RTHK: New Japanese emperor welcomes Trump Donald Trump on Monday became the first foreign leader to meet Japan's newly enthroned Emperor Naruhito an honour Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hopes will help charm the US president when it comes to thorny trade talks. After Trump and Naruhito greeted each other in the Tokyo palace, they stood outside on a red carpet for the two countries' national anthems, the flags of the close allies fluttering in the breeze under clear skies. While a military band played, Trump reviewed the Japanese honour guard and greeted dozens of Japanese and visiting US officials, including top White House trade negotiator Robert Lighthizer and hawkish national security adviser John Bolton. Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako accompanied Trump and his wife Melania walked together through the palace, notable for its elegant, restrained decor. The two couples then sat down for a further chat where official translators found themselves with little to do Naruhito having gone to Oxford and Masako graduating from Harvard. About 50 minutes later, Trump and the first lady returned to the "Beast" limousine and the US president departed for his next meeting: a summit and lunch with his avowed friend Abe. In the evening, Trump and Melania will be back at the palace for a banquet. That will mark the lavish high point in a Japan visit laden with feel-good moments aimed at celebrating US-Japanese ties at a time of growing regional uncertainty due to US trade policies, a rising China and nuclear-armed North Korea. Within an hour of touching down in Tokyo on Saturday, Trump railed against what he sees as a trade imbalance between the world's top and third-largest economies and vowed to make the relationship "a little bit more fair". On Sunday, however, Trump already struck a softer note, saying that "much" of that deal would wait until Abe faces upper house elections likely in July as rumours swirl that the popular prime minister will combine that vote with a snap general election. (AFP) ______________________________ Last updated: 2019-05-27 HKT 11:30 This story has been published on: 2019-05-27. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. As the fashion industry aims to tighten up its ethical guidelines. Kering, the French fashion group whose brands include Gucci and Saint Laurent, said it would only work with models aged over 18, as the fashion industry aims to tighten up its ethical guidelines. Kering said that from 2020 onwards, it would only hire models aged over 18 to represent adults and wear its adult clothing at its fashion shows and photo sessions. We believe that we have a responsibility to put forward the best possible practices in the luxury sector and we hope to create a movement that will encourage others to follow suit, said Kerings chairman and chief executive Francois-Henri Pinault. 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Korea: Trump Tokyo, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2019 There is "great respect" between the United States and North Korea, President Donald Trump said Monday, predicting "lots of good things" despite recent missile launches by Pyongyang. "I personally think that lots of good things will come with North Korea, I feel that. I may be right, I may be wrong, but I feel that," Trump said at the start of bilateral talks with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. "We've come a long way," the US leader added. "There's a good respect built, maybe a great respect built between certainly the United States and North Korea." The comments come despite short-range missile launches by Pyongyang in May that Trump's own National Security Advisor John Bolton said over the weekend were in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Trump appeared to dispute Bolton's assessment in a tweet on Sunday, in which he called the missiles "small weapons" that "disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me". The US president is in Tokyo for a state visit that included a meeting with the newly enthroned Emperor Naruhito on Monday morning, the first time the monarch has met a foreign leader since taking the throne. Trump's bilateral talks with Abe are expected to focus on trade, North Korea and military issues, as well as other diplomatic crises, including the tensions between Washington and Tehran. Abe has reportedly proposed serving as a mediator and is said to be weighing a state visit to Iran, and Trump said he remained open to talks. "I do believe that Iran would like to talk, and if they'd like to talk, we'd like to talk also," he said. "Nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me," he added. Trump said US-Japan relations have "never been better," but the allies are locked in negotiations over trade, with the US leader repeating Monday that America suffers a "tremendous imbalance" with Japan on trade. "We're working on that, and I'm sure that will work out over a period of time," Trump added, saying he expected the allies to be "announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries". "We'll get the balance of trade straightened out rapidly." North Korea slams 'war maniac' Bolton Seoul, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2019 North Korea slammed US National Security Advisor John Bolton on Monday, calling him a "war maniac" who should be banished, just as President Donald Trump offered a positive outlook on relations with Pyongyang. Talks between Washington and Pyongyang have been deadlocked since the collapse of a summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi in February when they failed to agree a deal on denuclearisation. The North has since sought to raise the pressure and carried out two short-range missile tests earlier this month. Bolton said Saturday there was "no doubt" they violated UN Security Council resolutions against ballistic missile launches, but insisted Washington was still ready to resume talks. A spokesman for the North's foreign ministry dismissed Bolton's remarks, saying Pyongyang had never accepted the UN bans on ballistic technology, which denied its "rights as a sovereign nation". "Bolton said our regular military drills violated UNSC resolutions, which is beyond stupid," he said in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Without referring to the weapons as missiles, the statement said the launches did not target or threaten any neighbouring countries. "Banning launches using ballistic technology is equal to telling us to give up our right to self defence," he added. The spokesman went on to denounce Bolton, calling him a "war maniac" who developed various "provocative policies" against the North after designating it part of the Axis of Evil along with Iran and Iraq in 2002. He accused the hawkish official as starting the Iraq war and leading efforts to scrap the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty between the US and Russia, "which served to guarantee peace in Europe for several decades". "Recently, he is living up to his notoriety as a war maniac by keeping busy with efforts to start another war in the Middle East and South America," the spokesman added. "It is no coincidence that there are criticisms of Bolton as a war maniac whispering war into the ears of the president although he avoided military service saying he did not want to die in a Southeast Asian rice paddy," he added. Calling Bolton "structurally faulty", he added that the US official was working to "destroy peace and security". "Such human defect must go away as soon as possible," the spokesman said. The statement came just minutes after Trump -- on a visit to Japan -- said there was "great respect" between the United States and North Korea and predicted "lots of good things". Trump expressed confidence in his relationship with Kim at the weekend and downplayed Pyongyang's recent missile launches, calling them "small weapons" that "disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me". Last week, KCNA launched a diatribe against Democratic former US vice president Joe Biden, calling him an "imbecile" and a "fool of low IQ", prompting White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders to say that Trump agreed with the assessment. US 'not looking for regime change' in Iran: Trump Tokyo, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2019 The United States is not seeking regime change in Iran, President Donald Trump said Monday, as tensions between the two countries rise with Washington deploying troops to the region. "I know so many people from Iran, these are great people, it has a chance to be a great country, with the same leadership," Trump said at a press conference in Tokyo where he is on a state visit. "We're not looking for regime change, I just want to make that clear. We're looking for no nuclear weapons." "I'm not looking to hurt Iran at all," added Trump. The United States on Friday said it was deploying 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East to counter "credible threats" from Tehran, the latest step in a series of military escalations. Tensions have been rising between Washington and Tehran since Trump's decision last year to withdraw from an international nuclear deal with Iran and reimpose sanctions on the oil producer. The US president reiterated Monday his criticism of that "horrible Iran deal" but said he was open to new negotiations. "I think we'll make a deal," he said at the press conference alongside Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Hours earlier, Trump had insisted: "I do believe that Iran would like to talk, and if they'd like to talk, we'd like to talk also." Trump sounded a similarly conciliatory tone on North Korea, a key topic of his discussions in Japan, which views Pyongyang as a major threat. The US leader, who has had two rounds of talks with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, described him as a "very smart" man who knew he needed to denuclearise. "He knows that with nuclear... only bad can happen. He is a very smart man, he gets it well," said Trump, who repeated that North Korea has "tremendous economic potential". And he once again dismissed missile launches earlier this month by Pyongyang that National Security Advisor John Bolton has said were a violation of UN resolutions. "My people think it could have been a violation... I view it as a man who perhaps wants to get attention," Trump said. Abe reiterated his willingness to meet with Kim himself, in particular to raise the issue of Japanese citizens kidnapped by Pyongyang, and said Trump backed his push to hold direct talks. In addition to North Korea, Trump and Abe have been focused on trade, with Washington and Tokyo locked in negotiations to reduce what the US president calls an "unbelievably large trade imbalance". Trump has said a final deal will not come until after Japan's upper house elections in July, but said he expected an agreement that would "benefit both of our economies". He also said that Japan has "just announced its intent to purchase 105 brand new F35 stealth aircraft". "This purchase would give Japan the largest F35 fleet of any US ally," Trump added. The US president said he there was a "very good" chance of clinching a trade deal with China, despite recent retaliatory measures between the world's top economies. "I think sometime in the future, China and the US will have a great trade deal and we look forward to that," Trump said. Iraq condemns fourth French IS member to death Baghdad, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2019 An Iraqi court on Monday condemned a fourth French citizen to death for joining the Islamic State group, a day after handing capital punishments to three other Frenchmen. Mustapha Merzoughi, 37, was sentenced to death by hanging, according to an AFP journalist at the court. "The evidence and the confession show that you joined the Islamic State group, that you worked in its military branch," the judge told Merzoughi before handing down his sentence. In recent months Iraq has taken custody of thousands of jihadists including foreigners captured in neighbouring Syria by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) during the battle to destroy the IS "caliphate". The Iraqi judiciary said earlier in May that it had tried and sentenced more than 500 suspected foreign members of IS since the start of 2018. "I'm not guilty of crimes and killings. I'm guilty of going (to Syria)," Merzoughi, wearing a yellow prison uniform, told the judge. "I ask for forgiveness from the people of Iraq, Syria, France and the families of the victims." Merzoughi told investigators he had served in the French army from 2000 to 2010, including a tour in Afghanistan in 2009. In France, he lived in the southwestern city of Toulouse, the hometown of jihadist brothers Fabien and Jean-Michel Clain who claimed the deadly 2015 attacks in Paris and were killed fighting in Syria. Passing through Belgium and then Morocco, the French citizen of Tunisian origin underwent "religious and military training in Aleppo", in northern Syria. Fellow French jihadist Fodhil Tahar Aouidate also appeared before the court on Monday, but his trial was postponed until June 2 to allow for a medical examination after he alleged he had been beaten in custody. Aouidate, 32, made a first trip to Syria in 2013 and returned in 2014 to join IS, according to the French judiciary. After 130 people were killed in IS's 2015 Paris attacks, Aouidate appeared in a video saying it was his "great pleasure and joy to see these unbelievers suffer as we suffer here." Their trial came a day after an Iraqi court sentenced three French citizens to death for joining IS, making them the first French jihadists to be handed capital punishment. Captured in Syria by the SDF, Kevin Gonot, Leonard Lopez and Salim Machou were transferred to Iraq for trial. They have 30 days to appeal. Iraq condemns fourth French IS member to death Baghdad, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2019 An Iraqi court on Monday condemned a fourth French citizen to death for joining the Islamic State group, despite France reiterating its opposition to capital punishment. Mustapha Merzoughi, 37, was sentenced to death by hanging, according to an AFP journalist at the court. In recent months Iraq has taken custody of thousands of jihadists including foreigners captured in neighbouring Syria by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) during the battle to destroy the IS "caliphate". Among them are 12 French citizens, three of whom -- Kevin Gonot, Leonard Lopez and Salim Machou -- were handed death sentences Sunday by a Baghdad court in a first for French jihadists. They have 30 days to appeal. The trials have been criticised by rights groups, which say they often rely on evidence obtained through torture. They have also raised the question of whether suspected IS jihadists should be tried in the region or repatriated, in the face of strong public opposition at home. France has long insisted that its adult citizens captured in Iraq or Syria must face trial locally, refusing to repatriate them despite the risk they face capital punishment for waging their jihadist war in the region. Paris on Monday reiterated its opposition to the death penalty, saying it would take "the necessary steps" to prevent Iraq from carrying out capital punishment against its citizens. "France is opposed in principle to the death penalty at all times and in all places," the foreign ministry said in a statement. - 'Ask for forgiveness' - "The evidence and the confession show that you joined the Islamic State group, that you worked in its military branch," the judge told Merzoughi on Monday before handing down his sentence. Wearing a yellow prison uniform, Merzoughi said he was "not guilty of crimes and killings" but simply of travelling to Syria. "I ask for forgiveness from the people of Iraq, Syria, France and the families of the victims," he said. Merzoughi told investigators he had served in the French army from 2000 to 2010, including a tour in Afghanistan in 2009. In France, he lived in the southwestern city of Toulouse, the hometown of jihadist brothers Fabien and Jean-Michel Clain who claimed the deadly 2015 attacks in Paris and were killed fighting in Syria. Passing through Belgium and then Morocco, the French citizen with Tunisian roots underwent "religious and military training in Aleppo", in northern Syria. He allegedly told investigators previously that he "pledged allegiance to a masked IS leader in Mosul", claiming that many senior jihadists worried about being "recognised or identified by foreign fighters they feared were spies". But in court on Monday he said he never pledged allegiance to the jihadist group. - 'Summary justice' - Leonard Lopez, one of three sentenced Sunday, is a 32-year-old Parisian convert to Islam long known to French authorities for his activity on the jihadist website Ansar al-Haqq in the 2000s. His French lawyer, Nabil Boudi, denounced "summary justice" and said he and his Iraqi counterpart would appeal the decision. "We condemn the capital punishment of a French national based solely on interrogations in Baghdad jails," he told AFP by telephone from Paris. Before the most recent verdicts, three French citizens had been convicted of joining IS in Iraq: Melina Boughedir, 27, Djamila Boutoutaou, 29, and Lahcene Gueboudj, 58. All three were sentenced to life, equivalent to 20 years in Iraq. The Iraqi judiciary said earlier in May that it has tried and sentenced more than 500 suspected foreign members of IS since the start of 2018. Its courts have condemned many to life in prison and others to death, although no foreign IS members have yet been executed. Iraq has also tried thousands of its own nationals arrested on home soil for joining IS, including women, and begun trial proceedings for nearly 900 Iraqis repatriated from Syria. The country remains in the top five "executioner" nations in the world, according to an Amnesty International report in April. Russia invites Taliban and Afghan politicians to Moscow meeting Kabul, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2019 Afghan politicians are set to attend a two-day meeting with the Taliban in Moscow this week, officials confirmed Monday, as fighting continues to rage in Afghanistan amid ongoing peace talks between the US and the militants. The meeting -- set to run from the 27th and 28th of May -- will mark the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Afghanistan. Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told AFP the insurgents were planning to send a delegation to attend the ceremony, but provided no further details. A spokesman for Afghanistan's high peace council -- which is charged with helping facilitate peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban -- said Karim Khalili, who heads the body, will also be in attendance. Former president Hamid Karzai is also set to make an appearance, with his spokesman Yousof Saha suggesting the Afghan and Taliban delegations might meet on the sidelines of the ceremony for informal talks but noted that nothing was guaranteed. The potential talks would mark the second time leaders from the militant movement have met with opposition leaders in Russia, following a rare sit down between the two sides in February that saw members of the Taliban and Afghan politicians praying together and chatting over meals. However, no representatives from the current administration of President Ashraf Ghani were present at those informal talks, spurring fears the administration was being further sidelined in the ongoing peace process. The latest meeting in Moscow comes weeks after a sixth round of talks between the US and Taliban wrapped in Doha with no tangible progress cited by the negotiating teams as Washington continues to push for a settlement with the militants aimed at ending its 18-year fight in Afghanistan. The Taliban have said that peace negotiations were stumbling over the fundamental question of when foreign forces would depart Afghanistan. The US however has refused to agree to a withdrawal as part of an eventual deal until the Taliban put in place security guarantees, a ceasefire, and other commitments including an "intra-Afghan" dialogue with the Kabul government and other Afghan representatives. Moscow appears to be gaining influence in the ongoing process, with the US announcing last month that Washington had reached a consensus with China and Russia on the key formula for a peace deal it is negotiating in Afghanistan. Japan to buy 105 F-35 US stealth warplanes: Trump Tokyo, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2019 Japan plans to buy 105 US-made stealth warplanes, Donald Trump said on Monday, which the US President said would give Tokyo the largest F35 fleet of any US ally. Trump, in Tokyo for a state visit, said Japan "has just announced its intent to purchase 105 brand new F35 stealth aircraft. Stealth, because, the fact is you can't see them." "This purchase would give Japan the largest F35 fleet of any US ally," added the president. Trump appeared to be referencing a deal first announced by the F35's manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, in December. Japan's government announced in its latest defence budget in December plans to buy 105 units of the F35A, which performs conventional take-off and landings. Local media said at the time that the purchases could total more than one trillion yen ($9.1 billion). The White House could not immediately comment on the timing of Trump's comments about the deal Monday. bur-sms-ric/je Iraq condemns fourth French IS member to death Baghdad, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2019 An Iraqi court on Monday condemned a fourth French citizen to death for joining the Islamic State group, despite France reiterating its opposition to capital punishment. Mustapha Merzoughi, a 37-year-old former French army soldier, was sentenced to death by hanging, according to an AFP journalist at the court. In recent months Iraq has taken custody of thousands of jihadists including foreigners captured in neighbouring Syria by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) during the battle to destroy the IS "caliphate". Among them are 12 French citizens, three of whom -- Kevin Gonot, Leonard Lopez and Salim Machou -- were handed death sentences Sunday by a Baghdad court in a first for French jihadists. They have 30 days to appeal. The trials have been criticised by rights groups, which say they often rely on evidence obtained through torture. They have also raised the question of whether suspected IS jihadists should be tried in the region or repatriated, in the face of strong public opposition at home. France has long insisted that its adult citizens captured in Iraq or Syria must face trial locally, refusing to repatriate them despite the risk they face capital punishment for waging their jihadist war in the region. Paris on Monday reiterated its opposition to the death penalty, saying it would take "the necessary steps" to prevent Iraq from carrying out capital punishment against its citizens. "France is opposed in principle to the death penalty at all times and in all places," the foreign ministry said in a statement. French government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye told France's BFMTV that "we are not going to ask Iraq's government for a stay on this death sentence... (but) all the avenues have not yet been exhausted". - 'Ask for forgiveness' - Before handing down his sentence, the judge told Merzoughi on Monday that "the evidence and the confession show that you joined the Islamic State group, that you worked in its military branch." Wearing a yellow prison uniform, the French citizen with Tunisian roots said he was "not guilty of crimes and killings" but simply of travelling to Syria. "I ask for forgiveness from the people of Iraq, Syria, France and the families of the victims," he said. Originally from Toulouse in southwestern France, Merzoughi told investigators he had served in the French army from 2000 to 2010, including a tour in Afghanistan in 2009. Passing through Belgium and then Morocco, Merzoughi said in court on Monday he underwent "religious and military training" in the Iraqi city of Mosul. He allegedly told investigators previously that he "pledged allegiance to a masked IS leader in Mosul", claiming that many senior jihadists worried about being "recognised or identified by foreign fighters they feared were spies". But in court on Monday Merzoughi said he never pledged allegiance to the jihadist group. Testifying for around two hours, he contended that he was left with "no choice but to leave" his home country, after he got divorced and lost his job as a truck driver. He said he quickly became disillusioned with life under IS, and was detained by the jihadist group for "spying" because he had mulled fleeing the group's clutches. - 'Summary justice' - Four other Frenchmen also appeared in court on Monday -- Fodil Tahar Aouidate, who claimed he was beaten by interrogators, Vianney Ouraghi, Bilel Kabaoui and Mourad Delhomme, who are all due to appear again in early June. Clenching his jaw and dressed in a yellow prison uniform, Aouidate, 32, said he had been beaten so that he would "confess to what they (his interrogators) demanded". Like Merzoughi, he claimed he was imprisoned by IS after being accused of spying. The judge ordered Aouidate -- who was jailed in France in 2010 for drug trafficking and was one of over 20 members of the same family to travel to Syria -- be sent for a medical examination before his next court appearance. Before the most recent verdicts, three French citizens had been convicted of joining IS in Iraq: Melina Boughedir, 27, Djamila Boutoutaou, 29, and Lahcene Gueboudj, 58. All three were sentenced to life, equivalent to 20 years in Iraq. The Iraqi judiciary said earlier in May that it has tried and sentenced more than 500 suspected foreign members of IS since the start of 2018. Its courts have condemned many to life in prison and others to death, although no foreign IS members have yet been executed. The country remains in the top five "executioner" nations in the world, an Amnesty International report said in April. 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 by Kusal Perera Many interpretations and analyses on the Modi phenomenon have already flooded the public domain after 2019 Lok Sabha elections concluded in India. For Indians Modis explosive return would have different meanings than to her neighbours. For Sri Lanka, it would be as much the same as all that for the Indians with SL elections only 06 months ahead. Phased out Indian Lok Sabha elections with over 67 percent of the 900 million registered voters going to polls with 15 million first time voters, proved the BJP theme slogan "Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar" (Modi once more) was more than valid. In alliance with Shiv Sena, AIADMK, Janata Dal and with 17 other tiny regional parties, forming the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), BJP won a phenomenal 303 seats for itself while the NDA totalled around 354 seats in the 543 seat Lok Sabha. BJP polled over 38 percent of the total votes polled. Comparisons with the 2014 Lok Sabha elections show BJP as a Modi phenomenon has gained greater dominance in all sectors of the Indian population and in most States, across caste and class. In 2014 elections the BJP polled 17.7 percent from Scheduled Caste (SC) votes and have increased that almost twofold polling 34.3 percent this election. BJP polled 38.2 percent from Scheduled Tribes (ST) in 2014 and increased it to 42.2 percent this time. From the poorest 20 percent of the population BJP polled 31.9 percent in 2014 and increased that to 39.2 this election. From the richest top 20 percent, the BJP increased from 27.8 in 2014 to 33.1 percent. Considered the rich urban middleclass, the second 20 percent from the top, also voted more with BJP increasing from 27.7 percent in 2014 to 33.0 percent. On the rural-urban divide too, the BJP increased its number of constituencies from 190 in 2014 to 207 this election in rural India and from 53 to 58 in semi urban India, while maintaining the same 40 urban seats. Where the BJP lost or was comparatively reduced was in Constituencies with high Muslim concentrations of over and above 30 percent. While that was obvious or was close to what should be obvious, everything else in this Modi victory is not obvious. Seen steadfastly gaining ground as lead campaigner of the Indian Congress Party led alliance, Rahul Gandhi was firing on false promises by Modi and accusing him Modi ne loota hai (Modi has looted), but lost his seat Amethi in UP, the ancestral constituency of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. Firebrand student leader from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Kanhaiya Kumar who was charged for sedition in 2016, contested as CPI candidate for Begusarai once known as Leningrad of Bihar. He emerged as the star campaigner backed by high profile personalities like Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar and Swara Bhaskar. A seat, Kanhaiya Kumar was expected to win, but lost to BJP hard line Hindutva Candidate Giriraj Singh by a huge margin of over 422,000 votes. Modi wiped out all others in most States except in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra. How did Modi become post independent Indias most charismatic vote puller? Indias independence movement led by Gandhi, Nehru and the likes of Ali Jinnah, Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajagopalachari, Lal Bahadhur Shashtri to name just a few, was turned into an inclusive national dialogue with respected and popular literati like Rabindranath Tagore, Subramania Bharathi, Muhammad Iqbal, Chattopadhyay, feminist campaigners like Sarojini Naidu and Begum Rokeya, champions of social justice like Ambedkar providing an extremely broad and diverse platform. Politics of the independence movement thus came to be sealed as both secular and inclusive. Post independent India led by the Congress Party with Jawaharlal Nehru, and a Constitution which identified and accepted regional diversity on linguistic differences carried with it a democratic, secular and an inclusive social psyche. What gave way for the Modi phenomenon was the fact he accepted linguistic diversity but turned religious diversity into a religious divide. In democratic, nationalist and secular India constituted as a Republic did not accept religious diversity as a political factor in its independence movement though Hindu reformist and revivalist movements were alive. By 1925 Vinayak Damodar Savarkars Hindu Nationalism was given organisational form as Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar a physician in Maharashtra. By 1946 Ali Jinnah added another dimension to religious politics demanding a separate State on the basis of Islam as a religion. Proscription of RSS first after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948, thereafter during Indira Gandhis emergency rule during 1975 to 1977 and then for its role in the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992 gave legitimacy to RSS as a Hindu nationalist campaigner, while Jinnahs political move in creating Pakistan, East and West of India, provided RSS with undue advantage of peddling Hindu ideology as anti Islam. Yet for more than 02 decades time wasnt right for Bharathiya Jana Sangh (BJS) formed in 1951 to be accepted as an alternate to secular politics of the Congress. BJS came to be recognised post 1977 after secular democratic politics of Congress went into crisis with poverty and economic stagnation. Contradicting its own democratic tradition, PM Indira Gandhi clamped down Emergency Rule in 1975. With a crisis around, RSS had begun militant activism with the early formation of affiliates like the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) that later led to the formation of the BJP and also far more extreme new groups like Abhinav Bharath, Shiv Sena, asserting themselves aggressively in Hindu society. Emergence of the BJP with RSS backing thus became an alternative to secular politics of Nehru-Gandhi Congress with a Hindutva ideology tied to free market economics. After many electoral upsets, the RSS and BJP worked towards a strong Hindu voter base with an anti Muslim flavour that was being created outside political parties. There wer e violent attacks on Muslim communities like in Gujarat, Malegaon, Samjhauta train bombing, Ajmer Dargha blast and in Hyderabad the Mecca Masjid bombing. The RSS by then had groomed its successor to Vajpayee in Narendra Modi who was publicly accused as responsible for the massacre of Muslim people in Gujarat, one year after he became the Chief Minister. Spate of attacks on Muslim people and on Mosques hardened Hindutva politics that by 2013 qualified Narendra Modi to be declared the BJP prime ministerial candidate. Modis 2014 election campaign therefore was basically a challenge to democratic secularism of Congress on a Hindutva nationalist platform within the free market economy. BJP with Modi was heavily funded in their electoral campaign by the Corporates. That clearly indicated the Hindu Corporate lobby too wanted a Neo liberal leader of their own. Their election campaign was more about development showcasing the Gujarat model under Modi as the most vibrant alternative to Congress politics. Election campaign was a two-tiered campaign with RSS and its affiliates working on the ground ensuring a large Hindu turn out at polls, while the BJP and Modi downplayed their Hindutva image at national level. Modis efforts in making him look secular and a determined development Guru against corruption attracted the Urban middle class that came out on streets with Anna Hazare, against mega corruption of the Congress government. The explosive comeback of Modi at this 2019 elections, should therefore be assessed on two different aspects of politics in governance. One, politics of his image building as a strong Hindu leader, and two, his politics in economic policy focussing the urban and rural middle class with populist offers to the poor. In the first two years as PM after the 2014 elections, Modi worked towards centralising the otherwise devolved State power. He had a bill passed in Lok Sabha to have more power in appointing Judges and reducing that of the judiciary. In his first year itself Modi took advantage of accusations and allegations against the policy designing apex body Planning Commission for inefficiency and lack innovative development programmes, to replace it with his own; National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog. This in effect reduced horizontal accountability in developing policy and space for State governments to negotiate with the Central government despite promises for co-operative federalism. His appointments to high posts too were aimed at more centralised power around him. He thus gave himself greater ability to stand above executive power of the government. Government economic policy could thus be implemented without a Lok Sabha nod and they became Modi policy more than BJP government policy. His heavy stress on social media in emerging as a strong national leader, thus appealed to youth and the urban middle class. This creation of a strong leader in Modi, was backed by bringing RSS into active mainstream politics and allowing Hindutva goons to go about lynching, attacking, vandalising Muslim life with impunity. His image with greatly centralised executive power was thus moulded within brutalised Hinduism of RSS as a political force and not within religious fundamentalism. A strong leader at the Centre, who could manage and sustain an economic growth, was seen as the most formidable alternative to Rahul Gandhi and his Congress when April 2019 elections were approaching. Inability of Congress politics to challenge inequality, social injustice and anti Muslim violence backed by the Modi rule within a truly democratic development alternative left Modi with his Hindutva majoritarianism as the dominant factor in current Indian politics. A free market economy Modi sustained with a 7.0 percent growth rate as the fastest growing economy, tied the growing middleclass with Modi rule. Thus, while anti Muslim violence was moving around with impunity, there was no social questioning, how 01 percent of the richest in India under Modi could accumulate 73 percent of the wealth created in 2017. How 67 million people who are the bottom half of the poorest in India was left with only 01 percent increase in wealth. There is also no social debate on how 09 billionaires till year 2000, galloped to 101 in 2017 and now to 119 billionaires, just 05 years with Modi. It is said, a minimum wage worker in rural India would take 941 years to reach the income of a top executive in a leading apparel sector company in India. (Oxfam - https://www.oxfam.org/en/even-it/india-extreme-inequality-numbers) Summing up this socio economic crisis, Professor Himanshu of JNU is on record saying, What is particularly worrying in Indias case is that economic inequality is being added to a society that is already fractured along the lines of caste, religion, region and gender. Yet when they are not brought to mainstream politics as major issues by Opposition political parties, when urban middleclass and social intelligentsia goes without demanding serious answers, Modi gains social and media space to run his own Hindutva agenda. Over the past years, everything negative and brutal including corruption was brushed with a new and an aggressive Hindutva fragrance breathed into society to project Modi as the nationalist leader for India to emerge as a world power. Nationalist image for a super power was lacking in Rahul and his Conservative politics, while Modi used recent conflicts with China and Pakistan to his advantage. He gave them the spin on his election platforms to project him as the patriotic Hindutva leader who dictated terms for the benefit of India. In a nutshell, despite all orthodox challenges to his economic policy, Modi proved he could manage the free market economy for the benefit of the Hindutva majority and keep India safe and growing, with violence against Muslims, savagely widening inequality and crying social injustice all ignored and covered up by an aggressively dominant Hindutva campaign to poll 38 percent of the Indian vote that gave him a disproportionately large comeback that makes him a political legend in post independent history of India. This same majoritarianism is more than apparent in Sri Lanka. Recent violent and brutal Easter Sunday attacks on 03 Catholic churches and 03 super luxury hotels in Colombo by a small extremist group that does not seem to have much training and expertise. It was more like self-hypnotised few Islamic extremists walking in wearing back-packs with explosives to explode themselves. But these brutal attacks were immediately turned into anti Muslim politics with violent attacks on innocent Muslim people far away from where the extremists exploded themselves. They are now being justified with unbelievable anti Muslim stories, the mainstream political leaderships dont dissociate from. The RSS, the VHP and the like have similar anti Muslim violent outfits, patronised by mainstream politics. Fumbling of the economy and mis-governance by the present UNP allows the main Rajapaksa opposition to go one step beyond Modi, with the advantage of challenging a fractured and a feeble government. President Sirisena is making a valiant bid to be relevant within the now emerging anti Muslim, Sinhala Buddhist politics. The ground is being readied for elections that would take the same campaign trail, which brought back Modi with unexpected and uncalculated margins that none ever thought was possible other then Modi and his extreme Hindutva politics. In months to come, with all indications of dressing up Modi like, the slogan here could also be "Phir Ek Baar Mahinda Sarkar" (Mahinda once more). The Lotus bud voters can then sing praise "Chalo Ek Baar Phir Ham Mahinda Sarkar Banate Hai / Garv Ke Sath Desh Ko Age Badhate Hain/ Phir se Kamal Khilate Hai (lets elect Mahinda government again, lets move the country ahead with pride, let's help lotus bloom again)". That being the irony we are faced with. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met with representatives of the Civil Society and the Trade Union Collective at his official residence on Saturday 25th May. The meeting took place on the invitation of the Prime Minister, those in attendance were; Ven. Dambara Amila Nayaka Thera, Dr. Wickremabahu Karunaratne, Dr. Paikaisothy Saravanamuttu, Dr. Jehan Perera, Prof. Chandraguptha Thenuwara, Saman Rathnapriya and Raja Uswetakeyiyawa. During the meeting, the Prime Minister briefed those in attendance on the security measures being implemented following both the Easter Sunday terror attack and the subsequent communal violence which erupted in several areas of the country. The Prime Minister thanked the various groups for the unyielding corporation during this period of turmoil in ensuring peace was regained. We've been able to observe Ramadan, we've been able to have the Friday prayers, we've been able to have the Sunday mass and we were able to peacefully observe Vesak very successfully the Prime Minister stated at the meeting. The meeting was informed that the Muslim community was assisting in ensuring that no further radicalisation would take place amongst the youth. He explained the measures being taken including the newly proposed Madrasa Education Bill and the amendments to the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act. The Premier explained that a Parliamentary Select Committee was appointed by the Speaker of Parliament to inquire into the Easter Sunday terror attacks. He further added that he had requested a preliminary report on the allegations levelled against Minister Rishard Bathiudeen. He expressed disappointment that members of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna had refused to participate in the PSC, expressing his hope that they would change their minds. The Prime Minister concluded with acknowledging the fact that the public had lost confidence in the political system. He explained that it was paramount that they win back the support of the public, which he hoped would be done in the ensuing two weeks. -End After the end of the war in 2009, who believed something would happen suddenly as the recent Easter Carnage? by Laksiri Fernando We are not merely the most intelligent of animals. We also have a rare and perplexing combination of moral tendencies. We can be the nastiest of species and also the nicest. - Richard Wrangham When the British PM Theresa May declared her resignation, she talked about the country I love, almost in tears and emotion. We all feel the same no doubt about our own country Sri Lanka whatever the misgivings that we have about its violence, misdeeds or leaders. There must have been so many events that have disturbed us in life, and in my case most were related to violence and killings. I left active left politics after the 1971 insurrection because it was unfortunately in the name of socialism and revolution, although I had occasion to warn about its catastrophic consequences as a young university teacher. Cycles of Violence Some may point out only the atrocities of the police and the armed forces in 1971, but I have at least seen two dead bodies killed by the insurrectionists at Rambukkana. It is the same tendency that became enlarged in 1987/89 period. Although I was abroad (fortunately) by this time, I have seen dead bodies at Ratmalana and Agulana during a visit in early 1989. Most disturbing out of all violence undoubtedly is the violence committed by one community against the other without any cause or objective, but just hatred. Apart from 1958, when I was too small to witness except hear, there were series beginning 1977culminating against the Tamils in 1983. Those made the countrys image to tear and terrorism to emerge. And when you belong to the community who is the main perpetrator, the feeling of despair and disgust is undoubtedly the most. We left the country in 1984. It is not only what you see that disturbs you, but what you hear or come to know about. Of course Sri Lanka is not the only country that is engulfed in violence but many that I have visited in Asia and the Middle East on official duties. That experience led me to come back in 1997 and try my best to help resolve the situation, unfortunately no that successfully. After the end of the war, there was a particular incident that disturbed me most. That was in October 2009. A mentally unbalanced Tamil youth in his underwear was throwing stones at trains in Bambalapitiya. The police came in civils and without arresting him, chased the man to the sea and attacked him with poles until he drowned. People watched but no one tried to prevent or object. ( Watch YouTube ). That is the time we decided to come back to Australia again. The Paradox Sri Lanka is not all violent. There are peaceful times. The country achieved independence in 1948 peacefully. Until 1958 major communal riots, it was relatively peaceful. Then after 1971, until around 1983 it was again relatively peaceful. It is a beautiful and a friendly country in general. People also have achieved many things in cooperation and harmony. I have met many people who have visited Sri Lanka from different parts of the world and they appreciate not only the natural beauty but also peoples hospitality. It is peaceful until people become suddenly violent! After the end of the war in 2009, who believed something would happen suddenly as the recent Easter Carnage? Sureshini Sanders also called Sri Lanka The Land of Lost Content (2013). There is another book by the same title. She notes the following with amusement and also sadness referring to the 1983 riots. Dad had a Tamil friend married to a Sinhala lady and his kids were asked in school, What is happening in Sri Lanka? One of them famously answered, I think my mothers people are trying to kill my fathers people! We need to appreciate the positive sides of the people and the country as well. Particularly during Tsunami in December 2004, the people became united to assist those who were affected and in need, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political differences. However, there were some even stole the Tsunami funds! This is a paradox that we encounter everyday in politics and in social life. This is not simply about good people and bad people. It is mostly the same people playing good and bad. This is what Richard Wrangham said about We can be the nastiest of species and also the nicest. There was an interesting interview recently given by a woman from Prague, Aran,to the Vishwakarma channel who is apparently stranded in Sri Lanka. She was cheated by a Sri Lankan woman. Yet, she says Sri Lankans are nice and helpful people. More importantly she makes a comparison between Europe and Sri Lanka. She says, in Europe people are not helpful, but if you are in trouble, the police would assist. On the contrary in Sri Lanka, people are helpful, but not the police. This may be her experience, but with some lessons for the country as well. The breakdown of the institutional systemis mostly at the centre of the unbridled chaos, conflicts and violence. Intriguing Questions The most intriguing factor is that most people who indulge in violence are almost ordinary people. For example, those who took up arms in 1971 were some of our students at Vidyodaya. They were good natured people in normal life. They thought they were fighting for a good cause, to change the class nature of society and bring socialism. The question however is why some people take up arms and some not for the same cause? Then you have the state and its armed forces. From its origins, the state has been a coercive and sometimes a brutal apparatus. It is often justified that if otherwise that the society would run into chaos and violence. Therefore to prevent violence, an organized form of violence is institutionalized. That is the argument. Then again there is a question why some people join the armed forces (including the police) and some not? Of course some may be desperate in finding employment. However there are some others who join the police or the army because of its apparent power. They indulge in violations. I have also conducted classes for armed forces on human rights, conflict resolution and related matters. They are ordinary and sensible people and even when they are confronted with moral questions, some even were forthcoming in divulging some of their deviations or mistakes. Lack of knowledge on what is right and what is wrong, and the absence of rules and training on correct behaviour also might be contributing factors to the institutionalized state violence. Those who take up violence as a career are often called terrorists. They also could be the most ordinary people. Either they are indoctrinated to indulge in violence as a cause or forced to be so under compulsive circumstances. In the case of Sri Lanka however it appears that for the recurrent cycles of violence, insurrections, terrorism and state violence, there are more profound political factors underpinning those occurrences, nationally and also internationally. It may be suggested that violence in society is linked to violence in politics. It is not only overt violence that we should be concerned about but also hidden and covert forms of violence that we ourselves must be careful about. There are links between extremist views, criticisms, propaganda and violence. There are links between intolerance of views, hatred, castigation of others (for the slightest disagreement!) and violence. Some Reasons It is difficult to identify in one go the possible reasons for the endemic nature of violence in Sri Lanka or elsewhere. One may need to analyse more carefully the events and incidents in determining particular reasons for particular incidents/upsurges of violence. However, there are general patterns and reasons. There is a tendency in social studies to always identify socio-economic or objective reasons (i.e. unemployment, poverty, discrimination etc.) for political violence or even terrorism. However that is not the case or not always the case. While they undoubtedly could supply background reinforcements, the actual driving forces are subjective and ideological. This is abundantly clear through the suicide bombings that created the Easter Carnage recently, more than the LTTE or the JVP insurrections in the past. Then what drives the humans to follow and embrace ideologies of warfare, violence and terrorism? Some of the reasons may be inherent in our genes and biological evolution. In 1996, Dale Peterson and Richard Wrangham published a book called Demonic Males: Apes and the Origins of Human Violence. Based on many field studiesthey identified similarities in aggression between chimpanzees and humans. The main culprits were the males! This sounds quite fitting to Sri Lanka as well. I am not sure whether they did a study on generational differences of violent chimpanzees. But in Sri Lankas case, the culprits are mainly or relatively male-youth, although there have been female suicide bombers as well, but mostly conscripted. When one looks at violence and warfare that humans or Sri Lankans have been indulged in throughout years or centuries, it should have come from somewhere. Arthur C. Clarke fictionally imagined it had come from the aliens! (A Space Odyssey, 2001). Richard Dawkins argued it is The Selfish Gene (1978) that leads not only to selfishness but also to violence, killings and warfare. It was a scientific study. This is what the Buddha tried to deconstruct or counter, but it appears that this particular gene is abundantly there among some of our Buddhist monks. There is however a new study by Richard Wrangham (The Goodness Paradox: How Evolution Made Us Both More and Less Violent, 2019) that gives us some hope. The hope is that there are some traits of tolerance and less aggression as well (a good gene perhaps!)in humans beings that we might be able to cultivate through awareness and self-discipline. Most important might be to give more space for the females to conduct public affairs as they appear to be less fortunate with the selfish gene. 95-year-old war hero Zhang Fuqing reads and studies at home in Laifeng county, Hubei province. [Photo/Xinhua] In a written instruction released on Friday, President Xi Jinping called on society to carry forward the spirit and dedication of 95-year-old war hero Zhang Fuqing as China forges ahead in the new era. Xi is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission. Zhang, a native of Shaanxi province, behaved courageously in the Liberation War in 1948, repeatedly achieving military glory. He retired from active service in 1955. Over the following decades, he kept his battle achievements a secret, even from his children. His story was made public at the end of last year, as information about veterans nationwide was being collected by the authorities. Xi hailed Zhang's deeds, saying the elderly hero hid them for more than 60 years and stayed true to his original aspirations. As a soldier, Zhang defended the country; as a civilian, he works for the people's well-being, Xi said. Zhang lives a life of simplicity, purity and indifference to fame and fortune, serving as a role model for military officers, rank-and-file soldiers and veterans across the country, Xi said. Zhang, a member of the CPC, was a soldier of Brigade 359 of the Northwest Field Army, one of the main forces of the Chinese People's Liberation Army during the Liberation War between 1945 and 1949. He was honored by the Northwest Field Army several times for performing meritorious deeds as he braved enemy fire. He was twice given the honorary title of Combat Hero. When he retired from the PLA, Zhang chose to work in the poverty-stricken mountainous areas in Laifeng, a remote county in Hubei province. He dedicated his life to the people, holding posts ranging from community-level government official to deputy manager of a local bank. His political beliefs as a Party member supported him during the war period and in serving the people in peacetime, with indifference to fame and wealth, Zhang told Xinhua News Agency. He said he has been fulfilling the oath that he had sworn when joining the Party, and that he doesn't deserve special recognition for his achievements, since what he did was negligible compared with those who sacrificed their lives in the war. His left leg was amputated seven years ago because of an illness, but Zhang stood up again on his prosthesis. He said he doesn't want to be a burden for others, and wants his children to work wholeheartedly for the Party and the people. 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. The 1st echelon of 205 Chinese peacekeeping officers and soldiers to Mali returns to Jinan, capital city of China's Shandong Province on May 19, 2019. (mod.gov.cn/Yang Guojun) By Zhang Senlin and Peng Kuang JINAN, May. 27 (ChinaMil) -- On Sunday afternoon, after completing the peacekeeping mission entrusted by the United Nations, the 2nd echelon of 190 peacekeeping officers and soldiers of the 6th Chinese peacekeeping force to Mali returned home. The 1st echelon of 205 Chinese peacekeeping officers and soldiers to Mali had returned home on May 19. So far, all the 6th Chinese peacekeeping forces to Mali have returned to their troops in China. The 6th Chinese peacekeeping force to Mali is composed of 395 personnel, including an engineer contingent and a guard contingent with personnel drawn from the PLA 80th Group Army, and a medical contingent with members mainly from the 969th Hospital of Shenyang Joint Logistic Support Center. They had flown to Mali in last May, to perform one-year peacekeeping mission. During the one-year mission, the Chinese peacekeepers overcame various difficulties and challenges such as harsh natural environment and severe external situation, and completed each task at high standards, with a total of 64,000 troops deployed and more than 7,000 vehicles dispatched. Total working hours amounted to 412,000. The engineer contingent had completed 65 tasks including barrack construction, set-up of prefab houses for the transport battalion, and the defense reinforcement of the Super Camp. The guard contingent had completed the defense tasks for the Sector East Command of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and the Super Camp of the MINUSMA in Gao. The medical contingent functioned to guarantee the health and epidemic prevention, medical rescue for the UN peacekeeping forces, as well as to provide medical assistance for local people. All 395 personnel were awarded the United Nations Peace Medal of Honor. Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka celebrates India-funded estate housing project View(s): On March 24, Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera and Indias High Commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu ceremonially handed over 98 homes built under the Indian Housing Project, to the families of the Hellbodde Estate in Nuwara Eliya. Hill Country New Villages, Infrastructure and Community Development Minister Palani Thigambaram, Lands Minister Gayantha Karunathilake and Special Area Development Minister Radhakrishnan also attended the ceremony. The Indian Housing Project, funded by the Government of India, envisions the resettlement of at least 4,000 plantation worker families in newly created cluster villages or townships in the Central and Uva Provinces. As part of Phase 1 of the Indian Housing Project, Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka has successfully constructed 98 homes for plantation workers of Hellbodde Estate. An additional 267 homes are under construction by Habitat for Humanity in five other estates across the Central Province. Speaking at the event, Indian High Commissioner Sandhu described the US$ 350 million Indian Housing Project as the largest single Indian grant assistance project in any country abroad. Minister Samaraweera, drawing attention to the close relations between India and Sri Lanka, described India as a true friend, always ready to assist Sri Lanka during emergencies and crisis situations. Given this special relationship between the two nations, the 98-house village was officially named Bhagat Singh Puram, after famous Indian freedom fighter and youth Icon Bhagat Singh. Coinciding with the official event, Mr. Yu Hwa Li, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka, noted that the close collaboration between the Ministry of Hill Country New Villages, Infrastructure & Community Development, the Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT), respective Regional Plantation Companies (RPC), Plantation Management, home-owner beneficiaries and the Estate Worker Housing Cooperative Societies (EWHCS) of Hellbodde played an integral role in the successful completion of Bhagat Singh Puram. Comprising a minimum of 550 square feet, each new home consists of two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a toilet. The ownership of the housing programme rests with the Estate Workers Housing Cooperative Societies (EWHCS). This unique participatory approach encourages homeowners to take ownership of the construction of their own homes, while Habitat for Humanity provides technical assistance, quality assurance & monitoring throughout the construction process, ensuring housing quality standards are met. Celebrating 25 years of operations in Sri Lanka, Habitat for Humanity has assisted more than 25,500 families by building homes, facilitating access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities for communities and assisting families to improve their shelter conditions. Schoolgirls life hangs in the balance: Needs blood transfusion in Mumbai View(s): Life has been an excruciating struggle for Chalani Divumini. The battle between life and death emerged when she was an infant, and amidst an ocean of tears, the childs poor parents continue to grapple with the twist of fate to save their daughters life. Chalani underwent surgery for a congenital cardiac condition when she was just three months old. Since then, there was no looking back as she had to be admitted to the Madras Medical Mission (MMM), Chennai, from time to time for surgical corrections and treatments. She was subsequently fitted with a cardio microphone for constant monitoring of her condition. According to cardiologists, she is suffering from a congenital heart disease diagnosed as TOF, severe infundibular PS confluent PA. In Sri Lanka, medical specialists, who examined her when complications developed from time to time, recommended that treatment should continue at the Institute of Cardio-Vascular Diseases of the MMM in Chennai. Chalani is now 11 and a bright student in school. It was in August 2018, the patient underwent intra cardiac repair at the same medical facility in Chennai, amidst a battle to raise funds for the surgery. Since her return from hospital, she led a normal life. However, a cluster of blisters with patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked and rough has now surfaced on one of her legs. As the childs condition aggravated with a big, painful pus filled wound making it difficult for her to walk, she was taken to a government hospital, where doctors diagnosed the condition as eczema. However, against the backdrop of her cardiac condition, doctors were of the opinion that she should be referred to the medical facility in Chennai as the development could be linked to a blood or nervous disorder. Dr. K. Sivakumar, Head, Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Institute of Cardio-Vascular Diseases, MMM in Chennai, wants Chalani admitted to Seven Hills Hospital in Mumbai for a blood transfusion as per dialysis system. The cost of the treatment has been estimated at Sri Lankan rupees one million, which includes the cost of air tickets from Colombo to Chennai and the onward journey to Mumbai and back, food, accommodation and incidental expenses. Dr. Sivakumar had wanted Chalani to be brought to Chennai by April 20, but lack of funds compounded by the security situation in the country stalled the process. The family has been able to collect only Rs. 181,000 so far. Chalanis father is a casual labourer, while her mother works for a daily wage. With the life of their daughter hanging in the balance, the family is desperately trying to raise funds to meet the expenses involved. Those interested in contributing towards this worthy cause can credit their contributions to A/C No. 102657129083 at Sampath Bank, Panadura branch or 8124458 at Bank of Ceylon, Panadura branch in favour of the childs father, H. P. Nalaka Soysa. He can be contacted on mobile 071-4758595 or 0788-795930. The global consequences of a Sino-American cold war By Nouriel Roubini, exclusive to the Sunday Times in Sri Lanka View(s): View(s): NEW YORK A few years ago, as part of a Western delegation to China, I met President Xi Jinping in Beijings Great Hall of the People. When addressing us, Xi argued that Chinas rise would be peaceful, and that other countries namely, the United States need not worry about the Thucydides Trap, so named for the Greek historian who chronicled how Spartas fear of a rising Athens made war between the two inevitable. In his 2017 book Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydidess Trap?, Harvard Universitys Graham Allison examines 16 earlier rivalries between an emerging and an established power, and finds that 12 of them led to war. No doubt, Xi wanted us to focus on the remaining four. Despite the mutual awareness of the Thucydides Trap and the recognition that history is not deterministic China and the US seem to be falling into it anyway. Though a hot war between the worlds two major powers still seems far-fetched, a cold war is becoming more likely. The US blames China for the current tensions. Since joining the World Trade Organization in 2001, China has reaped the benefits of the global trading and investment system, while failing to meet its obligations and free riding on its rules. According to the US, China has gained an unfair advantage through intellectual-property theft, forced technology transfers, subsidies for domestic firms, and other instruments of state capitalism. At the same time, its government is becoming increasingly authoritarian, transforming China into an Orwellian surveillance state. For their part, the Chinese suspect that the USs real goal is to prevent them from rising any further or projecting legitimate power and influence abroad. In their view, it is only reasonable that the worlds second-largest economy (by GDP) would seek to expand its presence on the world stage. And leaders would argue that their regime has improved the material welfare of 1.4 billion Chinese far more than the Wests gridlocked political systems ever could. Regardless of which side has the stronger argument, the escalation of economic, trade, technological, and geopolitical tensions may have been inevitable. What started as a trade war now threatens to escalate into a permanent state of mutual animosity. This is reflected in the Trump administrations National Security Strategy, which deems China a strategic competitor that should be contained on all fronts. Accordingly, the US is sharply restricting Chinese foreign direct investment in sensitive sectors, and pursuing other actions to ensure Western dominance in strategic industries such as artificial intelligence and 5G. It is pressuring partners and allies not to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinas massive programme to build infrastructure projects across the Eurasian landmass. And it is increasing US Navy patrols in the East and South China Seas, where China has grown more aggressive in asserting its dubious territorial claims. The global consequences of a Sino-American cold war would be even more severe than those of the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union. Whereas the Soviet Union was a declining power with a failing economic model, China will soon become the worlds largest economy, and will continue to grow from there. Moreover, the US and the Soviet Union traded very little with each other, whereas China is fully integrated in the global trading and investment system, and deeply intertwined with the US, in particular. A full-scale cold war thus could trigger a new stage of de-globalization, or at least a division of the global economy into two incompatible economic blocs. In either scenario, trade in goods, services, capital, labor, technology, and data would be severely restricted, and the digital realm would become a splinternet, wherein Western and Chinese nodes would not connect to one another. Now that the US has imposed sanctions on ZTE and Huawei, China will be scrambling to ensure that its tech giants can source essential inputs domestically, or at least from friendly trade partners that are not dependent on the US. In this balkanised world, China and the US will both expect all other countries to pick a side, while most governments will try to thread the needle of maintaining good economic ties with both. After all, many US allies now do more business (in terms of trade and investment) with China than they do with America. Yet in a future economy where China and the US separately control access to crucial technologies such as AI and 5G, the middle ground will most likely become uninhabitable. Everyone will have to choose, and the world may well enter a long process of de-globalization. Whatever happens, the Sino-American relationship will be the key geopolitical issue of this century. Some degree of rivalry is inevitable. But, ideally, both sides would manage it constructively, allowing for cooperation on some issues and healthy competition on others. In effect, China and the US would create a new international order, based on the recognition that the inevitably rising new power should be granted a role in shaping global rules and institutions. If the relationship is mismanaged with the US trying to derail Chinas development and contain its rise, and China aggressively projecting its power in Asia and around the world a full-scale cold war will ensue, and a hot one or a series of proxy wars) cannot be ruled out. In the twenty-first century, the Thucydides Trap would swallow not just the US and China, but the entire world. (Nouriel Roubini is CEO of Roubini Macro Associates and Professor of Economics at the Stern School of Business, NYU.) Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2019. www.project-syndicate.org Four students and two teachers from Huelin secondary school in Malaga went to the city of Palermo in Italy recently to meet and work with fellow students from schools in Finland, Italy, United Kingdom, Croatia and Germany. The visit is part of an EU-funded Erasmus+ programme. The group from IES Huelin. / SUR The schools are involved in the joint project entitled More than the sum of its parts - Our diverse cultural heritage as building blocks for European Unity. Literature and migration were the main themes in Palermo. As well as taking part in activities at the school, looking especially at how migration has affected each country's culture, the group visited Astalli, a refugee reception centre, and the Palazzo Conte Federico, which played a major role in the origin of modern Italian language with the creation of the Sicilian poetry school. They also attended a workshop at ItaStra, the Sicilian university for foreigners and migrants and visited the Unesco world heritage centre of Palermo. A trip to Agrigento, a city described by Pindaro as the most beautiful among mortals, which houses the best preserved collection of Greek temples of the world, was also part of the visit along with the Luigi Pirandello house museum and the Scala dei Turchi, a Unesco world heritage site. At work in Finland. / SUR Earlier this year students from all five countries, including a group from Huelin, got together in Tampere, Finland, on the second leg of the project. Students and teachers from the five schools will next get together in Truro, England, at the end of October, where legends and traditions will be the main topics. Emilio Guzman, Huelins Erasmus plus coordinator, said: These projects, thanks to EU funding, represent an amazing and unique opportunity for students to work and live with other European students and broaden their horizons. They also allowed students to strengthen a wide range of competencies, their confidence, and hopefully allowed them to make liifelong friendships. Regional government spokesman Elias Bendodo last week met with Fuengirola mayor Ana Mula to discuss the future of the long-awaited Fuengirola-Mijas hospital, as well as that of the Los Pacos-Torreblanca health centre. Bendodo recognised that the town hall had been submitting the same plans to the Junta for the last 40 years and they had been "falling on deaf ears". However, that is to change, he says, promising to be an "ally" for the town. For Bendodo the priority is the new Fuengirola-Mijas hospital and the Junta has already taken control of the project even though the town hall is yet to formalise the transfer of the land. He also announced that the plans would the project would be drawn up in 2020 and that the project would be included in the regional budget for that year. Next year will also see the project for the new health centre in Los Pacos-Torreblanca drawn up. Bendodo announced that work was under way to equip the health centre in Las Lagunas (in neighbouring Mijas but which will still serve Fuengirola) with an extra ambulance, above all to cope with the increased demand during the summer months. Bus station Further infrastructure works are also in the pipeline in the area and the regional deputy minister for Public Works, Jaime Reynaud, visited the area on Monday to search for a location for the new bus station. "We have been in opposition for a long time so now we must take the initiative and get things moving again," said Bendodo, whose party, the conservative PP, took over the regional government in coalition with centre-right Ciudadanos early this year with the help of far right group Vox. BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday voiced its firm opposition to official contact between the United States and Taiwan "in any form" and "under any excuse." "China is strongly dissatisfied with and resolutely opposed to it," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said at a news briefing. According to reports, Taiwan claimed that U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton has recently held talks with his Taiwan "counterpart." In response, Lu said the U.S. government has clearly recognized the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and promised it will only maintain unofficial contacts with Taiwan. So Bolton and David Lee can't be "counterparts," he noted. The one-China principle constitutes the political foundation of Sino-U.S. relations, Lu said. "We are also firmly opposed to any attempt to create 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan.' Our position is clear and steadfast." "We once again urge the U.S. side to adhere to the one-China principle and the three joint communiques between the two countries, stop official contact or substantively upgrading relations with Taiwan, prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues to avoid negative influence on Sino-U.S. relations and the two countries' cooperation in major areas," he said. Demonstrators took to the streets Sunday afternoon holding yellow umbrellas that read "Support Freedom, Oppose Evil Laws." More than 2,000 people are marching in Hong Kong to mark 30 years since a pro-democracy protest in Beijing's Tiananmen Square ended in bloodshed. Some people carried a black coffin, while others pushed wheeled white crosses and the numbers 6 and 4 -- a nod to the day on June 4, 1989, when leaders of China's ruling Communist Party ordered the military to re-take Tiananmen Square from student-led protesters. Hundreds, if not thousands, of unarmed protesters and onlookers were killed late on June 3 and in the early hours of June 4 as a result of the martial action. Commemorations of the event are strictly banned in mainland China. Peru quake toll rises to two dead Lima, May 27 (AFP) May 27, 2019 The death toll from a powerful earthquake that rocked parts of Peru and neighboring Ecuador rose to two on Monday, with more than 30 people injured, authorities said. Sunday's 8.0-earthquake hit a sparsely populated region of Peru's Amazon basin region but was felt over a wide area. Reports were still coming in Monday from remote areas affected by the quake, which also rattled the capital Lima and other cities where frightened residents rushed into the streets. "We have two dead because of the earthquake. The second victim is a 15-year-old who was hit on the head" by falling rubble at his home, Civil Defense Coordinator Ricardo Seijas told Chanel N television. The teenager died of his injuries after begin taken to hospital in Peru's northern region of La Libertad. The other victim, a 48-year-old man, was reported Sunday to have been killed by falling debris while he slept at his house in Cajamarca in northern Peru. The quake struck at 2:41 am (0741 GMT). Seijas said 15 people had been injured, with several hundred buildings destroyed or damaged. The quake was the most powerful to hit the earthquake-prone country in 12 years, Peru's President Martin Vizcarra said, adding that it blocked roads, damaged a bridge and knocked down houses. "It is an earthquake affecting the entire Peruvian jungle," he said. One of the most dramatic moments captured on social media happened in Yurimaguas, the town closest to the epicenter. Video from the police station shows the police chief shouting at his subordinates to quickly open the jail cells and get inmates outside. "The earthquake is strong!" he is heard yelling. "Open the cells! Help with the detainees, get one each!" Arri Pezo, the mayor of Lagunas, 75 kilometers from th epicenter, said many residents who fled from their homes later stayed in the streets for fear of aftershocks. "You could not walk at the time of the earthquake, things were falling," Pezo told RPP radio. Reports said 15 people had been hurt in Ecuador, where power-cuts were reported in parts of its Amazon basin region. Peruvian media said the tremor was also felt in parts of Colombia and Venezuela. Peru lies on the so-called Ring of Fire -- an arc of fault lines that circles the Pacific Basin and is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The South American country records about 200 earthquakes a year, most of them going unnoticed by the public. if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi... Chinese President Xi Jinping has called off plans to visit Korea in June as a trade war with the U.S. intensifies. The government here had hoped that Xi would visit either before or after the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan on June 28-29. A diplomatic source in Seoul said Friday, "China feels there is very little to gain from a visit to Seoul for the time being." The tides changed abruptly after the Trump administration cut off all trade with Huawei and pressured allies to join its boycott of the Chinese electronics and telecom giant. "China wants to focus all its efforts on dealing with the U.S. for now," the source said. Beijing also took stalled denuclearization talks with North Korea into account, and since Xi will not be visiting the North he would consider it a breach of protocol to visit the South, according to Shin Jung-seung, South Korea's former ambassador to China. But the move could also be seen as a warning to South Korea against siding with the U.S. in the trade war and other points of contention. Seoul has refrained from commenting on China's territorial ambitions in the South China Sea and merely urged all sides to seek a "peaceful solution." It has also told the U.S. that it cannot interfere in private businesses' dealings with Huawei. The cancellation throws a spanner in the works of President Moon Jae-in's hopes to kick-start the stalled nuclear talks through summits with the U.S. and China. Director Bong Joon-ho won the prestigious Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival in France on Saturday for his film "Parasite," becoming the first Korean ever to receive the top prize. "It's such a unique experience. It's so unexpected," said Mexican film director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, who headed this year's jury. "It took all of us sharing our experiences. We shared the mystery of the unexpected way this film took us through different genres and mixed them and spoke in a funny, humorous, tender way with no judgment of something so irreverent and urgent. It's so global but in such a local film. We were all fascinated by it since we saw it. It kept growing and growing. It was a unanimous decision." When Inarritu and French actress Catherine Deneuve announced "Bong Joon-ho" as the laureate of the Palme d'Or at the closing ceremony, the crowd erupted in cheers. After receiving the trophy, an emotional Bong thanked the audience in French and paused to bask in the moment. He apologized for not preparing a speech in French, and continued in Korean. "I was a timid film fanatic who decided to become a film director at the age of 12. I had never imagined that a day would come when I would hold this trophy in my hand," he said. Bong recalled that as a boy, being so shy made him stay at home and watch TV and films all night, dreaming of becoming a film director. "This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Korean cinema, and Cannes has given a big present to Korean cinema," he added. Bong also singled out actor Song Kang-ho, with whom he has worked continuously for over 17 years and who starred in "Parasite." "I would like to listen to what a great actor and my good companion Song Kang-ho has to say," said Bong as he invited Song to the stage. "I dedicate this glory to all actors in Korea who taught me patience, wisdom and passion," Song said. MATSETSA After recovering from a serious illness that had kept him bedridden for almost two years, all Velaphi Amos Mvubu (61) wanted to do was to rebuild his life. While still confined to a bed, battling tuberculosis (TB), he had lost the rights to grow sugar cane at his late fathers farm located at Vuvulane. However, he was hoping to use his savings to rebuild his life and to challenge those family members who had removed him as a successor to his late fathers cane growing business. Before Mvubu had become seriously ill, a sum of E181 453.86 had been deposited into his bank account on October 5, 2012. This was payment for the sugar cane he had supplied to a sugar mill, during the 2011/12 harvesting season. Statement Mvubu said he did not withdraw even a cent as he was already sick and unable to move out of the house at the time the money was deposited. Another reason I did not withdraw the money was that, I was told that I no longer had access to the funds because I had been removed as head of the farm, he said. Mvubu was bedridden between 2012 and 2014. He recovered in 2015 and spent the entire year battling with a faction of his family that had removed him as head of the family farm. In 2016, Mvubu decided to check his bank balance and he got the shock of his life when he discovered a negative balance. This was his personal bank account and he was the only authorised signatory for every transaction involving the account. I was gutted when I discovered that there was no money in the bank account. When I enquired from the bank teller, she suggested that I should obtain a bank statement, so I could review all the transactions that had taken place, Mvubu said. He said when he went through the bank statement, he was shocked to find that some transactions had taken place while he was bedridden. One transaction which shocked him the most, was the withdrawal of E35 000 which took place on September 25, 2013, as reflected on the bank statements. When I questioned the bank management about this withdrawal, they told me that I was the one who had withdrawn this money. I insisted that on this day I was bedridden but they were adamant that I was the one who withdrew the money, said Mvubu. He said the bank management issued him with a copy of a withdrawal slip, which had his particulars. To his surprise, there was a right thumb-print in on the space reserved for signatures. Mvubu said the bank management told him that he had signed the withdrawal slip using his right thumb. However, Mvubu was adamant that he did not withdraw the money and that he was not the one who had filled the particulars on the withdrawal slip. I then proceeded to the police to open a case of fraud because it seemed somebody had used my particulars to unlawfully withdraw money from my account, Mvubu said.At the police station, investigating officers took his fingerprints manually, using ink and paper. Investigation Mvubu said the officers explained to him that this was done to compare his fingerprints and the ones appearing on the bank withdrawal slips. All this was done about a year ago but till today, Mvubu has not received any feedback from the police. There is no suspect even though he shared with the investigating officers names of individuals he suspected could have unlawfully withdrawn his money. In total, Mvubus said he lost E181 453.86. He said the money was withdrawn on different dates between 2012 and 2015. MALKERNS The older the wine the sweeter the taste. This mantra was confirmed by most fun lover at the MTN BUSHFIRE Festival. A name that needs no introduction in music circles is that of Tsepo Tshola. The veteran also known as The Village Pope, who boasts 49 years experience in the music industry, closed off the Festival with a brilliant performance. He sure gave fun lover their moneys worth with his spirited and motivational set. He left people yearning for more and still singing along to his songs. His set was a bliss to watch, his energy filled the whole arena. In an interview with the legendry Village Pope, he expressed his enormous excitement for being part of the festival. The people were wonderful; I really had a great time especially seeing flags from different countries. It is the people who make it all amazing, he said. He also expressed his love for music and how music could help one find peace and most importantly remain positive. I wish that the whole world could sing one song about peace, stability and greatness. Music is lovely, he said. His humour and positive energy took one into his 49-years of experience in the industry. MBABANE The senior member of the proscribed Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) who was found in possession of a document that challenges His Majesty King Mswati IIIs powers and calls for his (Kings) arrest, has been arrested. Goodwill Sibiya, who also claims to be the founding member of the relatively unknown Economic Freedom Guerillas, has been slapped with two charges. He is facing charges of contravening the Suppression of Terrorism Act and the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act. It is alleged that on January 21, 2019, the accused attested to an affidavit with the intention to bring hatred or contempt or excite disaffection against His Majesty King Mswati III. This is the same document he attempted to file at the High Court on May 21, 2019, but was stopped on his tracks by the staff members, who then informed the police. Treason The contents of the founding affidavit cannot be repeated in this publication, because of their sensitive nature which borders on treason. Besides the police stamp, the documents also bear the stamps of the Attorney Generals office as well as the registrar of the High Court. On the same date (January 21, 2019), near Nhlangano, Sibiya is alleged to have unlawfully professed to be a member of terrorists groups; PUDEMO, Communist Party of Swaziland and the founding member of Economic Freedom Guerillas. By so doing, he, alleged to have contravened Section 19(1) of the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008. In the summary of evidence that was presented to Sibiya yesterday, Nhlangano Police Station Desk Officer, Sydwell Mthembu, narrated how the accused was arrested. He stated that he received information that Sibiya of Nkofeni had some documents in his house that brought hatred to and excite disaffection against the King. Mthembu said he then applied for a search warrant and an order to take any seditious documents. He pointed out that the warrant was issued on May 24, 2019 and execute the same day. He submitted that at about 10:30am hours they proceeded to Nkofeni with other police officers and they found Sibiya along the way to his home. We introduced ourselves as police officers and we also showed him the search warrant, said Mthembu. According to Mthembu, when they asked Sibiya to get into the car so that they could proceed to his homestead, he allegedly refused and became violent. He said they tried to reason with him and further told him that the documents belonged to the court. Mthembu informed the court that Sibiya eventually boarded the motor vehicle and they went to Nhlangano to meet another team from Mbabane Tingculungculu for other logistics before they could search Sibiyas homestead. Mthembu asserted that they all proceeded to Nkofeni area and when they arrived there, they found Sibiyas mother and they explained their mission to her. He highlighted that before they conducted the search, they asked Sibiyas mother to be present but he (Sibiya) ordered her not to involve herself in the whole matter but he wanted his younger brother to be present as a witness of what would transpire. Mthembu narrated that Sibiyas brother was called on his mobile phone and eventually arrived at around 3:30pm. Azerbaijans delegation led by Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev will take part in the 10th International Industrial Trade Fair INNOPROM-2019 in Russia, Trend reports with reference to Russian media. There are plans that the delegation will include major transport and producing state-owned companies, as well as about 20 private enterprises. The 10th International Industrial Trade Fair INNOPROM-2019 will be held in Russias Yekaterinburg July 8- 11 under the slogan Digital Manufacturing: Integrated Solutions. Consul General of Azerbaijan in Yekaterinburg Ilgar Iskandarov said that the Azerbaijani delegation plans to carry out large-scale work at INNOPROM. For the first time, Azerbaijan will participate in the INNOPROM exhibition at such a high level, he noted. In addition, the biggest companies in Azerbaijan have been announced to participate in the event. I am confident that working together with the government of Russias Sverdlovsk region on the negotiation agenda and the organization of business meetings will indicate new promising areas of cooperation and will give impetus to further dialogue which we hope to continue during the visit of the Sverdlovsk regions delegation to Azerbaijan planned for this year. Sverdlovsk region is a long-time partner of Azerbaijan, and there is a direct flight between Baku and Yekaterinburg. As part of INNOPROM, specialized exhibitions will be organized for the metalworking, additive technologies, as well as technologies for power engineering, industrial automation, mechanical engineering and the production of components for the industry. Exceed, a premier IT solutions and training provider, said it is transforming into a software company with the launch of its unique range of start-up software applications tailored for the corporate environment in the region. Tailored to solve real challenges for its customers, the high-quality software solutions are light, fast, and easy to use, said a company statement. Ahmad Chayati, founder and general manager of Exceed, said: With over 20 years as an IT solutions deployment company, we are in a unique position to understand the pains of our customers and the gap in the current software market. International vendor solutions are often complicated, expensive, and require an army of technical resources to install and maintain. The suite of software solutions we created are designed to require less support and input from IT teams, he said. The new solutions from Exceed include Ta7awul for team alignment and maximising software adoption and usage; Technadopt the drag and drop digital library; SimpleStrata for strategy execution and employee performance management; ESP for dynamic automation and process management; Engage for systematic project delivery management; and ISP for invoice management and cash flow visibility. The exception to their software only model will be nationalisation training under their Exceeders Academy to empower Bahraini graduates in the up and coming IT specialisations. Chayati added: We are starting this transition from solution implementor to software provider in Bahrain because the nature of the Bahraini market shows that our customers are not only receptive to the kinds of solutions that we are providing, but are keenly interested in simple to use solutions that directly address their business needs. How will this transition be made? Exceed will begin selling to Bahraini customers through Al Moayed and Zime, two of the most reputable IT providers in the country and Exceed's main partners. Under the eXceeders platform, Exceed will also collaborate with partners and customers for the products on their online store. On asking Chayati if he believes the software will sell as successfully as Exceeds services sold in the past, he replied, We are so sure of the quality of our software solutions that we only charge customers after they benefit from our products. This is how strongly we believe in what we are doing. Relationships between partners and customers have to be results based everyone needs to benefit. TradeArabia News Service Etihad Airways is operating flights between Al Ain and Jeddah during the last 10 days of Ramadan to facilitate travel to Saudi Arabia for the performance of the Islamic pilgrimage, Umrah, Abu Dhabi Airports announced. Commencing on May 26 and continuing through to June 4, Etihad Airways operate daily flights from Al Ain International Airport to King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah. Acting chief operations officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, Ahmed Al Shamisi, said: Ramadan is a blessed time of the year, and we are delighted to be able to support our customers performance of Umrah by adding a daily flight to Jeddah from Al Ain International Airport during the last 10 days of Ramadan. We are continually working to enhance our services and offerings, and together with Etihad Airways we look forward to sharing the spirit of Ramadan with those travelling for Umrah. Etihad Airways will operate its daily flights using its Airbus A330. Flights are scheduled to depart from Al Ain International Airport at 13:30 local time (LT) and arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport at 15:20 LT. Returning flights will depart from King Abdulaziz International Airport at 16:20 LT and arrive at Al Ain International Airport at 20:05 LT. - TradeArabia News Service Oman Air has issued a travel advisory to its guests flying to its Tanzanian destinations - Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar - in the wake of the Tanzanian governments ban on plastic, from June 1 onwards. The Tanzanian government has issued a notice saying all plastic carrier bags will be prohibited from being imported, exported, manufactured, sold, stored, supplied and used in mainland Tanzania. The notice further said: The government does not intend for visitors to Tanzania to find their stay unpleasant as we enforce the ban. However, the government expects that, in appreciation of the imperative to protect the environment and keep our country clean and beautiful, our visitors will accept minor inconveniences resulting from this. The ban applies to all plastic carrier bags, regardless of their thickness. However, plastic or plastic packaging for medical services, industrial products, construction industry, agricultural sector, foodstuff, sanitary and waste management are not prohibited. Visitors to Tanzania are advised to avoid carrying plastic bags or packing plastic carrier bags or items in plastic carrier bags in the suitcase or hand luggage before embarking on a visit to this country. A special desk will be designated at all entry points for the surrender of plastic bags that visitors maybe bringing to Tanzania. Plastic carrier items known as Ziploc bags that are specifically used to carry toiletries will be permitted as they are expected to remain in the permanent possession of visitors and are not expected to be disposed of in the country. To date, 34 African countries have legislated to control plastic bag usage through bans or taxes. The ban, effective from June 1, will go into force throughout the country and tourists are being warned not to carry them as it might attract hefty fines and penalties. - TradeArabia News Service Day of Turkmen Carpet was festively celebrated in Turkmenistan. The International Exhibition Turkmen CarpetsAdornment of the World and the XIX Conference of the World Association of Connoisseurs of Turkmen Carpet were the major celebration venues in Ashgabat. The festive events were attended by the guests from Germany, France, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and other countries. A large-scale exhibition of carpets and rugs was set up in the exposition halls of the National Museum of Turkmen Carpet and on the grounds of the adjacent territory. The guests viewed the products of the festive exhibition of carpets and rugs. Then, the National Museum of Turkmen Carpet hosted a ceremony of awarding workers of the carpet industry. Under the decree by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in honor of Day of Turkmen Carpet, sixteen skilled female carpet weavers were awarded the honorary title of Honored Carpet Weaver of Turkmenistan for their great contribution to the development of the national art of carpet weaving. In the afternoon, the XIX conference of the World Association of Connoisseurs of Turkmen Carpet was held in the conference room of the Ministry of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan. At the conference, Turkmen and foreign experts discussed topical issues related to studying the history of development of handmade carpet weaving in different countries of the region and the world, as well as mutual influence of traditions of decorative and applied art. Festive events in honor of Day of Turkmen Carpet were held in all regions of Turkmenistan. TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021 More than half of all Korean companies that do business in Japan have suffered amid soured diplomatic relations between Seoul and Tokyo. They complain of tougher customs requirements such as extra documentation and delayed processing times, or that their success rates at public bids had declined markedly. The findings come from a study by the Federation of Korean Industries out Sunday, which found that 53.1 percent of Korean businesses in Japan complained about negative effects of deteriorating bilateral relations. Out of 202 members of the Korean Business Association in Japan, 6.2 percent said they suffered "very negative" effects, while 46.9 percent said they suffered "negative" effects. Some 37.3 percent said they faced difficulties finding new customers, while 28.8 percent complained about negative views from Japanese consumers and 15.3 percent cited tougher regulations. Three out of every 10 saw sales decline. They expect it will take quite a long time before bilateral ties improve, with 46 percent saying more than two years and 42.9 percent one or two years. Only 11.1 percent expect things to get better within the year. Brews Cruise travelers aboard Royal Caribbeans Harmony of the Seas make a scheduled stop at Frenchtown Brewing for a taste of local Island Hopped craft beers. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close 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. The first humans who settled in Scandinavia more than 10,000 years ago left their DNA behind in ancient chewing gums, which are masticated lumps made from birch bark pitch. This is shown in a new study conducted at Stockholm University and published in Communications Biology. There are few human bones of this age, close to 10 000 years old, in Scandinavia, and not all of them have preserved enough DNA for archaeogenetic studies. In fact, the DNA from these newly examined chewing gums is the oldest human DNA sequenced from this area so far. The DNA derived from three individuals, two females and one male, creates an exciting link between material culture and human genetics. Ancient chewing gums are as of now an alternative source for human DNA and possibly a good proxy for human bones in archaeogenetic studies. The investigated pieces come from Huseby-Klev, an early Mesolithic hunter-fisher site on the Swedish west coast. The sites excavation was done in the early 1990s, but at this time it was not possible to analyze ancient human DNA at all, let alone from non-human tissue. The masticates were made out of birch bark tar and used as glue in tool production and other types of technology during the Stone Age. Natalija Kashuba, who was affiliated to The Museum of Cultural History in Oslo when she performed the experiments in cooperation with Stockholm University, said: When Per Persson and Mikael Maininen proposed to look for hunter-gatherer DNA in these chewing gums from Huseby Klev, we were hesitant but really impressed that archaeologists took care during the excavations and preserved such fragile material. It took some work before the results overwhelmed us, as we understood that we stumbled into this almost forensic research, sequencing DNA from these mastic lumps, which were spat out at the site some 10 000 years ago! Exciting link between material culture and human genetics The results show that, genetically, the individuals whose DNA was found share close genetic affinity to other hunter-gatherers in Sweden and to early Mesolithic populations from Ice Age Europe. However, the tools produced at the site were a part of lithic technology brought to Scandinavia from the East European Plain, modern-day Russia. This scenario of a culture and genetic influx into Scandinavia from two routes was proposed in earlier studies, and these ancient chewing gums provide an exciting link directly between the tools and materials used and human genetics. Emrah Krdok from Stockholm University conducted the computational analyses of the DNA, saying: Demography analysis suggests that the genetic composition of Huseby Klev individuals show more similarity to Western hunter-gatherer populations than Eastern hunter-gatherers. Per Persson at the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo, said: DNA from these ancient chewing gums have an enormous potential not only for tracing the origin and movement of peoples long time ago, but also for providing insights in their social relations, diseases and food. Anders Gotherstrom, at the Archaeological Research Laboratory at Stockholm University where the work was conducted, said: Much of our history is visible in the DNA we carry with us, so we try to look for DNA where ever we believe we can find it. Provided by: University College London [Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.] Like this article? Subscribe to our weekly email for more! North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has gone to ground for more than two weeks after overseeing a couple of missile tests. North Korean leaders often disappear from view at times when the paranoid regime senses a threat of outside attacks. But some pundits speculate that Kim may simply be ill, judging by his disheveled appearance during his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month and recent photos showing him more portly than ever before. Before he vanished from sight, Kim had appeared in public on average once every three days, or 19 times after his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in late February collapsed. But his face was seen turning bright red during his meeting with Putin last month, and he seemed to be panting heavily during a speech. One source said, "Kim Jong-un's face and neck area appeared swollen, and he seems to have gained more weight." Cho Kyung-hwan at Korea University, said, "Flushing can be a sign of worsening hyperlipidemia and diabetes." One source said there are rumors among North Korea's elite that Kim's health is deteriorating due to diabetes. Shin Hyun-young at Myongji Hospital said, "Kim is in his mid-30s and his conditions could worsen quickly without proper care. He is particularly at risk because nobody would dare give him advice on his living habits." There are also rumors that Kim has been binging on food and alcohol due to stress after his failed summit with Trump. One North Korean defector, who used to be a high-ranking official in the North, said, "Kim always drank heavily, but there are rumors nowadays that he drinks alone until he passes out." But other pundits speculate that Kim has hunkered down with top officials to come up with a strategy to break the current impasse in negotiations to ease international sanctions. The World Customs Organization (WCO) in collaboration with the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) Group of States Secretariat, the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC), and the host country of Trinidad and Tobago, organized a five-day Workshop on a new WCO initiative focusing on the challenges and opportunities faced by Customs administrations in Small Island Economies (SIEs), in Port of Spain from 13 to 17 May 2019. The Workshop was funded by the WCO Reserve Fund, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and the ACP Secretariat through its Tradecom II Programme. The generous support by these Organizations brought together eighteen Customs Administrations from the Caribbean region including some non-WCO Members. The Customs Administrations participating in the Workshop were: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago. The Small Island Economies initiative is a new initiative launched by the WCO this fiscal year to bring more attention and provide dedicated support to Customs administrations in SIEs. SIEs, most of which are developing states, face specific social, economic, trade and environmental vulnerabilities and disadvantages associated with small size, remoteness and proneness to natural disasters. The broad aim of this new initiative is to find ways to address these issues and suggest potential measures to assist SIEs in the integration of the global supply, while strengthening their capacities for effective risk management, trade facilitation, security and revenue collection. The Acting Comptroller of Trinidad &Tobago Customs & Excise Division gave the Opening Remarks of the Workshop. In her remarks, she encouraged the delegates to open their minds, absorb, learn, share, make friends, network, but most of all take back what they learned to their respective countries and put it into action. Throughout the rest of the week, the WCO experts provided detailed information along with practical explanations on the challenges and opportunities of Customs administrations in SIEs, information on the accession to and implementation of the WCO instruments and tools, as well as information on the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA) and associated benefits. Facilitated by the experts, the delegates participated in break out groups that assessed the current situation, challenges, opportunities and solutions in the areas of trade facilitation, safety and security, risk management and revenue collection. The Workshop provided the participants with an opportunity to develop a sound grasp of the issues affecting Customs administrations in SIEs, the WCO tools and instruments to effectively address them, the importance of ensuring the alignment of their national/regional legislation, and how to accede to the Convention establishing a Customs Cooperation Council (WCO) for those who are not yet members of the WCO. In-depth discussions were also held on the Outline of the Draft Guidance for Customs administrations in SIEs and the recently established Virtual Working Group on SIEs, its objectives, and how to support and participate in both. The Acting Comptroller of Trinidad & Tobago Customs & Excise Division gave the closing remarks for the Workshop noting its success and significance for Customs Administrations of SIEs in the Caribbean. The WCO will, in the near future, organize similar events for the Customs administrations of SIEs in the Pacific and the Indian Ocean islands. By May. 26, 2019 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. J.D. Wilkes is an artist and musician living in Paducah, Kentucky. He has recorded with Merle Haggard, Hank Williams III, John Carter Cash, Sturgill Simpson and others. Wilkes is also a documentary filmmaker and has appeared in music videos for Shooter Jennings and Wanda Jackson, to name a few. Wilkes is perhaps best known as the founder of the Legendary Shack Shakers, a Southern Gothic rock and blues band formed in the mid-90s. Fans of his work with Legendary Shack Shakers include Stephen King, Robert Plant and former Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra. Rolling Stone named Wilkes as the "best frontman" at the 2015 Americana Music Association Festival for his performance with the band. Regarding the group's "southern gothic" lyricism, Billboard Magazine said "[Wilkes writes] mind-blowing lyrics rife with Biblical references and ruminations of life, death, sin and redemption." Legendary Shack Shakers have toured with the likes of Robert Plant and The Black Keys, among others. Wilkes is the author of Barn Dances and Jamborees Across Kentucky, a history of traditional music get-togethers in the Bluegrass & the novel The Vine That Ate The South, a book praised by NPR as "undeniably one of the smartest, most original Southern Gothic novels to come along in years." Co-sponsored by Kentucky Humanities an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C. For more information, contact Bobbie Wrinkle 270-442-2510 ext. 119 or email: bwrinkle@mclib.net PADUCAH - McCracken County Public Library will host its Evenings Upstairs Series on July 11 from 7-8 pm. Barn Dances and Jamborees Across Kentucky will features J.D. Wilkes discussing the history of the traditional "barn dance" and other musical get-togethers of Kentucky's past and present. Already hints about strong storms on New Years Day By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 27, 2019 | 06:05 AM | MCCRACKEN COUNTY An early morning traffic stop in McCracken County led to drug charges for a Graves County woman. The McCracken County Sheriff's Office said deputies conducted a traffic stop Monday morning near John Puryear Drive for moving violations. According to deputies, the driver, 24-year-old Hannah Shelton of Symsonia, was driving with no insurance or registration. A search of the vehicle reportedly found methamphetamine, marijuana and other drug related items. Shelton was arrested and transported to the McCracken County Regional Jail. She's charged with speeding, no registration plates, failure of owner to maintain require insurance, possession of marijuana, possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia. By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 26, 2019 | 07:53 PM | MURRAY FNB Bank recently presented a $13,750 grant to the Murray-Calloway County Habitat for Humanitys 15th family, which will be paid in installments over five years. The grant was awarded through the Affordable Housing Program by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (FHLB Cincinnati) and was made possible by FNBs sponsorship. The grant was a joint effort for both FNB and the Murray Calloway County Habitat for Humanity. Carolyn Todd, FNB Office Manager and President of the Murray Calloway County Habitat for Humanity saw the opportunity for the partnership in 2017. We (Habitat board members) attended a training session sponsored by Habitat of Kentucky in the Fall of 2017," Todd said. "A Federal Home Loan Bank representative spoke at the event about the grant opportunities available through bank partnerships. For me, it was a natural fit. This was Habitats first attempt at a grant since 2000 and we were excited about the opportunity. FHLB sets aside 10 percent of net earnings annually to be used as subsidies to finance development of affordable housing, with those funds made available only through financial institutions that are members of FHLB. At that point, FNB saw an opportunity and gladly took on the sponsorship role, being a member of the FHLB. FNB is proud to partner with FHLB and Habitat for Humanity to assist in providing this family an affordable home that will meet the family need," said FNB Chief Operating Officer, Sally Hopkins. "A permanent home for a family can be life changing. We were honored to assist with this project and hope to partner again with Habitat for Humanity to sponsor a grant when available." The grant money was put towards the construction of an energy efficient home and was specifically designed for a moderate-income first-time home buyer family with special circumstances. The original funding announcement presentation took place on February 8, 2017, with funding subject to construction completion as specified within the grant. Construction on the 3-bedroom, 2 bath home began in May 2017 and the family moved in on August 2018. Lead contractor, Steve Arant, worked with several area contractors throughout the construction phase. Many area churches, along with the local contractors, were instrumental in donating their time and skills for the project. By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 26, 2019 | 06:42 PM | MAYFIELD A four-year-old child is hospitalized at a Tennessee hospital after being struck by a vehicle in Mayfield on Sunday. The Mayfield Police Department says the child was struck in the 600 block of North 5th Street. The driver of the vehicle, Keyja Hammonds told officers that the child ran from the shoulder of the road into the path of the vehicle. Officers said Hammonds was able to get the vehicle stopped, as the small child collided with the fender area of the vehicle. The child suffered a leg injury and was taken by personal vehicle to Jackson Purchase Medical Center. The child was later flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville for further treatment. By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 26, 2019 | 07:33 PM | GRAVES COUNTY A man faces charges following a crash in Graves County on Saturday. The Graves County Sheriff's Office says a deputy responded to an injury accident on I-69 near KY 80 West. When the deputy arrived, he found 24-year-old Shane Price, of North Carolina, standing on the interstate near his vehicle. Price told the deputy that an unknown driver swerved into his lane and he tried to avoid collision with that vehicle. When he did, he lost control of his vehicle and slammed into the inside concrete barrier wall causing severe damage to his vehicle. During the investigation process, the deputy learned that Price was operating on a suspended license and the insurance had expired on the vehicle. Price was treated at the scene for minor injuries. He was then arrested and lodged in the Graves County Jail on charges of operating on a suspended operator's license and failure of non-owner to maintain insurance. Legalization of marijuana in California has led to a huge jump on attempts to smuggle it to Korea, where it remains illegal and authorities crack down hard even on personal use. California is home to the biggest number of Korean-American residents of all U.S. states, and data from the Korea Customs Service show that attempts to smuggle in marijuana have jumped six-fold since the state legalized the drug last year. About 30 kg of marijuana smuggled from the U.S. was confiscated in 234 cases last year, up from just 39 cases and 6.34 kg in 2017, before legalization. An increasing number of U.S. states have legalized marijuana since Colorado and Washington legalized it first in 2012. Especially, smuggling from California through Korean students and Korean Americans has jumped. Most seems to have come in by mail order, with 149 cases through direct mail and 77 by express cargo services. Just eight cases were travelers trying to smuggle the pungent substance in their luggage. Numbers are expected to rise since Canada also legalized marijuana last October. Korean drug laws are tough, and anyone receiving a shipment can be jailed. The KCS pledged to tighten its crackdown on mail and goods shipments from North America. By National Weather Service May. 26, 2019 | 01:46 PM | PADUCAH Monday's forecast in Paducah calls for a high around 90 degrees, which will continue a trend of very hot Memorial Days in the past several years.Only 10 other Memorial Days have recorded a high temperature in the 90s, but this will be the fifth occurrence in the past decade.In 2011 Paducah saw 91 degrees; in 2012, Barkley Field's all-time record was set at 95; and we reached 90 degrees in 2014 and 2016.Otherwise, more than 80 percent of our Memorial Day highs have been in the 70s or 80s. Only twice has the high dipped into the 60s (1964 and 1973.)Paducah's normal Memorial Day high is 81 degrees, and the normal low is 60.The holiday has generally been a dry one for our area. Only 4 of the past 15 Memorial Days have received more than a trace of rain. The wettest was 2008 with 2.1 inches of rain, and 2009 when it rained 1.7 inches. On the Net: A tie-dye craft [For Women of China] Zigong, a city in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, is renowned for its production of tie-dyed items, including wall hangings, tablecloths, bedsheets, scarves, clothes and adornments. The tie-dye craft, integrated with traditional Chinese cultural elements, has become Zigong's cultural "name card." Given the ingenious, creative designs used to make tie-dye items, many Chinese and foreign artists recognize the craft as an exquisite art form. Zhang Xiaoping, a State-level inheritor of the craft, has made great contributions to the promotion of the traditional craft. During the past four decades, she has exerted every effort to study the traditional craft and improve her craft-making skills. Records indicate the craft (creating Zigong's tie-dye items) dates back more than 2,000 years. The item originated during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), and the craft was at the height of its popularity during the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties. During the dynasties, the exquisite works of art were offered as tributes to members of the imperial families. To promote the traditional craft, Zigong established a tie-dye craft plant during the 1950s. Given the plant's workers' efforts to develop the craft -making skills during the past six decades, the plant has evolved into an enterprise, with an annual capacity of one million square meters of tie-dyed cloth, clothes and adornments. To make a tie-dyed item, craftspeople must complete complicated procedures including drawing patterns on white cotton, silk or hemp cloth, folding the item to create pleats, soaking the item in lukewarm water, using the sap of Indigowoad Root or felon herb to dye the cloth, and stewing and drying the cloth in the sun by hand. In July 2011, Zhang Xiaoping was named a Sichuan provincial master of arts and crafts. In June 2012, Sichuan Department of Culture recognized her as a provincial-level inheritor of the craft. Zhang was born into a family of craftspeople in Zigong in 1948. Influenced by Zhang Yuzhong, her father, a master of the craft, Zhang Xiaoping developed an interest in the craft at an early age. Under her father's influence, Zhang Xiaoping became an expert in the craft. Zhang Xiaoping makes a tie-dye craft. [For Women of China] In 1978, the tie-dyed kimono belts, designed and created by Zhang Xiaoping, were exported to Japan. During the past several decades, her tied-dyed artworks have been displayed during many international and national arts and crafts exhibitions. Completing an embroidery is time consuming, and the work requires tremendous patience. However, Zhang Xiaoping has never given up on her pursuit of artistic perfection. The tie-dyed work, entitled The 12 Ladies in A Dream of Red Mansions (composed by Cao Xueqin, during the Qing Dynasty [1644-1911], and considered one of China's four great classic novels), is one of the works that has given Zhang Xiaoping the greatest satisfaction. The work vividly portrays the 12 women (depicted in the novel), each of whom is 2.3 meters in height and two meters in width. "My father passed away soon after we began designing the work in 2006. It took me six years to finish," recalls Zhang Xiaoping. "Craftspeople have created numerous exquisite tie-dyed works, whose patterns vividly portray figures, animals, plants, flowers and/or scenes. One can hardly duplicate others' works, created at different times with different skills," says Zhang Xiaoping. In addition to blazing new trails while she created tie-dyed works, Zhang Xiaoping during the past several decades has put much effort into cultivating inheritors of the craft. Since the late 1970s, she has been committed to providing training to workers with plants that produce tie-dyed items, to help them improve their craft-making skills. After she retired from the plant in the late 1990s, Zhang Xiaoping continued to provide training to workers . Invited by colleges and institutes, she traveled across China to give lectures on the tie-dye craft. Zhang Xiaoping hopes some of her apprentices will become masters of the craft, who can design and complete every step of the procedures of making the items. She also hopes her apprentices will create more excellent works. "I hope more young people will 'fall in love' with the traditional craft, so they will promote the art form throughout the world," says Zhang Xiaoping. A tie-dye craft made by Zhang Xiaoping [For Women of China] (Women of China English Monthly January 2019 issue) The peacekeepers, including several female members, get ready to board the plane, May 22, 2019. [For chinadaily.com.cn/Peng Xi] China's 18th Group of the People's Liberation Army assigned to Lebanon as peacekeepers departed from Kunming, capital city of SW China's Yunnan Province, on Wednesday morning. The peacekeepers sit on board the plane to Lebanon, May 22, 2019. [For chinadaily.com.cn/Sun Shuai] The team of 200, including 85 multi-function engineers, 100 construction engineers and 15 medical workers, arrived first in southern Lebanon, to be followed by another 210 soldiers and officers departing on Monday. A peacekeep adjusts the Chinese flag attached to another peacekeeper's military backpack as they get ready to board the plane, May 22, 2019. [For chinadaily.com.cn/Sun Shuai] In the following 12 months, the peacekeepers will be tasked with mine clearance, engineering, setting the United Nations Blue Line and humanitarian rescue. The peacekeepers board the plane to Lebanon, May 22, 2019. [For For chinadaily.com.cn/Sun Shuai] Before departure, all team members received high-intensity physical and mental training, said Gao Chaoning, head of the contingent. They will participate in the mission as representatives of Chinese soldiers, he said. China's 18th Group of the People's Liberation Army assigned to Lebanon as peacekeepers is set to depart from Kunming, capital of SW China's Yunnan Province on Wednesday morning, May 22, 2019. [For chinadaily.com.cn/Sun Shuai] Since the first troops deployed in Lebanon in 2006, Chinese peacekeepers have been greatly praised all over the world for their professional qualities, positive attitude and devotion. The peacekeepers begin to board the plane that will take them to their mission in Lebanon, May 22, 2019. [For chinadaily.com.cn/Peng Xi] All members who participated in the mission were awarded the UN Peace Medal for their outstanding contributions. (Source: chinadaily.com.cn) The index measures the mutual promotion relationship between mobile payment and urban competitiveness. [Xinhua] China's financial center Shanghai leads the country in digital payments in 2018, according to a report released at the second Digital China Summit in Fuzhou, East China's Fujian Province. Hangzhou in East China's Zhejiang Province grabbed the second spot on the China mobile payment index list, followed by the capital city Beijing, the China Mobile Payment Development Report 2019 said as reported by Sina Finance. The index measures the mutual promotion relationship between mobile payment and urban competitiveness in three dimensions: informatization foundation, business consumption, and government affairs and people's livelihoods. Beijing comes first in the informatization foundation dimension, while Shanghai leads in business consumption of mobile payment, and Hangzhou takes a leading role in mobile payment in government affairs and people's livelihoods. China's mobile payment development index was 197.84 in 2018 and the scale of China's digital economy reached 31.3 trillion yuan ($4.62 trillion) in the same year, accounting for 34.8 percent of the county's GDP. The booming digital economy is closely related to the support of mobile payment, which provides new momentum for economic development, said Zhang Xueying, vice-president of the State Information Center. The rapid expansion of the mobile payment scene and the continuous extension of the industrial chain have become important driving forces for improving the competitiveness of the city and promoting high-quality economic and social development, said Cao Wenzhong, vice-president of the China Economic Information Service. Let's take a look at the top 10 Chinese cities leading digital payment in 2018. No 10 Nanjing No 9 Wenzhou No 8 Guangzhou No 7 Shenzhen No 6 Tianjin No 5 Chongqing No 4 Wuhan No 3 Beijing No 2 Hangzhou No 1 Shanghai (Source: chinadaily.com.cn) Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-26 20:19:58|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close by Jiang Chao, Zhu Junqing ISLAMABAD, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani surgeon Ali Haider did not worry about unstable power supply any more in his operation room in a Karachi hospital, though early summer temperature often soared to 40 degrees Celcius, driving high the demand for electricity. "The electricity shortage that Pakistan had been experiencing for some years has a toll on the economy, as well as it has affected the life of each and every individual living in the country ... Hospital work is actually affected and impacted drastically," he recalled. Thanks to the ample electricity supply brought about by the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), all medical equipment worked well, Haider said after performing a surgery in the Civil Karachi Hospital. "The operation has gone smoothly and successfully," he said proudly. CPEC, a corridor linking the Gwadar port in southwestern Pakistan with Kashgar in west China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, highlights energy, transport and industrial cooperation. The corridor is a major pilot project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Only years ago, power outages often resulted in factory or production shutdown, even leading to scorching heat claiming people's lives, Haidar said. "We were regularly hearing news about the shortage of the electricity supply to the factories, and you know how badly it would have affected the economy of Pakistan," he added. Since CPEC was launched five years ago, seven power projects have been completed and put into operation, which has met the needs of 8.6 million households and given a boost to Pakistan's economic development. In 2018, apart from others, the Port Qasim power plant and Sahiwal power plant generated 16 billion kwh of cumulative electricity, accounting for a quarter of the power generation in the country. "Karachi now is a city of lights," Haider said, adding that the days when all local shops had to close before 10 p.m. due to power shortage have gone. Zohaib Arshad, a mechanical engineer in the Port Qasim power plant, is from a underdeveloped small village in Punjab. In grey and white uniform, the 26-year-old young man has deeper feeling about electricity and CPEC. "Now in our village, we have proper electricity and due to my good salary, my younger brothers are in good institutions in my hometown and I also installed AC ... and I am helping my elder brother who helped me get education, now he got married and I am helping him to a build a new house for himself," he said. In the past five years since the inception of CPEC, 11 of the 22 early harvest projects have been operational with the rest under development. CPEC has created 70,000 jobs for local Pakistanis so far and the average local per capita income has jumped 23 percent. I The energy sector has been the fastest developed under the CPEC cooperation, breaking a bottleneck of Pakistan's Economic development. "Now Pakistan has developed in energy and power sector and it is moving to other sectors like health and education. And due to infrastructure people are getting access to big cities and people are getting more opportunities to get good jobs in big companies," Arshad said. "Many Chinese companies are working here and people in villages and other sectors are working with them to improve their life ... It is automatically helping children to get good education, good opportunities and good health, for the future." Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 00:27:38|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) of Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen won the most votes in the third mandate elections for municipal, provincial, town and district councilors on Sunday, according to preliminary results released by the National Election Committee (NEC). Seven political parties contested in the elections, said the NEC, adding that they are the CPP, royalist Funcinpec Party, Khmer National United Party, Cambodian Nationality's Party, Cambodian Youth Party, Khmer Will Party, and Khmer Republican Party. The preliminary results, issued by the NEC and announced one polling station by one polling station on the National Television of Cambodia (TVK), showed that the CPP received almost all of the votes in the elections. The NEC said the temporary results will be announced on May 31, as the official ones will be on June 8. The elections opened at 7:00 a.m. local time and closed at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday at all 203 polling stations across the kingdom. NEC's Vice Chairman Nuth Sokhom said 11,565 sitting commune chiefs and councilors, or 99.94 percent of the eligible voters, cast their ballots, as a voter was killed in a road accident and six others were absent without reasons. "The elections were conducted smoothly with good security and order, and without any violence," he said in a press conference at the conclusion of the elections on Sunday afternoon. "The elections were held in a free and fair manner based on the principle of liberal multi-party democracy," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 01:43:19|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close KHARTOUM, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's Transitional Military Council (TMC) on Sunday said the negotiation with the major opposition forces on power transition was proceeding slowly. "The negotiation is proceeding at a slow pace. If the situation continued so, it many lead to several choices that consider the interests of the Sudanese citizens and the security of Sudan," said TMC spokesman Shams-Eddin Kabashi. He reiterated the TMC's keenness on a smooth transition of power to civilians, saying that the military council represents the armed forces and other regular forces, and is a main guarantor of the country's stability. The talks between the TMC and the opposition Freedom and Change Alliance have been witnessing stalemate over representation in the sovereignty council and its chairmanship. The TMC and the opposition have recently agreed on powers of the sovereignty council, the council of ministers and the legislative council. The two sides have also agreed that the transitional period duration would be three years, with the first six months for achieving peace all over Sudan. They further agreed that the legislative council will comprise of 300 members, 67 percent of them from the Freedom and Change Alliance and the rest from the other political forces. The TMC is tasked with running the country's affairs following the ouster of former President Omar al-Bashir. Euroskeptic parties topped the polls Sunday in the European Parliament elections in Britain, France and Italy. Across the 28 member European Union, they enjoyed their best ever results in the five-yearly elections, boosting their share of seats in the 751-strong parliament from 155 to 169. Italy's Matteo Salvini, whose Lega Party scored a resounding win and was on course to win around 30 percent of the votes cast in his country, boosting his ambitions for a leading role on the European stage, was exultant, arguing voters had given him "a historic mission" to change the EU. He congratulated Marine Le Pen for her victory over President Emmanuel Macron's En Marche party and Nigel Farage for the success of his newly-formed Brexit Party in Britain. "I am counting on having allies everywhere to save the EU... to change its rules," he said. "We finally have to change after decades of bureaucrats and bankers' rules." But behind all the populist celebrations Sunday night there was also quiet satisfaction in Brussels among EU officials, who had feared euroskeptics would run away with the election and do even better. Some officials suggested that this year's parliamentary elections may mark a high-water mark for nationalist populists, noting the surprise resurgence in the fortunes of smaller strongly pro-EU parties. In Britain, pro-Remain parties together attracted more votes than the Brexit Party. "More a ripple then for the populists and not a flood," said a senior adviser to outgoing European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker. For many the bigger story of the night was the strong performance of the Greens and Liberals -- in Britain the Liberal Democrats stormed to big victories in London, a traditional Labour Party stronghold, and came second behind the Brexit Party across the country. In Germany, the Greens made major gains at the expense of country's left wing Social Democrats, making a historic breakthrough with more than 20 per cent of the vote. Despite the big populist wins in Britain, France and Italy, the results did not match the expectations of the continent's nationalist insurgents. They had talked about grabbing a third of the seats in the parliament, but appear to have won just under a quarter. In Poland and Hungary they also had success, but elsewhere their performance was underwhelming -- especially in Germany and Austria -- and in the end the populist finish overall was not that much better than in 2014. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 02:53:53|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BEIRUT, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Eliot Engel, congressman and chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, has reiterated the U.S. commitment to preserving Lebanon's security, stability, and prosperity, a statement issued by the American Embassy in Lebanon said on Sunday. Engel led a congressional delegation to Lebanon on May 24-26. During the visit, the delegation met with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, House Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces Joseph Aoun, and other officials. Engel held positive and constructive discussions with Lebanese officials based on the depth of the relations between the Lebanese and U.S. people, according to the statement. Engel's visit comes amid rising tension between Iran and its proxies in the region including the Lebanese Hezbollah party, and the United States. Tensions between the two countries flared up in recent months, following U.S. decisions to designate Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) a "foreign terrorist organization" and to re-impose sanctions on Iran. In response to the U.S. moves, the Iranian parliament also passed a bill blacklisting the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces in West Asia as a "terrorist group," pledging to fight back any provocation by Washington. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 03:59:33|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close TRIPOLI, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Sunday called for the immediate release of all persons arbitrarily detained and abducted in Libya. "The Mission calls once again for all those arbitrarily detained and abducted to be immediately released, and reminds all parties to the conflict of their obligations under the International Humanitarian Law and the International Human Rights Law," the Mission said in a statement. The statement expressed concern over the kidnapping of a member of the High Council of State in south of the capital Tripoli, which is witnessing violent clashes between the east-based army and the UN-backed government. "The Mission is very concerned at the report of the kidnapping of a member of the High Council of State from the Qasr Ben Ghasheer neighborhood in Tripoli," the statement said. The Mission also expressed concern over an airstrike against a compound in Tripoli used by parliament members for meetings. "Shelling civilian targets and kidnapping civilians, including political actors, send a worryingly anti-democratic message," the statement said. The government accused the rival army of carrying out the airstrike on Thursday. "The UNSMIL is working with parties on the ground to acquire the evidence necessary to prosecute all of those proved to have been involved in these violations and all other incidents against the civilian population and civilian infrastructure," the statement revealed. The army, led by Khalifa Haftar, has been leading a military campaign since early April to take over the capital from the government. According to the World Health Organization, the fighting has so far killed 510 and injured 2,467 others. The army is allied with the east-based government, as the country is politically divided between eastern and western governments. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 04:04:37|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Greek main opposition New Democracy party leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis (Front) is greeted by a supporter in Athens, Greece, on May 26, 2019. Greek main opposition conservative New Democracy (ND) party leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis called Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to quit so that Greece will be led to early national elections, after the results of the European parliament and local parliament elections on Sunday. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) ATHENS, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Greek main opposition conservative New Democracy (ND) party leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis called Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to quit so that Greece will be led to early national elections, after the results of the European parliament and local parliament elections on Sunday. ND wins the European parliament elections with 32.7 percent of votes against 24 percent for the ruling Radical Left SYRIZA party, according to estimates based on the first official results announced on national broadcaster ERT. "The change I had been talking throughout the pre- election campaign has already started. The Prime Minister must assume responsibility. He should resign and the country must be led to national elections," he said in a televised statement. The government's term expires in October this year. With about 10 percent of the votes counted nationwide, according to the early projections issued by the Interior Ministry, six parties will most probably send representatives to the European parliament, clearing the three percent threshold needed under Greece's electoral law. The centrist Movement for Change (KINAL) wins 7.8 percent of votes, the Greek Communist Party (KKE) ranks fourth with 5.6 percent and the ultra- Right Chryssi Avghi (Golden Dawn) garners 4.8 percent of votes. A new Right-wing party, the Greek Solution, wins 4.2 percent of votes, according to the projections. A statement by the Premier was expected later on Sunday evening. The conservatives noted that after the 2014 European elections when SYRIZA had won ND by 26.6-22.7 percent of votes Tsipras had asked for snap polls. An ND party statement reminded that during this pre-election campaign the Greek leader himself had asked for a vote of confidence in his government's policies. According to estimations based on the first official results candidates supported by the opposition have also taken a strong lead in most races for the election of regional governors, regional councilors, mayors and municipal councilors throughout Greece. A second round of local elections will be held next Sunday. The final official results for the European parliament elections and the first round of local elections are expected Monday. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 04:39:46|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Supporters of Israeli opposition parties attend a rally against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, Israel, May 25, 2019. Israel's Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday that he would postpone in three months the hearing on the three investigation cases against him, which was set for July. In a letter to Netanyahu's lawyers, the attorney general stated that the hearing would be held on October 2 and 3, and that if necessary, another hearing would be scheduled for the following week. (Xinhua/JINI/Gideon Markowicz) JERUSALEM, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that he is making a final effort to form a new government and refrain from another "unnecessary general elections." Netanyahu has not yet succeeded in reaching an agreement among the right-wing parties to form a coalition. The main difference is between the ultra-Orthodox parties Yahadut Hatorah and Shas, and the secular Yisrael Beiteinu party headed by former Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman. Lieberman demands that the next government amend the Israeli draft law so that recruit quotas will be set for religious Jewish students who in the past were not obligated to perform three-year compulsory military service. Lieberman's demand is in accordance with the plan prepared by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, headed by Lieberman in the previous government who is intended to be appointed minister of defense in the next government as well. The ultra-Orthodox parties oppose this demand, and Netanyahu proposed a compromise, according to which the ultra-Orthodox parties would agree to the amendments, but the number of recruits will be determined by the government instead of the parliament. Netanyahu said that "my proposal is based on the principles that the army has established, and there is no reason to reject it." The ultra-Orthodox parties agreed to this proposal on Sunday night, while Lieberman remained in his refusal. The last Israeli general elections took place on April 9, when the right-wing parties, including the Likud led by Netanyahu, won a majority of 65 out of the 120 seats in the Israeli parliament, also known as the Knesset. According to Israeli law, Netanyahu was given 28 days to form his government, after which he was granted an additional two weeks, which will end on Wednesday. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 07:31:35|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close SAN FRANCISCO, May 26 (Xinhua) -- San Francisco Mayor London Breed said Sunday that a proposed housing bond will help fund projects to build affordable housing for those who are in dire need of sheltering. "We have shovel-ready affordable housing projects that are ready to (be) built and just need funding," Breed said in a tweet. The mayor's statement came two days after she announced Friday with President of the Board of Supervisors Norman Yee that they are supporting an increase of 100 million U.S. dollars to their proposed 500 million-dollar affordable housing bond for the November ballot. "This affordable housing bond will help move those projects forward and create the affordable housing we so desperately need," Breed said in the tweet. The bond, which has grown to a total size of 600 million dollars, is the largest affordable housing bond in the city's history. While the bond is pending approval by the Board of Supervisors, city officials hope its passage, which requires a two-thirds majority, could fund the construction of 2,000 affordable housing units in the next four years. Breed said early this month that San Francisco is "in a housing crisis that is pushing out our low- and middle-income residents." "We desperately need more affordable housing, which is why this funding is so important," she added. Those newly built units would be reserved for individuals and families earning below or 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), according to a bond revenue spending plan unveiled by city officials. In 2018, the AMI for a two-person household in San Francisco was 94,700 dollars, showed the data of the the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development. Supervisor Matt Haney said the increased sum of 100 million dollars should be used to build housing for "people who are coming out of mental health and substance abuse treatment" as 44 percent of people who exit residential treatment are released back onto the street. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 08:01:40|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close CHICAGO, May 26 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese music festival featuring China-U.S. friendship will be held at Chicago Symphony Center in downtown Chicago on Sept. 22. More than 1,000 performers from China and the United States, including top tenor and soprano, choir and dancers in traditional Chinese attire will perform at over 110-year old Chicago Symphony Center, according to the organizers. Chinese tenor Fan Jingma will for the first time come to Chicago to present some classic music at the festival. Local American Chinese tenor Tong Tao and his wife Liao Dan, a soprano, will sing together for the first time at the symphony center. Los Angeles-based soprano Julia Metzler will also perform at the festival. In 2017, she was invited to sing on CCTV for China's Lunar New Year Gala - the most widely watched television broadcast in the world. The Chinese music festival this year will follow the same theme last year: "Understanding, Communication, Friendship," aiming to celebrate the 40th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic ties. This is the third time for Chinese community to hold Chinese music festival in Chicago. On Sept. 16, 2018, more than 30 theater troupes and 1,000 performers from U.S. Midwest and China staged a Chinese concert at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park in downtown Chicago. More than 10,000 people, including Chinese nationals and Americans, watched the performance. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 09:32:01|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Scapegoating China for its trade imbalance and even some of its domestic economic issues, the United States is attempting to squeeze an unequal trade deal out of China, using measures such as tariff hikes and targeting its tech companies. The United States' unilateral and protectionist act has unnerved the wider international community, as many are concerned that a trade war between the world's two largest economies would hit the brakes on the already slow global economic growth. It is the 21st century. The days are long over when China could be easily coerced into accepting an unequal treaty. After 70 years of development, especially four decades of rapid growth, China now has the right toolkit to face U.S. trade bullying, and also the strength to seal a deal on equal terms that can benefit both parties. The trade hawks in Washington should not count on their maximum pressure tactic to bring China down to its knees. On the contrary, it will only speed up China's technology innovation to eventually achieve technological independence. China never wants to fight a war of any kind with the United States. It has repeatedly called on the United States to change its course and meet the Chinese side halfway to reach a mutually beneficial deal. Beijing has not backtracked on its commitments, as the White House has accused it of doing. One can see clearly that it is Washington that has been flip-flopping all along after reviewing the past 11 rounds of trade talks. The two sides have reached consensus on trade and issued a joint statement on ending trade frictions in Washington in May last year. However, Washington has abandoned the agreement. Seven months later, the two sides reached consensus on the value of China's purchases from the United States, but in the following talks the U.S. side once again rejected the deal. Earlier this month, Washington decided to raise additional tariffs on 200 billion U.S. dollars' worth of Chinese goods from 10 percent to 25 percent, on the eve of the latest round of trade talks. However, the Chinese delegation still flew to Washington for the trade consultations. Such responsible actions on Beijing's part demonstrate China's utmost sincerity and the good will to close the gaps between the two sides. The United States' habit of blackmailing is also sending a clear message to the world: It will crush anyone it sees as a potential challenger to its hegemony, like what it did to Japan in the 1980s. Moreover, in this highly-interconnected world economy, Washington's trade bullyism has threatened to disrupt the global supply chains, which will have far-reaching repercussions on confidence in collaboration and cooperation. China is clear about the United States' intentions and well-prepared for any potential challenges. U.S. hawks should abandon their Cold War mentality, return to reason and show sincerity in their trade negotiations with China. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 09:37:09|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close SAO PAULO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Clashes among prisoners in Brazil have left at least 15 people dead in Amazonas state in northern Brazil on Sunday, said the regional authority. According to the prison authority, the clashes broke out at around 11:00 am (1500 GMT) during visiting hours at the facility. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 10:07:28|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close GUIYANG, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in a boat accident in southwest China's Guizhou Province Thursday has risen to 13 after rescuers recovered all the bodies over the weekend, local authorities said Monday. The Zhenfeng county government said that there were 29 people on board, when the boat capsized at 6:30 p.m. Thursday on the Beipan River. Sixteen of them were rescued. The owner of the boat, who is among the survivors, has been held by police. The case is still under investigation. The boat is for agricultural use. The provincial government on Friday ordered a thorough check on water traffic safety in the province. The inspection focused on passenger-intensive routes, ferries, ports, docks and water-related tourist attractions. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 10:27:38|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close YANGON, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi will pay an official visit to the Czech Republic and Hungary soon, state media said Monday quoting an official announcement. Aung San Suu Kyi will visit Czech Republic at the invitation of Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis. During the visit, the two leaders are expected to focus their talks on bilateral relations and cooperation, and trade and investment. Following her visit to the Czech Republic, Aung San Suu Kyi will proceed to Hungary for a working visit, the announcement added. As then opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi visited both the Czech Republic and Hungary in 2013. MISA music festival to enliven Shanghai By:Zheng Qian | From:english.eastday.com | 2019-05-27 09:51 A news conference announcing the opening of the 2019 Music in the Summer Air (MISA) festival was held in Shanghai on May 22. Founded by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, MISA 2019 will hold a total of 23 performances from July 2 to 15. People will have the opportunity to enjoy the musical feast presented by four professional symphony orchestras, six famed music bands and more than 20 soloists. Apart from regular performers like the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and the Colin Curri percussion ensemble, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the core group of the Henry Wood Promenade Concerts (aka The Proms) will debut on the MISA stage. And the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra is planning to start a global tour after the conclusion of MISA and perform for the first time at the Proms. Besides classical repertoires of Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorak and Tchaikovsky, some new works are sheduled to premiere on the stage. For instance, Xocolatl by Raymond Yiu, a Hong-Kong born London-based composer, will have its global debut at the concert performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Moreover, MISA is a platform for collectively performing global pioneer works in China. The Colin Curri percussion ensemble will again perform for Shanghai people the musical works of Steve Reich, a minimal music pioneer, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra will stage Folk Songs created by the Italian pioneer composer Luciano Berio. This year marks the 140th anniversary of the establishment of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and the 10th anniversary of the birth of MISA. Over the past decade, the organizers of MISA have been expanding the repertoire of the festival to include content other than classical performances. Moreover, the relationship between music and human, especially the youth has been conveyed through music. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 10:42:59|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close RIO DE JANEIRO, May 26 (Xinhua) -- A prison conflict in northern Brazil left 15 dead on Sunday, local authorities confirmed. According to the authorities, the incident occurred at the Anisio Jobim Prison Complex in the Amazon Rainforest region. It was not a prison riot, authorities said, but a fight between inmates during visit hours. "There had never been deaths during visiting hours. Some inmates died in their locked cells. The crimes were committed in front of inmates' families," said Marcos Vinicius Almeida, head of the Prison Administration Secretariat. According to Almeida, the victims were killed by strangulation or stabbed with toothbrushes. No prison wardens were injured during the incident. The motives for the fight were so far unknown but an investigation will be started. According to the authorities, the cameras in the prison have captured the process. The Anisio Jobim Prison Complex is the very jail where, in early 2017, a riot resulted in the deaths of 56 people, many of whom were decapitated. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 11:03:10|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close KUWAIT CITY, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. slapping of additional tariffs on Chinese imports is typical economic bullying and will not last, said a Kuwaiti economy expert. The tariff hikes could inevitably damage the economy of both countries, Abdullah Al-Salloum told Xinhua in a recent exclusive interview. Sectors to be affected are those directly included in the new tariffs as well as those related, added the economist. The American economic bullying, he said, also has clear impact on the global economy, with the Middle East to be negatively affected. In the name of protecting domestic industries, the United States has placed steep tariffs on billions of U.S. dollars' worth of products from its major partners, including the EU, Canada, China and Japan, raising trade tensions around the world and shaking the foundation of the global trading system. In the latest flare-up of its trade tensions with China, Washington increased additional tariffs on 200 billion U.S. dollars' worth of Chinese imports from 10 percent to 25 percent earlier this month, and threatened to raise tariffs on more Chinese imports. In response, China has announced that it will raise additional tariffs on a range of U.S. imports from June 1 and "will fight to the end." Beijing said its response is aimed not only at safeguarding its own rightful interests, but also safeguarding the norms of international relations and protecting the free trade system. "I believe that China is capable of overcoming this crisis through its economic and political decisions at the current and future stage," said the Kuwaiti economist. Salloum added that globalization has created a clear perception among entrepreneurs that China is a safe place for production, especially as production standards have been improved in the country and Chinese products are no longer seen as second-class. Citing Apple -- whose products are designed in California and assembled in China -- as an example, he pointed out that China has become the first destination of big production in all countries of the world. "This is due to Chinese R&D (research and development), and the confidence of the U.S. market to move its factories to it," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 11:08:18|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Passengers take a driverless train of the newly-opened Sydney Metro Northwest at Chatswood Station in Sydney, Australia, May 26, 2019. Sydney's new driverless northwest Metro opened on Sunday. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei) SYDNEY, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Sydney's brand new driverless metro service has suffered an embarrassing mishap on its first day of operation, overshooting a platform and having to reverse before passengers could board. Trains officially began running on Sunday with passengers offered a free day of travel to celebrate completion of the project, which came in on time and close to 700 million U.S. dollars under budget. However, some passengers were left frustrated when one of the trains overshot a crowded platform, taking several minutes to reverse and open its doors. Making the issue worse, wait times were already inflated due to the 100,000 people who turned out to try the service for the first time. In an interview on morning television on Monday, State Premier Gladys Berejiklian described the incident as a "small glitch," and said that otherwise things ran smoothly. "You'd expect in the first few weeks and even months that it won't be perfect. We are asking people to be patient and I want to thank everybody for their patience," she told Channel Nine. The new metro service links a number of Sydney's outer suburbs with the central business district and is hoped to dramatically reduce travel times for thousands of Australians. "Sydney Metro will forever change how we get around Sydney," New South Wales transport minister Andrew Constance said. "It is a transformational public transport investment on par with the Sydney Harbour Bridge a century ago." Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 11:13:22|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close VIENNA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz is still facing a no-confidence vote though his center-right People's Party (OVP) won a significant victory in the European Parliament elections on Sunday. According to the provisional final result of election, clear winner is the OVP with 35.4 percent of the vote, and far behind it is the Social Democratic Party (SPO) with 23.6 percent. The Freedom Party (FPO) won 18.1 percent of the vote. "We have achieved the best result of all time, the biggest lead of all time over the second-placed party," Kurz told his supporters after the first trend forecast was released. The OVP has expected the result of the European Parliament elections as a "strong vote of confidence for Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, the stability and ability to act," said OVP Secretary-General Karl Nehammer. On Sunday evening, the SPO federal party committee unanimously voted in favor of submitting a parliamentary motion of no-confidence on Monday against Kurz and the entire federal government, local media reported. Party leader of SPO Pamela Rendi-Wagner made some harsh remarks about Kurz earlier on Sunday. "This country can not be a plaything for a single person," she said. If the vote of no-confidence is successful, President Alexander Van der Bellen would have to quickly appoint a transitional chancellor. New elections are planned in September. The motion against Kurz is the result of a government crisis which started on May 17 with the so-called Ibiza video. The secretly produced recording shows former Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache of FPO talking to a supposed Russian investor about party donations that might be illegal and lucrative government contracts. The release of excerpts of the video by two German media outlets led to the resignation of Strache from all political offices and the end of the coalition government of OVP and FPO. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 12:23:58|Editor: mingmei Video Player Close KABUL, May 27 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were wounded after a bomb blast struck a government workers' bus in Afghan capital on Monday, a security official confirmed. "A sticky bomb attached to a mini-bus carrying Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs was detonated in Baraki neighborhood, Police District 2 of the city roughly at 7:45 a.m. local time. The initial information found 10 people aboard the bus were wounded," said a police officer who requested anonymity. More details would be made public later as investigation is underway to find more facts about the incident, the source added. The blast shattered the front part of the bus and all glasses of the vehicle were smashed. Security forces have cordoned off the area for precautionary measures. The wounded were shifted to nearby hospitals by ambulances and police vehicles. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 12:34:03|Editor: mingmei Video Player Close BOGOTA, May 26 (Xinhua) -- One woman was killed in a late-night mudslide in central Colombia on Sunday that destroyed at least 18 homes, local media reported. Heavy rains caused the mudslide in La Palma, a town in central Cundinamarca department where flood waters have inundated mostly one-story homes. "The mudslide was quite large," the head of local risk management, German Ribero, told reporters. Local residents said they were awakened by what sounded like a thunderclap, followed by ground shaking. Power outages followed right away. "We were sleeping ... there was no time to take anything out. Everything was left behind, even my chicken and my cat," one elderly woman told the Caracol News network. More victims were possible as authorities were verifying other information, Ribero said, adding that some 15 families have been evacuated as a precaution. Cundinamarca's Governor Jorge Rey said the homeless were being attended to, and would receive more humanitarian aid. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 13:04:20|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close TOKYO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The leaders of Japan and the United States underscored the importance of the two countries' alliance at the outset of talks in Tokyo on Monday. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the beginning of talks with U.S. President Donald Trump said that, "I hope to make this visit by Mr. and Mrs. Trump something befitting the opening of a new era, Reiwa." He wants to make this an opportunity to clearly demonstrate that the bonds of the Japan-U.S. alliance continues to be firm in the Reiwa era, the Japanese leader added. For Trump's part, he said that he had a good relationship with his Japanese counterpart and that relations with Japan are the best they have been. "We understand each other very well, we're very committed to each other as nations," Trump said. "So we have a situation where we have the best relationship that we've ever had with Japan, and we're going to keep it that way," the U.S. leader said. In terms of trade, Trump said, "I think we will be announcing some things probably in August that will be very good for both countries." His remarks were made in reference to the United States' trade deficit with Japan, which Trump described as a "tremendous imbalance." In the talks ahead, and through his four-day state visit through Tuesday, Trump said that issues of military, trade and those pertaining to the Korean Peninsula had and would be focused on. In terms of rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, Trump said that he believes that Iran is open to talks and that he is also willing to hold talks with Tehran on the situation. Earlier Monday, Trump became the first head of state to meet Japan's new Emperor Naruhito who ascended the throne at the beginning of May. Trump and First Lady Melania were welcomed at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. In the evening, the Trumps will attend a state banquet at the palace hosted by the imperial couple. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 13:34:31|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close HO CHI MINH CITY, May 27 (Xinhua) -- African swine fever (ASF) has hit more southern and northern provinces of Vietnam over the past few weeks, local media reported on Monday. According to results of tests announced on Sunday, a herd of 55 pigs raised by a household in My Xuyen district, southern Soc Trang province were infected with the ASF virus, so the province has become the latest Vietnamese locality stricken by the animal disease, daily newspaper Tuoi Tre (Youth) quoted the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as reporting. Local agencies have organized the culling of all of the pigs, and set up more quarantine checkpoints along main roads going through Soc Trang. Dozens of pigs infected with ASF were culled on May 20 in Quang Binh district, northern Ha Giang province, Vietnam News Agency quoted the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as reporting. Since the first outbreak in northern Hung Yen province in February, ASF has been detected in 2,904 communes in 42 cities and provinces, with 1.7 million pigs culled, or over 5 percent of Vietnam's pigs, Vietnam News Agency reported on Monday. Bach Duc Luu, deputy director of the Animal Health Department under the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that since ASF was first discovered in the southern region, Hau Giang province, in April, the disease has so far spread to eight southern provinces, and 4,840 pigs, or nearly 0.1 percent of all pigs in the regions, have been culled. Southern Vietnam has nearly 6.5 million pigs, or 23 percent of the country's total. There are 3,514 pig farms, only 459 of which are considered safe from the disease. Many individual households with pig farms are located near accommodations, making it more difficult to prevent the spread. Many farmers in the south are still not fully aware of the dangers of ASF and have not applied bio-security measures. Some farmers have tried to treat the disease themselves or have discarded pig carcasses in rivers, canals or garbage dumps. Without stronger preventive measures, "the most dangerous outbreak that the husbandry industry has faced so far" may spread to all 63 localities in Vietnam, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong said. ASF is a severe viral disease affecting domestic and wild boars which can be spread by live or dead pigs and pork products, the World Organization for Animal Health said, noting that the ASF virus is harmless to human, but causes hemorrhagic fever in pigs and wild boars that is almost fatal. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 13:34:37|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close NANJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Experts from health authorities are investigating a Hepatitis C infection case involving 69 dialysis patients in a hospital in Dongtai, east China's Jiangsu Province, sources with the press office of the municipal government said Monday. The inspection team composed of experts from China's National Health Commission said a blood purification center that is affiliated to the Dongtai People's Hospital was responsible for the contamination during hemodialysis treatment of patients. An initial investigation indicated that lax management of the hospital was to blame for the infection. Based on the investigation, the Party chief, the president and a vice president of the hospital were removed from their posts. A number of medical workers responsible for the infection have also been punished. The patients are receiving special medical therapy from an expert team. Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV) that primarily affects the liver. During the initial infection, people often have mild or no symptoms, but over many years, it often leads to liver disease and occasionally cirrhosis. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 13:44:52|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close NEW DELHI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- An activist of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was shot dead by unknown gunmen in eastern Indian state of West Bengal, police said Monday. The 36-year-old Chandan Sau was attacked Sunday night in Bhatpara area of North 24 Parganas, about 33 km east of Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal. "Last night a person identified as Chandan Sau was fired upon from a point-blank range. Though he was rushed to the Bhatpara state general hospital but doctors there declared him brought dead," a police official said, adding "Sau was returning home and intercepted by four men, who came on two motorbikes." The death was reported a day after post-poll clashes erupted across West Bengal. The state witnessed large-scale violence following confrontation between the workers of ruling Trinamool Congress and BJP. According to police a case was registered and an investigation was ordered into the killing. "We have started an investigation and assailants are yet to be identified," the police official said. In this year's general elections, the BJP significantly improved its performance in West Bengal by bagging 18 out of the 42 parliamentary Lok Sabha seats. Trinamool Congress won 22 seats. In the last general elections BJP had just two seats in West Bengal. On Saturday, a close aide of BJP leader Smriti Irani was shot dead by unknown gunmen in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Irani, the newly elected BJP lawmaker, defeated Congress party president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi constituency of Uttar Pradesh in the general elections. BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi registered a victory by winning 303 seats at its own, and together with its allies for National Democratic Alliance (NDA) it has strength of 353 lawmakers out of the total 542 in Indian parliament. Kathmandu, May 27 United States Ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry has begun a controversial interaction series on Twitter despite an expressed objection of the host government. In the first part of the series, Ambassador Berry on Monday responded to a question asked by a Nepali student named Prachi. Berry has posted a 34 second video of the question answer on his Twitter. The US offers >4000 high quality colleges & universities & Nepali students are studying in the US at record numbers, so it is no surprise I am asked about #studyintheus & student visas almost everywhere I go. Prachi asks a question many are curious about in this #GuffGaff video. pic.twitter.com/zHHLQ7KKJI Ambassador Randy Berry (@USAmbNepal) May 27, 2019 The envoy had made the announcement about the programme on Twitter exactly one week ago. I really enjoy interacting with you all on social media, but I realized that I will probably never meet all 4 million of our @USEmbassyNepal social media followersso I am beginning to hear from & answer questions from you all. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/AGUaxki9eq Ambassador Randy Berry (@USAmbNepal) May 20, 2019 Following the announcement, members of the public and some experts had objected to the plan arguing it was against the diplomatic etiquette. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had also expressed its concerns and summoned the envoy for a clarification. Some media reports claimed that the government had urged Berry to cancel the plan. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 13:44:57|Editor: ZX Video Player Close Members of the scientific expedition checks the remote operated vehicle (ROV), Discovery, before it dives into the sea in the south of the Mariana Trench, May 27, 2019. China's research vessel KEXUE (Science) on Monday started to explore a series of seamounts in the south of the Mariana Trench, the deepest place of the earth. The remote operated vehicle (ROV), Discovery, dived into the sea on Monday morning to collect videos, information and samples from a small seamount in the southwest of the targeted area. (Xinhua/Zhang Xudong) ABOARD KEXUE, May 27 (Xinhua) -- China's research vessel KEXUE (Science) on Monday started to explore a series of seamounts in the south of the Mariana Trench, the deepest place of the earth. The remote operated vehicle (ROV), Discovery, dived into the sea on Monday morning to collect videos, information and samples from a small seamount in the southwest of the targeted area. Scientists planed to investigate four seamounts in this area, part of the Caroline Ridge in the western Pacific Ocean, and the largest one is the Caroline Seamount, which KEXUE explored in 2017, said Xu Kuidong, chief scientist aboard the vessel and a researcher of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The other three seamounts have never been explored and their tops are all about 800 meters below the sea surface, Xu said. "We will focus on biological diversities, ecological systems and biological distributions of the four seamounts, trying to find out the differences and the driving factors," Xu said. KEXUE, which departed from Qingdao in east China on May 18, will take a 20-day investigation here and is scheduled to go back to Xiamen of China's Fujian Province on June 23. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 14:05:04|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close BANGKOK, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Sunday's by-election in Thailand's Chiang Mai province saw a landslide victory for the Future Forward Party's candidate over an archrival from the Palang Pracharath (power of people's state) Party. According to unofficial results of the contest for an MP seat in Chiang Mai's Constituency 8, Future Forward Party's candidate Srinual Boonlue won over 75,000 votes while Palang Pracharath candidate Nares Thamrongtipayakhun gained about 27,000 votes. Chiang Mai's by-election was held as an aftermath of the handing out of an "orange card" from the Election Commission to Pheu Thai candidate Surapol Kietchaiyakorn who won in the March 24 election, pending a vote-buying case filed against him. However, the Palang Pracharath Party is currently acting as the core of a coalition government with Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as its head while the Future Forward Party is very likely being in the opposition bloc in parliament. So are the Pheu (for) Thai Party and several others which have manifested an anti-Prayut standpoint. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 14:10:08|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close KABUL, May 27 (Xinhua) -- About 2,768 newly graduated Afghan officers and soldiers joined the country's national army on Monday, an army source said. "The graduates received their certificates during a ceremony at Kabul Military Training Center (KMTC) Monday morning," the KMTC spokesman Capt. Barat Ali Rizae told Xinhua. Newly graduates have received a three-month training period at the KMTC in eastern Kabul, he said, adding that they would be deployed to the countryside. The latest graduation came as daily violence and clashes have been continuing in the country. The graduation will boost the capacity of the Afghan army and enable the security forces to further check subversive activities across the country, Rizae said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 14:10:12|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close HANOI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam has attracted foreign investment of 16.74 billion U.S. dollars so far this year, the largest five-month inflow since 2016, witnessing a year-on-year rise of 69.1 percent, according to Vietnam's Foreign Investment Agency. Specifically, Vietnam licensed 1,363 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with total registered capital of nearly 6.5 billion U.S. dollars, and saw 505 operational FDI projects raise their capital by more than 2.6 billion U.S. dollars, Vietnam News Agency reported on Monday, citing the Foreign Investment Agency. Between January and May, foreign investors also spent 7.65 billion U.S. dollars buying shares or contributing capital to Vietnamese firms. Among foreign capital, 72 percent were poured into the processing and manufacturing sector, 7.5 percent into the real estate sector, and 5 percent into retail and wholesale sector, according to the Foreign Investment Agency. China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was Vietnam's largest source of FDI in the five-month period with 5.08 billion U.S. dollars, accounting for about 30.3 percent of total investment, followed by South Korea and Singapore with 2.62 billion U.S. dollars and 2.09 billion U.S. dollars, respectively. The capital city of Hanoi retained its crown as the most attractive destination for foreign investors with 4.79 billion U.S. dollars, making up 28.6 percent of the nation's total investment in the period. As of May 20, Vietnam is home to 28,632 valid FDI projects with total registered capital of 350.5 billion U.S. dollars. Meanwhile, the total disbursed capital had reached 198.7 billion U.S. dollars, equivalent to 56.7 percent of the total pledged investment, said the Foreign Investment Agency. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 14:15:17|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close LISBON, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Portugal's Socialist Party (PS) won the European elections on Sunday, according to the official data of the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Internal Administration released here. Garnering 33.38 percent of the vote, the Socialist Party was followed by Social Democratic Party (PSD) with 21.94 percent and the Left Bloc (BE) with 9.82 percent, showed the data. The abstention rate of the elections stood at 68.59 percent, the highest ever in the southern European country, compared with 66.09 percent in the last elections in 2014. However, the European Union's (EU) participation rate in its 28 member states this year stands at 50.5 percent, the highest in the last 20 years and eight points above the previous votes, according to the European parliament. The participation rate in the European elections this year exceeds the symbolic barrier of 50 percent and is about eight points higher than 42.6 percent registered five years ago. Antonio Costa, Portuguese prime minister and secretary general of the PS, said that the rate of abstention in Portugal requires a reflection on what should be changed in the next five years so that the Portuguese could "feel part of the European project." "I want to express my respect for those who did not vote," he told his supporters after winning the elections. "This is the mandate that we will continue to fulfill, to grow and with certain accounts," the prime minister said. Commenting on the high rate of abstention, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said that choosing not to choose is also a legitimate option and that the votes show "a clear pro-European majority." Around 10.7 million voters on Sunday were to elect the 21 Portuguese members of the European Parliament in an election which 17 parties and coalitions competed. The votes to elect the new 751-member EU assembly were held in each of the 28 current EU member states between May 23 and 26, with 427 million eligible voters across the continent. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 14:20:19|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) announced Monday that it would levy provisional anti-dumping duties on phenol imported from the United States, the European Union, the Republic of Korea, Japan and Thailand. After a preliminary investigation that started in March last year, the MOC determined that phenol imports from the regions had caused substantial damage to the domestic industry. Importers of the product must place deposits with Chinese customs calculated according to the dumping margins, which ranged between 11.9 percent to 129.6 percent, according to the MOC. Phenol is an aromatic organic compound used as a pharmaceutical preservative and in dilution. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 14:25:21|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close GUIYANG, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Ten years after U.S. tech giant Apple Inc launched its App Store, the number of Chinese developers tops 2.2 million, and they have become a leading force in app development, said Apple's China chief. "Chinese app developers are leading the world in terms of app downloads and revenue, and have grown to be a very admirable community of innovators," Isabel Ge Mahe (Ge Yue), Apple's vice president and managing director of Greater China, told Xinhua on the sideline of the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2019 that opened in southwest China's Guiyang, Guizhou Province, on Sunday. "Through Apple's App Store, their products have entered the global stage and many of them have become successful cases internationally." She citied the global success of short video sharing app TikTok, also known as Douyin in China, and the apps developed by China's Palace Museum, as examples of China's innovative ability. TikTok has 75 language versions and is liked by users from over 150 countries and regions, while the 11 apps developed by the Palace Museum have been downloaded by over 5 million users across the world. She said Apple's China team had taken a series of steps to encourage home-grown apps to go global, and used its experience and resources to help promote them to the global market. "In the area of mobile Internet, China has become a spotlight of the world," Ge said. "We are proud to make our contributions to China in this digital age and work with Chinese partners for innovative development in the industry." Apple has launched four R&D centers in the Chinese cities of Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Suzhou, employing a total of over 1,000 people dedicated to innovation in hardware, software and services, Ge said. The Apple China chief also hailed the smooth progress of the construction of Apple's first China data center in Guiyang, adding that Apple had received tremendous support from the local government in the project. Jointly built by Apple and Guizhou-Cloud Big Data Company, the Guizhou facility, with a budget of 1 billion U.S. dollars, began construction in March. It will be Apple's third after the data centers in the United States and Denmark. From Feb. 28 last year, Apple's iCloud services on the Chinese mainland started to be operated by Guizhou-Cloud Big Data Company, a move Ge said helped provide better services for Chinese Apple users. She reiterated Apple's long-time commitment in protecting users' privacy and data security. "There is absolutely no so-called backdoor in Apple products," said Ge. "Protecting privacy is our top priority in designing Apple products and services." Apple has also been an active promoter of using digital technology in bridging the gap in educational resources and aiding China's fight against poverty, according to Ge. In 2018, Apple launched a program to provide digitalized pre-school and vocational education to students in less developed areas in China, with a donation of 25 million yuan (3.7 million U.S. dollars) to the China Development Research Foundation. "We firmly believe that education is the best way to improve people's livelihoods and tackle inequalities in development," Ge said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 14:35:24|Editor: ZX Video Player Close Armenian President Armen Sarkissian (L) meets with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Yerevan, Armenia on May 26, 2019. (Xinhua/Wei Zhongjie) YEREVAN, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Armenian President Armen Sarkissian said Sunday that Chinese enterprises including tech giant Huawei are welcome to participate in Armenia's construction and to work for common development in the high-tech sector. At a meeting with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Sarkissian said Armenia is willing to step up cooperation with China in traditional areas of logistics, mining and infrastructure construction. Armenia admires China's development achievements, and the Armenian people firmly support strengthening relations with China, Sarkissian said. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a great idea that will grow into a world-changing project, Sarkissian said, adding that Armenia is ready to actively participate in the initiative as an indispensable partner. Armenia has confidence in the prospects of Armenia-China relations and bilateral cooperation, Sarkissian added. Hailing the healthy and stable development of China-Armenia ties, Wang said China will continue to encourage its enterprises to invest in Armenia and promote bilateral cooperation in various sectors to a higher level. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, during a separate meeting with Wang, also said that he welcomes more Chinese investment so as to boost his country's development in high-tech and infrastructure construction for mutual benefits. Pashinyan said Armenia resolutely adheres to the one-China policy, supports China's just stance and proposals in the international arena, and will continue to actively participate in the China-proposed BRI as well as exchanges of between different civilizations. For his part, Wang said China and Armenia should strengthen practical cooperation in industrial capacity, high-tech and infrastructure construction within the BRI framework. Both sides should also enhance cooperation in security, counter-terrorism and the fight against extremism so as to promote exchanges between civilizations with concrete actions and strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 15:05:38|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close RIGA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Latvia's ruling center-right New Unity party has emerged as the winner of this year's European Parliament election, gaining 26.24 percent of the vote, according to preliminary results announced at midnight by the Baltic country's election authority. The Central Election Commission informed that voter turnout in elections on Saturday reached 33.6 percent, which was higher than the previous European Parliament elections in 2014. Two of Latvia's eight mandates in the European Parliament are going to New Unity members -- current European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis and veteran Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Sandra Kalniete. The opposition left-wing Harmony party, which took second place with 17.45 percent, will be represented in the EU legislature by former Riga Mayor Nils Usakovs and his former deputy Andris Ameriks. Long-standing MEP Roberts Zile and Latvia's current Culture Minister Dace Melbarde, meanwhile, have been elected to the European Parliament on the ticket of the right-wing National Alliance, which finished third with 16.4 percent of the vote. Commenting on the election results to the media, political scientist Lelde Metla-Rozentale highlighted the success of New Unity party, which has "risen like Phoenix from ashes" after comparatively modest performance in last year's parliamentary election. The expert also attributed the comparative success of the National Alliance to the unchanging loyalty of its electorate. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 15:10:40|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close by Fone Ying Kyu YANGON, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Yangon regional government on Sunday honored conservationists for their work in wild elephant conservation which resulted in no killing of wild elephants during 2018, according to the regional government. The certificates of honor were presented by Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo MIn Thein to the awarded conservationists. According to statistics, during the eight-year period from 2010 to 2018, a total of 227 elephants died across the country, of which 124 were killed by poachers. In August 2018, Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi selected an elephant conservationist named U Kyaw Myint Tun for a particular month's gratitude honor to the people for actively participating in wild elephant protection and conservation works. Joining hands with the authorities in protecting and conserving wild elephants from being killed and exposing the poachers, U Kyaw Myint Tun was also presented as Hero of Elephant Conservation by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Friends of Wildlife (FOW) and was honored with some awards. Due to Myint Tun's active cooperation with the government, two poachers were caught in 2016 with arms used to poach wild elephants and four flintlock guns and materials used to kill elephants were seized in 2017. Meanwhile, aiming to raise people's awareness on the protection and conservation of wildlife as well as on eradicating illegal wildlife trade, Myanmar's first elephant museum, funded by WWF, was opened in Yangon in March this year to mark the World Wildlife Day. Educational materials and messages are showcased in both Myanmar and English language for the public to know the importance of elephants, threats they are facing and how to take measures to protect the country's wild and domesticated elephants. In the same year, a voluntary group, Green Life, was also selected by Aung San Suu Kyi for her another monthly gratitude honor to the public for their outstanding environmental conservation undertakings and social development promotion. Green Life, a community-based organization in Depeyin Kwe village in northwestern Sagaing region made up of 280 youths, used to conduct environment cleaning campaigns twice a month covering the whole village. According to the "Gratitude Letter to the People" of the Office of the State Counselor, the voluntary group has made sure that gunny sacks are available in every house and large plastic trash bins are situated at every street corner. Because of their endeavors in educating the community on waste management, the entire village was then actively involved in their own waste disposal system and were supporting it with donation, the letter said, adding that the Green Life members are spreading their services and awareness raising campaigns to seven neighboring villages. The letter called on every community across the country to follow the outstanding example set out by the voluntary group, saying that despite being based in a small village, their tenacity, knowledge, enthusiasm and kindness allowed them to reach new heights. Green Life was formed in 2011 to preserve the natural environment and promote social development and since then they have been conducting proper waste disposal and transportation of waste products. Green Life has adopted a motto "Beat Plastic Pollution" with each of its members knowledgeable about the consequences of plastic pollution, actively raising awareness, educating the public on the pollution and having everyone included in society in their environment cleaning campaigns. 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 Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 15:25:51|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close JALALABAD, Afghanistan, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Government forces have killed nine fighters affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) group including one of their local leaders, in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar, a local official said Monday. Late on Sunday night, the Units of Special Force of the National Directorate of Security, or the country's counter-intelligence agency, targeted a hideout of the IS network in Chaparhar district, killing nine insurgents including Belal, a notorious local leader of ISD the hardliner IS outfit on the spot, district governor Mohammad Seddiq Dawlatzai said. The militants' main base was also destroyed and huge amount of light and heavy arms and ammunitions confiscated during the operation, Dawlatzai said. Militants affiliated with the IS group are yet to make comment. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 15:46:03|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close GARDEZ, Afghanistan, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Up to four Afghan police officers were killed and four others wounded after Taliban militants stormed a security checkpoint in eastern province of Paktia overnight, local police said Monday. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 16:11:24|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close LOS ANGELES, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Shark warning signs were posted Sunday after a California man was killed in a shark attack a day earlier in the U.S. state of Hawaii, according to local media reports. The 65-year-old was swimming about 60 yards (55 m) from the shore of the Ka'anapali Beach Park on Maui island Saturday morning when the shark attacked, the authorities said. First responders rescued the man, identified as Thomas Smiley from California, and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but he was "unresponsive," according to the authorities. It was Hawaii's first fatal shark attack since 2015, when a snorkeler off Maui was killed, according to local media reports. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 16:21:35|Editor: ZX Video Player Close GUANGZHOU, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Japanese automotive supplier Denso Corp. will invest no less than 2 billion yuan (290.3 million U.S. dollars) to build a plant in Nansha District of Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, sources with the district said Monday. Covering about 100,000 square meters, the plant will consist of auto parts manufacturing workshops, a quality monitoring center, and warehousing and distribution center to produce auto electronic components upon completion, according to an agreement signed between the management committee of the Guangzhou Nansha economic and technological development zone and Denso (Guang Zhou Nansha) Co. Ltd. The construction on the project, located in Huangge Township, will start on June 28. It is expected to become operational in 2021 and achieve mass production in 2022. Yoshitaka Kajita, president of Denso(China) Investment Co. Ltd., said that despite the recent decline in China's vehicle market, China was still a very large and important market in the medium and long term. Therefore, the company had decided to invest more in Nansha District to meet the needs of the market and customers. The new plant will expand its capacity and focus on designing new products for the development of new energy vehicles and intelligent network vehicles. Cai Chaolin, Party chief of the Nansha District, said that in recent years the automobile industry has developed to be one of the pillar industries of Nansha District, with total output value of automobile manufacturing and related industries exceeding 100 billion yuan. The district government will fully support the new plant project, Cai said. Denso is a world-renowned automotive parts and systems supplier. Its subsidiary Denso (Guang Zhou Nansha) Co. Ltd., was established in 2004 in Nansha District of Guangzhou, mainly engaged in the production and management of engine control systems, filters, horns, chassis control systems and equipment, and molds. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 17:12:07|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close HANOI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Van Don International Airport in Vietnam's northern Quang Ninh province, the country's first privately-owned airport, received a flight from China as its first international flight on Monday. The flight departed from Bao'an International Airport in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, on Sunday night, Vietnam News Agency reported on Monday. The air route connecting Van Don and Shenzhen is in line with the airport's strategy to explore international markets, especially populous ones in Asia such as China, Thailand, South Korea and Japan, according to Pham Van Sau, director of Van Don International Airport. In June, the airport will operate new routes between Van Don and some cities in China and South Korea, he said, adding that it will welcome more international flights from Japan and Thailand later this year. After five months in operation, the airport has welcomed over 90,000 passengers on 664 flights of three domestic carriers, namely Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways. The airport is expected to have annual capacity of receiving 2-2.5 million passengers by 2020, and 5 million passengers by 2030. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 17:27:21|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close CANBERRA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Eight life-size Terracotta Warriors from China are among the works shown in the National Gallery of Victoria, in a rare exhibition launched in Melbourne. The exhibition, "Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality | Cai Guo-Qiang: The Transient Landscape", runs from May 24 to October 13. It offers a new perspective on Chinese traditional culture with more than 160 works, among which the Qin Emperor's Terracotta Warriors, discovered in 1974 in China's northwestern Shaanxi province, was widely described as the eighth wonder of the world. The exhibition features eight warrior figures and two life-size horses from the Imperial Army, as well as two half-size replica bronze chariots, each drawn by four horses. Presented in parallel, the artworks by contemporary artist Cai Guoqiang give visitors a glimpse of Chinese art nowadays. Created especially for this exhibition, highlight works include the monumental installation of 10,000 suspended porcelain birds. Spiraling over visitors' heads, the birds create a three-dimensional impression of a calligraphic drawing of the sacred Mount Li, the site of the ancient tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shihuang, and his warriors. Cheng Jingye, Chinese Ambassador to Australia, said on the Preview Ceremony that the exhibition represents another highlight in this year's China-Australia cultural and arts exchange. "I know that the Terracotta Warriors are very familiar with their way to Australia," he said. "In 1982, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia, Australia was chosen as the destination for the first ever overseas tour of the Terracotta Warriors. At that time, the Terracotta Warriors traveled to six capital cities. In 2010, they were once again on display in the Art Gallery of New South Wales." He noted that the Terracotta Warriors come from Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province, where the ancient Silk Road started more than 2,000 years ago. While the ancient Silk Road built up the bridge for exchanges between the East and the West, the Belt and Road Initiative was put forward in 2013 to achieve common development through a global partnership of connectivity. Last year, Australia's Victorian Government joined the Belt and Road Initiative. "I really look forward to the early outcomes of collaboration between China and Victoria in this regard," said the ambassador. "I strongly believe that the existing exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, education and culture between China and Victoria will make even greater progress in the future." Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 17:57:45|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close HARARE, May 27 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people died at a mine in Mazowe, about 40 km north of Harare, after a mine shaft they were working in collapsed following an explosion, the information department in the Zimbabwean government said Monday. The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services posted on Twitter that the incident involved illegal miners. "Government received tragic news of a mining incident at Jumbo Mine in Mazowe. Information at hand indicates that some people engaged in unauthorized mining exploded dynamite in one shaft causing a collapse in an adjacent shaft." "Eight bodies have been recovered so far. Investigations (are) underway," the ministry said. Zimbabwe in February suffered one of its worst mining disasters in recent years when 28 miners died in Kadoma after their mine shafts were flooded following heavy rains. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 18:07:52|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close CHICAGO, May 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. universities will continue to be committed to China, said Brad Farnsworth, a senior executive of a leading U.S. education association. Farnsworth, vice president of American Council on Education (ACE)'s Center for Internationalization and Global Engagement, made the remarks in response to the difficulties certain Chinese students and scholars have recently encountered when they applied for U.S. visas. "We are definitely seeing a longer time to approve visas, and this has been documented. We have solid evidence to show that the length of time that it takes to approve visa is longer than it used to be," Farnsworth said in an interview with Xinhua recently. "It's become more complicated politically," he said. "We've expressed concerns to our government about the slowdown in visa approvals ... We're in a challenging time now, but I don't think anybody's giving up." ACE is a major coordinating body for U.S. colleges and universities, and a membership organization that mobilizes the higher education community to shape effective public policy and foster innovative, high-quality practice. It provides advice to over 1,700 college and university members on international strategy. "We know from our survey research that China's the No. 1 country for establishing partnerships, our universities are saying China's their top priority," said Farnsworth. Statistics tally with ACE's survey. There are over 1 million international students studying in the United States at present, with some 360,000 or one-third from China. International students contributed 42 billion U.S. dollars to the U.S. economy in 2017, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. One third of it would be 14 billion dollars. "It's very substantial," said Farnsworth. "This is a very difficult thing for our institutions because Chinese students have choices. They can go to Australia or New Zealand or to Europe," said Farnsworth. "There are many good universities all over the world." If Chinese students have the impression that it is difficult to get a visa for the United States, maybe they will go to another country, he said. "This is now a global market for international students." Farnsworth said there are many good reasons to have international students beyond the financial one: interaction between international and American students is very valuable for them to develop cultural skills and to learn more about other countries. "When international students graduate, they in many cases go back to their countries and form this really valuable global network that can help the institutions for many years after they graduate," he added. "We want our members to be successful and our members tell us that in order to be successful, they want international students on campus," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 18:07:55|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close CHANGCHUN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese institute has monitored the changes of an exotic plant invasion on China's coasts, with remote sensing technology. Spartina alterniflora, a marsh cordgrass native to gulf coasts in north America, was introduced to China in the 1980s to protect sea coasts. The Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Sciences said the perennial grass had spread to 546 square km by 2015, nearly double that of 1990. Wang Zongming, head of the research team based in northeast China's Jilin Province, said they took six years to build the country's first high-precision Spartina alterniflora invasion database, using remote sensing data. The invasion areas were distributed from Hebei Province in the north to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in the south. Among them, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian provinces and Shanghai Municipality in east China had the largest invasive areas, accounting for 92 percent of the total. Wang said about one-third of the alterniflora invasion occurred in coastal wetlands under China's state protection, threatening native habitats. But the team found that since 2000, Spartina alterniflora in some areas had shrunk due to the influence of human activity such as aquaculture development and infrastructure construction. "The scientific management and sustainable use of Spartina alterniflora needs to be further studied. Based on the database, the team would study the ecological and environmental effects of the changes of alterniflora invasion and make comparative analysis at home and abroad," said Mao Dehua, a researcher with the team. The research paper was published in the latest issue of the international science journal Remote Sensing. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 18:13:03|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close BUENOS AIRES, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government's ban on Huawei could end up hurting U.S. businesses and consumers badly, said an Argentine expert on international relations. Lucas Gualda, a member of the Argentine Council for International Relations, an academic institution, told Xinhua that the decision to limit U.S. companies from doing business with Huawei is not just "unfounded," but also likely to backfire, leading to unintended negative consequences. "This measure could cost it (the United States) dearly, because let's not forget that China is one of the most important markets for Android," the mobile operating system employed by Huawei and developed by U.S. tech giant Google, Gualda said. "In China, there are more than a billion mobile devices. It's truly a very important market," he stressed. The United States cited security concerns to justify the ban, but Gualda sees competition as the main worry keeping Washington up at night. "Huawei is a direct target of the United States because it really represents direct competition for any technology manufacturers in the world," he said. "While it appears to be a threat, it is really an opportunity for China to make a technological leap, (and) to develop its own operating system," said Gualda, who also teaches corporate social responsibility at Maimonides University in Buenos Aires. What's more, China's technological progress can help not only the Asian country to prosper but also its development partners around the globe, owing to Chinese investment in infrastructure and other projects, he said. "Africa has experienced a technological leap," Gualda said. "Today, the continent has seen enormous development in trade and electronic payment thanks to Chinese investment in infrastructure, and Chinese companies." The expert also noted that in general U.S.-China trade tensions are bound to cause "collateral damage" to the United States and other countries. "The consequences of the conflict between the United States and China are global, leading to increased uncertainties in international markets," he said. "What we see is a country that constantly threatens the economic stability of (other) countries it claims to be helping, and a nation that's offering the countries of the South a unique opportunity to achieve economic development," Gualda said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 18:28:15|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close Chinese Premier Li Keqiang holds a welcome ceremony for Vanuatuan Prime Minister Charlot Salwai at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, May 27, 2019. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday held talks with visiting Vanuatuan Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, pledging to strengthen all-round exchanges and cooperation so as to lift bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level. Hailing the constant development of bilateral ties, Li said that the two countries, with mutual respect on equal footing, had always lent support to each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns since the establishment of diplomatic ties 37 years ago. Countries, no matter big or small, should be equal and can achieve mutually beneficial and win-win outcomes through cooperation, Li said, calling on the two countries to tap their respective advantages, strengthen political mutual trust and deepen all-round exchanges and cooperation. "China is willing to better align the Belt and Road Initiative with Vanuatu's development strategies and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as infrastructure, economy and trade, fisheries and tourism," Li said. He pledged to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Vanuatu, expand imports of Vanuatuan products, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and continue to provide necessary help to Vanuatu within its capabilities. "We support Vanuatu's important role in the South Pacific region and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Vanuatu on international and regional issues," Li said, while vowing to support Vanuatu to host the Pacific Islands Forum next year and provide assistance if necessary. Salwai extended his congratulations to the 70th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China, and praised China for its important role in global affairs and economic governance. Vanuatu places high importance on ties with China, Salwai said, adding that bilateral ties were based on mutual trust and win-win cooperation, and his country was firmly committed to the one-China policy, and supported China's efforts in safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity. He expressed gratitude to China's support and assistance to his country, and pledged to deepen inter-governmental and people-to-people exchanges, advance cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure and telecommunication, and promote the development of bilateral ties and ties between China and Pacific island countries. Prior to the talks, Li held a welcoming ceremony for Salwai. The two leaders witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation agreements after the talks, and a joint press communique will be released later. Salwai is paying an official visit to China from May 26 to 31. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 18:28:19|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close BEIRUT, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's state security arrested on Monday two Syrian nationals who are suspected members of terrorist groups, the National News Agency (NNA) reported. According to NNA, the two suspects were arrested in Rashiin, a town in Zgharta, north of Lebanon. Lebanon's state security authorities also arrested last Monday four Syrian nationals for belonging to terrorist groups over charges of attacking the Lebanese army and a police station in Aarsal, northeast of Lebanon, in 2014. Lebanon was targeted several times by terrorist attacks over the past years. The Interior Ministry has announced that Internal Security Forces succeeded in thwarting nine terrorist attacks in 2018. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 19:24:09|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MANILA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressed "deep concern" on Monday over the plight of nearly 2,000 villagers displaced by fighting in the island province of Basilan in the southern Philippines. The ICRC said the villagers have been staying in temporary shelters for over a month after clashes broke out between government security forces and armed extremist groups in Sumisip town. "We are deeply concerned about the effect of prolonged displacement on these families," Piotr Dregiel, head of the ICRC office in Zamboanga City, Basilan. Unable to take care of their farms, Dregiel said these families "struggle to provide for their loved ones." According to the Philippine Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) in Sumisip, around 200 families that fled their homes in April 2019 due to the fighting have been staying in Mangal village. In addition, the MSWDO said almost 190 families displaced to Tumahubong village by intermittent clashes since June 2016 have not yet returned home due to the fear of being caught in the fighting. "Though they received initial assistance from the authorities, they need further support due to their continued displacement," Dregiel said. To address the needs of these 2,000 civilians, the ICRC said its staff delivered assistance on May 25 through the Philippine Red Cross. Each family received 25 kg of rice, one liter of oil, one liter of soy sauce, one kg of sugar, half a kg of salt, 12 tins of sardine that would cater to a family of five for at least 15 days, the ICRC said. "We remind all parties to the conflict about the need to protect civilians and those who are not or no longer participating in the hostilities. They must not be targeted, and their lives and dignity are to be protected at all times," Dregiel said. Basilan Island is the largest and northernmost of the major islands in the Sulu Archipelago, just off the southern coast of the Zamboanga Peninsula. According to the military, Basilan and the outlying islands of Sulu and Taw-Tawi are known hideouts of the Abu Sayyaf, a radical insurgent group in the Philippines that carry out kidnappings, bombings, piracy attacks, and beheadings in western Mindanao. They usually prey on foreign tourists, businessmen and fishermen not only from the Philippines but also from Indonesia and Malaysia. The group acquired worldwide notoriety in the early 1990s when it abducted several European and American tourists in the Philippines and Malaysia. Some of the hostages were beheaded after failing to pay the ransom. Clashes between government security forces and Abu Sayyaf fighters break out on the island almost weekly as military and police intensify their operation to crush the group. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 19:29:17|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close JERUSALEM, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Israel's Supreme Court President Esther Hayut criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, for the intention of the right-wing parties in the parliament (the Knesset) to limit the power of the state's judicial system. In the last general elections, held on April 9, the Likud right-wing party led by Netanyahu and the other right-wing parties won a majority of 65 seats out of 120 in the parliament. These parties declared that they would act for legislation that would allow the parliament to re-enact laws that the supreme court rejected. In addition, they intend to promote an immunity law that will prevent the prosecution of members of Knesset until the end of their term of office. The center-left parties, which won only 55 seats, claim that such laws will harm Israeli democracy, allow corruption by Knesset members, and are intended mainly to save Netanyahu, who is suspected of criminal offenses in three cases. Justice Hayut, who spoke at the annual conference of the Israeli Bar Association in the southern city of Eilat, quoted Netanyahu's remarks made during her swearing-in ceremony in October 2017, according to which "the need for a strong, independent, honest and impartial court must not be changed, and it will not change." Hayut said "since that ceremony, a year and a half has passed, and I ask what has changed during this period, has anything ever happened since justifying a deviation from these important principles? The answer is negative." Hayut added that the negotiations between the parties to form the new government "are characterized by a blatant and unbridled discourse, to the extent that the Israeli judicial authority and judges are described as the enemy of the people." Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 19:34:22|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BANGKOK, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand(TAT) and China's giant mobile payment platform Alipay on Monday signed a letter of intent (LOI) to create additional online services to facilitate Chinese tourist travels in Thailand. Zhang Yong, general-manager of Alipay of Ant Financial Services Group, an affiliate of Alibaba Group Holding, said at a press conference held in Bangkok that Alipay will be offering tourism privileges to members who travel to Thailand, such as discounts on shopping, spas in hotels in the second tier and main tourism provinces. "We (Alipay) and the TAT have both agreed in the LOI that the new mobile application will facilitate Chinese tourists in enjoying services without needing to carry cash while in Thailand," said Zhang Yong, "however, we have not set a definite date yet but it is likely that Alipay will be able to roll out the new service in September." TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said at the press conference that Thailand remains a popular destination amongst Chinese travelers. "I must express my gratitude to the Chinese moive 'Lost in Thailand,' that was released in 2012, which has led to a wave of Chinese tourists visiting the Kingdom," said Yuthasak. The TAT report quoted the China Tourism Academy's 2018 statistics, indicating that 10.5 million Chinese visitors arrived in Thailand, hence having Thailand topping the tourism destinations among Chinese. TAT's press release stated that Alipay is the world's largest mobile and online payment platform with 900 million members. Yuthasak said that earlier in May, TAT and Alipay had agreed to roll out two systems, Zhima and Huabei, to help Alipay members complete visa-on-arrival and immigration procedures, as well as value-added tax (VAT) refunds. The Zhima system allows members to fill in information and submit documents and files through applications for visas on arrival. In theory, Alipay members will not have to wait in a long queue upon arrival in Thailand if they use the app. The Huabei system meanwhile, offers revolving credit lines for Alipay users who need spare cash. The system lets Alipay members top up their credit limit while spending through Alipay in Thailand. The TAT press release said Chinese tourists spent an average of 55,579 baht (1,746 US dollars) per person per trip in 2018, up 5.1 percent year-on-year, generating 586,471 million baht (18.4 million US dollars), an increase of 12.6 percent. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 19:49:29|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close by Eric J. Lyman ROME, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Italy-United States carmaker Fiat-Chrysler said Monday it submitted a proposal to merge with French rival Renault, a move that, if approved, would create the world's third leading manufacturer of automobiles. Fiat-Chrysler said the deal would be a true merger and not a case of one company taking over the other -- shareholders of the two companies would each own half of the combined entity, with most members of the board of directors having no ties to either company. If approved by both sides, the combined company would produce 8.7 million cars per year, and would have a significant presence in every market segment from small and mainstream vehicles to luxury vehicles and trucks. Fiat said the merger plan would not include any plant shutdowns. As separate companies, Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles is the world's eighth largest carmaker, with an annual production of 4.6 million vehicles. Renault is one spot lower in ninth, with an annual production of 4.1 million vehicles. Combined, the companies would jump to third, just ahead of South Korea's Hyundai-Kia and General Motors from the United States, and behind only Japan's Toyota and Volkswagen from Germany. Fiat-Chrysler is itself the product of a major merger, from 2014, when Italy's Fiat merged with Chrysler in the United States. Financial markets applauded the proposed deal, with Fiat-Chrysler shares jumping 20 percent on the Italian Stock Exchange in Milan in early trading Monday. Renault shares, meanwhile, were up 18 percent on the Paris Stock Exchange. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 19:49:31|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close A man casts his ballot at a polling station in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, May 27, 2019. Voting got underway in Madagascar on Monday in a parliamentary election which will elect 151 members of the country's national assembly. In total of 810 candidates are competing for 151 seats at the national assembly, according to the Independent National Election Commission (INEC). Meanwhile, 10,302,194 voters registered in the voter list headed to the polls in 25,388 polling stations throughout the island, the INEC said. (Xinhua/Sitraka Rajaonarison) ANTANANARIVO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Voting got underway in Madagascar on Monday in a parliamentary election which will elect 151 members of the country's national assembly. In total of 810 candidates are competing for 151 seats at the national assembly, according to the Independent National Election Commission (INEC). Meanwhile, 10,302,194 voters registered in the voter list headed to the polls in 25,388 polling stations throughout the island, the INEC said. Polling stations opened at 6:00 a.m. local time and will close at 5:00 p.m. local time. Xinhua correspondents on the spot saw the low turnout of voters compared to the presidential elections held in November. After voting at the ex-agricultural college of Ambatobe in Madagascar's capital Antananarivo, Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina called on voters to fulfils their civic duty. "I am ready to work with all those who aspire to the development of the country", he said. The INEC president Hery Rakotomanana called also voters to perform their duty of citizen and vote in peace. He also asked all candidates to follow closely the election and to wait in calm the results of the votes. According to the INEC, the provisional result of election will be published before June 15. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 19:59:37|Editor: ZX Video Player Close DUBAI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Business Council in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in association with the Emirates Red Crescent, hosted a charitable Iftar for more than 1,000 workers at the Emirates Red Crescent tent in Dubai International City area on Sunday. The event, sponsored by the Chinese business council along with more than 100 volunteers from major Chinese companies based in the region, also received dignitaries and key officials from the Chinese business community in the region. "There are more than half a million laborers in the UAE and being able to reach out to at least a portion of them in the Holy Month of Ramadan to embrace the spirit of giving is our way of sharing our blessings with the community," said Acting Consul-General of China in Dubai Tan Li. Chinese Business Council in the UAE, a non-profit social organization composed of Chinese-funded enterprises and institutions, aims to enhance the position of Chinese companies in the region, attract more participants from major companies to invest in the UAE market and increase their overall market share in various sectors. "We are honored to associate with Emirates Red Crescent and support their Ramadan initiative," said Zhou Guangyao, secretary general of the Chinese Business Council in the UAE. "Since the UAE declared 2019 as the Year of Tolerance, we decided to contribute considerable resources to benefit the less fortunate and embrace the country's pioneering initiatives to emerge as a global capital of tolerance," Zhou said. "Ramadan is a time to express compassion and share your blessings with those in need. We are extremely thankful to the Chinese business council and various members of the Chinese business community in the UAE to come forward and join hands in supporting our Ramadan initiative," said Mohammad Abdullah Al Haj Al Zarooni, director of Dubai center of the Emirates Red Crescent. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 20:09:47|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between China and Brunei, fulfilled part of their corporate social responsibilities by providing donations to orphans and the underprivileged on Monday. The oil refinery and petrochemical plant handed out monetary and food contributions to 19 underprivileged and 35 orphans. Hengyi Industries Chief Executive Officer Chen Lian Cai presented the donations to the recipients at the Maritime Port Authority Brunei Darussalam headquarters. Deputy Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry Hj Matsatejo Sokiaw attended the event as the guest of honor. Apart from helping those in need, Hengyi Industries is also committed to protecting and preserving Brunei's flora and fauna. Earlier this month, Chen revealed that they have pledged to carry out tree planting efforts across a total land area of 200 hectares in the near future as one of its initiatives to protect Brunei's environment. Hengyi Industries is a joint venture between China's Zhejiang Hengyi Group and Damai Holdings, a subsidiary under Brunei government's Strategic Development Capital Fund, owning 70 percent and 30 percent respectively. The 3.4 billion-U.S. dollar refinery is expected to begin operations by the end of this year and is projected to contribute 1.33 billion U.S. dollars to Brunei's GDP in the first year. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 20:14:53|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MADRID, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Monday that the results of Sunday's elections showed Spaniards' desire "to move forward, not backing down and not basing the stability of a government on the extreme right". The Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) won the European and local elections, as well as in "a large number" of autonomous communities (Spanish regions), Sanchez said. He insisted that PSOE is the first political force in Spain and that the Spanish shared their measures "in terms of coexistence, social justice and regeneration". PSOE's European candidate, Spain's caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell said that "we have the conditions to achieve a more democratic and closer Europe". The minister highlighted the success of claiming 20 of the 54 MEPs that Spain has in the European Parliament. PSOE was the most voted party in all Spanish Autonomous Communities, except from the Basque and Catalan regions (north), where the regional party (Basque Nationalist Party) won in the former and the separatist "Together for Catalonia" won in the latter. Regarding the local and regional elections, PSOE was the most voted party and has the possibility of ruling in seven of the 12 regions that held elections. On Monday, PSOE's Federal Executive Committee will meet to analyze the results, but Sanchez has already asked the liberals of Citizens not to reach agreements with the extreme right wing party Vox. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 20:14:55|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), meets with Veroljub Arsic, deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 27, 2019. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Li Zhanshu Monday met with Veroljub Arsic, deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, here Monday, calling for closer bilateral ties. Calling China and Serbia "sincere friends of each other," Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership has been lifted to a new high under the guidance of the two heads of state. Bilateral pragmatic cooperation has been at the forefront of the Belt and Road cooperation, Li added. He called on both countries to consolidate traditional friendship, continue to firmly support each other on core interests and issues of major concern, set examples of political mutual trust, common development and people-to-people exchanges so as to build a closer community with shared interests and a shared future. Li also called on the two legislatures to enhance cooperation in areas including legislation, supervision and governance in order to better implement the consensus of the two heads of state. Arsic said the National Assembly of Serbia stands ready to intensify exchanges with the NPC and give full play to the cooperation committee between the legislatures of Serbia and China, to make new contributions to boosting practical cooperation between the two countries and friendship between the two peoples. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 20:19:59|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close Photo taken on May 27, 2019 shows view of the 75th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, capital of Thailand. The ESCAP opened its 75th session in Bangkok on Monday, with global and regional leaders calling for greater empowerment and inclusion of marginalized groups to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. (Xinhua/Yang Zhou) BANGKOK, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) opened its 75th session in Bangkok on Monday, with global and regional leaders calling for greater empowerment and inclusion of marginalized groups to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. According to a press statement of UN ESCAP, officiating the session, Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn emphasized the importance of a people-centered approach to sustainable development. "People who live in underdeveloped areas also deserve to be happier and live better," the princess said. In her policy statement, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP Ms. Armida Alisjahbana shared how empowered societies can respond to challenges which transcend borders and accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She said: "We can learn from each other as we strengthen policies, institutions and legislation to empower people and promote equality. This effort should be complemented by work to strengthen regional cooperation on population development and social protection - but also to promote gender equality, disability rights and safe, orderly and regular migration." "In recent decades, quality of life has improved for most people in the region. Yet, growing inequalities present a threat to further advances. The challenge is to ensure that socio-economic progress reaches those left behind," said UN Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres in a video message. "We must also do far more to combat climate change in the region. This is a battle we can and must win." "Cambodia's experiences have made clear that peace and stability are indispensable foundations for development, and in turn an inclusive and equitable development are necessary conditions for strengthening peace and social stability," said Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, while highlighting the county's national policies on social protection, health equity funding and supporting ageing to ensure no one is left behind. Foreign Minister of Mongolia Damdin Tsogtbaatar, who was elected as the Chair of the 75th Session, underscored the important notion of the SDGs - to leave no one behind. "This session gives us opportunity to accelerate the pace of implementation, shape policies and integrate national strategies to reduce the gap between rich and poor and threats from climate change." The 75th session of the Commission is being held under the theme "Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality." A flagship report Closing the Gap launched to coincide with the annual meeting assesses whether disadvantaged groups such as rural populations, persons with disabilities and women have been effectively included in development. Also on Monday, ESCAP also signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, International Solar Alliance, Association of Pacific Rim Universities and Multi-GNSS Asia to increase regional cooperation in the areas of disaster resilience, early warning systems, renewable energy, research and evidence-based policy making. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 20:25:03|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BUCHAREST, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Speaker of Romanian Chamber of Deputies Liviu Dragnea was sentenced on Monday to 3 years and 6 months imprisonment on corruption charge, in a final conviction by the country's Supreme Court. Dragnea, also leader of the main ruling Social Democratic Party, had made an appeal last year after being convicted to 3 years and 6 months imprisonment by the High Court of Cassation and Justice in the file on fictitious employment. He was accused by anticorruption prosecutors of having used his influence over ten years ago as President of the Teleorman County Council at that time to employ two persons at the local child protection and social assistance directorate, despite the fact that the two were actually working for the local organization of the Social Democratic Party. So far, neither Dragnea nor the Social Democratic Party has made any comment on the sentence. Most political analysts here believe that Dragnea's corruption case has had a serious negative impact on the ruling party, as he tried to reverse the case and even considered to amend the relevant laws. The Romanian opposition has been using this case to attack the ruling party, leading to a severe decline in the party's popular support since the end of 2016 after the party's overwhelming victory in the general election. It was his second conviction after he received a two-year suspended sentence in April 2016 for voting fraud in a 2012 referendum to impeach then president Traian Basescu. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 20:45:21|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Tariff hikes by the United States will to some extent result in an increase of enterprise operation costs, lower competitiveness and fewer orders, but their impact on China's manufacturing sector is generally controllable, a senior official told Xinhua in an interview. The 200 billion U.S. dollars worth of Chinese goods on which the United States imposed additional tariffs accounts for 41.8 percent of China's exports to the country, but only 8 percent of China's total exports, said Wang Zhijun, vice minister of industry and information technology. Moreover, about half of the affected enterprises are foreign-funded enterprises, including many American companies, said Wang. In other words, the tariff hikes hurt not only the interests of Chinese enterprises and consumers, but also U.S. companies and consumers as well as the global supply chain, said Wang. Latest statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that the value added by China's major industrial firms increased 5.4 percent year on year in April, beating market expectations and posting an optimized structure. In addition, the purchasing managers' index for the manufacturing sector held steady at 50.1, remaining within the expansion range. NBS statistics also showed that profits of China's major industrial firms fell 3.7 percent year-on-year in April, thanks to a higher base in April last year and an earlier unleash of the market demand in March as lower value-added tax rate was implemented on April 1. Li Chao, an analyst with Huatai Research Institute, said that industrial profits would return to the positive territory, but how fast will depend on market demand, prices and the policy incentives of tax cuts and fee reductions. "Trade frictions may amplify short-term fluctuations but will not impact the long-term trend of asset prices based on what happened during the U.S.-Japan and U.S.-EU trade frictions," Li said. As enterprises may continue to foreload their exports, the data will not worsen in the second quarter, he said. BETTER STRUCTURE Based on figures from April, China's manufacturing sector has seen improving structure and efficiency. Among the 41 sub-sectors, 27 saw higher profits and 14 reported lower earnings in April. On the positive side, consumer product manufacturers and equipment producers maintained relatively fast profit growth, reflecting structural improvement. In the period, major special-purpose equipment producers recorded a 17.9 percent profit growth, while electrical machinery and device producers' profits climbed 14.5 percent. The structural change was in line with a shift in China's economic growth drivers from exports and investment to domestic consumption and high-end industries, analysts said. For every 100 yuan of revenue they generated, the costs they bore fell by 1.1 yuan from a year earlier to 88.7 yuan in April. Wang said that manufacturing firms' confidence had been enhanced thanks to the gradual unleashing of policy dividends as a result of the country's lower value-added tax rate. INNOVATION ENCOURAGED In the long run, innovation will be the main engine to propel the expansion of China's manufacturing industry. To encourage corporate innovation, China unveiled various measures, including establishing a series of innovation centers and laboratories, increasing support for enterprises in key fields and optimizing innovation-oriented policies. Wang said China will place greater emphasis on innovation in enterprises' development and urge them to increase research and development investment with more tax cuts and fund and loan issuances for innovation projects. More efforts will be made to facilitate research on core technologies, accelerate the intelligent, green and service-oriented upgrading of the manufacturing industry, and advance the integrated development of the manufacturing industry and industrial internet, Wang said. While enhancing resource sharing on various research platforms, the country will promote the application of scientific achievements, encourage domestic enterprises to carry out international innovation cooperation and intensify the protection of intellectual property. Despite the disruptions from the increased tariffs imposed by the United States, Wang said the country's manufacturing industry has a bright prospect. Official statistics showed that from January to April, actual foreign investment in China's manufacturing sector jumped 11.4 percent year on year. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 20:55:28|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage (C) poses at a Brexit Party event in London, Britain, on May 27, 2019. It was the failure by both the Conservatives and Labour to resolve how to implement the result of the 2016 referendum on European Union (EU) membership that allowed Nigel Farage's rookie Brexit Party to make a stunning election debut. Winning at least 28 of Britain's 73 seats in the European Parliament just six weeks after being formed is without parallel in British politics. (Xinhua/Ray Tang) LONDON, May 27 (Xinhua) -- While Britain's big political giants, the Conservatives and Labour, lick their wounds over disastrous results in the European elections, it has left the question of Brexit unanswered, with no magical formula emerging to break the deadlock. Battered and bruised, the Conservatives, as the governing party, have the task of juggling with an election campaign to find a successor for Prime Minister Theresa May, and finding a way through the political logjam caused by its failure to win backing for a withdrawal deal. It was the failure by both the Conservatives and Labour to resolve how to implement the result of the 2016 referendum on European Union (EU) membership that allowed Nigel Farage's rookie Brexit Party to make a stunning election debut. Winning at least 28 of Britain's 73 seats in the European Parliament just six weeks after being formed is without parallel in British politics. Millions of people turned to the Brexit Party because it had one clear message: the need to implement the result of the 2016 referendum. The results show supporters of both the Conservative and Labour parties wanted to demonstrate their feelings on how Brexit was still unresolved three years after the biggest referendum in British political history. The Conservatives, the dominant force in British politics across three centuries, ended up in fifth place in the European elections, gathering a pitiful 8 percent of the votes in England and Wales. As a party at war with itself, the Conservatives have shown the door to Theresa May, and many of its supporters have shown the door to the Conservative Party. Its future is at risk as it contemplates political suicide. The election result adds a new impetus to the race to choose a successor to Theresa May. Will it be a consensus politician demanding a new deal or a no-deal departure if that demand is not forthcoming? Or will it be a leader who keeps Britain as a member of the EU? The new leader of the Conservative Party, who will take over at 10 Downing Street, like May, will have to grapple with a squabbling group of MPs who have different views on how to steer a Brexit course. Will they accept a no-deal Brexit if push comes to shove, or a second confirmatory referendum on a deal that somehow manages to get through the Westminster maze? Will there be a risky snap general election? Currently a political fog makes it difficult to see any way forward whoever takes over from May. Labour, the main opposition party, is also struggling to reconcile a membership divided between those who want to leave the EU at any cost, and those who want to remain to protect the way Brussels has brought in rights that protect working rights, dear to the hearts of traditionally voting Labour supporters. Labour's John McDonnell and party leader Jeremy Corbyn are warming to the prospect of a second referendum. Professor Iain Begg, a political expert from the London School of Economics, told Xinhua Monday that his magic formula would be for Britain to install a cross-party national government with a primary goal of resolving Brexit. "Like everything else, the stumbling-block is arriving at a parliamentary majority, but there comes a point when, referencing Conan Doyle, you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth," he said. Begg, who is a research fellow at the LSE's European Institute, added that it seems to have been taken as read that the Conservative membership in picking a leader to succeed May is also picking the next Prime Minister. "But what happens if that person is unable to command a majority in the Commons, either because the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) pulls out of the confidence and supply arrangement it brokered with Theresa May, or a handful of Conservative MPs decide to oppose the new leader? Neither is that implausible," added Begg. Professor Patrick Minford from Cardiff Business School thinks the winning formula could be in the hands of the successor to May at Number 10. Minford told Xinhua on Monday: "The new Conservative leader needs to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement with Brussels, it is as simple as that. With a new EU it is possible." Professor John Curtice, an elections expert from Strathclyde University, has described Britain as a divided and polarised nation. "The two most popular choices are leaving the EU without a deal and having a second referendum. Resolving the Brexit impasse is not going to be easy because we are divided and polarised," Curtice said. The future, added Curtice, points to a period of more fractious politics. The Brexit clock is ticking away, with the EU-agreed deadline of Oct. 31 to find a deal emerging on the horizon. When the dust settles on the EU election result and the party leadership, Brexit will be waiting in the wings to be resolved. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 21:00:33|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BEIRUT, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese government endorsed on Monday the 2019 state budget and referred it to the parliament for discussion and approval, OTV local TV Channel reported. Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil said that the government is capable of reducing the budget deficit from 11.4 percent of GDP to 7.59 percent which is a big achievement. "However, we should be committed to the budgets allocated to each ministry for us to succeed in reaching this figure," he said. Khalil also denied rumors about the reduction in basic salaries of public sector employees. "All of these were rumors. We did not cut any salaries. However, we looked into the incentives, allowances and compensations of public sector employees," he said during a press conference. Lebanon's economy is saddled with one of the world's highest debt-to-GDP ratios as a result of recurring and widening fiscal deficits and economic slowdown. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 21:05:41|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese legislators Monday called for greater efforts to strengthen the work on promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and better implement national strategies to promote SMEs. The call was made at the second plenary meeting of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) inspection team on the enforcement of the Law on Promoting Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises. They discussed an inspection report on the work and summarized the inspection. Chen Zhu and Wang Dongming, both vice-chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee attended the meeting. The lawmakers said SMEs are vital forces to drive the economy, promote social development, improve people's livelihood and encourage innovation, adding that the inspection has achieved progress. The legislators also demanded revision on the inspection report and called for further efforts to strengthen and improve the work on promoting SMEs and implement well national strategies on promoting the development of SMEs. 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| 2019-05-27 21:15:48|Editor: ZX Video Player Close A man runs past a poster in front of the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, May 26, 2019. The European Parliament (EU) elections started in Belgium on Sunday. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) by Xinhua writer Wang Zichen BRUSSELS, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The landscape of European politics is changing as far-right and nationalist politicians made strong gains in the European Parliament (EP) elections although parties committed to strengthening the European Union (EU) retained over two-thirds of the seats. This year's elections saw a record-high turnout as nearly 51 percent of the 426 million eligible voters in the 28-member bloc voted from May 23 to 26. "For the first time in 25 years we have a turnout that is increasing more than 50 percent. Europe is back! This is the first big news of the elections," said Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the EP's third-largest group ALDE Group and former Belgian prime minister. Since the last EP elections five years ago, the EU has been shaken by refugee crises, multiple terrorist attacks, Brexit, and unprecedented bullying from across the Atlantic. Eurosceptics have been on the rise in these years, and recent polls ahead of the elections fueled speculations as to whether there would be a continent-wide shift to far-right or Eurosceptic parties. Early results of the elections showed those who want to chip away at the EU's powers made gains at the expense of two traditional leading parties, but not substantial enough to turn the boat. FURTHER FRAGMENTATION For four decades, the EP has witnessed a "grand coalition" of the center-right and center-left parties, as they controlled over half the seats in the EP. This year, both of them -- the Group of European People's Party (EPP) and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) -- lost dozens of seats, being deprived of a majority for the first time. Early results showed the EPP won 179 seats and the S&D 150 seats, together making up less than half of the 751-member legislature. The centrist ALDE Group and the Greens ranked third and fourth in the EP, with 107 and 70 seats respectively. Meanwhile, Eurosceptics have made some notable gains. In France, it appears that the far-right National Rally (NR) party led by Marine Le Pen, a long-time critic of the EU, edged over President Emmanuel Macron's party. According to Bernard Sananes, president of Elabe polling institute, the NR benefited from citizens' disappointment which led to Macron's setback. In Italy, the Eurosceptic League led by Interior Minister Matteo Salvini emerged as the winner. In Germany however, the anti-EU and anti-migrant Alternative for Germany party won a smaller share than it did in the 2017 national elections and the far-right party made no gains in the Netherlands. "The results of the European Parliament elections showed that the right-wing forces will increase their influence in the European Parliament, but will not affect the process of European integration much, because the vast majority of political forces still advocate further integration in Europe," said Gu Xuewu, director of the Center for Global Studies at Germany's University of Bonn. GREEN WAVE One key outcome from the elections is the elevation of the Greens in European politics, as it now becomes the fourth-largest group in the EP and is set to win big in Europe, notably its economic powerhouse Germany. The party stands to be the second-largest vote-getter in Germany, doubling its share from around 10 percent five years ago to over 20 percent this year. In France, the Europe Ecologie-Les Verts is now projected to win 13.1 percent of the vote, making it the third-largest political force trailing behind those under Le Pen and Macron. Climate action was also frequently promised by Frans Timmermans, lead candidate of the center-left S&D, the second-largest group in the EP, which suggested that the subject has been embraced by a wider audience. Analysts said that the EP's impetus to follow the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals and raise climate targets might shape its internal and external policies for years to come. "Particularly, issues of environmental protection and climate change will grow to be political issues of greater concern in Europe due to the good performance of the Green Party in the elections," Gu said. "The new EU leaders are unlikely to ignore these changes in the future. Instead, they may make more efforts in this area," he said. LEADERSHIP RACE Now that the seats in the EP have been decided, who would take up command at the EU institutions -- especially at its executive branch -- is in the limelight. On Sunday night, three top contenders for the presidency of the European Commission took turns to speak to reporters in the EP in Brussels, among whom Manfred Weber, lead candidate from the largest EPP group, promised stability while the other two heavyweights called for a change. The current European Commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker, won his office in 2014 because he was the lead candidate of the then largest group EPP at the time, but European leaders are not on the same page as to whether they would repeat that practice this year. As EU governments and heads of state will meet for a summit on Tuesday in Brussels, they will discuss the outcome of the vote and start the nomination process for the heads of the EU institutions. "First decisions on the package of EU top jobs should be expected (at the earliest) from the European Council meeting on June 20/21, when EU leaders will also discuss the Commission's agenda for the next term," said a research note from German multinational investment company Deutsche Bank. As pro-European parties maintain a clear majority in the EP, "EU policy-making should broadly stay on course," the note said. "It remains to be seen to what extent shifts among the centrist parties will increase support for further initiatives for EU risk-sharing and investment as well as ideas for a new European social contract," it said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 21:25:56|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close A Nepalese army bomb disposal squad member works to dispose an improvised explosive device in Lalitpur, Nepal, May 27, 2019. The death toll in Sunday's two separate bomb explosions in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal has climbed to four, a spokesperson of the Nepal Police said. (Xinhua/Sulav Shrestha) KATHMANDU, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Nepali security agencies were on high alert on Monday during a general strike called upon by an underground armed outfit suspected of making two bomb explosions in capital city Kathmandu that killed four people and leaving eight others injured on Sunday. Bishwaraj Pokharel, the spokesperson of the Nepal Police, told Xinhua that security has been stepped up across the country to avoid any untoward incidents during the general strike called by the armed outfit. "We are on high alert following Sunday's two major explosions," Pokharel said, adding that over 5,000 police personnel have been deployed in maintaining security in Kathmandu. The one-day general strike affected normal lives of people across the country. Main markets, academic institutions, corporate offices and private organizations remained closed while public transportation was badly affected due to the general strike, media reports said here. The armed group had called for the strike to exert pressure on the government to release its arrested cadres, according to reports. During the strike, the police have defused improvised explosive devices in some parts of the country which were planted to terrorize people. The cadres of Chand-led group torched three vehicles in Ramechhap, Makawanpur and Surkhet districts. The police spokesperson said that they were investigating into Sunday's blasts. The two explosions took place at around 4:30 p.m. local time on Sunday. "Our preliminary investigation shows that all the four killed and eight injured on Sunday's blasts were the cadres of the outlawed Chand-led group. We have been investigating into the blasts," Pokharel said. The first explosion took place at a private house in Ghattekulo area, barely one kilometer away from the prime minister's office while the second explosion took place inside a hair salon at Sukedhara area. "We believe that the cadres of the Chand-led group were killed and injured when they were collecting improvised explosive devices to detonate during the general strike called for Monday (today)," another senior police official told Xinhua. Meanwhile, Nepali Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa on Monday told parliamentarians that the government was committed to bring the Chand-led armed group to the mainstream peaceful politics. Addressing a session of the country's House of Representatives in Kathmandu, the home minister vowed to take action against the perpetrators involved in the recent bomb explosions in the capital. "The government is committed to maintain robust security across the country. All those involved in the bomb explosions will soon be arrested," he said. The Chand-led group, which is one of the breakaway factions of the former rebel Maoist, has been known for violence in Nepal in recent years. The group was banned by the Nepali government in March this year after it was found involved in criminal activities and explosions in different parts of the country. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 21:36:01|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close by Maria Spiliopoulou ATHENS, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The Greeks woke up on Monday to a new political map after the triumph of the main opposition New Democracy (ND) party in Sunday's European parliament elections and local elections. With 33.8 percent of votes versus 24 percent, voters handed the conservatives a victory with a record margin of more than 9 percent against the Radical Left SYRIZA party of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in the European ballot, according to the latest official results with 82 percent of votes counted. The situation is similar in the parallel races for the election of regional authorities, mayors and municipal councilors nationwide. The Greek leader had asked for a vote of confidence in his government's policies and the voters' response was clear. Against this backdrop at midnight Tsipras announced that early national elections will be called in June. The most likely date, according to Greek media reports, is June 30. In his statement on Sunday evening, the Prime Minister also presented the dilemma of the next electoral battle: stay on same course or shift. "The Greek people will decide whether they want us to carry on with a plan to support the many or whether they want to return to the darkness of austerity, of the IMF (International Monetary Fund), of the past that we all lived through," he said. Most political analysts and media commentators on Monday noted that Greek voters seem to already leaning towards a choice. On Sunday they voted mainly with domestic rather than European affairs in mind, according to pollsters. Tsipras had proved "too hard to die" in the previous general elections in September 2015, which followed a six-month clash with international lenders which brought the country on the brink of default in the summer of that year, and an U-turn and signing of the third bailout program since 2010. Greek voters gave him a second chance to ease the impact of austerity policies, Greece exited the bailout period last summer, the fiscal indexes and numbers look good, the economy is on the mend. However, according to Sunday's results, citizens seem disgruntled with his government's policies and the conservatives seem to have the momentum as the country is heading for national elections. "Greece turns page" read characteristically an editorial on "Vima" (Tribune) daily on Monday. "The cycle of populism and division is time to close. Greece needs and can turn a page, leave behind her the traumatic years of crisis," read the editorial. The Leftist leader is criticized for "investing in a politically divisive campaign" compared with ND leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis' more "conciliatory tone", although polarizing politics is not news in Greece. Pointing to past electoral battles which ended with the outsider winning, other commentators indicated that by striking new partnerships ahead of the national elections, Tsipras may be able to change the momentum. "It is striking that if you add to the election rates of SYRIZA, the centrists of Movement for Change (KINAL) and Potami (River), you will find that the votes of the progressive voters are the same as those of New Democracy. So, maybe it's time for a serious debate for joining forces?" read an editorial on "Ethnos" (Nation) daily. Nevertheless, the major concern in opinion articles and editorials on Monday was not who will be the winner of the general elections, but whether the specter of division will harm Greece's course. "The next few weeks and months will be crucial to domestic politics and to Greece's relations with its partners in the European Union, its allies and its creditors. Tsipras and Mitsotakis bear a heavy burden of responsibility as they lead the nation to elections. If division reigns, many of the sacrifices of the past 10 years will have been in vain and Greece will be in a worse position than it was before the crisis," warned an opinion article published on "Kathimerini" (Daily) newspaper. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 21:46:04|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-seven Iraqi mine action experts started to get a 15-day training course in Cambodia on Monday, Heng Ratana, director general of the Cambodian Mines Action Center (CMAC) said. The Iraqi experts are from the Ministry of Health and Environment, the Ministry of Interior and the Iraqi Kurdistan Mine Action Agency, he said. He added that the training course will be held at various places including CMAC's Technical Institute of Mine Action (TIMA) in Kampong Chhnang province, the Demining Unit 2 in Battambang province, the Peace Museum of Mine Action in Siem Reap province and the Demining Unit 5 in Tboung Khmum province. "This is the fifth course for Iraqi experts coming to the kingdom and in total of the five courses, CMAC has provided training to 141 Iraqi experts," Ratana said. In Iraq, the Islamic State (IS) militants have planted thousands of landmines in areas they once seized. Despite the efforts of the Iraqi security forces, many liberated areas still require exerting more efforts to clear the landmines to guarantee a safe return for displaced people to their homes. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 21:51:06|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TOKYO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Japan's top currency diplomat said Monday that issues concerning international trade, intellectual property protection and government subsidies will be focused on during the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) finance chief meeting. Masatsugu Asakawa, Japan's vice minister of finance for international affairs, said in a meeting of G20 think tanks that apart from addressing the world trade situation, topics such as "how to protect intellectual property rights" and "how to address market-distorting subsidy provisions" will also be top priorities. Concerns still remain in the international community that intellectual property rights abuse and subsidies are hindering operation of the global market, according to the think tanks. Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said in the meeting of think tanks that with the help of fiscal stimulus measures in China and other Asian countries, he expects the Chinese economy to further grow in the near future. The two-day finance chief meeting in Fukuoka starting from June 8 will also cover new international taxation rules for multinational companies such as Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon to curb tax evasion, Asakawa said. Infrastructure projects in developing countries will also be high on the agenda, according to the official. Asakawa said that he will attend the G20 finance chief meeting as a member of Japan's delegation led by Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso ahead of the G20 summit to be held in late June in Osaka, western Japan. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 22:01:13|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KIGALI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan Ministry of Education on Monday launched the nationwide Quality Education Enhancement Awareness Campaign, aimed at improving the quality of education in the country. The fifth phase of the campaign will run from May 27 to June 7, under the theme of "A Regular Present Teacher, With Good Pedagogical Practices is Key to Quality Education." The campaign targets 900 primary and secondary schools across the country. During the campaign, teachers will be sensitized on punctuality and lesson planning in line with competence based curriculum standards, and head teachers will be advised to supervise in-class teaching activities. Rwandan Minister of State in Charge of Primary and Secondary Education Isaac Munyakazi urged teachers to take measures to prevent absenteeism, class repetition and the dropout of students. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 22:11:15|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- China's rural reform pilot zones have made notable progress in their efforts to test new regulations and systems that can be replicated and promoted in the country's vast rural areas, an official said Monday. The country launched two batches of 58 places for piloting rural reform in 2011 and 2014, respectively, which served as a crucial platform for the central government to explore new ways for overall reform in rural areas. The rural reform pilot zones have carried out 226 batches of tasks, covering almost every field of rural reform, Zhao Yang, an official with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, said at a press conference. About 144 outcomes of rural reform have been achieved in these pilot zones since 2011, which have already been applied in the establishment and amendment of the country's laws and regulations, Zhao said. Many pilot zones tried new practices in land system reform to better allocate rural lands and protect farmers' interests and land rights. Efforts were also seen in the reforms of the rural collective property rights system, rural financial system and integrated urban-rural development, the official said. File Photo: Graduate students from China attend the Columbia University Commencement ceremony in New York, the United States, May 22, 2019. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) CHICAGO, May 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. universities will continue to be committed to China, said Brad Farnsworth, a senior executive of a leading U.S. education association. Farnsworth, vice president of American Council on Education (ACE)'s Center for Internationalization and Global Engagement, made the remarks in response to the difficulties certain Chinese students and scholars have recently encountered when they applied for U.S. visas. "We are definitely seeing a longer time to approve visas, and this has been documented. We have solid evidence to show that the length of time that it takes to approve visa is longer than it used to be," Farnsworth said in an interview with Xinhua recently. "It's become more complicated politically," he said. "We've expressed concerns to our government about the slowdown in visa approvals ... We're in a challenging time now, but I don't think anybody's giving up." ACE is a major coordinating body for U.S. colleges and universities, and a membership organization that mobilizes the higher education community to shape effective public policy and foster innovative, high-quality practice. It provides advice to over 1,700 college and university members on international strategy. "We know from our survey research that China's the No. 1 country for establishing partnerships, our universities are saying China's their top priority," said Farnsworth. Statistics tally with ACE's survey. There are over 1 million international students studying in the United States at present, with some 360,000 or one-third from China. International students contributed 42 billion U.S. dollars to the U.S. economy in 2017, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. One third of it would be 14 billion dollars. "It's very substantial," said Farnsworth. "This is a very difficult thing for our institutions because Chinese students have choices. They can go to Australia or New Zealand or to Europe," said Farnsworth. "There are many good universities all over the world." If Chinese students have the impression that it is difficult to get a visa for the United States, maybe they will go to another country, he said. "This is now a global market for international students." Farnsworth said there are many good reasons to have international students beyond the financial one: interaction between international and American students is very valuable for them to develop cultural skills and to learn more about other countries. "When international students graduate, they in many cases go back to their countries and form this really valuable global network that can help the institutions for many years after they graduate," he added. "We want our members to be successful and our members tell us that in order to be successful, they want international students on campus," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 22:21:23|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TOKYO, May 27 (Xinhua) -- A cloud of uncertainty had loomed over the summit between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and visiting U.S. President Donald Trump due to differing approaches to the recent missile launches of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), local media reported on Monday. Speaking at a joint press conference in Tokyo, Trump took a conciliatory tone regarding the DPRK firing projectiles earlier this month, stating that he did not see the DPRK's actions as violating U.N. Security Council resolutions. "All I know is there have been no nuclear tests, there have been no ballistic missiles going out, there have been no long-range missiles going out," Trump said, adding that he is in "no rush" to strike a deal with the DPRK over its denuclearization. Abe had relied on Trump, who has met with top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un twice for denuclearization talks, hoping the U.S. president will help with the abduction issue of Japanese nationals, according to local media. Japan protested against the DPRK's launches of short-range ballistic missiles on May 9 for its violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, while Trump downplayed their significance. Trump said Sunday on Twitter that the DPRK fired off "some small weapons, which disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me." The remarks contradicted his security adviser John Bolton who said that the launch of missiles violated U.N. Security Council resolutions. When asked if he was not bothered at all about the missiles, Trump said, "No, I am not. I am personally not." Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 22:21:26|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close WASHINGTON, May 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. farm groups are urging the federal government to resolve trade disputes soon, saying they want open markets to export their products rather than short-term aid. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Thursday announced a trade aid package that would provide up to 16 billion U.S. dollars to farmers who have been hit hard by the U.S.-initiated trade war with other major trading partners. "While farmers themselves will tell you they'd rather have trade than aid, without the trade that has been possible, then they're going to need some support," said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. The White House has slapped high tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of imports, provoking retaliatory levies on U.S. agricultural products such as soybeans, which have curtailed U.S. agricultural exports and pushed commodity prices down even further. "Family farmers and ranchers have been grappling with low commodity prices and excess production for many years now, and the trade war with China and other major trading partners has compounded both problems," said Roger Johnson, president of the National Farmers Union, which advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. Johnson said he believes this trade aid package is "only a short-term fix" for a very long-term problem, as it fails to provide "predictable, consistent and adequate relief" across American agriculture. "Farmers rely on markets to make a living. Our ongoing trade wars have destroyed our reputation as a reliable supplier and have left family farmers with swelling grain stores and empty pockets," Johnson said Thursday in a statement. "The very least we can do is provide our country's struggling food producers with the certainty of a longer-term plan that also addresses the persistent and pernicious problem of oversupply," he said. Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, also stressed that the United States needs a long-term strategy that offers farmers "fair and open access to markets." "The real, long-term solution to our challenges in agriculture is good outcomes to current negotiations with China, Japan and the European Union, as well as congressional approval of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement," Duvall said Thursday in a statement. In a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump on May 14, Duvall called on the U.S. government to swiftly resolve trade disputes with China, as some farmers are having a critical decision to make. "I am hearing anecdotal reports of farmers, particularly those who are dealing with planting delays due to weather, deciding not to plant a crop this year because there's just no market for it," Duvall wrote in the letter. "In 2018, U.S. agricultural exports to China declined 10 billion dollars -- about a 50 percent loss. This is a drastic reversal for what had been a growing market," he noted. According to the USDA's weekly Crop Progress report, just 19 percent of the U.S. soybean crop had been planted as of May 19, well behind the 47-percent five-year average. John Boyd Jr., a fourth-generation farmer in the U.S. state of Virginia, has only planted about one fourth of his soybean crop so far this year. "If my crop isn't planted one month from right now ... then it's all over for me, and not just for me, (but also) for other American farmers," Boyd told Xinhua in a recent interview. "I am part worried and part frustrated and I'm very disappointed." While the U.S. government last year offered 12 billion dollars to help farmers weather the fallout, "I haven't received a dime of that," Boyd said, noting that the process has been slow. "I don't want the aid. I want a fair price for my crop," said the farmer. A second round of financial support to offset farm losses is only "a partial and temporary Band-Aid" and not a permanent solution for soy growers who have lost their number one export market, according to the American Soybean Association (ASA). "Farmers are resolute that the only real solution is to take away the tariffs that have hemorrhaged our sales and landed our relationship with China on life support," said Davie Stephens, president of the ASA. Ben Scholz, president of the National Association of Wheat Growers, said that he hopes to work with the Trump administration to quickly finalize other trade agreements that will open up new markets for wheat farmers. "While we appreciate the trade mitigation program, it doesn't make farmers whole. The United States exports 50 percent of its wheat, which means we need a long-term solution," he said. The trade aid package also drew criticism from U.S. lawmakers, as the lack of a long-term strategy and stability adds further uncertainty for farmers. "I have a number of concerns about whether this plan is fair and equitable to all farmers. Government checks are no replacement for lost markets, and this temporary support will only go so far," said Debbie Stabenow, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, in a statement. "Too many farmers are struggling as this administration continues to pursue a chaotic trade agenda. Our farmers need a focused strategy, access to export markets and long-term stability," Stabenow said. Michael Bennet, a Democratic senator from the U.S. state of Colorado, said the trade aid package is further evidence that the administration's "disastrous policies are inflicting lasting damage on American agriculture." "No one wins in a trade war," Bennet said. "Our farmers and ranchers deserve a trade agenda that provides the security and stability they need to plan for the long term and provide for their families." Critics also argued that it is inequitable to use taxpayers' money to help just one industry harmed by U.S. trade policies, especially as agriculture is already one of the most subsidized and protected industries in the United States. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 22:36:44|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday voiced its firm opposition to official contact between the United States and Taiwan "in any form" and "under any excuse." "China is strongly dissatisfied with and resolutely opposed to it," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said at a news briefing. According to reports, Taiwan claimed that U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton has recently held talks with his Taiwan "counterpart." In response, Lu said the U.S. government has clearly recognized the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and promised it will only maintain unofficial contacts with Taiwan. So Bolton and David Lee can't be "counterparts," he noted. The one-China principle constitutes the political foundation of Sino-U.S. relations, Lu said. "We are also firmly opposed to any attempt to create 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan.' Our position is clear and steadfast." "We once again urge the U.S. side to adhere to the one-China principle and the three joint communiques between the two countries, stop official contact or substantively upgrading relations with Taiwan, prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues to avoid negative influence on Sino-U.S. relations and the two countries' cooperation in major areas," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 22:41:57|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close MOGADISHU, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The United States military said Monday it conducted an airstrike on Islamic State (IS) terrorists in northern Somalia on Sunday, killing three militants. The U.S. Africa Command (Africom), which oversees American troops on the African continent, said the latest strike, conducted in cooperation with Somali government forces, targeted terrorists in the Golis Mountains. "Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike," Africom said in a statement. "Our process and procedures allow for additional information to inform post-strike analysis." Sunday's strike was the sixth the U.S. army has executed this month in the Golis Mountains, an area known for terrorist camps. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 22:47:02|Editor: zh Video Player Close BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday said it always maintained the position that any trade consultation with the United States should be based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the remarks at a press briefing in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent remarks. Trump, who is visiting Japan, said earlier Monday that Washington was not ready to make a trade deal with Beijing. Lu said for some time, the U.S. side, including some high-level personnel, has made various comments on China-U.S. trade consultations. Sometimes they said a trade deal would be reached, and sometimes they said there might be some difficulties in reaching a deal, he added. "If you review China's remarks in the same period, you will find that our position has always been the same," Lu said, adding that China has always upheld the position that any difference between two countries, including China-U.S. trade disagreements, should be resolved through friendly consultation and negotiation. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 22:57:07|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close SOFIA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian customs inspectors have seized more than 3.8 kg of smuggled gold jewelry at the country's Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint near the border with Turkey, officials said Monday. The precious items were found in a bus with Turkish registration that entered Bulgaria an hour before the midnight of Friday/Saturday, the National Customs Agency said in a statement. Based on risk analysis, the customs officers x-rayed the vehicle and found eight plastic bags containing 3.854 kg of gold jewelry hidden in the ventilation system, the statement said. The gold priced at 125,000 U.S. dollars was confiscated, as well as the bus. In 2018, Bulgarian customs inspectors seized a total of 18.5 kg of gold. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 23:02:21|Editor: zh Video Player Close GUIYANG, May 27 (Xinhua) -- A senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official has stressed the role of lawmakers in the country's fight against poverty. Wang Chen, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, made the call during his visit to Guizhou Province from May 23 to 26. Wang said lawmakers at all levels must take up their responsibility to help the country win the battle against poverty. Lawmakers should improve legislative proposals, actively take part in poverty relief activities, and better serve the people through platforms like the deputy's liaison office, he said. Wang also urged lawmakers to step up legislative supervision to help solve issues people are most concerned about in the anti-poverty campaign. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 23:07:28|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BERLIN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The German Volkswagen Group China, Spanish SEAT and the Chinese auto manufacturer JAC, which together form the joint venture JAC Volkswagen, reached an agreement for SEAT's market entry in China on Monday. Volkswagen AG CEO and chairman of the board of directors at SEAT, Herbert Diess, said: "With the market entry of SEAT, Volkswagen Group will be able to broaden the market development efforts into new customer bases." Already, China is playing a central role in the global transformation of the German Volkswagen Group and its "decarbonization program", according to Volkswagen. "Today, China is the benchmark country for electric vehicles. We aim to be a part of this ecosystem in order to exchange knowledge and make progress in achieving global mobility that is more sustainable," said Luca de Meo, CEO of SEAT. Volkswagen has set out to expand the range of electrified vehicles this year and is expecting more than half of its 22 million electronic cars sold worldwide to be produced in China by 2028. "In the world's largest market for electric mobility, the close cooperation between SEAT and JAC will allow us to create synergies, which will significantly increase our market coverage," Volkswagen CEO Diess added. According to Volkswagen, the goal is to deliver around 1.5 million electrified vehicles, most of them pure e-cars, to customers by 2025. "At the moment, especially plug-in hybrids are in demand but with time, more and more cars will be purely electric," a Volkswagen spokesperson told Xinhua on Monday. In addition to a joint venture owned R&D center in the Anhui province's capital Hefei which is currently under construction and is expected to open in 2021, JAC and SEAT are also planning to develop their own platform for smaller electric cars. In a smart city partnership with the city of Hefei, Volkswagen Group China, Mobility Asia and JAC are developing autonomous driving, including self-driving vehicles (robotaxis) and autonomous fleet management but also new ride railing services or car sharing. "With this cooperation, we demonstrate that we are working hard to take a leading role in the field of smart mobility solutions in the Chinese market as well," said Stephan Woellenstein, CEO of Volkswagen Group China. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 23:17:36|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Bai Tian (R) shakes hands with Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah at the reception for the 45th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations hosted by the Chinese embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 27, 2019. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung) KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Bold diplomatic steps and a strong cooperative relationship have been the key features of Malaysia-China relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 45 years ago, Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said on Monday. Speaking at the reception for the 45th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations hosted by the Chinese embassy in Malaysia, Saifuddin said the move by Malaysia to forge ties with China was a bold step given the political climate at the time. "Today, we celebrate the bold decision taken by both countries to establish diplomatic relations 45 years ago," he said. "It was motivated in some part by the belief that China's re-emergence is inevitable, and that one day, China would regain its place as one of the leading nations of the world. That day has arrived and as the Chinese proverb says 'True friendship is forged in difficulty'." Saifuddin pointed to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's two visits to China since assuming office last May, the first being an official visit last August and the second in April this year for the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, as examples of how Malaysia would remain a steadfast partner of China. "Our relations have gone from strength to strength over the last four decades. It would not be as successful today without the contributions by many, some of whom are here among us," he said. Saifuddin added that the Malaysian government is working towards the relaxation of some of the entry requirements for Chinese tourists, with an announcement expected to be made soon. In his address, Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Bai Tian hailed the achievements of cooperation between China and Malaysia. The Chinese government and people wish to further promote the already flourishing friendly relations with the Malaysian government and people. "I trust that under the guidance of our leaders and with the efforts from us all, the China-Malaysia relations will embrace a broader prospect of cooperation, forging a better future for both peoples," he said. The reception was added with the screening of a short film on interactions and friendship between Malaysians and Chinese, featuring actors from both countries. China and Malaysia established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 23:27:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close HELSINKI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- American multinational technology giant Google has invested nearly 600 million euros (6.7 million U.S. dollars) in a new data center in Hamina, about 145 kilometers east of Helsinki, Finnish national broadcaster Yle reported on Monday. Google previously invested about 800 million euros to open the first data center in a former paper mill in Hamina in 2011. Finnish forestry company Stora Enso sold the site to Google in 2009. The mayor of Hamina, Hannu Muhonen said that Google's investment is the biggest ever investment in the city's history and it will have a positive effect on employment during the construction phase and after. "Google's significant data center investment is good news and an indication of a stable and competitive environment. This investment strengthens Finland's digital infrastructure," Jari Gustafsson, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, was quoted by Yle as saying. The demand for Google's services is growing, and the company is building its data center infrastructure to meet the need, which in turn has a positive impact on the Finnish economy, according to Antti Jarvinen, director of Google Finland. Data centers are growing rapidly in Finland. In October 2018, Finnish IT news website Tivi reported that American consortium Silent Partner Group is planning to build three large-scale data centers in southern and central Finland. Soon after in November last year, Finnish nonprofit association Finnish Data Center Forum disclosed that the American consortium is going to open an additional data center in northern Finland. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 23:38:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BRUSSELS, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) is likely to see a "noisier" legislature after the elections strengthened the hands of Eurosceptics, particularly in France and Italy, where they would form a "minority bloc" to shape EU priorities, according to experts. In France, the National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen, a long-time outspoken critic of the European bloc, currently leads the polls at 23.3 percent with a one-percentage edge over President Emmanuel Macron's En Marche movement. In Italy, the eurosceptic League led by Interior Minister Matteo Salvini won one-third of the votes, marking a huge leap compared to 6.15 percent reached in the 2014 European Parliament elections. "What is striking is that in two founding EU member states, Italy and France, the eurosceptics and populists are leading and in France this is particularly bad because French President Macron put Europe at the center of its electoral campaign. It is clear now that Le Pen and Salvini will be an attraction pole for any other nationalist political party in the EU Parliament," Gianni Bonvicini, scientific advisor with the Istituto Affari Internazionali, told Xinhua. Steven Blockmans, Senior Research Fellow and Head of Foreign Policy and of Institutions Unit at the think tank Center for European Policy Studies, however noted Macron's En Marche movement, had gone from "nothing to second in the overall ranking." "It's often portrayed as having lost the elections, because Macron made this a referendum about himself and his policies since grabbing the presidency and the (national) parliament as well, which is of course true. If you look at the relative success of Marine Le Pen's National Rally, then yes they are the biggest, but Macron's En Marche lost by 1 percentage point, which is not a lot," Blockmans told Xinhua. "MINORITY BLOC" Within the European Parliament, legislators under Salvini and Le Pen are in the Europe of Nations and Freedom (ENF) group. Prior to polls, there were fears that the ENF and their fellow eurosceptics could upend the political landscape in the European Parliament. Now that the results are out, their forces will not be big enough, Bonvicini said, but "they will be a good 'minority bloc' group able to stop some parliamentary decisions." Nigel Farage's new Brexit party also did well in the elections, basing Tories and Labour in the United Kingdom. "If indeed the Brexit party joins the wider alliance that Le Pen and Salvini and others have in mind, then that becomes a force to be reckoned with, beyond the topics that unite them," Blockmans said. They would be bound to mark their stamp on topics from immigration, asylum to the future of the Schengen zone, and thereby able to move the needle more towards the right on those type of debates, Blockmans said. It remains to be seen how united the eurosceptics would be in the new legislature. "If at least they unite to obtain 33 percent of the votes in the European Parliament, then they can really block the policy initiatives" from international trade negotiations to budget negotiations, Blockmans said. "So, whilst they haven't been able to meet expectations as pollsters had suggested prior to the European Parliamentary elections -- their ultimate number of seats is perhaps lower in that respect -- they will still put their stamp on the next European Parliament," he added. CONSENSUS MORE DIFFICULT For four decades, the European Parliament saw a "grand coalition" of the center-right and the center-left, where the two groups control over half seats of the legislature. This year, both of them -- the European People's Party (EPP) group and the Socialists & Democrats (S&D) -- lost seats, depriving them of a majority for the first time. Specifically, the EPP are now projected to win 180 seats and S&D 145 seats. Together they make up less than half of the 751-member legislature. Centrist group ALDE&R and the Greens came in third and fourth, with 109 and 69 seats projected respectively. "The EU decision making process will be slower because the EU parliament is now very fragmented and a new majority will have to be found among the different groups," Bonvicini said. "It will certainly be a noisier European Parliament, which is, conversely, perhaps a more proper reflection of voters' attitudes around Europe than the composition of the previous parliament," Blockmans said. "The further fragmentation of political parties indicates that Europe will have difficulties in building consensus among public opinions, as well as in identifying a new generation of EU leaders," Gu Xuewu, Director of the Center for Global Studies at Bonn University, told Xinhua. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 23:53:16|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BERLIN, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The German baby food manufacturer Hipp is looking to get rid of plastic in its packaging by 2025, partner at the company, Stefan Hipp, told the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) on Monday. To achieve this goal, the market leader for baby food in Germany would use more glass and develop recyclable packaging from natural materials such as wood and grass, Hipp told FAZ. "Plastic packaging is convenient for consumers and we have also met this consumer demand so far," said Hipp, emphasizing that "now we are called upon to find alternatives." The family business in the small Upper Bavarian town of Pfaffenhofen was experiencing increasing difficulties in its search for organic raw materials that are not contaminated with chemicals, however. "More and more agricultural land is polluted, from which Hipp can no longer obtain raw materials," said Hipp. There had already been cases in which the German baby food manufacturer had refused deliveries "because traces of glyphosate were found during our investigations," Hipp said. The demand for biologically pure raw materials was constantly increasing but supply was lagging behind, Hipp added. The German baby food manufacture is supplied by 8,000 organic farmers, most of them in Germany, according to Hipp's website. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-27 23:58:24|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close PARIS, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Final European election results released by the French Interior Ministry on Monday confirmed the victory of Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) over President Emmanuel Macron's La Republic en Marche (LREM) party with a tiny margin. The anti-immigration National Rally won 23.31 percent of the vote, finishing 0.9 percent ahead of Macron's centrist ruling party, final results showed. With two opposing visions for Europe, RN and LREM will respectively send 22 and 21 lawmakers to the European Parliament (EP). Once Britain leaves the European Union, RN will receive 1 extra EP seat, and Macron's LREM 2 extra seats. In a stronger-than-expected performance, the French Green Party improved its representation in the EP by winning 13 seats after 13.47 percent of the country's 47 million voters backed the Greens' list, 4 percent more than in the 2014 ballot. The center-right republicans won 8.48 percent of the vote, their worst score in decades, followed by the far-left France Unbowed and the Socialist Party, which both collected slightly over 6 percent of the vote. NO CHANGE "If, as head of state, I let Europe ... break up, I will have a responsibility to history. The French president is not a party leader but it is normal for him to get involved in fundamental choices," Macron told regional media days before this weekend's vote. "I do not have the spirit of defeat, I have the spirit of conquest. France will be all the stronger as we will make a good score," he stressed. Despite his efforts to give an impetus to the Renaissance Party he created in 2016, its list was relegated to second place by the extreme rightists, which was widely seen as a personal blow to the 41-year-old head of state and to his efforts to renew the European by proposing a joint budget for the eurozone and stronger cooperation on migration, defense and trade. However, the defeat is narrow for the ruling party and it will not trigger major changes in either the government's lineup or in its reform drive, analysts said. "President Emmanuel Macron has limited the loss. Many pensioners and right-wing voters had chosen to comfort Macron and gave him a second chance," political analyst Christophe Barbier told BFMTV news channel. "It is not a victory but a reprieve. He must continue with his liberal politics and focus more on ecology as I think he has understood the result's message," he said, referring to the Greens' surprise surge. Alain Duhamel, a political commentator, commented that while Le Pen won but did not claim a "triumph," Macron was defeated but avoided "the distater." "For Marine Le Pen, it's a victory, but a Pyrrhic one. We know very well that in 3 years, in case of a Macron versus Le Pen duel, Macron will win. Facing Marine Le Pen, he will always win," he told RTL radio. In the ruling party, disappointment reigned but this was not expected to trigger changes in the government's course. "When you finish second, you cannot say you have won ... The far-right is consolidating its position and many of our compatriots feel that the time has come for extreme solutions. This message is strong and we have received it," Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said. "The time is now to act because the French will judge us on one thing: the results. We got some, but not enough," he said Sunday evening. In the same vein, National Assembly President Richard Ferrand stressed that "the government is solid, the majority is welded. It is necessary to continue without seeking new orientations." He called for a change of methods in order for them to be "closer and more attentive to local elected officials, large associations, trade unions." John Boyd Jr. speaks during an interview in Baskerville, Virginia, the United States, on May 15, 2019. John Boyd Jr., a fourth-generation farmer in the U.S. state of Virginia, has only planted about one fourth of his soybean crop so far this year. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) WASHINGTON, May 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. farm groups are urging the federal government to resolve trade disputes soon, saying they want open markets to export their products rather than short-term aid. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Thursday announced a trade aid package that would provide up to 16 billion U.S. dollars to farmers who have been hit hard by the U.S.-initiated trade war with other major trading partners. "While farmers themselves will tell you they'd rather have trade than aid, without the trade that has been possible, then they're going to need some support," said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. The White House has slapped high tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of imports, provoking retaliatory levies on U.S. agricultural products such as soybeans, which have curtailed U.S. agricultural exports and pushed commodity prices down even further. "Family farmers and ranchers have been grappling with low commodity prices and excess production for many years now, and the trade war with China and other major trading partners has compounded both problems," said Roger Johnson, president of the National Farmers Union, which advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. Johnson said he believes this trade aid package is "only a short-term fix" for a very long-term problem, as it fails to provide "predictable, consistent and adequate relief" across American agriculture. "Farmers rely on markets to make a living. Our ongoing trade wars have destroyed our reputation as a reliable supplier and have left family farmers with swelling grain stores and empty pockets," Johnson said Thursday in a statement. "The very least we can do is provide our country's struggling food producers with the certainty of a longer-term plan that also addresses the persistent and pernicious problem of oversupply," he said. Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, also stressed that the United States needs a long-term strategy that offers farmers "fair and open access to markets." "The real, long-term solution to our challenges in agriculture is good outcomes to current negotiations with China, Japan and the European Union, as well as congressional approval of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement," Duvall said Thursday in a statement. In a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump on May 14, Duvall called on the U.S. government to swiftly resolve trade disputes with China, as some farmers are having a critical decision to make. "I am hearing anecdotal reports of farmers, particularly those who are dealing with planting delays due to weather, deciding not to plant a crop this year because there's just no market for it," Duvall wrote in the letter. "In 2018, U.S. agricultural exports to China declined 10 billion dollars -- about a 50 percent loss. This is a drastic reversal for what had been a growing market," he noted. According to the USDA's weekly Crop Progress report, just 19 percent of the U.S. soybean crop had been planted as of May 19, well behind the 47-percent five-year average. John Boyd Jr., a fourth-generation farmer in the U.S. state of Virginia, has only planted about one fourth of his soybean crop so far this year. "If my crop isn't planted one month from right now ... then it's all over for me, and not just for me, (but also) for other American farmers," Boyd told Xinhua in a recent interview. "I am part worried and part frustrated and I'm very disappointed." While the U.S. government last year offered 12 billion dollars to help farmers weather the fallout, "I haven't received a dime of that," Boyd said, noting that the process has been slow. "I don't want the aid. I want a fair price for my crop," said the farmer. A second round of financial support to offset farm losses is only "a partial and temporary Band-Aid" and not a permanent solution for soy growers who have lost their number one export market, according to the American Soybean Association (ASA). "Farmers are resolute that the only real solution is to take away the tariffs that have hemorrhaged our sales and landed our relationship with China on life support," said Davie Stephens, president of the ASA. Ben Scholz, president of the National Association of Wheat Growers, said that he hopes to work with the Trump administration to quickly finalize other trade agreements that will open up new markets for wheat farmers. "While we appreciate the trade mitigation program, it doesn't make farmers whole. The United States exports 50 percent of its wheat, which means we need a long-term solution," he said. The trade aid package also drew criticism from U.S. lawmakers, as the lack of a long-term strategy and stability adds further uncertainty for farmers. "I have a number of concerns about whether this plan is fair and equitable to all farmers. Government checks are no replacement for lost markets, and this temporary support will only go so far," said Debbie Stabenow, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, in a statement. "Too many farmers are struggling as this administration continues to pursue a chaotic trade agenda. Our farmers need a focused strategy, access to export markets and long-term stability," Stabenow said. Michael Bennet, a Democratic senator from the U.S. state of Colorado, said the trade aid package is further evidence that the administration's "disastrous policies are inflicting lasting damage on American agriculture." "No one wins in a trade war," Bennet said. "Our farmers and ranchers deserve a trade agenda that provides the security and stability they need to plan for the long term and provide for their families." Critics also argued that it is inequitable to use taxpayers' money to help just one industry harmed by U.S. trade policies, especially as agriculture is already one of the most subsidized and protected industries in the United States. Photo taken on March 29, 2019 shows the Berlaymont Building, the European Commission headquarters, in Brussels, Belgium. Brussels is the capital and the largest city of Belgium. It also enjoys the reputation of the "capital of the Europe", because it hosts a number of principal European Union (EU) institutions including European Council, European Commission, Council of the EU and a branch of the European Parliament. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng) BRUSSELS, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) is likely to see a "noisier" legislature after the elections strengthened the hands of Eurosceptics, particularly in France and Italy, where they would form a "minority bloc" to shape EU priorities, according to experts. In France, the National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen, a long-time outspoken critic of the European bloc, currently leads the polls at 23.3 percent with a one-percentage edge over President Emmanuel Macron's En Marche movement. In Italy, the eurosceptic League led by Interior Minister Matteo Salvini won one-third of the votes, marking a huge leap compared to 6.15 percent reached in the 2014 European Parliament elections. "What is striking is that in two founding EU member states, Italy and France, the eurosceptics and populists are leading and in France this is particularly bad because French President Macron put Europe at the center of its electoral campaign. It is clear now that Le Pen and Salvini will be an attraction pole for any other nationalist political party in the EU Parliament," Gianni Bonvicini, scientific advisor with the Istituto Affari Internazionali, told Xinhua. Steven Blockmans, Senior Research Fellow and Head of Foreign Policy and of Institutions Unit at the think tank Center for European Policy Studies, however noted Macron's En Marche movement, had gone from "nothing to second in the overall ranking." "It's often portrayed as having lost the elections, because Macron made this a referendum about himself and his policies since grabbing the presidency and the (national) parliament as well, which is of course true. If you look at the relative success of Marine Le Pen's National Rally, then yes they are the biggest, but Macron's En Marche lost by 1 percentage point, which is not a lot," Blockmans told Xinhua. "MINORITY BLOC" Within the European Parliament, legislators under Salvini and Le Pen are in the Europe of Nations and Freedom (ENF) group. Prior to polls, there were fears that the ENF and their fellow eurosceptics could upend the political landscape in the European Parliament. Now that the results are out, their forces will not be big enough, Bonvicini said, but "they will be a good 'minority bloc' group able to stop some parliamentary decisions." Nigel Farage's new Brexit party also did well in the elections, basing Tories and Labour in the United Kingdom. "If indeed the Brexit party joins the wider alliance that Le Pen and Salvini and others have in mind, then that becomes a force to be reckoned with, beyond the topics that unite them," Blockmans said. They would be bound to mark their stamp on topics from immigration, asylum to the future of the Schengen zone, and thereby able to move the needle more towards the right on those type of debates, Blockmans said. It remains to be seen how united the eurosceptics would be in the new legislature. "If at least they unite to obtain 33 percent of the votes in the European Parliament, then they can really block the policy initiatives" from international trade negotiations to budget negotiations, Blockmans said. "So, whilst they haven't been able to meet expectations as pollsters had suggested prior to the European Parliamentary elections -- their ultimate number of seats is perhaps lower in that respect -- they will still put their stamp on the next European Parliament," he added. CONSENSUS MORE DIFFICULT For four decades, the European Parliament saw a "grand coalition" of the center-right and the center-left, where the two groups control over half seats of the legislature. This year, both of them -- the European People's Party (EPP) group and the Socialists & Democrats (S&D) -- lost seats, depriving them of a majority for the first time. Specifically, the EPP are now projected to win 180 seats and S&D 145 seats. Together they make up less than half of the 751-member legislature. Centrist group ALDE&R and the Greens came in third and fourth, with 109 and 69 seats projected respectively. "The EU decision making process will be slower because the EU parliament is now very fragmented and a new majority will have to be found among the different groups," Bonvicini said. "It will certainly be a noisier European Parliament, which is, conversely, perhaps a more proper reflection of voters' attitudes around Europe than the composition of the previous parliament," Blockmans said. "The further fragmentation of political parties indicates that Europe will have difficulties in building consensus among public opinions, as well as in identifying a new generation of EU leaders," Gu Xuewu, Director of the Center for Global Studies at Bonn University, told Xinhua. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-28 02:29:33|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close TIRANA, May 27 (Xinhua)-- The Albanian National Food Authority (NFA) seized 257 kilograms of meat products at an illegal slaughterhouse near Durres, the authorities said in a statement on Monday. According to the statement, the illegal slaughterhouse belongs to Albanian citizen Ramiz Shala. A fine worth 250,000 Albanian lek (around 2,275 U.S. dollars) was imposed during the inspection process.. According to the NFA, the animals were slaughtered illegally and the place lacked hygiene sanitary conditions. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-28 02:39:37|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close Namibian President Hage Geingob (R, front) meets with his Tanzanian counterpart John Magufuli (L, front) in Windheok, Namibia, on May 27, 2019. Hage Geingob on Monday called on Tanzania to work with Namibia to improve the livelihood of the people of both nations. (Xinhua/Nampa) WINDHOEK, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's President Hage Geingob on Monday called on Tanzania to work with Namibia to improve the livelihood of the people of both nations. Speaking at a meeting with visiting President of Tanzania John Magufuli, Geingob said that Namibia and Tanzania face the same developmental challenges such as poverty and unemployment. "The onus is on us to redouble our efforts in working towards a goal of eradicating poverty, sustainable development and maintaining peace and stability. I am confident that our getting together will yield tangible results, as we seek to transform and grow our economies and deepen our bilateral cooperation," Geingob said. The two countries will also discuss partnerships in agriculture and tourism. "It is essential for our countries to share experiences in these vital sectors and to aim at replicating the success stories in other sectors," he said. The Tanzanian president is in the country for a two-day visit. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-28 03:50:09|Editor: zh Video Player Close by Eric J. Lyman ROME, May 27 (Xinhua) -- French automaker Renault said it would "study with interest" a proposal from Italian-American rival Fiat-Chrysler that would merge the companies in a deal that could help reshape the global auto industry. Fiat-Chrysler on Monday pitched the "merger of equals," which would create the world's third largest carmaker, a company that would have a significant presence in every major world market and in every market segment from electric and hybrid vehicles to compact cars and from trucks to luxury cars. It would also give the combined company the economics of scale to compete in the race for the technologies for self-driving cars. Fiat predicted the combined company would save more than 5 billion euros (5.6 billion U.S. dollars) per year through the merger. All told, shareholders in each of the two companies would end up owning exactly half of the combined company, which Fiat said would produce around 8.7 million vehicles per year. Only Germany's Volkswagen and Toyota from Japan would be bigger. The next step will be for Renault to decide whether to recommend the proposal to its shareholders. If they do that, it will be up to shareholders from both companies to vote the deal up or down. According to Marco Leonardi, an economist with the Department for the Study of Labor and Welfare with the State University of Milan, the deal will face some obstacles. For example, Fiat said it would not be necessary to close any production plants for either company, but it did not address the possibility of job losses. "There's also the question of who will be in charge," Leonardi told Xinhua. "Fiat says it will be a 50-50 merger and that the board will include independent directors. But someone will have to be the head of the company. Will that person come from Fiat-Chrysler or from Renault?" Roberto Alfonsi, an automobile sector analyst with ABS Securities, said there is also the problem of the role of the French state in Renault. The company was privatized starting in 1996, but the French state retains a 15-percent stake. That means the French government would own 7.5 percent of the combined company. The Italian government has never owned a stake in Fiat. "Fiat shareholders could say they won't approve the deal unless the Italian state takes a similar stake in Fiat, or unless the French government sells its shares," Alfonsi said in an interview. Leonardi said that despite the obstacles, the deal makes good sense. "Geographically, the companies complement each other, especially with Fiat lacking a strong presence in Asia," Leonardi said. Leonardi pointed out that Sergio Marchionne, the famed Italian-Canadian businessman who shepherded Fiat's 2014 merger with Chrysler and who headed the new company until his death last year, said that the global marketplace will ultimately support six major carmakers. As a standalone company, Fiat is the world's eighth largest automobile maker, one rank ahead of Renault. "This merger, or another one on the same scale, is probably necessary for the long-term survival of both companies," Leonardi said. Alfonsi said the merger could spark a streak of other mergers between second-tier car makers. It is not clear how the merger would impact Renault's alliance with Japanese carmakers Nissan and Mitsubishi. Media reports said Renault last year proposed a merger with its Japanese partners but was turned down. Share prices for both Fiat-Chrysler and Renault jumped higher on the news of the proposed merger. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-28 04:40:30|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close RAMALLAH, May 27 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian diplomat said on Monday that Palestine will participate in the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) summit scheduled in June. Palestinian Deputy Prime Minister Ziad Abu Amr will head a Palestinian delegation to the conference, Mazen Shamiyah, Palestinian deputy Foreign Minister for Asia, Africa and Australia, told Xinhua. Palestine was one of the first members that joined the CICA whose main objective is to disarm the nuclear weapons and pursue the principle of peace, security and stability in the world, Shamiyah said. "Palestine believes all countries around the world need to combat the crime in all forms," the Palestinian official noted. Palestine is still defending its idea that everyone must live in security and stability without any aggression against others, he added. This year's CICA summit will be held in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe with participation of leaders of its members. The CICA was established in 1992 as a forum for dialogue and consultation on security issues in Asia with the first summit held in 2002. "The participation of Palestine as a member of the CICA emphasizes the principles of this conference," said Hussam al-Dajani, a political expert based in the Gaza Strip. "It is a good opportunity for Palestine to highlight the violation of Palestinian land by Israel, also a member of the CICA," the expert noted. "This is the right opportunity for the Palestinians to express their grievances internationally, while the world is waiting for U.S. President Donald Trump to formally announce the 'Deal of the Century,'" he added. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-28 04:40:32|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close NAIROBI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The UN-Habitat on Monday presented awards to 10 most outstanding and innovative housing ideas, projects and programs from across the globe. The 2018 World Habitat award winners and finalists were selected following their role in promoting housing solutions that change people lives and contribute to their well being. "I am proud that UN-Habitat supports the work of communities and people to innovate towards more sustainable and affordable housing solutions," Maimunah Mohd Sharif, UN-Habitat executive director, said at a ceremony on the sidelines of the ongoing first UN-Habitat Assembly in Nairobi. Sharif said that the World Habitat Awards recognize and highlight innovative, outstanding and sometimes revolutionary housing ideas, projects and programs from across the world to help spur growth in housing sector globally. Leilani Farha, UN Habitat special rapportuer on the rights to adequate housing, said that the projects put the right to housing in action, transforming and empowering some of the most vulnerable communities and neighborhoods at a time when housing challenges across the world are heightened. "Through their work, they are demonstrating what is possible and this will inspire similar rights based projects where they are needed," Farha added. Two leading innovative ideas from Japan and Pakistan were awarded a cash price of 11,000 U.S. dollars each by the event judges from a list of 100 entries. In Japan, the program renovates abandoned homes using government subsidies and rented out to the single mothers at discounted rates since it is extremely hard for single mothers to find affordable place to live. The Pakistan chulahs program that is run by Heritage Foundation of Pakistan teaches marginalized women to build a hygienic, sustainable, smokeless earthen stove which not only improve their health but also empowers them to earn a living by marketing and building stoves in other villages. Other finalists came from Haiti, Netherlands, Algeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tajikistan and United Kingdom. Initiated in 1985, the annual World Habitat Awards competition attracts projects which make an outstanding contribution to people's living conditions in a variety of contexts. More than 250 outstanding World Habitat Awards have been recognized over the years, demonstrating substantial, lasting improvements in living conditions. Each year, two winners receive 11,000 dollars each and a trophy that is presented at the UN Habitat Assembly in Nairobi. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-28 06:16:13|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close JERUSALEM, May 27 (Xinhua) -- A total of 18 cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed between China's southwestern province of Sichuan and Israel in the Israeli central city of Tel Aviv on Monday. Delegates from the Sichuan provincial government, research and education institutions and companies signed these agreements and MoUs with Israeli partners at the China (Sichuan)-Israel Science, Technology and Trade Conference. The value of the agreements signed in the sectors of economy, trade, and investment surpassed 350 million U.S. dollars. Practical cooperation between the two sides has been conducted in sectors of science, technology, economy, trade, education and culture with fruitful achievements in recent years, said Peng Qinghua, secretary of the Sichuan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China. Peng believed there is a great potential for both sides to further deepen innovation cooperation in the future. Sichuan is Israel's important cooperative partner, said Amiram Appelbaum, chief scientist of Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry and chairman of Israel Innovation Authority. Both sides have great potentials to conduct innovation cooperation in sectors of modern agriculture, electronic information, medical health and clean energy, Appelbaum added. The conference provided a good chance for Israel to further learn Sichuan and the cooperation opportunities, Chinese Ambassador to Israel Zhan Yongxin said. Sichuan is strong in economy and rich in technological innovation resources and both sides have huge cooperation potentials, Zhan added. The conference was jointly hosted by the Sichuan provincial government, the Chinese Embassy in Israel, Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry and Israel Innovation Authority. About 300 delegates from China and Israel attended the conference. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-28 06:46:20|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ANKARA, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar on Monday dismissed reports that the United States had issued an ultimatum for Turkey to end its purchase of Russian S-400 air defense missile systems in two seeks. In an interview with local broadcaster Haberturk, Akar said Turkey has not been given any such deadline, while refusing to reveal possible measures Turkey would take in case of the U.S. potential sanctions. The CNBC broadcaster reported last week that Washington had given Ankara just over two weeks to give up its S-400 deal with Russia or risk severe penalties and lose the possibility of buying U.S. F-35 fighter jets. "We are carrying out activities in a way that will completely fulfill the responsibilities on us," Akar said, adding Turkey had made full payment for F-35 fighter jets to Washington. The United States threatens to suspend the delivery of the F-35 fighter jets and slap sanctions if Turkey continues with the purchase of the S-400s. The first batch of S-400s is expected to be delivered to Turkey in July. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-28 07:06:27|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close BLANTYRE, Malawi, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Incumbent President Peter Mutharika has been declared winner of the tightly contested presidential election while the opposition political parties claimed there were irregularities in the election. Mutharika won with 38.57 percent of the votes against his closest rival Lazarus Chakwera, the country's main opposition leader of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) who gained 35.41 percent of the votes. Vice-President Saulos Chilima was third with 20.24 percent of the votes. Mutharika, 78, recorded a slight increase in the number of votes won from 36.4 percent he got in 2014. However, the elections were also tight in the parliamentary race with the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) winning 62 seats in the 193-seat parliament while the main opposition party got 55 seats, with independents also getting 55 seats. The United Transformation Movement (UTM) of Vice-President Saulos Chilima only managed a paltry four parliamentary seats with three small political parties sharing 16 seats. Initially, there were 10 presidential candidates but three were disqualified for various reasons, according to the electoral body. The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) declared Mutharika winner for his second and last term in office after a high court threw out an injunction filed by the main opposition party on Saturday demanding that announcement of election results for the presidential election be suspended due to irregularities in some districts. The party had also demanded for a vote recount. The suspension of the announcement of the results caused tension in the country with reports of violence mainly in the main opposition party strongholds. A number of people were arrested in the process, according to the police. Rodney Jose, Inspector-General of the Police warned during a press briefing on Monday that the police will not allow electoral-related violence and that investigations have been launched against the main opposition leader who had earlier issued a statement that there will be bloodshed if he was not declared winner of the election. The opposition political parties had raised complaints ranging from number of registered in some polling stations and the number of votes cast not tallying, the use of correction fluid to change results and the issue of some presiding officers going away with result sheets. The electoral body acknowledged that it received a total of 147 complaints from political parties but noted that all the complaints were resolved and was confident that the announced results reflect the will of voters. "The commission has thoroughly reviewed all the complaints that were lodged for the presidential election and we declare the presidential elections to be free and fair and these results are the true reflection of the will of the people of Malawi," Justice Jane Ansah said during a press briefing at the National Tallying Center. She said the electoral body did everything possible to ensure that the election was transparency, credible and free and that all the issues raised by stakeholders were duly attended to. According to her, the credibility of the election were attested by international observers who commended the electoral body on the way it conducted the elections. In their preliminary statements, the international observers, which include the Commonwealth Electoral Observer Mission, the European Union (EU) Electoral Observer Mission and the African Union (AU) Electoral Observer Mission all expressed delight over the manner the elections were managed despite a few challenges. Cele 20 de autobuze noi ale Targu Muresului sosesc in aceasta seara Primele 20 de autobuze diesel, din totalul celor 41, sunt in drum spre autobaza din Targu Mures, dar ele vor ajunge pe strazi abia din luna ianuarie, dupa ce vor fi inmatriculate. Viceprimarul Municipiului Targu Mures, Portik Vilmos: Sunt in drum catre Targu [citeste mai departe] American sanctions hit the foreign enterprises that supply technologies and services to the countries that might manufacture weapons of mass destruction, cruise, and ballistic missiles Open source This month, the United States has elaborated three packages of sanctions against Russia. On May 16, they imposed sanctions against Abuzayd Vismuradov, the commander of the "Terek" Chechen special response detachment, Ruslan Geremeyev, former battalion commander, Sergei Kossiyev, the head of reformatory colony No. 7 in Karelia, as well as Elena Trykula and Gennadiy Karlov, members of the Investigative Committee of Russia in accordance with The Magnitsky Act of 2012, which provides for restrictive measures for Russians involved in the violation of human rights. The US Treasury suspect these Russian citizens of murder and torture. The sanctions provide for the freezing of assets of these Russians in the United States. US citizens are not allowed to be engaged in transactions with these assets. On May 21, during his visit to Kyiv, US Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said that in the near future sanctions would be imposed on companies taking part in the implementation of Russian Nord Stream 2 project. The document provides for sanctions against foreign enterprises that supply technologies and services to the countries that might manufacture weapons of mass destruction, cruise, and ballistic missiles. New and planned sanctions are a response to the US leadership of Russia and its partners, who still refuse to make concessions to the Americans. The Ukrainian side of the question It was no coincidence that minister Perry shared his plans to impose sanctions on companies participating in the implementation of the Nord Stream 2 project on the second day after the inauguration of Volodymyr Zelensky, newly elected President of Ukraine. During talks with Perry, US State Department Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker, and Senator Ron Johnson, Ukraines President urged Americans to continue tightening sanctions against Russia. Also at the meeting with the European Commissioner for Energy Maros Sefcovic, Zelensky said that he was counting on EU support in opposing Nord Stream 2 construction and on prolonging anti-Russian sanctions. On May 23, the US Senate Foreign Affairs Committee adopted a resolution condemning Russia's aggression in Ukraine and annexation of the Crimea. The document confirms the US intention to continue the policy of anti-Russian sanctions, and the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is being touted as a threat to Europes security and economic stability in Ukraine. US new sanctions mean that regardless of the change of power in Kyiv, it would continue to exert pressure on Russia until Putin agrees to conduct negotiations and agree to end the aggression in eastern Ukraine. Americans reinforce Zelenskys position in the event of negotiations with Moscow on the Donbas and Crimea. The new president is considering the possibility of holding a referendum on reaching peace agreements with Russia. At the same time, the Russian leadership is not eager to negotiate with Kyiv. On March 21, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned Zelenskys appeals to the US and the EU to continue the policy of anti-Russian sanctions and stressed that the normalization of bilateral relations is possible when Ukraine unilaterally fulfills the Minsk agreements. This is a great risk for our country. If the Ukrainian units are the first to withdraw from the demarcation line, there are no guarantees that their positions will not be taken by the illegal armed formations. Germany's position The Americans did not specifically tie the new sanctions to the situation in the Donbas, since Zelensky and Putin had not negotiated yet, but announced a new package of sanctions against companies involved in the implementation of Nord Stream 2, in order to create a nerve-itchy situation for Russia. The construction of the Nord Stream 2 is no less a painful issue for Ukraine than Russia's aggression. If the pipeline is built, the transit of natural gas from Russia through the gas transmission system of Ukraine will be significantly reduced. Our economy will lose revenue of $ 3 billion a year. Germany is interested in taking on the role of Ukraine and making a profit from large volumes of transit of Russian natural gas to Europe. Berlin is the largest buyer of Russian natural gas in the European Union. The United States has repeatedly urged Germany to reduce gas dependence on Russia. The US is interested in reducing Russian influence in Europe, which can use the gas dependence of European countries as an instrument of political blackmail. It is in their interest that EU member states, including Germany, diversify the import of natural gas. Among the EU member states, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Norway have a critical position on the Nord Stream 2 construction. Some European countries are making efforts to reduce dependence on Russian gas. Recently, Bulgaria and Greece announced the start of construction of a gas pipeline as part of the implementation of the Trans-Adriatic Gas Pipeline project for the supply of natural gas from Azerbaijan. If the project is successful, Bulgaria will be able to buy 30% of natural gas in Azerbaijan. Romania and Hungary have been working on the possibility of connecting the section of the unfinished Nabucco gas pipeline along the Arad-Szeged route, which connects the gas distribution systems of the two countries to the natural gas field on the Neptun block in the Black Sea. The European Commission is going to allocate 215 million euros to finance the construction of the Baltic Pipe gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea, which will connect the fields in Norway with the gas market in Denmark and Poland. However, the United States itself is acting situationally on the issue of energy supplies from Russia. Despite the demands for Europe to reduce energy dependence on Russia, Americans have recently increased imports of Russian oil. In the first five months of 2019, they bought 5 million barrels of oil and oil products in Russia, while for the whole 2018, they bought 7.51 million barrels, and 1.58in 2017, Missile crisis New sanctions against Russian enterprises of the military-industrial complex should be perceived as the US response to the supply of modern weapons systems by Russia and the transfer of missile technologies to North Korea, Iran, and Syria, which pose risks to US regional interests. In May, 79 senators and 303 congressmen from the Republican and Democratic Party called on Trump to increase pressure on Russia in connection with its activities in Syria. In April 2018, Russia delivered 40 Pantsir missile-cannon systems to Syria, and in October 2018, the S-300PM-2 anti-aircraft missile systems, short-range missiles. Thanks to Russian military assistance, Syrian President Bashar Asad actually won a civil war over the opposition sponsored by the West. In Syria, there are Iranian military and armed Shiite groups. At various times, Russia supplied S-300 and Pantsir complexes to Iran, which is now under US sanctions and does not want to abandon ballistic missiles, sponsors Islamic extremists in Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, which pose a threat to American regional allies Israel and Saudi Arabia. The US military bases in Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar are in the sight of Iranian missiles. It is possible that the Russians provide technology to North Korea for the production of ballistic missiles. There is an opinion that the technologies used in the Iskander Russian tactical complexes were present in the DPRK; they were tested on May 4 and 9. The North Korean missiles might cover 28.5 thousand US military, who are in South Korea. With the help of the new sanctions, the United States wants to discourage Russia from exporting S-400 anti-missile systems capable of inflicting damage on subtle fighters. The Russian Federation sold these complexes to China and Turkey, the issue of delivery was discussed with Indian authorities. Read the original text at 112.ua. Concern among Ukrainians and western officials about Mr Kolomoiskys influence over the novice president was heightened after the billionaire returned to Kiev this month after two years of self-imposed exile and his former personal lawyer was appointed Mr Zelenskys chief of staff. Ukrainian oligarch Ihor Kolomoysky Unian Ukraines new president Volodymyr Zelensky should follow Greece by rejecting the International Monetary Funds austerity programme and defaulting on its external debt, according to his contentious oligarch supporter. Igor Kolomoiskys comments in an interview with the Financial Times will ring alarm bells with Kievs western backers even though Mr Zelensky has said he would stick to the terms of Ukraines $3.9bn bailout. Ukraine needs IMF loans, which come under a standby arrangement, to service its external debt that amounts to about 60 per cent of gross domestic product. With payments set to peak this and next year, Mr Kolomoisky also suggested Ukraine had nothing to fear if it defaulted. How many times has Argentina defaulted? [ . . .] So what, they restructured it. Its fine. Mr Zelensky a comedian who rose to fame on Mr Kolomoiskys television channel playing a fictional president won the presidency in a landslide last month despite his lack of political experience, shaky grasp of policy and widespread suspicions about his ties to the oligarch. He runs and owns shares in a company that has a long-term contract with my company. Mr Kolomoisky is trying to overturn a decision in 2016 to nationalise his bank, PrivatBank, after officials found a $5.5bn hole in its balance sheet. The IMF has warned that reversing the nationalisation would jeopardise Ukraines rescue programme agreed by Mr Zelenskys predecessor Petro Poroshenko. The oligarch said Mr Zelenskys election victory showed Ukrainians wanted a break from the IMF-mandated austerity reforms and rampant corruption, which voters cited as their top reasons to vote for the comedian. If Zelensky's plans work out, I'll be a sympathetic character. Even if I don't have anything to do with it. If Zelensky can't do it [ . . .] Kolomoisky will be the devil incarnate. Even if I don't lift a finger. Ukrainian oligarch Igor Kolomoysky pravda.com.ua Early parliamentary elections have accelerated the process of creating political parties. Or rather, they reminded the oligarchy that it was time for them to acquire their own political forces. Or take the old one, and upgrade or rebrand it. It seems that way will go to Igor Kolomoisky, who, although returned to Ukraine not so long ago, is completely socialized in the current political moment. Soon, a new party will appear under his auspices. The media called it the "party of mayors." The composition of the new political force is being clarified, and as for the role of Kolomoisky, according to him, it comes down to consulting the participants in the process. So he said in an interview with Ukrayinska Pravda. Roll call of mayors In a conversation Kolomoisky said that upon arrival in Ukraine, he met with the co-chairman of Vidrodzhennia MPs group Vitaly Homutynnyk and businessman Pavlo Fooks. "We have common issues. There are commercial issues, there are political ones. We heard, they announced that they are creating a new political project Trust the deeds. This will be an all-Ukrainian project. A party in which a large number of mayors will figure ... do you understand that after the presidential election there should be a reload of those projects that were unsuccessful? Vidrodzhennia took part in the presidential election, gained up to 1%. Therefore, it requires a reboot. This project has exhausted itself as it is. It demands unification, more expanded understanding of ideology. Not just a club of interests, but some kind of saturation. I have always said that I am sympathetic to Vidrodzhennia, Kolomoisky said. So, at least two project participants are known. This is the Vidrodzhennia party, which is headed by the MP Viktor Bondar (he is also the head of the deputies group of the same name in the Verkhovna Rada), as well as the party of the Odesa mayor Gennady Trukhanov Trust the Deeds. The latter, apparently, plays the role of a point from which the new political force starts. The third component will be the pro-government until recently Nash Kray - a party that has five co-chairs at once: Olexandr Mazurchak, Olexandr Feldman, Yuri Granaturov, Anton Kisse and Serhiy Kaltsev. All of them are former members of Party of Regions. It is expected that they will be joined the group Volya Narodu, as well as 15-20 mayors of major cities in Eastern and Central Ukraine, among which, besides Trukhanov, will be the mayor of Kharkiv Gennady Kernes. It is already known that Kernes and Trukhanov will be included in the top five of the electoral list of the new party, but the decision on who will be its first number has not yet been made. This was announced by the co-chairman of Vidrodzhennya Vitaly Homutynnyk, who also added that the mayoral party congress will be held before the end of this month. As for ideological content, political force will focus on regional problems, Gennady Kernes says. By the way, the party of the regions (despite the fact that these words have been compromised) is a rather advantageous idea, Andriy Zolotariov, head of the Tretiy Sector center, comments for 112.ua. And it is to create a political force that would claim to protect the interests of regional elites. In the 2012 elections, personal assistants to politicians originated from parliament from secretaries to drivers or security guards, and in 2014 they were replaced by activists, journalists and the like, but the regional elites didnt actually join the Radas renewal. It was a matter of time when such a project should have appeared, the expert says. New "Party of Regions" The political union of Vidrodzhennya, Nash Kray and Volia Narodu looks logical, because these associations have a similar ideology and are aimed at regional development, says Olexiy Garan, a political science professor at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. However, this is not the only motivation that could have prompted Igor Kolomoisky to take over the process of their unification. "This is his tactic, which provides for the support of several political forces at the same time. It was peculiar to other oligarchs. Akhmetov supports Vilkul and Lyashko, for example. He (Kolomoisky) supported both Zelensky and UKROP, and now there will be one more force - Kolomoisky spoke positively about Yulia Tymoshenko. That is, he creates additional opportunities for himself to hold additional candidates for parliament, Garan said. Kolomoisky understands that he needs to get several columns in politics at once, because the Servant of the people party most likely will not get 50% of the votes at the early elections, and he will need coalition partners. In addition, the Servant of the people has too many shareholders, and the party of mayors will be mainly controlled by Kolomoisky himself. And this is a guarantee of his interests in case of the conflict between him and the new Ukrainian president, as it was between Kolomoisky and Poroshenko, political scientist Ruslan Bortnyk notes in a conversation with 112.ua. So, the first goal of the new party is to protect the interests of the regions and to ensure the representation of the local elite in the highest legislative body. The second is more mundane: to be on guard of the interests of the oligarch Kolomoisky. The third is to bite off the electorate from two more participants in parliamentary races, namely: the Opposition bloc and the Opposition platform - For Life. The implementation of this goal will strengthen the position of President Zelensky, according to experts interviewed by us. Electoral wars of the future Partially this political force is created to compete with the Opposition bloc and the Opposition Platform - For Life. Why partially? Because it is unlikely this party can be promoted before the early elections. But it can vote. It can also nominate majoritarian MPs and prevent others to seize single-member constituencies in the south and east of Ukraine. And this point is realized in both the Opposition bloc and the Opposition Platform - For Life: these parties oppose the preservation of majority districts. This is the first thing. And the second is preparation for local elections, because the new government will need regional representations. Factions in local and city councils play the role of instruments of influence and control, "says the director of the Institute of Global Strategies Vadym Karasiov. The mayors party will compete with the Opposition bloc and the Opposition Platform - For Life. However, it is very important to entice the voter both from the first party and from the second one, - that voter who in the second round of the presidential election voted for Zelenskys candidature. If (in the opinion of such a voter) the president of Ukraine does not justify the expectations and does not keep to the line of rapprochement with Russia, a part of society can turn away from the newly elected head of state. And then it is important to intercept the disappointed electorate in time, until it will be influenced by the others. And in this regard, Kolomoisky and the party he creates will play on the side of Zelensky. The interception plan acquired particular relevance after Viktor Medvedchuk, the chairman of the political board of the Opposition Platform - For Life, declared that his party has been in opposition to President Zelensky since his election. It is clear, says Vadym Karasiov, that now Kolomoisky will try to take away a monopoly on the electorate of the south and east of Ukraine from the "Opposition platform - For Life". For Zelensky it would be extremely useful to create some kind of airbag, the role of which is played by the mayors party of Kolomoisky. It will stop everyone who begins to drift away from the "Servant of the People" towards "Opposition bloc" or "Opposition Platform - For Life". Kolomoisky will only inflict harm Another additional bonus for the oligarch will be that it is possible to fight with those who cause his aversion. Kolomoisky has long considered his opponents the leaders of the Opposition block and the Opposition Platform - For Life. His new party is also a fight against them, not only political, but financial and economic, believes Ruslan Bortnyk. His political force will be Euro-pessimistic, focused primarily on a politically unstable electorate, for which the key messages are socio-economic in nature, the expert adds. "The mayors party is unlikely to cover Western Ukraine. There Servant of the People and Yulia Tymoshenko will win. Rather, it will be oriented to the southeast, "says Bortnyk. And regarding the chances of the party to overcome the 5 percent barrier, here, he says, everything "will depend on the re-branding, on the investments and on what kind of mayors will join it." Early elections have their advantages, notes Andriy Zolotariov. "This is a blitz campaign, and Kernes and Trukhanov have their own information machines in the field. They do not need a long campaign, they are already prepared. The party under the leadership of only Kernes and Trukhanov overcomes the 3% barrier, and if other mayors join, they will have chances of overcoming 5 percent. Plus good positions among majoritarian local players." But there is one "issue", warns Zolotariov. Rebranding was started by Kernes with Trukhanov. The party really demanded a reboot. As for participation in the Kolomoisky project, he is a person who is always looking for his own profit. He has his influence, but he has no controlling stake in this project. And what he is doing now is a disservice to Kernes and Trukhanov. Because Kharkiv and Odesa citizens have a diverse attitude towards Mr. Kolomoisky. And his support will not add much to the party. " According to Zolotariov, Igor Kolomoisky is now offering cooperation to a new star in the political sky - Svyatoslav Vakarchuk and his Voice party. Obviously, a pragmatic oligarch seeks to obtain as many wings as possible for his political flight. The court has considered appeals on the fifth and sixth fours of the POWs Moscow City Court considered the appeals concerning eight Ukrainian POWs. The court decided to leave them in custody at least till the end of July, as lawyer Mykola Polozov said. According to him, the court has considered appeals on the fifth and sixth fours of the POWs. It is known that their detention was extended. The deadline for Russias report before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea expires on June 25, 2019. As it was reported, on May 25 International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ordered Russia to release all Ukrainian POWs till June 25. Earlier, on November 25, 2018, Russian border guards seized the Ukrainian Yana Kapu raid tug and small armored artillery boats Berdyansk and Nikopol of the Naval Forces of Ukraine in the Kerch Strait area, using weapons. As a result of the incident, 24 Ukrainian sailors were detained and arrested. They were transported from Crimea to the Moscow Lefortovo detention facility. In addition, three Ukrainian sailors wounded during the shelling by the Russians were transferred to the Prison Hospital. Volodymyr Groysman opposes the offer by oligarch Ihor Kolomoysky; he previously came up with an idea to announce the default, which means Ukraine technically Open source The debt pressure that is now a tough load for the state budget of Ukraine comprises of the debts of previous governments; but the current Cabinet is the one to serve thse debts. Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said that as quoted by the goverment website. 'The absence of payments is a global crisis, and return to the 1990s. Ukrainians have had enough of these crises by now. The common Ukrainians will be the first to suffer from any sort of defaults', reads the message. Groysman added that that currently the key task would be to strengthen the economy and provide a proper, timely service of the debts. Ukraine has to stay loyal to the reputation of the responsible country, which respects and lives up to its commitments; and Ukrainians do not need any new crises caused by the unjustified decisions. Previously, oligarch Ihor Kolomoysky gave an interview to The Financial Times, offering that Ukraine announce financial default, using the example of Greece. Igor Kolomoiskys comments in an interview with the Financial Times will ring alarm bells with Kyivs western backers even though Mr Zelensky has said he would stick to the terms of Ukraines $3.9bn bailout. What is the new president ready to do for peace in Donbas? According to the results of recent sociological researches, the most important problem to solve today is the question of Russian aggression in the East of Ukraine (more than 60%), and this is not a secret. Actually, Zelensky himself, while still being a presidential candidate, actively spoke on the topic of peace in Donbas. However, he has already begun to fulfill his duties as a head of state, and the main questions still do not have an answer: How would we return the occupied Donbas? How to return the annexed Crimea? What the president and the administration are ready to do to achieve ceasefire? Which of the following is essential and what target can be sacrificed for the sake of another? There were no answers to these questions before. Each of them hides a huge number of doubts, sacrifices, fears and dreams, and therefore any answer will immediately hit the level of support for the newly elected president, who is interested in his preservation for obtaining more seats in parliament in early elections. For this reason, its really not worth hurrying with the response of the Presidential Administration, because it will shake the rating. In any negotiations it is necessary to sacrifice something, with the exception of situations where a large force dictates its own conditions, hiding them under the sign of "talks". I suppose that our case is classical negotiations, where the parties listen to each other, express positions and seek a compromise. Each side has its own red lines (what they will not agree to under any circumstances), everything else is discussed, sometimes long and difficult, but discussed. Andrei Gromyko, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the USSR, who was also called "Mr. No", was a master in this matter. He was able to delineate the "red lines" where they really are not, thus forcing the other side to come to a "compromise", which was more beneficial for the USSR. Now this method is adopted by the diplomats of the Russian Federation. In his inaugural speech, Zelensky noted that "he is ready for everything so that our heroes do not die." Immediately then he added: "Without losing territory. Never." Later, the head of the Presidential Administration, Andriy Bogdan, added that Ukraine is also not ready to lose people. So, there are the first "red lines" - territories and people. Recently, Zelensky also noted that the course towards the EU and NATO is enshrined in the Constitution, which means that it should be continued. At the same time, he speaks about a referendum on this issue, and therefore we cannot call it a red line. At this moment we are closing the list of our critical starting points, because the new Administration has not yet announced any others. It is difficult for us to talk about all the "red lines" of Russia, because, having large resources and using the Gromyko approach, Moscow can mislead us about things important to it. We can name obvious interests for the Kremlin: Donbas autonomy as part of a federalized Ukraine, reconciliation of Ukraine and the West with the loss of Crimea, support for the Russian language, impossibility of Ukraines membership in NATO, wide economic cooperation between Ukraine and Russia (linking markets), but we dont know what of these is the most important for Putin. Each of these points is painful for Ukraine, because it marks the loss of subjectivity and harms national interests. The easiest issue can be a question of language. For the Russian-speaking Zelensky, it is resolved: he believes that the language question only separates people and that it has always been a way of manipulation. Russia, at the same time, wanted to convene a meeting in the UN Security Council on the adoption of the language law by the Verkhovna Rada. That is, the question of language can be the first element of a compromise in the negotiations, because for Zelensky himself and his team it is not a matter of principle: he used to say that language quotas are a bad idea, because the language needs to be spread using the "carrot" method, not the "whip". Providing the Russian language with a special status is the first thing that the two parties can agree on. By the way, the new administration is already using the scenario of easing language legislation in relations with Hungary. Especially consider the influence of Russia on the internal situation in our state and media campaign, which will unfold in preparation for the expression of will. And the fact is that the Russian Federation does not want real negotiations, as its dictate conditions, and we, as a weaker state, should look for something in return. Frequent practice is to expand the list of objects of negotiation. For example, in 1962, the United States placed nuclear weapons in Turkey, which could reach the territory of the USSR in 5-10 minutes, while Moscow could only respond after 25 minutes and across the continent, that is, it gave Washington a strategic advantage. The USSR did not negotiate until it deployed nuclear weapons in Cuba and equalized the situation. Only then the negotiations began. Of course, the potentials of Russia and Ukraine cannot be compared, but Ukraine can also offer something to Russia during negotiations. It is not only about the abolition of sanctions that hit the Russian economy, but also about the abolition of new extraordinary measures that Ukraine can create with the help of international partners. Perhaps these will be measures that will harm us, but they will harm Russia more. The list of such means is long - from preventing the work of mines operating in the occupied territory (of course, without human victims), to the complete blockade of the territories. These are examples of the most radical decisions that, obviously, will not be preferred by the new government. So far, Zelensky fully continues the foreign policy of his predecessor, focusing on the strengthening of sanctions against the Russian Federation. Kyiv does not go beyond the limits of Minsk and the Norman format. However, when the elections are held and we get a new parliament, in which the new president will have his own political power, an active stage of peace negotiations on new scenarios will begin. Then the time will come to outline our "red lines". And, if there will be a referendum, then the people themselves, each of us will determine what he is ready to do for the sake of ending the war in Donbas. How much and what will we give for this - it will depend only on us. And this is just the first stage, it is followed by the return of Donbas and Crimea. Against this background, Zelenskys thesis that each of us is a president becomes clear. But is each of us ready to be president? Open source The Central Election Commission (CEC) asks Donetsk and Luhansk region state administrations and military-civilian administrations to give their opinion on the possibility of organizing the preparation and holding of extraordinary elections to the Verkhovna Rada in the territories that are part of single-mandate constituencies. The press service of the CEC reports this. Thus, the regular session of the CEC took place on Monday, May 27. The Commission, by its decision, appealed to the Donetsk and Luhansk regional state administrations - military and civilian administrations to make conclusions on the possibility of organizing the preparation and holding of special elections of MPs of Ukraine on July 27, 2019, in accordance with the law, in the territories within the limits of the region that are part of single-mandate constituencies, determined by the 82 decision of the CEC as of April 28, 2012 the report said. The Commission expects to receive this information from Donetsk and Luhansk regional state administrations until June 3. Besides, the CEC amended to its decision 18 of January 26, 2012 On the requirements for the premises of district election commissions for the elections of MPs of Ukraine, the norms for providing electoral commissions with equipment, inventory, vehicles, communication and office equipment, other materials, types of services that election commissions can purchase at the expense of the State Budget of Ukraine. In addition, amendments were added to the resolution 18 of the CEC as of April 21, 2013, On a clarification of the procedure for amending the constituency and members of the district election commissions for elections of MPs of Ukraine. On May 24, the electoral process kicked off in Ukraine; early parliamentary elections are scheduled for July 21, 2019, as the press office of Central Election Commission reported. According to 42% of the votes, Nauseda got 72% of the votes, while Simonyte gained 28% Gitanas Nauseda, the President-elect of Lithuania Ukrinform Ex-Head of the Central Bank of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda has won the presidential elections, while his opponent MP Ingrida Simonyte occupied the second place as Reuters reported. I was the independent candidate and my task in this election campaign was to unify Lithuanian people, no matter where they live, in small regions, villages, small cities or big cities, Gitanas Nauseda told after declaring victory. According to the results of the counting of 42% votes, Nauseda got 72% of the votes, while Simonyte gained 28%. Nauseda promised to follow the rigid position toward Russia occupied by current President Dalia Grybauskaite. The solution of the governmental crisis will be the first task of the new president. Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis promised to resign on the inauguration of the states head. Lithuanian President can impose veto on the laws adopted by the parliament. He will also play the crucial role in the forming of the foreign policy and security policy of the state as well as at the appointment of the key officials such as prime minister judges, prosecutor general and head of the central bank. As we reported the second round of the presidential elections took place in Lithuania on May 26. Early voting in Lithuania started on Monday, May 20 and lasted until Friday, May 24. It was held at home for voters over 70 years old and those who, due to health reasons, cannot come to the polling stations. The social organization applied to the Supreme Court of Ukraine, the court will rule after five days from the registration moment Andriy Bohdan Open source The Supreme Court of Ukraine received the claim to cancel Zelenskys order, by which Andriy Bohdan was appointed as the Head of the Presidential Administration. The press service of the court reported this. The social organization Public Lustration Committee wants to recognize the appointing of Bohdan unlawful. They filed the lawsuit on May 24. At the same day, one more physical person filed against this decision as well. Both claims are registered under the flowing numbers: 9901/283/19 and 9901/284/19. According to the report, the court will rule in five days from the registration moment. Earlier, the new head of Presidential Administration of Ukraine is Andriy Bohdan. The respective decree has been released by the president's press office via the official website. The document was signed May 21. Andriy Bohdan previously served as Volodymyr Zelensky's counselor for legal issues; he also used to be the lawyer of Ihor Kolomoysky, the Ukrainian oligarch famous for his business ties to Zelensky. Rassemblement National, the party of far-right French politician Marine Le Pen won most of the votes in France during the 2019 European Parliament elections. Reuters reported that, referring to the released results. 'The French people have sent a very clear message and a lesson in humility to Macron. Its him and his politics that have been rejected', said Jordan Bardella, the press secretary of Le Pen's party. Elabe think-tank's poll results say that Rassemblement National, previously known as the National Front, won 23.6% of the vote, a bit more than one point higher than that scored by Emmanuel Macrons La Republique En Marche, 22.4%. The French 'greens' claimed 12.8 percent, while the Republicans came fourth, with 8.3. In total, 427 million people have the right to vote in 28 EU member states. So, this is the second largest election in the world after the Indian one. All in all, EU citizens elected 751 MPs. For each of the 28 member states, a clear number of places in the EU is reserved. Most of them are in Germany (96), France (74), Italy and Great Britain (73 each). Small countries, like Cyprus, Luxembourg and Malta, have only six deputies each. If his political force survives, it will be able to get cleansed, and there'll be nothing to charge it with, he said Ukrainian oligarch Ihor Kolomoysky Unian Oligarch Ihor Kolomoysky, the business partner and assumed sponsor of Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky said he would support any political force in the next line-up of the Ukrainian Parliament - except European Solidarity ran by Petro Poroshenko. Ukrainska Pravda outlet reported that. 'All but BPP (former Petro Poroshenko's Bloc, - 112 International)', he said, replying to the reporter's question. Kolomoysky added he would not be toppling Poroshenko's force. 'I don't need to topple them. Poroshenko just stepped down, and he's about to have a lot on his plate now, whatever amassed [against him] over the last five years. On the other hand, it's good, too (...) If he and his political force survive, it will be cleansed, and no one would be able to charge them with this by the next elections', Kolomoysky said. Earlier this month, Petro Poroshenko left the office of the President of Ukraine, giving way to his succcessor Volodymyr Zelensky who won the presidential election. The Speaker of the Ukrainian parliament ordered the Committee on Legal Policy to consider this issue on May 29 The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine should consider the issue of the resignation of the government and prime minister during a plenary session on May 30 as 112 Ukraine reported citing Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament Andry Paruby. According to the legislation, we should consider the issue of the resignation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. According to the law, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is provided with 10 days and we enter these 10 days on this plenary week. And due to it, I order the Committee on Legal Policy to consider it on Wednesday and we will be able to consider the issue of the resignation of the Cabinet of Ministers and prime minister on Thursday. I think it will be one of the most key issues, Paruby said. Ukraines PM Groysman wrote a letter of resignation, which is dated May 20. He said he would resign on Wednesday, May 22. Groysman headed Ukraines Government since April 14, 2016. Representative of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to the Verkhovna Rada Vadym Denysenko resigned, too. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky officially dissolved the Verkhovna Rada and appointed the snap elections for July 21. The Cabinet of Ministers should provide the financing of the elections. Head of the Administration of the President Andry Bohdan stated that the decision on the dissolution of the parliament corresponds the Constitution. The politician is sure that Russia does not care about the international law and it reminds about it only in its own interpretation Leader of Peoples Front Party Arseny Yatsenyuk urged President Volodymyr Zelensky to achieve the session of the UN Security Council and respond of the EU and G7 due to the reluctance of Russia to execute the decision of International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea on the release of the Ukrainian sailors as the politician reported on Facebook. I appeal to President Zelensky, demand the urgent convent of the UN Security Council and respond of the members of G7 and EU, Yatsenyuk said. He noted that Russia does not care about the international law and it reminds about it only in its own interpretation. Yatsenyuk is sure that the decision of the ITLOS on the release of the Ukrainian sailors and vessels needs the worlds response. Demand the world to say its word. Because the voices of people, who want to return Russia to the PACE, lift sanctions and be friends with it are not right. It is the echo of the collapse of the world structure, Yatsenyuk added. On May 25, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea satisfied the demands of Ukraine on the temporary measures, which should be assumed by Russia. Particularly, the court obliged Russia to immediately release the Ukrainian sailors and allow them to return to Ukraine. According to the decision of the court, Russia is obliged to execute the decision of the tribuna up to June 25, 2019. We recall, on November 25, 2018, Russian border guards seized the Ukrainian Yana Kapu raid tug and small armored artillery boats Berdyansk and Nikopol of the Naval Forces of Ukraine in the Kerch Strait area, using weapons. As a result of the incident, 24 Ukrainian sailors were detained and arrested. They were transported from Crimea to the Moscow Lefortovo detention facility. In addition, three Ukrainian sailors wounded during the shelling by the Russians were transferred to the Prison Hospital. It was the first working visit of Ukraines President President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky made the first working visit to Luhansk region, where he visited the positions of the military in Stanytsia Luhanska and Shchastya. The press service of the head of state reported. The Head of State talked with soldiers about living conditions, food quality, equipment, housing, social package and staffing of units. In Stanytsia Luhanska, the President visited the frontline, in particular, the observation post and trench shelters. The enemy's nearest position was 400 meters away, the report said. Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the necessity of improvement of living conditions after seeing them. "The conditions for the military who defend Ukraine must be normal," the President said. Besides, the President listened to the report of Joint Forces Commander, Lieutenant-General Oleksandr Syrsky on the situation in the JFO area. The meeting was attended by Chief of the General Staff - Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant-General Ruslan Khomchak. International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea wants Russia to release Ukrainian sailors till June 25 Kremlins position concerning the release of the Ukrainian POWs remains the same despite the order of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, as Vedomosti reported referring to Putins Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov. Position cant change. The investigation in regard of violation of the law on the border has to be completed, the court session should take place, Peskov said answering the question of the journalist whether the Kremlins position concerning the order of the International Tribunal changed. As it was reported, the International Maritime Tribunal on May 25, demanded Russia to immediately release the Ukrainian sailors and ships and ensure their return to Ukraine. Ukraine is counting on Russias immediate implementation of the decision. Earlier, on November 25, 2018, Russian border guards seized the Ukrainian Yana Kapu raid tug and small armored artillery boats Berdyansk and Nikopol of the Naval Forces of Ukraine in the Kerch Strait area, using weapons. Related: Head of delegation to ITLOS Zerkal: Tribunal to rule on Ukrainian POW sailors on May 25 As a result of the incident, 24 Ukrainian sailors were detained and arrested. They were transported from Crimea to the Moscow Lefortovo detention facility. In addition, three Ukrainian sailors wounded during the shelling by the Russians were transferred to the Prison Hospital. The court did not satisfy the cassation complaint of Vyshynskys lawyers Open source The Supreme Court of Ukraine did not satisfy the cassation appeal of the lawyers of RIA News Chief Editor Kyrylo Vyshynsky regarding the lawfulness of his detention. The press service of the Court reports this. On Monday, May 27, the joint chamber of the Criminal Cassation Court of the Supreme Court of Ukraine did not satisfy the cassation complaint of the lawyers of Kyrylo Vyshynsky concerning the decision of the investigating judge of Kherson city court of Kherson region on May 28, 2018 and the decision of the Court of Appeal of Kherson region on the refusal to open the appeal proceedings on June 5, 2018, the report said. The full text of the courts decision will be declared on June 3. One can find the final document in the Unified state register of court decisions. As it was reported, the former RIA News Head Kyrylo Vyshynsky was transferred to Kyiv to the Lukyanivska prison. Earlier, Kherson City Court extended detention for RIA News Head Kyrylo Vyshynsky to April 8. On May 15, the Security Service (SBU) considered the detention of the head of RIA News Ukraine agencys office. Kremlin has already responded to the incident and called the actions of the SBU outrageous. Besides, Russia promised to assume reciprocal measures. Then, the state sent a protest note over searches at the mass media office. The actions of Vyshynsky were preliminarily qualified as the state treason. The same day the SBU reported that Kyrylo Vyshynsky is now officially suspected of state treason. The conflict occurred as food was of poor quality Unrest in Odesa penal colony, May 27, 2019 Odesa Police Four police officers got injured in the fire in the South penal colony of general regime No. 51 located in Odesa. No casualties reported, as the press office of Odesa National Police informed. As it was reported, the fire occurred as a result of ignition in a car. Odesa Police Unrest in Odesa penal colony, May 27, 2019 Odesa Police Unrest in Odesa penal colony, May 27, 2019 The witness of the incident told to 112 Ukraine correspondent that this incident is connected with the person who barricaded himself inside. The conflict occurred as food was of poor quality. Called out to the guard post, started beating, and then the conflict occurred. Escape is out of the question. No casualties reported, convicted have arms and legs injuries, the message reads. Ukraines Ombudsman Lyudmyla Denisova reported on her Facebook page that three medical workers and three security guards became were taken hostage. They are released now. The preliminary reason for the unrest is a search carried out in the cells. The fire was localized. Police controls the situation now, convicted were taken to local sectors. According to my representative, law enforcers did not violate the rights of the prisoners, nobody got seriously injured. Five perpetrators were taken out of the colony. Information about the escapees or killed is not confirmed, Denisova reported. Prisoners continue holding the line. They are armed with asphalt pieces and planch. Though the law enforcers do not intend to take the barricades by storm and count on the talks, Dumskaya reported. Headquarters was created to settle the current situation. Criminal case was opened under the article on actions which disorganize the work of penitentiary facilities. Unrests broke out in the South penal colony of the general regime No. 51 located in Odesa. Four police officers got injured in the fire in the South penal colony of general regime No. 51 located in Odesa. No casualties reported Unrest in Odesa prison, May 27, 2019 Open source Prisoners attempt to seize the administrative building of the South penitentiary colony No. 51 in Odesa was executed under the direction of thieves in law, as First Deputy Chairman of National Police of Ukraine Vyacheslav Abroskin reported on Facebook. According to him, the goal of the incident is to destabilize the situation but thanks to the actions of the personnel of State Penal Service and National Police the perpetrators failed to reach that. As it was reported, four police officers got injured in the fire in the South penal colony of general regime No. 51 located in Odesa. No casualties reported. Unrests broke out in the South penal colony of the general regime No. 51 located in Odesa. He congratulated Ukraine's cinema workers on the occasion of the 100th jubilee of Odesa cinema studio and the opening of the 48th International Festival Molodist Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine Presidential Administration press office President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky considers the support of national cinema industry to be one of his priorities. He posted this on his Facebook page. 'Support of Ukrainian cinema production is one of the priority tasks', he wrote. Zelensky congratulated Ukraine's cinema workers on the occasion of the 100th jubilee of Odesa cinema studio and the opening of the 48th International Festival Molodist. 'We expect cool films, high box-offices and international awards. And, above all - viewers in cinema theaters, the ones who will choose our films - the films made in Ukraine', the president wrote. He reiterated that until recently, he himself used to belong to the cinema community in Ukraine. Ukraine congratulates its partners of the European Union on successfully conducted elections Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin Unian The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine hopes that the newly elected European Parliament will help Ukraine to resist Russian aggression. The press service of the MIA reported this. Ukraine counts on the continuation of the cooperation with the newly elected Parliament concerning the realization of the European course of our country, implementation of the internal reforms as well as resistance to Russian aggression. We are convinced that the support of the sovereignty, the independence and the territorial integrity of our country will remain constant in the bilateral relations of Ukraine with the European Parliament and the European Union at all, the report said. According to the report, Ukraine congratulates its partners of the European Union on successfully conducted elections. Besides, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that the results of the election prove the landslide victory of the pro-European forces. The MIA congratulated the European Parliament and highly appreciated the European Union's ability to resist Russia's attempts to interfere in the electoral process of the European Union. The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine also thanked the European Parliament of the 8th convocation for fruitful cooperation. Earlier, the results of the election in the European Parliament have been made public on May 27. According to the European Court of Auditors, the overall voters' turnout made 50.5 percent of Europeans. After the rollback to the previous Constitution in 2014, the reins of power shifted from the head of state to parliament and government leaving the President not so almighty Preident of Ukraine: powers and authorities 112 Agency Ukraines newly elected President Volodymyr Zelensky took an oath and assumed his office on May 20, 2019. Traditionally, Ukrainians are looking forward for the day of inauguration, as the head of the state is still associated with absolute power, as if the President can change everything or almost everything in every sphere of life. It is the President whom the people impose the prime responsibility on, including the responsibility for the failures of the authorities. Lets check Ukrainian Constitution for the powers and authorities of the head of the state. Is he so mighty as the people expect him to? Who is the President of Ukraine? The President of Ukraine is the head of the state and acts on behalf of the state. He is considered a guarantor of national sovereignty, Ukraines territorial integrity, maintaining countrys constitution, human and citizen rights and freedoms. The President is also a guarantor of the implementation of countrys strategic course on NATO and EU membership. The symbols of the President are: - the Standard of the President of Ukraine; - the Seal of the President of Ukraine; - The Collar of the President of Ukraine; - the Bulawa of the President of Ukraine. Traditionally the head of the state, elected on the basis of the whole-nation, equal and direct electoral law by secret ballot, gets the presidential symbols after taking oath to the people of Ukraine at the ceremonial meeting of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The President of Ukraine is elected for a five-year term of office, limited to two terms consecutively. The President is not allowed to: - have another representative mandate; - hold offices in another state government bodies or citizen groups; - engage in gainful or entrepreneur activity or to be a member of management or supervisory board which aims at gaining of profit. The regular presidential elections shall be held on the last Sunday of Match of the fifth year of his term in office. If the President's authority has ended pre-term, then the elections must be held within 90 days of the incumbent President's end of term. What rights has the President of Ukraine? While in office, the president enjoys the right of immunity, together with the general rights of the citizens. Those responsible for the infringement on honor and dignity of the head of the state shall be held liable according to the law. What are the duties of the President of Ukraine? The list of the presidents duties is quite extensive, but not endless. Some functions may be performed individually, others in cooperation with the parliament or the government. Namely, the head of the state: - represents the country in international relations, performs foreign policy management, held negotiations and conducts international agreements of Ukraine; - takes decisions on recognizing foreign states; - appoints and dismisses the heads of the diplomatic missions of Ukrainian representatives in other countries and in other international organizations; - accepts the letter of credence and recall from the representatives of foreign countries; - assigns nationwide referendum on changes in Ukrainian Constitution according to article 156 of the Constitution or announces the All-Ukrainian referendum on popular initiative; - appoints snap elections to the Verkhovna Rada within the time limit set by the Constitution, terminates powers and authorities of the Verkhovna Rada in cases set by the Constitution; - on the proposal of the coalition of parliamentary factions in the Verkhovna Rada, the President files an application to appoint a Prime Minister by the parliament no later than on the fifteenth day after receiving such a proposal; - files an application to the Verkhovna Rada on the appointment of the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Foreign Affairs; - appoints and fires the Prosecutor General by agreement of the Parliament; - appoints and dismisses half of the staff of the Board of the National Bank; - appoints and dismisses half of the staff of the National Television and Radio Broadcasting Council; - files to the parliament an application to appoint or to fire the Head of the Security Service; - suspends regulations of the government on the grounds of unconstitutionality, simultaneously bringing the matter before the Constitutional court regarding the unconstitutionality; - cancels the regulatory acts of the Council of Ministers of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea; - appoints and dismisses the highest command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, other military units; - carries out management in the spheres of the countrys security and defense; - chairs the National Security and Defence Council; - files to the parliament an application on declaring the state of war and in case of armed aggression against Ukraine takes decision on engaging the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other armed groups formed in accordance with Ukrainian laws; - in accordance with the law adopts full or partial mobilization and martial law in Ukraine or in certain localities in the event of a danger of attack or threat to the state independence; - if necessary, adopts a decision on introduction of a state of emergency in Ukraine or in some of its localities, and also announces, if necessary, certain areas as zones of an emergency ecological situation - with the approval of these decisions by the Parliament; - appoints one-third of the Constitutional Court; - confers high military ranks, high diplomatic ranks and other high special ranks and class ranks; - awards with state awards; - establishes presidential decorations and rewards them; - decides on granting citizenship of Ukraine and termination of such citizenship, on the provision of shelter in Ukraine; - grants pardons; - within the state budget creates advisory, advisory and other subsidiary bodies and services; - signs laws passed by the Verkhovna Rada; - has the right to veto the laws adopted by the parliament (except for the laws on amending the Constitution of Ukraine) and return them for reconsideration. At that, it is important that the President of Ukraine cant delegate his authority to other persons or bodies. What duties Ukraines President has? The President of Ukraine as a Head of the state and the chief commander has to ensure the countrys independence, national security and the legal succession. Apart from that, he has to send messages to the people and an extraordinary message to the Verkhovna Rada on the internal situation in Ukraine. The President has to fulfill his duties until the next newly elected president steps in. His powers may be terminated early only on case of: - resignation; - loss of the ability to discharge his obligations for health reasons; - removal from office by impeachment; - death. In these cases, the authorities of the head of state are assigned to the Head of the Parliament until the next president is elected and enters the office. The Supreme Court concluded that verification of the compliance of the Constitution with all the legal acts of the Verkhovna Rada and the President, without exception, belongs to the powers of the Constitutional Court The Supreme Court of Ukraine day.kyiv.ua The Administrative Cassation Court of the Supreme Court of Ukraine refused to consider the case on the lawfulness of the decree of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on the dissolution of the Verkhovna Rada. The press service of the court reported this on Facebook. The Supreme Court refused to open a proceeding under the claim against President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on recognizing 303/2019 decree of May 21, 2019 of the President of Ukraine On early termination of powers of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the appointment of early elections, because consideration of such a case is attributed to the jurisdiction of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, the report said. The Supreme Court concluded that verification of the compliance of the Constitution with all the legal acts of the Verkhovna Rada and the President, without exception, belongs to the powers of the Constitutional Court. The plaintiff substantiates the claim that the early termination of parliamentary powers violates his rights as a voter who participated in the elections of members of the parliament on October 26, 2014, and is interested in the continuous and stable work of the parliament. The claimant argued that the appointment of early elections on July 21 also violates his electoral rights (not only as a voter but also as a subject of the right to self-nomination as a candidate), which impedes his plans to have a rest in the summer. According to the Supreme Court, the Code of Administrative Procedure regulates not all public-law disputes, but only those arising because of the exceeding the executive power of the administrative functions and the consideration of which directly does not apply to the jurisdiction of other courts. According to the decision, the constitutional process of early termination of the powers of the Verkhovna Rada and participation in this process of the president is not a form of implementation of its administrative functions and cannot be reviewed the court of administrative jurisdiction. The ruling can be appealed to the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court within 15 days from the date of its adoption. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky officially dissolved the Verkhovna Rada and appointed the snap elections for July 21. The Cabinet of Ministers should provide the financing of the elections. In another case, President Zelensky will teach the MPs how to work. Ruslan Stefanchuk, the representative of Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Verkhovna Rada Radio Liberty President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky will sign the law with the norms on impeachment if the document is of good quality and it will be adopted with the observance of the procedure as Ruslan Stefanchuk, the Representative of Zelensky in the Verkhovna Rada reported. If the procedure of impeachment correspond to the demands established by the Constitution of Ukraine, if it corresponds to the quality of the draft law because we have such moments when the draft law is filed but gets a few negative conclusions from all experts but still is pushed to get the revolution grants; it will not happen anymore. All procedures, all agreements should take place; no voting with pushing the buttons, only then Volodymyr Oleksandrovych will sign the draft laws with pleasure, Stefanchuk said. In another case, the president will teach them (MPs) how to work. As we reported the bills on impeachment and on the lifting of parliamentary immunity are prepared as Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Ruslan Ryaboshapka stated. Ivan Bakanov, who led the party, can not fulfill these responsibilities as he leaves to the civil service Dmytro Razumkov, the Advisor of the President of Ukraine Liga.net Dmytro Razumkov, the Advisor of the President of Ukraine, will perform the functions of the head of Zelenskys party Servant of the People, as he said at the briefing broadcasted by 112 Ukraine. Change in the leadership of the party was implemented at the convention of the party. Ivan Bakanov, who led the party, can not fulfill these responsibilities as he leaves to the civil service. Recently, the party Servant of the People had a congress, some changes in the leadership of the party were held. Ivan Bakanov left for the civil service, he could not hold the post (head of the party, - ed.), the party entrusted me with carrying out these functions, Razumkov said. He also stated that the party was preparing for the parliamentary elections. 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Also enjoy authentic Native foods and local dancers groups and performers. Runs through 03/31/2019. Join Us this Memorial Day Weekend for the 29th Annual Jemez Red Rocks Arts and Crafts Show. This event is a time-honored tradition that brings hundreds of people to the Jemez Pueblo Red Rocks to celebrate and honor the brave few that have died while serving in the United States Military with Authentic Native American Art, Food, and Dance, according to Jemez Arts and Crafts Association (JACA) President, Marlon Magdalena. Native American artisans, from many different nations, will display their amazing art to the visiting public, which will be available for purchase during this 3-day event. There will also be Authentic Native foods sold at nearby roadside booths. Local dance groups and performers will entertain us while we enjoy the beautiful art, people, and scenery. The Jemez Arts and Crafts Association aims to help local Jemez artists, as well as artists from other Indigenous communities. We want to provide venues and events like the annual Jemez Red Rocks Arts and Crafts Show to sell their artwork so they can provide for themselves and their families. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) is reportingthe return to service of the Boeing 737 MAX is being pushed back because something in the investigation has prompted a review of training in the previous model. There are more than 5,000 Boeing 737NG models in use all over the world and the safety record of the type is considered good. The news clearly annoyed Boeing. While we are working with the FAA to review all procedures, the safety of the 737 NG is not in question, a Boeing spokesman told the Journals Andy Pasztor. The spokesman also noted its 20-plus years of service and 200 million flight hours. Earlier this week, acting FAA Administrator Dan Elwell said the FAA was going to take its time with the MAX investigation and he wasnt concerned if it took another year. The revisiting of procedures for a 20-year-old design was prompted by the fact that emergency training for the MAX was largely based on that from the NG. The NGs dont have the MCAS system that is at the root of the investigation but the Journal says some of the MAX procedures are based on an assumption that pilots would know what to do (stabilizer trim cutoff switches) within seconds of the nose going down for no apparent reason. The Journal says the FAA is looking at whether the software fix for the MAX will give pilots more time, about 20 seconds, to react. Meanwhile, pilots unions have told Boeing to stop blaming the pilots for the two fatal crashes that prompted this ever-expanding investigation. The crews of Lion Air 610 and Ethiopian Airlines 302 fought a losing battle to try and overcome the persistent nose-down actions of the MCAS resulting in 346 deaths and top Boeing officials have said some of thats on the pilots. Shame on you were going to call you out on it, Dennis Tajer, head of the Allied Pilots Association, which represents American Airlines pilots, told CNN. Thats a poisoned, diseased philosophy. U.S. general aviation operators may not be able to fly in some Canadian controlled airspace and vice versa when ADS-B is fully implemented, according to Nav Canada. The not-for-profit corporation is also a major investor in Aireon, a recently activated space-based ADS-B tracking system that requires ADS-B 1090ES transmitters with antennas on the top of the aircraft to properly track them. The U.S. uses a ground-based system that requires belly-mounted antennas. Aireon has tested belly-mounted antenna with its system and they dont meet performance requirements necessary for IFR separation. Nav Canada is telling Canadian pilots that its system will be exclusively based on the satellite system and they should be making their equipage decisions accordingly. In most cases, its not as simple as adding a second antenna to be able to fly in controlled airspace in both countries. Only a few GA systems offer the so-called antenna diversity ability. Nav Canada doesnt make the rules in Canada but in this case the first two phases of implementation, which will affect airspace at 12,500 feet and above can be done through airspace changes. In a letter to a Canadian pilot who inquired about his ADS-B options, the Nav Canada spokesman who responded told him the third phase of implementation, which will cover all or part of the controlled airspace commonly used by GA, could be in effect as soon as 2023. He also said that implementation will involve more stakeholder consultation. The Aireon system uses transponders on a constellation of 66 low-earth-orbit Iridium satellites and can track any properly equipped aircraft anywhere in the world every second. The company intends to use the system to make air traffic management more efficient and accurate and is already using it in remote areas, like the North Atlantic, to reduce spacing between aircraft. . , . ... 10:52 | Alto Amazonas (Loreto region), May. 27. Production Minister Rocio Barrios is in Iquitos city, Loreto's capital, one of the most affected areas by the strong quake. She is monitoring the delivery of humanitarian aid and assessing the impact of the damage caused by the seismic event. According to the official, school classes have been suspended across Alto Amazonas, where a state of emergency has been declared as a security measure until the inspection of the infrastructure is completed. In the next few hours, Education Minister Flor Pablo will head to Lagunas district where the epicenter was located to monitor the area and visit the most affected places. Before leaving Tarapoto, in San Martin region, the Education head reported cracks and additional damage to 64 schools in several provinces. She confirmed the suspension of classes in more than 600 educational institutions across five regions until the extent of the damage is completely assessed. The report is being carried out by experts at Local Education Management Units (UGEL) located in the affected zones. For her part, Transport and Communications Minister Maria Jara is in Cajamarca inspecting the area and the state of roads. (END) MAO/RMB/MVB Several State ministers remain in the areas affected by the powerful magnitude 8.0 earthquake that struck Alto Amazonas province in Loreto region on Sunday morning and has left two dead so far.Published: 5/27/2019 12:54 | Lima, May. 27. Last week, Parliament shelved the proposal after three hours of debate. In this sense, the high-ranking official stressed the Legislative Branch is in charge of resuming the assessment of said bill, adding it could even discuss a proposal different from the one introduced by the Executive Power. "Not debating the reform on immunity is unacceptable. Our stance is that it should be discussed, not as a regulatory change, but as a constitutional one aimed at substantial changes," he told Latina TV channel. Within this framework, Del Solar indicated shelving the aforementioned proposal was a snub to the population, which demands a shift. On the other hand, the Prime Minister stated he is willing to attend the Constitution Commission, and he currently awaits a gesture to comprehensively debate the reform (END) CVC/CCR/DTK/MVB YEREVAN, MAY 27, ARMENPRESS. US President Donald Trump has met with Japans newly enthroned Emperor Naruhito during a visit to the country. Trump is the first foreign leader to meet the new monarch of Japan. The US President is also scheduled to have trade and security focused talks with PM Shinzo Abe. In a sunny outdoor ceremony at the Imperial Palace, Trump shook hands with Emperor Naruhito and his wife, CNN reported. "How are you? Thank you very much," Trump mouthed as he approached the Emperor and empress, who were both educated at Western universities and speak English. Trump, Abe and their respective teams will be meeting Monday and having lunch together. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, MAY 27, ARMENPRESS. The voter turnout in the elections of the European Parliament comprised 50.5% which is 8% higher compared to the last ballot in 2014, spokesman for the European Parliament told journalists in Brussels, summing up the preliminary results of the elections, TASS reported. According to him, the turnout in all of 28 member states, including Great Britain, totaled 50.5%, which was by eight percent higher compared to the last ballot in 2014. Leaders of all parties and candidates for the post of the head of the European Commission thanked all citizens of Europe for their involvement commenting on the elections. The 2019 European Parliament elections started on May 23 in Great Britain and the Netherlands and the last polling stations were closed in Italy at 23:00 local time on May 26. YEREVAN, MAY 27, ARMENPRESS. Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, Lieutenant-General Artak Davtyan on May 24 received the representatives of the delegation of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) in Armenia and ICRC Military Delegate Christophe Deschard, the defense ministry of Armenia told Armenpress. During the meeting a number of issues relating to the results of the joint study on the integration level of the international humanitarian law in the armed forces and the education programs of military-educational facilities, as well as the future cooperation were discussed. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 27, ARMENPRESS. Amid an ongoing criminal investigation into involving alleged abuse and corruption in the North-South Road Corridor construction project, authorities said theyve revealed new types of fraud committed in the process. The Prosecutor Generals office said in a news release on May 27 that the probe has uncovered numerous fraudulent and fake transactions, falsification of documents, tax evasion and embezzlement. Particularly, two contracts were signed in June of 2016 between two consulting companies on rendering obviously unnecessary consultations as part of the M1 Talin-Gyumri section, authorities said. And from 2016 to 2018 tax bills worth 1,2 billion drams were filed at the name of one of these companies. The investigation revealed that the contracts were signed in order to reduce tax obligations, for which fraudulent transactions were filed, and a fake entrepreneurship was carried out. No consulting works were rendered whatsoever. Staff of the consulting company cashed out 600 million drams from their bank accounts and gave it to the executive of the company, and the money was formalized under fake documentation. This particular instance caused more than 1,1 billion damages in unpaid taxes, authorities said. The investigation continues. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, MAY 27, ARMENPRESS. Deputy justice minister of Armenia Anna Vardapetyan today received the delegation led by Frank Hupfeld, head of the German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation (IRZ), the ministry told Armenpress. Welcoming the guests in the ministry, the deputy justice minister said the ministry has a productive cooperation with IRZ and expressed hope that the existing partnership will further deepen. Frank Hupfeld thanked for the meeting and discussed the possibilities to implement new joint projects. At the end of the meeting the sides reaffirmed their readiness to deepen the productive partnership. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 27, ARMENPRESS. The economic development of Armenia should be based on the individual effort, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in his remarks during the My Step for Syunik province business forum in Tatev village. Dear Governor of Syunik province, respectful members of Cabinet, dear MPs, governors, representatives of the diplomatic corps, journalists and guests, in fact on my way I was thinking about how to start my speech, because I had several options in my mind, but you predetermined it with your words by talking about crazy ideas. What is taking place in Armenia is just the great debate between craziness and realism. Our political task is to make Armenia a country of people who believe in their strengths and know that these ideas can be implemented in Armenia, the PM said. He said this is not just a statement, because what has happened in Armenia and continues happening, is, in fact, the implementation of this idea. The economic development of Armenia should rely on an individual effort, no matter what is the level of that effort, because what we have in reality, we first of all have it as an idea. Tatever, which is one of the most beautiful sites in Armenia, is the idea of a group of people. And our key task is to provide courage to many people to create, think, dream and implement in Armenia. These forums in provinces serve this goal so that we can address this message to the residents of all provinces because the economic development first of all relies on individuals, PM Pashinyan said. He highlighted the entry of major investors to Armenia, but expressed confidence that they firstly are attracted by the talented people. Our task is to show that talented people live in Armenia who are able to create an environment for the implementation of other peoples dreams. I welcome todays forum and wish good luck to all of us on implementing this important mission. Talented people live in Armenia, and our task is to do so that they see, believe and win, the PM concluded. My Step For Syunik Province business forum has kicked off in Tatev village of Armenias Syunik province. The investment, business forum aims at involving the businessmen operating in Armenia and abroad in the development processes of the economy and communities of the province. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 27, ARMENPRESS. The currently defunct airport of the town of Kapan (Syunik Province) will be re-opened as a result of an investment project. The reconstruction will bring the airport in conformity to international standards, Gor Tadevosyan, adviser to the Governor of Syunik province said during the My Step for Syunik Province business forum. During Soviet times, the Kapan Airport served 10-12 flights a day, and up to 16 flights during special days. In 2017 the Syunik Development and Investment Foundation established the Syunik Airport LLC. A concession agreement was signed in September of 2017 between Kapan and the company, which provisioned to re-commission the airport. As a result we will have an international standard airport, and new flight-technical systems will be installed, he said. 800 million drams from the 2,3 billion dram worth investment project has already been invested. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, MAY 27, ARMENPRESS. My Step charitable foundation raised 1 million 60 thousand USD as a result of numerous meetings with various organizations and individuals held in the United States in early April, the Foundations executive director Hovhannes Ghazaryan told reporters today in Yerevan. As a result we have raised 1 million 60 thousand USD funds, and we will receive 500.000 USD if we properly implement the projects within 6 months. This condition has been set by the Manoogian Simone Fund. The fundraising is not a one-time process, we meet, present the actions, some people react quickly, the others need additional information, Ghazaryan said. He introduced the meetings held in the US. Armenian Prime Ministers spouse Anna Hakobyan also had meetings. In fact, the meeting started in Washington D.C. with this status. We had meetings in the Library of the Congress, then with the Congressmen where the PMs spouse, who is also the chairwoman of the Foundations Board of Trustees, delivered remarks. We also had a meeting with the community. Thereafter, an event dedicated to the My Step foundation was held in Boston. We had meetings at different formats also in Los Angeles. The main meeting took place in the Alex theatre which was attended by around 1500 people. We also participated in an event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Consulate, he said. Ghazaryan informed that they also met with the active women of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) in New York during which they introduced the Foundations activities. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 27, ARMENPRESS. Grammy Award winner Parker Quartet is going to perform works of Mozart, Janecek and Dvorak during the upcoming concert in Yerevan. The Quartets concert will take place on May 28 in the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall on the sidelines of the 20th Yerevan Perspectives International Music Festival. The members of the Quartet arrived in Armenia and already managed to visit several beautiful sites in the country, as well as got acquainted with the Armenian cuisine. There are a lot of Armenians in the United States, I always wished to visit their country. And finally I had this chance. We got acquainted with Armenias ancient heritage and are very impressed. I want to state that we met warm reception everywhere, violinist Jessica Bodner told reporters today. Violinist Daniel Chong talked about the Yerevan concert and informed that they are going to perform the works by Mozart, Janecek and Dvorak. There is transparency, interesting dance moments in Mozarts works, and dramaticism is typical for Dvorak, which we often meet in Beethovens art. The program is rich and has been selected specially for Yerevan, the young violinist said. The members of the Quartet stated that among the Armenian composers they are familiar with the works of Tigran Mansurian. The Parker Quartet has appeared at the worlds most important venues since its founding in 2002. Following a busy 2017-18 season that had the ensemble crossing North America for performances and residencies around the United States, including for the Schubert Club, Skidmore College, St. Johns College, University of South Carolina, and Kansas Citys Friends of Chamber Music, the Parker Quartet finished its fourth year in-residence at Harvard University. The Quartets 2018-19 season continues its trademark busy schedule with performances and residencies scheduled around the United States and Europe, including at the University of Iowa, the University of Chicago, the Wigmore Hall, and the University of South Carolina. Other recent highlights include the project Schubert Effect in collaboration with pianist Shai Wosner at the 92nd Street Y, the premiere of a new string quartet by American composer Augusta Read Thomas as part of the Quartets annual four-concert series at Harvard University, and appearances at Carnegie Hall, the Library of Congress, the Slee Series in Buffalo, and New Yorks Lincoln Center Great Performers series. The Quartet also continues to be a strong supporter of violist Kim Kashkashians project Music for Food by participating in concerts throughout the United States for the benefit of various food banks and shelters. The Parker Quartet has distinguished itself with acclaimed recordings for Nimbus, Zig-Zag Territoires, Innova Records, and Naxos. The Quartets most recent recording featuring Mendelssohns Quartets Op. 44, Nos. 1 and 3, was widely lauded by the international press. The Quartets debut commercial recording of Bartoks String Quartets Nos. 2 and 5 for Zig-Zag Territoires (July 2007) won praise from Gramophone: The Parkers Bartok spins the illusion of spontaneous improvisation they have absorbed the language; they have the confidence to play freely with the music and the instinct to bring it off. Their Naxos recording of Gyorgy Ligetis complete works for string quartet won the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance (the last string quartet to win this category). In April 2016 Augusta Read Thomass world premiere recording of Helix Spirals for string quartet on Of Being is a Bird was released on Nimbus Records. Recent collaborations include those with acclaimed artists like violist Kim Kashkashian, with whom the Parker will record this season; violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg; pianists Anne- Marie McDermott, Orion Weiss, Vijay Iyer, and Shai Wosner; members of the Silk Road Ensemble; Kikuei Ikeda of the Tokyo String Quartet; clarinetist and composer Jorg Widmann; and clarinetist Charles Neidich. Founded and currently based in Boston, the Parker Quartets numerous honors include winning the Concert Artists Guild Competition, the Grand Prix and Mozart Prize at Frances Bordeaux International String Quartet Competition, and Chamber Music Americas prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award. Now Blodgett Artists-in-Residence at Harvard Universitys Department of Music, and also in-residence at UofSC School of Music, the Quartets numerous residencies have included serving as Artists-in-Residence at the University of St. Thomas (20122014), Quartet-in- Residence at the University of Minnesota (2011 2012), Quartet-in-Residence with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra (2008-2010), and as the first-ever Artists-in-Residence with Minnesota Public Radio (2009-2010). Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 27, ARMENPRESS. The City of Smiles charitable foundation, chaired by PM Nikol Pashinyans spouse Anna Hakobyan, has donated since its commencement nearly 120,000,000 drams in assistance for the treatment of children and young people suffering cancer and blood diseases. As of today, the City of Smiles foundation has assisted more than 150 children and young people, Executive Director of the foundation Esther Demirchyan said at a news conference. It is with regret that I have to mention that this number is growing daily, we have applications every day. We dont have any problems with registration, we never refuse anyone, she said. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, MAY 27, ARMENPRESS. Everyone is free to make donations for the My Step and City of Smile charitable foundations in case of wish, Armenian Prime Ministers spouse Anna Hakobyan, chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of the two foundations, told reporters. In response to the reporters view that some representatives of the previous leadership were making donations to a charitable fund and were being criticized because of wanting to receive privileges, now as well the same persons make donations. I want to recommend to all of us to finally get rid of making comparisons and the tradition of projecting the phenomena of the past on the current leadership and relations. Everyone is free to make a donation to our two foundations. Previously, by making a donation to a fund was a monopoly, not all had a right to make a donation to the foundation led by the spouse of the head of state. Sometimes in our meetings people want to clarify via a mediation whether they can make a donation, Anna Hakobyan said. She assured that they do not have such problems and thanked all donors. Asked whether they are not interested in the origins of sums which they receive as a donation, Mrs. Hakobyan said there are banking relations, the bank checks the origins of foreign transfers. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, MAY 27, ARMENPRESS. The extraordinary session of the judges of Armenia has kicked off today. The meeting has been convened by the May 22 decision of President of the Court of Cassation Yervand Tundkaryan. 135 out of 234 judges of Armenia are participating in the session, and the meeting is considered valid when more than half of the judges attend it. The session is being held in a close-door format. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, 27 MAY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 27 May, USD exchange rate up by 0.15 drams to 480.18 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.32 drams to 537.47 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.01 drams to 7.45 drams. GBP exchange rate stood at 609.35 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price down by 11.56 drams to 19799.42 drams. Silver price up by 1.15 drams to 224.62 drams. Platinum price up by 34.73 drams to 12350.52 drams. YEREVAN, MAY 27, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan received OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs Igor Popov of the Russian Federation; Stephane Visconti of France; and Mr. Andrew Schofer of the United States of America on May 27, who are in Armenia on a regular regional visit. Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office was also present at the meeting. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Foreign Ministry of Armenia, during the meeting the sides discussed the results of the Vienna meeting and the Moscow meeting of the foreign ministers. The sides also referred to the issue of the full involvement of Artsakh in the negotiation process, establishment of favorable condition for peace talks, humanitarian cooperation and establishment of contact between peoples. The interlocutors exchanged views on the upcoming steps of the Co-chairs, including the upcoming meeting between the foreign ministers. In the sidelines of the regional visit the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs will also have meetings with the leadership of Artsakh and Azerbaijan. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan Mr O'Neill was Australia's key partner when it came to negotiating and then maintaining arrangements to keep 550 refugees and asylum seekers on Manus Island even after the country's High Court found the detention centre was unconstitutional. It is unclear who will replace Mr O'Neill, though he wants to hand over his job to former two-time PNG prime minister Sir Julius Chan, 79. PNG prime minister Peter O'Neill said on Sunday he would resign after seven years at the helm as it became clear the Opposition had enough numbers to topple him in parliament this week. MELBOURNE - Australia would be "brave to predict" the future of its offshore processing deal with Papua New Guinea after the country's prime minister announced his resignation, according to foreign minister Marise Payne. Marise Payne says Australia would be "brave to predict" the future of its offshore refugee processing deal if PNG gets a new government Since then his government has negotiated a number of contracts with Australia which have been controversial. Ms Payne said Australia would continue to have a good relationship with the key Pacific nation, but, asked about offshore processing she said: "We'll obviously deal with those issues as they arise". "I think it's premature to speculate on those. As we've seen in recent weeks, Papua New Guinea politics is historically and clearly currently very dynamic. You'd be a very brave person to predict outcomes at the moment." One Australian contractor working on Manus Island told The Age and Sydney Morning Herald that their future was impossible to predict, and depended how profoundly power would shift in Papua New Guinea with Mr O'Neill's demise. Ms Payne praised Mr O'Neill, saying he had played a pivotal role in strengthening Australia's partnership with PNG, which receives more than $500 million in aid from Australia each year. She said she was confident the relationship would continue regardless of who leads Australia's "closest friend and closest neighbour" in the region. "Obviously, these are matters for the Papua New Guinea parliament and political parties and we will work with the leadership as it is determined by them," she told ABC Radio National on Monday. "And I'm sure that no matter who that is, that will be a continuing approach similar to the one that we've enjoyed in recent years." James Stuckey, who in the early 2000s led Forest City Ratners development of Atlantic Yards (now Pacific Park), faced sexual harassment allegations at the company and later at New York University, where he was a professor. Stuckey resigned from the firm in 2007, citing personal reasons. But when a colleague at NYU filed a lawsuit against him five years later, alleging that he forcibly placed her hand on his crotch and his erect penis during a dinner that was arranged to discuss a possible promotion, the complaint noted that hed been accused of misconduct at Forest City. MaryAnne Gilmartin, who took over for Stuckey at the company, said she was not involved in his departure but supported Bruce Ratners handling of personnel matters. I was in charge of picking up the pieces after Jim left, Gilmartin said. I took over all the people that he led, and I think I did a decent job of keeping the company moving forward in a positive and healthy way. Stuckey now runs a development firm in Staten Island, Verdant Properties, though his LinkedIn page indicates that he is based in Florida. He did not respond to multiple requests for comment. There's an interesting passage in Reinvention acts , a 5/1/19 article in the Real Deal about the #metoo issue in the real estate industry:Note: that NYU allegation was never upheld or adjudicated, as the case was ultimately settled. The accusations at Forest City were never formally filed, but prompted Stuckey's departure.Omitted here is Forest City's corporate role in Stuckey's departure.When Stuckey resigned 6/13/07, "effective immediately," the project "remains on target," Forest City insisted, despite deploying Howard Rubenstein, the city's leading p.r. crisis manager , for the press release."[O]nly sexual shenanigans or serious financial impropriety," mused NoLandGrab's Lumi Rolley presciently, could explain the exit."There are other interests I want to pursue," Stuckey claimed , "and, quite honestly, when you're working 18-hour days on a project as complicated as this, with a company as great as Forest City, it's very difficult."Such hype sounded fishy, but it took four yearsuntil Stuckey left that next job at NYU--before details emerged.The New York Post would report that Ratner acted on harassment complaints only after Stuckey sat female underlings on his lap at a party. A draft discrimination complaint, according to a later report in the Real Deal, charged that other Forest City executives covered for Stuckey, one telling complainants he was "an important person." Those executives were apparently unnamed.From the new Real Deal article:(Emphasis added)That paraphrase of Gilmartin's role is open to more than one interpretation. If she was not involved in Stuckey's departure, could that mean that she, too, was unwilling to blow the whistle earlier? Or that she had no role, positive or negative, in nudging Ratner to belatedly act?Upon Stuckey's departure from NYU, a New York Post exclusive, with an ambush photo of a grim-faced Stuckey, revealed those new and past allegations of sexual harassment.Ratner, a member of the NYU Schack Institute's advisory board, had helped Stuckey get hired; a company source told the Post that potential employers were told about Stuckey's departure. (So, did Gilmartin support that process?)Even if employers were told, NoLandGrab's Eric McClure suggested that was akin to a pope transferringrather than punishinga priest tarred with sexual impropriety. Samsung Galaxy S10 5G showing speeds on the Telstra 5G network. (Image: Yahoo Finance) Telstra and Samsung will on Tuesday release Australia's first-ever phone on the new 5G technology and already its download speeds are 12 times faster than the fastest widely available NBN plan. The two companies showed off the new Galaxy S10 5G smartphone in Sydney on Monday, with an internet speed test hitting a peak of 1.2Gbps, or 1,200Mbps. The NBN is theoretically capable of 1,000Mbps, but for most Australians the fastest broadband plan they can purchase is 100Mbps due to physical and commercial constraints. This makes the latest mobile technology 12 times faster than typical NBN high-speed plan. A Telstra executive on Monday claimed that would later go up to 20 times (2Gbps) with software maturity. Where can you use 5G? Both Telstra and Optus are in the very early stages of rolling out 5G, so coverage is sparse. But if you're lucky enough to have 5G reception, your phone will have mind-blowing internet speeds. "Its current footprint focuses on CBD locations and selected regional centres where more than 4 million people live, work or pass through every day," said Telstra consumer executive Kevin Teoh. "We have started rolling out 5G in 10 cities around Australia. Over the next 12 months or so we expect our 5G coverage to increase in area almost five-fold and reach into at least 35 Australian cities." Samsung mobile vice president Garry McGregor said Australia is just the third country to receive its first 5G smartphone. "There has been many years of research and development to get to this point and today represents the next chapter for what mobile technology can offer to Australians." How much does it cost? Telstra customers who bought the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus earlier this year are eligible to receive a free upgrade to the S10 5G, which actually has a larger screen, a better camera and a higher-capacity battery. Story continues The new 5G technology, understandably, doesn't come cheap during these early stages. The Samsung Galaxy S10 5G 256GB on Telstra's XL consumer plan will cost $144 per month on a 24-month contract. Telstra has also this week released a HTC 5G hub device, which allows a SIM card to provide wifi for 20 devices. Pricing for 5G for that device will be revealed next month. Make your money work with Yahoo Finances daily newsletter. Sign up here and stay on top of the latest money, news and tech news. Man eating hamburger. Source: Getty The Australian Taxation Office reportedly wanted the Coalition to broaden the application of the GST on food, but the government has firmly rejected it. The Sydney Morning Herald reported over the weekend that ATO officials argued the GST currently applied to foods was confusing, and urged the government to consider changes to the way the tax is implemented. Those changes included broadening the GST to bring it in line with beverages, which are automatically taxed unless specifically listed as being GST-free. It specifically pushed for foods like pre-prepared salads and brioche hamburger buns to have GST imposed on them. The ATO denied to News.com.au that it was planning to lobby the treasurer to extend the GST, with a spokesperson telling the publication that the proposals had not progressed that far. "The ATOs role is to administer the tax and super systems, and not to advise on policy," he told News.com.au. A spokesperson for Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, said the government was focused on lowering taxes for Australia, and would not be making any changes to the GST. Make your money work with Yahoo Finances daily newsletter. Sign up here and stay on top of the latest money, news and tech news. Baby Archie Mountbatten-Windsor could be taking his first overseas trip to South Africa later this year. Photo: Getty Images Hes only a few weeks old, but baby Archie Mountbatten-Windsor may already be preparing to rack up some serious air miles. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly taking the newest royal bub on a trip to South Africa, with the visit set to take place before the year is up. People have been informed that the Duke and Duchess will be coming, a source told Daily Mail, adding that early preparations have begun. While it would be more than 13,000km from Archies newly-decorated nursery at Frogmore Cottage, the visit would make sense for the couple who have long had an affinity with the region. Harry and Meghan famously enjoyed five-night camping trip to Botswanas plains after just two dates, with the stay acting as a backdrop to where they first fell in love. Meghans engagement rings main diamond was sourced from Botswana when Harry popped the question just 18 months later. Archie is not yet one-month-old but he has already slated for his first overseas trip. Photo: Getty Images Years before this, Harry spent a gap year in in Lesotho in 2004, while Meghan journeyed to Rwanda in 2016 as part of a trip with World Vision. The prince also once credited the continent with allowing him to feel more like myself than anywhere else in the world. Their latest proposed visit south could possibly be part of a months-long trip across southern Africa, but the palace have yet to confirm any travel plans. Just last month, speculation began to mount that Harry and Meghan would be sent on a far-flung posting in a bid to position the limelight back on the Cambridge family. In some ways it would suit William to get his brother out of the country for a few years and Meghan as far away as possible, a friend of the princes told The Sunday Times. The talk followed nearly a year of rumblings of a feud between the royal couples - something that has only been spurred on by the Sussexs move to Windsor and earlier choice to break away and separate their royal household from the Cambridges. 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 newsletter here. Mel B has apologised after the Spice Girls first show. Photo: Getty Mel B has promised the Spice Girls will improve their vocals and sound issues before their next concert. It was the long awaited reunion of Mel B, Mel C, Geri Horner and Emma Bunton as they kicked off their 13-date Spice World UK and Ireland tour at Croke Park in Dublin on Friday. But some fans were disappointed by the sound during the Spice Girls first show. Speaking on her Instagram stories after the gig, Mel address fans concerns. "Hey guys thank you for attending our show tonight in Dublin, she wrote. We will see you in Cardiff and hopefully the vocals and the sound will be much, much better." Mel's statement came after fans took to social media to vent their frustrations. One concert-goer wrote on Twitter: "Cannot hear anything. I want to bawl ." Another added: "There's something wrong when the crowd at spice girls concert are all sitting down because no one has a clue what song is on because the sound really is THAT bad..." "You've gone to all the effort of taking the time off work, travelling, booking accommodation and paid through the nose for a ticket. Not good enough, Someone else said. Mel B, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell and Melanie C of The Spice Girls at their first show. Photo: Getty Despite the sound issues, the Spice Girls were off to an impressive start when they opened the tour in front of 71,000 people at Croke Park, becoming the first all-female band in history to do so. Seven years after they last performed together for the 2012 Olympics, the group treated fans to a live show containing all their smash hit singles including 'Wannabe', '2 Become 1', 'Spice Up Your Life', 'Viva Forever', 'Goodbye' and many more. Emma, Geri, Mel B and Mel C took the sold out audience on an emotional journey into Spice World with their iconic songs backed by a huge production with giant screens displaying messages of unity, togetherness and love throughout the night. They kicked off proceedings with the inclusive message: "We welcome all ages, all races, all gender identities, all countries of origin, all sexual orientations, all religions & beliefs, all abilities." Story continues Reporting by Bang Showbiz. 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 newsletter here. Kirsty Boden, known as the Angel of London Bridge after the 2017 terror attack at the British landmark, has been recognised for the selfless act which cost the Australian nurse her life. Ms Boden, one of four Australian nurses to receive the Florence Nightingale Medal this year, has been recognised for helping others during the attack. Ms Boden was among eight killed when terrorists ran down dozens of people on the bridge with a van on the night of June 3 before stabbing some of their victims. The 28-year-old, who had been working at Guy's Hospital in London, was stabbed as she tried to help Alexandre Pigeard, 26, who also died. Australian nurse Kirsty Boden has been recognised for helping others after a terror attack on the London Bridge in 2017. Source: Supplied/ AAP Ms Boden's partner James Holler recently told a London inquest into the attacks that her heroic actions would not have seemed unusual to those who knew her. "To Kirsty it wouldn't have seemed brave, she loved people and lived her life helping others," Mr Holler said. "To Kirsty her actions that night would have just been an extension of how she lived her life." Red Cross aid workers Denise Moyle, Yvonne Ginifer and Cristina de Leon have also been honoured for exemplary service in war zones and countries devastated by disease or natural disaster. Recognised for her work with surgery teams across war-torn Sudan and post-earthquake Pakistan, Melbourne-based Ms Moyle said she felt incredibly lucky and honoured to receive the medal. Kirsty Boden was dubbed the Angel Of London Bridge after she was killed while rushing to help a victim of the terror attack in 2017. Source: Supplied/ AAP "The opportunities I've had with Australian Red Cross, the fabulous mentors along the way and the privilege of assisting some of the world's most brave and humbling people in their times of desperate need has truly shaped me," she said. Ms Ginifer, from Mildura, worked in the Red Cross response to the Ebola epidemic in Liberia and also provided medical care in Myanmar, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Sudan. She praised the work of volunteers and locals whose communities had been devastated by conflict and disaster. Story continues Ms de Leon was awarded for coordinating the delivery of critical health care in Myanmar, Somalia and Afghanistan. Ms de Leon, from Sydney, said the award recognised the hard work of everyone at the Red Cross. "I am privileged to be a small part of the overall team effort and to be part of the Red Cross movement," she said. 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. As gale forced winds batter Sydney on Monday, Australias southeast is preparing itself for blistering winter conditions, with a cold snap plummeting city temperatures to as low as -2 degrees. A cold airstream moving over the southeastern states, will bring snow to areas as low as 500 metres in alpine regions from Wednesday. Canberra can expect to cop the brunt of the cold conditions, expecting a low of -2C on Thursday and Friday as the cold front takes control. Mt Baw Baw was a picture of winter on Monday. Source: Supplied Dramatic images on Monday already show heavy snowfall in alpine areas in NSW, Tasmania and Victoria. Widespread frosts are expected across Victoria, NSW and Tasmania with farmers warned to protect their livestock with the winter conditions over the coming days. As the inital cold stream dies down, a second will arrive from the southwest on Friday, bringing rain to Australias southeastern states. Amazing scenes at Mt Buller! Image: @skiclubofvictoria pic.twitter.com/H8qJKLjCyS SNOWSEARCH australia (@SNOWSEARCH_aus) May 27, 2019 Bit of snow at Mt Baw Baw and still snowing! pic.twitter.com/x7IVUYR7wl Mount Baw Baw (@MountBawBaw) May 27, 2019 Sydney hit by strong winds before temperature drop Sydneysiders have been warned to rug up for what is expected to be some of the coldest weather so far this year, with gale force winds battering the city on Monday. Temperatures are likely to plummet to below 10 degrees in the greater Sydney area from Wednesday morning, with a chill expected to linger until Friday, Weatherzone senior meteorologist Jacob Cronje told Yahoo News Australia. A severe weather warning was issued for the state on Monday with a cold front bringing damaging winds, expected to flare up again Tuesday afternoon. Story continues Winds of 90km/h were detected at Sydney Airport on Monday afternoon, with the Bureau of Meteorlogy revealing temperatrues dropped by 6 degrees while winds were in excess of 55km/h across the city. Temperatures across Australia at 7am on Tuesday. Source: Bureau of Meteorology Temperatures dropping across the state as cold front moves through. At Sydney, temperatures have dropped by over 6 degrees since noon and the winds have picked up to over 55 km/hr. Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) May 27, 2019 Mr Cronje said winds would ease slightly on Wednesday evening, but chilly weather would continue into the weekend bringing the possibility of showers. He said the city was not likely to experience temperatures above 22, unlike previous weeks of 24 and 27 maximum days. There will be a top of 17 or 18 Thursday and Wednesday evening, and Thursday morning will likely be the coldest temperature for the past fortnight, Mr Cronje said. A minimum of 8 was expected for Thursday morning in Sydney, making it the coldest day so far this year. There could be a bit of wind chill in the evening and the next best chance for rain is probably around Saturday, Mr Cronje said. This weekend generally was likely to be more seasonably appropriate, according to Mr Cronje. Canberra to sink to -2C Temperatures in Canberra were expected to be far colder than it had been so far this month, with the lowest temperature likely to be -2, and possibly colder. So far this month the coldest has been -1.6, and it looks like Thursday morning could have temperatures below minus 3, maybe even less, Mr Cronje said. Melbourne will be very windy with maximum temperatures expected to be only just over 10 degrees, and definitely not more than 13 on Monday. There will be more rainfall today and tomorrow, but today the wind is certainly a big concern. Gusts in the greater Melbourne have exceeding 70km/h, Mr Cronje said. Greater Melbourne, while it has already been very cold this month, may also experience its coldest day this year, with lows of 7 come Wednesday. Heading outside on your lunch break? Might want to grab a beanie and scarf With fresh winds and low humidity the apparent ("feels like") temps are looking very wintery Showers, hail and storms this arvo, mainly in S & E #Victoria. Obs: https://t.co/QFFf42HW1Y #VicWeather pic.twitter.com/qOxX6MDT0B Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) May 27, 2019 On Monday, the Bureau of Meteorology advised Victorians to wrap up, with hail and thunderstorms expected across the south and east of the state. Hobart could drop as low as 4 come Wednesday with a maximum of 10, while Thursday will see similar conditions. While Alice Springs might have a high of 21 from Tuesday, its low will drop to 4 for three days consecutively. 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 friend of the young woman who was found brutally murdered in a Melbourne park has said she was shocked and saddened to hear of Courtney Herrons death. In an interview with The Project on Monday night, Jessica Bateman said she had been worried immensely about the 25-year-old who had been experiencing homelessness. She was couch-surfing and when she couldnt find a friend to couch-surf with, shed spend nights in parks the park that she was discovered in, Ms Bateman said. We worried about each other but I worried about her more so because I live in a house, Ive got support systems, Ive got family and Courtney didnt. She knew that her family loved her, but she wasnt in touch with them. It was very, if you will, sporadic. Ms Bateman said the system had let the young woman down before her horrific death, and failed to provide her with the assistance she desperately needed with housing, drug dependency and mental illness. She was trying to get into public housing, she was trying to get onto methadone or something that would stop the withdrawal symptoms that she was going to face and the fear of withdrawal is what really kept her using, Ms Bateman said. Jessica Bateman said the system had failed her friend Courtney Herron before the 25-year-old's horrific death. Source: The Project / Channel 10 Earlier on Monday, Ms Herrons distraught mother was among family and friends who paid a tearful visit to the park where her battered body was found by dog walkers. Courtney Herron was allegedly killed by a man with a history of mental health issues, a magistrate was told on Monday, two days after her death. Her mother arrived on Monday holding a bunch of flowers and accompanied by several others including Ms Herrons grandmother. She broke down as they arrived to an area of the park filled with floral tributes. Ms Herron was discovered on Saturday morning, a short distance from where 22-year-old Eurydice Dixon was raped and murdered last year. Ms Herron's mother, pictured in the green coat, laying flowers in Parkville on Monday. Source: 7News Homeless man Henry Richard Hammond, 27, faced court on Monday charged with Ms Herron's murder, smiling at times and appearing to have a bruised face. Story continues His lawyer outlined a history of mental health issues and outside court pointed to "a very tragic and complex situation," but gave no insight into the events leading up to Ms Herron's death. She was also suffering mental health and drug issues, but it is not known if they knew each other. Ms Herron had not been seen since May 14 when she came into contact with police at St Albans. Police would not give details of their interaction. Courtney Herron was killed some time between Friday night and Saturday morning. Source: Nine News More protection for women promised The latest crime prompted a promise from federal Minister for Women Marise Payne to do more to protect women. "We have been only too tragically reminded in the last couple of days, again in Melbourne with the appalling murder of Courtney Herron, that the safety of women is something that must concern us all," she told ABC radio. Police said Ms Herron suffered extreme violence. "This was a particularly horrendous attack," Homicide squad Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said. Ms Herron had been couch surfing and sleeping rough for some time while struggling with drug and mental health issues. Insp Stamper said while she had been in sporadic contact with her family there were "a lot of people out there who knew and loved Courtney". Homeless women are particularly vulnerable to violence, Victoria's Council to Homeless Persons CEO Jenny Smith said. Henry Richard Hammond, 27, faced a single charge of murder in court on Monday. Source: Facebook "Too often there just isn't a safe option for homeless women, leaving them vulnerable to the risks of sleeping rough, or of staying in unsafe housing options like rooming houses, where they are vulnerable to physical and sexual assault," she said. Ms Smith welcomed housing funding from the Victorian government but said more was needed, including from Canberra. "We can protect women like Courtney, but as a society have to choose to do it," she added. Call for support at upcoming vigil The sister of Ms Herron's ex-boyfriend encouraged people to attend Friday's vigil at Royal Park. "Can any of my sister girls or bruthas be in attendance with possum skins, didgeridoo players and a smoking ceremony fire pit?" the woman posted on her Facebook account. "Courtney is not indigenous, although she spent many years with my brother and within our ... Koorie community. "I want to pay my respects and show her that our mob, our families, our communities cared for her, we feel sadness and sorrow at her passing and we want to set her spirit free." Ms Dixon was raped and murdered at Carlton North's Princes Park on June 12 last year, while Aiia Maasarwe, 21, died after being attacked walking home near La Trobe University on January 15. Both were attacked by men they did not know and who have since been charged. Last month, Natalina Angok's body was found dumped in Melbourne's Chinatown, allegedly killed by her one-time partner Christopher Allen who has been charged. With AAP 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. German Chancellor Angela Merkel's fragile coalition took a fresh knock on Sunday with historic low scores at European elections, exit polls showed, raising questions on whether it could survive the latest body blow. While the list of Merkel's centre-right bloc led by ally Manfred Weber was on course to top the vote with around 28 percent, according to two separate exit polls by national broadcasters ARD and ZDF, the score was eight percentage points off its previous low. The evening turned out even more disastrous for Merkel's junior coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), which was not only toppled from second place at European polls by the Greens, but also suffered a humiliating loss at state elections in its stronghold Bremen. The Greens more than doubled its share of the vote, winning over from Merkel's CDU-CSU bloc more than a million voters who brought to the ballot boxes their demands for more action to halt global warming. Meanwhile, the far-right AfD, which had hoped to ride on a wave of nationalism sweeping across Europe, only slightly improved its 2014 score of 7.1 percent to just past 10 percent. Merkel and the chief of her Bavarian CSU allies Markus Soeder as well as SPD boss Andrea Nahles are due to hold talks on Monday to take stock of EU poll results. But questions were already swirling about the future of their partnership. "There will be a new debate on staying in the coalition," predicted Die Welt daily. - Different dynamic - CDU general secretary Paul Ziemiak said the coalition "must go on so to maintain stability in Germany," stressing that for his party, "it's about the country and not party political questions". For Nahles, the results show that "there is still a lot to do", stressing the need to push through with plans to bring about a climate bill by year's end. But the Spiegel noted that the catastrophic results on Sunday may set off "a completely different dynamic: the anti-GroKo powers in the SPD win the upper hand and that leaves the future of the party and parliamentary group chief Andrea Nahles as open as that of the coalition." The partnership between Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Bavarian allies the Christian Social Union (CSU) along with the SPD has been an uneasy one from the start. The SPD, stung by a beating at general elections in 2017, had initially sought to go into opposition. But it was reluctantly coaxed into renewing a partnership with Merkel's bloc, and many within the party remain wary of continuing to govern in Merkel's shadow while taking the fall for any unpopular policies. With the party also losing the top spot in stronghold Bremen, rumblings of discontent against the leadership may yet grow louder. Bremen may be Germany's smallest state, but the SPD holds it close to its heart as it is a region it has governed since the end of World War II. With three major state elections coming up in eastern Germany in the autumn with the far-right on course for a strong showing, party chief Nahles' position may become increasingly untenable. Already ahead of Sunday's vote, Bild am Sonntag quoted unnamed sources saying that veteran politician Martin Schulz was ready to stand against Nahles when the parliamentary chief post comes up for renewal in September. - Viral video - Both Merkel's centre-right and the SPD were also facing a new formidable challenge from the Greens. Unlike in 2017, when parties in the coalition were punished over Merkel's decision in 2015 to let in more than a million asylum seekers, surveys show that the climate crisis has become the main worry for Germans this year. Among 18-25 year olds, 51 percent of Germans surveyed by YouGov said climate was their biggest concern. School strikes by students joining young Swedish activist Greta Thunberg's protests on Fridays have given momentum to the cause. But more damaging for Merkel's party was an online attack by a young German YouTuber Rezo days before the vote, raging that the CDU was not doing enough for the environment. Put online on May 18, the clip had been viewed more than 11 million times by Sunday. The CDU struggled for days to find a response and after initially reacting angrily against the YouTuber, finally on Thursday sought dialogue with him. Raising the ante, Rezo along with 70 other influential YouTubers instead published an open letter urging people to shun the CDU, the SPD and the AfD at the polls. The episode has exposed the CDU's struggle in capturing young voters. According to ZDF's exit poll, 33 percent of under 30s chose the Greens, while only 13 percent picked the CDU in Sunday's EU vote. Exit polls show Germany's Social Democratic Party which was not only toppled from second place at European polls by the Greens, but also suffered a humiliating loss at state elections in its stronghold Bremen. The far-right National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen finished top in European elections in France, final results showed Monday, dealing a symbolic blow, but not a knock-out punch, to pro-EU President Emmanuel Macron. Le Pen's National Rally (RN) received 23.31 percent of the vote, with Macron's centrist alliance trailing with 22.41 percent. The two groups will have the same number of seats in the European Parliament, 23, after Britain's expected departure from the EU. Le Pen, who lost out to Macron in a bitter presidential contest in 2017, called for the head of state to dissolve the parliament and call new elections, a proposal that was immediately rejected by the government. "It is up to the president of the republic to draw conclusions, he who put his presidential credit on the line in this vote in making it a referendum on his policies and even his personality," Le Pen said in a brief speech late Sunday. But despite triumphalist comments from RN figures, the final results were a mixed picture for the 50-year-old Le Pen: her party ended up losing ground since European elections in 2014 when it finished top with 24.9 percent. In a first reaction after exit polls were released late on Sunday, an aide to Macron called them "respectable". Leading allies of the 41-year-old president sounded satisfied that the margin of defeat looked like it would be slender. A second-place finish for the ruling Republic on the Move (LREM) party was a disappointment for Macron after he put his reputation on the line by campaigning, but it is a symbolic setback that aides said would have no bearing on his policies. "The catastrophe that some people predicted for Macron has not taken place and the RN has a significant score, but not a spectacular one when you compare it to five years ago," analyst Zaki Laidi from the Cevipof political institute said. - 'Time for action' - An aide to Macron, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said that there would be "no change of line" and that he would intensify his planned reforms which include tax cuts for the middle classes and controversial changes to the pension and unemployment benefits system. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said the results confirmed the "redrawing" of French politics, which was evident in the presidential election in 2017 when France's traditional parties were eclipsed by Macron's new centrist movement and the far-right. "The time is for action because the French people will judge us ultimately on one thing: results," Philippe said in a televised statement on Sunday. He also said the government had "received a message about the ecological emergency" after France's main green party, EELV, looked set to finish third, with around 13 percent of the vote compared with 8.9 percent in 2014. Macron had made no secret of the significance he attached to the results, telling regional French newspapers last week that the EU elections were the most important for four decades as the union faced an "existential threat". He is a leading champion of further EU integration and is keen for further advances to link the economies, militaries and political systems of the bloc, which numbers 28 member states including Britain. At home, the former investment banker started his five-year term as an energetic pro-business reformer intent on cutting unemployment and making France more entrepreneurial. But for six months he has faced so-called "yellow vest" protesters who have blocked roads and demonstrated to denounce him as a "president of the rich" who has ignored the plight of the working poor and rural France. Macron has since announced major tax cuts for the middle classes and a rise in the minimum wage. - Allies? - His influence and Le Pen's in the European parliament will now depend on whether they can make alliances. Le Pen has previously called for the formation of a "supergroup" of eurosceptic parties, but the hard-right ruling party in Poland -- PiS -- has shunned her because of her pro-Russian views, while Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban remains aloof. "The gains for our allies in Europe and the emergence of new forces across the continent... open the way for the formation of a powerful group in the European parliament," the RN's top campaigner, 23-year-old Jordan Bardella, told supporters on Sunday. Macron meanwhile is in alliance with the ALDE centrist and liberal grouping which is seen as finishing third in the parliament behind the conservative PPE formation and the centre-left Socialists and Democrats (S&D). But the French president, who redrew French politics in 2017, is still hoping to forge a new broader alliance of pro-European which would bring together so-called "progressives." "At the European level, the president is still manoeuvring to form a large progressive alliance, a force that will be essential in the new parliament," an aide said on condition of anonymity. Le Pen lost out to Macron in a bitter presidential election in 2017 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tormented Bayern Munich once again as the Manchester United manager scored in his club's side beat on Sunday. Twenty years after Solskjaer scored the last-gasp winner that helped Alex Ferguson's side beat Bayern in the Champions League final, the current United boss joined his old team-mates for a charity match against the Germans at Old Trafford. Solskjaer again started on the bench as he did in the Camp Nou final, but he wasted little time after coming on for Andy Cole, turning home the opener after Dwight Yorke was denied. With Ferguson back in the dugout as manager for the day, there was a feelgood factor in the air at Old Trafford for United's 5-0 win after a troubled season for the current generation. It was the first time Ferguson, 77, had managed a United team since his retirement in 2013. He sat with ex-England boss Steve McClaren, his assistant 20 years ago. The reunion match, in aid of the Manchester United Foundation, was also the first time Ferguson had been on the pitch since undergoing major surgery after suffering a brain haemorrhage last May. Rolling back the years, David Beckham was firing cross-field balls, Jaap Stam showed no mercy at the back and Paul Scholes bossed the midfield. They faced a star-studded Bayern squad that included Lothar Matthaus, Stefan Effenberg, Sammy Kuffour and Carsten Jancker from the 1999 starting lineup, as well as former Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis. Solskjaer went off midway through the first half and skipper Peter Schmeichel followed suit shortly after Dwight Yorke scored a superb second for United Legends. Thanks to their two late goals against Bayern, United remain the only English club to win a treble made up of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in one season. As the latest man charged with trying to engineer a return to those glory days he was such an integral part in, Solskjaer's efforts were greeted with enthusiasm by a crowd in excess of 60,000. Popular as he is, the reception for Solskjaer was eclipsed by the one afforded to Beckham. The former England skipper, 44, sold to Real Madrid in 2003 after a fall-out with Ferguson, got a standing ovation every time he went to take a corner. Changes aplenty punctuated the second half rather than goals, with Stam, Scholes and Denis Irwin among those to be replaced to rapturous applause. Nicky Butt netted United's third of the afternoon 11 minutes from time as he coolly stabbed home a Louis Saha cross. Saha, one of the handful of non-treble winners playing for United, slotted home the fourth in the 85th minute as he turned home a Jonathan Greening cross. In a fitting finale, Beckham got behind the Bayern backline and showed quick feet before firing home in front of the Stretford End, leaving Ferguson wreathed in smiles and the crowd on their feet in delight. Manchester United '99 Legends celebrate a goal against Bayern Munich in a charity match David Beckham made the most of his return to Old Trafford with Manchester United's legends Alex Ferguson was back in the dugout as manager for the day as his side beat Bayern Legends in a charity 1999 treble winners' reunion Louis Saha (2nd R), one of the handful of non-treble winners playing for United, slotted home the fourth in the 85th minute as he turned home a Jonathan Greening cross Police are on the hunt for a man who allegedly stabbed two dogs at a park in Sydney. The dogs, named Kujo and Bundy, were with their owners at Fowler Reserve in the western Sydney suburb of Wallacia when the animals were viciously attacked by a man with a knife shortly before 2pm on Sunday. NSW Police stated the dogs a Kelpie/Bull Arab mix and a Rhodesian Ridgeback had walked down an embankment in the park before returning to their owners with visible wounds to their bodies. The two couples had briefly confronted the man before rushing the injured animals to a vet. As of Monday evening, one of the dogs, Kujo, remains in a critical condition. Kujo and Bundy were both stabbed in a park in Sydney's west on Sunday. Kujo remains in a critical condition. Source: GoFundMe According to one of the dogs owners, the man allegedly responsible for hurting the animals had told them: They fell onto my knife. Their stab wounds were intent to kill and our pups are now badly hurt, with one in a critical condition, Kujos owner said in a Facebook post. This attack was unprovoked and anyone who knows our boys would know that they wouldn't hurt a fly. The mans response to doing this was they fell onto my knife. He showed no remorse and was proud of his actions. In an update provided by the two couples on Monday evening, the dogs owners thanked the community for their support and said that while one of the dogs, Bundy, had needed a blood transfusion and surgery, he was looking like he would pull through. However, Kujos condition was still critical and he had so far had four surgeries. Still a long road ahead but we are here at the vet still waiting by their sides hoping for the best, Bundys owner said. Please let everyone know how grateful we are to the community and the kindness everyone has shown. The alleged attack took place at Fowler Reserve in the western Sydney suburb of Wallacia, the dogs' owners said. Source: Google Maps A GoFundMe has been created to help the dogs owners with their medical costs. A spokesperson from NSW Police told Yahoo News Australia they are still searching for the man allegedly responsible and are appealing for public assistance. He has been described as being Caucasian in appearance, aged in his 40s, with a stocky build, bald, with a ginger beard and wearing a flannelette shirt. Story continues Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact Nepean Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, download the Yahoo News app from iTunes orGoogle Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoos daily newsletter. Sign up here. A Melbourne business has copped a hefty fine after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Victoria declared it responsible for turning a creek fluoro green. Following reports Scotchmans Creek in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne had turned bright green EPA traced contamination back to Pebble Mix Finishes. The EPA found liquid mix fluorescein from the business on Myrtle Street in Glen Waverley had escaped through the stormwater system and contaminated the creek on May 18. The government organisation issued an $8,060 fine to the decorative stone distributor for its negligence in ensuring liquids didnt escape its premises. EPA expects businesses to manage their onsite risks including installing controls to make sure liquids do not escape their premises, EPA Regional Manager Marleen Mathias for the Southern Metropolitan Region said. Pebble Mix Finishes was fined after allowing flurescein to escape its premises and enter the stormwater system Source: Facebook/Environment Protection Authority Victoria It is disappointing that the site did not have adequate controls in place. Flurescein is a dye-like substance often used by plumbers to track drain systems, according to the EPA. The distinct colouring only remains vivid in the water for a couple of hours, but the EPA told Yahoo News Australia that was long enough for the public to perceive a threat. Its hard to say if it caused any harm to the area, but anything that makes the local community believe there could be a threat is a cause for concern for us, an EPA spokesman said. A small quantity can spread a significant distance through water and is harmless to the aquatic environment, unless mixed with other substances as was the case for Pebble Mix Finishes. Yahoo News Australia contacted the company for comment on the matter. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, download the Yahoo News app from iTunes orGoogle Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoos daily newsletter. Sign up here. Fahima Yusuf's dying words to her husband of eight years were "I love you" as he struck her with a wheel brace then choked or suffocated her in bed while their two young children slept nearby. The first blow came as the 32-year-old slept, but even after waking she was easily overpowered. Ahmed Dawood Seedat, 37, buried his wife in the backyard of their Perth home in a hole earlier created by a contractor, who was told it was to install a pool for the couple's children, aged two and five. West Australian Supreme Court Justice Bruno Fiannaca said Ms Yusuf's final words only demonstrated her horror, betrayal and desperation to stop Seedat. Fahima Yusuf was found dead in the backyard of a home in Perth. Source: Facebook The accountant, who admitted murdering his wife in August 2018, wept as he was sentenced on Monday to life behind bars. He must spend at least 23 years in prison for the killing, which Justice Fiannaca described as brutal, callous and cowardly. Seedat had claimed his wife became "sexually aggressive", prompting him to attack, but Justice Fiannaca said that was implausible. He found Seedat planned the murder for weeks and had egotistical motives. There was no evidence Ms Yusuf planned to end the marriage, rather it was Seedat, who had been gambling heavily and hiring escorts, who wanted out. The woman was found in a hole in the Carlisle backyard. Source: 9 News The court heard Seedat had searched online for chilling terms such as "cremating a body", "best place to knock someone out" and burying someone alive. Ms Yusuf's cause of death remains undetermined but she suffered cuts and had sand in her mouth but not in her airways. After Ms Yusuf's death, Seedat lied to explain her absence, telling friends and neighbours she went to the UK for eye surgery and telling her sister she left him. Seedat also asked a friend to call Ms Yusuf's interstate father and impersonate a police officer. But he was not fooled and reported her missing four days after her death. Police found her body the following day. Fahima Yusuf and Ahmed Dawood Seedat before her death. Source: 9 News Justice Fiannaca said it was part of Seedat's narcissistic traits that he thought people would believe his lies and he could get away with the crime. Story continues "It may have been technically clumsy but it was calculated behaviour," he said. Seedat had intended to try to pursue a relationship with his sister-in-law, who he described as his best friend, but she viewed him as a brother. "You envisaged a future with your sister-in-law ... you had become emotionally dependent on her," Justice Fiannaca said. Seedat had also searched online: "Can you marry your brother-in-law if your sister is dead muslim?" The court heard Seedat is separately facing fraud charges, with allegations he stole $5.7 million. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, download the Yahoo News app from iTunes orGoogle Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoos daily newsletter. Sign up here. The man behind a would-be "gladiator school" for populists has big plans for a 13th-century Italian monastery where students from across the globe will learn how to "defend the West". But trouble is brewing in the mountainside retreat. As project mastermind Benjamin Harnwell tours the austere monk cells, his walkie-talkie crackles into life: inspectors from the culture ministry are here. Attempts to transform the sprawling Certosa di Trisulti into a far-right political boot camp risk falling foul of a bitter fight between Italy's populist parties who are hoping to make gains in Sunday's European elections. Harnwell, a close associate of former Trump White House adviser Steve Bannon, founded the Dignitatis Humanae Institute that will run the school and aims to create new leaders through "hardcore" personality formation. "It'll be a case of sticking your hand, your fist into the soul of the man and dragging it out," he told AFP. "Everything that's of this world we'll leave to the side, and everything that's good can be reworked." The "threats" the school aims to counter from among its sculpted hedgerows and cobbled paths are militant secularism within the West, jihadist Islamism, exploitation of the ordinary man by powerful elites and illegal immigration. - Populist 'dream' - Bannon, who since being ousted from the White House spends his days fomenting right-wing populism in Europe, has pledged $1 million to the project -- but appears to be the only benefactor to have stumped up funds so far. He and Harnwell have found fertile ground in Italy, which boasts the first modern-day populist government in Western Europe, based on a coalition of the far-right League and anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) parties. Bannon has described the League-M5S alliance as an "experiment that, if it works, will change global politics". "Steve's dream was to bring together a sort of leftish type of populism with a sort of rightish type of nationalism, and make a cohesive entity. And that's not exemplified anywhere better in the world than by the League and M5S," Harnwell said. Election results here could have a significant impact on the weight of the various political groups in the EU parliament. The League, which has shot to prominence on an anti-immigrant ticket under leader Matteo Salvini, is forecast to increase its seats in the European parliament from six to 26, while M5S is expected to climb from 11 to 18 -- a combined 44 out of Italy's total 73. M5S wants to form a new grouping to wrest power from the traditional left and right, but has failed so far to get the numbers needed through its overtures to small parties in Croatia, Finland, Greece and Poland. Salvini, an ally of Marine Le Pen from France's National Rally party, has called on nationalist parties to join forces and has been busy wooing Hungary's anti-immigration Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Dutch Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders. In August, Salvini signed up to Bannon's group "The Movement", founded to spark a populist revolt in the EU vote. The League leader has said he expects a new populist bloc to be the largest in the parliament -- though he and his would-be bedfellows disagree on several key points, such as who across Europe takes how many of the refugees landing in Italy. - Frescoes and fraud - But Salvini's campaign at home has been hit by scandal, with his economic adviser accused of accepting a bribe from a wind farm entrepreneur linked to the Sicilian Mafia. The M5S, which made "honesty" a keyword of its political campaign, has demanded the adviser resign. And it has also set its sights on Bannon's flagship project here: the school. Harnwell's institute won a tender in 2018 to manage the former monastery, with its frescoed ceilings, Baroque chapel, library, and 18th-century pharmacy, where the monks brewed medicines from herbs gathered in the surrounding woods. He hopes to offer a small number of students the first three-week course later this year, charging up to 1,000 euros a head, before opening all-year round to 250 or so disciples at a time. Over 1,000 people have already expressed an interest, he says. Some 80 percent are from the anglophone world -- Australia, Britain, Canada, and the US -- while the rest hail from France, Germany, Italy and Spain. - 'Caught in the crossfire' - "First we need to do the roofs, we need to do the sewers, put the bathrooms in," and bring Internet access to the sprawling hermitage, which is currently home to 40 feral cats. But Harnwell, who kneels and crosses himself before the altar every time he passes through the chapel to a corridor hidden behind a secret door, may not get the chance. The culture ministry, currently run by the Five Star Movement, told AFP it has launched a probe into the tender following an Italian investigative report which suggested the Institute may not have won it fair and square. Harnwell brushes off the allegations, saying the school is "caught in a crossfire between the League and M5S" as their electoral campaigns for the EU vote enter the feverish final stretch. "The left is trying to suggest we're part of some money-laundering effort with the Russians, or the Mafia," he says, dismissing such suggestions as total rubbish. Attempts to transform the sprawling stone Certosa di Trisulti into a far-right political training camp risk falling foul of a bitter fight between Italy's populist parties Harnwell, a close associate of former Trump White House adviser Steve Bannon, founded the Dignitatis Humanae Institute that will run the school, and aims to create new leaders through a "hardcore" personality formation Over 1,000 people have already expressed an interest in a three-week course later this year at the monastery The monastery boasts frescoed ceilings, Baroque chapel, library and 8th-centurypharmacy, where the monks once brewed medicines from herbs gathered in the woods With talks suspended between protest leaders and Sudan's military over a transfer of power to civilian rule, Islamist movements are backing the army in the hope it will keep sharia law in place. Islamist parties stayed on the sidelines during the months of nationwide protests that led to the April ouster of long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir. They have since not joined the protest alliance at loggerheads with the generals over the makeup of a new governing body, which would rule the country for a three-year transitional period. But hundreds of Islamists have rallied in the capital in recent days, warning they would reject any deal that would exclude sharia -- Islamic law -- from the country's political roadmap. They have also backed the army's demands that the head of Sudan's new governing body be a military figure -- putting them at odds with protesters who want civilian rule. "We agree with (protesters) that there will be a cabinet of civilian technocrats," said Hassan Rizk, deputy head of the Islamist Reform Now Movement, a breakaway group from the National Congress Party formerly led by Bashir. "But the sovereign council should be headed by the armed forces because there is a security problem." Bashir came to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989 and Sudanese legislation has since been underpinned by Islamic law. But the protest leaders have remained silent on whether sharia has a place in Sudan's future, arguing that their main concern is installing a civilian administration. - 'Stole the revolution' - Ultraconservative preacher Abdelhay Yousef, a leader of the Nusrat Al-Sharia movement, drew large crowds Friday at a mosque in the capital's southern Jabra district. He used his sermon to champion Islamic law and to rail against the prospect of secular rule. Buses then transported worshippers to a courtyard outside Khartoum's presidential palace where they broke their daytime fast for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan before rallying against the roadmap. "Free revolutionaries will not be ruled by the forces of the left," they chanted. Nusrat Al-Sharia chief Mohamed Ali Jazuli justified the rejection by Islamists, saying the negotiations between the protesters and the generals were for an agreement that was "purely bilateral and excluding" the Islamists and other political forces. While the protest alliance could be a "partner in change", he said, it was not "the only leader of the revolution". "The revolution was not against ideology but against corruption and tyranny," he said. Tayeb Mustafa, who heads a coalition of conservative parties, said Islamists were opposed to the transition plan because it "ignored the application of Islamic law". The protest alliance "stole the revolution in broad daylight", said Mustafa, whose 2020 coalition brings together Islamist groups, including the Popular Congress Party, a long-time ally of Bashir. - 'Religion is for God' - Analysts say Islamists' close ties to Bashir have made it difficult for them to join forces with protesters and their Alliance for Freedom and Change umbrella group. "It's impossible to equate a party that has always been opposed to the regime with another side that was with the regime until its fall," said prominent Sudanese journalist Khaled Tijani. "Freedom and Change therefore has the right to lead." A few metres (yards) away from the Islamist rally outside the presidential palace, a man wearing traditional robes lit a cigarette as the call to prayer marked the end of the day's fast. "We're fed up with the injection of religion into politics," he said in a low voice. "We want freedom, we don't want to be ruled by anyone in the name of religion... What have we done with 30 years of that kind of rule?" he asked. "Religion is for God, politics is for the street." Sudanese worshippers arrive outside a mosque to attend the weekly Friday sermon and prayers during the holy month of Ramadan in the capital Khartoum Sudan's Islamists are backing the army in the hope it will keep sharia law in place Supporters of Sudanese Islamist movements hold up their phones as they chant slogans during a rally in front of the presidential palace in downtown Khartoum When Roger Federer announced he would be returning to the French Open for the first time since 2016, no one knew what to expect from him on the court. But one thing was never in doubt: fans are ready to see the legend play on the red clay. Even the Swiss maestro, however, was surprised at the anticipation surrounding his first practice session on Saturday. Federer will kick off his French Open campaign with a first-round clash against Italian Lorenzo Sonego on Sunday night AEST. "I'm very happy to be back, maybe a tiny bit more because when I have missed the last three editions, and when you miss something in life, you're happy to be back there again, he said. But one might have confused his practice hit with Jeremy Chardy as his official return, such was the frenzy around the court. Fans flocked to Court Suzanne Lenglen to watch the 20-time grand slam winner practice. It seemed even Federer was taken aback with the amount of support at the practice hit, taking to social media after to thank everyone for the incredible atmosphere. What a crowd, wow! Merci pour lovation pic.twitter.com/613ltns7xH Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) May 25, 2019 What a crowd, wow, he wrote on Twitter. The 37-year-old will be looking to wrestle the trophy out of Rafael Nadals grips with the Spaniard aiming for his 12th Roland Garros title. But world No.1 Novak Djokovic will be doing his best to win his second French Open and become the second man in history to twice hold all four grand slam titles at the same time. Federer has played down his chances of winning the title, although 73rd-ranked Sonego, making his main draw debut at Roland Garros having lost in qualifying last year, should not cause him undue alarm as he reacquaints himself with his surroundings. "Center court looks very different. There has been a lot of upgrades and investments made," Federer said. "But I feel it is still the old Roland Garros, it's kept its flair and everything." with Reuters Nigel Farage's anti-EU Brexit party topped European Parliament polls in Britain, putting intense pressure on the ruling Conservatives who suffered a historic rout and raising the chances of a no-deal outcome. The populist party, founded just three months ago, capitalised on public anger over delays to Britain's exit from the European Union, winning 31.6 percent of the vote and picking up 29 seats, final results showed. Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative party meanwhile slumped to 9.1 percent, its worst national election result since 1832. In a sign of the divisions still gripping Britain three years after the referendum vote for Brexit, the pro-European Liberal Democrats and Greens also made significant gains. The elections, which took place on Thursday, were never meant to happen, as Britain was due to be out of the bloc on March 29. But parliament has been unable to agree on how to leave, slowly sapping May's authority and forcing her to finally announce last week she would quit to let somebody else try. Describing the result as "very disappointing", she said: "It shows the importance of finding a Brexit deal, and I sincerely hope these results focus minds in parliament." Several of those vying to replace her, including Boris Johnson, were quick to repeat that Brexit must happen by the latest deadline, October 31, with or without a deal with Brussels. "No one sensible would aim exclusively for a no-deal outcome. No one responsible would take no-deal off the table," Johnson wrote in his weekly column in The Daily Telegraph. In Sunderland, a Brexit-backing area in northeast England, several voters voiced support for a no-deal Brexit following the results. "It's not going to kill us if we come out without a deal," said Alan Bell, 67, a former chef. It was also a bad night for the main opposition Labour party, which has been accused of a confusing position on Brexit and slumped to 14.1 percent. - 'Stun everybody' - Farage only registered his party in February but succeeded in leveraging his reputation as one of the masterminds of the pro-Brexit campaign in 2016. "If we don't leave on October 31, then the Brexit Party will go on to a general election and stun everybody there too," Farage told reporters in London on Monday. He said his party should now have a say in any new Brexit negotiations with Brussels. The EU has said it will not re-open the withdrawal deal already agreed with May, but many of her would-be successors are still likely to try. - 'Almost certainly' a referendum - Anti-Brexit campaigners also hailed the success of parties who want to keep Britain in the EU, suggesting voters are as split as they were when they voted 52 to 48 percent to leave three years ago. The Liberal Democrats came second with around 20.3 percent and 16 MEPs, up from just one MEP in the last European elections in 2014. The Greens, who campaigned on an anti-Brexit ticket as well as for action on climate change, won seven seats with 12.1 percent of the vote. Adding in votes for the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru in Wales, both of which want a second referendum, supporters saw a resounding victory for pro-EU forces. "There will almost certainly be a referendum now and we've got to win that," Lib Dem leader Vince Cable told AFP at an event with the party's new MEPs on Monday. Analysts, however, warned that European election results cannot be easily translated into success at British parliamentary elections, not least because a different voting system is used. - No-deal pressure - May's bickering Conservative party had been braced for poor results and barely bothered to campaign. But it must now decide what to do about the long-suffering EU withdrawal deal May reached with Brussels last year. Parliament was on course to reject the pact, intended to smooth Britain's exit, for a fourth time before May announced she was quitting. Despite the calls for a "no deal" Brexit, MPs have repeatedly voted against that option, fearing the economic impact of a harsh break with Britain's closest trading partner. And May's Finance Minister Philip Hammond warned on Sunday he might even be prepared to take the drastic step of voting to bring down a future Conservative government in order to avoid that situation. Farage (centre) said his party should now have a say in any new Brexit negotiations with Brussels Conservative leadership favourites such as Boris Johnson have raised the prospect of leaving the EU with no agreement in October AUBURN A crowd on the corner of Genesee and South streets was growing by the minute as the kickoff to this year's Memorial Day parade in Auburn neared. The excitement grew when the sound of drums and sirens could be heard off in the distance. Then, within minutes, the parade arrived with Auburn police cruisers leading the way. Marching bands, veterans and firetrucks would be right behind them. Although hundreds of people crowded the sidewalks to see the parade, for some of these people, a memorial ceremony immediately after was the real reason why they came out. Directly following the music and the cheering was silence. At Veterans Memorial Park, where the parade came to an end, a wreath-laying ceremony was held in honor of those who've made the ultimate sacrifice. Wreaths were laid by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., the S-K Post #1324 American Legion, the Korean War Veterans Association and others. A few members of the public also placed wreaths. Then a trumpeter played taps. "I think I tear up every time," said Dorothy Fletcher. She had lost her brother, Scott, who had served as a Marine in the Vietnam War. "It's such a powerful tune." Don Stantrusky also attended the ceremony. He had brought his two sons. "I'm not here for anyone in particular ... I'm here for us," he said as he looked to his sons. "I'm just thankful." Terry Winslow, former chief of the Auburn Fire Department, thanked those who attended the ceremony. He added that the ceremony defined "the true meaning of Memorial Day. "I'm thankful to all of you who stuck around and witnessed exactly what happened as we paid tribute to those who gave their lives," Winslow said. Staff writer Dan Orzechowski can be reached at (315) 282-2239 or dan.orzechowski@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @OrzechowskiDan. 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. CYBERSPACEPorn is illegal in Chinadespite the fact there appears to be a significant demand for it among the Chinese populationand in February of last year the Chinese government announced that it was stepping up its crackdown against what it called vulgar content, in order to clean up the online environment. By May of 2018, Chinese authorities had shut down about 22,000 porn sites, according to a report by TechNode. The owner of one streaming video platform, Hot TV, was sentenced to seven years in a Chinese prison for hosting just 28 adult videos, out of nearly 1,600 total videos on his site. As part of that crackdown, according to the South China Morning Post, Chinese police began an investigation into a popular camming site and app known as HuaHua, which reportedly went online in November of 2017 and raked in $2.3 million in profit in its first five months of existence. The site, like any legal camming site in the United States or elsewhere, featured members live streaming sexual performances. But due to the outlaw status of the site in China, users who wanted to viewand pay forthose performances had to obtain frequently changing secret codes often distributed through the Chinese messaging platform QQ, according to the Morning Post. The investigation into HuaHuawhich frequently changed its name, host servers, and site design in an effort to stay a step ahead of police, according to a Gizmodo reportled to the arrest of 18 individuals in China over the past year. On April 26, Chinese police announced that they had tracked down and arrested the two owners of the site, identified only as a man named Hong, and a woman with the name Li. Both cam site operators had been on the lam in the Philippines when they were busted. According to the Morning Post report, Hong came up with the idea for the camming site as a way to make a quick buck when his video gaming business struggled. Photo By Simon Wedege Petersen / Wikimedia Commons A former New York City vice squad detective ran a multi-million dollar brothel empire beginning in 2008 when he was still a member of the police force, and he got away with operating the prostitution ring with help from his buddies inside the department, in what The New York Times called the worst NYPD scandal in years. But on Tuesday, 51-year-old Ludwig Paz, who stepped down from the New York City police department in 2010, entered guilty pleas to three counts of corruption and promoting prostitution. On June 27, Paz will find out how long he will spend behind bars as a result, with a maximum sentence of 12 years for his crimes, according to the Times report. Pazs 43-year-old wife, Arelis Peralta, also pleaded guilty to two corruption charges for helping her husband operate the brothel enterprise in the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, as well as in Long Islands Nassau County, according to The New York Post. Peralta was sentenced to 364 daysone day short of a yearin jail. Why her sentence was significantly lighter than what her husband is now facing remains unclear, according to The New York Daily News. Paz and Peralta stayed ahead of police investigators both by receiving inside tip-offs of upcoming raids or arrests, as well as by using Pazs own knowledge of vice enforcement rules and procedures. For example, knowing that undercover cops were not permitted to reveal their genitalia to prostitutes in the course of an investigation, Paz required all prospective customers to disrobe upon entering one of his brothels, according to a Times summary of the case. Seven active police officers were arrested and accused of helping Paz run the brothel ring by providing him tips about when officers planned to raid or investigate one of the brothels. As a result, when cops showed up, often responding to neighbor complaints about the brothel activity, they inevitably found nothing that seemed criminal and left empty-handed. One of the cops who tipped off Paz about pending raids and investigations was his former partner on the vice squad, Rene Samaniego, who entered a guilty plea on May 8. Paz reportedly paid his former partner $500 per week for information, such as physical descriptions of undercover officers sent to investigate the brothels. The crooked cops busted in the investigation were sometimes paid in cashand sometimes in sexual favors, according to a Postmedia News report. But Paz was finally caught when one cop tipped off the NYPD Internal Affairs division about the crooked cops involved in the operation. Photo By Gcin1987 / Wikimedia Commons When Gerardo Alvarado was a boy, his father told him not to go to America. [Hed say,] Its not true, the story of America, but when I was 15 I say, I want to see America, he says. So I got lucky. I got my visa and work here. Born in Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Alvarado says his grandfather, father and many of his friends immigrated to the United States and share similar stories about traversing through borderlands to find a better life. Now 32 and a permanent resident of Flagstaffs eastside, Alvarado works construction to provide for him and his 3-year-old boy. In between construction gigs and being a parent, Alvaro uses the stories of his father and friends to give meaning to his artwork. I want to do something with my art, not just something pretty. I want to show the way I see my friends stories. I want to tell those stories in a way people start to ask questions, open the conversation, Alvarado says. He started painting when he was 9 but started working with acrylic only a few years ago. (Alvarado says he only drew with one pencil in Mexico, discovering different shapes, points, sizes and colors when he moved to America.) He uses leftover material from his construction gigs to build canvases on which he layers paint and meaning: portraits of a woman (a mother in the likeness of the Virgin Mary) cradling a child, a basket (formed with hands and feet) of fruit, a landscape that moves from desert to farmlands showing an immigrant building a ladder for his friends and family. In one piece, Alvarado envisions a cross-carrying man, in the likeness of Jesus Christ, with a backpack and a plastic water jug. Alvarado isnt quite religious, finding himself battling with his faith, but uses the figure of Jesus Christ to elicit compassion. A lot of people say, Im a good person, I go to church, I want to help people, but a lot of people dont see undocumented people like something good or someone who you want to help, he says. But imagine if one of those people is Jesus Christ. Are you going to help them? When U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Jose Guadalupe Montelongo-Morales, who is undocumented, on April 19 outside of a trailer in Sedona, Alvarado says it struck fear in his community. Montelongo-Morales had previously been arrested by Flagstaff police on Dec. 28, 2018, for failing to appear in court after he did not pay fines from a 2016 misdemeanor drunk driving conviction. He was deported following his DUI, re-entered the United States and was stopped for speeding in Flagstaff and arrested for failing to appear in court. He was released from custody on Feb. 14. When ICE agents arrested Montelongo-Morales two months later, they used tactics some lawyers say amount to extortion. ICE agents told Montelongo-Morales sister, who is also undocumented, that if she persuaded the property owner of the trailer to agree to a search, she would be released from immigration custody. Prior to that, in August 2018, ICE agents arrested 78 immigrants in Phoenix, Yuma and Flagstaff. According to Cory Runge, spokesperson for the Flagstaff Police Department, ICE is not required to inform the department of its activity in their jurisdiction. While Flagstaff police did not directly assist ICE with its arrests, the departments lack of response has sparked protest from organizations like Repeal Coalition Arizona. The group opposes ICE activity in Flagstaff and is working to fund the release of Montelongo-Morales. Through various events and a GoFundMe campaign, Repeal Coalition has raised more than $7,000 to go toward Montelongo-Morales bond of $20,000. As well as a political response, the local incident has prompted many artists to create artistic responses to the national discussion of immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border and the continued operations of ICE. T-shirt designs and artwork by Francisco Saucedo take a simple, bold stance with a black-and-white image of a fist with bleeding roses and the words ABOLISH ICE. Patchwork by Luna Sudekum-Thompson shows Montelongo-Morales with his family and the words, Stop deporting our community! Justice for Jose. Repeal Coalition also often features Alvarados work. People rationalize and minimize police activity and ICE presence in Flagstaff, Alvarado says, emphasizing that his friends, some of whom are undocumented, are fearful of deportation. Although 7,000 feet above sea level, Flagstaff is only about 400 miles from the border. And while issues at the border and of immigration seem to only affect border towns, Flagstaff has its own community of undocumented immigrants. If ICE activity in Flagstaff and northern Arizona alluded to that community, Amy Martins exhibit, Todos Dignos: Voices from our Undocumented Immigrant Community, highlighted it. Using photographs by Martin of local undocumented immigrants and translations from Vanessa Savel, Todos Dignos, which was on display at Firecreek Coffee Company in February, underlined their stories using their words. The truth is, as I have seen it, even in our affluent mountain community, undocumented workers are providing building blocks for our economy, and they are doing it invisibly, Martin said in February. When the space is created for sharing perspectives and listening, we can connect to others in our community that have been marginalized and we can encourage a more informed, cohesive and kind community. Hopefully then, we can take this knowledge and understanding to the polls to change unjust policies. The people of Todos Dignosconstruction workers, house cleaners, DACA students, childrenwere photographed in front of a black backdrop as they held up objects that covered their face. The subjects were asked to choose something they felt best represented their personal contributions to Flagstaff, with objects ranging from cleaning supplies and construction tools to a guitar and a ceramic heart. Now Martins photography is on display at Border+Crossroads, an Art in Action exhibit at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany curated by photographer Raechel Running. The exhibit features art and photography by Martin and Running, as well as Alvaro Enciso, Stefan Falke, Ricardo Santos Hernandez, Alisa Zaira Reznick and Ammi Robles to share the stories of the people and lives affected at the border. A stunning and morbid reminder of the human cost of immigration is Encisos project, Donde Mueren Los Suenos (Where Dreams Die), on display with Border+Crossroads. Since 2001, Enciso, using County Medical Examiner data provided to him and his volunteers, has traversed borderlands to locations where human remains of those attempting to cross the border have been found. There, he places a cross in remembrance. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 7,216 people have died crossing the U.SMexico border between 1998 and 2017. For Running, the exhibit is an attempt to cultivate empathy and encourage education among youth so they can help where others are not. Its about having humane policies. Why are we traumatizing generations of children? People are making a lot of money on the fear-based issue, Running says. When we look at these issues with a human perspective we can learn empathy, and through the empathy we will start to heal and make a better, safer world for our children and for the future. With help from the Sierra Club Borderlands, a grassroots organization that protects and restores the U.S.-Mexico border wild lands, wildlife and communities, Running has brought a traveling exhibit, Lens on the Border, to Flagstaff High School where it is currently on display. Featuring work from eight photographers, the exhibit shows vivid and beautiful images of the people, wildlife and waterways of the Mexico-U.S. borderlands. Campaign coordinator for the Sierra Club Dan Millis says the traveling exhibit is a reality check against bigotry and hatred. We want the exhibit to travel because, unfortunately, hate, fear and lies about the borderlands also travel. We need people to read these pictures worth a thousand words, and come to their senses regarding the cities, towns and wild places located here, Millis says. Flagstaff, he says, is all out of excuses not to pay attention to the borderlands. Over the last decade and a half, the community has woken up to the fact that what happens at our state's southern edge, and what people say about it, impacts everyone, not just in Flagstaff but in the entire world. In Flagstaff and Arizona, down to our southern border and across the country, artists, photographers and storytellers are using their work to address immigration with a critical eye, questioning policy and rhetoric with the stroke of a brush or the click of a lens. The story of America is a complicated and complex narrative, but its one Running, Martin, Alvarado and others are trying to tell. One painting can tell so many stories, Alvarado says. Its the way I can help. Gerardo Alvarados work can be found on the Repeal Coalition Arizona Facebook. Photography from Todos Dignos: Voices from our Undocumented Immigrant Community is on display at Border+Crossroads at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 423 N. Beaver St., until June 8. Lens on the Border is at Flagstaff High School and available for online viewing at www.issuu.com/raechelrunning/docs/lens_on_the_border_8_visions Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 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. Euro News Hundreds of Egyptians gathered for an annual Ramadan celebration in a Cairo neighbourhood, forming a 50-meter long table filled with Ramadan delights. The banquet is organised by almost 70 individuals living on Ezbet Hamada Street in Matariya, a low-income area of northern Cairo. The annual festival is not an act of charity, says the volunteer Ali Amer, but an intimate meal offered by the neighbourhood youth with the intention of "creating love and affection." Organisers collect specific sums of money throughout the year to pay for food and associated costs. Among the volunteers are professional chefs who cook food in nearby houses. Excerpt # 18: On His Majestys Service M. Bakri Musa (www.bakrimusa.com) After about three months at GHKL, I was called for an interview with the Public Services Commission. Only a formality; it would not affect my work though definitely my pay. Up till that time I was paid at the level of a first-year doctor an intern even though I was a specialist with over six years post-MD experience. That should have entitled me for a Superscale posting that would doubled my current pay. I had been drawing on my savings, and that was with no car payments as I was using my fathers. That interview was the very first time I had to fill in any application form. Up till then I could have been an imposter and no one would have caught it, except for those initial clinical queries from Tan Sri Majid, the Director-General who first appointed me to GHKL. I was in the same group being interviewed with all the other new doctors, including a few of my interns. They were as surprised as I was. My turn was midmorning. I wished they had told me the specific time so I could have made my hospital rounds first and not have wasted a good part of the morning waiting. There was a panel of five, including the chairman, a short, thin, old Malay man with wiry white hair and black-rimmed thick glasses. He had a go at me first after scrutinizing my papers with the disdain of a fussy editor consigned to peruse an unsolicited manuscript. Perhaps my hippie-style hair did not sit well with him. Noting that I had my science degree before entering medical school, he asked why I did not return home then and give others a chance to go to medical school. I should have been satisfied with one degree. Besides, he added, our country needs science teachers badly, you know, especially Malays! I interjected that perhaps I could be a teacher of doctors seeing that I had both a science and a medical degree. You have a point there! He missed my sarcasm. Then treating him like a high school kid who had read something in the library, or using todays equivalent, something on Google, I lectured him that in North America, unlike Malaysia or Britain, we were required to have a good broad-based liberal education before entering medical school. Thus, I had to take English Literature during my premed. I quoted my medical school dean who said that you could learn more about human nature from reading Shakespeare than from dissecting frogs. I received a grunt as a response to that one. Then noting that I also had my Masters degree in Experimental Surgery, he intoned, We dont want you experimenting on our people! Unable to upstage me on the degree game, he asked how many prime ministers Malaysia has had. Lets see, there was Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Razak, and now Hussein Onn. I replied, Three. Wrong! he shouted with glee as he jabbed his index finger in my direction. I had missed the brief spell of Dr. Ismail who died in office as acting prime minister during Tun Razaks visit to Canada. I knew that but thought he was only the acting head. Thats the trouble with you people. You go abroad and forget about our country. I could not disagree with him on that point. He was formally sworn in by Agung, you know! he smugly continued, more to his fellow panelists. I had no trouble with the rest of the panelists except for the last one, a young Indian man. Straightening his body, stiffening his neck, and leaning forward to appear profound, Why do American surgeons perform unnecessary surgery? he taunted me. Ignoring his bait, I corrected him by saying that I was trained in Canada, a separate country to the north, and that Canadians are not Americans. Elementary stuff! Then I went on to expound on the meaning of unnecessary. It happened that a few days earlier there were headlines of a well-known personality who had died in hospital following a road accident. I told the panel that doctors do not always know exactly what was going on inside a patients body. That individual probably died of a ruptured spleen but when he came in, the signs were not so obvious and his surgeon was afraid to operate because of fear of doing unnecessary surgery. He grasped my point right away and I did not belabor it. This was the days before CAT scans. Today with sophisticated scans and other diagnostic tests, we rarely have to do exploratory laparotomies. Later, back at the hospital I pondered what would have happened had I bombed that interview. Would they have denied my appointment when the country desperately needed surgeons? I had high hopes before the interview that we would be discussing something substantive, as how we could learn about hospitals and healthcare delivery in general from Canada. Instead, I faced a bunch of senior civil servants more interested in proving to me how smart they were, and how ignorant I was about Malaysia. That made my earlier chanced encounter with Dr. Majid Ismail that much more remarkable as well as exceptional. In truth, if I had anything to prove, I wouldnt do it to these yahoos. Yet I kept thinking (dreaming would be more like it) that the next time it would be different and that I would meet someone with whom I could discuss something substantive. Every time I thought I had a chance, that proved to be a severe disappointment. Next Excerpt # 19: A Rookie In The Bureaucracy The Son Has Not Returned. A Surgeon In His Native Malaysia, 2018. From the authors second memoir,, 2018. A Gage County resident of rural Firth, called the Gage County Sheriffs Office to report that during April and May 2019 she was scammed out of somewhere between $35,0000-$54,000. The woman told deputy she was contacted by suspects telling her she had won $5 million in the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. Over the course of the month long artifice, the victim sent cash to the suspects, one of who went by the anonym Michael and spoke with a Jamaican type accent, for fees and in preparation of receiving the award. A press release from the sheriff's office stated that at one point the victim, who is in her 80s, took out a loan from a bank to pay these fees. An investigator followed up with the victim and made sure she understood this situation was a scam and for her to not send any more money to the suspects. The victims bank was contacted and advised of the investigation and an officer with the bank confirmed the victim had lost at least $34,000. The victim stated the suspects were very convincing and always had a justification or reason for requesting more money, at one point one of the suspects mislead the victim, stating she was an attorney and they would get the matter straightened out with the head office," and she would receive her prize money. The victim was also told to keep the matter a secret and not let anyone know about her forthcoming award. She said the suspects switched the prize awarding company, claiming they were from American Cash Awards, working for Publishers Clearing House, the press release stated. The Gage County Sheriffs Office urges residents to use caution when dealing with situations involving money, especially when being told or asked to send money in order to receive an award, cash, or product. If the person is asking for secrecy or threatening legal action, contact a trusted friend, family member, financial adviser such as banker or accountant, or call the Gage County Sheriffs Office and ask to speak with an investigator. 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. Major General Daryl Bohac of the Nebraska National Guard addressed the audience during the Memorial Day program at the Evergreen Home Cemetery on Monday. It is a privilege to be here and participate in this ceremony honoring all those Veterans that have passed on, but especially those that died in service to our great nation, said Bohac. We have a duty as a nation to be ever mindful of those that served our nations call in faraway places. Places few would be willing to go. Some gave all. Some are buried in those same faraway places in cemeteries and others were returned home to their final resting places, like this cemetery." Not all have made it home. No other nation in history has committed as much effort, expense and care as we have to find our missing comrades. We must never forget, said Bohac. Bohac continued praising the efforts of Veterans in defending our fundamental rights as Americans against foreign and domestic enemies. He spoke of serving our country and honoring our Gold star families. It is our sacred duty that we must never neglect, said Bohac. I believe our nation, our country and our community will be judged in how we remember our fallen. No one can replace those heroes, especially to their family, but we can offer a shoulder to cry, assistance when needed and assurance that their loved ones sacrifice will not be forgotten." 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. Have Sheriff Offices in North Carolina, possibly even Beaufort County's Sheriff Office, become too political in the discharging of their sworn constitutional duties? No, the sheriff is a constitutional officer. Yes, the Sheriff Office, on strong occasion, often reverts back to political patronage in the dispensation of their sworn constitutional duties. On the eve of the North Carolina General Assembly's scheduled crossover deadline - the calendar mark when the House and Senate stop considering most legislation which hasn't passed the other chamber - the Senate pushed through a measure to ease burdens for people with minor juvenile offense records.Senate Bill 562, "The Second Chance Act," unanimously cleared the Senate May 8. The bill expands expunctions, the court-ordered erasure or concealment of criminal convictions or charges on a person's record, for crimes committed by a 16- or 17-year old. S.B. 562 also creates automatic expunctions for criminal charges that have already been dismissed or acquitted.The bill, a bipartisan effort to expand relief for those not covered under 2017's "raise the age" legislation, gives people who made youthful mistakes a chance to clear their records of misdemeanors and minor class H and I offenses such as possession of drugs, breaking and entering, or larceny of property.Violations involving motor vehicles, drunk driving, and sexual offenses aren't eligible for expungement under S.B. 562. Expunctions also don't apply to incomplete sentences.S.B. 562 is a jobs bill for people whose past is unfairly blocking them from hire, said Sen. Danny Britt, R-Robeson, a primary sponsor.The bill isSen. Floyd Mckissick, D-Durham, told fellow lawmakers during a brief floor debate. McKissick, along with Sen. Warren Daniel, R-Burke, is also a primary sponsor of the legislation.Britt, Daniel and McKissick said in a joint statement.S.B. 562 builds on the bipartisan support for North Carolina's "raise the age" law, which ensured 16- and 17-year olds charged with minor crimes no longer will be punished as adults in the state's criminal justice system.That law, which becomes effective later this year, received significant funding in the House's recently passed budget proposal.S.B. 562 now heads to the House, where it could be considered at any time during the rest of the 2019-20 legislative session.As the Wednesday session adjourned, Senate leaders announced they wouldn't consider any bills for votes Thursday, so crossover arrived a day earlier than scheduled. The N.C. Senate on Wednesday, May 8, sparred over a pair of school choice bills that would expand eligibility for private school vouchers and lift the enrollment cap on virtual charter schools.Democratic lawmakers argued the two bills devalue public education and harm students. Republican lawmakers said the bills expand educational opportunities for more families across the state.The two bills, after lengthy debate, passed the Senate, mostly along party lines, and now head to the House. Senate Bill 609 amends school-choice scholarships, aiming to make them more available to North Carolina students. Under the bill, 4-year-olds would be eligible for the Special Education Scholarships for Children with Disabilities, the Opportunity Scholarship program, and Personal Education Savings accounts.S.B. 609 raises the household income limit for eligibility to the Opportunity Scholarship program - from 133% of the amount required to qualify for the federal free or reduced price lunch - to 150%. The bill eliminates a cap on scholarship funds for students entering kindergarten or first grade.said Terry Stoops, vice president of research and director of education studies at the John Locke Foundation.Democratic lawmakers, including freshman Sen. Natasha Marcus, D-Mecklenburg, said the state should reevaluate its commitment to the Opportunity Scholarship program.Under the bill, Marcus said, the program would expand beyond its original goal of providing low-income students a path to private school. Instead, the bill would allow the Opportunity Scholarship program to provide public dollars to more well-off families to send their children to private schools.Marcus said.Marcus said the bill does nothing to address the problems with private schools, which, the freshman senator says, includes hiring unlicensed teachers, a lack of curriculum requirements, and little financial oversight.Democratic lawmakers also argued the Opportunity Scholarship was overfunded and that too few parents were participating in the program to justify the money. Republicans countered that expanding eligibility and lifting the cap would solve the problem.Sen. Deanna Ballard, R-Watauga, one of the bill's sponsors, pointed to an N.C. State report that shows the annual median income of households applying for the Opportunity Scholarship program was just more than $16,000.Ballard said.Ballard said the bill addresses concerns from parents over accessibility by expanding eligibility and by lifting the cap on students entering kindergarten and first grade.S.B. 609 passed the Senate, 27-18 vote, and goes to the House.The other measure, Senate Bill 522 , makes various changes to charter school laws. But the provision that riled lawmakers involved the two virtual charter schools in the state's virtual charter school pilot program.Under the bill, the cap on enrollment growth would be lifted on N.C. Virtual Academy and N.C. Connections Academy. The maximum student enrollment in a virtual charter school would be allowed to increase annually by 20%.Stoops said.Democratic lawmakers had harsh words for the virtual charter schools.Sen. Jay Chaudhuri, D-Wake said.Sen. Joyce Waddell, D-Mecklenburg, said the state is spreading public education dollars too thin. By allowing virtual charter schools to expand enrollment, she said, the state further dismantles public education.The state started the virtual charter school pilot program in 2015. Since then, the two schools have been labeled as continuously low-performing. Despite lagging performance, the pilot program for virtual charter schools was extended until the 2022-23 school year. More than 2,000 students are now enrolled in each of the two schools.N.C. Connections Academy was embroiled in a bitter fight with its educational management organization over disagreements about daily operations. On May 6, the Charter School Advisory Board approved a recommendation to allow N.C. Connections Academy to switch EMOs from Pearson Online and Blended Learning to N.C. for Quality Virtual Education.While the virtual charters school may not be perfect, proponents say they provide a unique, personalized education for students who don't perform well in a traditional public school setting.Sen. Todd Johnson, R-Union, told a story about a student who was bullied and struggled in a traditional public school. His grades started to improve when he transferred to one of the state's virtual charter schools.Some students perform better in a traditional classroom, and others excel with virtual instruction, Sen. Ralph Hise, R-Mitchell said.Hise acknowledged that some students aren't performing well in the virtual charter schools, but said the state shouldn't do away with them because some families chose a learning environment that wasn't the best fit for their children.Hise said.S.B. 522 passed, 25-18.said Stoops. Please, send this one back. It tastes bitter.Opponents of measures that would relax North Carolina's arcane - punitive, even - ABC laws are running out of new arguments, which are becoming more pervasive, more hard-edged.The clock, they know, is ticking.These alcohol opponents are quick to cite studies relating alcohol to traffic fatalities, to family break-ups. They refer us to studies focusing on the deleterious effects of alcohol on our health, and to studies predicting an impending cultural apocalypse.It's important that opponents of the wicked whiskey continue to have their say, and I support them in their efforts to speak out, regardless of whether I agree with their points.But the problems start when those arguments are based primarily on a personal view of what's right and what's wrong, on a specific, narrow set of beliefs. On maintaining the status quo, even if that standard may be rusted and wrecked.A new campaign focuses on stopping legislation that would set up a licensing model for liquor sales and rid the state of a system of onerous, locally controlled, and politically motivated alcohol control boards.announces the group, NC Keep it Local. It lists among its supporters MADD, police groups, and the N.C. Association of ABC Boards, as well as groups addressing the problems of substance abuse.Yet the arguments from the groups - and similar arguments against spirits - are counterintuitive. The Keep it Local group, on its website, argues North Carolina has an efficient liquor sales system and that the ABC boards provide a safe sales environment, which gives counties and municipalities money to invest in their communities.That is only partly true. Efficient it is not.The group also argues the state systemOf course, minors should have no access to liquor, and we should reach out to and help problem drinkers.But a disconnect happens when we talk about revenue from liquor while at the same time promoting control and access.Which is it?You can't continually tighten controls (aka limits) on sales while boosting revenue.Bell is mostly correct.If the argument was, say, about soda fountains, would these same prohibitionists come forward, even though studies have found excess consumption of sugar is harmful to our health, or that ingesting dairy products could result in serious digestive issues and leave us at higher risk for heart disease and some cancers?Possibly. Some states, and countries, have singled out sugar as a target to tax, and the debate over dairy has raged for years. Beyond that, though, is the larger issue of government control and intrusion at the expense of a free and open marketplace.Arguments and conclusions are tailored to the debate and the debater. We once heard and read that drinking moderate amounts of red wine can be good for the heart. That drinking whiskey can lower cholesterol. Recent studies now try to debunk those findings, saying any amount of alcohol is deleterious to our health.Naysayers contend, wrongly, that hard liquor is more dangerous to drinkers than are beer and wine, and that it must be controlled differently.Christopher Snowdon is an author, edits the Nanny State Index, and heads lifestyle economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs in London. In an interview with Forbes, Snowdon talked about studies focusing on alcohol and health, and what those studies mean as part of the overall debate on alcohol.Snowdon told Forbes.Snowdon says,In North Carolina, that's become a consistent strategy to fight proposals that would make it easier for craft distillers to prosper, or to give consumers more choice.The debate isn't about alcohol, or shouldn't be.Nevertheless, the arguments against ABC reform will continue, pretty much unchanged in point and scope. For alcohol opponents, it's about state control and maintaining a status quo benefiting those with a political stake in an outdated and broken system.Expect them, like-minded lawmakers and lobbyists alike, to get louder and more persistent, because the time they have to sell these arguments, which are becoming all the more white noise, is running short. Todd Ford, co-owner of NoDa Brewery in Charlotte. (CJ file photo) A move to ease restrictions for N.C. craft brewers who want to distribute their own beer is on the verge of becoming law.The N.C. Senate in a 38-3 vote Monday, May 20, passed the Craft Beer Distribution and Modernization Act, the result of a compromise among mid-sized craft brewers and the N.C. Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association.The measure passed the N.C. House in April, 104-8. It now goes to the governor.That bill, House Bill 363 , maintains the current three-tier system - producers, wholesalers, and retailers - and adds a new, mid-level classification of brewers to state law. Brewers, under the proposal, could self-distribute 50,000 barrels of their products, as opposed to the current 25,000. The legislation also gives growing brewers more flexibility in choosing where and how to distribute their beers around the state.Breweries that exceed 50,000 would not lose the ability to self-distribute, although the new law would affect only those breweries that sell fewer than 100,000 barrels of beer per year. Now, if a brewer sells 25,001 barrels per year, by state law, every barrel produced - including the first - must go through a third-party wholesaler/distributor.Lawmakers, distributors, and brewers have publicly cheered the bill's progress. But the bill's path has been anything but clear, as lobbying efforts and legal battles have served to sidetrack similar measures for the better part of a decade.In the end, it may have taken a lawsuit.More than a year ago, some North Carolina craft brewers took on in court the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control system and a well-funded and entrenched network of wholesalers and distributors.The brewers' complaint - filed in Wake County last year by Craft Freedom LLC, The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery LLC, and NoDa Brewing Co. - says the distribution cap and franchise laws injure and threaten to impose additional damage on the brewers.The current legislation, brewers' attorney Drew Erteschik, has said, puts the lawsuit on hold, though Superior Court Judge Allen Baddour ruled the lawsuit could proceed to trial.Erteschik said in the March news conference.The beer measure has an excellent chance of finally becoming law, although efforts to raise the distribution threshold have been, well, brewing for some time now.Sen. Rick Gunn, who has served in the General Assembly since 2011, said before Monday's vote. Gunn, R-Alamance, commended lawmakers for pushing the bill forward. House Bill 500 , which Gov. Roy Cooper signed into law last year, originally included a provision allowing craft breweries that produce more than 25,000 barrels of beer a year to self-distribute, if they chose to do so. That provision, along with one making it easier for breweries to terminate their contract with distributors, was stripped from the bill after fierce objections from the N.C. Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association.Before that, lawmakers introduced bills to increase the cap to between 60,000 barrels and to as many as 200,000 barrels. Those efforts failed.In a joint statement Monday, Tim Kent, executive director of the N.C. Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association, and Suzie Ford, a founder of NoDa Brewing Co. in Charlotte, says H.B. 363 is a collective win for all parties involved.the statement says. As a regular consumer and producer of opinion columns, it's possible that this observer tends to inflate their importance in the world of N.C. politics.But two op-eds clearly have played significant roles in the opening stages of the fight for Republicans' 2020 U.S. Senate nomination. Whether those op-eds have any long-term impact remains to be seen.Incumbent Sen. Thom Tillis faces his first re-election contest next year. Heading into that race, a Feb. 25 column in thefocused national attention on Tillis, and not necessarily for reasons he would have liked.The senator devoted much of his op-ed to pledging support for President Trump's agenda of securing the southern border. Tillis also took shots at congressional Democrats. He accused them of obstructing Trump's plans for dealing with the border and immigration.But it was the Republican senator's bottom-line conclusion that attracted notice.he wrote.How could Tillis support the president on border security, yet oppose the national-emergency declaration designed to help implement Trump's policies? The senator pointed to the proper separation of powers between Congress and the federal government's executive branch.He cited his concernsabout a precedentThose future presidents could follow Trump's lead toTillis wrote.Nothing about the preceding paragraph would appear out of place in the writing, floor debates, or stump speeches of a standard-issue, right-of-center Republican lawmaker. But the practical impact of Tillis' principled stand was direct opposition to Trump. The president's supporters cared little about the senator's purported principles or the proper balance between Capitol Hill and the White House.By the time the Senate voted on the emergency declaration, 17 days after the op-ed's publication, Tillis had changed his mind. From the Senate floor, he explained that conversations with Trump administration officials and fellow senators had addressed his concerns. He voted with the president.But the damage was done. Trump supporters didn't rally to his defense. They didn't praise his decision to set his reservations aside and stick with the team.Those who might have credited Tillis for standing by his principles no longer had a reason to do so. And most observers considered the episode to offer evidence of aquoting aheadline.One person who clearly followed the proceedings with interest was retired Raleigh business executive Garland Tucker. Speaking May 8 with nationally syndicated radio host Sean Hannity, Tucker referred to Tillis andTucker said to Hannity's audience.Tucker featured that "famous" op-ed in his first television ad challenging Tillis' re-election bid. Vying against the incumbent in a Republican primary, Tucker pledged to distinguish himself from the sitting senator both on immigration and government spending.The challenger also promises support for Trump. He compares the president's economic policies to those of conservative heroes Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. "When I'm elected senator of North Carolina, I'm going to support him 100 percent on what he's doing with the economy, for sure," Tucker told Hannity.Those words haven't protected Tucker against a charge from Tillis' camp that the challenger is actually anwho isWhat's the basis for Tillis' accusation? Tucker's own words.He wrote an op-ed for thein September 2016, shortly before Trump's presidential election victory. Tucker labeled Trump a "flawed candidate." The op-ed critiqued Trump's character and temperament. It questioned his consistency on policy issues. Tucker pledged with reluctance to support Trump over Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.Responding this month to criticism of that nearly three-year-old column, Tucker told thethat hein it. He labeled Trump's performance in officeTucker says he's now pleased that Trump was elected, andRegardless of Tucker's explanation, Tillis supporters might continue to mine that 2016 op-ed for damaging material. They will hope to plant seeds of doubt about Tucker's devotion to Trump and his policies.Much will happen between now and the March 2020 Republican primary. Both Tillis and Tucker will have plenty of ways to share their opinions with GOP voters. One can only guess whether either of these two potentially damaging op-ed columns will sway voters as they head to the polls.But it seems clear that Tillis' and Tucker's writing has helped set the stage for the campaign that lies ahead. On Friday, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, signed into law one of the most pro-life laws in the nation, outlawing abortion at eight weeks, save an exception for the life or risk of major physical harm to the mother. The legislation does not include an exception for rape or incest, and sex- , ability- , and race-selective abortions are also banned outright.The law is set to go into effect on August 28, though pro-abortion organizations are expected to challenge its constitutionality. As noted by Fox News, the Missouri law was crafted to stand up to legal challenges, not provoke a showdown overAdditionally, ifwere to be overturned, the law is designed to kick-in as a full abortion ban.Responding to criticism over the lack of exceptions for abortion post-eight weeks, Gov. Parson argued that two months is enough time to decide to get an abortion, even in tough cases.the Republican acknowledged, according to Fox.After the law goes into effect, those performing illegal abortions could face 15 years behind bars. Mothers, however, cannot be punished for having an abortion - as with Alabama's strict abortion ban signed last week.Sara Baker, a rep from the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri, called the law "unconstitutional"; the organization has vowed to look atDemocrats have responded to sweeping pro-life legislation with their own proposed bill: the euphemistically-named "Women's Health Protection Act," or WHPA. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), would block and upend vital pro-life legislation, such as so-called "heartbeat bills" - which protect unborn babies with a detectable heartbeat from abortion - waiting periods, and mandates on ultrasounds, among other abortion restrictions, as reported by The Daily Wire on Friday.Speaking at a press conference about the bill on Thursday - flanked by Planned Parenthood president Leana Wen - Chu boasted, read a post on Sen. Blumenthal's Facebook page. Draped in ponchos and clutching umbrellas, scores of local residents braved Mondays wind and rain at the Yellowstone National Cemetery to honor fallen armed services members during the sites annual Memorial Day ceremony. Speakers included Randy Reeves, the current U.S. Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, whose office oversees the countrys 136 official national cemeteries. During our nations history, nearly one-and-a-half million Americans have given their lives during wartime, Reeves said. "Many millions more are buried in our national cemeteries and other locations across this country and many millions beyond that have served in uniform. Veterans carried flags, held taut by a steady wind, representing each branch of the armed forces, as well as the black National League of Families POW/MIA flag, which honors military members who went missing or were held as prisoners of war. Northern Cheyenne Vice Chairman Winfield Russell, a Vietnam War veteran, recalled enlisting with the U.S. Marine Corps about 50 years ago, and thanked the other veterans. The argument against the cap, she said, is that it would violate the Sixth Amendment rights of the plaintiff. When a jury hashes out what damages the defendant owes the plaintiffs, they are not told or instructed to keep it under that cap; they're not even told about it. So if a jury awards an amount higher than that cap, but the statute reduces the amount, that can be argued as a violation of a person's right to a jury trial. Tort reforms to limit or eliminate such punitive damages, Ford said, have been propelled largely by insurance companies for the last 30 or 40 years. Montana lawmakers, Ford said, came up with a compromise. After setting the cap, the statute allows punitive damages "for the purpose of punishing a defendant," but only in certain cases, and not in cases of breach of contract, for example. As to where to draw the line on punitive damages, in light of dueling constitutional rights "That's the issue the Montana Supreme Court is going to look at," Ford said. In the other part of the appeal, attorneys for the Jehovah's Witnesses say they should not have been found negligent, because they they could not have violated Montana's mandatory reporter statute because church elders are not mandatory reporters when such information is offered in confession. The issue is only anticipated to get worse. In response to a hardline tariff strategy by Trump, China announced approximately $3 billion in new tariffs on American agricultural products last week, threatening more if the United States refuses to roll back tariffs it has imposed on China. Trump this week announced $16 billion in relief for farmers who are being hit hard by the trade war. Much of the impact will be felt in Wyoming, whose beef industry has recently begun to make inroads in foreign markets like Chinas. (The tariffs) are significant to agriculture, Gov. Mark Gordon told the Star-Tribune last week. As you can tell from the conversations Ive had about coal, Im generally in favor of open ports and open policies. Ive worked hard to get beef back in Korea and lamb back in Japan, and I would hate to see that loss. China is an enormous marketplace, obviously, in our foreign trade, and Wyoming products are valuable. Meanwhile, Chinese markets have begun to look elsewhere, digging a hole for U.S. trade that some say could take years to recover from. He never returned to Wyoming, to that ranch in the Antelope Basin where he tended sheep and roamed on his homemade skis. He would disappear, in late November or early December 1950, near a little-known reservoir in North Korea that would become synonymous with one of the U.S. Army's greatest tragedies. As order disintegrated around him and Chinese troops overwhelmed his unit, Marston would vanish into the wind and snow. It has been nearly 69 years since he left Kaycee, since he leaned against his parents' porch for a photo, hands in his pockets. Now, Marston is one month from coming home. Even now, it is unclear how he died. The chaos of the battle that killed him has shrouded many details in fog. He was buried by Chinese troops in an anonymous grave near where he likely died, his leg shattered. When the war ended and the North Koreans and Americans agreed to exchange their dead, Marston was disinterred and transported to Japan. He wasn't identified and was reburied in a national cemetery in Hawaii. NAMI Montana fully agrees with WWP's analysis of this critical legislation. We think it marks a critical step forward in helping our nations heroes who bear the hidden wounds of war. Please consider contacting Sen. Steve Daines and asking him to support Senate Bill 785, Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019, as part of your efforts to honor Memorial Day. Matt Kuntz is a U.S. Army veteran and the executive director of NAMI Montana. John Scott Hannon retired after a 23-year military career, suffering with PTSD, depression and traumatic brain injury, yet he worked to improve care for other Montana veterans. Hannon died by suicide in 2018. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The U.S. Department of Defense reports that 2,287 Americans have died in Afghanistan since the war started weeks after the 9/11 attacks on America. That toll includes 71 deaths since the operation was renamed "Freedom's Sentinel" in December 2014. These 22 aren't the only casualties; Americans fought and died for our country in other distant lands this past year in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Jordan and Germany. On Memorial Day 2019, Americans should take stock of what the sacrifice of men and women in the U.S. military has given us: Security and peace at home, freedom to enjoy our families, to earn a living, to express our opinions and to choose our government leaders. There are many fun ways to celebrate this first holiday of summer. But first, let's take time to reflect on the somber reason why most of us aren't at work today. Memorial Day is a time to honor the memory of Americans lost in all wars in Europe, the Pacific, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Africa and every where else that U.S. soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen have answered the call to defend the United States of America. On Memorial Day, please remember what the day is about. Missoula Guided Hike at Milltown State Park from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Join in the National Trails Day festivities at Milltown State Park with a guided hike on the new Bandmann Flats trail. The group will meet at the parks Overlook and then proceed down the new trail to Bandmann Flats. This event is free; no registration required. For more information contact 406-542-5531. Dillon Birds Eye View Hike of Bannack State Park from 10 a.m. - noon. Meet at the Birds Eye View trailhead for a guided, 2-mile hike through the hills just south of the town site. This hike will follow the original Salt Lake City Road and mining access roads. Along the way hikers will have a chance to get a birds eye view of Bannack, the surrounding countryside, a mine adit, a mill, and other sights. Hikers should meet at the trailhead before the scheduled start time of 10 a.m. For more information call William Whearty at 406-834-3413. Great Falls area Jump Hike at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park at 9:15 a.m. North Dakota's Veterans Cemetery is entering somewhat of a new era. State lawmakers in their recent legislative session approved $175,000 for burials of military spouses and eligible dependents at the cemetery south of Mandan, available beginning March 1, 2020. The 35-acre cemetery also is planning a columbarium for interring cremains, with a rendering on display Monday. Cemetery director Pam Helbling-Schafer said the bill providing for military spouses' burials is a "positive move." Sen. Richard Marcellais, D-Belcourt, a Vietnam veteran, brought the bill after previously unsuccessful attempts. After its initial, narrow defeat in the House in March, the bill passed with 20 more yeas on its reconsideration days later, when House members invoked their families' experiences in military service. "It was a hard road to get it passed," Marcellais said, who added he hopes future funding can go in a budget bill. He said he brought the bill as military spouses deserve the same burials as veterans, given their experiences while their partner is in service. Marcellais married his wife, Betty, about a week before entering military service in 1968 and deployed six months later to Vietnam for a year, followed by time at Fort Hood, Texas. "It was hard," Marcellais said. He is a veteran service officer for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and helped lead the 2018 North Dakota Native Veterans Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Helbling-Schafer said the cemetery's $550 burial fee for spouses and dependents can be hard for some families. "Anything that is out there that will benefit a veteran or their family or spouses, dependents is certainly a positive move," she said. The cemetery buries more than twice as many veterans as spouses, she added. About 30 burials take place per month, but as many as 10 a week in May as spring and summer are busy. Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck, said from his long career as a funeral director, he understands the bill's importance for military families: "I think it's great." "Clearly the spouses serve along with their husband or wife and so do the kids, and it was something that we could do," said Rep. George Keiser, R-Bismarck, a U.S. Army veteran. He and Nathe said they expect the funding to be renewed. "This is a benefit that once we've given it, we're not taking it back," Nathe said. The state Veterans Cemetery also is developing a master plan for an additional 35-acre tract it purchased in 2015. The planned columbarium is to be phased in over at least two years, to at first hold 1,800 above-ground niches for cremains. About 52% of burials at the cemetery are cremation. Current burial space should last at least 25 more years, Helbling-Schafer said. She added the cemetery is applying for a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs grant to help fund the columbarium, with design work from students of North Dakota State University. "That is something that we're working on and will be certainly including the public in information as things move along with that as well," Helbling-Schafer said. Reach Jack Dura at 701-250-8225 or jack.dura@bismarcktribune.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 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. An estimated 2,000 people gathered Monday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery to pay tribute to fallen heroes. The annual Memorial Day service paid special recognition to Vietnam War veterans as the U.S. marks 50 years since the drawdown of troops began in Vietnam. More than 15,000 North Dakotans served in the Vietnam War, with 198 who did not come home. They werent just a statistic. They were sons, they were brothers, they were husbands, they were friends, they were cousins, they were nephews, Gov. Doug Burgum said during the ceremony. Each one of them left faithfully and honorably to serve our nation. And their service and sacrifice is not forgotten. Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general, urged those in attendance to remember Vietnam veterans and the lessons learned from that conflict. Our service members dont set the policy or declare the wars, they just fight them, Dohrmann said. Never again do we send our young men and women off to war and then back home debate the efficacy of what they're doing. Theyre doing their jobs, theyre serving their country. Sharon Shaw of Glenburn, whose husband, Kenneth, is buried in the Veterans Cemetery, said she was proud to see Vietnam veterans like her husband receive recognition during the ceremony. Its about time, Shaw said. When they came home, they were scared to tell anybody they were in Vietnam. Family members of Lawrence Larry Schell attended the ceremony to honor him just two weeks after he was buried at the Veterans Cemetery. Schell, 74, of Mandan, served in Vietnam and would have thought the ceremony was pretty special, said his wife, Judy Schell. He was very proud to have served in Vietnam, said his daughter, Stephanie Schell-Kovarik. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said its important to remember those who serve in the armed forces, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We cant forget, whether you served in war time or in peace time, when you signed up, that was a commitment to put your life on the line for all of us, Hoeven said. Volunteers arrived early Monday to put flags on every gravestone, completing the task before 8 a.m. Nearly 700 motorcycles participated in an honor ride through Bismarck-Mandan to the cemetery. Other Memorial Day events also had strong attendance. You know youre in North Dakota when you leave an event at the Heritage Center thats full and then you drive out to the Veterans Cemetery and traffic backs up at the Memorial Bridge, Dohrmann said. Thats North Dakota. We remember. (Reach Amy Dalrymple at 701-250-8267 or Amy.Dalrymple@bismarcktribune.com) Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 NEAR TIOGA Steve Jensen remembers the land just north of his home looking like the surface of the moon last fall. Crews dug a massive hole in the wheat field where a pipeline spewed 20,600 barrels of oil by the time he discovered it while harvesting in September 2013. It remains the largest such incident in the state's history. But the cleanup crews have been gone for months and the land has started to green again thanks to a cover crop planted last fall. "It's five and a half years. It's a long time," said Steve's wife, Patty. "But it does feel really good to see it growing something." The couple expect plenty of work ahead in restoring the land. They installed some windbreaks to prevent erosion and accumulate moisture over the winter, and the rye and slender wheatgrass they planted on the site have "come up really nice," Patty said. "We're just trying to build the soil back up," she said. "We're trying to figure out what it can do." The cleanup site totaled about 75 acres, Patty said, as crews used a process to heat the hydrocarbons out of the contaminated soil. Pipeline owner Andeavor reported in 2017 that the estimated remediation costs stood at $93 million, dwarfing previous expectations. The state fined the company $454,000 for the spill, which was blamed on a lightning strike. Tom DeSutter, a North Dakota State University professor and soil scientist who's part of a team hired by the pipeline company, said restoring the land isn't a matter of simply putting the soil back in the ground. Planting will help prevent erosion and produce organic matter, he said, and precipitation will also play an important role. "If you take a bucket of soil from your backyard and you grind it up, smash it up and then lay it back down again, that's not going to be as productive as the soil next to it," DeSutter said. The university has plots nearby to test how plants grow on remediated soil, and DeSutter said they plan to work with the Jensens for a few more years. Bill Suess, spill investigation program manager for the state Department of Environmental Quality, said the spill hit an isolated layer of water but didn't affect a drinking water aquifer deep underground. The pipeline company has water monitoring wells installed around the site, he said. Suess said the incident prompted the department to be more proactive about notifying other state agencies and the public about spills. The Associated Press reported at the time that health officials didn't publicly announce the incident for 11 days. "Unfortunately, the governor's office found out about it through the media, which is not a good thing," Suess said. Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, said the industry has focused on monitoring and leak detection systems in the years after the Tioga spill. He pointed to the Intelligent Pipeline Integrity Program, or iPIPE, at the University of North Dakota's Energy and Environmental Research Center, which aims to develop leak detection technology. The university said the program formed in response to a challenge from Gov. Doug Burgum, who in 2017 gathered oil and gas company officials behind closed doors to discuss spill prevention. In a statement at the time, he pushed for "continuous improvement" rather than further regulations. The Republican governor chairs the Industrial Commission, which oversees the industry. Still, Suess said state officials collected more than 700 reports of spills involving pipelines of all types in North Dakota between 2014 and 2018, though annual figures have declined in recent years. "It's almost that spills have become a matter of course, it's just part of the whole business," said Wayde Schafer, conservation organizer for the Dacotah Chapter of the Sierra Club. Patty Jensen said the pipeline company, which was known as Tesoro Logistics at the time of the spill, "has been pretty decent to us." She said they grew attached to the workers who cleaned up the site, a couple of whom recently wished her a happy Mother's Day. Still, Jensen said the spill affected their lives in this rural stretch of northwest North Dakota. She quit her job as an office manager in Stanley, as she had to deal with crews on their land, state health officials and news reporters. But Jensen said she and her husband "stayed on top of it" because "it needed to be done right." She said the experience led her to what she sees as regulatory shortcomings and helped her understand the "huge" impact spills can have on land and water. "It makes you realize how precious it is," Jensen said. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 2 The New York Times reports that in 2014 and 2015, Navy pilots flying off the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt reported frequent encounters with UFOs and captured video of the sightings. I'm not saying they're extraterrestrials Really, I'm not. But that's some weird shit. Video below. Apparently it's these encounters that spurred the US Navy to issue new guidelines for its personnel to report "unexplained aerial phenomena" (UAPs). From the New York Times: The strange objects, one of them like a spinning top moving against the wind, appeared almost daily from the summer of 2014 to March 2015, high in the skies over the East Coast. Navy pilots reported to their superiors that the objects had no visible engine or infrared exhaust plumes, but that they could reach 30,000 feet and hypersonic speeds. "These things would be out there all day," said Lt. Ryan Graves, an F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot who has been with the Navy for 10 years, and who reported his sightings to the Pentagon and Congress. "Keeping an aircraft in the air requires a significant amount of energy. With the speeds we observed, 12 hours in the air is 11 hours longer than we'd expect." The sightings were reported to the Pentagon's shadowy, little-known Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program, which analyzed the radar data, video footage and accounts provided by senior officers from the Roosevelt. Luis Elizondo, a military intelligence official who ran the program until he resigned in 2017, called the sightings "a striking series of incidents." CNBC profiles a small handful of young Americans who have moved abroad and ceased payments on their student debt, relying on international borders to protect them from their edu-creditors. It's not clear how many young Americans have gone this route. That said, the story is fascinating, since as an expert in the story says this is effectively permanent exile. Once you stop paying your student loan, your lenders get to add penalties and compound interest on the penalties, then add more penalties and compound even more interest. Walk away from those debts and they will balloon to the point where you can never pay them back and since student debt is the only debt you can't effectively escape through bankruptcy (it's also the only debt that can be taken out of your Social Security), turning your back on student debt means never reestablishing residence or holding assets in the US or any country that could be reached through a treaty arrangement. The exiles had struggled with low credit scores in the USA before leaving scores that were tanked by their nonpayment of student loans, which made everything else (housing, employment, access to credit) even harder, making it impossible for them to repay their loans. One of those profiled is living for $50/month in rural India, where he gets to see elephants all the time but where he was also hospitalized by eating bad goat meat. The others are teaching English in China, Japan, Ukraine, and other places where the wages are low, but the expenses are also low. Elizabeth Warren has proposed canceling student debt as part of her 2020 campaign. I am a donor to her campaign. Seeing no future for himself in the United States, he decided to move to China in 2011. In the city of Zhongshan, he discovered he loved teaching students English. Unlike when he was delivering greasy boxes of pizza, he found his work meaningful and fulfilling. Though he earned just around $1,000 a month in China, the school where he was teaching covered most of his rent and the cost of living was much lower than in Pennsylvania. A few years later, Albright moved to Ukraine, where he is now a permanent resident. He first taught in Kiev and now does so in Odessa, a port city on the Black Sea. He has no plans to return to the United States. "I am much happier in Ukraine," he said, adding that he hasn't checked his student loan account in nearly eight years. These Americans fled the country to escape their giant student debt [Annie Nova/CNBC] (Image: Donkey Hotey, CC-BY) Bloomberg's Ben Steverman offers a long and exciting profile of Gabriel Zucman (previously), a protege of Thomas Piketty (Zucman was one of the researchers on Piketty's blockbuster Capital in the 21st Century) who has gone on to a career at UC Berkeley, where he's done incredibly innovative blockbuster work of his own, particularly on estimating the true scale of the wealth gap in the USA and worldwide. Zucman's research on wealth inequality formed the evidentiary basis for Bernie Sanders's 2016 election campaign, and his later work on modeling responses to wealth taxes and crafting of wealth-tax legislation that blocks loopholes has been the basis of Elizabeth Warren's proposed wealth tax (Zucman also created an online wealth tax simulator that allows skeptics to check his reasoning about the likely returns from and responses to such a tax (I am a donor to the presidential campaigns of both Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren). Zucman connects inequality with the rise of far-right demogoguery: America's world-leading love-affair with "lower taxes on the wealthy, weaker labor protections, lax antitrust enforcement, runaway education and health-care costs, and a stagnant minimum wage" have "further enriched the rich" and "incentivized greed" (recall Gordon Gecko's summing up of the ideology as "Greed is good"). This leads to "political capture" and a chaotic scramble to survive in a game of musical chairs where there are fewer and fewer chairs and they cost a lot more to get hold of. Zucman and his colleague Emmanuel Saez have co-authored a forthcoming book on the subject, The Triumph of Injustice: How the Rich Dodge Taxes and How to Make Them Pay, that sounds fantastic. Zucman responds that most European wealth taxes are poorly designed and that the practical issues can be resolved. For starters, such taxes must be created without loopholes allowing money to be stashed in trusts or offshore accounts. Then, with the legal regime in place, data technology could help tax collectors such as the IRS track and value wealth. A worldwide financial registryor, failing that, the collection agenciescould require the rich to report all their transactions, exposing their holdings to scrutiny while providing the data needed to valuate similar assets. "Too many people just start from the assumption that it's impossible," he says. The scope of the possible started widening after the financial crisis, as the U.S. and then the European Union moved to crack down on offshore shelters. The Panama Papers, a leak of millions of documents from a Central American law firm, pushed policymakers further. "We've won the argument," says Alex Cobham, CEO of Tax Justice Network, an independent international advocacy group. "More or less everyone thinks banking secrecy should be finished." In recent months, Zucman has devoted a great deal of energy to the question of how multinational corporations avoid taxes. He's produced papers and policy briefs showing that U.S. multinationals shift almost half of their overseas profits to five havensIreland, the Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland, and the Greater Caribbean, which includes Bermuda. "That is a huge problem for the sustainability of globalization," he says. Countries and territories are engaged in a race to the bottom, Zucman argues, offering ever-lower corporate rates in the fear that companies will shift their profits elsewhere. He proposes to "annihilate" such competition by apportioning profits based on where sales were made. The Wealth Detective Who Finds the Hidden Money of the Super Rich [Ben Steverman/Bloomberg] (via Naked Capitalism) (Image: Gabriel Zucman) News / National by Agencies Coca-Cola is the only food and beverage brand ranked in the top five most admired brands in Brand Africa's 7th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa's Best Brands.Coca-Cola was named as the fourth most admired brand in Africa, based on the opinions spontaneously recalled by consumers. The iconic global brand was also named category leader for non-alcoholic beverages, ahead of Pepsi Cola and Fanta. In total, three of the company's brands appeared in the top 100 brands across the continent - Coca-Cola, Fanta and Sprite.The Brand Africa 100 ranking is based on a survey among consumers 18 years and older, conducted across 23 countries across Africa. These cover all African economic regions and collectively account for 80% of the population and GDP of Africa."A large part of building brands that people love, is following our values and working towards solutions that benefit everyone. To help solve many of the world's challenges, we apply a few foundational principles to make measurable, meaningful differences," says Camilla Osborne, Coca-Cola Head of Communications for Southern and East Africa.The Coca-Cola Company has over 30 established brands in its portfolio in Africa and is evolving its business to become a Total Beverage Company, offering a diverse and growing portfolio of beverage choices across Africa."The Coca Cola Company brings together people, brands and beverages to make life's everyday moments more enjoyable, while doing business the right way, not just the easy way. The result is shared opportunity for our communities and stakeholders while building a Total Beverage Company with local roots in each of the markets we operate in," adds Osborne.Says Osborne: "It is through innovative thinking, collaboration and doing business the right way that we unlock growth, build strong brands and create shared opportunities across the continent." News / National by Staff reporter SOUTH Africa's most sought-after wheel spinner, musician and producer DJ Tira brought a feel of Durban fun at the oversubscribed show in Bulawayo's Cosmopolitan nightclub on Friday night.The show, held on the eve of Africa Day, afforded revellers an opportunity to celebrate ubuntu in style.DJ Tira started his set just after midnight and stretched for close to two hours, belting a vintage track list which was mostly composed of music from his Afrotainment stable.The show, themed: One Night in Durban with DJ Tira was a part of his Fact Durban Rocks tour.Malume, as Tira is affectionately known, arrived in the afternoon and had enough time to mix and mingle with fans ahead of a fun-filled night.The Afrotainment boss was returning to Bulawayo after he performed at a sold-out gig at the now-defunct Club Connect in October 2017. On that night, he was supported by vocalist and dancer Tipcee who was making waves with songs such as Fakaza and Umalume featuring Tira and Iscatulo.As he concluded his set, DJ Tira expressed his love for the City of Kings."Bulawayo, hope you enjoyed tonight. It's always good to be here and have fun with you. I hope to see you soon Bulawayo. I love you," he said much to the crowd's approval.After Tira's performance the party continued with resident DJs Mzoe and Keezy AM mesmerising fans.Cosmopolitan night club marketing consultant Ntando Ndlovu said they will be hosting more international artistes."The response to our recent show has been good. We had a good show with Prince Kaybee and Tira. We will be hosting more international shows here," he said.Born Mthokozisi Khathi, DJ Tira is an entrepreneur and producer, as well as kwaito artiste.He helped launch several music careers, including those of DJ Fisherman, DJ C'ndo and Big Nuz through his music label Afrotainment. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu Former student leader and Spokesperson of Tajamuka Promise Mkwananzi says Military Intelligence Department has flagged his name at all borders and immigration officers have been given strict instructions to alert them if he presents himself at the borders.Mkwananzi who has been in the United Kingdom for the past months was in the country to attend the 5th Congress of the MDC.Said Mkwananzi, "I tried to leave via some border and I was intercepted by immigration who stated that the Military Intelligence had told them to alert them if/when I came by. I slipped away back to Zimbabwe and left my passport with the immigration officials. I'm now safe and will continue my lawful work in the country."Earlier on Mkwananzi had posted on Twitter that the immigration officers were given a hit list of people that are targeted for killing."So military intelligence left a list of people to be killed at borders and airports myself included...God will protect us!" He said.Mkwananzi is no stranger to having brushes with the law after being arrested numerous times for crimes ranging from inciting public violence and illegal demonstrations.During the January violent protests the police indicated that they are keen on interviewing Mkwananzi over Tajamuka's involvement in the protests which were dubbed Shutdown Zimbabwe. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu MDC President Nelson Chamisa has announced that his party is engaging in a diplomatic offensive to present the resolutions of the Congress to the African continent.Chamisa was giving closing remarks at the just ended MDC 5th Congress."From here onwards, we are going on a diplomatic offensive. We will visit every African country to present our roadmap to recovering this country. We believe in African solutions to African problems." The firebrand opposition leader said.Chamisa also took time to unpack the program of action that his party will engage in starting from Tuesday."We are geared at modernising MDC to be a 21st century efficient political party. We want to offer a transformation to the culture of politics. We want all politicians to understand that if you chosen to be the leader of the people you must practise accountability," He said."The culture that we introduced in our congress that you can hold such an event without violence shows our commitment to transformation. We are also committed to nation building. Zimbabwe is a country but it is not a nation. We want to build an institution where there is unity of ideas, develop a national ethos and a national identity."We are also geared to deliver in all municipalities that we control. We are going to show everyone that when we are given a responsibility we can deliver. We will consult the people and we will be with the people always." News / National by ZimLive South African airline Airlink has been branded "rude and insensitive" after failing to apologise for offloading national hero Dumiso Dabengwa's casket in Johannesburg without informing his family on Sunday.Dabengwa's wife, Zodwa, and other family members flew to Bulawayo thinking they were taking the war hero home, but were stunned when they landed at Joshua Mqabuko International Airport and discovered he had been left behind - airline staff claimed because his casket was too big.Dabengwa died last Thursday in Kenya while returning from India where he received treatment for liver disease.Airlink posted a statement on its Twitter confirming the ZAPU leader's body had been left behind in South Africa - but offered no apology to the family or the thousands who waited at the airport in Bulawayo."Airlink confirms that the mortal remains of Bab' Dabengwa was transferred off an international flight and did not make the original Airlink flight. Alternative arrangements have been made with the family members," the brief statement said.Siphosami Malunga, a family friend who was on the flight with Dabengwa's wife, said Airlink's monopoly on the route had made it a "terribly uncaring airline".Reacting to the airline's statement, Malunga said: "I thought it was just the pilot that was rude and insensitive. Clearly, it's an organisational culture, monopoly and market dominance problem. We need alternative airlines for this lucrative route. With Air Zimbabwe going bust, people are at the mercy of the this terribly uncaring airline."Zimbabweans also rounded on Airlink, noting the absence of contrition in their statement."And this is the lame explanation they offer without an apology to everyone who regards Bab' Dabengwa not only as a hero of Zimbabwe but of the Southern African liberation struggle?" asked Ayanda Dlodlo on Twitter."This was really shoddy. No, not shoddy - heartless!," said another Twitter user.Dabengwa's body is now set to arrive in Bulawayo shortly before midday on Monday, and his burial is slated for Ntabazinduna on Saturday after he expressly stated he wished to be buried next to his ancestors. News / National by Gift Mashoko First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa's relentless efforts to preserve our Zimbabwean culture through the introduction of the Food and Culture Festival is highly commendable.The festival, which is her brain child, is the first of its kind in the country, and probably the Southern region.According to Amai Mnangagwa the festival will bridge the gap between the old and the young, suggesting that it should be an annual event which embraces and espouses the cultural diversity that unites the people.Zimbabweans are battling with moral decadence, which is spawning an identity crisis, particularly among youths. The festival comes at an opportune time to tame cultural erosion.Through the festival, people will see the importance of their culture and take pride in it. People will benefit a lot from this festival as diverse cultures come together to showcase their cultural activities and beliefs.Whilst officially launching the festival on Friday last week, the First Lady called upon Zimbabweans to embrace and preserve their culture by taking pride in their vernacular languages."Festivals do contribute to global cultural and economic development and it is my hope that through the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority it will drive economic development, national building and cultural tourism enhancement," she said.Present among non-local exhibitors during the festival were the Chinese, Algerians and Indonesians. Acting Dean of African Diplomats and Algerian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Nacerdine Sai, during his key note address appreciated the First Lady's initiative, highlighting that since it was being planned to be an annual event they would support it.Ambassador Sai said, "when we talk about festivals, it is a kind of celebration and a celebration in diversity and morality. Indeed, the link and relationship between food and culture is very strong.""Zimbabwe is rich with its variety of culture and different types of food, and today we see people coming from different provinces sharing food from many parts of Zimbabwe: mutakura from Murehwa, madora from Mt Darwin, nhopi from Masvingo, sadza from Harare and many other dishes," he said.He highlighted that festivals unite people locally, the region and indeed the world. He indicated that the festival would promote tourism.Sai's observation that Zimbabwe has a vast array of traditional foods that are highly nutritional, while our traditional artefacts are on demand in Africa, and the world over.The festival will bridge the gap between the young and the old, with the latter teaching the former on our traditional ways of living which include traditional dancing, traditional foods and traditional artefacts, as well as how to preserve our culture for posterity.The festival also provides the young generations with opportunities to showcase their businesses on traditional artefacts as was the case during the festival. Exhibitors showcased various artistry which included sculpturing, weaving, beading, and traditional foods, among others. Various traditional dance groups also showcased their dancing skills.Knowing that our traditional artefacts are marketable in the western world, making traditional artefacts and selling them to the west will surely bring in the much needed foreign currency Zimbabwe needs and of course creating employment for people who make these artefacts.President Emmerson Mnangagwa on 18 May 2019 officially opened the culture week which ran from 18 to 25 May 2019 under the theme The African Royalty - Our Heritage'.Culture week is a national arts and culture festival to celebrate World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development proclaimed by UNESCO. The launch marks the beginning of the celebration of the importance of cultural diversity throughout the country through various cultural and artistic expressions. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu State agents on Monday apprehended two more activists who are accused of plotting to remove a constitutionally elected government through unleashing a wave of violent protests starting from June.Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights reported that, "Human Rights activists Sitabile Dewa and Rita Nyampinga have just been seized by about seven men in suits upon their arrival at the RG Mugabe Airport. They are being detained in the arrivals section of the airport where the men can be seen interrogating them."The two are part of the human rights activists who were arrested for subversion last after attending a training in the Maldives."ZLHR has deployed its lawyers to attend to them. If found guilty they face up to 20 years in prison without the option of a fine.More to follow... By Tuqa Khalid DUBAI (Reuters) - Dubai could attract 11 million foreign visitors to the Expo 2020 world fair, organisers said in an interview, giving a significant boost to the emirate's tourism sector. Overseas visitors would account for almost 71% percent of the total expected for the event in Dubai, already a popular destination which lured a record 15.9 million visitors in 2018. Expo 2020, which starts in October 2020 and runs for six months, is expected to add 122.6 billion dirhams ($33.4 billion) to the United Arab Emirates' economy between 2013 and 2031, according to a study conducted by consultancy EY. Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer, told Reuters 67.5% of Expo-led construction is completed and all major projects were on track for completion by year end. Out of the 192 participating countries, 81 will build their own pavilion and 111 will lease Expo-built pavilions. Organisers said Iran, Israel and Qatar will participate and will each build their own pavilion. Israel and the UAE do not have any formal relations, although the two countries share common concerns over regional rival Iran. Qatar has made no formal announcement that it will attend. Qatar's government communications office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and commercial ties with Qatar in June 2017, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism. Qatar has denied these allegations. "The Expo is, and certainly for us, an apolitical event," said Sanjive Khosla, deputy chief visitor experience officer. "It's a global event, an event for the world. That was our commitment when we submitted the bid and we won, that we would invite the world to it and we are sticking to our word." (This story refiles to clarify Expo is world fair, not just trade) (Reporting by Tuqa Khalid; Editing by David Holmes) Young adult woman walking up the stairs with sun sport background Generally, investors group themselves into one of two camps; they identify either as a growth investor or a value investor. But things dont have to be that rigid. You can have you cake and eat it too if you look hard enough. While they may not be plentiful, there are solid value stocks out there with great growth prospects. These companies tend to fly under the radar, silently performing well until they catch investor attention. Id like to profile one such stock today, Polaris Infrastructure Inc. (TSX:PIF). Lets take a closer look. The skinny Its easy to see why some investors might be nervous about Polaris. The companys main asset today is the San Jacinto Project, a 72-megawatt power plant running on geothermal energy located in Nicaragua. That region of the world isnt exactly known for political stability, and the nation has been recently rocked by violent protests against President Daniel Ortega. Ortega, who ran the country from 1979 to 1985 after he helped overthrow former dictator Anastasio Somoza Debayle, isnt generally thought to be very business friendly. He nationalized a large portion of Nicaraguas largest industries during his first tenure in office and has passed anti-business legislation. He has also become the de-facto dictator of the nation, with opposition parties saying recent presidential elections were not run fairly. While investors are right to be at least a little nervous about the political situation in Nicaragua, it shouldnt take anything away from San Jacinto, a fine asset. Geothermal power plants are expensive to build, but then offer plenty of power at cheap rates. Millions of the nations citizens are benefiting from the asset, and the power is sold back to the government-run utility. San Jacinto generates plenty of free cash flow, which the company has been using to pay investors a generous dividend, pay down debt, and look at expansion options. The company generated US$0.74 per share in earnings in 2018, which translates into $0.99 in Canadian dollars. That puts shares today at just 12.5x trailing earnings. Story continues This is a bargain for a stock with the kind of growth potential similar to Polaris has, which means that the company could get much bigger in a hurry. Growth plans Earlier in 2019, Polaris purchased a number of power projects in Peru, assets that should add nicely to the bottom line once theyre all up and running. In total, these Peru hydroelectric plants could add 242 megawatts to Polariss total production, which would be a massive increase from the 72 megawatts currently generated by San Jacinto. But only five megawatts are operational today, with an additional 28 under construction. The remaining projects have been approved, but construction hasnt started yet. Polaris also has plans to expand inside Nicaragua. The Casita project has given the company exclusive rights to expand in a certain area of the nation, and the company is currently working with both the government of Nicaragua and the World Bank to take the steps necessary to move forward on the project. Paid to wait Power plants take a long time to get approved and then years to be constructed. This is not an investment for the impatient. While you wait for these Peru assets to come online, Polariss stock pays a hefty dividend, a payout easily covered by cash flow. The current yield is 6.4%, and its very possible that the dividend marches higher once more Peru assets start generating cash flows. The bottom line Polaris Infrastructure isnt a large stock, and its primary asset is located in a country known for nationalizing entire industries. But these are manageable risks, and the company is doing a nice job expanding outside the nation. If it can deliver on that growth plan, look for shares to easily double or triple over the next five years. More reading Fool contributor Nelson Smith owns shares of Polaris Infrastructure Inc. The Motley Fool owns shares of Polaris Infrastructure Inc. The Motley Fools purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool Canadas free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Motley Fool Canada 2019 * First Australian PM to head to Solomons in 11 years * Solomons considering abandoning recognition of Taiwan * Vanuatu prime minister visiting Beijing (Adds Vanuatu prime minister in China) By Colin Packham SYDNEY, May 27 (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will visit the Solomon Islands next week, he said on Monday, as Western nations seek to rein in China's influence on the tiny Pacific island and across the region. The visit comes as the United States and its allies are trying to ensure that Pacific countries that have diplomatic links with Taiwan, do not severe those in favor of establishing them with Beijing. The Solomon Islands is one of only a handful of Pacific countries to recognize Taiwan, a policy now in question after recent elections on the islands. China views Taiwan as a renegade province with no right to state-to-state ties. Morrison's first overseas trip since winning re-election this month will also be the first time an Australian prime minister has visited the Solomon Islands since 2008. "The Pacific is front and center of Australia's strategic outlook," Morrison said in an emailed statement. He did not mention efforts to preserve Taiwan's diplomatic alliances, but analysts say the issue has become a flashpoint in the region and is likely to be raised. "China is the Solomon Islands' largest trading partner and this is adding a lot of pressure on lawmakers to switch allegiances," said Jonathan Pryke, Pacific Islands program director at the think-tank, the Lowy Institute. On Friday, a senior U.S. official said Washington would help Pacific countries in the face of China's efforts to expand its influence. Those remarks threaten to inflame tension between the United States and China already heated by a trade war, U.S. sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea. SOFT POWER Australia and China have been increasingly vying for influence in sparsely populated Pacific island countries that control vast swathes of resource-rich oceans. Story continues On Monday, Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai meet Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing, with Li promising that China would encourage investment and deepen trade and infrastructure cooperation, according to China's foreign ministry. Last year, Vanuatu and China denied reports that Beijing wanted to establish a permanent military presence in the Pacific island nation. Keen to undercut China's Belt and Road Initiative, Australia has directed ever larger amounts of its foreign aid to the region. In 2018, Australia said it would spend $139 million to develop undersea internet cable links to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, amid national security concerns about China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd. That year, Australia became the first country to ban the Chinese company, world's largest maker of telecom network gear, from its nascent broadband network, a step the United States followed this year by effectively banning U.S. firms from doing business with Huawei. In November, Australia offered Pacific countries up to A$3 billion in grants and cheap loans in build infrastructure, as Morrison declared the region was "our patch." Australia has won favor through its spending commitments but its support of its coal industry is a sore point for many in a region particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels caused by greenhouse-gas induced global warming. "There is little doubt that many Pacific islands will have been unhappy with the re-election of Morrison," said Peter Chen, a political science professor at the University of Sydney. "He will need to find common ground to repair that relationship." ($1=1.4438 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Colin Packham; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in BEIJING Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Robert Birsel) This story is a companion piece to The Village, the latest season of CBC's true crime podcast Uncover, with host Justin Ling. The podcast explores the investigation into serial killer Bruce McArthur and unsolved homicides in Toronto's LGBTQ community. Last February, prosecutor Jaimie Powell-Horowitz stood in a small Detroit courtroom and admonished the defence lawyer over his treatment of her witness. It was the preliminary hearing of Albert Weathers, a Michigan pastor accused of murdering a transgender female sex worker named Kelly Stough. Powell-Horowitz suggested attorney David Cripps had crossed a line by asking Kyra Butts, a trans woman and friend of the victim, to list all of the names she goes by. "That is extremely insensitive and inappropriate," Powell-Horowitz told the court. "Mr. Cripps is using this as an intimidation tactic. He knows that this witness goes by Kyra. At this point, he's seeking to embarrass and humiliate her." Cripps denied the accusation, but the exchange illustrated Powell-Horowitz's heightened awareness of any line of questioning she thinks could be construed as disrespectful to her witness and the transgender community. Having that awareness is part of her role as a special prosecutor with the Fair Michigan Justice Project, which helps investigate and prosecute cases involving lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people, especially when they could be hate-motivated crimes. This mandate has resonance in Canada, particularly in Toronto, after the conviction of Bruce McArthur, who pleaded guilty earlier this year to the murders of eight men, seven of whom had ties to the city's LGBTQ community. The disappearances of gay men in Toronto in recent years had sparked anger in the community. Some felt that police had not taken concerns about their safety seriously enough the same issue the Fair Michigan Justice Project is trying to address. Mark Gollom/CBC Supporters of the project say it makes it possible for LGBTQ witnesses to feel comfortable enough to testify. Story continues "Without Fair Michigan, you would not have seen Kyra on [the] stand," said Lilianna Angel Reyes, second stories director of the Detroit-based Ruth Ellis Center, which provides accommodation and support services for at-risk LGBTQ youth. Powell-Horowitz told CBC the mission of the project is not just to get guilty verdicts. "It's making sure that the people who are dealing with the criminal justice system are treated with respect, and feel like they are listened to." Launched in 2016 The Fair Michigan Justice Project was launched in 2016 by Dana Nessel, Michigan's attorney general and the first openly gay politician in the state. In a 2018 interview with NBC News, she said she formed the group after she became aware of "the exponential rise in hate crimes especially against the LGBT community." Nessel said "many" of these incidents "were not being solved, not being charged, and certainly, there were no convictions." The Fair Michigan team also includes special investigator Vicki Yost and Julisa Abad, a trans woman of colour and former sex worker who serves as a victims' advocate and the project's liaison with the LGBTQ community. The group claims to have a 100 per cent conviction rate so far and hopes to also win the Weathers case. Mark Gollom/CBC Weathers is accused of shooting Stough, 36, during an altercation in the city's Palmer Park neighbourhood on Dec. 7, 2018. In an interview with police, Weathers claimed Stough was trying to rob him and that he acted in self-defence. He also told them his gun went off accidentally. The Wayne County prosecutor's office said evidence about the role of Stough's gender identity in her death will be presented in court. Michigan's constitution does not have explicit protections that cover discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Although perpetrators who commit violence against the LGBTQ community cannot be charged with a hate crime per se, Fair Michigan treats the cases as such. "Because that's what they are," said Powell-Horowitz. Crimes that Fair Michigan has prosecuted include one in which a man assaulted a victim with a firearm while filming it, stating that he hated gay black men; and a woman who discovered her teenage daughter was seeing another girl and subsequently beat her while using anti-gay slurs. Of the two dozen cases Fair Michigan has prosecuted, half of them involve victims who are transgender women. According to a 2017 report by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, of the 28 reported hate violence homicides across the U.S. (not including the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando), 68 per cent were of transgender and gender nonconforming people and 61 per cent were transgender women of colour. Mark Gollom/CBC 'I show up, and they talk to me' Reyes said that for years, law enforcement in Michigan ignored crimes against the LGBTQ community, which made community members reluctant to come forward. The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey found that 60 per cent of respondents living in Michigan who interacted with law enforcement officers who thought or knew they were transgender said they experienced some form of mistreatment. Fifty-five per cent of respondents said they would feel uncomfortable asking police for help if they needed it. Abad said when Fair Michigan started out, LGBTQ community members were reluctant to reach out to Powell-Horowitz, a white non-trans woman. "They felt [she] wouldn't understand their struggle and probably wouldn't have their best interest at heart," Abad said. It took a lot of convincing, but community members came around. "Now, I show up, and they talk to me," Powell-Horowitz said. "They know we're going to take it seriously, that we're getting the results." One of the problems Powell-Horowitz uncovered while going through cold cases and old police files was that officers were often misgendering victims. Something as simple as not being addressed by the proper pronoun can dissuade witnesses and victims from co-operating with law enforcement. Wanting to be taken seriously In Toronto, advocates have long been flagging cases involving LGBTQ victims that didn't get the attention they deserved. In the summer of 2017, Alloura Wells, a 27-year-old homeless transgender woman, disappeared. Her body was found a month later, but her remains were not identified until months after. LGBTQ advocate Nicki Ward accused Toronto police of ignoring Wells's case. Evan Aagaard/CBC Police were also accused of not acting swiftly enough to investigate the disappearances of men in the city's Gay Village neighbourhood. In January 2018, after months of speculation, police arrested Bruce McArthur and laid the first two of what would eventually be eight first-degree murder charges. Ward welcomed this development but remained dismayed at how the cases had been handled. "There is no virtue in saying, 'Yes, we were right, there was a serial killer' There's no joy in that expression," Ward told CBC's Toronto radio program Metro Morning shortly after McArthur's arrest. In March 2018, Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders released a statement promising an independent review that would "consider not only our investigative processes but take a hard look at systemic issues of bias of any kind." The statement also said the force had developed a "robust community outreach plan" involving its LGBTQ liaison officer and deputy police chief and finalized plans for a dedicated missing persons unit. In September 2018, Toronto Police launched an independent civilian review into missing person investigations. Hate crimes rising Ward, who was not familiar with the Fair Michigan initiative, said it seemed like a good idea but pointed to some serious systemic constraints. For example, she said, no matter how good a prosecutor like Powell-Horowitz is, significant change in Michigan will only come when it "becomes unlawful to treat some humans differently from other humans merely because of their birth differences." Canada's Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code include sexual orientation and gender identity as categories of people protected from discrimination. According to Statistics Canada, crimes targeting people on the basis of sexual orientation accounted for 10 per cent of all police-reported hate crimes in 2017. The numbers rose from 176 incidents in 2016 to 204 in 2017. Jean Turner, co-chair of Serving With Pride, an Ontario-based organization providing support for LGBTQ police officers, said that by and large, officers aim to be respectful. "They want to do the right thing. But I think that sometimes, they just don't know what that is," she said. Turner said one major issue is that attacks on LGBTQ people are underreported. A project like Fair Michigan in Canada could help remedy that. Amanda Grant/CBC In 2017, Detroit Police Chief James Craig helped raise the LGBTQ rainbow flag to kick off Pride month. The Detroit News reported that in a speech, he said that while the flag-raising was "a small gesture, it says a lot for our community: Detroit has got your back." Craig, who became police chief in 2013, appointed Dani Woods as the department's first LGBTQ liaison officer. Woods, who is gay, said that since the start of Fair Michigan, there has been a significant change in how her community views law enforcement. Woods said that in the past, "you're kind of rolling the dice, because you don't know if the police are going to do you justice." But Fair Michigan "gives the community hope." Learn more about the Fair Michigan Justice Project in this CBC documentary: Robert Burke, 68, was born inside the notorious Andrew Mercer Reformatory, the first penitentiary for women in Canada, after his mother was jailed for becoming pregnant out of wedlock. Despite having no memories of the prison, Burke nevertheless continues to suffer from vivid nightmares of abuse and abandonment by the matrons who once staffed the foreboding building on Toronto's King Street, which opened its doors in 1872. Burke's Ottawa-born mother, Muriel Joan Walker, a promising ballerina, was one of hundreds of young women labelled "incorrigible" and sent to the prison to learn "feminine virtues." "I spent the first eight months of my life incarcerated with her," said Burke, who obtained his mother's records after a year-long legal battle. "It was pretty horrific. There was a lot of beatings and torture that went on." Supplied by Robert Burke Allegations of abuse The prison was eventually investigated over allegations of abuse including the use of experimental drugs on inmates all of which his mother experienced after her arrival in 1951, Burke said. Burke said his mother, initially labelled by court officials as being "temperate and abstinent," developed a drug addiction and mental heath issues after leaving the prison with her son more than a year later. Burke was eventually taken from her by the province and adopted by another family. "She was very beautiful but she used to scare me sometimes, not because she would ever harm me, [but] she didn't seem like she was there," Burke, who now lives in Cobourg, Ont., told CBC Radio's Ottawa Morning. "She suffered at the hands of the matrons and the drug experimentation. She came out and she was a total drug addict and mentally unstable beyond recognition." Supplied by Robert Burke A fight for recognition For years, former Andrew Mercer inmates and their children have fought for official acknowledgement of the illegality of their imprisonment, as well as recognition of the abuse, torture and trauma they experienced at the Toronto prison. Story continues Burke said he wants an official apology, and wants the children of those women to have better access to the documents detailing their incarceration. "I could have saved myself so much grief because I had all these nightmares [growing up] and all these strange feelings, and I was so withdrawn," he said. "If I had known my past, I would have had a way better understanding of where I was coming from." Supplied by Robert Burke Velma Demerson, who died last week at the age of 98, is the one of the only women in Canada to get a public apology and compensation from the federal and provincial governments for her time at the reformatory. At 19, after her parents tipped off authorities, Demerson was jailed and stripped of her citizenship for falling in love with a Chinese man and having a child out of wedlock. Her child, also born at the prison, was taken from her when he was three months old. She received an apology for her incarceration, for the abuse she experienced and for several medical procedures performed on her by a doctor at the reformatory. Trauma continues Kim Pate, an independent senator and long-standing prisoner rights advocate, told Ottawa Morning she's also calling on the federal and provincial governments to apologize to the women sent to the reformatory, and to their children. Pate said the children, many now approaching old age, continue to suffer trauma due to their experiences at the prison, which closed its doors in 1969. "It would mean a great deal [to get an apology]," Pate said. "I'm hopeful that some small comfort would come from [the] recognition that what was done was wrong and that it wasn't their fault, nor was it their mothers' faults." Burke said he's forgiven those who harmed him and his mother, but an apology would go a long way to alleviate the load he's carried all these years. "You can't just carry this hate around," he said. "It's a heavy load." COURMAYEUR, Italy (AP) Richard Carapaz of Ecuador won the grueling 14th stage of the Giro d'Italia on Saturday to move into the overall lead. Carapaz, who rides for Movistar, attacked with just over 25 kilometers remaining of the 131-kilometer (81-mile) route from Saint-Vincent to Courmayeur in the Valle d'Aosta region near the French border. The 25-year-old Carapaz made his move with 3 kilometers to go on the penultimate climb of the Colle San Carlo and held off other overall contenders to claim his second win of this year's race and his third overall. "The truth is that we used a strategy that was well planned by the team," Carapaz said. "We knew that I and Mikel Landa were in good form so we had to catch the right moment to attack. I did everything as planned. "It's hard to believe that I'm in the Maglia Rosa. It was a dream and I've worked hard for this." Simon Yates recovered after being dropped on that climb to finish second, 1 minute, 32 seconds behind Carapaz at the end of the stage which featured five climbs and a second successive uphill finish, to the foot of the Monte Bianco Skyway. Vincenzo Nibali crossed the line in third place, 1:54 behind, with the same time as a number of other overall favorites, including Primoz Roglic. Carapaz now leads Roglic by seven seconds with Nibali third, 1:47 behind. Sunday's 15th stage is mainly flat for the first 160 kilometers but has three categorized climbs in the final part of the 232-kilometer route from Ivrea to Como. The three-week race ends in Verona on June 2. ___ More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports The federal Liberal government will ask MPs to extend sitting hours in the House of Commons for the rest of the parliamentary session the last before a fall election to give them more time to pass a lengthy list of bills in relatively short order. The motion, which will be debated Monday, calls on MPs to sit until midnight on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings until the end of June to allow for more debate time in the chamber. With just four sitting weeks left in the House of Commons, the window of opportunity to pass key pieces of legislation including the budget and the pot pardons bill is closing quickly. "We'd like to see everything pass," said a government source, speaking on background to CBC News. "You never want to say, 'No, we're willing to let that die on the order paper.' Right now, we hope with good, constructive debate on all sides we can get a lot done." There's an added complication: the Liberal government could still introduce enabling legislation for the new NAFTA trade agreement, which would also have to be debated, studied and passed through the two chambers of Parliament in under a month's time. That's a constrained timeline that even the most innocuous and non-partisan bills often fail to meet. (A bill making changes to the Girl Guides of Canada's articles of incorporation has been stalled in the Senate for months, for example.) While a final decision on when to introduce the NAFTA bill has not been made, the government source said that, after the steel and aluminum tariffs deal with the U.S. and Mexico, "we are going to move ahead with ratification. It's not on the notice paper, but keep an eye on it." So it's possible that some parliamentarians will have to stay in Ottawa beyond the end of June to pass that legislation before hitting the summer BBQ circuit ahead of October's expected vote. While cabinet ultimately ratifies trade deals, legislative changes are often necessary to implement parts of an agreement. Story continues A newly constituted post-election Parliament is not likely to return until December at the earliest a distant date that could delay implementation of the trilateral trade agreement. The 12 or so government bills currently in the Senate plus two others in the midst of "pre-study" at committee have the best shot of securing royal assent and passage before summer. That's largely because the leadership of the four major groups in the Senate the government representative's office, the Senate Liberals, the Conservatives and the Independent Senators Group have all agreed to hit a series of scheduling targets to advance legislation through the upper house in a timely manner. Some of the bills still 'active' and before the House of Commons: Bill C-58, changes to the Access to Information Act regime (as amended by the Senate) Bill C-81, reforms to laws that protect people with disabilities, "An act to ensure a barrier-free Canada." Bill C-88, changes to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act Bill C-92, major reforms to Indigenous child welfare systems Bill C-93, the pot pardons bill, "An Act to provide no-cost, expedited record suspensions for simple possession of cannabis." Bill C-97, the budget Bill C-98, which establishes a public complaints and review commission for the RCMP and the Canadian Border Services Agency However, two major legislative initiatives Bill C-69, the government's controversial overhaul of the environmental assessment act, and Bill C-48, the northern B.C. oil tanker ban face less than certain futures. The Tories would not agree to a date for a final, third reading vote on those two bills to signal their overwhelming opposition to legislation they've described as an affront to Alberta's oilpatch. While the Liberal Party promised major environmental changes in its last election platform, opposition in the Senate from Conservative and some Independent members has been fierce. The Senate's energy committee made more than 187 amendments including amendments long demanded by oil and gas lobbyists to C-69, while the transport committee recommended the Senate not proceed with C-48 at all. Peter Harder, the government's representative in the Senate, has said the Senate should pass Bill C-69 as amended by committee and send it back to the Commons. That would leave the government to decide what to do with the mixed bag of changes that strip out some crucial aspects of the draft bill aspects that the government has defended as necessary to reform a broken assessments process. Independent Alberta Sen. Paula Simons, who was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last fall and opposed C-69 as it was initially written, said that while the package of amendments isn't perfect "It's kind of a Subaru package rather than a Maserati one," she said she believes it does make it more palatable for her home province. Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press "We've got the package out of committee, which is a victory. The House will have to decide which of the amendments we've put on the menu they wish to order," she said in an interview. "It's a very big bill and it had some areas where the government would concede they made mistakes, where they left things out, where they didn't think through the consequences of a thing. I'm happy to see the government acknowledging that. I hope we can get a bill back from the Commons that I can support." After the bill clears the Senate, as it is expected to do next week, the government will have to set aside precious debating time for MPs to consider a bill that has been radically reformed since it was first passed through the lower house in June 2018. The Liberal government is on track to pass fewer bills in its four-year mandate than the previous Conservative government did in the four years it held a majority government and the newly independent Senate is partly responsible. "We have respect for the Senate, and it's been amending legislation. It's a totally new world. This Parliament is entirely different than any other Parliament before this, so it just means bills are amended and it takes a little longer. It all just takes more time," the government source said. So far, the Senate has successfully amended 19 out of the 68 government bills that have become law (three of those bills will receive royal assent tomorrow), or roughly 28 per cent of all bills that have passed. Married Man Charged In Murder of Missing Oregon Woman, 3-Year-Old Son He Fathered Man Charged In Murder of Missing Woman, 3-Year-Old Son He Fathered An Oregon man is behind bars, accused of killing a 25-year-old woman and their 3-year-old son, who both remain missing, PEOPLE confirms. Michael John Wolfe, 52, was arrested on Friday and charged with the presumed kidnapping and presumed murder of Karissa Fretwell and their son, William. The two have been missing from Salem, Oregon, since May 13. Karissa Fretwell and son | Karissa Fretwell/Facebook Wolfe was arrested in Portland, it was announced at a Friday press conference. Investigators clarified that the charges do not mean Fretwell and her son are dead, but acknowledged there was sufficient probable cause to warrant his arrest. RELATED: Ore. Mom and Son, 3, Have Been Missing for More Than a Week The search for the mother and son continues. Everybody involved in this case continues to hope for a safe return for Karissa and William, Salem Police Department Lt. Treven Upkes told reporters. Fretwell and William were reported missing May 17. The last time they were seen alive was four days earlier. Michael John Wolfe | Salem Police Department Wolfe is married, but not to Fretwell. His paternity of William was established with a DNA test, according to the Statesman Journal. The relationship between Wolfe and Fretwell is unclear, though a friend of Fretwells told KATU2 that they had had an affair when they worked together at a McMinnville steel mill. She said Fretwell had not known, at that time, that Wolfe was married. There was never a relationship there. She never knew he was married until after a couple weeks of her being pregnant. Then he offered to pay for an abortion, the friend, Megan Harper, told KATU2. Harper also told KATU there had been a custody battle at play among Wolfe and Fretwell. My first thought when she first went missing was that hed done something, Harper told the station. Before he was arrested, detectives searched Wolfes home in Gaston for several days. Authorities have been searching in the surrounding area, looking for any sign of the missing mother and son. Dive teams have searched large bodies of water in the area. Story continues Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. Wolfe is being held without bail and it was unclear Monday if he had appeared before a judge to plead to the charges he faces. Upkes told reporters on Friday that Wolfes wife is not missing or in danger. Karissa is described as 5 feet 9 inches and weighs approximately 135 pounds. She has blue eyes and dyed red hair. William has blond hair and blue eyes. He is approximately 3 feet tall, and weighs approximately 30 pounds. Kevin Na matched the tournament record with a 61 last year at Colonial Country Club, and he nearly did so again Friday in the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas. An 8-under-par 62 left Na at 8-under 132, one shot behind the Sweden's Jonas Blixt, who carded a 64 on Friday. First-round co-leader Tony Finau is also tied for second after a second-round 68. Na opened his day perfectly, hitting his second shot on the par-5 first hole within 3 feet of the cup, then sinking the eagle putt. He added six birdies in a bogey-free round. "Last year when I shot 61, I felt like I made everything," Na said. "Kind of almost had that feeling today. With a few holes to go, I felt like I had a chance to challenge my own course record." Blixt's own bogey-free round also included an eagle, when he chipped in from 132 yards at the par-4 17th hole. "I think I've played pretty good this year," Blixt said. "Obviously not had the good finishes yet, but it's been up there a bunch of times. If you slow down a little bit ... people are going to pass you. That's pretty much what I've been looking for -- a good weekend. ... "Feel like I've been trending for a while. Just need to have a good weekend." Blixt is alone atop a PGA Tour event after 36 holes for the first time in his career. He owns three wins on the tour, most recently capturing the Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event with Australia's Cameron Smith in 2017. Slovakia's Rory Sabbatini shot a 66 on Friday to claim fourth place at 6 under. Five players, including local favorite Jordan Spieth, share fifth place at 5 under. Spieth shot even-par 70 on Friday, leaving him level with Jim Furyk (second-round 66), Taiwan's C.T. Pan (67), Nick Watney (68) and Jason Dufner (68). Notables who missed the cut include Rickie Fowler (3 over through two rounds) and Spain's Jon Rahm (6 over). --Field Level Media "Don't bask in the glory of this one," United Steelworkers president Leo Gerard told CBC's The House podcast last week, casting a skeptical eye on the agreement to end steel and aluminum tariffs. The deal points to where the Trump administration's protectionism may be headed next and it's not really a return to a North American free trade zone for steel and aluminum products. That didn't stop Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland from touring Canada, striking celebratory poses with the grateful hard-hats-and-overalls crowd last week. Trudeau talked to aluminum workers in Sept-Iles, Que. and steelworkers in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. Freeland met steelworkers in Regina before heading to meet more aluminum workers in Jonquiere, Que. Their message at every stop: we had your backs. Patience and firm persistence paid off. Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheenan even introduced Trudeau as their "man of steel." "Canada is able to make sure that we're taking care of our people," the prime minister said, sporting an Algoma Steel jacket. But, he acknowledged, there's still more work to do. If everyone at those events was being completely honest, they'd admit things aren't returning to how they used to be. Workers must steel themselves for this: the U.S. hasn't abandoned protectionism. Rather, it adjusted it when it became politically expedient to do so. The White House needed allies in its escalating trade fight with China. This tariff deal cleared the way for a much-needed trade win on the relatively simpler North American front. But a "full lift" of the tariffs didn't really come without concessions, despite what Trudeau suggested May 17. "There wasn't a way to this without some sort of concession to the United States," said former U.S. diplomat Sarah Goldfeder as the deal was announced. "This is a necessary evil." Story continues Here are a few still-unanswered questions about where things stand now: What's a 'meaningful surge'? The agreement is what trade watchers call a "snap back" deal. Yes, the tariffs were removed. But the U.S. reserved the right to slap them back on specifically, "in the event that imports of aluminum or steel products surge meaningfully beyond historic volumes of trade over a period of time." Freeland has been asked to define a "surge" and couldn't. There's a conversation still underway with the U.S. to flesh out how this language should be interpreted. Canada's hope was that this part of the agreement would never be used. Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press Catherine Cobden of the Canadian Steel Producers Association told CBC News this week she doesn't have a clear definition for "surge" either, but she's hoping for a way to engage with the Americans and nail it down. Otherwise, what's to stop the Americans from torquing any increase in Canadian imports into a industry-threatening "surge"? What time periods would be compared? How would these volumes be calculated? Sometimes, data can be manipulated to show whatever you want the numbers to show. And if tariffs are re-applied, Canada could no longer retaliate with tariffs on politically sensitive commodities like orange juice or bourbon. Are there really no quotas? Both the Mexicans and the Canadians said they wouldn't settle for a deal that fixed quotas on their exports. But, as Carleton University's Meredith Lilly observed on Power & Politics last week, "there's language in the agreement that suggests perhaps we have quota by another name." The agreement lays out how the U.S. "may" request consultations before imposing duties at the same rate as the previous tariffs, "with consideration of market share." In other words, Americans don't want Canada's market share to grow. Is this a quota in disguise? The U.S.Mexico agreement is less subtle, saying that in assessing whether there has been a surge, Washington will consider that the U.S. may require "225,000 tonnes of billet from Mexico" and new investment in Mexico may require "200,000 tonnes of cold-rolled steel." Those are negotiated quotas, hiding in plain sight. What kind of Canadian steel is still a target? The new (but undefined officials are working on it, Freeland's spokesperson says) monitoring regime for Canadian and Mexican imports "may treat products made with steel that is melted and poured in North America separately from products that are not." Freeland's office emphasizes that the wording here is "may," not "will." Only a handful of facilities in Hamilton and Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., make steel from iron ore in integrated mills. Most of Canada's producers are smaller facilities for electric-arc steelmaking, often from scrap. Where does that scrap come from? Even if it's not from offshore industry representatives say that's rarely profitable can they prove the integrity of their supply chains? If they lack the right paperwork, Canadian steel products could be stalled, or even rejected, at the U.S. border, as eagle eyes track any traces of Chinese steel. It creates uncertainty for exporters a classic non-tariff barrier to trade. "There's a presumption that [Americans] would use any opportunity to restrict market access," trade consultant Dan Ciuriak said. "Is this something we extracted from them at great pain, that they would claw back at the slightest excuse?" Are more safeguards coming? The United Steelworkers union, and Cobden's CSPA, still want Canada to put up more tariff barriers to protect its market. Spokespeople like Gerard warn about "countries that cheat because they want dollars"; because the world still makes more steel than it needs, they fear foreign steel displaced from the U.S. could somehow flood into Canada. But Canada's safeguard process has already run its legal course. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal concluded surtaxes were only justified on two offshore products heavy plate and stainless steel wire for the next three years. Adam Hunter/CBC There's a difference between unfairly dumped steel which Canada investigates regularly, implementing dozens of different duties and fairly priced foreign steel, which meets legitimate needs that domestic producers cannot or will not serve. Manufacturers and construction companies that import steel were relieved when the government followed the tribunal's advice and the provisional surtaxes imposed on five other steel products ended last month. A working group has until early June to consider other ways of supporting Canada's industry. Will this help the new NAFTA pass? After saying initially that the end of the tariffs meant things were "full steam ahead" for ratifying the revised North American trade agreement, Freeland and Trudeau were using more cautious language last week. Freeland would make no predictions about ratification timing during a CBC Radio interview Tuesday. Trudeau has talked about ratifying in co-ordination with Washington. Democrats in the U.S. Congress have suggested several parts of the deal must change before they'd proceed with a vote, including strengthening intellectual property provisions for biologic drugs, a move that could increase pharmaceutical costs. Vice-President Mike Pence is scheduled to visit Ottawa next Thursday to promote ratification of the revised NAFTA deal. The Trudeau government may long to conclude this saga as well. But it's risky to draft and pass an implementation bill to change Canadian laws based on an agreement that's still fluid in Washington. What if they made Canadian drugs more expensive than they actually needed to be to get a deal? How would that play in an election campaign? No mention of NAFTA legislation appeared on the House of Commons notice paper in time for a bill to be introduced on Monday, when the House returns for what is scheduled to be its final two- to four-week stretch before the summer. When Munjed Al Muderis was 12 years old, he watched The Terminator. That cinematic, science-fiction tale of a futuristic cyborg would ultimately transform his life, inspiring him to pursue a career in orthopedic medicine. Today, the Iraqi-born surgeon has devoted much of his life to restoring mobility to amputees through a novel surgical procedure known as osseointegration. "It is an extremely life-changing procedure that transforms amputees' lives," said Al Muderis, speaking from his clinic in Sydney, Australia. An osseointegration surgery involves inserting a titanium rod-shaped implant into the bone of a patient's amputated limb, with the goal of eventually latching on a state-of-the-art prosthesis. The result is that the new artificial limb stays more firmly in place than a traditional socket-based prosthetic device, allowing for improved mobility and comfort. Al Muderis, 47, is considered one of the leaders in this cutting-edge field. He didn't invent the surgical procedure; it was pioneered by a Swedish doctor in the 1990s. Instead, Al Muderis refers to himself as the "Henry Ford" of osseointegration. Like the American industrial icon, he has revolutionized the technique, opening it up to a wider population of amputees. Al Muderis redesigned the implant to make it more stable for an amputee's mobility, and to make the surface more porous to allow speedier fusion between the implant and the bone. Ordered to cut off the ears of deserters Al Muderis was born in Iraq to an affluent family, and grew up under the regime of Saddam Hussein. He went on to study medicine at the University of Baghdad and by 1999 was a junior medical officer at the city's Saddam Hussein Medical Centre. Then, during a seemingly mundane day at the hospital, he and his colleagues were confronted by three busloads of army deserters escorted by the Republican Guard, Hussein's elite troops. "I was going to work, minding my own business and then all of sudden, everything changed," he said, recalling that pivotal day. Story continues Munjed Al Muderis Al Muderis and his fellow doctors were told to stop what they were doing. They were ordered to cut off the deserters' earlobes. When the head of the department refused, citing the Hippocratic Oath, he was killed. "They took him outside to the car park and put a bullet in his head, then turned to the rest of us and ordered us to continue with the orders," Al Muderis said. The young surgeon had a choice to make: Obey the command and live with the guilt for the rest of his life, or refuse and end up with a bullet in his head. He instead chose to escape, sneaking away to hide in the women's washroom for several hours before he felt it was safe to leave the hospital. Horrific journey to Australia Knowing he'd be labelled a traitor, what followed was a "horrific journey" out of Iraq, Al Muderis said. His family smuggled him out of the country and into Jordan. With thousands of dollars taped to his stomach, he flew to Malaysia and onto Indonesia. For the last leg of his voyage, he paid a smuggler $2,000 for a spot on a leaky, unseaworthy boat loaded with 165 others bound for Australia. But he made it, eventually landing at a detention centre in Western Australia, where he was held for several months. It's a period in his life he describes as "dehumanizing." Al Muderis was granted asylum in 2000, about 10 months after landing in Australia. He quickly turned his attention back to medicine, got his credentials recognized and landed a job after sending out countless resumes. He was soon accepted to an elite orthopedic surgery training program, and became enthralled by the emerging technique of osseointegration a realization of the cybernetic limbs he saw as a boy in The Terminator. In 2010, Al Muderis created the Osseointegration Group of Australia, where amputees come to be fitted with prosthetic devices through osseointegration surgery. A handful of Canadians surgeons have since travelled to the medical centre for training. But the surgeon also has lofty ambitions to have the technology available to amputees in developing countries, who can't afford the procedure. He also runs pilot programs in countries like Cambodia, Lebanon and Iraq, where he both performs the surgery and trains local surgeons on the technology. Today, Al Muderis returns regularly to Iraq, the country he fled so many years ago, to perform surgery on amputees there. Some of them are military patients, he says, former soldiers who lost limbs in the fight against the extremist group ISIS. "Sadly, the majority of these patients have lost their limbs as a result of explosions and war-related injuries," he said. And throughout it all, Al Muderis said he's remained committed to restoring mobility to amputees. "A childhood dream became a reality," he said. "This is my life project." It seems everyone today is saying how families are the number one priority for our wellbeing. On television, commercial after commercial, features families playing and shopping together. Insurance companies advertise that we must take out life policies for the future of our families. Political parties can claim their policies are centred on what is good for families now and in the future. When significant community leaders are interviewed about their important roles, they often respond that the most significant aspect of their lives are their families. We are a family orientated community. Frightening I have been reading that a senior Australian Magistrate is calling for all Bibles to be removed from courtrooms. Apparently he has labelled them a relic of the past that belong in a museum. He has likened the Bible to the gavel, the wig, quill and ink. For him, apparently the Bible has no place in modern society or the courtroom. This so called antiquated book will well-outlive our sceptic Magistrate as we as a community look for models to make our families strong and therefore our society strong. Because in so doing we need to look no further than the Bible for the perfect model of community and family. In fact, in the first few books of the Old Testament we discover Gods plan for the family and how it should be ordered to fully benefit our neighbours and world. The Nation of Israel was called to live out this basic model of Family in order that they may flourish as a nation. We should focus on Gods way which was spelt out from the beginning of humanity. Firstly Firstly, the Bible indicates the family should focus on God and the word of God. It is only then that the family will know the valuesthat are eternal. Values such as love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbour as yourself. This family focus on God and his values is seen in Deuteronomy 6:3-9 3 Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. 4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Secondly Secondly, Gods perfect model for families requires that they have protection fromgovernment and the support from all of us. For example, the Ten Commandments say, 16 Honour your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you. As well commandments such as you shall not murder or commit adultery are there in part to ensure the family unit does not break down. Families need to stay together and not be divided by anger or lust. Thirdly, God was way ahead of our current politicians in planning for the financial resourcing of families. God in his wisdom declared that if families were not resourced then they could fracture and society would be the poorer. This is seen, for example, in the Year of Jubilee. After 49 years everyone is to return to their family property and their extended clan. You could not sell off the family property birthright, even if you mortgaged or rented the land, it would return to the family after 49 years. By this process, families were financially protected. Chris Wright in his book Living as the People of God states the land becomes one of the most prominent features of the entire sequel of the Old Testament story. The focus on the family is not a modern idea, but Gods plan! Only by returning to God and his values can that plan be fully lived out. Let us ensure that the family is focused on Gods word, is protected and encouraged by society as well as being looked after through resources and finance. Pray for our families. Rev Dr Ross Clifford AM is the Principal of Morling College (NSW Baptist) and author of numerous books many of which focus on Christian Apologetics. He is a Vice President of the Baptist World Alliance, President of the Asian Baptist Association, an acclaimed international preacher and speaker, a columnist in many Christian publications, winner of many national and international awards and for many years the Sunday evening Sydney Radio 2CH host. Ross is married to Bev, father and grand father. Southern Draw Cigars has announced the first three releases of its 2019 IGNITE series, a collaborative charity project. Southern Draw is a company that has prided itself on being veteran-owned, and this years release will see a portion of the proceeds benefit the Navy SEAL Foundation. There are some other changes to this years installment. While the IGNITE 2018 focused on special limited edition line extensions to Southern Draws core lines, the IGNITE 2019 will feature three new and distinct blends: Connecticut #1 (Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapped blend in a Double Corona format), Corojo 99 #4 (featuring a Honduran Corojo wrapped blend in a Rothschild format), and Habano #3 (an Ecuadorian Habano wrapped blend in a Double Corona format). There are plans for three more releases later this year. Like last year, the IGNITE 2019 releases will be packaged in humi-jars although this years jar will feature a new design. Each jar will contain a ten-count bundle. A total of 5,000 jars or 50,000 cigars will be produced throughout 2019. The jar includes a Boveda 2-way humidification pack (donated by Boveda). Sales of IGNITE will provide 12.5% of the cost to the selected charity and like last year requires a joint contribution by the retailers. The charitable giving and event schedules for IGNITE 2019 will be led by Southern Draw Cigars family members, Harry Phil and Shelly Hogan U.S. Navy Retired (the namesakes of Southern Draws Cedrus- The Hogan), and Daniel Peterson US Navy Retired, SEAL Team 1 BUD/S Class 54. The Navy SEAL Foundation offers many areas of support and our family has selected two vitally important areas to focus our charitable contributions. 1) Warrior Transition transition from active duty service into civilian life and 2) Warrior and Family Support providing strength, resiliency and peace of mind via family support programs, stated Shelly Hogan in a press release. The national launch of the IGNITE 2019 series will take place on June 20th in a pair of collaborative events to held at Crown City Cigars and McPs Irish Pub in Coronado, California featuring Southern Draw Cigars and the Navy SEAL Foundation. The launch continues on June 21st with a friends and family event at the Beach House Winery in Fallbrook, California on June 21st hosted by Southern Draw family members, Kim and George Murray. Following the launch events, Southern Draw Cigars will make the IGNITE 2019 releases available to all retailers who wish to participate in the IGNITE charity program. As a part of the event tour supporting IGNITE 2019, Southern Draw will participate in the End of Summer Smokeout on Saturday, August 17 in Chesapeake, Virginia hosted by Atlantic Dominion Distributors. The company has also said other future event dates and launches will be announced. In terms of the project, Chris Irwin Director of Partnerships for the Navy SEAL Foundation commented, We are honored to have Southern Draw Cigars supporting the Navy SEAL Foundation with this promotion. As a company owned and operated by veterans, their commitment to giving back through their IGNITE program is incredible and the Navy SEAL Foundation is thrilled to be named as one of their benefiting charities for 2019. At a glance, here is a look at the three IGNITE 2019 releases announced: IGNITE Connecticut #1 Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Nicaragua and Dominican Republic Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Tabacalera Fernandez Double Corona: 7 1/2 x 50 Production: 11,000 cigars (800, 10-count IGNITE humi-jars, 300, 10-count bundles) Pricing: $11.69 single cigar, $116.99 10-count humi-jar (subject to retail discretion) IGNITE Corojo 99 #4 Wrapper: Honduras Binder: Nicaragua and Honduras Filler: Nicaragua and Honduras Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Tabacalera Fernandez Rothschild: 5 x 50 Production: 11,000 cigars (800, 10-count IGNITE humi-jars, 300, 10-count bundles) Pricing: $11.49 single cigar, $114.99 10-count humi-jar (subject to retail discretion) IGNITE Habano #3 Wrapper: Ecuador Binder: Nicaragua Filler: Brazil, Nicaragua and Ecuador Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Tabacalera Fernandez Size: Double Corona 7.5.50 Double Corona: 7 1/2 x 50 Production: 11,000 cigars (800, 10 count IGNITE humi-jars, 300, 10-count bundles) Pricing: $11.69 single cigar, $116.99 10-count humi-jar (subject to retail discretion) Photo/Image Credits: Southern Draw Cigars At the 2018 IPCPR Trade Show, Drew Estate introduced the fourth blend under its Herrera Esteli line, the Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro. Herrera Esteli was the first brand introduced by Drew Estate Master Blender Willy Herrera after he joined Drew Estate back in 2012. At the time the Brazilian Maduro was introduced, Drew Estate decided to revamp the Herrera Esteli line, but it would be the one new blend added as a Herrera Esteli offering. Today we take a closer look at the Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro in the Toro Especial size. In addition to adding the Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro, there were several other components that were a part of the revamping of the brand. This included renaming the original Herrera Esteli as the Herrera Esteli Habano, rebranding the Norteno as Herrera Esteli Norteno, and expanding the previous limited Herrera Esteli Miami line into a regular production offering. All of the cigars were given a consistent look and feel for packaging and banding. The Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro becomes the third Herrera Esteli-branded maduro joining the Herrera Esteli Norteno (featuring a Mexican San Andres maduro wrapper) and the Herrera Esteli TAA Exclusive (a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that is exclusively sold at Tobacconist Association of America Retailers). As indicated by the name, the Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro uses a Mata Fina wrapper from Brazil. Its the second Brazilian Mata Fina wrapped cigar by Herrera for Drew Estate joining the FSG line. Without further ado, lets break down the Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro Toro Especial and see what this cigar brings to the table. SPECIFICATIONS Blend and Origin In addition to the Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper, the Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro utilizes a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and Nicaraguan fillers. The cigar is produced at Drew Estates La Gran Fabrica in Esteli, Nicaragua. Wrapper: Plantation Grown Brazilian Mata Fina Binder: Connecticut River Valley Broadleaf Fillers: Nicaraguan Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate Vitolas Offered The Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro is offered in five sizes. Each is presented in 25-count boxes. Robusto Grande: 5/14 x 52 Short Corona Gorda: 5 7/8 x 46 Lonsdale: 6 x 44 Toro Especial: 6 x 52 Piramide Fino: 6 x 54 Appearance The Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper of the Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro Toro Especial had a classic roasted coffee bean color to it. Upon closer examination, there was some mottling on the surface of the wrapper. There was an extremely light sheen of oil on the surface of the wrapper. The wrapper had a slightly rugged look. There were some visible veins, but the darker color of the wrapper nicely hid most of the wrapper seams. The Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro band has a light blue background with gold trim and white font. On the center of the band is the text HERRERA ESTELI by DREW ESTATE. To the left is the text (in smaller font), WE WARRANTEE THE TOBACCO USED IN HERRERA ESTELI ARE THE FINEST VINTAGE AGED AIR CURED BLACK CIGAR LEAF. To the right is the text HANDMADE BY LA GRAN FABRICA DREW ESTATE S.A. FRENTE A LAS ALDEAS SOS BARRIO OSCAR GAMEZ (which translates to the address of Drew Estate in Nicaragua). PERFORMANCE Pre-Light Draw A straight cut was used to commence the smoking experience of the Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro Toro Especial. Once the cap was removed, it was on to the pre-light draw stage. The cold draw delivered a mix of coffee, cedar, and earth. There was a slight underlying sweetness to this pre-light draw. In the end, this was an excellent pre-light draw. At this point, it was time to light up the Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro Toro Especial and await what the smoking experience would have in store. Tasting Notes The Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro Toro Especial started out with notes of coffee, cedar, and red pepper. It didnt take long for the coffee notes to emerge as the primary note. The coffee notes had an underlying sweetness and a slightly creamy texture. The red pepper and cedar settled into the background. In addition to the cedar notes, some classic wood notes also surfaced in the background. Meanwhile, the red pepper and some cedar could be detected on the retro-hale. During the second third, there were a few times the classic wood notes poked their way into the forefront with the coffee. The coffee notes lost some of their sweetness while any creaminess that was present in the first third had dissipated. At the same time, some earthy notes mixed in the forefront. Concurrently there was an increase in the red pepper and cedar notes. The last third of the Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro Toro Especial saw the pepper and cedar notes close in on the forefront. By this point, there was some black pepper mixed in with the red pepper. The coffee and earth notes were still in the forefront, but by this point, the underlying sweetness dissipated. There were still some wood notes in the background. This is the way the Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro Toro Especial came to a close. The resulting nub was cool in temperature and firm to the touch. Burn As the smoking experience of the Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro Toro Especial waned, the burn became more high maintenance. This burn of this cigar developed a tendency to meander, and as a result, there were more touch-ups required than normal. The resulting ash wasnt overly firm either. This was an ash that was mostly light to medium gray in color. Meanwhile, the burn rate and burn temperature were both ideal. Draw The draw to the Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro Toro Especial was what I would describe as open, but not loose. I usually prefer a little more resistance on the draw. However, this was a low maintenance cigar to derive flavor from. Strength and Body In terms of strength and body, the Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro Toro Especial started out medium for both attributes. Both the strength and body increased in unison. By about the 2/5 mark, the strength and body of the Toro Especial crossed into medium to full territory. In the second half, the strength and body leveled off, remaining medium to full. Looking at strength versus body, both attributes balanced each other nicely with neither attribute overshadowing the other. OVERALL ASSESSMENT Final Thoughts Flavorwise, the Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro Toro Especial started out like gangbusters delivering some incredible rich coffee notes in the first third. While the second two-thirds were enjoyable, the flavors werent at the high level of the first third. On the burn and draw, this is a cigar that didnt score as high as I would expect from one coming out of Drew Estate. In the end, there are still more positives than negatives. Its still a cigar Id recommend to an experienced cigar enthusiast or a novice looking for something medium/medium plus. As for myself, its a cigar Id smoke and purchase again. I think there is a lot of potential with this blend and Im curious to see how the other sizes smoke. Summary Key Flavors: Coffee, Cedar, Wood, Pepper, Earth Burn: Good Draw: Very Good Complexity: Medium Strength: Medium (1st 2/5), Medium to Full (Remainder) Body: Medium (1st 2/5), Medium to Full (Remainder) Finish: Very Good Rating Value: Buy One Score: 89 References News: Drew Estate to Showcase Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro at 2018 IPCPR Price: $9.18 Source: Purchased and Drew Estate Brand Reference: Herrera Esteli Photo Credits: Cigar Coop The 106 Legislature First Session is coming to a close six days early. I do not agree with the decision as we have work that needs to be done. This past week has been very disappointing with respect to the lack of action and conduct on the floor by fellow Senators with regard to the budget, incentives and property taxes. I, along with 11 other senators, voted no on the $9.3B biennial budget which passed with little debate allowed. I do not agree with the Governors three percent or $126M increase in spending or the $63M of spending that should have been debated on the floor instead of being placed directly in the budget. We must fund areas required by law and of special needs but we also need to reduce our overall spending. Tax incentives for multi-million dollar companies allowing them to forego millions of dollars in taxes was moved on the floor by unfortunate practices of Senators. Speaker Scheer, Senators Friesen and Briese among others supported these incentives rather than standing firm and requiring property tax relief to be passed. I, along with seven other Senators voted no on the incentives as property tax relief needs to be first and foremost. Business incentives are important, however, with no caps and only minimal incentives for small businesses the cost of the new program is significant and only benefits multi-million dollar corporations. The current incentive program will potentially cost nearly $1B in uncollected taxes from these corporations in the coming years, yet we cannot find funding for property tax relief. We failed yet again on property tax relief even though we had a bill on select file. This bill did not have the support of our governor, State Chamber of Commerce and 23 senators both rural and urban. I voted for this bill and worked to move this legislation forward as well as other bills that would have provided relief. It is frustrating that senators, the governor and the State Chamber of Commerce refuse to come together on real and meaningful property tax relief. We cannot continue to increase our budget and not collect hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes from companies through incentive programs and turn our backs on farmers, ranchers and home owners. The Nebraska Disaster Resource Guide is a comprehensive guide of resources for those who were affected by the March floods as well as other disasters is now available. This guide contains the numbers and websites of various state and federal government agencies and the specific recovery services they provide as well as several community partners and charities that can assist in the recovery process. Lastly, there is a helpful section of information that may prevent you from falling for predatory business practices or scams that tend to appear following disasters. Visit the guide at https://nema.nebraska.gov/operations/press-releases-media-information. You may also receive copies of the guide by calling (402) 471-7421. I appreciate hearing from constituents on issues affecting District 23 and encourage you to contact my office on legislation at 402-471-2719 or bbostelman@leg.ne.gov. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Memorial Day is a great time for backyard barbecues and pool parties, but it has a much deeper significance. Its a day when we commemorate the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price so that we can enjoy our freedoms in peace. Today, we are able to spend a carefree day of relaxation with friends and family because of their courageous sacrifices. However, we should never forget the true meaning of Memorial Day: remembering our fallen. The greatness of a nation is not measured by the wars that are won but by the peace and prosperity for the people that the victories bring. Throughout our states history, Nebraskans have been at the forefront of Americas military engagements, putting themselves in harms way to protect the liberties we hold dear. From Europe to Southeast Asia to the Middle East, Nebraskans have traveled across the globe to keep their homeland safe. June 6, 2019, will mark the 75th anniversary of D-Daythe Allies amphibious invasion of Normandy that turned the tide in World War II. The largest of the invasions five landing sites, Omaha Beach, bears the name of our states most populous city. Despite high winds, choppy waters, and intense enemy fire, Allied forces accomplished their goal of securing footholds along the coastline of Normandy. Around 2,500 American soldiers, including several Nebraskans, lost their lives on D-Day. The death toll would have been even higher if not for the ingenuity of Andrew Jackson Higgins, an engineer born in Columbus and raised in Omaha. He designed the specialized landing crafts, Higgins Boats, used on D-Day to transport troops and vehicles to the beaches. President Eisenhower once called Higgins the man who won the war for us, due to the strategic importance of the boats he built for the military. Nebraskans have not let Higginss history-altering engineering feat go unnoticed. While teaching at Columbus High School, Colonel Jerry Meyer and his students spearheaded an effort to found a memorial to honor Higgins. Thanks to their initiative, Nebraskans can now visit the Higgins Memorial in Columbus. It features a life-sized replica of the Higgins Boat as well as memorials to the valorous men who rode it to battle. Sixty years ago, Major Dale R. Buis of Pender, deployed to Vietnam as a military advisor. Buis, the father of three young boys, had only been in the country two days when Vietcong guerillas ambushed the compound where he was staying. He died during the attackon July 8, 1959becoming one of the first casualties in the Vietnam War. In fact, Dale Buis is the very first name listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, DC. For years, however, online databases mistakenly recorded Major Buis as being from Nevada. When Pat Schoenfelder of Imperial learned of the error she took action. She conducted research to verify his hometown, and then contacted database managers so that Major Buiss online profile could be corrected. Thanks to her efforts, Dale Buis is now appropriately remembered as a native son of Nebraska. Fifteen years ago, the 267th Ordnance Company of Nebraskas National Guard was stationed at Camp Speicher, north of Tikrit in Iraq. On July 11, 2004, Sergeant 1st Class Linda Tarango-Griess of Sutton and Sergeant Jeremy Fischer of Lincoln were in a convoy returning to base when their vehicle was struck by an explosive device. Both died from injuries sustained in the attack. Linda Tarango-Griess was the first woman of the Nebraska National Guard to be killed in action. Last week, I had the privilege of sending off and welcoming home a flight from Nebraska to Washington D.C. taken to honor Purple Heart recipientslike Tarango-Griess and Fischerwho served in Iraq or Afghanistan. Passengers on the flight were either veterans of those wars or Gold Star family members who had lost loved ones in the conflicts. They were able to visit the monuments, memorials, and sacred grounds of the Nations Capital thanks to the dedicated volunteerism of Bill and Evonne Williams. The couple from Omaha has now organized 13 honor flights for nearly 3,500 veterans. Bill and Evonne also initiated the creation of a photographic memorial, Remembering Our Fallen, to honor military members who have died since 9/11. Their idea to build a physical memorial originated after reading the story of a grief-stricken father who worried that his sons sacrifice would be forgotten. Moved by his concern, they pledged to do everything in their power to make sure the families of the fallen know their loved ones are remembered, appreciated, and honored. Today, I am profoundly grateful for the Nebraskans who have fought and died to secure our liberties. I am also proud that our states citizens actively cherish their memory. Nebraskans like Jerry, Pat, Bill, and Evonne exemplify the spirit of Memorial Day in how theyve honored our states fallen heroes. I encourage all Nebraskans to follow their lead by finding ways to pay respect to Nebraskas veterans, both past and present. If you have any thoughts you would like to share about how we can better honor our military veterans, I would like to hear them. Give my office a call at 402-471-2244 or email me atpete.ricketts@nebraska.gov. Pete Ricketts is the governor of Nebraska. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Mother Nature tried to dampen Columbus Memorial Day celebration, but she couldnt stop it. More than 100 people on Monday morning packed the American Legion for the Memorial Day program put on by the areas veteran organizations, American Legion Hartman Post 84, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3704, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 20 and AMVETS Post 10, in conjunction with the City of Columbus. The decision to move the program from its normal location in Frankfort Square to the building on the east side of town was made about 7 a.m. Monday and quickly spread through phone calls, word of mouth, The Telegrams Facebook page and radio. Longtime American Legion member Dave Oppliger said wet conditions from the rain the night before and early Monday forced organizers hands. Its one decision you dont want to make, but you dont want people walking through wet grass and water from the leaves coming down on them, he said. You dont know what its going to be doing, so youve got to make the decision. Were very fortunate people realize this is an annual event. The vets' groups got some help from Boy Scouts of America Troop 276 of Columbus, who helped set up chairs and tables, as well as handed out American flags and programs. Troop members Bryce Follette, Keith Howland and Christopher Howland greeted folks as they made their way into the building. Memorial Day is the day I can remember people like my great grandpa - he was in the Air Force Bryce said. Its a good day I can remember what everyone did for the country. Cars filled up the Legions parking lot and the one across Third Avenue. Inside the venue, a sea of people young and old filled the main room holding their American flags. Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971, according to history.com. It's meant to remember and honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. American pride was on full display throughout the morning that featured quite the lineup. Hartman Post 84 Chorus gave rousing renditions of God Bless America and This Land Is Your Land, there was the reciting of the Gettysburg Address by Columbus High Schools Nicholas Stoeckle, the roll call of the dead, the salute to the dead and the spirited performance of taps by Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard Bugler. Pastor Ernest Smith provided the invocation and benediction. But former Columbus High School teacher Col. Gerald Jerry Meyer summarized the days meaning in grand fashion at the end of his keynote address. To do so, Meyer, who played a pivotal role in the creation of the Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial in Columbus and is now a historian at the Nebraska National Guard Museum, quoted George S. Patton. It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived, he said. Perfect, isnt it? The mornings over. We should be thanking God that such men and women lived. So this Memorial Day, keep the faith to the spirit of the day and thank God for the men and women who lived and died for our new birth of freedom. He then talked about how eight years ago he lost 12 of his friends who were killed by a suicide bomber while they were all serving in Afghanistan, noting the importance in living each day to honor the sacrifice made by the brave men and women who lost their lives while protecting the freedom that defines America. You live in the greatest country in the world. Trust me, the U.S. veteran said, referencing his time overseas during his multi-decade-long military career. You are blessed with the freedom that has been paid for by the veterans on faraway battlefields. He concluded with God Bless America, and his words undoubtedly touched many who were in attendance as they offered up their applause almost instantly. After the ceremony, many vets could be seen walking around with big smiles and enjoying one anothers company. Among them were Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard members Jim Baldwin and Randy Schaefer. They said they enjoyed Meyers address, as well as the whole ceremony and seeing so many people come out to be part of it. I thought it was great, said Baldwin, a U.S. Army veteran. It really touches your heart to see that kind of support and knowing people still are proud of living here and can be part of this country. Weve got a lot of young people stepping up and joining the service that we really appreciate. Schaefer agreed. As a former Marine, it really makes me proud to see all the support we get from around the area - not only in Columbus, but the surrounding towns, as well, he said. They also praised Honor Guard Sgt. Michael Landkamer, with Schaefer calling him a great guy and a hard worker. Landkamer said the ceremony was once again a special event thanks, in part, to the Columbus community for its support. Wonderful, thoughtful, caring, he said. It was just very nice. People here really care about our veterans and their families. Indeed. Besides the large crowd at the ceremony, cemeteries in Columbus appeared busy throughout the day as people stopped by and decorated the area of their loved ones who were veterans. Nebraska State Sen. of District 22 Mike Moser, of Columbus, praised the community after the festivities concluded. It was a great ceremony. It was great to see Col. Meyer back, Moser said. The support for the veterans in Columbus is just great. Matt Lindberg is the managing editor of The Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email at matt.lindberg@lee.net. Love 3 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. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram Istanbul, May 24, 2019An unidentified gunman today shot Turkish journalist Hakan Denizli in the leg, according to reports. Denizli, founder of the local daily Egemen, was taken to a hospital and the police are looking for his attacker, according to reports. The shooting, which took place outside the journalists home in the city of Adana, is the fourth attack on a journalist in Turkey in the past two weeks. This brutal attack against Hakan Denizlithe fourth assault on a journalist in two weeksappears to signal an alarming cycle of violence against critical voices in Turkey, said CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Gulnoza Said, in New York. We call on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to strongly condemn the attacks and to instruct his law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice and to ensure the safety of journalists. In the past two weeks, CPJ has also documented attacks on Ergin Cevik, chief editor of the local news website Guney Haberci, in the southern city of Antalya, on May 20; Selim Demirag, a columnist for the nationalist daily Yeni Cag, in Ankara, on May 10; and Idris Ozyol, who was beaten outside the offices of his paper, Akdenizde Yeni Yuzyl, also in Antalya on May 15. All of the attacks were in apparent retaliation for the journalists work, according to reports. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram Berlin, May 24, 2019 Italian authorities should swiftly and thoroughly investigate the police beating of La Repubblica reporter Stefano Origone and hold those responsible to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Yesterday, a group of riot police officers beat Origone with batons and kicked him while the journalist was covering clashes among demonstrators near a rally staged by far-right party CasaPound in Genoa, according to a video of the incident published by his employer, Italian daily La Repubblica, and as Origone recounted in a report published today in the paper. Police officers beat Origone while he curled in the fetal position, breaking two of his fingers and one of his ribs, according to his report in La Repubblica. He shouted that he was a journalist, but police only stopped beating him when one officer recognized him, Origone wrote. Italian authorities should hold to account the officers responsible for beating La Repubblica reporter Stefano Origone, said Gulnoza Said, CPJs Europe and Central Asia program coordinator, in New York. Journalists should be able to carry out their duty to report on demonstrations without being harassed or attacked; authorities should ensure their safety, not endanger it. In his report today, Origone wrote that he remained hospitalized in Genoa with heavy bruising and head trauma. Riot police began beating demonstrators after CasaPound supporters and opponents clashed near the partys rally, according to news reports. The journalist, Origone, was in the piazza to do his job in a peaceful manner as a reporter. I dont know how he could have been mistaken for a rioter, said Genoas chief prosecutor, Francesco Cozzi, according to German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle. Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into Origones beating, according to the broadcaster. In an interview published by La Repubblica, Genoa Police Superintendent Vincenzo Ciarambino apologized for the officers attack on the journalist. CPJ emailed the Genoa police for comment but did not immediately receive a reply. Hundreds eagerly lined the streets of Boiling Springs on Sunday afternoon for the start of the annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony hosted by the VFW Post #8851. Jennifer Chadwick, of Mount Holly Springs, was there for a second year with her children and parents, Glenette and Mitch Heaster of Huntingdon County. This is a good, respectful display for the fallen, Chadwick said of the days events. Joy and Mike Fasick of Gardners were there with daughter Ellie, 11, to watch their sons perform in the Boiling Springs High School band. Matt, a graduating senior, played the trumpet, while Ben, a 10th-grader, played the drums. As always, the crowd clapped and cheered loudly as the Bubblers Band proceeded through the parade route. Also receiving hearty applause was the Yellow Breeches Middle School Band and the many veterans chauffeured through the route. Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Troop 171 also were recognized for decorating hundreds of veterans graves in the area on Saturday. The Cumberland County Honor Guard, led by Joe Newsome, also was there to take part in the yearly commemorative ceremony at the Clock Tower scheduled for immediately after the parade. We all feel honored that we were requested to take part in this ceremony. Were all veterans here and represent by all branches of the military service. We want to make sure that all citizens, young and old, honor our fallen, Newsome said. Newsome said the seven Honor Guard members present planned to shoot three times to commemorate the fallen during the commemorative ceremony scheduled to follow the parade. As it turned out, the days festivities ended with bang, but it definitely wasnt the type anyone had planned. As the Boiling Springs High School Band played the final note of The Star Spangled Banner for the days flag raising, a huge clap of thunder resounded through the sky. Although it already had started raining lightly, this cannon-like sound signaled the start of a downpour that lasted well over a quarter an hour. In the meantime, the VFWs ceremony was abruptly cancelled as VFW members quickly packed away electronic equipment and folding chairs. Crowds that had lined the streets just minutes before also had quickly dispersed, either taking cover under trees or retreating to their vehicles. At the same time, a steady line of vehicles were seen leaving Boiling Springs Taverns parking lot, the designated location of the community picnic. Bystanders, however, appeared impressed at the timing of the thunder that struck directly at the end of the National Anthem. The Lord is with us, Ann Roeder noted after retreating under a tree near Childrens Lake. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Brothers in arms buried side-by-side died years and thousands of miles apart. Sgt. Raymond Alwood of Carlisle died on Corsica on Jan. 2, 1945, just four days shy of his 21st birthday. The Sentinel reported that he had suffered wounds during a mission over the Brenner Pass as a gunner/engineer on a B-25 medium bomber flying with the 12th Air Force. His brother, 1st Lt. Carl B. Alwood Jr., died two years and four months later, the victim of a May 6, 1947, airplane accident in Japan. A pilot, Carl Jr. had 15 months service in the South Pacific during World War II and was stationed on the island of Kyushu at the time of his death. Tour Through Time this week commemorates Memorial Day with the back stories of servicemen buried in local cemeteries. Brothers Raymond and Carl Jr. were members of St. Patricks Catholic Church in Carlisle and had parents living in the 100 block of East North Street. The remains of Army Col. George Gibson are also buried in the churchs Shrine cemetery. A career soldier with experience in the infantry and quartermaster corps, Gibson was 63 when he died in Hot Springs, New Mexico, on Aug. 6, 1888. George was the third son of John Bannister Gibson, chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and the namesake of his grandfather, a Revolutionary War veteran who was killed by Indians on Nov. 4, 1791, during the Battle of Wabash River. Though George the elder was a victim of the Indian Wars, Rev. John Steel came down through history as the Fighting Parson. Steel was commissioned as a captain of the Provincial troops by the Penn family to remove settlers from Indian lands, according to www.findagrave.com. Steel also served under Lt. Col. John Armstrong during the Kittanning Expedition of the French and Indian War before becoming a chaplain and captain in the American Revolution. Buried in the Old Graveyard on East South Street, Steel was instrumental in establishing the First Presbyterian Church on the Square in Carlisle. Tour Through Time runs every Saturday in The Sentinel print edition. Reporter Joseph Cress will work with the Cumberland County Historical Society each week to look at the county through the years. Send any questions, future ideas or tips to jcress@cumberlink.com. Email Joseph Cress at jcress@cumberlink.com. 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. Long-term care is a multibillion-dollar industry that has enabled some operators to become wealthy -- while exploiting their workers. Across the country, scores of caregiverssome of them on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a weekearn a pittance to tend to the elderly in residential houses refurbished as care facilities, according to an investigation by Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting. The growth of board-and-care homes in neighborhoods across the United States is tied to medical advances enabling aging Baby Boomers to live longer despite debilitating illnesses while requiring the help of caregivers. There were about 29,000 residential care communities in the United States in 2016, according to the most recent federal figures available. About two-thirds are smaller facilities with four to 25 residents. Some caregivers at these facilities often effectively earn $2 to $3.50 per hour. Some say they end up working much longer than they signed up for or because they dont know about minimum wage laws. Many report working from dawn to dusk, and at night they have to wake to change adult diapers, dispense painkillers and shift the bedridden every two hours to thwart bedsores. The search below looks at national wage investigations over the last decade. Search by one or multiple criteria, including employer name, state, repeat or willful violations, amount of back wages paid and number of violations. Click on the 'Details' link for more information about the case. Notes: Data looks at federal data where investigations ended in 2009 or later, and does not include pending cases. Data compiled by The Center for Investigative Reporting and the Associated press. The data does not include the exact date(s) when the wage theft occurred. The findings start date and findings end date represent the investigative period that was examined by the US Department of Labor. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 DEAR READERS: Along with the millions of Americans who are observing this Memorial Day, I add my prayer of thanks for those courageous men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to our country. May they rest in peace. -- ABBY DEAR ABBY: I have been in a relationship for 10 years. We live together as husband and wife, but for personal reasons, we decided marriage is not for us. I have been married and divorced twice and have three children. One is 17, and the older two are grown. None of them have cars. We live in a rural area without public transportation. I was recently diagnosed with epilepsy and given a six-month driving restriction. Before my diagnosis, my boyfriend signed up to do a sport over the summer that takes him away four Sundays, our only day together. He does a different sport that takes him away for Labor Day. It upsets me that knowing I cannot get around and feel "trapped," he hasn't altered his plans in any way. He says I'm not as "trapped" as I feel, and I should use expensive ride-sharing services or rely solely on friends, which I feel is an imposition. I don't have many friends, especially ones who live close. Because he isn't willing to modify his plans, I feel like I'm taking a back seat to his hobbies. Is this fair? What advice can you provide so I don't feel as angry and resentful as I currently do? I still have five months to go on this restriction, and that is only if I am seizure-free. -- STUCK IN ILLINOIS DEAR STUCK: Is it out of the question that you could accompany him to one or more of these Sunday games? It appears your guy is centered solely on himself. Couples are supposed to have each other's backs. Although you never stood at an altar and pledged "in sickness and in health," after 10 years together, one would think the promise is implied. Consider this a wake-up call. It indicates that should you have more serious health problems down the line, this is what you can expect from him in the future. That said, your present condition should improve by the end of the summer. Focusing on THAT fact may lessen your resentment right now. But don't beat yourself up for having the feelings you do; right now, they are warranted. If your children have driver's licenses, perhaps they could drive you around so you're not so isolated. DEAR ABBY: We have a large break room at work where we gather to have lunch. Usually there are six to eight nurses gathering at one time. Sometimes we bring lunch from home; other times we order out individually. One co-worker constantly helps herself to others' food without it being offered. Example: If you order fries with your lunch, she will reach over and grab some off your plate without asking. It makes the rest of us uncomfortable. We feel it is rude and unsanitary. How do we politely ask her to stop doing this? -- HUNGRY NURSES DEAR HUNGRY: Politely ask? Politely TELL the woman you don't want her removing food from your plates without permission. And if she does it again, use your fork to "discourage" her, and I'll bet it won't happen again. DEAR ABBY: I have been dating a wonderful man for a little more than two years. We are both divorced and have children. Mine are 20 and 15; his are 12 and 10. We are very close, all of our kids get along, all the exes get along, etc. I love him. Despite thinking I'd never feel this way again, it has happened. He treats me SO well -- he is absolutely amazing to me. We go places, do things -- dinners, family events, etc. I have never felt so loved and valued. My issue is, he has not said the words "I love you" yet. We have discussed it a few times, but he is terrified to say it because of his divorce. I don't want to pressure him, but how long should I wait for him to say it before moving on? As a side note, it took him forever to say it to his now ex-wife when they were dating. -- LOVING HIM DEAR LOVING: Moving on? This man shows you by his actions the way he feels about you, and you admit that you have never felt so loved and valued. It takes no effort to say, "I love you." Many people have been known to say it without meaning it. That said, after two years it would not be pushy to ask him what the future looks like from his perspective. DEAR ABBY: What does it mean when your husband answers everything with "no"? For example, if I ask, "Are you watching 'This Old House'?" he says, "No, I'm watching 'This Old House.'" If I ask, "Do you want to eat dinner at 6?" he replies, "No, how about we eat around 6?" It's driving me nuts, and he doesn't even realize he does it. This happens almost every time I ask a question. Do you have any insight into this phenomenon? -- TALKED OUT IN TEXAS DEAR TALKED OUT: Your husband may be joking with you or not paying close attention when you ask him a question. I assume that you have told him how much this bothers you. (If you haven't, you should.) However, if it continues, stop asking and TELL him what time dinner will be ready, and reframe the way you ask your questions. (Instead of asking if he's watching "This Old House" say, "What are you watching, Honey?") 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: My husband and I were invited by some friends to meet for dinner. We arrived first; they showed up several minutes later. During the meal, the wife said, "I always scan the restaurant to see if there's anyone else here I know." After we finished dinner and the checks were paid, the couple got up and left the table. We didn't know where they had gone. I put my coat on and we were leaving, when the wife, who was now sitting down at another table with another couple, stopped us to introduce us to them. I think they were terribly rude. I feel they should have waited and walked out with us, saying hello as they passed the table of their other friends. This isn't the first time she has done this. Is there a way to politely tell her how rude it is? My husband still wants to meet them for meals, but I am really struggling with it. -- DITCHED DINER IN SOUTH CAROLINA DEAR DITCHED: If your dinner companion had perfect manners, rather than disappear after the check was paid, she would have said, "I see the Joneses over there. We want to go over and say hello, so come with us or go on ahead." Because you have dined together before, you know this is her pattern. I do not think it is anything to ruin a friendship over. DEAR ABBY: I've recently started seeing someone, and we have shared a wealth of information about ourselves with each other. When I asked him his last name, he said it was "Erickson." When I asked him if he had a middle name, he responded that he didn't. Soon after, I saw his driver's license. It had a completely different last name from the one he gave me, and it turns out he does have a middle name after all. Now I'm starting to question everything he told me, and I'm afraid he may have lied about even bigger things. What reason would he possibly have to lie about such a simple thing? And how should I confront him about it? -- JUST PLAIN CONFUSED IN GEORGIA DEAR CONFUSED: The reason someone would give false information is usually because the person has something to hide. Unless "Mr. Erickson" is in witness protection, my guess is he is married or has a criminal record he doesn't want you to discover. Rather than confront him and be lied to again, run in the opposite direction and cease any further contact with him! DEAR ABBY: I am an avid fisherman with limited boating knowledge. Recently, a friend bought an older used boat that has questionable integrity. He keeps inviting me to go out on it with him, and I'm running out of excuses not to. The real reason is my friend is inexperienced and the boat is unreliable. I don't want to be stuck out in the bay in a boat we can't fix. What's the best way to handle this? -- LEERY FISHERMAN IN TEXAS DEAR LEERY: The way to approach it would be to tell your friend the truth. Ask if he has taken a boating safety course, and if the answer is no, suggest he do it -- or that you do it together. As to the integrity of the vessel, ask your friend if the boat was inspected at the time of purchase, and if it wasn't, urge him -- for everyone's safety -- to have it done. DEAR ABBY: My daughter has two children, a 7-year-old boy and a girl who is 4. They were at an event with some of her co-workers the other day. Everyone was talking to the younger child, telling her how cute she was and ignoring the older one. It was like he was invisible. He was so deflated. I remember this happening with my girls when they were little. People always seem to gravitate to the little ones and pay no attention to the older ones. It has always bothered me. So, people, please be mindful of all the children. They are all precious. -- BOTHERED GRANDMA DEAR BOTHERED: You're right, this happens all too often. In a case like this, all it would have taken would have been for someone to have complimented your daughter on her son's behavior and said within earshot of the boy how lucky the little one was to have such a "good boy" for an older brother. I hope you spoke up. It takes only a moment to say something nice to someone of any age who needs the attention. DEAR ABBY: My daughter and her boyfriend have been together for four years. Despite being almost 30, he is very immature and constantly distracted by either his phone or his video games. Abby, he travels with his PlayStation everywhere he goes. When he comes into our house, he sets up his console in the living room, puts on headphones and plays games all day and night. If the family asks to use the TV for a few hours, he will sit on the sofa and take a nap or pull out his phone and continue gaming. I know nothing more about him than I did the first month I met him. He is rude, boorish, self-centered and has a criminal record (drugs). They live in another state, and for my daughter's sake, I try to accommodate him. When I asked for them to "visit us, not our TV," she became very defensive. Is this the new norm? Must I provide a TV in their room for when they stay? When they went to visit his family who live near us, he took the system to their house for the three-hour visit. How do I deal with this addiction? My daughter now wants to bring him along while we have our mother/daughter lunch and manicures. It's like he's 3 and has to tag along. He has no friends. When she goes out for a night with her girlfriends, we are expected to "baby-sit." I've never encountered anything like this. Please advise me. -- DONE MOTHERING IN PENNSYLVANIA DEAR DONE: I'll try, but first you will have to admit your part in creating this problem. You have to learn to say no to your daughter and her "boy"friend. If you want to watch television for a few hours during their visit, remember it's your home and you don't have to apologize for it. If you want a mother/daughter lunch and manicures, and she wants to drag him along, say, "No, this is our mother/daughter time. An hour or so alone with you is not too much to ask." The solution to your problem is to stop allowing your daughter -- and her socially inadequate boyfriend -- to dictate what's happening under your roof and in your life. Until you put your foot down, nothing will change. DEAR ABBY: By coincidence, I have a niece and nephew who will be graduating at the same time this spring. My nephew is getting a degree from a four-year college. My niece is getting a beautician's license from a high school/trade school. She has no plans to attend college. I will be giving them both graduation gifts, but should the amount be based on their level of education, or the fact that they have both completed their educations? I don't want my niece to feel slighted. She chose a profession she loves but does not require further education. I also don't want my nephew to feel slighted because he worked longer at far greater expense. -- UNSURE IN THE EAST DEAR UNSURE: If you are worried that your niece and nephew will compare your gifts, give each the same amount. What these gifts memorialize is not the money that was spent on their educations, but rather that they have both attained the level of education for which they were working. DEAR ABBY: When I was in my teens, and even into my 20s and 30s, I was a Plain Jane. I had little self-confidence. But strangely, I'm one of those people who has gotten better looking as I've aged. Now in my 50s, I am better looking than many women my age or even younger. Men definitely notice me, and I love it. My problem is, I'm now obsessed with my appearance. I constantly worry that I'll lose my looks. I have even considered cosmetic surgery. I don't want to be the shallow person I see I'm becoming. What can I do? -- LATE BLOOMER DEAR LATE BLOOMER: There's a saying, "You can fool Mother Nature, but you can't fool Father Time." What it boils down to is, time takes its toll on everyone. It isn't shallow to have the feelings you are experiencing. But please remember that beauty is more than what's on the surface. Perhaps it's time to start concentrating on qualities that accentuate your inner rather than external beauty -- kindness, warmth, intelligence, generosity, an appreciation for the value of others -- because charm lasts longer than beauty. This is not to say I don't appreciate the value of cosmetic surgery, which can do wonders for a person's sagging ego. But your appearance should not be the focus of your life because, frankly, it isn't healthy. DEAR ABBY: I am writing in response to the letter from "Military Service Marker" you printed on Dec. 22. When my uncle, a military veteran, passed away, he was without a military service marker, too. His two kids (my cousins) didn't bother to obtain one, probably out of sheer laziness. Feeling that it was important, I took the initiative and contacted the VA myself. I obtained the record of his honorable discharge (form DD 214) and his death certificate. I filled out the appropriate paperwork and my uncle got the marker to which he was entitled free of charge. It was delivered directly to the cemetery, and the only cost involved was the installation. It was well worth it, and I have never asked my cousins for a dime. I felt proud about having done something for a deserving vet! -- BILL B. IN MISSOURI DEAR BILL: My thanks to you and to the scores of other readers who wrote to share this information with me. It is important to know that relatives of deceased military veterans can receive these military markers at no cost. Starting the process is as easy as contacting the cemetery, the VA at www.cem.va.gov/hmm/, or a local VFW or American Legion post for assistance. DEAR ABBY: I need advice on whether to contact an old friend who backstabbed me years ago with my former business partner. I'm trying to get back into the field, and this old "friend" is doing well now. He has a lot of contacts that could help me start my own company. I'm not sure if I should contact him because of what he did to me. Should I? -- UNCERTAIN IN CALIFORNIA DEAR UNCERTAIN: Frankly, I think it would be a waste of time. Leopards don't usually change their spots. If you expect someone who backstabbed you once in business to become generous and helpful, you are dreaming. Find another way to network that he can't "taint," because if he can, he will. DEAR ABBY: I am almost 62 and struggling to get through the day at work. It's not because of the work itself, but I am extremely unhappy in the work environment. I have been here more than 20 years, and I have a real problem with the work ethic of the younger employees. They come in to work anywhere from a half-hour to two hours late. One of them takes hourlong breaks, two-hour lunches and then leaves early. Another comes to work and complains nonstop about her drive, her ex and all her aches and pains. (She just turned 40.) I go home every night frustrated and so stressed out I snap at my poor husband. I really want to retire. It wouldn't be a financial burden, although we would have to cut back on a little spending. My husband won't offer an opinion, but I know I'd be much happier and healthier if I did. Any advice? -- STRESSED AND TIRED DEAR STRESSED: You might be happier and healthier if, rather than retire early, you talked to a licensed mental health professional about how to manage your stress. You can't control the behavior (or misbehavior) of your younger co-workers. That's your boss's responsibility. If their lack of punctuality and poor attendance doesn't bother your employer, you should not be letting it affect you. And as to the woman who complains about her aches, her pains and her ex -- why are you listening to that garbage? You have only a few more years until you reach an age at which you can retire with all the benefits you have earned -- and without having to cut back. Please consider what I have said and ride it out. DEAR ABBY: I recently had a phone conversation with a cousin who lives on the other side of the country. We talk once a month. She has always been judgmental and negative about our cousins, aunts, uncles, etc., who -- for the most part -- she rarely communicates with. In the past, when she would put them down, I'd cut the conversation short because I didn't want to listen. During our last chat, she started in on my brother. That's when I lost it. I gave her a piece of my mind and hung up. Since then, she has texted and called a few times, but I haven't responded. I feel bad for what happened, but at the same time, I refuse to listen to her talk badly about and judge other family members. How should I handle this? Should I respond to her? In one of her texts she said she "didn't mean to upset me," but I don't consider that an apology. -- HATES JUDGMENT IN OHIO DEAR HATES JUDGMENT: Yes, you should respond to your cousin. She needs to understand that you are changing the rules regarding further conversations with her. Explain that it has always made you uncomfortable when she said unkind, judgmental things about family members, and that when she started in on your brother, you finally reached your limit. Tell her that in the future when you talk, it must be about positive things and not family members. After that, the ball will be in her court. See if she follows through. DEAR ABBY: I have a son from a previous relationship, and have been in a relationship with a man I'll call Bryan for a year. Not long ago, Bryan confided to me that he and his brother had been molested by a female relative. I don't know her. I have only met his parents. This female relative has been asking about my son on social media because she has seen him in pictures with Bryan's family. I want to tell her to back off, but so far, I have held off. I'm afraid if I do, I will cause problems because his parents don't know what I know. My protective instinct has become very alert. I may be wrong, but I feel like she sees my son as a future target. What should I do? -- MAMA BEAR DEAR MAMA BEAR: Listen to your protective instinct. Talk with Bryan and tell him the woman's questions are of concern to you, that you don't want her to have any information about or contact with your child, and then make sure your wishes are respected. If she receives any message to back off, it should come from him, not you. DEAR ABBY: On behalf of all new moms, please help with this question. Why does every woman in the world, it seems, feel entitled to ask new moms if they are breastfeeding their babies? How should new moms respond politely to this question? If you say yes, you may or may not be lying. If you say no, you will be judged. If you give an evasive answer, people will assume you are not and you will be judged as well. It seems to me that all substances excreted by the body should be off limits in social situations. -- MY BUSINESS IN TEXAS DEAR MY BUSINESS: Judgmental people can get to you only if you allow it. While there are valid reasons why babies should be breastfed, it isn't always possible, and women should not be quizzed by strangers about whether they are. My mother used to advise readers who were put off by prying questions to say, "If you will forgive me for not answering that question, I'll forgive you for asking." Even though you asked for a polite retort, in a situation like this, MY response would be, "If that were any of your business, you would already know the answer!" 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 DEAR READERS: Happy Memorial Day! This is such a special day in our country. Flags are waving, and barbecue grills are fired up. Parks and yards are alive with the sounds of happiness and children playing. This day marks the start of the summer season. But at its core, it represents so much more. Memorial Day is the day that our country remembers those who served in the armed forces and those who have passed on. Today is designed for us to take a moment and honor those people who sacrificed for our freedom. I want to invite each of you to stop and reflect: Who in your family served in the military? Who has left us and deserves to be remembered? Take a few minutes to write down what you know about that person. If you are headed to a family gathering, introduce the idea of everyone sharing memories of those who have passed on. In my family, I remember the lives of my father, the Honorable Harry A. Cole, and my uncle, Wendell G. Freeland, Esq. Both served in World War II. Both were educated men who became officers. Both were nearly court-martialed because they stood up against racism. I once heard my father and Uncle Wendell swapping their harrowing stories. My father was on a ship headed to Okinawa, Japan. He and a fellow officer were playing bridge when lunchtime rolled around. He wanted to finish his game, so he chose to go to the officers' mess hall to eat and continue playing. The problem was that this was in the time of segregation, and there was no colored officers' mess hall. While my father was an officer in the United States Army, he was not allowed to enter the all-white officers' mess. My father, a tall, dark-skinned black man, was asked to leave. When he refused, it caused a stir. He insisted he should be allowed to eat there, as he was an officer. The men under him learned of his situation, and came to his defense. Ultimately, my father stood down; he realized his actions could have created a mutiny. He believed he would be fine, but his men -- mostly uneducated -- might not fare well after the promised court martial. Uncle Wendell, a white-presenting black man, had a similar experience. A Tuskegee Airman, his ship to Europe had docked in Hampton, Virginia. He and his fellow officers decided to integrate the officers' club on the base. Their strategy was to go into the club two-by-two, starting with the lightest-skinned men first. It worked until the darker-skinned officers approached. When the Virginia officers realized what had happened, Uncle Wendell and his friends were all arrested and shipped off to be court-martialed with the threat of execution -- all for integrating the officer's club! They were spared because a journalist got wind of the situation, wrote a story and drew attention to their plight. These two men are heroes in my book for these actions -- and so many more. Despite being discriminated against, they served with honor in the military and throughout their lives. They exemplify courage and dignity. Today, I honor them. Whom do you honor? Tell those stories to your loved ones. Reignite the memories. That's what this day is for! DEAR HARRIETTE: My fiance and I just got engaged, and we are excited about our wedding. Unfortunately, I misplaced my engagement ring. I looked for it for weeks, but I finally told my fiance that I lost it. He understood and we replaced the ring, but I still have the guilt of losing the first one. I find myself reassuring him that I won't lose the ring again, but I want to stop doing that. My fiance hasn't shown any resentment, but I think I am punishing myself because of my mistake. I'm afraid it will come up in a future disagreement and he'll hold it against me. Is there a way to prevent him from using the lost engagement ring against me? Should I just get over this? -- Lost Engagement Ring, Jacksonville, Florida DEAR LOST ENGAGEMENT RING: It is understandable that you would feel guilty for having lost the initial ring, but what you are doing now is detrimental to the health of your relationship. If you keep dwelling on the lost ring rather than forgiving yourself and moving forward, it will remain a thorn in your side. Your fiance has let it go. Stop talking about it. Stop thinking about it. Focus on the present and the future life that you are building together. You cannot prevent your fiance from bringing up the ring in some future hypothetical argument, but you actually increase the chances of that happening if the loss remains top of mind for you. Move on. DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been single for two years now. I am dating, but nothing is serious yet. I am content and happy focusing on myself, but recently an ex has come back into the picture. This relationship did not end on good terms. Toward the end of our relationship, I found out that he wasn't faithful. I had thought we would take bigger steps in our relationship, like moving in together or even marriage. I was deeply in love with him until I found out the truth. After I learned about his unfaithfulness, we broke up, and I haven't spoken to him in two years. He has contacted me on Facebook, looking to mend things. I am not sure if it is the best idea for me. I want to stay happy with who I am now, and I don't want to go back and relive those memories by talking to him. Should I reconnect with him, and if so, how do I stay strong? -- Happier Without Him, Dundalk, Maryland DEAR HAPPIER WITHOUT HIM: Trust your instincts on this one. You made the right decision to end the relationship when he proved untrustworthy. You have gotten yourself to a happy place in your life. There is no reason for you to communicate with him anymore. Do not meet or talk with him. Instead, send him a nice note saying you hope his life is good and that he is happy. Tell him you are doing well and that you do not want to reconnect with him. Even if he persists in trying to get you to communicate with him, just say no. DEAR HARRIETTE: My son just started dating. I am happy for him, but the problem is that he brings all the girls that he is dating around family and for family events. I don't mind him inviting his friends, but the status of these relationships is confusing. He doesn't introduce each young lady as his "girlfriend," but the way they interact makes family assume they are together. I want my son to stay open and have him tell me about his dating life, but bringing around his casual dates is beginning to get complicated. How do I tell him to bring only the girls he's serious about around instead of bringing a different one to every family event? -- Revolving Door Dates, Minneapolis DEAR REVOLVING DOOR DATES: This is a tricky situation. On one hand, it is great that your son feels comfortable enough to bring any of his dates around the family. He is not interested in hiding his dating activity, which is commendable. On the other hand, the confusion that multiple girlfriends on his arm can bring is real. Keeping track of who's who can create moments when young ladies are called the wrong name or family members can get attached to one, only to find that she's long gone. Talk to your son about his intentions. Find out what he wants for his life in the near future and down the line. Tell him that you appreciate that he feels at ease bringing his dates around, but also point out that it is confusing for the family. I wouldn't tell him to stop bringing his dates to the house, but you might suggest that he bring only serious girlfriends to big family gatherings like holidays or family reunions. DEAR HARRIETTE: One of my teachers from high school is retiring. I recently received a message from a classmate of mine asking if I would like to record a 1-to-2-minute video that would be part of a farewell montage, created by her past and present students. When I received the message, I was shocked that she had messaged me directly. I loved the teacher, but I did not think we were that close. I am struggling with whether I should make the video. Would it be meaningful if I created the video, even though I don't have any personal memories to share? -- Saying Goodbye, Shreveport, Louisiana DEAR SAYING GOODBYE: You should make a little video. Your smiling face thanking your former teacher for being a great educator for you and so many students over the years will make her happy. If you can remember one moment that stands out, either something she taught you that made you a better student or a funny experience that you shared, include that. If not, just a joyful farewell is enough. DEAR HARRIETTE: I am 20 years old, and I have always had long hair. People always comment on how healthy and beautiful my hair is, which I appreciate. Recently, I have been thinking about cutting my hair and donating it to Locks of Love. Locks of Love takes donated hair and creates wigs for children with hair loss. It is a great cause, but it requires a little sacrifice. There are so many great things about donating hair, but I am nervous about having my hair that short. I feel guilty about thinking about my looks more than children who have lost their hair. Do you think there is a right or wrong decision when it comes to donating my hair? -- Should I Donate?, Milwaukee DEAR SHOULD I DONATE?: I know many young women who have donated their hair to this great cause. Not one of them has told me she regrets it. The good news is that because you have healthy hair that grows long, you have every reason to believe that your hair will grow back. Look at magazines or at images online of shorter hairstyles to decide how you want your hair to be cut. You may discover a whole new look that you want to explore for yourself while your hair is shorter. One young woman I know decided to cut her long hair just before she graduated from college. She did this because she wanted to have a more professional look for job interviews. Think about how your good action will help children with hair loss -- and also how you can personally benefit from the experience. By creating a win-win scenario, you will likely be less nervous about the cut itself. DEAR HARRIETTE: I live near a major city. My friends and I often travel into the city for a day of shopping or a fun dinner. In the past few months, there have been multiple terrorist attacks in big cities in both the United States and Europe. I am a very cautious person, so this scares me. It is starting to prevent me from making plans with my friends in the city. I think about what could happen while I am there, so I psych myself out about making the trip into town. Do you think this is an irrational worry? I don't want to live in fear or continue canceling plans with my friends. -- Fear of Terrorism, Lancaster, Maryland DEAR FEAR OF TERRORISM: Your fears are understandable. When random acts of terrorism occur with frequency in our own country, we, the citizens, get nervous. That said, you cannot let these few people with bad intentions destroy your life. That's when they win. If you truly feel paralyzed into inaction, you may want to see a counselor to help you sort through your feelings. Additionally, you may want to take action. Get involved in the political system in your hometown or even nationally. Find an organization that is actively working to thwart hate crimes and terrorist action, and volunteer for it. By giving voice to your fears and trying to find healthy solutions for how to move forward, you create a better chance for yourself to lead a full life. DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a 22-year-old woman. My best guy friend and I have been close friends for over eight years now. I consider him more like a brother than a friend. Recently, my boyfriend has been hinting that he doesn't want me texting or hanging out with my friend anymore. We haven't sat down and talked about it or had a huge argument about this, but it bothers me when he makes comments about how I shouldn't be as close to my guy friend as I am. I can see how my boyfriend might be a little jealous, but there is nothing to be jealous of. I need help on how to explain to my boyfriend that my friend will be in my life no matter what, so my boyfriend should learn to coexist with him. -- Boyfriend Vs. Guy Friend, Philadelphia DEAR BOYFRIEND VS. GUY FRIEND: It is not unusual for a boyfriend (or girlfriend) to be jealous of a close friend. It is also fairly common that one of the two friends has secret romantic feelings for the other -- even if they have gone unexpressed. This is why a partner could feel uneasy about such a close friendship. Since you feel strongly that you want to keep this friend in your life, you need to work to neutralize the situation. The best way to do that is to have your boyfriend and guy friend get to know each other better. Include both of them in activities so that your boyfriend will come to feel comfortable about this guy friend. Tell them both that it is important to you that they get to know each other. Since they both love you, tell them this is necessary. DEAR HARRIETTE: My mother and father are divorced. Recently, my mom started dating a guy who seems nice. He treats her well and seems very genuine. Because of the physical distance between us -- we live thousands of miles apart -- I've only spent time with them together a couple of times. From what my siblings and I can gather, there is nothing wrong with him. But then I start to think, why is this great guy single at this age? He's 50. Should I be worried my mom's boyfriend has an ulterior motive or something that he's hiding? -- Suspicious of Mom's New Boyfriend, Cleveland DEAR SUSPICIOUS OF MOM'S NEW BOYFRIEND: Take a deep breath and calm down. Your mother is a grown woman. She is enjoying this next chapter in her life, and by your own account, her suitor seems to be a good guy who treats her well. As you get to know him, you will learn about his life. You can also ask your mother how it is that he is 50 and single. She will know if he has ever been married and what his former circumstances are. If you ask her out of genuine curiosity rather than sounding an alarm, she will likely tell you what she knows. Do not share your worries with your mother. Right now, it doesn't sound like you have anything to be worried about. Many men and women are single when they reach their 50s. In some cases, it's because they never met the right person. Other times they are widowed or divorced, just like your mother. Many of them are perfectly normal, good people. Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106 Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Iraq has offered to try all foreign fighters held by the SDF. Several hundreds have been transferred for trial by Iraqi courts but none have so far been executed Three Frenchmen have been sentenced to death by an Iraqi court after being found guilty of joining the Islamic State (IS) militant group. The men - named as Kevin Gonot, Leonard Lopez and Salim Machou by AFP news agency - have 30 days to appeal. They were among 12 French citizens captured in Syria by US-backed fighters. In February they were transferred to Iraq for trial. The three are the first IS suspects from France to be sentenced to death. France has yet to react to Sunday's court ruling in Baghdad. But when pressed on the issue in February, French President Emmanuel Macron declined to comment, saying it was a sovereign matter for Iraq. Human rights groups have heavily criticised the trials of suspected IS fighters in Iraq. Activists they say the courts often rely on circumstantial evidence or confessions made under duress. What do we know about the three? Gonot, 32, is from south-eastern France. He is believed to have entered Syria through Turkey to join the al-Nusra Front, a branch of al-Qaeda, before pledging allegiance to IS. He was arrested in Syria with his mother, his wife, and his half-brother in December 2017. A French court has also sentenced him in absentia to nine years in prison. Machou, 41, belonged to an IS cell composed of European fighters that has carried out attacks in Iraq and Syria and planned others in Paris and Brussels, according to the Centre d'Analyse du Terrorisme (CAT), a French think tank. Lopez, a 32-year-old from Paris, also travelled with his wife and two children to IS-held Mosul in northern Iraq before entering Syria, CAT quotes French investigators as saying. His lawyer, Nabil Boudi, condemned the trial as "summary justice". He told AFP news agency that the death sentence had been "based solely on a series of interrogations in Baghdad jails". Why were they transferred to Iraq? IS once controlled vast swathes of territory stretching across Syria and Iraq. After years of fighting, Iraq declared victory on its side of the border in late 2017. On the Syrian side, the main offensive was led by a US-backed alliance of Arab and Kurdish fighters, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The group captured the last stronghold held by the jihadists in March. An estimated 1,000 foreign fighters - as well as many women and children - are estimated to be in SDF custody. Iraq has offered to try all foreign fighters held by the SDF. Several hundreds have been transferred for trial by Iraqi courts but none have so far been executed. More than 41,000 people from dozens of countries are estimated to have joined IS in Syria and Iraq - about a quarter of them women and children. Almost 6,000 came from Western Europe. Approximately 850 people from the UK were among them, including 145 women and 50 children. The vast majority of IS militants are believed to have been either killed or captured. It is unclear how many foreigners have died. Researchers suggest at least 7,000 have travelled back to their countries of origin. Those countries have raised concerns about bringing hardened jihadists back and the challenges of gathering evidence to support prosecutions. 3 French IS members sentenced to death in Iraq An Iraqi court on Sunday sentenced three French citizens to death after they were found guilty of joining the Islamic State group, the first IS members from France to be handed capital punishment, a court official said. Captured in Syria by a US-backed force fighting the jihadists, Kevin Gonot, Leonard Lopez and Salim Machou were transferred to Iraq for trial. They have 30 days to appeal. Iraq has taken custody of thousands of jihadists repatriated in recent months from neighbouring Syria, where they were caught by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces during the battle to destroy the IS "caliphate". The Iraqi judiciary said earlier in May that it has tried and sentenced more than 500 foreign suspected IS members since the start of 2018. Its courts have condemned many to life in prison and others to death, although no foreign IS members have yet been executed. The trials have been criticised by rights groups, which say they often rely on evidence obtained through torture. Those sentenced on Sunday were among 13 French nationals caught in battle-scarred eastern Syria and handed to Iraqi authorities in February on suspicion of being members of IS's feared contingent of foreign fighters. One was later released as it was found he had travelled to Syria to support the Yazidi religious minority -- the target of a particularly brutal IS campaign that rights groups say may have amounted to genocide. The remaining 12 were put on trial under Iraq's counterterrorism law, which can dole out the death penalty to anyone found guilty of joining a "terrorist" group, even if they were not explicitly fighting. Trials criticised Gonot, who fought for IS before being arrest in Syria with his mother, wife, and half-brother, has also been sentenced in absentia by a French court to nine years in prison, according to the French Terrorism Analysis Center (CAT). Machou was a member of the infamous Tariq ibn Ziyad brigade, "a European foreign terrorist fighter cell" that carried out attacks in Iraq and Syria and planned others in Paris and Brussels, according to US officials. Lopez, from Paris, travelled with his wife and two children to IS-held Mosul in northern Iraq before entering Syria, French investigators say. Iraq declared victory over IS in late 2017 and began trying foreigners accused of joining the jihadists the following year. Rights groups including Human Rights Watch have criticised Iraq's anti-terror trials, which they say often rely on circumstantial evidence or confessions obtained under torture. Baghdad has offered to try all foreign fighters in SDF custody -- estimated at around 1,000 -- in exchange for millions of dollars, Iraqi government sources have told AFP. Among those sentenced to life in prison are 58-year-old Frenchman Lahcen Ammar Gueboudj and 2 other French nationals. Iraq has also tried thousands of its own nationals arrested on home soil for joining IS, including women, and begun trial proceedings for nearly 900 Iraqis repatriated from Syria. The country remains in the top five "executioner" nations in the world, according to an Amnesty International report in April. The number of death sentences issued by Iraqi courts more than quadrupled between 2017 and 2018, to at least 271. But only 52 were actually carried out in 2018, according to Amnesty, compared with 125 the year before. Analysts have also warned that prisons in Iraq have in the past acted as "academies" for future jihadists, including IS supremo Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Iraqi Court Sentences 3 French Members of IS to Death An Iraqi judicial official says a Baghdad court has sentenced to death 3 French citizens, members of the Islamic State group. The official says the 3, sentenced on Sunday, were among 13 French citizens handed over to Iraq in January by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak to the media. Iraqi President Barham Saleh had said during a February visit to Paris that the 13 will be prosecuted in accordance with Iraqi laws. Thousands of men and women came from around the world to join IS when it declared its self-styled Islamic caliphate in 2014. It wasn't immediately clear how France, which abolished the death penalty nearly 4 decades ago, will react to the sentencing of its citizens. | 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 The Court of Appeal has thrown out two final appeals by a Malaysian drug trafficker against his death sentence for drug trafficking on Monday (27 May), ending a series of court battles spanning a period of nearly 10 years. The final recourse for 30-year-old Nagaenthran a/l K Dharmalingam would have been to petition to the President for clemency, according to his lawyer Mr Eugene Thuraisingam. The two appeals were against the decisions of the trial judge, Justice Chan Seng Onn, to dismiss Nagaenthrans applications for re-sentencing due to a mental impairment arising from abnormality of mind, and for judicial review of the Public Prosecutors decision not to grant Nagaenthran a certificate of substantive assistance (referred to as the PPs non-certification decision in general). Both appeals were heard together before a five-judge Court of Appeal in January this year, and judgment for both appeals were reserved. Delivering the judgment of the court, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon held that Nagaenthrans inconsistencies in his evidence and account of events, given to the psychiatrists and psychologists examining him, had undermined his mental impairment defence. Also hearing the appeals were Judges of Appeal Andrew Phang and Judith Prakash, Senior Judge Chao Hick Tin, and Justice Belinda Ang, who ruled that Nagaenthran was not suffering from any substantial mental impairment which would have enabled him to be sentenced to life imprisonment. With regards to the judicial review appeal, CJ Menon explained that a clause in the Misuse of Drugs Act, which supposedly oust the courts of its jurisdiction to judicially review the PPs non-certification decision save for grounds of bad faith and malice, is actually a statutory immunity clause that only prevents the PP from being sued for civil liability unless there was bad faith or malice on the PPs part. In so doing, the Court of Appeal disagreed with Justice Chan below and another conflicting High Court decision, and as such, the available grounds of judicial review against PPs non-certification decision are not limited, ruled the apex court once and for all. Nevertheless, the court found that the only two grounds pursued on appeal that the PP failed to take into account relevant considerations, and that the non-certification decision was made in the absence of a precedent fact, were not made out on the facts of Nagaenthrans case. The absurdity of another Malaysian in Singapore being sentenced to death The Singapore Court of Appeal has just dismissed the appeal against the death sentence of Malaysian D Nagaenthran. Nagaenthran suffers from mental illness or intellectual disability, according to his own medical expert, Dr Ken Ung. This could have saved him from the gallows if he had been able to convince the court that he suffers from such mental impairment. Unfortunately, the court chose instead to rely on reports from the Institute of Mental Health psychiatrists, which indicated that Nagaenthran's mental condition does not sufficiently qualify as mental impairment. Nevertheless, the prosecution and the High Court accepted that he suffers from a mild intellectual disabilty. A very significant point which was not raised in Nagaenthran's appeal was that the expert evidence of the states third medical expert, Dr Koh Wun Wu, was made without further independent medical examination of Nagaenthran. It was made instead with the objective of "making observations" on Ung's conclusions. This practice, known as 'poking holes' in the defence's report, is an unacceptable practice in criminal trials. To me, this renders the Court of Appeal's decision as being one in breach of the right to a fair trial under international law. Furthermore, it is widely accepted that the execution of mentally ill or persons with intellectual disabilities is a clear violation of international standards. Both international and domestic laws in many countries around the world prohibit the execution of people with mental illness or intellectual disabilities. Several international organisations have spoken and campaigned actively in this regard. As I am in the process of drafting a memorandum to the Malaysian government, where I will set out in detail as to why it should file a complaint to the International Court of Justice in view of the aforesaid breaches of international law, I sadly recall his distraught mother and brother's pleas and how I was consoling them not to lose hope. I will include several other breaches of the right to a fair trial that Nagaenthran has suffered. This may be one way to save Nagaenthran. The Singapore Anti-Death Penalty Campaign (SADPC) will also kick off its international campaign to save Nagaenthran with immediate effect. | 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 MONROE Todd Nystrom said he wanted to create something special to help save his hometown, which has turned desolate over the years, with more empty storefronts and vacant lots along Highway 99W. His familys new business, Long Timber Brewing Co., is scheduled to open in a few weeks, though no formal date has been set. We want the town to thrive and grow, Nystrom said. The craft brewery could employ 30 to 40 people and draw crowds to Monroe. Nystrom thinks that its already become a focal point for residents, and he hopes it will be a magnet that attracts more people to move to the city in south Benton County. Craft brewing experts have described the new company as ambitious. That might be an understatement, and not just for the Nystroms desire to reinvigorate an entire city. Long Timber is aiming to serve top-notch beer and food, and theyve hired top-notch talent. Then theres the brewery building itself, which is something of a palatial lodge, a warm-feeling place with honey-hued wood. The structure is down home enough for a farmer or logger but still fancy enough for a businessman in a suit. We tried to do something to set ourselves apart. We couldnt be a normal brewpub, Nystrom said. You have to have something to attract people on 99. Everyone on 99s a potential customer. Youve got 4,000 to 5,000 vehicles a day, he added. Despite the steady flow of traffic, downtown Monroe feels on the verge of drying up, Nystrom said. With the closure of the Long Branch Bar & Grill, the only real restaurant left in town is Bennys Pizza Joint, or perhaps, for those feeling charitable, Dari Mart. Nystrom, whose family has deep roots in the area, owns and manages Hull-Oakes Lumber Co., northwest of town, and that business played prominently in the brewerys name as well as its construction materials. Hull-Oakes always has been known for milling big logs, and exposed timbers, including a 60-foot beam that runs the length of the roof that is featured in the brewerys design. About 80 to 90 percent of the wood used in the building was milled at Hull-Oakes, Nystrom said. Old logging and sawmill equipment also is displayed inside the building, which has two stories and encompasses 8,800 square feet. The building was designed by Corvallis architect Lori Stephens, who also dreamed up the Monroe Community Library just down the street. A groundbreaking for the Long Timber was held in October 2017 and construction started in March 2018, Nystrom said. Besides the brewery, the building also has a wine bar featuring offerings from Sweet Earth Vineyards, a winery near Monroe that is owned by Nystroms daughter Natalie Payne, and theres a 700-square-foot meeting room. This is designed to be a place where people can meet in the community, said Matt Maller, Long Timbers head brewer. The Corvallis resident was most recently an assistant at both Calapooia Brewing Co. in Albany and at Sky High Brewing in Corvallis. At Long Timber, The focus is making some approachable beers with some creative zing, Maller said. Some people here arent used to craft beer, so were trying to introduce them to it, he added. Maller would like to bottle Long Timbers beer, but thats a challenge for further out in the future. He said that in addition to the beer, the food will shine at Long Timber, and that the chefs have a great vision for what they want to do. Co-chefs Mark Schuchardt and Tim Knebel both worked at King Estate Winery near Eugene. Knebel, from Texas, promised that the menu will feature plenty of brisket and other smoked meats. Schuchardt said that 95 percent of the items will be made in-house, and ingredients will be seasonally sourced and from the area. Were doing super local as much as we can, he added. The menu features a wide range of styles and varieties of dishes, but no pizza in any shape or form. We dont want to compete with anybody, Schuchardt said. For now, the plan is for the Long Timber to be open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and until 10 p.m. seven days a week. Wineries near Monroe, Alpine and Bellfountain dont have full menus, so Schuchardt believes that people going on tastings will stop by the Long Timber to grab a more substantial bite to eat. Payne said that figures to be a competitive advantage for Sweet Earths tasting room inside the Long Timber, as well. The 2007 graduate of Monroe High School, who also handles bookkeeping duties for the Long Timber, said the new space will allow Sweet Earth to operate year-round, instead of seasonally. Payne said that the change might allow her winery to expand production and delve into other varieties besides Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Despite the grand scale, Amy Nystrom, Todds wife and business partner, said that she just wants the Long Timber to succeed. Our intention is to hope this thing will survive and feed itself, she said. And in the process, it might help a community survive. Kyle Odegard can be reached at kyle.odegard@lee.net, 541-812-6077 or via Twitter @KyleOdegard. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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. Because the Memorial Day weekend has become synonymous with the unofficial start of summer, it's too easy to overlook the reasons why we set this day aside as a national holiday. So it's become our practice on this day to call your attention to a pair of sobering numbers: The first number, nearly 660,000, represents the number of Americans who have been killed in combat since the Revolutionary War, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (Some numbers for some conflicts, such as the Indian wars, are estimates and surely underestimate the total number of deaths on all sides.) The second number, nearly 540,000, represents the number of Americans who died during wartime of causes other than combat injuries diseases, for example, or training accidents. (The tally in this particular category is about 300,000 for just the Civil War, again according to statistics from Veterans Affairs.) It adds up more than a million reasons to remember Memorial Day. And so we have designated this day to remember all those men and women who have died in service to the country. Their sacrifices allow us to indulge in all the other activities that fill our weekend the picnics, the parties, the celebrations with friends and families. Those sacrifices are a big part of the reason why we're free today to do all of that. The original idea behind Memorial Day, which originally was known as Decoration Day, is not uniquely American, of course: The practice of honoring soldiers by decorating their graves dates back to ancient times. It is unclear which U.S. community was the first to formally set aside a specific day to memorialize the fallen. This much is clear, however: It was a declaration by Maj. Gen. John Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans, that really started the ball rolling for a national celebration of Memorial Day. His declaration set aside May 30, 1868 as Decoration Day. (It's believed that Logan picked that date because flowers would be in bloom all over the country by that time, making it possible for the graves of veterans to be decorated with fresh flowers.) As for why America waited until the end of the Civil War to move toward an official Decoration Day, the numbers from that war tell the story: Nearly 500,000 Americans died in the Civil War, according to Veterans Affairs statistics, an astonishing number. (Not all of those died in battle; about 280,000 died in various theaters in the midst of that brutal war.) Still, the deadly impacts of the war reached into every corner of the young republic. Today, as you wait for the coals on the barbecue to heat up, is a good time to reflect on the words of Logan's original proclamation. Logan wrote: Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic. ... If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us. Today, it falls to each of us, the living, to remember this solemn trust. Our eyes are not yet dull, our hands not yet slack. Our hearts still possess the light and warmth of life. Today, we can join the national moment of remembrance at 3 p.m. Or, if a mere moment seems insufficient, we can attend any of the numerous ceremonies held throughout the mid-valley to mark the day. After all, the remembrances we make today are a pittance compared to the sacrifices made over more than two centuries by more than a million Americans. We need to remember how those sacrifices paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy, today and every other day. (mm) Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Please don't spread this document around. It's Top Secret NY Times on May 16 by announcing the Democrats are doomed because of the GOP's brilliant abortion strategy (Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, Louisiana, Ohio, at al). Then yesterday, it was laughed at Jeremy Peters' stupid assessment of the abortion controversy when he first beclowned himself at theon May 16 by announcing the Democrats are doomed because of the GOP's brilliant abortion strategy (Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, Louisiana, Ohio, at al). Then yesterday, it was time for another laugh at poor Peters' expense . I think I can squeeze in one or two more laughs over this. First a really easy and direct metric: a new Reuters/Ipsos poll released today shows that "Americans have become more supportive of abortion rights over the past year, even as a wave of Republican-controlled state governments have imposed new restrictions. The poll found that 58% of American adults said abortion should be legal in most or all cases, up from 50% who said that in a similar poll that ran in July 2018... Eighty percent of respondents told Reuters/Ipsos they support abortion in cases of rape or incest," flying right into the face of the Republican Party strategy and "brilliance." Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), the GOP minority leader, sees what's coming because of these stupid decisions in Republican-controlled states to end women's choice. Many members of Congress whose districts aren't blood red enough need independent voters to win elections; they're seeing how badly the announcement of the ban is being taken, especially in suburbs. Nevertheless, the very right wing Republican Study Committee is urging Republicans to defend the ban, in some cases, by committing political suicide.They distributed a silly document that tell members to say that an abortion would be committing more violence against a woman who was raped or survived incest. They want GOP members to sell the idea that the legislation, which is overwhelmingly unpopular, is "bold new pro-life legislation." Committing a second violent act with abortion to a woman who has already been victimized by an act of rape or incest could physically or psychologically wound her further... Every single child should be afforded the opportunity to live, regardless of how they were conceived. The "how to" messaging document is labeled "strictly off-the-record and not to be printed or reproduced by/for the media." I guess that explains why I only got 3 of them rather than the 25-20 I would have normally gotten. The RSC blames the media for the controversy on the bands: "Unfortunately, the media is attempting to use these new developments to create 'gotcha moments' for Republicans and a divide within our party." McCarthy, who is an anti-choice lunk-head, understands that these bans on Choice-- even in cases of rape or incest-- will mean members like Fred Upton (MI), Brian Mast (FL), David Joyce (OH), Mike Bost (IL), Don Bacon (NE), Lee Zeldin (NY), Peter King (NY), Ross Spano (FL), Pete Stauber (MN), Ken Calvert (CA), Ann Wagner (MO), Steve Chabot (OH), Pete Olson (TX), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA), John Katko (NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Rodney Davis (IL), Mike Kelly (PA), Brian Steil (WI), Michael McCaul (TX), Trey Hollingsworth (IN), Mike Gallagher (WI), Tom Reed (NY), Michael Waltz (FL), Chip Roy (TX), Tim Walberg (MI), Andy Barr (KY), Sean Duffy (WI), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), Michael Turner (OH), Will Hurd (TX), Rob Woodall's seat (GA), George Holding (NC), Jim Hagedorn (MN), Elise Stefanik (NY), Steve Stivers (OH), Kenny Marchant (TX), Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA), Richard Hudson (NC), Scott Perry (PA), to name a few off the top of my head, are in jeopardy. Some of them-- Cathy McMorris Rogers and Elise Stefanik , for example-- are already distancing themselves from the extremist abortion bans. McCarthy made it clear it's up to each member top decide how to respond to these bans. He gave his members very different advice from the RSC: "I believe in pro-life. I believe in the protection of children. I do not believe in infanticide, I believe in three exemptions only: Life of the mother, rape and incest. Members run and take positions. It's a personal position, and they have to stake out their own personal position, just as I have." It sounds like Monkey-boy coordinated his own message with McCarthy: By the way, this Republican candidate for the open GA-07 seat already has committed political suicide with his introductory campaign video. This will certainly work with extremists in the Republican Party, but that's not enough to get anyone elected. Most voters in Gwinnett County-- and even Forsyth County-- are not ready to hitch their wagons to the candidacy of some violent asshole threatening to bring a military rifle to Congress to shoot Alexandria Ocasio and Bernie Sanders. Gwinnett County is very different now than it was when Newt Gingrich was be elected there. Stacey Abrams won the county and the congressional district in her gubernatorial race and progressive Democrat Marqus Cole is planning to win the congressional seat in 2020. A choice between Cole and the sociopath running on this video-- Harrison Floyd-- would give Cole a landslide win. Washington Post readers that's worth thinking about at this moment: A few days ago, Aaron Blake did a little analysis forreaders that's worth thinking about at this moment: Why Democrats Shouldn't Assume Impeachment Would Backfire . He notes that Pelosi is pushing back against pressure from Democrats to begin impeachment hearings-- and even denying any such pressure exists. "Pelosis reluctance to go down this path," he wrote, "is clearly a political calculation. She has emphasized that impeachment is a divisive process for the country and said Trump is 'just not worth it.' Its pretty apparent that she and others believe it could blow back on Democrats, especially given that a majority of Americans are opposed to impeachment at this point and its highly unlikely to succeed in actually removing Trump from office. And much of the punditry and analysis on this topic seems to agree that theres more potential downside than upside. But what if those assumptions are wrong?" Yesterday was the final day of elections across Europe for the EU Parliament. The headlines are all about how the mainstream center-right and center-left parties took terrible drubbings while the proto-fascist parties surged. The fascist surge had been predicted. A gigantic surge for Europe's Greens-- from 50 seats to 69-- hadn't been. But they did amazingly well in most of the advanced countries, up about 3.4% across the continent. Malignant tumors The big news in Ireland wasn't about fascists winning seats, It was about the Green Party surging. "The Sinn Fein vote is down all over the Republic of Ireland. It will no longer be the biggest party in Dublin, with several leaders saying the party is now the victim of the Green surge in support." There was also a referendum. Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar congratulated the Greens and vowed to take action on Climate Change. The U.K. is a real mess. Putin interference has screwed them over good. The Conservatives lost their asses to the Brexit Party and Labour lost theirs to the Lib Dems. UKIP ceases to exist, virtually all their voters and certainly all their seats now in the hands of the Brexit Party. They fell from 26.6% of the vote in 2014 to just 3.3%, their worst showing ever. London elected 3 Lib-Dems, 2 from Labour, 2 from the Brexit Party and one Green. Scotland was deadly for Labour, which came in 5th (9.3%, down from 26%), losing both their seats! The Scottish National Party (SNP) won the most votes (37.8%), their best performance ever, followed by the Brexit Party (14.8%) and the Conservatives (11.6%). These votes aren't finalized but this is how the UK results look now: Brexit (EFDD)- 31.6% (28 seats) Lib-Dems (ALDE)- 20.3% (15 seats, from just 1 in 2014) Labour (S&D)- 14.1% (10 seats, down precipitously from 18) Green Party- 12.1% (7 seats, from just 3) Conservative Party (ECR)- 9.1% (3 seats, down from 18) Scottish National Party- 3.6% (3 seats, up from just 1) Plaid Cymru- 1% (1 seat) It's worth noting that the Remain parties got 40.4% of the vote, the hard Brexit parties got 34.9% and the 2 confused mainstream parties that both lost because of being confused took 23.2% combined. It seems clear that Brits want a revote and that if they do, Remains will win. This, more or less, is how the new parliament will look: This kind of explains what that means although, keep in mind, that "liberal" doesn't mean the same here as it does there. Think of that bloc as centrists. This might help a bit: Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D): Forms part of the 'Grand Coalition' and is the second largest party. It's a traditional center-left bloc which is predominately pro-EU. European People's Party (EPP): Also forms part of the Grand Coalition and is the traditional center-right party. Also Pro-EU. Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE): Mostly made up of liberal-centrists who are Pro-EU. Greens / European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA): Made up of Europe's green and regionalist parties. Europe of Nations and Freedom (ENF): Far-right parties and hard euroskeptics. European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR): Right-wing parties who often campaign to reform the EU. Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy (EFDD): Populist and euroskeptic. European United Left / Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL): Left-wing, which comprises of socialist and communist MEPs. Non-Aligned: MEPs who choose not to align themselves to any groups. Others: New MEPs who do not belong to any political groupings yet. Here are some notes I took during the vote counting: In Malta , this was the first election where 16 year olds were permitted to vote and, Malta had the highest turnout of any European nation-- 73%. Early returns show the Labour Party way ahead of the Nationalist Party-- 56-36%. The very Trumpist fascist party-- Imperium Europa, which calls for a white ethnonationalist eurofederalist European state-- got just 3.2% of the vote. Malta's 6 EU parliament seats will be distributed among 4 Labour MEPs and just 2 Nationalists-- a gain of one for Labour and a loss of one for the conservatives. The Greens also surged in Finland and came in second with 16% of the vote. The neo-Nazi pro-Trump Finns Party, ", which was widely expected to dumbfound critics as it did during the parliamentary elections, picked up an additional one percent of votes and held on to its two MEP seats. However the result appeared to fall short of the populist wave that political pundits anticipated across the continent. "It looks like political parties were better able to mobilise voters who were concerned about issues like climate change and social exclusion and equality than the far-right was able to mobilise about closing borders," social commentator and writer Maryan Abdulkarim told Yle News. She noted that Green parties had posted big gains across the EU on election night. ...The Greens may have been the evenings biggest winner, but the National Coalition Party led by Petteri Orpo topped the poll with 20.8 percent voter support to retain its three MEP seats, although voter enthusiasm in this election slipped by 1.8 percentage points... The Social Democratic Party also protected its two Europarliament seats, snapping up an additional 2.3 percent of votes in this election to close the night on 14.6 percent support. The big winner in Spain was the Socialist Party, although the neo-fascist VOX Party took away votes from the mainstream conservatives. Spain has 54 seats at it looks like the Socialists will take 18 of them (up from 14). The conservative People's Party came in second with 11 seats, down from 16. The center-right Ciudadanos won 9 seats, up from 2. The left-wing Unidas Podemos Party came in 4th (7 seats) and Vox came in 5th and will enter the EU Parliament for the first time with 4 seats. Catalan separatist leaders Carles Puigdemont (living in exile in Belgium) and Oriol Junqueras (in prison) were both won EU seats, but unlikely to ever be able to take their seats. In Macron suffered a disaster with Le Pen's neo-Nazi party narrowly in first place 24.0% to 22.5%-- 22 seats for the fascists, 21 seats for Macron. The Green Party came in 3rd with 12.5%-- and 12 seats. "The two parties that between them had dominated French politics for decades until the rise of Macron are both shown to have polled in single figures. Nicolas Sarkozy's old party Les Republicains polled around 8 percent, while the Socialist party of Francois Hollande was on 7 percent." Italy's would-be Mussolini, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini-- who dubbed his campaign "Make Europe Great Again"-- won big, especially in northern Italy. The left-wing parties lost badly. In Germany the reborn Nazi Party-- Alternative for Germany (AfD) party-- came in 4th and won 10.8% of the vote and 11 seats, 8 more than in 2014. Merkel's CDU came in first with 28.7% and 29 seats, making it the biggest party in parliament, either tied with the Brexit Party or with one MEP more. The Greens came in second with 20.7% to the Social Democrats' 15.6%-- and 21 seats, eight more than in 2014.. In Poland the far right Trumpist ruling party Law and Justice (PiS) won with 42.4% of the vote, to 39.1% for the European Coalition-- led by the biggest opposition party, the Civic Platform (PO). Coming in far short of polling, the center-left Wiosna Party won only 6.6%, and the far right-wing Konfederacja followed with 6.1%. The Law and Justice Party campaigned on a virulently anti-LGBTQ platform Estonia reported are no major surprises as pre-election polls proved to be accurate, unlike in much Europe. Their 6 EU seats went to 2 Social Democrats, 2 Reform Party candidates-- one from the Centre Party and one from the fascistic Estonian Conservative Peoples Party-- and one to an independent. Lithuania elected former central banker Gitanas Nauseda, a conservative who ran as an independent, president. He beat another conservative, Ingrida Simonyte. The mainstream conservative party won and extra seat and so did the Greens. In Hungary, Viktor Orbans neo-Nazi ruling Fidesz party won 13 of the country's 21 seats, one more than in 2014. Former Socialist Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsanys Democratic Coalition won 4 seats and the Momentum Movement captured 2. The left-wing/green coalition of the Socialist and Dialogue parties took just one seat and the Jobbik Party, which is even further steeped in fascism than Orbans Fidesz, also won a single seat, worse than had been predicted. Turnout was relatively high-- 43%-- more than in any European parliament election since the EU made the colossal mistake of admitting Hungary in 2004. First a caveat: I don't really "get" Facebook and my page is pathetic and 95% of the time I just use it to promote myposts. I kind of feel sorry for people who think Facebook posts are a reliable source of information about politics or, for that matter, for anything of substance. Last week,published a feature by my old pal, Matt Stoller, who formerly worked for Alan Grayson and then Bernie Sanders and now works at the Open Markets Institute-- Democrats Need to Tame the Facebook Monster They Helped Create . "Breaking up the social networking behemoth is one option," he wrote. "But first, Democrats need to start pointing the finger at regulators who wont admit theres a problem." We'll go further, but first let me put something in the back of your mind about the money Facebook spreads around in Congress. The top graphic-- lobbying isn't what I want to get into, aside from noting it. The bottom graphic is the one I want to draw more attention to. In the last cycle, Facebook spent over a million and a half dollars in bribes-- legalistic bribes disguised as campaign contributions, $308,600 to Republicans and $1,232,217 to Democrats. These were the dozen top recipients among House members and House candidates: One Republican: the House minority leader-- and an awful lot of Democrats with reputations for selling votes and influence. Also... no progressives; just arguable corruptible conservatives. So why was Facebook ready to spend so much money to buy friends in Congress? Stoller gets right to it: "If you are thinking about Facebook or questions of political economy, an important and telling hearing took place recently in the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Democratic leaders Frank Pallone and Jan Schakowsky did an oversight review of Facebooks regulator, the Federal Trade Commission, with all five commissioners, including Chairman Joe Simons, advancing ideas on how to address privacy rules in America today. And yet, sitting in that room, youd have no idea, except for a few people in the audience holding protest signs sharply dismissed by Schakowsky, that there is deep anger from all over the world toward Facebook. This includes calls from multiple former corporate insiders, such as co-founder Chris Hughes, to break up the company as a monopoly. FTC Chairman Joe Simons didnt seem to notice. He offered a self-satisfied observation about his commissions work, its 'vigorous and effective' programs, and its 'significant' impact to keep markets open and free. But it wasnt just Simons who was out of touch. The Democrats offered little criticism of the commission, and actually called for the FTC to get more money and more authority. 'Too often,' Pallone lamented, 'the FTC can do little more than give a slap on the wrist to companies the first time they violate the law.' What Pallone ignored is that Facebook has broken the law, multiple times, and the FTC has authority to act. But the commission just wont. Instead of acknowledging the unwillingness of regulators to do their jobs, Pallone is rewarding the agency for failure." Pallone is a notorious crook , one of the most corrupt men creeping around Congress. He takes immense sums of money from the companies and industries his committee oversees, more, in some cases, than anyone else in the history of Congress. Pallone should be rotting in prison , not chairing hearings. He'd taken $12,000 from Facebook since 2012. Yet he didn't think it necessary to recuse himself from chairing the hearing. Pallone and Schakowsky are sophisticated policymakers who understand there are serious problems with Facebook, yet even they cannot seem to recognize that the problem is the regulators in charge of the problem arent doing their job. How did we get to the point where people who could actually do something about this problem dont seem to realize their own power to address the situation in the first place? The rationale for Pallone to avoid FTC failures is clear. For one thing, Democrats want to pass a federal privacy bill which would place rules on companies that handle personal data. They need new authorities and a regulator to implement such a bill, and the regulator on hand is the FTC. So they cant very well acknowledge that the regulator is an institutional catastrophe, and at the same time call for more of it. (It brings to mind the old joke, this restaurants terrible, and the portions are so small.) The second reason Democrats have a problem pointing the finger at the FTC is because the failures at the agency largely happened under the Obama administration. And yet, recognizing that the privacy problem is really because of failures at the FTC is an essential first step to solving it. Facebook doesnt encompass everything thats wrong with our privacy regime, and clear rules around privacy wouldnt address all of what people fear about Facebook. But generally speaking, Facebook and Google are the best examples of how business models based on pervasive surveillance structure our culture. Facebook makes its money from behavioral targeted advertising. This means tailoring ads to each user based on what it knows about them, generating traffic through incendiary content so it can have a lot of ad slots, and then placing ads in the least expensive ad slot possible. This means the company has the incentive to collect as much personal information about each user as possible, and it has the incentive to prioritize poor quality content. Users and advertisers have nowhere else to go to an increasingly poor quality product, because Facebook has bought up its competition. Addressing a broken market structure like this one is the kind of problem the FTC was set up to address. A a result, Facebook is now dominant in the social networking market. If you dont like Facebooks main product, which is an increasingly bad consumer experience, there is, as Senator Lindsey Graham made clear when questioning Mark Zuckerberg, no alternative not owned by Facebook. The FTC is in charge of blocking anti-competitive mergers, and perhaps the most consequential failures had to do with the mergers that enabled Facebook to become a monopoly. It bought Instagram in 2011 and WhatsApp in 2014. It bought Onavo, a spyware tool that allowed the company to surveil its competitors, watch their traffic and copy their best features. The FTC blocked none of these. The Democrats had a monopoly friendly posture during the Obama-era Democrats; it was an open secret that Sheryl Sandberg was likely to be in Hillary Clintons Cabinet. Facebooks model is also the result of lax regulatory choices that also happened under previous administrations. Facebook users werent always so apathetic about privacy. In the mid-2000s, there were broad, vibrant debates on the site about privacy. As tech entrepreneur Dina Srinivasan reminds us, Facebook beat its competitor MySpace by portraying its site as a safe space for college students, in contrast to the anything goes mantra of the existing social networking systems of the time. From 2007 onward, in both the Bush and Obama eras, Facebook abused the privacy of its users and did not disclose its terms and conditions. In response to a massive user group titled Facebook Users Against the New Terms of Service, the company banned the use of Facebook in the title of groups. Marc Rotenberg from the Electronic Privacy Information Center routinely issued complaints and sued the FTC to get the commission to enforce the law. Finally, in 2011, the FTC and Facebook signed a consent decree, settling charges that the companys practices were unfair and deceptive, and violated federal law. Joe Simons, when he was appointed to run the commission in May 2018 by President Donald Trump, pledged to look back at mergers, to see if the FTCs merger policy made sense. So far, Simons hasnt bothered to follow through on his promise, though the FTC does have economists who spend their time attacking critics who engage in merger retrospectives. Democrats are right that the FTC does have regulatory gaps, like the ability to issue fines on the first offense. And courts are often hostile. But they are wrong to chalk up failures to resource and authority limits. Violations of consent decrees have teeth. As Commissioner Rohit Chopra has noted, the FTC has powerful tools to address repeat offenders, including fines of roughly $40,000 per violation. Given that privacy violations usually number in the millions, a repeat offender that has signed a consent decree with the FTC is basically at the mercy of the commission. But since 2011, the commission has done virtually no follow-up or enforcement on Facebook (or Google, which signed a decree in 2011, as well). There are other levers, such as research capacity, and so-called Section Five authority to bar unfair methods of competition, but it hasnt used those either. The reason the FTC has done little is not because it lacks authority, but because its officials simply do not believe there is a problem to be solved. As the New York Times reported last year, the official in charge of the Facebook investigation, James Kohm, sees Facebook as a legitimate business offering free services, and doesnt believe the company has violated its promises to the commission. And far from holding him accountable, Chairman Simons gave Kohm a Presidential Rank award. The FTC might kick a scam artist once in awhile, but when it comes to big companies, FTC officials dont want to use the authority they have. They see themselves not as cops but as deal-makers. ...Unless Democrats are willing to take on this rotten philosophy at the FTC, offering more authority and funding without changing the leadership of the agency will make the problem only worse, for two reasons. One, suggesting the problem is a lack of money and authority is a built-in excuse for inaction to use what authority the commission does have. And as Ive shown, it has a lot. If it didnt, Facebook wouldnt be willing to pay a large fine just for public relations purposes. Two, if the FTC gets extra money and authority, it wont do anything with it. It doesnt believe in standing up to powerful businesses, and thats not going to change until Congress starts kicking it in the teeth. Democrats have been here before. In the 1920s, the FTC spent its time organizing price-fixing cartels among big businesses, angering anti-monopolists. And yet Democrats wanted to extend regulatory authority over the stock market, with no institution that could handle the rule-making and administration, except for a degraded FTC. They pursued a two-party strategy. They were critical and hostile. In 1933, populist Democratic Congressman Wright Patman organized enough members of Congress to cut $100,000 from the FTCs proposed budget (a significant sum back then). But they extended, grudgingly, its authority. Congress tasked the FTC with regulating the stock market, but micromanaged the agency by giving the commission virtually no discretion over how to do it. The next year, Congress further humiliated the FTC, creating the Securities and Exchange Commission to take power from the commission. By 1936, the strategy worked. The FTC had nearly doubled the percentage of its budget dedicated to anti-monopoly work, and it pursued price discrimination cases against the most powerful chain store in the economy at the time, A&P, all the way to the Supreme Court. This assertive anti-sloth posture became a core part of the Democratic Party mantra. Before and during World War II, leaders like Senator Harry Truman used aggressive oversight to humiliate and undermine badly performing regulators and cheating business leaders. They encountered much of the same nonsense we hear today about the difficulty of acting, but they didnt fall for it. As Clifford Durr, a key actor involved in building war plants capacity to defeat the Nazis put it, Complexity was not nearly so great a problem as reluctance to do the obvious and simple things. We dont have to go back 70 years to find good examples of institutional creativity. In the 1990s, it was state attorneys general in Iowa and Texas who brought the first case against Microsoft. The FTC had earlier deadlocked on whether to do anything about the company, and the DOJ had negotiated a useless settlement in 1994. In 1998, the Senate, in a hearing chaired by Orrin Hatch (and organized by Trumps current antitrust chief), helped encourage the Department of Justice to join the states and bring the famous case that nearly split apart the company. Today, there are officials acting to constrain Facebook, both abroad and in Washington. They just arent located at the Federal Trade Commission. Washington, D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine recently brought a consumer protection lawsuit against the social networking giant for its breaches of privacy. I was in the courtroom listening to some of the arguments last month, and I watched Facebooks lawyer argue the prosecutor was out of step with the key regulator of privacy in America, the FTC. There are more state officials investigating, and you can be sure Facebook will continue to point to the FTC as its shield. Theres a crisis right now, and Congress must step in. On an institutional level, it can move money to Racine or other state attorneys general who have the willpower but not the resources. It can and should investigate the crisis of legitimacy at the commission, perhaps cutting the budget for travel so commissioners dont jet off to Europe or Japan for fancy antitrust conferences, or increasing the budget for honoring Freedom of Information Act requests the commission ignores. To address the problem the FTC wont, Congress should break up Facebook through statute, or be detailed and explicit about what to do to the social networking space rather than deferring to failed regulators. More broadly, its time to start imagining what a functional FTC, a functional government, and in turn, a manageable Facebook, might look like. After going through something as life-altering as a car accident, the best thing you can get out of it is... Ted Lieu (D-CA) served in the air force and today serves as a colonel in the Air National Guard. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) was deployed in Iraq as a Marine corporal. Today the two of them are prominent voices for peace within the Congressional Progressive Caucus. On Friday thepublished an OpEd the two of them had penned, Trumps Leniency On War Crimes Weakens National Security . "George Washington said, 'Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable, procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.' The United States has the best military in the world," wrote the two vets, "in part because our soldiers abide by, and believe in, good order and discipline. President Trumps pardon of a war criminal and potential pardoning of other troops accused of war crimes strikes at the soul of our armed forces, undermines unit cohesion and weakens national security." Trump never served. We did. One of us fought in the Iraq war. The other prosecuted members of the military who violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice . From the first day of basic training, like every member of the military, we were taught to follow orders, regulations and laws. Unit cohesion suffers and lives are put at risk when troops go rogue and are not punished. Discipline is so important to the military that Article 134 of the Uniform Code specifically makes it a crime for members to engage in conduct that is prejudicial to good order and discipline or that bring[s] discredit to the armed forces. Enforcing discipline in an organization as large as the U.S. military requires the certainty of punishment for those who violate regulations or the law. If only certain provisions of the code are enforced, or if members think they can get away with crimes because of a presidential pardon, it will have a corrosive effect on every aspect of readiness, and it will encourage others to disobey orders. If our adversaries know the American military will flout the law of war, they will be more inclined to do the same. All members of the military are taught to obey the Law of Armed Conflict, also known as the law of war. Its many provisions enshrine principles we all recognize as basic to appropriate military conduct, including this one: Unarmed civilians are not legitimate military targets. Articles 118 and 134 prohibit murder. It is criminal to intentionally kill a defenseless civilian or to kill prisoners of war. Some of the war crimes committed by U.S. personnel are indistinguishable from murder. Army 1st Lt. Michael Behenna was convicted of unpremeditated murder in a combat zone by a military court. He drove an unarmed Iraqi prisoner into the desert, stripped him naked and shot him in the head and chest. Trump recently pardoned him. Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher has been charged with committing multiple war crimes in Iraq, including shooting an unarmed civilian girl and an unarmed civilian senior citizen, stabbing to death a defenseless teenage Islamic State captive, and indiscriminately spraying a neighborhood with rockets and machine gun fire. Seven members of SEAL Team 7 came forward and reported Gallaghers actions to Navy authorities just as the law, their training and their honor demanded. Gallagher has pleaded not guilty. Army Maj. Mathew Golsteyn will be court-martialed for the killing of an unarmed Afghan. Golsteyn admits to the act; the Army calls it murder, he calls it a legitimate ambush. According to news reports, Trump is considering Memorial Day pardons for Golsteyn and Gallagher. Our military follows the law of war not just because it is the moral thing to do but because it is critical to mission success. When troops kill civilian children, senior citizens and prisoners of war without justification, those crimes make peace more difficult to secure and hand our enemies a great recruiting tool. If our adversaries know the American military will flout the law of war, they will be more inclined to do the same, including killing future American prisoners of war. If American troops dont obey the law, Iraqi and Afghan officials will be less likely to cooperate with U.S. military efforts, and civilian anger will put our deployed personnel at increased risk. We acknowledge the presidents pardon power is nearly unfettered (although it cant be used to obstruct justice). Trump can pardon war criminals, and there is not much Congress can do to stop him. But we can speak up against this travesty. Trump may think that formally forgiving those who have been convicted of or charged with committing war crimes is being pro-military. Exactly the opposite is true. Rather than bring esteem to all, Trumps pardons would undermine good order and discipline, increase the risk to our deployed personnel, and stain the soul of our military. KasikornBank's Kasikorn Vision has joined hands with VIISA, a leading accelerator in Vietnam, and UP Co-Working Space to hold a three-day hackathon. The event, from June 28-30, 2019, will offer startups the opportunity to gain financial backing from Vietnamese and overseas investors and fast-track their entry into a range of other startup programs. It will target startups with products or ideas to tackle finance and business challenges facing Vietnamese and ASEAN economies. Bringing together KBank's expertise in regional banking, KVision's $245 million worth of funding, VIISA's local know-how, and innovative ideas from local startups, the aim is to drive synergy that will spur cutting-edge solutions and create value and drive growth in Vietnam and the wider region. KVision and VIISA's three-day hackathon aims to drive synergy that will spur cutting-edge solutions and create value and drive growth in Vietnam and the wider region. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Nguyen. Chat Luangarpa, first senior vice president of Thailands KBank, said Vietnam has emerged as one of ASEAN's most vibrant startup markets and active venture capital markets. With a fast-growing economy, a pool of youthful tech talent, and strong government support, it has all the key ingredients for rapid innovation growth, he said. "The country's young, change-oriented consumer market makes Vietnam a perfect place for startups to thrive." KVision, aiming to drive innovative growth in the region, sees the potential for Vietnamese startups to not only grow in the local market but also capture opportunities across ASEAN. Supported by KBank's presence in the region, the hackathon is aimed at equipping Vietnamese startups with the right tools to take them to the next level on the regional stage. Chat Luangarpa, first senior vice president of KBank, said Vietnam is one of the most active venture capital markets in the region. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Nguyen. The program will bring seasoned mentors from the local and global startup communities, including Akamai, Sendo, and other leading accelerators, and business veterans such as UniBrands. Through a series of mentoring and sharing sessions, startups will receive real-world advice, hands-on supervision and invaluable networking to help them step up their game in all aspects. From design thinking to pitching, the end goal is to inspire and drive startups to come up with real solutions to materialize their business, and form real connections to make their business happen. Startups with potential will have the opportunity to gain financial backing from investors in Vietnam and overseas and fast-track entry into a range of other startup programs. At the heart of this program lies the idea of co-innovation. Duc Tran, CEO of VIISA, said the time for partnerships is now. Gone is the time when brick-and-mortar corporations and startups could simply view each other as competitors, he said. Partnerships between the two could bring a synergy and combination of various strengths to accelerate growth, allowing startups to expand at a time of increasing competition while also allowing corporations to transform in the digital age. Duc Tran, CEO of VIISA, said partnerships between big firms and startups can bring a combination of different strengths to accelerate growth. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Nguyen. Luangarpa said this is now one of KBank's key strategies too. The establishment of KVision in Vietnam as well as other countries with outstanding technology sectors like China, Israel and Indonesia is to scout for innovative startups to co-launch new services in the region's underserved and quickly evolving markets. KVision will hold the three-day "KVision x VIISA Hackathon: Building Co-Innovation" event at UP Co-Working Space, Ho Chi Minh City, from June 28 to 30. The program is open to both startups with business ideas and those with existing products. Prizes include $2,000 for the ideation track winner, $5,000 for the acceleration track winner and fast-track guarantees to various startup programs and perks from hackathon partners. Applications are open until June 15. KVision looks to play an active role in linking startup ecosystems in ASEAN. Earlier this month the Thai company signed an agreement with the Vietnamese government's Business Startup Support Centre to support Thai startups' entry into the Vietnamese market. KBank first entered Vietnam in 2015 with representative offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. To continue its focus on Vietnam, KBank plans to upgrade its Ho Chi Minh City representative office to its first branch in Vietnam once the license is granted. Alongside setting up branches, KBank also looks to bring in digital solutions, including partnerships with startups to address financial service gaps and drive disruption in the region. A worker works at a residential apartment project site in Hanoi. Photo by Reuters/Kham Vietnam has drawn FDI worth $16.74 billion in the first five months of the year, the highest in the period since 2015. The registered foreign direct investment, which includes newly-registered capital, capital supplements and stake acquisitions, represents an increase of almost 70 percent year-on-year, the Ministry of Planning and Investment reported. Of the amount $6.46 billion went into 1,363 newly-registered projects, up 38.7 percent. Mergers and acquisitions were up 2.8 times at $7.65 billion. Hong Kong led with $5.08 billion, making up 30.4 percent of overall FDI in the period. They were followed by South Korean and Singaporean investors, who contributed $2.62 billion and $2.09 billion, or 15.7 percent and 12.5 percent respectively. Over half of FDI from acquistion deals came from Hong Kong investors. The biggest deal is a $3.85 billion deal by Beerco Limited of Hong Kong to acquire a 99.39 percent stake at Hanoi-based beer maker Vietnam Beverage Co., Ltd. Biggest newly-registered projects include a $260 million electronic equipment factory of a Hong Kong company, and a $214.4 million tyre factory of a Chinese company. Experts said a major reason behind the registered FDI surge is a number of companies are leaving China for Southeast Asia including Vietnam to dodge tariffs given the escalating U.S.- China trade spat. Terence Chiu, head of commercial banking at HSBC, told local media recently that factory owners had been shifting production lines to Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, to protect themselves from the rising tariffs due to the U.S.-China trade war. He said the shift had already begun in the last few years after China became more expensive, but the trade war has brought a sense of urgency to factory owners. Manufacturing accounted for 71.8 percent of all registered FDI in the January-May period, followed by real estate at 8.2 percent and wholesale and retail at 5.2 percent. Disbursed FDI was estimated at $7.3 billion, up 7.8 percent year-on-year. The FDI sector saw a trade surplus of $12.73 billion. Its exports, including crude oil, reached $70.4 billion, accounting for 69.9 percent of the country's export turnover. Vietnam's registered FDI last year was down 1.2 percent from a year earlier to $35.46 billion. Disbursement reached a record $19.1 billion, a year-on-year rise of 9 percent. The Government Inspectorate in 2018 ordered HCMC authorities to revoke the 5,000-square-meter land on Le Duan Street in District 1. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Vietnamese lawmakers allege that investors with close ties to officials are benefiting from transactions involving public land. Dinh Duy Vuot, a National Assembly delegate from the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai, said Monday that some officials were allocating public land directly instead of organizing public bids for it as legally mandated. Many investors have become rich by acquiring land this way, getting it at lower evaluations because they have close ties with local authorities, he added. Pham Trong Nhan, a delegate from the southern province of Binh Duong, said that some project conditions have been changed on investors demand, instead of making them obey the law. "There are projects whose building density has reached 40 percent, while regulations cap it at 21.6 percent, and number of floors in a building has reached 48 while the cap is 20." Mai Sy Dien, a representative from central Thanh Hoa Province, said many local authorities have transferred land to businesses without an official document on land allocation or leasing, which is a severe violation of the law. Land evaluations have differed for different investors at the same time in the same locality, he said, adding that this showed there were investors who were favored by authorities. In recent years, Vietnam has seen major violations in land transfers and acquisition. Last year, government inspectors asked Ho Chi Minh City to revoke a piece of public land at a prime location, saying violations had caused multimillion dollar losses to the state budget. The land lot, nearly 5,000 square meters (nearly 6,000 square yards) at 8-12 Le Duan Street in District 1, was designated in 2007 for a project to build a commercial center and a five-star hotel. HCMC authorities should have carried out a bidding process to select a prestigious and experienced investor; instead they allowed a joint stock company, following requests from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, whose units had leased the lot, to acquire the land, said the Government Inspectorate. Lawmakers at the ongoing NA session demanded changes to stop the gross violations. Vuot of Gia Lai proposed that the country strictly punishes those who use land for the wrong purposes and that such properties are retrieved. Dien of Thanh Hoa called on the government to stop paying build-transfer (BT) project investors with land, while other lawmakers said that Vietnamese citizens should be prohibited from being proxies for foreigners in acquiring land. Lawmakers also requested that Vietnams land and zoning laws be changed to reflect these proposals. Ministries and local authorities need to make amends of their misconduct and report to the next National Assembly session in October, they said. A section of the Ka Long River, which flows from China to Vietnam's Quang Ninh Province, is flooded on May 26, 2019. Photo by VnExpress/Huu Viet A man was swept away by floods in the Ka Long River in northern Vietnam on Sunday, with China's dam discharge a suspected cause. Tran Viet, 21, of Mong Cai Town in Quang Ninh Province, was rowing a boat on the river when the tragedy occurred. Besides heavy rains since late Saturday, unannounced dam discharge in China was also a cause of the floods, local residents said. The flooding destroyed dozens of cargo boats in the river and submerged many streets in Mong Cai. Hundreds of houses in the downtown area are under 30-50 centimeters (12-20 inches) of water and residents and authorities are grappling with the disaster. Tuoi Tre newspaper quoted a top Mong Cai official also as saying Chinas surprise dam discharge could be the reason for the heavy flooding. Normally Chinese authorities inform Quang Ninh prior to discharging water into the Ka Long River, but it is possible that the heavy rains over the weekend quickly flooded the upper section of the river and did not give them enough time to make an announcement, he said. Pigs are seen inside their cage at a farm in northern Vietnam. Photo by Reuters/Kham Soc Trang and Kien Giang in the Mekong Delta are the two latest localities where African swine fever has been detected in Vietnam. The presence of disease in Kien Giang Province was confirmed last Friday when provincial authorities killed 33 infected pigs in Tan Hiep District. Soc Trang Province killed 55 pigs in My Xuyen District on Monday, local media reported, citing the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Vietnam has killed 500,000 infected pigs over the past two weeks, taking the total culled so far to 1.7 million, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said Monday. After it hit Vietnam in February, African swine fever has quickly spread across the northern, central and southern regions. At least 42 cities and provinces, of the country's 63, have been infected by the disease, according to the ministrys Livestock Production Department. Vietnam has the worlds seventh biggest pig herd and is the sixth largest pork producer, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Some 70 percent of meat products in Vietnam are from pigs, with over 10,000 farms and 2.5 million households raising the animal for food. Vietnam said earlier this month it is considering mobilizing its military and police forces to help combat the outbreak. There is no cure for African swine fever though humans are not affected by it. Twenty countries and territories have reported outbreaks since 2017 and over 2.5 million pigs have been killed, according to the World Organization for Animal Health. Vietnam is the third country in Asia to be hit after China and Mongolia. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today (5/23) announced the appointment of Seth A. Mendelsohn of Harrisburg, a senior government leader, business and leadership professor, and former corporate vice president, as Executive Director, effective May 28. Mendelsohn replaces Jan H. Freeman, who is stepping down from the position effective May 28 and will serve as an adviser to Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille, before leaving the Commission on June 28. Freeman served as Executive Director for nearly eight years. With more than 20 years of management experience in insurance, government and public utilities, Mendelsohn is concluding his current service as Executive Deputy Insurance Commissioner, the chief operating officer of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. In this position, Mendelsohn established employee retention and recruitment programs, and an employee mentorship program, the first of its kind for a Commonwealth agency under the Governor's jurisdiction. Mendelsohn also brings to the PUC his public utility experience as a Vice President and Corporate Counsel for American Water Works Company, with responsibilities in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland. While there, Mendelsohn was particularly recognized for solving problems with troubled water companies in Pennsylvania. He also previously served as a Senior Deputy Attorney General/Attorney-in-Charge for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection. He serves as an adjunct instructor of business law, ethical leadership and corporate governance for the Master of Business Administration program at Lebanon Valley College. Mendelsohn also teaches a course on leadership in a multicultural global environment as an adjunct associate professor in the Master of Business Administration program at the University of Maryland University College. He previously served as an appointee of the Governor on the Citizens Advisory Council of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Mendelsohn received his bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh, his law degree from The Dickinson School of Law and his Master of Business Administration degree from Lebanon Valley College. As Executive Director of the PUC, Mendelsohn will plan, organize and direct day-to-day operations of the Commission. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. Visit the PUC's website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the "Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission" or "PA PUC" on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information. Contact: Nils Hagen-Frederiksen Press Secretary 717-783-6152 nhagen-fre@pa.gov The Ohio State University has been named The EcoCAR Mobility Challenge Year One champion, taking the lead in the premier four-year collegiate engineering competition. Rounding out the top three are Virginia Tech in second place and the University of Alabama in third place. "American consumers and businesses rely on transportation every day for jobs, schools, and commerce. We need advanced energy technologies that enable affordable, reliable transportation options, strengthen energy security, and grow our economy," said Daniel Simmons, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy. "Students in the EcoCAR Mobility Challenge are our future innovators and technology leaders that will keep America's transportation sector moving forward." The Buckeye's have taken the early lead in the competition earning 887 out of 1000 overall points. For jumping to the top of the leaderboard, Ohio State will take home an extra $10,000 to further support the university's advanced vehicle technology program. EcoCAR - the latest U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition sponsored by General Motors and MathWorks - challenges 12 North American universities to apply advanced propulsion systems, electrification, SAE Level 2 automation and vehicle connectivity to improve the energy efficiency of a 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, all while balancing factors such as emissions, safety and consumer acceptability. Teams have four years (2018-2022) to transform their vehicles from design concept into reality, building an energy efficient, connected and semi-automated vehicle for the car sharing market.Year One is for the big thinkers. Throughout the year, the students strived to conceptualize and build the framework for their redesigned Chevrolet Blazers. There are no vehicles yet, so it's up to the teams to engineer solutions from scratch, research user-interface components, powertrains and sensors to build around, as well as write and validate new code. "The knowledge and skills these students developed during a year of vehicle architecture planning and design are highly coveted in industry," said Dan Nicholson, vice president, Global Electrification, Controls, Software and Electronics. "Our GM mentors enjoy working with each team and seeing the creativity and passion competitors have for creating advanced, efficient, connected vehicles. We congratulate Ohio State on their win, and we're already looking forward to year two." "It's always impressive to see the success students realize when tasked with solving real world engineering problems with industry-standard hardware and software," said Lauren Tabolinsky, academic program manager, MathWorks. "Student competitions like EcoCAR Mobility Challenge help to prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers by providing hands-on technical experience, building collaboration skills and offering a project-based learning opportunity." Additional sponsors joining the U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors and MathWorks, include NXP, National Science Foundation, Intel, American Axle & Manufacturing, Bosch, PACCAR, dSPACE, Siemens, Denso, Horiba, AVL, Delphi Technologies, California Air Resources Board, tesa tape, Vector, Electric Power Research Institute and Proterra. For more information about The EcoCAR Mobility Challenge, please visit www.avtcseries.org. About The EcoCAR Mobility Challenge EcoCAR Mobility Challenge is a four-year collegiate engineering program that builds on the successful 30-year history of Department of Energy Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTC) by giving engineering students the chance to design and build advanced vehicle technologies that explore affordable and highly efficient vehicle solutions. General Motors provides each of the 12 competing teams with a 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, as well as vehicle components, seed money, technical mentoring and operational support. MathWorks provides teams with a full suite of software tools, simulation models, training, technical mentoring and operational support. The U.S. Department of Energy and Argonne National Laboratory, provide competition management, team evaluation and logistical support. Other sponsors provide hardware, software and training. Through this important public/private partnership, EcoCAR provides invaluable hands-on skills to promising, young minds ready to enter the workforce. The New York Power Authority (NYPA), the nation's largest state electric utility, today (5/22) issued its 2018 Financial Report and its Year in Review highlighting its continued financial strength while also sharing a summary of the past year's key accomplishments. The Power Authority's 2018 Financial Report shows how NYPA's solid financial position continues to demonstrate the Authority's responsible management of its power assets and its commitment to reliable operating performance. The report highlights investments in NYPA's core generating and transmission activities that help the utility serve its customers, promote economic vitality and accelerate Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's clean energy goals for New York State. "NYPA met its operational and financial targets for 2018 while delivering successful outcomes on our key priorities, including being a market leader in energy efficiency and renewable energy services," said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA's president and CEO. "I could not be prouder to lead the talented team that accomplishes so much in support of our and the Governor's clean energy goals year in and year out. 2018 was a banner year - in announcing new big programs like our electric vehicle infrastructure EVolveNY program and expanding Smart Street Lighting NY across the state. I look forward to our continued progress in spurring growth of clean energy and green jobs in our state." NYPA ended 2018 with a strong financial performance realizing a net income of $102 million. These financial results were driven by an increase in operating revenues primarily associated with higher market-based energy sales while keeping operations and maintenance expenses relatively unchanged from year to year. Both the Financial Report and the Year in Review demonstrate how prudent management practices place NYPA in a strong financial position to continue to implement its 2020 Strategic Vision available here. The reports detail how the Power Authority maintains its position as the leading provider of low-cost electricity for economic development for New York State and as the entity that advises its customers at public facilities in all state regions on energy efficiency and clean energy projects. NYPA's economic development programs throughout the state and the Governor's ReCharge NY program continue to support more than 410,000 jobs across the state while securing commitments of nearly $36 billion in capital investments that will positively impact the New York State economy. Read the full press release. Two four-month-old Andean bear cubs have made their debut at the Queens Zoo. The bears, a female named Brienne (!!!!!) and a male named Benny, were born in January but have been confined to their den, to bond with their mother Nicole (their dad is Bouba). According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, "After spending several weeks in their den bonding with their mother, they have now started venturing into the zoos outdoor habitat. Queens Zoo animal care staff... are closely monitoring their health and development. The time the cubs spend in the outdoor habitat will vary until they become fully acclimated to it." Andean bears, the only native-to-South America bear species, are also known as "spectacled" bears because of the light markings on their faces and around their eyes that resemble glasses. Adult male Andean bears weigh between 250-350 pounds while adult females rarely exceed 200 pounds, making them smaller relative to other bears. You actually already know an Andean bear: London transplant Paddington Bear, who hailed from "Darkest Peru." "These little cubs are tremendous ambassadors for their species," said Scott Silver, Queens Zoo Director. "Andean bears are rarely seen in the wild so its extremely special to have an opportunity to watch cubs grow. Guests will also learn about our efforts to protect Andean bears in the wild." Look how cute they are! Some more details from the WCS: Andean bears are classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Estimates indicate that there are fewer than 18,000 remaining in the wild. The Queens Zoo is breeding Andean bears as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative breeding program designed to enhance the genetic viability and demographic stability of animal populations in zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). There are currently only 39 Andean bears in AZA-accredited zoos and only six potentially viable breeding pairs in the SSP population. Bouba came to Queens from Bioparc de Doue la Fontaine in in France to breed with Nicole, who was born at the Smithsonians National Zoo in Washington, DC and came to the Queens Zoo in 2015. This is the second time the pair has produced offspring at the Queens Zoo, and these cubs were two of only four Andean bears born in zoos worldwide in the past year. As it happens, the Queens Zoo, located at 53-51 111th Street in Flushing Meadow's Corona Park, is open today (and every day of the year). More details about hours and ticket prices here. An all-party partial settlement was filed this week with the Utilities and Transportation Commission addressing NW Natural's request to raise rates. The partial settlement lays out an agreement that, if approved, would increase NW Natural's natural gas annual base revenues by $5.1 million, or 7.8 percent, less than the $8.3 million, or 12.6 percent, the company originally requested. The settlement agreement also includes the return to customers of approximately $2.5 million in taxes related to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Approximately $2.1 million would be a one-time rebate to customers spread over a year, while the remaining $400,000 would be returned to customers as the first annual installment of an IRS-mandated schedule for the return of approximately $14.6 million in additional deferred tax benefits. Under the settlement agreement, including the $2.5 million tax rebate, the average residential customer using 57 therms a month would pay $1.82 more, for an average monthly bill of $50.74. If approved by the three-member commission, these changes would take effect Nov. 1. The three-member UTC, which is not bound by the company's request or the settlement agreement, will make a final decision on the utility's request this fall. Per the settlement agreement, NW Natural would also be authorized to earn a 7.16 percent overall rate of return, instead of the 7.63 percent rate of return the company originally requested. In addition to NW Natural and commission energy staff, the Public Counsel Unit of the Attorney General's Office, the Alliance of Western Energy Consumers, and The Energy Project signed the all-party partial settlement agreement. Customers who want to comment on the proposed plans can submit comments online at A second partial settlement, also filed this week, would establish a five-year rate mechanism called "decoupling," under which the utility's recovery of fixed costs does not depend on the volume of its gas sales. Instead, revenue is determined on a per-customer basis, removing the company's financial disincentive to invest in conservation and energy efficiency. Commission energy staff, NW Natural, the Alliance of Western Energy Consumers, and The Energy Project signed the second settlement agreement.Customers who want to comment on the proposed plans can submit comments online at www.utc.wa.gov/comments ; call toll-free 1-888-333-9882; email comments@utc.wa.gov ; or write to P.O. Box 47250, Olympia, WA, 98504. In December 2018, NW Natural filed a general rate case with the commission to request an $8.3 million, or 12.6 percent, overall rate increase. NW Natural's last general rate increase was in 2008. Portland-based NW Natural provides natural gas service to about 84,200 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Southwest Washington. The UTC is the state agency that regulates private, investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities in Washington. It is the commission's responsibility to ensure regulated companies provide safe and reliable service to customers at reasonable rates, while allowing them the opportunity to earn a fair profit. ote: A copy of staff's settlement is available at the commission's website: A copy of staff's settlement is available at the commission's website: www.utc.wa.gov Note: This news release reflects a settlement between energy staff of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) and the company and NOT the views of the three-member commission. It discusses an agreement that the commissioners have not yet reviewed. Any positions taken or comments offered by the commission staff regarding this proceeding should be attributed clearly to staff members and NOT to the UTC. Scatec Solar has partnered with MT Energy, a Vietnamese energy company, to develop, finance, construct and operate large-scale solar projects in Vietnam. The strategic collaboration agreement covers three projects located in Binh Phuoc, Quang Tri, and Nghe An provinces. The projects total 485 MW and are targeted to be realised under a new feed-in tariff regime that is expected to be launched later this year. The agreement will be presented to the Vietnamese Prime Minister, Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry and other high-level officials during a Vietnam-Norway business forum organised as part of the Vietnamese Prime Minister's official visit to Norway. "With this partnership we take the first step in positioning Scatec Solar for the growing solar market in Vietnam. As an affordable, fast and reliable source of energy, we believe solar energy has tremendous potential in Vietnam", says Raymond Carlsen, CEO of Scatec Solar. Scatec Solar is envisioned to provide the project's equity funding. In addition, the company will be the turn-key EPC provider and will be providing Operation & Maintenance as well as Asset Management services to the projects. About Scatec Solar Scatec Solar is an integrated independent solar power producer, delivering affordable, rapidly deployable and sustainable clean energy worldwide. A long- term player, Scatec Solar develops, builds, owns, operates and maintains solar power plants and has an installation track record of more than 1 GW. The company has a total of 1.7 GW in operation and under construction in Brazil, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Honduras, Jordan, Malaysia, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa and Ukraine. With an established global presence and a significant project pipeline, the company is targeting a capacity of 3.5 GW in operation and under construction by end of 2021. Scatec Solar is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 'SSO'. To learn more, visit www.scatecsolar.com. Contact: Mikkel Trud, CFO tel: +47 976 99 144 mikkel.torud@scatecsolar.com Ingrid Aarsnes, Communication & IR tel: +47 950 38 364 ingrid.aarsnes@scatecsolar.com The U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a feasibility study grant to OnePower Lesotho (Proprietary) Limited ("OnePower"), to develop a 20-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic power plant in western Lesotho. The plant will support the country's goal of achieving 90 percent electricity access by 2020, with renewable generation comprising at least 200 MW of its capacity. The project will also create opportunities for American firms to supply renewable energy solutions to Lesotho. Boston-based CDM International Inc. (CDM Smith) (Boston, MA) will conduct the study, which will finalize remaining preparation work the project needs to attract financing and reach implementation. "Our partnership with OnePower and CDM Smith will transform Lesotho's energy sector, as well as demonstrate how U.S. expertise can advance the development of sustainable infrastructure," said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA's Director (Acting). "This unique project - the first utility-scale solar plant in Lesotho - represents what USTDA is all about." "We look forward to working with USTDA and having their support," said Dr. Matt Orosz, Chief Executive Officer at OnePower. "USTDA's contributions will ultimately allow Lesotho to harness its solar resources and provide a starting point for energy sector growth and development in the country." U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho Rebecca Gonzales added: "My colleagues and I enthusiastically support developments that increase electricity access, and the OnePower project can one day make Lesotho energy independent, and a net exporter of energy in the future." About USTDA The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries. Companies spent at least $460.1 million exploring for minerals and energy resources in Nevada in 2018, up 31 percent over the 2017 expenditure of $351.2 million, according to a new survey by the Nevada Bureau of Mines. Its a reversal of what was a five-year downward cycle, and we have seen that in the number of mining claims, which are over 200,000, said Richard Perry, administrator of the state Division of Minerals. Its really a good news story. Nevada is considered a stable and perspective domicile for exploration, said Perry, whose division, along with the Nevada Commission on Mineral Resources, supported the survey. Most of the exploration companies also reported they planned to spend at least as much this year in Nevada as they have in past years, if not more. The survey of 172 companies actively exploring in Nevada found that 81 percent of them would be spending as much or more as they have in the past. That bodes well that companies said they would spend the same or more, said survey author Michael Ressel, an assistant professor and research geologist for the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology at the University of Nevada, Reno. Both Ressel and Perry said the Fraser Institutes ranking of Nevada as the most attractive investment jurisdiction worldwide in 2018 should give Nevada a boost in marketing the state for exploration and mining. The Fraser Institutes ranking of Nevada as the top in investment attractiveness is a huge honor for Nevada. Being number one means people have confidence, Ressel said. Nevada has a good track record. The Fraser Institute, a Canadian think-tank that surveys companies each year, released its report for 2018 in March, so the ranking came after the Nevada exploration survey was done, but Nevada has always had a good ranking. The state placed third overall in 2017, and was first overall in 2014. Read the full article coming June 6 in the Summer edition of the Mining Quarterly. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 You may not read about it everyday in the news, but we are living through an energy revolution, both nationally and right here in Nevada. Game-changing technological breakthroughs have fundamentally changed the economics of conventional and renewable energy sources in our country. We are no longer beholden to hostile foreign regimes for the energy that supports our way of life. Whether its solar, wind, geothermal, oil or natural gas America is producing it better, cleaner and more affordably than any other nation. Just as importantly, new technologies are allowing individual states to fully harness their own resources instead of relying on their neighbors to produce energy for them. This is why Nevada lawmakers are unanimously supporting an ambitious yet realistic plan to obtain 50 percent of our states energy from solar, geothermal, hydroelectric and wind-powered sources by 2030. The bill, SB 358, passed 40-0 in the state Assembly and 21-0 in the state Senate last month before it was signed by Gov. Steve Sisolak. As Republican legislators, we felt it was important to support this measure for a number of reasons. We heard the voters when they supported Question 6 which would create a constitutional mandate of 50 percent renewable energy by 2030 last year. Under Nevada law, Question 6 would have to pass again in 2020 to be formally approved as a constitutional amendment. But we dont believe renewable energy targets belong in the Nevada Constitution. That would make the targets rigid, inflexible and very difficult to change. Instead, by approving SB 358, the legislature is attracting clean energy investment with a policy that is smart, focused and able to be adjusted over time based on market conditions. Expanding our clean energy sector in Nevada is essential because it makes the most of our states resources, supporting job growth and capital investment. The potential is huge, because roughly 87 percent of the energy we use in Nevada isnt produced here, according to 2016 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Finding cost-effective ways to produce more energy locally is both common sense and pro-growth. We already have a strong foundation to build on. More than 20 percent of Nevadas electricity comes from renewable sources today, and according to the EIA, we are the second largest state for geothermal energy and the fourth largest in utility-scale solar energy. In fact, existing renewable energy facilities in Nevada have contributed $7.9 billion in economic activity, more than 12,000 jobs and more than $150 million in state and local taxes since 2006, according to a study commissioned by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce and The Western Way, a conservative think tank that promotes efficient, pro-market solutions to environmental challenges. Another factor in our favor: Nevadas power grid is much more flexible than those of other states, which makes it easier to integrate renewable sources that depend on the sun shining and the wind blowing. Most of our electricity comes from natural gas-fired power plants, which can rapidly adjust their output down and back up again to accommodate solar and wind. Nevada also has an excellent storage solution for renewable energy: Hydroelectric dams. When solar panels and wind turbines are generating more electricity than the grid needs at certain times of day, we can use that extra power to pump water back into those dams for later use ensuring that clean energy is available around the clock. Those natural gas and hydroelectric plants will give our state the flexibility we need to harness our massive renewable potential especially solar while large-scale batteries and other storage technologies become cheaper and more widely available. Harnessing Nevadas rich renewable resources is also the cost-effective move. According to Navigant Research, the unsubsidized cost of utility scale solar power plummeted by 88 percent since 2010. That means new solar can meet or beat the price of new natural gas generation. The business case for expanding Nevadas renewable energy sector could not be clearer, and as Republican lawmakers, we will stay engaged to ensure SB 358 is implemented in a flexible, pro-growth and pro-jobs manner. Energy policy is too important for conservatives to stay on the sidelines. Tom Roberts of Las Vegas is a Republican assemblyman serving Nevadas District 13. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The PPs Madrid regional candidate Isabel Diaz Ayuso, national chief Pablo Casado and Madrid mayoral candidate Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida celebrate their gains on Sunday night. A. G. The Spanish Socialist Party, which won the most votes at the recent April 28 general elections but fell short of a majority, secured another bitter-sweet victory at the Super Sunday polls yesterday. The PSOE, as the party is known, consolidated its power at the European Union, municipal and regional polls, but left-wing groups lost the jewel in the crown: Madrid City Hall, which until now had been controlled by former judge Manuela Carmena. Leftist groups also failed to beat out the right in the Madrid region. The conservative Popular Party (PP) and center-right Ciudadanos (Citizens), with the support of the far-right Vox, could join forces to govern in Madrid. The divisions of the left, combined with the poor showing of anti-austerity group Podemos, were the key factors behind this failure. The results of Sundays elections consolidated the hegemony of the PSOE, which was the main winner of the night. But they also improved the situation of the PP, which fared terribly at the April 28 national elections, leaving the group with the worst results in its history. The fact that it will most likely be able to govern both in the Spanish capital and the Madrid region will allow it to claim its role as the leader of the opposition in Congress, a position that Ciudadanos chief Albert Rivera had been vying for. Despite a gaffe-prone campaign, it is likely that Isabel Diaz Ayuso personally chosen as a candidate by PP chief Pablo Casado will become the new Madrid regional premier. Casado was euphoric last night in the wake of the news. The overall results for the PP were poor, but the party will control Madrid and should be able to save key areas such as Castilla y Leon and Murcia, from where he can try to rebuild the party. There is only one PP, and the Spanish people have decided to vote for the original, Casado claimed, in an atmosphere that was in stark contrast to the glum funereal mood after the April 28 polls. We are the big party in Spain. The PP will be here for decades. Manuela Carmena (c) concedes defeat on election night. Victor J Blanco (GTRES) The biggest turnaround, however, was for Podemos, which suffered a much greater loss than expected. The groups founding leader, Pablo Iglesias, will now be left exposed to criticism for the poor result. The situation will also weaken his negotiating position with acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who needs the anti-austerity groups support to form a government. Iglesias had been vying for a coalition government, and for Podemos to have control of several ministries. This may be off the table after Sundays polls, but the 42 seats that the group holds in the lower house of parliament are still essential for Sanchez if he is to be voted back in as prime minister, and Iglesias could negotiate a global pact the groups seats are key to forming a government in a number of regions, including Aragon, the Balearic Islands and Asturias, as well as dozens of local councils. We are the big party in Spain. The PP will be here for decades PP leader Pablo Casado Along with the defeat of Manuela Carmena in Madrid who was running with the leftist party Mas Madrid another key leader from an outsider group lost out on Sunday. Ada Colau, a former campaigner turned mayor of Barcelona, lost out by a slim margin to the Catalan Republican Left (ERC). Right-wing parties took a majority in another key city, Zaragoza, while the left maintained its leadership in Valencia. The PSOE has hung on to power in the regions of Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, and the Balearic Islands, but it is unclear whether they can hang on to Aragon. Carmena conceded defeat late last night. We have won, but were not going to be able to govern, she said, among the devastated faces of her supporters. It is not the result that we were hoping for. But this city will continue to be progressive, and focused on solidarity. Carmena had run on a joint ticket with Inigo Errejon, one of the cofounders of Podemos and once a good friend of Pablo Iglesias. With Mas Madrid, Errejon had run in the Madrid regional race. His party obtained a good result 20 seats in the regional assembly compared to the seven secured by Podemos but it was a Pyrrhic victory, leaving the left without Madrid, and putting Errejon as the leader of the second party of the opposition in the region. Im calling on them to be responsible. Its time to break the cordon sanitaire with the PSOE. We must isolate the far right Acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Sanchez, conscious of the bad results of Podemos, put renewed pressure on Ciudadanos to do deals to form a government with 180 deputies between them in Congress, they would have a clear majority. But that still seems an unlikely outcome, given that Ciudadanos chief Albert Rivera has vowed never to support Sanchez or the Socialists. Last night the acting prime minister called on the leader of the center-right group to break the cordon sanitaire and come closer once more to the PSOE. The PSOE is, by a long way, the biggest political force in the country, Sanchez said last night. Spaniards agree with the solutions that we are coming up with from the Spanish government. The PSOE wont be able to govern in areas where the right is doing deals with the far right. The PP and Ciudadanos will have the responsibility for this. In Europe, the liberal and conservative parties wont understand this. Im calling on them to be responsible. Its time to break the cordon sanitaire with the PSOE. We must isolate the far right, he concluded. The PSOE managed a result that would have been unthinkable just a year ago, when the motion of no confidence was yet to be tabled and won against then-PP Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, and the party was fourth in the opinion polls. Yesterday it won the European elections, with 32% of the vote higher than it managed in the general election, and 12 points above the PP, which took 20%. Ciudadanos managed just 12% in the European polls, while Podemos fell to 10%, far below the 14.3% it took at the April 28 general elections. We have won, but were not going to be able to govern Acting Madrid Mayor Manuela Carmena The results of emerging far-right party Vox which made surprise gains at the Andalusian regional elections in December and secured 24 seats in Congress in the general election are difficult to analyze. The overall results on Sunday were mediocre, losing half of the votes in key areas compared to the April 28 polls and with little support in the European elections. But its power will continue to rise should the PP and Ciudadanos opt to do deals with the group to form governments, as was the case in Andalusia. The right cannot govern without Vox in Madrid, and the situation is repeated in a number of important municipalities, giving the far-right party unprecedented influence. Meanwhile, the nationalist and pro-independence parties have managed excellent results in the European and municipal polls, another of the trends that had already been seen at the April general elections. The Spain that has been created by the May 26 Super Sunday is not dissimilar to the one seen after April 28. But the resistance of the right in Madrid changed the mood of a night that could have been historic for the left, but turned out very differently. English version by Simon Hunter. Carles Puigdemont walks towards the European Parliament. Delmi Alvarez Former Catalan premier Carles Puigdemont won more votes than his separatist rival, Catalan Republican Left (ERC) leader Oriol Junqueras, at the European elections on Sunday. Puigdemont, who fled Spain to avoid arrest after the unilateral independence declaration of October 2017 and is now living in Belgium, won 28% of the vote in Catalonia, while Junqueras, who remained in Spain and is being held in prison as he faces trial for his involvement in the 2017 separatist drive, took 21%. Junqueras was also recently successful at the Spanish general election of April 28, and was voted into Spains lower house of parliament, the Congress, as a deputy for ERC. However, he and three of his fellow defendants who also became deputies, were suspended last week from their roles as parliamentarians until the ongoing Supreme Court trial concludes. Puigdemonts party Together For Catalonia (Junts per Catalunya), a political platform that includes members of his own Catalan European Democratic Party (PdeCAT) and independents, won two seats in the European Parliament. Ahora Republicas (Republics Now), the electoral alliance representing the ERC, Basque nationalist party EH Bildu and the Galician Nationalist Bloc (BNG), won three seats thanks to the support from regions outside of Catalonia. Never before had there been so much expectation over how Catalonia would vote at the European elections. Puigdemont and Junqueras had presented the vote as a kind of primary ahead of a Catalan regional election, which is privately expected to take place this year. Together for Catalonia, led by Puigdemont and ousted deputy Toni Comin, who is also a fugitive from Spanish justice, clearly beat Junquerass alliance. The former premier won in four Catalan provinces, while Republics Now came in third position, behind the Catalan Socialist Party (PSC), which won 22% of the vote. Puigdemont has refused to clarify if he will travel to Madrid to be sworn in as an MEP But it remains unclear whether Puigdemont will be able to serve as a member of the European Parliament (MEP), as he would have to be sworn in to the role in Spain, where he would be arrested on charges of rebellion and misuse of public funds. In a report requested by the president of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, legal services from the Parliament recognized that Puigdemont and other separatist leaders with arrests warrants pending had the right to run for the European election, but insisted that their presence in Madrid is necessary in order for them to swear on the Spanish Constitution and be included on the list that Spanish authorities will communicate to the European Parliament. Whats more, the report indicated that if Puigdemont were arrested in Spain, it would be up to Spanish legal authorities to decide whether he could complete the process to be sworn in as an MEP. Puigdemont maintains he will be an MEP, arguing that from today onward he has immunity from the Spanish justice system. But he has refused to clarify if he will travel to Madrid to be sworn in at the constitutive assembly, planned for July 2. Indeed, Puigdemont has based his campaign on the message that he can best represent the interests of the pro-independence movement because he can travel freely across Europe, if not in Spain. Without directly mentioning Junqueras, who has been in custody since 2017, Puigdemont and his followers have successfully spread the message that an exile is a better representative of the Catalans than a prisoner. ERC, for their part, presented Junqueras as a dependable leader who has faced up to all of his actions and has worked the hardest to create an independent Catalan republic. During the campaign and at last nights speeches, the ideological debate between the two separatist parties was never framed in terms of the left and right. The ERC had hoped that a victory at Sundays local and European polls would make them the clear leaders of the pro-independence movement. But while the party made gains at a local level, this success was not repeated at the European election, which calls into question Junquerass leadership. Barcelona mayor Ada Colau defeated by ERC The acting mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, was defeated by the Catalan Republican Left by a margin of just over 4,800 votes at the local elections on Sunday. This means Barcelona City Hall may be led by a separatist mayor for the first time in history. The ERC won 21.3% of the vote, while Colau's party, Barcelona en Comu, won 20.7%. Both parties obtained 10 councilors, with Barcelona en Comu losing a seat and the ERC doubling its result from the 2015 election. Colau's party lost a lot of support in low-income districts that supported her in 2015, such as Nou Barris, which was won by the Catalan Socialists. ERC's candidate, Ernest Maragall, is likely to be the new mayor of the Catalan capital but will need the support of Junts per Barcelona to be sworn in. "We have done it. Barcelona will have a republican and progressive mayor from the ERC," Maragall said after the election results were announced on Sunday. English version by Melissa Kitson. The Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine and the Resident Representation of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in Ukraine recommend postponing the introduction of the new wholesale electricity market for a limited period of time. "The EU Delegation to Ukraine and the Resident Representation of the European Investment Bank recommend postponing the introduction of the new wholesale electricity market for a limited period of time as important regulatory rules and IT systems are not yet ready. On this basis, launching the new market on 1 July is likely to cause market malfunctioning and therefore be counterproductive to the interests of Ukrainian consumers and market participants," they said in a joint statement. The Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine and the Resident Representation of EIB believe that the current political context makes it more difficult to provide a steering of this reform or to intervene if necessary to address the deficiencies. "We remain convinced that the reforms laid out in this law will benefit Ukrainian consumers by introducing transparency, improving market efficiency and attracting investment. We continue to be committed to supporting the work of authorities and market participants in implementing this important reform," they said in the statement. Ukraine plans to launch a new model of the wholesale electricity market in July 2019 in pursuance o the law on the electricity market passed in April 2017. Authorities are concerned that the former Sinaloa head honcho Joaquin Guzmanknown colloquially as "El Chapo"is scheming his escape from the Metropolitan Correctional Center, following a request from his lawyers for several hours of exercise a week. According to The Washington Post, Guzman's lawyers filed requests to U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan for two hours of outdoor access, as well as access to the commissary and the ability to buy earplugs and water. In their letter, they said that his current "deprivation of sunlight and fresh air" was causing "psychological scarring" and violated "the 8th Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment as well as the fundamental norms of human decency." The Metropolitan Correctional Center has been described as a "gulag" by Jeanne Theoharis, Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College, who told Gothamist last year, "If I described these conditions to youfilthy, freezing, no natural light, isolation so extreme that youre punished for speaking through the walls, absurd rules like prisoners not getting to see the newspapers unless theyre 30 days old, secrecy so deep that people are force-fed and lawyers can be punished for describing the conditions their clients are experiencingyoud be forgiven for thinking that this was Iran or Russia." However, law enforcement officials see the request as the first step in Guzman's attempt to escape, given his history of fleeing prisons. In 2001, he got out of Puente Grande, a maximum-security prison in Mexico, with the aid of guards and supposedly through a laundry truck. Then, in 2015, Guzman wriggled out of a tunnel located under his cell's shower. And it wasn't any ordinary tunnel: The mile-long tunnelwith ceilings just high enough for Guzman's diminutive staturehad ventilation, lighting and a getaway motorcycle: Citing government documents, the Washington Post reports that authorities saw the exercise request as "part of a ploy to escape from prison or silence cooperating witnesses." A prosecutor also argued against the commissary items, stating that in in the hands of high-risk inmates, they could very well be used as weapons. The MCC has an outdoor yard, but nearly 40 years ago, associates of a convicted narcotics dealer hijacked a sightseeing helicopter in an attempt to extract him from the roof of the jail. The NY Times reported at the time, "The daring, intricately timed escape plot failed, authorities said, because the hijackers were unable to cut through a heavy wire screen covering the roof." In February, a Brooklyn jury found Guzman guilty of murder conspiracy, money laundering, firearms possession, and, for years, spearheading over 200 tons of cocaine into the United States. Guzman will be sentenced in late June, where he's looking at several life sentences. Former finance minister, advisor of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Oleksandr Danyliuk has said that accusations of Ukrainian Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko against him that he allegedly resisted to prosecution of former owners of PrivatBank are manipulations. He, in turn, accused the prosecutor general of sabotaging the court litigation with the ex-owners of the bank in London. "He [Lutsenko] with his actions could cause very serious damage to the state. He tried to open criminal proceedings here [in Ukraine] to make impossible the proceedings in the London court," the former finance minister said on Radio NV last week. Danyliuk said that then clearly and on paper he stated his position that because of such actions the settlement of the dispute with the ex-owners of PrivatBank will depend on the unreformed Ukrainian judicial system, "where we will lose our ability to have a fair decision." "Now he is simply trying to hide his responsibility. This is a very weak position being executed by the Prosecutor General, to which people have become accustomed to," the presidential adviser said. The World Bank will provide $200 million to Ukraine to implement the Accelerating Private Investment in Agriculture Program Project for Ukraine to alleviate select constraints to increased participation of the private sector, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in agricultural input and output markets of Ukraine. According to a report on the website of the World Bank, the World Bank's Board of Executive Directors on May 24 approved the loan. The Government Strategy and Action Plan for Leveraging Private Investment in Agriculture (GSAP) sets forth a broad range of measures to mobilize private investment in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors. The GSAP comprises the following components: guaranteeing the stability, predictability, and transparency of agricultural policy and the state support system; stimulating diversification in agricultural production and promoting integrated development of rural areas; strengthening the capacity of the national food safety system; improving the efficient use of available infrastructure for storage and transportation of agri-food products, creating a stable climate for investments in infrastructure and logistics. The GSAP is also aimed at improving tenure security, value, and transparency of the use of state agricultural land; improving water resource management and user-led irrigation service delivery; creating preconditions for improved access to agricultural inputs for all types of agricultural producers; and improving access to finance and risk management instruments for all stakeholders using EU and international best practices. The total project cost is $1.294 billion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky relies on attracting investment to accelerate economic growth, which will become impossible if default is announced, Zelensky's advisor on macroeconomic policy, Executive Director of the Bleyzer Foundation Oleg Ustenko has said. "This is definitely not the time to refuse cooperation with the IMF. This will cut us off foreign markets for borrowing capital. This is extremely dangerous, considering that investment is the main bet now on the opportunity to get impetus for further economic growth. And this is quite clearly articulated by President Zelensky," he told the Interfax-Ukraine agency. Thus, the refusal to cooperate with the IMF will discord with this thesis of the president, Ustenko noted. "The influx of investments into the country may even weaken compared to the current "half-dead" rates. That is, we risk that these flows will generally tend to zero," the expert said. According to him, in view of the upcoming peak payments on public debt, it will be much easier to ensure financial stability in the country with the availability of a cooperation program with the IMF. At the same time, the announcement of default will not relieve Ukraine from the need to continue servicing foreign debts, Zelensky's advisor stressed. The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) filed a lawsuit against the Ukrainian state aircraft corporation Antonov with the Moscow Arbitration Court on May 23, according to court files. The essence of the claims has not yet been published in the registry. Inter-District Inspectorate No. 46 of the Russian Federal Tax Service and UAC-Antonov, the joint venture of the UAC and Antonov, are acting as third parties. A UAC representative had told Interfax in February that UAC-Antonov would be liquidated as "Ukrainian representatives have not been involved in its operations for a long time," and the joint venture itself was "not conducting negotiations." The UAC and Antonov had signed an agreement on setting up the joint venture in 2010. UAC-Antonov was supposed to coordinate joint aircraft manufacturing programs (among them those concerning the An-70, An-124, and An-140), marketing, and after-sales service. The company started operations in 2011, and the Ukrainian Cabinet ordered Antonov to withdraw from the JV capital in 2015. A year later, the companies which made up the state corporation pulled out of it and became affiliated with Ukroboronprom, and the corporation itself was liquidated. There are no prerequisites for a default on Ukraine's sovereign obligations, experts polled by Interfax-Ukraine believe. "If to ignore the minor fluctuations in the yield of Ukraine's eurobonds, the market has hardly responded to this statement, which means that the market assesses the likelihood of the second default as low," Andriy Prykhodko, the head for investor relations at Bank Credit Dnipro. The chief economist at Alfa-Bank Ukraine, Oleksiy Blinov, adheres to a similar point of view. "There are no grounds for default on sovereign obligations today. Ukraine just successfully passed the peak of payments on foreign debt in May and is financially ready for the next peak of payments in September," he said. Blinov added that since the beginning of 2019 the government and the NBU have paid $5.6 billion on foreign currency debts without any difficulties, the level of forex sufficiency exceeds three months of imports of goods and services, and net foreign exchange reserves exceed $9 billion. "This fully covers all debt payments for a year ahead. For comparison, at the beginning of 2015 [on the eve of foreign debt restructuring] net foreign exchange reserves were zero," he added. Ukraine has possibilities to observe the conditions for receiving the next tranche of the loan of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the Stand By Arrangement, former finance minister, adviser of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Oleksandr Danyliuk has said. "We have the functioning government that will act until the formation of the new government. There is the functioning Verkhovna Rada, which can and must pass bills that are in international obligations, there are all existing public institutions. We need just fulfill the conditions now and not seek for or invent political reasons and not to blame the political process," he said on Radio NV. Danyliuk said that the IMF mission continues working in Ukraine and its goal is to verify the fulfillment of all the conditions that Ukraine had to implement in order to receive the next tranche, as well as agree on the conditions of the next tranche. According to the adviser, he is in constant dialogue, and the mission will meet with President Zelensky next week. Danyliuk declined other comments, citing the fact that until the completion of the mission's work, comments were not traditionally given. "Much depends on the position of the Ministry of Finance, professionalism, on the ability to attract resources to pay for the government's debt obligations. I understand that, as always, everything is not simple. However, I believe in the Ministry of Finance's professionalism," the ex-minister added. He also predicted that after the elections, Ukraine and the IMF will begin negotiations on a new cooperation program. "After the election cycle and the formation of the new government, we will most likely talk about a new program that will meet both the priorities and the challenges facing the country," Danyliuk said. Earlier IMF Spokesman Gerry Rice said that the IMF is waiting for the parliamentary election and the formation of the new government in Ukraine to discuss further cooperation, the IMF mission is holding constructive discussion in Kyiv on the recent developments and economic policies. "Once the government has been formed, after the elections, we stand ready to reengage to discuss our further cooperation with Ukraine," he said at a briefing at the IMF on May 23. Intl Tribunal for Law of Sea obliges Russia to release three Ukrainian vessels, 24 sailors, return them to Ukraine The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) has made a decision obliging the Russian Federation to release three Ukrainian vessels and 24 Ukrainian sailors detained in the Kerch Strait in November 2018 and allow them to return to Ukraine. President of the Tribunal Jin-Hyun Paik announced the award on the imposition of interim measures against Russia asked by the Ukrainian side in Hamburg (Germany) on Saturday, May 25. The Russian Federation is required to immediately release the Ukrainian military ships Berdyansk, Nikopol and Yany Kapu tug and return them to Ukraine, he read. A total of 19 judges voted in favor of this decision, one judge - Ruslan Kolodkin (the Russian Federation) voted against the decision. Also, it was decided that "the Russian Federation is required to release the twenty-four detained Ukrainian servicemen and allow them to return to Ukraine." As reported, on November 25, 2018, Russian border guards used weapons to stop three Ukrainian naval vessels, the Yany Kapu tug and the Berdyansk and the Nikopol armored gunboats, which were traveling from Odesa to Mariupol in the Kerch Strait. The vessels were escorted to Kerch. The Federal Security Service (FSB) said the ships had entered Russia's territorial waters on orders from Kyiv and described the incident as an act of provocation coordinated by two Ukrainian Security Service officers. Russia also said that Kyiv had not duly notified it that naval vessels were planning to pass through the Kerch Strait. Kyiv called the border guards' actions unlawful and accused Moscow of violating the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and a treaty between Ukraine and Russia on cooperation in using the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait. The 24 Ukrainians, who were aboard, including two officials from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), are now charged with "conspiracy by a group of persons or an organized group to illegally cross the border using violence or the threat to use violence" (a crime enshrined by Part 3 of Article 322 of the Russian Criminal Code). The crime is punishable by up to six years in prison. The Ukrainians were taken to Moscow in late November. On April 16, Ukraine asked the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea to impose measures with respect to Russia, demanding the release of the Ukrainian naval sailors and naval ships detained in the Kerch Strait in November 2018. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea gives naval vessels and their personnel absolute immunity, which envisages that foreign states cannot arrest, detain and try them. On May 10, 2019, ITLOS started hearing the case of Ukrainian sailors. Deputy Foreign Minister for European Integration Olena Zerkal acts as agent from Ukraine at the hearings. Leaders of the State Court Administration of Ukraine and representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have discussed the issues of the launch of operation of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC). The IMF said that the work done is effective. According to the court.gov.ua portal, at a meeting on Friday Legal Adviser of the IMF Jonathan Pampolina recalled that obligations of the State Court Administration to take measures to launch HACC was one of the conditions of implementation of Ukraine's liabilities outlined in the action plan to implement agreements with the IMF drawn up in pursuance of the Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies. In turn, Head of the State Court Administration Zinoviy Kholodniuk, notified about the beginning of a special inspection regarding the winner of the competition for the vacant position of the head of the HACC administration, Bohdan Kryklyvenko, and on May 21, a competition was announced for the position of deputy head of the HACC administration. "Today, the issue of ensuring the activities of the High Anti-Corruption Court is a priority for the State Court Administration of Ukraine. This is about assisting in the formation of the court administration, carrying out repair work and reconstruction of premises, ensuring security in the court. Due to the fact that the premises in which the HACC will work, require re-equipment to its needs, the court will temporarily be located in the buildings where the Pechersky District Court of Kyiv was located before," Kholodniuk said. The IMF considers the work carried out by the State Court Administration of Ukraine at the beginning of operation of the High Anti-Corruption Court to be effective, since the administration has really settled many important tasks for Ukraine in this direction, the IMF legal adviser said. Russia should immediately free of the Ukrainian sailors and the ships taken over during the "Kerch incident," a NATO official told Interfax in Brussels. "NATO has made repeatedly clear that there was no justification for Russia's use of military force against Ukrainian ships and military personnel. We continue to call on Russia to release the Ukrainian sailors and ships without delay," the source said, responding to a relevant question, on Saturday evening. The source cited the statement made by the North Atlantic Council on November 28, 2018 and the press conference given by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on April 4, 2019, where he called Russia to free the Ukrainian sailors and the ships taken over near the Sea of Azov in 2018. According to earlier reports, the United Nations' International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on Saturday issued a ruling on the claim filed by Ukraine, which sought interim measures against Russia on April 16, 2019 and demanded the release of the Ukrainian sailors and the vessels detained din the Kerch Strait area in November 18, The tribunal ruled to release the sailors and the Ukrainian vessels. The Russian Foreign Ministry, however, believes the ITLOS does not have the jurisdiction to adjudicate the "Kerch incident." The ministry issued a relevant statement on April 16. On November 25, 2018 armed Russian border guards detained the Ukrainian tug boat Yany Kapu and small armored artillery boats, Berdyansk and Nikopol, which were heading from Odesa to Mariupol. The vessels were convoyed to Kerch. The 24 Ukrainians who were on board, including two national security officers, have been charged with "illegal border crossing by a group of accomplices or an organized crime group, or with the use or threat of violence " (Part 3 three of Article 322 of the Russian Criminal Code). The crime is punishable by up to six years in prison, The Ukrainians were transferred to Moscow in late November. Russia's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas on May 26, the press service of the Joint Forces Operation has reported. "On May 26, the armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the cease-fire three times. The enemy fired on our defenders from grenade launchers of various systems, large-caliber machine guns and small arms ... There are no losses among the military personnel of the JFO," the press centre of the JFO reported on Facebook on Monday morning. As expected, a glorious Memorial Day weekend weekend weather did result in people flocking to city beaches. However, not all trips to the Rockaways went well, as beach goers opting to take the ferry waited over an hour for boats. The NYC Ferry route to Rockaway Peninsula, which begins at Wall Street with a stop at Sunset Park, is the most popular line, and it had wait times of 60-90 minutes on Sunday, NYC Economic Development spokeswoman Stephanie Baez told WNYC. (The NYC EDC operates NYC Ferry.) Baez said, "Due to the warm holiday weekend, were experiencing very high ridership and increased wait times." A very very very long line pic.twitter.com/YyvYAbymG8 Gwynne Hogan (@GwynneFitz) May 26, 2019 However, Kathy Jones, who waited an hour at the Sunset Park ferry stop on Sunday, pointed out that NYC Ferry didn't address crowds or long lines until mid-afternoon, hours after many people start their treks. "There was nothing on their Twitter account," Jones, a Flatbush resident, said. "The subways know how to run during rush hour. Memorial Day weekend is the ferry's rush hour." Jones, her husband, and seven-year-old daughter arrived at the ferry stop at 10 a.m., hoping to catch the 10:24 boat. "It didnt seem like the line was too big at that point," she recalled. But the ferry that arrived could only take about "a handful of people." Then the next ferry again could take about 15 people. By the time Jones and her family made it onto a boat, they estimated there were about 120 people on line. Many people asked NYC Ferry whether there would be extra boats... and were told there were extra boats: We are operating (5) vessels on the Rockaway route during the weekends. Our crew is doing the best we can manage the crowds. Thank you and have a great rest of the weekend! -M NYC Ferry (@NYCferry) May 26, 2019 Hello @great8ritton! We apologize for the inconvenience regarding the vessels being at capacity. We are operating (5) vessels on the Rockaway route during the weekends. Our crew is doing the best we can manage the crowds. Thank you and have a great rest of the weekend! -M NYC Ferry (@NYCferry) May 26, 2019 According to the NY Post, "The EDC said it chartered four extra vessels and put 20 agents at the busiest stops, but it did little to stop the meltdown. 'We're running the maximum amount of service possible to clear wait times and ask riders to check the app for real-time updates,' an EDC spokeswoman said." However, City Council Member Ben Kallos, who was caught up on a long line on the Soundview route, while waiting on the Upper East Side, told the Daily News, "This isnt the first weekend that this has happened. There is no one on each dock trying to manage the lines. People are pushing to the front in a panic trying to get a spot." 50 people left behind by the Soundview @NYCferry "Connection" to Wall Street who will now have to wait 31 minutes for the next one. @NYCEDC the Ferry should NOT leave people behind on the first stop. How often does this happen? Please increase frequency to accommodate ridership. pic.twitter.com/6JO2gfXKgd Ben Kallos (@BenKallos) May 26, 2019 Kallos told the Daily News that he pointed out to the Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit city agency that oversees the ferry service, that the NYC Ferry app did not provide alerts about long wait times. Jones thought ferry staffers did the best they could. "I really felt for the ticket takers at the terminal," Jones said. "People were upset, and the the workers said, 'Please dont be mad at us'' as they attempted to manage the situation. She faulted NYC Ferry for not properly anticipating the summer weekend demand, "It doesnt make me feel good about ferry service through the summer," she added. The return from the Rockaways was also difficult for some: True story: https://t.co/U7htDt9Z0Y We waited something like 90+ minutes for the ferry out to Rockaway, and then couldn't get back to BK, Q35 bus was just as overwhelmed. We walked the Marine Pkwy Bridge rather than wait it out. @MTA @NYCferry @newyorkpost #MemorialDayWeekend2019 Chris Grundemann (@ChrisGrundemann) May 27, 2019 Jones and her family ended up taking a subway to head back to Brooklyn, a trip that took 90 minutes and "five subways." "But it took three hours to get to the Rockaways," she said. "I could have gone to Fire Island in that time." She remained frustrated on Monday, saying that NYC Ferry should have had some sort of apology, as well as a message to customers saying that the service was unacceptable and that they would work it out. "Ive been living in New York City since the late 80s, I went to Fort Tilden in the 90s... and these beaches [Rockaway and Riis] have exploded. And it's a wonderful thing that people in New York City live so close to the waterfront," Jones said. "They have to figure this out, because you're not going to stop people from going there." NYC Ferry, a pet project of Mayor Bill de Blasio, has been under criticism for being heavily subsidized by taxpayers. A report from the Citizens Budget Commission found "that [the] per-rider subsidy worked out to $10.73 in fiscal year 2018... and is expected to balloon to more than $24 per trip on a planned Coney Island route announced earlier this year or 2,257 percent more than what's allocated to the average subway or bus rider." NYC Ferry also does not have ridership data. This morning, for Memorial Day, NYC Ferry shared this service alert, "NYC Ferry expects larger than normal crowds today throughout all routes which may result in longer than normal wait times. We ask that all riders allow themselves additional travel time. Beach goers on the Rockaway route please allow yourself additional time when traveling today. As a reminder, the Rockaway route operates additional service every 28 min on weekends and holidays. Check the NYC Ferry App for real-time updates to service. We appreciate your continued patronage and Happy Memorial Day." Petition for recognizing Holodomor as genocide in Ukraine in 1932-1933 gains required number of votes on Bundestag website An online petition posted on the website of the German parliament recognizing the Holodomor in Ukraine of 1932-1933 as genocide of the Ukrainian people was signed by more than 50,000 people, the Bundestag has reported. On Sunday evening, the number of those who voted for the petition exceeded the required minimum of 50,000 votes. A petition on the website of the German Bundestag was posted on December 14, 2018. The document suggests that German deputies recognize the Holodomor of 1932-1933 as genocide. Now the petition should be considered by the Parliament and, perhaps, the Bundestag will raise the question of recognizing the genocide of the Ukrainian people for consideration. The collection of signatures will also last on May 27. Citizens of other countries, including Ukraine, have the right to support the petition. Kolomoisky says will sympathize with everyone but Poroshenko in parliamentary election Ukrainian businessman Ihor Kolomoisky has said he will sympathize with everyone but the Bloc of Petro Poroshenko in the early parliamentary election. "Poroshenko has just left, and now everything that has piled up over the past five years will go down on him. On the other hand, this kind of shower is not bad. If he and his political force survive, they will be purified and will not have to deal with it next time, before the next election," Kolomoisky told the newspaper Ukrayinska Pravda in an interview. Kolomoisky pledged support for the Servant of the People party of new Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. As to whether he might support Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, Kolomoisky said, "That depends on who he unites with and under what slogans. I actually do not like him. It is not that I am against him, but still ..." In the opinion of Kolomoisky, former Prime Minister and People's Front leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk will hardly participate in the parliamentary election. "He is a man who does not like defeats. How much could he score if he does?" Kolomoisky said. The newspaper suggested that Yatsenyuk might unite with Groysman. "And what number will he be?" Kolomoisky said. He also added that Interior Minister Arsen Avakov was "unlikely" to participate in the parliamentary election. "Who Avakov will go with? There is no clarity about Groysman's party, which looks like sort of a common grave. I think Avakov should not unite with anyone. He is a big figure as is," Kolomoisky said. The early parliamentary election will take place in Ukraine on July 21. Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister on European Integration Olena Zerkal has said the case of immunities of Ukrainian ships and sailors captured by Russia, in fact, will be considered a separate arbitration. She said the process could be lengthy. "In fact, the case will not be considered in this court (International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea). A separate arbitration will be created on the basis of Annex 7 to the Convention (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea). This will last for years," Zerkal told journalists in Hamburg on Saturday. Zerkal said the Tribunal's decision is a significant victory for Ukraine. "The main thing that we have received today is the question of the release of our seamen, our ships, and the fact that the Tribunal has recognized that they have jurisdiction, that the Tribunal has recognized that Russia's warning about military activity does not apply and that there is immediacy to ensure that this decision is made," she said. She said Russia must complete criminal cases and release the sailors. "How they will do it is not a question of the Tribunal. The Tribunal does not give Russia any instructions on how to do it. This is a very reasonable and wise decision," Zerkal said. The Supreme Court of Ukraine has declined a cassation appeal filed by head of RIA Novosti-Ukraine Kiril Vyshinsky on the legality of his detention. "The unified chamber of the Cassation Criminal Court of the Supreme Court has declined the cassation appeal," Andriy Domansky, a lawyer for Vyshinsky, told Interfax-Ukraine on Monday. The cassation appeal contested the decision made by the Appellate Court which declined to institute proceedings to contest the legality of the detention. The lawyer said a full text of the court's decision will be published on June 3 and it is currently not known what its motives were. Domansky also said Vyshinsky had been kept in a glass box at the Monday court hearing as the court had declined the defense lawyers' motion to allow him to be next to his lawyers at the hearing, which the lawyer believes violates his rights. Officers of the Ukrainian Security Service detained Vyshinsky in Kyiv on May 15, 2018. They searched the office of the RIA Novosti Ukraine in Kyiv jointly with Kyiv-based "prosecutors of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea." Vyshinsky is suspected of treason. On May 16, Vyshinsky was taken to Kherson, where the court ordered to take him into custody on May 17. The Kherson City Court has repeatedly extended his arrest, and the court of appeals upheld these rulings. On Tuesday, May 28, at 12.30, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference in the subject: "Rebooting the Minsk Format: New Faces." Participants include: Director of Center for Civil Society Studies Vitaliy Kulyk, Head of the Public Council under the Ministry for Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons Hennadiy Borisichev, Head of NGO Rada of Peace Initiatives Ivan Gunya, Head of RAND Research Projects Dmytro Hromakov (8/5a Reitarska Street). Registration of journalists with editorial IDs on the spot. Taking place at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, the Vietnamese Government leaders visit is an important political event, contributing to enhancing Vietnam Sweden traditional friendship. With a knowledge-based economy towards high-end technology and a comprehensive social welfare system, Sweden is one of the countries with the highest living standards in the world as well as leading in research, application and use of green and clean technology, energy saving and renewable energy. Sweden ranks second in the world for their quality education system. The country is making efforts to strengthen its trade cooperation in emerging markets, including Vietnam, as well as accelerate the negotiation process of free trade agreements (FTAs) with the US and several other nations to complement the shortage of domestic markets and the EU region. Sweden has made the most extensive amendments of constitution since 1974, aiming to create more legal basis for the European unification. Regarding policies for development cooperation, the main goal of Sweden's development cooperation projects is to improve peoples lives; therefore, many projects have focused on hunger eradication and poverty reduction. Sweden was the first Western European nation to set up relations with Vietnam in 1969. Sweden was also a Western country that launched the strongest and earliest movement to support Vietnams resistance war against the US since August 1966. The National Liberation Front of South Vietnam formed its information office in the capital of Stockholm. We are pleased to see that the long-standing friendship between Vietnam and Sweden is constantly consolidating and strengthening. The fine relationship has been marked by high-level visits and exchanges, including the most recent official visit to Sweden by Chairwoman of National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan in Apri 2017 and the visit by Crown Princess of Sweden Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree to Vietnam in early May. Sweden is also a Western country taking the lead in assisting Vietnam in the reform process right from its very first years in the fields of economic reform, finance, banking, economic management, administrative reform and law. The country has actively supported Vietnam to establish relations with international financial and monetary institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB). In addition to the development of economic development, the trade relations between the two countries has grown. Two-way trade revenue reached US$1.8 billion in 2018. Sweden's investment in Vietnam has increased sharply in recent years. As of the end of March 2019, Sweden ranked 33rd out of 131 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with 67 valid projects and a total registered capital of US$364 million. Vietnam also has two investment projects in Sweden with a total investment capital of nearly US$700,000. In terms of development cooperation Sweden is a Nordic country with the largest non-refundable aid provider to Vietnam (since 1967) with a total aid of US$3.4 billion. Cooperation in the fields of culture, education, science, technology, industry, agriculture and rural development and tourism has also been increasingly developed. Sweden is one of the nations that provide the most effective developmental aid for the cultural sector of Vietnam with projects in preserving and promoting cultural heritages as well as improving skills related to radio, television and newspapers. Vietnam welcomed nearly 50,000 Swedish visitors in 2018, a year-on-year increase of 13%. The Vietnamese community in Sweden has around 20,000 members, integrating very well into the host country. PM Nguyen Xuan Phucs official visit to Sweden aims to further deepen the traditional friendship between the two countries in the new current situation, strongly boosting the economic, trade and investment cooperation. May PM Nguyen Xuan Phucs visit to Sweden be a success, contributing to tightening the bilateral friendship. While there, Trac had separate meetings with President of the republic Danilo Medina and President of the Chamber of Deputies Radhames Camacho, during which he briefed them on the situation in Vietnam and affirmed the countrys consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and multilateralisaton and diversification of relations for peace, cooperation and development. The CPV has over the past years attached importance to and broadened relations with many political parties, the official highlighted. The Dominican leaders expressed their admiration and special sentiment to the Vietnamese people and President Ho Chi Minh, and affirmed that the erection of the monument dedicated to the late leader in the capital city of Santo Domingo in 2013 as a vivid manifestation. They spoke highly of the development achievements reaped by Vietnam after more than 30 years of renewal and proposed concrete measures to further push up bilateral relations, especially in politics, economy and trade aimed at further developing relations between the two countries. Within the framework of the visit, Trac had talks with General Secretary of the Dominican Republics United Left Movement (MIU) and Minister for Regional Integration Policies Miguel Mejia and vice general secretary of the ruling Dominican Liberation Party (DLP), Senator Cristina Lizardo. During the talks, Trac and those officials agreed to continue high-level contacts and exchange of delegations as well as theoretical and practical experiences. They also compared notes on the situation of each country and party, and agreed to support each other in broadening their relations with other political parties. Also as part of the visit, the delegation had working sessions with Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas, Minister of Interior and Police Jose Ramon Fadul, among others. They agreed to intensify cooperation and exchange experiences so as cement and improve relations between the two countries in the time to come. The PM expressed his pleasure to visit Sweden on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam-Sweden diplomatic ties. He stressed that the Vietnamese Party and people always bear in mind the valuable assistance from Sweden in the most difficult time of the resistance war for national independence. Though Swedens investment in Vietnam remains modest, investors from the Scandinavian country are running projects using the worlds leading modern technology in information technology and telecommunication, the PM said. Besides which, Sweden has actively supported Vietnam in green development, environmental protection, education and culture, he added. He highly evaluated the working outcomes of the Vietnamese Embassy in Sweden in the fields of external affairs and citizen protection. He praised the embassy for promoting trade between the two countries as well as Swedens investment activities in Vietnam. The PM informed the overseas Vietnamese about Vietnams socio-economic situation and asked them to make more contributions to the cause of national building and development He expressed the hope that the OVs will build on their achievements and integrate better in their host society. Ambassador Doan Thi Phuong Dung said Sweden has a special traditional friendship with Vietnam and was the first western country to recognise and establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam on January 11, 1969. She reported to the PM that the bilateral relations have shifted from development aid to partnership, adding that the two countries have regularly exchanged high-level delegations, with the most recent visit to Vietnam by Crown Princess of Sweden Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree. Bilateral trade has grown steadily while the number of Swedish tourists to Vietnam has increased in recent years, according to the Ambassador. She added that the embassy has always maintained close relations with the overseas Vietnamese community in Sweden, with over 18,000 living, studying and working across the Swedish regions. There are dozens of large Vietnamese enterprises and hundreds of other stores and business establishments in Sweden, she said. Representatives of the overseas Vietnamese community shared with the PM about their connection activities and cooperation developments between Vietnamese and Swedish agencies and organisations in the fields of education, scientific research, culture and business. Vietnamese associations have opened many Vietnamese language classes and held a number of activities to connect overseas Vietnamese, they said, adding that they hope the Party and State will make it easier for overseas Vietnamese to regain Vietnamese citizenship, and to apply for land and housing ownership in Vietnam. *Japanese and US trade chiefs held a meeting on trade in Tokyo on Saturday before a summit between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and visiting US President Donald Trump. * Africa is heading steadily toward achieving sustainable development through the implementation of its ambitious Agenda 2063, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said on Saturday in a televised speech marking Africa Day. * Iran does not want any war in the region amid the rising tensions with the United States, Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations Majid Takht-Ravanchi was quoted as saying by official IRNA news agency on Saturday. * Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that his government would continue to ease policies to bring reforms and conducive atmosphere for trade and investment to achieve economic stability in the country, local media reported Saturday. * Voters in Latvia, Malta and Slovakia headed for the polls on Saturday as part of the European Parliament elections, while citizens in the Czech Republic continued their voting for a second day. * A total of 15 militants including two local commanders of the Taliban group have been confirmed dead as the government forces have targeted Taliban hideouts in Khakriz district of Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province since Saturday, said a statement of the army released in Kandahar Sunday (May 26). * The presidential runoff kicked off in Lithuania on Sunday with former Finance Minister Ingrida Simonyte and economist Gitanas Nauseda contending for the country's top job. Polling stations are open from 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) to 8 p.m. (1700 GMT), with eligible voters of about 2.49 million. * President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi on Saturday defended the country's policy to lift a ban on elephant hunting amid international criticism. * Embattled Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister Peter O'Neill announced his resignation in the capital city of Port Moresby on Sunday, after a series of ministers defected from his cabinet. * The Venezuelan government has launched an investigation into Friday's prison riot that has left 29 inmates killed, authorities said Saturday. * Five naval officers and a forestry official were killed when their helicopter crashed in Central Mexico's Queretaro state, the federal government said on Saturday. * At least 16 Yemenis were killed on Saturday in fierce clashes between government forces and the Houthi rebels in the southwestern province of Taiz, a security official told Xinhua. * The Syrian army foiled an attack by the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front in the northern countryside of Hama province in central Syria on Saturday. * Fighter jets of Libya's UN-backed government on Saturday carried out six airstrikes against the east-based army in south of the capital Tripoli. The Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo issued a statement on May 26 that Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea issued a memorandum dated on May 20, "directing all department secretaries and heads of agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations and government financial institutions to refrain from issuing travel authorities for official trips to Canada." "The aforesaid memo likewise directed heads of government agencies to reduce official interaction with representatives of the Canadian government," Panelo's statement read. "We maintain that these directives are consistent with our stance on the diminished diplomatic relations with Canada starting with the recall of our Ambassador and Consul-General in that country in light of Canada's failure to retrieve its containers of garbage unlawfully shipped to the Philippines," Panelo added. Indeed, the diplomatic spat between the Philippines and Canada over the trash issue has deteriorated in recent weeks even if Canada has offered to take back 69 shipping containers full of garbage which has been rotting for up to six years in two Philippine ports. The Philippines said it feels insulted by Canada's inaction. When the 103 containers arrived in the Philippines in 2013 and 2014, they were falsely declared as containing recycle scraps. However, an investigation by the Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) revealed the trash included household trash, plastic bottles, bags, newspapers, and used adult diapers. Only 69 containers are quarantined in two ports in Manila and Subic, north of Manila. The rest of the garbage has been disposed of. Early this month, Manila gave Ottawa until May 15 to ship back the trash but Ottawa failed to meet the deadline. A day after, Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin tweeted that he ordered the recall of Philippine diplomats in Canada. On May 22, Panelo said the Philippines will "immediately" ship the tons of waste back to Canada and that Manila will pay for the shipping cost. In an apparent move to avoid the deterioration of diplomatic ties with the Philippines, Canada said on Thursday that it is ready to ship back the trash by end of June, but Manila rejected the offer and declared the Southeast Asian country will ship back the trash immediately by itself. Just in time for East End revelers to return for the work week, the Long Island Rail Roads Montauk branch resumed service on Memorial Day after an early Saturday morning derailment forced thousands of getaway travelers to search for other options during one the busiest weekends of the year. The 7:04 a.m. train bound for Jamaica was the first westbound train to leave Montauk this morning, according to an LIRR tweet. But LIRR riders should still expect residual delays. The 7:10AM train from Jamaica due Montauk at 9:51AM is operating 10 minutes late through Mastic-Shirley due to signal trouble near Speonk. LIRR (@LIRR) May 27, 2019 On Friday, there were more than 8,600 LIRR train riders headed to the Hamptons, according to a spokesman. Last year on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, the railroad carried 4,000 people east of the Speonk station. In recent years, Montauk, which sits at the easternmost tip of Long Island, has become the official partying spot in the Hamptons, overwhelming the residents of the once laid-back hamlet as well as its septic system. The train problems began at 1 a.m. on Saturday, when an eastbound Montauk passenger train sideswiped an empty work train near Speonk, causing both cars on both trains to derail. There was a train derailment at the @LIRR #Speonk Station (Montauk Branch) early Saturday morning that has impacted service to the Hamptons along the South Fork train line. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/p6rbXSew8Z Steve Bellone (@SteveBellone) May 26, 2019 Although no one was hurt, the track damage was extensive, according to the LIRR. Crews began working around the clock and by Saturday afternoon, some service was restored to the South Fork with the help of bus service between Patchogue and Hampton Bays and an LIRR shuttle train between Hampton Bays and Montauk. On Sunday, travelers could find limited service to and from Speonk. Over the weekend, LIRR urged travelers to use other options to make their way to the East End, such as the Hampton Jitney service, which reported a spike in service. The derailment is being investigated by the LIRR, which adds that it is also "in consultation with the Federal Railroad Administration and New York State Passenger Transportation Safety Board." Irans deputy foreign minister announced on Sunday, May 26 that there are no direct or indirect talks between the United States and the Islamic Republic. Abbas Araqchi who was visiting Oman categorically denied all reports that suggest negotiations have begun between Washington and Tehran, Iranian media reported. Earlier in the day, the foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi in Tehran had refuted news attributed to the Deputy Foreign Minister of Kuwait Khaled al-Jarallah, who was quoted by Arab media as saying that talks between Iran and the U.S. have started. There are no talks, direct or indirect, taking place between Iran and the U.S., Mousavi said. The news attributed to the Kuwaiti official said that the trip of Omani foreign minister to Tehran on May 20 signaled the start of talks. Oman played a key role in 2013 to kick off negotiations that eventually led to the 2015 nuclear agreement with Tehran. But Araqchi denied the news about talks, while he visited Oman just days after the Omani foreign minister was in Tehran. There was a similar denial by the U.S. State department on Thursday. Spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus denied that Washington had sent any special signals or delegations, saying that her country had nothing to hide from its position on tension with Iran. Iran would block its citizens access to social media if war were to break out with the U.S., the head of the countrys Passive Defense Organization has said. In a speech on Sunday, May 26, brigadier-general Gholamreza Jalali of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said, the U.S. uses social media for media and psychological operations to influence Iranians minds. He added that Washington has the opportunity to exercise soft power in exploiting both Irans lack of a defensive national intranet and its weakened economy, using social media for placing its forces on a war footing against the Islamic Republic. Jalali maintained that possibility of a war between the two countries was minimal. Social media and the effect of sanctions, he said, provided a two-pronged weapon for the U.S. which Iran would counter, he added. We will close social media and stop the U.S. directing Iranian public opinion through it, said Jalali. He added: The U.S. will also lose its leverage of economic sanctions if war breaks out. On a visit to Bushehr, the site of Irans sole nuclear reactor, last month, Jalali said that controlling social networks at the time of crises is a must that should seriously be considered. The Islamic Republic has been talking about replacing the internet by a national network since 2010 it was then expected to be fully operational within five years. Critics insist the real aim is to tighten censorship and the authorities control over peoples use of the internet. Irans national information network (NIN) is 80 percent complete, the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution announced last week. With the NIN, Tehran hopes to cut the countrys dependency on international cyberspace. Brig-Gen Jalali said Irans eight-year war with Iraq carried lessons on how the U.S. might seek to control public opinion in the country. Though he did not elaborate on what these were, in the 1980s there was a brutal crackdown on dissent in the Islamic Republic. Claiming that the U.S. had launched a council to rally Iranian opposition groups abroad, Jalali pointed to Irans influence in Middle East, threatening to retaliate against Washingtons actions by employing the capacity of pro-Islamic Republic people in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, Palestine, and many other countries. There is no evidence, however, that the council Jalali referred to exists. A staunch advocate of blocking internet at the time of crisis, Jalali has a reputation for eccentric quips. Last July he gained international attention after accusing Israel of stealing Irans clouds. He said: Israel and another country in the region have set up joint teams which work to ensure clouds entering Iranian skies are unable to release rain. On top of that, we are facing the issue of cloud and snow-theft. This was an attempt to blame enemies for years of drought in Iran. But last winter things changes and Iran was inundated by severe rains for weeks, causing devastating floods in large swaths of the country. Iranian State TV's Chief Ali Askari has dismissed the manager and controller of the TV's Channel 5 following a controversy surrounding a religious program that has insulted Sunni saints and Islamic sanctities. The firing of two managers of the state TV, reflects the importance Tehran attaches to the controversy as a potential threat to the country's stability, as between 15 to 20 million Iranian Sunnis are already under pressure by religious discrimination, including limitations imposed on their religious leaders. Videos recorded from the program which have gone viral on social media, show Ahmad Qadami, a well-known eulogist or a Maddah swearing at the second Caliph of the Sunnis without naming him. Later on the video, the eulogist is seen insulting one of the prophet's wives. The program was broadcast live on Channel 5 of the state TV (IRIB which stands for the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) organization. This comes while because of controversial remarks by eulogists against state officials including President Hassan Rouhani and his predecessors, a directive was issued by deputy IRIB Chief banning live broadcast of performances by eulogists. Reports coming from Tehran on Sunday say that Javad Ramezan Nejad, the manager of the channel, and a controller who has not been maned have been fired. IRIB deputy chief Morteza Mirbaqeri had said earlier that the producer of the program was dismissed and channel's manager and controller were "disciplined." Ramezan Nejad was appointed to the post in July 2018 and according to Mehr news agency a deputy chief of IRIB had characterized him as "a jihadi manager with a style." Ramezan Nejad previously managed the IRIB's Ofogh Channel which is linked with the revolutionary guards (IRGC) and broadcasts ideological program catered to hardline regime supporters. The Eulogist, Ahmad Qadami, identified by Iranian social media users as a relative of former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was questioned at a Tehran court on Sunday, detained for a few hours and finally released on bail. Sunnis in Iran mainly live in the provinces of West-Azarbaijan and Kordestan near the borders with Iraq and Turkey, Golestan province bordering Turkmenistan, Sistan va Baluchistan province at the border with Pakistan and Hormozgan and Bushehr provinces by the Persian Gulf. Sunnis have been for long complaining about discriminations that among other things prevents them from equal opportunities for employment in public sector and not having enough mosques even in Sunni-populated provinces. The Iranian TV has been often criticized for biased reporting that has been fragmenting Iranian society by widening political, religious, economic and gender divides. During the past decade, Ayatollah Khamenei has given special freedoms to less educated but otherwise loyal eulogists who are often used to mobilize mobs to attack critics and protesters. Full documentary here... A member of parliament for Eslamabad-e Gharb in western Iran says the murder of the city's plainclothes police chief during a shootout on Sunday was possibly a terrorist incident. According to Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, police officers found a vehicle with manipulated registration plate suspicious and clashed with those on board, assuming they were terrorists. Police says the vehicle was approaching a religious gathering that was held on the occasion of Ramadan. According to the MP, the area is now under control and the case is being investigated. However, he did not offer further explanation. Plainclothes police chief Kourosh Haji Moradi was killed and another officer was wounded in a clash between the officers and those on board a car in Eslamabad-e Gharb, Kermanshah province, Sunday evening. Western, southern and southeastern parts of Iran have witnessed several terror attacks in the past year. The most bloody attack was on a military parade in Ahvaz, capital of oil-rich Khuzestan province in September, resulting in 25 killed and many wounded. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 Trend: Azerbaijans delegation led by Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev will take part in the 10th International Industrial Trade Fair INNOPROM-2019 in Russia, Trend reports with reference to Russian media. There are plans that the delegation will include major transport and producing state-owned companies, as well as about 20 private enterprises. The 10th International Industrial Trade Fair INNOPROM-2019 will be held in Russias Yekaterinburg July 8- 11 under the slogan Digital Manufacturing: Integrated Solutions. Consul General of Azerbaijan in Yekaterinburg Ilgar Iskandarov said that the Azerbaijani delegation plans to carry out large-scale work at INNOPROM. For the first time, Azerbaijan will participate in the INNOPROM exhibition at such a high level, he noted. In addition, the biggest companies in Azerbaijan have been announced to participate in the event. I am confident that working together with the government of Russias Sverdlovsk region on the negotiation agenda and the organization of business meetings will indicate new promising areas of cooperation and will give impetus to further dialogue which we hope to continue during the visit of the Sverdlovsk regions delegation to Azerbaijan planned for this year. Sverdlovsk region is a long-time partner of Azerbaijan, and there is a direct flight between Baku and Yekaterinburg. As part of INNOPROM, specialized exhibitions will be organized for the metalworking, additive technologies, as well as technologies for power engineering, industrial automation, mechanical engineering and the production of components for the industry. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 Trend: Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 23 times, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on May 27, 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 27 Trend: The public association "The Azerbaijani community of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan" issued a statement in connection with the opinion voiced by the editor-in-chief of the Regnum news agency, Modest Kolerov, related to the 25th anniversary of the ceasefire between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Trend reports. Kolerov is known for his pro-Armenian and biased anti-Azerbaijan position. "Kolerov's comments aren't surprising. Kolerov is trying to connect his abstract thoughts with the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. He argues that for the realization of the "right to independence" of the "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic", its "decent state existence" must be ensured. We would like to remind the person who appears to be the editor-in-chief of the news agency that the existence of a illegal regime, called the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, has no historical, legal or other grounds for any abstract discussion," reads the statement. "Doesnt Kolerov, talking about a decent human and state existence," notice the rights to decent human living of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis expelled from their native lands and subjected to ethnic cleansing as a result of the occupation policy of Armenia?!,' reads the statement. "By putting forward inappropriate and populist statements on 'decent existence', Kolerov is in fact trying to justify Armenian occupation policy. Actually, his attempts are aimed at deceiving a reader who isnt informed about the conflict. However, a person who knows the region and has minimal information about the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can only see irony in the thoughts of the pro-Armenian author. It is surprising that the 'editor-in-chief' doesnt understand the norms and principles of international law in the area of ensuring sovereignty, internationally recognized borders, the territorial integrity of countries, international peace and security." The statement notes that another nonsense is the comparison of the author of the "existence" of the "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic" with the fate of Armenia, and the statement that if there is no "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic", Armenia will cease to exist. "The search for a connection between the liberation of the occupied Azerbaijani lands and the fate of Armenia is nothing more than a populist opinion," the statement said. "The liberation of the occupied Azerbaijani territories wont only pose a threat to Armenia, but, on the contrary, could contribute to the development of this country." The Azerbaijani community notes that these statements by Kolerov harm Armenia and create obstacles for its further development. "Azerbaijan doesnt claim any countrys lands and demands the withdrawal of the Armenian forces from its occupied territories," the Azerbaijani community of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan said in a statement. "The coexistence of the Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and ensuring peaceful life is possible only after the restoration of the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan and the withdrawal of the occupying Armenian forces from there. The last 30 years have brought nothing to the Armenian community, except problems, troubles, economic stagnation and deprivation of the opportunity for decent existence." The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Details added (first version posted at 14:07). Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 Trend: The public association "The Azerbaijani community of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan" issued a statement in connection with the opinion voiced by the editor-in-chief of the Regnum news agency, Modest Kolerov, related to the 25th anniversary of the ceasefire between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Trend reports. Kolerov is known for his pro-Armenian and biased anti-Azerbaijan position. "Kolerov's comments aren't surprising. Kolerov is trying to connect his abstract thoughts with the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. He argues that for the realization of the "right to independence" of the "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic", its "decent state existence" must be ensured. We would like to remind the person who appears to be the editor-in-chief of the news agency that the existence of a illegal regime, called the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, has no historical, legal or other grounds for any abstract discussion," reads the statement. "Doesnt Kolerov, talking about a decent human and state existence," notice the rights to decent human living of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis expelled from their native lands and subjected to ethnic cleansing as a result of the occupation policy of Armenia?!,' reads the statement. "By putting forward inappropriate and populist statements on 'decent existence', Kolerov is in fact trying to justify Armenian occupation policy. Actually, his attempts are aimed at deceiving a reader who isnt informed about the conflict. However, a person who knows the region and has minimal information about the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can only see irony in the thoughts of the pro-Armenian author. It is surprising that the 'editor-in-chief' doesnt understand the norms and principles of international law in the area of ensuring sovereignty, internationally recognized borders, the territorial integrity of countries, international peace and security." The statement notes that another nonsense is the comparison of the author of the "existence" of the "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic" with the fate of Armenia, and the statement that if there is no "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic", Armenia will cease to exist. "The search for a connection between the liberation of the occupied Azerbaijani lands and the fate of Armenia is nothing more than a populist opinion," the statement said. "The liberation of the occupied Azerbaijani territories wont only pose a threat to Armenia, but, on the contrary, could contribute to the development of this country." The Azerbaijani community notes that these statements by Kolerov harm Armenia and create obstacles for its further development. "Azerbaijan doesnt claim any countrys lands and demands the withdrawal of the Armenian forces from its occupied territories," the Azerbaijani community of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan said in a statement. "The coexistence of the Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and ensuring peaceful life is possible only after the restoration of the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan and the withdrawal of the occupying Armenian forces from there. The last 30 years have brought nothing to the Armenian community, except problems, troubles, economic stagnation and deprivation of the opportunity for decent existence." 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 27 Trend: The border at the Keshikchidag section is guarded by the border services of Azerbaijan and Georgia, said Khalaf Khalafov, Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. He said that, after the collapse of the USSR, Azerbaijan and Georgia automatically became legal successors of the administrative borders that existed between them, as per international law. Subsequently, these borders became state borders and were taken under the control of the border services of the two countries. Movement to the caves in the Keshikchidag nature reserve, at the request of the Georgian side and in accordance with a mutual agreement, was carried out by Georgian pilgrims under the control of Azerbaijani border guards. This is still the case today. As for the implementation of some economic and other work on its territory, it is the sovereign right of each party," he said. Leyla Abdullayeva, head of the press service of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, stated earlier that the Keshikchidag (David Gareja monastery complex) cave monastery complex includes many historical, architectural and religious sites scattered about 25 kilometers along the slopes of the semi-desert Gareja ridge, which the Azerbaijani-Georgian state border crosses through, dividing it into half. A part of Keshikchidag is located on the territory of Aghstafa District of Azerbaijan (75 kilometers from the district center), and the other part is on the territory of Sagarejo Municipality in Kakheti Region of Georgia. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 Trend: US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo has sent a letter of congratulation to the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of 28 May, the Republic Day, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani presidential press-service. On behalf of the Government of the United States, I extend my best wishes to the people of Azerbaijan as you celebrate Republic Day, he said. The United States considers Azerbaijan a reliable friend and partner, Pompeo added. We look forward to broadening our cooperation in the year ahead to increase bilateral trade, advance democratic and economic development, and strengthen people-to-people ties. We welcome Azerbaijans important contributions to international security and its leadership in energy diversification projects such as the Southern Gas Corridor. We remain committed to helping the sides find a peaceful and lasting settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, he added. We welcome recent high-level engagement to pursue a negotiated resolution of the conflict, as well as efforts to create an environment conducive to productive discussions, and to prepare the populations for peace. There are a number of Memorial Day observances, parades, and other events today to remember those who have died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. Here are a few of them, including the two biggest parades (the Littleneck-Douglaston Parade and the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade): The annual Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Observance is from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., at the Soldiers' and Sailors Monument on Riverside Driver and 89th Street in Manhattan. Mayor Bill de Blasio will speak at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum's Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., the Intrepid's Memorial Day event will feature a "U.S. Navy missing man formation aerial salute," made up of FA-18 Super Hornets. (This is what the missing man formation for late President George H.W. Bush looked like.) The Rosedale Memorial Day Parade, starting at 11 a.m., at 243rd Street and Mayda Road in Rosedale, Queens. The 152nd Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade, beginning at 11 a.m. and 3rd Avenue & 78th Street in Brooklyn. Fun fact: Former state senator Marty Golden is leading the parade. The parade will also featured the 369th Experience, a band of African American and Puerto Rican male college students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, in tribute to the the 369th U.S. Infantry Regiment, aka the Harlem Hellfighters (their playing begins around the 20 minute mark below). The 100th annual Staten Island Memorial Day parade, starting at 11:30 a.m. and stepping off at Hart Boulevard in the West Brighton section. The 81st Ridgewood-Glendale Memorial Day Parade starts at 11 a.m. and, according to QNS.com, "As tradition goes in odd-numbered years, the march will step off from the Glendale Memorial Triangle at the corner of Myrtle and Cooper Avenues, then head west along Myrtle Avenue to Ridgewood" in Queens. The Rockaway Beach Memorial Day Parade kicks off at 11:30 a.m. and runs along Beach Channel Drive, from Beach 130 Steet to Beach 94 Street. The Littleneck-Douglas Parade steps off at 2 p.m., starting on Northern Boulevard at Jayson Avenue and continuing along Northern to 245th Street. This year's celebrates the 205th anniversary of the "Star-Spangled Banner." (Madison Square Park) Finally, Madison Square Park has an installation of 10,000 flags, Fallen Soldiers Flag Gardenwith each flag representing 10 soldiersto "honor the more than 100,000 fallen soldiers from the State of New York since the Revolutionary War." Veterans and volunteers planted the flags in the park's Elm and Veterans lawns, and Fallen Soldiers Flag Garden can be seen through Tuesday May 28th. Details added (first version posted on 15:15) Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva have attended an official reception on the occasion of the national holiday of Azerbaijan, Republic Day, at Buta Palace. The event started with the performance of the national anthem of Azerbaijan. The president made a speech at the reception. The official reception continued with a concert. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 28 Trend: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has congratulated Ethiopian president Mrs Sahle-Work Zewde. "On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I heartily congratulate you and your nation on the occasion of the national day of Ethiopia. On this remarkable day, I extend my best regards to you, and wish your people peace and prosperity," President Aliyev said. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 Trend: EY has held a presentation on IFRS 9, an International Financial Reporting Standard, which has been promoted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). IFRS 9 primarily covers accounting for the so-called financial instruments. Financial instruments are assets that can be traded, or they can also be seen as packages of capital that may be traded. Generally, IFRS 9 contains three main facets: classification and measurement of financial instruments, impairment of financial assets and hedge accounting. The presentation organized by EY Azerbaijan in Baku focused specifically on methodology and automation perspectives of IFRS 9 impairment calculation in banking sector. EYs Financial Services is an integrated area that combines experienced professionals and IFRS 9 experts from many countries and across various competencies. EY Azerbaijan invited Viktoriya Shmuratko and Polina Kyrushko from EY Ukraine practice to speak during presentation and share their extensive knowledge of IFRS 9. Viktoriya Shmuratko said: We understand the complexities, challenges and opportunities of implementing IFRS across multiple business units and diverse portfolios. Therefore, we made a special focus on methodology for ProVision an automated tool for impairment calculation in line with IFRS 9. During discussions we realized that many banks in Azerbaijan have not yet developed automated tools for impairment calculations, so they found our presentation extremely useful. As a result, those who attended our presentation indicated that going forward Azerbaijani banks will now seriously consider adopting and using ProVision . Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 Trend: A working meeting of the delegations headed by the head of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan Colonel-General Elchin Guliyev and the head of the Border Police of the Georgian Interior Ministry Teimuraz Kekelidze was held at the state border, Trend reports referring to the State Border Service. The meeting discussed the current operational situation at the state border, ensuring compliance with the rules of the border regime, information exchange and other issues of mutual interest. Issues were also discussed and agreed upon in connection with the expected arrival of fans through Georgia to Azerbaijan for the final game of the UEFA Europa League by air, rail and road transport and agreements were reached to simplify the passage of customs check points and create special conditions for visitors and their cars. The meeting was held in an atmosphere of mutual understanding. The final match will be attended by over 30,000 foreign fans who arrive in Baku on special charter flights. Some 450 buses will be available for the convenient and safe transportation of the fans. The UEFA Europa League final match between the English clubs Arsenal and Chelsea will take place at the 68,000-seat Baku Olympic Stadium. The match will start at 23:00 (GMT+4). Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 Trend: The new agreement between Azerbaijan and the EU continues to be the main topic of discussion of the media and various experts, chairperson of the public association Socio-Economic and Environmental Development Rakhila Mehdiyeva said, Trend reports. Negotiations are at the final stage, but differences on some issues between the parties delay the signing of the agreement, she said. Some insufficiently informed experts associate this with a part of the agreement on the political bloc, in particular, on the part concerning democracy and human rights, she noted. But observations show that disagreements on the agreement concern the economic bloc. Looking at the EU agreements signed with other countries, it is obvious that they encompass extensive trade and economic cooperation. The Azerbaijani side negotiates proceeding from national interests aimed at the sustainable development of the economy, strengthening of entrepreneurship and social protection of the population. She reminded that the media has already disseminated information on a number of important points, and many experts have already expressed their opinions. In its interests, the EU wants to get preferences in the Azerbaijani market. This is natural. But, at the same time, it is trying to limit the support of local entrepreneurs, SMEs, their products, services, etc. This doesnt correspond to further improvement of the business environment, expansion of business activities, increasing the share of SMEs in the economy, in particular, in exports, the creation of various incentive mechanisms for entrepreneurs, and, in general, the reforms carried out on the development of the non-oil sector of the economy. It should be recognized that a lot of work has been done recently in this area, she said. For example, in order to strengthen the role of small and medium-sized businesses in public procurement, serious amendments were made to the Law on Public Procurement, she added. Thus, public procurement worth up to $3 million should be conducted online using an open tender and only with the participation of micro, small and medium-sized businesses. The EU requires either excluding the encouraging provision that provides an advantage in public procurement for SMEs from the current legislation or limiting it to such an extent so that their participation in public procurement is minimized. She reminded that the partnership document on priority areas of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU signed in July last year special attention is paid to the development of SMEs in Azerbaijan. Now it turns out that the EU is taking the opposite position in the negotiations, she said. Undoubtedly, this position of the EU cannot be adopted, because it doesnt meet the interests of Azerbaijan. Tehran ,Iran, May 27 Trend: Iranian petrochemical company Petro Palayesh Mahan continues to export its products to countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) despite US sanctions. Head of the company's public relations Reza Shahidi discussed the trade relations with neighbor countries in an interview to Trend. "The main activity of the company relates to CIS and Turkey," he said. "Major part of company's products, which mostly include asphalt, is also exported to Afghanistan and Iraq. In the current Iranian year [started on March 21, 2019], bituminous waterproofing will be also added to exports." Referring to effect of US sanctions on exports volume of the company, he commented, "Despite the current situation, the company has increased exports. Since we have costumers, the sanctions have not not affected the company's operations. Hopefully, we will further increase the exports in the current year." In his words, at the moment, exports volume is lower than production capacity. Speaking about the government investments in Mahan petrochemical company, he said, "Considering that the public section of company is sanctioned, we shall connect to private sector, so that the government will not interfere. In turn, the government shall find a solution to allow public and private sectors to transfer foreign currency revenues from exports." Referring to company's plan in the current year, he noted, "Increasing production, overhaul and renovating fleet are on the agenda, but the plans are limited due to the sanctions." Shahidi added that company has no foreign investments. He went to say, "At the moment, the production has dropped because of the sanctions. The production in last Iranian year [started on March 21, 2018] was far better than current year." Commenting on the company's relationship with Azerbaijan, he said, "We have direct ties with, and customers in, Azerbaijan. Currently, we export asphalt to Azerbaijan." Tehran, Iran, May 27 Trend: Iranian President held a meeting with heads of joint chambers of commerce at Trade Promotion Organization. Hamid Hosseini, Head of joint Iran-Iraq joint Chamber of Commerce, discussed the details of the President's meeting with members of joint chambers of commerce in an interview to Trend. "The Trade Promotion Organization of Iran has set up advisory councils in joint chambers of commerce to help exporters to maintain relations with other organizations. One of the first was the Foreign Trade Advisory Council that works with Iran's 13 neighbor countries alongside China and India," he said. He added, "These countries have the priority in Iran's foreign relations and the heads of joint chambers of commerce of these countries were invited to this meeting to discuss the aims of the Council. The session was attended by heads of joint chambers of commerce of Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kuwait, Iraq, Emirates, India, China and Turkey." He went on to say, "Good suggestions were made and it is expected that the Foreign Trade Advisory Council will function at the Trade Promotion Organization as a think tank. The decisions of the Council will be advisory for Trade Promotion Organization of Iran at the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade." Iranian President Hassan Rouhani hold the meeting alongside the Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, the Governor of Central Bank of Iran and other officials. It was attended by economists, businessmen and members of joint chambers of commerce. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 By Fakrhi Vakilov Trend: Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have signed export contracts and agreements with total value of $82.2 million at a business forum in Termez, Trend reports with reference to the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan. The event was attended by over 60 Afghan companies. As part of the signed documents, Uzbekistan will supply its southern neighbor with petrochemical, textile, food products and construction materials. Uztrade entered into contracts for $15.5 million, enterprises in Surkhandarya region for $ 15 million, Uzbekneftegaz for $ 11.5 million, Uztekstilprom association for $ 10 million, and Uzsanoatexport for $10 million, the Export Promotion Agency for $8.8 million, Uzkimyosanoat for $5.4 million. Furthermore, bilateral talks were held with the delegation of Afghanistan, where the parties discussed the prospects for the accelerated growth of mutual trade with the help of the border trade zone. --- Follow author on Twitter:@vakilovfaxri Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 By Fakhri Vakilov Trend: The European Council Chairman Donald Tusk will visit Uzbekistan as part of his trip to the countries of Central Asia from May 29 to June 2, Trend reports with reference to the press service of the organization. The European Union has just published its new strategy for EU-Central Asia relations. The visit of the President of Tusk is another expression of the EUs commitment to strengthening partnerships with the region and individual countries, the European Council press service noted. He will meet with President Emomali Rakhmon in Tajikistan, President Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev and the first President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Kazakhstan, and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Uzbekistan. Donald Tusk scheduled a program in Dushanbe (Tajikistan) on May 30 and in Nur-Sultan (Kazakhstan) on May 31. The rest of the visit, according to the schedule of the head of the European Council, will be held in Uzbekistan until June 2. The agenda of the visit includes issues of regional and bilateral cooperation, climate change, environmental protection and border management and security in the region, reads the message. --- Follow author on Twitter:@vakilovfaxri Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: The train trips will be opened between Turkey and Bulgaria soon, Trend reports referring to the Turkish media. Reportedly, passengers will be transported between the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv and the Turkish north-western Edirne city from June 1. The trips will be carried out twice a week, on Saturdays and on Sundays. The train will consist of three cars and up to 226 passengers will be transported daily. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu A robbery suspect died this past weekend after jumping off the FDR Drive offramp, in a botched attempt to evade the cops. On Saturday night, police received a call about a robbery at 224 York Street, in Brooklyn. (It was thought to be a purse theft, according to NBC News.) When the cops arrived there, they found the suspect, a man, driving in a Honda with a passenger. He tried to evade them, crashing into an NYPD car in the process, and then drove over the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan. According to the NYPD, the man tried to exit at the offramp towards the FDR but abruptly made a U-turn (The police reportedly had the exit ramp blocked off). The man drove southbound into northbound traffic, where he hit a second police car. He then got out of the Honda, and, according to the New York Post, yelled "I'm not going back to jail!" right before jumping off the ramp. He landed on the ground, on Pearl Street. EMS took the suspect to Bellevue Hospital, where he died the next day from his injuries. It's unclear what became of the other passenger in the car, and how they knew each other, though the NYPD tells Gothamist that "they were known to each other." Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: In the first month of the current Iranian year (March 21-April 20, 2019), Iran's exports to the members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) amounted to $945 million, Trend reports referring to Iran Trade Promotion Organization. Along with the OIC, Iran also exported goods to the members of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the European Union (EU). Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 By Fakhri Vakilov Trend: Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev will take part in the first meeting of the Joint Commission at the level of the heads of the governments of Russia and Uzbekistan on May 30 in Tashkent, Trend reports with reference to press service of the Russian government. "Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov will hold the first meeting of the Joint Commission at the level of the heads of the governments of Russia and Uzbekistan. A meeting of the head of the Russian government with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev is also scheduled," reads the message. During the talks, it is planned to discuss a wide range of topical issues of bilateral cooperation in the trade, economic, investment, scientific, educational, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The sides will also discuss implementation of major joint projects in the energy, industry, transport, high technologies and agriculture sectors. During the visit, joint documents on cooperation in various fields are expected to be signed. --- Follow author on Twitter:@vakilovfaxri Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 By Matanat Nasibova Trend: Azerbaijani company Metak, which produces metal structures, fittings, and plastic and fiberglass composite pipes, plans to increase the volume of the production, the company told Trend. According to the source, this figure is planned at the level of 20-25 percent. "Compared to the production volumes for four months of the current year, we increased production by 10-15 percent, and this figure will increase by the end of the year. We plan to achieve production growth, firstly because our products are in increasing demand in the market, and secondly because we plan to arrange deliveries outside the country," the company said. According to the source, the company intends to resume exports to Turkey. "Turkey and Georgia are the most attractive markets for the sale of our products, due to convenient logistics and transportation of goods. The company's product range also includes a wide range of plastic products and PVC pipes for water supply and sewage systems. Along with this, we also produce steel pipes, pipe fittings and steel fittings," the company added. It was also noted that there is quite a serious competition in this segment of the market in Azerbaijan, which contributes to the search for new markets. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 By Fakhri Vakilov - Trend: Representatives of the Indian company Casa Bianca signed a contract with farmers and peasant farms in the Namangan region of Uzbekistan for the export of fruits and vegetables, in particular, apricots, Trend reports with reference to Uzbek media. The first batch of Uzbek apricots was delivered to the Indian market on May 26. Uzbek fruits, packaged in special boxes labeled "Fruit of Mother Nature - Made in Uzbekistan", are distributed through the largest Indian retail chains Big Bazaar. Big Bazaar is an Indian retail chain of hypermarkets and grocery stores, which occupies a significant place in the Indian retail sector. --- Follow author on Twitter:@vakilovfaxri Tehran, Iran, May 27 Trend: South Korea seeks to preserve it's trade ties with Iran, however the country's banks are not cooperating with Iranian companies, said head of Iran-South Korea joint Chamber of Commerce Pouya Firozi, Trend reports citing IRNA. "The South Korean ambassador has also expressed his tendency to continue trade ties with Iran but nothing has gone beyond statements," said Firozi. " We are following to trade of medical items through checks, and overall the negotiations are still ongoing," he said. "Some of the pre-existing exports permit agricultural items and fisheries, and we're waiting for the final announcement by Iran's Ministry of Agriculture," he said. The official indicated the Export Guarantee Fund of Iran has not supported South Korean businessmen so far. The recent reports by the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran have shown Iran and South Korea trade volume in non-oil exports during past eight month of last Iranian year (started March 21, 2018) amounted to $2.5 billion. While Iran's share from exports to South Korea was worth $853 million, South Korea has exported $1.7 billion worth of goods to Iran. Gas condensate, refined lead ,oxides, urea , aluminium , zinc, copper concentrates were the major items exported from Iran to South Korea, while South Korea exported paper, cardboard, refrigerator parts, mobile phones, auto parts and antilock brake system to Iran. The reports indicate Iran has exported $7.8 billion worth of crude oil to South Korea in 2017. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 Trend: A public association "Association of Grain Producers and Processors" has been established in Azerbaijan, Trend reports. The association has been created at the initiative of grain producers and processors with the support of the ministries of economy, agriculture and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (employers) Organizations. Deputy Economy Minister Sahib Mammadov noted that there are about 30 associations in the country and the ministry supports people working in the field of grain growing. "About 50 large farms have been established in the country and 162 million manats of soft loans were allocated to 24 of them," he said. The charter of the association was adopted at the event dedicated to its establishment. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 By Elnur Baghishov Trend: Some 1.625 million tons of goods were discharged at the Imam Khomeini port in Irans southern Khuzestan province during the second month (April 21 May 21) of this Iranian year (started on March 21, 2019), which by 35 percent more compared to the same month of last Iranian year, Mohammad Ali Alayi, deputy director of the Iran Port and Maritime Organization, said. Among the discharged goods are sugar, barley, corn, oil seeds, Alayi added, Trend reports referring to IRNA. He added that among the discharged goods are also mining materials which will be supplied to the plants in the country. Imam Khomeini port is considered to be Iran's biggest port after Shahid Rajaee port in Iran's Hormozgan province. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 By Elnur Baghishov Trend: The biggest obstacle to production in Iran is bureaucracy, Iranian MP Abbasali Pourbafrani told the parliament's website, Trend reports. According to him, the harsh laws on tax and insurance also complicate the production. "It can be observed that people are being faced with bureaucracy in government departments and banks. As a result, they lose both their time and their interest in production," he said. Pourbafrani added that the relevant bodies do not fulfill their duties, and when institutions fail to fulfill their duties in time, problems occur for manufacturers. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, May 27 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: Minister of Industry and Communications of Turkmenistan Tahirberdy Durkhanov met with Secretary General of the International Transport Forum (ITF) Young Tae Kim in Leipzig (Germany), Trend reports with reference to Neytralni Turkmenistan newspaper. During the meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the ITF Summit, a presentation was made on major investment projects designed to establish Turkmenistan as a transit and transport hub of regional and continental importance, the article says. The agenda of the summit, which was attended by delegates from 72 countries, included issues of transport opportunities for regional integration. The delegation of Turkmenistan held a series of meetings with top managers of major transport companies in Europe, during which promising areas of cooperation were identified, the report says. The ITF is an intergovernmental organization uniting 59 member countries. Its headquarters is located in Paris. The objectives of the ITF are to formulate and coordinate transport policies at the global level and to promote economic growth, environmental protection and a better quality of life for people. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, May 27 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: An international scientific conference will be held in Ashgabat on June 12-13, timed to the Day of Science, Trend reports with reference to the local TV channel Altyn Asyr. The forum will be attended by famous scientists from Europe and Asia. Topics for discussion will include such relevant areas as information, telecommunications and biotechnologies, the development of digital economy, logistics, water diplomacy, the introduction of scientific achievements in the fields of industry, agriculture, medicine and pharmaceuticals, ecology. Tehran, Iran, May 27 Trend: In a move to alleviate concerns over US sanctions on individuals visiting Iran, the Islamic Republic will not stamp the passports of the exhibition foreign participants, Deputy Head of Iran International Exhibition Company said, Trend reports citing ILNA. About 660 exhibitions are held annually in Iran including more than 400 specialized exhibitions, so we are now becoming a powerful competitor for Turkey and the UAE, Mohammad Javad Ghanbari, Deputy Head of Iran Intl. Exhibition Company for Exhibition Affairs said in press conference on May 27. "Iran is able to hold 25 new exhibitions in the current year including exhibitions on oil, facilities and building, despite US sanctions, he added. Pointing out the restrictions created by United States and some of its allies on the participation of foreigners at Iranian exhibitions, he said, In some cases, we are trying to hold our exhibitions in neighboring countries." He went on to say, The goods that enter the country through exhibitions and the technology they bring help to circumvent the sanctions, he said. Meanwhile, the Department of Industry and the Exhibitions Company is urgently seeking ways to bypass sanctions. Referring to the impact of the sanctions on the exhibition industry, he commented, We have not canceled any exhibition due to sanctions ever. Although many the Iranian companies have refrained from participation in the Paris Food Industry Fair, we signed a three-year contract with a European country, so that Iranian companies can regularly offer their products and services in that country. Moreoer, since the beginning of this year (started on March, 21), the passports of the foreigners coming to Iran to attend exhibitions, are not stamped, he added. In addition, the cost of attending the exhibition can be paid through the confidential channels or in cash. Since August 2018, in a move to alleviate tourists' concerns over US sanctions on individuals visiting Iran, the Islamic Republic stopped stamping the passports of the tourists arriving in Iran. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 By Elnur Baghishov Trend: Exports from Arvand Free Zone in Irans southwestern Khuzestan Province to Iraq increased by 30 percent during the first two months (March 21-May 21) of the current Iranian year (started on March 21, 2019), when compared to the same period last year (started on March 21, 2018), Ali Mousavi, Deputy Managing Director of Iran's Arvand Free Zone Organization (AFZO), told IRNA, Trend reports. According to Mousavi, exports of goods from border trade zones of Shalamcheh and Khorramshahr to Iraq exceeded $40 million during the first month (March 21 - April 20), which is a $9-million increase compared to $31 million in the same month last year. Mousavi added that export of non-oil products through the Port of Abadan increased by 69 percent this year. "Clinkers, steel ingots, steel products, fittings, mixed nuts and vegetable products worth more than $8 million were exported to Iraq, the UAE, Indonesia and Thailand this year," he said. Mousavi added that currently, more than 10,000 people are employed at 166 production facilities in the trade zone, with 68 facilities operating in the Abadan Industrial Park, another 68 facilities operating in the Khorramshahr Industrial Park, and 29 entities operating outside the industrial parks premises. Arvand Free Zone occupies a 37,400-hectare area, located between the cities of Abadan, Khorramshahr and Minushahr. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: Iran exported products worth $20 million to Azerbaijan in the first month of this Iranian year (started March 21, 2019), Trend reports referring to the Iranian Trade Promotion Organization. During this period, Iran exported 33,000 tons of products to Azerbaijan. Export of goods to Azerbaijan accounted for 0.8 percent of all exports of Iran. Irans exports to Azerbaijan decreased by 9 percent in terms of value and 11 percent in terms of weight compared to the same period last year (started March 21, 2018). Azerbaijan ranks 14th in the export of Iranian products. As for neighboring countries, Iran exported 66,000 tons of products worth $26 million to Russia. Export of products to Russia decreased by 9 percent in terms of value and increased by 2 percent in terms of weight, as compared to the similar period of the previous Iranian year (started March 21, 2018). Russia ranks 13th in the export of Iranian products. In the same period, Iran exported 258,000 tons of goods worth $119 million to Turkey. Turkey ranks 6th in the export of Iranian products. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 27 By Azer Ahmadbayli Trend: When esteemed experts say that both sides the US and Iran do not want a military solution, they are probably right. However, the reasons for both sides are different. The United States uses the tactics of anaconda, strangling Iran's economy by its coils and seeing that it works. Turkey and India being among the last importers of Iranian oil officially announced that they stopped buying it. Iran halted to reveal information about oil exports. However, data from various international sources, such as Refinitiv Eikon, SVB Energy International, OPEC and Reuters, show that the sales volume is an average 400-450 thousand barrels per day, including condensate. This figure, if accurate, is twice less than the lowest pre-JCPOA (The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) volumes for 2014 and 2015, when Irans export was about 1 million b/d. It is important for the US to preserve the current status-quo, although the White house does not exclude its sliding to a use of force, accumulating large forces in the Persian Gulf region. Also, Iran's rejection of some provisions of the nuclear deal gives the US administration a reason to expect that one day the EU will return to the pre-JCPOA status quo and join the sanctions. As the Iranian leadership believes, from the parties to the nuclear agreement only Russia and China fulfill their obligations, while the EU has failed to keep its promises to save the deal and facilitate Irans economic trade with the international community. In his statement on May 21, Irans Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abbas Mousavi sent a clear message to Europe in ironic manner, saying that Tehran is ready to fully support JCPOA and implement it exactly like France and other European signatories. Mousavis message came in response to his French counterparts statement that Paris strongly urges Iran to continue to implement all of its obligations under the JCPOA. If there are no tangible results in 60 days, that is, if the EU's trade relations with Iran are not restored, Tehran will resume uranium enrichment. This is likely to mean death of the nuclear agreement. Given the EU's ambiguous stance, its just coming. How can Tehran respond? In the first place, among Tehrans assets, there are armed groups of the multinational Shia militia operating in the entire region, ensuring Iranian influence. On the official website of the Washington Institute, there is an interesting interactive map, arranged by Phillip Smyth, and showing positions of Shia militia in the Middle East. If you do not know the content and simply look at the map, it may seem that this is about the conquests by the Islamic State so similar are the territories controlled by Shia troops in Iraq and Syria, and the density of their forces. This is a very powerful force. They will try to take the US military hostage wherever possible. The similar idea has been voiced by Irans IRGC (Iranian revolutionary Guard Corps) spokesman Ramezan Sharif, who said that US soldiers in the region will be captured by the Revolutionary Guard if they transgress against his country. But, in the end, this will not help, let alone drone attacks of the Yemeni Houthies. If deprived of unified command and financing as a result of war, most of the Shia armed troops will likely turn into unaccountable semi-criminal mercenaries. There are still ballistic missiles with high precision guidance, which Iran possesses, but in general, Tehran is well-aware that the US-Iran military capacities are incomparably unequal. Therefore, Iran does not want a war, too. On Monday May 27, at a joint press conference with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo, President Trump has made peaceful statements regarding Iran, saying that he did not want to see terrible things happen and that he was not looking for a regime change in Iran. Instead, he wants to see no nuclear weapons and believes that one day the parties will make a deal. I do believe that Iran would like to talk, and if they would like to talk, we would like to talk also, Trump said. Tehran is still silent...maybe because today, on May 27, is a day-off in Iran, or maybe because the top Iranian leadership, having obtained another chance to come to terms, is holding heated discussions about which way to go. However, the coils of anaconda are constricting more and more tightly. There may soon be a time when Iran will not be able to plan further action and will have to make decisions in real time, where there is a probability to make a critical mistake. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) supports and is ready to assist Sudan in matters that pertain to the country's stability and security as well as its peaceful political transition to a new government, local media reported, citing UAE Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Trend reports citing Sputnik. The Sudanese Transitional Military Council (TMC)s head, Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan, left Sudan for a one-day official visit to Abu Dhabi on Sunday. According to the UAE WAM news outlet, Al Nahyan met with the TMC head on Sunday and affirmed his country's commitment to stand with Sudan in its efforts to realize national reconciliation. Al Nahyan recommended that Sudan focus on dialogue as an effective measure to secure a peaceful political transition and unity for the Sudanese people. Sudan has been experiencing months of anti-government protests, which culminated in a military coup on 11 April. The TMC came to power and pledged to hold a new election within two years. Then-President Omar Bashir, who had been in power for 30 years, was overthrown and then imprisoned. However, the protests have continued with the demonstrators demanding that the military hand power to a new civilian government. On 15 May, the TMC and the opposition reached an agreement on a three-year transitional period in the country. Britains two main parties promised on Monday to work to resolve the deadlock over Brexit, hoping to win back voters who abandoned them for a new movement led by eurosceptic Nigel Farage at European elections, reports Trend citing to Reuters After a punishing night when Britains deepening Brexit divisions were on show, the governing Conservatives said the results were a demand for the country to follow through on plans to exit the European Union no matter what. Taking a different tack, the opposition Labour Party described a public vote - a new national election or second referendum - as a way to reunite the country. With Farages Brexit Party capturing the greatest number of votes for seats in the European Parliament, followed by a group of fervently pro-EU parties, Conservatives and Labour were under pressure to commit clearly to either side of the debate. Almost three years since Britain voted narrowly to leave the EU and just under two months after the originally planned departure date, lawmakers are still arguing over how, when or even whether the country will leave the club it joined in 1973. For the Conservatives, who will appoint a new leader by the end of July, many of the contenders will see the European vote outcome as proof that they must seek a cleaner break with the EU. For Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, pressure will mount to embrace a second referendum without qualification. But what is clear for both from a vote which many used as a protest, Brexit, which has already forced Prime Minister Theresa May to say she will resign on June 7 over her failure to deliver Brexit, risks shattering their election prospects. Britains interior minister Sajid Javid, one of several Conservatives who hope to replace May, described his partys performance in the election as hugely disappointing. This is a verdict on our delivery of Brexit, Javid said on Twitter. Theres a clear lesson: people want us to get on with it. Labours finance chief, John McDonnell, also said it was time to unite but offered a different solution - a public vote to help pin down where most Britons stood on the way forward. He caused a short-lived sensation in seeming to signal a shift in Labour policy to unequivocally back a second referendum on Britains membership of the EU. McDonnell later clarified that his, and his partys, first priority was to try to force a new election. Cant hide from hit we took last night. Bringing people together when theres such a divide was never going to be easy, he said on Twitter. Now we face prospect of Brexiteer extremist as Tory (Conservative) leader (replacing May) and threat of no deal, we must unite our party and country by taking issue back to people in a public vote. NO DEAL? After May announced on Friday that she was stepping down after failing three times to secure parliamentary approval of her EU withdrawal plan, many of her would-be successors have said they wanted Britain to leave the EU with or without a transition deal on the new exit date of Oct. 31. The response seemed to be a direct challenge to Farage, a former commodities broker whose campaigning helped force Mays predecessor, David Cameron, to stage the 2016 referendum. After the Brexit Party came out tops with 31.6% of the vote, the 55-year-old Farage said on Monday he wanted to be included in any new negotiation to leave the EU. If we dont leave on Oct. 31 then the score that you have seen for the Brexit Party today will be repeated in a general election and we are getting ready for it, Farage said in Southampton, southern England. But while the Brexit Party came first, three emphatically pro-EU parties - the Liberal Democrats, Greens and Change UK - also performed well, combining for more than 30% of the vote. In total, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland elects 73 MEPs (members of the European Parliament) to the 751-seat assembly. They will not contribute directly to British policymaking on domestic issues like Brexit, but will have a say in EU-wide policy as long as they remain in the assembly. Pro-Europeans fear Brexit will make them poorer, undermine Londons position as a global financial capital and weaken the West as it grapples with Donald Trumps unpredictable U.S. presidency and growing assertiveness from Russia and China. The Liberal Democrats, who campaigned under the slogan Bollocks to Brexit, oppose Brexit and want a second referendum to stop it. Supporters of Brexit admit there may be some short-term pain for the UKs $2.9 trillion economy but say that long-term it will prosper when cut free from the EU, which they describe as a failing German-dominated experiment in European integration. Far from providing a clear verdict, the result simply underlined how difficult it is likely to be to find any outcome to the Brexit process that satisfies a clear majority of voters, said John Curtice, a leading polling expert. The German baby food manufacturer Hipp is looking to get rid of plastic in its packaging by 2025, partner at the company, Stefan Hipp, told the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) on Monday, Trend reported citing Xinhua. To achieve this goal, the market leader for baby food in Germany would use more glass and develop recyclable packaging from natural materials such as wood and grass, Hipp told FAZ. "Plastic packaging is convenient for consumers and we have also met this consumer demand so far," said Hipp, emphasizing that "now we are called upon to find alternatives." The family business in the small Upper Bavarian town of Pfaffenhofen was experiencing increasing difficulties in its search for organic raw materials that are not contaminated with chemicals, however. "More and more agricultural land is polluted, from which Hipp can no longer obtain raw materials," said Hipp. There had already been cases in which the German baby food manufacturer had refused deliveries "because traces of glyphosate were found during our investigations," Hipp said. The demand for biologically pure raw materials was constantly increasing but supply was lagging behind, Hipp added. The German baby food manufacture is supplied by 8,000 organic farmers, most of them in Germany, according to Hipp's website. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he was making final efforts to form a new right-wing government, after receiving an extension to do so from Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in April, Trend reports citing Sputnik. "I am making final efforts to form a new right-wing government to avoid unnecessary elections", Netanyahu said in a video posted to Twitter. Netanyahu failed to finish coalition talks with Israeli right-wing and religious parties within 28 days that he had initially been given by Rivlin on 19 April after Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party won Israel's parliamentary elections on 9 April. On Sunday, with three days left before the deadline, Likud legislator and Netanyahu ally Miki Zohar submitted a bill to dissolve Israel's parliament, which if not passed, gives Rivlin the right to nominate another party leader, presumably Netanyahu's opposition, Benny Ganz, to attempt to form a new government. Reportedly, the reason Netanyahu has failed to form a government so far is due to a stalemate between him, his former defense minister, the nationalist Avigdor Liebarman, and Israel's religious parties over a military conscription bill governing exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students. U.S. President Donald Trump pressed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday to even out a trade imbalance with the United States and said he was happy with how things were going with North Korea, reports Trend citing to Reuters Trump is on a four-day state visit to Japan meant to showcase the alliance between the two allies, but which has also been shadowed by trade tensions. Trump, at a news conference with Abe after a summit, said his goal was to remove trade barriers to put U.S. exports on an equal footing in Japan. He said he hoped to have more to announce on trade very soon and said the two had agreed to expand cooperation in human space exploration. Abe, for his part, said the two leaders had agreed to accelerate two-way trade talks. Trump earlier explicitly linked trade and security, a connection that disturbs Japan, which puts its U.S. alliance at the core of its defense policies. Its all a balance sheet thing, Trump said at the beginning of his talks with Abe. When I talk about a security threat, I talk about a balance sheet, he said, adding that Japan had bought tremendous amounts of U.S. military gear. On Sunday, Trump tweeted that he expected big moves on trade would wait until after Japans upper house election in July. Trade-wise, I think well be announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries, Trump said on Monday. Well get the balance of trade, I think, straightened out rapidly. Abe, who has developed close ties with Trump since the U.S. leader came to office, stressed the closeness of ties. This visit of President Trump and Madame Trump is a golden opportunity to clearly show the unshakable bond to the whole world and inside Japan as well, Abe told the news conference. Earlier, Trump was greeted by Emperor Naruhito and his Harvard-educated wife at the imperial palace in Tokyo in a formal welcome ceremony broadcast live on national television. Trump is the first foreign dignitary to be received by the monarch since the latter inherited the throne after his father, Akihito, stepped down recently in the first abdication by a Japanese emperor in two centuries. Trump gave a slight bow and he and First Lady Melania Trump shook hands with the imperial pair before entering the palace, to be met by Abe and his wife, Akie, among others. The president and emperor and their wives returned outside to walk a red carpet and stand under a hot sun while a military band played the national anthems of both countries. RED CARPET, POLICY DIFFERENCES Trump then walked the red carpet again, waving at assembled school children and inspecting Japanese troops before a military band played a formal salute as he stood solemnly on a raised platform. Trump has made clear he was pleased to have the honor of the first reception with the emperor, who is hosting a state dinner for the U.S. leader and his wife on Monday. Trump and Abe have put on a show of friendship but have policy disagreements over trade and North Korea. Trump has threatened to target Japanese automakers with high tariffs. He has also spearheaded an expensive trade dispute with China. That trade war between the worlds two largest economies has hurt markets worldwide and confounded U.S. allies, including Japan and the European Union. Such allies share U.S. concerns about Chinese practices but object to Trumps hardball tactics. Abe and Trump also discussed North Korea. I personally think that lots of good things will come with North Korea. I feel that. I may be right, I may be wrong, but I feel that, Trump said on Monday. On Sunday, Trump had said he was not worried about a recent missile launch by North Korea. That put him at odds with his own national security adviser, John Bolton, who said on Saturday Pyongyangs recent short-range missile tests violated U.N. Security Council resolutions. Japan shares Boltons view. They also discussed Iran. Abe is considering a trip there next month, domestic media said, to try to soothe rising tension between Iran and the United States. Well see what happens, Trump said. But I know for a fact that the prime minister is very close with the leadership of Iran, and well see what happens. Also on Monday, Trump met families of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea decades. Israel voiced openness on Monday to U.S.-mediated talks with Lebanon on resolving a dispute over the neighbors maritime border that has dogged Mediterranean oil and gas exploration, reports Trend citing to Reuters Such talks, Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitzs office said in a statement after he met U.S. envoy David Satterfield, could be for the good of both countries interests in developing natural gas reserves and oil by agreeing a border. There was no immediate comment from Lebanese or U.S. officials. Technically at war since Israels founding in 1948, Israel and Lebanon have long disagreed on border demarcations, a dispute affecting a sea area of about 860 sq km (330 square miles) extending along the edge of three of Lebanons southern energy blocks. Waters in one of those blocks are also claimed by Israel, which kicked off a gas bonanza in the eastern Mediterranean almost a decade ago with the discovery of two huge gas fields. The dispute has led to years of brinkmanship with both sides promising to protect their resources and warning about encroachment. On 16 May 2019, the General Court of the European Union (GC) handed down its judgment inIn this InternKat's opinion, this decision has been an opportunity for the GC to analyze the opposition proceedings before the EUIPO. Background On 2 October 2013, the applicant, KID-Systeme GmbH, filed an application for registration of an EU trade mark with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), for the word sign SKYFi in classes 9 and 37. On 18 February 2014, British Sky Broadcasting Group filed a notice of opposition on the basis, inter alia, of its EU word mark SKY registered on 22 May 214 in classes 9 and 37 and its UK word mark SKY registered on 7 September 2012 in classes 9 and 37. The opposition division upheld the opposition, supported also by Article (1)(b) of Regulation 207/2009 while the EUIPO Board of Appeal (BoA) dismissed the appeal against the opposition. The applicant filed and appeal against the BoA decision's based on eight pleas in law. The GC rejected all the eight pleas in law. In so doing it had plenty of room to analyze the opposition proceedings before the EUIPO. This Internkat has decided to write about the decision in the form of an 'interview' with the GC. Analysis Who has the right to file an opposition and how? Regulation 2017/1001, a notice of opposition to registration of a trade mark may be given within a period of three months following the publication of an EU trade mark application, on the grounds that the trade mark may not be registered under Article 8 of that regulation. The notice of opposition may be given by the proprietor of the rights or a licensee authorised by the proprietors. In the latter case, the notice of opposition is to contain a statement to that effect and indications concerning the authorization or entitlement to file the opposition. Further, Rule 19(2) of Regulation No 2868/95 stipulates that, within the period set by EUIPO, the opposing party is to file proof of the existence, validity and scope of protection of his earlier mark or earlier right, as well as evidence proving his entitlement to file the opposition. In limine, the GC recalls that, under Article 46(1)(a) of, a notice of opposition to registration of a trade mark may be given within, on the grounds that the trade mark may not be registered under Article 8 of that regulation.The notice of opposition may be given by theor a. In the latter case, the notice of opposition is to contain a statement to that effect and indications concerning the authorization or entitlement to file the opposition.Further, Rule 19(2) ofstipulates that, within the period set by EUIPO, the opposing party is to file proof of the, as well as evidence proving his entitlement to file the opposition. Lastly, Rule 20(1) of that regulation provides that if, before the expiry of the period set by EUIPO under Rule 19(1) of that regulation the opposing party has not proven all the elements of Rule 19(2) the opposition shall be rejected as unfounded. Is the EUIPO bound by the tr ade mark 's order chosen by th e party in examining the opposition? The G C h olds t hat no provisions require EUIPO to examine the ear lier marks on which the opposition i s based in the order chosen by the party which filed the opposition. In Dubai could attract 11 million foreign visitors to the Expo 2020 world fair, organizers said in an interview, giving a significant boost to the emirates tourism sector, reports Trend citing to Reuters Overseas visitors would account for almost 71% percent of the total expected for the event in Dubai, already a popular destination which lured a record 15.9 million visitors in 2018. Expo 2020, which starts in October 2020 and runs for six months, is expected to add 122.6 billion dirhams ($33.4 billion) to the United Arab Emirates economy between 2013 and 2031, according to a study conducted by consultancy EY. Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer, told Reuters 67.5% of Expo-led construction is completed and all major projects were on track for completion by year end. Out of the 192 participating countries, 81 will build their own pavilion and 111 will lease Expo-built pavilions. Organizers said Iran, Israel and Qatar will participate and will each build their own pavilion. Israel and the UAE do not have any formal relations, although the two countries share common concerns over regional rival Iran. Qatar has made no formal announcement that it will attend. Qatars government communications office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and commercial ties with Qatar in June 2017, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism. Qatar has denied these allegations. The Expo is, and certainly for us, an apolitical event, said Sanjive Khosla, deputy chief visitor experience officer. Its a global event, an event for the world. That was our commitment when we submitted the bid and we won, that we would invite the world to it and we are sticking to our word. U.S. President Donald Trump met Japans new Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Monday in the ceremonial highlight of a state visit overshadowed by trade tensions between the two allies, Trend reports citing Reuters. Trump, a fan of pomp and circumstance, was greeted by the new emperor and his Harvard-educated wife at the imperial palace in Tokyo in a formal welcome ceremony broadcast live on national television. He became the first foreign dignitary to be received by the monarch since inheriting the throne this month after his father, Akihito, stepped down in the first abdication by a Japanese emperor in two centuries. Trump gave a slight bow and he and First Lady Melania Trump shook hands with the imperial pair before entering the palace, to be met by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife, Akie, among others. The president and emperor and their wives returned outside to walk a red carpet and stand under a hot sun while a military band played the national anthems of both countries. Trump then walked the red carpet again, waving at assembled school children and inspecting Japanese troops before standing solemnly on a raised platform as a military band played a formal salute of honor. Trump has made clear he was pleased to have been given the honor of the first reception with the emperor, who is treating him and his wife to a lavish state dinner later on Monday. Its over 200 years since something like this has happened. So its a great honor to be representing the United States, Trump said at a dinner with Abe and the leaders wives on Sunday. Dupa inscrierea pe site-ul HotNews.ro, poti deschide sectiunea MyHotNews ca sa completezi sau sa schimbi profilul de utilizator. Atentie! Logarea pe site se face cu adresa de email, nu cu nickname-ul. Adresa ta de email va ramane confidentiala si nu va fi niciodata data unor terte persoane sau institutii. Inainte de a te inscrie pe site te rugam sa parcurgi termenii si conditiile atasate unui cont HotNews.ro. Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal and his girlfriend Gabriella Demetriades is over the moon as the couple is going to welcome their first child soon. The actor recently threw a baby shower bash for Gabriella the pictures of which were recently shared the latter on social media. The baby shower was attended by some of Gabriella's close friends too. These pictures are enough to prove that the two of them are currently having a gala time together prior to the arrival of their first child. Gabriella all smiled at the party as she chose to wear a ravishing white gown for the occasion. The most interesting part about the entire event was that Arjun Rampal turned himself into a DJ and played some music too! Arjun seemed to be very delighted as he played some music for the guests. We all loved Arjun in the movie Rock On and he playing music again definitely reminds us of the movie. Other than that, the place looked extremely beautiful as it was decorated with numerous dream-catchers. A few days back, Gabriella had also shared some of hers and Arjun's pictures from their Maldives vacation which had sent the fans into a frenzy. A few days back, Arjun had also shared a wonderful picture of himself and Gabriella posing together along with which he also announced the news of her pregnancy. Arjun Rampal was previously married to Mehr Jesia whom he divorced in the year 2018. Post that, he got into a relationship with Gabriella Demetriades. Arjun announced the news of Gabriella's pregnancy in the month of April 2019. read: SRKs place Mannat was meant to be owned by Salman? New Delhi: After a landslide victory in Lok Sabha election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told his Pakistan PM Imran Khan that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism was significant for developing peace and prosperity. Khan called him PM Modi on Sunday to personally congratulate him over his landslide victory in the polls. Bengaluru airport receives threat call for Air Asia flight A statement from the External Affairs Ministry reads, The Prime Minister thanked the Prime Minister of Pakistan for his telephone call and greetings. Recalling his initiatives in line with his governments neighbourhood first policy, Prime Minister Modi referred to his earlier suggestion to the Prime Minister of Pakistan to fight poverty jointly. He stressed that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism were essential for fostering cooperation for peace, progress and prosperity in our region, Imran Khan on Sunday had a conversation with PM Modi over a phone call, the first interaction between the two leaders after the Balakot air strike, and expressed his desire for both countries to work together for the betterment of their people. Security forces gunned down the Naxal, accused in BJP MLA Bhima Mandavis killing Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said in a tweet, PM spoke to PM Modi today and congratulated him on his partys electoral victory in Lok Sabha elections in India. PM expressed his desire for both countries to work together for the betterment of their peoples, Underworld Dawood Ibrahim, who is hiding in Pakistan for over two decades now, is very afraid after the return of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to power, claim sources from Intelligence agencies. Sources added that the actions taken by Modi government after 2014 against Dawood and his aides have left him scurrying for cover and he was hopeful of having 'good times' again after the defeat of BJP in Lok Sabha election 2019. It is learnt that Modi's historic win has left Dawood completely rattled and he called some senior officers of Pakistan's Intelligence agency ISI to express his fear. The fugitive don made the call shortly after the declaration of Lok Sabha election results on Thursday. also read Rahul Gandhi and Mamta Banerjee Resignation Choas get troll in Social media celebs join in It is to be noted that Sources said that during the meeting with ISI and Pakistan Army officials, Dawood also expressed serious concerns over PM Modi's growing popularity and his growing ties with US and Israel. Dawood has reportedly urged the ISI and Pakistan Army to keep him safe from Indian security agencies. Retired IPS officer P K Jain said that a lot of international equation will change after the return of PM Modi to power. He added that the psychological pressure on Pakistan and Dawood will definitely increase under Modi's regime but the return of Dawood to India would depend on the kind of pressure which New Delhi would be able to exert on Islamabad. It is to be noted that sources said that Dawood is fearful of the fact that, PM Modi would do anything to bring him back to India.The underworld don has told senior ISI officials that Indian security agencies would definitely launch operations to take him out from Pakistan under ISI's nose. Dawood is also scared of the fact that American intelligence agency CIA and Israel's security agency Mossad may also help India bringing him to justice. Sources said that ISI has assured Dawood that the senior officers of ISI would soon hold a meeting to hold discussions over this matter. also read 17th LokSabha gets these sexiest beauties that now turn Glamorous Parliamentarians Hyderabad: In the response of tweet which claimed that a Muslim hawker was shot at in Bihars Begusarai, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday said that Were not human in their eyes. Very strong convective conditions in clouds prevent the radar from accuracy: Air Chief Nambiar As per the tweet by a user, Md Asif Khan, whose profile suggests he works as Assistant Director in the TV and film industry, a man asked the Muslim hawker his name. When the hawker responded Mohd Qasim, the perpetrator asked him: What he was doing here, you should be in Pakistan and fired at him, read the tweet. Md Asif Khan, the self-avowed socialist, also attached a video with his post, stating: This is Modi's Hindu Rashtra 2.0. Trump to ban work permits for spouses of H-1B holders In the video, Mohd Qasim can be seen telling the person, who probably made the video, that he was shot by someone called Rajeev. Albeit the veracity of the video is not yet ascertained, Owaisi chose to make a comment on the tweet. Qasim almost lost his life for literally just saying his name. But sure, I am fear mongering Where does Rajivs brazenness come from? From the top. BJPs leadership has constantly demonised us & associated us with Pakistan Were not human in their eyes, were target practice, tweeted Owaisi. Instituting combination antiretroviral (ART) treatment at the earliest stages of HIV infection may allow the generation of functional CD8 "killer" T cells and preservation of the CD4 helper T cells that are the virus's primary target. Investigators from the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard describe the results of their study, conducted among South African women at risk for contracting the virus, in Science Translational Medicine. "In a sense, this study shows that limiting the amount of virus the immune system encounters can stimulate much more potent CD8 T cell responses, leading to the development of long-term immune memory," says Bruce Walker, MD, Ragon Institute director and senior author of the report. "The results have implications for HIV vaccine development, as this kind of functional immunity to HIV is what we would need from a vaccine." Typically, HIV infection induces a massive CD8 T cell response that initially suppresses viral levels. But that response soon becomes exhausted and remains dysfunctional, allowing the virus to rebound and establish a persistent infection. The Ragon Institute team - led by Zaza Ndhlovu, PhD, also of the Africa Health Research Institute and lead author of the report - set out to examine whether that process could be subverted by very early institution of ART. To do that, they enrolled a group of participants in the FRESH (Females Rising Through Education, Support and Health) study, based in KwaZulu-Natal, the South African province with one of the world's highest HIV infection rates. Instituted in 2012, the FRESH study enrolled women ages 18 to 23 who were not in school or employed, were sexually active and were HIV negative at the time of enrollment. Along with attending twice-weekly sessions addressing career development, self-esteem, relationships, gender-based violence and HIV prevention and treatment, participants receive HIV testing at each visit. The current study enrolled 46 participants in whom "hyperacute" HIV infection was detected - 26 who began receiving ART within 24 to 48 hours of initial detection, 8 who began receiving ART at later stages of infection and 12 who began treatment when CD4 T cells dropped below 350, the standard treatment guideline for South Africa at the time. The results showed that, while the immediate HIV-specific CD8 T cell response of women receiving very early ART was much less intense than that of those whose treatment began later, that response remained functional - as indicated by continued expression of genes associated with key antiviral cytokines - and persistent. Early ART also altered the maturation of HIV-specific CD8 T cells towards generation of effective antiviral T cell memory and promoted robust HIV-specific CD4 T cell responses. "Understanding what constitutes a 'good' immune response to HIV gives us important information for vaccine design and could guide the development of interventions to achieve these kinds of responses in chronic infection," says Walker. "We now need to see whether these responses can control HIV in the absence of ongoing ART treatment or if we can further augment their immune responses, for example, by immunizing against highly networked viral amino acids as described in our recent Science paper." Walker is the Phillip T. and Susan M. Ragon Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. ### Additional co-authors of the Science Translational Medicine paper are Samuel W. Kazer, Krista Dong, and Alex K. Shalek, Ragon Institute; Thandeka Nkosi, Funsho Ogunshola, Daniel M. Muema and Thumbi Ndung'u, Africa Health Research Institute; Gursev Anmole, Shayda A. Swann and Mark A. Brockman, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; Amber Moodley, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal; and Tarylee Reddy, South Africa Medical Research Council. Support for the study includes Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grants OPP1066973 and OPP1146433, National Institutes of Health grants R01 AI145305 and R37 AI067073; grants from the Collaboration for AIDS Vaccine Discovery, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Witten Family Foundation, Dan and Marjorie Sullivan; the Mark and Lisa Schwartz Foundation, Ursula Brunner, Gilead Sciences, the Harvard University Center for AIDS Research and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard was established in 2009 with a gift from the Phillip T. and Susan M. Ragon Foundation, creating a collaborative scientific mission among these institutions to harness the immune system to combat and cure human diseases. A primary focus of the institute has been to contribute to the development of an effective AIDS vaccine. The Ragon Institute draws scientists and engineers from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise across the Harvard and MIT communities and throughout the world to apply the full arsenal of scientific knowledge to understanding mechanisms of immune control and immune failure and to benefit patients. The most severe pandemic in recent history, killing some 50 million people worldwide, the Spanish influenza, may have emerged up to two years earlier than previously believed. And, according to a new and influential study, its early manifestation was ignored at the time as a "minor infection". It is believed that, if doctors had recognized that influenza was the cause of an illness which was killing soldiers in Etaples, France, and Aldershot, England, in 1916, scientists would then have had better grounds to embark on a two-year vaccination programme and some of the worst effects of the Spanish influenza could have been avoided. Such are the findings of a new paper, launched by Professor John S. Oxford, the UK's top expert on influenza, and Douglas Gill, a military historian. Published in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, the study uses modern day scientific technology and delves through literature published in The Lancet from the time, to not only track the origins of the virus, but to seek how we can use this information to learn from the past to prevent the spread of an influenza pandemic. In their quest, Oxford and Gill trace the origins of the Spanish influenza as it emerged in 1915 and 1916 in the Etaples Administrative District in northern France. At the time, up to 30,000 soldiers were admitted each year to British army hospitals in France and England, suffering from typical influenza symptoms. In early 1917, however, a medical group in Etaples treated hundreds of patients infected with what they described as an "unusually fatal disease" presenting "complex" respiratory symptoms. In Aldershot, in the south of England, three senior physicians were also tackling a problem whose hallmarks looked very much the same. In both instances, the disease was characterized by a 'dusky' cyanosis, a rapid progression from quite minor symptoms to death - with death in any case usually resulting from a superinfection involving staphylococcus, streptococcus, etc. Both medical groups were encountering a case fatality in the order of 50%, and they were learning from colleagues in England and France (who were publishing in The Lancet in 1917) that the malady was occurring elsewhere. It is this information which has helped Oxford and Gill to track what was then believed to be a minor respiratory infection as the very origins of the biggest killing pandemic of the 20th century. "We have identified long-neglected outbreaks of infection: outbreaks which, judged as minor at the time, can now be seen as increasingly important, and a portent of the disaster to come," explains Professor Oxford, of Queen Mary University, London. "The research undertaken in the production of the Etaples paper was particularly exhaustive in its scope and depth. Not only were the usual examinations undertaken, of tissue and sputum, but a postmortem examination was conducted of every single soldier dying of disease, throughout a period of seven weeks in early 1917." The findings of the literature as to the origins of the Spanish influenza are further supported in modern papers analysed by Oxford and Gill, wherein scientific methods, namely phylogenetic (the study of evolutionary relationships among biological entities - often species, individuals or genes) and molecular clock analysis, point to all eight genes of the H1N1 family of influenza A viruses as emerging in 1915-1916. These modern studies have also shown that the 'emerging virus' began with aquatic geese, ducks, and swans as a reservoir. It is likely that this disease was then passed on to the soldiers through the faeces of migrating water birds. So what happened between 1915-1916 and 1918-1919 to make this pre-pandemic virus to become pandemic? Professor Oxford explains. "In essence, the virus must have mutated. It lost a great deal of its virulence, but gained a marked ability to spread. Recent experiments with a pre-pandemic 'bird flu' called H5N1, deliberately mutated in the laboratory, have shown that as few as five mutations could have permitted this change to take place." "We appreciate today that a unique characteristic of a pre-pandemic virus lies in its inability to spread from person to person," Professor Oxford added. "The teams at Etaples and Aldershot, although strong in clinical diagnosis, were misled by the lack of spread of this infection. Accordingly, they failed to pinpoint influenza as the underlying cause." There was, however, a silver lining to a very dark cloud. "Pathologists in the United States and in France strove to construct the first universal vaccines against influenza. Their efforts were not misdirected, because the ultimate cause of death in nearly all cases flowed from superinfections with respiratory bacteria." Oxford and Gill conclude: "We remain impressed by the care and initiative shown by our predecessors 100 years ago. Their efforts did have an impact on the level of fatalities, but - not unexpectedly - had no effect upon spread: the result, of course, of everyone's misunderstanding of the nature of the pathogen involved. "Once the virus is able to spread from human to human, disaster strikes. With a generation time of two to three days, from just three patients who were infected originally, a million infections can be caused in around 40 days. And this is probably exactly what happened in 1918-1919." Today, the World Health Organisationis on full alert; and every nation in the world has been asked to plan for a pandemic of bird influenza A (H5N1) or (H7N9). By understanding the origins of the Spanish influenza via analyzing modern day research and papers written in 1917, it is hoped this study could help us prevent a new influenza pandemic. Professor Oxford thinks that existing vaccines have a role to play. "Something similar to what happened at the beginning of the twentieth century could easily be repeated. As a precaution, governments everywhere are stockpiling vaccines against the pneumococcus that usually develops as a secondary infection after the flu, and which causes fatalities on a very large scale." ### She explained that the creation of blockchain-based financial networks is presented as a solution to issues of trust in financial institutions and opaque financial governance following the 2008 crisis. But its also the continuation of a libertarian ideology that starts way before the crisis, and that sees in technology a tool for networked, horizontal, free forms of financial coordination. Such techno-libertarian trend is nowadays in sharp contrast with the response of the legal system to such crises in the financial sector. If on one side we have the dispersion of controlling nodes and elimination of possible points of corruption, on the other we have legal reforms that enhance the role of centralised institutions and create burdensome systems of liability. Looking at the enforcement of financial regulation over blockchain-based networks is therefore a crucial, effective way to understand the interplays and the tradeoffs between legal, regulatory goals and constrains on one side, and instances of decentralisation, emancipation and technologisation on the other. Blockchain-based digital assets become legally problematic when they match legal categories that are recognised and heavily regulated by financial authorities. The case of major interest is when tokens issued and traded on DLTs qualify as securities. In such cases, a whole set of regulatory instruments applies. The presentation provided examples of legal instruments (i.e. the MiFID framework and the Prospectus Regulation) that - while being applicable to crypto-assets when they qualify as securities - are hard or impossible to enforce in the context of blockchain-based applications. Her analysis revealed that regulatory issues derive from the unsuitability of legal classifications to capture the fluid nature of crypto-assets. Enforcement shortages, instead, mainly arise from: a) decentralised governance/business model of platforms; b) non-incorporation of entities; and c) chances of regulatory arbitrage, such as geographical relocation of entities and technological displacement. 2. Alexandra Giannopoulou (postdoctoral researcher at IViR , University of Amsterdam) presented her findings on Data protection by design and by default on the blockchain There are multiple difficulties in ensuring compliance of blockchain technologies with the data protection legal framework created by the GDPR. Most of the incompatibilities stem from the technological architecture of the new disruptive decentralized tool that necessitates personal data processing in order to fulfill its intended function. At the same time, the blockchains technological design presents itself conceptually in sync with privacy because it relies heavily on asymmetric encryption and because it aims to empower users by giving them individual control of their data. While recognizing the value of these technological features, dr. Alexandra Giannopoulou sought to illustrate the tensions between data protection by design -enshrined in article 25 GDPR- and blockchains. During her presentation, Dr. Giannopoulou recalled the multifaceted concept that is the data protection by design and by default; she pointed out that article 25 of the GDPR goes beyond the approach of data protection as confidentiality even though it is often constrained within the limits of applicable pseudonymization and anonymization techniques. Blockchain involves privacy-aware communities that strive to establish privacy as the technological default. In fact, current privacy enhancing technologies (PETs) applied in blockchains (such as zero knowledge proofs, ring signatures, Taproot scriptless scripts) are used as a means to make reidentification harder or alternatively, to divulge as little information as possible about the transactions recorded. PETs are progressively becoming prevalent in most blockchains. These efforts to improve the blockchain technological design are derived from the common aspiration to develop technologies that escape ubiquitous surveillance state mechanisms, which constitutes a predominant ideology among crypto-communities (crypto as in encryption and not as in cryptocurrencies, as Dr. Giannopoulou points out). Starting from the ideological underpinnings of both data protection by design and of the cryptocommunities that participated in the creation of blockchains, the presentation presents examples of the interplay between privacy and technology in order to demonstrate that even though there are conceptually- a lot of similarities between the privacy by design broader theoretical context of protection and that of blockchains, these remain largely insufficient when considering the scope of protection depicted by the data protection by design principles and its implications on technological choices. PETs and the systematic use of encryption in blockchains are without a doubt a rather good stepping stone in the current highly ambivalent state of compliance of blockchains with data protection rules. However, as dr. Giannopoulou concludes, blockchain resorts to trusting in the development of the technologys ability to effectively protect from reidentification; in that way, it does not reinforce individual control over data but it rather instills trust in the technology to protect individuals. Finally, the presentation concluded with open questions to the public pertaining to the ambivalence surrounding the standardization of PETs, the governance rules that need to be developed in order to implement PET updates on an existing blockchain, as well as the lack of guidelines with regards to implementation of data protection by design on the blockchain. 3. Dr. Jurgen Goossens (Tilburg University) pitched a research proposal that he is developing for an upcoming NWO-MVI call. (Tilburg University) pitched a research proposal that he is developing for an upcomingcall. There are evolutions from centralized government to network governance as an allegedly more effective and legitimate method to exercise public authority. Due to this shift an incremental horizontalisation and fragmentation of the public realm is unfolding, leading to connectivity of public and private actors, complexity, and even a deprivation of legal guarantees and effective judicial review. Most recently, the interest of public actors in distributed technologies, such as blockchains, could lead to even more complexity due to hyper-connectivity of public and private actors as well as a lack of transparency (cfr. the black box). Therefore, there is a need for an interdisciplinary analysis of the interaction between the exercise of public authority through distributed technologies and the public values trust, transparency and legitimacy from a legal, ethical and technical perspective. Goossens focused on blockchain technology given its growing popularity and promise of substantial societal impact. Goossens mentioned that blockchain is basically a data structure to which data can be added that is collectively shared and kept secure. Several public actors are developing blockchain pilots, while the general level of trust of citizens in digitalization by the Dutch government is relatively low and the blockchain technology is complex. The aim of the intended research is twofold. Firstly, to identify and design the rule of law conditions to steer the role and responsibilities of public actors in distributed networks in order to maximize the potential for societal good. Secondly, to identify and mitigate undesirable effects of the exercise of public authority through the use of distributed technologies. Goossens stressed the importance of a focus on the end-user perspective. ... (Philadelphia, PA) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted premarket notification clearance for two catheters invented by Riyaz Bashir, MD, FACC, RVT, Professor of Medicine at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM) and Director of Vascular and Endovascular Medicine at Temple University Hospital, and Nicholas Green, Director of Research & Development at Thrombolex, Inc. Thrombolex is a company founded in partnership with Temple University to develop these catheter-based clot dissolving devices. This clearance now allows Thrombolex to commercialize the catheters. The Bashir Endovascular Catheter (BEC) is cleared for the controlled and selective infusion of fluids, including clot-dissolving medications, into the veins and arteries of the peripheral vasculature. The BEC is unique because it's the only catheter of its kind that, once advanced into the clot, can be expanded by the physician into six expandable mini-catheters to deliver medications in precise locations throughout the cross section of the clot. The Bashir N-X Endovascular Catheter (BEC N-X) is cleared for the controlled and selective infusion of fluids chosen by the physician into both the peripheral and pulmonary vasculature, which is comprised of the blood vessels of the lungs. Unlike the BEC, the BEC N-X is not expandable. "My inspiration for the BEC platform technology was to develop a device that I hoped would provide better treatment outcomes by rapid restoration of blood flow through the blood clot thereby enhancing the breakdown of the clot," said Dr. Bashir. "Acute Venous Thromboembolic (VTE) disease, which is marked by blood clots that start in a vein - often in the deep veins of the leg, groin or arm - and can break off and travel to the lungs causing a pulmonary embolism, has become a significant public health concern in the U.S. Approximately 900,000 patients have been diagnosed with VTE and it causes up to 100,000 deaths each year, according to the CDC." "Our dedicated team is proud to have received FDA clearance for these two unique catheter-directed thrombolysis products to be used in the treatment of patients suffering from acute VTE disorders," said Marvin Woodall, Chairman and CEO and co-founder of Thrombolex. Thrombolex has also received FDA approval to begin a multicenter early feasibility study in the clinical setting to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the Bashir Endovascular Catheter in the treatment of acute pulmonary embolism. ### Editor's Note: Dr. Bashir is a co-founder and has equity interest in Thrombolex, Inc. a medical device company developing interventional catheter-based therapies for the rapid and effective treatment of acute venous thromboembolic disorders. Temple University also holds a financial interest in Thrombolex, Inc., pursuant to the license granted to Thrombolex for the University's interest in the patent filed for the experimental catheter device developed by Dr. Bashir and Nicholas Green. About Temple Health Temple University Health System (TUHS) is a $2.1 billion academic health system dedicated to providing access to quality patient care and supporting excellence in medical education and research. The Health System consists of Temple University Hospital (TUH), ranked among the "Best Hospitals" in the region by U.S. News & World Report; TUH-Episcopal Campus; TUH-Northeastern Campus; Fox Chase Cancer Center, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center; Jeanes Hospital, a community-based hospital offering medical, surgical and emergency services; Temple Transport Team, a ground and air-ambulance company; and Temple Physicians, Inc., a network of community-based specialty and primary-care physician practices. TUHS is affiliated with the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, and Temple University Physicians, which is Temple Health's physician practice plan comprised of more than 500 full-time and part-time academic physicians in 20 clinical departments. The Lewis Katz School of Medicine (LKSOM), established in 1901, is one of the nation's leading medical schools. Each year, the School of Medicine educates more than 800 medical students and approximately 240 graduate students. Based on its level of funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Katz School of Medicine is the second-highest ranked medical school in Philadelphia and the third-highest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. According to U.S. News & World Report, LKSOM is among the top 10 most applied-to medical schools in the nation. Temple Health refers to the health, education and research activities carried out by the affiliates of Temple University Health System (TUHS) and by the Katz School of Medicine. TUHS neither provides nor controls the provision of health care. All health care is provided by its member organizations or independent health care providers affiliated with TUHS member organizations. Each TUHS member organization is owned and operated pursuant to its governing documents. It is the policy of Temple University Hospital, Inc. that there shall be no exclusion from, or participation in, and no one denied the benefits of, the delivery of quality medical care on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, age, ancestry, color, national origin, physical ability, level of education, or source of payment. About Thrombolex, Inc. Founded in 2016, Thrombolex, Inc. is engaged in the design, development, manufacture and distribution of innovative endovascular catheters used in interventional procedures, particularly in catheter-directed thrombolysis of large thrombus in patients affected by acute VTE disorders. Our vision is to orchestrate the medical profession's identified unmet needs with our unique product development capabilities. Our goal is to create a continuous stream of new products based on the original BASHIR platform technology, which we hope will improve the treatment outcomes for patients suffering from acute VTE. Please visit http://www.thrombolex.com to learn more about the organization. Through Dec. 30, 5-9 p.m. Henson Robinson Zoo 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., Springfield Lake Springfield Area Adults $7, kids 3-12 $5, ages 2 and under are free Holiday Happenings Take a stroll through the zoo and enjoy thousands of lights and displays. Enjoy the hot cocoa bar or roast a marshmallow over the fire pit for a delicious s'more. Grab the family and gather at one of the photo opportunities for your holiday pics! See the Zoo animals as they enjoy the lights too; red wolves, arctic fox, eagles, barnyard, cougars, birds of prey and many others that are all out on the grounds or viewable still this time of year! There will be bonus features scheduled for certain dates, so keep an eye on our schedule for all. 217-585-1821 Members of a notorious jihadist group, banned after the 7/7 bombings, are active online again and feared to be grooming a new generation of terrorists, a Mail on Sunday investigation reveals. At least 11 extremists linked to the outlawed Al-Muhajiroun (ALM) network have been using social media in recent weeks. Terror experts believe they are testing the waters in their renewed activity to avoid falling foul of the law and may also be holding meetings in secret. The group has been linked with the London 7/7 bombings in 2005 which killed 52 people, the slaying of soldier Lee Rigby in 2013 and the London Bridge attack two years ago which killed eight. Members of a notorious jihadist group Al-Muhajiroun (ALM) network have been using social media in recent weeks. This coincides with the recent release of the groups one-time leader in the UK, Anjem Choudary, 52 (pictured), from a bail hostel to his East London home The surge in online activity coincides with the recent release of the groups one-time leader in the UK, Anjem Choudary, 52, from a bail hostel to his East London home. He served half of a five-and-a-half-year term for inciting support for Islamic State. Former ALM spokesman Omar Brooks, 43 also known as Abu Izzadeen returned to preaching on Facebook in September and ten days ago was filmed shouting at members of a Muslim anti-extremist group in East London. He was twice convicted of terror-related offences and was jailed for supporting terrorism. Former ALM spokesman Omar Brooks, 43 (pictured) also known as Abu Izzadeen returned to preaching on Facebook in September. He was twice convicted of terror-related offences and was jailed for supporting terrorism Another ALM luminary, Mohammed Shamsuddin, featured in a Channel 4 documentary The Jihadis Next Door alongside Khuram Butt, who went on to take part in the London Bridge terror attack. Shamsuddin, who uses the pseudonym Abu Saalihah, emerged on Facebook on March 19. His Facebook posts have included a call to free the founder of ALM, Omar Bakri Mohammed, who fled to Lebanon in the wake of the 7/7 bombings. One closed Facebook group liked by Shamsuddin and followed by 1,508 others, including dozens of suspected ALM members and supporters, is called Pure Tawheed. The groups logo consists of an outstretched index finger the so-called one-finger Tawheed salute a trademark of IS fighters. Mohammed Shamsuddin (pictured) emerged on Facebook on March 19. He also made a post calling for LM, Omar Bakri Mohammed, who fled to Lebanon in the wake of the 7/7 bombings to be freed Another Choudary-linked extremist, Abu Haleema, also featured in the Channel 4 film. He emerged on Facebook in February after a three-year absence and quickly amassed a following of 3,854 people before his account was suspended. He soon opened a new one and currently has 2,756 friends. Haleema also operates a Twitter account and he is on Instagram. Former Met counter-terrorism detective David Videcette (pictured) said of ALM: to radicalise their recruits they rely on secret meetings, personal messages, word of mouth thats the kind of tradecraft they use ALM expert Michael Kenney said Choudarys release had emboldened his former associates. It appears that many of his followers are testing the waters now, to see what they can get away with, said Mr Kenney, a US academic and author of Islamic State In Britain. Some activists are going on social media, or using encrypted apps, while others have gone to Speakers Corner in Hyde Park. Former Met counter-terrorism detective David Videcette, who investigated the 7/7 bombings, said of ALM: Now theyre reinvigorated. They may put stuff out online to encourage people to join them. But to radicalise their recruits they rely on secret meetings, personal messages, word of mouth thats the kind of tradecraft they use. Ive no doubt they will be returning to that kind of activity. 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! (Removes reference in 1st para to Auckland-New York route, adds previous goal for route in 6th para) * Jets worth $2.7 billion at list prices * Airbus had proposed A350 as rival option * Airline selects GE Aviation's GEnx-1B engines for planes May 27 (Reuters) - Air New Zealand Ltd said on Monday it had ordered eight Boeing Co 787 jets worth $2.7 billion at list prices, which will by powered by General Electric engines. The announcement confirmed a Reuters report last week that Boeing had beaten rival Airbus SE, which had proposed the A350 for the hotly contested deal. The airline, which has Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC engines that have proven problematic on its existing fleet of 13 787s, announced it had switched to GE engines for the new order. The 787s will replace eight older 777-200ERs and leave the carrier with an all-Boeing wide-body fleet as well as Airbus A320 family jets for shorter flights. The order comprises eight long-range 787-10s, with the agreement including an option to increase the number of aircraft to 20. The deal also gives the airline, which has previously mentioned a goal of flying Auckland-New York non-stop, the option to switch some aircraft to the longer range 787-9s. "With the 787-10 offering almost 15 percent more space for customers and cargo than the 787-9, this investment creates the platform for our future strategic direction and opens up new opportunities to grow," Air New Zealand Chief Executive Christopher Luxon said in a statement. The eight jets will enter the Air New Zealand fleet between 2022 and 2027, the airline said. "The 787-10 has 95 percent commonality with Air New Zealands existing fleet of 787-9s and will provide the airline with added benefits in terms of capacity and overall operations," Vice President of Boeing Commercial Sales and Marketing for Asia Pacific Christy Reese said. Air New Zealand in March launched a two-year cost reduction programme and said it would defer spending on aircraft by about NZ$750 million ($491 million) as part of a business review. The airline said the 787 was 25 percent more fuel efficient than the jets it is replacing, and carriers typically receive large discounts on the list price of jets. In February, Air New Zealand slashed domestic fares by as much as 50 percent in a shake-up of its pricing structure in response to the slackening travel market. ($1 = 1.5265 New Zealand dollars) (Reporting by Aditya Soni in Bengaluru and Jamie Freed in Singapore Editing by Susan Thomas) Algerian security forces stand guard behind protesters in the capital Algiers on Friday Algerian security forces stand guard behind protesters in the capital Algiers on Friday (AFP Photo/RYAD KRAMDI ) Algiers (AFP) - Algerian police on Friday threw up a tight cordon around a key protest site, arresting dozens of demonstrators in the biggest show of force in 14 weeks of mass demonstrations. Protestors have rallied outside the Grand Post Office in Algiers every week since February, forcing veteran president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to step down in early April after two decades in power. They have continued to stage mass demonstrations each Friday, demanding sweeping reforms and the departure of regime figures including army chief Ahmed Gaid Salah and interim President Abdelkader Bensalah. But ahead of this week's protest, security forces erected fences in a bid to prevent demonstrators from accessing the site. Several hundred protesters gathered near the building, chanting: "Tired of the generals!" "Gaid Salah resign!" However, they were kept at bay by a police cordon and a row of vehicles, and an AFP journalist saw a woman arrested nearby. "Patrols criss-crossed the city and arrested anyone suspected of joining" protests, said Said Salhi, vice-president of the Algerian League for the Defence of Human Rights, on Twitter. "It seems they want to ban the rally." But despite the arrests and the hardships of demonstrating during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, huge crowds filled the streets of Algiers. Mehenna Abdeslam, a protester and a university teacher, told AFP he saw "the police systematically arrest anyone carrying a banner". But he said that would not stop Algerians demonstrating. Local news site TSA reported police in Algiers had made "massive arrests among the protesters". It also noted a heavy presence of female police officers for the first time since the protests began. - 'Crisis' - An activist with Algeria's Socialist Workers' Party wrote on Facebook that he was being held "with some 20 other citizens in a police van". The official APS news agency reported protests in 25 out of the North African country's 48 regions, with further rallies expected in the desert south during the cooler evening hours. Story continues Most protesters in Algiers dispersed peacefully later in the day. A presidential election originally due to take place in April is set for July 4, but protesters reject it, saying a vote will not be valid until new, independent institutions are set up to oversee voting. As the deadline for candidates to register approaches, no major prospect has stepped forward. While Bensalah and Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui have remained relatively quiet, Salah has given three speeches in as many days this week. On Monday, he spoke out against the protesters' demands, saying calls for the departure of key members of the Bouteflika-era ruling circle were "unreasonable, even dangerous". Preparations for the presidential poll should be accelerated to avoid "the trap of a constitutional void", he said, adding that the ballot would "stop those who are trying to prolong this crisis". On Tuesday, he called on protesters to "unite" with the army to prevent "instigators" from hijacking the demonstrations, and on Wednesday he reassured the public he had "no political ambition". Some observers have pointed to similarities with Egypt's general-turned-president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who was elected in 2014 despite vowing the army would stay out of politics after it ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi the previous year. In Algeria, the army has played a central role since the country's independence in 1962, and was considered the real holder of power up until Bouteflika was first elected in 1999. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2019) - Carube Copper Corp. (TSXV: CUC) ("Carube Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the company and OZ Minerals have successfully amended the Royalty Deed with respect to Carube's five 100% owned Special Exclusive Prospecting Licenses ('SEPL') covering 276 square km in Jamaica, West Indies. The licences include Arthurs Seat (SEPL 577), Mt. Ogle (SEPL 573), Windsor Castle (SEPL 576), Berkshire Hall (SEPL 575) and Shirley Castle (SEPL 574) all of which Carube Copper acquired from OZ Minerals in 2016. Under the terms of the amended agreement, OZ Minerals agrees to: waive the $1,500,000 payment within a year of commencement of commercial production if the mineral product is less than 10,000 tonnes per annum. reduce their 2% NSR to a 1% NSR and agree to a buy-back of 1/2 of the 1% NSR for $0.25M on any of the licenses. Renegotiation of Royalty Deed The successful renegotiation of, and amendment to, the Royalty Deed places the company in a stronger overall position to negotiate with interested parties. Mr. Stephen Hughes, CEO, commented: "The signing of the amended Royalty Deed paves the way for the company to negotiate partnerships for the exploration development on any of these 100% owned copper and gold licenses. We have received expressions of interest from several companies in relation to these Jamaican assets and we will continue to discuss a number of strategic alternatives." ABOUT CARUBE COPPER Carube Copper is focused on creating substantive long-term value for its shareholders through the discovery and development of world class copper and gold deposits. Carube currently holds a 100% interest in 11 licenses covering 535 km2 of highly prospective copper-gold terrain in Jamaica, a 100% interest in three porphyry copper-gold properties covering 492 km2 within the Cascade Magmatic Arc in southwestern British Columbia and a 100% interest in the 46 km2 Stewart Brook Gold Project in the Meguma Gold Belt of Nova Scotia. Carube is actively searching for additional high potential copper and gold properties to add to its portfolio. Story continues Stephen Hughes, CEO and President +1 (647) 517-4574 shughes@carubecopper.com Jeff Ackert, Vice President, Business Development +1 (647) 957-2249 jackert@carubecopper.com www.carubecopper.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. DISCLAIMER & FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, and by their very nature involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on currently available information, Carube Copper Corp. provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Factors which cause results to differ materially are set out in the Company's documents filed on SEDAR. Undue reliance should not be placed on "forward looking statements". IMPORTANT NOTICE: Carube Copper hereby incorporates the entire disclaimer set forth on its website at http://www.carubecopper.com/uploads/1/6/5/2/16521880/disclaimers-and-forward-statements.pdf Corporate Logo To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/45055 A Beijing decision to rapidly and sharply cut its excessive and unsustainable trade surplus with the U.S. would change for the better the dynamics of bilateral ties. If China did that, Washington would have to withdraw its claim to interfere in Chinas trade legislation and economic policies. China should remember, however, that Washington takes it as a strategic competitor, and should not expect liberal access to U.S. markets and technologies. Was it ruthless greed, ineptitude or hubris that led China to entrap itself into its huge, systematic and unsustainable trade imbalances with the United States? The answer is: All of the above. Beijing's trade problem was also part of unintended consequence of America's economic policy errors. China, therefore, cannot complain about any sinister scheming. In trade and in most of the rest, America's policy toward China has been an open book ever since the Shanghai Communique in 1972, when Washington began its "triangulation" game of playing China to fight its cold war with the Soviet Union. The focus of American policy changed after the collapse of the Soviet Union, as Washington tried to promote a market economy and democracy in China. The Chinese ignored the advice, kept pocketing the benefits of open access to U.S. markets and free technology transfers, accumulating $3.1 trillion of foreign reserves (at the last count) and steadily growing net foreign assets. Thanks in large part to American investments and technology, China moved from its cheap smokestack manufacturing base of the 1980s to an engineering powerhouse, with cutting-edge industries ranging from infrastructure to transportation, telecommunications, computing, military hardware, space exploration and global retailing. Free-riding is over It took a while for Washington to sober up from its missionary zeal, and to realize the importance of China's bold and seemingly unstoppable economic development with all of its political and security corollaries. Story continues The problem then became: What do we do now? Torn between extreme and useless advice of American sinologists take it easy, cooperate; or hit them hard with everything you got, and the sooner the better Washington opted early this decade for the containment strategy with a "pivot to Asia," later morphing into the "rebalancing to Asia" as a semantic adjustment to apparently make it sound less offensive to China. And while the U.S. was agonizing over its China policy, or, if you wish, kicking the can down the road from one administration to the next, Beijing was stepping up its sales on American markets. Between the beginning of 2011 and the end of the first quarter of this year, the Chinese took $4 trillion on their goods exports to the U.S., encouraged by some economics-challenged pundits that there was nothing Washington could do to stop that. Some of them are still telling the Chinese that U.S. trade deficits and rising foreign debt are pre-ordained, because even in good years American spendthrifts save barely 6% of their after-tax income, while the penny-pinching Chinese squirrel away half of what they earn. The Chinese apparently could not bother with that nonsense. They just kept unloading their stuff, earning a net income of $3 trillion on those $4 trillion of American sales. Showing an incredible chutzpah, the Chinese did not change their trade policy even after U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January 2017 a man who was throwing harsh trade warnings at China from the campaign trail since 2015. No, Beijing paid no attention to Trump threats: China's exports to the U.S. in 2017 and 2018 exceeded the half-a-trillion dollar mark, and the Chinese surpluses on American trade kept soaring at average annual rates of 10%. Balanced trade and better ties One might call that a ruthless greed, a self-assured defiance toward Trump's America or, more generously, a rational response to America's decades-old apparent indifference to one-third of its economy, where China's trade surpluses were slashing growth, jobs and incomes. Instead of following the old law of holes if you find yourself in a hole, stop digging China continued to aggravate its U.S. trade case and broadening bilateral tensions with vacuous, lecture-style incantations of "win-win cooperation," a "harmonious co-existence" and a "shared future for mankind." That sort of hubris could perhaps sell in China, but it finds no takers in the U.S., Europe and most other places around the world. Somehow, Beijing officials seem to have chosen to use sloganeering as a substitute for a prompt and decisive action to sharply narrow their excessive trade surpluses with the U.S. a policy that would have deprived Washington of any legitimate reason to seek relief from damages caused by China's aggressive mercantilism. It is hard to believe that Beijing's leaders did not step in to do the obvious, and the only thing China had to do: Slash the excessive trade surplus with the U.S. quickly and build a more productive relationship with Washington. Trump apparently still hopes that he can cut the Gordian knot with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the G-20 meeting in Japan next month. That perhaps explains his puzzling one-liners bubbling with optimism regarding trade talks with China. China should support that by sending stronger signals on bilateral trade flows to make such a deal possible. Maybe that's what is intended by a 14% annual decline of Chinese exports to the U.S. during the first quarter of this year, resulting in a 12% cut of America's trade deficit with China. But, if that's Beijing's true policy intent, China should restrain its apparent urge to "punish" Washington, as it did with a whopping 19% cut of American goods purchases in the January to March period. Stepping up imports from the U.S. would be a much better, and correct, thing to do to atone for China's abusive trade policies toward the U.S. Washington, for its part, should step back from meddling in China's legislative process and economic policies, while reserving the right to vigorously respond to cases of intellectual property violations, forced technology transfers, illegal industry subsidies and restricted market access to U.S. businesses operating in China. Investment thoughts Beijing's decision to rapidly and sharply cut its excessive and unsustainable trade surplus with the U.S. would change for the better the dynamics of bilateral ties. That would go some way toward extricating China from damaging and dangerous security tensions with the U.S. If China did that, Washington would have to withdraw its claim to interfere in China's trade legislation and its economic policies. China should remember, however, that Washington takes it as a "strategic competitor," and Beijing should not expect liberal access to American markets and technologies. Solving the bilateral trade problem would only be the first step toward a more productive and cooperative relationship. Meanwhile, markets should not exaggerate the importance of U.S.-China trade tensions for a fully employed American economy driven by low credit costs, real disposable household incomes growing at annual rates of 3% and strong corporate earnings. Commentary by Michael Ivanovitch, an independent analyst focusing on world economy, geopolitics and investment strategy. He served as a senior economist at the OECD in Paris, international economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and taught economics at Columbia Business School. More From CNBC Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei on Sunday said he would oppose any effort by China to bar Apple from doing business in the country, even as his company faces a similar ban in the United States. The Trump administration has effectively banned Huawei from doing business in the United States, blocking the Chinese smartphone maker from receiving shipments or services from U.S. companies amid a trade conflict between the two nations. In some of his first public comments since the ban took effect, Ren downplayed the possibility that China could retaliate by imposing similar limits on Apple. That will not happen, first of all. And second of all, if that happens, Ill be the first to protest, Ren told Bloomberg. Apple is my teacher, its in the lead. As a student, why go against my teacher? Never. Huawei generated more than $100 billion in revenue in 2018 alone and is the worlds second-largest smartphone maker behind Samsung. U.S. officials have accused the company of enabling Beijings espionage efforts by providing the government with backdoor access to its devices. Several U.S. chipmakers, including Intel and Qualcomm, have suspended shipments to Huawei, while Google has banned Rens company from using its Android operating system on future devices. Microsoft has pulled Huawei laptops from its online store. While Huawei is in the process of developing its own operating system and chips to continue operations despite the ban, Ren declined to say how quickly the company would be able to implement the fixes. That depends on how fast our repairmen are able to fix the plane, Ren said. No matter what materials they use, be it metal, cloth or paper, the aim is to keep the plane in the sky. President Trump has imposed 25 percent tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in Chinese goods, in what the administration says is an effort to crack down on intellectual property theft and achieve equitable trading terms with China. Beijing has imposed retaliatory tariffs. Story continues Trump has hinted that the limits on Huawei could be up for negotiation as part of a larger trade deal. Ren dismissed the notion that the Huawei ban is a negotiating tactic in US-China trade talks. He also had harsh words for Trump. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX BUSINESS APP I see his tweets and think its laughable because theyre self-contradictory, he said. How did he become a master of the art of the deal? Related Articles A bitcoin-mining grandmother in China, age 61, was sentenced to four months in jail for stealing electricity while mining the cryptocurrency. | Source: (i) Shutterstock (ii) Shutterstock; Edited by CCN By CCN: Chinese authorities sentenced a 61-year-old grandmother to four months in jail for stealing electricity while mining bitcoin. Qiuping Tang was also fined 10,000 yuan (about $1,500) for electricity theft. A federal court in the Hebei Province of China made the decision pursuant to a lawsuit filed by the Tangshan Power Supply Company, Chinese media reported. Specifically, Tang was charged with stealing about $1,300 worth of electricity while mining bitcoin between January and October 2018. Tangs Bitcoin Mining Profits Were a Meager $940 Bitcoin mining uses a lot of electricity, so its no surprise that power theft is a common crime among miners. Authorities say Tang operated four bitcoin mining rigs, including one regulator and one mobile device using stolen electricity. She earned about $940 from her mining activities but ran up electricity costs of $1,300. After being arrested, Tang confessed to her crime and reimbursed the electricity company. She also paid a fine to the Chinese State Treasury. In total, Tang paid more than $3,600 to settle her case. Harsh Treatment Raises Eyebrows There are a couple of surprising revelations about this report. The first is that a 61-year-old grandmother is so crypto-savvy that she was mining bitcoin in her free time. Read the full story on CCN.com. By Sonali Paul MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australia's re-elected Prime Minister Scott Morrison once brandished a lump of coal in parliament, crying, "This is coal - don't be afraid!" His surprise win in what some dubbed the 'climate election' may have stunned the country, but voters should know what comes next in energy policy - big coal. Battered by extended droughts, damaging floods, and more bushfires, Australian voters had been expected to hand a mandate to the Labor party to pursue its ambitious targets for renewable energy and carbon emissions cuts. Instead, Saturday's election left them on course to re-elect the Liberal-led centre-right coalition headed by Morrison, a devout Pentecostal churchgoer who thanked fellow worshippers for his win at a Sydney church early on Sunday. The same coalition government last year scrapped a bipartisan national energy plan and dumped then-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull because he was viewed as anti-coal. Power companies and big energy users, who last year rallied behind the national energy plan to end a decade of policy flip-flops, said on Sunday they wanted to work with the coalition anew to find ways to cut energy bills and boost power and gas supply. "We just need this chaotic environment to stop and give us some real direction," said Andrew Richards, chief executive of the Energy Users Association of Australia, which represents many of the country's largest industrial energy users. The country's power producers - led by AGL Energy, Origin Energy and EnergyAustralia, owned by Hong Kong's CLP Holdings - want the government to set long-term goals to give them the confidence to invest an estimated A$25 billion (13.5 billion) needed for new power supply. "Customers are looking to energy companies and the government to get bills down and secure our energy supplies," said EnergyAustralia Managing Director Catherine Tanna. "We have an opportunity now to reset our relationships and recommit to working toward a clear, stable and long-term energy policy," she said in comments emailed to Reuters after Saturday's election. At Origin Energy, Chief Executive Officer Frank Calabria said in emailed comments he would be looking for appropriate policy that would allow the company to invest in a pumped hydro project and gas exploration in the Northern Territory. Story continues DIVISIVE DEBATE Australia has endured years of divisive debate on energy policy, with attacks by the Liberal-led coalition on Labor's "carbon tax" policy helping to bring down the government of then-leader Julia Gillard in 2013. Despite top companies, from global miner BHP Group to Australia's biggest independent gas producer Woodside Petroleum, calling for the country to put a price on carbon emissions, the Liberal-led coalition killed the carbon price mechanism in 2014. Its own attempts to fashion a bipartisan national energy policy foundered amid fierce opposition from coal supporters and climate sceptics on its right-wing. Its policy now is focused on driving down power prices and beefing up power supply. For the moment that includes underwriting one new coal-fired power plant and providing A$1.38 billion toward a A$4 billion energy storage expansion at state-owned hydropower scheme Snowy Hydro, designed to back up wind and solar power.. While the coalition stuck to an official target to cut carbon emissions by 26-28% from 2005 levels by 2030, the United Nations warned last year Australia was unlikely to meet this goal. The opposition Labor party campaigned on more aggressive targets, aiming to cut carbon emissions by 45 percent by 2030 and reach 50 percent renewable power by 2030. The re-elected Liberal-led coalition has no renewable energy target beyond 2020. ADANI JOBS = VOTES FOR COALITION In the election, stopping a coal mine in the northern state of Queensland proposed by Indian conglomerate Adani Enterprises was the catchword for inner city voters in the south pressing for tough action on climate change. Labor, torn between its traditional union base and its urban environmentally conscious supporters, made no commitments on the Adani mine. The move backfired in the mining heartland of Queensland, where voters with jobs in mind handed the Liberal-led coalition crucial seats in the election. Adani's mining chief Lucas Dow was not available on Sunday to comment on whether the election outcome might speed up approvals for the long delayed mine. "There is now a clear mandate for resources projects that have lawful approvals to proceed, such as the Adani coal mine," the Minerals Council of Australia's chief executive Tania Constable said in a statement on Sunday. Energy users and the power industry, however, see the transition to cleaner energy as inevitable, with states pushing ambitious targets out of line with the national government. At the same time, Australia, the world's second-largest exporter of coal for power, faces falling demand for coal as its biggest customers - Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan and India - are shifting towards cleaner energy, said Tim Buckley, a director at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. "I would expect the coalition to fight a rearguard action that will slow the transition, but they can't stall it," he said. (Reporting by Sonali Paul; Editing by Richard Pullin and Kenneth Maxwell) Rolling over your 401(k) to an IRA may seem appealing if you're leaving a job or you like the idea of having all of your retirement funds in one place. There are times when this is the smart move, but there are also times where you're better off leaving your money where it is. Here are three questions you should ask yourself in order to determine whether rolling over your 401(k) is a good idea. 1. Do you plan to retire early or late? Typically, you cannot withdraw your retirement savings before age 59 1/2 or you'll pay a 10% early withdrawal penalty. But there is an exception for your current 401(k). Under the Rule of 55, you can begin taking penalty-free withdrawals from your current 401(k) if you leave your job or are laid off at any time in or after the year you turn 55. This means that if you plan to retire before 59 1/2, you're better off leaving your 401(k) where it is so you can take advantage of this exception. The catch is, the Rule of 55 only applies to the 401(k) you have with your most recent employer. You'll have to wait until 59 1/2 to touch any older 401(k)s and IRAs without penalty. Hundred-dollar bills in an envelope marked 401(k) Image source: Getty Images. You're also better off leaving your 401(k) where it is if you plan to retire after age 70 1/2. The government mandates that everyone begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from all of their retirement accounts (except Roth IRAs) at this age. This may force you to withdraw more money than you'd wanted to, depleting your retirement savings more quickly. But there's an exception to the RMD rule if you continue to work. As long as you don't own more than 5% of the company that you work for, you can delay taking your RMDs until the year that you retire. This means you can withdraw only as much as you actually need and your existing savings can continue to compound -- but it only works for 401(k)s, not IRAs. 2. What kind of fees does your 401(k) charge? All retirement accounts charge some fees to cover record-keeping and other administrative costs. Investment products also have their own fees, which are usually charged as a percentage of your assets. Typically, 401(k) fees are higher than IRA fees, especially with smaller companies that have fewer employees to spread these costs among. Story continues Rolling over your 401(k) to an IRA could be a smart choice if you're paying more than 1% of your assets in fees every year. You can figure out how much you're paying in fees by checking your 401(k) plan summary or the prospectus for your investments. But if your 401(k) fees are less than 1% of your assets or your employer matches some of your contributions, it may be to your benefit to leave your money where it is. Your savings may be able to grow more quickly with employer-matched funds than they would in an IRA, even if the IRA fees are lower. 3. Do you have company stock in your 401(k)? If you have company stock in your 401(k) and you decide you'd like to roll over that account to an IRA, you have two choices. You can roll over all of the assets, including the company stock, into your IRA, or you can roll over all of the assets except the company stock and transfer the company stock to a taxable brokerage account. At first glance, the second option may not seem like a smart one because you'll have to pay income taxes on the company stock and a 10% early withdrawal penalty if you take money out while you're under 59 1/2. But it may still be worth it for some. When you move your company stock out of your 401(k) to a taxable brokerage account, you only have to pay taxes on what you initially paid for the stock, not on its current market value. If the stock has appreciated significantly since you bought it, this may save you money compared to transferring the stock to an IRA and paying income tax on the full amount when you withdraw it. When you sell the company stock that you transferred to a taxable brokerage account, you only have to pay capital gains tax on the stock's net unrealized appreciation. Short-term capital gains for assets you've had less than a year are taxed at your income tax rate. Long-term capital gains tax rates are used for assets you've held longer than a year, and they're usually lower than income tax rates, maxing out at 20%. Income tax brackets go as high as 37%. Depending on your income and tax filing status, you may not have to pay any long-term capital gains tax on your company stock at all, and this could save you a lot of money compared to transferring that stock to an IRA. Here's a more detailed article to help you determine how much you could owe in taxes on your long-term capital gains if you cash out in 2019. It's up to you to decide whether a 401(k) rollover is a smart choice or not. The answer will probably be different with every 401(k) at every job. Consider the costs of the 401(k), your investments, and your long-term goals and let this information guide your decision. More From The Motley Fool The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Niagara Falls, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2019) - EnerDynamic Hybrid Technologies Corp. (TSXV: EHT) ("EHT") is pleased to provide an update (via updating its March 28, 2019 new release) on initiatives with its Puerto Rico partner, Brieke Family Assets Ltd ("BFA"). On May 23, 2019 the Senate of the US passed the Bill to start the flow of funds to Puerto Rico; President Trump has now approved. Please see link below. On March 27, 2019, Puerto Rico had passed a bill to radically transform the island's economy with renewable energy as the central pillar. The territory's legislature today approved Senate Bill 1121 (PS 1121), the Puerto Rico Energy Public Policy Act, which will set the island on a path to 100% renewable energy by 2050. The bill pushes the island to become a leader in clean energy technology that can better withstand future hurricanes and improve quality of life for Puerto Ricans. This news follows EHT's March 5, 2019 press release, which stated that HUD Secretary Ben Carson had announced the approval of the latest Puerto Rico recovery plan, allowing the island devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017, to start drawing on $8.2 billion for housing, economic revitalization and infrastructure. "I think this is a real opportunity for Puerto Rico to rebuild in a way that will really [allow it to] be the crown jewel of the Caribbean," Carson said in an interview. Malcolm Wright, a director of BFA, stated: "The original intention of our JV with EHT in January 2018 was to set up a solar factory in Puerto Rico where EHT's unique solar panels could be manufactured. In addition, we were very interested in utilizing the ENERTEC skin for the construction of low-cost houses in Puerto Rico and strengthening the FRSIP panels for hurricane winds. This we solved in conjunction with EHT and Dr. Fernando Abruna, FAIA of Abruna & Musgrave, architects. Once this latest energy bill has been signed, we can now look to manufacture both the panels and the houses in the same factory. More than 40,000 low cost housing units are required in Puerto Rico and our FRSIP system is an ideal solution for building those units. The energy requirements of these homes will be over 800MW so we would look to add the EHT ENERTEC ultra-light embedded solar panels and systems to every new home's roof we supply to help reduce their operating costs and provide their energy supply." Story continues John Gamble, CEO of EHT, commented: "Things can now start moving into place in Puerto Rico and with this latest announcement we truly have a better solution for Puerto Rico's energy needs as our panels are made of fiberglass and unlike glass panels don't break, can withstand storm debris and still be there after the next storm supplying power to our commercial and residential customers." Link to the CNN article: https://www-m.cnn.com/2019/05/23/politics/disaster-relief-vote-senate/index.html?r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F Bahamas Last week there were reports about a UK Privy council ruling on a piece of property owned by the Jacks Bay developer. This ruling in no way affects the transaction that Cat5 has with the developer on Jacks Bay. Sir Franklyn Jacks Bay's Chairman stated: "Eleuthera Properties remains committed to South Eleuthera, and the decision of the Privy Council in no way changes that commitment," Sir Franklyn told Tribune Business, revealing that the developer had invested some $100m in the area since 1988. "This ruling does not change our vision or sense of future [possibilities]. It's important to note this property is physically separate; in no way is it related to the land we have earmarked for a luxury resort and marina community to be developed by a subsidiary of Eleuthera Properties." EHT confirms that Cat5's project to build the houses at Jacks Bay is proceeding as planned and EHT is awaiting receipt of the CAD files of the construction drawings from their architects in order for EHT to commence the first home fabrication, and we will proceed with the second home and others as sales proceed and as soon as those second home house plans have been finalized by the architects. About EnerDynamic Hybrid Technologies EHT delivers proprietary, turn-key energy solutions which are intelligent, bankable and sustainable. EHT's expertise includes the development of its ENERTEC module structures with full integration of smart energy solutions. Using a proprietary skin and foam core that is stronger than traditional wood or steel structural insulated panels, EHT provides exceptional thermal energy efficiency in modular homes, cold storage facilities, residential/commercial out buildings and emergency/temporary shelters. EHT works with its partners worldwide to erect the buildings on-site utilizing EHT staff and local crews. In addition to traditional support to established electrical networks, ENERTEC buildings excel where no electrical grid exists. About ENERTEC The EHT advanced ENERTEC Modular Wall and Roof System uses a proprietary skin and foam core that is stronger and more energy efficient than traditional wood or steel structures providing the highest ratings for energy efficiency. EHT works with its partners worldwide to erect the buildings on-site utilizing EHT staff and local crews. After installation, each structure can be furnished and finished to meet the customer's requirements including siding, tile, kitchens and bathrooms or segregated commercial rooms. The finished wall product can be shipped on pallets and delivered via rail, truck or water in standard formats. At the core of the ENERTEC product line is the ENERTEC Embedded Solar Roof Module. Solar cells can be embedded in a proprietary fire proof skin resulting in substantial cost savings by eliminating heavy glass panels and aluminum racking required for traditional solar panels. Two barriers to greater adoption of solar energy are weight limitations of the roof on which solar panels could be deployed and onerous shipping and labour costs. A lighter product at a better price point will open a larger market for solar due to the faster return of capital investment especially for rural and remote users looking to go off-grid. Furthermore, the entire EHT embedded solar roof becomes a massive solar panel capable of producing significantly more energy than the home requires, allowing the structure to then become an important source of power for the local micro grid or large battery storage systems. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The statements herein that are not historical facts are forwardlooking statements. Forward-looking information relating to sales of the products (the "Opportunities") involves risk, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, for the Opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although EHT believes that the assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking information on the Opportunities outlined 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. EHT disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT John Gamble Director (289) 488-1699 jgamble@ehthybrid.com info@ehthybrid.com Website: www.ehthybrid.com Corporate Logo To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/45046 (Refiles to clarify Expo is world fair, not just trade) By Tuqa Khalid DUBAI, May 27 (Reuters) - Dubai could attract 11 million foreign visitors to the Expo 2020 world fair, organisers said in an interview, giving a significant boost to the emirate's tourism sector. Overseas visitors would account for almost 71% percent of the total expected for the event in Dubai, already a popular destination which lured a record 15.9 million visitors in 2018. Expo 2020, which starts in October 2020 and runs for six months, is expected to add 122.6 billion dirhams ($33.4 billion) to the United Arab Emirates' economy between 2013 and 2031, according to a study conducted by consultancy EY. Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer, told Reuters 67.5% of Expo-led construction is completed and all major projects were on track for completion by year end. Out of the 192 participating countries, 81 will build their own pavilion and 111 will lease Expo-built pavilions. Organisers said Iran, Israel and Qatar will participate and will each build their own pavilion. Israel and the UAE do not have any formal relations, although the two countries share common concerns over regional rival Iran. Qatar has made no formal announcement that it will attend. Qatar's government communications office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and commercial ties with Qatar in June 2017, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism. Qatar has denied these allegations. "The Expo is, and certainly for us, an apolitical event," said Sanjive Khosla, deputy chief visitor experience officer. "It's a global event, an event for the world. That was our commitment when we submitted the bid and we won, that we would invite the world to it and we are sticking to our word." (Reporting by Tuqa Khalid Editing by David Holmes) Alisha Sijapati is an arts and culture reporter at The Kathmandu Post, primarily covering human interest stories. She is intrigued by history, culture and films. Before joining the Post in 2015, she worked as a journalist for The Himalayan Times and ECS Media. (Bloomberg) -- Google will pay about 600 million euros ($670 million) to build a data center in Finland amid a push by its parent Alphabet Inc. to invest heavily in servers and feed demand for faster access to files and media. The new construction will add to Googles existing data-center complex in Hamina on the south coast of Finland, taking the companys total investment there to 1.4 billion euros, it said in an emailed statement on Monday. Tech companies are racing to build more such facilities as businesses and individuals increasingly store more data online on so-called cloud platforms. Google offers consumers services including email, maps, search and photos, as well as videos on its YouTube website. The Mountain View, California-based company currently has 58 data centers around the world. In Europe, it has invested more than 4.3 billion euros in five such facilities since 2007 and its accrued capital expenditures for the first quarter came to $4.5 billion, comprising spending on data centers, servers and office facilities. The expansion in Finland comes as Google is pushing into video gaming with its new streaming service Stadia, which will allow players to access the action through the web without expensive consoles or personal computers. Stadia runs through the companys YouTube video-streaming platform and requires the data-center network to function. Googles Hamina complex will be powered by renewable energy acquired from three new wind farms in the Nordic nation, it said last year. To contact the reporters on this story: Leo Laikola in Helsinki at llaikola@bloomberg.net;Natalia Drozdiak in Brussels at ndrozdiak1@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Kati Pohjanpalo at kpohjanpalo@bloomberg.net, ;Giles Turner at gturner35@bloomberg.net, Tasneem Hanfi Brogger For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2019 Bloomberg L.P. * Greece heads to polls after Syriza defeat * New Democracy storms ahead in European Parliament vote * (Updates with elections result) By Renee Maltezou and Michele Kambas ATHENS, May 26 (Reuters) - Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called snap national elections after suffering a heavy defeat by the opposition conservatives in European Parliament elections on Sunday. With an unexpectedly severe pounding at the ballot box for his leftist Syriza party, Tsipras decided not to push through to a full term which expires in October. "I will request immediate declaration of national elections from the President of the Republic," Tsipras said in a speech. A party source said the earliest a vote could take place would be June 30, to allow for preparations. Results for the European Parliament vote showed Syriza trailing the opposition New Democracy party by about nine points. Syriza stormed the Greek political scene on an anti-austerity platform six years ago, then suffered a backlash after having to impose cut-backs as part of a third bailout in 2015. More damagingly, there was a deeply unpopular agreement that resolved a long-running name dispute with North Macedonia. New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis demanded Tsipras resign, saying he had lost the popular mandate. "The Prime Minister must assume his responsibilities. For the good of the country he must resign and the country should hold national elections, the soonest possible," Mitsotakis said. Once a leftist firebrand, Tsipras, 44, mellowed after sweeping to power and telling the country's creditors to back off in 2015. But he was forced into a painful new bailout months later, when faced with a choice of that or being turfed out of the euro zone and into the financial wilderness. The capitulation went down badly with many voters. Greece emerged from close financial supervision by its lenders in August 2018. The government this month introduced tax cuts and pension payouts, going some way toward unwinding some of the austerity measures. Story continues The handouts may have averted a steeper defeat in the European election, political analyst Thanos Veremis said. Tsipras' decision to broker a deal ending a name dispute with North Macedonia earned kudos from his European partners, but proved deeply unpopular with many Greeks. His coalition partner, Panos Kammenos, pulled out of the government in January, triggering a confidence vote in parliament that Tsipras nonetheless won comfortably. For most, use of the Macedonia name is an appropriation of Greek heritage by the country's small neighbour. Regardless, Tsipras signed the name-change deal in June, on the banks of the Prespes Lake bordering Albania, Greece and North Macedonia. "Syriza committed suicide in Prespes," Kammenos, his former coalition partner, tweeted on Sunday evening. (Additional reporting by Lefteris Papadimas, Writing by Michele Kambas Editing by David Holmes and Andrew Heavens) * Greens set for best showing yet in Euro election * Role seen in "progressive coalition" * But Greens will still be one of the smallest groups By Alissa de Carbonnel BRUSSELS, May 26 (Reuters) - Surfing an international wave of climate activism to their strongest showing yet in European Union elections, Europe's Greens on Sunday readied to press their demands on climate and trade in Brussels. An ebb in support for mainstream parties furthermore raised hopes among Europe's ecology parties that they could even use their still relatively small presence in the EU assembly to act as kingmakers in an increasingly fragmented EU legislature. Much of the gain in support came from the northern European countries that were once the continent's industrial heartlands, where young people have taken to the streets to demand a break from a legacy of dependence on fossil fuels. Germany's Greens notably leapt into second place behind Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU conservatives, with voters under the age of 30 accounting for a third of their vote, according to exit polls. "This election was above all about the issue of climate and climate protection," acknowledged Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, leader of the German Christian Democrats (CDU), currently the biggest European party in the EU chamber. Greens also doubled their share of the vote to take two seats in Finland and Denmark, won their first two seats in Ireland in two decades, grabbed third place in France and were set for strong showings in Belgium, the Netherlands and Britain - the latter partly as a result of being clearly anti-Brexit. Early indications showed that green parties could add nearly 20 extra seats in parliament, where there will be now weeks of bargaining among all the parties to form a stable majority. Leaders of the pan-European Green alliance projected to hold some 10 percent of seats said their support will not come cheap. Not only will they seek written commitments on climate action - which could spell tighter regulation for industry - but will push demands on tax policy and in trade negotiation with Australia and the United States. Story continues "The citizens are giving a bigger lever than we ever had in this parliament and we are going to use that lever," Philippe Lamberts, who leads the Greens family of more than 30 national parties in Parliament, told Reuters. The stakes are high in upcoming coalition talks amid fears by some that unprecedented gains by populist nationalists will seek to hijack or block a pro-European agenda. Much of the ecologists' support came from younger voters, inspired by 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and school strikes in dozens of countries. With the centre-right and centre-left parties losing their joint majority in informal coordination on voting over the last five years, they have been courting support from other parties. "We know they want to court us," Lamberts said. "It won't be that you get the Green votes for forever and that we will forget about the promises." (Reporting by Alissa de Carbonnel in Brussels Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke in Berlin, Francesco Guarascio and Bart Biesemans in Brussels Editing by Mark John) (Adds latest projections, comments from candidates) BRUSSELS, May 26 (Reuters) - Following are predictions of the European Parliament election results based on exit polls and some official results. Over 400 million people can vote in 28 countries, seven of which held ballots between Thursday and Saturday, with the remainder voting on Sunday (times CET): 0040 - EU - The European Union's top competition official, Margrethe Vestager, called on Sunday night for an end to the centre-right's hold on power in the bloc after European election, and for a first gendered-balance European Commission. "The monopoly of power is broken. And this is of course why we can do something else," Vestager said. 0028 - EU - The centre-left candidate to head the next European Union's executive on Sunday ruled out building a coalition with far-right forces, calling for a "progressive" majority in the next European Parliament. "My offer is on the table: let's sit together, the progressive forces in this parliament, let's try and find a programme for the next five years that will prepare Europe for the 30 years to come," said Frans Timmermans. 0018 - EU - The centre-right German candidate to head the next European Union's executive called for a broad alliance of pro-EU forces among socialists, liberals and greens after a continent-wide vote on Sunday. "We are facing a shrinking centre," Manfred Weber said. "When I look to the figures, I don't see a majority against the liberals, I don't see a majority against the socialists, I don't see a majority against the European People's Party." "So what I would ask us to do to is to join our forces to work together from now." 0020 - EU - The latest projections from the European Parliament estimate the European People's Party (EPP) will win 180 of the 751 seats in the European Parliament, followed by the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) with 152. The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe and Renaissance (ALDE&R) was projected to win 105 seats, the Greens 67, the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) 61, Europe of Nations and Freedom Group (ENF) 57, the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy Group (EFDD) 54 and the Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left 38. The projection also showed 30 seats going to members not allied with any of the existing political groups in the outgoing Parliament and seven seats going to non-attached members. 2321 - SLOVAKIA - Liberal, pro-European coalition Progressive Slovakia/Together won the EU election in Slovakia with 20.1% of the vote, followed by the ruling leftist Smer party at 15.7%, official results showed. The far-right People's Party-Our Slovakia was third in the EU vote with 12.1%. Story continues 2319 - SPAIN - The Socialists won the EU election in Spain with 20 seats in the European Parliament, official results with over 98% of votes counted showed. The conservative People's Party (PP) won 12, centre-right Ciudadanos seven and far-right Vox three. 2318 - HUNGARY - Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ruling Fidesz party won just over 52% of votes Sunday on a hardline anti-immigration platform. The leftist Democratic Coalition was second with 16.26%, according to the national election office. The Momentum party was third with 9.92%, the Socialists won 6.68%, and nationalist Jobbik got 6.44%. 2309 - UK - Nigel Farage's Brexit Party looked to be in the lead in the country's elections to the European Parliament, according to the first result from Leeds. Farage said it looked like a big win for the Brexit Party in the EU elections. The results from Leeds showed the Brexit Party at 29%, followed by Labour with 20%, the Liberal Democrats with 18%, the Greens with 16% and the Conservatives at 7%. 2300 - ITALY - The far-right League overtook the 5-Star Movement as Italy's largest party during Sunday's EU election, according to exit polls. The 5-Star Movement lost a third of its voters this year and is expected to win between 18.5-23 percent of the vote. The League was predicted to take 26-31 percent and the centre-left Democratic Party was also expected to also surpass the 5-Star Movement with between 20.5-25 percent of the vote. 2233 - GREECE - Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called for a snap general election in June after the opposition party took the lead in Sunday's elections to European Parliament. Greek opposition leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis called for the resignation of Tsipras after Mitsotakis's party pulled ahead in the vote. Early election results showed Mitsotakis's New Democracy party leading Tsipras's Syriza party by up to nine points. Elections in Greece are scheduled to be held in October. 2102 - POLAND - Poland's ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party is expected to come first in the election with 42.4% of the vote, an exit poll showed. The opposition European Coalition - comprising the Civic Platform formerly led by European Council President Donald Tusk and a motley of leftist and rural politicians - scored second with 39.1%. As of 1500 GMT, voter turnout was 32.51% in Poland compared to 16.91% in 2014 at the same time, according to the election commission. 2050 - ROMANIA - The ruling Social Democrats (PSD) were tied with the opposition centrist National Liberty Party at 25.8%, according to exit polls. The poll showed a sharp decline in support for PSD, which won 45% in the last national ballot in 2016. 2036 - FRANCE - An Elysee official said French President Emmanuel Macron's loss to Marine Le Pen's far-right party in the EU elections was "disappointing", but would not prompt a change in the government's reform drive. "There is of course some disappointment," an Elysee official said. "But the score is absolutely honourable compared to how incumbents did in previous European elections. There was no sanction." 2011 - EU - The EPP is expected to remain the largest party in the EU Parliament with 173 of 751 seats, according to the first European Parliament estimate. The S&D follow closely behind with 147 seats and the ALDE+R is projected to win 102. The Greens are projected to win 71 seats and the combined two far-right parties are expected to get 113. 2004 - SPAIN - Socialists are expected to win 18 of Spain's EU Parliament seats, according to an exit poll, a gain of 4 seats from 2014. Far-right Vox is predicted to get its first members in EU Parliament, with four to five seats. The Ciudadanos and Catalan separatists are also expected to win seats. The Conservative People's Party is predicted to lose seats, dropping to 11-12 from 16 in 2014.. Voter turnout was nearly 50% in Spain at 1600 GMT, up from 34 percent in 2014. 2000 - CROATIA - According to the first exit polls on the state television, the ruling conservative HDZ party won four out of 12 seats in the European Parliament, slightly below opinion polls, which gave it five seats (some even six). The ruling conservatives have a pro-EU agenda. The main opposition party, the Social Democrats won three seats, according to the exit polls. The recently formed anti-corruption party led by a judge Mislav Kolakusic should take one seat. Also, the populist "Human Shield" gets one seat alongside two nationalist parties "Suverenisti" and "Neovisni za Hrvatsku". All three have an anti-EU agenda. A liberal pro-EU coalition "Amsterdamska koalicija" also wins one seat. Croatia will have 11 seats in the EU Parliament until the UK leaves the EU. Then Croatia is to get one seat more. 2000 - FRANCE - The far-right Rassemblement National party is predicted to win in France with 24 seats followed by French President Emmanuel Macron's party with 23 seats. The Greens are predicted to be in third place, with 13% of the vote. 1945 - EU - The European Parliament first estimate of the turnout in the elections is 49-52% against 42.61% in the 2014 election. 1917 - BULGARIA - The ruling centre-right GERB party of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov won 30.5-32.7% of the vote, according to exit polls by two independent pollsters. The win gives Borissovs coalition government a breath of fresh air after a scandal over purchases of luxury properties at low prices. Opposition Socialists came in second with 23.2-25.4% and the ethnic Turkish MRF party won 12.8-13.6%, the exit polls showed. 1922 - HUNGARY - Hungary's ruling Fidesz, the party of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, was expected to win 56% of votes, state television reported. The Socialists and leftist Democratic Coalition were estimated to win 10% each, nationalist Jobbik was predicted to get 9% and the Momentum party 7%. 1810 - NETHERLANDS - ALDE+R TAKES THE LEAD ALDE+R are expected to win six out of the Netherlands' 26 seats in the EU Parliament, according to an exit poll. The European Conservatives and Reformists group (ECR) and the S&D follow with five seats each. The EPP is expected to win four and the Greens three. The Confederal Group of the European United Left and Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL), the Europe of Nations and Freedom (ENF) and one other are all projected to win one seat each. 1810 - MALTA - S&D TAKES THE LEAD OVER EPP The S&D are projected to win four of Malta's six seats in the EU Parliament and the EPP two. 1810 - IRELAND - GUE/NGL TIED WITH EPP FOR SEATS Both the GUE/NGL and EPP parties are estimated to win four seats respectively out of Ireland's 11 seats in the EU Parliament, according to an exit poll. The Greens are projected to win two seats and ALDE+R one. 1810 - GERMANY - GREENS POLLING SECOND Chancellor Angela Merkel's governing coalition, the CDU/CSU, is projected to win 28 of Germany's 96 seats for the EPP in the EU Parliament, according to an exit poll. The Greens are projected to come in second with 23 seats, followed by S&D with 16 seats, EFDD with 10, ALDE+R with eight, GUE/NGL with five seats, three non-attached members and three others. 1810 - AUSTRIA - EPP TO BE THE BIGGEST PARTY The EPP is projected to win seven of Austria's 18 seats in the EU Parliament, according to an exit poll, followed by S&D with five, ENF with three seats, the Greens with two and ALDE+R with one. 1810 - CYPRUS - DEMOCRATIC RALLY LEADS The Cypriot Democratic Rally is projected to win 38.5% of the votes for EU Parliament, followed by the Progressive Alliance of Working People at 26% and the Democratic Party at 11.9%, according to an exit poll. Two of the six EU Parliament seats Cyprus has would go to the GUE/NGL party, two to S&D and two to the EPP. 1805 - GREECE - OPPOSITION CONSERVATIVES LEAD IN TV STATIONS' EXIT POLL The Greek opposition conservatives New Democracy took the lead over the ruling leftist Syriza party in the EU elections, according to a joint exit poll by five private TV stations. New Democracy had 36-32 percent of the vote and Syriza, the party of Tsipras, had 29-25 percent, according to the poll. 1745 - AUSTRIA - KURZ'S PARTY LEADS IN POLLS-BASED PROJECTION A polls-based projection showed the party of Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz leading in the EU election Sunday, the day before he faces a no-confidence motion. The projection found support for Kurz's party, the conservative People's Party, at 34.5%, followed by the Social Democrats at 23.5% and the far-right Freedom Party at 17.5%. (Reporting by EU bureaux Writing by Daphne Psaledakis) 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. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage gives the thumbs up to the media outside the polling station at Cudham Primary School in Biggin Hill, England, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Some 400 million Europeans from 28 countries head to the polls from Thursday to Sunday to choose their representatives at the European Parliament for the next five years. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) Nigel Farages Brexit party appears to have won the most seats in the European elections according to exit polls on Sunday. However it appears that populist parties had not made the gains they had hoped for across the European Union (EU), as a potential 426 million voters cast their votes for representatives for 751 members of the European parliament. The Greens have apparently collected so many seats across Europe that are likely be kingmaker in any negotiations across the continent to who assumes control of the parliament. Voters went to the polls in 27 countries over the last three days for 50,000 candidates to help elect lawmakers to the continent-wide body. Forecasts for the final result suggested that the centre-right European People's Party (EPP) would remain the biggest delegation in parliament but with only 173 forecast MEPs, down from 217. Across the bloc, it appeared that hard right parties hadnt taken votes from EPP parties. In the UK, predictions suggested that Nigel Farage's Brexit party had topped the poll, which would translate to them taking 24 of the UK's MEPs. The Liberal Democrats were on course for second spot, with 15 seats, an increase of 14, while Labour was in third place on 14 seats and the Tories fourth with 10. The Greens, in fifth, picked up an extra seat to take them to four. The anti-immigrant Rassemblement Nationale party in France, led by Marine Le Pen, was projected to win 24% of the vote, ahead on president Macron's centrist En Marche bloc on 22.5%. The French greens were third on 12.5%. In Germany, The centrist CDU/CSU alliance took 27.5% of the vote, with the greens in second on 20.5% and the hard-right AfD on 10.5%. In Hungary, it was reported turnout was in record numbers. More than 40% voted, up from below 30% at the last EU election in 2014. Greece, which has forced by the EU to cut public spending to remain in the union, saw the opposition party New Democracy take 32.5 34.5% of the vote compared to 24 26% of the vote for the governing leftist Syriza party. Across the EU, other countries bucked the populist trend. In Denmark the People's Party was predicted to lose more than half their vote share, collapsing from 26.6% in 2014 to 11.8%. Investing.com - Crude oil prices were mixed on a holiday-thinned Monday, after U.S. President Donald Trump said a deal with Iran regarding its nuclear program was possible after weeks of tension in the Middle East. "I really believe that Iran would like to make a deal, and I think that's very smart of them, and I think that's a possibility to happen," Trump said during a news conference with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. Trump also said he wasn't looking to force regime change on the Islamic Republic. Tensions between the two countries had risen after an attack on oil tankers in the Gulf region earlier in the month, followed by drone attacks on Saudi Arabian export pipelines. The U.S. has blamed the attacks on Iran and its Yemeni proxies. Iran denies responsibility. West Texas Crude oil futures for July slipped 0.02% to $58.62 a barrel as of 8:26 AM ET (12:26 GMT), down from a two-and-half-week high of $63.81 earlier. Brent crude futures, the benchmark for oil prices outside the U.S., rose 0.7% to $67.92 a barrel. The New York and London stock exchanges are both closed today for public holidays. Meanwhile, trade tensions between Washington and Beijing remained in focus, as profits of Chinas industrial firms fell in April due to slowing demand and activity. The data published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday shows that the Chinese economy is starting to feel the strain of the ongoing trade war. China's automobile sales, which is a key driver of global oil demand growth, is expected to grow at the same rate as 2018, when the country's auto market contracted for the first time in more than two decades, state news agency Xinhua reported on Sunday. In other energy trading, Gasoline RBOB Futures inched up 0.1% to $1.9245 a gallon, while heating oil gained 0.6% to $1.9850 a gallon. Natural gas futures slumped 1% to $2.585 per million British thermal units. -Reuters contributed to this report. Story continues Related Articles Exclusive: Kuwait oil minister sees balanced oil market toward end 2019 Oil rises to $69 as Mideast tension and supply cuts offset trade concerns Gold Prices Rise in Risk-Off Trade Restaurant Brands International Inc. QSR, in its first investor day, announced certain long-term expansion plans. The company declared that it is planning to take its restaurant count to more than 40,000 over the next eight to 10 years. Currently, the chain has 26,000 restaurants in its portfolio. With the proposed expansion, Restaurant Brands is aiming to become one of the largest restaurant companies in the world. In the quick-service restaurant space, the global burger market is expected to grow 5% annually over the next five years. Global coffee and chicken markets are expected to witness 6% growth, each, annually. Keeping this outlook in mind, Restaurant Brands is focusing on expansion and is leveraging the power of its three iconic brands to capture a greater share of the quick-service restaurant market. Backed by strong brand presence, shares of Restaurant Brands have gained 27.6% so far this year, outperforming the industrys 16% rally. Expansion Efforts Key Growth Driver Restaurant Brands believes that there is an attractive opportunity to grow all its brands around the world by expanding its presence in existing markets as well as entering new markets. It continues to evaluate opportunities to speed up international development of all the three brands by establishing master franchisees, with exclusive development rights as well as joint ventures with new and existing franchisees. In fact, over the past few years, Restaurant Brands master franchisee efforts have resulted in the expansion of its restaurant base from roughly 12,000 in 2010 to nearly 26,000 at present. System-wide sales also grew from $15 billion to $32 billion in the same period. The company is encouraged by the long-term growth prospects of the Tim Hortons brand and remains committed to delivering on its international growth strategy of expanding the brand around the world. In this regard, it recently formed master franchise joint venture partnerships (MFJVs) for the brand in Mexico and Spain. Moreover, the company is optimistic about the major expansion opportunity that lies ahead for the brand in the United States. The regions, where the company has signed development agreements, include Cincinnati, Columbus, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Cleveland and Youngstown. Story continues As part of its international growth strategy for Burger King, the company created master franchise joint ventures in various markets across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), the Asia Pacific (APAC), and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). It also received a meaningful minority equity stake in each joint venture. It has also entered master franchise and development agreements in a number of markets across these regions, including Japan, France, Russia, Brazil, Spain, Belgium, China, Turkey and Korea. Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider Restaurant Brands currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). A few better-ranked stocks in the restaurant industry are Yum China YUMC, Noodles & Company NDLS, and Habit Restaurants HABT, each currently carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Yum China, and Noodles & Companys earnings for 2019 are expected to increase 9.8% and 700%, respectively. Habit Restaurants long-term EPS growth rate is pegged at 20%. Radical New Technology Creates $12.3 Trillion Opportunity Imagine buying Microsoft stock in the early days of personal computers or Motorola after it released the worlds first cell phone. These technologies changed our lives and created massive profits for investors. Today, were on the brink of the next quantum leap in technology. 7 innovative companies are leading this 4th Industrial Revolution - and early investors stand to earn the biggest profits. See the 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 Restaurant Brands International Inc. (QSR) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Habit Restaurants, Inc. (HABT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Yum China Holdings Inc. (YUMC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Noodles & Company (NDLS) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research SOITEC ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kai Seikku co-opted as Director to replace Nabeel Gareeb Jeffrey Wang co-opted as Director to replace Weidong Ren Bernin (Grenoble), France, May 27, 2019 - Soitec (Euronext Paris), a world leader in designing and manufacturing innovative semiconductor materials, today announces decisions taken by its Board of Directors during its meeting held on last May 6th. Following a reorganization of the NSIG group due to its initial public offering, Nabeel Gareeb[1] and Weidong Ren[2] have resigned from their positions as Directors, effective respectively from March 27th and May 7th. The Directors warmly thanked them for their attendance and contribution to the Board`s and Committees` works since they have joined them. In accordance with the Company`s shareholders agreement, NSIG Sunrise S.a.r.l. has proposed Kai Seikku and Jeffrey Wang to replace them. After deliberations, the Board of Directors has decided to co-opt them, respectively for the remaining terms of office of Nabeel Gareeb and Weidong Ren, i.e. until the close of the Shareholders` General Meeting which will be convened on July 26th. Furthermore, Kai Seikku was appointed as a member of the Strategic Committee, the Nomination Committee and the Compensation Committee, while Jeffrey Wang was appointed as a member of the Audit and Risks Committee. Kai Seikku`s biography Since 2010, Kai Seikku has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Okmetic Oy, a world-leading silicon wafers supplier specializing in the manufacture of tailored, high-value added silicon wafers for MEMS, sensors, discrete semiconductors and analog circuits. Since Okmetic Oy`s 2016 takeover by NSIG group, an industry holding company focused on semiconductor material business and its ecosystem development, he has also been an Executive Vice President of NSIG group. In parallel, he is a director within the Boards of Robit Oyj (since 2018), Inderes Oy (since 2016) and verkkokauppa.com (since 2013). He is also an Industrial Advisor at Intera Partners, a private equity firm (since 2013). Story continues Kai Seikku has 20 years` experience in executive general management and has been a company director for 19 years. Prior to joining Okmetic Oy, he worked in the food industry as the CEO of HKScan Corporation (from 2005 to 2009), and in the marketing sector as the Country Manager of McCann-Erickson for Finland (from 2002 to 2005) and as CEO of Hasan & Partners (from 1999 to 2005). Kai Seikku began his career as a consultant for Bossard Consultants (Gemini Consulting) (from 1991 to 1993) and then for Boston Consulting Group (from 1993 to 1999) where he worked as a project leader for Finland and Sweden. Kai Seikku holds a Master of Economics from the Aalto University of Helsinki. Jeffrey Wang`s biography Since 2016, Jeffrey Wang has been the Chief Executive Officer and a director of Shanghai Simgui Technology Co., Ltd (Simgui), Soitec`s historical partner and a leading global supplier of customized silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and epitaxial wafers and solutions for the semiconductor industry. Since March 2019, he has been an Executive Vice President of NSIG group[3], an industry holding company focused on semiconductor material business and its ecosystem development. He is a semiconductor veteran with 29 years of experience in R&D, manufacturing, operations and corporation management. Prior to joining Simgui, Jeffrey Wang was Vice President of Operations (from 2008 to 2012) and then President and Executive Director (from 2012 to 2015) of Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (ASMC), a leading analog semiconductor foundry (from 2008 to 2015). Previously, he also worked as General Manager of ANADIGICS China Corporation (from 2007 to 2008), Vice President of Operations of Shanghai Belling Corporation (from 2006 to 2007), as well as Senior Manager and Special Assistant to Senior Vice President of Operations of Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) (from 2001 to 2006). Jeffrey Wang began his career in the Silicon Valley as an engineer for Vishay Siliconix (from 1995 to 2000) and then for Maxim Integrated Products (from 2000 to 2001). Jeffrey Wang holds a bachelor degree in physics and a Ph.D. degree in physical chemistry from Fudan University in Shanghai, followed by a post-doctor position in applied physics at Harvard University. # # # Agenda Soitec will publish its full-year results on June 12th, 2019 after market close. These results will be commented as part of a Capital Markets Day which will be held on the next day, on June 13th, 2019, in Paris. About Soitec Soitec (Euronext, Tech 40 Paris) is a world leader in designing and manufacturing innovative semiconductor materials. The company uses its unique technologies and semiconductor expertise to serve the electronics markets. With more than 3,000 patents worldwide, Soitec`s strategy is based on disruptive innovation to answer its customers` needs for high performance, energy efficiency and cost competitiveness. Soitec has manufacturing facilities, R&D centers and offices in Europe, the U.S. and Asia. Soitec and Smart Cut are registered trademarks of Soitec. For more information, please visit www.soitec.com and follow us on Twitter: @Soitec_EN Investor Relations: Steve Babureck +33 6 16 38 56 27 +1 858 519 6230 steve.babureck@soitec.com Media Contact: Erin Berard +33 6 80 36 53 40 erin.berard@soitec.com Isabelle Laurent +33 1 53 32 61 51 isabelle.laurent@oprgfinancial.fr Fabrice Baron +33 1 53 32 61 27 fabrice.baron@oprgfinancial.fr # # # Soitec is a French joint-stock corporation with a Board of Directors (Societe Anonyme a Conseil d`administration) with a share capital of 62,762,070.50, having its registered office located at Parc Technologique des Fontaines - Chemin des Franques - 38190 Bernin (France), and registered with the Grenoble Trade and Companies Register under number 384 711 909. # # # [1] On proposal of NSIG Sunrise S.a.r.l., one of the three Company strategic investors, Nabeel Gareeb had been appointed as Director by co-optation during the Board meeting held on November 29th, 2017. His nomination followed the resignation of Xi Wang and was subsequently ratified during the Shareholders` General Meeting on March 23rd, 2018. [2] Weidong Ren had been appointed on proposal of NSIG during the Shareholders` General Meeting of April 11th, 2016, approved contingent upon final completion of the share capital increase reserved to Bpifrance Participations, CEA Investissement and NSIG. The actual starting date of his term of office is the same date of final completion of said reserved capital increase, i.e. May 2nd, 2016. [3] Simgui is part of NSIG group Download the press release in PDF This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: SOITEC via GlobeNewswire HUG#2245285 A SoulCycle class in action. Photo: SoulCycle/Maria Bentley What is SoulCycle? Is it an exercise class? A lifestyle? A religion? A cult? Youve got 60 people moving to the rhythm of the music in the candle light, Melanie Whelan, SoulCycles CEO, told Yahoo Finance UK. You lose yourself to the rhythm of the music and you lose yourself to the beat and you find yourself in that darkness. What happens then is you come out into the light, youve got 60 people whove just had this shared experience and 60 people waiting to go in. At its most basic level, SoulCycle is a 45-minute exercise bike class that sells its own line of clothes and merchandise. Sixty people at a time spend the majority of an hour pedalling on stationary bikes in a dark room to pumping music. But something about the class and the brand has connected with people on a deeper level. The New York-based company has attracted a cult following in the US. Michelle Obama is a fan and Oprah celebrated her 60th birthday with a private class. A friend from New York recalled a former roommate going multiple times a day. People come for the workout because its physical, musical, emotional, and inspirational, Whelan said. But what makes us different is we are a community business that really is about driving personal breakthrough on the bike in the room, and then also connection in the lobbies of the studios afterwards. A branch of the widely popular SoulCycle exercise studio in the Noho neighborhood of New York. Photo: Richard B. Levine Now SoulCycle is coming to the UK, its first market outside of North America. The companys first UK studio opens in Londons Soho in a few weeks, with classes costing 24 a go. Can the company replicate its emotion-fuelled success in the country that invented the stiff upper lip? Weve been watching this market for a couple of years and we have listened to the large group of people who have been advocating for us to bring SoulCycle [here], Whelan said. SoulCycle was founded in 2006 in Manhattan by two friends and has grown steadily over the last 13 years. Today it has 92 studios across North America. The company is private, so financials are not available, but a since-abandoned effort to list it on the stock market in 2015 valued the business at around $900m. Whelan said the company is profitable. Story continues The business rapid rise has coincided with global trends like wellness, athleisure wear, and community focused businesses in the mould of WeWork. Its hard to separate to what extent SoulCycle contributed to these trends versus benefitting from them. SoulCycle CEO Melanie Whelan. Photo: Phoebe Cheong I think, if you look at WeWork or other brands that are really capitalising on this experiential economy thats evolved in the last few years, its really been around that macro trend of social isolation, in my opinion, Whelan said. Weve become tethered to technology and what thats doing is drive social isolation and ultimately I think generally unhappiness and loneliness in a lot of the population, especially in urban markets that used to be more connected. SoulCycle is an antidote to all this, she believes. Were now engaging much more through gaming, texting, through social media, in a way thats leaving people socially isolated. If you look at companies like SoulCycle, what we create is points of in-real-life connection. Whelan, who joined the business in 2012 from luxury gym group Equinox, believes this is SoulCycles real alchemy the fact that it brings people together. To be in one of those studios and to hear: You changed my life, I met my husband here, these are my best friends its a wonderful place to work, she said. A SoulCycle instructor leading a class. Photo: SoulCycle/Maria Bentley Of course, not everyone is a fan. A 2015 Mashable article described SoulCycle classes as full of very thin people with a lot of money to spend and desiring the sense of confidence and belonging that comes from motivational sayings, candles, suffering loudly in a darkened room full of fellow travellers. The classes also face fierce competition. Psycle, a very similar spin brand, launched in London in 2014. Upmarket at-home exercise bike brand Pelaton is pushing into the UK market. And thats before you even consider the host of other upmarket exercise classes on offer across London. Whelan is undeterred. Were very bullish on the opportunities for the brand here, she said. Were not talking about how many well have this year but I will say that I think London presents incredible market dynamics not dissimilar from New York where we have 22 studios. As for the haters who think the SoulCycle is just for the rich and insecure, Whelan says everyone from teens to 80-year-olds get on the bikes. The company has also been pushing into US markets a little less obvious than New York or LA places like Dallas or Atlanta. Ultimately, Whelan thinks doubters need to try the class before casting judgment. This experience is unlike anything else, it is joyful and social and it gives you a way to connect with yourself and with others, she said. The best way for you to understand that is just to come and try a class and let the experience speak for itself. Just get your butt on a bike. (Adds comment, details) MADRID, May 27 (Reuters) - Spain's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will meet France's centrist President Emmanuel Macron on Monday to discuss the allocation of top jobs in the European Parliament, the PM's office said. Sanchez's PSOE party finished first in Spain in the European elections. Marine Le Pen's far-right Rassemblement National won most votes in France but the margin of victory over Macron's La Republique En Marche party was narrow. Macron has staked his presidency on persuading Europeans that the EU is the answer to the challenges of an uncertain, globalising world economy. During campaigning, he pitched for the creation of a centrist alliance broad enough to include the Greens and some conservative parties. A senior diplomatic source in Madrid said Macron and Sanchez were in tune as two leaders on the progressive wing of European politics. "We want Spain's weight to be reflected in Europe. We want pro-Europeans to head (European) institutions," the source said. Pro-European parties retained a firm grip on the EU parliament, provisional bloc-wide results showed on Monday, though eurosceptics registered strong gains. Sanchez's Socialists won 20 European Parliament seats, well ahead of the mainstream conservative People's Party (PP) on 12, centre-right Ciudadanos on seven and far-right Vox on three. The PSOE also won national elections on April 28, though without a majority. Its strong European showing could strengthen Sanchez's hand in forming alliances with other domestic parties, though in parallel local and regional elections on Sunday, right-wing coalitions including the PP, Ciudadanos and Vox were set to take the cities of Madrid and Barcelona. On Sunday, Sanchez called on Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera to shun any coalition with the far right in key centres including Madrid. (Reporting by Belen Carreno; Writing by Paul Day; editing by John Stonestreet) (Bloomberg) -- One of Tencent Holdings Ltd.s most valuable investments is sinking as China expands its crackdown on online content. China Literature Ltd., in which Tencent holds a controlling stake, tumbled as much as 10% before closing down 7.3% at a new low in Hong Kong, as another of its online sites was targeted for alleged violations. The stock has dropped more than 70% from a record high reached shortly after its debut in November 2017, when it was one of the citys hottest new listings. It is still 45% below its initial public offering price. Beijing Jinjiang Networking Technology Co. was put under investigation by local authorities on Thursday for allegedly disseminating obscene information, China News Service reported last week. China Literature holds 50% of Beijing Jinjiang, according to its annual report. The Shanghai city government had ordered China Literature to clean up another website earlier that week, after it was found of spreading vulgar and pornographic information. The latest crackdown -- which shows Chinas online content regulation has spread from areas like real-time messaging tools and games -- will dampen sentiment in the near term, according to Bocom International Holdings Co. Over the past year, China has stepped up efforts to clean up its Internet sphere, suspending game license approvals and barring social networking apps. The measures have hurt related stocks. People are worried about the policy risk facing the online literature sector, especially after the leading sites were targeted, said Gigi Zhou, a Beijing-based analyst with Bocom. Its inevitable that such regulatory moves will have an impact on stock prices. --With assistance from Ken Wang. To contact Bloomberg News staff for this story: Amanda Wang in Shanghai at twang234@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Sofia Horta e Costa at shortaecosta@bloomberg.net, Magdalene Fung, David Watkins For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2019 Bloomberg L.P. Tika R Pradhan is a senior political correspondent for the Post, covering politics, parliament, judiciary and social affairs. Pradhan joined the Post in 2016 after working at The Himalayan Times for more than a decade. United Continental Holdings, Inc.s UAL subsidiary United Airlines has announced the extension of its Boeing 737 MAX flight cancellations through Aug 3, joining fellow industry players Southwest Airlines Co LUV and American Airlines Group Inc AAL which had already suspended the 737 MAX flights from their schedules until August. Accordingly, the carrier will make adjustments to its flight schedules to cater to customer needs during the busy summer season. Previously, the Chicago, IL-based airline announced grounding of the same through early July. United Airlines, operating 14 737 MAX jets, will face around 2,400 flight cancellations in June and July due to the expanded flight suspension period. Ever since the 737 MAX aircrafts grounding in mid-March, the carrier had to call off approximately 3,300 flights. These groundings followed two successive fatal air crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia that resulted in the death of 346 passengers. Per Reuters, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expects the approval of 737 MAX jets return to service to happen by late June. However, the FAA did not come up with a specific date for the U.S. nod. United Continental Holdings, Inc. Price United Continental Holdings, Inc. Price United Continental Holdings, Inc. price | United Continental Holdings, Inc. Quote Meanwhile, Boeing is said to be fixing the software issue, which is believed to have triggered the deadly crashes. The company is anticipated to make a formal submission of its changes along with a proposal for additional pilot training to the FAA, soon for approval. Zacks Rank & Key Pick United Continental carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked stock in the same space is SkyWest, Inc. SKYW, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Shares of SkyWest have surged more than 34% so far this year. More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> 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 Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) : Free Stock Analysis Report SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW) : Free Stock Analysis Report United Continental Holdings, Inc. (UAL) : Free Stock Analysis Report American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. (Recasts lead, adds Senator Klobuchar's comment) By Jeff Mason TOKYO, May 27 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday publicly endorsed North Korea's scathing personal attack on former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, dismissing criticism that he was siding with a foreign dictator over a fellow American. "Well, Kim Jong Un made a statement that Joe Biden is a low IQ individual. He probably is, based on his record. I think I agree with him on that," Trump told a news conference in Tokyo. Trump's comments on the world stage reinforced a tweet that he sent on Saturday with a similar message and drew renewed criticism of the president back home. North Korea's state-run news agency issued a stinging attack last week on Biden, who has been critical of the isolated state. Trump has targeted Biden with increasing criticism as the former vice president rises in polls for the Democratic presidential nomination to challenge the Republican Trump in the November 2020 election campaign. The president often derides his political opponents, but his tweet on Sunday and his comments on Monday were notable because he issued them while abroad, a practice traditionally shunned in U.S. politics, and aligned himself with Kim, considered a brutal dictator by many. Trump spoke during the U.S. Memorial Day weekend, a federal holiday honoring Americans who have died while serving in the armed forces. "Backing ruthless dictators over our allies in the region?" tweeted U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democratic presidential hopeful. "This does not show American strength: Still angling for a deal, Trump backs Kim Jong Un over Biden, Bolton and Japan." Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, last week said North Korean missile tests had "no doubt" violated U.N. Security Council resolutions. On Monday, Trump alluded to Bolton and said he had a different view. 'DISGRACEFUL' "We're going to have to retire the word 'unprecedented' during Trump's presidency," said Larry Sabato, presidential historian and director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. "It's becoming the new normal. And disgraceful, of course," he wrote on Twitter. Story continues One of Trump's fellow Republicans, U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger, called out the president on Sunday for "praising a dictator" and attacking Biden over the Memorial Day weekend. "It's just plain wrong," Kinzinger, a military veteran, said on Twitter. Biden's campaign and the Democratic National Committee did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Pete Buttigieg, a Democratic candidate for president and Navy veteran, was also critical on Monday. "Kim Jong Un is a murderous dictator and Vice President Biden served this country honorably. It's just one more example, though, of the way that this president tries to draw attention to himself by saying things that shock the conscience ..." Trump has sought to build a strong relationship with the North Korean leader in the hope that North Korea would agree to denuclearize. Trump also knocked Biden and former President Barack Obama on Monday for their efforts to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. Trump pulled the United States out of a nuclear deal Iran sealed with Washington and other foreign powers. "Joe Biden was a disaster, his administration with President Obama, they were basically a disaster when it came to so many things, whether it was economy, whether it was military ... no matter what it was, they had a lot of problems," Trump said when asked about criticism that he was favoring Kim over the former vice president. "So, I'm not a fan." A commentary by North Korea's KCNA state media on Tuesday slammed Biden for "rhetoric slandering the supreme leadership of the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)." "What he uttered is just sophism of an imbecile bereft of elementary quality as a human being, let alone a politician," the North Korean news agency said. (Additional reporting by Matt Spetalnick, Michelle Price and David Brunnstrom in Washington and Peter Szekely in New York; Editing by Peter Graff, Jeffrey Benkoe and Howard Goller) (Bloomberg) -- Sign up for Next China, a weekly email on where the nation stands now and where it's going next. Countries should cooperate in developing the Internet, big data and artificial intelligence, China President Xi Jinping said in a letter to the China International Big Data Industry Expo that started Sunday in the southwestern city of Guiyang, Xinhua reports. China attaches great importance to the development of the big data industry and is willing to explore a growth path with other nations for new technologies, Xi said in the letter, according to Xinhua. The conference, which runs through Wednesday, counts China tech giants including Alibaba Group Holding, Tencent Holdings and Huawei Technologies Co. among its exhibitors. International companies like Dell Inc, Googles China arm, NTT DOCOMO, INC. from Japan and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation are also on the exhibitor list. The U.S government has announced a ban on exports from Huawei and barred the Chinese company from buying components from American firms. Washington also threatened to ban five other Chinese video-surveillance businesses. Shares of semiconductor and chip suppliers have plunged over the past month amid trade-war tensions. Raymond James analyst Chris Caso said in a note to clients this week that he expects many, if not most, chip companies may have to cut estimates. Negative total month-to-date returns for the investment-grade technology sector have been primarily driven by a semiconductor selloff, a trend unlikely to reverse until trade uncertainties dissipate, Robert Schiffman, a Bloomberg Intelligence analyst, wrote in his note on May 24. The Huawei ban is a rough disruption to the market, Wang Zhijun, vice head of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said in an interview on state broadcaster China Central Television. He urged the U.S. government to stop unreasonable suppression of Chinas integrated circuit and electronic companies. Story continues Data security, digital economy and technical innovation are the key topics at the China International Big Data Industry Expo, according to its website. To contact the reporters on this story: Venus Feng in Hong Kong at vfeng7@bloomberg.net;Li Liu in Beijing at lliu255@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Pierre Paulden at ppaulden@bloomberg.net, Stanley James, David Watkins For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2019 Bloomberg L.P. Senior Afghan politicians and Taliban peace negotiators are expected to attend a two-day meeting in Moscow this week. The potential May 28-29 meeting comes amid efforts to launch talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban after a planned summit in Qatar was canceled last month. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said in a May 27 statement that a 14-strong Taliban delegation, led by deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, will attend a ceremony on May 28 marking the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Afghanistan. The delegation would also meet Afghan politicians and elders the following day to discuss the future of the country, Mujahid said, without giving details. It was unclear if Afghan government officials would attend the Moscow meeting. The Taliban has said it will not negotiate with the Western-backed Kabul government, which it deems illegitimate. Former President Hamid Karzai is set to attend the meeting, his spokesman has said. Taliban officials met a delegation of powerful Afghan power brokers in Moscow in February, but those talks did not include members of President Ashraf Ghani's government. Those talks marked the most significant contact between senior Afghan political figures and the militant group since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001. The meeting in Moscow comes amid a push by the United States for a peace settlement with the Taliban. Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. envoy seeking a peace deal with the Taliban, has held several rounds of talks with the militants in Qatar in recent months. The sides have made progress but have been unable to finalize a peace agreement. In recent years, Russia has emerged as a power broker in Afghanistan, where the Soviet Union fought a disastrous war from 1979-89. In February, Russia also hosted talks between the Taliban and Afghan political figures. Khalilzad welcomed Russia's efforts in the peace process, although some U.S. officials have claimed that Moscow is promoting itself as a power broker to challenge the U.S.-backed peace process with the Taliban in Qatar. With reporting by Reuters and AFP With abortion pills easily available, men are refusing to use condoms The Maternity Hospital at Thapathali reports 50 cases monthly of complications resulting from the use of abortion pills. A leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a civil rights movement demanding security and rights for Pakistans Pashtun minority, has called for a large protest a day after some of its supporters were killed by military fire in a remote western region bordering Afghanistan. In a video message on May 27, lawmaker Mohsin Dawar called on Pashtuns to flock to North Waziristan to protest what he said were the killings of PTM members. Dawar represents the region in the National Assembly or lower house of the Pakistani Parliament. I request all the Pashtuns -- wherever they are -- to come here so that we can ask about the blood of our youth, he said in video posted online. We will launch a robust sit-in protest so that we can take major decisions because we can no longer tolerate these conditions on our soil. In a press statement earlier that day, the Pakistani military said it was trying to identify five more bodies found with gunshot wounds near the Khar Qamar checkpoint. Previously, the military had said that a group led by Dawar and fellow lawmaker Ali Wazir attacked the post and wounded five soldiers. In a May 26 press release, the military said troops had responded to direct firing at the post, killing three attackers and wounding 10 others. But Dawar rejects the militarys claim. He says they arrived in Khar Qamar on the morning of May 26 to participate in a local protest against the militarys alleged high-handedness. He says soldiers opened fire on their group as soon as they reached the site of the protest, which was only accessible after going through two army checkpoints. People were falling around me after every second, he said of the incident. Later yesterday, we counted the bodies of eight of our martyrs, he said of the PTMs casualties in Khar Qamar. Five more dead bodies were recovered from streams this morning. The number of those injured is just too high. The military had described Dawar to be at large after inciting the crowd. It acknowledged that troops arrested Wazir along with eight individuals. Pakistani media reports of Wazir being presented at a counterterrorism court in Bannu, a city bordering North Waziristan, could not be independently corroborated. A government curfew and the disconnection of telephone and Internet in North Waziristan made it difficult to verify details of the violence there. But videos posted on social media showed civilians scrambling for cover near the Khar Qamar checkpoint as shots rang out. Others showed the injured being moved in blankets or in cars after being recovered from a stream overflowing with rainwater near the checkpoint. Everyone flashing a cell phone was particularly targeted, Dawar said. Thousands of PTM protesters took to the streets late on May 26 in the countrys western cities in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. All the protests in the cities of Peshawar, Mingora, Bannu and Quetta happened after the end of the daylong Ramadan fast, when all adult Muslims are expected to refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk. The PTM emerged from a sit-in protest in Islamabad in February 2018. The protest was prompted by the alleged staged police killing of an aspiring male model in the southern seaport city of Karachi the month before. Large PTM protest rallies and sit-in protests across Pakistan since then have demanded that Islamabad probe thousands of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and harassment of Pashtuns by the security forces. The movement has also called for the demining of Waziristan and other frontline regions. With an estimated 35 million people, Pashtuns make up the largest ethnic minority among Pakistans 207 million population. PTM leaders maintain that Pashtuns, particularly those living in Waziristan and other districts of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) bore the brunt of terrorist violence and heavy-handed military operations. A majority of the more than 70,000-plus civilians killed in this violence were Pashtuns, while more than 6 million members of the ethnic group have endured displacement since the onset of conflict in 2003. The Broadmoor hotel has proposed the addition of a 93,500-square-foot exhibition hall, a new space that would help generate business for hotel during the fall, winter and spring. The impetus for the expansion is the Space Symposium, one of the citys most well-attended events each year. 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: With a speech from President Donald Trump and the Thunderbirds flying team roaring overhead, the Air Force Academy will graduate 1,000 cadets Thursday. The 10:30 a.m. event will pack Falcon Stadium. More than 19,000 tickets for the graduation were snapped up, ensuring a string of traffic tangles in northern El Paso County. Its more than a graduation Getting finished with the Air Force Academy is almost as complicated as gaining admittance to the exclusive school. The night before graduation, there are hundreds of smaller events as cadets pin on their new lieutenants bars and are sworn in as officers. Bird watching The Air Force Thunderbirds flew into Colorado Springs Monday for their annual graduation visit. Theyll practice for the graduation show on Tuesday starting at 10:30 a.m. This will lead to road closures on the academy and traffic tangles in the northern reaches of the city as rubber-neckers try to drive and watch an air show at the same time. The Thunderbirds will be back for graduation, flashing over the stadium at about 2:30 p.m. Thursday as cadets toss their hats skyward. If you want to see them, stake out a parking place early. Dont park on Interstate 25 unless youre trying to meet a Colorado State Patrol trooper and are prepared to make a hefty donation to the states public safety endeavors. Avoid the rush If you dont already have tickets, sleep in and watch it on gazette.com. If youre headed to the event, get an early start. Gates to the academy will open at 7:30 a.m. and early risers can avoid long lines at stadium gates. If you go, be ready for airport-like security and a long day in the sun. Temperatures are expected to hit 70 degrees in the Pikes Peak region Thursday, so a floppy hat and sun screen are survival tools. Guests may be asked to step through metal detectors and may have their bags, purses and other hand-carried items searched, the academy said in a news release. Packing food and water to the stadium means a hassle. Food must be carried in clear 1-gallon bags. Only sealed bottles of water are allowed. You need the rest Getting through the city from Monument to Woodmen Road could be an adventure as graduation crowds head to the academy Wednesday and Thursday. Your best driving bets to get to work in the north end of town are taking a big detour to the east, or sleeping in. Contact Tom Roeder: 636-0240 Twitter: @xroederx Colorado law will soon require students who receive sexual education to learn about consent. But the road to passing that bill was bumpy. The final legislation was heavily amended and passed in the last two days of the legislative session. The bill is still awaiting the governors signature. Heres how sexual education works in Colorados public schools, and what exactly was changed through this years bill. First of all, Colorado doesnt require sexual education in schools. Colorado is one of two states that doesnt require that students learn either about sexual education or HIV. School districts can choose whether or not to teach sexual education, and the state does not track how many districts do or dont teach sexual education. Colorados local control laws also mean districts choose their curriculum if they do choose to teach sexual education. State law sets some basic requirements, mainly that education should be comprehensive and medically accurate. State standards developed by the Colorado Department of Education provide broad guidelines on what kids should know at each grade level. You can see those here. Parents can opt-out In Colorado, districts offering sexual education, are required to tell parents what they will teach, and parents can choose to keep their children out of those classes. Parents can opt children out of entire sexual education courses, or only some of those lessons. This years bill doesnt change those basics The bill this year, House Bill 1032, leaves intact districts ability to decide whether to offer sex education and parents ability to opt out. So, what is changing? The most significant change to the sexual education law is districts that choose to teach it must include lessons on consent. Consent was defined in the statue as the affirmative, unambiguous, voluntary, continuous, knowing agreement between all participants in each physical act within the course of a sexual encounter or interpersonal relationship. To promote healthy relationships, the new law says schools that teach sexual education must include instruction on how to communicate consent, recognize communication of consent, recognize withdrawal of consent, and understand age of consent. Consent is a subject many states are trying to add to their sexual education requirements in response to discussions about sexual assault. Individual schools, including a Catholic school in Portland, Oregon, are also adding discussions about consent to their curriculum. What changed for LGBTQ students? Not much. A state law passed in 2013 already included a requirement that if schools teach sexual education, they must take into account the needs of all students. The existing language said sexual education must be meaningful to the experiences and needs of communities of color; immigrant communities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities; people with physical or intellectual disabilities; people who have experienced sexual victimization; and others whose experiences have traditionally been left out of sexual health education, programs, and policies. Originally, this years bill would have taught students about different relationship models including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. That part was taken out of the final bill. Proponents of the bill say the only reason they intended to include the existing language again was to reaffirm its importance. Will kindergarten students be learning about sexual education? The bill approved this year states it does not apply to students in kindergarten through third grade. Colorado law requires that any sexual education be age appropriate. As an example from the states standards which help guide that, fifth graders learn about human anatomy and puberty, while high school students learn about sexually transmitted diseases and birth control. The bill does do more to ban abstinence-only education Colorado law already prohibited abstinence-only education, but some districts contracted outside organizations to offer the programming. The new measure says schools cant engage the instructional services of such groups. That doesnt mean schools cant discuss abstinence. The comprehensive education requirement states that the sexual education instruction must include medically accurate information about methods to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including abstinence, contraception, condoms and other methods. Comprehensive sexual education also doesnt have to include pregnancy outcomes If schoolschoose to teach sexual education, certain components are required, such as pregnancy prevention, but talking about what happens after a pregnancy is optional. If schools talk about pregnancy outcomes, then they must include all options such as adoption, abortion, and parenting. The new law adds that students are now required to learn about Colorados safe haven laws which allows parent to hand over an infant, up to 72 hours old, to an employee at any fire station or hospital. What about charter schools? Charter schools, publicly funded but privately operated schools, can choose to waive many state laws. Like public schools, charters are not required to teach sexual education, but if they do, state law says that just like other schools, they must teach it in a comprehensive way. This years bill prohibits the state from giving charter schools waivers from the sexual education law. The state board shall not waive any of the requirements, the final bill states, relating to comprehensive human sexuality education content requirements. Right now, there are five charter schools that have waivers from those requirements. That means that they may be teaching sexual education in a way that doesnt conform with state law in being comprehensive. The bill also set aside money for grants The 2013 law created a grant program for schools needing more money to offer comprehensive sex education, but money was never put into that program. This year, the bill sets aside $1 million to start offering grants to schools or districts. 27 people committed suicide in nine months due to provocation: Police data shows Against global trend, suicide cases in Nepal are increasing, and experts say they will continue to rise until the government makes mental health issue a priority You get so much from being outdoors in nature. Ahhhhh, the fresh air, the sunshine, the birds singing! You might see wildlife or find berries or nuts to snack on. Touch the grass. Look up at the trees. Think about how relaxed youll feel. As in the new book Bitten by Kris Newby, imagine what you might bring home. On a wonderful, idyllic Marthas Vineyard family vacation in 2003, Kris Newby and her husband were both bitten by ticks. They didnt know it then. They didnt have an inkling until two weeks later when, back home in Silicon Valley, they came down with an intense, flulike illness that just wouldnt go away. Newbys husband eventually got better but for Newby, tests offered no answers until she found a doctor who diagnosed Lyme disease, and set her on a five-year treatment regimen. One year in, she was healthy enough to begin asking questions, which spurred her to co-produce a documentary about Lyme disease. Government experts were unwilling to appear on-camera, so she and her co-producer began to look for a retired NIH Lyme expert who would talk. That led her to Montana, Willy Burgdorfer and an explosive story. Because of a literal flip of a coin, Burgdorfer arrived from Switzerland to Montana in late 1951, having been hired by the Rocky Mountain Laboratory to study tick-borne diseases. He settled in, married a local woman, and dived into what apparently fascinated him. But as the Cold War heated up, Burgdorfer began to see that his role in research had changed. He was no longer looking for a cure for tick-borne illnesses; he was instead force-feeding ticks with diseases, and hed become the go-to person for special tick requests for bioweapons projects. But what did he know? In subsequent interviews, Burgdorfer admitted to Newby that he hadnt told her everything so Newby requested information through the Freedom of Information Act, to see what Burgdorfer kept mum. What she found, she believes, is straight out of some B-movie script. Absolutely, you could be forgiven if, in the first 75 pages of Bitten, your thoughts start drifting along the are-you-KIDDING-me? side. Whats claimed here is, indeed, right out of a black-and-white 1950s flick. But then, as author and science writer Kris Newby continues to reveal information, name sources, and explain why her life may have been in danger during her research, well, that chill you feel isnt the air conditioning. Her research is documented. Her sources are all educated, well-known individuals. What she claims is plausible isnt it? Any conspiracy theorist or reader of thrillers may believe so, but there are still an awful lot of questions left to be answered. Even Newby admits that she edged uncomfortably too close to her subject. In her closing, which is wistful, readers are left longing for answers that may never come. Youll also be scratching but dont let a little squeamishness stop you if youre a fan of thrillers or medical stories. For you, Bitten may just tick all the boxes. Terri Schlichenmeyer's book reviews appear in more than 260 publications in North America. She lives in Wisconsin. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Open question to historians: Was the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution written in pencil? Because lately it feels like some folks have been trying to take an eraser to that little bit about a free press. Two recent incidents that rightly have garnered national attention a police raid on an investigative journalists home and new charges brought against the founder of WikiLeaks have raised concerns about an erosion of the free press. On May 10, San Francisco police raided the home of freelance reporter Bryan Carmody after he refused to reveal a source. Police bashed in Carmodys door with a sledgehammer and handcuffed him for hours while they seized equipment and documents. Carmody acquired a police report on the death of a prominent public defender and sold copies of the report and his reporting to news outlets. Police said they suspect Carmody was involved in a criminal conspiracy. And this past week the federal government introduced 17 new charges against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. The charges were brought under the federal Espionage Act for Assanges role in the publication of information regarding national defense. First Amendment advocates ideally that would include literally everyone have expressed concerns with both incidents. In the Assange case, attorneys for the federal Justice Department said they do not view Assange as a journalist. That does not make many journalists, including this one, any less uneasy with the federal government prosecuting an individual for acquiring and publishing information and documents from government sources. That sounds an awful lot like a national security reporters job. The New York Times editorial board wrote the charges "could have a chilling effect on American journalism as it has been practiced for generations," and said they are "aimed straight at the heart of the First Amendment." You will find few traditional journalists who would give their blessing to the manner in which Assange helped to obtain and publish the information through WikiLeaks. Thats not the point here. Whats concerning is the federal government bringing charges against an individual whether or not anyone views that individual as a journalist for acquiring and publishing information regarding national security, and the governments use of the Espionage Act, which was designed to target foreign spies, not journalists. Similarly upsetting is the episode in San Francisco, where police obtained a search warrant after Carmody refused to reveal his source. Whats more, California has state laws designed to shield reporters from being forced to reveal their sources. The San Francisco Chronicles editorial board wrote, "the police might as well have taken their sledgehammer to the United States Constitution." In order for our democracy to work, journalists must have the ability to acquire and publish sensitive information from sources inside our government. It is incumbent upon those journalists to publish any such material in a careful and thoughtful manner. The government should not be turning journalism into criminal actions. And yet thats exactly what we have seen in these two cases. That should be unsettling to any who values the free press, which the countrys founders placed right at the top of the Bill of Rights. 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 0 LeoN88 wrote: shubham2312 wrote: Hi i have been using GMATCLUB since quite some time and this is the 1st time i have started a thread, actually my question is really age is just a number or people who are above 30 face real issue after MBA in getting job? i am an indian applicant working with an nationalised bank since 2013 as manager. i have been preparing for GMAT since quite some time now and my best attempt remain at dismal 640 i will be turning 29 by this year end which means even if i apply for MBA this year i will be in my 30's by the time i complete my MBA. recently i have seen a trend(kindly correct me if i am wrong) that ISB and many other US B-schools are more open towards younger candidates which makes me feel a bit nervous because certainly neither my age nor my score are gonna switch sides. i feel time is running out for me and with 640 i wont get the kind of B-school i want, because leaving a govt. job to do something is still a big stigma in indian society esp for a married man like me kindly guide me CrackVerbalShree 1. Fill in your name or an alias. Do not leave blank or use the name 'guest' or 'anonymous'. 2. No Nivul Peh. Profanity will be deleted. The weather fit the solemn occasion in East Helena on Monday. A Humvee, a drag racer and a fire truck drove slowly down Main Street as veterans donned peaked caps and marched on in the light drizzle. The East Helena Memorial Day Parade is an institution. Running for nearly 70 years, the town and outlying areas gather to thank veterans for their service and to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. About 150 people gathered in front of the East Helena Servicemembers Monument after the parade down East Helena's Main Street to listen to Mayor Jamie Schell and Montana Sen. Steve Daines speak to the importance of service and remembrance. Schell said he is "honored" every time he speaks at the memorial. "I'm humbled to speak to these great, wonderful veterans," he said. "This is tradition, it's pride in the community, pride in the people and it honors those who serve." Lewis and Clark County Commissioner Andy Hunthausen brought his father, Tony to the parade. Tony, 93, is a World War II veteran who got to Europe just as the Battle of the Bulge was ending and the final march into Germany was gearing up. He remained in Germany until the summer of 1946 before he was sent back to the United States to go to college and eventually raise nine children in Lewis and Clark County. Tony doesn't much like to talk about his experiences. But Andy and his siblings learned more about their father's experiences as they grew older. "He's a Purple Heart recipient," Andy said. "I'm really proud of this guy .... He's done some amazing things." Sen. Daines said the East Helena parade was a "reflection" of America and Montana's core values. "It's a solemn day of remembrance of those who paid the ultimate price," Daines said. Tom Johnson, the post commander of VFW Post 10010 in East Helena, said the parade's tradition is tied into East Helena's "old-fashioned and patriotic community." "It's like watching Mayberry," Johnson said with a grin. "It's not just East Helena," Johnson added. "It's York, the Elkhorns, Spokane Bench. It takes a lot of people to make this thing work." Johnson was unsure if any other Montana communities had such long-running traditions like East Helena's. Raymond Read, an American Legionnaire, said his hometown, Ronan, had a parade, but had changed the date to a more "July Fourth kind of time." But on Memorial Day in East Helena, as everyone gathered in front of the memorial and as "taps" was played by buglers, it was hard to tell what was rain and what might have been tears. Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 1 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 row of old officers' quarters on the Fort Harrison VA hospital grounds is being turned into a Freedom's Path community, which provides housing and support for homeless and low-income veterans. Karen Weeks, Director of Asset Management for Communities for Veterans, the Florida developer in charge of the project, said it would create 42 new apartments for veterans. Weeks is working with Melenie Carlin of 406 Properties, a Helena property management company that will be caring for the housing in the future. Weeks said the housing will be aimed at providing homes for veterans who can use the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program. Veterans will be provided a voucher to pay rent and a case manager to help them through the mental and physical issues many veterans face. "Communities for Veterans has communities in Texas, Georgia and Washington," Weeks said. "This is the first one in Montana." Carlin said 406 Properties Inc. was chosen because they had prior experience working with veterans who used HUD-VASH vouchers to pay for their living quarters. "It's unique for Montana," Carlin said. Veterans will be able to move into the new housing in the next few weeks, VA Congressional Liaison Christine Lundstrom said. "We're going to start processing like now," Weeks said. Montana has 450 vouchers for the HUD-VASH program. Weeks and Carlin said recruitment for veterans who might not live in Helena and veterans in rural areas were part of their plan to fill the housing at Fort Harrison. Lundstrom said programs like the Freedom's Path at Fort Harrison are also coming online at other VAs across the country. Making the Fort Harrison VA Freedom's Path the best place to live for homeless and low-income veterans and their families is work that's still being done. "We've been in talks with transportation companies and food deliveries," Weeks said. The goal is to make moving into the apartments as painless as possible, and to make sure veterans are able to live on their own as best they can. "The best thing for the vet community is that they will learn from each other," Carlin said. She hopes one veteran will bring another, and another, and then all the housing will be filled. Love 12 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. Elwin Franklin enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1968, three months before he was supposed to graduate from Helena High School. After boot camp in San Diego, Pfc. Franklin was assigned to Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Regiment, 1st Marine Division. His 13-month tour of duty began in June, stationed on Hill 55, 46 miles south of Da Nang. By that fall, Franklin was a veteran of several firefights. On Aug. 31, 1968, as part of Operation Sussex Bay, 3rd Battalion was in country at a place called Dodge City. Out on patrol, Franklins 11-man squad entered a hot area, when suddenly the VC opened up with machine gun fire. By the time the action was over, eight Marines were wounded, four of whom died. While airlifting their casualties on two medevac helicopters, one of the choppers was blown out of the sky. There were no survivors. After an air strike on the enemy that night, the leathernecks were sweeping a jungle area, when they were attacked by grenades, mortars and machine gun fire. The Marines hit the grass and returned fire. Next, a loud explosion knocked Franklin senseless. Everything went dark, and he remembers thinking, Well, Im dead. When it became light again, the 19-year-old Montanan felt extreme pain all over his body. There was a loud ringing in his ears, and he could barely see. Hed been hit by a Chinese grenade. Franklin was carried back to Hill 55 on a poncho, and then flown to a hospital in Da Nang. There were large pieces of metal embedded in his chest and his foot, as well as shrapnel in his back, neck, shoulder and arm. Without any painkiller, forceps were used to rip the hunk out of his chest, while he screamed in pain, and heard blood pouring out on the floor. He was then anesthetized, to remove the shrapnel from his foot. Franklin was moved to a Japanese hospital, and from there, over to a hospital in Bremerton, Washington. It was another five months before he could walk. Then he returned home to Helena, where he graduated from Helena High in 1970 and continues to live today. Since then despite struggling with disabilities and post-traumatic stress disorder Franklin has always worked. His last stint of employment in the cafeteria at the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center lasted several decades. Curt Synness, a Navy vet, can be contacted at 594-2878 or curt52synness@gmail.com. Hes also on Twitter: @curtsynness_IR. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 5 Sad 2 Angry 0 BELLEVILLE The Illinois State Police has launched a website for federal firearm licensees to certify their licenses with the state. The website is part of the compliance required under the Firearm Dealer License Certification Act, which was signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in January. The state law requires each federal licensee to file with the state police a copy of its "license together with a sworn affidavit indicating the license presented is in fact its license and that the license is valid." After July 17 it would be unlawful for a person or entity to sell, leasing or transfer firearms to do so without a certificate of license. ISP has 30 days to process applications for certification. The law was designed to reduce the opportunity for both inadvertent and intentional illegal firearm transfers, according to a news release from state police. "The Illinois State Police are committed to keeping the citizens of Illinois safe," said Acting ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. "Every day we work with the Governor, members of the General Assembly, advocates and businesses making improvements to the system to prevent firearms from winding up in the hands of those who may be a threat to themselves and others." For more information, go to www.isp.state.il.us. ___ Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Buddha Air to launch budget flights to Kolkata today Buddha Air has also announced flights to Guwahati, the largest city in the Indian state of Assam, starting August, as part of its ambitious all-India connectivity. DECATUR There's no freedom without bravery. James Collier, a U.S. Air Force veteran and retired Army National Guard and Army Reserve, expressed this to an audience of community members, community leaders and veteran organizations Monday at Fairview Park during a ceremony honoring and remembering the lives of fallen soldiers. "We can take great pride in these heroes," Collier said about the men and women who risked dying for Americans' freedom during wartime. Memorial Day has been an American holiday since 1868. Community members on Monday continued the tradition, expressing their thanks for the lives of soldiers who died and honoring their sacrifice. Jesse O. Warfield, a member of the American Legion Post 1972 and a Vietnam War Veteran, said he is thankful and grateful for all of the soldiers who risked their lives in previous wars. Scout Troop 202 led the Pledge of Allegiance and assisted with the memorial wreath placings by various groups. The Macon County Honor Guard concluded the ceremony with a firing detail and playing of Echo Taps. "Generation after generation, our nation has been lucky enough to have serving members who continue to believe that freedom is worth fighting for, and if necessary, dying for," Collier said. Some soldiers sacrificed everything and never returned home, he said. "We must ensure that the people of today and tomorrow, we understand the true cost of freedom." Collier encouraged the crowd to go beyond the tradition of celebrating Memorial Day and to work together every day making America the country for which those soldiers died. At cemeteries across the country, people were placing flowers on the graves of soldiers lost to war, Collier said. But Memorial Day isn't about the number of soldiers killed, the sorrows people feel or mourning, he said. Collier said the reason for the holiday is best expressed by General George S. Patton in 1944: "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." Contact Kennedy Nolen at (217) 421-6985. Follow her on Twitter: @KNolenWrites Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SPRINGFIELD There are only a few more days to go before the scheduled end of session May 31, and the Illinois General Assembly is still debating bills to legalize recreational marijuana, expand gambling and provide funds for infrastructure all while negotiating a budget. The four legislative leaders and Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker met Thursday for about an hour for a closed-door meeting. A spokeswoman for the governor said the conference was another productive conversation and collaboration on substantive issues. Senate President John Cullerton, a Chicago Democrat, said in a statement these meetings have a cooperative tone and he is cautiously optimistic we will see major accomplishments this session. His counterpart, Minority Leader Bill Brady, a Republican from Bloomington, called the meeting a constructive step forward. But House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, a Republican from Western Springs, said not enough time was devoted to discussing the budget almost the entire meeting was spent debating a capital bill. Last week, Pritzker shared a $41 billion capital spending proposal with lawmakers that relies on new and increased taxes. Those include doubling the motor fuel tax, increasing the tax on alcohol and adding a tax on ride-sharing and streaming services. I firmly believe that we have to make an investment in infrastructure, but we shouldve been dealing with the budget first, Durkin said. The five men are scheduled to meet again Monday, with negotiations on the budget to continue over the weekend. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Capitol News Illinois: How has the budget negotiation process worked previously, and whats happened this session? Durkin: The goal has always been that the four leaders would meet on a fairly regular basis on a lot of issues, but mainly about budget. Despite the acrimony over the past four years between Gov. Rauner and the Democrats, we still met. My disappointment with Gov. Pritzker is weve only met three times this year three times. The most recent was yesterday (Thursday), with some seven or eight days left to be able to get some important things done. Were seven days out and we dont have clarity on a budget. We know that the Senate and the House Democrats are meeting and theyve not quite been able to reconcile their differences, but what I will say is that there really has been no participation of the administration with my caucus and myself on the budget. Our greatest responsibility every year is to develop and to pass a budget that is balanced and hopefully one that is negotiated. Last year, which was the last year under Gov. Rauner, we were able to negotiate a bipartisan budget between all four caucuses and the governor. This administration is not taking that same practice and its a bit disappointing, and it just makes me think whether or not they actually want Republican votes at the end of the day. The governor has made it very clear, and I took him at his word, that he wanted to solve the largest problems of the state in a two-party, bipartisan manner. Im not getting that impression as we go into the last week. CNI: What is the main takeaway in your caucuss budget proposal? Durkin: The governors own Office of Budget and Management has said that we have the revenue to meet the obligations of the state, even at the governors introduced level of spending. Theres no need to go down this line where we have to have a cigarette tax, we have to have a bag tax, we have to have a streaming tax all the things he lined out. Those should be taken off the table. We dont have to tax anybody for the purposes of meeting out budget obligation to the state. Thats all were saying. This is coming from the governors own office that confirms with us that our revenue situation is much better than we think, so we should actually talk about living within our means for the first time in a long time without asking for more from Illinois citizens. CNI: This time last year, it seemed the big push was for the General Assembly to pass a budget. But this year, the focus is on initiatives such as legalizing recreational marijuana and getting through a capital plan. Why do you think we arent hearing more talk about the budget, with seven days to go until the scheduled end of session? Durkin: In yesterdays meeting, there was maybe a few seconds that were discussed about budget. Everything else was about capital. I would say that for purposes of what our true priorities should be is to take care of the budget first and then move on to the other issues capital, gaming, cannabis but the budget has to be the priority. Thats what affects the day-to-day lives of every person in this state every family, every businessman, every high schooler, every college kid. Obviously things have changed dramatically within the last two weeks because of the new revenue that came in and now we feel that we, as I said earlier, the budget should be easy. We can do this and we can actually have this thing balanced without going back to the public trough. But apparently they dont want to accept what we say because they dont want to acknowledge theres a way to do this by the minority party. I think the public would be ecstatic if found out we were able to balance the budget without raising taxes on anything. We can do that. CNI: Given the number of votes the Republicans have in the House your members have a superminority how much weight do you think your recommendations or proposals have with the Democratic leaders and the governor? Durkin: Our votes mean something, particularly when it comes to some of these big ticket items. Wed like to be part of the budget, but if they don't need us, if they dont want our participation or our recommendations, then theyre free to do it on their own. But when it comes to issues that are of other, higher importance, at least these big ticket items, I dont think that they want to do this strictly on their own and that became very clear yesterday on capital that they need Republican votes. We do have value in this process. Were in the minority but our votes count. Well be willing participants in every proposal as long as we believe were given a fair shot and were being treated equally, but were not going to be undermined. This has got to be a two-way street. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SPRINGFIELD Legislation that would overhaul Illinois abortion statute was fiercely debated for the first time by a panel of lawmakers Sunday, with six days to go before the scheduled end of session. The Reproductive Health Act, which backers and detractors agree would be the most liberal reproductive health care measure in the country, passed out of committee by a party line vote. It received no Republican support. To advance the initiative, Chicago Democratic Rep. Kelly Cassidy, the bills sponsor, abandoned her originally-filed legislation and amended another one in what is often referred to under the dome as gut and replace. The new measure is Senate Bill 25. It was a move that caught some conservative House legislators off guard. Rep. Tom Demmer, a Republican from Dixon, expressed his frustration the initiative was resurrected without enough time for his colleagues or constituents to prepare for the committee hearing. People who had been watching this, tracking the process of it, people who cared deeply about it on either side didnt know the bill was going to come back today, he said. At 6:08 that posting was made for a meeting that, not exaggerating here, was scheduled to begin at 7:08, exactly one hour after the posting the absolute minimum amount of time that could be offered for a bill to be considered by a committee of this house. Another, Republican Rep. Terri Bryant, from Murphysboro, drove to Springfield from a Memorial Day event in her district to be present for the committee hearing. The way the act is being legislated is a miscarriage of justice, she said. Im not trying to be dramatic about this, but you know this is an issue Im very passionate about. Cassidys originally-filed measure, House Bill 2495, was stuck in legislative limbo since early March with the other reproductive health care and abortion-related bills introduced this session. Recent calls for action on the act were spurred by laws passed in states nationwide, including Alabama, Georgia, Missouri and Ohio, that restrict access to abortion. Some of those states hope to get those statutes before the U.S. Supreme Court in an effort to challenge the 1973 case Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion across the country. Quite frankly, as we watch this parade of horribles in state after state after state, its nice to be able to do something about it, Cassidy said. It feels good to be able to have the opportunity to fight back and push back to defend these rights with as much force and vigor as our opponents in doing in other states and to make very clear who we are in Illinois. This is a very clear statement of that. Opponents, such as Rep. Avery Bourne, a Republican from Raymond, pointed to language in a law signed by former Gov. Bruce Rauner that solidified abortion would remain legal in Illinois should Roe v. Wade be overturned. She asked if the Reproductive Health Act would be necessary taking that into account. If the case was overturned, Cassidy responded, the harm would be for the possibility of lower courts to allow for currently-enjoined laws to be enforced. For example, there is a statute on the books that places criminal penalties on doctors who perform abortions that would be repealed under the proposed measure. The language of the act Cassidy filed Sunday combines the bill she originally filed with two amendments she proposed at the end of March as well as a new amendment. According to the originally-filed version of the legislation, reproductive health would be preserved as a fundamental right. This Act sets forth the fundamental rights of individuals to make autonomous decisions about ones own reproductive health, including the fundamental right to use or refuse reproductive health care, the act reads. The measure blocks Illinois from intruding in a womans decision to carry a pregnancy to term, opt for an abortion procedure or any other reproductive health care choice and, should she feel this right was violated, it creates an avenue for her to bring a lawsuit. The legislation additionally bars local governmental bodies from impairing access to contraception or procedures such as abortion but allows them to pass rules strengthening reproductive health care. The bill requires health care professionals to file a report of each abortion they perform with the Department of Public Health, but does not specify the type of information to be collected and reported as current statute mandates. It also exempts these documents from Freedom of Information requests. Emily Werth, an attorney with the Illinois chapter of the American Civil Liberty Union, said at the end of March the amendments filed to Cassidys original legislation and included in the act filed Sunday were in response to concerns. One, she said, makes explicitly clear a health care provider who has a moral, ethical or religious objection to abortions do not have to participate in performing one. The Reproductive Health Act would repeal several statutes in existing law that refuse to take part in such procedures, leaving one law, the Health Care Right of Conscience Act in place. The Thomas More Society, a conservative law firm based in Chicago, released a legal analysis when the legislation was first introduced. In it, the group argues a case could be made that a legal challenge could render that act toothless because a medical provider would be hindering a womans newly-created fundamental right to reproductive health care. This amendment, Werth said, addresses that concern. The newly-filed act also clarifies a contentious point among opponents that the Reproductive Health Act requires private insurance companies regulated by the state to cover abortion procedures if they also cover pregnancy-related benefits. It now allows for cost-sharing provisions, such as copayments, so long as they do not exceed those that apply to pregnancy-related coverage. Finally, Werth said, the bill clarifies that physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses can only provide abortion care that is otherwise consistent with what is within their scope of practice and their professional licensing act. New language introduced by Cassidy on Sunday redefines viability. The opponents to the bill have really focused, unfortunately, on later abortion, which is rare but they have focused in on that and have been saying some things that are frankly, at best misleading and at worst completely untrue about the legislation, said Brigid Leahy, senior director for public policy for Planned Parenthood of Illinois. We have added in clarifying language that basically clarifies what is happening right now in Illinois, what the standard is right now and what it has been for many, many years. Leahy said when advocates were drafting the legislation and thinking about which legislators would be the best sponsors for it, they were looking for a representative who was passionate and completely committed to the issue but also had the skill set to really carry a bill with this kind of weight. When youre working with colleagues in a state as diverse as the state of Illinois, Rep. Cassidy has a wonderful ability of reaching out to other colleagues who dont necessarily agree with her on everything, she said. Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker has vowed to make Illinois the most progressive state in the nation for access to reproductive health care, seemingly indicating he would sign the bill if it arrived on his desk. Before then, the act would have to be approved by the Senate. In an emailed statement Sunday night, his spokesperson said the governor is a lifelong advocate for a women's right to choose and with recent attacks on access to reproductive health care across the country, the governor applauds the House for taking an important step toward sending him a bill that will protect women's rights in Illinois. The time for recognizing abortion as health care in Illinois is long overdue, Planned Parenthood of Illinois President Jennifer Welch said in a statement Sunday. Were looking forward to the bill moving quickly through committee to a full vote in the General Assembly and off to the Governors desk for his signature. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 5 "For a brief moment in time, all the moon and stars aligned. Nothing broke down, and I had my dad to help and we were just able to go, go, go until we got it done," farmer Doug Coop said. Starting last Thursday morning, he said they "barely shut off the tractor" until they got their planting done about five days later. Except for a small window in April, that was their best shot to get corn planted before more rain that was forecast to hit the already waterlogged fields. Coop said the situation this spring is unprecedented in his experience and the more veteran farmers he's talked to say they've "never seen anything like it." A USDA crop progress report released last week reported 2.4 days suitable for fieldwork in Illinois for the week ending May 19 and less than one day the week before. Just 24% of corn in Illinois had been planted by May 19, compared to 95% on the same date in 2018. For the week ending May 12, only 11% of Illinois corn had been planted. For soybeans, 9% had been planted compared to 79% the same time last year -- and just 3% the week before. Allan Worrell, farm manager with Worrell Land Services, said the lack of planting progress is the number one issue for farmers this spring and described it as "unprecedented." Above normal precipitation going back to November put farmers behind on fall preparation in the fields, combined with spring precipitation falling on already saturated soil is the culprit. "We were kind of behind before we started this year," Worrell said. According to National Weather Service data, 2010 was the last 12-month period with as much precipitation in the Jacksonville area. The rain not only impacted planting, but also shut down barge traffic on the flooded Illinois and Mississippi rivers -- affecting the transport of fertilizers and grain -- and caused erosion in placed farmers have never seen it before. Farmer Jon Freeman has seen erosion this year in areas where he has terraces and dry dams, as well has washing out flat ground that has not had an issue in the past. Customers at his seed business have even had grass pastures wash out. "It's just amazing the amount of damage we've had." Freeman said. Dale Hadden, whose farm also has a cattle operation that typically calves in March, described 2019 so far as "frustrating." Problems started in the fall, followed by the harsh cold and snow this winter, and then a wet and cool spring. "We've had pastures that have actually flooded back there the first part of May and then just this past week," Hadden said. "We've put them out on grass -- got them out of the calving areas with their babies -- and we've had to go drive these cows and calves back up to high ground because the creeks have gotten out of their banks and went out into the pasture areas. Those are issues that, while we deal with every so many years, this year we've had to deal with them multiple times. It seems like we can't catch a break." TRADE Trade disputes, surplus from recent years with exceptional yields, swine flu and reduced demand grains from foreign pork producers have all had impacts on commodity prices for area farmers. "If there's any silver lining to this weather, it's that hopefully it will help drive the market back up a little bit. But for the past 18 to 24 months, for commodity prices, it's really been a perfect storm of things to drive the prices down for us farmers," Coop said. Though it may not be enough to raise prices to where they need to be to make a good profit. "Even though it looks like we could have smaller crops this year, worldwide there's still a surplus," said farmer John Potter. On Thursday, the USDA announced it would provide assistance to farmers again this year with $16 billion in aid, which it said was "in line with the estimated impacts" of retaliatory tariffs. A federal aid package provided billions of dollars in assistance to farmers last year after President Donald Trump's administration pursued tariffs against China that have since led to a back-and-forth for negotiations and retaliation. Worrell said the payments can help farmers' cashflow, but he doesn't think there's any dispute that tariffs have hurt the agriculture industry. The aid is welcome, but seen as a short-term solution. "The long-term resolution we need is we need markets," Coop said. "We need global markets to sell our crops to and if we don't include China or Asia in that market, it makes it very, very tough for us." Worrell said the trade war also raises questions about losing long term export potential if China permanently takes its business elsewhere after the dispute is resolved. There is concern that South American farmers could fill the void while tariffs are being volleyed between the U.S. and China, though it's possible that there are other markets that would pick up American agriculture products in place of China, Freeman said. But farmers need free trade with global markets. "The scary part of it is, it takes a lot to get trade, it doesn't take much to lose it. And I hope we haven't lost that China market," he said. ALMOST SUMMER Despite a wet fall, cold winter and weary spring, Potter is feeling "guardedly optimistic." And he's not alone. Many farmers have been pulling long hours in the last week and a half to get in as much of their crops as possible. "I think to be a farmer you have to have a little optimism," Potter said. "The crops that we do have in, the ones that are up look OK, so hopefully we will have a decent growing season." Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Remarks: This was the number one song on the US R&B chart this year, 2021. It went to #1 in the US on both the R&B and pop charts and made the top 20 on po... 2 days ago 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 Darchula couple found murdered The locals came to know about the incident on Sunday morning when the elderly couple did not come out of the house until late morning. Over the last few days an election was held in Britain -- not for the country's actual government but for its allotted seats in the European Union parliament (elections were held in the other EU member countries as well). Vote-counting is mostly done, and here is the percentage of the popular vote won by each party:This is a political earthquake. Labour and the Conservatives are the two traditional major parties, like our Democrats and Republicans, and the Conservative party is in power in the actual British government right now. The Liberal Democrats are the long-standing third party, which usually gets a substantial share of the vote but much less than the big two. The Brexit party is a single-issue party formed just a few weeks ago, which has barely had time to get organized, yet it won far more votes than the big two combined. Add in the votes for UKIP (UK Independence Party, an older anti-EU party which I didn't realize was still around), and about 35% of the vote went to single-issue pro-Brexit forces which the mainstream media in Britain have relentlessly tried to marginalize and ridicule. And the voters massively repudiated the political establishment, especially the party in power.Perhaps the results aren't surprising. It is almost three years since the original referendum in which the people voted to leave the EU (by a margin, please note, of four percentage points, twice as large in percentage terms as the margin by which Hillary won the popular vote here against Trump), and the country still does not have an agreed-upon plan or schedule for getting out. I'm not really surprised that Prime Minister Teresa May and the Conservatives have bungled Brexit, because they never really supported it. In Britain, as in other EU member states, both major parties have always been solidly pro-EU -- which is why people have to resort to voting for fringe figures like Nigel Farage, or more dangerous people in some other countries, to make their voices heard. May was following the policy the voters decreed out of a sense of duty, not because she really believed in it. The message now from the voters to the government is clear --, or we'll replace you with someone who will, even if they're a bit nuts.In the wake of her repeated failures to work out a viable exit plan, May announced her resignation last Friday. The British system has no equivalent of our Vice President -- if a Prime Minister resigns in mid-term, the party in power chooses a new leader, who then becomes Prime Minister. This will take some time, but the leading contender is Boris Johnson, the charismatic former mayor of London who, unlike most of his party, really does support Brexit and gets the message of this election. (I've seen some American bloggers compare Johnson to Trump based on, as far as I can see, nothing but a slight physical resemblance; his actual record is that of a moderate conservative. It's usually wrong-headed to try and understand the politics of another country via American analogies.) If so, he's likely to take a far tougher line negotiating with the EU than May did.In the three years since the referendum, the situation has not fundamentally changed. The EU is still as corrupt and anti-democratic as ever, and still poses a threat to democracy throughout Europe by arrogating more and more power to itself and away from the genuinely democratic national governments -- I've been posting about this for years . The Brexit-bashers still never address the real issues and show no sign of understanding the situation. The imperative for the UK is simply to get out of the EU regardless of the details, to restore its independence and preserve its democracy, even if there is some short-term economic price (or even a high price) to be paid. If we Americans were under the thumb of an organization as bullying and oligarchical as the EU, we would get out of it whatever the cost.The EU's stance during the negotiations has been as hard-line as one would expect from the vindictive and bullying character of the people who run it, but faced with a tougher leader like Johnson, they will have an incentive to negotiate properly. Britain is a huge export market for the main EU countries, and it could find replacement suppliers for what it imports much more easily than the EU could find new markets. It's the main provider of financial services, and there's no credible alternative on the mainland. The British navy and strategic nuclear forces will be vital to any credible pan-European deterrent against Russia in the future, as the US under Trump becomes a less reliable protector. The EU oligarchy does not have the upper hand here, and frankly I hope Johnson makes them squeal like pigs. They need to pay for the horrors their Republican-style austerity policies inflicted on southern Europe for years, if nothing else.Frankly the British political establishment, too, has earned its " horsewhipping by the British people ". For decades now both major parties have ignored the public's concerns about issues like immigration and the EU -- they just bulldozed ahead with a consensus politics in favor of those things, and called people names if they objected. In this they were abetted by the mainstream media, some of which still seems to be in deep denial about the new reality their own malfeasance has helped to create.The situation has been similar in other European countries, with similar results in this election. In France, for example, Marine Le Pen's National Front party won 23.3% of the vote to the ruling party's 22.4%. In Italy the main nationalist party won 34.3%, while its coalition partner, Five Star, won 17% -- together, an absolute majority. (Green parties also made major gains against mainstream parties, reflecting Europe's high level of awareness of the threat of global warming.)One cannot assume, of course, that elections for actual national governments would produce the same results -- the EU elections are a chance to send a message without the risk of elevating fringe figures to actual national leadership (similarly, the EU election of 2014, in which UKIP won 26.6%, probably helped force the referendum two years later). For most of these people are unfit for that role. Farage holds rather crackpot views on several issues unrelated to Brexit, and France's National Front has a history of anti-Semitism. Were it not for such factors, the nationalists would probably have won even bigger shares of the vote. The British people don't want Farage to be Prime Minister. They want the major parties to stop ignoring and insulting their concerns and carry out the popular will in a responsible manner, as representative government is supposed to do. But their patience isn't inexhaustible. Making Johnson Prime Minister and getting Brexit done, deal or no deal, is probably the political establishment's last chance. If they go back to business as usual after, they're doomed. They have assholes over there who are just as bad as our Trumpanzees (the light blue rosette on the man's shirt indicates he's a campaigner for the Brexit party). The U.S. State Department announced last year that it would be expecting all countries to reduce their imports of Iranian oil down to zero. Some of the biggest importers of Iranian oil were granted waivers which expired at the beginning of the month. The State Department confirmed last month that it would not be renewing any waivers. The economic impact of this has been tremendous and there have been numerous reports that the Lebanese Hezbollah that once received huge amounts of funding from Iran is also under great economic pressure because their help from Iran has been severely cut. Fighters are being put on reserves to lower the wages bill and benefits are being cancelled. The Trump administration has been very clear on its goal when it comes to the economic sanctions, particular on Irans oil sector. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that cutting the regime off from its biggest source of income will prevent the regime from carrying out its destabilising activities to the same extent. He said: The goal remains simple: to deprive the outlaw regime of the funds it has used to destabilize the Middle East for decades. President Trump himself has said that he wants 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. The past few weeks have been marked by increasing tensions between Iran and the United States. The U.S. had deployed a number of vessels to the Gulf after facing credible threats from Iran. The Trump administration warned Iran that it was prepared to act should Iran attack. President Trump has also warned Iran that military conflict would destroy Iran. Iran, on the other hand, with its bravado, said that the United States was not prepared for military conflict and that the U.S. has been engaging in psychological warfare. However, the Iranian regime quickly realised that military conflict was not in its best interests not just because it has no chance when faced with the United States, its regional allies, and the complete lack of funds that it has, but primarily because war is not what the people of Iran want. The people of Iran are suffering enough as it is and if the regime plunges the country into war it will do nothing but create even more resistance from the people towards the regime. The people are certainly going to be the force behind the regimes imminent collapse and the regime knows that it needs to keep a lid on the dissent that threatens to boil over at any time. The US ban on Huawei is preventing rural wireless operators in the country from upgrading their gear, with many companies that provide service in such areas having used the cheaper equipment that the Chinese company sells. The New York Times cited the case of Opheim, Montana, where plans to upgrade the wireless service have been put on hold after US President Donald Trump banned the use of equipment from Huawei. The head of the wireless provider in one area in northeast Montana told the newspaper that without access to the inexpensive Huawei equipment, his company could not undertake the task of building a tower that would service a farm whose owner was unable to transmit a picture of a defective tractor part using Wi-Fi in order obtain a replacement due of a lack of bandwidth. Efforts to improve wireless services in rural areas in the US had not been successful despite years of work, the NYT said, adding that this was an additional burden for farmers who feared they would have to keep paying inflated prices due to the tariffs imposed on China by the US. The newspaper quoted one operator, Joseph Franell who runs Eastern Oregon Telecom and uses Huawei equipment, as saying he was thinking of closing shop. The reason why we are able to serve our customers is because we are mindful of costs. We dont go out and buy a Lamborghini when you can buy a Ford pick-up," he said. The report said the Rural Wireless Association, a lobby group that represents 55 small carriers, had estimated that it would cost its members between US$800 million and US$1 billion to replace equipment from Huawei and ZTE, another Chinese company that makes networking equipment and is also banned in the US. Asked about this during a press conference in Beijing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said: "China and the US have long had friendly co-operation in various sectors, including agriculture. The US farmers and ranchers have been in a rough patch recently, to which their Chinese partners relate deeply to. However, people in this line of business in both countries know clearly that China is not to blame for the current situation. "The New York Times article... reveals once again that the US Government, by pressuring to the maximum and stoking chaos, has inflicted serious harm on domestic industries and consumers. Some in the US Government are sparing no effort to suppress Huawei without producing even a shred of evidence to convince people at home or abroad. "At the same time, their actions have had a real impact on American people, including those in various industries as well as consumers. Therefore it is only natural that they have been met with doubts and opposition at home." Australian smartphone users are putting their health particularly eye health at great risk through their obsessive use and misuse of their phones, according to a newly published survey. The survey of 500 Australians, commissioned by online optical retailer clearly.com.au, and backed up by an earlier survey by Clearlys global parent company, EssilorLuxottica, warns that people hold mobile phones five to 22 centimetres closer to their eyes than they hold newspapers, magazines and books. And further damage is caused when this is combined with the pixellated images appearing on smartphone screens. The nationwide survey conducted by Sentis Research also found that 60% of Australians use their smartphones in bed immediately before sleep and: forty percent even use it in the bathroom; fifteen percent of Australians would rather go a week without bathing or showering instead of going a week without their device; and half of those surveyed said they'd give up coffee before their smartphone for a week and even more would be willing to give up alcohol for a week rather than their smartphone. Eye fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, neck pain and dry eyes are all common symptoms of digital eye strain, which not only occurs while sitting at a computer, but also as we stare at our seemingly constant companions: smartphones, said Clearly.com.au chief executive Duncan Brett."Simply put, our eyes are working overtime to maintain focus. Our research strongly suggests that devices themselves can cause eye strain too. Electronics emit a form of blue light that causes our eyes to refract, making surrounding objects go in and out of focus. To fix this, we overcompensate by squinting. Other research findings reveal that: Thirty-three percent admit to at least occasionally being distracted by their phone in social settings; Thirty-nine percent admitted to missing what someone has said because they're on their smartphone; Thirty-six percent look at their phone during a meal with others; Thirty-two percent admit to pretending to pay attention to someone when theyre actually checking their phone; When given the choice of going a week without their smartphone and going a week without talking to their best friend, almost half (47%) of Queenslanders surveyed chose their smartphone above to their best friend; However, Queenslanders seem to be the nation's most attached to their television screens, with 65% stating they'd rather give up their smartphone for a week than give up TV or movies for a week; and Of those surveyed from New South Wales, 29% often, or very often, look at their phone when walking on a public footpath, and only 60 of the 500 Australians surveyed indicated that they do not own a smartphone. "Considering the impact of this high level of usage, Australians should talk to their eye-health professional about glasses made specifically to minimise digital eye strain and protect against blue light," said Brett. And, eye-health experts at Clearly offer three easy tips to minimise digital eye strain: Anonymous sources close to former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull appear to be trying to promote him as a tech champion who led the charge to get Huawei banned from 5G networks worldwide, crediting the ex-PM with having pushed the Americans into reacting against the Chinese company, rather than the other way round. That is, if you believe what can be only termed a highly overblown "investigation" published by the British news agency Reuters last week that strains credulity at many points, meandering back and forth as it details mostly old information. The claims in the article could also have affected the chances of healing Australia's strained ties with China which would fit well with the narrative that Turnbull is trying to pay back those who were responsible for turfing him out of Canberra, something that has more than a grain of truth in it. The yarn drew little comment from any publication, unlike some tech stories from Bloomberg, both this year and last, which drew sharp negative reactions. But the Reuters story in large part serves the Western need for propaganda against Huawei and that may be why the improbability of casting Turnbull, a man who actually knows very little about technology as shown by his ineptitude at home, as the hero in the 5G drama has been overlooked. According to the Reuters tale, written by five people and originating from Canberra, it was the Australian Signals Directorate which first became aware of the extent to which a 5G network could be compromised. This was followed by the ASD director Mike Burgess explaining why 5G was crucial during a speech in March. A month before that, Turnbull visited the US. A senior Australian source is said to have told Reuters: "He was warning about how important 5G networks would be and the security risks we all needed to think about around countries that had capability, form and intent, as well as coercive laws." Credible reports out of the US at the time had the Americans warning Turnbull to cut off Huawei from being part of the Australian 5G networks! This kind of revisionism isn't new. But given that Turnbull has shown singularly bad judgment in backing the technology for Australia's broadband network he was the champion of using HFC that has made the rollout a major disaster, one tends to doubt that he would have any detailed technical knowledge about 5G at all. In fact, Turnbull has been better known for spreading a common myth about 5G: that there is no separation between the radio access network and the core, a separation that has been there in 3G and 4G and has been continued in 5G for security reasons by the industry body 3GPP and the International Telecommunications Union, the two organisations that set the standards for the technology. The last time Turnbull was sought to be painted as a champion was by Nine journalists Chris Uhlmann and Angus Grigg when they wrote this highly improbable sentence in a timeline: "February 24: Malcolm Turnbull lobbied US spy agencies to ban Huawei and ZTE from Australian 5G network. (emphasis mine). Of course, this could be their subconscious at work, admitting the extent to which the US controls Australian foreign policy. The Reuters report claims a British declaration in July 2018 about security processes in Huawei's software was "a bombshell", according to one unnamed US official. But reports at the time hardly characterised it as such. Indeed, at the time a UK National Cyber Security Centre spokesperson said that a program to sort out an issue with checking internal product code was underway and would be completed by mid-2020. No bomb and no shell either. Australian officials are also said to have shared their concerns about 5G with officials from Japan, Germany, other European countries and South Korea. This strains credulity again because not a word of this so-called sharing ever surfaced in Western media which has been quite assiduous when it comes to publishing anything that is anti-Huawei. Indeed, Reuters has been very much at the forefront of tracking such stories. One aspect of the Reuters report which cast serious doubt on the authors' level of technical comprehension was when it mentioned the fact that NSA documents leaked by Edward Snowden had shown that America's premier spy agency had breached Huawei's systems in Shenzhen, and added "Reuters couldnt independently verify that such intrusions took place". This borders on the ludicrous; from whom would one gain independent verification of something the NSA did? Add to this the fact that none yes, not a word of what Snowden leaked has ever been questioned, and you have one of the most ridiculous statements ever to grace a news report, at least in my lifetime. For the rest, the Reuters' "investigation" is mostly mundane facts and theories that have been floated time and time again over the last two years as the Americans made the job of throwing mud at Huawei more or less a daily affair. Finally, the US has resorted to government bans. On 16 May, it imposed a ban on Huawei and 68 of its affiliates, preventing the company from importing components from American companies without government approval. Some of the affiliates are in other countries like Canada, Japan, Brazil, the UK, Singapore and others. Last Monday, Google announced it was cutting off Huawei's access to future updates of Google's Android and Google Play Store. Last Tuesday, the US Commerce Department eased some of the restrictions, allowing Huawei to maintain and update existing networks and handsets. Trump also put in place a ban on the use of equipment from Huawei and its fellow Chinese firm, ZTE, within the US but that would not have much effect on either firm as the US uses very little equipment from either company. The irony of these last steps is that it proves what the Americans have been claiming about the Chinese that the government controls the actions of tech companies. It seems like exactly the same is the case in the US of A! Highlights of Walnut Point Cave Oak: At 13 foot, 7 inches around, this once double trunk tree is now a single with one side having fallen down to create a space or "cave." The Steps: Rumored to be haunted by the ghost of park rangers past, steps located on the Whispering Pines Nature Trail descend into a steep ravine which carries water to the Embarras River. The Big Walnut: A walnut tree measured at 10 feet, 2 inches is believed to be the largest walnut tree in the park with a canopy that that stretches above the tree line despite the fact it sits 40 feet below the ridge above it. The Big Ash: This is believed to be the largest ash tree in the park measured at 14 feet, 1 inch around. The Big Maple: This sugar maple is the biggest of this specimen in the park measured at 9 feet, 4.5 inches around. The Prairie Trail: A short trail in the park takes visitors through a prairie grass plot. Wood Duck Boxes: Oakland High School shop, art and biology classes installed nine wood duck boxes around the lake to be located by visitors. CHICAGO As 258 passengers filed on to American Airlines Flight 191 at O'Hare International Airport the Friday before Memorial Day in 1979, nothing suggested that they would never reach Los Angeles. They would have listened to the flight attendant instruct them how to buckle the seat belt and where to find the emergency exits. None of that would matter. As the three-engine McDonnell Douglas DC-10 accelerated down the runway, reaching takeoff speed, the left engine broke away, vaulting over the aircraft's wing. The pilots heard a thunk. "Damn," one of the pilots said. It would be the last word captured by the cockpit voice recorder. The plane continued to rise, its wings level, despite the nearly 13,500 pounds suddenly missing from its left side. But as it reached 300 feet, the plane slowed and rolled left until it began to overturn, its nose tipping down. After just 31 seconds of flight, the plane plunged back to earth, killing all the passengers and 13 crew members on board. The wreckage strafed an open field and mobile home park, scattering debris and erupting into flames. Bodies were burned beyond recognition. Forty years later, the crash of Flight 191 remains the deadliest passenger airline accident on U.S. soil. Its legacy helped spur reforms that contributed to a vast improvement in commercial aviation safety. "It had a lasting impact on how aircraft maintenance is overseen," said former Federal Aviation Administration chief of staff Michael Goldfarb. "It was just a stark reminder those things are very important." The changes didn't happen overnight. A series of air disasters in the decade and a half that followed, coupled with rising demand for air travel that put more passengers on more airplanes each day, forced the industry to reckon with its safety record, aviation safety experts said. It worked. With improvements in technology, training and systems meant to flag problems before they lead to accidents, it's been more than a decade since the last fatal crash on a scheduled passenger flight by a U.S. airline. But two months ago, weeks after that 10-year milestone was achieved, the industry faced another crisis. The second fatal crash of a Boeing 737 Max overseas within less than six months led to a global grounding of the plane _ one of the only times regulators grounded an entire fleet since Flight 191 crashed in Chicago. As investigations into those two accidents continue, regulators and industry officials worldwide are conducting a reassessment of safety procedures. To some, the crashes of the 737 Max served as a necessary caution against complacency. Ralph Nader, the consumer advocate whose niece died in the March 10 Max crash in Ethiopia, likened the industry's approach to safety to a rubber band that has been repeatedly stretched without breaking. "You get complacent about how much you can stretch it, and it snaps," he said. The crash Dan Cirignani, a police officer patrolling the airport roads on foot that afternoon, didn't see the plane go down. But it was impossible to miss the black smoke clouding the sky over the airport. He wondered if it was a drill. But a voice on his radio called all personnel to a "strike on the field" _ a plane crash. Then he heard the sirens. Firefighters from Elk Grove Village, which borders O'Hare, were on the scene in four minutes. They'd been told a plane had crashed. But the smoke was so thick that Bill Clark, a lieutenant at the time, said he couldn't be certain until he sliced through a fence and saw the deep furrow the aircraft made in the ground, along with debris and victims. It was obvious that no one on board could have survived, he said. "It was total devastation. There was nothing we could do to change what happened," said Clark, now Schaumburg's emergency management coordinator. In addition to the passengers and crew, two people on the ground were killed and two more suffered second- and third-degree burns when hit by burning jet fuel, Clark said. An old aircraft hangar, several cars and a mobile home were also destroyed. Cirignani, 76, who retired in 2005 and now lives in Barrington, had worked fires and crashes before. But the first time he saw one of the victims, he didn't immediately recognize it as a body. "I had to ask the pathologist," he said. "They looked like black coal." For a while, he refused to light a grill, and remains cautious when it comes to anything to do with fire. "The carnage, it was just one of the most horrible things you've ever seen," he said. The intensity of the blaze and sheer number of people on board made identifying the victims unusually difficult, said Edward Pavlik, an orthodontist and chief of forensic sciences for the Cook County sheriff's office, who was part of a team of forensic dentists that worked to identify victims of Flight 191. High-pressure hoses used to extinguish the blaze left a crater in the ground filled with "a tangled mess," said Pavlik, 76, of Homer Glen. Several of the victims had been headed to the American Booksellers Association convention in Los Angeles, including local author Judith Wax and her husband, Playboy Magazine Managing Editor Sheldon Wax. Other travelers came from as far away as Australia, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands. The wreckage was too badly damaged to give investigators much useful information, except for the engine that broke away from the wing. It would provide important answers to both questions facing investigators: Why had the engine and structure attaching it to the wing broken off? And why had pilots lost control of a plane that, though badly damaged, was designed to fly even if an engine failed? The investigation Within days of the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered other carriers to inspect their DC-10s, focusing on the area where the engine attaches to the wing. Ernie Gigliotti was one of the night shift mechanics United Airlines tapped at O'Hare. As he did the inspection, "I just had the feeling there was something not right," said Gigliotti, 71, who retired in 2002 and lives in Pittsburgh. He pushed on the engine nose and felt it move side to side rather than up and down, and heard an unusual metallic noise. He and his partner removed more panels and found obvious damage: fractures, and bolts with the heads sheared off. When American and Continental Airlines also found damage to their DC-10s during the ordered inspections, the FAA grounded the DC-10 fleet on June 6, 12 days after the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board traced Flight 191's damage to American's decision to ignore McDonnell Douglas' instructions during a maintenance procedure that required removing the engine and the pylon connecting it to the wing. The DC-10's manual instructed workers to take off the heavier engine before detaching the pylon. But removing the engine and pylon as a unit saved about 200 man-hours per aircraft, according to the NTSB. "That equals money," said Anthony Brickhouse, associate professor of aerospace and occupational safety at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. "And that's the battle you constantly fight in safety, it's safety versus money." American also decided to use a forklift, which wasn't precise enough to remove and reattach the engine without risking damage, the NTSB said. But if damage during a maintenance check at American's facility in Tulsa, Okla., two months earlier explained why the engine came off, it didn't fully explain why pilots lost control. According to the NTSB, hydraulic lines that powered other critical systems were severed when the engine and pylon broke away, leaving the aircraft unusually vulnerable to a stall and disabling warning systems. The NTSB said it wasn't reasonable to expect Flight 191's captain, Walter Lux, and first officer, James Dillard, to have recognized what was wrong with the aircraft in time to prevent a crash. The aftermath The fallout from the accident was, if nothing else, a call to action for an industry and its regulators. The FAA slapped American and Continental with fines of $500,000 and $100,000, respectively, for improper maintenance. Airlines were ordered to inspect their DC-10s for damage and stick to the Douglas-endorsed maintenance procedure. The FAA ordered improvements to the DC-10's warning systems and revised flight manual procedures for handling an engine failure. In addition, an Illinois law now encourages that dentures be marked with information identifying the wearer. Pavlik, the forensic dentist, said he pushed the measure after realizing it could have helped verify victims' identities. The NTSB also called for broader changes, such as better tracking and reporting of maintenance-related damage, stricter oversight of maintenance and tougher vetting when airlines sought to deviate from manufacturer-endorsed methods. Both airlines and regulators missed opportunities to spot the risks before the Flight 191 crash, either by better vetting the hazards of using the forklift or spotting red flags, the NTSB said in the report. Continental, for example, twice caught and repaired damage similar to that found on Flight 191 before the crash, but American told the safety board that it wasn't aware other airlines had experienced problems. The FAA declined to act on some of those recommendations at the time, arguing that existing regulations already went far enough or that the changes wouldn't improve safety enough to justify the extra cost. But there were changes, said Robert Swaim, national resource specialist with the NTSB, who has investigated accidents including the Trans World Airlines 800 crash that killed 230 people in 1996. "We had this accident (Flight 191), and continued to have a number of accidents ... and the FAA kind of came around after we investigated and reiterated some points, that we really do have to do this stuff," he said. In a statement, American said it actively works with federal regulators and its industry officials to improve air safety. "We honor our customers, crew members and those on the ground whose lives were lost, and our hearts go out to those personally affected by the tragedy of Flight 191," the airline said. United Airlines also said it continually works to improve safety. The reforms Fatal crashes continued in the years that followed. All the while, demand for travel was growing, meaning more passengers, more flights _ and more crashes, Swaim said. "The major power players basically came to the same realization that we can't keep going like we are," he said. Advancements in technology helped. Engines grew more reliable and airlines adopted systems that warned pilots if they were in danger of colliding with another aircraft or flying into the ground or an obstacle, said Hassan Shahidi, CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation. Other changes targeted human errors, including improvements in training and rules barring casual conversation in the cockpit below a certain altitude. Swaim also pointed to a change in the way the industry thought about accidents and collected data: Instead of focusing solely on an individual incident, officials tried to identify patterns pointing to reforms that could have broader benefits. Over the years, airlines, manufacturers and regulators have worked to improve the way they gather, share and analyze data to try to spot red flags before they lead to accidents, Shahidi said. The result has been a golden age of air travel when it comes to flight safety. The last time a scheduled passenger flight on a U.S. commercial airline ended in a fatal crash was outside Buffalo, N.Y., in 2009. All 49 people on board were killed, along with one person on the ground. To be sure, U.S. air travel hasn't been without incident: There have been fatal accidents involving smaller aircraft or foreign carriers in recent years. Boeing 737 Max Then came the two fatal crashes of the Boeing 737 Max. Boeing has acknowledged a system was erroneously activated on both flights and said Thursday it has updated its flight-control software. It's not clear whether that fix would have prevented either accident. But some have questioned whether more direct oversight by federal regulators could have identified problems before the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines accidents. In the years leading up to the crash, federal regulators have ceded greater authority to manufacturers like Boeing to certify the safety of their own planes. The system generally works despite the apparent conflict of interest, said Shawn Pruchnicki, who teaches aviation safety at Ohio State University. "It's a little bit like having the fox guard the henhouse because there's so much self-policing, but they have the same interests as everyone else. They don't want the aircraft to crash either," he said. The FAA disputed the idea that companies were allowed to police themselves, saying it exerts "strict" oversight and is directly involved in testing and approving new features and technologies. In the case of the Max's certification, FAA safety engineers and test pilots put in 110,000 hours of work and flew or supported 297 test flights, the FAA said in a statement. Still, the 737 Max situation raises questions about exactly how much latitude manufacturers should have and when changes are significant enough to require an outsider's view, Pruchnicki said. "There needs to be a point at which we decide this isn't your father's 737 anymore," he said. The NTSB has also pushed for stricter FAA oversight and urged the industry to be quicker to accept safety-enhancing regulations. But Swaim, who declined to comment on the 737 Max case due to the ongoing investigation, noted concerns about the industry's inertia and the extent to which the FAA delegates authority to the companies it regulates have been around for decades _ even as safety improved. "This has been going on for a long time, and for the thousands of flights that take off a day, that's pretty phenomenal," he said. "It cannot be luck." But Goldfarb said the amount of oversight handed over to airlines and manufacturers has grown over the years and that he worries the industry's excellent record can undermine the case for costly but beneficial changes. The odds of a crash grow so slim, there are "little things you overlook," he said. "They start to add up, and you're only as safe as your last flight." There are few public reminders of the 1979 crash today. American no longer operates a Flight 191, and for more than three decades after the crash, there was no Chicago-area site honoring the victims. Creating one took a group of Chicago sixth graders, who led the push to build the memorial in Des Plaines after learning their assistant principal, Kim Jockl, lost her parents in the crash. But there's no danger of Fight 191 being forgotten by those connected to the crash, or in the aviation community. "Not a semester goes by that we don't talk about it," said Brickhouse, the Embry-Riddle professor. "To me, it's one of the seminal moments." Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 As the spring legislative session nears its end, I want to take a moment to look back on one of the scariest times of the year with the hope that one of you might recognize something and help bring a deranged person to justice. You may have seen a brief news story about it, but several state legislators reported receiving an identical mailer in late April with the headline: "Dead People Can't Collect Fat Pensions." The envelopes were postmarked in Champaign, but that's a central collection point so the letters could've been mailed from anywhere in the region. The letter contained both a long list of grievances about the state's troubled pension system and numerous death threats. "Don't bother about new gun laws," the letter-writer stated, "from arson to strangulation, there are more effective means available." "You may think you can extract more money from us," the writer warned. "We would advise you to think again. Over 40,000 cowards unwilling to push back have left the state annually over the last 5 years, leaving behind the determined, the courageous - and most importantly - those with nothing left to lose." "Time is short. The list is long. After the first one, the rest are free," the writer concluded. The writer threatened mass assassinations for pretty much everyone who receives a state government pension, including survivors and heirs. To avoid this fate, the author demanded in the form letter that the pension actuarial tables be changed and the state's constitution be amended to remove the pension protection clause before instituting a graduated income tax. The writer also demanded unspecified "cap$ and clawback$ for outrageous$ pension payout$" and local government consolidation. He or she also demanded the end of pension double-dipping and "playing salary games at career's end to max out your take." Whoever wrote that letter is obviously more informed about state government than most average citizens. While the content of the mass mailer was identical, whoever sent it took some time to make almost every one distinct. One way the author individualized the letters was by using a different return address for almost all of them. The envelope sent to House Speaker Michael Madigan, for instance, used a return address for Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The Illinois Education Association's letter had the same return address, which was for Pritzker's personal business office in Chicago. The letter sent to a Champaign public radio station was ostensibly from the late Dawn Clark Netsch, the first woman elected to a statewide office in Illinois. All the return addresses were printed on labels and not hand-written. However, most of the return addresses appear to have been researched on the Illinois State Board of Elections' website. Several legislators told me that the names and return addresses on letters sent to them were of campaign contributors who can be found with an online search. Some return addresses and names were of political action committees. The letter addressed to a prominent gun control proponent, for instance, had a return address of a gun control political action committee which had contributed to his campaign last year. Other letters were ostensibly from specific individuals, including a prominent retired Chicago business executive, a legislator's mother, a legislator's relative and the husband of a state representative's senator. All were campaign contributors. Whoever sent this letter doesn't appear to be just some random crank with a handy mailing list. That person or persons put some real time and effort into this. And that almost bothers me more than the letter itself. A state senator who received one of the mailers said the postage stamp on the envelope chilled him to the bone. The sender used a John Lennon stamp. The former Beatle was murdered in 1980. The letter writer had threatened all pension plan participants with being killed and cryptically asked recipients if they were "sure" that some accidental deaths on the highways were truly accidents or "the conscious decisions of people with nothing left to lose to 'take one with me?' " And that leads us to the most egregious example of how truly sick this person is. The return address on the letter mailed to a Rockford-area legislator appeared to come from Brooke Jones-Story, an Illinois State trooper who was killed by another motorist during a traffic stop in March near Rockford. Jones-Story was one of three troopers killed by motorists in the first three months of 2019. If you have any information at all, please call the Illinois State Police or the FBI. Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Two brothers shot earlier this month now face felony charges for breaking into a Tecumseh man's home wanting to beat him up. Kolton Bridgewater, 26, and Levi Bridgewater, 20, both stand accused of burglary and attempted second-degree assault. Kolton Bridgewater also faces a charge of terroristic threats; and Levi Bridgewater a charge of use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, according to court records. Both are from Brownville. Johnson County Sheriffs deputies arrested their father, Kenneth Bridgewater, on the night of the shooting. But he hasn't been charged. On Thursday, a day after appearing for his arraignment, Kolton Bridgewater posted bond. Levi Bridgewater hasn't yet been arrested on the warrant. In affidavits for their arrests, Nebraska State Patrol Investigator Neal Trantham said the brothers went to Raymond Brown's home shortly before 11 p.m. May 10 with the intent to assault him. Levi Bridgewater allegedly was armed with a knife. Trantham said Brown shot them both in self-defense after they broke into his home. If they appear, deputies will jail them, and their cases will be taken up the next day, according to court rules. Running two night court sessions will have some cost, as court clerks and sheriff's deputies providing security need to be there to staff operations, Condon said. City Attorney Jeff Kirkpatrick and Condon agree it's a cheaper and wiser use of public resources to recall the misdemeanor warrants and process those cases when the court can rather than having police officers arrest them and take them to jail. Someone with a misdemeanor warrant stemming from their failure to pay a city fine doesn't need to sit in jail, Kirkpatrick said. As best it can, the court system should work to meet people where they are, Kirkpatrick said. For example, in the 1980s, a judge in Philadelphia heard the initial appearances of drunk and disorderly fans arrested at games in the city's stadium, Kirkpatrick said. Offering night court in Lancaster County has the potential to be a win-win for the local legal system, but these sessions will test whether the time is right, he said. "Were in uncharted territory here, Kirkpatrick said. Reach the writer at 402-473-2657 or rjohnson@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSRileyJohnson. Love 1 Funny 1 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. Krishana Prasain is a business reporter for The Kathmandu Post covering markets. Before joining The Kathmandu Post in 2018, she spent 3 years in New Business Age magazine covering business. The Nebraska Association of School Boards has opposed the bills, largely because they represent a state mandate, and such decisions should be left to districts, said Colby Coash, director of governmental relations. In a letter to the Legislature's Transportation Committee that heard LB634 this session, Brad Wilkins, NASB board vice president and a school board member in Ainsworth, said his district doesnt have the money to buy buses with seat belts and would rather use it to support student mental health. A provision that allows school boards to vote to forgo the seat belt requirement didnt appease him. If we are going to require a vote on seat belts in buses, why not require a vote on metal detectors, on site security officers, security cameras and exterior locks? But on the national level, the tide began to shift in 2015, when the NHTSA administrator said during a speech that the agencys policy had shifted to support all school buses having shoulder and lap belts, and he announced a series of steps his agency would take to move the nation toward that goal. An 11-year-old boy who was reported missing this afternoon has been found, according to the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office. Tyler Long had left home with his dog in the area of Southwest 142nd Street and West Panama Road, about 2 miles west of Kramer, at 12:30 p.m. Monday, the Sheriff's Office said. A Nebraska State Patrol helicopter was called in to assist in the search for Long, a 5-foot, 90-pound boy who had been last seen wearing a pink shirt, blue jeans and no shoes. Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 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. Speaking at times in the Ponca tongue, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry urged a House subcommittee last week to endorse his proposal to honor Chief Standing Bear with a designated national historic trail. The trail would mark the route the Poncas traveled when they were forced to leave their home in Nebraska to be relocated in Oklahoma. Fortenberry described Standing Bear as "one of America's most important civil rights leaders," recalling the 1879 court ruling in Omaha prompted by his arrest and trial for bringing his dead son home to be buried on his native land in the Niobrara region of Nebraska. "I am a man," Standing Bear testified. "God made us the same," Fortenberry said in recalling the testimony. And the court subsequently ruled that an Indian is a person within the meaning of the law in what the Lincoln congressman described as "one of the most important civil rights cases in the history of our nation." It came in with a bang, but the era of the 1960s rock n roll radio DJ seems to be fading further away, to a whisper. The death of radio legend Dex Card marks the closing of one more chapter of that era. Card was perhaps best known for his time on Chicago radio as a DJ and host at WLS-AM in Chicago from 1964-67, where he hosted the Silver Dollar Survey, which was essentially a live show that countdown the top 40 songs of the day. In Racine and Kenosha, Card was likely more known as the owner of several local radio stations, including WHKQ in Racine (later known as WEZY), which he bought in 1986. He also bought WRJN in Racine and WFNY in Gloversville, N.Y., that same year for $1.5 million. Card also was the general manager of WLIP in Kenosha. Card sold those stations in 1988 and moved to Florida. Many people who knew him in Wisconsin lost touch with him. The recently retired WRJN husband-and-wife team of Tom Karkow and Janet Hoff worked for Card in the 1980s. Karkow said he would occasionally call Card to see how things were doing. He was very gracious and talked to me about WRJN and things we did back then, Karkow said. Local radio, thats what it was all about back then. When Card died on Sept. 11, hardly a word was written or tributes played to honor his passing. Its difficult to find an official obituary. Karkow has been recently trying to archive some of WRJNs history when he stumbled upon the knowledge that his old boss had died. Its not a total surprise, but it hits you, Karkow said. Its a realization that a lot of the people that you worked with over the years and worked for, theyre not around anymore. Hoff, who worked for Card at WLIP and WRJN, was surprised when she heard the news. I was wondering why nobody had made a big deal out of it, Hoff said. An era had gone by. David Cole, general manager at WGTD, the radio station operated by Gateway Technical College, was hired by Card at WLIP in 1980 and said he was also surprised when he heard about Cards death from Karkow. My recollection is he kept his personal life pretty private, separate from his professional life, Cole said. It was a quiet ending to a man who was the main afternoon DJ at one of the biggest radio stations in the country. Anybody who lived around here in the 60s and listened to the radio knew who Dex Card was, Hoff said. He was part of the biggest radio broadcast in Chicago in those days. Lots of stuff that has come after hasnt come close to popularity of WLS at that time. When radio was king To be a radio DJ during the time Card was at WLS meant playing songs such as The Beatles I Want To Hold Your Hand, the Rolling Stones (I Cant Get No) Satisfaction, Diana Ross and the Supremes Stop! In the Name of Love, The Beach Boys Good Vibrations, for the first time for most listeners. Scott Childers, Chicago radio historian and on-air DJ for WERV-FM, based in Aurora, Ill., and WSSR-FM, based in Joliet, Ill., said that during Cards day when those acts would come to town, local DJs would be the ones doing the interviews. Lets say The Beatles, for example, if they came to town these were the guys that were able to get the interviews, Childers said. The fans couldnt get to The Beatles, but they could get to the disc jockeys so they became kind of the local heroes when you think about it. Childers said those radio hosts would become local celebrities, appearing at the grand openings at different businesses, and at parties where they would likely make more money for those appearances than they did from the radio station. What these guys did so much, especially during the 1960s, was sock hops as they called them and they were just teen dances, Childers said. So they would go from one (sock hop) to the next, to the next, to the next and sometimes theyd hit two or three in one night. During Cards time, WLS had a reach that could stretch from southern Wisconsin to northeast Indiana. Childers said Card recognized the popularity of those sock hops. In the case of Dex, he took a lot of that money and realized just how well these clubs did, he ended up starting a few of his own teen nightclubs, Childers said. For many years he had that as a business as well and he also had a concert business. This was all after he decided to get out of the regular grind of radio. According to Journal Times archives, Card owned a club in Racine in 1968 called the Wild Goose, located at 2005 Lathrop Ave. Childers said Card saved a lot of his money from radio. That likely was the reason why he was able to move into the business side. He was very quiet, but he always stayed busy, Childers said. He may have had the first penny or the first dollar that he ever earned. Rather than some of the jocks of the day that may have spent a lot of their money on cars and whatnot, he actually was smart and invested a lot of his money. Owning stations Fast-forward to 1980. Cole said he had recently graduated from college, was laid off from his first radio job and was living with his parents in Manitowoc. Cole was preparing for a trip to Washington, D.C., while looking for a new job so sent a resume to WLIP. Cole said Card called him and convinced him to swing by Kenosha on his way to D.C. I didnt even have a tie on or a jacket or anything, Cole said, adding they went to a restaurant and talked. When I got back from vacation I was offered the job. What Cole liked about Card the most, he said, was his radio programming philosophy. Back then, I think local radio news had a much more prominent position in the community in terms of people relying on us for local news and information, Cole said. This was a music station back then and his instructions to the jock staff was Make sure you dont lose my audience between newscasts. Thats an indication that he felt that the music stations reason for existence was not to play music, it was for local news and information. Cole said he didnt know anything about Cards past at WLS when he was hired. He was a very personable guy, he had this deep baritone voice, Cole said. But at times he could be rather crude he was very direct in his style. Hoff, who worked at WLIP with Card before going to WRJN, agreed. He was kind of a character, a very strong personality, very much in charge of everything, Hoff said. The one thing about Dex is you knew where you stood with him he didnt pull any punches. In the 1980s, Card left WLIP. Cole said he didnt stay in touch with him. After he left I was working in the newsroom at WLIP, and it may have been a weekend, and Dex drove through the parking lot and it looked like he had a female acquaintance with him and it was a convertible, Cole said. And it looked like he was pointing out where he worked and the where the station was he didnt stop or didnt come in or anything like that. When WRJN was being sold, Karkow remembers being nervous about the stations future until he heard Card was the buyer, which calmed his anxiety. Dex was a very good businessman and he knew radio, obviously, after having been in it for so many years, Karkow said. He knew how to run a station. He was big time radio at the time, no question. It was only a short time, but it was an honor to work for a guy who had that kind of background, that kind of stature in the business and knew what he was doing in terms of radio. Anybody who lived around here in the 60s and listened to the radio knew who Dex Card was. He was part of the biggest radio broadcast in Chicago in those days. Lots of stuff that has come after hasnt come close to popularity of WLS at that time. Janet Hoff, retired WRJN radio personality Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 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. KENOSHA COUNTY Kenosha County authorities have called off the search of a Kenosha County wildlife area, after reports of a person reportedly calling for help in the area. At 11:36 a.m. Monday, the Kenosha County Sheriffs Department received reports that a subject was heard calling for help near the New Munster Wildlife Area located in the 8500 block of Highway KD (352nd Avenue), according to a Kenosha County Sheriffs Department new release. The Kenosha County Sheriffs Department, with the assistance of numerous other agencies, actively searched the 1,226-acre area for the subject. The search included K9 search teams, a drone team (unmanned aerial vehicle), all-terrain vehicles and personnel on foot. As of 3:46 p.m., the search of the area was called off. No subjects in need of help were found in the wildlife area. Anyone with information is encouraged to report anything suspicious to their local law enforcement. The Kenosha County Sheriffs Department, Village of Twin Lakes Police Department, Town of Wheatland Fire Department, Village of Twin Lakes Fire and Rescue, Town of Randall Fire Department, Village of Salem Lakes Fire and Rescue, Town of Paris Fire and Rescue, and Newport Township Fire Department participated in the search. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 2 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. RACINE COUNTY Two Racine County men were arrested Sunday after separate crashes on the countys west end. At 5:33 p.m. Sunday, Racine County dispatch received a report of a motorcyclist who had crashed at the intersection of McHenry Street and the Burlington Bypass (Highway 36) in Burlington and was bleeding from his face, according to a Racine County Sheriffs Office news release. When deputies arrived, the male driver, later identified as Michael Erickson, 40, of Wind Lake, allegedly fled from the scene. Erickson was taken into custody a short time later. It was discovered that Erickson had four previous OWI convictions, a 0.02 blood alcohol restriction on his drivers license and is on probation, which dictated that he was not to consume alcohol. Erickson submitted to standard field sobriety tests and a preliminary breath test came back with a result that Erickson was more than 11 times his legal limit of 0.02, the Sheriffs Office reported. He was arrested on pending charges of his fifth OWI offense and a misdemeanor charge of obstruction. Erickson received medical treatment for his injuries and, as of Monday, was being held at Racine County Jail on $5,300 bond and a probation hold by Wisconsin Department of Corrections. He also was cited for failure to maintain control of his vehicle. Rochester crash At 6:45 p.m. Sunday, Racine County dispatch received a call for a crash with injuries at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue (Highway 36) and Highway D in Rochester. The driver of one of the vehicles was identified as Timothy Schilling, 57, of Rochester. The other vehicle was operated by a 48-year-old woman from Muskego, who was injured in the crash. Schilling reportedly refused to complete field sobriety tests and reportedly told deputies that he was going to fail the tests anyway. Schilling has three previous OWI convictions and a 0.02 restriction on his drivers license. Schilling eventually submitted to a preliminary breath test and the results came back that he was more than 10 times his legal limit of 0.02. Schilling was arrested and is facing pending charges of his fourth OWI, this one causing an injury, which is a felony. He also was cited for failure to yield right of way. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 1 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. RACINE Soon the nal bell will ring, closing out another school year for Racine-area students. And along with students leaving their classrooms, so will another another group of teachers leave these same classrooms and their educational careers to become the newest group of retired educators. But their lives will not have ended, only changed. These retirees will continue to serve our greater community by contributing to our economy and serving in civic, social and church organizations throughout the area. It is new retirees, as well as veteran retirees, who are invited to join the Racine Area Retired Educators Association. Purpose of the RAREA Established in 1951, the same year as the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association, the RAREA currently consists of over 450 members. Our purpose as a local organization is three-fold: to provide a means to have a unied voice in local, state and national matters aecting the welfare of members and of public education; to provide a way to obtain legislation on matters favorable to retired educators; and to promote a spirit of fellowship, maintaining old friendships and satisfying the need for social interaction. Our purpose for existing also aligns with that of the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association, of which we are an affiliate. Through the efforts of the state organization, Wisconsin retirees continue to enjoy one of the strongest non-tax payer funded pension programs in the United States. This strong pension program is just one of the attributes that helps to attract and maintain quality teachers in RUSD and all the school districts spread throughout our great state of Wisconsin. Membership and meetings Membership in the RAREA is open to all Racine-area retirees of public schools, as well as spouses and other family members. This includes the Racine Unied School District and outlying independent districts west of Interstate 94 including Yorkville, Burlington, Waterford and Union Grove. Not yet retired? Current employees of public school districts are welcome to join the organization as an associate member. Annual dues are $10.00 for a regular or associate membership. General membership meetings are held six times a year in September, October, December, February, April and June. Each includes a meal, followed by a program of topical interest to our members. Recent programs have included presentations about Downtown development, the Racine Zoo, health issues for seniors, memoirs by local Racine authors, improvisational theater by Second City, the state of the school district by the superintendent and a holiday-music performance by a local high school choir. Strong scholarship program This year, again primarily through the generosity of its members, almost $15,000 in scholarship monies will be awarded to four high school seniors who will begin college in the fall with an education major. New this year will be scholarships given to two University of Wisconsin-Parkside students who will continue their education as candidates for teaching degrees upon graduation. The RAREA believes in supporting those who continue to pursue teaching as a vocation, thus helping to strengthen the ranks of public school educators. Volunteerism is alive and well This year, RAREA members logged a whopping 15,795 volunteer hours. Our organization was recently recognized by WREA for volunteer efforts in 2018-19 at its recent meeting held in Hartland. Locally, RAREA members can be found volunteering their time and talents at The John XXIII Center, The Racine Literacy Council, Ascension All Saints Hospital, the Racine Public Library, the annual AAUW Book Sale and many Racine Unied School District classrooms, after-school programs and PTAs, in addition to the churches and other civic organizations to which members belong. How to join Individuals wishing to become a member of RAREA or WREA or would like further information should contact Je Rasmussen, RAREA president and membership co-chair, at 262-639-5539, or Joan McDonough, membership co-chair, at 262-639-5163. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Racine-Area-Retired-Educators-Association. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 RACINE The Racine chapter of the American Association of University Women announced seven Racine County scholarship winners: Kassidy Randelzhofer, senior elementary education major at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Emily Nurmi, senior fisheries and aquatic sciences major at UW-Stevens Point Madeline Michael, senior marketing management and human resources and international business major at UW-Madison Madeline Richio, junior sport and exercise science major at Wisconsin Lutheran College Cassidy Avery, junior environmental science major at Wisconsin Lutheran College Jami VanBrocklin, senior registered nursing major at Herzing University Abby Korb, senior politics and psychology major at Ripon University The winners will receive the scholarships 6:30 p.m. June 4 at Preservation Hall, 740 Lake Ave. Korb and Nurmi will also receive scholarships to attend the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders held May 29-June 1 in College Park, Maryland. AAUW-Racine annually awards scholarships to Racine County women enrolled in the second half of their associate degree or enrolled as a junior or senior at a four-year institution. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. 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. ICYMI: Here are our top stories from Monday, May 27 Here are some of the top stories from The Kathmandu Post (May 27, 2019). Gov. Tony Evers has also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day to honor "the brave individuals we have lost" in the U.S. Armed Forces. DOVER From the ceremonial flyover, to the POW/MIA table, the Battle Field Cross and the rifle salute to the lone trumpet playing Taps, the Memorial Day rituals are familiar for veterans and military families. Sundays commemoration at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery was filled with ceremony, symbolism and tradition. Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said he has been going to this event every year since the first one after 9/11. Ive been here when its cold, Ive been here when its hot, Ive been here when its raining ... Vos said. But Vos said every year is different, and not just because of the weather. The saddest part is whenever I come here, there are more people who have sacrificed their lives, he said. The ceremony was standing room only, with crowds of people spread across the damp grass. U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., was moved by the turnout. When you see that, you realize how lucky we are to live in a community like this, said Steil, whose district includes all of Racine County. The line-up of representatives included Vos, Steil, Gov. Tony Evers and Mary Kolar, Evers secretary-designee for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, all of whom spoke of the lives lost in far-flung conflicts over the decades and the families left behind. It was beautiful, said Evers. It was one of those days you set aside partisan things to recognize the sacrifices our armed-service members make. A small gift After the ceremony, members of the Wisconsin Independent Pipers and the Milwaukee Metro Pipe and Drum Band lingered around the cemetery to enable families to ask them to play a song at their loved ones grave. Stevan Keith of Milwaukee comes from a family of veterans, although he is not one himself. He said the experience of playing for these families is very humbling for him. Because of all these people who are buried buried here who dedicated their careers and lives to this country, said Keith. Bob Lannin of Milwaukee said he has been piping for 10 years and has gone to the Memorial Day ceremony in Dover for seven. He has friends and acquaintances buried in the cemetery, and his family also served in the armed forces, though he did not. He said he gets choked up thinking about the families he plays for at their loved ones grave. I think its a way for them to give some kind of gift to their loved one, he said. Last year, a woman asked him to play at her sons grave. He had survived his post-9/11 service, but took his own life after returning home. We need to take care of them better than we are, said Lannin. Lannin saw his bagpiping as a small way to give back to those families and mark the day. Every year Im touched, he said. Its time for barbecues and beaches later youve got to do this first. 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. RACINE As Democrats at the state level work on legislation to require information about voucher school funding to be included in property tax bills, both sides are accusing the other of playing politics and obscuring the truth. The City of Racine mailed a flier with its tax bills last year detailing what proportion of residents tax dollars go to Gateway Technical College, the city, Racine County and Racine Unified Schools. The flier pointed out that out of Racine Unifieds $91.3 million tax levy, $18.64 million funded vouchers for K-12 students to attend private schools. According to the staff of state Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, a bill requiring similar voucher funding information be included in property tax bills across Wisconsin is likely to be introduced at the state level sometime this week. But some advocates of voucher schools, such as Jim Bender, president of Wisconsin School Choice, say that Racines flier was inaccurate and that additional context is needed for taxpayers to understand voucher funding. Wisconsin School Choice is an organization based in Milwaukee that advocates for voucher schools. Thered be no way on a property tax bill to give any sort of context to make it accurate, Bender said. Marc Duff, Racine Unifieds chief financial officer, stands by the numbers he provided to the city that were included in the flier. He said those are the numbers he was advised to provide to the city by the Department of Public Instruction. How the funding works Voucher funding for most students living in the Racine Unified School District to attend private schools comes from a reduction in general aid to Racine Unified. Unified can make up for that reduction through an increase to its property-tax levy. Thats where the number $18.64 million comes from: That was the amount of the reduction to Unifieds aid and therefore the amount of the levy increase. Bender argues that this only tells part of the story, as the district can count some of the voucher students in its headcount when applying for equalized aid from the state. Equalized state aid helps to bring down property taxes. According to an analysis supplied by the states Legislative Fiscal Bureau in answer to questions from Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, a voucher supporter, the real impact of vouchers on Racine taxpayers is $4.8 million as the district is supplied $13.5 million in equalized aid to make up for part of the levy increase. Duff says Bender failed to mention that this payment is reimbursement for last years tax levy, not the current year. This is just another way of portraying the impact, Duff said. Duff maintains that if local tax funding for voucher students was eliminated, the districts tax levy would decrease by more than $18 million. Impact difficult to predict Its impossible to say what the tax impact would be if the voucher program ended, because no one knows how many of the students attending private and parochial schools on vouchers would return to Racine Unified. Its highly unlikely that 100 percent of those students would come back, Duff said. Duff said the district simply wants taxpayers to know that a portion of its budget that is made public every year goes to reimburse the district for aid reductions due to voucher payments. The people and taxpayers deserve to understand what theyre paying for as far as private schools, Duff said. We want people to understand that out of our Racine Unified School District budget of $300 million, $18 (million) to $20 million is going for private schools. When we get criticized for how much were spending per student, some of that cost includes what we spend for private schools. Teachers union involvement Bender argues that allowing input on the tax flier from the Racine Unified teachers union, Racine Educators United, is unethical. According to Racine Mayor Cory Mason, REU presented the city with a petition asking it to do a voucher tax insert similar to one sent out in Milwaukee. In response to Benders claim that the teachers unions involvement was unethical, Mason said: A school voucher lobbyist is opposing giving taxpayers information about how much of their property taxes are allocated to private school vouchers. Mason said that he would let the public decide who is engaged in an ethical conflict. This school year, there are 3,324 students enrolled in the Racine Parental Choice Program, with 26 schools participating. Wisconsin has three voucher school programs that allow students who meet certain qualifications, including family income limits, to attend private and parochial schools on a publicly funded tuition voucher. Milwaukee and Racine have their own separate programs, while the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program serves the rest of the state. In the 2018-19 school year, per-pupil payments for vouchers are equal to $7,754 for students in grades K-8 and $8,400 for high school students. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 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. - President Rodrigo Duterte arrived late at the graduation rites of the Philippine Military Academy - The Palace said that the President was sleepy and was struggling to stay awake - President Duterte was not also able to fulfill his role in handing out the diplomas PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo explained the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte was late for two hours at the Philippine Military Academys graduation rites on Sunday. KAMI learned that Panelo also shared the reason why Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana opted to distribute the diplomas, instead of the President himself. In a report by the GMA News, Panelo said that the President only had two hours of sleep, and that was why he was sleepy and late. He usually sleeps at 6 am, he had to wake up at 8:30 am for the PMA graduation rites so he had only two hours sleep. The event at 9am was part of his sleeping time, Panelo said in a statement. He is a night person. He was so sleepy when he arrived at the venue. He struggled to be awake, he added. As to the distribution of diplomas, Panelo said that the protocol was it should be handed out by the President or the Secretary of the National Defense. President Duterte tasked Sec. Lorenzana to do it instead to reserve his energy. He reserved his energy for the other ceremonial acts he had to perform for the graduation rites, Panelo said. By the time he delivered his speech, he was already in his usual alert, impassioned and assertive self, he continued. The Presidential Spokesperson assured that the President is in perfect shape and that he is in good health. 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! As reported by the CNN Philippines, President Duterte only handed out 2 out of 261 diplomas, and Lorenzana did the rest. A military officer also mentioned that it was the first time in modern history that the President did not hand out the certificates to the cadets. Tradition na kasi na Commander-in-Chief ang guest at namimigay ng diplomas sa graduates, the military officer who opted not to be named said. As previously reported by KAMI, President Duterte quipped a joke to Vice President Leni Robredo amid the Bikoy controversies. Robredo was tagged behind the anti-Duterte videos to allegedly oust President Duterte. However, Robredo denied these allegations. POPULAR: Read more news about President Rodrigo Duterte! Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! Rachel Alejandro and Raymond Bagatsing talked to KAMI about their new movie Quezons Game and about their personal lives as well on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel! Source: KAMI.com.gh - The government ordered officials not to travel to Canada at the moment - The memorandum also indicated to lessen the government interactions with Canada - The order was in relation to the trash dumped by Canada in the Philippines PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed The Palace confirmed the issuance of memorandum to refrain the government officials from traveling to Canada and limit transactions with its government amid the trash shipment controversy. KAMI learned that the Palace described the Philippines diplomatic ties with Canada as diminished. We maintain that these directives are consistent with our stance on the diminished diplomatic relations with Canada, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said, as reported by the Inquirer (author Julie Aurelio). Panelo noted that Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea issued the memorandum on May 20. The order covered all heads of agencies, department secretaries, government-controlled and owned institutions. 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 memorandum came out after Canada failed to get back the trash they shipped to the Philippines in 2013 and 2014. The Canadian government said that they are working on it and may take out the trash by June. Recently, President Rodrigo Duterte also ordered the authorities to hire a private shipping company for the trash. As previously reported by KAMI, President Duterte threatened Canada over its 103 containers of trash dumped here in the country. The Canadian government already responded to the order of President Duterte. Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! Rachel Alejandro and Raymond Bagatsing talked to KAMI about their new movie Quezons Game and about their personal lives as well on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel! Source: KAMI.com.gh - Direk Bobet Vidanes noticed that Vice Ganda was late again - He addressed the comedians tardiness when he got the chance to speak on air - The funny reaction of Vice was also caught on camera PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Its Showtime Director Bobet Vidanes decided to air his thoughts on national television regarding the tardiness of famous comedian Vice Ganda. KAMI learned that the comical moment took place during the Bidaman segment of the show where the said Director was one of the judges. The hosts were discussing about the trending Vhong has gout joke and they were hilariously finding out the person who first mentioned it on air. Vice then admitted that he was the person behind the joke but he defended that he was just following the orders of the programs Director. Alam mo, nauunawaan ko yung nanay mo. Pero bilang isang manggagawa sa ABS-CBN, lahat kami sumusunod lang sa sinasabi ng Direktor, the comedian quipped. Because of this, Direk Bobet took the microphone and denied the accusation thrown against him by the Unkabogable Star. He even used the actors tardiness as an example that not all of his orders are followed by the employees. Ang sinabi ko, lagi kayong papasok ng maaga. Anong problema ngayon? Anong oras na? the Director commented. 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! Here is the video: In a previous article by , Vice got called out by an Its Showtime staff in the midst of hosting. Bobet Vidanes is a veteran and prominent television Director who helmed Pilipinas, Game KNB to its success many years ago. He is also the Director of the reality singing competition Idol Philippines. POPULAR: Read more news about Vice Ganda! Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! A little bit silly, but extremely hilarious random pranks. In this video, we have included the funniest moments that will definitely put a smile on your face. Do you want to have a good laugh? on HumanMeter! Source: KAMI.com.gh The Rev. Donald Fox inherited his fathers legacy of lighting the way for Americans through a 75-year-old story that otherwise would have been forgotten under the carnage and debris of war. My father [died] relatively young, at the age of 63, Fox said, and Im clear in my role in the family: celebrating the family story. Fox, a resident of La Crosse for almost 30 years and author of the biography The Old Familiar Places: The Life and Letters of Frederic E. Fox, has written a new book, Capt. Fred Fox of the Ghost Army & France, a story for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. It is a compilation of 34 letters Fred wrote home during his months in France. The letters are housed at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum in Abilene, Kan., where Fox accessed them so he could write his new book. His father, Frederic E. Fox, known as the Keeper of Princetoniana, authored top secret military documents, hidden from the public for about 40 years, about the only deception unit in France during World War II: The Ghost Army. Armed with fireworks, inflatable tanks and sound effects, a brigade of 1,100 men, consisting of artists and storytellers, fooled two Nazi divisions about 30,000 men by impersonating larger American units to conceal the true location and intention of those units, said Rick Beyer, one ofthe authors of The Ghost Army of World War II and the director of a 2013 PBS documentary called The Ghost Army. Beyer said Fred, only a junior officer during the war, told the unit, Look, we need to be more theatrical. We need to have more showmanship and we need to get out there and physically pretend to be these units, and wear the fake shoulder patches (and) put the bumper markings on the vehicles. We need to be able to impersonate generals. The Ghost Army story has even landed in Hollywood, where, according to Variety, actor and director Ben Affleck will star in and direct the Universal Pictures caper Ghost Army, based on the book The Ghost Army of World War II, written by Rick Beyer and Elizabeth Sayles, as well as the documentary Ghost Army. Several factors motivated Fox to write his new book, including the fact that this is the last big anniversary that some of (the men from the Ghost Army) will still be around. And with the growing public interest in the story of The Ghost Army, he said, Im going to tell this little part of the story. He shares a picture of his father standing next to a jeep named after Foxs mother, Hannah, who at the time was still Freds fiance. My father was a soldier here. I wanted to say, Here he is, Fox said. Another more personal motivation for Fox is the death of his older sister because of early onset Alzheimers in her late 50s. Alzheimers is just this direct reminder of loss of memory. So theres one fifth of our family memory gone, he said, Im one of five children and, in the division of labor, you know, I become the person to be the family historian. Foxs new book can be found at Pearl Street Books and Amazon for $14. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Increasingly heavy rain canceled La Crosses Memorial Day parade Monday morning, but groups still found ways to honor those who died during military service. Weve been watching the weather all morning, said Rick Harned, one of the organizers, after the parade was called off. The bands cant march in this weather. And its going to be a lot worse later on. The 10 a.m. ceremony at the Oak Grove Ceremony was still on, Harned said, though it, too, was canceled later because of downpours. As people dispersed, a group of Civil War reenactors wearing the uniform of the Company B, 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry decided to go forward with their annual gun salute and the playing of taps at the Catholic and Jewish cemeteries on Losey Boulevard. Officially, the services have been called off, but were here to honor the soldiers, said Bill Wojahn, of La Crosse, as the group of five assembled in the rain in an otherwise empty cemetery. Wojahn, the president of the group, spent four years in the Marines. His brother was killed in Vietnam, Wojahn said. Lightning streaked the sky moments before they fired their first shots in the Jewish Cemetery. Thunder echoed their gun salute seconds later. Hurry up, before the enemy artillery comes, said John Dudkiewicz, of Onalaska, who played taps on the bugle after the group fired two more shots. Although he doesnt have a military background, Dudkiewicz said he takes part in reenactments because hes a history fan and has family members who served. Were just amateurs compared to the servicemen. We do it to keep their legacies, Wojahn said. A service by Riverside Park that involved the laying of wreaths on the river was also canceled, but an indoor service was held at American Legion Post 52. About 50 people attended, including those who had served in the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marine Corps. Bob Marconi, president of the La Crosse Area Navy League Council, presided over the ceremonies, which included a keynote speech from Sgt. Brandon Graham and the presentation of flags by U.S. Naval Sea Cadets. Mike Byers, accompanied by his service dog, Kane, and representing the Disabled American Veterans chapter 12 of La Crosse, read a poem titled, Come Visit My Grave. Outside the auditorium, Lee Glasel, 89, of La Crosse warmed up quietly on his trumpet as he waited for the Legions firing squad to do its salute. Glasel, who said hed been playing taps since he was in the Boy Scouts, joined the Army Band and was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, during the Korean War. Hurry up and wait, Glasel said, referencing a common army phrase. After the service, veterans and their families crossed the street to VFW Post 1530, where the VFW Auxiliary had prepared lunch. Mike Berg, who had been in the army, chatted with Dave Sprain, over a plate of meatballs and noodles. Sprain had directed takeoff and landings of fighter jets from the decks of aircraft carriers in the 1980s, he said. Thats a dangerous job, Berg said. People get blown away by the powerful engines. Sprain said that had happened to someone he knew. Thats why Memorial Day is special to me, Berg said. We werent taking cruises on boats and digging ditches for fun. Were just amateurs compared to the servicemen. We do it to keep their legacies. Bill Wojahn, Civil War reenactor 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. 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(5) Jan 16 (5) Jan 15 (5) Jan 14 (3) Jan 13 (5) Jan 12 (6) Jan 11 (5) Jan 10 (5) Jan 09 (4) Jan 08 (3) Jan 07 (5) Jan 06 (5) Jan 05 (6) Jan 04 (5) Jan 03 (3) Jan 02 (3) Jan 01 (3) Dec 31 (3) Dec 30 (3) Dec 29 (3) Dec 28 (4) Dec 27 (4) Dec 26 (5) Dec 25 (6) Dec 24 (7) Dec 23 (7) Dec 22 (4) Dec 21 (5) Dec 20 (6) Dec 19 (10) Dec 18 (9) Dec 17 (10) Dec 16 (8) Dec 15 (4) Dec 14 (6) Dec 13 (10) Dec 12 (6) Dec 11 (5) Dec 10 (6) Dec 09 (5) Dec 08 (8) Dec 07 (5) Dec 06 (6) Dec 05 (6) Dec 04 (7) Dec 03 (7) Dec 02 (6) Dec 01 (9) Nov 30 (5) Nov 29 (9) Nov 28 (7) Nov 27 (6) Nov 26 (7) Nov 25 (3) Nov 24 (4) Nov 23 (4) Nov 22 (7) Nov 21 (7) Nov 20 (4) Nov 19 (8) Nov 18 (12) Nov 17 (8) Nov 16 (6) Nov 15 (4) Nov 14 (11) Nov 13 (11) Nov 12 (9) Nov 11 (6) Nov 10 (9) Nov 09 (9) Nov 08 (7) Nov 07 (7) Nov 06 (8) Nov 05 (8) Nov 04 (6) Nov 03 (5) Nov 02 (7) Nov 01 (5) Oct 31 (7) Oct 30 (6) Oct 29 (7) Oct 28 (4) Oct 27 (7) Oct 26 (4) Oct 25 (7) Oct 24 (4) Oct 23 (7) Oct 22 (7) Oct 21 (6) Oct 20 (8) Oct 19 (7) 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Jul 24 (4) Jul 23 (4) Jul 22 (5) Jul 21 (4) Jul 20 (2) Jul 19 (4) Jul 18 (7) Jul 17 (8) Jul 16 (5) Jul 15 (5) Jul 14 (4) Jul 13 (5) Jul 12 (4) Jul 11 (7) Jul 10 (5) Jul 09 (3) Jul 08 (2) Jul 07 (4) Jul 06 (4) Jul 05 (6) Jul 04 (4) Jul 03 (10) Jul 02 (4) Jul 01 (2) Jun 30 (3) Jun 29 (3) Jun 28 (4) Jun 27 (3) Jun 26 (6) Jun 25 (3) Jun 24 (3) Jun 23 (3) Jun 22 (4) Jun 21 (5) Jun 20 (4) Jun 19 (3) Jun 18 (3) Jun 17 (3) Jun 16 (4) Jun 15 (3) Jun 14 (4) Jun 13 (3) Jun 12 (4) Jun 11 (2) Jun 10 (2) Jun 09 (2) Jun 08 (3) Jun 07 (4) Jun 06 (3) Jun 05 (1) Jun 04 (3) Jun 03 (2) Jun 02 (2) Jun 01 (2) May 31 (2) May 30 (3) May 29 (3) May 28 (5) May 27 (1) May 26 (1) May 25 (2) May 24 (2) May 23 (1) May 22 (2) May 21 (2) May 20 (3) May 19 (3) May 18 (2) May 17 (2) May 16 (2) May 15 (3) May 14 (2) May 13 (2) May 12 (2) May 11 (3) May 10 (3) May 09 (2) May 08 (3) May 07 (2) May 06 (2) May 05 (2) May 04 (2) May 03 (3) May 02 (2) May 01 (2) Apr 30 (1) Apr 29 (2) Apr 28 (3) Apr 27 (2) Apr 26 (2) Apr 25 (2) Apr 24 (2) Apr 23 (3) Apr 22 (4) Apr 21 (4) Apr 20 (3) Apr 19 (3) Apr 18 (2) Apr 17 (2) Apr 16 (2) Apr 15 (2) Apr 14 (2) Apr 13 (2) Apr 12 (2) Apr 11 (3) Apr 10 (3) Apr 09 (2) Apr 08 (2) Apr 07 (2) Apr 06 (2) Apr 05 (3) Apr 04 (2) Apr 03 (2) Apr 02 (2) Apr 01 (2) Mar 31 (1) Mar 30 (1) Mar 29 (2) Mar 28 (2) Mar 27 (2) Mar 26 (3) Mar 25 (3) Mar 24 (2) Mar 23 (2) Mar 22 (1) Mar 21 (1) Mar 20 (2) Mar 19 (2) Mar 18 (2) Mar 17 (2) Mar 16 (4) Mar 15 (2) Mar 14 (2) Mar 13 (2) Mar 12 (2) Mar 11 (3) Mar 10 (3) Mar 09 (3) Mar 08 (2) Mar 07 (1) Mar 06 (2) Mar 05 (3) Mar 04 (3) Mar 03 (8) Mar 02 (2) Mar 01 (1) Feb 28 (2) Feb 27 (4) Feb 26 (1) Feb 25 (1) Feb 24 (2) Feb 23 (2) Feb 22 (4) Feb 21 (2) Feb 20 (2) Feb 19 (2) Feb 18 (2) Feb 17 (2) Feb 16 (2) Feb 15 (1) Feb 14 (1) Feb 13 (1) Feb 12 (2) Feb 11 (1) Feb 10 (2) Feb 09 (1) Feb 08 (1) Feb 07 (1) Feb 06 (1) Feb 05 (5) Feb 03 (1) Feb 02 (1) Feb 01 (1) Jan 31 (4) Jan 30 (4) Jan 29 (4) Jan 28 (2) Jan 27 (5) Jan 26 (5) Jan 25 (5) Jan 24 (3) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (4) Jan 21 (3) Jan 20 (3) Jan 19 (4) Jan 18 (3) Jan 17 (2) Jan 16 (4) Jan 15 (3) Jan 14 (5) Jan 13 (5) Jan 12 (5) Jan 11 (4) Jan 10 (3) Jan 09 (5) Jan 08 (5) Jan 07 (4) Jan 06 (3) Jan 05 (4) Jan 04 (4) Jan 03 (6) Jan 02 (3) Jan 01 (4) Dec 31 (4) Dec 30 (4) Dec 29 (5) Dec 28 (5) Dec 27 (4) Dec 26 (4) Dec 25 (4) Dec 24 (1) Dec 23 (4) Dec 22 (3) Dec 21 (5) Dec 20 (5) Dec 19 (4) Dec 18 (4) Dec 17 (5) Dec 16 (4) Dec 15 (6) Dec 14 (4) Dec 13 (4) Dec 12 (5) Dec 11 (5) Dec 10 (4) Dec 09 (5) Dec 08 (4) Dec 07 (4) Dec 06 (5) Dec 05 (4) Dec 04 (4) Dec 03 (4) Dec 02 (3) Dec 01 (3) Nov 30 (4) Nov 29 (4) Nov 28 (5) Nov 27 (4) Nov 26 (4) Nov 25 (3) Nov 24 (5) Nov 23 (4) Nov 22 (4) Nov 21 (4) Nov 20 (4) Nov 19 (5) Nov 18 (4) Nov 17 (4) Nov 16 (3) Nov 15 (5) Nov 14 (3) Nov 13 (4) Nov 12 (4) Nov 11 (4) Nov 10 (3) Nov 09 (3) Nov 08 (3) Nov 07 (4) Nov 06 (4) Nov 05 (4) Nov 04 (3) Nov 03 (2) Nov 02 (3) Nov 01 (4) Oct 31 (3) Oct 30 (4) Oct 29 (3) Oct 28 (4) Oct 27 (3) Oct 26 (3) Oct 25 (3) Oct 24 (3) Oct 23 (3) Oct 22 (3) Oct 21 (3) Oct 20 (3) Oct 19 (3) Oct 18 (3) Oct 17 (3) Oct 16 (4) Oct 15 (5) Oct 14 (3) Oct 13 (6) Oct 12 (4) Oct 11 (4) Oct 10 (3) Oct 09 (3) Oct 08 (3) Oct 07 (3) Oct 06 (3) Oct 05 (4) Oct 04 (3) Oct 03 (3) Oct 02 (3) Oct 01 (3) Sep 30 (3) Sep 29 (3) Sep 28 (3) Sep 27 (3) Sep 26 (5) Sep 25 (5) Sep 24 (4) Sep 23 (5) Sep 22 (4) Sep 21 (4) Sep 20 (5) Sep 19 (4) Sep 18 (5) Sep 17 (5) Sep 16 (4) Sep 15 (5) Sep 14 (4) Sep 13 (3) Sep 12 (6) Sep 11 (6) Sep 10 (4) Sep 09 (4) Sep 08 (3) Sep 07 (3) Sep 06 (3) Sep 05 (4) Sep 04 (4) Sep 03 (3) Sep 02 (3) Sep 01 (4) Aug 31 (3) Aug 30 (3) Aug 29 (4) Aug 28 (3) Aug 27 (4) Aug 26 (3) Aug 25 (4) Aug 24 (4) Aug 23 (3) Aug 22 (3) Aug 21 (3) Aug 20 (5) Aug 19 (4) Aug 18 (3) Aug 17 (3) Aug 16 (3) Aug 15 (5) Aug 14 (3) Aug 13 (3) Aug 12 (4) Aug 11 (3) Aug 10 (3) Aug 09 (4) Aug 08 (2) Aug 07 (2) Aug 06 (2) Aug 05 (2) Aug 04 (2) Aug 03 (3) Aug 02 (4) Aug 01 (3) Jul 31 (2) Jul 30 (5) Jul 29 (3) Jul 28 (3) Jul 27 (3) Jul 26 (3) Jul 25 (6) Jul 24 (3) Jul 23 (4) Jul 22 (4) Jul 21 (4) Jul 20 (4) Jul 19 (4) Jul 18 (4) Jul 17 (4) Jul 16 (4) Jul 15 (5) Jul 14 (3) Jul 13 (4) Jul 12 (4) Jul 11 (5) Jul 10 (5) Jul 09 (2) Jul 08 (2) Jul 07 (3) Jul 06 (2) Jul 05 (2) Jul 04 (3) Jul 03 (4) Jul 02 (5) Jul 01 (3) Jun 30 (2) Jun 29 (3) Jun 28 (4) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (5) Jun 25 (4) Jun 24 (5) Jun 23 (3) Jun 22 (4) Jun 21 (2) Jun 20 (4) Jun 19 (3) Jun 18 (3) Jun 17 (1) Jun 16 (5) Jun 15 (5) Jun 14 (2) Jun 13 (5) Jun 12 (4) Jun 11 (3) Jun 10 (2) Jun 09 (2) Jun 08 (2) Jun 07 (2) Jun 06 (2) Jun 05 (2) Jun 04 (2) Jun 03 (2) Jun 02 (4) Jun 01 (3) May 31 (4) May 30 (5) May 29 (3) May 28 (3) May 27 (3) May 26 (4) May 25 (4) May 24 (2) May 23 (4) May 22 (4) May 21 (5) May 20 (6) May 19 (4) May 18 (3) May 17 (4) May 16 (5) May 15 (6) May 14 (4) May 13 (9) May 12 (4) May 11 (5) May 10 (5) May 09 (4) May 08 (3) May 07 (5) May 06 (3) May 05 (4) May 04 (5) May 03 (1) May 02 (5) May 01 (7) Apr 30 (4) Apr 29 (5) Apr 28 (4) Apr 27 (1) Apr 26 (4) Apr 25 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Jul 27 (1) Jul 26 (1) Jul 24 (1) Jul 22 (1) Jul 21 (1) Jul 19 (1) Jul 15 (1) Jul 14 (1) Jul 13 (3) Jul 10 (1) Jul 08 (2) Jul 07 (1) Jul 06 (1) Jul 03 (1) Jul 01 (1) Jun 28 (1) Jun 24 (2) Jun 20 (1) Jun 19 (1) Jun 18 (1) Jun 15 (1) Jun 14 (2) Jun 11 (1) Jun 09 (3) Jun 08 (1) Jun 07 (1) Jun 06 (1) Jun 04 (2) Jun 03 (1) Jun 02 (2) Jun 01 (1) May 31 (3) May 30 (1) May 29 (1) May 28 (2) May 26 (1) May 25 (1) May 18 (1) May 17 (1) May 15 (1) May 09 (1) May 07 (2) May 02 (1) May 01 (1) Apr 30 (1) Apr 27 (1) Apr 26 (2) Apr 23 (1) Apr 22 (1) Apr 19 (1) Apr 18 (1) Apr 12 (1) Apr 11 (1) Apr 09 (1) Apr 07 (1) Apr 05 (1) Apr 01 (1) Mar 30 (1) Mar 27 (1) Mar 25 (1) Mar 22 (2) Mar 19 (1) Mar 18 (1) Mar 16 (1) Mar 15 (2) Mar 13 (1) Mar 12 (1) Mar 11 (1) Mar 10 (1) Modis Neighbourhood First 2.0 Modis next challenge will be to engage the larger neighbourhood in its fight against terrorism. Company Name 2018 Median Pay Celgene $263,237 Alphabet $246,804 Vertex Pharmaceuticals $232,178 Facebook $228,651 Incyte $228,006 Broadcom $202,915 Netflix $202,335 Phillips 66 $196,407 VeriSign $189,290 Host Hotels & Resorts $183,956 Anadarko Petroleum $183,455 Hess $178,908 Twitter $172,703 Exxon Mobil $171,375 Edison International $166,888 Gilead Sciences $163,963 ConocoPhillips $163,817 Intuitive Surgical $163,552 Nektar Therapeutics $162,978 EOG Resources $161,964 Companies have flexibility in their median pay calculations. Some can exclude foreign workers. Others may include cost of living adjustments, however, this chart uses only unadjusted pay. Anger about widening income inequality is rising around the world, from Capitol Hill to protests in streets. But its only slowly seeping into the conference rooms where boards of directors set the pay for CEOs. Boards are often more concerned with what a competitor may pay to poach their CEO than how much more that person makes versus the rest of the workforce. Its a natural thing for a CEO and a board to say, How are others who are doing similar work paid? And theres a natural sense that if the board believes and supports their CEO, they dont expect their CEO to be paid less than the others in the industry, said Eric Hosken, a partner at Compensation Advisory Partners, a consulting firm that works with boards. Investors the ultimate corporate bosses who have the power to vote directors off the board also continue to vote overwhelmingly in favor of executive pay packages at the biggest companies, though the margins have been decreasing. ADVERTISEMENT Theres a belief that if we underpay our CEO, they can go work in private equity. They can go work for a competitor. They will find places to go, Hosken said. The APs CEO compensation study included pay data for 340 executives at S&P 500 companies who have served at least two full consecutive fiscal years at their companies, which filed proxy statements between Jan. 1 and April 30. Some companies with highly paid CEOs did not fit these criteria and were excluded, such as Safra Catz and Mark Hurd, co-CEOs of Oracle. Each had compensation valued at $108.3 million last fiscal year, but Oracle usually files its proxy statement in September due to its fiscal year ending in May. Teslas Elon Musk had compensation valued at $2.28 billion, but his company is not in the S&P 500. ___ WHOS ON TOP Last years top paid executive in the survey was David Zaslav of Discovery, the media giant behind HGTV and the Food Network. His total compensation was valued at $129.5 million, up 207% from a year earlier. Like other executives at the top of the rankings, most of Zaslavs pay is not from cash but from stock awards or option grants that he will fully benefit from only if Discoverys share price rises in the future. Nearly 80% of Zaslavs compensation last year came from stock options valued at $102.1 million, most of which he received as part of a new employment contract that runs through 2023. Companies often grant big options packages when top executives renew their contracts. Discoverys stock returned 11% last year, beating the S&P 500s loss of 4%, including dividends, and it has also beat the market since its initial public offering in 2008. Media CEOs tend to dominate the top of the rankings for compensation, corralling as much or more in compensation as the stars who work for them. But one commonly recurring name did not make this years list: Leslie Moonves, whose ouster from CBS last year was one of the highest profile results of the #MeToo movement. ___ DISPARITY DEEPENS This is the second year that the government has required companies to show how pay for top bosses compares with the pay for their typical worker. The measure is far from perfect, mostly because companies have a lot of flexibility in how to calculate the numbers. Comparisons between companies can also be meaningless when one has mostly part-time workers in developing countries while the other has office parks full of Ph.D.s in Silicon Valley. But now that companies have submitted two years of data, investors can see how the gap in pay is trending at individual companies. At more than 40% of the companies in this years survey, the CEOs pay rose by at least double the percentage of the median workers pay gain. Across the economy, pay is climbing at a faster rate for workers, but the gains are still below where they usually are when the economy is this healthy. Average hourly pay rose 3.4% in February from a year earlier, the largest annual gain in a decade. Companies find that they have to pay more to hold on to staff after the unemployment rate dropped to a nearly 50-year low. But the last time the jobless rate was almost this low, in the late 1990s, hourly pay rose at a 4% to 4.5% rate. Economists say several trends are holding back wage gains, including businesses facing intense pressure from online and overseas competitors. And with larger, multinational companies dominating more industries, workers have fewer alternatives to jump to in search of a raise. For the kind of numbers were seeing on the unemployment rate, or the length of the recovery, all those numbers would tell us that were in an incredibly good economy. But its not as rosy as those statistics suggest, said Julia Coronado, an economist and president of MacroPolicy Perspectives. ___ A FEW OUTLIERS In some industries, worker pay is closer to the CEOs. Some tech CEOs have famously low salaries, such as Lawrence Page of Googles parent, Alphabet, and Jack Dorsey of Twitter. Both took home a $1 salary last year, but both also own huge stakes of their companies as co-founders. Tech companies also often pay high salaries to lure in programmers and data scientists. At Alphabet, for example, the median employee had compensation of $246,804 last year, up 25% from the year before. High salaries of more than $100,000 are most typically found in a more staid area of the market: utilities. Most of the big utilities paid their median worker above $110,000 last year, but that may not last for long. Compensation fell for the median worker at most utilities last year. Women, meanwhile, still remain relatively rare in the corner offices for S&P 500 companies, even though they enter U.S. companies at roughly the same rate as men. Of the 340 CEOs in this years survey, just 19 were women. Their median pay was $12.7 million last year, versus $11.2 million for men. ___ MOST SHAREHOLDERS SIGN OFF ON RAISES For the most part, investors are OK with these big pay packages. Last year, the median company in the survey received a 94% approval rate on its Say on Pay vote, where shareholders give a nonbinding up-or-down vote on executive compensation. That was down only slightly from 95% a year earlier. But those high approval numbers belie increasing scrutiny of executive compensation by shareholders. Its accelerating a lot, said Rosanna Landis Weaver, researcher at As You Sow, a shareholder advocacy group. You have scholarship showing how widening income inequality is bad for everyone, shareholders and democracy. And the myth of pay for performance has taken a couple of blows, so people are re-examining pay. In many cases, the dissenting voices are coming from shareholders outside the United States. I have the impression that here in the U.S., the culture is still maybe rightly so that if your CEO is successful, you are entitled to make basically as much money as you want, said Luca Paolini, chief strategist at Pictet Asset Management, which is based in Switzerland. In Europe, we think slightly differently. And in Japan as well. They say, Ok, your company is great, you should give back something. Monday, May 27, 2019 From AP News: Gay couples in Taiwan plan a mass wedding registration after lawmakers voted to legalize same-sex marriage, a first in Asia and a boost for LGBT rights activists who had championed the cause for two decades. Legislators pressured by LGBT groups as well as by church organizations opposed to the move on Friday approved most of a government-sponsored bill that recognizes same-sex marriages and gives couples many of the tax, insurance and child custody benefits available to male-female married couples. Read more here. https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/family_law/2019/05/taiwanese-gay-couples-plan-mass-wedding-registration-post-legalization.html Monday, May 27, 2019 Miriam Jordan for the New York Times reports on migrants using buses to travel away from the border. A Greyhound road trip across the country has long been a hallmark of the American experience, a way for those who couldnt afford airfare or a car to come home from college, start new jobs, get to the coast, leave problematic situations behind. Today, along the border and deep into parts of the nations interior, the Greyhound buses plying the interstate highway system have become an essential element in an extraordinary new migration. Entering the country at a rate of more than 5,000 each day, new arrivals from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador are departing border towns by the busload. Migrants are already traveling by the thousands every day to cities across the country to Atlanta, Chattanooga, Orlando, Richmond, as well as to sanctuary cities, like New York, Los Angeles and Seattle. KJ https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2019/05/a-migrant-family-takes-a-greyhound-across-america-1.html Monday, May 27, 2019 The web page of the New Zealand Law Society reports on a recent sanction Auckland lawyer Grant Donald Shand has been censured and fined by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. In January 2019 the Tribunal found Mr Shand guilty of unsatisfactory conduct. This related to his failure to timeously provide all documents, upon request, to the new lawyers for a former client, and breaching confidentiality by disclosing to the public confidential information obtained during his relationship with the former client. The matters related to court proceedings arising from the Christchurch earthquake of 2010. Issues around proof of earthquake damage and the clients refusal to accept a settlement offer resulted in termination of an litigation funding companys agreement to fund the client and the withdrawal of Mr Shands firm from representing him. The client immediately instructed another lawyer. Mr Shand responded to adverse media comment by providing confidential details of his client to a journalist. He also took eight months to provide the other lawyer with all documents relating to his former client. The Tribunal noted technological difficulties hampered Mr Shands provision of all documents to the former client, but said he was required to address the difficulties with more self-application than displayed. It also found that in his comments to the journalist he had breached the rules relating to client confidentiality. In determining an appropriate penalty, the Tribunal said it had some sympathy for Mr Shand, but considered his actions should attract a sanction. Additionally, Mr Shand could not claim an unblemished disciplinary record and he had been the subject of six unsatisfactory conduct findings at lawyers standards committee level between August 2011 and November 2017. He had also previously appeared before the Tribunal in November 2013 and was censured, fined and ordered to pay compensation and costs after admitting a charge or negligence or incompetence in his professional capacity. As well as censuring Mr Shand, the Tribunal imposed a fine of $3,000. He was ordered to pay $25,000 towards the New Zealand Law Societys costs and to reimburse the Law Societys Tribunal costs of $10,080. (Mike Frisch) https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2019/05/after-the-earthquake.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. Beer lovers --- and makers -- are always looking for new and interesting versions of the drink. But recent efforts in Israel and Belgium are aiming to bring back beers from long ago. It has been 220 years since beer was produced at Grimbergen Abbey in Belgium, but the centuries-old tradition is set to return there. The abbey is home to a group of monks. Monks first began brewing beer at the Grimbergen Abbey in the 13th century. But they stopped doing so in the late 1700s, after French troops damaged parts of the property including the brewing area. Father Karel Stautemas is one of 11 religious members who now live in the abbey. This month, he announced plans for a newly built brewery inside the abbey. More than 100 reporters, city leaders and beer lovers gathered in the town of Grimbergen for his announcement. Father Karel said, For us, its important to look at the heritage, to the tradition of the fathers for brewing beer because it was always here. Brewing and religious life always came together, he added. Grimbergen Abbey expects to produce its first beer by late 2020. The abbey has been linked to commercial beer makers since the 1950s, when local brewer Maes asked the monks to use the Grimbergen name on its abbey beer. The monks will aim to follow centuries-old methods for manufacturing beer. The directions come from a collection of old books found inside the abbey. Grimbergens monks also will follow the rules of Belgiums Trappist beer makers, although they are not members of the Trappist order. Such rules require the religious workers to brew the beer within abbey walls and use any money earned to repair the building and support charitable causes. The interest in ancient brewing methods is not limited to Belgium. Researchers in Israel announced recently they have removed yeast from the remains of containers found at ancient sites. They have used the remains to create a beer similar to the kind that Egyptian pharaohs enjoyed thousands of years ago. Beer was a popular drink in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Early Egyptian writings describe many different brews, including iron beer, friends beer, and beer of the protector. Last Wednesday, researchers from Jerusalems Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University presented a beer made with yeast that came from an ancient jar. Other researchers have developed drinks based on ancient directions for making beer and studies of remains on ancient ceramics. But the Israeli scientists say this is the first time beer has been made from actual ancient yeasts. Hebrew University microbiologist Michael Klutstein said, What we discovered was that yeast can actually survive for a very, very long time without food. The researchers plan to combine ancient methods with more modern ways to brew a beer that could one day be produced in large amounts. I'm Ashley Thompson Ashley Thompson adapted this story based on reports by VOA News, Reuters and the Associated Press. George Grow was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story beer - n. an alcoholic drink made from malt and flavored with hops monk - n. a member of a religious community of men who usually promise to remain poor, unmarried, and separated from the rest of society brew - v. to make (beer, ale, etc.) heritage - n. the traditions, achievements, beliefs, etc., that are part of the history of a group or nation usually singular yeast - n. a type of fungus that is used in making alcoholic drinks (such as beer and wine) and in baking to help make dough rise site - n. a place that is used for a particular activity pharaoh - n. a ruler of ancient Egypt jar - n. a clay container that has a wide opening Researchers have developed a new machine system that they say can detect lung cancer as well as or better than doctors. The system is powered by a deep learning algorithm that researchers from Google and Northwestern University created. Deep learning is a method of artificial intelligence or AI that teaches computers to learn by example. The system is explained in a study published in the journal Nature Medicine. The World Health Organization, or WHO, reports lung cancer is the most common form of cancer across the world. The WHO estimates that each year, lung cancer results in about 1.7 million deaths. Lung cancer has one of the worst survival rates among all cancers. However, as is the case with most cancers, survival rates can be greatly improved when the disease is caught early. For many years, doctors have attempted to improve screening methods to detect lung cancer. The most common tool currently used is computed tomography, or CT. A CT scan uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of bones, organs and other tissue inside the body. Doctors who are trained to study CT images of tissue examine the scans to look for evidence of cancer. The process can involve hundreds of images. The examination of CT scans to detect lung cancer has been shown to reduce death rates by 20 to 43 percent, the study said. But it also noted that the method also results in a high rate of false-positive or false-negative cancer diagnoses. The new deep-learning system uses an algorithm and three-dimensional or 3D technology to examine the CT scans, Google reported on its website. The method works by learning how to detect signs of cancer from a large number of CT samples. The study reports the system was tested on 6,716 cases with known diagnoses, in partnership with the National Cancer Institute. The systems overall success rate was 94.4 percent. When examining a CT scan for diagnosis, the deep-learning model performed equal to or better than six radiologists, the study found. Radiologists specialize in medical imaging to diagnose disease. Google said in a statement, We detected five percent more cancer cases while reducing false-positive exams by more than 11 percent compared to unassisted radiologists in our study. Dr. Mozziyar Etemadi is a professor of engineering at Northwestern University. He helped lead the research. He said the use of 3D technology marks a big step forward in the CT examination process. AI in 3D can be much more sensitive in its ability to detect early lung cancer than the human eye looking at 2D images, Etemadi said. He added: This is technically 4D' because it is not only looking at one CT scan, but two - the current and prior scan - over time. Lily Peng is a product manager at Googles Brain AI Research Group. She spoke about the studys results during Googles I/O 2019 conference earlier this month. She noted that the deep-learning system was able to identify very small signs of lung cancer that are difficult for humans to detect. Peng noted that the method can be especially helpful in predicting cancer in patients whose early scans do not show doctors signs of lung cancer -- even though cancer might be present. In such a case, a one-year break between CT scans could mean the cancer could become very serious before being found on a second scan. Our model was able to detect these early signs one year before the patient was actually diagnosed," Peng said. And that year could translate to an increased survival rate of 40 percent for patients like this. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English based on reports from Google, Northwestern University and Nature Medicine. Ashley Thompson was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. Quiz - Researchers Say AI System Greatly Improves Lung Cancer Predictions Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story detect v. discover or notice something algorithm n. set of steps that are followed in order to solve a mathematical problem or to complete a computer process artificial intelligence n. the ability of a machine to use and analyze data in an attempt to reproduce human behavior screening n. medical procedure to find out if a person has an illness by completing tests on them diagnosis n. a doctors opinion of what is wrong with someone three-dimensional adj. having or seeming to have length, width, depth sensitive adj. able to measure very small changes prior adj. existing or happening before something else translate v. to turn into or make happen Scientists made a big discovery in Canada, but it is something so small you need a microscope to see it. The scientists reported discovering what they believe is the remains of the oldest-known fungus, which could be up to 1 billion years old. They found it in the Arctic area of Canada and named it Ourasphaira giraldae. A report on their find was published in the journal Nature. The multi-celled fungus is an ancestor to a large group of organisms, which today includes mushrooms, yeasts and molds. Ourasphaira lived where a river runs into a sea, about 900 to 1 billion years ago. That is two times older than earlier scientific fungus finds. Until now, the oldest known fossil fungus, found in Scotland, was about 410 million years old. But some researchers are not yet sure that the fossil is truly a fungus. Mary Berbee, a scientist at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, told Nature that there is reason for believing it is real at this point. She added that, more data would be really useful. While you may not be happy to find mold growing in your home, or on your food, fungi do have important work. They help organic material to decompose, or break down. What are fungi? Fungi, the plural of fungus, are part of a large group of organisms called eukaryotes. The group includes both animals and plants, which have a clearly defined nucleus in their cells. One important difference between fungi and plants is that fungi cannot make nutrients for themselves by using sunlight. This process is known as photosynthesis. Fungi and animals developed together in a close relationship on Earth. The researchers believe that because of this, microscopic animals may have lived at the same time as the Ourasphaira fungus. But, so far, the earliest animal fossils date back to about 635 million years ago. Corentin Loron is a paleobiologist with the University of Liege in Belgium, and the lead writer of the report. He said that while fungi are one of the more diverse groups of eukaryotes today, their ancient fossil record is very scarce. In other words, there are not many of them. The newest fossils were found in rock from the Northwest Territories of Canada. Scientific tests dated them to the Proterozoic era. That was a time before complex life forms appeared on Earth. Loren said the fossil record from that period is still a mysterious jigsaw puzzle, and we just added a new piece to it. Researchers decided it was a fungus fossil is because they identified the presence of a substance called chitin in Ourasphairas cell walls. Chitin also is found in creatures without backbones, like insects and crustaceans. Loron said that, when talking about fungi, we think of poisonous mushrooms or mold that grows on food. But he added that fungi are also well known to help productivity in fields, and even help in making beer, or to help cows break down their food. Im Anne Ball. Will Dunham reported on this story for Reuters. Anne Ball adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story fungus n. a group of spore-producing organisms that feed on organic material data n. facts and other information used for reasoning or making estimates mold - n. a soft substance that grows on the surface of damp or rotting things fossil n. remains of a plant or animal which lived in ancient times plural adj. suggesting more than one diverse adj. different from each other jigsaw puzzle n. a puzzle made of many pieces that are cut into different shapes and can be put together to form a picture crustacean n. a kind of animal (such as a crab or lobster) that has several pairs of legs and a body made up of parts that are covered in a hard outer shell Nayak Paudel is a crime reporter for The Kathmandu Post. Since joining the Post in 2018, he has also written on health issues. In the political realm, you only hear about abortions. But thats only one of many services Planned Parenthood offers. Can you talk about that? We do a lot of work around cancer screening and cancer prevention. A lot of people arent aware of that. We do HPV vaccinations. We do breast and cervical cancer screening. We can also do testicular cancer screening. We offer colposcopies. And if people need more services after colposcopy, we also have relationships with other health care providers to provide LEEP services. In the last couple of years, weve added endometrial biopsies, polyp removals and miscarriage care. As fears about Roe rise, do you see an increase in support? Weve seen an outpouring of support from people wanting to participate in ways that theyre passionate about. Weve seen so many people telling very personal stories. Weve seen so many people over time who have written and who have called, and certainly who have made donations. On the other hand, some reproductive health providers are reporting more aggressive protests from abortion foes. Have you seen similar issues in Wisconsin? What weve seen is a spike in hateful rhetoric. When this happens, we certainly do see an increase in harassment and incidents nationally. This kind of sustained rhetoric sends a tacit message that harassment is OK, and its not OK. People should not have to be harassed to get medical care. Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less. Please register or log in to keep reading. No credit card required! Stay logged in to skip the surveys. PU paralysed due to government interference The PU administration claimed that it could not execute any work except the daily administrative works after Education Minister Giriraj Mani Pokharel sent a letter in March STEVENS POINT George Meyer offered some insight at a recent roundtable discussion on political decision-making. Meyer, one of the most respected voices on the environment in Wisconsin, said at the gathering here that recent and rather sudden interest in water quality by some Republicans in the Legislature is likely driven by internal polling identifying it as a big issue among voters. The former Department of Natural Resources secretary and current executive director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation said his organization and others have plans on the shelf if the Legislature is serious about attacking declining water quality across the state, especially in rural areas. Meyer, a pragmatist and results-oriented leader, has long been willing to work with anyone whos interested in protecting Wisconsins natural resources. Well see how serious lawmakers really are. Remember, this is the bunch that marched in lockstep with former Gov. Scott Walker in his determined attempt to neuter the DNR and end science-based natural resource protection. The same is true for public education, which Walker and his pals bound here for most of his two terms, driven by out-of-state ideological interests rather than voter preferences. Last Novembers elections changed all of that. At the base, Ben was in the 35th Maintenance Squadron, a part of the 35th Fighter Wing, where he fixed jet engines on F-16 aircraft, Larry Jackson said. It took several months, but Ben eventually began to feel at ease. What helped was one of his hobbies: snowboarding. He grew up boarding on Tyrol Basin, but Misawa offered him much better terrain. There, on the Hakkoda Mountains, Ben taught his Air Force friends how to snowboard. In January 2018, about a year since Ben had seen his family, he told his dad he wanted to come home for a surprise visit. Say I were to come home in February for a surprise visit for about a week (shhhh), he wrote in a Facebook message. Would you be open to helping with the ticket? Larry, a project manager for Epic, accumulated many airline miles through work, so he was able to buy his son a plane ticket home. The week home was filled with surprise after surprise. Ben arrived late one night, and after driving him home Larry woke up Bens younger brother, Matthew, and told him to go see who was downstairs. Then he woke up his wife and recorded her reaction on a cellphone. Sister, Emma, came back from college a day or two later. Ever since Ukrainian television comedian Volodymyr Zelensky routed the countrys established politicians in a presidential election last month, Western observers have puzzled over what to make of him. Is he truly the anti-corruption crusader he played on his television program, or is he a captive of the allegedly corrupt oligarch whose television network broadcast the show? Would he continue Ukraines pro-Western foreign policy and stand up to Russias Vladimir Putin, or would he allow himself to be manipulated by Moscow? Not all the answers are in, but Zelenskys inaugural speech last week offered some encouraging signs. Zelensky called on the parliament to quickly remove its members immunity from prosecution and pass a law allowing the prosecution of officials for illegal enrichment. He announced he was dissolving parliament early to allow for new elections, something that could allow him to leverage his popularity he won 73 percent of the vote in a presidential runoff into a pro-reform legislative majority. And he said that while his top priority would be ending Ukraines war with Russian-backed forces in two eastern provinces, he would not give up Ukraines territory including Crimea, which Putin has declared part of Russia. 1. Yes. The economy is strong and unemployment low. Thats a good basis for a solid year. 2. Yes. Health experts are getting a handle on COVID. 2022 should be a better year. 3. No. If any large-scale COV ID-related shutdowns take place, it will hit the nation hard. 4. No. Inflation is still too much of a wild card. It could really cause a drag on the economy. 5. Unsure. There are too many variables at play to predict with any degree of certainty. Vote View Results TWIN FALLS As thousands place wreaths and flags on the graves of loved ones on Memorial Day, few will remember how the holiday came to be. Even fewer will personally remember the fallen soldiers for which the holiday is dedicated. Memorial Day is the day for America to remember those who laid down their lives for their country. More than a million Americans have died while serving their country during wartime. Nearly half of those died in the Civil War and more than 400,000 died in World War II, according to the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. As each day passes, fewer and fewer who served with or even knew the fallen are around today to tell their stories. U.S. Army Retired Master Sgt. Gerold Jerry Wertz of Twin Falls celebrated his 100th birthday recently with friends, family and retired military personnel. On Thursday, he sat reading the dozens of birthday cards he received the previous week. I have enough memories to drown you, Wertz said. But he couldnt come up with a single name of a man killed in battle. Henry Cones memories of World War II are vivid. Ive seen it all, the 97-year-old former Eden resident said. But does Cone remember anyone who died in the war? No. The mortality rate was too high to get close to anyone in particular, he said. We would send out a squad a week, said Cone, who fought in the brutal Battle of the Bulge. Out of the 14 men, only seven would come back. Twin Falls plant pathologist Leslie Bill Dean, also 100, saw plenty of casualties as a pharmacist mate second class at the naval hospital at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. They shipped in the wounded to the hospital patients from all over the world, Dean said. I saw everything from venereal disease to gunshots. He never knew whether those he treated lived or later died. Did I feel safe? Dean quipped. I wasnt safe. I was on the California coast. Despite the horrors they saw in the war, Wertz, Cone and Dean consider themselves among the lucky ones. Wertz was on a ship headed to New Guinea when the convoy stopped for water and supplies in Hawaii. The convoy left port just ahead of Japans Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. Nearly twelve-hundred men were killed on the Arizona alone, he said, squirming a little as he told how men drowned in a million gallons of burning oil when their ship was sunk by Japanese, realizing he could have been one of them. Now living in Wendell, Cone described his time fighting the Axis Powers on the Western Front during World War II. In December 1944, Nazi Germany launched its last major attack on Allied Forces in what is known as the Ardennes Offensive. For a week, the Germans aggressively pushed into Belgium, creating a 60-mile bulge in their front line. But Allied Forces battled that bulge in what is known as greatest land battle ever fought. Of the 600,000 American troops led by U.S. Army Gen. George Patton, more than 75,000 were wounded and 19,000 died. The battle was a major turning point in the war. After the war, Cone served as a guard at the Nuremberg trials. Robert Smith, veterans service officer for the Idaho Bureau of Veteran Advocacy, nominated Cone for the French Legion of Honor award, for his service in France. The nomination is still in the hands of the French Consulate. Memorial Day began as Decoration Day after the Civil War as a day to honor those lost in Americas deadliest war by decorating their graves. In 1971, the holiday officially became Memorial Day for all Americans who lost their lives while serving. But as memories of those killed in war fade into the past, the holiday, unfortunately, continues to morph into a day of mattress sales, Smith said. Memorial Day is a somber day, not a day of celebration, the Gulf War veteran said. Its a day to remember the fallen and to say, Thanks for your sacrifice. You dont have to make a big deal about it. Just say thank you. Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 JEROME It wasnt just luck. A mothers dedication and an invention with local connections contributed to finding another suspect in the 1996 rape and murder of 18-year-old Angie Dodge. Even before Chris Tapp was cleared of the crime in 2017 and freed from prison after 20 years, Angies mother, Carol Dodge, had researched DNA testing and found the M-Vac system. She contacted the companys president and CEO, Jared Bradley, a 1985 graduate of Jerome High School. I remember that conversation like it was yesterday, Bradley said, adding that Carol Dodge was convinced Tapp was innocent of her daughters murder and was working to find a way to identify the person who had left DNA traces on Angies clothes and a teddy bear. Carol Dodge brought the M-Vac to the attention of law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. Initially they were looking to use the M-Vac to find Chris Tapps DNA on Angies clothing, Bradley wrote in an email to the Times-News. After it came up negative, they asked it be used again, even more aggressively and over a wider area, to really find it. Additional testing resulted in no matches with Tapps DNA, but plenty of evidence was discovered and eventually matched with Brian Dripps DNA. Dripp was recently charged with first-degree murder in Angies death. The M-Vac collects DNA, but it doesnt identify it, Bradley explained. Later steps include lysing or breaking down the skin, blood, saliva or other cells to get the DNA strands out. Duplication and identification steps follow. But it all starts with collecting the cells off of the evidence, which is what the M-Vac does, Bradley said. His father, Dr. Bruce Bradley, invented the M-Vac while living in Jerome. He was inspired by the Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak in 1993, Jared Bradley said. The elder Bradley grew up on a ranch in southeast Idaho; he moved his family to Jerome in 1979. When kids were dying due to tainted beef, that really bothered him, Jared Bradley said. Bruce Bradley analyzed the problem and found the weakest point in the detection process in the collection or sampling of the cells. An entire side of beef was sampled with a small 1-by-4 sponge, or, in the case of hamburger, 60 small chunks of meat were sampled from a massive meat bin, his son said. The likelihood of missing E. coli, listeria or other contaminants prompted the man to devise the M-Vac to sample more aggressively. The food industry never adopted the M-Vac system after it was introduced in 2007, but the DNA-testing industry prompted changes in the company. The administration, bio-lab and research and development operations were located in Jerome until some difficult adjustments had to be made after Bruce Bradleys death in 2009. The younger Bradley, who lived in Utah where the M-Vac engineering and sales offices were located, decided to consolidate the operation. It was a tough decision, especially because of the history we have in Idaho, but we had to do it for the survival of the company and the system, Jared Bradley said. His mother and brother still live in Jerome, as do many of his friends. He still visits several times a year. I have lots of great memories growing up there and am proud to call myself an Idaho boy, he said. One of his favorite memories was bringing the first M-Vac to Jerome. The look on my dads face was priceless, Bradley said. He had worked for almost 10 years to develop the M-Vac, so being able to hold one in his hands was the realization of an amazing dream. Years of operating a service lab to help dairies with various testing needs culminated in the fulfillment of that dream. The M-Vacs ability to assist law enforcement in cold cases continues to grow. Age doesnt affect the efficacy of the tests if evidence has been stored properly in a dry, temperature-controlled environment, Bradley said. The oldest successful case he knows of involves 52-year-old evidence from a mans shirt. M-Vacs primary customers mostly crime labs and law enforcement agencies rely on the system to process DNA accurately to prevent suspects from being wrongly convicted, as was Tapp. What continually blows me away are the surfaces that the M-Vac is successful on, Bradley said. Rocks, bricks, cement, rope, wigs, duct tape the sticky side clothing, spent shell casings, gun grips, ski masks and other rough or porous surfaces that the traditional methods swabs, taping, cutting, scraping would never come close to collecting a good profile. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 Grief support Harrisons Hope grief recovery support group, 11 a.m. Tuesdays at the Twin Falls Senior Center, 530 Shoshone St. W. The class is for anyone who has lost a loved one to find comfort in understanding your grief. Information, senior center, 208-734-5084. Seniors wellness The Twin Falls Senior Center will host wellness presentations for seniors this week at 530 Shoshone St. W. Each program will begin at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday: A Bridgeview Estates representative will discuss Healthy Foods to Avoid High Pressure. Thursday: Idaho Home Health and Hospice staff will speak about the Facts of Diabetes. Free; 208-734-5084. Blood drives The American Red Cross has a shortage of type O blood and is in need of eligible donors. Blood donation opportunities are available in Mini-Cassia from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Burley West Stake Center, 2420 Parke Ave., and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 7 at the Rupert City Building, 624 F St. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed. A blood donor card or drivers license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free blood donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767. Donors can use RapidPass online to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire. Childbirth Childbirth refresher course, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Oak Rooms on the lower level of St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center, 801 Pole Line Road W., Twin Falls. A review of childbirth preparation, breathing techniques and medical center procedures, along with a tour of the maternal and child unit. Cost is $15; pre-registration is required, 208-814-0425. Grandparents support Gran-Group, 1 p.m. Thursdays at the Twin Falls Senior Center, 530 Shoshone St. W. The open group offers information and support for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Information, senior center, 208-734-5084. Grief support Grief Share classes, 6:30 p.m. Thursday and June 6, at Lighthouse Church, 960 Eastland Drive, Twin Falls. Anyone who has lost a loved one or a friend is welcome to attend any session. Enter through the east doors at the rear of the main building. For information, contact the church at 208-737-4667. CPR, infant safety Infant safety and cardiopulmonary resuscitation class, 6:30 to 9 p.m. June 4 in Oak Rooms 2-4 on the lower level of St. Lukes, 801 Pole Line Road W., Twin Falls. New parents, grandparents and caregivers learn CPR and what to do if an infant chokes. Free; registration is required. 208-814-0425. Childbirth St. Lukes Magic Valley prepared childbirth bootcamp, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 8 in the Oak Room at St. Lukes, 801 Pole Line Road W., Twin Falls. This session is for those unable to attend the five-week prepared childbirth classes. Topics: wellness during pregnancy; labor process with relaxation and breathing techniques; videos of deliveries and labor positions; and care of the postpartum mother and newborn. Cost is $25 and pre-registration is required, 208-814-0425. To do for you is a listing of health-related activities, events and education. Submit information by noon Thursday for publication in the following Mondays edition to ramona@magicvalley.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Islamic Republic of Iran is an enemy of the United States. It poses a constant threat to American interests. Iran was responsible for the murder of hundreds of American service personnel in Iraq between 2003 and 2011, as they sought to support Iraq's transition to a multisectarian democracy. Iran killed them for the same reason it killed Americans in Beirut in 1983 and has killed Americans across the world for the last 40 years. Our soldiers, Marines, and sailors stood in the way of the authoritarian Shiite empire that Iran's theocratic leadership seek to create. The U.S. must constrain Iran's construction of that empire. That's why we've cheered President Donald Trump's efforts to renegotiate the flawed Iran nuclear deal of 2015, and we've cheered robust U.S. intelligence and political activity to restrain Iranian malevolence. The Obama administration's appeasement of Iran with billions of dollars and a blind eye to aggression only emboldened the hard-liners. But war with Iran, the risk of which appears to be growing, would be a terrible policy mistake, certain to cause the loss of thousands of American service personnel and civilians as well. Iran's leaders are increasingly desperate. Facing relentless U.S. sanctions pressure but the absence of clear American interest in nuclear-focused negotiations, the Iranian hard-liners are winning influence over Iranian leader Ali Khamenei. They might soon force America's hand by launching a reckless attack on U.S. interests. At that point, the U.S. will have to respond, and the risks of escalation will grow immensely. A major war would be a disaster for America and the region. Laptop generals like to paint a picture of war as easy, as if the U.S. could wage war by air power alone. The regime's removal would necessitate large numbers of U.S. ground forces fighting in a country whose population is twice that of Iraq and whose inhabitable land area is vastly larger. Considering Iran's apex-capability in asymmetric or insurgent-based warfare, U.S. ground forces would suffer appalling casualty rates. Conversely, if the U.S. employed a major air campaign merely to decapitate the Iranian leadership, Iran would lash out with all its power. The Iranian hard-liners may be patient strategists, but they are also fanatics. They serve a theological project motivated by the perception of duty to God. They would not surrender. And as American bombs and missiles rained down on them, they would do all they could to strike back. That would mean terrorist attacks on American citizens, possibly also inside the U.S. It would mean ballistic missile attacks on U.S. allies including Israel, perhaps armed with chemical warheads. It would mean attacks on shipping throughout the Persian Gulf. It would mean Iran's unleashing of unrestrained sectarian warfare in Lebanon, Iraq and Bahrain. It would unleash a world of unpredictability defined by ferocious and brutal violence. The possibility runs sharply against Trump's stated foreign policy vision of maintaining U.S. interests first and avoiding stupid wars. Trump has a better course of action here. Rightly aware of the need to deter attacks, he should clarify to Khamenei that any attack on U.S. interests will result in a significant retaliatory response. But Trump should also make clear to President Hassan Rouhani that he is interested in negotiating an improved nuclear agreement and that he has no interest in invading or initiating a war with Iran. Trump will do well so long as his preference is for diplomacy from a position of strength and against a war that would damage or destroy diplomacy, world stability, lives and American interests. REPRINTED FROM THE COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Last June, the Lewiston City Council had two decisions to make, one easy and one hard. The easy one had to do with one of those mostly invisible local government services no one notices unless something goes wrong: Wastewater treatment, which was becoming not exactly an immediate crisis but surely a pressing need. The citys wastewater facilities were aging and needed replacement and upgrade, soon, and that work isnt cheap. Tens of millions of dollars would be needed, in the neighborhood of $70 million. The council evidently had no difficulty seeing the need for the work or for raising money for it. Leading to the second decision. Local governments have two basic ways of going after that money, which would have to be paid ultimately by taxpayers or ratepayersmostly, that is, the same people, residents of the city. They could put the question, which would be in the form of request for approval of issuance of financial bonds, on the city election ballot. Or they could do something called a judicial bypassa formal request that a district judge unilaterally approve the rate or tax increase, avoiding the vote, on grounds the situation was an emergency. The council was deeply split. It tilted toward asking a judge to grant permission, which is what happens most often when a local government either doesnt want to bother with trying to sell the issue to the public, or thinks the voters might turn it down, as they often do in the case of finance issues. Then the Lewiston officials got what might have come to some of them as a shock: two district judges rejected the request. City Hall then changed course. It launched a large-scale public education campaign, working through social media, community groups, news media and elsewhere to pitch the need for wastewater upgrades. Back to Lewiston in a moment; heres some statewide context. First, the biggest story from the local government finance elections last week came in Canyon County, which for years now has needed a new, or vastly expanded, jail. The county has grown enormously since the last jail facilities were built, and theres no serious debate about the need. County officials (be it noted: there are not a lot of big government advocates in Canyon County elected office) three times put ballot issues before the voters asking for money for jail expansion; three times they were turned down. On Tuesday they tried again, and lost for the fourth time in a row. And not only did they lose: The vote was about two-thirds in opposition, while a two-thirds favorable was needed for passage. It was a definitive loss. Around Idaho, a number of relatively routine school issues passed, but many of those for specific new projects failed. A library bond effort failed in Chubbuck, two significant ballot issues in fast-growing Kuna went down, as did a proposal for fire station development in expanding Twin Falls. But a police station plan in Moscow passed. And then theres Lewiston, where the ballot result was really unusual: Not only did the two wastewater bond issues pass, but they received about 90 percent of the vote. It was a stunning, overwhelmingly favorable vote. Thats a result worthy of some further study. But one immediate statistic that could be a partial explanation was this: Voter turnout was 22.5 percent, which would be poor for a general or primary election but was actually very strong, uncommonly strong, for a special election like this one. It was significantly stronger than most of the other bond and levy issue turnouts around the state. Local governments might take a clue from that. Maybe they dont need judicial approval as much as they think; what they really need is to spread the word about the needs when they happen, and then get enough voters out to the polls. Randy Stapilus is a former Idaho newspaper reporter and editor and blogs at www.ridenbaugh.com. He can be reached at stapilus@ridenbaugh.com. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 What's the latest buzz now with the House speakership? GMA with members of Congress including Lord Allan Velasco. File photo MANILA, Philippines Outgoing Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo shot down Monday questions on who should be the next leader of the House of Representatives in the coming 18th Congress. Im not talking about the speakership, was all that she said when asked about the race for Speaker. Former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, presidential son and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, outgoing Senator and now Antique Rep. Loren Legarda, former Foreign Affairs Secretary and now Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, Marinduque Rep. Lord Velasco, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. have been floated as among contenders for the speakership. So far, Alvarez, Velasco, Cayetano, and Romualdez have confirmed their intentions to become Speaker. Legarda, on the other hand, said vying for the speakership is not in her radar. - Inquirer.net Solons list next speaker qualities MANILA, Philippines Which qualities should incoming lawmakers look for in the next Speaker of the House? As the speakership race heats up, lawmakers are weighing in on the looming congressional showdown by listing down some basic criteria that they believe the top contenders should satisfy to earn the approval of their peers. Primus inter pares. The first among equals. Thats what the Speaker of the House is, Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon said in a post on Twitter. According to Davao Oriental Rep. Joel Mayo Almario, the next Speaker should be: first, a trusted ally of President Rodrigo Duterte; second, a member of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban); third, a senior House member with no pending legal cases; fourth, has a good track record in legislation; and fifth, has no conflict of interests. The lawmaker said it would also be preferable if the next Speaker again originated from Mindanao a requirement that would qualify only one or two candidates, including Almario himself. It would also be preferable if the next Speaker has experience as an official in a local government unit for wider appreciation of the effects of national laws in the local communities, with a clear stand on being pro-environment, and a Mindanaoan like the President, he said. With only three years remaining in the Duterte administration, the next House leadership will be crucial in pushing the Presidents legislative agenda. 4 contenders So far, four contenders for Speaker have declared their ambitions to take over the post to be vacated by iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF's stock was trading at $25.60 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EWU stock has increased by 29.9% and is now trading at $33.26. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. 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. 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The following companies are subsidiares of Newmont: AC40689 Limited, Administradora de Negocios Mineros S.A. de C.V., Australian Capital Territory, Battle Mountain Resources Inc., Cayman Pampas Ltd., Con Exploration Ltd., Datawave Sciences Inc., Dawn Mining Company LLC, ELLC Grazing Membership LLC, EMH (BVI) Inc., Elko Land and Livestock Company, Empresa Minera Maria SRL, Fronteer Development (USA) LLC, Fronteer Development LLC, Fronteer Royalty LLC, GCGC LLC, GMK Investments Pty Ltd, Galore Creek Mining Corporation, Galore Creek Partnership, Glamis Rand Mining Company, Gold S.p.A., Goldcorp (Barbados) Inc., Goldcorp America Holdings Inc., Goldcorp Aureus Inc., Goldcorp Aurum Argentum Inc., Goldcorp Canada Ltd., Goldcorp Capital Corporation, Goldcorp Exeter Ltd., Goldcorp Faja de Plata S.A. de C.V., Goldcorp General Holdings Ltd., Goldcorp Global Services Inc., Goldcorp Holdings Europe B.V., Goldcorp Holdings GmbH, Goldcorp Inc., Goldcorp Insurance Company Inc., Goldcorp Internacional S.A. de C.V., Goldcorp Kaminak Ltd., Goldcorp Latin America Finance Limited, Goldcorp MC Holding S.p.A., Goldcorp Penasquito S.A. de C.V., Goldcorp Porcupine Nominee Ltd., Goldcorp Red Lake Nominee Ltd., Goldcorp Stratum Inc., Goldcorp Tesoro Inc., Goldcorp Trading GmbH, Goldcorp USA Holdings Ltd., Goldcorp USA Inc., Goldcorp USA Services Inc., Goldfields Power Pty Ltd, Hemlo Gold Mines (Ghana) Limited, Holdco S.p.A., Honduras Holdings Ltd., Hospah Holdings Company, Idarado Mining Company, International Mineral Finance S.AR.L., MMC Acquisition Limited, Mexicana Resources Inc., Minera Alumbrera Ltd., Minera BMG, Minera Choluteca S.A. de C.V., Minera Faja de Plata S.A. de C.V., Minera Los Tapados S.A., Minera Newmont (Chile) Limitada, Minera Penasquito S.A. de C.V., Minera Yanacocha S.R.L., Miramar Gold Corporation, Miramar HBG Inc., Miramar Northern Mining Ltd., Montana Exploradora de Guatemala S.A. de C.V., Moydow Limited, Musto Explorations (Bermuda) Ltd., N.I. 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Painted Pony Energy Ltd. explores for, develops, and produces natural gas and natural gas liquids from the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin in British Columbia, Canada. It focuses primarily on the development and production of natural gas and natural gas liquids from the Montney formation in northeast British Columbia. The company was formerly known as Painted Pony Petroleum Ltd. and changed its name to Painted Pony Energy Ltd. in May 2017. Painted Pony Energy Ltd. is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More Credit: CC0 Public Domain Canada's most populous province of Ontario on Monday announced plans to sue opioid makers to recover health care costs related to the deadly addiction epidemic. Ontario's attorney general, Caroline Mulroney, said the province will join a lawsuit launched last year by British Columbia against more than 40 opioid manufacturers and wholesalers. "The opioid crisis has cost the people of Ontario enormously, both in terms of lives lost and its impact on health care's front lines," Mulroney said. She unveiled legislation to set up the legal action "to battle the ongoing opioid crisis and hold manufacturers and wholesalers accountable for their roles in it." More than 10,000 Canadians have died of opioid-related overdoses since 2016, according to government figures. Combatting the crisis is estimated to have cost Ottawa nearly Can$400 million (US$300 million). Historically, opioid overdose deathsmainly from the powerful painkiller fentanylwere concentrated among drug addicts. But many victims became addicted to prescribed painkillers before turning to street drugs and others were experimenting with recreational drugs for the first time. Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario have been the hardest hit provinces but the epidemic has affected every part of the country. The British Columbia suit named opioid manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors as defendantsincluding Purdue, whose popular OxyContin drug has been blamed for triggering the crisis. "These opioid manufacturers and wholesalers failed to warn doctors and the public of the dangers of opioids and marketed them as safer and less addictive than other medications when they were not," Ontario alleged in a statement. Mulroney said Ontario intends to invest any award from the suit in mental health and addiction services. Neither British Columbia nor Ontario have yet said how much they would be seeking in damages. Explore further Canada opioid deaths top 10,000 2019 AFP Microscopy image of glioblastoma stem cells growing in different microenvironments. Credit: LIH Until now, researchers have assumed that the growth of solid tumors originates from cancer stem cells characterized by specific surface markers, which develop in a fixed, hierarchical order. Accordingly, such cancer stem cells are responsible for tumor progression and produce specific types of more differentiated cancer cells whose fates are predetermined. In a joint interdisciplinary project led by the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), researchers now show that cancer cells of glioblastomasconspicuously aggressive solid brain tumorsmanifest developmental plasticity and their phenotypic characteristics are less constrained than believed. Cancer stem cells, including their progeny, are able to adapt to environmental conditions and undergo reversible transformations into various cell types, thereby altering their surface structures. The results imply that novel therapeutic approaches, which target specific surface structures of cancer stem cells, will be of limited utility. The research team has published its findings in Nature Communications in April 2019. Glioblastomas are the most common malignant brain tumors. Because of their rapid growth, the prognosis for those affected is usually dismal. Many patients hold out hopes for novel therapeutic approaches, which utilize drug-bound antibodies directed against specific markers present on the surface of a subpopulation of immature glioblastoma cells. These antibody-drug conjugates bind to the surface, are then internalized and kill the cancer stem cells. Remarkable cell state transitions However, results now published in the journal Nature Communications suggest that this approach may be misdirected: "We exposed cancer cells in the laboratory to certain stressors, such as drug treatment or oxygen deficiency," explains Dr. Anna Golebiewska, Junior Principal Investigator at the NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory in LIH's Department of Oncology and co-first author of the study. "We were able to show that glioblastoma cells react flexibly to such stress factors and simply transform themselves at any time into cell types with a different set of surface markers." This plasticity allows the cells to adapt to their microenvironment and reach a favorable environment-specific heterogeneity that enables them to sustain and grow, and mostly likely to escape also therapeutic attacks. The team of scientists from Luxembourg, Norway and Germany, led by Prof. Simone P. Niclou at LIH, proposes that neoplastic cells of other tumor types may be also less constrained by defined hierarchical principles, but rather can adapt their characteristics to the prevailing environmental conditions. "The same phenomenon has been observed in breast and skin cancer," says Dr. Golebiewska. "This observation predicts that cancer therapies specifically directed against cancer stem cell markers may not be successful in patients." The new findings could help to optimize future standard treatments. In laboratory experiments, the researchers were able to show that environmental factors, such as lack of oxygen in combination with signals from the tumor microenvironment, can induce cancer cells to modify their characteristics. This microenvironment, the immediate surroundings of the cancer, comprises cells and molecules that influence the growth of the tumor. "Once we understand exactly what causes the plasticity of tumor cells, we can devise combination therapies which target the signals underlying plasticity and thereby improve the therapeutic impact," underlines Dr. Golebiewska. Collaboration and funding The study is a collaborative work between the NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory and other research units and platforms at LIH. The researchers from LIH also worked in close collaboration with their long-term national partners to whom they are tightly connected through transversal research programmes: the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine at the University of Luxembourg and the Department of Neurosurgery of the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg. Moreover, the project was carried out with international partners from the Technische Universitat Dresden, Germany, the University of Heidelberg, Germany, and the University of Bergen, Norway. This joint undertaking of different research and clinical players gives a truly interdisciplinary dimension to the study. Explore further Cancer drugs promote stem cell properties of colorectal cancer More information: Anne Dirkse et al, Stem cell-associated heterogeneity in Glioblastoma results from intrinsic tumor plasticity shaped by the microenvironment, Nature Communications (2019). Journal information: Nature Communications Anne Dirkse et al, Stem cell-associated heterogeneity in Glioblastoma results from intrinsic tumor plasticity shaped by the microenvironment,(2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09853-z Provided by Luxembourg Institute of Health Israeli drugmaker Teva agreed to pay the US state Oklahoma $85 million to settle a lawsuit accusing it of complicity in the opioid epidemic, which has killed thousands Israeli pharmaceutical giant Teva agreed on Sunday to pay the US state of Oklahoma $85 million to settle a lawsuit accusing it of fueling the state's opioid epidemic, Oklahoma's attorney general said. The announcement comes after Purdue Pharma, maker of the opioid painkiller OxyContina key driver of the crisis responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in the United Statesreached a $270 million settlement with the state in March. Attorney General Mike Hunter said in a statement the Teva settlement shows Oklahoma's "resolve to hold the defendants in this case accountable for the ongoing opioid overdose and addiction epidemic that continues to claim thousands of lives each year." The money will be used by the midwestern state to fight the opioid crisis, Hunter said, with an announcement of how exactly it will be spent made in the future. Meanwhile, another pharmaceutical titan, Johnson & Johnson, is set to go on trial in Oklahoma on Tuesday, with the company facing similar accusations that it aggressively promoted opioid painkillers despite knowing the risks of addiction. Overdoses from prescription painkillers and heroina last-resort illicit drug for opioid addictsexploded over the last 20 years, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Almost 400,000 people have died from an overdose involving prescription or illicit opioids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pop icon Prince and rocker Tom Petty were among the high-profile victims of the epidemic. Explore further Maker of OxyContin gets hit with another state lawsuit 2019 AFP The Missoulian is tracking Miss Montana, the Museum of Mountain Flyings DC-3 that left Missoula on Sunday, May 19, on its route to Europe to help commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day. The six-person crew for the North Atlantic crossing is made up of pilots Jeff Whitesell, Eric Komberec, Bryan Douglass, Art Dykstra, and mechanics/EMTs Randy and Crystal Schonemann. (all times Mountain and approximate) Saturday The crew flew from Iqaluit, on Baffin Island in Canada's Nunavut Territory, to Greenland, landing safely in Kangerlussuaq after a wind shear on the approach. Stayed over in Greenland. Sunday From Kangerlussuaq in Greenland over the polar icecap to Iceland, about a six-hour flight. Arrived safely in Reykjavik, Iceland. Check out the Miss Montana to Normandy Facebook page for 40 photos of the trip. Facebook posts Layover in Greenland, where an airport was opened Sunday especially so the crew could take off for Iceland. Arrival in Iceland, video courtesy of Halldor Sigursson On the ground in Iceland - "Another one in the books. The Ice Cap of Greenland was UNBELIEVABLE !" And, from the Daks Over Normandy page "Dear friends, please enjoy these photos the crew of Miss Montana have take during their leg over Greenland.. You see what they endure.. It only hightens our respect that they are coming to Europe for our event...!" Tracking Links You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Under an overcast sky, two men in uniform placed red, white and blue wreaths into the Clark Fork River. The wreaths, accompanied with a three-gun volley, flowed from Caras Park, where Missoula residents gathered to pay tribute to those who served and died at sea for the United States. The ceremony included members of local Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion chapters, and was one of 12 organized by the United Veterans Council and the United States of Hope for Missoulas 93rd annual celebration of Memorial Day. Today is for anybody who wore the uniform, and it doesnt matter what branch. We want our veterans, living and gone, to know today that were going to be here for them. We love them today, and we love their families, said Sam Redfern, veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and founding member of the nonprofit United States of Hope. For this year, the Missoula-based United States of Hope and the countys United Veterans Council coordinated to lay 51 wreaths throughout the city, starting at dawn in the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Redfern said the wreaths honor both those who fell in battle, and those who brought the battle home with them. In Montana, veterans account for nearly 10% of the population, 80% of whom served during a time of war. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans also account for one in five suicides in the state. The United States of Hope has offered counseling services and support programs for veterans both internationally and for Montanas nearly 130,000 veterans and active duty members since 2008. Veterans arrived to Caras Park with their husbands, wives and children to offer their own support. They came wearing hats and garrison caps reading Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. Rob Ellis of the VFW Post 209, who served 25 years in the U.S Marine Corps, began the ceremony with a prayer for those lost and a moment of silence. Memorial Day is not about the veterans living. Its about the fallen comrades who didnt come home. Its nice to thank the vets, but today is about the fallen comrades, fallen brothers and sisters, Ellis said. The tributes continued from Caras Park to the Missoula County Courthouse, where four wreaths were laid at the base of the Doughboy statue. According to research conducted by the Department of Defense, nearly 1,000 members of the United States who called Montana home died serving in WWI. In honor of the upcoming 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings at Normandy, Redfern invited Esther Bushiri to read Psalm 23 at both ceremonies. Bushiri, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, read the biblical verses that begin with The Lord is my Shepherd in French, the official language of Congo. During World War II, 1,101 soldier, sailors, airmen and Marines from Montana died in combat. The ceremonies continued from the Doughboy around the city, with a final wreath placed at the Fallen Soldier Memorial. The bronze statues, located on the University of Montanas campus, immortalize the 40 Montanans who have died in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jerry Lanoue, who has spent the past three days posting and retiring flags at the graves of veterans in Missoula, served in Vietnam after getting drafted in 1966. As a member of the American Legion Post 68, he stayed on the caravan of tributes throughout the day. For Memorial Day, he keeps in mind the sacrifice of many of those who served, the sacrifice that keeps him and every other American free to live how they choose. Its a heck of a price to pay, Lanoue said. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A Charlo resident wants to see the town's recent school district election voided for election law violations. Earlier this spring, three seats on Charlos school board were contested in a race with several ugly turns. One of the candidates, Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Terry Rosenbaum, had recently reached a $67,500 legal settlement with the district. His sister-in-law Cari Rosenbaum and resident Randy Doty put up large signs and mailed out hundreds of flyers denouncing the current school board. Superintendent Steve Love then emailed staff, calling the allegations outlandish, and writing that the two incumbents in the race, Adrian Roylance and Tracy Olsen, were doing a good job as board members. "They do not have an agenda," he wrote. "There is a third seat open and I will leave it up to you as far as who you support." After the election, in which both Roylance and Olsen won re-election, Love said he stood by that email, and noted the "I will leave it up to you" statement. But Randy Doty saw a problem in that message. In a complaint filed May 17 with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, he argued that "Steve Love clearly stated in his email that he wanted the school staff to support Adrian Roylance and Tracy Olsen, to encourage others to do the same and that as far as the 3rd seat he would leave it up to them who they supported." He argued that Loves email, and other messages he sent to school staff and families, violated a Montana law that bars public employees from electioneering on the job, among other statutes and school district policies. Doty also alleged that these actions had directly impacted the election's results. Under state law, if a court finds that to be the case, it may void the election. "I would like to see them replaced," Doty said, "because they've done so much damage." Love wrote in an email that he would not comment on a pending matter. Previously, he's defended the school administration's and board's management of the district. He also called the critics "hypocritical" for not including state-required funding information on their signs and flyers. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. 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. A deal between timber companies and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game opens up almost a million acres of wild country in the northern part of the state, including areas bordering Montana. PotlatchDeltic Corp. agreed to leases with the state to preserve public access for hunting, fishing and trapping on 567,002 acres of private land in Benewah, Clearwater, Idaho, Latah and Shoshone counties, which extend from the Panhandle to Montana's southwestern border with Idaho. In a separate deal expected to close in early June, a consortium of Stimson Lumber Co., Hancock Forest Management and Molpus Woodlands Group provides public access to more than 300,000 acres in Bonner, Boundary, Benewah, Shoshone and Kootenai counties. The access also permits wildlife viewing, hiking and recreational motorized travel on roads open to full-sized vehicles. Some areas are also open to camping and ATV use, according to landowner rules. Idaho Department of Fish and Game private lands/farm bill coordinator Sal Palazzolo said the state funds came from an access/depredation fee charged on purchases of annual sporting licenses of $5 per resident and $10 per nonresident. The money also helps compensate landowners for the public activity, Palazzolo said, including $300,000 annually for law enforcement services on endowment lands. The state is paying $1 per acre per year for the leases. The leases automatically renew for at least three years. For more information about the specifics of the PotlatchDeltic agreement, contact Idaho Fish and Game's Private Lands/ Farm Bill Program Coordinator Sal Palazzolo at sal.palazzolo@idfg.idaho.gov, or call 208-287-2752. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. 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. There is a spring in our step and a song in our heart as we approach our busiest time of the year at the Chamber of Commerce. With summer upon us, we are looking ahead to a season full of events and activity. The Chamber is moving to our summer hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday to accommodate our visitors to Butte, America. We assist over 220 visitors a day during our summer months as they are looking for things to do, places to eat, where to stay, and where to shop. Chamber trolly rides run daily Memorial Day through September at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. and last about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Call for more information or to book a reservation today. We would love to see you aboard. The Berkeley Pit viewing stand is also open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Copper Shop store at the viewing stand will be open with unique copper and Butte merchandise. We have a booth at Bert Mooney Airport so we can welcome daily flights with information on Butte and help keep visitors here for another day to enjoy all the wonderful things Butte has to offer. June ribbon cuttings: June 9 Mai Wah Society and Museum, 1:30 p.m. June 11 Butte Rescue Mission ribbon cutting and blessing, 11 a.m. June 18 Stodden Park ribbon cutting with a special announcement from The Washington Foundation, noon June area events: June 8 Summer Sosten Fest and Great Butte Pasty Throwdown at NCAT on Continental Drive June 14-15 Mining City Haunted History Days June 19-23 Covellite International Film Festival June 27-28 Dream Big Montana Experience Our Chamber/Digger Classic in honor of Lee Labreche will be at Stodden Park on Aug. 16 with our Mining City Brewfest on Aug. 17. The Chamber welcomes new members Red Lion Hotel in Rocker, FCR Call Center, The Butte Rotary Club, Let Us Run Pickup and Delivery, National Center for Healthcare Informatics, and Macs Tavern. We were thrilled to be involved with several community events over the past month, including Economic Development Week, the reception for new Montana Tech Chancellor Dr. Les Cook, the Uptown Master Plan Meeting, a special invitation from Dennis and Phyllis Washington to attend a rare interview with Dennis Washington, and then the dedication of the new College of Education addition to the University of Montana. Our board of directors meeting was held at the new Student Success Center at Montana Tech, where we received a tour. The board was very impressed with this new building, which gives Butte an incredible opportunity to recruit more students. For more information on how you can become a Butte Chamber member, contact me at marketing@buttechamber.org. We also are active on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, so please like us: @ButteChamberofCommerce. Stephanie Sorini is the executive director of the Butte Chamber of Commerce. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 For U.S. Navy veteran Mark Gollinger, every day is a kind of Memorial Day, an occasion to remember those who died serving their country. Thats why he chose to steer clear of politics and history lessons as he spoke to a crowd of over 100 people at the annual Butte Memorial Day service in the Civic Center Monday, Gollinger said. Instead, he kept it personal, sharing stories about the list of his close friends and colleagues who died during or because of their military service. I think about these men all of the time, and sometimes they visit me in my dreams, Gollinger said. Sometimes I wonder why I survived and they did not. But Gollinger also noted that, on this national holiday, its important not to dwell on death. Instead, he asked the locals who were gathered to share stories about the fallen soldiers on their own lists to ensure their legacies are not forgotten. Ive realized you cant get too focused on death, because you might miss seeing life, Gollinger said. Today, honor the fallen by remembering the people on your list and focus on how they lived, not how they died. Gollinger was one of several local and national officials asked to speak at the annual Butte Memorial Day service, hosted by the United Veterans Council. Spokespeople for Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat, and Sen. Steve Daines, a Republican, read statements, while Rep. Greg Gianforte, a Republican, took the podium to say a few words. Many Montanans have made the ultimate sacrifice, and each one of our veterans has their own unique story of what brought them to selflessly serve, Gianforte told the crowd. Gianforte told the group he loves coming to Butte and that he felt honored to be able to share a few words with the locals. Butte-Silver Bow Sheriff Ed Lester also said he felt honored to speak publicly on the solemn holiday, noting that the seven times hes spoken at the annual Butte remembrance event have been a highlight of his law enforcement career. Your presence here today makes it clear that you know what this day is all about, Lester said. Many cannot fathom the sacrifices made by the Americans we gather here to honor. After Lester and Butte-Silver Bow Fire Chief Jeff Miller shared their thoughts and Gollinger commemorated the list of his close friends, most of the locals gathered mingled in and around the Civic Center. One couple, Carl and Crystal Rutan, said they enjoyed the service and appreciated how much work goes into putting it on. Crystal said one of her uncles died in World War II, leading her to grow up in a Gold Star family, a designation that refers to families of U.S. service members who died in battle. It was like living with a ghost my whole life, Crystal said of belonging to a family marked by the loss of a relative in war. For both Crystal and Carl Rutan, who served in the U.S. Air Force for four years, Memorial Day services are important for reminding adults and teaching children about the sacrifices hundreds of men and women have made for our country and its freedom. Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971 but dates back to 1868, three years after the Civil War ended. It was first called Decoration Day and was a time for the nation to place flowers on the graves of those who had died in military service. Today, many people continue that tradition, observing the holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials and placing American flags on each grave site, according to the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. And this year in Butte, many locals held true to that tradition, too. As the Civic Center crowd dispersed Monday, members of the United Veterans Council made their way to the military plots of local cemeteries to place and dedicate red, white, and blue remembrance wreaths in honor of the soldiers buried there. At two veteran plots in the Mount Moriah Cemetery on South Montana Street, a bugler played Taps," shots were fired into the sky, and each grave was marked with a small American flag to honor those who served their country before passing on. 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 28-year-old man was arrested for attempted deliberate homicide in Anaconda on Saturday night after he reportedly swung at another man with a machete. No one was injured in the incident. According to Anaconda Police Chief Tim Barkell, officers received a call just before 11 p.m. informing them that two men were trying to break into a home in the 2100 block of Lincoln Street. Barkell said that before police arrived, a neighbor in the area confronted the two men, who were on bicycles. One of the men fled the area but the other, Anthony Esparza, allegedly pushed his bike toward the 45-year-old man approaching him and swung both a machete-like knife and a pocket knife at the neighbor. The two men then started wrestling on the ground, Barkell said. The neighbor, who was unharmed by either of Esparzas knives, allegedly punched Esparza in the face and was able to keep him pinned to the ground for a short time. But Esparza escaped his grip and fled the area before officers arrived. Barkell said the neighbor told police what happened and that he feared for his life. A short time after the alleged fight, Anaconda police located Esparza in the Lincoln Street area. Barkell said Esparza was cited for felony attempted deliberate homicide, felony assault with a weapon, misdemeanor disorderly conduct, and misdemeanor criminal trespass to property. According to the Montana Department of Corrections Correctional Offender Network Search, Esparza is on probation with Anaconda Probation and Parole for accountability for burglary, a crime he committed in Yellowstone County in 2014. As of Monday, Esparza was being held in the Anaconda county jail without bond. Love 0 Funny 8 Wow 1 Sad 3 Angry 11 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. Helena mayor and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Wilmot Collins is accused of rear-ending another driver's vehicle and leaving the scene of the crash. Collins, 55, is being charged with misdemeanor counts of careless driving and failing to remain at the scene of an accident. Kimberly Doherty, a 35-year-old Butte woman, reported a hit-and-run crash around 6:42 p.m. Monday. Doherty told Helena police she was driving southbound on Last Chance Gulch before stopping to turn left onto Lyndale Avenue, when she was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by Collins. Doherty told police she pulled over as Collins continued west on Lyndale. She later told the Independent Record she followed him while honking her horn, and they both pulled into the Van's Thriftway parking lot in the 300 block of Euclid Avenue. Collins provided his business card to Doherty and then left, police reported. Doherty told the Independent Record she waited in the Van's parking lot for around an hour before Helena police officers arrived to take her statement. Police met with Collins later that night, and the case was forwarded to the Lewis and Clark County Attorney's Office due to a conflict of interest with the Helena City Attorney's Office. The County Attorney's Office filed the charges against Collins, who was instructed to appear in Lewis and Clark County Justice Court at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 28. Both vehicles had minor damage and no injuries were reported, police reported. Collins released a statement Friday afternoon that gave his version of the incident. "On the evening of May 20th (I) made a mistake. I was at the stop light at Euclid and Last Chance, when I accidentally nudged the back of a car that was stopped in front of me. The contact was so light that I did not realize I had made contact with the other vehicle," Collins wrote. Collins said the other driver honked at him to flag him down, and they both pulled into the Van's parking lot. "I gave her my card and told her I would pay for any damage to the vehicle at any repair shop of her choice," Collins wrote. "I followed up with the woman whose car I damaged the next day to see if she had gotten a chance to assess the damage or book an appointment to repair her vehicle and she had not yet had a chance to book an appointment." Collins said he sat in the Van's parking lot and watched the other driver leave. Doherty told the Independent Record she remembers it differently. "I called after he gave me his business card, as he was driving out of the parking lot," Doherty said. "I said we had to call law enforcement and that we had to stay." When reached for comment, Collins said "I stand by my statement." Helena's interim Police Chief Steve Hagen said he would not be releasing any additional information about the crash and will be out of town until Tuesday. Collins said he plans to plead guilty to careless driving and not guilty to leaving the scene of an accident, "because I did not leave until after the other driver left." Collins has two prior charges of failing to carry proof of/or exhibit insurance in a vehicle and two speeding tickets in the city of Helena. Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 4 RTHK: N Korea slams 'defective human product' Bolton North Korea slammed US National Security Adviser John Bolton on Monday, calling him a a "war monger" and "defective human product" that had to be banished, just as President Donald Trump offered a positive outlook on relations with Pyongyang. Talks between Washington and Pyongyang have been deadlocked since the collapse of a summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Hanoi in February when they failed to agree a deal on denuclearisation. Bolton said on Saturday there was "no doubt" they violated UN Security Council resolutions against ballistic missile launches, but insisted Washington was still ready to resume talks. A spokesman for the North's foreign ministry dismissed Bolton's remarks, saying Pyongyang had never accepted the UN bans on ballistic technology, which denied its "rights as a sovereign nation". Without referring to the weapons as missiles, the statement said the launches did not target or threaten any neighbouring countries. "Banning launches using ballistic technology is equal to telling us to give up our right to self defence," he added. The spokesman went on to denounce Bolton, calling him a "war maniac" and accusing him of "whispering war" into Trump's ears, referring to Washington's approach towards the Middle East and South America. "Bolton should not be called a security adviser who works to secure security, but an adviser for security destruction who destroys peace and security." "It's not that strange that crooked sound will always come out the mouth of a man who is structurally flawed, and it's best that this defective human product goes away as soon as possible." The statement came just minutes after Trump on a visit to Japan said there was "great respect" between the United States and North Korea and predicted "lots of good things". Trump expressed confidence in his relationship with Kim at the weekend and downplayed Pyongyang's recent missile launches, calling them "small weapons" that "disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me". (AFP, AP) This story has been published on: 2019-05-27. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The day after launching his presidential bid May 14 from his alma mater Helena High, Gov. Steve Bullock was already traveling out of state a three-day tour of Iowa bookended by national media interviews in New York City and Washington, D.C. By last Monday he returned to Montana for a state Land Board meeting, events with the National Governors Association in Whitefish and two days of meetings with state tribal leaders at the Capitol. Campaigning in Iowa, which holds its Democratic presidential caucus in February before other states' primary elections, is a priority for Bullock. He's going back Tuesday on his second trip as an announced candidate, raising questions about how he'll do the job he has now while running for the one he wants next. Bullock is known for being a hands-on governor, an attorney who reads every bill that gains traction during the legislative session and signs off on everything that comes out of his office. Last week during the National Governors Association meetings in Whitefish, he said he's not worried about being able to balance his dual roles as executive and candidate. "You join me here with both the state and other folks. (I'm) meeting with all of the tribal nations over the next couple of days. Yesterday I was interviewing judicial candidates. So the job that I'm lucky to have, (I) will continue to do it every single day, even when I'm traveling. That's always been the case," Bullock said. Last summer, speaking with a reporter after a backcountry trip, he joked about how he never fully gets away from his job. Now he uses that as an example of being able to do the work of the state even when on the campaign trail. "We did a family trip in the Bob Marshall Wilderness last year. I had a satellite phone that I was regularly on, so it's a job that certainly I don't think it will suffer by doing other things, even when I'm out of state," Bullock said last week. The governor delayed announcing his presidential bid until after Montana's legislative session ended in late April. While the timing might not have been ideal for his campaign, the semiannual legislative schedule makes running for a new job easier to do while still managing the state. The next session is in 2021, after Bullock is termed out of office. He was first elected in 2012 and his second term will end as the new Legislature is sworn in. Most of the major policies that will color the next two years, like the continuation of Medicaid expansion and school funding, were just hashed out. And Bullock doesn't have to weigh anything he might do or say on the campaign trail against political backlash locally. Even though the state government does operate 12 months a year, we are taught that the government ramps up for the three months every two years (during the Legislature) and thats when most of the decisions are made, said Lee Banville, a political analyst at the University of Montana. Thats not totally true, but I dont see people seeing him as being checked out on running the state. Most people see most of the decisions having been made during the session. I dont think theres a ton of danger that people are going to ask whos minding the store," Banville said. There's also a hint of lame-duck status for Bullock, who wouldn't typically be launching major new programs or initiatives in his final stint, said Jeremy Johnson, a political scientist at Carroll College in Helena. Johnson added it's not uncommon for governors nationwide to run for something else when they're facing a term limit. On the last year of governorship, a governor is just not usually publicizing an agenda as much. He or shes done what they can do or will do, Johnson said. While the governing of Montana isn't of much concern in the race for the Democratic nomination for president, Bullock's opposition within the state has seized on his travels in their political attacks. Hes doing it at the Montana taxpayers expense," the Montana Republican Party Chair Debra Lamm said in a statement issued after Bullock announced his presidential intentions. Lamm is referencing the Montana State Highway Patrol troopers who provide protection to the governor. Two troopers attended the three-day tour of Iowa earlier this month. "Montanans are footing his campaign bill so he can jet-set off and raise millions of dollars from lobbyists, special interests and liberal activists," Lamm's statement continued. "Just because Gov. Bullocks ego thinks he can become president of the United States doesnt mean that hard-working Montanans should be left picking up a nearly $300,000 tab ." That figure comes from a fiscal note attached to a bill Republicans brought during the recently adjourned session. The legislation, which was tabled in a committee, would have called for elected public officials to reimburse the costs for out-of-state travel for state employees. However, the bill was amended to remove that provision for sworn peace officers, so it wouldn't have affected the current situation. Steve Baiamonte, who retired from the Montana Highway Patrol and worked on the security detail for former Govs. Judy Martz, a Republican, and Brian Schweitzer, a Democrat, as well as a year under Bullock, testified against the bill during the session. Baiamonte said elected officials are "notoriously cheap" when it comes to their security officers. "Nobody really wants to have a security detail and nobody really wants the stigma that goes along with it," Baiamonte said in March before a legislative committee. The patrol provides security to the governor's office under a memorandum of understanding between the two parties. Such agreements became formalized after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The memorandum calls for a "full-time security detail" and says as part of membership with the National Governors Security Association, the detail will travel "worldwide" with the governor. The governor's office Friday said Bullock's security detail has functioned no differently from in years past. "Following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the Montana Highway Patrol developed a more robust and full-time assignment of officers trained in personal security to protect governors, whether Republican or Democrat. The governors current protection is in line with this security protocol and similar to that of other governors," said director of communications Marissa Perry. John Barnes, with the Attorney General's Office in the Department of Justice, said Friday it is unaware of any law requiring the executive protection detail to be with the governor 24/7. Bullock's campaign did not respond to a message asking if it would reimburse the costs for the troopers to travel with the governor. Barnes said the estimated costs for the executive protection detail over the 2019 fiscal year ending June 30 will be $780,000, and that 35% of those costs, or about $273,000, would have been reimbursable under the bill that failed, before it was amended. The estimate includes personnel, equipment, travel and other costs. Barnes said there ways no way to estimate future costs since events are not set and unforeseen circumstances could arise. Members of the governor's executive staff have also accompanied him on trips to Iowa, but are not paid by the state for that time. "If an employee of the governors office travels with him on nonofficial trips, that employee takes personal leave time," Perry said. Busy election cycle The day Bullock announced his campaign came less than 24 hours after Helena's mayor, Wilmot Collins, launched his bid for the U.S. Senate Democratic primary in 2020. Bullock's announcement quickly overtook Collins' time in the spotlight, as any presidential candidate has the ability to suck all the air out of the room. It's difficult to say how much of an effect Bullock running for president will have on what will be one of the largest election cycles in state history, with all five elected statewide offices, plus the U.S. House seat and one of Montana's U.S. Senate seats up for election. That's in addition to all 100 seats in the state House and 25 state Senate races, seats on the state Public Service Commission and other local races. Though the calendar still says 2019, Montana has already had a slew of candidates announce for 2020. Bullock's highlighting of what he's been able to accomplish in Montana could bring the state and local party into the spotlight, said Montana Democratic Party Executive Director Monica Lindeen. I think it really elevates the work that Democrats do to accomplish even in a Republican state, which I think is a positive, Lindeen said Friday. After running an attorney general's race and two gubernatorial bids calling himself a moderate who wanted and needed to work across the aisle with Republicans in the Legislature to get anything accomplished, Bullock is now branding himself a progressive and aggressively attacking President Donald Trump. That's the opposite of the approach U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat, took in his 2018 re-election bid, even running a television ad highlighting his bills Trump had signed. But Bullock isn't running for re-election in Montana, a state Trump won by 20 points in 2016 and where he still remains popular, said Johnson, the political scientist. Hes in Iowa now talking about Trump because its a national race. He wants Trumps job, so he has to campaign against Trump. Obviously if youre running for a Montana job, you would take a different approach, but hes running for a national job," Johnson said. One fact other Democrats may have to address is that Bullock who before ran as a man of the middle now is increasingly branding himself as a progressive candidate, Banville said. Still, assumptions about what Bullocks bid could mean for Montanas 2020 elections are a touch hypothetical at this point, Banville said. Hes very careful to say hes a progressive, that hes not a moderate, but that hes a progressive who got stuff out of a conservative Legislature. Thats different than, We all need to come together and make decisions for Montana,' which was espoused earlier. If theres one thing that might haunt Democrats, it's this argument that anyone whos got a D after their name is secretly really liberal and theyre just hiding it to get elected, Banville said. But for that to work, first a Republican has to use that attack and make it stick, which hasnt happened to Bullock yet, Banville said. Its just too early for that sort of analysis to be done or that accusation to be thrown by the other side." Montana voters are notorious ticket-splitters, something that shows the electorate is paying attention to more than sound bites, Lindeen said. I think Republicans always try to pull Montana Democrats into the national discussion, but the reality is Montana Democrats, folks running at this level, were different than the national Democratic Party, and I think that Montanans are really smart in terms of really looking at the candidate thats running in Montana, Lindeen said. And all politics is really local in my opinion. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 2 It is hard to know where to start. Everyone has the right to sign any letter they want; even Bobby Hauck. But after reading the letter that Mr. Hauck signed supporting the Superintendent of Public Education, I can only hope that he did not read the letter before adding his signature. A $2 billion jury award against Monsantos Roundup, on behalf of a couple who both developed non-Hodgkins lymphoma, should catch the attention of people all across Montana. Rural or urban, rancher or homeowner, there are few people who havent used Roundup. How many were told Safer than table salt? How many people had an underlying idea that, surely, our regulators would know the research, and, once they knew, would be able to do something about it? Monsanto now may be facing over 13,000 lawsuits. How does this make sense? Why would this corporation bring this upon itself, and why would it decide to harm so many people? This scenario should be familiar to Montanans, since asbestos lawsuits and our toxic Berkeley Pit have been constant reminders that big corporations are not rational team players who look to the future and to the logical outcome of their decisions on real people. And, in fact, 75% of Montana voters, including a majority in every county, realized this and supported the constitutional amendment that would allow us to manage corporate behavior and preserve our authority to protect our state and nation by ending corporate personhood rights and ending money as speech. The amendment would also restore Montanas election laws that were taken away by the U.S. Supreme Courts Citizens United decision. Those corporate personhood rights were gradually acquired over the last 150 years, by using well-funded court cases that have allowed corporations to come in through the back door and win Constitutional rights that are rights intended for humans, not for them. It is now difficult to manage corporations because they have become super citizens with constitutional rights like ours plus the additional privileges we have given them, such as limited liability and unlimited lifetimes. It is not by chance that it is difficult for the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate Monsanto. Besides the obvious influence that lobbyists and money in politics exert over the EPA, there is always the threat that corporations will use their constitutional rights and sue to prevent any regulations or to collect lost income. But there is hope. In the U.S. House, there is now a bill, House Joint Resolution 48, that calls for the amendment that says that The rights protected by the Constitution of the United States are the rights of natural persons only and that artificial entities, such as corporations, have no rights under this constitution and are subject to regulation by the People through Federal, State, and Local law. The amendment will also help us regulate corporations and protect our elections by saying that: The judiciary shall not construe the spending of money to influence elections to be speech under the First Amendment. On Tuesday, May 28, at noon, a group of constituents will meet with Rep. Greg Gianfortes staff in Helena to ask him to become a co-sponsor of HJR 48 and will present a list of the 1,670 Montana petition signers among the 464,682 nationwide signers (sign at: movetoamend.org/motion). This effort is nonpartisan and includes Montanans Move to Amend. We believe this constitutional amendment will benefit all political parties by removing the intimidation that big corporations and big money exert on our elections, lawmakers and regulators. There are many aspects of our country that are being stifled. Rep. Gianforte has shown in his business life that he favors startups. We hope he will see that, just as the marketplace benefits from having room for new ideas to succeed, our commonwealth will benefit from removing the calcifying weight of corporations and letting new ideas be heard. Sue Kirchmyer is a member of Montanans Move to Amend (contact:montana@movetoamend.org); Jeanette Rankin Peace Center; and Mission Valley Rising, a non-partisan Lake County group. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A clever hack being used by river runners to protect their cars at the Corn Creek Boat Launch on the upper Salmon River has drawn the ire of officials on the Salmon-Challis National Forest. According to a news release from the agency, some rafters and kayakers who leave their vehicles parked at the boat ramp while floating the river place mothballs under their rigs. The idea is to deter mice and other rodents from climbing into the engine compartment and causing havoc. The mothballs deployed by river runners at Corn Creek are meant to deter the messy and destructive mice, marmots, rats and other rodents. But the balls Grandma used to keep moths from chowing on wool garments are also considered a pesticide. Its illegal for people to apply such chemicals, even in the form of mothballs, on federal land. Salmon-Challis National Forest spokeswoman Amy Baumer said some agency workers have even become sick from constantly breathing mothball fumes at Corn Creek. Rodents sometimes enter the dark nooks and crannies of parked car and truck engine compartments to build nests. The rodents generally make a mess when they do this, but they can also do costly damage with their teeth. Rodents sometimes like to chew on rubber, damaging fan and engine belts or the sheathing that covers electrical wires. Even worse, some late-model cars have wires with sheathes that are soy-based and apparently irresistible to vermin. When they chew on the apparently delicious and environmentally friendly wires they can destroy the wire harnesses, short electrical systems and causes tens of thousands of dollars of damage. Cody Mael, a Lewiston, Idaho, mechanic, said he worked on a late-model Mercedes-Benz that had its soy-based wires ravished by rodents. The damage, which didnt happen at Corn Creek, came to nearly $20,000. The mice got to it and completely destroyed it, Mael said. Luckily it was under warranty. The internet is rife with such stories, and class-action lawsuits have even been filed against automobile manufactures who use the soy-based wiring sheaths. The mothball deployment tactic seems to be limited to just Corn Creek. Baumer said it has not been reported at other places on the forest where people sometimes leave their cars parked for extended periods of time. Officials on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest and the Bureau of Land Managements Cottonwood Office said they havent noticed the practice at their recreation sites. Nor has Pat Sullivan, owner and operator of Grangeville-based Central Idaho River Shuttles. Sullivans company shuttles the vehicles belonging to river runners from their put-in locations to their take-out destinations. During his seven years in the business Sullivan has never had a client report rodent damage to their vehicles. But he did say some people leave their hoods propped open. I dont know why, he said. The internet may have an answer. The site www.howtopreventratsfromeatingcarwires.com says propping the hoods open lets in moisture and light, and lets heat escape which generally makes the area less attractive to rodents. His and other sites include other tips people can use to ward off chewing vermin. They include strategies like placing traps in front of and behind the wheels, which some rodents use as ladders to reach the engines; spraying wires with Rodent Defense, a product designed to repel the pests; and wrapping the wires with pepper-infused tape. The U.S. Forest Service news release said the use of mothballs is a violation of 36CFR which bans the use of any unpermitted pesticide aside from insect repellent. It quotes the National Pesticide Information Center as saying Mothballs are nearly 100 percent active ingredient, and the active ingredient may be either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Each active ingredient can cause different health effects if the exposure is high enough. Mothballs slowly turn from solids to toxic vapor. When you smell mothballs, you are inhaling the insecticide. Mothballs can also be dangerous if they are chewed or swallowed. Children, pets and wildlife may mistake them for food or candy and eat them. One mothball can cause serious harm if eaten by a small child. Baumer said, for now, Forest Service law enforcement agents arent writing tickets to mothball rodent warriors, instead choosing to inform them of the dangers. We are just trying to get the word out and get people educated, she said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Brackett also mentioned the Muscatine-Louisa Drainage District 13 using nearly all of its budget to cover costs of operating the pumping station for so many days of flooding. The river affects more communities than Muscatine and Broderson told Booker she belongs to a coalition of mayors through the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative that discusses the issues. Its not like (the water is) going to go away, she said, its just going to go downstream and so weve got to figure out how were going to keep all the cities protected along the way and certainly saving lives and businesses and economic development is a piece of that. Booker said because there has been a greater frequency of 100, 300 and 500-year floods, the federal government needs to act on climate change while also aiding communities with resiliency. The government needs to be "empowering local leaders with resources and support they need to grow their local economy, he said, which will ultimately help all of us. Another milestone for the flight is that it will carry more veterans than previous Honor Flights. The flight, out of the Quad-City International Airport, Moline, will include 105 veterans and 62 guardians, who escort the guardians. Garrington said with less health and mobility concerns, "we don't need as many wheelchairs so we're taking more veterans and less guardians." For all the veterans it will be a day of remembrance and gratitude. Jim Spratt credits a friend who had been on a previous Honor Flight for suggesting he take one. "I just thought it would be great if all five of us could go - it gives us bragging rights (with five brothers)," he said in a telephone interview. "I just gave the paperwork to my wife (Mary) and she took care of everything." Raised on a farm, the Spratt family totaled eight Spratt brothers, including Alan, who was killed in a farm accident when he was 26. Jim Spratt, 79, said his four brothers all were drafted into service and he volunteered out of high school serving during the Vietnam conflict in Germany and France. "We lived on a small farm so there was no exemption for us," he said. "But we wanted to do it, it was our duty." Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life! The trade war between the United States and Huawei has been escalated once again after the US ordered companies to halt business with Huawei. This resulted in the revocation of Huaweis Android licence, raising questions about how customers will be affected and whether the Chinese smartphone manufacturer would be able to continue developing Android smartphones. While Huaweis market share in the United States is not significant, this move impacts Huawei users all around the world including South Africa. Huawei devices are extremely popular in South Africa, and Huawei has told MyBroadband it would continue to provide support for smartphones in the country. This will not be the only effect of the US-China trade war on South Africa, however, with flaring tensions between the two superpowers potentially hindering local economic growth. Escalating conflict South African central bank governor Lesetja Kganyago stated in a media briefing on 23 May that there are no winners in this trade war, Bloomberg reported. Trade wars are silly, you want to control your market, but you still want access to other markets so its illogical, he said. Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei recently told Chinese media that the company was prepared for a showdown with the US and has a number of backup plans for its products. We have ensured our business continuity step by step, Ren said. In fact, many parts we use in our products have been put into production. Despite this, we are open to parts from outside the company. While certain Chinese companies such as Huawei would be impacted by the inability to purchase US components, the United States would also not fare well in this situation. Chinese manufacturing company Foxconn produces a number of major electronic products for US companies, including Apple iPhones, iPads, Xbox consoles, and more. In fact, the company manufactured around 40% of the worlds consumer electronics in 2012, meaning it would be a heavy blow to US companies to lose this business. When it comes to the trade wars impact on South Africa, the country will be affected negatively, in a similar manner to other developing economies. We will also be impacted by Huaweis potential inability to continue supporting US apps and operating systems. Economist perspective To find out more about the local implications of the US-China trade war, MyBroadband spoke to economist Dawie Roodt. Roodt told MyBroadband that this trade war is especially bad for emerging countries like South Africa. It is bad news for financial markets and the world economy, especially for emerging countries, Roodt said. He said that the United States would probably win against China in the long run, as it has a relatively closed economy. If the trade war gets worse however, it will have a particularly negative effect on South Africa, Roodt said. It will be bad for South Africa, especially via the financial markets, he said. Analysis from experts and companies echoes the sentiment of Kganyagos statement this past week there are no winners in this trade war. Now read: Huawei could become part of China trade deal Criminals are increasingly targeting mobile networks to steal deep-cycle batteries, which make their way into South African homes. Vandalism of cellular networks to steal batteries, copper, and other valuables is nothing new, but this trend is accelerating. Leonie Verster, divisional executive at Bidvest Protea Coin, said people do not realise how big the problem of battery theft is in South Africa. While stolen cellular network batteries were previously destined for countries like Zimbabwe and Malawi, a local market has developed with the advent of load-shedding. Speaking to Carte Blanche, Verster said it is more lucrative to sell the stolen batteries in South Africa because there are no cross-border transport costs and less risk. They have the demand in South Africa, they can steal and then sell the batteries immediately, said Verster. Stolen batteries sold to SA households The stolen batteries are often sold to unsuspecting people who want to protect themselves against load-shedding or make use of solar power. Unscrupulous companies purchase the stolen batteries from criminals and then install them as part of a load-shedding solution. Verster warns that people who have these stolen batteries in their homes are in trouble, irrespective of whether the batteries are new or second-hand. You are in possession of stolen commodities and subsequently you are going to be dealt with accordingly, she said. How to check if you have stolen batteries Carte Blanche highlighted some tell-tale signs to identify stolen batteries and protect you from becoming part of the criminal chain. Check the brand of the deep cycle battery. Leoch is the battery brand used by major mobile operators if you see these batteries sold on the open market, they are most likely stolen. Leoch lithium batteries sell for between R25,000 and R30,000 per battery. The price for stolen batteries is significantly lower, often less than a third of the real price. The images below show what the stolen Leoch lithium batteries look like. Report stolen batteries Should you suspect a battery has been stolen or you see suspected vandalism of a cellphone tower, its crucial that you report it as soon as possible by contacting these companies. SA Police Call 08600 10111 Call 08600 10111 Bidvest Protea Coin Hotline Call 086 101 1721 Call 086 101 1721 MTN Fraud Line Call 083 123 7867 or email [email protected] Call 083 123 7867 or email [email protected] Telkom Call 0800 124 000 or SMS *120*11223344# Call 0800 124 000 or SMS *120*11223344# Vodacom Call 0800 990 520 Call 0800 990 520 Cell C Call 084 135 Carte Blanche video Now read: Criminals nailed for stealing mobile network equipment Google has rolled out its Google One cloud storage service to users in South Africa, with storage capacity options ranging between 15GB and 30TB. The Google One subscription programme offers increased Drive storage in addition to a number of other features, including live support and special deals in the Google Store. Google One plans can also be shared with up to five family members, with each family member getting their own space to store personal files, emails, and photos. The price for a Google One subscription depends on the amount of Drive cloud storage required by the user. All standard Google accounts include 15GB of storage free of charge, with paid packages starting at R29 per month for 100GB. The table below provides an overview of Google Ones pricing in South Africa. Google One SA Prices Data Storage Monthly Price Yearly Price 15GB Free Free 100GB R29 R290 200GB R39 R390 2TB R159 R1,599 10TB R1,599 20TB R3,199 30TB R4,799 Now read: Google One rolling out to US users By Lee Kyung-min Woori Bank has signed a memorandum of understanding with Wing, a leading mobile banking service provider in Cambodia, to better serve Cambodians living here, the bank said Monday. The move is part of Woori's strategy to strengthen its presence in the Southeast Asian country and identify a new source of growth amid the domestic market fast nearing saturation. Through the cooperation, the bank plans to offer a real-time currency remittance service between the two countries in the latter half of 2019. Cambodians living in Korea will be able to use the service after downloading an app created by the bank. The service will be available to those who visit the bank, or via an ATM by entering a cell phone number or bank account number. The service will help pay back loans taken out by foreigners from WB Finance, a Phnom Penh-based Woori corporate entity in Cambodia set up in 2003. "Over 40,000 Cambodians live here in Korea, and the number is rising steadily," a Woori official said. "Closer cooperation with Wing and WB Finance will help Cambodians here use financial services without geographical restrictions," he added. Launched in 2009, the industry leader in Cambodia provides various services ranging from local money transfers, bill payments and online payment services. Wing provides a full electronic payment service via a nationwide network of over 6,000 outlets. Its partners include 25,000 merchants in the country. VeeamON Tour, the premier seminar for cloud data management, will be hosted on 13 June at The Park House of Events on 7 in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Veeam is expanding its leadership in the hybrid-cloud industry as the most trusted provider of backup solutions to enable Intelligent Data Management. Veeam delivers agility, availability, and business acceleration to their customers, and is bringing the best of VeeamON 2019 to South Africa. At the event, delegates will learn about Veeams latest technologies, including the best-in-class features of the new Veeam Availability Suite 9.5 Update 4. They will also learn to capitalise on their existing virtualisation, networking, storage and Veeam investments, and share best practices with top local IT experts, alliance partners and peers. Highlights that delegates can look forward to include an exclusive sneak peek at 2019 releases from Veeam, as well as a talk on cloud tier deep dive and best practices, and a prize draw. Speakers at this years VeeamON Tour Johannesburg seminar include: Michael Cade, Global Technologist for Veeam Trent Odgers, Cloud Manager for Veeam South Africa Kate Mollett, Regional Director for Veeam South Africa Lourens Sanders, Senior Systems Engineer for Veeam Ian Engelbrecht, Senior Systems Engineer for Veeam South Africa Bradley Todd, Systems Engineer for ExaGrid Register now The conference is offered free of charge to IT managers or IT executives, and registrations for the 2019 VeeamON Tour in Johannesburg are now open. Seats are limited, so make sure to book today to avoid disappointment. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV is poised to announce an operational tie-up with Renault SA as soon as Monday that could lead to a full merger of the French and Italian-American companies and create the worlds third-biggest automaker. The deal could involve an initial exchange of equity, people familiar with the matter said, asking not to be identified because the discussions arent public. Renaults existing alliance partners, Nissan Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp., arent involved, although they would be invited at a later time to join forces with the merged Fiat-Renault, the people said. The talks with Fiat have moved ahead without Nissan, Renaults 20-year partner, illustrating the intense pressure facing automakers to combine efforts and investments as sales flag in the worlds biggest car markets and the push toward electrification intensifies. A French drive to forge closer ties with Nissan, which has resisted proposals to join with Renault in a holding-company structure, has been put on hold, the people said. Talks between Fiat and Renault have accelerated in recent days as negotiators found a way to structure a deal, the people said. Renaults board is scheduled to meet Monday morning. Representatives from the two companies declined to comment. Fiat has conditioned the merger talks on Renault agreeing not to pursue a transaction with Nissan in the short term, the people said. Exor NV, the investment vehicle of Fiats founding Agnelli family, owns 29% of Fiat and would become the largest investor in the combined company. Should a deal proceed, Fiat Chairman John Elkann, who leads the Agnelli family, would become chairman of the merged company, while Renault Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard would be chief executive officer, the people said. Pressure on Automakers With sales falling in the worlds biggest car markets, manufacturers are being pushed by regulators to electrify and reduce fleet emissions. Theyve also been forced to spend heavily on self-driving technology or risk getting left behind by new, deep-pocketed competitors like Alphabet Inc.s Waymo. A Fiat-Renault agreement would hold the potential for extensive cost savings in Europe both through sharing investments and reducing costs in the struggling market. Almost one-third of Fiats global work force of 198,500 was located in the region at the end of last year, even though the company makes almost all of its profit in North America. Renault, which is 15% owned by the French government, counts on Europe for almost half its sales. Together, the two companies made about 8.7 million cars last year, which would vault the pair past South Koreas Hyundai Motor Group and Detroits General Motors Co. The worlds two biggest automakers, Volkswagen AG and Toyota Motor Corp., each topped 10 million vehicles last year. Renault, with alliance partners Nissan and Mitsubishi, also reached this level. Fiat would give Renault access to the North American market, while gaining clout in Russia, the French carmakers second-biggest market with its Avtovaz unit. Overall, Renault deliveries fell 5.6% to 908,348 vehicles in the first quarter, while Fiat Chrysler sales were down 14% to 1.04 million cars and light trucks. Fiat also held initial talks with Peugeot owner PSA Group as it evaluates potential partners, the people said. PSA remains open to opportunities that would create value on a long-term basis, it said in an email. French Meetings Falling sales in the three major regions China, the U.S. and Europe have brought fresh urgency to the cause of consolidation championed for years by the late former Fiat chief, Sergio Marchionne, and deposed Renault-Nissan alliance Chairman Carlos Ghosn. Fiat has been seeking a partner in recent months, with talks focused on Renault and PSA. Elkann and CEO Mike Manley have made several trips to Paris since the beginning of the year for business meetings as part of their search for ways to make the carmaker stronger, the people said. Renault has been trying to firm up its two-decade alliance with Nissan, which was shaken by the arrest of Ghosn last November over alleged financial misdeeds. His departure surfaced tensions between the partners, with Nissan executives resisting new proposals by Renault to cement ties through the creation of a holding-company structure. Renault owns 43% of Nissan the bigger partner which in turn owns 15% of Renault, with no voting rights. A 2015 agreement granted Nissan guarantees preventing Renault from interfering in its governance, a move the Japanese carmaker considered necessary because the French government is Renaults most powerful shareholder. The French government has been kept abreast of talks between Renault and Fiat Chrysler and will consider the impact of any proposed tie-up in terms of jobs, industrial footprint and valuation, according to a person familiar with the matter. French officials would prefer a deal that strengthens the existing Renault alliance by bringing in Fiat, and at worst a deal with the Italian-American carmaker would have to be alliance-neutral, the person said. Recent Truce Relations between Nissan and Renault had steadied in recent weeks, with the appointment of Renault CEO Thierry Bollore to the board of its Japanese partner, and the reappointment of Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa, who opposes a merger with Renault. Still, a Renault deal with Fiat would put pressure on Nissan, while potentially making the resulting entity more formidable. Together, Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi sold 10.76 million passenger cars and light trucks last year. Joining Fiat with the French and Japanese partners would bring the total to more 15 million vehicles a year, with a strong presence in all major markets and premium brands like Jeep, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Infiniti under a common umbrella. Renaults partnership with Nissan was thrust into the spotlight in November with the arrest of Ghosn, the chairman and architect of the global car-making alliance. In the aftermath, Nissan CEO Saikawa has sought to pull back from Europe and North America, where he contends the Japanese company has sacrificed profit for volume. Junkie Confessions Fiat Chrysler has been looking for a tie-up since Marchionne created the Italian-American carmaker in 2014. A year later, Marchionne became vocal on the auto industrys need for consolidation in an analyst presentation called Confessions of a Capital Junkie. Marchionne argued then that carmakers waste 2 billion euros ($2.24 billion) a week by duplicating investments they could share. At the time, Renault-Nissan was considered the second-best fit for Fiat after General Motors Co., according to people familiar with the plan. GM rebuffed Fiats approaches. Two to three years ago, Ghosn held talks about merging Renault with Fiat Chrysler, but was stopped by the French government, the Financial Times reported in March. In an interview in April 2017, Ghosn said the Renault-Nissan alliance isnt interested in Fiat Chrysler. Other carmakers are also looking to each other for savings. BMW AG and Daimler AG have pushed aside rivalries to join forces in sharing services and autonomous cars. VW has been in talks with Ford Motor Co. to team up on e-cars and autonomous vehicles. Fiat has history with French President Emmanuel Macron, whose support would be needed along with Italian officials for a deal that could involve major job cuts in France and Italy. In 2013 Macron, then a top adviser to President Francois Hollande, had preliminary talks with Fiat about a merger with troubled Peugeot. Bloomberg reported in April that Fiat and PSA were discussing a super-platform the underpinning of a car model as part of a partnership to share investments. While PSA remains open to deals, based on 2018s financial results, there is no hurry to finalize any partnership, according to an emailed statement. I didnt feel much like cooking in May, so instead I went out to eat. In Portugal and Morocco. Hey, what can I say? I love Mediterranean food, and you know Im a stickler for authenticity. I had to go to the source. Yes, Ive been traveling again. Due to my utter inability to say no when offered an exciting travel option, I was barely recovered from my trip to South America when I found myself back on a plane last month. The trip to Morocco was organized by my sister Judy and her husband David and populated by a number of their longtime friends, most of whom I have known for decades. It involved some biking, some hiking, some touring, a couple of cooking lessons and a whole lot of eating, all while staying at fabulous resorts. How could I turn it down? It was a great plan, made even better by the fact that to get to Marrakech from the U.S., it is generally necessary to go somewhere in Europe first. When I started researching flights, I found that the Portuguese airline TAP was making an offer I couldnt refuse: a free five-night layover in Lisbon en route. I love Portugal and had been there three times before though time flies so fast that I realized with surprise that my last visit was 22 years ago. Yikes! Definitely time for a return trip. I convinced a former college roommate to join me, and we booked our flights. Neither of us is much of a planner (which is putting it mildly between us, we barely remembered to make a hotel reservation), so we didnt schedule anything in advance except for one day. The food walking tour I took in Istanbul four or five years ago has stuck with me as one of my most memorable travel days ever. Culinary Backstreets, which created that tour, has a branch offering similar ones in Lisbon. So I signed us up for their Culinary Crossroads, which promised to show us Lisbons culinary history via a five-hour foot tour of an off-the-beaten-track neighborhood. Even though sunny Lisbon was gray and rainy that day, our spirits were high as we splashed our way up and down a couple of Lisbons famous hills to meet our guide Kika at a park in front of the Basilica de Estrela. We admired its exotic plants as we made our way to a small coffee shop for our first nibble. After we chose between a bica (Portuguese espresso) or pingado (espresso with a bit of milk added), we nibbled pastries and huddled over a hand-drawn (by me, and thus wildly inaccurate) map of the world as Kika reminded us of the world history we should have learned in fifth grade but had likely forgotten. In 1497-98, while Spain was looking for India in all the wrong places, Vasco da Gama was the first European to sail around Africa to reach the actual India, establishing a trade route that gave Portugal a commercial monopoly on spices like pepper and cinnamon, and brought vast wealth. For more than a century, the tiny country was a major world power. Kika (a former kindergarten teacher great training for leading foodies on tours) pulled out visual aids in the form of a small container of spices like sugar, star anise, cloves, allspice and cinnamon, and added pinches to various locations on the map, showing us where they came from and how they ended up in Portuguese cuisine. Then, after a brief visit to the basilica, we were off to the quiet neighborhood of Campo de Ourique to see and taste them in a range of typical Portuguese foods. We headed first to the market and a tiny lunch spot located within it, where the proprietor, whose name I forgot to record (I know, Im a terrible reporter), served us several delicious dishes that I quickly gobbled up, failed to take notes on and cant completely remember. (In my defense, there was also beer.) I do recall some simple grilled pork made spectacular by the addition of homemade piri-piri (hot sauce). After touring the market and meeting mother and daughter fishmongers, we stopped for our first lunch at a tasca, a small, family-run neighborhood restaurant. Again, I failed to record its name (which was something complicated like Joaos Place) or everything we ate (in my defense, there was wine), but one dish was an interesting porridge-like soup called acorda, made with bread, garlic, cilantro and fish roe. Our second lunch at a local social club featured Indian food, including samosas and a vindaloo-like dish called vinha dalhos, made with pork, vinegar and most of the spices in Kikas visual aid container. (There was also wine, so please dont expect me to be able to tell you more.) Then there was a stop at a minuscule corner market with a 90-year-old proprietor for ginja (cherry liqueur). And a visit to a bakery for a prize-winning egg tart. Followed by a stop at a wine shop for a cheese tasting and, of course, some more wine. It was a great day, and a terrific introduction to Portuguese food. I wish I could remember it all. But even if the only thing I fully retained was the history lesson and the flavor of the spices expressed in the food, it was a most excellent experience. And I did learn at least one important thing. They make very good wine in Portugal. Apologies, but no recipe this week. I was planning to make piri-piri sauce, but Ive been so jet-lagged I am barely capable of boiling an egg. Ill work on it once I wake up, and will get back to you. Betty Teller is home but her brain is still somewhere over the Atlantic. Tell her your jet-lag cure at amuse-bouche@sbcglobal.net. Any son or daughter named school valedictorian no doubt leads to plenty of parental pride. Jorge and Leslie Richards of American Canyon have reason to be three times as proud. Over the past four years, all three of their children were named a valedictorian at American Canyon High School. Oldest son Eric Richards was named a valedictorian of Class of 2015. Then Rebecca Richards, Class of 2018, received the honor. Finally, Isabella, about to graduate this June, has been named a valedictorian. Instead of just one valedictorian, ACHS chooses a group of students, sometimes numbering a dozen or more, based on grade point average and academic success for the yearly honor. Its just unbelievable that all three received the honor, said their father, Jorge Richards. It makes me feel emotional, he said. They were little. Time just flew and now I see them graduating at the top of their peers. Im very proud of them. Richards credits their family-centered life for leading their children to success, but ultimately, they did it themselves. They challenged themselves. After their son Eric was named to the valedictorian list, it motivated Rebecca to aim as high, said Richards. She said I want to do that. Im going to be one of them. And after that, Isabelle said Im going to be the third one. Eric Richards said, I think its great that all three of the his siblings received the honor. Im not surprised, he said. Growing up, I always knew my sisters were really hard working and really cared about school and academics. Im really proud of them. I think its really cool thing to be able to say that all of us have been able to make this accomplishment, said Rebecca Richards. It just shows how hard-working each of us are and Im really proud, especially of my little sister. When its time to watch Isabella graduate, I know it will be a special day for all of us. Isabella, who has a 4.4 GPA, said she knew that if she worked hard, I could achieve it. Seeing her older siblings named valedictorians showed me that I could do it also. Isabella said she doesnt mind having to share the valedictorian title with others in her class. A lot of people put in a lot of hard work to become a valedictorian. If you put in the hard work and meet the requirements, you should have the title. Isabella will attend UCLA in the fall and study psychology. Shes going to use this summer to get ready for college but she also has one other goal to accomplish: Hopefully I can learn how to drive because I dont have my license yet. I want to get that before I leave for college. With Isabella enrolled at UCLA, that means the Richards will have three children in college all at UC schools at the same time. Eric, who attends UC San Diego, is near the end of his double major in cognitive science and design for social innovation. Rebecca just finished her first year at UC Irvine. She hopes to become a physical therapist. Come September, the Jorge and Leslie Richards will be empty nesters. Its going to be a very lonely, empty, quiet house, Jorge said. Jorge said his wife works for the U.S. government in education and commutes to San Francisco, leaving for work at 5 a.m. Richards works part time as a bilingual instructional aide at Donaldson Way Elementary School. His school job was flexible and allowed him to be around their children, but now its my turn to go out there and help pay for their college tuition, he said. He plans to look for a new job, while working on some of the things I need to do at the house, like remodeling a bathroom that Ive been postponing. The family will have to take out loans to support their childrens educations, he said. Richards had this advice for parents who would like to raise successful children. Just be there for them. Encourage them. The presence of the parents means a lot to the students. That simple I love you goes a long way, he said. Richards said their son will travel to Washington, D.C. and London this summer for educational opportunities. I dont get to see him a lot, he said. I miss him. But again, I have to realize they grow up. The world is theirs. In the coming years, it will be even harder for a family to achieve this honor. Starting with the ACHS class of 2022, there will only be one valedictorian named, said Tricia Hernandez, MS, school counselor, at American Canyon High School. 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. California officials have pursued Gilbert Hyatt for nearly three decades, trying to force him to pay state income taxes on royalties he began receiving in the early 1990s from his groundbreaking technology inventions. Hyatt moved from Southern California to Las Vegas just before the royalty payments began rolling in, clearly hoping to take advantage of Nevadas lack of a state income tax. But the Franchise Tax Board (FTB), Californias tax collector, alleged that it was an improper tax dodge and billed him for millions of dollars in taxes, igniting their epic battle. The conflict over Hyatts residency has been waged in state tax agencies, in Nevada courts and in federal courts, expanding from tax residency into the inventors allegations that he was being unfairly harassed. Its been a horrible quarter-century, Hyatt told the Bloomberg Tax newsletter at one point. The FTB has used all kinds of tactics that Ive been concerned its using with all taxpayers to extort taxes that arent owed. In 2017, Hyatt scored a major win before the Board of Equalization essentially Californias tax court which rejected the FTBs claims of fraud. It ruled that Hyatt owed no state tax for income in 1992 but did for a part-year residence in California in 1991. It reduced his potential tax bite from $55 million to $1.9 million, plus interest. However, that wasnt the end of it. Hyatts complaints about the FTBs tactics prevailed in Nevada state courts, including that states supreme court, which declared that California owed damages to Hyatt. But that wasnt the end of it, either. California maintained that under the doctrine of sovereign immunity, it could not be sued in the courts of another state, even though the U.S. Supreme Court, in another case out of Nevada, declared in 1979 that such suits were permissible. By and by, therefore, Hyatts suit against California made its way back to the U.S. Supreme Court. Last week, on a 5-4 vote, it overturned its 1979 ruling and upheld Californias claim of immunity even though it had previously allowed Hyatts case to proceed. Although California won last week, it was something of a hollow victory, since Hyatt largely prevailed on the initial dispute over his residence. The state spent an estimated $25 million to pursue the inventor so probably wound up in the red. Hyatts semi-victory indicates that California taxpayers who flee the states highest-in-the-nation income taxes stand a pretty good chance of avoiding the states tax collectors, if they carefully plan their moves. Theres anecdotal evidence that such relocations are occurring among the states wealthiest residents, especially since they can no longer deduct more than token amounts of state taxes on their federal income tax returns, thus increasing the bite. However, this months Supreme Court ruling could have an even wider impact perhaps on abortion rights. Todays decision can only cause one to wonder which cases the court will overrule next, dissenting Justice Stephen Breyer wrote, citing the 1992 case of Planned Parenthood vs. Casey in which the justices, by a 5-4 vote, reaffirmed a womans right to have an abortion. Many abortion-rights supporters fear that Justice Brett Kavanaugh could provide the courts conservative bloc a fifth vote to overturn some or all of the courts abortion rulings. The Hyatt ruling was published just as Alabamas Legislature and governor enacted a sweeping ban on abortions, virtually inviting a lawsuit on the issue that would make its way to the Supreme Court. CALmatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how Californias state Capitol works and why it matters. For more stories by Dan Walters, go to calmatters.org/commentary. Bill Gates reveals plan to save the planet Kuwait forms new cabinet Attorney: Criminal prosecution against Artur Vanetsyan terminated, there was no preparation for Armenia PM's murder Armenia army's General Staff chief visits air force military unit Armenia opposition MP: Constitutional Court states that government should decide who will pay for employees' PCR tests Brawl takes place in Parliament of Jordan Armenia Ombudsman meets with Russia Ambassador, return of Armenian captives being held in Azerbaijan discussed Armenia launches 42 cases regarding submission of declarations by officials in 2021 Armenian man who was wanted arrives in Yerevan and voluntarily shows up at police station Armenia MOD peacekeeping brigade soldiers participate in tactical military exercises Armenia has new Ambassador to Israel Azerbaijani opposition journalists protesting against repressive law on media Armenia President and his wife pay visit to Yerablur Military Pantheon Armenia Competition Protection Commission to check pricing for COVID-19 tests at Zvartnots Airport Advocate: Criminal prosecution against Armenian detachment commander Ashot Minasyan is over NEWS.am daily digest: 28.12.21 Opposition 'Armenia' Faction of National Assembly holds session chaired by Robert Kocharyan Armenia education minister: 9 universities in 11 countries are carrying out Armenian Studies development programs Armenia PM attends informal meeting of leaders of CIS countries in St. Petersburg Ex-PM: Armenia authorities want to leave Karabakh to Azerbaijans whim Armenia Competition Protection Commission chief: There will be new player in petrol market soon Armenia political parties activities, their governing bodies property shall be scrutinized Dollar goes down in Armenia Opposition lawmaker: Local producers will face difficult situation if Turkey companies invade Armenia Georgia PM: Pashinyan and Aliyev are interested in the establishment of peace in the region Ruling force MP is sure all remaining Armenian captives in Azerbaijan will be returned Aravot.am: Mother of ex-mayor Vardan Ghukasyan's deceased son-in-law killed in Armenia's Gyumri Parliament majority member: Major personnel changes must be made in Armenia army A new start at Inecobanks most popular branch Governor: Armenia Central Bank has entered new stage of transformation Shoygu: Russian peacekeepers gradually bringing life back to Karabakh 60% of Armenias Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine to pass under Russia-registered company control Seven people killed in Colombia bus incident Learjet crashed in California Shooting in Colorado kills five people President: Main precondition for keeping Artsakh Armenian, alive is to live, create here (VIDEO) 1 more person dies of coronavirus in Karabakh Turkey records increase in COVID-19 cases Yerevan has new First Deputy Mayor Displaced Karabakh residents seek political asylum from France Taliban open fire on women protesters in Kabul Armenia PM arrives in Russia Forcibly displaced Artsakh residents hand letter to Armenia government Artsakh President receives Refugee Women's Union NGO members Mayor of Armenias Goris to remain in custody 109 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Displaced Karabakh residents staging protest outside Armenia government building Yerevan municipal council convenes special session Karabakh parliament: Artsakh, though shrunken, has statehood, its independence is indisputable China to become world's leading economy in 2030 in dollar terms Armenia premier heading for Russia World oil prices on the rise Newspaper: Who is seen in Armenia ex-President Robert Kocharyan's team as next mayor of Yerevan? Newspaper: Armenia PM attempts to implement plan to oust Artsakh President India freezes bank accounts of late Mother Teresas missionary charitable foundation Karabakh emergency situations service: Remains of 1,704 killed servicemen found after truce Armenian premier: We hope it will be possible to create completely new moods in Armenia and Artsakh in 2022 Armenia opposition MP on Constitutional Court's decision on coronavirus vaccinations and testing Armenia government discusses implementation of target program for 500 kindergartens and 300 schools Armenian serviceman Narek Yeremyan who returned from captivity is under arrest Karabakh President receives representatives of Russian community Karabakh State Minister addresses all Armenians to continue the struggle for Artsakh Armenia PM to leave for Russia to attend non-official meeting of leaders of CIS countries Azerbaijan defense minister convenes consultation Armenia ex-minister Gagik Beglaryan and family members show up at Prosecutor General's Office Azerbaijani MP sentenced to prison after beating police officers Armenians charged with murder of ex-serviceman sentenced to 5-20 years in Moscow Armenia PM visits Constitutional Court NEWS.am daily digest: 27.12.21 Armenia ex-President Sargsyan to hold press conference in 2nd half of January Dollar gains value in Armenia 26 MPs of pro-Kurdish party charged with 'offending Turkish state' after calling for Armenian Genocide recognition Armen Sarkissian sends condolence telegram over death of ex-President of Greece Armenia 2nd President says he supports a semi-presidential system of government Cavusoglu: Turkish-Armenian Protocols of 2009 have lost their significance Bayramov: Azerbaijan will file two more claims against Armenia in international arbitration Bayramov: There is no alternative to delimitation of Armenia-Azerbaijan border Bayramov says the question of enclaves is a reality that no one can deny Artsakh parliament expresses outrage at distorted formulations of Armenian PM MFA: Possibility of meeting of special representatives of Armenia and Turkey in Moscow is being discussed Baku supports normalization of relations between Ankara and Yerevan Azerbaijani MFA says tension between Baku and Tehran eliminated How Karabakh was left out of peace talks? Ex-President Kocharyan on international communitys disproportionate reactions: Does Armenia want that not to happen? Robert Kocharyan: If West-Russia relations escalate further, this may cause harm to Armenia Cavusoglu says Armenia-Turkish's representatives 1st meeting to be held in Moscow Armenia 2nd President: These authorities will throw Karabakh issue into Russias 'pockets' Magnitude 5.2 earthquake hits Iran Armenia ex-President Kocharyan on reopening railway link: We will have only 45 km via Meghri for transit Armenia 2nd President: These authorities serve foreign interests on Artsakh issue Ex-President Kocharyan to incumbent Armenia authorities: You have fulfilled all preconditions of Turkey Ibrahim Kalin: Armenia-Turkey process will destroy arguments of Armenian diaspora in US Zas assesses situation on border of Armenia and Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President on Meghri option: Azerbaijan president refused to sign at last moment in Key West Kocharyan: Armenia has washed its hands of Karabakh Armenia 2nd President: We continue losing propaganda war to country where power is hereditary Copper is getting cheaper UN Secretary General Guterres urges to prepare for a new pandemic Opposition MP: Armenia authorities attempting to create internal political crisis in Artsakh Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: We lost control not only over those 40-45 km but over ten times larger areas The US President Donald Trump, along with his wife Melania, arrived on Monday at the Imperial Palace in downtown Tokyo, where he will meet with the new Emperor Naruhito of Japan and Empress Masako, Japan Times reported. The imperial couple and the Trumps shook hands and exchanged greetings without using interpreters, before they walked along a red carpet in the courtyard of the palace to attend a welcome ceremony held in the morning, the source noted. Its a very important thing not only in Japan, but all over the world they are talking about it, and its very exciting to be a part of it, Trump said. After the end of the audience, Trump went to negotiate with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The parties are expected to discuss the situation on the Korean Peninsula, as well as bilateral trade issues. By Jhoo Dong-chan KEB Hana Bank has set up its corporate body in Mexico, a move considered to establish a bridgehead in the lender's advance into the Latin American market. Mexico is a member state of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and many Korean chip, steel and automakers have already set up their production bases there. A number of high-ranking bank officials, including CEO Ji Sung-kyoo and the corporate body head Woo Il, were joined by Mexico's financial regulator head Adalberto Palma Gomez in the May 24 ceremony for Bank KEB Hana Mexico. Ji said Bank KEB Hana Mexico will provide differentiated financial services to help their business while developing a localization strategy to attract Mexican customers. "KEB Hana Bank has proven its differentiated quality and knowhow in finance," Ji said. "Bank KEB Hana Mexico will contribute to both the development of the two countries' financial sector as well as their economic cooperation." KEB Hana Bank has been one of the most active players in Korea's banking sector advancing into foreign markets. It has 180 foreign networks in 24 countries as of May. It shifted its Fukuoka office to a branch level recently while setting up a new branch in Gurugram, India. The bank plans to establish a new branch in Myanmar soon. Under its global market strategy, KEB Hana Bank said it will expand its presence in all six continents, even those regions where Korean financial firms have no presence, within three years. YEREVAN. Ultimately, we should abandon projecting the previous phenomena on the current authorities and relations. Anna Hakobyan, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the My Step and the City of Smile Foundations and wife of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia, stated this at a press conference on Monday. She noted the aforesaid when asked whether, just like before, several now former oligarchs were pursuing the same objective of buttering up to the authorities and making use of privileges by making donations to the charitable foundations she heads. I would like to recommend to us all to, ultimately, free ourselves from that comparison, to projecting the previous phenomena on the current authorities and relations, Hakobyan said. There is no such thing, and there cant be. Everyone is free to donate to the My Step and the City of Smile foundations. I love my husband a lot. This is what Anna Hakobyan, wife of Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said as she responded to the question why she accompanies her husband so often during foreign visits when the wives of former officials wouldnt accompany their husbands so often during official visits in the past. Its not at the expense of the state budget. I dont know why the wives of former officials wouldnt accompany their husbands. They could have, and they had the opportunity. What can I say? I love my husband a lot, she noted. Anna Hakobyan, who is also the chairperson of the boards of trustees of the My Step and City of Smile foundations, said she has more business trips since she performs the duties of the chairperson of the foundations boards of trustees. She assured that she cant just get up and travel to a certain country. I cant just go somewhere. I dont have time for that. I have a big family and a husband whom I have to be with in Armenia. I have children, and I cant leave them every time because it is stressful for me and them. Im ready, even if vetting starts tomorrow at 9 in the morning. This is what judge of the first instance court of general jurisdiction of Shirak Province Lendrush Hovhannisyan told journalists today, touching upon the changes to be made in the judiciary. According to him, there is a need to make changes in all systems and hopes the changes will lead to a positive outcome. When asked if he knows judges who take orders, Hovhannisyan said he doesnt have such information. I have declared AMD 3,000,000 and USD 3,000. My annual salary made up nearly AMD 6,000,000, and it is only my salary. You can ask around and see that Ive only worked in Shirak Province, the judge said and assured that he hasnt received any phone call from the former and incumbent authorities. When asked why the public doesnt accept current judges, he said there hasnt been an adequate response to the criticism of the past. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian hosted today the delegation of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun (ARF-D) political party led by representative of the ARF-D Bureau Hrant Markarian and representative of the ARF-D Supreme Body Ishkhan Saghatelyan. At the guests request, the parties touched upon the upcoming Summit of Minds, which will be hosted in Armenia at the Presidents initiative and will gather representatives of world famous analytical centers, former and current state and political figures and representatives of world famous high-tech companies. President Sarkissian provided details about the summit and touched upon his other initiatives that are called for contributing to the establishment of cooperation with the worlds leading companies in the fields of high technologies, science, education, etc. The interlocutors also talked about various issues on the pan-Armenian agenda and noted that all actions need to be aimed at building a strong, developed and protected country that is guided by laws. Stating the fact there is still a lot of work to do and there are still many problems to solve, the participants of the meeting highlighted the need for changes and reforms in various sectors and shared the view that those changes and reforms need to be made in an atmosphere of tolerance and solidarity. Armenias Minister of Defense Davit Tonoyan received today representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) led by Head of the ICRC Delegation to Armenia Claire Meytraud, reports the news service of the Ministry of Defense. During the meeting, the defense minister highly appreciated the multifaceted and extensive activities of the Delegation of the ICRC to Armenia. In this context, Armenias defense minister congratulated the newly appointed coordinator of defense operations of the ICRC in Armenia Inske Vandormael on assuming office and wished success. Tonoyan also expressed gratitude to ICRC Armed and Security Forces Delegate to Armenia Christoph Dechar for his extensive work to assess the level of integration of international humanitarian law in the Armed Forces of Armenia. Issues on establishing the identities of persons declared missing as a result of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the coordination of the activities of the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons of the Republic of Armenia and the ICRC were discussed during the meeting. The parties also touched upon the destiny of citizen of the Republic of Armenia, resident of Berdavan village of Tavush Province Karen Ghazaryan who had crossed the Armenian-Azerbaijani border in 2018 and was sentenced to 20 years in prison in Azerbaijan following a staged trial in February 2019. Tonoyan and Meytraud attached importance to the coordinated activities of the Offices of the ICRC in Yerevan and Baku for visiting Ghazaryan on a regular basis and guaranteeing proper exercise of his right to write letters to his family. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan has received a letter from President of the Venice Commission Gianni Buquicchio in which the latter has expressed the willingness to support the decisive reforms in Armenias judiciary and the implementation of vetting, reported Spokesperson of the Prime Minister of Armenia Vladimir Karapetyan to Armenpress. The Venice Commission has expressed willingness to assist Armenia in implementing reforms in the judiciary and vetting, fully respecting the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia and the accepted international standards, Karapetyan said. On May 28 Armenpress published the transcript of the official letter: Dear Prime Minister, I follow up to our constructive meeting in Strasbourg of 11 April 2019, during which we reiterated our interest in close co-operation between Armenia and the Venice Commission. I have learned about your recent call for sweeping reforms, and even a vetting, of the judiciary in Armenia. You deplore that the judiciary does not enjoy the trust of the population and consider that corrupt and incapable judges should resign or be removed. Public trust in the judiciary is certainly a very important feature of a well-functioning democratic country and I am aware that such trust in the judiciary is sadly lacking in Armenia. The Venice Commission has already accepted and supported substantive reforms and even vetting procedures concerning the judiciary in other European countries in a similar situation. I need to underline, however that the Venice Commission has also stated that judicial reform must be devised and carried out by legal means, in compliance with the Constitution and taking into account European standards concerning the rule of law and respect for human rights. Such reforms can accomplish their aim of furthering the rule of law and can contribute to the realization of the democratic aspirations of your country only if such standards are respected. The Venice Commission stands ready to assist you in designing a judicial reform suitable to restore trust in the Armenian judiciary while fully respecting the Armenian constitution and the applicable international standards. Yours sincerely, Gianni Buquicchio. 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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 (Adds share price, seeks company comment) TINDOUF, Algeria, May 27 (Reuters) - Algeria's energy minister said on Monday he would seek a "good compromise" when asked about his earlier comments that Algiers would block a plan by France's Total to buy Anadarko's Algerian assets. Occidental Petroleum agreed to sell Anadarko Petroleum Corporation's assets in Algeria, Ghana, Mozambique and South Africa to Total for $8.8 billion if the U.S. oil company succeeds in completing its plan to take over of Anadarko. Algerian Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab said on Sunday that Algiers would block Total's acquisition. Algeria remains wary of investments by firms from its former colonial occupier, although Total signed energy deals with the country in 2018. Anadarko declined to comment and Occidental did not respond to a request for comment on Monday. "Sonatrach needs to maintain good ties with foreign partners to develop its programs," Arkab told reporters, adding that state-owned Sonatrach would "preserve its interests." "Sonatrach will seek a good compromise," he said about the acquisition, speaking during a visit to Tindouf gas field, 1,700 km south west of Algiers. He did not elaborate. Anadarko holdings in Algeria represent about 260,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil, more than 25% of the country's crude production estimated at 1 million bpd. Occidental shares traded down 1.4 percent to $52.73 on Monday morning. (Reporting by Lamine Chikhi. Additonal reporting by Jennifer Hiller in Houston. Writing by Ulf Laessing Editing by Edmund Blair and David Gregorio) As the value of the Argentinian peso is falling, Bitcoin has hit an all-time high, Financial Times writes. 1 bitcoin is now worth 394,000 pesos, surpassing the previous high hit during the cryptocurrency boom of 2017. If an Argentinian had bought bitcoin at the highest point of the biggest bubble in history, in 2017, he would have been better off than leaving his money in his bank account, Josu San Martin, a Mexico City-based cryptocurrency investor, wrote in a tweet. The pesos value halved last year, and it fell even lower in April due to the upcoming elections. The peso has fallen despite the Argentinian central bank's ability to use IMF funds to stabilize the value. According to the FT, there has been a negative reaction to the possibility of former president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner returning to power. While Kirchner is not a presidential candidate herself, she is running as deputy to presidential candidate Alberto Fernandez. (Adds Webber, Timmermans, updated seat projection) By Gabriela Baczynska BRUSSELS, May 26 (Reuters) - The task of picking the five names that will hold the European Union's top jobs and guide its future just got harder after EU assembly elections highlighted the deepening political fragmentation of the 28-country bloc. The two biggest centrist groups in the current European Parliament - the European Peoples' Party (EPP) to the right and the Socialists & Democrats (S&D) on the left - will no longer hold a majority in the new 751-seat chamber, estimates showed. Together, the two are expected to be down from 401 lawmakers to 332 seats in the next five-year European Parliament, short of the 376-vote majority needed to approve a new head of the bloc's executive European Commission. "We are facing a shrinking center," said Manfred Weber, the EPP's candidate to lead the Commission. "I don't see a majority against the liberals, I don't see a majority against the socialists, I don't see a majority against the EPP... So what I would ask us to do to is to join our forces to work together from now." The complex parliamentary arithmetic will be on the table when all 28 national EU leaders meet in Brussels on Tuesday to fight over who will lead the Commission, the parliament itself, the bloc's foreign policy and its central bank. The fifth top post chairs EU summits. These five people will help shape the bloc's responses to challenges from climate change to a resurgent Russia, manage complex ties with the United States and China, and take on cyber threats and tech regulation. Already on Sunday, the jockeying for position began - albeit with an awareness of the more difficult task ahead. Talks between political groups start on Monday, with a liberal alliance boosted by votes cast in France for President Emmanuel Macron and the Greens enjoying their strong showing. Weber's center-left rival, Dutchman Frans Timmermans, called for a "progressive" alliance of pro-EU forces, though the socialists, liberals and greens together would still lack a majority. Story continues And the picture was mixed, with the anti-immigration National Rally winning over Macron in France, their ally League emerging victorious in Italy, Hungary's ruling right-wing Fidesz party winning more than half of votes and Poland's ruling nationalists coming in ahead of the united opposition. Other coalitions were also possible in the new chamber that will sit from July 2nd. But any of them will have to bring together numerous partners to succeed. The European Union's Brexit negotiator, Frenchman Michel Barnier and World Bank head, Bulgarian Kristalina Georgieva, are among those in the running to head the Commission. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists on Sunday won their second set of votes in a row, boosting their ambition to secure a top Brussels job. The May 28 summit is unlikely to pick a final candidate for the top Commission job, but would give European Council President Donald Tusk a mandate for further consultations, which he hopes to conclude in June. Geographies, party politics, gender balance as well as the candidates' profiles all play a role in the obscure process to find a new leadership for the world's largest trading bloc of 500 million people. The European Parliament must then confirm the pick. Any protracted logjam between national capitals and the bloc's assembly in Brussels would leave the EU struggling to make any major decisions, weakening its hand on the global scene. (Additional reporting by Daphne Psaledakis, Writing by Gabriela Baczynska; editing by Mark John and Andrew Heavens) (Adds background) JERUSALEM, May 27 (Reuters) - Israel moved towards a new election on Monday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to form a government following a national ballot just last month remained deadlocked. In a preliminary vote, parliament decided to dissolve itself. In order to disperse and set an election date, legislators would still have to hold a final vote, likely to take place on Wednesday. Netanyahu, who claimed victory on behalf of his right-wing Likud party in an April 9 election, has until 2100 GMT on Wednesday to put a government together, after being delegated the task by President Reuven Rivlin six weeks ago. In power for the past decade and facing potential corruption indictments, Netanyahu has struggled to seal an agreement with a clutch of right-wing, far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties that would ensure him a fifth term. Divisions between former Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman's ultranationalist Yisrael Beitenu party and United Torah Judaism over a military conscription bill governing exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students have plunged the coalition talks into stalemate. (Reporting by Jeffrey Heller Editing by Maayan Lubell) (Adds Israeli military, SANA, Netanyahu, background) BEIRUT, May 27 (Reuters) - Israel's military said it attacked a Syrian anti-aircraft position that fired on one of its warplanes on Monday, and Syrian state media reported that a soldier had been killed in what it called an "Israeli aggression." "Syrian anti-aircraft systems fired at an IDF fighter jet during a routine flight in northern Israel," an Israeli military statement said, adding that the plane was not hit but that the Syrian projectile landed in Israeli territory. A Syrian military source was cited by state news agency SANA as saying "the Israeli enemy targeted one of our military positions" in Quneitra province, which is adjacent to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. It said one soldier was killed, another injured and a military vehicle damaged. Last year, anti-aircraft fire brought down an Israeli jet returning from an air raid in Syria, prompting a wave of Israeli strikes against other targets there. Israel has acknowledged carrying out hundreds of strikes in recent years to curtail the influence of its arch-foe Iran and Tehran's Lebanese ally Hezbollah, which are fighting on the side of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's war. "Our policy is clear: we are not prepared to tolerate any aggression against us. We will respond forcefully and aggressively," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video released after the incident. (Reporting by Hesham Hajali in Cairo and Jeffrey Heller in Jerusalem, writing by Angus McDowall Editing by Alison Williams and Catherine Evans) * League takes 34% of vote, doubling 5-Star * League chief Salvini says relations between parties will improve * Promises tax cuts to be core of 2020 budget * 5-Star's Di Maio says government will last full term (Re-casts with Salvini comments, adds final vote tallies) By Sara Rossi and Gavin Jones MILAN/ROME, May 27 (Reuters) - Victory for Italy's League in European elections gives the far-right party a mandate to push through tax cuts and fight for changes to the EU's budgetary rules, its leader, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, said on Monday. Salvini's party won 34.3% of the vote at Sunday's election, doubling the score of its ally in the ruling coalition, the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, which took just 17.1% and was pushed into third place by the center left. "The time has come to totally re-discuss old and outdated rules that have hurt Europe. Otherwise a vote like this cannot be explained," Salvini said at a news conference in Milan. Salvini, who spent much of the election campaign promising deep tax cuts in possible defiance of EU fiscal rules, showed no sign of backing down. Lower taxes were "the key issue" for Italians and would be the foundation of next year's budget to be presented in the autumn, he said. Earlier on Monday, he held out an olive branch to 5-Star and ruled out a cabinet reshuffle despite his coalition partner's disappointing result. "For me our government allies are friends and from tomorrow we will get back to work with serenity and softer tones," he told reporters. "My opponent is and remains the Left," he said, referring to the Democratic Party, which won 22.7% of the vote. The acrimonious election campaign, during which the League and 5-Star traded sharp attacks, had fueled speculation that a League victory and 5-Star failure could trigger a collapse of their year-old coalition. For his part, 5-Star chief Luigi Di Maio blamed his party's defeat on a low turnout in its southern strongholds, and also ruled out a cabinet re-shuffle. Story continues "Nothing will change and we will get going again from today," he told daily Corriere della Sera, adding that he expected to govern with the League for a full five-year term. "WE WILL SAY NO" Italy, with public debt proportionally the second largest in the euro zone after Greece's, clashed with the European Commission last year over its big spending plans. Salvini said he understood that Brussels had sent Rome a new warning letter on its public finances. "If it asks for cuts we will say no," he said, adding that he was "convinced" that the new Commission, expected to be installed in November, would be "more friendly" towards Italy. It remains to be seen whether he is right. Although eurosceptic and nationalist parties saw strong gains at the election, pro-European parties retained a firm grip on the EU parliament, provisional results showed on Monday. Italian government bond yields showed little reaction to the election. The closely-watched spread over German Bunds hovered around 270 basis points on Monday, virtually unchanged from the end of last week, while Italian shares were buoyed by a proposed merger between Fiat Chrysler and Renault. The League's victory and 5-Star's poor showing inverts the result of national elections a year ago. Despite Salvini's business-as-usual remarks about the coalition, it would be a surprise if he does not use it to push his own party's agenda. Aside from tax cuts, this will probably mean more autonomy for northern regions where the League is strongest, and efforts to accelerate infrastructure projects including a contested high-speed rail-link between Turin and Lyon. Salvini insisted neither party held the whip hand in the government and reiterated he would respect the policy "contract" which was the basis of the coalition formed 12-months ago. Yet some other League figures seemed less generous in victory. "Deciding the priorities of the government will now be up to Matteo Salvini and the League," said the League's lower house leader, Riccardo Molinari. The poor showing for 5-Star may encourage dissent towards Di Maio, who is likely to face pressure not to make concessions to Salvini which might further erode grassroots support. "In the short term it's not in either side's interests to break up the government, and they will try to find stability," said Alessandra Lanza, from the Bologna-based economic consultancy Prometeia. (Additional reporting Valentina Consiglio and Angelo Amante Editing by Peter Graff) (Recasts lead, adds Senator Klobuchar's comment) By Jeff Mason TOKYO, May 27 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday publicly endorsed North Korea's scathing personal attack on former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, dismissing criticism that he was siding with a foreign dictator over a fellow American. "Well, Kim Jong Un made a statement that Joe Biden is a low IQ individual. He probably is, based on his record. I think I agree with him on that," Trump told a news conference in Tokyo. Trump's comments on the world stage reinforced a tweet that he sent on Saturday with a similar message and drew renewed criticism of the president back home. North Korea's state-run news agency issued a stinging attack last week on Biden, who has been critical of the isolated state. Trump has targeted Biden with increasing criticism as the former vice president rises in polls for the Democratic presidential nomination to challenge the Republican Trump in the November 2020 election campaign. The president often derides his political opponents, but his tweet on Sunday and his comments on Monday were notable because he issued them while abroad, a practice traditionally shunned in U.S. politics, and aligned himself with Kim, considered a brutal dictator by many. Trump spoke during the U.S. Memorial Day weekend, a federal holiday honoring Americans who have died while serving in the armed forces. "Backing ruthless dictators over our allies in the region?" tweeted U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democratic presidential hopeful. "This does not show American strength: Still angling for a deal, Trump backs Kim Jong Un over Biden, Bolton and Japan." Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, last week said North Korean missile tests had "no doubt" violated U.N. Security Council resolutions. On Monday, Trump alluded to Bolton and said he had a different view. 'DISGRACEFUL' "We're going to have to retire the word 'unprecedented' during Trump's presidency," said Larry Sabato, presidential historian and director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. Story continues "It's becoming the new normal. And disgraceful, of course," he wrote on Twitter. One of Trump's fellow Republicans, U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger, called out the president on Sunday for "praising a dictator" and attacking Biden over the Memorial Day weekend. "It's just plain wrong," Kinzinger, a military veteran, said on Twitter. Biden's campaign and the Democratic National Committee did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Pete Buttigieg, a Democratic candidate for president and Navy veteran, was also critical on Monday. "Kim Jong Un is a murderous dictator and Vice President Biden served this country honorably. It's just one more example, though, of the way that this president tries to draw attention to himself by saying things that shock the conscience ..." Trump has sought to build a strong relationship with the North Korean leader in the hope that North Korea would agree to denuclearize. Trump also knocked Biden and former President Barack Obama on Monday for their efforts to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. Trump pulled the United States out of a nuclear deal Iran sealed with Washington and other foreign powers. "Joe Biden was a disaster, his administration with President Obama, they were basically a disaster when it came to so many things, whether it was economy, whether it was military ... no matter what it was, they had a lot of problems," Trump said when asked about criticism that he was favoring Kim over the former vice president. "So, I'm not a fan." A commentary by North Korea's KCNA state media on Tuesday slammed Biden for "rhetoric slandering the supreme leadership of the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)." "What he uttered is just sophism of an imbecile bereft of elementary quality as a human being, let alone a politician," the North Korean news agency said. (Additional reporting by Matt Spetalnick, Michelle Price and David Brunnstrom in Washington and Peter Szekely in New York; Editing by Peter Graff, Jeffrey Benkoe and Howard Goller) (Recasts with Kremlin comment) MOSCOW, May 27 (Reuters) - The Kremlin on Monday rebuffed a call by an international maritime tribunal for Russia to release 24 Ukrainian sailors, saying the court had no jurisdiction over the strait where Russian security forces captured them. The Hamburg-based International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on Saturday said Moscow should release the sailors immediately and that both nations should refrain from taking any action that might aggravate the dispute. The Russian navy captured the Ukrainian sailors and their three vessels in the Kerch Strait, which links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, on Nov. 25, 2018, after opening fire on them. The waterway separates Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, and Russia. The ITLOS was established to settle maritime disputes by the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, of which both Ukraine and Russia are signatories. But it has no means of enforcing its decisions. "The convention on the law of the sea from 1982 is not applicable in the case of the Kerch Strait," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call. He did not elaborate on why the convention did not apply. Russia plans to press ahead with its investigation into the incident in which the Ukrainian sailors were captured and to take the matter to trial, Peskov was quoted by the daily Vedomosti newspaper as saying late on Sunday. (Reporting by Maria Kiselyova Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Toby Chopra) * Two of three elected MEPs in favor of Brexit rerun * Result shows growing support for cross community parties * Irish PM says result will be "heard across the continent" (Adds confirmed result) By Amanda Ferguson BELFAST, May 27 (Reuters) - Northern Ireland's cross-community Alliance Party won its first seat in the European Parliament in a surge it said furthered the case for a re-run of Britain's Brexit referendum. Alliance leader Naomi Long took the second of three Northern Irish seats after campaigning for a second vote on Britain's divorce from the European Union. The British province, which voted to remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum but whose largest party props up the minority government in London and is an advocate of Brexit, returned more candidates in favor of staying in the EU than for leaving. The vote also indicated increasing support for candidates not aligned to the traditional Catholic or Protestant voting blocs. It was the best national showing for the Alliance Party, which was founded almost 50 years ago, just as Northern Ireland's violent period known as "The Troubles" deepened. "This is a vote about Brexit ... it's a vote to remain, it's a vote to have a people's vote," Long, close to tears, told reporters at the Belfast count center. "People came together behind Alliance to send a message and that message is we want to stay in the EU." Pro-EU Irish nationalists Sinn Fein and the pro-Brexit Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up British Prime Minister Theresa May's government, each retained the seat they held, in a sweep for female candidates. Almost trebling the Alliance vote compared to the 2014 poll, to 18 percent, Long took the seat from the Ulster Unionist Party, to leave pro-British Unionist parties without a majority of Northern Ireland's European seats for the first time. Like Scotland, which also returned a majority of candidates seeking a Brexit rerun, Northern Ireland voted "remain" in the 2016 referendum but will leave with the rest of the UK after its citizens as a whole opted to quit the bloc. Story continues How the 500-km (311-mile) border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland is managed after Brexit was one of the major obstacles that stopped May from ratifying in parliament the deal she reached with the EU. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who played a key role in that deal, which would keep the border open no matter how Britain leaves the EU, hailed Long's election as a historic, pro-European vote which would be "heard across the continent." Northern Ireland still overwhelmingly votes along traditional lines two decades after a peace deal ended 30 years of sectarian violence, choosing mainly Catholic nationalists who favor a united Ireland or predominantly Protestant unionists who want to remain British. Unionists also lost their majority at the last elections to the devolved assembly in 2017, however, and the Alliance were the biggest gainers at local council elections this month, closing the gap on the main blocs. With some support slipping from the main Irish nationalist and pro-British parties, the votes of those moving towards cross-community parties like the Alliance and Greens could also prove crucial in any future referendum on reunification with Ireland. (Writing by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Catherine Evans) (Updates with Democrats meeting Monday evening) By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng BANGKOK, May 27 (Reuters) - Two Thai political parties have been invited to join a new government led by military junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha as prime minister, a pro-army party said on Monday, more than two months after a disputed election. A deal with the unaligned Democrat and Bhumjaithai parties would likely sink the opposition Democratic Front coalition's bid to keep junta members from retaining dominance over the government five years after the army seized power in a coup. "We invited two parties, but did not expect a conclusion today," Uttama Savanayana, leader of Palang Pracharat, the pro-military party formed last year by members of the junta's Cabinet, said after Monday's meeting. "We understand there are internal processes, but it was a very good starting point," he told reporters. The two parties would give the pro-army coalition a slim majority in the House of Representatives. Bhumjaithai said it accepted the invitation and its executive committee would deliberate on policies with a view to forming a government soon. "Leaders will connect and quickly resolve any issues...so Palang Pracharat will not have any headaches. It's time we go to work for the country," party leader Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters. Democrat Party secretary-general Chalermchai Sri-on said the party would announce its decision soon. Party leaders were meeting on Monday evening. Puttipong Punnakanta, a Palang Pracharat board member and a member of parliament, told Reuters on Sunday the party - which gained the second-largest number of seats in the March 24 election - said he was confident of making a deal. "It's certain that we will be forming a coalition government, with at least 251 seats and more," he said. The opposition Pheu Thai Party, which was ousted in 2014, won the most seats in the 500-member House of Representatives but its Democratic Front coalition did not gain a majority when final results were announced. Story continues The seven-party Democratic Front has complained that the Election Commission changed a complex formula of seat allocation after the vote, giving seats to 11 small parties at the expense of a projected opposition majority under the old formula. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the anti-junta Future Forward Party, urged the Democrats not to form a government with Palang Pracharat, saying it was the equivalent of supporting the 2014 coup. "The doors have not closed for the Democrat and Bhumjaithai parties to come back," he told reporters. (Writing by Kay Johnson Editing by Paul Tait and Darren Schuettler) * PM promises resignation but has yet to quit * Parliament to resume Tuesday, opposition says has majority * Analysts say uncertainty will delay LNG developments (Writes through with comment from politicians, analyst, updates shares) By Tom Westbrook and Sonali Paul SYDNEY/MELBOURNE, May 27 (Reuters) - Political turmoil in Papua New Guinea deepened on Monday as the opposition raised doubts about an offer from Prime Minister Peter O'Neill to resign and vowed a long fight to get rid of him as uncertainty knocked shares linked to its resources sector. Instability is not unusual in the South Pacific archipelago and it has not held back mining and energy investment in the resource-rich but poverty-stricken country. However, protests over the benefits of investment failing to reach the hinterland have dogged the government, sapping enough support from the ruling coalition for the opposition to claim it can now command a parliamentary majority. O'Neill had resisted calls to resign for weeks but his opponents said on Friday they had rallied enough support in parliament to oust him. He said on Sunday he would quit in favor of Sir Julius Chan, a two-time former premier. But O'Neill has yet to formally resign, and has said he has filed a court challenge to a looming vote-of-no-confidence. At the same time, it is not clear if an opposition-dominated chamber would accept Chan when parliament resumes on Tuesday. O'Neill's spokesman said on Monday he would not quit before his court challenge to the procedure for a no-confidence vote is heard, and there is no timetable for that. William Duma, who quit his position as state investment minister on Friday and led his party over to the opposition, said O'Neill was key to ending the political crisis. "If he does the honorable thing and resigns it'll be over and we will have a new leader," Duma said by telephone from the Lagnua Hotel in the capital, Port Moresby, where the opposition has been camped for weeks mustering support. Story continues "If he drags it, we are prepared to go in for the long haul because we have lost our respect for him," he said, citing corruption accusations - which O'Neill denies - and what he described as the prime minister's dictatorial style among reasons for his defection from the government's ranks. Analysts say political turbulence will delay projects on the drawing board and put future plans under a cloud, and oil majors with interests in PNG, Total SA and ExxonMobil Corp , will be watching closely. Paul Barker, executive director at Port Moresby-based think-tank Institute of National Affairs, O'Neill could be playing for time, perhaps in the hope of building new alliances. "A lot of people think that it's a fudging exercise to draw the process out for a fair while and to somehow avoid the vote of no confidence," Barker said. "PNG politics is a very fluid thing and there are not many ideological reasons why you would be on one side or another, so you can flow fairly readily." DEVELOPMENT DELAYS The impasse threatens to delay a $13 billion plan led by Total to double gas exports, sending shares in one of its partners, Oil Search Ltd, down nearly 4% on Monday. "The resignation of Peter O'Neill will delay first gas from the LNG expansion projects until beyond 2025," Wood Mackenzie analyst David Low said by email. "While we still expect the project to go ahead, the political turmoil opens the door to competing projects and increases the risk of knock-on delays." Chan's position as caretaker is also unclear, after he said he was not seeking the leadership and would only take it if he had the support both government and opposition, which he has yet to secure. "We will not choose him," opposition lawmaker Allan Bird told Reuters in a text message. "We want a complete break from O'Neill (and) Chan is just a proxy for O'Neill." If O'Neill is replaced, foreign energy companies could find themselves dealing with a less friendly government. O'Neill's deal with Total, agreed in April, set the terms for developing the Elk and Antelope gas fields, which will feed two new liquefied natural gas (LNG) production units at the PNG LNG plant, run by ExxonMobil Corp. At the same time, ExxonMobil and its partners are planning to build a third unit at the PNG plant, to be partly fed by another new gas field, P'nyang. Credit Suisse analyst Saul Kavonic said the turmoil could put pressure on the government to negotiate tough terms for the P'nyang gas agreement, which has yet to be finalized, and affect talks on development costs. "Both these factors heighten the risk of delay," he said in a note to clients. The uncertainty sent shares in Oil Search, a partner in PNG LNG and Papua LNG, down as much as 4% before they recovered to close almost 2% lower. Energy stocks were flat. ExxonMobil and its partners had hoped to begin basic engineering planning for the expansion by mid-2019 and make a final investment decision in 2020. Total and Oil Search representatives were not immediately available to comment. (Reporting by Tom Westbrook and Sonali Paul Editing by Paul Tait, Robert Birsel) SheKnows Halle Berry is having the best holiday vacation, relaxing by the ocean with nothing but a comforter covering her up. It looks like the most idyllic place to wake up after the frenzy of December. The actress shared the sultry photo on her Instagram page that showed her lounging on an outdoor bed overlooking the [] * Far right and center left force out conservative leader * Parties say he shares blame for video scandal, crisis * Vote comes day after Kurz's party wins EU vote * President must appoint provisional leader * Election expected in September, Kurz plans to run (Adds president's comments, paragraph 7) By Francois Murphy VIENNA, May 27 (Reuters) - Austrian conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz suffered the biggest setback of his meteoric career on Monday as parliament voted the 32-year-old's government out of office in the wake of a video sting that blew up his coalition with the far right. The star among Europe's conservatives, known for his hard line on immigration, looked unassailable just two weeks ago. But then the leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) was caught in a video sting, prompting him to step down and leading Kurz to call off their alliance. Kurz became the head of a caretaker government just days ago and hoped to use that position as a springboard to re-election, depicting himself as more of a victim of the current crisis than its enabler who brought the FPO into power. But the center-left opposition said he shared the blame, and the FPO backed it. "Kurz gambled away his chances and, Mr Chancellor, you bear full responsibility," the Social Democrats' (SPO) deputy parliamentary faction head Joerg Leichtfried said in a speech to lawmakers, minutes before his party submitted a motion of no-confidence against Kurz's government. The first successful no-confidence motion against an Austrian government since the country regained its independence in 1955 was passed when lawmakers from the Social Democrats and FPO stood in support. Together they control a majority of seats in the assembly. Kurz's party holds a third of the seats. Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen must now nominate a new chancellor to put together a caretaker government able to last until the next election, widely expected to be held in September. While he could in principle choose Kurz again, that is highly unlikely. An elder statesman, like a retired president or senior judge, is the more probable. Story continues Van der Bellen said he would formally relieve the government of its duties at 11:30 a.m. (0930 GMT) on Tuesday but ask ministers to stay on for "a small number of days" until a solution for a new provisional government were found. Vice Chancellor Hartwig Loeger would lead until then, he said. Kurz had replaced outgoing FPO ministers with civil servants, arguing that even though he headed what was essentially a minority government, it represented stability in the wake of the video scandal and ahead of a parliamentary election widely expected to be held in September. INVESTIGATIONS He also pledged a full investigation into any crimes and wrongdoing arising from the footage in which FPO veteran Heinz-Christian Strache appeared to offer to fix government contracts for a woman posing as a Russian oligarch's niece. Strache says he did nothing illegal. Vienna prosecutors say they are investigating "in multiple directions" in relation to the footage although they have declined to elaborate. Instead of seriously seeking to build bridges with the Social Democrats and other opposition parties, however, Kurz sought to strengthen his hand with a strong showing in Sunday's European election, and he succeeded. Rather than punish his People's Party for its 17-month alliance with the far right, voters rewarded it with a bigger share of the vote than in the 2017 election that brought Kurz to power. The Social Democrats (SPO), the biggest opposition party, were unable to capitalize on the video scandal and lost ground. "To topple the entire government a few months before an election is something no one in this country can understand," Kurz told lawmakers the day after what he called his party's "landslide" victory in the European Parliament vote. But that did not deter the SPO from bringing its motion of no confidence against Kurz. It argued that if any ministers were going to be replaced with civil servants to rebuild trust after the scandal it should be all ministers including Kurz. "Your actions have nothing to do with responsibility," SPO leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner told lawmakers. Kurz had prepared his arguments ahead of the vote, saying he would once again seek a show of strength at the ballot box. "Parliament decided today but at the end of the day, in September, in a democracy the people decide," he told a party rally in Vienna after the vote. "I am looking forward to that." The FPO's Herbert Kickl, whom Kurz forced out of his post as interior minister, forecast a different outcome. "This power grab is disgusting... And voters will decide about that, too, in September," he told lawmakers. (Additional reporting by Kirsti Knolle in Vienna and Michael Shields in Zurich; Editing by John Stonestreet and Hugh Lawson) We listen to local police and fire departments scanner traffic, but sometimes miss crimes, wrecks, fires or other incidents, especially if they happen overnight. If you know of something were not covering yet, please let Managing Editor Jeff Pownall know by emailing him at jpownall@lufkindailynews.com, or submit a news tip online by visiting lufkindailynews.com/tips. * Netanyahu faces Wednesday deadline to form government * In preliminary vote, parliament decides to dissolve itself * Israel held election last month * Trump sends best wishes to ally "Bibi" (Adds Netanyahu comments) By Jeffrey Heller JERUSALEM, May 27 (Reuters) - Israel moved closer towards a new election on Monday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to form a government after last month's national ballot remained deadlocked. In a preliminary vote, parliament decided to dissolve itself. In order to disperse and set an election date, legislators would still have to hold a final vote, likely to take place on Wednesday. Netanyahu, who heads the right-wing Likud party, has until 2100 GMT on Wednesday to put a government together, after being delegated the task by President Reuven Rivlin following the April 9 poll. In a televised address following the initial vote in parliament, Netanyahu pledged to continue pursuing coalition talks and said a new vote would be unnecessary and costly. "A lot can be done in 48 hours," he said. "The voters' wishes can be respected, a strong right-wing government can be formed." In power for the past decade and facing potential corruption indictments, Netanyahu has struggled to seal an agreement with a clutch of right-wing, far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties that would ensure him a fifth term. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing and is due to argue against the attorney-general's intention to indict him on fraud and bribery charges at a pre-trial hearing in October. U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on Netanyahu's political woes in the face of political brinkmanship by the Israeli leader's erstwhile ally, former defense minister Avigdor Lieberman. "Hoping things will work out with Israel's coalition formation and Bibi and I can continue to make the alliance between America and Israel stronger than ever," Trump tweeted, using Netanyahu's nickname. "A lot more to do!" Story continues Although a second national election in the same year - unprecedented for Israel - would pose new political risks for Netanyahu, it would pre-empt Rivlin from assigning coalition-building to another legislator once Wednesday's deadline expires. CONSCRIPTION STALEMATE Divisions between Lieberman's ultra-nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party and United Torah Judaism over a military conscription bill governing exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students have plunged the coalition talks into stalemate. The five parliamentary seats that Yisrael Beitenu won in the April ballot are crucial to Netanyahu gaining a parliamentary majority. Likud took 35 of the legislature's 120 seats, the same number as its main rival, the centrist Blue and White party, but had the pledged support of a bigger right-wing bloc. In a standoff with United Torah Judaism, Lieberman has demanded ultra-Orthodox must share other Israeli Jews' burden of mandatory service. Ultra-Orthodox parties say seminary students should be largely exempt from conscription as they have been since Israel was founded in 1948. But some commentators and members of Likud have suggested Lieberman's real motive is to ultimately succeed Netanyahu and lead Israel's right-wing, using the conscription bill and coalition stalemate to weaken him politically. "Avigdor Lieberman's only interest is to seize control of the national camp by toppling Netanyahu," deputy foreign minister and Likud member Tzipi Hotovely told Army Radio. Lieberman, who resigned his defense post in Netanyahu's outgoing cabinet last November over policy towards the Palestinian enclave of Gaza, said he was acting only out of principle. In his speech, Netanyahu welcomed the supportive remarks of Trump, with whom he has been in lock-step over policies towards the Palestinians and Israel's Iranian foe. "He (Trump) is right," he said. "We have an infinite number of things to do, security challenges ... economic challenges." But Netanyahu said he had failed "so far, including tonight" to persuade Lieberman "to avoid an election." (Additional reporting by Maayan Lubell; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) (Adds further update on official results) By Marcin Goclowski and Pawel Florkiewicz WARSAW, May 27 (Reuters) - Poland's ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) surged to a clear victory in Sunday's European Parliament vote, a stamp of approval for the party's nationalist, eurosceptic platform before a national election later in the year. The results calculated by the state electoral commission on the basis of 99.3% of polling stations showed PiS heading for its best result ever in a general or European Union election with 45.6% of votes. It won 31.8% in the EU ballot five years ago and 37.6% in the 2015 parliamentary election. The opposition European Coalition, comprising the Civic Platform formerly led by European Council President Donald Tusk and a group of leftist and rural politicians, was second, with 38.3%. In 2014, the parties which went on to form the coalition achieved a combined result of 48.2%. The strong showing by PiS will bolster a growing chorus of populists in Europe who share the broad goal of returning power to EU member states and strict limits on immigration. Voter turnout stood at 45.6%, a record for a European election in Poland, following an acrimonious campaign dominated by issues such as gay rights, the legacy of the Holocaust and the role of the Catholic Church in public life. PiS had framed the European ballot as a battle against Western liberal ideals, which it says threaten the traditional way of life in Poland, a staunchly Catholic country. Another term in office for PiS following the national vote in October or November could increase Poland's isolation in the European Union amid criticism that the party is tilting towards authoritarian rule. "We have to remember the decisive battle for the future of our homeland will take place in the autumn," PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski told party supporters after the exit poll results. Kaczynski said ahead of the European election that in casting their votes Poles would be deciding on the "preservation of family values, ... the future of Polish tradition and the Church in our country," according to an interview with the ultra-conservative Gazeta Polska weekly. Story continues "We didn't win this match, but this is only the end of the first half," leader of the opposition Grzegorz Schetyna told private broadcaster TVN24. "There's a need to correct the course, there's a need to mobilize more voters and consolidate votes," he added suggesting extending his already broad coalition. BATTLE OVER VALUES A progressive party set up by Poland's first openly gay lawmaker, Robert Biedron, garnered 6.0%. Launched in February, Biedron's Spring wants to sever ties between the state and the Catholic Church in Poland, free up strict abortion laws and phase out coal mining. Observers say Spring is a natural ally for European Coalition. "The success of PiS is part of a broad cultural divide across the world," said Jaroslaw Flis, a sociologist with the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. "It's a divide between those who advocate economic solidarity and a uniformity of values, meaning they are socially conservative and support the welfare state, against those who back economic and social liberalism." Some analysts had said PiS could suffer in the election following the release of a documentary film about pedophilia in the Catholic Church, which has close ties with the party. In the run-up to Sunday's vote, senior PiS officials, including Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Kaczynski traveled to rural communities, vowing to ensure gay couples would not be allowed to adopt children and that Poland would not join Europe's single currency for years. Poles are among the most pro-EU nations in the bloc, in part because of the massive aid it hands them. PiS focused its campaign on stoking fears over the euro, telling voters adopting it would raise consumer prices. Not all voters bought the argument. "I vote for Biedron's party. I feel first and foremost a European. We need to defend the EU against a wave of totalitarianism," said Marcin Matecki, a 46-year-old psychologist voting in Warsaw. PiS also pledged to oppose any claims for compensation for Jewish property seized during World War Two, an issue that became a focal point of the campaign following efforts in the United States to tackle restitution. (Additional reporting by Agnieszka Barteczko, Alan Charlish, Joanna Plucinska, Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; Writing by Justyna Pawlak; Editing by Toby Chopra) Rescue workers from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and other local agencies were in boats, using sonar equipment, on Friday, May 24, 2019, in the search for a missing 4-year-old boy, who was swept away Thursday evening by the Deer Creek at Riley Park in Delphi. These two officers were about a half-mile downstream, at the south end of Riley Park, as seen from the Hamilton Street bridge. DELPHI, Ind. Teams continued their search Friday morning along Deer Creek for a 4-year-old Indiana boy who was seen being swept away by the swollen creek Thursday evening at a Delphi park. Witnesses at Riley Park in Delphi reported seeing Owen Jones, 4, of Monticello, caught up in the flooded creek around 6 p.m. Thursday, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Conservation officers reported that the initial investigation indicated that Owen was playing near Deer Creek when a witness saw him struggling in the water, and then being swept away. According to the department, the boy was last seen wearing a blue sleeveless shirt and blue shorts. Authorities searched into the night Thursday by boat, using sonar, but did not find the boy. A helicopter also searched from the air for several hours Thursday. Conservation officer Lt. Dan Dulin told the Journal & Courier on Friday morning that the search has transitioned into a recovery operation. Rescue teams were searching Friday, May 24, 2019, for a 4-year-old boy who was swept away in a swollen Deer Creek in Delphi's Riley Park on Thursday. Two Department of Natural Resources boats with side sonar equipment and a Tippecanoe County water rescue boat were searching Deer Creek, past the Hamilton Street bridge, about a half-mile downstream. A Tippecanoe County Sheriff Department drone also was searching from the air. Were continuing at this point to search in the area, Dulin said Friday morning. Police had part of a trail system and street nearby blocked off, allowing only family members who had gathered waiting for word of the search. Through the morning, people stopped by the blocked entrance to deliver food and drinks to family and others waiting in a maintenance garage. Conservation officers were urging the public not to get near Deer Creek to help with the search, given its flooded condition. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: 4-year-old Indiana boy swept away in flooded creek; search continues Craving Middle Eastern food? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Middle Eastern restaurants in and around Washington, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to meet your needs. 1. Falafel Inc. PHOTO: john b./YELP Topping the list is Falafel Inc. Located at 1210 Potomac St. NW (between North Prospect and North M streets) in Georgetown, the vegetarian spot, which offers falafel and more, is the highest-rated Middle Eastern restaurant in Washington, boasting five stars out of 415 reviews on Yelp. All of the menu items are made in-house daily. Specialties include falafel sandwiches and bowls and Zaatar fries, made with a Palestinian spice blend. Falafel Inc. also has a restaurant at The Wharf. 2. Amsterdam Falafelshop Photo: livia g./Yelp Next up is Adams Morgan's Amsterdam Falafelshop, situated at 2425 18th St. NW (between North Columbia and North Adams Mill roads). With 4.5 stars out of 1,870 reviews on Yelp, the vegetarian and Middle Eastern spot, offering falafel and more, has proven to be a local favorite. Yelp user Amy A. wrote, "If you are a falafel fan, this place is heaven. They have sandwiches or bowls ... pile on the toppings and make your own bowl of deliciousness. The fries are share-worthy. They have great drink options too. All-around awesome." 3. Zaytinya Downtown's Zaytinya, located at 701 Ninth St. NW (at North G Place), is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Greek, Turkish and Lebanese spot four stars out of 4,366 reviews. Zaytinya's menu, under the direction of James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef Jose Andres, features vegetable, seafood and meat and chicken mezze, as well as soups and salads. Among the options are Adana kebab, with lamb, grilled tomatoes and sumac, and fried mussels with walnut tartar sauce. 4. DCG District Chicken & Gyro Photo: dcg-district chicken & gyro/Yelp DCG - District Chicken & Gyro, a halal, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean spot in Georgetown, is another much-loved go-to, with five stars out of 237 Yelp reviews. Head over to 3147 Dumbarton St. NW (between North Wisconsin Avenue and North 31st Street) to see for yourself. Story continues Yelper Maryam T. wrote, "Food was good and quick and hot. We ordered a wrap, two chicken plates and one chicken-and-lamb extra-meat plate. The white sauce was delicious, and the hot sauce was super hot. The staff was friendly and chatty and seemed to take pride in their product." 5. Maydan Photo: andre H./Yelp Over in the U Street Corridor, check out Maydan, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 592 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Moroccan and Lebanese spot at 1346 Florida Ave. NW (between North 13th and North 14th streets). Maydan's bread is made to order in clay ovens. The menu features salads and spreads, as well as saffron lamb kebab, duck breast kebab and swordfish kebab. There's also a whole chicken with turmeric, coriander and Lebanese garlic sauce. Better dentistry does exist Not all dentists in San Francisco provide you with the same experience, which is why we make your life easier by rewarding you with a $50 gift card for visiting one of the top rated dentists in your area on Opencare. Don't believe us? Opencare is also proud to offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so if your new dentist doesn't live up to the hype, we'll also reimburse you up to $100 to cover your appointment costs! Click here to book an appointment and claim your $50 reward 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. Adega Grill. | Photo: Theanne G./Yelp In search of a new favorite Portuguese eatery? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Portuguese restaurants around Newark, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to meet your needs. 1. Adega Grill Photo: hoyman l./Yelp Topping the list is Adega Grill. Located at 130 Ferry St., the steakhouse and Portuguese spot, which offers seafood and more, is the highest-rated Portuguese restaurant in Newark, boasting four stars out of 252 reviews on Yelp. 2. Sabor Unido Photo: sabor unido/Yelp Next up is Sabor Unido, situated at 77 Jefferson St. With 4.5 stars out of 268 reviews on Yelp, the Portuguese and Brazilian spot has proven to be a local favorite. 3. Fernandes Steak House Photo: priscilla r./Yelp Fernandes Steak House, located at 158 Fleming Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the steakhouse, Portuguese and Brazilian restaurant four stars out of 592 reviews. 4. PortuCale Restaurant & Bar Photo: portucale restaurant & bar/Yelp Check out PortuCale Restaurant & Bar, which has earned four stars out of 155 reviews on Yelp. You can find the bar and Portuguese spot at 129 Elm St. 5. Taste of Portugal Photo: steven n./Yelp Finally, there's Taste of Portugal, a local favorite with four stars out of 88 reviews. Stop by 148 Delancey St. to hit up the Portuguese spot 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. While designing a portfolio, investors always look to garner handsome returns. However, with a deluge of stocks flooding the market at a particular point of time, the task is anything but simple. In view of the above constraints, proper guidance is needed for success in the investing world. In the absence of proper guidance, identifying a winning stock is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack for an investor. Proper guidance, in this respect, comes from brokers who are deemed experts. Of the three types of brokers/analysts (sell-side, buy-side and independent) present in the investment world, sell-side analysts are the most common. Various brokerage firms employ the sell-side analysts to provide unbiased opinion to investors after thorough research. Buy-side analysts are employed by hedge funds, mutual funds etc. while the independent ones simply sell their reports to investors. Brokers, irrespective of their type, attend company conference calls/presentations and scrutinize every detail available publicly before advising investors about their course of action. Individual investors, more often than not, do not have access to such detailed and well-researched information. Earnings Estimate Revisions A Winning Pointer Broker ratings are backed by sound logic and are by no means arbitrary. Since brokers closely follow the stocks in their coverage, they revise earnings estimates only after carefully examining the pros and cons of an event for the concerned company. In fact, a rating upgrade or downgrade by brokers has the potential to influence the price of the stock. Naturally, when investors see brokers revising their estimates or recommendation on a stock, they often assume that there is something in the stock that has attracted analyst attention. In fact, a rating upgrade generally leads to stock price appreciation. Similarly, the price of a stock may plummet following a rating downgrade. Estimates can move north for a number of reasons favorable earnings performance, a bullish guidance, product launch or any favorable macro scenario. Story continues Making the Most of Broker Guidance The above write-up clearly suggests that by following broker actions, one can arrive at a winning portfolio of stocks. Keeping this in mind, we have designed a screen to shortlist stocks based on improving analyst recommendation and upward revisions in earnings estimates over the last four weeks. Also, since the price/sales ratio is a strong complementary valuation metric in the presence of analyst information, it has been included. The price/sales ratio takes care of the companys top line, making the strategy effective. Screening Criteria # (Up- Down Rating)/ Total (4 weeks) =Top #75: This gives the list of top 75 companies that have witnessed net upgrades over the last four weeks. % change in Q (1) est. (4 weeks) = Top #10: This gives the top 10 stocks that have witnessed earnings estimate revisions over the past for weeks for the upcoming quarter. To ensure that the strategy is a winning one, covering all bases, we have added the following screening parameters: Price-to-Sales = Bot%10: The lower the ratio the better, companies meeting this criteria are in bottom 10% of our universe of over 7,700 stocks with respect to this ratio. Price greater than 5: A stock trading below $5 will not likely create significant interest for most investors. Average Daily Volume greater than 100,000 shares over the last 20 trading days: Volume has to be significant to ensure that these are easily traded. Market value ($ mil) = Top #3000: This gives us stocks that are the top 3000 if one judges by market capitalization. Com/ADR/Canadian= Com: This takes out the ADR and Canadian stocks. Here are five of the 10 stocks that made it through the screen: Avis Budget Group CAR,carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), is based in New Jersey. The company provides vehicle rental services through a network of approximately 10,000 car and truck rental locations in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-quarter earnings has increased 37.3% in the past 60 days. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Los Angeles, CA-based California Resources Corporation CRC is one of the largest upstream companies in California. This Zacks Rank #3 stock has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings being revised upward in excess of 100% over the past 30 days. Based in New jersey, PBF Energy PBF is a leading refiner of crude. The refineries of the downstream energy player are spread across California, Louisiana, New Jersey, Delaware and Ohio. PBF Energy, carrying a Zacks Rank #3, surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters with the average beat being 5.1%. C&J Energy Services CJ provides onshore well construction, well completion and support to oil and gas exploration and production companies. This Zacks Rank #3 company also offers complementary oilfield services. Texas-based C&J Services surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters, the average beat being 11.6%. Ford Motor Company F is an automotive, financial services and mobility company with operations in the United States and across the world.This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings being revised upward in excess of 14% over the past 60 days. You can get the rest of the stocks on this list by signing up now for your 2-week free trial to the Research Wizard and start using this screen in your own trading. Further, you can also create your own strategies and test them first before taking the investment plunge. The Research Wizard is a great place to begin. It's easy to use. Everything is in plain language. And it's very intuitive. Start your Research Wizard trial today. And the next time you read an economic report, open up the Research Wizard, plug your finds in, and see what gems come out. Click here to sign up for a free trial to the Research Wizard today . Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. Disclosure: Performance information for Zacks portfolios and strategies are available at: https://www.zacks.com/performance. 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 Avis Budget Group, Inc. (CAR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Ford Motor Company (F) : Free Stock Analysis Report PBF Energy Inc. (PBF) : Free Stock Analysis Report California Resources Corporation (CRC) : Free Stock Analysis Report C&J Energy Services, Inc. (CJ) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Photo: Vishnu R Nair/Unsplash From a discussion regarding the food industry to a networking event for creatives, there's plenty to enjoy in Portland this week. Read on for a rundown of ideas for how to fill your calendar. 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. 'The New World of Food in a Resource-Constrained World' From the event description: The Multi-School May event examines business models and practices that are surging to the top of the food industry in the search for more environmentally friendly food practices. Trends examined include food waste reduction, the rise of plant-based foods, supply chain collaboration and collaboration in pre-competitive spaces to reduce or reverse the food industrys impacts on climate change, water resources and more. When: Tuesday, May 28, 6-8 p.m. Where: Stoel Rives LLP, 760 S.W. Ninth Ave., #3000 Admission: $25 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Emo Nite LA Presents: 'Emo Nite' at Holocene From the event description: Calling all skeletons, there's a party at Holocene so storm through it like your name is El Nino. Remember that old Get Up Kids shirt that's gathering dust in the back of your closet? It's time to dig it out, lace up your chucks and come down to Holocene to sing along to your favorite emo jams from the late '90s and mid '00s. When: Tuesday, May 28, 9 p.m.- Wednesday, May 29, 2 a.m. Where: Holocene, 1001 S.E. Morrison St. Admission: $10 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets PDXWIT Insight: How To Cultivate Feminine and Masculine Synergy At Work From the event description: In this presentation you will uncover the root cause for inner world conflicts and outer world discontent in your dynamics among genders, discover the guiding principle that nourishes more effective collaboration and learn a simple and powerful tool to improve your relationship dynamics and increase effectiveness at work immediately. The speaker for the evening will be Sonia Miller. As founder of Success For The Soul, Miller is on a mission to elevate our collective legacy as human beings Story continues When: Wednesday, May 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Quantum Spatial (Located in the Commonwealth Bldg), 421 S.W. Sixth Ave., #800 Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Weird Portland Creatives From the event description: So just what does keep Portland weird anyway? Weird Portland United tackles this question in a new monthly networking and lecture series. This month we have invited Mike Wellins of The Peculiarium. We'll chat with Wellins about the history of the Peculiarium, details about some of the fun art installations and events he has participated in and what he hopes to accomplish in the years to come. When: Wednesday, May 29, 5:30-7 p.m. Where: Taborspace, 5441 S.E. Belmont St. Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Out in Tech PDX: Demos and Drinks From the event description: Are you a developer, data scientist, engineer or product leader? Do you want to meet fellow LGBTQ+ folks who have created an app or have very strong opinions on the best programming language? We got you. Join Out in Tech PDX for Demos and Drinks at Cloudability. When: Wednesday, May 29, 6-8 p.m. Where: Cloudability, 334 N.W. 11th Ave. Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Asuncion (AFP) - Heavy flooding in Paraguay has displaced 70,000 families and is threatening to further inundate the capital Asuncion in the coming weeks, the country's weather bureau said. Water levels on the Paraguay River are rising at a rate of 4-5 centimeters (1.5-2 inches) every day and is only 46 cm (18 in) below a "disaster" level, according to official data from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH). Crossing that threshold would "have a very strong impact" because of the number of Asuncion residents who have moved into the city's floodplain, said DMH deputy director Nelson Perez on Sunday. The city's water service infrastructure was clogged with garbage which was exacerbating the floods, Perez added. Unusually heavy downpours over May, including two days which together exceeded Asuncion's average monthly rainfall, have exacerbated the flooding, said DMH meteorologist Eduardo Mingo. Some 40,000 people in Asuncion have already been affected by the floods, official data reported. A further 10,000 people have been displaced in the southern town of Pilar on the Argentinian border. The government has mobilized armed forces to help displaced residents relocate to shelters, but hundreds of families have opted to stay behind in their inundated homes. burs-gle/je KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) A roadside bombing claimed by the Taliban killed 10 Afghan soldiers in the country's west while insurgent attacks on security checkpoints in northern Afghanistan killed four policemen, local officials said Monday. The soldiers were driving back to base after picking up their salaries in the country's western Farah province. They were travelling in a Humvee when the explosion took place on Sunday afternoon in the Bala Buluk district, said Shah Mahmmod Nahimi, a provincial councilman. "The blast was so intense that no one in the Humvee survived," he added. Elsewhere, the Taliban targeted several checkpoints in northern Sari Pul province on Sunday night, killing four members of the security forces and wounding 22, said Zabiullah Amani, the provincial governor's spokesman. The attacks took place on the outskirts of the provincial capital of Sari Pul and triggered gunbattles that lasted for hours, he said, adding that 15 Taliban fighters were also killed. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the Farah attack in a statement on their website but did not make any announcements about the Sari Pul attack. Meanwhile, a sticky bomb attached to a minibus carrying government workers in Kabul detonated on Monday morning, wounding 10 people, said police spokesman Ferdus Faramarz. One of the wounded was in critical condition. Arab Haidari, from the religious affairs ministry, said all the wounded are ministry's employees who were on their way to work when the explosion took place. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Both the Taliban and Islamic State militants regularly stage attacks in Kabul. On Sunday, gunmen shot and killed a prominent religious scholar, Mawlavi Shabir Ahmad Kamawi, in Kabul, and last week, a mosque bombing killed another religious scholar during Friday prayers, also in Kabul. Attacks have increased recently as Washington's peace envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, presses ahead with talks with the Taliban, who refuse to negotiate directly with the Kabul government. Story continues The talks so far have focused on a timetable for U.S. troop withdrawal as well as Taliban guarantees that they won't harbor terrorist groups or allow Afghanistan to be used as a staging ground for global terror attacks. Also Monday, the Defense Ministry celebrated the graduation of about 3,000 soldiers following their three-month training program with a ceremony at the Military Academy in Kabul. ___ Associated Press writers Maamoun Youssef in Cairo and Amir Shah in Kabul, Afghanistan, contributed to this report. SYDNEY (AP) Veteran Sydney lawmaker Anthony Albanese will become Australia's new opposition leader this week, after being made head of the Labor Party on Monday. Albanese took control of the country's main opposition party when he stood unopposed to replace Bill Shorten, who resigned as opposition leader after Labor's unexpected loss to Prime Minister Scott Morrison's conservative government in the May 18 general election. A member of Parliament for 23 years, Albanese served as a Cabinet minister under Labor governments from 2007 to 2013, and was briefly deputy prime minister under Kevin Rudd in the last of those six years. Albanese, 56, told a news conference Monday that he would hold Prime Minister Morrison's newly reelected government to account, but would not be an opposition leader who routinely opposes all government initiatives. "I will hold his government to account, strongly, forcefully," Albanese said, adding, however, that "people want solutions, not arguments. They have conflict fatigue. Some reforms require bipartisan support." These, he said, would include finding a bipartisan way to finally give indigenous Australians recognition in the nation's constitution, and providing businesses with certainty on the country's energy policy, a long-term contentious area for reasons such as government support for fossil fuels. "The time for the ongoing conflict on these issues surely is over," Albanese said. He pledged to "serve all Australians" as opposition leader, and to reach out to the one-in-four voters who didn't vote for either of the country's two main power bases center-left Labor, or Morrison's coalition in the election. As the sun begins to set, the melancholy sound of a bugler playing "Taps" echoes off the old brick buildings on the town square in Martinsville, Indiana. A small crowd, mostly comprised of veterans who stand at attention, listen as names are read, followed by the clang of a silver bell. Then the mournful tune is played as pedestrians stop and listen in quiet respect. Anybody that has served our nation, police, fire, military, MIAs that are recovered and our sweet old Rosie the Riveters, we read their names to honor their memories, bugler Bruce McKee said. The ceremony began when a call went out to buglers across the country to sound "Taps" for seven days at 7 o'clock on the county squares to honor the memory of the 26 people killed during the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting in 2012. After the final night, a woman approached McKee and asked if he would sound "Taps" in memory of her father, who didnt get the honor at his funeral. The names just kept coming. Bruce McKee plays Taps on the Morgan County Courthouse Square in Martinsville on Friday, May 10, 2019. They are the hardest 24 notes to play because youre playing it for the fallen and for their families, said McKee 'Taps' every Friday, for 330 weeks Taps on the Square began that evening and has continued for over 330 consecutive Fridays, in rain, snow or heat. Jerry Vest reads the names. Randy Sichting rings the bell. McKee serves as the main bugler, and Jim Martin and Zondra Kale-Griffin serve as the echo buglers. They are the hardest 24 notes to play because youre playing it for the fallen and for their families, McKee said. The tune is thought to be a revision of a French bugle signal called a tattoo, which was a last call for soldiers to stop drinking and to return to their units. Union Army Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield arranged the present version to signal lights out. Bugler Oliver Norton was the first to sound the call. The tune was adopted by the Confederate army as well. Randy Sichting rings the bell after each name of a fallen hero is called during the weekly Taps on the Square in Martinsville on Friday, May 3, 2019 Today, "Taps" signals the conclusion of military funerals, wreath-laying ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and ceremonies on the beaches of Normandy. Story continues "Taps" is the final call of the day on U.S. military bases worldwide. McKee is the founder and director of Indiana Spirit of '45, which provides live "Taps" for military honors, memorial services, national holidays and private services. Its the final salute," McKee said. "The last 24 notes that are ever played for a brother or sister who served. Its heart-wrenching. Even as a bugler, I have to say a prayer, and I try to find things to focus on so I dont look at the family, because of the emotion there. McKee notes the buglers play "live Taps" whereas most use a bugle with an MP3 recording. "When you use the digital, it's playing 'Taps,'" McKee said. "When we do it as individuals, it's sounding 'Taps.' It comes directly from the heart and not a triple-A battery." Fred Manley of Martinsville listens to the reading of the names on the Morgan County Courthouse Square in Martinsville on Friday, May 10, 2019. Manley served in the Air Force during the Cuban Missile Crisis. McKees family has deep military roots that go back to the Revolutionary War. His father, Robin, served in the Army during World War II and McKee served in the Air Force. He didn't get to play at his dad's funeral McKee has one regret: He didnt get to play "Taps" at his fathers funeral. "I had cancer surgery on my tongue and throat," McKee said. "When they did the surgery, they said I would never speak normally, sing or ever play the bugle again. McKee proved them wrong. The weekly tribute is especially poignant to Taylor Downing of Martinsville. Her father, Army Pfc. Stephen P. Downing, was killed in combat in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2004. Its amazing that people stop to take time to remember these people," Downing said. "They gave everything for our freedom." And McKee does remember those who are gone. Life and service is a lot. Its why we can stand out here in the open and do this without worrying. We have the freedom to do it because of them, McKee said, This is our way of saying, thank you to the loved ones. Follow Dawn Mitchell Twitter: @dawn_mitchell61 This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 'The hardest 24 notes to play': Why 'Taps' is played to honor fallen heroes The Houston Astros placed infielder Aledmys Diaz on the 10-day injured list Monday with a left hamstring strain. Diaz is batting .286 with five homers and 22 RBIs in 32 games in his first season with Houston. Acquired in a November trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, Diaz has started games this season at six positions: first, second and third bases, shortstop, left field and designated hitter. The team called up 28-year-old infielder Jack Mayfield to make his major league debut after seven seasons and more than 600 games in Houston's farm system. In 40 games this year at Triple-A Round Rock, Mayfield batted .283 with 10 homers, 31 RBIs and 34 runs scored. Mayfield originally signed with the Astros as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Oklahoma in 2013. --Field Level Media SYDNEY (AP) Disgraced Australian Catholic cardinal George Pell will not fight for a reduced jail sentence if he fails in his appeal of his conviction for molesting two choirboys in the 1990s, a court spokesman said Monday. The 77-year-old Pell the most senior Catholic convicted of sex abuse was sentenced in a Melbourne court in March to six years in prison. He must serve at least three years and eight months of the term. Pell will appeal his conviction next month. His lawyers have filed an application arguing it should be overturned on three grounds. But the application does not include an appeal of the length of the sentence, Andre Awadalla, a spokesman for the Court of Appeal in Victoria state, told the Associated Press. "The only appeal application filed on the matter is an appeal against conviction," Awadalla said. "His lawyers haven't filed an appeal in relation to sentence." In sentencing Pell in March, Victorian County Court Chief Judge Peter Kidd acknowledged that there was a real chance that Pope Francis' former finance minister could die in jail. Pell was convicted by a unanimous jury verdict in December on one charge of sexual penetration of a child and four charges of committing an indecent act with or in the presence of a child. He was found guilty of raping a 13-year-old choirboy and sexually molesting his 13-year-old friend in the sacristy of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne in 1996, months after he became archbishop of the city. He molested the first boy again about a month later. One of his victims later died of a heroin overdose at the age of 31. Pell's appeal application is set down for hearing on June 5 and 6, with three judges to first decide whether he should be granted leave to appeal. His legal team will first argue that the verdicts were "unreasonable" since the jury could not have been satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Pell was guilty based on the word of the surviving victim against "unchallenged exculpatory evidence" of more than 20 prosecution witnesses. Story continues Pell's lawyers are also expected to argue that Judge Kidd erred in not allowing them to use a video graphic in their closing arguments, which they said would demonstrate the offending that was alleged would have been impossible. The third ground details an alleged "fundamental irregularity" in the trial in that Pell was not arraigned asked if he pleaded guilty or not guilty in front of the chosen jury. If the judges accept the first ground, Pell's conviction will be overturned and he will be released. A new trial could be ordered if they accept the second or third grounds. While Pell remains Australia's highest-ranking Catholic, the Vatican has launched its own investigation into his convictions. By Colin Packham SYDNEY, May 27 (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will visit the Solomon Islands next week, two sources familiar with the plans said on Monday, as Western nations seek to rein in China's influence on the tiny Pacific island. With the United States and its allies keen to ensure China does not increase its foothold in the Pacific, protecting diplomatic recognition for self-ruled Taiwan has emerged as a flashpoint in regional ties. "China is the Solomon Islands' largest trading partner and this is adding a lot of pressure on lawmakers to switch allegiances," said Jonathan Pryke, Pacific Islands program director at the think-tank, the Lowy Institute. The Solomon Islands is one of a handful of Pacific countries to recognize Taiwan, a policy now in question after recent elections. China views as Taiwan as a renegade province with no right to state-to-state ties. On Friday, a senior U.S. official said Washington would help Pacific countries in the face of China's attempts to influence them. Those remarks threaten to inflame tension between the U.S. and China already heated by their trade war, U.S. sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea. Morrison's first overseas trip since winning re-election this month will also be the first time an Australian prime minister has visited the Solomon Islands since 2008. SOFT POWER Australia and China have been vying for influence in sparsely populated Pacific island countries that control vast swathes of resource-rich oceans. Keen to undercut China's Belt and Road Initiative, Australia has directed ever larger amounts of its foreign aid to the region. In 2018, Australia said it would spend $139 million to develop undersea internet cable links to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, amid national security concerns about China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd. That year, Australia became the first country to ban the world's largest maker of telecom network gear from its nascent broadband network, a step the United States followed this year by effectively banning U.S. firms from doing business with Huawei. Story continues In November, Australia offered Pacific countries up to A$3 billion in grants and cheap loans in build infrastructure, as Morrison declared the region was "our patch." Australia has won favor through its spending commitments but its support of its dominant coal industry is a sore point for many in the region. "There is little doubt that many Pacific islands will have been unhappy with the re-election of Morrison," said Peter Chen, a political science professor at the University of Sydney. "He will need to find common ground to repair that relationship." ($1=1.4438 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Colin Packham; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) VIENNA, May 27 (Reuters) - The far-right Freedom Party (FPO) will back a no-confidence vote in parliament against Chancellor Sebastian Kurz's government, two of its lawmakers said on Monday, in all probability sealing Kurz's fate. The opposition Social Democrats plan to submit the motion against the government on Monday and the FPO's backing would give it majority support. Walter Rauch and David Lasar said FPO lawmakers agreed unanimously in a meeting on Monday morning to vote in favor of the motion. (Reporting by Kirsti Knolle; editing by John Stonestreet) By Francois Murphy VIENNA (Reuters) - Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz strengthened his hand in his fight to save his job as his conservative party came far ahead of rivals in Sunday's European election, but the main opposition party said it would seek to depose him on Monday anyway. Video footage of a sting operation in which the far-right Freedom Party's (FPO) leader Heinz-Christian Strache appeared to discuss fixing government contracts forced him to step down as Kurz's deputy and party leader last weekend. Kurz ended their coalition and now heads a caretaker government that he hopes to use as a springboard to re-election. But with the next parliamentary election expected in September, opposition parties say Kurz must share the blame for the political crisis set off by the footage of his former coalition partner. A no-confidence motion against Kurz will be brought in parliament on Monday that could force him out. "We came to the conclusion that we will not express confidence in the whole (government), including in the newly named ministers," the leader of the Social Democrats, Pamela Rendi-Wagner, told broadcaster ORF on Sunday night after a meeting of her party's leadership. The party had been undecided. While another opposition party is planning to submit the motion of no-confidence against Kurz, Rendi-Wagner said the Social Democrats, the biggest opposition party, would submit their own motion against the whole government including Kurz. Rather than punish Kurz's People's Party (OVP) in Sunday's polls for governing with the far right for 17 months, voters gave it a bigger share of support than in the parliamentary election it won in 2017, a count of all but postal ballots on Sunday night showed. The Social Democrats finished more than 10 points behind the OVP, performing worse than in 2017 or the last European Parliament election. Kurz has presented himself as a victim of the current political crisis rather than a midwife to it. Story continues The OVP secured 34.9% of the vote, ahead of the Social Democrats on 23.4% and the FPO on 17.2%, an updated projection by pollster SORA factoring in the latest count of all but postal ballots showed. The Greens came in fourth on 14%, a leap from the last parliamentary election, in which they failed to make the 4% threshold for entering the assembly, but slightly less than in the last European election in 2014. FAR RIGHT HOLDS KEY In parliament on Monday, Kurz's immediate survival is now likely to depend on the FPO, many of whose members are furious at him for ending their coalition over a scandal they believe could have been confined to one man in their government. The FPO has not said how it will vote but its new leader Norbert Hofer told ORF on Sunday: "There is a certain leaning". He did not elaborate. If Kurz loses the vote, Austria's president will have to nominate a new chancellor who can govern until the next election. Kurz has said that whatever happens, it will be up to the people to decide then. Rendi-Wagner said Kurz had not taken the confidence-building steps she and her party had called for after Kurz replaced outgoing FPO ministers with civil servants last week. "We will make a recommendation to the Social Democratic parliamentary membership, namely not to express confidence in Sebastian Kurz and his OVP one-party government," Rendi-Wagner said, adding that she expected her lawmakers would formally agree at a meeting on Monday morning. (Additional reporting by Kirsti Knolle; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky, Jane Merriman and Frances Kerry) Vienna (AFP) - "Whizz-kid", "Basti Fantasti" and "Messiah" -- just some of the monikers given to Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz when in 2017 he formed a coalition with the far-right to become the world's youngest leader at just 31 years of age. One and a half years later, he himself has been forced from office over a scandal that already brought down his government and now finds himself the holder of some less positive records. He becomes the country's shortest-serving chancellor, as well as the first in Austria's post-war history to be removed in a no-confidence vote. But despite this setback, Kurz is currently in a strong position to profit from snap elections which have been called due to the crisis and are expected in the autumn. In European elections on Sunday, his People's Party (OeVP) won 34.9 percent of the vote overall, up almost eight points on the last such vote in 2014 and a record for any Austrian party since the country joined the European Union in 1995. - 'One-man show' - The only child of a secretary and a teacher, Kurz had joined the OeVP's youth wing in 2003. As its chief, he had drawn ridicule with a 2010 council election campaign featuring the slogan "Schwarz macht geil", or "Black makes you hot" that saw Kurz posing with scantily-clad girls on top of a black Hummer, the "hot-o-mobile", and distributing black condoms. But despite this blunder, the former law student -- he never finished his degree -- enjoyed a meteoric rise, becoming secretary of integration in 2011 and foreign minister two years later, aged 27. In May 2017 he then undertook a swift and effective power grab within the OeVP, and brought down the unhappy "grand coalition" with the Social Democrats (SPOe). In the early election that followed, Kurz fronted a campaign as slick as his trademark gelled-back hair under a slogan of "putting Austrians first". Story continues He claimed credit for closing the Balkan migrant trail in 2016 and rebranded the OeVP and its black party colour as a turquoise "movement", tough on immigration and easy on taxes. The strategy worked, propelling the sluggish OeVP to pole position and Kurz to near-rock star status with observers saying there had not been such euphoria over an Austrian politician since Joerg Haider, the charismatic but controversial far-right leader who died in 2008. - 'Chancellor of silence' - Under Kurz's coalition, the government passed numerous measures to crack down on immigration, such as tightening access to apprenticeships for asylum-seekers and effectively cutting child benefits for foreigners who work in Austria but whose children live in poorer countries. It also vaunted its agenda of tax cuts and raised the maximum working day to 12 hours, in what was seen as a concession to businesses. But even before the so-called "Ibiza-gate" scandal that rocked his far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) coalition partner and collapsed the government, there were signs that all was not well. Some critics within the OeVP accused Kurz -- a private politician who is not often seen in public with long-term girlfriend Susanne -- of being a "mini-dictator" running the party as a "one-man show". The government's sharp turn to the right even prompted former OeVP leader Reinhold Mitterlehner to accuse Kurz of putting Austria on the path to being an "authoritarian democracy". Those close to Kurz dismissed that as sour grapes from the man he deposed as party leader. From the opposition came criticism that he was a "chancellor of silence" who was too indulgent towards a seemingly endless catalogue of incidents pointing to extremist sympathies in the far-right's base. He insisted in his announcement ending the coalition that the FPOe's scandalous antics had been "hard to swallow", but critics say he must bear responsibility for bringing the far-right into government in the first place. Kurz will now be hoping that voters will hand him a strong personal mandate in the autumn, which will leave him less beholden to the far-right. BARCELONA, Spain In what might be seen as a Memorial Day gift to President Trump, residents of a mountain range outside of El Paso today woke up to a new vista a nearly mile-long wall of metal slats constructed along the border with Mexico, much of which shot up over the weekend. The secret project, which started on Friday evening, was the work of We Build the Wall, a new group whose director is the former White House strategist Steve Bannon. The CEO is Air Force veteran Brian Kolfage, who had raised $20 million to build the wall through his GoFundMe project, but it appeared to be floundering until Bannon took the helm. Bannon, who for much of the weekend was in Kazakhstan for a geopolitical seminar, says the project, overseen by construction mogul Tommy Fisher of North Dakota-based Fisher Industries, involved hundreds of workers and cost $6 million. He says his group asked local authorities what is the most dangerous part of the border with Mexico, and they were pointed to this precarious mountain strip, where the cartels and asylum seekers are coming in through a gap between two 21-mile strips of completed wall. The group hastily purchased the rights to the land and went at it Friday evening. We had to catch them by surprise, says Bannon, who predicts residents are gonna freak out when they see what was erected over the past two days. Screenshot: We Build the Wall Perhaps construction is Bannons new calling. His political activities in Europe geared to shift the EU to the hard right didnt go as well as anticipated in parliamentary elections this weekend. The nationalist and populist parties hes been advising across the continent among them Italys La Lega, headed by Matteo Salvini, and Frances National Rally party of Marine Le Pen did make gains in elections. Both parties came in first in their respective countries, with National Rally beating out the La Republique en Marche party of French president Emmanuel Macron. However, others, such as Dutchman Geert Wilderss anti-Islam Party of Freedom were trounced losing all four of their currently held Parliament seats; the Bannon-advised anti-immigrant, anti-abortion Vox Party, a newcomer in Spain, which took 10 percent in last months national elections, scored scarcely 6 percent in this weekends elections. (Most EU countries saw record turnouts of over 50 percent.) Story continues In total, the hard-right parties that Bannon had predicted would take at least 30 percent of seats at points he suggested they might take half of the Parliament causing an earthquake for the European Union, instead won scarcely 25 percent of seats. While the showing represented an increase over the 22 percent they gained in 2014 elections it fell short of the one-third of the European Parliaments 751 seats that would be required to form a bloc that could effectively hinder legislation and nominations to the higher ranks of the EU. Within hours, however, Bannon was back at it, hailing the huge victories for Europes nationalist parties and telling the Associated Press that enough seats were gained to form a critical mass that can start to block things in the European Parliament. Every day in Brussels is going to be Stalingrad, he said. As for the wall outside of El Paso that Bannons group said it was just about to finish, the project was instead halted, after local authorities issued a cease-and-desist order, citing lack of proper permits. Melissa Rossi is a U.S. journalist based in western Europe _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Paris (AFP) - Former Trump advisor Steve Bannon hailed election results for the European Parliament on Monday and said the idea of further European Union integration was "dead" after gains by far-right nationalist parties. Bannon, who has sought to build links with European populist parties, also urged them to get over their differences and form a "supergroup" in the parliament in the next month. "The integration movement which is what the EU has always been about is dead," Bannon told AFP in an interview in his 5,400-euro-a-night (6,000-dollar) suite at Le Bristol hotel in Paris. "You will not see (EU Commission President) Juncker or any of that crowd pushing for more integration. That's the historic thing about yesterday," added the head of President Donald Trump's victorious 2016 election campaign. Bannon revelled in the second-place finish of French President Emmanuel Macron's Republic on the Move (LREM) party, which trailed the far-right National Rally of Marine Le Pen. "He went all in and lost," Bannon said. "He has not expanded his base outside the urban metropolitan elite." He added: "I don't know of any politician in living memory who has had as bad a run as Macron in the last four to five months, so I imagine he's a little sore." Pro-European parties will hold a majority in the new European Parliament, however, although the traditional centre-right and centre-left groups lost ground in the EU-wide election. Macron's allies have also put a positive spin on Sunday's results in France, highlighting how LREM finished a close second to the RN and how Le Pen's party scored a lower proportion of the vote than in the last EU election in 2014. - 'Supergroup'? - Various populists, eurosceptic and right-wing parties made gains overall in the European elections -- winning more than 150 seats and finishing top in France, Italy and Britain -- but they remain split on key issues. Story continues If they were to act as one, they could be the second- or third-biggest force in the EU parliament, but many analysts see their chances of uniting as being slim and their future influence as limited. "I think the supergroup is absolutely essential because that critical mass makes a statement in the EU. You are going to have to be united around a few core issues," Bannon said. "This is going to take both vision and statecraft to put together because there are differences," he added. The ruling hard-right nationalist party in Poland has so far refused to align with Le Pen's National Rally party because of her pro-Russian views. Britain's Nigel Farage, head of the victorious Brexit party, has also rejected any tie-up with Le Pen in the past over the history of anti-Semitism in the French far-right. Rather than the problem, Bannon sees Le Pen as the solution. "Le Pen is the key that picks the lock," he said of the 50-year-old, who invited Bannon to address the first meeting of her newly rebranded party -- previously known as the National Front -- in March last year. "Because she defeated Macron," Bannon added. "He is such an important element in this. He is the system, he personifies it and he articulates it in a very sincere way." The former investment banker's stay in Paris has created waves, with a senior aide in Macron's party saying it made him want to "throw up" and the present speaker of parliament and his five predecessors writing a joint letter to denounce Bannon. They criticised his "untimely meddling" in French politics. "I wear that as a badge of an honour," Bannon said when asked of the criticism, adding that he had merely given a few television interviews since arriving in Paris last week. "I came here and made some observations about the election, about how Macron had made this a referendum on himself," he added. "I don't mind taking the incoming. I'm a honey badger. I kind of like it." Bannon's efforts to forge unity among the EU's anti-immigration, eurosceptic parties has hit hurdles. He announced the creation of a Brussels-based foundation called "The Movement" to spark a populist right-wing revolt in the European elections, but many potential partners have distanced themselves publicly. "I'm just an observer," he said. "You don't need Steve Bannon to come over to Europe to win races. "(But) if they need assistance, we will be there." Paris (AFP) - Former Trump advisor Steve Bannon said Monday he saw British Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage as being in the running to be prime minister later this year after his victory in European elections. In an interview with AFP, Bannon described Farage as a "friend and colleague", adding that he had spoken to him during campaigning and had been in touch since results on Sunday night which showed his Brexit Party winning 31.6 percent of the vote. "I congratulated him on a stunning victory," Bannon said from a luxury hotel suite in Paris where he has been staying during the final stage of the European parliament election campaign. Bannon, who has attempted to forge links between far-right parties in Europe since leaving the White House in August 2017, said he was now looking ahead to a mid-term election for a parliamentary seat in eastern England on June 6. Farage will test his Brexit Party's new-found strength by fielding a candidate in the contest in the city of Peterborough. "If he wins that seat and they have a member in parliament, it will be pretty earth-shattering. So I think Nigel Farage right now is set up to be quite competitive to be prime minister of England in the fall of this year." In Britain's European election, the ruling Conservatives finished fifth with nine percent -- their worst performance since 1832 -- and the main opposition Labour Party was also punished for not clearly spelling out its Brexit stance. Farage only registered his party in February, but succeeded in leveraging his reputation as one of the architects of the 2016 referendum that triggered Britain's attempt to split from the EU. He attributed his success Sunday to outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May's failure to turn Brexit into a reality by its original March 29 deadline. Despite Bannon's prediction about Farage on Monday, many analysts in Britain see a general election as less likely than before. Story continues The two main parties -- the Conservatives and Labour -- are seen as wanting to avoid a snap election after their drubbing in the European polls. Farage became the first British politician to meet with Trump after his election in 2016, congratulating the billionaire in person in New York on his electoral defeat of Hillary Clinton. Farage was photographed, open mouthed in delight, standing next to a tie-less Trump doing a thumbs-up sign in front of the tycoon's gold elevator doors. Paris (AFP) - Green parties achieved a landmark breakthrough in the European elections but the challenge is only now starting for them to use newly found leverage in the EU parliament and further In Britain, France, Germany and other EU states, environmental parties notched up major successes in the elections, breaking well into double figures and overtaking traditional forces. The gains, on the back of greater mobilisation by young voters, came as climate change and environmental issues have been propelled to the forefront of political discourse across the continent. "Our responsibility is to build an alternative in order to win power," said Yannick Jadot, who headed the list of France's Europe Ecology The Greens (EELV), which won 13.5 percent of the vote. The EELV came in third place, well ahead of the traditional socialist and rightwing parties, and will now seek to penetrate the two-way battle between centrist President Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen of the far-right. In Germany, the Greens came in second place with 20.5 percent of the vote, overtaking Chancellor Angela Merkel's partner, the left-wing SPD, and raising questions about the future of their grand coalition. Data in Germany showed a huge generational rupture in the Green vote, with more 18-to-44 year olds backing the Greens than Merkel's CDU-CSU alliance. "It is the mobilisation of young people that has produced this result -- above all in France and Germany," said Jean-Francois Julliard, the head of Greenpeace France. "While we feared that young people would abstain, they mobilised for ecology." - 'Construct alliances' - The momentum for the green surge had been building over months as the strikes started last November by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, 16, not only refused to lose steam but caught the imagination of youth across the world. Environmental parties were set to win 69 seats in the 751-member EU parliament, results showed, not enough to sway policy alone but a crucial contingent in a tightly contested new chamber. Story continues Analysts said that unlike the far right and centrists, the Greens form a much tighter and homogeneous group in the EU parliament, making them a more efficient political force. "There is no problem for the Greens to know what political group they are going to join," said Vanessa Jerome, researcher at the University of Paris. "They will have to construct alliances but this is nothing new," she added. French President Emmanuel Macron, for one, is likely to want to broaden his EU parliament coalition to include the Greens even if some consider his record on environmental issues to be mixed. Hugely prominent ecological campaigner Nicolas Hulot, who Macron had named environment minister, spectacularly quit the government last August, complaining that he felt "all alone". - 'Translate into real politics' - And with the political lines of battle now being redrawn across Europe, environmentalists will now try to gain more power on a national level. Greens in government would not be a novelty in Germany, where they were the partners of SPD chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, with veteran Green campaigner Joschka Fischer serving as a high-profile foreign minister from 1998 to 2005. But in countries like Britain and France it would be a huge change if Green forces were to challenge for power, as political parties grapple with the notion the people can vote for altruistic and not just material reasons. Juliet Grange, a professor at the Francois-Rabelais University in Tours, said the challenge for Green parties was to increase their appeal to show the electorate they were not just focused on single issues. "I think that there is a larger electoral potential on the condition that what they offer is more open and possibly more pragmatic," she said, saying they should "really structure their arguments" and attract experts from outside. And activists from inside the Green movement acknowledge that it is still too early to predict the outcome of the weekend's successes. "We have to see how much can be translated into in real politics," said Wendel Trio director of the Climate Action Network Europe. "This is a strong opportunity but we need to wait for the majority that is going to be negotiated," in the EU parliament. Paris (AFP) - French President Emmanuel Macron tasted defeat in European elections, but not disaster, and is set to continue pushing both his pro-EU agenda and a realignment of parties in the European Parliament. Macron's Republic on the Move (LREM) party finished second behind the far-right National Rally (RN) of his arch-rival Marine Le Pen, but the two parties ended up with less than 1.0 percentage point separating them -- on 22.41 percent and 23.31 percent respectively. The vote was seen as a test for Macron domestically after months of anti-government "yellow vest" protests, while his credibility in Europe as a champion of deeper integration was also judged to be on the line. "A disappointment, but not a defeat for the Elysee," headlined Le Parisien newspaper on Monday, while an editorial in the Les Echos business daily said Macron's party was "resisting well" two years after his election. Macron on Monday held a meeting of key figures from the LREM -- including Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and the head of its list for the EU polls Nathalie Loiseau -- to discuss the "next steps", a presidential source said. The 41-year-old's priority will now be trying to increase his influence in the European Parliament where LREM and its centrist allies will send 23 MEPs, the same number as Le Pen's RN. His long-standing objective is to redraw the political map of the EU parliament, long dominated by the centre-right EPP grouping and the centre-left S&D -- in the same way as he broke the stranglehold of France's traditional parties. Macron's EU-level partners, who form the ALDE group, finished third in Sunday's polls, but the French leader is now aiming to broaden the coalition to include new partners, particularly Greens who made major gains. "The group that we are going to join is going to be a swing group which will try to be a driver in the creation of a progressive alliance. Why not with the Greens?", French government spokesman Sibeth Ndiaye told BFM television on Monday. Story continues She added that ALDE would be renamed. On Monday night, Macron will hold talks in Paris with victorious Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez whose Socialist party is set to become the biggest member of the S&D grouping after topping polls in Spain. "At the European level, the president is still manoeuvring to form a large progressive alliance, a force that will be essential in the new parliament," an aide to the French leader told AFP on Sunday. - Tricky Greens? - But Macron's ambitions, like his broader agenda for new EU initiatives, are likely to face resistance and it is far from certain that he can repeat his feat of fracturing Europe's centre-right and centre-left parties, as he did in France. In a sign of the difficulties in proposing a deal with the Greens, influential and outspoken Belgian MEP Philippe Lamberts appeared to rule out an alliance on Sunday, saying that Macron "couldn't give a shit" about the environment. Lamberts, co-leader of the Greens, delivered a caustic speech to Macron when he visited the European Parliament in April last year, saying he had betrayed France's values of liberty, equality and fraternity. Some analysts see the ALDE grouping as increasing its influence in the new parliament, but as remaining a distinct group along with the Greens. "Centrists and liberals are now strong enough to say to the EPP and S&D, you need to work with us and organise a four-way coalition," Sebastien Maillard from the Jacques Delors Institute, a think-tank, told AFP. burs-adp/sjw/boc Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) turned its business around by leaning heavily into services. Its Geek Squad offers something that Amazon can't easily duplicate, and the company's outgoing CEO (and future executive chairman) Hubert Joly seems to understand that retail won't be the chain's only offering going forward. That's why the chain bought GreatCall, the company behind the Jitterbug phone, for $800 million in August 2018. In addition to offering the phone with big buttons, Great Call also sells health monitoring and emergency services. Best Buy made the deal because America has about 50 million citizens older than 65, and that total will grow by 50% over the next 20 years. That's a lot of people who might subscribe to a service that sends someone to help if they fall and can't get up. The exterior of a Best Buy Best Buy has shown that it's focusing on more than just its stores. Image source: Best Buy. Best Buy grows its health business Joly, who steps into his new role with the company next month, has been leading his company's Best Buy 2020 initiative. It's an aggressive campaign to "enrich lives with technology and further develop our competitive differentiation," the CEO explained in the chain's first-quarter earnings call. In health, we continue to make progress, both in terms of scaling the GreatCall consumer devices and services, and advancing our commercial monitoring service with a focus on aging seniors. Our focus is to enable seniors to live longer in their homes and help reduce their healthcare costs. We believe that the combination of technology and our human touch provided through the ability to access and engage people in their home, these are highly relevant and differentiated proposition. Best Buy plans to open a third GreatCall "caring center" in October in San Antonio. The call center will house 3,400 customer service agents and operate around the clock to provide technical phone support, concierge services, and urgent response services to the company's customers and subscribers. Story continues The retailer made another purchase recently in the healthcare space. It has acquired Critical Signal Technologies (CST), which Joly described as a senior-focused health services company. CST has approximately 100,000 senior subscribers. Some of the CST services [offer] a supplemental benefit under their Medicare Advantage plan. Coverage under Medicare Advantage plans is helpful to growing our commercial business because it allows us to engage with insurers and build our service into their plans as a way to both improve their member experience and help them save on costs. A smart play for Best Buy Technology can make healthcare monitoring services cool (or at least cooler than the commercials with the older woman who falls and can't get up). Best Buy can sell these products and services alongside other top tech to take some of the stigma away. These services will be in heavier demand as a tech-savvy population reaches an age where it needs them. Today's 55-year-old may not have had a landline for a decade and has used the internet for 20-25 years. That consumer will be more willing to accept technology-based solutions for any problem than someone who grew up in a less-connected era. Best Buy's healthcare efforts are a long-term play that will become a growing part of the company's business. It's a very smart move that diversifies the brand while also giving consumers a deeper way to connect with the company. The full impact won't be felt for years to come, but Joly has laid a very strong foundation for continued success. More From The Motley Fool Daniel B. Kline 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. The Faroe Islands are located smack-dab in middle of the harsh North Atlantic, just north of Scotland, southeast of Iceland, and northwest of Denmark (the country to which it officially belongs). This rocky cluster may seem like an unlikely setting for a futuristic college campus, but thats exactly what the countrys own Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has just created there. The architects describe the new Glasir Torshavn College succinctly as being located on the undulating fjords of Faroe Islands, with views to the capital Torshavn, the sea, and verdant fells. Glasir seeks to harvest the [combined] efficiencies of [the] Faroe Islands Gymnasium, Torshavn Technical College, and the Business College of Faroe Islands into one building for over 1,750 students, teachers, and staff. Conceptually, the college aims to retain the identity and autonomy of each of its three educational arms while providing spaces that overlap and encourage interaction, multi-disciplinary learning, and the building of communities. This is achieved by stacking each of the schools on top of each other in concentric circles, with additional spaces for administration and recreation interspersed between the layers. Rather than be envisioned as a typical school environment, the college is thought of more as an incubator for ideas, much like modern tech campuses. Externally, the building appears both sculptural and modern. Glazing is the order of the day, whether its the circular volume that protrudes upwards from the undulating landscape or the rectilinear wings that shoot out from its base into the surroundings. In fact, all of the colleges facades are glazed, with structural trusses being used to help to define the silhouette. The buildings external terraced arrangement is echoed internally, allowing for a cross-pollination of students from different disciplines and years to occur naturally. BIG says of the campus: Cascading across several levels, the stepped topography merges the multistory building into a single entity. At the top levels, the high school and business school cantilever towards the mountain range and moorland landscapes, creating a building that opens towards the city in all directions. The outer backdrop to the stunning Faroese landscape surrounding the education center is always visible, from the courtyard and classrooms to the gymnasium and library. Students and teachers alike benefit from the incredible and expansive views out towards the ocean and back across the landscape, all courtesy of the glazing and the orientation afforded by both the central cylinder and its protruding wings. The dramatic entrance via a bridge that crosses over the length of the sloping site gives all that enter a taste of whats to come, with each wing demarcated by a different-colored glass for easy navigating. By Andrew MacAskill and Iona Serrapica LONDON, May 27 (Reuters) - Seventy-five years ago, a young British sailor stood on the bridge of a warship, its gun barrels pointing out to the coast of France and watched the devastation being rained down on a country he wanted to liberate. Today, Richard Llewellyn, 93, is among the dwindling number of veterans of the Allied D-Day invasion of Normandy an operation that turned the tide of World War Two and marked the beginning of the end of the conflict. The invasion of France is usually told as the story of brave, young men struggling across beaches and fighting their way inland. However, another battle unfolded at sea that day, between the Allied ships and the massive German coastal guns. Llewellyn describes the thunderous explosions rolling along the shore as every ship in the Allied fleet was blazing away. The enormous firepower sent shells pounding into the cliffs, churning earth, rock, and entire landscapes. All the while the German battery guns blasted back. The men on the boats could hear the scream of the shells as they passed overhead. The engines of the bombers above added to the concussion of noise. Dead bodies floated in the sea. Llewellyn compares the scene to watching a spectacular firework display. The warship guns belched out enormous orange balls of flames and mustard colored smoke. Some of the battleships fired 16-inch shells, almost as heavy as a car, and so big they could be seen as they went past. "The noise was just unbelievable. One of the things that I remember afterwards more than anything else was the noise," said Llewellyn, who was 18 at the time, and a midshipman on HMS Ajax, which was a light cruiser in the British navy. "If you go to the cinema and you hear a lot of noise and gunfire and so on, it doesn't really register. But if you are actually there the whole air is vibrating all the time." The assault by almost 7,000 ships and landing craft along a 50-mile stretch of the Normandy coast remains the largest amphibious invasion in history. Story continues In the decades since, the invasion has become a touchstone for the leaders of Britain, the United States, France and other western countries who will gather in Normandy next month to invoke the heroism. The event will take place as the trans-Atlantic relationships that D-Day forged are fraying. Differences over military spending for the NATO alliance, disagreements over how to approach the Chinese telecoms giant Huawei and Britain's decision to leave the European Union have raised tensions in the decades-old alliance. SEABORNE ASSAULT These concerns are a far cry from the epic mobilization of military machinery and manpower that resulted in the invasion of France in 1944. Then, tens of thousands of men piled into ships and planes to cross the English Channel. Llewellyn, who has a white goatee and is smartly dressed in a navy jacket and beret for his interview on the HMS Belfast in London, is eloquent and perfectly recalls the events that day. He effortlessly climbs the ship's steep steps without help. He said the mood among the men as they crossed the sea was more anticipation than fear or tension. "It was exciting," he said. "We were far more patriotic in those days than we are now. We knew that the Germans had to be defeated and anything had to be done to make it possible." He dismisses the idea that people were praying or savoring their last meal as the invasion began. "We weren't Americans, I am afraid," he said with a chuckle. THE LUCKIEST SHOT Although only a teenager, his experiences living through the German bombardment of London, known as the Blitz, meant he was familiar with being bombed. On D-Day, Llewellyn's ship was engaged in a duel with German gun batteries, particularly those at Longues-sur-Mer, nestled high on the cliff tops, situated between where British and American troops were landing on the Gold and Omaha beaches. In what was perhaps one of the most accurate or luckiest shots of the war, his ship situated a few miles offshore, scored a direct hit, landing a heavy shell through the narrow slit of one of the fortifications. On the bridge of the ship, Llewellyn watched the invasion through binoculars as the haze of smoke shrouded the shore. "There were landing craft destroyed," he said. "They really met a hostile reception and you could see that and you could see the landing craft being hit by shells, there were a lot of fires." As his ship continued to shell the German positions it faced its own threat from mines, shelling, and the Luftwaffe, the German air force. At one point, a German plane dropped a bomb that landed just a few meters from his boat. The explosion winded him and sent the ship violently swaying from side to side. Was it terrifying? "I suppose it was in a way," he said with typical understatement. Llewellyn survived the onslaught and the Allies conquered the coastline. He plans to attend the D-Day anniversary in Normandy next month. He has been back several times and says it is an emotional experience, particularly visiting the graveyards. But he also feels guilty about the destruction caused to France, particularly as the navy began firing shells at targets further inland, some of which fell in nearby villages. "The ordinary citizens come up and say how grateful they are. I found that quite difficult to take actually. I dont feel that we had done anything special, especially for them," he said. "Their homes were knocked down by shells and troops. Unfortunately, war leaves a lot of destruction." (Editing by Guy Faulconbridge) The Boeing Company BA recently secured a $51.5-million contract for providing sustainment engineering services to support up to 17 C-40A aircraft. The contract was awarded by the Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD. Per the contract terms, services to be provided by Boeing includes engineering data, technical publications, distribution of technical data and other technical support. Work related to the deal will be performed in Seattle, WA, and is expected to get completed by May 2024. A Brief Note on C-40A Aircraft The Boeing C-40A aircraft is a military version of the Boeing 737-700C airline transport, which is used by both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. The C-40A Clipper is optimized to transport passengers and cargo around the globe, providing critical logistics support to the U.S. Navy. The aircrafts flight deck features a flight management computer system with an integrated GPS, and is compatible with future GATM/FANS operating environment. What Favors Boeing? Boeing, being one of the major players in the defense business, stands out among its peers by virtue of its broadly diversified programs, strong order bookings and solid backlog. Its defense segment, Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS), witnessed a 2% year-over-year increase in first-quarter 2019 revenues to $6.61 billion. Moreover, the U.S. government proposed the fiscal 2020 defense budget in March 2019, under which the Department of Defense would receive $718 billion, reflecting a 4.9% increase from the prior-year budget. Interestingly, the budget includes a spending plan of $57.7 billion on aircraft, reflecting a massive surge of 166% from the approved fiscal 2019 defense spending on aircraft. If approved, this increased spending provision should usher in more contracts for Boeings BDS segment, going ahead. Price Performance Shares of the company have gained 6.4% in the past six months, which is in line with the industrys growth. Story continues Zacks Rank & Key Picks Boeing currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A few better-ranked stocks in the same sector are Lockheed Martin Corporation LMT, Northrop Grumman Corporation NOC and Leidos Holdings LDOS, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Lockheed Martin came up with average positive earnings surprise of 17.35% in the last four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2019 earnings has increased 4.21% to $20.28 in the past 60 days. Northrop Grumman Corporation delivered average positive earnings surprise of 18.50% in the last four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2019 earnings has climbed 1.85% to $19.29 in the past 60 days. Leidos Holdings came up with average positive earnings surprise of 6.81% in the last four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2019 earnings has risen 1.1% to $4.58 in the past 60 days. More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> 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 Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Leidos Holdings, Inc. (LDOS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Boeing Company (BA) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Sao Paulo (AFP) - Eike Batista, once the richest man in Brazil, has been fined around $134 million for insider trading, the securities commission said Monday, as the ex-billionaire remains under house arrest pending an appeal against a 30-year jail sentence. Apart from the fine, the 62-year-old also was banned for seven years from running a publicly traded company. Batista was accused of selling shares in his oil company OGX in 2013 when he knew it would be unable to explore blocks acquired at an auction in 2007. It was the second time he has been fined for insider trading. An emblem of Brazil's boom years, Batista amassed a fortune with investments in mining and oil that in 2012 put him in seventh place on Forbes's list of the world's wealthiest. But by 2013 a downturn in the commodities market wiped out a fortune that had been estimated at $30 billion. He later came under scrutiny by investigators in the vast "Car Wash" operation that revealed mass corruption by public officials linked to Petrobras. In July 2018, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison for corruption and money laundering. He was found guilty by a Rio de Janeiro court of paying a $16.5 million bribe to the ex-governor of Rio, Sergio Cabral, allegedly through the fictitious sale of a gold mine. Cabral is currently serving a prison sentence of more than 100 years following five convictions for graft. Vatican City (AFP) - Pope Francis on Monday met Brazil's legendary indigenous chief Raoni who is on a European tour to highlight increasingly acute threats to the Amazon since far-right President Jair Bolsonaro took power. The elderly Kayapo chief, internationally recognisable through his traditional lip plate and feather headdress, is seeking to raise one million euros ($1.1 million) to better protect the Amazon's Xingu reserve -- home to many of Brazil's tribal peoples -- from loggers, farmers and fire. Raoni Metuktire, famous for his work campaigning in defence of Brazil's rainforest alongside personalities like pop star Sting, is accompanied by three indigenous leaders from the Xingu. The Vatican did not release details of Monday's meeting, but the Amazon region will be the focal point of a world bishops' meeting, or synod, to take place in October. Local tribal leaders and conservationists are increasingly concerned about rampant illegal gold mining and logging that have devastated ancestral lands. Raoni's trip comes as the Amazon faces increasing threats from mining and farming lobbies who have found a champion in President Bolsonaro, a climate change sceptic. - Alarm over forest destruction - There are hundreds of demarcated territories in Brazil, established in the 1980s for the exclusive use of their indigenous inhabitants, where access for outsiders is strictly regulated. But Bolsonaro's anti-environment rhetoric before and after winning last October's elections has alarmed indigenous communities and green groups. Bolsonaro has said he wants to "integrate into society" Brazil's estimated 800,000 indigenous people who have long battled to protect their traditional way of life, away from towns and cities. A number of recent reports have sounded the alarm over rampant destruction of the Amazon and threats to indigenous inhabitants. An indigenous alliance warned last month that native peoples in the Amazon faced an "apocalypse". They warned in particular of Bolsonaro's pledges to allow more farming and logging in the Amazon, and to ease safeguards and grant more licenses for Brazil's huge mining industry, and build more dams. RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) Forty-two inmates were killed at three different prisons in the capital of Brazil's northern Amazonas state Monday, authorities reported, a day after 15 died during fighting among prisoners at a fourth prison in the same city. The Amazonas state prison agency said all 42 prisoners found dead in Manaus on Monday showed signs of asphyxia. The killings across the city's prisons recalled early 2017 when more than 120 inmates died at the hands of other prisoners during several weeks of fighting among rival crime gang members at prisons in northern states. Many of those victims had their heads cut off or their hearts and intestines ripped out. On Sunday, 15 inmates were killed during a riot at Manaus' Anisio Jobim Prison Complex, where 56 prisoners died in the violence two years earlier. Local authorities said prisoners began fighting among themselves before noon Sunday, and security reinforcements were rushed in and managed to regain control within 45 minutes. Little information was released about Monday's killings. Brazil's justice and public security ministry said it was sending a federal task force to help local officials handle the situation. "I just spoke with (Justice) Minister Sergio Moro, who is already sending a prison intervention team to the State of Amazonas, so that he can help us in this moment of crisis and a problem that is national: the problem of prisons," Amazonas state Gov. Wilson Lima said. Several drug-trafficking and other criminal gangs in Brazil run much of their day-to-day business from prisons, where they often have wide sway. The 2017 slayings were largely gang-related, prompting authorities to increase efforts to separate factions and frequently transfer prisoners. Authorities have not yet said whether gang wars were behind the latest blood-letting. Moro had to send a federal task force to help tame violence in Ceara state in January that local officials said was ordered by crime gang leaders angered by plans to impose tighter controls in the state's prisons. Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card! MaxFastigheter i Sverige AB (publ) (STO:MAXF) is a company with exceptional fundamental characteristics. Upon building up an investment case for a stock, we should look at various aspects. In the case of MAXF, it is a company with a buoyant future outlook, which has not yet been priced into the stock. Below, I've touched on some key aspects you should know on a high level. For those interested in digger a bit deeper into my commentary, take a look at the report on MaxFastigheter i Sverige here. Undervalued with high growth potential MAXF is currently trading below its true value, which means the market is undervaluing the company's expected cash flow going forward. Investors have the opportunity to buy into the stock to reap capital gains, if MAXF's projected earnings trajectory does follow analyst consensus growth, which determines my intrinsic value of the company. Also, relative to the rest of SE companies with similar levels of earnings, MAXF's share price is trading below the group's average. This further reaffirms that MAXF is potentially undervalued. OM:MAXF Past and Future Earnings, May 27th 2019 Next Steps: For MaxFastigheter i Sverige, there are three key aspects you should further examine: Historical Performance: What has MAXF's returns been like over the past? Go into more detail in the past track record analysis and take a look at the free visual representations of our analysis for more clarity. Financial Health: Does it have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Other Attractive Alternatives : Are there other well-rounded stocks you could be holding instead of MAXF? Explore our interactive list of stocks with large potential to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! 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. London (AFP) - Former business student Greg used to resort to drink and drugs to get to sleep -- a common story at British universities struggling to adapt to growing concerns about student mental health problems. "I was super, super depressed," Greg, now aged 26, told AFP. Around half of the 37,500 students interviewed by The Insight Network, a therapy provider, used drugs and alcohol "as a means of coping with difficulties in their lives." One in five reported suffering from mental health issues, mostly depression and anxiety, according to the survey conducted at 140 British universities. In Greg's case, it was a combination of factors at play, including the disappointment of not liking his course and coping with having more time on his hands. The end of a five-year relationship, on top of the death of his grandparents, however, made things even worse, he said, asking not to be identified by his full name. Dominique Thompson, a doctor who has treated students for 20 years, said their anxiety could be debilitating and was "not about feeling a bit stressed about exams". "They would not be able to go out with friends, to go to their lectures, to study, to read... they stop socialising, leaving their room," she said. And students with depression sometimes develop "suicidal thinking", she warned. Over the last decade, the proportion of British students reporting mental disorders has "significantly increased", according to a study. From 0.4 percent in 2008, the figure rose to 3.1 percent last year, the study of nearly 2.3 million students published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency indicated. However, "we do not know how much of this increase is due to increased awareness of mental health conditions, the willingness of students to report such conditions, or a genuine increase in the prevalence of mental health conditions," the agency said in written comments to AFP. Story continues - 'Everything a competition' - Jolted into action, the government announced in March the creation of a new working group "to support students to deal with the challenges" of starting in higher education. "Our universities are world leading in so many areas and I want them to be the best for mental health support too," Education Secretary Damian Hinds said at the time. Students often impose "extremely high, often unrealistic, expectations" on themselves and have difficulty coping with failure, said Andrew Hill, director of a wellbeing research group at York St John University. There is also anxiety associated with "seeing mistakes in your work, or that others will spot mistakes you have made," he told AFP. Social media, with its visibility and reach, has also contributed to the pressure on young people, said Thompson. "Cake baking is now a competition, putting on makeup is a competition, sewing, painting, sculpture... "You name almost anything that could have been fun and relaxing, it's now become a competition," she said. "They're... 24/7 under the microscope because of their social media." The doctor also said that the rise in student mental disorders was an international phenomenon. She said students also battled the feeling that it was "no longer enough" to have a university degree because they were now so common. Another factor can be "helicopter parents", who micro-manage their children's busy activity-packed routines while they are still at school, leaving them at a loss once they have to manage on their own, she said. - 'Very frustrating' - The experts say that universities need to implement new strategies to help struggling students. Non-competitive activities just "for fun" should be introduced, as well as teaching students how to deal with failure, said Thompson. For his part, Hill urged tutors to receive "basic mental literacy training" to "recognise the signs and symptoms" of potential disorders. Greg remembers asking for help when he was a 20-year-old student at a top London university in 2013, but said that the process took "so long" he gave up. "They recommended books, numbers to call and asked if I wanted a chat," he recalled. "They eventually get back to me between eight and 10 weeks after I contacted them. It was very frustrating." - More proactive - Some universities have recently taken up new approaches. "Like many universities, we tended to focus on the point when they needed additional support," said Mark Ames, head of student services at the University of Bristol. Shocked by the suicides of nine of its students since 2016, the institution set up two services, made up of around 60 staff, who "focus on supporting students' wellbeing", such as encouraging them to get more sleep. It is also reviewing how often it tests students and its examinations schedules to "make sure they don't all bunch at the same time". However, it was recently in the headlines after the parents of one of the nine -- Natasha Abrahart, 20, a physics student who was found hanged last year -- accused the university of failing to do enough. Birmingham University meanwhile told AFP that it was "actively working" on developing a "single strategic framework", to replace its case-by-case approach. Greg said that the approach to mental health at many universities had changed radically since his own experience. After a five-year "break", he has returned to university to study geology. Freight railroad operators have been witnessing strong performance in Wall Street since the beginning of this year. Substantial surge in manufactured goods, massive tax hauls and business-friendly policies of the government have fueled railroad operators growth. However, U.S. stock markets have been facing severe volatility once the trade negotiation between the United States and China broke down abruptly in the first week of May. The tariff war between the two largest trading countries of the world intensified once again. At this juncture, can railroads maintain their momentum? Strong Fundamentals of the Railroad Industry The solid financial health of railroads bears testimony to the fact that the scenario has improved considerably for players in this industry despite coal-related headwinds. Currently, nearly 35% of the U.S. exports are shifted to the ports by freight railways. Year to date, the freight railroad industry has grown 24.8% compared with the benchmark S&P 500 indexs increase of 12.7%. Railroad operators make consistent efforts to improve operating ratio (operating expense as a percentage of revenues) in order to boost profits. The lower the value of the metric, the better it is. To this end, the precision scheduled railroading model has been proving to be immensely beneficial. With increased efficiency and reduced costs, railroad companies have shown consistent improvement in operating ratio, a key parameter for efficiency. Robust Intermodal Business In February 2019, the Association of American Railroads, the industry body of the class 1 freight railroad operators, expressed optimism that rail traffic growth rate will continue in the near term. The most important growth driver will be the intermodal segment. Growth of intermodal volumes in recent years is anticipated to drive railroads top line. Volumes at this key revenue generating unit rose 5.6% in 2018, thanks to an increasing number of freight conversions from highway to rail owing to limited truck supply. Strong intermodal volumes have been bolstering railroads top line and the uptrend is likely to continue going forward. Further, the railroad operators sustained cost-reduction efforts are anticipated to drive the bottom line going forward. Although coal volumes have historically contributed the maximum to rail carloads, the companies have shifted their dependence to intermodal owing to dwindling coal volumes. Notably, intermodal now reportedly dominates overall carloads. Apart from a low truck count, growing e-commerce demand is another factor fueling growth of intermodal. Consequently, the sluggish coal scenario is likely to be less of a hindrance for railroads. Performance of Major Railroad Operators In the last three months, stock price of six major railroad operators, Union Pacific Corp. UNP, CSX Corp. CSX, Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. CP, Norfolk Southern Corp. NSC, Canadian National Railway Co. CNI and Kansas City Southern KSU outperformed the benchmark S&P 500. CSX carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The chart below shows price performance of 6 major railroads in the last three months. Story continues More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> 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 Canadian National Railway Company (CNI) : Free Stock Analysis Report Kansas City Southern (KSU) : Free Stock Analysis Report Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP) : Free Stock Analysis Report Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) : Free Stock Analysis Report CSX Corporation (CSX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Donald Trumps willingness to consider pardons for US soldiers accused or convicted of war crimes undermines the very foundations, legal and moral, of this country, Democratic candidate for president Pete Buttigieg said. Related: The president's insane: book by CNN's Jim Acosta charts Trump war on press Amid reports that such pardons could come over the Memorial Day weekend, the president told reporters at the White House on Friday he was looking at the issue. I havent done anything yet, he said. I havent made any decisions. Theres two or three of them right now. Its a little bit controversial. Its very possible that Ill let the trials go on, and Ill make my decision after the trial. Trump is now in Japan. The Memorial Day holiday falls on Monday. Trump has already pardoned Michael Behenna, a soldier convicted in 2009 of killing a prisoner in Iraq. According to multiple reports, among cases now being considered is that of Edward Gallagher, a Navy Seal set for trial on charges of murdering a prisoner in Iraq and shooting unarmed civilians. Fox News hosts known to influence Trump have taken up Gallaghers cause. It has also been reported that a lawyer who works for the Trump Organization has worked on the case. Buttigieg, the 37-year-old mayor of South Bend, Indiana, spoke to ABCs This Week in an interview broadcast on Sunday. He is a military veteran, having served in Afghanistan with the navy reserve. Today, he said, one of the things that protects our troops morally and physically is the knowledge that if anybody in uniform does commit a crime, they will be held accountable by military justice. For a president, especially a president who never served, to say hes going to come in and overrule that system of military justice undermines the very foundations, legal and moral, of this country. Buttigieg found a cautious ally in Joni Ernst, a Republican senator from Iowa who served in the national guard, deploying to Kuwait, and is a member of the armed services committee. She told CNNs State of the Union she would advise the president to be very careful, because it is not OK to perpetrate war crimes. Story continues We need our young men and women in uniform to understand that we operate under a code of ethics, she said. Trump, Ernst said, should scrutinise of course each case individually, and if its warranted, grant a pardon. If it is not, if someone has committed a war crime, then a sentence should be served. Buttigieg, who has surged in the polls, has not been shy of attacking Trump. On Thursday, at an event hosted by the Washington Post, he discussed Trumps own brush with military service. I have a pretty dim view of his decision to use his privileged status to fake a disability in order to avoid serving in Vietnam, he said. Trump received five draft deferments, four academic and one medical: bone spurs in a foot. The veracity of that claim has been extensively questioned. Buttigieg continued: I mean, if he were a conscientious objector, Id admire that, but this is somebody who, I think it is fairly obvious to most of us, took advantage of the fact that he was a child of a multimillionaire in order to pretend to be disabled so that somebody could go to war in his place. I know that dredges up old wounds from a complicated time during a complicated war, but I am also old enough to remember when conservatives talked about character as something that mattered in the presidency, and so I think it deserves to be talked about. Related: Mike Pence tells US military graduates: you should expect to see combat Buttigieg also discussed Vietnam in his ABC interview, in the context of remarks made by Trump about the treatment of soldiers accused of war crimes. At the White House on Friday, Trump told reporters: Some of these soldiers are people that have fought hard and long. You know, we teach them how to be great fighters, and then when they fight, sometimes they get really treated very unfairly. Buttigieg said: The idea that being sent to war makes you a murderer is exactly the kind of thing that those of us who have served have been trying to beat back for more than a generation. One of the reasons Vietnam war veterans were treated so horribly when they came home, at least some of them, was an attitude that found it very hard to separate policies from the people sent to carry out those policies. He added: When you serve, you are agreeing to serve the constitution and to uphold the law. And frankly [Trumps] idea that being sent to fight makes you automatically into some sort of war criminal is a slander against veterans that could only come from someone who never served. OTTAWA, May 27 (Reuters) - Canada took a first step toward ratifying the new North American trade agreement on Monday just three days ahead of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence's trip to Ottawa to discuss the passage of the treaty. Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland presented what is known as a "ways and means motion" to the House of Commons, which opens the way for the formal presentation of a bill. (Reporting by Steve Scherer Editing by Phil Berlowitz) By Allison Martell and Allison Lampert TORONTO/MONTREAL (Reuters) - The Canadian province of British Columbia said on Monday that its public drug plan will switch as many as 20,400 patients from three branded biologic drugs to cheap near-copies called biosimilars, saving an estimated C$96.6 million ($71.9 million)over three years. The new policy from the province's PharmaCare program targets Janssen's Remicade and Amgen's Enbrel which treat arthritis, among other conditions, and Sanofi's long-acting insulin Lantus. It is the first of its kind in a Canadian public plan and could pave the way for similar programs across the country. Biologic drugs are large molecules made using biological processes, and they tend to be expensive. Biosimilars work in the same way as biologics, making them appealing to governments grappling with how to pay for high-priced drugs. Unlike generics, however, biosimilars are not identical versions of the drug they are copying. "Biosimilars are a necessary step to ensure PharmaCare provides existing coverage for more people and funds new drugs well into the future," said the British Columbia government in a statement. In Canada, pharmacists cannot swap biosimilars in for their predecessors once patents expire, the way they can with generics. Doctors must specifically prescribe the biosimilar, and they have been slow to do that. European countries have been quicker to adopt the drugs. Sanofi Canada said it was disappointed and regretted that BC "did not take the opportunity to find an alternative solution to preserve this treatment option." Janssen and Amgen did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Canadian law says provincial governments must cover medically necessary care by doctors, but prescription drugs are paid for through a patchwork of public and employer-based insurance plans. While every province offers some drug coverage, it is often limited to the elderly or people with low incomes or exceedingly high drug costs. BC's system is unusual because it covers most residents, with deductibles based on income. BC said patients with some types of arthritis, diabetes and plaque psoriasis would have until Nov. 25, 2019 to switch to a biosimilar. After that, the original biologic drugs would only be covered for those indications under exceptional circumstances. At the same time, BC announced that it would begin covering two newer biologics: Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly's Jardiance, a diabetes drug, and Eli Lilly's Taltz, which treats psoriatic arthritis. The policy should benefit drugmakers with covered biosimilars: Merck, Sandoz, Pfizer and Eli Lilly. Most Canadian provinces have started limiting coverage of branded biologics for new patients, without forcing patients to switch. Even that has prompted backlash. Early this year, Janssen won a lawsuit against Quebec, forcing its public drug plan to resume coverage of Remicade for new patients. Because the ruling was based on the procedure Quebec took dropping the drug, most expect it to have little impact outside Quebec. It's not clear how it will affect future policy in the province, which has a public plan for all residents who lack private insurance. A spokeswoman for Quebec's Health Department said work was under way to "identify the best practices and measures that could be used to help biosimilars make up a greater part of the market," but that it would be premature to say more. ($1 = 1.3440 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Allison Martell, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) For many Americans, President Donald Trumps Tax Cuts and Jobs Act resulted in lower income and corporate tax rates. But an unintended consequence of the 2017 overhaul was a significant tax hike for families whose loved ones lost their lives while serving as active-duty military members. Gold Star families, as they are commonly referred to, are eligible to receive two forms of compensation for their losses. One is a monthly stipend from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the other is an insurance annuity from the Department of Defense. Because current law bars military widows from receiving the full amount of both benefits, some recipients choose to transfer the insurance annuity to their children to circumvent the rule. Before the new tax code was implemented, children whose surviving parent put the benefits in their names were taxed at their parents rate. But after the tax code changed, the IRS began to tax the benefit as a trust or estate, which led to significant tax hikes. Gold Star families who previously faced 12% to 15% tax rates on the benefit started to report rates that were up to three times higher, according to Task and Purpose, a military-focused publication. Legislators from both sides of the aisle, at the urging of Navy veteran and Democratic Congresswoman Elaine Luria, sought to fix the glitch before Memorial Day with the Gold Star Families Tax Relief Act. They came very close. On Tuesday, the Senate unanimously passed a fix that would change the category of the benefit from unearned income to earned income. The House of Representatives followed suit, and passed a solution that was wrapped into a retirement savings package, 417-3. If the House had passed the same version of the bill, it would have gone to the Presidents desk for signature; but because the House attempted to encase it in a larger bill related to retirement savings, the Senate had to unanimously vote to approve the House version and failed to do so. Story continues Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, opposed the language of the retirement savings measure, according to CNN. He reportedly wanted the bills language to extend the use of 529 plans to homeschooling expenses, tutoring and test prep, among other things. Members of the new For Country bipartisan congressional caucus helped lead the charge to make the Gold Star bill a priority in the first place. After the groups endorsement of the Act, the list of co-sponsors in the House grew to 155 a big feat in a Congress that has only passed 18 laws since January. Rep. Van Taylor, a founding member of the caucus, says his experience in the Marines taught him how to work with people from various backgrounds. In the military, you dont get to pick your peers, or your superiors, or the people that work for you. Those are assigned to you, and youre there to get a job done. So you work with whoevers there, the Texas Republican told TIME. Congress isnt that different, and members of the caucus hope to teach that lesson to their legislative peers. Im truly hopeful that we can solve this problem, Taylor says of the Gold Star family tax issue. But what I will say is, theres no doubt in my mind For Country is making an impact in the U.S. House, because youve got members that are focused on getting things done rather than scoring partisan political points. Rye Barcott, the co-founder and CEO of the cross-partisan organization With Honor, started a movement to get more veterans like Taylor elected to public office. He says the congressional caucus is off to a great start. From tax hikes on Gold Star Families to fighting for safer routes for logging trucks, these members from both sides of the aisle are leading the charge to get things done in Congress, he said. Legislators from outside of the caucus havent given up on the tax fix, either. Though it wont be rectified in time for Memorial Day, Cruz told CNN its the right thing to do, and Im confident we will get it done. BEIJING, May 27 (Reuters) - China's foreign ministry said on Monday that Beijing strongly opposes a meeting this month between U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton and Taiwan's national security chief David Lee. Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang made the remarks during a daily press briefing. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; writing by Se Young Lee; editing by Darren Schuettler) By Cate Cadell BEIJING (Reuters) - It's the most sensitive day of the year for China's internet, the anniversary of the bloody June 4 crackdown on pro-democracy protests at Tiananmen Square, and with under two weeks to go, China's robot censors are working overtime. Censors at Chinese internet companies say tools to detect and block content related to the 1989 crackdown have reached unprecedented levels of accuracy, aided by machine learning and voice and image recognition. "We sometimes say that the artificial intelligence is a scalpel, and a human is a machete," said one content screening employee at Beijing Bytedance Co Ltd, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorized to speak to media. Two employees at the firm said censorship of the Tiananmen crackdown, along with other highly sensitive issues including Taiwan and Tibet, is now largely automated. Posts that allude to dates, images and names associated with the protests are automatically rejected. "When I first began this kind of work four years ago there was opportunity to remove the images of Tiananmen, but now the artificial intelligence is very accurate," one of the people said. Four censors, working across Bytedance, Weibo Corp and Baidu Inc apps said they censor between 5,000-10,000 pieces of information a day, or five to seven pieces a minute, most of which they said were pornographic or violent content. Despite advances in AI censorship, current-day tourist snaps in the square are sometimes unintentionally blocked, one of the censors said. Bytedance and Baidu declined to comment, while Weibo did not respond to request for comment. SENSITIVE PERIOD The Tiananmen crackdown is a taboo subject in China 30 years after the government sent tanks to quell student-led protests calling for democratic reforms. Beijing has never released a death toll but estimates from human rights groups and witnesses range from several hundred to several thousand. June 4th itself is marked by a cat-and-mouse game as people use more and more obscure references on social media sites, with obvious allusions blocked immediately. In some years, even the word "today" has been scrubbed. In 2012, China's most-watched stock index fell 64.89 points on the anniversary day https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-stocks-tiananmen-idUSBRE8530F720120604, echoing the date of the original event in what analysts said was likely a strange coincidence rather than a deliberate reference. Still, censors blocked access to the term "Shanghai stock market" and to the index numbers themselves on microblogs, along with other obscure references to sensitive issues. While companies censorship tools are becoming more refined, analysts, academics and users say heavy-handed policies mean sensitive periods before anniversaries and political events have become catch-alls for a wide range of sensitive content. In the lead-up to this year's Tiananmen Square anniversary, censorship on social media has targeted LGBT groups, labor and environment activists and NGOs, they say. Upgrades to censorship tech have been urged on by new policies introduced by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). The group was set up - and officially led - by President Xi Jinping, whose tenure has been defined by increasingly strict ideological control of the internet. The CAC did not respond to a request for comment. Last November, the CAC introduced new rules aimed at quashing dissent online in China, where "falsifying the history of the Communist Party" on the internet is a punishable offence for both platforms and individuals. The new rules require assessment reports and site visits for any internet platform that could be used to "socially mobilize" or lead to "major changes in public opinion", including access to real names, network addresses, times of use, chat logs and call logs. One official who works for CAC told Reuters the recent boost in online censorship is "very likely" linked to the upcoming anniversary. "There is constant communication with the companies during this time," said the official, who declined to directly talk about the Tiananmen, instead referring to the "the sensitive period in June". Companies, which are largely responsible for their own censorship, receive little in the way of directives from the CAC, but are responsible for creating guidelines in their own "internal ethical and party units", the official said. SECRET FACTS With Xi's tightening grip on the internet, the flow of information has been centralized under the Communist Partys Propaganda Department and state media network. Censors and company staff say this reduces the pressure of censoring some events, including major political news, natural disasters and diplomatic visits. "When it comes to news, the rule is simple... If it is not from state media first, it is not authorized, especially regarding the leaders and political items," said one Baidu staffer. "We have a basic list of keywords which include the 1989 details, but (AI) can more easily select those." Punishment for failing to properly censor content can be severe. In the past six weeks, popular services including a Netease Inc news app, Tencent Holdings Ltd's news app TianTian, and Sina Corp have all been hit with suspensions ranging from days to weeks, according to the CAC, meaning services are made temporarily unavailable on apps stores and online. For internet users and activists, penalties can range from fines to jail time for spreading information about sensitive events online. In China, social media accounts are linked to real names and national ID numbers by law, and companies are legally compelled to offer user information to authorities when requested. "It has become normal to know things and also understand that they can't be shared," said one user, Andrew Hu. "They're secret facts." In 2015, Hu spent three days in detention in his home region of Inner Mongolia after posting a comment about air pollution onto an unrelated image that alluded to the Tiananmen crackdown on Twitter-like social media site Weibo. Hu, who declined to use his full Chinese name to avoid further run-ins with the law, said when police officers came to his parents house while he was on leave from his job in Beijing he was surprised, but not frightened. "The responsible authorities and the internet users are equally confused," said Hu. "Even if the enforcement is irregular, they know the simple option is to increase pressure." (Reporting by Cate Cadell. Editing by Lincoln Feast.) Sao Paulo (AFP) - Clashes between inmates killed 15 people at a jail in Amazonas state in northern Brazil on Sunday, the regional prison authority said. The clashes broke out around 11:00 am (1500 GMT) during visiting hours at the facility, located some 28 kilometers (17 miles) from state capital Manaus. "It was a fight between the inmates. There had never been deaths during the visits," Colonel Marcos Vinicius Almeida told a news conference. Some of the inmates were stabbed with sharpened toothbrushes, while others had been strangled, Almeida said, adding that an investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the fight. He emphasized that authorities had reacted within minutes to the Sunday violence, preventing a potentially worse result. The same facility was the scene of a prison rebellion that lasted almost 20 hours and left 56 people dead in January 2017. Brazil has the world's third largest prison population, with 726,712 inmates as of June 2016, according to official statistics. The population is double the capacity of the nation's prisons, which in the same year was estimated to be 368,049 inmates. Along with severe overcrowding, Brazil's prisons are plagued by gang violence, while riots and breakout attempts are not uncommon. In September, heavily armed men detonated explosives outside the gate of a prison in northeastern Brazil and then shot their way inside, killing a policeman and releasing 92 inmates, about half of whom were later recaptured. The previous April, a military-style battle erupted between guards and prisoners aided by outside associates, leaving 21 people dead at a prison in Belem, near the Amazon rainforest. The attackers in that case tried to blow up a wall to help the would-be escapees. One policeman was killed alongside 20 prisoners and their associates. In January 2017, Brazilian police had to launch a massive manhunt after 184 inmates escaped from two prisons in Amazonas state following a gruesome 17-hour bloodbath between rival gangs that left 56 prisoners dead, many beheaded. Brazil's prisons are home to the leaders of several drug trafficking organizations, and the crisis in the country's penitentiaries has had a ripple effect. Earlier this year, a wave of about 80 attacks on public buildings, banks, buses and gas stations was blamed on newly announced measures to tighten control of prisons. DENVER (AP) A Colorado climber died shortly after getting to the top of Mount Everest and achieving his dream of scaling the highest peaks on each of the seven continents, his brother said Monday. Christopher Kulish, a 62-year-old Boulder attorney, died Monday at a camp below the summit during his descent. The cause isn't yet known, said his brother, Mark Kulish of Denver. Christopher Kulish had just reached the top of Everest with a small group after crowds of hundreds of climbers congested the 29,035-foot (8,850-meter) peak last week, his brother said. "He saw his last sunrise from the highest peak on Earth. At that instant, he became a member of the '7 Summit Club,' having scaled the highest peak on each continent," Mark Kulish said in a statement. He described his brother as an attorney in his "day job" who was "an inveterate climber of peaks in Colorado, the West and the world over." "He passed away doing what he loved, after returning to the next camp below the peak," Mark Kulish said. About half a dozen climbers died on Everest last week, including Don Cash of Utah, who also had fulfilled his dream of climbing the highest mountains on each continent. Most of them died while descending from the summit during only a few windows of good weather each May. Most are believed to have suffered from altitude sickness, which is caused by low amounts of oxygen at high elevation and can cause headaches, vomiting, shortness of breath and mental confusion. There are 41 teams with a total of 378 climbers permitted to scale Everest during the spring climbing season. An equal number of Nepalese guides are helping them get to the top. Christopher Kulish also is survived by his mother, Betty Kulish, and a sister, Claudia. 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 Shun Wo Group Holdings Limited (HKG:1591). Over the last twelve months Shun Wo Group Holdings has recorded a ROE of 3.1%. One way to conceptualize this, is that for each HK$1 of shareholders' equity it has, the company made HK$0.031 in profit. Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card! View our latest analysis for Shun Wo Group Holdings How Do You Calculate Return On Equity? The formula for return on equity is: Return on Equity = Net Profit Shareholders' Equity Or for Shun Wo Group Holdings: 3.1% = HK$5.1m HK$163m (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2018.) Most readers would understand what net profit is, but its worth explaining the concept of shareholders equity. It is the capital paid in by shareholders, plus any retained earnings. Shareholders' equity can be calculated by subtracting the total liabilities of the company from the total assets of the company. What Does Return On Equity Signify? ROE measures a company's profitability against the profit it retains, and any outside investments. The 'return' is the yearly profit. That means that the higher the ROE, the more profitable the company is. So, as a general rule, a high ROE is a good thing. That means ROE can be used to compare two businesses. Does Shun Wo Group Holdings Have A Good ROE? Arguably the easiest way to assess company's ROE is to compare it with the average in its industry. Importantly, this is far from a perfect measure, because companies differ significantly within the same industry classification. If you look at the image below, you can see Shun Wo Group Holdings has a lower ROE than the average (11%) in the Construction industry classification. Story continues SEHK:1591 Past Revenue and Net Income, May 27th 2019 Unfortunately, that's sub-optimal. We prefer it when the ROE of a company is above the industry average, but it's not the be-all and end-all if it is lower. Nonetheless, it might be wise to check if insiders have been selling. How Does Debt Impact Return On Equity? Companies usually need to invest money to grow their profits. That cash can come from retained earnings, issuing new shares (equity), or debt. In the first two cases, the ROE will capture this use of capital to grow. In the latter case, the debt used for growth will improve returns, but won't affect the total equity. That will make the ROE look better than if no debt was used. Shun Wo Group Holdings's Debt And Its 3.1% ROE Shun Wo Group Holdings is free of net debt, which is a positive for shareholders. It's hard to argue its ROE is much good, but the fact that no debt was used is some comfort. After all, with cash on the balance sheet, a company has a lot more optionality in good times and bad. The Key Takeaway Return on equity is one way we can compare the business quality of different companies. Companies that can achieve high returns on equity without too much debt are generally of good quality. If two companies have the same ROE, then I would generally prefer the one with less debt. But when a business is high quality, the market often bids it up to a price that reflects this. It is important to consider other factors, such as future profit growth -- and how much investment is required going forward. So I think it may be worth checking this free this detailed graph of past earnings, revenue and cash flow . Of course Shun Wo Group Holdings may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have high ROE and low debt. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading. Could McCarthy & Stone plc (LON:MCS) be an attractive dividend share to own for the long haul? Investors are often drawn to strong companies with the idea of reinvesting the dividends. Unfortunately, it's common for investors to be enticed in by the seemingly attractive yield, and lose money when the company has to cut its dividend payments. McCarthy & Stone yields a solid 4.2%, although it has only been paying for three years. It's certainly an attractive yield, but readers are likely curious about its staying power. There are a few simple ways to reduce the risks of buying McCarthy & Stone for its dividend, and we'll go through these below. Click the interactive chart for our full dividend analysis LSE:MCS Historical Dividend Yield, May 27th 2019 Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card! Payout ratios Dividends are typically paid from company earnings. If a company pays more in dividends than it earned, then the dividend might become unsustainable - hardly an ideal situation. As a result, we should always investigate whether a company can afford its dividend, measured as a percentage of a company's net income after tax. McCarthy & Stone paid out 71% of its profit as dividends, over the trailing twelve month period. This is a healthy payout ratio, and while it does limit the amount of earnings that can be reinvested in the business, there is also some room to lift the payout ratio over time. We also measure dividends paid against a company's levered free cash flow, to see if enough cash was generated to cover the dividend. McCarthy & Stone paid out 51% of its cash flow as dividends last year, which is within a reasonable range for the average corporation. It's positive to see that McCarthy & Stone's dividend is covered by both profits and cash flow, since this is generally a sign that the dividend is sustainable, and a lower payout ratio usually suggests a greater margin of safety before the dividend gets cut. Story continues Remember, you can always get a snapshot of McCarthy & Stone's latest financial position, by checking our visualisation of its financial health. Dividend Volatility One of the major risks of relying on dividend income, is the potential for a company to struggle financially and cut its dividend. Not only is your income cut, but the value of your investment declines as well - nasty. It has only been paying dividends for a few short years, and the dividend has already been cut at least once. This is one income stream we're not ready to live on. During the past three-year period, the first annual payment was UK0.02 in 2016, compared to UK0.054 last year. This works out to be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 39% a year over that time. McCarthy & Stone's dividend payments have fluctuated, so it hasn't grown 39% every year, but the CAGR is a useful rule of thumb for approximating the historical growth. It's not great to see that the payment has been cut in the past. We're generally more wary of companies that have cut their dividend before, as they tend to perform worse in an economic downturn. Dividend Growth Potential With a relatively unstable dividend, it's even more important to see if earnings per share (EPS) are growing. Why take the risk of a dividend getting cut, unless there's a good chance of bigger dividends in future? It's not great to see that McCarthy & Stone's have fallen at approximately 11% over the past five years. If earnings continue to decline, the dividend may come under pressure. Every investor should make an assessment of whether the company is taking steps to stabilise the situation. Conclusion To summarise, shareholders should always check that McCarthy & Stone's dividends are affordable, that its dividend payments are relatively stable, and that it has decent prospects for growing its earnings and dividend. First, we think McCarthy & Stone is paying out an acceptable percentage of its cashflow and profit. Earnings per share have been falling, and the company has cut its dividend at least once in the past. From a dividend perspective, this is a cause for concern. With this information in mind, we think McCarthy & Stone may not be an ideal dividend stock. Given that earnings are not growing, the dividend does not look nearly so attractive. Very few businesses see earnings consistently shrink year after year in perpetuity though, and so it might be worth seeing what the 6 analysts we track are forecasting for the future. Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our curated list of dividend stocks with a yield above 3%. 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. London (AFP) - The race to replace Theresa May as British prime minister in a contest due to end in July already has nine contenders. Here is a look at the hopefuls: - Boris Johnson - A former mayor of London, "Boris" or "BoJo", says he would get Britain out of the European Union "deal or no deal". A key figure in the 2016 Brexit campaign, he served as foreign minister afterwards but resigned after falling out over the government's Brexit strategy. Charismatic and popular with grassroots Conservatives, the 54-year-old has maintained his public profile by writing a weekly column in The Daily Telegraph. - Jeremy Hunt - The foreign minister supported remaining in the European Union in the 2016 referendum but has switched since then. A former businessman who speaks fluent Japanese, he is a resilient politician, having headed up the National Health Service for six years during a funding crisis. The 52-year-old has said he will push hard for a new deal with Brussels without taking the possibility of a no-deal outcome off the table. - Dominic Raab - An ardent eurosceptic with a black belt in karate, the 45-year-old former Brexit minister resigned in protest at the Brexit deal struck with the EU by May. He says Britain should be ready to walk away from the EU without an agreement while still trying to negotiate a better deal that the one May signed. Britain must "calmly demonstrate unflinching resolve to leave when the extension to negotiations end in October -- at the latest", Raab wrote in the Mail on Sunday. - Michael Gove - Brexit campaigner Gove initially supported Johnson's leadership bid in 2016. His last-minute decision to enter the race himself caused both men to lose out to May. After a year in the political wilderness, he was appointed environment minister in 2017 and has stayed in the headlines with a series of eco-friendly policy announcements. The cerebral 51-year-old is among the most ardent eurosceptics left in May's government but is seen as a possible unifying figure between the two wings of the party. Story continues - Andrea Leadsom - Former leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom, who lost out to May in the 2016 contest to replace Cameron, stole a march on her rivals by quitting her cabinet position last Wednesday, hastening the prime minister's demise and staking out her pro-Brexit credentials. She got down to the final two in the 2016 race, but pulled out before the decision was handed over to party members, with whom she was popular, after coming under fire for saying that being a mother would give her an advantage as prime minister over childless May. - Matt Hancock - The 40-year-old health secretary is one the party's rising stars, a moderate who is widely seen as competent at his job and skilful at handling the media. He is one of several ministers who opposed Brexit during the 2016 referendum before switching sides and defending the withdrawal agreement May struck with the EU - Sajid Javid - A former investment banker and the son of a Pakistani immigrant bus driver, the 49-year-old Javid is the face of a modern, multicultural and meritocratic Britain. On the economically liberal wing of the Conservative Party, Javid voted for Britain to stay in the EU in 2016 but has since become an advocate of Brexit. He declared his candidacy on Monday, promising to "deliver Brexit" after repeated delays. - Others - International Development Secretary Rory Stewart is a former Foreign Office official who served in the coalition administration in Iraq following the US-led invasion in 2003. Esther McVey, a Brexit supporter and former TV presenter, McVey resigned from the government last year in protest against a compromise Brexit deal struck with the EU. By Daniel Trotta NEW YORK (Reuters) - Protesters chanting "black trans lives matter" and "we will not be erased" on Friday demanded an end to the killings of black transgender women in the United States and decried the Trump administration's proposals to reverse transgender rights. Three black transgender women died of gunshot wounds within five days this month in Cleveland, Dallas and Philadelphia, and five total have been killed this year. Transgender advocates complain that police often give such cases insufficient priority or they go unreported when police identify victims by their gender assigned at birth rather than the person's gender identity. By coincidence, President Donald Trump's administration took action this week that would deny or reduce services to transgender people. Five silent protesters in New York stood veiled and dressed in white on Friday, holding portraits of the five transgender women killed this year, while the crowd sang protest verses, chanted slogans and hoisted signs demanding "Justice!" and "Speak out, stand up for black trans women." "I am tired of my sisters being killed," protest leader Tanya Asapansa-Johnson Walker of the New York Transgender Advocacy Group told about 200 demonstrators in Washington Square Park. The three shot dead most recently were Claire Legato, 21, in Cleveland, who died on May 15 from gunshot wounds a month earlier; Muhlaysia Booker, 23, in Dallas on Saturday; and Michelle Washington, 40, in Philadelphia on Sunday. In April, Booker was beaten in an attack caught on video that was widely shared on social media. Dallas police said they are investigating a 2018 murder and an April 2019 aggravated assault of transgender women under similar circumstances but have not established a link. Police in Philadelphia and Cleveland have arrested suspects in each of those cases but say they are not treating them as hate crimes. Story continues At least 26 transgender women were reported killed in 2018 and 29 in 2017, according to Human Rights Campaign, the largest U.S. advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Among the measures taken by Republican Trump's administration this week to curtail LGBT rights was the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Friday proposing a rule that would roll back protections for transgender patients under Obamacare. The HHS under Trump said protections against discrimination on the basis of sex did not apply to transgender people. On Wednesday, the Department of Housing and Urban Development proposed a new rule allowing homeless shelters to turn away transgender people for religious reasons. Earlier this month, HHS released a final rule allowing healthcare providers to opt out of procedures with which they disagree, such as abortions and treatment for gay and transgender patients. The policies are meant to appeal to Trump's conservative and religious supporters who helped get him elected in 2016 and who have kept his approval ratings above 40 percent. (Reporting by Daniel Trotta; editing by Grant McCool) Kinshasa (AFP) - The death toll from a boat disaster in western DR Congo at the weekend rose to 32, while scores more are feared drowned, a local official said Monday. The vessel capsized in choppy conditions on Lake Mai-Ndombe on Saturday, in the latest in a string of deadly accidents in Congolese waters. "There are 32 dead, 183 survivors," Simon Mbo Wemba, mayor of the lakeside town of Inongo, told AFP. "The manifest given to the authorities states there were 113 passengers. But survivors say there were between 350 and 400 people on board," he said. The boat "was decrepit and unfit" for transport, the mayor said, adding that its owner had been arrested. Lakes and rivers are widely used in the Democratic Republic of Congo in preference to a poor highway system. But accidents are common, typically caused by overloading of passengers and cargo and the poor state of the vessels. Tolls are often high because there are often no life jackets and many Congolese do not know how to swim. The boat in Saturday's disaster was a "baleiniere" or "whaler" -- a flat-bottomed vessel with a canoe-like prow that is typically 15 to 30 metres (50 to 100 feet) long by two to six metres wide. In April, at least 167 people died in two accidents, prompting President Felix Tshisekedi to make it mandatory for boat passengers to have lifebuoys. Sub-Saharan Africa's biggest country, the DR Congo is beset with local conflicts, and the central government in Kinshasa has little control over remote areas. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) A bill seeking to preserve abortion protections in state law fails to pass a key committee. Lawmakers cite God, church and faith in proclaiming their opposition to it. Abortion-rights groups protest outside a gathering of lawmakers. What sounds like a legislative fight in a state controlled by anti-abortion Republicans is actually quite different. The bill seeking to protect abortion rights is in Rhode Island, a state controlled by Democrats at all levels of political power, and it's stalled. "This is an issue, I think, where it's very difficult to draw a line down party lines," said Democratic state Sen. Erin Lynch Prata, a committee chairwoman who voted in favor of the bill. "It's a very personal issue to a lot of people." Rhode Island is not the only state led politically by Democrats where abortion-rights legislation has either died or stalled this year. A bill to remove a dormant criminal ban on abortion in New Mexico was voted down in March by the Democrat-led state Senate, despite a push to shore up abortion rights by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. In Hawaii, where all but six of the 76 lawmakers are Democrats, a bill allowing advanced-practice registered nurses to perform some abortions passed the Senate but died in a House committee. To be sure, some Democratic-led states are taking steps to enshrine the right to an abortion should the U.S. Supreme Court ever overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. Among them are Nevada, New York and Vermont. But the enthusiasm and recent success of anti-abortion activists to pass near total bans on the procedure in about a half-dozen Republican-dominated states provides a stark contrast to the more muted response in states controlled by Democrats. In those states, the legislative records and personal views of Democratic lawmakers are mixed, much to the disappointment of abortion-rights supporters. Jocelyn Foye, co-director of The Womxn Project in Rhode Island, said she thinks that while many politicians run as Democrats in the state to win, they don't always vote like Democrats, particularly on abortion rights. She said she is frustrated that the abortion-protection bill has not progressed. Story continues "At the same time, it has empowered me, as well as the community we have working with us, to really just not let up," Foye said. "We're going to keep fighting." Members of The Womxn Project staged a protest last week outside a fundraiser for the Rhode Island Senate Democrats political action committee, intended to pressure the legislative leaders to bring the bill to a floor vote. Foye said it also was a way to hold the senators accountable for taking care of the women of Rhode Island. "The only thing standing in the way of this bill is Democrats, and they need to know that," said Liz Gledhill, a member of the Rhode Island Democratic Party Women's Caucus who was among roughly 150 people attending the protest. "You can't call yourself a Democrat and vote against a bill like this." The Rhode Island bill says the state will not restrict the right to an abortion prior to fetal viability or afterward if an abortion is necessary for the health or life of the mother. It also would repeal older state abortion laws deemed unconstitutional by the courts. Passage is far from assured in a heavily Catholic state where many lawmakers cite their faith as a guide to their political decisions. Democratic Sen. Harold Metts, a Baptist deacon whose statehouse office is decorated with crosses, said he would never vote for an abortion-rights bill because "abortion robs God of his glory by substituting man and government in God's place to determine life and death." Similar sentiments doomed the abortion-rights legislation in New Mexico earlier this year. Eight Senate Democrats joined with Republicans to defeat the bill, which would have overturned a 1969 statute making it a felony for an abortion provider to terminate a pregnancy. Opponents, including the local Roman Catholic Church, highlighted provisions that would allow late-term abortions to continue. The outcome caught many of the bill's supporters by surprise and makes it likely that the state's dormant abortion ban will stand at least through the 2020 election, in a state where Democrats control the Legislature and every elected statewide office. During the floor debate on the bill in March, Democratic state Sen. Gabriel Ramos held aloft letters of opposition from three Catholic dioceses and urged colleagues to follow their advice. "To me, I was just doing what's right in my mind and for my district," said Ramos, who voted against the bill and rejects the notion that abortion is a partisan topic. "This is a life issue; this is a moral issue." State Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino, a practicing Catholic who supports abortion rights, said the Senate vote should be a wake-up call to abortion-rights advocacy groups in New Mexico. He noted that there are just eight women in the 42-member Senate. "We lost; there is no way of getting around that," he said. "If activists want to get a different result, they're going to have to get more women in the Senate or they're going to have to explain to more men in the Senate that they want a women's right to choose to be honored." In Hawaii, state Rep. John Mizuno, a Democrat, said lawmakers on the health committee he chairs believed a Senate bill expanding the ranks of those who can perform abortions needed further discussion. The committee amended the bill to create a task force and two other House committees deferred it, effectively killing it for the session. Mizuno said the bill could be taken up next year. Abortion-rights activists have taken heart in the actions of other states controlled by Democrats. New York adopted an abortion-rights measure in January that, among other things, codifies many court-granted rights. Vermont's Democratic-led Legislature this month passed both a bill and constitutional amendment that would guarantee the right to abortion. Republican Gov. Phil Scott has said the bill will become law, but the amendment must be approved again by the Legislature elected in 2020 for it to appear on the 2022 ballot. The Democratic-led Nevada Legislature, which has the nation's first overall female majority, voted this past week to relax abortion laws. The measure would repeal criminal penalties for people who perform or supply medications to induce abortion without the advice of a physician. It also would repeal requirements to document the woman's marital status and inform her about the "emotional implications" of abortion. Andrea Miller, president of the National Institute for Reproductive Health, a New York-based nonprofit advocacy group, said abortion opponents sensed an opportunity to challenge Roe v. Wade before a more conservative Supreme Court and used that to make a major legislative push in Republican-dominated states this spring. "At the same time, though, we really are seeing momentum in these other states that are seeking to do anything and everything they need to protect abortion rights and advance access to abortion care," Miller said. "We have a lot of confidence that those are going to continue to move forward in the coming weeks." The fight will not necessarily play out along neat partisan lines, however. The fate of bills this year seeking to expand or codify abortion rights is uncertain in a number of states where Democrats are in control, including Illinois and Maine. In Rhode Island, abortion-rights supporters are working on compromise language for the stalled bill in hopes they can persuade enough Senate Democrats to eventually approve it; the House passed its version of the legislation in March. Democratic state Sen. Dawn Euer said tensions are high around the issue and that lawmakers' conversations are "under a microscope." Barth Bracy, executive director of Rhode Island Right to Life, said he thinks some Democrats are pushing back against being stereotyped on the issue. "There are a lot of John F. Kennedy Democrats in Rhode Island who feel betrayed by the suggestion that in order to be a good Democrat, they must be pro-abortion," he said. ___ Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri. Associated Press writers Morgan Lee in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu contributed to this report. * French leader finishes less than one point behind Le Pen * Macron could play kingmaker with centrist ALDE, analysts say * Macron already bargaining, talked to Merkel, Sanchez in Paris By Michel Rose PARIS, May 27 (Reuters) - Emmanuel Macron may have ended up with a disappointing second place in the European election in France, but his battle for influence in Brussels can now begin in earnest - and he is in a stronger position to wage that fight than two years ago. The French leader may have failed to defeat Marine Le Pen's far-right party on Sunday - a duel Macron had played up ahead of the vote - but he now has a troop of European lawmakers he can call his own, giving him more leverage on the European stage. "Even if he finished second behind Le Pen, Macron's party has more chances of being in a pivotal role - even one of kingmaker - than Marine Le Pen's party," Manuel Lafont Rapnouil, head of the ECFR think-tank's Paris office, told Reuters. "Of course in terms of political capital, in terms of image, it's not very good for Macron," he said. "But from an institutional point of view, with this new European parliament configuration, he is now in a better position." Macron's party, the pro-European Republique En Marche, was only created in 2016, which means he had no lawmakers in the European parliament until now, limiting his influence. Having finished less than one percentage point behind Le Pen, who did less well than five years ago, he is now on course to match the far-right leader's 23 seats in the new assembly. That should be enough to become the biggest national contingent in the third-largest bloc in parliament, the centrist group currently known as ALDE, where Macron will now call the shots, bringing his youth and the weight of France to the fore. As German Chancellor Angela Merkel gradually leaves the stage after almost 15 years in power, Macron is keen to take over the unofficial mantle of leader of the European project. Story continues With the two hitherto dominant forces in the European assembly - the European Peoples' Party (EPP) to the right and the Socialists & Democrats (S&D) on the left - short of the 376 seats needed for a majority in the European Parliament, ALDE will become crucial for any coalition. That's why Macron's strategists were sanguine about "disappointing" but "honorable" results that contrasted sharply with the bruising mid-term defeats handed out to previous French governments. In Brussels, Macron's aides see themselves as essential: whoever wants to build a majority in the European Parliament will have to do so with Macron and ALDE. "For the first time, the EPP and the S&D will have to compromise with a centrist, pro-European force - in which we'll have a central and crucial role - and which will be a totally indispensable partner," a presidential adviser said. REBALANCED FRANCO-GERMAN RELATIONSHIP Macron's aura - inherited from his landslide 2017 defeat of Le Pen when other countries such as Britain and the United States were succumbing to populist forces - will be dented at the European Council table of EU leaders. And with eurosceptic Viktor Orban securing a 52 percent victory in Hungary, Macron will struggle to impose his integrationist, pro-EU agenda, Christopher Dembik, an economist at Saxo Bank in Paris, told Reuters. However, with Merkel's conservatives losing seven percentage points from five years ago as the German far-right made gains, Macron could establish a more equal relationship with Germany, which over the past two years has frustrated most of his plans - from trade policy to euro zone reform. Macron should at least be able to block Merkel from imposing her lead candidate for the European Commission, Manfred Weber. "In our view, Angela Merkel's favorite candidate is totally disqualified today," Pascal Canfin, number two on Macron's list of candidates told France Inter radio on Monday. The EPP will have to eject Orban from its ranks for any coalition deal to be approved by Macron's group, he added. Elysee officials took heart in the surge by Germany's Greens, who have expressed more support for his pro-European agenda than conservatives and liberals in Berlin, and who could be tempted to collaborate in Brussels. Other European politicians also see Macron playing a leading role on the EU stage. "You may like him or not, but there's no doubt he will be the leader of the coming months in Europe, with a crucial role of kingmaker," Italy's former prime minister Matteo Renzi told the Journal du Dimanche newspaper. Portugal's prime minister, Antonio Costa, a Socialist, also voiced support for Macron's European plans ahead of the vote, suggesting the French leader might be able to win allies beyond his centrist family in the European parliament. With his eyes on the top EU posts, Macron didn't waste any time before starting negotiations with his European counterparts. He called Merkel on Sunday night, and will talk to other EU leaders ahead of an informal Brussels meeting on Tuesday which will kick off weeks of bargaining over who will run the EU's main institutions. Spain's Pedro Sanchez, whose Socialists are on course to have the biggest contingent in the EU assembly's Socialist group, will dine with Macron at the Elysee Palace on Monday evening, a sign the two leaders see each other as powerbrokers. Elysee strategists have long hoped to lure Spanish Socialists into their "grand coalition" of pro-EU progressive forces. Macron's allies in the EU Parliament see a new, more influential era for the centrists, with outgoing ALDE leader Guy Verhofstadt rejecting the idea that Macron's second-place showing to Le Pen was even a "defeat." "What you call a defeat I call a victory," he said. (Reporting by Michel Rose; additional reporting by Marine Pennetier; Editing by Luke Baker and Jon Boyle) By Michel Rose PARIS (Reuters) - Emmanuel Macron may have ended up with a disappointing second place in the European election in France, but his battle for influence in Brussels can now begin in earnest - and he is in a stronger position to wage that fight than two years ago. The French leader may have failed to defeat Marine Le Pen's far-right party on Sunday - a duel Macron had played up ahead of the vote - but he now has a troop of European lawmakers he can call his own, giving him more leverage on the European stage. "Even if he finished second behind Le Pen, Macron's party has more chances of being in a pivotal role - even one of kingmaker - than Marine Le Pen's party," Manuel Lafont Rapnouil, head of the ECFR think-tank's Paris office, told Reuters. "Of course in terms of political capital, in terms of image, it's not very good for Macron," he said. "But from an institutional point of view, with this new European parliament configuration, he is now in a better position." Macron's party, the pro-European Republique En Marche, was only created in 2016, which means he had no lawmakers in the European parliament until now, limiting his influence. Having finished less than one percentage point behind Le Pen, who did less well than five years ago, he is now on course to match the far-right leader's 23 seats in the new assembly. That should be enough to become the biggest national contingent in the third-largest bloc in parliament, the centrist group currently known as ALDE, where Macron will now call the shots, bringing his youth and the weight of France to the fore. As German Chancellor Angela Merkel gradually leaves the stage after almost 15 years in power, Macron is keen to take over the unofficial mantle of leader of the European project. With the two hitherto dominant forces in the European assembly - the European Peoples' Party (EPP) to the right and the Socialists & Democrats (S&D) on the left - short of the 376 seats needed for a majority in the European Parliament, ALDE will become crucial for any coalition. That's why Macron's strategists were sanguine about "disappointing" but "honorable" results that contrasted sharply with the bruising mid-term defeats handed out to previous French governments. In Brussels, Macron's aides see themselves as essential: whoever wants to build a majority in the European Parliament will have to do so with Macron and ALDE. "For the first time, the EPP and the S&D will have to compromise with a centrist, pro-European force - in which we'll have a central and crucial role - and which will be a totally indispensable partner," a presidential adviser said. REBALANCED FRANCO-GERMAN RELATIONSHIP Macron's aura - inherited from his landslide 2017 defeat of Le Pen when other countries such as Britain and the United States were succumbing to populist forces - will be dented at the European Council table of EU leaders. And with eurosceptic Viktor Orban securing a 52 percent victory in Hungary, Macron will struggle to impose his integrationist, pro-EU agenda, Christopher Dembik, an economist at Saxo Bank in Paris, told Reuters. However, with Merkel's conservatives losing seven percentage points from five years ago as the German far-right made gains, Macron could establish a more equal relationship with Germany, which over the past two years has frustrated most of his plans - from trade policy to euro zone reform. Macron should at least be able to block Merkel from imposing her lead candidate for the European Commission, Manfred Weber. "In our view, Angela Merkel's favorite candidate is totally disqualified today," Pascal Canfin, number two on Macron's list of candidates told France Inter radio on Monday. The EPP will have to eject Orban from its ranks for any coalition deal to be approved by Macron's group, he added. Elysee officials took heart in the surge by Germany's Greens, who have expressed more support for his pro-European agenda than conservatives and liberals in Berlin, and who could be tempted to collaborate in Brussels. Other European politicians also see Macron playing a leading role on the EU stage. "You may like him or not, but there's no doubt he will be the leader of the coming months in Europe, with a crucial role of kingmaker," Italy's former prime minister Matteo Renzi told the Journal du Dimanche newspaper. Portugal's prime minister, Antonio Costa, a Socialist, also voiced support for Macron's European plans ahead of the vote, suggesting the French leader might be able to win allies beyond his centrist family in the European parliament. With his eyes on the top EU posts, Macron didn't waste any time before starting negotiations with his European counterparts. He called Merkel on Sunday night, and will talk to other EU leaders ahead of an informal Brussels meeting on Tuesday which will kick off weeks of bargaining over who will run the EU's main institutions. Spain's Pedro Sanchez, whose Socialists are on course to have the biggest contingent in the EU assembly's Socialist group, will dine with Macron at the Elysee Palace on Monday evening, a sign the two leaders see each other as powerbrokers. Elysee strategists have long hoped to lure Spanish Socialists into their "grand coalition" of pro-EU progressive forces. Macron's allies in the EU Parliament see a new, more influential era for the centrists, with outgoing ALDE leader Guy Verhofstadt rejecting the idea that Macron's second-place showing to Le Pen was even a "defeat". "What you call a defeat I call a victory," he said. (Reporting by Michel Rose; additional reporting by Marine Pennetier; Editing by Luke Baker and Jon Boyle) It is doubtless a positive to see that the Colorado Resources Ltd. (CVE:CXO) share price has gained some 78% in the last three months. But only the myopic could ignore the astounding decline over three years. The share price has sunk like a leaky ship, down 77% in that time. So we're relieved for long term holders to see a bit of uplift. The thing to think about is whether the business has really turned around. Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card! View our latest analysis for Colorado Resources Colorado Resources didn't have any revenue in the last year, so it's fair to say it doesn't yet have a proven product (or at least not one people are paying for). We can't help wondering why it's publicly listed so early in its journey. Are venture capitalists not interested? As a result, we think it's unlikely shareholders are paying much attention to current revenue, but rather speculating on growth in the years to come. It seems likely some shareholders believe that Colorado Resources will find or develop a valuable new mine before too long. As a general rule, if a company doesn't have much revenue, and it loses money, then it is a high risk investment. There is almost always a chance they will need to raise more capital, and their progress - and share price - will dictate how dilutive that is to current holders. While some such companies do very well over the long term, others become hyped up by promoters before eventually falling back down to earth, and going bankrupt (or being recapitalized). Colorado Resources has already given some investors a taste of the bitter losses that high risk investing can cause. Our data indicates that Colorado Resources had CA$447,385 more in total liabilities than it had cash, when it last reported in December 2018. That makes it extremely high risk, in our view. But with the share price diving 39% per year, over 3 years, it's probably fair to say that some shareholders no longer believe the company will succeed. You can click on the image below to see (in greater detail) how Colorado Resources's cash levels have changed over time. Story continues TSXV:CXO Historical Debt, May 27th 2019 It can be extremely risky to invest in a company that doesn't even have revenue. There's no way to know its value easily. Given that situation, would you be concerned if it turned out insiders were relentlessly selling stock? I would feel more nervous about the company if that were so. It only takes a moment for you to check whether we have identified any insider sales recently. A Different Perspective While the broader market gained around 1.6% in the last year, Colorado Resources shareholders lost 48%. However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 19% over the last half decade. 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. You might want to assess this data-rich visualization of its earnings, revenue and cash flow. Of course Colorado Resources may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of growth stocks. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on CA 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. If you are building a properly diversified stock portfolio, the chances are some of your picks will perform badly. But the last three years have been particularly tough on longer term Sino Harbour Holdings Group Limited (HKG:1663) shareholders. Sadly for them, the share price is down 70% in that time. And more recent buyers are having a tough time too, with a drop of 31% in the last year. Shareholders have had an even rougher run lately, with the share price down 20% in the last 90 days. But this could be related to the weak market, which is down 8.1% in the same period. Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card! See our latest analysis for Sino Harbour Holdings Group To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time. During the three years that the share price fell, Sino Harbour Holdings Group's earnings per share (EPS) dropped by 47% each year. This fall in the EPS is worse than the 33% compound annual share price fall. This suggests that the market retains some optimism around long term earnings stability, despite past EPS declines. You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). SEHK:1663 Past and Future Earnings, May 27th 2019 It's good to see that there was some significant insider buying in the last three months. That's a positive. On the other hand, we think the revenue and earnings trends are much more meaningful measures of the business. Dive deeper into the earnings by checking this interactive graph of Sino Harbour Holdings Group's earnings, revenue and cash flow. What about the Total Shareholder Return (TSR)? We'd be remiss not to mention the difference between Sino Harbour Holdings Group's total shareholder return (TSR) and its share price return. Arguably the TSR is a more complete return calculation because it accounts for the value of dividends (as if they were reinvested), along with the hypothetical value of any discounted capital that have been offered to shareholders. Dividends have been really beneficial for Sino Harbour Holdings Group shareholders, and that cash payout explains why its total shareholder loss of 68%, over the last 3 years, isn't as bad as the share price return. Story continues A Different Perspective We regret to report that Sino Harbour Holdings Group shareholders are down 28% for the year (even including dividends). Unfortunately, that's worse than the broader market decline of 14%. 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 9.5% 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. Investors who like to make money usually check up on insider purchases, such as the price paid, and total amount bought. You can find out about the insider purchases of Sino Harbour Holdings Group by clicking this link. Sino Harbour Holdings Group is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on HK 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. Vienna (AFP) - The disgraced ex-leader of Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), Heinz-Christian Strache, has won the right to take a seat in the European Parliament, according to provisional results published Monday. Strache, who had to resign as party leader and vice-chancellor over the "Ibiza-gate" scandal, has won the 33,000 "preference votes" necessary to leapfrog his party colleagues and gain a seat, according to the APA agency. The preference votes system means voters can specify their preference for a candidate on a particular party list. Strache, 49, had been in last place within the FPOe's list and it is not clear whether he will actually take up the seat. Strache resigned on May 18 after explosive footage emerged from a hidden-camera sting filmed in a luxury villa on the island of Ibiza, in which he appears to offer public contracts in exchange for campaign help from a fake Russian backer. Despite calling his own actions "stupid", Strache has since vehemently protested his innocence and painted himself as the victim of a shadowy conspiracy -- a message echoed by the FPOe leadership. A social media campaign launched by party supporters in the run-up to Sunday's EU parliamentary elections encouraged voters to give Strache a "preference vote" in order to demonstrate he still had support among the party's base. While the party overall did suffer a drop in its vote to around 17 percent in Sunday's poll, the FPOe leadership said this was proof they had a solid electoral base and could bounce back in time for early elections expected in the autumn. On Monday, the FPOe joined other opposition parties in supporting a no-confidence motion in centre-right Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, meaning a interim government of technocrats is likely to lead the country into the snap elections. By Manas Mishra (Reuters Health) - Americans are consuming more energy drinks, with a notable increase among young adults, survey data show. Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages with high levels of caffeine or other stimulants, plus amino acids, herbs and vitamins. They're marketed as fatigue killers and refreshing beverages that can improve physical and mental performance - but this may come at a price, researchers say. They point to high caffeine levels in energy drinks and a "rapidly expanding body of literature" that suggests negative health effects and risky behaviors may be linked to high consumption of the beverages. Beyond the caffeine, "people who drink energy drinks consume approximately 200 calories from these beverages daily, which is considerably higher than other sugary beverages like soda," Sara Bleich at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston told Reuters Health. Furthermore, ingredients in some of the drinks - such as guarana and taurine - are so poorly studied it's hard to say whether they're safe in large quantities. As reported in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Bleich and her colleagues analyzed data collected from 9,911 adolescents, 12,103 young adults and 11,245 middle-aged adults between 2003 and 2016 during biennial government health surveys. As part of the surveys, participants were asked to recall what beverages they had consumed in the previous 24 hours. Among young adults (i.e., ages 20 to 39), 5.5% reported consuming energy drinks in 2016, up from 0.5% in 2003. The increase was less pronounced for adolescents, whose energy drink consumption rose from 0.2% in the earlier survey to 1.4% in the later one, and for middle aged Americans, whose consumption rose from 0% to 1.2%. On average, energy drink consumers had higher caffeine intake compared with those who did not consume the drinks: 227 mg vs 52.1 mg among adolescents, 278.7 mg vs 135.3 mg among young adults, and 348.8 mg vs 219.0 mg among middle-aged adults. Story continues Males consumed more energy drinks than females, the researchers found. And young adults with at least some college education consumed less of these drinks than their peers who had no education beyond high school. For adults, caffeine in doses up to 400 mg (about five cups of coffee) is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, although some people are sensitive to lower doses. Higher amounts can cause health effects like high blood pressure, insomnia, irregular heartbeats and other problems. In a 2017 study, drinking 32 ounces of energy drink was associated with potentially harmful changes in blood pressure and heart function beyond those attributable just to caffeine. (https://reut.rs/2YNXBLx) The authors of that study concluded that the changes might not be worrisome for healthy individuals, but people with heart conditions might need to be cautious about consuming energy drinks. Data from the current study suggest that consumption of energy drinks might have been leveling off or even declining in the last few years of the study, the researchers say, but they couldn't confirm a trend. "The reason for this apparent leveling off is unclear. It could be that, like sugary beverages generally, consumption of energy drinks is becoming less popular among adults and adolescents," Bleich said. Still, she and her colleagues conclude, "Requiring caffeine labeling on energy drinks and establishing an evidence-based upper caffeine limit for these beverages may be important to reduce the potential negative health impact on consumers." SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2YTP9uv American Journal of Preventative Medicine, online April 18, 2019. European Parliament election results analysis: How the Brexit Party won the most UK seats Nigel Farage's Brexit Party has won the most UK seats in the European elections, with 28 of their candidates elected across the country compared to Labour's 10 and the Tories' three. Just under a third of voters backed the Brexit Party while the Conservatives slumped to their lowest share of the vote ever in a national ballot. This pattern fits into a continent-wide trend of traditionally large parties taking a hit, with smaller outfits gaining support. It has resulted in the two large establishment blocs in the European Parliament losing their combined majority under rising populist and liberal support. Labour, as well as the Conservatives, lost ground with the pro-Remain Lib Dems and Greens picking up seats alongside the pro-Brexit Brexit Party. The Lib Dems ended up in second place in the UK, while the Greens managed to top the Conservatives nationally. The Brexit Party gained seats across the country So far, with only Scotland and Northern Ireland yet to declare, the Brexit Party have secured a seat in every region of the UK. Mr Farage's party secured over 35 per cent of the vote in every region but London, the North West and Wales, with its best showing in the North East, where it picked up 38.7 per cent of the vote. This compares to the Lib Dems, Greens and Change UK, who collectively failed to win seats in Wales and the North West. Of the Remain-backing parties, Change UK received by far the worst results, failing to win a single seat. Farage beat his 2014 level Nigel Farage's attempt to win the 2019 European election surpassed his 2014 attempt with Ukip, which is impressive considering the fact that the Brexit Party is only six weeks old. In 2014, Ukip won the European election with 27.5 per cent of the vote. Farage built on this this time round, securing 33.3 per cent of the national vote and 28 seats - four more than his tally five years ago. Story continues The rise of the Brexit Party in the polls was significant, going from around 10 per cent of the vote 40 days ago, to over 30 per cent today. Brexit parties were out-polled those backing Remain The only concern for Mr Farage's party will be the the fact that straightforwardly pro-Brexit parties were out-polled by those who are arguing for a second referendum and a halt to Brexit. The Lib Dems, Greens, Plaid and Change UK - all backers of a second referendum - collectively gained the support of 40.3 per cent of the public in England and Wales, against no-dealers Ukip and the Brexit Party's collective 36.7 per cent. These policies commanded 77 per cent of the vote, against the 23 per cent of the pro-compromise parties of Labour and the Conservatives. As predicted, the lack of a Remain alliance - with the Lib Dems, Greens and Change UK all competing and splitting the pro-European vote - made their job of converting votes into seats even harder. With the vote being read as a proxy for a second referendum, Nigel Farage's does-what-it-says-on-the-tin Brexit Party managed to unite the pro-Brexit vote under one banner, which helped him under the voting system used in the EU election. The D'Hondt system is a list system of voting where multiple MEPs are elected per constituency after each voter has cast a single vote for a party (rather than a specific candidate). The vote share from these party level votes is then used to determine how many MEPs are elected from each party. Our interactive explainer, below, explains how it all works. Brexit debate fires increase in EU election turnout Early indications are that UK turnout in the European election is at its highest level since 2004 - although admittedly this was a low bar to surpass. The previous high for European election turnout in the UK was just 38.5 per cent, hit in 2004. With two regions yet to declare, turnout in England and Wales is estimated at 36.5 per cent - an increase of almost one percentage point on 2014. Turnout across Europe increased significantly, to its highest level for 20 years at 51 per cent. The increased enthusiasm was seen by some commentators as a response to challenges ranging from climate change to the rise of eurosceptic parties. In the rest of the EU, establishment parties suffered At a continent level, the European Union's established centre-Left and centre-Right blocs were forecast to lose their combined majority in the elections. The latest polls indicate that the two large pan-European blocs, the EPP and the S&D, will lose seats under a tide of both populist and liberal support. Respectively, they won 221 and 191 seats in the 2014 election. The loss of their combined majority is likely going to be because of the rise of the liberal Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) and eurosceptic Europe of Nations and Freedom (ENF). These parties are currently forecast to pick up an extra 37 and 34 seats, respectively. The latter of these blocs, the populist-Right ENF, is likely to morph into a new group called European Alliance of People and Nations after the election, under Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. The ALDE and ENF are forecast to make the largest gains in the election, leading experts to warn that the new Parliament could be more fractious with majorities harder to come by. European elections 2019 results and maps: Brexit Party expected to win most UK seats The Brexit Party has won nine of the 10 regions to declare its results in the European elections, claiming 28 of 64 seats in the European Parliament. Nigel Farage's party came top in the North East, North West, East of England, Wales, West Midlands, East Midlands, Yorkshire & Humber, the South West and South East. This came largely at the expense of the Conservative Party. Theresa May's party have lost a huge share of the vote across all regions, so far losing 15 MEP seats to a total of three. The party is in fifth place, with its lowest vote share in a national election since they formed in 1834. In London, the Liberal Democrats - who have performed well in all regions so far declared - topped the poll. They place second, with 21 per cent of the vote and 15 seats. Scotland and Northern Ireland are still to declare. - Follow all the latest European elections news in our liveblog Every region of England and Wales have elected at least one Brexit Party MEP. Mr Farage's party attracted very high shares of the vote in many regions. In the North East they recorded 39 per cent of the vote, while they achieved 38 per cent of the vote in the East of England, West Midlands and East Midlands. This compares to the Lib Dems, Greens and Change UK, who collectively failed to win seats in Wales and the North West. The only concern for Mr Farage's party will be the the fact that straightforwardly pro-Brexit parties were out-polled by those who are arguing for a second referendum and a halt to Brexit. The Lib Dems, Greens, Plaid and Change UK - all backers of a second referendum - collectively gained the support of 40.3 per cent of the public in England and Wales, against no-dealers Ukip and the Brexit Party's collective 36.7 per cent. These policies commanded 77 per cent of the vote, against the 23 per cent of the pro-compromise parties of Labour and the Conservatives. Story continues Who is my MEP? So far, some 64 MEPs have been declared in the UK - and they include some big names. Annunziata Rees-Mogg said her brother Jacob would be "devastated" after the Brexit Party won three European seats in the East Midlands. Ann Widdecombe was another successful Brexit Party candidate, winning one of three seats for the party in the South West. Europe-wide establishment parties expected to lose their majority The Grand Coalition of the centre-right and centre-left in the European Parliament are set lose their 40-year majority, with the two main blocs collectively losing over 80 seats. The European Peoples' Party (EPP) and Socialists & Democrats (S&D) are predicted to suffer heavy losses amidst a surge of both populist and liberal support, with voter turnout at a 25-year high and potentially reaching 51 per cent. In France, Marine Le Pens far-right National Rally party are predicted to take top spot with 23.7 per cent of the vote, against Emmanuel Macron's centrist grouping on 22.5 per cent. Speaking after the initial results were announced, Ms Le Pen said: I see this as a victory for the people, who with pride and dignity have taken back power, and claimed that the President should now dissolve the French parliament. In Germany, Angela Merkels Christian Democratic Union and the centre-left Social Democratic Union could be on course for their worst ever result at European elections, while the Green Party look like the biggest winners grabbing second spot. The German CDU are polling just 28.6 per cent of the vote, down from 38 per cent in 2014 - a result which would be a significant blow to Mrs Merkel. In Europe, the centrist Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (Alde) has announced that it will join forces with Emmanuel Macron's 22 MEPs in the next parliament, which will give the new alliance some 102 of the parliaments 751 seats making it a major player. The liberal bloc has performed strongly in the results, picking up 40 seats, leaving them on a total of 107 and the third largest bloc in the European Parliament. Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the liberals, said: "Europe is back and Europe is popular. We will form and establish a new group of around 100 seats. It will be a crucial group. For the first time in 40 years, the two classical parties will no longer have a majority." Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage (left) celebrates being elected after the European Parliamentary elections count at the Guildhall in Southampton. Nigel Farage has vowed his victorious Brexit Party will stand in a General Election if the UK doesnt leave the EU on October 31. Tweeting after his party trounced both the Conservatives and Labour in the European elections just six weeks after it was formed, Mr Farage wrote: Never before in British politics has a party just 6 weeks old won a national election. If Britain does not leave the EU on October 31st, these results will be repeated at a general election. History has been made. This is just the beginning. He followed that with a tweet warning that the Brexit Party would stun everybody again, then adding that the party will contest all 650 seats across the country at the next general election, writing: I will not stop until the job is done. EU election results: UK after 70 of 73 seats declared. See story POLL Main. Infographic from PA Graphics Mr Farages comments come after his party inflicted a bruising defeat on both the Conservatives, who dropped to just 9% of the vote in England and Wales, and Labour. Prime Minister Theresa May said it was a "very disappointing night" for the Tories, adding that: "It shows the importance of finding a Brexit deal, and I sincerely hope these results focus minds in Parliament." READ MORE Tory leadership race: The runners and riders and where they stand on Brexit Jeremy Corbyn faced calls to change direction following the partys mauling, with speculation that he might back a second referendum, but he said his priority remains a general election. The Labour leader did not rule out another referendum, saying any Brexit deal should be put back to the people and that the UK should not be allowed to "crash out" with no deal. EU elections: state of the parties after all results from England, Scotland and Wales. Infographic from PA Graphics. Mr Corbyn said: "What this party does is supports an agreement with the EU to prevent crashing out, supports putting that proposal when agreed to a public vote." But his position appeared to be at odds with shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer, who said a second referendum is the "only way" to break the Brexit impasse and the public should be given the choice between a "credible leave option and remain". Story continues We will contest all 650 seats across the country at the next general election. I will not stop until the job is done. pic.twitter.com/VZtUsuEivX Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) May 27, 2019 The Conservatives came out with a single-digit share of the vote after all results were in from England and Wales, putting it in fifth place behind the Brexit Party on 33%, Lib Dems on 21%, Labour on 15% and the Greens on 12% . Just three Conservatives were elected in England and Wales and Labours numbers were halved from 20 to 10, while the Brexit Party had 28 seats, beating the 24 MEPs that Mr Farage achieved with his Ukip party in 2014. The Lib Dems, who were reduced to a single MEP in 2014, are on 15 MEPs after their best-ever European results and the Greens also enjoyed a boost, increasing their number of MEPs from three in 2014 to seven. Foreign Secretary and Tory leadership hopeful Jeremy Hunt said the Tories dire results meant the party faced an "existential risk" unless it delivered Brexit. Home Secretary Sajid Javid, another potential contender in the Conservatives leadership race, said the "hugely disappointing" results were a "clear lesson" that the public wants the Government to get on with delivering Brexit. Prominent Brexiteer and MEP Daniel Hannan, who retained his seat in the South East, told the Press Association it was "without question our worst result as a party ever". Brexit Party candidate Anne Widdecombe celebrates victory in the European elections (Picture: PA) The Liberal Democrats attracted Remain-supporting voters from across the political spectrum, including former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell, who confirmed he had voted for the party, and former Tory deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine. Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable said: "Our clear, honest, unambiguous message has won us our best ever European election result, and pushed Corbyn's Labour into third place." He said the results were a message for Labour to "get off the fence" over Brexit. The Green Party finished above the Conservatives for the first time in a national election. * Trade policy to be dominated by environmental concerns * Greens were against EU's trade deals with Japan, Canada By Philip Blenkinsop BRUSSELS, May 27 (Reuters) - The rise of the Greens, the "Greta effect" of a young Swedish climate activist and the entry of French President Emmanuel Macron's party into the European Parliament are likely to result in a more defensive and climate-oriented EU trade policy. Sunday's European election saw the traditional conservative and socialist parties that have long run the European Union lose dozens of seats each. Between them, they can no longer form a majority, making them more reliant to pass European laws on support from liberal and Green blocs that both made gains. The liberal bloc, now third largest in the 751-seat European parliament, has added more than 40 seats, led by 21 members from Macron's new En Marche party, which promised protection for EU business and adherence to the Paris climate accord. The Greens are set to increase their ranks to 69 from 52 seats. "If you look at the results of the vote, you see a wish of Europeans to be protected, a wish that climate change is taken into account and France will continue aggressively to push certain issues to adapt our trade policy," Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, Macron's junior foreign minister, told reporters in Brussels before an EU meeting on trade. Aside from the environment, France is among the strongest advocates of new measures to force China to open up public tenders to foreign companies. The Greens too want the EU to be firm with China. Trade pacts have become a hot political topic during the European Parliament's last five-year term, encompassing debates about issues from food safety to climate change. Since rules were changed in 2009 to give the European Parliament the power to approve trade accords, deals have included more measures to promote sustainable development and a reformed system to settle investor-versus-state disputes. Story continues Even with such changes, the Greens voted against free trade agreements with Canada, Japan and Singapore. They say such deals put the rights of big business ahead of citizens' and workers' rights and focus on deregulation, including financial service liberalization, jeopardizing safety and quality standards for the environment and consumers. GREENS AGAINST U.S. TRADE TALKS Possible future trade agreements include those with Latin American bloc Mercosur, and Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. They may also involve one with post-Brexit Britain and a more limited deal with the United States. The Commission has said a negotiation with Washington, stopping short of a full trade accord, would not warrant extra commitments such as on the environment. The Greens have not been convinced. European Commission Vice-President Jyki Katainen said on Monday he could imagine the Greens joining the conservative EPP, the Social Democrats and the liberal ALDE alliance in a pro-European coalition at the new European parliament. The Greens would surely only do so at a price, while the environmental message has also rubbed off on other parties. Swedish trade minister Ann Linde said her Social Democrats had campaigned on a promise that free trade deals would be struck only with partners who have signed the Paris climate accord and are in favor of a removal of import tariffs on environmental goods. She hoped an environmental push would be a hallmark of the new parliament, inspired in part by 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. "I absolutely hope so. The Greta effect would help us in this," she said. (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop Editing by Peter Graff) * Eurosceptics rose to 23% from 20% at EU parliament vote * Italy's Salvini aims to build common group with 150 lawmakers * Far-right divided on issues from asylum to Russia By Francesco Guarascio BRUSSELS, May 27 (Reuters) - Europe's nationalist forces gained some ground at the European Parliament elections, but face an uphill task to unite behind common goals and lure other parties into disrupting the pro-EU majority's policies. Spearheading that challenge is Italy's Matteo Salvini, whose League party has become the driving eurosceptic force and wants to bring together like-minded parties scattered across several groups in the European Union legislature. The tough-talking deputy prime minister said on Monday he aimed to group 150 lawmakers and had discussed the matter with Marine Le Pen's National Rally in France, Nigel Farage's Brexit Party in Britain and Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Hungary. Provisional results give more than 170 seats, or 23% of the 751-member assembly, to parties that sat in eurosceptic groups in the last parliament. That was up from 20%, but was a smaller gain than some had expected for the far-right and left pro-European parties with a firm majority still. The push for a nationalist bloc is complicated by differences on big issues like asylum and relations with Moscow. At least, though, one of the three groupings in which they are currently divided looks set to disappear. After poor results by most of its members, the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy (EFDD) group - led by the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement - will struggle to reach the threshold of seven national parties necessary to form a group in the EU assembly. In another possible boost to Salvini's plan, Poland's ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS), currently with the mildly eurosceptic European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, said it was ready for talks on an alliance with the League . Story continues PiS has won 23 seats in the new assembly. ORBAN-SALVINI ALLIANCE? Though the number of eurosceptic deputies looks insufficient to block legislation in a chamber that will remain dominated by centrist and liberal forces, the nationalists could punch above their weight on some issues with the right alliances. "There is a risk that some sectors of the EPP (mainstream European People's Party) will be drawn further to the right by the stronger presence of the far right," said Kenneth Haar, researcher at Corporate Europe Observatory, a campaign group. This, he said, would be most likely on issues concerning human rights and democracy. Orban, who with 52% of the Hungarian vote won 13 seats in the EU parliament, is seen as the most likely to quit the EPP, from which his party has already been suspended over concerns on rule of law in Hungary. "If he decides to team up with Salvini and his group, it would send a big signal to the European pro-EU establishment," said Mujtaba Rahman, of Eurasia Group consultancy. Italy's former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, whose Forza Italia party has won eight seats in the EU chamber, has also repeatedly called for the EPP's shift to the right. Vox, Spain's new far-right party, could also side with Salvini's group on some issues. Hampering that, however, are deep divisions among nationalist parties which stopped them mounting a meaningful challenge to pro-EU parties in the past legislature. Nationalists from eastern Europe have for long opposed Italy's calls to share asylum seekers among EU states. Poland's PiS is wary of Salvini and Le Pen's cozy relations with Russia. And on economic policies, eurosceptics have widely differing views, with Salvini's calls for more flexibility on fiscal rules being met with coldness by his Austrian allies of the far-right FPO. Eurosceptics' rise is also partly due to the success of Farage's Brexit Party, which with 29 seats is the largest in the new parliament. But it is likely to only be a temporary gain, as British deputies will have to quit once Britain leaves the EU on Oct. 31, unless a new extension is granted. Nationalists may however find improbable allies on specific issues, said Guntram Wolff, director of the Brussels-based think tank Bruegel. They could for instance end up siding with the leftists and the strengthened Greens on opposing new trade deals. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio; Additional reporting by Krisztina Than in Budapest; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) By Francesco Guarascio BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Europe's nationalist forces gained some ground at the European Parliament elections, but face an uphill task to unite behind common goals and lure other parties into disrupting the pro-EU majority's policies. Spearheading that challenge is Italy's Matteo Salvini, whose League party has become the driving eurosceptic force and wants to bring together like-minded parties scattered across several groups in the European Union legislature. The tough-talking deputy prime minister said on Monday he aimed to group 150 lawmakers and had discussed the matter with Marine Le Pen's National Rally in France, Nigel Farage's Brexit Party in Britain and Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Hungary. Provisional results give more than 170 seats, or 23% of the 751-member assembly, to parties that sat in eurosceptic groups in the last parliament. That was up from 20%, but was a smaller gain than some had expected for the far-right and left pro-European parties with a firm majority still. The push for a nationalist bloc is complicated by differences on big issues like asylum and relations with Moscow. At least, though, one of the three groupings in which they are currently divided looks set to disappear. After poor results by most of its members, the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy (EFDD) group - led by the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement - will struggle to reach the threshold of seven national parties necessary to form a group in the EU assembly. In another possible boost to Salvini's plan, Poland's ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS), currently with the mildly eurosceptic European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, said it was ready for talks on an alliance with the League. PiS has won 23 seats in the new assembly. ORBAN-SALVINI ALLIANCE? Though the number of eurosceptic deputies looks insufficient to block legislation in a chamber that will remain dominated by centrist and liberal forces, the nationalists could punch above their weight on some issues with the right alliances. "There is a risk that some sectors of the EPP (mainstream European People's Party) will be drawn further to the right by the stronger presence of the far right," said Kenneth Haar, researcher at Corporate Europe Observatory, a campaign group. This, he said, would be most likely on issues concerning human rights and democracy. Orban, who with 52% of the Hungarian vote won 13 seats in the EU parliament, is seen as the most likely to quit the EPP, from which his party has already been suspended over concerns on rule of law in Hungary. "If he decides to team up with Salvini and his group, it would send a big signal to the European pro-EU establishment," said Mujtaba Rahman, of Eurasia Group consultancy. Italy's former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, whose Forza Italia party has won eight seats in the EU chamber, has also repeatedly called for the EPP's shift to the right. Vox, Spain's new far-right party, could also side with Salvini's group on some issues. Hampering that, however, are deep divisions among nationalist parties which stopped them mounting a meaningful challenge to pro-EU parties in the past legislature. Nationalists from eastern Europe have for long opposed Italy's calls to share asylum seekers among EU states. Poland's PiS is wary of Salvini and Le Pen's cozy relations with Russia. And on economic policies, eurosceptics have widely differing views, with Salvini's calls for more flexibility on fiscal rules being met with coldness by his Austrian allies of the far-right FPO. Eurosceptics' rise is also partly due to the success of Farage's Brexit Party, which with 29 seats is the largest in the new parliament. But it is likely to only be a temporary gain, as British deputies will have to quit once Britain leaves the EU on Oct. 31, unless a new extension is granted. Nationalists may however find improbable allies on specific issues, said Guntram Wolff, director of the Brussels-based think tank Bruegel. They could for instance end up siding with the leftists and the strengthened Greens on opposing new trade deals. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio; Additional reporting by Krisztina Than in Budapest; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) ADDIS ABABA, May 27 (Reuters) - Somali security personnel have arrested the former head of an Ethiopian prison notorious for torture and handed him back across the border, a regional official said on Monday. The government of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed fired Hassan Ismail and other senior officials at the so-called "Jail Ogaden" last year after accusing them of rights abuses. On the run since then, Hassan was caught in the Puntland region of neighboring Somalia and handed over to Ethiopian custody, said Mohamed Olad, spokesman for Ethiopia's Somali region. "He was arrested on suspicion of abuses of prisoners," Mohamed said by phone. "The crimes include torture, sleep, and food deprivation, as well as rape." New York-based Human Rights Watch said in July last year, just before the prison was closed, that inmates were systematically abused for years. Neither Hassan nor any representatives could be reached for comment on the accusations. Ethiopia's government had fought Ogaden National Liberation Front secessionists for three decades in the Somali region, before the group declared a unilateral ceasefire in August. (Reporting by Dawit Endeshaw; Writing by George Obulutsa; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) Ottawa (AFP) - Two former ministers whose public clash with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could scuttle his Liberals' re-election announced Monday they will run as independents in the October ballot. And they called on other lawmakers and candidates dissatisfied with the political party system to follow their lead. Jody Wilson-Raybould, who was Canada's first indigenous justice minister, and Jane Philpott, who held three key posts in Trudeau's government, said they hope to continue representing their current electoral districts in Vancouver and Markham, Ontario, respectively. "We sometimes hear that politics is a team sport, that politics is also a blood sport," Wilson-Raybould told a press conference in Vancouver. "I do believe in the importance of a strong team," she said. "But I'm not sure that there has to be any blood involved. And it is far too serious a business to call it a sport. After all, it is the lives of people and our future that is at stake." Rather, she urged more nonpartisanship and increased cooperation in the 338-seat parliament. "I hope others will say, 'You know, none of these parties fit me, I can't fit myself into these boxes but I think I can represent my community,'" echoed Philpott at a concurrent event in Markham. "We need independent voices who will work with (others) to solve the big problems of our time," she said. Trudeau kicked both of them out of the Liberal Party in April after a bitter feud over Wilson-Raybould's accusations that the prime minister's inner circle had pressured her to prevent a corruption trial of engineering giant SNC-Lavalin, but not before the scandal severely hurt his re-election hopes. Philpott had also criticized Trudeau's handling of the affair. The Liberals are now trailing the opposition Conservatives by six percentage points, according to an average of recent polls. Wilson-Raybould and Philpott rejected overtures to join the Green Party, but said they will make climate change a centerpiece of their respective platforms -- which coincidentally the Liberals will likely do too. By Allison Martell MARKHAM, Ontario, May 27 (Reuters) - Two former ministers who quit Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government this year over his handling of a scandal said on Monday they would run as independents in an election this October. Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott resigned amid allegations that senior Trudeau officials tried to interfere in a corporate corruption case by leaning on Wilson-Raybould when she was justice minister. Trudeau, facing the biggest crisis of his tenure, later kicked them out of the ruling Liberal caucus, citing their lack of support. Both women, speaking at separate events, said they would press for more openness in Ottawa and also stressed the importance of fighting climate change. They face serious challenges. Canadian politics is dominated by the major parties and very few legislators are elected as independents, in part because they lack resources to raise funds and campaign. That said, if one or both of them succeed, they could have some influence. Polls indicate the result of the election might well be a minority government, which means the prime minister will need the support of legislators from outside his party to govern. "In the right circumstances of course I would support a minority government in the broad sense," Philpott said after making her announcement in Markham, a town north of Toronto. Philpott only just won her parliamentary constituency for the Liberals in the 2015 election that brought Trudeau to power and on paper the official opposition Conservatives would look to be favorites for her seat. Wilson-Raybould pulled off a much more comfortable victory in British Columbia and looks to have the better chance. She told reporters she would "work with whichever government is in power as well as with all members of parliament, no matter their political stripe, for the betterment ... of our country." (Reporting by Allison Martell and David Ljunggren, Writing by David Ljunggren Editing by Phil Berlowitz) * Assad, Russia waging "bone-breaking" attack -opposition official * Sees Assad advance to Turkish border if defensive lines broken * Situation in Idlib city calm as fighting rages to the south * Turkey should defend positions, surrounding areas -official By Khalil Ashawi IDLIB CITY, Syria, May 27 (Reuters) - Russian-backed Syrian government forces will be able to advance all the way to the Turkish border if they pierce rebel defenses in the northwest, a top opposition official said, urging Turkey to do more to shield the area from a major attack. The month-long onslaught is the most serious escalation of the war between President Bashar al-Assad and his enemies since last summer. Syrian government air strikes and barrel bombing backed by Russian air power have uprooted around 250,000 people in the territory, the last significant rebel stronghold. Fawaz Hilal, head of the "Salvation Government" that runs Idlib province, expressed confidence that opposition fighters gathered in the Idlib region from all over Syria would be able resist the onslaught. "This ferocious attack is a bone-breaking battle. If the regime is able to break our defensive lines in northern Hama and southern Idlib it will not stop until it reaches the borders," Hilal told Reuters in an interview. His government, backed by the powerful Tahrir al-Sham jihadist group, had called on its employees to help shoulder the "military burden" through building sandbag defenses, manning front lines, financial support or any other help. "We are all concerned with repelling this attack," he said. The bombardment has killed 229 civilians and injured 727 since April 28, according to The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organisations (UOSSM), a U.S.-based medical NGO. Hilal spoke at his office in Idlib city, the provincial capital where life has continued as normal as the offensive has mostly targeted front-line areas to the south. Story continues "We are optimistic despite this military campaign. If we weren't, we would not be here today," Hilal said. The streets are busy with cars and pedestrians, and before sunset street vendors come out in large numbers to sell food to Muslims observing the daytime fasting for Ramadan. Hilal noted Idlib's defenses had been boosted by rebels forced from other parts of Syria such as Ghouta, Homs and Deraa when Assad took their towns and villages. "Those lads have great combat doctrine," he said. Tahrir al-Sham is the most powerful insurgent group in the region. It was formerly known as the Nusra Front, al Qaeda's Syrian wing, until it broke away and renamed itself in 2016. The United Nations designates it a terrorist group. Other rebels taking part in the defense of the area include Turkey-backed groups. Senior opposition and rebel sources said on Saturday Turkey had sent fresh supplies of weaponry to these groups to help them repel the assault. URGING TURKISH ACTION Turkey has been working with Russia for several years to de-escalate or contain Syria's conflict in the northwest. One of its aims is to avoid another refugee influx: Turkey already hosts 3.6 million Syrians. But many of those recently displaced are sheltering at the border calling on Turkey to open the frontier. Much of the recent shelling has hit an area that was declared a demilitarized "buffer zone" last year by Russia and Turkey. Under the agreement, heavy weapons and jihadists were supposed to leave the zone. The Syrian government says it is responding to Nusra Front violations and attacks on government-held areas. Turkey has a dozen military bases in the Idlib region, also established in agreement with Russia. One of these was hit earlier this month in shelling from Syrian government-held territory, with two Turkish soldiers wounded. Hilal said the Turkish positions had been allowed to be established in the hope their presence would provide protection for the people. "But the reality says that these positions are not able to protect themselves today," he said. "We hope that the Turkish side will ... defend these positions they set up and the areas they entered and prevent Russian and Syrian jets from flying in the areas where they are present, and the shelling of surrounding areas," he said. "When these positions and the areas around them are shelled with Turkish soldiers wounded it raises a number of question marks," he said, adding that Ankara should clarify "their role and what they want from these positions." (Writing by Tom Perry in Beirut Editing by Mark Heinrich) By Emma Thomasson BERLIN (Reuters) - IKEA is launching a new app to allow customers to shop remotely for products they can visualize in the context of their own homes, lessening the need for them to travel to its vast network of self-service, out-of-town stores. The world's biggest furniture retailer is shifting its business model away from pushing customers through its suburban stores toward making shopping easier online, and downtown. "It is a completely new experience," Barbara Martin Coppola, chief digital officer at IKEA, told Reuters in an interview. "The app is combined with the store experience, with the online experience." The app will be launched first in France and the Netherlands and will be rolled out in IKEA'S top eight markets - including Germany, the United States and China - by the end of the year. It will allow users to visualize how their homes could be furnished with IKEA products by inputting room dimensions and choosing from different tastes and life stages. They can then order those products through the app. IKEA originally launched an augmented reality app in 2017 which allowed customers to see how more than 2,000 items would fit into their homes, but they could not shop from it. IKEA's main app carries its full range but products are still displayed in isolation, and customers can only add items to a shopping list for use during a store visit. Remote shopping can only be done through the IKEA website. Fast-growing British online furniture retailer Made.com last month launched a new interior design service for a fee, which uses artificial intelligence to recommend products and 3D technology to show what the furnished room will look like. Other players experimenting with augmented reality include Williams-Sonoma, which bought 3D imaging firm Outward in 2017, and U.S. startup Modsy, which raised $37 million this month to expand in 360-degree room and furniture imaging. IKEA's new app will complement the group's move to trial smaller downtown stores with a narrower range, like the one it opened in the heart of Paris earlier this month. Story continues "People who go to the stores might want to access the full range of IKEA, and that is when digital innovations come in handy," Martin Coppola said on the sidelines of the World Retail Congress earlier this month. The app will allow shoppers to point their phone at a chair to see other textures or colors, or to see it in the context of a room or alongside similar products in the same range. IKEA has stepped up efforts to respond to the rise of e-commerce since Jesper Brodin took over in 2017 as chief executive of the Ingka Group, which owns most IKEA stores. IKEA has been trialing city-center formats including a dedicated kitchen showroom in Stockholm, a London store offering personalized planning for home renovations, and one for living room furniture in Madrid. As e-commerce grows, Martin Coppola said IKEA might reconfigure its out-of-town sites, incorporating what it is learning from its downtown pilot stores and possibly using more of the space as dedicated warehouses to prepare online orders. Meanwhile, Made.com is ramping up its offline presence as it expands in Europe. It launched a pop-up showroom in Stockholm this month just a block away from IKEA's kitchen store, and is displaying plush armchairs in Amsterdam's Schiphol airport. "We are in discussions with other airports," Chief Executive Philippe Chainieux told Reuters. "Every single customer journey starts online and ends online but they still need to have the capacity to touch and feel." Made.com is also being creative with the eight showrooms it already operates, such as offering online customers the opportunity to connect with a store manager by webcam so they can see a piece of furniture from all angles. (Reporting by Emma Thomasson, additional reporting by Anna Ringstrom in Stockholm; Editing by Jan Harvey) The Sylvester. | Photo: John D./Yelp Ready to find out about the newest restaurant and retail additions to Miami? From a New American spot to a hookah bar, read on for the newest hot spots to arrive near you. La Estacion American Brasserie PHOTO: LA ESTACION AMERICAN BRASSERIE/YELP La Estacion American Brasserie is a downtown brasserie and New American spot, that recently opened at 600 N.W. First Ave. Burgers, barbecue ribs, soups, salads and some Japanese fare are on offer at La Estacion American Brasserie. But this spot prides itself on delivering "American classics with a French twist," as stated on the business's Facebook page. On the menu, expect to see items like steak frites, a frisee and poached egg salad, homemade falafel sliders and smoked fish dip with crostini. (Check out the opening menu here.) The Sylvester PHOTO: THE SYLVESTER/YELP Head over to 3456 N. Miami Ave. and you'll find The Sylvester, a new cocktail bar, offering coffee and more. You'll find quirk artwork on the walls, games like Jenga, a coffee station and even a piano inside this spot, note Yelpers. Expect fun, innovative drinks like the "Flamingo Hotel" and "Carrot Cake Colada," as well as unique twists on favorites like gimlets, mules and Negronis. The food menu features items like smoked white fish, grilled cheese and charcuterie. The Hookah Lab Photo: THE HOOKAH LAB/Yelp A new addition to Brickell, The Hookah Lab is a hookah bar that's located at 31 S.E. Sixth St. This pop-up lounge offers a high-end experience and a solid selection of Shisha tobacco flavors, ranging from Turkish to American Tangiers. Grab some friends and make it into an evening with food and wine from nearby Friend's Market & Bistro. 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. The rocks date from 3.3 billion years ago (Getty) Extraterrestrial organic matter has been found in volcanic sediment in South Africa, dating from 3.3 billion years ago. The traces of carbon could come from ancient meteorites which hit our planet, and are thought to be the oldest extraterrestrial organic matter ever found. The find doesnt prove that aliens visted our planet but it lends weight to the idea that the building blocks of life may have arrived in rocks from space. Frances Westall from the CNRS Centre for Molecular Biophysics said, This is the very first time that we have found actual evidence for extraterrestrial carbon in terrestrial rocks. The organic matter from the carbon-rich meteorites must have been raining down at quite a high rate. READ MORE Nigel Farage vows to stand in general election after European election victory Westall and her team found a 2mm thick rock layer with anomalous signals in South Africas Makhonjwa Mountains. The researchers found signals suggesting the presence of carbon, and of nanoparticles of nickel, chromium and iron, commonly found in meteorites. The researchers say that the presence of both is puzzling. The researchers write, It is difficult to envisage a single impact event preserving both organic matter and spinel particles in such a thin sedimentary layer. On the one hand, hydrogenated organic matter can survive only if the temperature of the falling matter does not exceed a few hundred degrees. On the other hand, cosmic spinels are formed by a high degree of melting of the object, as it falls towards the Earths surface. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK LONDON (Reuters) - Nigel Farage's Brexit Party romped to victory in the European Parliament election, with both Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party losing support across the country. WHAT DO THE PRELIMINARY RESULTS SHOW? The Brexit Party came out on top and smaller pro-European Union parties also gained ground, while the Conservatives and Labour hemorrhaged votes to parties that took unequivocal positions for or against Brexit. WHO GETS ELECTED? The United Kingdom is divided into 12 electoral regions - nine in England, and one each for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In total it will elect 73 MEPs (Members of the European Parliament). WHAT SYSTEM IS USED? In Britain, parties submit a list of candidates for each region and voters select a party rather than an individual candidate, unless they are backing an independent. As the seats are allocated to a party, they in turn allocate them to candidates starting from the top of their list. In Northern Ireland, as votes are counted the candidate with the least votes in eliminated and their votes redistributed. This is repeated until there are only the required number of candidates left for the number of seats available. ISN'T THE UK LEAVING THE EU? Britain is taking part in the elections because it delayed the date of its exit from the EU, but its MEPs will leave the parliament when Brexit happens. Sources: UK Electoral Commission, European Parliament, regional election officials (Writing by Guy Faulconbridge and Kate Holton; Editing by Catherine Evans) (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced she will quit next month, triggering a contest that will bring a new leader to power who is likely to push for a cleaner break with the European Union. Below are Conservatives who have either said they are putting themselves forward or are widely expected to run for the leadership, and what they have said about Brexit: Announced they are running: BORIS JOHNSON, 54 The face of the official campaign to leave the European Union, Johnson resigned as foreign minister in July in protest at May's handling of the exit negotiations. Johnson set out his pitch to the membership in a speech at the party's annual conference in October - some members queued for hours to get a seat. He called on the party to return to its traditional values of low tax and strong policing. On Brexit, Johnson used a newspaper column in April to argue for a "standstill arrangement a managed no deal that would give us time to negotiate an FTA (Free Trade Arrangement) and to solve the issues raised in Northern Ireland." On Friday he said: "We will leave the EU on October 31, deal or no deal" adding that a second referendum on EU membership would be a "very bad idea" and divisive. He is the bookmakers' favorite to succeed May. DOMINIC RAAB, 45 Raab quit as Mays Brexit minister last year in protest at her draft exit agreement saying it did not match the promises the Conservative Party made in the 2017 election. Raab served only five months as head of the Brexit department. He had held junior ministerial roles since being elected in 2010. Raab, a black belt in karate, campaigned for Brexit. On Brexit, Raab told the BBC on Sunday that he plans to seek a "fairer deal" with Brussels, including renegotiating the customs and border plans relating to Northern Ireland. He also said he would not delay Brexit beyond October however, and was prepared to leave without a deal. Raab said he expected that if Britain left without a deal, it would likely get to keep around 25 billion pounds of its 39 billion pound exit payment, and the government could use that money to support businesses through Brexit. MICHAEL GOVE, 51 Gove, one of the highest-profile Brexit campaigners during the 2016 referendum, has had to rebuild his cabinet career after falling early to May in the contest to replace David Cameron, who resigned the day after losing the referendum. Seen as one of the most effective members of cabinet in bringing forward new policies, the high-energy environment minister has become a surprise ally to May and has backed her Brexit strategy. He teamed up with Johnson during the 2016 Brexit campaign only to scupper Johnsons subsequent leadership bid by withdrawing his support at the last moment to run himself. Gove said on Sunday he believed he could unite the party and deliver Brexit, but did not set out what his plans were. JEREMY HUNT, 52 Hunt replaced Johnson as foreign minister in July and has urged the Conservative membership to set aside their differences over Brexit and unite against a common foe - the EU. Hunt voted to remain in the EU in the referendum. He served six years as Britains health minister, a role that has made him unpopular with many voters who work in or rely on the state-run, financially stretched National Health Service. On Brexit, Hunt told the Sunday Times: "We can never take no deal off the table but the best way of avoiding it is to make sure you have someone who is capable of negotiating a deal." At a lunch with journalists last month, he said: "I would always prefer to leave with a deal because I think there will be disruption without a deal ... it would potentially be very significant and that is something I think anyone sensible would wish to avoid." But added: "If there was a binary choice between no deal or no Brexit, I would choose no deal because I think the democratic risk of no Brexit ultimately is higher than the economic risk of no deal." SAJID JAVID, 49 Javid, a former banker and a champion of free markets, has served a number of cabinet roles and scores consistently well in polls of party members. A second-generation immigrant of Pakistani heritage, he has a portrait of late Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher on his office wall. Javid voted "Remain" in the 2016 referendum but was previously considered a eurosceptic. He has not said whether he plans to run but is considered to have been setting out his stall in speeches and media interviews. In announcing his leadership bid, Javid said: "I'm standing to be the next leader of (the) Conservatives and Prime Minister of our great country. "We need to restore trust, bring unity and create new opportunities across the UK. First and foremost, we must deliver Brexit." Earlier, in response to a disastrous showing for the Conservatives in elections to the European Parliament, Javid also said the results showed that "people want us to get on with it. Not another election or referendum asking if changed their mind". This month Javid said there was little to fear from a so-called no deal Brexit. "You see, whatever the outcome of the EU exit, the UK will still have the capacity and the capability to protect itself," he said in a speech on security on May 20. RORY STEWART, 46 A former diplomat who once walked 6,000 miles across Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nepal, Stewart was promoted to International Development Secretary this month. Educated at the exclusive Eton College, Stewart was first elected to parliament in 2010 and backed remaining in the EU in the 2016 referendum. He opposes a "no deal" exit and has been a vocal advocate of May's deal with Brussels. On Brexit, he told Sky News on Sunday that he favored a "pragmatic, moderate Brexit". He said he would not seek to change the Withdrawal Agreement which has been rejected by parliament three times and said anyone who said they could do so by October was "deluding themselves or deluding the country". "We have a deal negotiated with the European Union on the Withdrawal Agreement. What I would be doing in parliament and with the British people is sorting out that political declaration and landing it so we can get out and move on." ANDREA LEADSOM, 56 A pro-Brexit campaigner, Leadsom made it to the last two in the 2016 contest to replace Cameron. She withdrew after a backlash to an interview in which she said being a mother gave her more of a stake in the future of the country than May. Leadsom quit as Leader of the House of Commons earlier this month, saying she did not believe the government's approach would deliver on the Brexit referendum result. On Brexit, she told the Sunday Times she would put significant effort into encouraging the EU to come up with a "deal that we can all live with" but also said Britain had to leave by the end of October, with or without a deal. MATT HANCOCK, 40 Health minister Hancock, a former economist at the Bank of England, supported "Remain" in 2016. First elected to parliament in 2010, he has held several ministerial roles. On Brexit, he told BBC Radio that leaving without a deal was not an option as parliament would not allow it. He said he was open to renegotiate May's deal with the EU but would focus on getting a Brexit deal through parliament. "There is no point in becoming prime minister at this moment unless I am completely straight forward about the trade offs that exist and the realities of it. The trade offs between sovereignty and market access, the trade offs required to get a deal through this parliament," he said. ESTHER MCVEY, 51 The pro-Brexit former television presenter, who resigned as work and pensions minister in November in protest at May's exit deal with the EU, said on Sunday Britain has to leave on Oct. 31 and "if that means without a deal, then that is what it means." She told Sky News: "We won't be asking for any more extensions, that is part of the corrosive uncertainty that individuals, business and the country dont want." "We need to make sure we are ready to leave on that date. If the EU wants to come to us, the door is open, if they want to have a better deal that is fine, we have always wanted a free trade agreement but what we have got to do is not waste time, time is limited, we have to make sure that we are ready to leave." Expected to run: PENNY MORDAUNT, 46 Mordaunt is one of the last remaining pro-Brexit members of May's cabinet. She became Britain's first female defense secretary this month. A Royal Navy reservist, Mordaunt was previously international development minister. Many had expected her to join the wave of resignations that followed the publication of Mays draft withdrawal deal. GRAHAM BRADY, 51 Brady resigned as chair of the influential 1922 Committee of Conservative lawmakers on Friday because he was considering running for the leadership, the BBC reported. The 1922 Committee oversees the leadership contest. KIT MALTHOUSE, 52 A former deputy mayor of London, Malthouse became a Member of Parliament in 2015. He is a junior housing minister and helped author the so-called Malthouse Compromise plan to replace the unpopular Irish backstop in Britain's EU exit deal with alternative arrangements to avoid a hard border. The Sun newspaper reported he was setting up a campaign team. JAMES CLEVERLY, 49 Cleverly became a junior Brexit minister last month, having previously been deputy chair of the Conservative Party. He worked in publishing before being elected to parliament in 2015. The Sun reported he was planning to run for leader. (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan, William James and Elizabeth Piper; Editing by Hugh Lawson) Brussels (AFP) - Despite gains in European elections, far-right nationalists and eurosceptics are disunited and will have difficulty in mounting a coherent anti-EU opposition over the next five years, analysts say. Between them, the various populists, eurosceptic and right-wing parties won more than 150 seats, with the parties of France's Marine Le Pen and Italy's Matteo Salvini earning the biggest results in their respective countries. If they were to act as one, the far right could stand as the second or third biggest force in parliament, but for now they are a disparate group, whose political lines are often in contradiction. This will come as a sore disappointment to Le Pen and Salvini who have yearned -- along with Donald Trump strategist Steve Bannon -- for a far-right reawakening in Europe. But given recent history, chances are small that the far right forces will consolidate into a force of consequence within parliament over the next five-year session. "The far right won't be large enough to block legislation... And considering their disunity, you are always going to need one of the big parties to get anything done," said Pelle Christy of Euraffex, a consultancy in Brussels. One obvious problem sets Matteo Salvini against Viktor Orban, the prime minister of Hungary whose ruling Fidesz party will command 13 MEPs and would be a huge prize in building a powerful group. Salvini's success is largely based a promise to make sure that the migrants landing in Italy from northern Africa can quickly be sent on to other EU states, a notion Orban categorically rejects. - 'No single party' - The political kaleidescope that makes up the right-wing in Europe is filled with such contradictions as well as long-running feuds that make potential alliances impossible or highly volatile. In 2014, the Brexit party's Nigel Farage rejected any tie-up with Marine Le Pen's French nationalists, condemning what he sees as her party's blind eye to anti-Semitism. Story continues The hard-right eurosceptic ruling party in Poland -- PiS -- has also shunned Le Pen over her pro-Russian stance, while Orban has similarly spurned her advances. "I don't believe in a single party for the far right," said Jean-Yves Camus, a specialist on political extremism at the Jean Jaures Foundation in Paris. "The lines are too divergent and (Le Pen) triggers too much suspicion to certain partners," he said. Steven Blockmans of the Centre for European Policy Studies wrote in an analyst's note: "Arguably there are too many diverging national interests, radically different economic and social policies, as well as diametrically opposing views on Russia, that stand in the way of forming and maintaining a coherent European parliamentary group on other topics than anti-immigration." Another big question is what commitment nationalists will make on policy-making once at European Parliament with extremists having a reputation of making headlines, but with little follow up. Strasbourg observers widely agree that the interest in EU politics by far right MEPs has been lukewarm, beyond making noise on topics such as Brexit or immigration, where parliament's actual influence is weak. "Le Pen's National Front MEPs elected in 2014 never blocked much, even though they were even more numerous. It's barely a power of nuisance," said Sebastien Maillard of the Delors Institute. This may keep Orban's Fidesz party within the political establishment's EPP group, the family of German Chancellor Angela Merkel that is torn on whether to keep ties with the firebrand leader. "Orban will do everything to stay within the EPP and stoke divisions within the group" where the prime minister's virulent anti-migration rhetoric has its supporters, said political analysts Marc Lazar. Given his huge score domestically, Orban "has absolutely no interest" in getting involved with Salvini and Le Pen, added Camus. Ania Skrzypek of the Foundation of European Progressive Studies cautioned that despite a lack of legislative firepower, the far right and eurosceptics remained the dominant force in parts of eastern and central Europe. After generations behind the Iron Curtain, eastern Europe is again at "risk of isolation" within the EU, she said. The real question is how the far-right vote -- and a more fragmented parliament -- will influence the other institutions, especially if Salvini forces a hard right-winger to join the commission, the EU's executive arm. After Sunday's result, what programme will the next commission still have an appetite for, she wondered. bur-arp/dc/spm MILAN (Reuters) - It could take more than one year for Fiat Chrysler and Renault to finalize a proposed merger of the two companies, FCA group's chief executive told employees on Monday in a letter seen by Reuters. Fiat Chrysler has made a "transformative" merger proposal to its French rival, the Italian-American carmaker said earlier on Monday, in a deal that would create a new third-ranked global manufacturer. "If this merger proceeds, the creation of a new company could require more than a year," Mike Manley said. (Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari; editing Francesca Landini) Photo: iStock Looking for the right time to visit New York City, but hoping to skip the typical Big Apple tourist scene in favor of a more local experience? The Governors Ball Music Festival is right around the corner, and might have exactly what you're looking for. Started by local music lovers eight years ago, it features 60-plus artists of all genres, plus a selection of the best eats in town, street artists from around the city, interactive games and activities and more. What better way to experience the music, art and culture at the heart of NYC? Thankfully, there are plenty of regular, relatively inexpensive flights between Chicago and New York City. We pulled from travel site Skyscanner to provide you with a short list of flights and hotels handpicked for the occasion. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in the articles may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Flight deals to New York City Currently, the cheapest flights between Chicago and New York City are if you leave on May 31 and return from New York on June 4. Spirit Airlines currently has roundtrip tickets for $156. There are also deals to be had earlier in May. If you fly out of Chicago on May 30 and return from New York City on June 3, Spirit Airlines can get you there and back for $157 roundtrip. Top New York City hotels To plan your accommodations, here are some of New York Citys top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction. The Standard, High Line (848 Washington St.) Photo: Trip by Skyscanner If you're looking to splurge on top quality, consider The Standard, High Line. The hotel has a 4.4-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $275. All 338 rooms have ground-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views that include the Hudson River, the High Line or the city skyline. It is within close proximity to the west side highway, Javits Center, SoHo and the Financial District. Story continues The Dream Downtown (355 W. 16th St.) Photo: Trip by Skyscanner There's also the 4.5-star rated The Dream Downtown. Rooms are currently set at $204/night. It's stuated between the thriving Meatpacking District and Chelsea. Ace Hotel New York (20 W. 29th St.) Photo: Trip by Skyscanner If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, try Ace Hotel New York. The 4.3-star hotel has rooms for $84/night. It's within walking distance of many popular destinations like Times Square, the Empire State Building, Macy's and the Broadway theaters. And it's close to the old Tin Pan Alley. Top picks for dining and drinking New York City has plenty of top-notch dining options. Here are a few of the most popular, according to Skyscanner. Levain Bakery (167 W. 74th St.) Photo: Trip by Skyscanner Let's start with the essentials: where to satisfy your sweet tooth. For a popular option, check out Levain Bakery, which has an average of 4.8 stars out of 42 reviews on Skyscanner. The menu includes an inventive array of rustic breads and other creative takes on traditional baked goods and cookies. The Meatball Shop (84 Stanton St.) Photo: Trip by Skyscanner One of New York City's most popular restaurants is The Meatball Shop, with 4.6 stars from 49 reviews. "It was the best meatballs I have ever had," wrote reviewer ABelle. Red Rooster (310 Lenox Ave.) Photo: Trip by Skyscanner Also worth considering is Red Rooster. The menu reflects the roots of American cuisine while celebrating local farmers and artisanal food makers. The Red Rooster features a takeout market, bar and restaurant. "The attention to detail in every part of this dining experience really made it a standout that we'll remember," wrote John349. Dominique Ansel Bakery (189 Spring St.) Photo: Trip by Skyscanner Finally, there's Dominique Ansel Bakery. "A visit to New York meant that we had to visit the bakery that started the cronut craze," wrote Trina. "Their cronut flavors rotate monthly and they never feature the same flavor twice." Featured local attractions Not sure what to do in New York City, besides eat and drink? Here are a few recommendations, provided by Skyscanner. The Brooklyn Bridge Park (334 Furman St.) Photo: Trip by Skyscanner First up is The Brooklyn Bridge Park. The park is located beside the Brooklyn bridge and offers an amazing view of the entire city. It is a great place for a tourist to stop and take a quick lunch break while absorbing the skyline of Manhattan. It is a highly recommended spot to watch the sun go down over the city. "The walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, whether you're walking from Brooklyn to Manhattan or vice versa, is one of the most iconic walks New York City has to offer," wrote visitor Gary. The High Line Park Photo: Trip by Skyscanner Then, there's The High Line Park. This re-purposing of the old railroad line running through the Meatpacking District of Manhattan has become an outdoor favorite for locals and tourists alike. With wood-planked floors and landscaping, the High Line is a great place to escape the craziness of the city and enjoy a few quiet moments. "The most fun place I have found to walk in the city yet," wrote visitor Lars. "Starting in spring they offered great tours. Every time I go there are even more things blooming. The views are amazing and ever-changing. There is a lot of great art along the high line to enjoy and photo ops are endless." The Statue of Liberty Photo: Trip by Skyscanner Lastly, spend some time at The Statue of Liberty. A symbol of the country's possibilities, the Statue of Liberty National Monument includes nearby Ellis Island, where many European immigrants started on their journey of becoming Americans. This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Photo: iStock Looking for the right time to visit New York City, but hoping to skip the typical Big Apple tourist scene in favor of a more local experience? The Governors Ball Music Festival is right around the corner, and might have exactly what you're looking for. Started by local music lovers eight years ago, it features 60-plus artists of all genres, plus a selection of the best eats in town, street artists from around the city, interactive games and activities, and more. What better way to experience the music, art and culture at the heart of NYC? Its more doable than you think. According to travel site Skyscanner, there are plenty of flights from San Francisco to New York City in that time frame, and the prices aren't too shabby. So if you're looking for a change of scenery, here are some deals to put on your to-do list. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in the articles may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Cheapest New York City flights The cheapest flights between San Francisco and New York City are if you leave on May 30 and return from New York on June 3. Frontier Airlines currently has tickets for $292, roundtrip. There are also deals to be had later in May. If you fly out of San Francisco on May 31 and return from New York City on June 3, Frontier Airlines can get you there and back for $304 roundtrip. Top New York City accommodations To plan your accommodations, here are some of New York Citys top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction. The Standard, High Line (848 Washington St.) Photo: Trip by Skyscanner If you're looking to treat yourself, consider The Standard, High Line. The hotel has a 4.4-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $275. All 338 rooms have ground-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views that include the Hudson River, the High Line or the city skyline. It is within close proximity to the west side highway, Javits Center, SoHo and the Financial District. Story continues The Dream Downtown (355 W. 16th St.) Photo: Trip by Skyscanner There's also the 4.5-star-rated The Dream Downtown. Rooms are currently set at $204/night. Situated between the thriving Meatpacking District and Chelsea, the Dream Downtown is the latest addition to the Vikram Chatwal Hotel portfolio. This luxury property features 315 loft-inspired rooms and a rooftop lounge with city views. Ace Hotel New York (20 W. 29th St.) If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, try Ace Hotel New York. The 4.3-star hotel has rooms for $84/night. The 12-story boutique hotel is within walking distance of many popular destinations like Times Square, the Empire State Building, Macy's and the Broadway theaters. Featured New York City restaurants If you're looking for a popular spot to grab a bite, New York City has plenty of excellent eateries to choose from. Here are a few from Skyscanner's listings to help you get started. Levain Bakery (167 W. 74th St.) Photo: Trip by Skyscanner First things first: where to satisfy your sweet tooth. For a popular option, check out Levain Bakery, which has an average of 4.8 stars out of 42 reviews on Skyscanner. The bakery boasts a steady stream of community regulars and tourists loyal to its diverse assortment of freshly baked products. The menu includes an inventive array of rustic breads and other equally creative takes on traditional baked goods. The Meatball Shop (84 Stanton St.) Photo: Trip by Skyscanner One of New York City's most popular restaurants is The Meatball Shop, with 4.6 stars from 49 reviews. "These are the best meatballs I have ever had," wrote ABelle. Red Rooster (310 Lenox Ave.) Photo: Trip by Skyscanner Also worth considering is Red Rooster, which is part of the vibrant Harlem community. The menu reflects the roots of American cuisine while celebrating local farmers and artisanal food makers. The Red Rooster features a takeout market, bar and restaurant. "The attention to detail in every part of this dining experience really made it a standout that we'll remember," wrote John349. Dominique Ansel Bakery (189 Spring St.) Photo: Trip by Skyscanner Finally, there's Dominique Ansel Bakery. "A visit to New York meant that we had to visit the bakery that started the cronut craze," wrote Trina. "Their cronut flavors rotate monthly and they never feature the same flavor twice. ... The cronut has flaky layers of pastry with a cream bursting from inside." Featured local attractions New York City is also full of sites to visit and explore. Here are some popular attractions to round out your trip, again from Skyscanner's listings. The Brooklyn Bridge Park (334 Furman St.) Photo: Trip by Skyscanner First up is The Brooklyn Bridge Park. This park is located beside the Brooklyn bridge, considered one of the portals into the city and although the park itself is simple, it also offers an amazing view of the entire city. It is a great place for a tourist to stop and take a quick lunch break while absorbing the skyline of Manhattan. "The walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, whether you're walking from Brooklyn to Manhattan or vice versa, is one of the most iconic walks New York City has to offer," wrote visitor Gary. The High Line Park Photo: Trip by Skyscanner The High Line Park is another popular destination. This repurposing of the old railroad line running through the Meatpacking District of Manhattan has become an outdoor favorite for locals and tourists alike. With wood-planked floors and landscaping, the High Line is a great place to escape the craziness of the city and enjoy a few quiet moments. "The most fun place I have found to walk in the city yet," wrote visitor Lars. "The views are amazing and ever-changing. There is a lot of great art along the High Line to enjoy and photo ops are endless." The Statue of Liberty Photo: Trip by Skyscanner Lastly, spend some time at The Statue of Liberty. A symbol of the country's possibilities, the Statue of Liberty National Monument includes nearby Ellis Island, where many European immigrants started on their journey of becoming Americans. This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Italian-US auto giant Fiat Chrysler said it presented a merger proposal to France's Renault on Monday that would create "a preeminent global automotive group". Fiat Chrysler "has today delivered a non-binding letter to the Board of Groupe Renault proposing a combination of their respective businesses as a 50/50 merger", it said in a statement on Monday. The group would be listed in Paris, New York and Milan. Renault said its board would meet on Monday to discuss the offer. Fiat Chrysler said the merger would create the world's third largest automaker, with annual sales of 8.7 million vehicles. The brand portfolio of the two groups would be "broad and complementary... and would provide full market coverage, from luxury to mainstream", it said. In a nod to the move towards more ecologically-friendly and self-driving models, it said the merger would put the group in "a strong position in transforming technologies, including electrification and autonomous driving". Renault's current major partnership is with Japan's Nissan, in which it holds 43 percent. Fiat Chrysler said the merger would create "in excess of five billion euros ($5.6 billion) estimated annual run rate synergies" on top of existing Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance ones. It would not result in the closure of any production sites, and the board of directors of the new group would be composed mainly of independent members, it added. Paris (AFP) - French automaker Renault said Monday that it would study "with interest" a 50-50 merger proposal from Fiat Chrysler, a deal that could reshape the industry as Renault reviews its options following the arrest in Japan of its chief executive. Renault had for years tied its strategy to a partnership with Japanese automaker Nissan but this has come into question after the arrest and subsequent ouster of Carlos Ghosn at both companies. After a board meeting over what it termed a "friendly" offer, Renault said it would enter talks on a merger that would forge the world's third-largest automaker. Investors cheered the prospect, with Renault's shares soaring 15 percent in afternoon trading in Paris, and Fiat Chrysler stock up more than 10 percent in Milan. A deal would give Fiat access in particular to Renault's electric car technologies, allowing it to meet the strict CO2 limits being enacted by the European Commission. Renault for its part might be able to tap the US market thanks to Fiat Chrysler's extensive operations in North America. "Given the investments and the technological advances that are going to be necessary, there's isn't really a choice, you have to reach a critical mass," said Flavien Neuvy of the Cetelem Observatory research group. The idea has the backing of the French government, which owns a 15 percent stake in Renault, after Fiat said the merger would not result in the closure of any production sites. "The government is in favour... but the terms of this merger must be supportive of Renault's economic development, and obviously of Renault's employees," government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye said Monday. Italy's outspoken deputy premier Matteo Salvini also gave a thumb's up to what he called a "brilliant deal". But labour unions were wary, with the CGT urging the French state to maintain a blocking minority after any deal. Story continues - 'Pre-eminent global group' Renault was plunged into disarray last November with the arrest in Tokyo of Ghosn, who was also chairman of its Japanese partner Nissan. That alliance, which also includes Mitsubishi, sells around 10.8 million automobiles per year in total, compared with Germany's Volkswagen and Japan's Toyota, both with around 10.6 million. But its future is in doubt following Ghosn's ouster at both Renault and Nissan, with Tokyo in particular bristling over a push by the French side for deeper integration. Renault holds 43 percent in Nissan, which in turn owns 15 percent of its French partner. Despite pledges on both sides to pursue the alliance, analysts say the tensions might be pushing Renault to explore alternatives. Fiat Chrysler said its proposal for Renault would create "a pre-eminent global automotive group" with annual sales of 8.7 million vehicles. The brand portfolio of the two groups would be "broad and complementary... and would provide full market coverage, from luxury to mainstream", it said. There was no mention of Nissan, which is battling falling sales and the reputational damage from the downfall of Ghosn, who is fighting financial misconduct charges. Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa told reporters Monday that he was "open to constructive discussions to strengthen the alliance," and the subject will surely be raised in a meeting on Wednesday with Renault's board chairman Jean-Dominique Senard. - Costly shift - Fiat Chrysler has been under pressure in Europe, stoking speculation it was looking for a partner as the highly competitive industry is pushed to consolidate in the face of declining demand and the costly switch to electric cars. The company is widely seen as a latecomer to the electric vehicle market, but does well in the US SUV and pick-up sectors. Renault, by contrast, was an early convert to electric cars and has made strong inroads in the market with its popular Zoe hatchback, though it has not yet tried to tackle the North American market. Fiat Chrysler said the merger would put the group in "a strong position in transforming technologies, including electrification and autonomous driving". Early this year, rumours circulated that Renault was interested in Fiat-Chrysler after its hopes for a full merger with Nissan or even French competitor PSA were dashed. Fiat Chrysler predicted that the merger would generate more than five billion euros ($5.6 billion) of cost-savings and other synergies, on top of the benefits from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. All counted, including Nissan and Mitsubishi, a combination with Fiat Chrysler would mean the production of close to 16 million vehicles, besting Volkswagen and Toyota. Launched on 08/27/2007, the First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD) is a smart beta exchange traded fund offering broad exposure to the European Equity ETFs category of the market. What Are Smart Beta ETFs? Products that are based on market cap weighted indexes, which are strategies designed to reflect a specific market segment or the market as a whole, have traditionally dominated the ETF industry. Market cap weighted indexes offer a low-cost, convenient, and transparent way of replicating market returns, and are a good option for investors who believe in market efficiency. If you're the kind of investor who would rather try and beat the market through good stock selection, then smart beta funds are your best choice; this fund class is known for tracking non-cap weighted strategies. These indexes attempt to select stocks that have better chances of risk-return performance, based on certain fundamental characteristics or a combination of such characteristics. While this space offers a number of choices to investors, including simplest equal-weighting, fundamental weighting and volatility/momentum based weighting methodologies, not all these strategies have been able to deliver superior results. Fund Sponsor & Index The fund is managed by First Trust Advisors. FDD has been able to amass assets over $314.97 M, making it one of the larger ETFs in the European Equity ETFs. This particular fund, before fees and expenses, seeks to match the performance of the STOXX Europe Select Dividend 30 Index. The STOXX Europe Select Dividend 30 Index consists of 30 high dividend-yielding securities selected from the STOXX Europe 600 Index. Cost & Other Expenses When considering an ETF's total return, expense ratios are an important factor. And, cheaper funds can significantly outperform their more expensive cousins in the long term if all other factors remain equal. Operating expenses on an annual basis are 0.57% for this ETF, which makes it on par with most peer products in the space. Story continues The fund has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 4.81%. Sector Exposure and Top Holdings ETFs offer diversified exposure and thus minimize single stock risk, but it is still important to delve into a fund's holdings before investing. Most ETFs are very transparent products and many disclose their holdings on a daily basis. Taking into account individual holdings, Intesa Sanpaolo Spa (ISP.IM) accounts for about 4.98% of the fund's total assets, followed by Sse Plc (SSE.LN) and Royal Dutch Shell Plc (class B) (RDSB.LN). Its top 10 holdings account for approximately 41.64% of FDD's total assets under management. Performance and Risk Year-to-date, the First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund return is roughly 6.67% so far, and is down about -5.98% over the last 12 months (as of 05/27/2019). FDD has traded between $11.69 and $14 in this past 52-week period. The ETF has a beta of 0.72 and standard deviation of 13.84% for the trailing three-year period, making it a medium risk choice in the space. With about 30 holdings, it has more concentrated exposure than peers. Alternatives First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund is not a suitable option for investors seeking to outperform the European Equity ETFs segment of the market. Instead, there are other ETFs in the space which investors should consider. IShares MSCI Eurozone ETF (EZU) tracks MSCI EMU Index and the Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) tracks FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. IShares MSCI Eurozone ETF has $6.74 B in assets, Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF has $13.47 B. EZU has an expense ratio of 0.47% and VGK charges 0.09%. Investors looking for cheaper and lower-risk options should consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs that aim to match the returns of the European Equity ETFs. Bottom Line To learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center. 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 First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD): ETF Research Reports iShares MSCI Eurozone ETF (EZU): ETF Research Reports Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK): ETF Research Reports To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research By Philip Blenkinsop BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The far-right Flemish separatist Vlaams Belang party scored major gains in Belgian elections on Sunday, an outcome likely to make forming the next national government more difficult. Linguistically divided Belgium held a "Super Sunday" of European, national and regional elections, which resulted in a shift to the right in more prosperous Dutch-speaking Flanders and to the left in French-speaking Wallonia. With 85% of the vote counted, the anti-immigrant Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) gained across Dutch-speaking Flanders to become the second largest party in the region behind the more moderate separatist N-VA party. N-VA suffered after being part of the last federal government. Christian Democrat politician Miet Smet, the widow of former prime minister Wilfried Martens, described the far right's success as terrible, marking a "jet black" day. Vlaams Belang leader Tom Van Grieken disagreed. "This is not a black Sunday, but a Sunday full of hope. We want to assume our responsibility," he told a cheering crowd of supporters. The party has so far been excluded from ruling coalitions at all levels of government. In the French-speaking south of the country, the Socialists (PS) of former prime minister Elio di Rupo were set to be the biggest party, ahead of current Prime Minister Charles Michel's liberal MR party, but with the same number of federal parliamentary seats as the Vlaams Belang. The initial results and exit polls suggest Michel, who has been running the country of 11 million people in a caretaker capacity since December, could face many more months in that role as party leaders try to form a new coalition. In 2010, that task took a world record 541 days until Di Rupo finally took office. Belgium effectively runs two separate elections in the Dutch and French-speaking regions, with no national parties, after which it somehow has to weld together a federal government from both sides of the linguistic divide. Story continues This could become harder with a greater number of Flemish separatists pushing for more powers to be devolved to Belgium's regions, something the poorer south resists. The process could begin in the coming week, with King Philippe expected to speak to the leaders of the main parties. People in other European Union countries are also voting on Sunday in elections for the European Parliament, which are expected to dent traditional pro-EU parties and bolster the nationalist fringe. [nL5N2310EJ] In France, the far right was seen winning the most votes, although in the Netherlands, there appeared to be weak showing for eurosceptics. [nL5N2301U8] [nL8N2320MT] (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop. Editing by Jane Merriman) By Emmanuel Jarry PARIS, May 27 (Reuters) - Twenty-two years after the battered body of French film producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier was found near her holiday home in Ireland, the murder trial of suspect Ian Bailey will begin in France on Monday. Neither Bailey nor his lawyers will attend proceedings, his lawyers said. Bailey, who is British, says he is innocent and Ireland's Supreme Court has ruled he cannot be extradited. Toscan du Plantier, whose husband Daniel was a leading producer and worked with renowned film-makers including Federico Fellini and Ingmar Bergman, was killed while on holiday in the small coastal village of Schull, in southwestern Ireland, in December 1996. Her murder shocked Ireland and cast a shadow over the idyllic rural setting of Schull, a popular hideaway for bohemian English, French and German expatriates. Bailey's lawyers said his abrasive personality, as well as his claims to have had information about the murder, contributed to the journalist and poet ending up being suspected of murder. "We think a judicial mistake is unfurling before us. Ian Bailey has been presumed guilty for the past 22 years," his French lawyer Dominique Tricaud told journalists in Paris. "He exasperated everyone and he certainly has played a part in finding himself the main suspect." But there was no doubt Bailey was an innocent man, he added. Under French law, a person suspected of murdering a French citizen in another jurisdiction can be tried in France. Bailey was arrested twice by Irelands police in connection with Toscan du Plantier's death, but was never charged there. Ireland's Supreme Court refused his extradition on the grounds that France had at the time not taken the decision to send Bailey to trial. Bailey's Irish lawyer, Frank Buttimer, said the French trial demonstrated a lack of respect for the Irish courts. "What's happening isn't fair," he said. (Writing by Richard Lough; Editing by Toby Chopra) Emmanuel Macron could be the kingmaker in the EU - POOL AFP Emmanuel Macron suffered defeat at home in the European elections but could console himself with securing a kingmaker role that could determine the next five years of EU politics. The ardently Europhile French president was narrowly beaten by Marine Le Pens virulently anti-EU National Rally in the French vote but stands to benefit from a fragmentation in support for the older centrist parties in the European Parliament. Ever since the first European elections in 1979, the centre-right European Peoples Party and centre-left Socialists and Democrats have dominated EU politics. They operated, formally and informally, a grand coalition, sewing up the EUs top jobs and gaming the approval of Brussels rules and regulations as they pass through the European Parliament, which has an influential say over draft legislation from the European Commission. For the first time in 40 years, it emerged on Sunday night, the EPP and S&D, the two largest, would be unable to form a joint majority of at least 378 MEPs in the 751-seat parliament. That majority is needed to both pass EU law and appoint the leadership of the next European Commission. The traditional centrist parties bled support to a record number of Eurosceptic MEPs and a green wave that saw Greens do well in some EU countries. National parties form themselves in like-minded pan-EU political alliances to qualify for increased speaking time, influence and EU funding. Mr Macron had characterised the May 23-26 EU-wide vote as a fight for the future of Europe between pro-EU parties and the Eurosceptic populists. While his defeat to Mrs Le Pen was embarrassing, Mr Macrons new Renaissance party is set to form a political alliance with the European liberals, led by the federalist Guy Verhofstadt. Overnight the new pan-EU group was on course for an estimated 108 seats, making it the third largest alliance in the parliament and effectively in possession to keys of power in Brussels. Speaking in Brussels, Mr Verhofstadt made clear that the new group would only offer its support to the wounded establishment if the parties backed ambitious, integrationist policies. The Telegraph understands the liberals will demand commitments to a five-year plan that is likely to reflect Mr Macons desire for closer political integration between EU countries and more power for Brussels. Story continues The results will also hand Mr Macron an even larger sway in the distribution of the top jobs in the EU institutions and, in particular, the appointment of Jean-Claude Junckers successor as European Commission president. The European elections are meant to pick Jean-Claude Junckers successor as commission president. Under the Spitzenkandidat system, first introduced in 2014, political groups nominate a lead candidate, with the winning group taking the post. But EU governments, led by Mr Macron, are moving to reassert their right to pick the head of the EUs civil service. Although the EPP remains the largest group, it has lost the clear majority it enjoyed in 2014. That weakens Manfred Weber, the EPP Spitzenkandidats, claim to the job, despite the fact he enjoys the public support of Angela Merkel. Mr Macron has signalled that he does not support the system or Mr Weber, who lacks governmental experience and does not speak French. With the European Parliament intent on preserving the system, the scene is set for an inter-institutional turf war that could paralyse Brussels if MEPs refuse to back any new president who is not a Spitzenkandidat. Mr Weber, A German MEP from the Bavarian sister party to Angela Merkel, understood that his hopes of becoming commission president had taken a blow. But he insisted he was the man for the job because the EPP was the largest group, even if it had lost 43 MEPs. He called on the socialists, greens and liberals to band together behind his banner. Even if Mr Macron was to swing in behind Mr Weber, which appears unlikely, the president is certain to demand a share of the most influential posts in the European Commission and the other EU institutions in return. That does not bode well for the next British prime ministers hopes of renegotiating the Brexit deal. The EU has repeatedly ruled out renegotiating the withdrawal agreement, while Mr Macron, supported by the EUs chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, argued strongly against a long Brexit extension at last months EU summit. The French president, who has led the hawkish contingent among EU-27 leaders on Brexit, has already said the extension to Halloween should be the last. The new commission will not take power before October 31 but Mr Macrons status and influence in the EU has been bolstered, rather than diminished, by these elections, despite his defeat. With the Brexit Party set to top the British vote and the prospects of a prime minister Boris Johnson in the ascendant into view, the number of Mr Macrons hawks, and the chances of a no deal Brexit, could swell. BERLIN (Reuters) - Austria's Freedom party will probably support a no-confidence vote scheduled for Monday against Austria's conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, news agency APA said on Monday. The party will "likely support" the motion brought against Kurz, the Austrian news agency cited Norbert Hofer, former Austrian transport minister and a senior figure in the party's leadership, as saying. The no-confidence vote had been brought after a secretly filmed video of former Freedom party chief Heinz-Christian Strache prompted the dissolution Austria's government coalition between his party and Kurz's conservatives. (Reporting by Tassilo Hummel; Editing by Madeline Chambers) PARIS (AP) French police have arrested four suspects following a blast in the city of Lyon that wounded 13 people last week, authorities said Monday. TV footage showed a police operation underway Monday in a small town outside Lyon involving officers wearing ski masks. Police had launched a large manhunt after a device exploded Friday on a busy pedestrian street in France's third-largest city. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner announced the first arrest on Twitter, a development later confirmed by Paris prosecutors, who handle all terrorism-related cases. The prosecutors' office later said three other suspects, including a woman, were detained and formally arrested. According to French media, they included the mother and the brother of the main suspect. Lyon mayor Gerard Collomb, a former interior minister, said one of the suspects is an IT student who was arrested as he stepped off a bus. "It's a relief for all Lyon inhabitants. I believe the case has been resolved," Collomb told BFM TV. "If there was a network, it has been identified and will certainly be dismantled." French President Emmanuel Macron has called the explosion an "attack" but no group has claimed responsibility for the explosion yet. An investigation has been opened for "attempted murder in relation with a terrorist undertaking" and "criminal terrorist association." Last week, France's counter-terrorism prosecutor, Remy Heitz, described video surveillance that showed a suspect heading toward the center of Lyon on a bike Friday afternoon. The man was seen arriving on foot, pushing his bike along a pedestrian-only street, then leaving a paper bag on a concrete block in the middle of the street near a bakery. The suspect immediately returned to his bike and left the same way. One minute later, the explosion shattered the glass of a refrigerator in the bakery, Heitz said. Regional authorities said the 13 wounded suffered mostly minor injuries. Story continues It was unclear whether the suspect first arrested Monday was the same person, although Collomb said the detained student was identified thanks to video surveillance. Investigators at the scene have found screws, ball bearings, batteries, a triggering device that can be used remotely and plastic pieces that may come from the explosive device. France has been hit by a spate of attacks in recent years, some of them deadly, carried out by people ranging from extremist attackers to mentally unstable individuals. Berlin (AFP) - German daily Bild published a cut-out-and-use kippa on Monday in a bid to fight rising anti-Semitism, after Jews were warned about the potential dangers of wearing the traditional skullcap in Germany. Over the weekend, Felix Klein, the German government's commissioner on anti-Semitism, said he "cannot advise Jews to wear the kippa everywhere all the time in Germany", in an interview given to the Funke regional press group. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin voiced shock at Klein's warning and said it was a "capitulation to anti-Semitism" and evidence that Jews are unsafe in Germany. Bild, Germany's top-selling daily newspaper, waded into the debate, calling on readers to "stand in solidarity with (their) Jewish neighbours" by making "their own kippa", bearing the star of David, to "raise the flag against anti-Semitism". Rejecting the warning to leave off the kippa "seven decades after the Holocaust", Bild's chief editor Julian Reichelt wrote: "There is only one answer to that: No, it cannot be the case! "If that is so, then we have failed in the face of our history," he said. Urging readers to cut out the skullcap and wear it, Reichelt stressed that "the kippa belongs to Germany." Germany, like other western countries, has watched with alarm as anti-Semitic and other racist hate speech and violence have increased in recent years while the political climate has coarsened and grown more polarised. Anti-Semitic crimes rose by 20 percent in Germany last year, according to interior ministry data which blamed nine out of 10 cases on the extreme right. The arrival in parliament of the far-right AfD, whose leaders openly question Germany's culture of atonement for World War II atrocities, has also contributed to the change in atmosphere. Chancellor Angela Merkel has also deplored "another form of anti-Semitism" stemming from a major asylum-seeker influx, with many coming from Muslim countries like Syria, Afghanistan or Iraq. Story continues "That the number of anti-Semitic crimes is increasing should be a cause of great concern for all of us in Germany," Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Monday. "It is the task of the state to ensure that everyone can move freely with a kippa anywhere in our country and we stand by that responsibility." The Central Council of Jews in Germany has already issued several warnings about wearing the kippa in public. In one prominent case last year, a 19-year-old Syrian man was convicted for assault after lashing out with his belt at an Israeli man wearing a Jewish kippa skullcap while shouting "yahudi", Jew in Arabic. Tokyo (AFP) - There is "great respect" between the United States and North Korea, President Donald Trump said Monday, predicting "lots of good things" despite recent missile launches by Pyongyang. "I personally think that lots of good things will come with North Korea, I feel that. I may be right, I may be wrong, but I feel that," Trump said at the start of bilateral talks with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. "We've come a long way," the US leader added. "There's a good respect built, maybe a great respect built between certainly the United States and North Korea." The comments come despite short-range missile launches by Pyongyang in May that Trump's own National Security Advisor John Bolton said over the weekend were in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Trump appeared to dispute Bolton's assessment in a tweet on Sunday, in which he called the missiles "small weapons" that "disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me". The US president is in Tokyo for a state visit that included a meeting with the newly enthroned Emperor Naruhito on Monday morning, the first time the monarch has met a foreign leader since taking the throne. Trump's bilateral talks with Abe are expected to focus on trade, North Korea and military issues, as well as other diplomatic crises, including the tensions between Washington and Tehran. Abe has reportedly proposed serving as a mediator and is said to be weighing a state visit to Iran, and Trump said he remained open to talks. "I do believe that Iran would like to talk, and if they'd like to talk, we'd like to talk also," he said. "Nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me," he added. Trump said US-Japan relations have "never been better," but the allies are locked in negotiations over trade, with the US leader repeating Monday that America suffers a "tremendous imbalance" with Japan on trade. "We're working on that, and I'm sure that will work out over a period of time," Trump added, saying he expected the allies to be "announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries". "We'll get the balance of trade straightened out rapidly." BERLIN (AP) Green parties' surprisingly strong showing in elections for the 751-seat European Parliament raised hopes particularly among young voters that global warming and other environmental issues will get more serious consideration on the continent. Provisional results Monday showed the left-leaning Greens coming in fourth in the balloting with 69 seats, an increase of 17 from the last election, five years ago. Perhaps more significantly, the results showed how environmental concerns can transcend the political issues that dominate most European Union elections. "The European election was a climate election," declared Anna Kretzschmar, a German in her 20s who was out in a Berlin park with her young child. Kretzschmar welcomed the lift the Greens received in Sunday's vote, saying it would give them a stronger voice to raise the alarm about global warming. "I think we are more affected by climate change than we realize," she added. Among other things, the Green movement has strongly backed scientists' calls for the 28-nation bloc to end all greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century, a goal that would require an epic shift in Europe's economy away from fossil fuels. In Germany, the Greens did particularly well in large cities and among young voters, according to the Infratest dimap research institute. The gains followed months of street protests from students demanding action to stop global warming. The German Greens' gains came at the expense of all other mainstream parties, including the center-left Social Democrats, who slumped to third place behind the Greens, and Chancellor Angela Merkel's center-right Christian Democrats. Armin Laschet, the governor of North Rhine-Westphalia state and a member of Merkel's party, called the outcome "a wake-up call for politics." In France, the environmental EELV party received almost 13.5% of the vote, coming in third. Green parties also polled strongly in Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Denmark and the Netherlands. In Britain, the Greens a largely insignificant force nationally took 7 seats in the European Parliament vote. Story continues "The center of gravity of European politics is shifting," said Yannick Jadot, the EELV's lead candidate. Manuel Rivera, a Green party member in the German capital, said the European Parliament is the right place to tackle climate change: "I think people realize that there are issues you can't solve at the national level." The suggestion that countries should set aside domestic interests in favor of European cooperation angered some nationalist parties on the continent. Alexander Gauland, co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, declared the Greens "our main enemy." "The Greens will destroy this country, and our job must and will be to fight the Greens," said Gauland, whose party has claimed that climate change isn't a man-made phenomenon and that efforts to tackle it will harm Germany's economy. In addition to pushing for action on climate change, the Greens have generally positioned themselves as a counterweight to anti-immigration parties such as Alternative for Germany, which have decried the influx of migrants from the Middle East. The Green bloc in the European Parliament could now be in a position to play a key role in choosing the next head of the EU's executive Commission. Sven Giegold, a leading candidate for the German Green party, which roughly doubled its share of the vote to 20% compared with 2014, wouldn't rule out backing one of the mainstream candidates provided environmental issues are reflected in his or her program. Giegold's party has proposed diverting some of the bloc's huge agricultural subsidies toward eco-friendly farming and checking the climate impact of every law passed at the EU level. "Whoever wants legitimacy from us and the legitimacy of the many who went onto the streets will need to deliver now," he said. ___ Associated Press writers Sylvie Corbet in Paris and Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin contributed to this report. ___ For more news from The Associated Press on the European Parliament elections go to https://www.apnews.com/EuropeanParliament The Greens are set to become the fourth-largest bloc in the European Parliament - AFP It was a remarkable night for Europes Greens. They made dramatic gains, and across large parts of the continent it was they who held off the challenge from the populist Right, as the traditional centre parties saw their vote shrink. In Germany, the Greens doubled their vote to become the second largest party. In Ireland, they look set to finish in equal second place. In France and Belgium, they were third. In Austria and the Netherlands, they are set to finish in the double digits. In the UK, they are ahead of the Tories. Overall, they are set to gain as many as 20 seats to become the fourth biggest bloc in the European parliament. A Green surge should perhaps come as no surprise in the wake of climate protests and the school strikes movement of Greta Thunberg. But it was striking that attempts by the traditional mainstream parties to embrace green issues in the run-up to the election failed to convince voters. In France, Emmanuel Macrons bid to wrap himself in the green mantle in order to see off the challenge from Marine Le Pen appeared to fall flat. Instead Frances Green Party, Europe Ecologie Les Verts, staged an unexpected comeback, gaining six seats to finish in third place. In the end, the Greens have wanted all this for decades, Werner Weidenfeld, a German political scientist, told Bild newspaper. The other parties would only have stood a chance if they had delivered a major change of direction. But they didnt. Prof Weidenfeld was talking about the German Greens gains, but he could easily have been describing the wider results. The surge in their vote will embolden the Greens to push for tougher environmental policies in the European parliament. They want to phase out coal-fired power stations across the continent by 2030 and move to 100 per cent renewable energy soon after. They are calling for major investment in international high-speed trains to move people away from cars and planes. And they want much stricter controls on pesticides and a ban on dumping European agricultural products on developing economies. Story continues But while the climate is clearly the Greens central issue, it would be a mistake to see it as the sole reason for their success. In Germany, voters say they are turning to the Greens because they have taken the clearest stand against the populist Right. In the UK, the Greens have become a home for frustrated Remainers. In the run-up to the elections, the main threat to Europes established parties was considered to be from the nationalists. While that has materialised, it is now clear the mainstream parties also face a challenge on the opposite flank, from the Greens. It is not just that the populists often side with climate deniers. On almost every issue, the Greens are their diametric opposite. While the populists are Eurosceptic, anti-immigrant and nationalist, the Greens are Europhile, immigrant friendly and cosmopolitan. But while the Greens moment appears to have arrived, it is worth bearing in mind that their success has been largely confined to northern and western Europe. They had little impact among the newer EU members in central and eastern Europe, and failed to make inroads in populous countries like Italy and Poland. Nevertheless, they are now a force to be reckoned with in European politics. In Germany, there were suggestions on Monday that when Angela Merkel finally stands down as chancellor, her successor might be a Green. Stockholm (AFP) - They're the faces of the climate alert that propelled Green parties to strong gains in EU elections: Greta, Luisa and Leah lead a generation of youths that have put the planet atop the political agenda. Without these youngsters, some of whom are still not old enough to vote, Europe's Green parties might have still posted strong scores, as the climate has become one of voters' main concerns. But their ubiquitous activism -- in the streets, on social networks, and in the media -- has had an undeniable effect mobilising voters. "The Green parties' results are due to all the young people striking, climate activism is getting more important, especially among young women. They are the ones who set the agenda for the European elections," said Katri Ylinen, a spokeswoman for the Federation of Young European Greens. At just 16, Sweden's Greta Thunberg has become a figurehead for a movement that has gone global, inspiring hundreds of thousands of other youths in dozens of countries to strike from school in "Fridays For Future" protests. One of them is Luisa Neubauer, a 23-year-old university student who has been dubbed "the German Greta". The pair have met on several occasions in recent months, including in December in Poland at the Cop24 summit and in Hamburg in March for a climate march. Social media play a decisive role in mobilising youths and getting them to take to the streets. - From street to ballot box - Known for her long braids and serious demeanor, Greta has also inspired other young girls and women, including Belgian students Anuna De Wever, 17, and Kyra Gantois, 20, and Ugandan 14-year-old Leah Namugerwa, all of whom have risen to the forefront of climate activism in their countries in recent months. Green parties posted strong gains across Europe, in particular in Germany where they took 20.5 percent of votes, in France (13.47 percent) and Britain (12.1 percent). Story continues "The European elections show that we're not only bringing the climate crisis to the streets but also to the ballot boxes," Luisa Neubauer wrote on Twitter. Greta's most recent Instagram post was on Sunday. The teen, who was on a train headed for Austria and who is too young to cast a ballot yet, urged Europeans to vote "for the future". - 'Greta effect' - Swedish liberal-leaning newspaper Dagens Nyheter said Monday there was "a Green wind blowing in Europe", thanks in part to "the Greta effect". "But you're never a prophet in your own country," it noted. In Sweden, the Greens party lost two of its four seats in the European Parliament. However, its 11.4 percent score was a sharp rise from the 4.4 percent it scored in legislative elections in September 2018, before Greta's school strikes became a worldwide phenomenon. Around 15 percent of Swedish women voted for the Greens party, according to exit polls by public broadcaster SVT. "Greta is very inspiring, she motivates us. She influenced my vote, I really took to heart some of the things she said, like 'Maybe my grandchildren will ask why we didn't do anything'," said Louise Wirman, an 18-year-old high school student. The fact that many young activists are girls can be attributed to the fact that "young women are drawn to liberal parties, while older men (lean) to the right and to some extent to populist parties," political scientist Sofie Blomback told AFP. Some are threatened by these youngsters, and Greta, who has been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, has been subjected to harsh criticism from far-right climate sceptics. In France and Germany, activists used her handicap to discredit her campaign, accusing her of being manipulated by "ecofascists", according to the London-based Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD). Greta's student movement has nonetheless spread around the world. In Uganda, 14-year-old Leah Namugerwa is leading a campaign against plastic bags that litter the streets of Kampala. She has started a petition urging President Yoweri Museveni to ban them. Like Greta, Namugerwa is also striking from school, though she says she was inspired by a New York girl of the same age, Alexandria Villasenor, who organises recurring demonstrations outside the United Nations building. burs-gab/po/wai Carnitas y Tortas Ahogadas Guadalajara. | Photo: Cesar M./Yelp Visiting East Las Vegas, or just looking to better appreciate what it has to offer? Get to know this Las Vegas neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a 24-hour doughnut shop to an appliance parts store. Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in East Las Vegas, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results. 1. El Birotazo Photo: laura c./Yelp Topping the list is El Birotazo, a spot to score tacos and more. Located at 4262 E. Charleston Blvd., it's the highest-rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 72 reviews on Yelp. Yelper Ron M., who reviewed the Mexican spot on May 20, wrote, "It's nice to go to a place and not only get good food but also receive a good value. The meat is perfectly cooked and seasoned. The portions are very generous. The menu is limited, but everything is so good and made fast." 2. Sushiro photo: min k./yelp Next up is sushi bar, Japanese and buffet spot Sushiro, situated at 556 N. Eastern Ave., Suite H. With 4.5 stars out of 98 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite. Sarah C., who reviewed the sushi restaurant on Yelp on April 5, wrote, "Out of all the places I've tried, this is top-of-the-line sushi. The Orange Crush Roll is the best roll I have ever had, followed by the Horny Dragon Roll, which has a sweet side to it that kind of tingles its way through your taste buds. If you like the spicy side of things, I definitely recommend the Sexy Girl Roll or the Japanese Burry." 3. Carnitas y Tortas Ahogadas Guadalajara Photo: cesar m./Yelp Mexican and breakfast and brunch spot Carnitas y Tortas Ahogadas Guadalajara, which offers sandwiches and more, is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 640 N. Eastern Ave., 4.5 stars out of 89 reviews. Yelper Richard P., who reviewed the restaurant on Feb. 3, noted, "Best carnitas, tortas ahogadas and tacos de papa in town. Agua de chia is delicious and don't forget to ask for extra pickled onions, you will definitely need them." Story continues 4. Appliance Parts Center Photo: Appliance Parts Center/Yelp Appliance Parts Center, a heating and air conditioning/HVAC store that offers appliances and more, is another much-loved neighborhood go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 100 Yelp reviews. Head over to 501 N. Eastern Ave. to see for yourself. Yelp user Warren B., who reviewed the shop on Dec. 28, wrote, "These guys were fast, friendly and affordable. I have been buying my appliance and AC parts from them for 20 years and they have always gone above and beyond." 5. Donut Tyme Photo: lillie s./Yelp Check out Donut Tyme, which has earned four stars out of 104 reviews on Yelp. You can find the spot to score doughnuts and more at 4268 E. Charleston Blvd. Yelper Jet C., who reviewed the doughnut shop on Jan. 16, noted, "What stood out was the number of selections at 3 a.m. I understand it's 24 hours, but that's really encouraging that they keep a full menu all around. I got a classic Bavarian-filled and the dough was still very good and fresh tasting. It definitely satisfied my craving." 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. Photo: Karim Boubker/Unsplash Looking to mix things up this week? From Memorial Day community yoga to a community cookbook swap, here are some solid options to help you get off the couch and out into the world. 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. Community Yoga: Memorial Day at The Brewer's Table Gather your friends this Monday and head to the The Brewer's Table for Memorial Day community yoga. This event with Instructor Ashley Davis includes time to mingle with fellow yogis and sip on craft beers after class. Don't forget to bring your own mat. When: Monday, May 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Where: The Brewer's Table, 4715 E. Fifth St. Admission: Free (Free Ticket); $5 (Pay What Feels Good); $10 (Pay What Feels Good). More ticket options available. Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Lonelyland Don't miss this weekly live show at the Saxon Pub. Local artist Bob Schneider, who has won 55 Austin music awards, is back by popular demand with his band Lonelyland. To date, he's won 55 Austin music awards including "Musician of the Year" and "Album of the Year." When: Monday, May 27, 8:30-10 p.m. Where: The Saxon Pub, 1320 S. Lamar Blvd., 1320 S. Lamar Blvd. Admission: $10 (General Admission); $25 (Reserved Seating) Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Jake Lloyd on Comedians Interviewing Musicians This Tuesday, catch Music Firsthand live streaming episode 87 of "Comedians Interviewing Musicians" at Austin Eastciders. Hosted by BeckiJo Neill of Esther's Follies and local comedian Kim Stacy, this episode features Austin-based artist Jake Lloyd. The rising R&B crooner will discuss his early struggles to establish roots in the music business. When: Tuesday, May 28, 7-8:30 p.m. Where: Austin Eastciders, 979 Springdale Road, Suite 130 Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Story continues Food Bank Talks - Nutrition Education Score free tickets to "Food Bank Talks" his Wednesday and find out how to embark on a healthier lifestyle. Join Angela Henry, director of the Central Texas Food Bank's education programs, for a presentation. When: Wednesday, May 29, 9-10 a.m. Where: Central Texas Food Bank, 6500 Metropolis Drive Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Les Dames d'Escoffier Austin Community Cookbook Swap Calling all culinary enthusiasts! Share your passion with othersand bring a food-related book to the cookbook swap this Wednesday at the Texas Farmer's Market. Leftover books will be donated to local high school students enrolled in culinary programs. When: Wednesday, May 29, 5:30-10:30 p.m. Where: Texas Farmers' Market at Mueller, 4209 Airport Blvd. Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Better dentistry does exist Not all dentists in San Francisco provide you with the same experience, which is why we make your life easier by rewarding you with a $50 gift card for visiting one of the top rated dentists in your area on Opencare. Don't believe us? Opencare is also proud to offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so if your new dentist doesn't live up to the hype, we'll also reimburse you up to $100 to cover your appointment costs! Click here to book an appointment and claim your $50 reward This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Parkway Theatre. | Photo: Ade B./Yelp There's a little something for everyone coming up on the events calendar this week. From a radical artist's performance to a free film screening, here are some solid options to help you get out and about in the days ahead. 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. Reclaiming the Margins: Black Women Design Exhibition From the event description: Reclaiming the Margins is an exhibition highlighting the work of black women in design. When: Tuesday, May 28, 5-8 p.m. Where: Impact Hub Baltimore, 10 E. North Ave. Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets 'Wasted! The Story of Food Waste,' Film Screening From the event description: Baltimore's Office of Sustainability and the Natural Resources Defense Council will co-host a screening of "Wasted! The Story of Food Waste." In the U.S., 40% of all food produced is never eaten, while millions go hungry. Across Baltimore City, 25% of the waste produced is wasted food, and a third of all materials we throw out are compostable. When: Tuesday, May 28, 7-9 p.m. Where: Parkway Theater, 5 W. North Ave. Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Pop Into Summer with Punch and Hello Addie Boutiques From the event description: Pop Into summer with Punch and Hello Addie at the Anthem House. Find out what Sydney of Coffee Stained Lace will be shaking up at our free mixology bar. Shop the latest trends from both boutiques: clothing, accessories, home goods, beauty and more. When: Wednesday, May 29, 6-8 p.m. Where: Anthem House, 900 E. Fort Ave. Admission: Free with RSVP Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Truth Ain't Popular: Life and Times of a Radical Artist From the event description: Ron Kipling Williams takes you on a journey in an explosive set of spoken word artistry and activism. Featured are his friends and special guest artists Femi the DriFish, Slangston Hughes, Olu Butterfly Woods, Son of Nun and Chuck the Madd Ox. There will also be a special tribute to the legendary Abu the Flute Maker. The event is hosted by Fanon Hill, co-founder and executive director of the Youth Resiliency Institute. Ron Kipling Williams uses art, media, performance and education to break down walls, facilitate open and honest conversations and build community. Story continues When: Wednesday, May 29, 6-8:30 p.m. Where: Patricia & Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. Admission: Free with RSVP Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Six O'Clock Sessions: Introduction to Homebuying Incentives From the event description: Prepare for our upcoming $5,000 homebuying incentive event. Find out which incentives can be combined, how the application process works and much more. When: Wednesday, May 29, 6-7 p.m. Where: Hotel Indigo, Francis Scott Key Room, 9th Floor, 24 W. Franklin St. Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Photo: Kelsey Chance/Unsplash There's a little something for everyone coming up on the events calendar this week. From a boat party to a bike race, here are some solid options to help you get out and about in the days ahead. 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. NGHTMRE & SLANDER Present: Gud Vibrations Boat Party Sail away with local band Nghtmre & Slander, Wooli and Wavedash at the Gud Vibrations Boat Party. Food and drink will be available for purchase on the Inspiration Yacht. When: Monday, May 27, 1:30-6 p.m. Where: 1800 N Harbor Dr, 1800 N. Harbor Drive Admission: $45 (GA - Tier 1); $55 (GA - Tier 2) Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Stem Cell Therapies and You: A Patient Advocate Event Learn about how stem cell research can impact the health and wellness of the future during this speaking engagement. Medical professionals from UC San Diego Health will share knowledge about the developing progress of stem cell research. Snacks and refreshments will be served. When: Tuesday, May 28, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Where: Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, Duane Roth Auditorium, Floor 2, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets TCSD May Fiesta Island Time Trial Bike around Fiesta Island on this timed 3-lap, 12-mile course. Two riders will race at a time in an open space. Drinks will be served after the races. When: Wednesday, May 29, 6-7:30 p.m. Where: Fiesta Island, 1590 E. Mission Bay Drive Admission: Free (TCSD Members); $25 (One-day Membership) Click here for more details, and to get your tickets UNCORKED & Movie Under the Stars Lounge under the stars by roaring fire pits at InsideOUT in Hillcrest for a showing of Miss Congeniality. A select menu of wine will be half off and complimentary popcorn will be provided. Space is limited, so RSVP to this free event. Story continues When: Wednesday, May 29, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Where: insideOUT, 1642 University Ave., #100 Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Better dentistry does exist Not all dentists in San Francisco provide you with the same experience, which is why we make your life easier by rewarding you with a $50 gift card for visiting one of the top rated dentists in your area on Opencare. Don't believe us? Opencare is also proud to offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so if your new dentist doesn't live up to the hype, we'll also reimburse you up to $100 to cover your appointment costs! Click here to book an appointment and claim your $50 reward This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Photo: Nicholas Green/Unsplash Looking to mix things up this week? From a networking event to a hip hop concert, here are the best options to help you get off the couch and out into the world. 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. SonReal From the event description: SonReal is a Vancouver-based Canadian hip hop and alternative artist signed to the Blackbox Recordings indie record label. When: Tuesday, May 28, 7-11 p.m. Where: Columbia City Theater, 4916 Rainier Ave. South Admission: $17 Click here for more details, and to get your tickets 'Conversation with the Streets' From the event description: With the "Conversation with the Streets" movement, we believe in an unconventional way of reaching out, healing and educating youth. We will hold the first panel discussion to engage and reach inner city youth. This event is sponsored by the organization, Not This Time, with support from the Mayor's Office of Seattle. When: Wednesday, May 29, 5-9 p.m. Where: Seattle City Hall (Main Level), 600 Fourth Ave. Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Out in Tech Seattle: Launch Event at Flatiron School From the event description: We're so excited to share that Out in Tech is launching in Seattle. Join Out in Tech and Flatiron School for an evening of networking, games and your LGBTQ+ tech community. Drinks and snacks provided. When: Wednesday, May 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Where: WeWork, 1411 Fourth Ave., Floor 14 Admission: Free Click here for more details, and to get your tickets Better dentistry does exist Not all dentists in San Francisco provide you with the same experience, which is why we make your life easier by rewarding you with a $50 gift card for visiting one of the top rated dentists in your area on Opencare. Don't believe us? Opencare is also proud to offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so if your new dentist doesn't live up to the hype, we'll also reimburse you up to $100 to cover your appointment costs! Click here to book an appointment and claim your $50 reward This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Manulife Financial Corporation MFC is well positioned for growth, banking on its sturdy Asia business, cost savings, expanding wealth and asset management business, and strong capital position. The company has a Growth Score of B. This style score analyzes the companys growth prospects. The companys expected long-term earnings growth rate is pegged at 10%. Manulifes return on equity of 13.7% is better than the industry average of 8.9%. Return on equity is a profitability measure, identifying the companys efficiency in utilizing its shareholders funds. Manulife is one of the three dominant life insurers in its domestic Canada market, and is rapidly growing operations in the United States and several countries in Asia. The company has an impressive VGM Score of A. This style score helps identify stocks with the most attractive value, best growth and most promising momentum. Manulifes Asia business contributes majorly to its earnings. In the first quarter of 2019, Asia delivered core earnings growth of 17% while new business value grew 23%. An expanded distribution network and distribution agreements with key partners in the region should continue to drive results. In its efforts to improve risk profile by lowering volatility in legacy blocks, the company intends to reduce its allocation to alternative long-duration assets. Manulife Financial is thus focused on optimizing its portfolio, with an intention to release $5 billion in capital by 2022. The company is also targeting an expense efficiency ratio of less than 50% or $1 billion in cost savings and avoidance by 2022. It has already achieved $300-million cost savings in 2018 and is on track to achieve cost savings of at least $500 million in 2019 and $700 million in 2020. Manulife boasts more than $1 trillion in global assets under management and administration at first-quarter 2019 end, and remains focused on consistently growing its wealth and asset management business. Shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) life insurer have rallied 22.2% year to date, outperforming the industrys 14.3% growth and Zacks S&P 500 composites rise of 12.1%. Story continues A sturdy balance sheet and solid operational performance support effective capital deployment through dividend hikes. Its dividend yield of 4.3% betters the industry average of 2.4%, making it an attractive pick for yield-seeking investors. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2019 earnings is estimated to grow 3.8%. The consensus mark for revenues suggests 51.3% rise from the year-ago reported figure. Stocks to Consider Some better-ranked stocks from the insurance industry are American Equity Investment Life Holding Company AEL, Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated RGA and Aflac Incorporated AFL. Each of these stocks currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. American Equity Investment provides life insurance products and services in the United States. The company pulled off four-quarter average positive surprise of 10.54%. Reinsurance Group of America offers individual and group life and health insurance products, including term life, credit life, universal life, whole life, group life and health among others. The company pulled off a four-quarter average positive surprise of 5.62%. Aflac provides voluntary supplemental health and life insurance products. The company pulled off four-quarter average positive surprise of 7.10%. More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> 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 Aflac Incorporated (AFL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (RGA) : Free Stock Analysis Report American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (AEL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Manulife Financial Corp (MFC) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Odessa (Ukraine) (AFP) - A major riot involving 500 prisoners broke out at a penitentiary in the Ukrainian city of Odessa on Monday with the inmates setting fire to buildings and wounding seven staff members, officials said. Authorities deployed several hundred National Guard troops and police to help put down the riot, an AFP photographer at the scene said. The violence broke out at the facility in the Black Sea port city as authorities planned to move several convicts to a different prison, officials said, adding that the situation was now under control. Prisoners "attacked and wounded seven employees" and set alight a fire engine and several areas including the prison library, Ukraine's prison service said. Ruslan Forostyak, a regional police spokesman, told AFP that the rioters barricaded themselves inside their living quarters. The country's rights ombudswoman, Lyudmyla Denisova, said the rioters also took three medics and three guards hostage, but later said on Facebook,"they have been freed". "The situation is under police control right now," she said. At least six men who had arrived at the scene to support the prisoners were detained, according to the AFP photographer. A law enforcement source source told local media that one of the reasons for the riot was the poor quality of food. - Prison squalor - Established in the 1960s when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, the prison, Penal Colony No. 51, can hold up to 1,500 convicts. Largely inherited from the Soviet era, Ukraine's prisons are notorious for their squalor. There are currently 57,000 inmates in around 140 prisons. The historic port of Odessa is a multi-ethnic city of just under one million people. The city saw a number of riots in the past, especially in the early 20th century. In June 1905, the sailors of Battleship Potemkin revolted over bad meat, took control of the vessel and sailed to Odessa as the city saw widespread protests against Tsar Nicolas II. The incident was immortalised in Sergei Eisenstein's film "Battleship Potemkin". We're definitely into long term investing, but some companies are simply bad investments over any time frame. We don't wish catastrophic capital loss on anyone. For example, we sympathize with anyone who was caught holding Canada One Mining Corp. (CVE:CONE) during the five years that saw its share price drop a whopping 80%. And some of the more recent buyers are probably worried, too, with the stock falling 70% in the last year. Shareholders have had an even rougher run lately, with the share price down 33% in the last 90 days. Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card! Check out our latest analysis for Canada One Mining Canada One Mining didn't have any revenue in the last year, so it's fair to say it doesn't yet have a proven product (or at least not one people are paying for). We can't help wondering why it's publicly listed so early in its journey. Are venture capitalists not interested? As a result, we think it's unlikely shareholders are paying much attention to current revenue, but rather speculating on growth in the years to come. It seems likely some shareholders believe that Canada One Mining will find or develop a valuable new mine before too long. Companies that lack both meaningful revenue and profits are usually considered high risk. There is almost always a chance they will need to raise more capital, and their progress - and share price - will dictate how dilutive that is to current holders. While some such companies do very well over the long term, others become hyped up by promoters before eventually falling back down to earth, and going bankrupt (or being recapitalized). Some Canada One Mining investors have already had a taste of the bitterness stocks like this can leave in the mouth. Our data indicates that Canada One Mining had CA$493,293 more in total liabilities than it had cash, when it last reported in January 2019. That makes it extremely high risk, in our view. But since the share price has dived -28% per year, over 5 years, it looks like some investors think it's time to abandon ship, so to speak. You can click on the image below to see (in greater detail) how Canada One Mining's cash levels have changed over time. Story continues TSXV:CONE Historical Debt, May 27th 2019 In reality it's hard to have much certainty when valuing a business that has neither revenue or profit. What if insiders are ditching the stock hand over fist? It would bother me, that's for sure. You can click here to see if there are insiders selling. A Different Perspective Investors in Canada One Mining had a tough year, with a total loss of 70%, against a market gain of about 1.6%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 28% over the last half decade. 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. Most investors take the time to check the data on insider transactions. You can click here to see if insiders have been buying or selling. If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them). Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on CA 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. Statistically speaking, long term investing is a profitable endeavour. But along the way some stocks are going to perform badly. To wit, the Singapore Myanmar Investco Limited (SGX:Y45) share price managed to fall 64% over five long years. That is extremely sub-optimal, to say the least. We also note that the stock has performed poorly over the last year, with the share price down 50%. Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card! View our latest analysis for Singapore Myanmar Investco Singapore Myanmar Investco isn't currently profitable, so most analysts would look to revenue growth to get an idea of how fast the underlying business is growing. Shareholders of unprofitable companies usually expect strong revenue growth. Some companies are willing to postpone profitability to grow revenue faster, but in that case one does expect good top-line growth. You can see how revenue and earnings have changed over time in the image below, (click on the chart to see cashflow). SGX:Y45 Income Statement, May 27th 2019 If you are thinking of buying or selling Singapore Myanmar Investco stock, you should check out this FREE detailed report on its balance sheet. A Different Perspective We regret to report that Singapore Myanmar Investco shareholders are down 50% for the year. Unfortunately, that's worse than the broader market decline of 5.2%. 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 18% per year over five years. Generally speaking long term share price weakness can be a bad sign, though contrarian investors might want to research the stock in hope of a turnaround. You could get a better understanding of Singapore Myanmar Investco's growth by checking out this more detailed historical graph of earnings, revenue and cash flow. Story continues Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies we expect will grow earnings. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on SG 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. By Alasdair Pal NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India will not invite Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to Thursday's swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi, who starts his second term as India's prime minister, two sources in the foreign ministry said, suggesting any early warming in ties between the nuclear-armed neighbours is unlikely. Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan have fought three wars since both won independence from Britain in 1947, and came close to a fourth in February after a suicide attack by a Pakistan-based militant group killed at least 40 Indian police in the contested Kashmir region. An Indian government statement on Monday said the leaders of Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan - all members, with India, of the little-known Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) - have been invited to Modi's swearing-in. "This is in line with Government's focus on its 'Neighbourhood First' policy," a government spokesman said. The leaders of Kyrgyzstan and Mauritius have also been invited, but two sources in Indian's foreign ministry said Pakistan will not be on the list, without providing further information. For the swearing-in ceremony for Modi's first term in 2014, all nations from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), that includes Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Maldives, were invited. In 2014 Pakistan's then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attended the ceremony, to the anger of some of Modi's Hindu-nationalist allies. Modi and Khan both claimed their air forces carried out air strikes in enemy territory in March, to the alarm of world powers. Modi, who was widely believed to have benefited politically from the stand-off, won a second term with an increased majority in a general election whose results were declared last week. Khan called Modi on Sunday to congratulate him on his win. Story continues Modi could still meet Khan at a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan next month, that both leaders may attend. A spokesman for Pakistan's embassy in New Delhi was not immediately available for comment. (Reporting by Alasdair Pal; Editing by Martin Howell and Hugh Lawson) JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesian police have arrested six people suspected of plotting to assassinate four state officials during a wave of civil unrest in Jakarta last week, a police spokesman said on Monday. Eight people were killed and more than 900 hurt in two nights of clashes between supporters of defeated presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto and security forces. Downtown areas of Jakarta became a battlefield, with police firing tear gas and rubber bullets and protesters throwing rocks and firecrackers. Security officials said they believe the violence, which broke out after President Joko Widodo was confirmed the winner of last month's general election, was organized by several groups, including one linked to Islamic State and another to a retired special forces general accused of smuggling weapons to Jakarta. "This group wanted to take the lives of ... four national figures," national police spokesman Muhammad Iqbal said at a press conference to announce the six arrests. The five men and one woman have been charged with possession of weapons, he said, a charge that carried a maximum penalty of life in prison. The suspects had received 150 million rupiah ($10,434) from an unidentified source, Iqbal added, without giving details. He declined to name the four targets, but said Widodo was not among them. The suspects had also carried out surveillance on the head of a private polling firm. On election day, a number of credible private pollsters had showed Widodo winning the election based on a "quick count" of a sample of votes cast. Iqbal said the plot had been planned since March and some of the suspects had carried weapons in the protests last week. Police displayed a number of weapons at the press conference, including a rifle with a telescopic sight which they said was homemade. Calm has returned to the capital where 40,000 police and soldiers remain on duty. Restrictions on social media to prevent the spread of online hoaxes have been lifted. Prabowo's political party, Gerindra, has denied any links to the clashes and accused the police of brutality against their supporters. Widodo won more than 85 million of the 154 million votes cast, but Prabowo has alleged "massive cheating and irregularities" and refused to concede defeat. On Friday, Prabowo, a former special forces commander, challenged the official result of the election in the Constitutional Court, which is due to deliver a verdict on June 28. Most analysts say it will be very difficult to mount a strong argument to overturn the result of the election, particularly given the 11 percentage point margin of Widodo's victory. (Reporting by Agustinus Beo Da Costa; Editing by Ed Davies and Darren Schuettler) It is not uncommon to see companies perform well in the years after insiders buy shares. 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 shareholders might well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling shares in Konekt Limited (ASX:KKT). What Is Insider Selling? 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. We don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions. But equally, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. For example, a Columbia University study found that 'insiders are more likely to engage in open market purchases of their own companys stock when the firm is about to reveal new agreements with customers and suppliers'. Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card! View our latest analysis for Konekt The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Konekt While no particular insider transaction stood out, we can still look at the overall trading. Happily, we note that in the last year insiders bought 504k shares for a total of AU$103k. In the last twelve months Konekt insiders were buying shares, but not selling. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! ASX:KKT Recent Insider Trading, May 27th 2019 Konekt is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Konekt Insiders Bought Stock Recently We saw some Konekt insider buying shares in the last three months. Insiders purchased AU$41k worth of shares in that period. It's good to see the insider buying, as well as the lack of recent sellers. However, in this case the amount invested recently is quite small. Story continues Insider Ownership of Konekt Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Konekt insiders own about AU$8.0m worth of shares (which is 41% of the company). This kind of significant ownership by insiders does generally increase the chance that the company is run in the interest of all shareholders. So What Do The Konekt Insider Transactions Indicate? Insider purchases may have been minimal, in the last three months, but there was no selling at all. That said, the purchases were not large. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. Judging from their transactions, and high insider ownership, Konekt insiders feel good about the company's future. I like to dive deeper into how a company has performed in the past. You can access this interactive graph of past earnings, revenue and cash flow for free . But note: Konekt may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading. We often see insiders buying up shares in companies that perform well over the long term. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of examples of share prices declining precipitously after insiders have sold shares. So before you buy or sell Internationella Engelska Skolan i Sverige Holdings II AB (publ) (STO:ENG), you may well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling. What Is Insider Buying? Most investors know that it is quite permissible for company leaders, such as directors of the board, to buy and sell stock on the market. However, rules govern insider transactions, and certain disclosures are required. We would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing. But equally, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. As Peter Lynch said, 'insiders might sell their shares for any number of reasons, but they buy them for only one: they think the price will rise.' Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card! View our latest analysis for Internationella Engelska Skolan i Sverige Holdings II Internationella Engelska Skolan i Sverige Holdings II Insider Transactions Over The Last Year While no particular insider transaction stood out, we can still look at the overall trading. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below! OM:ENG Recent Insider Trading, May 27th 2019 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. Does Internationella Engelska Skolan i Sverige Holdings II Boast High Insider Ownership? For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Our information indicates that Internationella Engelska Skolan i Sverige Holdings II insiders own about kr7.2m worth of shares. We do note, however, it is possible insiders have an indirect interest through a private company or other corporate structure. It's always possible we are missing something but from our data, it looks like insider ownership is minimal. Story continues So What Does This Data Suggest About Internationella Engelska Skolan i Sverige Holdings II Insiders? It doesn't really mean much that no insider has traded Internationella Engelska Skolan i Sverige Holdings II shares in the last quarter. But insiders have shown more of an appetite for the stock, over the last year. We'd like to see bigger individual holdings. However, we don't see anything to make us think Internationella Engelska Skolan i Sverige Holdings II insiders are doubting the company. If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future. Of course Internationella Engelska Skolan i Sverige Holdings II may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of high quality companies. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading. Baghdad (AFP) - An Iraqi court on Monday condemned a fourth French citizen to death for joining the Islamic State group, despite France reiterating its opposition to capital punishment. Mustapha Merzoughi, a 37-year-old former French army soldier, was sentenced to death by hanging, according to an AFP journalist at the court. In recent months Iraq has taken custody of thousands of jihadists including foreigners captured in neighbouring Syria by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) during the battle to destroy the IS "caliphate". Among them are 12 French citizens, three of whom -- Kevin Gonot, Leonard Lopez and Salim Machou -- were handed death sentences Sunday by a Baghdad court in a first for French jihadists. They have 30 days to appeal. The trials have been criticised by rights groups, which say they often rely on evidence obtained through torture. They have also raised the question of whether suspected IS jihadists should be tried in the region or repatriated, in the face of strong public opposition at home. France has long insisted that its adult citizens captured in Iraq or Syria must face trial locally, refusing to repatriate them despite the risk they face capital punishment for waging their jihadist war in the region. Paris on Monday reiterated its opposition to the death penalty, saying it would take "the necessary steps" to prevent Iraq from carrying out capital punishment against its citizens. "France is opposed in principle to the death penalty at all times and in all places," the foreign ministry said in a statement. French government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye told France's BFMTV that "we are not going to ask Iraq's government for a stay on this death sentence... (but) all the avenues have not yet been exhausted". - 'Ask for forgiveness' - Before handing down his sentence, the judge told Merzoughi on Monday that "the evidence and the confession show that you joined the Islamic State group, that you worked in its military branch." Story continues Wearing a yellow prison uniform, the French citizen with Tunisian roots said he was "not guilty of crimes and killings" but simply of travelling to Syria. "I ask for forgiveness from the people of Iraq, Syria, France and the families of the victims," he said. Originally from Toulouse in southwestern France, Merzoughi told investigators he had served in the French army from 2000 to 2010, including a tour in Afghanistan in 2009. Passing through Belgium and then Morocco, Merzoughi said in court on Monday he underwent "religious and military training" in the Iraqi city of Mosul. He allegedly told investigators previously that he "pledged allegiance to a masked IS leader in Mosul", claiming that many senior jihadists worried about being "recognised or identified by foreign fighters they feared were spies". But in court on Monday Merzoughi said he never pledged allegiance to the jihadist group. Testifying for around two hours, he contended that he was left with "no choice but to leave" his home country, after he got divorced and lost his job as a truck driver. He said he quickly became disillusioned with life under IS, and was detained by the jihadist group for "spying" because he had mulled fleeing the group's clutches. - 'Summary justice' - Four other Frenchmen also appeared in court on Monday -- Fodil Tahar Aouidate, who claimed he was beaten by interrogators, Vianney Ouraghi, Bilel Kabaoui and Mourad Delhomme, who are all due to appear again in early June. Clenching his jaw and dressed in a yellow prison uniform, Aouidate, 32, said he had been beaten so that he would "confess to what they (his interrogators) demanded". Like Merzoughi, he claimed he was imprisoned by IS after being accused of spying. The judge ordered Aouidate -- who was jailed in France in 2010 for drug trafficking and was one of over 20 members of the same family to travel to Syria -- be sent for a medical examination before his next court appearance. Before the most recent verdicts, three French citizens had been convicted of joining IS in Iraq: Melina Boughedir, 27, Djamila Boutoutaou, 29, and Lahcene Gueboudj, 58. All three were sentenced to life, equivalent to 20 years in Iraq. The Iraqi judiciary said earlier in May that it has tried and sentenced more than 500 suspected foreign members of IS since the start of 2018. Its courts have condemned many to life in prison and others to death, although no foreign IS members have yet been executed. The country remains in the top five "executioner" nations in the world, an Amnesty International report said in April. Baghdad (AFP) - An Iraqi court on Monday condemned a fourth French citizen to death for joining the Islamic State group, a day after handing capital punishments to three other Frenchmen. Mustapha Merzoughi, 37, was sentenced to death by hanging, according to an AFP journalist at the court. "The evidence and the confession show that you joined the Islamic State group, that you worked in its military branch," the judge told Merzoughi before handing down his sentence. In recent months Iraq has taken custody of thousands of jihadists including foreigners captured in neighbouring Syria by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) during the battle to destroy the IS "caliphate". The Iraqi judiciary said earlier in May that it had tried and sentenced more than 500 suspected foreign members of IS since the start of 2018. "I'm not guilty of crimes and killings. I'm guilty of going (to Syria)," Merzoughi, wearing a yellow prison uniform, told the judge. "I ask for forgiveness from the people of Iraq, Syria, France and the families of the victims." Merzoughi told investigators he had served in the French army from 2000 to 2010, including a tour in Afghanistan in 2009. In France, he lived in the southwestern city of Toulouse, the hometown of jihadist brothers Fabien and Jean-Michel Clain who claimed the deadly 2015 attacks in Paris and were killed fighting in Syria. Passing through Belgium and then Morocco, the French citizen of Tunisian origin underwent "religious and military training in Aleppo", in northern Syria. Fellow French jihadist Fodhil Tahar Aouidate also appeared before the court on Monday, but his trial was postponed until June 2 to allow for a medical examination after he alleged he had been beaten in custody. Aouidate, 32, made a first trip to Syria in 2013 and returned in 2014 to join IS, according to the French judiciary. After 130 people were killed in IS's 2015 Paris attacks, Aouidate appeared in a video saying it was his "great pleasure and joy to see these unbelievers suffer as we suffer here." Their trial came a day after an Iraqi court sentenced three French citizens to death for joining IS, making them the first French jihadists to be handed capital punishment. Captured in Syria by the SDF, Kevin Gonot, Leonard Lopez and Salim Machou were transferred to Iraq for trial. They have 30 days to appeal. JERUSALEM, May 27 (Reuters) - Israel voiced openness on Monday to U.S.-mediated talks with Lebanon on resolving a dispute over the neighbors' maritime border that has dogged Mediterranean oil and gas exploration. Such talks, Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz's office said in a statement after he met U.S. envoy David Satterfield, could be "for the good of both countries' interests in developing natural gas reserves and oil" by agreeing a border. (Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Toby Chopra) Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel's parliament on Monday took a first step toward holding new elections due to deadlocked coalition negotiations following April polls, giving preliminary approval to a law to dissolve itself. Three more votes are required for final approval of the law, which would result in new elections being held. The vote was 65-43 with six abstentions, according to parliament's website. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been unable to reach a deal to form a governing coalition ahead of a Wednesday night deadline to do so. He was due to speak in parliament at 8:00 pm (1700 GMT). Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman has prevented a deal by refusing to budge from a key demand. Holding elections so close to one another would be unprecedented in Israel, and there have been concerns over the cost and prolonged political paralysis that would result. It would also be a major setback for Netanyahu, who received support on Monday from his close ally US President Donald Trump. "Hoping things will work out with Israel's coalition formation and Bibi and I can continue to make the alliance between America and Israel stronger than ever. A lot more to do!" Trump, currently visiting Japan, said on Twitter, using Netanyahu's nickname. Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel's energy minister said Monday his country had agreed to enter US-mediated talks with Lebanon on maritime borders that would have an impact on offshore oil and gas exploration. Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said in a statement after meeting US State Department official David Satterfield that Israel agreed to move forward with the talks. Lebanese officials said last week that Satterfield, the acting assistant secretary for Near Eastern affairs, had informed them that Israel agreed to the negotiations. Israel had not commented at the time. Last year, Lebanon signed its first contract to drill for oil and gas in its waters, including for a block disputed by its southern neighbour Israel, with which it has fought several wars. A consortium composed of energy giants Total, Eni and Novatek was awarded two of Lebanon's 10 exploration blocks last year. It is set to start drilling in block 4 in December, and later in the disputed block 9. Last year, Total said it was aware of the border dispute in less than eight percent of block 9 and said it would drill away from that area. In April, Lebanon invited international consortia to bid for five more blocks, which include two also adjacent to Israel's waters. Israel also produces natural gas from reserves off its coast in the Mediterranean. Israel and Lebanon are still technically at war, although the last Israeli troops withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000 after two decades of occupation. Washington (AFP) - Israeli pharmaceutical giant Teva agreed on Sunday to pay the US state of Oklahoma $85 million to settle a lawsuit accusing it of fueling the state's opioid epidemic, Oklahoma's attorney general said. The announcement comes after Purdue Pharma, maker of the opioid painkiller OxyContin -- a key driver of the crisis responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in the United States -- reached a $270 million settlement with the state in March. Attorney General Mike Hunter said in a statement the Teva settlement shows Oklahoma's "resolve to hold the defendants in this case accountable for the ongoing opioid overdose and addiction epidemic that continues to claim thousands of lives each year." The money will be used by the midwestern state to fight the opioid crisis, Hunter said, with an announcement of how exactly it will be spent made in the future. Meanwhile, another pharmaceutical titan, Johnson & Johnson, is set to go on trial in Oklahoma on Tuesday, with the company facing similar accusations that it aggressively promoted opioid painkillers despite knowing the risks of addiction. Overdoses from prescription painkillers and heroin -- a last-resort illicit drug for opioid addicts -- exploded over the last 20 years, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Almost 400,000 people have died from an overdose involving prescription or illicit opioids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pop icon Prince and rocker Tom Petty were among the high-profile victims of the epidemic. Damascus (AFP) - Syria said Israel carried out a missile attack that caused casualties on Monday, in what Israel's army said was a retaliatory strike. "An Israeli missile targeted Tel al-Shaar in Quneitra," the Syrian news agency said, adding a "military vehicle was targeted and there are wounded". The Israeli military confirmed it carried out an air strike in Syria in retaliation for what it said was anti-aircraft fire targeting one of its fighter jets. The Syrian province of Quneitra includes the Golan Heights, most of which is occupied and annexed by Israel. "Earlier today, Syrian anti-aircraft systems fired at an IDF fighter jet during a routine flight in northern Israel," the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement. It said the projectile missed and the plane completed its journey before "the IDF targeted the launcher that had fired" at the jet. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said the Israeli missile was "reportedly fired from the occupied part of the Golan". Its director, Rami Abdel Rahman, told AFP that three Syrian soldiers were wounded. Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria, most of them against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets. Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shiite group that supports Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, who is also backed by Tehran. The Israeli strike comes amid soaring tensions in the region between Israel's arch-foe Iran and the United States. The stand-off has been simmering since the United States last year withdrew from the 2015 nuclear treaty which Iran reached with major world powers. In recent days the US accused Iran of alleged threats and last week deployed an aircraft carrier group and B-52 bombers to the Gulf. Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli coalition negotiations remained deadlocked Monday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a right-wing party leader engaged in a standoff that could provoke new elections only months after April 9 polls. Netanyahu has until Wednesday night to form a coalition government, but ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman has prevented a deal by refusing to budge from a key demand. Holding elections so close to one another would be unprecedented in Israel, and there have been concerns over the cost and prolonged political paralysis that would result. Israel's parliament could take the first step toward dissolving itself as early as later Monday. Further votes would be needed to move towards elections. On Monday, Netanyahu's Likud party called on Lieberman and his Yisrael Beitenu party to compromise and allow a coalition to be formed. Lieberman said he had already made concessions and was not prepared to go further, adding he was ready for new elections if needed. His party controls five seats in parliament and Netanyahu needs his support for the coalition he is seeking. "It's a matter of principle," Lieberman told journalists, calling Netanyahu's failure to form a government a "huge, unprecedented failure." The former defence minister is seeking a guarantee that legislation he supports aimed at having ultra-Orthodox Jews perform mandatory military service like other Jewish Israelis be approved. The issue is a highly sensitive one in Israeli politics and the bill is opposed by ultra-Orthodox parties, who control 16 seats in parliament and are also slated to form part of Netanyahu's coalition. Failing to reach a coalition deal by Wednesday would be a major setback for Netanyahu. April elections left his Likud along with its right-wing and religious allies with 65 of 120 seats in parliament, putting Netanyahu in position for a fifth term and on track to become Israel's longest-serving premier later this year. Story continues He is also facing possible indictment for fraud, breach of trust and bribery in the months ahead. A pre-indictment hearing is expected to be held in early October, and there have been reports that Netanyahu is seeking legislation in the new parliament that could result in him being granted immunity from prosecution. If a coalition deal is not reached by Wednesday night's deadline, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin could give Netanyahu another two weeks if he concludes the premier is the only person capable of forming a government. Alternatively, Rivlin could ask another member of parliament to form a government. Netanyahu is widely seen as preferring new elections rather than leaving the choice up to Rivlin since someone else could be selected. Jerusalem (AFP) - Israelis faced the growing possibility Monday of a new national poll despite a general election last month, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition talks remain deadlocked ahead of a looming deadline. Netanyahu, who risks a major setback if he fails to reach an agreement before Wednesday night's deadline, spoke in Israel's parliament and said it was still possible a deal could be brokered to avoid "unnecessary" elections. But he spoke shortly after parliament took the first step towards holding new polls, by preliminarily approving a law to dissolve itself. Three more rounds of voting are needed for final approval. Earlier in the day as Netanyahu failed to convince a right-wing party leader to compromise and allow a deal to be reached, his close ally US President Donald Trump offered his support. "Hoping things will work out with Israel's coalition formation and Bibi and I can continue to make the alliance between America and Israel stronger than ever. A lot more to do!" Trump, currently visiting Japan, said on Twitter, using Netanyahu's nickname. Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman has prevented a deal by refusing to budge from a key demand -- and he showed no sign of backing down on Monday. Holding elections so close to one another would be unprecedented in Israel, and there have been concerns over the cost and prolonged political paralysis that would result. Netanyahu sought to place full blame on Lieberman, who rejected the assertion. "There's no reason to drag the country to unnecessary elections that will cost a fortune and paralyse us all for another half a year," Netanyahu said in his address in which he also referenced Trump's tweet. - 'Matter of principle' - Lieberman said he had already made concessions and was not prepared to go further, adding he was ready for new elections if needed. The former defence minister is seeking a guarantee that legislation he supports aimed at having ultra-Orthodox Jews perform mandatory military service like other Jewish Israelis be approved without changes. Story continues His party controls five seats in parliament and Netanyahu needs his support for the coalition he is seeking. "It's a matter of principle," Lieberman told journalists, calling Netanyahu's inability to form a government a "huge, unprecedented failure." The issue of military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews is a highly sensitive one in Israeli politics and the bill is opposed by ultra-Orthodox parties, who control 16 seats in parliament and are also slated to form part of Netanyahu's coalition. April elections left Netanyahu's Likud party along with its right-wing and religious allies with 65 of 120 seats in parliament, putting him in position for a fifth term and on track to become Israel's longest-serving premier later this year. He is at the same time facing possible indictment for fraud, breach of trust and bribery in the months ahead. A pre-indictment hearing is expected to be held in early October, and there have been reports that Netanyahu is seeking legislation in the new parliament that could result in him being granted immunity from prosecution. If a coalition deal is not reached by Wednesday night's deadline, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin could give Netanyahu another two weeks if he concludes the premier is the only person capable of forming a government. Alternatively, Rivlin could ask another member of parliament to form a government. Netanyahu is widely seen as preferring new elections rather than leaving the choice up to Rivlin, due to the possibility someone else could be selected. Netanyahu could also seek to form a minority government. ROME (Reuters) - Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Monday nothing should change in the coalition government after his League party overtook its partner, the 5-Star Movement, in the European parliamentary election. "As far as I am concerned, nothing should change at the national level," Salvini told reporters after initial results suggested the League would take around 32% of the vote against just 19% for 5-Star -- an almost exact inversion of the 2018 national election result. Salvini said he would not seek any additional government posts for his party in the wake of the EU vote, but would look to change European Union politics in Brussels. (Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Crispian Balmer) By Jeff Mason TOKYO (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday publicly endorsed North Korea's scathing personal attack on former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, dismissing criticism that he was siding with a foreign dictator over a fellow American. "Well, Kim Jong Un made a statement that Joe Biden is a low IQ individual. He probably is, based on his record. I think I agree with him on that," Trump told a news conference in Tokyo. Trump's comments on the world stage reinforced a tweet that he sent on Saturday with a similar message and drew renewed criticism of the president back home. North Korea's state-run news agency issued a stinging attack last week on Biden, who has been critical of the isolated state. Trump has targeted Biden with increasing criticism as the former vice president rises in polls for the Democratic presidential nomination to challenge the Republican Trump in the November 2020 election campaign. The president often derides his political opponents, but his tweet on Sunday and his comments on Monday were notable because he issued them while abroad, a practice traditionally shunned in U.S. politics, and aligned himself with Kim, considered a brutal dictator by many. Trump spoke during the U.S. Memorial Day weekend, a federal holiday honoring Americans who have died while serving in the armed forces. "Backing ruthless dictators over our allies in the region?" tweeted U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democratic presidential hopeful. "This does not show American strength: Still angling for a deal, Trump backs Kim Jong Un over Biden, Bolton and Japan." Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, last week said North Korean missile tests had "no doubt" violated U.N. Security Council resolutions. On Monday, Trump alluded to Bolton and said he had a different view. 'DISGRACEFUL' "We're going to have to retire the word 'unprecedented' during Trump's presidency," said Larry Sabato, presidential historian and director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. "It's becoming the new normal. And disgraceful, of course," he wrote on Twitter. One of Trump's fellow Republicans, U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger, called out the president on Sunday for "praising a dictator" and attacking Biden over the Memorial Day weekend. "It's just plain wrong," Kinzinger, a military veteran, said on Twitter. Biden's campaign and the Democratic National Committee did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Pete Buttigieg, a Democratic candidate for president and Navy veteran, was also critical on Monday. "Kim Jong Un is a murderous dictator and Vice President Biden served this country honorably. It's just one more example, though, of the way that this president tries to draw attention to himself by saying things that shock the conscience ..." Trump has sought to build a strong relationship with the North Korean leader in the hope that North Korea would agree to denuclearize. Trump also knocked Biden and former President Barack Obama on Monday for their efforts to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. Trump pulled the United States out of a nuclear deal Iran sealed with Washington and other foreign powers. "Joe Biden was a disaster, his administration with President Obama, they were basically a disaster when it came to so many things, whether it was economy, whether it was military ... no matter what it was, they had a lot of problems," Trump said when asked about criticism that he was favoring Kim over the former vice president. "So, I'm not a fan." A commentary by North Korea's KCNA state media on Tuesday slammed Biden for "rhetoric slandering the supreme leadership of the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)." "What he uttered is just sophism of an imbecile bereft of elementary quality as a human being, let alone a politician," the North Korean news agency said. (Additional reporting by Matt Spetalnick, Michelle Price and David Brunnstrom in Washington and Peter Szekely in New York; Editing by Peter Graff, Jeffrey Benkoe and Howard Goller) In this article: TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday U.S. President Donald Trump gave strong support to his intention to hold unconditional talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Abe spoke at a joint news conference after a summit with Trump in Tokyo. Trump is on a four-day state visit. (Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka) RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) A Brazilian judge ruled Monday that the man charged with nearly killing far-right President Jair Bolsonaro during a campaign event last year should not be punished because he is mentally ill. Adelio Bispo de Oliveira was charged with stabbing the then presidential candidate in September at a rally in Juiz de Fora, a city 115 miles (186 kilometers) north of Rio de Janeiro. Federal judge Bruno Savino decided de Oliveira cannot be jailed and ruled he should be put in a mental facility. Bolsonaro, 63, suffered serious internal bleeding from the stabbing in his abdomen and he needed a colostomy bag for weeks afterward. He was released from the hospital only a week before the first round of voting in Brazil's presidential election on Oct.7. He had his colostomy reversed in January, after taking office as Brazil's president. At the moment of the attack, Bolsonaro was on the shoulders of a supporter, looking out at the crowd and giving a thumbs up with his left hand. He was already leading polls with his pro-gun and anti-corruption agenda, while drawing widespread criticism for several racist, homophobic and misogynistic comments. Bolsonaro has spent months accusing de Oliveira of being part of a plot to stop him from winning the presidency. Some analysts believe the far-right leader's victory was partly due to the commotion created around the attack and to his absence in all debates that followed the attack. De Oliveira belonged to a leftist party years ago and has said his attack was motivated by hatred for Bolsonaro. The 40-year-old attacker was beaten badly by Bolsonaro supporters after the stabbing. He was also arrested in 2013 for another assault, police have said. On the same day of the attack, the president of the National Federation of Federal Police, Luis Boudens, told The Associated Press that the assailant appeared to be mentally disturbed. "Our agents there said the attacker said he was 'on a mission from God,'" Boudens reported. "Their impression is that they were not dealing with a mentally stable person. He didn't expect to be arrested so quickly; agents reacted in seconds." Prosecutors agreed. Public Joint Stock Company Kovrov Mechanical Plant (MCX:KMEZ) shareholders might be concerned after seeing the share price drop 28% in the last quarter. But that doesn't change the fact that the returns over the last year have been pleasing. Looking at the full year, the company has easily bested an index fund by gaining 26%. Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card! See our latest analysis for Kovrov Mechanical Plant While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price. Kovrov Mechanical Plant went from making a loss to reporting a profit, in the last year. We think the growth looks very prospective, so we're not surprised the market liked it too. Inflection points like this can be a great time to take a closer look at a company. The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). MISX:KMEZ Past and Future Earnings, May 27th 2019 Before buying or selling a stock, we always recommend a close examination of historic growth trends, available here.. A Different Perspective It's good to see that Kovrov Mechanical Plant has rewarded shareholders with a total shareholder return of 26% in the last twelve months. That certainly beats the loss of about 2.5% per year over the last half decade. The long term loss makes us cautious, but the short term TSR gain certainly hints at a brighter future. Before deciding if you like the current share price, check how Kovrov Mechanical Plant scores on these 3 valuation metrics. If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of companies that have proven they can grow earnings. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on RU 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. MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin on Monday rebuffed a call by an international maritime tribunal for Russia to release 24 Ukrainian sailors, saying the court had no jurisdiction over the strait where Russian security forces captured them. The Hamburg-based International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on Saturday said Moscow should release the sailors immediately and that both nations should refrain from taking any action that might aggravate the dispute. The Russian navy captured the Ukrainian sailors and their three vessels in the Kerch Strait, which links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, on Nov. 25, 2018, after opening fire on them. The waterway separates Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, and Russia. The ITLOS was established to settle maritime disputes by the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, of which both Ukraine and Russia are signatories. But it has no means of enforcing its decisions. "The convention on the law of the sea from 1982 is not applicable in the case of the Kerch Strait," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call. He did not elaborate on why the convention did not apply. Russia plans to press ahead with its investigation into the incident in which the Ukrainian sailors were captured and to take the matter to trial, Peskov was quoted by the daily Vedomosti newspaper as saying late on Sunday. (Reporting by Maria Kiselyova; Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Toby Chopra) By Elisabeth O'Leary EDINBURGH (Reuters) - Senior members of Britain's Labour Party in Scotland blamed leader Jeremy Corbyn's Brexit "ambiguity" on Monday for a Labour wipeout in Scotland in the European Parliament election. Labour lost both of its Scottish European Parliament seats in Sunday's vote, one to the Scottish National Party (SNP) and one to the Liberal Democrats. Results were announced on Monday. "The blame for the worst result in Scottish Labour's history lies squarely with our party's leadership," Labour lawmakers Ian Murray and Martin Whitfield, who both represent Scottish seats in Britain's parliament, said in newspaper The Scotsman. To win power in Britain, Corbyn would likely need a strong showing in left-leaning Scotland which for decades was a springboard for Labour governments. But its space is now occupied by the SNP, which dominates Scottish politics and supports independence from the United Kingdom. Murray and Whitfield said Corbyn had snubbed the Labour membership by refusing to embrace the possibility of a second referendum on whether to exit the EU. "We walked away from that (Brexit) battlefield, offering nothing but ambiguity on an issue that will determine the future of our country," they said. "(Corbyn and Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard) stuck their heads in the Brexit sand because they can't lead. We have paid the price for their failure and we have been wiped off the electoral map," the column said. Almost three years since a narrow referendum vote in favor of leaving the EU, British lawmakers are stuck on how, when or even whether the country will quit the world's largest trading bloc after 46 years' membership. Scotland, one of the United Kingdom's four nations, voted 62% to keep its EU membership in 2016, but was trumped by Britain's overall 52-48% margin in favor of Brexit. In Sunday's vote, pro-EU parties won the lion's share of Scottish votes with the SNP increasing its European Parliament seat total to 3 from 2 of the 6 in total allocated to Scotland. The Liberal Democrats also won one seat, the Conservatives one and Nigel Farage's Brexit Party - which won the vote in the UK overall - taking one seat. (Reporting by Elisabeth O'Leary; Editing by Mark Heinrich) LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Monday Brexit could only be resolved by taking the issue back to the people, either at a new national election or a public vote. "With the Conservatives disintegrating and unable to govern, and parliament deadlocked, this issue will have to go back to the people, whether through a general election or a public vote," he said in a statement. "We will not let the continuing chaos in the Conservative Party push our country into a no deal exit from the EU. Parliament can and will prevent such a damaging outcome for jobs and industry in the UK." (Writing by Elisabeth O'Leary; editing by Elizabeth Piper) A Las Vegas man is accused of attempted murder for allegedly driving over his estranged girlfriend after she attended the Electric Daisy Carnival against his wishes. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police say 20-year-old Ryan Mansour remains jailed on $25,000 bond. They say Mansour told officers he left his job at a movie theater early Tuesday after seeing pictures of his girlfriend at the festival online. According to the arrest report obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Mansour and the victim quarreled before he ran over her in a parking lot. The report says Mansour didn't do it on purpose, but admitted he was full of rage. The woman suffered a broken leg, broken arm, broken pelvis, lacerated liver and collapsed lung. Her name and age were redacted from the police report. Lima (AFP) - The death toll from a powerful earthquake that rocked parts of Peru and neighboring Ecuador rose to two on Monday, with more than 30 people injured, authorities said. Sunday's 8.0-earthquake hit a sparsely populated region of Peru's Amazon basin region but was felt over a wide area. Reports were still coming in Monday from remote areas affected by the quake, which also rattled the capital Lima and other cities where frightened residents rushed into the streets. "We have two dead because of the earthquake. The second victim is a 15-year-old who was hit on the head" by falling rubble at his home, Civil Defense Coordinator Ricardo Seijas told Chanel N television. The teenager died of his injuries after begin taken to hospital in Peru's northern region of La Libertad. The other victim, a 48-year-old man, was reported Sunday to have been killed by falling debris while he slept at his house in Cajamarca in northern Peru. The quake struck at 2:41 am (0741 GMT). Seijas said 15 people had been injured, with several hundred buildings destroyed or damaged. The quake was the most powerful to hit the earthquake-prone country in 12 years, Peru's President Martin Vizcarra said, adding that it blocked roads, damaged a bridge and knocked down houses. "It is an earthquake affecting the entire Peruvian jungle," he said. Reports said 15 people had been hurt in Ecuador, where power-cuts were reported in parts of its Amazon basin region. Peruvian media said the tremor was also felt in parts of Colombia and Venezuela. Peru lies on the so-called Ring of Fire -- an arc of fault lines that circles the Pacific Basin and is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The South American country records about 200 earthquakes a year, most of them going unnoticed by the public. BLANTYRE/LILONGWE, May 27 (Reuters) - Final results of Malawi's presidential elections will be published on Monday after the high court lifted its weekend injunction blocking the release following opposition allegations of tampering against President Peter Mutharika's ruling party. "Our lawyers have just informed us that the injunction has been removed so we are going to announce election results in about 20 minutes," Justice Jane Ansah told the media at the election center in Blantyre. (Reporting by Frank Phiri and Mabvuto Banda Writing by Mfuneko Toyana Editing by Catherine Evans) KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Reuters) - Malaysia's last male Sumatran rhinoceros has died, an official said on Monday, dashing efforts to save the critically endangered species in the country. The rhino, named Tam, was about 30 years old and lived at a wildlife reserve in Sabah state on Borneo island since his capture in 2008, Christina Liew, state minister for tourism, culture and environment, said in a statement. The Sumatran rhino, the smallest species of rhinoceros, was declared extinct in the wild in Malaysia in 2015. Iman, a female captured in 2014, is now the only surviving member of the subspecies left in the country. Another female rhino, Puntung, died in captivity in 2017. Wildlife experts estimate that only about 30 to 80 Sumatran rhinos remain in the world, mostly on the Indonesian island of Sumatra and on the Indonesian side of Borneo. Their isolation, caused by habitat loss and poaching, means they rarely breed and may go extinct in a matter of decades, according to conservation group International Rhino Foundation. Since 2011, Malaysia has tried to breed the species in captivity through in vitro fertilization, but without success. Liew said Tam's genetic material has been preserved for future attempts to reproduce Sumatran rhinos. (Reporting by Rozanna Latiff; editing by Darren Schuettler) The former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed has been nominated as the country's parliamentary speaker and is set to be sworn in Tuesday, a party official said. Nasheed was unanimously chosen to head the People's Majlis, or the parliament, by his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) which won a near three quarter majority in the 87-member assembly in April. "He is unanimously chosen as the Speaker," a party official told AFP. "He will be sworn in at the inaugural session of the new parliament elected at the historic April vote." Nasheed -- who until six months ago was still in exile -- has vowed to use his party's thumping mandate to usher in a new era of stability and democracy in the Maldives. The MDP's closest rivals, the Jamhooree Party and Progressive Party of the Maldives, both won five seats. Two minor parties and independents secured 12 seats among them. The Maldives, a holiday destination popular with honeymooners, is only just emerging from years of strongman rule, political crises and corruption scandals miring the government and judiciary. Nasheed's comprehensive victory was another rebuke for his rival Abdulla Yameen, who was dumped as president in a shock election defeat in September under a cloud of corruption allegations. Nasheed was barred from running in the presidential election but his former deputy, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, emerged triumphant over Yameen. Nasheed returned to the Maldives in November after the Supreme Court quashed a terrorism conviction against him. PARIS (Reuters) - The failure of Maltese authorities to identify the masterminds behind the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia raises questions about the rule of law in Malta, according to Europe's chief human rights watchdog. Caruana Galizia, whose reporting uncovered widespread corruption, was killed by a car bomb in October 2017. Her murder exposed the dark side of the Mediterranean island that is both a member of the EU and a haven for online gambling, offshore finance and cryptocurrencies. In the draft of a report seen by Reuters and due to be released on Wednesday, the Council of Europe concludes Malta's rule of law is undermined by weak checks and balances on power and says more must be done to strengthen judicial independence and bolster law enforcement. "Malta's weaknesses are source of vulnerability for all of Europe: Maltese citizenship is European Union citizenship, a Maltese visa is a Schengen visa, and a Maltese bank gives access to the European banking system," rapporteur Pieter Omtzigt's writes in the draft. "If Malta cannot or will not correct its weaknesses, European institutions must intervene." A spokesman for Prime Minister Joseph Muscat did not immediately reply to Reuters requests for comment. However, in response to a leak of the report to Maltese newspapers, Muscat told state television last Wednesday that it was "totally biased". The Council of Europe's Human Rights and Legal Affairs Commission is expected to adopt the report at a meeting in Paris on Wednesday, before it goes to the council's assembly in June. In examining where failings lie, the draft report zeroes in on the powerful position of the prime minister's office. It said Muscat has wide powers of appointment, including senior civil servants, the head of police and the attorney general, judges and magistrates. His office has also overseen a number of activities that present a risk of money laundering, including the sale of passports, it said. "Malta still needs fundamental, holistic reform, including subjecting the office of the prime minister to effective checks and balances, ensuring judicial independence and strengthening law enforcement and other rule of law bodies," the report says. The government has repeatedly said Malta's financial services sector is as transparent, solid and compliant as any other European jurisdiction. The government says the gambling and passport initiatives are legitimate. More than a year-and-a-half after Caruana Galizia's assassination, the main suspects have not gone on trial and Maltese authorities have failed to identify who ordered the hit. The custody time limit expires in two months, after which they will have to be released, the report says. They have pleaded not guilty. Two of the three suspects on Monday protested in court in Malta over the Council of Europe report, saying it ignored their presumption of innocence. The 70-year-old Council of Europe is the guardian of the European Convention on Human Rights and the creator of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. (Reporting by Paris bureau; Additional reporting by Christopher Scicluna in Valletta; Writing by Richard Lough; Editing by Alison Williams) A Californian man has been killed in a suspected shark attack in waters off the coast of Maui, Hawaii. The 65-year-old man, who has not been named, was reportedly swimming about 60 yards off the beach on the Kaanapali Shores area in western Maui. A witness in a neighbouring hotel reportedly raised the alarm and the County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety sent a jet ski and helicopter to find the man and bring him to shore. They reportedly performed CPR, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His extensive injuries were consistent with a shark attack KHON2 News reports. His death is the sixth shark-bite case of the year in Hawaii and the first to result in a fatality since 2015, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Only five fatal shark attacks have been recorded since 1995 in Hawaii. The weather was calm and the water was clear at the time of the attack, which happened just before 9am on Saturday. Shark expert Michael Domier told KHON2 News: Your chances of getting attacked by a shark and even surviving is less than one in 12 million. In 2015 a woman was killed by a tiger shark while swimming off Maui. The species of shark which killed the man has not yet been confirmed. Sharks kill about six people a year on average around the world, according to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF). In 2018 four people died from shark attacks. Many more people are injured and killed on land while driving to and from the beach than by sharks in the water, the ISAF notes. Shark bites globally are on a slow, gradual rise, a direct result of the increasing number of people in the water. But fatality rates worldwide have been on the decline for decades, the site says. The somber truth is that most of the worlds shark populations are in decline, or exist at greatly reduced levels, as a consequence of overfishing and habitat loss, the website says. Fisheries kill about 100 million sharks and rays annually. Meghan McCain, daughter of the late Sen. John McCain, took issue Monday with recent comments by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., after the 2020 Democratic presidential candidate said the Arizona senator had recited names of dictators to her during President Donald Trumps inauguration. On behalf of the entire McCain family - @amyklobuchar please be respectful to all of us and leave my fathers legacy and memory out of presidential politics, tweeted Meghan McCain, who is a host on ABC's The View. Klobuchar offered an anecdote about the late Sen. McCain during a campaign stop in Des Moines, Iowa, on Saturday. She noted that while sitting between John McCain and Sen. Bernie Sanders, McCain began naming dictators at Trumps inauguration. On behalf of the entire McCain family - @amyklobuchar please be respectful to all of us and leave my fathers legacy and memory out of presidential politics. Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) May 27, 2019 John McCain kept reciting to me names of dictators during that speech because he knew more than any of us what we were facing as a nation, he understood it, she said of the Arizona Republican known for his independent streak He knew because he knew this man more than any of us did, she added. o Amy For America Communications Director Tim Hogan: Tim Hogan, communications director for Klobuchars campaign, in a statement, said the Minnesota Senator had a long-time friendship with Senator McCain and has deep respect for his family. While she was simply sharing a memory, she continues to believe that the best stories about Senator McCain are not about the views he had about President Trump: they are about McCains own valor and heroism, Hogan said in the statement. Sen. McCain and Trump had a strained relationship prior to the senator's death in August 2018 after battling brain cancer. Story continues A month before he passed away, McCain issued a statement damning Trumps meeting with Russia President Vladimir Putin in July 2018. An interactive guide: Who is running for president in 2020? Trump's Japan trip: President blasts Biden, Democrats, Mueller while bringing politics to world stage During a press conference with Putin during a summit in Helsinki, Trump essentially said he believed Putin's when the Russian leader claimed the Kremlin had not interfered in the 2016 presidential election a view on the part of the American president that put him at odds with the U.S. intelligence community, which had concluded Russia engaged in election interference. McCain called the press conference one of the most disgraceful performances by an American president in memory. The damage inflicted by President Trump's naivete, egotism, false equivalence, and sympathy for autocrats is difficult to calculate, McCain said in the statement. But it is clear that the summit in Helsinki was a tragic mistake. Trump has continued to blast McCain since the late senators death. Trump has repeatedly criticized McCain for voting against GOP legislation that would have repealed Obamacare, the signature legislative achievement of Trump's predecessor and McCain's 2008 rival for the Oval Office. Klobuchar has touted her relationship with senators across the aisle and her efforts at promoting bipartisanship as she seeks to run a centrist campaign during the 2020 Democratic primaries. Like what youre reading? Download the USA TODAY app for more This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Meghan McCain to Klobuchar: Leave my father out of 2020 politics WEST POINT, N.Y. Vice President Mike Pence praised the diversity of this year's U.S. Military Academy graduating class Saturday and said President Donald Trump has made the largest military investment since Ronald Reagan. "Your commander in chief will always have your back," Pence said in his address to the 980 graduates of West Point in their gray, white and gold uniforms. "President Donald Trump is the best friend the men and women of our armed forces will ever have." Pence, speaking at the 221st commencement, said "Americans will always seek peace but peace comes through strength and you are now that strength." The graduates include the highest number of African American women, as well as the most women to graduate for any class since 1980, according to the school. It's also the most diverse class for both ethnicity and gender. May 18: Dozens walk out before Mike Pence's commencement address at Taylor University The vice president urged the cadets to hold onto values including humility, integrity and discipline. "Be an example of self-discipline to the men and women you lead," Pence said in a more than 20-minute address. Pence also used his address to praise the Trump administration. He said NATO allies now contribute more to the common defense. When this graduating class entered West Point, the world was dangerous and it still is, Pence said. But the graduates are "joining an Army that is better equipped and better trained and better supplied than" any time in the country's history, he said. Pence delivered his speech at about 10:30 a.m in Michie Stadium, where thousands gathered. May 11: Vice President Pence to graduates: Be prepared to be ridiculed for being Christian "You're proud there's a lot of emotion," said Matthew McGovern, whose daughter Meaghan is one of the graduates. He said his daughter's introduction to West Point started early at a swim camp held there when she was a child. Story continues "We had to pick her up because she wouldn't stay overnight," her father recalled. The commencement on Memorial Day weekend culminates several days' events, from a wreath-laying Tuesday that included West Points oldest living graduate retired Col. Doniphan Carter, class of 1944 to a graduation parade held Friday. Typically, one of the nation's most powerful political leaders gives the address. In 2017, for instance, then-Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke. The year before that, it was then-Vice President Joe Biden. Follow Michael McKinney on Twitter: @mikemckwrite This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Mike Pence at West Point commencement: Praises for Trump, graduates' diversity Photo: Rick R./Yelp A new Mexican spot has opened its doors in the neighborhood. Located at 3040 S. Delaware Ave., the newcomer is called Little Cancun. This new business provides Mexican food at an affordable price in an authentic setting that makes customers feel like they are in Mexico. On the menu, expect to see items like tacos, burritos and enchiladas. Little Cancun has received mixed reviews thus far, with a three-star rating out of five reviews on Yelp. Erin M., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on May 5, wrote, "Enjoyed good food and good service with my visit to this new establishment in the neighborhood. Especially liked the chips and salsa that came with the meal." Yelper Phinea R. added, I found this hidden gem when staying in an Airbnb near the area. I got the chicken tacos and chimichanga. The food was delicious and for a good price! If you're looking for a lively, fun place to eat, then this is it! Little Cancun is now open at 3040 S. Delaware Ave., so stop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. 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. The flavoring liquid for electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease when inhaled, according to a study led by researchers at the School of Medicine. The scientists investigated the effect of the e-liquids on cells called endothelial cells that line the interior of blood vessels. They found that, when grown in a laboratory, endothelial cells exposed to the e-liquids or to blood collected from e-cigarette users shortly after vaping are less viable and exhibit significantly increased levels of molecules implicated in DNA damage and cell death. The cells are also less able to form new vascular tubes and to migrate and participate in wound healing. The severity of the damage, aspects of which occur even in the absence of nicotine, varies among popular flavors, the researchers said. Cinnamon and menthol were found to be particularly harmful. Until now, we had no data about how these e-liquids affect human endothelial cells, said Joseph Wu, MD, PhD, director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and professor of cardiovascular medicine and of radiology. This study clearly shows that e-cigarettes are not a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes. When we exposed the cells to six different flavors of e-liquid with varying levels of nicotine, we saw significant damage. The cells were less viable in culture, and they began to exhibit multiple symptoms of dysfunction. The researchers studied human endothelial cells generated in the laboratory from what are called induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells. IPS cells can become many different cell types, and they provide an ideal way for researchers to closely study cells that would be difficult to isolate directly from a patient. This study was the first to use endothelial cells derived from iPS cells to directly investigate the effect of e-liquids with and without nicotine on their viability and function. A paper describing the findings was published online May 27 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Wu is the senior author. Former postdoctoral scholars Won Hee Lee, PhD, now an assistant professor at the University of Arizona, and Sang-Ging Ong, PhD, now an assistant professor at University of Illinois-Chicago, are the lead authors. E-cigarette use has skyrocketed In the United States, cardiovascular disease is responsible for about one-third of smoking-associated deaths in smokers, and secondhand smoke causes approximately 34,000 early deaths from heart disease each year in nonsmokers. Endothelial cells line the interior surface of blood vessels and play a critical role in heart and cardiovascular health. Although some studies have suggested that e-cigarettes deliver lower levels of carcinogens to users than do conventional cigarettes perhaps decreasing the risk of cancer the effect of e-cigarette use on vascular health has been unclear. Despite these uncertainties, the use of e-cigarettes has skyrocketed since their introduction about a decade ago, particularly among young people. The Food and Drug Administration estimates that more than 3.5 million middle and high school students used e-cigarettes in 2018, though sales to minors are prohibited. In 2018, the FDA restricted the sale of flavored e-cigarettes to adult-only venues, with the exception of tobacco, menthol and mint flavors, which can be sold wherever traditional cigarettes are sold. One in five high school students have tried e-cigarettes, perhaps because they feel they are relatively safe, Lee said. But we found the e-liquids caused changes in the endothelial cells that are closely related to those seen during the development of cardiovascular disease. The researchers investigated the effect of six different popular e-liquid flavors fruit, tobacco, sweet tobacco with caramel and vanilla, sweet butterscotch, cinnamon, and menthol with nicotine levels of 0, 6, and 18 milligrams per milliliter on endothelial cells derived from human iPS cells. They found that while several of the liquids were moderately toxic to the endothelial cells, the cinnamon- and menthol-flavored e-liquids significantly decreased the viability of the cells in culture even in the absence of nicotine. One in five high school students have tried e-cigarettes. Exposure to the e-liquids also increased the relative levels of reactive oxygen species molecules that can cause DNA damage and the levels of molecules associated with programmed cell death. The researchers also found that exposure to the cinnamon and menthol flavored e-liquids significantly disrupted the ability of the cultured cells to form capillary-like tubular structures associated with the growth of new blood vessels. The e-liquid flavored with caramel and vanilla also disrupted growth, but not as severely. The cells exposed to cinnamon flavor and caramel and vanilla flavors exhibited an increased uptake of low-density lipoproteins and lipids processes commonly associated with inflammation and endothelial dysfunction and a reduction in their ability to migrate to heal wounds or scratches. Some of the effects of exposure to the various e-liquids were dependent on the nicotine concentration, but others, like cellular migration and decreases in cell viability, were independent of nicotine, suggesting a combined effect of nicotine concentrations and flavoring components. Comparing nicotine levels Finally, the researchers compared the levels of nicotine in the blood serum of people after they had vaped e-cigarettes with the levels in people who smoked traditional cigarettes. They found that the amounts of nicotine in the blood were similar between the two groups after 10 minutes of smoking at a constant rate. When youre smoking a traditional cigarette, you have a sense of how many cigarettes youre smoking, Wu said. But e-cigarettes can be deceptive. Its much easier to expose yourself to a much higher level of nicotine over a shorter time period. And now we know that e-cigarettes are likely to have other significantly toxic effects on vascular function as well. Its important for e-cigarette users to realize that these chemicals are circulating within their bodies and affecting their vascular health. Other Stanford co-authors are research assistant Yang Zhou; postdoctoral scholars Lei Tian, PhD, and Hongchao Guo, PhD; graduate student Hye Ryeong Bae; undergraduate student Natalie Baker; and professor of pediatrics Kari Nadeau, MD, PhD. Researchers from the University of Arizona College of Medicine, the University of Illinois College of Medicine, the University of California-San Francisco and the University of Louisville School of Medicine also contributed to the study. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, the Stanford Diabetes Research Center, the University of California Tobacco Related Disease Research Program and the FDA. Stanfords Department of Medicine also supported the work. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his nationalist party's courage Monday amid political clashes and killings after his latest landslide election triumph. Three workers from Modi's right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been killed and there have been pitched battles between BJP activists and a rival regional party in West Bengal state since Modi secured a new five-year term last week. Thousands of supporters lined the streets of his political bastion of Varanasi, waving flags, chanting his name and throwing flower petals at his cavalcade, despite 40 degree Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) heat. "Why are our workers being killed and attacked in Kashmir, Kerala or Bengal," Modi said. "It is shameful and anti-democratic," he added. A close aide of former BJP minister Smriti Irani was shot dead by gunmen on a motorbike in the Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh state on Saturday night. Irani won the Amethi seat from opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Another BJP worker was shot dead in West Bengal on Sunday night, triggering fresh clashes with supporters of the rival Trinamool Congress party, officials said. The two sides hurled home-made bombs at each other and about a dozen people were injured. A BJP activist was shot dead in West Bengal a day after election results were announced on Thursday. Other politicians from the ruling party and opposition were killed during the campaign in several states. Varanasi, where many Hindus are cremated on wooden pyres beside the sacred Ganges river, is considered one of the religion's most holy cities. Modi offered prayers to Hindu god Shiva at the renowned Kashi Vishwanath temple where priests in saffron robes chanted hymns and blew conch shells. Saffron balloons, flags and large Modi cut-outs lined the access road to the temple where police and commandos secured the district, packed with old houses and businesses. "We have come to see Modi and support him. Varanasi is blessed to have Modi as its MP," Deep Chand, a resident of the city, told AFP. "In just five years the city has seen so much development which was unheard of in the last 60 years. He has the support of every Indian and he's going to take the country to new heights." Modi is due to take the oath of office in New Delhi on Thursday. As the Korean War raged eight of Pyongyang's young heroes -- all members of the North's new elite, destined for a life of privilege and power -- left for Moscow to study at a prestigious film school. They never returned. Scattered to the corners of the Soviet Union after they chose asylum and exile to denounce the personality cult around the North's founder Kim Il Sung, they lived as authors and filmmakers, forever separated from friends and family. "We call the places we are born our homes," wrote one, Han Tae Yong, in a short story. "There should be a separate word for the places we die, a word that sounds as fond as the word 'home' does." Now their lives have been made the subject of a documentary by South Korean scholar and filmmaker Kim So-young, "Goodbye My Love North Korea". In a peninsula defined by the split between North and South, it highlights the Korean diaspora and the impact of separation from a unique perspective. Known as the "Moscow 8", the group were chosen by Pyongyang to study at the Moscow Film School, now known as the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography and the world's oldest institution of its kind, in 1952, as Kim Il Sung's forces -- backed by Moscow and Beijing -- fought against the US-led United Nations coalition. At the time only the North's brightest minds, regardless of academic background, were allowed to study cinema, filmmaker Kim said. Film was considered crucial in developing the loyalty of the masses. "The North was obviously heavily influenced by Lenin, who said cinema is the greatest art form that exists," she told AFP. "Among the eight exiles, one studied nuclear physics before being selected to study cinema in Moscow -- he didn't even know what a movie was until then," she added. - Living in exile - Kim Il Sung's son and successor Kim Jong Il -- father of the current leader Kim Jong Un -- was an avid film fan who ordered the kidnapping of a South Korean film director and an actress in 1978 to help develop the North's cinema industry. Story continues Even now the impoverished country pours significant resources into movies, although many of its productions are propaganda works extolling its Juche ideology and the ruling Kim family, with titles such as "Under the Guidance of the Great Brilliant Commander" and "We Will Follow You to the End of the Earth". In what is known as the August Faction Incident in 1956, Kim Il Sung purged party officials who had plotted against him, executing hundreds according to historians, months after Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev had denounced Stalin's abuses of power in his "secret speech". The following year one of the eight, Ho Ung Pae, publicly condemned Kim Il Sung and announced he was seeking political asylum. He was later captured by North Korean diplomats and taken to the embassy, but escaped via a bathroom window. The other seven filed for asylum themselves in 1958, giving up the prospect of privileges awaiting them back in Pyongyang. The Soviet Union granted their request, but on condition they lived apart from each other, to avoid any risk of them mounting a conspiracy themselves and angering the North, still an ally. They were sent to cities as far apart as Irkutsk and Stalingrad -- now Volgograd -- while Kim Chong Hun, the last survivor of the eight, went to Murmansk near the Arctic Circle, where he recalls eating deer meat for all his meals and seeing the sun for only six months of the year. - 'The biggest heartache' - Later he and three others settled in Almaty, the biggest city in Kazakhstan, where many of the 172,000 ethnic Koreans Stalin deported from the Russian Far East in 1937 had been taken. "I was ecstatic to see so many ethnic Koreans in Almaty, and to see them selling kimchi, tofu and Korean fermented soybean paste," Kim says in the film. The documentary is now showing in cinemas in the South, at a time when Pyongyang's nuclear talks with the US are deadlocked, leaving inter-Korean relations in limbo. "This movie shows the lives of North Koreans who formed multiple identities -- as political exiles, ethnic Koreans and residents in the Soviet Union and Kazakhstan," said film critic Lee Seung-min, adding it "discovers what had been undiscovered in Korean cinema history". Among the group in Almaty was author Han, who led a renowned Korean-language theatre and wrote plays critiquing both North and South. As well as Kim Il Sung's personality cult, his subjects included the South's participation in the Vietnam War, and its 1980 Gwangju Uprising against military rule a legacy that saw South Korean president and former human rights activist Moon Jae-in visit the theatre on a Central Asia trip last month. Han's father was also a writer and a close ally of Kim Il Sung, and his family kept sending letters asking him to return, but he remained in exile and died in Kazakhstan in 1993. "Han was very much torn between his family and his political beliefs," Kim says in the movie. "He had the biggest heartache among us." Kim himself was "considered the best kind of Communist back in the North", he added. "I would've been able to work in Pyongyang until now if I went back home at the time. But I just could not betray and abandon my friends." 3300 Henry Ave. | Photo: Zumper According to rental site Zumper, median rents for a one bedroom in East Falls are hovering around $1,050, compared to a $1,495 one-bedroom median for Philadelphia as a whole. But how does the low-end pricing on an East Falls 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 from Zumper and Apartment Guide, to find out what budget-minded apartment seekers can expect to find in the neighborhood, which, according to Walk Score ratings, is very walkable, is 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. 3605 Indian Queen Lane, #2R Listed at $800/month, this 1,742-square-foot studio townhouse, located at 3605 Indian Queen Lane, #2R, is 15.8 percent less than the $950/month median rent for a studio in East Falls. This rental doesn't require a leasing fee. (See the complete listing here.) 3300 Henry Ave. Next, check out this studio at 3300 Henry Ave., listed at $899/month. In the unit, you're promised air conditioning, in-unit laundry and a dishwasher. Good news for animal lovers: both dogs and cats are welcome here. Building amenities include assigned parking, an elevator and outdoor space. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee. (Here's the listing.) 3425 Conrad St. This one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, situated at 3425 Conrad St., is listed for $995/month for its 555 square feet of space. Outdoor space is listed as a building amenity. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. (See 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. By Steve Keating INDIANAPOLIS, May 26 (Reuters) - Alexander Rossi had more than enough rage to fuel a late challenge for an Indianapolis 500 win on Sunday but not enough horsepower to chase down an unflappable Simon Pagenaud. Rossi pounded his steering wheel in frustration, shook his fist in anger and kept his foot pressed on the gas pedal in a breathtaking battle with Pagenaud over the final 13 laps that ended with the Frenchman getting in front with one to go and holding off the American. Pagenaud's clinically cool display was in stark contrast to a fired up Rossi, who was left exasperated as his pit crew wrestled to engage an uncooperative fuel hose that dropped him from first to 12th. Returning to race he vented his anger on Oriol Servia, shaking his fist at the Spaniard when he would not give way despite being a lap down, the two incidents injecting a fury in Rossi that produced a combative and fearless display of driving rarely seen at the famed Brickyard. "When you come here four times and three of the times you can't get fuel in the car, I think you can understand why I was upset," Rossi said. "It wasn't a human error, it was a mechanical problem but still, it's not something that we can have here. It's the biggest race in the world, and 75 percent of the time we can't get fuel in the race car." The winner of the 100th Indy 500 in 2016 was not nearly as understanding about his battle with Servia. "I think it was one of the most disrespectful things I've ever seen in a race car, to be honest," said Rossi. "He's a lap down and defending, putting me to the wall at 230 miles an hour. It's unacceptable. "It's unacceptable for him, and it's unacceptable that IndyCar allowed it to happen as long as they did." A five car pile up with 23 laps to run brought out a red flag setting up a mad dash to the finish with Pagenaud and Rossi swapping the lead over the final laps. Story continues But when Pagenaud powered to the front entering the final lap Rossi had no answer as his Andretti Autosport Honda was unable to match the horsepower of the Team Penske Chevrolet. "It sucks to come this close and really have nothing that we as a team could have done differently," shrugged Rossi. "We just didn't have the straight-line speed. There's not much we can do about that from my side inside the car. "Unfortunately nothing else matters here but winning. "This one will be hard to get over but at the end of the day, it's a great showing." (Editing by Greg Stutchbury) Uzbek student Luiza Muminjonova wanted to work in the country's booming Islamic tourism sphere but last year she was expelled from a university in the capital Tashkent. The 19-year-old's only fault was being a pious Muslim and wearing the hijab, a staple of female Islamic dress. "How dare they discriminate (against) me and stop me from getting the education I want because of my religion?" she fumed in an interview with AFP. Instead of giving up, the student took a stand that has placed her at the centre of Uzbekistan's religious freedom debate. Her family has sued the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, taking its legal battle all the way to the country's top court. Muminjonova's case points to the Uzbeks' increasing readiness to openly practise their faith as believers become emboldened by political change under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The formerly communist country's repression of the religion persisted long after it gained independence from Moscow in 1991. The first president Islam Karimov frowned upon religious adherence and was criticised by rights groups for conflating piety with radicalism. Islamists mounted a challenge to Karimov's rule in the 1990s and were blamed for a spate of car bombings in 1999. More recently, hundreds of Uzbeks are believed to have joined militants fighting in Iraq and Syria including the Islamic State group. - Changing times - Karimov's death and the coming to power of Mirziyoyev in 2016 has seen the government offer an olive branch to believers. Last year mosques were allowed to call Uzbeks to prayer over loudspeakers for the first time in over a decade. During a visit to a shrine in the historic town of Termez last month, Mirziyoyev called the past approach of authorities to the religion "our tragedy" and said Islam symbolised "light". Over 90 percent of Uzbekistan's 33 million population is Muslim and social conservatism runs deep, especially in the provinces. Story continues Amid an Islamic revival, school uniforms have recently become a cultural battleground between conservatives and supporters of secularism. A universal school uniform insisting on below knee-length skirts for female students was rolled out last year. A television report that criticised teachers and students for wearing short skirts immediately followed. The September report set the tone for an explosive debate that played out on social media and saw the channel's director demoted. Conservative bloggers were reportedly detained the same month for calling for the right for girls to wear the hijab in schools. - Kicked out of school - Muminjonova said the university that expelled her and nine other students last September "set a condition" to around a hundred freshmen students. "(They said) either you take off a headscarf, or you will be expelled," Muminjonova recalled, smoothing her fingers over the rose-coloured cotton headcovering. After she refused to comply, Muminjonova was kicked out of the dormitory and was not allowed to attend classes. She said that being asked to take off the hijab was "like being forced to give up on my faith". Ironically, the school focusses on religious learning. What happened next was remarkable for a country where nationals have for decades toed the government line. Muminjonova's family took legal action against the academy in order to reinstate the student and affirm her right to attend university wearing the headcovering. Even more surprisingly, a local court agreed to hear the case, which saw over a dozen hijab-wearing girls and their mothers stand near the courtroom during hearings in a show of solidarity. After failing to secure a university climbdown in both district and city courts, Muminjonova's family has taken the case to the Supreme Court. - 'Many still in jail' - Seemingly in recognition of more breathing space for religion, the US State Department last year removed Uzbekistan's sanction-carrying designation as a "country of particular concern" for religious freedom. But in April the US Commission on International Religious Freedom said that "severe violations of religious freedom persisted" and recommended the State Department put Uzbekistan back on the watchlist that includes North Korea and Saudi Arabia. International rights groups have used a newfound dialogue with the new administration to push for more religious freedom, both for Muslims and other groups. Steve Swerdlow, Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch, cited anecdotal evidence "that perhaps hundreds of religious prisoners have been released" since Mirziyoyev came to power. Campaigners believe the extremism charges the people were jailed on were brought without due process and that torture was used during the investigations. "There are many, many more (religious prisoners) still in jail," Swerdlow told AFP. Almost an entire academic year on from her expulsion, the family's lawyer Abduvahob Yakubov -- whose own daughter was also expelled for the same reason -- fears the judiciary is stalling the case. "The Supreme Court should have responded to our appeal within 30 days," said Yakubov, adding they lodged an appeal in late March. A defiant Muminjonova said she would turn to international courts if the justice system at home failed her. "We cannot keep silent anymore," she said. By Amanda Ferguson BELFAST, May 27 (Reuters) - Northern Ireland's cross-community Alliance Party was set to win its first ever European Parliament seat in a surge it said furthered the case for a re-run of Britain's Brexit referendum. Alliance leader Naomi Long stormed into third place after the first count on Monday and her deputy told Reuters it looked "fairly certain" she would win one of the British region's three seats after campaigning for a second vote on the European Union divorce. The vote also indicated increasing support for candidates not aligned to the traditional Catholic or Protestant voting blocs and was the best national showing for the Alliance Party founded almost 50 years ago, just as Northern Ireland's violent period known as "The Troubles" deepened. "This is a vote about Brexit ... it's a vote to remain, it's a vote to have a people's vote," Long, close to tears, told reporters at the Belfast count center. "People came together behind Alliance to send a message and that message is we want to stay in the EU." Pro-EU Irish nationalists Sinn Fein topped the poll, just ahead of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up the minority British government in London and wants the United Kingdom to complete its exit from the bloc. Like Scotland, which also returned a majority of candidates seeking a Brexit rerun, Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum but will leave with the rest of the UK after its citizens as a whole opted to leave. How the 500-km (311-mile) border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland is managed after Brexit was one of the major obstacles that stopped Prime Minister Theresa May from ratifying the deal she reached with the EU in parliament. By almost trebling the Alliance vote to 18 percent compared to the 2014 poll, Long looked set to leave pro-British Unionist parties without a majority of Northern Ireland's European seats for the first time. Story continues Northern Ireland still overwhelmingly votes along traditional lines two decades after a peace deal ended 30 years of sectarian violence, choosing mainly Catholic nationalists who favor a united Ireland or predominantly Protestant unionists who want to remain British. However, unionists also lost their majority at the last elections to the devolved assembly in 2017 and the Alliance were the biggest gainers at local council elections this month, closing the gap on the main blocs. With some support slipping from the main Irish nationalist and pro-British parties, the votes of those moving towards cross-community parties like the Alliance and Greens could also prove crucial in any future referendum on reunification with Ireland. (Writing by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) Kevin Na claimed nearly $1.3 million for his victory at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, on Sunday, but his caddie made out pretty well, too. Na gave the keys to a shiny blue 1973 Dodge Challenger, one of the prizes awarded to the winner at Colonial Country Club, to the man on his bag, Kenny Harms. Harms asked Na during a practice round earlier this week if he could have the car if Na won, and Na said yes. Harms posted photos of the car on Instagram before the tournament began, writing the caption, "After @kevinna915 wins this week #charlesschwabchallenge This beauty is mine!" Na opened Sunday with a two-shot lead and fired a 4-under 66 to win by four shots, claiming his third PGA Tour victory. After sinking a birdie at 18 to cap his round, Na pointed to the car and said, "That's your car, baby," while smiling and embracing Harms. "He knows I was thinking about it," Na said afterward. "I mean, looks like a beautiful car, but little did I know how much that car was worth." Depending on the condition, the classic model of car can be worth anywhere from around $30,000 to approaching six digits. "He's a good salesman, I guess," Na said. "He sold me into it. But I'm more than happy to give it to him. He deserves it." --Field Level Media Toby Osmond's Prince of Dorne has a giggle (credit: HBO) Charismatic British actor Toby Osmond has been on the UK indie film scene for a few years now, which means Yahoo Movies UK has crossed paths with him on several occasions. Hed told us - off-the-record - that he was going to be in the final season of Game Of Thrones, but he didnt hint at what hed be doing. For all we knew, he was the third shadow from the left in the Battle Of Winterfell. So, you can imagine our surprise when he popped up in the most significant scene in the entire series. But, as it turns out, there was a surprise for Toby in that scene, too. The moment where Tobias Menzies bangs the sword on the marquee pole, that was an accident, Osmond tells Yahoo Movies UK. And then he just went with it. Thats the mark of a good actor, when it makes your character look more like an idiot, but youre like This is the character man, Im just going to embrace it. Tobias Menzies' Edmure Tully made a right fool of himself in the season finale. (Sky Atlantic/HBO/Now TV) We spoke to Osmond about what its like to join one of your favourite shows, and how it feels to go viral. Yahoo Movies UK: You told your close friends that you were going to be in Game Of Thrones, but you didnt tell anyone anything else about the role. I guessed that youd be Dornish, but I didnt guess that youd be a Dornish Prince in the most significant scene in the series Toby Osmond: No! How did that feel? Well, first off it was fantastic to find that I wasnt cut. I know someone who had a decent role in Wolf Hall, fantastic mini-series. She had a long role on that, that was entirely cut out. Every single scene. She had a whole story arc across every episode. The shot that went viral (credit: HBO) So I was perfectly aware that I should not count my chickens before theyd hatched. Obviously, like any actor, it would have been nice if the entire scene had been constructed out of extreme close-ups of my face. Why wasnt it? [Laughs] It was just such a fantastic experience, it was an honour. And it was actually quite emotional for me, not just the normal emotions. My father got me into Game Of Thrones, and he sadly passed away. Story continues He passed away after the first season had finished airing, but before the second season had started. He got into it before Id heard about it at all. He watched the first episode, and said, We should watch this together. I think youll enjoy this. Read more: GoT fans shaken by spoiler in season 1 poster So I was watching it with him, my stepmother Polly and my sister Beth, who was very young at the time, so young she probably shouldnt have watched it. And I just remember that last scene, where Jaime Lannister pushes Bran out of the window in the tower and that line The things I do for love. I was hooked. I loved it. I didnt know Id be in it! So I felt like I was carrying the torch a little bit. My dad got me into good quality films as well. What kind of films? I take a lot of stuff from my mum and my father. I was brought up by my mother until I was eighteen, then I moved in with my father. My mum got me into geeky stuff, like Star Trek, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show for some reason, that sort of stuff. My dad got me into The Godfather and The Omen, I remember watching that when I was far too young with my dad and I was absolutely terrified. IT as well, Stephen King - my mum hates horror, so my dad was getting me into all of these horror films. TV as well, Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, The Wire For the eulogy at his funeral, I rattled off a list of suggested viewing for the audience. Game Of Thrones was on it. I quoted The Godfather. God, I didnt think Id be talking about this in the interview, but in the last part of the eulogy, I quoted a scene from The Wire, when Marlo has Proposition Joe killed - such a beautiful scene, so moving, you need to look at the script, Im not going to say it now because itll be a tear-jerker for me. Its very poignant. Thats how much he cared about film, and art as well, the artistic side of things, so he got me into that as well. Did you have mixed emotions when you were filming? It wasnt mixed emotions in bad way, it was mixed emotions in a good way. I felt I got more from it in that way. I felt like I was honouring my father. Not to sound cheesy or cliched. My stepmother sent me a text [Toby pauses for a moment] God, I didnt think Id get emotional in an interview with you, Sam. [Toby composes himself] My stepmother sent me a text when the episode aired, saying how many people had messaged her to say how much I looked like my father on the screen. And how pleased he would have been. I felt really proud and happy, and Im a fan - Ive followed it since the beginning. Its that perfect combination of quality, intelligence, political intrigue, and that stuff my mum got me into - the first book my mum read with me was The Hobbit. Its a mishmash of my mother and father all in one, its perfect. The council decides (credit: HBO) Youve been a fan for a while, and the ending has been a bit divisive - not you, everyone agrees on you, and youve become a bit of a meme, but well talk about that later - but how did you feel about the ending? I loved it, but Im biased. I think the big stars whove been there since the beginning, if theyre also fans, maybe they can be detached from it. Or maybe they cant, maybe theyre just used to it. But for me, I was so in shock and so excited to be in it, Im not objective about it. Theres one or two things [I would change]. Yes, there should have been more shots of Toby Osmond [laughs] or maybe I wanted to see more of this, or of that, but I really enjoyed it. I went to a fan screening event to watch it air live. Everyone was saying You must be excited and I was just putting a shield around my heart. I didnt know if Id be cut, I didnt know how much youd see of me, so I was fucking nervous. I was trying to shut it down so I didnt get too excited. Of course, it airs in the UK at 2am on the Sunday night, and my female friend and I were a little bit merry - it was my birthday party, it was my birthday on the 20th which was the UK air date. I live in an East London warehouse, so it was five other peoples birthdays - people who live there, or used to live there. Theres a big community feeling, like a cult! It was a massive birthday party weekend on the Saturday, so on the Sunday we were feeling so awful we needed hair of the dog. So, by the time it got to Sunday night at 2am, Id forgotten it was about to air. I hadnt kept track of time. If you had asked me, Id be saying Oh yeah, were going to Belfast tomorrow, its on tomorrow night. Id completely forgotten it was live at 2am. Where there other cast and crew at this fan event? There were some other cast and crew, two of the direwolves were there, which is lovely. Summer and Grey Wind. It looks like youve struck up a friendship with them, from Instagram anyway Yeah, which is good because actually they sensed how drunk I was at one point, and one of them started howling. I stepped away, because I didnt want to get killed by a direwolf, Ive only just been in Game Of Thrones! They knew I was going to incite a Dornish uprising. So, how did you find out it was airing in the UK? At around 2.30, 2.45 in the morning, my phone started going. And as soon as I saw the light on it, I was like F***! Game Of Thrones is on! My scenes on! F***! And this nervousness hit me, and I picked up my phone and my good friend Scott, said Mate! Sh**! And I said You need to tell me how much Im on screen, and what I say, right now, and you need to do that immediately, please, now. And he did, he was like Yeah mate, youre on it - not actually sure if you spoke on screen, I did hear your voice say Aye. So I said, Okay, but you saw me, right? And he said Oh yeah, I definitely saw you. I said Okay, did I throw some cool shady looks or whatever? And he said Yeah, yeah, definitely. And I was all thank God. I was a bit like Will it be enough? Because you never believe anyone, people are always being supportive and theyll big you up Oh, you were fantastic, darling. And then you see it and you realise it was the worst performance of your life. People were sending me recordings theyd made on their phones. The next evening, Id turned my phone upside down, but it was on a glass table, and I get different colours for each notification, so when it was airing in the UK, my phone looked like a disco. When my scene was on it was changing colour three times a second, so I had to put it on the floor because it was distracting people. What lines of dialogue got cut? I cant talk about the script, contractually, but I can talk about what I did say - Aye and All hail Bran the Broken. Read more: Season 8 originally planned for this dead character to survive The security around that episode must have been insane. Yeah, totally. The security was so tight, we werent given the whole script of the episode, no f***ing way. We literally just saw that scene. You did say aye but we didnt see you - I was waiting for you to appear again when they panned around everyone So was I. So was I, Sam. It was the back of Peter Dinklages head, or probably Paul, who was Peter Dinklages double. At the screening, I was watching it with the lady friend I was with, and we just watched that camera pan off my f****ing face and onto the back of Peter Dinklages head - or Pauls, whoever it was - but then we heard the aye in my voice, and we got excited Oh! Its me! I was hoping that on the All hail Bran the Broken they might have a bit on me. My hope was that my costume was so fabulous and beautiful, and everyone else is wearing greys, blacks, grey-blue, steel grey or whatever. Robin Arryn, whos Lord Of The Vale now, had the second most fabulous costume, colour-wise. But theres me in gold and peach brocade, with a snake-headed scimitar and sh**, just lounging around. Nothing but RESPECT for MY prince of Dorne. An all-black dress code and he shows up with a splash of color borrowed form his dad's sister's Spanish teacher's neighbor's best friend's second cousin, Doran Martell. pic.twitter.com/tPU1SrCNRm Basphem (@IndiciaObscure) May 20, 2019 So I had that in my favour, but also, when youre in a scene with that many a-listers. Its such a privilege to be there, but you know who the audience want to see. Its not the new guy. Who knows? You did turn into a meme, it was enough to make an impact on the fans. How does it feel to go viral? Its nuts! Ive now got a social media manager and a PR person, and theyll say when Ive got fan messages. I got my first request for an autograph, and I didnt know you were supposed to say Okay, can you send a self-addressed stamped envelope? Because Im like Of course, Ill send you an autographed photograph! Where do you live? America? Oh brilliant! This is going to cost me, isnt it? [laughs]. But what a privilege. Are there any details that fans would be surprised to find out happened on the day? The moment where Tobias Menzies bangs the sword on the marquee pole, that was an accident. And then he just went with it. Thats the mark of a good actor, when it makes your character look more like an idiot, but youre like This is the character man, Im just going to embrace it. Maisie Williams stuck her tongue out at me, trying to make me laugh on camera, maybe it was between takes. And I was like Oh my god, Arya just cheekily stuck her tongue out at me! What kind of direction were you given? D&D, Dan and David, they direct one episode a season, and it was that one. So I had Dan giving me f****ing direction while this cameras in close-up on me. Both of them are so down to earth, softly spoken, but also love to party. Its hard to think of a nicer type of person. Theyre famous, theyre rich, theyre kings of the hill on that show, and to retain such a lovely and humble demeanour is a blessing, man. In terms of direction of your character, were you given any backstory, or was it literally sit there and look bored out of your mind, and lets go! The focus of the scene is on Peter Dinklage, its on Sansa, its on Edmure Largely its Peters scene, its about Tyrion, and the council deciding. Prince of Dorne was impressed when Sansa said the north will be independent pic.twitter.com/TCmbeB2BiO ceni (@aryasIayer) May 20, 2019 We did seven or eight days of shooting, I cant remember, we were out there for a good week shooting the one scene, which is the most time Ive ever spent on one scene. Possibly the most time Ill ever spend, unless I get onto Star Wars, Dan and David, please, please. So, in my mind, Im thinking Were in Dorne, were safe, weve got the mountains, in Sunspear they cant get us. Unbowed, unbent, unbroken. White Walkers arent coming, dragons cant get us, were good, man! Were good! I dont want to sit on the Iron Throne! Read more: Amazon snares 'GoT' writer for its 'Lord of the Rings' series It was bandied about that I was the younger brother of Prince Oberyn Martell, who doesnt exist in the books. Im too old to be one of Prince Dorans children, believe it or not, so, yeah, we were assuming I was the Red Viper and Dorans younger brother. Because I do look like their younger brother, I didnt realise how much so until I saw the online articles. Its uncanny! So, anyway, I was thinking, Im fine. Ill turn up, sure - might want to curry some favour, line-up a political marriage, who knows? I love that "The new Prince of Dorne" is channeling "I'm just here so I don't get fined" energy. #GoT #DemThrones pic.twitter.com/WpzBC9Wbdc Michael Blackmon (@blackmon) May 20, 2019 Then on day three or four - and I suspect this is why they panned off from my aye - Dan comes up to me and were about to do my close-ups, and he says Okay, Toby, this is a really important decision, you need to work out whats going to be best for Dorne, youre really invested in this. And Im like, I wish Id heard this on the first day of shooting! [laughs] But you understand, its a big scene, theyve got to focus on everyone. On Peter, on Bran, on Sansa, on everyone. But I suspect that the character shift from I dont give a f*** to Im really invested Ah, so the panning shot was in the first half of the week, then you got your direction in the second half. Yep, so its understandable. But what a privilege, what an honour. What was it like having a front row seat for that scene? Im sure no-one else has looked at my performance as closely as I have, but Im very careful to look around, and Im not having to act that much. Real acting is just acting naturally, really. So when youve got Edmure, my character would never have met him, so when he stands up, Im taking him seriously, until his niece gives him that sassy-ass shade - we all really cringed at that, I wish they had shown it, they had a little bit. But I was enjoying it as Toby the performer, just watching everyones performance. Joe Mathai is a freelance animator, photographer, and videographer. Together with Zack Adell, Paddy Mulweye and Toufah Said, they host the popular YouTube Channel WhtsNxt. Mathai talked to Nation about his trade. 1. You co-run a blog that predominantly focuses on movies, games, shows and tech. Why dont you like to call it a vlog? We, or more accurately, I, dont see us as vlog. We look at ourselves as more like IGN or Roosterteeth, like an online network with different programming. At the moment, we have the show itself, where we review movies, plus In The Loop, a weekly round-up of all things nerdy. 2. Why did you decide to go the YouTube route? We found doing a channel easier since there are many elements to our show that are inserted during editing. Theres a bit of a comedy feel to it, and thats easier to do with video. We have a podcast we are releasing soon though. Again, we see ourselves more as a media company that produces different kind of content. The YouTube space in Kenya is growing, and you have people such as beauty vloggers with huge following. For us, it was a good route to take because we know Kenyans actually consume content on YouTube, and our audience consumes YouTube content as well. It was a logical step. 3. What movies and series are you looking forward to reviewing this year on your channel? Well, Avengers already came out, so theres a blog up on that. Thats the biggest movie of the year. Godzilla seems pretty cool. Theres Aladdin and Lion King too, and well probably do something around Game of Thrones since its done now. We dont plan that far ahead, in that if something cool is coming out, well review it when it is out. 4. Is the plan also to make money off this media company after you acquire a bit more mileage? If you dont already. Thats the plan, eventually, and to make it into a sustainable company. Producing online content and making it financially viable is not easy to do, but were willing to put in the time either through advertising revenue and sponsored content. 5. What interesting projects have you done around your animation? Did you professionally train for it? Most of my animation work is project-based, therefore clients come to me with specific projects in mind. Ive done work for the Spanish Embassy for their anniversary here in Kenya, for example. I did some interesting videos for IHub concerning online safety for children. Did I train for it? Not in the traditional sense, no. I took the scenic route! I went to USIU-Africa and did a Journalism degree, where I focused on photography. This led to video and thereafter animation. All of my animation learning has been done online. Ive taken online courses from two really cool schools online. One is called School of Motion, the other is Mograph Mentor. These are structured online courses that anyone can take. Learning never stops. Washington (AFP) - Murray Gell-Mann, a physicist who theorized the existence of the quark and won a Nobel Prize for his method of classifying particles, has died at age 89, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) said. Considered among the most important physicists of the 20th century, the American scientist theorized in the 1960s that subatomic particles -- protons and neutrons -- were composed of paired subunits he called quarks. Experiments later confirmed the existence of the particles, which are a continuing subject of study by physicists including those at the Large Hadron Collider, the world's most powerful proton smasher straddling the French-Swiss border. Amid an explosion of research into what makes up matter in the 1950s and 1960s, Gell-Mann came up with a criteria for putting particles in groups of eight based on characteristics like electric charge and spin. He called it the "eightfold way," Caltech said, and was awarded the 1969 Nobel Prize in Physics for the innovation. Born in New York City on September 15, 1929, Gell-Mann was encouraged to study physics by his father, and earned a doctorate in the subject from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1951. He taught at Caltech in Pasadena, California from 1955 until his retirement in 1993. "Dr Gell-Mann had this clear vision and penetrating insight to look through the large amounts of data that were coming from experiments and make sense of it," Hirosi Ooguri, a professor at Caltech and director of the school's Walter Burke Institute for Theoretical Physics, said in an obituary published by the university. "He opened a new paradigm in particle physics." By Josh Smith SEOUL (Reuters) - U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton is "more than ignorant" to argue that North Korea's recent missile tests violated U.N. resolutions, the North's foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday. Giving up missile tests would mean giving up the right to self defence, a North Korean foreign ministry spokesman was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the state KCNA news agency. The unidentified spokesman singled out Bolton, who last week said the recent tests "no doubt" violated U.N. Security Council resolutions. "His claim is indeed much more than ignorant," the spokesman said. "Our military drill neither targeted anyone nor endangered the surrounding countries, but Bolton makes dogged claims that it constitutes a violation of the 'resolutions', impudently poking his nose into other's internal matters." Bolton, a regular target of North Korean criticism, is more of a "security-destroying adviser" than a security adviser, the spokesman added. "It is not at all strange that perverse words always come out from the mouth of a structurally defective guy," the spokesman said. Earlier in May, North Korean military forces test fired several rockets and missiles, including several guided missiles that experts said could be used to penetrate South Korean and American defences. The missiles flew on a flattened, lower-altitude trajectory, leading some officials in South Korea to question whether the weapons should be categorized as "ballistic missiles" and therefore a likely violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions against North Korea. The White House has played down the tests, with U.S. President Donald Trump saying they were short range and therefore not a breach of trust by leader Kim Jong Un. An official at South Korea's presidential Blue House told reporters on Monday a joint analysis with the United States was still under way to assess the missile tests. Story continues But others, including the Japanese government and Bolton have said the tests were clear violations of the U.N. resolutions. 'IT DOESN'T MATTER' During a visit to Japan on Monday, Trump alluded to Bolton's views and said he disagreed. "My people think it could have been a violation, as you know," Trump told a news conference. "I view it differently I view it as a man, perhaps he wants to get attention. Perhaps not. Who knows? It doesn't matter. All I know is that there have been no nuclear tests, no ballistic missiles going out, no long-range missiles going out. And I think that some day we'll have a deal." The North Korean spokesman said in the KCNA statement that "whatever is launched is bound to fly drawing a ballistic trajectory". "What the U.S. is taking the issue is not about the range but the prohibition of the launch itself using ballistic technology," the North Korean ministry spokesman said. "This is, after all, tantamount to a demand that the DPRK should give up its self-defensive right," he said, using the initials of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. North Korea has never recognised the legality of the resolutions barring its development and testing of ballistic missiles, he said. "As for the UNSC 'resolutions' which Bolton recklessly referred to .... those 'resolutions' are illegal and outrageous ones that completely deny the rights to existence and development of a sovereign state," he said. Bolton is known as an anti-North Korea "war maniac" who "fabricated various provocative policies such as designation of our country as 'axis of evil', preemptive strike and regime change", the spokesman said. Last year, Kim said his nuclear force was complete and that he would no longer test nuclear weapons or long-range ballistic missiles. Over the past year, Kim has met Trump twice in a bid to end the stalemate over the North's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. (Reporting by Josh Smith. Additional reporting by Jack Kim and Hayoung Choi; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore, Robert Birsel) After formal meetings with Japanese leaders Monday, President Donald Trump will sit down with relatives of civilians kidnapped decades ago by North Korean spies. Japan suspects dozens of people who are still missing were abducted by North Korean agents in the 1970s and 1980s to train their own spies in the Japanese language and culture. The abductions have become an emotional symbol of the enmity between Tokyo and Pyongyang, and Japan has pressed Trump to seek answers on the fate of the missing during his talks with North Korea. - How many taken? - In 2002, North Korea admitted to kidnapping 13 Japanese civilians, but the government in Tokyo believes at least 17 were taken to train Pyongyang's agents. A month later, five were allowed to return to Japan. Pyongyang insists the other eight are dead but has not produced cast-iron evidence. One of those said to have died was Megumi Yokota, kidnapped on her way home from school in 1977 aged only 13 - the youngest among the 17 officially listed as abductees by the Japanese government. In 2004, North Korea handed over cremated remains it claimed were Yokota's. However, Tokyo said DNA tests conducted in Japan proved the claim to be untrue. There are strong suspicions in Japan that dozens of other citizens were also snatched by Pyongyang. Japanese police say there are 800 missing people for whom the possibility of being kidnapped by the hermit state cannot be ruled out. - Just Japanese? - Japan is far from being the only country affected by North Korean abductions. A 2014 UN report on human rights in North Korea estimated that 200,000 people from other countries have been abducted over the decades. Most of them were South Koreans left stranded after the 1950-1953 Korean War, but hundreds of others from around the world -- including women from Lebanon, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Romania and France -- were taken or disappeared while visiting the country between the 1960s and 1980s, the report said. Story continues More recently, North Korea abducted a number of its own nationals and South Koreans from China, it said. - Possible resolution? - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says resolving the issue of Pyongyang's abduction of Japanese citizens is a top priority and even suggested meeting North Korea's Kim Jung Un for direct talks to resolve the situation. He has regularly raised the issue with Trump and the meeting is likely aimed at keeping the plight of the abductees front and centre in the US president's mind as he weighs the next steps in talks with Pyongyang. Yokota's parents, Shigeru and Sakie, who are in their eighties, also met President Barack Obama when he visited Japan in 2014. Under an agreement brokered in Stockholm in May 2014, North Korea undertook to reinvestigate all abductions of Japanese citizens in what appeared to be a significant breakthrough on an issue that has long hampered Tokyo's relations with Pyongyang. But there has been almost no progress since then, and failed talks between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi have sparked a fresh spike in tensions. Still, Trump sounded a conciliatory note towards Pyongyang on Monday, saying he felt "lots of good things will come with North Korea". Tokyo (AFP) - Nissan, a long-time Renault partner, has been left sidelined by a potential tie-up between the French firm and Fiat-Chrysler, just as the beleaguered Japanese firm battles to recover from the arrest of former boss Carlos Ghosn. "It's an ill thought-out and badly conceived plan," fumed one source close to Nissan, who did not wish to be identified, in response to the Fiat-Chrysler "50/50" merger proposal that would potentially create the world's third-largest carmaker. It is a bitter pill to swallow for Nissan, which appeared to be completely left in the dark about the project and is already battling falling sales amid reputational damage from the downfall of Ghosn, who is fighting financial misconduct charges. Behind the scenes at the Yokohama-based firm, people believe it could further damage relations with Renault, which is already pushing for a formal merger between the pair against Nissan's wishes. "Nissan appears to be being kept out of the loop, which is unpleasant for Nissan and may create unnecessary distrust of Renault among Nissan people," analyst Satoru Takada at TIW, a Tokyo-based research and consulting firm, told AFP. Putting a brave face on it, Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa told reporters on Monday he was "open to constructive discussions to strengthen the alliance" and the subject will surely be raised in a meeting on Wednesday with Renault boss Jean-Dominique Senard. Nissan and Renault, with headquarters 10,000 kilometres (6,000 miles) apart and very different histories and cultures, have always been seen as unlikely bedfellows and Ghosn was instrumental in keeping the alliance together. With his downfall after a Nissan-led investigation, the glue bonding the pair since 1999 has been removed and relations have quickly gone downhill. "Renault's top priority is now FCA," said Takada. "For Nissan, the speculated merger is not a plus. With the merger, Nissan's position in the alliance would be relatively lowered and its independence could be flawed." Story continues Fiat's offer, which Renault is studying "with interest", shows its Japanese partner that "it is no longer as important in its eyes," relegating it into third place, according to Christopher Richter, analyst at Tokyo-based CLSA. - 'Important block' - However, according to a well-informed source, "the door is open" for Nissan to join the tie-up, despite a recent downturn in its sales figures. "Nissan is still an important block in their puzzle, given it has good coverage of China, where neither Renault nor FCA are strong," said one auto sector analyst who asked to remain anonymous. Nissan also brings to the party its Japanese partner Mitsubishi Motors, which has a strong presence in south-east Asia. If all firms were brought together, they would be producing nearly 16 million cars per year, well ahead of Toyota and Volkswagen which both sell around 10.6 million. And in any case, after 20 years, Nissan is too closely integrated with Renault to consider a divorce, no matter how low relations sink. "There are too many joint projects," said one source close to the Japanese firm. "The alliance in its current form can not be defeated, it is already irreversible." Investors however did not seem to cheer the news. While Renault and Fiat shares went through the roof, climbing 13 and 18 percent respectively at the open, Nissan stock enjoyed a muted rise of just more than one percent. By Carolyn Crist (Reuters News) - Although most orthopedic surgery training programs allow their residents to prescribe opioids, most programs don't provide formal education around it, a new survey suggests. Furthermore, several of the orthopedic residency program directors who responded to the survey were unaware of local controlled substance regulations, researchers wrote in the American Journal of Surgery. "When doctors obtain their state licenses, they often have to take a class if they want to be able prescribe controlled substances, but the trainees aren't yet fully licensed," said lead study author Dr. Brian Yorkgitis of the University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville. More than 49,000 overdose deaths involved opioids in 2017, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and about 19,000 of those were attributed to prescription opioid pain relievers. Orthopedic surgeons account for about 8 percent of the total opioid prescriptions dispensed, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Although the number of opioid prescriptions has been declining, professional education efforts often target licensed prescribers rather than doctors-in-training. "When we provide education, it's important to reach medical professionals early in their career," Yorkgitis told Reuters Health by phone. "That way we can change a behavior before it becomes a habit." Yorkgitis and colleagues sent a survey to 163 orthopedic residency programs across the country to understand what controlled substance policies and education programs were in place, as well as the program directors' knowledge about local controlled substance regulations. Among the 60 completed surveys, 54 programs allowed residents to prescribe opioids to outpatients after surgery. Nine programs required residents to obtain individual registration under the Drug Enforcement Agency, 38 used the hospital's DEA registration, and seven were unsure about DEA registration. Story continues About 45 percent of programs had a mandatory opioid prescribing education program. Six program directors were unsure about a mandatory program, and 16 programs that didn't have an education program were thinking about adding one. Most of the existing programs were given by lecture, and some were computer-based programs developed at the hospital. The programs were typically one to three hours long. "We wouldn't let residents perform a procedure if they weren't well-versed and trained in it," Yorkgitis said. "That should apply to other skills such as communication, documentation and prescriptions as well." About 87 percent of program directors correctly answered questions about their state's laws for prescription drug monitoring programs for fully licensed doctors, and 72 percent correctly answered questions about their state's requirements for mandatory opioid education for fully licensed doctors. On a five-point scale, the program directors rated the value of opioid prescribing education to clinical care at 4.3 and to resident training at 4.5. "Although program directors tend to see the value in this education, it doesn't always match up with the willingness or ability to implement a program for residents," said Dr. Michael Gaspar of the Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center in Pennsylvania. Gaspar, who wasn't involved with this study, has researched postoperative opioid-prescribing practices. "Residents are often on the front lines when it comes to prescribing," he told Reuters Health by phone. "These programs didn't exist a decade ago when I was in training, but now that's improving." Future studies should investigate what's included in these mandatory opioid prescribing education programs, including guidance around when and how much should be prescribed, the study authors wrote. "There are a lot of studies on opioids and prescriptions out there right now, and we're trying to develop guidelines around what needs to be taken after surgery and how to better educate patients about post-operative pain control," said Dr. Jeff Stepan, an orthopedic surgery resident at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Stepan, who wasn't involved with this study, has researched alternative methods to control pain and ways for institutions to reduce opioid use. "We need to have better upfront conversations with patients about surgery and expectations regarding recovery and pain," he told Reuters Health by phone. "We need to do a better job of educating patients that undergoing surgery is painful, and no medicine will take away all the pain." SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2HEI6jt American Journal of Surgery, online May 6, 2019. The owner of the life-size replica of Noahs Ark in Northern Kentucky has sued its insurers for refusing to cover rain damage. Ark Encounter, which unveiled the 510-foot-long model in 2016, says that heavy rains in 2017 and 2018 caused a landslide on its access road, and its five insurance carriers refused to cover nearly $1 million in damages. In a 77-page lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, Ark Encounter asks for compensatory and punitive damages. The ark itself was not damaged, and the road has been rebuilt, according to the suit. May 7: Bible display at Veterans Affairs facility in New Hampshire triggers lawsuit The park is open, said Melany Ethridge, a spokeswoman at the attractions Dallas-based public relations firm, who only laughed when informed that Ark Encounter had sued over flood damage. "You got to get to the boat to be on the boat," she said. Ark Encounter exhibit But to Ark Encounters lawyer, Amanda Brooke Stubblefield, at the Cincinnati firm Keating, Muething & Klekamp, the suit is no laughing matter. "We are not going to comment to the press on this case," she said. Ethridge subsequently issued a statement that said: The lawsuit speaks for itself. We dont have anything to add at this time, other than to say that we are highly confident of the merits of our case as we seek a fair resolution to the matter." More on the ark: Are school trips to Ark Encounter legal? According to the Genesis flood narrative in the Bible, Noahs Ark is the vessel through which God spares Noah, his family and two of each of the world's animals from a world-engulfing flood. Ark Encounter says its version in Williamstown was built to the dimensions in the Bible and is the largest timber-frame structure in the world. The suit, which asks for a jury trial, names Swiss-based Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings, its use company and three other carriers. Follow Andrew Wolfson on Twitter: @adwolfson. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Owners of biblical Noah's ark replica sue over rain damage to property Last week, Kenyas top funny man Eric Omondi left his fans confused and stunned after announcing his break up with Chantal. To make matters worse, the break-up announcement came hours after the comedian indicated his plans to marry the Italian babe in Sh80 million wedding. Read: Eric Omondi Reveals Plans for Sh80 Million Wedding Knowing Eric Omondi as quite the prankster, Kenyans have found it hard to believe that the revered celebrity relationship is over. But Eric insists that it is for real because he was simply suffocating Chantal Grazioli. Here are excerpts of his interview with Pulse. For starters, we hope this is not another prank you are pulling on your many Instagram followers? No. The post is not a stunt. It is just crazy how people are going on Instagram and commenting with some saying that hii ni kipindi (this is a prank) but it is real. We have called it a day. Why has this happy affair that seemed like it was headed to a happy union hit rock bottom? I love Chantal and I know she loves me. She is 21 years and it is four and a half years since we knew each other. We have been trying to handle this matter carefully and I blame myself for the way things have turned. It was time to make this move anyway. What exactly? What caused the rift? Like I said, it has been four and a half years since we started out. Since, we seem not to be making any progress. First of all, Chantal is young and I consider myself a bit old. I feel like I have been a stumbling block for her as my career has been progressing yet, as she committed to make this work, hers has been stagnating. She has been ensuring that my brand works but what am I doing for her? It is a long-distance relationship because her family lives in Italy and she only comes here for like six months to visit me. I am not growing any younger. Does it mean you were not letting her follow her path? See, thing is that as much as I would let her do that, I dont think we were getting the space for it. And I blame myself again. She would want to join Emirates and even go to school. We had this conversation, she would ask that since I am doing comedy, what did I expect her to be doing without a proper base. I would feel that she was idle and that she needed to get somewhere. The only solution was for us to set each other free. I was suffocating Chantal. For how long did the two of you have this lets give each other space discussion? This discussion has taken us three months. I had hoped wed be together but it is now what it is. I am wishing her all the best. I want her to be free, to get on and discover herself. I want her to make decisions without feeling like I am holding her back. That applies to me too. If our paths collide again, then, well and good. If she finds another man and I find another woman, then so be it. But I want everyone to know that Chantal and I love each other so much and that there are no ill-feelings. Would you say, like this was a false dream? Not really. Everything happens for a reason. We have been learning a lot from each otherespecially me. Whom can you say is the loser in this break-up; you or her? Clearly I am the loser as much as I feel bad for her. I am getting old. I am the one who would feel like we settled down. She has a whole life ahead of her and I cant hold her back for my selfish gains. What is that one thing you will always remember her for? Chantal is very mature and very understanding. She respects people, whether she knows them or not. In fact, I am ashamed to say this but Chantal is more mature than I. Do you have any regrets having gotten to a much publicised affair that ends and leaves you looking like you failed? God knows about my insecurities. I realised that I love Chantal so much. I would think that if I let go shed meet another man and that would hurt. But like I said, if I did that it would be for selfish gains. Her mother was very involved in this too She is in the picture and knows all about this as we discussed it with her. Remember that I met Chantal through her. She understands and both of them will be in Kenya in a few weeks so I hope we will meet and have a chat. What is the biggest lesson we learn from this? When you feel like its time to let go, just let go. Dont fight. WARSAW, Poland (AP) Poland's ruling Law and Justice party has emerged as the big winner in the country's European Parliament election, taking over 45% of the votes, but its leader said Monday more effort is needed before a national election later this year. Full official results announced by the State Electoral Commission suggest that the right-wing ruling party has a good chance of winning crucial elections to the national parliament in the fall and continuing its policy of social conservatism and euroskepticism for a second four-year term. It was the party's best showing ever in any election and, according to its leader, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the best result for any party in the 30 years of Poland's democracy. But Kaczynski said it "does not mean that the matter of (future) power in Poland has been settled" and warned against resting on laurels. Analysts said the intensive campaign, with Kaczynski's active participation and quick containment of crises from leaders' business dealings to revelations of child sex abuse by priests mobilized its voters and defenders of the Catholic Church, and contributed to the party's showing. "This is an impressive victory for Law and Justice given the number of crises that could have potentially damaged its image and the fact that voters were assessing its almost four years in power," said sociologist Jacek Kucharczyk, head of the Institute of Public Affairs think tank. The Polish ruling party has a difficult relationship with the EU, which has put the country under scrutiny for what it sees as an attack on rule of law from new legislation governing the appointment and regulation of the judiciary. The biggest vote-getter, with more than 500,000 votes, was former prime minister Beata Szydlo, who is remembered for launching the government program of benefits for large families in 2016. The ruling party's win signals a government reshuffle in the coming weeks. Some current ministers have won seats. Story continues Kucharczyk also praised opposition leader Grzegorz Schetyna, of the Civic Platform party, for forming the European Coalition of center-left parties that won over 38% of votes and is the only political force capable of challenging Law and Justice in the fall elections. Backed by the opposition, Magdalena Adamowicz, the widow of slain Gdansk mayor Pawel Adamowicz, won a seat on a campaign against hate speech. The strong showing for the opposition is where Poland's politics differ from those in Hungary, where the anti-migrant Fidesz party of Prime Minister Viktor Orban was dominant by a large margin. Poland has 52 seats in the 751-seat European Parliament, of which Law and Justice will take 27 and Schetyna's opposition 22. The new Spring party of LGBT activist Robert Biedron has won 6% of votes and three parliament seats. Law and Justice is expected to seek coalition with conservatives from the other 27 EU nations, however the leader of Italy's right-wing populist League, Matteo Salvini, has not named Poland as a coalition partner. Amid calls from all sides for participation, the turnout figure was an unusually high almost 46%. President Andrzej Duda, who is politically close to Law and Justice, said the high turnout gave Polish lawmakers a strong mandate in the European Parliament and showed the "maturity of our society, it shows that our democracy is getting stronger." ___ For more news from The Associated Press on the European Parliament elections go to https://www.apnews.com/EuropeanParliament ST. GEORGE, Utah Police in Utah continued their search Monday for a missing 5-year-old girl, alongside officials from the FBI and state law enforcement agencies. Elizabeth Jessica Shelley was last seen around 2 a.m. Saturday and reported missing approximately 8 hours later, according to the Logan Police Department. Officials said the girl may have been with her 21-year-old uncle, Alex Whipple, who is now in police custody. Whipple was booked into Cache County jail in connection with a warrant out of Salt Lake County regarding a failure to comply with probation, police said. Logan police described the 21-year-old as the "main suspect" in a Facebook post on Sunday. Law enforcement personnel conducted searches throughout Saturday night and into Sunday morning. More than 200 people were participating in the search as of Sunday evening, Logan police said. The search for the girl stretched into a third day on Monday, with the child's family saying they are overwhelmed, scared and saddened by her disappearance. Jill Parker, a victim advocate with the Cache County Attorney's Office, read the family's statement at a brief news conference Monday in Logan Elizabeth Jessica Shelley, 5, was reported missing Saturday morning from Logan, Utah. Logan police and other agencies continued their search for the girl Sunday. Authorities advised residents in the search area to monitor their home security systems for suspicious activity. "Any residents in the area between 300 South to 100 North and 300 West to 600 West that have video surveillance, including smart doorbells please check your videos and cameras specifically for the hours between 2 a.m. and noon on Saturday, May 25, 2019," Logan police said in a Facebook post. "If anything is found, please dont touch it and call dispatch immediately," police officials said. This article originally appeared on St. George Spectrum & Daily News: Police searching for missing 5-year-old Utah girl. Her uncle is in custody WARSAW, Poland (AP) An 11-year-old girl and a woman were wounded when a masked man entered a primary school in central Poland and threw firecrackers and fired a shotgun, police said Monday. The spokeswoman for police in Bydgoszcz, Monika Chlebicz, said that the girl was injured in the chest and leg by shrapnel and one of the cleaning staff sustained one gunshot wound in the attack by an intruder in Primary School Nr. 1 in Brzesc Kujawski. The student was taken by helicopter to a children's hospital in Torun while an ambulance took the woman to a hospital in Wloclawek. Their lives are not in danger, she said. Chlebicz said an 18-year-old suspect was arrested. Police and prosecutors have searched his apartment as part of their investigation. SYDNEY/MELBOURNE, May 27 (Reuters) - Political turmoil in Papua New Guinea threatened to delay a $13 billion plan to double the country's gas exports, sending shares in one of the project's partners, Oil Search Ltd, down nearly 4% on Monday. PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said on Sunday he would resign after weeks of high-level defections from the ruling party. Sir Julius Chan, twice a former premier, would take over as the government's leader, O'Neill said. Political instability is not unusual in Papua New Guinea and has not held back mining and energy investments in the resource-rich country, however protests over benefits failing to reach rural areas have dogged the government and project owners. It was not clear whether Chan could command a majority in parliament when it resumes on Tuesday. "We will not choose him. It's a really bad choice," opposition lawmaker Allan Bird told Reuters in a text message. "We want a complete break from O'Neill (and) Chan is just a proxy for O'Neill," he said. Chan said on Monday he had been approached by both the government and the opposition to take the role. "This is not a position I am seeking," he said in a statement. "However, I love Papua New Guinea, and there is a desperate need right now to unite the country ... and to make the wealth of this country work to the benefit of the people of this country." O'Neill had resisted calls to resign for weeks but his opponents said on Friday they had rallied enough support in parliament to oust him over a range of grievances, including a gas deal agreed in April with France's Total SA. The deal with Total set the terms for developing the Elk and Antelope gas fields, which will feed two new liquefied natural gas (LNG) production units at the PNG LNG plant, run by ExxonMobil Corp. At the same time, ExxonMobil and its partners are planning to build a third new unit at the PNG plant, to be partly fed by another new gas field, P'nyang. Story continues Credit Suisse analyst Saul Kavonic said the political upheaval could put pressure on the government to negotiate tough terms for the P'nyang gas agreement, which is yet to be finalized, and affect talks on development costs. "Both these factors heighten the risk of delay," he said in a note to clients. Any delays in the P'nyang agreement could hold up a final investment decision on the PNG LNG expansion, which is set to double the plant's capacity to 16 million tonnes a year. The uncertainty sent shares in Oil Search, a partner in PNG LNG and Papua LNG, down as much as 3.9% in early trading on Monday. Energy stocks rose 0.6%. ExxonMobil and its partners had hoped to begin basic engineering planning for the expansion by mid-2019 and make a final investment decision in 2020. They are racing against projects in Mozambique, Qatar, North America and Australia to produce LNG from the expansion by 2024 to fill an expected gap in the global LNG market. ExxonMobil and Total both have LNG projects elsewhere that could take priority if PNG politics delays them, Kavonic said. RBC analyst Ben Wilson said he did not think a final investment decision in 2020 was at risk yet and played down the threat that the PNG opposition would seek to renegotiate the LNG agreement. "Sanctity of contract is critical to ongoing investment in PNG and to the success of future potential sovereign bond issuances," Wilson said. Total and Oil Search representatives were not immediately available to comment. (Reporting by Tom Westbrook and Sonali Paul Editing by Paul Tait) Vatican City (AFP) - Pope Francis warned Monday against a rise of intolerance and racism as far-right nationalists and eurosceptic parties made historic gains in European elections. "The signs of meanness we see around us heighten our fear of 'the other', the unknown, the marginalised, the foreigner," he said in a message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. "It is not just about them, but about all of us, and about the present and future of the human family. "Migrants, especially those who are most vulnerable, help us to read the 'signs of the times'," he said. Nationalist forces from Marine Le Pen in France to Matteo Salvini in Italy and Nigel Farage in Britain boasted significant gains in the EU parliament elections which wound up on Sunday. Salvini's far-right League party did particularly well in Italy in centres seen as migrant "hot spots", including a town held up by the left as a model of tolerance and integration. Francis acknowledged the "fear" in many societies towards migrants and refugees arriving in search of protection or a better future. "To some extent, the fear is legitimate, also because the preparation for this encounter is lacking," he said, alluding to often piecemeal and inadequate approaches to refugee integration. "But the problem is not that we have doubts and fears. The problem is when they condition our way of thinking and acting to the point of making us intolerant, closed and perhaps even -- without realising it -- racist," he added. "Today's world is increasingly becoming more elitist and cruel towards the excluded," the Argentinian said in his message titled "It is not just about migrants". "Wars only affect some regions of the world, yet weapons of war are produced and sold in other regions which are then unwilling to take in the refugees produced by these conflicts," he added. The next World Day of Migrants and Refugees is not until September 29, but the Vatican sends out papal messages on such subjects well in advance to provide guidance to pastors around the world. Nigerian dancehall artiste Patoranking has teamed up with Kenyas boy wonder Nyashinski to release a massive jam dubbed Nakupenda (I Love You). The track is off Patorankings newly-launched album Wilmer, inspired by his daughter who doubles up as the face of the album. The project carries 12 songs; six singles and six collabos. Nakupenda serves as another major milestone for Nyashinski as he continues to penetrate the larger African market. And the hitmaker does not disappoint as he spices up the song with his Swahili lyrical prowess. Nyashinski also becomes the second Kenyan musician to work with the Afrobeat master Patoranking after Sauti Sol. Give Nakupenda a listen below as we wait for the video. Photos: Petfinder Interested in adopting a pet or just gazing at some cuddle-hungry puppies? There are dozens of great puppies up for adoption at animal shelters in and around Detroit. 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. (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.) Briggs, pit bull terrier mix Briggs is a male pit bull terrier puppy in the care of Bright Point Rescue. Briggs will get along great with kids, dogs or cats. He is vaccinated. Have no fear: he's already house-trained. Briggs' current caretakers say: Read more about Briggs on Petfinder. Briggs is just a pup. He is doing great with his potty-training and has only had one accident all week. He will need a little time, training and attention, as all puppies do. He is a laid-back boy but likes to play rough with the dogs in his foster home. He is learning that mouthing is not appropriate and may be best suited for a home with older children who can guide him in that behavior. He sleeps in his crate at night. Maaya, pit bull terrier and black Labrador retriever mix Maaya is a charming female pit bull terrier and black Labrador retriever puppy currently residing at Bright Point Rescue. Maaya gets along well with other dogs. She is already house-trained. Maaya is vaccinated. From Maaya's current caretaker: Read more about Maaya on Petfinder. Maaya is a puppy with a lot of energy who loves to play. She does not realize her size and strength and would be best suited for a playmate of equal or larger size. She is a cuddle bug and considers herself a lap dog. She loves her people and likes to be where they are. Maaya enjoys zoomies in the yard and playing with her canine pals. Camp, border collie and shepherd mix Story continues Camp is a male border collie and shepherd puppy staying at Home Fur-Ever. Camp is the life of the party, and he loves other dogs. He has all of his shots. From Camp's current caretaker: Read more about Camp on Petfinder. Camp is very playful and very sweet and loves to be cuddled, have his belly scratched and give kisses. He also loves to play with his toys and chase balls and bones around all day. He can entertain himself but also likes to play with others. He is potty-trained on newspaper. Memphis, terrier mix Memphis is a winsome female terrier puppy being kept at Home Fur-Ever. Memphis is ready to make friends and loves other dogs. She has all her shots. Notes from Memphis' caretakers: Apply to adopt Memphis today at Petfinder. Memphis is a sweet cuddly angel who loves to play and follow her person around. She is great with dogs and kids of all ages. She just wants to be near you (preferably sitting on you) and is a dream come true for any owner. Lucky Charm, Labrador retriever and terrier mix Lucky Charm is a darling female Labrador retriever and terrier puppy in the care of Home Fur-Ever. Lucky Charm will get along great with your other dogs. She's been vaccinated. Here's what Lucky Charm's friends at Home Fur-Ever think of her: Read more about how to adopt Lucky Charm on Petfinder. Lucky Charm is a lover and enjoys snuggling. She will play independently for awhile is and content to observe others, but she also loves human attention. Fruit Loops, Labrador retriever and terrier mix Fruit Loops is a female Labrador retriever and terrier puppy being kept at Home Fur-Ever. Fruit Loops loves other dogs. She has all her shots. From Fruit Loops' current caretaker: Read more about how to adopt Fruit Loops on Petfinder. Fruit Loops likes to play with her sisters, but she also enjoys snuggling and will play on her own or lay down to have quiet time. Overall, she has a relaxed personality. She even seems to find baths soothing. Cheerio, Labrador retriever and terrier mix Cheerio is a darling female Labrador retriever and terrier puppy currently housed at Home Fur-Ever. Cheerio is happy to keep company with other dogs. She has been vaccinated. Notes from Cheerio's caretakers: Apply to adopt Cheerio today at Petfinder. Cheerio is feisty, has high-energy and likes to play hard. She's an outgoing but affectionate and loving puppy. She will snuggle you like crazy if you let her. 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. Ariha (Syria) (AFP) - At least 18 civilians were killed on Monday as Syria's regime intensified its bombardment of Idlib province, the last jihadist stronghold in the country's northwest, a monitor said. Idlib and parts of the neighbouring provinces of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia are under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist group led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate. Eighteen civilians, including six children, were killed on Monday in air strikes and missile attacks on Idlib province, said Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Ten of them, including four children, died in the town of Ariha, he told AFP, adding that at least 47 people were wounded across the province. The deaths come a day after regime air strikes killed 12 civilians in the same province, according to the Britain-based Observatory. An AFP correspondent in Ariha said White Helmet first responders were seen searching for survivors in the rubble of a building hit in Monday's bombardment. "It was indescribable. Wounded women and children lying on the ground, destruction everywhere, shops damaged," Mohamad Said, a resident at the site of the raid, told AFP. The first responders were lifted to an upper floor of the badly damaged building in the bucket of an excavator machine in an attempt to rescue a child who had been buried under blocks of concrete. But the child was among those who died, the AFP correspondent said. The Observatory says more than 250 civilians have been killed in the spike in violence since the end of April. More than 200,000 civilians have already been displaced by this upsurge of violence, the United Nations has said. Idlib is supposed to be protected from a massive government offensive by a September buffer zone deal, but the jihadist bastion has come under increasing bombardment by the regime and its Russian ally since late April. The pro-government forces have since recaptured several towns in the south of Idlib province and the north of Hama. The UN has warned an all-out offensive on the northwestern region would lead to a humanitarian catastrophe for its nearly three million residents. A total of 20 health facilities have been hit by the escalation -- 19 of which remain out of service, according to the UN. Paris (AFP) - French and Italian-US auto giants Renault and Fiat Chrysler are set to announce talks on an alliance, with a view to a potential merger, informed sources said on Sunday. Renault and FCA are likely to unveil the move "within hours, perhaps tomorrow (Monday), before the (Paris) bourse opens," one of the sources told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding an eventual "merger" was on the agenda. The same source added that a statement would cover "the possibility of a convergence between the two groups" which "will be studied" with a view to a potential merger. A Renault board meeting is scheduled for 8:00 am (0600 GMT) on Monday. A source close to the French government, which holds 15 percent of Renault, said the authorities have noted the reports but will be "vigilant on jobs, the impact on industry as a whole and the national interest." Renault's current major partnership is with Japan's Nissan, in which it holds 43 percent. Nissan in turn owns 15 percent of its French partner Renault but the imbalance in the relationship has led to serious friction, highlighted by the arrest of former Renault and Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn in Tokyo. The Wall Street Journal said the talks were "wide-ranging" and could include Renault and Fiat Chrysler "joining large portions of their businesses". Contacted by AFP, neither Renault nor Fiat would comment. - Nissan likely 'furious' - The Financial Times, quoting multiple people informed on the talks, said: "The agreement may ultimately lead the carmaker (Fiat-Chrysler) to join the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance in the future," if Nissan can be won over. Such an alliance would be the world's biggest with estimated total production of some 16 million vehicles. The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi combine currently makes around 10.8 million automobiles, compared with Germany's Volkswagen and Japan's Toyota, both on around 10.6 million. Story continues However, the tie-up with FCA could make Renault much more powerful, potentially further upsetting the balance in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance where Ghosn was pushing for much more say before his downfall. "The question now is 'what is the reaction of the Japanese going to be?" said one source close to the issue, suggesting they could be "furious." "Nissan has not been involved in this dossier," the source noted. In recent weeks, Renault has been pushing for changes to its tie-up with Nissan, suggesting the formation of a 50-50 holding company to run both firms. Nissan however has resisted, feeling it is the bigger company and should be treated as such. Last year, Renault sold 3.9 million vehicles and Nissan 5.65 million, with Mitsubishi accounting for another 1.22 million. Fiat Chrysler meanwhile sold 4.8 million autos but has been under pressure in Europe, stoking speculation it was looking for a partner as the industry is forced to consolidate in the face of declining demand and a costly switch into electric cars. "Without a partner, Fiat cannot survive. They don't have an electric vehicle, they only have old models and the only thing keeping them going is their sales in the US," said Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, director of the Centre for Automotive Research based in Germany. FCA chief Mike Manley said earlier this month in Milan that his company would play an "active and constructive" role in this process. Fiat Chrysler is widely seen as a latecomer to the electric vehicle market but does well in the US SUV and pick-up sectors. Renault meanwhile has pushed ahead in electric cars but is relatively weak in North America so the two companies would be a good fit. Following his arrest, Ghosn was bailed for a second time on April 25 and is now preparing for trial on four charges of financial misconduct ranging from concealing part of his salary, to using Nissan funds for personal expenses. Early this year, rumours circulated that Renault was interested in Fiat-Chrysler after its hopes for a full merger with Nissan or even French competitor PSA were dashed. PARIS (Reuters) - Shares in both Fiat and Renault surged higher on Monday, as analysts welcomed a proposed merger between the two carmakers. Fiat rose around 19% in early session trading in Milan, while Renault's shares were up 16%. "Strong fits in product/scale, further indications that OEM consolidation is on the agenda, an opportunity to re-deploy capital at Renault, and confirmation of FCA as an M&A target, are positives," wrote brokerage Jefferies. Fiat's advisers on the deal include Goldman Sachs, Nomura and boutique investment bank d'Angelin & Co. (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Bate Felix) WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) Three volunteer rescuers who found a hiker more than two weeks after she disappeared in a Hawaii forest described their elation and relief after spotting her near a waterfall in deep vegetation. Javier Cantellops, Chris Berquist and Troy Helmers said Monday that they saw Amanda Eller from a helicopter Friday, 17 days after the 35-year-old physical therapist and yoga instructor went for hike on a Maui trail. When they saw her, Helmers says he was in disbelief anybody would be hiking in the area. Berquist told CBS that they were "crying and screaming and laughing" when they reached her. Cantellops told the "Today" show that "wrapping my arms around her was the greatest moment I can say about my life." Eller broke her leg and got a skin infection and severe sunburn but says in a Facebook video from her hospital bed that she "chose life." Following is a summary of current US domestic news briefs. Judge blocks some funds Trump sought for U.S.-Mexico border wall The Trump administration must temporarily halt the use of some Defense Department funds for a border wall with Mexico, a judge ruled on Friday, because the money was not specifically authorized by Congress for construction of the barrier. The order blocks the use of $1 billion from the Department of Defense in Arizona and Texas, out of $6.7 billion that Trump administration said it planned to direct toward building the wall. Support for abortion rights grows as some U.S. states curb access: Reuters/Ipsos poll Americans have become more supportive of abortion rights over the past year, even as a wave of Republican-controlled state governments have imposed new restrictions, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Sunday. The poll found that 58% of American adults said abortion should be legal in most or all cases, up from 50% who said that in a similar poll that ran in July 2018. Yoga teacher found alive after 17 days lost in Hawaii forest Rescuers in Hawaii have found a yoga instructor who went missing for 17 days while hiking in a forest reserve and survived by drinking from streams and eating plants. Amanda Eller, 35, went hiking in Maui's Makawao Forest Reserve on May 8 but became lost when she walked deeper in the reserve, which covers more than 2,000 acres, instead of heading back to her car as she believed. Subpoenas for Trump financial records on hold pending appeal: court filing Deutsche Bank AG and Capital One Financial Corp will not have to immediately hand over the financial records of U.S. President Donald Trump, three of his children and the Trump Organization, according to a court filing on Saturday. The filing in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York followed an appeal submitted on Friday by Trump and his affiliates against an existing order from a federal judge allowing the banks to hand over financial records to Democratic lawmakers. Story continues Trump retweets edited video of Pelosi to portray her as having 'lost it' U.S. President Donald Trump, engaged in personal attacks on House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, retweeted a heavily edited video that falsely claimed the Democratic leader had difficulty speaking to reporters. In a Twitter posting late on Thursday, the Republican president wrote, "PELOSI STAMMERS THROUGH NEWS CONFERENCE." Accompanying the tweet was a heavily edited Fox Business Network clip of Pelosi's 23-minute news conference earlier in the day. 'Embodiment of evil': Jayme Closs kidnapper sentenced to die in prison A Wisconsin judge sentenced Jake Patterson to two terms of life imprisonment on Friday for kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs and murdering her parents, describing him as "one of the most dangerous men ever to walk this planet." Barron County Circuit Court Judge James Babler said Patterson, 21, admitted to having fantasies of "taking multiple girls, and killing multiple families" as he handed down a sentence with no possibility of release. Rescuers search for survivors after Oklahoma tornado kills at least two Rescue workers on Sunday searched for survivors in the rubble left by a tornado that devastated parts of a small community near Oklahoma City, killing two people, injuring more than two dozen and leaving hundreds homeless, officials said. The tornado that hit El Reno on Saturday night was the latest in a barrage of violent weather that is expected to continue after pounding the Central Plains states last week with deadly tornadoes, high winds, drenching thunderstorms and widespread flooding. Protesters demand end to killings of transgender women, Trump rollbacks Protesters chanting "black trans lives matter" and "we will not be erased" on Friday demanded an end to the killings of black transgender women in the United States and decried the Trump administration's proposals to reverse transgender rights. Three black transgender women died of gunshot wounds within five days this month in Cleveland, Dallas and Philadelphia, and five total have been killed this year. Transgender advocates complain that police often give such cases insufficient priority or they go unreported when police identify victims by their gender assigned at birth rather than the person's gender identity. Arizona tent facility eyed to cope with U.S.-Mexico border surge U.S. Border Patrol is considering another tent facility in Yuma, Arizona, after installing two in Texas, to cope with a surge in Central American migrants that has overwhelmed the agency. Once one of the quietest sectors of the 2,000-mile U.S. Mexico border, Yuma now ranks third for apprehensions as smugglers guide record numbers of families and unaccompanied children under or over fences and across the Colorado River. Following is a summary of current world news briefs. Austria's Kurz faces ax as far right opts to back no-confidence motion Austria's parliament appeared all but certain to sack conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Monday after lawmakers from the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) agreed to support a motion of no-confidence in his caretaker government. Kurz's People's Party came out on top in Sunday's European Parliament election, only a week after a video sting scandal prompted far-right Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache to step down and Kurz to scrap the coalition between their parties. Trump says Iran nuclear deal possible as sanctions bite U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday a deal with Iran on its nuclear program was possible, crediting economic sanctions for curbing activities Washington has said are behind a spate of attacks in the Middle East. "I really believe that Iran would like to make a deal, and I think that's very smart of them, and I think that's a possibility to happen," Trump said during a news conference with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. Israel open to U.S.-mediated talks with Lebanon on sea border Israel voiced openness on Monday to U.S.-mediated talks with Lebanon on resolving a dispute over the neighbors' maritime border that has dogged Mediterranean oil and gas exploration. Such talks, Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz's office said in a statement after he met U.S. envoy David Satterfield, could be "for the good of both countries' interests in developing natural gas reserves and oil" by agreeing a border. 'Under one flag': two Belgiums seek one government after vote Belgium was stunned on Monday by a Flemish separatist surge in national elections that will make forming a new federal government a tortuous task as the country's French-speaking region moved further to the left. Belgium, long an awkward marriage between its Dutch- and French-speaking communities, now risks a political impasse as the results in Sunday's federal parliamentary vote deepened a split between its more Germanic north and Latin south. Story continues North Korea says Bolton's missile comments 'more than ignorant': KCNA U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton is "more than ignorant" to argue that North Korea's recent missile tests violated U.N. resolutions, the North's foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday. Giving up missile tests would mean giving up the right to self defense, a North Korean foreign ministry spokesman was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the state KCNA news agency. Petition calling for impeachment of South Korea's Moon to force a response A petition calling for South Korean President Moon Jae-in to be impeached had gathered more than 217,000 signatures as of Monday, passing a threshold that will require a government response and underscoring Moon's sagging approval ratings. The author of the online petition has not been identified but says he or she is a citizen who took part in candlelight protests in 2017 that helped lead to the impeachment and ouster of Moon's predecessor, Park Geun-hye. After EU election disaster, Britain's main parties gird for no-deal Brexit battle Britain's two main parties set the stage on Monday for a battle over a no-deal Brexit, hoping to win back voters who abandoned them for a new movement led by eurosceptic Nigel Farage and other smaller parties in European elections. After a punishing night when deepening divisions over Britain's departure from the European Union were plain to see, contenders for the leadership of the governing Conservatives said the results were a demand to deliver Brexit no matter what. French police arrest three over Lyon bomb blast French police have arrested three people, including a 24-year-old computer science student of Algerian nationality, in connection with last week's bomb blast in Lyon that injured 13 people, authorities said. The case is being handled as a terrorism investigation given the circumstances of the attack, committed in broad daylight, and the use of an explosive device capable of hitting a large number of people with screws and metal balls packed into a bag. Nationalists surge in EU Parliament, but pro-EU parties remain dominant Pro-European parties kept a firm grip on the EU parliament on Monday as liberal and green parties matched a surge by eurosceptic parties, who won control of a quarter of seats in European elections for the first time. The far-right and nationalists in Italy, Britain, France and Poland came out on top in their national votes on Sunday, shaking up politics at home but failing to dramatically alter the balance of pro-European power in EU assembly. Trump presses Japan over trade gap, expects 'good things' from North Korea U.S. President Donald Trump pressed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday to even out a trade imbalance with the United States and said he was happy with how things were going with North Korea but was in no rush to reach a peace deal. Trump told a news conference with Abe after their summit that his goal was to remove trade barriers to put U.S. exports on a fair footing in Japan. He said he hoped to have more to announce on trade very soon and said he and Abe had agreed to expand cooperation in human space exploration. By Radu-Sorin Marinas and Luiza Ilie BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romanians overwhelmingly rejected measures seen as making it harder to tackle rampant state corruption in a non-binding referendum on Sunday, dealing a double blow to the ruling Social Democrats (PSD) who also lost support in European elections. The double ballot was the first big popularity test for the PSD whose overhaul of the judiciary and changes to anti-graft legislation have drawn strong criticism from the European Union and the United States. The referendum, called by centrist President Klaus Iohannis, who has often clashed with the PSD over judicial and economic policies, asked voters to decide whether the government should be banned from altering judicial legislation via emergency decrees - as it can do now - and whether they want a national ban on any amnesty and pardoning for graft-related crimes. According to data from the national election bureau, voter turnout stood at 41 percent when polling stations closed at 1800 GMT, above the 30 percent required for it to be valid. Analysts expect the turnout to equate with a big vote in favour of the anti-graft drive. "The referendum succeeded with flying colours. Thank you Romanians. This is a clear vote for correct politics, for true justice. No politician can ignore your clear vote for an independent judiciary," Iohannis said. Exit polls for the European Parliament election, also held on Sunday, showed both the opposition centrist National Liberal Party and the ruling PSD on 25.8%, with the latter falling sharply below the 45% it won in the last national ballot in 2016. A new alliance of opposition parties, USR-Plus, secured third place with 24% of votes. FRUSTRATED VOTERS The two ballots have mobilised voters fed up with graft in Romania, a nation of 20 million people which joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007. Popular musicians and actors urged people to vote, and bookshops and cafes offered discounts for voters. Story continues "(The referendum result) is a clear victory against the Social Democrat Party," said Sergiu Miscoiu, a political science professor at Babes-Bolyai University. "The referendum was called to stimulate the anti-PSD vote ... ahead of the presidential election." Romania will hold a presidential election later this year, with Iohannis in pole position to win a new five-year term. Parliamentary elections are due in December 2020. Prosecutors have secured a spate of convictions in recent years against lawmakers, ministers and mayors, including Social Democrat leader Liviu Dragnea. Their investigations have exposed conflicts of interest, abuse of power, fraud and the awarding of state contracts in exchange for bribes. The Supreme Court is expected to announce a verdict on Monday in Dragnea's appeal against a jail sentence imposed for inciting others to commit abuse of office. (Editing by Jane Merriman and Gareth Jones) Johnny Russell scored a hat trick to help Sporting Kansas City snap a seven-match winless streak with a 3-2 victory over the visiting Seattle Sounders on Sunday. The teams combined for three goals in eight minutes of the second half, after SKC led 2-0 at the break. Russell got the first goal in the 29th minute on a low, left-footed line drive from just outside the box. Nicolas Hasler got possession with a nifty steal in his own half. He fed Yohan Croizet in the right flank. Croizet battled Kim Kee-hee for the ball, finally winning control and feeding Russell in the perfect position for his fifth goal of the year, placed in the far left corner. Russell got the brace in the first minute of first-half stoppage time. Ilie Sanchez fed him unattended 15 yards past midfield on the right side. Russell worked his way toward the goal, dribbling through four defenders before firing another left-footer past Seattle keeper Stefan Frei from just outside the 6-yard box. Raul Ruidiaz pulled one back for Seattle in the 63rd minute. Kelvin Leerdam put a nice spin move on Matt Besler in the box to get in behind, pulling SKC keeper Tim Melia away from the goal. Leerdam fed Ruidiaz, who blasted it into the net. Russell answered just five minutes later. Kelyn Rowe found him unmarked on the right side of the 18-yard box. Russell bent a first-touch left-footer past Frei for his first hat trick as a member of SKC. Seattle (7-2-5, 26 points) wouldn't go away quietly. Leerdam scored on a header off a corner kick in the 71st minute, the first goal Sporting have conceded on a set piece this season. Sporting Kansas City (3-4-5, 14 points) entered 0-3-4 in their last seven MLS matches, while Seattle had been unbeaten in their last six (2-0-4). Sporting may be without Besler again. In his second match since missing four matches with a strained left hamstring, he went down in the 78th minute with another apparent hamstring injury. --Field Level Media The Libyan navy has rescued some 290 migrants from sinking boats off the coast of Tripoli in two separate operations, officials said Friday. A coastguard patrol plucked 87 migrants of different African nationalities, including six women and a child, from a sinking rubber boat about 50 kilometres (30 miles) east of the Libyan capital. They were taken to a Tripoli naval base, said navy spokesman Ayoub Kacem.In a separate mission, some 203 migrants including a woman and also all from African countries, were spotted on board two boats off the coast of the town of Zliten, some 140 kilometres east of Tripoli. They were taken to a detention centre in Suq al-Khamis. UN agencies and aid organisations have opposed taking migrants to camps in Libya, which has been wracked by chaos since the overthrow of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, amid fears they will find themselves in arbitrary detention, or fall victim to militias. Their already precarious situation has worsened since strongman Khalifa Haftar launched an assault on Tripoli on April 4, seeking to capture the city where the internationally recognised government is based. More than 75,000 people have been driven from their homes in the latest fighting and 510 have been killed, according to the World Health Organization. More than 2,400 have also been wounded, while 100,000 people are feared trapped by the clashes raging on the capitals outskirts. In 2017, Italy reached a deal, backed by the EU, to train and equip the Libyan coastguard in a bid to stop the flow of migrants seeking to reach Europe from Africa across the Mediterranean. AFP Afghan politicians are set to attend a two-day meeting with the Taliban in Moscow this week, officials confirmed Monday, as fighting continues to rage in Afghanistan amid troubled peace talks between the US and the militants. The meeting -- set to run the 28th and 29th of May -- will mark the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Afghanistan. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said a 14-member delegation was heading to Moscow, led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the group's top political leader. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban's chief negotiator and former deputy minister of foreign affairs, will also attend, Mujahid said in a statement. From the Afghan political establishment, former president Hamid Karzai is set to make an appearance, with his spokesman Yousof Saha suggesting the Afghan and Taliban delegations might meet on the sidelines for informal talks, but he noted nothing was guaranteed. And a spokesman for Afghanistan's high peace council -- tasked with helping facilitate peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban -- will attend, said Karim Khalili, who heads the body. The potential talks would mark the second time leaders from the militant movement have met with opposition leaders in Russia, following a rare summit in February that saw the former foes praying together and chatting over meals. However, no representatives from President Ashraf Ghani's administration were at those informal talks, spurring fears he was being further sidelined in the ongoing peace process. The latest meeting in Moscow comes weeks after a sixth round of talks between the US and Taliban wrapped in Doha with no tangible progress cited by the negotiating teams. The Taliban have said peace negotiations were stumbling over the fundamental question of when foreign forces would depart Afghanistan. The US however has refused to agree to a withdrawal as part of an eventual deal until the Taliban put in place security guarantees, a ceasefire, and other commitments including an "intra-Afghan" dialogue with the Kabul government and other Afghan representatives. The Taliban have a political wing in Qatar and in recent weeks have met with Roland Kobia, the EU's special envoy for Afghanistan, as well as German special envoy Markus Potzel. Moscow appears to be gaining influence in the ongoing process, with the US announcing last month that Washington had reached a consensus with China and Russia on the key formula for a peace deal it is negotiating in Afghanistan. Photo: Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse/Yelp Looking to satisfy your appetite for South American fare? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best high-end South American restaurants around San Antonio, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture next time you're on the hunt. 1. Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse Photo: chama gaucha brazilian steakhouse/Yelp Topping the list is Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse. Located at 18318 Sonterra Place, the steakhouse and Brazilian spot is the highest rated high-end South American restaurant in San Antonio, boasting 4.5 stars out of 922 reviews on Yelp. The spot offers steaks served vertically on skewers, which are prepared and seasoned by a trained Brazilian chef. The menu features 12 meats to choose from, from bacon-wrapped filet, pork and beef ribs, Picanha to Cordeiro, and offers a complimentary salad bar and more. 2. Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse Photo: galpao gaucho brazilian steakhouse/Yelp Next up is Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, situated at 2318 N. Loop 1604 West. With 4.5 stars out of 267 reviews on Yelp, the steakhouse and Brazilian spot has proven to be a local favorite for those looking to indulge. All of this spot's 17 different cuts of meat, which include beef, pork, chicken, lamb and fish, are roasted over an open fire. The gourmet salad bar boasts 40 items, and make sure to leave room for the Molten Chocolate Cake for dessert. (Click here for the full menu.) 3. Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse Photo: fogo de Chao Brazilian steakhouse/Yelp Downtown San Antonio's Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse, located at 849 E. Commerce St., Suite 393, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the fancy steakhouse and Brazilian spot four stars out of 572 reviews. The chain restaurant offers a lineup of fire-roasted steaks, chicken, lamb, pork and seafood, combined with the salad bar included. The spot also Brazilian sides like farofa (yuca flour sauteed with bacon, sausage and seasonings) and a wide selection of wines, beers and cocktails from the bar. (To view the entire menu, click here.) Story continues 4. Texas De Brazil Photo: texas de brazil/Yelp Texas De Brazil, a steakhouse, venues and event space and Brazilian spot located downtown, is another pricey go-to, with four stars out of 383 Yelp reviews. Head over to 313 E. Houston St. to see for yourself. Bring your appetite to this all-you-can-eat establishment, which serves barbecue pork ribs, Parmesan drumettes, alcantra, picanha, herb-marinated pork loin and more. The salad bar features more than 40 different items to complement your meal. (Click here to view the menu.) 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. Victoria (Seychelles) (AFP) - Seychelles President Danny Faure on Monday announced that he would seek re-election in presidential polls in 2020. "It is with a great deal of humility that I inform the Seychellois people of my decision to stand as a candidate in the presidential election next year," Faure said in a public address, according to a statement from the presidency. The 57-year-old took office in 2016 after his predecessor quit following a crushing defeat in legislative elections for the party which had been in power for four-decades. Faure also announced that the archipelago nation would hold a referendum ahead of the elections on whether citizens living abroad should be allowed to vote. The country's current three-decade-old constitution does not allow for residents abroad to vote, a matter Faure said had been cause for much debate. "As a people, we need to make a decision on this matter, to ensure that the constitution and electoral laws reflect what the Seychellois people want," he said, according to the statement. He said he would ask the electoral commission to set a date for the elections within seven days from Tuesday. Seychelles is made up of about 115 islands and tourism is one of the main drivers of an economy which boasts the highest gross domestic product per capita in Africa. Elijah Shalis of secretary for the Michigan Society Sons of the American Revolution poses for a photo next to James Robinson's headstone at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit, Friday, May 24, 2019. Rev. PVT. James Robinson died in 151 years ago. The Michigan Society Sons of The American Revolution is hosting a patriot grave marking ceremony for him on June 22, 2019 at the cemetery. DETROIT Pvt. James Robinson played an important role in the Revolutionary War's final battle, but like many African Americans who took up arms against the British, he received little lasting recognition. That's about to change. Members of two patriotic lineage societies plan to give Robinson, who died in 1868, military funeral honors during a ceremony next month at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit. A special grave marker will be unveiled, too. "Over 5,000 African Americans served in the Revolutionary War, and Robinson is one of the most consequential figures of the period," said Elijah Shalis, secretary of the Michigan Society Sons of the American Revolution. "He deserved this honor 151 years ago for his service to his country." Robinson led a remarkable life: He was a slave and a minister who fought in two wars and died at age 115 as the last known living African American veteran of the Revolutionary War. A war hero, and then back to slavery Born into slavery in 1753 in Maryland, Robinson served in a light infantry regiment after the Revolutionary War broke out in 1775, Shalis said. During the battle of Yorktown, Robinson charged up a British rampart, fought against and killed three men and helped take over the rampart, Shalis said. The battle ended with the British surrendering. Robinson also fought in the battle of Brandywine. Later, French General Marquis de Lafayette awarded Robinson a Gold Medal of Valor. Robinson had been promised freedom in exchange for fighting. Instead, he remained a slave and was sold in Louisiana. He went on to fight in the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812. By the 1820s, Robinson had a license to preach as a Methodist minister, according to a letter to the editor that ran in the Detroit Free Press in 1984 from a writer pushing then for a special historical marker for Robinson. It's unclear when Robinson finally became free. Shalis said U.S. Census records show him living as a free man in Ohio in the 1840s and 1850s. The 1860 census lists him living in Detroit. Story continues More: Groundbreaking World War II unit of black women honored decades later James Robinson's headstone at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit, Friday, May 24, 2019. Rev. PVT. James Robinson died in 151 years ago. The Michigan Society Sons of The American Revolution is hosting a patriot grave marking ceremony for him on June 22, 2019 at the cemetery. No known honor for him after the war It's also unclear what type of recognition he received, if any at all, at the time of his death for his military service. Elmwood Cemetery's handwritten records from 1868 say that Robinson was "colored" and died of old age, but don't mention his service. Shalis learned about Robinson through conversations with Maurice Barboza, who is leading the effort to build the National Liberty Memorial in Washington, D.C., to honor African Americans involved in the American Revolution. "James Robinson ... was indicative of the kind of spirit we want to inject in this memorial," Barboza said. "Its heroism, but its also incredible doggedness. Nothing destroyed his spirit. He must have been one extraordinary human being to have endured what he did." Barboza said while black soldiers were honored for their accomplishments in the war, they were largely forgotten in the decades that followed as slavery persisted. "Following the Revolutionary War, people weren't thinking about freedom or liberty," he said. "They were thinking about building the country, and to continue to do so with the slave labor that they had. More: Marine vet delivers first pitch after double arm transplant A 21-gun salute planned The Michigan Society Sons of the American Revolution (MISSAR) and the Michigan Society of the War of 1812 purchased bronze emblems that represent the wars in which Robinson fought. The emblems were affixed to a granite stone donated by Elmwood Cemetery. The special grave marker will be dedicated during a June 22 ceremony at the cemetery. A sword salute and a possible 21-gun salute are among activities planned. Shalis said Robinson's last living relative appears to have been a granddaughter who died in the 1980s. It's important to keep Robinson's memory alive because his story shows how all types of people helped create the United States of America, Shalis said. He noted that along with people of African descent, the French, Dutch, Spanish, Native Americans, Muslims, Jews and others contributed to the American Revolution in various ways, from fighting to providing financing and goods. "America was only founded because everybody was involved, not just old white men, like a lot of people think about when they think about the American Revolution," Shalis said. "Without every single segment of society that was involved, it wouldnt have been possible." Follow Ann Zaniewski on Twitter: @AnnZaniewski This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: A slave became a Revolutionary War hero. Now, 151 years late, he's being honored Re-elected Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's first foreign trip will be to the Solomon Islands, in a move to cement the Pacific as Canberra's strategic priority amid growing Chinese influence in the region. Morrison's visit to the Solomons next week will come after he elevated the Pacific back to a full ministerial role on Sunday, appointing to the position a close ally who will also serve as assistant defence minister. "I think the prime minister's decision to visit the Solomon Islands is an absolute reinforcement of the importance of our Pacific 'step-up'," Foreign Minister Marise Payne told national broadcaster ABC on Monday. "And... most importantly, saying to our family in the Pacific, our neighbours in the Pacific, this is where Australia lives and this is what is important to us." Australia's views the Pacific islands as its backyard and there have been ongoing tensions between Canberra and Beijing as China flexes its muscle -- including billions of dollars in investments -- in the region. Beijing was also reportedly mulling the construction of a military base on Vanuatu. US State Department official Patrick Murphy, who visited Canberra last week for meetings with his Australian counterparts, said the idea of a Chinese military base in the South Pacific was troubling. But Payne said the push for stronger Australian involvement in the Pacific was not triggered by Beijing's increased presence. "We've always said that the establishment of facilities of that nature by other parties... would change and affect Australia's strategic outlook. But that is not the focus of our Pacific step-up," Payne said. "It goes to people-to-people links, it goes to education, it goes to infrastructure development, it goes from church to church relationships, it goes to Pacific labour mobility. So it's much, much broader than that." Morrison's visit to the Solomons will be the first by an Australian prime minister since Kevin Rudd's in 2008. The islands are heavily reliant on foreign aid and among the few countries to give Taiwan diplomatic recognition. Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province and both have vied for diplomatic influence in the Pacific for decades. Madrid (AFP) - Far-left party Podemos, which just four years ago took over major city halls across Spain, suffered a humiliating defeat in Sunday's local, regional and European elections, a victim of internal diputes. The party lost almost all of the mayorships it won in 2015 along with other far-left groups, and captured just 10 percent of the vote in the European elections, compared with 14.3 percent during an April 28 general election. At the same time the triple polls strengthened acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists, which placed first in the European elections and won the most votes in 10 of the 12 regions that voted on Sunday. The results undermined Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias's wish to form a coalition government with the Socialists, which won last month's general election while failing to reach a majority in parliament. "He is too weakened to demand Pedro Sanchez give him ministries," Carmen Lumbierres, a political science professor at Spain's Open University UNED, told AFP. Speaking Monday, Iglesias said "it is obvious that these results are not good", though he still hoped to join a coalition. "We most be conscious of what we weigh and try to form a government," he said. Podemos has just 42 seats in Spain's 350-seat parliament, down from 71 before the April vote. - European trend - Podemos's collapse mirrors a European trend of declining support for far-left parties. The European United Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL), which goups leftist parties in the European parliment, won just 39 seats in this year's European elections, down from 52 previously. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras plans to call for early polls after his far-left Syriza party -- a Podemos ally -- was trounced in European and local elections on Sunday. In Madrid, incumbent mayor Manuela Carmena who was elected in 2015 on a citizen platform backed by Podemos, won the most votes on Sunday but still lacks a majority. Story continues She will most likely be replaced by the conservative PP candidate, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida if he is backed by the centre-right Ciudadanos and far-right party Vox parties. In Barcelona, incumbent Mayor Ada Colau, a former housing activist backed by Podemos, lost to a Catalan separatist Ernest Maragall. Podemos-backed mayors also lost in Zaragoza, La Coruna and Santiago de Compostela. Many were victims of divisions over strategy that have plagued the party for the past two years. In Madrid and Zaragoza, Podemos members presented competing lists. "Podemos was a victim of an overdose of Game of Thrones," wrote Enric Juliana, deputy director of Barcelona-based daily La Vanguardia, in an analysis of the party's results. Many Podemos voters have become disenchanted with the party because it has not remained faithful to the new style of participatory politics that it initially promised to implement, said Lumbierres. (Updates with Spanish PM's office statement) MADRID, May 27 (Reuters) - Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met on Monday in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the results of the European parliamentary elections, Sanchez's office said. During a dinner in the Elysee Palace, the two leaders discussed the allocation of top jobs in parliament and their rejection of the far-right, it added. "They also analyzed the institutional renewal and they agree that new posts need to reflect the new majority in the European Parliament," a statement of the Spanish PM office said. Sanchez's Socialist party (PSOE) finished first in Spain in the European election. Marine Le Pen's far-right Rassemblement National won most votes in France but the margin of victory over Macron's liberal party was narrow. After Sunday's election, a coalition of the conservative European People's Party and the Socialists no longer has a majority in the European Parliament, meaning that they may have to rely on the liberals. (Reporting by Belen Carreno; Writing by Paul Day and Joan Faus; editing by John Stonestreet and Sonya Hepinstall) The Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Robert Azibaola of alleged complicity in $40million contract scam. The court held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, failed to establish that the defendant and his firm, One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited, were involved in money laundering. In the judgment that was delivered by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, the court, held that the prosecution failed to prove essential elements of the two-count charge it preferred against Azibaola and his firm, beyond every reasonable doubt. Besides, the court noted that key witnesses, including the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, retd, who allegedly released the fund to the defendants, was not brought to testify in the matter. The prosecution had on January 23, 2017, closed its case against the defendants after it produced ten witnesses that testified before the court. In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/ 113/2016, EFCC, alleged that Aziboala had while being the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) and a signatory to the Zenith Bank account of One Plus Holdings Nig Ltd, on or about September 8, 2014, took possession and converted the $39, 999, 958 out of the $40million, and transferred same to the domiciliary account of One Plus Holdings Nig Ltd with Zenith Bank Plc Account No. 5070365750. N33.3bn Armsgate: Again absence of Dasuki stalls his trial(Opens in a new browser tab) The agency told the court that the 40m was released from an account the Office of the National Security Adviser operated with the Central Bank of Nigeria, upon a transfer mandate Ref. No. 128/S.5LX/139, on the guise that it was meant for the supply of Tactical Communication Kits for Special Forces. It maintained that the defendants reasonably ought to have known that the fund was part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity by Dasuki, adding that they had by their action, committed an offence contrary to section 15(2), (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under section 15(3) and (4) of the same Act. Berlin (AFP) - Germany has in recent years polished its "green" image abroad, but the country was only recently forced to admit it will miss a self-imposed 2020 climate target. With Berlin set to miss the next decade's goals too unless lawmakers take bold action, here are some reasons why carbon reduction has proved tricky even for a wealthy country with an environmentally conscious electorate. - Car-land - The car industry is a pillar of German economic prosperity, juicing export profits and employing 800,000 people. After a long rearguard action in Brussels against tougher emissions limits on Volkswagen, Daimler or BMW's fleets, Berlin remains reluctant to follow Britain and France in setting a cutoff date for new combustion engines. Even the "dieselgate" emission cheating scandal has failed to dent politicians' cosiness with the car, as leaders warned against measures that could harm ordinary drivers, such as bans from city centres for the most polluting vehicles. Conservative transport minister Andreas Scheuer recently blocked plans for a nationwide speed limit on the country's famed Autobahn motorways, which the environment minister had proposed to slash both pollution and road deaths. - Nuclear phase-out - After Japan's Fukushima disaster in 2011, Angela Merkel took one of the biggest political decisions of her chancellorship in 2011, setting 2022 as the date for all German nuclear plants to be shut down. Although widely welcomed at the time, especially by the decades-old anti-nuclear movement, the step overturned planning for electricity supply in a power-gobbling economy. Germany has built up renewable energy sources like wind, solar, bio-fuels and hydroelectric power, accounting for 38 percent of consumption last year and headed for 65 percent by 2030. But some constant supply is needed to balance out fluctuations in naturally-generated power. For now, electricity storage remains expensive and a project to build high-voltage energy links from north Germany's vast offshore wind farms to the industrial south is making only inching progress. Story continues The obstacles have seen Berlin turn to Russian gas as an alternative, as well as razing entire villages to make way for open-cast mining of cheap but highly-polluting brown coal. - Long goodbye to coal - Ministers, industry, experts and unions spent months hammering out a "coal compromise" released early this year, calling for the fuel to be abandoned by 2038. The four states most vulnerable to the resulting social upheaval -- with areas especially dependent on coal mining -- will be supported through the transition with 40 billion euros ($45 billion) of public money. Jobs in mining have shrunk by around 100,000 since the turn of the millennium, with just 30,000 people working in the sector by 2016 -- five times fewer than in the wind power industry, according to specialist website Strom Report. Social conflict will nevertheless be hard to avoid, with most of the remaining posts concentrated in areas like the west German rust belt of North Rhine-Westphalia or the deindustrialised former communist east. Mining regions are key parts of Alternative for Germany (AfD) strongholds in ex-communist eastern states like Brandenburg and Saxony, where the far-right party placed first in Sunday's European elections. Upcoming state parliament elections in the region could see a repeat performance, with aftershocks set to rumble all the way to the chancellor's office in Berlin. Silk is imbued in the history of France. And while it's generally associated with the Eastern city of Lyon, La Manufacture Cogolin traces its spindling story to a small village not far from the southern town of Saint-Tropez. In the late 1920s, Jean Lauer purchased Cogolin, growing the brand throughout the subsequent decades. Like many of France's design industries, La Manufacture Cogolin forged its reputation by producing a reliably luxurious product. And while the company, which uses hand-knotting and weaving techniques, has been trusted by the likes of Jean-Michel Frank and Christian Berard, it, like all other luxury heritage houses, has had to innovate to grow. Enter French interior designer Stephane Parmentierwho has sent modern ideas to Jacquard looms used to producing carpets for the the Elysee Palace. Parmentier has designed seven products for the company, titling the line Nord/Sud. (The French "South" refers to Nice, where Parmentier is from, while "North" is a nod to his current home of Paris.) "Like Cogolin," Parmentier notes to AD PRO, "I come from the south, so the idea was to enhance this southern feeling, but with a strong twist: [inspired by] Paris and its pavements." While the colors used speak to the landscapes of France, "the patterns are inspired by the tiled ceramic works of Roger Capron and the Vallauris artisans, as well as by the traditional paving stones found throughout France," the designer tells AD PRO. Photo: Francis Amiand All three major natural fiberswool, linen, and, of course, silkhave been used in the collection. "We experimented a bit with different materials and nuances of colors to get the perfect mix," Sarah Henry, the general manager of the Manufacture, says. "But the result of the collection is quite close to the initial concepts that Stephane presented." Parmentier is very enthusiastic about the process, calling it "a wonderful journey! We were a team, listening to each other so carefully and with passion." Story continues That personal thread traces back to parts of Parmentier's childhood. "Loving the brand, it was very important to me to give something that comes from deep inside memy childhood, when I would sleep on Cogolin rugs at my parents' friends' homes." Nevertheless, weaving elements of Parmentier into the rugs was not without its challenges. "Having grown up not far from our workshop, and with woven rugs from La Manufacture Cogolin, Stephane was really passionate about working with our atelier in the south of France," she says. "Unfortunately, his concept was not possible for us to produce on the Jacquard looms in our French workshop, which can only be used to produce repeat patterns. Rather than change the concept, which we really liked, we worked with one of our partner workshops in Nepal to produce the designs in a hand-knotted technique." FRANCIS AMIAND The rugs, which display an elevated pile, were worth any additional efforts. But that's not to say that the French factories of La Manufacture Cogolin aren't still at the heart of the matter for the designer. As Parmentier concludes, "Everybody in the south of France should visit the factoryheartbreak guaranteed." Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest Stan Lees former business manager has been arrested on elder abuse charges involving the Marvel Comics legend. Keya Morgan was taken into custody in Arizona on an outstanding arrest warrant after being charged by Los Angeles County prosecutors earlier this month. Mr Morgan faces felony charges including theft, embezzlement, forgery or fraud against an elder adult, and false imprisonment of an elder adult. A misdemeanour count also alleges elder abuse. Police say Mr Morgan pocketed more than $262,000 (206,000) from autograph signing sessions Lee did in May 2018. Authorities say Mr Morgan sought to capitalise on the Marvel Comic masterminds wealth and exert influence over Lee even though he had no authority to act on his behalf. At one point Mr Morgan also took Lee from his Hollywood Hills home to a Beverly Hills condominium where Morgan had more control over Lee, they said. Lees daughter said in a request for a restraining order last year that Mr Morgan was manipulating the mentally declining Lee, preventing him from seeing family and friends, and trying to take control of his money and business affairs. Stan Lee and Keya Morgan at the world premiere of Avengers: Infinity War (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Attorney Alex Kessel has said Mr Morgan has never abused or taken advantage of Lee. Mr Kessel said on Saturday he had been in contact with prosecutors to arrange for Mr Morgan to surrender on Tuesday. It is unfortunate that the DA and police did not honour our commitment to surrender next week and arrested him, Mr Kessel said. Lee died in November at the age of 95. Mr Morgans bail has been set at $300,000 (240,000). He will eventually be sent to Los Angeles to face the charges. 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. We'll use ROE to examine Sterling Group Holdings Limited (HKG:1825), by way of a worked example. Sterling Group Holdings has a ROE of 32%, based on the last twelve months. One way to conceptualize this, is that for each HK$1 of shareholders' equity it has, the company made HK$0.32 in profit. Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card! See our latest analysis for Sterling Group Holdings How Do You Calculate Return On Equity? The formula for return on equity is: Return on Equity = Net Profit Shareholders' Equity Or for Sterling Group Holdings: 32% = HK$23m HK$72m (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2018.) Most know that net profit is the total earnings after all expenses, but the concept of shareholders' equity is a little more complicated. It is all earnings retained by the company, plus any capital paid in by shareholders. The easiest way to calculate shareholders' equity is to subtract the company's total liabilities from the total assets. What Does Return On Equity Signify? ROE looks at the amount a company earns relative to the money it has kept within the business. The 'return' is the yearly profit. That means that the higher the ROE, the more profitable the company is. So, all else equal, investors should like a high ROE. That means it can be interesting to compare the ROE of different companies. Does Sterling Group Holdings Have A Good ROE? Arguably the easiest way to assess company's ROE is to compare it with the average in its industry. However, this method is only useful as a rough check, because companies do differ quite a bit within the same industry classification. As you can see in the graphic below, Sterling Group Holdings has a higher ROE than the average (10%) in the Luxury industry. Story continues SEHK:1825 Past Revenue and Net Income, May 26th 2019 That is a good sign. We think a high ROE, alone, is usually enough to justify further research into a company. One data point to check is if insiders have bought shares recently. Why You Should Consider Debt When Looking At ROE Companies usually need to invest money to grow their profits. The cash for investment can come from prior year profits (retained earnings), issuing new shares, or borrowing. In the first and second cases, the ROE will reflect this use of cash for investment in the business. In the latter case, the debt used for growth will improve returns, but won't affect the total equity. That will make the ROE look better than if no debt was used. Sterling Group Holdings's Debt And Its 32% ROE It seems that Sterling Group Holdings uses a lot of debt to fund the business, since it has a high debt to equity ratio of 3.56. So although the company has an impressive ROE, that figure would be a lot lower without the use of debt. The Key Takeaway Return on equity is useful for comparing the quality of different businesses. Companies that can achieve high returns on equity without too much debt are generally of good quality. 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. The rate at which profits are likely to grow, relative to the expectations of profit growth reflected in the current price, must be considered, too. Check the past profit growth by Sterling Group Holdings by looking at this visualization of past earnings, revenue and cash flow. Of course Sterling Group Holdings may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have high ROE and low debt. We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading. Paris (AFP) - Staff at the Louvre in Paris went on strike Monday, forcing the museum to close and disappointing tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa and other masterworks. The museum said staff were striking on the grounds that their numbers were no longer sufficient to cope with ever increasing visitor numbers. "Due to a strike by reception and security staff linked to high visitor numbers, the Louvre will exceptionally be closed on Monday," the museum said on Twitter. The Sud Culture Solidaires trade union said in a statement that the Louvre was "suffocating" and staff were being overwhelmed by the number of visitors. "Staff have noticed an unprecedented deterioration in working and visiting conditions," it said. "More than 10 million people visited the Louvre in 2018. Although visitor numbers have grown by more than 20 percent since 2009... staff numbers are falling," the union said. The CGT Culture union said 150 museum staff had gathered outside the culture ministry in Paris to protest "against staff shortages". The Louvre said it would refund visitors who had bought tickets for Monday. It is usually particularly busy on Mondays as it is one of the few Paris museums to stay open on a day when many others close. This is not the first time Louvre workers have staged a strike over conditions: in April 2013 staff walked out due to an upsurge in pickpockets targeting tourists. KHARTOUM (Reuters) - Sudan's alliance of opposition and protest groups said on Monday that it would push ahead with a general two-day strike starting on Tuesday, in an escalation of tensions with the ruling transitional military council over the move to democracy. Talks between the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and the Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces (DFCF) alliance are at a standstill after weeks of negotiations over who will have the upper hand after the ouster of long-time president Omar al-Bashir last month, civilians or the military. Wagdy Saleh, a representative of a coalition within the DFCF, told a news conference called by the alliance that the TMC had demanded a two-thirds majority, of eight to three, on the sovereign council that will lead the country. The deputy head of the TMC, Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, said earlier on Monday that the council was ready to hand over power swiftly, but said the opposition was not being serious about sharing power and wanted to confine the military to a ceremonial role. "By God, their slogans cheated us. I swear we were honest with them 100%," Hemedti said at a dinner with police. "That's why, by God Almighty, we will not hand this country except to safe hands." Hemedti said the military council respects many members of the opposition movement, including Sadiq al-Mahdi, Sudan's last democratically elected prime minister, who was overthrown by Bashir. Mahdi, who heads the Umma Party that is part of the alliance, rejected the strike on Sunday. However, his son, Al-Sadeeq Sadiq al-Mahdi, told Al Arabiya TV after Hemedti's remarks: "Our stated position is not a rejection of the principle of strike, but our logic is that there is no need to escalate now." The TMC has suggested that if an agreement cannot be reached between the two sides, elections should be held. "We are not saying we will not negotiate," Hemedti said. "But we have to guarantee that all the Sudanese people are participating in the matter." "We do not cheat, nor do we want power," Hemedti said, adding that elections could be held in as little as three months in order to "...choose a government from the Sudanese people." Mubarak Ardol, who represents the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North, said at the news conference that it was essential to have an accurate and transparent census before elections can be held because millions of Sudanese remain displaced or refugees and would therefore be excluded. "Elections cannot be held in the current situation," Ardol said. The DFCF said Tuesday's strike would encompass public and private enterprise, including the civil aviation, railway, petroleum, banking, communications and health sectors. If an agreement is not reached with the TMC, the DFCF will escalate by calling for an open strike and indefinite civil disobedience until power is handed to civilians, Saleh said. The military ousted and detained Bashir on April 11, ending his 30-year rule after 16 weeks of street protests against him spearheaded by the Sudanese Professionals' Association, part of the DFCF. Hemedti said on Monday: "These people's goal is for us to hand over to them and return to our barracks." (Reporting by Hesham Hajlai; Writing by Yousef Saba; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall) DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) Syria said an Israeli attack against a military post in the country's south on Monday killed a soldier and injured another. Israel, in a rare statement acknowledging firing into Syria, said it was responding to an anti-aircraft fire from Syria against one of its combat planes. The back-to-back statements come amid heightened regional tension over Iran's role in Syria and other parts of the Middle East. They also follow a number of reported Israeli strikes on Syria in the past ten days, according to state run media. Israel does not usually comment on reports concerning its strikes in neighboring Syria, though it has recently acknowledged striking Iranian targets there. Syrian state TV al-Ikhbariya quoted a military official saying that the Israeli attack came shortly after 2100 local time (1800GMT) and targeted a military outpost east of Khan Arnabeh, a town in Quneitra on the edge of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. An earlier statement on state media said one military vehicle was also damaged when a rocket landed in Tal al-Shaar in Quneitra. Israel said it was responding after an anti-aircraft fire from Syria targeted one of its combat planes in Israeli airspace. A statement from the Israeli army said that earlier Monday a Syrian anti-aircraft system fired at one of its aircraft "as it was carrying out a routine flight in Israel. The projectile landed in Syrian territory. In response, we targeted the Syrian launcher that was responsible for firing it." The Israeli military "sees any threat against its aircraft with great severity and takes measures to defend them." Israel's prime minister said in statement shortly afterward that the Syrian army "tried to harm an Israeli plane, it didn't succeed." "Our policy is clear we are not prepared to tolerate any aggression against us, we will retaliate against it forcefully and decisively," the statement said. Syrian media had reported earlier this month two incidents in which Israeli strikes hit inside southern Syria. TAIPEI, May 27 (Reuters) - Senior national security officials from the United States and Taiwan have met to deepen cooperation, the government in Taipei said, the first such meeting in four decades that came amid tense relations between the United States and China. Taiwan's national security chief David Lee met White House national security adviser John Bolton earlier this month, the island's foreign affairs ministry said in a statement on Saturday. The official Central News Agency said the meeting was the first since the island and the United States ended formal diplomatic ties in 1979. China considers Taiwan a renegade province, to be reclaimed by force if necessary, and the meeting is likely to anger Beijing further with Sino-U.S. relations already tense. The diplomatic temperature has risen in recent weeks amid an escalating trade war, U.S. sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols. The rare meeting will be viewed by Taiwan as a sign of support from the Trump administration. Tensions have also risen between Taipei and Beijing, which considers the democratically ruled island part of "one China." The meeting took place during Lee's May 13-21 visit to the United States, Taiwan's brief statement said. "During the trip, together with U.S. government officials, Secretary-General Lee met with representatives from our diplomatic allies, reiterating support and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region," the statement said. Taiwan's foreign affairs ministry and America's de facto embassy in Taiwan declined to comment on Monday. Beijing regularly calls Taiwan the most sensitive and important issue in ties with the United States, which has no formal ties with Taiwan but is the island's main source of arms. The Unites States has in recent months increased the frequency of patrols through the strategic Taiwan Strait despite opposition from China. Story continues China has been ramping up military and diplomatic pressure to assert its sovereignty over the island, conducting drills near Taiwan and snatching its few remaining diplomatic allies. Earlier in May, the U.S. House of Representatives backed legislation supporting Taiwan as members of the U.S. Congress pushed for a sharper approach to relations with Beijing. The Pentagon says Washington has sold Taipei more than $15 billion in arms since 2010. (Reporting By Yimou Lee Editing by Paul Tait) TAIPEI (Reuters) - China responded angrily on Monday as Taiwan confirmed the first meeting in more than four decades between senior U.S. and Taiwanese security officials. Taiwan's national security chief David Lee met White House national security adviser John Bolton earlier this month, the island's foreign affairs ministry said in a statement on Saturday. The official Central News Agency said the meeting was the first since the island and the United States ended formal diplomatic ties in 1979. China considers Taiwan a wayward province, to be reclaimed by force if necessary, and the meeting angered Beijing which is already locked in a bitter trade war with Washington. "China is extremely dissatisfied and resolutely opposed to this," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a daily news briefing, adding China was against any form of official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan. The diplomatic ties between Beijing and Washington have become increasingly strained in recent weeks due to an escalating trade war, U.S. support for Taiwan and China's muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols. The rare meeting will be viewed by Taiwan as a sign of support from the Trump administration. Tensions have also risen between Taipei and Beijing, which considers the democratically ruled island part of "one China". The meeting took place during Lee's May 13-21 visit to the United States, Taiwan's brief statement said. "During the trip, together with U.S. government officials, Secretary-General Lee met with representatives from our diplomatic allies, reiterating support and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region," the statement said. Taiwan's foreign affairs ministry and the de facto U.S. embassy in Taiwan declined to comment on Monday. Beijing regularly calls Taiwan the most sensitive and important issue in ties with the United States, which has no formal ties with Taiwan but is the island's main source of arms. The Unites States has in recent months increased the frequency of patrols through the strategic Taiwan Strait despite opposition from China. China has been ramping up military and diplomatic pressure to assert its sovereignty over the island, conducting drills near Taiwan and snatching its few remaining diplomatic allies. Earlier in May, the U.S. House of Representatives backed legislation supporting Taiwan as members of the U.S. Congress pushed for a sharper approach to relations with Beijing. The Pentagon says Washington has sold Taipei more than $15 billion in arms since 2010. (Reporting By Yimou Lee; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in BEIJING; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) Three people were killed on Sunday at a Catholic church in northern Burkina Faso in the latest in a series of attacks on Christian targets in the region, a security source said. Heavily armed individuals attacked the church as the faithful were celebrating Sunday mass in the town of Toulfe, the source said, adding that three people were killed. Last week gunmen killed four Catholics in a religious procession, the day after a priest and five parishioners were murdered at mass. Also last week, French special forces freed four foreign hostages in the former French colony during an overnight raid that cost the lives of two soldiers. Burkina Fasos population is around two-thirds Muslim and one-third Christian. The semi-desert country has suffered from increasingly frequent and deadly attacks attributed to a number of jihadist groups, including the Ansarul Islam group, the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) and Islamic State in the Greater Sahara. The raids began in 2015 in the north before targeting the capital Ouagadougou and other regions, notably in the east. Nearly 400 people have been killed since 2015 mainly in hit-and-run raids according to an AFP tally. Jihadist groups target Christian clerics as well as Muslim ones they do not consider sufficiently radical in a country where traditionally both religions have co-existed peaceably. France has deployed 4,500 troops in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad in a mission codenamed Barkhane to help local forces flush out jihadists. Justify, ridden by Mike Smith, gallops past Bolt d'Oro, left, with jockey Javier Castellano, during the Santa Anita Derby horse race at Santa Anita on Saturday, April 7, 2018, in Arcadia, Calif. (AP) A third horse in the past nine days has died at the Santa Anita racetrack, according to a report from the Los Angeles Times. The horse, named Kochees, sustained an injury to his front leg on Saturday during a race. Because the injury was not a fracture, surgery that would end the horses racing career but preserve his life was an option. It was discovered during surgery on Sunday that the horse had lost blood flow to the injured leg. A decision to euthanize was then made. 26th death overall since Dec. 26 Kochees death marked the 26th overall horse death at the famed Santa Anita track since Dec. 26. All 26 horses have died either racing or in training. The track went a little over a month without having a fatality before experiencing three in the past nine days. On March 31, Arms Runner was euthanized after a fall on the course, but it wasnt until May 17 that another horse had died when Commander Coil was injured training. Spectacular Music was euthanized two days later on May 19 and now Kochees on May 26. Kochees is the third horse to die under trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, per the Los Angeles Times. Hollendorfers first horse died in December of last year with another passing in February of this year. The large amount of fatalities has created conversation and concern surrounding the sport and its treatment of horses. Santa Anita will play host to the Breeders Cup on Nov. 1-2. More from Yahoo Sports: On the lookout for a Non US - Equity fund? Starting with TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Retirement (TEMSX) is one possibility. TEMSX bears a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), which is based on nine forecasting factors like size, cost, and past performance. Objective We classify TEMSX in the Non US - Equity category, which is an area rife with potential choices. Investing in companies outside the United States is how Non US - Equity funds set themselves apart, since global funds tend to keep a good portion of their portfolio stateside. Many of these funds like to allocate across emerging and developed markets, and will often focus on all cap levels. History of Fund/Manager TEMSX is a part of the TIAA-CREF family of funds, a company based out of Boston, MA. TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Retirement debuted in August of 2010. Since then, TEMSX has accumulated assets of about $88.76 million, according to the most recently available information. The fund's current manager, Barton Grenning, has been in charge of the fund since March of 2015. Performance Investors naturally seek funds with strong performance. This fund has delivered a 5-year annualized total return of 3.63%, and is in the middle third among its category peers. If you're interested in shorter time frames, do not dismiss looking at the fund's 3-year annualized total return of 12.84%, which places it in the top third during this time-frame. When looking at a fund's performance, it is also important to note the standard deviation of the returns. The lower the standard deviation, the less volatility the fund experiences. TEMSX's standard deviation over the past three years is 14.95% compared to the category average of 9.7%. The fund's standard deviation over the past 5 years is 15.67% compared to the category average of 10.18%. This makes the fund more volatile than its peers over the past half-decade. Risk Factors Investors should always remember the downsides to a potential investment, and this segment carries some risks one should be aware of. Story continues Even still, the fund has a 5-year beta of 0.87, so investors should note that it is hypothetically less volatile than the market at large. Alpha is an additional metric to take into consideration, since it represents a portfolio's performance on a risk-adjusted basis relative to a benchmark, which in this case, is the S&P 500. TEMSX's 5-year performance has produced a negative alpha of -5.31, which means managers in this portfolio find it difficult to pick securities that generate better-than-benchmark returns. Expenses Costs are increasingly important for mutual fund investing, and particularly as competition heats up in this market. And all things being equal, a lower cost product will outperform its otherwise identical counterpart, so taking a closer look at these metrics is key for investors. In terms of fees, TEMSX is a no load fund. It has an expense ratio of 1.13% compared to the category average of 1.20%. Looking at the fund from a cost perspective, TEMSX is actually cheaper than its peers. While the minimum initial investment for the product is $0, investors should also note that there is no minimum for each subsequent investment. Bottom Line Overall, TIAA-CREF Emerging Markets Equity Retirement ( TEMSX ) has a high Zacks Mutual Fund rank, similar performance, worse downside risk, and lower fees compared to its peers. Don't stop here for your research on Non US - Equity funds. We also have plenty more on our site in order to help you find the best possible fund for your portfolio. Make sure to check out www.zacks.com/funds/mutual-funds for more information about the world of funds, and feel free to compare TEMSX to its peers as well for additional information. If you are more of a stock investor, make sure to also check out our Zacks Rank, and our full suite of tools we have available for novice and professional investors alike. 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 Get Your Free (TEMSX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Billionaire venture capitalist Tim Draper believes that Tesla CEO Elon Musk and bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto deserve some praise for their innovations. | Source: (i) Flickr (ii) Reuters/Kyle Grillot (iii) Shutterstock; Edited by CCN By CCN: Billionaires in Silicon Valley want Wall Street to stop picking on Elon Musk. The Tesla CEO has done more for innovation than most, and putting him down will only discourage other entrepreneurs from taking risks the way Elon did. Venture capitalist Tim Draper, who is also a member of the billionaires club, was featured on BNN Bloomberg where he defended the space travel genius and put him in the same camp as bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto. Ive noticed something happening in the press thats not healthy which is this schadenfreude where they go after the tallest trees. They go after these extraordinary people like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezostheyd probably go after Satoshi Nakamoto if they knew who he was, these extraordinary people who have created amazing things for our world. And we should be honoring themI think we really should be saying, these are the best and brightest and the people who have done great things for us. Tim Draper is a known bitcoin bull with a price target of a whopping $250,000 on the biggest cryptocurrency, which he expects to materialize in the coming years. He is a big believer in decentralization, which will be a theme of the venture capitalists next fund a movement he expects can be as big or bigger than the internet. You have to look at the whole picture. He brought us a really awesome electric car. And now, hes shooting things into space for us. The guy has done some extraordinary things. PayPal was pretty cool too.@TimDraper on @elonmusk #CollisionConf pic.twitter.com/JP8lu8Ve00 Jon Erlichman (@JonErlichman) May 22, 2019 For all of his vision, Musk isnt perfect, as evidenced by the recent shellacking he took from the U.S. SEC for tweeting sensitive information about publicly traded Tesla. But its hardly a reason to pile on. Story continues I think youve got to look at the whole pictureHe brought us a really awesome electric car. And now hes shooting things into space for us. The guy has done some extraordinary things, said Tim Draper, pointing to PayPal as yet another cool innovation. Read the full story on CCN.com. BEIJING, May 27 (Reuters) - Next Tuesday, June 4, marks 30 years since China bloodily suppressed pro-democracy demonstrations in and around central Beijing's Tiananmen Square, when Chinese troops opened fire on their own people. Here are some landmark dates following the 1989 demonstrations: 1990: China's economic growth sinks to 3.9 percent due to international sanctions sparked by the Tiananmen crackdown. The Shanghai Stock Exchange, Communist China's first ever stock market, opens. 1992: Paramount leader Deng Xiaoping tours southern China to press for faster economic reforms and quell influence of Party conservatives opposed to market liberalization. 1994: China devalues the yuan by 33 percent overnight as part of reforms to embrace a "socialist market economy." 1997: Deng dies in February. British colony of Hong Kong reverts to Chinese rule in July. President Jiang Zemin visits the United States later that year, the first trip by a Chinese head of state in more than a decade and breaking China out of diplomatic isolation in the post-Tiananmen period. 1997: Asian financial crisis breaks out and China wins wide praise for keeping the yuan stable despite pressure to devalue. 1998: U.S. President Bill Clinton visits China. Zhu Rongji takes over as premier, reforming lumbering state-owned enterprises and laying off millions, cracking down on smuggling and revamping the health care system. 2001: China joins the World Trade Organization, paving the way for the country to become a global manufacturing powerhouse. 2002: Chinese Communist Party opens its doors to private entrepreneurs to become members. Hu Jintao succeeds Jiang Zemin as Party chief in Communist China's first peaceful transfer of power. 2003: Hu replaces Jiang as state president in March. SARS breaks out in spring. China's first manned space flight blasts off from Gobi desert in October. 2005: Zhao Ziyang, who was ousted as Party chief in 1989 for opposing the Tiananmen crackdown, dies after 15 years under house arrest. His opposition to the Party's decision to send in the army had made him a symbol for activists and reformers. Story continues 2008: Beijing hosts Summer Olympic Games in August, illustrating China's arrival on world stage. But the year is marred by devastating earthquake in Sichuan province in May and riots across Tibetan parts of the country in March. 2008: China unveils a 4 trillion yuan ($578 billion) stimulus package to fight a downturn caused by the global financial crisis, saddling the economy with a pile of debt and leading to a comeback of state firms at the expense of private firms. 2010: Former Tiananmen student leader and democracy activist Liu Xiaobo is the first Chinese person awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, having been jailed for subversion the year before. He would die while still detained but on medical parole in 2017. China overtakes Japan as the world's second-largest economy. 2012: Vice President Xi Jinping becomes Communist Party chief. He assumes the less powerful office of state president the following year, and begins a sweeping crackdown on corruption and civil society, including human rights lawyers. 2018: China's largely rubber-stamp parliament votes to amend the state constitution to remove term limits for the president, meaning Xi can stay in power for life if he so wishes. 2019: China's trade war with United States that began in 2018 escalates, hurting the world's second-largest economy that is already growing at the slowest pace since 1990. Sources: Reuters, Chinese state media. ($1=6.92 yuan) (Writing by Ben Blanchard and Michael Martina; Editing by Neil Fullick) Editors Note: This article is adapted from Tom Cottons new book, Sacred Duty: A Soldiers Tour at Arlington National Cemetery. The story of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier begins on the battlefields of Europe as the guns fell silent on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918. The American Expeditionary Forces had proved decisive in World War I, the Great War that would shape so much of the coming century. But despite its late entry, the AEF lost more than 116,000 troops. Thanks in part to the recent introduction of identification tags, though, fewer than two thousand remained unidentified. Thus, for the first time the nation faced the question of how to handle large numbers of identified remains in an overseas war. Senior Army leaders generally preferred not to disturb the dead, but war mothers and war widows wanted their late sons and husbands returned home. Not surprisingly, Congress sided with them and most Gold Star Families brought their loved ones home, though nearly 31,000 Americans remained in Europe in eight newly established cemeteries, where they still rest today under the care of the American Battle Monuments Commission. This policy left unsettled the question of what to do with the unidentified remains. Some advocated for a memorial to an unknown soldier who would represent all the unknown fallen, but some Army leaders resisted such proposals. On Armistice Day 1920, however, France and Great Britain buried an unknown soldier at the Arc de Triomphe and Westminster Abbey in elaborate funerals before vast crowds. The pageantry and emotion of the day galvanized American public opinion. General John Pershing, who had led the AEF, testified to Congress in favor of a memorial for an unknown soldier, as did other senior military officers. Congress quickly passed legislation to honor an unknown at Arlington and President Woodrow Wilson signed it on his final day in office. Story continues The funeral would occur on Armistice Day 1921, giving the Armys Graves Registration Service in Europe eight months to select the remains of an unknown soldier. They went to great lengths to ensure anonymity, exhuming four unknowns from four cemeteries, destroying all related records, and even rearranging the caskets in secret shortly before the selection. Sergeant Edward Younger, who had served in the AEFs biggest campaigns, made the selection on October 24 by laying white roses on a casket. Americas Unknown Soldier then crossed France to great fanfare before departing for home the next day aboard the U.S.S. Olympia, Admiral George Deweys flagship in the Battle of Manila Bay. Meanwhile, the Military District of Washington prepared a welcome befitting a General of the Armies for the Unknowns arrival on November 9. A large ceremonial procession escorted him from the Washington Navy Yard to the Capitol Rotunda, where he lay in state on the Lincoln Catafalque and received visits from President and Mrs. Harding and senior officials from all three branches of government. When the Capitols east doors opened the next morning, thousands of soldiers, veterans, and fellow citizens were gathered to pay their final respects including Gold Star Families of missing or unidentified soldiers, perhaps wondering if it was their son or husband or dad resting in that casket. By midnight, nearly one hundred thousand people had passed through the Rotunda to honor the Unknown. On the morning of Armistice Day, the Unknown was honored with a funeral procession from the Capitol to Arlington. Alongside the military escort, President Harding and Gen. Pershing led hundreds of dignitaries, including Supreme Court Justices, cabinet officials, governors, legislators, Medal of Honor recipients, and other soldiers and veterans. Inside the Amphitheater, President Harding gave an emotional address and decorated the Unknown with the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross. After a committal service on the Plaza, the Unknown was lowered into the Tomb, a bugler sounded Taps, and the artillery fired a final twenty-one-gun salute. The Unknown now rested in his eternal home, the high ground of Arlington. * * * Within a year, the absence of a guard at the tomb began to generate controversy. Some contrasted the Tomb unfavorably with the guarded unknown shrines in Europe. Senior Army leaders declined proposals for a guard, however, with one senior quartermaster explaining there is no place at the Amphitheater where a sentry may be quartered, and the posting and relieving of guards would probably be inconvenient at Fort Myer. Having walked too many times to count from Fort Myer to the Tomb and beyond usually in steel-plated ceremonial shoes I must say this argument is not terribly persuasive. Even stronger opposition came from the commander of the Military District of Washington, whose opinions sound an ironic note given the Tombs popularity today. He contended that the placing of an armed sentry at this tomb during the day would not lend dignity to the shrine. Besides, he believed, the average American visitor to the tomb would not be impressed, or would probably not even notice the fact that a sentry was stationed nearby. He also observed that visitors to Washington can reach the distantly located tomb only with great difficulty and further predicted that the Tomb is not and never will be visited by the thousands of visitors as is done in England, France, and Italy. In 1923, though, the Army reacted to negative newspaper reports of photographers soliciting business at the Tomb, laughing, thoughtless women, other tourists laughing and talking, and men not removing their caps, among other offenses. A senior quartermaster instructed the cemeterys superintendent to direct the watchmen at the Amphitheater to stop professional photographers and prevent anyone from sitting or leaning on the tomb. Another quartermaster noted that a neat picket fence now protects the Tomb from encroachment. A picket fence and an Amphitheater guard there matters stood until the Army, responding to more negative publicity and congressional inquiries, assigned a civilian guard specifically to the tomb for the first time on November 17, 1925. Sensing momentum, the advocates for a military guard redoubled their efforts, and a resolution was introduced in Congress calling for a special guard armed and equipped as for field service during the World War to guard the Tomb from sunrise to sunset. Within days, President Calvin Coolidge settled the matter, ordering a military guard to be posted when the cemetery was open. On March 25, 1926, soldiers from the 3rd Cavalry at Fort Myer assumed responsibility for guarding the Tomb, with occasional support from other nearby Army units. The Army may have lost the battle over a military guard at the Tomb, but it did not come away empty-handed because it requested and received $50,000 to complete its construction. The original Tomb was modest, no more than knee-high, which is why visitors could sit on it. The plans for the Tomb had always called for a larger, grander structure, but Congress had never appropriated the money. Now bidding and construction could move ahead. Any Tomb Sentinel not only knows that architect Lorimer Rich and sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones won a prolonged competition in 1929, but also can describe their design. The Tomb is eight feet wide, 13 feet long, and eleven feet tall. The six wreaths inverted to represent mourning on the north and south sides stand for six major campaigns in World War I. The eastern front contains three classical figures: Victory, holding a palm branch; Peace, holding a dove; and Valor, holding a sword. And the western facade bears only the famous inscription seen by visitors the world over: Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier Known but to God. The marble for the Tomb came from the Yule Marble Quarry outside Marble, Colorado, the same source for the Amphitheater and the Lincoln Memorial. After a yearlong search for the seven massive pieces of marble that would become the Tomb, the marble went to Rutland County, Vermont, home of some of the countrys finest stoneworkers. They cut and polished the marble pieces, which arrived for assembly at Arlington on August 29, 1931. But an imperfection in the base halted work for three months as a new piece repeated the journey. Workers then moved quickly to construct the Tomb, placing the cap on New Years Eve 1931 no doubt giving everyone involved good cause to celebrate that night. Now Jones and his team could finally start carving and sculpting the design into the Tomb. They completed their work and the new Tomb was unveiled to the public on April 9, 1932. * * * Throughout it all, the 3rd Cavalry continued to guard the Tomb during the day, with support from other units at nearby Fort Washington and Fort Belvoir. Eventually, the 3rd Cavalry extended their guard duty beyond the cemeterys hours of operation. At midnight on July 2, 1937, they posted a guard and ever since, for 82 years and counting, not a minute has passed without a military guard on the Plaza. In December 1940, the 12th Infantry joined the 3rd Cavalry. For the next year, the 3rd Cavalry stood guard the first half of the month and the 12th Infantry the second half. All that changed after Pearl Harbor, however, as both regiments were reassigned to other bases to prepare for World War II. During the war, the Military District of Washington maintained a small ceremonial detachment to guard the Tomb and to perform funerals and ceremonies. Upon its reactivation at Fort Myer in 1948, The Old Guard resumed responsibility for guarding the Tomb, which it has done now for 71 years. While the Tomb Platoon has a meticulous daily log starting in 1959, no one seems to know who served the first guard shift for The Old Guard. But not much has changed over the years, as the Tomb guards attest. Staff Sergeant Shane Vincent, a two-time Sentinel, explained to me that the standards are pretty much the same since 1948. Old Sentinels return and recognize pretty much everything. Gavin McIlvenna, a Tomb guard from 1997 to 1998, retired as a sergeant major and now serves as President of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the platoons alumni organization. He confirmed to me that video recordings as far back as 1960 reveal the same basic sequences for guarding the Tomb and the Changing of the Guard. Likewise, the Tomb guards uniforms and weapons have evolved along with those of the broader Army. The guards started in the Armys classic World War IIera pink and green uniform, whereas they now wear the ceremonial blue uniform. The platoon adopted the M14 rifle in 1964 in place of the earlier M1903 Springfield and M1 Garand, then added the Beretta M9 in 1988. As the Army switched from the M9 to the SIG Sauer M17, the Tomb Platoon had a small ceremony in October 2018 with SIG Sauer to accept four new pistols, custom-made for the Tomb guards. The most meaningful change to their uniforms was probably the introduction of the Tomb Badgeor more precisely, the Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge. The badge, designed by early guards based on the Tomb, is silver and approximately two inches in diameter, with an inverted wreath around the Tombs eastern front above the words honor guard. The Army authorized it for wear on February 1, 1958, and the first badge was awarded six days later to Master Sergeant William Daniel, a prisoner of war in World War II and Sergeant of the Guard for more than three years. He returned that original badge to the Tomb Platoon in 1996 and it now hangs prominently in the Tomb Quarters. Msg. Daniel passed away in 2009 and now rests in Section 35, just a few steps south of the Tomb. While the badge was initially limited to Sentinels serving at the Tomb, the Army authorized it in 1963 as a permanent award. Thus, a Sentinel who completes training and serves at least nine months at the Tomb may wear the badge forever, much as the Ranger Tab and Parachutist Badge are permanent awards once earned. With only 666 Tomb Badges awarded to date each badges number is engraved on its back the Tomb Badge is among the rarest skills badges in the Army, second for many decades only to the Astronaut Badge. (And as a common joke among Sentinels goes, who joins the Army to be an astronaut?) Unusually for a skills badge, though, the Tomb Badge may be revoked for bad conduct, even after a badge-holder leaves the Army. Under Army regulations, The Old Guard commander is the revocation authority. Colonel Jason Garkey, the regimental commander, explained to me that a revocable offense is anything that would bring discredit to the Tomb Platoon and the Unknowns. The punishment might seem harsh, but it simply reflects the highest standards of integrity that we, as a nation, expect from the soldiers guarding our Unknowns. I never spoke with one Sentinel who disagreed. * * * Yet the introduction of the Tomb Badge was not the most significant event at the Tomb in 1958, for on Memorial Day of that year, the Unknowns from World War II and the Korean War were interred. Congress and President Harry Truman had provided by law for a World War II unknown in June 1946, but those plans stopped when the Korean War broke out in June 1950. By 1956, Congress passed and President Dwight Eisenhower signed a new law providing for a double interment of a World War II and a Korean War unknown. The selection process for both unknowns mirrored the rituals used for the World War I Unknown. The Army selected two finalists for a World War II unknown, one each from the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, and selected the Korean Unknown at the same time. All three sets of remains were transferred to the USS Canberra off the Virginia coast on May 26, 1958, where Hospital Corpsman 1st Class William Charette, a Navy Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War, chose the World War II Unknown by placing a wreath on one of the caskets. The two Unknowns then sailed for Washington, while the other World War II finalist was buried at sea. Upon arrival, the two Unknowns were escorted to the Capitol Rotunda. Vice President Richard Nixon led the large party of dignitaries and laid a wreath in honor of the Unknowns. They lay in state for two days and took turns on the Lincoln Catafalque. Again, more than one hundred thousand people paid their respects. On Memorial Day, the Unknowns had another grand procession from the Capitol to Arlington, this time with caissons from The Old Guard and an honor cordon of Old Guard troops. The procession crossed Memorial Bridge, which had opened in 1932. Awaiting the Unknowns at the Amphitheater was President Eisenhower, the Supreme Allied Commander in World War II. He paid them tribute and presented them with the Medal of Honor, then the Unknowns moved a final time to the Plaza. Rather than new tombs, the Unknowns would lie in crypts on the Plaza by the original Tomb. After the committal service, Old Guard troops closed out the ceremony: the Presidential Salute Battery fired the twenty-one-gun salute, a firing party rendered the traditional three volleys, and a bugler played Taps. The casket teams folded their flags and presented them to President Eisenhower and Vice President Nixon, who stood in as next of kin for the Unknowns. The funeral concluded and the dignitaries departed, while Old Guard troops guided members of the public who wished to pay respects. Three days later, the two crypts were sealed with a marble top inscribed with the dates and nothing more: 19411945 and 19501953. On the same day, the dates 1917-1918 were carved into the stone in front of the Tomb. Now, three Unknown brothers-in-arms commanded the high ground above Arlington. * * * As the new Unknowns arrived at their eternal home, American troops were arriving in Vietnam. Over the next seventeen years, a small advisory mission became a major conflict. Within months of the Paris Peace Accords in 1973, Congress directed an unknown soldier from the Vietnam War to be buried at Arlington. A crypt was built for a Vietnam unknown the next year, between those for the World War II and Korean War Unknowns. But the story of the Vietnam Unknown would be longer and more complicated, as was the war itself. And the story ends not with an unknown soldier resting in Arlington, but a quarter century later with the exhumation of First Lieutenant Michael Blassie. Blassie was shot down in May 1972, and his remains were tentatively identified when recovered five months later. But forensic experts later reclassified the remains as unidentified one of very few from the war, given scientific advances and they ultimately became the Vietnam Unknown. Thus, the newest Unknown began a two-week journey from a Hawaii laboratory to Arlington in May 1984, with the highest military honors at every step many rendered by Old Guard soldiers, caissons, and artillery guns. On Memorial Day, after lying in state for three days, the Unknown moved in a funeral procession from the Capitol Rotunda to the Amphitheater, where President Ronald Reagan consecrated the Unknowns sacrifice and presented him with the Medal of Honor. After the committal service on the plaza, a twenty-one-gun salute from the Presidential Salute Battery, and Taps, President Reagan stood in as next of kin and accepted the flag. Later that night, cemetery workers lowered the casket into the crypt and sealed it with a marble top again inscribed with dates and nothing more: 19581975. But the crypt would not remain sealed. Ten years later, after evidence of the Unknowns identity surfaced, the Blassie family asked the Air Force to reopen the matter, without success. Then, CBS Evening News examined the controversy in January 1998. The Department of Defense ordered an investigation and decided to exhume the Unknown for DNA testing. The night of May 1314, 1998, was unlike any other in the Tombs long history. A wall was placed around the three crypts to shield the dignity of the site. The Sentinels continued their vigil as workers cut into the Vietnam crypt with a diamond-tipped saw. A few minutes midnight0029:25, down to the second, as any Sentinel can recount todaythe Unknown was exhumed, draped with a flag, and placed on a catafalque. That morning, with the Tomb and the Plaza restored to immaculate condition, Secretary of Defense William Cohen hosted a brief removal service. The Unknown departed in a hearse, bound for Walter Reed. A few weeks later, DNA testing made known the Unknown. Michael Blassie was returned to his family and he received a full-honor funeral at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery outside St. Louis, near his childhood home. The saga of the Vietnam Unknown has long generated controversy, strong emotions, and even ill will, which I believe is unfortunate. Because in the end, the story of all the Unknowns is a love story the love we hold in our hearts for the men and women of our Armed Forces who have given their lives to protect our nation. We venerate the Unknowns, including Michael Blassie for fourteen years, not merely as representatives of the unknown dead from four wars, but as heroes who embody the courage and sacrifice of all our war dead, from Lexington and Concord to Iraq and Afghanistan. As President Reagan said when the Unknown lay in state, This American hero may not need us, but surely we need him. That love is why the Vietnam crypt now reads, Honoring and Keeping Faith with Americas Missing Servicemen, 19581975. That love is why the Sentinels keep a framed rubbing of Michael Blassies headstone at Jefferson Barracks in their Quarters. And indeed, that love is why we as a nation have committed to guard the Tomb without fail for 82 years a symbol of our boundless love for Americas fallen heroes. More from National Review TOKYO (AP) A man carrying a knife in each hand and screaming "I will kill you" attacked a group of schoolchildren waiting at a bus stop just outside Tokyo on Tuesday, wounding at least 19 people, including 13 children, Japanese authorities and media said. The victims were lined up at a bus stop near Noborito Park in Kawasaki City when a man in his 40s or 50s attacked. NHK national television, quoting police, said that the suspect died after slashing himself in the neck. Police wouldn't immediately confirm the report or provide or other specific details. It wasn't immediately clear how many others had died. NHK TV in Japan is quoting police as saying the suspect in a knife attack that wounded at least 19 people at a bus stop just outside Tokyo has died. Police wouldn't publicly confirm the reports and it wasn't clear how many had died in Tuesday's attack. The local fire department told The Associated Press that one person had died. Some Japanese media outlets are reporting at least three deaths, while some are saying two, including the attacker. Reports said the attacker approached a group of children at the bus stop with a knife in each hand screaming "I will kill you!" ABOARD THE USS WASP (AP) President Donald Trump on Tuesday wished "Happy Memorial Day" to U.S. service members aboard an American assault ship docked in Japan. They shouted "U.S.A. U.S.A." Trump called them a "tough bunch of people" and dubbed them "daring and mighty warriors in the Pacific." The president treated his appearance aboard the USS Wasp as a Memorial Day event because it was still Monday in the United States when he addressed hundreds of members of the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet. "I have to wish you all a very happy Memorial Day," Trump said. "On this Memorial Day evening in the United States, Americans are concluding a sacred day of remembrance, reflection and prayer." Before appearing on the USS Wasp, Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited a Japanese destroyer, the J.S. Story continues President Donald Trump appears to have offered little to reassure Japanese leaders on some of their key worries as he wraps up a four-day state visit. Trump is concluding his Japanese trip with rifts still evident between the two countries on trade and North Korea. Japan had rolled out the red carpet for Trump, including a showy visit with Japan's new emperor. But the visit has also seen Trump play down the significance of North Korean missile tests that have rattled Japan, and renew his threats of tariffs on Japanese auto imports. The president and Melania Trump are due to take part in a Memorial Day ceremony aboard a U.S. NEW DELHI (AP) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi won a second term in office after responding to a suicide attack on Indian paramilitary forces in troubled Kashmir with an airstrike inside Pakistan, allowing him to turn voters' attention away from the country's highest unemployment rate in decades. Now, after his swearing-in on Thursday, he will need to deftly navigate a trade war between the United States and China and rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, an important source of cheap oil for India's fast-growing economy. Modi will also face pressure to protect India's traditional sphere of influence in South Asia. DENVER (AP) A Colorado climber died shortly after getting to the top of Mount Everest and achieving his dream of scaling the highest peaks on each of the seven continents, his brother said Monday. Christopher Kulish, a 62-year-old Boulder attorney, died Monday at a camp below the summit during his descent. The cause isn't yet known, said his brother, Mark Kulish of Denver. Christopher Kulish had just reached the top of Everest with a small group after crowds of hundreds of climbers congested the 29,035-foot (8,850-meter) peak last week, his brother said. "He saw his last sunrise from the highest peak on Earth. CHANGHUA, Taiwan (AP) Taiwan has landed war planes on a normally busy highway to simulate a response to a Chinese attack on its airfields. Tuesday's exercise is part of annual drills designed to showcase the island's military capabilities and resolve to repel an attack from across the Taiwan Strait amid perceptions of a rising threat. China considers the island its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary. President Tsai Ing-wen presided at the exercise in the southern county of Changhua. She said China's long-distance training exercises, including sending fighter jets to circle the island, were threatening regional peace and stability, requiring Taiwan to maintain a high degree of vigilance. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korea on Monday called U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton a "war monger" and "human defect" after he described its recent tests of short-range missiles as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The statement by an unidentified North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson came as President Donald Trump visited Japan for meetings with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at which the nuclear standoff with North Korea was expected to be high on the agenda. Bolton told reporters in Tokyo on Saturday that there was "no doubt" that North Korea's recent missile launches violated U.N. resolutions, and that sanctions against the North must be kept in place. KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) A roadside bombing claimed by the Taliban killed 10 Afghan soldiers in the country's west while insurgent attacks on security checkpoints in northern Afghanistan killed four policemen, local officials said Monday. The soldiers were driving back to base after picking up their salaries in the country's western Farah province. They were travelling in a Humvee when the explosion took place on Sunday afternoon in the Bala Buluk district, said Shah Mahmmod Nahimi, a provincial councilman. "The blast was so intense that no one in the Humvee survived," he added. Elsewhere, the Taliban targeted several checkpoints in northern Sari Pul province on Sunday night, killing four members of the security forces and wounding 22, said Zabiullah Amani, the provincial governor's spokesman. TOKYO (AP) Families of Japanese who were abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s thanked President Donald Trump on Monday for his sympathy and for meeting with them while visiting Japan. Trump, who is making a four-day state visit, appeared to listen intently to the relatives' accounts of their ordeals, the families said after the meeting. Shigeo Iizuka, 80, whose sister was abducted in the 1970s, asked Trump to work with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in getting North Korea to return the victims. "I got the impression that President Trump is really thinking about making a breakthrough on this issue," he said. Gunmen at Gbarantoru community in Yenagoa on Sunday abducted the wife of a lecturer with the Niger Delta University (NDU). Sources in the community told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the incident occurred early on Sunday and that the gunmen fired sporadic shots to announce their arrival. The gunmen reportedly entered the community through River Nun in a speedboat and headed to the residence of the lecturer, identified simply as Dr Charles. A resident, who pleaded not to be named for fear of being targeted, said the gunmen missed their target, who evaded escape, prompting them to whisk away his wife, whom they took away in their boat. The resident said that youths of the community mobilised to the scene of crime few minutes after the shooting only to see the lecturer emerging from where he was hiding. The spokesman for the Bayelsa State Police Command, Mr Asinim Mr Asinim Butswat, confirmed that the command was aware of the incident and was on the trail of the abductors. Yes, I heard of the incident and the police have commenced investigation with a view to apprehending the perpetrators and rescuing the victim, Butswat said. By Doina Chiacu (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un agree on their assessment of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said on Sunday, aligning the American president with an authoritarian foreign leader over a former U.S. vice president. North Korea's state-run news agency issued a biting attack last week on Biden, who has been critical of the communist state. "I think they agree in their assessment of former Vice President Joe Biden," Sanders said of Trump and Kim during an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press." She was speaking from Japan during a state visit by Trump. "The president doesn't need somebody else to give him an assessment of Joe Biden. He's given his own assessment a number of times." The Biden campaign said it would not issue a new statement on Sanders' remarks, but pointed to its response on Wednesday to the KCNA commentary. Trump, a Republican, referenced the North Korean criticism in a Twitter post on Saturday in which he mentioned Biden, initially misspelling his name as Bidan and taking pleasure in the North Korean leaders sharp rhetoric. Trump, who regularly uses derisive nicknames against his political opponents, said in a subsequent corrected tweet that he smiled when Kim "called Swampman Joe Biden a low IQ individual, & worse. Perhaps thats sending me a signal?" A commentary by North Korea's KCNA state media on Tuesday slammed Biden for "rhetoric slandering the supreme leadership of the DPRK (Democratic People's Republican of Korea)." "What he uttered is just sophism of an imbecile bereft of elementary quality as a human being, let alone a politician," it said. KCNA chronicled a series of Biden controversies or gaffes, from allegations of plagiarism to falling asleep during a speech by President Barack Obama in 2011. At his May 18 campaign launch in Philadelphia, Biden asked, "Are we a nation that embraces dictators and tyrants like (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and Kim Jong Un?" Biden's campaign on Wednesday responded to the KCNA statement by saying Trump has been tricked into making concessions to Kim, a dictator and a tyrant. Trump, who left his second summit with Kim earlier this year in Vietnam without a peace deal, has put enormous value in his personal relationship with the North Korean leader, despite actions by Pyongyang that others consider provocative. On Sunday, Trump dismissed concerns about recent missile launches from North Korea and said he was confident that Kim would keep promises that he had made. Before the two leaders began their strained rapprochement, they had exchanged some sharp words, with Kim calling Trump a "dotard" and Trump implying Kim was "short and fat." (Reporting by Doina Chiacu in Washington; Editing by Phil Berlowitz) Sunland Park (United States) (AFP) - A US military veteran has launched construction on the first section of private border wall between the United States and Mexico, using money crowdsourced by supporters of President Donald Trump. Sporting a red "Make America Great Again" hat, New Mexico resident Jeff Allen proudly oversaw the groundbreaking last weekend as workers with heavy construction equipment began erecting a towering fence of steel slats on land he co-owns in the city of Sunland Park, across from Ciudad Juarez, in Mexico. "This is Americans' way of saying, 'Congress, you're worthless, and we're fighting it. We're going to build (the wall) ourselves,'" Allen, 56, told AFP. "This is not Europe. This is America. We protect our borders." Determined to help Trump fulfill his promise to build a "big, beautiful wall" on the border, Allen decided to do part of it himself, together with the United Constitutional Patriots, a right-wing militia that carries out vigilante border patrols. He said the project was being funded by We Build the Wall, a company launched by war veteran and triple amputee Brian Kolfage using millions of dollars in private donations he raised through an online campaign called "We The People Will Fund The Wall." The company's advisory board is chaired by Steve Bannon, the far-right strategist and former Trump advisor. Kolfage celebrated the new wall Monday by posting a sleek video of its construction on Facebook. "WE DID IT!!! First privately funded wall is nearly complete! DONATE NOW to fund more walls!" he wrote. The new private barrier is being built at the spot where the states of New Mexico and Texas intersect with Mexico, outside El Paso. It is a spot often used by migrants, mainly Central Americans, to reach the United States. US Border Patrol says 98,052 migrants were detained in the El Paso sector from October to April. Story continues Allen, a Cincinnati, Ohio native who moved here six years ago, said it was also a crossing point rife with crime. Border crossers have tried to kill his dog, slashed his tires and thrown rocks at him, he said. The wall will be finished within a week, measure half a mile (800 meters) long, and is being built to the same specifications as government border fencing in the area, he said. The US government has built three sections of fencing in the El Paso-Ciudad Juarez area since 2016, covering around 25 miles. - 'Not about racism' - Trump has struggled to get Congress to allocate the billions of dollars he wants for his wall, leading to a political battle that shut down the US government for more than a month. A federal judge dealt the president another blow Friday, issuing a temporary injunction on his plan to use military funds to build sections of the wall along the nearly 2,000-mile (more than 3,000-kilometer) border. As workers maneuvered sections of the fence into place behind him, Allen said illegal immigration had cost the United States more than $100 billion this year. Allen insisted he had nothing against immigrants. He is married to a Mexican woman, and his daughter was born in Ciudad Juarez, where he lived for three and a half years. "This is not about racism. This is about me protecting myself, and America having a secure border. If people want to immigrate, they should go to a port of entry and apply," he said, calling himself "a patriot." He said he also wanted to protect migrants. "People are bringing children up here, and they're dying. They're dragging them across the desert. Maybe a wall will stop that. They can make arrangements and come through legally, and they don't have to kill their children," he said. He declined to say how much the barrier would cost. Kolfage raised around $20 million on the website GoFundMe -- well short of the $1 billion he wanted to donate to the government -- before announcing that he was canceling that project and launching We Build the Wall to build sections of border barrier privately. President Donald Trump presented a special US-made trophy to the winner of a sumo tournament on Sunday as he got a taste of one of Japans most treasured cultural institutions. The honour given to President Trump was part of a charm offensive by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as he courted Mr Trump with three things close to the American leaders heart: wrestling, cheeseburgers and golf. Sumo diplomacy, to sum it up. The president, first lady Melania Trump, Mr Abe and his wife, Akie, joined an estimated 11,500 fans at Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium to watch massive and muscular men, in bare feet and loin cloths, battle for supremacy in a small ring of dirt. At the matchs end, Mr Trump stepped into the ring and presented the eagle-topped Presidents Cup to the champion, Asanoyama. Mr Trump, the first American president to participate in such a ceremony, said later it was an incredible evening. That was something to see these great athletes, President Trump said before having dinner with the Abes at a hibachi restaurant. Trumps four-day state visit to Japan is designed to demonstrate the strength of the US-Japan alliance. Earlier on Sunday, Mr Abe warmly welcomed Trump to Mobara Country Club, south of Tokyo, for a round of golf, their fifth since Trump became president. Mr Abe is trying to placate Trump amid growing US-Japan trade tensions and the threat of auto tariffs. Japan also is contending with the continued military threat from North Korea, a concern seemingly heightened by Mr Trumps apparent dismissal of the Norths recent tests of short-range missiles that could strike Japan. Despite several antagonistic presidential tweets, the day was all about keeping President Trump happy. First it was golf. Mr Trump and Mr Abe played 16 holes, joined by Japanese pro Isao Aoki. On the lunch menu: double cheeseburgers made with US beef. Then Prime Minister Abe introduced Mr Trump to Japans ancient sport of sumo wrestling , which Trump has said he finds fascinating. Story continues Loud applause greeted Mr Trump as he entered the arena and took his seat a few rows behind the ring. It was a break from the custom of sitting cross-legged on a mat. The Japan Sumo Association instituted some safety precautions due to Mr Trumps participation, including selling fewer same-day tickets and banning the ritual of throwing seat cushions as an expression of disappointment. Mr Trump sat with his arms crossed over his chest for much of the time, and when the match ended, he walked onto the stage wearing dark slippers shoes are banned from the ring to present the cup to Asanoyama. President Trump read from a scroll, praising Asanoyamas outstanding achievement. He hoisted the hefty cup, which the White House said was 54 inches (137cm) tall and weighed 60 pounds to 70 pounds (27 to 32kg), into Asanoyamas arms with the help of an official. Asanoyama also received trophies from Mr Abe and the emperor. Mr Trump had the trophy made for the sumo winner, and Japanese media informally called it the Trump Cup. President Trumps attendance at the annual sumo tournament recalled the time he spent promoting the World Wrestling Federation in the United States. Trump sponsored major events, appeared in bits and was inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2013. Mr Trump awaited another honour on Monday when he was to become the first foreign leader to meet with Japans new emperor, Naruhito, since he ascended to the throne on 1 May. Mr Trump and Mr Abe planned more formal talks and scheduled a joint news conference. Trump also was to be the guest of honour at a banquet hosted by the emperor at Japans Imperial Palace. Weve had a great time, a great day, and tomorrow is really the big event, a very important event in the history of Japan, Mr Trump said just before enjoying a dinner of grilled chicken, Wagyu beef and vanilla ice cream at a hibachi restaurant with Abe and their wives. Its over 200 years since something like this has happened so its a great honour to be representing the United States. The Abe-Trump alliance began even before Mr Trump took office in January 2017, when Mr Abe rushed to New York to greet the president-elect at Trump Tower after Trumps election two months earlier. Japan is deeply dependent on the US for security, and Mr Abe has tried to encourage Trump to maintain international agreements and keep pressure on North Korea. Golf has been a bonding activity for two leaders who love the game. We were able to exchange our views frankly in a cosy atmosphere. It was wonderful, Mr Abe told reporters as he returned to his official residence from the country club. He tweeted a selfie photo of him and Mr Trump smiling widely on the greens. Donald Trump tweeted that hed had Great fun and meeting with Prime Minister @AbeShinzo. But Mr Trump continued to stew about politics back home, claiming: Numerous Japanese officials told me that the Democrats would rather see the United States fail than see me or the Republican Party succeed Death Wish! Tradition holds that American presidents and candidates avoid politicking while on foreign soil, but Mr Trump is not one to abide by such norms. He also tweeted negatively about Democratic presidential rival Joe Biden, a former vice president. Trump played down North Koreas recent series of short-range missile tests and tried to lower expectations that he and Mr Abe will make significant headway on trade issues at their Monday meeting. President Trump has sought a bilateral deal with Tokyo since he pulled the US from the multinational Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement two years ago, though analysts expect no breakthroughs during the trip. Great progress being made in our Trade Negotiations with Japan. Agriculture and beef heavily in play. Much will wait until after their July elections where I anticipate big numbers! he wrote, referring to Japans upcoming parliamentary elections. Mr Trump has threatened Japan with new tariffs on imports of autos and auto parts, citing national security grounds. He has suggested he will impose levies if the US cannot win concessions from Japan and the European Union. In April, Japans trade surplus surged almost 18 percent to 723 billion yen (5.2bn). Associated Press TOKYO (AP) Families of Japanese who were abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s thanked President Donald Trump on Monday for his sympathy and for meeting with them while visiting Japan. Trump, who is making a four-day state visit, appeared to listen intently to the relatives' accounts of their ordeals, the families said after the meeting. Shigeo Iizuka, 80, whose sister was abducted in the 1970s, asked Trump to work with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in getting North Korea to return the victims. "I got the impression that President Trump is really thinking about making a breakthrough on this issue," he said. "I hope President Trump's involvement helps to break the deadlock." Trump said he supports Abe's intent to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to resolve the issue. Abe renewed his willingness to meet Kim face-to-face without preconditions, such as its denuclearization, to resolve the abduction issue. Abe noted, however, that there currently are no prospects of a summit with Kim. Sakie Yokota, 83, whose 13-year-old daughter Megumi was abducted in 1977, said Trump gave the families hope for a breakthrough. "I hope there will concrete progress. I do hope to get our loved ones back, and also want North Korea to become a peace-loving nation," Yokota said. North Korea has acknowledged abducting 13 Japanese. Japan maintains that the North abducted at least 17 people to train agents in Japanese language and culture to spy on South Korea. Five of the abductees were allowed to return home for a visit in 2002 and have since stayed. North Korea says eight others died and denies that the other four entered its territory. Many elderly relatives say they're running out of time to see their loved ones. ___ Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi By Jeff Mason and Malcolm Foster TOKYO, May 27 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday a deal with Iran on its nuclear program was possible, crediting economic sanctions for curbing activities Washington has said are behind a spate of attacks in the Middle East. "I really believe that Iran would like to make a deal, and I think that's very smart of them, and I think that's a possibility to happen," Trump said during a news conference with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. "It has a chance to be a great country with the same leadership," Trump said. "We aren't looking for regime change -- I just want to make that clear. We are looking for no nuclear weapons." Tensions have risen between Iran and the United States after this month's attack on oil tankers in the Gulf region. Washington, a firm backer of Tehran's regional rival Saudi Arabia, has blamed the attacks on Iran, which denies the accusations. The United States has deployed a carrier strike group and bombers to the Mideast region and an extra 1,500 troops to the Gulf, prompting fears of a conflict. Trump's comments came after his national security adviser John Bolton said on Saturday that the United States had "deep and serious" intelligence on threats posed by Iran, without providing details. Trump, on a four-day visit to Japan, welcomed Abe's help in dealing with Iran after broadcaster NHK said Japan's leader is considering a trip to Tehran as early as mid-June. Iran said a visit was unlikely in the near future. "I know for a fact that the prime minister is very close with the leadership of Iran, and we'll see what happens," Trump said. During his joint news conference with Trump, Abe said Japan would do what it can on the Iran issue. "Peace and stability of the Middle East is very important for Japan and the United States and the international community as a whole," Abe said. Story continues Trump last year withdrew the United States from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran, and is ratcheting up sanctions in an effort to end Iran's international sales of crude oil and strangle its economy. Japan was a major buyer of Iranian oil for decades before the U.S. sanctions -- which Trump said were taking effect. "They were fighting in many locations," he said of Iran. "Now they are pulling back because they have serious economic problems." Bolton, who has spearheaded an increasingly hawkish U.S. policy on Iran, described recent bomb attacks on tankers off the United Arab Emirates and a pipeline pumping station in Saudi Arabia, as well as a rocket attack in Baghdad's Green Zone as "manifestations of concern" about Iran. Iran has distanced itself from the bombings and on Sunday, its foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said his country will defend itself against any military or economic aggression. (Additional reporting by Tim Kelly; Writing by Tim Kelly and Malcolm Foster; editing by Darren Schuettler) By Elaine Lies TOKYO (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he would work with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to bring home Japanese citizens kidnapped by North Korean agents decades ago, but family members warned him not to be duped. Trump, during a four-day state visit to Japan, spoke at a meeting with some of the family members of the people, who were abducted to train North Korean spies in the 1960s and 1970s, North Korean defectors have said. Among the relatives Trump spoke to were the mother and brother of Megumi Yokota, who was 13 when she was snatched off a lonely beach on her way home from school and taken to North Korea. He met them in 2017, during a previous visit to Japan, and in the United States as well. Trump has mentioned Megumi in past speeches, including at the United Nations, and at a news conference afterwards referred to families who had suffered "unthinkable heartbreak". Some of the relatives, including Megumi's now 83-year-old mother, Sakie, told Trump they thought things might be changing after Trump's two meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, most recently in Hanoi in February, where Trump raised the issue of the missing Japanese with Kim. But others were more wary. Takuya Yokota, Megumi's younger brother, said he had told Trump he should not believe assurances Kim might have given on the abductees. "'I know he lied to you as he's liked to Japan by saying the abduction issue's resolved', I told him that directly," Yokota, told a later news conference. He said the biggest goal for families was to get all of the abductees home "immediately and together". "There's a risk that they may try a partial solution or a solution by stages, and I told him this." Koichiro Iizuka, who was a toddler abandoned in a creche when his mother was abducted in 1978, thanked Trump but said the families also wanted results. "We've gone along for 41 years without seeing our families and we'd like to have them home as soon as possible, and that we'd like to have the continuing help of the United States," Iizuka said. Story continues In 2002, North Korea admitted its agents had kidnapped 13 Japanese decades before. Japan says 17 of its citizens were abducted, five of whom were repatriated. North Korea has said eight are dead, including Megumi, and that another four never entered the country. Abe has vowed not to rest until all the abductees come home and sought Trump's help on the issue. Abe recently said he was ready to meet Kim without conditions, a shift from his long-held position of insisting on progress on the abductions before a summit could take place. No date for a meeting between Abe and Kim has been set. Takuya Yokota said he told Trump that just as he loved his family, his own parents - including his father Shigeru, 86, who has been ill in hospital for a year - loved Megumi. "The difference is that, for 41 years, they haven't been able to fulfil that love." (With additional reporting by Linda Sieg; Editing by Robert Birsel) WASHINGTON U.S. presidents traveling abroad were driven for decades by an axiom rooted in the Cold War: "Politics," the saying goes, "must stop at the water's edge." Not anymore. President Donald Trump once again upended convention during a formal state visit to Japan over the weekend, repeatedly blasting Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden throughout the trip. The president latched onto an insult hurled at Biden by North Koreas Kim Jong Un and told an international audience he agreed with the dictator. "Kim Jong Un made a statement that Joe Biden is a low-IQ individual. He probably is, based on his record, Trump told a news conference in Tokyo with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday. Trump's remarks echoed a tweet in which he questioned the former vice president's intelligence while misspelling his last name. Trump's comments put U.S. political divisions front and center on the world stage. Trump left for Japan on Friday amid a high-profile spat with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., over Democratic investigations into his presidency and the possibility of launching impeachment proceedings. That blowup remained on the presidents mind, even as he was feted by Abe and the Japanese emperor, played a round of golf and took in a sumo wrestling match. Trump in Japan: Sumo match, hibachi dinner, playing down North Korea's missiles Insults: North Korea calls Joe Biden fool of low IQ over his criticism of Kim Jong Un Impeach for what, having created perhaps the greatest Economy in our Countrys history, rebuilding our Military, taking care of our Vets (Choice), Judges, Best Jobs Numbers Ever, and much more? Dems are Obstructionists! https://t.co/NrTIxU9ZnA Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 27, 2019 Impeach for what? Trump demanded Monday on Twitter. Dems are Obstructionists! Story continues During his news conference with Abe, Trump again slammed special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into the 2016 presidential campaign, labeling Mueller and his investigators "extremely angry Democrats." Mueller is a Republican. The Democrats cannot understand what happened, Trump said of the Mueller inquiry, which found his campaign did not collude with Russia but left open the question of whether he obstructed justice in an effort to block the investigation. They really thought they had some people on their side. President Donald Trump gestures standing next to Japan's Empress Masako during a state banquet at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 27, 2019. The back-and-forth between Trump and Biden began more than a week ago, when the former vice president blasted Trump's foreign policy during a rally in Philadelphia. Biden, who leads the Democratic presidential field in polling, accused Trump of edging closer to tyrants such as Kim. Days later, North Korean state media described Biden as a fool of low IQ and an imbecile bereft of elementary quality as a human being. Saturday night, Trump tweeted about the comments, saying he smiled when Kim called Swampman Joe Bidan a low IQ individual, & worse. Perhaps thats sending me a signal? The president corrected the spelling of Bidens name in a followup tweet. Japanese Emperor Naruhito speaks during a State Banquet attended by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump at the Imperial Palace, Monday, May 27, 2019, in Tokyo. It was Sen. Arthur Vandenberg, R-Mich., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who coined the "water's edge" phrase in the early years of the Cold War. Vandenberg unsuccessfully sought the GOP nomination to challenge President Harry Truman, but he supported Truman's foreign policy. Trump's predecessors, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, generally tried to avoid politics while traveling abroad. However, Obama drew fire in 2016 for criticizing then-candidate Trump during a trip to Japan where he said world leaders were "rattled" by Trump, "and for good reason." Before that, Republican House Speaker John Boehner invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint meeting of Congress in 2016 without notifying the Obama White House beforehand. Boehner defended the unusual move by saying he wanted to ensure "that there was no interference" from the president. Abe is hosting Trump on a state visit designed to highlight the U.S.-Japanese alliance and showcase the relations between the leaders as both countries try to broker a trade deal. Monday, Trump said he backed Abes interest in leveraging his countrys good relations with Iran to help broker a possible dialogue between the United States and its nemesis in the Middle East. Abe said he is willing to do whatever he can to help reduce escalating tensions. Trump said he was not personally bothered by North Korean missile tests this month. That assessment ran counter to alarms raised by Abe about the tests and contradicted the views of Trump's advisers, who said the tests violated United Nations Security Council resolutions. Attendants prepare for a State Banquet hosted by Japanese Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in honor of President Donald Trump, Monday, May 27, 2019, in Tokyo. My people think it could have been a violation, as you know, Trump said. I view it differently. I view it as a man perhaps he wants to get attention, and perhaps not. Who knows? John Bolton, Trump's national security adviser, said there was "no doubt" that North Korea's missile tests violated U.N. resolutions. North Korea responded by calling Bolton a "war monger." Trump frequently praises Kim, whom he has met twice in an effort to lower tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The president held up a suspension in the countrys missile and nuclear testing that followed those meetings as an indication his engagement worked. He dismissed the latest missile tests, describing them as small weapons. Monday, the president praised Kim as a very smart man." President Donald Trump speaks as Shinzo Abe, Japan's prime minister, listens during a news conference at Akasaka Palace on May 27, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. Like what youre reading? Download the USA TODAY app for more Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's Japan trip: President blasts Biden, Democrats, Mueller while bringing politics to world stage Dubai (AFP) - US national security adviser John Bolton will this week travel to the United Arab Emirates for talks, the US embassy in Abu Dhabi said Monday. The US embassy in the UAE on Monday sent an invitation to AFP to attend a roundtable with Bolton which would take place "this week", but no date was given. Bolton's planned meeting comes as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the US have increasingly sought to isolate Iran, and it coincides with key meetings planned in Saudi Arabia. Regional tensions have spiked since Donald Trump's administration reimposed sanctions against Iran after unilaterally pulling out of a multilateral 2015 nuclear accord signed with the Islamic republic. Regional summits are planned on Thursday and Friday in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as Riyadh seeks to further isolate its regional rival Tehran. The Trump administration has ordered non-essential diplomatic staff out of Iraq, citing threats from Iranian-backed Iraqi armed groups, and sent an aircraft carrier and heavy B-52 bombers to the region. On Friday, Trump announced the deployment of some 1,500 more soldiers to the Middle East, while his administration the same day bypassed Congress to sell $8.1 billion of arms to Saudi Arabia and other Arab allies. But the US president has appeared to dial back his hawkishness towards Tehran since then, saying on Monday his government does not seek "regime change". "I really believe that Iran would like to make a deal. I think... there's a possibility for that to happen," Trump said during a visit to Japan. By Tom Westbrook and Sonali Paul SYDNEY/MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Political turmoil in Papua New Guinea deepened on Monday as the opposition raised doubts about an offer from Prime Minister Peter O'Neill to resign and vowed a long fight to get rid of him as uncertainty knocked shares linked to its resources sector. Instability is not unusual in the South Pacific archipelago and it has not held back mining and energy investment in the resource-rich but poverty-stricken country. However, protests over the benefits of investment failing to reach the hinterland have dogged the government, sapping enough support from the ruling coalition for the opposition to claim it can now command a parliamentary majority. O'Neill had resisted calls to resign for weeks but his opponents said on Friday they had rallied enough support in parliament to oust him. He said on Sunday he would quit in favour of Sir Julius Chan, a two-time former premier. But O'Neill has yet to formally resign, and has said he has filed a court challenge to a looming vote-of-no-confidence. At the same time, it is not clear if an opposition-dominated chamber would accept Chan when parliament resumes on Tuesday. O'Neill's spokesman said on Monday he would not quit before his court challenge to the procedure for a no-confidence vote is heard, and there is no timetable for that. William Duma, who quit his position as state investment minister on Friday and led his party over to the opposition, said O'Neill was key to ending the political crisis. "If he does the honourable thing and resigns it'll be over and we will have a new leader," Duma said by telephone from the Lagnua Hotel in the capital, Port Moresby, where the opposition has been camped for weeks mustering support. "If he drags it, we are prepared to go in for the long haul because we have lost our respect for him," he said, citing corruption accusations - which O'Neill denies - and what he described as the prime minister's dictatorial style among reasons for his defection from the government's ranks. Story continues Analysts say political turbulence will delay projects on the drawing board and put future plans under a cloud, and oil majors with interests in PNG, Total SA and ExxonMobil Corp, will be watching closely. Paul Barker, executive director at Port Moresby-based think-tank Institute of National Affairs, O'Neill could be playing for time, perhaps in the hope of building new alliances. "A lot of people think that it's a fudging exercise to draw the process out for a fair while and to somehow avoid the vote of no confidence," Barker said. "PNG politics is a very fluid thing and there are not many ideological reasons why you would be on one side or another, so you can flow fairly readily." DEVELOPMENT DELAYS The impasse threatens to delay a $13 billion plan led by Total to double gas exports, sending shares in one of its partners, Oil Search Ltd, down nearly 4% on Monday. "The resignation of Peter O'Neill will delay first gas from the LNG expansion projects until beyond 2025," Wood Mackenzie analyst David Low said by email. "While we still expect the project to go ahead, the political turmoil opens the door to competing projects and increases the risk of knock-on delays." Chan's position as caretaker is also unclear, after he said he was not seeking the leadership and would only take it if he had the support both government and opposition, which he has yet to secure. "We will not choose him," opposition lawmaker Allan Bird told Reuters in a text message. "We want a complete break from O'Neill (and) Chan is just a proxy for O'Neill." If O'Neill is replaced, foreign energy companies could find themselves dealing with a less friendly government. O'Neill's deal with Total, agreed in April, set the terms for developing the Elk and Antelope gas fields, which will feed two new liquefied natural gas (LNG) production units at the PNG LNG plant, run by ExxonMobil Corp. At the same time, ExxonMobil and its partners are planning to build a third unit at the PNG plant, to be partly fed by another new gas field, P'nyang. Credit Suisse analyst Saul Kavonic said the turmoil could put pressure on the government to negotiate tough terms for the P'nyang gas agreement, which has yet to be finalised, and affect talks on development costs. "Both these factors heighten the risk of delay," he said in a note to clients. The uncertainty sent shares in Oil Search, a partner in PNG LNG and Papua LNG, down as much as 4% before they recovered to close almost 2% lower. Energy stocks were flat. ExxonMobil and its partners had hoped to begin basic engineering planning for the expansion by mid-2019 and make a final investment decision in 2020. Total and Oil Search representatives were not immediately available to comment. (Reporting by Tom Westbrook and Sonali Paul; Editing by Paul Tait, Robert Birsel) London (AFP) - UK interior minister Sajid Javid became the ninth candidate Monday to enter the race to replace Theresa May as premier, promising to "deliver Brexit" after repeated delays. Referring to the drubbing May's Conservatives received in European Parliament elections, Javid said the new party leader had to restore voters' trust. "As last night's results made all too clear, we must get on and deliver Brexit to make sure there is renewed trust in our democracy," Javid said in a video message posted on Twitter. "We must bridge divides to heal communities, reminding us of our shared values as a United Kingdom," said Javid, whose father emigrated from Pakistan and worked as a bus driver. Javid did not join several other leadership hopefuls in saying that he would pull Britain out of the EU with or without a deal when the new deadline arrives on October 31. Conservative Party leadership frontrunners, including former foreign minister Boris Johnson, have said they were ready for a so-called "no-deal Brexit," despite warnings that this may put Britain in economic peril. May's party is being pushed further to the right by the strong European election performance of the Brexit Party of anti-European populist Nigel Farage. His success reflected Conservative voters' anger at May's inability to finish Brexit by its original March 28 deadline, with her deal with Brussels getting rejected by parliament three times. The Conservatives picked up just nine percent of the vote, their worst election result since 1832. Farage's new party won almost 32 percent, and is now demanding a seat at the negotiating table with Brussels. Javid, 49, became the first candidate to declare his candidacy over social media. He is viewed as a relative long-shot in a field that is expected to grow further in the days to come. Kiev (AFP) - Just a week after taking office, Ukraine's new president Volodymyr Zelensky made his first visit Monday to the front line of fighting against Russian-backed rebels in the east of the country, his press office said. Zelensky, who was an actor and comedian before being elected as leader, "examined Ukraine's military positions at Stanytsya Luganska and Shchastya," the president's office said in a statement, referring to two sites in the self-proclaimed republic of Lugansk, which broke away from Kiev in 2014 and is run by Moscow-backed rebels. "The closest positions to the rebels were just 400 metres (1,300 feet) away," it said. On the pictures released by his office, Zelensky can be seen in civilian garb but wearing a military helmet and khaki-coloured bullet-proof vest. He is pictured in a shelter or marching with soldiers through fields. Experiencing at first hand the conditions in which the soldiers were living, Zelensky "noted the necessity of improving them," the president's office said. The 41-year-old comedian without any political experience was elected as Ukraine's youngest post-Soviet president in April in landslide victory over the incumbent Petro Poroshenko with a campaign capitalising on widespread discontent with the political establishment. During his campaign, Zelensky's detractors questioned his ability to run a country that has been at war with Russia for five years and in which 13,000 people have been killed. While he is prepared to negotiate with the Kremlin, Zelensky wants to regain the territories currently under rebel control. Ukraine and the West accuse Russia of providing weapons to the rebels, charges which Moscow denies. * Far-right Vlaams Belang jumps to 18 seats from 3 * Formation of government could take longer than 2010 By Robin Emmott and Philip Blenkinsop BRUSSELS, May 27 (Reuters) - Belgium was stunned on Monday by a Flemish separatist surge in national elections that will make forming a new federal government a tortuous task as the country's French-speaking region moved further to the left. Belgium, long an awkward marriage between its Dutch- and French-speaking communities, now risks a political impasse as the results in Sunday's federal parliamentary vote deepened a split between its more Germanic north and Latin south. French-speaking daily Le Soir splashed "Two Belgiums" on its front page while Dutch-speaking De Morgen ran with "Flanders radicalizes," saying it had been a "black Sunday" after the anti-immigrant Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) surged to become the second largest party in wealthy Flanders. In Wallonia, the economically weaker southern region, the Greens and the hard left PTB party saw their support increase. "I think it's going to be very difficult (to form a federal government)," said Bob Deleeck, a 43-year-old voter. "You see that this is two countries under one flag. They should make it a confederation," he said in central Brussels. Including the more moderate N-VA, Flemish separatists won 43 seats in the 150-seat federal parliament as the Vlaams Belang rose to 18 from three, while more traditional center-left and center-right parties lost seats. Polls have shown most Belgians do not want their country, a member of the euro zone, to split up. But pressure from separatists could embolden other regions in Europe that want to break away - such as Catalonia from Spain or Scotland from Britain, political commentators say. 541 DAYS - THE RECORD TO BREAK Belgium effectively runs two separate elections in its Dutch and French-speaking regions, with no national parties, after which it somehow has to weld together a federal government from both sides of the linguistic divide. Story continues The Vlaams Belang has always been excluded by mainstream parties at all levels of government - an arrangement dubbed the "cordon sanitaire." N-VA leader Bart De Wever, asked whether he was open to a possible coalition with Vlaams Belang in Flanders, declined to give a direct reply but said he would have to speak to the party, given its second place in the vote. He also expressed caution about whether a national government could be formed. "Wallonia has moved to the left, more to the left than ever before. The difference between Flanders and Wallonia has never been so great," he said, adding the country should look into a further devolution of powers to the regions. Prime Minister Charles Michel, whose French-speaking liberal MR party lost seats on Sunday, met the Belgian king on Monday as part of consultations to allow the palace to designate a political leader with the best chance of forming a government. The results suggest Michel, who has been running the country of 11 million people in a caretaker capacity since December when the N-VA quit his government, could face many more months in that role as party leaders try to form a new coalition. In 2010, that task took a world record 541 days until a Socialist prime minister finally took office. "We knew it would be difficult and indeed it is difficult and it is even more difficult as you see almost no (French-speaking) party wants to govern with the N-VA," said ING economist Philippe Ledent. (Aditional reporting by Caroline Dade Editing by Mark Heinrich) Value investing is easily one of the most popular ways to find great stocks in any market environment. After all, who wouldnt want to find stocks that are either flying under the radar and are compelling buys, or offer up tantalizing discounts when compared to fair value? One way to find these companies is by looking at several key metrics and financial ratios, many of which are crucial in the value stock selection process. Lets put Huntington Bancshares Incorporated HBAN stock into this equation and find out if it is a good choice for value-oriented investors right now, or if investors subscribing to this methodology should look elsewhere for top picks: PE Ratio A key metric that value investors always look at is the Price to Earnings Ratio, or PE for short. This shows us how much investors are willing to pay for each dollar of earnings in a given stock, and is easily one of the most popular financial ratios in the world. The best use of the PE ratio is to compare the stocks current PE ratio with: a) where this ratio has been in the past; b) how it compares to the average for the industry/sector; and c) how it compares to the market as a whole. On this front, Huntington Bancshares has a trailing twelve months PE ratio of 10.65, as you can see in the chart below: This level actually compares pretty favorably with the market at large, as the PE for the S&P 500 stands at about 17.58. If we focus on the long-term PE trend, Huntington Bancshares current PE level puts it below its midpoint over the past five years. Further, the stocks PE also compares favorably with the Zacks Finance sectors trailing twelve months PE ratio, which stands at 14.07. At the very least, this indicates that the stock is relatively undervalued right now, compared to its peers. We should also point out that Huntington Bancshares has a forward PE ratio (price relative to this years earnings) of just 10.00, so it is fair to say that a slightly more value-oriented path may be ahead for Huntington Bancshares stock in the near term too. Story continues P/S Ratio Another key metric to note is the Price/Sales ratio. This approach compares a given stocks price to its total sales, where a lower reading is generally considered better. Some people like this metric more than other value-focused ones because it looks at sales, something that is far harder to manipulate with accounting tricks than earnings. Right now, Huntington Bancshares has a P/S ratio of about 2.59. This is lower than the S&P 500 average, which comes in at 3.15 right now. Also, as we can see in the chart below, this is below the highs for this stock in particular over the past few years. If anything, HBAN is near the lower end of its range in the time period from a P/S metric, suggesting some level of undervalued tradingat least compared to historical norms. Broad Value Outlook In aggregate, Huntington Bancshares currently has a Value Score of B, putting it into the top 40% of all stocks we cover from this look. This makes Huntington Bancshares a solid choice for value investors, and some of its other key metrics make this pretty clear too. For example, the PEG ratio for Huntington Bancshares is just 1.11, a level that is bit lower than the industry average of 1.39. The PEG ratio is a modified PE ratio that takes into account the stocks earnings growth rate. Additionally, the P/CF ratio for Huntington Bancshares came in at 7.44, which is a far lower than the industry average of 10.21. Clearly, HBAN is a solid choice on the value front from multiple angles. What About the Stock Overall? Though Huntington Bancshares might be a good choice for value investors, there are plenty of other factors to consider before investing in this name. In particular, it is worth noting that the company has a Growth Score of B and a Momentum Score of F. This gives HBAN a Zacks VGM score or its overarching fundamental grade of B. (You can read more about the Zacks Style Scores here >> ) Meanwhile, the companys recent earnings estimates have been disappointing. The current quarter has seen four estimates go lower in the past sixty days compared to no movement in the opposite direction, while the current year estimate has seen eight downward revision compared to one upward in the same time period. This has had a negative impact on the consensus estimate though as the current quarter consensus estimate has decreased by 3% in the past two months, while the current year estimate has declined by 1.5%. You can see the consensus estimate trend and recent price action for the stock in the chart below: Huntington Bancshares Incorporated Price and Consensus Huntington Bancshares Incorporated Price and Consensus Huntington Bancshares Incorporated price-consensus-chart | Huntington Bancshares Incorporated Quote Despite the bearish analyst sentiments, the stock holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Thus, we are looking for in-line performance from the company in the near term. Bottom Line Hancock Whitney is an inspired choice for value investors, as it is hard to beat its incredible line up of statistics on this front. However, with a sluggish industry rank (among bottom 44% of more than 250 industries) and a Zacks Rank #3, it is hard to get too excited about this company overall. In fact, over the past two years, the Zacks Banks Midwest industry has clearly underperformed the market at large, as you can see below: So, value investors might want to wait for estimates, analyst sentiment and industry trends to turn favorable in this name first, but once that happens, this stock could be a compelling pick. More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> 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 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (HBAN) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research LONDON (Reuters) - British finance minister Philip Hammond said on Sunday it would be very difficult for Prime Minister Theresa May's successor to bypass the will of parliament and seek to take Britain out of the European Union without a deal. Several of the candidates vying to take over from May have said Britain must leave on Oct. 31, without or without a deal. Parliament has repeatedly voted against a no-deal Brexit and Hammond said he did not believe Britain was likely to be heading towards leaving without an agreement. Hammond said parliament would be "vehemently opposed" to a strategy of leaving without a deal. "It would be very difficult for a prime minister who adopted no deal as a policy ... to retain the confidence of the House of Commons," Hammond told BBC TV, adding that he could not personally support a no-deal strategy. (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan and David Milliken; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky) HANOI (Reuters) - Vietnam culled a further 500,000 pigs over the past two weeks to tackle an oubreak of African swine fever, taking the total killed so far to 1.7 million, or 5% of the country's herd, the agriculture ministry said on Monday. Pork accounts for three-quarters of total meat consumption in Vietnam, a country of 95 million people where most of its 30 million farm-raised pigs are consumed domestically. The virus, first detected in the Southeast Asian country in February, has spread to 42 of the country's 63 provinces, the agriculture ministry's Livestock Production Department said in a statement on its website. "The African swine fever outbreak is the most dangerous and costly of its kind in the husbandry industry of Vietnam," agriculture minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong said in the statement. "Though the virus first appeared nearly 100 years ago, there has been no vaccine and no medicine for treating the disease". China, the world's largest pork producer, which has also been hit by the virus, said on Friday it will start work on clinical trials of a vaccine for African swine fever, which is fatal to animals but not harmful to humans. [L4N230184] Cuong said it is difficult to contain the outbreak given that the virus remains dormant in the environment for a long time and can spread through complex and varied means. Earlier this month, Vietnam said it will mobilize its military and police forces to help combat the outbreak. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in March advised Vietnam to declare the swine fever outbreak as a national emergency. (Reporting by Khanh Vu; editing by James Pearson and Richard Pullin) Two combat veterans who left high school to serve their country finally walked at their graduation ceremonies on Saturday after decades of waiting. Joe Perricone, 95, was drafted to join the U.S. Army in 1943 during World War II, local station WFLA reported. He was attending Tampa, Floridas Hillsborough High School at the time and was able to receive his diploma, but he missed out on the chance to attend his graduation, heading off to Europe instead. With help from the school board, Perricones grandson, Judge Thomas Palermo, made sure he could join in on the graduation ceremony for the class of 2019 where he was handed a diploma and commended for his service. It means a lot to us that someone we love very much will finally live out his dream, Palermo told NPRs WUSF. The same day, Bill William Arnold Craddock, 85, also received his degree from Volunteer Hill High School in Church Hill, Tennessee, local news station WJHL reported. At age 16, Craddock entered the Air Force then enlisted in the Korean War, leaving Science Hill High School where he had been enrolled. Like Perricone, he, too, was welcomed to walk in the class of 2019s ceremony and had a message for both the new graduates and the ones with whom he would have celebrated in 1953. I would tell that class to study hard and be good, he said. Learn all they can and get the best education they can get. Earlier this month, World War II veteran Pete Sabedra, 92, received his diploma alongside his grandson at Pennsylvanias Derry Area High School almost 80 years after he would have graduated, local station WTAE reported. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Serena Williams rallied from a set down Monday as she began her quest for a fourth title at the French Open in Paris. Williams rolled through the final two sets to beat Russian Vitalia Diatchenko 2-6, 6-1, 6-0 on the red clay at Roland Garros. She will play either Dalila Jakupovic of Slovenia or Japanese qualifier Kurumi Nara; their match was suspended because of darkness, tied at one set. Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion, is seeded 10th after battling a left knee injury for much of this season, having had to withdraw from her past two tournaments. She committed 14 unforced errors in the first set against Diatchenko before taking control, winning 73 percent of points on her first serve. Williams committed just 10 unforced errors over the final two sets in a match that lasted 90 minutes. "There is always a lot of fear for a first-round match," Williams said, via BBC Sport. "I made lots of mistakes in the first set and I just said, 'Good luck, Serena.' I was strong after that. Now I feel like I need to go and practice." Caroline Wozniacki appeared to be ready to shake a three-match losing streak before unraveling against 68th-ranked Russian Veronika Kudermetova. Wozniacki breezed to a 6-0 opener before 3-6, 3-6 defeats sent the former World No. 1 home from Paris. It was the fourth straight defeat for Wozniacki, whose last victory was in the semifinals at Charleston, S.C. Kudermetova, 22, was making her Roland Garros main draw debut and moves to the second round of a Grand Slam for the first time. "I think I played really well in the first set. I played aggressive. I played the way I wanted to play," Wozniacki said. "And then I think she got very lucky in the start of the second set and kind of, you know, took advantage of the opportunities she got. And then, yeah, I think I just lost a little steam in the end and I made some unforced errors that I normally don't do, so that was very frustrating. And, yeah, it is what it is. I haven't had the best lead-up to this tournament, which also has been frustrating." Story continues Sixth-seeded Czech Petra Kvitova is also out of the women's singles field due to a torn muscle in her forearm. Kvitova, 29, has mounted a well-documented comeback from wounds suffered in a knife attack during a home invasion more than two years ago. She said she began experiencing excruciating pain on Sunday afternoon and went for an MRI exam. The results mean at least two weeks of rest for Kvitova in hopes of being back for Wimbledon. Dr. Radek Kebrle, the surgeon who operated on the left-hander's hand in December 2016, advised Kvitova to shut it down. "He said that I shouldn't really play," Kvitova said Monday. "It can be much, much worse (if she continued at the French Open) and I could be off for six weeks. ... So now it's shorter period of time to take time to heal it and do whatever I need to do," she said. --Field Level Media Sunderland (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Voters in Sunderland in northeast England voiced hope on Monday that the Brexit Party's strong showing in European elections would trigger a quick break with the EU, expressing anger and disbelief at Britain's two main parties. The polls delivered major losses for both the ruling Conservatives -- who have twice delayed Britain's scheduled departure from the EU -- and the main opposition Labour, which has remained deeply ambiguous over Brexit. In the North East region, where Sunderland is located, the Brexit Party won 38.7 percent of the vote in last week's election -- its highest result in the country. "The sooner we get out the better," said Stephen James, a 55-year-old council worker in the former shipbuilding city, a traditional stronghold for the Labour Party. "I'm Labour through and through but you can't trust Labour or Conservatives any more now. They're just backstabbing each other," he said -- a comment on the months of bickering in the British parliament over Brexit. The Brexit Party has said it will seek a better deal with Brussels than the one negotiated by outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May but will embrace no-deal if it does not get one. Several contenders to replace May have the same position. - 'They haven't got a clue' - Sunderland played a starring role in Britain's seismic decision to leave the European Union in 2016. The city's 61-percent vote in favour of Brexit during the referendum signalled early on where the nation was heading on the night of June 23 and celebrations at the count were beamed worldwide. The years of wrangling since the referendum over how, or even if, Britain leaves have certainly dampened the high spirits of that 2016 June night. "I think Farage should have won more myself because the Conservatives were lying to us and Labour don't know what they want to do," said Brian Welsh, a 66-year-old retiree. Story continues "If they haven't got a deal, go for no deal. Simple. They haven't got a clue basically," he said, adding that the EU was trying to keep Britain because it was a "cash cow". Business leaders have warned of severe disruption if Britain leaves the EU with no deal in place and finance minister Philip Hammond warned he could vote down his government in order to prevent this from happening. Welsh admitted that a no-deal Brexit "might be hard for a year or two" but said Britain had been through worse. Alan Bell, 67, a former chef, agreed, pointing out that EU leaders have ruled out a renegotiation of the Brexit deal agreed by May with the other EU leaders last year. "It's not going to kill us if we come out without a deal," he said. "The Europeans have already said there's no more negotiating. What you've got is what you've got." Bell scoffed at the prospect of a second referendum advocated by the Liberal Democrats and the Greens, which also made major gains in the elections. "What would another referendum bring? I know exactly what the result will be in Sunderland. It would be to come out again. All my mates would vote to come out again." "We've been paying money into this club of theirs since the common market and getting nothing back. That's why I voted to come out," he said. - 'One hell of a country' - Sunderland was a coal trading port, had its own collieries, was a glassmaking centre and boasted a major brewery. The heavy industry has largely evaporated, though the docks are still going and ships' horns echo amongst the cranes. Its economic lifeblood is now a massive car plant, Britain's biggest, owned by Japanese carmaker Nissan. Some 55 percent of the cars it produces are exported tariff-free to the EU, meaning a no-deal Brexit could have devastating consequences if tariffs are suddenly imposed. But many voters in Sunderland appeared unconcerned, casting their minds back to a nostalgic past of economic glory. James said he could remember when Britain was not a member of the European Economic Community, a precursor to the European Union. "This country was a hell of a country -- Great Britain. I think we should never have gone in," he said. We have left our mark on this planet (Getty) Its official: human beings have created a new geological epoch, known as the anthropocene, or the age of man. Scientists at the Anthropocene Working Group (AWG) voted to recognise the term this week. The researchers will submit a formal proposal by 2021 to the International Commission on Stratigraphy. The epoch will start in the mid-twentieth century, when the use of agricultural chemicals and atomic bombs left an indelible mark on our planet. READ MORE Nigel Farage vows to stand in general election after European election victory Jan Zalasiewicz, chair of the AWG and a geologist at the University of Leicester, UK told New Scientist, The Anthropocene works as a geological unit of time, process and strata. It is distinguishable. It is distinctive. Nuclear explosion created by American atomic bomb. ma The vote confirmed a decision taken at the 2016 International Geological Congress in Cape Town. The researchers will now identify a definitive geological marker, evidence for the start of the new epoch known as a golden spike. The researchers will pinpoint a single site, and choose evidence such as radioactive material left by nuclear detonations from 1945 to 1963. Security authorities in the Dominican Republic have deported a French national, boss of a network accused of laundering money coming from drug trafficking activities between Spain and Morocco. The French, Michel Pierre Vincent Loubet, had been arrested last week alongside four other Spanish nationals in the northern part of the Central American country. The operation was conducted in coordination with Spanish authorities following a probe that was launched in May last year. Security forces seized sizable amount of cash: 560,160 Euros, 1,118,000 Dominican Pesos, 889 dollars and 4,000 Moroccan Dirhams as well as three rifles, two pistols and dozens of bullets of different calibers. Loubet is on an international wanted list and the four Spanish nationals are accused of trafficking 16 tons of cannabis from Morocco to Spain since 2017. The Dominican authorities in May last year seized 690,400 from a container stemming from Spain and belonging to a company linked to Loubet. The French national had been deported to Barajas airport in Madrid from Las Americas international airport where he had been detained. Graham Cooley has been the CEO of ITM Power Plc (LON:ITM) since 2009. First, this article will compare CEO compensation with compensation at similar sized companies. Then we'll look at a snap shot of the business growth. Third, we'll reflect on the total return to shareholders over three years, as a second measure of business performance. The aim of all this is to consider the appropriateness of CEO pay levels. Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card! View our latest analysis for ITM Power How Does Graham Cooley's Compensation Compare With Similar Sized Companies? According to our data, ITM Power Plc has a market capitalization of UK110m, and pays its CEO total annual compensation worth UK409k. (This number is for the twelve months until April 2018). We think total compensation is more important but we note that the CEO salary is lower, at UK194k. We took a group of companies with market capitalizations below UK158m, and calculated the median CEO total compensation to be UK247k. As you can see, Graham Cooley is paid more than the median CEO pay at companies of a similar size, in the same market. However, this does not necessarily mean ITM Power Plc is paying too much. A closer look at the performance of the underlying business will give us a better idea about whether the pay is particularly generous. You can see, below, how CEO compensation at ITM Power has changed over time. AIM:ITM CEO Compensation, May 27th 2019 Is ITM Power Plc Growing? ITM Power Plc saw earnings per share stay pretty flat over the last three years, albeit with a slight decrease, according to the line of best fit. In the last year, its revenue is down -27%. Unfortunately there is a complete lack of earnings per share improvement, over three years. And the fact that revenue is down year on year arguably paints an ugly picture. It's hard to argue the company is firing on all cylinders, so shareholders might be averse to high CEO remuneration. Shareholders might be interested in this free visualization of analyst forecasts. Story continues Has ITM Power Plc Been A Good Investment? I think that the total shareholder return of 110%, over three years, would leave most ITM Power Plc shareholders smiling. As a result, some may believe the CEO should be paid more than is normal for companies of similar size. In Summary... We compared total CEO remuneration at ITM Power Plc with the amount paid at companies with a similar market capitalization. We found that it pays well over the median amount paid in the benchmark group. We think many shareholders would be underwhelmed with the business growth over the last three years. But clearly there are some positives, because investors have done well over the same time frame. Considering this, shareholders are probably not too worried about the CEO compensation. If you think CEO compensation levels are interesting you will probably really like this free visualization of insider trading at ITM Power. 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. Caroline Wozniacki appeared to be ready to shake a three-match losing streak before unraveling against 68th-ranked Russian Veronika Kudermetova in the first round of the French Open on Monday. Wozniacki breezed to a 6-0 opener before 3-6, 3-6 defeats sent the former World No. 1 home from Paris. It was the fourth straight defeat for Wozniacki, whose last victory was in the semifinals at Charleston, South Carolina. Kudermetova, 22, was in her Roland Garros main draw debut and moves to the second round of a Grand Slam for the first time. She hit 40 winners, to just 15 for Wozniacki. "I think I played really well in the first set. I played aggressive. I played the way I wanted to play," Wozniacki said. "And then I think she got very lucky in the start of the second set and kind of, you know, took advantage of the opportunities she got. And then, yeah, I think I just lost a little steam in the end and I made some unforced errors that I normally don't do, so that was very frustrating. And, yeah, it is what it is. I haven't had the best lead-up to this tournament, which also has been frustrating." --Field Level Media WPX Energy Inc. WPX recently announced that its subsidiary and joint venture partner in Oryx II pipeline have completed the sale of the project. The agreement to sell its 25% in the pipeline was signed post Mar 31, 2019. The company intends to utilize the net proceeds of $350 million to lower dues in its credit facility. The Oryx II transaction is WPX Energys second midstream monetization this year. The company has already closed the previously announced sale of its 20% equity interest in Whitewater Midstreams Agua Blanca natural gas pipeline system. Proceeds to Manage Debts & Buy Assets WPX Energy is utilizing the proceeds from non-core asset sale to lower its outstanding debts and invest in new lucrative assets. The current debt to capital ratio of the company stands at 36.77%, which is better than its industrys average of 37.91%. WPX Energy has been managing its debt levels quite efficiently and lowering the same. At the end of 2018, due to decline in debt compared with 2017 end level, the company had to pay $163 million in interest expenses, which reflected a 13% fall year over year. The same trend could be noticed at the end of first-quarter 2019 as well, with interest expenses dropping 11% year over year. During the first quarter, the company used $100 million of its non-core asset sale proceeds to purchase nearly 14,000 surface acres within its Stateline operations. The acquired asset is expected to provide returns through speed of development, facilitating longer laterals, and revenues associated with infrastructure like roads, water and electricity. Focus on Oil WPX Energy has gradually transformed itself from a natural gas focused company to a liquid focused company. At present, nearly 78% production of the company is liquid and the rest is natural gas. It was simply the opposite five years ago. This transformation is a result of execution of the companys plan to produce more liquids. Oil production from Delaware and Williston Basins improved 31% and 62% year over year, respectively, in the first quarter of 2019. Ongoing investments in WPX Energys core assets in the Delaware and Williston basins will help it to enhance production and build reserves. The company, which has plans to invest $1,100-$1,275 million in 2019, expects oil production to improve 20% year over year during the year. U.S. Oil Production on the Rise Courtesy of increasing production from shale, oil production in the United States is rising consistently over the years. Notably, oil and gas operators are concentrating on onshore assets to produce oil and gas. Per U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), majority of the oil production growth will come from the Permian region of Texas and New Mexico. Per EIA, courtesy of increasing production from the shales, U.S. crude oil production will average 12.4 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2019 and 13.4 million b/d in 2020 compared with 10.9 million b/d in 2018. To produce more from the resource rich Permian region Occidental Petroleum OXY has decided to acquire Anadarko Petroleum APC, outbidding the offer made by Chevron Corporation CVX to acquire the same. Zacks Rank WPX Energy currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Price Movement Shares of the company have lost narrower than its industry in the past 12 months. Story continues More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> 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 Chevron Corporation (CVX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (APC) : Free Stock Analysis Report WPX Energy, Inc. (WPX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research DUBAI, May 27 (Reuters) - Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Monday Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons, which its supreme leader had banned in an edict, adding on Twitter that U.S. policies were hurting the Iranian people and causing regional tensions. "Ayatollah (Ali) @khamenei_ir long ago said we're not seeking nuclear weaponsby issuing a fatwa (edict) banning them," Zarif said in a tweet. "(U.S.) Economic Terrorism is hurting the Iranian people and causing tension in the region." (Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Editing by Catherine Evans) Khalifar Haftar, commander of the east-based forces opposed to the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) has accused the UN envoy trying to fix the political crisis in the North African country of being biased in his mission. Salame is making irresponsible statements, Haftar told French newspaper Journal de Dimanche in an interview published Sunday. He wasnt like that before. He has changed from an impartial and honest mediator, he has become a biased one. Head of the UN Mission in the oil-rich African country, Ghassan Salame has condemned Haftars ongoing military campaign to take control of capital Tripoli. The leader of the so-called Libyan National Army (LNA) launched the offensive early last month at the time UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was in the city. Haftar says the campaign aims at flashing out militia and terror groups faring under the UN-backed GNA. The UN has been campaigning for political settlement of the Libyan crisis, which started following the death of former ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 in a NATO-backed revolution. Haftar told the French media that he backs a political solution but insisted that the priority is crashing the terror groups. Of course a political solution is the objective, he said. But to return to politics, we need to finish with the militias. The problem in Tripoli is a security one. Last week, the UN envoy for Libya Ghassan Salame has called for immediate action to cut off arms flows to the warring sides in Libya, warning that the ongoing battle for Tripoli was just the start of a long and bloody war. In a briefing to the Security Council, Ghassan Salame said many countries were supplying weapons to the GNA in Tripoli and forces led by Khalifa Haftar. The violence on the outskirts of Tripoli is just the start of a long and bloody war on the southern shores of the Mediterranean, imperilling the security of Libyas immediate neighbors and the wider Mediterranean region, Salame said. Without immediate measures to stop the flow of arms, Libya will descend into civil war which could potentially lead to a Hobbesian all-against-all state of chaos or partition of the country, he said. He warned that armed groups, including the Islamic State group and al-Qaeda have already exploited the security vacuum created by the battle for the capital. Salame urged the council to set up a commission of inquiry to determine who has taken up arms and prevent indicted war crimes suspects from taking part in military operations. More than 75,000 people have been driven from their homes in the latest fighting, 510 have been killed, and over 2,000 injured, according to the World Health Organization. The head of Sudans ruling military council, Lt-Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the weekend, a day after he visited neighboring Egypt. Al-Burhan on Sunday met Abu Dhabis crown prince, who expressed the UAEs support for Sudan as it navigates a transition after the overthrow of autocrat Omar al-Bashir, the Emirates news agency WAM reported. In his meeting with Burhan, Bin Zayed called for a national dialogue in Sudan towards peaceful political transition. Last week, the councils vice chairman, Lt-Gen Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo visited Saudi Arabia and held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt are the main backers of Sudans military rulers. Protesters calling for a transition to democracy have warned against any intervention by the three regional allies. Sudans main protest group, the Sudanese Professionals Association, said on Sunday it had held its first meeting with the Saudi ambassador in Khartoum, calling on him to support a transition to civilian rule. According to the BBC, Saudi Arabia and UAE have already given Sudan $500m as part of a $3bn pledge to support the economy shortly after President Omar al-Bashir was ousted. Sudan is one of the leading contributors of troops to the four-year Saudi-led war in Yemen, where the kingdom and the UAE are fighting Iran-backed rebels. Al-Bashirs government, which touted its Islamist credentials on taking power in 1989, renounced ties with Iran when it joined the Gulf coalition in 2015. The military leaders have announced earlier this month that they have reached an agreement with the opposition alliance for a three-year transition period to a civilian administration. The agreement includes a parliament dominated by opposition groups. A cabinet will also be appointed by the opposition Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces. However, the two sides are at odds over the composition of a new joint civilian-military transitional council, with protesters calling for a civilian-majority council with a civilian leader and the generals demanding a military-led body. With hundreds of dolls lined on shelves, propped up on wooden stands in glass cases, it would be hard pressed to find anyone who quite loves Barbie more than Caroline Spencer. Thats because Spencer helped design Barbies clothes for 35-plus years. I fell in love with the Barbie doll when I first started as a designer at Mattel, Spencer, a Los Angeles resident of more than 50 years, told Yahoo Finance. I find myself thinking of her as my muse, the little gal that's on my shoulder. A myriad of Barbie dolls in Carol Spencer's collection. From 1963 to 1999, Spencer, 86, dressed Americas most famous model. Armed with faux fur, imitation leather, acrylic knits, and nylon tricot which was used to make parachutes in World War II Spencer created some of the U.S.s favorite fashionable toys, perhaps most notably Great Shape Barbie and Totally Hair Barbie. The former made it to the silver screen in Disney/Pixars Toy Story franchise. The latter is Mattels best-selling Barbie, with roughly $100 million in sales and over 10 million sold worldwide in its debut year of 1992. Today, a lot of people think you make a new fashion if you change a sleeve on a garment, so you pick this sleeve or that sleeve and you do this and that and so on, and you've got a whole new design, Spencer said. That's not designing, as far as I'm concerned. Designing is creating something from scratch, and not necessarily reusing or moving a pattern piece around to make a new design. Two of Mattel's best selling doll, Totally Hair barbie. THE JOURNEY TO BARBIE Dressed in a light pink jacket, a black turtleneck and a large gold bracelet with the Barbie logo in diamond studs, Spencer told Yahoo Finance she almost didnt get the designer job. The Texas native applied for the job back in 1962 when she was living in Milwaukee, but she never heard back. However, Spencer was in need of a change in setting. Instead of staying anchored to Wisconsin, she and her aunt got in her car and drove off to California. Her trip to the Golden State was not exactly smooth sailing. In the midst of an icy winter, she faced a flat tire in Amarillo, TX, two more in Alamogordo, N.M., and a hole in her muffler in the Green Mountains. But she kept on driving west. The radio on the trip spoke of an axe murderer who escaped from prison and was on the loose near Tucson, Ariz. But she kept driving west. Story continues Carol Spencer sits in her living room with her book, "Dressing Barbie". I said, Oh, I've got a hammer under the front seat. I'll take care of her! I wasn't going to stop for anybody, so I wasn't going to be afraid, but that was my answer, Spencer said. When she finally arrived in her future home of Los Angeles, Spencer once again faced another hurdle. The jobs she was applying for all told her she didnt have the California look. Then the California Apparel News posted a job with the same requirements from the previous Mattel job she was denied. When she applied for the job this time around, she got it. And so began a nearly 4-decade career dressing Americas favorite model. NEEDLE AND THREAD Walking into Mattels office was like walking into an Aerospace facility, Spencer told Yahoo Finance, because of all the security protecting the companys secrets. She worked inside a closed office with Charlotte Johnson, who ran the fashion department, and three other designers she competed with. Rows of fabrics lined the walls. Big tables for cutting and various machines filled the rest of the room. No one has everything in the line that they design, but I had a good share in the line, said Spencer. When it got to the basic dolls, we always had competition. It had to do with what was going to be unique, what was going to be advertisable, things like that. In the early years, Spencer would make 125 outfits and designs a year for Barbie, which would be sold through department stores, catalogs, or the average retailer. Mattel made it a priority for these designers to match reality as much as possible. They didnt want them to exaggerate and create big, fluffy doll clothing. 1950s Fashion taught her that the appropriate proportions for the Barbie was three heads to the waist. But Barbie and her image have been under fire for a good amount of the 21st century. A lack of diversity in color and size, including an exceptionally restricted 16-inch waist which Spencer insists she had in her early days of designing is not exactly representative of most people. For example in 2013, people protested the opening of the Barbie Dreamhouse Experience doll house in Berlin. Pictures of topless women with black paint on their bodies saying Life in Plastic is not Fantastic and burning crucified Barbies outside the hot pink doll mansion symbolized a demonstration against objectification. Frankly, I was designing for a doll that was a teenage fashion model, not necessarily a real live person, said Spencer. In some of our child tests, we found that no matter what the ethnicity, they look at the doll through a certain type of eye, and they see themselves in the doll. Possibly due to the backlash or possibly due to the fact that the company has struggled to generate the same revenues it did back in its heyday, Mattel responded to its lack of diversity and the question of body image in their Barbies with a whole wide range of dolls. Barbie welcomed plus-size models in 2016 and Hijab Barbie in 2017. Spencer, herself, had a hand in bringing into life multiple cultures of Barbie, including Indian, Italian, and Eskimo Barbie. As culture, as people started changing and the world was changing, we started putting out various ethnicities of Barbie. All of that went according to the sales. Let's face it, you don't put out a doll that nobody's going to buy. It has to do with the acceptance of the population. LIFE AFTER BARBIE Spencer likes to think back at Barbies story as BC and AC: Before Carol and After Carol. The toll from the 35-plus years took a toll on her hands. Last year, the now Westwood resident needed to renew her drivers license, but ran into a little trouble. A Barbie of Carol Spencer given to her from Mattel when she retired. The man behind the counter came over to me when he saw me trying to get the machine to work. He said, Did you work with your hands? I said, Oh yes, all my life. He said, Well, we found that to be a fact that your thumbprint is partially worn down, and it doesn't come through for a driver's license, she said. But Spencer does not regret one day working on Barbie. She even is happy to have worked in the days before automation and new retail technology took over in the AC era. To Spencer, barbie is a cultural icon born in the 1980s and born from her hands. We're all Barbie, said Spencer. No one's the same. None of us are the same. We're all different, and we all see things through different eyes. As a designer, I tried to make something that would be enjoyed by as many people as possible. WATCH MORE: 3D printing is about to reach the next level which is in 'true color' WATCH MORE: Classic arcade games are making a comeback Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit. England's Bronte Law sees her first US LPGA Tour title as the beginning of something much bigger. Law got off to a hot start with four birdies on the front nine then delivered the knockout blow with another birdie on 16 to win the Pure Silk tournament in Williamsburg, Virginia, by two strokes on Sunday. "Oh my gosh, that was the biggest fight of my life," said Law, who closed with a final round of four-under 67 for her wire-to-wire win. Law finished with a 17-under 267 total as she held off a hard-charging field that included Madelene Sagstrom, Brooke Henderson and Nasa Hataoka. The trio tied for second at 15-under on the Kingsmill Resort course. The 24-year-old Law, who is in her third season on the Tour, said this is just the start of her first place trophy collection. "I came in this week with the sole intention of getting one better. It feels really good," she said. Law got some breaks on Sunday -- including one where Sweden's Sagstrom almost holed out on 18 with an eagle but the ball hit the pin and cup and rolled back 20 feet. She finished with a par. But Law said hard work, not luck, got her to where she is. "I don't believe in destiny. I believe in hard work and determination. I stayed so focused out there and my caddie did good job of keeping me calm," she said. Law, who was an amateur standout in Britain, placed second in her most recent start at the Mediheal Championship earlier this month. "I struggled with my driver a little bit out there, and I really had to stay strong and just play to my advantages and just really try to find those fairways because I was hitting my irons really good," she said. "So as long as I found those fairways, I was going to create some chances, and I ended up doing that towards the end. It feels amazing." Sagstrom shot 66, Henderson 68 and Hataoka 69. Henderson shot a bogey free round but came up short. "To be that close to the leaderboard and know that you left some out there is a good thing," she said. "I think this was a good way to lead into the US Open next week." Sagstrom, 26, also enjoyed a bogey-free round that featured five birdies. Hataoka balanced out two bogeys with four birdies to shoot two under on the day. World No. 1 Ko Jin-Young of South Korea shot 68 and finished tied with four players at eight under. Defending champion and world No. 4 Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand, shot a disappointing 72 and finished tied for 43rd at four under. Ariya will be defending again next week at the US Women's Open in Charleston, South Carolina. Englishwoman Bronte Law hits her tee shot on the third hole during the final round of the Pure Silk tournament on Sunday COPYRIGHT NZCIVAIR All information and photographs used on this blog are copyright to NZCIVAIR. After serving for just 25 months as Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Sahara, Horst Kohler quitted his UN job for health reasons. His resignation raises the possibility of three scenarios. After replacing US Christopher Ross in April 2017 as Personal Envoy of the UN SG for the Sahara, Horst Kohler, a former German President, 76, developed his own method of managing the Sahara dossier. During the first 20 months following his appointment by Antonio Guterres, Mr. Kohler held separate meetings with the delegations of Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and Polisario in a bid to get an idea and work out a realistic solution that would definitely settle the long-time conflict created around the Sahara issue. By the end of 2018, he managed to relaunch dialogue, stalled for more than six years, by bringing together the parties to the conflict twice (December 2018 and March 2019) around the same table in Geneva. The third round table meeting, planned but whose date had not been fixed, will not finally take place. The sudden interruption of the Kohler process led Al Ahdath Al Maghribia daily to wonder about the future of the achievements made by the German UN envoy for the Sahara. According to the newspaper, three scenarios are possible. The first and worst case scenario would be a return to square one, botching up all what has been accomplished by Kohler, who seemed to have succeeded in confidence-building between the parties to the conflict. The second scenario would be that of continuity: Kohlers successor will build on what has been achieved so far in the UN process as the latest Security Council resolutions are based on the reports and the recommendations made by the outgoing personal envoy of the UNSG for the Sahara after his direct consultations with the parties to the conflict, mainly Morocco and Algeria. The UN resolutions describe Algiers as a stakeholder, and alternatively Polisario, while Mauritania is involved for its regional proximity. Among the other achievements he has achieved in 25 months of service, and that are recorded in the Security Council resolution of 30 April 2019, there is the prohibition of the buffer zone to the civil and military activities of the Polisario, and most importantly the shuttering of the separatists dream about a referendum and an independent State. According to the third scenario, the United States, which plays a key role in funding of UN peacekeepers and UN missions, could impose one of their diplomats as the office of the special envoy of the UNSG for the Sahara abides to the rule of rotation between Europe and the USA. Before Horst Kohler (representing Europe), two Americans James Baker and Christopher Ross served as envoys of the UN Secretary General for the Sahara. Analysts, however, predict a delay in appointing a successor of the former German president. A well-informed diplomatic source told le360 news portal that the next mediator will be a former foreign minister of one of the southern Mediterranean countries or Eastern Europe. Morocco has been approached by the UN Secretary General to find out whether the Kingdom has a preferred candidate to propose, the news portal cited the same source as adding. The departure of Kohler before expiry of his mandate might also lead to the implementation of the vision of US National security advisor John Bolton who wants to put an end quickly to the Sahara conflict. He had already succeeded in reducing the MINURSO mandate from one year to a six-month renewable period. One thing is certain: Morocco, Algeria and the Polisario have all expressed their deep regrets following the departure of Kohler. While it is easy to distinguish sincere regrets from pure diplomatic expressions, one thing must be acknowledged: Security Council Resolution 2468 of April 30, which sums the efforts and recommendations of Horst Kohler, dealt a hard blow to Algeria and its Polisario. The one that's happening right now Reply Thread Link bishhh pls. That's nothing compared to Parriscarriage... Reply Parent Thread Link You left out Kristmas in July, Kristen Stewart hooking up with Rupert Sanders. "Where's the ear?" That's more legendary than some leaked pics from Breaking Dawn. Reply Parent Thread Link that "hi rebecca" shit was funny as fuck Reply Thread Link it's so funny to me how people still quote it to this day. ONTD's version of Mean Girls lbr. Reply Parent Thread Link I quoted it today in the handwriting post! I hope that person is still a member and laughs whenever they see it mentioned. Reply Parent Thread Link lol yes Reply Parent Thread Link it's EVERYTHING and just goes on and on Reply Parent Thread Link Hi Rebecca is one of my favorite LJ moments ever. I love it. Every time I meet someone named Rebecca I'm like, "Hi, Rebecca, nice to meet you!" and I think quietly, "Did you forget I have a Livejournal?" Even better: I work with a Rebecca and every time I email her and open the email with "Hi Rebecca," you can guess where my mind goes, lol. Edited at 2016-07-18 03:06 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link I made an icon for it and am always worried that nobody will remember it! Reply Parent Thread Link I could lose hours to this post Reply Thread Link Kermit Bale is one I am particularly fond of and omfg that Eli Roth shit was wild. Reply Thread Link ParisCarriage was just...What a time to be alive. Reply Thread Link I had the worst internet connect back then and totally missed that post Reply Parent Thread Link I had been lurking for a long time but the whole Pariscarriage stuff is when I actually started commenting regularly so it holds a fond place in my heart. Reply Parent Thread Link I remember saving all the leaked phone numbers to my totally radical flip phone and then telling everyone at school I knew those people. I was ~known for my celebrity love and connections (or whatever you'd call it) so quite a few of them believed me. Reply Parent Thread Link I need to know... wtf is pariscarriage? Reply Parent Thread Link Paris Hilton had a storage unit somewhere and didn't pay the lease for it or whatever, so the contents were dumped, sold and posted online - it contained really personal things like prescriptions (most famously for Valtrex) and medical documents stating she had a miscarriage (read: abortion), and the ONTD posts were given the title of "Pariscarriage". there's even a tag! Reply Parent Thread Link Kermit Bale remains one of my favorite things of all time. Reply Thread Link a true classic Reply Parent Thread Link same! it was the post that made me want to join this site Reply Parent Thread Link Same. I can't believe it's been 8 years since that post. I've been on ONTD for nearly 10 years, oh god Reply Parent Thread Link the best post ever Reply Parent Thread Link Who would've thought she ended up being so cray cray? Reply Parent Thread Link ahhh the good ole days! There were some epic posts on ONTD Reply Thread Link the ADRIEN BRODY post still makes me LOL! oooh man there are *so many* posts where do i begin? Reply Thread Link what Adrien Brody post? Reply Parent Thread Link i think it's when Adrien got his ass washed by his (then idk) gf on a boat Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lmaooo that was such a fun good hearted thread too Reply Parent Thread Link The one with the duelling brodies was my fav Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lol "Bitches love castles!" omg that post made me love Adrien Brody, and I haven't even seen that many of his movies. Reply Parent Thread Link #1 was gold But I'm also sad we lost a bunch with the LJ suspensions of prolific posters like hawaii_bombay etc. Edited at 2016-07-18 04:11 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link ONTD got way to strict imho. but i understand it's for the copyright and tekedowns and legal issues and shit. i still remember the porn posts <3 Reply Parent Thread Link RIP Everyone Was Dad Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I mourn that shit every day. Reply Parent Thread Link I screenshotted part of that thread fwiw Reply Parent Thread Link let's pour one out Reply Parent Thread Link hawaii and isntdaveone were MAJOR classique post posters, I'm sad all of them are lost Reply Parent Thread Link H_B's wank posts were so funny imo. ONTD's queen! Reply Parent Thread Link yes I mourn the loss of the Ahmed Angel post Reply Parent Thread Expand Link This is going way back but wars between not_kosher and everyone else. I loved his posts. Also, I remember the first BIG ONTD POST and omg the posts were not as good as this lol. One was like WE FOUND A TRUE LIFE PERSON IN A PORN. But I can't remember what else was there and I am not going back to 200whatever to find it. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lj's suspension policy sucks Reply Parent Thread Link what happened to nappyxheadedxho? Reply Parent Thread Link god bless u OP <3 i hope ur post gains traction in the midst of 'this is what i came for 2k16' Reply Thread Link it was to prove that these are legendary posts. not the basic current ones. Reply Parent Thread Link aww, i was hoping that sex post was on here from a while back where ONTD shared their deepest darkest sex habits (mainly because I made it and it garnered my record of at least a thousand or more comments) Reply Thread Link RIP porn posts. i remember some people even posted nude selfies. Reply Parent Thread Link lol, this reminded me of that epic secrets post from 2013 where we learned that several commenters are unusually...close to their families. http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/80446187.html It should also be on this list - I believe that post is the origin of all the ONTD loves incest/cousin-fucking/mother's nephew jokes. "ONTD shared their deepest darkest sex habits"lol, this reminded me of that epic secrets post from 2013 where we learned that several commenters are unusually...close to their families.It should also be on this list - I believe that post is the origin of all the ONTD loves incest/cousin-fucking/mother's nephew jokes. Reply Parent Thread Link Omg I'm on my phone th but rmembr that post where one user posted a pic of her bfs diq asking ontd whether it was ~average or not but it was the first comment in a completely unrelated post (ie not a sex post at all.... ) and the pic was huge Lmaoo legendary Reply Parent Thread Link the memories Reply Thread Link Pariscarriage was the pure definition of legendary post. Shoutout to whoever bought the subscription and posted so we all could see what was on the site. Reply Thread Link What's pariacarriage? Guess I missed that one Reply Parent Thread Link http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/tag/pariscarriage Well.... we have a tag if you want to spent a good few hours. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Paris Hilton had a storage unit filled with pictures,videos,notes and documents. She hadnt paid the bill in like over 6 months. When you default like that the storage unit owners can sell your stuff. So they did and all the stuff that was found was uploaded tobthw Internet via a site called Paris Exposed. You would pay a one time fee and be able to see all the stuff. A member paid the fee and reposted all the stuff on the site. We saw the racist videos of Paris and her sister. Also saw a bunch of drug use including Nicole Richie doing coke. Tons of pics from Paris' lesbian flings. Letters Paris somehow got where the Johnson and Johnson heiress talked about a 13 year old Paris sleeping with her(the JJ heiress) much older bf. We found out Paris was bulimic and in recovery for it. The name ParisCarriage is bc we also found out sadly Paris had a miscarriage one year. Im sure I am forgetting some things bc it was so much. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Pariscarriage was what brought me to ONTD in the first place, it has a special place in my heart Reply Parent Thread Link i remember being on here for pariscarriage. good times. Reply Parent Thread Link The fact that I was a part of every single one of these posts makes me both proud and hate myself at the same time. Reply Thread Link lmao Reply Parent Thread Link that's terrifyingly accurate Reply Parent Thread Link I've been on here since '04, I can attest to this lol Reply Parent Thread Link Russian oil production continues to trend lower in May as exports via the Druzhba oil pipeline have been restricted due to a contamination issue, helping Russia to finally fall in line with the OPEC+ production cuts. Russias oil production averaged 11.126 million bpd between May 1 and 26, two industry sources told Reuters on Monday. This compares to average production of 11.147 million bpd between May 1 and 21, according to the sources. This month through May 26, exports of Russian oil via the pipelines of operator Transneft, including the Druzhba pipeline, were down 6 percent compared to April, the sources told Reuters. Between May 1 and 16, Russias oil production is said to have averaged 11.156 million bpd, which means that Moscow was finally below its quota under the production cut deal. As part of the OPEC+ production cuts between January and June, Russia is taking the lions share of the non-OPEC cuts and pledged to reduce production by 230,000 bpd from Octobers post-Soviet record level of 11.421 million bpd, to 11.191 million bpd. Last month, Russia halted supplies via the Druzhba oil pipeline to several European countries due to a contamination issue, which the Russians say was deliberate. Russian production has been curtailed because of the restricted exports via the Druzhba pipeline. Analysts and traders say the progress in restarting supply is very slow while costs could be very high, despite Russias assurances that clean oil will resume flowing through the pipeline westward to Europe in the second half of May. Last week, Russian oil flow via the Druzhba pipeline reached Slovakia, while Czech pipeline operator MERO told Reuters on Monday that oil from Russia restarted at noon local time today, with the crude being within-standards quality because it had already been in the pipeline before shipments were suspended. The now month-long suspension of Russian oil supply to several European countries comes as global supply outages mount with Venezuela and Iran, and with increasing supply disruption risks in Libya and the Middle East. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oil had its worst week of the year, and the plunge in prices have renewed concerns about the global economy, oil demand and a stubborn crude oil surplus. Oil fell along with everything else, as the gravity of the escalating U.S.-China trade war began to sink in. But there are cracks specific to the oil market that are becoming increasingly visible. On Wednesday, the EIA reported a surprise jump in crude oil and gasoline inventories, while production also increased. The latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) data is extremely bearish, Standard Chartered wrote in a note to clients. The investment bank has its own propriety bull-bear index, which offers a gauge on oil market sentiment and direction. The index read -100 this week, which indicates the weakest data in the past six years. The main reason why the EIA data was so negative was because inventories rose in all categories except residual fuel oil, resulting in a combined increase of 16.33 million barrels, Standard Chartered explained. Why such a negative result? [The latest release does raise the question as to whether (as in 2008-09) the extreme reading reflects an economy close to or past a tipping point, or if it reflects an oversupplied global market, or if it is simply down to data quality, Standard Chartered wrote. It is too early to be conclusive, but we think the latest data is so extreme as to raise issues in all three categories. Adding to the meltdown was likely a shift out of net-long positions by speculators. This is a very flows-driven market right now, Scott Shelton, a broker at ICAP PLC, told the Wall Street Journal. After a series of supply outages and tension in the Middle East, oil failed to break higher, likely leading to a shift in sentiment. You just threw everything bullish you basically could at the market, and nothing happened. Related: The Silver Lining Of An Oil Price Crash Not everyone is so down. The poor figures from the EIA have a lot to do with unique factors within the U.S., such as rising shale production at a time when pipeline bottlenecks persist, Commerzbank argued in a report. Moreover, the sudden bearish turn in the oil market likely increases the odds that OPEC+ rolls over the production cuts for the remainder of 2019. [T]he further rising US stocks could make Saudi Arabia even more reluctant to step up production, Commerzbank wrote. We therefore see the current price weakness as temporary. The chief executive of ConocoPhillips framed the turmoil as the latest bust in a boom-bust cycle. If we see $80 we kind of tell people: Be prepared, you might see $40 or $50 on the back end, Conocos Ryan Lance told the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators, according to Bloomberg. Cycles are getting shorter, the peaks and troughs are getting significant. But the fear is that the global economy is starting to deteriorate, which would drag down demand. Bloomberg reports that Chinas teapot refiners are cutting back on processing as they suffer from a growing glut of gasoline. The buildup in inventories is likely the result of flagging demand, perhaps a sign that the trade war is hitting the Chinese economy. The U.S. economy has held up better. GDP grew strongly in the first quarter and unemployment is at historic lows. But plenty of cracks are visible. Farmers are in crisis, with debt ballooning and prices for soybeans and corn at multi-year lows. Manufacturing data in May shows some of the weakest data in a decade. Related: How Trump And Xi Killed The Oil Rally In a speech this week, U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell expressed concerns about rising corporate debt. [I]f a downturn were to arrive unexpectedly, some firms would face challenges. Not only is the volume of debt high, but recent growth has also been concentrated in the riskier forms of debt, Powell said. He also said there are parallels to the subprime mortgage crisis from the 2000s although he went to lengths to argue why the current economy is stronger than it was a decade ago. Nevertheless, weaker economic growth would almost certainly lead to lower crude oil demand. The IEA said this month that global oil demand grew by 640,000 bpd in the first quarter year-on-year, a sharp downward revision from its previous estimate of a 1-million-barrel-per-day increase. The lower-than-expected growth rate translated into a 0.7 mb/d surplus in the first quarter, a larger glut than expected. The IEA only slightly lowered its full-year demand forecast, arguing that demand should pick up in the second half of the year. However, all of that now seems questionable, given the escalating trade war and the global selloff in equities, and clear signs of a slowdown. By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Pentagon has accused Irans Revolutionary Guard of sabotaging four vessels at the Emirati port of Fujairah that media reported earlier this month, and the reports pushed oil prices higher. The attack against the shipping in Fujairah we attribute it to the IRGC, said Rear Admiral Michael Gilday, as quoted by Reuters, adding that the attacks were carried out through limpet mines attached to the hulls of the vessels. The official refrained from explanations how the mines were delivered. The first media that reported the attacks at Fujairah were Iranian and Lebanese. Later, Saudi Arabia reported sabotage on two of its vessels although neither Riyadh, nor the UAE made any guesses about the perpetrators. Iran, for its part, condemned the attacks and called for an investigation into the event. The attacks followed a warning issued by the United States to ships in the Persian Gulf regarding possible attacks by Iran or its proxies on vessels in the area. The warning came as a U.S. aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers are traveling to the Gulf in a pre-emptive response to a possible Iranian move in the region after Tehran once again said it would close the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. tries to squeeze its oil exports further. Now, the Pentagon announcement came on the same day that President Trump said he will send 1,500 more troops to the Middle East to play a mostly protective role. "We are going to be sending a relatively small number of troops, mostly protective, Trump said as quoted by Fox News. "Some very talented people are going to the Middle East right now and we'll see what happens." Meanwhile, Washington designated the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization as part of its efforts to apply increasing pressure on Iran. Commenting on the designation, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said This designation is a direct response to an outlaw regime and should surprise no one. The IRGC masquerades as a legitimate military organization, but none of us should be fooled. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Algeria will not allow French Total to acquire Anadarkos assets in the North African country, Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab told media on Sunday, as quoted by Reuters. The deal for the acquisitionvalued at US$8.8 billionwas made by Total and Occidental petroleum during the bidding war with Chevron for Anadarko. The deal was contingent on Oxy winning that war, which it did in early May. However, Algerias government had not been consulted on the matter and is now ready to exercise its pre-emption right, according to Arkab. Our ministry has contacted Anadarko to get explanations on this information, but so far we got no answer, he said. It means there is no contract between Total and Anadarko ...We have good relations with Anadarko and we will do the utmost to preserve Algerias interests, including using our pre-emption right to block the sale. Total already has a presence in Algeria and last year it signed a series of new agreements with Algerias Sonatrach for the development of new fields. However, as Reuters points out, Algerian-French relations are not the friendliest after the bloody independence war in Algeria from the 1950s. For Total, however, the acquisition of Anadarkos portfolio in Algeria, which totals some 260,000 bpd, is a perfect fit with its priorities, CEO Patrick Pouyanne said earlier this month. Related: Tainted Russian Oil Crisis May Drag On For Months What we tell to investors is we play to our strengths. What are the strengths of Total? It is the Middle East, Africa, North Sea, Deep Water. ... It is just fitting exactly and perfectly with what we announced, Pouyanne said commenting on the deal with Occidental. In fact...we have been looking at these assets more than a year. We have had some discussions before with Anadarko. It was not a lot of creativity to fix that these assets are not very well fitting for upstream and that there was a potential match between Oxy and Total. The share in Algerian production that the Anadarko assets account for is more than a quarter: Algeria pumps about a million barrels daily. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: One of the big OPEC producers, Kuwait, expects the oil market to rebalance toward the end of this year on the back of declining inventories and healthy oil demand, Kuwaits Oil Minister Khaled al-Fadhel told Reuters on Monday. OPEC is on the right track on its mission to draw down swelled inventories, but the work is not yet done, said the oil minister of Kuwait, which currently pumps around 2.7 million bpd and is the cartels fourth-largest producer behind Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). But we still have some more work to do. I believe the market is expected to be balanced during the 2nd half of 2019, more towards the end of the year, al-Fadhel told Reuters in written replies to questions. However, its too early to say if OPEC and its allies will decide to extend next month their production cut agreement through the whole of 2019 because there are many uncertainties both on the demand and supply side, the minister said. The demand-side uncertainties include the U.S.-China trade dispute and its impact on the global economy and oil demand growth. On the supply side, U.S. production continues to increase, but fears of more supply outages from Iran and Venezuela, along with the instability in Libya, clouds the outlook for the oil market balance in the near term, al-Fadhel told Reuters. All options are on the table, the minister said in response to a question if OPEC and its allies could decide at the meeting next month to increase production in the second half of 2019. Related: This Oilfield Service Player Is Looking To Make A Comeback Reports have it that OPEC and its partners may decide to keep the production cuts until the end of the year as the cartel fears a steep price drop if cuts were to be reversed within the next couple of months, according to delegates at a panel meeting of the extended producers club who spoke to The Wall Street Journal. Saudi Arabias Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih told Reuters last week that he doesnt see an oil supply shortage on the market currently. OPEC will be responsive to the market needs, al-Falih said, but reiterated that data still suggests that inventories are rising, especially in the United States. The EIAs latest inventory report showed last week a crude oil inventory build of 4.7 million barrels in the week to May 17, sending oil prices lower. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Morocco is taking part as guest of honor at Chinas 5th International Big Data Industry Expo, which kicked off on Sunday, May 26, under the theme Data creates value, innovation drives the future. The international event to run through Wednesday, May 29, in the capital of Guizhou province, Guiyang, Southwestern China, is the first national-level Expo on big data worldwide. Morocco is represented at the event by Deputy Speaker of the House of Councilors, Abdelhamid Souiri, and Director General of the Digital Development Agency, Mohamed Idrissi Meliani. In a speech at the opening ceremony, Souiri commended the choice of Morocco as guest of honor of this international event, highlighting that the latest visit by King Mohammed VI to China in 2016 has paved the way for bilateral relations to evolve towards a global strategic partnership. He added that the visit opened up prospects for stronger political relations and cooperation between Rabat and Beijing, which will help create potential job opportunities in the future. Souiri recalled the memorandum of understanding Morocco and China signed in November 2017, regarding Chinas Silk Road initiative, which, he said, marked a turning point for both countries. Since its launch in 2015, the Big Data Expo has seen four successful runs. In 2017, it was officially upgraded to a national expo. Specialized and market-oriented, the worlds first big data-themed expo has become a trendsetter of global big data industries and the most authoritative and international industry-sharing platform. The annual exhibition has steadily expanded since the first edition five years ago with increasing numbers in exhibitors and visitors. This years event boasts 195 foreign exhibitors compared to 59 last year and is expected to attract 100,000 visitors. Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo says policy implementation was a major problem hindering Nigerias growth and development. Obasanjo said this in Ibadan on Saturday at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). He said: Our problem in this country has always been that of implementation. The 25-year Oyo State Government Agriculture Policy Framework presented is a good thing. We have formulated several policies in the past that suffered implementation. I hope your successor will implement it. Obasanjo added that technology, finance and human resources were challenges facing agricultural development. He added, If you go into agriculture you may not be rich like Dangote, but you will be satisfied and comfortable. You will be comfortable because you are close to nature. Every individual is a stakeholder in the agriculture value-chain. If you are not a farmer, then you must be a consumer. If you are not a farmer, you can encourage a farmer. Senate Presidency aspirant, Senator Ahmed Lawan, has defended the N13.5 million monthly salary being paid to each of the 109 senators in the country, saying that the major component of the amount was for oversight assignment allowances. Lawan, who has the endorsement of the Presidency and the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to become the President of the 9th Senate, spoke to journalists in Abuja, yesterday, maintaining that there would be no reduction of the amount if he becomes the next Senate President. The lawmaker also reflected on Fridays Supreme Court judgment which sacked three APC senators-elect from Zamfara State, describing it as a setback. That notwithstanding, Lawan pointed out that the APC was still in the lead in the Senate with 62 members, having lost three to the PDP, which now boasts of 44 members in the upper chamber of the NASS. According to him, there is nothing like jumbo pay for senators since each of them goes home with about N1 million a month and allowances for oversight functions, some of them outside the country. The Yobe representative, who remains the longest-serving lawmaker from the North in the Senate so far, also described himself as a Buhari man, who would always support all good policies and programmes initiated by the administration for the overall good of Nigerians. Lawan said: I wont deny it; I am a Buhari man and supporter. But that does not mean that I would be a rubber stamp to him or his policies if I become the Senate President. My support for him should not be misconstrued to mean that I would be a rubber stamp to him or his policies. But it must also be noted that I dont belong to the school of thought of using lawmakers to fight the government. For me, I recognize the fact that we must work together by agreeing and sometimes disagreeing to make things work better for all Nigerians. No fewer than 140 members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) have been remanded by an Enugu East Magistrates Court presided over by Magistrate A. N. Chioke. The defendants, who were brought to the court in four were said to have conspired to commit treasonable felony. They were however, arraigned outside the court for about two hours as the court room could not accommodate them. The offence was said to be punishable under Sect. 516 (A) of the Criminal Code CAP C38, Laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004 as applicable in Enugu State. When the charge was read, the defendants pleaded not guilty. One of the defense counsels, Osita Abalu, applied for their bail on the grounds that there was no evidence to back up the charge. Mr Abalu said the prosecution had failed to provide probable cause why the defendants should be remanded in court in line with Sect. 234 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJL) of Enugu State, 2017. He urged the court to exercise its powers under Section 225 of the same law and grant bail to the defendants. Mr Abalu said though the offence for which the defendants were charged was punishable with life imprisonment, Section 88 of the ACJL, the Magistrates Court was qualified to grant bail. He also urged the court to order the release of the four buses conveying the defendants to the venue of the burial. Counsel to the 107 defendants, F.C. Okeke, told the court that it was ridiculous for the prosecution to claim that the defendants attempted to overthrow President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr Okeke said the defendants were arrested on their way to a burial and wondered how that could translate to over throwing the government. President Muhammadu Buhari is in Abuja, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is in Enugu while the defendants were arrested in Nsukka, he said. The counsel described the charge as trumped-up and meant to deny the defendants of their fundamental rights. Mr Okeke said the prosecution deliberately brought the matter to the Magistrates Court just to punish them. An accused person cannot be brought to a court when such court has no jurisdiction to entertain the matter just to punish them. That is the essence of the ACJL of Enugu State. The law does not want an innocent soul to suffer. The defendants were arrested with no evidence; not even a razor blade. They were going to a burial, he said. Mr Okeke urged the court to grant them bail in the most lenient means. However, the prosecution counsel, Paschal Nwachukwu, urged the court to discountenance the bail application. Mr Nwachukwu said the law empowered prosecutors to bring defendants to a magistrate for remand. He said a court could not grant bail in a matter it had no jurisdiction. In her ruling, Mrs Chioke declined jurisdiction in the case and remanded the defendants in Enugu Prisons and urged the defense team to make application in the appropriate court. The magistrate ordered the release of the four vehicles to their owners on bond and on the provision of proof of ownership and particulars. The charge the defendants are remanded for is treasonable but the prosecution did not list any exhibit of weapon of warfare against them. The only document against them before the court is the charge sheet. This looks to me like a trumped up charge, Mrs Chioke said. Post Views: 119 More than 600 people, most of them children, have tested HIV positive in a city in the southern Sindh province of Pakistan. Concern grew after hundreds of people were allegedly infected by a doctor using a contaminated syringe in Rato Dero city and surrounding villages of Larkana district. Some 681 people, of which 537 were children from two to 12 years of age, had been tested positive for HIV until yesterday in Rato Dero, special health advisor Zafar Mirza told a press conference in Islamabad. He said 21,375 people had been screened in Rato Dero, adding that the increase in the number of patients testing positive for HIV was a matter of grave concern for the government. One cause being investigated by Pakistani authorities is the use of unsafe syringes on patients. Mirza said: Initial investigations reveal that used syringes are being re-packed, which may not only grow significantly the number of HIV cases but also other diseases. The federal government is providing 50,000 HIV screening kits to Sindh. Provincial health officials have also noted that patients are at particular risk of contracting diseases or viruses at these clinics, where injections are often pushed as a primary treatment option. The government will get to the bottom of the outbreak and fully assist the provincial government to provide treatment to all patients, Mirza said, adding that a team of experts from the World Health Organization was also scheduled to arrive soon to assist Pakistani authorities in ascertaining the cause of the HIV virus in the area. Prime Minister Imran Khan is going to unveil drastic measures to prevent the disease once we ascertain the cause of the spread of disease, he said. Parents in the area fear their childrens futures have been irreparably harmed after contracting HIV, especially in a country whose masses of rural poor have little understanding of the disease or access to treatment. Nisar Ahmed, the father of one of the affected baby girls aged just one, told AFP: We are told to go to Larkana for medicine. I curse the doctor who has spread this disease to every child. Four of the children of my village have already been diagnosed HIV positive. Pakistan was long considered a low prevalence country for HIV, but the disease is expanding at an alarming rate, particularly among intravenous drug users and sex workers. With about 20,000 new HIV infections reported in 2017 alone, Pakistan currently has the second fastest growing HIV rates across Asia, according to the UN. According to some government reports, around 600,000 quack doctors are operating across the country and around 270,000 are practising in the province of Sindh, according to UNAIDS. Pakistans surging population also suffers the additional burden of having insufficient access to quality healthcare following decades of under-investment by the state, leaving impoverished, rural communities especially vulnerable to unqualified medical practitioners. AFP Post Views: 100 See the full list of Castle Connollys Top Doctors at castleconnolly.com Photo: New York Magazine Frequently asked questions about how the doctors are chosen. Who picks the doctors? A New York City research and information company, Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a subsidiary of Everyday Health Group, publishes an annual database, Top Doctors: New York Metro Area, which lists those whom Castle Connolly has determined to be in the top 10 percent of the regions physicians nearly 6,000 in all. For the past 21 years, Castle Connolly has been providing New York with a shorter version of this list for the magazines Best Doctors issue. Space prohibits New York from publishing the full list; this year, the doctors on our list number 1,390. How does Castle Connolly decide which doctors are the best? The firm conducts a peer-review survey. The idea is that medical professionals are best qualified to judge other medical professionals, and if one recommendation is good (think of your doctor referring you to a specialist), multiple recommendations are better. Licensed physicians vote online (castleconnolly.com/nominations) for those doctors they view as exceptional. Participating physicians are asked to nominate those doctors who, in their judgment, are the best in their field and related fields, taking into account not only professional qualifications and reputation (education, residency, board certification, hospital appointment, and disciplinary record, for example) but also skills in dealing with patients (listening and communicating effectively, demonstrating empathy, instilling trust and confidence). Doctors cannot nominate themselves, and all nominations are confidential. The Castle Connolly physician-led research team then tabulates the results and vets the nominee pool, confirming the doctors board certifications and licensing and investigating their disciplinary histories. Are the results adjusted at all? Yes. The list is first adjusted for geographic balance. Because both Castle Connollys database and the list New York Magazine publishes are meant to help patients find doctors in their communities, Castle Connolly includes at least some top doctors from each relevant geographic area. On the one hand, this makes the list useful to the greatest possible number of New York Magazine readers; on the other hand, as a result of the concentration of excellent doctors in Manhattan, it forces some Manhattan doctors off the list. Second, Castle Connolly strives for balance across specialties. Top doctors in popular specialties, therefore, might be left off in favor of a few in less-populated fields. Keep in mind, though, that all the doctors listed, regardless of location or specialty, are included because they came highly recommended by their peers and that all were thoroughly screened by Castle Connolly. My doctor says he was left out last year because of politics. Could that be true? To the extent that politics can enter into any peer-review process, it is possible that a given nominator had concerns other than an objective assessment of his peers skills when filling out his ballot. But Castle Connolly doesnt play favorites in its selection process, and the large number of nominators tends to correct for any individuals ulterior motives. If my doctor is not on the list, does that mean she is not a great doctor? No. The selection of doctors by peer review and the compilation of a list that considers diversity of specialties and geography inevitably leaves out many outstanding doctors. Dont the same doctors get nominated every year? Many doctors do, but there are many new doctors on the list each year, too. Because established, well-known doctors are exactly that established and well-known the list may favor that kind of physician. That may mean fewer new choices each year, but it also means the list is inherently conservative. Given the importance of choosing a doctor, Castle Connolly and New York Magazine view that as a healthy bias. One of my doctors was on last years list and isnt on this years. What does that mean? It doesnt necessarily mean anything; it certainly shouldnt be taken as proof of a drop-off in the doctors effectiveness. Getting on the list once doesnt guarantee a doctor a lock on a position; the selection process begins anew every year. Students of the Benin Technical College (BTC), Benin, Edo State, and members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), on Sunday rescued a pastor of the church who was abducted by a three-man kidnap gang. It was gathered that the suspects who specialised in robbing residents and unsuspecting worshipers on a daily basis, swooped on the community as early as 7.30 am and kidnapped the pastor, simply identified as Pastor Ayo in charge of Ologbosere Parish, in Egor Local Government Area of the State A resident of the area who craved anonymity, said the BTC community has been under siege of hoodlums who terrorised members of the several churches in the area. He said that the suspects had earlier snatched a Toyota Camry car from its owner, but later abandoned it behind Church of God Mission International (CGMi), in the area. According to eyewitnesses, the hoodlums later proceeded to the Redeemed Christian Church God (RCCG), where they dispossessed worshippers of their money, phones, and other valuables and abducted the pastor, and whisked him away in his Nissan Xtera SUV with registration Number, LAGOS: EKY 353 CA. ALSO READ: N2bn alleged money laundry: Court orders arrest of ex-Gov Babangida Aliyu, Nasir Nasko Luck, however, ran out of the three-man gang when the youths, the vigilante men and some of the worshippers gave them a hot chase, resulting in the rescue of the RCCG pastor and the arrest of his abductors. Leader of the vigilante group who asked not to be named, said it took the timely intervention of the community youths, worshippers who chased the hoodlums until they abandon the pastors vehicle and the pastor. He added that the hoodlums terrorizing the community are notorious for snatching cars at various churches during church service. Items allegedly recovered from the suspects include two double barrel-cut-to size guns, a Camry car and the Nissan SUV belonging to the RCCG Pastor. Effort to reach the RCCG pastor was unsuccessful as he was said to be receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital following injuries sustained during the kidnap attempt. It was gathered that the timely intervention of the Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Mohammed DanMallam, saved the suspects from being lynched by angry youths in the community. By Chioma Obinagwam The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has warned that the country might slide back to recession except urgent measures are taken to address the high rate of unemployment. Emefiele disclosed while delivering a lecture titled: Beyond the Global Financial Crisis: Monetary Policy under Global Uncertainty, at the University of Benin, Benin, Edo State recently. He noted that although the country had made progress in the year under review, more efforts must be made to reduce the countrys unemployment rate. He added that urgent measures are required to avert looming economic crisis and in particular Nigeria must get prepared for the next global economic crisis. Emefiele stated, From some of my concluding remarks, you may have observed, whether you like it or not, there is global uncertainty that will, unfortunately, most certainly lead to another crisis. The question could be, how are we as Nigerians, particularly our leaders, I am talking of monetary and fiscal policy authorities, how are we preparing our country for the next crisis? We have luckily exited recession; we have seen recession pending downward to about 18.72 per cent in 2017 to about 11. 37 per cent today. We have seen the reserve moving up but unfortunately we still have issues and those issues border on the unemployment rate and those issues border on how we prepare our country, he said. While enumerating efforts being made by the apex bank (CBN) to stabilise the nations economy, Emefiele said the introduction of the investors and exporters window had helped in shoring up the countrys external reserves. He said the turnover in the I&E FX Window had reached over $48 billion since the inception of the window and that the nations foreign exchange (Forex) reserve had risen to $45 billion in April 2019 from $23 billion in October 2016. The CBN governor added that Nigerias current stock of external reserves was able to finance nine months of current import commitments. He said with the improved availability of Forex, the exchange rate at I&E FX Window had remained stable over the past 24 months at an average of N360/$, and the parallel market exchange rate had appreciated from N525/$ in February 2017 to N360/$ today. After five consecutive quarters of negative growth beginning in the 1st quarter of 2016, a coordinated approach by the fiscal and monetary authorities supported a rebound in the nations economy during the second quarter of 2017. The recovery has been driven largely by improved non-oil activities especially the agriculture sector which expanded consistently by about 3.5 per cent to 4.3 per cent reflecting governments efforts at diversifying the economy, he added. In the same vein, Emefiele was quoted in a statement from the CBN as seeking economic patriotism and urging stakeholders in the public and private sectors to look inwards in developing the Nigerian economy. Emefiele charged Nigerians to think of what they could do to improve the fortunes of the economy, rather than what they could benefit from the economy. The CBN governor noted that there was huge potential within the Nigerian economy to make it as developed as other countries, which were its peers at independence but had gone ahead to become more developed. He added that the lecture was part of the banks efforts at promoting research and collaboration with universities, towards developing policies and programmes that would enhance the economic well-being of all Nigerians. He highlighted how the crisis had helped to reshape monetary policy tools used by Central Banks to address dips in their economies. He said, The 60 per cent drop in crude oil prices between 2014 2016 along with normalisation of monetary policy by the United States Federal Reserve Bank in 2014, imposed severe constraints on the Nigerian economy, given our reliance on crude oil for over 90 per cent of our export earnings and 60 per cent of government revenue. Figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that Nigerias unemployment rate rose to 23.1 percent as at third quarter (Q3) 2018 from the 18.8 percent where it stood in Q3, 2017. More so, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, at a workshop in Abuja, recently stated Nigerias unemployment rate is expected to raise to 33.5 percent in the year 2020 (next year). Nevertheless, as a way of tackling the rising unemployment rate, the CBN, under the aegis of the Bankers Committee had recently announced its intervention in the creative industry which is expected to create about 300,000 jobs over the next five years. Mr. Robert Azibaola The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday dismissed money laundering charges involving the sum of $40m preferred against a cousin of former President Goodluck Jonathan , Mr. Robert Azibaola. Azibaola and his company, One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited were charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission with money laundering offences for allegedly receiving the sum of $40m from the Office of the then National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, in September 2014 for the supply of tactical communication equipment, a job the prosecution alleged was not done. But delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba discharged and acquitted Azibaola and his company, as he held that there were many doubts raised in the prosecutions case which were not investigated and cleared. The doubts are bound to be resolved in favour of the defendants, the judge held. Dismissing the remaining two counts after seven of the nine counts originally filed by the prosecution were struck out by the court in March last year, the judge held on Monday that the prosecution failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. The judge held that the prosecution failed to debunk the explanation offered by the defence. The court held that the prosecution failed to puncture the defences explanation that the description of the payment of the $40m by the ONSA as supply of tactical communication equipment was a disguise for the real purpose of the money as it was the usual practice in security management. According to the judge, the defence in the course of the trial adduced oral and documentary evidence that the money was actually meant to be paid to Niger Delta militants who were in the business of oil bunkering in other to achieve peace in the region and boost oil revenue in the country. The judge noted that the defence, not only provided evidence that the defendants actually paid the militants, one of whom testified that he received payment from the defendants, and had since left the oil bunkering business, vouchers were also tendered to show that other groups were paid. He held that the prosecution failed to call material witness such as Dasuki, who is publicly known to be in the custody of the state, or officials of ONSA while Dasuki held sway, to debunk the claim by the defence. He noted that neither was Dasuki interviewed nor charged alongside the defendants. Earlier on March 29, 2018, Justice Dimgba had upheld the defendants no-case submission, by striking out the name of Azibaolas wife, Stella, along with seven out of the nine counts originally filed by the prosecution. The judge, in exonerating Azibaola, and striking out the seven counts, held that there no sufficient evidence to sustain the seven counts. Joe Biden in Iowa, where hes been less visible than his fellow Democratic candidates. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images Theres little question that, at this point in the 2020 Democratic primary, Joe Biden is the favorite to win the partys nomination. The polls show it, the betting markets confirm it, and four weeks after he made his bid official, Bidens campaign is acting like it. One illustration of that: the former vice-president is doing far fewer public events than most of his competitors in the crowded Democratic field. Thats especially evident this holiday weekend, when Elizabeth Warren is getting coffee with voters, Bernie Sanders is hitting up Memorial Day cookouts, and Kirsten Gillibrand is making 11 public appearances in Iowa the same number of events Biden has held since launching his campaign. But this makes sense for Biden, his team tells the Washington Post, because he simply doesnt have to work as hard: The light public schedule reflects the unique position of his campaign, advisers say: With near universal name recognition and high favorability ratings among Democrats, the former vice president does not need to introduce himself to voters like nearly every other candidate. And as the leader in early polls, he can attract media attention without splashy events. So whats Biden doing instead? Advisers say hes working on vital but less public activities, including fundraising, one-on-one calls, policy development, and the building of a campaign infrastructure. Hes also attending private fundraisers. Last week, he attended two but didnt hold any public events, according U.S. News and World Report. Those tasks are keeping him so busy that in the coming weeks hell miss MoveOns Big Ideas forum, the California Democratic Party convention, the Iowa Democratic Party dinner, and South Carolinas Black Economic Alliance presidential forum. Any TV town halls coming up? Nope. Bidens deputy campaign manager, Kate Bedingfield, defended the candidates schedule. I dont think any voter or any activist will have any questions about where Joe Biden stands on any issue, she told the Post, noting that Biden spends up to an hour on the rope line with voters after events. His schedule is and will be driven by him talking on his own terms about his policy positions and his vision for the country. There could, of course, be more to this strategy. Biden has, in his first month on the campaign trail, managed to avoid any major gaffes no small achievement for a guy with his reputation. As the Times reported earlier this month, the gaffe avoidance is partially because Biden is closely guarded by aides at his events and hes leaned away from allowing voters to directly ask him questions. Another potential upside, as Democratic strategist Rebecca Katz told the Post, is that hiding from voters will allow them to continue to idealize Biden, be it as the affable Uncle Joe, the Trans Amwashing Onion parody, or the Obama buddy. The more people see him live in 2019, the more they realize he might not be the guy they remember from 2008, Katz said. But there are potential downsides here too. Among them are the risk that voters on the ground in Iowa and New Hampshire wont get to know Biden like theyre getting to know Warren, Sanders, Kamala Harris, and Beto ORourke. Another is that the nickname Donald Trump has been workshopping for Biden might actually stick. Looks like Bernie Sanders is history. Sleepy Joe Biden is pulling ahead and think about it, Im only here because of Sleepy Joe and the man who took him off the 1% trash heap, President O! China wants Sleepy Joe BADLY! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 20, 2019 Precio del Brent To get the BRENT oil price, please enable Javascript. Precio del WTI To get the oil price, please enable Javascript. Dolar USA Vs Euro Paginas vistas en total Lo volvio a hacer Capitalismo=embuste Historico Bitcoin La bateria mas grande de Holanda El futuro es solar Nec plus ultra, nec variatur Fisica y culturalmente Jamas nos callaran Sin ellas, no seremos Deja vu Nada que celebrar Hasta cuando? Colombia Hoy Para nunca olvidar 'Parasite' painted on a statue of Queen, Elizabeth in Kent, England Sin palabras La UE le apunta a la paz Cada vez mas solo Precio del Oro To get the gold price, please enable Javascript. LULA y su Pueblo Bye Bye Homenaje al genial Quino Fueron ellos Una imagen que resume Tan bajo ha caido que se deja tocar el trasero? 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Por culpa de Chavez Cerveza Polar Algun dia Colombia volvera a la ideologia de Bolivar Translate LOS REVOLUCIONARIOS NO TOMAN CACA-COLA No se trata solamente de un capricho, sino de una sana actitud en todos los sentidos. Desde la solidaridad con el pueblo colombiano donde la empresa Caca-Cola ha cometido los mas grandes abusos contra sus trabajadores incluyendo el presunto secuestro y asesinato de los dirigentes del sindicato, hasta la proteccion de la salud de nuestros hijos, enviciados por ese jarabe de cola y azucar, que les produce obesidad prematura. Pensemos tambien los revolucionarios, que ese dinero que gastamos en los refrescos es utilizado por esas empresas para financiar el terrorismo en nuestro pais. Es cierto, no se trata solo de la Caca-Cola, sino tambien de la cerveza, de los cigarrillos y todos esos articulos innecesarios y mas que eso, daninos para nuestra salud. Podriamos incluso pensar en un dia de parada para cada uno de ellos. Es cuestion de irnos organizando. Pero para empezar, que tal si dejamos de comprar Caca-Cola y sus similares? Cuando lo extraordinario se vuelve cotidiano... Discurso del Acto de Grado en Barinas en 12 de Febrero del 2005 Queridos Graduandos: Mas que un discurso, quiero dirigirles algunas palabras que escribi anoche, despues de visitar en las clinicas, a los estudiantes heridos, a consecuencia de los enfrentamientos con la policia de hace apenas dos dias. Me ha tocado por razones del destino, ser la persona que les otorgue el titulo que bien merecieron con sus estudios. Y me siento sumamente orgulloso de serlo. Me consta que la Universidad de Los Llanos Occidentales Ezequiel Zamora, a pesar de lo dicho por los enemigos de esta universidad, es una universidad de primera. No tendremos la mejor planta fisica, en los salones hace calor. En el comedor hace calor. Pero no es en lo material que las cosas deben valorarse. El mayor capital es el ser humano. Y en eso, nuestra UNELLEZ, lo digo con conocimiento de causa, esta sobrada. Los llaneros venezolanos son nobles, valientes, de coraje. En la UNELLEZ hacen vida, en este momento, aproximadamente 67000 personas. El 97% de ellas son estudiantes. Jovenes que, como Ustedes hasta el dia de hoy, buscan ese titulo, que constata los anos de dedicacion y de estudio. Los jovenes son el rio de la vida, ustedes graduados deben ser los capitanes de esos barcos que naveguen por el rio de la vida. Nuestra Patria atraviesa momentos muy dificiles porque decidio dejar de ser esa matrona de edad vetusta y complaciente, para ser joven, rebelde y altanera. Nuestra imagen ya no es la de una acaudalada ricachona mayamera. En nuestro rostro brilla ahora la sonrisa del Che Guevara, con su diente delantero torcido, su pelo largo y su boina con la estrella. Entender esto, a mi me ha tomado practicamente toda la vida. Tengo 53 anos, y ya perdi mi oportunidad de derramar sangre joven a causa de un ideal. Ustedes son jovenes, estan en la flor de la vida. No cometan por favor el error de renunciar a su instinto de rebelion. El Che Guevara fue Ministro de a Economia en Cuba. Los billetes y las monedas se adornaban con su rostro. Nada de eso le importo. Primero fue a Angola donde paso un penoso ano de combate. Despues se fue a Bolivia, donde encontro la muerte. El Che era el ultimo que comia, el que cargaba la mochila mas pesada. Siempre se sacrificaba por los demas en un estoicismo que mas parecia fervor religioso que ideologia marxista. Si quieren un modelo de vida. Ahi lo tienen. Dije hace unos momentos que el 97% de la poblacion de la UNELLEZ es estudiante. Se imaginan Ustedes la Universidad que podriamos tener si todos los estudiantes tuvieran la abnegacion, la combatividad del Che? Los momentos que se avecinan van a requerir de una gran unidad del pueblo venezolano. La alternativa de continuar siendo libres o regresar a la pobreza se nos planteara en los proximos dias de forma enmascarada, o quizas peor, desenmascarada, vestida con uniforme de soldado del Imperio. Por nuestra parte podemos esperar lo mejor. La macroeconomia no podria ir mejor, la justicia social ha mejorado notablemente. Las misiones ocupan un papel muy importante en el pago de dicha justicia social. Aqui en Barinas ya hemos cumplido con dos de las misiones, la mision Robinson y la mision Sucre. No hay analfabetismo y no hay exclusion en la educacion superior, en estas tierras de Zamora. Pero ay malhaya! Son precisamente estos exitos los que nos hacen mas antipaticos al Imperio. Para ellos, somos inclusive un mal ejemplo que se esta contagiando al resto del continente y cuidado sino al resto del mundo. Nunca venceremos al Imperio. Estara siempre ahi, acechando. Por lo menos hasta que el mismo no se autodestruya. Porque, sepanlo senores, el neoliberalismo es canibal. Cuando le ataque el hambre, se devorara a si mismo. Ustedes, queridos graduandos, a partir de hoy pasan a conformar la elite profesional que debe sostener este pais en los proximos cuarenta o cincuenta anos. Anos decisivos para el logro de nuestra libertad y del rescate de nuestra Soberania. No se dejen comprar. No se dejen corromper. No se dejen gritar. No se dejen pisar. Que nadie les diga que comer, o que vestirse, o que leer. Sean siempre autenticos, rebeldes, contestatarios. Pero eso si, profundamente patriotas, dignos de ser hijos de Bolivar. Muchas gracias y que Dios los bendiga. Alguna duda? Medio siglo de Holocausto Palestino Oscar Zanartu Nacio en Caracas en 1960. Ha realizado exposiciones individuales en las galerias Minotauro, Clave y San Francisco, y en salas de Coro, estado Falcon, y Puerto Ordaz, estado Bolivar. En Paris su obra ha sido exhibida en el Centro Cultural Tanagra, en la Exposicion Cite Internationale des Arts, en las galerias De Mars y Arver Space, al igual que en la Galeria Municipal Levallois, en Levallois Perret (Francia). En muestras colectivas, su obra se ha expuesto en Belgica, Francia, Estados Unidos y Venezuela; en Caracas intervino en la exposicion "Del genesis a la memoria", 1995, organizada por la Fundacion La Previsora. En 1982 obtuvo el Premio Nacional Critven y en 1990 la Mencion de Honor Jose Antonio Paez, en la Embajada de Venezuela en Paris. En 1991 se le concedio el primer premio de Pintura Itinerante, en Levallois Perret, Francia. OZ1 OZ2 OZ3 OZ4 Homenaje a Jason Galarraga La Victoria de Samotracia Odalisca Mas fotos de la nevada del pasado agosto 2008 La Sierra Nevada de Merida Nuestro precioso Churum Meru Homenaje a Picasso Autoretrato Sabes lo que bebes en una Coca-Cola? La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar. Mi profesion? Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos. Sal en la Coca Cola? A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar. De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla: Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gusto Acido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido) azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa) Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantas Mucha Cafeina Conservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o Potasio Dioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebe Sal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracion El uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja. Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos. Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja. En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero). Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma. La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate. Bebidas Light? Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal. Publicado por loretahur En realidad, la formula secreta de la Coca-Cola se puede detallar en 18 segundos en cualquier espectrometro optico, y basicamente la conocen hasta los perros. Lo que ocurre es que no se puede fabricar igual, a no ser que uno disponga de unos cuantos millones de dolares para ganarle la demanda que te metera la Coca-Cola ante la justicia (ellos no perderian).La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gustoAcido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantasMucha CafeinaConservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o PotasioDioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebeSal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracionEl uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el aspartamo , despues de tres semanas mojado, pasa a tener gusto de trapo viejo sucio.Para evitar eso, se agregan una infinidad de otros productos quimicos, uno para alargar la vida del aspartamo, otro para neutralizar el color, otro para mantener el tercer quimico en suspension porque sino el fondo de la gaseosa quedaria oscuro, otro para evitar la cristalizacion del aspartamo, otro para realzar el sabor, dar mas intensidad al acido citrico o fosforito que perderia su sabor por el efecto de los cuatro productos quimicos iniciales... y asi sucesivamente.Un consejo final !!Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.Publicado por loretahur MARGARINA o MANTEQUILLA La margarina fue producida originalmente para engordar a los pavos; cuandolo que hizo en realidad fue matarlos.Las personas que habian puesto el dinero para la investigacion quisieronrecobrarlo asi que empezaron a pensar en una forma de hacerlo.Tenian una sustancia blanca, que no tenia ningun atractivo como comestible,asi que le anadieron el color amarillo, para venderselo a lagente en lugar de la mantequilla.Que tal esa?... Ahora han sacado algunos nuevos sabores para vender mas alos incautos como usted y yo.CONOCE USTED la diferencia entre la margarina y la mantequilla?Siga leyendo hasta el final... porque se pone bastante interesante!Comparacion entre mantequilla y margarina: 1.- Ambas tienen la misma cantidad de calorias. 2.- La mantequilla es ligeramente mas alta en grasas saturadas: 8 gramos,comparada con los 5 gramos que tiene la margarina. 3.- Comer margarina en vez de mantequilla puede aumentar en 53% el riesgo deenfermedades coronarias en las mujeres, de acuerdo con un estudiomedico reciente de la Universidad de Harvard. 4.- Comer mantequilla aumenta la absorcion de gran cantidad de nutrientesque se encuentran en otros alimentos. 5.- La mantequilla provee beneficios nutricionales propios mientras lamargarina tiene solo los que le hayan sido anadidos al fabricarla. 6.- La mantequilla sabe mucho mejor que la margarina y mejora el sabor deotros alimentos.7.- La mantequilla ha existido durante siglos mientras que la margarinatiene menos de 100 anos. Ahora... sobre la margarina: 1.- Es muy alta en acidos grasos trans. (Si, esos que recien ahora loscientificos descubrieron que son malisimos y los gobiernoscomenzaron a prohibirlos) . 2.- Triple riesgo de enfermedades coronarias. 3.- Aumenta el colesterol total y el LDL (el colesterol malo) y disminuye elHDL (el colesterol bueno). 4.- Aumenta en cinco veces el riesgo de cancer. 5.- Disminuye la calidad de la leche materna. 6.- Disminuye la reaccion inmunologica del organismo. 7.- Disminuye la reaccion a la insulina. Y he aqui el factor mas inquietante (AQUI ESTA LA PARTE MAS INTERESANTE! ):A la margarina le falta UNA MOLECULA para ser PLASTICO...!!Solo este hecho es suficiente para evitar el uso de la margarina de porvida, y de cualquier otra cosa que sea hidrogenada (esto significaque se le anade hidrogeno, lo cual cambia la estructura molecular de lassubstancias).Usted puede ensayar lo siguiente:Compre un poco de margarina y dejela en el garaje o en un sitio sombreado.Dentro de unos dias notara dos cosas: * No habra moscas; ni siquiera esos molestos bichos se le acercaran (esto yale debe decir a usted algo). * No se pudre ni huele mal o diferente porque no tiene valor nutritivo; nadacrece en ella. Ni siquiera los diminutos microorganismos puedencrecer en ella.Por que? Porque es casi plastico!! No a la guerra, Si a la Paz Misterios de la ciencia... Los costos de la guerra medicos y capitalismo... Capitalismo... medicos (2) Quien educa a nuestros hijos? Los Medios... Sin Palabras... Chistes feministas - Cual es el problema, Eva? - Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz... - Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas. - Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas... - Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti. - Que es un hombre? - Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente. - Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente. - Cual es el truco?. - Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion. - Cual? - Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer. Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas? Porque todos son unos cerdos Un dia, en el Paraiso, Eva llamo a Dios: Tengo un problema.- Cual es el problema, Eva?- Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz... - Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas.- Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas...- Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti.- Que es un hombre?- Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente.- Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente.- Cual es el truco?.- Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion.- Cual?- Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer.Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas? Porque todos son unos cerdos Ellas... Ellas (2)... Tres venganzas femeninas VENGANZA NUMERO 1 Hoy mi hija cumple 21 anos y estoy muy contento porque es el ultimo pago de pension alimenticia que le doy, asi que llame a mi hijita para que viniera a mi casa y cuando llego le dije: -Hijita, quiero que lleves este cheque a casa de tu mama y que le digas que: Este es el ultimo maldito cheque que va recibir de mi en todo lo que le queda de su puta vida!!! Quiero que me digas la expresion que pone en su rostro. Asi que mi hija fue a entregar el cheque. Yo estaba ansioso por saber lo que la bruja tenia que decir y que cara pondria. Cuando mi hijita entro, le pregunte inmediatamente: -Que fue lo que te dijo tu madre? -Me dijo que justamente estaba esperando este dia para decirte que no eres mi papa! VENGANZA NUMERO 2 Un hombre que siempre molestaba a su mujer, paso un dia por la casa de unos amigos para que lo acompanaran al aeropuerto a dejar a su esposa que viajaba a Paris. A la salida de inmigracion, frente a todo el mundo, el le desea buen viaje y en tono burlon le grita: - Amor, no te olvides de traerme una hermosa francesita Ja ja ja!! Ella bajo la cabeza y se embarco muy molesta. La mujer paso quince dias en Francia. El marido otra vez pidio a sus amigos que lo acompanasen al aeropuerto a recibirla. Al verla llegar, lo primero que le grita a toda voz es: - Y amor me trajiste mi francesita?? - Hice todo lo posible, - contesta ella - ahora solo tenemos que rezar para que nazca nina. VENGANZA NUMERO 3 El marido, en su lecho de muerte, llama a su mujer. Con voz ronca y ya debil, le dice: - Muy bien, llego mi hora, pero antes quiero hacerte una confesion. - No, no, tranquilo, tu no debes hacer ningun esfuerzo. - Pero, mujer, es preciso - insiste el marido - Es preciso morir en paz. Te quiero confesar algo. - Esta bien, esta bien. Habla! - He tenido relaciones con tu hermana, tu mama y tu mejor amiga. - Lo se, lo se Por eso te envenene, hijo de puta!!! machismo y cibernetica Chiste machista La NASA ha enviado al espacio una mision experimental tripulada por dos monos y una mujer.Apenas abandona la atmosfera, se establece comunicacion con Houston. -Atencion, simio 1, verifique sistemas hidraulicos, controle adecuada presion de los propulsores de arranque. A 60.000 pies disminuya un 25% la velocidad. El simio hace la sena de OK. -Atencion, simio 2, nivele al cruzar la estratosfera y active sistemas anticongelantes. No olvide monitorear sistemas de comunicacion e indicadores de presion. Comprendido?. El simio hace la sena de OK. -Atencion, Houston llamando a mujer: no se olvide. -Mujer: Si, si, ya se! -interrumpe enojada- que no me olvide darles de comer a estos monos de mierda y que no se me vaya a ocurrir tocar nada!. .Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti. Un abogado mantiene un romance con su secretaria.Al poco tiempo, esta queda embarazada y el abogado, que no quiere que su esposa se entere, le da a la secretaria una buena suma de dinero y le pide que se vaya a parir a Italia.Esta pregunta: Y como voy a hacerte saber cuando nazca el bebe ? El abogado responde: Para que mi mujer no se entere, tan solo enviame una postal y escribe por detras: Spaghetti. Y no te preocupes mas, que yo me encargare de todos los gastos. Pasan los meses y una manana la esposa del abogado lo llama al bufete, algo exaltada: Querido, acabo de recibir el correo y hay una postal muy extrana viene desde Italia. La verdad, no entiendo que significa.El abogado, tratando de ocultar sus nervios, contesta:Espera a que llegue a casa, a ver si yo entiendoCuando el hombre llega a casa y lee la postal, cae al suelo fulminado por un infarto.Llega una ambulancia y se lo lleva. Ya en el hospital, el jefe de cardiologia se queda consolando a la esposa y le pregunta cual ha sido el evento que precipito tan masivo ataque cardiaco. Entonces la esposa saca la postal y se la muestra diciendole: No me explico, doctor; el solamente leyo esta postal. Vea usted mismo lo que trae escrito.Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti."Tres con salchicha y albondigas y dos con almejas Gol !!!! Chistes de Borrachos Entra un borracho a su casa todo manchado con lapiz labial por todos lados hecho un desastre, y la mujer le pregunta:-Hombre que te paso?Y el borracho le responde:-No me vas a creer, me pelee con un payaso! Este es un borracho que entra en un bar y le dice al camarero:-Me da cinco copas de whisky?Al rato:-Me da cuatro?Al rato:-Me da tres copas?Despues:-Me da dos copas?Luego le dice:-Me da una copa?Y le dice al camarero:-Ves? Cuanto menos bebo, mas borracho estoy! We are direct exporters/producers of wood pallet products. Our office location is in the US, but our factory and export our products from Vietnam. Our company specializes in the manufacture of high-grade, low moisture, high combustion efficiency wood pallets. With satellite offices located in the US and Vietnam, we are available around the clock to assist you with your needs. Our product is routinely checked by independent laboratories to ensure quality, and copies of quality reports can be provided upon request. We are able to supply large volumes at competitive prices. We are a company from Estonia who is searching for a long-term partnership. We are interested in sunflower husk briquettes. We speak Russian and English. Its certain. Whether in the form of the REM or tramways for sure we will require local content, he said Saturday at the Coalition Avenir Quebecs party convention on green issues in Montreal. The Caisse, Quebecs pension fund operator, has a mandate to operate independently and free of political interference in its decisions. Legault said Saturday he never understood why the former Liberal government did not require the Caisse to purchase products manufactured in Quebec. Environment Minister Benoit Charette echoed the statement, telling reporters there will be a local content requirement for the second phase of the REM transit network. He added that any infrastructure project related to public transit will now have Quebec content requirements. Quebec grants the contracts. It determines the mandates. So, it has every right to require certain special clauses, he said. The CAQ government has pledged to extend the REM, which the Caisse owns, by nearly 40 kilometres to Laval and Chambly. Public funds will pay for nearly half of the more than $6-billion project. To maximize returns without taking undue risks; To invest in public and private markets in Quebec to help grow the economy over the long run. The Canadian Press reports that Premier Francois Legault's government will force the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ) to purchase trains made in Quebec as part of the extension of Montreals Reseau Express Metropolitain (REM) light-rail system:Keep in mind, unlike other large Canadian pension funds, CDPQ has a dual mandate:CDPQ has faithfully fulfilled both these mandates. At the end of2018, CDPQ's assets in Quebec totaled $63.8billion, including $44.3billion in the private sector.In fact, out of a total of $310 billion in assets, $64 billion are invested in Quebec (21% out of 36% total invested in Canada), a staggering amount for any major pension fund to invest locally.Nevertheless, this figure includes the Caisse's massive real estate portfolio and has been coming down over the last ten years as the fund diversifies globally:But all that Quebec exposure hasn't hurt its performance over the years. CDPQ posted a solid return of 4.2% in 2018, beating out almost all its peers which are far more diversified globally. That is a testament to CDPQ's overall diversified portfolio which includes private equity all over the world and here in Quebec.Getting back to the article above, it seems like the Caisse is running into a governance issue on the continuation of this REM project (REM2). On the one hand, CDPQ owns the project and is ultimately responsible for its success or failure and on the other, the Quebec government is footing a portion of the bill ($1.28 billion) and feels it has a right to demand that the Caisse purchase Quebec trains for the second phase of the project.My thoughts on this have not changed since this innovative greenfield project was launched. CDPQ must operate in the best interest of its contributors and beneficiaries. This means it must operate at arms-length from all governments as even the mere hint of government interference can prove to be disastrous.Importantly, if CDPQ chooses a Quebec-based supplier for the sake of Quebec nationalism, rather than in the best interests of its contributors and beneficiaries, we are headed down a slippery slope.Imagine if CPDQ Infra went out to do a competitive tender and every Quebec-based company knew the government is demanding local content. What incentive is there for these local companies to put in the cheapest possible bid knowing they have a government-mandated guarantee over international competitors?Having said this, it's obvious the Caisse's dual mandate causes confusion in Quebec's political circles where politicians think it's entirely appropriate to demand things from the Caisse, basically not respecting the governance structure that led to the organization's long-term success.Conflicts always arise. In February 2018, there was huge disappointment that Bombardier was shut out of the $6.3-billion light-rail transit project, but Caisse CEO Michael Sabia rebuffed this assertion and explained they had to follow a rigorous tender, awarding the $1 billion contract to SNC-Lavalin and Frances Alstom to provide rolling stock, systems, operation and maintenance for the project.Now, SNC has its own problems these days but the selection of it and Alstrom was the right decision as the Caisse undertook a rigorous and competitive bidding process which respected international rules and regulations.This is exactly why Quebec's Economy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon expressed his position more cautiously. Well see what will happen with the project, how well connect the North Shore and the South Shore. When we have decided what to do, we certainly like to support Quebec, but there are international rules that must be respected, he said.In other words, if the government does not respect these international rules and regulations, Quebec's large companies will be banned from bidding elsewhere, a risk not worth taking.Lastly, it is important to understand the Caisse is responsible for delivering this project on time and within budget and operate it afterward. It needs to realize a return and that benefits all Quebecers. Francois Legault's government should realize this and stop playing nationalist politics with Quebec's pension fund.Below, Michael Sabia speaks with Mutsumi Takahashi of CTV News Montreal (December 2016). Sabia also spoke to CTV Montreal after they decided not to go with Bombardier for the REM project (2018). " " The HowStuffWorks podcast Stuff They Don't Want You to Know discusses Hillary Clinton and some of the conspiracy theories surrounding her. Last week, the hosts talked about conspiracy theories related to Donald Trump. TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images With the U.S. presidential election mere days away, the odds are overwhelmingly likely that either Hillary Clinton or her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, will become the next president. Over the past few months, each candidate has become the subject of multiple controversies and perhaps unsurprisingly multiple conspiracy theories. Last week Stuff They Don't Want You To Know explored the theories concerning business mogul Donald Trump, and this week we're delving into the conspiracies surrounding Hillary Clinton. There are quite a few. After all, the former secretary of state and two-term New York senator has an extensive career in public service (not to mention her marriage to former President Bill Clinton), and fringe theories are virtually inevitable for anyone with such political longevity. Some, such as the rumors and scuttlebutt surrounding Clinton's email scandal, are relatively recent. Others, such as the so-called "Clinton Body Count" date back to events in the late 1970s. Here are a few examples: Advertisement The Whitewater Scandal: Proponents allege that during Bill Clinton's time as attorney general (and, later, governor) of Arkansas, he and spouse Hillary Clinton conducted murky real estate dealings designed to generate windfall profits while ultimately sticking the government with the bill. This is one of the most well-known conspiracy theories, even becoming the subject of congressional investigations. Most people dismiss a great deal of the rumors regarding this event, and it's worth noting that neither Hillary nor Bill Clinton were ever convicted of any wrongdoing. Benghazi: When terrorists attacked the U.S. consulate in the Libyan city, political opponents of Hillary Clinton (then serving as secretary of state) demanded she be taken to task for various aspects of the operation. Some fringe theorists even alleged that the State Department sat back and watched the attack happen. Again, government investigations into the matter found no evidence of wrongdoing. Yet several theorists still reject the findings, believing corrupt officials continue to suppress the real sequence of events. (For the record, these theorists can have differing views amongst themselves, as well.) The Clinton Body Count: This is one of the strangest and most wide-reaching conspiracy theories concerning the Clintons. The idea here is that the power couple is directly or indirectly responsible for numerous homicides. Those who believe this theory allege the Clintons have murdered numerous opponents in their rise to power, from Vince Foster to political insiders, innocent bystanders and more. This, like the other conspiracy theories concerning Clinton, is widely dismissed by the mainstream. After all, skeptics argue, it's tough to get away with a single murder, much less multiple cases. Check out our audio podcast to learn more about the stories surrounding Hillary Clinton, where they originated and the arguments presented for and against each case. And if you want to hear the theories surrounding her opponent, you can do that, too, by clicking on this podcast link, or the one you'll find below. BRITISH companies are looking to participate in the countrys Build, Build, Build program.British Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce identified the construction and tourism sectors as the top BRITISH companies are looking to participate in the countrys Build, Build, Build program. British Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce identified the construction and tourism sectors as the top industries that have caught their interest, following the involvement of British companies in the completion of Terminal 2 (T2) of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). British firm SSP Group PLC operates T2s food and beverage hub. This firm is present in more than 100 airports globally. Other British companies that rendered their services and technology at MCIA are Zoeftig UK for airport seating, Gatic UK for slot drains and manhole covers, Abacus Lighting Limited for apron high mast lighting and Cathodic Protection UK for fuel hydrant cathodic protection. Pruce said the United Kingdom (UK) is expert in various areas such as in road and bridge building, design engineering and consultancy. He said the UK has been helping other ally economies in building infrastructure that is done in a sensible and sustainable way. We hope to grow our partnership with the Philippines in these areas, said Pruce. Pruce was in Cebu on Thursday, May 23, 2019, for his first diplomatic visit as British ambassador to the Philippines. He met with different government agencies to discuss the safety of British tourists visiting Cebu. The UK government issued two travel advisories in January 2019the first one on Jan. 1, after an improvised explosive device exploded at the entrance of the South Seas shopping mall in Cotabato City on Dec. 31, 2018, and the second on Jan. 27, 2019, when at least 27 people were killed and many more were injured as a result of bomb attacks at a Roman Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu. Although these incidents happened in Mindanao, the UK travel warning included the southernmost part of Cebu in its advisories. But despite these warnings, Pruce said there remains a growing number of British nationals visiting Cebu for leisure and business. Story continues Some 45,000 tourists from the UK visited Cebu in 2018. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III earlier expressed confidence that the economic partnership with the UK, which is among the Philippines 10 leading sources of foreign direct investments, would grow in the years ahead, given that the British economy has been a reliable partner even when the Philippines was going through difficult challenges in the past. We are confident this partnership will grow even more as our economy emerges to take its place among the dynamic economies in a dynamic region, said Dominguez in a statement. He said he is optimistic that more investments from the UK would enter the Philippines in the coming years, especially in the sunrise sectors of our economy. The UK, along with the US Singapore, the Netherlands and Hong Kong were the top five investor countries in 2018, according to the Department of Finance. (KOC) MANILA, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said he has a name in mind who could take the place of Reynaldo Velasco as administrator of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS). The President, speaking at a thanksgiving party for Senator-elect Bong Go in Davao City on Friday (May 24) said he wants retired army general, Ricardo Morales to lead the agency. The announcement came months after severe water interruptions hit several parts of Metro Manila, specifically the east zone service area including Rizal. During the Martial Law years, Morales was arrested for his alleged involvement in a destabilization plot against the Marcos government. Morales served as the commander of the Philippine Army (PA) 404th Brigade based in Eastern Mindanao. But in 2005, he was relieved reportedly due to his online criticisms of the military leadership. He belongs to Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 1977. (with details from Rosalie Coz) Marje Pelayo The post Duterte appoints another military man for MWSS appeared first on UNTV News. French automaker Renault said Monday that it would study "with interest" a 50-50 merger proposal from Fiat Chrysler, a deal that could reshape the industry as Renault reviews its options following the arrest in Japan of its chief executive. Renault had for years tied its strategy to a partnership with Japanese automaker Nissan but this has come into question after the arrest and subsequent ouster of Carlos Ghosn at both companies. After a board meeting over what it termed a "friendly" offer, Renault said it would enter talks on a merger that would forge the world's third-largest automaker. Investors cheered the prospect, with Renault's shares soaring 15 percent in afternoon trading in Paris, and Fiat Chrysler stock up more than 10 percent in Milan. A deal would give Fiat access in particular to Renault's electric car technologies, allowing it to meet the strict CO2 limits being enacted by the European Commission. Renault for its part might be able to tap the US market thanks to Fiat Chrysler's extensive operations in North America. "Given the investments and the technological advances that are going to be necessary, there's isn't really a choice, you have to reach a critical mass," said Flavien Neuvy of the Cetelem Observatory research group. The idea has the backing of the French government, which owns a 15 percent stake in Renault, after Fiat said the merger would not result in the closure of any production sites. "The government is in favour... but the terms of this merger must be supportive of Renault's economic development, and obviously of Renault's employees," government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye said Monday. Italy's outspoken deputy premier Matteo Salvini also gave a thumb's up to what he called a "brilliant deal". But labour unions were wary, with the CGT urging the French state to maintain a blocking minority after any deal. - 'Pre-eminent global group' Renault was plunged into disarray last November with the arrest in Tokyo of Ghosn, who was also chairman of its Japanese partner Nissan. That alliance, which also includes Mitsubishi, sells around 10.8 million automobiles per year in total, compared with Germany's Volkswagen and Japan's Toyota, both with around 10.6 million. But its future is in doubt following Ghosn's ouster at both Renault and Nissan, with Tokyo in particular bristling over a push by the French side for deeper integration. Renault holds 43 percent in Nissan, which in turn owns 15 percent of its French partner. Despite pledges on both sides to pursue the alliance, analysts say the tensions might be pushing Renault to explore alternatives. Fiat Chrysler said its proposal for Renault would create "a pre-eminent global automotive group" with annual sales of 8.7 million vehicles. The brand portfolio of the two groups would be "broad and complementary... and would provide full market coverage, from luxury to mainstream", it said. There was no mention of Nissan, which is battling falling sales and the reputational damage from the downfall of Ghosn, who is fighting financial misconduct charges. Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa told reporters Monday that he was "open to constructive discussions to strengthen the alliance," and the subject will surely be raised in a meeting on Wednesday with Renault's board chairman Jean-Dominique Senard. - Costly shift - Fiat Chrysler has been under pressure in Europe, stoking speculation it was looking for a partner as the highly competitive industry is pushed to consolidate in the face of declining demand and the costly switch to electric cars. The company is widely seen as a latecomer to the electric vehicle market, but does well in the US SUV and pick-up sectors. Renault, by contrast, was an early convert to electric cars and has made strong inroads in the market with its popular Zoe hatchback, though it has not yet tried to tackle the North American market. Fiat Chrysler said the merger would put the group in "a strong position in transforming technologies, including electrification and autonomous driving". Early this year, rumours circulated that Renault was interested in Fiat-Chrysler after its hopes for a full merger with Nissan or even French competitor PSA were dashed. Fiat Chrysler predicted that the merger would generate more than five billion euros ($5.6 billion) of cost-savings and other synergies, on top of the benefits from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. All counted, including Nissan and Mitsubishi, a combination with Fiat Chrysler would mean the production of close to 16 million vehicles, besting Volkswagen and Toyota. Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer. Photos: Getty Images Last years Supreme Court confirmation hearing for Brett Kavanaugh, and the ensuing tense and close Senate vote, were highly dramatic for the obvious reason that he had been accused of grave sexual misconduct, and of lying about it. Christine Blasey Fords gripping testimony, and Kavanaughs enraged response, will not soon be forgotten by anyone who watched these events. But Kavanaughs appointment to and confirmation for the Court would have been an extraordinarily large and controversial development even if he hadnt come to symbolize conservative white male entitlement. As the second SCOTUS appointee of a president who proudly boasted of his determination to generate a revolution in constitutional law, particularly when it comes to reproductive rights, Kavanaugh was the long-awaited prophet of salvation for conservatives, and of doom for progressives. And like his predecessor Neil Gorsuch, Justice Kavanaugh was the product of a vetting and selection process virtually guaranteed to achieve the conservative legal movements goals. So as this potentially pivotal Supreme Court term unfolds, what have we learned about Justice Kavanaugh and the impact hell have on constitutional law and Americans lives? Does he represent the tipping point for a conservative majority on the Court that will soon begin toppling cherished precedents? Or will he instead, as some expect, operate cautiously, perhaps aligning himself with Chief Justice Roberts as a sort of center-right ballast that ensures the rights revolution from above moves at a deliberate but not precipitous pace? Heres what weve learned so far: Hes solidly conservative Barring something entirely unforeseen by anyone, Justice Kavanaugh will not be some sort of surprise Supreme Court liberal like David Souter or a selectively progressive thinker like his predecessor Anthony Kennedy. Hes the product of a selection process designed by conservatives to prevent that. Kavanaughs ideological and partisan credentials are impeccable: he joined the conservative legal movements Federalist Society during law school, cut his teeth in law and politics as an assistant to Ken Starr during his crusade against Bill Clinton; worked in George W. Bushs 2000 Florida recount legal team; and joined W.s famously politicized White House legal office, specializing in judicial appointments. Hes a career conservative Republican who knows how to play the partisan game in the ostensibly nonpartisan world of the federal courts. Nothing in his record as a circuit court judge from 2006 until 2018, or his moves on the Supreme Court, betray any signs of rebellion. Hes typically cautious and reserved Kavanaugh is known as a clear and logical legal thinker who avoids sweeping pronouncements or stylistic excesses. Hes often been considered a pragmatist, perhaps in keeping with his position in the Court of Appeals that adjudicates hundreds of challenges to routine federal agency practices. These habits have given him some cover for his underlying ideology and jurisprudence. Until he decided to explode during his second set of Judiciary Committee hearings convened to deal with sexual misconduct allegations, Kavanaugh came across as a careful and even crafty jurist who wouldnt give his political opponents much ammunition. The New York Times Adam Liptak recently argued that in this regard, Kavanaugh has distinguished himself to a significant degree from Trumps other appointee, Neil Gorsuch: Both justices lean right, but they are revealing themselves to be different kinds of conservatives. Justice Gorsuch has a folksy demeanor and a flashy writing style, and he tends to vote with Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr., the courts most conservative members. Justice Kavanaugh is, for now at least, more cautious and workmanlike. He has been in the majority more often than any other justice so far this term, often allied with Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., who is at the ideological center of the current court. Liptak also observed that Kavanaugh may just be exhibiting a customary freshman reticence, as even Clarence Thomas did. He could let his constitutional freak flag fly in the near future. Hes a constitutional originalist As he has made very plain as a judge and in other venues (notably a 2011 roundtable discussion at George Washington University), Kavanaugh follows the late Justice Antonin Scalia in strongly believing that the judicial branchs role is to follow the original intent of the Founders without extending constitutional rights beyond their express provisions. This contributes to a reasonably strong commitment to judicial restraint with some exceptions in property-rights cases but with the Constitution itself and the powers it grants to the executive and legislative branches rather than Supreme Court precedents being the preeminent guideposts. Aside from Scalia, his other publicly announced judicial hero is William Rehnquist, who not only dissented in the landmark abortion-rights decision of Roe v. Wade, but questioned the judicial activism the Court exercised in Brown v. Board of Education, the decision that struck down segregated public schools. Kavanaughs not going to become a pioneering First Amendment champion like Kennedy if it means embracing an expansive view of civil liberties and the judiciarys role in articulating them. Hes no defender of reproductive rights Even if it wasnt evident from his service to cultural conservatives like Starr and Bush, or his Federalist Society affiliation, or his Roman Catholic faith, or his fondness for Scalia and Rehnquist, Kavanaugh has sent reasonably clear signals of his disdain for a womans right to choose abortion, as New Yorks Irin Carmon explained prior to his confirmation: Leaked emails today from Brett Kavanaughs time in the Bush White House reveal what everyone already knew: that Trumps SCOTUS nominee will pose a threat to Roe v. Wade. To get Maine senator Susan Collinss vote, Kavanaugh called Roe v. Wade settled precedent, but according to an email he wrote in 2003, the Court can always overrule its precedent. In other words, though Kavanaugh recognizes that the Court has repeatedly found a right to abortion, he knows he can use his power as a justice to change that. On the D.C. Circuit, Kavanaugh dealt with a case involving efforts by anti-abortion zealots in the Trump administration to keep an immigrant in government custody from securing abortion services. Officially speaking, he just helped slow down the decision to free this anonymous Jane Doe to control her own body. But as Carmon noted, he sent some big messages, as Senator Richard Blumenthal pointed out in the Judiciary Committee hearings: In the end, Kavanaugh didnt manage to stop Jane Doe, but he accomplished other things in that opinion. For one thing, he didnt assert that Jane had a constitutional right to abortion. For another, as Blumenthal pointed out, he larded his opinion with code words like abortion on demand and referred to existing Supreme Court precedent and how lower courts, at least, had to abide by it. The wording, Blumenthal remarked yesterday, is a little bit like somebody introducing his wife to you as my current wife. You might not expect that wife to be around for all that long. It was after this decision that Kavanaugh got added to Trumps pre-vetted list of SCOTUS prospects. Thats probably not a coincidence. He believes in strong executive powers As a jurist who frowns on judicial activism and has extensive executive-branch experience, youd expect Kavanaugh to give a wide berth to presidential powers. He has, in fact, publicly encouraged codification by Congress of the Justice Department policy against indictment of sitting presidents, and at one point even suggested the great unanimous SCOTUS decision limiting executive privilege, United States v. Nixon, was wrongly decided. This assessment from SUNY-Albany law professor Julie Novkov seems fair: Kavanaugh has a history of service within the executive branch, including a stint in George W. Bushs Office of Legal Counsel and as his staff secretary. The Bush OLC crafted an extraordinarily strong theory of executive power and authority that it used to justify and defend the Bush Administrations controversial treatment of war detainees. While Kavanaugh did assist independent counsel Kenneth Starr in his investigation of the Clinton White House, he argued in a 2009 article that Congress should enact a law preventing a sitting president from being investigated while in office. While justices prior writings and opinions are not always great predictors of how a justice will rule once elevated to the Supreme Court, it seems plausible that Kavanaugh will provide a reliable fourth vote along with Alito, Thomas, and Gorsuch to support strong executive authority, especially when a conflict entails claims of a security, emergency, or military threat. He also appears to be willing to draw lines to limit the scope of investigations of the president for wrongdoing. With a host of conflicts between the Trump administration and Congress already working their way into the federal courts, Kavanaugh could quickly reward the president for putting him in a position to defend executive powers. He may be ready to buck Supreme Court precedent During his confirmation hearings, Kavanaugh was grilled relentlessly on his attitude toward stare decisis, the power of Supreme Court precedents, particularly those like Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey that protected reproductive rights. At one point he said the two decisions represented precedent on precedent. But it has never been entirely clear that he believes the deference he was required to give Supreme Court decisions as a circuit court judge is appropriate for the Supreme Court itself, particularly given the general feeling of his fellow constitutional originalists that Roe v. Wade and the Griswold v. Connecticut decision it relied upon are abominations. So it may be significant that Kavanaugh (and for that matter, Gorsuch, Roberts, and Alito) silently concurred with Justice Thomass opinion in the recent Supreme Court decision of Franchise Tax Board of California v. Hyatt. In flatly overturning a long-settled Supreme Court precedent set in Nevada v. Hall, Thomas was blunt: Nevada v. Hall is contrary to our constitutional design and the understanding of sovereign immunity shared by the States that ratified the Constitution. Stare decisis does not compel continued adherence to this erroneous precedent. We therefore overrule Hall and hold that States retain their sovereign immunity from private suits brought in the courts of other States. Thats as clear an originalist rejection of stare decisis as you could imagine, and given Thomass open hostility to Roe v. Wade, quite possibly a signal of big things to come, as Justice Breyer warned in a dissent. With the Supreme Court having an ever-expanding smorgasbord of state abortion restrictions to choose from if it wishes to reverse or modify Roe and Casey, Kavanaugh could indeed have the chance to add a crucial vote to a counter-revolutionary step back toward criminalized abortion. In this and other areas of constitutional law, this new and controversial justice will have an opportunity to leave his mark on all of us. After stating that it will stand firm behind the proposed provincial bus ban on EDSA despite the election of new mayors in the Metro, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is sort of taking back its word in a way by saying it is now considering window hours for provincial buses on EDSA. MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia discussed the possibility of allowing provincial buses to pass through EDSA from 11:00 PM until 4:00 AM, but they can only load and unload passengers at their respective bus depots. Garcia also said that the agency is now unsure on whether the ban will push through this June, as it is still waiting for the go-signal from the Department of Tranportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). According to Garcia, both government agencies are still busy drafting fare matrix guidelines and franchise routes of provincial buses. Garcia added that his agency is scheduled to meet with representatives from the DOTr, LTFRB and Metro Manila mayors to review the proposed scheme. Should it be deemed that the MMDA is ill-prepared to implement the bus ban, Garcia said that it will forgo its implementation. Definitely, we will not implement the policy if we are not ready, Garcia said. facebook.com/MMDAPH The post MMDA Now Considering Window Hours for Provincial Buses on EDSA appeared first on Carmudi Philippines. An organization that advocates for the protection of the Filipino language said that it would continue to fight against the removal of Filipino and Philippine Literature from the list of required college subjects even after the Philippine Supreme Court (SC) decided to uphold a law dictating this. Organization Tanggol Wikas convenor David Michael San Juan took to social media yesterday and said in a Facebook Live video that they plan to file another petition against the removal of the said subjects. If we failed to convince the Supreme Court in our first motion for reconsideration, we will push to file a second motion for reconsideration, San Juan said in Filipino in the video. In a resolution dated March 5 but only made public last week, the SC said that it has denied with finality the motions for reconsideration filed by Tanggol Wika and other petitioners. No further pleadings or motions shall be entertained in this case, the resolution reads. On Oct. 9, the SC ruled that the Commission on Higher Educations (CHED) Memorandum No. 20, Series of 2013 (CMO 20) was valid in its mandate to no longer consider Filipino and Philippine Literature subjects as requirements in college. In its motion for reconsideration filed in November, Tanggol Wika claims that the Philippine Constitution mandates the inclusion of the study of the Filipino language and the Philippine Constitution in all levels. While the SC acknowledged that the Philippine Constitution mandates the study of Filipino, Philippine Literature, and the Philippine Constitution, it said that it does not specify the educational level in which they must be taught. Thus, CMO 20 did not violate the constitution when it merely transferred these subjects as part of the curriculum of primary and secondary education. The SC also said that while CMO 20 dictates the minimum standards for degree programs, it does not limit universities and colleges who want to require additional subjects on Filipino, Philippine Literature, and the Philippine Constitution. Story continues In a statement posted on Facebook on Friday, Tanggol Wika said that the SC should have engaged with them in oral arguments rather than just issuing a ruling based on quick readings of tons of documents that we have submitted. Tanggol Wika Statement on Supreme Court Notice on Our Motion for Reconsideration Re: Filipino and Panitikan in Tanggol Wika 2019524 We are saddened by the Supreme Courts refusal to give course to our motion for reconsideration. We believe that justice has not been served by their refusal to amply hear our arguments, the statement reads. READ: Mind the gap: In the Philippines, language isnt about words, its about class In his Facebook video, San Juan also blasted the media for allegedly reporting the SCs decision without their side. I was dismayed by how the media treated the issue as if it were over, he said. We want to reiterate to the media that the issue is not yet over and that Tanggol Wika can still file a second motion for reconsideration. That is one of the options we are considering because we believe that if we are going to kill our own language and literature, we need to think about it twice, thrice, four times, a thousand times. He also used the video to reply to netizens who are against their cause, even calling one a troll and stupid. It is very uncommon for countries not to teach their own language and culture, San Juan said, sharing that it is Tanggol Wikas goal to eventually make Filipino the medium of instruction in schools. According to him, this is a longterm goal that can only be possible if Filipino is taught at all levels. Filipino and English are both considered official languages in the Philippines. While most speak Filipino a standardized version of Tagalog or one of the more than 100 Philippine languages, most also speak English. English is commonly used in school, business, and official documents. San Juan also pointed out in the video that with the new mandate, some students, especially those taking up International Studies, may have to take foreign language subjects but not Filipino. You cant get to know the world if you dont first get to know yourself, he said. In 2015, the SC stopped the implementation of CHEDs CMO 20 through a temporary restraining order (TRO). It lifted the TRO last year but CHED, the government agency in charge of universities and colleges, decided not to implement its memorandum order until the SC makes its final decision. The Philippines has a complicated relationship with language, which is sometimes seen as a status symbol. Most in the upper classes prefer to speak to their children in English, while those in poorer communities prefer speaking in a local language. This article, Organization to petition against Supreme Court decision to uphold law that removes Filipino and PH Literature from required college subjects , originally appeared on Coconuts, Asia's leading alternative media company. Want more Coconuts? Sign up for our newsletters! From its European origins, Maxus is seeing the Philippines little by little before it is launched locally. In some photos, the Maxus G10 is seen driving through one of the countrys iconic and well-loved fast-food chains, seemingly ready to taste the local market. It was also seen visiting some of the historical landmarks in Luzon. Known globally for its commercial vehicles, Maxus will soon be made available to the Philippine motoring public starting June 6 under AC Industrials, the automotive arm of the Ayala Group. Watch out as Maxus vehicles cruise our local roads, transporting Filipinos in power and comfort, MAXing out all possibilities. The post Spotted: Maxus MPV Seen Around PH appeared first on Carmudi Philippines. Is the United States about to ramp up its Indo-Pacific strategy to contain China? When US acting secretary of defence Patrick Shanahan steps up to address one of Asias biggest security forums this week, he is expected to reveal details of a new phase in the United States Indo-Pacific strategy. The strategy is mainly aimed at curbing Beijings growing clout in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, and a change in the approach was signalled last month when a senior US defence official said Shanahan would explain the Indo-Pacifics role as a priority theatre. Shanahans speech to the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday will be on Americas new Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy and should provide an insight into the US administrations current thinking about the challenges from China and North Korea, as well as other regional security problems, according to Tim Huxley, executive director of the events organiser, IISS Asia. China will no doubt be listening, with Beijing sending its defence minister, Wei Fenghe, to the security forum for the first time since 2011. The speech will cap a flurry of American diplomatic activity in the region, including a four-day trip to Japan by US President Donald Trump and Shanahans own stops in Indonesia, South Korea and Japan. The term Indo-Pacific first emerged as regional strategic framework in US politics in 2010 when then US secretary of state Hillary Clinton used it to signal renewed American interest in the area. Expanding our work with the Indian Navy in the Pacific we understand how important the Indo-Pacific basin is to global trade and commerce, Clinton said in Honolulu. The strategy combines military and geoeconomic aims to contain Chinas military expansion in the Pacific and the Indian oceans, as well as providing alternative development models to Chinas massive international infrastructure drive, the Belt and Road Initiative. The approach was reinforced in 2016 with the release of Japans new foreign policy strategy of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific to further promote the rule of law, freedom of navigation and free trade. Story continues The US has also enlisted support for the policy from Australia and India, with the four countries forming what is known as the Quad. But as China expands its military reach by building artificial islands in the South China Sea and opening its first foreign base in Djibouti, the US may see the need for a rethink. Washingtons concerns were reflected in an annual congressional report called Military and Security Developments Involving the Peoples Republic of China 2019. Over the coming decades, [Chinese leaders] are focused on realising a powerful and prosperous China that is equipped with a world-class military, securing Chinas status as a great power with the aim of emerging as the pre-eminent power in the Indo-Pacific region, the report said. In 2018, China continued militarisation in the South China Sea by placing anti-ship cruise missiles and long-range surface-to-air missiles on outposts in the Spratly Islands. The Peoples Liberation Army Navy also continued submarine deployments to the Indian Ocean, demonstrating its increasing familiarity with operating in that region and underscoring Chinas interest in protecting [sea lines of communication] beyond the South China Sea China will remain the largest spender in the Indo-Pacific region besides the United States. But the US has struggled to attract interest in the strategy beyond the Quad members because other countries are hesitant to take sides against China. Rajeev Ranjan Chaturvedy, a visiting fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, said the link between the Quad and the Indo-Pacific framework was a major limitation and new challenges required a change in focus. The Quad limits the scope of cooperation, Chaturvedy said, adding that the strategy must expand to include non-traditional security players. I think, there is a growing need, economic and security and strategic interests and willingness among various nations to work together to deal with emerging security challenges. So, more countries could work under this framework. Whatever announcement is made on Friday it is likely to complement not replace the existing US-led approach, according to experts and sources familiar to the matter. A former US diplomat said the new strategy was designed to improve operational efficiency in the Pacific and Indian oceans and the announcement is likely to focus on the military aspects only. And Timothy Heath, a former analyst at US Pacific Command and now with the Rand Corporation, said the announcement may include programmes to transfer various military platforms, such as surveillance drones or reconnaissance aircraft, to increase maritime awareness for all countries in the region. Heath said there was also a good possibility that European countries would increase their presence in the Indo-Pacific region. We have already seen France and [Britain] send ships in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, he said. This is likely to continue, as European countries share some concerns with the US about growing Chinese power. Taiwan may be interested, but serious policy obstacles to formal cooperation with the US military remain. More likely, Taiwan may carry out its own independent operations, some of which may be supportive of US efforts. The Indian Ocean and the South China Sea are critical water spaces for the global economy, and it is in the interest of all countries to ensure the stability and security of these areas. Deploying ships from diverse navies would help reaffirm the principle that the waters are international, do not belong to anyone, and should remain safe for all shipping. Nevertheless, there are concerns in the region that the US strategy focuses too much on security and is simply an anti-China initiative, something Washington has sought to offset with a range of investment and economic programmes. Observers said Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean Rim countries would be interested in economic sweeteners in the long term, which would ultimately expand the influence of the US in the region. The US will likely continue to build partnerships outside of the Quad. The US will probably invest more resources and efforts towards building its partnerships with countries in the Indian Ocean Rim Association as well as countries in Southeast Asia, Heath said. Chaturvedy said Indonesia and some countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations appeared more active on regional economic diplomacy with a clear emphasis on rules-based order and collaboration on shared interests. A multipolar Indo-Pacific could become a profound platform to manage the competing interests of major powers in a vast common domain in an emerging world order, Chaturvedy said. This article Is the United States about to ramp up its Indo-Pacific strategy to contain China? first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019. It has been a whirlwind month for Amanda Eller, but after spending two days recovering in the hospital, she is headed home to get back to everyday life. Eller, 35, was discharged from the Maui Memorial Medical Center on Sunday, where she was recovering after spending 16 days lost in a Hawaii forest. In a statement to ABC News, Michael Rembis chief officer of Maui Medical announced Ellers discharge, and that she would continue her road to recovery at home. We are thrilled to report the great news that Amanda Eller was able to leave the hospital on her own accord to continue her rehab and recovery with family and loved ones, Rembis said. The staff and physicians at Maui Memorial Medical Center involved in her treatment and care are rejoicing at the miraculous news of her great outcome. Amanda Eller | Amanda Eller / Facebook Eller, who is a yoga teacher from Maui, went missing on May 8 while hiking in the Makawao Forest Reserve. Her boyfriend, Ben Konkol, reported her missing the next day, and said he was the last person to see her. She really likes to be alone in nature, too so its not unlike her to do that, he said at a press conference. The moment that she did not arrive home at night I knew something was wrong. It did not feel good in my body. Ellers white Toyota RAV4 was found in the parking lot of the reserve on the day she was reported missing, with her phone and wallet inside. Amanda Eller | Javier Cantellops RELATED: Yoga Teacher, 35, Found Alive After Disappearing in Hawaii Forest 2 Weeks Ago: She Was Strong Injured and dehydrated, Eller was spotted 16 days later deep in a forest by a group of rescuers that had been hired by her family to help track her down, according to the Facebook page launched to aid in the search. She got lost and was stuck and slightly injured in the forest way way out. Somewhere way far above Twin Falls, the post read. Between two waterfalls down a deep ravine in a creek bed. Chris [Berquist] and Javier [Cantellops] spotted her and she spotted them, waving them down. She is being air evacuated now. She just talked to her father on the phone. Amanda Eller is ALIVE!! Story continues A photo shared to the page showed the extent of Ellers injuries, including extremely swollen and bruised feet and ankles. According to her doctors, Eller suffered an orthopedic fracture and burns on her lower extremities. After her discovery, Eller spoke out about her harrowing experience, and revealed that she had chosen life over death. Amanda Eller | Find Amanda Eller/Facebook RELATED: Yoga Teacher Chose Life Despite Wanting to Give Up After Disappearing in Forest for 17 Days The last 17 days of my life have been the toughest days [of my] life, and its been a really significant spiritual journey that I was guided on, she said in a video shared on Facebook with boyfriend Benjamin Konkol at her side. There were times of total fear and loss and wanting to give up, and it did come down to life and death and I had to choose, she said. And I chose life. Eller added, Seeing the way that the community of Maui came together Just under the idea of helping one person make it out of the woods alive, just warms my heart. And just seeing the power of prayer and the power of love when everybody combines their efforts is incredible. It could move mountains. Sarah Haynes, who organized the search and ran the Find Amanda Facebook page, told PEOPLE that Eller survived on berries and guavas. Haynes said her water supply initially came from a waterfall, but that Eller stopped drinking from it after it rained to avoid run-off, which could have made her sick. Release those tiny little magical endorphins & put your feel-good chemicals to work with Thailands most anticipated female artist Da Endorphine live at Hard Rock Cafe Phuket. On June 17th, Da Endorphine will be flying over to Phuket for a charity benefit concert, where 100% of the tickets sales will go to supporting orphanages across the country under the DESTINATION KIDS FOUNDATION Here is your chance to enjoy one of Thailands top female vocal acts at Thailands #1 home to all live music! Hurry up & secure your spots now! For more information at Facebook: Hard Rock Cafe Phuket or link https://www.facebook.com/events/818923998481873/?active_tab=about Book the Ticket at Event Pop or link https://www.eventpop.me/e/5825-da-endorphine-concert Destination Kids Objective: The foundation aims to help socially disadvantaged children such as orphans, disabled children, street children, abused children, homeless child, illegal child labor, children affected by AIDS, children whose parents are imprisoned, including assistance to support the development of children who should be encouraged in various fields in the form of funding or educational opportunities as well as other charities for children in particular. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Could passenger-carrying drones someday be the answer to traffic delays? It seems like an outlandish, space-age fantasybut some in the burgeoning urban air mobility industry believe short-haul flights in unpiloted electric flying vehicles will be a key answer to gridlock in major metropolitan areas. A number of startups, including Uber Elevate, are working on developing such a system that could transport people and goods. Some have attracted millions of dollars in venture capital funding. Yet there are staggering hurdles, ranging from cost to safety, noise, public acceptance, regulations, space for vertiports, and questions about who would pay for and who would control the infrastructure for such transportation. In metro Atlanta, discussion about the technology's future has already begun. Georgia Tech this year created a Center for Urban and Regional Air Mobility to explore the development of aircraft for transportation in densely populated urban areas. Professors leading the effort held an urban air mobility workshop in Atlanta in January. Three months later, national industry publication Aviation Week held an urban air mobility conference at the Georgia World Congress Center. "We're entering this era in large cities where we're facing intense gridlock and it's just getting worse," said Mark Moore, engineering director of Uber's urban air mobility unit Uber Elevate, at the Georgia Tech conference. The Uber air service his company envisions could potentially cut peak commute times by more than 50 percent, according to Moore. Uber Elevate plans to eventually start demonstration flights of small electric aircraft in Dallas and Los Angeles and launch commercial service in 2023. Georgia Tech professor Brian German, director of the new Center for Urban and Regional Air Mobility, said there are more than 100 electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft under development by different companies. These aircraft would not be as powerful as helicopters, but would cost much less to operate and maintain, and would be designed for short hops. A survey of 2,500 commuters in Atlanta and other cities is underway to determine the potential demand for an air taxi service for what is now a 30-minute commute, according to Georgia Tech civil engineering professor Laurie Garrow, associate director of the new air mobility center. "We are trying to understand different factors that will help adoption, or the barriers for urban air mobility taxi service in Atlanta," Garrow said. The city of Atlanta's transportation plan notes that autonomous vehicles can change the way people get around but does not address the prospect of drone transportation in particular. Last year, Georgia Tech engineering professor John-Paul Clarke testified at a U.S. House committee hearing on the subject "Urban Air MobilityAre flying cars ready for takeoff?" He called urban air mobility a "logical response to the perennial quest for speed in congested urban areas," but noted the challenges that lie ahead, including concerns about noise, privacy and safety. The technology has not yet developed to the point where local officials are making any plans for vertiports, since flying passenger drones are still unproven and years away from becoming a reality in everyday life. But the Georgia Department of Transportation says it is "actively engaged with the industry" looking at emerging transportation technology, according to GDOT's intermodal division director Carol Comer. German said he expects commercial service of the new electric aircraft in five to 10 years or so, possibly starting with flights from small general aviation airports. "Some people think the aircraft will (first) be flown by human pilots. Other people think it will be autonomous from the beginning," German said. "If it's a piloted aircraft operating from existing airports and existing heliports, the operation will look a lot like ordinary aviation." The first customers might be business travelers transferring to a commercial airport for a flight, or between corporate sites in a metro area, since the cost of service will be high to start, he said. Then, as costs come down, a greater variety of people might use the service. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport general manager John Selden, a former airline pilot, sees potential in the idea that autonomous pods that run along a rail might someday be able to transport people between the domestic terminal and international terminal. But to make pilotless passenger planes a reality, "You would have to overcome a whole lot," Selden said. Among the biggest challenges would be getting regulatory approval from the Federal Aviation Administration and developing vertiports. Aside from the safety of the aircraft themselves, flying passenger drones would add even more complexity to air traffic control. "If this increases the number of flight operations in a city by a large amount, then the old mechanisms we have won't be adequate anymore," German said. In considering where the aircraft would take off and land, Uber Elevate sees parking decks in downtown areas as a potential location for "skyports." If ride-sharing and, eventually, self-driving cars reduce the need for parking in downtowns, then parking decks might be used less and the upper levels could be converted into vertiports. Building rooftops, already a common spot for heliports, might also be used as vertiports. While some private operators might want to develop their own vertiports and control them, with limited space available in city centers, that could affect how much competition develops. Airports, for example, are typically run by local governments or local or state government authorities, but can involve public investment. "I think cities are going to have a lot of say and questions related to land use, whether they would allow a vertiport or not, questions like noise ordinances, what would be the flight paths over a city," German said. The biggest demand for urban air mobility, or UAM, would likely come from the cities with the worst congestion, Garrow saidmaking Los Angeles a preferred city for the first wave of service. Other cities near bodies of water where commuters have to drive over bridges to get to work, causing traffic pinch points, could also be good candidates, she said. "One promising aspect for Atlanta is we're not as built up around the suburbs as some other cities are," allowing more room for vertiports, German said. "We want to see it here, and we want to have Atlanta as kind of a living laboratory for urban air mobility," with test corridors. Debra Lam, managing director of Smart Cities and Inclusive Innovation at Georgia Tech, said she sees urban air mobility as one of the "tools to get from point A to point B" that could tie into the airport, public transit, an e-scooter or an Uber car ride. A key question: Will people be willing to fly in the aircraft? And will residents of cities be comfortable with the noise and with passenger-carrying drones buzzing overhead? Some note that helicopters already generate a backlash from residents, causing many heliports to go unused. In San Francisco, there's even a website called Stop The Helipad where residents organize to block helipads. During a panel discussion on barriers to urban air mobility at the Aviation Week conference, HMMH Aviation Services vice president Gene Reindel said: "To some people it's a fear of the aircraft coming down, crashing on them. ... Now we're talking about putting these (low-flying) UAMs over urban areas where there are people." With new technology, "you will have some public failures," Lam said. "Even once this goes forward there are still going to be challenges. There will be a crash at some point," she said. "I don't think that should necessarily preclude it from continuing," she said. "There should be room for some of those challenges." 2019 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, Ga.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. New Zealand snapper on sale at the Sydney Fish Market. Credit: Reg Watson A new analysis of global fishing data has found the world's fishing fleet doubled in size over the 65-years to 2015 but for the amount of effort expended the catch fell more than 80 per cent. Published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study by researchers from the University of Tasmania and CSIRO found the global fishing fleet grew from 1.7 million vessels in 1950 to 3.7 million in 2015. However, despite better technology and increased motorisation, modern fishing vessels take only one fifth of the catch per unit of effort (CPUE) that the 1950s fishing fleet achieved. IMAS and CMS Ph.D. student Yannick Rousseau, who led the study, said the findings reflect growing pressure on marine resources and a fall in the abundance of fish. "What we have seen over the last 65 years is more and more fishing vessels chasing fewer fish," Mr Rousseau said. "Since 1950 a dramatic increase in the size of the fishing fleet in Asia has more than off-setting small declines in North America and Western Europe. "Most of the increase in vessel numbers has been in motorised fishing boats, a change from the unpowered 'artisanal' fishing vessels that once characterised Asian and African fishing fleets. "But, despite its advanced technology and increased numbers, the modern motorised fleet is having to work much harder to catch fewer fish," he said. Mr Rousseau said fisheries scientists use a measure of catch per unit of effort (CPUE) to assess fisheries management and the well-being of fish stocks. "CPUE reflects how many fish are caught for the amount of effort expended, such as during a day's fishing, and this measure paints a dark picture of the state of the ocean's resources. "In recent years a sharp drop in CPUE in Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Southern Mediterranean indicates their fisheries expanded at a much faster rate than fish stocks could support." The study found that in developed countries such as Australia more effective fisheries management and a sharp fall in the size of the fishing fleet over the last decade has led to a recent stabilisation of CPUE. "However, on current worldwide trends we can expect to see a further one-million vessels on the water by mid-century and the average engine power of the global fleet continues to increase," Mr Rousseau said. "These changes will further challenge the sustainable use of fisheries resources in coming years. "This is a particular concern for populations in regions such as Southeast Asia, where a high proportion of people rely on fish for sustenance. "Our findings suggest that additional management measures are urgently warranted to ensure the future sustainability of global marine resources," Mr Rousseau said. Explore further Carbon dioxide emissions from global fisheries larger than previously thought More information: Yannick Rousseau el al., "Evolution of global marine fishing fleets and the response of fished resources," PNAS (2019). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Yannick Rousseau el al., "Evolution of global marine fishing fleets and the response of fished resources,"(2019). www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1820344116 Germans's love for their cars sometimes clashes with their climate targets Germany has in recent years polished its "green" image abroad, but the country was only recently forced to admit it will miss a self-imposed 2020 climate target. With Berlin set to miss the next decade's goals too unless lawmakers take bold action, here are some reasons why carbon reduction has proved tricky even for a wealthy country with an environmentally conscious electorate. Car-land The car industry is a pillar of German economic prosperity, juicing export profits and employing 800,000 people. After a long rearguard action in Brussels against tougher emissions limits on Volkswagen, Daimler or BMW's fleets, Berlin remains reluctant to follow Britain and France in setting a cutoff date for new combustion engines. Even the "dieselgate" emission cheating scandal has failed to dent politicians' cosiness with the car, as leaders warned against measures that could harm ordinary drivers, such as bans from city centres for the most polluting vehicles. Conservative transport minister Andreas Scheuer recently blocked plans for a nationwide speed limit on the country's famed Autobahn motorways, which the environment minister had proposed to slash both pollution and road deaths. Nuclear phase-out After Japan's Fukushima disaster in 2011, Angela Merkel took one of the biggest political decisions of her chancellorship in 2011, setting 2022 as the date for all German nuclear plants to be shut down. Although widely welcomed at the time, especially by the decades-old anti-nuclear movement, the step overturned planning for electricity supply in a power-gobbling economy. Germany has built up renewable energy sources like wind, solar, bio-fuels and hydroelectric power, accounting for 38 percent of consumption last year and headed for 65 percent by 2030. But some constant supply is needed to balance out fluctuations in naturally-generated power. For now, electricity storage remains expensive and a project to build high-voltage energy links from north Germany's vast offshore wind farms to the industrial south is making only inching progress. The obstacles have seen Berlin turn to Russian gas as an alternative, as well as razing entire villages to make way for open-cast mining of cheap but highly-polluting brown coal. Long goodbye to coal Ministers, industry, experts and unions spent months hammering out a "coal compromise" released early this year, calling for the fuel to be abandoned by 2038. The four states most vulnerable to the resulting social upheavalwith areas especially dependent on coal miningwill be supported through the transition with 40 billion euros ($45 billion) of public money. Jobs in mining have shrunk by around 100,000 since the turn of the millennium, with just 30,000 people working in the sector by 2016five times fewer than in the wind power industry, according to specialist website Strom Report. Social conflict will nevertheless be hard to avoid, with most of the remaining posts concentrated in areas like the west German rust belt of North Rhine-Westphalia or the deindustrialised former communist east. Mining regions are key parts of Alternative for Germany (AfD) strongholds in ex-communist eastern states like Brandenburg and Saxony, where the far-right party placed first in Sunday's European elections. Upcoming state parliament elections in the region could see a repeat performance, with aftershocks set to rumble all the way to the chancellor's office in Berlin. Explore further In coal phase-out, Germany pledges billions to mining regions 2019 AFP The head of the Army Corps of Engineers has signed off on a $778 million plan to stop the spread of Asian carp toward the Great Lakes with air bubbles, electric shocks and noise, sending it to Congress for approval. The plan sent by Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite would block the invasive species' advance toward Lake Michigan at a key choke point at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam along the Des Plaines River in Illinois. It would: - Put in place additional electric barriers in the waterway to stop most Asian carp from moving through the lock and dam. - Use special underwater speakers while ships were moving through the locks to blast sound waves at decibels and frequencies sufficient to make Asian carp species uncomfortable enough to turn back. - Create what the Corps is calling an air bubble curtain, of a kind currently used to keep ice from building up near some locks and dams, which have "been found to cause an avoidance response in fish." If Asian carp, which are actually several species of voracious carp not native to North America, reach Lake Michigan, there are worries that they could decimate food sources for other fish and quickly spread throughout the Great Lakes. The plan, which was revealed in draft form some years ago after initially being delayed by the Trump administration, also calls for a flushing lock that would more forcefully flush water that could contain Asian carp species before a ship can move toward Lake Michigan. According to the report, research still must be done on some of the technology in order to make it effective, including on the noise barrier or "acoustic fish deterrent." Electric barriers elsewhere in the Chicago-area waterways have generally been found to be effective, though some studies have suggested some small fish may be able to pass through. Asian carp DNA recently was found in Lake Calumet beyond the existing electric barriers, though no fish were found. Now that the Army Corps has signed off on the report, it will fall to Congress to authorize and fund the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project. And the timing could be crucial According to the report, the leading edge of the adult Asian carp population is only 4 to 6 miles from the site and about 47 miles from Lake Michigan. The Army Corps says with full, expedited funding, it hopes to complete the project by 2027, though some of the barriers should be in place much earlier if construction is approved. "Two (Asian carp species), Silver Carp and Bighead Carp, are currently about 4 miles below (Brandon Road)," the final report on the project said. "The proposed implementation strategy allows (barriers) to commence immediately following project authorization." Michigan members of Congress, who have been pushing for approval of the plan for years, welcomed the announcement. "This report gives Congress what it needs to authorize funding for the project and finally advance a much-needed, long-term solution," said U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich. U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, also D-Mich., called it "an important step forward" and said that "every step possible" must be taken to prevent Asian carp from reaching Lake Michigan. U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, meanwhile, called on Congress to "act quickly to protect the Great Lakes ecosystem," saying he has "been stressing the importance of this project from the beginning." "Time is of the essence," he said, "and the Great Lakes cannot wait." U.S. Rep. Paul Mitchell, R-Dryden, echoed those sentiments, saying, "If invasive species get into the Great Lakes, it will have a catastrophic effect on our commerce and way of life." At the Alliance for the Great Lakes in Chicago, Vice President for Policy Molly Flanagan said, "Asian carp pose a clear and present danger to the Great Lakes. ... After five years of study, the report provides Congress the information it needs to act." Explore further Army Corps approves $778M plan to block Asian carp advance 2019 Detroit Free Press Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Three board members of Manpasand Beverages, India's leading fruit juice manufacturers, have resigned in the continuing aftermath of a Goods and Services Tax (GST) invasion that led to arrest of its top executives. Gujarat-based Manpasand Beverages on Monday announced that its board members Bharat Vyas and Dhruv Agrawal have resigned. On Friday, Vishal Sood, non-executive director of the company, had tendered his resignation with immediate effect. The fruit juice maker company owns brands such as MangoSip, Fruits Up, Manpasand ORS, and OXY Sip. "We would like to inform you that the Company has received resignation from Bharat Vyas Independent Director w.e.f. May 20, 2019 (the Company received mail on 26th May, 2019) and Dhruv Agrawal Director w.e.f. 26th May, 2019 from the post of director of the company," Manpasand Beverages said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange. Bharat Vyas has resigned due to pre-occupation and Dhruv Agrawal mainly due to GST search, the company said in the exchange filing. Also Read: Manpasand Beverages share price falls 20% after MD, CFO arrested in Rs 40 crore GST tax invasion and invoice fraud case On Saturday, the company, in a filing to exchange, said that its Vishal Sood, Non-Executive Director of the company, has tendered resignation with immediate effect i.e. May 24, 2019, due to Search from GST departmental. The Commissioner of Central GST and Customs on Friday arrested the company's managing director (MD) Abhishek Singh and chief financial officer (CFO) Paresh Thakkar on allegation for creating fake company units and committing tax invasion. The authorities had carried out search and seizure proceedings at various premises of the company on May 23, and further inquiry was conducted on May 24, 2019 at GST Bhavan office of Vadodara. Reacting to the news, Manpasand Beverages share price was trading 20 per cent or 22 points lower at Rs 88 on Bombay Stock Exchange. The Manpasand Beverages share opened 20 per cent lower at the same price compared to the previous close of Rs 110. Edited by Chitranjan Kumar Also Read: Share Market Live: Sensex rises over 280 points, Nifty hovers around 11,930; Tata Steel, Grasim, YES Bank top performers West African green monkey (Chrocebus sabaeus) in Senegal. Credit: Julia Fischer Green and vervet monkeys live on either side of Africa and their evolutionary paths diverged 3.5 million years ago, and yet the two species share a hard-wired vocabulary when faced with danger, clever experiments have shown. The new research, published Monday, sheds light not only on how primatesincluding humansrespond to threats, but also on the building blocks of language itself. Vervet monkeys in the savannah of east Africa utter three distinct cries depending on whether they spot a leopard, a snake or an eagle, their three main predators. Fellow monkeys who hear the cries but cannot see the peril react accordingly: the leopard call sends them scurring up a tree, a snake call prompts them to stand motionless on two legs, and the eagle cry makes them scan the sky while seeking shelter. It's as if a sentinel is shouting, "Freeze, it's a snake!", or "Get off the ground, it's a leopard!" The discovery thirty years ago of these unique warning cries sparked debate as to whether they were like primitive words, noted Julia Fisher, head of the cognitive ethology laboratory at the German Primate Center in Gottingen, Germany and senior author of a study in Nature Ecology & Evolution. It also raised the question of where they came from. Did young vervets learn them through imitation, were the cries genetically imprinted? To deepen their understanding, Fisher and colleagues set up an experiment with a community of green monkeys in Senegal which they have been observing for more than a decade. Like their distant cousins across the continent, green monkeys also emit specific danger calls for big cats and snakes, and react accordingly. But because the raptors in their neighbourhood pose no threat, anything like the vervet "eagle call" is simply not in their repertoire. Even when the scientists tried to scare the green monkey with dummy birds, it didn't work. "Any attempt to get them to vocalise in response to model eagles failed utterly," said Fisher. But then she had an idea. Innate repertoire "We decided to bring in a drone and fly it over the green monkeys, to expose them to something potentially dangerous in the air that they had never seen before," she explained. West African green monkey alarm call in response to drones Credit: Franziska Wegdell The drone flew at an altitude of about 60 metres (200 feet) over the unsuspecting animals. Once the monkeys spotted it, the response was immediate: they gave alarm calls and scurried for cover. Not only was the cry different from the response to leopards or snakes, it was "strikingly similar" to the eagle alarms of East African vervets. "Despite 3.5 million years of evolutionary divergence, the call structure stayed essentially the same," Fisher noted. In the vocabulary of evolutionary biologists, in other words, the danger cry was "highly conserved." The fact that the green monkeys reacted to a drone and not other large birds native to the area suggests a subtle but important distinction, Kurt Hammerschmidt, also from the German Primate Center, told AFP. "The alarm call is not linked to eagles per se," he said by phone. "It seems to correspond to a broader category: 'things that fly'." To see what the monkeys might have learned from the drone fly-over, the scientists followed up a few days later with a second experiment. They hid a loudspeaker near a lone monkey that was looking for food and played back the sound of the drone. "Upon hearing the sound, the animal looked up and scanned the sky," Fischer said. Subsequent tests showed that a single exposure to a new threat was enough for the monkeys to know what the sound means, showing a remarkable ability to adapt. The researchers speculate that the hard-wired monkey callsand the meaning attached to themare similar to noises that infant humans make. "When a child is born, it has the same innate repertoire of pre-verbal sounds such as moaning, laughing and crying," said Hammerschmidt. Somehow, humans learned to move beyond this built-in vocabulary and produce new sounds associated with new meanings. But underneath all the layers of culture and learning, certain core responses that fall within the domain of evolutionary psychology remained. Explore further Titi monkeys use probabilistic predator calls to alert others in their group More information: Conserved alarm calls but rapid auditory learning in monkey responses to novel flying objects, Nature Ecology & Evolution (2019). www.nature.com/articles/s41559-019-0903-5 Journal information: Nature Ecology & Evolution Conserved alarm calls but rapid auditory learning in monkey responses to novel flying objects,(2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-019-0903-5 2019 AFP Credit: CC0 Public Domain The first thermodynamically-reversible chemical reactor capable of producing hydrogen as a pure product stream represents a "transformational" step forward in the chemical industry, the authors of a new study claim. The novel reactor, described today in the prestigious academic journal Nature Chemistry, avoids mixing reactant gases by transferring oxygen between reactant streams via a solid state oxygen reservoir. This reservoir is designed to remain close to equilibrium with the reacting gas streams as they follow their reaction trajectory and thus retains a 'chemical memory' of the conditions to which it has been exposed. The result is that hydrogen is produced as a pure product stream, removing the need for costly separation of the final products. Led by Newcastle University, UK, the research involved experts from the universities of Durham and Edinburgh and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in France, and was funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Professor Ian Metcalfe, lead author and Professor of Chemical Engineering at Newcastle University said: "Chemical changes are usually performed via mixed reactions whereby multiple reactants are mixed together and heated. But this leads to losses, incomplete conversion of reactants and a final mixture of products that need to be separated. "With our Hydrogen Memory Reactor we can produce pure, separated products. You could call it the perfect reactor." Most abundant element in the universe Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. Produced through the splitting of water molecules, the shift towards renewable energy has led to a rise in so-called 'green hydrogen'. Hydrogen is a clean and useful energy store and can be used as a fuel, to generate electricity and can be stored and transported via the gas networks. All processesbe they chemical, mechanical or electricalare thermodynamically irreversible, and are less efficient that they otherwise could be. This means that in traditional chemical reactors when hydrogen is produced it needs to be separated from other products, a process which is both costly and often energy intensive. Describing their new system, the team demonstrate a chemical reactor capable for the first time of approaching thermodynamically-reversible operation. Reacting water and carbon monoxide to generate hydrogen and carbon dioxide, the system also prevents carbon being carried into the hydrogen produce stream as carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide, thus avoiding contamination of the product. 'Flipping' the reservoir a bit like a switch, the team showed it is possible to reach high conversion in the system so that carbon dioxide and hydrogen are produced at either end of the reactor as pure products. "Whereas conventional hydrogen production requires two reactors and a separation, our reactor accomplishes all the steps in one unit," adds Professor Metcalfe. "And while we demonstrate the concept with hydrogen, the memory reactor concept may also be applied to other processes." Explore further Chemical hydrogen storage system More information: Overcoming chemical equilibrium limitations using a thermodynamically reversible chemical reactor, Nature Chemistry (2019). www.nature.com/articles/s41557-019-0273-2 Journal information: Nature Chemistry Overcoming chemical equilibrium limitations using a thermodynamically reversible chemical reactor,(2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41557-019-0273-2 Ghosn was seen as the glue keeping the Renault-Nissan alliance together Nissan, a long-time Renault partner, has been left sidelined by a potential tie-up between the French firm and Fiat-Chrysler, just as the beleaguered Japanese firm battles to recover from the arrest of former boss Carlos Ghosn. "It's an ill thought-out and badly conceived plan," fumed one source close to Nissan, who did not wish to be identified, in response to the Fiat-Chrysler "50/50" merger proposal that would potentially create the world's third-largest carmaker. It is a bitter pill to swallow for Nissan, which appeared to be completely left in the dark about the project and is already battling falling sales amid reputational damage from the downfall of Ghosn, who is fighting financial misconduct charges. Behind the scenes at the Yokohama-based firm, people believe it could further damage relations with Renault, which is already pushing for a formal merger between the pair against Nissan's wishes. "Nissan appears to be being kept out of the loop, which is unpleasant for Nissan and may create unnecessary distrust of Renault among Nissan people," analyst Satoru Takada at TIW, a Tokyo-based research and consulting firm, told AFP. Putting a brave face on it, Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa told reporters on Monday he was "open to constructive discussions to strengthen the alliance" and the subject will surely be raised in a meeting on Wednesday with Renault boss Jean-Dominique Senard. Nissan and Renault, with headquarters 10,000 kilometres (6,000 miles) apart and very different histories and cultures, have always been seen as unlikely bedfellows and Ghosn was instrumental in keeping the alliance together. With his downfall after a Nissan-led investigation, the glue bonding the pair since 1999 has been removed and relations have quickly gone downhill. "Renault's top priority is now FCA," said Takada. "For Nissan, the speculated merger is not a plus. With the merger, Nissan's position in the alliance would be relatively lowered and its independence could be flawed." Fiat's offer, which Renault is studying "with interest", shows its Japanese partner that "it is no longer as important in its eyes," relegating it into third place, according to Christopher Richter, analyst at Tokyo-based CLSA. 'Important block' However, according to a well-informed source, "the door is open" for Nissan to join the tie-up, despite a recent downturn in its sales figures. "Nissan is still an important block in their puzzle, given it has good coverage of China, where neither Renault nor FCA are strong," said one auto sector analyst who asked to remain anonymous. Nissan also brings to the party its Japanese partner Mitsubishi Motors, which has a strong presence in south-east Asia. If all firms were brought together, they would be producing nearly 16 million cars per year, well ahead of Toyota and Volkswagen which both sell around 10.6 million. And in any case, after 20 years, Nissan is too closely integrated with Renault to consider a divorce, no matter how low relations sink. "There are too many joint projects," said one source close to the Japanese firm. "The alliance in its current form can not be defeated, it is already irreversible." Investors however did not seem to cheer the news. While Renault and Fiat shares went through the roof, climbing 13 and 18 percent respectively at the open, Nissan stock enjoyed a muted rise of just more than one percent. 2019 AFP Credit: CC0 Public Domain New research from CSIRO's Data61, the data and digital specialist arm of Australia's national science agency, questions the "trustability" of websites and in a world first quantifies the extent to which the trust model of today's World Wide Web is fundamentally broken. Researchers found that around half of the Internet's most popular websites are at risk of malicious activity because they depend on a chain of other third parties to import external resourcessuch as ad providers, tracking and analytics services and content distribution networkswhich are often required to properly load content. These third parties can further load resources from other domains creating a dependency chain of up to over 30 domains, underpinned by a form of implicit trust with the original website. The research found that the larger the dependency chain, the greater the threat to malicious activity. Professor Dali Kaafar, Information Security and Privacy research leader at CSIRO's Data61 and Scientific Director of Optus Macquarie University Cyber Security Hub, said that although this is a well-known web design decision, often overlooked are its implications on security and privacy. "Almost all websites today are heavily embedded with tracking components. For every website you visit, you could be unknowingly loading content from potentially malicious parties and leaving a trail of your internet activity," Professor Kaafar said. The research also found that 1.2 percent of third parties linked to the top 200 thousand websites were suspicious. Popular web resource Javascript, generally used to improve the user experience of the web, represents the greatest risk of malicious activity as they are designed to be executed undetected. "The potential threat should not be underestimated, as suspicious content loaded on browsers can open the way to further exploits including Distributed Denial of Service attacks which disrupt traffic to websites, and ransomware campaigns which cost the world more than US$8 billion in 2018," Professor Kaafar said. "Worryingly, the original or 'first party' websites have little to no visibility of where these resources originate. This points to a lack of 'trustability' of content on the web, and the need to better regulate the web by introducing standardised security measures and the notion of explicit trust." Resolving the security issue created by dependency chains will require additional research, the support of the World Wide Web Consortium, the predominant organisation focused on developing web standards, as well as web 'hypergiants.'" In the meantime, Professor Kaafar suggests installing simple web browser extensions such as ad- and JavaScript-blockers to limit exposure to malicious activity through the web. Explore further Legal ramifications of anti-hacker honeypots More information: Muhammad Ikram et al. The Chain of Implicit Trust: An Analysis of the Web Third-party Resources Loading. arXiv:1901.07699v2 [cs.CR] 18 Feb 2019. Muhammad Ikram et al. The Chain of Implicit Trust: An Analysis of the Web Third-party Resources Loading. arXiv:1901.07699v2 [cs.CR] 18 Feb 2019. arxiv.org/pdf/1901.07699.pdf InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo airline, has concluded the financial year 2018-19 with decline in top and bottom line growth, dented by high fuel prices, weak rupee and intense competitive environment. "The aviation company has reported a sharp decline of 93 per cent in its standalone net profit at Rs 156.10 crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2019 as compared to Rs 2,242.40 crore in the last fiscal," InterGlobe Aviation said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange on Monday. Standalone revenue from operations increased 23.8 per cent to Rs 28,496.80 crore from Rs 23,020.90 crore in the last year. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and restructuring or rent costs (EBITDAR) declined to Rs 5,224.50 crore from Rs 6,676.80 crore reported in the previous year. The EBITDAR margin stood at 18.3 per cent as against 29.0 per cent for the last year. ALSO READ:Q4FY19 earnings review: Topline growth hit three-quarter low on consumption slowdown, challenging global macros In the January-March period, the low-cost carrier's standalone net profit jumped five-fold to Rs 589.6 crore as compared to Rs 117.6 crore in the corresponding period of 2017-18. Total income increased by 35.5 per cent to Rs 8,259.8 crore in the quarter ended March 2019 compared to Rs 6,097.7 crore in the year-ago period. For the quarter, passenger ticket revenue was up 40.2 per cent at Rs 7,037.30 crore and ancillary revenue was Rs 826.40 crore, an increase of 24.1 per cent compared to the same period last year. ALSO READ:Motherson Sumi net profit slips 7.43% to Rs 814 crore in FY19 Commenting on financial performance, IndiGo CEO Ronojoy Dutta said, "Fiscal 2019 was a tough year for the airline industry in India because of high fuel prices, weak rupee and intense competitive environment. However, it is a tale of two halves for IndiGo, with the first half of the year incurring losses and the second half of the year experiencing a sharp recovery." Dutta added that he is bullish about the future and sees plenty of opportunities for profitable growth in our network and with a robust delivery stream of new aircrafts. For the year ended March 2019, IndiGo has announced a dividend of Rs 5 per share subject to shareholders' approval. As of March 31, 2019, the total debt of the company was Rs 2,429.2 crore, which was "aircraft related", said the airline. IndiGo has a total cash balance of Rs 15,308.10 crore comprising of Rs 6,079.60 crore of free cash and Rs 9,228.50 crore of restricted cash. With its fleet of 217 aircraft as of March 31, 2019, the airline offered 1,376 peak daily flights during the quarter and connected 52 domestic destinations and 16 international destinations. InterGlobe Aviation shares closed trade at Rs 1,663 apiece, up 2.52 per cent, on the BSE on Monday. Edited by Chitranjan Kumar A truck was traveling on Route 9N and the driver attempted to make a left turn into the school. At that time, a motorcycle with two occupants, attempted to pass the truck no the left. The two vehicles collided and the motorcycle operator and passenger were ejected from the vehicle, but then got back on the motorcycle and left the scene, according to a news release from New York State Police. HUDSON FALLS A distraught man with a firearm barricaded himself in his Union Street residence on Sunday evening, and caused standoff with police that lasted over 8 hours. Hudson Falls Police responded to the house at about 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evening. The Washington County Sheriff's Emergency Response Team and the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team also assisted. The man, whose name was not released, eventually surrendered to police without incident at about 3:30 a.m. was transported to Glens Falls Hospital for a mental health evaluation, according to a news release from Hudson Falls Police. A firearm was recovered at the scene. Several streets around Union Street were closed during the incident. Police said it is unlikely the man will face criminal charges. No one was injured during the standoff. Love 0 Funny 11 Wow 13 Sad 30 Angry 16 QUEENSBURY A Ballston Lake veteran is riding his bike across the country to raise money for a new Queensbury non-profit. Hes trying to raise $30,000 for Woofs for Warriors, an agency that provides trained service dogs to veterans. Its his way of saying thank you to the organization who found him a dog and trained the dog to help him with his seizures, without charging him a single cent. Theres no health insurance plan that includes service dogs, said U.S. Army veteran Jimmy Thomas. I got Boots 100% free, including training that cost about $30,000. I got him for free. I should do something to make it possible for a couple other people, at least one, to get a dog. He said he had no idea how he would have scraped up the money for the dog if he had to pay $30,000. But since he got Boots more than a year ago, he has not had a single seizure. While dogs can only warn humans of an oncoming seizure, they cant actually prevent them. But doctors had theorized in Thomas case that seizures were brought on by his anxiety and stress level. Being with Boots has kept him calm. Now he runs a construction contracting business. Hes made it so I can work, Thomas said. I work construction I really dont want to fall off a roof. Boots comes to the construction sites and lays down quietly in the shade. Hes perfectly trained and never leaves his spot until Thomas comes back, Thomas said. He makes it so I can actually live, Thomas said. He will be biking for six to eight hours a day, traveling from Oregon to Albany, NY over the course of two months. Boots cant run that long, so he will follow Thomas by car two men who work with Thomas on construction will drive out with Boots partway through the trip. He plans to leave June 3. He got Boots through Mountains for Miracles, a local organization. In January, Woofs for Warriors branched off to become its own agency focusing solely on service dogs. We branched off because Mountains to Miracles was focusing on other veteran needs and we had identified this as a need, said President Cathy Reichen. She got involved years ago because of her father, a Vietnam War veteran. He needed a service dog and is now doing very well, she said. Theres not a lot you can give to thank someone for their service, she said. But you can give them a service dog. Shes found that they can help with PTSD, can provide physical help for those who need it, and can create a better quality of life for an injured veteran. The key, she said, is training. The agency spends a year training the dog. We train the dog and the veteran together, she said. We give homework. Once you have a dog trained, you have to continue with reinforcement. Thomas praised the groups training. They trained him to be the most awesome service dog in the universe, he said of Boots. Hell stay by himself regardless of what you tempt him to do. They trained him to do whatever hes told and he wont do anything until hes told to do it. Say you drop your prescription medicine on the floor you know how some dogs will eat it before you can grab it? He wont touch it. Hes encountered some emotional support animals in restaurants who are not as well trained. Ive been where other people say their dog is a service dog, and their dog is snapping at Boots, he said. That behavior makes it harder for his real service dog to be accepted sometimes, he said. Hes had some people tell him theyre afraid the dog will pee on things inappropriately. They give us all a bad name, he said. While any dog can be trained to be a companion, she said it takes a special dog to handle service training. There are purebred labs who are very, very smart but they dont want to work, so they dont make the program, she said. The dog has to be interested in the training. Dogs are trained by Vice President Chris Argento. The Glens Falls Kennel Club donates space to the group for their efforts. One of their main needs is finding dogs. They are also always looking for volunteers. To donate, go to https://woofsforwarriors.org/ or send a check to P.O. Box 2466, Glens Falls, NY 12801. You can reach Kathleen Moore at 742-3247 or kmoore@poststar.com. Follow her on Twitter @ByKathleenMoore or at her blog on www.poststar.com. 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. I'm not on Facebook and do not post to Medium. Twitter has suspended me. I don't know why. mscriver@3rivers.net COMMENTS WELCOME unless they are anonymous. 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 Anil Ambani may sell Reliance Broadcast Network (RBN), which operates BIG FM radio channels, to Jagran Prakashan, the publisher of Hindi newspaper Dainik Jagran, suggested media report. Jagran Prakashan has offered to pay around Rs 1,200 crore for this deal, the Economic Times quoted a people with direct knowledge of the matter as saying. Reliance Broadcast Network is part of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group which operates Big FM Radio stations and BIG Magic television channel in India. According to the leading daily, the latest offer came after the Anil Ambani's group entity failed to secure a deal with Subhash Chandra-led Zee Group amid government approval delays. The Jagran Prakashan will acquire RBN through Music Broadcast Ltd (MBL). Mahendra Mohan Gupta-led Jagran Prakashan acquired Music Broadcast Ltd (MBL), which owns Radio City, in an all-cash deal in December 2014. "RBN and MBL have reached an agreement... MBL will first pick up 24 per cent in RBN, which does not require any permission," the financial daily quoted one of the sources as saying. Also Read:Rafale row: Anil Ambani's Reliance Group withdraws defamation suits against Congress, National Herald As per government norms, a radio company cannot sell the majority stake in a new licence for three years. The lock-in period for Big FM's 45 stations expired on March 31 last year, while that for the remaining 14 will perish in March 2020, it added. If the deal finalises, it would provide major relief to Anil Ambani-controlled Reliance Group which aims to reduce its overall debt by Rs 10,000-12000 crore through stake sale and monetisation of several non-core investments. Reliance Capital has a debt of Rs 18,000 crore. The company aims to reduce 50-60 per cent of its debt by monetisation of its 43 per cent stake in Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management and 49 per cent stake in Reliance General Insurance Company, along with several non-core investments. Also Read:Reliance Capital to raise Rs 10,000 cr in current fiscal by selling assets, cut down debt by 50% Reliance Capital, the financial services arm of ADAG group, will sell its entire 42.88 per cent stake in Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management Ltd (RNAM) to its partner, Nippon Life Insurance Co. Ltd, in order to pare debt. The company is expected to raise Rs 6,000 crore through this transaction which will be used to reduce its outstanding debt. It has also planned to monetise 49 per cent stake in Reliance General Insurance Company through public listing of its shares for which it is awaiting Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi's) approval. Reliance Capital is also in process to monetise its several non-core investments, which include a strategic stake sale in Prime Focus and other media assets. Edited by Chitranjan Kumar As simple as it is, though, the math wasnt persuasive to some of the justices. Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch suggested that disqualifying district maps that are shown to be statistical outliers would be the same as requiring the share of seats won by each party to match its share of the vote. Kavanaugh, for example, asserted that those challenging the North Carolina map wish to mandate proportional representation, an impractical standard that the courts have long rejected. But the outlier-detection approach actually isnt a stalking horse for proportional representation. Consider the 2000 presidential election, in which George W. Bush claimed 35% of the statewide vote in Massachusetts. If we used that years voting data to redistrict the state today, a proportional representation system would require that Republicans claim three or four of the states nine seats in the U.S. Houses. Yet it would have been mathematically impossible to assemble even a single district that would have a majority of Bush voters, because they were almost uniformly distributed among the townships that serve as building blocks for districts. Therefore, a map that gave Democrats all nine seats wouldn't just be statistically typical it would be the only possible option. OPHIEM, Ill. The upcoming 130th-anniversary celebration will be bittersweet for the pastor and worshipers at Grace Lutheran Church in Ophiem. The Rev. Nancy Jaster is the pastor of the church, which is tucked along the countryside in western Henry County. Grace Lutheran is one of the three churches which make up the Churches of the Edwards River Ministry. The other two churches are First Lutheran in Sherrard and Bethany Lutheran in Woodhull. Jaster serves as pastor of the three churches. Faced with the advancing age of its members and a decline in the community population and church membership, services will not be held at the church after June 30. It is sad to see their ministry end, yet it is also good to remember that they have blessed many people and those blessings will continue, Jaster said. The current members will continue to be faithful in the new places they worship. Some return addresses and names were of political action committees. The letter addressed to a prominent gun control proponent, for instance, had a return address of a gun control political action committee which had contributed to his campaign last year. Other letters were ostensibly from specific individuals, including a prominent retired Chicago business executive, a legislator's mother, a legislator's relative and the husband of a state representative's senator. All were campaign contributors. In other words, whoever sent this letter doesn't appear to be just some random crank with a handy mailing list. That person or persons put some real time and effort into this. And that almost bothers me more than the letter itself. A state senator who received one of the mailers said the postage stamp on the envelope chilled him to the bone. The sender used a John Lennon stamp. The former Beatle was murdered in 1980. The letter writer had threatened all pension plan participants with being killed and cryptically asked recipients if they were "sure" that some accidental deaths on the highways were truly accidents or "the conscious decisions of people with nothing left to lose to 'take one with me?'" A Chadron woman was sentenced to 20-30 years in jail in connection with an incident of child abuse dating back to 2015. Dawes County District Court Judge Travis OGorman handed down the sentence against Jessica Cuny last week, noting that the injuries she caused her daughter were horrific. The injuries sustained by this 10-month-old little girl just horrify me.Im surprised were not here for a death case. No one should to this to a child, OGorman said. Cuny, who cried during her sentencing, was arrested after the incident in 2015, but charges were dropped the next year as prosecutors worked to build the case against her. She was arrested again last October, and a trial scheduled for this year was cancelled after Cuny entered a no contest plea to an amended filing charging her with one count of child abuse that intentionally caused injury. Another count of first degree assault was dismissed as part of the deal by prosecutor Doug Warner. The case stemmed from an October 2015 hospital visit in which Cuny said her 10-month-old daughter had fallen off the bed in the middle of night. According to court records, Cuny claimed the baby had woken up in the middle of the night. Cuny said she laid the baby on her bed and went to the bathroom after the infant had fallen asleep, only to hear her daughter crying again. She told doctors she believed the baby rolled off the bed and hit a coffee table/television stand on the way down. Thinking the baby was fine, she put her child back in her crib but noticed bruising the next day and took her to Chadron Community Hospital. The baby had to be flown to Childrens Hospital in Aurora, Colo. Doctors there diagnosed her with a multitude of injuries, including multi-planar brusing, a nasal bone fracture, a skull fracture, a femur fracture, a brain bleed and altered mental status. They concluded the injuries could not have occurred the way Cuny described them and contacted authorities. Cuny will receive credit for 514 days of time served and be eligible for parole in 10 years. Her mandatory discharge date will come in 15 years, if she earns all of her good behavior time. Her attorney, Jon Worthman, sought a sentence of three to six years, saying that while Cunys story had changed over the course of time, she has always said she doesnt remember what happened the night of her daughters injuries. And while it doesnt excuse the behavior, he said, the child appears to have no lasting effects from the incident. Prosecutor Zachary Blackman, argued for the longer sentence, in part because Cuny hasnt taken full responsibility for the incident, changing her story and even blaming another individual during the pre-sentencing investigation. The nature of the case is severe. The victim was 10-months-old. She was unable to protect herself, Blackman said. There are pretty serious consequences for the victim in this case. Shes frankly lucky to be alive, Blackman said, adding that the girl must travel to Denver twice a year for follow-ups with her doctors to ensure there are no lasting effects from the beating. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2 A final effort to increase property tax relief beyond the $51 million annual hike in the property tax credit fund already approved by the Legislature collapsed last week. The demise of the $112 million proposal, authored by Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, immediately placed the fate of a bill to enact a modernized business tax incentives program in doubt. Senators had edged during the day last Wednesday toward an uneasy and fragile alliance that attempted to tie support for the two proposals together into what Briese had described as "a package deal." Following the demise of the tax plan, which disappeared from the legislative agenda when a motion to free the bill from a filibuster led by Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha failed, Briese said he would "find it very problematic to support corporate giveaways after turning our backs on working Nebraskans," including ag producers and homeowners. Legislative refusal to increase property tax relief is "a clear signal to Nebraskans that (a pending property tax ballot initiative) may be their only option" if they want to obtain meaningful property tax reduction, Briese said. Following a full afternoon of debate, the business tax incentive proposal (LB720) was advanced from first-stage floor consideration on a 29-5 vote with 15 senators appearing to send a message to sponsors of the bill by declining to vote on the motion. "No way I'm going to support this without simultaneously reducing property taxes," Briese had signaled in offering his proposal as an amendment to a pending tax bill (LB183) at the second stage of floor consideration. It was an afternoon and evening of legislative intrigue, with senators huddling on the floor in small groups as they appeared to tie the two major bills together in the waning days of a legislative session that's scheduled to end next week. The modernized tax incentives bill, sponsored by Sen. Mark Kolterman of Seward, was amended to bolster its support with approval of proposals authored by Sens. Kate Bolz and Anna Wishart, both of Lincoln. The Bolz amendment added a customized job training program to the new incentive package, and Wishart added requirements for health care benefits along with a social benefits incentive package. Kolterman said that the proposal already had been reshaped to meet rural concerns, including lowering the employment expansion threshold for earning tax incentives. Reaching out to supporters of the Briese bill following advancement of his own proposal, Kolterman said: "I like this bill; I am supportive of this bill." The evening motion to free the tax bill fell 10 votes short on a 23-7 vote, signaling the end of this year's property tax debate. Last week, a comprehensive tax reform proposal authored by the Revenue Committee that would have raised $372 million in new revenue to fund property tax reduction stalled on the floor of the Legislature and never gathered the support required to return to the agenda. The Briese plan would have eliminated 28 sales tax exemptions, including those applied to candy, soft drinks, bottled war and motor vehicle repair, while increasing the earned income tax credit to help reduce the impact of sales tax increases on low-income Nebraskans. The new business tax incentives package, known as Imagine Nebraska, cleared a cloture vote on a 37-8 count before being advanced. A number of senators questioned whether the current Nebraska Advantage program, which is due to expire at the end of 2020, has been worth the cost and whether it has been beneficial to the state beyond Omaha and Lincoln. Tax incentive programs have led to $30 billion of investment and creation of 100,000 jobs, Kolterman said, with 43 percent of the benefits realized in rural Nebraska. A number of senators suggested that Nebraska cannot afford to walk away from business tax incentives when it is competing with other states for investments and job creation. "It's too important not to move," Sen. Steve Lathrop of Omaha said. "We can't sit on the sidelines," Sen. John McCollister of Omaha said. "There's no proof this works," Sen. Curt Friesen of Henderson countered. "There are a thousand employees in my town that would not be there without tax incentives," Speaker Jim Scheer of Norfolk said. Half of them, he said, are earning six-figure incomes. Scheer urged senators to trust one another as they considered both the tax incentive and property tax relief proposals. "These two bills will only pass if they both pass," Scheer said. "I'm convinced of that." You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 India's booming unicorn club may get a new entrant soon, if eyewear retailer Lenskart manages to land the investment deal being hashed out with SoftBank Group Corp, the world's largest technology investor. People in the know told The Economic Times, that the company is in talks with SoftBank Vision Fund to secure $350 million in fresh funding, and a deal is likely soon. That's close to three times the amount of funds that Lenskart has managed to raise since it was founded, as per Crunchbase data. What's more, the transaction is likely to value the startup at $1.3 billion. "SoftBank wanted to pump a bigger amount for Lenskart to aggressively expand outside of India but the company did not agree to it," said a source. But even at the lower deal size, the jump in Lenskart's valuation will be over 176% to $1.3 billion, against its previous valuation of $460-470 million last August. That's when TR Capital and Hong Kong-based hedge fund Steadview Capital reportedly pumped in around $70-75 million a large secondary deal in the Delhi-based startup while Epiq Capital came in as a new investor. In addition, Lenskart's existing investor lineup includes Unilazer Ventures, TPG Growth, the World Bank private investment arm International Finance Corp, Chiratae Ventures, Adveq Management, PremjiInvest and Unilazer Ventures' founder Ronnie Screwvala. SoftBank's discussions come on the back of Carlyle Group's interest in Lenskart - which started as an online player but moved offline, too, in 2014 - but sources said those talks fell through as the private equity firm was proposing a valuation of about $700 million, much lower than the company's expectations. Although Lenskart has not announced its latest financial results yet, it's FY19 revenue is expected to be pegged at Rs 500 crore in the last fiscal, with around Rs 70 crore in losses. In comparison, in FY18 it had reported total revenue of close to Rs 311 crore and a loss of Rs 262.87 in the previous fiscal, as per documents filed with the Registrar of Companies. "Its rapid offline rollout has helped in brand building," an investor told the daily. "But a large part of its customer acquisition is still online, which is expensive. These costs will take time to reduce as the brand gets built through offline expansion." Nonetheless, the company has chalked out ambitious expansion plans - it reportedly wants to add 150 stores by March 2020 and open 2,000 in India over the next five years. Given that industry estimates believe that only 25% of the country's population have access to eye care, there's certainly ample room for growth. Lenskart also forayed into Singapore recently and the plan is to open 50-60 stores there over the next three years before expanding to markets such as the Philippines, Taiwan and the Middle East. Also read: Grofers raises $200 million led by SoftBank Vision Fund Also read: Snapdeal close to acquiring ShopClues for $200-250 million Two men died after being thrown from their vehicles in two unrelated one-vehicle crashes in Butte and Meade counties Saturday, according to authorities. A 35-year-old man died Saturday morning after a crash 2 miles north of Rapid City in Meade County, according to a Sunday news release from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. The man was driving a 1992 GMC Sierra Pickup at 7:29 a.m. on North Deadwood Avenue when he left the roadway and hit a box culvert on a creek embankment. He was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene. Authorities did not say if he was wearing a seat belt. Department Public Safety said in another news release that a 31-year-old man died later Saturday after his 2004 Kia Optima crashed 3 miles southeast of Nisland in Butte County. The man lost control at 7:55 p.m. while driving on Snoma Road, a gravel road. He hit a ditch, rolled several times, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt. Department of Public Safety did not say what caused the men to lose control of their vehicles; Highway Patrol is still investigating both crashes. The victims' identities will be released once their families are notified. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 One of the best rodeo photographers on site at the 76th Santa Maria Elk Rodeo didnt grow up in the sport. Hes not a cowboy, mud doesnt run through his veins, and heck, he didnt even learn to ride a horse until last year. " " A jet on the approach to Los Angeles International Airport crosses in front of the 'Super Moon,' an event that occurs when the full moon reaches the part of its path that is closest to Earth. What would happen if there was no moon? DAVID HUME KENNERLY/GETTY IMAGES It's easy to think of the moon as our affable neighbor who keeps to himself. We like him well enough, but if he moved, our main concern wouldn't be that he had left it would be the fear of someone taking his place. Let's keep in mind that the moon is partly made from the foundation of our own planet. It happened when Earth was a molten lava infant at just 30 million years old. A giant impactor hit Earth, taking some of its mantle with it when it ricocheted off into space. This impactor merged with the hot mantle to form the moon. A billion years ago, the moon stopped being geologically active [source: Lunar and Planetary Institute]. But that's not to say that the moon is doing nothing for us. Take a look at a few things that we would miss if our moon decamped to another neighborhood or never moved to our 'hood in the first place. Advertisement Perhaps the most obvious fallout of an absent moon would be the tidal changes. If the moon wasn't affecting our oceans, the tides would be about a third the size they are now; the sun would "take over" tidal changes, but it just doesn't have the same pull as the moon [source: Masters]. The moon also affects the altitude of the ocean; the gravitational pull of the moon causes a "bulge" of water around the middle of the earth. In other words, the poles have less water than the equator [source: ScienceLine]. If the moon didn't exist, the bulge of water would disperse, rushing to the shallower poles. The moon is also helping to slow down Earth's rotation. In fact, the moon is slowing us down a tiny bit every single day. (If you can divide "microseconds per year" into daily increments, that is.) If we had no moon to slow our roll, we'd be spinning ourselves six-hour days. While that might sound intriguing, keep in mind that it would lead to all sorts of consequences. There would be increased wind and storms for one, but it would also probably have affected how life evolved on our planet. With only a few short hours of daylight and darkness, who knows what plants and animals could have developed or lost out. And then there's the matter of our axis. The moon stabilizes us to keep that nifty 23 degree tilt that makes for mild seasons and environments. Without the moon, we might be careening from upright to sideways. With a near-zero degree tilt we'd barely see a few minutes of sun or like Uranus, with its 97-degree tilt we might find ourselves in 42 continuous years of sunlight, followed by 42 years darkness. And make no bones about it it would be pretty darn dark without the light of the moon beside us. The US real-estate insurance biz, First American Financial, accidentally leaked customers highly personal files online, hundreds of millions of documents. The US real-estate insurance company First American Financial Corp. accidentally leaked hundreds of millions of documents. The company has more than 18,000 employees and brought in more than $5.7 billion in 2018. Roughly 885 million insurance-related documents were leaked online, including details of wire transfers, and property records. The documents date back to 2003 and include bank account numbers and statements, mortgage and tax records, Social Security numbers, wire transaction receipts, and drivers license images. The news was first reported by the popular investigator Brian Krebs who was informed of the leak by the real-estate developer Ben Shoval. Earlier this week, KrebsOnSecurity was contacted by a real estate developer in Washington state who said hed had little luck getting a response from the company about what he found, which was that a portion of its Web site (firstam.com) was leaking tens if not hundreds of millions of records. reads a blog post published by Brian Krebs, He said anyone who knew the URL for a valid document at the Web site could view other documents just by modifying a single digit in the link. Shoval discovered that the documents were exposed online through the company website, anyone who knew the URL for one of the documents could view it, and by just by modifying a single digit in the link could view other files. The developer shared its discovery with Krebs after attempting to notify the data leak to the company without success. At the time of writing, First American Financial has updated its website and secured the documents. We are currently evaluating what effect, if any, this had on the security of customer information, a spokesperson said. We will have no further comment until our internal review is completed. The company confirmed that on May 24, 2019, it learned of a design flaw in one of its production applications that made possible unauthorized access to the huge trove of data. It is not clear how long the documents remained exposed online, but querying the archive.org website it is possible to verify that documents were available from at least March 2017. First American has learned of a design defect in an application that made possible unauthorized access to customer data. At First American, security, privacy and confidentiality are of the highest priority and we are committed to protecting our customers information. reads a statement sent by the company to Krebs. The company took immediate action to address the situation and shut down external access to the application. We are currently evaluating what effect, if any, this had on the security of customer information. We will have no further comment until our internal review is completed. First American Financial is still investigating the incident and hired a forensics firm to help it. If you appreciate my effort in spreading cybersecurity awareness, please vote for Security Affairs in the section Your Vote for the Best EU Security Tweeter Thank you Pierluigi Paganini ( SecurityAffairs First American Financial, data leak) Share this... Linkedin Share this: Twitter Print LinkedIn Facebook More Tumblr Pocket Share On "More Bang for Your Buck: How to Improve the Incentive Structure for Indigent Defense Counsel" | Main | Ohio Supreme Court concludes it violates due process to treat a juve adjudication like adult conviction at later sentencing August 25, 2016 Sixth Circuit panel concludes Michigan sex offender registration amendments "imposes punishment" and thus are ex post unconstitutional for retroactive application In a significant panel ruling today, the Sixth Circuit has concluded in Does v. Snyder, No. 15-1536 (6th Cir. Aug. 25, 2016) (available here) that Michigan's amendments to its Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) "imposes punishment" and thus the state violates the US Constitution when applying these SORA provisions retroactively. Here is some of the concluding analysis from the unanimous panel decision reaching this result: So, is SORAs actual effect punitive? Many states confronting similar laws have said yes. See, e.g., Doe v. State, 111 A.3d 1077, 1100 (N.H. 2015); State v. Letalien, 985 A.2d 4, 26 (Me. 2009); Starkey v. Oklahoma Dept of Corr., 305 P.3d 1004 (Okla. 2013); Commonwealth v. Baker, 295 S.W.3d 437 (Ky. 2009); Doe v. State, 189 P.3d 999, 1017 (Alaska 2008). And we agree. In reaching this conclusion, we are mindful that, as Smith makes clear, states are free to pass retroactive sex-offender registry laws and that those challenging an ostensibly non-punitive civil law must show by the clearest proof that the statute in fact inflicts punishment. But difficult is not the same as impossible. Nor should Smith be understood as writing a blank check to states to do whatever they please in this arena. A regulatory regime that severely restricts where people can live, work, and loiter, that categorizes them into tiers ostensibly corresponding to present dangerousness without any individualized assessment thereof, and that requires time-consuming and cumbersome in-person reporting, all supported by at best scant evidence that such restrictions serve the professed purpose of keeping Michigan communities safe, is something altogether different from and more troubling than Alaskas first-generation registry law. SORA brands registrants as moral lepers solely on the basis of a prior conviction. It consigns them to years, if not a lifetime, of existence on the margins, not only of society, but often, as the record in this case makes painfully evident, from their own families, with whom, due to school zone restrictions, they may not even live. It directly regulates where registrants may go in their daily lives and compels them to interrupt those lives with great frequency in order to appear in person before law enforcement to report even minor changes to their information. We conclude that Michigans SORA imposes punishment. And while many (certainly not all) sex offenses involve abominable, almost unspeakable, conduct that deserves severe legal penalties, punishment may never be retroactively imposed or increased. Indeed, the fact that sex offenders are so widely feared and disdained by the general public implicates the core countermajoritarian principle embodied in the Ex Post Facto clause. As the founders rightly perceived, as dangerous as it may be not to punish someone, it is far more dangerous to permit the government under guise of civil regulation to punish people without prior notice. Such lawmaking has been, in all ages, [a] favorite and most formidable instrument[] of tyranny. The Federalist No. 84, supra at 444 (Alexander Hamilton). It is, as Justice Chase argued, incompatible with both the words of the Constitution and the underlying first principles of our free republican governments. Calder, 3 U.S. at 38889; accord The Federalist No. 44, supra at 232 (James Madison) ([E]x post facto laws . . . are contrary to the first principles of the social compact, and to every principle of sound legislation.). The retroactive application of SORAs 2006 and 2011 amendments to Plaintiffs is unconstitutional, and it must therefore cease. I was involved with some amicus briefing in this case, so I am a bit biased when saying I think the Sixth Circuit got this one right. But I do not think I am showing any bias when asserting this ruling is a big deal (and could become an even bigger deal if Michigan seeks a further appeal to the full Sixth Circuit or to the US Supreme Court). August 25, 2016 at 12:29 PM | Permalink Comments My quick take--court shouldn't focus so much on the effects of the registration--rather the duty of the offender to register, stay away from public places etc. The government has one chance to punish someone--at trial. Once that is over, no more punishment. Telling a citizen not subject to a criminal conviction that he or she cannot live in a certain place is punishment if that word is to have any meaning whatsoever. I don't see how the question is really debatable, and this silly balancing test obscures that reality. Posted by: federalist | Aug 25, 2016 12:45:02 PM Any type of registration "after" someone has already served their time in jail or prison, is punishment. Let the attorneys and judges try to live life on the list for a year. Then maybe they'll understand. Posted by: kat | Aug 25, 2016 1:49:48 PM Potential in the next couple years for a Supreme Court opinion to put some limits on such things. Posted by: Joe | Aug 25, 2016 3:26:40 PM Ding Dong the Witch is Dead...at least in Michigan. Now we need to kill her in TX, CA, WA, GA, FL, UT, LA, etc., etc., Posted by: the oppressed | Aug 25, 2016 4:23:33 PM Indeed. The piling on of additional restrictions (punishments), including the ill-conceived International Megan's Law, all hiding behind the Alaska case, must cease and be reversed. Of course, since the Alaska case is Justice Roberts raison d'etre for being on the Supreme Court to begin with, begs the question: How receptive will the court be once the challenge(s) ultimately reach them. Justice Kennedy in the same case quoted recidivism opinions that have long since been debunked as well. Posted by: Tuna | Aug 25, 2016 9:03:47 PM Is anyone able to download the opinion? Seems the entire site is down. Posted by: Anon | Aug 25, 2016 9:09:37 PM Doug is being rather modest when he says he "was involved with some amicus briefing in this case." In fact, he was one of four authors of an amicus brief written on behalf of thirty-three law professors. Moreover, the court seemed to rely pretty heavily on this brief. So congrats to Doug, Sonja Starr at Michigan, Corey Yung at Kansas, and Evan Zoldan at Toledo. Posted by: Michael J.Z. Mannheimer | Aug 25, 2016 10:33:06 PM To all involved parties who had a hand in getting members of this federal court to take their heads out of where the sun don't shine: Thanks!!! I hope that the Supremes will finally realize the huge error of their ways in Smith vs. Doe. It depends on that lame-brained Roberts! Posted by: albeed | Aug 25, 2016 11:41:31 PM Legislatures just can't seem to resist the (perceived) elixer for instant votes manifested by revisiting the registration statutes. Every time a legislature meets they seem to never tire of dog-piling on the registrants. It will take some more painful amendments, but we are getting close to some more registration regimes being declared "punishment." A few more Circuit Courts of Appeals' ruling so will get us a bona fide circuit split. Hillary's new judge might tip the scale when the Supremes get around to settling the upcoming split. Posted by: MarK M. | Aug 26, 2016 3:31:49 AM Doug, this is a HUGE DEAL! thanks for your efforts. Right now I am drafting a Motion for Appropriate Relief on the ex post facto issue. As you may know, the NC Sup Ct. split on whether the onerous registration requirements are punishment. This issue is headed to the Supreme Court. bruce Posted by: bruce cunningham | Aug 26, 2016 7:59:57 AM Yes, Doug, thank you for your contribution in this case. My read of the opinion is that it is a rather significant judicial opinion, particularly in terms of the language that they are using. They are extremely forceful in their conclusion that the registry, as it exists in present day, is nothing short of a scarlet letter type punishment. Bonus points for espousing skepticism on the utility of the registry as a whole as well as the continued viability of Smith v. Doe. It's fantastic news. Posted by: Guy | Aug 26, 2016 9:09:23 AM Good job!!! Some common sense at last! Posted by: Ex-Economist | Aug 26, 2016 9:21:46 AM I agree wholeheartedly with this ruling and strangely hope Michigan seeks to take it all the way to the Supreme Court. Why you ask? I want the Supremes to issue the same ruling and start the gradual take down of the registry all together (at least the public one). Posted by: trekatch | Aug 26, 2016 10:54:33 AM Fantastic. Isn't is time just to get rid of these lists once and for all? They are terribly destructive and serve no legitimate purpose. We need to let offenders get on with their life, once they have served their punishment. It is very telling that we don't see these systems in peer countries and symptomatic of the truth that in the United States the uninformed and non-analytic have way to much influence over criminal justice policy. There are interesting dynamics here. Folks who advocate for criminal justice reform are often the ones whose families are least likely to be caught up in the criminal justice system, which evidences that pro-reform views coming from clear and rigorous thinking; and opponents are too often motivated by white working class resentment(or, derivatively, those pandering to them). Posted by: Mark | Aug 26, 2016 11:39:36 AM From my personal witnessing of "Justice", the judicial system found a new income that is impossible to get rid of. It is called sexual offender and everyone is a possible victim from preschool to retirement home. Some get prison, others jail and all get probation along with its fees and enforcement. They are placed on a sex offender list for life whether guilty or not and most are the male population. I have witnessed 3 generations of women that have played the system getting tax payer support in one family - now multiply that by other families and add what their peers are teaching & learning in school and the family is destroyed. I have witnessed a former DA that told a Tea Party gathering that he always adds 10 years probation so that he can yank them back into the system (on recording). He is now a judge(?) I have witnessed a Sheriff refuse to file a report because this former DA said that he (DA) would not prosecute the case (on recording also). Now, the judge (?) is unable to sit the bench on these cases and the retired judge (20 + years and should have retired long ago) is brought in to hear the case at tax payer expense. People if you do nothing else, keep your county administration under scrutiny at all times. Come to find out, our County Adult Probation Officer has never had an Oath of Office during this time and Texas Law requires all court office holders to have an Oath of Office by law. So, is he above the law? He can force his will on others when he is unlawful. A petition of the people needs to be started but I need help, I have not learned how to do that yet. Let's speak up with petitions when we see wrong doing! Posted by: LC in Texas | Aug 26, 2016 5:02:05 PM Before everyone gets excited about going to the Supreme Court, keep in mind that Chief Justice John Roberts holds the key to cert. As he was the lead litigator for the state in the infamous Smith v. Doe ruling that validated the existence of the sex offender registries in the first place, he is unlikely to allow for any sex offender-related issues to reach the Supreme Court unless he knows it's a slam dunk decision against registrants. In fact, it was his work in Smith v. Doe that actually alerted Bush operative Karl Rove to recommend him to the then-president, and that's how he ultimately became Chief Justice. Here is a more detailed explanation (LINK). Posted by: Eric Knight | Aug 28, 2016 2:02:25 PM Chief Justice John Roberts needs a wake up call. Perhaps the 850,000 registrants and their families should write to him explaining just how the registry affects their lives. It's easy for him to be "against" registrants when he doesn't have to hear from them or their families. If we want to end the registry, registrants and their families need to come out of the shadows and speak up and have their voices be heard in Washington. Posted by: kat | Aug 29, 2016 9:38:51 AM I'm one of those here in Michigan who is affected by this wonderful news. My conviction is from 1995. I was only required to register for 25 years. Now due to the new laws, I'm required to register for life. I've been out of prison since 2003, with no other problems. So, if I am reading this correctly, I should be coming off the registry in about four years. Is this correct? Posted by: Ann King | Aug 31, 2016 9:46:07 PM Michigan prosecutors/lawmakers are fighting this judgement claiming that the federal circuit court judgement is not "binding" since the Michigan supreme court did not have the case prior to federal court, I know this cause I am being charged with violating school safety zone when my original offense was back in 1999 and just went to court yesterday assuming they would dismiss it, they just adjourned it again (been on bond for 2 years now) pending on what the US supreme court decides if Michigan even appeals the order! The whole system is so corrupt and rigged we sex offenders will never get our constitutional rights back ever! So don't get too excited about this judgement cause it doesn't mean shit! Posted by: frustrated | Sep 1, 2016 3:51:09 PM I am neither,student, professor,attorney etc; I have a question about COURTS - CA 6 VOIDS MICHIGAN SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY FOR IMPOSING UNCONSTITUTIONALLY RETROACTIVE PUNISHMENT. I am a victim of the SORA in MI; I went to my police Dept and they don't know anything about this. Do I need an attorney to enforce them to take me off the registry? I've been on for 19 years. I was falsely accused and ultimately convicted of a misdemeanor. blah blah Thank you for any advice. Renee Posted by: Renee | Sep 3, 2016 1:14:08 PM Kudos to the Federal 6th district circuit court for their ruling on retroactive punishment as being unconstitutional! Now how do we get the state to actively reverse their laws in an expediant manner and resolve the unconstitutional ruling. My son was convicted of a sexual crime (Romeo and Juliet) situation. He was pigeon holed into one of the tiers that made him appear to be an assaulting dangerous criminal to all the public. His sentence occurred 23 years ago. He has experienced just under a year in the county jail, public registration for years, missed school activities for his children, etc. I believe the initial purpose for the sex offender list had good intention and there are some people's crimes that should be on for a lifetime....however, there are over 42,000 peoples names currently on the Michigan list and the majority of them are "low risk", one time "offenders". Once again, how do we put a fire under the legislators to change the unconstitutional laws? I wrote to both my Michigan Representatives and just received a "rubber stamp" letter about how it hasn't come to the floor yet. I told them both, I don't want a general letter of "thanks for your concern", I WANT ACTION. What else can I do? Anxious Mom waiting for justice Posted by: Karen J Knoll | Sep 15, 2016 9:33:33 AM The rust belt is hammering away at SOR laws. The PA Supreme Court ruled SORNA violated the ex post facto back in what, 2012? Since then attorney's across PA have been whittling away at the laws, including lifetime registration. Posted by: Huh? | Dec 5, 2016 6:08:43 PM To those asking, "what now?" First, wait and see if the US Supreme Court agrees to hear the case. If they don't want to hear it, and this case applies to you, then legally you should be removed automatically. However, I doubt that will happen and you will probably need to either write a letter to the State or get a lawyer to write one for you or go and petition your local court to get the judge to order the State to do so by such and such a time. Your point of contact will be the official in your state capital who is assigned to make such decisions and carry out appropriate court orders. Expect them to do it quickly. It's just a matter of deleting your name. I had an attorney write a letter to my State person and it was done the next day. Posted by: rpsa | Feb 23, 2017 9:14:49 PM I was convicted in 1975 and i dont think i will ever get this behind me.because if you dont have money for a att then you are done thanks for reading. Posted by: h.d. houck | Mar 8, 2017 1:25:39 PM Post a comment "Criminal justice reform starts before the trial and sentence" | Main | "Death Row Dogs, Hard Time Prisoners, and Creative Rehabilitation Strategies: Prisoner-Dog Training Programs" July 8, 2017 DOJ urges SCOTUS not to review Sixth Circuit panel decision finding retroactive application of Michigan sex offender law unconstitutional As reported in this post from last summer, a Sixth Circuit panel concluded in Does v. Snyder, No. 15-1536 (6th Cir. Aug. 25, 2016) (available here), that Michigan's amendments to its Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) "imposes punishment" and thus the state violates the US Constitution when applying these SORA provisions retroactively. Michigan appealed this decision to the US Supreme Court, and SCOTUS in March asked for the US Acting Solicitor General to express its views on the case. Yesterday, the Acting SG filed this brief with SCOTUS stating that in "the view of the United States, the petition for a writ of certiorari should be denied." The discussion section of the brief begins this way: Michigans sex-offender-registration scheme contains a variety of features that go beyond the baseline requirements set forth in federal law and differ from those of most other States. After applying the multi-factor framework set out in Smith v. Doe, 538 U.S. 84 (2003), the court of appeals concluded that the cumulative effect of SORAs challenged provisions is punitive for ex post facto purposes. While lower courts have reached different conclusions in analyzing particular features of various state sex-offender-registration schemes, the court of appeals analysis of the distinctive features of Michigans law does not conflict with any of those decisions, nor does it conflict with this Courts holding in Smith. Every court of appeals that has considered an ex post facto challenge to a sex-offender-registry statutory scheme has applied the same Smith framework to determine whether the aggregate effects of the challenged aspects of that scheme are punitive. And although most state sex-offender-registry schemes share similar features, they vary widely in their form and combination of those features. Accordingly, to the extent the courts of appeals have reached different outcomes in state sexoffender-registry cases, those outcomes reflect differences in the statutory schemes rather than any divergence in the legal framework. Finally, petitioners concern (Pet. 26-29) that the court of appeals decision will prevent the State from receiving some federal funding does not warrant review. That concern is premature, as it may well be the case that Michigan can continue to receive federal funds notwithstanding this decision. And the decision does not prevent the State from implementing a sex-offender-registration scheme that is consistent with federal law. Further review is therefore not warranted. July 8, 2017 at 04:32 PM | Permalink Comments If cert is denied, does that mean that the decision is binding only in the 6th circuit and not nationwide? Perhaps that is a reason they are suggesting denying cert. Also worth mentioning again, is that decision in Doe was based on a early-generation registration scheme that bears little resemblance to the add-ons now plaguing most state registration schemes today. Posted by: Salmon | Jul 8, 2017 8:23:59 PM My my a state was finally stupid enough to appeal one of these rulings. Last I heard there were at least two states trying to amend their state constitution to allow retroactively in sex crimes to overturn their states orders that day dif. Of course that is why the D O J wants this to die. Posted by: rodsmith3510 | Jul 8, 2017 8:36:30 PM Another thing I notice is that the SG/DOJ document erroneously mis-states what CA6 said about recidivism. The document states "The court acknowledged that recidivism rates of sex offenders are frightening and high, when in fact the CA6 said that empirical studies have cast doubt on this. It referred to the frightening and high when quoting from Smith v Doe, but was using it to point out its inaccuracy. Posted by: Salmon | Jul 8, 2017 10:28:00 PM Typical. For the last 15 years anytime one of the lower courts allows one of these illegal laws they simply state the United States Supreme Court approved never mind that what they approved is so far from what we now have you would need the starship enterprise to reach it. In reality that place the courts have not been in years. Everything the 2002 doe v Smith court said would have made the registry Illegal they now require on pain of prison. Posted by: rodsmith3510 | Jul 9, 2017 9:29:55 AM How many of these convictions were made by incompatible spouses? How many were really investigated and proved evidence? Posted by: LC in Texas | Jul 9, 2017 12:23:46 PM Let me see if I understand, as a non-lawyer, the wonderful legal reasoning behind the Acting SG's request for denial of certiorari to the Michigan Appeal: - With respect to the Michigan Sex-Offender laws, the 6th Circuit was definitely correct (with-in the BS framework specified in Smith vs. Doe) and the Michigan laws are retroactive and punitive and ergo unconstitutional. - other lower court rulings in other states/jurisdictions finding that "similar" provisions as found in other states/localities laws sharing similar features, are sufficiently different in their legal framework (whatever that means?) that residency restrictions, lifetime monitoring, requiring the immediate reporting of changes in (internet identifiers, car make/model, workplace, etc.) registration fees and etc. are non-punitive, non-retroactive and therefore constitutional. - That retroactive application of International Megan's Law requiring notification to the feds of international travel well in advance and subsequent denial into a destination country (where SO laws don't exist and reciprocity is non-existent) does not interfere with the widely recognized right to travel and is therefore non-punitive and constitutional. Me thinks, again, I thank God I am not a lawyer, that the SG is blowing smoke from where the sun don't shine. Quit pi_sing on me and tell me its raining. However, in our great country, because of Robert's lies in 2002 to the Supreme Court, this charade will be permitted to continue. Posted by: albeed | Jul 9, 2017 12:29:43 PM Won't be long at the rate they are creating rso 's another 10-15 years should give them the numbers to take over and drag everyone who supported pushed or ran the Megan's law registry scheme in front of one of their new judged and since that registry has cost multiple ex sex offenders to lose their lives it will be a capital charge with the appropriate final punishment to follow. And sorry but the excuse "I was just following orders" excuse will go no where since the U.S. Killed to for all time after ww2 and Nuremburg Nazi trials. Posted by: rodsmith3510 | Jul 9, 2017 8:58:27 PM @Salmon: That's a pretty egregious mis-statement. They assert the Court concluded the exact opposite of what it actually concluded. Posted by: Guy | Jul 10, 2017 9:50:24 AM Guy - Agree and exactly the point I was trying to make. I guess it is wishful thinking on my part to wish the SG/DOJ would ever go back and correct their brief. Posted by: Salmon | Jul 10, 2017 12:02:08 PM @Salmon, Oh, I think it's already "corrected." I'm not sure that an error of that magnitude just kind of slides by without anything other than willful denial. I assume that the DOJ will continue to insist that the sky is purple, despite evidence to the contrary, so long as it suits their agenda. That's the same thing that's been happening on this issue for the last couple decades, I don't see any reason for it to change now. Posted by: Guy | Jul 11, 2017 11:12:51 AM Guy: You of all people should know that the "Law" is sacred and since the Supreme Court p__ped it out of their butts in 2003 it has become reality on their planet, wherever that is. I, however, refuse to respect any person(s) who refuse to recognize any semblance of reality, no matter what their title or position. Some things are debatable, this isn't. Posted by: albeed | Jul 11, 2017 2:55:40 PM So, now how do we get what we lost, this is punishment,fees , time out of our life,stress, and tons more? Is civil suit next? Sign me up! Posted by: Bill | Jul 12, 2017 8:44:03 AM @albeed: Agree with you. I suppose it is just disheartening for the last remnants of patriotism that I still hopelessly harbored. Posted by: Guy | Jul 12, 2017 8:44:50 AM Now that the Solicitor General has urged the Supreme Court not to accept Michigan's request for review; when does the court make a decision? The original date for a decision was back in March; is there a timeline for this decision to accept or not to accept? Posted by: Bill | Jul 19, 2017 6:17:21 PM I read on other post should be in October? If the supreme court hears it it should have a ruling by March 2018 Posted by: Bill | Jul 20, 2017 7:42:18 PM I am on the SOR in Michigan. I am engaged to a wonderful woman in the Philippines for some years now. I have traveled there many times without any problems, just to be with her. Adam walsh law says she can't come here to me on a fiance visa because of my CSC 2 plea in 2003. This is also been made retroactive, supposedly to fight against human trafficking. My claim is legitimate. It has nothing to do with trafficking, but politicians make blanket laws including words like "ALL" and "If you've ever been". So She can't come here to be my wife. She knows all about the incident that happened to me and feels that after 15 years to still be punished beyond the courts requirements at that time is BS. And now we have the International Megans law. Another piece of trash that has ended my ability to see her ever again. I was traveling there as I had many times before, in July 2017. This time our wedding was all paid for and meticulously planned, but as I reached immigration officials in manila, This Notification that was sent to them, caused me to be deported and black listed from returning. 2 hearts completely destroyed, even though our love is very real and our intentions honorable, and even after 15 years of abiding by every rule of law, We can't catch a break. How unjust is this. We are Christian people who have a strong faith in Jesus Christ. We believe that God will open the hearts of these people who turn a blind eye to injustice like this. I am a widowed, middle aged furniture maker, looking to fight against both of these terrible laws in any way I can Posted by: Jerry | Jul 22, 2017 8:18:45 PM Post a comment A new industrial policy, incentives to promote manufacturing in key employment generating sectors, rationalisation of direct tax rates and speeding up of mega-infrastructure projects across sectors etc are amongst the hundreds of suggestions that are reaching the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) from individual central government departments these days. The bureaucratic feedback is in response to a directive from the PMO that sought a priority list of decisions that can be announced and implemented during the first 100 days of the second term of Narendra Modi government. While there is no clarity on the specific issues or policy measures the government is going to announce, there are certain areas which it will not miss. Union Budget The full-budget, to be presented in July, may see changes in the direct tax rates. On the corporate tax front, the attempt will be to lower the rates marginally. On personal tax, the exemption threshold should increase to Rs 5 lakhs. The government may also announce stringent measures - as part of the budget or otherwise - to avoid indirect tax evasion to compensate for the revenue loss. Additional borrowing for infrastructure funding and institutional mechanisms for long term financing for infrastructure development projects in the private sector can be expected. The objective will be asset creation and in process, creation of employment opportunities. Agriculture As over 50 per cent of India's population depends on agriculture for livelihood, there will be measures to put more money into the hands of farmers and landless labourers. The prime minister's poll promise to take away the threshold for availing the 100 per cent central scheme of direct income support to the farmer (Rs 6000 in three instalments in a year) should happen. All the social sector programmes, especially the flagship schemes in the health and employment generation sectors will see an additional push in the first three months of the government. Ease of doing business Given Narendra Modi government's obsession to improve India's ranking in several global indicators, there will be special emphasis to ensure that India improves its position in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business rankings this year. Relaxation of laws and rules, digitisation of data and processes (creation of digital land records is one such initiative that will get a big push) are unlikely to be ignored. Investment The government will also announce policy measures aimed at attracting foreign direct investments or domestic private investments and try to showcase India as an ideal place for companies that may be shifting base from China due to the ongoing China-US trade war. Digital policy Policies and legislation to protect Indian interests in the digital economy could also prioritised by the government; though its impact on bilateral trade and investment talks with major economic powers like the USA will be interesting to watch. To conclude, Modi government's 100-day agenda will be packed with policy and administrative measures that can create a quick impact on businesses and industry, global and domestic, as well as the poor and the marginal Indian citizen. The government would want to be seen that it has hit the ground, running. Also Read: IndiGo parent Interglobe Aviation posts 91% decline in net profit at Rs 156.10 crore in FY19; revenue up 23% Also Read: Naresh Goyal deplaning a pre-emptive strike to avoid another Nirav-Mallya situation Also Read: BT Insight: All you need to know about quant funds Three years after Michigan sex offender law deemed punitive and unconstitutional for retroactive application, law's application and revision still uncertain | Main | Notable comments in notable SCOTUS opinions addressing First Amendment retaliatory arrest claims May 27, 2019 Is Joe Biden really "one of the most progressive federal lawmakers in terms of criminal justice policy"? In part because there are so many Democratic candidates, I have not yet been following all too closely the various discussions surrounding various candidates' statements and histories on crime and punishment. But because Joe Biden has apparently emerged as a front-runner, and because he has quite the track-record on these issues, I cannot resist some (still very early) coverage of Uncle Joe's place in this space. In particular, I find notable this recent USA Today commentary by Prof James Alan Fox, which is headlined "Joe Biden reduced murders, reformed criminal justice policy and made America safer." A line from the piece prompted the question in the title of this post, and here is the context: [R]ecent allegations that Biden bears responsibility for the nations mass incarceration problem is not only inaccurate, but downright insulting to a man who has distinguished himself as one of the most progressive federal lawmakers in terms of criminal justice policy. The years leading up to the much-discussed 1994 Crime Bill were challenging, to say the least, with violent crime rates soaring to record levels. From 1990 through 1993, for example, nearly 100,000 Americans were murdered, two-thirds by guns, more than in any other similar time span, before or after. Something had to be done, and Biden had the political will and skill to translate good ideas into effective policy. As early as 1990, Biden, as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, recognized and responded to the growing crisis by holding hearings on the nations homicide epidemic. In his introductory remarks, he talked of the 3-Ds deadly weapons, drugs and demographics. Bidens observations were spot on. The surge in homicide at that time was exclusively among teens and young adults, completely gun-related, and linked to the emerging crack cocaine markets in major cities from New York to Los Angeles. While the subsequent concern for sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine was legitimate, it was crack, not powder, that drove the crime surge some three decades ago. Bidens approach was clearly more preventative than punitive. At the 1990 hearing, for example, he called for investing in drug education for youth and drug treatment for addicts. In contrast, Sen. Alan Spector, the ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee, argued instead for tougher prosecution and expanding the death penalty. While it is true that Biden had a major hand in crafting the Crime Bill, his was not the only one, as passage of the massive piece of legislation required bipartisan support and thus much compromise. Reflecting Bidens influence, the final version of the Crime Bill included over $7 billion for a basket of prevention programs. However, once Republicans took control of Congress in the 1994 midterms, it became more like a trash basket of prevention. The Republican Contract with America set a new path, shifting the emphasis from early prevention to harsh punishment. The Contract promised an anti-crime package including stronger truth-in-sentencing, good faith exclusionary rule exemptions, effective death penalty provisions, and cuts in social spending from this summers crime bill to fund prison construction and additional law enforcement to keep people secure in their neighborhoods and kids safe in their schools. It had become a political liability to advocate prevention. Whatever share of responsibility that Biden may own for the growth in prison populations over the next decade or more, he should be praised for his central role in pushing legislation that saved thousands of lives. He was instrumental in helping to get the Brady Law through Congress, after which the nations rate of gun homicide started its long-term slide. He was the chief proponent and author of the Violence Against Women Act, an initiative that helped lower the rate of women murdered by their intimate partners by more than 25% in subsequent years. The streets of American cities are much safer today than a quarter-century ago before wide-ranging changes in federal crime control policy were enacted. Taken together, Joe Biden deserves credit, not criticism, for all that he has done throughout this career to reduce the number of crime victims and for providing assistance to those unfortunate to become one. This commentary provides an important reminder that crime rates were so very much higher in the 1980s and 1990s, and thus any look back at crime and punishment policy (and crime and punishment politics) has to be attentive to that reality. But calling Biden "one of the most progressive federal lawmakers in terms of criminal justice policy" still seems a little rich. UPDATE : Intriguingly, Prez Trump yesterday afternoon and evening tweeted the following: ....Super Predator was the term associated with the 1994 Crime Bill that Sleepy Joe Biden was so heavily involved in passing. That was a dark period in American History, but has Sleepy Joe apologized? No! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 27, 2019 Anyone associated with the 1994 Crime Bill will not have a chance of being elected. In particular, African Americans will not be able to vote for you. I, on the other hand, was responsible for Criminal Justice Reform, which had tremendous support, & helped fix the bad 1994 Bill! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 27, 2019 I doubt Prez Trump reads this blog, so I am not going to assert that these tweets were a direct response to the question in the title of this post. But I do think it is an interesting and important indication that Prez Trump is inclined to promote his criminal justice reform record in any battles with Joe Biden. It also perhaps provides an important opportunity for reform advocates to urge Prez Trump and his Administration to keep moving forward with critical follow-ups to the FIRST STEP Act. May 27, 2019 at 11:31 AM | Permalink Comments I sure hope Biden does not get the nomination. That 1994 crime bill was racially motivated to say the least. He has never admitted to being wrong about this bill. What especially gets me is that why black and liberal voters in 1996 still re-elected these Clinton types to the White House. Blacks and liberals should have been in the forefront in forcing the Clinton's out instead of allowing Bill and Hillary to continue the Reagan's racist policies. Biden supports such policies. Moreover, anybody who cannot keep his hands to himself when he sees young girls is no real advocate of "law'n'order" or "victims' rights". Get rid of Biden now! Posted by: Bill Delzell | May 28, 2019 10:09:14 AM The 1994 crime bill had a tremendous impact on incarceration rates. BOP statistics show that at the end of 1992 the federal prison population was 79,678. At the end of 2000 it had increased to 145,125. Joe Biden does have to acknowledge this fact. It looks like USA Today and other mainstream media have picked their candidate. Posted by: beth | May 28, 2019 3:01:56 PM Finally, Biden gets his due. Posted by: FluffyRoss | May 28, 2019 4:42:17 PM I have no love for Biden or the crime bill, but let's inject a bit of nuance to what's becoming a narrative about how the Democrats created mass incarceration and the Republicans are the saviors. There was money in the 1994 crime bill crime prevention at a time the Republican Contract with America wanted even tough provisions, more spending on prisons and when the GOP ridiculed crime prevention. It was Attorney General Barr - same guy who is now Attorney General - who released the 1992 Case For More Incarceration document. Biden has also recognized violence against women as a problem. Exceedingly few in the GOP or Right on Crime ever discuss this issue. All of the most screwed up comments about rape come from the GOP and they're met with silence by the law and order crowd. Posted by: Paul | May 29, 2019 9:49:54 AM Post a comment Is Prez Trump gearing up for a big Memorial Day clemency push for servicemembers? | Main | Is Joe Biden really "one of the most progressive federal lawmakers in terms of criminal justice policy"? This recent local article, (imperfectly) headlined "Michigan lawmakers ordered to revise the Sex Offender Registry Act," highlights persistent challenges in the implementation of the Sixth Circuit's big 2016 ruling in Does v. Snyder finding constitutionally problematic the retroactive application of Michigan's severe sex offender laws. Here are the details, with links from the original: A U.S. district court judge is giving Michigan lawmakers 90 days to change the state's sex offender registry law, almost three years after it was first ruled unconstitutional by federal appeals court. U.S. District Judge Robert H. Cleland issued an order that the law must be changed on Thursday. The ruling stems from an August 2016 decision by the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati which found that Michigan's Sex Offender Registry Act was unconstitutional. Under Michigan's law: Offenders have been prohibited from living, working or even standing within 1,000 feet of a school. They must immediately register email address or vehicles, plus report to the police as often as four times a year. The rules currently apply to all offenders on the registry even if they've gone decades without committing and crimes. The appeals court found the law in violation of constitutional protections against increasing penalties for a crime after its commission and adjudication. The state appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to hear the case effectively upholding the 6th Circuit ruling. But the state has kept the law in place. It argued that the rulings only applied to the specific plaintiffs who brought them because the appeals court decision came in civil cases instead of class-action lawsuits. In essence, whether or not offenders needed to completely comply with the act depended on if they'd been able to successfully plead for their individual case in court. The ACLU, the University of Michigan Clinical Law Program and the Oliver Law Group filed a class-action lawsuit last June that asked that the appeals court to apply the ruling to all Michigan registrants.... In a news release, the ACLU of Michigan said research shows sexual violence and the harm it causes are effectively reduced by prevention programs. The Legislature now has both the opportunity and the obligation to use evidence-based research to get this right and provide truly effective tools that enable law enforcement to carry out their work," Shelli Weisberg, ACLU Political Director said in a statement. Sen. Peter J. Lucido (R-Shelby Township), chairman of the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee told the Free Press discussions with the state police, as well as the ACLU of Michigan have been ongoing, and he sees this as an opportunity to take another look at whether or not SORA is doing the job it was intended to do.... Attorney General Dana Nessel echoed these sentiments in a statement shared with the Free Press Friday afternoon. For months now many individuals have been offering input into possible revisions to Michigans SORA. That valuable work is now on a timetable. In my view, these revisions are long overdue and will bring justice to many who have suffered significant burdens imposed by the obligations and requirements of this bloated registration scheme, which is out of touch with practical ramifications, with the needs of law enforcement, and with a more reasoned understanding of recidivism," Nessel said. MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Media OutReach - 27 May 2019 - The Asia Cloud Computing Association (ACCA) has published a white paper which on best practice recommendations to help government agencies overcome hurdles in purchasing cloud and position themselves to modernise the delivery of government services. The report From Vision to Procurement: Principles for Adopting Cloud Computing in the Public Sector, outlines a set of principles for government purchase of cloud products. Each principle is accompanied by concrete and actionable recommendations for policymakers and procuring agencies to follow. "While governments recognise the value addition of cloud computing and have adopted Cloud First policies, procurement challenges continue to hinder actual adoption of cloud services. Thus, more flexible and agile procurement processes must be adopted", said Ms Lim May-Ann, Executive Director of the ACCA. "Cloud-based technologies will drive much of the public sector's future transformation by presenting a secure and cost-efficient model for delivering citizen-centric services", said Mr Jarom Britton, Chair of the ACCA's Public Sector Special Interest Group, ACCA. "Cloud products differ in some meaningful ways from traditional IT resources, which presents governments the ability to drive better outcomes but also requires thoughtful policies and processes to ensure they can capitalise on the potential". "Adopting cloud and cloud services will help government agencies to achieve greater efficiency and enhanced citizen inclusion ", added Ms Lim May-Ann, Executive Director of the ACCA. "The ACCA believes that there is a clear need for a forward-looking cloud procurement strategy to create a trusted environment for the public sector to utilise such services." Mr Eric Hui, Chair, ACCA, echoed these views, saying that "the ACCA's seven principles for public sector cloud procurement will help address government concerns regarding the inherent ability of cloud technologies to safeguard their data and operations, align local regulations with global compliance standards, and enable government agencies to utilise cloud to achieve objectives such as environmental sustainability and improved access to government services." Story continues The report may be downloaded at the ACCA website, https://www.asiacloudcomputing.org Principles for Adopting Cloud Computing in the Public Sector Part 1: Protecting Government with the Cloud Principle 1: Security Information management systems security is fundamental for the public sector. Principle 2: Privacy and Personal Information Governments need to ensure that privacy rights are respected. Principle 3: Availability, Integrity and Resilience Governments need information and technology to be reliable. Part 2: Facilitating a Move to the Cloud Principle 4: Regulatory Compliance and Global Standards Technology solutions must be measured to clear, verifiable benchmarks for quality and service reliability. Principle 5: Accountability Technology procurement must align to agencies' duty of accountability. Part 3: Why Cloud for the Public Sector Principle 6: Accessibility and Inclusion Technology adoption should support government's broader societal goals. Principle 7: Sustainability Technology should help improve environmental sustainability. About the Asia Cloud Computing Association (ACCA) The ACCA is the apex industry association representing the stakeholders of the cloud and data ecosystem in Asia Pacific. Our mission is to accelerate the adoption of cloud computing in Asia through the creation of a trusted and compelling market environment, supported with a safe and consistent regulatory environment for cloud computing products and services. Drawing on subject-matter expertise from member companies, working groups and special interest groups, the ACCA constantly develops best practice recommendations and other thought leadership materials to achieve our mission. As a vendor-neutral industry association, we welcome engagement with all members and stakeholders in the public policy and government sectors. To find out more about how to get involved and how to join us as a member, email secretariat@asiacloudcomputing.org, and visit our website at www.asiacloudcomputing.org. SINGAPORE (May 27): Suburban retail malls are quickly gaining favour in Singapore, stealing local visitors away from the famed Orchard Road shopping belt. And Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT), which currently owns a portfolio of six suburban malls, looks poised to capitalise on this trend. Already in FCTs suburban mall portfolio are Causeway Point, Northpoint City North Wing, Changi City Point, YewTee Point, Anchorpoint, and Bedok Point. The retail REIT has also proposed to acquire the one-third interest in Sapphire Star Trust, which owns the Waterway Point mall in Punggol, from its sponsor Fraser Property for $433 million. In March, FCT also announced it is raising its stake in PGIM Real Estate Asia Retail Fund, whose assets are primarily suburban retail properties in Singapore. See: Frasers Property and FCT raise stakes in PGIM Asia retail property fund for $635 mil The manager of FCT has proposed an equity fund raising to raise gross proceeds of no less than $421.7 million, which will be used to partially finance the proposed Waterway Point acquisition as well as to partially pare down bridging loans related to the acquisition of stake in PGIM ARF. In particular, analysts have been largely positive about FCTs proposed acquisition of the 33.3% stake in Waterway Point. A highly anticipated and positive move, with FCTs last sizeable acquisition only back in 2014 (when it acquired Changi City Point), says Phillip Securities Research analyst Tara Wong. We believe there is upside for rental escalation and reversion rates, supported by the recent resilience of fringe retail rents, as well as favourable attributes specific to Waterway Point, Wong says. Phillip is keeping its neutral call on FCT, but raising its target price by 5 cents to $2.36 on the back of higher distribution per unit (DPU) estimates. Waterway Points NPI yield of 4.7% is in line with the FCTs portfolio average, and is poised to match that of its bigger portfolio malls Causeway Point and Northpoint North Wing which are currently north of 5%, given that it is still in a stabilisation phase, says Wong. Story continues The brokerage is raising its DPU estimates for FY19 and FY20 by 0.4% and 2.2% respectively. Meanwhile, UOB Kay Hian lead analyst Jonathan Koh notes that FCTs acquisition of stakes in Waterway Point and PGIM ARF will add depth to its specialisation in suburban retail malls. Causeway Point and Northpoint City North Wing accounted for two-thirds of FCTs net property income in FY18. At the same time, Koh believes Causeway Point, FCTs largest retail mall, could get even stronger as it reaps the benefits of the governments plans to develop the Northern Gateway and Woodlands Regional Centre. The government plans to intensify the development of Woodlands Regional Centre, which serves as the strategic centre for the Northern Gateway, under Master Plan 2019. It is expected to see the creation of some 100,000 jobs in the area, which will encompass Agri-Food Innovation Park, Senoko Food Zone and high-tech farming at Lim Chu Kang. New infrastructure to be built includes integrated healthcare complex Woodlands Healthcare Campus, a 21.5km expressway linking Woodlands to the CBD, and Woods Square, comprising two office towers and two 4-storey blocks. More office buildings will sprout up around Causeway Point, bringing a larger office crowd to the suburban mall during weekdays, says Koh. UOB is upgrading FCT to buy and raising its target price to $2.71 from $2.32 previously. We raise our DPU forecasts by 4.7% for FY19 to factor in the acquisition of 33.3% stake in Waterway Point and 18.8% stake in [PGIM ARF], Koh says, adding that FCT has delivered 12 consecutive years of growth in revenue, income, net asset value (NAV) and DPU since its IPO in 2006. Aaaaaas at 1.15pm, units of FCT are trading 0.4% lower at $2.39. According to UOB valuations, this implies an estimated price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 18.7 times and a DPU yield of 5.6% for FY19F. French and Italian-US auto giants Renault and Fiat Chrysler are set to announce talks on an alliance, with a view to a potential merger, informed sources said on Sunday. Renault and FCA are likely to unveil the move "within hours, perhaps tomorrow (Monday), before the (Paris) bourse opens," one of the sources told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding an eventual "merger" was on the agenda. The same source added that a statement would cover "the possibility of a convergence between the two groups" which "will be studied" with a view to a potential merger. A Renault board meeting is scheduled for 8:00 am (0600 GMT) on Monday. A source close to the French government, which holds 15 percent of Renault, said the authorities have noted the reports but will be "vigilant on jobs, the impact on industry as a whole and the national interest." Renault's current major partnership is with Japan's Nissan, in which it holds 43 percent. Nissan in turn owns 15 percent of its French partner Renault but the imbalance in the relationship has led to serious friction, highlighted by the arrest of former Renault and Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn in Tokyo. The Wall Street Journal said the talks were "wide-ranging" and could include Renault and Fiat Chrysler "joining large portions of their businesses". Contacted by AFP, neither Renault nor Fiat would comment. - Nissan likely 'furious' - The Financial Times, quoting multiple people informed on the talks, said: "The agreement may ultimately lead the carmaker (Fiat-Chrysler) to join the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance in the future," if Nissan can be won over. Such an alliance would be the world's biggest with estimated total production of some 16 million vehicles. The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi combine currently makes around 10.8 million automobiles, compared with Germany's Volkswagen and Japan's Toyota, both on around 10.6 million. However, the tie-up with FCA could make Renault much more powerful, potentially further upsetting the balance in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance where Ghosn was pushing for much more say before his downfall. "The question now is 'what is the reaction of the Japanese going to be?" said one source close to the issue, suggesting they could be "furious." "Nissan has not been involved in this dossier," the source noted. In recent weeks, Renault has been pushing for changes to its tie-up with Nissan, suggesting the formation of a 50-50 holding company to run both firms. Nissan however has resisted, feeling it is the bigger company and should be treated as such. Last year, Renault sold 3.9 million vehicles and Nissan 5.65 million, with Mitsubishi accounting for another 1.22 million. Fiat Chrysler meanwhile sold 4.8 million autos but has been under pressure in Europe, stoking speculation it was looking for a partner as the industry is forced to consolidate in the face of declining demand and a costly switch into electric cars. "Without a partner, Fiat cannot survive. They don't have an electric vehicle, they only have old models and the only thing keeping them going is their sales in the US," said Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, director of the Centre for Automotive Research based in Germany. FCA chief Mike Manley said earlier this month in Milan that his company would play an "active and constructive" role in this process. Fiat Chrysler is widely seen as a latecomer to the electric vehicle market but does well in the US SUV and pick-up sectors. Renault meanwhile has pushed ahead in electric cars but is relatively weak in North America so the two companies would be a good fit. Following his arrest, Ghosn was bailed for a second time on April 25 and is now preparing for trial on four charges of financial misconduct ranging from concealing part of his salary, to using Nissan funds for personal expenses. Early this year, rumours circulated that Renault was interested in Fiat-Chrysler after its hopes for a full merger with Nissan or even French competitor PSA were dashed. HONG KONG, CHINA - Media OutReach - 27 May 2019 - On May 26, 2019, the "2019 Future Kaohsiung International Forum" named after the United States UN GOLBAL Super Project will be grandly opened in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The meeting will be attended by the Kaohsiung municipal government and hosted by the Yangmingshan Future Society of Kaohsiung City. The focus of the forum is on how to promote regional development and economic cooperation in the context of the digital age. Taiwan Legislator Jason Hsu, Kaohsiung Deputy Mayor Ye Kuangshih, Asia Pacific Block Development Association Chairman Liao Shiwei, Golden River Capital Chairman Wu Shenjun, Future Society Honorary Chairman, China Digital Research Institute President Zhu Jiaming, Hong Kong Block Association Founder Liang Jieyang, former premier of Republic of China, Kaohsiung Mayor Han Guoyu, dozens of government members, Asian blockchain association officials and blockchain industry opinion leaders will attend the summit forum. As an emerging blockchain hot island, Taiwan is not only a blue ocean with vast market space, but also because of Taiwan's more democratic and open market policies. The UN GLOBAL who participates in the forum as the total-name sponsor, and is very optimistic about this piece of land, and hopes to bring their excellent products and services here. UN GLOBAL is a global blockchain integration application platform from the United States. With the mission of promoting the development of blockchain technology and the development of blockchain industry, it is committed to building a comprehensive application platform for blockchains that closely integrates the digital economy with the real economy. It will establish a decentralized, visualized, highly liberalized blockchain, an open source community ecosystem, and a global, base-based, replicable, innovative business model. The IBS Planet Cagayan Digital Asset Free Trade Zone is located in Santa Ana, Cagayan Special Economic Zone in the north of the Philippines. It is only 30 minutes away from Taiwan. Story continues IBS Planet Cagayan Digital Asset Free Trade Zone is the world's first blockchain integration application platform IBS Star application project, is the world's first digital asset free trade zone utilizing the free circulation of the stable token UC in the Santa Ana Free Trade Zone with its constant value. Through the entity investment of UNWALLET Digital Foundation (UN Foundation), it enriches regional ecology and creates value; Then through the platform currency UNTC, outputs the value, creates a stable return for UNTC users, and ensures UN ecological security and harmonious development. The IBS Planet Project has received strong support from the local government of Cagayan. At present, Cagayan Special Economic Zone Government is using a foreign currency virtual cryptocurrency as a means of payment to build a series of commercial complexes. Upon completion of the IBS Planet Project, foreign-invested companies and commercial complexes in the Santa Ana Bay area of Cagayan Province will support UC (UnFund Foundation Business Token) payments and equity and equity management with UNTC as a fair interest. UNTC users will hold real-name shares based on the number of UNTCs in the IBS Planet Development Program. It creates stable and long-term value returns for more than 1 million UN members worldwide. In addition, the cooperation of Nam Kaew Resort, an early stage project of IBS Planet, has been completed and will soon support UC payment. The Unwallet Foundation's Block Chain Technology Research Institute and Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Center will also enter IBS. On this occasion, Miguel Sinclair, CEO of the UN GLOBAL Asia Pacific Region, will bring the latest strategic adjustments of the UN to attend the conference and make a special speech with the Asia-Pacific development plan. He will fully demonstrate the grand blueprint of the UN, let more people know about the UN and participate in the UN GLOBAL ecological construction. UN GOLBAL will be willing to work with the Kaohsiung International Forum to promote the development and application of the blockchain, and use the IBS business system to provide strong support for Kaohsiung's development, so that the planned IBS Cagayan Santa Ana Digital Assets Trading Zone will obtain a bigger market and platform. Arsenal fans in Singapore who are heading to Baku to support their team at the Europa League final on 29 May, 2019. (PHOTO: Chia Han Keong/Yahoo News Singapore) SINGAPORE The allegedly poor organisation of this years Uefa Europa League final, to be contested in Baku by Arsenal and Chelsea on Wednesday (29 May), has turned out to be a godsend for Singapore-based Gunners fans. With thousands of England-based fans not fancying the expensive, arduous trip to the Azerbaijani capital, this has opened up space for Arsenal fans in the Republic to make the 6,900-kilometre trek to Baku. At least 12 of them were able to secure tickets for the showpiece event at the citys Olympic Stadium, and will be hoping their beloved Arsenal will prevail in what is predicted to be a tight tussle against their city rivals Chelsea. Patrick Chan, 50, will be making a dash for the final, having to take a late Monday flight to Istanbul as he has to attend a work meeting earlier in the day. The long-time Gunners fan said, Ive always wanted to visit that part of the world, countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, so the moment Arsenal made the final, I made up my mind to go. Its a bit of a rush, and I had problems finding available flights, but hopefully it will all be worth it. Ticket allocation from club Ironically, the very reasons that the Europa League final was criticised by fans its distant location, poor airport capabilities and inadequate ticket allocation to fans actually worked in favour of the Singapore fans. Each club was given just 6,000 tickets at the 68,000-capacity Olympic Stadium, the main reason being that Bakus Heydar Aliyev international Airport is unable to handle more than 15,000 passengers per day. The rest of them are to be sold to Azerbaijan residents or given to sponsors as complimentary tickets. Even so, both clubs were unable to sell out their allocated tickets, as not many of their England-based fans were willing to make the 4,500 km trip to Baku, which may cost more than 1,000 (S$1,750). Arsenal returned about 2,200 tickets, while Chelsea returned nearly 4,000. This meant that Singapore-based Gunners fans who tried to buy the tickets via the Official Arsenal Singapore Supporters Club were able to get them this time. Story continues Arsenal has a system to allocate away-game tickets to its global fan base, and priority goes to fans who are regulars at away matches, Tiong Jin Yan, president of the supporters club, told Yahoo News Singapore on Saturday before leaving for Baku. Usually, there wont be any tickets left for overseas supporters clubs like us, especially in major games like the Europa League final. But because not many England-based fans wanted to go, we were lucky enough to be allocated tickets for our interested fans. Flights and accommodation Getting the tickets was just the start of the adventure for these Arsenal fans, as the tickets were sold only after the Gunners two-legged win over Spanish side Valencia earlier this month. For many of the Singapore fans, this meant some last-minute planning for flights and accommodation. As there are no direct flights from Singapore to Baku, the fans have to make transfer flights in Middle Eastern cities like Istanbul, Dubai or Doha. Such flights are costly, with the fans shelling out between $2,200 and $3,200 to reach Baku. Then comes the accommodation headaches, as prices of hotels have skyrocketed for the week of the Europa League final. A three-night stay at a decent hotel costs anywhere between $700 and $2,400. Mkhitaryan controversy Arsenal's Henrikh Mkhitaryan during a training session ahead of the Europa League final. (PHOTO: Tim Goode/PA via AP) Arsenal will have to do without the services of attacking midfielder Henrik Mkhitaryan for the final, in what is the other major controversy that has dominated headlines. Mkhitaryan, an Armenian, has decided not to travel to Baku, having not received complete assurances for his safety in Azerbaijan, given the long-standing conflict and animosity between the two countries over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. Arsenal have come out to say that Mkhitaryans predicament is completely unacceptable, slamming the authorities for depriving the player of the chance to help his club win a trophy. However, the Singapore Gooners (as Arsenal die-hards around the world call themselves) are more circumspect about the situation. Tiong said, Henrik is a very consistent performer this season, but he isnt a regular match-winner. If it was Mesut Ozil or our two strikers (Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang) who cannot play, I think well be more upset. Underdogs for final And while he is obviously rooting for an Arsenal victory, Tiong believes his side is the underdog for the Europa League final. I would say Chelsea has a 55 per cent chance at winning, and Arsenal has 45 per cent, he said. I think the key area is in midfield, where we will have a tough time matching the Chelsea players. We will need that moment of inspiration from Ozil to unlock the defence and release our strikers to score. And we will definitely be cheering them throughout the match to drive them on. Other Singapore stories: Special-needs students break indoor tandem skydiving record at iFly Singapore Transport Masterplan 2040: New MRT line for north, northeast Singapore Law Society to probe client accounts of law firm after $33M and managing partner went missing Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison reacts during the APEC CEO Summit 2018 at the Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 17 November 2018. Fazry Ismail/Pool via REUTERS/Files By Colin Packham SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will visit the Solomon Islands next week, he said on Monday, as Western nations seek to rein in China's influence on the tiny Pacific island and across the region. The visit comes as the United States and its allies are trying to ensure that Pacific countries that have diplomatic links with Taiwan, do not severe those in favour of establishing them with Beijing. The Solomon Islands is one of only a handful of Pacific countries to recognise Taiwan, a policy now in question after recent elections on the islands. China views Taiwan as a renegade province with no right to state-to-state ties. Morrison's first overseas trip since winning re-election this month will also be the first time an Australian prime minister has visited the Solomon Islands since 2008. "The Pacific is front and centre of Australia's strategic outlook," Morrison said in an emailed statement. He did not mention efforts to preserve Taiwan's diplomatic alliances, but analysts say the issue has become a flashpoint in the region and is likely to be raised. "China is the Solomon Islands' largest trading partner and this is adding a lot of pressure on lawmakers to switch allegiances," said Jonathan Pryke, Pacific Islands programme director at the think-tank, the Lowy Institute. On Friday, a senior U.S. official said Washington would help Pacific countries in the face of China's efforts to expand its influence. Those remarks threaten to inflame tension between the United States and China already heated by a trade war, U.S. sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea. SOFT POWER Australia and China have been increasingly vying for influence in sparsely populated Pacific island countries that control vast swathes of resource-rich oceans. On Monday, Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai meet Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing, with Li promising that China would encourage investment and deepen trade and infrastructure cooperation, according to China's foreign ministry. Story continues Last year, Vanuatu and China denied reports that Beijing wanted to establish a permanent military presence in the Pacific island nation. Keen to undercut China's Belt and Road Initiative, Australia has directed ever larger amounts of its foreign aid to the region. In 2018, Australia said it would spend $139 million to develop undersea internet cable links to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, amid national security concerns about China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd. That year, Australia became the first country to ban the Chinese company, world's largest maker of telecom network gear, from its nascent broadband network, a step the United States followed this year by effectively banning U.S. firms from doing business with Huawei. In November, Australia offered Pacific countries up to A$3 billion in grants and cheap loans in build infrastructure, as Morrison declared the region was "our patch". Australia has won favour through its spending commitments but its support of its coal industry is a sore point for many in a region particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels caused by greenhouse-gas induced global warming. "There is little doubt that many Pacific islands will have been unhappy with the re-election of Morrison," said Peter Chen, a political science professor at the University of Sydney. "He will need to find common ground to repair that relationship." ($1=1.4438 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Colin Packham; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in BEIJING; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Robert Birsel) Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Monday became the first chancellor in the country's post-war history to be removed from office by a no-confidence vote over a corruption scandal that had already brought down his coalition with the far-right. The motion against Kurz and his cabinet is the latest fallout from the so-called "Ibiza-gate" scandal, which saw far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) leader and Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache resign from both posts after he was caught appearing to offer public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer. The video led to Kurz ending his coalition with the FPOe and calling early elections for later this year. But that did not stop opposition parties tabling the no-confidence motion and insisting that the 32-year-old leader must also take responsibility for the scandal. Despite Monday's vote, Kurz will take comfort in a big win for his conservative People's Party (OeVP) in Sunday's European elections, which is projected to gain 34.9 percent of the vote and two extra European parliament seats. Addressing cheering party supporters on Monday evening in buoyant mood, Kurz denounced what he called the "new coalition" of the FPOe and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPOe), who had joined forces in parliament out of "hatred" for the OeVP and voted for the motion. Presenting himself as a figure of stability in Austria's current turmoil, Kurz said: "I'm still here, I'm standing for you." "We can be sure that they will attack us... but they can't stop the change that we are putting in motion," he added, referring to the upcoming election campaign. He also pledged his support for the technocratic government now expected to be appointed by President Alexander Van der Bellen. Van der Bellen later appointed Finance Minister Hartwig Loeger to carry out the government's duties in the meantime. - 'Unprecedented power grab' - The no-confidence vote against Kurz and his government took place in a special sitting of parliament with more than half of MPs withdrawing their support, making him Austria's shortest-serving chancellor. Submitting the motion against Kurz, the head of the SPOe, Pamela Rendi-Wagner, accused him of an unprecedented "uncurbed and shameless power grab". The scandal erupted following the publication on May 17 of hidden-camera recordings filmed in a luxury villa on the holiday island of Ibiza a few months before Austria's last parliamentary elections in 2017. Amid a welter of embarrassing comments, Strache also appeared to allude to a scheme channelling political donations through FPOe-linked foundations in order to avoid legal scrutiny. After Strache's resignation, Kurz also sacked FPOe interior minister Herbert Kickl, arguing he could not oversee any possible investigation into his own party's wrongdoing. FPOe ministers responded by walking out of the government en masse, leading to Kurz appointing experts to take their place in an interim government. - Far-right comeback? - The FPOe, meanwhile, seemed to have suffered a setback in Sunday's European parliamentary elections as a result of "Ibiza-gate", falling from 19.7 percent to 17.2 percent and losing one of their four MEPs. However, the FPOe leadership insists that the share of votes shows they have a solid electoral base and that they can bounce back in time for the parliamentary elections. When he first became chancellor in late 2017, Kurz was widely hailed on the European right as someone who could successfully tap into surging anti-immigration sentiment while projecting a polished demeanour. But even before the current crisis, Kurz found himself constantly having to bat away criticism for alleged extremist sympathies among FPOe members. The opposition has placed the blame for the current debacle squarely at the feet of Kurz himself for having invited the far-right into government in the first place, saying he had ample warning of the unsuitability of the FPOe for government. Kurz has trod a fine line in his statements since the crisis broke, admitting he found the FPOe's antics "hard to swallow" but insisting he had no other choice. "There was no other party which was ready to form a coalition with us," he told journalists on Thursday, when asked whether he regretted the coalition. The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has declared HS 2019 or Class 12th results today, May 27 . The West Bengal Class 12th board result was announced around 10 am at a press conference, at Rabindra Milan Mancha, Vidyasagar Bhavan of the Council. As many as 86.92 per cent students have passed West Bengal HS examination this year. In 2018, the pass percentage was recorded 83.75 per cent. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee congratulated all students who excelled and those who passed the Higher Secondary exams. Congratulations to all students who excelled and those who passed the Higher Secondary exams. Good wishes to your parents and teachers. Good luck for all your future endeavours a Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 27, 2019 Students can access their results online fromthe offciial WBCHSE's official website wbresults.nic.in or wbchse.nic.in around 11 am. The alternative websites where students can check their results are: wbchse.nic.in (official website of the Council).wbresults.nic.in exametc.com results.shiksha westbengal.shiksha westbengalonline.in indiaresults.com examresults.net technoindiagroup.com technoindiauniversity.ac.in tigpublicschool.org Step 1: Visit the official website: wbchse.nic.in or wbresults.nic.in Step 2: In the home page, click on the 'West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education' Step 3: Enter your roll number, registration number and other required details in the respective fields Step 4: Click on 'submit' button. Step 5: The West Bengal result will be dispalyed on scree. Download the result and take a print out of it for future reference. Students can check their results via SMS: Exametc.com SMS to 54242 indiaresults.com SMS to 5676750 news18bangla.com SMS to 56263 Students can check their result via mobile app: Students can egister their roll numbers and mobile numbers on exametc.com to get the result free on SMS. Students may download the mobile app from results.shiksha to view the WB HS results. The West Bengal higher secondary (Class 12) examination was conducted from February 26 and continued till March 13, 2019 Canada's most populous province of Ontario on Monday announced plans to sue opioid makers to recover health care costs related to the deadly addiction epidemic. Ontario's attorney general, Caroline Mulroney, said the province will join a lawsuit launched last year by British Columbia against more than 40 opioid manufacturers and wholesalers. "The opioid crisis has cost the people of Ontario enormously, both in terms of lives lost and its impact on health care's front lines," Mulroney said. She unveiled legislation to set up the legal action "to battle the ongoing opioid crisis and hold manufacturers and wholesalers accountable for their roles in it." More than 10,000 Canadians have died of opioid-related overdoses since 2016, according to government figures. Combatting the crisis is estimated to have cost Ottawa nearly Can$400 million (US$300 million). Historically, opioid overdose deaths -- mainly from the powerful painkiller fentanyl -- were concentrated among drug addicts. But many victims became addicted to prescribed painkillers before turning to street drugs and others were experimenting with recreational drugs for the first time. Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario have been the hardest hit provinces but the epidemic has affected every part of the country. The British Columbia suit named opioid manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors as defendants -- including Purdue, whose popular OxyContin drug has been blamed for triggering the crisis. "These opioid manufacturers and wholesalers failed to warn doctors and the public of the dangers of opioids and marketed them as safer and less addictive than other medications when they were not," Ontario alleged in a statement. Mulroney said Ontario intends to invest any award from the suit in mental health and addiction services. Neither British Columbia nor Ontario have yet said how much they would be seeking in damages. China would not fall foul of US proposal to penalise currency manipulators, analysts say China would not fall foul of US proposal to penalise currency manipulators, analysts say China is unlikely to be too concerned over a proposal from the United States to impose tariffs on products from countries that it finds are manipulating their currencies, analysts said. While the proposal announced last week does not name China or any other country, its timing suggests that it is aimed at Beijing and the possibility that it could allow its currency to fall against the US dollar to offset the impact of new US trade sanctions. Under the proposed rule, so-called countervailing duties could be imposed when foreign governments subsidise their products by weakening its currency relative to the US dollar to gain competitive advantage, according to the US Commerce Department. The Office of the US Trade Representative has made it clear it wants to include currency manipulation clauses in new free trade agreements, like it did with the recently negotiated US-Mexico-Canada Agreement that replaces the North American Free Trade agreement. But analysts said such currency conditions would be an ineffective policy trade tool for the US to use against China. Beijing does not meet the US Treasurys current criteria for manipulating the value of the yuans exchange rate, so it would not be penalised under the new proposal. US-China trade tensions have ratcheted up significantly in recent weeks, with the Trump administration pursuing a multipronged approach of imposing protectionist measures to cut the large bilateral trade deficit. Since early-May, the US has more than doubled tariffs to 25 per cent on US$200 billion of Chinese imports and has put Huawei on a government blacklist that has effectively bans US companies or foreign companies using US technology including Google, Microsoft and US chip makers from supplying the Chinese company. Unless [the US] changes its rules, which you cannot say for sure they wont, China does not meet the criteria for currency manipulation, said Irene Cheung, Asia senior strategist at ANZ Bank. China has actually been trying to prop up the currency with policy guidance so there is no justification [for penalties] based on the existing criteria. Story continues China has actually been trying to prop up the currency with policy guidance so there is no justification [for penalties] based on the existing criteria. Irene Cheung The US Treasury Department is required to issue a report to the US Congress twice a year on foreign exchange policies of foreign governments to determine if they manipulate their currencies. Until now, the reports have been released in April and October, but the US Treasury is reportedly delaying the current report to later this month to use more stringent criteria. One current criteria requires that countries must have a current account surplus of at least 3 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) to be considered a manipulator, which the US Treasury may lower to 2 per cent of GDP. However, Chinas current account surplus is below this stricter standard, meaning it would not be subject to penalties under the current rules. In the previous report in October, the US Treasury criticised Chinas trade and currency practises but did not conclude that it was improperly devaluing the yuan. At that time, China met one out of the three criteria the US Treasury uses for determining currency manipulation, namely that it runs a significant bilateral trade surplus with the US of at least US$20 billion. But it did not meet the second condition that it runs a current account surplus of at least 3 per cent of its GDP, nor did it meet the third criteria of engaging in persistent, one-sided intervention in the foreign exchange market, according to the October report. Germany, India, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland are, along with China, on the US Treasurys monitoring list for potential manipulation, although no country currently meets all the criteria. The number of countries whose currency practises the US examines for possible manipulation will probably rise to about 20 of its largest trade partners, along with Switzerland, from 12 currently. If [the US] expanded its watch list to its top 20 trading partners, then that could cover economies that have large trade surpluses with the US such as Taiwan, [South] Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, said Eugenia Fabon Victorino, head of Asia Strategy at Nordic bank Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB). The Bank of Thailand issued a statement earlier this month denying any currency manipulation on its part to gain a trade advantage. The US Treasury reportedly will refrain from labelling Vietnam a currency manipulator based on foreign exchange-related data submitted by Hanoi, according to media reports over the weekend. Vietnam also sent a top envoy to hold meetings with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, although it is unclear what data the Vietnamese gave to the US. Last year, South Korea avoided being designated a currency manipulator after disclosing records of the authorities intervention in the foreign exchange market. The effort was aimed at boosting the transparency of South Koreas currency policy in line with what has been recommended by the International Monetary Fund and clear it of suspicion of currency manipulation. But analysts said China is unlikely to follow Vietnam and South Korea to increase the transparency of its currency policy and submit additional information to the US. The Bank of Korea is not very active in managing the market so they can come out and say they really didnt do too much in the past, said Hao Zhou, senior emerging markets economist at Commerzbank. The [Peoples Bank of China], to be honest, is a very active player in the market, but nobody knows how many positions they really have in their hand. So I dont think China will revise its market management or intervention practises. SEBs Victorino said that the US would need to change the currency manipulation oversight law or the definition of currency manipulation if it wanted China to change its market management practises. Its all speculation at this point. We need to see a change of law or we need them to say that they are changing their own criteria, she added. The yuan has fallen about 8 per cent against the US dollar since the trade war started in July last year. The yuan was trading at about 6.90 to the US dollar in offshore markets on Monday. More from South China Morning Post: This article China would not fall foul of US proposal to penalise currency manipulators, analysts say first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte awards the Camella House and Lot Certificate of Ownership to Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Mabalasik Class of 2019 Valedictorian CDT 1CL Dionne Umalla during the commencement exercises at Fort General Gregorio Del Pilar in Baguio City on May 26, 2019. ALFRED FRIAS/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO MANILA, Philippines The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) defended President Rodrigo Duterte for not personally handing out the diplomas to the graduates of PMA Mabalasik Class of 2019 on Sunday (May 26). PMA Spokesperson Major Reynan Afan said it was the Presidents prerogative to carry out the task or give someone his delegated authority. During the ceremony, President Duterte awarded the diploma, presidential saber, and the house and lot certificate of ownership to the class valedictorian, Dionne Mae Umalla of Ilocos Sur. Umalla was the fifth female valedictorian of the PMA graduating class since 1999. Vice President Leni Robredo, meanwhile, handed the award of class salutatorian, Jonathan Mendoza. For the rest of the graduating class, it was Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana who distributed the diplomas. In his speech, the Commander-In-Chief reiterated to the 261-member of the PMA Mabalasik Class of 2019 to serve the country with humility, loyalty, and courage for today and the future generation. Serve your country well. Die for your country if it needs be, the President said. Remember the young Filipinos yet to come, the children and those who are now studying. Huwag ninyong kalimutan iyan (Bear that in mind). And if you think that the country is not run the way it is and if it will destroy your country, you should know what to do. Do you understand me? he added. The PMA graduates responded with a resounding: Yes, sir! Marje Pelayo The post Duterte delegates distribution of PMA diplomas to Defense chief appeared first on UNTV News. French far-right National Rally (Rassemblement National) party leader Marine Le Pen talks to the media after the first results in Paris French far-right National Rally (Rassemblement National) party leader Marine Le Pen talks to the media after the first results in Paris, France, May 26, 2019. REUTERS/Charles Platiau By Luke Baker PARIS (Reuters) - Marine Le Pen's far-right Rassemblement National rode a wave of nationalist sentiment to win the most votes in France's election to the European Parliament on Sunday, but the margin of victory over President Emmanuel Macron's party was narrow. An Elabe exit poll showed Rassemblement National, formerly known as the National Front, securing 23.6% of the vote, a little over one percentage point ahead of Macron's La Republique En Marche list on 22.4%. While the result is a defeat for Macron - who has put Europe at the heart of his presidency and personally invested time in the campaign - it was a far better performance than previous incumbents. Former president Francois Hollande's party won just 14% of the vote in the last European election in 2014, coming third. Le Pen and her lead candidate, Jordan Bardella, had sought to turn the election into a referendum on Macron's first two years in power, calling on supporters to show their repudiation of Macron's economic reforms and pro-European policies. "The French people have sent a very clear message and a lesson in humility" to Macron, Bardella told supporters. "Its him and his politics that have been rejected." The result is a lift for Le Pen, who hopes to build a far-right alliance in Europe alongside Italy's deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini and other far-right parties who say EU nations have surrendered too much 'sovereignty' to Brussels. But her support had fallen from the last EU vote, when her party won 24.8%. The EU ballot is often treated as a protest vote, which tends to hurt the party in power. Macron, who formed his own movement to run for the French presidency in 2017, shattering the traditional centre-right and centre-left blocs, had never contested a European election before. He portrayed the vote as a battle between pro-EU "progressives" such as himself and anti-immigration nationalists such as Le Pen and Salvini. Story continues Reacting to the results, an Elysee official called them "disappointing" but not punishing. Another said Macron would not deviate from his reformist agenda as a result. But some analysts said the vote highlighted the scepticism at his pro-business economic agenda felt by a large chunk of voters and played out in the streets over the past six months during anti-government 'gilets jaunes' protests. "He risks having even more limited room for manoeuvre in his reforms and getting locked into a head-to-head confrontation with the RN, which has established itself as the main opposition party, until the next presidential election," said Christopher Dembik, economist at Saxo Bank. Others criticised the performance of Macron's campaign flagbearer, former Europe minister Nathalie Loiseau. FAR-RIGHT RISES, AGAIN An Elabe poll projected the RN would get 24 seats in the European parliament compared with 23 percent for Macron's party. For Macron, the question will be whether his ambitions to lead in Europe will be dented by his second place in France. He has opposed Germany's Manfred Weber from the centre-right European People's Party group as the lead candidate to become European Commission president. Instead, he backs France's Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator. Macron aims to forge a centrist alliance with liberal, pro-European parties, a bloc currently known as ALDE but which may change its name. The leader of ALDE in the European Parliament, Guy Verhofstadt, said Macron would join forces with the group. The group is expected to have around 100 seats in the 751-seat European Parliament, which would make it the third-strongest bloc and potentially a "kingmaker". Because no single group will have a majority in the parliament, alliances will be necessary to secure the 376 seats needed to carry a vote on decisions such as the next Commission president. Macron has said he will aim to build an alliance with the centre-left Socialists and Democrats, the Greens, and potentially centre-right Christian Democrats. (Additional reporting by Inti Landauro, Richard Lough and Michel Rose in Paris; Writing by Luke Baker; Editing by Richard Lough and Andrew Heavens) Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei has dismissed Donald Trumps suggestion that the company be included in a trade deal between the United States and China. In an interview with Bloomberg Television, Ren said the idea was a big joke, adding that the Chinese telecoms giant had nothing to do with the US-China trade war. The US has never bought products from us. Even if the US wants to buy our products in the future, I may not sell to them. There is no need for negotiation, said Ren. I will ignore Trump. Then with whom can he negotiate? If he calls me, I may not answer, but he doesnt have my number. I see his tweets and think its laughable because theyre self-contradictory, he told the network. How did he become a master of the art of the deal? Rens comment came days after the US President suggested last Thursday that the trade talks between Washington and Beijing would include Huawei although the telecommunication equipment maker posed a danger to US national security. Huawei is something thats very dangerous, Trump said. You look at what theyve done from a security standpoint, from a military standpoint, its very dangerous. Trump then continued: If we made a deal, I could imagine Huawei possibly being included in some form of or some part of a trade deal. The trade talks between the US and China stalled after the two sides failed to reach an agreement in the latest round of negotiations in Washington in early May. Since then, both sides have dramatically escalated the dispute, by imposing punitive extra tariffs on each others exports, accusing each other of frequently changing positions and with no sign of renewing the talks. Earlier this month Washington blacklisted Huawei, blocking the Shenzhen-based company from buying American software and components. The company is also facing multiple indictments from the US Justice Department over alleged economic espionage and violation of US sanctions on Iran. Will Trumps assault on Huawei create a digital iron curtain? Story continues Rens daughter Sabrina Meng Wanzhou, the tech giants chief financial officer, was arrested by Canadian authority at Vancouver airport on December 1 at the request of the US government, which has charged her with fraud relating to sanctions on Iran. Growing disquiet in China as US steps up war on tech champions In late January, the US Justice Department filed a formal request to Canada to extradite Meng for trial in the US. Meng is under is currently on bail in one of her homes in Vancouver. Trump suggested he may intervene in the Justice Departments case against Meng in an interview with Reuters in mid-December. If I think its good for the country, if I think its good for what will be certainly the largest trade deal ever made which is a very important thing. Whats good for national security I would certainly intervene if I thought it was necessary, Trump said. One of Mengs lawyers, Richard Peck, said in a court hearing in March that there were concerns over the political character of the case. There are serious concerns concerns about political character and motivation, comments by the US president, Peck said. If Trump kills off Huawei, do Asias 5G dreams die? Nelson Cunningham, a former assistant US attorney in the Southern District of New York has previously told the South China Morning Post that the US president had the ultimate discretion to decide on whether to pursue or drop a federal case. The president ultimately sets prosecution policy for the United States. In other words, the president could legitimately say [to the Justice Department] this is the way that I would like this prosecution to be handled, Cunningham said. More from South China Morning Post: This article Huawei chief Ren Zhengfei dismisses Donald Trumps suggestion tech giant could play role in China trade deal first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019. An Iraqi court on Monday condemned a fourth French citizen to death for joining the Islamic State group, a day after handing capital punishments to three other Frenchmen. Mustapha Merzoughi, 37, was sentenced to death by hanging, according to an AFP journalist at the court. "The evidence and the confession show that you joined the Islamic State group, that you worked in its military branch," the judge told Merzoughi before handing down his sentence. In recent months Iraq has taken custody of thousands of jihadists including foreigners captured in neighbouring Syria by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) during the battle to destroy the IS "caliphate". The Iraqi judiciary said earlier in May that it had tried and sentenced more than 500 suspected foreign members of IS since the start of 2018. "I'm not guilty of crimes and killings. I'm guilty of going (to Syria)," Merzoughi, wearing a yellow prison uniform, told the judge. "I ask for forgiveness from the people of Iraq, Syria, France and the families of the victims." Merzoughi told investigators he had served in the French army from 2000 to 2010, including a tour in Afghanistan in 2009. In France, he lived in the southwestern city of Toulouse, the hometown of jihadist brothers Fabien and Jean-Michel Clain who claimed the deadly 2015 attacks in Paris and were killed fighting in Syria. Passing through Belgium and then Morocco, the French citizen of Tunisian origin underwent "religious and military training in Aleppo", in northern Syria. Fellow French jihadist Fodhil Tahar Aouidate also appeared before the court on Monday, but his trial was postponed until June 2 to allow for a medical examination after he alleged he had been beaten in custody. Aouidate, 32, made a first trip to Syria in 2013 and returned in 2014 to join IS, according to the French judiciary. After 130 people were killed in IS's 2015 Paris attacks, Aouidate appeared in a video saying it was his "great pleasure and joy to see these unbelievers suffer as we suffer here." Their trial came a day after an Iraqi court sentenced three French citizens to death for joining IS, making them the first French jihadists to be handed capital punishment. Captured in Syria by the SDF, Kevin Gonot, Leonard Lopez and Salim Machou were transferred to Iraq for trial. They have 30 days to appeal. Israeli pharmaceutical giant Teva agreed on Sunday to pay the US state of Oklahoma $85 million to settle a lawsuit accusing it of fueling the state's opioid epidemic, Oklahoma's attorney general said. The announcement comes after Purdue Pharma, maker of the opioid painkiller OxyContin -- a key driver of the crisis responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in the United States -- reached a $270 million settlement with the state in March. Attorney General Mike Hunter said in a statement the Teva settlement shows Oklahoma's "resolve to hold the defendants in this case accountable for the ongoing opioid overdose and addiction epidemic that continues to claim thousands of lives each year." The money will be used by the midwestern state to fight the opioid crisis, Hunter said, with an announcement of how exactly it will be spent made in the future. Meanwhile, another pharmaceutical titan, Johnson & Johnson, is set to go on trial in Oklahoma on Tuesday, with the company facing similar accusations that it aggressively promoted opioid painkillers despite knowing the risks of addiction. Overdoses from prescription painkillers and heroin -- a last-resort illicit drug for opioid addicts -- exploded over the last 20 years, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Almost 400,000 people have died from an overdose involving prescription or illicit opioids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pop icon Prince and rocker Tom Petty were among the high-profile victims of the epidemic. European markets pushed higher Monday, relieved that centrists remain in control in the European parliament following a bloc-wide election, while the chance of a big merger in the auto industry also sparked confidence. A positive statement on US-China trade talks from President Donald Trump added to the positive vibe, dealers said. With equity markets in the US and UK closed on Monday, the results of the European elections were in focus on continental European trading floors. Europe's mainstream political parties took a hit in elections on Sunday but held off a strong surge by the populist right. - 'No dramatic upset' - "No dramatic upset," said Berenberg economist Holger Schmieding in a note to clients. "As the four major pro-European mainstream parties fell merely from 70 percent to 67 percent of the seats, the European Parliament can continue to work smoothly," he said. While Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) finished top in France, pro-EU President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance was close behind. "The catastrophe that some people predicted for Macron has not taken place and the RN has a significant score, but not a spectacular one," analyst Zaki Laidi from the Cevipof political institute said. Both the Paris and Milan exchanges benefited from strong gains in Fiat and Renault shares after a merger offer by Italian-US auto giant Fiat Chrysler to France's Renault on Monday that would create the world's third largest automaker. Milan still closed a touch lower, mainly because of fears that the government in Rome is back on a collision course with the EU over its budget and tax policies. - Fiat, Renault shares surge - Fiat Chrysler is widely seen as a latecomer to the electric vehicle market but does well in the US SUV and pick-up sectors. Renault meanwhile has pushed ahead in electric cars but is relatively weak in North America so the two companies would be a good fit, experts said. Fiat Chrysler shares accelerated to close eight percent higher, while those in Renault were up by nearly 13 percent by the end of business. Trump meanwhile spurred investor optimism by saying there was a "very good" chance of a deal with China as the world's top two economies clash over their trade relationship. "I think sometime in the future, China and the US will have a great trade deal and we look forward to that," Trump said after talks in Tokyo with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Asian markets made a tepid recovery Monday, with Tokyo rising 0.3 percent, while Shanghai closed 1.4 percent higher. But Hong Kong and Singapore each lost 0.2 percent. The cautious recovery in Asia came after the Dow retreated for the fifth straight week, its longest losing streak since 2011. Oil prices rebounded after suffering a sudden rout last week due to a surprise increase in US crude and gasoline inventories. Despite the OPEC output cap as well as US sanctions against Iran and Venezuela putting pressure on supplies, jitters over the US-China trade war have dampened future demand, keeping prices on the lower side. - Key figures around 1540 GMT - London - FTSE 100: Closed for holiday Frankfurt - DAX 30: UP 0.5 percent at 12,071.18 (close) Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.4 percent at 5,336.19 (close) Milan - FTSE MIB: DOWN 0.1 percent at 20,363.13 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.3 percent at 21,182.58 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 0.2 percent at 27,297.87 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 1.4 percent at 2,892.38 (close) New York - Dow: Closed for holiday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2674 from $1.2710 at 2100 GMT Euro/pound: UP at 88.31 pence from 88.16 pence Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1191 from $1.1205 Dollar/yen: UP at 109.53 yen from 109.29 Oil - Brent Crude: UP 78 cents at $68.25 per barrel Oil - West Texas Intermediate: UP 19 cents at $58.82 burs/jh/rmb Tam was one of two remaining Sumatran rhinos in Sabah that was kept in captivity with the hopes of breeding but efforts have not produced results for years. Picture courtesy of Borneo Rhino Alliance KOTA KINABALU, May 27 Malaysias last surviving male Sumatran rhino, Tam, died today following health complications which worsened in the last few days. Tams death did not come as a surprise for veterinarian and keepers at the Sabah Wildlife Department and Borneo Rhino Alliance as he had been suffering from kidney and liver damage for some time. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said she was informed of the sad news by the Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga earlier today. Regrettably, Tam died at mid-day, around noon on Monday (May 27). Invariably, everything that could possibly have been done, was done, and executed with great love and dedication. His last weeks involved the most intense palliative care humanly possible, rendered by the Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA) team under veterinarian Dr Zainal Zahari Zainuddin, at the Borneo Rhino Sanctuary in Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Lahad Datu, she said in a statement. According to Liew, the cause of death was related to old age and multiple organ failure but more details will be revealed after the autopsy report is completed. Liew said there was one bright spot is that Tams living genome that is preserved for the cell culture. We hope that with emerging technologies at cell and molecular level, he may yet contribute his genes to the survival of the species, she said. Tam was one of two remaining Sumatran rhinos in Sabah that was kept in captivity with the hopes of breeding but efforts have not produced results for years. The surviving female, Iman, suffers from a ruptured tumour in her uterus and cannot produce fertile eggs. Tam, short for Kertam, was captured by a wildlife team in August 2008 when he was approximately 20 years old. Rhinos have not been spotted in Sabahs wild for years. In a statement last week, Tuuga, said Tam had showed an abrupt decline in appetite and alertness since late April this year Related Articles Two rhinos die in Chad after being relocated from S. Africa Rhinos and their conservation in Kenya How a plan to save Kenyas rhino left 11 dead in historic blunder Edrie Hashim blames the lack of identity for youngsters who insult Awie for his anti-BTS statements. Instagram/edriehashim PETALING JAYA, May 27 You think you look like BTS? Do you think you have the same complexion? Those were the words of renowned Malaysian composer and rock guitarist Edrie Hashim which reverberated on social media as K-pop fans fumed at the insults hurled by the rock veteran. In an eight-minute video as part of his Lets Talk With Eddie Hashim series on the musicians YouTube channel, the 45-year-old referenced rocker Awies statement last month that it was a waste of money to bring K-pops biggest musical act in BTS to Malaysia. While the original video uploaded on May 13 didnt garner as much traction with 25,000 views to date, a shorter version reuploaded on Twitter last Thursday brought on a storm over the weekend. #BrgsjksSuspendedParty Dengar sini wahai army army malaysia sekalian!! pic.twitter.com/8dyPW0cVUy Muhammad Ashraf (@Muhamma88901901) 23 May 2019 Many were left smarting over Edries pointed tone and comments which some deemed ridiculous, while only a few echoed support for the musician. In the video, Edrie said while everyone had opinions, it was the reaction of K-pop fans that irked him. The words they use are not suitable for youngsters who are talking to someone older. Its obvious by their profile pictures theyre just kids! he laughed off in the video. Do you think youre Korean? Did you not learn to respect your elders? He said the emotional and disrespectful attacks on Awie and his achievements showed that the youngsters lacked an identity, and thought they were Koreans. Whats wrong with you? You think BTS knows who you are? To protect them so vehemently? BTS doesnt know who you are. They take you no different from their fans in Sri Lanka, like in India or in Myanmar. Related Articles Serik ditipu ejen, Awie tekad jual sendiri tiket konsert Singer becomes target of Blackpink fans in too sexy debate Kayakan orang sejak Sembilu, Awie mahu ubah nasib One of the greatest thinkers of the modern era was a convicted felon. On April 17, 1621, Francis Bacon, the English philosopher, statesman, scientist and author, was fined 40,000 pounds. What was his crime? The lord chancellor, who was responsible for the efficient functioning and independence of the courts, had accepted bribes from litigants. In 1837 when Benjamin Disraeli got elected to the parliament, a lawyer from his constituency accused the future British prime minister of bribing his way to power. It was embarrassing no doubt but the accusation was the least of his worries. "His electors did not mind the first charge. They lived on bribes," writes biographer Robert Blake. Disraeli's real crime was that he had promised the lawyer a bribe - and not paid. "That was a much more serious matter." Bribery was such a banal thing in Britain that Disraeli had nothing against it per se. He was just too cheap to pay up. In fact, in 1841 he dumped his original constituency and chose a cheaper seat with fewer voters requiring fewer bribes. ALSO READ:Naresh Goyal deplaning a pre-emptive strike to avoid another Nirav-Mallya situation For nearly 200 years, Indians saw the British penchant for corruption up close. Virtually every British civil servant in India had at least one hand in the till. Governor Generals Robert Clive and Warren Hastings were both accused of massive theft. In 1757, Clive received a quarter of a million pounds (an astronomical amount of money in those days) as a reward for winning Bengal for the British. That bounty apparently wasn't enough and he proceeded to steal millions more from the Indians. At his trial, Clive said, with a dollop of chutzpah, that considering the wealth he had seen in India, he was "astounded" at his own moderation at not taking more. This penchant for greed is indulgently corroborated by the influential Scottish philosopher and imperialist David Hume in his six-volume History of England: "The British conquerors in India directed their pursuits to one object exclusively, the acquisition of money. They considered in every transaction of war, peace or alliance what money could be drawn from the inhabitants. They pillaged not with the ferocity of soldiers but with the cool exactness of debtor and creditor. Before they planned aggression, they calculated the probable proceeds, the debts they might extinguish. They considered war with the natives merely a commercial adventure: by so much risk encountered a certain quantity of blood spilt, and a certain extent of territory desolated, great sums were to be gained. The sufferings of India attached no blame to the nation." Britain has had regular trysts with crooks. ALSO READ:Jet Airways crisis: Naresh Goyal, wife stopped from flying abroad at Mumbai airport Modern Britain: Mobster's paradise It is easy to understand why Jet Airways owner Naresh Goyal may have been fleeing to London. Before Goyal, there was Nirav Modi of the great diamond heist and Vijay Mallya who owns more than Rs 9,000 crore to Indian banks. Plus, Britain is home to hundreds if not thousands of less famous Indian fugitives, most of who will never be brought to justice because Britain offers a unique environment in which international mobsters, criminals and terrorists get the red carpet - no questions asked. But why Britain, why not the United States or France? Well, firstly the United States tends not to be a favoured destination for international fugitives because the Americans ask intrusive questions. Secondly, Indians find it difficult to navigate through continental Europe without the knowledge of German and French. That leaves Britain. Less than an eight-hour flight from India, it is conveniently located so that the family and friends of the fugitives can visit them over the weekend. The authorities there have handed over only one Indian, Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel in 2016, since both the countries signed an extradition treaty in 1992. Britain has not only rejected a large number of extradition requests made by India on different grounds but is currently sitting on nine cases. ALSO READ:British beverage firm Diageo wins $135 million claim against Vijay Mallya in UK court When Indian officials and minister press their extradition demands, Britain's excuse is that it is a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights. This means if British courts decide that a person could face torture or capital punishment, or the extradition is due to political reasons, they may deny the extradition request. However, the country is using the Convention to shield hardened criminals and even sex offenders from India. The real reasons for Britain's indulgent attitude towards Indian criminals are different. One is good old greed. Wealthy fugitives escape to Britain with unaccounted cash and wealth which can be deposited - with a wink and a nod - in the tax haven of Isle of Man. The tens of billions of dollars in illicit funds siphoned to Britain from India, Russia and Africa add up to a hefty chunk of GDP. It is a big deal in a country that is rapidly becoming - as a Russian diplomat famously said - "a little island nobody pays attention to". Plus, there seems to be a deep desire among the British to snub India because of extreme envy at seeing the former colony race for the Moon and Mars. It is intolerable to see India making it to the six o' clock for science, technology and GDP - even as millions of British citizens slide into poverty. The British judiciary's appalling decision to accept Mallya's argument that Indian prisons are not good enough for him is a reflection of that sentiment. ALSO READ:Ministry of External Affairs refuses to share details on extradition of Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi Welcome mat for terrorists If providing a soft landing for embezzlers and criminals isn't bad enough, Britain is a sanctuary for hardened terrorists as well. Mizo National Front founder Laldenga, who conducted terror strikes against India with Pakistani help, was among the many Indian extremists who were welcomed in Britain with open arms. In 1971 after Bangladesh kicked him out, Laldenga found it remarkably easy to set up base in London. Jagjit Singh Chohan, the founder of the Khalistan movement that sought to create an independent Sikh state in Punjab also found sanctuary in London in 1980. Secure in his new British home, Chohan declared himself president of the "Republic of Khalistan". On June 12, 1984, Chohan told the BBC: "Within a few days, you will have the news that Mrs Gandhi and her family have been beheaded." On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi was assassinated. In 1984 Indian diplomat Ravindra Mhatre was kidnapped and murdered in Birmingham by Kashmiri Muslim terrorists. Fingerprints recovered from the gun used to kill Mhatre were traced to Mohammed Aslam Mirza, a British citizen, who was arrested in Pennsylvania in 2004. However, British courts let him go after Mirza claimed he had no recollection of the events of 1984 due to severe memory problems. ALSO READ:PNB scam: Fugitive diamond trader Nirav Modi denied bail for the third time Laldenga and Chauhan finally surrendered to Indian authorities after sustained Indian military and diplomatic pressure. But Britain refuses to change - it continues to offer a secure space for Kashmiri groups that raise funds for terrorist groups in India. Russian experience With 66,000 of its nationals on the run from justice, and a large number of them having found asylum in Britain, Russia is the most affected by Britain's policies. The Guardian explains how Britain has become a haven for some of the most dangerous and murderous criminals in the world: "This is competitive tendering, in terms of law and tax enforcement, and Britain comes in lower than other American and European rivals." "Apart from the weather, what is there not to like here? An industry has been created to cater for the oligarchs' every need. Former ministers represent them in the Lords; former spin doctors do their PR; lawyers queue up to represent them, using Britain's hideously indulgent defamation laws to slap suits at the first sign of trouble." "Financial advisers make sure the oligarchs pay as little as possible on their earnings, savings, and even their council tax. Private boarding schools welcome their children and their chequebooks." ALSO READ:'Your sacrifices are greater, nobler': Naresh Goyal writes heart-warming letter to protesting Jet Airways employees Clearly, a customised ecosystem exists in the country that enables crooks and terrorists to either seamlessly integrate into British society or remain in private walled off enclaves in London's most expensive suburbs. This is the ecosystem that attracts the likes of Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Naresh Goyal who can continue to lead lives of affluence in a home away from home. And with London being a brown enough city, Indian fugitives are able to easily blend in too. What India needs to do A white collar criminal fleeing the country after wiring a billion dollars or more to his destination is more dangerous to society than a murderer. For, while a killer takes one life, a person who steals thousands of crores may ruin the lives of hundreds of families. The prosperity of many of these families may be ruined forever; some may enter the ranks of the poor; others may commit suicide and leave behind a wife and children with little or nothing to survive on. This is why white collar criminals in the West often get longer prison sentences than homicidal maniacs. ALSO READ:IndiGo parent Interglobe Aviation posts 93% decline in net profit at Rs 156.10 crore in FY19; revenue up 23% Perhaps India could look at how Russia deals with white-collar fugitives. In 2003 Russian business oligarch Boris Berezovsky was given political asylum in Britain. British courts repeatedly refused to extradite Berezovsky who was convicted in Russia in absentia for embezzlement. In 2013 he was found dead in his London home. In 2008 Berezovsky's long-time business partner Badri Patarkatsishvili had suddenly dropped dead. In 2006 their mutual friend Alexander Litvinenko, a KGB defector to Britain, had died of polonium poisoning. After Berezovsky's macabre end, the torrent of oligarchs fleeing Russia with their loot turned into a trickle and then dried up. One doesn't expect India's political leadership to greenlight the development of polonium darts, but as they say, you have to shoot just one, the rest will get the message. (The author is a New Zealand-based defence and foreign affairs analyst) Protesters call on Canada to take back the tons of garbage that were illegally shipped to the Philippines in 2013 and 2014. | Photo credit: CCTV Plus MANILA, Philippines Malacanang on Sunday (May 26) confirmed the issuance of a memorandum directing government officials to refrain from travelling to Canada. The directive came after Canadas failure to uphold the May 15 deadline of taking back the trash shipment that has been abandoned on Philippine soil for years. We maintain that these directive are consistent with our stance on the diminished diplomatic relations with Canada, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement. The memorandum, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and issued on May 20, covers all department secretaries, heads of agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) as well as government financial institutions. Those concerned are barred from giving travel authorities for official trips to Canada and are directed to limit interactions with the Canadian government. The Philippines earlier recalled its envoys to Canada and reduced diplomatic presence in the North American country. President Rodrigo Duterte also directed concerned agencies to look for a private shipping company that would ship the garbage materials back to Canadian domain at the soonest possible time even at the expense of the Philippines. This, even as the Canadian government already awarded a private firm to ship the garbage out of the Philippines in late June. Meanwhile, Panelo said the Palace commends the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for the early detection of the entry of mixed plastic wastes from Hong Kong into Misamis Oriental. We understand that the BOC would export this illegal shipment back to its port of origin, Panelo said of the waste shipment which have been declared assorted electronic accessories. We call on concerned agencies of the government to continue exercising vigilance and hinder the entry of such shipments of garbage into our territorial jurisdiction at the first instance, he added in the statement. Panelo reiterated the Philippine governments firm position that it will not allow its territory to be treated as a dumping ground for trash by any foreign country or entity. Marje Pelayo (with details from Rosalie Coz) The post Palace confirms memo barring public officials travel to Canada appeared first on UNTV News. Gitanas Nauseda, a centre-right independent and political novice, won Lithuania's presidential runoff in a race marked by low populist sentiment and concerns over inequality in the Baltic eurozone state. Although Lithuanian presidents do not directly craft economic policy, bread-and-butter issues have dominated the race. Experts also noted that by choosing between two pro-EU, centre-right candidates in the runoff, Lithuanians who see the European Union as a source of prosperity and security bucked growing eurosceptic and populist sentiment in the bloc. Vowing to build a "welfare state", Nauseda said he would bridge the gap between rich and poor in Lithuania, which is among the most pronounced in the 28-member EU, adding that he would also seek to bring urban and rural Lithuanians closer together. "All people can live with dignity in this small country," the 55-year-old former bank advisor and economist told reporters as he claimed victory at his campaign headquarters in the capital Vilnius following Sunday's vote. Nauseda also hinted he wanted to soften Lithuania's often sharp rhetoric towards Russia, but insisted that relations could only be improved if Moscow changes its policy towards Ukraine. Challenger Ingrida Simonyte, a conservative-backed independent MP conceded defeat, telling public broadcaster LRT she had wished Nauseda "success in uniting Lithuanian people." Nauseda scored 65.86 percent of the vote ahead of 32.86 percent for Simonyte based on full official results from all 1972 polling stations. Vilnius voter Jonas Jovaisas, 25, said that Nauseda's lack of party affiliation made him the most suitable to lead the nation. "He doesn't depend on any political party and that will help him to work with any parliament or government," he told AFP after casting a ballot for Nauseda. He will replace popular incumbent President Dalia Grybauskaite, a 63-year-old independent who cannot run for a third consecutive term. Dubbed the "Iron Lady" for her hard line on Russia, Grybauskaite is tipped as a possible for European Council president. - Rich-poor divide - Lithuania is struggling with a sharp population decline owing to mass emigration to Western Europe by people seeking better opportunities. The rivals pledged to bridge the rich-poor divide in the nation of 2.8 million where, despite solid economic growth, almost 30 percent are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, notably in rural areas. Growth is forecast at 2.7 percent this year, higher that 1.1 percent average in the 19-member eurozone, but income inequality is still among the highest in the EU. Decades of TV appearances as an economic expert have made the married father-of-two a household name reputed for his intelligence, calm and moderation. Critics, however, had argued his platform is too vague and see his political inexperience and business links as liabilities. Simonyte, 44, was finance minister during the global financial crisis and saw the economy shrink by nearly 15 percent, a decline that took a high toll on low-income earners. Socially liberal, she supports same-sex partnerships, a position which has stirred controversy in the predominantly Catholic country. - Firm on Russia - Lithuanian presidents steer defence and foreign policy, attending EU and NATO summits, but while they have veto powers they must agree senior appointments with the prime minister. Nauseda firmly supports EU and NATO membership as bulwarks against neighbouring Russia, especially since Moscow's 2014 military intervention in Ukraine. Grybauskaite had called Russia a "terrorist state" in 2014 after it annexed Crimea from Ukraine but Nauseda said on Sunday that he "would like to be diplomatic and to use wording which could be slightly different from what we used previously." But he added that "it will be very difficult to improve relations" with Russia if it continues its current policy on Ukraine. "We cannot tolerate this," Nauseda said. Political expert Linas Kojala said the new president will face issues including Lithuania's position on EU-US disagreements, security concerns tied to Chinese investment and whether to forge closer ties with neighbouring Belarus. Turnout was 53.43 percent for the presidential ballot which coincided Sunday with European elections. (Repeats story from May 24; no changes to text) * 'Aggressive' deals lure tech firms to Asian city-state * Singapore sets sights on top talent for next growth phase * City-state faces challenge to create local success stories By Aradhana Aravindan, John Geddie and Anshuman Daga SINGAPORE, May 24 (Reuters) - San Francisco-based investor Paul Bragiel said he needed to be asked three or four times before he accepted an invitation from Singapore to come check out its tech scene. He made the 8,000-mile trip, but said that back then - in 2010 - the city-state's prospects to become a leading Asia tech hub were "bleak, to say the least." But he saw some promise, and like many other investors and tech companies since then, was attracted by generous terms from government agencies. "They gave us a very aggressive deal. Very few countries would have matched it," added Bragiel, who had considered Hong Kong and Tokyo for an Asian expansion before co-founding venture capital firm Golden Gate Ventures in Singapore in 2011. He declined to say what the terms of his deal were. Armed with lucrative grants and incentives, Singapore has been ramping up its efforts to lure tech firms and investors, including global players like Facebook, Alphabet's Google and Dyson, companies and government officials say. But now the focus is shifting toward attracting talent, and even the government says its work is not done. Chng Kai Fong, managing director of Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB), the government agency tasked with negotiating some of those deals, said he is now gunning for "Jedi Masters" he hopes can finally elevate Singapore into a global tech hub. The secretive nature of the deals means it is unclear how much the country spends to attract such companies and whether it pays off. Manufacturing, finance and insurance made up more than a third of Singapore's $356 billion economy in 2018. The information-communications sector, into which tech firms would largely fall, was about 4%. Story continues But it is growing faster than any other sector, data on Tuesday showed. Info-comm expanded at an annualised 6.6% in the first quarter of this year, while the next fastest of the nine sectors Singapore tracks was finance and insurance at 3.2%. Challenges remain: some tech companies have expressed concern about a recently passed fake news law in Singapore, which critics say could hinder free speech. Google said it was worried the law would stifle innovation and the growth of the digital information ecosystem. And Singapore only has one local "unicorn" - a startup worth over $1 billion - in ride-hailing firm Grab, according to research firm CBInsights. Neighbouring Indonesia has four: taxi app Go-Jek, travel site Traveloka, and market places Bukalapak and Tokopedia. Hong Kong has two, in online travel agency Klook and logistics firm Lalamove. 'JEDI MASTERS' Details on the deals negotiated with the EDB are hard to come by because the government makes firms sign nondisclosure agreements, companies, advisors and officials said. Lengthy tax holidays, hefty grants for research and development, co-funding for investments and land and rental deals are among the incentives from different agencies, they added. Such deals have attracted some of the world's biggest tech companies. Google, for instance, now has more than 1,000 employees in the city-state. It started its Singapore operations in 2007 with 24 people. Facebook last year opened an office in Singapore that can accommodate 3,000 people, up from 10 employees in 2010, and unveiled a $1 billion investment in its first Asian data centre. With Britain's departure from the European Union looming, Dyson has moved its headquarters to Singapore and announced plans to build an electric car. "Singapore is very successful; it has a great reputation for its ease of doing business and its links to the wider region," said Britain's trade commissioner for Asia Pacific, Natalie Black. "Many UK tech companies are already here and many more are exploring the opportunity." The EDB has six offices in the United States, six in Europe, and locations in China, India, Japan, South Korea and Indonesia. It says 80 of the world's top 100 tech firms have operations in Singapore. Although multinational companies are attracted by low corporate tax rates, political stability, a robust legal system and strong infrastructure, software developers and data scientists often prefer the buzz of Silicon Valley or London. "We have to be quite clear when we are chasing the Googles and Facebooks," Chng said. "We want engineering. We want to be a place where you're creating new products and services for Asia." Chng said he hopes attracting top talent will help nurture domestic startups, which has so far been difficult. "I need that generation of Jedi Masters to sort of come to train future young budding Jedis," said Chng, a former director of communications at the Prime Minister's Office. He said Singapore is also missing billion-dollar exits, which typically come when a tech start-up is acquired or publicly lists on a stock exchange. That would create a virtuous circle of private investment, allowing the government to step back. An EDB event in San Francisco last month to promote Singapore as a tech hub drew so much interest that 400 people were turned away. "There is a war for senior tech talent," said Daljit Sall, Singapore-based director at recruitment firm Randstad. "We are seeing big demand for data scientists, full stack developers, cyber security experts and solution architects." KEY LOCATION In 2012, the co-founders of online marketplace Carousell won a Singapore startup competition. The prize was three months of free office space in a former factory. "We landed there on day one and realised everyone there also got their office space for free," said Quek Siu Rui, Carousell's chief executive. "The government ran an experiment shoving startups, former entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, incubators all in one spot." Now valued at over $550 million, Carousell counts Japanese e-commerce firm Rakuten's fund among its investors and has expanded abroad. Lawyers said Singapore's regulations are attractive for tech firms. "The approach in Singapore is very much to encourage data-intensive businesses to locate there because they have the benefit of, among other things, a more relaxed standard of compliance in terms of data," said Mark Parsons, a Hong Kong-based Asia tech, media and telecoms partner with law firm Hogan Lovells. At a time of simmering tension between the United States and China, Singapore is also seen as neutral ground while still enjoying free trade with both. Last year, it added a free trade deal with the European Union. Geographically, Singapore sits at the centre of the fast-growing and internet-obsessed Southeast Asian region. Internet users in Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia spend four hours or more every day on mobile internet, according to a 2018 study by social media platform Hootsuite. Political ructions also threaten to pull rival Hong Kong further into China's sphere of influence, which one banker in discussions with tech firms said gives Singapore an advantage. For Bragiel, any reservations he had about Singapore nearly a decade ago are long forgotten. "Silicon Valley attracts the whole world; Singapore is catching up," he said. (Reporting by Aradhana Aravindan, John Geddie and Anshuman Daga Additional reporting by Joe Brock Editing by Gerry Doyle) Vandals have attacked portraits of Holocaust victims in the streets of central Vienna, President Alexander Van der Bellen said Monday, adding that he was "deeply worried" over the assaults. The attack overnight Sunday was the third since the show by Italian-German photographer Luigi Toscano was installed in early May. Faces were cut out of around 80 portraits, an AFP photographer said. Over the past two weeks, others have been daubed with swastikas or slashed with knives. Bellen said he was "deeply worried" over the assaults on the show honouring victims of Nazism. "I know that the overwhelming majority of Austrian society totally rejects the atrocities committed by the Nazis," Bellen said in a statement. "That some cannot see the truth and solemn reminder shown by these photos is crushing," he said. Toscano said he was "devastated" by the attack, the first on 13 such installations around the world. "There's been vandalism which hasn't been politically motivated, but nothing of this proportion," Toscano told AFP. "This is right-wing radicalism." Austria's Forum Against Anti-Semitism tallied 503 anti-Semitic acts in the country in 2017, twice the figure from 2014. A male driver was seen switching his BMW 320is licence plate of SLX27E to the SKD2777C licence plate which was later found to be registered to a Hyundai Elantra. Picture via Facebook/SG Road Vigilante SGRV KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 The Singapore authorities are investigating the recent incident of a BMW car driver switching his Singapore licence plate to another registered plate under a Hyundai car before being caught speeding in Malaysia, a report said. Singapores Land Transport Authority said the Hyundai cars owner had lodged a complaint with the authority, which said it had initiated a probe on the May 18 incident that took place in Johor near the Tuas checkpoint at the Malaysia-Singapore border, Singapore daily The Straits Times (ST) reported. ST noted that it is illegal in both Singapore and Malaysia for a car to use a number car plate that is different from the one under which it was registered. The paper said in the May 18 incident at around 7.30am, a male driver was seen switching his BMW 320is licence plate of SLX27E to the SKD2777C licence plate which was later found to be registered to a Hyundai Elantra. The switch took place while the BMW car was being refuelled at a petrol station in Gelang Patah, Johor. The vehicle was caught speeding one hour later on a highway but with the summons of RM150 made out under the Hyundai cars licence plate. An eyewitness told ST that there were many Singapore-registered cars at the Johor petrol station that morning, and that many of those present were shocked to see the driver openly changing his cars licence plate. The (BMW) driver was so arrogant and a very bad example for Singaporeans. What if he had got into an accident in Malaysia and someone had been injured or killed? the eyewitness was quoted saying by the ST, adding that the drivers insurer could also contest the claims. The same eyewitness, who took a photo of the BMW using the Hyundais licence plate while on Malaysias North-South Expressway, said others might start copying the BMW driver and switch to a different licence plate while driving in Malaysia if nothing is done. According to ST, a Singapore driver had also recorded a video clip of the BMW driver as he was switching the car licence plates and posted screengrabs on the SG Road Vigilantes Facebook post of the same incident. Story continues ST said online users found two unpaid speeding summonses under the Hyundai car plate on Malaysias e-payment portal last July and on May 18, but noted that the summonses could no longer be seen on the site as of May 20. The paper said the BMW was sighted going back to Singapore on May 18 with its actual licence plate. Johor police deputy chief Datuk Mohd Kamaruddin Md Din reportedly told ST that there have so far been no cases of Singaporean drivers switching their licence plates, but said police would not hesitate to take stern action if the alleged irresponsible act on May 18 was true. The offence under Malaysias Road Transport Act of having a car with a licence plate that it is not registered under will result in a maximum fine of RM5,000 and maximum one-year jail term and with the possible seizure of the car, ST said. As for Singapores laws, using a forged licence plate results in a maximum fine of US$5,000 and/or a maximum jail term of one year, ST said. Related Articles Vlogger Nas Daily praises Singaporean parking etiquette, Malaysians beg to differ Malaysian transport firms providing illegal services in Singapore make drivers see red Sex toy billionaire pays nearly US$2m for Australian number plate Australia's opposition is set to anoint Anthony Albanese as its new leader, hoping to win back the working class after a shock election defeat to the conservative government. The Australian Labor Party unexpectedly lost to incumbent leader Scott Morrison on May 18, despite leading in the polls running up to the election. Albanese, from Labor's left faction, replaced Bill Shorten when the former union chief stepped down hours after losing the vote. The 56-year-old will be officially confirmed by the Labor caucus on Thursday after the uncontested leadership ballot. Albanese vowed to create a "larger, more inclusive party" amid soul-searching within the ranks over the defeat. "I understand that it is a big mountain that we have to climb," Albanese told reporters in Sydney, where he holds his lower house seat, on Monday. "I want to build relationships between the Labor Party and those people who voted for us, but also those people who wanted to vote for us, who were open to vote for us, but who felt like they couldn't." Labor's large and progressive policy reform agenda, which it campaigned heavily on, as well as Shorten's unpopularity with voters, have been blamed for the election upset. Morrison successfully cast Labor's proposals, including tackling climate change, as too risky and damaging to household finances at a time when the national economy is slowing down. The Labor party performed particularly poorly in Queensland state, where Shorten was perceived to be lukewarm about a potential large India-backed mine that promises to create thousands of jobs. But Albanese argued it was possible to grow the economy, and create jobs while still pursuing a progressive agenda. "The economy must work for people, not the other way around. I view unions and business as having common interests," he said. "But... we can't judge the economy separate from the people it's meant to serve. I believe in an inclusive society, one that looks after the most vulnerable." Albanese was raised by a single mother in public housing in Sydney and has previously touted his roots as helping him connect with lower-income voters, who deserted Labor in droves at the last election. An economics graduate, he was first elected to parliament in 1996 and has been on Labor's frontbench since 1998. Albanese briefly served as deputy prime minister under former Labor PM Kevin Rudd in 2013, and was also infrastructure, transport and regional development minister. Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran addresses the media after the National Labour Advisory Council Meeting in Putrajaya May 27, 2019. Picture by Terence Tang PUTRAJAYA, May 27 Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran today urged workers to take up technical and vocational training so they can push for higher salaries. He said this was why the ministry proposed that technical vocational education and training (TVET) centres be opened from 5.30pm to 11pm, so that employees who are working full-time can attend the training after office hours. So if every worker in the country is skilled, even the janitors, those who are working (as cleaners) in the toilets, if they are properly skilled, you can command a good income, Kulasegaran told reporters after the National Labour Advisory Council meeting here. He cited Singapore as an example where he claimed that various personnel there have earned certifications and can be highly trained. If Singapore can do it, theres no reason why we cannot do it, the minister asserted. When asked if Pakatan Harapan could achieve its 2018 election promise of raising the minimum wage to RM1,500 monthly within its first term of office, Kulasegaran simply restated the coalitions manifesto pledge of doing so within this period. He also indicated that with increased skills, an employees income can rise from the minimum wage of RM1,100, for instance, to a higher pay. Kulasegaran said that he has presented these initiatives to the government. TVET Malaysia was launched by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in September 2017 after a rebranding process. It provides a variety of vocational courses. Related Articles Chinese independent secondary school students can train at 32 institutes and get certificates, says HR minister HR minister defends bid to send skilled labour to Japan, says deal not done Maszlee to head TVET empowerment committee, says Kulasegaran Rivers worldwide are polluted with antibiotics that exceed environmental safety thresholds by up to 300 times, according to research unveiled at a conference Monday. Scientists found one or more common antibiotics in two-thirds of 711 samples taken from rivers in 72 countries, they told a meeting of environmental toxicologists in Helsinki. In dozens of locations, concentrations of the drugs -- used to fight off bacterial infection in people and livestock -- exceeded safety levels set by the AMR Industry Alliance, a grouping of more than 100 biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Ciprofloxacin, a frontline treatment for intestinal and urinary tract infections, surpassed the industry threshold at 51 of the sites tested. At one location in Bangladesh, concentrations of another widely used antibiotic, metronidazole, were 300 times above the limit, the researchers said. "The results are quite eye opening and worrying, demonstrating the widespread contamination of river systems around the world with antibiotic compounds," Alistair Boxall, a scientist at the York environmental Sustainability Institute, said in a statement. The widespread presence of antibiotics not only impacts wildlife, but likely contributes to the problem of antimicrobial resistance. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the world is running out of antibiotics that still work, and has called on industry and governments to urgently develop a new generation of drugs. Discovered in the 1920s, antibiotics have saved tens of millions of lives from pneumonia, tuberculosis, meningitis and a host of deadly bacteria. Overuse and misuse of the drugs are thought to be the main causes of antimicrobial resistance. - Thames to Tigris - But the growing presence of antibiotics in the environment may be a key factor too, the new research suggests. Boxall and his team looked for 14 common antibiotics across six continents. Safety limits were most frequently exceeded in Asia and Africa, but samples from Europe and the Americas showed that the problem is global in scope. The countries with the highest levels of antibiotic river pollution were Bangladesh, Kenya, Ghana, Pakistan and Nigeria. Within Europe, one site in Austria had the biggest concentrations anywhere on the continent. Frozen water samples were collected from the Danube, Mekong, Seine, Thames, Tigris, Chao Phraya and dozens of other rivers. "Until now, the majority of environmental monitoring work for antibiotics has been done in Europe, North America and China," said co-author John Wilkinson, also from the University of York, where the samples were examined. "Our study helps fill this knowledge gap with data from countries that had never been monitored before." River systems around world are coursing with over-the-counter and prescription drugs of all kinds, according to another study from last year. On current trends, it estimated, the amount of pharmaceutical effluence leaching into waterways could increase by two-thirds before mid-century. A large number of drugs found in the environment -- analgesics, antibiotics, anti-platelet agents, hormones, psychiatric drugs, anti-histamines -- have been detected in nature at levels dangerous for wildlife. Endocrine disruptors, for examples, have notoriously induced sex changes in fish and amphibians. The two-day annual meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry ends on Tuesday. There are two types of issues in Singapore. Real bread-and-butter issues, and fake issues like press freedom, LGBTQ rights, environmental causes, arts funding, and you name it. There are no dictionary definitions for either category, but most people understand the distinction instinctively, even if they dont agree with the premise. The former refers to issues which directly affect the livelihoods of an imaginary character called The Ordinary Singaporean. The latter refers to the weekend hobbies of ivory-tower perverts like academics, artists, activists, and anyone who seems a little offthose long-haired weirdos who dont seem to care very much about BTO resale prices. Cost-of-living or GST increase is obviously a bread-and-butter issue. LGTBQ activists trying to fight for their civil rights are not. Crowded public transport is a bread-and-butter issue. Not so much the issue of press or academic freedom. COE prices are also bread-and-butter (despite affecting only potential car-owners). However, environmental causes like ocean biodiversity or climate change are somehow excluded, despite affecting literally everyone. As anyone who follows the news should know, this separation is ubiquitous, silly, and a prime example of what MParader Goh Chok Tong would call political sophistry. The gulf between Real v. Fake issues is fiction. It should not exist at all because most issues are interconnected. Even so-called esoteric causes can have broader ripple effects on society. Press and academic freedom keep the government accountable and honest, which in turn prevents egregious policies that harm so-called bread-and-butter livelihoods. Last year, for example, the plight of hawkers working in Social Enterprise Hawker Centres was brought to light by KF Seetoh rather than any of the journalists employed by the MSM. As for environmental causes championed by Zero Waste SG or MP Louis Ng, they may not be bread-and-butter in the present-day, but they soon will be. Sea turtles choked to death by plastic may not impact your bank balance tomorrow, but they certainly will in a few years when fragile marine ecosystems collapse and send the price of food soaring. Story continues However, this insistence on bread-and-butter politics is not just myopic, but also discriminatory. All issuesno matter how smallare bread-and-butter to someone. If not yourself, then a fellow citizen. Never mind that political will is not a finite resource. Never mind that The Ordinary Singaporean is concerned with an array of issues from Bukit Brown to Ministerial Salaries to the Death Penalty. By vapidly insisting that politicians focus on bread-and-butter issuesi.e. the real problemyou are essentially segregating Singaporeans into two categories. Real Singaporeans in need of help and fake Singaporeans who deserve nothing, not even for their voices to be heard. For the record, Singaporeans who care about 377A or Climate Change are no less Singaporean than you. You may disagree with their positions, but to insist on their exclusion from political participation/discussion is wrong, to say the least. This, of course, has not stopped bread-and-butter rhetoric from conquering every inch of our political landscape. Every time an ST commentary is written, or an MP posts on social media, you can be sure to find the phrase focus on bread-and-butter issues lying there like an unflushed turd. Most of the time, it has zero relevance except as a form of Uniquely Singaporean virtue-signalling practised by both PAP and opposition politicians alike. Years after her love of Kate Spade went viral, MP Tin Pei Ling told Sumiko Tan that she wanted to help people with real bread-and-butter issues. To make her point, they picked a cheap and cheerful zi char restaurant and gushed about har jeong gai. Not wanting to be outdone, both the SDP and WP double-down on the dough and rendered cow fat. The Workers Partys online material makes frequent references to bread-and-butter, and so does Chee Soon Juans party. Once lambasted as out-of-touch for its concern with human rights, the SDPs website now insists that his party cares just as much about bread-and-butter as they do about Singapores lack of democracy. So it is untrue to say that SDP does not bring up Kitchen Table issues, laments the website. The implication behind these meaning-free messages is clear. ITin Pei Ling/Chee Soon Juan/Lee Bee Wah/Nigel Faragecare all about the real issues faced by average citizens like you. More importantly, I am not like Tin Pei Ling/Chee Soon Juan/Lee Bee Wah/Nigel Farage. I am not one of those out-of-touch brioche-and-marmalade politicians. They have their heads lost in the parliamentary clouds. On the other hand, I know whats really important to youwhoever you are. At its core, it is not unlike American politicians eating corn-dogs at the Iowa state fair. No matter who you are or what youve done, virtue must be performed to avoid accusations of uncaring elitism. Housing prices are important. Cost-of-living is life-and-death, naturally. However, its not a zero-sum game where resolving one issue must come at the expense of ignoring another. An LGBTQ activist meeting Lee Bee Wah doesnt mean some elderly uncle is being shortchanged on the assistance they are due. Speaking in parliament about plastic waste doesnt signal indifference to SMRT breakdowns. The real problem happens when bread-and-butter is used to subtly slur, exclude, and deride causes you do not agree with. Give the mouldy rhetoric a rest. If we are truly the inclusive and diverse nation that our NDP speeches promise, there is room for causes big or small, whether it affects everyone, a minority of citizens, or a single person in need. Do you want to talk about a roti-and-kaya issue? Write to us at community@ricemedia.co The post Bread and Butter Issues Is The Most Meaningless Phrase In Singaporean Politics appeared first on RICE. Spicejet to induct Boeing 737, taking fleet size to 100 aircraft Loading the player... Switzerland steps up to share banking info; 11 Indians get notices in a day As Switzerland strives hard to re-establish its global financial centre position after clamping down on secrecy walls of its banks, there has been a significant surge in the number of cases where it has initiated process to share information on Indians with Swiss bank accounts and shot off letters to about a dozen such individuals last week itself. At least 11 such notices were issued to Indian nationals on May 21 itself. Spicejet to induct Boeing 737, taking fleet size to 100 aircraft No-frills airline SpiceJet Sunday announced the induction of a Boeing 737, taking its fleet size to 100 aircraft. SpiceJet is the fourth domestic airline to achieve the feat after national carrier Air India, now defunct Jet Airways and rival IndiGo. Electric vehicles journey to begin with hybrid technology in India: Honda Japanese auto major Honda will use hybrid vehicles as intermediates in the next two years in India before going for full electric vehicles (EVs) as it expects setting up of supporting infrastructure such as charging stations to take time, according to a senior company official. Baba Ramdev's advice on population control: Third child should be devoid of voting rights, government facilities Yoga guru Baba Ramdev has said that in order to contain population growth, the government should enact a law whereby third child should not be allowed to vote and enjoy facilities provided by the government. The Yoga guru also called for ban on manufacturing, sale, and purchase of liquor across India In the next 5 years, India will regain its importance in the world order, says Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said the next five years will be the time to regain the rightful position of India in the world order. He was speaking here at a function following the Lok Sabha election victory, which was kept simple and shorn of pomp because of the Surat fire tragedy. Poll effect: 15,000 govt schools get electricity connections in rural MP The just-concluded general elections came as a boon for primary schools in Madhya Pradesh's rural areas. As per the state Chief Election Commissioner's (CEO) report, 15,000 government primary schools, which were made polling stations in far-flung areas, got permanent electricity connections during the Lok Sabha polls. Not just electricity, repair works were also undertaken and some schools provided water connections, officials said. Jaypee Infra insolvency: Creditors' meet on May 30 to discuss NBCC bid Debt-laden Jaypee Infratech's financial creditors, which include bankers and homebuyers, will meet on May 30 to discuss state-owned NBCC's bid to acquire the realty firm and complete stuck housing projects. As many as 13 banks and 23,000 homebuyers have voting rights in the committee. Two fire officials suspended after coaching centre blaze in Surat kills 22 Indian authorities said on Sunday two fire department officials had been suspended over a fire at a coaching centre that killed 21 students and one teacher in Gujarat, renewing questions about building safety standards. The owners of the Takshashila Arcade building, where the shoddy coaching centre was built on the four-storey building's terrace, were absconding. French actress and director Mati Diop posing with the Grand Prix for her film "Atlantics (Atlantique)" on May 25, 2019, Cannes, France Two unusual dramas have gone to Netflix after making debuts at the Cannes Film Festival -- ocean-going romantic thriller "Atlantics" and missed connections adventure "I Lost My Body." Mati Diop became the first black woman director to both contend for and also win Cannes' Grand Prix when she accepted the award on May 27, 2019. A Romeo and Juliet story of young love in Dakar, Senegal is given a supernatural frame in her dramatic ocean-going migrant film "Atlantics," and online streaming service Netflix has secured international distribution for all but a handful of territories. China and Russia are not included in the deal, while online distribution for France, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg kicks in 36 months after domestic theatrical release. "I Lost My Body" is another prize-winner, though this time at the International Critics Week event that runs alongside the Cannes festival. It follows a severed hand as it makes its way through Paris in search of Naoufel, the young man from whom it was cut. Naoufel was once a boy with a bright future but tragic circumstance removed him from his parents' care and landed him with far less devoted relatives; instead of inching his way towards an astronaut-musician career fantasy, he's working pizza delivery. It's on one of those calls that he speaks to library worker Gabrielle and, knowing little else about her, not even what she looks like, starts searching for a way to find her. The film was a feature-length debut for director Jeremy Clapin, who co-wrote it with Guillaume Laurent of "Amelie" and "A Very Long Engagement" fame. Again, the Netflix deal is worldwide excluding China, Turkey, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg and France; Netflix will carry it in France 36 months after its theatrical release. Images: Unsplash One morning, a male colleague muses, I feel like Singaporean women tend to take on their husbands surname after marriage if their husband is ang moh. The air gets sucked out of the room. Two female colleagues look at each other in shock, horror, then bemusement. Said male colleague hastily clarifies himself before he gets murdered by irate journalists. I mean, mine is the most boring one around: Tan. I understand why no one would want to take my surname lah. His assessment of his boring Chinese surname is, of course, in comparison to an ang moh surname, which might sound more exotic in Singapore. With that, the whole table erupts into a spirited debate about whether its passe for Singaporean women to adopt their husbands surname after marriage, regardless of how unique it is. Even though love and tradition may be compelling reasons to change their surnames, it doesnt feel necessary or relevant for women to formally adhere to this custom as much in this day and age. Someone then points out that there are still people who combine Chinese and Western surnames, while another chimes in that everyone who has taken on their husbands surname or adopted a double-barrel surname seems to have a Caucasian husband. There is a glaring lack of mention about interracial marriages not involving Caucasian men or men with Caucasian sounding surnames. So what are some reasons women still change their surnames? asks the first brave soul. Personal branding. I hear the words escape my mouth before I even register what I say. But before I can explain, I catch a few nods and wry smiles around the table; it seems Ive said what everyone thinks but no one wants to admit. After all, few would confess to allowing a superficial reason to guide such a monumental decision. Lets not mince words: changing ones surname for personal and professional branding reasons can help ones career progression, especially in industries that prefer or tend to hire certain races. Story continues Just ask Deborah Tan, who took on a double-barrel surname about two years after marrying her English husband (whose surname is Pink) precisely because of work. After being in the media industry for more than a decade, Deborah Tan was pretty established; when anyone googled her name, she would appear on the first page. Even so, Deborahs name didnt help her land interviews when she found herself delving into techa completely new field. This was particularly so when it came to my applications to global companies. Then I decided to try going with Deborah Tan-Pink. I dont know if it improved anything, but somehow that got me more interviews after, she says. After Deborah changed her name on LinkedIn, it eventually stuck, so much so that one of her colleagues even assumed shed added Pink to her surname because she was a fan of the colour. (He couldnt be more wrong.) In her personal circles, however, she remains Deborah Tan. I have friends who take on their husbands surnames because when they travel to more conservative countries, immigration wouldnt give them such a hard time. Or when they have biracial kids, and its a necessity, because you wouldnt want cops to stop you in the middle of the highway and accuse you of kidnapping! she says, half-jokingly. Whatever the reason, its up to the woman. No one should be giving her any grief. By the same token, a Malay friend (who doesnt want to be named) shares that she would take on her Chinese husbands surname, Chiam, if her career calls for it. I probably wont change my name in the future unless I feel that my Malay surname limits my career prospects due to the negative cultural perceptions of being Malay. But thats an easy fix without having to go through the rigmarole of legal documentation, she says. In the meantime, she still prefers to be called Ms rather than Mrs despite being married for more than three years. She also hasnt gotten any flak for not changing her name, and posits that shed be angry if she had. My name, or rather my fathers name, is still my fathers name. I dont suddenly stop being my fathers daughter once I get married. But what do I know? Im not married. Perhaps personal branding is an overly practical and cynical reason for adopting your husbands surname. Yet in 2019, some women still do it forgasplove. When Joan Ang Bissdorf married into a German family, she retained her maiden name as part of her identity and removed her Chinese name while taking on her husbands surname. Her reason was simple and definitely had nothing to do with personal branding: she loved her in-laws. My [Singaporean Chinese] family didnt seem to mind too. They are a little traditional that way, what with married women belonging to their husband, she shares. My mum was a little annoyed that I decided not to keep my Chinese name though, but I explained that it would be ridiculous to have a name like Joan Ang Liting Bissdorf. Between honouring my given Chinese name and the Ang that came from my ancestors, I chose to prioritise the latter. On the practical front, Joan had plans to relocate to the US four months after her wedding, which didnt leave her much time to get a deed poll and apply for her visa with the new name. If shed only changed her name after arriving in the US, that would have created unnecessary immigration paperwork. Even if she hadnt planned to relocate, she maintains that she wouldve probably still changed her surname immediately after she got married, albeit a little cautiously and definitely after pondering a few days. The nature of her work in Singapore meant she had to work closely with big and small businesses. I think upfront there would be a gulf in communication and being relatable had I approached the local SMEs and towkays with a foreign surname, she says. Along the same vein, Debras career was the reason the Singaporean Chinese woman retained her Chinese surname instead of taking her Indian husbands after she got married. (For the purpose of this article, she doesnt want to reveal either surname because of her job.) As a teacher, Debra preferred to keep her maiden name to prevent parents from finding out more about her than shed like. She doubts that shed ever change it on paper, because its an unnecessary hassle and not a tradition in her or her husbands families for wives to adopt their husbands surname. That said, Id probably have no qualms about using my husbands surname unofficially when I become a parent, such as when signing off on consent forms. For personal matters like doctors visits, however, Id stick to my maiden name, she explains. Unlike Joan, however, Debra had no need or want to change her surname, even though that obviously didnt mean she loved her husband any less. Clearly, even a seemingly innocuous reason for a surname change like personal branding has its nuances. On one hand, most people understand personal branding as a specific public identity that we create for ourselves. On social media, personal branding can range from catchy Instagram handles to naturally memorable monikers; in the workplace, a memorable full name might be exceptionally useful in establishing a professional identity. On the other, as the women in this piece have shown, the decision to change ones surname after marriage cannot simply be whittled down to mere aesthetics, career progression, tradition, or love. Marriage is a relationship between two families with their own histories, possible class and culture differences, and sets of values. Where a surname change is concerned, interracial marriages might also pose different challenges, depending on the race of each spouse and the subconscious biases behind societys perception of each race. For instance, a name like Ming Lim might be significantly more forgettable or overlooked in Singapore compared to, say, Ming Pereira, Ming Hassan, or Ming Kumar. Again, however, the biases attached to each surname depend on the context that Ming states his full name, whether its looking for a job in a multinational company, standing out on social media, or introducing himself to a new acquaintance. While it might appear that the most memorable surnames are not from the majority race in the country (i.e. Chinese surnames might be the least interesting in Singapore), it could also be the case where mixed race names or double-barrel surnames are generally more distinctive, even if both surnames come from the same race in the latter scenario. So for all our talk about being a multiracial society that doesnt see race, the fact is we do. And the lens through which we understand different surnames is associated with our implicit classist hang-ups about each race. Still, thats not to say that marriages between those from the same race (i.e. the majority) face no issue when it comes to surname changes. For all I know, my colleague who lamented his boring Tan surname might be deemed more interesting if he was, say, a Chuah, Lam, or, frankly speaking, even a Wong. We want to hear from men who have taken on their wifes surname after marriage. Write to us at community@ricemedia.co. The post Do Singaporean Women Only Take their Husbands Last Name When It Sounds Special? appeared first on RICE. Traveling was a temporary fix for my problems, until it wasn't anymore Like many cures, traveling is a privilege, and it really can be an amazing time for self-discoverybut on the other side of the coin, isnt traveling just running away from your problems? What happens when you have to return home and face them? Read more to see what happened to me. Along with yoga, meditation, and face masks, traveling is generally regarded as a cure for those who feel stuck or lost. Not sure what to do after graduating college? Try backpacking through Europe. Just broke up with your boyfriend of three years? Bali should do the trick. Like many cures, traveling is a privilege, and it really can be an amazing time for self-discoverybut on the other side of the coin, isnt traveling just running away from your problems? What happens when you have to return home and face them? Browse a travel group on Facebook and youll see tons of posts from women who spend months (or even years) abroad, but now are back home, feeling stuck, sad, and even depressed in some cases. They generally blame the travel bug or wanderlust, but I like to think they just want to keep running. I say this not because I think Im better than them, but because Ive been there, too. I honestly feel like Ive been running ever since I was old enough, with enough of my own money, to do it. But while a six month internship in New York City or a summer studying abroad in London was one thing, recently quitting my job to travel full-time as a digital nomad was another. Of course, when I first started my travels, I felt like I was running carefree through a field of daisies. But a year and a half into them, I felt like I was running for my life from a grizzly bear (or a dementer, or a toxic ex). But, lets go back to the field of daisies first. Getty Images It was August 2017 and my lease in New York City was about to be up. For the last year, I had been working at a womens media company, and while I loved the freedom to write and I had great co-workers, I felt underpaid and overworked. I knew I was probably never going to make enough money there to feel comfortable living in one of the most expensive cities in the world. It wasnt just the job thoughsomething in my life was off. I was feeling more anxious, and maybe even depressed. I had trouble getting out of bed in the morning, I quit working out entirely, and my sex drive was practically nonexistent. Story continues Everybody on social media seemed to be going to Thailand to find themselves, and I was still looking for the real Ashley. Or, at least, I was looking for a sign from some higher power to tell me what to do with my life. Because I sure as hell didnt know. A company called Remote Year advertised a 12 month program where a group of digital nomads (people who worked wherever they wanted from their laptops) visited a new country each month and worked together. While I wasnt willing to spend $29,000 to be stuck with a bunch of strangers (I was a poor introvert, after all), going to a new country every month sounded nice. Moving home to my childhood bedroom and not paying half my paycheck to rent sounded nice too, so I decided to do both. I figured Id have my parents house outside of D.C. as my home base, but I could travel freely without having to waste money on rent or a storage unit to hold my stuff. I also would (hopefully) combat my fear of being lonely while traveling, because Id be able to return home to my family. The plan was pretty genius, if I do say so myself. Although my travels were a bit derailed by some medical complications, I took my first solo trip to Los Angeles in March of 2018. In the next year and a half, I spent time in Spain, Morocco, Gibraltar, China, Thailand, Belize, Jamaica, The Bahamas, and more. I also visited N.Y.C. pretty frequently, hit Las Vegas, and went back to L.A. a couple of times. Ultimately I was only spending about five to seven days at my home base in D.C. each month. While my travel schedule seemed crazy to my parents, it was just what I needed at the time. I would spend a week in D.C. working extra-long and hard, then Id jet off to a new destination where I could work for half the day and explore for the rest of the evening. If I found myself feeling lonely or overthinking, I could just bury my head in my work and/or a new vegan donut shop in whatever city I was in. Yes, working for myself and traveling was great, but it wasnt answering the questions that had been giving me anxiety back in New York. I still didnt know what I wanted to do with my life. I didnt know where I wanted to live or what I wanted my romantic relationships to look like. I hadnt figured out anything that Id wanted to include in my five-year plan. But because I was constantly on the move, it was easy for me to live in the present and ignore them. It was too hard to plan the future when there was so much uncertainty. I loved what I was doing work-wise, but I still wasnt making much more money than I was at my former job. I was really into the guy I was seeing (hence all the frequent trips to N.Y.C.), but I had no idea if we had a future together; deep down, I knew that we probably didnt. I loved nearly every city I visited, but I also loved N.Y.C. when I visited. I still had no idea where I wanted to live permanently, or at least for a few years. Dont get me wrong, living in the present was great. I felt (slightly more) spontaneous. I saw amazing places. I met really interesting people. I worked on really cool projects and actually saw work as an escape when my travels were too overwhelming. I learned a ton about myself. Getty Images But in February 2019, before traveling to Thailand, I realized I had tons more to learn about myself. That same anxiety Id felt back in N.Y.C. crept up on me again. I had been digital nomad-ing for a year and a half, and more and more often, people were asking me about my long-term plan. I started feeling extra anxious when Id return homelike I didnt really belong there anymore, but I wasnt excited to leave for my next trip either. I wanted to stop stressing about money so much. Though I had saved a lot, I still felt like I wasnt making enough to comfortably get my own apartment, a car, and all that other shit normal people have to pay for. I literally made my mom sit with me while I packed for Thailand, or else I wouldnt have gotten it done at all (I normally pack two weeks in advance for my trips). I felt like one of those girls who jumps from relationship to relationship to fill the void, except instead of compulsively dating, I was jumping from country to country. Thailand was the first place I had planned to travel after quitting my job, and it ended up being the last place I visited before closing the chapter on my digital nomad lifestyle. Thailand was amazing and Im so glad I got to experience it, but I felt that I couldnt appreciate it fully. I was so anxious about what was coming next. I spent a lot of my time in that country wrestling with options for my career (Did I want to build out my freelance business? Should I apply for a full-time job?), my relationship (Should I have the talk with the guy Im seeing? What did I event want?), and my living situation (Could I happily live with my parents for a few more months while I figure out what I want to do?). The only decision I could easily make was that this would be my last trip for some time. When I next got a on a plane, I wanted to be flying somewhere Id be staying for a while. Aside from one more family trip in March, thats exactly what happened. After returning from Thailand, I started applying to a few jobs in Los Angelesthe one city where I always felt the most at home while traveling. Much quicker than expected, I got a great job offer where Id be doing work I enjoyed and making double the salary of my last full-time job. I had six days to get my shit together and move to Los Angeles before my start date. It was a little crazy, but not any crazier than some of the trips I took in the last year. I still have a lot of work to do on myself and my five-year plan. But now I have structure and routine (which I low-key love). Im making enough money to be less stressed financially, and unlike with freelancing, I always know when Im getting paid. I ended my situationship in the best way possiblewe had a mature conversation and accepted that, though we enjoyed spending time together, it didnt make sense to keep things going if neither of us saw a future together. Putting my life metaphorically on hold for a bit to live in the moment was great for me. I really did find myself, at least some of myself. Thats why, in no way, I am advising against taking a year off to travel, doing the digital nomad thing, or quitting a job that isnt working for you. Im so happy that I did all of these things because 2018 was probably one of the best years of my life because traveling allowed me the space to figure out what I truly enjoyed doing and how I want to do it. That that wouldnt have been possible if I wasnt taking things day-by day and only focusing on the present. What I dont recommend is pretending that traveling the world will cure all of your problems, when in reality its just another distraction. Sure, pictures with the Eiffel Tower look a lot better on Instagram than pictures of you distracting yourself with tequila (and traveling is certainly the healthier option between those two). But at the end of the day, you will still have to sit down with yourself and face your internal issues. The good thing about traveling alone is that you learn to truly enjoy being alone with yourself, and listening. Thats the gift from my travels that will keep on giving. WEST DES MOINES, Iowa Christy-Smith Funeral Homes of Sioux City received the Iowa Award of Funeral Service Excellence at the 139th Annual Iowa Funeral Directors Association (IFDA) Convention held May 14-16 at the Prairie Meadows Hotel & Conference Center in Altoona, Iowa. The Iowa Award of Funeral Service Excellence recognizes a funeral homes exemplary service to the community it serves. Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, which has been serving Sioux City and the surrounding communities for 97 years, was one of 13 funeral homes from throughout the state to receive the award. It is the 25th year the funeral home has been recognized by peers for this achievement. To qualify, a funeral home must excel in four of five areas: presentation of public information, active membership in the state association, sponsorship of community events or services, professional development, and personal development. 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 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. SIOUX CITY -- Eighteen Morningside College students have been selected for paid summer internships with several Sioux City and Chicago area nonprofit agencies as part of the Tyson Foods Summer Community Internship Program. The Tyson Foods Summer Community Internship Program provides full-time college students an eight-week paid summer internship to assist community organizations and gain experience with diverse social issues. Tyson Foods is underwriting the program in the Chicago area and in Sioux City, Storm Lake and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Campus Compact affiliates in Iowa and Illinois are overseeing and administering the program, according to a news release from the college. The following is a list of the nonprofit organizations that received grants and selected Morningside College students for the internships: Boys Town: Caitlin Makovicka, a junior social and behavioral science and general business double major from Ceresco, Nebraska. Buy Fresh Buy Local-Siouxland Inc. (Farmers Market): Makaelyn Glienke, a senior advertising and photography double major from Cherokee, Iowa. Camp High Hopes: Michal Widjaja, a senior counseling psychology major from Sergeant Bluff. Food Bank of Siouxland: Rae Clinkenbeard, a senior arts administration and photography double major from Denison, Iowa. Girls Inc. of Sioux City: Morgan Nehring, a sophomore developmental psychology and counseling psychology double major from Humboldt, Iowa. Haven House Family Service Center (South Sioux City): Melanie Enloe, a senior counseling psychology major from Ottumwa, Iowa. Mary Treglia Community House: Elizabeth Kruchten, a senior business administration major from Minneapolis; Abigail Maldonado Salguero, a senior English education major from South Sioux City. Mid-Step Services: Tanya Burow, a senior arts administration major from Battle Creek, Iowa. Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA: Anna Uehling, a junior graphic design and advertising double major from Nicollet, Minnesota. Ronald McDonald House: Abby Fitzgerald, a senior social & behavioral science and developmental psychology major from Fairmont, Minnesota. Sioux City College Access Network: Grant Alberts, a junior computer science and animation & video game development double major from Axtell, Nebraska; Jesus Sanz Garcia, a senior business administration major from Burgos, Spain. Sioux City Human Rights Commission: Tani Russell, a senior religious studies and art studio double major from Sioux City. Siouxland Mental Health Center: Erin Georgesen, an incoming freshman from Sioux City. Third Judicial District Juvenile Court Services: Juan David Sanchez, a senior general psychology and business administration major from Bogota, Colombia. Just Roots Chicago: Sofia Marrufo, a senior biology and Spanish double major from Barquisimeto, Venezuela. Chicago World Relief: Kailyn Robert, a senior political science and international affairs double major from Osage City, Kansas. 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 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. WEST DES MOINES -- Douglas D. Rush of Onawa was honored for 40 years of dedication to funeral service during the 139th annual Iowa Funeral Directors Association (IFDA) Convention held May 14-16 at the Prairie Meadows Hotel & Conference Center in Altoona, Iowa. Rush was one of eight funeral directors from around the state to receive recognition by peers and colleagues for 40 years of service to Iowa communities, according to an IFDA press release. Rushs career in funeral service started out as a joke in his sophomore year of high school in 1973. He states his guidance counselor made an appointment for him to meet a funeral director in Moville, Iowa. They seemed to like each other because Rush was offered a job right away. Rush graduated from University of Minnesota. During his career, Rush has worked at McCullough Funeral Home in Moville, Welander Quist Funeral Home in Minneapolis, while in school, Jack & Becker Funeral Home in Sioux City for his apprenticeship, and Pearson Funeral Home in Onawa. 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 Court Reporter Hytrek has been at the Journal since 1998, covering courts for much of that time. He is a Nebraska native and University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate. To the Winner Go the Spoils: Coca-Cola 600 Treasures for the Winner Posted by: newsla on May 27, 2019 - 07:23 AM To the Winner Go the Spoils: Coca-Cola 600 Treasures for the Winner The honor of winning Sundays 60th running of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the winners purse arent the only things the driver who crosses the finish line first will enjoy Sunday night at Americas Home for Racing. Before 40 of NASCARs fastest drivers lock horns for the checkered flag at one of racings crown jewels, heres a look at the five prizes the winner will receive on Sunday: BRUTON SMITH TROPHY: One of the most iconic trophies in all of racing goes home to the winner of the Coca-Cola 600. Produced by Innocast Execuline in Howard Lake, Minnesota, the 80-pound bronze piston trophy originally designed by speedway builder and founder Bruton Smith features the Charlotte Motor Speedway Globe on top and a black marble base. The trophys presence has become synonymous with Charlotte Motor Speedway since its creation more than 35 years ago and is one of the most treasured in any NASCAR drivers trophy case. VINTAGE COCA-COLA VENDING MACHINE: Since Kurt Buschs victory in the 2010 Coca-Cola 600, Terry Kimble of Georgia-based Remember When Restorations has presented the race winner with an authentic, vintage Coca-Cola vending machine. The 60-day restoration process concludes with the machines presentation to the race winner, who takes a photo with the historic machine in Victory Lane. DIAMOND RING: Victory lane never shined brighter. A sparkling, diamond 60th Coca-Cola 600 winners ring will also go home with the winner. The top of this custom, Jostens-designed ring features the Charlotte Motor Speedway Globe logo inlayed with red, black and blue enamel. The outer perimeter of the top plate has brilliant-cut diamonds with 2019 Champion and Coca-Cola 600 featured in a raised engraving. ERNST BENZ WATCH: The Ernst Benz ChronoJewel 47mm is an extravagant timepiece combining precision timekeeping, sporty legibility and beautifully set diamonds. A complicated watch with a chronograph enabling it to calculate the duration of an event and a tachymeter used to measure speed based on time. A testament to the art of stone setting, the massive case of this masterpiece is exquisitely set with 48 brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling 3.5 carats. This unique model has been customized with racing red details for the chronograph hands and stitching in the Louisiana alligator strap representing the color of Coca-Cola for the legendary 60th Coca-Cola 600. WINNERS COAT: Designed by Charlotte-based clothier and former NASCAR pit crew member William Wilson, a custom-designed Coca-Cola 600 Champion coat joins the list of accolades and awards to the race winner. The prestigious coat is presented by Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith in conjunction with a champagne toast amongst 200 race fans high above the frontstretch in The Speedway Club. Wilsons acclaimed designs have received rave reviews from actors, professional athletes and musicians. TICKETS: Tickets and upgrades for Sundays Coca-Cola 600 are available at the gates, by visiting charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets or calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267). KEEP TRACK: Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on Twitter and Instagram or becoming a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app. PaddockTalk Perspective Beleaguered journalism interests seek to aid ailing planet Posted on 27 May 2019 by Guest Author This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Bud Ward Lets buy for a moment the well-traveled viewpoint that the news media like nothing better than a good crisis. Nothing like a crisis, and better yet two, to kick reporters and editors, let alone media bean counters, adrenaline into overdrive. Bring on the banner headlines, the grit and joy of covering someone elses disasters up-close and personal, perhaps even a greater shot at one of journalisms more glamorous prizes or awards. But what, one might ask, when the crisis is not someone elses, but rather a crisis in the house of journalism itself? As with the current decades-old and decades-more-to-come demise of the subscriber- and advertiser-paid business model? What if, one well might wonder, the crisis is in journalism itself? Commentary And to compound the dilemma at hand, what if the crisis in journalism comes during an equally, and by all accounts even more serious (truly existential?) confounding crisis? As in misery loves company. Take the climate change crisis as Exhibit A. As luck would have it bad luck, that is the climate change crisis as we understand it, and as we dont yet fully understand it, has been occurring and will continue to occur during a time of crisis for responsible journalism. Oh darn. Journalism gurus pretty much accept that the ongoing crises of change surrounding and overwhelming many news enterprises will go on for a number of decades before, one hopes, we can all adapt to where it ends up. We can be pretty certain that our kids, and also theirs, will be dealing with this snowballing news/information dilemma for years, probably decades, to come. The same, of course, applies to what many experts now feel can only fairly be characterized as a climate crisis. Again, as with journalism, its a crisis of our own making. Its not like there arent serious efforts to help mitigate the long-term harm, to avoid the worst possible impacts. And we can take comfort that that applies, at least for now, to both journalism and to climate change. Climate crisis meet journalism crisis So its into this double-edged conundrum that enters the proverbial knight in shining armor. It comes in the form of a new consortium of journalism interests with the specific purpose of vastly improving media coverage of the climate crisis. No small challenge, that. For into this muddle comes the storied Columbia Journalism Review, operating from within the hallowed halls of perhaps the worlds foremost academic shrine to journalism excellence, and a supporting crew of committed journalism organizations. United behind the hashtag #CoveringClimateNow, this foundation-funded effort has in mind nothing less than what CJR Editor Kyle Pope has called an unprecedented week-long organization of the media to focus coverage on climate change, And thats just one component of the overall plan, one that on its own could make herding cats seem a walk in the park. With a $1 million grant from the Schumann Foundation and its veteran journalist and author Bill Moyers, the new initiative met at Columbia in late April amid an admiring crowd of like-minded media representatives and concerned climate activists. Co-sponsored in part by The Nation magazine and its veteran environment correspondent Mark Hertsgaard, the session featured speakers and panelists who presented a number of salient observations about the nuts and bolts and also about the heart and conscience and the blood and guts of journalism in this current era, some no doubt more realistic than others: Author and activist Bill McKibben: Its not the job of journalists to see that people get upset, but the news is upsetting. Margaret Sullivan of the Washington Post: Its fine for news media to be advocates for press rights. Does it follow that they can also be advocates for a healthy planet? Book author, opinion columnist, and self-identified provocateur and activist Naomi Klein: It is impossible to be apathetic about the end of the world. Scared? Yes, but not apathetic. Klein also suggested a need for a disinvestment movement on the part of news media: Ban fossil fuel advertisements, as they outweigh the amount of news coverage on greenhouse gases and fossil fuels. Book author and journalist Hertsgaard discussed plans for a journalists playbook for a 1.5 C [degree] world Environmental advocate and campaigner David Fenton said that for the three major networks climate change is missing in action it doesnt exist a giant act of moral cowardice based on networks fear of right-wing retribution. Author and TV veteran Moyers, long a top official with the Schumann Foundation and bearer of the $1 million Schumann check: quoted David Attenborough as expressing climate concerns and resulting prospects for the collapse of civilization and the extinction of much of the natural world. Some preliminary ideas As part of its launch, the media consortium, which included The Guardian of the U.K., published a Hertsgaard and Pope essay in The Nation entitled The media are complacent while the world burns. In that piece, the two authors put forward a series of preliminary suggestions under such sub-headlines as: Follow the leaders, emulate outlets that are already covering climate change well. Dont blame the audience and listen to the kids. Establish a diverse climate desk, but dont silo climate coverage. Learn the science. Dont internalize the spin. Lose the Beltway mindset. Help the Heartland. Cover the solutions. Dont be afraid to point figures. Their provocative and entreaty-filled ideas amount to the proverbial clarion call to action, in this case for the enfeebled news media to come to the aid of an endangered and in many ways politically immobilized planet, ours. Hertsgaard and Pope conclude their piece by writing: If American journalism doesnt get the climate story right and soon no other story will matter. The news medias past climate failures can be redeemed only by an immediate shift to more high-profile, inclusive, and fearless coverage. Who among sentient and caring human beings, one might seriously ask, could fault the effort? Who also, one might wonder, might be tempted to ask: What could possibly go wrong? Sure. Plenty, one might reasonably think. But as they say, any ship in a storm, and this still-emerging initiative seems as seaworthy as any other yet proposed to take on the double-jeopardy challenges of a weakened news media in a warming climate. See related story: CJRs covering climate change event proposes better journalism for a better climate Hope Hicks, one of the best-known but least visible former members of President Trumps White House staff, is facing an existential question: whether to comply with a congressional subpoena https://t.co/8NXpfQvxQL pic.twitter.com/L7aWVMsIdq NYT Politics (@nytpolitics) May 24, 2019 Congress subpoenaed me today. Or yesterday maybe, I dont know. I got a telegram from the House Judiciary Committee: Youre subpoenaed. June 19. Faithfully yours. That doesnt mean anything. Maybe it was yesterday. For the third time I refused to see the New York Times. I dont have anything to say to them; I dont feel like talking, and Ill be seeing them soon enough as it is. I was lying down, meticulously highlighting every appearance of Donald Trumps name on a stack of news stories Id printed out from Google News out of force of habit, and I could tell from the golden glow in the sky that evening was coming on and also that I was probably going to get away with everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was at that exact moment that the reporter came in. When I saw her I felt a little shudder go through me. She noticed it and told me not to be afraid over a congressional subpoena. I told her that Id shuddered at her off-the-rack wardrobe and furthermore wasnt speaking to the press. She replied that it was just a friendly visit and had nothing to do with the subpoena, but if I would like to chat with her about it, she would be very interested in making sure the public heard my side of the story. She sat down on my couch and invited me to sit next to her. I refused. All the same, there was something very gentle and credulous about her. Advertisement Advertisement Suddenly she raised her head and looked straight at me. Why have you refused an on-the-record interview? I said that I didnt have much respect for the New York Times. She looked away and without moving asked me if I wasnt talking that way out of extreme despair. I explained to her that I wasnt desperate, I was contemptuous, which was only natural. But the Times can help you, she said. Everyone I have known in your position has talked to us, or at least written a disingenuous op-ed. I acknowledged that that was their right. It also meant they must have had the time for it. As for me, I didnt need anybodys help and I just didnt have the time to talk to people who werent on my side. Advertisement Advertisement But Ms. Hicks, she said, putting her hand on my shoulder. We are on your side. We just have no way of explicitly expressing our sympathies, because were still dining out on an antiquated conception of press neutrality, so the public has to infer the conscious and unconscious biases informing our coverage based on how far we bend over backwards to treat your decision whether or not to ignore a congressional subpoena like youre Hamlet in the fucking chapel or something. We shall also arrange a glossy photoshoot. Advertisement Advertisement Then, I dont know why, but something inside me snapped. I started yelling at the top of my lungs, and I insulted her and told her not to waste her column inches on me. I was pouring out on her everything that was in my heart, which was almost enough to fill a thimble. The New York Times seemed so impartial and fair about everything, didnt it? And yet its theatrical judiciousness was worth exactly as much to me as one hair on the head of one of the immigrant children Id helped murder: nothing. I wasnt even sure the press was still alive, because it reacted to what wed done and were still doing like a dead man. In the press, it might look I was facing an existential question. But I was sure it was just a congressional subpoena, sure I could ignore it, and sure the media would trick people into thinking it was some kind of important moral dilemma or interesting legal question instead of just another example of Republican lawlessness. I had been right, I was still right, I was always right. I had lived my life one way and I could have lived it another. I had done this and I hadnt done that. I had worked for the Trump administration and I hadnt not worked for the Trump administration. And so? Nothing, nothing mattered, and I knew why. So did she. Throughout the whole absurd life Id lived, a dark wind had been rising toward us from somewhere deep in our future, across years that were still to come, and as it passed, it leveled every opportunity for a world that was more just and less vicious, in timelines no more real than the one in which Donald Trump was president. What did other peoples deaths or a congressional subpoena mean to me; what did the New York Times or the lives people choose or the presidents they think they elect matter to me when were all ruled by the same ideology, me and millions of white people like me. Couldnt she see, couldnt she see that? Everybody was white. There were only white people. The others would all be condemned one day. The New York Times would be condemned too. What would it matter if a newspaper was branded an enemy of the people and razed to the ground because Donald Trump was feeling cranky one morning? The press was just as guilty as the electorate, or as the Democrats who treated us as some kind of anomaly instead of the next step in a long progression And that sometime in the not-too-distant future All the shouting had me gasping for air. But my publicist had already decided the interview was over and was showing the reporter the door. She looked at me for a minute without saying anything. Her eyes were full of tears, and I knew I could expect sympathetic coverage. Then she turned and disappeared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With her gone, I was able to calm down again. I was exhausted, and threw myself on my Ralph Lauren Home Sonoma Valley Duvet, paired with the Ralph Lauren Home Cortona bed blanket and accented with a Ralph Lauren Home Watney throw pillow. I must have fallen asleep, because when I woke up, the only light in the room came from my Ralph Lauren Home Westbury chandelier. The sound of my Ralph Lauren Black Tie Collection promotional CD softly playing on an endless loop was drifting in from the living room. Smells of Ralph Lauren Home Amalfi Coast scented candles, Ralph Lauren Home Joshua Tree scented candles, and Ralph Lauren Home Rhinelander Flagship candles were cooling my temples. The wonderous peace of aspirational lifestyle branding flowed through me like a tide. Then, in the dark hour before dawn, my iPhone beeped. It was announcing a tweetstorm from the president, gloating about doing stupid and terrible things to people who now and forever meant nothing to me. For the first time in a long time I thought about the Donald. I felt I understood why at the end of his term he was talking about infrastructure, why he was playing at beginning again. So close to impeachment, Donald must have felt free and ready to run for president once more. Nobody, nobody had the right to cry over him, not that anybody ever would. And I felt ready to run for president, too. As if that blind rage had washed me clean and rid me of Hope, for the first time, in that night alive with Twitter notifications, I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the Donalds sociopathy. Finding him so like myselfso like a big brother, reallyI felt that I had been the White House Communications Director and I would always be the White House Communications Director. For everything to be made great again, for me to feel less alone, I had only to wish that there be the largest audience to ever witness congressional hearingsperiodon the day of my testimony, and that they greet me with chants of Lock her up. Few people are as knee-deep in our work-related anxieties and sticky office politics as Alison Green, who has been fielding workplace questions for a decade now on her website Ask a Manager. In Direct Report, she spotlights themes from her inbox that help explain the modern workplace and how we could be navigating it better. When was the last time you talked with colleagues about how much money you earn? If youre like most people, your answer is never. As a society, were incredibly weird about discussing how much we earn. It feels gauche or intrusive to ask other people what they make, and a lot of us feel uncomfortable sharing our own numbers. Advertisement Given that, its no coincidence that so many people find it difficult to figure out a fair market rate for their work, which leads to anxiety in salary negotiations and leaves people lowballing themselves. Without any real data to rely on, theyre afraid of shooting too high. It also allows people to go on being underpaid for years, often without realizing it, and perpetuates wage gaps by race and gender. If we talked more freely with each other about our salaries, workers wouldnt be at such a disadvantage when negotiating with employers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And people desperately want more information about the going rate for their work. This person who wrote to me is pretty typical: Ive found salary websites to be really inaccurate. Theres such a wide range of responsibility that can come with any given title, and just too much variation. Its so frustrating not having any reliable sources of information about salary. For something so important, youd think wed have a better system. How are we supposed to find out what a fair pay range is for our work? Advertisement Advertisement In fact, when I recently ran a survey on my website asking people to anonymously share their salaries in a Google form (along with their job titles, industry, and geographic area), 1,000 people responded within the first half-hour and 27,000 people responded in just a few dayswith answers flooding in so quickly that at times the spreadsheet kept freezing. Clearly theres a hunger to exchange salary information. So why, then, dont more of us talk openly about what were earning? This person summed up the way a lot of people feel about it: Unless it was someone I was very close with and trusted, I would not share this information. Its no ones business but my own. Once you share it, its outside your control who that information is passed to. You can ask someone to keep it confidential, but theres no guarantee that your request will be honored. Maybe the person will use it to try and justify getting a raiseas in, Ann makes $X and I should too! I dont want to be any part of anything like that, nor do I want there to be any hint that Im on the sidelines, egging it on. Then on the flip side, what if youre sharing that information and you find out that your colleague makes more than you do? Unless you feel that persons skills and talents are truly superior to your own, its going to be hard for that to eat away at you. Personally, Im very satisfied with my salary, and I dont need to know what anyone else makes. In fact, Im one of the few IT people in my company who has access to that information for every employee, and I stay the hell away from it because there are just some things that arent any of my business and this is one of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even people who believe in transparency in theory can find it hard to put into practice, as this reader reports: I too believe in salary disclosure and not being taboo and being able to talk about it, but one time I was out with friends and we were talking about salary and they were all open about what they were making. Two of them had been working about 5-6 years more in their chosen line of work then I have in mine, but my salary was $10-15,000 more then all of the people at that table. Part of it is my chosen career pathyou make way more being in operations than lower level admin just based on requirements of the job, but man oh man did I feel uncomfortable talking about it after that. I copped out and ended up saying oh yeah around there and not giving any number. Advertisement Advertisement Of course, the only parties likely to benefit from this secrecy are employers; its to everyone elses detriment. (No surprise, though, that many employers actively discourage employees from talking with one another about what they earn, even though federal law makes it illegal for employers to prevent nonsupervisory employees from discussing their pay with each other.) Advertisement Advertisement Those who do talk openly about salary generally find it incredibly useful: I will forever owe a colleague who gave me information on her salary that revealed how much I was underpaid. I brought this information to my bosswithout naming herand just said, look, if this info is true, then I would argue Im bringing you a lot more value than Im being paid for, please make it right (couched in nicer language of course). I got a 25% raise that year. Advertisement Heres an account from someone who chose to shareand is glad they did: Advertisement I once offered to share with a coworker what I make. She was fighting our boss to reclassify her position and give her a raise, but the boss was telling her it wasnt in the budget. She shared with me what she was making, and I let her know I was making nearly double that. Having that information was the kick she needed to look for other jobs and fight for her worth. She found a lateral transfer and was able to use market analysis for the new role to get a higher compensation. I felt terrible for her, but Im glad I gave her that information. Advertisement Advertisement Even when people arent willing to share hard numbers, theyre often more comfortable talking about ranges: When I was promoted at a marketing agency from VP to SVP, the pay bump was much lower than I expected (I am a woman). I asked a close friend to tell me his salary range but he was concerned about doing so. However, when I told him my salary, he was shocked. I then said the range I was planning to request and he said it was well within the band. I made my case and got the raise I wanted. And yet, its hard to initiate a conversation about what you earn or, harder still, what the person across from you earns. One way to do it is to say something like, I have the sense my salary is below-market, and Im trying to test that with real data. Would you be willing to discuss what were each earning, as a way of better understanding how salaries work here? These conversations are critical if employees are to have any shot at evening the playing field with employers, getting paid what theyre worth, and shrinking pay disparities by race and gender. The elections that were never supposed to happen have delivered the result that Britains two leading parties feared: The Conservatives and Labour, which have dominated British politics since the 1920s, both received a thumping, while parties with a clear position on Brexit thrived. When the results of the European elections that were held in Britain on Thursday were announced starting Sunday night (counting was delayed until all of the 28 EU member states had finished voting), the Brexit Party appeared to be the big winner. With all but Northern Ireland counted, the Brexit Party won 31.6 percent of the total votes, securing 29 of the U.K.s 73 seats in the EU Parliament. Advertisement Although the Brexit Party was formed just six weeks ago, after Theresa May secured an extension to Britains exit date, meaning that Britain would have to take part in the EU elections, it is led by a familiar face. Nigel Farage, who as leader of UKIP, the United Kingdom Independence Party, may have been the single most important anti-EU figure in the run-up to the 2016 referendum, left his former party in December 2018, after its xenophobia and Islamophobia became less coded. His new party took advantage of UKIPs drift toward extremism. UKIPs share of the vote shrank from 26.6 percent in 2014 to just 3.3 percent, and it lost all of its 24 seats. (Alt-right populist Tommy Robinson gained no traction with voters in North West Englandtaking just 2.2 percent of the vote, despite attracting approximately 95 percent of the local media coverage.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Brexit Party didnt just take over UKIPs votes, though. Labour lost 10 MEPs and saw its share of the vote shrink by 11.3 percent, while the Conservatives went from 19 to just 4 MEPs, losing nearly 15 percent of its vote share and doing worse than the Green Party. Given this drubbing, it seems clear that in this very peculiar election, voters were making a statement about how the two main parties have handled Britains departure from the EU. But that statement wasnt necessarily in favor of Brexit. While traditional Labour or Conservative voters who favor leaving the EU may have switched their allegiance to the Brexit Party, those who favor staying in also changed their voting patterns. Pro-EU parties who favor a second referendum did wellthe Liberal Democrats went from just one to 16 MEPs, the Green Party added three for a total of seven, while the Scottish National Party and Welsh nationalists Plaid Cymru also did better than in 2014. As the Guardian observed, the share of the two unambiguously pro-Brexit partiesthe Brexit party and Ukipwas 34.9%, markedly lower than the aggregate total of the pro-second referendum parties (the Lib Dems, Greens, Change UK, the Scottish National party and Plaid) at 40.3%. Advertisement Advertisement What does all this mean? The Brexit process is now even more likely to remain a confusing and chaotic mess. (Surprise!) The Labour Partys takeaway from the election results was that it needs to be clearer about its stance on Brexit. On Sunday night, early in the BBCs election coverage, shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry not only called for another public referendum on EU membership but said Labour should campaign to remain. Thornberry admitted, We were not clear on the one single thing that people wanted to hear. Advertisement Advertisement In 2016and ever sincethe opposition partys policy on Brexit has been surprisingly difficult to parse, in part because its supporters are divided. Many traditional Labour strongholds, especially in the North and Midlands, support Brexit, while London, its other power center, strongly favors remaining. Unambiguous support for staying in the European Union is a policy that could cause many working-class Northern and Midlands voters to desert the party. Advertisement Advertisement The Conservatives, meanwhile, were too busy licking their wounds to say much at all. Prominent Conservative Brexiteer Daniel Hannan conceded that EU 2019 was the worst result my party has suffered in its 185-year history, but he added that you dont need to be any kind of expert on politics to understand why: People voted Leave and we havent left. Advertisement Advertisement The establishment parties are right to be worried. Pre-election TV coverage was full of interviews with prominent lifelong Conservatives who had abandoned the party over Europe. Referendums often leave disruption in their wake. Just look at Scotland: Labours opposition to Scottish independence in the 2014 referendum seems to have severed many Scots tribal affiliation with the party. In the general election the following year, Labour lost 40 of its 41 Scottish seats to the Scottish National Party. (It regained six of them in 2017.) This week, for the first time, Labour didnt elect a single MEP in Scotland. If the Brexit referendum alienates working-class Notherners and Midlanders from the Labour Party, the consequences could be devastating. Advertisement As was the case on Friday, when Prime Minister Theresa May announced her imminent departure and aspirants for her job started to lay out their policy stalls, Conservatives on all sides of Brexit agree that Parliament will never pass Mays withdrawal plan, but no one has offered specific ideas for what should or could take its place. Once again, the debate is over whether leaving without a dealthat is, exiting the EU on Oct. 31 without making any arrangements around trade, the Irish border, or any of the other complicated elements in the divorce settlementwould be totally disastrous or a big economic boost. Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, politicians from across the political spectrum were trying to decode the messages voters were trying to send. Its that we should leave now, said the Brexiteers. Its that we should vote again, said the Remainers. One way to resolve this confusion would be to conduct another general election before the next scheduled vote in May 2022. Under normal circumstances, a disastrous election performance by a deeply divided, leaderless ruling party would be likely to trigger a general election, but given its own dismal results, the opposition Labour Party has no incentive to push for an early election. Because the EU elections use a different proportional-representation voting system, and because voters care much less about the European Parliament and are thus more willing to cast protest votes, last weeks election cant be directly compared to a regular vote. If there was a general election tomorrow, Nigel Farage wouldnt become prime ministerdespite leading two different parties to astonishing results in European elections, he has failed in each of his seven attempts to win a seat in Parliament. Still, neither of the main parties wants to test if eighth times the charm. Rep. Duncan Hunter of California came out to defend a Navy SEAL accused of war crimes with a curious strategy: saying he had also taken photos of dead bodies while serving in the Marine Corps. Hunter, like many fellow Republicans, has defended Edward Gallagher in the past against war crimes charges and he did it again over the weekend during a town hall meeting. Eddie did one bad thing that Im guilty of tootaking a picture of the body and saying something stupid, Hunter said. Advertisement Hunter, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said he has taken photos just like that when I was overseas although he did not send it to anyone or post it on social media. But a lot of my peers have done the exact same thing, Hunter said, according to the Times of San Diego. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gallagher is actually accused of a lot more than a photograph. He is facing murder charges for allegedly killing a wounded teenage ISIS prisoner in Iraq in 2017. Good story behind this, got him with my hunting knife, Gallagher allegedly texted to a fellow SEAL alongside a photograph of himself next to the dead fighter. He is also accused of shooting two civilians in Iraq, indiscriminately opening fire on crowds, and intimidating witnesses, including fellow SEALs. Although Hunter said Gallagher should be pardoned, he wants his court-martial to proceed so everyone can see how disgusting the military justice system is when its run by lawyers and bureaucrats. Hunter says the trial could maybe give an example of how they can change the system. Hunter is also facing his own legal troubles as he and his wife were indicted in 2017 on allegations of using campaign funds for personal spending. They both pleaded not guilty. One week before the 1980 presidential election, toward the end of his lone debate against Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan stared into the camera and implored Americans to ask themselves, Are you better off than you were four years ago? The question is widely believed to have ended Carters presidency. Last week, the Washington Post published a profile of Federalist Society Executive Vice President Leonard Leo, focusing in part on a speech he gave to the Council for National Policy in which he warmly predicted the Supreme Court would soon return to the preNew Deal era of limited, constitutional government. Leo believes, in other words, that the courts view of the Constitution was better off 85 years ago than it is today. Advertisement I think we stand at the threshold of an exciting moment in our republic, Leo told the council at a closed-door meeting in February, audio of which was obtained by the Post. This is really, I think, at least in recent memory, a newfound embrace of limited constitutional government in our country. I dont think this has really happened since probably before the New Deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The average American doesnt know who Leo is, but as the Post piece makes clear, hes one of the most influential lawyers in the country. A longtime leader within the Federalist Society, Leo has had Donald Trumps ear on judicial appointments and has been the main curator of the presidents list of Supreme Court candidates. Two of Leos personal picks, Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch, have been elevated to the highest court in the country since Trumps election. So when Leonard Leo says he wants to return to a preNew Deal Constitution, you should listen. And you should be alarmed. Advertisement Advertisement As Leo knows, constitutional law was very different in the 1930s from what it is today. And in a word, it sucked. In the 1930s, the courts were fully complicit in maintaining the country as a thoroughgoing ethnocracy, governed openly for the benefit of white men. Public schools in 21 states were racially segregated by law. Separate but equal schools had been affirmed by the Supreme Court as late as 1927, in a unanimous decision allowing Mississippi to kick a Chinese American girl out of her local white school for being a member of the yellow race. The outlawing of segregation is settled law in our country, and nobody would dare dream of returning to those antiquated judicial interpretations, you might say? Several of Trumps judicial nominees have conspicuously, outrageously, refused to say whether they thought Brown v. Board of Education, which ended legal school segregation in 1954, was correctly decided. Advertisement Leo believes that the courts view of the Constitution was better off 85 years ago than it is today. In the 1930s, through a combination of discriminatory literacy tests, poll taxes, good character requirements, and straight-up violence, less than 1 percent of black people in the Deep Southwhere they represented more than a third of the populationwere registered to vote. The Supreme Court had blessed these intimidation practices for decades, ever since a 1903 decision in which the court said it couldnt do anything about Alabamas self-described effort to establish white supremacy in this state by refusing to register black voters. Discriminatory voting practices of this sort werent banned until the 1965 Voting Rights Act, the most significant provision of which was gutted six years ago in an opinion by Chief Justice John Roberts (whom Leo also helped elevate to the court). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 1930s, women had no constitutional right to equality. They could legally be kept off juries, given different work hours, paid less money, and imprisoned for using birth control. It would be another four decades before the Supreme Court struck down even a single law for discriminating against women. Kavanaugh and Gorsuchagain, both products of Leos vettingrecently dissented from the courts temporary blocking of a Louisiana law that would have left the entire state with just a single doctor able to perform abortions. Advertisement Advertisement In the first half of the 20th century, the police could beat confessions out of arrestees. Poor defendants had no right to a lawyer. Evidence could be illegally seized and used in prosecutions. In 1944, for example, South Carolina executed a 14-year-old black boy named George Stinney for the murders of two white girls. He was questioned alone, without his parents or a lawyer present, and convicted by an all-white jury after a two-hour trial and 10 minutes of deliberation. He wasnt allowed to appeal. He had to sit on books to fit into the headpiece of the electric chair. Only in 2014, 70 years too late, did a circuit court judge vacate the 14-year-old Stinneys murder conviction. The Stinney case tells you all you need to know about criminal justice in the age Leo wants to bring back. Advertisement The 1930s was of course the decade of the Great Depression, when unemployment hit 25 percent and most Americans lived in poverty. The postNew Deal court decisions Leo wishes to repudiate are the ones that gave the government the power to enact minimum wage laws, to create unemployment insurance and Social Security, to provide health insurance to the aged and destitute, and to give workers collective bargaining rights. In the 1930s, those too old to work and too poor not to could often expect a quick but painful death. This is the human toll of limited government. If were looking for Reagans shining city upon a hill, we wont find it in Americas now-distant past. Not most of us, anyway. And if its what Leo is promising us, we can only hope its not in Americas future. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: North Korea on Monday made its displeasure with National Security Adviser John Bolton clear after he said recent sort-range missile tests amounted to a clear violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. An unnamed North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman issued a statement that was published by the state KCNA news agency calling Bolton a war monger and structurally defective, adding that his statements were more than ignorant. Bolton told reporters on Saturday that there was no doubt that North Koreas missile tests violated the U.N. resolutions. But then President Donald Trump appeared to express disagreement with his adviser as he made an effort to downplay the tests. North Korea fired off some small weapons, which disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me, Trump wrote on Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korea fired back at Bolton, saying that his claims were more than ignorant because North Korea has never recognized the U.N. Security Council resolutions. If any object is launched, it is bound to fly in trajectory. What the U.S. is taking the issue is not about the range but the prohibition of the launch itself using ballistic technology, read the statement. This is, after all, tantamount to a demand that the DPRK should give up its self-defensive right. The tests neither targeted anyone nor endangered the surrounding countries and Boltons words show how he is impudently poking his nose into others internal matters. The statement goes on to blame Bolton for playing a key role in the collapse of a nuclear deal between North Korea and the United States reached in 1994 and says he is known in the country as a war maniac. Beyond North Korea, Bolton has an obsession with other wars in the Middle East and South America and he is now whispering war to the president. Bolton should be called not a security adviser striving for security but a security-destroying adviser who is wrecking peace and security, the statement notes. It is not at all strange that perverse words always come out from the mouth of a structurally defective guy, and such a human defect deserves an earlier vanishing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Trump once again suggested he disagreed with Bolton about the seriousness of the tests that took place earlier this month. My people think it could have been a violation, as you know, Trump said at a news conference in Japan. I view it differently. I view it as a man, perhaps he wants to get attention. Perhaps not. Who knows? It doesnt matter. All I know is that there have been no nuclear tests, no ballistic missiles going out, no long-range missiles going out. And I think that some day well have a deal. Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made clear he disagreed with Trump, saying the missile tests were of great regret. President Donald Trump on Monday slammed pundit, journalist, and New York University professor Ian Bremmer for publishing a completely ludicrous quote that he attributed to him. In the early morning tweet while he was still in Japan, the president said the fake quote that Bremmer published and then deleted shows whats going on in the age of Fake News and how something must be done to prevent similar instances in the future. @ianbremmer now admits that he MADE UP a completely ludicrous quote, attributing it to me. This is whats going on in the age of Fake News, Trump wrote. People think they can say anything and get away with it. Really, the libel laws should be changed to hold Fake News Media accountable! Advertisement .@ianbremmer now admits that he MADE UP a completely ludicrous quote, attributing it to me. This is whats going on in the age of Fake News. People think they can say anything and get away with it. Really, the libel laws should be changed to hold Fake News Media accountable! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 27, 2019 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bremmer, the founder and president of Eurasia Group who is also a columnist and editor-at-large for Time, published a tweet over the weekend that contained a false quote from Trump about North Korea. In the since-deleted post, Bremmer quoted Trump as saying Kim Jong Un is smarter and would make a better President than Sleepy Joe Biden. The quote was shared by Rep. Ted Lieu of California and several popular pundits, including Ana Navarro-Cardenas. When Bremmer was confronted on the fake quote, he defended it by saying it was plausible and somehow made a point about the larger state of news media. This is objectively a completely ludicrous quote. And yet kinda plausible. Especially on twitter, where people automatically support whatever political position they have. Thats the point. Bremmer wrote in a tweet that he has also since deleted. Advertisement Advertisement When you put out a fake Trump quote without any indication you were making it up, and then blame the readers for not realizing you were making the quote up. Nice work, @ianbremmer. You're only helping the cause of people like Trump who want to label everything "fake news." pic.twitter.com/BYYKmNmDNU Josh Jordan (@NumbersMuncher) May 26, 2019 UPDATE: @ianbremmer has now admitted that he fabricated this viral Trump quote. And yet it is being shared by journalists and congressmen as if it is real. pic.twitter.com/QgNd9DnN8g Jerry Dunleavy (@JerryDunleavy) May 26, 2019 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bremmer addressed his tweet again Monday morning after Trumps criticism, claiming that the quote was meant in jest. Bremmer apologized and said that he should have been clearer. My tweet yesterday about Trump preferring Kim Jong Un to Biden as President was meant in jest. The President correctly quoted me as saying it was a completely ludicrous statement. I should have been clearer. My apologies. ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) May 27, 2019 This is not the first time Trump has called for a change in libel laws. In fact, he has been pushing the message since he was a candidate. One of the things Im going to do if I win Im going to open up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money, Trump said in February 2016. He has repeated that threat several times since he moved into the White House. Its the utmost obligation of all compliance officers to start implementing compliance procedures in corporation life effectively. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled In April, the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (the DOJ) updated its Guidance Document in order to assist prosecutors in making informed decisions as to whether and to what extent the corporations compliance program was effective[1]. The document explains that there are three fundamental questions a prosecutor should ask when investigating a corporation, determining whether to press charges, and negotiating a plea or other agreements: Is the corporations compliance program well designed? Is the program being applied earnestly and in good faith? Is the program being implemented effectively? Does the corporations compliance program work in practice? Lucie Schweizer Lucie Schweizer is a partner and head of the Compliance team at RUZICKA AND PARTNERS law firm. She deals with compliance on a long-term basis. She starts under the cover of Corporate Governance, and then under the form of recognized Corporate Designs and Strategies. When asked why she is dealing with this issue, she replied: I enjoy contributing to business environment cultivation. Compliance is one way to do it. DOJ is the top authority worldwide that applies the harshest sanctions and the most sophisticated approach, and for me personally, it is a great inspiration when thinking about compliance. In Slovakia, we often face a very different approach from the authorities one that is bureaucratic, formal and unfortunately unprofessional. So, when reading through the DOJs Guidance Document, it made me think, Why is this so? What is the root cause? Bearing in mind the different legal frameworks and systems, the answer was obvious and almost instant the legal regulation is formally written and there is a reluctance to look for the purpose and to apply constant efforts to interpret the legal regulation in line with the purpose. The implementation of law in our region (whether by courts or other authorities), was very precisely described by Pavel Hollander, a philosopher and brilliant legal professional: the mechanical identification of law with legal texts became a welcomed tool for totalitarian manipulation. It has made the justice system a submissive and unthinking tool for advocating totalitarianism. This is also why the mechanical application of law, abstracting from the purpose and intent of the legal norm, shall create a tool for legal alienation and absurdity. And this is exactly what is happening in compliance as well. The interpretation of legal norms by the relevant authorities is often absurd, and even the most sophisticated corporations suffer from its ineffective implementation due to strict requirements required/imposed by the authorities. The result of this is not surprising. There are many companies on the market that issue hundreds of strict internal regulations (along with updates) and thousands of pages of employee obligations, all compliant with the current legislation status. However, there is also a lack of willingness to know the rules or to follow them among the relevant employees. It is the utmost obligation of all compliance officers to start implementing compliance procedures in corporation life effectively. This results in a return to the basics and addresses the very same questions suggested by the DOJ for its investigators. Jaroslav Ruzicka Jaroslav Ruzicka is the managing partner and one of the founders of the firm. During his career, he has worked on many matters related to real estate and construction law. He also has rich experience in corporate transactions, company acquisitions, infrastructure projects and public-private partnerships. His focus is on tangible and procedural administrative law, which he also dealt with in the field of legal theory, university law education and government legislation before setting up his private law practice. Ruzicka also provides advisory services for foreign investors who intend to enter the Slovak or Czech markets. The Guidance Document provides hints on how to evaluate, what to ask, what to focus on and what to think about. And yes, it is also the job of every compliance officer to stand up for its results and arguments effectively before authorities and/or the court. Only in this way can we all step out from the darkness of the totalitarian application of law in compliance. Compliance is not complicated, but we are often afraid to go further, to dig into the purpose, provide for argumentation, and think outside the box, because it is just so easy to draft another document exactly as the law stipulates and the work is done. Lawyers are no exception. So, lets think complex. Lets think in context, and, most importantly, lets have an answer to why we are doing it. The implementation of any compliance norm while abstracting from the purpose and intent of the legislative framework is just another brick in the wall of compliance ineffectiveness. About law firm RUZICKA AND PARTNERS is a full-service law firm offering comprehensive, business-oriented legal and tax advice across a wide range of areas, including banking and finance, commercial and corporate, employment, energy, insurance, litigation, M&A, private equity, public procurement, real estate, regulatory and compliance, and state aid. Highly ranked in every category by Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500, RUZICKA AND PARTNERS has been named Law Firm of the Year for six consecutive years (2013-2018). The firm consistently delivers the highest calibre of advice for true value. RUZICKA AND PARTNERS regularly cooperates with the leading law firms around the world through its established referral network to provide its clients with comprehensive advice in Central Europe and beyond. [1] https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/page/file/937501/download Slovakia did not favour ruling coalition parties in the EP election. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Slovaks have chosen mostly pro-European politicians to represent them in the European Parliament in the next five years. In the EU election, voters have turned away from parties of the ruling coalition. Out of the 14 mandates that Slovakia gets in the EP (13 + 1 after Brexit), only three will be taken by candidates of a coalition party (Smer), while six go to non-parliamentary opposition, two to far-right extremists, and three to parliamentary opposition parties. A coalition of two new parties, Progressive Slovakia and Spolu, confirmed their victory wave during the elections to European Parliament. After electing Matus Vallo as Bratislava mayor and Zuzana Caputova as the president of Slovakia, they won the EP elections with 20.11 percent of votes, which will translate into four mandates. The far-right Peoples Party-Our Slovakia (LSNS), however, also had a strong result. With the support of 12 percent of votes, it obtained two seats in the EP. Read also: Read also: EP election in Slovakia: Official results confirm the victory of pro-EU forces Read more As many expected prior to the elections, those two forces, strongly pro-EU (PS and Spolu) and strongly anti-EU (LSNS), were most successful in mobilising their electorates. The mobilisation also increased the turnout to 22 percent, compared to only 13 percent in 2014. Higher turnout can surely be ascribed to those two parties on the opposite sides of the spectrum, Zuzana Gabrizova, analyst of Euractiv website, told The Slovak Spectator. The election in Slovakia, however, also highlighted other parties. The Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) and Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) also managed to mobilise their voters, both gaining two seats in the European Parliament. Turnout still an EU low Who are the new Slovak MEPs? Progressive Slovakia/Spolu Michal Simecka Martin Hojsik Vladimir Bilcik Michal Wiezik Smer Monika Benova Miroslav Ciz Robert Hajsel LSNS Milan Uhrik Miroslav Radacovsky KDH Ivan Stefanec Miriam Lexmann (she will enter the EP after the UK leaves the EU) SaS Lucia Duris Nicholsonova Eugen Jurzyca OLaNO Peter Pollak Despite the fact that the turnout in Slovakia has almost doubled since 2014, it was still the lowest within the EU, with the European average at almost 51 percent. Gabrizova says it is hardly a reason to celebrate, but it does show a positive trend: Slovakia has reversed the decreasing turnout that had been dropping in the last three European elections. Martin Slosiarik, director of Focus polling agency, sees it as a big positive. Hopefully, it partly means that we are interested in issues that concern the international community and we are not focused only on ourselves, Slosiarik said, as quoted by the SITA newswire. He also ascribes the higher turnout to the get-out-the-vote campaign by the European Parliament and European Commission. Extremists are in For the first time in the history of its EU membership, Slovakia will have far-right extremists in the European Parliament. Until now, Slovakia did not have such representatives, which was a little anomaly, Gabrizova noted. She does not expect the two LSNS MEPs to enter any of the parliament's political families, because Kotleba's party is unacceptable even for those that are viewed as radical. Political analyst Grigorij Meseznikov shares her opinion. "They will not be part of any European families. It's hard to imagine anyone would take them in," Meseznikov told the TASR newswire. Slovakia will thus likely not have a representative among the hard-line eurosceptics, such as the Europe of Nations of Freedom. Sme Rodina of Boris Kollar, who teamed up with Matteo Salvini and Marine Le Pen in their group, did not make it to the EP. In fact, compared to the rest of the Visegrad Group region, the strongest pro-European voice is coming from Slovakia after this election, Gabrizova said. Further decline of Smer The revision leads to more market-oriented support for green energy Laws passed in 2018 should serve as a new framework for green energy support. (Source: Jana Liptakova) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Green energy is one way countries can reduce CO2 emissions and fight climate change. Slovakia adopted a support scheme for green energy via the so-called feed-in tariffs; however, this has resulted in higher electricity prices for end consumers. In 2018, the Economy Ministry prepared an extensive revision of the Act on Support for Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and Highly Efficient Cogeneration (CHP), which the parliament adopted on October 17. It became effective on January 1, 2019, while some of its provisions will become effective as of 2020 or 2021. This is basically a new structure for RES support, said Economy Minister Peter Ziga, adding that the revision makes the support scheme more market-oriented with a minimal impact on the end-user price for energy. He noted it is also in harmony with the best foreign practice and legislation of the European Union. The revision maintains support for existing green electricity producers as well as the feed-in-tariff support scheme for small electricity producers. For larger producers with installed capacity above 500 kW, it introduces a new scheme of auctions within which the winners will receive so-called feed-in-premiums. The revision also introduces a new institute of local source. As a result, the local source will generate electricity in the same place it is consumed. Energy-intensive companies will also receive compensation for high energy prices. For electricity distribution companies, the biggest change brought by the revision is the way in which the support for green energy will be paid out and the duty to purchase electricity generated by the supported facilities is transferred from distribution companies to a central entity as of the beginning of 2020. The Slovak Association of the Photovoltaic Industry (SAPI) believes that the change in the purchase of supported green electricity and the payment of the premiums will lead to the stabilisation of the RES support scheme that has been deficient in the long term and has created negative motivations from the side of key entities. It should prevent, in particular, the operators of regional distribution networks and the regulatory authority, the Regulatory Office for Network Industries (URSO), from interfering with non-systemic and problematic measures, SAPI opines. We believe that the revision will lead to a fundamental change in the further development of renewable energy sources, especially photovoltaics, Jan Karaba of SAPI told The Slovak Spectator. Biomasa, an association that promotes the potential of biomass in Slovakia, is pleased that the support of renewable energy sources is also getting attention in the legislative field. This is an inevitable precondition for progress in the usage of renewable energy sources in Slovakia, Ladislav Zidek, the general director of Biomasa, told The Slovak Spectator. Nevertheless, as the revision has only been effective since January, it will be possible to assess its influence upon the future of renewable energy sources only with the benefit of hindsight. Zidek, however, points out that the latest development in Slovakia will not lead to support for usage of RES but, contrary to this, ongoing support and the introduction of support for the usage of fossil fuels, such as natural gas, under the pretext of reduction of solid polluting particles. End of the stop status Primarily, the reform changes support for new producers of electricity from RES as it introduces auctions, Jozef Badida, an energy analyst for Energie pre Vas website, told The Slovak Spectator. The revision means an end to an unofficial ban on new facilities producing green electricity and the qualification of support in the form of feed-in-tariffs as of late 2013. The National Criminal Agency launched an investigation into the case. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled The National Criminal Agency (NAKA) launched an investigation into a controversial incident in Trnava on May 27. A group of local children attended their first communion in the Saint Nicolas Basilica on May 25. A few hours before the ceremony, an incident occurred when their parents did not want a Roma girl to sit at a pew in front of the altar with other children, the TASR newswire reported. The mother of the girl described the case on Facebook and raised the discussion. Can you advise me on where I can submit a complaint to the parish for discrimination? We my daughter - were about to attend her first communion. We went to confession and the parents of these children didn't want my daughter to sit in the front with other children. We were supposed to sit in the back as a family, the mother wrote. She received an offer stating that a child can also attend first communion on her own, the woman added. Governor: such behaviour is unacceptable The incident was addressed by Jozef Viskupic, governor of the Trnava Self-Governing Region, whose son also attended his first communion at the basilica. He learnt about the problem when he was entering the basilica. At the time, it had already been decided that the Roma girl would sit in the back. Read also: Read also: Slovak companies join the campaign to fight prejudice against Roma Read more Viskupic told a chaplain that this kind of segregation is unacceptable and that he would be glad if the chaplain agreed with the girl sitting with her peers. He agreed in the end, and he informed the catechist teacher who was with the children and during the ceremony that they would all sit together, Viskupic noted, as quoted by TASR. Parish refutes discrimination The parish of St Nicolas in Trnava has refuted the claims of discrimination against the Roma girl. It said that the mother had enrolled her daughter for first communion late and that the girl did not attend the preparation with the others. The place she received followed a seating plan. Despite the unpleasant reaction of some parents, the priest decided on Saturday morning that the girl would sit among the other children, reads the statement of the parish, as quoted by the SITA newswire. The mother enrolled the daughter only about a week before the ceremony. Although the girl did not prepare with the other children during the school year, the priest was willing to take her because she was a Roma child. The priest first contacted the catechist teacher who had taught the girl for the previous two years, and later accepted the request due to his recommendation. The parish also condemned the behaviour of the parents and reminded them that they offer religious service for dozens of Roma every year without problems. Parents may submit a criminal complaint The parents of children who also attended the ceremony have also denied discrimination against a Roma girl. They consider the whole affair to contrived and escalated by the tabloid media. Marian Prazenka, father to one of the children, described the incident to the regional MY Trnavske Noviny newspaper. He said that the group of children had trained for the ceremony about a month before it actually took place. The girl did not attend these trainings. They learned about her being present only shortly after the confession held one day before. We were surprised and outraged by the fact that we did not learn about it soon enough, Prazenka told MY Trnavske Noviny. At the same time, he refuted the claims that the problem occurred because of the girls skin colour. He even said that there already was one Roma girl, but this one attended all activities along with the rest of the group. He also stressed that they had no power to decide on who would sit where. Our children have been hearing about this since Saturday and are stressed out, like us parents, Prazenka said. We are considering submitting a criminal complaint against the girls mother for perjury. After Hossu was sentenced the prosecutor stated that the prosecutors office will be satisfied with the result. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled The General Prosecutors Office has asked for a stricter punishment for Juraj Hossu, who was sentenced to six years in jail for an attack on the Filipino Henry Acorda. Acorda succumbed to the injuries in the hospital. The appeal court will handle the case, the private broadcaster TV Markiza reported. Read also: Read also: Acorda case: Justice is not about draconian punishment Read more The General Prosecutors Office looked into the case and ordered a regional prosecutor in Bratislava to appeal the verdict, said Andrea Predajnova, spokesperson for the General Prosecutors Office, as quoted by the TASR newswire, adding that they will ask for stricter punishment. However, shortly after Hossu's sentencing, the prosecutor had said that the prosecutors office would be satisfied with the punishment and would not appeal. Hossu was sentenced on May 14 to six years in prison with the lowest security level. Sent the even-money favourite, Brave World rushed to the top early and cruised to a length-and-a-quarter victory in the $12,700 Preferred 2 Handicap Pace at Flamboro Downs on Sunday, May 26. The five-year-old Royal Mattjesty gelding led unchallenged through fractions of :27.4, :56.3 and 1:25 with Toot Toot N sitting the pocket. Casimir Richie Pparked the mileslowly advanced towards the lead over the course of the mile, going from fifth at the quarter to second on the wire. Toot Toot N gave chase in third as Brave World stopped the clock in 1:53. Owned by Engel Stable Of Il LLC, JL Benson Stables Inc. and Tonianne Fuoco, Brave World won his fourth race from 16 starts this season and his 19th from 93 overall, earning $234,446. Richard Moreau conditions the $4.00 and Louis-Philippe Roy sat in the sulky. Favourite Majestic Kat also wired her competition later on the card, taking the $12,700 Preferred 2 Handicap Trot by two-and-a-quarter lengths in 1:56.1. Driver Marc St. Louis Jr. sent the Patrick Shepherd trainee to the top from post 4 while Willyorwonthe hurried from post 7 into the pocket moving to a :27.4 opening quarter. Mister Muscle edged off the cones from fourth and applied mild first-over pressure on Majestic Kat past a :58 half and a 1:26.2 third quarter before retreating into the final turn. Majestic Kat cruised into the lane ahead of Willyorwonthe despite having broken equipment while Katch Kanna, stalking the top two, finished third. A five-year-old mare by Majestic Son, Majestic Kat won her sixth race from 14 starts this season and her 17th from 69 overall, earning $251,127. The $4.80 winner races for owners Vogel And Wags Nags Stable, Jack Rice and Pine Hill Racing. Bettor Bb also wired his competition to take the $9,400 Preferred 3 Pace by one-and-three-quarter lengths in 1:53.1. The four-year-old Bettors Delight ridgling pushed from the pylon post towards the top while Paparazzi Hanover, from post 2, ducked into the pocket heading to a :27.3 first quarter. Odds-on favourite On The Virg, sitting fourth, angled first over approaching a :57.2 half and ranged towards the leader passing a 1:25.2 third quarter. On The Virg lost ground circling the final turn while Bettor Bb cut the corner and strolled through the lane. Paparazzi Hanover held second while On The Virg settled for third. Co-owned by trainer Craig Barss with Nurko Sokolovic, Bettor Bb won her fifth race from 16 starts this season and her eighth from 54 overall, earning $80,534. Brett MacDonald drove the $8.50 winner. To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Flamboro Downs. The Saturday, May 25 harness racing program at Running Aces kicked off Memorial Day weekend with a large crowd and some fantastic races. The card featured $23,000 in purses for the Minnesota-Sired three-year-old pacers, splitting in two divisions by sex. The $11,500 colts & geldings grouping included 2018 Minnesota Harness Horse of the Year Burning Blaze, who was sent at 1-5 in the wagering, with last-out winner SB Bodacious a clear second choice at 4-1. Burning Blaze, Stay Humble N Kind and Trump Train all left the gate with speed and scrambled for the front spot, resulting in a :26.2 opening quarter. Burning Blaze emerged with the lead and Roland backed the second quarter down heading to a :57.4 half before accelerating towards a 1:26.4 third quarter. Trump Train launched a first-over attack just past the five-eighths pole and SB Bodacious picked up the live cover, with Stay Humble N Kind snug in the pocket. As they rounded for home, the top four were all loaded with pace and Burning Blaze was under siege. Stay Humble N Kind raged forward in the passing lane while SB Bodacious tipped wide and charged late to nail the victory right on the wire, a nose ahead of Stay Humble N Kind with Burning Blaze home in third. SB Bodacious, a gelded son of Voracious Hanover and Salsa Hanover is now undefeated in two sophomore starts, and posted a career mark of 1:55.3 with his third win. Driver Rick Magee also trains the pacer for owner Mikaela DelGiudice. The $11,500 filly division went to race-favourite and divisional two-year-old champion Windmeupnwatchmego in her season's debut. She got away fourth and then surged to the front through the backstretch before easily pulling away from the field to score a three-and-three-quarter length tally in 1:56.2. Dean Magee was the winning driver for trainer Gordon Graham and owner Richard Davelaar. Stuckey Dote (Rick Magee) remained razor-sharp, capturing the $15,000 Open Handicap Pace for the second-straight week while winning his third in a row. He fired fast from post 8 and posted a :26.1 opening quarter to establish command. From there he was never in doubt and scored a one-length tally in 1:52.2 for his fourth win of the year for owner Merlin Van Oterloo. Rick Magee drove the winner for trainer Brett Ballinger. Live racing returns to Running Aces Sunday, May 26, with first post at 6:00 p.m. (CDT). (with files from Running Aces) Assigned the outermost post, Flying Isa N overcame a wide trip and vaulted past dueling leaders to take the $8,100 Preferred Handicap Trot on Sunday, May 26 at Rideau Carleton Raceway. Driver Stephane Brosseau floated the 11-year-old Pegasus Spur gelding towards the back of the pack but sat wide while Talbotcreek Suzie parked 2-1 favourite Lmc Mass Gem to a :27 first quarter. Talbotcreek Suzie continued to keep Lmc Mass Gem wide and slowed to a :56.3 half while Flying Isa N recouped ground to catch the stalled cover into the backstretch. Lmc Mass Gem remained second moving to a 1:25.2 third quarter while Brosseau edged Flying Isa N three wide into the final turn. The Yves Tessier trainee surged to the front turning into the stretch and opened one-and-three-quarter lengths on Lmc Mass Gem in second. Pocket-sitter Revenue Agent took third. Owned by Francois Morin, Flying Isa N won his fifth race from 19 starts this season and his 42nd from 156 overall, earning $573,582. He paid $8.20 to win. Odds-on favourite Rub Ofthe Green N later overcame broken equipment and capitalized off a second-over trip to narrowly win the $8,100 Preferred Handicap Pace. Atomic Million Am took control before losing the lead to Saulsbrook Peach past a :27 opening quarter. Saulsbrook Peach then maintained his speed heading to a :55.4 half. Canadian Edition initiated the two-wide charge after the leader moving to the second turn, supplying cover to Rub Ofthe Green N and Musselsfrmbrussels through the backside. Canadian Edition pressed Saulsbrook Peach passing a 1:24.4 third quarter and pulled to within a neck of the lead rounding the final turn. Rub Ofthe Green N fanned off cover into the stretch and edged to the lead while Musselsfrmbrussels rallied wider late to finish second by a head in the 1:53.4 mile. Bestofbest Hanover, sitting third at the pylons, closed for third. An eight-year-old gelding by Mach Three, Rub Ofthe Green N races for owners Luc Loyer and Ciro Gentile. He won his third race from seven starts this season and his 25th from 58 overall, earning $179,531. Jonathan Lachance drove the $2.80 winner for trainer Sylvia Toth. Trainer Jamie Copley continues to win many races at Rideau Carleton Raceway as he slammed another three bagger during the 13-race program. Copley sent odds-on favourite Asterism ($2.50) to a wire-to-wire win in 1:54.1 and won the next race with Hp Pandora ($3.30) going wire to wire in 1:55. Speed then carried Copleys third winner, Oxford Comma ($5.70), to a 1:56 victory later in the card. To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Rideau Carleton Raceway. Hawthorne does not host the Night of Champions until the final week of September, but the action kicks off early as this past weekend saw the first legs in numerous categories for the top Illinois-bred horses. Friday night featured the opening prelim for the Robert F. Carey Jr. Memorial, a stake for three-year-old male pacers. Meyer On Fire bested the 11-horse charge with a 1:53.1 mile. Race-favourite Maximus cleared command from early leader Coming Up passing a :29.2 opening quarter but soon yielded the front to driver Tim Curtin brushing Meyer On Fire towards the lead heading to a :58 half. Meyer On Fire took over the lead into the turn and endured slight pressure from The Bucket approaching a 1:25.4 third quarter before opening on the field through the stretch. Maximus took second while Coming Up finished third. Erv Miller trains Meyer On Fire for owner Engel Stable of IL LLC. Saturday featured the opening leg of the Plum Peachy, a stake for three-year-old pacing fillies. Perch fought favourite Fox Valley Torrid as she dug into the pacesetter late but finished a head short of victory in the 1:53.3 mile. Valar Morghulis moved to the top and led the field past a :28.3 opening quarter. Fox Valley Torrid vacated the cones into the backstretch and swept to the top while tracked by Perch heading to a :57.1 half. Fox Valley Torrid took command into the far turn while challenged by Perch now left uncovered moving towards three-quarters. Past the third quarter in 1:25.1, the pair matched strides into the stretch before Perch took a narrow lead nearing the wire. Fox Valley Torrid battled back to the inside but settled for second while Valar Morghulis took third via disqualification of Fox Valley Lolo. Perch is owned by Del Insko Training Stable, Inc., Jay and Susan Garrels and trained by Jay Garrels. Sunday featured two dashes for the opening prelim of the Erwin F. Dygert Memorial as well as a single split of the Beulah Dygert Memorial. Lousraptor took the first division of the Erwin Dygert as the favourite in 1:58.1. Trixies Turbo led the field to a :29.3 first quarter and slowed the tempo towards a 1:00.1 half. The leader continued unchallenged while Lousraptor gradually reeled in the leader moving to a 1:31 third quarter. Lousraptor slid to the front turning for home and opened a three-length lead heading to the finish. Frontier Manard rallied for second while Trixies Turbo held third. Lousraptor is owned by Flacco Family Farms LLC and trained by Roshun Trigg. Flacco Family Farms LLC completed a sweep of the Erwin Dygert divisions when Louscardamon strolled to a 1:58.4 victory over Garcia Vega and Super Betcha. Super Betcha led the field past the first quarter in :30.1 before yielding command to For Trots Sakes approaching a 1:00.2 half. The new leader clipped three-quarters in 1:30.1 as Louscardamon began his bid for the front turning into the stretch. The Steve Searle trainee then surged through the lane to win by two lengths. Dr. Patrick Graham shares ownership of Louscardamon. Louzotic blew away her rivals in the lone division of the Beulah Dygert, winning by five lengths in 1:55.2. Also trained by Steve Searle for owner Flacco Family Farms LLC, Louzotic stalked Puddin Cheeks as she led through a :29.2 opening quarter. Driver Kyle Husted soon angled Louzotic from the pylons and charged towards the front moving past a :57.4 half. Louzotic then opened her lead circling the final turn and passing a 1:26.3 third quarter before strolling into the stretch in front of Heidi High taking second and Fox Valley Elicit in third. (with files from Hawthorne Racecourse) In order to continue enjoying our site, we ask that you confirm your identity as a human. Thank you very much for your cooperation. As more people have fled the country, elderly people are being left behind, but with limited services, many are forced to beg on the streets writes Al-Watan. The Director of the Social Services at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, Maysa Midani, said there was an increase in demand for places in seniors homes during the war years, which has been attributed to many young family members traveling outside the country and leaving their elderly relatives. Midani said in an interview with Al-Watan that the loss of family breadwinners, the general living situation and the cost of elderly services, such as medicine and daily necessities had become a burden for families. Evidence of this is seen on the list of required relief materials, which includes provisions for the elderly. In addition to some elderly people needing daily care that may not be available. Midani pointed to the appearance of elderly people living on the streets, which had not been present in society before the war. She said that in many cases, some hospitals had contacted the Ministry to take custody of elderly people from the hospital, after their family had abandoned them, saying that in some cases they were also taken from the streets, which put major pressure on the homes for the elderly. She said that the Ministry had just one home for elderly care, the al-Karameh center in Damascus province, but that the Ministry, under increasing pressure, had allowed some elderly people into the home for beggars and the homeless in al-Kasweh. She said that the section had been prepared in cooperation with the High Commissioner for Refugees, which fully revamped it, and that there were negotiations with a university to participate in the administration and actively turn it into a home. The Ministry would retain administrative oversight while monitoring services and volunteering would be by the university. She said that there were an increasing number of elderly beggars. She said that the private sector was playing no role in elderly care, noting that in the future, there could be recommendations for investment by the private sector in this field, because the country is open to investment in all fields and this sector could be one of them. Midani said that there were 23 universities across ten governorates working on a primary level with elderly people and that some of them were playing a role or were offering services to elderly people at home. She said there were other universities that targeted the families from all social classes that have elderly people in them. She added that some universities were out of service or currently inactive, and that there were 5,400 elderly people benefiting from services provided in homes for the elderly, whether they reside inside or outside. Midai said that the fees for care and residency in the elderly home were logical before the war, but now the prices have increased in accordance with the price of goods. She added: We are hearing that the prices have increased but on average it is logical to cover the expenses of the elderly. She said that every home covered a portion for freethat is, a portion of services they offer were provided free of charge to the poor people they accept, and that the expenses are covered through its private resources. She said that it was not possible to set the maximum or minimum cost for residency because the prices ranged. She added that in some cases, there were cases guaranteed by the university or a donor in the home, and that it was possible that there could be reduced fees by resorting to the Ministry or submitting a petition showing the elderly persons inability to cover the expenses, which is reviewed by the university. She said that this was no more than a request because the Ministry had no authority over the universitys resources. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Regime forces retake Kafr Nabudah, accusations of chemical weapon preparations, refugees deported from Beirut airport and journalists targeted in Idleb. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend. 1. Regime forces have retaken the village of Kafr Nabudah in the northern suburb of Hama once again, after the opposition factions took control after a counter-attack last week. Russian warplanes provided air cover during Sundays battle, carrying out more than 100 airstrikes on the town in a single day. A commander in the Free Syrian Army (FSA) told Al-Souria Net that the Assad forces had now entered the town, but that will be temporary, as, the factions will not allow them to stay in the town, and will work to restore them in the coming hours. Pro-government Facebook groups on hailed the Tiger Forces as they entered the town. On Wednesday, the FSA along with other military factions started a new offensive on the northwestern Hama front after advancing and taking control of the town of Kafr Nabudah, following a counter-attack in which Assads forces suffered heavy losses. 2. The Syrian government news agency SANA reported that opposition organizations in Hamas northern countryside and Idleb, have, undertaken, with help of experts from Belgium, France and Morocco, preparations for the use of chemical weapons against civilians. This move, according to the official agency, is an attempt to face off against, any advance by the Syrian army and create the conditions for a US-western aggression on Syria, similar to what happened in April 2018. Local sources in Idleb said that terrorists from Jabhat al-Nusra held, a number of meetings with terrorists from al-Hizb al-Turkistani, Jaish al-Ezza and the White Helmets, who later gave orders to leaders of terrorist groups, to use chlorine gas in the event that the army makes advances on any front in Hama, Lattakia or Idleb countryside. 3. Lebanon summarily deported at least 16 Syrians, some of them registered refugees, on Apr. 26, 2019, after they arrived at the Beirut airport, Human Rights Watch reported. At least five of the 16 had registered with the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), and at least 13 expressed fears of torture or persecution if returned to Syria. Lebanese authorities shouldnt deport anyone to Syria without first allowing them a fair opportunity to argue their case for protection and ensuring that they dont face a real risk of persecution, torture, or other serious harm, said Lama Fakih, acting Middle East Director at Human Rights Watch. Despite heated rhetoric calling for Syrians to return home, and coerced voluntary returns, there continues to be significant risk of harm for refugees who return to Syria. 4. Syrian government forces attacked a group of journalists and civilians in Idleb province, the last rebel outpost in Syria, British broadcaster Sky News reported. Sky News Special Correspondent, Alex Crawford, and her crew were filming in the town of al-Habit when they were attacked in a series of strikes on Tuesday. The crew said military drones were first used to pinpoint their location. The Sky News crew clearly identified as journalists was deliberately targeted and attacked by Syrian regime forces using military drones to pinpoint our location, before launching a series of strikes, Crawford wrote for the Sky News website. 5. Syrian journalist Mazen al-Shami and his family were tortured by Turkish border guards while attempting to illegally enter Turkish territory. Smart News quoted Shami as saying that the border police held him and 20 other civilians, including 12 women, his wife and four of his sons, as they attempted to cross the northern border of Idleb province, and beat them severely after searching their phones and tools of their profession. He added that the border police took them to a post in Rihaniya province, and individually tortured them using several methods, including beating with shovel and flooding their heads with a pot of water to the point of suffocation and beating them with cable. Shami pointed out that he had repeatedly tried to communicate with opposition figures and platforms to secure the departure of him and his family from Syria to Turkey, after being subjected to a high level of harassment, but he did not receive any response, and decided to exit through one of the smuggling routes. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Fadi al-Mallah has been fighting with the regime since 2014 and has been accused of committing a number of human rights violations. In Brief Fadi al-Mallah, a Palestinian-Syrian national, is the Secretary-General of the Shabab al-Audeh (Youth of Return) Movement and Commander of Quwwat al-Jaleel (Galilee Forces). Mallah has fought alongside the regime since 2014 and participated in most of its battles against Syrian civilians. Background Fadi al-Mallah descends from a Palestinian family who fled Palestine after 1948. He was born in 1984 in the Khan Dannoun refugee camp in the Damascus countryside. As a young man, he was known for his bullying attitude at school and in his neighborhood. Mallah joined Ahmed Jibrils infamous Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine General Command, an organization largely obedient to the Assad regime since 1976. The Revolution When the Syrian revolution broke out in 2011, Fadi al-Mallah participated actively in the repression. He started a social political group under the name of Shabab al-Audeh Movement (Youth of Return), referring to the return to Palestine, an appealing name for Palestinians. However, the sole goal of his group was the defence of the regime against protesters. In 2012, Mallah formed an armed wing for his group to which he also gave a name with a Palestinian reference, Quwwat al-Jaleel (the Galilee Forces). The launch of the militia was celebrated in an official ceremony under the regimes auspices. Mallah chose his fighters from Palestinian refugee camps, mainly Khan al-Sheeh and Khan Dannoun. On the launch of his movement, he said: We have the honour to launch our movement from Syria, the resistance, because the road to return passes through the Omayyad Square (the main square of Damascus). We will be hand in hand with the Syrian people to solve this crisis which our beloved Syria is going through, as we are part of this people and this country in which we lived and grew up, as if we were in our beloved homeland Palestine. Mallah holds responsibility for his groups violations of human rights throughout the military operations he took part in. The Galilee Forces participated in countless battles, including fighting along regime forces and Hezbollah militiamen in the West Qalamoun battles (July-August 2014), which led to the displacement of the population to Arsal in Lebanon, and in the battles of Aleppo (second half of 2016). In 2018, his forces were engaged in the Eastern Ghouta onslaught that drove thousands of people out of their homes; many were killed. At a later stage last year, members of his forces were sent to participate in operations in Deir-ez-Zor under the command of Hezbollah. As many other pro-Assad forces, Mallah justifies his support to Assad with the latters resistance to Israel and the role played by the Syrian regime against international imperialism. In an interview with a pro-regime website, Mallah says, all the regional states are puppets working for the Zionist and American agendas. This article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Syrian Observer. A Castle Rock man says his cat saved his life from a fire that gutted his and his wifes house Tuesday by howling and jumping on his face to wake him up. Victoria and Allen Cherry were displaced when an early-morning fire ripped through their Third Avenue home on May 21, destroying the house and two cars. Victoria Cherry, 62, was caring for her mother at her house that night, but Allen was at home when the fire started. The couple was preparing to move next month and had packed up most of their possessions, so Allen was sleeping in the living room. Their 1-year-old cat Ninner Bits, who was pregnant, woke him up just a few minutes before 4 a.m. The cats just howling and screaming, dancing around on my head, Allen Cherry, 59 said. It was dark so I couldnt see anything. When he opened the back door, air sucked in from the living room and blew the flames up like a fire storm, Cherry said. Cherry described the flames as blistering hot with a sound like a freight train or plane roaring nearby. The burst of fire knocked him to his knees, and he crawled underneath the smoke and fire to escape the house. He escaped with no injuries and ran to warn his neighbors. The flames had fully engulfed the house by that point and were climbing 40 feet into the air, he said. Unfortunately, the couple has not yet found Ninner Bits, whom they credit with saving Allen Cherrys life. He said she may have ran out the back door. Theyve been going back to the house four or five times a day to pick through the debris and look for her, but Cherry said it doesnt look very hopeful. In the meantime, the couple is currently staying at Victoria Cherrys moms house. Emotionally, were kinda beat up, he said. As you dig through the debris and try to find items it kind of hits you hard. Firefighters from Cowlitz fire districts 2, 3 and 6 responded, putting the fire out by 6:30 a.m., officials said. The house was reported as a total loss. Firefighters say the cause of the fire may have been electrical, but the flames burned so hot that Cherry said its been hard to determine where it actually started. It just melted ... what it didnt burn up, he said. The couple had rented the house for about six or seven years from an uncle who recently passed away, Cherry said, which is why they were getting ready to move. They were in the process of updating the insurance on the house but had nothing insured at the time of the fire, according to a GoFundMe page for the couple. Cherry said he had previously made an appointment for the day after the fire started to sort out the insurance. But hes staying positive. He said neighbors, family and friends have donated clothes and checked in on the couple to see how theyre doing. Were alive, Cherry said. Its been 35 years since we were married. ... Im still alive, were still together, thats the main thing. You gotta be reminded sometimes of that. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 2 Sad 6 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. At Longviews Memorial Day ceremony Monday, Longview nurse and military veteran Wayne Van Hamme called on those in attendance to honor U.S. service members of all stripes and sizes. We continue to lose heroes every day in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and in training missions and accidents around the world, Van Hamme said. Some are only teenagers, many were in their forties. But regardless of age, to their families, they are forever young, healthy and strong. He was the guest speaker for the ceremony at Longview Memorial park, where more than two hundred veterans and civilians alike congregated to remember and honor those who have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Van Hamme holds degrees in nursing and has been employed as an RN at St. John Medical Center since 1977. He enlisted in both the Air Guard and the United States Army Reserve, and has served in operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He retired in 2008 at the rank of Colonel, capping off 40 years of military service. We all did what we were ordered to do. And we went where we were told to go, Van Hamme said. Most service members dont have great war stories to tell, because they were the support system for those in combat. Longview American Legion Post 155 Commander Leo Howe once again led the thirty-minute ceremony, which began with a performance of The Star Spangled Banner by the R.A. Long marching band. American flags hugged the street leading into the cemetery, and more flags dotted the graves of veterans buried there. Wayne Orzel, 72, lives in Kalama and joined the military in 1965. He became a structural mechanic and served a 13 month tour in Vietnam as a helicopter door gunner. A member of the Marine Corps League Color Guard, he was one of five in the rifle formation who closed the ceremony with a three-volley salute and performance of Taps. Seeing all the flags flying and in the cemetery, it just makes me feel proud to be part of America, Orzel said. He added that seeing the many families at the ceremony shows a very high respect factor and a connection between the American fallen hero and the American veteran who, arm-in-arm, protected the rights of people to be free. And it sends a message to the children that these heroes must not be forgotten. Originally known as Decoration Day, the holiday began in the aftermath of the Civil War to honor the hundreds of thousands of fallen American and Confederate soldiers. The named changed to Memorial Day in the 20th century and was expanded to honor the dead in all wars. Memorial Day was declared a national holiday in 1971 by Congress and is always celebrated on the last Monday in May. Van Hamme opened his speech by quoting Major Brent Taylor, a member of the Army National Guard and mayor of North Ogden, Utah who was killed in combat in 2018 near Kabul, Afghanistan. Taylors last post to Facebook was an encouragement for all civilians to vote in the 2018 elections: I hope ... that whether the Republicans or the Democrats win, that we all remember that we have far more as Americans that unites us than divides us. Van Hamme asked members of the audience to be the difference for military members experiencing mental health crises. And he praised the true unsung heroes of military life: The families of soldiers who run the house, pay the bills and get the kids off to school. Long after the battlefield guns have been silenced, and the bombs stop exploding, the children of our fallen warriors will still be missing a parent, Van Hamme said, quoting a common Memorial Day saying. The spouses will continue to miss their life partners. The parents will never stop grieving for the heroic sons and daughters that died far too early. Harold Walton, a 73-year-old Castle Rock area resident, served in Vietnam from June 1965 to March 1966 and said he was proud of his country, flag, family and friends. I think one of the greatest things we can do is serve our country, Walton said. The offering of the freedom that we have, both individually and as Christians. ... I think today (recognizes) those that have gone before us and made that great sacrifice. A wreath laying ceremony, three-volley salute from the Marine Corps League Mount Saint Helens Detachment #889 firing squad and a performance of Taps closed out the ceremony. 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. Dedicated to the Restoration of Progressive Democracy Memorial Day weekend evokes many feelings but the feeling of remembrance is there for everyone. Memorial Day is about remembering those from the military who gave their lives for our freedom. That doesnt mean we cant enjoy things this weekend like go to cookouts, drink some beer, and go to sporting events but there are some things that are more important than that which should be kept within perspective. NASCAR does many things to honor the military but they really go above and beyond on Memorial Day weekend. From prerace demonstrations to a midrace moment of silence that NASCAR started this year, NASCAR makes sure those who have been killed in combat are never forgotten. One such initiative is 600 Miles of Remembrance, where each Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series car honors someone from the military by putting their name on the windshield during the Coca-Cola 600. Usually, those who are honored have a connection of some sort to the team honoring them and thats the case with JTG Daugherty Racing. Drivers Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece honored SFC David Moore and SPC William Jeffries on their #37 and #47 cars respectively. Both served in the Indiana Army National Guard with Bueschers head engineer Brian Burns. Brian Burns has been my engineer since I started at JTG Daugherty Racing, and were like a big family on our No. 37 team, Buescher said. Its hard to put into words how special it is to have SFC Moores name on our car for 600 miles and pay tribute to someone who is an extension of our own family here. SPC Jeffries had been in the Air Force for 10 years before going to the National Guard. Jeffries was killed in Kuwait in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Anytime Ive ever seen William in a group, he was always the guy with the big cheesy grin on his face, Burns told The Comeback. Youd be walking up to him and he had a face that made you think Whats he up to? Just a pleasant person to be around. SFC Moore was in the National Guard for 20 years and served tours in Bosnia, Kuwait, and Iraq and died in 2008 due to complications of being exposed to chemicals while serving. Burns spent more time with Moore because Moore was his platoon sergeant and thanks to him, Burns learned what a leader was due to Moore. David Moore is somebody I worked a lot more personal with. He was my platoon sergeant for some of the time when I was in there and he was kinda like the wise owl; he had been in there for a long time. And we just got in there as young guys so he was the one that kinda took you under his shoulders and took care of his guys. [Davids] probably the first guy that I really thought about what it is to be a true leader and how you take care of people and what that means. He was a good example of that. Burns himself served from 1993 to 2001 with Moore and Jeffries before going into motorsports. Burns was in a military family and that has always been a part of his life but he went in the military as a means to go to college thanks to his G.I. Bill. And while he went into the military in order to go to school to gain a higher education and pursue a career in motorsports, Burns also learned a bunch thanks to his military service. Burns said, When I was in high school, my dad came to me and said I know you want to go to college. In case you didnt know, we dont have a lot of money so you have to figure out a way to make that happen. So I started looking around at ways and Ive always been patriotic. My dad was in the military, my grandpa, so that runs deep in the family. I think I grew up a lot quicker than some people just at a younger age like that. When I was in the 11th grade, I was shipped off to boot camp that summer between by 11th and 12th grade year of high school. When a lot of people were going on spring break or Cancun or Daytona, I was being introduced to my first drill sergeant. Its a culture shock for some people but I think its something that made me stronger. While Preece got caught up in a late-race crash and finished 31st, Buescher finished sixth, despite a blown tire early in the race. But even though one team did well and the other didnt, there comes a point where some things are more important than who wins and loses and while were free to enjoy the pleasures in life, this weekend is a time to put things in the right perspective and remember why we can. [Full Disclosure: NASCAR paid travel costs to attend Coca-Cola 600 weekend in Charlotte] 10 hours ago Stocks start higher on Wall Street, helped by travel, energy Stocks were slightly higher Tuesday, adding to the momentum the market had the day before, as investors continue to close out their positions for 2021. Bank and health care stocks were among the better performers, while technology companies, which did well on Monday, lagged the broader market. Read Article William Rollins, 43, of 137 Lowman Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to purse snatching. Circuit Judge Ed Dickson sentenced him earlier this month to three years in prison, suspended to one year of probation. He gave Rollins credit for having already served 109 days in jail. He ordered Rollins to comply with mental health treatment and take all medications as prescribed. In other pleas: Frankie Alexander James Taylor, 36, of 815 Dash Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to first-offense failure to stop for blue lights. Circuit Judge DeAndrea G. Benjamin sentenced him to three years in prison, suspended to 90 days at the Orangeburg County Detention Center. Shes allowing Taylor to serve his time on weekends. Larry Chekiem Brown, 23, of 260 Green Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to unlawful carrying of a handgun. Benjamin sentenced him to one year in prison, suspended to six months of probation. Victoria Nancy Marie Mizell, 31, of 1516 Zion Road, Dorchester, pleaded guilty to habitual traffic offender. Benjamin sentenced her to two years in prison, suspended to nine months of probation. Shelton Goodenough Jenkins, 25, of 370 Coleman Ave., Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to unlawful carrying of a handgun. Benjamin sentenced him to one year in prison or a fine of $150. Kaylah Adalle Sprinkle, 26, of 204 Buck Ridge Drive, Orangeburg pleaded guilty to use of vehicle without permission for temporary purposes only and entering premises after warning or refusing to leave on request. Benjamin sentenced her to one year in prison. She gave Sprinkle credit for time served of one month. Lashawn Shuler, 37, of 2436 Dawson Street, Eutawville, pleaded guilty to second or subsequent offense of failure to stop for blue light. Benjamin sentenced him to 30 months in prison. He was given credit for already serving 290 days in jail. As a result of his guilty plea, prosecutors dismissed Shulers charges of resisting arrest and giving false information to law enforcement. Clifton Andropolous Jennings, 38, of 227 Horne Street, St. George, pleaded guilty to first-offense driving under the influence. Benjamin sentenced him to 30 days in jail and gave him credit for having already served two days there. A grand jury indicted Jennings on a charge of second-offense driving under the influence. Shamar Amaru Shakur Alston, 21, of 208 Briarbend Road, Goose Creek, pleaded guilty to possession of over one ounce of marijuana. Benjamin sentenced him to six months in prison or a $150 fine. As a result of Alstons guilty plea, prosecutors dismissed his charge of possession with intent to distribute marijuana within close proximity to a school. Dontrell Markeith Shivers, 22, of 1037 Henley Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to first-offense failure to stop for blue light. Benjamin sentenced Shivers to two years in prison, suspended to probation for six months. Contact the writer: mbrown@timesanddemocrat.com or 803-533-5545. Follow on Twitter: @MRBrownTandD Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 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. "There is one thing you must keep in mind: Freedom is not free." Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Anthony Louis Watson offered those words of reflection at the annual Orangeburg Memorial Day Service on Sunday afternoon. Using Gen. Douglas MacArthur's words as starting point, Watson called on all service men and woman to embrace duty, honor and country to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith and to create hope when hope becomes forlorn. 'The soldier, above all other men, is required to practice the greatest act of religious training: sacrifice," Watson continued, quoting MacArthur. "In battle and in the face of danger and death, he discloses those divine attributes which his maker gave when he created man in his own image." Watson also touted the values taught in the U.S. Army, including courage and selfless service. Watson now serves as the Battalion Recruiting Operation Officer for South Carolina State University's Army ROTC Program. Watson said one of his ROTC students, Army 2nd Lt. Clifford V. Gadsden, is an example of the values he discussed. Gadsden was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq when his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. He died instantly at the age of 25. "The 29th of April 2005 is a day I would never forget," Watson said. "Second Lt. Clifford Gadsden -- gone but never forgotten. The fallen Sgt. Thomas Grant, an Orangeburg native, also embodied the values, Watson said. Grant, while a corporal in the U.S. Army, was a prisoner of war in the Korean War. He was later killed Dec. 8, 1967, while serving in the Vietnam War. "He was an ideal son, brother, friend, husband and father," Watson said. "He encompassed the Army values. His character is what every soldier should be and what was embedded throughout his civilian life as well as his military life." "He will be forever etched in my mind of his sacrifice," Watson said. "Sgt. Thomas Grant -- gone but never forgotten." As part of the program, Grant's family was presented the S.C. Prisoner of War Medal. About 40 such medals have been given out since the medal's inception in 2014. The medal with a black and white ribbon was presented to Kyle Mohr, Grant's only grandson. The medal simply states, "South Carolina will never forget." "We are so grateful for your acknowledgment of him and we are so proud of him and the sacrifice he made for this country," said Kim Grant Mohr, Grant's daughter. She traveled from Tampa, Florida to receive the award. Orangeburg resident Michael Irvin, who was drafted into Vietnam and then served in the Persian Gulf War in U.S. Navy, came out to Sundays ceremony to show his respect for those serving and for those who died serving. "The young people have to learn that freedom is not free," Irvin said. Retired Capt. Walter Weeks served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 2000 in the National Guard. "I want to honor those who served -- the ones in Vietnam and previous wars like the Korean War," he said. Weeks says he is concerned that Memorial Day and other holidays have lost their meaning for many and have become just days off from work or school. "People don't know how to celebrate," he said. "I would say if you love the Lord, you would love your fellow comrades in action." Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler said, "We stop and pause to honor our veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy now." Veterans should be celebrated daily, he said. "They are the ones who made the most sacrifices for the freedoms we have today. God bless you and thank you for the service you have rendered to this country." The North branch of the Orangeburg County Library presented a CD recording to four veterans who participated in the library's "Sounds of Service: Soldiers, Legends and Heroes," program. The program is designed to preserve the history of servicemen from the Orangeburg area by recording their stories for prosperity. A CD was also presented to Butler and the City of Orangeburg. Commanders of VFW Posts 8166 and 2779 recognized the POWs and missing in action. The laying of the wreath was performed by the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Posts 2779 and 8166. Taps was also played and prayer was offered for all those who have served and who are currently serving. The annual Memorial Day service is supported by a number of local veterans organizations and by the City of Orangeburg and the city's Parks and Recreation Department. Contact the writer: gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or 803-533-5551. Check out Zaleski on Twitter at @ZaleskiTD. 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 October 2016, 59 years after the truce with North Korea was signed, Congress finally passed, and President Barack Obama signed, a resolution allowing a Wall of Remembrance to be erected at the site of the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington. The wall will have the names of the 37,000-plus Americans killed in action, missing in action or prisoners of war during the Korean War engraved in it, much like the Vietnam wall. However no federal funding was provided for the wall. Private money must pay for it. In February 2017, Korean War Veterans Association Foothills Chapter #301 in Greenville appointed a committee to raise funds for the 551-plus South Carolinians who lost their lives in that Forgotten War. I was asked to chair that committee. I gladly accepted. It is way past time that America paid tribute to and honored the heroes that paid the supreme price in that long ago war. We are trying hard to make sure the Forgotten War will become known and remembered for what it really is/was; the Forgotten Victory. The men and women who fought in that war stopped the spread of communism in Southeast Asia and kept South Korea free. They should also not be forgotten -- but remembered. The Wall of Remembrance will do that. When you do the math it comes to about $350 per name, or about $193,000 for South Carolina. We set a goal of $200,000 for South Carolina. We have raised more than $98,000 to date. We have broken it down by county and keep account of funds raised by county. We reached out to community and state leaders but have received no responses from any of them thus far. I do want to thank all the contributors (you know who you are). We never divulge any information on contributors. One would think community leaders would be grateful for the sacrifices born by veterans, thus allowing them to live in a free country where they would be safe and could be successful, and therefore be interested, or at least sympathetic, and would want to support veterans in general, and especially this most worthy of causes, honoring Korean War KIAs and their families in this manner. But it certainly appears that is not the case. Thats hurtful to all veterans, and their families, but more so for Korean War Veterans. That makes us feel that were still being ignored and forgotten, and unworthy of being recognized in this manner. We need help. The goal for Orangeburg is $5,600. If we can spread the word throughout Orangeburg and surrounding counties, I believe the patrotic people of Orangeburg County would agree the 14 young men (many were 18 and 19 years of age) killed during the Korean War deserve to be honored in this manner and would overwhelmingly support the fundraising efforts to have their names etched on the Wall of Remembrance in Washington. Wed love for those who can afford it to sponsor one name, but donations of any amount are welcomed and appreciated. We are a 501 (c) (19) organization. All donations are tax deductible. Make checks payable to: KWVA Foothills Chapter #301. In the FOR area of the check be sure to write: WOR." We want to make sure all donations are properly accounted for. Contributors information will absolutely not be shared with anyone. Mail checks to: KWVA FOOTHILLS CHAPTER #301, FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE, P. O. BOX 6903, GREENVILLE, SC 29606-6903. Each donor will get a personal thank you note from me acknowledging their contribution. Lewis Vaughn of Greer spent 20 years in the S.C. General Assembly. He was an Orangeburg resident from 1965-68 assisting with the startup of the Fabric Service plant for Monsanto. The plant became Greenwood Mills in 1968. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 On Sunday, citizens will be tasked with choosing members of the European parliament to represent Luxembourg. Here, we've compiled five numbers that are good to know ahead of the election. 6 A total of six MEPs out of a grand total of 751 will be representing Luxembourg in the European Parliament. It stands as one of the smallest representative groups, on par with Cyprus, Malta, and Estonia. 10 In total, 10 parties submitted a complete list of six candidates for the European elections of 26 May 2019. Of these 60 candidates, 32 are men and 28 are women. The overall average age of candidates is 43.9, 40 for women and 47 for men. The age breakdown shows there are 15 candidates who are between 20 and 29 years old, 13 between 30 and 39 years old, five between 40 and 49 years old, 17 between 50 and 59 years old,seven between 60 and 69 years old, and three candidates between 70 and 79 years old. 283,683 283,683 voters are registered on electoral lists. Compared with the 2014 European elections, which saw 264,183 residents vote, there has been a net increase of 19,500 voters. The number of registered voters varies considerably between the different municipalities in the Grand Duchy: while the smallest municipality, Saeul, only has 521 voters, Luxembourg City leads the way with 35,288 voters. 23,175 This number corresponds to the non-Luxembourgish EU nationals who are registered to vote in the European elections. The last European elections included 21,650 foreign voters, bringing the number of foreigners up by 1,525 people (+ 7%). The percentage of registered foreign voters compared to the potential electorate (foreign EU residents aged 18 and over) is 11.8%, a slight decrease compared to 12.2% in 2014. The electoral weight, that is to say, the percentage of registered non-Luxembourg EU citizens compared to the total electorate of the Grand Duchy, remained constant at 8.2% between 2014 and 2019. Among the registered foreign voters, the Portuguese are the most numerous (in absolute numbers) with 7,765 registered, which corresponds to 10.3% of the Portuguese resident population. The French follow with 4,301 (11,5% of the French population), after which come the Italians with 2,847 (14,8%), then Belgians with 2,466 (14,7%) and Germans with 2,149 registered (19,7%). 92 In order to ensure the fastest possible results, 92 government officials will be working at the Government Coordinating Office (BCG) on the election day. The majority of agents will be working at the Government IT Centre (CTIE), but BCG offices are also located in the main offices in Luxembourg City and Esch-sur-Alzette. Tuesday support meetings Alcoholics Anonymous: 6:30 a.m., 917 N. Beech; 8:30 a.m., 500 S. Wolcott; 10 a.m., 328 E. A; noon, 500 S. Wolcott; 2 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 5:30 p.m., 1124 Elma, Imitate the Image Church; 5:30 p.m., 328 E. A; 7 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott, closed; 7 p.m., 520 CY; 8 p.m., 328-1/2 E. A; 8 p.m., 328 E. A; 8 p.m., 917 N. Beech. Douglas: 7:30 p.m., 628 E. Richards (upstairs in back). Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are open. Casper info: 266-9578; Douglas info: 351-1688. NARFE meets Casper Chapter #358 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association will have a business meeting at noon in the meeting room at the Casper Senior Center, 1831 East 4th Street, Casper. The guest speaker is Shane Hayden from the Bureau of Reclamation. He will be giving a presentation on stream flow data for Wyoming waters. Westmoreland Mining LLC is asking the state of Montana to think twice before allowing Colstrip Power Plant to buy coal from somewhere else. The companys Rosebud Mine is within walking distance of the power plant, which it has fueled for more than 40 years. Nearly 400 union miners work at Rosebud. Colstrip Power Plants coal contract with Westmoreland is running out in December, and power plant operator Talen Energy is now taking steps toward a different mine. Some observers suggest Talen is merely bluffing for a better deal from Westmoreland. Talen Montana is serious about ensuring that the Colstrip plant remains economically viable for as long as possible. Therefore, it is critical that we not be held only to one supplier, said Taryne Williams, Talen Energy spokeswoman. Whether or not the Colstrip plant continues to take coal from the Rosebud Mine after the end of this year is heavily dependent on whether Westmoreland decides to submit an economically competitive offer rather than persisting in its efforts to impose punitive commercial terms on Talen Montana and the Colstrip co-owners by virtue of its monopoly. Virginian that wanted to buy Kemmerer coal mine blames busted bid on creditors The Virginia businessman whose attempt to buy the Kemmerer coal mine in western Wyoming fail Talen is jumping through all the necessary government hoops to get approval for coal from a different mine, which has Westmoreland concerned. The resulting economic impacts on the city of Colstrip and the state are tremendous, argued Rosario Doriott Dominguez, attorney for Westmoreland Mining. Requesting relief from Montanas Board of Environmental Review, Dominguez said Westmoreland alone employs approximately 390 employees in Colstrip, pays over $40 million in local payroll annually, and spends over $60 million annually for goods and services in Montana. The mine and power plant together employ a majority of the households of the Colstrip community. Westmoreland Mining LLC is a privately held company owned and operated by former first lien creditors of Westmoreland Coal Co., which went bankrupt in March. Wednesday, the Board of Environmental Review handed the case over to a hearings examiner. Talen will have a chance to respond to Westmorelands insistence that the policies that created the power plant also bind the power plant to Rosebud mine. In the past year, Talen has asked Montanas Department of Environmental Quality to approve the burning of coal from a different mine, most likely a mine in Wyoming or the Spring Creek and Decker mines of Southeast Montana. The Colstrip operator has also sought permitting for a coal unloading facility for emptying coal shipped to the power plant by rail. Retired from Kemmerer coal mine, workers plead for pensions in company bankruptcy Perry Norris, 65, worked at the Kemmerer coal mine for 40 years. For four decades he worked In addition, the power plant has sought help from U.S. Sen. Steven Daines, a Montana Republican, in extending a tax credit for refined coal, meaning coal that must be dried or chemically treated to temper its air pollution. The tax credit is a Bush-era subsidy that last year would have been worth $7.10 a ton no small amount for a power plant the burns 10 to 13 million tons a year. Rosebud Mine coal hasnt needed refining to comply with federal air pollution laws, but coal from another mine might. Theres also the issue of the union jobs. Rosebuds miners are unionized. Cloud Peak Energy mines, several of which have been eyed as possible coal sources for Colstrip Power plant, arent. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 CHEYENNE (WNE) A Cheyenne man accused of kidnapping a 1-year-old child and assaulting the childs pregnant mother was bound over Friday to Laramie County District Court. Mijito Johnson, 26, is facing two felony counts of aggravated assault against a pregnant woman and one count of interference with custody of a child. Following testimony at Johnsons preliminary hearing Friday, Laramie County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Lee said theres sufficient evidence to move the case on to district court. Johnson was arrested at his brothers house in Aurora, Colorado, on April 11 after allegedly striking his pregnant girlfriend multiple times and kidnapping her son. An Amber Alert was issued in Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Arizona, New Mexico and Oklahoma, prompting a multi-state search for the abducted child. Johnson was extradited to Wyoming, and is currently being held in Laramie County jail on a $15,000 cash bond. According to court documents, a Cheyenne police officer was dispatched to a possible child custody incident around 3:12 p.m. April 11. Johnson got into an argument with his live-in girlfriend over a car seat, which quickly became physical. The two began to struggle over the child, and Johnson struck the childs mother in the head with an unknown object, causing her to briefly black out and fall to the ground. The woman told officers that after she regained consciousness, she hit Johnson and asked him to leave her alone. Johnson left in his vehicle but soon returned, eventually fleeing the area holding the child in his arms while driving the vehicle. Reporting officers observed blood on the left side of the womans face and shirt, as well as bruises on her right cheek and both shoulders. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 RIVERTON Citing complications in childbearing, Wind River Indian Reservation tribal Judge Terri Smith, who was indicted March 19 by the FBI for the misuse of a communications center and the unlawful delivery of cocaine, has been given a later trial date. Smith will now go to trial July 29 in Cheyenne. When a visibly pregnant Smith was arraigned March 27 in Lander, she pleaded not guilty to both charges and was released on a $25,000 unsecured bond. Smith gave birth to her second child May 2. Two weeks later, she filed a "motion to continue" that waived her right to a speedy trial and asked for a later trial date than the June 3 appointment set by U.S. Magistrate Theresa McKee. Smith wrote in her request for the continuance that she had been placed on maternity leave "earlier than anticipated in order to reduce the level of stress on me and the baby." United State District Judge Alan B. Johnson granted Smith's continuance request. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 4 SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. (AP) Proponents of creating a 51st state held a bake sale to raise money for their cause. The Spokesman-Review reports that supporters of the proposed Christian conservative state, which would span parts of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, raised money by auctioning pies and other desserts. The Liberty State Gala drew about 200 people in the city of Spokane Valley on Thursday evening. Speakers included Washington state Rep. Matt Shea, a Spokane Valley Republican who has championed the Liberty State movement. Shea spoke of the cultural and political differences between eastern and western Washington, denied the existence of global warming, and claimed the United States is "a Christian nation" under siege by atheists and Communists. Spokane City Councilman Mike Fagen and county Prosecutor Larry Haskell also attended. Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Love 6 Funny 30 Wow 5 Sad 3 Angry 17 RIVERTON After a 3-3 vote by the Northern Arapaho Business Council, Wind River Hotel and Casino CEO Jim Conrad received a letter from NABC chairman Lee Spoonhunter that stated Conrad will not be offered a new contract. This is not a termination, Spoonhunter said. Your present contract will expire on its own terms on June 30, 2019. We expect that you will continue to serve as CEO until that date. We thank you for your service to the Northern Arapaho Tribe. However, not all council members are in agreement about Conrads future, and NABC co-chairman Al Addison told The Ranger that Spoonhunters letter differed from the terms the other five council members agreed to. Addison, who favored retaining Conrad, said he expected Spoonhunters letter would have told Conrad to continue in your current position after the date of your contract expiration until the council can resolve the impasse. Addison said that he, Samuel Dresser and Clarinda Calling Thunder voted to offer Conrad another contract. Spoonhunter, Stephen Fasthorse and Kim Harjo voted against the proposal. With about 550 employees, the casino is Fremont Countys largest employer and one of Wyomings top 30 employers. Conrad has helmed the casino since its creation in 2005. Since Andi Clifford left the casinos assistant manager position in 2018, operations of the casino have only become more reliant on Conrad. Currently, 28 managers report directly to him. Before coming to Fremont County in 2005, Conrad had served as CEO at two other casinos. With casinos subject to high levels of regulation and federal oversight, other managers at the Wind River Casino have questioned whether anyone affiliated with the tribe credibly can replace Conrad. Mondays decision comes almost a month after consulting firm Spectrum Gaming Group presented the tribe with a 44-page operational assessment, which noted the strengths and weaknesses of the casinos current management after examining whether the operation, both casino and hotel, are functioning effectively and in accord with best industry practices for a gaming operation of that size and scope. The April 26 report presents a favorable view of the casinos finances, noting that the casino appears unusually successful despite existing in a business climate ... marked by many challenges including location in an isolated area, a limited employee pool, and an economy subject to fluctuations of the oil, gas and coal industry. Despite these challenges, Spectrum found that the casinos have established a sustainable business; the gaming operations are financially stable and is able to meet all financial obligations, including the servicing of their debt; the operation is liquid; and perhaps of equal or greater importance, the casinos and associated facilities provide employment for well over 500 people, of which about 80 percent are Northern Arapaho tribal members, the report states. Spectrum concluded that the operation is performing well, is profitable, and at the same time fulfilling its social responsibilities as a responsible regulatory citizen. Compared to most of the casinos that Spectrum evaluated, the Wind River Casino is not in an environment that fosters economic success, the consulting group wrote. The casino, in particular, suffers from high costs related to a poor labor pool. Story after story was relayed about how most applicants for jobs do not possess phones that are consistently turned on, how applicants often dont show up for work, how many of them fail random drug tests, how many have never held a job before and do not have rudimentary skills in math or other subjects that are necessary for jobs in a casino, Spectrum wrote. The consulting group said the casino is isolated perhaps to as great a degree as any business in the continental United States that depends on incoming patrons to survive. The report notes that the energy industry is key to sustaining the casino and that the casinos finances have suffered as mining jobs in Fremont County dropped from 1,430 jobs in 2013 to 789 in 2018. The Spectrum report also addresses a number of ways the casinos can improve business practices in several areas. Spectrum details 18 total findings of ways the casinos management should improve operations. For example, Spectrum said the casino should implement best practices in purchasing and bidding procedures. The report also said Conrad needs to delegate more responsibilities, as the fact that 28 managers report directly to Conrad presents some vulnerabilities to operations. If there is a longer leave by the CEO there will be issues of allocation of funds, hiring and firing issues, alteration in policy, which can only be resolved by consultation of a manager and the CEO, Spectrum wrote. In fact, having no second in command leaves the organization vulnerable to delays in resolving important issues should Jim Conrad leave his position. Spectrum suggests that Cliffords position needs to be filled to facilitate better allocation of time. Having no second in command leaves the organization vulnerable to delays in resolving important issues should Conrad leave his position, Spectrum stated. Some managers have also said they wanted more consultation on their own budgets, that more staffing is needed in their departments, and that additional policies and programs could be created in their areas that would further enhance their departments. Spectrum also suggests the casino needs greater clarity regarding human resources issues, including tables or organization and job descriptions. Despite the casinos favorable finances, the Spectrum report details a number of security weaknesses that could allow employees or others to steal from the casino. In fact, eight of Spectrums findings essentially detail a how-to guide for ways the casino could become a victim of theft without managers knowing. Particularly, the reports suggest the current practices in how revenues from slot machines and table games are moved into security locations leaves the casino particularly vulnerable to theft during the accounting process of casino revenues. Spectrum suggested new protocols for security operations to ensure that no one outside of casino management and security becomes aware of the casinos various blind spots, if any. The report also raised concern over whether all surveillance employees are properly trained in accordance with the casinos policy that surveillance operators are given a training course at the beginning of their employment, with annual refresher courses in subsequent years. We interviewed a surveillance employee who stated that she had been working for approximately two-plus months but she has yet to receive any training, the Spectrum report states. She informed us that she would refer to the standard dealing procedures manual if she had a question or she would ask another senior operator for assistance. The report also stated that some managers lacked appropriate familiarity with the casinos minimum internal control standards. Except for the operating deficiencies noted under the Summary of Findings section of this report, nothing came to our attention that would suggest that the casino management of the Northern Arapaho Gaming Enterprises had intentionally and willfully violated any gaming rules and regulations of the National Indian Gaming Commission, the Northern Arapaho Gaming Agency and/or any internal control procedures approved by NAGA, Spectrum concluded. In an email to The Ranger, Conrad said management has already begun to address the operational findings detailed in the Spectrum report, such as those regarding money handling protocols. Recognizing Spectrums suggestion of greater communication between casino management and the NABC, Conrad said that if communications were improved, then these false allegations would not become viral in nature. In addition to annual external audits, all casino operations are regulated and monitored on a daily basis, by a tribal gaming regulatory agency and an on-site regulator as required under the gaming procedures approved by the Secretary of the Interior and supervised by the National Indian Gaming Commission, Conrad said. Love 4 Funny 2 Wow 2 Sad 1 Angry 0 When DeMaret Kirtley was last home in July 1950, he posed for a photo. His starched Army uniform hanging from his thin frame, Marston as his friends and family called him stood next to his father, the two men staring straight ahead, quintessential Wyoming ranchers. When Marston posed with his mother, he was closer, as warm with her as he was reserved with his dad. In another photograph, he leaned back against the fence of his parents porch, his hands in his pockets. He was 20. More than four months earlier, in late February, with a meal ticket in his pocket and his enlistment papers signed, Marston boarded a train from Denver to Fort Riley, Kansas, for basic training. He got sick with the measles, recovered, and told his parents hed be home in July. He visited for a few weeks. Then he left Kaycee, arriving in Washington by train. He visited an aquarium, saw what he estimated were all the creatures of the sea, and sent some money home. The Korean War had just begun. He boarded a troop ship giant things, he wrote home, floating in foul-smelling water and left for Japan before the month was up. He never returned to Wyoming, to that ranch in the Antelope Basin where he tended sheep and roamed on his homemade skis. He would disappear, in late November or early December 1950, near a little-known reservoir in North Korea that would become synonymous with one of the U.S. Armys greatest tragedies. As order disintegrated around him and Chinese troops overwhelmed his unit, Marston would vanish into the wind and snow. It has been nearly 69 years since he left Kaycee, since he leaned against his parents porch for a photo, hands in his pockets. Now, Marston is one month from coming home. Even now, it is unclear how he died. The chaos of the battle that killed him has shrouded many details in fog. He was buried by Chinese troops in an anonymous grave near where he likely died, his leg shattered. When the war ended and the North Koreans and Americans agreed to exchange their dead, Marston was disinterred and transported to Japan. He wasnt identified and was reburied in a national cemetery in Hawaii. He was disinterred again in 2017, as part of an effort by the military to identify more Korean War dead. His brother and fellow Korea veteran, Locke, had provided a DNA sample to the Department of Defense years earlier, holding out hope that his little brother would be found. When Locke died in 2008, he was buried in the Kaycee cemetery, alongside his family and a marker for Marston. That markers long wait is nearly over. Last May, Lockes daughters and Marstons oldest surviving relatives got the call. At last, Marston had been found. My dad was always hopeful, Zena Husman, Marstons oldest niece, said in late May. Marston will come home now, and Zena has been busy planning. Not everything is definite yet, but its likely that Marston will be transported to Billings on June 27, where Zena and her sister, Karmen Kirtley, will meet him. Together with full military honors and an escort of Patriot Guard Riders a motorcycle group that accompanies military families the sisters will take Marston back to Wyoming. The next morning, the family and the Army will host a public viewing for Marston at Kane Funeral Home in Sheridan, from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Zena has a shadowbox, with Marstons photos, his medals and a letter from President Dwight Eisenhower. Shes also created a slideshow of old photos of Marston, before he was a vanished soldier, when he was just a Buffalo High School graduate in a cap and gown, a ranch hand earning $25 a week. Its you know, its basically to honor not only Marston but the family as well. The people that were left behind, Zena said. Were doing it for my dad and my grandmother. They were the ones who had a lot of pain all those years, not knowing what happened to him. On June 29, the family will lay Marston to rest. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. in Kaycee, at the Harold Jarrard Park gymnasium. From there, the procession will drive to the sparse Kaycee Cemetery, where Marston will be buried. Zena said the family would like to bury Marston where his marker has been waiting for decades, next to his siblings and parents. But his casket may be too large, in which case hell be buried alongside other veterans. The cemetery is no stranger to those who served. One grave marker identifies a man who fought in Cuba, in the Spanish-American War. Both Zena and Karmen said theyd been inundated with support since Marstons story became public. Theyve received calls and emails from veterans groups, from locals, from strangers. The sisters have opened the doors to the weekends events to them all. Its for them, too. The veterans really want to honor their own, Zena said, and I want to be able to honor that, too. I just feel all this gratitude to the people who are helping our family and who are following Marston all along the way, Karmen said, and gratitude to those people who will take their time to come celebrate Marstons return. Follow education reporter Seth Klamann on Twitter @SethKlamann Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 4 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. CHEYENNE (AP) Wyoming Army National Guard soldiers deploy this week for a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. Community members are invited to attend a ceremony for the 297th Infantry Regiment on Tuesday afternoon at Star Valley High School in Afton. National Guard officials say this is the first time the Wyoming infantry unit is deploying since organizing in 2016. The unit's first stop will be at Fort Bliss in Texas for additional training. The soldiers come from Colorado, Montana, Utah and Wyoming. 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 2 Angry 0 What is mental health, anyway? When is it time to get help and where does a person go for help when ready? The World Health Organization says, Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to the community. Many people fall outside of that definition at some point in their lives. Statistics indicate often people go without treatment when struggling to cope and live productively. One recent national study showed that six in 10 adults seeking mental health care for themselves or a loved one reported they werent able to access it when and where they needed it or chose not to, because they lacked the funds, had no or insufficient insurance coverage, didnt know where to go, services werent available where they live, or they were afraid of what others might think. There is discussion often about the need for more mental health professionals in Wyoming, and particularly psychiatrists. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, as of December 2018, Wyoming was short 25 psychiatrists and only 31% of the states need for mental health professionals was being met. Late last year, a Community Health Assessment completed by the Casper-Natrona County Health Department showed Casper area residents surveyed think substance abuse, mental health and suicide are the top three health concerns we should be addressing as a community. Affordable health care access, follow up services, mental health care and prevention and treatment were listed as health and wellness services that make a healthy community. To view the report, visit http://casperpublichealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Community-Health-Assessment_2018.pdf Natrona County is blessed with more mental health resources than what often can be found in smaller, more frontier Wyoming communities. Outpatient and inpatient care is available here. But many people do not know how to choose a therapist or what to expect from counseling. There is help, and there is hope. There are at last count six psychiatrists living and working in Casper, eight psychiatric nurse practitioners, one psychiatric physician assistant and additional providers coming into the computer via telehealth. Many of them are offering outpatient services. There are at least 10 psychologists in private practice. More than 100 licensed mental health professionals licensed professional counselors and licensed clinical social workers are working here and accessible to people needing outpatient care. At least 15 more are working in inpatient and residential settings. There are different types of mental health professionals who can help with the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, depression and other conditions that will not necessarily just go away by themselves, including licensed counselors and social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners or physician assistants. Talk therapy can help people deal with thoughts, behaviors, symptoms, stresses, goals, past experiences and other areas that can promote recovery. Sometimes medication is recommended on a short-term basis for relief from depression or anxiety. Treatment can help people of all ages feel stronger in the face of lifes challenges, change behavior, look at how thoughts can affect feelings, heal pain from the past, build relationship skills, set goals, strengthen self-confidence, cope with symptoms, handle emotions like grief, fear or anger, and enhance problem solving skills. Some people are looking for therapists who provide specific types of care, such as play therapy, grief therapy or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Casper area therapists are continually adding to their training and making available more types of counseling. There are services available for everyone here, regardless of ability to pay. Some organizations offer services at no charge for people who qualify. Sliding fee scales are available. There are places that take all types of insurance while some are more limited. It may take a few phone calls to find the right therapist. Friends who have sought care for themselves or family members can make recommendations. Casper healthcare organizations have worked hard to integrate mental health assessment and information and referral into their practices. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) classes are available to the general public, to help people quickly identify those at risk of suicide and connect them with trained professionals. A mental health resources list is maintained by Wyoming Behavioral Institute and copies can be requested by emailing WYOMINGBHIPatientadvocate@uhsinc.com. Sometime during May Mental Health Awareness Month take a moment to think about a time when you would have benefited from counseling and if you didnt ask for help, why. Remember that often those who need help do not feel comfortable asking for help with getting to the professionals they need, whether its a medical or mental health condition. Lets make ourselves available to talk as a community about what needs to happen to connect people with the resources that are here and to create whats missing. Each of us can play a positive role in improving the lives of the millions of Americans suffering from mental health challenges, not just during this month, but every month in every community. Lets be the example. Michael Phillips is CEO of Wyoming Behavioral Institute. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 BILLINGS, Mont. Grizzly bears are expanding their range in the U.S. Northern Rockies, spreading from remote wilderness into farmland amid a legal fight over proposed hunting. New government data from grizzly population monitoring show bruins in the Yellowstone region of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho expanded their range by about 1,500 square miles over the past two years. They now occupy almost 27,000 square miles, a range that has grown 34 percent in the past decade. That means more bears on private lands where they can encounter humans and attack livestock, said Frank van Manen with the U.S. Geological Survey. Run-ins with bears are happening in agricultural areas where the fearsome animals hadnt been seen for decades, raising tensions in communities over the grizzlys status as a federally protected species in the U.S. outside Alaska Not all grizzly bears are livestock killers, but of course it only takes a few to do potentially quite a bit of killing, van Manen said. Wyoming and Idaho officials proposed grizzly hunts last year, but they were blocked by a judges ruling. Government attorneys on Friday asked an appeals court to overturn part of that ruling. The case could take months or even years to decide, even as theres no end in sight to the trend of bears getting into more conflicts at the periphery of their range. An estimated 700 bears live in the Yellowstone area. Biologists say thats a conservative figure and doesnt include grizzlies that are outside a designated monitoring area thats centered on Yellowstone National Park. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contends the animals no longer need federal protection. State officials say hunting would give them a tool to better manage their numbers, but that it would be limited to sustainable levels. In his ruling that blocked hunting, U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen said in part that officials had not given enough consideration to how lifting protections for Yellowstone bears would affect other grizzly populations in the Rockies. The government conceded that point in Fridays court brief, saying officials already had started working on the topic and would explain the impact that lifting protections would have on other bears. But U.S. Justice Department attorneys pushed back against the judges further contention that a comprehensive review of the entire listed species was needed. That would require officials to look more closely at the status of other bear populations, beyond the impacts of a decision to lift protections around Yellowstone. The attorneys said such a detailed review exceeds whats required under federal law. Environmentalists argue that its too soon to lift protections first imposed in 1975, especially because conflicts between humans and bears remain a prime cause of bear deaths. Also, Yellowstone bears are isolated from other populations, which has raised questions about their long-term genetic health. For us its never been a numbers game, said Andrea Santarsiere with the Center for Biological Diversity. For grizzly bears to really be recovered, we need to see those populations connected. A coalition of American Indian tribes wants Congress to protect grizzlies permanently. They say the animals are sacred and play a role in many ceremonies and traditions. Yellowstone became a refuge for the species last century after hunting and trapping killed off bears across most of their range. The park remains a grizzly stronghold. But younger, male bears search for territory of their own outside the park, with females soon following behind, van Manen said. A similar dynamic has played out in Northwestern Montana, home of more than 1,000 grizzlies. The area includes Glacier National Park and the vast Bob Marshall Wilderness. Bears in recent years have attacked livestock dozens of miles outside those wild areas, on the open plains of central Montana where ranches and cropland occupy the landscape. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) U.S. officials asked a federal appeals court on Friday to overturn part of a judges ruling that blocked the first grizzly bear hunts in the Lower 48 states in almost three decades. The case before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals involves more than 700 grizzly bears in and around Yellowstone National Park. It comes after a judge in Montana restored protections for the animals last September. U.S. Justice Department attorneys said the judge was wrong to require officials to review the status of grizzlies everywhere before lifting protections for bruins in the Yellowstone region. They also rejected the notion that the bears long-term genetic health was in doubt. But the attorneys did not challenge other concerns raised by U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen. That includes whether sufficient safeguards are in place to keep the bears from sliding toward extinction if states take over management of the animals. The Fish and Wildlife Service has accepted a remand in this case and is already working on some of the issues identified by the district court, the attorneys wrote. Grizzly bears were listed as a threatened species in 1975 and have slowly regained territory and increased in numbers in the ensuing decades. If protections are again lifted for the animals, jurisdiction over them would be returned to state officials and hunting that has been planned in Wyoming and Idaho could proceed. Christensens ruling blocked the two states last year, just as hunting was scheduled to begin. The hunts would have killed up to 23 bears, which state officials maintained was a sustainable figure given the size and expansive range of the animals. Also Friday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a report indicating grizzly bear numbers are holding steady in the Yellowstone area and elsewhere in the Northern Rockies. More than 1,000 of the bruins occupy a vast swath of northwestern Montana that includes Glacier National Park. The agency said both populations are biologically recovered after being decimated by hunting and trapping early last century. But the bears also experience high death rates amid conflicts with humans and livestock. About 130 grizzlies roam areas of northern Idaho, northeastern Washington and southern British Columbia. In his ruling last September that blocked hunting, Christensen said the struggle to return bears to some other areas of the Northern Rockies was not given enough consideration when officials decided to lift protections for Yellowstones grizzlies. He noted an estimated 50,000 bears once roamed the contiguous U.S. 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 Russian prosecutors to seek seizure of $50 mln from convicted ex-Vladivostok mayor RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 12:28 27/05/2019 MOSCOW, May 27 (RAPSI) Prosecutors will file a lawsuit with court to forfeit over 3.2 billion rubles (about $50 million) from ex-mayor of Vladivostok Igor Pushkarev sentenced to 15 years for commercial bribery, abuse of office and taking bribes, to the state, the press service of Russias Prosecutor Generals Office reports Monday. The claim is aimed to redress damages caused to the state and society as well as to prevent unjust enrichment of officials, the statement reads. In April, Moscows Tverskoy District Court sentenced Pushkarev to 15 years in high security prison for commercial bribery, abuse of office and taking bribes on a large scale. Additionally, he was fined 500 million rubles ($8 million). The court also prohibited him from holding public posts for 10 years. Moreover, the court collected 143 million rubles (over $2 million) in favor Roads of Vladivostok granting the companys suit. According to investigators, between 2009 and 2016, Pushkarev acting as a mayor of Vladivostok from mercenary or other personal motives organized the acquisition by Roads of Vladivostok of a large volume of construction materials from Vostokcement controlled by his relatives. Construction materials were allegedly purchased only from these companies and at inflated prices. Pushkarev allegedly received upwards of 75 million rubles ($1.3 million at the current exchange rate) in money, goods and services from his brother Andrey. In total, Vostokcement received over 1.2 billion rubles (about $21.4 million) for the delivered construction materials while Pushkarevs relatives received dividends in the amount of more than 500 million rubles ($8.5 million), according to the Investigative Committee. The defendants pleaded not guilty. Pushkarev has been removed from his post by court order. Later, he filed in resignation. Pima offers culinary, STEM classes for kids Pima Community College will offer students ages 9 to 17 classes in Python coding, video-game design, culinary and more this summer through its Pima for Youth program. Pima for Youth classes have low student-to-staff ratios and promote higher education. They also use state-of-the-art technologies and fully equipped lab s. To view the full program schedule and enroll in courses, visit pima.edu/youth Shark Tank program teaches business skills High school students will work to solve community ills with products of their own design as part of S.Y.STEM Coalitions third annual Junior Shark Tank. Through the five-week internship program, students with an interest in entrepreneurship and invention will develop and build their own product prototypes meant to solve a community issue they identify through market research. If JTED students have the opportunity to work on the equipment actually used in the industry they want to join, that shortens the time for new employees to become productive. This kind of hands-on learning can save employers time and money, since it takes less time to train a new employee who already has experience. Westcott said those who recently completed JTED came out licensed or certified in their chosen field, ready to work at jobs that usually pay much better than minimum wage, and they have no student debt. He said they are confident and have been taught the soft skills. They shake hands, look people in the eye and show respect for others. They are taught to act like adults at school and on the job. The graduates are marketable people with marketable skills, Westcott said. Westcott said businesses will be more likely to relocate to Southern Arizona if there is a pool of workers with the skills they need. This is better for the local economy, the businesses that hire the graduates and for the graduates themselves. Potoff went to a vocational high school on the East Coast and has worked for almost 40 years at the University of Arizona Optical Sciences Department. I cant think of anything better than to give some young people a chance at a great future, Potoff said. Contact Johanna Eubank at jeubank@tucson.com 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. Fann she wants to ensure that those accused of assaulting and abusing children years ago have some chance of defending themselves. She also said the organizations they worked for should not have to end up shelling out millions of dollars in settlements because it's easier to do that than try to mount a defense. Fann said she fears that a wide-open door allowing those who claim they were molested decades ago could create a financial disaster. "If somebody is looking for money and that's what the primary goal is, is how much money I can get they're going to look after the deep pockets,'' she said. For example, Fann said, someone could approach a city and claim he or she was molested 40 years ago at a community pool. "How does that municipality possibly defend that?'' she asked. "The employees are long gone, there's no way to prove that it ever happened,'' Fann continued. "What happens is the insurance companies say 'We're going to settle out of court because we're not going to spend a half a million dollars trying to defend something that we cannot prove.'' For years, a memorial sat at San Manuel High School, honoring its students who died in the Vietnam War. But last year, Bill Haro, who also attended the school, was informed that a name was missing. Army Sgt. Tony R. Arriaga, who was killed in 1966, wasnt listed. Not only was the memorial inaccurate, but Haro said it was hidden so hidden that some people didnt even know it existed. It just struck a nerve in me that their families have suffered all these years and people just forgot about them, Haro, who served in the Army for four years, said. I said, We can do better than this. After hearing about the memorial, Haro met with his friends, who also attended San Manuel High School, for breakfast something he does monthly. Before I left, they had done the math on (modifying the memorial) and we said, Well just pay for it now, Haro, 69, said. Thats the kind of guys our community raised. There had to be a better way Hale watched footage on TV of a wildfire burning near his parents home in Albuquerque in 2000. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate as the blaze approached a town. Hale was transfixed as the broadcast showed a dated airplane dump a load of retardant on the fire. The plane dumped a few thousand gallons, but it was over in seconds. There were no other tankers around and it would take hours for the plane to fill up before making another pass. I just thought, with all these people running for their lives, that there had to be a better way, Hale recounted. Hale, who was a captain on a 747 with Evergreen Airlines at the time, began developing the idea to turn a 747 into an air tanker. He pitched it two years later to the chairman of Evergreen, who immediately realized Hale was talking about creating a 747 fire bomb. Hale was given the go-ahead shortly thereafter. Tucson: A Drama in Time, by John P. Warnock, professor emeritus of English at the University of Arizona, will soon be published, but it has its beginnings as a volume of the Journal of the Southwest. We are publishing excerpts on the fourth Monday of the month. Before St. Marys Hospital, the best Tucson had was a pest house on Alameda Street (pest houses were those places for people with communicable diseases, which in Tucson were likely to be tuberculosis and smallpox in the 1880s), and mothers. Then came the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. From Tucson: A Place-Making, Volume 58, Number 3, Autumn 2016, concerning Arizonas first hospital: 1870 Note: Before the Family History Expo in November, The Star asked readers to submit family names to see what could be found on newspapers.com. We spent 30 minutes on some of them to see what we could find. Judith C. Lee gave us the names of her parents and grandparents. Her father was William June Wong and her mother was Margaret P. Wong, nee Ban. This is what we were able to find on newspapers.com in 30 minutes. William June Wong was born in Flagstaff, Ariz., and lived there all of his life except when he served in the Army Air Forces during World War II. He owned and operated the June Furniture Company. His wife, Margaret Pinkie (Ban) Wong, a Tucson native, was an interior designer who graduated from the University of Arizona and worked with her husband. They were well known in the community. William and Margaret are often referred to in articles as Mr. and Mrs. June; however, our subject gave the surname as Wong. Williams fathers name as given by Lee is Sai Jit Wong, but he was called June Wong in newspaper articles. For those cases, she relies on the two-person team at the consulate specifically assigned to assisting in repatriation cases. In my opinion, its better if I see and I hear the families directly because I get to hear their part and what theyre feeling, Orozco said. So if they have any other questions, Im able to answer them versus if the Mexican consulate is dealing straight with the families, I cant be in contact. I dont know if they have any questions, any concerns. Pineda said the consulate is there to help families navigate the process. We need paperwork Of course we assist and orient them through the paperwork, he said, because in order to send the remains to Mexico, we need paperwork. Even with the consulates help, it can take weeks and up to a month for the documents to be acquired, submitted to the medical examiners office and then have a new death certificate issued. Orozco said, It usually can take up to, I could probably say a month, with all that process. Titov relies on President's support as concerns pre-trial restrictions on entrepreneurs RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 16:55 27/05/2019 MOSCOW, May 27 (RAPSI) Russias business ombudsman Boris Titov has asked President Vladimir Putin to support efforts to make release on bail the primary choice in respect of pre-trial restrictions applicable to businesspersons, the Presidential press-service informs on Monday. The business rights commissioner believes that the position of the President will be instrumental in persuading the Supreme Court of Russia to instruct lower courts to choose release on bail as the first available option when deciding on pre-trial restrictions in cases involving entrepreneurs or at least substantiate the rulings prescribing harsher interim measures. This interim measure is applied in many countries. We have Article 106 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which stipulates the use of bail, and it is used today, but not very often, Titov said at a meeting with the President. Vladimir Putin in turn supported the ombudsmans views. As for bail, we need to carefully analyze the situation and see. The amount of bail is certainly important here. You understand, if a suspected crime costs billions, and the bail amount is only 10 kopecks, it is not going to work. On the other hand, it could indeed be an effective tool to investigate the case effectively, while at the same time allowing the company to continue their operations, not having to halt production and not having to dismiss people, the statement quotes the President as saying. According to the commissioner for entrepreneurs rights, so far, more than 80 percent of those responding to a yearly survey among entrepreneurs do not believe business in Russia to be a safe occupation. As many as 54 percent of the respondents, Titov noted, said they went out of business as a result of the opening of a criminal case, while over 60 to 64 percent said prosecution even affected their health. It would certainly be better to have an opportunity of applying other restrictive measures, not only to entrepreneurs, but to everyone, the business ombudsman told the President. OPINION: "Our goal is to make good on our commitment to transparency. But the only way we get from transparency to accountability is through the engagement of the citizenry of Pima County. We need you to engage us intellectually, to challenge us with both honesty and seriousness to come up with the best solutions to violence and injustices that our community faces," writes Pima County Attorney Laura Conover. Visitors to the north-central Vietnamese province of Ha Tinh who seek a more local and authentic experience can make a trip to the early morning fish market at Thien Cam Beach, where fishermen sell their fresh catches on a daily basis. Located about 20 kilometers from Ha Tinh City, the capital of the namesake province, Thien Cam Beach is famous for its unspoiled beauty. The beach also offers tourists a distinctive and local experience thanks to the Con Go fish market. The market is open at sunrise on a daily basis, as this is the time when local fishermen return to the mainland with their fresh catches. Buyers can be both local residents and visitors, for the products here are fresh and the prices are reasonable. A fishing boat heads to the market after their trip at sea. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Many merchants also buy the seafood in order to resell it at markets in their neighborhoods for a higher price. The venue is always bustling with voices of people advertising their products, bargaining, and talking to one another. A fisherman brings his fish to the shore on a basket boat. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre The market only lasts for a few hours before the fish are sold out. The fishermen would then wash their nets and prepare their boats for the next trip. Boats of local fishermen line up near the market. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre A merchant buys shrimp to resell them at local markets. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Fresh seafood is sold at the Con Go market. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Sellers classify their products. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Buyers park their motorbikes and bicycles along the beach. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Read what is in the news today, May 27! Politics -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam arrived in Stockholm on Sunday to begin their official visit to Sweden at the invitation of Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven. It is part of the Vietnamese leaders ongoing Europe trip from May 20 to 29 that includes stops in Russia and Norway. Society -- Vietnamese legislators will deliberate on the implementation of policies and laws on the planning, use and management of land in urban areas on Monday during the seventh session of the 14th National Assembly in Hanoi. Other key issues including the use of the 2019 state budget are on the lawmakers working agenda this week. -- One person remains unaccounted for and dozens of steel-clad cargo boats have been sunk in the northern province of Quang Ninh after prolonged rain, which took place from Saturday night to early Sunday morning, caused extreme flooding in the area. -- Smoking is the cause of 90 percent of deaths by lung cancer in Vietnam, higher than the global average of 70 percent, Vietnamese health ministry official Luong Ngoc Khue said at an anti-smoking event in Hanoi on Sunday. -- The High Peoples Court of Ho Chi Minh City on Monday morning begins considering an appeal filed by Da Nang business tycoon Phan Van Anh Vu against a 17-year jail sentence imposed upon him by a court in Hanoi last December. Business -- Thailand was the biggest exporter of automobiles to Vietnam in April, accounting for nearly 52 percent of 10.868 cars worth US$244 million imported by Vietnam last month. Indonesia trailed close behind with 3,669 cars exported to Vietnam in the fourth month of 2019. -- Vietnam and Sweden should cooperate in environmental protection and sustainable development in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh told Vietnam News Agency in an interview ahead of the Vietnamese PMs official visit to the European country on Sunday. -- Vietnams mobile network market is witnessing the rise of virtual network operators (VNO), a term describing wireless communications services providers that do not own the infrastructure over which they provide services to their customers. Three VNOs have announced their launch in less than two months in the Southeast Asian country. Lifestyle -- Nude, an oil painting by famed 20th-century Vietnamese painter Le Pho, was sold at a Christies Hong Kong auction on Sunday for nearly $1.4 million, a record price for a work by a Vietnamese artist. -- Hundreds of beautifully groomed orchids wowed visitors to the south-central city of Nha Trang on Sunday as a national competition among orchid growers in Vietnam was held in the coastal city. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Children suffering from cancer in treatment at hospitals in Hanoi were given hundreds of toys during an early celebration of the upcoming International Childrens Day on Sunday. Members of Uoc Mo Cua Thuy (Thuys Dream), a charity project backed by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, visited three oncology hospitals in Hanoi and handed over a combined 480 gifts to children patients there. The project also gave 120 ATM cards with a balance of VND5 million (US$220) each to needy patients. Uoc Mo Cua Thuy was initiated by Tuoi Tre in 2007 to pursue the dream to help motivate people diagnosed with cancer of Le Thanh Thuy, a young woman who had passed away after four years of fighting with the deadly illness. Sundays event was held to give children with cancer an early celebration of International Childrens Day (June 1). A girl gets a new doll right on her sickbed at an oncology hospital in Hanoi. Photo: Nguyen Hien / Tuoi Tre Three-year-old Bong smiles for a photo with her new doll at an oncology hospital in Hanoi. Photo: Nguyen Hien / Tuoi Tre Parents shed tears when seeing their children share toys to each other and play together in happiness as if all the pain caused by cancer had gone away. Phung Ngoc Son, whose two-year-old son was diagnosed with blood cancer, expressed gratitude toward kind-hearted people as he saw his child smile joyfully even though he has been suffering from the pain in the hospital for over four months. Parents happiness depends on their childrens, he said. Huyen Anh, a 16-month-old girl whose body was attached to a lot of syringes for an intravenous drip, held a brand-new doll in her arms while humming along an old bedtime song to lure her baby to sleep. This is the most meaningful day for both children and parents here, said Anhs mother. Another girl named Phuong Anh shared her toys to other children, sending a message that they will hold each others hands and get over illness together no matter what might happen. This years Childrens Day is more special since I get to enjoy new toys with my friends, her eyes gleamed with optimism. A boy smiles in happiness to see new toys at an oncology hospital in Hanoi. Photo: Nguyen Hien / Tuoi Tre A photo of a happy family when receiving new toys at an oncology hospital in Hanoi. Photo: Nguyen Hien / Tuoi Tre A boy smiles in happiness as he receives his gift at an oncology hospital in Hanoi. Photo: Nguyen Hien / Tuoi Tre A member of a charity group tells stories to cancer children at an oncology hospital in Hanoi. Photo: Nguyen Hien / Tuoi Tre Ho Thanh Vien, a representative of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, awards gifts to children with cancer at an oncology hospital in Hanoi on May 26, 2019. Photo: Nguyen Hien / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A firefighting police officer from the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang is about to be indicted for carrying out a brutal acid attack against his wife just before their wedding earlier this year. The suspect is Nguyen Truong Nam Hai, 24, who was a second lieutenant and officer under the municipal Department of Fire Fighting and Prevention. Local authorities have already arrested Hai and finished their investigation into the case, Vu Xuan Vien, director of the Da Nang Department of Police, confirmed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Monday. Hai was also dismissed and had his military rank removed, Vien added. Police officers have transferred the case file to the municipal Peoples Procuracy and requested that Hai be prosecuted for assault. The case recently attracted attention from the public after the 24-year-old victim, known only as L.T.L.V., recalled the incident on her Facebook page, more than five months after the attack. V. and Hai were lovers before they decided to hold an engagement party on December 24, 2018, the woman said. A serious wound on L.T.L.V.s leg is seen in this photo provided by the victims family. They also registered for a marriage certificate, which made the two legally husband and wife, but a wedding was yet to be organized. A few days after the marriage registration, V. told her mother she had ended the relationship as the man kept beating her out of jealousy. Hai, however, was not happy with the breakup and insisted that the two families have a meeting to discuss the problem. The families agreed and the meeting was held on January 1. On that day, Hai arrived at V.s house, only to go straight into the kitchen and splash a bottle of acid on the woman. V. suffered severe burns on half of her face, as well as her arms and legs, while her parents were also slightly injured. She has been treated at a hospital in Hanoi and undergone nearly ten surgeries over the past five months, according to L., V.s mother. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Former State Political Editor of The West Australian, Gary Adshead, is returning to Nine as State Political Editor for Nine News Perth. Adshead (pictured right) was named West Australian journalist of the year at the 2018 WA Media Awards and has won multiple awards for his investigations. Key stories have included an MPs fake overseas police service medal, which led to a state by-election, and a drinking water scandal at the new Perth Childrens Hospital. We are thrilled to welcome Gary to Nine News, said Michael Best, the recently appointed Director of News for Nine Perth. He is without a doubt one of WAs foremost journalists. He breaks the biggest and most important stories in Perth. I have long admired Garys work, going right back to when he was the only TV reporter on the HMAS Adelaide rescue of yachtsman Tony Bullimore. He brings with him a wealth of experience, contacts, and a take no prisoners approach to finding the truth. He will be a great asset to Nine News as we look to continue our growth in the six oclock bulletin in the West. In many ways, returning to Nine is like coming home, said Adshead. Some of my biggest reporting moments were during my time with Nine News and A Current Affair. Im now looking forward to breaking and telling the stories that matter to West Australians each night in the news bulletin. A journalist since 1984, Adshead has worked across television, radio and print. His early years included time at A Current Affair. He has also worked as the Mornings and Drive program host on Radio 6PR and as a trusted political commentator and columnist on political affairs in Western Australia. In 2019, the Nine News 6.00pm bulletin has seen strong growth with a 3.9% per cent lift in audience for total people*. *Source: OzTAM Metro 5 Cap, Perth only, 01/01/2019 23/05/2019 vs 01/01/2018 23/05/2018, M-F, Nine News, Avg AUD, Overnight By Francois Murphy VIENNA (Reuters) - Austrian conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz suffered the biggest setback of his meteoric career on Monday as parliament voted the 32-year-old's government out of office in the wake of a video sting that blew up his coalition with the far right. The star among Europe's conservatives, known for his hard line on immigration, looked unassailable just two weeks ago. But then the leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) was caught in a video sting, prompting him to step down and leading Kurz to call off their alliance. Kurz became the head of a caretaker government just days ago and hoped to use that position as a springboard to re-election, depicting himself as more of a victim of the current crisis than its enabler who brought the FPO into power. But the centre-left opposition said he shared the blame, and the FPO backed it. "Kurz gambled away his chances and, Mr Chancellor, you bear full responsibility," the Social Democrats' (SPO) deputy parliamentary faction head Joerg Leichtfried said in a speech to lawmakers, minutes before his party submitted a motion of no-confidence against Kurz's government. The first successful no-confidence motion against an Austrian government since the country regained its independence in 1955 was passed when lawmakers from the Social Democrats and FPO stood in support. Together they control a majority of seats in the assembly. Kurz's party holds a third of the seats. Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen must now nominate a new chancellor to put together a caretaker government able to last until the next election, widely expected to be held in September. While he could in principle choose Kurz again, that is highly unlikely. An elder statesman, like a retired president or senior judge, is the more probable. Van der Bellen said he would formally relieve the government of its duties at 11:30 a.m. (0930 GMT) on Tuesday but ask ministers to stay on for "a small number of days" until a solution for a new provisional government were found. Vice Chancellor Hartwig Loeger would lead until then, he said. Story continues Kurz had replaced outgoing FPO ministers with civil servants, arguing that even though he headed what was essentially a minority government, it represented stability in the wake of the video scandal and ahead of a parliamentary election widely expected to be held in September. INVESTIGATIONS He also pledged a full investigation into any crimes and wrongdoing arising from the footage in which FPO veteran Heinz-Christian Strache appeared to offer to fix government contracts for a woman posing as a Russian oligarch's niece. Strache says he did nothing illegal. Vienna prosecutors say they are investigating "in multiple directions" in relation to the footage although they have declined to elaborate. Instead of seriously seeking to build bridges with the Social Democrats and other opposition parties, however, Kurz sought to strengthen his hand with a strong showing in Sunday's European election, and he succeeded. Rather than punish his People's Party for its 17-month alliance with the far right, voters rewarded it with a bigger share of the vote than in the 2017 election that brought Kurz to power. The Social Democrats (SPO), the biggest opposition party, were unable to capitalise on the video scandal and lost ground. "To topple the entire government a few months before an election is something no one in this country can understand," Kurz told lawmakers the day after what he called his party's "landslide" victory in the European Parliament vote. But that did not deter the SPO from bringing its motion of no confidence against Kurz. It argued that if any ministers were going to be replaced with civil servants to rebuild trust after the scandal it should be all ministers including Kurz. "Your actions have nothing to do with responsibility," SPO leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner told lawmakers. Kurz had prepared his arguments ahead of the vote, saying he would once again seek a show of strength at the ballot box. "Parliament decided today but at the end of the day, in September, in a democracy the people decide," he told a party rally in Vienna after the vote. "I am looking forward to that." The FPO's Herbert Kickl, whom Kurz forced out of his post as interior minister, forecast a different outcome. "This power grab is disgusting... And voters will decide about that, too, in September," he told lawmakers. (Additional reporting by Kirsti Knolle in Vienna and Michael Shields in Zurich; Editing by John Stonestreet and Hugh Lawson) Austria's parliament has voted no confidence in Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, with his party's surprising victory in European elections not enough to shake off a corruption scandal that broke his coalition government. The scandal caused the collapse of the ruling coalition between Kurz's centre-right People's Party (OeVP) and the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe). Just over a week ago, a video was released showing FPOe leader Heinz-Christian Strache offering public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer.Kurz gone, now what?With Kurz's cabinet forced out, a caretaker government will now take over until snap elections in September.A technical cabinet, probably consisting of high-ranking civil servants will proceed until the election, explains Wolfgang Muller, professor of political science at the department of Government at the University of Vienna.The caretaker government would have to be neutral, neither left nor right, explains Paul Schmidt, the director of the Austrian Society for European Politics in Vienna.But thats where it becomes tricky: Administrating the next couple of months makes it very difficult to act politically on an EU level for example, in a very decisive situation, says Schmidt.Impact of a no-confidence voteAustria has had no-confidence votes before. But this is different: "It's the first time in many decades that the centre-right will not be in government. It will be an important event for them, explains Marcus Wagner, political scientist at the University of Vienna.The far-right party of Strache and the centre-right party of Kurz had been working together up until the scandal went public.They had been working together harmoniously," says Wagner. "Prior to then, there were some incidents and some small arguments, but basically they tried to give an image of close cooperation and harmonious relationship."But the scandal revealed a real animosity between the two right-wing parties which culminated in the no-confidence vote.Right holding steadyAlthough the right didnt fare as well as expected in the European parliamentary elections, they did better than previous years.The scandal has been damaging for the right in government, but it hasnt really hurt at the EU level indeed, the disgraced FPOe ex-leader Strache even won the right to take a seat in Strasbourg, according to provisional results published Monday.Despite the setback, Kurz finds himself in a strong position to profit from the autumn snap elections. With the OeVP's record success in the EU elections, Kurz will be hoping that voters will hand him a strong personal mandate in the autumn, which will leave him less beholden to the far-right.Greener pastures?The key issue that brought Kurz to power was the security card he played during the 2015 migrant crisis, which saw huge numbers of refugees and migrants entering the EU.This is one of the results of this wave of migration. Security became one of the number one issues, explains Schmidt.But there was also Kurz's charisma: Hes young, hes handsome, successful. He has a nice political discourse and at the same time he is very patriotic."His approach of 'Austria first' appealed to the people, at a time where migration was on the top of the agenda, with Austria one of the main recipient countries of migrants and asylum seekers."The migration issue has subsided significantly since 2015, with climate change coming to the fore as the burning issue during EU elections. Austria's parliament has voted no confidence in Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, with his party's surprising victory in European elections not enough to shake off a corruption scandal that broke his coalition government. The scandal caused the collapse of the ruling coalition between Kurz's centre-right People's Party (OeVP) and the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe). Just over a week ago, a video was released showing FPOe leader Heinz-Christian Strache offering public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer. Kurz gone, now what? With Kurz's cabinet forced out, a caretaker government will now take over until snap elections in September. A technical cabinet, probably consisting of high-ranking civil servants will proceed until the election, explains Wolfgang Muller, professor of political science at the department of Government at the University of Vienna. The caretaker government would have to be neutral, neither left nor right, explains Paul Schmidt, the director of the Austrian Society for European Politics in Vienna. But thats where it becomes tricky: Administrating the next couple of months makes it very difficult to act politically on an EU level for example, in a very decisive situation, says Schmidt. Impact of a no-confidence vote Austria has had no-confidence votes before. But this is different: "It's the first time in many decades that the centre-right will not be in government. It will be an important event for them, explains Marcus Wagner, political scientist at the University of Vienna. The far-right party of Strache and the centre-right party of Kurz had been working together up until the scandal went public. They had been working together harmoniously," says Wagner. "Prior to then, there were some incidents and some small arguments, but basically they tried to give an image of close cooperation and harmonious relationship." But the scandal revealed a real animosity between the two right-wing parties which culminated in the no-confidence vote. Story continues Right holding steady Although the right didnt fare as well as expected in the European parliamentary elections, they did better than previous years. The scandal has been damaging for the right in government, but it hasnt really hurt at the EU level indeed, the disgraced FPOe ex-leader Strache even won the right to take a seat in Strasbourg, according to provisional results published Monday. Despite the setback, Kurz finds himself in a strong position to profit from the autumn snap elections. With the OeVP's record success in the EU elections, Kurz will be hoping that voters will hand him a strong personal mandate in the autumn, which will leave him less beholden to the far-right. Greener pastures? The key issue that brought Kurz to power was the security card he played during the 2015 migrant crisis, which saw huge numbers of refugees and migrants entering the EU. This is one of the results of this wave of migration. Security became one of the number one issues, explains Schmidt. But there was also Kurz's charisma: Hes young, hes handsome, successful. He has a nice political discourse and at the same time he is very patriotic. "His approach of 'Austria first' appealed to the people, at a time where migration was on the top of the agenda, with Austria one of the main recipient countries of migrants and asylum seekers." The migration issue has subsided significantly since 2015, with climate change coming to the fore as the burning issue during EU elections. Dwayne The Rock Johnsons daughter is college-bound! The Jumanji star, 47, celebrated the high school graduation of his 17-year-old daughter Simone on Friday, proudly sharing a sweet set of photos of her wearing her cap and gown. In the first of two photos taken at NSU University School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the father-daughter pair smile together, while he swoops in for a rejected kiss in the second. And then your babies graduate, he captioned the post. Very proud of my first daughter graduating high school, kickin ass and is now NYU bound. I love you and one day youll stop pulling away from my beastly arms & kisses. Giving her graduation apparel a personalized touch, Simone also included a special Marvel reference in her decorated cap, as half of it featured the Captain America logo, while the other half featured that of Bucky Barnes. Love you, thank you for coming, Simone wrote in the comments section. Johnson shares Simone with ex-wife Dany Garcia. Hes also dad to daughters Jasmine Lia, 3, and Tiana Gia, 13 months, with longtime love Lauren Hashian. RELATED: Dwayne Johnson Makes Special Trip to Spend Valentines Day with His #1, Daughter Simone, 17 Simone, who served as the Golden Globe Ambassador in 2018, frequently carves out special time to spend with her famous dad, and accompanied him to the Sundance Film Festival in January, where they walked the red carpet at the premiere of his film Fighting with My Family. Story continues Johnsons oldest daughter was also his date this Valentines Day, as he made a special trip to Florida so they could spend the day together. Flew from LA to Miami so I could spend an awesome afternoon and lovely dinner with my #1 Valentine @simonegjohnson, he wrote, tagging his 17-year-old daughter. Johnson went on to share that although the trip meant he got very little sleep, it was so well worth our invaluable and fun father/daughter time. SO PROUD of her and that apple sure didnt fall far from this tree, he added. Dropped her off, gave her a massive bear hug and back on the bird to get to work. Continuing, he wrote, a special Valentines and now excuse me while I get crazy and bring new meaning to the term mile high club by goin to town on my chicken and pasta, adding the hashtags fatherdaughter and grateful. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's Regular Press Conference on May 27, 2019 2019/05/27 Q: President Peter Salovey of Yale University recently stated that international students and scholars are welcome and respected on Yale campus, and that openness-a key to the extraordinary success of America's great research universities-must remain a hallmark of Yale. Considering the United States has recently stepped up scrutiny and restrictions on China-US people-to-people exchange under the pretext of national security, how do you view this statement of Yale University? A: We have noted President Peter Salovey's statement. In fact, Yale is not alone in making such statements. As you may recall, in December last year, President Trump explicitly told President Xi during their meeting in Argentina that Chinese students are welcome to study in the US. But to our regret, without any cause, certain US departments and agencies have been using every means possible to restrict and obstruct normal people-to-people exchange between China and the US, which has seriously affected our communication and cooperation. Frankly, such practices go against our peoples' aspiration and have raised concerns from academic and other communities in both countries. This year, American universities including Yale, Stanford and University of California, Berkeley issued statements in support of Chinese and other international students and scholars. They believe that doubts based on nationality may lead to horrible consequences. President Lawrence Bacow of Harvard University said in March that maintaining and deepening dialogue and cooperation between educational and cultural institutions is vital for US-China relationship, and Harvard is ready to do so. China believes that as a common aspiration of both peoples, cultural and people-to-people exchange should not be politicized or disrupted as it is an important basis for bilateral communication and cooperation. We hope certain US officials can come back to reason, respect people's will and contribute to mutual understanding and friendship between us. Q: US President Donald Trump, who is currently in Japan, said about 40 minutes ago that the United States is not ready to make a deal with China over the trade issues. Is China ready to make a deal with the United States? A: Recently certain US individuals including some high-level officials have made various comments on China-US trade talks. Sometimes they say a deal is just around the corner and sometimes they say the situation may be difficult. As you may recall, over the same period of time, China's position remains consistent. First, we believe that differences between two countries, including the differences in trade between China and the US, should be resolved through friendly consultation and negotiation. Second, we are committed to the principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit as the basis of trade talks. Q: Reports say that after officials of the EU Office in Hong Kong and Macao and diplomatic representatives of EU member states met with Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's Chief Executive, the EU Office in Hong Kong issued a formal diplomatic note to her on May 24, expressing attention and concerns on the amendment of the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance. I wonder if you have any response to that? A: I don't know if you have followed our recent statements. As we clearly stated, by amending the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance, the Hong Kong SAR government aims to address existing individual cases and improve the existing SAR legal system, which is beyond reproach. The attempt of a few foreign governments to politicize this matter and make an issue of it is clearly an interference in China's internal affairs. The MFA Commissioner's Office in Hong Kong has made clear China's opposition to it. We have indeed made representations to the relevant governments and asked them not to interfere in Hong Kong SAR's internal affairs. Q: The US National Security Adviser John Bolton, according to Taiwan's "foreign ministry", had talks recently with his Taiwanese "counterpart", the first time since 1979 there has been such a high-level contact between US government officials and Taiwanese officials. Has China already complained about this meeting to the US? A: Before answering your question, I need to correct you on one point. In light of the US government's explicit recognition of the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal representative of China and its commitment that it only maintains unofficial exchange with Taiwan, Mr. David Lee is by no means the "counterpart" of Mr. Bolton. As to the incident you referred to, China deplores and strongly objects to that. As we have repeatedly stated, the one-China principle is the political basis for China-US relations. We are firmly against the US engaging in any official contact with Taiwan in whatever form and under whatever pretext. We also stand resolutely against any attempt to create "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan". This is our clear and consistent position. Once again we urge the US side to honor its commitment to the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, stop having official exchange or upgrading substantive relations with Taiwan, and prudently and properly handle issues relating to it to avoid affecting China-US relations and bilateral cooperation in key areas. Q: Yesterday the New York Times carried a front page cover story saying that the US government's ban on Huawei has led to an abrupt halt in wireless infrastructure development in rural areas and farmers are suffering from difficulties to maintain timely contact with the outside. Some commentators say that the US government's fiercer containment of China has only made things worse for American farmers. Regarding the recent government subsidies for farmers, major agricultural unions have spoken out that what they need is a long-term survival plan, not a band-aid. Do you have any comment on that? A: I answered similar questions last week. We have also seen this New York Times cover article. China and the US have long had friendly cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture. The US farmers and ranchers have been in a rough patch recently, to which their Chinese partners relate deeply to. However, people in this line of business in both countries know clearly that China is not to blame for the current situation. The New York Times article you mentioned reveals once again that the US government, by pressuring to the maximum and stoking chaos, has inflicted serious harm on domestic industries and consumers. Some in the US government are sparing no effort to suppress Huawei without producing even a shred of evidence to convince people at home or abroad. At the same time, their actions have done real harm to American people, including those in various industries as well as consumers. Therefore it is only natural that they have been met with doubts and opposition at home. Q: Prime Minister Modi is going to be sworn in for the second term on May 30. Is China sending any special envoy for that? A: As we said here last week, China congratulates Mr. Modi on his appointment as the Prime Minister of India's new government. As to whether China will send an envoy to the ceremony, I have no information to offer at the moment. China and India, as important neighbors to each other, are both major developing countries and emerging markets. Both attach high importance to this relationship. We believe that under the guidance of our leaders and with joint efforts, China-India relations will be further deepened and elevated. Due to scheduling reasons, the MFA regular press conference on Tuesday, May 28 will be held earlier at 14:30 at the same venue. EU leaders and party officials were forced to rethink their strategies after European Parliament elections ended the domination of the main centre-right and centre-left parties. The results instead revealed an altered political landscape where the far-right and environmentalists stand as forces to be reckoned with. French president Emmanuel Macron launched a flurry of meetings, ahead of a summit on Tuesday where the 28-nation blocs presidents and prime ministers will take stock of the results from elections that attracted the highest voter turnout in 20 years. Macrons Republic on the Move party looks to have secured 23 seats in the assembly for the next five years the same number as the far-right National Rally, whose leader Marine Le Pen was trounced by Mr Macron in national elections two years ago. He was due to hold talks with the leaders of Spain, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia ahead of the dinner summit in Brussels. Marine Le Pen speaks in Paris (Thibault Camus/AP) France was not the only country where voters took their concerns about immigration and security to the ballot box. Italys populist League party, under hard-line interior minister Matteo Salvini, is set to become one of the biggest in the 28-nation blocs assembly. Belgiums Vlaams Belang also made significant gains. The rules are changing in Europe, Mr Salvini said at his League party headquarters in Milan. A new Europe is born. Provisional results show the League would win 34% of the vote, up from just 6% at the last European election in 2014. The lions share of Britains seats went to Nigel Farages Brexit Party, as citizens punished the governing Conservatives and opposition Labour Party for their embarrassing failure to manage the divided countrys delayed departure from the EU. Riding what they called Europes green wave backed by Europe-wide rallies urging climate action, environmentalist parties made strong gains, notably in Germany, one of the continents main forces for EU integration. Story continues Another mainstream formation, the pro-free-market ALDE group backed by Mr Macron, saw their stake in the 751-seat parliament rise to 109 seats, from 68 in 2014. The picture of a fractured assembly for the next five years was complete as many citizens turned their backs on the centre-right European Peoples Party one of its key figures, German chancellor Angela Merkel, saw her party lose ground and the centre-left Socialists. German chancellor Angela Merkel (Markus Schreiber/AP) In Berlin, the leaders of Germanys governing parties met separately to weigh the fallout from their worst post-Second World War showing in a nationwide election. Certainly the EU polls have signalled an end to a two-party relationship that has endured for 40 years. We are facing a shrinking centre of the European Union Parliament, EPP lead candidate Manfred Weber said, after just over 50% of the EUs more than 400 million voters had turned out over four days in the worlds biggest transnational elections. From now on, those who want to have a strong European Union have to join forces. The Socialist lead candidate, Frans Timmermans, essentially conceded defeat, even though the two groups remain the assemblys biggest by some margin. If you lose an election, if you lose seats, you have to be modest, the former Dutch foreign minister said. We have lost seats and this means that we have to be humble. Spanish caretaker prime minister Pedro Sanchez was a notable exception, as his victorious Socialists looked set to win 20 of the countrys 54 seats in the parliament. Pedro Sanchezs Socialists looked set to take 20 of Spains 54 seats (Paul White/AP) Although still trickling in, results show that the EPP is set to secure 182 seats, down from 217 five years ago. The Socialists are slated to win 147, down from 187. The two parties have dominated the parliament with a combined majority since elections were first held in 1979. Senior figures from the EPP hold the top posts in the EUs three main institutions: parliament president, head of the EUs powerful executive commission and European Council president, who chairs summits of European presidents and prime ministers. While real power in Europe remains in the hands of the 28 member states, the assemblys influence has grown. It has helped improve air flight safety in Europe, cut down on plastics use, end mobile roaming charges inside the bloc, boost data privacy and cut carbon dioxide emissions from cars. The parliament also has an important say in international treaties ranging from trade talks to Brexit. But now new alliances must be forged. Mr Weber suggested that the EPP, Socialists and ALDE could form a stable majority at the centre of the political spectrum, working in concert with the Greens. But ALDE officials, including group lead candidate Margrethe Vestager, insist that Europes traditional political certainties are a thing of the past. The monopoly of power has been broken, said Ms Vestager, currently the EUs competition commissioner, describing Sundays polls as a signal for change. The traditional centrist leaders of Europe have been assailed from the nationalist, anti-immigration far-right and the environmental activist left in polarised EU elections. The continent-wide poll will force pro-European moderates into forging new alliances. Right now, the main issue uniting those occupying Europes centre ground is their refusal to work with far-right groups whose ranks are made up of nationalist parties led by the likes of Matteo Salvini in Italy and Marine Le Pen in France. Their parties celebrated landmark triumphs as results emerged on Sunday night and into Monday morning from four days of voting for the 751-seat European Parliament. The centre-right European Peoples Party was forecast to lose 36 seats but remain the largest group in the legislature. Its leader, Manfred Weber, said that from now on those who want to have a strong European Union have to join forces. He insisted his group would not cooperate with any party that doesnt believe in the future of the European Union. With most votes counted across the continent of a half billion people, Mr Salvinis hardline League party emerged as the largest in Italy, while Ms Le Pen inflicted a painful defeat on pro-European French president Emmanuel Macron. The party of longtime German chancellor Angela Merkel, a European Union stalwart, also lost ground, although it was the Greens and not the far-right Alternative for Germany that made big gains in her country . Italian interior minister and deputy premier Matteo Salvini said the rules are changing in Europe (AP/Antonio Calanni) Mr Salvini has turned himself into a figurehead of the nationalist far-right movement in Europe. He told RAI state television that his League, Marine Le Pens National Rally and Nigel Farages Brexit Party together should control 90 seats and that other populist parties could bring the number to at least 150. Negotiations will start on Monday between groups in the parliament that sits in Brussels and Strasbourg to find a coalition with a workable majority. Story continues On Tuesday night, European leaders shuttle into Brussels to discuss carving up the blocs top jobs for the next five years. Perhaps sensing that the 28-nation EU was at a historic tipping point, voters went to the ballot boxes in force, with the turnout of 50.95% the highest in 20 years. Despite making gains, the vote was hardly the watershed anticipated by Europes far-right populists, who have vowed to dilute the European Union from within in favour of national sovereignty. Far-right National Party leader Marine le Pen took aim at Emmanuel Macron (AP/Thibault Camus) Pro-EU parties still were expected to win about two-thirds of the legislatures seats, according to the projections released by the parliament and based on the results rolling in overnight. The fallout from the continent-wide vote spread well beyond the EU headquarters in Brussels. Ms Le Pen exulted that the expected result confirms the new nationalist-globalist division in France and beyond. Greeces governing party called early national elections after losing ground. Ms Salvini, Italys interior minister, is expected to capitalise on the outcome to boost his power at home. Riding a wave of popular protests in recent months calling for urgent action to tackle climate change, Greens were forecast to increase their holding in the EU parliament from 52 to 70 seats, making the group potential kingmakers in negotiations to form a new majority grouping. Frans Timmermans of the Socialists and Democrats group, another of the traditional European powerhouses, said he wants to work together with other progressive parties to convince voters that Europe can benefit them a message deliberately opposed to populist and nationalist claims that the bloc is a cumbersome, meddlesome waste of money. Mr Timmermans, a candidate to become the next president of the EUs executive commission, said he wants to try and build a programme that addresses the aspirations the dreams and also sometimes the fears of Europeans. Yellow vest protesters clashed with riot police in Paris and the northern city of Amiens on Saturday as the French anti-government movement waned on its 28th straight weekend. Police in Amiens, hometown of President Emmanuel Macron, fired teargas at about 1,200 demonstrators after a group pelted stones at police, attacked local bank branches and set fire to rubbish cans, the local police chiefs office said.Police detained 27 people in the city.A few hundred protesters also clashed with police in downtown Paris, in and around the Place de la Republique.After more than six months, the grassroots movement protesting over the cost of living and Macrons perceived indifference seems to be losing steam.>> Yellow Vests, six months on: Unprecedented fury, uncertain futureAround the country only 12,500 demonstrators took to the streets during the latest day of protests, the lowest turnout since the movement started, the French interior ministry said. At the peak in November more than 300,000 were taking part nationally.The prolonged protests, named after the high-visibility jackets worn by participants and which began in opposition to fuel tax increases, have hampered Macrons efforts to push his reform timetable and forced him into costly concessions.Despite Macrons swift reversal of the tax hikes and introduction of other measures worth more than 10 billion euros ($11 billion) to boost the purchasing power of lower-income voters, protests and riots continued all over the country.As he was celebrating his second anniversary in power, Macron last month offered more tax cuts worth 5 billion euros, along with other measures.The protests also battered Macrons party in its campaign for European elections to be held on Sunday. La Republique en Marche is polling neck-and-neck with the far-right National Rally.(REUTERS) Yellow vest protesters clashed with riot police in Paris and the northern city of Amiens on Saturday as the French anti-government movement waned on its 28th straight weekend. Police in Amiens, hometown of President Emmanuel Macron, fired teargas at about 1,200 demonstrators after a group pelted stones at police, attacked local bank branches and set fire to rubbish cans, the local police chiefs office said. Police detained 27 people in the city. A few hundred protesters also clashed with police in downtown Paris, in and around the Place de la Republique. After more than six months, the grassroots movement protesting over the cost of living and Macrons perceived indifference seems to be losing steam. >> Yellow Vests, six months on: Unprecedented fury, uncertain future Around the country only 12,500 demonstrators took to the streets during the latest day of protests, the lowest turnout since the movement started, the French interior ministry said. At the peak in November more than 300,000 were taking part nationally. The prolonged protests, named after the high-visibility jackets worn by participants and which began in opposition to fuel tax increases, have hampered Macrons efforts to push his reform timetable and forced him into costly concessions. Despite Macrons swift reversal of the tax hikes and introduction of other measures worth more than 10 billion euros ($11 billion) to boost the purchasing power of lower-income voters, protests and riots continued all over the country. As he was celebrating his second anniversary in power, Macron last month offered more tax cuts worth 5 billion euros, along with other measures. The protests also battered Macrons party in its campaign for European elections to be held on Sunday. La Republique en Marche is polling neck-and-neck with the far-right National Rally. (REUTERS) By Ahmed Rasheed BAGHDAD (Reuters) - An Iraqi court sentenced three French men to death on Sunday after finding them guilty of joining Islamic State, two court officials told Reuters. Iraq is conducting trials of thousands of suspected members of Islamic State, including hundreds of foreigners, with many arrested as the group's strongholds crumbled throughout Iraq. The French trio were extradited to Iraq in February and military sources at the time said that 14 French citizens were among 280 Iraqi and foreign detainees handed over by the U.S-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). "They were sentenced to execution after it was proven that they were members of the terrorist Islamic State organisation," said one court official, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media. Iraq began court proceedings against the 14 French suspected Islamic State members in March, legal sources said. "All three convicted Frenchmen rejected the ruling and asked to be tried in France, but judges ignored their request," a court-appointed lawyer said. Appeals can be made against the convictions. The French government has so far categorically refused to take back IS fighters and their wives. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian referred to them as "enemies" of the nation, saying they should face justice either in Syria or Iraq. The French Foreign Ministry declined to comment on Sunday's death sentences. French authorities have repatriated a handful of children and plan to continue on a case-by-case basis. Human rights groups have accused Iraqi authorities of inconsistencies in the judicial process and flawed trials, leading to unfair convictions. (Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed; Writing by Ahmed Aboulenein; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky and David Goodman) By Daren Butler ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Several Kurdish lawmakers and thousands of prison inmates in Turkey have ended their hunger strike, heeding a call from jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan, MPs said on Sunday, 200 days after the protest was launched. The decision removed a source of tension in mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey after Ankara let Ocalan meet his lawyers this month for the first time since 2011, triggering speculation about possible fresh efforts to end conflict in the region. Pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) lawmaker Leyla Guven began a hunger strike in November in a bid to end Ocalan's years of isolation by securing him regular access to his family and lawyers. "Comrades who have committed themselves to hunger strikes and death fasts, I expect you to end your protest," Ocalan said in a statement read out by one of his lawyers at a news conference in Istanbul on Sunday morning. Ocalan has been held in an island prison since Turkish special forces captured him in Kenya in 1999 and is revered among Kurdish HDP supporters who see him as key to any peace process. On Wednesday, the lawyers visited him for the second time this month. Authorities had repeatedly rejected earlier requests to visit him, citing reasons including ship repairs and poor weather. In Diyarbakir, the southeast's largest city, a hunger-striking MP announced the end of the protest at a news conference. Hunger strikers' mothers, wearing white headscarves, applauded and chanted in Kurdish "long live the prison resistance." The lawyers' visits resumed a month before a re-run of the Istanbul mayoral election and prompted speculation of steps towards a new peace process four years after Ankara's talks with Ocalan on ending conflict in southeast Turkey fell apart. However, Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul has denied there is any connection. Some commentators have suggested the decision to allow lawyers to visit Ocalan could be an attempt to win over Kurdish voters by the AK Party. Story continues In March's Istanbul mayoral election, the HDP supported the opposition candidate who narrowly beat President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party candidate. Election authorities annulled the vote, citing irregularities. The HDP has indicated it will again support the opposition in the June 23 election re-run. Kurds make up around 15 percent of Istanbul's population of more than 15 million and mostly vote for either the pro-Kurdish HDP or the AK Party. OCALAN OFFERS ROLE ON SYRIA Before being transported to hospital by ambulance, Guven said the hunger strike had achieved its goal. "But our struggle against isolation and our struggle for social peace will continue in all areas. This struggle must lead to an honourable peace," she said in a written statement. Ocalan is the founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the European Union and United States. His lawyer Newroz Uysal cited him as saying Ankara's permission for lawyers to meet him did not mean there was a negotiation process. But Ocalan said he was ready to play a positive role on issues concerning Syria. Earlier in May, Ocalan called on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to resolve disputes in Syria without conflict. Ankara views the YPG militia, which forms the core of the U.S.-backed SDF, as part of the PKK. Guven was joined on hunger strike by three more MPs, around 3,000 inmates in prisons across Turkey and activists abroad, according to her party, the third largest in parliament. The HDP said seven people, six in Turkish prisons and one in Germany, had killed themselves in March in protest against Ocalan's isolation. Guven had been consuming water, vitamins and sugar during the hunger strike. The PKK launched a separatist insurgency in southeast Turkey in 1984. More than 40,000 people have been killed in fighting since, mostly Kurds. In November 2012, Ocalan made a similar call to end a hunger strike by prisoners. A month later it emerged that he was in talks with Ankara on a peace process. Those talks and a ceasefire broke down in 2015, unleashing some of the worst violence since the insurgency began. Erdogan's AK Party has since formed an alliance with nationalists who revile Ocalan and who fiercely opposed the peace process. (Additional Reporting by Bulent Usta; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Keith Weir/Kirsten Donovan/Jane Merriman) Thousands of inmates in Turkish prisons ended their mass hunger strike on Sunday, heeding a calling by militant Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan whose jail conditions they were protesting. The action had grown to involve some 3,000 people held in different prisons, since the first hunger strike was launched last November by a detained lawmaker from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) over Ocalan's isolation in prison.But after the militant leader was allowed to see legal representatives for the first time in eight years this month, Ocalan told his lawyers the hunger strikes "had achieved their goal" and called for them to end."After the call... we are ending our hunger strikes," the prisoners' representative, Deniz Kaya, said in a statement, quoted by Kurdish news agency ANF.Ocalan, the co-founder of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), has been held on Imrali island off Istanbul since 1999.The first visit by his lawyers took place on May 2. After Turkish authorities lifted an official ban on lawyers' visits to Ocalan, a second trip by two of his lawyers was made on May 22.The hunger strike was initially launched by the MP Leyla Guven while she was in custody, although she was later released.Other detainees then followed suit. Eight people also killed themselves over the issue, according to the HDP.Guven, announcing the end of her hunger strike, said in a statement that although the action was successful, "our struggle against isolation and our struggle for social peace will continue in all areas"."With this resistance, Turkey's peoples, Turkey's democracy has won," Guven later told reporters in Diyarbakir in the Kurdish-majority southeast.Three other HDP MPs said they would also end their hunger strike.Role in Syria? Ocalan's PKK, blacklisted by Ankara and its Western allies as a terror group, has been waging an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 during which more than 40,000 people have been killed.Ocalan was caught in February 1999 in Kenya and jailed several months later after he was found guilty of treason, separatism and murder.Despite almost complete isolation, Ocalan is still a key figure of the Kurdish insurgency and the movement generally in the region.His lawyers said Ocalan indicated he would "play a positive role" in Syria in confronting the issues there "including the Kurdish issue" if he was given the chance.Ocalan previously said in a message following the May 2 visit that "Turkey's sensitivities" should be taken into account in Syria, where the US-backed Kurdish YPG militia is battling the Islamic State group.Turkey says the YPG is a "terrorist offshoot" of the PKK.Guven said Ocalan's voice being heard was "very important for Turkey's democratisation and peace in the Middle East".'No new peace process' The visits come just weeks before a controversial re-run of the Istanbul mayoral election, which was lost by the ruling party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on March 31.Experts say Kurdish votes played a significant role in Erdogan's party loss and he is hoping for their support in the repeat vote on June 23.But Turkish Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul said Friday the lawyers' visits "had nothing to do with a peace process" and "no link to the Istanbul elections".Ocalan had called for a ceasefire in 2013 to allow peace talks a chance to reach a negotiated settlement.However, fighting between Turkey and the PKK intensified after the collapse of the ceasefire in the summer of 2015, dashing hopes of a peaceful solution to the conflict.Ocalan's lawyers said the rebel chief said the permission given for these meetings "did not mean the existence of a negotiation process".Ocalan noted that Turkey fundamentally needed "democratic negotiations and honourable peace", adding through his lawyers that the authorities' reaction to his comments would be clear within "30-40 days" but he gave no further details.(AFP) Thousands of inmates in Turkish prisons ended their mass hunger strike on Sunday, heeding a calling by militant Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan whose jail conditions they were protesting. The action had grown to involve some 3,000 people held in different prisons, since the first hunger strike was launched last November by a detained lawmaker from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) over Ocalan's isolation in prison. But after the militant leader was allowed to see legal representatives for the first time in eight years this month, Ocalan told his lawyers the hunger strikes "had achieved their goal" and called for them to end. "After the call... we are ending our hunger strikes," the prisoners' representative, Deniz Kaya, said in a statement, quoted by Kurdish news agency ANF. Ocalan, the co-founder of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), has been held on Imrali island off Istanbul since 1999. The first visit by his lawyers took place on May 2. After Turkish authorities lifted an official ban on lawyers' visits to Ocalan, a second trip by two of his lawyers was made on May 22. The hunger strike was initially launched by the MP Leyla Guven while she was in custody, although she was later released. Other detainees then followed suit. Eight people also killed themselves over the issue, according to the HDP. Guven, announcing the end of her hunger strike, said in a statement that although the action was successful, "our struggle against isolation and our struggle for social peace will continue in all areas". "With this resistance, Turkey's peoples, Turkey's democracy has won," Guven later told reporters in Diyarbakir in the Kurdish-majority southeast. Three other HDP MPs said they would also end their hunger strike. Role in Syria? Ocalan's PKK, blacklisted by Ankara and its Western allies as a terror group, has been waging an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 during which more than 40,000 people have been killed. Story continues Ocalan was caught in February 1999 in Kenya and jailed several months later after he was found guilty of treason, separatism and murder. Despite almost complete isolation, Ocalan is still a key figure of the Kurdish insurgency and the movement generally in the region. His lawyers said Ocalan indicated he would "play a positive role" in Syria in confronting the issues there "including the Kurdish issue" if he was given the chance. Ocalan previously said in a message following the May 2 visit that "Turkey's sensitivities" should be taken into account in Syria, where the US-backed Kurdish YPG militia is battling the Islamic State group. Turkey says the YPG is a "terrorist offshoot" of the PKK. Guven said Ocalan's voice being heard was "very important for Turkey's democratisation and peace in the Middle East". 'No new peace process' The visits come just weeks before a controversial re-run of the Istanbul mayoral election, which was lost by the ruling party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on March 31. Experts say Kurdish votes played a significant role in Erdogan's party loss and he is hoping for their support in the repeat vote on June 23. But Turkish Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul said Friday the lawyers' visits "had nothing to do with a peace process" and "no link to the Istanbul elections". Ocalan had called for a ceasefire in 2013 to allow peace talks a chance to reach a negotiated settlement. However, fighting between Turkey and the PKK intensified after the collapse of the ceasefire in the summer of 2015, dashing hopes of a peaceful solution to the conflict. Ocalan's lawyers said the rebel chief said the permission given for these meetings "did not mean the existence of a negotiation process". Ocalan noted that Turkey fundamentally needed "democratic negotiations and honourable peace", adding through his lawyers that the authorities' reaction to his comments would be clear within "30-40 days" but he gave no further details. (AFP) At least two people have died after a tornado destroyed a motel and caused other damage in Oklahoma City. The American Budget Value Inn was destroyed by the storm and trailers at a mobile home park adjacent to the motel were also damaged. "We have absolutely experienced a traumatic event," El Reno Mayor Matt White said. "We've had an incident where a tornado has basically hit a mobile home park and a hotel, and some other local businesses." "We're doing a search and rescue right now... we have all hands on deck." Officials are reported to be going door to door to find victims. It comes after the bodies of a man and a woman were discovered in a submerged vehicle near the Mississippi River in Missouri as storms swept through central US. Heavy rain in recent weeks has spurred major flooding in several states. Flooding along the Arkansas River is expected to threaten communities from Tulsa into western Arkansas as water released from an Oklahoma dam combines with additional rain in the forecast. Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has ordered the state's National Guard to station high-water rescue teams in the western part of the state. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their son Archie could be in South Africa by the end of the year. Sources have dropped hints that officials there are making necessary preparations for the visit. Southern Africa is not new to the Royal couple because they had been there before their marriage. In fact, it was in Botswana that their romance blossomed. At that time, Harry was a fighter pilot and Meghan was an actor in the legal drama Suits. Later, the fairytale romance engineered by a common friend ended with their wedding. Now, they are parents. Daily Mail UK reports Prince Harry is at present in Italy. It was his second foreign trip since his son Archie was born. It seems Meghan Markle and Archie will join him during their visit to South Africa. Their itinerary will also cover some other countries on the continent. Observers feel this could end up as a long duration stay in Africa, possibly next year. It could stretch to several months. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Are Reportedly Planning to Take Archie on a Trip to South Africa 'Later This Year' https://t.co/kIJo1ZwsRA pic.twitter.com/mFWTM159So Lowell Warren (@LowellWarren1) May 25, 2019 Harry has a weakness for Africa When talking about Africa, Prince Harry says it is where he feels comfortable with life. In the initial days after meeting Meghan Markle, he took her to Botswana. There the two of them spent some quality time and tried to become one with nature. In fact, he described the meeting with Meghan as one when he felt the stars were aligned. Daily Mail UK adds that Harry designed the engagement ring for Meghan and the African link surfaced again because at the center of the ring was a diamond from Botswana. Discuss this news on Eunomia Moreover, some relatives of Harry live in Cape Town in neighboring South Africa. Of course, there is no official information about the Royal couples visit to South Africa. Meghan has not appeared in public after becoming a mother. Prince Harry and Meghan are planning a trip to South Africa with baby Archie. #royal https://t.co/lUoXRZJeHK via @DailyMailCeleb Richard Eden (@richardaeden) May 25, 2019 Harry is involved with charities in Africa According to Express UK, Harrys links with Africa goes back to the sudden death of his mother Princess Diana. Harrys father Prince Charles took him and his brother Prince William to Africa during the grieving period. Later, Prince Harry introduced Meghan to Botswana. The occasion was their second date just four weeks after they met and the country went on to occupy a special place in their hearts. The Duke of Sussex is involved in a number of charities in the region. One of these is Elephants Without Borders. Its aim is to prevent poaching of elephants for their ivory tusks. Incidentally, in 2017, he brought Meghan along to celebrate her 36th birthday. A photograph snapped on the occasion shows the two of them attaching a tracker to one of the elephants. It reveals another side of the royal couple because poaching of the elephants for the sake of their tusks is a crime in Africa. There's so much contention in the world, arguing looks to be our way of life. Even centuries-old issues go pleading for resolution. Consider this one between Italy and France. Crying foul At first, the Italian government balked at loaning anything to the Louvre for a retrospective honoring the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci's death. The museum owns five of his works, Mona Lisa numbering among them, and seeks others by the artist including two paintings held in his hometown museum, the Uffizi in Florence. Was the balk retribution? Resentment lives In 2012 the Independent, a British online newspaper, reported Italy's assertion that Mona Lisa belongs in his home city, not in Paris, and petitioned the Louvre with 150,000 signatures. The effort went nowhere, even after the director of the Uffizi, Eike Schmidt, threatened resignation. Now, the Art Newspaper reports that Italy has changed its mind and culture minister Alberto Bonisoli told his French counterpart, Franck Riester, he was ready to help France. And why not? After all, didn't the Louvre lend work for Milan Expo in 2015, and pledge to help Rome with its Raphael show next year? Legitimate sale Still, the contention that the Mona Lisa belongs to Italy hangs in the air. Even George Clooney backed the claim in 2014 during the promotional tour for his film The Monument Men. How legitimate is the claim? It's a matter of record that the portrait has been in France for the last 501 years, when Da Vinci died there, the portrait in hand, and his beloved assistant Salai, who inherited the work, sold it to the king. Discuss this news on Eunomia Francis I for 4,000 gold coins. How can Italy argue this? Money talks Perhaps it's the portrait's track record at the Louvre. Mona Lisa is the biggest draw in the art world. ArtNet reports visitors to the Louvre last year soared past 10 million. classing the Louvre the most well=attended museum on the planet. The portrait also holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest insurance valuation ($650 million in 2018). Making history And if we're talking about records, shouldn't history be the final arbiter? In 2016, the Italian Tribune noted that when Da Vinci moved to France at the invitation of Francis I with the Mona Lisa and died there, the king hung his purchase at his palace at Fontainebleau. Then, when King Louis XIV came after, it got moved to his palace at Versailles. The final resting place for the painting came after the French Revolution when the painting got moved to the Louvre. All of which makes French ownership as solid as the rocks of the Pyrenees. Fair's fair But wait, there's yet another reason why France can claim the Mona Lisa. As I reported at the start of this month, a new Book The Da Vinci Legacy by Jean-Pierre Isbouts and Christopher Heath-Brown noted that the painter 'died in relative obscurity because Italy exiled him for a crime against a teenage boy. Not to argue the merits of that case, you can't boot a painter out of your country and then claim his work for your own. In a tearful state address, British Prime Minister Theresa May announced Friday that she will be stepping down on June 7 because she failed to deliver Brexit as she had anticipated. Whereas the announcement came as a surprise not only to the British people but also to many in the world, pundits believed the move was likely, especially after Members of Parliament dealt her plans a deathblow several times. Plus within the Conservative ranks themselves, there has been some unhappiness with her efforts. British overseas investments The British government and investors have invested billions of dollars in the EU. Her vain efforts to attain a deal with the 28 European Union member states have created sharp divisions within her party and parliament at large, a move that has compounded to her untimely exit. According to studies noted by the BBC after the June 2016 referendum in which 51.9 percent of the British population voted for exit, foreign investments from the EU into the UK decreased by almost 11 percent. The British economy could have suffered more significantly in the advent of a no-deal Brexit. Acrimony in British Parliament Theresa May had earlier asked for a three-month delay to Brexit after her government failed to meet the Brexit deadline which was earmarked for March 29. European Union members, especially France and German believed her plans were meant to buy time to get her thrice-rejected Brexit deal through an acrimonious parliament. According to CBS, Mays re-negotiated plan on trade policy with the EU could have increased prices of basic products such as fruits and vegetables, which could, in turn, have resulted in more cardio-vascular conditions among the population. Sensing another hostile confrontation in parliament, May threw in the towel thereby complicating the Brexit move. Discuss this news on Eunomia Rise and fall of Theresa May Mays short glitch into the international limelight was marred by controversies occasioned by the Brexit referendum. From the onset, she blatantly ignored the voices of reason for a quick exit from the European Union. She stood a great chance to walk into the footsteps of her political mentor and former Prime Minister Margret Thatcher. She, however, leaves behind a tainted political legacy. Her exit further implies that the new Conservative leader to replace her at the 10 Downing Street must holistically redress the Brexit plan by re-negotiating a reasonable exit plan that will benefit all the 28 EU member states as well as uphold the British peoples overwhelming verdict to vacate the European Union. The soon to be chosen Conservative leader must also look into the verdict of Scotland and Northern Ireland which voted to remain in the European Union by 62 percent and 55.8 percent respectively. Hopefully, the new leader will not bulldoze a way out of Europe in a manner that impacts harshly on the economy. Chinese Ambassador Hu Zhangliang Paid a Courtesy Call on Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mrs. Nabeela Tunis 2019/05/27 On May 21, 2019, Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Mr. Hu Zhangliang paid a courtesy call on Mrs. Nabeela Tunis, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone. Ambassador Hu conveyed the warm congratulations and best wishes of His Excellency Mr. Wang Yi, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Peoples Republic of China to Hon. Minister Tunis. Ambassador Hu said that China and Sierra Leone enjoy deep traditional friendship, political mutual trust and beneficial cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries 48 years ago. This has brought tangible benefits to our two peoples, Ambassador Hu said. The Chinese side will work with the Sierra Leonean side to implement the important consensus reached by H.E. President Xi Jinping and H.E. President Julius Maada Bio and the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit. We hope that the bilateral cooperation between China and Sierra Leone in various fields will be enhanced to a new level, Ambassador Hu pointed out. Hon. Minister Tunis asked Ambassador Hu to convey her sincere gratitude and best wishes to H.E. State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi. The Honorable Minister said that the long-standing friendship between Sierra Leone and China is unfading. Over the years, the Chinese government and people have been providing valuable support for Sierra Leones development in various fields. The Sierra Leone government and people are deeply grateful for that. Last year when H.E. President Bio paid a state visit to China, H.E. President Xi Jinping met with him cordially and the talks between them were very fruitful. As the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, I will work with the Chinese side to actively promote the friendly relations between our two countries, the Honorable Minister assured the Ambassador. "General Hospital" (GH) spoilers say that Carly will go to the grave of her deceased son. In that sad place, she will let herself go in desperate crying, convinced that her pregnancy ends tragically. Although the medical examinations have been okay, Carly is not at all calm. Will her instinct as a woman be right? Intriguing "GH" rumors suggest that if Carly loses her child, Michael would find out the truth about Wiley. Without a doubt, it's a twist that would change everything within the complicated plot of "General Hospital". 'General Hospital': Carly has bad feelings about her baby The latest "General Hospital" spoilers say that Carly will be very happy to know that the child is well. The woman was urgently taken to the hospital, where she was also tested for DNA. Fortunately, everything was resolved in the best possible way. Carly, very happy, will go to the cemetery to see her son dead. There will be a very moving dialogue between them, which will make fans of the soap opera cry. After the dialogue between their souls, Carly will feel that something is wrong. According to Celebrity Dirty Laundry, we know that the relationship between Carly and Morgan has not always been the best. However, the fear of losing this child also changed Carly deeply. The tests carried out at the hospital are not negative and, according to medical examinations, her baby is fine. However, the woman feels deep down that something is wrong. Is Carly's baby in danger? Carly's pregnancy could end badly As we know, there's always some hiccups in the "GH" plots. Carly has a bad feeling and will be convinced that her child has health problems. Discuss this news on Eunomia Also, Sonny and Carly are not very young. It is therefore not excluded that there may be a twist in this complicated storyline. At the same time, another storyline will excite fans of the soap opera. We're talking about Josslyn who, after Oscar Nero's death, will become more and more attached to Cameron. Between the two teenagers a beautiful relationship will be born, which will turn into a love story. Cameron will dry Joss' tears, but it will still be some time before the girl forgets the pain of losing Oscar. Carly's instinct will most likely not be wrong? Other "General Hospital" spoilers referring to the episode that will air on June 4 on ABC, reveal that Carly will confide her most secret fears to her deceased son. After crying on the grave, the woman will sink into a state of depression. According to the assumptions of Celebrity Dirty Laundry, Carly could really lose the baby. However, we also know that Wiley is actually Michael's son, even though he is unaware of it. Interesting "General Hospital" spoilers suggest that the death of Carly's son could be the way to bring out this dark secret. In 2018, the government targeted to remove at least 50% of administrative procedures, simplify 61% business conditions and reduce 60% of specialized inspection for trade activities. The removal of business conditions would save Vietnam around 5.84 million working days for businesses and citizens, equivalent to VND872 billion (US$37.2 million) per year, according to the government's estimation. In 2018, the government targeted to remove at least 50% of administrative procedures, simplify 61% business conditions and reduce 60% of specialized inspection for trade activities. According to the governments report, many government agencies and provinces have sped up the processing time and fostering the application of online public services, especially in tax, custom and judicial system. However, the government urged local authorities to address the issue of missing deadline in solving daily tasks and returning results for citizens. Ho Chi Minh City was named at the top of the list having the largest number of 70,000 of overdue cases, followed by Long An with 17,000 and Binh Duong with 5,200. The reason behind the issue was the lack of coordination among agencies, as well as the shortage of manpower. Sluggish SOE privatization The report added that in 2018, 23 state-owned entities carried out the privatization worth VND31.7 trillion (US$1.35 billion), while 28 proceeded with their respective initial public offerings (IPOs), raising VND21.8 trillion (US$932.46 million). Total revenue from the privatization of state firms and divestment of state capital reached VND21.7 trillion (US$928.18 million) last year. Nevertheless, the government acknowledged slow process in approving restructuring scheme for state-owned enterprises (SOEs), including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, two cities with the largest number of SOEs subject to privatization. Meanwhile, the business performance of some SOEs remained modest and disproportional to the financial resources under their disposal. In the first four months of 2019, government agencies approved the privatization schemes of just two SOEs with total value of VND295 billion (US$12.73 billion), according to Vice Minister of Finance Vu Thi Mai. From the total of 126 state-owned enterprises (SOEs) subject to privatization in the 2017 2018 period at the prime ministers request, only 26 so far have completed the process, accounting for nearly 25% of the target, Mai added. This brings total number of SOEs having privatization scheme approved during the three-year period, from 2016 to April 2019, to 164 with combined value of VND442 trillion (US$19.08 billion), of which the state capital amounted to VND206 trillion (US$8.89 billion). According to Mai, the slow privatization progress of SOEs was partly due to the lack of efforts from ministries and provinces, while problems in finance, land and laborers from periods prior to the privatization also hindered the process at targeted SOEs. In addition, the divestment process for SOEs has also lagged behind schedule. Some 135 SOEs were scheduled for divestment in 2017 and 181 others in 2018. However, only 31 firms have finished the divestment process on schedule. Hanoitimes Nguyen Tung With e-commerce and automation changing the landscape of the logistics sector dramatically, there will be a focus on re-skilling the existing workforce in technology, which will improve the competitiveness of the logistics industry. The remark was made by Le Duy Hiep, chairman of the Viet Nam Logistics Business Association (VLA) at a recent forum in HCM City. He said that vocational education and training (VET) colleges often faced challenges aligning graduates skills with industry needs, which leads to skills shortages in the job market. As a result, graduates are placed in low-skilled positions with employers having to invest in re-training. Close cooperation between logistics enterprises and vocational schools has had remarkable results in improving the quality of logistics training, Hiep said. VLA members would continue to develop linkages between VET providers and logistics enterprises to meet labour demand, he said. The forum on Human Resource Development for the Logistics Industry and Future Trends in Viet Nam, held under Aus4Skills - an Australian Government-funded programme by the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and VLA, discussed actions to be taken to close the skills gap and shortage of skilled workers in Viet Nam. The Logistics Industry Reference Council (LIRC), an industry-led model established by the Aus4Skills programme, is an example of a successful partnership between the logistics industry and VET providers to develop occupational and skills standards in the logistics sector. Australia has made a strong commitment to support improvements to Viet Nams logistics industry, which in turn we hope will help advance Vietnams economic growth, said Petrina Lawson, deputy consul general of the Australian Consulate General in HCM City. Members of the LIRC are state administrative agencies, enterprises and business associations, training institutions, and VCCI. The LIRC helps to ensure that the skills of graduates are relevant and meet employers needs, which results in improved productivity and efficiency in the logistics sector. About 3,000 enterprises, mostly small and medium sized, are involved the logistics industry. According to recent statistics of the Vietnamese Logistics Association (VLA), the logistics sector lacks about 180,000 skilled labourers. Logistics enterprises should consider adding women and vulnerable people to their workforce to limit the labour shortage in the logistics industry, said Phan Thi Le Thu, deputy rector of Vien Dong College in District 12. Women and vulnerable people can perform well in many of these positions in logistics services, she said. Stanley Lim, chairman of FIATA Congress Committee, said the rapid growth of e-commerce would create demand for additional jobs. Preparing graduates as newcomers to the industry is necessary, with a focus on learning practical skills and new technologies, and building a talent pool, he said. Nguyen Hong Hai, chairman of LITA Co., Ltd in Phu Nhuan District, said most enterprises were often afraid that their trained employees would find better-paying jobs after they gained experience. Administration agencies should issue regulations on cooperation between enterprises and vocational school to clarify the responsibilities of relevant sides, he said During the forum, many representatives from businesses, VET colleges, the Vietnamese government and Australian experts discussed the importance of logistics enterprises role in setting skills standards and building skills for the sectors future workforce. Many experts agreed that training programmes at vocational schools should be updated regularly and be more diverse, focusing on on-the-job training. Enterprises should also consider putting employees first and customers second, providing autonomy, power and encouragement to employees, instead of only offering high salaries and well-being programmes to retain employees. English, soft skills and IT skills are among the requirements that workers need to learn. VNS The central province of Ninh Thuan aims to become the renewable-energy centre of the country, with assistance from the central government's preferential policies. Bui Nhat Quang, vice chairman of the Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences, said the development of renewable energy such as wind and solar energy has become a necessity in a time of depleting natural resources such as fossil fuels. Quang spoke at a conference on renewable energy held in the province last Friday. Experts noted that the province should be careful about building too many wind and solar power plants as they could overwhelm the transmission capacity of the existing national grid in the province. To solve the problem, the Government should build more 220-500KV transmission lines and stations to serve wind and solar power plants in the province, they said. Dr Nguyen Tat Thang, of the National Economics University, said Ninh Thuan should also seek more investment capital, land and human resources to develop the projects. The Government and the Ministry of Industry and Trade have approved 30 solar power projects in the province with total capacity of more than 1,800MW and total registered capital of over VND50 trillion (US$2.13 billion). Blessed with abundant sunshine and wind all year round, Ninh Thuan Province is currently home to 25 solar power projects. The province has a high level of sunshine hours (2,467) per year and solar radiation per square metre (1,700kWh), making it ideal for solar energy projects. Investment attraction Under Ninh Thuans green energy plan, by 2030 the province is expected to reach a total capacity of 1,500MW in wind energy and 3,912MW in solar energy. To attract more renewable energy projects, provincial authorities are offering incentive policies to investors. For example, renewable energy investors enjoy a waiver of land-lease fees for the entire projects lifetime, as well as corporate-tax exemption for the first four years and a corporate tax rate of 10 per cent for the next nine years, half the standard rate. The import tax for procurement of fixed assets in renewable projects will also be reduced to zero. However, investment in renewable energy still faces challenges such as higher costs, complex technology, and legal bottlenecks, according to energy experts. Pham Van Hau, vice chairman of Ninh Thuan Peoples Committee, said the provincial Peoples Committee would continue to direct its agencies to work with investors to settle problems related to land clearance and business procedures. When wind and solar energy projects begin commercial production, they will not only provide significant contributions to Viet Nams energy security, but also contribute to local socio-economic development, he said. Ninh Thuan leads the country in developing renewable energy, with a total of eight wind and solar power projects already in commercial operation. In January, the BP Solar 1 solar power plant opened in the province, becoming the first Vietnamese-built solar power project to be connected to the national grid. The project, including transmission lines and transformation stations, is expected to generate 74.45 million KWh per year. VNS In the first four months this year, the Philippines has leapfrogged China to become Vietnams largest rice importer. Instead of limiting how much rice will be imported, the Philippines now will impose tariff on rice at 35% for ASEAN members. The move is expected to have a positive effect on Vietnamese rice exporters, according to Viet Dragon Securities Company (VDSC). The import tax rate applied for Vietnamese rice is relatively low, fixed at 35% regardless of volume while production costs in the Philippines are much higher than in Vietnam and Thailand, VDSC said in its latest report. The Philippines has not been able to produce enough rice to feed its own people and has been importing rice for the past 20 years. Last year, before the new regulations, more than half of Philippine rice imports came from Vietnam. On April 5, Philippine policymakers approved the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 11203 which lifts the quantitative import restrictions on rice. This act, which came into effect on March 5, was signed by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on February 14. Following changes in regulation, rice imports are now subject to tax rate of 35% for products originating from ASEAN countries, including Vietnam. Additionally, a tax rate of 40% would be applied for rice imports from non-ASEAN WTO member countries with the minimum access volume (MAV) of 350,000 tons, and 180% above the MAV of 350,000 tons. Minimum Access Volume (MAV) refers to the volume of a specific agricultural product is allowed to be imported with a lower tariff as committed by the Philippines to the WTO under the Uruguay Round Final Act. For instance, rice MAV is 350,000 tons. In case of shortages or abnormal price increases, the MAV Management Committee (MMC) shall recommend to Philippines President revisions, modification or adjustment of the MAV for rice. This regulation is expected to raise rice import from nearby ASEAN member countries and lower prices for the consumer, suggested the report. According to the Philippines former Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, by tariffication, instead of quantity restrictions, the rice price will decline by about 4 to 7 Philippine peso per kilogram. The Philippines is a major export market for Vietnamese rice. While China is importing less Vietnamese rice, exports to the Philippines have been increasing since 2016. In 2018, the Philippines became the second biggest importer of Vietnamese rice, after China, accounting for 15% of the total export value. It has imported about 1.01 million tons from Vietnam, worth more than US$457 million, an increase of 83% year-on-year in volume and 105% in value. In addition, after March 5, traders do not need a Philippines National Food Authority (NFA) permit, license or registration to trade and import rice. They are only required to get the sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC) from the PHL Bureau of Plant Industry. This new regulation is expected to simplify and speed up the import process, stated VDSC. Regulation changes as mentioned above may boost rice imports into the Philippines, especially those from Vietnam. In the first four months of 2019, China is no longer the largest buyer of Vietnamese rice. The Philippines had advanced to the top post, having imported 814,484 tons of rice from Vietnam, worth more than US$320 million, up 343% in volume and 290% in value, accounting for 36% of total Vietnam rice export value. Hanoitimes Hai Yen An increasing number of solar power plants are placing mounting pressure on Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) by developing power grids and connecting them with plants over a short period, officials said. Technicians install a solar power system on the roof of a solar power plant An EVN report revealed that solar power projects, which have so far added to the Power Development Master Plan VII, have a combined capacity of some 15,000 megawatt peak, thanks to the attractive power sale price. According to an April 2017 decision of the prime minister, State-owned utility EVN is required to purchase all output from solar power projects connected to the national grid at VND2,086, or 9.35 U.S. cents, per kilowatt hour, excluding value-added tax. The period for electricity purchase contracts with EVN is set for 20 years from the start of commercial operations. The decision, which came into effect in early June last year, will expire late next month. Solar and wind power plant projects are mainly situated in the south-central and southern parts of the country because of their favorable climate conditions. These regions have a load capacity accounting for roughly 50% of the total. Therefore, the operations of these projects are expected to reduce the shortage of electricity to some extent in the southern region. This will help secure the electricity supply and reduce pressure on power system operations. However, Nguyen Duc Ninh, deputy director of the Electricity National Load Dispatch Center, was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as saying that as of May 17, EVN had connected 27 solar power plants with the national power grid, at a total capacity of some 1,500 megawatts (MW). There are nine plants in the south, 17 in central Vietnam and one in the north. A total of 44 other plants in May and June are being linked to the grid, so each week sees an average of 10 plants starting operations, which is regarded as a heavy workload for his center, Ninh said. He added that work on each solar power project takes one to two years to complete, but the development of the corresponding transmission grid requires three to four years of work. Given the current situation, many experts predicted that the electricity system would face issues related to the electricity lines and transformers, causing system instability and device danger. Mai Duy Thien, a representative of the Vietnam Clean Energy Association, said that the source capacity of renewable energy varies according to weather conditions, while transmission capacity varies from 60%-80% over a period of only 5-10 minutes and occurs randomly in the same project area. Therefore, the electricity system must stay operational to maintain the balance between the source and transmission, he said. The EVN report pointed out that given an installed capacity of 3,000 MW at solar power plants with a margin of error at 20%, standby power requires up to 600 MW, equivalent to the output of a large coal power plant, to maintain its corresponding output. This is forecast to cause difficulties and raise operational costs for the State group. SGT The US is likely not to include Vietnam in a twice-yearly report of currency manipulators based on new data the country provided the Treasury Department, Bloomberg reported, citing a person familiar with the matter. In recent weeks, Vietnam provided additional data aimed at showing the US Treasury it wasnt holding down the value of the dong. Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh visited to Washington on May 22-23, where he met with a number of US officials, including Treasury Secretary Mnuchin on Thursday. According to a statement of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the meeting with Minh, Mnuchin said trade and investment would be one of key pillars in the bilateral relations, and hailed Vietnam for sharing more information and tackling pressing economic and financial problems. Treasury issues a report twice annually on foreign currencies. In the latest report, the number of countries under scrutiny for possible manipulation will rise to about 20 from 12, after Treasury altered one of the three criteria it uses to test for manipulation. Current account surplus was a factor that prompted Treasury to examine for currency manipulation. For the current report, they lowered the threshold of current account surplus to 2% of gross domestic product from 3%. The US uses three criteria to determine if a country is a currency manipulator. Besides the current account surplus criterion, two other criteria are a bilateral goods trade surplus with the U.S. of at least $20 billion; and intervention in the foreign-exchange market that exceeds at least 2% of GDP. The report was officially due to Congress in April. Mnuchin initially expected to meet that deadline and submitted the completed report to the White House for sign-off in early April. But the report has since been delayed and a date for its release hasnt been announced. Hanoitimes Anh Minh Export turnover of wood and wooden products reached nearly US$3.12 billion in the first four months of the year, a year-on-year increase of 18.3 per cent, according to the General Department of Customs. Workers at a furniture processing plant in Binh Duong Province. Viet Nams wood and wooden products exports went up by 18 per cent in the first four months of the year. The 10 largest import markets were the US, Japan, China, South Korea, the UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, France and the Netherlands. Exports to some market increased strongly compared to the same period last year. Exports to Austria were up by 181.6 per cent to reach $706,081; Portugal up by 56.3 per cent to $1.84 million; Mexico up by 53.4 per cent to $4.9 million; Saudi Arabia up by 43 per cent to $12.42 million; and the US up by 34.6 per cent to $1.42 billion, the department said. But exports to some markets fell significantly, such as Turkey, down by 81.5 per cent, reaching $1.1 million; Cambodia down by 49.6 per cent, to $1.92 million; Hong Kong down by 45.9 per cent, to $1.32 million; and Finland down by 41 per cent, to $0.48 million. The strong rise in demand from Viet Nams key import markets such as the US and Japan increased export revenue in the period, the department said. In addition, the improvement of the domestic business and investment environment helped boost manufacturing and export activities of enterprises involved in the wood processing industry. The General Department of Customs forecasts that Viet Nam's wood and wooden products exports in the first half of 2019 will increase by 16-18 per cent over the same period in 2018, given that many wood processing firms have export orders until the end of the year. According to the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCM City (Hawa), last year the revenue from wood and wooden products reached nearly $9.4 billion, accounting for over 23 per cent of the agriculture sectors total export turnover. The wood processing sector also enjoyed a trade surplus of over $7 billion. Hawa chairman Nguyen Quoc Khanh quoted Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc as saying at a recent conference that Viet Nam should become the worlds quality furniture production hub. The global furniture market is worth nearly $200 billion a year, so there is still more room for the country to enhance exports, according to Khanh. The Government has set a target to achieve furniture export revenue of $20-30 billion in the next five to 10 years, and it is not an unrealistic target, he said. Khanh said domestic wood processing companies had overtaken foreign direct investment enterprises in terms of export revenue, and could compete fairly with foreign rivals to provide products to large corporations. However, local wood enterprises were weak in design and distribution, with only 5 per cent of the exported products designed locally. The association over the years had organised activities to develop local furniture design teams and help local firms expand their distribution systems, he said. VNS Vietnams seafood exports to the other 10 members of the CPTPP have increased sharply since the agreement took effect earlier this year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. A tra fish farm in Dong Thap Province. Vietnamese seafood firms have begun to capitalise on opportunities brought about by the CPTPP, boosting export to member countries. According to the ministrys Agro Processing and Market Development Authority, they grew at nearly 15 per cent year-on-year to US$502 million in the first four months. Overall exports were US$2.5 billion, an increase of 2.4 per cent. Export growth slowed down in the case of many markets. But in the case of CPTPP members, exports to Mexico increased by 35.6 per cent, to Malaysia by nearly 22 per cent and to Canada by nearly 14 per cent. Japan, another member, remained the top importer of Vietnamese seafood. Exports of tra fish and shrimp to Japan were worth $8.58 million and $121.7 million in the first three months, a year-on-year increase of 60.37 per cent and 1.4 per cent, respectively. The CPTPPs reduction or elimination of many tariff lines on seafood has helped boost their exports to member countries, according to seafood firms. Canada is the sixth biggest market for Vietnamese shrimp, accounting for almost 5 per cent of exports. According to the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, the CPTPP will give shrimp exporters an advantage in the Canadian market over rivals like India, Thailand and Indonesia, who are not members of the treaty. To capitalise on the opportunities brought by the trade deal, many seafood firms have expanded their facilities, purchased modern machinery and equipment and set up raw material-production areas to enable production that meets market requirements. Tran Van Linh, chairman of the Thuan Phuoc Seafoods and Trading Corporation in Da Nang, said his company planned to invest in processing plants to expand production and exports to CPTPP markets, especially Japan and South Korea, which have high demand for fisheries products. Le Van Quang, chairman of Minh Phu Seafood Group Corporation, said his company too plans to invest in expanding production to achieve its target of growing exports by 15 per cent this year. China tax exemption China has exempted tariffs on 33 kinds of Vietnamese seafood exports, the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) has said. The products include lobster, tiger prawn, sea shrimp, cod, clams, frozen tra and basa fish, round scads, tuna and octopus. More than 150 Vietnamese enterprises export seafood products to China, including about 45 tra and basa enterprises and nearly 50 shrimp exporting enterprises, among other seafood enterprises, according to VASEP. With China easing its import policy, Viet Nam is expected to enhance its exports to the world's most populous market. China is considered one of the most important markets for Vietnamese seafood, with average export value from Viet Nam to China reaching over US$1 billion per year. In 2017, Vietnamese seafood export value to China increased nearly 50 per cent year-on-year to $1.3 billion, according to the association. However, the export value fell slightly by 5 per cent year-on-year in 2018 to $1.2 billion. It also fell by 5 per cent in the first quarter of the year, to $239 million. Truong Dinh Hoe, VASEP Secretary General, said the fishery industry set a target to export over $1.5 billion seafood products this year to China, where seafood consumption is increasing. Large provinces in China were concerned about direct trading activities with Vietnamese seafood firms instead of buying via intermediaries. As e-commerce in China was developing quickly, many kinds of Vietnamese seafood had been introduced on e-commerce platforms. Hoe said that Viet Nam could reach its target of seafood export value, which would be higher than the $1.2 billion recorded last year. Meanwhile, besides businesses efforts to ensure quality standards, the State must strictly control cross-border export activities of seafood products to China to ensure fair competition for Vietnamese seafood businesses, he said. VNS The 24 March elections left the country split. The coalition that backs Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha opposes an alliance of seven pro-democracy parties. Three parties are undecided: Democrat Party, Bhumjaithai Party and Chart Pattana. The pro-military party today met representatives of the first two. Bangkok (AsiaNews/Agencies) The leaders of two Thai political parties are meeting with representatives of the ruling pro-military party to discuss a possible deal to keep Prayuth Chan-o-cha (pictured), a former general, as prime minister. The talks are taking place more than two months after the controversial 24 March general election. The vote marked Thailands return to democracy, almost five years after the military seized power, but left the country divided. A deal involving the three parties threatens to end the hopes of a government formed by a coalition of seven pro-democracy parties. This morning, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) officially invited the Democratic Party (DP) and the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) to join the coalition that supports Prayuth Chan-o-cha. PPRP leader Uttama Savanayana went to DP headquarters in Bangkok in the late morning, where he met DP Secretary-General Chalermchai Sri-on. At the end of the meeting, the latter declared that the DP needs more time to decide whether to accept the offer. Some DP officials do not want to support a government led by Prayuth Chan-o-cha. Despite Chalermchai Sri-ons statements, Uttama said he was confident of forming a government and is preparing to meet the BJT leaders in the afternoon. In recent days, the PPRP managed to convince the DP and the BJT to support its nominations for House Speaker and deputies, albeit with a narrow majority. If the three parties - DP, BJT and Chart Pattana Party - join the PPRP-led, the new government will have 253 votes in the 500-member lower house. Prayuth Chan-o-cha will also need the support of the Senate, but the 250 senators are all appointed by the military and will support his attempt to form a government. Chinese Ambassador Hu Zhangliang Paid a Courtesy Call on Hon. Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh 2019/05/27 On May 21, 2019, Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Mr. Hu Zhangliang paid a courtesy call on Hon. Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. Ambassador Hu conveyed the cordial greetings from His Excellency Mr. Wang Qishan, Vice President of the Peoples Republic of China to Hon. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. Ambassador Hu said that China and Sierra Leone enjoy long-standing profound friendship and fruitful cooperation, which have brought real benefits to our two peoples. Last year, H.E. President Xi Jinping and H.E. President Julius Maada Bio held fruitful meeting and reached important consensus when President Bio paid a state visit to China and attended the FOCAC Beijing Summit. The Chinese side will work closely with the Sierra Leonean side to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, so as to promote the cooperation between China and Sierra Leone in various fields to a higher level. Hon. Vice President Jalloh asked Ambassador Hu to convey his sincere gratitude and best wishes to His Excellency Vice President Wang Qishan. Vice President Jalloh said the Chinese government and people have been providing strong support to Sierra Leone in her economic and social development and the improvement of peoples livelihood. He said the Sierra Leonean government and people are deeply grateful for this. He wished that the bilateral exchanges and cooperation between the two countries be further strengthened and the mutual benefit and common development be promoted. The story of Bong, the bamboo fish built to protect Danangs beach from plastic waste. Bong, a few days after the opening - PHOTOS: COURTESY OF DEREK WELLS Quite a few recent works of art have been createdand often gone viralin response to the global problem of environmental pollution. Many of these, such as Von Wongs Strawpocalypse installation in HCMC, recycle waste materials in order to raise awareness, but fewer have actively sought solutions to the waste disposal problems they highlight. Recently, a group of expat and Vietnamese volunteers in the coastal city of Danang were inspired by the concept of combining message and functionality to create Bong, a large bamboo sculpture in the shape of a fish in the busiest area of the citys famous My Khe Beach. Bong serves as both an awareness-raising work of art and a practical means to alleviate littering and give visitors to the beach a fun way to help clean it up. The story of its creation has the potential to inspire anyone who wants to make a difference in their adopted home. A desire to clean up (From L): Nguyen Duc Vu, Tyler Smith, Robynn Louw and Sarah Field on the opening day Bong is the result of two months of work led by Sarah Field, an ESL teacher who came to Danang from Zimbabwe in 2018 with her husband Collin when he was contracted to build an industrial laundry and uniform facility at the Hoiana Integrated Resort near Hoi An. The two would often take walks along Danangs famously beautiful My Khe Beach, often considered Vietnams best. There they were upset by the amount of trash they saw lying around, as well as the many areas with inadequate disposal options. Its been disturbing us since weve been here, Sarah said. Bits of the beach will be really clean and bits will be really terrible. We would pick up stuff as we walked. Ive picked up syringes, needles, and broken bottles. This experience inspired Sarah to research waste solutions online, where she stumbled on a photo of a sculpture on Malpe Beach in India. Titled Goby, this work by Janardhan Havanje takes the form of a fish made from scrap metal and mesh, with an open mouth where people can throw recyclable waste like plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Thus inspired, Sarah intended to make a localized version of the same idea, calling it Ca Bong, Vietnamese for goby, which was soon shortened to simply Bong. Being both foreign to Vietnam and new to Danang, Sarah lacked the necessary connections to make her idea happen. It was the administrator at her apartment, Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang, who came to the rescue, telling Sarah that her martial arts instructor worked for the local government and may be able to help. Through him, Trang got the contact information of Mr. Nguyen Duc Vu, director of the Son Tra Ecotourism Seas Board. Sarah wrote a three-page email outlining her idea to Vu, which Trang translated. I never in a million years thought anybody would go for it, she said. But Collin said to give it a bit of time. Gathering a team Collins judgment soon proved correct. After a week of back-and-forth emails, Trang was able to arrange for Sarah and herself to have coffee with Nguyen Duc Vu and Hoang Phuc Lam, the latter a young official at the department. Lams primary job was to research and help the board with promotions. Excited by the potential of her idea, Lam put Sarah in touch with Chris McBride, an artist who runs The Workshop art cafe in Danang. Chris worked with her to create a sketch that would become the basis for the sculpture, a vision that stayed remarkably true to the results. But it took another connection to bring it into the real world. Tyler Smith, a friend of Sarahs daughter, had lived in Danang for a few months. When Sarah told him about her plan, he took an immediate interest and connected her with his friend Robynn Louw, a qualified architect who was happy to help turn the concept into reality. The teams initial idea was to construct the sculpture from a combination of poly pipe and bamboo, with a base of concrete and steel. However, a visit to the Taboo Bamboo Workshop in Hoi An quickly changed their minds. When they told their plans to Tan, the owner of Taboo, he explained that piping, metal, and concrete are poor fits for the local climate. Instead, he said Why dont you just make it out of bamboo? Tan was a bamboo artisan who had used it to build his home and car, so the team trusted that he knew what could be done with the material. They left Taboo with photos of the lashing technique that Tan used in his work, as well as advice from him on which types of bamboo to use. With his encouragement, they taught themselves many of the remaining techniques. Another artisan showed them how to best cut bamboo, and Sarahs childhood on a farm had made her an old hand at tying strong knots. Most of the rest came from pictures of Tans work, videos they found online, and trying until they got it right. Meanwhile, Lam was gathering his own crew. Using the Indian Goby photo, he created a Facebook group called Volunteers of Danang Beach which soon gathered over 200 membersmost of them local university students. He posted regular updates on the project and, when the time came, arranged a meeting for those who wanted to help. The volunteers had their first meetup at a local restaurant and gathering space Urban Square. Eight potential volunteers showed up, most of them young female university students. I saw the project on Facebook and registered for it, volunteer Diem My says. Nobody else wanted to be the leader, so I thought I can. A junior at the Danang University of Economics, Mys English ability and work ethics soon made her a crucial member of the team who was able to spread word of the project to her fellow students. Building Bong Volunteers pose in front of Bong on the opening day The team raised funds for materialsmostly bamboo and leaves, with hessian yarn and fishing line for bindingfrom a variety of Danang small businesses, including several international schools and academies. Collins employer Hoiana donated to produce T-shirts and printed materials featuring Robynns design. They estimated that construction of the sculpture would take about a month to complete, working mainly in the morning to avoid heat and allow for many volunteers afternoon schedules. However, they didnt count on the waves of volunteers who showed up to help. Twelve came that first day, and more followed, drawn in by Facebook, friends, or just curiosity as they passed by. Many expats want to give back to Vietnam as thanks for being able to live in this beautiful place, but they dont know how, says Hazel Maria Mercano, a volunteer from the Philippines. We realized we have to have locals involved, and theyre the ones who did most of the real hands-on work. Some of them dont speak much English and we dont speak much Vietnamese, but we did our best to communicate. Sarah helped teach them English, so they were able to learn and practice while they worked. Eventually, 31 volunteers would contribute to the project, including 22 Vietnamese and nine expats. They mostly worked in the shade of palm trees on the sidewalk, next to a lifeguard tower where Lam arranged for them to store the materials, until Bong grew too big and had to be moved to its current position on the beach. They began by following the guidance of Sarah and her team, but were soon able to do a lot of work themselves. I learned about nailing and bending, and I got to improve my English and my confidence in myself, volunteer leader Diem My says. My volunteers went to Hoi An to cut strips of the tree with a dangerous knife [for binding] and bring it here. They also received help from some unlikely places, as Robynn, the architect, recounts: A parasailing team of older Vietnamese men on their lunch break came over still in wetsuits and used their decades of skill to help us tie the base together better than we could have. One came out later to see the fish when it was complete, and I could see his happiness. That was a highlight of my career. People walked away from this every day with a sense of achievement, she adds. They could say look what we did today. Ultimately, Bongs construction was finished in just two weeks of work. It also features foam material from flip-flops in the fins and lips, donated by students at the local Little Giants English Academy. A door in the side allows local informal recyclers to easily access its contents. On the last day of work, some of those students came to visit the site, carrying fish drawings to be judged by Vu. They also brought a bag of recyclables, which they took turns excitedly throwing in Bongs mouth. The next morning, Saturday, May 11, was Bongs official opening event. Team members, government officials, and local reporters gathered at 7:30 on an already hot morning to listen to speeches from Vu, Sarah, and Lam celebrating the projects completion and thanking everyone involved. Towards the end of her speech, Sarah paid tribute to the power of working together for a cause. You have all come to realise what is made possible by taking an idea and turning it into reality, she said. Your determination and desire to learn, together with your faith and collaboration with each other, has been at the heart of this success. Students from Little Giants throw plastic bottles into Bong Most of the volunteers showed up in blue Bong T-shirts. Smiling and cheering, they posed for photos, danced to the loudspeaker, and played games with students from several local academies (and the occasional government official): Pin the tail on the Goby, painting on a board donated by Workshop, throwing plastic in Bongs mouth, and several more. Posters showing the dangers of single-use plastics lined the sidewalk, and a few small businesses set up stalls selling food and drinks, handmade art, biodegradable food containers, and educational books. The turnout and celebratory atmosphere was a testament to what a mixed crew motivated by an interest in preserving the environment could achieve in a short time. I was worried about how it would turn out, Lam said of the event. But it went well beyond what I imagined. I was happy that everyone received the reward they deserve. Looking toward the future Sarah admits that she was surprised by the amount of interest in the project, as well as the fact that they were able to pull it off at all. I dont think we realized the enormity of what would happen with this project, she says. To be able to organize a day like Lam did, you need cash behind you. If were going to do another project, well need to take that into consideration. It could grow into something much bigger, but we have to follow board protocol. Because were known now, they should have an easier time raising more funds. As for future plans, Sarah is cautiously optimistic. Weve had fun doing this project, involving the community, and raising awareness. Were privileged to stay here and we love it here, but were going to let local interest guide us and see how people like it before we decide on what to do next. Well give people, especially kids, time to become aware of how it works, and let them learn by example. Volunteer Diem My shares Sarahs long-term perspective towards making a difference. We volunteers have gained an awareness of how we can improve and protect the environment, starting with our beach, she says. And we want to share that with people in Vietnam and around the world. SGT Derek Wells As Vietnams cities and provinces are stepping up plans to realize the smart city dream, foreign tech giants are rushing with new ambitious business plans to seize the opportunities. ABB Group is among many foreign investors who are showing their ambitions to pursue many smart city projects in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang and other localities in Vietnam. The Swedish group has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation with Danangs Department of Information and Communications in developing the beach city into a smart city by 2020 as per a smart city scheme worth VND2.1 trillion (US$91.3 million). According to the MoU, ABB will support Danang in the areas of clean water and leakage management, waste and wastewater management, data center expansion, and help establish a marine operations center. ABB products and solutions are at the heart of a city's critical infrastructure, relied upon for everything from the supply of power, water and heat, to the automation of the factories and buildings we work in, said Brian Hull, country managing director of ABB in Vietnam. Other Swedish giants such as Ericsson, Volvo Buses, Electrolux and IKEA are also showing their intentions with new plans to support the smart city initiatives of cities and provinces in Vietnam. Ericsson and its local partner Viettel has recently announced the operation of 5G mobile network on a trial basis, with a plan to roll it out on a large scale from 2020 onwards. It is now in strategic partnerships with mobile operators in the country to continue building out 4G networks. Similarly, Dutch investors are working on specific smart city plans for Binh Duong. In particular, Philips plans to install smart lighting equipment, while other companies, including FabMax and NXP, are planning to build front-end chip plants in Ho Chi Minh City and back-end chip plants in Binh Duong. Companies from Japan, South Korea, the US, and EU countries are also joining the race. Germanys Bosch has invested US$450,000 in a new center to study new solutions towards building smart cities and Industry 4.0. We plan to develop Ho Chi Minh City into one of our centers to supply the Internet of Things solutions for Bosch in the Southeast Asian region in the long term, said Guru Mallikarjuna, managing director of Bosch Vietnam. Big opportunities With ambitious plans to develop into smart cities, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang are now luring many investors from the US, the EU, Japan and South Korea. Notably, the interest of foreign investors with the plans has been intensified after the Vietnamese government late last year approved a master plan for Vietnams smart and sustainable city development strategy for 2018-2025, with a vision towards 2030. According to experts, basing on the concrete strategies in the plan set forth by the government, investors are now confident in the development of future investment plans, with fewer fears of unpredictable changes, which have been an issue in the past. David Wong Nan Fay, chairman of the Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO), said that the potential for foreign investors to join smart city projects in Vietnam is great because of a lot of solutions on offer there. International groups have great potential to work closely with local Vietnamese partners to implement the solutions. Digital infrastructure, IoT, cyber security, and education for talents are among the most attractive targets to foreign investors interested in smart city development, Fay said, suggesting to attract investor interest, the cities should launch programs, including business-to-business and mission trips, to promote these opportunities to international investors. Hanoitimes Anh Hong As its labor cost is equal and even higher than other countries, Vietnam will have to replace the cheap labor advantage for the skilled workforce advantage in the coming time to raise the competitiveness. Vietnams low labor cost appeal to foreign investors is facing decline due to a rapid rise in minimum wages across the country, experts warned. Vietnam needs to develop skilled workforce to raise competitiveness instead of relying on cheap and low skilled manpower. According to reports from global financial information services provider Fitch Group, Vietnam was among three countries in East and South East Asia that saw the largest year-on-year average minimum wage growth rates between 2015 and 2019 with 8.8 per cent, just behind Laos and China with of 14.6 per cent and 9.8 per cent, respectively. The 2019 minimum wage in Vietnam also increased by an average of 5.3 per cent across the countrys four regions, of which Region 1 (covering the urban areas of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) saw the largest increase in the minimum wage - 5.9 per cent - to US$180. Fitchs analysts forecast the average nominal minimum wage to continue rising across East and South East Asia, including Vietnam, over the short-to-medium term, underpinned by the regions transition into high-value manufacturing and service-based economies associated with higher labor costs, while moving away from agriculture and low-cost labor-intensive sectors, which generally have lower wages. This, together with robust economic growth and the rising costs of living, risks exacerbating regional wealth inequality, thereby emboldening workers demands for higher minimum wages, Fitch analysts noted, adding authorities in some countries, including Vietnam, are succumbing to worker and union demands in order to prevent possible outbreaks of social unrest that could cause political instability. Key to higher competitiveness In fact, the availability of large pools of low-cost labor has positioned Vietnam as the premier hub for labor-intensive business operations, particularly in manufacturing. Many big foreign manufacturers, such as Samsung, LG, Intel, Nike and Adidas, have chosen Vietnam as their destination due to the countrys low labor costs. Therefore, as its labor cost is equal and even higher than other countries, Vietnam will have to replace the cheap labor advantage for the skilled workforce advantage in the coming time to raise the competitiveness, experts said. It is necessary to develop skilled human resources to reposition Vietnams competitive edge in attracting foreign investment, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Vu Dai Thang said. Nihad Ahmed, senior economist at global provider of economic analysis and forecasts Focus Economics, said that one of Vietnam's weaknesses is the lack of skilled workers, emphasizing that Vietnam is far behind China, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand in this field while developing a highly skilled workforce is critical to attracting FDI into value-added industries. To remove the shortcoming, the Vietnamese government is formulating a new national FDI attraction strategy for 2018-2030, in which the development of skilled workforce will be one of the top priorities. Wim Douw, senior private sector specialist of World Banks International Finance Corporation, also highlighted some proposals to serve as key inputs for the Vietnamese government to devise the new strategy. Among them, he suggested Vietnam should create and implement an integrated national skills development plan to accelerate the countrys transition from low skilled to highly qualified labor, which will facilitate technology transfer from foreign invested enterprises. Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam Bruno Angelet also said that a human resources with high technical expertise are the important factor that European investors require. Besides bringing in opportunities of jobs with high income and international standard working environment, a skilled workforce will help Vietnam learn governance skills and get technology transfer, Angelet said, adding however, this is a challenge for Vietnam's education system in meeting the demand for human resources. Hanoitimes Anh Hong Vietnams technology firms need to develop tax incentives, human resources and legal framework. But all three factors are putting the firms at a disadvantage. If the problems can be settled, Vietnams technology firms will have opportunities to develop robustly and become equal to foreign firms, according to Nguyen The Tan, CEO of VCCorp. Tan, at the national forum on Vietnams technology firm development, held in Hanoi some days ago, proposed that the government reconsider taxing creative technology firms. It is necessary to clarify what the tax policy should strive for trying to collect as much as possible, or helping technology firms develop, he said. In China, Alibaba and Baidu enjoy a minus tax mechanism. In the US, Amazon has profit of $11 billion a year, but it can enjoy tax exemptions. In Vietnam, digital content firms have to pay 15-20 percent of total revenue, and corporate income tax. Meanwhile, their development is being hindered by the old way of thinking: businesses can only do services shown in operation licenses. Tan, in his speeches delivered at previous events, repeatedly complained about the unfair treatment to Vietnamese digital content firms and foreign firms which provide services to Vietnam across borders. Google and Facebook, for example, do not have to pay tax when providing services to Vietnamese, while Vietnamese firms have to pay four kinds of taxes and fees. Google and Facebook, for example, do not have to pay tax when providing services to Vietnamese, while Vietnamese firms have to pay four kinds of taxes and fees. While Google and Facebook dont need a license to provide services, Vietnamese firms can only provide services after getting a licenses Everyone, including companies, individuals, newspapers and non-government organizations and television stations, can produce content and post information on Google and Facebook. Meanwhile, Vietnams digital content producers cannot work with each other to produce content and post information on each others platforms. Policies must be applied for all. Businesses must be on the same level playing field, Tan said, adding that digital content is a big industry with revenue of up to $1 billion. Regarding the legal framework, Tan said Vietnams technology firms have to run on a platform created by an old way of thinking. Old management thinking imposed on new technology services is just like a dinosaur society building a legal framework for human beings, he commented. Agreeing with Tan, a businessman who asked to be anonymous said Vietnamese government officials have spent too much time arguing if Grab needs to be treated as a taxi firm or a ride-hailing app, though it is clear that this is a technological solution. This is a typical example showing the old way of thinking of the policymakers in Vietnam, he said. RELATED NEWS Vietnamese technology firms make big leaps in AI research Mai Lan Professor Dr Dang Huy Huynh, Chairman of the Viet Nam Zoological Society, talks to Tuoi Tre newspaper about failures to protect rare animals in Vietnam. Raising wildlife for conservation faces big challenges Vietnam makes efforts in wildlife protection Professor Dang Huy Huynh. Photo baotainguyenmoitruong.vn How do you respond to the recent killing of a whale shark, a rare and endangered animal, in Thanh Hoa Province? This is a big challenge facing us to protect rare animals in Vietnam. From a management perspective, the killing of the whale shark was the result of a lack of environmental protection knowledge. It is the naked truth that in many localities, local officials have not been trained how to protect wild animals. Adding to that is loose management and lack of responsibility towards the conservation and protection of endangered and animals. Do you think construction sites across the country are part of the problem? I couldn't agree more! Many projects have seriously encroached on the environment of many rare animals. However, we cant negate that many projects have brought benefits to the community. In real life, sometimes we have to calculate the pros and cons and choose the invasive ways to protect wild animals. Can you give us examples about how the habitats of wild animals have been encroached upon? Wildlife protection is common in many countries. However, in Vietnam, particularly submerged forests that are sanctuaries for migrant birds, have been destroyed. Another example I want to mention is the Ca Tong giraffe which is only found in the Central Highlands. But in recent years, due to the fast development of coffee and pepper plantations, the population has fallen considerably. Other species have also been hit by hunters and poachers. Having researched wild animals for many years, what is your assessment of the current situation? Studies conducted in Northern Vietnam before 1976 and then in the Central Highlands found a rich diversity of species. But if you ask me to compare the present population of wild animals and rare species, Im very sorry to say there are two extremes. In the past, we always spotted different species when we went into the forest, but now spotting an animal is a rarity. What concerns do you have about the future of our animal populations? We are worried about this situation. Legally speaking, our laws that should protect endangered animals are rather comprehensive, but making them work has become a headache for us. For example, in 2010, despite our efforts coupled by strong support from wildlife organisations, the last rhino in Vietnam was killed. It is regrettable to say that the work of conservation and protection of wild animals in Vietnam is very poor and in certain cases, there are violations of our laws. VNS While the majority of Vietnamese prohibit their children from having sex at an early age, others are more open and do not consider this to be a moral problem. He is a seventh grader. He disseminated a hot girls sex clips to classmates. In the classroom, he and a girl embraced each other in front of me, a teacher that he met for the first time, Vu Thu Huong, a teacher with a PhD in the Psychology faculty at the Hanoi University of Education. Do Thuy Linh, a parent from Dong Da district in Hanoi, said she wasnt surprised about this. Vietnamese students nowadays enter puberty sooner than we did in the past. A seventh grader now could be 1.6 meters tall and can easily search for information about sex on the internet, Linh said. Lien Huong, whose daughter is an eighth grader in Hanoi, said children enter puberty earlier than previous generations, but she doesnt think sexual intercourse is acceptable for a seventh grader. She doesnt know if she can give sex education lessons to her daughter in the right way. While the majority of Vietnamese prohibit their children from having sex at an early age, others are more open and do not consider this to be a moral problem. "If your child is good at school and obedient at home, you wont be able to discover his early sexual activities, she said. A mother who asked to be anonymous said she accidentally read messages that her daughter sent to her classmate when they talked about a hot boy in the class. The words A slept with B were seen repeatedly in the messages. The girl once told her mother that a ninth grade schoolboy slept with four girls from four classes. I was shocked about what my daughter said and I went to a psychologist for help, she said. Later, the mother prohibited the girl from using a smartphone and accessing social networks. However, she is not sure if the ban was enough. Meanwhile, another parent, who introduced himself as having a doctorate and receiving western education, said there was no need to be embarrassed if children have sex at early age. I am sure that the students having sex at early age will still be able to grow up into useful members of society, he said. Huong, from the Hanoi University Education, while commenting that it is not terrible for youth to have sexual activities, affirmed that the activities are prohibited for those under 16, and policymakers have every reason to set the regulation. Early sex initiation may raise a lot of sex-related risks to children, she said, citing a report as saying that there are more than 200,000 adolescent abortion cases each year. RELATED NEWS Schools neglect teaching students about sex education When should sex education be offered to Vietnamese children? Kim Chi National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has rolled out a Meet and Greet service through the Vietnam Airport Ground Services Company (VIAGS), a member of the airline. A Vietnam Airlines employee meets and greets passengers at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi City. Vietnam Airlines has rolled out a Meet and Greet service The service is applicable to customers leaving, arriving at and transiting the Hanoi-based Noi Bai, Danang and Tan Son Nhat airports. Before boarding the plane, passengers that register for the service are greeted and supported by VIAGS employees at check-in counters and placed on the priority list for security procedures, after which they are taken directly to the gate of the airplane. Further, when the plane lands, the employees of the Meet and Greet service welcome these passengers at the gate or at the entrance to the terminal, instruct them on completing immigration procedures, help them collect their checked baggage and take them to the terminals exit. As for passengers transiting at Noi Bai, Danang and Tan Son Nhat airports, the employees greet them at the gate or at the entrance to the terminal, support them to conduct transit and security procedures and help them reach the entrance of the terminal for their next flight. The service is expected to help passengers, especially the elderly, to complete procedures quickly and easily. Passengers can register for the service and pay the fee at the carriers ticket offices. The Meet and Greet service is being supplied by the worlds major carriers, including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Air France and Etihad, to bring added convenience to their passengers. SGT Le Anh Vietnamese Ambassador to Ukraine Nguyen Anh Tuan has praised the Vietnamese war veterans association in Ukraine for helping build the Vietnamese community in the country. At the congress Speaking at the associations second congress, Tuan highlighted its contributions to the embassy and the Association of Vietnamese people in Ukraine. He expressed his hope that it will continue assisting in building the Vietnamese community in Ukraine, thus strengthening the partnership between the two countries. The congress elected an executive board for the 2019-2024 tenure with 13 members, which will responsible for drafting an action programme for the associations activities. Members of the association were urged to work to develop the association and its chapters across Ukraine. On the occasion, Ambassador Tuan presented certificates of merit to organisaions and members of the associations for their contributions to the Vietnamese community in Ukraine.-VNA The leading publisher for childrens books, Kim ong Publishing House, has released new books to meet reading demand this summer. VNS Photo by Phuong Mai HCM CITY New books for children published by the Kim ong Publishing House, a leading publisher for young readers, are now available in HCM City bookstores. A series of books titled Ky Nang Vang Cho Hoc Sinh Trung Hoc (Living Skills for Secondary School Students) by a group of well-known educators and experts in different fields was first published to serve teenagers. These books provide young readers knowledge, experiences and skills in health and physical care, study and vocational training. Steve Martins Stem includes eight books featuring English learning through quizzes and puzzles. Kim ongs website, www.nxbkimdong.com.vn, has introduced 12 new Vietnamese childrens books in literature, history and the arts. Featured books include ien Bien Phu Cua Chung Em (Our ien Bien Phu), Bac Ho Song Mai (President Ho Lives Forever), Tuoi Dau Yeu (Teenage) and Chuyen Hay Me Ke Em Nghe (Moms Best Stories for You) by both veteran and young authors of the Viet Nam Writers Association. Susu va Gogo Buoc Ra The Gioi (Susu and Gogo Reach the World), a collection of three books by female writer Duong Thuy, was reprinted to serve children aged six to 13. The book features two characters, named Susu and Gogo, and their adventures in Paris, Singapore and Tokyo. It includes stories about friendship, love and dreams, written with the authors typical flair and imagination. More than 7,000 copies of each book have been printed. Nhung Vi Sao Trong Mo (Stars in Dreams) and Mua Bay (Flying Season), for children aged 5-10, feature topics about childhood, friendship and dreams. The books are by female authors Nguyen Ngoc Minh Hoa and Nguyen Trang Thu. Many young readers have written comments about the books on publishers online forums. Tre (Youth) Publishing House, Alphabook and Phuong Nam Books, well-known publishers for children, have also released book collections for children and teenagers by Vietnamese writers. One of the featured books is Hat Mai Mot Minh (Singing Alone Forever), a work for readers aged 8 to 14, by o Phan. We have released quality Vietnamese and foreign books for children and teenagers this summer. We have also worked with veteran and young writers to encourage them to be involved in writing for children and young readers, said a representative of Kim ong publishers. VNS The North Koreans announced they would not return to negotiations unless Trump agrees to drop U.S. demands for nuclear disarmament just days after conducting missile tests in violation of UN resolutions. To hear Press Secretary Trumps personal relationship with the diminutive, but the obese dictator is just fine. Is Putin going to campaign for Trump in 2020 as a surrogate? By James DiGeorgia President Trump made it clear last week hes not going to lift a single finger to help the American people with improving healthcare, funding infrastructure, addressing immigration reform or solve a single problem he promised during both the 2016 and 2018 elections until the House Democrats cease all oversight of him and his corrupt administration. Sounding every bit worthy of the Presidential Counselor Kelly Anne Conways husband, Conservative NY lawyer George Conways new nickname for him Deranged Donald is betting the endorsement of an array of dictators from around the world will convince U.S. voters to re-elect him. Sarah Sanders Trumps press refused to answer Chuck Todds repeated questions on North Koreas violation of a UN resolution on missile testing and either acknowledged the latest demand by the regime for the United States to drop its nuclear disarmament demands for negotiations as a condition to containing negotiations . The demand was included in a statement by an unnamed North Korean foreign ministry spokesman published in state-owned media took place this past Friday. Talks between the Trump Administration and Pyongyang have been at a standstill for more than 90 days. This stalemate comes after, a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump broke down over what the Americans described as excessive North Korean demands for sanctions relief in exchange for a partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities which later was disclosed as being worthless. The homely obese murderous little dictator has publically declared that Trump has to the end of the year to come up with mutually acceptable terms for a deal or else. The official Korean Central News Agency on Friday and accused the U.S. of deliberately causing the collapse of the Trump-Kim meeting with unilateral and impossible demands. Then went on to insist. "We hereby make it clear once again that the United States would not be able to move us even an inch with the device it is now weighing in its mind, and the further its mistrust and hostile acts toward the DPRK grow, the fiercer our reaction will be," "Unless the United States puts aside the current method of calculation and comes forward with a new method of calculation, the DPRK-U.S. dialogue will never be resumed, and by extension, the prospect for resolving the nuclear issue will be much gloomy," Trump ignoring Kims bluster instead focused on the dictators endorsement of his reelection and expressed satisfaction in Kims insults directed towards former Vice President Joseph Biden. This breaks over 240 years of tradition of presenting a United front internationally on Foreign Affairs. Chuck Todd failed to pose the key question many were left with after his interview with Sarah Sanders. Will President Trumps employees, the fat little murdering dictator, and the Russian premier join Trump as campaign surrogates in his 2020 campaign? Simultaneously entertaining and thought-provoking, Time, a Hermes Object is a showcase of the Hermes 2019 watch collection that gives form to the unique artistic vision that lies at the core of its watchmaking. Taking place at Ngee Ann City in Singapore from now till June 2, the travelling exhibition is a colourful labyrinth filled with quirky yet clever interactive elements that demonstrate Hermes singularity in thought and style. Though time is, by definition, objective and quantitative, the installations encourage visitors to explore the emotional, qualitative aspect of time through various light, sound and motion effects, including a photo booth. The watches on display include the latest iterations of the Carre H and Cape Cod, as well as the all-new, saddle-shaped Galop dHermes, designed by Californian, Swiss-based furniture designer Ini Archibong. Those watches convey the offbeat creativity of the house, but none like the Arceau Lheure de la lune, the highlight of the show. The watch is a fascinating take on the moon phase, featuring a pair of mother-of-pearl moons accompanied by two floating lacquer dials, for the time and date respectively, that rotate around the dial once every 59 days. Conceived by Jean-Francois Mojon, founder of complications specialist Chronode, for Hermes, the satellite dials sweep over the lunar discs to display the current phase of the moon in both the southern and northern hemispheres. Time, a Hermes Object is open to the public daily from 10:00am to 9.30pm, at the atrium on level 1 of Ngee Ann City: 391 Orchard Rd Singapore 238873 The exhibition is open from now till June 2, 2019. This is where I get off, pro-life friends. And not as in hey, thanks so much for the ride, but more like how did I miss that enormous cudgel in your pocket? The only two labels we use to describe a whole spectrum of views on abortion rights have always meant very different things to different people. But before I moved back to red-state America two years ago from Washington, D.C., I had lost sight of how irrelevant my view of what being pro-life means really was. It isnt a particularly rarefied view; on the contrary, polling thats held steady over the last 40 years shows that the majority of the public holds an in-the-middle, neither never nor always view on abortion rights thats very much in keeping with my own. Though abortion is a divisive issue, notes a Pew Research Center report, more than half of U.S. adults take a non-absolutist position, saying that in most but not all cases, abortion should be legal (34%) or illegal (22%). Fewer take the position that in all cases abortion should be either legal (25%) or illegal (15%). Thats also reflected in law in most of the rest of the world, where early abortion is readily available, late-term is not and that isnt seen as a problem. But politically, as lawmakers in Missouri and other conservative states that are pursuing near-total abortion bans have made it impossible to ignore, there is no gray area. And there is no leaning pro-life without falling face-forward, because opposing abortion can mean only one thing: It means that an 11-year-old raped by her father is not a person, but before a woman even knows shes pregnant, the child shes carrying is. Somehow, separating immigrant families without bothering to keep track of who they are, where theyre going and how to ever put them back together again is now A+ pro-life behavior, as is fawning over dictators and feigning ignorance over the assassination of critics. Starting a war for no good reason would be OK, too. But for women in crisis, there are no excuses, and there is no way out. Lock her up no longer just applies to Hillary Clinton. Because if a doctor can be jailed for 15 years for performing an abortion after eight weeks, then lets not pretend that wed never criminalize a womans decision to end her pregnancy, no matter how harrowing her circumstances. These GOP lawmakers are as divorced from reality as I was in thinking that being pro-life could mean supporting all of the policies and programs that would actually reduce the number of abortions. Expanding Medicaid, for instance, and making birth control accessible. I thought it implied so much more than that, too, vis-a-vis the disabled and the elderly, the immigrant and the environment, the military and the death row inmate. Unfortunately, it doesnt. My views on all of this are the same as when I drove a friend to Planned Parenthood to have an abortion decades ago. Because she asked me to, thats why. And as when I loaned OK, that was 1983, so at this point Im going to say gave another friend the money for one. Theyre the same as when I was expecting our twins and because I had pregnancy-related tachycardia, every doctor I went to recommended that I get an abortion not because any of the three of us was in any real danger, but because they didnt want the medical liability. Since then, the whole hushed sanctity of the decision between a woman and her doctor has underwhelmed me. Theyre the same as when I started thinking we should call things by their name instead of behaving as though its only a baby when we say its a baby; what kind of science is that? And as when I really couldnt see shouting your abortion or turning the World Trade Center pink or seeing an abortion as, as a colleague once put it, a less than ideal couple of hours. My own goal wasnt to overturn Roe v. Wade, but to encourage tolerance for different views and out of that, appreciation that what most of us want is to make abortion not illegal, but unnecessary. Because nuance and abortion dont go together, I paid a price for being the odd one out neither a Republican nor an orthodox Democrat and really, I was OK with that. But what Republican state legislators in Missouri and around the country are doing now I am not OK with, and I can no longer describe myself the same way these so-what-if-girls-suffer jihadists do. I cant wear the same name tag as those who do not even know who theyre leaving out of the equation when they say things like state Sen. Bob Onder did in explaining why the Missouri law has no rape or incest exception: We believe the second violent act does not fix a violent act. We dont believe in the death penalty for the crime of the father of the baby. The man you call a father, Senator, I call a rapist. It should not have taken me this long to see that neither the pro-life nor the pro-choice label fits me. But I wont ever again try to make myself fit either one. Melinda Henneberger is an editorial columnist for the Kansas City Star. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 TWH Today the United States celebrates Memorial Day to honor those members of the U.S. Armed Forces who died in service to their country. Originally known as Decoration Day due to people visiting the graves of fallen soldiers to pay their respects and decorate the gravesites by leaving flowers or other remembrances, Memorial Day traces its beginnings to shortly after the Civil War in 1868. It did not become a federal holiday until 1971, when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act and officially established the last Monday in May as Memorial Day. Circle Sanctuary maintains a list of Pagans who have died while in military service: Pagan War Dead. They are continually seeking to update their list of those who have died in service and request that anyone who has names that should be added to the list contact them. Circle Sanctuary spearheaded the effort, Veteran Pentacle Quest, to have the pentacle recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as a religious symbol so it could be included as an option for government-issued headstones, grave markers, and memorial plaques. The Bush administration finally approved the use of the pentacle in 2007, after ten years of the concerted effort by Circle Sanctuary, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and other organizations. Over 200 memorial markers bearing the pentacle since then have been issued by the VA for use private and public cemeteries. TWH honors those who have given their lives in service to their country. What is remembered, lives. * * * GLASTONBURY, England Social media reports came last week that what remained of the Holy Thorn Tree on Wearyall Hill in southern Glastonbury had been vandalized again. The tree, a type of hawthornCrataegus monogyna, known as biflora because it blooms twice a yearhad previously been vandalized in December of 2010 by having all of its branches sheared off, effectively killing the tree. Shortly after the vandalism, the tree developed new sprouts but none survived. Numerous attempts to propagate new trees have been unsuccessful. Since the vandalism in 2010, the trunk of the tree had been surrounded by barriers in an attempt to preserve what remained from any further damage. Legend has it that the tree originated from the staff of Joseph of Arimathea, who traveled to Glastonbury after Jesus crucifixion then thrust his staff into Wearyall Hill which sprouted and began to grow. Despite its alleged and Christian origins, some Pagans also considered it sacred despite a different spiritual ideology. Many Pagans who have made pilgrimages to Glastonbury have visited the tree and surrounded it with prayer flags. Sometime between 16421651 the tree was cut down by Cromwells soldiers during the English War as they considered it to be a relic of superstition. Cuttings from the original tree were said to have been taken and propagated, one Glastonbury Abbey and another at the Church of St. John the Baptist. The tree that was destroyed last week was planted in 1951 and believed to be descended from the original. The most recent damage completely obliterated what was left of the tree, ripping off the bark and shattering the stump. There has been little media coverage but a brief statement on the Glastonbury Town Council website. The attack on the tree comes just two days after the Glastonbury Town Council denied an application to build homes on Wearyall Hill. No one has yet been prosecuted for the vandalism in 2010. * * * TWH Last Week, a few posts on Twitter appeared to be claiming that Sweden was considering banning runes. No media outlets including TWH could find had verification to the story. Nevertheless, Russia Today and some neo-nazi and white supremacist sites, promoted the story. Asatru UK AUK on their Facebook page denounced these stories: This is untrue. The story originates from the Samhallsnytt media outlet, associated with the far-right Sverigedemokraterna political party. It has also been propagated by racially exclusive and Folkish pagan organisations in Sweden, such as Nordiska Asa-Samfundet. There is no blanket ban on runes being considered, contrary to what has been reported. The Kommitedirektiv (Committee Directive) in question is designed to prevent violent Neo-Nazi organisations like the Nordic Resistance Movement from using historical symbols as logos or for other political purposes. The document also makes it perfectly clear that runes cannot be banned where freedoms are preserved by either Swedish legislation or the European Convention on Human Rights. This directive is tailor-made to target the perversion of ancient symbols by dangerous far-right ethno-nationalists. AUK stands against prejudice, racism and the politicisation of heathen religious beliefs. In other news: Last week, the Berkano Heathen Union (BHU) was dissolved. BHU co-founder Ryan Denison, offered TWH the following statement, Berkano Heathen Union, an inclusive Heathenry group based in Atlanta, has has begun the process of dissolution this month of May 2019. After talks concerning the organizations mission and vision, the co-founders felt the best course of action for its diverse membership and the local community was to disband the fledgling organization. The board members hope that this decision will foster greater opportunities for spiritual growth in the greater Atlanta Heathen community and they look forward to seeing what direction its members will take. Their website, and Facebook pages are no longer up and no further details are currently available. Last week The Army Times reported on the U.S. Militarys ruling against Spc. John Hoskins request for a religious exemption to wear a beard. Hoskins is a Pastafarian (Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster) and claimed that, It is my personally held belief that growing a beard will bring me closer to my God and bring me into his favor. The Department of the Army denied his request citing that they believed it was based on a lack of sincerely held belief and that decision was final with no recourse for appeal. Hoskins still holds out hope that at some point the military will reverse its decision since it allowed Sikhs (2017) and then Norse Heathens (2018) religious exemptions for beards. In an attempt to repeal the death penalty in New Hampshire, lawmaker, Susan Ticehurst, (D-Tamworth) cited the Salem witch trials and one of her ancestors who hanged as a witch. She noted that the trials that occurred during that period in history in Salem, Massachusetts were considered to be fair and yet today, we know they were based on superstition and falsehoods. She went on to note that many who had been placed on death row have since been exonerated by DNA testing and other advances in technology. Earlier this month Japans Emperor Naruhito after ascending to the throne paid homeage to the Goddess Amaterasu, by participating in Shinto ritual at the Kashikodokoro shrine. Amaterasu is considered by some to be the divine ancestress of Japans emperors. On May 1, Naruhito ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne, one day after the abdication of his father, Akihito. There is planning for a large ascension ceremony in October that will include invitations to possibly thousands of guests from both within and outside of Japan and be followed by a religious harvest festival in November. A Kickstarter project, Symbols of Faith & Pride, to produce symbols of faith that includes the Pagan pentacle, and the Heathen mjolnir in Rainbow/Gay pride colors has exceeded their initial funding goal of $2,800 by over $9,000. The project also includes the symbols of the Universalist Unitarian chalice, Hindu aum, the Buddhist lotus, the star and crescent associated with Islam, the Star of David, the word Atheist, and the Christian cross. Tarot of the week by Star Bustamonte Deck: White Sage Tarot by Theresa Hutch, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Card: Queen of Swords The week ahead may be imbued with strong feminine energy and the call to speak truth to power. Be mindful that it is possible to call out someones behavior and still employ tact in ones language. Of equal importance, shining a light on anyone can find that same light extended to the lantern bearer themselves. Decks generously provided by Asheville Raven & Crone by Bill Benzon Music has been extraordinarily important to me. Ive listened to and been moved by a lot of it, of all kinds, polka, jazz, classical, rock, and who knows what else. And Ive performed in various settings dive bars, concert halls, the streets of New York, weddings, even a funeral or two. And, as I am a thinker, Ive tried to understand how it works. To that end I published a book some years ago, Beethovens Anvil: Music in Mind and Culture. This article is adapted from the opening chapter. These are some of the things I set out to understand. Did I succeed? Of course not, but who knows? Id like to think that Ive asked some fruitful questions. Tears for Johnny On May 21, 1992 Bette Midler was a guest on the Tonight Show. She had been on many times before; the show had, in fact, been important in launching her career, as it had been for many performers. But this appearance was special: the next-to-last show for Johnny Carson, the shows longtime host and star. He had decided to retire from television and the shows that week in May were planned and publicized as a farewell to Johnny. Carson, himself a skilled drummer, liked swing-era jazz and popular music. The band he maintained for Tonight was a fine swing band. Midler was at home in that repertoire and was able to cajole Carson into singing a duet with her on a song she knew to be one of his favorites, Jimmy van Heusens fine ballad Heres That Rainy Day. Carson was certainly more proficient as a drummer than as a vocalist, but his difficulties on this performance were more emotional than technical. The strain on his face was that of a man holding back tears. The duet starts at roughly 7:16. Then Midler sang One for My Baby (And One for the Road) by Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen. It was one of his beloved saloon songs, moody ballads testifying to the inevitability of deep personal loss. Framed as a 3 a.m. bar-closing soliloquy, it was perfect for this occasion. Now it was Midlers turn to veil her emotions. Her face glowed, eyes full-open and brimming. Her voice too sounded of tears. As I watched and listened from Troy, New York, my throat was thick with tenderness, and perhaps I let out a sigh. Midlers music had reached me. Millions were watching that show and many, perhaps almost all of them, were moved as I was, some more, some less, but all of us moved. How? How does music touch us so? Rahssan Works the Crowd Sadness and tenderness are certainly not the only emotions elicited by musical performance. Joy and exaltation demand our attention as well. Rahsaan Roland Kirk was the most reliably joyful performer I have ever seen. I first saw him at the Morgan State Jazz Festival in 1969. It was outdoors, and at night. Bright searchlights beamed onto the stage. As Rahsaan walked onto the stage the light splintered from his black vinyl jump suit and from the complex textures created by the mantle of musical instruments Rahsaan wore like liturgical vestments. He began by rapping to the audience as he walked onto the stage, They can keep us off the radio, but they cant keep us outa the air! He then took his band into the first number, Volunteered Slavery, a raunchy blues proclaiming that If you want to know what it is to be free/ you gotta spend all day in bed with me. Rahsaan did not have much of a singing voice, but he delivered the lyrics with force and vigor. He then took up his tenor saxophone and began to conjure a solo up out of the ground. Rahsaan was a skilled and muscular saxophonist able to perform in a variety of styles from 30s swing to 60s freak-out. On this occasion he played straight-ahead all-out blues that achived lift-off. Rahsaan was playing a multiphonic riff on three horns at once and then simplified it to playing just the tenor sax, while his side men were riffing away. Rahsaan settled on one note and held it as the riffing grew louder. The drum figures became more complex, the piano riffing more insistant and, above all, Vernon Martin let loose a mighty thunder on the bass. As the thunder crested Rashaan began playing the concluding riff from the Beatles tune Hey Jude on his tenor sax. The musical thickness cleared away, Dick Griffen switched his trombone riff, and the audience let out a gasp. We rose to our feet with some standing on their seats. People were clapping in time to the music and swaying back and forth, together. Rahsaan had us and we were pleased to have him. Who orchestrated this activity? Obviously Rahsaan and his musicians orchestrated their performance. How did they do it? Part of the answer is traditional and banal: they practiced. Through that practice theyve developed routines, signals, and an intuitive sense among each of them of how each of the others shapes, moves and reacts to musical flow. For all its rhetoric of spontaneity, jazz is a highly rehearsed music. The sequence of events in Volunteered Slavery might have been fully scripted before Rahsaan first played it with the group, though I doubt it. On the other hand, it may simply have happened that way in performance or rehearsal and worked so well that they made it their standard performance. The routine may reflect a self-organizing process typical of such musical collaboration. In either case, the performance rests on hours upon hours of rehearsal and practice by these musicians, individually and as a group. Whatever happened among the musicians accounts for only part of the events orchestration, the part that happened on stage. Who organized the audience so that they knew when to gasp and rise to their feet? No one. Thats the most interesting component of this orchestration. It just happened. Music and the Body Let us step away from the performance as a whole and consider how musicians cross the threshold from an ordinary state of mind into performance mode. Roy Eldridge, swing trumpet star of the thirties and forties, made some remarks about what happened when he played his first solo of a show. In an interview with Whitney Balliett (American Musicians: 56 Portraits in Jazz) he talked about playing New York Citys Paramount Theatre with Gene Krupas big band: When the stage stopped and we started to play, Id fall to pieces. The first three or four bars of my first solo, Id shake like a leaf, and you could hear it. Then this light would surround me, and it would seem as if there wasnt any band there, and Id go right through and be all right. It was something I never understood. What do we make of this light that had nothing to do with stage lighting but was clearly something created in the inner eye of Eldridges brain? Is it a cousin to the light reported in near-death experiences? And what does he mean by going through the lightwhere does he get this sense of movement? It is as though there are different mental spaces and Eldridge is moving from one to another, with the transition marked by motor and visual symptoms. Vladimir Horowitz, the classical pianist, told Helen Epstein (Music Talks: Conversations with Musicians) a different story : The moment that I feel that cutawaythe moment I am in uniformits like a horse before the races. You start to perspire. You feel already in you some electricity to do something. Horowitz, like Eldridge, is talking about a tangible physical state with definite sensations (electricity) and symptoms (perspiring). Something is going on in his brain and his blood to prepare him for performance. The fact that this transition is triggered by donning a uniform suggests that Horowitz has become conditioned to that uniform the way Pavlovs dogs were conditioned to bells and lights. The jazz pianist Earl Hines also compared himself to a racehorse likewise talking to Baliett but his horse is wearing blinders: Im like a race horse. Ive been taught by the old mastersput everything out of your mind except what you have to do. Ive been through every sort of disturbance before I go on the stand, but I never get so upset that it makes the audience uneasy. . . . I always use the assistance of the Man Upstairs before I go on. I ask for that and it gives me courage and strength and personality. It causes me to blank everything else out, and the mood comes right down on me no matter how I feel. Hines invokes a higher power in a manner reminiscent of the principal celebrants of a possession ritual calling upon their divinity to descend and possess them. Is this higher power an inner animal in disguise? We can glimpse the musical animal at full roar in remarks reported by Peter Guralnick (Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley): It was the energy, the energy that surrounded the stage, and the charisma that he [conveyed]I dont think that Ive ever felt that in any entertainer since. I mean, yes, other entertainers have a charisma, but Elvis exuded a maleness about him, a proudness that you only see in an animal. On the stage hed have this look, you know prowling back and forth, pacing like a tiger, and you look and you say, My God, is this the person that I ? It was difficult to attach who he was to this person onstage. It was incredible. What Elvis undergoes is not a transition but a transformation. Hines and Horowitz thought of themselves as race horses; Elvis is a tiger. Perhaps this is mere metaphor, and fairly standard metaphor at that. We have animals within and the legacies weve inherited from the beasts of the fields include the hunt and the mating dance. Still, do musicians become different beings when they perform? Lets consider the things from the audiences point of view. Here are some informal remarks the late David Hays made about performances by the New York City Ballet, an intimate aesthetic partner, of course, to music: At a typical performance of the City Ballet, a large part of the audience are naive. They are not familiar with the pieces being danced; many have never seen them before (the intake of breath that can be heard when the curtain rises on an effective stage set is evidence enough). They are not much expert in the art; the accounts that are published in newspapers and magazines are generally superficial, often in my judgment missing the essence of the work altogether. Audiences give ovations for performances that seem to me mediocre. Yet the difference in the crowd between entrance and exit is almost tangible. Watching the ballet [and listening to the music] has changed their mood in a favorable way. The performance as a whole moves the audience from one state of mind to another, more favorable state. The performers move from one state of mind to another when they perform and members of the audience are transformed by the performance they witness. There is nothing mysterious about these phenomena, at least in the sense that they are common and familiar. But we dont know how they work, any more than we understand the more mysterious varieties of musical experience. Leonard Bernstein Beyond Himself Leonard Bernstein had one of the most diverse and spectacular musical careers in recent American history. As a conductor, composer, pianist, writer, and public intellectual, he was beloved and hated; he was controversial; and always, he was impassioned. One of his passions was teaching. He was well known for his efforts to bring classical music to children and made a series of highly acclaimed television programs about music. He also spent a great deal of time with students at Tanglewood, a retreat in the Berkshire mountains dedicated to training promising musicians and to presenting concerts of classical music. On one occasion he was talking to conducting students about how he had to learn to bring himself under control. He told Helen Epstein of ego loss: I dont know whether any of you have experienced that but its what everyone in the world is always searching for. When it happens in conducting, it happens because you identify so completely with the composer, youve studied him so intently, that its as though youve written the piece yourself. You completely forget who you are or where you are and you write the piece right there. You just make it up as though you never heard it before. Because you become that composer. I always know when such a thing has happened because it takes me so long to come back. It takes four or five minutes to know what city Im in, who the orchestra is, who are the people making all that noise behind me, who am I? Its a very great experience and it doesnt happen often enough. Ideally it should happen every time, but it happens about as often in conducting as in any other department where you lose ego. Schopenhauer said that music was the only art in which this could happen and that art was the only area of life in which it could happen. Schopenhauer was wrong. It can happen in religious ecstasy or meditation. It can happen in orgasm when you are with someone you love. What are we to make of this statements I do not mean to cast doubt on it: I am willing to assume that Bernstein is reporting his experience as accurately as he can, and many people have reported similar experiences in various contexts. But the statements are a little strange. What does it mean to experience Mozart as though you were Mozart himself? And just what is a self if Bernstein can lose track of his? The well-known phenomenon of sleep walking shows that we can undertake fairly elaborate physical activities without conscious awareness or subsequent recollection. We have done something, our brain and body have executed a series of actions, but these actions are not accessible to our self, whatever that is. Similarly, dreaming demonstrates that we can undertake elaborate, if chaotic, symbolic activity without conscious intervention of this self, though we sometimes remember our dreams. The phenomenon of multiple personalities shows that one brain can be home to multiple selves. By continuing on in this way we might reach the conclusion that what is so strange is not Bernsteins loss of self, but the very existence of such a thing. Whatever this self is, it is fragile and it slips away from attempts to define it. Music allows us, for the duration, to radically reconceive and reconstruct our relationship with the world. From my life I have been touched by similar experiences myself. That, above all, is why I find these various accounts to be credible. While my experiences were not quite like Sullivans or Bernsteins or Karens, my experiences give me confidence that the experiences they talk about are real. One of my touchstone experiences took place during my senior year in high school, when I marched the left-guide position in my rank in the marching band. It was my responsibility to help the right guide keep track of the other musicians in the rank, to see that they were in the proper position during maneuvers. During a street parade we were playing some marchI forget whichand had to execute a right turn. As we made the turn I was watching the others in the rank and I paid no attention to music. When we had finished then maneuver I realized, with some minor shock, that I had been playing my part all the while. I was were I should have been in the music, but I had obviously not been consciously thinking about my playing. It seems that the music somehow played itself and that my attention wasnt necessary. There was nothing particularly dramatic or even delightful about this event. Its noteworthy simply because my mind and body obviously continued to execute the music without any intervention from me. How could that have happened? I didnt know then, nor do I know now, but this one incident told me that we could execute fairly complicated actions without attending to thema skill we depend on when driving an automobile and conversing at the same time. The ecstasy Bernstein talked about is not simply my marching experience writ large, but there is a kinship. A bit later in my life, during my senior year in college, I had an experience that speaks to Bernsteins assertion that it sometimes feels as though he has recreated the work of the composer whom he is conducting. This incident, however, did not involve music but involved the poetry of John Keats. It was late at night and I was working on a paper about his little poem To[Fanny Brawne] and was typing a sentence in which I asserted he died. As I typed exactly those words, suddenly vague ideas and feelings began to stir. I started leafing through my book of Keats poetry and found one of his letters to Fanny Brawne. I typed a passage from the letter into my manuscript and experienced the typing as though I were writing the letter myself. I then found my way to his Ode on a Grecian Urn. As I read the second stanza my gaze seemed to be ahead of my comprehension and the comprehension seemed to flow from me into the text. While I read silently, I nonetheless read with rhythm. I felt an absolute and complete understanding of those words, as though I had written them myself, as though I had become, for a moment, John Keats. Becoming John Keats for the seconds and minutes it takes to type a paragraph from a letter and a stanza from a poem is not, of course, the same thing as becoming Mahler for the hour or more it takes to perform one of his symphonies, and, even as my brain was enacting the role of Keats, I was also aware of who I was and what was happening to me. This experience is not the same as what Bernstein described. But it gives me confidence in his description. If that can happen to me while reading Keats, then surely that other can happen to a Leonard Bernstein at the top of his craft. In the end though, Leonard Bernstein is perhaps beside the point, Elvis as well, and the others. They are cultural icons and, as such, we tend to think of them as beyond us. But are they, really? What of our own experience? In what we do we diminish ourselves by revering them? How can we more fully recover the magic of music for all of us? * * * * * Over the years Ive maintained an informal file of anecdotes about musical performance.You can download the most recent version of this document, Emotion and Magic in Musical Performance. by R. Passov As the clouds of WWII darkened Austria, Kurt Godel, the greatest logician of modern times, at Einsteins urging, brought his two magnificent proofs to Princeton. There he would remain for almost forty years, never mentoring a graduate student, rarely lecturing, adding only one substantial but incomplete proof to the cannon of math. Mildly underwhelmed by the impact of his discoveries, at Princeton he would gradually set aside math in favor of philosophy. Little of this work was published in his lifetime. But it was enjoyed by Einstein who for the last decade of his life, walked alongside as Godel discussed a field Einstein once likened to writings in honey. ________________________________________ Godel was born in 1906, into a German speaking family living in Brunn (Brno) Moravia, then part of the Austria-Hungary Empire, soon to be annexed by Germany, now part of the Czeck Republic. His father before passing unexpectedly in 1929, had built a successful textile business that would secure his familys finances. An early childhood struggle with Rheumatic fever left Godel forever suspicious of the state of his health. He took his primary education at the local Realgymnasium. Modeled after the enlightened German system, the gymnasium offered mental gymnastics, developing both mind and body. Following his older brother, in 1921 he entered the University of Vienna. Easily establishing his gifts, he studied theoretical physics, enjoyed the life of a student and earned a reputation for sleeping late. ________________________________________ In 1928 Godel traveled to Bologna to hear a lecture from David Hilbert, an Ordinarius (full professor) at the University of Gottingen which, since the turn of the century, had been the preeminent place of study for higher mathematics. Hilbert was born 1862 near Konigsberg, Prussia, to a successful county judge who walked the same path everyday stressing the Prussian virtues of punctuation, thrift and diligence After a late start at the Gymnasium he entered the local university where he enjoyed a course of study defined by no specified requirements, no minimum units, no roll call, no examinations until the taking of the degree. Where others had gone astray, Hilbert proved remarkably disciplined. While pursuing his Habilitation, a second dissertation and a perquisite for the position of Privatdozent which offered the opportunity to lecture students for tips, he journeyed to the University of Leipzig to meet Felix Klein, a prominent geometer, soon to lead the University of Gottingen. Klein saw something in Hilbert and began a skillful mentorship, sending Hilbert across Europe to meet the great thinkers of the day. ________________________________________ When Descartes, in 1637, showed that the algebraic relationship of a line maps any point on a plane he re-discovered the symbiosis between functions in algebra and abstractions of geometry. Two hundred years later Lobachevsky would relax Euclids requirement that parallel lines remain forever parallel. Out of this came the vectors and matrices of algebraic geometry. Then a calculus of vectors and finally, a calculus of tensors designed to work in higher-dimensional space unanchored by coordinates. It was a complicated addition that proved necessary for the development of General Relativity. And it was hard. So hard in fact that to understand it, Einstein needed a tutor who had trained under Klein. Klein had defined the new geometries by the properties of the space in question that remain invariant to a change in basis a change in orientation. Hilberts first major work, his Basis Theorem, published in 1888, established that there is always a finite number of basis for an invariant system. Hilberts theorem extended and simplified a proof so computationally complex it had been left alone for twenty years. His insight was to avoid constructing the object of his proof. Instead he established it out of logical necessity. While the outcome was of major importance, some recognized the deeper accomplishment: A proof leading math back to its Euclidian foundations, back to an ordered science of deducing theorems from a minimal set of independent postulates. ________________________________________ In 1895 Klein succeeded in luring Hilbert to Gottingen. There Hilbert began his ascent on the kingdom of mathematics. The coronation came at the Second Congress of Higher Mathematics, convened in Paris to mark the turn of the century. Nearly the last speaker, Hilbert quietly read through a program, upon publication condensed into twenty-three questions, that would define the contours of math for much of the twentieth century. The second question (later expanded into two) was a challenge. Hilbert, like his predecessor Boole, believed feverishly in the perfection of math. This perfection lay in two properties of mathematics that, according to Hilbert, stood math above the natural sciences: The properties of Consistency and of Completeness. Completeness would ensure that, in a finite number of steps, the process of math leaves no truth safe from discovery. Consistency, in turn, would ensure that once a truth is discovered by the process of mathematics it would remain forever true, never subject to contradiction. Proving these two conditions Hilbert believed, would quite the many who sought other philosophies which they hoped would contain the mess of discovery that unsettled the sciences at the turn of the century. So secure was Hilbert in his beliefs that he turned rhetorical, proclaiming There are no ignoramuses! ________________________________________ Hilbert could be progressive. For example, when Emmy Noether, whom Einstein described as the most significant creative mathematical genius thus far produced since the higher education of women sought an opportunity to lecture at Gottingen, Hilbert graciously yet tersely offered that if higher mathematics is indifferent to gender then so should be the University of Gottingens math department. But if you were not a believer Hilbert could bear down with an unforgiving intensity. Such was the case with Luitzen Egbertus Jan Brouwer, otherwise known as Bertus. Non-Euclidian geometries forced the abandonment of Kants assertion that the Euclidian concept of space was an emergent property of the mind. The void gave Brouwer the opportunity to assert that inherent to human nature is not Euclidian space but instead the properties of the natural numbers. Higher mathematics, according to Brouwer, arises from a native capacity to add one object to another, one after another. As such, mathematics comes before logic and so Hilberts dream of containing math in a finite number of steps is not realizable. Tall, handsome, urban Brouwer had made substantial contributions to topology. Yet his other ideas made him an easy target. Intellect according to Brouwer, is the downfall of man. Religion stupefies the masses. And, while his wife toiled long hours as a pharmacist to support his writing, Brouwer argued that women entering the work force was sure to ruin the value of work. While Einstein asked, What is this frog and mouse battle among the mathematicians? Hilbert saw the existential nature of the fight. Brouwers nativist argument, if accepted, would deny Hilbert his throne. After one of his better students momentarily switched sides, Hilbert went to extremes in expressing his antipathy toward the ideas and to the man himself. Brouwer had enjoyed a longstanding position on the editorial board of Mathematische Annalen, the most prestigious of mathematical journals. Hilbert, having inherited the Managing Editor title from Klein, in an effort to oust Brouwer succeeded in causing the whole editorial board, including Einstein, to resign. ________________________________________ The sixth of Hilberts twenty-three questions, often overlooked, called for the Mathematical treatment of the axioms of physics. Hilbert had convinced himself that Physics would be best served confined to an axiomatized version of itself. In 1905 Hilbert and his close colleague, H. Minkowski, witnessed Einstein publish the first of his two theories of relativity. Minkowski, having lectured to Einstein while at the University of Zurich, was surprised at such an accomplishment from one of his lessor students. He reformatted Einsteins solution, introducing world lines in a four-dimensional vector space. Though Einstein remarked that Minkowskis chalk is cheaper than grey matter the solution survives as the favored mathematical development of Special Relativity. Hilbert and Minkowski would join forces in the hunt for the missing half of Einsteins theory a theory of gravity. After four promising years, likely the stronger of the two at understanding physics, Minkowski is cut down by a ruptured appendix. Hilbert, intent on seeing the dream realized, soldiers on. He hires a series of tutors, including Eugene Weiner who would go on to win a Nobel Prize in physics. After a decade of effort, in November of 1915, believing he is close to an axiomatized theory of gravity, Hilbert invited Einstein to Gottingen for a series of lectures. As Einstein described a problem in physics, Hilbert saw a challenge in mathematics. __________________________________ Several great thinkers circled as Einstein struggled to master the properties of a geometry that curved in the presence of matter. At first it seemed that Hilbert, by publishing a solution to Einsteins Field Equations on November 15th, ten days ahead of Einstein, had won the race for the theory of General Relativity. Ready to show off his axiomatic solution to [the] great problem, Hilbert again invited Einstein to Gottingen for a talk he planned to give on the 18th. Einstein declined the invitation and shortly afterward, in a letter to a friend, made his feelings toward Hilbert known: The theory is beautiful beyond comparison. However, only one colleague has really understood it, and he is seeking to partake in it (Abrahams expression) in a clever way. In my personal experience I have hardly come to know the wretchedness of mankind better than as a result of this theory and everything connected to it. But it does not bother me. After giving the impression that Einsteins merit was confined to asking the right questions, while [he] provided the answers Einsteins arguments cause Hilbert to see that his theory was actually based on a much wider array of assumptions than his axiomatic presentation had indicated. Hilbert revised his proof, relinquishing claims to priority. In a letter dated the 20th of December, Einstein reverts to form: There has been a certain ill-feeling between us, the cause of which I do not want to analyze. I have struggled against the feeling of bitterness attached to it, and this with complete success. I think of you again with unmarred friendliness and ask you to try to do the same with me. Objectively it is a shame when two real fellows who have extricated themselves somewhat from this shabby world do not afford each other mutual pleasure. For over seventy-five years speculation remained as to whether Hilbert had beat Einstein to General Relativity. Though the debate is likely forever settled in Einsteins favor, there was another matter, perhaps deeper even than the structure of General Relativity, that also settled in Einsteins favor. ________________________________________ Hilbert had come to Bologna in 1928 with sixty-seven mathematicians in tow. He felt partially vindicated in his quest for the dominance of math as John Von Neumann, a mathematician gifted beyond measure, thought he had a proof of the consistency of a formal system. Gushing with enthusiasm, Hilbert expanded the quest to include Completeness. Godel was moved by the great man. In the following year he produced a dissertation that proved the Consistency of first-order logic. He then attempted, in his Habilitation, to prove the same for axiomatized math. Starting with the most succinct set of axioms that support all properties of the natural numbers, to his surprise he showed that such a system is not Complete: there will always exist a truth whose nature is apparent but whose essence cant be proven within the system. Next, Godel proved that within such a system (within a mathematics built through a formal process beginning with a set of independent axioms from which all theorems are deduced) what is provable is only that the system is inconsistent. Hilbert never fully recovered from his shock. ________________________________________ Godel did allow one of his later discoveries to see light. He published his limit solution to Einsteins field equations for General Relativity. His was the first to show the mathematical possibility of Rotating Universes within which closed timelike word lines permit time travel. Einstein knew his proof of General Relativity was secure when it mapped the perturbation in Mercurys orbit around the sun, evidence of the curvature of space-time. Enough has been written about his views toward math to support a range of theories. Mine is that Einstein believed that his physics is an ongoing test of just one of the infinite truths contained within mathematics. Hilbert wanted math axiomatized, but he wanted more than that. He wanted to organize physics so that discovery would match his vision of an orderly process in which science is built one deductive brick after another. Einstein, it seems, wanted physics left open to where curiosity leads. ________________________________________ The argument between Hilbert and Brouwer can be recast as an argument over the nature of infinities over the seeming impossibility of the sum of an ever-decreasing increment contained within a finite measure. Hilbert accepted that so long as the next member in the series grows proportionately smaller, such a series has a finite limit. Thus, the solution to Zenos paradox. Brouwer does not accept such a resolution. But he may have accepted Godels solution which was to assert that it is neither Euclids space nor the natural numbers that is native to the mind but rather the concept of a possible infinity one that is conceptual and yet unrealizable. Sources Returning to the grind after a three-day weekend is never easy, but there are plenty great events this week to help smooth the transition. Recharge on Baker Beach with outdoor yoga, head out of the city for the Healdsburg Jazz Festival, or remember the Elbo Room at the newly rebranded Valencia Room. Plus, get ready to eata lot. Look at this wayit's a short week. Have a good one! Monday, May 27th See on Instagram Camping-inspired ice creams. Through June 28th Bay Area Salt & Straw locations, saltandstraw.com Summer is pretty much here and Salt & Straw is celebrating with five new flavors inspired by outdoorsy trips to Bodega Bay. Swing by for scoops of North Coast Foraged Trail Mix (sea salt ice cream with salal berry jam, Bodega Bay seaweed, apricots, figs, and nuts); Mushroom Muddy Buddies (peanut butter-and-chocolate-coated Chex, hazelnuts, and candied mushrooms); Campfire S'mores; and more. // Sales will help raise funds for national parks. Memorial Day BBQ & Bacchus Noon to 3 pm The Winery SF, 30 Ave. G (Treasure Island), winery-sf.com Still no plans for the holiday? Grab your friends and head to The Winery SF on Treasure Island for a Memorial Day filled with with barbecue, music and plenty of poursand none of the hassle of hosting. The Winery offers hand-crafted wines that will instantly transport you to Wine Country, and the best part is, with every wine tasting purchase, you'll also get a hot dog to munch on. // Registration (free) can be found on eventbrite.com. Picnic in the Presidio Noon to 2 pm Main Parade Ground (Presidio), presidio.gov If you're staying local this weekend, cross you fingers for sunny weather and head to the Presidio for a low-key picnic. If you have some extra time, arrive early to catch some of the formal Memorial Day ceremony at 9:45 am. Food is available for purchase (cash only), or bring your own spread. // Registration (free) can be found on eventbrite.com. Yoga on the Beach 11am to 12:15 pm Baker Beach (Presidio), outdooryogasf.com Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of San Francisco on Memorial Day with beach yoga taught by Julianne Aiello. Close your eyes, breathe in the salty sea, and allow the beats of live DJ Gabriel Francisco to help you reset after a three day weekend. // Tickets ($28) can be purchased on eventbrite.com. Tuesday, May 28th The All Bark and No Bite cocktail at Elements on One65. Courtesy of ONE65 Early Rubens 9:30am to 5:15pm, Tuesday through Sunday Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 100 34th Avenue (Presidio), legionofhonor.famsf.org Spend the day at the Legion of Honor checking out one of their newest exhibitsEarly Rubens. The collection is by artist Peter Paul Rubens (15771640), one of the first celebrity artists. Keep an eye out for his piece The Massacre of the Innocents, a painting that was thought to be lost only to be found and auctioned in 2002 for a record-setting sum for the time, 49.5m. Pro tip, these paintings are so old they were made before electricity was invented, so bring and wear your sunglasses to get the real context of how these works should be viewed. // Tickets ($28) and event info on legionofhonor.famsf.org. Hang out at the Elbo, er, Valencia Room 5 m to 2 am The Valencia Room, 647 Valencia St. (Mission), valenciarm.com After years of hearing the Elbo Room was closing (and that the condos were coming), the space has been bought up by the owners of other SF drinking holes, Playland and Topsy's, and remodeled and renamed to The Valencia Room. Expect new lighting, some refreshed interiors, upgraded bathrooms (thank god), and a new sound system. Two Fine French Restaurants One65, 165 O'Farrell St. (Union Square), one65sf.com The epic culinary project that is One65 is coming together: Last week, the delightful patisserie and bakery opened, now this week two more floors in the six-story eater's paradise have opened: One65 Bistro & Grill, and a bar/lounge named Elements. Stop in for delicious eats from Michelin-starred chef/partner, Claude Le Tohic. // Reservations can be made on one65sf.com. Wednesday, May 29th See on Instagram "Food For Thought" Panel 7pm to 10pm SFJAZZ, 201 Franklin St. (Civic Center), sfjazz.org Engage in a discussion about food, access, affordability, and equity organized by Mother Jones and featuring panelists Alice Waters, Justin Phillips (San Francisco Chronicle), Tanya Holland (Brown Sugar Kitchen), and Paul Willis (farmer/entrepreneur). // Tickets ($25-$50) can be purchased on eventbrite.com. SF DocFest Through June 13th Shows at the Brava Theater, 2781 24th St. (Mission) & Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St. (Mission) Indie and documentary film lovers, get pumped for this two-week festival of movies. There are so many flicks to see, peruse the whole lineup on agileticketing.net. // Get your festival tickets ($14-$15 for each show, or $240 for a full pass) on sfindie.com. Thursday, May 30th See on Instagram "Vanity Fair" Menu at Merchant Roots Thursday through Saturday, through July 27th The Table at Merchant Roots, 1365 Fillmore St. (Fillmore), merchantroots.com If you haven't yet made it out to the intimate Chef's Table dinner series at Merchant Roots, where artfully prepared courses are served on custom dinnerware to show-stopping effect, now is the time. The latest menu, Vanity Fair, featuring courses like a swan-shaped gougere; sunchoke croquettes; prawn consomme cooked tableside; and snail wellington topped with snail caviar. // The 10-course menu ($168/person, $85/wine pairings) can be purchased on Tock. Cannabis Flower to the People 6:30pm to 8:30pm Canopy Jackson Square, 595 Pacific Ave (Jackson Squre), canopy.space CBD still seem a little confusing? Head to this cannabis event hosted by the Pineapple Collaborative and featuring speakers including Haejin Chun (Big Bad Wolf) and Jewel Zimmer (Juna Drops) as they debunk myths and explain the benefits of CBD for wellness and self-care. Eats from La Mediterranee will be provided. // Tickets ($32) can be bought on eventbrite.com. Rent the Runway + Levi's: 501 Month Celebration 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm Rent the Runway, 228 Grant Ave. (Union Square), renttherunway.com For anyone who swears by their Levi's, and who's also a Rent the Runway member, this exclusive RTR + Levi's collab event promises a range of denim-centric activities. Catch a styling demo, preview two upcoming collections, get personally fitted, and even rent a few pairs of Levi's at the event. // The event (free) is exclusive to RTR members; register at eventbrite.com. Sonoma Speed Festival Thursday through Sunday Sonoma Raceway, 29355 Arnold Dr. (Sonoma), sonomaraceway.com Love classic cars? Head to the raceway to see some of these babies in action. There's a bunch of events happening over the three days of the festivalcar showings, a car parade, vintage dragster demo, winery dinners, plus chef cooking sessions and wine tasting at the track's Sip & Savor Pavilion. // Tickets ($75 day passes, $100 weekend passes) can be bought on sonomaspeedfestival.com. Friday, May 31st See on Instagram Healdsburg Jazz Festival Through June 9th Various venues, Healdsburg, healdsburgjazzfestival.org Head to Healdsburg anytime over the next week to catch some great live jazz with performances at theaters, wineries, galleries, bars, brunches, and the movies. In between shows, cruise the Jazz Village for educational events, smaller performances, and more. // The schedule and tickets ($35 and up, per show) can be found on healdsburgjazzfestival.org. Catch a Beatles Tribute Band 8pm The Peacock Court at the Mark Hopkins Hotel, 999 California St. (Nob Hill), intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com Drink, dance, and sing the night away to some live music featuring Beatles classics performed by one of the best -tribute bands around, The Sun Kings. The event is happening at the historical, lavish Peacock Court so get ready to channel some old school glam. // Tickets ($40) can be bought on brownpapertickets.com. Closing Performances of Jangala 7:30pm tonight; 3pm and 7:30pm Saturday Odell Johnson Performing Arts Center Theater, 900 Fallon St. (Oakland) Catch the last few shows of Jangala, a show of Indian Bharatanatyam dancing showcasing stories from The Jungle Book set in an urban city scene, following the adventures and survival of a lost boy taken in by wolves. // Tickets ($30) can be bought on oaklandballet.org. Saturday, June 1st See on Instagram Brunch in Downtown Oakland Saturdays, 11am to 3pm Mockingbird, 416 13th St. (Oakland), mockingbirdoakland.com Downtown Oakland fav Mockingbird has expanded its menu to offer Saturday brunch with fun twists on American classics like a creme brulee French toast, avocado and smoked trout tartine, and a Moroccan spiced chicken hash. // Reservations can be made at mockingbirdoakland.com. Union Street Fair 10am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday Union Street from Gough to Steiner (Marina) Summer festival season is kicking off with this classic Marina street fair. Several blocks of Union Street will be closed off to allow you to wander among pop-up street food, craft vendors, outdoor beer gardens, and mini-stages with a variety of live music (jazz, blues, countryyou name it). // Full event info on unionstreetevents.com. Bi-Rite Creamery Grand Re-Opening 11am to 10pm Bi-Rite Creamery, 3692 18th St. (Mission), biritemarket.com Hallelujah, the Dolores Park ice cream mecca is back after a few months of construction for a seismic retrofit. Check out the newly updated space, enjoy a temporary outdoor parklet, and enter a celebratory sweepstakes to win free Bi-Rite Creamery scoops for a year during their grand opening weekend -- oh, and def come ready for ice cream. 6th Annual Pints for Paws 2pm to 5pm Berkeley Humane, Ninth & Carleton Streets (Berkeley), berkeleyhumane.org More than 50 local breweries and wineries are coming together to raise funds for our furry friends. The usual food trucks, live music, and games will be on-hand to keep the day going. Dogs welcome! // Tickets ($65) can be found on berkeleyhumane.org/pints-for-paws. Power Pasta for a Cause 5:30pm to 11pm, daily Flour + Water, 2401 Harrison St. (Mission), flourandwater.com In case you've forgotten about Flour + Water with the slew of new restaurants popping up everyday, here's a reason to revisit the Italian hot spot. Over the next 10 months, the restaurant will be partnering with various guest chef from the Bay Area's top restaurants to offer special a la carte pasta dishes, with 100 percent of the proceeds supporting the visiting chef's preferred charity. This month, eat a pasta from Ravi Kapur of Liholiho Yacht Club, and look for collabs soon with Nicole Krasinski & Stuart Brioza (State Bird Provisions & The Progress), Sarah & Evan Rich (Rich Table), Val Cantu (Californios), Melissa Perello (Frances and Octavia), Reem Assil (Reem's & Dyafa), and Brandon Jew (Mister Jiu's & Moongate Lounge). Can you say powerhouses? // Reservations available and walk-ins encouraged. High Times' Cannabis Cup NorCal Through June 2 The Cannabis Cup is back in Northern California! The most coveted award in the industry returns to Sonoma County for the crowning of this year's finest. Catch A-list musical performances, meet world-renowned cannabis producers, and enter an edible taste test. Don't miss your chance to join in and experience the movement. // Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd. (Santa Rosa); tickets are available at hightimesnorcal.frontgatetickets.com. *Thank you to our partners at High Times. Sunday, June 2nd See on Instagram Palm House Anniversary Luau 12pm to 4pm Palm House, 2032 Union St. (Marina), palmhousesf.com Palm House, a favorite Marina watering hole, is hosting its annual luau with a live steel drum band, patio tiki bar, poke bar, and whole roasted kalua pig. // Free to attend; optional event ticket ($30) gets you a cocktail, the luau feast, and priority entrance to Palm House if things start getting packedfind it on eventbrite.com. Day at the Beer Garden 11:30am to 11pm Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 am to midnight Friday and Saturday Willkommen, 2196 Market St. (Castro), willkommen.beer Soak up the vibes of Oktoberfest at this indoor beer garden where floor-to-ceiling windows provide all natural light you you need and festive greenery overhead is as good as the great outdoors. Expect about 10 beers on tap from Black Hammer Brewing alongside some curated German beers as well, Plus Germain drinking snacks like sausages from Rosamunde's. Prost! Harvest Uncorked Noon to 3pm Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club, 333 Country Club Dr. (Santa Rosa), clubcorp.com Hit up a new wine tasting event (with a few spirits for good measure), along with bites from more than 30 vendors. While you mix and mingle, make sure to get some raffle tickets for a chance to win special Sonoma experiences (think private wine cellar dinners, dinner at Single Thread, or a weekend getaway). Proceeds support Sonoma Family Meal to feed families affected by natural disasters in our area. // Tickets ($80) can be found on getharvestcard.com. Wine Down the Weekend 2pm to 5pm DecantSF, 1168 Folsom St. (SoMa), decantsf.com Pop into the newest wine bar in town, DecantSF, for their first event in a new series called Somm Sundays. Patrick Cappiello (sommelier and owner of Renegat Wines) will be on hand to walk you through wine flight tastings and offer bottle specials of his Monte Rio Cellars wine. // Find more info on eventbrite.com. Wine & Wags Noon to 4:30pm Livermore Valley Wine Country Livermore Valley's dog-friendly wineries host a day of fun for dogs and their owners. Bring your four-legged friends (on a leash, of course) and enjoy a day in beautiful Wine Country. Local animal rescues will be partnered with wineries, promoting adoptions of their furry friends that need a home. Come with your dogs, stay for the wine, and possibly leave with a new best friend. // Tickets ($30/pre-sale; $35 at the door) are available at lvwine.org. *Thank you to our partners at Livermore Valley Wine Country. Mike Miller PTA earns national school of excellence certification The local PTA for Mike Miller Elementary School sought and received school of excellence certification. A national recognition given to 330 schools. Trainer Blake MacIntosh was looking for a bit of redemption after Courtly Choices poor showing in Flamboro Downs Confederation Cup. The sun was shining down on MacIntosh and Courtly on Sunday (May 26), as the 2018 Little Brown Jug winner was back on his game. Courtly Choices sharp win came in the Commodore Barry, which is one of three $100,000 invitational races that comprised Harrahs Philadelphias Super Stakes Sunday. The other invitationals were the Betsy Ross Pace and the Maxie Lee Trot. The Commodore Barry went postward for Race 12, and with his regular pilot David Miller in the sulky, Courtly Choice took an overland trip to nail the wire in 1:49.1, and he looked good doing it. Miller and the four-year-old son of Art Major started from Post 4 and found themselves in a stalking position in the early going. A trio of horses took part in a serious scuffle right from the word go, as The Wall, Pacing Major N and Tiger Thompson N mixed it down to the quarter pole, which was clicked off in a blistering :25.2. Tiger Thompson N cleared to the lead after the quarter and was pressured to the half-mile marker in a hot :53.1. Miller played it cool with Courtly Choice while the front-end battles continued. Purple Jesus had worked out a third-over trip for his charge. Third-over turned into second-over on the final turn, after the three-quarters had flashed to life in 1:20.2. Miller knew he was in perfect striking position as the field rounded for home. Miller then tipped Courtly Choice three wide and the bay responded. Courtly Choice thrived with his clear path and was an in-hand winner at the wire. Courtly Choice, who paid $5.80 to win, topped an exactor with Rodeo Rock, who was driven by Andrew McCarthy and had raced second-over in the mile. The Wall, who was in rein to Jim Pantaleano, emerged from the early battle to finish third. After the race, MacIntosh discussed Courtly Choice's poor performance in the Confederation Cup. In the winner's circle interview, MacIntosh explained that Courtly Choice is not a fan off the off-going, and that the sunny weather that bathed Harrah's Philadelphia on Sunday was much to the horse's liking. MacIntosh went on to say that Courtly Choice had tied up in the Confederation Cup and he is being pointed to race in a leg of the Graduate Series this coming weekend at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Courtly Choice is owned by the Hutt Racing Stable (of Malvern, PA), Mac And Heim Stables (Cambridge, ON), Daniel Plouffe (Bromont, QC) and Touchstone Farms Inc. (Guelph, ON). The Betsy Ross for pacing mares kicked off the invitationals in Race 10, and it was the Jim King Jr.-trained and Tim Tetrick-driven Shartin N that was tough as nails, as she gutted out a taxing first-over trip to hit the wire first in 1:49.2. Shartin N left from Post 7 and tucked in behind Caviart Ally (who was driven by Andrew McCarthy), who blitzed the quarter pole in :25.2. Tetrick had thoughts of making a move for the front early, but opted to continue to sit the pocket. The move allowed Caviart Ally to rate a second panel of :30, as she tripped the half-mile pole in :55.2. Tetrick had seen enough at that point, and tipped Shartin N out for an advance in the vicinity of the half-mile pole. The two mares battled through a big third quarter, as Caviart Ally tripped the third timer in 1:21.3 with Shartin N directly to her right. Caviart Ally didnt want to give up the lead in the lane, as she dug in and gave it all she had, but Shartin N proved too tough, as Tetrick got her up for a narrow victory. Apple Bottom Jeans (Corey Callahan), who had raced second over, tipped three wide in the lane, but couldnt haul down either of the leading mares and had to settle for third. Shartin N, who returned $4.40 to win, has now won six of her seven starts this year. The six-year-old daughter of Tintin In America is owned by Richard Poillucci (of North Easton, MA), Joann Looney King (Harrington, DE) and Tim Tetrick LLC (Woolwich Twp, NJ). The Maxie Lee for trotters was up next in Race 11, and it was the Anette Lorentzon-trained and Tim Tetrick-driven Guardian Angel As who was best of all. The five-year-old son of Archangel wrestled the lead away early and stayed on the point until he hit the wire in a sharp 1:51. Guardian Angel As had started from Post 2 and watched the Dexter Dunn-driven Pinkman carve the quarter in :27. Tetrick tipped Guardian Angel As first-up just before the quarter, and the duo cleared to the lead early in the second panel. From there, Guardian Angel As was on his game, as he tripped the half-mile clock in :55.1 and spun off three quarters in 1:23.2. Guardian Angel As wasnt going to give up the lead late, and thus Pinkman, who had followed in the pocket, had to settle for second. Fiftydallarbill, who closed hard from the backfield after a three-wide brush, was an impressive third. Guardian Angel As, who returned $5.80 to win, has now won two of his three starts this season. He is owned by ACL Stuteri AB (Paris, KY) and Kjell Johansson (Sosdala, Sweden). Many of us can thank a teacher or mentor who early in our lives ignited a passion in us for our current professions. For nearly 30 years, Sandia National Laboratories Manos or hands-on program has provided that spark for science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, fields in thousands of Albuquerque middle school students. Albuquerque middle school students enjoy some hands-on science activities as part of Sandia National Laboratories Manos program. Tactile experiences in engineering, physics, computing, chemistry, robotics, electronics and more have guided Sandias Hispanic Outreach for Leadership and Awareness in engaging Albuquerques underrepresented students. Each year, about 70 Sandia employees volunteer as teachers and managers for the program. Some were Manos students themselves. I took a different module in each of my middle school years, and they all were great, says Sandia mechanical engineer Melissa Benavidez, who hooked into Manos 20 years ago as a student at John Adams Middle School. Every experience taught me even then that I could make a career with math and science that I enjoyed. Benavidez maximized her Manos experience, becoming a Sandia intern in high school and college. Now, she is a Sandia employee and Manos volunteer. (For information on the program, visit: share-ng.sandia.gov/stem/manos) Manos has engaged more than 5,000 young students in Albuquerque with gripping hands-on experiences hoping to increase the pool of Hispanic kids who pursue STEM degrees. Since its beginning in 1991, Manos has targeted middle schools that feed into Albuquerque Public Schools, high schools with lower graduation rates, and provides transportation to the sessions to students in those school districts. Now, Manos is open to all middle school students in the Albuquerque area. Aaron Legarda, 12, heard about Manos from his teachers. The South Valley Preparatory School seventh grader has completed modules in chemistry and math, and now is exploring robotics. In the second week, we made teams and started putting together robots with touch sensors and light sensors and color sensors, he says. Its really cool to make something from parts that moves and counts and measures. Were measuring how many times it touches things and how long it goes without stopping. Sandia employee Carla Moncayo Jordan, who volunteered with the program as a teacher and coordinator for the last 10 years, says, Making a difference in a childs life quickly becomes a mission for our volunteers. We really want to inspire these kids and show them theres a future right here in Albuquerque for making a great life for themselves, so we design our courses around real-life, relatable ideas. Jordan teaches a Fun With Math and Money course and uses the opportunity to have students dig deep to consider career choices. The kids pick a career, or a couple of careers, and we run the numbers, she explains. They learn firsthand what it takes in time and money to get to a specific career level and what the potential payoffs are. That usually gets them talking about buying a house, traveling, hobbies and other interests they understand can be in reach with a plan, she adds. We also have our students create a stock portfolio and track it during the module. Its a great way to use real-life applications to explore mathematical concepts. All classes use science games to help students answer intriguing questions. I like the way they relate chemistry subjects to everyday life, like how we use polymers in so many different things from clothes to glue, says Ethan Snow, 13, an eighth grader at Jefferson Middle School. A polymer is a chemical compound of small molecules arranged in a simple repeating structure to form a larger molecule. I really like chemistry and now Im going to study it in high school. Ethan also appreciates other Manos benefits. I mean, we get to make liquid nitrogen ice cream twice there are good perks to this course. Manos has about 20 sixth to eighth graders per class. Classes are taught at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and run anywhere from two to seven weeks, depending on the subject. Its all free to the students. Jordan says the hands-on application is important so that the students are excited about the projects and want to return. We proudly enjoy a regular flow of kids returning for more courses over the three years theyre eligible, Jordan says. Thousands of kids have been through the program, and weve seen a steady increase in APS high school graduation rates over the years. We cant take credit for that, but we know were having an impact. Were not just teaching kids about science and technology were teaching them about life and how to build a career and a future, she adds. They get that it means something to them. An Albuquerque middle school student enjoys some hands-on science activities as part of Sandia National Laboratories Manos program. Albuquerque middle school students program a robot as part of Sandia National Labs Manos program. Four years ago, West Central Plaza at Central and Atrisco was in dire shape. After the closure of Kmart, the Southwest Albuquerque malls anchor tenant, the mall was nearly 85 percent vacant, with a dilapidated parking lot and a shortage of nearby amenities. Still, Casey McKeon, vice president for acquisitions at California-based Heslin Holdings, saw reasons for hope based on its location. With the right mix of stores and a retrofitted space, McKeon said the mall could succeed. We believe we can definitely backfill this Kmart with two or three tenants, he said. Today, after extensive renovations, West Central Plaza is nearly full, with two national chains Conns HomePlus and Burlington Coat Factory occupying the space where Kmart once stood. New buildings have gone up, and new tenants have come onboard throughout the plaza. We saw the potential, McKeon said. McKeon said Heslin, which acquires and redevelops existing retail, office and medical plazas, was attracted to the parcel because of its location in southwest quadrant of the city. He said Southwest Albuquerque has less retail space per resident than the rest of the city, as well as the national average. That general shortage of stores, along with the success of the mall on the other side of Central Avenue, which is home to an El Super grocery store and a Family Dollar, were Heslins primary reasons for optimism. Being in the southwest portion of the market, theres really not a lot of retail down there, McKeon said. The building that housed the Kmart went through an extensive renovation, as builders removed asbestos and installed a new HVAC system and roof. The developers subdivided the building, making it suitable for retailers looking to downsize. One building, now occupied by Harbor Freight Tools, was converted for use by a single tenant. When Dollar Tree committed to West Central Plaza in 2017, the developers built a 17,000-square-foot building for the company to move into. Finally, Dunkin Donuts is constructing a building in the shopping center along Central. In a retail landscape that has been hard on many large stores, McKeon stressed the importance of working with internet-resistant companies: those that understand the disruptive role the internet can play on retail, and have taken steps to adapt to the new environment. He said hes been encouraged to see how both Burlington and Conns have evolved as companies. Thats why we really like the tenant mix, McKeon said. Restoration Pizzas unique workforce Restoration Pizza, a new pizza restaurant spearheaded by Bosque Brewing Co., wouldnt have gotten off the ground without support from nearly a dozen groups that help find jobs for employees with special needs. When the pizza restaurant opened in April, it did so with 38 percent of its staff considered differently abled, with challenges ranging from autism to Down syndrome, according to Nathan Winham, a program consultant working for Restoration Pizza. Winham said the restaurant hopes to eventually have 40 to 60 percent of its staffed positions occupied by employees with disabilities. That was a hugely underrepresented workforce, Winham said. Winham has a background working with employees with special needs and said the restaurants approach grew out of work he did while living in Arkansas. Winham said employees have been referred by 11 support agencies, including Mandys Farm and New Mexico Commission for the Blind. In its first few weeks of operation, the restaurant serves about 400 customers every day, said Jotham Michnovicz, chief development officer for Bosque Brewing Co. Things are getting busier and busier every week, Michnovicz said. Second ABQ Slapfish open at Winrock After a soft opening featuring free lobster rolls, Albuquerques second location of Slapfish is officially open for business at Winrock Town Center. Bridget Wilson, co-owner and business manager of the restaurants Albuquerque franchises, said they agreed to bring two locations to the Albuquerque market when they opened the first location, at 6400 Holly NE, in 2017. After looking at spaces in other parts of town, Wilson said they settled on the location near Winrocks northern edge last year. This is a part of the city thats known for shopping and for eating, Wilson said. It serves a different demographic and regional area than our one at Holly Square. She said the second location is significantly larger than the first, at around 3,000 square feet. She added that the Winrock location also features a patio, which allows it to significantly expand seating when the weather is nice. Six months out of the year, we almost double in size, she said. Wilson said Slapfish hired 30 employees at the new location. She added that the new location is the 16th Slapfish to open nationwide, part of an aggressive expansion by the fast-casual seafood restaurant. The restaurant was founded by California-based celebrity chef Andrew Gruel. Patience pays off for ad agency president Jonathan Lewis first day at the Albuquerque-based advertising firm McKee Wallwork + Co. involved his standing in a bullpen in northeastern New Mexico and holding up the tail of an unhappy bull for several hours, as part of a commercial filming. It was a wild introduction to the world of advertising, Lewis said. Despite the unpleasant first day, Lewis went back for Day 2, and for 12 years after that, slowly working his way up through the ranks of the company. His diligence eventually paid off when he was appointed as company president earlier in May. Lewis had most recently worked as vice president of the agency. Lewis praised the work that the agency, founded by Steve McKee and Pat Wallwork in Albuquerque, has done during his time there, but stressed the need to continue evolving. He joined the company right before the Great Recession, which hit McKee Wallwork and other advertising agencies hard. He said his agency has responded by working with client companies more holistically, helping them with business plans instead of merely working on ad campaigns. We cant assume old ways of doing biz will continue to be effective, Lewis said. Despite the change, Lewis emphasized that McKee and Wallwork will remain with the company for the foreseeable future. Stephen Hamway covers retail and real estate for the Albuquerque Journal. You can reach him at shamway@abqjournal.com or by phone at 505-823-3919. Alexis Kerschner Tappan loves Albuquerque, and not just a little bit. Actually, its more like this: Alexis Kerschner Tappan LOVES Albuquerque in an all-capital-letters kind of way so much so that she admits its kind of quirky. She and two friends launched a sort of Albuquerque admirers group called Stop Bagging, Start Bragging, and Tappan has started an Instagram account called EverythingABQ. Im not taking any money for it, says Tappan, the incoming chair of the University of New Mexico Alumni Association board. I just post pictures of things that I do and things that I love about Albuquerque. I think you have to be really excited about Albuquerque to start an Instagram account. Tappan, 41, moved here from Maryland when she was 15, went to La Cueva High School and wound up getting a degree in journalism and mass communications from UNM. She traces her love affair with New Mexico and the states largest city to a weeklong honors class called Sacred Sites of Northern New Mexico. The students traveled the state in a 15-person van to a Buddhist temple in Taos, a Hindu temple in Santa Fe, a mosque in Abiquiu and the D.H. Lawrence Ranch in Taos. You know, by the end of that week, I was sold and that was it, Tappan says. Really, for whatever reason, I thought, There is nothing like this in the world, and I stayed. Tappan opened her strategic marketing company, AKT Communications, 2 years ago, after working for Rick Johnson & Co. Advertising for eight years and for Central New Mexico Community College for eight years. Her real start in the business world, though, was her nine-month stint as a management trainee at Enterprise Rent-a-Car, which gave her skills she still appreciates. I dont regret it for a second, Tappan says. And Im still really good at washing cars. In line with her personal beliefs, Tappan says, One of the values of my company is that I dont work with organizations that arent benefiting New Mexico. So I have this really wonderful diverse group of clients that are doing, I think, really great things for the state. Among her clients have been Homewise, a nonprofit that seeks to boost homeownership, Southwest Creations Collaborative, the Fiery Foods Show and the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. But shes especially proud of the campaign she worked on while at Rick Johnson & Co., helping the city of Roswell publicize its annual UFO Festival from about 2006 to 2008. Tappan describes it as a hoot and a half. She recalls one year when the Today show aired live from Roswell during the festival and wanted locals to show up for the broadcast at about 4 a.m. New Mexico time. The entire city of Roswell came out, Tappan said. They were the kindest, most generous people and very proud of their city. But there might be a more personal angle to Tappans admiration for Roswell and its UFOs shes a die-hard science fiction fan who went to space camp in Alabama when she was a kid. Unlike the movie (Space Camp), we didnt get locked in a spaceship and get launched to the moon, but it was really fun, she says. What was the motivation behind the Stop Bagging, Start Bragging campaign you started with Annemarie Ciepiela Henton and Emily Howard? I really believe that Albuquerque is on the verge of something great. Its hard to know what that is, but I believe this is a place that has just boundless potential. (But) if we want people to come here and stay here, they need to hear all the reasons we love Albuquerque and New Mexico. One of the things that happens is you become kind of casual with your language when youve lived here for a while. A great example of that is manana how we always tongue-in-cheek it as, Why do we do something today when we can do it tomorrow? But instead, a woman I know said this to me: Why doesnt it mean the land of the future or the land of tomorrow? It could so easily have meant that, but its gone this other direction. So the whole point is to really think through how we talk about our community and other ways we can say it. Explain what you mean by Albuquerques boundless potential. In my mind, one of the reasons were at a tipping point is you can still live here. You can own a home here, you can afford to have a life here, and thats becoming less and less true in places that people want to live. You also have access to friends because traffic isnt so bad that you sit in traffic for two hours to go 20 miles. And you can have a life here in terms of access to the outdoors and access to higher education all of those kinds of intangible things that people say, This is great. This is how I want to live.' Tell me something thats on your bucket list. My son is in a dual language kindergarten, and I really want to take him to Spanish-speaking countries to grow both his Spanish-language skills and also his view of the world. And then for my business, I want to keep growing it in a way that allows me to do the things I care about, (including) volunteering. I was raised to think both philanthropically through financial support, but also through time. I saw a futurist speak, and she said time was the new commodity, and shes right. The great thing about time being a commodity is that not everybody has additional income to give, but some do have time. What were you like as a kid? I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy. I was, and still am, really gregarious and extroverted. I am an only child, and so for me, as an only child, I was always around adults. I was a kind of fun, good-natured kid who always liked adults, but I always had my nose in a book when I wasnt talking. Im very similar in personality (now) to how I was as a kid. I always had a lot of good friends. What do you and your friends do when you get together? A lot of different things. We certainly celebrate Albuquerques burgeoning craft brewery scene. We actually just did, a la Marie Kondo (author and decluttering guru), a clothing swap. We hike. Do you have any pet peeves? Well, yeah. Its really to stop bagging. It drives me nuts when people complain about Albuquerque and dont actively do anything like volunteering their time to change things. Again, Im not naive or blind. There certainly are challenges, but the people who complain about it without actually taking any action to fix it, whatever that means for them, drive me crazy. What are your favorite foods? Roasted, chopped green chile, Big Jim. On everything. Im a sucker for a really good piece of pizza with green chile. When you work the Fiery Foods Show, youll talk to people there, and theyll say, You guys really put green chile on everything? Yeah, we really do. What do you want your legacy to be? I want my legacy to be that people would look back and say, Because of her, I got connected to something that has benefited my life. One of the things that I love more than anything is connecting other people, and not mediating that relationship because then that would be about me, but actually connecting two people. If people can look back and say, Because of her, I now have this, whether its a person, or a job or an opportunity or a pet, that is a legacy that I would like to leave. And the thing is, I get it now. Your legacy doesnt always have to be something that happens after you go, but these sorts of things can happen all the time. WASHINGTON For sheer hypocrisy, its hard to match the European nations that are refusing responsibility for dozens of their nationals who became jihadist foreign fighters over the past five years and are now warehoused in makeshift prisons in northeast Syria. U.S. officials say that about 2,000 foreign fighters from more than 50 nations are among the roughly 10,000 captured Islamic State fighters held in several dozen ramshackle prisons in Syria. The detention facilities are run by the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Kurdish militia that partnered with a U.S.-led coalition to defeat Islamic State. The other 8,000 captives are Syrian and Iraqi fighters. The Pentagon and State Department have implored European nations to repatriate their nationals for trial and imprisonment, or at least pay the SDF to hold them temporarily. But so far, most European nations have refused. The SDF warns that it cant imprison them indefinitely and doesnt have laws that would allow formal prosecution in the Kurdish-controlled zone. If these prisoners are not going to be taken, what is the endgame? complained one frustrated Pentagon official in an interview: What comes next? Europeans protest that they dont have adequate laws to try their nationals who committed terrorist offenses on foreign soil, and that they dont have evidence that would stand up in court. They worry, too, that jihadists in European prisons would radicalize other Muslim prisoners, then be released back into society in a few years, perhaps to commit new terrorist acts. Its a political problem for Europe, too, explained one European who has talked extensively with officials there about the repatriation issue. The European Union is in denial, he told me. The security and interior ministers dont want to hear about it. The Europeans feel that a government that takes them back has no chance for re-election. The problem isnt just the foreign fighters in the prisons, but their wives and children living in camps. Experts estimate that of the 74,000 people at a huge camp known as Al Hol, about 11,000 may be related to fighters who arent Syrian or Iraqi. The European desire for self-protection was epitomized by Ben Wallace, British security minister, who told The Guardian: Im not putting at risk British peoples lives to go looking for terrorists or former terrorists in a failed state. The International Committee for the Red Cross said in a statement: Countries of origin cannot turn their backs. People especially children cannot be made stateless. Faced with this complex problem, moral inertia is not an option. What peeves some U.S. officials is that the European nations shunning responsibility for Islamic State prisoners have for years been lecturing the United States about its immoral treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. Facing a post-conflict dilemma now thats similar to what the U.S. encountered with al-Qaida, the Europeans are ducking the problem. European castigation of Guantanamo abuses included the European Parliaments demand that the U.S. close Guantanamo without delay. (These criticisms were gathered by the Center for the Study of Human Rights in the Americas.) President Trump tweeted about the problem on April 30, as the last holdouts of the Islamic State were being routed and sent to the overcrowded, underfunded SDF prisons: European countries are not helping at all, even though this was very much done for their benefit. They are refusing to take back prisoners from their specific countries. Not good! Trump was right. But U.S. pleas have yielded little response, especially from Europe. The only countries to accept significant transfers from SDF prisons are Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Kosovo, Morocco and Bosnia, a Pentagon official said. Prisoners have also been transferred to Iraq, which has offered to take thousands more but only if paid. The SDF, which has limited resources and faces a Turkish threat of attack, has kept holding the prisoners but warned it cant do so indefinitely. Abdulkerim Umer, an SDF representative, told The Associated Press: We cant put up with this burden alone. The international community has evaded its responsibility, so we ask that they help us set up the court here. Defeating Islamic State was a worthy goal. Ignoring prisoners captured in that war, and leaving the problem to others, is reprehensible. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the release of self-admitted American Taliban member John Walker Lindh unexplainable and unconscionable. Lindh, who was paroled Thursday from a federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana, served 17 years of a 20-year sentence for illegally aiding Taliban forces. Lindh had joined the terrorist organization before Sept. 11, 2001. He was in Afghanistan at the time and was also there when a group of Taliban prisoners murdered CIA officer Johnny Micheal Spann. Spanns daughter, who was 9 when her father died, called Lindhs early release a slap in the face to everyone who died on 9-11. After his capture and return to the U.S., Lindh struck a plea bargain, admitting to illegally providing help to the Taliban, but denying any role in Spanns death. Lindh is barred from traveling and using a cellphone or the internet. He could still borrow a phone and possibly use someone elses computer and sign-in information, so it is difficult to see how those limitations will be enforced. Lindh stated he would not have joined the Taliban if he had known what it was about, but that doesnt stand up given his statements after he was sent to prison. Foreignpolicy.com, a site that focuses on global affairs, current events and domestic and international policy, obtained a report from the National Counterterrorism Center that stated in early 2017 that Lindh continued to advocate for global jihad and to write and translate violent extremist texts. The document cites Federal Bureau of Prisons intelligence summaries, which claim that in March 2016, Lindh told a television news producer that he would continue to spread violent extremist Islam upon his release. The document does not identify the news reporter and Foreign Policy says there is no public record of Lindh participating in media interviews. That doesnt mean it didnt happen, but if the interview exists now would be a good time to see it. Homegrown violent extremists have long been considered the most difficult to detect and monitor. Lindhs release is likely to give aid and comfort to potential terrorists already in the country and others seeking to enter the U.S. There is no indication Lindh has repented of his actions, much less changed his ideology, or brand of Islamic extremism. Treason is a word that should be used only in cases where an American citizen betrays his country and goes over to the enemys side. Lindh fits that description. In past American wars, some of those found guilty of treason have been executed. Lindh is a traitor and should have received the death penalty, but because of the plea deal, he is now free and is likely to return to his old ways. He will be able to associate with people of his persuasion and encourage their radical beliefs and extreme behavior. Government officials say he will be closely monitored by parole officers and others during the three years remaining of his sentence. What happens after that? Suppose he engages in actions that directly or indirectly result in the deaths of more Americans? Sure, he can be returned to prison and possibly even executed, but the blood of future victims will be on the heads of those who let him out. An ideology driven by extreme religious views is difficult to combat, much less reverse. Given the ancient history of Islam and the radical behavior of those claiming to conduct terrorist activities in its name, it is not a stretch to say once one has become a terrorist, it is likely he will remain one. Email tcaeditors@tribpub.com. 2019 Tribune Content Agency LLC. Police believe alcohol was a factor in a rollover crash near Dexter that left a 23-year-old dead. New Mexico State Police Lt. Mark Soriano said in a news release that 23-year-old Ethan John Lilly was driving north on U.S. 285 around 9 p.m. Saturday when he lost control of his 2006 Saturn. The car rolled, and Lilly, of Hagerman, sustained fatal injuries. A 25-year-old passenger was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Alcohol does appear to be a factor and seatbelts do not appear to have been properly utilized, Soriano wrote. The Everett Public Schools Board of Directors announced finalists in their search for a superintendent, and an APS leader is on the list. After a national search, the board in Washington state announced that Gabriella Blakey is one of the top three candidates. Blakey is currently an APS associate superintendent for Zone 1, which includes Albuquerque and Highland high schools. She was part of the districts planning process to revamp schools labeled as in need of more rigourous intervention by the previous Public Education Department administration. Two of the districts three MRI schools were in her zone. She is credited with pitching Genius Hour for the schools, which is an extra chunk of unique learning at the end of the school day. According to Everett Public Schools, the top three candidates were narrowed from seven who were highlighted by a search firm. Blakey, who is a former teacher and principal, and the other two finalists will have a series of final interviews. APS JOB FAIR: Iron your shirts and print your resumes. APS is hosting a job fair Wednesday. From 10 a.m. to noon, the fair will be at the Berna Facio Professional Development Complex, 3315 Louisiana NE. The district is looking to hire regular and special teachers and school nurses. Interviews will be conducted on site and APS is anticipating offering jobs on the spot. Ice those handshake muscles. SUMMER LUNCHES: Also on Wednesday, the Bernalillo Countys 2019 Summer Lunch Program will kick off and run until Aug. 2. Children 1 to 18 are eligible to get a meal, which are passed out on a first-come, first-serve basis. And participants dont have to register. There are 55 county summer lunch locations. Check out a map of them here: www.bernco.gov/summerlunch. The meals are prepared at the APS central kitchen, and delivered to sites around the county. Nearly 150,000 meals are expected to be served this year. A similar lunch program through the city of Albuquerque will kick off in early June. Those locations are on the citys website, cabq.gov, on the Food Service Program for Children page. Shelby Perea: sperea@abqjournal.com A ROUNDABOUT UPDATE: Some reader questions have come up as work continues on the traffic-calming $1.9 million roundabout going in at Rio Grande and Candelaria. THE STRIPES: Wally emails, Rio Grande between Griegos and Candelaria was resurfaced weeks ago. It still has not been painted. A good 60% of the little reflective flag markers have fallen off. Do you happen to have any info on what is happening? Its looking like Boston or New York where drivers take on lanes of their own. Patti Watson, who is handling information on the city project, says Rio Grande north of the Candelaria intersection was recently repaved, the citys Street Maintenance Department was scheduled to lay out the new striping last week, and the permanent striping will likely be applied after Memorial Day, depending on weather and scheduling. THE SIGNALS: But Wally has more. They hung temporary directional dedicated left-turn stop lights. The lights went live (May 17). The light timing is abysmal. There was a backup all day (on) southbound Rio Grande a good of a mile, backed up to Matthew Road. In my 30 years of living here, this has never happened. Watson says, Traffic engineers are continuing to look at the timing of the signals to minimize the delay, particularly to northbound traffic on Rio Grande. The challenge is to allow motorists in all four directions to go straight through the intersection as well as turn, which is indicated by the turn arrows. Engineers have optimized the signal timing based on the current conditions. THE TURN ARROWS: Wally adds that crews are actually temporarily doing what was recommended in a 2013 study. Turn arrows (are) all that we wanted. Watson explains, The turn arrows may help with traffic, but the reason for the roundabout is safety. The federal Highway Safety Improvement Program found that the roundabout is needed due to the long record of a high rate of severe injuries from crashes at the intersection and the high frequency of damage to private property abutting the intersection. AND NO SMART SIGNALS: And finally, Wally reported super-frustrated drivers right now and (it) was only Day One. Lots of red-light runners. They are apparently timing each direction the same, 30 seconds times four. Why isnt this a smart light? Watson says, The traffic signals are not smart traffic lights because they are temporary and therefore are not tied into the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). They will be removed after the roundabout is installed. The temporary signals are timed to accommodate left-turn and through movements. POTHOLE REPAIRS A SOLID START: That comes from Chris Timm, who emails, Kudos to the city for the very responsive pothole repair program. They have been quick and thorough. Now they should consider getting more proactive on pothole prevention. One way would be to start a seam or crack sealing campaign that would seal bad cracks before the weather grew them into potholes. One example of an intersection that could definitely use sealing is Eastridge Avenue on the west side of Indian School Road just north of Cavalry Chapel. Theyve filled potholes there, but there are a lot of cracks that are precursors to more. The city and county and state do have preventative maintenance programs that include crack sealing, slurry or microsurfacing, hot-mix overlay, mill and inlay, heater scarification and overlay, and repaving. All are designed to prolong the life of roads, because as traffic engineers have explained in this column over the years, it is much more cost-efficient to maintain a road than rebuild it from the dirt up. Much of that work is funded through bond questions that go to voters or through capital outlay requests. However, as with many things, there always seems to be a longer to-do list than there is funding. Editorial page editor DVal Westphal tackles commuter issues for the Metro area on Mondays. Reach her at 823-3858; dwestphal@abqjournal.com; or 7777 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, N.M., 87109. Copyright 2019 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE More laws passed this year by the Democratic-controlled Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham are being targeted for repeal by self-described patriot groups from around New Mexico. Five new referendum petitions aimed at bills such as an approved increase in New Mexicos $7.50-per-hour minimum wage, a landmark renewable energy law and a framework for having certain criminal records expunged from public view were filed last week with Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Olivers office. In addition, two previously filed petitions that Toulouse Oliver, a Democrat, had rejected for technical defects were resubmitted by proponents. So far this year, at least 13 bills have faced referendum petitions. Most were filed by patriot groups in four different Republican-leaning counties Eddy, Sierra, Chaves and Valencia and appear to be similarly formatted. Laura Schneberger of Winston, who is part of the Sierra County patriot group, said the various groups have been in discussion with one another about repeal efforts but have made individual decisions about which bills to target. They dont seem to really care about the rural parts of the state, Schneberger said, referring to the Legislature and the first-term Democratic governor. She also told the Journal that the new minimum wage bill, which her group is targeting and will gradually raise New Mexicos statewide minimum wage to $12 per hour by 2023, will cause many small businesses to close their doors. However, Lujan Grisham spokesman Tripp Stelnicki said the referendum push appears motivated at least in part by political sour grapes and the goal of placing an administrative burden on the Secretary of States Office. Id be curious what the rationale is other than to try to overturn the results of the 2018 elections in the state, Stelnicki said Friday. Democrats swept all statewide offices on last years general election ballot, while also expanding their majority in the Legislature. That set the stage for this years 60-day session in which numerous Democratic-backed measures were approved, including a measure to expand background check requirements for gun sales. As a response, the barrage of petitions appears to represent a new tactic, as New Mexicos voter referendum process has been rarely used historically and poses a high bar for repealing laws. Since statehood, just three such attempts have been officially launched, and only one in 1930 was ultimately successful in repealing a state law, according to the Legislative Council Service. But this year, referendum petitions have now been filed on at least 13 bills with perhaps dozens more still in the works. The initial petition was filed by House Minority Leader James Townsend, R-Artesia, in an attempt to overturn the new gun law. But none of the petitions has thus far been approved by the secretary of state, who has consulted with the state Attorney Generals Office on how to handle at least one of the referendum petitions. Even if approved by Toulouse Oliver, backers of this years petition effort would still face significant logistical challenges. Thats because in order to get the targeted bills on the 2020 general election ballot, they would have to obtain valid signatures from more than 70,000 state voters or at least 10% of those who voted in last years general election, according to the state Constitution. There is also a geographic requirement that a certain amount of the signatures come from at least 25 counties. Schneberger acknowledged that those requirements pose a daunting task, but said meeting them is not impossible. We think well be able to give it a run, she said. A severe drought in southwest Chinas Yunnan Province has caused huge losses to agricultural production and disruption to the daily life of locals. From May 19 to 22, the provincial meteorological department carried out artificial precipitation operations in the air and from the ground in the areas where conditions permitted. Such efforts will continue in the following days. China tries to save crops from unprecedented drought in Yunnan by using geoengineering and artficial rain. Picture via CGTN Data from Chinas meteorological department shows that from April 1 to May 17, the average precipitation in Yunnan was 35.3 millimeters, about 63 percent less than that of the same period in previous years, hitting a record low since 1961. Meanwhile, the average temperature of the province was about 1.9 degrees Celsius higher a record high since 1961. The extreme weather has struck most parts of the province. The National Commission for Disaster Reduction said Thursday that a preliminary investigation shows that more than 1.16 million people from 36 county-level cities have been affected by the disaster. Large areas of crops including rice, corn, potato, rubber, flue-cured tobacco and various vegetables have largely withered. In total, the direct economic loss nears 138.8 million U.S. dollars, said the commission. Corn seedlings in a village in the city of Qujing start withering. /Photo from weather.com.cn Local governments are clueless Yuanjiang County in the city of Yuxi is one of the worst-hit places, as it has suffered extreme heat since mid-May. On May 19 and 20, the temperatures there exceeded 44 degrees Celsius. For the farmlands where crops have been killed, the local agricultural department is instructing residents to replant some other dryland crops like soybeans and oil crops as substitutes. Zhicun in Honghe Hani Autonomous Prefecture is a town where many flue-cured tobaccos are planted. To prevent the cash crops dying out, the local government has purchased some drought-resistance equipment for irrigation, reported Honghe Daily. In Xishuangbanna, a popular tourist destination, classes in kindergartens were suspended in the past days to protect the children from heat-related health risks. Rice planting in Mengzi, Honghe Hani Autonomous Prefecture has been badly affected. The transplanted seedlings are about eight centimeters shorter than those of previous years. /Photo from weather.com.cn Relevant authorities are also taking actions to alleviate the unremittingly awful drought. From May 19 to 22, the provincial meteorological department carried out artificial precipitation operations in the air and from the ground in the areas where conditions permitted. Such efforts will continue in the following days. Since early May, firefighters have been carrying out a campaign delivering 6,000 tons of water to areas most desperate for it. Firefighters from Menglian in the city of Puer send water to a village with fire engines. /Courtesy of Puer firefighting squad As an area frequently hit by drought, Yunnan had a similar episode in 2012 when it also experienced huge economic losses. Chen Lijuan, chief forecaster at the National Climate Center, told the Science and Technology Daily that the rainy season in Yunnan over the past years usually fell in mid- or late May, but it is expected to come later this year so that the drought would last for a period of time. Geoengineering, drought and food crisis This is a very dark and sinister future. Follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER. Share your thoughts in our DISCUSSION FORUMS. Donate through Paypal. Please and thank you [CGTN] Copyright 2019 Albuquerque Journal EDGEWOOD She didnt get a chance to say goodbye. Thats one of the things Pat Merville remembers when she thinks of her son Christophers service to his country in Iraq. The Army specialist was given leave before his unit left South Korea for the Middle East in the summer of 2004. Only Christopher Merville didnt come back to the states. His mind was on the future. He was engaged to a woman from the Philippines hed met while serving as a peacekeeper in Korea and wanted to spend time with his fiancee before leaving for what would be about a yearlong deployment in Iraq. He sent his fiancee, Rena Beth Louise, back to Manila before his unit deployed. It had been 17 months since Pat Merville had seen her son, who deployed to Iraq in July 2004. They talked on the phone when he was in Korea, and again when Christopher was in the Middle East. He was happy with military life, she said, although he was thinking about transferring to another specialty. She said her son was interested in languages, having spent a year as an exchange student in Germany. She said her son worked on learning Korean and Tagalog Rena Beth Louises native language when he was stationed in Korea. Pat Merville also said Christopher was interested in deepening his Catholic faith. His service to his country was a way of honoring his father, Joseph, a Vietnam veteran who died in April 2001 with a heart ailment. Several months later came the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He went to basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He wanted to avenge his country, Pat Merville said. She tried to send him birthday gifts when he turned 26 in Kuwait in August 2004, but the Army wouldnt deliver them because he was only temporarily stationed there. She looked forward to the day when shed see her oldest son again. But it wasnt meant to be. The Eldorado High grad who had attended the University of New Mexico was a squad leader in the 2nd Infantry Division on patrol in Baghdad when he was killed by a sniper on Oct. 12, 2004. I think it was because he was the leader that he was targeted by the sniper, said his mother, who will be in attendance at todays Memorial Day observance at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial in Albuquerque. Its one way to remember her son. When they do the gun salute, when they do the song, she said, we all tear up. An ominous message The news of her sons death came at what had been a joyous time for Pat Merville. Her sister, Phyllis Villave rde, had been in town for a week-and-a-half celebrating her 50th birthday. The sisters spent time at the Balloon Fiesta. I had dropped her off at the train station, Pat Merville said. She was planning on doing some shopping. She called her younger son, Matt, to ask him what he wanted her to pick up for dinner. He told her she needed to come home. The casualty assistance officers from the National Guard were there because Albuquerque doesnt have an Army base. They were parked by the side of the road when she drove up. I hesitated about going in, Pat Merville said. My poor son had been sitting with them for several hours. He was unable to call her. It was hard, she said. The worst thing was trying to go back to work. She was working at PNM at the time. She said then-CEO Jeff Sterba got her in touch with then-U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson, who helped the family with, among other things, getting a visa for Christopher Mervilles fiancee so she could attend the funeral. Wilson also attended the funeral. Merville credits her involvement with the Rio Grande Chapter of Blue Star Mothers, an organization for parents with children serving in the military, and Gold Star Mothers, an organization for mothers whose children were killed in while in the service of their country, with helping her with her grief, and helping her keep her sons memory alive. When my sister was here and we went to Balloon Fiesta, Jan Downs and Carolyn Donnell were there at Balloon Fiesta with a booth there, trying to inform people that they were forming a local chapter of Blue Star Mothers, she said. She went to a meeting the Saturday after Christopher was killed. I joined that group and have been a member of that group ever since, Pat Merville said. It was through them that they put me in touch with the Gold Star Mothers. At that time, there were only Gold Star Mothers from the Vietnam era. Its not just an honorary organization, but a veteran services organization, she said. They go to the VA hospitals to help. One of the reasons I stayed with the Blue Star Mothers is to help with the care packaging. Our group (the Gold Star Mothers) is very small. There are only 17. Thats for the whole state. She is aware of other mothers in the state who have lost children who were serving in the military. Not everybody is into volunteer work, Pat Merville said. How they deal with their grief is different. Bonding with people such as fellow Gold Star member Becky Christmas helped her with her grief. Becky Christmas son Todd, an Army captain, was killed in a helicopter crash at Fort Hood in Texas shortly after Christopher Merville died in Iraq. Pat Merville also finds other ways to keep the memory of her son alive. Photos and other memorabilia are on display at her home from Christophers time in the military. I still miss him, she said. I knew the potential. I knew what he could have done after he did his service. He could have contributed a lot. I miss him bad. BRUSSELS Frances pro-EU president and the leader of Italys euroskeptic, far-right movement jockeyed for the role of chief powerbroker on the continent Monday after elections to the European Parliament hollowed out the traditional political middle. The four days of balloting that drew to a close Sunday across the European Unions 28 countries ended the domination of the main center-right and center-left parties in Parliament and established the anti-EU forces on the right and the environmentalists on the left as forces to be reckoned with. Voters delivered the highest turnout in 20 years, rejecting mainstream politics in France, Germany, Britain and Italy. The results could make the business of governing Europe even trickier, leaving the Parliament deadlocked over key issues to come, including immigration, a major trade agreement with the United States, global warming, regulation of the tech industry and, of course, Brexit. The outcome of the election is already setting off a power struggle. In France, President Emmanuel Macrons party narrowly lost to the French far-right, led by Marine Le Pen. Macron, whose party was poised to secure 21 seats to 22 for Le Pens National Rally, spent Monday busily amassing allies ahead of a summit Tuesday in Brussels, hoping to build a durable pro-EU coalition. In Italy, Matteo Salvinis right-wing League party won a third of the countrys vote and is poised to become one of the biggest parties in the European Parliament with 28 seats in the 751-seat legislature. But his ambitions reached higher. By midday, he had already spoken to Le Pen, Hungarys hardline anti-immigrant prime minister, Viktor Orban, and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage and was promising to singlehandedly bring together a contradiction in terms an international group of nationalists. We want to be a group that has at least 100 members and has the ambition to be at least 150, if everyone can overcome jealousies, sympathies, antipathies. To create an alternative, you play. You dont do it by turning up your nose, he said. The center-right European Peoples Party and the center-left Socialists & Democrats have dominated the parliament with a combined majority since direct elections were first held in 1979. With results still coming in , the EPP was on track to secure 180 seats, down from 217 five years ago. The Socialists were slated to win 145, down from 187. Riding what they called Europes green wave, environmentalist parties seeking action on climate change made strong gains, notably in Germany. Another mainstream formation, the free-market ALDE group backed by Macron, saw its stake in the Parliament rise to 109 seats, from 68 in 2014. For the Parliament to choose a European Commission president and ultimately to pass legislation, new and uncomfortable alliances must be forged, and nearly all will require some combination of ALDE and the Greens. Well aware of the far-rights potential to turn against itself, Macron launched a flurry of meetings ahead of the dinner summit Tuesday where the EU countries presidents and prime ministers will take stock of the election results. He started with Spain and was due to hold talks with the leaders of Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. The future majority of the European Parliament goes through us, without question. There isnt one without us, Pascal Canfin, one of the leading candidates from Macrons party, told France Inter radio. In Germany, where Chancellor Angela Merkels center-right movement also lost ground, leaders of the countrys governing parties met to weigh the fallout from their worst post-World War II showing in a nationwide election. We are facing a shrinking center, a subdued EPP candidate Manfred Weber said. From now on, those who want to have a strong European Union have to join forces. Senior figures from the EPP hold the top posts in the EUs three main institutions: Parliament president; head of the EUs powerful executive commission; and European Council president, who chairs summits of European presidents and prime ministers. Just over 50 percent of the EUs more than 400 million voters cast ballots. While real power in Europe remains in the hands of the 28 member states, the Parliaments influence has grown. It has helped improve air flight safety in Europe, cut down on plastics use, end mobile telephone roaming charges inside the bloc, boost data privacy, and cut carbon dioxide emissions from cars. Steve Bannon, who helped propel Donald Trumps populist campaign to the White House, was in Paris on Monday to celebrate the victories of like-minded parties in Europe and gird for the battle ahead. You see the trend, and its definitely nationalist-versus-globalist, he said. He predicted the far-right will prevail by grinding the European Parliament to a halt: Every day will be like Stalingrad. ___ Associated Press writers Lorne Cook and Mike Corder contributed to this story, along with Colleen Barry in Milan, Sylvie Corbet in Paris, Jill Lawless in London, and Geir Moulson in Berlin. ___ For more news from The Associated Press on the European Parliament elections go to https://www.apnews.com/EuropeanParliament PROVIDENCE, R.I. A bill seeking to preserve abortion protections in state law fails to pass a key committee. Lawmakers cite God, church and faith in proclaiming their opposition to it. Abortion-rights groups protest outside a gathering of lawmakers. What sounds like a legislative fight in a state controlled by anti-abortion Republicans is actually quite different. The bill seeking to protect abortion rights is in Rhode Island, a state controlled by Democrats at all levels of political power, and its stalled. This is an issue, I think, where its very difficult to draw a line down party lines, said Democratic state Sen. Erin Lynch Prata, a committee chairwoman who voted in favor of the bill. Its a very personal issue to a lot of people. Rhode Island is not the only state led politically by Democrats where abortion-rights legislation has either died or stalled this year. A bill to remove a dormant criminal ban on abortion in New Mexico was voted down in March by the Democrat-led state Senate, despite a push to shore up abortion rights by Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. In Hawaii, where all but six of the 76 lawmakers are Democrats, a bill allowing advanced-practice registered nurses to perform some abortions passed the Senate but died in a House committee. To be sure, some Democratic-led states are taking steps to enshrine the right to an abortion should the U.S. Supreme Court ever overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. Among them are Nevada, New York and Vermont. But the enthusiasm and recent success of anti-abortion activists to pass near total bans on the procedure in about a half-dozen Republican-dominated states provides a stark contrast to the more muted response in states controlled by Democrats. In those states, the legislative records and personal views of Democratic lawmakers are mixed, much to the disappointment of abortion-rights supporters. Jocelyn Foye, co-director of The Womxn Project in Rhode Island, said she thinks that while many politicians run as Democrats in the state to win, they dont always vote like Democrats, particularly on abortion rights. She said she is frustrated that the abortion-protection bill has not progressed. At the same time, it has empowered me, as well as the community we have working with us, to really just not let up, Foye said. Were going to keep fighting. Members of The Womxn Project staged a protest last week outside a fundraiser for the Rhode Island Senate Democrats political action committee, intended to pressure the legislative leaders to bring the bill to a floor vote. Foye said it also was a way to hold the senators accountable for taking care of the women of Rhode Island. The only thing standing in the way of this bill is Democrats, and they need to know that, said Liz Gledhill, a member of the Rhode Island Democratic Party Womens Caucus who was among roughly 150 people attending the protest. You cant call yourself a Democrat and vote against a bill like this. The Rhode Island bill says the state will not restrict the right to an abortion prior to fetal viability or afterward if an abortion is necessary for the health or life of the mother. It also would repeal older state abortion laws deemed unconstitutional by the courts. Passage is far from assured in a heavily Catholic state where many lawmakers cite their faith as a guide to their political decisions. Democratic Sen. Harold Metts, a Baptist deacon whose statehouse office is decorated with crosses, said he would never vote for an abortion-rights bill because abortion robs God of his glory by substituting man and government in Gods place to determine life and death. Similar sentiments doomed the abortion-rights legislation in New Mexico earlier this year. Eight Senate Democrats joined with Republicans to defeat the bill, which would have overturned a 1969 statute making it a felony for an abortion provider to terminate a pregnancy. Opponents, including the local Roman Catholic Church, highlighted provisions that would allow late-term abortions to continue. The outcome caught many of the bills supporters by surprise and makes it likely that the states dormant abortion ban will stand at least through the 2020 election, in a state where Democrats control the Legislature and every elected statewide office. During the floor debate on the bill in March, Democratic state Sen. Gabriel Ramos held aloft letters of opposition from three Catholic dioceses and urged colleagues to follow their advice. To me, I was just doing whats right in my mind and for my district, said Ramos, who voted against the bill and rejects the notion that abortion is a partisan topic. This is a life issue; this is a moral issue. State Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino, a practicing Catholic who supports abortion rights, said the Senate vote should be a wake-up call to abortion-rights advocacy groups in New Mexico. He noted that there are just eight women in the 42-member Senate. We lost; there is no way of getting around that, he said. If activists want to get a different result, theyre going to have to get more women in the Senate or theyre going to have to explain to more men in the Senate that they want a womens right to choose to be honored. In Hawaii, state Rep. John Mizuno, a Democrat, said lawmakers on the health committee he chairs believed a Senate bill expanding the ranks of those who can perform abortions needed further discussion. The committee amended the bill to create a task force and two other House committees deferred it, effectively killing it for the session. Mizuno said the bill could be taken up next year. Abortion-rights activists have taken heart in the actions of other states controlled by Democrats. New York adopted an abortion-rights measure in January that, among other things, codifies many court-granted rights. Vermonts Democratic-led Legislature this month passed both a bill and constitutional amendment that would guarantee the right to abortion. Republican Gov. Phil Scott has said the bill will become law, but the amendment must be approved again by the Legislature elected in 2020 for it to appear on the 2022 ballot. The Democratic-led Nevada Legislature, which has the nations first overall female majority, voted this past week to relax abortion laws. The measure would repeal criminal penalties for people who perform or supply medications to induce abortion without the advice of a physician. It also would repeal requirements to document the womans marital status and inform her about the emotional implications of abortion. Andrea Miller, president of the National Institute for Reproductive Health, a New York-based nonprofit advocacy group, said abortion opponents sensed an opportunity to challenge Roe v. Wade before a more conservative Supreme Court and used that to make a major legislative push in Republican-dominated states this spring. At the same time, though, we really are seeing momentum in these other states that are seeking to do anything and everything they need to protect abortion rights and advance access to abortion care, Miller said. We have a lot of confidence that those are going to continue to move forward in the coming weeks. The fight will not necessarily play out along neat partisan lines, however. The fate of bills this year seeking to expand or codify abortion rights is uncertain in a number of states where Democrats are in control, including Illinois and Maine. In Rhode Island, abortion-rights supporters are working on compromise language for the stalled bill in hopes they can persuade enough Senate Democrats to eventually approve it; the House passed its version of the legislation in March. Democratic state Sen. Dawn Euer said tensions are high around the issue and that lawmakers conversations are under a microscope. Barth Bracy, executive director of Rhode Island Right to Life, said he thinks some Democrats are pushing back against being stereotyped on the issue. There are a lot of John F. Kennedy Democrats in Rhode Island who feel betrayed by the suggestion that in order to be a good Democrat, they must be pro-abortion, he said. ___ Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri. Associated Press writers Morgan Lee in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu contributed to this report. RIO GRANDE DEL NORTE NATIONAL MONUMENT Rafting and angler guides are predicting a good season for Rio Grande tourism in New Mexico thanks to strong runoff generated by a good snowmelt this year. A healthy snow patch this winter is feeding the Rio Grande with much-needed water after long dry spells stemming from drought. This year, the National Weather Service in Albuquerque predicts runoff to be at least 148% of normal through June. Water levels were 50% of normal in 2018. Parts of rivers were bone dry or only inches high. Fish such as trout in the Pecos River died off and long sandbars formed along once-wet areas. Everybody says its gonna be a huge year and I think theyre right, said Britt Runyon of Dixon, New Mexico-based New Wave Rafting. Other rafting guides in Northern New Mexico agree. So do anglers, who expect a good summer of fishing even though the Rio Grande is still moving too high and fast for them to start casting their lines. Its a momentary restoration of the process that made the river what it is, said Steve Harris, a river guide and conservationist who oversees the nonprofit Rio Grande Restoration project, designed to keep the river healthy. Its good, Harris added, but its not the solution to our drought. Those who raft, fish, kayak or depend on the river for irrigating crops understand that. But for them, the ample spring runoff is nevertheless a blessing. In addition to tourism, strong runoff is predicted to help the ecosystem around the river and its banks. University of New Mexico biology researcher Rebecca Bixby said the increased flow will help the endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow lay eggs and spawn. With some overbanking, or flooding, the river also will provide water to the cottonwood trees lining the shores and replenish the groundwater in the bosque adjacent to the Rio Grande. Bitcoin jumped as much as 10 percent on Monday to almost breach $9,000 as it extended the best one-month rally since before the tokens historic surge in 2017. The largest cryptocurrency climbed as much as 10 percent Monday from levels late Friday, and was trading at $8,826, up 8.8 percent, as of 9:09 a.m. in New York. Rival coins were also stronger at the start of the week. Litecoin added more than 12 percent while Ether, the second largest digital token, rose 6.8 percent. Crypto proponents are taking encouragement from a string of recent headlines showing greater interest in the space from mainstream firms. AT&T Inc. said last week it will permit customers to pay bills with Bitcoin or Bitcoin cash. That followed news that Fidelity Investments was finalizing plans to buy and sell the digital asset for institutional customers. Easier to spend means a greater use case, said Mati Greenspan, senior market analyst at trading platform eToro in Tel Aviv. Greenspan said the overall customer base could reach critical mass, and the technology goes from underground to mainstream. The best-known digital token is up almost 70 percent this month despite concerns from JPMorgan Chase & Co. strategists that its price may have surged beyond its intrinsic value a concept that not all investors agree applies to a digital currency. Bitcoins run this year follows a painful downtrend that lasted the majority of last year and saw the digital currency tumble more than 70 percent. Bulls are betting the run could continue as more institutions start to build out their own cryptocurrencies or launch projects using the underlying blockchain technology. It takes two to tango. The more merchants that accept crypto encourages more people to adopt it and use it, said David Tawil, president of crypto hedge fund ProChain Capital. Thats major. But the crypto meltdown is still fresh on many investors minds and not everyone is betting digital assets will become as widely accepted as enthusiasts hope. There are signs the rally is running too hot, wrote Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Mike McGlone in a note. Crypto transactions, for instance, have been lagging the broader rally, indicating caution for additional price increases, he said. This is still the thawing out from the crypto winter that was, said Tawil. There still may be another pullback before we get to fundamentals truly taking over and speculators and frauds being expunged. Bloombergs Dave Liedtka contributed to this report. In Utah, drones are hovering near avalanches to watch roaring snow. In North Carolina, theyre searching for the nests of endangered birds. In Kansas, they could soon be identifying sick cows through heat signatures. Public transportation agencies are using drones in nearly every state, according to a report from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials that shows a sharp increase in their use over the last few years, reflecting the rapid adoption of the technology by governments as well as hobbyists. In 2016, the nonprofit group found no state transportation agency was using drones on a daily basis. Now, 36 states have certified drone pilots on staff. When the survey was done this month, all but one state was using drones in some way. Since then, the lone holdout Rhode Island has bought a drone, said Tony Dorsey, a spokesman for the group. The small, unmanned aircraft are often used for mundane tasks, like inspecting bridges and roads. With sophisticated cameras and thermal technology, they can detect tiny cracks and identify potential potholes before theyre visible to the human eye. Drones have caused their share of headaches for officials over the years as personal devices forced the grounding of planes at airports or those fighting wildfires. But they also can be useful for work thats dangerous for people. In Utah, drones record from the air as state workers set off planned avalanches, allowing them to watch the slides close up in real time, said Jared Esselman, director of aeronautics at the state Department of Transportation. Drones also can measure snow and other elements of the states rugged terrain to keep them from blocking roads or other infrastructure. We can predict not only snow slides, but mudslides and water runoff as the snow melts, Esselman said. Drones are a perfect tool for any job that is dangerous or dirty. Utah is getting 40 new drones to take photos at traffic wrecks for the investigation. In North Carolina, drones are finding the nests of endangered species like the red-cockaded woodpecker, said Basil Yap, unmanned aerial systems program manager at the states transportation department. People used to fan out in helicopters or all-terrain vehicles to check for evidence of the protected birds before building new projects, but the drones can do the job quicker with less disruption, Yap said. Theyre also used to check for protected bats nesting under bridges and to spray herbicide on invasive plants near shorelines. North Carolina is one of three states working with the Federal Aviation Administration to test drones beyond the operators line of sight, at night and over people. The FAA does not usually allow those uses without a special waiver. Also part of the program is Kansas, where workers are using drones to create sophisticated farming programs and monitor cattle heat signatures to prevent any illnesses from spreading. AUSTIN, Texas The Texas Senate on Sunday night narrowly approved a bill that would allow Texans to carry their guns for up to a week after a natural disaster. House Bill 1177 passed by a vote of 16-15 and now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature or veto. If it becomes law, any Texan who can legally own a firearm would be able to carry their handgun, open or concealed, for a full week after a state or natural disaster is declared. Sen. Joan Huffman of Houston, one of the three Republicans who voted against it, raised concerns that the bill was dramatically expanded from the version the Senate debated earlier this year to one that could present real problems for police working after a hurricane or other disaster. Its really, really poor public policy that is not well thought out, said Huffman, a former judge. It is not solving a problem. It is creating a problem. Under current law, Texans who can legally own a firearm dont need an additional license to openly carry a long arm, like a AR-15. However, to carry a handgun openly or concealed, Texans must get a license to carry, which requires taking a course, performing a shooting test, passing a background check and paying a fee. Gun owners asked for these license rules to be loosened after Hurricane Harvey hit the Gulf Coast in 2017. Gun control groups like Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America oppose the bill, but the NRA supported it, saying it would allow Texans to protect themselves and their property from being looted after a hurricane or other natural disaster. Beaumont GOP Rep. Dade Phelans bill, as originally filed, would have allowed people to carry for a full week after a natural disaster. But its Senate sponsor, Brandon Creighton of Conroe, later changed it to 48 hours. The bill was changed back to one week late last week, when a conference committee of 10 lawmakers met to hash out the final version of the bill. Huffman and Sen. Eddie Lucio, D-Brownsville, did not sign off on the changes. Creighton said he didnt suggest these changes but urged the Senate to accept them before lawmakers finish the 2019 session Monday. We dont have much time to do much else, Creighton, R-Conroe said, adding that he respected Huffmans opinion. I would say you obviously do not, she shot back, joking that she still had the option to filibuster the bill. All 12 Democrats, along with Republican Sens. Kel Seliger of Amarillo and Robert Nichols of Jacksonville, voted against the bill. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said in a tweet that he hopes Abbott doesnt sign it. We experienced one of the worst disasters in Texas history during Harvey, he said. The World watched as we all came together. This bill wasnt needed then & isnt needed now. This will embolden 20,000+ gang members & will not help LE. The Texas Legislature has taken up only a few other gun bills this session. In addition to this natural disasters bill, Abbott will also be tasked with determining the fate of bills to remove the blanket prohibition against guns in churches and lift the cap on the number of school employees that can be armed while on campus. IM WEARING >> Pants: American Apparel | Boots: Henry Kole | Sweatshirt: H&M Men (I cut it to make it cropped) | Earrings: ZARA Not only is Iceland my favourite place on earth, but this might be my favourite shoot ever on the blog. I dont know why that is, perhaps because of the memories of standing there, in the middle of a Glacier in Iceland, feeling so small and so overwhelmed of how beautiful our planet. I can get emotional talking to you about how passionate I feel about Iceland and how much emotion it triggers in me. If you ever get the change to go, or if you are trying to pick a new holiday destination, skip the beach for once and go to Iceland. The beauty that you will discover here is unlike anything you have ever seen. You wont ever regret this. Ph by Khalil Robinson Memorial Day events in the North State Memorial Day is here and there are various ceremonies to honor fallen soldiers planned across the North State. A band will begin playing at 9:30 a.m. at the Chico Cemetery in advance of an event at 10 a.m. Military members will lay a wreath at the feet of the tin solider. Another event is planned for the Glen Oaks Memorial Park at 2 p.m. and is open to everyone. For a full list of event, CLICK HERE. Flights booked to capacity on Memorial Day Memorial Day is one of the busiest days of the year for travel and the Redding Airport is feeling this increase. Nearly all flights in and out of the airport are booked to capacity. Redding man behind bars after "violent arrest" A Redding man is in custody after what police described as a "violent arrest." Authorities arrested Dustin Clemens near Lake Boulevard and East Keswick Dam Road. Four officers and a K-9 assisted in the arrest. After nearly 10 minutes, authorities were able to detain Clemens. Police said this is his fifth arrest this year. California Highway Patrol makes 346 DUI arrests during the holiday weekend The California Highway Patrol made 346 DUI arrests in the first six hours of the holiday weekend. Memorial Day is a part of the statewide CHP maximum enforcement period. Authorities remind motorists to drive safe and stay sober. President Trump spends Memorial Day in Japan President Trump is continuing trade talks with Japan and became the first head of state to greet Emperor Naruhito, who ascended the throne just three weeks ago. During his trip, he made comments reaching out to both North Korea and Iran after increasing nuclear tensions. California Legislature faces key decisions this week California lawmakers are facing key decisions this week on topics such as police use of force, prevent rent spikes and alter labor laws affecting workers in the gig economy. Friday is the deadline for the assembly and senate to pass or reject bills that originated in each chamber. Authored by Ankit Gupta, CEO, WeblinkIndia.net Digital Advertising and Marketing are crucial to the success of every business. Hundreds of millions of consumers are online daily on Smartphones and laptops and other devices. Getting the attention of these consumers is important for businesses to grow. Unlike advertising on traditional media, advertising on digital media thankfully permits reaching a narrow audience. This makes digital advertising ideal for businesses that have a small advertising budget and want to reach niche consumers likely to buy their products or services. The success of a digital advertising campaign is dependent and directly proportional to the effort invested before launching it. Unlike the broader planning necessary before the launch of a traditional media campaign digital advertising and marketing demand surgical precision from inception. A few guidelines to create effective digital advertising and marketing campaigns are provided below. Read more: Cutting the Digital Marketing Cake during the Indian Elections in 272 Ways Select the Right Platform Different social media sites are popular among people of different age groups and gender. Every brand that wants to run a digital marketing campaign will have to consider which platform its audience frequents. Platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and Snapchat are more popular among younger audiences while older audiences use Facebook. Selecting a platform also depends on the kind of business a brand is in. Firms that provide tertiary services like accounting, healthcare, legal services, security, and others will benefit most when they run digital marketing campaigns on search engines as consumers in need of such services actively search for them using online searches. A brand that wants to engage its audience should use social media Businesses like nightclubs, restaurants, resorts, automobile dealerships, among others will find success advertising on search engines and social media. Push marketing works best on social media platforms while pull marketing works best using search engines. Targeting Targeting includes understanding who to sell to i.e. understanding which audience is likely to buy a company's products. It includes understanding what age group a product is likely to appeal to and whether to sell to men or women, children, middle-aged, or elderly. Teenagers have different preferences than senior citizens and will respond differently than the latter when they see ads for products. A target audiences interests are an important criterion to consider. Those with an interest in different genres of music are likely to have different preferences in other areas as well. People who listen to the newest western music are more likely to follow the latest fashion trends and are a good audience for apparel brands. Audiences that love old Hindi songs may be ideal customers for businesses selling financial products or real estate. A seller of healthy foods will find success more easily when it targets regular gym goers. Those who enjoy different kinds of cuisine are likely to react favourably to advertisements from restaurants, night clubs, and advertisements for vacations. A real estate firm will be more successful online by targeting men in their late 20s and 30s on social media. On Search engines, keywords like "flats for sale in Gurgaon", "Flats for sale in India", "Houses for sale in India" will be an effective way to pull those interested in buying a home. Campaign Content and Appeal Well made content is more effective than hackneyed content. Content should be tasteful and appeal to one's target audience. When deciding the kind of content to create its vital to ensure it is relevant to the product or service advertised. For instance, an advertisement for a couples retreat should show attractive couples and facilities at the resort. A high-end restaurant should show appetizing images of cuisine made at the restaurant. Teenagers respond well to trendy music, and colours. Its important to incorporate these when marketing to teenagers. Clever use of word play catches an audiences attention. Measurement and Application Unlike the results of traditional marketing, the results of digital marketing can be easily measured. When a digital marketing campaign is successful, it rapidly leads to an increase in the number of inquiries. By measuring the investment made during a campaign and the increase in sales as a result, companies can calculate their Return on Investment (ROI). The ROI can be used to decide how much to invest in future campaigns. If the ROI is unreasonably low, it may be necessary to select a different platform. If the ROI exceeds significantly the cost of the advertising campaign, then identical campaigns may be launched in the future. About the Author Ankit Gupta is the Chief Executive Officer of Weblinkindia. Ankit is chartered accountant and envisioned his career in the core financing industry, but the being a part of the niche that had been carved out by the perseverance and hard work of his father, Mr. Sunil Kumar Gupta was alluring. He joined the business to look particularly into the Finance Department owing to his professional edge. However, gradually, he started learning the nitty-gritty of the tech aspects of the business and client management which tremendously excited him. Client satisfaction has been the core the working of Weblink but Ankit brought in a fresh approach to it by drawing on the essence of the product management and pushing it towards excellence in order to give the clients a great user experience, good business and overall a fabulous ROI. For this, he delved deep and focus on analysis, assimilation and leading the execution of Product updation keeping in mind the market trends and future predictions. Tupperware India, a leading global player in the field of kitchen and home solutions, announced the appointment of Deepak Chhabra as its Managing Director. He joined the company in February 2019, and is based out of the corporate office in Gurgaon. Deepak assumes the role following the departure of Shilpa Ajwani who served as the Managing Director for the company for four years. As the Managing Director, Deepak is responsible for driving and overseeing the development and execution of Tupperwares corporate strategy. With focus on business development, driving penetration and fueling multiple engines of growth, Deepak is also tasked with strengthening distributorships in India and enhancing the customer experience. Deepak is a seasoned business leader with over two decades of experience across verticals including retail, distribution, sales, buying, merchandising and brand management. For the past three years, Deepak managed India operations for Crocs as the CEO and MD in India and has led strategic initiatives for other brands he has been associated with in past, including Reliance Retail, Skechers, Asics, Nike, Tag Heuer and Sprandi. For more than 20 years, Tupperware has made a commitment to enlighten, educate and empower women and their families in India. The Company's purpose is to cultivate the confidence in women to enrich their lives, nourish their families and fuel their communities. Tupperware continues to remain focused on providing economic opportunity to women in the countries where it operates, as well as keeping workplace diversity and environmental sustainability at the forefront of its business strategy. With the appointment of Deepak, the Company positions itself with experienced leadership to continue the brands heritage. THE MERGE of the Department for Disaster Management and Environment (DDME) and the Tourism Ministry is a natural and common sense marriage. A view shared by both Director of the department, Dr Virginia Clerveaux and Minister of Tourism, Environment, Maritime, Heritage and Gaming, Hon. Ralph Higgs. Last week the two met during a press conference to officially mark the merger and to hand over volumes of the DDMEs policies and bylaws to the ministry. The department is considered to be one of the hardest working, most dedicated and results driven departments in the Government, both by the Minister of Home Affairs under whom the DDME previously fell, and the wider territory. Its disaster relief work, preparatory efforts and up to date warnings in times of weather related crises play a significant role in the recovery efforts of the territory and its tourism industry. This was acknowledged by both the minister and the DDME director. "Disaster management is one of those cross-cutting things, it transcends every sector in the society; over the past 10 years we have mainstreamed disaster management into the tourism sector and every other sector, Dr Clerveaux noted. A key fact to take into account, she added, is that while tourism may be the TCIs main breadwinner, it is important that the territory protects its investment - the environment. "Another major storm, a magnitude like we experienced from Ike, Irma or Maria, can spell a disaster in the Turks and Caicos Islands. "The environment, the tourism and travel industry is one of the most vulnerable sectors that you can think about, not just in the TCI but throughout the world and therefore putting policies in place, working with our tourism sector, working with the environmental agencies, working with maritime and all of those agencies to ensure that we protect our natural resources is one of the best things that we can do in terms of sustainable development management. She noted that the merger between her department and the ministry comes as no surprise as it is something that obviously has synergy. "In fact, colleagues and other persons in the region are complimenting us for this foresight in terms of working closely with disaster management and the tourism sector, the director stated. Minister Higgs reiterated the directors sentiments: "We can now celebrate that we have a complete ministry, as the director said over the years theres been a lot of collaboration, a lot of synergy, a lot of working together to ensure that in the event there is a disaster, our number one industry - tourism - is not destroyed beyond repair. He added that with this marriage, they will be taking a very proactive approach to ensure that the people of TCI and visitors to its shores, are kept up to date with any and all risks in the event there is a disaster, and that they are made aware of the vulnerabilities to ensure they have measures in place for mitigation. "I am extremely delighted that my Government had the foresight to merge the DDME with tourism and the other departments under the ministry. He noted that it is timely and bold marriage and one which the ministry will endeavour to enhance going forward. The minister also stated that while there are no immediate plans to boost the staff complement of the small department, there are plans in place to boost productivity in the more immediate future. Taking a more holistic approach to informing the public of all potential risks and disasters that Turks and Caicos Islands may face, not just hurricanes, is also promised in the coming months. (Delana Isles) 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. ERBIL, Iraqi Kurdistan Melinda Khubiar was moved to tears as she walked down the streets of Erbil in 2013. She had just landed in the city with a group of 30 Assyrians from around the world, as part of a annual cultural tour organized by GISHRU to communities across northern Iraq and Turkey. This is where my kings used to walk, she told Al-Monitor. From the first moment of the trip it hit me that Im in my homeland. The following two weeks would change her life. After she returned home to Modesto, California, she became more involved in her local Assyrian community, learned the Syriac language and would later make two more trips to Iraq. In 2018, she decided to move to Erbil. GISHRU, which means bridge in Assyrian, started organizing tours for Assyrians, who are an indigenous ethnic group that traces their heritage to ancient Assyria, in 2008. The purpose of the tour program, GISHRU co-founder and board member Suzan Younan told Al-Monitor, is two-fold: to connect Assyrians in the diaspora with those in the homeland and to develop projects to help locals on the ground. In 2008, Younan set out with a group of four friends to visit Iraq. She had been involved in her local Assyrian community in California for years, including serving as the president of her youth group. As she grew older, she heard stories about the Assyrian repression in Iraq and decided to see what the situation was like for herself. Her group traveled to Dohuk during Akitu, the Assyrian New Year. The celebrations last 12 days and attract tens of thousands from all over the world every year. It was her experience in the Akitu parade, surrounded by Assyrians singing songs while waving their flags, that impacted her perspective about Assyrian advocacy. After the trip, her focus shifted from supporting Assyrians in the diaspora to focusing on organizations and people on the ground. Upon returning to California, Younan became a board member of the Nineveh Plain Defense Fund and joined the Assyrian Democratic Movement. She also vowed that she would return to Iraq with more people the following year. In 2009, the number of GISHRU program participants doubled to 10 and continued growing every year. By 2012, GISHRU was formally created as a nonprofit organization and a board of advisers was appointed. This years trip took place from March 29 to April 14 and included 34 participants from all over the world. They visited local villages, met with students at Assyrian schools, student union members, a womens group and politicians in order to learn about what life is like for Assyrians who reside in these regions. Khoyada, a Chaldo-Assyrian student union with six branches across Iraq, helps GISHRU plan its program and manage logistics. The groups vice president, Zomaya Eramya, was a local guide for this years trip, accompanying the participants to the villages of Alqosh, Sapna, Zakho and the Ninevah Plains. Its important for Assyrians living in the diaspora to come here and see the conditions in which our people live, Eramya said. They need to see what is being done here in the community and to feel the connection that will hopefully instill a desire to come back and do work for the community. New on this years agenda was a daylong workshop. Guest speakers, including Assyrians who have returned to Iraq, covered topics such as investment opportunities in Assyrian communities and businesses, including a local pizza chain in Erbil, and Assyrian Aid Society (AAS) President Ashur Eskrya spoke on the decrease of Assyrian schools across the region. There are 30 Assyrian schools across northern Iraq and that number is gradually getting smaller, Eskrya told Al-Monitor. Four schools shut down last year. He said these schools close for a number of reasons, including because Assyrians are leaving the country and also due to a lack of funding from the government. For instance, AAS is helping to pay the salaries of 80 teachers as the local government has not been able to provide these funds. According to a report by the Assyrian Policy Institute, a nonprofit organization launched last year, there are 3.5 million Assyrians around the world. The largest concentration of Assyrians in the Middle East 300,000 lives in Iraq. Before 2013, the number of Assyrians in northern Iraq was estimated at over 1.5 million. Younan anticipates this number to continue shrinking unless participants begin advocating for Assyrians on the ground through fundraising and hands-on community building efforts. GISHRU participants have worked on several projects in recent years; a group raised money to build a computer room for Khoyada in 2014, and last year, they raised money to help build a stronger irrigation channel in the Nahla region. GISHRU plans to launch a second tour program that would focus on participating in local pre-selected and advocacy projects, which participants can sign up for after having been part of the original tour of the local communities. We want the second tour to be something really tangible where we can take something back with research and stories and present it not only in Washington but across other local governments in the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia, Younan said. No launch date on the second part of the project has been announced yet. Ornina Tekin, a board member of the Assyrian National Club of Switzerland, returned from this years trip with a list of tasks she wanted to accomplish. Her first project, she told Al-Monitor, is to start talking about her experience with local organizations. She plans to showcase what the homeland is really like through items she received in Iraq including the jolet khomala, a traditional piece of Assyrian clothing often worn at weddings and community celebrations. She plans to talk about the trip with the Assyrian Youth Association of Switzerland as well as the Assyrian National Club. "The first step after this trip is to bring my experiences to my community, Tekin said. GISHRU is not just a bridge between Assyrians in the diaspora and the homeland; it is a bridge between Assyrians everywhere. While a political rupture between Palestinians and Israel has been continuing since 2014, when the Israeli government decided to suspend peace talks in response to a new unity agreement between rival Palestinian factions, it appears some Palestinian businessmen are flouting political taboos through ongoing economic ties with Israel. On May 17, Palestinian businessmen met with officers of the Israeli military liaison service in the city of Jericho in the West Bank to discuss trade and economic issues. Fatah issued a statement May 18 condemning the meeting as an act of disloyalty to Palestine and a form of treason. The Jericho Chamber of Commerce and Industry also criticized the meeting as one of Israels suspicious attempts to communicate with Palestinian businessmen and offering them trade incentives. A source in the Ministry of National Economy in the West Bank, who preferred not to be named, told Al-Monitor that the ministry had nothing to do with the meeting and rejected it. Other parties had organized it and we were not able to prevent them. On May 14, Palestinian businessman Ashraf Jabari hosted Israeli settlers and other Palestinian businessmen at his home in the city of Hebron for an iftar dinner, which raised the ire of Palestinians who condemned it as normalization with Israel. Jabari said the gathering aimed to strengthen economic ties to achieve peace through the economy. Meanwhile, Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, who also attended the dinner, announced an initiative for trade cooperation and the establishment of industrial zones and joint investments between the two sides. Under the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, Palestinian merchants are forced to communicate with Israel to facilitate procedures in export and import, and to obtain permits and licenses, Ghassan Khatib, a former minister of planning in Ramallah, told Al-Monitor. These kinds of meetings are not very welcome and it would be best to do without them, as they suggest economic dependence on Israel. Therefore, the Palestinian Authority is required to prepare a plan for an economic disengagement from Israel, which requires years to be achieved, Khatib added. The Palestinian Shehab News Agency reported May 19 that the head of the Israeli army's Coordination and Liaison Administration for Gaza, Col. Iyad Sarhan, held an iftar dinner at the Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip for the staff of the PAs Palestinian Civil Affairs Authority based in Gaza. The Palestinian media in the Gaza Strip criticized the meeting, issuing a statement May 21 titled National Authority Against Treason, saying they refuse normalization and shared living with Israelis. Salih al-Zaq, a member of the Civil Affairs Authority, responded the same day, saying, The meeting was held to introduce facilities in Gaza. This is a periodic meeting. We sat down with our Israeli military liaison counterparts and not with the Israeli military or political leadership. I informed Maj. Gen. Tawfiq Abu Naeem, director of Hamas security forces in Gaza, of the meeting and he said they had no objection. Atef Adwan, head of the Economic Commission of the Palestinian Legislative Council, told Al-Monitor, Palestinian traders communicate with Israelis to facilitate their economic transactions and try to revitalize the market. Authorities in Gaza turn a blind eye to these meetings as they help smooth the way for Palestinian economic activities. What is more dangerous than these gatherings are the Palestinian investments in Israel worth billions of dollars through businessmen associated with the PA, Adwan said. Through meetings with Israeli officers, Palestinians can obtain permits allowing them to enter Israel easily through the Ben Gurion Airport and pass through Israeli checkpoints in the West Bank instead of waiting in line for hours. On Aug. 17, 2016, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman unveiled the carrot and stick policy for the West Bank. Its purpose is to continue to give benefits to those who desire coexistence with us and make life difficult for those who seek to harm Jews, Liberman said. Under this policy, Israel seeks to contact Palestinian businessmen directly as a way to bypass the PA. Also, in February 2017, Israel set up a website allowing Palestinians to get in direct contact with Israelis. On Jan. 3, the Palestinian Ministry of Civil Affairs called on Palestinians not to deal with Israel. Nael Mousa, a professor of economics at An-Najah National University in Nablus, told Al-Monitor, The goal behind [Israels meetings with Palestinians] is to grant wealthy businessmen seeking to take over the Palestinian political decision-making some leeway, and economic benefits, to consolidate the dependency on the Israeli economy. Israel is paving the way for the collapse of the PA and the implementation of economic peace. Israel will not give up control on the Palestinian economy given the cheap labor and the availability of raw materials. These economic dealings between the two sides are not something new. In June 2016, Israeli businessman Rami Levy established the first shopping center near Ramallah serving Israelis and Palestinians. Also in June 2016, an Israeli-Palestinian meeting was held in Jericho in a bid to develop the industrial zone and promote joint trade in the city. EXCLUSIVE by Gemma Handy DELLIS Cay the scene of what was once tipped to be the largest development in the hemisphere and an architectural masterpiece is to go under the hammer at public auction next month. More than 350 acres of land on the tiny isle, plus 23 acres on adjacent Little Dellis Cay, will be up for sale at the offices of Saunders and Co in the Town Centre Mall at 10am on June 21. The long abandoned scheme with its half-constructed buildings has been a blight on the landscape since it went into receivership in 2009. But while news of its potential sale has been welcomed by some, the developer from whom the land was seized has reacted with fury and pledged to sue both the chargee and the TCI Government (TCIG). Turkish hotelier Dr Cem Kinay claims he is out of pocket by a quarter of a billion dollars due to the project falling victim, he alleges, to bad press emanating from the Commission of Inquiry a decade ago. "With potential revenues we lost around $250-300 million, he told the Weekly News. "Much more important are the purchasers; they are reputable persons around the world including Michael Douglas. They have lost more than $100 million. Dr Kinay says he bought the 560-acre island in 2005 for $18 million; 220 acres were purchased from Donatella Zingone, wife to former Italian prime minister Lamberto Dino, and the remaining 340 acres from the TCIG. Actors Michael Douglas and wife Catherine Zeta-Jones were among a slew of affluent clientele who forked out for villas on the resort-style scheme which would also have included condos and a hotel, all managed by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Sixteen waterfront parcels had been sold when the development went bust. The partially-built residences are not included in next months sale. Designed by several of the globes leading architects, including the late Zaha Hadid, the project was slated to cement the TCIs status as the favoured playground for the worlds jet-setters. In June 2008, Dr Kinay also bought 200 acres on Joe Grant Cay for $3.2 million and subsequently signed a branding agreement with another luxury hotel operator, this time Bulgari. But the dream came crashing down when a $500,000 "political donation to then premier Michael Misick shortly before the 2007 general election became the subject of scrutiny by British prosecutors. They claimed the cash bore all the hallmarks of a bribe enabling Dr Kinay to secure the lands at heavily reduced rates. Dr Kinay maintains both Dellis Cay and Joe Grant Cay sold in 2013 for $4 million as part of the civil recovery process - were unlawfully taken from him. The Governors Office did not respond to a request for comment on this up to press time. "I have lost both my projects based on groundless accusations. I have lost my reputation due to groundless accusations, continues Dr Kinay, who holds a PhD from the Medical University of Vienna and is the recipient of a number of high-profile awards in Austria where he has joint citizenship. He is also credited with being a pioneer in the all-inclusive resort sector in his native Turkey. "I fully cooperated with the Commission of Inquiry, submitting explanatory letters and volunteered to an interview with the Special Prosecutors Office, the hotelier says. Nonetheless, an Interpol Red Notice was issued in 2012 for Dr Kinay, by then back home in Turkey. Effectively an international wanted persons notice, Red Notices are used to alert police across the globe about wanted fugitives in a bid to bring them to justice. Dr Kinay believes the notice remains in place up to now, restricting his international movements. The Weekly News was not able to verify this as most Red Notices are not accessible to the public and Interpols media office did not respond to requests for confirmation. "As a result of these very unfortunate events, I have lost all my assets, Dellis Cay, Joe Grant Cay, my reputation, as well as my health. "However, the most important impact, is that I cannot see my only son, who lives in Miami, for the past seven years, Dr Kinay says. "I am a victim of politics ... I have never bribed anyone in Turks and Caicos or elsewhere. It was perfectly legal to make political donations in the Turks and Caicos Islands. "I will go to the European Court of Human Rights. I will sue for unlawful seizure of my property. It is a scandal. As well as TCIG, he now plans to sue the registered chargee of Dellis Cay, Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (TTUTC), the developments lenders, for at least $250 million. Dr Kinay says he believes the TCI ultimately lost out too. "We had around 500 workers on Dellis Cay and, with the opening of Mandarin Oriental, it would have been 1,000 jobs. "I had very nice times in TCI and I loved the people. I wished to make, with very famous architects and very good brands, very special projects about which the population would be proud and it would have been huge added value for TCIs economy and long-term sustainability, he adds. Dr Kinay estimates Dellis Cays current value to be in excess of $100 million. The land is being auctioned without planning permission. There is a reserve price on the property and Saunders and Co confirmed it was for sale in its entirety only. "Individual parcels are not being offered, a spokesman said. The low-lying isle is home to rich mangroves, brackish ponds and abundant birds. Narrow channels separate it from neighbouring islands including Parrot Cay. Bernadette Hunt, of Turks and Caicos Real Estate, said she believed a sale would be "wonderful for the territory. "It is currently a scar on the landscape for people visiting the outer islands. I hope the reserve set will be one that is reasonable. "I would imagine if the auction is very well advertised that there should be a lot of interest from developers but we have had so many celebrities visiting our Islands over the last year that it would be wonderful if it sold to a family looking to build their private island getaway. Hunt added: "It will be interesting to see who the new owner of a very coveted piece of Caribbean real estate will be. For more information email [email protected] or call +1 649 941-4500. Egypt has announced that it plans to launch a regular maritime line from the port of Ain Sokhna, east of Cairo, to East African countries in October with the aim of ensuring the arrival of Egyptian goods as well as boosting exports to East African countries and landlocked countries, including Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. In a press statement May 19, Public Enterprise Sector Minister Hesham Tawfik said the new maritime line will help boost trade to Africa, transport goods and provide logistical services to exporters and importers, with the aim of promoting trade between Egyptian and African countries and reaching new markets to support the national economy. The minister also said the new maritime line will help Egypt enhance its role as a northern gateway to African trade with European countries. He added that the line will provide elements of logistical support from transport, warehousing and insurance services. Construction for the line started this month; the line is to start in October. The government did not announce the cost of the project and said it will be paid for by the Holding Company for Maritime and Land Transport. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport announced May 19 that a committee was set up to study the available transport capacities and the development of maritime transport services, in light of the government directives in this regard, in cooperation with the relevant ministries. Economists and transport experts have praised the establishment of the new shipping line, arguing that it will give a push to Egypts exports and trade with both African and European countries. Bassant Fahmi, an economist and a member of the Economic Affairs Committee at the Egyptian parliament, said launching a maritime line between Egypt and East African countries is a long-awaited decision. Maritime transport is the easiest, safest and cheapest means of transport and with taking this decision, trade with Africa will see an unprecedented progress, Fahmi told Al-Monitor. Fahmi said the maritime line would facilitate trade between Egypt and Africa as well as boost Egypts position as an export hub where logistical services can be provided. The new maritime route will also help the transfer of goods from Africa to Europe and vice versa through Egypt, she added. Tawfik said in his May 19 statement that the government is also planning to revive the Ro-Ro line between Egypt and Turkey, which halted in 2014 due to political tension between the two countries. The Ro-Ro is an agreement signed by Egypt and Turkey in March 2012 to facilitate the transfer of exports between the two countries. The deal is aimed to use Egyptian ports to transport Turkish exports of food, electrical appliances and textiles to Gulf countries after Syrian authorities closed the crossings to Turkish trade. With tensions between Egypt and Turkey soaring following the ouster of President Mohammed Morsi in 2013, Egypt decided not to renew the Ro-Ro agreement in 2014. Ahmed el-Shami, an economist and a professor of feasibility studies at Ain Shams University, said economic relations between Egypt and Turkey have in recent years been enhanced despite the political conflict between the two countries. Egypt is now differentiating between the political clash and economic relations with Turkey and this has been reflected in the growth of trade between the two countries in the last few years, Shami told Al-Monitor. Shami also said that with Egypt opening up to African and European countries in terms of navigation, economic and political gains will be created and the country's trade competitiveness will be boosted. According to data released by the Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Industry, Egyptian exports to Turkey reached nearly $2 billion in 2017, up by 38.5% from $1.4 billion a year earlier. Shami also said that the new maritime line with Africa comes as part of the governments focus on increasing trade with African countries and reinvigorating relations with the African continent. At the conclusion of the African Summit in Addis Ababa in February, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said that pushing forward integration and effectuating free trade with Africa are among Egypts top priorities in 2019. According to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, trade volume between Egypt and the African continent reached $6.2 billion during the period from January until November 2018, up by 26% compared with the same period of 2017. The same data showed that Egyptian exports to African countries stood at $4.2 billion during the period from January until November last year. Egyptian imports from African countries, meanwhile, stood at nearly $2 billion in the same period. Egyptian exports to African countries account for between 5% and 8% per annum of Egypt's total exports, according to data from the statistics agency. Egypt's imports from the African continent account for between 1.5% and 4% of Egypt's total imports, the same data showed. Reports have emerged in Iran that mainly Reformist parliamentarians are attempting to revise the countrys constitution. Senior pro-reform parliament member Mostafa Kavakebian said May 8, We are preparing a bill under the name of the Third Republic.'" Moderate conservative Ezzatollah Yousefian Molla said May 27 that if more than 200 lawmakers support the initiative, the letter will be sent to the supreme leader. The Third Republic is a reference to constitutional events that took place in 1979 and 1989. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, a draft of the constitution was based on the French Constitution by a number of jurists, including Hassan Habibi, the vice president from 1989 until 2001 under Presidents Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Mohammad Khatami. There was no sign of the Guardianship of the Jurist, the present form of government in Iran, in the draft of the constitution, which was later approved by the Council of the Revolution. The Guardian Council held a minor role, only coming into play if the president or the council of the judiciary wanted to object to a law. 1979 constitution Soon that same year, the Assembly of Experts for the Constitution was established to review the final draft of the constitution, which was later approved in a December 1979 referendum. The Guardianship of the Jurist was included in the final draft of the constitution and a semi-parliamentary system was formed, with a president with limited power and a prime minister in full control of the government. The president was also the person in charge of coordination among the presidency, parliament and judiciary and of resolving disagreements between them. The judiciary was managed by a five-member council, two of which were appointed directly by the supreme leader and three elected by the judges across the country. At the time, there was a dispute between the Guardian Council and parliament, leading the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, to grant the parliament more power, permitting it to bypass the Guardian Council with a majority of votes. 1989 amendment Following years of quarrels between presidents and prime ministers as well as serious dissent between the parliament and Guardian Council, Ayatollah Khomeini wrote a letter to President Ali Khamenei introducing a group tasked with amending the constitution. The amendments were approved by the public in a referendum three months after Ayatollah Khomeini's death in 1989. Under the amendments, the prime minister's position was abolished, leaving the president with vast powers, including appointing the Cabinet. The position of the supreme leader (Guardian Jurist) also gained more power, including naming the armed forces leaders, the judiciary chief and the state TV chairman as well as choosing the clerical members of the Guardian Council. The supreme leader can also remove the president if the parliament impeaches him or the judiciary finds him in violation of his legal duties. The three branches of the presidency, parliament and judiciary were put under the absolute supervision of the supreme leader, and therefore, the responsibility of coordination between the three branches of power was taken away from the president. The Expediency Council was formed to resolve disputes between the parliament and Guardian Council over legislation. More importantly, the criteria for the candidates of the supreme leadership position changed, demanding that they be only a mujtahid rather than a marja al-taqlid (grand ayatollah). What is the process of amending the constitution? After consulting with the Expediency Council, the supreme leader pens a letter to the president, announcing the formation of a council tasked with studying the proposed modifications to the constitution. The council consists of Guardian Council members, heads of the three branches of power, Expediency Council members, members of the Assembly of Experts, persons selected by the supreme leader, ministers, judicial officials, members of parliament and academics. The councils decisions will be put to referendum after the supreme leader's approval. New attempts to amend the constitution During Reformist Mohammad Khatamis presidency (1997-2005), there were calls to amend the constitution. The proponents of this plan were critical of a political system seen as limiting public freedom. However, Khatami later opposed the plan, arguing that it wouldnt lead to the results the Reformists sought. Now, after two decades, Reformist and moderate-conservative parliamentarians are proposing new changes to the constitution. Outspoken deputy parliament speaker Ali Motahari said Feb. 5, With respect to our experience from 1989 until today, we have reached [the conclusion] through consultation that [a number] of articles in the constitution have flaws and need to be revised. Motahari said that some lawmakers hold that if the constitution is amended, the situation will worsen, as happened after the 1989 amendments. Reading between the lines, it seems that reformist parliamentarians are critical of the Guardian Councils authority over elections, including its power to reject candidates, the Expediency Council overreaching in the legislation process as well as the lack of government and parliamentary control over the state broadcaster. Moreover, they likely want to compel a number of state bodies, including the Guardian Council and the judiciary, to be legally accountable to the parliament and the public. Increasing the power of the executive branch and the president may also be among the proposed demands. Meanwhile, in remarks that may have been directed at the Reformist parliamentarians new efforts, President Hassan Rouhani complained May 12 about a lack of executive power. The lawmakers' letter to the supreme leader will be finalized within the next 30 days, and all eyes will be on the reaction of conservatives, who would like to see the removal of the presidency and the return of a prime minister who answers only to the parliament and the supreme leader. Meanwhile, according to moderate conservative parliamentarian Yousefian Molla, the revival of the prime minister answering only to the parliament is among the conservatives' demands. Hard-liners and conservatives have long yearned to remove the position of president from the constitution, a change that would consequently lessen the role and power of the popular vote. On May 22, Khamenei stated his opposition to the return of the Prime Ministry but said some modifications would be acceptable. The United States has decided to grant Iraq a third 90-day sanctions waiver so it can continue to purchase gas from its sole provider, Iran, giving Baghdad some much-needed breathing room. On May 22 in Baghdad, Joey Hood, US charge d'affaires in Iraq, stressed to reporters that the waivers will not continue indefinitely, so the United States is working with Iraq to reduce its dependence on Iran. The announcement came a week after Iraqi Oil Minister Thamer al-Ghadhban said at a news conference that Baghdad is prepared for a gas shortage if one develops, but hopes that taking such action will not be necessary. He did not offer any details. Iraq's power grid is fueled by gas purchased from Iran. Iraq is already in the position of having to stretch resources. Ghadhban's message was intended to assuage public concern about the possibility of extensive power cuts over the summer, when temperatures routinely exceed 105 F. Officials already expect a wave of protests against the worsening electricity situation in the second half of the year and are concerned that they might pose a threat to Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdis government. Last summer, mass protests over electricity cuts turned violent in the south. Hassan Montazer Torbati, director of the National Iranian Gas Company, spoke on May 14 of an anticipated jump in exports to Iraq, which are expected to hit 40 million cubic meters a day, an increase of nearly 12 million cubic meters. The figures are for total Iranian exports to Iraq, which include gas for uses other than electricity, such as cooking. Musab al-Mudarres, spokesperson for the Iraqi Electricity Ministry, told Al-Monitor, Iraq currently relies on Iranian gas to generate 2,800 megawatts. This is by importing 28 million cubic meters of Iranian gas per day through the Diyala and Basra pipelines. Iraq will increase its gas imports for electricity to between 35 million and 38 million cubic meters beginning in June, Mudarres said. These imports will not be affected by the US sanctions, he asserted. This is because Iraq is committed [to the sanctions] and is using the Iraqi dinar when dealing with Iran, not US dollars. All financial transfers are being made via the central bank and in a transparent manner. Washington has encouraged Iraq to make deals with US companies and improve its electricity capacity. In April, Baghdad tentatively agreed to a deal with Saudi Arabia that would connect the countries via some 150 miles of power lines. A feasibility study must first be conducted, and building and establishing the actual connection would take about a year, according to Mudarres. Iraq is currently seeking to develop gas fields to meet its own needs and is establishing gas- processing plants that are expected to be completed in 18 to 24 months. Its power plants will continue to rely on Iranian gas until work at the processing plants is completed, according to Assem Jihad, a spokesperson for the Oil Ministry. Hamza al-Jawahiri, an Oil Ministry employee, explained to Al-Monitor how Iraq has no pipeline network with any country other than Iran, noting Qatar's distance from Iraq. The US is well-aware that Iraq has no alternative to Iranian gas. Thus, it will not pressure [Iraq] on the matter, [but] the Iraqi government must hasten to complete the plants it already started constructing to attain self-sufficiency and end its reliance on Iran. In exchange for extending the waiver, the United States is expected to impose conditions, perhaps a time limit and a program to help Iraq invest more effectively to boost the country's own gas resources. According to media reports, Iraq has almost 131 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, but as much as 700 million cubic feet of it is burned off daily through inefficiency. Iraq's geography and natural resources basically leave it with two options speed construction of gas-processing plants to ensure a steady power supply or build networks with countries beyond Iran. Washington announced in late May that it will hold a regional economic conference in Manama, Bahrain, at the end of June. The Trump team invited most Gulf states and other Arab countries, as well as Israel and the Palestinians. If it was just a beginners mistake, without the possibility of causing any harm if it was simply gratuitous I would have nothing to say about the workshop for finance ministers, scheduled to take place in Bahrain. There have been plenty of gratuitous conferences in our lifetime, and it looks like the one the Trump team is planning for Bahrain could be added to the list. The problem is that this conference could actually be disruptive, especially after all the serious mistakes made by the Trump administration in its efforts to finally resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. US President Donald Trumps experience is limited to the business world. Perhaps that's why he believes that if he suffocates the Palestinians economically and then tosses them some sweets, they will come running to accept whatever he offers in coordination with Israel of course. He and his pair of peacemakers White House senior adviser Jared Kushner and Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt are making a regrettable mistake. The lions share of the Palestinian narrative is a story of rage over ongoing humiliation at the hands of Israel and the Arab states. This effort to separate the diplomatic solution from an economic solution will be perceived by the Palestinians as akin to being told, Were giving you money, so give up your principles. This would not help in advancing any comprehensive solution to the conflict. If anything, it would convince the Palestinians to adopt a harder line. It would intensify their anger and cause the pragmatic forces who want to reach an arrangement to find common ground with the extremists, who oppose any arrangement whatsoever. Immediately after the signing of the Oslo Accord in the 1990s, efforts were made to expedite the diplomatic breakthrough with a series of economic conferences involving multiple participants, including Arab states with no diplomatic relations with Israel. The first such conference took place in Casablanca, Morocco, in October 1994, with senior leaders from Israel and the Arab world participating. Israel sent a large delegation, including many business leaders, but this scared the Palestinians and many of the other participants, too. I refused to attend, thinking that the event would be perceived as an Israeli invasion of the heart of the Arab worlds economy. The conference did, in fact, come under considerable criticism in the media, but not only that it was a multidimensional media event. The world was thrilled by the sight of Arab representatives in their flowing robes and headdresses, meeting with the Israeli representatives decked out in business suits and chatting with them as if they were old friends. The euphoria surrounding the diplomatic breakthrough may have contributed to the conferences mood, but in the end, the result was disappointing. No major business deals emerged from the event, but it did evoke a sense of panic among those who were concerned about our imperialistic tendencies. We learned our lesson. In preparation for the second economic conference, which was held in the Jordanian capital of Amman one year later, I headed the preparatory team, which worked together with the Jordanian minister of economy. A concerted effort was made to lower our profile, reduce expectations and allow only limited meetings between businessmen (coordinated in advance). While we also presented some government projects, these were very focused and limited in number. The Cairo Conference took place in November 1996, at the start of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus first term in office. The next regional conference, which took place in Doha, Qatar, in November 1997, turned out to be the last of these annual events. At the time, it was becoming clear that Netanyahu had no interest in reaching any diplomatic arrangement. Israels delegates were isolated, and no moves were made to advance joint business ventures. Just as other economic initiatives such as the Regional Bank in Cairo and the Economic Secretariat in Morocco fell apart without a diplomatic process, this was the end of the glory days of these regional economic conferences. The Trump team doesnt seem to understand the Palestinians, but it also fails to understand the other Arab leaders with whom it supposedly shares a common (diplomatic/business) language. Harsh words can be heard about the Palestinians in closed-door conversations with most Arab leaders, including leaders of the Gulf states. The Palestinian leadership is criticized sharply for missing countless opportunities and for making a long series of mistakes. They are discussed with anger and derision, giving the sense that they are some wart-like protuberance, and that the other Arab leaders would do anything to be rid of them. An inexperienced listener might mistakenly think that these remarks signify a split between the Arab states and the Palestinian leadership, or at the very least, a refusal to stand by their side. The truth, however, is that there is hardly any connection between what they say openly and what they actually do. Arab leaders know that their people in the town square are ardent supporters of the Palestinian cause, so they cannot ignore it. We can suppose that anyone meeting with the leaders of the Arab states in early spring 1948 would have walked away with the impression that they had no interest in going to war against the Jews living in the Land of Israel. If the Palestinians wanted to fight them, that was their business. Then, just a short time later, those same leaders responded to the mood in the street by sending their troops to war against the newly formed State of Israel. The idea of separating economic peace from some resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is nothing but a pipe dream. What will happen in Manama? The Palestinians, who personify the strength of the weak, will not attend the workshop. It is safe to assume that Qatar, which is boycotted by most of the other Gulf states, will not even be invited. The problem isnt just that the conference is putting the cart before the horse in other words, the economy before peace but also that the party, which should benefit from aid before all the others, and the main provider of that aid, will not even be in attendance. Arab finance ministers who do attend the event will be very wary of showing the slightest sign of intimacy with the Israeli foreign minister or the Israeli business leaders in attendance. Meanwhile, Fatah and Hamas, which said that they will remain at home, will be able to finally rediscover the common ground that they lost: The people shall dwell alone (Numbers 23:9) This phrase, which is usually used referring to the Jewish people, can now be implemented in regard to the Palestinians alone but united against everybody else. This farce can still be avoided. The Trump team's diplomatic plan could be released on June 24, along with ideas to fund the economic initiatives that are either part of the plan or that would result from it, rather than presenting the economy and peace them as two distinct and separate issues. It is also possible to abandon the idea of the workshop entirely and postpone this pathetic meeting until the diplomatic plan, now a long two years in the making, is finally released. Scheduling an economic summit such as this before the diplomatic plan is presented and without the participation of the main players would be a very harmful mistake. As the situation escalates in the Persian Gulf, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has been visiting various countries to hold consultations and find a way to end the deadlock between Washington and Tehran. Bilateral ties with the United States have progressively unraveled ever since the Trump administration walked out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal and reimposed stringent sanctions on Tehran, bringing Iran's economy to a standstill. Ending the impasse has become quite critical as the United States has sent an aircraft carrier group and B-52 bombers to the region after perceiving some unspecified threat from Iran. Just days ago, the White House confirmed that it will be sending more troops to the Middle East to reinforce security in the region. Having completed his visits to India, China, Japan and Turkmenistan, Zarif reached Pakistan this week to hold meetings with the political and army leadership. Conveying the urgent nature of his visit on arrival in Islamabad, Zarif said, I have come to Pakistan for consultations as dangerous steps have been taken in the region. Zarif held separate meetings with Prime Minister Imran Khan, army chief Qamar Bajwa and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Though the details of these meetings have not been made public, it is apparent that Iran has requested help in de-escalating the situation. Both the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League are about to hold summits where Saudi Arabia might push for resolutions against Iran. Ostensibly, the Iranian foreign minister would want Islamabad to convince Riyadh to adopt a less strident approach. It appears that Iran, seeing that Pakistans close ties with Saudi Arabia and Islamabad's long alliance with the United States could help reduce tensions, is not interested in any conflict. De-escalation should be the immediate target, followed by dialogue and a new nuclear deal. Renegotiating the JCPOA is the best option for establishing peace in the region under the circumstances. Traditionally, Oman has been an intermediary between Iran and the United States, but Pakistan is facilitating Washington in the Afghan peace process nowadays and it could be an effective mediator in this crisis as well. Matters have reached a critical turning point since Iranian President Hassan Rouhani rejected talks with the United States after the recent escalation. Assuring Zarif of Pakistans support, Qureshi said his country wanted "resolution of all outstanding issues through diplomatic engagement," as regional tension was in no ones interest. However, in announcing that sides would not be taken in the ongoing confrontation just before Zarifs arrival, the Pakistan Foreign Ministry kept its neutral stance and the official statement urged all sides to show restraint, as any miscalculated move can transmute into a large-scale conflict. Balancing the interests of Tehran, Riyadh and Washington at the same time is an uphill task, so Islamabad will stick to neutrality. Pakistan cannot afford the risk of any confrontation between Riyadh and Tehran as frictions between them can have a sectarian spillover effect in Pakistan. In recent months, Pakistani-Iranian relations have not been at their best due to various complications. One of the ongoing issues is Pakistans inability to complete its side of the $7 billion Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline due to US sanctions on Iran. The matter is now being taken to court by Tehran. Making matters worse, there has been a spate of cross-border terror attacks in recent months and both governments accused each other of giving sanctuary to militants. While Iran suspects anti-state Sunni militants, Pakistan complains that Baluch insurgents are escaping to Iran. In fact, a terror attack took place on Pakistani personnel in Ormara, Pakistan, just before Khans visit to Iran in April. Condemning the attack, Zarif tweeted, Terrorists, extremists & their sponsors are terrified by close relations between Muslim states. Insufficient border security is the reason rebels and other proxies find the opportunity to destabilize both the provinces of Baluchistan in Pakistan and Sistan-Baluchistan province in Iran. Tackling the problem together, a joint Pakistan-Iran Rapid Action anti-terrorism force is to be deployed soon and fencing of certain areas along the Pakistan-Iran border is being carried out by the Pakistani army. Qureshi said, The work has already started from the points that are frequently misused. We intend to gradually seal this whole 950-kilometer [590-mile] border. Pakistans Baluchistan province is the largest but least-populated region in the country; it is a massive, desolate and arid expanse. Irans province of Sistan-Baluchistan shares similar characteristics; these factors make the region an ideal shelter and intensive patrolling and frequent checking is required. Most terror incidents in Pakistan take place near border areas with either Iran or Afghanistan. The most recent terror attack took place at the Pearl Continental Hotel in Pakistans port city of Gwadar. Carried out by a Baluch insurgent group that came from across the border, this attack may have larger dimensions than a simple insurgency. Nowadays, this region also represents Chinas economic interests as it has invested heavily in Gwadar. The success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which has become a political flashpoint, has come to depend on Gwadar. In the larger picture, attacks on Chinese personnel or in areas with Chinese investment could have a negative impact on Chinas Belt and Road Initiative as the China-Pakistan corridor is the first one nearing completion and it is Beijings bridge to the Middle East. The Indo-Iranian project of Chahbahar port has become a competitor. Making Pakistan an interesting offer, Zarif proposed during his visit that the Iranian seaport of Chahbahar be connected to Gwadar, saying, We believe that Chahbahar one of Irans developing seaports on the Oman Sea and Gwadar a port city on the southwestern coast of Baluchistan, Pakistan, also on the Oman sea can complement each other. The plans to connect both ports to the Iranian railroad system and onward to Central Asia, Russia and Turkey show how Tehran would like closer trade links with Islamabad. 1. Tropicaleo Whats in a name? At Puerto Rican restaurant Tropicaleo, quite a bit. Located in a strip mall in Avondale, the colorful murals and potted plants outside are the first to draw attention. Once inside, youre fully-immersed in the vibrant colors and palm prints that beckon to the beaches of Puerto Rico. An empanada and fruity cocktail served on the restaurants outdoor patio is a must. tropicaleo.com Enjoy a shaved ice and a sandy beach at Oak Mountain State Park's public beach. 2. Oak Mountain State Park Beach Dig your toes deep in the sand at one of Oak Mountain State Parks two artifical beaches. For day visitors, a public beach on Terrace Drive offers a volleyball net, paddleboarding and kayaking, and a seasonal concession stand. Overnight campers have access to a private beach on the campgrounds. Both are perfect for relaxation and recreation. alapark.com Ono Poke offers Hawaiian-style poke bowls in a beachy, island atmosphere. Photo by Mary Fehr. 3. Ono Poke No beach is dreamier than those on the Hawaiian islands. Ono Poke brings a taste of the big island to Birmingham with a menu of custom poke bowls featuring fresh fish, veggies, sushi rice, and sauces. The Edgewood locations faux-plant wall and cool beach vibes will have you saying mahalo (thank you) for the getaway, even if you havent technically left the Heart of Dixie. theonopoke.com Cayo Coco rum bar in Founder's Station is a Latin-inspired bar and restaurant. Photo by Mary Fehr. 4. Cayo Coco Named for the tropical island off the coast of Cuba, downtowns soon-to-be-open rum bar and restaurant is livening up Morris Avenue with the sights and tastes of Old World Cuba. Cool turquoise walls pair with rustic mirrors and woven basket light fixtures inside. A large mural reads, Los tragos hacien milagros, or Drinks make miralces. Come for a rum cocktail and stay for Latin-inspired cuisine. This story appears in Birmingham magazines May 2019 issue. Subscribe today! Dothan police say they are still investigating why a man appeared at several locations Sunday in what witnesses described as a frenzied state, then died moments after being taken into police custody. Police Chief Steven L. Parrish, in a news conference this morning, said Terrell Osborne died Sunday shortly after police handcuffed him at Flying J Travel Plaza, a gas station and truck stop. Police are expected to approach ALEA this week in connection with the case. The incidents happened within a span of about 30 minutes in an area around Ross Clark Circle and U.S. 431 about 5:30 Sunday afternoon, Parrish said. Police initially received a report from Popeyes in the 2200 block of Ross Clark Circle. Employees said the man had been spotted running through the parking lot acting very crazy, making everyone uncomfortable," according to Parrish. He was later spotted across the street in the parking lot of Ollies Bargain Outlet. A few minutes later, he was spotted at Dennys in the Flying J complex, going through the kitchen, breaking stuff and throwing stuff. Parrish noted that the locations are several hundred yards apart, meaning the man sprinted from one location to another. He did cover a lot of ground in a short time, Parrish said. An officer made contact with the man, Osborne, who was described as very disruptive, very disoriented. The two men struggled until the officer handcuffed the man. After only a few moments, the officer noticed Osborne was experiencing shallow breathing. Believing the man to be experiencing some kind of narcotic reaction, an officer administered Narcan, which is used to treat possible overdoses, Parrish said. Osborne was later taken to the hospital where he died. An autopsy has been ordered. Parrish said Osborne was determined to be a truck driver based in Mississippi whose truck was found in the Ollies parking lot. A straw with some substance" was recovered, as well as numerous bags that tested positive for cocaine, he said. Parrish said police will review body camera footage, which could be released later. Crews worked today to locate the body of a 40-year old man who drowned at DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne. DeKalb County Coroner Tom Wilson said the incident happened at 11:30 a.m. when witnesses said the man jumped from the falls. He had apparently just jumped in the water, Wilson said. The man, whose name has not been released yet pending notification of his family, drowned. The incident is believed to be an accident. A recovery operation began in the area where he jumped, with Alabama State Park Rangers, the DeKalb County Sheriffs Office, DeSoto Rescue and Fort Payne Rescue assisting. The body was found in that area, Wilson said. Birmingham police are asking for the publics help in finding a 15-year-old missing since this morning with multiple health problems. Matthew Christopher West, 15, was last seen this morning about 8:30 a.m. He is originally from Detroit, Mich. and may try to return to the area, detectives say. There is no description of his clothing, but he described as being of thin/slender build. According to police, West has cancerous tumors on the liver and brain and has been diagnosed with depression, anxiety order and ADHD. Anyone with information is asked to contact Birmingham Police at (205) 297-8435 or 911. To leave anonymous information, contact Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777. Much has been reported about the scarcity of staff, overcrowding, and crumbling physical conditions in Alabamas prisons. Another topic in the Alabama Department of Corrections strategic plan that has received less attention concerns how correctional officers and their supervisors go about doing their jobs every day -- decisions they make that cant necessarily be blamed on difficult working conditions. In an interview last week, ADOC Commissioner Jeff Dunn talked about changing the culture in the prison system. The U.S. Department of Justice report alleging unconstitutional conditions in mens prisons cites many examples of failures by the ADOC staff to take basic steps to protect inmates and to document and investigate the violence. We recognize that there are aspects of the DOC culture that dont meet our values, Dunn said. Our core values are professionalism, accountability and integrity. You just have to read the DOJ report and you can see that there are times in which members of the DOC have not upheld those values. The report, the product of a two-year investigation, said the ADOC underreported homicides, violence and sexual assaults, failed to protect prisoners even after warnings of violence, and that ADOC employees were main suppliers for the drug trade causing much of the violence. Dunn, who took over a troubled prison system four years ago after a career in the Air Force, said the situation demands more than stopping the corruption. The point is that we are trying to create a culture in which that does not exist, but not only that it doesnt exist but the reverse of it exists, Dunn said. And its a culture of professionals who see being involved in corrections as a way to provide public safety for their state and be involved in the process of providing that public safety while also potentially impacting the lives of an individual and enabling them the opportunity to improve their life. Dunn said hes drawn on his military experience to try to change the ADOC culture, partly with a focus on leadership development, which he said was almost nonexistent when he arrived in 2015. Dunn initiated the establishment of a leadership academy. So now every officer, at every point of promotion -- sergeant, lieutenant, captain, warden are going through a course in our leadership academy that deals with emphasis on our core values --communication skills, leadership skills, conflict resolution, decision-making skills, Dunn said. Those types of things that create the culture in your organization. How do we treat people? Whats the environment that you live in? Is it a positive environment? Is it an environment that people want to come to work to where they feel like they can make a contribution but also achieve their own personal and professional goals? Or is it a caustic environment in which people feel mistreated or unappreciated, those types of things? Besides changing the culture, the ADOCs Strategic Plan 2019-2022, sets goals in staffing, infrastructure and programming. Dunn said it was in the works for 18 months, before the DOJ report, which was issued on April 2. The commissioner said the three-year plan can serve as a guide to confronting problems DOJ highlighted. Dunn said that will take years and increased funding. Its going to take concerted, dedicated effort over a number of years to get us to where we need to go, Dunn said. We think this is a road map to get us there. Is it perfect? No, its not perfect. Is it what we believe to be the best solution on the table right now? And were moving out and executing it as quickly as we can? Yeah, we do. The ADOCs challenges with staffing and the poor physical condition of the prisons are well documented. Even before the DOJ report, a five-year-old federal lawsuit was driving changes, including the need to improve mental health care and increase staff. In that case, the ADOC is under a court order to add more than 2,000 correctional officers over the next few years, a number based on the ADOCs own staffing analysis, which shows it has one-third the number of officers needed. Last week, the Legislature passed a bill to increase correctional officer pay and provide bonuses intended to help hire and keep more officers on the job. The General Fund budget pending in the Legislature includes a funding increase to pay for those incentives. The ADOC has streamlined the hiring process and created a new, entry-level correctional officer position that can put officers on the job more quickly. The DOJ report says Alabamas 13 mens prisons house about 180 percent of the number of inmates they were built for and are in terrible condition. The Ivey administration is pursuing plans to build three large mens prisons housing 3,000 or more inmates, including one for prisoners with special health needs. The strategic plan mentions that building initiative and the formation of a committee to decide what to do with existing prisons, most of which would close. Programming, like culture, is a topic in the strategic plan that has received less attention than the staffing issues and the need for new prisons. Many inmates idle their days away in crowded prison dorms because of the lack of rehabilitation and education programs, which Dunn said is partly the result of the physical limitations of the prison facilities. That has to change, the commissioner said, partly because 95 percent of inmates will eventually be released. Dunn said the plan is to establish evidence-based programs shown to decrease recidivism and prison violence. The commissioner said that has been done successfully at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women. From day one, inmate comes to us from a court, they go through a very thorough assessment process, Dunn said. Everything from medical, mental health, family history, academic aptitude. Just the whole gambit of assessment. The assessment would result in a case management plan that determines an inmates assignment to programs to address education deficits, the need for substance abuse treatment, and other needs, Dunn said. So, the goal is, however long youre with us, we are from day one preparing you to get out and be a law-abiding, productive citizen," Dunn said. He said the plan is to start with pilot programs at Staton and Elmore correctional facilities with the goal of eventually taking them statewide. But that takes money, Dunn said. It takes resources. It takes staff. And so, we want to prove that we can do it so that when we go and ask for additional resources to do it statewide then weve got the proof to say this is the way to go. The strategic plan does not include any budget estimates. But Dunn said more money is a necessary part of reforming Alabama prisons. He cited a survey that showed Alabama spends less than half the national average per inmate. If you spend 30 years neglecting your prison system, then yeah, I think its safe to say youre going to have to make some future investments, Dunn said. And I just would remind folks that the last number I saw was that Alabama spends about $14,000 a year on inmates. The national average is about $33,000 a year. Dunn said he wasnt saying that Alabama needs to raise its spending to the national average. But I am saying, if you look at what other states, even southern states are investing, weve got some work that we still need to do, Dunn said. The ADOC budget pending in the Legislature calls for $517 million from the General Fund in 2020, $42 million more than this year. That follows increases in 2018 and 2019. As for what the ADOC is doing more immediately to make prisons safer, Dunn pointed to the large scale shakedowns for contraband conducted recently at St. Clair and Holman prisons. Those operations enlisted more than 300 law enforcement officers from other agencies to help search for weapons, cell phones, drugs and other contraband. Dunn said similar operations will be carried out at all the prisons. Were going to march through every major facility over the next 12 to 18 months, he said. Dunn encouraged family members of inmates who are concerned about the safety of inmates to report their concerns to the ADOC by phone at 866-393-7799. The DOJ report said extortion of inmates and family members, through threats of physical violence, was a major problem. Dunn said he understands the criticism directed at the ADOC over the state of the prison system and agrees with some of it. He disagrees with any assertion that the ADOC and the governor are not responding to the problems with the needed level of urgency. Theres not a person in this department, particularly at the leadership level, that does not every single day come to work and try to figure out how to solve these problems, Dunn said. I know that my executive staff is absolutely committed and we are doing from our perspective everything that we can to address these issue. I just dont know that the average citizen appreciated the state in which the department actually got to. And its going to take a long time to get out of this problem. But we are absolutely committed to making that happen. And we are working every day. By Delana Isles THE SHARLENE Cartwright Robinson Government has stepped up its allocation to the Gender Affairs Department for renovations to the two domestic violence homes in Grand Turk and Providenciales. Outgoing minister of home affairs, Vaden Williams made the disclosure during his presentation on his former ministrys budgetary allocation for financial year 2019-2020 earlier this month. He said that despite its challenges, the department continues to make progress. "Im also pleased to say that the genders affairs budget has increased slightly this year, and I hope that this small increase is able to make some difference. "An additional $350,000 has been budgeted to complete renovations to the two domestic violence homes in Grand Turk and Provo; they were both stalled due to further damage caused by the 2017 hurricanes. Williams added that his ministry has worked tirelessly to ensure that all the necessary documentation for the establishment and proper operations of the safe houses are completed. "As it currently stands, the work of the Department of Gender Affairs covers advocacy as it relates to legislation, domestic violence, political and economic empowerment of women and men, policy development, gender training and intervention strategies. "The department continues to support victims of domestic violence, through counselling, assistance with court documentation, restraining orders, among other things. He added that the Safe House Policy, domestic violence protocol and domestic violence legislation will go to Cabinet and the House of Assembly shortly, and that work is progressing on a user friendly domestic violence booklet. Over the past year, the department hosted International Womens Day celebrations throughout several communities and as well as the Girls Learn and Lead Conference in Grand Turk. "Gender is an issue that cuts across every area of interest to socio economic policy. More importantly, without gender equality, much of a countrys development would be undermined. "Every individual, woman and man, must live in a society that respects and protects them and that promotes their fundamental human rights, Minister Williams noted in his budget address. The Turks and Caicos Islands has a legal obligation to protect women and girls from domestic violence and sexual violence including sexual harassment. Since 1999, the Gender Affairs Unit has been in operation, offering protection to all women throughout the TCI, regardless of nationality. Its objective is to empower women and girls, act as change agent for their safety and protection against all forms of violence, further mobilise communities and influence policy makers that they need to be part of the decision-making process. Real estate mogul Franklin Haney contributed $1 million to President Donald Trumps inaugural committee and all hes got to show for the money is the glare of a federal investigation. The contribution from Haney, a prolific political donor, came as he was seeking regulatory approval and financial support from the government for his long-shot bid to acquire the mothballed Bellefonte Nuclear Power Plant in northeastern Alabama. More than two years later, he still hasn't closed the deal. His tale is a familiar one in Washington, where lobbyists and wealthy donors use their checkbooks to try to sway politicians. It's a world Haney is accustomed to operating in and one that Trump came into office pledging to upend. Yet Trump has left in place many of the familiar ways to wield influence. Haneys hefty donation to Trumps inaugural committee is being scrutinized by federal prosecutors in New York who are investigating the committees finances. Their probe is focused in part on whether donors received benefits after making contributions. Trump's former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, has given prosecutors information regarding Haney, his son and business associate, Frank Haney Jr., and the nuclear plant project, according to a person familiar with what Cohen told the authorities. The person was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity. Haney had briefly hired Cohen to help obtain money for the Bellefonte project from potential investors, including the Middle Eastern country of Qatar. Cohen is now serving a three-year prison sentence for tax evasion, lying to Congress and campaign finance violations. Haney and his attorney did not respond to interview requests. Prosecutors also are examining whether foreigners unlawfully contributed to the committee. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan issued a subpoena last year seeking a wide range of financial records from the committee, including any "communications regarding or relating to the possibility of donations by foreign nationals." The inaugural committee has denied wrongdoing and said its funds were fully accounted for. Haney, 79, has previously faced accusations that his political gift giving is aimed at cultivating influence. An investigation by House Republicans in the late 1990s alleged that Haney's money and his political pull with senior Clinton administration officials helped him to get the Federal Communications Commission to move into an office building that he had a major stake in. Haney denied any wrongdoing and the Justice Department declined to pursue the matter. But he was charged in 1999 with funneling about $100,000 in illegal contributions to President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore and other politicians, then acquitted. A federal prosecutor described Haney as a sophisticated fundraiser who hoped to impress potential business clients with his access to elected officials, like Clinton and Gore. Haney's family-owned real estate business donated thousands of dollars in 2013 and 2015 to political action committees that supported Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, who later recommended that the nuclear plant Haney wanted to buy be put up for sale. Haney also contributed to a nonprofit created to promote Bentley's agenda. The Republican governor resigned in 2017 as he faced impeachment proceedings after an alleged affair with an aide. In addition to the investigation into Haney's contribution to the Trump inaugural committee, Haney is in an unrelated legal battle with the nuclear plant's owner, the Tennessee Valley Authority. Another Haney company, Nuclear Development LLC, has filed a lawsuit in federal court accusing the TVA, the nation's largest public utility, of illegally blocking the plant's sale to him at the last minute. The utility has argued it couldn't complete the transaction because Haney failed to get the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's approval for transfer of the construction permits. A tentative Bellefonte sale in November 2016 involved two partially constructed nuclear reactors and the supporting cooling towers, several other buildings and more than 1,000 acres of land on the Tennessee River. Haney put down $22 million and had until November 2018 to complete the $111-million sale. On Nov. 29, the day before the sale was to be closed, the TVA scrapped the deal, declaring that Haney's company had not yet secured regulatory approval as required by the Atomic Energy Act. Haney filed a breach of contract lawsuit. In early April, about five months after Nuclear Development submitted its application for transfer of the construction permits, the regulatory commission's staff told the company it needed to submit more technical details before it could proceed. Edwin Lyman, a nuclear power expert at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said the response reflected skepticism about whether Haney's company "is serious about or capable of actually undertaking this project or just wants to put the license in its pocket for purposes unknown." But Lyman added the five-member nuclear regulatory board is dominated by Trump appointees and may not want to be seen by Congress and the Trump administration as throwing up roadblocks to a nuclear power expansion. Haney's Nuclear Development company also has applied to the U.S. Energy Department for financing assistance on the project. The department said it considers the loan application process to be "business sensitive" and declined to comment. Stephen Smith, executive director of the nonprofit Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, said Haney faces too many technical and financial hurdles to overcome. For example, Bellefontes never-completed nuclear reactors are decades old and are of a unique design that has never received an operating license in the U.S. before. He compared Bellefonte to a Ford Pinto, a 1970s-era vehicle with serious engineering flaws. Smith said its extraordinarily unlikely Bellefonte will be allowed to operate. This is an opinion column. Why are you doing this? Its super hard! Because Keith and Bridget Baker raised their two sons that way. Anything hard to do is worth doing. the factory worker and teacher in Phenix City, Alabama, both college-educated, incessantly told their sons. To which Keith added: Go big or go home. Charles, the oldest son, recently graduated from Alabama A&M with a degree in mechanical engineering and is deciding which medical school to attend. It was a few of baby brother Keiths friends from Central High School, though, who asked him why he tinkered around so much with computers, why he chose to major in computer science at Alabama State, why he now aspires to be a software engineer at a Fortune 100 company. Why do something so hard? Because of Keith and Bridget. My passion was always technology, he says. [Coming out of high school.] I understood the hardware side, but I wanted to figure out how computers worked. Then adding a phrase he no doubt heard often at home, Keith says: You cant learn too much. Aspiring software developer Keith Baker (blue shirt) with brother Charles (left), father Keith (rear) and mother Bridget (front) A Thurgood Marshall Fund Scholar who just completed his sophomore year at ASU, Keith (his full first name is Keithbridges, but he goes by Keith) will make his first trip to Californias Silicon Valley next week for Apples Worldwide Developers Conferencean annual confab of coders, tech creatives and other industry leaders featuring design workshops, hands-on labs and other geekish interactions. Its thousand of miles from Birminghams burgeoning tech industry, but the industrys effects on a continuously evolving job market reverberate not only in this region but throughout the state. Who doesnt know now that most future jobs will be touched by tech? But download this: Todays new jobs are driven by technology, as wellparticularly in the software realm. In Alabama, between December 2016 and April of this year, the number of iOS app economy jobs (from developers to sales) soared from 8,800 to 12,200, a 39% rise, according to the Progressive Policy Institute. Moreoverand Lord knows we could use some good news these daysstudents in the state are poised to capitalize on the growth, in part, because Alabama is the only state where every two-year community college has adopted Apples Swift app development curriculum called Everyone Can Code. This summer, Lawson State will host Birmingham middle- and high-school students at free week-long coding camps using the curriculum. (Registration is full, alas.) Interestingly, Baker wasnt initially especially sold on codingnot even after attending a job conference in Washington, D.C. last summer where he saw myriad opportunities in software development. I knew I had to code a little bit, he says. It could set me apart from everyone else. But I was still, Nah. not for me. That changed after Baker and a team from ASU competed in the inaugural HBCU Battle of the Brains, a tech competition in March hosted during South by Southwest, the popular annual conference held in Austin, Texas. The challenge was to pitch to a live audience a comprehensive business solution that included social media engagement, mobile app, and a go-to-market tech strategy. Oh, and teams had just 24 hours to complete the challenge. With his knowledge of hardware, a dash of business acumen and at least a modicum of coding expertise, Baker emerged as the perfect person to balance between the digital business and super-tech worlds. I was able to help both sides, he says. But I could have helped a lot better if my coding skills were up to par. Once I returned from the competition, I thought, I need to code." (Paul Quinn College won first prize.) This summer, Baker will enroll in a coding program at Bishop State in Mobile. In the meantime, hes using what hes already learned in Swift to develop an ASU-based app called Wheres my Tutor? It will allow students to submit when they need help on a particular subject; if a tutor in that subject is available, theyll respond in the app. Call it, essentially, Uber for tutoring. My software development skills are proficient enough, Baker says. You can learn a programming language, but you have to know how to turn that into a product. Baker says he will be a software engineer, hopefully while working for a company that will pay for him to obtain a masters and Ph.D. The end game is to launch his own software development firm and have fun doing what I love. Not so hardcertainly not for one of Keith and Bridgets boys. A voice for whats right and wrong in Birmingham, Alabama, Roys column appears in The Birmingham News and AL.com, as well as in the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register. Reach him at rjohnson@al.com and follow him at twitter.com/roysj Dothan police say a man is dead and a woman six-and-a-half months pregnant was forced to give birth following a shooting Saturday. Willie Gerome Blackmon, 18, was charged with capital murder and attempted murder in connection with an incident in Dothan Saturday, May 25, 2019. Police Chief Steven Parrish said at a news conference today that Willie Gerome Blackmon, 18, and Kaleb Tyreck Tubbs, 18, both face capital murder and attempted murder charges following a shooting at 416 Florida Avenue at 1:50 p.m. Saturday. Police responding to a shots fired call found two people inside the home, a man and a woman, with multiple gunshot wounds. Shawn Callins, 35, who lived at the address in Apt. 1, died about 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The other victim, Kanisha Lee, was shot twice in both legs. She was taken to a Florida hospital where her baby was safely delivered after the childs life was endangered by the shooting. Both the mother and baby are in intensive care, Parrish said. He declined to reveal the hospital treating the two. Kaleb Tyreck Tubbs, 18, was charged with capital murder and attempted murder in connection with a fatal shooting in Dothan May 25, 2019. Parrish said police are still seeking two other individuals they believe took part in the shooting, which stemmed from a robbery after one of those involved saw a large amount of money in the residence. Callins was able to give police information before he died, he said, about one of those involved. Tubbs lives about three blocks away from the murder scene. Police have recovered a handgun they believe was used in the incident. We are not going to tolerate this kind of violence in our community, Parrish said. Anyone who would shoot a pregnant young lady deserves to be put in prison for the rest of their lives. We are hopeful she will recover and the baby will be fine. She may lose her leg, she may lose her life." Huawei Technologies Co. founder Ren Zhengfei struck a defiant tone in the face of U.S. sanctions that threaten his companys very survival. In an interview with Bloomberg Television, the billionaire founder of Chinas largest technology company conceded that Trump administration export curbs will cut into a two-year lead Huawei had painstakingly built over rivals like Ericsson AB and Nokia Oyj. But the company will either ramp up its own chip supply or find alternatives to keep its edge in smartphones and 5G. The U.S. on May 17 blacklisted Huawei which it accuses of aiding Beijing in espionage and cut it off from the U.S. software and components it needs to make its products. The ban hamstrings the worlds largest provider of networking gear and No. 2 smartphone vendor, just as it was preparing to vault to the forefront of global technology. Its rocking chipmakers from America to Europe as the global supply chain comes under threat. The ban could also disrupt the rollout of 5G wireless globally, undermining a standard thats touted as the foundation of everything from autonomous cars to robot surgery. Ren maintained Huawei had the capability to devise its own solutions given time. Its been designing its own chips for years, which it now uses in many of its own smartphones. Its even developing its own operating software to run phones and servers. The CEO however deflected questions about how quickly Huawei can ramp up those internal replacement endeavors. Failure could dent the fast-growing consumer business and even kill emergent efforts such as cloud servers. That depends on how fast our repairmen are able to fix the plane, said Ren, who appeared at ease in a white jacket over a pink shirt, making light of questions about his companys plight. No matter what materials they use, be it metal, cloth or paper, the aim is to keep the plane in the sky. Ren has gone from recluse to media maven in the span of months as he fights to save the $100 billion company he founded. The 74-year-old billionaire emerged from virtual seclusion after the arrest of eldest daughter and Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou as part of a broader probe of Huawei. Hes since become a central figure in a U.S.-Chinese conflict thats potentially the most important episode to shape world affairs since the collapse of the Soviet Union. As Ren said in January, when the worlds biggest economies battle for dominion, nothing in their way will survive. His company is a sesame seed between twin great powers, he said. Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei emerged from virtual seclusion after the arrest of his daughter and : Qilai Shen/Bloomberg [Bloomberg] This may bring one of Chinas national champions to its knees, said Chris Lane, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. If China shut down all the Apple plants, the U.S. would get very upset. This is a similar kind of move. Ren has had much to deal with of late. His company finds itself increasingly under fire, besieged by a U.S. effort to get key allies to ban its equipment. The U.S. assault helped crystallize fears about Huaweis growing clout in areas from wireless infrastructure and semiconductors to consumer gadgets. Then came the blacklist. Huawei appears to have anticipated this possibility since at least mid-2018, when similar sanctions threatened to sink rival ZTE Corp. Huaweis said to have stockpiled enough chips and other vital components to keep its business running at least three months. We have made some really good chips, said Ren, a legendary figure in his home country thanks to the way he built Huawei from scratch into a global powerhouse. Being able to grow in the toughest battle environment, that just reflects how great we are. Last week, Trump said Huawei could become part of a U.S-Chinese trade deal, stirring speculation it was a bargaining chip in sensitive negotiations. But Ren said he wasnt a politician. Its a big joke, he scoffed. How are we related to China-U.S. trade? If Trump calls, I will ignore him, then to whom can he negotiate with? If he calls me, I may not answer. But he doesnt have my number. In fact, Ren pulled no punches in going after a man he labeled a great president just months prior. I see his tweets and think its laughable because theyre self-contradictory, he quipped. How did he become a master of the art of the deal? Beijing itself isnt without options. Some speculate China might retaliate against the ban of Huawei which may widen to include some of its most promising AI firms by in turn barring Americas largest corporations from its own markets. Apple Inc. could relinquish nearly a third of its profit if China banned its products, Goldman Sachs analysts estimate. Ren said he would object to any such move against his American rival. That will not happen, first of all. And second of all, if that happens, Ill be the first to protest, Ren said in the interview. Apple is my teacher, its in the lead. As a student, why go against my teacher? Never. At the heart of Trumps campaign is suspicion that Huawei aids Beijing in espionage while spearheading Chinas ambitions to become a technology superpower. Its been accused for years of stealing intellectual property in lawsuits filed by American companies from Cisco Systems Inc. and Motorola Inc. to T-Mobile US Inc. Critics say such theft helped Huawei vault into the upper echelons of technology but Ren laughed off that premise. I stole the American technologies from tomorrow. The U.S. doesnt even have those technologies, he said. We are ahead of the U.S. If we were behind, there would be no need for Trump to strenuously attack us. Rens easy demeanor belies the way hes consistently shunned attention. The army engineer-turned-entrepreneur has this year turned in a command performance in the public spotlight, particularly for someone whos rarely spoken to foreign media since he created Huawei. The re-emergence of the reclusive CEO who before January last spoke with foreign media in 2015 underscores the depth of the attacks on Huawei, the largest symbol of Chinas growing technological might. Ren again waved off speculation his company is in any way beholden to the Communist Party, though hes declared his loyalty ultimately lies with the countrys ruling body. U.S. lawmakers arent convinced. Thats why the U.S. Commerce Department cut off the flow of American technology from chips to software and everything in-between. An iconic figure in Chinese business circles, the billionaire remains a uniquely placed voice in a conflict that will help define the global landscape. Ren, who says he survived the chaos of the Cultural Revolution thanks in part to his much sought-after expertise in high-precision tools, remains a big believer that Huaweis technology will win the day. His company today generates more sales than internet giants Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd. combined. In 2018, Huawei overtook Apple in smartphone sales, a triumph that burnished his tech credentials. His quotes adorn the walls of the food court at Huaweis sprawling campus on the outskirts of the southern metropolis of Shenzhen, and employees still speak of him in reverent tones. The companys 2018 report shows he has a 1.14% stake, giving him a net worth of $2 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Ren, who survived Mao Zedongs great famine to found Huawei in 1987 with 21,000 yuan, said Huawei will do whatever it takes to survive. It will ignore the noise while doing its business the best it can. Meanwhile, the pressure is bound to take a toll. At one point during the interview, Rens unflappable demeanor cracked if only for a minute. The U.S. has never bought products from us, he said, bristling. Even if the U.S. wants to buy our products in the future, I may not sell to them. Theres no need for a negotiation. Five large investment banks are being accused in Australia of colluding to distort foreign exchange rates. A class action lawsuit has been filed in the federal court of Australia against five major investment banks for allegedly rigging currency exchange rates. The five international banks UBS (based in Switzerland), JPMorgan and Citibank (based in the United States), and Barclays and the Royal Bank of Scotland (in the United Kingdom) have all been accused of engaging in illegal cartel conduct between January 2008 and October 2013. The Australian case will partly rely on findings from international investigations and admissions made during those inquiries. Earlier this month, JPMorgan, Barclays, RBS and Citibank were among banks fined $1.2bn by the European Union for rigging the foreign-exchange market. Kimi Nishimura, a principal lawyer at the law firm Maurice Blackburn, told Al Jazeera that she expected the Australian case to exceed 100 million Australian dollars ($69m) a cost that comes on the heels of a $2.3bn payment in the US and $100m class action payment in Canada. Its very early stages, but we do anticipate it will be very large, Nishimura said. UBS, Citibank and JPMorgan declined to comment on the case. Spokespeople from RBS and Barclays did not respond to phone requests for comment during a UK holiday. The Australian foreign exchange market is the eighth largest in the world. The group claims lead plaintiff is a Sydney-based company that imports dental and medical equipment under the trading name Wisbey Dental. Australian businesses shouldnt pay more because the banks got together to work out how to make more profits for themselves. Its hard to take individual action against this kind of price rigging because the price increases are small, but when repeated over thousands of transactions they make a real difference to currency prices, managing director Greg Wisbey said in a statement. I rely on forex trading because my business needs to trade with international companies, but to have been subjected to an uneven playing field and paying an inflated price for no good reason, well thats just unfair and hurts Australian businesses like mine. In a statement, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers claimed there was systematic manipulation to boost profits at the expense of Australian businesses and investors. The cartel The Australian claim mentions transcripts of internet chat rooms filed as part of the US class action suit. The chat rooms were colourfully named The Cartel, The Mafia, One Team, One Dream, The Players and The Three Way Banana Split, among other monikers. Allegedly, foreign-exchange traders used the chat rooms to disclose confidential customer information and make agreements with traders from other institutions to coordinate foreign-exchange trading in a manner designed to influence the WMR Fix, ECB Fix, and other FX benchmark fixes and market prices generally. In addition, the traders are accused of concealing their conversations through the use of codewords and controlling and restricting entry into the chatrooms. Another blow to confidence The case comes after a damaging report issued by Australias Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry recommended sweeping reforms to the Australian sector. Over months of public hearings, the Royal Commission heard of people being charged fees for services that were never received. In some cases, customers were charged fees even after they had died. In its final recommendations in February, the Royal Commission referred 24 companies to regulators for possible criminal or civil action, including some of the countrys biggest financial institutions. It also recommended greater oversight of regulators with the creation of an independently chaired body to hold them to account. Nishimura said Australian investors and businesses had been cheated. I think this is just another example of people finding out post-fact that the institutions theyve relied on, theyve been ripped off by, she said. Alliance may lead to creation of worlds third-largest carmaker, but would need green light from key investors. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV is poised to announce an operational tie-up with Renault SA as soon as Monday that could lead to a full merger of the French and Italian-American companies and create the worlds third-biggest automaker. The deal could involve an initial exchange of equity, people familiar with the matter said, asking not to be identified because the discussions arent public. Renaults existing alliance partners, Nissan Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp., arent involved, although they would be invited at a later time to join forces with the merged Fiat-Renault, the people said. The talks with Fiat have moved ahead without Nissan, Renaults 20-year partner, illustrating the intense pressure facing automakers to combine efforts and investments as sales flag in the worlds biggest car markets and the push toward electrification intensifies. A French drive to forge closer ties with Nissan, which has resisted proposals to join with Renault in a holding-company structure, has been put on hold, the people said. Talks between Fiat and Renault have accelerated in recent days as negotiators found a way to structure a deal, the people said. Renaults board is scheduled to meet Monday morning. Representatives from the two companies declined to comment. Fiat has conditioned the merger talks on Renault agreeing not to pursue a transaction with Nissan in the short term, the people said. Exor NV, the investment vehicle of Fiats founding Agnelli family, owns 29% of Fiat and would become the largest investor in the combined company. Should a deal proceed, Fiat Chairman John Elkann, who leads the Agnelli family, would become chairman of the merged company, while Renault Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard would be chief executive officer, the people said. Pressure on Automakers With sales falling in the worlds biggest car markets, manufacturers are being pushed by regulators to electrify and reduce fleet emissions. Theyve also been forced to spend heavily on self-driving technology or risk getting left behind by new, deep-pocketed competitors like Alphabet Inc.s Waymo. Fiats John Elkann would reportedly become chair of the new company [Federico Bernini/Bloomberg] A Fiat-Renault agreement would hold the potential for extensive cost savings in Europe both through sharing investments and reducing costs in the struggling market. Almost one-third of Fiats global work force of 198,500 was located in the region at the end of last year, even though the company makes almost all of its profit in North America. Renault, which is 15% owned by the French government, counts on Europe for almost half its sales. Together, the two companies made about 8.7 million cars last year, which would vault the pair past South Koreas Hyundai Motor Group and Detroits General Motors Co. The worlds two biggest automakers, Volkswagen AG and Toyota Motor Corp., each topped 10 million vehicles last year. Renault, with alliance partners Nissan and Mitsubishi, also reached this level. Fiat would give Renault access to the North American market, while gaining clout in Russia, the French carmakers second-biggest market with its Avtovaz unit. Overall, Renault deliveries fell 5.6% to 908,348 vehicles in the first quarter, while Fiat Chrysler sales were down 14% to 1.04 million cars and light trucks. Fiat also held initial talks with Peugeot owner PSA Group as it evaluates potential partners, the people said. PSA remains open to opportunities that would create value on a long-term basis, it said in an email. French Meetings Falling sales in the three major regions China, the U.S. and Europe have brought fresh urgency to the cause of consolidation championed for years by the late former Fiat chief, Sergio Marchionne, and deposed Renault-Nissan alliance Chairman Carlos Ghosn. Fiat has been seeking a partner in recent months, with talks focused on Renault and PSA. Elkann and CEO Mike Manley have made several trips to Paris since the beginning of the year for business meetings as part of their search for ways to make the carmaker stronger, the people said. Renault has been trying to firm up its two-decade alliance with Nissan, which was shaken by the arrest of Ghosn last November over alleged financial misdeeds. His departure surfaced tensions between the partners, with Nissan executives resisting new proposals by Renault to cement ties through the creation of a holding-company structure. Renault owns 43% of Nissan the bigger partner which in turn owns 15% of Renault, with no voting rights. A 2015 agreement granted Nissan guarantees preventing Renault from interfering in its governance, a move the Japanese carmaker considered necessary because the French government is Renaults most powerful shareholder. The French government has been kept abreast of talks between Renault and Fiat Chrysler and will consider the impact of any proposed tie-up in terms of jobs, industrial footprint and valuation, according to a person familiar with the matter. French officials would prefer a deal that strengthens the existing Renault alliance by bringing in Fiat, and at worst a deal with the Italian-American carmaker would have to be alliance-neutral, the person said. Recent Truce Relations between Nissan and Renault had steadied in recent weeks, with the appointment of Renault CEO Thierry Bollore to the board of its Japanese partner, and the reappointment of Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa, who opposes a merger with Renault. Still, a Renault deal with Fiat would put pressure on Nissan, while potentially making the resulting entity more formidable. Together, Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi sold 10.76 million passenger cars and light trucks last year. Joining Fiat with the French and Japanese partners would bring the total to more 15 million vehicles a year, with a strong presence in all major markets and premium brands like Jeep, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Infiniti under a common umbrella. Renaults partnership with Nissan was thrust into the spotlight in November with the arrest of Ghosn, the chairman and architect of the global car-making alliance. In the aftermath, Nissan CEO Saikawa has sought to pull back from Europe and North America, where he contends the Japanese company has sacrificed profit for volume. Junkie Confessions Fiat Chrysler has been looking for a tie-up since Marchionne created the Italian-American carmaker in 2014. A year later, Marchionne became vocal on the auto industrys need for consolidation in an analyst presentation called Confessions of a Capital Junkie. Marchionne argued then that carmakers waste 2 billion euros ($2.24 billion) a week by duplicating investments they could share. At the time, Renault-Nissan was considered the second-best fit for Fiat after General Motors Co., according to people familiar with the plan. GM rebuffed Fiats approaches. Two to three years ago, Ghosn held talks about merging Renault with Fiat Chrysler, but was stopped by the French government, the Financial Times reported in March. In an interview in April 2017, Ghosn said the Renault-Nissan alliance isnt interested in Fiat Chrysler. Other carmakers are also looking to each other for savings. BMW AG and Daimler AG have pushed aside rivalries to join forces in sharing services and autonomous cars. VW has been in talks with Ford Motor Co. to team up on e-cars and autonomous vehicles. Fiat has history with French President Emmanuel Macron, whose support would be needed along with Italian officials for a deal that could involve major job cuts in France and Italy. In 2013 Macron, then a top adviser to President Francois Hollande, had preliminary talks with Fiat about a merger with troubled Peugeot. Bloomberg reported in April that Fiat and PSA were discussing a super-platform the underpinning of a car model as part of a partnership to share investments. While PSA remains open to deals, based on 2018s financial results, there is no hurry to finalize any partnership, according to an emailed statement. Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei is reviewing its relationship with FedEx Corp, claiming that the package-delivery company inexplicably diverted two parcels destined for Huawei addresses in Asia to the United States and also attempted to reroute two others. Huawei told the Reuters news agency on Friday that FedEx had actually diverted two packages from suppliers sent from Japan and addressed to Huawei in China to the US. The company added that FedEx had also attempted to divert two other packages sent from Vietnam to Huawei offices elsewhere in Asia. All of the delivery diversions were reportedly done without authorisation. Reuters said it could not independently verify the authenticity of the tracking records provided by Huawei. The two packages sent on May 19 and May 20 from Tokyo, intended for Huawei in China, ended up in Memphis, Tennessee, the headquarters of the US-based FedEx, by May 23. According to Huawei, the four packages contained urgent documents but no technology. Huawei declined to explain why it thought the packages were diverted, and so it is unclear whether the incidents are related to the US governments move to place Huawei and its affiliates on a trade blacklist in mid-May, effectively banning US firms from doing business with them on security grounds. The recent experiences where important commercial documents sent via FedEx were not delivered to their destination, and instead were either diverted to, or were requested to be diverted to, FedEx in the United States, undermines our confidence, Joe Kelly, a spokesman for Huawei, told Reuters. We will now have to review our logistics and document delivery support requirements as a direct result of these incidents, the spokesman said. The two packages originating from Hanoi on May 17, destined for Huaweis Hong Kong and Singapore offices, were held up after arriving in local FedEx stations in Hong Kong and Singapore on May 21 for delivery exception a possible customs delay or a holiday. According to Huawei, a FedEx customer service representative in Vietnam replied to their inquiry on May 22 when two expected packages did not arrive on time, saying: Please be informed that FDX SG received notification from FDX US to hold and return the package to US. Hence, the shipment is not deliver to consignee and now being hold at FDX station and under process to RTS it [return to sender], the representative wrote. Huawei told Reuters that both Vietnam packages were sent by its shipping agent, a contractor that Huawei did not identify. It said the shipping agent refused permission for FedEx to send the packages to the US and instructed they be returned. Misrouted in error Huawei acknowledged that one package originating in Vietnam was received by Friday, and the other was on its way, according to FedEx tracking records provided by Huawei. FedEx spokeswoman Maury Donahue told Reuters the packages were misrouted in error and that FedEx was not requested to divert them by any other party. This is an isolated issue limited to a very small number of packages, said FedEx, referring to the four parcels affected. We are aware of all shipments at issue and are working directly with our customers to return the packages to their possession. The US Department of Commerce did not reply to a request for comment on whether the incident might be related to its move on May 16 to add Huawei to the so-called Entity List, preventing it from buying certain items from American companies without US government approval. Huawei said it has lodged a formal complaint with Chinas postal regulator, which it said is investigating the incident. Chinas State Post Bureau did not return a request for comment. The US says Huawei, the worlds largest telecom network gear maker creating the next generation of wireless networks known as 5G is a potential national security threat because of its close ties with the Chinese government. Huawei has repeatedly denied it is controlled by the Chinese government, military or intelligence services. The US Federal Aviation Administration has been criticised for working too closely with planemakers like Boeing Singapore The reputation of aviation regulators in the United States has suffered following the crashes of two Boeing 737 Max aircraft months apart, the president of United Airlines told Al Jazeera. Scott Kirby, speaking on the sidelines of a travel conference in Singapore, said he believes the planes will resume flying by August as the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) works to re-certify the 737 Max. Regulatory confidence certainly took a hit, Kirby said. But the FAA will be stronger, and the industry, as we work through the issues for the 737 Max. Airlines around the world grounded the aircraft in March after a 737 Max plane crashed in Ethiopia. That followed a similar disaster involving the same type of aircraft in Indonesia in October 2018. A combined 346 passengers and crew died in the crashes. Investigators have focused on a new anti-stall software system as the likely cause of the crashes. And critics, including Peter DeFazio, chairman of the US House Transportation Committee accused the FAA at a hearing earlier this month of using employees of planemakers to be part of the certification process for new aircraft systems. The FAA has defended itself. Last week, the bodys acting administrator Dan Elwell said in a statement on the 737 Maxs recertification: As all of us work through this rigorous process, we will continue to be transparent and exchange all that we know and all that we do to strengthen the publics confidence that the aircraft will meet the highest safety standards. August target United is aiming to have its 737 Max planes flying again by August 3, a month later than originally planned. Kirby said airlines affected by the groundings and Boeing have been helping the regulator re-certify the Boeing 737 Max. But he said that the FAA has the ultimate word on whether to allow the aircraft back in the sky. So, well just have to see about the expected August re-certification. Kirby said that United has managed to find aircraft to handle 40 to 45 daily canceled flights after it grounded its 14 737 Max aircraft, and that the impact on the bottom line is something to worry about down the road. Jose Caiado, an analyst at investment bank Credit Suisse, said in a May 24 research note that for airlines like United, and for manufacturer Boeing, an FAA re-certification would need to be matched by other global aviation regulators. Regulators have yet to decide if pilots will need extra training for Boeings controversial anti-stall system on its 737 Max planes. [File: Elaine Thompson/AP] A critical mass of regulatory support in fairly short order, namely, the US and EU, is crucial, Caiado wrote. We believe that if Europe moves quickly to re-certify after the FAA does, it would give other countries regulatory authorities more confidence to do the same while also putting pressure on them to act relatively quickly. Still, a key outstanding issue is pilot training. Its still not clear how much extra training aviators will have to undergo once the FAA decides the software and other changes meet safety standards. The biggest caveat to the preceding framework is that regulators have not yet determined whether to mandate simulator training, Caiado said. A decision to do so would certainly slow the aircrafts return to service and ramp-up to a full schedule, as well as saddle airlines with incremental cost. All Asian carriers, including Singapore Airlines, which operate 737 Max planes have grounded their fleets. SIXTY-FIVE inmates at Her Majestys Prison in Grand Turk refused to return to their cells after they were not supplied with adequate bathroom products. What started out as a peaceful protest at about 6pm on Friday, May 19, quickly became chaotic. Prisoners from the two residential wings refused to leave the communal areas and return to their quarters for the nightly lock down. The Weekly News was reliably informed that the prisoners staged the demonstration to demand soap and toilet tissue that was being withheld from them. After three days of protests, a team of highly trained police officers, supported by the prison staff, implemented an intervention on Tuesday, (May 21). A statement from the Governments press office issued on Wednesday confirmed that even with sustained negotiation, some inmates chose not to return to their cells. "Two very disruptive prisoners were removed and secured in a different location within the prison, and remain segregated from the main population. "This was an outstanding joint operation between the police and the prison. "They demonstrated bravery, resilience and strength of character to enter an area with 31 prisoners, some of whom have been convicted of very serious offences, the release noted. Shortly after the special forces intervened, all prisoners were secured and taken back to their cells where they regained access to meals and other basic supplies. "Once control of the wing had been achieved, searches of all cells and the general areas were conducted, the statement said. Several prohibited items including marijuana, homemade weapons, mobile phones and a sim card were seized during the search. Commenting on the incident Prison Superintendent Grahame Hawkins said normalcy was gradually restored at the prison. He said: "There are clear challenges working within a prison, but order must be managed. "In this case, a small number of people sought to try and influence how the prisoners should have access to facilities and sought to deny prison officers access to their area. "I am proud of the prison and police teams for their hard work in bringing this challenging situation to a close. Hon. Goldray Ewing, Minister of Prison Services, said: "Im proud of the men and women who performed their duties well, and with a high degree of professionalism and skill. "No doubt, their service, including those who went beyond the call of duty to restore order to ensure the safety of inmates, their fellow colleagues and the community at large, is nothing less than commendable. Ewing stressed that gross disorderly conduct in the correctional facility will not be tolerated. "I value the very abled stewardship of Superintendent Hawkins and his team, the police and all those who worked collectively to bring this situation to a swift, uneventful and peaceful conclusion. When asked why the toiletries were withheld, Ewing simply told the Weekly News that "the issue has been resolved. For years, many prisoners and humanitarian agencies have criticised the conditions inside HMP. Prisoners and concerned parties have repeatedly called on the Government to improve the inhumane conditions at the facility. Last year, the Government announced a number of plans to improve the local prison systems including increasing manpower and improving infrastructure while ensuring prisoners receive basic amenities. Critical lack of vehicles across Afghanistan affects patients desperate to get to hospital Across Afghanistan a chronic shortage of ambulances is failing patients and victims of bomb attacks who need to get to the hospital quickly. In the capital, the Kabul Ambulance Service has just 29 ambulances for five million people. It means that some people have even jumped into cabs to get immediate treatment. Al Jazeeras Charlotte Bellis reports from Kabul. New legislation comes after similar bill passed in the lower house of Congress, but failed in the Senate last year. Buenos Aires, Argentina On every Tuesday for more than a year, Monica Menini has headed to a central square in the northern Argentine city of Salta. There, Menini and other activists and lawyers set up a table, neatly arrange pamphlets decorated in green and unfurl a banner with messages related to a powerful campaign to legalise abortion. Sometimes the group is met by anti-abortion rights campaigners, who set up competing demonstrations, reciting prayers, tossing holy water at them and carrying giant affiches of fetuses. On a Tuesday in April, pairs of teenage girls, dressed in high school uniforms, approached their table, hoping to acquire a new status symbol: the green handkerchief, emblematic of the campaign to legalise abortion in the country. This Tuesday, Menini, who describes herself as a feminist lawyer, will join thousands of women across the country celebrating new legislation that is expected to be introduced in the national Congress that seeks to legalise abortion in Argentina. The new legislation is similar to a proposal introduced last year that made it past the lower House of Deputies but failed in the Senate. Its not that [this project] is stronger, but it has been improved, because we are always improving, said Menini, a member of the commission that drafted the proposal. This years legislation proposes that women or other identities with the ability to gestate have access to legal, safe, publicly-funded abortions in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. It also seeks to decriminalise the termination of a pregnancy, which can currently land a woman in jail, and it does not allow for a medical practitioner to declare a conscientious objection to the process. Abortions in Argentinas legislative language are referred to as the legal interruption of a pregnancy. They have only been legal in the case of rape or if the mothers health is at risk since 1921. Activists hold up green handkerchiefs, which symbolise the abortion rights movement, outside the National Congress in Buenos Aires [File: Agustin Marcarian/Reuters] The new project was drafted by law, health, and political experts before circulating around Argentina, giving people working at the grassroots a chance to offer input. It was voted on in March by feminist representatives. If approved by politicians, Argentina would become the most populous country to legalise abortion in Latin America, a region with strict anti-abortion rights laws rooted in Catholic doctrine. 190423111047977 Part of the national conversation Although its too early to say whether this new proposal will make it to a vote in Congress, the issue that was propelled into the public arena with the rise of the Ni Una Menos (Not One Less) movement continues to be as visible and potent as ever. It is the first time, for example, that candidates in a presidential election are being asked about their stance on abortion. The issue made headlines at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this month when it screened a documentary about the campaign, and a new viral video released on the weekend by an activist group of Argentine actresses declared that clandestine abortions are violence committed by the state. It was viewed more than 400,000 times on Instagram. The red carpet at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival Screening of the documentary film Que Sea Ley (Let it be law) [Eric Gaillard/Reuters] For legalisation campaigners, the issue remains one of health, and a womans autonomy over her body. Last year, Health Minister Adolfo Rubinstein estimated that more than 350,000 clandestine abortions occur in the country every year. He said legalising it would save preventable deaths, especially those of young women, in precarious economic conditions. Human rights groups estimate that the number of illegal abortions may be as high as 500,000. Researchers have said that about 18 percent of maternal deaths in Argentina are linked to complications with unsafe procedures. 190220143549930 Eugenia Monte, a lawyer for the organisation Catholics for the Right to Decide, said not only is the current law not dissuading the practice, but the state has also demonstrated it is either not interested, or not capable, of prosecuting people who obtain illegal abortions. That means that criminalising abortion is only performing a symbolic function at this point, harshly stigmatising people who choose to abort, Monte said, and in so doing leading women to make risky choices that could jeopardise their health. We know that clandestine abortions are being performed on a massive scale in Argentina, she told Al Jazeera. The past year has also exposed the unequal way in which existing laws are being enforced. The story of an 11-year-old girl who had been raped by her grandmothers boyfriend and then denied a legal abortion by officials in the northern province of Tucuman sparked outrage earlier this year, and highlighted the power of the Catholic Church, which publicly appealed to save the life of the girl and the fetus. The doctors who performed an emergency procedure to deliver the baby prematurely are now being prosecuted. 180809055101908 In another case, a doctor in the province of Rio Negro was found guilty of failing to fulfil his duty as a civil servant because he intervened to stop a legal abortion of a 19-year-old woman, who was more than five months pregnant and had been raped. Following the judgement last week, Dr Leandro Rodriguez Lastra told local media that he felt deceived by the judicial system, and that he planned to appeal the decision. Doctors, in solidarity with Lastra, registered as conscientious objectors, leaving an area of the province without medical professionals who would perform the procedures in a publicly-funded hospital. There are also provinces that have used legislative and judicial levers to block access to abortions that the law currently says are legal. In the province of Cordoba, a Catholic pro-abortion rights group is seeking to bring the existing legislation back before the Supreme Court of the nation, vowing that it will fight to enforce the right of a child to live, from the time of conception. A failure on the part of society That sentiment was echoed by anti-abortion rights groups that are gearing up to oppose the new project. June 8 has been set aside as a day for demonstrations for the blue handkerchiefs, the colour claimed by the anti-abortion rights movement. 190102132047518 Ana Belen Marmora, who describes herself as a pro-abortion rights lawyer, activist and journalist, said that Argentina should be addressing the real issues that jeopardise the health of women, such as poor healthcare, lack of quality education, unemployment and insecurity. Marmora, who is a member of the youth organisation FrenteJoven, said the pro-abortion rights campaign has awakened a vocal opposition among young people, who want to defend both lives. We dont want to be part of a culture of disposal, or adopt ideologies that come from other countries and change the way our laws work and how we think as a society, she said. Abortion is a failure on the part of the society and the state, that couldnt find a solution, and instead resorted to patchwork. No woman wants to have an abortion. Anti-abortion rights activists march in Buenos Aires [File: Agustin Marcarian/Reuters] She highlighted the case of Lastra, and the response of doctors, as especially troubling and indicative of a larger problem. They are conscientious objectors because they are being persecuted, she said. Its crazy that doctors are afraid and dont know what to do. Menini, for her part, doesnt believe the opposition to abortion is growing in Argentina, but she does think that movement is attracting more money, and support from international organisations. But it isnt getting stronger in peoples imagination, said Menini, who noted that the public taboo around the topic is lifting, with women speaking openly about the abortions they carried out in secret. Were winning that part, she said. While corruption scandals flourished under former President Kirchner, cleaning up after her proves difficult for Macri. Under Argentinas former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, accusations of corruption were rife. In 2015, when Mauricio Macri came to power he promised to fight graft, but he himself came under investigation when his name came up in a Panama Papers probe. Since then, judicial authorities have launched a campaign to detain and seize the assets of those involved in corruption scandals. But its proving to be more difficult to implement than initially thought. Al Jazeeras Teresa Bo reports from Buenos Aires. Trudeau expelled Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott from the Liberal caucus after a bitter feud this year. Two former ministers whose public clash with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could scuttle his Liberalss re-election announced on Monday they will run as independents in the October ballot, calling on other politicians and candidates dissatisfied with the political party system to follow their lead. Jody Wilson-Raybould, who was Canadas first indigenous justice minister, and Jane Philpott, who held three key posts in Trudeaus government, said they hope to continue representing their current electoral districts in Vancouver and Markham, Ontario, respectively. We sometimes hear that politics is a team sport, that politics is also a blood sport, Wilson-Raybould told a press conference in Vancouver. I do believe in the importance of a strong team, she said. But Im not sure that there has to be any blood involved. And it is far too serious a business to call it a sport. After all, it is the lives of people and our future that is at stake. Rather, she urged more nonpartisanship and increased cooperation in the 338-seat parliament. I hope others will say, You know, none of these parties fit me, I cant fit myself into these boxes but I think I can represent my community, echoed Philpott at a concurrent event in Markham. We need independent voices who will work with [others] to solve the big problems of our time, she said. Former Canadian Treasury Board President Jane Philpott leaves West Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario [File: Chris Wattie/Reuters] The two politicians resigned earlier this year amid allegations that senior Trudeau officials tried to pressure Wilson-Raybould to prevent a corruption trial of engineering giant SNC-Lavalin. 190307151310145 Trudeau, facing the biggest crisis of his tenure, later kicked them out of the ruling Liberal caucus, citing their lack of support. Philpott had also criticised Trudeaus handling of the scandal. The Liberals are now trailing the opposition Conservatives by six percentage points, according to an average of recent polls. Wilson-Raybould and Philpott rejected overtures to join the Green Party but said they will make climate change a centrepiece of their respective platforms, which coincidentally the Liberals will likely do as well. The two politicians face serious challenges, however. Canadian politics is dominated by the major parties and very few legislators are elected as independents, in part because they lack resources to raise funds and campaign. Philpott only just won her parliamentary constituency for the Liberals in the 2015 election that brought Trudeau to power and on paper, the official opposition Conservatives would look to be favourites for her seat. Wilson-Raybould pulled off a much more comfortable victory in British Columbia and looks to have a better chance. Announcement comes as the US state of Oklahoma is poised to become the first to go to trial against drugmakers. Canadas most populous province of Ontario on Monday announced plans to sue opioid makers to recover healthcare costs related to the deadly addiction epidemic. Ontarios attorney general, Caroline Mulroney, said the province will join a lawsuit launched last year by British Columbia against more than 40 opioid manufacturers and wholesalers. According to local media, the province will introduce legislation that, if passed, would allow Ontario to join the proposed class action lawsuit. The opioid crisis has cost the people of Ontario enormously, both in terms of lives lost and its effect on healthcares front lines, Mulroney said. She unveiled legislation to set up the legal action to battle the ongoing opioid crisis and hold manufacturers and wholesalers accountable for their roles in it. More than 10,000 Canadians have died of opioid-related overdoses since 2016, according to government figures. Combatting the crisis is estimated to have cost Ottawa nearly $300m (400 million Canadian dollars). Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario have been the hardest-hit provinces but the epidemic has affected every part of the country. The British Columbia suit named opioid manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors as defendants, including Purdue Pharma, whose popular OxyContin drug has been blamed for triggering the crisis. These opioid manufacturers and wholesalers failed to warn doctors and the public of the dangers of opioids and marketed them as safer and less addictive than other medications when they were not, Ontario said in a statement. Mulroney said Ontario intends to invest any award from the suit in mental health and addiction services. Neither British Columbia nor Ontario has yet said how much they would be seeking in damages. Trial to start in Oklahoma The announcement comes as the US state of Oklahoma is poised to become the first to go to trial against opioid makers. Several states in the United States have reached settlements with drugmakers, but Tuesdays trial against consumer products giant Johnson & Johnson and several of its subsidiaries could bring to light documents and testimony that show what the companies knew, when they knew it and how they responded. 190326153503989 The outcome could also shape negotiations on how to resolve the roughly 1,500 opioid lawsuits filed by state, local and tribal governments. Those have been consolidated before a federal judge in Ohio. Oklahoma alleges the defendants helped create a public health crisis in the state by extensively marketing highly addictive opioids in a way that overstated their effectiveness and misrepresented addition risk. The drugmakers deny those claims. On Sunday, Israeli pharmaceutical giant Teva agreed to pay the US state of Oklahoma $85m to settle a lawsuit accusing it of heightening the states opioid epidemic, Oklahomas attorney general said. Earlier this year, Oklahoma settled with OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharma for $270m. Attorney General Mike Hunter said in a statement the Teva settlement shows Oklahomas resolve to hold the defendants in this case accountable for the ongoing opioid overdose and addiction epidemic that continues to claim thousands of lives each year. Overdoses from prescription painkillers and heroin a last-resort illicit drug for opioid addicts exploded over the last 20 years, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Nearly 400,000 people died from an overdose involving prescription or illicit opioids from 1999 to 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Trevor Noah becomes unlikely star in China-US trade dispute after airing of Daily Show clip on Huaweis dominance in 5G. Chinas latest media broadside in its tariffs war with the United States features an unlikely star: Trevor Noah of the Daily Show. A clip from Noahs If you dont know, now you know segment on Chinese equipment maker Huaweis dominance in 5G mobile technology ran on Chinese state broadcaster CCTVs national lunchtime news on Monday. It was among a series of stories attacking the US stance in their trade standoff. Washington has targeted Huawei, the top world supplier of telecom gear and number two smartphone maker, as a security threat in a broader conflict over trade and technology. This means that, without the permission of the US government, Huawei will not be able to buy products such as chips from US companies. Pointedly, the clip from Noahs Daily Show ran by CCTV highlighted Huaweis lead in 5G technology but did not include parts of the segment featuring concerns over Chinas potential ability to spy using Huawei-equipped 5G networks. 190527010437610 CCTV anchor Gu Guoning said Noah expressed his views on the United States repeated crackdown on Huawei. The US is cracking down on Huawei because Huawei has advanced 5G technology. But 5G technology in the US falls far behind. In the same broadcast, the founder of Huawei said he is prepared for a protracted battle amid the ongoing trade dispute. Ren Zhengfei also said the company was on the right side of the case of his daughters arrest in Canada as she awaits extradition hearings. On December 1, 2018, at the request of the US, Canadian authorities had detained Meng Wanzhou when she was transferring flights in Vancouver. She is the vice president of Huawei and global CFO of the company. Were on the right side. It was quite a stir. Canadas biggest newspapers wrote on their front pages the headline that the Meng Wanzhou case is a typical national violation of laws, Ren said. There is the possibility this may become long-lasting. Weve prepared for a protracted battle, not for a short one. Maybe, we will become stronger through the long-term fight. After we go through the break-in period of our products, we may become stronger, he added. Mahmoud Husseins freedom was ordered by an Egyptian court last week, but the journalist remains in detention. An international media group has demanded that Egypt free an Al Jazeera journalist held for more than two years after a court formally ordered his release last week. The Vienna-based International Press Institute (IPI) sent an open letter to Egypts minister of foreign affairs, Sameh Hassan Shoukry, on Monday expressing deep concern over the unexplained delay in Mahmoud Husseins release. An Egyptian court on Thursday upheld an earlier ruling ordering Husseins release from prison after more than 880 days of detention. 190523100017910 As per Egyptian law, Hussein should have been released within 24 hours. The IPI urged the Egyptian foreign minister to ensure that your government respects the rule of law by immediately releasing Mahmoud Hussein. Press freedom is an essential element of a democratic society, which Egypt claims to be, the letter said. IPI member & @AlJazeera journalist Mahmoud Hussein: Jailed w/o charge in #Egypt since Dec '16 888 days behind bars Detention ruled arbitrary by UN Working Grp Yet Egypt refusing to free him despite court order. #FreeMahmoud @AJENews @RFKHumanRightshttps://t.co/0kbUwhAxIT IPI The Global Network for Press Freedom (@globalfreemedia) May 27, 2019 Hussein, an Egyptian national who works for the Al Jazeera Arabic television channel based in Qatar, was arrested on arrival on December 20, 2016, while travelling to Egypt to visit his family. He was accused of incitement against state institutions and broadcasting false news with the aim of spreading chaos an allegation both Hussein and Al Jazeera Media Network deny. His detention which had been renewed many times over the years was in violation of both Egyptian and international law, with the former setting 24 months as the maximum period of pre-trial detention. 180502195324128 In February, the United Nations called on Egypt to end Husseins arbitrary detention, saying the appropriate remedy would be to release Mr Hussein immediately. Egyptian authorities have objected to Al Jazeeras coverage of the Muslim Brotherhood a banned group considered a terrorist organisation by Egypt following the overthrow of former president Mohamed Morsi in 2013. Several other Al Jazeera journalists were previously detained for long periods in Egypt, though all have since been released. Their arrests are part of a wider crackdown on press freedom in the country, which is classed as Not Free by Freedom House, a democracy NGO. In 2018, Egypt, Turkey, and China were responsible for more than half of all journalists jailed around the world for the third year in a row, according to a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists. Kizilyurek among six MEPs elected in Sundays vote by islands Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. Cyprus has elected a Turkish Cypriot as a member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the first time on the ethnically divided island. Niyazi Kizilyurek, a 59-year-old university professor, was among six MEPs elected in Sundays vote by the majority Greek Cypriot and minority Turkish Cypriot communities that are separated by barbed wire. Kizilyurek, who has been a supporter of the reunification of Cyprus for many years, was on the ticket of the main Greek Cypriot opposition party, the communist Akel. A Greek Cypriot party having a Turkish Cypriot running was unique for Cyprus, as was the stream of 5,600 voters who crossed the UN-patrolled ceasefire line to cast ballots in the government-controlled south. Akel leader Andros Kyprianou thanked Turkish Cypriots who worked with the party saying: Peace in Cyprus cannot be prevented. Turkish Cypriots are considered EU citizens and have the right to run and vote in European elections, even though under the current constitution they cannot participate in parliamentary ballots in the south. It is the first time since the outbreak of inter-communal violence in 1963 that a Turkish Cypriot has been elected to office in the Republic of Cyprus and given Turkish Cypriots a voice in public affairs. Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades hailed the participation of Turkish Cypriots in the European elections. Turkish Cypriot participation creates the conditions for all citizens to understand that Europe can help us overcome problems facing the talks and create the conditions where we could be happy living in a reunited country, he told reporters. The vote came at a time of rising tensions with Turkey amid a dispute with the Cyprus government over energy drilling rights. Divided island Since 1974, Cyprus has been divided into an internationally unrecognised northern Turkish part and the Greek Cypriot Republic with Nicosia as its capital. After Greek Cypriots failed to back a UN reunification blueprint in a referendum, Cyprus entered the European Union as a divided island in 2004. With EU law suspended in the north, Cyprus six MEPs have always been Greek Cypriots. UN-brokered efforts to reunify the island failed at a summit in July 2017, and all moves to restart the peace talks have faltered since then. Vessel capsizes in Lake Mai-Ndombe in the west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At least 30 people have died and dozens more are feared missing after a boat sank in a lake in western Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to local authorities and media reports. The accident happened late on Saturday at Lake Mai-Ndombe, near the village of Lokanga. So far, we have recovered 30 bodies: 12 women, 11 children and seven men, Simon Mbo Wemba, the mayor of Inongo, told media on Sunday. The toll is still provisional, the mayor added. It was not immediately known how many people were on board the vessel, but officials estimate several hundred were on board. Some 170 survivors were rescued from the lake. Boats in the DRC are usually overloaded with passengers and cargo, and official manifests do not include all those on board. Travel by boat is one of the most commonly used methods of transport in DRC, with the vast countrys thousands of kilometres of waterways linking areas that are otherwise unconnected by roads. But boat accidents are a frequent occurrence, with mishaps typically caused by the overloading of passengers and cargo on dilapidated vessels, some of which are not adequately stocked with life jackets. Dozens of people in eastern DRC died last month when a boat capsized after it left the city of Goma on Lake Kivus northern shore. Right-wing parties performed strongly, but not as well as expected and parliamentary majorities are not guaranteed. Brussels, Belgium It had been portrayed as a day of reckoning between pro-European and anti-European forces between those who want greater integration, and those who want to retreat into their nation states. The European Parliament election results, however, tell the story of a much more fragmented European Union, where mainstream parties on both the left and the right are losing voters confidence a trend that reflects European national politics in the past few years. Nationalist parties took home impressive results in countries such as Italy, France, Belgium, Hungary and Poland. The result was mixed for nationalists as they are for other forces, Doru Frantescu, CEO of Brussels-based think-tank Votewatch Europe, told Al Jazeera. 190526233212988 However, they did much better than five years ago, Frantescu added. The most important thing now is whether this trend will continue in the next few years or not. These elections are not the end of European electoral history. Turmoil in Europe Italys League and Frances Rassemblement Nationale (National Rally) topped the polls in their respective countries, with Marine Le Pens National Rally narrowly defeating President Emmanuel Macron. The vote came after months of Yellow Vest protests in France, which began in opposition to fuel tax rises and turned into a wider backlash against Macrons government. The president responded with tax cuts and pension rises for the poorest. In Italy, the League decimated its ally in government, the Five Star Movement (M5S), nearly exactly reversing the balance of power the two held when they first entered into a coalition a year ago. The party led by Italys interior minister, Matteo Salvini, secured 34 percent of the vote, while the M5S lagged behind at 17 percent. The Social Democrats (PD) re-emerged as the main opposition force with 22.7 percent of the share after a sound defeat in the general election last year. In Poland, the ruling PiS party defeated the pro-European coalition by seven percentage points, while in Hungary, Viktor Orbans anti-migrant Fidesz party finished far ahead of the opposition with 52.3 percent of the vote. Fidesz was suspended but not expelled from the centre-right European Peoples Party (EPP) last March, and spearheads the cause of illiberal democracy in Europe. In Belgium, far-right Flemish separatist party Vlaams Belang made huge gains as the country held a federal election as well. In the United Kingdom, Nigel Farages Brexit Party took the lead with more than 30 percent of the vote. Fragmentation The two largest political groups in the European Parliament, the EPP and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), both lost more than 30 seats each. They remain the two main forces in the European Parliament, with the EPP still in the lead it currently holds all three top jobs in the European Union but no longer holds a combined majority. A new centrist group that includes the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) and French President Macrons Renaissance coalition won the most new seats and is set to become a force to be reckoned with in the new parliament. They are being seen as the kingmakers for any majority. The Greens also made huge gains, particularly thanks to their performance in Germany, winning 18 extra seats across the continent. Salvini and Le Pen announced earlier this year they intended to set up a new group in the European Parliament, with Salvini emerging as the unofficial figurehead. A group of 11 far-right parties from across Europe rallied alongside Italys codeputy prime minister in Milan on May 18. 190521205206706 Their electoral results, however, have been less than impressive. Salvinis ally in the Netherlands, Geert Wilders of the far-right Party for Freedom, didnt reach the electoral threshold and will have no seats in the new parliament. The countrys new nationalist outfit, the Forum for Democracy, led by 36-year-old Thierry Baudet, won three seats but it did nowhere near as well as expected. After coming first in provincial elections earlier this year, the party was tipped to be the main contender to Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Instead, it lags in fifth place. In the European Parliament, its part of the Eurosceptic European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group. Ibiza-gate In Austria, the Austrian Freedom Party (FPO), only managed to come third with 17 percent of the vote and three seats in the ECR group, with a campaign marred by the Ibiza-gate. FPO leader Heinz-Christian Strache was forced to resign as Austrias vice chancellor last week after he was filmed offering lucrative government contracts in exchange for campaign support to a woman posing as the niece of a Russian oligarch. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz met the same fate on Monday, when he faced a no-confidence vote. In Denmark, the Danish Peoples Party suffered a heavy defeat compared with the last election in 2014, when it took more than one-quarter of the vote. It slid to just 10.7 percent, taking one seat in the ECR group. I talked to Orban, who is above 40 percent, to Le Pen, who is the first party in France, and I am looking to talk to Farage: its a vote that will allow us to change Europe, Salvini told an Italian TV station on Monday. He showed up at his press conference on election night clutching a set of Catholic rosary beads as he did during his Europe of the nations rally in the final days of the campaign. I think that [Salvini] will first try to show the EPP that he and his party are needed to get things done, starting with the appointment of an EPP candidate for the European Commission, Votewatch Europes Frantescu said. The EPP has to think of their potential allies in all directions. Salvini has showed he would like to portray himself as an important ally for the EPP in the areas where the EPP cannot look to the left for support, such as international trade, some of the regulations of the internal market, and even when it comes to migration. The lead candidate for the presidency of the European Commission, Manfred Weber, told journalists on Sunday there is no chance for any cooperation with extremists from the left and from the right. However, some analysts argue they already appear to be within their ranks. While the candidate for the socialist group Frans Timmermans called for a coalition to come together around a single programme, majorities in the European Parliament are normally formed on an issue-by-issue basis. One of the potential concrete impacts would be to restrict even more of any kind of common migration policy that the EU might have, Sarah Wolff, director of the Centre for European Research at Queen Mary University in London, told Al Jazeera. There are geographical divisions among [nationalist populist] parties, but in general they will want more restrictive migration policies, she added. We should consider budget as well. These groups might think that the EU is too expensive, leading to a reduction of the EUs budget for the next couple of years. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On May 23, Chery Holdings Co.,Ltd signed a strategic cooperation agreement with China Everbright Bank for a credit line worth over RMB10 billion. Both parties will step up their collaboration to set a good example for banks and enterprises to form partnership, and strengthen the competitiveness of China's self-owned car brands. Chery Holding and China Everbright Bank started their strategic cooperation as early as 2002, focusing on such fields as Chery's product R&D, market expansion and automobile finance. The latest deal will provide solid financial support for the automaker to deepen its strategic transformation and elevate core competency. Moreover, how financial businesses serve the real economy is expected to perform better powered by the agreement. In March 2019, Chery Holding inked a similar deal with China Guangfa Bank, who also agreed to grant the former a credit extension amounting to RMB10 billion. Under the agreement, two companies would conduct collaboration in Chery's key programs, automobile financial service, globalized growth, cash management service and other fields. Shanghai Pudong Development Bank is one of Chery Holding's bank partners, offering the automaker at least RMB10 billion worth of credit line as well in last November. The credit line would reportedly be applied in areas of new energy vehicle, automobile financial service and global strategy. GLOBAL investor interest in the Turks and Caicos Islands has peaked significantly over the last year. According to the chief executive officer of Invest Turks and Caicos, investors far and wide are clamouring for the opportunity to be a part of the TCIs thriving business milieu. James Bursey was speaking at the 15th annual Turks and Caicos Conference (TACC) recently held at the Shore Club in Providenciales from May 8 to 11. He underscored the importance of unlocking the territorys full economic potential. "Because this is a major tourist destination, we have investors that are coming from all over the world. "Theyre coming from China, they are coming from India, they are coming from the UK, theyre coming from Switzerland, Germany, Sweden; 64 different countries, is the number of investors we are dealing with in our agency in the last 12 months - thats the world and the world is coming to TCI. In recent years, the territory has emerged as one the fastest-growing economies in the region. Underpinned by a robust financial framework, coupled with its enviable geographic location ambitious investors are constantly eyeing its seemingly endless business opportunities. Bursey said: "We are the tiny perfect country, we are small but we are perfect because we have the perfect climate, we have a perfect way of life and we have perfectly friendly people. The three-day conference brought together local and international stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry, hotels and wholesalers. He urged attendees to network and conduct important contracting and production business to encouraged their clients to invest in the territory. "Think of us as the tiny perfect country, this is where you want to bring your clients or better yet, you should stay here and have them come join you, Bursey added. The Invest TCI CEO explained that since all the investors are looking for something different, the territory has to continue to work on diversifying what it offers. "They are all different, they all have different desires, different wants, different timetables and different financial concerns. "We also have to think, what is luxury? Luxury changes depending on your age, he said. "We have to offer a broad range of serviceswhat were going to be doing is expanding our range of services to cover many parts of the economy because no tourist is similar to the next. Turning his attention to the need for more technological investment in the territory, Bursey said Invest TCI is examining ways to implement more localised software development. "The other thing thats changed and that redefines luxury is the issue of technology, what role will technology play in these islands, quite frankly all of the islands of the Caribbean and countries of the world, because software is now becoming the dominant method by which we manage our day to day activities. "And we are all waiting, with bated breath, to see what happens with artificial intelligence. "So, we have to make reasonable guesses, we put in infrastructure, we encourage the private sector to add to the areas in which government must invest and we try to work out a strategy for infrastructure, for tourism, for transportation. (Olivia Rose) In Europes powerhouses, supporters of mainstream parties have woken to a bruising defeat and are carefully considering their future. More than 400 million Europeans in 28 member states including Brexiting Britain had been asked to cast a vote for a renewed five-year term of the European Unions only directly elected body, the European Parliament. Germanys governing parties were dealt their worst results for 70 years, with Chancellor Angela Merkels centre-right Union bloc taking just 28.9 percent of the vote (down from 35.4 percent five years ago) and their Social Democrat allies receiving just 15.8 percent (down from 27.3 pecent in 2014). In France, President Emmanuel Macron has faced calls to dissolve parliament after the far right stormed to victory in the European Parliament elections. The results did not trigger a national crisis, a government spokesperson told BFM TV, and Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has all the confidence of the president. Macrons Republic on the Move party is a defining voice among pro-business liberals, but received just 5.1 million votes, compared with 5.3 million for Marine Le Pens National Rally. Both will have 23 seats in the European Parliament, but the far-right National Rally will receive one more if and when Britain leaves the EU and its seats are reapportioned among the 27 nations who remain in the bloc. 190526233212988 Its a victory for Marine Le Pen but a small one, less than a percentage point so she seems to have failed to capitalise on the fact that Emmanuel Macron has had such a challenging year, said Al Jazeeras Natacha Butler, reporting from Paris. His popularity has plummeted mainly because of the yellow vest crisis over inequality. He would have wanted his party to win but the fact the defeat is so small will be something of a relief for him and his party. What these results tell us about France is they confirm the demise of the traditional parties of the left and right and confirms the position of the far-right as the main opposition, Butler added. Surging Greens and the far right It was, however, a good night for Europes Green movement. Frances Greens will have 13 seats after placing a surprisingly strong third, followed by eight seats for the conservative Republicans and six seats each for the far-left Defiant France and the Socialist group. In Germany, the Greens took second place with 20.5 percent, whereas its far-right AfD movement only managed a fourth-place showing with 11 percent of the vote. Provisional results across the continent show the Greens coming in as the fourth-largest bloc with 70 seats, an increase of 18 from European elections five years ago. The Green wave continued in Britain, where the Green party outperformed the governing Conservative party, pushing the crisis-hit Tories into fifth place. 190526053945566 But in Britain and in Italy, there was little surprise as right-wing populists surged. Nigel Farages Brexit party is set to be the joint largest party in the European Parliament, with 29 seats, after winning 31.6 percent of the vote. Liberal Democrats placed second with 20.3 percent, Labour third with 14.1 percent and the Greens with 12.1 percent. The Conservatives could only manage 9.1 percent. Overall, pro-remain parties outperformed the hard-Brexiters, with the resurgent Liberal Democrats, rising Greens, brand new Change UK and Welsh progressive-nationalists Plaid Cymru getting a combined vote share of 38 percent. The Brexit party and UKIP had a combined total of 36.8 percent. The combined vote share for Conservative and Labour, which both favour a soft Brexit, was 23.4 percent. For me the big takeaway from the British vote is that the traditional two-party system is under enormous strain, said Al Jazeeras Laurence Lee, reporting from London. The one thing the Brexit party, the Greens and Liberal Democrats all have in common is that they believe people vote for them when they know their votes will mean something. It is the biggest of ironies that Brexit is leading to calls for a more European style of voting from the parties which did well in this election. In Italy, Matteo Salvini, the leader of the far-right League, called on Europes other populist parties to join a hardline Eurosceptic bloc after his party took a third of the nations vote share, bolstering his role as the flagbearer of the nationalist and far-right forces in Europe. Salvini told reporters in Milan that he is counting on Farages Brexit Party and Hungarys Fidesz, led by Viktor Orban, to leave their current parliamentary groupings and join his Europe of Nations and Freedom group that includes far-right parties in France and Germany, among others. Salvini said he hopes to expand the group to at least 100 members, with an ambition to make it as many as 150, by also bringing in parties from the Czech Republic, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Spain, if everyone can overcome jealousies, sympathies and antipathies. Building blocs Rosa Balfour, of the German Marshall Fund of the United States think tank, said there were different pictures in different countries, and it was crucial to see how much the far-right parties had in common as to whether they would be able to form an effective power bloc. These parties share an anti-EU agenda, she told Al Jazeera, speaking from Brussels. But there are some which are not Eurosceptic they want to stay in the EU, but they dont want further integration while others want to strip the EU of powers. We have seen that the centre right has at times flirted with the far right, but it hasnt always been successful. There will be a special EU summit on Tuesday, as the continents political leaders get stuck into horse-trading over establishing coalitions and voting blocs, but the main outcome of these elections is a shake-up of the former power bases across Europe. It is the end of the dominance of the traditional axis within the European Parliament, said Al Jazeeras David Chater, reporting from Brussels. You could say its a victory for democracy, but it does mean that politics in Europe are getting even more complicated. Frustrations over Brexits handling translates into Nigel Farages new Brexit Party in the lead in the UK. In the UK, Nigel Farages new Brexit Party is winning the race in the European Parliament elections as voters express frustration over the deadlock on how to leave the European Union. It may have only been formed on April 12, but Farage says his partys success is a massive message for the Conservative and Labour parties, which have long dominated British politics. Al Jazeeras Rory Challands reports from London. A growing number of immigrant soldiers are being denied citizenship even after reporting for duty. Monday is Memorial Day in the United States, when Americans honour the military servicemen and women killed on duty. But not all those who serve in the US military are American born. Around 40,000 immigrants in military service hope to gain US citizenship. But in 2017, the Pentagon announced major changes to the way non-citizens are recruited, leading to long delays. Al Jazeeras Heidi Zhou-Castro explains why from Washington. Athens, Greece Voters punished the ruling Syriza party for broken promises in Sundays European Parliament election. The conservative New Democracy partys nine-point lead over Syriza was so devastating, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced a snap general election that is expected to be held at the end of June, four months early. The result is not up to par with our expectations, Tsipras said. The Greek leader was referring to more than $1bn worth of handouts he had announced three weeks before, in the form of a halving of sales tax in supermarkets and restaurants, and a bonus pension. Voters were seemingly not impressed by the measures. Tsipras handouts acted as a boomerang, says Nikolaos Nikolaidis, a lawyer with good connections inside the conservative party. If you look at how pensioners voted, the bonus pension was more of an annoyance. It reminded them of all that had been taken away in previous years. It was also announced just before the election and was clearly connected to it. Greece lost a quarter of its economic output during its eight-year depression. Unemployment peaked at 28 percent in 2013 and remains at 19 percent. Economists record it as the worst contraction of any developed economy since World War II. And although a recovery did begin under Syriza, it has been weak. The economy grew by less than two percent in 2018, a performance it is set to repeat this year. I see conditions in the market. When you cut peoples pensions and squeeze them economically, I see a fall in sales, fishmonger Thanasis Kazlaris told Al Jazeera as he shovelled whitebait into a paper cone for a customer. The taxes dont help. Sales tax had gone up a lot. In the same central Athens market, chicken farmer Angelos Mavroeidis was unsurprised by the result. I havent gone to university. Ive only done high school. There are economists who know these things better. Something has to happen. We have to have an economy like Americas, like Australias, like Britains. These arent things that have to be reinvented, he said. Last years Prespes Agreement, whereby Greece recognised its northern neighbour as North Macedonia, also undercut Syrizas popularity because it recognised a Macedonian language and ethnicity. In the northern Greek provinces of Macedonia, Thessaly and Epirus, New Democracy won simultaneous elections for regional prefects in the first round. A series of unfortunate events When Greeks first elected Syriza in January 2015, the party promised to end austerity and rip up Greeces onerous agreements with its creditors. Instead, it agreed to a third bailout loan which carried further cuts to pensions and higher taxes. Syriza, which following the agreement called and won snap elections in September 2015, managed the economy with high taxes and high surpluses. It was able to keep up payments to its creditors who are chiefly its Eurozone partners and regain market trust, graduating from Greeces eight-year fiscal adjustment programme last year. But this came at the cost of low growth and stubbornly high unemployment rates. The result was a complete reversal of the European elections in 2014 when the ruling conservatives saw Syriza surge almost four points in front of them. Now, as then, the EU elections have acted as a weathervane, showing who is likely to come to power next. 190526233212988 Taking into account the policies they have been implementing for four years, [Syriza] did pretty well, says Panos Polyzoidis, a political observer and analyst. They have not vanished as other parties have vanished. Polyzoidis was referring to The River, a centre-right reformist party, as well as the Centre Union, a populist party, and the nationalist Independent Greeks party, Syrizas erstwhile coalition partner. None won any seats in this election and are unlikely to survive the next general election. New Democracys high score of 33.2 percent of the vote suggests it might yet energise a greater voter base in the coming month. It would need about 40 percent to rule outright, without a coalition partner. This will be a springboard for New Democracy, Polyzoidis says. It could build on that spectacular victory and possibly even flirt with an absolute parliamentary majority. Nikolaidis agrees. What made the difference was that New Democracy pulled voters from other parties and especially Syriza, he says. Fifteen percent of Syrizas 2015 voters went to New Democracy. And I dont think it has exhausted the potential there. New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis has promised a restart of the economy. He says he will lower tax on businesses from 29 percent to 20 percent in two years and lower income tax on farmers from 22 percent to 10 percent. He also says he will seek to create 700,000 new jobs in five years and has pledged to bring home at least half a million of the 860,000 skilled workers who, according to the Hellenic Statistical Service, have left the country since 2009. The whole scenario of lowering taxes and social security contributions, and increasing wages that is all founded on the assumption that the economy will achieve an annual growth rate of four percent, says Polyzoidis. Personally I see that as difficult. Mitsotakiss economic plan largely hinges on a key promise to negotiate a new deal with Greeces creditors. That would allow him to spend less on repaying external debt and keep more money in the economy for reinvestment. Envisioning a secure, extrovert and prosperous Greece last September, Mitsotakis said all the other countries that underwent crises have made it. Some, like Portugal, Spain and Cyprus, are growing at three or four percent, he said. Others, like Ireland and Romania, at six or seven percent. What do they have that we dont? Nothing we cant do too, if we decide to do it and make the effort. A soldier has been killed and several injured in Quneitra province after an Israeli air attack, says Syrian state media. Israel has carried out a rocket attack in Syrias Golan Heights region, according to Syrian state news and the Israeli military. An Israeli missile targeted Tel al-Shaar in Quneitra, the Syrian news agency SANA said, adding that a military vehicle was targeted and there are wounded. Israels military confirmed the attack in a statement posted on social media on Monday, saying it had been in retaliation for anti-aircraft fire at an Israeli fighter jet earlier on Monday. It said that the projectile missed a jet during a routine flight in Israel and that the plane completed its journey before the Israeli military targeted the launcher that had fired at the jet. Israels statement came after the Syrian state-owned television channel Al Ekhbariya said one soldier had been killed and another injured in the attack in Quneitra province, which is adjacent to the occupied Golan Heights. Our policy is clear we are not prepared to tolerate any aggression against us, we will retaliate against it forcefully and decisively, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement on Monday. 190413061246399 Earlier this month, Syrian media reported two incidents in which Israeli air attacks hit inside southern Syria. Last year, anti-aircraft fire brought down an Israeli jet returning from carrying out raids in Syria, prompting a wave of Israeli attacks against other targets there. Israel does not usually comment on reports concerning its raids in neighbouring Syria, though it has recently acknowledged hitting what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets there. Hezbollah is a Lebanese armed and political group that, along with Iran, supports Syrias President Bashar al-Assad. The Israeli air attack comes amid soaring tensions in the region between Israels arch foe Iran and the United States. The standoff has been simmering since US President Donald Trump withdrew from the landmark 2015 nuclear treaty between Iran and several major world powers. In recent days, the US has accused Iran of alleged threats and last week deployed an aircraft carrier group and B-52 bombers to the nearby Gulf. Cargo planes were discovered flying clandestinely into bases controlled by renegade Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar and dropping off unidentifed payloads at the time his forces attacked Tripoli last month, an Al Jazeera Arabic TV investigation found. Satellite images and flight data show two Russian-made Ilyushin 76 aircraft registered to a joint Emirati-Kazakh company called Reem Travel made several trips between Egypt, Israel, and Jordan before landing at military bases controlled by Haftars Libyan National Army (LNA) in early April, just as it attempted to seize the capital. Flight transponders appear to have been turned off while flying into the war-torn North African country. Libya is currently under an arms embargo imposed by the United Nations after years of fighting. Video published by Haftars forces shows one of the cargo planes with the registration number UP-I7645 after landing at LNAs Tamanhant military base in southern Libya. It had taken off from Benghazi in the east, Haftars stronghold. Crates marked from Al Bayda city were delivered by the IL-76 plane [Screengrab via YouTube] Wooden crates stamped in black with FF followed by four digits and gross weight 64kg are seen being unloaded by a forklift at a landing strip in the Libyan desert. All crates had the city name Al Bayda marked on them. With the tracking of the number, we detected a suspicious course of the aircraft that circulates almost regularly between Jordan, Israel and Egypt prior to its appearance in Libya, as shown by the air navigation and surveillance technology ADS-B, the investigation said. Bill Law, an analyst with the online magazine Gulf Matters, said the report highlights how the eight-year conflict is quickly expanding. What were seeing are lots of players coming into Libya. Its a recipe thats almost heading to a Yemen scenario. Were beginning to see a proxy war emerging. Were looking at a pretty bleak situation. In this situation of a vacuum, you see players emerge and were seeing this now, Law told Al Jazeera. An unidentified fighter speaks as the cargo aircraft is unloaded on the video from Haftars media site [Screengrab via YouTube] Fighting intensifies The investigation comes as heavy clashes continued on Monday near the centre of Tripoli. Saraj al-Majbri, an aid to the LNAs chief of staff, said its forces also made gains in the area of Salah al-Deen, a few kilometres from the city centre. He claimed LNA fighters march towards Tripolis centre had been slowed in the past weeks because they did not want to use heavy artillery in populated areas. Two residents said heavy fighting was taking place along a strategic road linking the capital with the airport, which the LNA already controls. They spoke on condition of anonymity for their safety. Libya is divided between Haftar whose Libyan National Army controls the east and much of the south and Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, who runs the UN-recognised but weak government in Tripoli. In recent weeks, the clashes had receded with the start of the holy month of Ramadan. But in the past couple of days, the capitals siege has intensified. Haftars forces have pushed ahead in Tripolis eastern and southern suburbs. Haftar has said he wont stop his offensive as long as militias from the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) remained in control of Tripoli. Six rounds of talks between the two sides have failed to strike a political deal. The GNA forces said they have hindered LNA advances and cut off supply roads to Haftars fighters in the southern areas of the capital. The battle for Tripoli has killed at least 562 people, including 40 civilians, a UN agency said Monday. Tens of thousands have been displaced since early April when Haftars offensive began. Police arrest 12 people in connection with the blasts as Maoist splinter group enforces strike across the country. Security forces in Nepal have been on high alert amid a general strike on Monday called by an outlawed communist group suspected in a series of explosions that killed four people and wounded seven more in the capital. Two vehicles were burned in Makawanpur district southeast of the Nepali capital, while schools and main markets remained closed in Kathmandu, according to local media. Normal life has been affected across the country as the Maoist splinter group, which calls itself the Communist Party of Nepal, enforced the strike. There was no immediate claim of responsibility but police said they suspected involvement of the splinter group, whose pamphlets were found in a house where one of the explosions took place on Sunday. Police arrested 12 members of the banned outfit in connection with the blasts, according to Bishwa Raj Pokharel, a police spokesman. The Maoist splinter group was banned in March and many of its members were arrested. It had called for the nationwide strike to pressure the government in releasing their detained members. 190320055647567 Police official Shyam Lal Gyawali earlier said authorities were investigating the nature of Sundays blasts. The first explosion occurred in northern Kathmandu, killing two people and wounding five, police said. The second blast was in a house in the central part of the city, killing one and wounding one. The areas around the two blast sites were quickly closed by police and the wounded were taken to hospitals. Police said a third explosion wounded two people who they believe were members of the group transporting the explosive device. The Maoists fought the government forces for a decade before joining the democratic process in 2006. The splinter group has accused the Maoists of abandoning the revolution after they merged with the ruling Nepal Communist Party last year. Giving up tests means relinquishing right to self-defence, Pyongyang says in response to US national security adviser. North Korea has called John Bolton, the NSA of the United States, a warmonger and defective human product after he said Pyongyangs recent short-range missile tests violated United Nations Security Council resolutions. A statement carried on Monday by state news agency Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) quoted a foreign ministry representative as saying that giving up missile tests would mean giving up the right to self-defence. Demanding us to ban all launches using ballistic technology regardless of range is same with asking us to relinquish our rights for self-defence, the unnamed spokesperson said. North Korea tested short-range ballistic missiles on May 4 and May 9, ending a pause in launches that began in late 2017, a few months before a landmark summit between leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump in Singapore. The tests have been seen as a way for Pyongyang to pressure Washington to soften its stance on easing sanctions against it without actually causing the negotiations to collapse. The statement issued by KCNA singled out Bolton, who last week said the recent tests no doubt violated UN resolutions and that sanctions against North Korea must be kept in place. Bolton should not be called a security adviser who works to secure security, but an adviser for security destruction who destroys peace and security, the ministry spokesperson was quoted as saying. Its not that strange that crooked sound will always come out [of] the mouth of a man who is structurally flawed, and its best that this defective human product goes away as soon as possible. Trumps Japan visit The statement came as US President Donald Trump continued his visit to Japan for meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in which the nuclear standoff with North Korea was expected to be high on the agenda. Trump said on Sunday he was not worried about the recent missile launch by North Korea a statement that put him at odds with Bolton. In recent weeks, Pyongyang has also strongly protested against the recent US seizure of a North Korean cargo ship that was allegedly involved in banned coal exports and demanded its immediate return. North Koreas latest statement also came as South Korea began its annual summertime defence drills involving thousands of civilians and troops that have been modified to exclude large-scale military exercises with the US, which were suspended to create space for diplomacy with Pyongyang. Far-right and centre-left parties force Sebastian Kurz from office after his government coalition imploded in scandal. Austrias Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has been removed from office in a vote of no confidence among legislators, despite his centre-right Austrian Peoples Party performing well in European elections last weekend. It is the latest twist in a political crisis that has wracked Austria since the publication of a video sting earlier this month, in which far-right leaders of Kurzs former government coalition allies were caught offering political favours to a young woman they believed to be the niece of a wealthy Russian oligarch, and advising her how to increase Russias influence in Austria. As the scandal broke, Kurz sacked Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache of the Freedom Party (FPO), the videos leading protagonist. The other FPO ministers walked out and Kurz replaced them with technocrats. 190520164805892 I am very proud and satisfied with the work we have done as a government in the past year and a half, Kurz told parliament ahead of Mondays vote. Under his coalition, the government passed numerous measures to crack down on immigration, such as tightening access to apprenticeships for asylum-seekers and effectively cutting child benefits for foreigners who work in Austria but whose children live in poorer countries. It also vaunted its agenda of tax cuts and raised the maximum working day to 12 hours, in what was seen as a concession to businesses. Playing politics A day is a long time in Austrian politics, with 32-year-old Kurz going from a vote winner to a vote loser in less than 24 hours. Kurzs conservatives cleaned up at the European Parliament elections, finishing first with 34.9 percent of the vote from a 59 percent turnout, it was announced on Sunday night. The FPO, meanwhile, fell to 17 percent. But Mondays parliamentary vote was brought by the minority opposition Social Democratic party, which said Kurz must share the blame for the state of Austrias politics. When the FPO announced it would support the vote, having been kicked out of government, Kurzs fate was sealed. He remains popular, however, and is likely to emerge strengthened as FPO support collapses. Mr Kurz might end up having the last laugh, said Al Jazeeras Dominic Kane, reporting from Vienna. The man who lost this vote today might end up a winner at new elections, and the parties who won this vote today might end up as the losers in the long run. Austrias president must now appoint a caretaker government until the next election, expected in September. Parliament will have its say on Monday, Kurz said on Facebook prior to the no-confidence vote. But at the end of the day, the people will decide, namely in September. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan ends visit to UAE as negotiations between protesters movement and army falters. The head of Sudans military council has concluded a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ahead of a general strike called by Sudans protest movement demanding the council hand over power to civilians. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan held talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. According to Sudanese news reports, Burhan briefed Crown Prince Mohammed on the latest developments in Sudan, including efforts of the council and political forces to reach solutions to the countrys political crisis. Crown Prince Mohammed tweeted that he affirmed the UAEs support in preserving Sudans security and stability. Al-Burhans visit to the UAE on Sunday came a day after his meeting in Cairo with Egypts President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi . Egypt has voiced its support for the military council, pressing the African Union not to suspend Sudans activities in the regional bloc. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have pledged $3bn in aid to shore up Sudans economy. These two visits come ahead of a general strike called by leaders of the protest movement in Sudan on Tuesday and Wednesday to demand the military council hand over power to a civilian government. Sudanese opposition and protest groups have warned against meddling in Sudanese politics and seek guarantees that civilians will lead the transition after the removal of President Omar al-Bashir in early April. Council makeup Meanwhile, the spokesperson of Sudans military council, Shams al-Din Kabashi, said that negotiations with the main opposition group, the Alliance for Freedom and Change, were stuttering. Speaking to troops in Khartoums twin city of Omdurman, Kabashi stressed that the council was working on securing the basic needs of citizens throughout Sudan. Last week, the Forces for the Declaration of Freedom and Change (FDFC), an umbrella group representing protesters and opposition parties, said it would consult with supporters to discuss possible solutions after negotiations with the military council stalled. The main point of contention was with regard to the formation of the sovereign council, which is supposed to run the country during the transitional period. The protesters want a limited military representation and a civilian president of the sovereign council, which the military council rejects. They demand that the members be eight civilians and three soldiers, while the military council wants seven soldiers and four civilians. PREPARATIONS for the 2020 general elections in the Turks and Caicos Islands are well underway. The Progressive National Party (PNP) has started the search for potential candidates for the upcoming elections slated for next year. According to the partys newly elected National Chairman, Calvin Green, all applicants will have until May 31 to submit their entries. Speaking on a video posted on the partys official Facebook page on May 10, Green updated the public on the fundamental requirements for all prospective candidates. He said over the past two months, the PNP has been strategizing to rebrand and reform the party to meet the growing demands of the people of the TCI. "In keeping with that trend, we have decided to do our candidates selection early rather than later to give our candidates sufficient time to work with the communities prior to the general election cycle, Green said. He stressed that an early start on the candidacy list will allow the process to run smoothly. Green further disclosed that the executive committee of the PNP has issued specific instructions to all constituency councils to begin the nomination process. "We ask all persons with an interest in becoming a candidate for the party to submit their application in writing to the secretary general, through the constituency council chair by May 31, 2019. The national chairman also reminded prospective candidates that all applications must be endorsed by ten members of the Electoral District Council before they are submitted. This is in keeping with Article 26.1 (b) of the partys constitution, while Article 27.2 (a) dictates that every prospective candidate for the all islands district must apply directly to the secretary general and his/her application must be supported by the signatures of at least 50 voting members from any constituency council throughout the territory. Anyone with dreams of running on the PNPs ticket must abide by several stipulations and meet certain standards before being considered eligible. "The prospective candidate must meet the following criteria: (1) you must be a member of the Progressive National Party in good financial standing; (2) you must be a registered voter in the Turks and Caicos Islands; (3) you must satisfy the qualifications for membership of the House of Assembly under the Provisions of the Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands; (4) not be disqualified from membership of the House of Assembly under provisions in the Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands and (5) you must have satisfied, or undertake to satisfy, the requirements of the Integrity Commission Ordinance, Green informed. PNP leadership In March the Progressive National Party congress was held at the Shore Club in Long Bay. Hon. Washington Misick, who for two years denied he would be contesting the leadership of the party, emerged as the leader. The last-minute announcement that Misick would be competing against the three candidates who had thrown their names in the ring by the close of nomination, came as a shock many across the Islands. Misick received 88 of the votes, while the other three candidates Ricardo Donhue Gardiner, Reverend John Malcolm and Hon. George Lightbourne received 21, 19 and zero, respectively. Lightbournes name was taken off the ballot after he did not show up on the day of the election. Calvin Green was elected chairman; Lofton Jay Morley Jr, deputy chairman; Gordon Burton, treasurer; Derrek Hall, party whip; Jameka Williams, public relations officer; Bishop Coleta Williams, chaplain and Sonia Williams as secretary general of the PNP. According to the 2019-2020 list of electors which has been posted at 73 locations across the TCI since January 2019, a total of 8,107 citizens are currently registered to vote. Elections in the Turks and Caicos Islands are carried out at a national level, with the country divided into 15 constituencies. Each constituency returns one member to the Legislative Council. Elections must be held at least every four years, in keeping with the territorys constitution. (By Olivia Rose) Meeting between national security advisers was first since US ended formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979. Senior national security officials from the United States and Taiwan have held their first meeting in four decades this month, with the aim of deepening cooperation, the government in Taipei has said. Taiwans national security chief David Lee met John Bolton, the White House NSA, during his May 13-21 visit to the US, the islands foreign affairs ministry said in a statement issued on Saturday. During the trip, together with US government officials, Secretary-General Lee met with representatives from our diplomatic allies, reiterating support and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, the statement said. Taiwans foreign affairs ministry and the USs de facto embassy in Taiwan declined to comment on Monday. At its daily press briefing, Chinas foreign ministry said on Monday that Beijing strongly opposed the meeting. Taiwans official Central News Agency said the meeting was the first since the self-ruling island and the US ended formal diplomatic ties in 1979. China considers democratically-ruled Taiwan a renegade province, threatening to reclaim the territory by force if necessary. Diplomatic tension between the US and China has risen in recent weeks amid an escalating trade war and Beijings military posturing in the South China Sea, where Washington also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols. Cross-strait tension The meeting is likely to be viewed by Taiwan as a sign of support from the administration of US President Donald Trump. China regularly calls Taiwan the most sensitive and important issue in its relations with the US, which has no formal ties with Taiwan but is the islands main source of arms. The US has in recent months increased the frequency of patrols through the strategic Taiwan Strait despite opposition from China. China has been ramping up pressure on Taiwan, conducting military drills near the island and leaning on its few diplomatic allies to cut off relations. Earlier in May, the US House of Representatives backed legislation supporting Taiwan as members of Congress pushed for a sharper approach to relations with Beijing. The Pentagon says the US has sold weapons worth more than $15bn to Taiwan since 2010. A 14-member delegation of the Taliban headed by Mullah Baradar is set to have two meetings in the Russian capital. A delegation of Taliban officials led by the groups chief negotiator is set to meet Afghan politicians in Moscow this week, officials said on Monday, as fighting continues in Afghanistan and the United States pursues a peace dialogue with the group. The Taliban is to attend a conference marking a century of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Russia on May 28, followed by discussions with Afghan politicians about the future of the country on the 29th, the group said in a statement. The 14-member Taliban delegation is led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, in what will be his first international trip since being freed from a Pakistani prison last October to head the groups negotiating team in Doha, Qatar. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai will be in the Russian capital his spokesman said. A spokesman for the Afghan presidents office told Al Jazeera that the Afghan ambassador in Moscow would attend Tuesdays ceremony but it was unclear whether he would meet the Taliban delegation. 190509150545009 It was also not clear what other Afghan politicians or civil society members might take part in the meeting The Taliban, which has been in peace negotiations with the US since last year, has repeatedly refused to meet President Ashraf Ghanis government, calling it a puppet of the West. Four key issues An intra-Afghan dialogue that was to be held in Doha in April was cancelled over the composition of the Afghan delegation coming from Kabul, with more than 240 people on the list to attend. The potential talks in Moscow this week would mark the second time leaders from the movement have met opposition leaders in Russia, following a rare gathering in February that saw the former enemies praying together and chatting over meals. 190502082402286 After a sixth round of talks between the US and the Taliban in Doha ended earlier this month, the US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said that faster progress was needed as the conflict rages and innocent people die. The two sides have said they have agreed a draft framework on an agreement for US troop withdrawal and a Taliban guarantee that they wont harbour terrorist groups or allow them to use Afghanistan as a staging ground for global attacks. But the Taliban have said peace negotiations are stalled over the fundamental question of when foreign forces would depart Afghanistan. Khalilzad said in a tweet that the details have to be worked out on four inter-connected issues: troop withdrawal, counter-terrorism assurances, intra-Afghan dialogue & negotiations, and reduction in violence leading to a comprehensive ceasefire. Nothing will be final until we agree on all 4 issues. As the negotiations have continued, so has the fighting, with a Taliban roadside bombing killing 10 Afghan soldiers in the countrys western Farah province, local officials said on Monday. In the north, Taliban fighters attacked checkpoints in Sari Pul province, killing four members of the security forces and wounding 22, Zabiullah Amani, the provincial governors spokesman told the Associated Press news agency on Monday. The US military has stopped tracking the amount of territory controlled or influenced by the Afghan government and armed fighters, a US watchdog said earlier this month. It was one of the last remaining public metrics that tracked the worsening security situation in the war-torn country. A January report had put districts under government control or influence at 53.8 percent, and covering 63.5 percent of the population by October 2018, with the rest of the country controlled or contested by the Taliban. Opposition official Hilal asks Ankara to defend positions around Idlib to prevent Russian and Syrian air attacks. Russian-backed Syrian government forces will be able to advance all the way to the Turkish border if they pierce rebel defences in the northwest, a top opposition official in the Idlib province said, urging Turkey to do more to shield the area from a major attack. The month-long onslaught is the most serious escalation of the war between President Bashar al-Assad and his enemies since last summer. Syrian government air raids and barrel bombing backed by Russian air power have uprooted around 250,000 people in the territory, the last significant rebel stronghold. Fawaz Hilal, the head of the Salvation Government that runs Idlib province, expressed confidence that opposition fighters gathered in the Idlib region from all over Syria would be able to resist the onslaught. This ferocious attack is a bone-breaking battle. If the regime is able to break our defensive lines in northern Hama and southern Idlib it will not stop until it reaches the borders, Hilal told the Reuters news agency. 190522172523064 His government, backed by the Hayet Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group, had called on its employees to help shoulder the military burden through building sandbag defences, manning front lines, financial support or any other help. We are optimistic despite this military campaign. If we werent, we would not be here today, he said. The bombardment has killed 229 civilians and injured 727 since April 28, according to The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organisations (UOSSM), a United States-based medical NGO. Call for Turkish support Hilal said the Turkish positions around the area had been allowed to be established in the hope their presence would provide protection for the people. But the reality says that these positions are not able to protect themselves today, he said. We hope that the Turkish side will defend these positions they set up and the areas they entered and prevent Russian and Syrian jets from flying in the areas where they are present, and the shelling of surrounding areas, he said. Russia has firmly backed al-Assads government in the eight-year civil war, while Turkey has supported some of the rebel groups, but the two sides had worked together to try to contain fighting in the countrys northwest. However, the two countries have been at odds over the last rebel stronghold. Turkey and Russia agreed on a truce in Idlib last November after Ankara pledged to disarm and remove the HTS fighters there in a deal reached last September in the Russian city of Sochi. Since the Sochi agreement, Moscow at various times said that terrorist groups were operating in the zone. Russia has also been piling pressure on Ankara to start an operation in Idlib after Turkeys failure to get the HTS fighters out of the de-escalation zone. Turkey has said the recent Syrian government attacks violated the Sochi agreement. New attacks target Idlib Meanwhile, rescuers and activists said on Monday at least six people were killed and 10 remain under rubble following Syrian government air raids on a crowded residential area in Idlib, according to the Associated Press news agency. The first responders said five women and a child were killed. Rescue workers were still searching for survivors under the rubble after the air raids hit in the town of Ariha on Monday. Video footage from the scene by rescuers showed a narrow alley blocked by the debris from a pulverised building. Survivors covered in white dust were among those who lifted a wounded man onto a gurney and a young girl into the ambulance. 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 Some six months after the Great War of 1914-18 ended, Arthur Eddington travelled at the head of a team on a scientific expedition to the island of Principe off the coast of Equatorial Guinea in West Africa. He headed one of the two teams of astronomers assigned by a Joint Permanent Eclipse Committee of the Royal Society and the Royal Astronomical Society of Britain to observe and record photographically the full solar eclipse scheduled to take place on May 29, 1919. At the time under Portuguese rule, Principe was selected as one of the two sites the other was Sobral in the Brazilian Nordeste from where the total solar eclipse and its full effect could be best observed. The expedition was proposed by Eddington, a rising star among British astronomers, to test Einsteins general theory of relativity published in the middle of the Great War. Eddingtons expedition to Principe a century ago tested and confirmed Einsteins general theory of relativity as the single most outstanding scientific achievement in history by one individual. For more than two centuries Newtons theory of gravitation, of space and time and motion, had stood as the definitive theory in explaining the mechanics of the universe, and had marked a paradigmatic shift in thinking that characterized the birth of the modern world as Newtonian. Einsteins theory when confirmed signified a revolution of even greater magnitude in scientific thinking than what Newton wrought with the publication of his Principia in 1687. In 1916, Einstein published The Foundation of the General Theory of Relativity in the journal Annalen der Physik. Eddington was one of the very few individuals who grasped the implication of Einsteins theory and was selected by Frank Dyson, the head of the Royal Astronomical Association, to witness and record the full solar eclipse of May 1919 from the island of Principe. The testable proposition in Einsteins general relativity was that light, like any material object, was bent when passing through the gravitational field of a massive body such as the sun. For verification of this conjecture, Einstein proposed that photographs taken of stars bordering the sun during a full solar eclipse be compared with those same stars made at another time. Eddingtons mission was to photograph the cluster of stars, known as the Hyades, on a clear night without any obstruction, and then to photograph the same cluster during the total solar eclipse when the sun was fully covered by the moon. The resulting comparison of the two sets of photographs at two different times would either disprove or confirm Einsteins proposition. And since Einstein staked his entire theory of general relativity on such a test, the results from Eddingtons mission came to be hugely anticipated by the scientific community worldwide. At the moment of the total solar eclipse of May 29, 1919, the Hyades would be situated behind the darkened sun providing the right moment for photographs to measure the light deflection, if any, from the stars when compared with photographs of the same stars taken on a clear night. The weather on the day of the eclipse was poor. It rained during much of the morning, but the sky cleared just ahead of the eclipse. By early afternoon the sky was clear enough and the solar eclipse fully visible for photographs to be taken with the Hyades situated in the background of the sun. Eddington confided in his diary, We took sixteen photographs. They are all good of the sun, showing a very remarkable prominence; but the cloud has interfered with the star images. The last six photographs show a few images which I hope will give us what we need. The expedition that had headed to Sobral, Brazil, observed the solar eclipse in a perfectly clear sky. But the equatorial heat on the site where the photographs were taken warped the equipment, and this resulted in rendering useless the measurements on the photographic plates of the eclipse. It was left to Eddingtons mission to develop the photographs and provide the measurements of the deflection of starlight, if any, from the Hyades passing through the gravitational field of the sun. On November 6, 1919 at the joint meeting of the Royal Society and the Royal Astronomical Society of Britain, Eddington presented the results of his expedition. The photographs confirmed that the deflection of the starlight in the gravitational field of the sun measured in the average 1.64 seconds. The measurement, according to what the accuracy of the instruments allowed, was almost equal to that predicted by Einstein. The story goes, as told by Einsteins biographer, Ronald W. Clark, that Einstein had remained unusually calm and confident through the entire saga of the Eddington mission to Principe and the announcement of the results. Ilse Rosenthal-Schneider, one of Einsteins students, recalled the moment when he handed her a telegram from Eddington. She wrote: It was Eddingtons cable with the results of measurement of the eclipse expedition. When I was giving expression to my joy that the results coincided with his calculations, he said, quite unmoved, But I knew that the theory is correct, and when I asked, what if there had been no confirmation of his prediction, he countered: Then I would have been sorry for the dear Lord -- the theory is correct. Einsteins theory is correct, and more. Pedro G. Ferreira, an astrophysicist at the University of Oxford in his book The Perfect Theory (2014), which he has described as the biography of general relativity, writes, For almost a century, it has been considered by many to be the perfect theory, a source of profound admiration to anyone who has had the privilege of coming across it. Einstein during a lecture in Vienna, 1921 Photograph by Ferdinand Schmutzer, restored by Adam Cuerden In the century since Einstein published his theory, and Eddington tested and confirmed it, the theory of general relativity has provided us with the most detailed and comprehensive accounting of the nearly 14 billion year history of the universe. Only over the past decade, scientists have learned new astounding facts; for instance, that only 4 percent of the universe is made of known forms of matter and energy of which we humans are an insignificantly tiny part, and the rest is the mysterious dark matter, and the even more mysterious dark energy. Here we might also note, in the field of epistemology Einsteins theory of general relativity as the perfect theory and Eddingtons verifiability test, have become the gold standard of what Karl Popper termed conjectures and refutations as the basis of advancement in our knowledge of the universe and its working. How do we know what is scientifically true, and Popper indicated by saying that the criterion of the scientific status of a theory is its falsifiability, or refutability, or testability (italics given). This is why in the shadow of the perfect theory, all the accompanying hoopla surrounding the theory of man-made global warming or climate change in our time fails to meet the criterion of testability, such as Eddingtons expedition put to test Einsteins theory of general relativity and, hence, the so-called science of man-made global warming might well be described as voodoo-science. Salim Mansur is professor emeritus in political science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada, and author of The Quran Problem and Islamism (2017). Memorial Day is a solemn holiday in which Americans should pay homage to the individuals who sacrificed their lives to protect their fellow citizens. Clint Johnsons book Tin Cans and Greyhounds: The Destroyers That Won Two World Wars is a reminder that those serving on ships put their life at risk daily. This interview with Johnson reflects on Americans serving who sacrificed their lives to save others. Johnson emphasizes in his book how destroyers were nicknamed tin cans because they had thin metal hulls that were useful for quickly navigating the seas but not a great protection for the men serving on those ships. Their quick speeds gave them their second nickname, greyhounds. Survival on a destroyer was not guaranteed. Johnson quoted Lieutenant Commander Robert Copeland as he calmly told his crew as their tiny, unarmored destroyer escort rushed toward giant, armored Japanese battleships at the Battle off Samar on October 25, 1944 that they were fighting against overwhelming odds from which survival could not be expected. (Unbelievably, the Navy's scratch force of destroyers and escort carriers chased off the entire Japanese battle fleet, though at great cost.) Compelling evidence is presented by Johnson regarding the two destroyers named the USS Jacob Jones. The first ship survived an attempt of a possible crewman to sink her by opening up the sea cocks. After eventually making it to France to act as an escort convey during World War I, she was sunk on December 6, 1917, by a German U-boat off the southern coast of England. Johnson describes how it was hit by a single torpedo from the U-53, one of Germanys most successful submarines, some of DD-61s crew was killed by the initial explosion. More were killed when sinking depth charges exploded underneath the survivors floating in the water. Sixty-six out of the ninety-nine crewmen died. The second USS Jacob Jones (DD-130), was given the Jacob Jones ship name while still being constructed in February 1918 in honor of the destroyer that had been lost just three months earlier. On Feb. 28, 1942, while cruising off Cape May, New Jersey she was hit by two torpedoes, fired by the U-578. Only 12 crewmen survived out of the 113 seamen and officers. What both these sinkings should emphasize is that the men lost are not numbers but fathers, husbands, and sons. Medal of Honor winner Elmer Bigelow of the USS Fletcher is someone Johnson wants Americans to know about. On February 14, 1945, off the Philippines, he sacrificed his life while saving others. Refusing to waste precious time required to don rescue-breathing apparatus, he plunged through the blinding smoke billowing out of the magazine hatch and dropped into the blazing compartment. Despite the acrid, burning powder smoke which seared his lungs with each agonizing breath, he worked rapidly and with instinctive sureness and succeeded in quickly extinguishing the fires and in cooling the cases and bulkheads, thereby preventing further damage to the stricken ship. He did this act of courage knowing that he would likely die. Regarding World War II, Johnson points out in his book that the first American servicemen killed in World War II were 110 destroyer men lost six weeks before our nation officially entered the war. In Oct. 1941, the USS Kearny (DD-432) was torpedoed off Iceland with a loss of 10 sailors. On Oct. 31, USS Reuben James was torpedoed with a loss of 100 men. He also has an interesting premise that the Japanese targeted the wrong ships at Pearl Harbor. Instead of bombing pre-World War I vintage battleships, the Japanese should have gone after the 55 destroyers based at Pearl. The six battleships refloated at Pearl Harbor won only 32 battle stars for the rest of the war. The Pearl-based destroyers won 432 battle stars, meaning they were engaged in 432 battles. Of the 30 destroyers at Pearl during the attack, just two were destroyed. They would go on to earn 257 battle stars. Looking at the big picture, it is clear that American destroyers and destroyer escorts were the true workhorses for the U.S. Navy surface fleet during World War II. Johnson wants Americans to understand, with a 5/8-inch-thick hull the destroyers had basically no armor. Compare that to a battleship that has 13 inches of armor. The sea is unforgiving. Sailors are always in danger to be sunk by the ocean or by the enemy. When ships sink Americans should think of the individuals lost, and not just the cited number. We need to remember everything people enjoy now came about because of those who sacrificed their lives that includes the men who died on the destroyers. The author writes for American Thinker. She has done book reviews, author interviews, and has written a number of national security, political, and foreign policy articles. The stunning results of the European parliamentary election are pretty entertaining stuff, given that supercilious, arrogant, disdainful bureaucrats such as European commissioner Jean-Claude Juncker are going to get a roomful of people like Brexit leader Nigel Farage. Remember this? Couldn't happen to nicer Eurotrash. Now it's coming at him in spades, from not just the United Kingdom, but Italy, France, Poland, and Greece and other places that just aren't happy with his little power-to-me project. The Associated Press describes what has happened: BRUSSELS (AP) The European Union's traditional center splintered in the hardest-fought European Parliament elections in decades, with the far right and pro-environment Greens gaining ground on Sunday after four days of a polarized vote. Turnout was at a two-decade high over the balloting across the 28 European Union countries. The elections were seen as a test of the influence of the nationalist, populist and hard-right movements that have swept the continent in recent years and impelled Britain to quit the EU altogether. Both supporters of closer European unity and those who consider the EU a meddlesome and bureaucratic presence portrayed the vote as crucial for the future of the bloc. The greenie gains seem to be roughly parallel to the rise of "vanguard" Democrats such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The stronger trend, though, and still seemingly dismissed in the press, is that multiple countries, most strongly Britain, have chosen to go with Trumpian nationalist parties, taking aim at the supranational governing body that is supposedly all in for what's euphemistically known as "European integration," which actually means rule by unelected European Union bureaucrats over the elected leaders in one's supposed democracy. That's a fine pickle for that self-congratulatory body to find itself in Europe's voters have top-loaded it with enemies of the entire project. Why does that happen? Well, because countries are being submerged and ignored when they try to change anything. They're being flooded with illegal migrants, for one; people can neither assimilate nor be happy in the countries they are entering illegally, and these people are rapidly harvesting these countries of their resources and paying them back by committing terrorism against them. They're seeing their economic growth going anemic by the E.U.'s hideous overbearing regulations, and some, such as Greece, are suffering from Europe's Germany-led monetary policy, which cuts them off from their competitive advantage of a weak currency. It was nice to see Greece's voters throw its hard-left socialist party Syriza out in this bargain. In short, the European Union was unable and unwilling to respond to what the voters wanted, so now it's getting it good and hard on the parliamentary side, which is the only way voters have left to communicate with them. It rather reminds me of the super-concentrated force coming from Venezuela's national assembly, naming Juan Guaido acting president over the current dictatorship, because that was the only possible place where power could be exerted, and as a result, it was extreme. Same thing in the European parliament. In Britain, the reaction was most extreme, and there was an obvious reason: Brits democratically voted to exit the European Union, and creepy little petty European Union bureaucrats wouldn't let them. They demanded monstrous payments for the privilege of leaving, given that their project is so very dependent on British money anyway, and little of that money goes back to Britain it goes to subsidize Europe's bureaucrats, failed welfare states, and lousy global warming projects. The Brits were tired of this, and that drove them out. Like the Bourbons of old, they've "learnt nothing and forgotten nothing," so this election hit them even harder and was joined by other angry European states who wanted out. What we are seeing here is a repeat of the Trump phenomenon, a well justified revolt against the "elites," but most specifically, one set of laws for one group of people and another set for the rest. I have always felt that the tipping point of the 2016 election was not in James Comey's investigation of Hillary Clinton, but in his refusal to prosecute her for her mishandling of government secrets, making sure to call it "extremely careless" instead of "grossly negligent," which would have merited charges. At the same time, a petty Navy sailor was thrown in jail for a far more minor violation of guarding secrets. One set of laws for them, another set for us. The same was obvious with Europe. Over there, a democratic referendum carried zero weight to the Eurocrats, who vowed to make any exit as miserable as possible and often mocked British voters. They didn't respect democracy, and since they were the ruling establishment, they started to make Brits doubt whether they lived in a democracy. Hence the stunning pressure-valve vote. What it shows now is that since the European Commission cannot be persuaded to govern democratically; it's going to be eaten from within. This is roughly equivalent of President Trump's "drain the swamp" agenda. The swamp will fight back, but the momentum is inescapable. One can only hope these new parliamentarians find a credible means of destroying the whole failed project from within. Image credit: Pixabay, public domain. As A.G. Barr and U.S. attorneys Durham and Huber investigate possible crimes committed by FBI and DOJ officials related to the 2016 election, Rep. Liz Cheney has joined President Trump in mentioning the T-word: treason. She did so on ABC Television's This Week program, speaking to a very unhappy-looking Martha Raddatz, who appeared to cry on air reporting Donald Trump's apparent victory Election Night 2016 (Raddatz disputes this). ABC News found it newsworthy enough to tweet out video of those remarks, part of a longer interview (complete video here): Rep. Liz Cheney: "We had people that are at the highest levels of our law enforcement ... saying that they were going to stop a duly elected president of the United States." "That sounds an awful lot like a coup and it could well be treason," she adds https://t.co/tzEmm40vCp pic.twitter.com/RhAVMWRfBU ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) May 26, 2019 Transcript via Breitbart: What is crucially important to remember here is that you had Stzrok and Page who were in charge of launching this investigation and they were saying things like we must stop this president. We need an insurance policy against this president. That in my view when you have people that are in the highest echelons of the law enforcement of this nation saying things like that, that sounds an awful lot like a coup, and it could well be treason. And I think that we need to know more. What was Jim Comey's role in all this? These people reported to him. Andy McCabe reported to him. What was Comey's role in that, and that is what the attorney general is going to be focused on. Think about the fact that we had people that are at the highest levels of our law enforcement in this nation saying that they were going to stop a dually elected president of the United States, saying they need an insurance policy against him. That is something that simply cannot happen. We have to have confidence in our law enforcement, and the attorney general has got to get to the bottom of what happened, how it was that those people were allowed to misuse and abuse their power that way. Of course, treason can carry the death penalty, so getting a sound night's sleep last night may have been difficult for the former lovebirds, now on the outs. I have long wondered if the breakup may have led to mutual finger-pointing, and possibly grand jury testimony which would remain secret until indictments are ready. Lisa Page's makeover, visible after closed door testimony, appears to me to indicate someone working on creating a better public image. There have been intimations from others that she has sought a plea deal as a cooperating witness, but I have not seen any real evidence of that. YouTube screen grab. Frankly, I don't see treason, which requires levying war against the United States or giving aid and comfort to its enemies, as the applicable charge. Sedition, the act of inciting revolt or violence against a lawful authority with the goal of destroying or overthrowing it, is probably more applicable and easier to obtain a conviction on. Sedition carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years. All over Europe, elections are teaching Brussels that Greeks like being Greek, Brits Brit, and French French. Nobody much cottons to being "European," where some Belgian bureaucrat says what you will and won't do in your small town where another language is spoken and people don't like paying huge salaries to self-important nobodies in gray flannel suits. The population of Europe is discovering that it really doesn't like the creeping socialism of the European Union, though many probably don't even realize that that's what they're mad about. It isn't even full-blown socialism yet, but everybody knows that's the destination, and the shine has worn off. Happens every time on the long and winding road to socialism. Some insightful sage noted that you can vote your way into socialism but you have to shoot your way out. That's what waits at the end of the road Europe is on. Strife. Once it breaks into the open, citizens will suddenly understand why they haven't been allowed to own private firearms. It's a lesson Venezuelans have learned the hard way and that many Americans still don't get. But Europe will probably have to get hungry first. Literally hungry, and not "literally" in the Joe Biden sense. Perhaps before that, Europe will get literally cold as Moscow starts playing with the natural gas spigot, just to show who's really boss. Certainly, before that, Europeans will run low on gasoline and will have to wait in line for a few expensive liters to get home from the jobs that just laid them off. Rough times await Europeans. They're going to discover they need all that self-regenerating energy that greenness doesn't provide but that they paid billions for. They will shiver in their homes from all the warming not caused by the CO2 their bodies emit. Disease will spread as trash builds up and clean water stops. Gunshots in the streets will remind them they have no defense against rioting, looting crowds. It will be Venezuela all over again, and meek half-steps will not check the social ills. As civilization crumbles, the choice will be suppression now or repression later. Rebel now, get suppressed now. Don't rebel now, get repressed later anyway. In either case, rebellion will take a while to get going, during which the supranationalist kingpins will keep on quietly arranging the complete demise of the nationalities. That's what illegal immigration's all about. By this late date, many of us can see the endgame from the supra perspective: replace the native populations of the West with people from places where social peace has never existed; tribal hatreds take the place of civil discourse; and sudden, violent death is a way of life. Hobbes's state of nature, famously nasty, brutish, and short, reasserts itself, with force the only form of control. Who controls the force? If you said, "Brussels," go to the head of the class. Unknowingly, Donald Trump assists and impedes the entire process. The string-pullers behind the scenes want all this done on the sneak so the present populations don't become unpleasant. Trump's economy is improving lives the world over, and people everywhere are content to let the rising tide lift their boats. But once the Trumpian economy stalls, as it inevitably will, things could quickly turn fractious. In time, they will become fractious. Europe, you have a problem. If you don't take care of it, it becomes everyone else's problem, too. Without America taking up the slack when you fail, you have become the leading barometer of Western success or failure defending against the forces of evil tearing at its foundations. The surprise election results going on across the continent are glimmerings of the fight for Greeks to be Greek, Brits Brit, and French French. As Memorial Day unfolds around us, we pause to remember those who served on foreign soil in times of war and fell for us, to preserve our freedom and America's timeless values. The day offers a welcome pause from the hubbub, lesser issues, social fatigue, and the din of less noble clashes. Americans, coast to coast, honor our past and commit ourselves to be equal to our time. Perhaps this Memorial Day, we can also think forward as well as backward. The suggestion is not about war or politics, but about healing wounds and making possible better futures for the families of those who "gave their last full measure" for us. Specifically, while much is being done to advance prosthetics, treat visible and invisible wounds, and innovate at the Veterans Administration, thousands of families live with a harsh reality: a missing a spouse or parent who died in combat. At the federal and state levels, benefits exist for these families, but they often fall short of what is needed. If nothing replaces such a loss, assuring an opportunity to succeed for children of a deceased combat veteran is a start. Education is critical. Unfortunately, many states do not provide full college educational support to children of deceased combat veterans, which raises two questions. Can we do more at the state level? And if states find covering expenses difficult, is there a larger federal role? Certainly, states can do more and should by supporting strong students at public and private institutions if these students can make the grade. Often, these students have had to overcome greater adversity than most, benefited from less opportunity, and come from more limited means than the average. If they have the heart to achieve, they should be given every chance to do so. More immediately, federal adjustments have reduced tuition aid for children of the fallen from 45 months to 36 months. While helpful, more could be done. Aspiring four-year college students, coming from families of deceased combat veterans, should be given the full time. Free post-secondary education for everyone may be a "bridge too far," but on Memorial Day, maybe we agree to do better for children of deceased combat veterans. On Memorial Day, we recall that our own future is made better because of what their parents did for us. Accordingly, their futures should be made better by what we can do for them. At the state and federal levels, a "Gold Star Family Bill" should be promoted to assure full tuition, room, board, and educational support for surviving children at any college to which they are admitted, and for the duration of their degree, not three years if admitted for four. The idea of reviewing these family benefits is timely, as college tuition costs are high, educational debt difficult to retire, and number of surviving children as we move into our 18th consecutive year of war at historic levels. At the federal and state levels and as individuals we owe a debt to deceased and disabled combat veterans with children. We owe it not only to the fallen, but to their families spouses, children, parents, siblings, even grandparents. Too often, these families are lost in the mix, weighed down by educational, medical, and mundane bureaucracy, not so much neglected as unintentionally forgotten. It is time to remember. Memorial Day is for remembering those who have fallen. We honor them with words, prayers, greater patience for each other, deeper thought, and the echo of Taps. But this day is more. It is a reminder of intergenerational debts, including to Americans whose parent did not come home. The children of fallen combat veterans, indeed all the dependents of those who die for us, deserve more national attention educational, medical, employment, and cultural care. We are not empowered to rewrite history, but we can help make the future better for this group of Americans. Memorial Day is as good a time to start as any. Perry Gershon is widely recognized business leader and national commentator on business, trade, policy, and politics. A congressional candidate for New York's first district, he holds a B.A. from Yale and an MBA from the University of California. Image: Jeff Turner via Flickr. TWENTY-EIGHT civil servants have completed "physically and mentally demanding training courses hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). On May 13, Deputy Governor Anya Williams hosted an award ceremony to recognise those that successfully completed the Public Policy Analysis and Management (PPAM) and Project Cycle Management (PCM) Certification Programme. "Sessions were interactive and practical, intense and demanding physically and mentally, time consuming and required work outside normal working hours to complete assignments to fulfil the criteria to be awarded the certification, Williams said in a press release on Wednesday (May 22). "We are extremely proud of the success of our staff and know that there is much that they can take away from this programme to apply to their day to day jobs. The Caribbean Development Bank since the 1980s has been offering training in PPAM and PCM to its borrowing member countries. The programmes were developed to assist countries in their efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals, such as quality education, gender equality and peace, justice and strong institutions. The TCI civil service commenced the process in 2016 by enrolling in the online course programme offered through CDB and its partners. "The success realised from team members participation and completion of the online courses paved the way for the face-to-face training to be implemented in country, Williams said. In 2018 the Government in collaboration with the CDB, the Centre for International Development and Training and DODs training hosted 11 modules in project cycle management and public policy analysis and management. They took place from March to May 2018 at the HJ Robinson High School auditorium in Grand Turk. "We express our profound thanks to not only the Caribbean Development Bank for allowing the TCI to participate in this training programme, but also to our own in house training department, our training manager Mrs Thashana Burton and training officer Ms Holly Forbes for their work in the launching of this programme in the TCI, the organisation of the face to face training sessions, the follow up on the online training programmes and their overall commitment in the facilitation and completion of this programme, the deputy governor said. "Our vision is to create a well-structured, properly resourced and professional service that is respected and balances both traditional and modern practices, with a culture of impartiality and integrity. "The team members through dedication and sacrifice have exemplified each word to the highest standards by being awarded and certified competent in each area of this programme. Congratulations. An article in the New Yorker appears to go to extreme pains to explain why Barack Obama hasn't endorsed Joe Biden yet. Tradition. Respect for the other candidates. Waiting a bit longer to see what happens. The real reason, which will go unsaid, is that Obama doesn't want Biden popping off with some stupid comment that will embarrass not only Obama, but all of Demworld. That sort of thing was manageable back in the halcyon days when Barack was in the saddle and thinking he was soaking up all the attention so that nobody would even notice old Joe. Joe wasn't interesting then, and he's not interesting now, the thinking went, but now there's nobody running interference. But not even Barack can believe he's still got everybody's attention now. In fact, he may not even want the attention now that he might draw the curiosity of one Bill Barr. Barr is Trump's A.G., and he doesn't play as Eric Holder and Loretta Lynch did. Those two were real team players, almost as team-playerish as Susan Rice, who would fall on her sword for Barack today and then again tomorrow, and come back Sunday and do it five times in one day. That chick was some kinda special. But Barr's no fun at all. When he sees crime, he flies straight to it like a hummingbird to a stamen. He stands up to congressmen out to prove how tough they are. He's been here before and knows exactly what's going on and how to defend against the war on law and order being waged by the Left and how to swat away Democrat mosquitoes. Barr epitomizes something Washington doesn't see often these days: a pro who doesn't suffer fools gladly. Back to old Joe. He's been lying low recently to get a feel for which way the winds are blowing. For a while there, they were blowing chaotically for the Left, with Joe saying something stupid and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez saying something impossible and Nancy saying something ludicrous and Tlaib saying something racist and Maxine saying something all tough guy and, and, and... It's not easy playing elder statesman when you're surrounded by nincompoops whose nincompoopery might rub off on you. No wonder Barack's keeping quiet. Joe at least used to be the Joe Bidenest of all the Joe Bidens. Now he's got fierce competition for that. President Trump appears to me to be playing a masterful game of 3- or even 4-dimensional chess in Japan. His agenda includes not just trade, which is what most of his public statements mention, but also the complicated issues surrounding North Korean denuclearization and, inherently connected to that, China. The biggest and most difficult goal of all is to force China to drop its economic development strategy of stealing intellectual property and exporting manufactured goods at low prices, facilitated by managing the value of the renminbi to keep it low. Japan, which has a lot to fear from a nuclear-armed North Korea (because of historic deep hatred of all Koreans toward Japan), is committed to buying the largest fleet of F-35 stealth fighters outside the United States, something that worries both North Korea and China. Both countries deeply fear Japan going nuclear, because both have suffered unbelievably at the hands of Japanese militarism. That fear is one of the strongest cards in Trump's hands, though it can only be alluded to. Because of domestic political considerations, Japan could produce its own nuclear arsenal based on only domestic strategic decisions (as a defensive matter against a large North Korean nuclear arsenal), not as a response to U.S. pressure. Meanwhile, China looks to be encouraging, or at least facilitating North Korea's evasion of sanctions, in part to put counterpressure on the U.S.'s trade demands, which, if accepted, would end China's basic economic strategy. Adding in another level of complexity is the response of China's other Asian neighbors to China's aggressive stance toward the South China Sea territorial claims it is making, tempered by its mostly negative experiences with wartime Japan. So, to oversimplify, Trump wants a lot from Japan but not too much militarily, and he wants a lot from Japan economically, in the form of facilitating imports and even more foreign investment in U.S. manufacturing. Japan's acquiescence to these trade demands sets a precedent and model for China, increasing U.S. leverage with the Chinese. Trump is giving a lot of symbolic assent to Japan, honoring the cherished national sport, sumo (which is simultaneously a sport and a religious ceremony the "referee" is a Shinto priest) with the "President's Cup," presented to the grand champion yesterday. Reportedly, he paid for this trophy itself and hoisted its 60 pounds with difficulty, handing it to grand champion Asanoyama, for whom it was no challenge at all. This humanizes President Trump, for Japanese people understand that sumo wrestlers are almost a different species, and ordinary people cannot be compared to them in terms of physical might. Trump's good-natured game face is absolutely perfect. YouTube screen grabs. As the New York Times noted: The sumo ring is a sacred space, where the same set of rules and rituals has applied to its inhabitants for centuries. Women are not allowed. Neither are shoes. And foreign leaders are not usually given their own mini-ceremony during a tournament, called a basho. But lest we get carried away, I must note that back in the 1960s and '70s (the Showa Era, as the Japanese call it), the sumo tournament winner received the "Pan Am Cup," presented by the country manager of that now-defunct airline. As with Trump, the symbolism was positive for the image of the airline. As I write, President Trump is attending a state dinner at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, with the newly enthroned emperor and the political leadership of Japan. In Japanese, an emperor is never referred to by his given name the way Western monarchs are, but rather by the ceremonial name given to his reign, in this case, Reiwa my translation: "ordered harmony." Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs adamantly denies this translation, preferring "beautiful harmony," but the most common translation of the character pronounced "rei" refers to order. However, the depth of my grounding in classical literature is minimal: The foreign ministry's attempt to dissociate Reiwa from the authoritative nuance of command or law chiefly associated with rei, which is used in terms such as meirei (command) or horei (law), may have been clear enough from its issuance of the translation "beautiful harmony." But that rendition of Reiwa fails to reflect the original context in which the kanji rei was used in "Manyoshu" the nation's oldest existing anthology of poetry, from which the new gengo was drawn. I speculate that the dual meanings of Reiwa are an intentional message to China that Japan can be, in the era that is coming, a great friend or a fearsome enemy. The Chinese well understand the meaning of the character rei, for the Japanese borrowed it from China. In televised remarks prior to the presenting the President's Cup, President Trump referred to this year as both 2019 and Reiwa 1, for the official Japanese calendar dates years from the beginning of an emperor's reign. Many American media outlets are saying that Japan is "buttering up" Trump with their treatment of him. But Trump is also offering Japan a lot of butter, showing his respect for its traditions and institutions. This will help Prime Minister Abe sell the concessions he may be announcing to the Japanese political world. It is also a complex signal to the North Koreans and Chinese that the USA can be a great friend or an enemy with powerful and feared allies. So far as I can tell from a distance, this trip so far is a roaring success. At earlier points in his career, AT editor Thomas Lifson studied at Waseda University in Tokyo, taught Sociology courses on Japanese society at Harvard, where he earned 3 graduate degrees, and was a visiting associate professor at Japan's National Musem of Ethnology. On the eve of the Normandy landings in June 1944, there were over a thousand war correspondents all over Europe reporting back to the millions of British and Americans back home. A handful of these journalists and photographers were also women. Unfortunately, the government had prohibited women from going to the front lines, so while these women correspondents could cover stories from the war zone, they could not go in with the troops. Understandably, many female war correspondents were not happy with the ban. It is necessary that I report on this war," wrote Martha Ellis Gellhorn in an angry letter to military authorities. I do not feel there is any need to beg as a favour for the right to serve as the eyes for millions of people in America who are desperately in need of seeing, but cannot see for themselves. Martha Ellis Gellhorn was an American war correspondent for the Colliers magazine. Some of you may know her as the third wife of Ernest Hemingway, but her accomplishments as a journalist far outshine her brief marriage to the novelist. Gellhorn began her career as a journalist during the Great Depression, working as a Field Investigator for the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) created by Franklin D. Roosevelt to report on the impact of the Depression on the country. Later, she travelled to Spain to cover the Spanish Civil War in 1937. During this period she met Ernest Hemingway, who was also in Spain as a correspondent. They married in 1940, she becoming Hemingways third wife, and Hemingway becoming Gellhorns second husband. Martha Gellhorn and Ernest Hemingway Gellhorn and Hemingways marriage was troubled from the start. Hemingway refused to let go off his second wife even when both of them were seeing each other, and Gellhorns long absences during her reporting assignments irritated Hemingway. When D-Day approached, their marriage was already dead in the water. To get even with Gellhorn, Hemingway got himself accredited as the correspondent for Colliers, the magazine Gellhorn worked for, blocking any chance Gellhorn might have of getting to the front lines. But Martha Gellhorn was not ready to bow out. On the night of June 6, 1944, before the ships departed for Normandy, Gellhorn made her way to the waterfront on the pretext of interviewing the nurses aboard a hospital ship. Once on board, she hid herself in the bathroom. Gellhorn knew that if she got caught, she would lose her accreditation and might even get deported back to America. Still, to witness the great invasion was worth the risk. Gellhorn remained in her hideout for several hours and only emerged when the ship was well on her way to France. Later that night, after the troops had landed and the massacre on the beach was finally over, Gellhorn sneaked ashore with a couple of doctors and medics as a stretcher bearer to collect the wounded. In the chaos of the war, nobody gave a damn that Gellhorn was a woman. Taxis to Hell and Back Into the Jaws of Death, one of the most famous photograph of the D-Day landing by Robert F. Sargent Martha Gellhorn became the only woman to land in Normandy the same day the troops did. Other women followed, but much later. The first batch of womenmembers of the United States Womens Army Corpslanded in Normandy thirty-eight days later. Soon after Gellhorn had filed her story to Colliers, the military police arrested her. They took away her credentials and transported her to a nurses training camp outside London. Gellhorn escaped from the camp by convincing a British pilot to fly her to Italy. I followed the war wherever I could reach it, Gellhorn recalled. Martha Gellhorn continued covering conflicts her country was involved in. She covered the Vietnam War and the Arab-Israel conflicts in the 1960s and 70s. She was still out at the front reporting the civil wars in Central America at the age of seventy, and incredibly, United States invasion of Panama in 1989 at the age of eighty-one. It was only when war came to Bosnia that she decided to quit, announcing that she was too old and not nimble enough for war anymore. As Gellhorn entered the late eighties, her eyesight began to fail and she became almost completely blind. She was also suffering from ovarian cancer that had spread to her liver. She committed suicide in 1998, at the age of ninety, by swallowing a cyanide capsule. Martha Gellhorn in 1978, at the age of seventy. Photo credit: Graham Harrison/Rex/Shutterstock In the first filmed interview with a Western outlet following the mid-May ban issued by the United States government, Huawei founder and one of the richest men in the world, Ren Zhengfei, laughed about the predicament his company found himself in, maintaining things will be fine in the long term. The 74-year-old told a Bloomberg reporter hes welcome to seek an interview with Huawei in two to three years if he doubts his predictions, jokingly pleading with him to bring a flower and put it on our [Huaweis] grave in case hes wrong and the company ceases to exist. On the subject of U.S. President Donald Trump who repeatedly signaled hes prepared to use Huawei as leverage in Washingtons ongoing trade negotiation with Chinas communist government that are stalling yet again in any way possible, Mr. Ren simply dismissed the head of the largest economic powerhouse on the planet. The U.S. never bought from Huawei, the entrepreneur remarked, adding that he might not sell to Washington even if the Trump administration was to approach him and asserting the White House cannot regulate foreign firms. Advertisement Needless to say, even if entities incorporated outside of U.S. soil arent in Washingtons jurisdiction, the May 17 blacklisting already proved to be a major blow to its operations, with suppliers cutting it off left and right. Even with the three-month suspension granted to it by the federal government that allowed it to resume its business relationship with Google, the fact that UK-based chipmaker ARM also ended up being compelled to pull its licenses is nothing short of a crippling development for Huawei whose subsidiary HiSilicon is entirely reliant on ARM-made designs in order to produce HiSilicon chips for Huawei and Honors smartphones. Designs that include patented American technologies. So, while Mr. Ren continues to insist Huawei can be self-sufficient in the near future, its surviving to that near future thats the problem right now. The multi-billionaire may have been joking around during the latest interview, spending more time talking about how laughable and contradictory Trumps tweets are than expressing concern about the future of his conglomerate, but concern is precisely whats currently coming out of China in reaction to the ban. Well, concern and anger, of course, two things the current U.S. administration is excellent at generating, which most will have no issues with admitting, regardless of how they feel about it. While Huaweis founder was mimicking an airplane as part of one of his business analogies, his daughter and Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou was on the other side of the world, still trapped in Canada and embroiled in a fierce legal battle with Vancouver over a U.S. extradition request submitted by the Department of Justice which accuses her of being personally involved in an illegal banking scheme that defrauded several American financial institutions, all with the goal of circumventing stateside trade sanctions imposed on Iran. While its her predicament that pulled Mr. Ren out of recluse, he didnt mention her during the newest interview, nor was he asked about her. Naturally, theres little chance of that being an accident given how highly controlled all interviews Huawei officials ever agreed to were and continue to be. Huawei is undoubtedly in a tight spot right now, and the lingering question is whether other Chinese companies will also be caught in the ongoing mess. Take Lenovo as an example. Although the company had a stellar financial year, many questions asked during the earning calls were about the potential impact of the current tiff between the U.S. and China on it. The manufacturers CEO and chairman, Yang Yuanqing, is quite optimistic about the whole situation and doesnt think it needs to be worried. Now that various U.S. companies have choked off supplies to Huawei, the Chinese company is trying to become self-reliant. The tech giant already makes its own processors and sources a lot of its components from non-U.S. companies as well. However, since there is no suitable alternative to Android, Huawei is reportedly making its own operating system. Given the current scenario, Lenovo was also probed about its readiness should a similar situation arise. Yang believes that Lenovo is a global company, with business spread across the globe. He also said that compared to rival companies, it has a more robust and flexible supply chain. Moreover, Lenovo also has manufacturing facilities around the world. Yang also said that when it comes to security and compliance, Lenovo has never been questioned and its a very transparent company. Thats why he doesnt think that they will be targeted by the U.S. government. Advertisement Apparently, the takeaway is that if the worse comes to worst, Lenovo will not be affected, although that might not necessarily be true as the company could potentially be cut off from various companies, even if they arent American if the current situation continues. For now, Yang believes that its best to manufacture its products in China, as PCs and smartphones havent been slapped with tariffs yet. Lenovo also has no plans to make its own operating systems and chips currently, as it has full faith in globalization and the relation it has with its partners. In all likelihood, the U.S. and China will make up during the upcoming G20 summit as both the economies are too large to be ignored by each other. Moreover, a hostile environment can have a ripple effect on the tech industry. For instance, a retaliatory response can hurt Apple sales in China, and since the far eastern country is an important market, the Cupertino giant certainly wouldnt want that. Other than that, Huawei owns many 5G standard essential patents, so most countries cant afford to block it. Thus, maybe Lenovo really doesnt have a reason to worry. Advertisement For the financial year 2018/19, the company reported record-breaking revenue of $51 billion, with $38.5 billion of it coming from the PC and Smart Devices (PCSD) business. America accounted for 32 percent of the revenue, which means its one of the most important markets for the company. PC is still the companys cash cow, and the brand remained the top choice for consumers. The Mobile Business Group also managed to turn a profit for the second straight quarter, implying that the manufacturers cost-cutting initiatives are paying off. Lenovo attributes its solid financial performance to the proper execution of its transformation strategy. For now, everything seems to be going well, and while the company does seem to think of itself as a global company, it can very well be brought to its knees if the tensions between the U.S. and China dont cool off. Advertisement Although Lenovo is trying to play it cool, it was recently reported that its planning to increase capacity at its manufacturing facilities outside China to insulate itself from tariff hikes. Although PCs and related products are currently exempt from U.S. tariffs, the next round of the trade war could be brutal, and PCs will likely be affected. According to a new tip provided by Ishan Agarwal, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note10 may not look as great as some of you may think. Mr. Agarwal said that the Note10 is gonna look bad, while he added maybe not Piel 3 XL notch level, but the person described it as very ugly. So, it seems like Mr. Agarwal received a tip from someone familiar with the Galaxy Note10s upcoming design, and considering that Samsung allegedly plans to release both the Galaxy Note10 and Note10 Pro this year, were not sure if the source is talking about both phones, or just the regular Galaxy Note10. Whats interesting here, is that Mr. Agarwal seems to be referring to the general design of the Galaxy Note10, as it is putting the Pixel 3 XL notch into the context, though he is a part of the conversation regarding the phones camera setup. Advertisement A well-known YouTuber, iJustine, shared Concept Creators iPhone XI concept, and basically said that she wants that design. Both Mrwhosetheboss and Marques Brownlee made some jokes about the design of the camera setup on that phone, while Max Weinbach said that the Note10 will look worse. Thats when Ishan Agarwal stepped in and reconfirmed what Mr. Weinbach said, basically. So, in the end, its possible that the design cue is camera-related only, well have to wait and see. In any case, you can expect the design to be slightly less eye-pleasing than you think, at least based on what Ishan Agarwal said. The Galaxy Note10 series is expected to sport a display camera hole(s), just like the Galaxy S10 series. Samsung is actually expected to shrink down those display holes, even, so the information provided by Mr. Agarwal probably relates to the back side of the Galaxy Note10, not its front side. Advertisement The Samsung Galaxy Note10 series is expected to arrive in August, a year after the Galaxy Note9, and the company is expected to release both the Galaxy Note10 and Note10 Pro in two variants. Both of those devices are rumored to arrive in 4G and 5G variants. It is still unclear what will be the difference between the two phones in terms of the design, but rumors are claiming that the Galaxy Note10 Pro will be larger than the regular Note10. That phone will probably also be a bit more powerful than the regular Note10, but were basing that presumption only on the Pro name. Both devices are expected to arrive in Snapdragon 855 and Exynos 9820 variants, just like the Galaxy S10 series. The Snapdragon 855 variants will be available in China and the US, while the Exynos 9820 models will ship to Europe and India. Advertisement Android 9 Pie will come pre-installed on these two phones, while the two devices are expected to be made out of metal and glass. Ceramic variant(s) may become a reality as well, though, well see. All in all, plenty more rumors / leaks regarding the Galaxy Note10 will arrive in the coming weeks / months, as were still several months away from the expected launch event, so get ready for that. Marysville, CA (95901) Today Periods of rain. Low around 40F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a half an inch.. Tonight Periods of rain. Low around 40F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Attorneys acting for Beaches TCI guests claim thousands of holidaymakers across the region were deceived into paying fees disguised as taxes By Gemma Handy A FIVE-MILLION dollar lawsuit filed against Sandals resorts operator of the TCIs biggest hotel claims as many as 10,000 holidaymakers may have been deceived into paying "profit-enhancers disguised as taxes. Attorneys fighting for compensation, initially on behalf of former Beaches TCI guests, filed the mammoth class action with a Florida court on Tuesday (May 21). They have now broadened their scope, urging anyone who has stayed at any Sandals-operated resort in the Caribbean to come forward. Lawyers with Miami-based firm Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina and Winkleman, PA say they are "aggressively pursuing litigation against Sandals for accommodation taxes "unfairly levied against guests. "We think this will be a hard-fought battle, but we look forward to working our hardest to help our clients obtain justice, Michael Winkleman told the Weekly News. Sandals rigorously denies the allegations which it describes as "downright false. Meanwhile, within days of the attorneys initial call to the public being issued on April 29, the Jamaican resort giant announced it would no longer be closing Beaches TCI in 2021. Earlier this year, it announced plans to close its 750-room Beaches TCI resort, accusing TCIG of raising taxes after previously promising it would not. The U-turn was disclosed by email to travel agents and confirmed to the Weekly News on Wednesday by a spokeswoman. The closure has now been "rescinded and will no longer take effect Gary Sadler, of Sandals marketing arm Unique Vacations, was also quoted as saying. TCHTA president Todd Foss welcomed the news and said: "Beaches is a vital part of the overall industry and continues to drive the airlift to Turks and Caicos, benefitting all, he said. Upcoming lawsuit The class action names one plaintiff Vitali Feldman of New Jersey who stayed with his wife and two young children at Beaches TCI three times between 2017 and 2019. It acts "on behalf of all others similarly situated who were "deceived into paying tax that wasbeing secretly retained by defendants for their own use, benefit and profit, the court papers state. While the exact number of members of the class is unknown, it continues, it likely "exceeds 10,000. Winkleman claims a decades-long "sweetheart deal between Beaches and the TCI Government entitled the resort to a 40 percent concession on accommodation tax levied onto local hotels. But despite only paying the Government a rate just over seven percent, Beaches apparently added the full standard 12 percent onto guests bills. The action seeks a sum topping $5 million, plus interest and costs. "This lawsuit deals with all current and former guests at all Sandals resorts, including but not limited to Turks and Caicos Islands, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, who were charged a local government tax and/or deceived into paying such tax that in whole or in part was secretly retained by Sandals for their own use and benefit. "This fraudulent deceptive practice has been ongoing for decades, the papers state. The attorneys claim Sandals deceived guests by advertising its all-inclusive packages as including "all taxes. A reasonable consumer would believe these were "pass-through charges paid to the respective governments, they say. "In fact, the fees are nothing but profit-enhancers disguised as taxes, amounting to a violation of Floridian unfair trade laws, the document continues. "Additionally, Turks and Caicos law prohibits the accommodation tax being collected from anyone under 12-years-old. "All guests under 12-years-old at the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort were fraudulently charged the 12 percent accommodation tax by Sandals, also thereby constituting a violation. Sandals has, "through fraud, deception, omission and/or concealment, engaged in a pattern of unlawful profiteering, deceit, and self-dealing by charging a government tax and retaining a large percentage of it, the class action claims. The "unethical and "unscrupulous activities are cited as having been the modus operandi in several other islands too. All guests at Sandals Grande Antigua, Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados prior to January 1 2017 were charged a 12.5 percent sales tax by the company, the lawsuit alleges. Holidaymakers were not told that the Antigua and Barbuda government allowed the company to pocket a large proportion of the money collected, it states. "These deceptive charges are used to generate extra profit at plaintiffs expense. Sandals has been embroiled in vociferous tax spats with regional governments in recent years. In Antigua, the Gaston Browne-led administration has forced the company to pay the full sales levy since January 2017. The class action is the latest headache for the embattled Butch Stewart-owned chain. Sandals has vowed to fight the Florida lawsuit all the way. The companys customers are its "top priority, a spokeswoman told the Weekly News. "Under no circumstances would we exploit their faith in us. Our valued guests have never been unlawfully charged for taxes and allegations to the contrary are downright false, she said. "Not only do we conduct our business with pricing transparency, we meet all of our tax obligations in each of the islands where we call home. "We take great pride in being the gold standard in the islands where we operate and have spent close to four decades providing guests with the most comprehensive vacation experience bar none. The spokeswoman added: "We will of course vigorously defend against these baseless allegations. Neither Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson nor Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) chiefs would comment on the lawsuit. BarcelonaNarendra Modi, who has just been re-elected as Indias Prime Minister, is planning to reform the countrys forestry legislation, amending laws that have been in force since the colonial era. With the alleged aim of safeguarding endangered species, Modi is set to militarize the forests and grant more power and immunity to forest guards to shoot to kill anyone they suspect of being a poacher. In practice, the reforms will grant more powers to forest guards, a "highly militarized police force" who are repressing indigenous tribes and local communities, according to Eleonora Farari, a researcher with the EnvJustice group at the ICTA-UAB [The Institute of Environmental Science and Technology at the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona]. Some 300 million people live in Indias forests, which occupy 21% of the nations landmass. They incluse a sizeable proportion of the more than 100 million indigenous peoples (or Adivasis, as they are referred to) that live in India who had a lot at stake in the elections that ended on 19 May, following a month of voting in different phases, which ultimately saw Modi emerge the victor once more. According to Pranab Doley, a representative of the peasant organization Jeepal Krisak Sramik Sangha, "Modi has tried hard to strip indigenous peoples of their rights. His sole objective has been to polarize the population in the name of religion, pitching Hindus against Muslims. But India is home to many other communities and minorities". Doley travelled to Barcelona to denounce the situation. He was hoping that Modi would lose the election since, according to Doley, "Modi does not have the support of the majority of the population, starting with the farmers, who he has failed to provide with any form of security, and the young, who continue to face unemployment". According to Doley, "Modi has only governed for the rich and for big business". Nevertheless, the leader of the Hindu nationalist BJP party has been re-elected for a further five years. Doley works with the indigenous communities of the Kaziranga National Park, a forest reserve in the countrys north-eastern region, home to two thirds of the world's population of the Indian rhinoceros, and a tiger reserve with the highest population density in the world. The model which Modi intends to impose with his reform of the forestry laws has already been implemented in the Kaziranga National Park with disastrous results for its indigenous population. "Extrajudicial killings" According to Doley, "For a long time, Kaziranga has employed a policy of extreme militarization, with forestry police officers being granted a free hand to carry out extrajudicial killings of alleged poachers", who are often members of local communities. A BBC documentary exposed the situation in 2017, and reported on cases such as the death of a man with severe learning difficulties who failed to heed the guards calls for him to stop, or a 7-year-old boy who is barely able to walk after having been shot in the leg. "As a result [of the documentary] they took action against the BBC and doubled down on the repression" says Doley. Kaziranga is a success story in terms of rhinoceros conservation, with the species having gone from just a handful of animals in the early twentieth century to 2,400 individuals today. Nevertheless, Doley claims the success is down to the efforts of indigenous and local communities and that it has nothing to do with the Forest Service. The park rangers have taken on an increasingly militarized role over the last decade due to the growth in rhinoceros poaching. This in turn is a result of the growing demand for rhino horn in East Asia, where it is attributed with possessing extraordinary medicinal qualities, from curing cancer to increasing sexual potency. The forest authorities, with the support of conservation organizations, see indigenous peoples and local communities as a threat to protected species. However, according to Doley, "this narrative only responds to the self-interests" of the countrys elites in their desire to exploit the natural resources of forests such as Kaziranga, including its ability to attract tourists. "Indigenous peoples help maintain the forests, often feeding wild animals with their crops and their herds", Doley argues. The Indian Forest Act, dating from 1927, continues to impose a conservation model which is a hangover from the colonial era, with the stated objective of profiting from natural resources. The reform which Modi is proposing replaces an economic goal for one aimed at the conservation of nature. However, according to Doley, "instead of democratizing the system, it will make it even more repressive". Doley accuses the Indian Forest Service of "having always acted like a feudal body, seeing the forests as its private property, treating indigenous and local communities as their servants, as a labour force to be used when they need to clean the forest or plant trees, while refusing to give them any rights over the land". The threat of eviction The struggle of indigenous peoples in India eventually led to the Forest Rights Act of 2006, which seeks to protect such communities by stipulating that before any project which affects the forest can be approved, those responsible must first obtain the "prior informed consent" of 'Gram Sabha' (village councils). In reality, however, the legislation is not worth the paper its written on. A 2012 government directive watered it down and organizations such as the National Authority for the Conservation of the Tiger (NTCA) issued orders stating that it does not apply to the tiger's habitats. Now that Modi has been re-elected, if he eventually passes his bill, the 2006 act will be stripped of all its strength. Modis reforms are not the only threat these communities face, however. Some 8 million natives will lose their homes if the Indian Supreme Court's decision to evict 1.1 million families living in the forests comes into force. According to the NGO Survival International, the ruling, issued last February and put on hold following a wave of protests, represents "the largest mass expulsion ever seen in the name of conservation". Mack Defense will showcase the ongoing delivery of its Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) Standard Military Pattern (SMP) trucks to Canada at the Canadian Association of Defense and Security Industries (CANSEC) trade show, May 29-30 at the EY Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. CANSEC brings together leading-edge technology, products and services for land-based, naval, aerospace and joint forces military units. Mack Defense will showcase the ongoing delivery of its Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) Standard Military Pattern (SMP) trucks to Canada at the Canadian Association of Defense and Security Industries (CANSEC) trade show, May 29-30 at the EY Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Picture source: Mack Defense) CANSEC is the ideal location for Mack Defense to showcase the MSVS trucks and discuss how the MSVS program is driving our growth, said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. The event brings together North Americas largest defense leaders from the U.S. and Canada, providing the perfect opportunity to highlight our global reach, which is helping fuel our success. Through the MSVS program, Mack Defense is contracted to deliver more than 1,500 8x8 trucks, 161 Armored Protection Systems and more than 300 trailers, as well as an initial five years of in-service support for the SMP fleet operating in Canada and throughout the world. The trucks include multiple variants such as cargo, material-handling cranes, load-handling systems, gun tractor and mobile repair trucks. To produce the trucks, Mack Defense is working with key strategic Canadian partners including Prevost; Dumur Industries Ltd; EODC Inc., Marshall Aerospace and Link Suspensions of Canada (Raydan Division). Mack Defense is able to support all specific MSVS program needs, thanks to the collaborative efforts of our employees and our partners, added Alain Gauthier, MSVS program manager. Mack Defense is built not only on the strength of Mack Trucks, but also the strength of our supplier partners. Together, we enable our customers success. Final assembly of the MSVS SMP takes place at a Prevost facility in Saint Nicolas, Quebec. The Volvo Groups global supply chain, with a strong presence across Canada and in 42 other countries worldwide, serves as the foundation of the In-Service Support program, which provides service, maintenance and engineering support solutions. The industry's operating margins will narrow by 0.30- 0.80 per cent largely on an increase in local hires. It can be noted that the US reduced both the number of visas available and also set a minimum floor of salary to be offered, making it difficult for the Indian IT industry. (Photo: Representational | File) Mumbai: Profitability of IT companies is set to be impacted by adverse policies like the one on H1-B visas in the key US market, with margins estimated to narrow by up to 0.80 per cent in 2019-20, a report said on Monday. Revenues are set to rise by 7-8 per cent in dollar terms for the over USD 180 billion industry in this fiscal on the back of faster growth in digital services, ratings agency Crisil's research wing said in a note. The industry's operating margins will narrow by 0.30- 0.80 per cent largely on an increase in local hires which the industry has been forced into due to the policy framework in its markets, the note said. It explained that the Indian IT sector has traditionally relied on labour arbitrage -- getting the same work done cheaper than the developed markets -- but the gap is narrowing, crimping the margins. Nearly 65 per cent of the operating expenses for an IT player are towards employees, it said, adding that the same grew by a faster clip of 17 per cent for tier-I players in FY2018-19 as against 6 per cent earlier. "Such an increase in employee costs can be attributed to tightening of visa norms for Indian players, resulting in higher onsite costs for them," the note said. It said ever since the US government tightened its H- 1B visa policy in 2017, challenges have mounted for the sector as Indian-origin employees were the largest consumers of H-1B visas at 63 per cent of initial employment. It can be noted that the US reduced both the number of visas available and also set a minimum floor of salary to be offered, making it difficult for the Indian IT industry. Typically, an Indian-origin employee with an H1-B visa would cost 20 per cent lower than hiring the same talent locally, it said. Additionally, lower unemployment of under 2 per cent in the US technology sector as against an overall unemployment of under 4 per cent means talent availability is limited and it will lead to higher costs, it said, adding profits will continue to be under pressure in the future as well. It said margins have been declining for the last five fiscals due to factors like stabilising utilisation levels and billing rates, and the rise in employee costs is only aggravating the problem. The note suggested players can try to optimise onsite costs by resorting to the pyramid model, wherein college graduates are hired at USD 50,000-60,000 in a higher proportion and the rest filled with a few domain experts at a higher cost. Focus on moving up the value chain in digital services could also play a role to offset rising employee cost, it said. More investment in stock market seen. FPIs had resumed selling in the first half of May after domestic markets witnessed heavy inflows of around $10 billion in previous three months. Mumbai: For the foreign investors, May is a month they sell and go on a vacation. But this time, though late, they found May to be a month to come back to the Indian market. The foreign inflows to the domestic equity market have resumed since last Monday, after the exit polls predicted a comfortable majority for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance and later the counting day gave it a decisive mandate. Last week, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) were net buyers on all but one day, pumping in Rs 5,891.81 crore. However, for the month so far, FPIs are net sellers by Rs 2,048 crore, data from depository NSDL shows. FPIs had resumed selling in the first half of May after domestic markets witnessed heavy inflows of around $10 billion in previous three months. Just before the exit polls, on account of global factors and uncertainty over which political alliance will form the government, FPIs started selling. But things changed as soon as the elections got over. Analysts expect FPIs to step up investment in Indian equities in the coming days, with the overhang of a fractured mandate got over. B Gopkumar, Executive Director and CEO, Reliance Securities, said, Markets were looking for stability, continuity and strong leadership rather than a fractured mandatethis has led to the new high. We believe India allocation from global funds will increase and more ETF flows are likely over the short-term that could drive the markets even higher. Morningstar, in a report on the general election results, said, A stable government at the Centre is expected to encourage FPI inflows into Indian markets. However, some analysts feel that FPIs have turned frugal in the recent time and the rally in equity market may depend more on domestic flows than foreign investment. In fact, there are doubts in the market about the scale of continued FPI inflows in the medium-term, given the global investors concerns around Indias loose monetary policy mainly over India raising the fiscal deficit target and subsidies which may widen macro risks over time. Tanvee Gupta Jain, Economist, UBS Securities India, in a note on India last week said, In a slowing global growth environment, global investors may tolerate the pursuit of wide fiscal deficits or loose monetary policy now, but will be less tolerant over time. This may result in a widening of India's macro risks and weaker medium-term growth. India's fiscal position is already challenged and growth has slowed, despite fiscal impulses over the past six months. In the midst of slowing revenue collection, the quality of government spending has also deteriorated, Jain added. After rallying nearly 400 points, the 30-share index ended 248.57 points, or 0.63 per cent, higher at 39,683.29. The broader NSE Nifty jumped 80.65 points, or 0.68 per cent, to 11,924.75 -- a closing peak for the index. Mumbai: Domestic equity benchmarks BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty Monday closed at another record highs as investors continued to cheer the decisive mandate for the Narendra Modi's BJP in the national election. After rallying nearly 400 points, the 30-share index ended 248.57 points, or 0.63 per cent, higher at 39,683.29 -- its all-time closing high. The gauge hit an intra-day high of 39,821.94 and a low of 39,353.16. Likewise, the broader NSE Nifty jumped 80.65 points, or 0.68 per cent, to 11,924.75 -- a closing peak for the index. During the day, the bourse hit a high of 11,957.15 and a low of 11,812.40. Tata Steel was the biggest gainer in the Sensex pack, rallying 5.78 per cent; followed by Yes Bank, NTPC, L&T, Axis Bank, SBI, M&M, HDFC twins, Vedanta, HUL, PowerGrid, ICICI Bank, Kotak Bank, HCL, TCS and ITC, gaining up to 3.79 per cent. On the other hand, IndusInd Bank, RIL, Asian Paints, Bharti Airtel, ONGC, Maruti, Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors, Bajaj Finance, Coal India, Hero MotoCorp, Sun Pharma and Infosys ended in the red, shedding up to 2.37 per cent. The broader BSE midcap and smallcap indices outperformed benchmarks, ending up to 1.77 per cent higher. According to experts, the market is witnessing a board-based rally expecting better outlook for the economy in the next one to two quarters, experts said. Domestic and foreign investors have been euphoric ever since Modi-led NDA registered a thumping victory in the Lok Sabha polls. Foreign institutional investors bought equity worth Rs 2,026.33 crore on Friday, while domestic institutional investors sold shares to the tune of Rs 195.35 crore, provisional data available with stock exchanges showed. Meanwhile, the Indian rupee depreciated marginally to 69.59 against the US dollar. Brent crude, the global benchmark, was trading at 67.50 per barrel, higher by 0.04 per cent. Globally, bourses in Asia ended on a mixed note, while those in Europe were trading in the green in their respective early deals. Deepika Padukone on her life after marriage, husband Ranveer Singh and why she never intended to keep her wedding a secret. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singhs wedding was indeed one of the biggest Bollywood events of last year. It saw the couple pulling off various looks and was definitely the talk of the town for a long time. No doubt their wedding pictures resembled a royal affair, as Sabyasachi adorned the couple from head to toe in his designs. At an event for the professional members of The Business of Fashion at Soho House in Mumbai, Deepika and Sabyasachi joined Imran Amed for a conversation about entrepreneurship and craftsmanship. During the course of the conversation, the actor also discussed her marriage. As the wedding day is one of the most special days in a brides life, Deepika reveals her personal take on what it means to be married. Your wedding is that one big day when you want to look forward in your life and also want to look your best. Why is it important? Because it takes you into the next phase of your life. Whenever you get married to somebody, you are entering into unknown territory, she says. Adding further, she reveals, While you know that person, but the coming together of two distinct individuals and what that life is going to be like, is always exciting, intimidating and is a new chapter in your life. Further, the actor reveals that she planned the wedding on her own as her husband was busy with his work commitments. I, almost, single-handedly did the entire wedding. Ranveer was busy last year; he was doing three to four films back to back. Fortunately, he managed to take time out for that, but he literally didnt have time before and after. I had the support of my father-in-law and mother-in-law. Also Ranveers granny was unwell, so he was busy with that, says the Tamasha actress. Among all the preparations, it was definitely the wedding and the reception attires that left everyone speechless. Revealing that she had always known that she would choose Sabyasachis creations, the actor says, I was very clear that whenever I get married, he will definitely be one of the designers. And while my parents were deciding on the date, when I had to pick up the first person to call, and I called him. My stylist or my friends didnt know anything, so other than my immediate family, he was the first person to know. She also asserts that it wasnt a conscious decision to keep the marriage a hush-hush affair. So, it was about just trying to get things done and we were not planning to keep it a secret. Of course, there was a lot of speculations but when we thought things are under control, we made an announcement, she says. As Deepika and Ranveer have strong family backgrounds, it is inevitable for the couple to know the importance of family in their lives. Talking about it, Deepika says, We both have been brought up in a way where the family is extremely important. While on the outside, we look like completely different people, but at the core of it, I feel, we are exactly the same. I moved out of my home at a very young age. I moved to Mumbai to pursue my career in modelling and acting. So, I think we wanted to be with somebody, to come home to somebody and to have a family. I think, for me, it is very important and thats my perspective. Deepika, who was last seen on the screen in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Padmaavat, will be now seen in Meghna Gulzars Chhapaak, releasing next year. As her break came to an end when she started shooting for the latter, the actor reveals that her hiatus wasnt because of her marriage. I wanted to do things that make me and my soul happy, and not to be on a schedule constantly. I had taken a year off professionally. So, it is not like I took the time off to get married and creatively nothing was excited. It only makes sense when I am happy and exciting to be on sets. I like to do things a certain way. In Bala, Yami will be seen sharing the screen space with her Vicky Donor co-star Ayushmann Khurrana after a gap of six years. It seems to be a growing phase for Yami Gautam. She is working extra hours to complete her Kanpur schedule for Dinesh Vijan film Bala, as she is keen to join Hrithik Roshan in China. Yami will be wrapping up Balas Kanpur schedule early to join Hrithik for the promotions of Kaabil in China as the film is set to release there on June 5. For Yami, it was a milestone hit, making it her first film that grossed more than Rs 150 crores. Im elated with the news of the film releasing in China. Kaabil has been a special film for me, and Im glad that its still travelling across and finding new audiences and love, said Yami. In Bala, Yami will be seen sharing the screen space with her Vicky Donor co-star Ayushmann Khurrana after a gap of six years. The film that dwells on the topic of premature balding stars Bhumi Pednekar in the lead. The YSRCP chief said he had invited the PM and the BJP chief to his swearing-in on May 30 in Vijayawada. New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh chief minister-designate Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Sunday, said his party could only request and not demand or command the special category status that will be a lifeline for the state which faces a debt of Rs 2.58 lakh crores. Mr Reddy, whose YSR Congress Party stormed to power on Thursday with a landslide win in the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls, said he requested the Prime Minister to be magnanimous towards the people of Andhra Pradesh. He also met BJP president Amit Shah and asked for his support on the issue. Today, we might not get it (special category status). We have to be at somebodys mercy but I will remind him (Modi) again and again and someday things will change, Mr Reddy told reporters after meeting Mr Modi at his 7 Lok Kalyan Marg residence. It would have been a wonderful moment for the YSRCP had the NDA won only 250 seats but it got 353 seats in the parliamentary election, he said, adding: So they dont need us (to form government), they are strong. There is very little we can do in demanding and commanding. But yes, we did meet the Prime Minister and explained to him why the special category status is so important for us, Mr Reddy said. He explained to the PM that the special category status was a lifeline for the debt-ridden state as Andhra Pradesh needs funds. and the PMs support is needed to run the state efficiently. Today, the states debt burden is very high. The debt was at Rs 97,000 crores when the state was bifurcated. In the last five years, our debt has swelled up to Rs 2.58 lakh crores. Our interest repayment alone is Rs 20,000 crores per annum, he said. This is the kind of situation we are in. We did explain to him that this being the situation, we need a lifeline from you, he said, adding that this was the states right and if he stops fighting for it, no one else will take interest. Mr Reddy said he was happy the Prime Minister gave him a patient hearing. He listened to the whole thing and was positive. Thats a good sign. From here, we are hoping that things would come out positively in a better shape, he said, adding he will continue to press his demands with Mr Modi on the issue. Every time I meet him, I will definitely make it a point to remind him of the issue. Will remind him this was the word given on the floor of Parliament, he said. The special category status is a major demand of the YSRCP and Mr Reddy, during his election campaign, had said he would support the party at the national level which promises to grant this status to Andhra Pradesh. Mr Reddy also mentioned he met the BJP president, the second-most powerful person in the country, to seek his support for the states key demands. In his meeting with Telangana chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday, Mr Reddy said he had sought his support on the special status demand in Parliament, and also talked about having friendly ties between neighbouring states to resolve the issues pending after the bifurcation. The YSRCP chief said he had invited the PM and the BJP chief to his swearing-in on May 30 in Vijayawada. The YSRCP chief also interacted with officials at Andhra Bhavan here. Mr Reddys party won 151 of the 175 Assembly and 22 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh, the elections for which were held on April 11. There were protests in Budgam outside the Rashtriya Rifle camp for detaining the youth following the killing of Zakir Musa. Srinagar: A local Kashmiri minor boy was injured after clashes erupted in central Kashmirs Budgam district on Friday after the killing of militant commander Zakir Musa in south Kashmir. The 14-year-old boy of Soibug village was referred to the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences. He is in a critical condition and being treated for head injury. There was contusion (brain injury and blood leaking into brain tissue) in his brain due to trauma. We operated on him and he is on ventilator on double support, Hindustan Times has quoted Dr Farooq Jan, medical superintendent of SKIMS to have said. There were protests in Budgam outside the Rashtriya Rifle camp for detaining the youth following the killing of Zakir Musa. They alleged that the youth was beaten by the Army personnel. The local police is investigating the matter. Police said that the Army handed over three youth to the locals besides handing over two more youth to their parents allegedly injured on Saturday. Superintendent of Police, Budgam, Amod Nagpuri said,Parents of these youth protested alleging that their sons were beaten by army men in custody and then handed over to them with injuries. One of them is a minor. The counter version is that he fell down while runningaway and injured himself. We are investigating. BJP won 28 out of 29 seats in MP, leaving Congress to bag the lone seat of Chhindwara. Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath on Sunday said he never asked All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Rahul Gandhi for party ticket for his son in the just-concluded Lok Sabha elections. Reacting to reports that Mr Gandhi was upset with some senior Congress leaders for pushing for tickets for their sons and putting their wards interests ahead of the party, Mr Nath said, I never asked (for ticket for his son). He, however, refused to say anything further on the issue. Mr Naths son Nakul contested from Chhindwara LS constituency in MP as a Congress candidate and won the elections by defeating his nearest BJP rival by a margin of over 38,000 votes. Mr Nath also ruled out possibility of stepping down from the post of chief minister in the wake of severe drubbing suffered by ruling Congress at the hand of BJP in the Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh. BJP won 28 out of 29 seats in MP, leaving Congress to bag the lone seat of Chhindwara. Why should I quit? What is the provocation (for his resignation)? There is no need for it, he said. Mr Nath also dismissed the reports that he had offered to resign from the post of MP Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president in the wake of dismal show of the party in the LS polls in the state, clarifying that he wanted to be relieved of the charge of the party post after he became chief minister. But, I have not made any such offer (post- LS poll results), he added. Interestingly, several ministers in the Kamal Nath cabinet such as Jitu Patwari and Imarti Devi on Sunday openly demanded to replace Mr Nath in the PCC chief post with Jyotiraditya Scindia who has lost LS polls from Guna. Incidentally, Congress Legislature Party, which met in Bhopal in the evening, reposed faith in Mr Naths leadership. The meeting was held in the backdrop of the Congress winning just 52 Lok Sabha seats and drawing a nought in 18 states and Union Territories. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, arrive for the Congress Working Committee meeting in New Delhi on Saturday. (Photo: AP) New Delhi: Amid rumblings within the party after a disastrous performance in the Lok Sabha polls, Congress chief is said to have accused three senior leaders of placing their respective sons above the party while his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has alleged the entire top-brass left him alone to fight it out against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party sources said. Narrating inside details of the crucial Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, which was held on Saturday to assess the partys poll rout, the party leaders said Rahul Gandhi did a lot of plain-speaking in his surgical analysis of the role of several party leaders while himself offering to quit as the party president. He also said he does not want any other member of the Gandhi family to succeed him, virtually ruling out Priyanka as well for the top party position. Party sources said the top leadership is working out possible strategies for its future course of action, even as there are rumblings within the Congress over the turn of events at the CWC meeting. The meeting was held in the backdrop of the Congress winning just 52 Lok Sabha seats and drawing a nought in 18 states and Union Territories. Mr Gandhi himself lost from the family bastion of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, though he won from Wayanad in Kerala. Stating that Priyanka lost her cool more than once during the four-hour long CWC deliberations, a party leader present there said the AICC general secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh said, All those responsible for the partys defeat are sitting in this room. When some party leaders were trying to convince Mr Gandhi to take back his resignation, which he had offered taking moral responsibility for the Congress debacle, Priyanka is learnt to have intervened saying, Where were you when my brother was fighting all by himself and alone? Priyanka sat through the meeting, looking visibly anguished, and interjected twice at least, while saying on one occasion, No one supported the Congress president in taking forward the narrative of Rafale and chowkidar chor hai. Mr Gandhi, who left the meeting abruptly and was adamant there on not continuing as the Congress president, also ticked off three senior party leaders former union minister P. Chidambaram, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath and Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot saying they placed their sons before party interests. Mr Chidambarams son Karti and Mr Naths son Nakul managed to win the Lok Sabha elections from their respective seats, but Mr Gehlots son Vaibhav lost. CWC sources said that when former Guna MP Jyotiraditya Scindia urged Mr Gandhi to strengthen the state leaderships of the party, the party president quipped looking at Mr Chidambaram, saying that Mr Chidambaram threatened to resign if a ticket was denied to his son. About Mr Nath, who was absent from the CWC meeting, Mr Gandhi said, Mr Nath said how could he be the CM if his son was not fielded. Taunting Mr Gehlot, the Congress president said the Rajasthan CM spent seven days campaigning for his son in Jodhpur neglecting the rest of the state. Mr Gandhi is learnt to have voiced his disappointment at the state of affairs in the party when he said to the CWC why cant anyone else be Congress chief. Sources said Priyanka also urged her brother not to resign saying it would be like falling into BJPs trap. Mr Gandhi also expressed his displeasure at not being supported in the Rafale campaign and is said to have asked the party leaders present in the meeting how many of them backed him in building the corruption narrative against Prime Minister Modi. When some leaders raised their hands to say that they spoke about Rafale, Mr Gandhi is said to have dismissed them. The realisation seemed to have dawned upon the seer following Mr Singhs defeat in the Lok Sabha election. Bhopal: Self-styled god man Computer Baba alias Namdeo Tyagi, who had conducted havan to ensure victory of Congress candidate Digvijay Singh from Bhopal in the recently held Lok Sabha elections, on Sunday conceded that, Democracy is more powerful than divine power. The realisation seemed to have dawned upon the seer following Mr Singhs defeat in the Lok Sabha election. No divine power will work before peoples verdict, he added. Mr Singh was troun-ced by BJPs Pragya Sin-gh Thakur by a margin of over 3.64 lakh votes in Bhopal. The controversial religious leader had stirred hornets nest when he performed a mass havan in an open ground in Bhopal around two weeks before the city went to LS polls on May 12, to ensure Mr Singhs victory in the elections. Mr Singh and his wife Amrita had also participated in the religious event. The religious leader, who was accorded status of minister of state (MOS) along with four others from his fraternity during the previous Shivraj Singh Chouhan had turned rebel when he was denied ticket by BJP in the last years assembly elections and campaigned for Congress then. He has been made the head of a newly constituted trust to oversee preservation of Narmada river after Kamal Nath government came to power in MP six months ago. Surendra Singh, a close aide of Smriti Irani, was shot dead on Saturday night by unknown assailants.. Amethi: Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of a BJP worker in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district two days ago, police said on Monday. Director General of Police (DGP) O P Singh said there was a local-level political rivalry between the deceased, Surendra Singh, 50, and the father of one of the accused. "We have arrested three persons. After the incident was reported, as many as seven people were taken into custody and they were thoroughly quizzed," Singh told reporters here. "Among the seven people, there were three who were linked with the incident." Amethi Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar said. Those arrested have been identified as Ramchandra, Dharmanath and Naseem, while two persons were absconding. Singh, a close aide of newly-elected Amethi MP Smriti Irani, was shot when he was sleeping in his house at Baraulia village, 25 km from the district headquarters, on Saturday night. The former village head was referred to a Lucknow hospital but succumbed to injuries during treatment. "The incident is a result of old enmity. There was tension between the slain ex-pradhan and Dharamnath since the last panchayat election," the SP said. Both were preparing for the coming panchayat election that is likely to be held later this year, police sources said. The DGP said a .315 bore countrymade pistol and a blood-stained towel had been recovered from Ramchandra, whose motorcycle was also used in the incident and is yet to be recovered. The officer said the towel had been sent for forensic examination. "In unveiling the entire case, the police have examined circumstantial evidence and electronic surveillance," he said. Singh said Atul Singh and Waseem, who are on the run, have been traced at Delhi and Lucknow. The arrests come a day after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had directed the DGP to take effective action in the case. Irani, who met the deceased's family in Amethi on Sunday, had alleged that Singh was killed so that the constituency could be "terrorised, disintegrated and bowed down." Recently, the Congress government constituted a textbook revision committee in the school education department. Jaipur: Former Rajasthan education minister Vasudev Devnani Monday flayed the state Congress government for affixing son of Portugal to RSS ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkars description in class 10 social science textbooks. Recently, the Congress government constituted a textbook revision committee in the school education department. Based on the committees findings, the department revised a short biography of RSS ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar introduced by the previous BJP government. Now, in the textbooks it is mentioned Savarkar had described himself as son of Portugal when seeking clemency from the British government in 1910-11. In a series of tweets on Monday, Mr Devnani said the state government sho-uld take inspiration from former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who had described Savarkar as the byword for daring and patriotism. The former prime minister had called Savarkar a classical revolutionary and countless people drew inspiration from him, MrDevnani said. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi recognised and hailed the legacy of great freedom fighter Veer Savarkar. The then government had issued a commemorative stamp on Veer Savarkar in 1970. Indira Gandhi had donated a sum of `11,000 from her personal account to Savarkar Trust and ordered the Films Division to produce a documentary on his life, Mr Devnani tweeted. The former state minister said calling the freedom fighter son of Portugal is an insult. He alleged the Congress government had the single-point agenda of insulting heroic characters and eulogising only one family. Rajasthan education minister Govind Singh Dotasara said the changes were made by the experts committee. What can I say? A committee of experts have written it based on authenticity and their recommendations. I can only say that whatever has been written in the textbooks have been written based on the recommendations of educationists, Mr Dotasara said. In other changes, the committee removed the prefix Veer from Savakars name in the textbooks and it now refers to him as Vinayak Damodar Savarkar who plotted assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, who was killed by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948, less than a year after India gained Independence from Britain. The decision was taken in a party's political affairs committee meeting, chaired by AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Singh will soon visit Odisha and hold meetings with the party members in the state, it said. (Photo: File) New Delhi: Days after a crushing defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, the Aam Aadmi Party has appointed its senior leader Sanjay Singh as in-charge of the party's state units of Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The decision was taken in a party's political affairs committee meeting, chaired by AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a party statement said. Singh will soon visit Odisha and hold meetings with the party members in the state, it said. The AAP suffered a debilitating blow in the just concluded general elections, winning only one out of the 40 seats it contested across the country. Richwood, TX (77531) Today Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 71F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 71F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. The Congress party failed to win even a single seat in the state in the Lok Sabha polls. The BJP and its ally won all 25 seats. Many party leaders have asked for 'change in leadership' and 'resignation' of those responsible for the party's worst ever electoral show in the state. (Photo: File | PTI) Jaipur: After suffering a humiliating drubbing in the Lok Sabha elections, internal bickering has begun haunting Rajasthan Congress with top state leaders facing the ire of party rank and file. Many party leaders have asked for 'change in leadership' and 'resignation' of those responsible for the party's worst ever electoral show in the state. The Congress party failed to win even a single seat in the state in the Lok Sabha polls. The BJP and its ally won all 25 seats. After the 'purported resignation' letter of Minister Lalchand Kataria went viral on social media, Ramesh Chanda Meena called for introspection in the party. Senior party leader and Cabinet Minister Udaylal Anjana has questioned the ticket distribution. "Defeat is a cause of concern but why should I resign from the post of the minister which I have got with such a difficulty," he asked. It is learnt Congress party Rahul Gandhi at the recently held Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting accused three senior Congress leaders including Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot of putting their sons above the party's interests in the Lok Sabha polls. The party had fielded Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's son Vaibhav Gehlot from Jodhpur but he lost to BJP's Gajendra Shekhawat by 2.7 lakh votes. The BJP, however, is enjoying rumblings within the Congress party. "We have always said the Congress party practices dynasty politics. So far as the formation of government in the state is concerned, everything is possible in politics," said BJP's state unit president Madan Lal Saini. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analysis et al. Happy reading. Rahul Gandhi's resignation proposal was unanimously rejected by the party in the CWC meet. New Delhi: Congress president Rahul Gandhi was reported to be adamant on his stand of stepping down from his post after the dismal performance of the party in the recently concluded general election. Earlier, Gandhi had offered to resign in the Congress Working Committee, which met on Saturday to deliberate on the partys loss, but his resignation proposal was unanimously rejected. NDTV has reported that the Congress chief has refused to meet the newly elected lawmakers and has taken the final call of quitting from the party post. Reports said that the Gandhi scion met senior Congress leaders Ahmed Patel and K C Venugopal and communicated his stand to them. Gandhi, however, would give the party some time to choose a new leader and would continue to chair the party for the time being. Gandhi reportedly made it clear that he would not "vanish" and would continue to work for the party. "It is not necessary that the president should be from Gandhi family," the news reported quoted him. When Priyanka Gandhi's name came up as an alternative, Gandhi reportedly said: "Don't drag my sister into it." Sources have confirmed that despite various party leaders have asked him to stay, Gandhi was unmoved. Officially, the Congress tried to underplay this news by calling the news reports as speculation. The partys statement came after media reports quoted sources to suggest that Gandhi continued to insist on his resignation as party president despite the CWC rejecting it. Congress spokesperson has tweeted the party's official press statement in this regard. CWC is a democratic forum to exchange ideas & take corrective action. Congress expects everyone including the media to respect the sanctity of a closed door meet. Various conjectures, speculations, insinuations, gossip & rumour mongering in a section of media is unwarranted. pic.twitter.com/t9W83Itp9x Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) May 27, 2019 "The Congress party expects everyone including the media to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculations, insinuations, assumptions, gossip and rumour mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted," the press statement read. Through the letter, the party requested the media to avoid engaging in speculation regarding the decisions to be taken by Congress. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analyses etc all. Happy reading. The NDA comprising of BJP, JD(U) and LJP won 39 out of 40 seats in Bihar. The dissident in the RJD has been brewing since Lalu Yadav handed over reins of the party to his younger son Tejashwi Yadav after he was convicted and jailed in the fodder scam. (Photo: ANI/twitter) Patna: In the first sign of discontent brewing within the RJD following its defeat, a senior party leader and five-time MLA from Gaighat constituency Maheshwar Yadav has come out in the open to protest against the party leadership. He said, Tejashwi Yadav should resign as the leader of the opposition on moral grounds after the partys humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha election. Maheshwar Yadavs hard-hitting statement is likely to create flutter not only in the RJD but also in the grand alliance which was reduced to just one seat in the recently concluded general election. The NDA comprising of BJP, JD(U) and LJP won 39 out of 40 seats in Bihar. Congress managed to win only Kishanganj seat while RJD, HAM, RLSP, and VIP couldnt win even a single seat in the Lok Sabha election. RJD leader Maheshwar Yadav has raised the banner of revolt a day ahead of proposed meeting to assess the partys humiliating defeat in the election. In 2014, the RJD had won 4 seats despite massive Modi wave in the country. According to sources, besides Mr. Yadav, there are many others in the party who have been raising their voices against Tejashwi Yadav after the poll results. Party insiders claim that few leaders may intensify their demand for Tejashwi Yadavs resignation during the partys meeting on Tuesday". The dissident in the RJD has been brewing since Lalu Yadav handed over reins of the party to his younger son Tejashwi Yadav after he was convicted and jailed in the fodder scam. Senior party leaders are miffed at having been overlooked and a rank newcomer with little political experience being given control of the party. I fail to understand why he (Tejashwi Yadav) was made the leader of opposition in the state assembly when we have several mature and experienced leaders in our party. The party could even split if he doesnt resign from the post, RJD MLA Maheshwar Yadav said. Trinamul Congress fumes, calls allegation baseless. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with BJP president Amit Shah and UP CM Yogi Adityanath during a meeting with the party workers in Varanasi on Monday. (Photo: PTI) Varanasi/Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday alleged that BJP workers in West Bengal were being killed only for their political ideology, a charge dismissed as baseless by the ruling Trinamool Congress(TMC). The TMC claimed that on the contrary it was their members who were being targeted in political violence in the state. The fresh war of words between Mr Modi and the TMC came a day after a BJP worker Chandan Shaw was shot dead in Bhatpara in North 24 Parganas district that has already triggered a blame game. The BJP alleged a TMC hand behind the killing while the ruling party dismissed the allegation as baseless. A 23-year-old BJP worker was shot dead in Nadia districts Chakdaha town on Friday night, with the saffron party alleging that TMC men were behind the incident. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjeeon Saturday said the killing might have been a result of infighting within the BJP. Addressing a rally during a thanksgiving visit to Varanasi from where he won the Lok Sabha polls for the second time, Modi spoke about the dangers faced by his party in the form of political untouchability and political violence in which party workers were being killed in Bengal for their ideology. Take the cases of Kerala or Kashmir, Bengal or Tripura, it will not come in the media. Some people have selective sensitivity. Hundreds of workers have been killed only for political ideology. In Tripura, workers were hanged. In Bengal, murders are still on. In Kerala too... Perhaps, in India only one political party has faced such killings. Violence has been given legitimacy. This is a danger before us, Mr Modi said. This is the second time Modi has emerged victorious from Varanasi parliamentary seat. New Delhi/Varanasi: Four days after he steered the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi was back in Varanasi on Monday to thank voters, party workers and offer prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Thanking the electorate, Mr Modi said that despite facing political untouchability and political violence, the BJP has worked on its chemistry with people to beat all poll arithmetic. Political pundits are not aware that their thinking and logic is meant for the 20th century. Results show that beyond arithmetic there is chemistry and this time chemistry has triumphed over arithmetic, Mr Modi said while addressing people. Calling himself a sevak of Varanasi, Mr Modi offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple after a roadshow. For the country I am the PM, but for you I am your MP, I am your sevak, he told the Varanasi electorate. Mr Modi was accompanied by BJP president Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath. An LED screen had been installed at the entrance of Kashi Vishwanath temple that live-streamed visuals from inside as PM Modi offered prayers. This is the second time Mr Modi has emerged victorious from Varanasi parliamentary seat. He won by a margin of 4,79,000 votes. Wondering aloud why political pundits still considered his party as one that belongs to the Hindi heartland, Mr Modi said at a meeting of BJP workers, There is no region where the BJPs poll percentage is not rising. We have a government in Assam, getting elected in Ladakh yet political pundits say (ours is) Hindi heartland politics. This is a misconception that has been created. While admitting that politics is about perception, Mr Modi lamented that a wrong impression had been created about his party through lies and wrong logic. Because of this wrong awful perception, people do not like standing with us. But those creating bad and wrong perception can be defeated with the help of transparency and hard work. This is the strategy to trounce it, he said. Mr Modi also talked about the dangers faced by the BJP in the form of political untouchability and political violence. Take the cases of Kerala or Kashmir, Bengal or Tripura (These cases) will not come in the media. Some people have selective sensitivity. Hundreds of workers have been killed only for political ideology. In Tripura workers were hanged, in Bengal murders are still on, in Kerala too... Perhaps in India only one political party has faced such killings. Violence has been given legitimacy. This is a danger before us Babasaheb Bhimrao (Ambedkar) and (Mahatma) Gandhi had shunned untouchability but, unfortunately, political untouchability is rising... BJP workers were murdered, he said. Mr Modis remarks assumed significance in the light of the murder of the BJP leader in Amethi in the first post-poll violence in Uttar Pradesh. Mr Modi said that despite such hatred, BJPs mantra remains Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and unlike others his party has not come under the pressure of vote bank politics that has spoiled democracy. Stressing on the significance of Opposition in democracy, he said, When others come to power, there is no sign of Opposition. He cited the example of Tripura where there was no Opposition during the decades of Left rule but now that we are in government there is a jaandar and shandar vipaksh. This is the spirit of democracy. He said that the hat trick of victories in 2014, 2017 and 2019 in Uttar Pradesh is no mean achievement for the BJP. Work and workers create wonders, Mr Modi said, giving full credit for his victory to workers at the grassroots level for creating awareness about his governments policies and programmes for the people. In last years Assembly elections, the Congress won 114 seats and the BJP came a close second with 109 legislators. New Delhi: Amid talk of instability after its poor show in Lok Sabha polls, the Kamal Nath-led Congress government in Madhya Pradesh got a breather when ruling party MLAs, along with those of the BSP, the SP and the Independents supporting the government from outside, unequivocally supported the chief minister during a meeting held in Bhopal. The legislators meeting on Sunday that gave Mr Nath a fresh mandate was the first after the disastrous performance of the Congress in the parliamentary elections in which it won only one of the 29 seats in the state. Asserting that there is no threat to his five-month-old government, Mr Nath said, Let the floor test takes place. We are ready for it. Asked about the Congress poor performance in Lok Sabha elections, Mr Nath said, During the brief period that we got, we are unable to apprise people about the number of welfare schemes implemented for them. In the meeting on Sunday, two BSP MLAs, one SP lawmaker and four Independents also pledged support to the Congress-led government. Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Digvijaya Singh was also present in the meeting which confirmed that the Nath government enjoys the backing of 121 MLAs in the 230-member Assembly. In last years Assembly elections, the Congress won 114 seats and the BJP came a close second with 109 legislators. Two short of the majority mark of 116, the Congress took support of the BSP and the SP in the House. Sources said there were some unhappy voices at the meeting. Some legislators asked Mr Nath to accept the BJPs challenge and take a floor test. A few leaders complained about poor representation of Scheduled Tribe MLAs in the Cabinet. A section of Congress MLAs raised the issue of Lok Sabha poll losses caused due to the induction of BJP rebels in Gwalior and Chambal areas. Mr Nath offered to hold a separate meeting over the issue, sources said. The BJP had recently asked governor Anandiben Patel to call for a floor test of the Congress-led government. Mr Nath had accused the BJP of offering up to Rs 25 crore each to his MLAs to switch sides and bring down his government. Apart from communities where period is celebrated, 70 per cent of girls in India have not heard about menstruation prior to menarche. While period parties are celebrated with much pomp and show, in many parts of India the society still ignores the menstrual hygiene. For 14-year-old Nisha, those four days are extremely difficult. She is not allowed to lead a normal life, where she could play, hang out with other boys and girls in her class, help her mother in domestic chores. She feels completely alienated and wishes she were not born a girl. Nisha is not alone. There are scores of girls and women in India who go through similar apathy. While schools shy away from teaching about it, social circles close doors to the topic. This has led to unsafe and unhygienic practices. In fact, periods are painful for most girls, more so because of the taboo associated with it. While period parties are celebrated amid much pomp and show in many parts of India, the society still ignores the hygiene related to it. The United Nations has recognized menstrual hygiene as a global health issue that calls for rights. A UNICEF report points out many girls do not have complete and accurate understanding of menstruation as a normal biological process. Educating girls before their first period -- and, importantly, boys -- on menstruation, builds their confidence, contributes to social solidarity and encourages healthy habits. Such information should be provided at home and at school. Every month, millions of adolescent girls go through a cycle of pain, anxiety, and isolation during menstrual periods. In many cases women have less access to sanitary pads, tampons or menstrual cups hence they have to resort to old clothes, or other improvised materials like sand, ash, whole leaf to name a few obscurities. Menstrual hygiene management can be particularly challenging for many in developing countries, where clean water and toilet facilities are often inadequate hence causing many health issues. The two main taboos are: one, discussing menstruation is anathema; and two, womens bodies are impure or unclean when they menstruate. They are often prohibited from going into places of worship, from touching holy books, and from touching utensils or even pickles. Women are therefore unaware of menstruation hygiene. says Dr Sadhana Kala, Apollo Cradle. In addition, traditions have made it difficult to discuss about menstruation openly leaving many questions behind. During periods a lot of girls are forced to miss their school and are not allowed to enter the kitchen or temples. Some are told not to be in contact with any male members, making it difficult for them to carry forward their daily chores. A recent survey brought out some shocking facts. It is estimated that only 12 per cent of Indias 355 million menstruating women can afford to use sanitary protection. It is believed that apart from the communities where it is celebrated, 70 per cent of girls in India have not heard about menstruation prior to menarche. In urban India, between 43 per cent and 88 per cent of adolescent girls use reusable clothes for their periods, and fail to clean them properly. For most girls, management of menstrual pain is a key concern, yet little sympathy or attention is given to those facing this regular pain or facing issues like inadequate menstrual flow, a blockage or blood clots. Improper menstrual hygiene can lead to infections in the genital area. These can cause itching, redness, and foul smelling, curdy-yellow discharge. If not treated, the infection can go into upper genital track and cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, severe pain and heavy bleeding during periods, and can form tubo-ovarian mass and cause infertility, explains Dr Kala. It is assumed that the risk of infection (including sexually transmitted infection) is higher than normal during menstruation because the blood coming out of the body creates a pathway for bacteria to travel back into the uterus making is a lot more dangerous if proper feminine hygiene is not taken care of. However rapid urbanization, growing middle class, increasing disposable incomes, rising awareness and growing number of working women are breaking all the myths and taboos. Initiatives by the government, social sector and other private entities are helping increase awareness of personal hygiene in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Many start-ups are now offering affordable and innovative products leading a revolution in diverse intimate hygiene solutions. Its time to abolish the absurd silence and shame around this natural biological event. Hinting at Mr Kejriwal, she said that action should be taken against those who took all the decisions while sitting in a closed room. New Delhi: Disgruntled Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Alka Lamba has announced that she would leave the party next year. My journey started with you in 2013 and will end in 2020. My best wishes will be with the dedicated revolutionary ground workers of the party; hopefully you will remain a strong alternative in Delhi. The last six years have been memorable and I have learnt a lot from you, the Chandni Chowk MLA said in a tweet. She did not say whether she would quit AAP before or after the Assembly election due in Delhi next year. Ms Lamba has been at odds with the party for some time now. On Saturday, Ms Lamba sought accountability from AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on the crushing defeat of the party in the Lok Sabha polls, following which she was removed from the official WhatsApp group of the party lawmakers. Notably, AAP did not win any of the seven parliamentary seats in Delhi. Ms Lamba shared screenshots of the WhatsApp group on Twitter, where it can be seen that she was removed from the group by AAPs Northeast Delhi candidate Dilip Pandey. She lashed out at Mr Kejriwal, asking why she was being held responsible for the partys loss in the Lok Sabha elections. Hinting at Mr Kejriwal, she said that action should be taken against those who took all the decisions while sitting in a closed room. I have always been telling the party what you (Kejriwal) are telling them now. I am sometimes added to the group, sometimes removed. It would have been better if a meeting was held to introspect, look at the shortcomings, and move ahead, she said. This is the second time that Ms Lamba has been dropped from the WhatsApp group. Previously, she was dropped in December last year when she raised objection to AAPs resolution to revoke Rajiv Gandhis Bharat Ratna. However, she was added before campaigning for Lok Sabha polls started and was expected to campaign for the party. However, Ms Lamba refused to campaign for the party and even refrained from participating in Mr Kejriwals roadshow after she was asked to walk behind his car during the event. In April, Ms Lamba engaged in a bitter Twitter spat with AAPs Greater Kailash MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj, who had taunted her to resign from the party. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analyses etc all. Happy reading. The agency has asked Kumar to appear before it at its Kolkata office on Monday for questioning in connection with the case. New Delhi: The CBI on Sunday issued a lookout notice against former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar, whose custodial interrogation it sought in connection withthe multi-crore Saradha scam, to prevent him from leaving the country. Meanwhile, the agency has asked Kumar to appear before it at its Kolkata office on Monday for questioning in connection with the case. A team of CBI officials visited Kumars house in Kolkata on Sunday to serve him summons for the questioning. Sources in the Central probe agency said all airports and immigration authorities have been alerted by the CBI to prevent him from leaving the country and intimate the agency on any possible move. The agency wants interrogation of Mr Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, in connection with `2,500 crore Saradha ponzi scam as he was heading the Special Investigation Team of West Bengal Police to probe the case before CBI took over, they added. Earlier, the CBI had told the Supreme Court that custodial interrogation of Kumar was necessary as he was not co-operating with the probe and he was evasive and arrogant in answering queries put to him during his questioning by the agency. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was appearing for the CBI had said Mr Kumar was the in-chargeof investigation by the SIT and had allowed the release of mobile phones and laptops, containing crucial records of alleged involvement of political functionaries in the scam, which were seized from the accused. Mr Mehta had said the seized mobile phones and laptops were not even sent for forensic examination and material evidence was destroyed in the case. The apex court had last month asked CBI to furnish evidence for seeking custodial interrogation of Mr Kumar in the Saradha case, saying it has to be satisfied that the agency's request was bona fide and not for political purposes. The apex court on May 17 had withdrawn protection given to Kumar from any arrest. We have withdrawn the protection given to Rajeev Kumar vide order dated February 5, the Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi had said but gave a weeks time to Kumar to approach competent court for bail. In the Lok Sabha polls, Congress was unable to even open its account in Delhi whereas BJP won all the seven seats with heavy margins. New Delhi: Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Sheila Dikshit has constituted a five-member committee, consisting of former MP Parvez Hashmi; former city ministers Dr AK Walia and Dr Yoganand Shastri; partys national spokesperson Pawan Khera; and former legislator Jaikishan, to enquire in depth the reasons behind the partys defeat in the 17th Lok Sabha elections in Delhi. The committee will probe into the reasons for the partys debacle and the steps which should be urgently taken to strengthen the organisation to ensure its victory in the 2020 Assembly elections. The committee has been asked to submit its report to the DPCC president within 10 days. In the Lok Sabha polls, Congress was unable to even open its account in Delhi whereas BJP won all the seven seats with heavy margins. BJP sitting MP Parvesh Verma secured the highest number of votes and defeated his nearest rival, Congress candidate and former MP Mahabal Mishra, by a record margin of 5.78 lakh votes in West Delhi seat. Ms Dikshit was defeated by Delhi BJP chief and sitting MP Manoj Tiwari by a margin of about 3.66 lakh votes. The party was able to secure second position in five Lok Sabha seats. The party was, however, reduced to third slot in Northwest Delhi and South Delhi, where AAP candidates secured second position. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analyses etc all. Happy reading. Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi has congratulated all the successful candidates as well as their teachers and guardians. Students of Taki Girls celebrate their success in Higher Secondary examination in Kolkata on Monday. (Photo: PTI)(Photo: Representational) Kolkata: An estimated 86.29 per cent out of the nearly 8 lakh students passed the Higher Secondary examinations in West Bengal this year, the results of which were declared on Monday. West Bengal governor Keshari Nath Tripathi and chief minister Mamata Banerjee Monday congratulated all successful candidates of Higher Secondary Examination as well as their teachers and guardians. Out of a total of 7,77,266 candidates, who appeared for the examinations this year, 86.29 per cent students passed, the president of West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education, Mohua Das, told a press meet here. The overall pass percentage last year was 83.75 per cent, she said. A total of 7,818 candidates secured 90 per cent or above marks and 2,63,149 students secured 60 per cent or above marks in the examinations this year, Ms Das said. Ms Das said a total of 137 candidates were among the top 10 rankers from all the three streams science, arts and commerce. This year, every rank has been shared by more than one candidate, she added. Shovan Mondal from Birbhum Zilla School and Rajarshi Burman of Jenkins School in Cooch Behar jointly shared the first rank this year, Ms Das said. Both of them scored 498 out of 500 (99.6 per cent). The second rank was shared by six candidates, each of them scoring 496 (99.2 per cent), while the third rank was shared by four candidates and each of them scored 494 (98.8 per cent). Sanjukta Bose, who ranked second in the overall list, topped among girls. She is a student of Bidhannagar Government High School at Salt Lake in North 24 Parganas district. The examinations began on February 26 and ended on March 13, Ms Das said, adding, the results were out 74 days after the conclusion of the examinations. Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi has congratulated all the successful candidates as well as their teachers and guardians. He wished them a very bright future. Those who couldnt succeed in the exam have no occasion to lose heart for this one exam does not determine the entire life. They should remember that success is not for away, governor Tripathi said in a statement on Monday. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee also congratulated all students who excelled and those who passed the Higher Secondary examination. On Sunday, the NCP chief, who is on a tour of drought-affected regions in the state, visited par-ched villages at Indapur in Pune. Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar will meet Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday to demand a farm loan waiver for distressed farmers. On Sunday, the NCP chief, who is on a tour of drought-affected regions in the state, visited par-ched villages at Indapur in Pune. Mr Pawar said that he would request the chief minister to waive off farm loans. Once the new government is formed, it should immediately write off farm loans, he said. Ten days ago, the Maratha strongman had demanded that the governments spending on individual cattle at fodder camps be increased. A senior NCP leader said, Mr Pawar has sought an appointment with the chief minister on Monday over the farm loan waiver, but the chief ministers office is yet to confirm the timing. Mr Pawar said that the government has stored grain in vast quantities and, hence, there is no dearth of rice. The former Union agriculture minister will also suggest to the chief minister that as long as the state is ravaged by drought the government should supply grain to the people of affected areas. The 78-year-old leader also said that the government should bring an amendment in the National Food Security Act so that drought-affected people can avail themselves of grain. The NCP chief also assured the people of Indapur there would be enough water tankers to suit their demands. The NCP, with the help of the private organisations, is helping the drought-affected people of Satara and Ahmednagar districts by providing water tankers. The veteran leader has been touring drought-affected areas since the poll had concluded on April 29, the fourth phase of the general election in Mumbai. The former chief minister had visited Satara district on Saturday. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analyses etc all. Happy reading. BJP sources have disclosed that CM had assured him a ticket in the Assembly polls from the party and asked him to withdraw his nomination. Mumbai: Congress MLA Abdul Sattar, who was recently expelled from the party for indulging in anti-party activities, has indicated that he will join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) soon. Mr Sattar and disgruntled Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil were seen together at an event in Sangamner in Ahmednagar district. Speaking on the occasion, he said that several Congress leaders are on their way out and are likely to join the BJP. Whatever decision Mr Vikhe Patil takes, we will abide by that. His decision will be final for us, said Mr Sattar. He also said that Mr Vikhe Patil would be inducted into the state Cabinet. He will be made minister after June 1, he added. During the Lok Sabha polls, Mr Sattar had announced his support to Harshvardhan Jadhav, who contested as an independent from the Aurangabad. Mr Jadhav is a son-in-law of state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve. Mr Sattar, a legislator from Sillod in Aurangabad, was reportedly unhappy over Congress nominees for the Aurangabad and Jalna seats. The Congress has announced the names of Subhash Zambad, sitting member of legislative council (MLC) and Vilas Autade for the Aurangabad and Jalna LS constituencies respectively. Irked by this, Mr Sattar had resigned from his post of MLA and submitted his nomination as an independent candidate from the Aurangabad constituency. He had also met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis at his official residence, Varsha, to seek his support. However, he later withdrew his nomination. BJP sources have disclosed that CM had assured him a ticket in the Assembly polls from the party and asked him to withdraw his nomination. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analyses etc all. Happy reading. The prosecutors office says other passengers reported seeing the man convulsing in the early hours of Friday. Authorities identified the man only as Udo N and said he had travelled to Mexicos capital from Bogota, Colombia. (Representational Photo) Tokyo: Mexican prosecutors say a Japanese man who died aboard an airliner shortly after takeoff from Mexico City had ingested 246 packets of cocaine and went into cardiac arrest from a drug overdose. Sundays statement was issued by the attorney generals office for the northern state of Sonora, where an autopsy was performed following an emergency stop by the Aeromexico flight in Hermosillo. The prosecutors office says other passengers reported seeing the man convulsing in the early hours of Friday as the jetliner headed for Narita, Japan. Authorities identified the man only as Udo N and said he had travelled to Mexicos capital from Bogota, Colombia. Trump explicitly linked trade and security, a link that disturbs Tokyo, whose alliance with US stands at the core of its defence policies. On Sunday, Trump tweeted that he expected big moves on trade would wait until after Japans upper house election in July. (Photo:AP) Washington: US President Donald Trump pressed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday to even out a trade imbalance with the United States and expressed confidence, despite Japanese wariness, that good things would come from North Korea. Trump is on a four-day state visit to Japan meant to showcase the alliance between the two nations, but which has also been shadowed by trade tensions. Trump explicitly linked trade and security, a connection that disturbs Tokyo, whose alliance with Washington stands at the core of its defence policies. Its all a balance sheet thing, he said. When I talk about a security threat, I talk about a balance sheet. In order to have USD 716 billion dollars a year in military expenditures, you have to have a lot of money coming in, he said, adding that Japan had bought tremendous amounts of US military gear. On Sunday, Trump tweeted that he expected big moves on trade would wait until after Japans upper house election in July. Trade-wise, I think well be announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries, Trump said on Monday. Well get the balance of trade, I think, straightened out rapidly. ? Abe, who has developed close personal ties with Trump since the US leader came to office, stressed the closeness of ties. I am determined to demonstrate at home and abroad the very strong bond he said of the alliance in Japans new Reiwa era, which began on May 1 when Emperor Naruhito inherited the throne. Earlier, Trump was greeted by Naruhito and his Harvard-educated wife at the imperial palace in Tokyo in a formal welcome ceremony broadcast live on national television. He became the first foreign dignitary to be received by the monarch since the latter inherited the throne after his father, Akihito, stepped down in the first abdication by a Japanese emperor in two centuries. Trump gave a slight bow and he and First Lady Melania Trump shook hands with the imperial pair before entering the palace, to be met by Abe and his wife, Akie, among others. The president and emperor and their wives returned outside to walk a red carpet and stand under a hot sun while a military band played the national anthems of both countries. Trump then walked the red carpet again, waving at assembled school children and inspecting Japanese troops before a military band played a formal salute as he stood solemnly on a raised platform. Trump has made clear he was pleased to have the honour of the first reception with the emperor, who is hosting a lavish state dinner for the US leader and his wife on Monday. The two leaders have put on a show of friendship but have policy disagreements over trade and North Korea. Trump has threatened to target Japanese automakers with high tariffs in his effort to cut the US trade surplus and get a two-way trade pact with Tokyo. Trump has also spearheaded an expensive trade dispute with China. That trade war between the worlds two largest economies has hurt markets worldwide and confounded US allies, including Japan and the European Union. Such allies share US concerns about Chinese practices but object to Trumps hardball tactics. Abe and Trump are also set to discuss North Korea and Iran. I personally think that lots of good things will come with North Korea. I feel that. I may be right, I may be wrong, but I feel that, Trump said on Monday. On Sunday, Trump had said he was not worried about a recent missile launch by North Korea. That put him at odds with his own national security adviser, John Bolton, who said on Saturday Pyongyangs recent short-range missile tests violated United Nations Security Council resolutions. Abe is considering a trip to Iran next month, domestic media said, to try to soothe rising tension between Tehran and Washington. Trump said Abe had spoken to him on the subject. Well see what happens, Trump said. But I know for a fact that the prime minister is very close with the leadership of Iran, and well see what happens. Also on Monday, Trump will meet families of Japanese citizens abducted by Pyongyang decades ago. Elections to the European Parliament on the same day as Bremens parliamentary vote could pile further pressure on Merkels coalition. Many among the SPDs rank and file are fed up with serving as Merkels allies. (Photo:AP) Berlin: Voters in the northern state of Bremen look set to inflict a humiliating blow to Germanys Social Democrats (SPD), in an election on Sunday that could hasten the end of their loveless federal coalition with Chancellor Angela Merkels conservatives. Polls in Germanys smallest state, focused on the port city of the same name, are tight but indicate the SPD risks losing a stronghold it has ruled for 73 years. No other German state has been ruled by the same party for so long. Elections to the European Parliament on the same day as Bremens parliamentary vote could pile further pressure on Merkels grand coalition, with both conservatives and SPD likely to suffer heavy losses. First projections for both are due at 6 p.m. (1600 GMT). If the SPD loses Bremen, with the highest jobless level of any German state, to the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), pressure will mount on party leader Andrea Nahles to stand down or break with the federal coalition. Many among the SPDs rank and file are fed up with serving as Merkels allies, a thankless role the party has fulfilled in 10 of the last 14 years and which has left the chancellor to steal the limelight, especially on the international stage. The party reluctantly re-entered a Merkel-led coalition last year after slumping to its weakest level since 1933 in the 2017 federal election. It has since sunk even lower, polling at about 17 percent, more than 10 points behind the conservatives. The party is due to review the coalition by the end of the year and pressure from members could grow to ditch it and instead reinvigorate its leftist roots in opposition. Such a move could force a snap federal election, an unappealing option for both the SPD and conservative bloc, or possibly the formation of a different coalition which would be a tricky task. Either of those scenarios could bring forward Merkels exit, a subject of increasing speculation since she handed the CDU leadership to her protege Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer last year. In Bremen, a new face for the CDU, IT businessman Carsten Meyer-Heder, senses a mood for change. Polls put him one point ahead of experienced SPD mayor Carsten Sieling, who is hoping voters will opt for a safe pair of hands. In this file photograph from late January, Basalt Town Manager Ryan Mahoney explains how the town was unknowingly out of compliance with the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, or TABOR. The graphic in the background shows how Basalt reduced its property tax rates for many years following a 1994 public vote to offset the TABOR restrictions, only to increase the millage rates in the years since the Great Recession. 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. Freshfields launches innovation lab Another global law firm has launched a drive to fuel innovation as a core part of its digitization. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer opened the first of several planned Freshfields Lab locations, in Berlin, last Friday. The firm will collaborate with clients in the space to develop legal-profession focused solutions. The Freshfields Lab is a vital part of our response to the challenges presented by a fast-moving digital landscape, ensuring that we can continue to support our clients and transform our own business in the face of digitization, said Matthias Koch, partner and head of Freshfields Digital Advisory Board. Legal Tech and digitization sit at the heart of our client offering. The Lab will further strengthen the Firms expertise in both areas and will enhance the processes adopted to develop ideas and products. Firms need to find ways to integrate tech, reduce billable hours Lawyers understand the importance of technology to their firm but want better user interfaces and more solutions that are designed for the profession. A recent survey of lawyers in the UK and US found that 40% of respondents said the software they use regularly is not tailored to the legal profession but 29% said this was needed; the same share want software to be more intuitive. Dentons has announced the appointment Ruth Nocka as partner at its Sydney office a move that will significantly boost the firms employment practice. Nocka is an experienced workplace relations lawyer who advises on all areas of employment law and is highly regarded for her knowledge in discrimination law and employment contracts which extends to employment litigation. She has advised some of Australias leading companies, including Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the Australian Building and Construction Commission, Western Union, NBN Co Limited, Downer, the Archdiocese of Sydney, and Boeing. Doug Stipanicev, Australia region chair and chief executive at Dentons, said that Nockas appointment is another important milestone in growing Dentons offering in Australia. The Law Council of Australia has welcomed the announcement of the federal governments new ministry. In a statement, Law Council president Arthur Moses SC said that the council looks forward to a collaborative, consultative relationship with new and returning ministers. We look forward to working with the Government and the 46th Parliament in an honest and productive relationship for the benefit of all Australians and the rule of law, said Moses. Working with government to ensure laws passed through our Federal Parliament best serve the Australian people is at the core of our mission and of the utmost importance. We will continue to hold the government to account without fear or favour. We offer our assistance to the new parliament in the formulation of legislation that benefits all Australians and strengthens our democracy and the rule of law. Global law firm Shearman & Sterling has announced the appointment of Terrence ODonnell as counsel of its capital markets practice in Asia. ODonnells practice focuses on equity and debt capital markets, M&A, and private equity transactions. He has extensive experience advising companies in China and Southeast Asia across a wide range of sectors including technology, media and telecommunications, financial services, healthcare, energy, consumer products and real estate. Having spent over 10 years in Hong Kong, ODonnell will initially be based in the firms Hong Kong office before relocating to Singapore later in the year. At NASAs White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, the company recently conducted a hot fire test of the capsules propulsion system, showing that both in-space maneuvering and emergency abort can be performed as safely as needed.For the test, a Starliner capsule was fitted with all the parts that will eventually make it into the ISS-bound capsule: fuel tanks, helium tanks, reaction control system, orbital maneuvering and attitude control thrusters, launch abort engines and all necessary fuel lines and avionics.During the procedure, 19 thrusters were fired to simulate in-space maneuvers, 12 to simulate high-altitude abort and 22 to mimic a low-altitude abort."The milestone paves the way for the upcoming pad abort test and flights to and from the International Space Station later this year, said the man in charge with the commercial crew program at Boeing, John Mulholland.The Starliner is similar in size to the Orion capsule being built for NASA by Lockheed Martin, with a diameter of 4.56 meters (15.0 ft). It can be fitted on top of a variety of rockets, including SpaceXs Falcon, the Atlas V, Delta IV and the Vulcan.Up to seven astronauts can fit inside the spacecraft, but only five can be taken up at a time if cargo is loaded.As a premiere for American-made spacecraft, the Starliner will be capable of landing on solid soil rather than on the water, thanks to the use of an airbag landing system in addition to the parachutes used to slow it down while coming back to Earth.The first actual flight of the Starliner is scheduled for August, on top of a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket. Note: the car was his, it was the diesel that he stole. Jeremy Hotha Thomas got into a fight with his step-father in Crooked River Ranch, Oregon, and his pa called the cops on him. The victim told the police that Thomas had threatened and pointed a gun at him, and then fired the weapon when the victim went inside to dial 911, KomoNews reports.By the police arrived at the house, Thomas, his girlfiend and their child had fled in Thomas car. Police put out the description of the suspect and the car he was driving, and multiple units were sent out to search for them.They didnt have to search too long, because Thomas led them to him himself.Three hours later, a tow truck driver responding to a dead battery call from a woman tipped off an Oregon state trooper. The woman told the tow truck driver the make, model and location of the car, and the tow truck driver relayed the information to the trooper. It was the car authorities were looking for, the report says.Apparently, when Thomas got his GF and child inside his 2017 Chevrolet Cruze and went running from the cops, his tank was on empty. At one point, he broke into someones barn and stole a can of diesel fuel, which he poured into his car. The Cruze runs on gas, so he disabled the car immediately as he tried to get it started.With guns drawn, deputies and troopers approached the car and arrested Thomas without incident. His girlfriend and child were uninjured, and a loaded handgun was found inside the car, the report notes. Thomas was charged with menacing, pointing a firearm at another, unlawful use of a weapon, second degree burglary, third degree theft and being a felon in possession of a firearm.He was not granted bail. Early Friday morning, 21-year-old Morgan Doran was pulled over for a traffic violation by Hackettstown police, New Jersey. When officers approached her, they could smell alcohol from inside of her car, so they proceeded to throw the book at her, LehighValleyLive reports.The officers sensed the smell of alcohol coming from the vehicle and Doran was taken into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated, DUI in a school zone, reckless driving and careless driving, police said, the publication reports.While in custody, Doran was told to call someone to come pick her up and the only person she could think of was as much of a drunk as her. She called 24-year-old Sebastian Rehm, who, you guessed it, came to pick her up from the police station while drunk.He sauntered inside and waited in the lobby and, when an officer approached him, he smelled booze on his breath. Sebastian ended up in custody, as well. So much for Morgans knight.He was charged with DUI and reckless driving, police said, the same publication reports. Doran and Rehm were released to a sober driver and have pending court dates.In the end, police were able to find someone sober enough to drive these two home, it would seem. All jokes aside, drunken or impaired driving remains the leading cause of fatal crashes on U.S. roads and in other countries as well. Drunken driving is not fun and its not funny, so if youve had a drink, take a cab / Uber or have someone else someone sober take you home. AMG Of course, the status of the factory G55 doesn't mean the aftermarket side of the industry will leave the supercharged once-a-military-vehicle alone.In fact, we are now here to talk about one of the most extreme G-Class builds we've seen to date.Before we move any further, I have to put on my Captain Obvious hat and mention this is a series of renderings. However, the pixel play, which looks like it comes from digital artist Yasid Oozeear, has serious chances of making it into the real world.You see, the social media post showcasing the monster comes from Danton Arts Kustoms, a French shop that loves to play with icons such as the Mercedes-G55. For instance, Alexandre Danton, the man behind the label, has come up with hot rod projects based on all sorts of famous machines, such as this Lamborghini Miura The contraption portrayed here struggles to fit the description of the factory car. For one thing, the generous ground clearance of the original has been left behind. That's because the machine now looks a bit like an F1 car.And it looks like the supercharged V8 of the G55 is gone (all we can see for now are the individual throttle bodies of a V8). Guess well have to wait and see what the said French specialist does next.P.S.: Make sure to use the swipe feature of the Instagram post below to enjoy the complete eye candy. TDI MQB For this years Student Concept Car event, Skoda decided to give 35 trainees a Kodiaq to modify to their hearts content. Enter the Mountiaq, which will be revealed in June 2019 with a two-door design, Orange Sunset paintwork, 17-inch Rockstar II alloy wheels, an illuminated bed and radiator grille, aftermarket sound system, and a winch for getting our of difficult off-road situations.Mountiaq perfectly conveys a sense of adventure and the unique off-road properties of this powerful pickup. I am incredibly proud to have been given the opportunity to participate in this unique project, declared Petr Zemanec. By using powerful in his description, the trainee might have given away the 2.0 Bi-hiding under the hood.The Kodiaq RS also happens to come with 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, all-wheel drive, and the 2.0 Bi-TDI with 240 PS (237 horsepower) on tap. Torque peaks at 500 Nm (369 pound-feet), which means the 2.0-liter EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel in the Ford Ranger Raptor plays second fiddle.On the other hand and this is quite a bummer - the concept is powered by the 2.0 TSI with 190 PS (187 horsepower). Come on, Skoda! Now well never know the full potential of the Mountiaq! And now that the rant's over, let's move on to the nitty-gritty. The one-off model features orange-and-black leather upholstery and the dashboard from the Kodiaq, aluminum pedals, and the DSG with seven forward ratios.The wheelbase which measures 2,788 millimeters from axle to axle is shorter than the Kodiaqs 2,791 millimeters. Skoda doesnt give an explanation for this curious change, and when you think about it, shortening the wheelbase is an immense undertaking for trainees aged between 17 and 20 years.In related news, Volkswagen prepares to roll out an MQB-based pickup truck in Brazil. The Atlas Tanoak Concept also happens to be a pickup based on the, which means that Skoda could enter this segment if the Volkswagen Group can make a case for such a model. In the space of just 3 hours this weekend, agents stopped 3 different cars carrying illegal stowaways, ingeniously hidden inside the vehicle. One of the refugees was hidden in the car glove box, as the image attached to this article also reveals. Three others were found.The cars were trying to cross the border in Beni-Enzar, Morocco, to get to the Spains North African enclave Melilla, Standard reports. All 3 drivers were detained and charged with attempting to illegally smuggle immigrants across the border.Pictures showed another refugee hidden in an engine compartment, while police also said they found another illegal migrant behind a cars rear seats, the report notes. A fourth was found in a dumper truck in a dangerous position where they were likely to be crushed.Of the four migrants, one was a 15-year-old girl. Two of the young men forced to hide in such cramped spaces required medical attention on site after showing signs of suffocation, disorientation and pain in the joints. They are believed to be ok now.Three Moroccan males, aged 19, 30 and 31 were arrested on suspicion of people smuggling, each driving Moroccan registered cars of different brands, the report continues. It doesnt say whether they were part of some larger ring or acted on their own.However, these arent the strangest cases of smuggling to have occurred at the Melilla border, which is the main departure point for undocumented immigrants heading for Spain and, from there, Europe. In January this year, two men were found sewn inside a mattress. Earlier, in 2017, a 14-year-old boy was found hidden inside a car dashboard. In the presence of a handful of Chinese officials visiting Spain, SEAT said on Monday that it will open a research and development center in the Chinese city of Hefei in the Anhui Province. The Hefei location is the the one rumored Volkswagen has chosen to build an electric car plant, following an investment of $750 million.Its not clear yet whether the carmakers expansion into China will mean SEAT-branded cars will be sold on the worlds largest automotive market, and no other specific details on the project announced for the center were provided.SEAT did say the site will be in charge with developing small electric cars, mobility solutions, components, but also technologies for automotive applications. Last year , Volkswagen Group Chinas CEO Jochem Heizmann said taking the Spanish brand to Asia is a requirement because electrified cars are the future of mobility, and China is at the forefront of developing sustainable e-mobility solutions.According to the info provided by SEAT, its R&D center in the country should be up and running in 2021.Overall, this move is part of Volkswagens Roadmap E plan, a business strategy that should see the German group become the largest electric car maker in the world.By the end of 2022, no less than 16 VW facilities the group operates around the world will be manufacturing EVs. The first such car, the ID.3 , was just put on sale by the Germans.JAC Volkswagen is one of the major joint ventures currently operating on the Chinese market, selling more than 3 million cars yearly. FCA has delivered a non-binding letter to the Board of Groupe Renault proposing a combination of their respective businesses as a 50/50 merger. There, Fiat-Chrysler has outlined a deal of sharing technology, intellectual property, and even plans to develop and manufacture vehicles already. Should Renault accept, FCA believes that this will allow them to offer a full range of vehicle, from entry-level, all the way up to the higher-end of the luxury market. Imagine if Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles and Renault had a full merger. The two large companies could reshape the global automotive industry and possibly become the world's third-largest automaker, behind Volkswagen and Toyota. Soon, however, Fiat-Chrysler-Renault could become a real thing. The Italian-American company has announced their proposal to tie-up with the French automaker, which could eventually lead to a full merger. The talks between Renault and FCA are said to have come from pressure on automakers by legislators to electrify and reduce fleet emissions. Rather than developing their very own hybrid and EV models, the two automakers could share platforms and even co-develop new technology that will be applied in future models. This would, in turn, benefit both automakers with huge savings, especially FCA who has been slower to invest in developing electric vehicles. Aside from reduced costs, both automakers would be able to have improved their market share in areas such as North America and China for Renault and Fiat-Chrysler in Europe. For now, there is no mention whether Renault's current partners, Nissan and Mitsubishi, will be included in the possible FCA merger. FCA isn't jumping the gun yet either. In their statement, it said 'there is no certainty that this proposal will result in a transaction'. Nonetheless, Fiat-Chysler has made their intentions very public. All that's needed now is Renault's response to the Italian-American automaker. Should the tie-up include Nissan and Mitsubishi, it could vault the group as the number 1 global automaker. However, with the Carlos Ghosn drama still fresh, everything is still up in the air. One thing for certain is that if this partnership takes place, it will be big news for the global automotive industry. Source: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, New York Times, Bloomberg 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. President Trump told a Tokyo news conference Monday he supports Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's efforts to potentially open a dialogue between the U.S. and Iran. "I know that the prime minister and Japan have a very good relationship with Iran so well see what happens. The prime ministers already spoken to me about that and I do believe that Iran would like to talk and if theyd like to talk, wed like to talk also. Well see what happens ... nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me." Why it matters: Both U.S. and Iranian officials have said they don't want war. U.S. officials have made repeated but unspecific claims of possible impending Iranian attacks. Trump's latest remarks strike a more conciliatory tone compared to when he tweeted last week, "If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran." Go deeper: Why war with Iran is suddenly on the table The history of Memorial Day is the subject of a longstanding academic smackdown, with dozens of cities and towns claiming to be the holidays birthplace. The backstory: Scholars agree that in 1868, three years after the Civil Wars end, Union Army General John A. Logan established a national holiday for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country. Whats disputed is where he got the idea. Among the contenders: Columbus, Ga., where a Confederate widow who regularly decorated her husbands grave wrote a widely published letter to the editor in 1866 calling for a day to be set apart annually for Southerners to observe this sad but pleasant duty. where a Confederate widow who regularly decorated her husbands grave wrote a widely published letter to the editor in 1866 calling for a day to be set apart annually for Southerners to observe this sad but pleasant duty. Columbus, Miss., where a small group of women gathered in 1866 to place flowers on the graves of both Confederate and Union soldiers, a gesture of reconciliation. where a small group of women gathered in 1866 to place flowers on the graves of both Confederate and Union soldiers, a gesture of reconciliation. Charleston, S.C., where African-American residents honored slain Union soldiers in a May Day ceremony in 1865. where African-American residents honored slain Union soldiers in a May Day ceremony in 1865. Waterloo, N.Y., where villagers marched to the strains of martial music in an 1866 parade to decorate soldiers graves.* (In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo the birthplace of Memorial Day, though most scholars disagree.) There are even dueling Memorial Day research centers. One, at the University of Mississippi, supports the view that so widespread was the impulse to honor the war dead that observances occurred spontaneously in several locations. The other, at Columbus State University in Georgia, makes a persuasive case that the Confederate widows letter to the editor got the ball rolling. We examine every claim in our [2014] book, and the vast majority are just disprovable myths, Richard Gardiner of the Columbus State Center for Memorial Day Research told Axios. Literary bonus: Francis Miles Finch, a Northerner and Yale grad, was so touched by the Mississippi women who had decorated both Union and Confederate graves that he wrote a poem, The Blue and the Gray, that was published in The Atlantic in 1867. Its message of a nation knitting together over the brave sacrifices of its soldiers is one that resonates today. Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said today at a ceremony in Ramallah that the Trump administration's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan "will go to hell." Why it matters: The White House peace team, led by Trump's senior adviser Jared Kushner, is planning to launch the economic part of the peace plan at a conference in Bahrain less than a month from now. Abbas's harsh language against the peace plan and his lobbying against the Bahrain conference show the deep crisis in U.S.-Palestinian relations, which are probably broken beyond repair as long as Trump or Abbas are in office. Abbas said today that whoever wants to solve the Palestinian issue needs to start with solving the political aspect of it, "and not try to sell illusions of billions of dollars". Russia and China are going to boycott the U.S.-led Bahrain conference which will launch the economic part of the Trump administration's peace plan, Palestinian and Chinese officials say. Why it matters: The U.S. is trying to get countries to attend, while the Palestinians who are boycotting the conference are trying to convince countries not to show up. The Russian and Chinese decision is a big achievement for the Palestinians, although it is mainly driven by Russian and Chinese tensions with the U.S. rather than by Palestinian interests. What they're saying: Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has been removed from office in a vote of no-confidence a week after his alliance with the far-right Freedom Party collapsed. Austria will now be led by a technocratic government until fresh elections are held in September. The backdrop: It was Kurz who brought the Freedom Party into government 17 months ago, in a move many believed would tame a party with a long history of racism. But things unraveled spectacularly when video emerged of the party's leader discussing how a woman he believed to be a wealthy Russian could buy influence with the government. With Kurz suddenly vulnerable, the opposition brought the no-confidence vote. Between the lines: Kurz's center-right party actually performed quite well in European elections yesterday. He has described the move to oust him as "a game of revenge" and said, "at the end of the day the people will decide, namely in September," per the BBC. "For now, the vote of no-confidence means that 32-year-old Kurz could go down in Austrias history books not just as its youngest ever chancellor, but also the one who lasted the shortest time in office," per the Guardian. Go deeper: Populism smothers Europe's mainstream conservatives The foreign ministers of Armenia and China signed an agreement on visa-free travel between their countries after holding talks in Yerevan on Sunday. The agreement will allow Armenian and Chinese citizens to visit and stay in each others country visa-free for up to 90 days. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian stressed the importance of the deal when he met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi later in day. He said it will spur people-to-people and commercial contacts between the two nations. Pashinian also noted his May 14-15 visit to Beijing during which met with Chinas President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. I am glad that as a result of our discussions we reached concrete agreements on developing mutually beneficial cooperation, he said, according to his press office. We are prepared for and intent on deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with Armenia, Wang said for his part. Official Armenian statements on the talks suggest that Wangs meetings with Pashinian and Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanian focused on ways of boosting Chinese-Armenian economic ties. They specifically discussed Chinese involvement in infrastructure implemented in Armenia. China is already Armenias second largest trading partner. According to official Armenian statistics, Chinese-Armenian trade soared by over 29 percent in 2018, to $771 million. Regional security was also on the agenda of Wangs talks in Yerevan, with Pashinian praising Chinas balanced position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The doctoral dissertation of an Armenian judge, who freed former President Robert Kocharian from custody last August, may have come under scrutiny for political reasons, a senior government official said on Monday. The Court of Appeals judge, Aleksandr Azarian, overturned a lower courts decision to allow investigators to arrest Kocharian on charges stemming from the 2008 post-election violence in Yerevan. He ruled at the time that the Armenian constitution gives the ex-president immunity from prosecution. The higher Court of Cassation subsequently struck down Azarians ruling, paving the way for Kocharians renewed arrest in December. Kocharian was again freed on May 18 pending the outcome of his trial which began on May 13. The decision made by a district court judge presiding over the trial angered Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and his political allies and supporters. Pashinian demanded on May 20 a mandatory vetting of all Armenian judges, saying that many of them remain linked to the former corrupt system. A few days after Kocharians latest release, Smbat Gogian, the head of Armenias Supreme Qualification Committee, a state body overseeing the granting of postgraduate degrees, claimed that Azarian plagiarized some parts of his doctoral thesis. The allegation, strongly denied by the senior judge, led an Armenian parliament committee on science and education to hold on Monday an extraordinary session on possible legislative solutions for the fight against plagiarism. Gogian also attended the meeting. Gogian stood by the plagiarism claim when he spoke to RFE/RLs Armenian service. He said his agency arrived at such a conclusion after being alerted by an individual whom he refused to name. By comparing files with each other, our [verification] system showed that [Azarians] dissertation has textual matches with two other dissertations, added Gogian. One of those dissertations was written by Vazgen Rshtuni, the chairman of the Court of Appeals. Asked whether political motives are behind the scandal, the official said: Maybe they are But I insist that the Supreme Qualification Committee did not initiate it. Azarian charged, meanwhile, that the plagiarism allegations as well as the parliamentary discussion organized by pro-government lawmakers are part of a coordinated smear campaign targeting him. I think its clear to everyone that all bodies have been explicitly instructed to campaign against me, the judge told News.am. Azarian also said that he and Rshtuni were supervised by the same legal scholar when they worked on their dissertations. This why, he claimed, the two texts may have the same passages. By Abdul Kerimkhanov Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom have a strategic relationship. There are political, economic and cultural ties at the highest level between the two countries. The third meeting of the Azerbaijan-UK Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation has been held in London. Speaking at the meeting, Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of the Agency for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) under Azerbaijans Ministry of Economy, noted the great potential in expansion of Azerbaijani-British economic ties. He stressed that one of the areas is cooperation in the field of SMEs. Mammadov considers it would be expedient to enrich the trade structure between Azerbaijan and the UK and implement this through non-oil products. He mentioned the importance of organizing such joint events as business forums, exhibitions, as well as the exchange of information on export-oriented products for exploring the trade and investment opportunities of both countries, encouraging and expanding mutual investment, trade and business ties. The chairman said that SMEs in both countries may also be interested in the exchange of technologies and the implementation of joint innovation projects. During the meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, Orkhan Mammadov also held meetings in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and the Export Credits Guarantee Department of the UK Department of Trade and Industry. The participants discussed possible areas of bilateral cooperation in the field of SMEs. Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom were established on March 11, 1992. The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the UK stood at $525.2 million in 2018, according to the State Customs Committee. The export of Azerbaijani products accounted for around $261.4 million. It is noteworthy that the trade turnover between the two countries in 2018 increased by 46.5 percent compared to 2017. So far, the UK has invested over $27 billion in the economy of Azerbaijan. The countries have signed about 15 bilateral agreements so far. In recent years, the bilateral relations have been made even stronger with the establishment of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission between the two countries and the UK-Azerbaijan Partnership Program in the Oil and Gas Sector. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Leman Mammadova Afghanistan is interested in expanding the volume and range of oil products purchased from SOCAR. President of Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR Rovnag Abdullayev met with a delegation led by Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan Ajmal Ahmadi on May 24. The sides expressed their interest to establish and develop long-term relations between Afghanistan and Azerbaijan. During the meeting, it was noted that Azerbaijani oil products have been imported to the fuel market of Afghanistan in recent years. The sides exchanged views on expanding cooperation at the state level. Minister Ahmadi briefed on the country's fuel market and offered to take cooperation with SOCAR to a new level to diversify fuel supplies. He also made a proposal to expand the range and volumes of petroleum products purchased from SOCAR. The state company already supplies diesel, kerosene and liquid butane to Afghanistan. Within his visit to Baku, Ahmadi also met with the Azerbaijani Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev. During the meeting, Mustafayev noted that more than 15 documents have been signed between the two countries in the fields of economy and trade, and the Working Group on Economic Cooperation has been established. He also added that the first meeting of the Working Group is scheduled for July this year in Baku. In his words, the trade turnover between the two countries increased by 37 percent last year, and by 50 percent in January-April 2019 compared to the same period last year. It should be noted that the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Afghanistan reached $71.5 million in 2018. The minister pointed to the great opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, investment, transport, communications, construction, road construction, soil reclamation, production of building materials, etc. Ahmadi, in turn, stressed that Afghanistan is interested in developing economic cooperation with Azerbaijan, noting Afghanistan's industrial, trade and investment opportunities as well as importance of organization of meetings between businessmen. During the meeting, the sides discussed the expansion of economic and trade relations, as well as the first meeting of the Azerbaijan-Afghanistan Joint Working Group, the exhibition of Afghan goods in Baku, the meetings between businessmen and participation of Azerbaijani companies in the tenders held in Afghanistan. Relations between Azerbaijan and Afghanistan, based on friendship and brotherhood, have strong background. Afghanistan recognized the independence of Azerbaijan on December 21, 1991. The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on November 16, 1994. Azerbaijan strongly supports Afghanistan on its path towards reaching stability. The contribution of Azerbaijan to the stability and development of Afghanistan is not restricted in the involvement in NATO operations. Azerbaijan supports the Afghan way of reforms by its assistance in the areas of education, infrastructure and transport development, investments and enhancing the role of women in the society. Meanwhile, Afghanistan supports the fair position of Azerbaijan in the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Afghanistan supports the solution of the conflict on the basis of international law within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Relations between Azerbaijan and Afghanistan are developing both in bilateral and multilateral formats. --- Leman Mammadova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @leman_888 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The development of innovations and financial technologies is a promising direction for the Azerbaijani market, Cristina Doros, Senior Director and Head of Products for CIS & South-Eastern Europe at VISA, told Trend. "This trend can be observed throughout the CIS region. Using successful global experience in other regions, VISA can, in cooperation with the regulator, provide support to new financial technology players (FinTech) and, together with partners, propose new payment solutions for the market," she said. According to Doros, VISA strongly contributes to the development of FinTech and supports this trend in the development of the payments market. Furthermore, she noted, VISA aims to unite the FinTech community and its own resources in several ways. "By connecting to our network, FinTech companies gain access to our global ecosystem. They can use the VisaNet network to maximize their capabilities. We have all the resources to help FinTech companies accelerate the market entry process with our assets and capabilities," she stated. Also, Doros said that VISA recently announced the FinTech Fast Track global program. "Under this program, VISA allows companies based in the CEMEA region (Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa) to accelerate the process of integrating their innovative payment solutions into the global VisaNet network, and also offers a set of adapted technology solutions and opportunities for company growth," she emphasized. According to her, the company's global strategy is to open a network to support a wide range of players who are working on new business opportunities. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Leman Mammadova The first Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) International Trade and Investment Fair and the SCO Qingdao Forum on Local Economic and Trade Cooperation were held in the city of Qingdao, China's Shandong Province, on May 24-26. Azerbaijani products were presented in two pavilions, organized by the countrys trade representation in China with the support of the Ministry of Economy and the Embassy of Azerbaijan, at the three-day exhibition with a total area of 10,000 square meters. The first pavilion demonstrated visual aids, various publications, videos about the economic development of Azerbaijan, a favorable investment and business environment, regional transport and transit projects initiated by the country. The second pavilion featured competitive export-oriented products produced under the brand Made in Azerbaijan - wines and other alcoholic beverages, dried fruits, saffron, mineral waters, fruit juices, tea, jam, etc. It should be noted that Azerbaijani products were exhibited through the representative offices of the Azerbaijani companies in China, together with Chinese counterparts, importers of Azerbaijani products, and the Azerbaijani Trade House in the city of Liuzhou. Within the framework of the exhibition, meetings were held with local businessmen to expand the export of Azerbaijani products to China. Visitors were informed about the tourism potential of Azerbaijan, and the activities of tourist centers that meet modern requirements. In his speech at the SCO Qingdao Forum on Local Economic and Trade Cooperation, the Trade Representative of Azerbaijan in China Teymur Nadiroglu pointed out that Azerbaijan actively supports the Belt and Road initiative with its economic potential. Speaking about Azerbaijans recent economic successes, he stressed that in the Doing Business 2019 report, Azerbaijan, having risen by 32 positions, took the 25th place among 190 countries and was included in the list of 10 most reformist countries. Nadiroglu added that over the past 15 years, $250 billion has been invested in the Azerbaijani economy, $100 billion of which was foreign direct investment. He also spoke about the consistent development of Azerbaijan-China economic cooperation, noting that currently several Azerbaijani trade and wine houses operate in China, and Azerbaijani companies actively participate in exhibitions held in China. SCO International Trade and Investment Fair attracted more than 400 companies and other organizations, including over 150 from overseas. The event featured the cultural industries, tourism, home appliances and many other products of SCO member states. At present, Azerbaijans trade and wine houses operate in Shanghai, Urumqi and Liuzhou cities to ensure the export of local products to China under the Made in Azerbaijan brand. In addition, the country is planning to open its trading house in the city of Xi'an. Launched in 2016, the Made in Azerbaijan brand envisages a large-scale promotion of local non-oil products in foreign markets. Azerbaijan is China's key trade partner in the South Caucasus region. Last year, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and China exceeded $1.3 billion, making up 43 percent of Chinas total trade turnover with the countries of the South Caucasus. Over the past period, Azerbaijan invested $1.7 billion in China, and Chinese investments to Azerbaijan exceeded $800 million. --- Leman Mammadova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @leman_888 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The new agreement between Azerbaijan and the EU continues to be the main topic of discussion of the media and various experts, chairperson of the public association Socio-Economic and Environmental Development Rakhila Mehdiyeva said, Trend reports. Negotiations are at the final stage, but differences on some issues between the parties delay the signing of the agreement, she said. Some insufficiently informed experts associate this with a part of the agreement on the political bloc, in particular, on the part concerning democracy and human rights, she noted. But observations show that disagreements on the agreement concern the economic bloc. Looking at the EU agreements signed with other countries, it is obvious that they encompass extensive trade and economic cooperation. The Azerbaijani side negotiates proceeding from national interests aimed at the sustainable development of the economy, strengthening of entrepreneurship and social protection of the population. She reminded that the media has already disseminated information on a number of important points, and many experts have already expressed their opinions. In its interests, the EU wants to get preferences in the Azerbaijani market. This is natural. But, at the same time, it is trying to limit the support of local entrepreneurs, SMEs, their products, services, etc. This doesnt correspond to further improvement of the business environment, expansion of business activities, increasing the share of SMEs in the economy, in particular, in exports, the creation of various incentive mechanisms for entrepreneurs, and, in general, the reforms carried out on the development of the non-oil sector of the economy. It should be recognized that a lot of work has been done recently in this area, she said. For example, in order to strengthen the role of small and medium-sized businesses in public procurement, serious amendments were made to the Law on Public Procurement, she added. Thus, public procurement worth up to $3 million should be conducted online using an open tender and only with the participation of micro, small and medium-sized businesses. The EU requires either excluding the encouraging provision that provides an advantage in public procurement for SMEs from the current legislation or limiting it to such an extent so that their participation in public procurement is minimized. She reminded that the partnership document on priority areas of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU signed in July last year special attention is paid to the development of SMEs in Azerbaijan. Now it turns out that the EU is taking the opposite position in the negotiations, she said. Undoubtedly, this position of the EU cannot be adopted, because it doesnt meet the interests of Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The public association "The Azerbaijani community of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan" issued a statement in connection with the opinion voiced by the editor-in-chief of the Regnum news agency, Modest Kolerov, related to the 25th anniversary of the ceasefire between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Trend reports. Kolerov is known for his pro-Armenian and biased anti-Azerbaijan position. "Kolerov's comments aren't surprising. Kolerov is trying to connect his abstract thoughts with the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. He argues that for the realization of the "right to independence" of the "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic", its "decent state existence" must be ensured. We would like to remind the person who appears to be the editor-in-chief of the news agency that the existence of a illegal regime, called the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, has no historical, legal or other grounds for any abstract discussion," reads the statement. "Doesnt Kolerov, talking about a decent human and state existence," notice the rights to decent human living of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis expelled from their native lands and subjected to ethnic cleansing as a result of the occupation policy of Armenia?!,' reads the statement. "By putting forward inappropriate and populist statements on 'decent existence', Kolerov is in fact trying to justify Armenian occupation policy. Actually, his attempts are aimed at deceiving a reader who isnt informed about the conflict. However, a person who knows the region and has minimal information about the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can only see irony in the thoughts of the pro-Armenian author. It is surprising that the 'editor-in-chief' doesnt understand the norms and principles of international law in the area of ensuring sovereignty, internationally recognized borders, the territorial integrity of countries, international peace and security." The statement notes that another nonsense is the comparison of the author of the "existence" of the "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic" with the fate of Armenia, and the statement that if there is no "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic", Armenia will cease to exist. "The search for a connection between the liberation of the occupied Azerbaijani lands and the fate of Armenia is nothing more than a populist opinion," the statement said. "The liberation of the occupied Azerbaijani territories wont only pose a threat to Armenia, but, on the contrary, could contribute to the development of this country." The Azerbaijani community notes that these statements by Kolerov harm Armenia and create obstacles for its further development. "Azerbaijan doesnt claim any countrys lands and demands the withdrawal of the Armenian forces from its occupied territories," the Azerbaijani community of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan said in a statement. "The coexistence of the Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and ensuring peaceful life is possible only after the restoration of the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan and the withdrawal of the occupying Armenian forces from there. The last 30 years have brought nothing to the Armenian community, except problems, troubles, economic stagnation and deprivation of the opportunity for decent existence." 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 No matter where in the world you charge your car, it will likely still save you money over paying for gas. However, with that being said, the cost to charge an EV varies geographically. Compare The Market took a deep dive into Tesla Model S charging costs across the globe to paint us a clearer picture. While this share only focuses on the Tesla Model S, we find this helpful since it allows the study to remain consistent. So, what is the cheapest country on the planet to "fuel" up that Tesla? It's actually Chile, which may come as a bit of a surprise to many people. Australia lands in second place overall, though it doesn't even compete with Chile. A full charge in the South American country will set you back just $7, whereas in the land of OZ, you're looking at $11. Canada secures the three-spot at $11 as well. Here's a look at the top five countries in terms of least and most expensive: Cheapest countries in the world for a full charge Chile - $7.00 Australia - $11.00 Canada - $11.00 Korea - $12.00 Estonia - $13.00 Most expensive countries in the world for a full charge Denmark - $34.00 Germany - $33.00 Belgium - $28.00 Italy - $27.00 Ireland - $26.00 It's important to note that fully charging a Tesla Model S globally costs an average of $11. In the U.S., you can plan to spend around $13, which puts it at No. 7 on the list as a whole. However, according to the chart, it appears to be tied with Estonia and Hungary in fifth place (so the results are likely rounded to the nearest dollar). Nonetheless, according to the report, this works out to about 50 cents per 10 miles driven. Check out the link for more details. By Abdul Kerimkhanov Yerevan should understand that Armenias current policy regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan is not constructive, its dead-end and will not lead to a positive result, but will only worsen the situation in the country. Azerbaijan still places certain hopes on the sanity of the new leadership of Armenia. Nikol Pashinyans team must realize that without restoring relations with Azerbaijan, its impossible to bring Armenia out of the deadlock into which it has driven itself by pursuing a policy of aggression and occupation. Azerbaijan justly considers it impossible to involve representatives of the illegal regime created in occupied Karabakh in the talks process over Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. By setting its own terms on the need to involve Karabakh in the negotiations, the Armenian PM is well aware that for Baku this is unacceptable and that Azerbaijan will never agree to this. Therefore, these steps can only be regarded as postponing the problem. The previous governments of Armenia in every possible way tried to evade the fulfillment of their direct international obligations. As a UN member, Armenia is also bound by the provisions of the charter of this global organization, the norms and principles of international law. For years, the Armenian leadership did not show the political will to fulfill such demands of the international community as the inadmissibility of the use of force to seize territory, respect for the territorial integrity and inviolability of state borders, as well as the resolution of international disputes by peaceful means. It is noteworthy that the long-standing occupation policy of Armenia has led to the isolation of Yerevan from large-scale regional cooperation, stagnation and a deep socio-political crisis. Eventually, the velvet revolution took place in Armenia last year, which brought Pashinyans government to power. Pashinyan should adjust his external course and engage in a more constructive dialogue with Baku. For this, he should transfer the policy of Armenia to a more constructive course. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has said in a recent interview with the Russian Kommersant edition that Baku took a pause in order for the new Armenian political leadership to become familiar with details of the negotiation process. He noted that this transitional stage has been completed, negotiations have resumed both at the level of the leaders of the two countries and at the level of the Foreign Ministers, adding that the dialogue is taking place in the existing format, which inspires some optimism. Some experts believe that discussions on issues such as the return of territories, the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh and the return of refugees should be postponed to redtore mutual trust. However, how to restore mutual trust in the presence of many people expelled from their native cities and villages? The parties should act in the direction of a step-by-step settlement, the beginning of which should be the withdrawal of the occupying forces from the territories of Azerbaijan with the subsequent return to the internally displaced persons. This is exactly what will create tangible conditions for building trust. Azerbaijan is a party clearly interested in the early settlement of the conflict. The country continues to hope to resolve the conflict through negotiations. However, the Armenian side should also be interested in peace. The delaying of the conflict brought innumerable human suffering to the people of Armenia. The seizure of the territories of Azerbaijan and their continued occupation throughout all these years did not bring any tangible dividends to Armenia. The occupation of Karabakh led to an increase in the level of poverty, unemployment and outflow of population from the country. If Armenia pursues the goals of resolving the conflict, the country should demonstrate its political will and practical steps in this direction. Azerbaijan would strongly welcome this approach, which should not only be declared, but also implemented. People on both sides of the conflict must feel that peace is coming. Azerbaijani refugees must return to their ancestral lands, which will lead Armenia out of the state of blockade. Baku behaves calmly and confidently in its conflict resolution policy. This sustained and wise position of Azerbaijan will inevitably yield a result. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend On May 27, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited a monument to the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in the Istiglaliyyat Street in Baku on the occasion of the Republic Day. A guard of honor was lined up around the memorial. The head of state laid a wreath at the monument. The national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova Squirrels were released into the green area in the ADA Universitys campus on May 24, in the framework of the "Urban Ecology" project by IDEA Public Association. The event was attended by Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of IDEA Public Union Leyla Aliyeva. The "Urban Ecology" project aims at preserving and restoring fauna species related to urban environment. Another reason why squirrels were released in the green area is that they will move and breed naturally in the territory of the new Zoological Park and Dede Gorgud Park with abundant pine trees. Initially, 25 squirrels were released into the campus area with favorable living conditions for squirrels. Along with active efforts to preserve wildlife, at the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, extensive measures are being taken regarding protection of species belonging to the urban environment. Thus, the IDEA Animal Care Center was established, whose activity is aimed at protecting homeless animals, creating special houses for cats in the city, as well as IDEA bird nests. The "Urban Ecology" project provides for enrichment of public places in Baku and its suburbs with animals and birds habitat and reproduction in an urban environment, as well as the implementation of consistent measures for the conservation of these species. The main goal of these efforts is to create harmony, closer and healthy links between citizens and the environment. In the past, many squirrels and parrots freely existed among people in parks, green areas and other places. However, due to the problems that arose at the end of the last century, the population of these species has sharply declined. Thanks to the extensive greening and landscaping work carried out in the country in recent years, in particular, the reduction of illegal logging and planting of a huge number of new trees as a result of the efforts of the IDEA, favorable conditions were created for the return of many species of fauna. The IDEA Public Union was launched by Leyla Aliyeva on July 12, 2011, in Baku. The organization aims to promote public awareness on environmental issues and action, collaboration with the youth, promoting the education of environmental problems and finding proper solutions for them. IDEA calls everyone to support the process of restoring the population of fauna species capable of living in an urban environment, to care for animals, and show sensitivity to them during the period of adaptation in a new habitat. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva has visited the Scientific Research Institute of Hematology and Transfusion named after B.Eyvazov. Leyla Aliyeva met with the children who undergo treatment there, as well as the medical staff. The foundation vice-president familiarized herself with the children's treatment and viewed conditions created at the institute. The institute currently consists of three parts: the clinic, central blood bank and scientific division. There are adult hematology, pediatric hematology, reanimation and intensive therapy, as well as consultative polyclinic, clinical diagnostics laboratory and thalassemia prevention departments at the institute. In 2017, a laboratory was established to conduct new immunohistological examinations as part of the State Program. Through immunohistochemical examination, full differential diagnostics of malignant blood diseases, monitoring of target therapy are carried out, and prognosis of the disease is made. Thus, there is no need for patients to travel to foreign countries for the diagnosis and treatment of leucosis. Recently, the 1st International Congress of Azerbaijani Hematology Specialists timed to the 10th anniversary of the activity of Thalassemia Center was held in Baku. Leyla Aliyeva visited the event, which was held on May 22-25. The congress was co-organized by Azerbaijans Ministry of Health, Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Thalassemia Center, and Azerbaijan Hematology Specialists public union. In order to expand ties in the field of research and the fight against hematological diseases, the Thalassemia Center, which occupies a special place in the region in terms of its profile and genetic diagnostic capabilities, began to cooperate with several countries. Within the framework of international relations, visits of foreign specialists, joint scientific meetings, scientific and practical seminars, as well as long-term courses for local specialists in modern centers are organized. Mutual visits were successful in terms of cooperation and exchange of experience of scientists from different countries, and that the development of hematology in Azerbaijan necessitated the creation of a scientific society uniting hematologists and the regular organization of scientific congresses. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Minister of Industry and Communications of Turkmenistan Tahirberdy Durkhanov met with Secretary General of the International Transport Forum (ITF) Young Tae Kim in Leipzig (Germany), Trend reports with reference to Neytralni Turkmenistan newspaper. During the meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the ITF Summit, a presentation was made on major investment projects designed to establish Turkmenistan as a transit and transport hub of regional and continental importance, the article says. The agenda of the summit, which was attended by delegates from 72 countries, included issues of transport opportunities for regional integration. The delegation of Turkmenistan held a series of meetings with top managers of major transport companies in Europe, during which promising areas of cooperation were identified, the report says. The ITF is an intergovernmental organization uniting 59 member countries. Its headquarters is located in Paris. The objectives of the ITF are to formulate and coordinate transport policies at the global level and to promote economic growth, environmental protection and a better quality of life for people. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend In a move to alleviate concerns over US sanctions on individuals visiting Iran, the Islamic Republic will not stamp the passports of the exhibition foreign participants, Deputy Head of Iran International Exhibition Company said, Trend reports citing ILNA. About 660 exhibitions are held annually in Iran including more than 400 specialized exhibitions, so we are now becoming a powerful competitor for Turkey and the UAE, Mohammad Javad Ghanbari, Deputy Head of Iran Intl. Exhibition Company for Exhibition Affairs said in press conference on May 27. "Iran is able to hold 25 new exhibitions in the current year including exhibitions on oil, facilities and building, despite US sanctions, he added. Pointing out the restrictions created by United States and some of its allies on the participation of foreigners at Iranian exhibitions, he said, In some cases, we are trying to hold our exhibitions in neighboring countries." He went on to say, The goods that enter the country through exhibitions and the technology they bring help to circumvent the sanctions, he said. Meanwhile, the Department of Industry and the Exhibitions Company is urgently seeking ways to bypass sanctions. Referring to the impact of the sanctions on the exhibition industry, he commented, We have not canceled any exhibition due to sanctions ever. Although many the Iranian companies have refrained from participation in the Paris Food Industry Fair, we signed a three-year contract with a European country, so that Iranian companies can regularly offer their products and services in that country. Moreoer, since the beginning of this year (started on March, 21), the passports of the foreigners coming to Iran to attend exhibitions, are not stamped, he added. In addition, the cost of attending the exhibition can be paid through the confidential channels or in cash. Since August 2018, in a move to alleviate tourists' concerns over US sanctions on individuals visiting Iran, the Islamic Republic stopped stamping the passports of the tourists arriving in Iran. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov The policy of attempting to straddle both worlds, proclaimed by the ruling Karabakh clan in Armenia, suffered a complete fiasco. The new team headed by Nikol Pashinyan, which came to power a year ago, tried to change the policy of the former regime. Pashinyan hoped to prove that being an outpost of one power, it is possible to get closer to another one. However, after a year it is possible to come to the conclusion that it is very problematic for the post-revolutionary authorities to implement this policy because Armenia has no choice at all. The U.S. has once again pointed to Armenia's place in the American policy. They made it clear that Armenian attempt to straddle both worlds is completely unacceptable for Washington. The trip of Armenian Secretary of Security Council Armen Grigoryan to the U.S. was very unfortunate, the Hraparak newspaper wrote. Despite all the efforts of the Armenian MFA and the Armenian Embassy, he did not manage to deserve any meeting at a serious level. Moreover, John Bolton, U.S. National Security Adviser, also refused to receive Grigoryan. It is noteworthy that earlier, Bolton refused to meet face-to-face with Grigoryan in Yerevan. Only Bolton's office representative and community structures paid attention to the Armenian guest. After Grigoryan's visit to the U.S., Russian FM hosted a meeting between the Armenian and Russian FMs on relations with the North American countries, to be more precise, relations between Yerevan and Washington. The Armenian FM modestly reported that the meeting discussed a wide range of issues regarding the relations of Armenia and Russia with Canada and the U.S. In any case, Yerevan will have to report to Moscow on its attempts to establish ties with Washington. After John Bolton's visit to Yerevan in autumn 2018 and his unequivocal proposals to Armenia, the Russian side is even more closely watching the variation of Armenia's foreign policy. In Armenia itself, Bolton's proposals caused fright and nervousness. In addition to unambiguous indications of the need to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Donald Trump's adviser proposed Armenians to replace Russian weapons with American ones, which, in his words, are of higher quality. Bolton said that he offered Pashinyan to buy American, not Russian military equipment. The offer to acquire American weapons is certainly tempting, but Yerevan cannot accept it. Despite the cooling of relations after the velvet revolution between Yerevan and Moscow, Armenia is still a strategic ally of Russia and is a CSTO member. Russian suspicions about the double game of Yerevan have reasons. Immediately after coming to power, Pashinyan began to take strengthened measures to improve relations with the U.S. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to send Armenian officials to Washington. Armenia's 168 hours edition wrote earlier that the reason for postponing the Armenian PM's visit to Washington was the refusal of the top U.S. officials to meet with him. The newspaper reported that the Armenian side asked for a meeting with President Trump, but he refused the request. Then Armenians made an attempt to organize a meeting with the U.S. Vice President Michael Pence, who also refused to meet. Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan's meeting with the U.S. Secretary of state Mike Pompeo could be the last hope to "save" the situation. Although the work on the visit of Mnatsakanyan began, in early 2019, it became known that Washington canceled this meeting as well. Bolton's refusal to meet with the Armenian Secretary of Security Council is another blow to the policy that Pashinyan inherited from the previous regimes. Trusting in the magic power of his "revolutionary" status, Armenian PM did not try to analyze the situation and understand why the Americans kept Serzh Sargsyan at a distance. As a result, Pashinyan also found himself in a very bad position. On the eve of Grigoryan's visit to the U.S., Suren Sargsyan, the director of the Armenian Center for American Studies, stated with bitterness that the window opened in 2018 for the development of Armenian-American relations was already closed. The expert believes that the United States paid attention to Pashinyans statement that he is one of the Armenian leaders, who criticized the U.S. most of all. He added that this statement put an end to any attempts to improve Armenian-American relations. Thus, Pashinyan wanted to please Moscow and make Washington happy. But as a result, Yerevan received a suspicious attitude of Russia and indifferent silence of the U.S. towards itself. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option. Bakersfield, CA (93308) Today Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low 41F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low 41F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. By Trend The European Council Chairman Donald Tusk will visit Uzbekistan as part of his trip to the countries of Central Asia from May 29 to June 2, Trend reports with reference to the press service of the organization. The European Union has just published its new strategy for EU-Central Asia relations. The visit of the President of Tusk is another expression of the EUs commitment to strengthening partnerships with the region and individual countries, the European Council press service noted. He will meet with President Emomali Rakhmon in Tajikistan, President Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev and the first President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Kazakhstan, and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Uzbekistan. Donald Tusk scheduled a program in Dushanbe (Tajikistan) on May 30 and in Nur-Sultan (Kazakhstan) on May 31. The rest of the visit, according to the schedule of the head of the European Council, will be held in Uzbekistan until June 2. The agenda of the visit includes issues of regional and bilateral cooperation, climate change, environmental protection and border management and security in the region, reads the message. Beware Online Vacation Rental Scams, Say Oregon Coast Officials Published 05/26/2019 at 7:53 PM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Seaside, Oregon) The online world is a double-edged sword: both a necessity and predatory at the same time. Certainly when it comes to finding a place to stay on the Oregon coast, you absolutely need it to find the right spot to fit your needs. Especially when youre talking vacation rentals. (See full Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals list) However, this opens you up to a whole new sector of scams, where the true weaknesses of online haunts like Facebook, Craigslist, VRBO and Airbnb come to light. As Seaside public information officer Jon Rahl put it, as the busy season descends it is a good time to remind ourselves that not everything on the internet may be what it appears. The Seaside Police Department and Rahl recently issued an advisory on what to look out for when it comes to online rental scams, which even applies to locals looking for long-term rentals along the Oregon coast. For many online hangouts that don't specialize in rentals full time, scam listings are an issue. Scam listings often steal photos, descriptions, and other information from pre-existing (real) rental listings, Rahl said. The scam listings will make their property appear to be a better deal than other listings in the area. Many times, the false listings are placed by people in other countries, which make it near impossible to adjudicate and/or get your money back. Tips to avoid being a victim of a rental scam: Do not wire money or pay for a vacation rental with a prepaid gift card. This one of the biggest red flags. Once the crook has got your money in that way, youll almost never get it back. Legitimate property owners never, ever conduct business that way. Do not get rushed into a decision. Another favorite game move of the scammer: if theres pressure in the email or phone conversation to make a decision on the spot, drop it. Super Cheap Rates Too Good To Be True. Below-market rent can be a sign of a scam. Do some extra research to confirm the deal is legitimate. Try calling the local visitor center for additional research. A good way of checking is to look up the home listing online in other places, and see what comes up. Doublecheck the phone numbers and website addresses against what you initially found, and that it comes from a real rental agency. Related to this, however, is the problem that many individual home owners renting out their beach home part time, or through an online service like Airbnb and Craiglist. This throws a wrench in that process Its here where Erin Barker, owner of BeachHouse Vacation Rentals in Seaside chimes in. You can possibly verify ownership of a private home by asking the water company to verify that so and so owns the property, Barker said. Some counties have local websites where you can verify who the property owner is. Even then, I heard a scam where the scammer represented themselves as the owner, knowing their names. So verifying address where tax records are mailed or where water bills are mailed could verify that's where you are sending payment to. It's easier to verify a legit company because they file with the Secretary of State. You can do a business search there online too. Barker reiterated that if sounds too good to be true, it probably is. She's even had her own experience being scammed. Years ago someone pretended to be us in a fake Craigslist scam, Barker said. Problem is they forgot to change the phone number and so we got calls. Told everyone we do not manage the home anymore and do not send money. Mixed Up Grammar, Spelling. Often, these scammers are in other countries and they will use online translating methods, which result in linguistic oddities. Misspellings, strange wording, and other grammar indications which may indicate a false ad, Rahl said. Awkward Phone Interaction. If you want to call the property owner and they communicate telling you they suddenly had to leave the country and cant call, call at odd times of the day, become angry when you dont immediately send them money, you may be looking at a scam listing. Oregon Coast Lodgings in this area - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours 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 By Trend Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev will take part in the first meeting of the Joint Commission at the level of the heads of the governments of Russia and Uzbekistan on May 30 in Tashkent, Trend reports with reference to press service of the Russian government. "Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov will hold the first meeting of the Joint Commission at the level of the heads of the governments of Russia and Uzbekistan. A meeting of the head of the Russian government with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev is also scheduled," reads the message. During the talks, it is planned to discuss a wide range of topical issues of bilateral cooperation in the trade, economic, investment, scientific, educational, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The sides will also discuss implementation of major joint projects in the energy, industry, transport, high technologies and agriculture sectors. During the visit, joint documents on cooperation in various fields are expected to be signed. Dozens of local families put the Memorial Day barbecues and pool parties on hold Monday morning to remember the sacrifices of the nations military men and women during a series of ceremonies at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Beaumont city leaders, members of local veterans organizations and Lt. Col. Gordon Vincent, the new commander of the 842nd Transportation Battalion stationed at the Port of Beaumont, spoke on the meaning of the day. Vincent said he took Memorial Day as a time of reflection and remembrance. Having served in combat and known people that sacrificed for their country, I think it is important to have time to recognize the price paid by others and what their lives meant, Vincent said. But I think its OK for people to spend the day how they want. There arent concrete ideals people have to meet about Memorial Day. Vincent was most recently assigned with the U.S. Transportation Command in Belleville, Illinois, the unified command responsible for the countrys global defense transportation system. He took command of the local battalion from Army Lt. Col. Donald Santillo about two weeks ago, but he said Beaumont has already welcomed him and his family. It is a place with an incredible sense of community and a deeply rooted love for our nation, Vincent said. After prayers and words of remembrance in the funeral home, observers filed out for the rest of the ceremony in the memorial park. A giant flag hoisted by a ladder truck from the Beaumont Fire Department helped lead the way across a manicured path to the memorial wall inscribed with the names of hundreds of veterans. Members of the 842nd Transportation Battalion placed wreaths at the walls center and stood for a moment of silence. An honor guard in navy uniform fired a 21-gun salute for the fallen, followed by the traditional bugle call of Taps. A bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace marked the end of the ceremony. Some onlookers stayed to search for names among the many on the wall, but others made the walk back to the funeral home marked by a growing plume of smoke from a local Scout Troop retiring old and tattered flags in a pyre. One of the names on that wall belonged to Gerald Washington, a 14-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and 12-year veteran of the U.S. Army. Washington said he comes to the Memorial Day event at Forest Lawn every year to show his respect, and also to help keep the traditions alive for a new generation. He said its important to keep a legacy going, especially in a time when it can be hard for people to find common ground with each other. Washington served with the Seabees, as the storied United States Naval Construction Battalions are called, and continued with construction in the Army, traveling the globe to help build everything from infrastructure to radar stations. Washington said he believes memorials like the one at Forest Lawn can help people understand not only the sacrifices but also the varied other ways military veterans did their duty. There are different aspects of the military people can learn to appreciate; not everyone fought while serving, Washington said. There are people who cooked beans and hauled bullets that were a part of the support group. You cant fight a war without support, and there are so many different people that served in their own way. Matthew Sampson has also found a way to pay his respects, with a personal ritual he began after one of his friends was killed in combat in Afghanistan eight years ago. As the onlookers cleared out of Forest Lawn on Monday, Sampson was using a toothbrush and water to scrub another years dust and grime from several headstones, including his friend, Army Pvt. David Andrew Drake. He cleans several markers this way until he runs out of flags to place on them. Summer doesnt technically begin until June 22, but for most of us the Memorial Day weekend was the real kickoff. And with the temperatures getting a little hotter each day, its time for those rituals that coastal residents have been dealing with for countless summers backyard barbecues, more time at the beach and a big dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. That last one is certainly an unwelcome visitor every summer, but its as unavoidable as mosquitoes. The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science announced that this years widespread flooding inland will likely create an even larger oxygen-deprived dead zone in Gulf waters fairly soon. The phenomenon is even more unfortunate because its preventable. The zone forms when nitrogen and phosphorus from farms and lawns washes off and starts draining south, mostly along the Mississippi River. When that soupy mixture hits the Gulf, the nutrients feed algae and plankton, which die and fall to the bottom. As those microscopic creatures decompose, they remove oxygen from the water. Some marine creatures such as fish and shrimp can move to better waters, but starfish and other bottom-dwellers die. And with large dead zones, even fish sometimes cant avoid them. The consequences of something like this ripple up through the food chain, eventually affecting fish that commercial and recreational anglers go after. Last years dead zone was more than 2,700 square miles, and this years is expected to be much larger. In some years, researchers have even run out of funds before they can fully map just how large the dead zone was. Scientists also believe that more chemicals are being put into the Gulf each year, slightly more nitrogen but considerably more phosphorus. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 showed that events like this can have long-lasting effects on life in the Gulf. The waters appear to be so vast and deep that nothing humans do can harm them. But that oil spill devastated several species that are still struggling to recover. The solution to all this is applying fewer chemicals on farms and fields up north. It seems insurmountable, but farmers and landowners are buying and using more phosphorus and nitrogen than they need. Dialing back is in their best interests too. For now, about all coastal residents can do is hope the zone isnt too large every year. Ironically, hurricanes stir up Gulf waters considerably and replenish oxygen levels, but thats a solution to one problem that brings many others. No compromise: sunscreens can protect your skin and the environment In May last year, Hawaii started a trend by announcing a ban of sunscreens that contain chemicals believed to contribute to coral bleaching when they wash off into the sea. The Republic of Palau announced the same ban six months later, and in February this year the city of Key West followed suit in order to protect the barrier reef - one of the world's largest - that is found six miles off the Florida Keys. The bans are yet to come into effect, but sun cream manufacturers are already responding to the news, producing products that won't harm reefs. "For my new suncare range, I didn't want to compromise between protecting the skin and protecting nature," says Mathilde Thomas, founder of Caudalie. "Most brands on sale contain two filters that damage and cause the bleaching of coral - oxybenzone and octinoxate. "These ingredients are cheap and effective, but they have an impact in the marine ecosystem." Green People has introduced a range that doesn't contain the two main culprit ingredients and eradicates an additional chemical that's dangerous for marine life. "It's estimated that around 10,000 tons of UV filters are produced annually and, on average, about 25% of the sunscreen ingredients applied to skin are released in the water over the course of a 20-minute swim," says Charlotte Vohtz, founder and managing director for Green People. "Another ingredient in sun creams that is raising concern is ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. "Studies have shown that this chemical ingredient is a hormone-disrupting chemical which mimics oestrogen and could genetically alter the gender of fish." Some elements of traditional sunblock can be potentially harmful for humans too. "After examining 25 molecules authorised in Europe, we have eliminated all chemical filters suspected of disrupting the endocrine system, such as octinoxate, octocrylene and nanoparticle filters," Mathilde Thomas explains. "Caudalie has selected four filters, compared to the nine that brands usually use in suncare products. "These filters, combined together to work in synergy, are formulated at a lower dosage than the market average and provide maximum SPF protection." Plus, the formula is 98% biodegradable in just 28 days, with the remainder degrading subsequently. Green People's range, which contains a minimum of 80% organic ingredients, includes plant-derived green tea, rosemary and edelweiss. "To provide effective protection against UVB radiation, we add titanium dioxide, a naturally occurring white mineral that acts as a reflective barrier," Vohtz says. "We also add Isoamyl P-methoxycinnamate, which is derived from cinnamic acid found in the leaves of the cinnamon tree and provides natural protection against UVB radiation." No matter what sunscreen you use, it's important to remember to apply liberally 20 minutes before sun exposure, and to reapply after swimming - reef damage has proven that no sun cream is truly waterproof. The train trips will be opened between Turkey and Bulgaria soon, Trend reports referring to the Turkish media. Reportedly, passengers will be transported between the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv and the Turkish north-western Edirne city from June 1. The trips will be carried out twice a week, on Saturdays and on Sundays. The train will consist of three cars and up to 226 passengers will be transported daily. DUP MPs have insisted the next Conservative leader must be someone who will deliver on Brexit - but stopped short of naming their preferred choice. It came as the battle for Downing Street hotted up, with Environment Secretary Michael Gove and former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab entering the contest. Theresa May announced on Friday she would be standing down as Tory leader on June 7, saying it was time for another Prime Minister to try to deliver Brexit. Boris Johnson, the former Foreign Secretary, is favourite to succeed Mrs May. He is one of eight candidates to so far declare their intention to run for the leadership. DUP leader Arlene Foster said her party would be "listening very carefully" to what each of the candidates has to say about Brexit and, in particular, around the backstop. Yesterday, three of the party's most prominent MPs declined to state their preference, saying it was a matter for the Conservative Party. However, they did indicate it would need to be someone who could deliver Brexit and scrap the backstop, which the DUP is fiercely opposed to. Writing in this newspaper, academic Prof Jon Tonge, who has written a book about the DUP, indicated Mr Johnson or Mr Gove would likely be the party's preferred picks. And he believes that Mr Gove's scepticism around the 1998 Agreement would appeal to many. "Success for Gove would probably please the DUP, as he is one of the few Conservatives who has always been Good Friday Agreement-sceptic," he said. "In common with the DUP, Gove (writing in 2000) argued that the 1998 deal was a capitulation to republicans and that a military solution - the defeat of the IRA - would have been better." The DUP struck a confidence and supply deal with Mrs May to keep her in power in the wake of the 2017 General Election, which left the Tories short of a Commons majority. The Westminster arrangement which saw the DUP's 10 MPs vote with the Government on key issues delivered a 1bn funding package to Northern Ireland. But the party has been particularly critical of Mrs May in recent months for her handling of the Brexit process. It was opposed to the contentious border backstop element of the deal Mrs May struck with the EU, claiming it would see Northern Ireland treated differently to the rest of the UK. DUP MPs would not be drawn on who they would like to see as the next Conservative leader, when contacted by the Belfast Telegraph yesterday. North Antrim MP Ian Paisley would only say that the choice of Mrs May's successor was "entirely a matter for the Tory Party". Sir Jeffrey Donaldson added: "It wouldn't be appropriate for the DUP to be seen to be backing a particular candidate. However, we are clear that we want someone who will deliver Brexit and help us to address issues around the backstop. "We will view any leadership contender in that light and await the outcome of the contest." East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said: "When we were choosing our party leader, we wouldn't have relished or welcomed any intervention from Tories about who we should choose, so it's a matter for them. "Hopefully it will be someone who sees the problems that have to be resolved (around Brexit) and is able and prepared to do so. In particular, I hope it's somebody who gets the importance of the backstop issue being resolved and understands the need to drive home to Europe that there is no such thing as a hard border. "It's a total impossibility, so we have to get beyond that fear of creating something that can't come about." DUP Strangford MP Jim Shannon hinted that he had a preferred candidate, but would not reveal their identity. He said: "The best result will be someone who leads the party forward to deliver on the referendum result of 2016, but who that will be is the responsibility of the Conservative party. "I really hope that the person chosen has the ability, commitment and the wherewithal to negotiate, unlike the previous Prime Minister who unfortunately didn't have that long-term understanding of the position of Northern Ireland. "Our only red line was and continues to be the backstop and we hope that after this three year Brexit process the new leader will be able to deliver on that and secure our position within the United Kingdom." Meanwhile, Northern Ireland minister John Penrose has thrown his support behind Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, saying that he is the ideal choice to "heal Brexit wounds". Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, the MP for Weston-super-Mare said that for him, Mr Hunt "stands out" among "plenty of credible candidates". Yesterday Mr Gove became the eighth candidate to enter the race after Mr Hunt, Mr Johnson, Mr Raab, Esther McVey, Andrea Leadsom, Matt Hancock and Rory Stewart. The new Tory leader looks set to take over as Prime Minister at the end of July. The timetable for the contest will see nominations close in the week of June 10, with MPs involved in a series of votes to whittle down the crowded field to a final two contenders. Tory Party members will then decide who wins the run-off. An 1898 barge that survived two world wars and was used as a dwelling for most of her life is crossing the Irish Sea to moor in Strangford Lough. Hilary Hunter, from Portaferry in Co Down, described her barge, affectionately known as the 'old Dutch lady', as a "sanctuary and wonderful calming space" that was her home for over eight years in Essex. After a brief stay in Kent, Hilary moved back to Northern Ireland six months ago and had to leave her beloved barge behind. But with the help of a team of fishermen, they will soon be reunited. They plan to spend five days sailing it across the Irish Sea and moor it at Strangford Lough. The interior of the 121-year-old barge resembles a small cottage, ideal as a health and well-being retreat. Hilary runs the Wrens' Nest therapy studio in the town, which provides a private and tranquil place for groups to meet, study or practice. She is so passionate about holistic methods and natural healing that she organised a festival in Portaferry in March to encourage more people to follow a healthy lifestyle. The barge is named Drie Gebroeders (meaning three brothers). When Hilary first bought it, she put in new rigging and rewired and redecorated it. The barge boasts two double cabins, a shower, a living space and a kitchen. It was once used by the Germans during the Second World War and even now has the hallmarks of witnessing many adventures. Original skipper Dirk Pols was Dutch and had three sons, so the boat was named three brothers, a popular name for vessels at that time. The ship was eventually passed on to one of his sons, Hendrik Pols, who was to lose her to the Dutch army at the onset of the Second World War. She was later requisitioned for the use of the Pontonniers, in the maintaining of bridges. She fell into German hands eventually and there are now visual signs of alterations to her bow point, having been adapted for use as an invasion barge. Little is known about her after the war, but these barges are normally used to carry farm goods and materials along the waterways, ideal for conversion to a houseboat. Hilary added: "Dutch historians are fascinated by her and are trying to uncover her secret life since the war, but in such difficult times, records were few and ownership uncertain. "Perhaps she lay unused for years, or maybe worked in Belgium or France. "The Dutch Kadaster (land registry and mapping agency) only records her ownership from the year 2000 when she appears to have been saved as a historic hull by an enterprising man named Ger Hofman. "Apparently it was he who was her saviour, pouring what I imagine were his life savings into her adaptation to the current layout, retiring her to a pleasant life of holiday charter, visiting festivals and beauty spots around the waters of northern Holland." Hilary added: "People always assume I have always been a sailing person or have long dreamed about a life afloat. Nothing could be further from the truth. "The first night I slept aboard was during a dark, stormy, flooded night, her rudder thumped loudly on its metal housing posts, the clanging echoing through the riveted iron hull. "Tying the tiller up in an attempt to slice this sent her into a rage and the banging grew much louder." It wasn't long before Hilary did get used to her and now admits she is a novice sailor. She purchased the barge from a man who used it as his home but then married and returned back to live on land. "Getting to know her was a little awkward," added Hilary. "There was a period of long-distance love and uncertainty but I soon learned of her huge personality. "I love this boat and I love being spending time in it. "I find it so peaceful and relaxing being so close to water. "I have a real passion for natural healing. Everyone leads such stressful lives and a lot of people are increasingly going to GPs and a lot of problems people have now is all down to stress. "People enjoy being by the water, stress levels go down and they lead much healthier lifestyles as a result." Healey with two people he saved in 1979 A Co Tyrone man has been reunited with a family of Vietnamese refugees he saved from a crammed, sinking boat in the South China Sea 40 years ago. Healey Martin (80), who was captain of a cargo vessel, rescued more than 1,000 civilians fleeing communist Vietnam after his ship came across two crowded boats in May 1979. The father-of-two from Dungannon met with Linh Thi Thuy Spearing and her family, who were among those picked up by his ship, the SS Sibonga. The vessel was on a voyage between south-east Asia and the west coast of Canada when the dramatic rescue took place. Mrs Spearing, who now lives in Somerset, was seven when she and her family, originally from Ho Chi Minh City, fled the country after the end of the Vietnam War. Mrs Spearing was "lost at sea for days" with her parents and three young brothers, and said they were "blessed" to be rescued. Last week they were among a group of refugees who flew to Northern Ireland on the 40th anniversary of their rescue to thank Mr Martin personally. The reunion took place at Nightingale Nursing Home in Dungannon, where Mr Martin is now a resident. Mrs Spearing said she wanted to extend a truly heartfelt "thank-you" to the man who will be forever remembered for giving her family "a new life". "Through a miracle and a heroic decision by Captain Martin we were rescued from starvation, drowning or much worse," she said. Mrs Spearing's mother, Trinh Le, described the rescue as a "scary, sad and horrible" experience. She said Mr Martin was "very composed" and "remembered a lot of details" about the event. "It was lovely and really emotional at the beginning, just to see him among all those people," she added. "We got to see him as a family and say thank you. I wanted him to see his legacy - that he helped many people to give them all new beginnings." In 2017, Mr Martin spoke to the Belfast Telegraph about the moment the ship's crew spotted the boat carrying 600 refugees emitting distress signals. Under maritime law, a ship that receives a distress call from a nearby vessel must provide assistance. Mr Martin and his crew of 47 witnessed heartbreaking scenes, including a young mother who slipped the body of her baby into the sea after it died on board. "It really distressed my wife Mildred. She loved those children, she cleaned and fed them," he recalled. "After we saw the first boat there was a second after that. They were all crammed in with no toilet facilities, no washing facilities. Half of them couldn't stand up. "We had to put a box in a big net and put them in to the box to get them on the ship. Some were hanging off the side of the net. "A lot of people wrote to me to say I did a good thing, but there were a few who said they didn't like what I did. I got some hate mail from people telling me that my company should have sacked me immediately for what I had cost them. "Immigration in the UK is still a sore point with people but these children were covered in their own faeces and urine. The boat and everyone on it stank. "They all had to be cleaned and washed and fed. You suddenly go from feeding 47 to feeding 1,002 people," he added. Shortly after the rescue they arrived in Hong Kong, but Mr Martin was told that the refugees were unable to disembark. He was forced to anchor the ship for two weeks until his employers, Bank Line, sent planes to transport them to the UK. John Downey at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin where he is applying for leave to appeal over the decision to extradite him to Northern Ireland over the murder of two Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) soldiers in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, in 1972 (Brian Lawless/PA) John Downey should not be sent to Belfast to face a trial which is doomed to failure, a defence barrister has argued at the appeal court in Dublin. The 67-year-old, whose trial for the IRAs Hyde Park bombing collapsed in controversy five years ago, is wanted by prosecutors in Northern Ireland over the murders of two Ulster Defence Regiment soldiers in 1972. In March Mr Downey was granted leave to appeal against a decision to extradite him. Expand Close The Courts of Criminal Justice in Dublin (PA Archive) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Courts of Criminal Justice in Dublin (PA Archive) Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly said then that she granted the appeal to test whether it is an abuse of process to return him to Northern Ireland. Presenting his clients case to the President of Irelands Court of Appeal George Birmingham sitting with Mr Justice Peart and Mr Justice Edwards, Mr Downeys barrister Garnet Orange SC argued on Monday that his client should not be sent to Belfast to face a trial which he argued was doomed to failure. I think the circumstances in this case are probably unique, I dont think that there has been anything similar in the past, I think it is highly unlikely that there will be be anything like it in the future, he told the court. Its not just the individual set of circumstances, each particular thing such like the letter of assurance that is relied on by Mr Downey or the fact that it was granted in the context of the Good Friday Agreement. It is also the fact that in the present case there is an enormous delay between 1972 and 2018 before any proceedings were brought. There is also the issue of death of relevant witnesses arising from the passage of time, there appears to be an issue with the destruction of important evidence. He urged the court to consider the multiplicity of factors when considering the appeal. He shouldnt have to go there to answer a case which is doomed to failure, Mr Orange added. Responding, Remy Farrell SC, for the Minister of Justice and Equality, said what the court had heard was no more than an inadmissibility argument wrapped up in a shroud of abuse of process. Mr Farrell also described the letter of assurance as simply stating the individual in question was not the subject of any proceedings or warrants, and not that they will not be prosecuted. He said there is a degree of unreality to the idea now that the letters could be relied on. Everyone knows now that is wrong, Mr Downey knows better to his disadvantage that is incorrect, Mr Farrell told the court. After hearing the arguments, the president said he intended to reserve judgment to consider the submissions from both sides. Mr Downey was arrested at his home in Creeslough, Co Donegal, last October under a European arrest warrant after authorities in Northern Ireland determined they had sufficient evidence to charge him with the murders of Lance Corporal Alfred Johnston, 32, and Private James Eames, 33. The soldiers died in a car bomb attack in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, in August 1972. In 2013, Downey was charged with murdering four Royal Household Cavalrymen in a bomb in Londons Hyde Park in 1982. He was tried at the Old Bailey in 2014 but the case dramatically collapsed after it was revealed he had received a written assurance from former prime minister Tony Blairs government that he was not actively wanted by the authorities. The letter was allegedly issued under the terms of the controversial On The Runs (OTRs) scheme. Simon Hamilton (58) from Co Antrim, is chairman of Haemophilia NI. He contracted hepatitis C after receiving contaminated blood transfusions in his early 20s. Simon and his twin brother Nigel were among almost 5,000 haemophiliacs who received blood contaminated with HIV and hepatitis C in the 1970s and 1980s. Today Simon, who is married to Olive and has one son, Ethan (24), lives with cirrhosis of the liver and must be tested every six months to determine if he has cancer. Q. You are a haemophiliac, how does that impact on your life? A. I have got what is called Mild Haemophilia A. I lack a clotting factor in my blood. The likelihood of me bleeding is considerable. I have about 10%-12% clotting factor instead of 100%. Therefore the risk of bleeding in joints, the risk of bleeding from bruising in muscles, the risk of internal bleeding - I try and avoid these because they can lead to joint destruction and internal bleeding and more serious things. It can be fatal at times. I don't play contact sport. From an early age my parents encouraged us to keep fit, as it would enable us to be stronger and build some strength against the risks. I row and I have always rowed. It has been a great benefit to me in terms of keeping me strong and healthy and fighting the risks. Haemophilia is something that you absorb and try to live with. But there are times when you do worry, if you have a problem - like, for example, with the hepatitis virus, or with the destruction of your liver. And you worry about it if you have internal bleeds or a bad knock. Q. How did you come to receive infected blood? A. We have special concentrated treatments, the plasma or blood from thousands of litres, and they take the factor out of those, and they produce concentrates which you are injected with. The substance in the injections strengthens the coagulation of your blood, so it brings my coagulant up to 100%. It lasts for two or three days and you have to inject yourself again. I was infected while I was getting treatment for an internal bleed on my thigh. As a result of that I had to get injection treatments and in that was the virus hepatitis. I was in my mid-20s when it happened. I was being monitored by the hospital for around 10 years and it became apparent that I had hepatitis. Apparently it had been known for around four years before they told me I had it. In a sense I felt like I was the last to know, because everyone else did. And if you don't know what is in your medical records, you are not aware of it. But it was clear from my medical records that they were very much aware of issues before I found out. When I got the diagnosis I was extremely worried and concerned about the consequences. I sought as much guidance and advice as I could get, which there wasn't much of. It was just something that all of a sudden burst forth in lots of haemophiliacs. It appears that between 90% and 98% of haemophiliacs who were exposed to the virus ended up getting hepatitis C and then from that a number of people go on to get cirrhosis of the liver. I developed that. I have to have my liver checked every six months in ultrasound to look for anything of concern - because they are looking for a cancer tumour. Q. How does hepatitis C impact on your health and life? A. It makes you very tired, you have cold sweats, it makes you feel like you have the flu. Your memory goes a little bit and people have a variety of reactions to it on top of that. I went through two treatments to cure me of the hepatitis. They are very severe, they are almost like a chemo treatment. They kill your immune system and they give you these injections which actually suppress the virus. The virus sort of goes to sleep and if it stays asleep after the treatment, hopefully it won't wake up again. The first time I had it done, the virus reappeared. The second time it stayed asleep and thankfully it is still dormant. But I have cirrhosis, which is a direct result of hepatitis. My twin brother (Nigel) is in exactly the same situation, only he was infected earlier than me. And he got cirrhosis and ended up with cancer and had to have a liver transplant a year ago. He has made a wonderful recovery, and is a very, very lucky man to still be here. We have heard from people in the inquiry who have had more than one liver transplant, as the virus is still in the system and in the blood and attacks the second liver. Q. Is the threat of liver cancer always hanging over your head? A. Yes. Every six months I go for a scan and they do tests and if they see anything in the scan, I would have a MRI. They have discovered nodules in the past. But they are always looking for a tumour. I had a brain haemorrhage a number of years ago. They believe that because of the severity of the treatment for hepatitis, people react in different ways. Some people get diabetes, some people end up with higher blood pressure. And there is a belief that there is a connection with my second treatment and my brain haemorrhage. I came close to death there. I thought I was a goner. I was in intensive care for a long period of time and the medical staff did a great job of getting me back up to where I am now. Dr Gary Benson has my eternal gratitude. It changes your perspective on life. Q. Such near death experiences must surely make you ponder your own mortality? A. They very much do - when you think that you are going to die and you have to decide whether you are going to make your peace or not. I did at that stage make my peace and was prepared to die. But thankfully I am still here. My situation makes me feel differently about life and death. I am 58 and I have got used to living with these things. But there are times when you wonder whether or not you are going to be still here. But I live my life with the glass half full, so I am a battler and a fighter. I stay positive and I'll never be otherwise. I have a very strong faith. I have very good friends and family and we are all very strong together. And my colleagues at work are extremely supportive. I can't complain. That is my lot and I have to get on with it. I have accepted my fate. It is what it will be. Q. A journey like this would have a huge impact on your family. Tell me about that. A. It has had a huge impact on my family. They carry the worry. They worry every six months about what the next test is going to bring or when you have other complications or other bleeding episodes and what comes out of those. It's the worry about what way that will leave you. When I had the brain haemorrhage I saw my wife crying in the arms of her friend at the hospital and I realised that it was bad. But my wife Olive is very strong and she keeps her problems and worries to herself. She doesn't let me see it very often. But seeing it this time made me realise it was bad. My son constantly monitors me and is very, very caring towards me. It has had a huge impact on their lives also. Q. You say that your mother feels guilty, why is that? A. Because mothers bear the haemophiliac boys. A cousin of hers had haemophiliac sons and we have all been infected. And as a result of that my mum Elizabeth feels that guilt. Mothers do feel the guilt because they see what you have to go through and even as a haemophiliac there are so many impacts on your life, with bleeds and hospital stays and damaged joints and everything else. It is just a lifelong health risk. Q. Why do you feel that it's important to speak out about your journey? A. I think that the truth has to be told. I listened to a very harrowing statement last week from a woman whose husband died. I knew him very well. There are so many people in our community of infected and affected in the contaminated community whose voices need to be heard, both here and across the UK. We want to make sure that the truth gets out there. And this public inquiry is doing something that the others didn't do. It is getting to the truth. We have great confidence in Sir Brian Langstaff, the chairman. Q. Do you feel empathy with victims of Historic Institutional Abuse? A. Yes, I do feel a lot of empathy with the HIA victims. I can't for the life of me understand why they are not being given the justice that they deserve. Judge Hart concluded that inquiry three years ago and his conclusions were that they had been abused and that they should be compensated. It is morally reprehensible that the Secretary of State says that this is something that needs to be agreed when the Assembly gets together. She has millions of pounds at her fingertips at the Treasury and they are talking about 7,000 to 10,000 after their lives were destroyed. And so many of them are dying. And in that there is a similarity. For us, in relation to the payments, the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State and all the departments all agree that it should never have happened. They all believe that there should be a parity in the payment schemes across the UK for the contaminated blood people. Q. What do you hope to get from the inquiry? A. We hope for truth. We hope that the reality of what really happened, who took the decisions and why, comes out and why government has shuffled its feet for 40 years and not taken responsibility. We want to know who, what, when, where and why? Because this wasn't necessary and government was not duly diligent. We also want to know why the pharmaceutical companies have been hiding, because they created these products. Q. Has your experience destroyed your life? A. My life is different than it might have been. I am a positive person and I try to live the life that God gives me as well as I can. I have been close to death and therefore every day is a blessing and a bonus. When you meet people like you who are suffering, you meet special people and you share special experiences and special understandings. Everyone suffers in some way. We have just been allocated a specific type of suffering because of this contaminated blood. Q. What hope do you hold on to in all of this? A. I hope that we get closure from this inquiry. I hope that this will lead to better practice. I will live as long as God gives me, but I hope that I live every day in a healthy and happy way. And I will feel better, having had the chance to speak for those who are no longer here. A man has sustained serious injuries after an assault involving up for four men in west Belfast. Police were called to the scene of the assault in the Blacks Road/Ladybrook area of Belfast on Sunday morning. Detective Sergeant Laverty said: "We received a report at approximately 3:25am that a man was assaulted earlier, sometime between 12:30am and 3am. "It was reported that up to four males may have been involved in the assault on the man, aged in his forties, who sustained serious injuries. "We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or who was in the Blacks Road/Ladybrook area between midnight yesterday and 3am yesterday to get in touch. "I would also appeal to drivers with dash cams who were in the area during this time to check their footage. Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at Musgrave Station on 101, quoting reference number 434 26/05/19. Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt has urged the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) to consider the impact on former troops facing investigations into Troubles-era incidents. It came as she detailed her latest efforts to protect ex-services personnel from prosecution. Ms Mordaunt said her department - with the support of the Secretary of State - will be involved in any process conducted by the NIO when drawing up new rules addressing the controversial issue. Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Ms Mordaunt said the current approach was one-sided in its treatment of Army veterans. "It is grossly unfair when serving personnel and veterans are subject to repeated investigations, with no new evidence, in connection with historical operations many years later," she said. A number of veterans currently face charges, including ex-Paratrooper Soldier F, who has been accused in relation to the killings of two civil rights protesters during Bloody Sunday in 1972. A former member of the Life Guards Regiment, Dennis Hutchings (78), is also to face trial for the attempted murder - a charge he denies - of John Pat Cunningham (27) in 1974. Ms Mordaunt, who replaced Gavin Williamson as Defence Secretary earlier this month, said that Armed Forces personnel are not "above the law, or exempt from it" if their actions fall short of international law as set out in the Geneva Conventions. She also said that her plans for legislation to provide greater protection to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans from repeated investigations into historical allegations will go out to public consultation this summer. Under the proposals, there would be a "presumption against prosecution" in relation to alleged incidents dating back more than 10 years, unless there were "exceptional circumstances". As it stands, the legislation will not apply to those who served here, although in an apparent break with Government policy, Ms Mordaunt said earlier this month she intended to find a way they could be given similar protection. Acknowledging the legislation - which she insisted would not be "an amnesty" for veterans - does not extend to Northern Ireland, she said her department will work with the NIO on legacy cases. "I have agreed with the Northern Ireland Secretary (Karen Bradley) that my department will formally input to any process conducted by the NIO resulting from the 2014 Stormont House Agreement," she added. Ms Mordaunt urged the NIO to consider the impact historical allegations have on members of the Armed Forces, along with the possible prospect of any future prosecutions on current personnel while on the field of battle. Ms Mordaunt's comments came as senior Army officers reacted angrily to reports that Theresa May personally intervened to block ministers from proposing a new law protecting Northern Ireland veterans from murder prosecutions before she announced her resignation. The revelation, previously reported by the Sunday Telegraph, has prompted fresh calls for an end to the "disgraceful" and "politically-motivated" prosecutions of soldiers who served during the Troubles. Colonel Richard Kemp, who served in Northern Ireland and has previously criticised the decision to prosecute Soldier F, accused Mrs May - who will stand down next month - of failing to stand up for veterans. "The sickening reality is that terrorists have been treated more favourably than soldiers, with many multiple murderers being released early from jail while elderly soldiers are dragged into court charged with offences that allegedly occurred half a century ago," he told the newspaper. "These are politically motivated prosecutions. It is disgraceful that Theresa May and her Cabinet are willing to throw British troops to the lions." The prosecution of Troubles' soldiers has prompted protests in Belfast and London, supported by thousands of veterans. Last week Mrs May said she did not believe the system was operating fairly "at the moment", and reiterated her desire to change the system regarding cases related to the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The idea that non-believers lack morality has been disputed (Niall Carson/PA) The idea that non-believers in God lack morality has been disputed by new research, experts said. A common supposition that of the purposeless disbeliever, lacking anything to ascribe ultimate meaning to the universe does not bear scrutiny, a university study said. Most endorse objective moral values and human dignity at similar rates to the general populations in their countries, the report presented at the Vatican said. One of the authors, University of Kent sociologist Dr Lois Lee, said: These findings show once and for all that the public image of the atheist is a simplification at best, and a gross caricature at worst. Instead of relying on assumptions about what it means to be an atheist, we can now work with a real understanding of the many different world views that the atheist population includes. The implications for public and social policy are substantial and this study also stands to impact on more everyday interactions in religiously diverse societies. Our data directly counter common stereotypes about unbelievers.Dr Jonathan Lanman The research is supported by a 2.3 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation and is led by the University of Kent in collaboration with Queens University Belfast, St Marys University Twickenham, and Coventry University. The global Understanding Unbelief programme to advance the scientific understanding of atheism and non-religion will present the results from its research at the Vatican in Rome. The multidisciplinary research programme maps the nature and diversity of unbelief across six countries Brazil, China, Denmark, Japan, the UK and US. Key findings from the research include: Unbelievers exhibit significant diversity both within, and between, different countries In all six countries, majorities of unbelievers identified as having no religion Relatively few selected atheist or agnostic as their preferred (non)religious or secular identity Popular assumptions about convinced, dogmatic atheists do not stand up to scrutiny Unbelief in God does not necessarily entail unbelief in other supernatural phenomena and the majority of unbelievers in all countries surveyed expressed belief in one or more supernatural phenomena Unbelievers and general populations showed high agreement concerning the values most important for finding meaning in the world and your own life. Family and freedom ranked highly for all. Expand Close Dr Jonathan Lanman from Queens University Belfast (QUB/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dr Jonathan Lanman from Queens University Belfast (QUB/PA) Anthropologist Dr Jonathan Lanman, from Queens University Belfast, said: Our data directly counter common stereotypes about unbelievers. A common view of unbelievers is that they lack a sense of objective morality and purpose but possess an arrogant confidence and a very different set of values from the rest of the population. Our representative data across six diverse countries show that none of this is true. In a time when our societies seem to be growing more and more polarised, it has been both interesting and encouraging to see that one of the supposed big divides in human life (believers vs. unbelievers) may not be so big after all. DMCC, a major free zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise, has completed roadshows and presentations this month in Sweden, the UK and China, highlighting the opportunities available through DMCC for companies seeking expansion to global markets through Dubai. DMCCs senior management visited the cities of Gothenburg and Stockholm in Sweden for the first time with its Made for Trade Live international corporate roadshow. The events were held in partnership with the Swedish Trade and Investment Council (Business Sweden), and with the support of the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Sweden, and the Swedish Embassy in the UAE, said a statement from DMCC, which is headquartered in Dubai. A total of 80 Swedish business leaders and senior delegates attended the events, and discussed wide ranging issues such as Dubais economic growth, governance, regulation and trade; as well as DMCCs infrastructure, products and services, and the positive impact Expo 2020 Dubai will have on the citys local economy and the opportunity on offer to foreign companies. The next stop on the Made for Trade Live roadshow was London. Staged in partnership with the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, over 100 leading names of British business gathered in the room to discuss the opportunities for growth presented by Dubai. DMCCs position as a commercial hub and gateway to global trade flows was the focus of the discussion, especially within the context ongoing developments connected to Brexit. To date, there are over 1,400 British firms registered with DMCC. Executive chairman and CEO Ahmed Bin Sulayem said: "Our mandate at DMCC is to drive new trade flows to Dubai. These roadshows enable us to do just that by communicating the Dubai story and highlighting DMCCs commercial appeal to foreign businesses." "Our first visit to Sweden was very successful, and we look forward to working more closely with the Swedish business community and building partnerships in a new market," he noted. With bilateral trade between the UAE and the United Kingdom expected to reach approximately Dh121 billion by 2020, it was important to visit London again this year, stated Bin Sulayem. "DMCC offers British firms an unprecedented opportunity to expand their enterprise, and the economic impact of Expo 2020 Dubai should be appealing to all ambitious companies looking to do business in this part of the world," he added. Peter Bishop, Deputy Executive Chief, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: "We are delighted to partner with DMCC on this project. Representing the interests of London businesses, it made sense for us to support the latest Made for Trade Live roadshow and communicate the tremendous opportunity in Dubai for British firms." "Our members represent some of the finest businesses in the capital, and I was encouraged to learn of the support offered by DMCC to foreign companies seeking to do business in the Middle East, Africa and Asia and beyond," he noted. Meanwhile, Feryal Ahmadi, chief operating officer at DMCC, was invited by the Chinese Government to speak at the International Forum on Free Trade Zones Development, a two-day forum in Hainan focused on promoting free trade. The event was organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and The People's Government of Hainan Province. "DMCC has become a commercial hub and a critical connection point for trade ties between the UAE and China," stated Ahmadi. "Committed to driving the next phase of commercial growth between the two countries, DMCC has embarked on a comprehensive strategy to attract Chinese firms to DMCC. We have launched a range of bespoke Chinese-language services that have seen a rise of Chinese companies set up in Dubai and register with DMCC," he noted. "This is only the beginning and we look forward to creating more opportunity for Chinese firms in Dubai which will in turn, support Chinas Belt and Road Initiative," added Ahmadi. Since its inception, DMCC attracted over 3,000 businesses from 17 cities around the world to its international roadshows. The programme brings together business leaders interested in expanding their home base and offers them insights into the commercial appeal of Dubai and the opportunities it offers for growth in the region and beyond.-TradeArabia News Service Lead singer of Snow Patrol Gary Lightbody poses with Sara Canning, partner of murdered journalist Lyra McKee, at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast at the Guildhall in Derry. Photo credit: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Friends of murdered journalist Lyra McKee took part in a three-day peace walk from Belfast to Londonderry (Rebecca Black/PA) A rally in memory of Lyra McKee at Londonderry's Guildhall Square. Photo by Justin Kernoghan Nichola Corner, the sister of murdered journalist Lyra McKee, holding a copy of the cover of the The Agreement at the end of her speech at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, as they arrive at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. See PA story ULSTER Walk. Picture date: Monday May 27, 2019. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Lead singer of Snow Patrol Gary Lightbody poses with Sara Canning, partner of murdered journalist Lyra McKee, at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. See PA story ULSTER Walk. Picture date: Monday May 27, 2019. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Lead singer of Snow Patrol Gary Lightbody performs on stage at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, in the name of Lyra McKee, as friends of the murdered journalist arrive at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. See PA story ULSTER Walk. Picture date: Monday May 27, 2019. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Sara Canning (centre), partner of murdered journalist Lyra McKee, at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, as they arrive at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. See PA story ULSTER Walk. Picture date: Monday May 27, 2019. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Lead singer of Snow Patrol, Gary Lightbody, about to perform on stage at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, in the name of Lyra McKee, as friends of the murdered journalist arrive at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. See PA story ULSTER Walk. Picture date: Monday May 27, 2019. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Londonderry priest Father Joe Gormley, who performed the last rights to Lyra McKee the night she died, at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, as friends of the murdered journalist are arrive at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. See PA story ULSTER Walk. Picture date: Monday May 27, 2019. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Nichola Corner, the sister of murdered journalist Lyra McKee, at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, as friends of the murdered journalist arrive at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. See PA story ULSTER Walk. Picture date: Monday May 27, 2019. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Nichola Corner, the sister of murdered journalist Lyra McKee, addresses a crowd of people outside the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, as friends of the murdered journalist arrive at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. See PA story ULSTER Walk. Picture date: Monday May 27, 2019. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Walkers and supporters in Guildhall Square. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. The family of the late Lyra McKee. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. The Harkin family from Donegal. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody performing on stage in Guildhall Square. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Lyra McKee's sister Nicola Corner. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Walkers make their way not Guildhall Square. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. The family of the late Lyra McKee. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. BBC presenter Stuart Baillie. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Richard Moore, Children in Crossfire addresses the crowd. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. The new Mayor of Derry and Strabane Councillor Michaela Boyle. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody performing on stage in Guildhall Square. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Katie Richardson performing on stage in the Guildhall Square. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Lyra McKee Choir performing on stage in the Guildhall Square. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee The crowd at Guildhall Square. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Walk organisers Brenda Gough. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Walk organizers Susan Curran and Conor McCorry. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Lyra McKee Choir performing on stage in the Guildhall Square. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Lyra's partner Sara Canning. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee The crowd at Guildhall Square. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Four years-old Maille Devlin. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee The crowd at Guildhall Square. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Participants making their way down Shipquay Street. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Participants making their way down Shipquay Street. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Participants making their way down Shipquay Street. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Participants making their way down Shipquay Street. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Relatives of the later Lyra McKee at the finish. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Participants making their way down Shipquay Street. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Participants making their way down Shipquay Street. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Participants making their way down Shipquay Street. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Participants making their way down Shipquay Street. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Lyra's Choir performing in the Guildhall Square. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 27th May 2019 - Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Lyra's Walk The finale of the Peace Walk from Belfast to Derry in memory of Lyra McKee. Participants making their way down Shipquay Street. Nichola Corner, the sister of murdered journalist Lyra McKee, addresses a crowd of people outside the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, as friends of the murdered journalist arrive at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. See PA story ULSTER Walk. Picture date: Monday May 27, 2019. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Nichola Corner, the sister of murdered journalist Lyra McKee, sings along to Snow Patrol with other family members and friends at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, as they arrive at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. See PA story ULSTER Walk. Picture date: Monday May 27, 2019. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Lead singer of Snow Patrol Gary Lightbody performs on stage at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, in the name of Lyra McKee, as friends of the murdered journalist arrive at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. See PA story ULSTER Walk. Picture date: Monday May 27, 2019. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Lead singer of Snow Patrol Gary Lightbody performs on stage at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, in the name of Lyra McKee, as friends of the murdered journalist arrive at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. See PA story ULSTER Walk. Picture date: Monday May 27, 2019. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Londonderry priest Father Joe Gormley, who performed the last rites to Lyra McKee the night she died, at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, as friends of the murdered journalist are arrive at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. See PA story ULSTER Walk. Picture date: Monday May 27, 2019. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire People applaud during a speech at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, in the name of Lyra McKee, as friends of the murdered journalist are due to arrive in Londonderry today at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. See PA story ULSTER Walk. Picture date: Monday May 27, 2019. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire A choir perform in front of hundreds of people at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, in the name of Lyra McKee, as friends of the murdered journalist are due to arrive in Londonderry today at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. See PA story ULSTER Walk. Picture date: Monday May 27, 2019. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire A choir perform in front of hundreds of people at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, in the name of Lyra McKee, as friends of the murdered journalist are due to arrive in Londonderry today at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. See PA story ULSTER Walk. Picture date: Monday May 27, 2019. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire A choir perform in front of hundreds of people at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, in the name of Lyra McKee, as friends of the murdered journalist are due to arrive in Londonderry today at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast. Photo credit: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Nichola Corner, the sister of murdered journalist Lyra McKee, holding a copy of the cover of the Agreement at the end of her speech at the Guildhall in Derry. Photo credit: Liam McBurney/PA Wire The sister of murdered journalist Lyra McKee has vowed to "support" her killer if he hands himself in to police. Nichola Corner was speaking at a peace rally at Londonderry's Guildhall Square following the conclusion of the three day Lyra's Walk. Mrs Corner said failure was not an option as she urged justice for her family and praised those who have given evidence to police. She said she would come to any police station to meet whoever admitted to shooting the talented journalist dead and help him through the experience - saying she was speaking in Lyra's name. It followed a performance from Gary Lightbody and tributes from ordinary people and friends opposed to violence. Her sister held the 1998 Good Friday Agreement aloft as she urged politicians to do a deal to end the threat of bombs and bullets once and for all. She was applauded by a crowd of hundreds at Guildhall Square. Ms Corner said: "Here, in front of all of these people present, in the name of my sister, I offer to support you in the difficult task of coming forward and accepting responsibility for your actions. "I know that is not going to be easy, and it is certainly not going to be easy for me. "But I am prepared to go there, I am prepared to have that difficult conversation, I am prepared to be there as you hand yourself in. Expand Close Lead singer of Snow Patrol Gary Lightbody poses with Sara Canning, partner of murdered journalist Lyra McKee, at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast at the Guildhall in Derry. Photo credit: Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lead singer of Snow Patrol Gary Lightbody poses with Sara Canning, partner of murdered journalist Lyra McKee, at the end of their three-day peace walk from Belfast at the Guildhall in Derry. Photo credit: Liam McBurney/PA Wire "I promise you here and now that I will meet you at any police station, anywhere on this island, to support you in taking the brave step of handing yourself in and allowing my sister the justice she deserves." Lyra's partner Sara Canning was also in attendance and said that she had been overwhelmed by the reaction following Lyra's death. "The people who have reached out to me, the messages and positivity and hope and sympathy from communities across Northern Ireland and across the world has just been so heartwarming and massively helpful," she said. Lyra had planned to propose to her partner and get married in the Irish Republic, where same-sex marriage is legal. The journalist, 29, was shot dead by dissident republicans while observing unrest in the Creggan area last month. Snow Patrol frontman Lightbody wore a T-shirt with a message of support for the family and used an acoustic guitar as he sang two tracks, one penned about his grandmother who lived in Londonderry and another - Light Up. He said he was honoured to take part. "If anybody feels frustration at our political system or frustration at our inertia in Stormont then perhaps we can look to the positivity today of people gathering together," he said. "That all they care about is that the people can be who they want to be, love who they want to love and live in peace and prosperity for all of our kids, for our nieces and nephews into the future." Performer Katie Richardson admitted to being emotional before she sang a song entitled "Lyra" in front of a silent crowd in Guildhall Square in the city. Expand Close A rally in memory of Lyra McKee at Londonderry's Guildhall Square. Photo by Justin Kernoghan Photopress / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A rally in memory of Lyra McKee at Londonderry's Guildhall Square. Photo by Justin Kernoghan Read More Afterwards she said: "To Lyra." A choir, made up of some members who had never sung before and met only hours earlier performed in front of hundreds in Derry city centre at the conclusion of the three-day march. They filled a temporary stage, crammed shoulder to shoulder and dressed in everyday clothes, as they sang the murdered journalist's favourite song, Smalltown Girl. They also covered themes like people power. Many in the crowd wore T-shirts in her memory and carried flags with messages of peace. Demonstrators walked from Belfast, near where her funeral was held, to a square in Derry which hosted the first rallies in protest against the gunmen hours after the talented journalist's death. Susan Curran, a spokeswoman for the walkers told the crowd failure to do the right thing was not an option, in reference to the political vacuum. "We want to thank the McKee family for their honesty, their integrity, their love and their strength," she said. "Our hearts are broken for you but our hearts are open for you. "As Lyra said, it won't always be like this, it will get better." Richard Moore was shot and blinded aged 10 by a soldier. He is a peace activist who brought the Dalai Lama to Derry in the past. He urged politicians to compromise. "What we need to see out of our leaders is for them to take a risk for peace," he said. Mr Moore said the gunmen were destroying their own cause. During Ms McKee's funeral a priest asked Northern Ireland's politicians why it took the death of a 29-year-old woman to unite their parties. The latest talks process designed to restore devolved political powersharing was launched soon after the murder. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) released videos which appeared to show the moment a gunman fired the shots aimed at officers which killed the journalist. The Scottish First Minister has said there are obstacles in the way of a proposal to build a bridge between Northern Ireland and Scotland. But Nicola Sturgeon did not rule out the idea which has been promoted by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). Ms Sturgeon said she believed there are other ways of strengthening relations between Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Whether it's around a bridge or in other ways strengthening the relationship between Scotland, the north of Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is a big priority for my government We will always talk about how we can strengthen relations, we need to have practical and achievable ideas, she told the Press Association during a visit to Dublin on Monday. I have representations made to me about the idea of a bridge, there are obviously a lot of challenges and things to be discussed there. Whether its around a bridge or in other ways strengthening the relationship between Scotland, the north of Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is a big priority for my government. In Northern Ireland, DUP leader Arlene Foster and MP Sammy Wilson have both expressed their support for the building of a bridge to Scotland. Conservative Party leadership contender Boris Johnson also spoke in favour of such a bridge when he appeared at the DUP party conference in September. Last year, Architect Professor Alan Dunlop proposed two options for the bridge which could connect either Larne and Portpatrick or Mull of Kintyre with Torr Head, and estimated the cost to be between 15 billion and 20 billion. Baroness Eileen Paisley, wife of the late First Minister, DUP founder and firebrand preacher Ian Paisley has told Northern Ireland politicians to drop the baggage, their "petty" demands and think of the people they are continuing to fail in the ongoing absence of government. She also said it was "abominable" MLAs continued to take their salary for not doing their job and the public should be informed of what was going on in the current talks. In a wide-ranging interview with the BBC's Sunday Sequence, Baroness Paisley spoke of the DUP's decision to select its first openly gay candidate for the local government elections and how the matter should be put to the party for a "proper decision to be made". She said she felt the decision was taken in "defiance" to gauge reaction. And - referring to current DUP leader Arlene Foster's comments on leaving the country in the event of a united Ireland - Baroness Paisley said it would take an "awful lot" to move her out of her home. She said people should be mature enough to share the island and suggested partition was the wrong thing to do almost 100 years ago. "There are people of sense and sensibility who do not want to be fighting with their neighbours or their friends and who want to have it properly united," she said. It is going to get worse and that leaves us open to all sorts of trouble. Northern Ireland has been without its power-sharing institutions since January 2017. The parties are currently engaged in talks attempting to restore devolved government with civil servants responsible for running the country. Asked about her message to the local politicians, Baroness Paisley said they needed to "lay aside their baggage and face facts". "So many petty things, they don't see the big picture," she said. "So many people are crying out for help and they are failing them by not taking responsibility. "It is going to get worse and that leaves us open to all sorts of trouble." She added: "I would say to them cut out the petty things and dwell on things that matter - think of the people. She said she was "aggrieved" the 90 MLAs were still taking a salary and it was not fair on civil servants to be doing the job of elected representatives. "It is abominable for people to take money for nothing," she added, "they are not doing the job they were elected to do." Baroness Paisley also said the parties needed to be more open with the public, adding: "There is nothing in the open, what goes on is hidden." We are all sinners no matter who we are or what we are. She was asked about the DUP fielding its first openly gay candidate, Alison Benningtion and the subsequent resignations from the party after her successful election, including her late husband's brother in law and how some have said the late Ian Paisley would be "turning in his grave". "We are all sinners no matter who we are or what we are.. that girl may not know Christ died for her," she said. "I do not hate Ms Bennington, I don't know the girl. I don't hate anybody no matter who they are or what they have done against me. "But we have to love Christ first and what He says we have to obey his word. These things are written for our benefit." Baroness Paisley said she hoped the party was not making a move away from the ethos her husband established the party under. "It was a decision taken at the time and I think it was taken as a defiance to see what would happen. "And I think it should be put to the whole party and a proper decision made on what should be done." Turning to Brexit and Arlene Foster's comments on leaving the country if a united Ireland came about, Eileen Paisley said it would take an "awful lot" for her to move saying so long as their was freedom of religion she would remain. "I would not like a dictatorship or someone whatever their religion was to be persecuted because of that. "It is a big question. If we go right back to the beginning, the dividing of Ireland. The people or Ireland, north, south, east and west, I think are a great people. "No matter what part of Ireland a person is from.. they are a fellow country man or woman. "I just wonder why it had to be divided at that time and I think that was the wrong division. It is too big an issue for me to pontificate on." I don't want my mind and soul to be poisoned with an unforgiving spirit. Baroness Paisley said she missed her late husband more, and more every day and she was told many times by others across the political divide and the communities his leadership was missed. She recalled how her husband wanted to be a farmer when he was a young boy and it was when sowing corn he heard the call from God that it was not he seed He wanted Ian to sow. She said in his first sermon in Sixmilecross in Co Tyrone he spoke for only 10 minutes before running out of material and immediately vowed to never speak again. "And the man that was taking him told him 'you'll speak all right,' and so his words were fulfilled," she said. In his final years the Free Presbyterian Church ostracised its founder. Baroness Bannside said it was "very callous" but pointed to Jesus and how despite all he had done for his people, was crucified. Baroness Bannside said she no longer worships at the Free Presbyterian Church as it would "leave her open" instead going to her granddaughter's husband's baptist church. "I just put it away, I don't bother... I live my own live with my own family and I am content to do that," she added. "It was difficult to forgive them but I have to get on. I have to go on, I don't want my mind and soul to be poisoned with an unforgiving spirit. Some 57% of voters in Northern Ireland have backed pro-Remain parties in the European elections. While 43% of voters that have taken part in the European elections have given their first preference votes to parties that want the UK to leave the EU. Out of the pro-remain parties standing in the election, Sinn Fein candidate Martina Anderson received the biggest first preference vote share (22.2%), with Alliance leader Naomi Long received 18.5%. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood polled 13.7% of the votes while the Greens received 2.2% and two Independent candidates Neil McCann and Jane Morrice received 0.5% between them. Northern Ireland first preferences - SF edge it ahead of DUP #EUelections2019 https://t.co/wQX7ogkS7M pic.twitter.com/x8OIpyTz31 Belfast Telegraph (@BelTel) May 27, 2019 DUP candidate Diane Dodds received the biggest vote share for those running on a pro-Leave platform. TUV leader Jim Allister received 10.8%, UUP's Danny Kennedy 9.3%, UKIP 0.9% and the Conservative candidate received 0.1%. Check out our Live results page - plus Election Hub for latest updates and analysis Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O'Neill hailed Ms Anderson's poll-topping election victory as a "vital win for all those who wish to remain in the EU". This is a vital result in terms of sending the right message to Brussels and Britain that we voted to remain in 2016 and we are still determined to remain, she said. I would like to thank all those who came out in this election. You have helped make history and it is clearly no coincidence that the result endorsing pro-Remain parties so closely reflects the EU referendum result in the North. "People want to see progressive politics and progressive parties working together. "The British Government and the DUP need to start listening. They need to start respecting the democratic wishes of the people here to remain in the EU. The people gave their verdict in 2016 and they have reaffirmed it here today there is no good Brexit for Ireland, north or south. DUP leader Arlene Foster said: "Of course, we would have preferred to have had two unionist MEPs returned - what we have instead is a nationalist MEP, a very strong unionist MEP and an MEP who identifies as neither. "When I look at the votes, which I think is very important, I notice that unionism is still ahead by over 40,000 votes and of course I am very pleased about that. Obviously we would have preferred to see two unionist MEPs returned but I am absolutely delighted with our turnout today and the fact our vote has increased again." Sinn Fein is facing dismal election results in the Republic, with dozens of losses projected across local councils. There is also doubt over whether the party will be able to hold on to its three outgoing Irish MEPs, with Dublin candidate Lynn Boylan having a nervous wait. The party is expected to suffer council losses in Dublin city, as well as Cork city, Galway, Limerick, Offaly and Cavan. Among the electoral casualties yesterday was Belfast-born Sarah Holland, who failed to retake her seat on South Dublin County Council. She was first elected in 2014, and served as Mayor of South Dublin in 2015. Ms Holland is the daughter of greengrocer Harry Holland (65), who was murdered in Belfast in 2007. Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O'Neill expressed her commiserations to Ms Holland, tweeting: "Disappointed for you Sarah. Keep your head up, you will be back." An exit poll commissioned by RTE forecasts that Sinn Fein's vote share in the local government election could be 12%. That would represent a drop of three percentage points from the 15% support it won at the local government election in 2014. Dublin TD Louise O'Reilly said she did not see the drop in vote share coming. She shied away from analysing the developing situation yesterday morning, saying it was something the party would examine in detail afterwards. She told RTE: "We are going to have to analyse what went wrong. "It's a difficult day (for the candidates)." However, the party is likely to be buoyed by the expected election of one of its new candidates, former MMA fighter Paddy Holohan on South Dublin County Council. Last night, Sinn Fein's Lynn Boylan said she still believed she had a "fighting chance" of taking a seat in the Dublin constituency. Arriving at the count centre in the Simmoncourts with her party leader Mary Lou McDonald, Ms Boylan said lots of speculation was going on - but they would wait for the actual results to be tallied. Ms McDonald added: "We are here to see what will transpire, we know this is a tight race. "Everybody knew this was going to go down to the wire from the beginning. "What we have is exit poll data, so we are here to get the real figures. "We come here in a spirit of optimism and a spirit of hope." On Saturday, Ms McDonald said she expected tight contests in many constituencies, with final seats likely to come down to handfuls of votes. "That's the nature of local elections," she said. "I am not exactly sure where we are going to land, we will have a lot of counting and a lot of long nights ahead of us." However, Ms McDonald was defiant when asked whether her leadership was at risk. She said: "It's easy to lead and to be a political activist when things go your way and when the surge is on. Those are great days, but you also have to be ready and fit for purpose when things are more challenging. "Notwithstanding our disappointment, Sinn Fein remains a very strong organisation." The elections come following a disappointing performance for the party in the 2018 presidential election. Party candidate Liadh Ni Riada attracted 93,987 votes, finishing in fourth place. It was a significant drop from the 2011 presidential election in which the late Martin McGuinness scored 243,030 votes, finishing third. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon meets Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at Farmleigh House during her visit to Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) People are waking up to the fact Ireland is receiving more support from the EU than Scotland is from Westminster, Nicola Sturgeon has said. The First Minister criticised the UK Government for treating Scotland with utter contempt over Brexit. She spoke out during a trip to Dublin, where she met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, business leaders and schoolchildren. Expand Close Nicola Sturgeon meets Leo Varadkar at Farmleigh House during her visit to Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Nicola Sturgeon meets Leo Varadkar at Farmleigh House during her visit to Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) Ms Sturgeon said: We voted over 60% to remain, we have tried very hard in the wake of the UK-wide Brexit vote to find compromises and protect our interests, and we have worked hard across party lines to try to prevent the worst impact of Brexit, and we have been ignored. Votes in the Scottish Parliament have been cast aside, they have even in the process of the Brexit fiasco taken powers away from the Scottish Parliament in order to centralise how they deal with all of this. Scotland has been treated with contempt by Westminster and people are contrasting that with Ireland, that has been shown real solidarity and support from the European Union. Suddenly this idea of being a small independent country in the European Union, we only have to look at Ireland to see the benefits of that and many people are having their eyes opened. Expand Close Ms Sturgeon at the Royal Irish Academy as part of her visit to Dublin (Rebecca Black/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ms Sturgeon at the Royal Irish Academy as part of her visit to Dublin (Rebecca Black/PA) Ms Sturgeon spoke in a public conversation with Dearbhail McDonald at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin during her visit on Monday. She said she expects Scotland will vote for independence the next time a referendum is held, adding the relationship between her nation and Ireland will grow even stronger then. Good morning from Dublin. Busy day ahead - business and culture meetings, media interviews and discussions with @LeoVaradkar - all with a massive post EU election smile! Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 27, 2019 There will be another Scottish independence referendum and I will make a prediction today that Scotland will vote for independence and we will become an independent country just like Ireland, and the strong relationship between our two countries now will become even stronger soon, she said. I want to see Scotland having the choice of independence within this term of the Scottish Parliament, which ends in May 2021, so towards the latter half of next year would be when I think is the right time for that choice. Ms Sturgeon also said the Scottish National Party have examined Irelands path to independence in their own planning. The proposition that my party is putting forward now is that we should follow the same path that Ireland followed when it became independent, we use the pound which is our currency until such times as the economic conditions are right to move to an independent Scottish currency, its a perfectly well-trodden path, she said. Expand Close Ms Sturgeon talks to poets Chloe Devlin, Clayton Flood and Stephen James Smith during The Words That Bind Us poetry project in Ballymun (Niall Carson/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ms Sturgeon talks to poets Chloe Devlin, Clayton Flood and Stephen James Smith during The Words That Bind Us poetry project in Ballymun (Niall Carson/PA) Later, Ms Sturgeon met Irish business leaders, schoolchildren and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. She described the visit as having highlighted the benefits of EU membership for Ireland and exactly what Scotland would miss out on if taken out of the EU against our will. Ireland is Scotlands closest international trading partner and our fifth largest export market, she said. It is in the interest of both countries to ensure that we continue to work together and cooperate, not just on an economic level but also in dealing with similar challenges around political engagement. This is exactly why we must strengthen, not strain these bonds. Media set up in a room in the Palais de Justice de Paris, where the trial of Ian Bailey is taking place (Steve Parsons/PA) The trial of a British man for the brutal murder of a French woman in a small town in Ireland has begun in Paris. Ian Bailey, 62, is being tried in absentia for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier on isolated hillside in Toormore, near Schull, west Cork, two days before Christmas in 1996. Bailey never stood trial for the murder of Ms Toscan du Plantier who was 39 when she died although he was arrested twice and is said to have confessed to the killing on several occasions. Bailey vehemently denies the murder and denies making any of the alleged confessions to friends and neighbours. Manchester-born Bailey had lived in West Cork since the mid-1990s after quitting his career as a journalist and turning his hand to poetry. Expand Close Ian Bailey still lives in Cork (Niall Carson/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ian Bailey still lives in Cork (Niall Carson/PA) Despite the scandal caused by the court case, he still lives in the area running a business selling pizza at local markets with his partner Jules Thomas. The failure to prosecute Bailey sparked allegations of incompetence and corruption against the local gardai and prompted the victims family to launch a campaign to have him extradited to France. Ms Toscan du Plantier was married to the late Daniel Toscan du Plantier, a celebrated French film director who had close contacts with the upper echelons of government in Paris. Expand Close Sophie Toscan du Plantier (Family Handout/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sophie Toscan du Plantier (Family Handout/PA) Ireland has twice refused to hand him over and the case is now being heard by a judge and two professional magistrates at the Cour dAssises in Paris. On the first day of trial, presiding judge Frederique Aline the president of the court read out the details of the brutal killing of Ms Toscan du Plantier. The court heard that the victim suffered multiple blows to the head and body with a blunt object, and that a breeze block was lying close to her body covered in bloodstains. The attack had been so violent that blood stains were found spattered up to a metre square around the body, and she was wearing only long johns, a T-shirt and walking boots without socks. Judge Aline listed the many twists and turns of the case has taken over the years including the testimony of Marie Farrell a local woman who initially claimed she had seen Bailey walking towards the victims home on the night of the killing, a claim she later retracted. The court heard how in the days after the killing, several witnesses said Bailey had scratches in his hands and forearms, which he claimed hed acquired while cutting down a Christmas tree. The first live witness was private investigator Michel Larousse, who was tasked with giving evidence on the victims personality after conducting interviews with her friends and family. He said Ms Toscan du Plantier was very independent, adding at times she wanted to be with people and there were moments she wanted to be on her own. Expand Close Sophie Toscan du Plantiers son Pierre-Louis Baudey-Vignaud, at the Court of Appeal in Paris (Steve Parsons/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sophie Toscan du Plantiers son Pierre-Louis Baudey-Vignaud, at the Court of Appeal in Paris (Steve Parsons/PA) Mr Larousse said Sophie wasnt afraid of much even in situations that carried a risk. He gave the example of the time she had allowed a homeless person to sleep in her car, and the time she had invited another homeless man to have a meal with her. Mr Larousse said the evidence indicated the person who killed Ms Toscan du Plantier was not someone she was afraid of and she didnt see it coming. The victims son Pierre-Louis Baudey-Vignaud, who was 14 when she was murdered, has been at the forefront of the familys campaign for justice and was seated in the court along with her brothers, uncle and parents. The case in one of Irelands most high-profile unsolved murder cases and the circumstances around Ms Toscan du Plantiers death have recently reached a global audience through the popular podcast series West Cork. The trial has been scheduled for one week, with a day off on Thursday, with the court due to return its verdict on Friday. Very few of the witnesses in the Irish investigation are expected to attend. Expand Close The trial of Ian Bailey is taking place at the Palais de Justice de Paris (Steve Parsons/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The trial of Ian Bailey is taking place at the Palais de Justice de Paris (Steve Parsons/PA) The court also heard evidence from French police officer Damien Roehrig, who made two trips to Schull in 2008 and 2011 to interview potential witnesses. He said: The local gardai didnt have experience leading an investigation of this order. Early evidence was wasted and it wasnt it wasnt organised as it would have been if it had been led by police more used to this type of investigation. The people capable of leading this type of investigation arrived much later. He added that the gardai had been under a lot of pressure to crack the case. Mr Roehrig said he had spoken to one witness who claimed that when he had asked Bailey if he had killed the victim, Bailey had replied: Yes of course it was to advance my career as a journalist. Another allegedly claimed Bailey had told him: I did it, I did it. I went too far. The police officer described a conversation he had had with a neighbour who was just 14 at the time of the killing, who claimed Bailey had described cracking the victims skull with a rock. Mr Roehrig said the witness had slept with an axe next to his bed for years after the alleged conversation. He also described how Bailey had abused his partner so violently on three occasions he had put her in hospital. One single mother allegedly told him Bailey had turned up at her house late at night apparently very drunk. She was very scared of him but she also thought [Bailey] was someone who wanted to scare people, Mr Roehrig said. Late on Monday, the victims family left the court while photographs of Ms Toscan du Plantiers battered body were shown on screens, as well as the blood spattered crime scene. Despite the violence of the scene, no forensic evidence against Bailey was ever found. Judge Aline asked Mr Roehrig if the comments Bailey allegedly made admitting the crime could have just been sarcasm. The Green Partys Ciaran Cuffe has topped the poll in the Dublin constituency at Irelands European election count. The surge in support for the Green Party is widespread, with party candidates expected to take seats in Irelands other two constituencies. Mr Cuffe, who looks set to take the first Dublin seat, posed briefly for pictures after arriving at Dublins count centre in Simmonscourt. He topped the poll with 63,849 votes, however he did not reach the quota of 72,790 votes. The count ended on Sunday without any candidates elected. The turnout for Dublin was just under 43%. The Green Party councillor celebrated with family and party colleagues, however he will have to wait until Monday before he will be officially elected. Heading out to Count Centre. Sincere thanks for all your support that brought us to this extraordinary day #LE2019 #WantGreenJoinGreen pic.twitter.com/wPe8J4mCkF Ciaran Cuffe (@CiaranCuffe) May 25, 2019 Fine Gaels Frances Fitzgerald polled 59,067 votes, while Fianna Fails Andrew Barry gained 51,420 votes. Independent Clare Daly gained 42,305 votes, beating Sinn Feins Lynn Boylan who polled 39,387 votes. Former SDLP leader Mark Durkan polled 16,473 votes. Ms Fitzgerald said it was interesting that some of her transfer votes went to Mr Andrews. It seems that in European elections the transfers go across the whole wide variety of candidates, she said. It does seem as if the left havent done well in these elections and maybe people are voting more centrist. I think that would be a reflection of that if that is the case. Climate change is very on the agenda and I think people wanted to give a message about climate change and thats very clear. Addressing questions about the possibility of an early general election, Ms Fitzgerald said there are a lot of factors at play including the very uncertain situation in British politics. I think theres a lot of challenges out there, stability is important, she added. Former SDLP leader Mark Durkan has conceded he is unlikely to win a seat in the European Parliament. Mr Durkan ran as a Fine Gael candidate in the Dublin constituency. Arriving at the count on Sunday evening, he told Press Association he was unlikely to win a seat. Im not in here believing I am going to defy the gravity of the exit poll, he said. But I dont regret running, Ive enjoyed the conversations with people across Dublin, Ive enjoyed it as an experience. Ive enjoyed listening to the arguments and the ideas of other candidates as well, I have huge respect for a range of other candidates. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said his party is doing very well in the European elections, with its vote up by around 7%. Speaking in Dublin he said: Its up in all three constituencies, well be ahead of Fianna Fail and they actually beat us in a popular vote in the European elections the last time. He said he expects to take three seats and will be on the hunt for two more. The first count is expected to be declared in Dublin on Monday. A book of condolence at the ceremony celebrating the life of Holocaust survivor Jan Kaminski (Niall Carson/PA) A poignant and moving ceremony has been held for Holocaust survivor Jan Kaminski, who died in Dublin last week. The 87-year-old, who was born into a Jewish family, fled his home in Poland at the age of 10 after his family were captured by Nazis and taken to a death camp. He never saw them again after making his escape during the Second World War. Expand Close Family members carry the coffin of Holocaust survivor Jan Kaminski (Niall Carson/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Family members carry the coffin of Holocaust survivor Jan Kaminski (Niall Carson/PA) While on the run, Mr Kaminski, who was born Chaim-Srul Zybner, was forced to change his name to hide his Jewish identity. He arrived in Ireland in 1954 with a scholarship to study economics and politics at Trinity College in Dublin. The father-of-three, who was surrounded by his family when he died, was one of four Holocaust survivors who moved to Ireland. A Humanist ceremony celebrating his life took place at the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome, in Harolds Cross on Monday. Expand Close Jan Kaminskis daughter Jadzia (left), chats with fellow Holocaust survivor Tomi Reichental and his partner Joyce Weinrib (Niall Carson/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jan Kaminskis daughter Jadzia (left), chats with fellow Holocaust survivor Tomi Reichental and his partner Joyce Weinrib (Niall Carson/PA) Two of his children, Jadzia and Jas Kaminski, spoke about their father during the ceremony while two of his lifelong friends, Nick McGillicuddy and Artur Tyskziewicz reflected on the grandfathers life. Celebrant Brian Whiteside described it as poignant and moving. It was remarkable that this person who, at the age of 10, had to live by his wits after his world had been turned upside down and his family taken to a death camp, he said. It was extraordinary he could do that. Jan came to Ireland with no passport or money and Nick and his family took him under their wing and he became an honorary family member and they remained lifelong friends. Jan managed to get away and he ran into a forest and he lived by his wits and at one stage, at the age of 11, he became a mascot and runner for the Russian armys Polish CorpsBrian Whiteside He added: His son Jas spoke of how his fathers family were hurled into a holding area and taken to death camp. Jan managed to get away and he ran into a forest and he lived by his wits and at one stage, at the age of 11, he became a mascot and runner for the Russian armys Polish Corps. Mr Kaminski is survived by his children Orla, Jadzia and Jas, grandchildren Kazia, Liadain, Lana and Isak, sons-in-law Stephen and David, cousin Sura and a large circle of friends. The UAE Cabinet has approved the Strategy for the Advanced Skills National Programme which includes strategic objectives to position the UAE as a world leader in the field of advanced skilled development. It represents a comprehensive system that employs future skills in vital areas in the UAE. The Cabinet meeting, chaired by the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was attended by Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior. Sheikh Mohammed said that the UAE is making education a top priority and making it sustainable, diverse and adaptable to the requirements of future development plans. "We want Emiratis to be prepared for the changes around us and equipped with advanced skills that maintain UAEs competitive edge," he added. The Strategy for the Advanced Skills National Programme reflects the proactive and agile government vision for the future and aims to achieve community happiness and adopt best practices. The programme's strategy is based on five key themes and a number of initiatives aimed at employing advanced skills in vital areas such as education, economy and the quality of life. The first element of strategy includes the definition of advanced skills, identified through the study of international systems and models of advanced skills required in UAEs government and job market, in collaboration with over 70 different entities and companies representing 13 sectors locally and globally. Twelve different skills have been identified for the UAE in four main categories: basic skills, competencies, personal traits, and specialised skills. The second element includes advanced skills measurement tools, which will be done through a number of partnerships with international organisations, research institutions and academia to develop skills measurement mechanisms. The third element aims to identify the target groups. The national program aspires to reach a number of target groups: students at various academic and academic levels, new graduates and employees in the public and private sectors. The fourth element includes policies and programs, to ensure the participation of stakeholders, and build strong partnerships with the private sector, as well as develop the content of educational and training programs. The fifth element is to inspire the community by raising awareness of the importance of advanced skills and providing opportunities for all groups to acquire advanced skills and lead their own development through continuous learning. The UAE Cabinet also adopted the formation of the Advanced Skills Council to oversee relevant policies, programmes and initiatives. The Council includes representatives from the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, the Federal Youth Authority, Advanced Sciences portfolio, Artificial Intelligence portfolio, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, and Knowledge and Human Development Authority. TradeArabia News Service A two-foot long ballot paper is slowing counting in the Ireland South European election count centre, where outgoing Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly looks set to become the first candidate to take a seat. Mr Kelly said he was hopeful of retaining his seat and described it as encouraging to be there or thereabouts. An RTE/TG4 exit poll predicted Mr Kelly will top the poll with 16% of first preferences, followed by Sinn Feins Liadh Ni Riada and Fianna Fails Billy Kelleher, both of whom are on 13%, while the Green Partys Grace OSullivan is on 12% of first preference votes. Over the last decade I have worked hard to ensure that your interests have been represented at the highest level in Europe. You can watch the video below to hear my key priorities for the next five years if I am returned to the @Europarl_EN following the #EUelections2019 pic.twitter.com/xGd5XZZsJO Sean Kelly MEP (@SeanKellyMEP) April 27, 2019 We put in a hard campaign, a long campaign. Sometimes people say people dont notice whats going on in Europe, but I think if I do well its an example to everybody that if you work hard people will notice, Mr Kelly said on his arrival at Cork count centre on Sunday evening. More than 200 staff began sub-sorting ballot papers at the centre in Nemo Rangers GAA Club on Sunday morning. But, with more than 750,000 papers to be counted, staff wrapped up for the night at about 11pm without any results. No tallies were conducted. First count results from the constituency are not expected until Monday afternoon. Indications are it may take until Thursday before the five seats are allocated. Expand Close Liadh Ni Riada (Niall Carson/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Liadh Ni Riada (Niall Carson/PA) Sinn Fein candidate Liadh Ni Riada said she was hopeful of retaining her MEP seat, but she said she did not consider herself a shoe-in. Youre never fully confident, and youre just hopeful. Thats exactly the position Im in now, she said. Its not over until all the votes are counted. She added: Im not putting my eggs in one basket and thinking that Im a shoe-in. Well have to wait and see. While it is expected that Fianna Fails Billy Kelleher will win a seat, it is set to be a worrying few days for the Greens Grace OSullivan, Independents 4 Change candidate Mick Wallace and Fine Gaels Deirdre Clune who will most likely battle for the last seat. Mr Kelly said he believed Fine Gael was very much in contention to retain two seats, despite exit poll results showing the partys candidates, outgoing Ms Clune and first-time EU candidate Andrew Doyle, potentially being in difficulty. The RTE/TG4 exit poll put Ms Clune on 9% first preference votes and Mr Doyle on 4%. It indicated that Mr Wallace had 10%, just 1% more than Fianna Fails Malcom Byrne. Transfers have a big bearing on a constituency and particularly when you have 23 candidates where there is going to be a whole pile of transfers and if they fall the right way theyre going to push up candidates quite a lot, Mr Kelly added. Ms OSullivan said she had worked very hard and that she was hoping she would get that surge in the end. She added that there was a lot of green washing going on by other parties during the elections, but she believed voters had seen through this. Of all of the three European election constituencies, transfers will be most important in Ireland South. It could see candidates like Mr Byrne or Mr Doyle surge past other candidates. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon meets Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at Farmleigh House during her visit to Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) Nicola Sturgeon has called for a new Scottish independence referendum in the second half of next year. Scotlands First Minister made the comments on a visit to Dublin, where she said the latter half of 2020 would be the right time for a new poll. The SNP leader predicted victory in a second vote, with Scotland becoming an independent country just like Ireland. Towards the latter half of next year would be when I think is the right time for that choiceNicola Sturgeon She said: There will be another Scottish independence referendum and I will make a prediction today that Scotland will vote for independence and we will become an independent country just like Ireland, and the strong relationship between our two countries now will become even stronger soon. I want to see Scotland having the choice of independence within this term of the Scottish Parliament, which ends in May 2021, so towards the latter half of next year would be when I think is the right time for that choice. Ms Sturgeon criticised the UK Government for treating Scotland with utter contempt over Brexit during the visit, when she met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. In contrast, she said Ireland had been shown solidarity and support by the EU. Expand Close Nicola Sturgeon with Leo Varadkar in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Nicola Sturgeon with Leo Varadkar in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) She said: We voted over 60% to remain, we have tried very hard in the wake of the UK-wide Brexit vote to find compromises and protect our interests, and we have worked hard across party lines to try to prevent the worst impact of Brexit, and we have been ignored. Scotland has been treated with contempt by Westminster and people are contrasting that with Ireland, that has been shown real solidarity and support from the European Union. Suddenly this idea of being a small independent country in the European Union, we only have to look at Ireland to see the benefits of that and many people are having their eyes opened. The SNP has examined Irelands path to independence and planned to keep the pound before moving to a Scottish currency, she told journalist Dearbhail McDonald at the Royal Irish Academy. The proposition that my party is putting forward now is that we should follow the same path that Ireland followed when it became independent, she said. We use the pound which is our currency until such times as the economic conditions are right to move to an independent Scottish currency its a perfectly well-trodden path. Good morning from Dublin. Busy day ahead - business and culture meetings, media interviews and discussions with @LeoVaradkar - all with a massive post EU election smile! Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 27, 2019 Ms Sturgeon said Scottish independence would strengthen the relationship between her nation and Ireland, adding her visit had highlighted the benefits of EU membership for Ireland and exactly what Scotland would miss out on if taken out of the EU against our will. Ireland is Scotlands closest international trading partner and our fifth largest export market, she said. It is in the interest of both countries to ensure that we continue to work together and cooperate, not just on an economic level but also in dealing with similar challenges around political engagement. This is exactly why we must strengthen, not strain these bonds. Scottish Conservative chief whip Maurice Golden said: The SNP went into this election pretending to voters that it was nothing to do with independence. Yet within hours of it being announced, Nicola Sturgeon is specifically using it to argue for separation. Thats fraudulent behaviour from an SNP government thats meant to be running the country, not trying to break it up. Voters punished Nicola Sturgeon last time she abused the Brexit process for her own selfish aims. They will do so again if this hypocritical deceit continues. An off-duty garda who died while diving off the Wexford coast has been hailed for his courage in risking his life many times to save others. Tributes to father-of-four Dave Hearne (46) were led by Irish Bravery Awards Council (IBAC) chairman Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail, who said the garda followed in the footsteps of his father, who had been honoured for his courage in 1958. "I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Gda Hearne in Wexford," he said. "He was a worthy recipient of a certificate of bravery in 2016 which was awarded to him for rescuing a man from the Colligan River in Waterford some years earlier." Gda Hearne died after apparently suffering the 'bends' or decompression sickness during a recreational dive on a wreck site 15km off Hook Head on Saturday. He was diving at the time with Hook Sub Aqua Club, of which he was a member. Gda Hearne was a former member of the Garda Water Unit but had been based in Waterford over recent years as part of the Traffic Corps. He was an accomplished diver and had received multiple awards for water rescues over the years. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn says his priority remains a general election, despite calls to change direction after the party suffered a mauling from voters in the European elections. Sir Keir Starmer, shadow Brexit secretary, has said a second referendum is the only way to break the Brexit impasse. In his first comments since the election result, Mr Corbyn told the BBC his priority has not changed. He said: The priority at the moment, I think, is for this Government to call for a general election and actually have a general election so we can decide the future. Theres no majority in Parliament, theres no legislative programme and Parliament has basically been given nothing to do by the Government. But as we move forward on this, we must remain united and able to speak to and for the country as a whole whichever way people voted in 2016. Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 27, 2019 I think that is a demand that should be made and made as strongly as possible. Mr Corbyn did not rule out another referendum, saying any Brexit deal should be put back to the people and that the UK should not be allowed to crash out with no deal. He said: John (McDonnell) has also pointed out, and I support this, that any final deal has to be put to a public vote. What this party does is supports an agreement with the EU to prevent crashing out, supports putting that proposal when agreed to a public vote. Mr Corbyns position appeared to be in conflict with Sir Keir, who said the public should be given the choice between a credible leave option and remain. Senior Labour figures called for the party to take a more strident position after it received a drubbing which saw it lose half its MEPs and take just 15% of the vote. Sir Keir, writing on Twitter, said: Its no use trying to hide from these very disappointing results. We need to reflect hard and listen to our members, supporters and voters. Expand Close Sir Keir said a second referendum was the only way to break the Brexit impasse (Yui Mok/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sir Keir said a second referendum was the only way to break the Brexit impasse (Yui Mok/PA) The only way to break the Brexit impasse is to go back to the public with a choice between a credible leave option and remain. He added: But as we move forward on this, we must remain united and able to speak to and for the country as a whole whichever way people voted in 2016. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said Labour could unite the party and country by taking (the) issue back to people in a public vote. But shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon insisted Labour had the right approach in seeking to appeal to both Leavers and Remainers even though it was not suitable for the European elections. Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry and deputy Labour leader Tom Watson both called for a more strident position from the party on the issue of a second referendum. In a statement, the Labour leader said the EU elections had become a proxy second referendum. He said: With the Conservatives disintegrating and unable to govern, and Parliament deadlocked, this issue will have to go back to the people, whether through a general election or a public vote. He added: Over the coming days, we will have conversations across our party and movement, and reflect on these results on both sides of the Brexit divide. Labour won just 10 MEPs in England and Wales and although Scotlands result is not yet official, Mr Corbyns party is on course to lose its two MEPs there. In 2014, the party won 20 MEPs across the UK. Mr Corbyns party trailed in third place, behind the Brexit Party and Liberal Democrats nationally. Mr Burgon said: I think the message of trying to bring people together who voted Remain and Leave is the right message. It was never going to work in this kind of low-turnout EU election where the people most interested in this important issue of Brexit, whether it is to Remain or Leave, came out to vote. A general election would be very different. He told ITVs Good Morning Britain that Labour could support a referendum to stop a new Tory leader taking the UK out of the EU without a deal. Whether it be a no confidence vote in the Government, a general election or a public vote, we will use whatever mechanism necessary to stop a disastrous no-deal Brexit, he said. Mr McDonnell said Labour could not hide from the hit it took in the elections. Faced with the prospect of a Brexiteer extremist taking over from Theresa May, a public vote would unite our party and country. Mr Watson said the party cannot go into a general election without a clear position on a second referendum and a special conference may be needed to decide a Brexit policy. He tweeted a link to a survey on his website, asking members how the party should agree a new Brexit policy. He said: Following the disastrous EU election results, Labour urgently needs to re-think its Brexit position and realign with members and voters. Ms Thornberry who was Labours representative on the BBCs election programme tore into her partys position live on air. Cant hide from hit we took last night.Bringing people together when theres such a divide was never going to be easy. Now we face prospect of Brexiteer extremist as Tory leader & threat of no deal, we must unite our party & country by taking issue back to people in a public vote John McDonnell MP (@johnmcdonnellMP) May 27, 2019 She said: We went into an election where the most important issue was what was our view on leaving the European Union? and we were not clear about it. We were not clear on the one single thing that people wanted to hear and that wasnt their fault. We sent people out to campaign on that and, unfortunately, we just werent clear enough. She said: I fear we will have no deal and we must be clear it will be a disaster for the country so we must have a second referendum. Following the disastrous EU election results, Labour urgently needs to re-think its Brexit position and realign with members and voters. For Britains sake, we must find our voice and fast. I want to hear from members and supporters in this survey... https://t.co/RYSct3SAkJ Tom Watson (@tom_watson) May 26, 2019 Tottenham MP David Lammy accused Labour of hiding on the Brexit issue but now needed to campaign to remain in the EU. Labour tried to ride two horses in this race, he said. We fell flat on our faces and got trampled. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said it was an extremely disappointing election for Labour and called for Article 50 to be withdrawn. Id like to say thank you to everyone who voted and to all our candidates and to every Labour member and activist who campaigned so hard over the last few weeks, he tweeted. Labour has always helped ensure that the EU has led the way helping to address some of the most significant challenges of our time from tackling climate change to improving workers rights. This was an extremely disappointing EU election result for Labour. With the Prime Minister having resigned & Parliament in gridlock its crystal clear what must happen now: the British public must be given the final say, with the option of staying in the EU.#EUelections2019 pic.twitter.com/ObW7BfN5eN Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) May 27, 2019 With the Prime Minister having resigned and Parliament in gridlock, its crystal clear what must happen now: Article 50 should be withdrawn to stop the clock ticking down towards a no-deal Brexit, and the British public given the final say, with the option of staying in the EU. A quarry will be completely emptied of water to allow police to continue a murder investigation into the disappearance of a mother and her three-year-old son more than 40 years ago. Renee MacRae and her son Andrew were last seen driving out of Inverness on November 12, 1976. The 36-year-old mother-of-twos BMW was found burned out in a lay-by on the A9 near Dalmagarry, 12 miles south of the city, but the pair have not been seen since. A forensic search of Leanach Quarry is expected to start in the coming days, the latest attempt in an investigation spanning more than four decades and now led by Police Scotlands major investigation team. Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Brian Geddes said the quarry had previously been deemed too dangerous to search using divers, hence the decision to pump water completely from the site. He hailed the move as a significant development in the case. A key part of this operation is to recover the remains of Renee and Andrew if they are within the quarry, and gather evidence vital to this on-going investigationDetective Inspector Brian Geddes Mr Geddes said: Work is now under way to carry out a forensic search of Leanach Quarry where we believe key pieces of evidence may have been concealed. A key part of this operation is to recover the remains of Renee and Andrew if they are within the quarry and gather evidence vital to this on-going investigation. We are working with a number of different partners on what will be a challenging and complex operation expected to last several weeks. I would also like to thank local landowners for their co-operation in this inquiry. The quarry has previously been deemed too dangerous to search using divers, which is why the decision has been made to pump the water completely from the site. We will thereafter remove the sediment from the quarry, which will allow specialist search officers and forensic experts to carry out a meticulous search of the material. In 2004, a full cold case review resulted in a month-long excavation of Dalmagarry Quarry. Expand Close Renee MacRae, 36, who disappeared with her three-year-old son Andrew more than 40 years ago (Police Scotland/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Renee MacRae, 36, who disappeared with her three-year-old son Andrew more than 40 years ago (Police Scotland/PA) Several days were spent at Leanach Quarry in October last year when officers also released an image of young Andrew around the time of what would be his 45th birthday. A picture of his pram was also released, although it was never recovered. DI Geddes added: It is a major undertaking for everyone involved but the determination remains within Police Scotland to solve this case and bring closure to Renee and Andrews family and friends after all these years. We intend to do everything we can to ensure that any key pieces of evidence which we believe are in there are recovered. I would also appeal to anyone with information to please come forward and speak to us. Anyone who believes they can assist police is asked to contact 101, e-mail a dedicated inbox at SCDHOLMESInverness@scotland.pnn.police.uk, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Labour candidate David Martin during the European Parliamentary elections count at the City Chambers in Edinburgh (Andrew Milligan/PA) Labour in Scotland may never recover after posting the worst results in the partys history in the European elections, two of its MPs have warned. Ian Murray and Martin Whitfield said Scottish voters had delivered an utterly damning verdict on the party which lost its two MEPs from Scotland and fell from second to fifth in the polling. David Martin had been the UKs longest serving MEP, having spent 35 years in Brussels, before being voted out of office blaming Labours failure to take a clear stand on the crucial issue of Brexit for the result. Mr Martin tweeted: We lost not because of lack of effort but lack of clear message. While obviously personally disappointed to lose my seat Im devastated for the hundreds of good Labour people who put so much into the campaign. We lost not because of lack of effort but lack of clear message @scottishlabour David Martin (@davidmartinmep) May 26, 2019 Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, Mr Martin said there must now be a shift in Labours position on Brexit and establish itself as a pro-European party. The former Scottish Labour MEP added that the partys leader, Jeremy Corbyn, had become stuck in limbo on the question of the UKs EU membership. Mr Martin said: I kind of understand the position that Jeremy Corbyn tried to take. Hes the leader of one of the two major parties in the United Kingdom, we had a referendum and that referendum said we should leave the European Union, so he felt an obligation to try and deliver on that. Its become clear that there is no easy way, in fact I would say its impossible, to deliver on what the people have asked for. But he was stuck in this limbo of knowing the damage a hard Brexit would do to the country, but, at the same time, feeling an obligation to respect the outcome of a national referendum. Mr Murray, the Edinburgh South MP and his East Lothian colleague Mr Whitfield, insisted the results must act as a wake up call for Jeremy Corbyn and the Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard. Writing in the Edinburgh Evening News, the two MPs said: The European election results are by far the worst results in Scottish Labours long and proud history. There is no way to sugar-coat this the people of Scotland have delivered an utterly damning verdict. Voters had told them that they felt they had no choice other than to back explicitly pro-remain parties instead of the Labour Party, they added. And while they said it was devastating Mr Martin would no longer represent Scotland in the European Parliament they insisted he could still hold his head high. The MPs insisted: The blame for the worst result in Scottish Labours history lies squarely with our partys leadership. This was an election campaign about the biggest issue facing our generation: Brexit. And yet we walked away from that battlefield, offering nothing but ambiguity on an issue that will determine the future of our country. They stuck their heads in the Brexit sand because they cant lead. We have paid the price for their failure and we have been wiped off the electoral map Labour came sixth in the Edinburgh City Council area, behind the SNP, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens and Nigel Farages newly formed Brexit Party. But the MPs claimed if the party had had a clear commitment to fight to remain in the EU it could have won in the capital and areas like East Lothian. Instead, we were decimated, they said. It is official Labour Party policy to support a Peoples Vote as a way out of this catastrophic mess, yet Jeremy Corbyn snubbed our membership and refused to embrace it. As a result he personally handed victory to Nigel Farage. They also hit out at Scottish Labour, saying the party north of the border could have chosen very different path. They continued: This was Jeremy Corbyn and Richard Leonards manifesto, their message, their decision to ignore the membership and what voters were saying to us. It was their election campaign and their mess. They stuck their heads in the Brexit sand because they cant lead. We have paid the price for their failure and we have been wiped off the electoral map. The two MPs added: These results must now act an urgent wake-up call for Richard Leonard, deputy leader Lesley Laird and campaigns manager Neil Findlay. If there is to be any hope of recovery, Scottish Labour must become a passionate, relentless, and vocal voice for a final say on Brexit. There can be no ambiguity any Brexit deal simply must be put to the public. We must commit to remaining in the EU, and campaign for this if there is a snap general election. Scottish Labour can lead the wider Labour movement on this, and should have been doing so for many months. Mr Leonard said that he was personally extremely sad Mr Martin had lost his seat. The Scottish Labour leader said: Labour was the only party fighting this election to bring the country back together. The divisions caused by the competing nationalisms of the UK and Scottish Governments continue to be a distraction from both of their failures. He insisted the party had put everything into our campaign and were confident that our focus on jobs and a fair wage, schools and community would resonate with voters. And he said he would continue to put all my efforts into rebuilding the party for the many, not the few. Scottish Labour MP Ged Killen paid tribute to Mr Martin and said that the loss was no fault of his and no reflection of his extraordinary record as an MEP. Mr Killen said: This election felt like watching a slow motion car crash. The outcome was entirely avoidable and incredibly frustrating for people like me who have consistently argued for a final say referendum with Labour campaigning to remain. Instead, we have tried and failed to be all things to all people and it has left voters confused about what we stand for. It is crucial that we heal divisions in the country, but we can only do that by being straight with people and staying true to our values. Scottish Labour now has a choice to make: we can start listening and respond with the courage of our convictions, or we can continue to stick our heads in the sand and become an irrelevance in Scotland. Meanwhile, the SNPs Westminster leader Ian Blackford said the party would give its support to forming a progressive alliance with Labour, but stated that doing so would be contingent on allowing another referendum on Scottish referendum. Mr Blackford said: In our manifesto in 2015 and 2017, we said that we would form a progressive alliance if it was possible to do that. But what we are saying, quite specifically, is that we won the election to the Scottish Parliament in 2016 on a manifesto commitment that if there was a change of circumstances, that Scotland had the right to call a referendum. We won that election to the Scottish Parliament in 2016, there is a pro-independence majority in the Scottish Parliament. Id simply say to Westminster that you have to respect the sovereignty of the people of Scotland. The scene after The Grand Hotel In Brighton was bombed in 1984 Margaret Thatcher's reaction to narrowly escaping death in the Brighton bombing will be detailed in a BBC series exploring her rise and fall. The IRA bombed the Grand Hotel in 1984, killing five people and injuring over 30. Personal assistant to Mrs Thatcher, Cynthia Crawford, reveals in the documentary that Thatcher felt she was lucky to have cheated death. Recalling an incident that followed the atrocity, Mrs Crawford said: "Mr Thatcher had been out up Bond Street and he had bought her a new watch. She told me he said 'This is to tell you every minute counts'. "I think deep down she knew she had been lucky that night, very lucky." On the night of October 12, 1984, Mrs Thatcher was staying at the hotel for the Conservative Party conference. She was in her suite with principal private secretary Robin Butler when the bomb detonated shortly before 3am. The explosion ripped through the hotel, badly damaging Thatcher's bathroom but leaving the bedroom and sitting room unscathed. Mr Butler said the Prime Minister's first thought was for her husband, Denis, who was asleep in the next room. "She opened the door to the bedroom which was in darkness because Denis had been sleeping and you could hear the sounds of falling masonry which turned out to be her bathroom," he said. "But she and Denis emerged within a few minutes. "She didn't sort of panic and shake in any way." The series also highlights Mrs Thatcher's resilience and immediate determination to get back to work at Downing Street, including her shock decision to continue with the Conservative Party conference the morning after the bomb. In a chilling statement released hours after the attack, the IRA reiterated its threat. It said: "Today we were unlucky but we only have to be lucky once, you will have to be lucky always, give Ireland peace and there will be no more war." But Mr Butler told the documentary that the IRA had seriously misjudged Mrs Thatcher if they thought bombing would "daunt her or make her change her policy". He explained: "I said to her 'you can't be serious this terrible thing has happened and some of your closest colleagues have been killed and badly injured, you're not just to go on with the party conference as if nothing has happened, are you?' "And she said 'this is our opportunity to show that terrorism can't defeat democracy' and of course she was right." The Brighton bomb is due to feature in the third episode of the series next Monday night. Tonight's episode examines her struggles to cling to power as the economy collapses, riots break out and she is subverted by members of her Cabinet. The next episode of Thatcher: A Very British Revolution airs this evening on BBC Two at 9pm French police have arrested four suspects following a blast in Lyon that injured 13 people. TV footage showed a police operation under way on Monday in a small town outside Lyon involving officers wearing ski masks Police had launched a large manhunt after a device exploded on Friday on a busy pedestrian street in Frances third-largest city. Interior minister Christophe Castaner announced the first arrest on Twitter, a development later confirmed by Paris prosecutors, who handle terrorism-related cases. If there was a network, it has been identified and will certainly be dismantledLyon mayor Gerard Collomb The prosecutors office later said three other suspects, including a woman, were detained. According to French media, they included the mother and the brother of the main suspect. Lyon mayor Gerard Collomb, a former interior minister, said one of the suspects is an IT student who was arrested as he stepped off a bus. Its a relief for all Lyon inhabitants. I believe the case has been resolved, Mr Collomb told BFM TV. If there was a network, it has been identified and will certainly be dismantled. French president Emmanuel Macron has called the explosion an attack but no group has claimed responsibility. An investigation has been opened for attempted murder in relation with a terrorist undertaking. Expand Close Scene of the attack in Lyon (Sebastien Erome/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Scene of the attack in Lyon (Sebastien Erome/AP) Last week, Frances counter-terrorism prosecutor, Remy Heitz, described video surveillance that showed a suspect heading towards the centre of Lyon on a bicycle on Friday afternoon. The man was seen arriving on foot, pushing his bike along a pedestrian-only street, then leaving a paper bag on a concrete block in the middle of the street near a bakery. The suspect immediately returned to his bike and left the same way. One minute later, the explosion shattered the glass of a refrigerator in the bakery, Mr Heitz said. Regional authorities said the 13 wounded suffered mostly minor injuries. It was unclear whether the suspect first arrested Monday was the same person, although Mr Collomb said the detained student was identified thanks to video surveillance. Investigators at the scene have found screws, ball bearings, batteries, a triggering device that can be used remotely and plastic pieces that may have come from the explosive device. France has been hit by a spate of attacks in recent years, some of them deadly, carried out by people ranging from extremist attackers to mentally unstable individuals. Pope Francis has said abortion can never be condoned, even when the foetus is gravely sick or malformed. He urged doctors and priests to support families to carry such pregnancies to term. At a Vatican-sponsored anti-abortion conference, Francis said opposition to abortion is not a religious issue but a human one, asking: "Is it licit to throw away a life to resolve a problem? Is it licit to hire a hitman to resolve a problem?" Francis denounced decisions to abort based on prenatal testing, saying a human being is "never incompatible with life". Even those babies destined to die at birth or soon thereafter deserve to receive medical care in the womb, Francis said. Emirates Park Zoo & Resort in Abu Dhabi has unveiled 28 newly-built boutique chalets as part of its expansion plans, offering families a one-of-a-kind staycation amongst the wildlife. The chalets are in addition to the 27 existing chalets on site. Beautifully complementing the zoo, the chalets combines the spacious layout and homely touches of a private residence with the resorts unparalleled service and amenities. Guests can opt for a Deluxe Family Chalet or a Premium Family Chalet, both of which includes a spacious living, dining area, and a private terrace offering either a view of the giraffes or access to the wellness centre where they can avail a complimentary rejuvenating spa treatment of their choice. Taking staycation to a new level, guests are provided with exclusive benefits including the Club Access that features an express check-in and check-out, refreshing welcome drinks, complimentary zoo entry, discounts on the VIP Animal experiences, zoo activities, zoo shows, an all-day access to the pantry, unlimited use of wi-fi and activity cards package, courtesy of Emirates Park Zoo & Resort. We are delighted to reveal our 28 new chalets just in time for the summer holidays, to provide families with an exceptional level of service with the unique and authentic experience of the wildlife right at their doorstep, said Saeed Abdelazim, assistant hotel manager of Emirates Park Resort. - TradeArabia News Service US National Security Adviser John Bolton has been called a war monger by North Korea (Yohei Kanasashi/Kyodo News via AP, File) North Korea has called US national security adviser John Bolton a war monger and defective human product after he called the Norths recent tests of short-range missiles a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. The statement by an unnamed North Korean foreign ministry spokesman came as US president Donald Trump continued his visit to Japan for meetings with prime minister Shinzo Abe in which the nuclear standoff with North Korea was expected to be high on the agenda. Mr Bolton told reporters in Tokyo on Saturday that there was no doubt that North Koreas recent launches violated UN resolutions, and that sanctions against the North must be kept in place. Mr Trump later downplayed the missile tests, tweeting: North Korea fired off some small weapons, which disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me. North Korea tested short-range ballistic missiles on May 4 and 9, ending a pause in launches that began in late 2017. The tests have been seen as a way for North Korea to pressure Washington to soften its stance on easing sanctions against it without actually causing negotiations to collapse. In the statement carried by Pyongyangs official Korean Central News Agency, the North Korean spokesman said the North was rightfully exercising its rights of self-defence with the launches. Demanding us to ban all launches using ballistic technology regardless of range is same with asking us to relinquish our rights for self-defence, the spokesman said. The spokesman said Mr Bolton was an ignorant hard-liner who throughout different US administrations constantly pushed provocative policies against North Korea, which the spokesman said included endorsements of preemptive strikes and regime change. The spokesman also said that Mr Boltons hammer act was responsible for the collapse of a major nuclear deal between the countries reached in 1994, when the North agreed to halt its nuclear program in exchange for US fuel aid. The deal broke down in 2002 after US intelligence agencies said North Korea was continuing its pursuit of bombs with a secret uranium enrichment program. Bolton should not be called a security adviser who works to secure security, but an adviser for security destruction who destroys peace and security, the spokesman said. Its not that strange that crooked sound will always come out the mouth of a man who is structurally flawed, and its best that this defective human product goes away as soon as possible. Expand Close Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met in Vietnam earlier this year (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met in Vietnam earlier this year (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) Negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have been at a standstill since February, when a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Mr Trump broke down over what the United States described as the Norths excessive demands for sanctions relief in exchange for a partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities. Since then, Mr Kim has said the United States has until the end of the year to come up with mutually acceptable terms for a deal to salvage the negotiations. Mr Bolton acknowledged that the United States had not been hearing much from North Korea since the summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. The US special envoy to North Korea, Stephen Biegun, cant wait to talk to his North Korean counterpart, but they havent responded, Mr Bolton said, adding that Mr Biegun was ready at any point to get on a plane and go anywhere. The North Korean statement came as South Korea began its annual summertime defence drills involving thousands of civilians and troops. The drills have been modified to exclude large-scale military exercises with the United States that were suspended to create space for diplomacy with the North. The four-day Ulchi Taeguk exercises will include massive civilian evacuation drills and a South Korea-only military drill aimed at preparing for war situations and disasters. Donald Trump is escorted by Japans Emperor Naruhito during a welcoming ceremony at the Imperial Palace (Franck Robichon/Pool Photo via AP) US president Donald Trump has become the first world leader to meet the new emperor of Japan. The president, who is on a four-day state visit, was the centre of attention at a grand outdoor welcome ceremony at Japans Imperial Palace, where he took a solo walk down red carpets and reviewed Japanese troops as the guest of honour. The pomp and pageantry then gave way to meetings with Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe about trade and other world issues. Mr Trumps state call opened with handshakes and greetings from Emperor Naruhito, who ascended to the throne on May 1, and his wife, Empress Masako. As he approached the emperor, Mr Trump said: How are you? Thank you very much. The first lady told the empress: Nice to meet you. After exchanging pleasantries inside the palace, the couples emerged and walked to a raised platform as the national anthems of both countries were played. Expand Close Mr Trump and first lady Melania Trump were greeted by Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace (Issei Kato/Pool Photo via AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mr Trump and first lady Melania Trump were greeted by Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace (Issei Kato/Pool Photo via AP) At the White House last week, Mr Trump noted the significance of his meeting with the emperor. Naruhito took the throne after his father stepped down, the first abdication in Japans royal family in about two centuries. Its a very big thing going on with the emperor. Its something that hasnt happened in over 200 years, Mr Trump said. I am the guest, meaning the United States is the guest. With all the countries of the world, Im the guest of honour at the biggest event that theyve had in over 200 years, he added. Expand Close Mr Trump reviewed Japanese troops as the guest of honour (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mr Trump reviewed Japanese troops as the guest of honour (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) It is not the emperor who chose Mr Trump as his first state guest. It was Mr Abe, who is seen by some as using the invitation to meet Naruhito to curry favour with Mr Trump, who is threatening to impose potentially devastating tariffs on Japans auto industry, among other tensions in the relationship. After leaving the Imperial Palace, Mr Trump went to the Akasaka Palace, the Japanese state guest house with lush manicured grounds, for meetings, a working lunch and joint news conference with Mr Abe. The president also will be the guest of honour at an imperial banquet at the palace hosted by the emperor. Once I realised that Theresa May was possibly the worst British Prime Minister ever, I kept blessing Margaret Thatcher for having been such a success that she made it okay for a female Prime Minister to fail. During all the wailing about May's deficiencies, I never heard anyone attributing them to her gender. When Margaret Thatcher entered the public consciousness, almost no one thought of her as leadership material. "There will not be a woman Prime Minister in my lifetime," she said in 1970. "The male population is too prejudiced." It wasn't just men. When it came to choosing candidates, female party members thought an ideal MP was a charming, ambitious man with an industrious, pleasant, supportive wife. Thatcher endured many a rejection before she was selected for a winnable seat. At leadership level, the Conservative Party wasn't so much anti-woman as paternalistic. In the 1960s, having become aware of many obstacles women faced in their everyday lives (having to get a male signatory on a hire-purchase agreement, for instance), their research department produced the report Fair Shares For the Fair Sex. Conservative Party practice was to have one Cabinet seat for a woman, usually in education or social services, which were seen as women's subjects. However, because of a combination of luck, ability and courage, Thatcher overthrew Ted Heath. What with bullying her male colleagues into submission, taking hugely tough decisions, and winning the war against Argentina, it didn't take long before she had shattered ideas about women being too indecisive, weak, or delicate to be in top jobs. She loved it when the Soviet Union called her "The Iron Lady". Earlier this month, she topped a YouGov poll as Britain's greatest post-war Prime Minister. Of the 14 names, she got 21%, Winston Churchill 19%, Tony Blair 6%, Clement Attlee 5%, Harold Wilson 4%, John Major and David Cameron 2%, with Harold Macmillan and Gordon Brown at 1%. Anthony Eden, Alec Douglas-Home, Edward Heath, Jim Callaghan and Theresa May were also-rans. Among her perceived achievements - with the highest vote at 41% due to her being the first female Prime Minister - the Falklands War, winning three general elections in a row, getting a rebate on Britain's contributions to the EEC, defeating the miners' strike, expanding home ownership and making British culture more aspirational and entrepreneurial all earned double figures. Gender didn't come into her perceived failings either. Introducing the poll tax, at 37%, was closely followed by overseeing the decline of mining and manufacturing (34%), privatising utilities like British Telecom (31%) and selling off council houses (30%). Nothing fluffy or girly there. When she died, Glenda Jackson, the great actress who became a Labour MP, interrupted the tributes in the House of Commons to say: "The first Prime Minister of female gender, OK. But a woman? Not on my terms." There were quite a few feminists who took this view because for them being left-wing is a necessary prerequisite for being a woman. It's a bit reminiscent of the way in which I am frequently told by republicans that I'm not Irish because I don't endorse their twisted historical narrative or their politics. "I will shortly leave the job that it has been the honour of my life to hold," said Theresa May in her resignation speech, "the second female Prime Minister but certainly not the last." I'm sure she's right about that. I found it very encouraging that people were throwing around names like Amber Rudd, Penny Mordaunt and Liz Truss and discussing their strengths and failings as if their gender was irrelevant. One of the great things about the United Kingdom is that the public tend to want politicians that are competent and good communicators, whoever they are. And the Tories just want winners. In Benjamin Disraeli, the Conservative Party had the first Jewish Prime Minister. Although it refuses to have all-female shortlists or any kind of positive discrimination, it has had the first two female Prime Ministers, who got there on merit. My bet is that it will have the first black Prime Minister who will, no doubt, be told she isn't really black because they're a Conservative. Eight Conservative Party leadership candidates declared and lots more to come. But, if a Conservative Secretary of State struggled to understand the differences between unionists and nationalists, could many of the leadership contestants even place Belfast or Bangor on a map? What are the implications of the outcome for the Conservative-DUP confidence-and-supply deal? The DUP has always been careful to state that its support was for the Conservative government - on a conditional basis - and not for a particular Conservative leader. Arlene Foster and Nigel Dodds will remain tight-lipped on their preferred outcome to the biggest leadership contest in UK political history. But they will certainly have their preferences. Boris Johnson launched his leadership bid at the party conference some months ago - the DUP conference that is. Urging his Prime Minister to junk the backstop played well to the assembled throng. This was sufficient to override DUP scepticism over Johnson's ambition and concerns among DUP traditionalists over the infelicities in Johnson's complicated personal life. Johnson has publicly stated - giving himself little wriggle room - that the UK will leave with or without a deal by Halloween. If he sticks to his DUP conference line, it will be the latter type of exit. That will be fine with the DUP, who are not committed 'no-dealers', but loathe the backstop more than anything else. Johnson starts favourite for the contest but given the abysmal record of favourites in this contest, that is not an asset. In the last five decades, only Michael Howard started favourite and won the Conservative leadership - and it rather helped that he was unopposed. Second favourite with some bookmakers is Michael Gove. Success for Gove would probably please the DUP, as he is one of the few Conservatives who has always been Good Friday Agreement-sceptic. In common with the DUP, Gove (writing in 2000) argued that the 1998 deal was a capitulation to republicans and that a military solution - the defeat of the IRA - would have been better. Gove also lamented how the police in Northern Ireland had become "a political plaything". It would not be a surprise to hear Gove offering opposition to the continuing prosecution of British Army veterans - even though the DUP has distanced itself slightly from the Conservative outrider on this issue, the MP Johnny Mercer, who is backing Boris Johnson. Of the other candidates, Esther McVey has also been very dismissive of the backstop, arguing that the border can remain invisible given advances in technology, which is a similar argument to that advanced by the DUP's Emma Little-Pengelly in particular. Steve Baker - if he decides to stand - is the hardliner's hardliner in terms of opposing all things EU. Dominic Raab said that he hasn't read the Good Friday Agreement, so it will be interesting to find out whether he is in favour or opposed, once he has done us the courtesy. Jeremy Hunt's approach to the DUP and Northern Ireland is unclear and the same lack of knowledge applies to the ever-genial Matt Hancock. Rory Stewart is the candidate who was most committed to Theresa May's deal with the EU, accepting the backstop as the necessary means of managing the border issue while honouring the referendum result. So of the candidates so far, Johnson and Gove - whilst hardly great buddies given how Gove ended Boris's bid last time - might appeal most to the DUP. And the DUP does hold the aces, given that whoever wins needs the DUP, more than the DUP needs the winner. Cue more cash for Northern Ireland. But it's a complicated contest and much can happen. DUP leadership 'contests' are less fraught. Think back to Peter Robinson's announcement that the contest for his successor would comprise Arlene Foster - only. Sometimes, it's just simpler that way. Jon Tonge is Professor of Politics at the University of Liverpool The "parity of esteem" aspect of the Good Friday Agreement is often denounced as creating a sectarian "carve-up", as if sectarianism is something over there and nothing to do with us. If we are ever to start dealing with sectarianism, we could do with a more honest recognition of its pervasiveness. That can only start if we recognise it in ourselves, in whatever form, for you cannot operate in a sectarianised society such as exists in Northern Ireland without imbibing aspects of sectarianism, if only to be able to function. For most people it is quite unconscious. However, people can sustain sectarian systems without ever recognising it in themselves. Even that characteristic self-censorship of what we say - the "whatever you say, say nothing" syndrome - is based on instinctive sectarianism. It is, of course, absurd to think that religious identities take primacy over others in deciding human behaviour. Yet sectarianism always has a religious element and you don't have to be actively practising a religion to espouse a sectarian identity based on religion. The stereotypes formed by political Protestantism and political Catholicism in the past still inform our core cultures, even as society secularises. While there have always been exceptions, for all of modern Irish history until very recently the Christian churches have had no hesitation in taking sides. It is no accident that Protestants had anti-popery as a defining element of their identity. This, after all, is what the Protestant Reformation was about. It is why Catholics sometimes argued that Protestants were bigoted and they were not. That, of course, was a delusion. Catholic nationalism has taken the form of not accepting Protestants as properly Irish and of holding them responsible for all the wrongs of the past. And both stereotypes are represented in the pseudo-history of our street murals. There is a qualitative difference in Catholic and Protestant sectarianism and in the stereotypes which have resulted. Catholics, politically and economically, were on the losing side. The land and the political power which went with it was Protestant from the late-17th to the early-20th centuries and for much longer and more completely in Ulster. The Protestant states (first in the whole of Ireland, then in Northern Ireland after partition) were unwelcoming of moderate Catholics willing to join the system. The result was that social leadership devolved to that other Catholic elite, the clergy. It was they who developed the Catholic-Irish-Gaelic identikit in the 17th century, making the Catholic elite's bitterness at the loss of land and status to Protestants core to Catholic identity. After the securing of the Protestant order in Ireland, Catholics found themselves pushed down the social scale, then caricatured for the consequences. Such "ethnic snobbery" and sense of superiority towards Catholics infected every denomination and every class of Protestant and I was to find it also in loyalist literature during the Troubles. The sight of civil rights marchers in the late 1960s (so many Catholic university students when there was no tradition of working-class Protestants progressing to third-level education), and more recently the rise of a new consumerist Catholic middle-class, was profoundly unsettling to this mindset. Even today, Catholics get irritated at the kind of Protestant sense of entitlement behind excessive displays of loyalty and Britishness - a continuing Protestant belief that the state and its institutions are "ours". Protestants have had much to say about what they see as whingeing by Catholics and have a keenly developed persecution origin-myth of their own. The English Protestant martyrs of Queen Mary's reign and the massacres of Protestants on the continent and during the 1641 Catholic uprising in Ireland (as many as 12,000 having died, a third of the entire Protestant population) became part of the Irish Protestant story. Popery was deemed a persecutory system, its adherents denied any individuality, or independent thinking. Modern orangeism replicates the 17th-century imagery in its pageantry and survives because of a Protestant fear that if Catholics became the majority, they would be made the victims. Education has been one of the main battle grounds and its history in Ireland is not a pretty one. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Protestant proselytisation in schools was a major factor in the progressive shift to separate Catholic education. In Northern Ireland, Catholic schools did not receive 100% state funding for capital costs until 1992. Of course, the Catholic Church had little reason to trust a state which exuded anti-Catholicism. But discrimination in schooling did not figure in the civil rights campaign of the late 1960s and the Northern Ireland government's record in education was as good as it could have been in such a divided society. The underfunding of Catholic schools owed as much to the Church's refusal to have representatives of the new authorities on governing bodies. That was not widely known and in the Catholic mind, primed by the kind of collective memory that I have described, such underfunding was slotted into the story of endless persecution that has defined Catholic identity. The Catholic Church's ambivalence towards integrated schools is well known. Since 1989, all schools have been permitted to opt for integrated status, but so far only 20 have done so and all are Protestant. The jury is out on the role separate denominational schools may have played in the problems of Northern Ireland. Yet their very ethos did not promote understanding for the other culture. As John Whyte concluded in 1990, segregated education was divisive, not so much in what was taught as in the hidden political and cultural agendas informally transmitted. The large percentages supporting integrated education in opinion polls have not translated into pressure to achieve it. Northern Ireland society generally supports denominational schooling. All the churches were happier with the recent shared education policy, since it did not involve changing the ethos of the school. In divided societies worldwide schooling remains a problem. Even so, in Northern Ireland the sharing of sites, where one group goes in one door and the other another, may seem like progress. But if we substituted different races for different religious affiliations, would we be quite so accepting? Have we really progressed since the Education for Mutual Understanding programme of the early 1990s? The Troubles would show how deeply the nastier side of religion was embedded in our polarised identities. The Troubles happened because everyone seemed to be behaving the way the sectarian stereotypes said they would. The speed with which formerly mixed communities became polarised by the Troubles is a stark reminder of how sectarian undercurrents can tear apart normal relationships. The ups-and-downs of politics can also be a chill factor and that will continue until (and if) Northern Ireland ever gets anything like "normal" politics. We have had too many elections in which sectarianism has kept people in their fold. Discouragingly, sectarianism increases in times when devolved government is in place and declines in periods of direct rule. Devolved administrations have shied away from addressing it, shelving reviews and accepting communal division. Nevertheless, the prevalent blanket criticism of our politicians is unhelpful and is simply shifting blame from ourselves. Neither the Churches nor the politicians have ever been able to take their people where they did not want to go. Can we realistically expect sectarian structures to combat the very sectarianism on which they depend? The various Life and Times Surveys - the most recent in April 2019 - found roughly equal numbers of Catholics and Protestants favourably disposed towards the other community. Yet, significant numbers opposed mixed schooling: 32% Catholic, 25% Protestant, even 11% of those professing no religion. Asked about a close relative marrying someone from the other religion, 46% of Protestants, 31% of Catholics, even 38% of those professing no religion said they would mind. We should be concerned and ashamed, collectively, that Northern Ireland is still the main example of sectarianism cited in multiple online and printed sources. And however consciously you protect your children, they will encounter it. Even mixed estates and education are only partially a solution. Is there a bigger, more joined-up picture, involving wider society in the recognition of the issue? Will we ever get to the point where we have normal parties, where we don't have "good relations" policies, as if we are talking about foreign countries, rather than the people we live with. In the final analysis, we are a society in transition. But we should be starting to think about the kind of society and structures to which we ultimately want to transit in the medium to long-term. "The issue of ethnic division and divisiveness must join the economy at the top of the public agenda," Sir George Quigley told an audience in 2011. "Radical, transformative action, not tinkering, or glacially slow incremental change, is needed." Professor Marianne Elliott is director of the institute of Irish studies at the University of Liverpool. Adapted from an address to the Beyond Sectarianism conference at Ulster University. Marianne Elliott 2019 Sinn Fein isn't used to losing. If you put aside their two attempts for the Irish presidency, they have made gains in every election over the last 10 years. They have increased their representation in local government, European Parliament, in Stormont and in the Dail. Gerry Adams' leadership has always been riven with questions, whether over his alleged leadership of the Provisional IRA, or his assumed apologist role in politics. Despite all of this, Mr Adams did have a gravitas that appealed to some voters. Replacing him with Mary Lou McDonald was touted as a major milestone for the party. They would set themselves free from the shackle of Provisional IRA's terror campaign. Sinn Fein under Ms McDonald would be a socialist republican movement which would fill the gap in Irish politics caused by the implosion of Fianna Fail and the Irish Labour Party in successive elections. Taking over from Mr Adams was never going to be easy for Ms McDonald. He was the west Belfast-born former Long Kesh prisoner who watched friends and family members die during the Troubles, while she was the privately schooled south Dublin woman whose first party of choice was Fianna Fail. That said, her Dail and media performances were always a cut above her predecessor and there was nothing to suggest the transition would be anything other than a success. But that analysis was completely wrong because her leadership has been utterly abysmal so far. Before looking at the party's dreadful local Irish election result it is worth examining the events that caused it which date back a year or two. The bullying scandal that gripped Sinn Fein in the aftermath of Mr Adams stepping down has impacted the party. During a two-year period up to the summer of 2018, Sinn Fein saw a total of 37 local representatives step down from their seats. This included 10 leaving for personal reasons while five were expelled, eight resigned and a further 14 quit amid accusations of bullying. The scandal was the first real controversy Ms McDonald faced as leader and her handling of the crisis could come to define her time as president - for however long that might be. Losing almost 40 councillors was always going to cause an issue for a party before a local election. But when those you forced out decide to run against you've got a bigger problem. Many of these councillors had their names on the ballot papers on Friday as independent candidates. It was always going to come back to haunt Ms McDonald and her party. Early counts show the exiled councillors are performing very well. In-fighting in political parties is far from unusual but losing more than a dozen sitting politicians over internal rows in the year before an election is not normal politics. After the 2014 local election, Dublin became the Sinn Fein heartland. They held the most seats on South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council. The vote count last night showed their representation on both Dublin City Council and South Dublin County Council has been decimated. Ms McDonald put on a brave face on Saturday afternoon when she spoke to journalists. She said Sinn Fein is not a party of "cry babies" and insisted real leadership comes at times of crisis. There has always been questions over where the real leadership lies in Sinn Fein. Is Ms McDonald really in charge or is she taking orders from Belfast? If she really is the boss she bears the full responsibility for the election failings and she should prepare for internal dissent which will make the trouble she faced with her councillors seem like a playground squabble. There was already disquiet over her leadership but the coming weeks could see the notoriously private Sinn Fein internal rows become very public as she scrambles to hold on to power. HERE'S grinning exiled terror chief 'Mad Dog' Johnny Adair enjoying himself cheering on Rangers in the Old Firm clash at Ibrox and being goaded by nearby Celts fans. The former UDA boss was a target for Celtic boo-boys after being seated near the away supporter section at the Glasgow stadium. A Hoops fan filmed Adair on a mobile phone and he was goaded to give them a wave but refused to play ball. Wearing a pair of dark sunglasses, tanned Adair is seen laughing and joking after a pal points out he is being filmed by a Celtic fan. A source said: "Celtic fans couldn't believe it when he walked down to his seat a stone's throw from them. "They were shouting abuse at him and then started asking 'Johnny give us a wave' but he just looked at them and laughed." Two police officers and a steward are seen in the footage separating Adair and his cronies from the rival faction. Expand Close Johnny Adair at his home in Troon. Picture: Mark McCormick. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Johnny Adair at his home in Troon. Picture: Mark McCormick. Adair fled to Scotland in 2003 after the bloody UDA feud that saw John 'Grugg' Gregg murdered - ironically as he got off the boat back in Belfast after travelling over to watch a Rangers match. The 56-year-old was handed a 16-year prison sentence for directing UDA terrorism but was released early under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. Before the UDA imploded with an internal feud, he was the West Belfast brigadier and C Company leader whose terror unit was responsible for dozens of sectarian murders. Adair's family fled the Shankill in 2003 after his unit feuded with the rest of the UDA, with things coming to a head with the execution of South East Antrim leader Gregg. Adair settled in Troon on the west coast of Scotland and is in a long-term relationship with partner Lynne Benson, with whom he has a eight-year-old son, Reilly. In 2015, three Scottish republican sympathisers were jailed for a total of 38 years for plotting to murder Adair and his exiled UDA associate Sam 'Skelly' McCrory. Lee Lawson who was one of the music teachers who took part in the Arts Across Borders Event in the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall at the weekend. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 2.4.11 Piper Lee Lawson Irwin performing at the funeral of INLA child killer Martin McElkerney on May 23 2019. The frightened piper who found herself leading INLA chief Marty McElkerney's funeral has had to call in police after online threats and abuse. Lee Lawson - a former member of the RUC Pipes and Drums Band - believes she has been put at risk after being booked to play at the paramilitary procession. The award-winning professional musician says she had no idea that the funeral was to be a show of strength featuring masked INLA members or that she would end up on the front of national newspapers and television bulletins. She told Sunday Life she turned up not even knowing the surname of the deceased man. Lee revealed that when she arrived in west Belfast for the service, she was too afraid to turn back because of the presence of masked men. Expand Close Lee Lawson who was one of the music teachers who took part in the Arts Across Borders Event in the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall at the weekend. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 2.4.11 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lee Lawson who was one of the music teachers who took part in the Arts Across Borders Event in the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall at the weekend. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 2.4.11 She said: "The police were out at my house on Friday night because of the abuse I was getting. It's because I was in the RUC band. "They have told me that if I had refused to play I would have put myself in more danger. I had no choice, I would have put myself at greater risk." A PSNI spokeswoman said it does not comment on cases where people have been threatened. Lee, who regularly plays at church services and band competitions across Northern Ireland, explained that she was booked by an undertaker to play at a funeral in west Belfast last Thursday. She says she was provided with few details of the service and did not know it would involve paramilitaries. It was only after arriving in the Divis area at McElkerney's wake house that she realised it was an INLA send-off. "The only information I had beforehand was that it was a Catholic service for a man called Martin who had taken his own life," said Lee. "I didn't know who he was as I don't normally watch the news. I didn't know anything about what happened on the Monday night (when a masked INLA man fired shots outside McElkerney's wake house). "They brought the coffin out of the house and I asked them do you want me at the front or behind it, and I was told to go to the front. "I turned around and saw these guys with masks and hats and sunglasses. I got the shock of my life. "My mum had taken me there in the car and she had to drive behind. She was terrified, it was very intimidating." To her horror, Lee was splashed over the pages of newspapers throughout the UK and Ireland leading McElkerney's paramilitary funeral as it left his home in the Divis area and made its way up the Falls Road to the INLA plot at Milltown Cemetery. Expand Close Former INLA prisoner Martin McElkerney pictured at the press conference. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Former INLA prisoner Martin McElkerney pictured at the press conference. Walking behind her in the cortege was a who's who of senior republicans including former IRA men Eddie Copeland and Brian Gillen, Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly, ex-INLA prisoner Willie Gallagher, and dissident chiefs. The image of Lee at the front of the procession striding ahead of masked INLA men led directly to the online threats against the innocent musician. She added: "People have been giving me a hard time on Facebook." PSNI Superintendent Lorraine Dobson said officers are now scouring footage of the McElkerney funeral to bring charges. A police spotter plane was seen in the sky monitoring the mourners and masked paramilitaries walking behind the INLA leader's coffin. "Police had a proportionate operation in place which included the use of evidence-gathering equipment," said Superintendent Dobson. "All evidence will now be reviewed by specialist officers and any offences detected will be investigated." On her website, Lee says she was the first female member of the RUC Pipes and Drums Band, playing with it for seven years. The biography reveals: "She joined The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, being the first female ever to be invited to play in their ranks. Playing with this prestige drum corps she gained numerous drumming accolades." Lee is also a two-time world juvenile drumming champion, and has several other American, European, Irish and Ulster titles to her name. From Co Down, Lee is a former member of the drum corps of current world champions the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band based in Lisburn. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation is looking for a picture of Joe D. Moultrie of St. Stephen to help complete its collection of photos of veterans from Berkeley County who served during the Vietnam War. A tourist bus carrying 25 South African tourists was targetted by a roadside bomb near the Giza Pyramids, said media reports. The blast wounded at least 16 people, including tourists, reports said. Pictures posted on social media showed a bus with some of its windows blown out or shattered, and a shallow hole in the ground near the bus. The attack comes just as Egypts vital tourism industry is showing signs of recovery after years of political turmoil and violence. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, reports said. Globally, MedTech is a focus sector for start-ups India is poised to be the worlds 3rd largest economy by 2030, according to Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg. While India has witnessed strong economic growth in recent years, it has not made commensurate progress in other areas, such as healthcare. Improvements in healthcare expenditure, outcomes, and infrastructure, especially on the public side, have not kept pace with economic growth. In fact, poor quality of healthcare is the biggest cause of preventable deaths in India. A 2018 report published in The Lancet showed that nearly 2.4 million Indians die of treatable conditions every year. The scenario continues to be dire for the countrys rural and urban poor citizens, who have little or no access to quality, affordable, healthcare. Hopefully, visionary government schemes, such as Ayushmaan Bharat, if funded appropriately, will change the face of healthcare for these groups. One sector that can play a pivotal role in transforming Indian healthcare is the MedTech sector. Although small by global standards, the MedTech market in India is estimated at about 10 billion USD (Rs.70,000 crores). This market, growing at 15-20% annually, is expected to cross 25 billion USD (Rs.175,000 crores) by 2025. The MedTech sector includes a multitude of products, from syringes and bandages to MRI and CT machines, from simple surgical tools to cutting-edge robotic surgery platforms- and comprises over 100,000 different devices, diagnostics, and consumables. From diagnosis, to monitoring, to treatment, to end of life support, MedTech touches all aspects of patient care. It is no wonder that an innovative MedTech sector is a cornerstone of any successful healthcare system- and is the need of the hour in India. Purposeful Innovation: Solving Indian healthcare challenges, one startup at a time The Indian MedTech sector continues to be dominated by imports, which account for 75% of the market. So far, Indian companies have been making me-too products, which compete with MNCs primarily on affordability. However, there is a new crop of MedTech startups which are creating novel technologies and proprietary, patented, products for healthcare challenges facing the ordinary Indian. This new wave of MedTech is driven by purposeful innovation- i.e. innovation that addresses specific challenges, and taps associated economic opportunities, seen in Indian healthcare. Globally, MedTech is a focus sector for start-ups a study of technology incubators showed that over 25 per cent of incubated start-ups were in MedTech, the second largest sector after IT. In India too, startup activity in the MedTech sector is growing by leaps and bounds, albeit from a low base. Today, there are several startups solving Indian healthcare challenges by creating novel technologies, and generating global intellectual property in the process. Startups are tackling challenges such as hypothermia management in premature babies, lung infection in ventilated patients, life support for babies outside the NICU, more accurate labor monitoring, vertigo diagnosis, post-cardiac event monitoring, and screening for blindness, cancers and other conditions. These startups leverage cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, along with electronics, mechanical engineering, and product design expertise, to create innovative, patented, products that not only serve Indian needs, but address global market opportunities. Financing challenges facing MedTech innovators Globally, MedTech startups have access to both grant and equity (VC) funding at all stages of product development. Thankfully for Indian start-ups, grant funding for innovative MedTech projects has increased exponentially over the last few years. BIRAC, the funding arm of the Department of Biotechnology, has been instrumental in this happy development. Under the visionary leadership of Dr Renu Swarup, BIRAC has funded more than 100 MedTech projects, and been instrumental in the design and development ofmany innovative technologies addressing critical Indian challenges. Additionally, there are other international foundations such as Millennium Alliance, Gates Foundation, Lemelson Foundation, and USAID that provide grants to the Indian MedTech sector. Venture capital investment in MedTech startups has also been increasing over the years- however; it is still negligible compared to digital and consumer sectors. This is largely due to the relatively long timelines in MedTech - 3-5 years for product development, and another 3-4 years for commercial success. However, given the breadth of opportunities in this sector, and the relatively low number of startups, this sector is getting increasing interest from savvy VCs and family offices. The MedTech market- The Public Procurement Challenge Most innovative MedTech products in India today have been designed and developed for low-resource, low-skill, public health facilities, and can transform healthcare for low-income consumers who depend on public healthcare. However, over 90% of MedTech procurement in government happens through the tender system- where multiple companies bid to supply a (commodity) product, typically competing on price. This method does not work for an innovative product, which is manufactured and supplied by just one company, the innovator. This systemic issue leads to unacceptable delays, and sometimes outright rejection, in deploying life-saving, affordable, innovative, technologies that are made FOR India. A defined public procurement system, specifically for indigenous innovative products, perhaps certified by the central government, would go a long way in getting these innovations into the public healthcare system, where they can save innumerable lives. Deployment of such innovations can also be supported through the creation of an Innovation Fund, which funds procurement and deployment of relevant innovations in a pilot district- to generate real-world data on effectiveness and outcomes, and drive nationwide adoption of the best innovations. Partnership with established MedTech companies After a startup develops an innovative product, it faces further challenges in manufacturing, commercialization, distribution, and service. In the West, a startup typically partners with a large MedTech company, which takes on these activities. This partnering ecosystem is still nascent in India, with the result that most startups focus on these activities themselves, and not on their core competency of innovation and product development. As the ecosystem matures, it is hoped that India too sees such partnerships between startups and established companies, which get these lifesaving innovations to the market faster, and allow the innovators to focus on what they do best- innovate. Summary The Indian MedTech sector is coming of age- as evidenced by the strong growth in innovative startups that are creating novel technologies to solve Indian, and global, challenges. It is important to nurture and support such indigenous innovation in these early days - as they can make India the MedTech innovation hub for global emerging markets. Siraj Dhanani, CEO, Co-founder, InnAccel Technologies Newly formed Cape Town agency, HelloFCB+, has already landed its first piece of major silverware in the form of a Wood Pencil at this year's annual D&AD Awards in London. Credits: The award was given in the Digital Marketing - Use of Trends & Tactical Marketing category for the Netflorist Say it with a Cactus campaign which came to the clients rescue when sales began to dry up during the worst drought in the Western Capes history.D&AD is a notoriously difficult award to win, especially in the digital category, so were naturally incredibly proud to be recognised there, said Mike Barnwell, CCO of HelloFCB+.This campaign, along with the recently awarded Anti-Bullying campaign for the Western Cape Government at the One Show, are great examples of our positioning in the marketplace as the Human Connections Agency. The results of both pieces really underline the importance of connecting with your audience on an emotional level, he concluded.CCO Mike BarnwellECD Camilla ClerkeDesigner Matt Crisp The Cape Town Toiletry Co Pty Ltd Cape Town, Muizenberg 2 Nov 2021 Four Seasons Hotel Beirut was named 'Lebanon's Leading Hotel 2019' and 'Lebanon's Leading Hotel Suite 2019' for its Royal Suite, at the 26th World Travel Awards (WTA), recently held in Abu Dhabi. The World Travel Awards recognises exceptional levels of quality and service in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. Commenting on the awards, regional vice president and general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Beirut, Rami Z. Sayess, said: We are honoured by these awards which are a true recognition of our continuous efforts to harness the companys culture commitment to our people, a passion for service, and evolution through guest-focused innovation, and which encourage us to continue striving towards redefining and setting the standards for luxury travel in the region and internationally." Located in the heart of the capital, Four Seasons Hotel Beirut sits steps away from the popular Zaytounay Bay and luxury shops and boutiques on the famous downtown district. The hotel features 230 guestrooms and suite; The Grill, a restaurant with the best prime cuts in the city; The Bar & Lounge, an art-deco inspired space featuring exquisite cocktails; Arabesque, a textbook example of a high-end shisha lounge, Level 26, the highest pool and rooftop bar and lounge in the city designed by Bernard Khoury, a 24-hour fitness centre, The Spa and more than 15,000-sq-ft of event space to cater to the needs of a variety of guests. - TradeArabia News Service Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) put its best foot forward at Imex 2019, which was held in Germany from May 21-23, promoting the kingdom as an ideal Mice destination. The exhibition is one of the world's most important trade fairs in the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) industry where international tourism offices, major hotels, exhibition and conventions venues, cruise lines, airlines, technology providers, Mice professionals and many more meet every year. The Bahrain delegation, comprised of BTEA and major hospitality and tourism companies in Bahrain, presented Bahrains historical touristic features and advanced infrastructure that attracted immense interest from visitors who recognised Bahrain's distinctive tourism as a unique destination for exhibitions and conferences. The BTEAs participation in Imex 2019 comes as part of our active efforts to promote Bahrain and the new Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Centre as it is expected to be completed by the middle of 2021. With the growing infrastructure development for tourism and Mice, we seek to attract large-scale international exhibitions and conventions to be hosted in Bahrain and strengthen Bahrains position in the industry, said the BTEAs director of Exhibitions and Conferences Marketing and Promotion, Fawzi Tulefat. The new Bahrain Exhibitions and Convention Centre was highlighted once more in this years IMEX series. The new centre will be built near the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, expected to be completed in mid-2021. The new development project is planned to put Bahrain in the international arena of major choice destinations for conferences, exhibitions and major business events. - TradeArabia News Service Shams Ur Rehman Alavi NewsBits.in Support TwoCircles BHOPAL: In yet another incident of cow vigilantes terror, three persons including a woman were first humiliated and publicly tortured, before they were booked under stringent MP cow protection act, arrested and even sent to jail on judicial custody. Though this incident had occurred on May 22, there was no action against the cow vigilantes who brutally assaulted two men and humiliated a woman apart from forcing them to chant religious slogans. After the video of the incident came out, police took action against the cow vigilantesShubham Singh Baghel and four others. Baghel was externed from the Seoni district limits in the past and has a criminal record. Yet, on his claim that the trio was carrying suspicious meat, the police had promptly registered case under the sections of the MP Cow Protection Act. Baghel claims to head the Sri Ram Sena in Seoni. After the video was widely shared and there was outrage on social media, the police issued a press note. It said that the assailants have been booked and sent to jail. However, question remains as to how police had taken fast action against the victims of lynching bid just on the basis of hearsay and report of anti-social elements, even when lab test report hadnt arrived. Interestingly, there were already claims being circulated that the meat was suspicious (attributing it to a veterinary expert) though the reality was that report was yet to come. Home minister has said that action has been taken in this case. Though police insisted that they had taken arrested the culprits, there is an important aspect about it. That, how vigilantes are able to put pressure on local police and manage to get anyone framed and arrested. And, why unless there is outcry, no action is taken. Will any tough directive issued by Police Headquarters? Can the woman and the victims who were brutalised, get justice or receive compensation for this sort of public torture? Julia O'Rourke In her speech, A Bike-able Distance, O'Rourke reminisced about buying a bike with her father the day before her first day at Bowdoin. Her jittery nerves had put her in a foul mood, she said, and her dad "seemed to know that what I needed was to feel [a] sense of freedom, to be reminded that I was independent enough to embark on a new experience even if the prospect scared me." She fell in love at first sight with a vintage pale-yellow bike, which she named Charlotte. On her ride back to campus, her nerves calmed. Over the following months at Bowdoin, the bike helped her arrive to classes and track practices on time, and it helped her find peace away from a hectic academic and social life. Yet, that busyness also led her to eventually neglect Charlotte, and the bike sat outside rusting through rain, wind, and snow. That is, until the man who had sold the bike to O'Rourke passed it one day and texted O'Rourke that he'd fix it for her for free. "How lucky are we that this is how Bowdoin and Brunswick operate?" O'Rourke said. "People look out for you, offer to help you, and pump up your tires when you are feeling low. This is the beauty of living in a small community like we do. I think it is this qualityof living within a bike-able distance of all the people and things we needthat makes it so hard to leave Brunswick and Bowdoin." Read the full text of Julia O'Rourkes remarks. Goodwin Commencement Prize Winner Anuoluwapo Asaolu 19 Longfellow, it seems, was an upbeat college student. In one of his letters home to his family in Portland, Maine, he wrote, I feel far better contented herefar more happy, and far less inclined to be low-spirited, than has ever been the case at any former periodYou must not be surprised when I tell you, I wish to not come home. Nonot yet!not for weeksmonths! When senior year rolled around, Longfellow succumbed to a bit of pre-graduation anxiety. In a letter to his sister, he wrote, in five weeks we shall be set free from collegeThen comes Commencementand thenand thenI cannot say what will be after that. He pleaded with his skeptical father to support his desire to become a writer rather than go into law. Foster suggested that parents might take comfort from this story of tense parent-child interaction. Parents and family, be gentle. It turned out quite well for Henry and it will work out for your daughter or son as well, he said. Read Tim Fosters Voices from Bowdoins Past. DeAlva Stanwood Alexander Prize Winner Gerlin Leu Fang 19 In her address, How I Learned to Listen, Fang talked about how learning new languages helped her grow as a person. She recounted the linguistic challenges she faced as a Mandarin-speaking child from Hangzhou, China, when her family moved to Houston, Texas, in 2005. We lived in a prominently Hispanic neighborhood with many children learning English at school, she told the audience, but they would sneak in Spanish with each other while I couldnt. Fang described how she was initially unable to distinguish between English and Spanish and didnt even know enough to ask for permission to go to the bathroom. MONTREAL - The family of a Quebec man imprisoned in Oman appealed Monday to the Canadian government to help repatriate him before he is extradited to the United Arab Emirates on fraud charges, saying they fear for his safety. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Canadian Andre Gauthier is shown in a handout photo. The family of a Quebec man imprisoned in Oman is asking the Canadian government to help repatriate him before he is extradited to the United Arab Emirates on fraud charges. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Detained in Dubai MANDATORY CREDIT MONTREAL - The family of a Quebec man imprisoned in Oman appealed Monday to the Canadian government to help repatriate him before he is extradited to the United Arab Emirates on fraud charges, saying they fear for his safety. Andre Gauthier was imprisoned in Dubai for almost 18 months between 2015 and 2017, and has been jailed in Oman since March, when authorities stopped him from returning to Canada during an appeal of an eight-year sentence, according to his son. The 65-year-old's son and his lawyer describe Gauthier as a whistleblower who alerted UAE authorities to irregular dealings in a gold-trading company he was involved with. But they claim he became one of the scapegoats in the $30-million fraud after the real perpetrators left the country. They want Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step in to stop Gauthier from being returned to Dubai, where they say he faces potential human rights violations and has little chance of a fair trial. "We no longer trust the system, we fear for his life," his son, Alexis Gauthier, said in a phone interview. "He's 65 years old, an old man. He has high blood pressure, and we're very scared about all of this because every single time something happens, it makes no sense." Alexis Gauthier says his father, a mining industry expert originally from the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region north of Quebec City, became involved in the company Gold AE in 2013 and became a minority shareholder. He said his father's troubles began when he decided to report suspicious practices he'd observed and was hit in return with a barrage of criminal complaints from shareholders, leading to his arrest in late 2015. After spending 18 months in prison without charges, Gauthier says his father was released but later convicted on charges related to the fraud and sentenced to eight years in prison. Desperate, running out of money to pay for lawyers and losing confidence in the ability of Canadian authorities to help him, Gauthier decided to abandon the lengthy appeals process and head to neighbouring Oman, where he was arrested in March when he tried to get an emergency passport to return to Canada, his son said. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said consular officials are aware of the case, noting her parliamentary secretary, Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, has met with Omani officials to discuss it. "I very much understand and sympathize deeply with the family," she told reporters on Monday. "These are always difficult situations, and we're going to continue working hard at it." But Alexis Gauthier believes the situation has dragged on long enough. With the help of local MP Richard Martel, he is appealing directly to Trudeau to get personally involved in pressuring authorities to bring his father home. He says his father has missed out on a number of family events, including the death of his father and the birth of a granddaughter. And now, he's become particularly worried after his usually optimistic father sent messages suggesting he'd rather die than return to Dubai. "Right now we just want my father to be safe back home, and we want justice to be done," he said, adding his father would be willing to undergo a judicial process in Canada. Radha Stirling, a U.K.-based lawyer who is advocating for the family through her group Detained in Dubai, says prisoners in the United Arab Emirates are often subjected to human rights violations, including overcrowding and witholding of medical attention. "You have 60 people in what should be a cell for just 10 people. It's just horrendous conditions," she said in a phone interview. Stirling estimates that Gauthier also would have "zero chance" of a fair trial in Dubai, where criminal investigations can drag on for years and suspects can be jailed for years without evidence. However, she says officials in Oman have expressed a desire to strengthen ties to the West to boost tourism and foreign investment, which might make it receptive to a request from the highest levels of the Canadian government to stop the extradition. She said Canada should also be approaching the United Arab Emirates to see if they're willing to drop the charges. OTTAWA - Green party Leader Elizabeth May says saving the world from climate change requires Canada to get off oil before the middle of the century. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Green Party leader Elizabeth May speaks with reporters in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. May says saving the world from climate change requires Canada to get off oil before the middle of the century. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - Green party Leader Elizabeth May says saving the world from climate change requires Canada to get off oil before the middle of the century. In the meantime, she wants Canada off foreign oil as soon as possible. The promise to make Canada energy independent is perhaps unexpectedly in line with the economic and climate strategy of Conservative leader Andrew Scheer. Scheer's plan calls for Canada to import no foreign oil by 2030, partly by planning an energy corridor across Canada that could simplify the construction of pipelines able to move Alberta oil to any coast. He sees it as a way to find additional domestic markets for Canada's oilsands, in a bid to increase their production. May's plan, to "turn off the taps to oil imports" is only a stop-gap measure to keep foreign oil out until Canada can break its oil habit altogether. By 2050, May wants bitumen to be used in Canada only by the petrochemical industry for plastics, rubber, paint, and other such products. "As long as we are using fossil fuels we should be using our fossil fuels," said May. May's climate plan is likely to get more scrutiny than its predecessors in past elections. The Liberals and NDP already proved they are paying close attention to the rising threat of Green support, with both pushing similar motions to declare climate change an emergency in the House of Commons earlier this month. Both motions were tabled less than a week after the Greens elected a second MP in a Vancouver Island byelection, and not long after a provincial wing of the party formed the official opposition in Prince Edward Island. May said she's perfectly fine with Green popularity pushing other parties to raise their games on climate. While both the Liberals and NDP claimed their motions had been in the works before the byelection result, May said there is no doubt in her mind that Paul Manly's winning and the NDP and Liberals finishing distantly third and fourth, "had almost everything to do with" the motions. The NDP motion failed because it called for Canada to drop plans to expand the Trans Mountain pipeline, a pipeline May also opposes. The Liberal motion hasn't yet gone to a vote. The Green climate plan also calls for Canada to double its cuts to greenhouse-gas emissions by 2030 and get emissions to zero by 2050. That plan includes no longer selling combustion-engine cars after 2030 and replacing all existing combustion-engine vehicles by 2040. Canada imports about a million barrels of oil a day and produces four times that much. In 2017, Canada produced 4.2 million barrels of oil, and exported 3.3 million of those. Domestic refineries handled 1.8 million barrels. Canada's oil producers already pump enough product to meet domestic demand but there are two problems: there is no pipeline from the oil-rich west to refineries in the east, and even if there were, those refineries aren't equipped to handle the heavier bitumen that is the Alberta oilsands' trademark. For Canadian refineries in the east, bitumen from the oilsands must be upgraded to synthetic crude. May's plan is to invest in upgraders to do it. She acknowledges weaning Canada off foreign oil won't happen overnight, given existing contracts Canadian refineries have and figuring out how to build the upgraders and then ship the product. Privately, Liberal government critics suggest there is no way to have Canada's east coast use Canadian oil without building a new pipeline to get the products there. May does not support a new pipeline anywhere, and argues the raw bitumen could be transferred by rail as long as Canada invests more in its rail services. The proposed Energy East pipeline to carry diluted bitumen to the east coast fell apart in 2017 amid significant opposition in Quebec, opposition that continues under the new Coalition Avenir Quebec government. Scheer's plan is to establish an energy corridor that would allow an Energy East-like pipeline to proceed alongside interprovincial electricity grids, with only one right-of-way required. May said the Greens are the "only party that have a plan that allows human civilization to survive." "It's not a Canadian lifestyle choice," she said. "All of humanity is at risk." Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer speaks about his economic vision at an event hosted by the Canadian Club of Vancouver, in Vancouver, on Friday May 24, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck Four stories in the news for Monday, May 27 INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE TO GRILL TECH GIANTS Tech giants will be in the hot seat this week as politicians from Canada and 10 other countries gather to consider how best to protect citizens' privacy and their democracies in the age of big data. The international grand committee on big data, privacy and democracy is meeting in Ottawa for three days, starting today. It will hear from experts on how governments can prevent the use of social media to violate individuals' privacy, spread fake news, sow dissension and manipulate election outcomes. Committee members will also grill representatives from internet giants such as Facebook, Google, Twitter, Microsoft, Amazon and Mozilla on what they're doing, or not doing, to prevent abuse. GREENS CALL FOR BAN ON FOREIGN OIL IMPORTS, USE ALBERTA OIL INSTEAD Green party Leader Elizabeth May says saving the world from climate change requires Canada to get off oil before the middle of the century. In the meantime, she wants Canada to stop burning foreign oil as soon as possible. The Greens' climate-change plan calls for Canada to invest in upgraders to make Alberta bitumen usable in eastern Canadian refineries. Making Canada energy independent is also part of the Conservative party platform, but where Tory Leader Andrew Scheer proposes it in a bid to expand oil production in Alberta, May's plan is to do so only to displace foreign oil as Canada moves towards no oil at all. SCHEER ACCUSES TRUDEAU OF 'STACKING THE DECK' Andrew Scheer says the Liberals' decision to name an anti-Conservative union to a panel that will decide which media outlets receive government funding is the latest example of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "stacking the deck" in his favour to get re-elected in October. In an interview with The Canadian Press, the Conservative leader said he believes the decision to include Unifor on the panel undermines the credibility of the panel's work. Unifor has campaigned against the Conservative party and, in November, published tweets calling itself Scheer's "worst nightmare." PREGNANT WOMEN NEED DRUG-SAFETY INFO: DOCTORS Doctors say pregnant and breast-feeding women and their health-care providers need access to a federally funded drug-safety research program now that a service that existed for decades was forced to shut down. The Motherisk helpline was established at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto in 1985 but it was recently closed, partly due to years of declining funding. Authors of an editorial published today in the Canadian Medical Association Journal say the loss of access to evidence-based research exposes a major public-health void, especially as the use of prescription drugs in pregnancy has increased by nearly 70 per cent in the last three decades. ALSO IN THE NEWS: Former Liberal cabinet minister Jody Wilson-Raybould makes an announcement about her political future in her Vancouver riding. Former Liberal cabinet minister Jane Philpott makes an announcement about her political future in her Markham, Ont riding. Paul Manly is sworn in as the second elected Green party Member of Parliament. The Royal Canadian Mint unveils a two-dollar coin commemorating the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landing of Canadian troops at Juno Beach. PRINCE ALBERT, Alta. - A Saskatchewan judge has acquitted a man and a woman of conspiracy to murder their spouses after ruling a key audio recording is inadmissible as evidence. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. PRINCE ALBERT, Alta. - A Saskatchewan judge has acquitted a man and a woman of conspiracy to murder their spouses after ruling a key audio recording is inadmissible as evidence. The judge entered the verdict Monday on what was supposed to be the start of trial for Curtis Vey and Angela Nicholson. Curtis Vey arrives at court in Prince Albert, Sask., Tuesday, May 24, 2016. A Saskatchewan judge has acquitted a man and woman of conspiracy to murder their spouses.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jennifer Graham A jury initially convicted them in 2016 and they were each sentenced to three years in prison. The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, in ordering a new trial last year, said the judge didn't make it clear jurors must be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the two intended to commit murder. Court heard that Vey, who is from Wakaw, Sask., and Nicholson, who is from nearby Melfort, were having an affair. They were arrested in 2013 after Vey's wife made a secret recording that appeared to suggest the pair was plotting to kill her and Nicholson's husband. The jury heard that Vey's wife was to die in a house fire and Nicholson's husband was to be drugged and disappear. Vey and Nicholson argued there was no intent behind their words. Vey told police that he knew his wife was recording him and talked about the murder plot to give his wife and family something to talk about. Nicholson told officers she never intended to carry out the plan. Her lawyer, Ron Piche, told reporters outside the courthouse in Prince Albert, Sask. that the public needs to know his client didn't get off on a technicality. She had no genuine intention of killing anyone, he said. He argued the secret recording on an iPod violated the pair's charter rights because they didn't know they were being taped. Police also had warrants to search for computers but not the iPod, Piche added. "That omission proved fatal in terms of the Crown's ability to rely on it," Piche said. Crown prosecutor Lori O'Connor said her office will examine the case and determine whether to appeal. Vey's wife, Brigitte Vey, said outside the court that she is OK with the acquittal. "I'm at peace that it's finally over." (CKBI) OTTAWA - The new North American free trade agreement will beat its June legislative deadline and be ratified by Parliament, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland predicted Monday, but she acknowledged that Canada can't bring the new deal into force by itself. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA - The new North American free trade agreement will beat its June legislative deadline and be ratified by Parliament, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland predicted Monday, but she acknowledged that Canada can't bring the new deal into force by itself. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement USMCA, or CUSMA to Canadian officials requires the ratification of all three countries, which is why the federal government is collaborating so closely with its other two partners, she said after question period. Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, meets with steel executives to discuss the elimination of tariffs on steel and aluminum and the new version of NAFTA in Toronto on Friday, May 24, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Tijana Martin "I am confident we will be successful moving forward," said Freeland, who kicked off the process Monday by tabling a so-called ways and means motion in the House of Commons. "Of course, the entry into force of this agreement does not depend solely on Canada." In the politically tumultuous U.S., it remains an open question at the moment whether Congress can muster progress on anything, including the new continental trade pact and a plan to unleash infrastructure spending to fix crumbling American bridges and roads. President Donald Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the Democrat who controls the agenda in the House of Representatives, are locked in a bitter battle. Pelosi has questioned Trump's fitness for office, while he has branded her "crazy" and incapable of understanding the complexities of the agreement. On Thursday, U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence will be in Ottawa, where he is expected to exchange views with Freeland and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the legislative way forward in their two countries. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland responds to a question during Question Period in the House of Commons Monday May 27, 2019 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld "It will be interesting for us to hear from Vice-President Pence about the U.S. domestic ratification process," Freeland said, adding that Canada will move forward in tandem with the U.S. as much as possible in order to get the deal approved. She also said last week's"full lift" of the U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs on Canadian imports has paved the way for formal approval of the new deal, and that she plans to brief the federal cabinet soon on plans to table the necessary ratification bill. Less than two weeks ago, Freeland hosted her Mexican counterparts in Toronto where they discussed how Canada and Mexico can collaborate on "the very ambitious labour reforms that Mexico has now passed, which are an important part of the new NAFTA." Canada and the U.S. pushed Mexico to improve workers' rights during the rocky NAFTA renegotiation, which culminated in a deal late last September, because they wanted to level the playing field between their workers and lower-paid Mexican workers, especially in the auto sector. Last month, Mexico's lower house of Congress approved a reform of labour law that aims to ensure workers can freely vote for their union representation and contracts. NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. - An Alberta man "ambushed" a police officer moments after he got out of his vehicle, shooting him from behind and then standing over his unmoving body and shooting him again, a British Columbia court heard Monday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Oscar Arfmann is shown in this courtroom sketch in New Westminster, B.C. A man charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of an Abbotsford, B.C., police officer has pleaded not guilty. Arfmann made the plea in a B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster, B.C., before a trial by judge alone.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Felicity Don NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. - An Alberta man "ambushed" a police officer moments after he got out of his vehicle, shooting him from behind and then standing over his unmoving body and shooting him again, a British Columbia court heard Monday. Crown prosecutor Theresa Iandiorio made the allegations in her opening arguments in the trial of Oscar Arfmann, who is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Const. John Davidson of the Abbotsford Police Department. Davidson, 53, died Nov. 6, 2017, after he responded to reports of a possible stolen vehicle and shots fired. "Within moments of getting out of his police vehicle, Const. Davidson was ambushed by the accused, Oscar Arfmann," Iandiorio told a B.C. Supreme Court. Arfmann, 66, pleaded not guilty at the start of the trial, which is being held before a judge alone. He appeared in court dressed in a black sweatsuit with grey hair that reached his shoulders. Iandiorio told the trial the Crown plans to call 30 witnesses to prove that Arfmann killed Davidson using a rifle that police later found in the passenger seat of a black Mustang he was driving. Several knives and ammunition for the rifle were also recovered from the vehicle, she said. Arfmann is alleged to have taken the Mustang from a car dealership without paying for it two days before the incident, she told the court. When employees of the dealership spotted the Mustang parked in a handicap spot, the dealership manager parked his pickup to block it from leaving and reported it to police. The car had an Alberta licence plate, the court heard. "This Alberta licence plate was registered to Mr. Arfmann's sister," Iandiorio said. Arfmann returned to the car before police arrived and when the manager approached him he pulled out a knife, then reached into the Mustang for a rifle and shot toward the pickup, she said. He got in the car, jumped a curb and began driving away, but Iandiorio said he made a U-turn back to the complex where she alleged he had a second vehicle parked. Const. Davidson was the first officer on the scene and was shot from behind within moments of getting out of his vehicle, Iandiorio said. "Const. Davidson fell face first on the ground. He did not move. He began bleeding," she said. Arfmann then approached the officer, who was motionless, and shot him again, Iandiorio said. The suspect drove off in the Mustang and was arrested after police rammed his vehicle and shot at him, Iandiorio said. Davidson, who had been with the Fraser Valley police department for 11 years, began his policing career in the United Kingdom in 1993 before moving to B.C. He is survived by his wife and three adult children. His family members declined comment outside the court. Several law enforcement members, some of them in tears during parts of the proceeding, sat with the family in court. The first witness called was Const. Ken Lewko, a forensic expert who has been a member of the Abbotsford Police Department for 29 years. He told the trial it was a cool, dry and sunny Monday when he heard on the police radio what sounded like a reports of stolen vehicle that was on the move. He headed toward the site because he thought his expertise in fingerprinting and photography might be helpful. "As we approached the scene, the radio transmissions on the police radio became chaotic. We understood that something serious was going on, however we did not know the extent of what had happened," he told the court. Police tape was being strung when he arrived, he said, and he then described some of the drone footage and 178 photos he took at the scene. The Mustang convertible had extensive damage to its front and rear, as well as to its driver's side, he said. Several police vehicles parked nearby were also damaged. Lewko said he saw the suspect sitting on the ground by the Mustang with blood on his face and chest. MONTREAL - Privileged Quebec politicians shouldn't accept generous cheques from taxpayers when they quit politics or lose elections, says a recently departed member of the legislature. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. MONTREAL - Privileged Quebec politicians shouldn't accept generous cheques from taxpayers when they quit politics or lose elections, says a recently departed member of the legislature. Amir Khadir announced over the weekend he would donate the $90,000 payment he received after leaving office in 2018 as a member of the Quebec solidaire party. He said all the cash will go to community groups in his former Montreal riding. Quebec Solidaire MNA Amir Khadir questions the government over asbestos during question period, Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at the legislature in Quebec City. Privileged Quebec politicians shouldn't be accepting fat cheques from taxpayers when they quit politics or lose elections, says a recently departed member of the legislature. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot Quebec politicians are entitled to up to a year's salary when they leave office. They can only collect the money if they served a full mandate, lost an election or retired due to a serious family or health-related matter. The so-called "transition allowance" is supposed to help pay the bills while they find new work after having sacrificed their time serving the public. Khadir a physician says he doesn't need the money and wants to send a message to all the other privileged politicians in the province. "If people like me quit and immediately return to their work as lawyers, engineers or doctors, and they have a source of revenue, I don't see why they should collect that money," he said in an interview with The Canadian Press Sunday. He says he's still bothered by the decision of former education minister Yves Bolduc, who quit politics in 2015 in the middle of the Liberals' mandate and went back to work as a doctor after pocketing a $150,000 transition allowance. That episode embarrassed the Liberals and helped push them to change the law. In late 2015, the legislature unanimously adopted a bill removing the automatic right to a cash payment for retiring politicians. The new rules stipulate departing members can only collect transition allowances if they complete their term in office, with strict exceptions. But Khadir says the 2015 law isn't strict enough. "We need to plant the idea in the heads of our colleagues that the money should be seen as a transition allowance," he said, "and not as a bonus that we have a right to, and that we can pocket no matter the circumstance." Ewan Sauves, spokesman for Premier Francois Legault, said Monday that the Coalition Avenir Quebec government has no intention of modifying the law. He said in an email that Khadir's decision "belongs to him" and declined further comment. Renaud Brossard, Quebec director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, an advocacy group that lobbies for lower taxes and less government spending, said politicians shouldn't receive any money for leaving office. He said a number of other provinces offer similar allowances, but Alberta scrapped its program in 2012. "Yes, politics is a hard job, but it's also a privilege," he said in an interview Monday. "This privilege shouldn't be a reason for politicians to enrich themselves." Elected members of the Quebec legislature receive a base salary of $95,704, which increases for cabinet members and other parliamentary office holders. "The salaries of politicians are already high compared with the average Quebecer," Brossard said. "Why should the taxpayer finance a transition for people who are among the richest in society?" OTTAWA - The remains of a Canadian soldier who was only 18 when he was killed in the First World War have been identified in France, more than 100 years after his death. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA - The remains of a Canadian soldier who was only 18 when he was killed in the First World War have been identified in France, more than 100 years after his death. The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces say the remains were discovered in July 2017 near the village of Vendin-le-Vieil and were identified earlier this year as those of Pte. George Alfred Newburn. He enlisted in Esquimalt at the age of 16 and died barely two years later on Aug. 15, 1917, during the first day of the Battle of Hill 70, a diversionary offensive aimed at distracting German reinforcements away from the Passchendaele battlefield. In a statement, National Defence says Newburn was born in England but moved with his family to British Columbia. He was assigned to the 7th Canadian Infantry Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force just three days before the battle. The department says members of Newburn's family have been notified and he will be will be buried June 12 in France by his regiment, which is now known as the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own), based in Vancouver. The ceremony will take place at the Loos British Cemetery outside Loos-en-Gohelle. More than 9,000 Canadian soldiers died in the Battle of Hill 70. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan says honouring the service of fallen members is a dearly held value of the Canadian Armed Forces. "In June, we'll pay tribute to Pte. George Alfred Newburn as we will lay him to rest in the place he helped to liberate. Let us never forget the courage of our Canadian battalions during the Battle of Hill 70, and forever honour their service," Sajjan says in the statement. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version had the incorrect spelling of the defence minister's last name. OTTAWA - Tech giants will be in the hot seat this week as politicians from Canada and 10 other countries gather to consider how best to protect citizens' privacy and their democracies in the age of social media. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 26/5/2019 (947 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA - Tech giants will be in the hot seat this week as politicians from Canada and 10 other countries gather to consider how best to protect citizens' privacy and their democracies in the age of social media. The international grand committee on big data, privacy and democracy is meeting in Ottawa for three days, starting Monday. It will hear from experts on how best governments can prevent the use of social media to make unauthorized use of individuals' personal information, spread fake news, sow dissension and manipulate election outcomes. Committee members will also grill representatives from a host of internet giants Facebook, Google, Twitter, Microsoft, Amazon and Mozilla on what they're doing, or not doing, to prevent abuse. The grand committee is made up of politicians from Canada, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, France, Ireland, Latvia and Singapore. This week's meeting the second since last year's inaugural gathering in the U.K. is being hosted by the Canadian House of Commons committee on access to information, privacy and ethics. "Ultimately, we're looking for best practices and the only way we learn what other countries are doing ... is if we actually have face-to-face conversations," Conservative MP Bob Zimmer, chair of the Commons committee, said in an interview. "Technology is something we want to see advance but I think as regulators we need to make sure it's not going too far in terms of privacy breaches and snooping in our back yards." Zimmer said the time for self-regulation by social media platforms is over. "That's where I wish they would go and just do a better job themselves and we wouldn't have to step in. But it's clear that we just can't do that anymore. They're not taking Canadians or citizens' privacy seriously enough." Liberal MPs on Zimmer's committee have expressed concern that tech giants have become so big, rich and powerful that they can afford to ignore laws set by small jurisdictions like Canada. The objective of the grand committee is to recommend standards that will be adopted by enough countries to make it impossible for the tech giants to ignore. The United States, where concern about censoring free expression tends to trump concerns about privacy, fake news and electoral mischief, is notably not taking part. But Zimmer said that doesn't limit the potential power of the international grand committee (IGC). "We still collectively as the IGC represent about 450 million people as it is, which is bigger than the American population. So, I think we can do things on our own. We're not going to be bound by what the U.S. says to do or not to do." Zimmer said he too is concerned about potential censorship but he thinks there are some "really easy" ways to regulate social media without infringing free speech. For instance, he said platforms could be required to ban anonymous accounts and to identify and verify the real names and locations of all users. Weeding out fake news or deliberate disinformation is more problematic but Zimmer said identifying the source of such content would go some way towards at least managing the problem. The grand committee is the brain child of Zimmer, his Liberal vice-chair, Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, and two U.K. MPs, who wanted a way to work together in the wake of last year's Cambridge Analytica scandal. The political consultancy firm is alleged to have improperly gained access to the personal data of some 87 million Facebook users, for use in the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign and Britain's Brexit referendum. The presidential election also shone a spotlight on the use of social media by foreign and domestic bad actors to spread disinformation, exacerbate societal divisions and impact the election outcome. Zimmer's committee has subpoenaed Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and COO Sheryl Sandberg to appear at this week's grand committee meeting. Neither is expected to show up, in which case Zimmer's committee is poised to ask the House of Commons to declare the duo in contempt of Parliament. Federal privacy commissioner Daniel Therrien last month concluded that Facebook violated Canadian privacy laws by failing to ensure Cambridge Analytica got clear consent to use individuals personal information. He is going to court to force Facebook to comply with privacy laws. Facebook maintains Canadians were not affected by the scandal and that it has since made dramatic improvements to protect users privacy. The weather this summer could be starkly different across the country, according to the latest long range forecast from The Weather Network. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The weather this summer could be starkly different across the country, according to the latest long range forecast from The Weather Network. Chief meteorologist Chris Scott predicts the wet weather that Ontario and Quebec have experienced in May will continue during the summer months and could lead to a heightened risk of flash flooding in some areas. A fire burns near High Level, Alta. on May 21, 2019 in this handout photo from the Alberta Government. Despite heavy smoke, officials say a lighter wind out of the northeast has allowed for great progress on reining in a wildfire that's forced thousands of people from their homes in northern Alberta. Authorities say the Chuckegg Creek fire remains out of control as it churns about three kilometres south of High Level, but favourable weather on Tuesday allowed crews to protect power poles west and south of the community. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Chris Schwarz, Government of Alberta *MANDATORY CREDIT* In sharp contrast, he's forecasting more hot, dry weather for most of western Canada, raising the wildfire threat, which has already prompted evacuations in northwestern Alberta. "We expect the wildfire risk to be heightened this summer," said Scott, adding that there will be an "above normal season" for wildfires for most of B.C., western Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Yukon. But Scott said generally this summer won't be remembered for its heat except for B.C. which he noted was expected to be "the king of the heat this summer." Scott broke down the summer forecast region by region: British Columbia He said B.C. can expect a hotter and drier than normal summer which will bring a consistent threat of wildfires. "We've already seen some warm days and we expect June overall will continue that trend," he said. He also the warned the heat and lack of rain could be particularly hard on urban residents because of the possibility of water restrictions. Prairies Scott said his network is predicting slightly below average precipitation for the Prairies, but not to the point where farmers should be concerned about drought conditions. "Alberta's always the swing province in terms of weather," he said. "We expect that to be the case again this summer with it really flipping between warm and cool depending on the week." The network is predicting near normal temperatures in general for the Edmonton to Calgary corridor, with precipitation also close to normal. "We'll get our normal share of active summer weather thunderstorms, hail storms," Scott said, adding "it's part of living in that part of the country." The forecast for Saskatchewan and Manitoba calls for slightly lower than normal summer temperatures, with close to average precipitation. Ontario and Quebec Scott expects seasonally cooler conditions in northern Ontario and Quebec, and "near normal" temperatures in the southern parts of the provinces, which together will increase the chance of rain. He said southern Ontario and Quebec will get their hot days, but there won't be as many as last summer. "Last summer was a deadly one," Scott said, referencing the heat-related deaths in Quebec. "We don't expect this summer to be as hot." He said there will be some heavy periods of rain in the southern part of the region which will exceed average precipitation levels for the area. "But we don't want to convey that this is a washout of a summer it does not look that way," he added. "It just means that when it rains it pours." Scott suggests the wet weather that characterized much of the spring will persist into the summer months, leading to a "heightened threat for flash flooding." He pointed to extreme weather conditions, such as the Toronto flood in July 2013 and the Burlington, Ont., flooding a year later, as examples of what could recur this year. Atlantic Canada Scott said the Atlantic provinces can expect "generally near normal temperatures," with some above average temps also forecast for the southern Maritimes due to humid air moving into the region from the Great Lakes. He said not to expect a lot of heat in June, but to prepare for more humidity across the region in July and August. Northern Canada As for northern Canada, Scott said "expect an above normal fire season as you head west of Yellowknife, especially, and then into the Yukon." The network is predicting normal to slightly warmer than average temperatures extending to the Alaska border, while near normal temperatures and precipitation are forecast for Nunavut. OTTAWA - Former Liberal cabinet ministers Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott will run as Independents in the upcoming federal election, they declared Monday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Independent Members of Parliament Jane Philpott and Jody Wilson-Raybould speak with the media before Question Period in the Foyer of the House of Commons in Ottawa, Wednesday April 3, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - Former Liberal cabinet ministers Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott will run as Independents in the upcoming federal election, they declared Monday. The pair made their plans known through separate but co-ordinated announcements in their ridings Wilson-Raybould in Vancouver and Philpott outside Toronto. Both dressed in white, pointedly eschewing any party's colours. "I know you're all wondering what colour I was going to wear today," said Philpott, standing on a riser at a farm store, a wide grin on her face. "I am going to run in the federal election as an Independent candidate for the people of Markham-Stouffville. We are going to do it together. Yes. All of us, all of us together." At a small community centre in her riding of Vancouver Granville, Wilson Raybould told her supporters she's heard an "overwhelming" message about the need to do politics differently, adding she believes running as Independent the political version of a free agent is the best way to achieve that goal. "I know that it will not be easy to run a campaign as an Independent," she said. "There will be challenges, but with your support, I am confident that running as an Independent is the best way to ... go about it at this time and the best way to transform our political culture." Philpott acknowledged some will be surprised by her decision but she said running on her own is the most honest thing for her to do. "There's probably a few of you who were wishing for something different," she said. "That's OK. I heard a whole range of advice." Julia Reesor, a 61-year-old family friend at Monday's event, said she thought Philpott running as an Independent candidate is a "great fit." Jody Wilson-Raybould holds a news conference to discuss her political future in Vancouver, Monday, May 27, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward "She said she has more work to do and I know shell deliver and get things done," Reesor said. Monday's announcements put to rest political speculation about next steps for the two former Liberal cabinet ministers, who were removed from their party caucus in the House of Commons following the SNC-Lavalin controversy. Wilson-Raybould served as Canada's first Indigenous justice minister before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shuffled her to the portfolio of veterans affairs in January. She later revealed she thought the decision to move her out of Justice was motivated by her refusal to intervene in the criminal prosecution of the Quebec engineering giant SNC-Lavalin. She ultimately resigned from cabinet. Trudeau denied any wrongdoing but conceded there was an "erosion of trust" between his office and Wilson-Raybould. Philpott, who served as health minister, Indigenous-services minister and then president of the Treasury Board, also resigned over Trudeau's handling of the controversy. Both were subsequently removed from the Liberal caucus in early April and sit as Independent MPs in the House of Commons. Trudeau barred them from running again as Liberals. It's been a challenging five months, Wilson-Raybould said. "I find myself in a place that I never expected to be for, as I've said, doing my job and speaking the truth," she said. "I regret that it has come to this place." There were issues that could have been resolved sooner, she said, but she has had time to reflect on her choice. "I am really pleased and happy with the decision that I've made," she said. With few resources as a legislator and none of the authority she had as a minister, Philpott said, she hasn't lost her voice she's found it. She said MPs who are more independent, whether it's within parties or outside of them, are good for the country. The House of Commons has five other Independents, plus two Greens and solo representatives of the People's Party of Canada and the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation. Any of them who are re-elected could wield outsized influence in the event the October federal election produces a minority government, which typically requires the party that forms government to forge alliances across the aisle to hold on to power. Both Philpott and Wilson-Raybould spoke highly of the Green party and its leader Elizabeth May, and acknowledged having repeated conversations about running for that party, but decided that Canadian politics needs more people beholden to no central authority. May said she spoke to both Wilson-Raybould and Philpott ahead of Monday's announcement, adding she was willing to step aside if they had leadership aspirations. "It's hard for people to quite understand the extent to which this wasn't a negotiation," May said. "Neither of them were interested in taking on leadership roles." In response to a question Monday about whether her running as an Independent could split the vote in her riding and lead to a Conservative win, Wilson-Raybould said she hopes voters will support her because she stands for their values. "I don't believe that votes are simply ... to be divided among three or four political parties," she said. "I believe in the people of Vancouver Granville. I believe in Canadians to make informed decisions about policy, informed decisions about who to vote for." She also said it is fair to say she and Philpott have similar world views. "We're going to continue to work together," she said. With files from Laura Kane in Vancouver and Alanna Rizza in Toronto Business group Ibec has said a transition to a low-carbon economy is a no-regrets opportunity after the local and European elections signalled a public shift towards greener policies. As the group launched a major report on the low-carbon economy to 2050, chief executive Danny McCoy said the shift from emission-heavy energy to more environmentally-friendly practices could see thousands of new jobs created. Ireland needs to play its part by taking decisive action to decouple emissions from population and economic growth, and to transition to a competitive low carbon economy, he said. For Irish business, such a transition presents a no-regrets opportunity to build a better Ireland. If we focus on smart, cost-effective, and evidence-based policies, we can use the transition to enhance our energy security, boost competitiveness, improve quality of life, and create thousands of sustainable jobs across the country. Ibec said greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 5% since 2013 and the country is now significantly off track in meeting Irelands international climate obligations. It called for policies such as a study into secure energy supply out to 2035, with decarbonisation happening in phases, to ensure a smooth transition. It also called for a redesign of carbon taxes, with gradual increases to provide investment certainty. The tax should be set at 30 per tonne in 2020 and increase by 5 per tonne annually until it reaches 80 in 2030, and the revenue should be ringfenced to support low carbon investment, said Ibec. The report states: The transition will not be easy. It will require enormous private and public investment, the deployment of new and innovative technologies, and a complete transformation in how we use energy, run our factories, fuel transport, build towns and cities, and interact with our environment. It will also mean hard choices, job losses, and challenging times for business. There are also big risks as poor decisions could lead to higher energy costs, a weakening of national energy security, and reduced competitiveness. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran welcomes "balanced and constructive" talks with every country in the Persian Gulf region. Iran is "ready to negotiate with each and every country in the Persian Gulf for balanced & constructive relations based on mutual respect & interests,"Araghchi said in a tweet. He posted the tweet while on an official visit to Oman, where he held talks with Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi on the significance of peace and security in the Persian Gulf region and warned against the destructive policies of the United States and some of its regional allies, Mehr news agency reported. The Iranian diplomat is on a three-nation regional tour. Wrapping up his visit to Oman, he will then visit Kuwait and Qatar to hold intensive political talks on bilateral and regional issues, particularly the recent developments in the Persian Gulf region. Its been a lot of trial and error, countless kitchen table board meetings, but a Cork family firm has come up with what it is calling a revolutionary way to treat wastewater in a sustainable way. Ireland Waste Water, based in Riverstick, Co Cork, is the only company that has achieved European certification for its product, Circle 7, which it says is unique in the Irish market. The firm was formed by Mary and Niall Mulcahy over 12 years ago and designs, manufactures, and installs precast concrete wastewater treatment systems, septic tanks, interceptors, grease traps, and rainwater-harvesting systems. This month, representatives from the EU-certifying body launched Circle 7, an invention that will purify wastewater in homes, schools, factories, and businesses in rural Ireland to a higher standard than what is currently achievable, saving them thousands of euro in the process, and in a more environmentally friendly way. Ms Mulcahy said: We have been working on Circle 7 for three years and we were only ever going to bring it to market if and when it reached the very high standard we had set for ourselves. "From kitchen table drawings to certification by PIA in Germany, after a few failed prototypes and some that were just not up to standard, we finally created a solution that will revolutionise the wastewater industry first in Ireland and later in other European countries and beyond. PIA (Prufinstitut fur Abwassertechnik) is the largest testing laboratory in Europe for the decentralised wastewater industry. Mr Mulcahy said: Three years ago, we said wed sit down and have a look at it. Two years ago, we put Circle 7 together. "But we didnt want to go ahead with it until we could put it through PIA in Germany, the most recognised body by the councils here. "We didnt want to go ahead with it until such time as we had the paper in our hands that we could go to the engineer. Now we have it. Circle 7 reimagines the traditional flawed septic tank process which, when not managed correctly, is a risk for contaminating the land and the water system. It provides a new system to treat wastewater by taking household waste, percolating it using an advanced filtration system, and bringing it to a near drinking water standard. Mr Mulcahy said: An ongoing problem with wastewater from Irish households is the growing use of chemicals which is leading to an increase in the amount of grey water. Grey water is damaging septic tanks and wastewater systems as they currently stand in homes all over the country, with the primary risk being contamination of the clean water supply into a home, as well as of the surrounding land. The added bonus of our system is it will actually save homeowners 5,000 over five years at least, because there is no desludging required, no parts replacement, no media filter replacement, and no pumps needed. Circle 7 can be fitted to new and existing wastewater treatment plants, anywhere in Ireland, to vastly improve the quality of the system, say the Mulcahys. Niall and Mary Mulcahy. Picture: Denis Minihane Its vision is to be part of every new domestic wastewater treatment plant in Ireland, after which they will look to the UK and US markets, as well as France, says Ms Mulcahy. Mr Mulcahy added: The material is the most important function of the tank, in that is never has to be replaced. "Down the road, you never have to go to Hong Kong or China to look for new materials to put into it. Theres also no desludging in our system. There are no big costs down through the years or replacements. There is also no power consumption needed, so there are no electrical costs. Its all eco-friendly and there is a smaller footprint on the ground. There is no protruding mounds or anything sticking up over the ground. Its just the way the system is designed. The problem with other systems over the ground is you cant see how it is functioning if it is all grassed over. You can in ours. You have a big bonus there for the protection of groundwater. Digging up lawns could cost you thousands and you are then getting into contaminated water. Our system is serviced and monitored anyway. Its fairly bulletproof. An alleged IRA bomber given a so-called comfort letter by the Tony Blair Government, must wait to hear the outcome of an appeal against his proposed extradition north for the 1972 Enniskillen bombing. Northern Irish authorities are seeking to extradite John Downey (67) to face prosecution for the murder of two British Army Infantrymen as well as aiding and abetting the causing of an explosion on August 25, 1972. Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) soldiers Lance Corporal Alfred Johnston and Private James Eames were killed when a device exploded in a vehicle they were checking on the Irvinestown Road, Cherrymount, in Enniskillen. Mr Downey was arrested last November at his home address in Ards, Creeslough, Co Donegal on foot of a European Arrest Warrant. He told detectives he believed it was the DUP and not the DPP who decided to prosecute him. The High Court in Dublin ordered Mr Downeys extradition in March, despite objections on grounds of delay and a letter of assurance he believes amounts to a pardon or amnesty. Mr Downeys trial in relation to the 1982 London Hyde Park bombing, in which four soldiers and seven horses were killed, collapsed in February 2014 over the letter, sent to him and other alleged republican paramilitaries. The so-called comfort letters", issued by the Tony Blair government, told republican paramilitaries they were not wanted for prosecution of crimes committed during the troubles. The on-the-run scheme and letters, which fully emerged following the collapse of Mr Downeys 2014 trial in relation to the 1982 Hyde Park bombing, triggered a major political controversy and lead to an inquiry. Mr Downeys lawyers told the Court of Appeal today that the letters were originally given to around 250 so-called on-the-runs. After that, consideration was given to other people, including Mr Downey, who asked for a letter. Garnet Orange SC, for Mr Downey, said the authorities spent five years conducting research before the letter of assurance was given to Mr Downey. It was effectively a decision not to prosecute, he submitted, so Mr Downey could go about his lawful business. All of this came about as a result of political discussions at the highest level, he added. Mr Orange said his client was trying to live out the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement, travelling to Northern Ireland for constructive purposes, building bridges and so forth. He said his client had a legitimate expectation that no proceedings would be issued against him and he had travelled back and forth between the UK and Ireland to his detriment for a number of years. The letter lead Mr Downey to act against his own interests by travelling through the UK, Mr Orange submitted. He was arrested in relation to the Hyde Park bombing while transiting through Londons Gatwick Airport, on the way to a holiday, the court heard, an arrest deemed an abuse of process by the Hyde Park trial judge. Counsel for the Attorney General, Remy Farrell SC, said the purpose of the letter was to state there were no known proceedings, warrants or active investigations against Mr Downey at that time. It did not amount to a statement that Mr Downey will not be prosecuted, he added. We now know the letter was factually wrong, Mr Farrell said, and it was unrealistic for Mr Downey to rely on a letter to say he wasnt wanted for prosecution, when he was wanted for prosecution. Mr Farrell said the contention that Mr Downey was lulled into a false sense of security was an argument on admissibility of evidence, to be made in the northern Irish trial court. He said Mr Downeys arguments were for the Belfast courts not the Irish courts. President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham, who sat with Mr Justice Michael Peart and Mr Justice John Edwards, said the court would reserve its judgment. One of the boys who denies murdering Anastasia Kriegel told gardai he saw his co-accused "raping" the 14-year-old schoolgirl, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Boy B said he ran away when he realised what was happening. The accused, who are both 14, cannot be named because they are minors. They have each pleaded not guilty to murdering the 14-year-old Kildare schoolgirl at Glenwood House, Laraghcon, Clonee Road, Lucan on 14th May last year. Boy A is further charged with the 14-year-olds aggravated sexual assault in a manner that involved serious violence to her. He has pleaded not guilty to that count also. The jury of eight men and four women have been watching video footage of interviews with Boy B on July 7, 2018, at Lucan Garda Station. In previous interviews, Boy B described how he brought Ana to meet Boy A in a park and together they walked to an abandoned house. In the second interview on July 7, Boy B said he went into the abandoned house and looked around. Boy A was talking with Ana and she seemed "happy, I guess," Boy B said. When asked why he thought she was happy he said she smiled so he thought she was happy. Boy B said he went into the house alone, leaving them outside. He walked around, picked up a stick or a plank, tested its weight but decided it was too heavy. He said he has a collection of sticks at home. The body of Ana Kriegel was found at a derelict farmhouse in Lucan He described walking into various rooms where he saw rubbish, beer cans and cigarette packets. Some parts of the roof had holes in them and one room had plants and a tree growing inside it. He said he "peeped" in to "Room 1", the room where Ana's body would be found. Inside he could see rubbish, beer cans, rocks, sticks, graffiti and planks. There was nobody in the room, he said. He then described the route he took out of the abandoned house. Outside, Ana and Boy A were still talking and started walking towards the house as Boy B left. Boy B followed them inside but Boy A turned to him, he said, and asked him to leave. Boy B said he "mumbled a little bit" and decided not to leave. When pressed about why he didn't want to leave he said he suspected something when Boy A asked him to leave. He added: "It meant something would be happening." He further explained that when "someone asks you to leave usually it's because of a reason." He said he thought Boy A and Ana were going to kiss. Boy B said he was in one room and Ana and Boy A in another. He said he heard "shuffling, so I went over to see what it was." He saw Ana and Boy A in Room 1. Boy B said his co-accused, "kind of climbed on top of her" and started choking her. He said Boy A was choking her when he started "grabbing" her clothes. He said he saw Boy A take off her jumper, t-shirt and then her pants and was about to take off her bra when he started choking her again and looked over to where Boy B was standing at the door. He described seeing Boy A using his right hand to choke her while his left hand was on her bra. Boy B described Boy A's face as "blank", showing no emotions. Ana, he said, was crying and kept saying: "No, don't do this, please." Detective Garda Donal Daly told Boy B that he had mentioned Ana's trousers in this interview but not in previous interviews. He asked him to describe what was happening as Boy A was taking off her trousers. He replied: "Ana is begging and crying, asking him to stop." As he saw this, he said: "My brain realised what was happening." He ran away, he said. When asked to explain what he realised he said: "I realised [Boy A] was raping Ana and I had to run." He denied seeing any injuries to Ana and told gardai that Ana didn't say anything to him. He said he didn't go into the room and didn't remove any of Ana's clothing. Det. Gda Daly asked Boy B if he ever touched Ana and he said only when they were crossing a ditch and he gave her his hand. Justice Paul McDermott reminded the jury that Boy B's interviews are not evidence against Boy A and can only be used as evidence in relation to Boy B. The trial continues in front of Justice McDermott and the jury of eight men and four women. A legal challenge by environmentalist Peter Sweetman over the construction of the national grid connection to a wind farm in Co. Wicklow is to be heard in the fastrack Commerical Court. Mr Sweetman is seeking an order quashing the decision of An Bord Pleanala in December 2018 determining the construction of the connections servicing a windfarm development located at Ballycumber, Tinahealy, Co Wicklow was exempted development. The central issue in the challenge is the claim the works undertaken for the purpose of connecting the Ballycumber Wind Farm to the national electricity grid were required to be the subject to an environmental impact assessment and as such could not be the subject of a declaration that it was exempted development. In the Commerical Court today, Mr Justice Robert Haughton admitted the case to the court list and the judicial review will be heard next December. A director of Ballycumber Wind Farm Ltd, which is a notice party to the proceedings, Paul McConvey, in an affidavit to the court said more than 40m has been expended on all aspects of the development of the wind farm project to date. He said KBM Wind Farm Ltd in 2013 was granted planning permission for the construction of the Ballycumber Wind Farm comprising of six turbines. Ballycumber Wind Farm subsequently acquired from KBM WInd Farm Ltd certain assets necessary for the construction of Ballycumber Wind Farm. In 2015, Wicklow County Council granted a declaration that the construction of the underground electrical connection between the wind farm and the ESB sub-station was exempted development. Construction works on the grid connection were completed by the end of December last year. Mr McConvey said the approximate capital cost of the wind farm project is more than 40million so far, which includes the costs of construction, equipment and connection works. The 2015 declaration was previously the subject of a High Court challenge which was settled. The connection between Ballycumber Wind Farm and the national grid happened at the end of March this year. It is claimed that while the wind farm is operational and is exporting electricity to the national grid any delay in the hearing and determination of the proceedings which may have consequences for the status of the works undertaken in relation to the grid connection would have very serious financial consequences for Ballycumber Wind Farm Ltd. Voters in Cork city have rejected proposals for a directly elected Lord Mayor. The results, which were declared this afternoon, show that 33,364 voted in favour, with 34,347, voted against the proposal - 983 in the difference. It follows a nail-biting count in the plebiscite today which saw the number of yes votes match the no votes throughout the six-hour count. It was nip and tuck until the last hour of the count when the 'no' vote edged ahead. With this vote, Cork has joined Waterford in rejecting the plebiscite. The one bundle in Cork which made the difference in the mayoral plebiscite. Picture: Dan Linehan Meanwhile, Limerick voted in favour of the proposal with 52.4 support. More to follow The people of Cork city and Waterford may be asked to again consider the proposal of directly-elected mayors after voters narrowly rejected a mayoral plebiscite. Also, a war of words erupted within minutes of the result being announced in Cork City Hall as Fine Gael accused Fianna Fail of remaining 'absent' in the campaign and of playing party politics with the city's future. It followed a nail-biting count of 67,711 valid poll papers where 33,364 supported the idea but 34,347 voted against - a margin of 983. Waterford, meanwhile, voted 22,437 to 21,718 against the proposal while Limerick voted in favour, 38,122 against 34,573. Senator Jerry Buttimer, who led Fine Gael's plebiscite campaign in Cork, said given the narrow margin of defeat on Leeside - 49.3% to 50.7% - there was merit in considering a citizen's assembly approach as was being adopted in Dublin, for voters to consider the proposal, again. He said that approach would facilitate more discussion on the merits of the new mayoral role. Mr Buttimer defended what critics described as a shambolic and lacklustre effort from the Government to sell the proposal in Cork city, and he launched a broadside at Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin. "This is a huge opportunity now lost for Cork," he claimed. "We were very positive in our campaign. We had a very positive message about the future and importance of the role of the directly-elected mayor. "What was disappointing was the focus was on one element of it and one element only - the salary and the costs." "And there was an abdication of responsibility by many political parties, in particular, the Fianna Fail party and its leader. "Others parties, those who claim to be for local government reform, went absent. They played party politics with Cork's future. "The leader of the opposition has to have his performance on the plebiscite questioned. "He claims to be for it, yet did nothing for it." Fianna Fail's Cllr Terry Shannon, an outspoken critic of the current proposal, said that view was being peddled by people who ran a "shambolic campaign". "It isn't that we don't want a directly-elected Lord Mayor - we didn't want this proposal which was minimalist, at best," he said. "If something comes back of a substantive nature, I'll be happy to get involved in that debate and support it. "If we are going to do this, let's do it properly. Let's be radical and let's get on with it. "But this notion that Limerick, all of a sudden, is going to surge ahead of us because they have some fella in a 'Mickey Mouse' job in their City Hall roaring and shouting for something, that's not going to happen." Newly-elected Green Party Cllr Oliver Moran, who led a cross-party campaign in favour of the proposal in Cork, said he was disappointed with the result but said the slim margin of defeat proves there is a huge appetite for change. "There is a mandate for a citizens assembly on this question in Cork," he said. "This proposal was something that was built in Dublin and delivered to Cork without local input. "It takes time to explain the reasons for political reform. It takes more time than was allowed on the doorsteps during a local election campaign. If I got 20 seconds with any voter, I could convince anyone of the merits of this proposal." Solidarity TD Mick Barry, whose party opposed the proposal, said it was defeated on the role's proposed 130,000 annual salary alone. "This was seen as an arrogant proposal from an arrogant political establishment - jobs for the boys," he said. Lord Mayor Mick Finn said the result came as no surprise and revealed he voted against the proposal. He said it was the main point of discussion among the people he met while canvassing, and the public was "genuinely confused with what was being proposed and how it would be paid for". "I voted against it myself, not because I didn't think it was a good idea because I think it is, but I think more information needs to be given out; where it sits with the CE (chief executive), the extent of the executive powers and how it's going to be costed. "I think the government and the whole campaign was poorly thought out, leaving it six weeks before the election before embarking on a public information campaign was not giving people enough time." Sean Kelly has topped the poll in Ireland South but has come in just shy of the quota. After two days of counting the results of the first count were announced at 7.30pm, however the Fine Gael candidate was 1,422 votes short of the quota having received 118,444 first preferences. Fine Gaels @SeanKellyMEP has topped the poll in Ireland South but has missed the quota by just 1,422 votes #iestaff pic.twitter.com/WjZNCT86G0 Elaine Loughlin (@Elaine_Loughlin) May 27, 2019 Independent candidate Jan Van De Ven received the lowest number of first preferences with 1,423 votes which will now be distributed out. Fianna Fail's Billy Kelleher came in second with 84,083 votes, this was followed by Independents 4 Change candidate Mick Wallace on 81,741, Sinn Fein's Liadh Ni Riada on 79,072 first preferences and Green Party candidate Grace O'Sullivan with 75,946 votes. Fianna Fail have another candidate in sixth place, Malcolm Byrne, on 69,166 votes, almost 5,000 votes ahead of Fine Gael's Deirdre Clune. After the announcement Mr Kelly said it was very satisfying to get 118,444 first preferences, especially since Fine Gael had fielded three candidates in the constituency. "The fact that I come from the extreme south west of Kerry, people often vote geographically, it shows that we had a wide appeal and the hard work put in over the last number of years was recognised by the voters and I am most grateful to every one of them for giving me their number one." Breaking: Results of the first count are announced in Ireland South #iestaff pic.twitter.com/dbpeSvyJF0 Elaine Loughlin (@Elaine_Loughlin) May 27, 2019 However, he did not rule out bringing in another party colleague despite Deirdre Clune only receiving 64,605 first preference votes. Fine Gael's third candidate Andrew Doyle got 38,738 first preferences. Mr Kelly said: "It's still possible that we will end up with two seats and I think the figures would indicate that we have a great chance so hopefully we can get the two seats." There are five seats available in Ireland South, with the fifth seat becoming available after the UK leaves the EU. Re-elected Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness has said the growing chances of her and running mate Maria Walsh winning Midlands-North-West European elections seats is an "absolutely magic" result. Ms McGuinness was elected for what will be a fourth term as an MEP on the first Midlands North West count on Monday afternoon. The Fine Gael received 134,630 votes - a 22.6% haul that puts her almost 20,000 votes over the 118,986 quota. The situation is certain to help Ms Walsh, who received 64,500 first preference votes, a haul that places her in fourth after the first count, with transfers expected to see her leapfrog both Independent MEP Luke Ming Flanagan and Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy. Speaking to reporters at the count centre, Ms McGuinness said she was "delighted, relieved and probably a little bit tired as well". She said the possibility of both her and Ms Walsh winning the first two seats is "absolutely magic", and something she is delighted to see potentially unfold. "I'm delighted, relieved, probably a bit tired as well. Because yesterday you talk a lot about it, but then when you get the result you probably go oh wow as well, it is great. I suppose it's what we hoped would happen, that I would get over the line and have a surplus as well, Maria Walsh has done really well, she has a strong vote, I think she's gonna get transfers from all of those who are going to get eliminated in the process of this. "So I would be confident quietly that we're going to take the first two seats which would be just magic, absolutely magic," she said. Asked about other candidates - including Greens candidate Saoirse McHugh and Fianna Fail TDs Brendan Smith and Anne Rabbitte - who have not done as well as predicted, Ms McGuinness agreed politics is a tough business. She said: "Well, look, I mean I'm not going to comment on any one individual, it's a very tough time when you don't get over the line and when your vote isn't what you expected. "I have to say, I know Brendan Smith very well, I've got to know Anne Rabbitte and to her great credit she gave me her number one position in a debate when I was meant to be number nine, so I really thank her for that. And, look, everybody does their best in elections, they're tough physically but they're also very tough mentally and challenging, and you lot don't make it easy either. "We're constantly being watched and being chased, so well done for everybody involved in this election. "I was a little corralled so I didn't get to see all of the constituency, but Frankie Feighan says he's going to allow me to cross the Shannon a few times, so look well done to everybody, people will be disappointed, we've all gone through elections whether it's internal or public ones. "You can't win everything but it's not what you lose but what you gain, and I've lost things in the past and I'll learn from them as well." An official reception on the occasion of the national holiday of Azerbaijan, Republic Day, was held today at Buta Palace. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and first vice-president, first lady Mehriban Aliyeva have attended the reception, the presidential press service reported. Ireland South candidate Mick Wallace has warned he will remain a thorn in the side of the government if he is elected as an MEP. The Independents 4 Change Wexford TD said he expects to clinch a seat in the five-seater Ireland South constituency. Exit polls put him on10% but early predictions from the count centre indicate he is polling higher than that. Waterford has voted to reject the proposal of a directly elected Mayor by the narrowest of margins with 22, 437 voting no in the proposal. There were only 719 votes between the divisive proposal passing or not. Counting began at 9am at the count centre. It was initially too close to call as piles of votes were being counted. Announcing the results to a largely empty count centre, returning officer Ciaran Keogh said the total electorate was 85,951. The total poll was 44,891. Invalid ballot papers amounted to 736. This meant that the valid poll was 44,155. Dr Ray Griffin, Lecturer in strategy in WIT, said he was slightly disappointed that it didnt go through. I thought that a Mayor had the potential to crystallise a positive vision for Waterford and progress the city and county. Dr Griffin said the quality of the engagement was what swayed the voters. He said the quality was not what it should be. I think cost got out of the gate very quickly and was framed as the downside and there was no one really articulating for the upside. It is really important to reflect that the people advocating for this did not do a campaign in Waterford. Theyve complicated internal politics within Fine Gael in relation to John Deasy, which means there was no one here advocating for it. Whereas in Cork and Limerick where they have vibrant Fine Gael alpha silver back politicians selling it. To a certain extent it is a protest vote. The key issue is we didnt get the boundary extension and there was a perception that it was from the same stable, he said. Dr Griffin said a clarifying debate was needed. Cllr John Hearne, who previously served as Metropolitan Mayor, said he was delighted that the people voted no. He said the argument was clouded by the big money. That was completely wrong. You need someone who loves the city and county and not the money to run it, he said. In Limerick, the proposal was accepted as 52.4% voted in favour. Cork remains too close to call this lunchtime. The Fine Gael Director of Elections for the Mayoral Plebiscite in Limerick has hit back at criticism from a poll-topping colleague about the partys handling of the matter. Fine Gael councillor Jerome Scanlan who romped home in yesterdays local elections in Newcastle West, accused his own party of a lackluster plebiscite campaign. Speaking today at the Limerick Count Centre, where plebiscite votes were being counted today, Cllr Scanlon said the issue of the mayoralty wasnt explained to the electorate at all. He said it was a poor reflection (on the party). Cllr Scanlon also said he believed the electorate in the county had an understanding of what this was all about and were largely voting No. However, having undertaken his own unofficial tally this afternoon he said parts of the city were voting heavily for a yes, perhaps as they felt they were voting for a mayor rather than understanding the concept of a paid executive mayoral function. When pressed further for his personal view, Cllr Scanlan said he believed a directly elected mayor could be okay, but said he had voted against it on the basis that we need better explanation of what the (mayors) functions are. We didnt have any (plebiscite) presentations in the county. So, really, are we treated as second class citizens of the county? Scanlan claimed councillors were not briefed on the inner workings of what powers would be granted to a directly elected mayor. There was no presentation. We had 40 councillors, and not once was the issue of the mayor discussed with us. We didnt have a presentation on it. That should have happened, basic stuff. If you were flying to New York youd plan your route before you left, to be very blunt about it. In this case it was neither planned nor presented to us. Hitting back, Fine Gaels Director of Elections for the Plebiscite in Limerick, Senator Maria Byrne said she personally helped deliver 45,000 leaflets within the city and county and held a number of of public meetings. Ms Byrne said councillors were invited to attend a presentation on the plebiscite in Adare. She added that information booklets were also posted out to households. We did as much as we could, she said. Ms Byrne said she believed the votes were very tight in Limerick. The failure of the Irish authorities to charge Ian Bailey with murder does not mean that he is innocent of the crime, according to the judge presiding over the trial of Mr Bailey in France. Judge Frederique Aline or the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier in West Cork in December 1996. She also said Mr Bailey had not been charged because of the problems from the garda reports, referring to issues that arose in the initial garda investigation into the murder. A French detective who travelled to Ireland to investigate the murder told the court that the local garda didnt know how to deal with a crime like the killing of Ms du Plantier. They felt under pressure and they were not trained to cover such a crime, the detective told the murder trial. Ian Bailey has consistently denied that he had anything to do with Ms du Plantiers death. The DPPs office has ruled on at least four occasions that there was insufficient evidence to bring any charge against him. He is not attending the trial in the Palais de Justice in Paris and is not represented by any legal counsel. His solicitor in Ireland, Frank Buttimer, has described the hearing in Paris as a show trial. The trial is being heard in front of a judge and two magistrates who will decide on whether Mr Bailey is guilty hours after the trial concludes, which is expected to be on Friday. Ms du Plantiers family is represented at the hearing by a team of lawyers who have the right to question witnesses and make submissions. At the outset of the trial, one of the lawyers made an objection to the court that some journalists who were present intended to film Ian Baileys reaction to the trial. Judge Aline didnt react to the complaint. Ms du Plantiers son Pierre Louis Baudey-Vignaud with lawyer Marie Dose. Pic: Getty. Ms du Plantiers son Pierre Louis Baudey-Vignaud and her elderly parents George and Marguirette Bouniol were in court for the full hearing. At one point, the trial was halted to allow them to leave the room while graphic photographs of Ms du Plantiers body were shown. The photographs also portrayed a blood-splattered gate. Last year, a GSOC report noted that the gate had gone missing from garda custody. The trial is the culmination of a campaign by the bereaved family and an association that was set up to assist them find out the truth of what happened to Ms du Plantier. However, the court heard today that despite an appeal by Mr Baudey-Vignaud in West Cork last week, most of the witnesses asked to attend are not expected. There is a possibility that up to three witnesses from West Cork may attend at the court tomorrow but that has yet to be confirmed. Most of the judges opening remarks and testimony from the detective related to elements of evidence that were gathered by the gardai in the weeks and months after the murder. These included allegations about scratches on Mr Baileys hands in the days after the body was discovered, admissions he was alleged to have made about the killing and suspicions around a bonfire at his home. Mr Baileys claim that the scratches were from cutting down a Christmas tree and killing turkeys was also recorded. An analysis from the DPP attributed his alleged admission to sarcasm. Details were also outlined of the discovery of Ms du Plantiers body near her holiday home in Toormore outside Schull. She was wearing light nightclothes, including a blue bathrobe, and walking boots but no socks. She had sustained some horrific head injuries. Blood was splattered near the body. There was a rock there also, which is believed to have been the weapon used to kill her. The courtroom in Paris where the trial is taking place. The judge also referenced two witnesses who said that Mr Bailey had told them that he killed Ms du Plantier in order to create a big story that would restart his career as a journalist. Judge Aline noted that there were no signs of any sexual assault and the absence of a sexual motive will go towards the theory (that he killed her because) he wanted to restart his journalistic career. The trial was also told that gardai had initially suspected that somebody had arrived from France to commit the murder but their attention quickly turned to Mr Bailey. A Limerick man who made death threats through Facebook to a woman he had raped has been jailed for six years. The man (26), who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, pleaded guilty to one count of raping the then 19-year-old woman in November 2015 at a place in Co Limerick. He also admitting intimidation of a witness and attempting to pervert the court of justice on subsequent dates in November 2015. The victim knew the man's family and agreed to go to the defendant's house on the date in question after he told her he was having a party. When the woman arrived at the home, she discovered there was nobody else there and the man then raped her. The court heard that two weeks after the rape, the victim's sister started getting Facebook messages from a fake profile set up by the defendant, claiming to be a friend of his. The 11 messages threatened the two sisters to drop the charges against him. Some of the messages read as follows: Tell your sis she dead (sic), She has til Monday to drop all charges cos dat fella (sic) did nothing to her, You're getting it and so will she. You will be getting killed. The sisters were frightened and made a written complaint to gardai. The man admitted having sent all the messages and said he hadn't intended to do them any harm but said he'd chance it. Garda Jason Mitchell told Mary Rose Gearty SC, prosecuting, that the 19-year-old woman had gotten on well with the man's family and had known the defendant from Facebook. In a victim impact statement read out in court on her behalf, the woman said the rape changed her life forever and that her trust in people went away. I was afraid to go outside my own door. I couldn't sleep for a long time. It made me feel small and worthless and that it was all my fault. It took me a very long time to realise that this was not the truth, she said. She added that she lives in fear of meeting the man or his family. Mr Justice Michael White said the man's attempt to intimidate was a ham-fisted effort to cover his tracks. He said it was an aggravating factor. He noted a mental health assessment which states the man has a very low IQ. He also said his early plea of guilty is a significant mitigating factor and saved the victim having to give evidence at trial. Mr Justice White had made it a condition of the man's bail that he keep away from where the woman lives and to have no contact with her, including by way of Facebook, telephone, email or any other means. Two sisters who assaulted a woman in front of her baby son have been ordered to complete community service hours in lieu of prison sentences. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Shauna (aged 25) and Nicola (aged 27) Culligan engaged in an extremely nasty incident of violence over a man who had been involved in a relationship with the injured party and one of the accused. Shauna Culligan of Heather Court, Stepaside Park, Dublin, pleaded guilty to assault and assault causing harm outside SuperValu, Balally shopping centre, Dublin on November 18, 2016. Nicola Culligan of Granite Court, Stepaside Park, also pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on the same occasion. Passing sentence today, Judge Melanie Greally said there was a backdrop of considerable hostility between the parties which had spilled over into an extremely nasty incident of violence. The judge said it remained a matter of concern that there was still animosity and a grievance there. Judge Greally handed down a 12-month probation bond to each sister, ordering Nicola to complete 240 hours of community service, within that period, in lieu of two years imprisonment. Shauna was ordered to complete 200 hours community service, in lieu of 18 months in prison. Both sisters were also told to engage in offence-focused and victim-focused work as directed by Probation Services, and also to undergo anger management awareness and intervention training. Garda Padraig McCormack told Grainne O'Neill BL, prosecuting, that on the date in question the injured party had just picked up her son and was out on the street when she saw Shauna Culligan running towards her. Gda McCormack said that Shauna Culligan grabbed the woman's head, tried to pull her down and punched her in the jaw. The woman went back to her car which was parked outside a nearby SuperValu and put her baby in the back seat. She attempted to drive away, but Shauna Culligan opened the door and pulled the keys from the ignition. The woman begged not to be attacked while she had her baby with her. Gda McCormack said that both Shauna Culligan and her sister Nicola punched her in the car and pushed her head down. The baby started crying and Nicola Culligan shouted back at the baby: I don't give a fuck". The woman got out of the car and carried her baby with her down a laneway. Both Culligan sisters followed, hitting her again before the woman escaped into the SuperValu. In a victim impact statement which was read out in the court, the woman said she had been more afraid for her son than herself during the incident. She said she still feels vulnerable and that threats against her have not stopped. Shauna Culligan has no previous convictions, while Nicola has some minor convictions for road offences. Judge Greally said an aggravating factor of the assaults was that the injured party had been with her young son. She said the incident had undoubtedly been very distressing for the injured party and had had enduring consequences in terms of its psychological effects on her lifestyle and employment. The judge gave the Culligans credit for their very early pleas of guilty, for the fact that they were both mothers of young children, and because they had not had easy childhoods Judge Greally also took into account that there had been extremely bad feeling between the parties. A man serving a four-year prison sentence after being convicted of having explosives in an adapted beer keg has challenged the refusal of the Minister for Justice to grant him enhanced remission. The action has been brought by William Burns, who is currently detained at Loughan House Open Centre, in Co. Cavan. In 2016 Burns, from Belfast was convicted and given a seven-year prison term, with the final three years suspended, by the Special Criminal Court. Burns pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of the explosive substances PETN and RDX, an adapted 50-litre beer keg, 50 kg of ammonium nitrate homemade explosive, an improvised detonation cord, an improvised steel booster tube and an improvised time and power unit at Kilcurry Church, Co Louth on May 25, 2014. Burns was arrested by members of the Garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU) shortly after the device was moved to his car from another vehicle. After his conviction Burns, who claimed he got involved in the operation due to a change in his family circumstances, undertook not to associate with anyone involved in dissident Republican activities. Since entering custody Burns, who is aged in his early 40s, has engaged constructively in structured activities within the prison. He applied for enhanced remission of one-third off his sentence for good behaviour, compared to the normal one-quarter remission usually given to prisoners. However, last April the Minister refused the application on the grounds of the nature and gravity of the offence committed by Burns. While accepting that Burns had engaged in structured activity in prison, the Minister was not satisfied Burn's engagement had fully addressed his offending behaviour. Burns claims the Minister's refusal to grant enhanced remission is flawed. His counsel Conan Fegan BL said his client would be already out of prison if he had been granted enhanced one-third remission. Otherwise, he will be released in June, the court heard. Counsel said the Minister's decision is flawed because of a failure to consider whether his client was better able to reintegrate into the community. There was also a failure by the Minister to take into account certain relevant considerations, and there was a failure by the Minister to give any proper reasons for the refusal. He now seeks an order quashing the Minister's refusal to grant him enhanced remission. He further seeks declarations the Minister has acted in breach of his constitutional rights and rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. Permission to bring the challenge against the Minister was granted on an ex parte basis by Mr Justice Seamus Noonan today. The matter will come back before the court later this week. Health Minister Simon Harris has said fellow Fine Gael TD Maria Bailey could have withdrawn her injury claim over falling off a swing before the local and European elections. He said the RTE interview with the Dun Laoghaire TD this morning was "unfortunate" and saw her blaming lots of other people. He also questioned why she had not spoken to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in advance of going on the radio show. The controversy over Ms Bailey's claim has overshadowed Fine Gael's election campaign and seen huge questions about why the TD lodged the injury case against the hotel over falling off a swing. Mr Varadkar said this week the controversy surrounding her 60,000 injury claim after a fall from an unsupervised swing had damaged the party. She has now withdrawn it. This morning, the south Dublin TD went on radio and attacked the media over covering the story about her claim and also refused to answer questions about what she had in her hands when she fell off the hotel swing in 2015 while out socialising with friends. Mr Harris, speaking in the RDS Dublin, said the RTE interview was unfortunate. He added: "I think it is appropriate that the Taoiseach will obviously meet with deputy Bailey, I think that is regrettable that that didn't happen in advance of an interview. I think it was important he was afforded that opportunity to have that meeting with Maria. When you withdraw a claim, perhaps that is an acknowledgement that perhaps that claim shouldn't have proceeded. Yet the interview very much seemed to be in the space of blaming lots of people. He said it had been a very difficult and stressful time for the Bailey family. I think members up and down the country would have appreciated if it was going to be withdrawn, it could have happened before the local and European elections, not after. I think perhaps had that happened, the situation could have been more effectively dealt with. Speaking later at the launch of a national skin cancer policy in the Department of Health in Dublin, Mr Harris said: I think it would have been preferable for that [Ms Bailey withdrawing her case] to take place before the local and European elections. I think it was unwise to do the interview today and it is now a matter for the Taoiseach to meet with Deputy Bailey and I know he will do that in the coming days. The issue has overshadowed Fine Gael's election campaign after it emerged that the Dun Laoghaire TD sued the Dean Hotel in Dublin over falling off a swing in its reception area. It also emerged in recent days that Ms Bailey, who claimed to have had trouble moving and sitting after the July 2015 accident in her court claim, ran a 10km race in her local area just three weeks after the swing fall. Mr Harris is also Ms Bailey's second cousin. Meanwhile, the Justice Minister has vowed to prioritise legislation to reform personal injury awards in the wake of the case. Speaking at the Ireland South count centre, Charlie Flanagan said Ms Bailey's case had come up on the doorsteps and but he added that he "wouldn't like to overegg it or overplay it". "I heard the interview with Maria Bailey this morning. "I'm surprised that she spoke so freely about it but this is a matter entirely for Maria herself and I understand that she has discontinued the civil action she's taken in a private capacity. "I accept that the optics have not been good, it was an issue that was raised on the doorsteps but I am very keen to ensure now that we proceed the legislative programme that will result in a reformed insurance framework." - Additional reporting Elaine Loughlin Read the full transcript of Ms Bailey's interview with Sean O'Rourke this morning... Sean ORourke: Maria Bailey Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoighre-Rathdown, Good morning to you. Maira Bailey: Good morning Sean. Sean O'Rourke: It's often said there's no such thing as bad publicity. You've got an awful lot of publicity in the last week, most of it, in fact, virtually all of it has been bad and it has led to you deciding to drop your case against the Dean Hotel for negligence. You were looking for damages and also medical expenses as a result of an incident there a couple of years ago. Just tell me, why have you decided to drop this case? Maria Bailey: Just to be clear, I'm not looking for damages. I was only looking to have my medical expenses recouped. And I was never looking for compensation. So what unfolded for me this week, and I will say, Sean, this has been a hugely distressing, intrusive, abusive week that my family and I have succumbed to, completely unwarranted through leaked documents last Sunday .I received a phone call last Sunday from a journalist who had a lot of private medical information about me, Sean, I don't know about you but when you go to your GP, do you want people to know why you were there? And he basically said to me, I need a comment. I said, this a live case, I can't prejudice that case, and he knew that. And the response was, well, if you don't, I have to fill a story. Now, that's not a level playing pitch, and as somebody who grew up on the sideline of a GAA pitch, I play fair, I don't play offside. Sean O'Rourke: This though, was presumably information which he acquired or she through court documents. Maria Bailey: So we were at the very early stage here of preliminary exchanging documents, discovery documents. This case was only for listing. It was a closed file. It was not for the public information. Sean O'Rourke: Were there political dirty tricks involved? Maria Bailey: I'm not going to cast aspersions on air because that's not the way I play, I will deal with that in my own way. Sean O'Rourke: Would it have been done, and I obviously can't ask you to name any names because we wouldn't be able to publish those anyway, our broadcast them, but was it done from within your own party or from another party? Maria Bailey: I'm not going to cast aspersions Sean. Sean O'Rourke: Okay. Maria Bailey: I play fair and unless the person is here to defend themselves, I wouldn't do that. Sean O'Rourke: Yeah. I'm not asking you to name anybody, but it does.,,it is a matter of interest that you believe this happened. You say you know this happened, but you won't say whether it happened within your own party or form another party. Maria Bailey: This was my methodical. This was well orchestrated, this was pre-planned to cause maximum damage. And and I am the collateral damage in the end term of that. And what unveiled after that, on the Tuesday, I had decided myself that I was going to withdraw the case because I didn't want to be a distraction. And I was advised and rightly advised that it would be seen as a cynical move the week of the local elections, and not because I had done anything wrong, by the way, I was hurt. I have medical expenses. Nobody, nobody questions that here. And the reason it took such great traction here, Sean is I am the subject of click bait. So it was trending so well and I have to say, well done. I handed them a fantastic headline. I accept that. Sean O'Rourke: Okay, but hold on a minute when you say you know, you want to play fair and so forth. What about your party colleagues up and down the country? A colleague of mine this morning from county Monaghan saying she met a local Fine Gael councillor in that part of the country, saying, you know, we got an awful lot about Maria Bailey. I mean, did you give any thought to what they had to deal with on the doorsteps? Maria Bailey: Sean, I have been through numerous elections. They are highly emotive times. You are absolutely worn out, flat tired by the last week. An election is not won in the last week or lost in the last week. Sean O'Rourke: Yeah but did you look for advice from within the party? Maria Bailey: Absolutely, look, I seeked advice, legal advice as well. I was told it would be seen as a cynical move... Sean O'Rourke: Was that the political advice or the legal advice? Maria Bailey: No the legal advice. Regardless, regardless of that Sean, the papers were still going to print Sean O'Rourke: I know but did you ring, for instance, did you ring somebody like Tom Curran, the general secretary of Fine Gael and ask him for advice? Maria Bailey: I'm not going to name people here. I don't do that. Sean O'Rourke: Did you come under pressure from the Taoiseach Maria Bailey: Absolutely not. Sean O'Rourke: or anybody in party? Maria Bailey: Absolutely not. Sean O'Rourke: Okay. Maria Bailey: It was a private matter. This happened long before I was a TD. I was a councillor at the time. Sean O'Rourke: Right now can I just go back because you have an understandable grievance that what was a private matter, medical reports and so forth became public. Nonetheless that is what happened. Can we go right back to the night in July of 2015. Maria Bailey: Sure. Sean O'Rourke: What happened? Maria Bailey: As you know, Sean, I'm not a big social animal. I really go out to be honest. I'm quite happy to sit at home, pajamas on the couch with the kids. But I went out that night. We met at my friend's house in Sandyford. We had a glass of wine each. We hopped on the Luas, and we went to a bar hotel that had just recently opened. We purchased a drink each at the bar, which we didn't consume, we went up in the lift, we saw the swings. Nobody was drunk. Nobody was messing. They're like polished wood, these seats, I sat on them. I did have a bottle of beer in my hand. And next thing I knew I was on the floor. Sean O'Rourke: Okay, one bottle of beer in one hand? Maria Bailey: I had my beer in my hand and then I was reaching for my friend's....had a bottle of wine. She was taking her camera, out of her jacket. I then found myself on the floor. I was mortified. I jumped up because I was just mortified. I went to the bathroom with two of my friends to assess. I had a few cuts and grazes whatever, I went down to the reception. I asked for some plasters. And at all times I will have to say to you, and during the course of this, the hotel have always been respectful and very decent. Sean O'Rourke: Just clarify one thing, did you have something in each hand when this happened? Maria Bailey: Sean, that would have been a case for the judge to adjudicate on and I'm not going to.. Sean O'Rourke: But what is your recollection? Maria Bailey: Sean, I am not opening a trial here I have been Sean O'Rourke: It's a legitimate question to ask you. Because you came here to talk about... Maria Bailey: Sure Sean O'Rourke: ...this whole case and why you dropped it. Now for you not to be able to tell me, and you've dropped the case so the question of a judge doesn't actually arise. Maria Bailey: Well it actually does Sean, and I tell you why it was matter, because I believe in our judicial system in this country, and I believe the proper place for that is the Four Courts and Sean O'Rourke: But you're not going there now. Maria Bailey: Sean, let me tell you why I'm not going there. So due to the unbelievable abuse, I wasn't able to go home for three days last week because journalists were sitting outside my home. That is an invasion of my privacy and humanity has been crossed. Sean O'Rourke: Okay... Maria Bailey: Also... Sean O'Rourke: ...just go back to the bottles. Maria Bailey: ...let me just, can I just say this, Sean to you, let me be very clear here. As a State, we need to decide who our judicial system is here. Is it the media or is it the courts? The media were judge, jury and executioner in a leaked document, a partialially leaked document Sean O'Rourke: Now hold on now.. Maria Bailey: ...that was not finalised. Sean O'Rourke: There were not just the media writing and reporting on it, as is their perfect right. There were former senior ministers including a former attorney general who spoke about it in the Seanad Michael McDowell. Maria Bailey: He should know better. It was a live case. Sean O'Rourke: You had Micheal Martin, you had Brendan Howlin... Maria Bailey: He should know better too, without fact, these people should know better without fact. These are legislators... Sean O'Rourke: But you are an irresistible target. Now what I want to go back to is.. Maria Bailey: Absolutely. Hands up to that. Sean O'Rourke: ...how can you sit on a swing and hold bottles in your hand and presume you won't fall? Maria Bailey: Sean, I was injured. I am the one who suffered an injury. I never claimed for compensation. The hotel agreed to pay my medical expenses. I ended up in a&e the next morning. Nobody else got hurt here except me. I never said I stopped living. I never said I stopped walking. Sean O'Rourke: Explain one thing to me Maria Bailey: That's not my attitude.. Sean O'Rourke: ...in what way.... Maria Bailey: ...three weeks later I went through intensive physio for three weeks, and as somebody, it's well documented that I am an avid runner. It is well documented out there, I've never hidden from that. And running is a cornerstone of my general well being and keeping me medicated to offset cluster migraines. I went through intensive physio, and like any athlete, I wanted to dip my toe into the water to see could I do it. Now I paid the price for it that night, and I regretted doing it. Sean O'Rourke: So you're confirming that within three weeks of this happening... Maria Bailey: I never denied that I put that on my social media. Sean O'Rourke: I'm not suggesting you did, but first of all, sorry, clarify one thing, the date on which this happened, because... Maria Bailey: The date is wrong on the affidavit and I have instructed my solicitors to correct that. Sean O'Rourke: Okay, so it was actually the 10th of July and not the 13th. Maria Bailey: The Friday, yeah. Sean O'Rourke: Okay. So then three weeks later after intense physio you ran in a 10k... Maria Bailey: and pain medication Sean O'Rourke: ...and ran a good time. But is it not the case that in your statement of claim you said that you weren't able to do any running for three months? Maria Bailey: No, yes sorry it is in the claim and that is wrong because, and I've instructed, and this, you see this is where it's dangerous when you cross legal documents at an early stage, the plaintiff has every right to amend those particulars prior it going to a judge, and a judge can adjudicate in due course on that. So I was the one who put it on my social media. I had nothing to hide here. Sean O'Rourke: Indeed but.. Maria Bailey: I, Sean, you know, me as somebody up front and with integrity. Sean O'Rourke: But just tell me as well, I mean, you were at a festival, a music festival ,within a week of this happening? Maria Bailey: I went to Marley Park with my friends, and I sat on the grass and I watched a band and I left and I went home. I never said I locked myself away in a monastery. Like this is a joke. You know, I had to lock myself away for three days this week and couldn't go home. I am a public figure and I accept I'm held to a higher standard. I fully accept that. But I also expect due process. Sean O'Rourke: Of course. Tell me this much Maria Bailey. In what way do you believe the hotel was negligent in this? Maria Bailey: Sean that would have been for a judge to adjudicate. That is not for you or me that would have been Sean O'Rourke: I just want you to tell me I want you to explain to me. Maria Bailey: Sean, I'm not a legal person. I took legal advice on this. And I put every faith in that legal system. And I was told I had a clear cut case. Sean O'Rourke: Do you believe that the hotel should have had a supervisor there? Maria Bailey: Sean, that legal case was put forward right? That's what you do when you put forward a case. What I'm saying to you is I asked a number of months back, 'Do you know what is this worth the hassle? Is it worth the hassle?' Because to be honest, I just want to get on with my life and I was told you have nothing to fear, and I distinctly asked when would this information become public so I can prepare myself for it being out there. And I was told this will not be public until you are before the courts and I was perfectly fine with that. Sean O'Rourke: But why have a supervisor at a swing? Maria Bailey: Sean, that is a legal, look, this is Michael McDowell being ridiculous here. This case was a live case he was being subjudice and he should have known better. Sean O'Rourke: The fact is though it's out there, it's out there, now Maria Bailey: Yeah but it's out there and Sean this is what we have to... Sean O'Rourke: These are the questions Maria Bailey: ...can we roll this back a little bit here, right? Because, in my 15 years elected one week, one week of my career, somebody has tried to character assassinate me and my family, and the invasion of privacy that I have had, and they're trying to negate all the good work that I have done and I am so passionate about my job. I am not bowing down to keyboard warriors and bullies. Sean O'Rourke: But it's not just keyboard warriors, you have brought this on your own head. Maria Bailey: Sean, I did nothing wrong. I am fully entitled if I was injured to bring a legitimate case. Sean O'Rourke: If you have filed court documents suggesting that you weren't able to run for instance, for three months.. Maria Bailey: They have been amended Sean, Sean O'Rourke: ... and it turns out that you had been running within three weeks and running a pretty good time.. Maria Bailey: Yeah well not not for me but yeah. Sean O'Rourke: This raises questions in the public mind presumably, you know, you had some input into the, you gave information to the to the legal advisor. Maria Bailey: You're filling out an affidavit three years after the incident Sean, right? And you do that with the best of intentions, but you know, that prior to that going before the judge that you can amend that affidavit. This was a deliberate leak to cause maximum damage. I'm not quite sure was it to me or to the wider party. I'm still evaluating that.. Sean O'Rourke: That may well be the case, but the question also has to be asked, was this a deliberate attempt on your part, to get money to which the Maria Bailey: Sean it was my medical expenses that are verified. You're only talking six, seven thousand here, I've absorbed those costs already. Sean O'Rourke: Do you have private medical insurance? Maria Bailey: Yes, I do. Sean O'Rourke: So why get the hotel to pay those medical expenses? Maria Bailey: Because the hotel offered to pay, and your private medical doesn't cover your entire medical costs. Everybody knows, Sean, look, I don't doubt myself, I know exactly who I am. Okay? I have always been somebody who shoots straight, who plays on a level playing field here. I had a legitimate case and a judge would have adjudicated on that. What I and my family have been subjected to, is incredible. The distress, the abuse, I had to come off all social media. I couldn't drop my kids to school even though I'd great support because I just want to bring attention on myself. I had to lock myself away and work from home this week, with the exception of going into the Oireachtas to do my job. The media, and one in particular, have crossed the line of humanity and invasion here. And I am a public figure, my family are not. Sean O'Rourke: That's the reason why, for instance, you are a public figure, you had the chance to stand up and be a bigger person and say.. Maria Bailey: Sean I was hurt. I was genuinely hurt, like anybody with a back injury knows, anybody with a back injury knows, you can be fine for a while you can sneeze or you can get out of bed the wrong way and your back is sore. It is a constant management of back and I absolutely am regimental Sean O'Rourke: Nobody questioning whether you were hurt or not the question is Maria Bailey: But then that is the answer isn't it? Sean O'Rourke: ....where does the responsibility lie for that hurt? Maria Bailey: And that...a judge, a judge. Our judicial system is in the Four Courts. It is not judge, jury and executioner by the media. Who are journalists accountable to? I am accountable to the people, they will make their own decision. But who are journalists accountable to? Sean O'Rourke: Coming right up to yesterday, the Taoiseach said on the 'This Week' program, Leo Varadkar, your party leader, that you had done the party reputational damage as a result of the publicity surrounding this case in the run up to the election. What do you say to that? Maria Bailey: I think yesterday was a big day for a lot of people and a very tough day for people who weren't elected. I stand firm in the belief that I take responsibility in the sense that my name was on this case. I don't take responsibility that three weeks prior to this being leaked, that this wasn't a deliberate attempt to have massive, massive impact in the last week of an election on this party. You know, yesterday was a day and the day before the Greens did absolutely well, a clear message was sent to us to act faster on this issue, in my own constituency we retained the seats that we have in my own constituency. Sean O'Rourke: So you're saying therefore you didn't do the party reputation damage? Maria Bailey: No I didn't say that, what he said was it would be hard to quantify. Sean, I'm a long time in politics. Look, I looked at the exit polls. And the main reason that people vote for local politicians and local elections, not normally really national issues. But in this case, partially it was, it was on meeting the candidate. It was on their work ethic, it was on what they were going to deliver for their community. They were the main reasons that people voted for local candidates. Sean O'Rourke: Well that's true but for instance, there are two things cited where Fine Gael are concerned. One is your situation. The other is the comment by the Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy where he said people would be excited at the idea of shared living and appears not have come down well, but can I ask you this? It's reported in the Independent, which broke the story last week.. Maria Bailey: Yeah the same journalist. Sean O'Rourke: ...it says that it's understood Mr. Varadkar is minded to refer the episode to Fine Gael's Executive Council, which has the power to expel you from the party for a period of time. Maria Bailey: Yeah, like I mean, after the week I've had I'm loathe to believe what I read in the paper. Sean O'Rourke: But nothing has been contradicted, what was in the paper Maria Bailey: Sorry, it's been taken out of context. And without my side of the story, because they knew I couldn't talk about it, that is not a level playing field that's an injustice.. Sean O'Rourke: But you can talk about it now. Maria Bailey: I can talk about it now Sean O'Rourke: But still won't give us the detail though. You still won't give us the detail on what exactly happened where you holding two bottles Maria Bailey: Sean, Sean, I am not doing try by media over the airwaves here. Sean O'Rourke: I'm just asking you to tell your story Maria Bailey: ...I have done nothing wrong here Sean O'Rourke: ..I'm not saying you did anything wrong. Maria Bailey: Sean, Sean, I was hurt. And I am a citizen of this State too. Sean O'Rourke: But what about the fact that, of all the issues, I mean, aside from housing and waiting lists, insurance is a hot political potato. Maria Bailey: Yeah Sean O'Rourke: We've had people sitting in this exact seat in which you're sitting now Maria Bailey, who have been at their wit's end on the verge of tears and sometimes beyond that, at the kind of challenge they face, the bills are getting, because of the compensation culture. Maria Bailey: That's because of fraudulent cases, Sean mine wasn't. Let's... like don't muddy the waters here. Mine was legitimate. I took clear legal advice on this. I am not a legal expert. I followed the legal advice that I got. Sean O'Rourke: Did you go to the current Minister for Culture, Josepha Madigan about this? Neither you nor she were members of the Dail at the time? Was she involved in advising you in this in any way? Maria Bailey: I don't see any reason in answering a question like that, that has nothing to do with this now. This case has dropped. I was with Madigan solicitors. Sean O'Rourke: And was she involved in advising you? Maria Bailey: I'm not going to get into that Sean. Sean O'Rourke: Okay, we need to say by the way, again, the hotel denies any liability in this case Maria Bailey: Sure, sure Sean O'Rourke: ...It's not going to be judged now. But overall, I mean, it's clear that you feel hurt. You feel aggrieved.. Maria Bailey: No, Sean, what I really feel here is, I have worked so hard for my career. I am a working parent of two children, that balances work and home life. I am representative of today's society in a changing world. I have a clear voice and a clear mandate in Leinster House that I want to fulfill my role, what I have Sean O'Rourke: What about people who say you mightn't be fit to represent Fine Gael because it's a party of integrity, a party of doing the right thing? Maria Bailey: Sean, can I be really clear on this because there is a silver lining to this. I am very clear who I am as a person. I am very clear what my values are. And I'm very clear on being an honest person, and I stand over that. But the silver lining to this for me, because I have been reflecting on an incredibly tough week that I now want to put behind me and move on and get onto what I want to do, especially around regulating homecare, and things like that, is I have learned a huge amount about me, about dealing with adversity, about media, social media, the impact that it has on public opinion, on people's mental health, on their well being. But most of all, I've learned a lot about people. And I will be reflecting on that. But I am a strong female politician and some people don't like that. And I will not bow down or be bullied by words that are in print that I didn't have a balanced debate on because it was a live case and I will not be bullied by keyboard warriors. Sean O'Rourke: Are you fearful about having to meet the Taoiseach and explain all this? Maria Bailey: Absolutely not. Absolutely not. Sean O'Rourke: Do you think you might be thrown out by the Executive Council or suspended? Maria Bailey: No I don't Sean. Sean, look, the Taosieach knows me as somebody who's hard working and integral. And I see the Taoiseach on a regular basis, right, and I go to him all the time with policies and if he looks to meet me this week, brilliant. I will use that opportunity to come forward with my proposals about regulating home care, affordable housing and other areas that I'm looking at. Sean O'Rourke: Were you not at least naive even thinking that could stay private? Maria Bailey: Possibly I was possibly I was Sean. Sean O'Rourke: And finally how do you move on from this? Maria Bailey: I'm drawing a line in the sand on this today and I'm moving on. I am back in Oireachtas tomorrow. I have a really busy week. I have the Minister for Housing is coming in around rebuilding Ireland. I chaired the committee of chairs with the Taoiseach is coming into meet that the chairs and I put my head down and I work. Sean O'Rourke: Maria Bailey, Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, thank you very much indeed for coming into studio. Maria Bailey: Thank you Sean. - Transcription by Joe Leogue A mother who found a jar of ecstasy tablets in her sons bedroom went directly to her local garda station and reported him. Defence solicitor, Eddie Burke, for Jason Murray of 46 Wyndham Downs, Ballincollig, County Cork, said it was an unusual situation where a "mother goes into his bedroom and discovers this and goes down to the guards." It seems to be the turning point in his life. He is back home, he has no more addictions. He is working full time. He is back to society. Back playing hurling and football. That is all documented in the probation report. Judge Olann Kelleher said that the serious aspect of the matter was that the accused had been selling ecstasy tablets and that people had died from taking such drugs in Cork in the past. Mr Burke said there were no tick lists or phone evidence suggestive of drug dealing activity. Judge Kelleher said Murray, 21, had pleaded guilty to having drugs for his own use and for sale or supply. He imposed a 650 fine on the possession charge. On the supply charge he said Murray could do 200 hours of community service instead of six months in prison. Sergeant John Kelleher said that on December 13, 2016 the defendants mother informed Garda Richard ODonnell that she had found a jar containing a number of yellow tablets in her son Jasons bedroom. With the permission of the defendants mother, Garda ODonnell searched his bedroom. "He took possession of the box which contained 128 yellow Louis Vuitton tablets as well as two broken tablets which he believed to be ecstasy tablets. When conveyed to Mayfield garda station and interviewed about this, Jason Murray admitted to gardai that the tablets were ecstasy and that he would sell a few of them and keep some for himself, Sgt Kelleher said. Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty said the local election results for his party have been "disappointing". Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, he commiserated with the Sinn Fein councillors who lost their seats. "This has been a disappointing election for Sinn Fein, we have lost a number of very valuable councillors who were doing valuable work, I commiserate with them and their families," he said. "There's no doubt about it, this has been a blow to Sinn Fein. That being said, we're still the third largest party at local government level, we still have representation across the island of Ireland at that level, our people will be dusting themselves down, that's what we will be doing, dusting ourselves down collectively. We need to look at what went wrong and where, we can see that our vote didn't come out, there is the issue of apathy, there was support on the doorsteps but it didn't materialise. He said in many areas voters didn't turn out. "The point is if your vote doesn't come out somebody else is going to take the seats, it was very clear that in some of our core areas the vote didn't turn out, we need to look at that, at how we're not getting our message through, how we're not exciting enough people to come out and vote at the ballot box." He added that Sinn Fein's surge in support in th last local elections "always going to be difficult to retain". "No two elections are the same and our priority isn't about being in government, our priority is about delivering change, there's no doubt about it the amount of people that put their faith in Sinn Fein, who have elected our councillors, they want that change. "It's our job to learn lessons from this election, any election that you don't learn lessons from, it's a bad day, this was a disappointing election from us, we would rather have done a lot better, but we had that massive surge (five years ago) and at the level of that it was always going to be difficult to retain that." Regarding the government in Northern Ireland, Mr Doherty said voters did not mention it on the doorsteps. "We want to get back to the Assembly, but we need a partner that will do that deal with us," he said. Irans foreign ministry has refuted reports that it Teheran has embarked on talks with the United States. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi "categorically rejected the reports that quoted a Kuwaiti official as saying Iran and the US have started their negotiations," the ministry said on its website. "There are no direct or indirect talks between Iran and the US," Mousavi was quoted as saying. US President Donald Trump tweeted on the following day he was sure Iran would soon want to begin negotiations. A young Pakistani man was unlawfully arrested for deportation because it happened a day before before a final decision refusing him residency on the basis of his father's "marriage" to a Romanian woman, an EU citizen, the Supreme Court has ruled. Under regulations of 2015 giving effect to the EU Free Movement of Persons Directive, the man was entitled to temporary residency pending final determination of his application for residence but the problem was he was arrested a day before that, the court held. Contrary to what the High Court and Court of Appeal decided in his case, there is no two-part test under the regulations requiring an applicant for residency to show, at the time of application, a prima facie case by virtue of being a family member of an EU national followed by proof of dependency and relationship, Mr Justice Peter Charleton said. The man, now aged 26, came here as a student in 2013. He was on bail pending the outcome of his challenge to his arrest and was in court on Monday when the five-judge court upheld his claims his arrest was unlawful. It granted his counsel Rosario Boyle SC a declaration to that effect and said he is "free as of now". In the unanimous judgment, Mr Justice Charleton said the applicant was formally refused refugee status in March 2015. A July 2015 deportation order was notified a month later to the Garda National Immigration Bureau because he had unlawfully left the Balseskin reception centre without a forwarding address. Also in July 2015, the applicant's father got a residence card based on his "marriage" in November 2014 to the Romanian woman. The father then sought to have his children join him here. The judge noted the "marriage" occurred when the father was unlawfully in the State and the father described his wife as "Polish" to immigration officers in July 2017 while she appeared not to know about his movements. On June 20, 2018, the applicant son was arrested in Portlaoise for purposes of deportation. In a letter of June 27, 2018, misdated as June 21, 2018, he was informed the Minister had on June 21 refused his residency application under Article 7 of the 2015 Regulations on the basis he was not a qualifying family member because he was not a dependant of an EU citizen. On the same day, June 27, 2018, the Minister revoked the father's residency card on the basis his marriage to the Romanian woman was one of convenience. The Minister said her limited earnings did not support claims she was in genuine employment and was also not satisfied she was exercising EU law rights. Mr Justice Charleton said Article 7.6 of the Regulations provides an applicant may remain in the State pending a final decision on their application. There was no basis for reading into the regulations a requirement, in order for a stay here to be lawful under Article 7.6, a person applying for a residence card must first establish they are a qualifying family member, he said. That was also not the procedure the Minister followed in dealing with this application, he said. He said no decision was made on the residency application until after the applicant was arrested. The residency refusal arose from the fact, on checking the alleged residence in Portlaoise of the applicant's father and stepmother, "no sign of his father's new wife had ever been spotted". The applicant, aged over 21, was therefore not a dependant child of an EU national and there was nothing to indicate this reasoned refusal was anything other than a "thorough and careful analysis" of the situation and nothing to suggest the refusal was invalid. "The problem for the Minister is the reasoned refusal came a day after the applicant's arrest." He noted the man had said, in case management hearings for his appeal, he wished to return to Pakistan of his own accord but not in circumstances where he had not been lawfully arrested. The judge said he was not commenting on whether that statement was "genuine" or whether the deportation order should be enforced notwithstanding the unlawfulness of his arrest. The Supreme Court has upheld a decision setting aside the awarding of a contract for supply of interpreters for the State's immigration service and Legal Aid Board. Word Perfect Translation Services Ltd was the losing bidder in a 2016 competition to provide the service which was organised by an office within the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Word Perfect had been supplying a translation service to the State since 2007. The winning bidder for the 2016 contract was Forbidden City Ltd, trading as Translation.ie. Word Perfect brought a challenge to the awarding of the contract to Translation.ie. The High Court dismissed the challenge a year ago. The Court of Appeal (CoA) however overturned that decision in June 2018. The CoA had also earlier reversed a High Court decision lifting an automatic stay on the awarding of the new contract. The Minister for Public Enterprise and Reform appealed that decision to a five-judge Supreme Court which on Monday unanimously agreed the award of the contract should be set aside. Mr Justice Donal O'Donnell, on behalf of the Supreme Court, said he was upholding one of the grounds of "manifest error" on which the CoA had made its decision but he was setting aside the other. The ground he upheld related to the mark given by the tender evaluators for the "narrative" supplied by the tenderers. He agreed with the CoA that the mark given to Translation.ie was a manifest error. The fact that there was a margin of just 15 marks out of 1,000 between the two bidders in the final total marking, meant this error had "a causal effect on the outcome of the competition". In relation to the other ground on which the appeal centred, the awarding of full marks to Translation.ie under the heading "service delivery plan", Mr Justice O'Donnell said he could not conclude, unlike the CoA did, that this was a manifest error. This was specifically in relation to the marking down of Word Perfect in relation the ensuring translators' skills would be maintained. Word Perfect was marked down because it exceeded the 2,000 word limit on its submission under this heading by 37%. As a result it was treated as having no proposal in relation to this matter, the judge said. Given the material available, it might be just as plausibly contended that the mark to Word Perfect was generous in all the circumstances, given the difficulties created by the word count limit, he said. Mr Justice O'Donnell also said it was "a sobering thought" that even though this case was prosecuted with considerable speed, the period of the intended contract (up to January 2017) had expired. The costs involved in this litigation "must surely be out of all proportion to the value of the contract to the State parties involved and the respective tenderers". While the public procurement regime and reviews by the courts of the awarding of these contracts is important to ensuring fairness and relative transparency, "it is important the process be capable of functioning in an effective manner and ensures the public service obtains the benefit of the services tendered for," he said. Irish Rail has begun a tendering process to acquire up to 600 electric or battery-electric powered carriages over the next decade to create the largest and greenest fleet in Irish public transport. DART Expansion, a 2bn investment under Project Ireland 2040, will see the capacity of the rail network upgraded through investment in up to 300 new carriages, electrification of lines to Maynooth, M3 Parkway, Hazelhatch and Drogheda, and key infrastructure works to allow more trains to operate in the greater Dublin area. The tender for some 600 carriages, which is supported by the National Transport Authority (NTA), will allow for significant expansion of the existing fleet as well as the replacement of the original DART fleet. The current 76-carriage DART fleet will be almost 45 years old at the end of the current National Development Plan in 2027 Irish Rail said that the tender is expected to attract the interest of "virtually every major global train manufacturer", such is its scale and will ensure that customers benefit from up-to-date facilities and technology. While electricity-powered trains are expected to make up the overwhelming majority of train orders, the tender process is also providing for a possible first tranche of battery-electric hybrid trains. However, the overall order will see the total rail fleet for the greater Dublin area, and up to 80% of all heavy rail journeys in Ireland, set for a potentially emissions-free future. Chief executive of Iarnrod Eireann Jim Meade said the tender was the first major step in the DART expansion project. "The project will revolutionise public transport in the greater Dublin area, providing an even more frequent and environmentally sustainable commuting option for new and existing communities. It will also provide greater capacity for Intercity and regional commuter services as carriages currently utilised in the greater Dublin area will become available for other services," he said. CEO of the NTA Anne Graham said the expansion of the DART was allowing for a major move in the direction of reducing Ireland's greenhouse emissions from the transport sector. The recent Oireachtas Climate Action Committee report recommended that the public transport elements of Project Ireland 2040 be prioritised. The Committee called for the speedy delivery of public transport investment to encourage more people to choose sustainable modes and leave the car behind. Todays announcement represents a significant step in that direction," she said. Irish Rail and the NTA also said they are progressing shorter-term options to meet record demand on Irelands railways. Negotiations are underway between Irish Rail and its supplier seeking to agree an order for at least 41 extra Intercity railcar carriages, adding to an existing fleet of 234 vehicles, to enter service from late 2021. Two separate High Court challenges have been launched against a decision by An Bord Pleanala to grant planning permission for a wind farm which will have some of the "highest structures in the country". The actions have been brought against the decision to grant permission to Coole Windfarm Ltd development of a 13-turbine wind farm on peatlands near the village of Coole in northwest Co. Westmeath, near the border with Co. Longford. The first of the actions have been brought by a local residents groups the North Westmeath Turbine Action Group, and the North Westmeath Turbine Action Group Company Ltd by Guarantee. The second has been brought by environmental campaigner Mr Peter Sweetman. Both seek various orders and declarations, including an order quashing the board's decision to give the project the go-ahead. They claim the decision to grant permission is not consistent with EU directives on Habitats and Environmental Impact Assessments. Michael O'Donnell Bl for the resident's group told the court that one of the grounds of the challenge is that the design and the exact route of a 25km connection from the proposed wind farm to the national electricity grid have not been definitively provided. Counsel said that as a result no assessment that complies with EU directive of Environmental Impact Assessments has been conducted in respect of the grid connection route. Counsel said no proper notice of the proposed route of the high-voltage grid connection was published and no consent of relevant landowners has been obtained. Counsel said the turbines, which have a tip height of 175m, were "almost three times the height of Liberty Hall in Dublin," and if built would be "some of the highest structures in the country". In the second action, James Devlin SC for Mr Sweetman said one of the grounds of his client's challenge was that the board failed to properly consider continuing peat extraction operations on part of the site for the purposes of an EIA. Another issue of concern, the court heard, is the impact the proposed development may have on the local bat population. Permission to bring the challenges against the board was granted, on an ex parte basis, by Mr Justice Seamus Noonan at the High Court today. The cases will come back before the court in late July. Australia Post will spend close to a billion dollars over the next three years preparing its parcel delivery business for a rapid rise in volumes, as online shopping grows faster than it expected and customers demand quicker deliveries. The government-owned postal services annual e-commerce report, to be released on Tuesday, estimates Australians spent $27.5 billion shopping online last year, up 24 per cent from 2017. The growth in online sales is being driven by female millennials. Credit:Steven Siewert The online spend represents 10 per cent of all Australian retail turnover, hitting the double-digit milestone two years earlier than Australia Post had expected. Ben Franzi, Australia Posts general manager of eCommerce, said several trends had converged to drive faster than expected online shopping growth. Investors reacted cautiously to the news that Vocus Group has opened its books to Swedish private equity group EQT Infrastructure, after it made a highly conditional $5.25 a share cash offer valuing the telco at $3.3 billion. It is the third time in less than two years that Vocus has allowed due diligence by private equity groups and the board, led by Bob Mansfield, said there was no certainty the process would lead to an offer for the telco. Vocus chairman Bob Mansfield has granted due diligence to suitor EQT. Credit:Nicolas Walker The market agreed. The stock soared 26 per cent to a high of $4.90 straight after the announcement but steadily declined to close 17 per cent higher at $4.55 on Monday. This represents a 13 per cent discount to the purported offer price from EQT. In a statement to the ASX on Monday, Vocus said it had received a confidential, non-binding indicative proposal, subject to due diligence. Vocus decided to disclose the offer due to speculation in the market that suitors were circling the telco. Ukrainian businessman Igor Kolomoisky has called on the countrys new President Vladimir Zelensky to reject the International Monetary Funds austerity program or default on Ukraines external debt. "In my opinion, we should treat our creditors the way Greece does," Kolomoisky said in an interview with the Financial Times. "Thats an example for Ukraine." In its battle with creditors in 2015, Greece became the first developed country that refused to repay an IMF loan, albeit temporarily, he recalled. According to Kolomoisky, Zelenskys landslide victory in the presidential election confirmed that the people of Ukraine want a break from the IMF-mandated austerity reforms and a clampdown on corruption. The voters cited these as their top reasons to vote for the comedian, the businessman explained. "If Zelensky listens to [the West] and doesnt make his own appointments hell end up like Poroshenko. Hell have the same poll numbers 5, 10, or 15 instead of 73%," the businessman added, According to him, the United States and the European Union should write off Ukraines external debt. "I don't know how we're going to survive," said Stephen Jeffers, boss of the Ballarat gold mine, as he digested shock news of new gold royalty confirmed in the Victorian government's state budget. The mine underneath the city of Ballarat currently employs about 160 direct employees and a further 70-80 contractors full-time, but the announcement of the 2.75 per cent gold royalty has placed an unexpected cloud over the mine in the famous Victorian goldfields city. Castlemaine Goldfields general manager Stephen Jeffers Credit:Adam Trafford Mr Jeffers is the general manager of Castlemaine Goldfields, owner and operator of the Ballarat gold mine. Mr Jeffers said he had informed his workforce about the government royalty and workers were upset at the news, with it described as "silly" and "crazy". "It's honestly a very real and present threat to our viability," said Mr Jeffers. Coles has committed to increasing its Indigenous workforce from 4200 to more than 5500 within four years. The company set a target of 3000 in 2011 when it had 65 Indigenous staff. Having exceeded that, it is now aiming for 5500, or five per cent of the company's headcount, by 2023. "I think it's a really great strategy": Bonny Rawson, who works as a deli product technologist for Coles. Coles' head of Indigenous Affairs Russell James said the company had worked hard to be a "safe, supportive and welcoming place for Indigenous Australians to work". He said the company's high retention rate of Indigenous team members would help it achieve its 2023 goal. About 9700 students across 400 NSW schools will be among the 30,000 Australian students resitting NAPLAN tests on Tuesday, as a national review into the glitches that plagued this year's NAPLAN online tests begins. A spokesman for the NSW Education Standards Authority, which administers NAPLAN in NSW, confirmed that most of the 9700 NSW students will be resitting the writing test "and will do so online". About 9700 students across NSW will be re-sitting NAPLAN tests on Tuesday. Credit:Hank Van Stuivenberg The option to resit NAPLAN tests was given to schools and students last week after the original online tests in mid-May were disrupted. Hundreds of schools across the country reported connection dropouts, lags, difficulties logging in and problems inputting answers. A national review into the administration of the online tests, including the problems with the testing platform, has been announced. Branford Marsalis. Australian Chamber Orchestra. City Recital Hall The ACOs program with saxophonist Branford Marsalis, directed by Satu Vanska, explored music mixing European influences with the energy of rural and urban vernacular traditions, particularly those from South America. By way of a prelude, Marsalis gave a wild playful rendition of the third of Stravinskys Three Pieces for Solo Clarinet, a wittily over-sophisticated take on ragtime, before moving on to the Fantasia for Soprano Saxophone and Orchestra (arranged here for strings) by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. Marsalis played the first movement with beguiling suavity, opening out to an expansive rich tone for the second movement lullaby and closing with a finale of lively energy. Branford Marsalis joined Satu Vanska and the ACO on a joyful musical journey. Credit:Roger Thomas Leonid Desyatnikovs arrangement for violin and strings of Argentinian composer Astor Piazzollas The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires emphasises the connection with Vivaldis Four Seasons with distorted quotations both screeching and serene. Violinist Satu Vanska led with a sultry opening followed by increasingly fiery strutting rhythms, the piece proceeding as an alternation of languorous sensuality and incendiary energy. Villa-Loboss series Bachianas Brasileiras are a classic of European and South American fusion, combining textures and forms from Bachs suites with folk idioms from Brazil. The first movement, Aria, of Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 (originally for soprano and cello orchestra and arranged here for saxophone and strings) combined Marsalis radiant melodic playing with haunting mellowness from cellist Melissa Barnard, before a discreetly energised Danca. By contrast, Movido from Osvaldo Golijovs Last Round (a tribute to Piazzolla) was full of scalding, sharply swerving melodies. We then left Latin swagger for a while for Under the Wing of the Rock, the second saxophone concerto by British composer Sally Beamish. When Uncle Jack Charles talks people listen. In part thats because it can be hard to get a word in edgeways once the self-confessed loudmouth is in full flow. But mostly its because of the credibility that comes not only from the veteran Indigenous actors successful stage and screen career but also from his many years of homelessness, heroin addiction, thievery and prison time. Since 2005, having kicked his habit for good, he has wielded that credibility and authority to increasing effect, working with Indigenous prisoners and taking a leading role among his own Boon Wurrung people. A man has died and another has been seriously injured after they became trapped under tonnes of landfill in Sydney's west on Monday. Emergency services were called to the Dial-a-Dump site on Kangaroo Avenue at Eastern Creek just before 1pm after reports a man had been buried under the waste. NSW Ambulance Service Inspector Michael Magyary described the scene as chaotic and tragic. He said that, initially, emergency services were only aware that one man had been injured. That man had already been pulled clear of the waste when emergency services were told a second man was missing, Inspector Magyary said. An Australian flag flying outside Brisbane LNP councillor Angela Owens office has been reportedly stolen three times in recent weeks. In one instance, the flag outside her Calamvale Ward office was apparently burnt off the pole and in another the flag was cut free, Cr Owen said. Calamvale Ward councillor Angela Owen outside her office in Calamvale after the Australian flag was stolen three times. For this flag to be stolen from the flagpole is absolute disrespect towards the many men and women who have served and continue to serve our Nation in times of conflict and peace, Cr Owen said. For it to happen once is bad enough, but for it to be a continuing circumstance indicates a deliberate campaign to remove the Australian flag from its rightful place in our local community. A Bundaberg woman reported missing last week has been found safe and well. Casey Allwood, 29, disappeared last Friday from Bundaberg when she told her family she intended to drive to the Sunshine Coast to meet up with unknown people. Casey Allwood, 29, was reported missing from Bundaberg on Friday, but was found on Monday. Credit:Queensland Police Police and her family had held concerns for Ms Allwood's safety because she had not been in contact with family or known friends since Friday morning. Ms Allwood was found safe and well on Monday. University of Queensland students will stage a general student meeting - the first since the 1971 apartheid-era Springbok rugby tour - on the proposed demolition of the Schonell Theatre and the Ramsay Centres push to start its own humanities degree at UQ. The meeting will be at the theatre on the university grounds on Wednesday at 5pm. Moves by the private Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation to begin courses at UQ prompt a protest. It has been organised by the University of Queensland student union, which wants a clear view of students positions on the two biggest issues impacting the campus in decades. At the same time, librarian Dr Jeff Rickertt has lodged an application to list UQs student union building and the Schonell Theatre with the Queensland Heritage Council. Her grandmother fell to her knees and cried "Why, why?" at the site where Ms Herron's body was found. Ms Herron was raised in Melbourne's northern suburbs in a Greek-Australian family. She had a brother and a sister. Courtney Herron's mother weeps at the site of her death in Royal Park as her grandmother and other family members stand by. A note left by her family reads: To our beloved Courky. Forever in our hearts. Find internal peace with Pappou [Greek for grandfather]. You will be forever safe with him. Her uncle and aunty wrote, You have been taken from us too soon. May you find rest and peace. Courtney Herron struggled with heroin addiction for a number of years and had been sleeping rough in Royal Park. The family also released a statement: "We are heartbroken by the loss of our daughter. Courtney has a family who love and care about her. The loss has devastated our entire family." Friends said Ms Herron had been sleeping in Royal Park. She was a private schoolgirl who had left Genazzano College in year 9 and had told friends she'd previously worked for the Department of Health and Human Services in Preston. They described her as a kind-hearted young woman in the grips of addiction who dreamed of getting clean. She knew her family loved her and she said how lucky she was, how grateful she was that they tried to help her, her friend Jessica Bateman said. She was a person at the end of the day, just like all of us. She was just trying to get by. Ms Herron had told Ms Bateman that she was on waiting lists for housing and could not get on the methadone program, prescribed to treat heroin addiction, without a stable address. Tributes left in Royal Park by Ms Herron's family. Credit:Paul Jeffers She was scared of withdrawal, Ms Bateman said, but wanted to try to get clean. She had been sleeping on friends' couches for several months before sleeping rough. Addiction is a disease, Ms Bateman said. It only progresses you end up in jail, an institution, homeless or dead and we as a community have to band together because its so detrimental to the addict to feel so marginalised and to have this drug-using stigma. Ms Herron's former boyfriend, Ahmet Ozkurt, said she had a great sense of humour. However, he said she had struggled with addiction for about seven years, which had strained her relationship with family and friends who had battled to help her back onto the right path. They tried to help many times, [picking her up] from hospital, her mother and grandparents, but they couldnt stop the drugs, he said. Courtney Herron with her former boyfriend Ahmet Ozkurt. The pair broke up last year, but he said they kept in contact. "She lived with me for two years in a house in Pascoe Vale ... I was looking after her all the time." Mr Ozkurt, 30, originally from Turkey, said the pair met through a mutual friend and were together for three years. He last spoke to Ms Herron a few months ago. "She was alright and doing good but I don't know what kind of people she hung out with," he said. He found out about Ms Herron's death when he saw her picture on the news over the weekend. "I still can't believe it. It's so cruel, so terrible. I'm just shocked. "She was not a bad person, she was a good person. She was funny and friendly." Its understood Ms Herron was well-known to local mental health and drug and alcohol treatment services in inner-city Melbourne, including a history of engagement with the Royal Melbourne Hospital. She had been accessing treatment there for several years. Its believed Ms Herrons grandmother was one of the last family members to try to care for the young woman before she became homeless. Messages left for Courtney Herron. Credit:Paul Jeffers Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the Syunik province business forum that what is taking place in Armenia is a debate between craziness and realism. According to him, their political task is to make Armenia a country of where crazy ideas can be implemented. The PM also noted that the economic development of Armenia should rely on an individual effort. "Tatever is the idea of a group of people. And our key task is to provide courage to many people to create, think, dream and implement in Armenia. These forums in provinces serve this goal," Armenpress cited Pashinyan as saying. The PM highlighted that the entry of major investors to Armenia, but expressed confidence that they firstly are attracted by the talented people. Former head of the Central Bank of Armenia, Bagrat Asatryan, said earlier that the republic's economic plans are hindered by the the unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. "Of course, some problems can be resolved without resolving the conflict - problem of monopolization of business, problem of politics affection business. Structural transformations can really help to resolve these issues. But, of course, we understand that globally, no country involved in existing military conflict can develop quickly and dynamically. Whether we like it or not, we're burdened by huge military expenditures. And peace will be achieved, these resources can be spent on culture, education and social reforms. So naturally, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is an obstacle to development of Armenia," Bagrat Asatryan pointed out. He also noted that it is the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict that brought Armenia to the current state. "Kocharyan and Sargsyan, used this conflict for their own gains, and due to that Armenia couldn't grow, even though pockets of those in power grew at a rapid pace. By the beginning of 2018, most of the republics wealth was concentrated in the hands of deputies and government members. At the same time, process of impoverishment of society became more acute than ever - in the same period, about a third of the republics population was below the poverty line. If you walk around Yerevan, you can clearly see it - poverty in residential areas, expensive foreign cars near the government and parliament buildings," the former head of the Central Bank of Armenia stressed. The writer, journalist, Vesti FM radio station host Armen Gasparyan, in turn, stressed that Armenia needs very serious economic and social reforms. "Also I don't know whether any economic breakthrough is possible, even with a decrease in the level of corruption. The fact is that the republic cannot be moved geographically - it will continue to have borders with Turkey without diplomatic relations, and Azerbaijan, being in a state of war, both borders are closed," he said. His lawyer, Bernie Balmer, told the court Mr Hammond had been previously diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and there were possible diagnoses of delusional disorder and autism spectrum disorder. He was taking Ritalin and other medications Mr Balmer said. The body of Courtney Herron was found in Royal Park on Saturday. Credit:Facebook Prosecutors initially applied to have 15 weeks to pass on the brief of evidence to Mr Hammond's lawyers, because police were awaiting the results of a pathology report and a review of CCTV footage. Magistrate Donna Bakos granted investigators 10 weeks to pass on the brief of evidence, which is more than in most criminal cases. Ms Bakos also ordered that Mr Hammond be seen by a doctor. Mr Hammond, dressed in a dark-coloured top, who is originally from New South Wales, was remanded in custody to return to court on September 16. Henry Hammond is originally from New South Wales. Credit:Facebook Outside court, Mr Balmer described the situation as "tragic and complex". "You'd understand how he'd be feeling in the circumstances. It's a very tragic and complex situation," Mr Balmer told Nine News. Mr Hammond had previously lived in north Sydney suburb Allambie Heights, as well as Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. He was a father and once worked as a barber, a friend said. He went to Bradfield Senior College, former friends said, a year 11 and 12 creative technical college in Crows Nest on Sydney's lower north shore. Another former friend, who met him at a festival about a decade ago and occasionally saw him at parties, said "he was always a strange boy". "He never seemed totally all there. [He] had a strange distant look in his eyes." On Sunday, police said Ms Herron was slain in a "horrendous bashing" before her body was found. Homicide squad Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said there was no evidence the attack was sexually motivated. Loading Police are trying to establish links between Ms Herron and Mr Hammond, but the alleged attack is not believed to be random. Ms Herron attended exclusive Catholic school Genazzano FCJ College in Kew in Melbourne's east from years seven to nine. Former classmates have mourned the loss of Ms Herron on the Genazzano Alumnae Association Facebook page. "The Genazzano Alumnae Association wish to extend their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Alumna Courtney Herron, who attended the College from year 7 in 2007 until year 9 in 2009. We are shocked to hear of the tragic circumstances surrounding her passing," the post said. "We also hold in our prayers her peers from the class of 2012. May Courtney rest in peace." A GoFundMe page was launched on Monday morning by Melbourne Homeless Collective, raising $2000 within about two hours to help with funeral costs. Ms Herron tried to call her former boyfriend Terrick Edwards in the hours before her death, his sister Nindara Edwards Norris told The Age. Ms Norris said her brother now felt responsible "for not being able to offer her a safe place for the night". The couple had lived together in the inner-northern suburb of Northcote for "many years" and remained close after separating four years ago. The 25-year-old had suffered "many mental illness issues and recurring homelessness" since the split with her brother, Ms Norris said. Henry Hammond in court on Monday morning. Credit:Nine News Ms Herron was raised in the northern suburbs and was "part of a beautiful caring Greek-Aussie family" and had a brother and sister. She had worked for a government department "a number of years ago", Ms Norris also said. Ms Norris said her brother would want Ms Herron "to be remembered for the lovely woman she was and not just another homeless person who died on the streets". Melburnians will gather for a vigil on Friday at 5.30pm at Royal Park, with organisers urging people to join together to pay tribute to Ms Herron and reclaim the public park. Bouquets and heartfelt messages have been placed by mourners at a group of logs near where Ms Herron's body was found. The makeshift shrine was continuing to grow on Monday morning, with friends and complete strangers braving the bitter winds to make their way across Royal Park and pay their respects. Annette Graham, 48, didnt know Ms Herron, but arrived with her 11-year-old son Coulton to place a bouquet of bright yellow roses tied with a red ribbon. "I wanted to send a message to whoever loved this poor lady, that we are thinking of them, and thinking of her," said Ms Graham, who lives locally in North Melbourne. She walks here four or five times a week about 7am and is wondering if its still safe to do so. Annette Graham, 48, and 11-year-old son Coulton brought a bouquet of yellow roses to Royal Park to pay tribute to Courtney Herron on Monday morning. Credit:Carolyn Webb "It just felt close to home and I just felt, its enough. It has to stop. The violence has to stop." She used to walk at Royal Park at 6am or earlier, but said 18 months ago she was followed at strange man and became scared. Student Emily Bliss, 22, who lives near the park in North Melbourne, said she felt angry when she heard of Ms Herrons death. Ms Bliss said she walks through the park at about 8am every Saturday, but missed this past weekend, when Ms Herrons body was found. Courtney Herron, 25, was found dead in Parkville at 9.15am on Saturday. "Im just sick of hearing about it deaths of young women." She said the floral makeshift shrine showed community support and that people felt Ms Herrons life "shouldnt have ended the way it did". A group of knife-wielding thieves tried to carjack a man on the West Gate Bridge, before stealing a car from a woman and her child at knifepoint, in a dramatic crime spree across Melbourne on Sunday night. The rampage ended at a house in Derrimut, where a family was held at knifepoint for 30 minutes while their home was ransacked by four masked men who had bashed their way in. Just after midnight we had our front door smashed down by four very dark-skinned, very tall guys, who held us at knifepoint, threatened to kill us," George, one of the victims, told the Star Weekly. My mum, dad, aunty and grandfather were all held with massive knives to their throats for 30 minutes while they bashed my dad. The violent spree had begun hours earlier, at 8.40pm in the city's south-east on Pasadena Crescent in Bentleigh East, when four men smashed their way into a home. Outgoing Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has warned his successor not to "slip back" on live-export reforms, as Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack signals a new approach to the controversial industry. Nationals deputy leader Bridget McKenzie is taking over the agriculture portfolio from Mr Littleproud as Western Australia mulls charges against a major exporter over the deaths of thousands of sheep at sea, and heat stress tests on Middle East-bound ships are due to be delivered. Outgoing Agriculture Minister David Littleproud says the industry "can't cut corners ever again". Credit:Dominic Lorrimer The government came under pressure to end live sheep exports last year after shocking footage emerged showing the mass deaths of sheep on the Awassi Express travelling from Australia to the Middle East. Mr Littleproud, who imposed stricter conditions on live exports, including allowing fewer sheep on voyages, and ordered a complete overhaul of the Agriculture Department after a damning report of its handling of the live export trade, said the industry "can't cut corners ever again". The Federal Court has heard allegations of "slurs" and "surreptitious tactics" in the latest instalment of a legal battle by a small group of traditional owners against mining giant Adani. Some members of the Wangan and Jagalingou are appealing a Federal Court decision, which last year rejected their objections to an Indigenous Land Use Agreement. Wangan and Jagalingou traditional owners and their supporters are seen protesting outside Parliament House in Brisbane last year. Credit:AAP Under the ILUA, native title over the area would be extinguished for Adani to build its Carmichael coal mine. Following the trial, Justice John Reeves ruled the group's objections to the ILUA had "no merit". Alleged victims of accused child sex abuser Malka Leifer have described a meeting between WA Deputy Premier Roger Cook and an Israeli politician under investigation for allegedly hindering her extradition to Australia as deeply hurtful and a "slap in the face". Mr Cook met Israeli Deputy Health Minister Rabbi Yaakov Litzman while leading a delegation from WA in discussions on digital medicine, medical cannabis and vaccination policy, according to an Israeli government media statement. Dassi Erlich, an alleged victim of a child sex accused awaiting extradition from Israel, has spoken out about WA Deputy Premier Roger Cook's meeting with an Israeli politician linked to the extradition proceedings. Credit:Joe Armao Rabbi Litzman has been accused of pressuring health officials and psychiatrists into declaring Ms Leifer unfit for extradition from Israel, allegations which are under investigation by the Jerusalem District Attorneys Office. He told Israeli media in February his intervention in the case was "all for the good of the public, everything was legal". New York: It was meant to be part of a social media tribute on Memorial Day weekend. On Saturday afternoon, the Army posted a video on Twitter featuring a scout in fatigues who said his service gave him the opportunity to fight for something greater than himself, making him a better man. In its next tweet, the Army opened the floor and asked: "How has serving impacted you?" The post was shared widely and received thousands of responses. But many were probably not what the Army was looking for. On Memorial Day weekend in the US, Samara Reiseweber 2, helps her father Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Reisenweber place flags at graves in Hampton, Virginia. Credit:AP Instead, the call-out provided what some felt was a rare platform to spotlight the darker consequences of military service for soldiers and their families, as tweet after tweet described lifelong health complications, grief over loved ones lost, sexual assaults gone unpunished and struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams Dumbo Three cheers for Dumbo company PunkinFutz, which makes innovative therapeutic play products for children with adaptive needs. The company launched in 2016 and the organization manufactures products that address either physical, emotional, developmental, or sensory needs, such as anxiety, and attention and body awareness. The company started when the founder was trying to find creative solutions for her own kids adaptive needs. As a mom of two thriving children with adaptive needs, I am so inspired every day to make a positive difference for them and others who can benefit from our products mission-driven production. said Lisa Radcliffe. The company has made some nifty creations that kids of all abilities can use and express themselves with, such as an accessible bag for wheelchairs that allows young uns to keep valuables such as inhalers, school identification, wallet, and cellphones close at hand. It has also made several sensory play products and a deep compression vest that stays cool, adjusts for a good fit, and playfully helps kids stay calm and focused. The products are manufactured in the United States by adults in adaptive and supportive workplaces, which also provides employment for people with special needs in the future, according to Radcliffe. By hiring from the community we serve, we not only develop excellent products for children today, but also create meaningful employment for our children tomorrow, she said. Kevin Duggan Borough wide In the Navy Standing O salutes Petty Officer 2nd Class Zhiwei Tan, a native of Brooklyn serving in the Navy. Tan joined the Navy because of the opportunities it provided. Now, six years later and half a world away, he serves with Commander, Naval Forces Japan, supporting the Navys mission in one of the worlds busiest maritime regions and supporting U.S. 7th Fleet. I like being stationed in Japan, its a wonderland place, said Tan. Theres rich history, the people are polite, its just a beautiful country. Tan, a 2007 graduate of William E. Grady High School, is a mass communication specialist forward-deployed at a Navy installation in Yokosuka, Japan, 43 miles south of Tokyo. Playful: PunkinFutz has a range of products for kids with adaptive needs, such as an accessible bag for wheelchairs and a deep compression vest that stays cool, adjusts for a good fit, and helps young uns stay calm and focused. Black & Gold We help coordinate with all shore installations to make sure they have all equipment they need, said Tan. He credits success to lessons learned in Brooklyn. Growing up in New York, and because it is so diverse, prepared me to enter into the Navy with an open mind, said Tan. Commander, Naval Forces Japan, Navy Region Japan acts as the Navy representative and coordinator in the area of responsibility stretching from the southern tip of the Kamchatka peninsula to the northern tip of Taiwan and promotes operability and liaises with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. CNFJ/CNRJ delivers vital shore readiness capabilities to the fleet, fighter and family throughout the western Pacific and Indian Ocean by optimizing available resources. What we do here is vastly different than other parts of the world, said Tan. We respect the Japanese country and have a great amount of understanding of each other. As a member of one of the U.S. Navys most relied upon assets, Tan and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs. Serving in the Navy means that Im able to provide for my family and Im able to do something I immensely enjoy, said Tan. . . . Brooklyn proud Standing O couldnt be prouder of three Brooklyn students who were inducted into a prestigious honor society. Dorothy Grasso, Raizel Reider and Noah Solano are the newest members of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nations oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Grasso and Reider were was initiated at The Sage Colleges, while Solano was initiated at University of Delaware. These residents are among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Four Rodina employees were injured in the Stavropol Region after an unidentified person had attacked them with a knife, Stavropol Region Governor Vladimir Vladimirov wrote on his Instagram page. "A man with a knife attacked employees of the newspaper Rodina, four were injured. It is a criminal offense. The attacker was detained, and the police are carrying out the necessary actions," he wrote. Nothing is threatening the lives of the employees of the Rodina newspaper who were injured in a knife attack in the Stavropol Region. the governor said "Their lives are not in danger, and medics are working with them. All the necessary help will be provided to them. Two were already released home, and the issues of hospitalization is pending for two more," he wrote. The Stavropol Region police started a pre-investigation check after a man had attacked the Rodina newspaper office with a knife, the press service of the Interior Ministrys Main Directorate for the Stavropol Region said. "Currently, the man was delivered to a police department in the city of Stavropol. A crime scene investigation team is working, and a pre-investigation check is being carried out on the basis of which a procedural decision will be made," TASS cited the source as saying. Why? The reason is simple: Jet Airways, one of Air Indias key competitors among full service carriers (FSCs), in both domestic and international space, has closed operations. The planes of debt-strapped Jet are being taken away by lessors and its lenders are making last-ditch efforts to get a buyer they are in talks with the Hindujas before the airlines case is referred to the National Company Law Tribunal ... 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 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 South Africa: A hero's welcome for Saray Khumalo South African mountaineer Saray Khumalo hopes that her conquering of Mount Everest will inspire Africans especially young women - to reach for their goals in life. The dream of any African child is valid and it is possible to achieve, said Khumalo, who received a hero's welcome at the OR Tambo International Airport this morning. On 16 May, Khumalo took the record for being the first black woman to scale and reach the top of Mount Everest in Asias Himalayas in Nepal. Reaching an elevation of 29 035 feet (8 850 metres), Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. In a media briefing after arriving back in the country on Monday, Khumalo said climbing Mount Everest was not a personal quest but more one of educating the African child. From 2012, Khumalo said she set herself the target of seven summits - with the highest peaks in the seven continents of the world. So far she has reached four. I embarked on this journey in an effort to achieve and to educate the African child. I have done this because someone else has invested in my own education - through the Mandela Libraries. In this summit, Khumalo said they managed to raise R135 000 for this project which will take one child to school for one year. The summit, Khumalo said, was a motivation for her project; Summit for a Purpose - which aims to raise awareness about Ubuntu - which can raise the next generation of leaders. Reflecting on the summit itself, Khumalo said she was moved that in her small way she was able to inspire every African child who might have been told that its not possible - that they can reach their own Mount Everest. Failure is not an option for Khumalo as she has previously attempted to climb Everest four times - but was unsuccessful. If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride - and never quit, you'll be a winner. She said the summit was difficult more so as they lost one of the team members - Seamus Lawless - who fell and went missing during the descent. He was a very knowledgeable guy which is something that I'll treasure. I encourage everyone to die doing what we love because death is inevitable. Khumalo went on to thank everyone for the support and congratulation messages she received - saying the summit wouldnt be successful without her support system. - SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2019-05-27. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The unusually sunny Seattle sky greeted us as we walked out the airport and waited for the bus to the downtown for the reserved rental car. It was an August noon of 2008 perhaps, our first trip to Seattle. My daughter was then a middle school girl, who we took with to Seattle and Vancouver family summer vacation. The expected big bus came and halted on the curb. We boarded the crowded bus from the rear door. No obvious empty seats were in sight. So, we stood next to the entrance, with one hand tending to the carryon luggage, and the other gripping tightly to a bar, as the bus started moving and joggling along. Coming from a state where public transportation is least developed, we seldom took buses locally. While I am familiar with sardined- like buses in my years in China, taking buses was not something my daughter was used to. I saw her curious eyes moving around, and instantly followed them. The passengers in the bus were mostly nonchalantly looking, dozing or staring expressionlessly ahead. When my eyes were searching through the crowd, a guy in his forties beckoned us smilingly from the rear rows, nudged himself a bit, and pointed to an empty seat by him. Without a second thought, I led my daughter to the seat and had her sit there. As I secured my position against the side of the seat, I was able to look at him closely. He had long black hair, some mustache under his mouth just as bushy and black. His eyes gleamed with some humility and eagerness. Nothing unusual until my eyes fell on the overcoat he worn on a summer day, and that the coat was smeared with grease. Resting upon the equally dirty pants were his two filthy hands, each fingernail long and black. It was only then did it occur to me that he was a homeless man. No wonder he had an empty seat by his side, no wonder people around chose to stand! I thought to myself, and for a moment, I was regretful of the move, worrying about the possible fleas he could contagiously carry. It was his kindness that radiated from his eyes and the talkativeness that made me not pull my daughter off the seat. He talked incessantly, asking us questions as where we were from and what we were going to do in the city. When knowing that we were from California, he relayed the topic to the sunny state, and began telling his story. The conversation between him, my daughter and me continued as the buses moved towards the hustling downtown. Around twenty minutes later, he stood up to get off at bus, a stop in the downtown, where he was going to spend the day with his fellows, loitering away as he had been doing every day. I had never expected that the first person we met and talked to on our Seattle trip was a homeless stranger. Neither had I anticipated that this encounter enabled my daughter to produce an essay for her college application five years later. While I was laden with the worry of fleas, I did not attend carefully to the babbling talk of the homeless man. But my daughters essay written five years later recollected the conversations that I was not aware of. Her choice of submitting that essay as one of her college applications surprised me, in which she spoke of her awakening growth, as she tried to understand the struggle of the homeless, which she would have never bothered to care. Reading John Steinbecks travelogue reminded me of this trip, and her essay. Life is a journey. As she later left home and the bubble city for the college, in her first year, almost every day she had to pass by a park on the campus, where a group of the homeless clustered for the night. And I, a mom who worried about her safety after her night classes, attempted to remind her to avoid the homeless people. But she took it into her stride, saying that they were nice, however filthy and vulgar they might look outside. I later attributed her fearlessness to her first encounter of the homeless in Seattle, as she knew that we dont always judge people by the appearance. Iranian president Hassan Rouhani has suggested that the Islamic Republic could hold a public referendum on its nuclear programme. "Article 59 of the Constitution (referendum) is a deadlock breaker ... and could be a problem-solver at any junction," ILNA cited Rouhani as saying. Rouhanis move to put a referendum on the table could help him settle this internal dispute without losing face and provide political cover for whichever path voters backed. But there is also an alternate view that sees a referendum as a device to offer Iranian leadership a pathway back to enrichment, the Telegraph reported. Iran has held three referendums since its 1979 Islamic revolution, the first to approve the set-up of an Islamic Republic and the second to approve and amend the constitution. Rouhani recalled that he proposed a third, on the nuclear issue, to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei back in 2004 while negotiating the nuclear deal. The Kerala government will impose a cess of up to one per cent on inter-state movement of goods and services to final customers from June to provide relief and rehabilitation to those affected by flood in the state last year. There will be no cess on goods drawing 2.5 per cent state GST, which includes essential items such as branded wheat, edible oil etc, according to a notification issued by the Kerala government. 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 Putting to rest speculations over what transpired at the Congress Working Committee meeting on Saturday, the CWC on Monday issued a statement, requesting people not to fall into the trap of conjectures. "We held a collective deliberation on the performance of the party, the challenges before it as also the way ahead, instead of casting aspersions on the role or conduct of any specific individual. 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 Fresh interest for on-tap banking licences is building up from non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), a fallout of the ongoing crisis in the sector. A few leading NBFCs are in talks with the central bank on regulatory issues surrounding on-tap licences, the terms of which were spelt out in August 2016. Senior officials from three NBFCs confirmed they have begun discussions with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), but did not want to go on record. On-tap licences did away with the earlier process of issuing banking licences in fits and starts, but the process is in no way lenient. As ... Fiat Chrysler pitched a finely balanced merger of equals to Renault on Monday to tackle the costs of far-reaching technological and regulatory changes by creating the world's third-biggest automaker. If it goes ahead, the $35 billion-plus tie-up would alter the landscape for rivals including General Motors and Peugeot maker PSA Group, which recently held inconclusive talks with Fiat Chrysler (FCA), and could spur more deals. Renault said it was studying the proposal from Italian-American FCA with interest, and considered it friendly. Shares in both companies jumped more ... India will not invite Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to Thursday's swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi, who starts his second term as prime minister, two sources in the foreign ministry said, suggesting any early warming in ties between the neighbours is unlikely. An Indian government statement on Monday said the leaders of Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan - all members, with India, of the little-known Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) - have been invited to Modi's ... A squadron of MiG-21 aircraft led by Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Monday flew in the Missing Man formation to pay tribute to Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja who was killed in action in Operation Safed Sadar during the Kargil war. "We remember Ajay Ahuja with a feeling of nostalgia, he was our flight commander. We had served together twice in the past, in 101 and 29 squadron. He was my number two and flight commander, every year we pay homage to him by flying in the Missing Man formation. We will do the same tomorrow with helicopters in Sarsawan, I will also take part in it," Dhanoa told ANI here. Dhanoa also talked about how the Kargil war had made IAF gain capabilities in mountain warfare by forcing it to adapt to the job at hand. "The Kargil war built the Air Force's capability to fight in the mountains and it also built the capability to take out small targets. Usually, in wars you don't let the enemy cross, you take out their supply lines, we learnt a lot during that time," he said. Air Marshal R Nambiar also took part in the exercise being held in the honour of the Kargil War martyr at the Indian Air Force base in Bhisiana. Kargil War, also known as the Kargil conflict, was an armed conflict between India and Pakistan that took place between May and July 1999 in the Kargil district of Kashmir and elsewhere along the Line of Control (LoC). The IAF had played a key role in enabling the Indian Army to recapture the majority of the positions on the Indian side of the LOC infiltrated by the Pakistani troops and terrorists. The war came to an end on July 26 with a decisive victory for India as it regained Kargil and Pakistan being criticised globally for instigating war and for making its paramilitary forces cross the LoC. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara on Monday inspected areas of affected by last night's heavy and thunderstorms. Several trees in the area were uprooted due to the rough weather. Parmeshwara said that he first inspected the situation through control rooms to check which areas were affected and later decided to visit personally. The heavy downpour has caused flooding, felling of trees and failure of electricity in some areas. "There has been no loss of life. BBMP (Bruhat Mahanagara Palike) is restoring the power lines and removing trees and branches which have fallen down," Parmeshwara told ANI. "Heavy downpour has brought down several trees at various parts of the city. I have spoken to concerned officials and directed them to clear debris to facilitate the safe movement of vehicles. Request everyone to stay safe," Parameshwara had tweeted earlier. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted thunderstorm and lightning accompanied by gusty winds at isolated places -- most likely over Tamil Nadu, Kerela and interior on Monday. (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.) Like SAARC leaders last time, heads of government from neighbouring BIMSTEC countries are likely to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his second term on May 30. As of now, there is no indication of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan being invited. Sources said leaders of member states of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) will attend the swearing in. Member countries of BIMSTEC include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand besides India. In 2014 when Modi won his first term, all the SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attended the swearing in as part of invitations extended to all the member countries of the south Asian grouping. But relations with Pakistan soured mid-term and hit its nadir after the Pulwama attack in February which was followed by India's aerial strikes on terror camps in Balakot in Pakistan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) U.S. President Donald Trump backed the Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abes interest in using his countrys good relations with Iran to help broker a possible dialogue between the U.S. and its nemesis in the Middle East. "I know that the prime minister and Japan have a very good relationship with Iran so well see what happens," he said while meeting with Abe in Tokyo. According to the Japanese Kyodo News Agency, the visit will take place on 12-14 June. Earlier this week, Abe discussed his visit to Iran with US National Security Advisor John Bolton. On 16 May, Abe discussed the idea with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said there will not be any expansion of cabinet or dissolution of Karnataka's Congress-JD(U) coalition government led by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy after the poll debacle of both parties in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Siddaramaiah said that people of the state had given their mandate on who should run the government at the Centre and not against the state government. "People of the nation have given mandate to BJP to run the government at the Center and not to destabilise the state government in Karnataka. Election results came against us but that do not mean state Assembly should be dissolved, it is nonsense," Siddaramaiah tweeted days after the BJP won 25 parliamentary seats out of 28 in the state in the recently concluded elections. This remark came after two Congress MLAs Ramesh Jarkiholi and Sudhakar met BJP leader R Ashok at veteran leader SM Krishna's residence in Bengaluru on Sunday. However, the MLAs clarified that they visited Krishna's residence to greet him for the success of BJP in the recently-held polls, adding that there was "nothing political" about the meeting.BJP leader Basavaraj Ingin accused that the governance is limited to the family of JD(S) Deve Gowda. "There is no political development in Karnataka. There is neither breaking away or going ahead with the alliance. Only Deve Gowda family and Rahul Gandhi are interested in continuing with the alliance. Leaders and workers of both the parties are not interested in continuing with the alliance," Ingin said. "Governance is limited to the family of Deve Gowda ji. The Government is not serious to tackle the drought situation in the state. They are only interested in retaining power with them," he said. However, Karnataka Home Minister MB Patil said that the JD(S)-Congress government will complete its term. "This coalition government is going to complete its term. None of our MLAs will switch over to BJP. It will not make any difference by this BJP'S activity. This government will enjoy its confidence. It shall continue its full term. This government will survive. Nobody can topple the government," he said. Congress MLA Mahesh Kumathalli, who has been keeping from the party activities, said that he will remain in the party. "I have no intention to become a minister. I will remain in Congress. There is no fight," he said. When asked about the similar question on the government, Karnataka Minister RV Deshpande said, "The government will last and complete its term. I don't think there is any problem with stability. If he (Yeddyurappa) wants fresh elections then this government would have to lose floor test." Karnataka Minister and JDS leader Bandeppa Kashempur today accused BJP of toppling the state government. "BJP has been trying to topple our government from our first day. They do not succeed in that," he said. In view of the tumultuous political developments in Karnataka, Congress party's state unit has called for a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting on May 29 in Bengaluru. Along with Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Dinesh Gundu Rao, will also be present at the meeting. BJP is the single largest party with 105 members in the 225 member assembly, while the ruling coalition has 117 members with 79 legislators from Congress, 37 from JD(S) and 1 from BSP. The JDS-Congress coalition which is in power in the state went through a rough patch during the campaigning of the recently held elections with leaders of both the parties accusing each other. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Ramabai on Monday claimed to have been offered a ministerial berth and crores of rupees by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in exchange for withdrawing support from the Congress-led state government. However, Ramabai, while speaking to ANI, said she denied BJP's offer. "Yes, they (BJP) keep calling and saying I will also get what is being offered to others. They told me that I will get a ministerial birth and Rs 50-60 crore. It is false speculation that legislators are breaking away," she claimed. Affirming that Congress government is neither in trouble nor at the verge of tumbling, she added, "They (BJP leaders) are offering money to everyone but anyone who accepts it would be a fool. Money is not everything in life, we have to see right and wrong and the fact is BJP is wrong. Ministerial birth and money are not important to me. It is important that Kamal Nath government stays." An MLA from Pathariya assembly constituency, Ramabai blamed EVMs for her party's debacle in Madhya Pradesh in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections and said, "This is all EVM's fault. After coming to I have realised this is a very bad thing." She also endorsed Ramdev's statement that the third child in a family should not be granted voting rights. "I completely agree with his (Ramdev's) statement. Not only voting rights but all government facilities of the third child must also be withdrawn," she opined. The Yog guru had on Sunday stated that in order to contain population growth, the government should bring in a law whereby third-borns should be bereft of voting rights. He also batted for a pan-India ban on manufacturing, sale, and purchase of liquor. In Madhya Pradesh, BSP is in alliance with Congress, with two lawmakers including Ramabai extending their support to the Kamal Nath-led government. Congress has been rattled in Madhya Pradesh after losing 28 of the 29 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The Congress government enjoys a slim majority in the state assembly. Decimated by BJP which won 28 out of the 29 seats in the state, Congress could only open its account by winning Chhindwara parliamentary constituency. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Blau - a leading global brand of modular furniture, bags two prestigious awards - the World's Greatest Brands Award 2018-19 for Asia and GCC area, held in Dubai, and the Specialty Retailer of the Year Award 2018-19, held in Delhi, amongst participating brands from 54 countries. Blau is the first-of-its-kind collaboration of German R & D, Italian Design and flawless Indian assembly. Incidentally, Blau60 - a unique configurator by Blau, has taken the furniture industry by storm. The 60-second Furniture Configurator allows you to customize and design Wardrobes, and other furniture, in less than 60-seconds. "While the industry focuses on the "How" and the "What" (product-centric), we focus on the "Why" as well. Our purpose is to spread happiness through our range of furniture. Great design is only the beginning for us. We focus a lot on the functionality of every piece of furniture. This helps us give our customers seamless access to futuristic furniture today", said Siddhant Anand, Managing Partner. Currently, Blau is present in 6 Indian cities - Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Vizag, Mysore - the company plans to expand its operation in 15 cities by the end of 2020. This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a veiled attack on the opposition and political pundits, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that chemistry prevailed over arithmetic in the Lok Sabha elections and said that the hattrick of results in 2014, 2017 and 2019 polls in the Uttar Pradesh has given a new direction to Addressing BJP workers on his first visit to his constituency after the massive mandate for him and his coalition in the country, he accused political experts of attempting to create a negative perception about his party which was still being treated as a political untouchable. The political experts were also practising selective sensitivity and humanism when it comes to killings of BJP workers in Kerala, West Bengal and Tripura by keeping quiet on the killings of hundreds of BJP workers for political reasons. Modi said, "Today UP has given a direction to Even though I am speaking from Kashi but all of the Uttar Pradesh need to be thanked. UP is consolidating the base of democracy. 2014, 17 and 19 is a hattrick of BJP win and UP has a major contribution. Like in 1977, the elections in 2014, 2017 and 2019 they are not local results. But even after three elections if political pundits are not able to read the situation and understand our work, if they do not agree then their thoughts have faded. They are for the 20th century not for the 21st century." Apparently referring to the grand alliance of SP-BSP and RLD, Modi said, "We regard a grounded person more than a person who had plenty of degrees. There is chemistry ahead of arithmetic. There is a chemistry of society and power, ideals and will and it defeats all the permutations and combinations. " Conceding that is all about perceptions and maintaining "we are what we are", he said the established opposition of the past 70 years made use of lies to make sure there is wrong and distorted perception about us. Bad perceptions can be defeated by transparency and hard work. We have to take forward positivity." But, Modi said, there was no alternative to hard work and leadership, amidst of all negativity. "We feel this success is harmony between government and party. Whether it is in the states or the Centre there should be a synergy between the government and the party. The government does policy, the party does strategy. There should be a synergie between policy and strategy. When there is synergy then the country is reaping its benefits. "Work and workers, there is a charisma. Work and workers create wonders. Worke and workers are a catalytic agent." Appealing to the opposition to work with the government in the interest of democracy, Modi said when some parties come to power they want to make sure that there is no place for any opposition. But when we come to power the opposition is robust. "Democracy is in our veins we come to power then the opposition begins. When some other party comes to power then there is no place for any opposition. to power then there is no opposition left." Referring to Tripura, he said for 30 years there was Communist rule in the state and there was no opposition there. "I want to ask political pundits that In Tripura where the communist rule for 30 years, was there any opposition? Did any political pundit question that? In Delhi media, was this issue ever discussed. Now that our government is there for hardly two years, there is great opposition. The country should be run on the spirit of democracy we have a responsibility. It is not a charity." Referring to the functioning of Parliament, Modi said it should be used for debate. "But when the opposition has no issues and they are afraid of being exposed then they make noise and stall proceedings of parliament. Constitution gives us the responsibility to recognise oppositions power and wherever we get chance we make the opposition say. Even if it is one person he should be allowed" Modi also said the country has been wrecked by vote bank politics in the past. "Our democracy is crushed by vote bank politics. No one gets the courage to speak openly due to vote bank politics. The poor people of the country had to wait for so long to make their voices heard. No one was ready to hear them. It was not that they were not speaking, it was not that they were not expressing, it was not that there were movements. Everything was happening but no one was doing anything because they were thinking of vote bank politics." The Prime Minister then said, "It was our thinking to rise above vote bank politics and think of Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas. And that is why we implemented the 10 per cent reservation for general category. If we would have followed vote bank politics, then we would have also gone the same way. Whoever is the citizen of my country should get the benefits of the government's scheme. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) here on Monday demanded that India should be declared as a Hindu nation, saying the word secular in the Constitution was added "unconstitutionally." "The Constitution of our country is said to be 'secular.' However, as per the Article 370 of the Constitution, there is opposition to inserting the word 'secular' in the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir," said Ramesh Shinde, the spokesperson of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti. "As a result, a strange situation has arisen - our country is secular, but the state is not secular," added Shinde, who was speaking at the inaugural session of two-day ' Advocates' Convention.' "If everybody in India has been given freedom of expression, freedom of religion by the Constitution, how can the demand for the 'Hindu nation' be unconstitutional? In comparison, the action of Indira Gandhi in 1976 that of inserting the words 'Secular' and 'Socialist' in the Constitution vide the 42nd Amendment is unconstitutional," he said. According to its website, the HJS was established in 2002 and under the sole aim of "establishment of the Hindu nation." More than 100 devout Hindu advocates from India and Bangladesh are attending the convention. On the occasion, a Marathi text -- 'Hindu Rashtra Akshep Ani Khandan'-- was released, said a press statement. During the convention, senior advocate Hari Shankar Jain said: "Today, the word 'secular' is being used only to appease minorities. People have got fed up of secularism." "The BJP govt which got elected due to Hindu votes should take decisions in the interest of Hindus. Hindu advocates should say with pride that they are working for the interests of Hindutva." A resolution to protest the arrest of Advocate Sanjiv Punalekar, who was recently detained by the CBI for allegedly destroying the weapons used in the murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar, was unanimously passed in the convention. . (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two Nigerians and one Ugandan were arrested and drugs worth around Rs 25 crore were recovered from their possession, the Narcotics Control Bureau, Delhi said on Monday. The Ugandan is a woman, while sources aware of the matter informed that the consignment of drugs contained 5 kgs of heroin and 2.6 kgs of cocaine. The drugs were smuggled to Delhi from Mumbai via the Rajdhani Express train. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday held a Cabinet meeting to review the ongoing developmental work in the capital. Present in the meeting were senior cabinet colleagues like Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Minister Development, Labour & Employment, General Administration Gopal Rai and others. Kejriwal on Sunday motivated party workers and asked them not to get disheartened by their crushing defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. He said "they should now look forward to the Delhi Assembly elections," which are slated to take place next year. He urged the AAP volunteers to go to "people of Delhi and ask them if Delhi had elected a BJP state government four years ago, would schools have been transformed, would mohalla clinics have been made, would doorstep delivery be started?" AAP got a massive jolt from the BJP and got decimated to zero in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in Delhi. AAP, which is running the government in Delhi, slipped down to the third position with a vote share of a little over 18 per cent, while BJP got over 56 per cent and Congress over 22 per cent. Three of AAP's candidates lost their deposits getting less than 16. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice to businessman Robert Vadra and his close aide Manoj Arora on a plea by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking cancellation of the trial court order granting them anticipatory bail in a money laundering case. A single bench of Justice Chander Shekhar sought the reply of Vadra and Arora on the plea and posted the matter for hearing to July 17. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and advocate DP Singh appeared before the court on behalf of the investigating agency. "The respondent (Vadra) is likely to tamper with evidence and influence witnesses in the case. The special judge has failed to appreciate that the respondent is a highly influential person. If he is granted blanket protection of bail, there is all likelihood that the respondent shall tamper with evidence," the ED plea said. On May 24, the agency had pleaded in the high court for custodial interrogation of Vadra, the son-in-law of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, claiming that he was evasive during the probe. The case relates to alleged money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property worth 1.9 million pounds. The ED said that it wanted to question Vadra about the source of funds used for the purchase of the flat and ascertain the role of certain other people, who allegedly helped him launder money. The agency alleged that one of the persons who helped Vadra launder money was Arora. It also claimed that Arora was aware of Vadra's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds for buying the flat. The ED contended that the anticipatory bail to Vadra and Arora "interferes" in the investigation into the case. "It is right to say that anticipatory bail, to some extent, intrudes in the sphere of investigation of crime and that the courts must be cautious and circumspect while exercising such power," the plea said. On April 1, Special CBI Court Judge Arvind Kumar had granted anticipatory bail to Vadra and Arora while directing them to furnish a personal bond of Rs. 5 lakh each and surety of like amount. Imposing bail conditions, the court had asked them not to leave the country without permission. The court had also said that Vadra and Arora will have to join the probe when called upon by the agency and directed them not to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) DMK leader and MP from Central Chennai Dayanidhi Maran on Monday met Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MKK) party president M. H. Jawahirullah here to express his thanks after DMK-led alliance swept the state in Lok Sabha elections. "I thank the people who voted me to power. We won because of the hard work of the alliance leaders. I came here to thank MMK party. I will meet people of Central Chennai from tomorrow for thanking people," said Dayanidhi Maran. "The strategy of DMK president MK Stalin to forge an alliance in which he allocated half seats to coalition partners worked very well. Had the Congress and other parties would have come together elsewhere, as they have done in Tamil Nadu the situation would have been very different," said M. H. Jawahirullah, president, MKK. The DMK-led alliance in the state, which includes the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) along with several other smaller parties, routed rival AIADMK by winning 37 out of 39 Lok Sabha seats. DMK, alone, was able to sweep the state by winning 23 seats, with a vote share of 32.76 per cent. The AIADMK, which partnered the BJP for the general elections, managed to win just one Lok Sabha and won nine seats in the by-polls. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three doctors - Hema Ahuja, Bhakti Mehar, and Ankita Khandilwal - all accused of abetting Dr Payal Salman Tadvi to commit suicide by persistently harassing her on the pretext of her social identity - have urged the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) to ensure 'fair' probe into the whole issue. In a letter to the MARD on Monday, the trio has also denied the charges of 'ragging' levelled against them by the victim's mother Abeda Tadvi. "We want the college to conduct a fair investigation to give justice. But this is not the way to do investigation through the police force and media pressure without listening to our side," they have stated in the letter. "Just because we don't know the reason why suicide was committed, it is seriously an injustice to put the blame on us without any proper cause and levelling a charge of atrocity," the letter written and signed by the three doctors reads. "You all are aware of the workload in residency and do you all really believe burdened with the workload is ragging? We all are doing residency and are going through all three years of residency which has different aspects." "If the heavy workload is given the name of ragging, then we all have been ragged or ragging someone while performing our basic duties. Then all of us should be blamed as all the workload and pressure is always transferred from our seniors (lecturer, AP, HOU, and HoD) and department," the letter reads. Denying the allegation of caste-based discrimination, the three accused have written: "Also, we have been blamed for caste discrimination. Do you really think such allegations are true? Do we ever consider caste before treating patients? Do we make friends, listen to our seniors/juniors and colleagues on the basis of caste? Are we really allotted work on the basis of our caste?" The letter further asks the MARD to help the accused in getting a fair trial and give them a chance to clear the allegations levelled against them by the victim's mother. "Guys we have been working together. Do you really think we could do ragging and caste discrimination? We just want you all to understand our side and help us get justice against these allegations which are levelled," says the letter. Abeda Tadvi, mother of Dr Payal, who committed suicide on May 22, has claimed that three senior doctors -- Hema Ahuja, Bhakti Mehar, and Ankita Khandilwal -- at Nair Hospital tortured her daughter, and unable to bear this, she committed suicide. The administration of the BYL Nair Hospital had formed an anti-ragging committee to probe into the suicide, while Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has suspended the three accused doctors. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Washington is ready for talks with Tehran, if they are ready, U.S. President Donald Trump said after meeting with Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. "The prime ministers already spoken to me about that and I do believe that Iran would like to talk. And if theyd like to talk, wed like to talk also," the U.S. leader said. "Well see what happens ... nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me," the AP cited him Trump saying. Earlier this week, the United States said it was deploying 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East to counter credible threats from Iran, with Tehran denouncing the move as a threat to international peace. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Monday made a congratulatory phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the latter's win in the Lok Sabha polls 2019. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a clear majority with 303 seats, which is 22 more than it got in the 2014 elections. Along with its allies, the NDA took its tally up to 352 in the 17th Lok Sabha. Wishes have been pouring in for the leader ever since it became clear that his party along with its allies had secured a thumping majority in the general elections. Scores of leaders, right from Japan in the East to the United States in the West, have wished the Prime Minister on being re-elected for a second term. Modi has thanked most leaders who have extended their greetings through Twitter. Continuing his thanking spree, Modi tweeted: "I thank Excellency President Rouhani for his warm greetings. India and Iran enjoy civilizational links. We will work to strengthen close ties between the two countries. @HassanRouhani" "Thank you Prime Minister @AndrewHolnessJM for your gracious words. This victory is a reflection of the aspirations of 1.3 billion people. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our friendly relations for the mutual progress and prosperity of our people," he wrote for his Jamaican counterpart, Andrew Holness. Acknowledging South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's congratulatory wishes, the Prime Minister said: "Thank you @CyrilRamaphosa for your wishes. I also extend my heartiest congratulations to you on the inauguration of your second term as President of South Africa! I look forward to continue working with you to further strengthen India-South Africa ties, and also to meeting you soon." He also replied to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's congratulatory message, tweeting, "Thank you Prime Minister @jacindaardern for your message. I look forward to continuing working with you to further strengthen our bilateral ties in all spheres, including in our shared fight against the forces of radicalism and terrorism." "Thank you @sebastiankurz for your words of congratulations. I look forward to working for stronger ties between India and Austria," was his response to the Austrian Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Kolkata Commissioner of Police Rajeev Kumar, who is accused of tampering with evidence in the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam, did not appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as instructed, CBI sources said on Monday. Last evening, the probe agency had summoned Kumar to appear before it at 10 am, in connection with an ongoing investigation into the scam. This had come after the officials issued a Look-Out Notice against him as they were unaware of his whereabouts. The probe agency had also issued a notice to airports and land ports to not allow the accused to leave the country. It is worth mentioning that Kumar earlier headed the West Bengal police special investigation team (SIT) probing the chit fund scam. Earlier, CBI, in its plea, had sought permission for custodial interrogation of Kumar for his alleged role in destroying evidence in the case. It had said that there was prima facie evidence against him of "trying to destroy or tamper with evidence and shield high and mighty" in the case. The CBI had also argued that Kumar's custodial interrogation was required to probe the larger conspiracy to unravel the nexus between directors of Saradha Group and politicians, apart from his and other police officials' role in causing disappearance and destruction of evidence. The probe agency had claimed that Kumar did not disclose any crucial information he was privy to. On May 24, the Supreme Court had refused to entertain a plea filed by Kumar seeking an extension of the seven-day period granted to him to approach a competent court for protection from arrest in connection with the case. Kumar had approached the apex court seeking an extension of protection from arrest, claiming that he was not able to access legal remedies in West Bengal since lawyers in the state were on strike. An unprecedented chain of events unfolded on February 3 when a CBI team was detained by Kolkata Police when it reached Kumar's residence to question him. It was followed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's visit to the officer's home. The CBI officers were taken into police custody and later released. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pappu ki Adi, the famous tea stall in Varanasi, is bustling with chai lovers on Monday. What makes the day more special is- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Varanasi, to the place whose voters sent him to Lok Sabha for the second consecutive time in the recently concluded general elections. Chandra Prakash Jain, a local businessman who had come to get his daily cup of tea, said the whole of Varanasi was waiting eagerly for PM Modi and added that the constituency would ensure PM Modi's win for many more terms in the future. "We welcome Prime Minister Modiji on his first visit to Varanasi post his win in the Lok Sabha polls. The whole of Varanasi is eager to see him and thank him for the developmental work he has carried out in Varanasi and the country. He will win from here again and will definitely win two or three times more," Jain told ANI here. Sridhar Pandey, an astrologer from Ganga Ghat, said that PM Modi is a unique leader and his love for the people knows no bounds. Pandey said he had also conducted pujas for the Prime Minister on his earlier visits. "It is unique that a leader is coming to thank the people after winning the elections. It shows he is a unique and compassionate leader who cares for the people. His unceasing, tireless work in the past five years has made people love him even more," the astrologer said. "We know it takes time for development but we want him to finish all the good work he has started, especially the cleaning of Ganga. I have personally accompanied PM Modi when he did aarti at the Ganga ghat in his previous trips, he is a great person," Pandey told ANI. Ram S Mishra, a local journalist, said that there was no doubt about PM Modi's capability but also implored him to take a closer look at the work being done in his constituency. "Kashi had chosen its MP the last time but this time we have chosen the Prime Minister of the country. This is a great achievement for Varanasi and we thank Modiji for enhancing its image in the globe," he said. "We also want him to monitor and assess the development work in his second term as the MP from this constituency and ensure better use of funds. Kashi thanks PM Modi and will be with him always," said Mishra. There is energy and excitement in Varanasi, a sentiment summed up in a few lines by Manoj, the son of the iconic Pappu tea stall's owner who is managing the shop since the morning. "We will wholeheartedly welcome PM Modi for his rally, he has done great work in the constituency and will do much more in the future. We have full faith in him and his commitment," Manoj said. The preparations for Modi's welcome have been completed and the area has been decked up with BJP flags, ribbons and wall paintings of Buddha and other spiritual idols. Cleaning and maintenance work in the area has also been completed. An LED screen has been installed at the entrance of Kashi Vishwanath Temple which will live stream visuals from inside when PM Modi offers prayers. Modi's visit is nothing less than a festival for the people of his constituency. Dancers, musicians, and acrobats also took to the streets of the holy city to perform and keep the crowds waiting for Prime Minister entertained. On Sunday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also held a meeting with local administration officials in Varanasi to assess preparations for Modi's visit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ayushmann Khurrana is back with a bang in his fresh new cop avatar from his upcoming film 'Article 15'. The first look poster of the actor was unveiled on Monday. The Anubhav Sinha directorial film is inspired by the Badaun rape incident. Speaking to ANI, Manoj Pahwa who is playing a vital role in the film, said, "This film is not completely based on the heinous crime that took place in Badaun where two girls were raped and hanged. We can say that this film is inspired by that incident and we have included some chunks of it." Playing a cop for the first time, the actor can be seen donning the attire of a no-nonsense police officer with an intense brooding face. Interestingly, the sunglasses worn by the actor says a lot more about the film and his character. In the lenses, bodies of two girls can be seen hanging from a tree which creates a lot more suspense. On the other side of the lense, the viewers can spot a group of people protesting against the crime. Today marks the completion of five years of the Badaun rape case where two teenage girls were gang-raped and gruesomely murdered by hanging them while they were still alive. Interestingly, the teaser of the film will also be released today. While announcing the news on Twitter, Ayushmann shared the first look poster and wrote, "We have made a lot of difference, now it's time to bring a difference. Teaser out Today." After ardently presenting a rather delicate and provocative subject matter in the critically acclaimed Rishi Kapoor and Taapsee Pannu starrer 'Mulk', director and producer Anubhav Sinha is now set to enthral the audience with 'Article 15'. While the 'Badhai Ho' actor will essay the role of the principal protagonist, he will be joined by a stellar support cast comprising of Isha Talwar, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Kumud Mishra, M Naser, Ashish Verma, Sushil Pandey, Subrajyoti Bharat and Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub. The film is being produced by Benaras Media Works and is slated to hit the theatres on 28 June. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 29-year-old gangster who was involved in more than 30 criminal cases in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh and was wanted by the police of both the states was arrested from Manipur on Monday. The gangster, Rizwan, a resident of Delhi, was arrested from Imphal. He was involved in several cases including attempt to murder and armed robbery in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, police said. Rizwan was hiding for the past several months to evade arrest. The Uttar Pradesh police had declared a Rs 70,000 reward for those who had information about the gangster. Rizwan was wanted by the police in a case of armed robbery committed in Anand Vihar in 2015. The Delhi Police had declared a reward of Rs 50,000 on information leading to his arrest. The gangster was also on the police's radar in cases of attempt to murder in Budaun and dacoity in Sambhal and Bareilly, all located in Uttar Pradesh. Subsequently, the police had declared him a proclaimed offender. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Political leaders including senior Congress leaders on Tuesday paid their homage to the country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 55th death anniversary. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, former Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi paid tributes to Pandit Nehru at his memorial Shanti Van here. Among others who paid their obeisance to the late leader was former Uttar Pradesh Governor Motilal Vora. An all-religion prayer meeting was organised at the memorial premises. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his tributes. "Tributes to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his death anniversary. We remember his contributions to our nation," he wrote on Twitter. Nehru emerged as an eminent leader of the Indian independence movement under the tutelage of Mahatma Gandhi and served India as Prime Minister from its establishment as an independent nation in 1947 until his death on May 27, 1964. A staunch advocate of socialism, secularism and democracy Pandit Nehru, he was an eminent leader of India's freedom movement against the British rule. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) People in the Republic of Ireland voted to ease restrictions on divorce laws by an overwhelming majority after the results of a recently held referendum were revealed on Sunday morning. Results of the referendum, held on Friday, showed that 82 per cent of voters want to change the existing divorce law under which a person can only apply for a divorce after living separately from their spouse for four out of the previous five years, CNN reported. However, the clause will now be removed, allowing lawmakers to decide on a new separation period. Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan took to Twitter on Friday saying the exit polls showing overwhelming support for the change are "very positive news." "I intend moving speedily with legislation to cut waiting time and thereby reduce upset and trauma on couples and children where marriages have irreconcilably broken down," Flanagan wrote. In March, Flanagan said the government intends to reduce the separation period to two years so that both the parties can "move forward with their lives within a reasonable timeframe." In addition, the new law is expected to provide cases of domestic abuse with a shorter divorce process through which victims can protect themselves, and their children, from continued abuse from a former spouse, according to the National Women's Council of Ireland. Divorce was only legalised in Ireland in 1995 by a small majority of people, nearly 50.3 per cent. Friday's referendum has become the latest in a series of measures reflecting the modern Irish society that has been recently questioned, and rejected for the stringent historical role of the Catholic Church's doctrine on its institutions. Ireland became the first country to legalise same-sex marriage through a popular vote, with more than 60 per cent voting yes in a referendum in 2015. Earlier this year, the country opened its first abortion services following the 2018 vote that repealed a constitutional amendment that had placed a near-ban on terminations. "Ireland has really grown into a more tolerant and progressive society over the last 24 years," Irish Senator Catherine Noone said on social media following the Friday's referendum result. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New research suggests that memories are pliable if you know which regions of the brain to stimulate. According to a study, these findings could someday enable personalised treatment for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Researchers believe that a small structure in the brain could hold the keys to future therapeutic techniques for treating mental disorders and someday allow clinicians to enhance positive memories or suppress negative ones. Inside our brains, a cashew-shaped structure called the hippocampus stores the sensory and emotional information that makes up memories, whether they be positive or negative ones. No two memories are exactly alike, and likewise, each memory we have is stored inside a unique combination of brain cells that contain all the environmental and emotional information associated with that memory. The hippocampus itself, although small, comprises many different subregions all working in tandem to recall the elements of a specific memory. "Many psychiatric disorders, especially PTSD, are based on the idea that after there's a really traumatic experience, the person isn't able to move on because they recall their fear over and over again," says Briana Chen, first author of the paper. In their study, researchers show how traumatic memories--such as those at the root of disorders like PTSD--can become so emotionally loaded. By artificially activating memory cells in the bottom part of the brain's hippocampus, negative memories can become even more debilitating. In contrast, stimulating memory cells in the top part of the hippocampus can strip bad memories of their emotional oomph, making them less traumatic to remember. The findings were published in the Journal of Current Biology. Using a technique called optogenetics, Chen and Ramirez mapped out which cells in the hippocampus were being activated when male mice made new memories of positive, neutral, and negative experiences. A positive experience, for example, could be exposed to a female mouse. In contrast, a negative experience could be receiving a startling but mild electrical zap to the feet. Then, identifying which cells were part of the memory-making process (which they did with the help of a glowing green protein designed to literally light up when cells are activated), they were able to artificially trigger those specific memories again later, using laser light to activate the memory cells. Their studies reveal just how different the roles of the top and bottom parts of the hippocampus are. Activating the top of the hippocampus seems to function like effective exposure therapy, deadening the trauma of reliving bad memories. But activating the bottom part of the hippocampus can impart lasting fear and anxiety-related behavioral changes, hinting that this part of the brain could be overactive when memories become so emotionally charged that they are debilitating. Steve Ramirez, a Boston University neuroscientist, explains that the findings suggest suppressing overactivity in the bottom part of the hippocampus could potentially be used to treat PTSD and anxiety disorders. "It could also be the key to enhancing cognitive skills, "like Limitless," he says, referencing the 2011 film starring Bradley Cooper in which the main character takes special pills that drastically improve his memory and brain function. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In view of the tumultuous political developments in Karnataka, Congress party's state unit has called for a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting on May 29 in Bengaluru. Along with senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Dinesh Gundu Rao, will also be present at the meeting. Congress has 79 MLAs while Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) has 37 MLAs in the coalition government holding power in the state. The JDS-Congress coalition which is in power in the state went through a rough patch during the campaigning of the recently held elections with leaders of both the parties accusing each other. The tensions between the two parties benefitted the BJP which won 25 of the 28 MP seats in Karnataka while both JDS and Congress had to content itself with just one seat each. However, the Karnataka Congress unit had said that there was no threat to the coalition in the state. The CLP meeting is reportedly being held to mitigate the differences between the two coalition partners and to assess whether its flock is intact amid speculation of defections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) DC Thammanna, Karnataka state transport minister and Janta Dal (Secular) leader on Monday said that he wouldn't mind being dropped from the state cabinet if considered 'incapable.' "Let them drop me, I don't mind. I'm ready for the party to sack me from my post. If I am capable let them make me continue, otherwise, I don't want any post," he stated on being asked if he will be dropped from the state cabinet. "I will abide if my party takes any such decision," he further added. This comes after sources indicated that a cabinet expansion and reshuffle may happen soon. He also refused to comment on any political situation citing that "my party has asked us not to talk to the media or comment on politics" JD(S) working president MS Narayan Rao on Sunday had issued a circular to party leaders, spokespersons and MLAs asking them not to participate in TV debates or give any statements to the media. This comes after the massive defeat faced by JD(S) and Congress alliance in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The BJP won 25 of the 28 seats along with an Independent backed by it just leaving one seat each to Congress and JD(S). Congress heavyweights including Rizwan Arshad, Krishna Byregowda, BK Hariprasad, Mallikarjun Kharge and HD Deve Gowda lost from their respective constituencies against the BJP candidates. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) U.S. President Donald Trump said that Washington's sanctions on Pyongyang should remain in place. Speaking in Tokyo alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump said that he is not "personally bothered" by recent short-range missile tests that North Korea conducted this month, but agreed that sanctions should remain in place. "North Korea has great economic potential, but its leader Kim Jong Un knows it won't be realized if the North presses on with its nuclear weapons program," Trump said. The U.S. leader also noted that he would work with Abe to bring home Japanese citizens kidnapped by North Korean agents decades ago. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao along with his family members on Monday visited Lord Balaji temple here. The Chief Minister was welcomed by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) officials. After 'darshan,' the Vedic scholars blessed KCR with Vedic chanting. They also gifted Chief Minister Rao with sacred clothing. This is KCR's maiden visit after becoming the Chief Minister of Telangana for the second time. He previously visited Tirumala in 2017. Rao led his party to a massive victory in the 2018 assembly elections and was sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Telangana for a second straight term. Andhra Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Gopal Krishna Dwivedi also visited Tirumala to offer his prayers. After performing 'darshan,' Rao while speaking to media persons on the electoral process, said: "The election process was completed peacefully and without any discrepancies." "Women and physically challenged came forward to franchise their vote in bigger numbers," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discussed economic relations, Iran, North Korea, China and stability of the Indo-Pacific region during their much-anticipated bilateral talk in Tokyo on Monday. One of the significant takeaways from the joint press conference conducted by the two leaders following the bilateral talks was the decisive statement by Trump that the US was not seeking "regime change" in Iran. "We're not looking for regime change. I want to make that clear," CNN quoted Trump as saying. "We're looking for no nuclear weapons." The statement has come two days after Trump announced that the US would deploy about 1500 additional troops to the middle east as a "protective measure." Shortly before the press conference, the US President had met with the families of citizens who were abducted by North Korea decades ago. During the meeting, Trump told the families that he would be working with Abe to bring their relatives home. "I can also tell you for certain that it is the Prime Minister's primary goal," Trump said, adding that Abe has discussed the topic at every meeting they have had. Speaking on that front in the press conference, Abe said that he was "completely on the same page" as Trump on the issue. The Japanese PM added that he plans to have a discussion with North Korean leader Kim-Jong-un in "complete candour" about the issue in the future. It is pertinent to mention that a 2014 report by the United Nation states that hundreds of South Koreans, Japanese and other foreign nationals were kidnapped by North Korea at the end of the Korean War in 1953. During the press conference today, Trump reiterated his statement that he was not bothered about the recent tests of short-range nuclear missiles North Korea, and even added that he did not think the missile tests violated UN resolutions. "My people think it could have been a violation. I view it differently," said Trump, while adding that Kim could be a man "who wants to get attention." Notably, among those to say that the missile test violated the UN resolutions, were the Japanese government and Trump's national security adviser John Bolton. Lastly, the US President cleared that he is "not ready" to make a trade deal with China just yet, albeit, added that the deal could happen "sometime in the future." Both the countries have been locked in a trade dispute since last year. The United States recently increased tariffs on Chinese goods amounting to over 200 billion US dollars even as the two sides were amid negotiations. In retaliation, China announced that it would be increasing duties on USD 60 billion worth US imports from June 1. Trump is on a four-day visit to Japan. Earlier in the day, he met the country's new emperor Naruhito. Accompanied by his wife Melania Trump, the US President arrived at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Monday morning, where they were greeted by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. In an elaborate welcome ceremony that ensued, Trump reviewed a cordon of Japanese troops and greeted yellow-hatted schoolchildren waving American and Japanese flags. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka Home Minister MB Patil on Monday clarified his party MLA BC Patil's comment about Congress "neglecting" Lingayats in the Lok Sabha polls and said that elections are won with the support of all communities of the society. "We need all the communities to win the elections. We cannot win the polls by favouring one community. This is what BC Patil has said and this is his personal statement," the Home Minister said. After Congress' dismal performance in Karnataka, BC Patil -- Congress MLA from Hirekerur, had said that party's drubbing in the Lok Sabha polls was a result of "neglection" of the Lingayat community. "Congress has neglected the Lingayat community which is the largest community in Hyderabad, Karnataka and north Karnataka. In north Karnataka, all the seats were lost by the Congress. North Karnataka was neglected. I think this might be the reason for downfall in results in Lok Sabha election in Karnataka," the actor-turned-politician had told a regional television channel. Patil sought to downplay speculations that the state government could fall after the JD(S)-Congress alliance's poor showing in the state. "Lok Sabha elections do not have anything to do with the state coalition government. We have our own position in the state," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States First Lady Melania Trump on Monday gifted Empress Masako of Japan a White House desk set and a fountain pen made from a red oak tree that stands within the premises of Harvard University. The gift was notable as the newly-crowned Empress had graduated in economics from Belmont High School at Harvard earlier this month, CBS Boston reported. In return, the Empress presented the First Lady with an ornamental Japanese box with a traditional Japanese design. It is a long-standing custom of the Imperial Palace of Japan, where the Emperor and Empress are expected to exchange signed and framed photographs with their guests who are on a state visit. Keeping with it, Emperor Naruhito presented President Donald Trump with a traditional Japanese pottery and porcelain bowl. Trump also gifted the Emperor with an American-made viola in a custom case, handmade from Charleston in West Virginia, and a photo of American composer Aaron Copland. After a formal meeting with handshakes and greetings, Trump and Emperor Naruhito walked along a red carpet in the courtyard of the Imperial Palace. Trump, who is currently on a state visit to Japan, is the first leader to meet the Emperor since he ascended to the throne on May 1 with the beginning of what is called the era of "Reiwa," (RAY-wah) or "beautiful harmony. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany organized their first "Merck Foundation Health Media Training" on 27th May 2019 in Monrovia, Liberia in partnership with H.E. CLAR WEAH, the First Lady of Liberia and ambassador of Merck 'More Than a Mother' to break the stigma around infertility in Liberia and rest of Africa. The training program is a part of 'Merck More than a Mother' community awareness program and was organized for the first time in Liberia for local media representatives and media students. "We welcome this important initiative of Merck Foundation in our country. Media, if guided properly can bring about a huge change in the current scenario where women solely blamed for infertility. The stigma around infertility needs to be eliminated", said H.E. CLAR WEAH, the First Lady of Liberia and Ambassador of Merck 'More Than a Mother'. "I am delighted to initiate this important training session as I strongly believe that media plays a significant role to influence our society to create a cultural shift. It has the capacity and ability to break the stigma around infertility in the community", said Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and president of Merck More than a Mother. The training was addressed by stalwarts of media industry, including international faculty and infertility experts. Moreover, it provided a great opportunity for the journalists to meet the experts and also to network with each other and work as a unit to eradicate the stigma around infertility in Liberia and rest of Africa. It was attended by journalists working for Print, TV, Radio and Online media and journalism students. "The Merck Health Media Training program focused on the international standards and media ethics for reporting sensitive issues like infertility in Africa. It was designed to benefit the journalists in understanding the infertility issues in African communities and to learn the best media practices to cover such issues," added Dr Rasha Kelej. Merck Foundation also announced call for application for "Merck More than a Mother" 'Media Recognition Awards' for Liberia and rest of Africa. The "Merck More than a Mother" 'Media Recognition Awards' were launched in 2017 with the aim to emphasize the role of media in enhancing the public engagement and understanding of infertility stigma and the need to change its social perception in African communities. The applications are invited by media professionals to showcase their work to raise awareness about infertility prevention and breaking infertility stigma in Liberia and rest of Africa. Who can apply? Journalists from print, online, radio and multimedia platforms from Liberia and rest of Africa. Last date of submission: Entries can be submitted till 30th June 2019. Categories and prize money for winners: This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The invitation to leaders of BIMSTEC member states for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony on May 30 is in line with the government's focus on the 'Neighbourhood First' policy, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Monday. Kumar added that an invite has also been extended to Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov and to the Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth for the occasion. "Government of India has invited the leaders of the BIMSTEC Member States for the Swearing-in ceremony. This is in line with the Government's focus on its 'Neighbourhood First' policy," Kumar told reporters on Monday. "The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, who is the current Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, who was the Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, have also been invited," he added. In 2014, when Modi won his first term, all the SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attended the swearing-in as part of invitations extended to all the member countries of the South Asian grouping. Member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand besides India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP leader Mukul Roy's son Subhrangshu Roy, who was recently suspended from Trinamool Congress, arrived in New Delhi on Monday, amid speculations of him joining BJP. Speaking to ANI, Subhrangshu said, "I have not yet joined the BJP. I will tell you everything tomorrow. As many as 150 counsellors have come here along with me. There are, however, no MLAs here." Subhrangshu, a TMC legislator from Bijpur, was suspended from the party for six years for his anti-party comments. In the recently concluded elections, TMC bagged 22 out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats at stake in the state, while BJP improved its tally and secured 18 seats, 16 more than it had bagged in the 2014 polls. The Congress managed to win just two seats, while the Left parties drew a blank. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Muslim man was allegedly assaulted for wearing a traditional skull cap while he was returning after offering prayers at a mosque in Sadar Bazaar area here. Mohammad Barkat Alam, hailing from Bihar, alleged that he was also asked to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' by five to six men who cornered him on Saturday and hurled abuses. He claimed that the men abused him saying nobody was allowed to wear a skull cap in the area and one of them slapped him. Police have registered an FIR in this connection and begun an investigation. "I was returning after offering namaz. One person asked me to stop and when I did not listen to him he began to abuse me saying no one is allowed in this area to wear a Muslim skullcap. He asked me to take off the cap and my kurta. He slapped me when I refused. He even threatened to feed me pork. He then asked me to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'," he said. Alam alleged that the person who slapped him was drunk. "He was drunk. I tried to escape but they did not let me go. They were five to six of them and one of them slapped me. I called the police but nobody took the call. It has been only 20 days since I have come here to learn tailoring," he said. Police said a CCTV footage from the area showed there was a scuffle between two men. Assistant Commissioner of Police of Gurugram's Sadar area Rajeev Yadav said, "We got information about a quarrel in the area around 10 pm. A CCTV footage showed there was a scuffle between two men. We have registered an FIR in this regard and started an investigation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The first amongst the BIMSTEC member-states to confirm their attendance is Nepal, as Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli is scheduled to attend Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony on May 30. "Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will be travelling to India on May 30 of this month. This time he will be there to attend the swearing-in ceremony of his Indian counterpart. He will start from Kathmandu on May 30 itself and is slated to attend the ceremony later in the evening," a minister from the incumbent cabinet told ANI seeking anonymity. The two countries will be holding bilateral talks the following day, a senior official from Nepal's MoFA confirmed to ANI. "We formally have received the invitation letter from Indian Prime Minister's Office for the oath ceremony. During the visit Nepal Prime Minister also will hold bilateral talks with Indian counterpart the following day after the swearing-in ceremony," the official said. Like SAARC leaders last time, heads of government from neighbouring BIMSTEC countries are likely to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi for his second term on May 30. The decision to invite the leaders from the grouping is in line with the government's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, according to the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. Apart from BIMSTEC leaders, invitations have also been extended to Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov and the Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth. In 2014, when Modi won his first term, all the SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attended the swearing-in as part of invitations extended to all the member countries of the South Asian grouping. Member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand besides India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least two people were killed and over dozen others suffered injuries after a deadly tornado touched down in El Reno, Oklahoma, on late Saturday night (local time), authorities said. CNN quoted Mayor Matt White of El Reno as saying that a mobile home park in El Reno was "devastated". White said, "It's a lot of devastation here, it's levelled, it's just devastated," adding, "It's tore all to pieces, it was terrible." In a press conference on Sunday morning, White said a search and rescue operation is still underway, while some of the 29 injured are in critical condition and have been shifted to hospitals. El Reno, with a population of about 19,000 people, is located around 29 miles west of Oklahoma City. The mayor said that tornado sirens began blaring at 10:27 pm, and according to the information he had, the storm touched down four minutes later, damaging a southeast section of the town near Interstate 40. In addition to the mobile home park, a hotel was also damaged, said Kent Lagaly, Chief of El Reno Fire Department. "We absolutely have confirmed that all of the people from the hotel and motel are accounted for at this point in time," the mayor told The New York Times. The tornado hit as Oklahoma and other parts of the Midwest were still reeling from a deadly spring storm system that had resulted in more than 170 reported tornadoes along with strong winds, flash flooding and hail in the recent days. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Moscow welcomes an Iranian initiative to conclude a non-aggression pact with the Persian Gulf countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. According to him, this step can ease tensions in the region. "To agree not to attack each other is the first step to defuse the tension. We would consider such an agreement to be beneficial," TASS cited the Russian foreign minister as saying. Lavrov cited a previous Russian offer to Arab countries to help work out a security conception, suggesting transparency in military affairs, joint military exercises and other confidence-building measures among Arab countries, the UN, EU and five permanent members of the UN security Council as guarantors. "So far, there is no common position among the Arabs on this matter," he added. Commenting on U.S. President Donald Trumps decision to send 1,500 troops to the Middle East, the Russian top diplomat said that it may increase risks in the region. "As you know, risks always grow during a military buildup," Lavrov stressed. The deputy head of the Council of the Russian Diplomats Association, Andrey Baklanov, speaking to Vestnik Kavkaza, noted that Iran's non-aggression initiative was a very strong diplomatic step. "Tehrans proposal ruins the plans of those who planned to bring the situation in the region to the point close to the start of hostilities, as it change the development of events to thinking about what could be done to ensure that the countries of the region live in peace, developing normal relations with each other," he explained. "It will not be easy for Arab countries to meet these proposals, they will have to revise a number of significant points in their policies. But I think that it should be done. In principle, the region should return to the January 1992 formula of creating a multilateral mechanism for the formation of regional security systems. Therefore, I hail Tehrans proposal. Russia will fully assist the Iranian counterparts in establishing its favorable situation in the region," Andrei Baklanov stressed. "I have to say with deep regret that the Persian Gulf states miraculously gave rein to outside forces, reacting strongly to provocative information attacks of the last 3-4 years. I see no serious basis for hostility between them and Iran, it is artificial. But according to the available information, the implementation of a number of U.S. contracts for the supply of weapons to the region has slowed down in recent months - while the Middle East buys 52% of U.S. weapon. Therefore, the Americans artificially increase tension in order to maintain their sales," the diplomat concluded. A man on board a Frankfurt-bound flight was offloaded after live rounds were found in his baggage at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here on Monday. "Today at about 2:20 pm, during screening, DIAL screener detected 06 live rounds of .32 mm calibre from the registered baggage of an Indian passenger who was supposed to travel to Frankfurt by Lufthansa flight no. LH-761," an official communique said. The passenger could not produce any satisfactory document on being inquired, it said. He was then made to deboard the aircraft and handed over to the Delhi Police. Officials will take further action against the man. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted by his North Korean counterpart Kim Jae-ryong on Monday on his electoral win at the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. "Kim Jae-ryong, Premier of the Cabinet in DPRK, congratulated PM @narendramodi on being elected to office for the second term," Raveesh Kumar, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) tweeted. Relations between India and DPR Korea have been generally characterised by friendship, cooperation and understanding, according to the MEA. "As members of the Non-Aligned Movement, there is a commonality of views between the two on many international issues, like Disarmament, South-South Cooperation, etc," the ministry said. India has voiced its support for the reduction of tensions in the Korean Peninsula, along with the reunification of the two Koreas through peaceful means and direct dialogue between them. India and North Korea undertake "regular and meaningful" exchange of views on bilateral issues through the mechanism of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC). Wishes have been pouring in for PM Modi ever since it became clear that his party along with its allies had secured a thumping majority in the general elections. Scores of leaders, right from Japan in the East to the United States in the West, have wished the Prime Minister on being re-elected for a second term. BJP secured 303 seats, which is 22 more than it got in the 2014 elections. Along with its allies, the NDA took its tally up to 352 in the 17th Lok Sabha. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to the Maldives on June 7-8, in his first bilateral visit after assuming office for the second term, sources said on Monday. Modi had earlier visited the island country in November last year, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, after he surprisingly defeated Abdulla Yameen in the presidential polls. This was followed by Sohil's visit to India in December after New Delhi had announced financial assistance of USD 1.4 billion to Male in the form of budgetary support, currency swap and concessional lines of credit to fulfil the socio-economic development programmes in the country. During Sohail's visit, the two leaders had agreed to work together to create institutional linkages and to establish a framework of cooperation in health cooperation issues, particularly cancer treatment, mutual legal assistance on criminal matters, investment promotion, human resource development and tourism. Both leaders had also emphasised the need to improve connectivity between the two countries through the establishment of enabling infrastructure that would promote the exchange of goods and services, information, ideas, culture, and people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday offered prayers at Kashi Vishwanath temple here, his parliamentary constituency from where he was re-elected by around five lakh votes in the just-concluded Lok Sabha polls. Modi, who entered the temple with his hands folded, was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BJP president Amit Shah in his first visit to his parliamentary constituency after his party registered a massive electoral victory. The Prime Minister also offered flowers and 'Gangajal' (Ganga water) to Shivlinga inside the temple premises. In March, Modi had laid the foundation stone for extension and beautification of the historically significant Kashi Vishwanath temple. The 'Kashi Vishwanath Mandir Vistarikaran-Saundarayakaran Yojana' (Kashi Vishwanath Temple Extension and Beautification Plan) is an ambitious project that includes approach roads and beautification spread over around 39,000 square metres at Baba Vishwanath temple and nearby areas. With the construction of this corridor, the temple complex will get direct connectivity with the river Ganga. Earlier in the day, Modi arrived at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur in an Indian Air Force plane and headed towards Police Lines in a chopper. Thereafter, he took the road to proceed towards Kashi Vishwanath temple located in the heart of the city. Modi is set to take oath as the Prime Minister for a second term after being elected as the leader of BJP-led NDA alliance on Saturday. Modi was re-elected from Varanasi by a huge margin of 4.79 lakh votes in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking a potshot at the "shameful defeat" of the Congress in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena on Monday said Congress president Rahul Gandhi's personality "does not attract people." "The Congress party faced a more shameful defeat than 2014 this time," Shiv Sena said in its editorial mouthpiece 'Saamana'. "Rahul Gandhi's personality does not attract people and his speeches are not impressive. Is there anything that can inspire a person or the country from whatever Rahul Gandhi says?" it asked. After analyzing Congress post the Lok Sabha elections, Shiv Sena said the grand old party is visionless right now. It also stated, "Congress party has leaders, but lacks party workers." Shiv Sena took a jibe at the appointment of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the party's general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh. "Congress won two seats in Uttar Pradesh in 2014, but only managed one in 2019," Shiv Sena stated. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Delhi (India), May 27 (ANI): Two days after his resignation offer, Congress President Rahul Gandhi is said to be sticking to his decision and is keen that a new person could be chosen for the post to guide it in the challenging times ahead. Gandhi had offered to step down from his post at the CWC meeting on Saturday taking moral responsibility for the dismal performance in the polls. But it was unanimously rejected by the CWC. Sources said that despite senior leaders making serious attempts to convince him to rethink on his decision, Gandhi is said to be unfazed. Earlier in the day, he offered tributes to India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru at Shanti Van on the occasion of his death anniversary. When some Congress leaders urged him there to continue as the president, he just smiled and went away. Party Treasurer Ahmed Patel and Organisational General Secretary K C Venugopal met with Gandhi at his residence here and urged him to continue to lead the party. Party leaders, sources said, maintained that Congress cannot afford to have a new leader at the helm for rebuilding the organisation at this juncture and that the responsibility for the defeat is collective and not individual. A CWC member said that an honest postmortem is the need of the hour. However, Congress has termed the developments as speculation and rumour. "The Congress party expects everyone including the media to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculations, insinuations, assumptions, gossip and rumour mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted," Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said on Twitter. . (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A married woman was allegedly abducted and gang-raped by six people at various locations in Rajasthan, police said. A case was registered one month ago regarding the abduction of the victim. "Her tea was spiked and then she was taken away on a motorcycle and was allegedly gang-raped, at multiple locations. We have registered a case against six people. Out of them, we have arrested three people on Sunday," said Dinesh Jiwanani, Landanu Police station in-charge. The police are searching for the remaining three culprits. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who failed to appear before the CBI in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam case on Monday, has written a letter to the probe agency, saying he is on leave. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will now take the next course of action accordingly, agency sources said. Kumar, who is accused of tampering with evidence in the multi-crore Saradha scam, was summoned yesterday by the probe agency to appear before it at 10 am on Monday in connection with the ongoing investigation into the scam. A Look-Out Notice was issued against Kumar by the agency even as CBI officials claimed that they were unaware of his whereabouts. Airports and land ports were asked not to allow him to leave the country. He had earlier headed the West Bengal Police's Special Investigation Team (SIT) that probed the scam. The CBI, in its plea before the Supreme Court, had sought permission for custodial interrogation of Kumar for his alleged role in destroying evidence in the case. It had said that there was prima facie evidence against him of "trying to destroy or tamper with evidence and shield high and mighty" in the case. The CBI had also argued that Kumar's custodial interrogation was required to probe the larger conspiracy to unravel the nexus between directors of Saradha Group and politicians, apart from his and other police officials' role in causing disappearance and destruction of evidence. The agency had claimed that Kumar did not disclose any crucial information he was privy to. On May 24, the Supreme Court had refused to entertain a plea filed by Kumar seeking an extension of the seven-day period granted to him to approach a competent court for protection from arrest in connection with the case. Kumar had approached the apex court seeking an extension of protection from arrest, claiming that he was not able to access legal remedies in West Bengal since lawyers in the state were on strike. An unprecedented chain of events unfolded on February 3 when a CBI team was detained by Kolkata Police when it reached Kumar's residence to question him. It was followed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's visit to the officer's home. The CBI officers were taken to a police station and later released. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Saudi Arabia on Sunday shot down a bomb-laden drone deployed by Yemen's Houthi rebels that targeted an airport located close to the southern border of the kingdom. The Saudi-led coalition Air Force was quoted as saying that the drone, which targeted the Jizan airport, close to the border with Yemen, was intercepted and destroyed, Al Jazeera reported. "While we confirm our right to defend our country, we stress that the terrorist Houthis will pay a dear price," said alliance spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malaki, according to the official Saudi Press Agency. The Saudi announcement came hours after the Houthis said they used an armed drone to attack warplane runways at Jizan airport. However, the coalition reported no casualties. The attack comes after the Houthis on last Thursday targeted the Najran airport, also near the Yemeni border, with an explosives-laden drone. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel on Monday claimed that Veer Savarkar was the first one to propose the two-nation theory that led to the formation of India and Pakistan, while Muhammad Ali Jinnah implemented it. Speaking to reporters, Baghel said, "Savarkar had put forward the proposal of dividing the country into two parts on religious grounds and Jinnah had implemented it. This is a historical fact and no one can deny it." Speaking further about the demand of a Bharat Ratna for Savarkar, Baghel said, "He had fought for the independence of the country and was put in Andaman and Nicobar jail. Not just once but he apologised repeatedly to Britishers and after coming out of jail he stayed away from the fight for the country's independence. He had thought of two countries, this is also historically true." Baghel's remark comes a day ahead of the social reformer's birth anniversary. Last year during the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had remembered Savarkar and said it was the latter who boldly expostulated that whatever happened in 1857 was not a revolt but the First War of Independence. In May 2018, Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM) had requested the Centre to replace the picture of Mahatma Gandhi from the Indian currency with the picture of Savarkar. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Monday sought a reply from Maharashtra government and the Medical Council of India (MCI) on a plea seeking a direction to the state government not to implement the 10 per cent quota for economically weaker section (EWS) general category students in the post-graduate medical admissions. A vacation bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Aniruddha Bose has posted the matter for hearing on Thursday. The petition, filed by Janhit Abhiyan, had come up before a vacation bench of Justices Arun Mishra, Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai and Surya Kant. Last week, the bench deferred the matter till March 27. In February, Maharashtra government had issued a notification after the state Cabinet approved the Centre's decision to implement 10 per cent reservation to EWS students among the general category in government jobs and educational institutions across the state. The Parliament had passed the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019, approving a 10 per cent reservation for economically backward in the general category in government jobs and academic institutions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rohan Perera, Sri Lanka's permanent representative to the United Nations, on Sunday, criticised two UN representatives for expressing alarm over the "growing acts of violence on the basis of religion," particularly in the North Western Province of the country. In a joint statement issued on May 13, Adama Dieng, UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, and Karen Smith, UN Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect, cited growing instances of religion-based violence and called for an end to "hateful attacks" directed towards the country's Muslim minority. Responding to the statement, Perera said that while noting their concerns, "we were taken aback by your oversimplified narrative of events that are nuanced and complex in nature", Colombo Page reported. He said their prejudiced statement only serves to sensationalise issues at a time when the Sri Lankan government is taking stringent measures to maintain law and order and quell unrest in the interest of safety of all in the wake of Easter terror attacks on April 21 that targeted several high-end hotels and churches, killing more than 250 people across the country. "Ill-timed statements from responsible authorities will only serve to strengthen the hands of parties with vested interests and extremist elements determined to veer Sri Lanka from the path of peace and development. The need of the hour is for measured advice and support of experts of your good offices to help clarify matters in order for Sri Lanka and all her people to face new challenges arising from violent extremism," the envoy was quoted as saying. "It is quite insensitive and ill-conceived that you did not consider it important to share your concerns with the Sri Lankan government first, before going public with your statement. This would have also been in keeping with the key objectives of your respective mandates, i.e. to provide early warning and advocacy," Perera added. In the statement, the UN advisers stated that "it is in the interest of all ethnic and religious groups in Sri Lanka, as well as the Government, the opposition, civil society and the security sector, to work collaboratively in taking appropriate action and immediately stop these hateful attacks." "The country is trying to move forward from a traumatic period of inter-ethnic armed conflict, but these attacks are pushing Sri Lanka backwards. If not adequately dealt with, the recent violence has the potential to escalate even further," they warned. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar has offered to resign from his post after he lost elections from Gurdaspur - a seat he wrestled from the BJP in 2017 by-polls. The Congress won eight of Punjab's 13 Lok Sabha seats in recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections. Jakhar, however, lost to newly-minted BJP leader Sunny Deol by a considerable margin of 82,459 votes. Late actor Vinod Khanna had won the seat for the BJP in 1998, 1999, 2004 and 2014. in 2017, his death necessitated the by-poll in which Jakhar emerged victorious. Along with Punjab, the state unit presidents of Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh have also offered to resign from their positions after the party fared poorly the polls in each of their states. As per sources, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, during the party's working committee meeting, also offered to resign from his post, however, it was declined by senior leaders. Further denying any such development, the party on Monday released a statement, saying, "The Congress party expects everyone including the media to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculations, insinuations, assumptions, gossip, and rumour mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted." The Congress' drubbing in the Lok Sabha polls has become a cause of embarrassment for the party's top brass. They managed to win only 52 seats, far behind the BJP's massive 303. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Monday said that the murder of Surendra Singh, ex-pradhan of Amethi, should not be politicised and the killers should be arrested as soon as possible. Speaking to ANI, Tiwari said, "The murder of BJP worker Surendra Singh in Amethi is a very sad and unfortunate incident. It should not be equated with politics as the person who died had visited a stage of Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress before. He had also welcomed Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi before." "Whoever is the culprit in this crime should be caught and strict action as per laws should be taken," he added. Everyone has the right to pay homage to the deceased but the politicisation of the issue should be avoided, said Tiwari citing BJP leader Smriti Irani's visit to Amethi where she participated in the funeral procession of Singh to pay her tributes. Surendra Singh was shot at by unidentified assailants when he was sleeping in the verandah of his house at around 3 am on Sunday. He was rushed to a trauma centre in Lucknow where he succumbed to injuries. On being asked about Modi's Varanasi visit on Monday, Tiwari said, "This is his personal choice to visit his constituency before taking oath as Prime Minister." Commenting on Sonia Gandhi's statement that she won't step back from sacrificing anything to safeguard the basic values of the country, Tiwari said, "Gandhi family has worked for country's unity and even made big sacrifices. Sonia Gandhi even sacrificed the post of Prime Minister. I respect her for this a lot. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In the wake of RJD's dismal performance in the Lok Sabha elections, rebel party leader Mahesh Yadav on Monday demanded the resignation of Tejashwi Yadav from the post of Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly, saying people are fed up of dynasty "Tejashwi Yadav should resign from the post of Leader of Opposition as people are fed up of dynasty The party must give the post to some senior leader. If dynasty does not come to an end, the party will break up and a large fragment will go away," he told ANI. Mahesh Yadav said he has been opposing the family-centred politics in the party since the time RJD chief Lalu Prasad's wife Rabri Devi was sworn in as the chief minister. "I will not take names but many legislators have the same feeling. Why would anyone want to remain in a party where the future is bleak? The whole country has rejected dynasty politics but it still continues in RJD," he said. Mahesh Yadav said, "RJD had succeeded when it forged an alliance with JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar. However, it was so obsessed with dynasty politics that both the sons of Lalu Prasad were made ministers and Rabri Devi was made the leader of the party in the Assembly. The people of Bihar, as well as the country, are now fed of this." His remarks came days after RJD drew a blank in the Lok Sabha elections. Congress, which had entered into seat sharing with RJD, could get only one seat out of the 40 in Bihar. BJP-led NDA swept the state by winning 39 constituencies. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israel-based Teva Pharmaceuticals on Sunday agreed to pay USD 85 million to settle a lawsuit brought by the Oklahoma state over allegations that the company contributed to the state's opioid crisis. Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter announced the settlement with Teva Pharmaceuticals in a statement cited by The Washington Post. The announcement came just days before the company was to appear in court alongside health-care company Johnson & Johnson, the only remaining defendant, which will be heard by a district judge this week. The Oklahoma state has also accused Johnson & Johnson of providing narcotic ingredients for much of the US' opioid supply. "Nearly all Oklahomans have been negatively impacted by this deadly crisis and we look forward to Tuesday, where we will prove our case against Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries," Hunter said in a statement. Teva Pharmaceuticals is the second company to have settled with Oklahoma in its efforts to combat the opioid crisis. The settlement comes two months after Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, agreed to pay a USD 270 million in the historic lawsuit, and just days before the scheduled start of a trial. Teva Pharmaceuticals, which primarily sells generic drugs, issued a statement saying the settlement does not establish any wrongdoing on the part of the company, and that Teva "has not contributed to the abuse of opioids in Oklahoma in any way." Hunter told CNN that the terms of the settlement agreement may take up to two weeks to finalise. The money will be used to help establish a national addiction treatment and research centre at Oklahoma State University, he added. Hunter further told CNN that the company will provide USD 20 million of addiction treatment and opioid rescue medications to the centre over the same five-year time frame, while a remaining USD12.5 million from the settlement will be used directly to help cities and counties with the opioid crisis. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States President Donald Trump on Monday became the first foreign leader to meet Japan's new Emperor Naruhito, who ascended to the throne at the start of this month. Accompanied by his wife Melania Trump, the US President arrived at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Monday morning, where they were greeted by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. In an elaborate welcome ceremony that ensued, Trump reviewed a cordon of Japanese troops and greeted yellow-hatted schoolchildren waving American and Japanese flags, reported CNN. 59-year-old Naruhito ushered in the Reiwa imperial era in Japan, after assuming the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1. The US-drafted Japanese constitution stripped the Japanese emperor of any political power after War II. But the monarch holds a powerful symbolic role in a country deeply rooted in tradition. Trump's meeting with the emperor came shortly before he is scheduled to hold formal talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The talks hold prominence as they come at a time when the United States has been locked in a trade dispute with China. Following the meeting, the two leaders will hold a joint press conference at Akasaka Palace. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) TV actor Abhimanyu Chaudhary along with his friend was arrested for allegedly thrashing and attacking an employee of a salon with a knife. The duo went to the salon after the actor's friend accused an employee of the salon of touching her inappropriately. "We have arrested Abhimanyu and his friend and have registered a case against the duo and their woman friend who had called them to the salon," said Shailesh Pasalwad, senior police inspector of Mumbai Police. On May 16, one of Abhimanyu's friends called him to come to the salon after one of the employees of the salon allegedly touched her inappropriately while massaging her head. The actor, along with his friend, reached the salon in Lokhandwala and started beating the employee. They also attacked him with a knife. In the CCTV footage, the actor along with his friend can be seen beating the employee. The footage also shows another woman employee getting hurt during the brawl. According to Pasalwad, a complaint has been lodged against the salon employee based on the complaint filed by Abhimanyu's friend. . (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police on Monday arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of Surendra Singh, a close of aide of the successful BJP candidate from Amethi, Smriti Irani, on Sunday. The police have also recovered a country-made pistol, a blood-stained towel and a mobile phone from their possession. "We have arrested three murder suspects. We have recovered a country-made pistol from their possession. Moreover, a blood-stained towel was also recovered from one accused. We have sent all the evidence for forensic examination," Uttar Pradesh DGP OP Singh said. The accused have been identified as Nassim, Ramchandra and Dharamnath Gupta. "On the basis of all evidence it is very clear that the five murder suspects and the victim had a local level political rivalry," he added. "Two suspects are still absconding. We are tracking the two other suspects and further investigation is underway," he added. The police assured that a motorbike that was used in the crime will also be recovered. Surendra Singh was shot at by unidentified assailants when he was sleeping in the verandah of his house at around 3 am on Sunday. He was rushed to a trauma centre in Lucknow where he succumbed to injuries. Irani, who defeated Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, rushed to Amethi on Sunday and participated in the last rites. Referring to Gandhi's remarks on her victory that "Take care of Amethi with love", she tweeted saying "I have received the message loud and clear". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Varanasi on Monday for the first visit to his Lok Sabha constituency after BJP won elections with a thumping majority. He arrived at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur via an Indian Air Force plane where he was received by BJP president Amit Shah, UP BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Governor Ram Naik and other officials. From the airport, Modi directly headed towards Police Lines in a chopper. Thereafter, he took the road to proceed towards Kashi Vishwanath temple located in the heart of the city. As his convoy passed, people standing along the barricaded roads all along the way greeted and cheered for him. Balloons, posters, and cut-outs of the Prime Minister adorned the route. Amid heavy security, people chanted "Modi-Modi" and " Har Har Mahadev" to the top of their voices as Modi's convoy made its way. Many BJP workers were also a part of the welcome. Modi will pay obeisance at Kashi Vishwanath temple, his pooja will be live streamed on a screen set up outside. Thereafter, he is scheduled to address BJP workers at Deendayal Hastkala Sankul. In the Lok Sabha elections, Modi had defeated his Samajwadi Party (SP) rival Shalini Yadav by a margin of over 4.80 lakh votes from Varanasi. The BJP, which had won 282 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, managed to increase its tally and notched up to 303 seats in the 2019 elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a day-long visit to his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi on Monday and struck a chord with residents of the city by referring to himself as their 'Sevak' and offering prayers at the prominent Kashi Vishwanath temple. "For the country I am the Prime Minister, but for you, I am your MP, I am your sevak," said Prime Minister Modi while addressing party workers at the Deen Dayal Hastkala Sankul in the city. He also started his address by greeting BJP workers of the region in Bhojpuri. "Pranam Baa" (I bow to you), Modi said. Modi arrived at the police line helipad of the city and left directly for Kashi Vishwanath temple. From his slow-moving cavalcade, he greeted those who had lined up on both sides of the largely barricaded road to catch a glimpse of their leader. Sitting on the front seat of a black rang-rover, a visibly elated Modi greeted citizens of his constituency as his convoy passed through the road, parts of which were decorated with saffron balloons. Modi prayed at Kashi Vishwanath temple and offered flowers and 'Gangajal' (Ganga water) to Shivlinga inside the temple premises. He was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BJP president Amit Shah in his first visit to his parliamentary constituency after his party registered a massive electoral victory. Addressing BJP workers on his first visit to his constituency after the massive mandate for him and his coalition in the country, Modi asserted that chemistry prevailed over arithmetic in the Lok Sabha elections. Accusing political experts of attempting to create a negative perception about his party which was still being treated as a political untouchable, he also said that the hattrick of results in 2014, 2017 and 2019 polls in the Uttar Pradesh has given a new direction to The political experts were also practising selective sensitivity and humanism when it comes to killings of BJP workers in Kerala, West Bengal and Tripura by keeping quiet on the killings of hundreds of BJP workers for political reasons, he said. "Today Uttar Pradesh has given a direction to Even though I am speaking from Kashi but all of the Uttar Pradesh need to be thanked. The state is consolidating the base of democracy. 2014, 2017 and 2019 is a hattrick of BJP win and Uttar Pradesh has a major contribution. Like in 1977, the elections in 2014, 2017 and 2019 they are not local results. But even after three elections if political pundits are not able to read the situation and understand our work if they do not agree then their thoughts have faded. They are for the 20th century not for the 21st century." Apparently referring to the grand alliance of SP-BSP and RLD, Modi said, "We regard a grounded person more than a person who had plenty of degrees. There is chemistry ahead of arithmetic. There is a chemistry of society and power, ideals and will and it defeats all the permutations and combinations." Conceding that is all about perceptions and maintaining "we are what we are", he said the established opposition of the past 70 years made use of lies to make sure there is a wrong and distorted perception about us. Bad perceptions can be defeated by transparency and hard work. We have to take forward positivity." But, Modi said, there was no alternative to hard work and leadership, amidst of all negativity. "We feel this success is harmony between government and party. Whether it is in the states or the Centre there should be a synergy between the government and the party. The government does policy, the party does strategy. There should be a synergy between policy and strategy. When there is synergy then the country is reaping its benefits." Referring to the functioning of Parliament, Modi said it should be used for debate. "But when the opposition has no issues and they are afraid of being exposed then they make noise and stall proceedings of parliament. Constitution gives us the responsibility to recognise oppositions power and wherever we get chance we make the opposition say. Even if it is one person he should be allowed" Modi also said the country has been wrecked by vote bank politics in the past. "Our democracy is crushed by vote bank politics. No one gets the courage to speak openly due to vote bank politics. The poor people of the country had to wait for so long to make their voices heard. No one was ready to hear them. It was not that they were not speaking, it was not that they were not expressing, it was not that there were movements. Everything was happening but no one was doing anything because they were thinking of vote bank politics." The Prime Minister then said, "It was our thinking to rise above vote bank politics and think of Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas. And that is why we implemented the 10 per cent reservation for general category. If we would have followed vote bank politics, then we would have also gone the same way. Whoever is the citizen of my country should get the benefits of the government's scheme." Modi is set to take oath as the Prime Minister for a second term on May 30 after being elected as the leader of BJP-led NDA alliance on Saturday. He was re-elected from Varanasi by a huge margin of 4.79 lakh votes in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) IMDB's most awaited film 'Yeh Hai India' is gliding on positive reviews. The movie narrates the story of an NRI who, on his visit to India, is sickened by the issues that have plagued the nation and ventures out to change the country. The movie has been applauded at Cannes and has seized awards of the best director and best film award at FOG USA Film Festival. The movie is a perfect amalgamation of beautiful camera movements and a compelling story. Director Lomharsh has displayed superior cinematic skills and has crafted a movie beyond imagination. The impeccable screenplay does a good job of keeping you engaged in the story. In terms of acting, the Gavie Chahal has made full use of his character arch to display his brilliant acting skills. Deana Uppal has matched Gavie's acting skills with equally brilliant acting. Both the actor has beautiful chemistry between them. The soulful music will drive you to a world that is almost magical. Music Director Raja Hassan creates a musical ensemble that will strike the chords of your heart. The movie gives off a strong message of world peace and will move you to work towards the betterment of the country "Soulful music. Brilliant Storytelling." - Bollywood Chronicle "Shows the new India's Mindset to the world." - Filmy Mantra. "This time for India. Pride and Proudful film." - Bollywood Society "Go watch it for your Nation" - Amit Bachchan, Starworld News "Yeh Hai India is an incredible cinematic craft." - ICN National "A must watch with an entire family. The glory of India and pride of Indians." - Telechaska This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Headline indices of the Australian market closed edged lower on Monday, 27 May 2019, as losses in financials, utilities, and telecommunication stocks offset gains enjoyed by materials and technology stocks. At closing bell, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index edged down 4.64 point, or 0.07%, at 6,451.40 points, while the broader All Ordinaries edged down 0.88 point, or 0.01%, at 6,544.70. Market risk sentiments dampened amid continued U. S.-China trade concern together with recent weak U. S. data which suggests a slowdown in U. S. economy. Also investors awaited for developments from U. S. President Donald Trump's state visit to Japan as well as results from the European parliamentary election. Market holidays in London and New York also sidelined many investors. In Europe, early results and projections showed greater fragmentation in the European Parliament over the next five years. This year's vote was particularly relevant due to the surge of anti-EU and nationalist parties across the region. Britain's newly-formed Brexit Party looked set to comfortably beat the country's two main parties in the European parliamentary elections, according to exit polls and early results. The market awaited the outcome of trade talks between the leaders of Japan and United States. On Monday, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will hold formal talks. A joint news conference will be held later in the global day. The market focus is on tariffs on autos after Trump has threatened to target Japanese automakers with high tariffs in his effort to cut trade surpluses with other countries, while they are optimistic about the developments after Trump tweeted about a progress in the Japan-U. S. talks. The president Trump said Tokyo and Washington were getting close to a deal that would address the U. S. trade deficit. The U. S. had a deficit of $56.8 billion in goods and services with Japan in 2018. Shares of banks and financials declined after Australia's financial regulator warned last week that banks may face stricter external scrutiny and higher capital requirements unless they improved internal oversight. Commonwealth Bank fell 0.7% to A$77.64, and Westpac fell 0.7% to A$27.92. Shares of materials and resources were higher, with BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue all up substantially. Woolworths dropped 1.2% to A$32.30 after announcing the success of its off-market buy back. Woolworths massively scaled back offers for its A$1.7 billion share buyback after overwhelming demand from retirees and superannuation funds chasing franking credits. Announcing the outcome of the buyback on Monday, Woolworths said it had scaled back offers by 84.68%, meaning successful shareholders had only 15.32% of the shares they offered bought back, excluding the first 180 shares before the scale back applied. The buyback price was set at A$28.94 a share, the maximum 14% discount to the market price of A$33.64. Vocus Group closed 17% higher at A$4.55 after opening its books to a European private equity firm for a proposed A$3.3bn takeover. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The market rose for second straight session on Monday, as investors cheered Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landslide victory in the general election results last week. A strong mandate for the NDA could mean that economic reforms would be decisively implemented. Gains in HDFC twins and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) boosted main stock indices. Metals and banks shares were in demand. The Nifty ended above 11,900 mark. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, rose 234.55 points or 0.59% to 39,669.27, as per the provisional closing data. The Nifty 50 index rose 80.65 points or 0.68% to 11,924.75, as per the provisional closing data. Broader market depicted strength. Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was up 1.17%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 1.79%. Both these indices outperformed the Sensex. The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was strong. On BSE, 1797 shares rose and 805 shares fell. A total of 164 shares were unchanged. The National Stock Exchange's (NSE's) India VIX, a gauge of market's expectation of volatility over the near term, fell 2.01% at 16.135. Overseas, European shares were trading higher as an EU Parliament election showed Europhile parties still performing reasonably well despite a rise in support for nationalists. Markets in the U.K. are closed on Monday due to a public holiday. European investors will largely be focused on results of the EU parliamentary elections. Initial results suggested a strong showing for Liberal and Green parties, while euroskeptic groups in Britain and France holding the gains they saw in 2014. Asian shares ended mixed Monday as investors watched for developments from US President Donald Trump's state visit to Japan as well as results from the European parliamentary election. US stocks rose on Friday, but sentiment remained fragile as investors worried the US-China trade war is hurting economic growth. US durable goods orders dropped 2.1% last month amid a slowdown in exports and a buildup in inventories. Back home, HDFC Bank rose 1.38% at Rs 2405. Housing finance major HDFC was up 1.84% at Rs 2166.60. Engineering and construction major L&T was up 3.17% at Rs 1592.60. State-run NTPC rose 3.37% after net profit rose 48.7% to Rs 4350.32 crore on 8.1% fall in net sales to Rs 21222.39 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced on Saturday, 25 May 2019. State-run GAIL (India) was up 2.18%. Net profit rose 9.92% to Rs 1122.23 crore on 21.60% increase in net sales to Rs 18763.87 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced during trading hours today, 27 May 2019. The board of GAIL (India) recommended issuing one fully paid up shares for every one fully paid up share held, subject to the shareholders' approval (1:1). State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals (Bhel) was up 5.51%. Net profit rose 49.3% to Rs 682.70 crore. Net sales was almost flat at Rs 9,836.50 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The result was announced during trading hours today, 27 May 2019. Grasim Industries rose 3.49%. The company's consolidated net profit rose 58.95% to Rs 1144.57 crore on 20.19% rise in total income to Rs 21386.32 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The announcement was made after market hours on Friday, 24 May 2019. Bata India rose 0.98%. The company's net profit rose 69.49% to Rs 88.27 crore on 9.49% rise in total income to Rs 707.32 crore in Q4 March 2019 over Q4 March 2018. The announcement was made after market hours on Friday, 24 May 2019. Manpasand Beverages hit a lower circuit limit of 20% at Rs 88. The Commissioner of Central GST and Customs carried out search and seizure proceedings at various premises of the company on 23 May 2019, and further inquiry was conducted on 24 May 2019 at GST Bhavan office of Vadodara. Abhishek Singh, whole time director, Paresh Thakkar, chief financial officer of the company and Harshvardhan Singh are under judicial custody of Authority on 24 May 2019. The company is contesting these allegations in accordance with the due process of law. Considering the present status of the case estimated impact on the company and amount involved is not identifiable till the outcome in the matter, the company said on Saturday, 25 May 2019. On the political front, the President's Secretariat stated in a press communique that the President will administer the Oath of Office and Secrecy to the Prime Minister and other members of Union Council of Ministers on 30 May 2019 at 07:00 p.m. at Rashtrapati Bhavan. On the economic front, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday, 24 May 2019, said it has decided to conduct purchase of Government securities under Open Market Operation (OMO) for Rs 15000 crore on 13 June 2019. In a separate announcement on Friday, 24 May 2019, RBI placed a draft circular on the "Liquidity Risk Management Framework for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Core Investment Companies (CICs)" to be adopted by all deposit taking NBFCs; non-deposit taking NBFCs with an asset size of Rs 100 crore and above; and all CICs registered with the Reserve Bank. The draft guidelines cover application of generic Asset Liability Management (ALM) principles, granular maturity buckets in the liquidity statements and tolerance limits, liquidity risk monitoring tool and adoption of the "stock" approach to liquidity. In addition, the draft proposes to introduce Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) for all deposit taking NBFCs; and non-deposit taking NBFCs with an asset size of Rs 5000 crore and above. With a view to ensuring a smooth transition to the LCR regime, the proposal is to implement it in a calibrated manner through a glide path over a period of four years commencing from April 2020 and going upto April 2024. Further, RBI on Friday fixed the investment limit at Rs 54,606.55 crore for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) under the voluntary retention route (VRR), which allows to park funds in both government securities as well as corporate debt. VRR for investments by FPIs was introduced on March 1. Limits for investment in debt by FPIs were offered for allotment 'on tap' during the March 11-April 30 period. Based on the feedback received, and in consultation with the government, the RBI said it has made certain changes in the scheme to increase its operational flexibility. The minimum retention period shall be three years. During this period, FPIs shall maintain a minimum of 75% of the allocated amount in India, RBI said. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Market is seen opening lower as mixed leads from other Asian indices may trigger profit booking after last week's surge in domestic indices. Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 20.50 points at the opening bell. Overseas, Asian shares were mixed Monday as investors watched for developments from US President Donald Trump's state visit to Japan as well as results from the European parliamentary election. US stocks rose on Friday, but sentiment remained fragile as investors worried the US-China trade war is hurting economic growth. US durable goods orders dropped 2.1% last month amid a slowdown in exports and a buildup in inventories. Closer home, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 2,026.33 crore on 24 May 2019, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 195.35 crore on 24 May 2019, as per provisional data. Key benchmark indices logged strong gains on Friday, 24 May 2019, on steady buying demand in index pivotals. Sentiment was boosted by an overnight slide in crude oil prices. Narendra Modi-led NDA's thumping victory in Lok Sabha polls also supported buying. A strong mandate for the NDA could mean that economic reforms would be decisively implemented. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, gained 623.33 points or 1.61% at 39,434.72. The Nifty 50 index gained 187.05 points or 1.6% at 11,844.10. On the economic front, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday, 24 May 2019, said it has decided to conduct purchase of Government securities under Open Market Operation (OMO) for Rs 15000 crore on 13 June 2019. In a separate announcement on Friday, 24 May 2019, RBI placed a draft circular on the "Liquidity Risk Management Framework for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Core Investment Companies (CICs)" to be adopted by all deposit taking NBFCs; non-deposit taking NBFCs with an asset size of Rs 100 crore and above; and all CICs registered with the Reserve Bank. The draft guidelines cover application of generic Asset Liability Management (ALM) principles, granular maturity buckets in the liquidity statements and tolerance limits, liquidity risk monitoring tool and adoption of the "stock" approach to liquidity. In addition, the draft proposes to introduce Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) for all deposit taking NBFCs; and non-deposit taking NBFCs with an asset size of Rs 5000 crore and above. With a view to ensuring a smooth transition to the LCR regime, the proposal is to implement it in a calibrated manner through a glide path over a period of four years commencing from April 2020 and going upto April 2024. Further, RBI on Friday fixed the investment limit at Rs 54,606.55 crore for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) under the voluntary retention route (VRR), which allows to park funds in both government securities as well as corporate debt. VRR for investments by FPIs was introduced on March 1. Limits for investment in debt by FPIs were offered for allotment 'on tap' during the March 11-April 30 period. Based on the feedback received, and in consultation with the government, the RBI said it has made certain changes in the scheme to increase its operational flexibility. The minimum retention period shall be three years. During this period, FPIs shall maintain a minimum of 75% of the allocated amount in India, RBI said. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four Afghan police officers were killed and four others wounded after Taliban militants stormed a security checkpoint in Paktia province, the police said on Monday. Provincial police spokesman Sardar Wali Tabasom said the clashes occurred after militants attacked Saifullah Checkpoint in Dand Wa Patan district on Sunday night. The wounded police officers were shifted to hospital at wee hours of Monday, Xinhua news agency reported. In a separate incident, two police officers were wounded following an encounter with Taliban militants on outskirts of Gardez city, 100 km south of Kabul. The spokesman added that two militants were killed during the clashes. --IANS soni/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In an attempt at administrative revamp in the wake of the ruling Trinamool Congress suffering serious setbacks in the Lok Sabha polls, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday appointed Alapan Bandopadhyay as the new home secretary. "Yes, Bandyopadhyay has been made the new home secretary," she told reporters outside the state secretariat Nabanna. On May 15, the Election Commission (EC) had relieved the then home secretary Atri Bhattacharya of his duties and asked the state chief secretary to handle the additional responsibility. Bandyopadhyay, a former journalist, was handling the MSME and textile departments. In a departure from her usual policy of bringing back bureaucrats and police officers, removed by Election Commission, to their old posts once the model code of conduct expired, Banerjee did not reinstate Bhattacharya as home secretary. Saurav Das has been appointed the new state Chief Electoral Officer replacing Aariz Aftab. Das was public health engineering, panchayats and rural development departments secretary.. Ajit ranjan Bardhan, who was the Principal Secretary of Youth Services and Sports, has been appointed Secretary of North Bengal Development Department (NBDD). Banerjee also carried out a reshuffle of district magistrates. --IANS mgr/ssp/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Bala", which will have actor Ayushmann Khurrana playing the role of a prematurely balding man, was slated to be released on November 22, its makers announced on Monday. Producer Dinesh Vijan's film also stars Bhumi Pednekar and Yami Gautam. While Bhumi plays a dusky small town girl, Yami will be seen as a supermodel from Lucknow in the quirky comedy. Yami believes her part in this year's hit film "Uri - The Surgical Strike" helped her bag the role in "Bala". "I think we actors keep shifting our moulds with each film. Every film we do is a projection of who we are and what we are capable of. I have had the fortune of working on some amazing projects and some very challenging roles," Yami had said in a statement. "But I do feel that after 'Uri...', people have seen me in a whole new light and that is true for all actors. We are perceived slightly different after each film. And that's the wonderful part of our job," she said. She played an intelligence officer in "Uri...". --IANS nn/pcj (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An upbeat Bharartiya Janata Party (BJP) was in no hurry to form government in Karnataka by poaching legislators of the Congress or the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S), a party official said here on Monday. "We are not in hurry to form our government or bring down the fledgling JD-S-Congress coalition government in the state. We are in a wait and watch mode," BJP's state unit spokesman G. Madhusudhan told IANS. Denying reports that party's state unit chief B.S. Yeddyurappa claimed having numbers or legislators to topple the year-old coalition government and form a BJP government in the state again, the official said: "If a few disgruntled Congress or JD-S legislators want to join our party by resigning from their party and face by-elections on our party ticket, they are welcome." After winning 25 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in the state, the BJP has urged the ruling combine to resign and face mid-term Assembly elections to end the political instability and anarchy. "If the ruling allies have self-respect and integrity, their legislators should have resigned, owning moral responsibility for winning only one Lok Sabha seat each in the state and losing 26 seats to our party and an Independent," Madhusudhan said. A split verdict in the May 2018 Assembly elections threw up a hung House, with the BJP winning 104, the Congress 80, including the Speaker, and the JD-S 37 seats in the 224-member House. To prevent the BJP from returning to power, the JD-S and the Congress formed a post-poll alliance as the saffron party's three-day government collapsed for want of a simple majority on May 19, 2018. Though the mandate was against the ruling allies, they formed a post-poll alliance after contesting against each other in every parliamentary and Assembly seat since 1994-95, the BJP leader said. "By fielding joint candidates in all the 28 seats, 21 by the Congress and 7 by the JD-S, they could retain only Bangalore Rural and Hassan seats. They lost all the nine seats they had won in the 2014 general elections," recalled Madhusudhan. Admitting that the BJP was open to a mid-term Assembly elections to end the political uncertainty, the party official said the onus was on the allies to resign or collapse on its own due to imminent revolt and resignations by a few of its disgruntled legislator. "We have not thought about it (mid-term Assembly elections), but are ready to face it and secure majority to form the next government," asserted Madhusudhan. The BJP formed its first government in the state in May 2008 under Yeddyurappa's leadership and lost the 2013 and 2018 elections to the Congress and the JD-S subsequently. "Our party's high command has directed state leaders not to precipitate crisis till the NDA government is formed on May 30 and Narendra Modi takes oath as the Prime Minister again along with some ministers from our party and allies," Madhsudhan said. In a related development, former Congress Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tweeted: "Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) claims to form the government in spite of not having the number (s). This is a not a new drama, but is continuously misleading the public. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) bowed to the Constitution (in the central hall of Parliament on May 25) but in which article has the Constitution given (him) the right for the BJP (@BJPIndia) to destabilise our government." --IANS fb/pg/pcj (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Even as the discontent against Trinamool Congress, erosion of left votes and consolidation of Hindu voters are being seen by many as major reasons behind BJP's unprecedented rise in Bengal, political analysts say it was the benefits of various central schemes reaching a large section of the rural population that made the saffron outfit more popular in the state's backward districts. According to political analyst Maidul Islam, the NDA government's schemes like Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for providing LPG connections to women below poverty line, Jan Dhan Yojana offering affordable financial services and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for affordable housing helped improve the lives of many in rural Bengal. "It cannot be denied that there has been a macro level effect. Even if not everybody in Bengal got the benefits of central schemes, people have at least felt that the government in Delhi is with them and thinking about them. "The numerous rallies by Modi and (BJP chief Amit) Shah before the 2019 polls where they repeatedly gave a detailed account of Centre's work, also made this rhetoric loud and clear," Islam told IANS. "Though communal polarisation and consolidation of Hindu votes towards BJP is being talked about, we must remember that out of the 18 Lok Sabha seats BJP won in Bengal, there are at least seven to eight seats -- Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Darjeeling and Alipurduar in north Bengal and Purulia, Jhargram and Bankura in Junglemahal region -- that do not have sizable minority population. So communal polarisation was not a factor in those places," he noted. Islam said it was people's discontent against the Bengal's ruling party and state government for not getting the chance to vote in the rural body elections last year, as well as benefits of these central schemes, that propelled them to choose the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections. He also highlighted the Modi government's 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi' that announced to provide 120 million small and marginal farmers with less than two hectares of land, Rs 6,000 per year as minimum income support also created a positive impact among the Bengal farmers. Besides, north Bengal and Jangalmahal, the Bharatiya Janata Party also won some seats in the Gangetic West Bengal like Hoogly. However, it failed to penetrate in any of the four urban seats in Kolkata and Howrah. According to data received till May 15 this year, 2.36 crore rural and semi urban people and 1.06 crore urban people in Bengal have been benefitted by NDA government's Jan Dhan Yojana, that aims to provide universal access to banking facilities with at least one basic banking account for every household. Total number of beneficiaries under the scheme is more than 3.42 crore in Bengal. The range of benefit under the Ujjwala Yojana is also high in Bengal. A total of 78.47 lakh poor families have received free LPG connections under the scheme in this state which is second highest after Uttar Pradesh. In 2018, 55 per cent of West Bengal's rural households used Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) as the primary cooking fuel, up from 15 per cent in 2015, according to the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). Under the Modi government's scheme to provide affordable housing, 45,671 houses have been completed till 2016-17 while 1.6 lakh projects have been approved under the scheme in FY 2017-18. Echoing Islam, another political analyst Udayan Bandyopadhyay said many people in Bengal derived the benefits from central schemes like Swaach Bharat Mission to build toilets in every household, before the Mamata Banerjee government blocked some of them. "BJP's stunning result is not just because of the consolidation of Hindu votes. It might be one of the factors. In fact it was many of the central schemes which played a major role in swinging the rural votes towards them. In the tribal areas of Bengal houses and toilets have been built in large numbers," he told IANS. Banerjee's government pulled out of Ayushman Bharat scheme, accusing the Narendra Modi government of taking undue credit for a project, 40 per cent of which, she said her government was funding. Bandyopadhyay said the Bengal government's stand on the central healthcare scheme, gave the BJP ammunition to formulate anti-campaigns against it which impacted a section of voters here. Many local BJP leaders accused the Bengal government of impeding Centre's schemes and renaming them as state government initiatives and said such "malpractices" by Banerjee and her party leaders back-fired in the 2019 polls. (Milinda Ghosh Roy can be contacted at milindaghoshroy@gmail.com) --IANS mgr/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that chemistry had managed to defeat arithmetic in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. "Elections are all about arithmetic but there is chemistry that goes beyond arithmetic. This time chemistry has defeated arithmetic," he said while addressing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers at a thanksgiving function in Varanasi. "Some people say that is all about perception but we do not create perceptions. For us, transparency and hard work scores above everything else," he said. The Prime Minister said that he was a BJP worker and followed the directives of the party. "I was asked to come here and on April 25 (for a roadshow) Kashi welcomed me with its 'Vishwa Roop' (larger than life image) that had an impact beyond Kashi and Uttar Pradesh. It impacted all parts of the country. Kashi made me PM but I will always remain a worker for you." Modi said that if he seemed complacent and relaxed during elections, it was because of the love and strength that Kashi gave him. "You asked me not to come again for campaigning, so I went to Kedarnath after polling." The Prime Minister thanked local officials, media persons and even his electoral rivals. "I thank the workers for not making the election a war and the rival candidates for maintaining the dignity of Kashi. Elections were a festival of democracy that was celebrated by all," he said. He said that there are many in whose profile runs into 50 pages or more but they are not connected to the poorest of the poor. "We are dedicated to such people," he said. "Uttar Pradesh has elected us in 2014, 2017 and in 2019 and deserves to be lauded for this hat trick which is not a small feat," he added. Modi said that it was the BJP which had maximum belief in democracy. "When we are in power, the opposition comes alive. Tripura, for years, had no opposition but now that BJP is in power, the opposition is vibrant." He said that the BJP had two main difficulties - selective sensitivity and political untouchability. "BJP workers are being attacked. When I was the Gujarat Chief Minister and reached out to some people to promote tourism, I was attacked. This mentality is disturbing." The Prime Minister also thanked BJP President Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their contribution in ensuring the BJP's success in elections. --IANS amita/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China on Monday said it was firmly opposed to a meeting between the US and Taiwan security officials, asking Washington to stop any official contact with the self-governed island to avoid its ties with Beijing being hurt. Earlier this month, US National Security Adviser John Bolton met Taiwan's security chief David Lee, the first such meet between the two sides since 1979 when Washington severed its diplomatic ties with Taipei. "We firmly oppose any official contact between the US and Taiwan. This position remains unchanged," Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Lu Kang said here. "We again urge the US government to abide by the one-China principle and three joint communiques as well as stop any official contact and exchange between the two sides so as to avoid any influences on our bilateral ties and across the board important cooperation." China sees Taiwan as its breakaway part which needs to be reunited with the mainland one day even by resorting to force if necessary. Taiwan has been a self-ruled island since 1949 when the Nationalists fled China after losing to the Communists under Mao during the civil war. Even though the US cut off its diplomatic ties with Taiwan and established relations with China in 1979, it maintains informal with the democratic island. This irks Beijing and is one of the pesky issues in its ties with the US. The rare meet has come at a time when tempers between the US and China have frayed in their worsening trade war. --IANS gsh/soni/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Visiting Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan said the the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was rapidly expanding onto other sectors, while expressed the resolve that the two allies would continue to safeguard each other's interests. On the first day of his three-day trip to Pakistan, Wang on Sunday inaugurated a number of projects along with Prime Minister Imran Khan and the two leaders witnessed signing of several agreements, reports Dawn news. Soon after his arrival at Chaklala airbase, Wang spoke at a meeting of "Friends of Silk Road" hosted by the Pakistan-China Institute. Sharing his assessment of the progress on the CPEC and the recently launched second phase, the Chinese Vice President said: "CPEC has come a long way over the past five years... CPEC is rapidly extending to new priority areas including industrial parks and livelihoods. "CPEC will produce new outcomes and lend new impetus to economic and social development of Pakistan and economic integration of the region. "CPEC is a consensus that transcends political parties, regions and communities across Pakistan. It also enjoys the most extensive and strongest support in China." Recalling Pakistan's support for China at "critical moments",Wang said Beijing too had always supported Islamabad on its "core interests". "No matter how the international landscape changes, China and Pakistan will always stay iron brothers that trust and support each other," he told the gathering. Later on Sunday, President Arif Alvi conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the highest civil award of the country, on Vice President Wang to recognise his services in promoting Pakistan-China ties. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With Congress President Rahul Gandhi insisting that his offer of resignation be accepted in the wake of partys debacle in Lok Sabha elections, the Congress Working Committee is likely to meet again in the next four days to take stock of the situation and discuss the leadership issue. The Congress has been in a crisis over Rahul Gandhi's offer to step down with the CWC expected to discuss his possible successor if he does not relent from his stance of stepping down. The move to convene the CWC comes in the wake of a string of resignations by Congress state party chiefs who took moral responsibility of the party's performance in the Lok Sabha polls. It is learnt that Rahul Gandhi has conveyed that he has not changed his mind to quit. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi are also learnt to have come to terms with his view that there should be a change of guard though they have been of the view that the blame for defeat cannot be put on one person. Sources said the CWC, the party's top decision-making body, is also likely to look at the structural reforms needed by the party. There is also a view in the Congress that Gandhi is sending a clear message to the old guard by holding out because there should be full freedom in decision-making. Sources said Rahul Gandhi did not give appointment to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in an apparent snub to him. The Congress President was not keen on Gehlot seeking ticket for his son. Gandhi is also learnt to have declined other appointments including of newly-eleced MPs who wanted to see him. Various suggestions are floating about how to get over the present crisis and rejuvenate the party. There was a talk in the party circles about a presidium system, a presidium is a committee or a council that collectively administers alongside an individual president or in place of him and makes important decisions. During the day, Rahul Gandhi met party treasurer Ahmed Patel and general secretary K. C. Venugopal who are learnt too have persuaded him not to press for his exit from the post. However, Patel later said that he had gone to meet Gandhi for routine administrative work. "I had sought time before the CWC to meet the Congress President to discuss routine administrative work. The meeting today was in that context. All other speculation is incorrect and baseless," Patel said in a tweet. Gandhi had offered to resign taking moral responsibility for the party's defeat but the Congress Working Committee at its meeting on Saturday unanimously rejected the offer. Meanwhile, three more state party chiefs have tendered their resignations, taking the total number to six. Congress party chiefs of Jharkhand, Assam and Punjab have also resigned in addition to those from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha. Karanataka Pradesh Campaign Committee chairman H.K. Patil has also resigned. Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jhakar, who was the sitting MP from Gurdaspur, sent his resignation to Congress President Rahul Gandhi taking moral responsibility for losing to actor Sunny Deol from the seat. The Congress has generally done well in Punjab winning eight of 13 seats. Jharkhand Congress chief Ajoy Kumar has also tendered his resignation. The party won only one seat in the state where it had an alliance with the JMM, RJD and other parties. While the party won Singhbhum seat, it lost Khunti by only 1,445 votes and Lohardaga by 10,363 votes. The party's Assam unit chief Ripun Bora also wrote to Gandhi taking moral responsibility for the party not being able to increase its tally from its previous tally of three seats. He has said in his letter that Gandhi may choose to replace him. Maharashtra unit chief Ashok Chavan, Uttar Pradesh unit chief Raj Babbar, and Odisha Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik have already sent their resignations. Yogendra Misra, the district Congress chief in Amethi in Uttar Pradesh has also sent his resignation, owning moral responsibility for Rahul Gandhi's defeat from Amethi. --IANS aks-ps (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court on Monday asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file a reply on a plea by corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar, an accused in a money-laundering case, seeking interim bail on medical grounds. Justice Chander Shekhar also asked the jail authorities to file a medical report of Talwar and listed the matter for May 30 for further hearing. The court also directed the jail superintendent to provide necessary medical treatment to Talwar. Talwar has been accused by the ED of acting as a middleman in negotiations to favour foreign private airlines over seat-sharing on Air India's profitable routes. The ED is also probing various other cases related to money-laundering against Talwar, who was deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on January 30. Meanwhile, another division bench headed by Chief Justice Rajendra Menon asked Talwar's son Aditya to appear before the ED and satisfy it. The bench's direction came after it was informed that Aditya was a "fugitive". The court was hearing Wave Hospitality Ltd's plea challenging a notice related to provisional attachment of its hotel in Aerocity area. The ED told the court that Aditya Talwar is connected with Wave Hospitality and since he is a "fugitive" from law, the company's plea should not be heard. But the company said that Talwar was neither one of its directors nor a shareholder. On May 1, a trial court issued a Non Bailable Warrant (NBW) against Aditya Talwar in a case related to irregular seat-sharing on Air India's profitable routes after taking cognisance of the chargesheet filed by the ED. --IANS ak/kr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The key Indian equity indices opened on a flat note on Monday tracking a similar trend in the major Asian markets. The ongoing trade concerns between the US and China weigh continues to weigh on the investor sentiments globally, analysts said. At 9.20 a.m., the BSE Sensex traded at 39,467.30, higher by 32.58 points or 0.08 per cent from the previous close of 39,434.72 points. It had opened at 39,536.23 and so far touched an intra-day high of 39,538 and a low of 39,353.16 points. The Nifty50 on the National Stock Exchange traded at 11,838.15, lower by 5.95 points or 0.05 per cent from the previous close of 11,844.10 points. --IANS rrb/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The big centre-right and centre-left blocs in the European Parliament have lost their combined majority amid an increase in support for liberals, the Greens and nationalists in Sundays European Parliamentary elections, the media reported on Monday. The European Parliament helps shape the European Union (EU) legislation and the results will play a big part in who gets the key jobs in the European Commission, the Union's executive, the BBC reported. According to early exit polls, the centre-right European People's Party (EPP) remained the largest bloc, and is expected to form a pro-European Union (EU) coalition. Analysts have said that the EPP was likely to form a "grand coalition" with the Socialists and Democrats bloc, with support from liberals and the Greens. The EPP was projected to win 179 seats, down from the 216 in 2014. The Socialists and Democrats looked set to drop to 150 seats from 191. The Liberals and Greens also received big gains, while nationalists were set for victory in Italy and France. There were major successes for the Greens, with exit polls suggesting the group would jump from 50 to around 67 MEPs. Populists gained ground in some countries but fell short of the very significant gains some had predicted. The turnout on Sunday bucked a long trend of decline in voter numbers, rising to just under 51 per cent of eligible voters across the 28 member states. In the UK, the newly-formed Brexit Party claimed a big victory, and a strong performance by the Liberal Democrats came amid massive losses for the Conservatives and Labour. Pro-EU parties are still expected to hold a majority of seats however, largely due to gains made by the liberal ALDE bloc, and particularly a decision taken by the party of French President Emmanuel Macron to join the group, the BBC said. His Renaissance alliance was defeated by the far-right National Rally of Marine Le Pen. In Germany, both major centrist parties suffered. Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats dropped from 35 per cent of the vote in 2014 to 28 per cent, while the centre-left Social Democratic Union fell from 27 per cent to 15.5 per cent. The right-wing populist Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) performed worse than expected - projected in exit polls to win 10.5 per cent - while still improving on its first results in 2014. In Hungary, Viktor Orban, whose anti-immigration Fidesz party with 52 per cent of the vote and 13 of the country's 21 seats, was also a big winner. In Spain, the ruling Socialist party (PSOE) took a clear lead with 32.8 per cent of the vote and 20 seats, while the far-right Vox party won just 6.2 per cent and three seats - coming in fifth. In Greece. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called for an early election after the opposition conservative New Democracy party won 33.5 per cent of the votes to 20% for his Syriza party. The European Parliament is the European Union's law-making body. It is made up of 751 members, called MEPs, who are directly elected by EU voters every five years. These MEPs - who sit in both Brussels and Strasbourg - represent the interests of citizens from the EU's 28 member states. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a sudden and surprising development for the chess players and a set back for the All India Chess Federation (AICF), the global chess body FIDE on Monday announced the restoration of Elo ratings of dozens of Indian players in their records. "Nearly a decade ago, FIDE, at the behest of the All India Chess Federation (AICF), removed the Elo ratings of dozens of players and expunged their names from the records. Today we are delighted to welcome back all those players with immediate effect," Arkady Dvorkovich, President said in a statement. "This is a big news not only for affected players but for all the Indian chess players. It is a big slap on the face of AICF and its officials who had destroyed the chess careers of many players," Gurpreet Pal Singh one of the players banned by AICF years ago told IANS. "The AICF officials who were instrumental in banning us and removing our Elo ratings and who still continue in AICF should immediately resign owing moral responsibility for spoiling the sporting future of dozens of players," Karun Dugal, another banned player, told IANS. However, the FIDE statement is silent on the procedure to be followed for reinduction by the dozens of players who were banned by the AICF. --IANS vj/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Newly-elected MP Justice (Retired) Hasnain Masoodi of the National Conference (NC) on Monday asked the Jammu and Kashmir authorities to release all the youths arrested during pro-Zakir Musa protests. Scores of youths were arrested during protests after the chief commander of Ansar Ghazwatul Hind, Zakir Musa, was killed in a gunfight in Dadsara village of Tral area. Addressing NC workers in Anantnag town, Masoodi said: "We demand immediate release of the youths without any blemish on their career so that they can rejoin the educational institutions." The NC winner from Anantnag alleged that hundreds, many juvenile, were arrested and locked up on mere suspicion by police after Musa's killing. Masoodi said that the parents of the arrested youths go to police stations in large numbers every day seeking the release of their children. He cautioned the authorities that such high handedness could push the disgruntled youths towards militancy. "Police should have by now learnt from their previous mistakes," Masoodi said. In the Lok Sabha elections, Masoodi defeated former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and state Congress chief Ghulam Hassan Mir. --IANS sq/pg/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 26, 2019 | 09:57 AM | MAYFIELD A man facing multiple alcohol-related offenses was sentenced last week to five years in prison. In the early morning hours of Nov. 19, 2016, Ronnie Triplet was pulled over by Kentucky State Police on Highway 94 in Lynnville. Triplet was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration above 0.08, 4th offense, driving on a DUI-suspended license, failure of owner to maintain required insurance, possession of an open alcohol container in a motor vehicle, no/expired registration plates and speeding. Triplet pleaded not guilty. Triplet's jury trial was held in Graves Circuit Court on Thursday. After learning this was Triplets fourth DUI, the jury promptly returned a maximum sentence of five years. Triplet also received a $250 fine for driving on a DUI-suspended license, $500 fine for failure to maintain insurance, $100 fine for possession of an open alcohol container in a motor vehicle, a $100 fine for no/expired registration, and a $20 fine for speeding. Our office takes repeated DUIs very seriously, Graves Commonwealths Attorney Richie Kemp said. Hopefully this conviction and maximum penalty will deter others from drinking and driving. The French police on Monday detained two suspects involved in an explosion in Lyon city at the weekend. At least 13 people were injured in the home-made bomb blast on Friday. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner confirmed the first arrest on Monday in a Twitter message, saying: "Package bomb in Lyon: A suspect has been arrested." Identified as a 24-year-old student in an engineering school, the suspect was detained while he was getting off a bus in central Lyon, the city Mayor and former Interior Minister Greard Collomb told news channel BFMTV. Later, a second suspect was also arrested. --IANS soni/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Internet names and registrations management major GoDaddy on Monday said it launched a new Internet solution for small business owners and entrepreneurs in India that can allow them to go online with an investment of less than Rs 3 per day. The new solution, Online Starter Bundle, comes with a choice of domain extensions between .in and co.in for businesses. "Our aim is to help ensure more online adoption among Indian businesses, by giving them easy-to-use and affordable products to turn their dreams into reality online," Nikhil Arora, Vice President and Managing Director, GoDaddy India, said in a statement. The Online Starter Bundle solution which promises a seamless experience across phone and desktop offers a starter one-page website, along with an email account, enabling people to easily bring their ventures online. GoDaddy offers an integrated suite of products for small business owners and entrepreneurs, ranging from domain names, hosting, website building, to email marketing, security protections and an online store. --IANS gb/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Patidar agitation spearhead and Congress leader Hardik Patel was on Monday detained by police soon after he drove into Surat to hold a protest at the site of the devastating fire on Friday that claimed 22 young lives. Patel had threatened to undertake a hunger strike at the site of the fire in the city's Sarthana area if the Gujarat government did not take action against the Surat mayor and other fire department officials over the tragedy that occurred in the Takshashila Arcade building. The Congress had sought police permission to hold the protest but it was denied. Surat Police Commissioner Satish Sharma told reporters that despite denial of permission he was on his way to the fire site. Sharma added: "The permission could not be given, also because he was attacked by a member of his rival group when he visited the site yesterday (Sunday) and it was a question of his protection. And then, we cannot allow him to visit the area everyday." Patel was later released. Meanwhile, a senior member of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) of Surat Dharmik Malaviya said he was detained from Kamrej highway at the entry point to Surat when he was on his way to the house of reservation agitation leader Alpesh Kathiriya, who is currently in jail in a sedition case. --IANS desai/kr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court on Monday asked Reserve Bank of India to file response on a plea challenging PayTM Post Paid wallet operation stating that it is illegal and unauthorized. A Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Rajendra Menon asked RBI and PayTM payment banks to file reply on the plea and listed the matter for September 3 for further hearing. The court was hearing a PIL filed by economist Abhijit Mishra through advocate Payal Bahl. In his plea, Mishra said that PayTM Post Paid Wallet operations is illegal as credit and lending activity by the wallet is not authorized under the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India's Guidelines for Licensing of payments banks. "PayTM Payments Bank Limited has not informed or notified the banking regulator about its operations of the post paid wallet, which is against the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India's operating guidelines for payments bank," the plea said. The PIL also said that PayTM Payments Bank is "deceitfully sharing the personal information of the customers to the third party (Clix Finance India Private Limited) which is a clear violation of privacy of the citizens". The plea sought directions to the RBI to take appropriate punitive action against the PayTM Payments Bank Limited under the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act and to absolve all the customers who are in default of their debt of the credit payments to the PayTM Post Paid wallet. --IANS ak/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court on Monday asked Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, to file a reply on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) plea seeking to cancel his bail in a money laundering case. Justice Chander Shekhar issued a notice to Vadra and his close associate Manoj Arora listing the matter for July 17. The ED has pressed for Vadra's custodial interrogation, saying that he was not co-operating with the investigation. He was granted anticipatory bail by a trial court on April 1 on the condition that he would not leave the country without permission and join the investigation whenever needed. The ED, in its plea submitted in the High Court, challenged the trial court order and said that protection to Vadra would be detrimental in carrying out a free investigation in the case. The case relates to ownership of 1.9 million pounds of overseas assets by Vadra. It pertains to undisclosed foreign assets and entities meant to evade tax. The ED told the High Court that Vadra's questioning was required to unearth the entire source of credit used for the purchase of properties, ascertaining transactions and money laundering. "Because it is trite to say that the anticipatory bail, to some extent, intrudes in the sphere of investigation of crime and that the courts must be cautious and circumspect in exercising such powers of discriminatory nature," the ED said in its plea. "It is for the same reason that the relevant factors for grant of anticipatory bail are materially different from the grant of regular bail... The special judge has passed the impugned order by ignoring the material on record." The probe agency also said that Vadra's questioning would help it ascertain the role of other key accused persons involved in the commission of offence and their modus operandi. "Ascertaining the exact source of the tainted money and the end use of such funds involved in the case," the plea read and added: "Confronting him (Vadra) with the voluminous incriminating material for bringing the investigation to a logical conclusion." The ED noted that there were chances that Vadra may tamper with evidence and influence witnesses in the case, as he was an influential person. It said that in spite of being given several opportunities to come clean about his alleged role in the case, Vadra has remained evasive and has maliciously claimed himself to be a victim of political vendetta and that he had made all possible attempts to sensationalise the case. --IANS ak/rtp (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) State-run Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) on Monday said it has set a target to produce 51.5 lakh tonnes of copper ore during the current fiscal, which would be 25 per cent higher than last financial year's achievement of 41.22 lakh tonnes. The Miniratna company is also planning to spend Rs 600 crore on capital expenditure in 2019-20. "For the financial year 2019-20, target of copper ore production is 51.5 lakh tonne which is 25 per cent higher than the last year's achievement of 41.22 lakh tonne," the company said in a statement here. The target of copper ore production is "in line with the HCL's production ramp-up plan to 200 lakh tonne". "The target for revenue from operations has been set at Rs 2,000 crore and capex (capital expenditure) at Rs 600 crore to be spent mainly for mine expansion projects of the company," it said. The miner on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Union Ministry of Mines, outlining the performance targets for fiscal 2019-20. During 2018-19, the metal-in-concentrate (MIC) production of the only vertically integrated copper miner in India was at about 32,439 tonnes, which was the best in last 16 years. The ore production of HCL's flagship unit, Malanjkhand Copper Project, was at an all-time high of about 25.42 lakh tonnes during the last fiscal. Total copper sales volume during the last fiscal was at around 38,321 tonnes, which was the highest in last nine years. --IANS bdc/bc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New York-based Nepalese designer Prabal Gurung has denied rumours about having a "romantic relationship" with Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar. A photograph of the two, now deleted by the designer, took social media in a tizzy on Sunday. Gurung has now released a statement on Twitter clarifying that Karan is just his "dearest friend". He wrote: "Can we have some humour and levity please. I feel very saddened and disappointed to need to say this, but to officially set the record straight: I am not in a romantic relationship with Karan Johar," he wrote in the post. The designer said his Instgram post of Karan and him was done with "humour and my absolute love of Bollywood, it's melodramatic flair and the one and only Madhubala". "It has subsequently been misconstrued as Karan an me being in a relationship. Karan is one of my dearest friends." He added that he turns to Karan, whom he described as his mentor, guru, confidante and a big brother, at the time of need. "We've seen each other through our respective highs and lows. Karan is someone I deeply admire and respect . Not only has he been there for me, he's been there for my family as well. I admire his wit, compassion, and his empathy for this world," he added. Gurung wrote that he loves Karan but only as a friend. "These reasons and many, many more is why I love Karan. But as a friend, as a big brother , as someone who I can always count on. To misconstrue my deep love for Karan as a romantic relationship is immature, unfounded and frankly very damaging in the 21st century - In this time of incredible divisiveness and othering that is happening all over the world." The designer clarified that he was in a romantic relationship but not with Karan. "I have been in a happy romantic relationship for over five years - with someone else -- not Karan. There is not just one kind of love, one definition of love." Gurung said that as a "global society, we need to expand the horizon and definition of love. I feel that each and every one of us need to love whoever we want, however we want to love them -- unabashedly, openly and proudly." --IANS dc/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Twenty years after Pakistan had downed an Indian Air Force plane and later killed Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa on Monday flew the 'missing man' formation near Punjab's Bathinda town a tribute to the fallen Kargil heroes. The 'missing man' flypast is an aerial salute to honour the fallen comrades-in-arms. The Indian Air Force chief was then commanding the Golden Arrows Squadron based in Srinagar and Squadron Leader Ahuja was the Flight Commander. Ahuja was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously for his gallantry during the Kargil conflict. The formation flying was carried out at the Bhisiana air base on the outskirts of Bathinda in which Air Marshal R. Nambiar also took part. On May 27, 1999, Squadron Leader Ahuja, who parachuted on ground, was tortured to death by Pakistani troops. --IANS vg/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After expressing his anger over party leaders giving preference to their families instead of the party, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday refused to meet Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot here. According to party sources, Gandhi had given an appointment to Gehlot for a meeting at his residence at 11 a.m. on Monday. "But he declined to meet him and asked him to meet General Secretary K.C. Venugopal," a source said. The sources said that Gehlot then met Venugopal and party leader Ahmed Patel. The snub from the Congress President comes two days after Rahul Gandhi did not spare even senior leaders of the party for the Congress debacle in the Lok Sabha elections. The Congress won a total of 52 Lok Sabha seats, winning none in Rajasthan and just one in Madhya Pradesh. Gandhi is believed to have said that Congress Chief Ministers Ashok Gehlot and Kamal Nath were eager to give ticket to their sons although the party President was not very keen on the idea as he felt that they had a bigger role to play in campaigning. While Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's son Nakul Nath won from Chhindwara, Gehlot's son Vaibhav Gehlot tasted defeat in Jodhpur. Gandhi reportedly said that Ashok Gehlot campaigned in Jodhpur for a week, ignoring the other tasks of the party. --IANS aks/mr/pg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian and Bangladeshi officials on Monday jointly resolved to curb drugs smuggling, human trafficking and other cross-border crimes. The decision was taken at the India-Bangladesh District Magistrate-Deputy Commissioner level meeting held here. "The District Magistrates-Deputy Commissioners of the six bordering districts of India and Bangladesh unanimously have decided to take joint action to curb drug menace, human trafficking, terror activities, infiltration and illegal cross border movement," North Tripura District Magistrate C.K. Jamatia, who led the Indian delegation, told the media. He said that other issues including border fencing, maintenance of border pillars, joint patrolling of the Border Security Force and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) and setting up of more "border haats" (markets) were also discussed. The Deputy Commissioner of Bangladesh's Moulvibazar district, Mohammad Tofael Islam, who led his country's 22-member delegation, said: "With the next three to four months, two more 'border haats' would be set up along the India-Bangladesh borders." Drugs, specially the "Yaba tablets" (a powerful stimulant) smuggled from Myanmar, were being seized regularly both in India and Bangladesh, Islam added. In the border haats, vendors from India and Bangladesh are allowed to sell local produce without any duty or tax. To improve the livelihood of people on the border, the two countries (since 2011) have set up two haats in Tripura and two in Meghalaya. BGB's senior official Lt Col Mohiuddin said that to strengthen the border security and further intensify vigil along the frontiers, more than 20 Border Out Posts (BOPs) were set up along Bangladesh's borders with Tripura and Mizoram. Tripura, surrounded by Bangladesh from three sides, shares a 856-km border with the country. All of this, except a nearly 20-km-stretch, is fenced. --IANS sc/ksk/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 26, 2019 | 11:40 AM | GRAVES COUNTY A truck reported stolen from a home in Graves County was recovered in North Carolina, leaving two people facing charges. According to the Graves County Sheriff's Office, a red 2001 Chevrolet pickup truck was stolen from the driveway of a home on Dublin Hill Road last week. Deputies said they believed a woman by the name of Heather Wilson of Graves County was in possession of the truck. Wilson was arrested around 7:30 Friday night in Henderson County, North Carolina along with Dalton Crouch, also of Graves County. According to the Henderson County (North Carolina) Sheriff's Office, a license plate recognition system alerted a deputy to the stolen truck, which had been spray painted black. The deputy initiated a traffic stop and Crouch failed to stop and sped away. After about a two-mile vehicle pursuit, Crouch stopped. Crouch was taken into custody, but Wilson fled on foot. She was found a short time later at a local hotel in Hendersonville. Police say they found an empty can of black spray paint in the truck and Crouch still had black paint on his index finger. Wilson and Crouch face numerous North Carolina charges, and Wilson is being held on Graves County charges as well. Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) President John Bailey praised India's cinema culture when he attended the 56th Maharashtra State Film Awards here as chief guest. "Thank you Mumbai. This has been an extraordinary experience. We're so touched, our hearts are so full. Congratulations on your wonderful cinema culture. We have experienced a small bit of it," Bailey said at the event here on Sunday. The Maharashtra State Film Awards ceremony was also attended by Paresh Rawal, Nagraj Manjule, Subodh Bhave and Kay Kay Menon. Bailey, who is in India with his wife Carol Littleton, further said he was looking forward to learn more about Marathi cinema. "This has been just extraordinary. We will always remember this, and we will tell all the Governors back at the (Oscar) Academy what a wonderful experience this has been," he added. Veteran actor Paresh Rawal, who was feted with the Raj Kapoor Award at the gala, said this kind of cultural interaction was a big event for the entire film industry. "I am very thrilled. It is a big event for us... for all of us, the entire film industry. I hope he (Bailey) picks up some good films... good Marathi films. I really congratulate all of them and wish them good luck." --IANS iv/rb/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After the crushing defeat of the Congress in the Madhya Pradesh Lok Sabha polls, Chief Minister Kamal Nath has worked out a plan to combat the BJP according to which every state minister will handle complaints and issues of five MLAs each to counter any dissatisfaction among the legislators, party sources said. Nath had called a meeting of all MLAs on Sunday night where he advised them to stay united and told ministers to speedily resolve all issues. The Chief Minister will personally be in touch with all independents and SP and BSP MLAs, sources said. The move is aimed at curbing dissidence and providing an advance warning to the government in case of any political threats. Minister Sukhdev Panse did not confirm the decision, but said the legislators' issues will be resolved speedily. Home Minister Bala Bachchan said each MLA is like a minister or chief minister of his or her area, so development in their areas should take place in a time-bound manner. Sources said Congress legislators put up a show of unity in the meeting in light of the party's recent dismal show in the polls. Nath also admitted the party could not convey its agenda and policies to the people. "We were not able to take our message and agenda to the people whereas the BJP was able to sway the people with emotional issues," he said. Nath denied reports of any danger to his government. --IANS hindi/kr/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Leader of the Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Gopal Bhargav on Monday raised doubts over the political future of the Kamal Nath government in the state and said it was unlikely that it would continue beyond a month. "The Congress has been routed in the Lok Sabha elections in the state. We are not sure if this government would even be able to complete a month after this. The BJP would not try and destablise the Kamal Nath government in the state because Congress leaders would do that on their own," Bhargav told reporters here. Last week, Bhargav had written a letter to Governor Anandiben Patel requesting her to convene a special session of the state Assembly and have a floor test of the Kamal Nath government. When the Chief Minister blamed the BJP of trying to poach his legislators, Bhargav told reporters: "I don't believe in horse-trading but this government will fall on its own. I feel its time has come and it will have to go soon." Congress is down from three to just one seat out of the 29 parliamentary seats in the state after the just concluded general elections. --IANS hindi/rtp (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Officials from India and Pakistan on Monday met at the Zero Line along the international border in Punjab's Dera Baba Nanak sector and discussed the technical aspects to link Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district with Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur. Official sources said officers from the two sides discussed the road alignment of around 5-km-long Kartarpur Corridor. Out of this, nearly 4.5 km will fall in Pakistan's territory. Indian officials who participated in the meeting included those from the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, National Highways Authority of India and the Land Ports Authority of India. This was the third meeting and the last one held on April 16 focused largely on security aspect of the corridor. Officials say the security is important as the corridor is expected to cater to daily movement of hundreds of pilgrims from India who will be visiting the Sikh shrine inside Pakistan under a visa-free arrangement. The corridor is expected to be completed before November this year to enable pilgrims to travel to the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in November. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has been demanding visa-free "khula darshan" at the gurdwara for Indians of all faiths, from India and overseas, all days of the week. The Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara in Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab province, located 4.5 km from the border near the Dera Baba Nanak town in Punjab's Gurdaspur district, is significant for the Sikh community as it is here that Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev spent 18 years of his life and is his final resting place. The governments of India and Pakistan are trying to facilitate the travel of pilgrims to offer prayers at the gurdwara, a demand made by the Sikhs for over 70 years. Dera Baba Nanak town is around 260 km from the state capital. --IANS vg/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao along with his family members offered prayers at Lord Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala here on Monday. Chandrashekhar Rao, his wife Shobha Rao and other family members worshipped and participated in various rituals conducted by temple priests. KCR, as Rao is popularly known, and his family members had reached Tirupati in a special aircraft on Sunday evening. After the night halt at Tirumala, they offered prayers. Officials of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the affairs of the hill shrine, welcomed the Telangana Chief Minister. The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief prayed at the famous temple for the first time after assuming office as the Chief Minister for the second term in December last year. Interestingly KCR's visit to the temple in Andhra Pradesh came close on the heels of his bete noire N. Chandrababu Naidu losing power in the state. YSR Congress Party of Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, with whom TRS has friendly ties, stormed to power with a landslide victory on Thursday. Though KCR's party bagged maximum number of Lok Sabha seats (9) in Telangana, the results were disappointing for the party as the BJP made huge inroads winning 4 seats. Congress won 3 seats and TRS ally All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) one. KCR's daughter K. Kavitha was defeated in Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency and his plans for Federal Front to form a non-BJP and non-Congress government at the Centre were foiled by BJP's massive victory in the polls. Jagan Mohan Reddy had called on KCR in Hyderabad on Saturday to invite him to attend his swearing-in as the Chief Minister at Vijayawada on May 30. KCR will attend the swearing-in and also pray at Kanakadurga temple in Vijayawada. --IANS ms/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) on Monday admitted that the Left had suffered "a severe setback" in the Lok Sabha battle and said the BJP's sweeping victory posed "big challenges ahead for the Indian people and our country". Admitting that the BJP-led NDA had secured an overwhelming and decisive mandate in the elections, a CPI-M statement said: "The CPI-M and the Left have suffered a severe setback in these elections, particularly in their strongholds." It said the electoral base of the CPI-M saw a big erosion and added that the politburo discussed some of the issues that led to this state of affairs. "The BJP could successfully shift the popular narrative away from the multitude of livelihood issues that the last five years of the NDA government had imposed," the CPI-M said. "The narrative built around communal nationalist jingoism, along with the issues of fighting terrorism, brushed aside all other issues of day-to-day concerns of the people. "This was aided by the build-up of the Modi persona through a combination of factors. These included the effective use of technology and its instruments of messaging to the people backed by big data analytics and micro level social engineering. "Sections of the media partnered such projection backed by massive money power. The role of the Election Commission was also a factor that permitted the build-up of such a narrative. This process was assisted by the vast network of RSS-affiliated organisations." Only three CPI-M candidates were elected to the Lok Sabha: one from Kerala and two from Tamil Nadu. The statement said that soon after the results were declared, reports of attacks on minorities from Haryana and Madhya Pradesh had been reported. "This is contrary to the PM-elect Narendra Modi's declaration that the new government will be inclusive and will create confidence among all sections of the people... "Clearly, there are big challenges ahead for the Indian people and our country." --IANS mr/pg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath has earned a "fresh mandate" as the leader of the state's ruling combine by playing the victim card. He tossed up the question of government's stability at the first meeting of the combined Legislature Party of Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajwadi Party (SP) and independent MLAs on Sunday. This was the first meeting of the state's ruling alliance partners since the Congress' disastrous performance in the Lok Sabha elections and was attended by former Chief Minister Digvijay Singh, former State Congress Committee chief Suresh Pachauri, state in-charge Deepak Bavaria and newly elected MP from Chhindwara Nakul Nath. Kamal Nath referred to Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) barbs like the 'minority government' and 'lame-duck dispensation' and said: "You elected me leader of the Legislature Party, made me the Chief Minister, now you have to decide whether I should quit or stay on." The purpose was served as all the MLAs expressed trust in the Chief Minister and offered to prove their support through a floor test during the Assembly session. "We are also ready to be paraded before the Governor," they said in unison. While the non-Congress MLAs assured the Chief Minister that their support was unequivocal and his government would complete its full term, Congress legislators Arif Masood, Hardeep Singh Dung and Kunal Chaudhary asked him to accept the BJP's floor test challenge. Some Congress MLAs also did some plain speaking to drive home vital points. Bisahulal Singh said: "More than 30 legislators in the ruling combine are from Scheduled Tribes and the government draws considerable strength from them. Yet they were not given due attention in the Cabinet-formation." Hardeep Singh Dung said the bureaucrats do not respect the legislators. "They must be upbraided for this," he added. Some legislators also talked of the losses caused due to the induction of some BJP rebels in the Congress in Gwalior-Chambal areas. The Chief Minister offered to hold a separate meeting to discuss the issues. One of the ministers demanded investigations in past scams. The other ministers also suggested that investigations into scams in the last 15 years should be expedited. The state government has already ordered investigations into the e-tender scandal, Makhanlal Journalism University irregularities and corruption during the Simhastha fair at Ujjain and recruitment and examination scams through Vyapam. Kamal Nath also cautioned the legislators against a misinformation campaign by the rival party, but also to the machinations of some faction leaders. "Audios and videos based on fallacious information are being circulated in the social media. Be careful of these and alert others to guard against misinformation," he told the meeting. He also referred to the fissures within the Congress. "Congress workers often work for faction leaders, instead of the party," he said. Accusations are flying thick and fast about who let down whom. State unit treasurer Govind Goyal, a known supporter of Digvijaya Singh, targeted Kamal Nath, on the social media for not sparing enough time for organisational activity. Goyal also questioned the decision to field Digvijay Singh from Bhopal, instead of Rajgarh. Congress leaders also fail to explain the mystery behind massive margins of defeat of some party stalwarts. Kamal Nath, who claimed the party would romp home with 22 seats, has not come up with any explanation for the disastrous show. Congress had three seats out of the 29 from the state in the outgoing Parliament. It has ended up with just one seat -- Chhindwara represented by Kamal Nath's son Nakul Nath. However, his 37,000 votes victory margin is an apology to Kamal Nath's 1,16,537 vote margin win in the 2014 polls. Nakul Nath has also been rejected by the rural voters. The Congress candidates lost 15 seats by more than three lakh votes. Three candidates lost by more than five lakh, while only two candidates contained the margin to less than one lakh votes. The overall gap between the Congress and the BJP was more than 87 lakh votes. Most Congress ministers failed to boost voting in their Assembly segments during the Lok Sabha elections. Not just that, in a matter of six months, the ruling party has forfeited its Assembly polls advantage. So even if Digvijaya Singh had contested from his home town of Rajgarh, the picture would be no different. The Congress was ahead by over 47,000 votes in Raghogarh and Khilchipur Assembly constituencies, represented by his son Jayvardhan Singh and nephew Priyavrat Singh. The party trailed by over 43,000 in these segments during the Lok Sabha elections. --IANS naidu/rtp (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Civility seems to be on the wane not only in public places, but also in flights. In a latest case of sexual offence against woman, a 24-year-old man from Kerala flying from Jeddah to New Delhi unzipped his pants on being stopped by a lady cabin staff from lighting a cigarette. The man has been identified as Abdul Shahid Shamsudeen, a resident of Kottayam in Kerala. The accused was on board a Saudi Airlines flight when the incident took place. According to airport sources in Delhi, Shamsudeen first verbally abused the woman crew member and refused to stop from lighting a cigarette. "The man created a ruckus. When the woman cabin staff called her colleagues for assistance, the man allegedly unzipped his pants and made obscene gestures," a source said. After the flight landed in Delhi, the crew members reported the incident to the airport operations control centre following which the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel were informed. The security personnel then detained the accused and took him to the IGI Airport police station. He was handed over to the Delhi Police for further legal action. The accused has been booked under Sections 354 (molestation) and 509 (using word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). --IANS nk/sn/arm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Democratic presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar told a crowd of voters that late Arizona Senator John McCain "kept reciting" the names of dictators to her during President Donald Trump's inauguration speech in January 2017. "John McCain kept reciting to me names of dictators during that speech," CNN quoted the Minnesota Senator as saying on Saturday at a campaign event in Iowa. "Because he knew more than any of what we were facing as a nation, he understood it... He knew because he knew this man more than any of us did." Trump and McCain, the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, were frequently at odds over the former's approach to campaigning and eventually, his performance as President. In 2015, Trump attacked McCain, who had been held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, as "not a war hero" and again criticised McCain after he died of brain cancer in August 2018. "I was never a fan of John McCain and I will never be," Trump said earlier this year. In one of his final public statements in July 2018, McCain blasted Trump's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "tragic mistake". On Saturday, Klobuchar, who has previously touted her relationship with McCain while on the campaign trail, said an "arch of justice" started after Trump's "dark inauguration", CNN reported on Sunday. "The path that we are on did not just start today. It didn't just start with the 2020 debates," she said. "The arch that we are on, this arch of justice started that day after that dark inauguration." --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister in-waiting Narendra Modi on Monday arrived here in his parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh to thank the people for reposing their faith in him and offer prayers at the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple. Modi was scheduled to address a gathering of workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during this first visit to his constituency after he won the Lok Sabha elections by a huge margin of 4.79 lakh votes. He was expected to travel by road from the police lines to Bansphatak. His cavalcade would pass through various parts of the city. Following his temple visit at Kashi Vishwanath and Kal Bhairav, he would address a gathering of workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Pundit Deen Dayal Hastakala Academy, said Manish Dixit state in-charge of BJP. The programme was expected to last four hours. On Sunday, Modi was in Gujarat to meet his mother Heeraben. He sought her blessings after leading the BJP to a massive victory in the Lok Sabha polls. Modi is likely to take oath on May 30. --IANS hindi-in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The death toll in a boat accident in southwest China's Guizhou Province Thursday has risen to 13 after rescuers recovered all the bodies over the weekend, local authorities said Monday. Rescuers search for survivors after a boat accident in Guizhou Province. [File photo: CCTV] The Zhenfeng county government said that there were 29 people on board, when the boat capsized at 6:30 p.m. Thursday on the Beipan River. Sixteen of them were rescued. The owner of the boat, who is among the survivors, has been held by police. The case is still under investigation. The boat is for agricultural use. The provincial government on Friday ordered a thorough check on water traffic safety in the province. The inspection focused on passenger-intensive routes, ferries, ports, docks and water-related tourist attractions. Get AfricaFocus Bulletin by e-mail! Format for print or mobile Africa/Global: World Bank Ramps Up Attack on Small Farmers AfricaFocus Bulletin May 27, 2019 (190527) (Reposted from sources cited below) Editor's Note Enabling the Business of Agriculture, promoted by the World Bank, and now enhanced with a new sub-indicator on land policy, is presented as a way to advance agricultural development, particularly in Africa. In reality, notes a new report from the Oakland Institute, it gives an additional push to a land rush by mostly foreign corporate interests. This trend, notes Harvard land tenure scholar Pauline Peters, marks the most radical shift in the distribution and tenure status of land since colonial times. Peters reviews the literature on the politics of the land rush across Africa in a November 2018 article in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics. Both Peters and the Oakland Institute highlight the fact that land appropriation, although not new, has accelerated rapidly in the decade since the financial crisis of 2008. The Oakland Institute, which has conducted a wide range of case studies on the topic in recent years, focuses in its latest report on the impact of World Bank indicators that in effect privilege large corporate interests and well-connected political elites, while disregarding the interests of small farmers and other land users whose title to land is under customary rules. In particular, the World Bank is pushing the titling of land, followed by a free-market frenzy, as the path to agricultural development. In this, it is allied with other key donors, particularly USAID, DFID, and the Gates Foundation, who share this vision of corporate-dominated agriculture. The World Banks annual land and poverty conference (http://tinyurl.com/y69sxy6n), which most recently gathered some 1,500 participants in March 2019, provided little or no space for dissent or debate on this dominant model. The conference agenda was filled with sessions on big data and drone mapping of land tenure. But farmers organizations, advocacy groups, or critical scholars were conspicuously absent, and the issue of displacement of small farmers entirely missing or very well-hidden. This AfricaFocus Bulletin contains six short talking points extracted from the summary of the article by Dr. Peters. This is followed by excerpts from the Oakland Institute report: The Highest Bidder Takes It All. For an archive of 56 previous AfricaFocus Bulletins on agriculture and related issues, beginning in 2003, visit http://www.africafocus.org/intro-ag.php ++++++++++++++++++++++end editor's note+++++++++++++++++ Land Grabs: The Politics of the Land Rush Across Africa by Pauline Peters Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics, November 2018. http://tinyurl.com/y24lhv5p [The summary from which these talking points is taken is openly available at the link above, with a link to the full report, which is available only to subscribers of the Oxford Encyclopedia of Politics. To contact the author, write to pauline.peters1@gmail.com.] The search for land, always watered land, by foreign agents is driven by concerns about rising food and oil prices, and most of the acquired land is put under food crops, biofuels, and flex crops [crops with multiple uses]. The promises of profits from the exceedingly low price of land across Africa, as well as the rising demand for the mentioned crops, have also attracted speculation by private equity funds. The increase in acquisition of land by international agents, not only for cultivation but for minerals, oil, timber, and so forth, exacerbates the accelerating demand for land within African countries by nationals such as salaried, middle-class people and politicians acquiring land for cultivation and for an investment fast increasing in value. The millions of small-scale users of largely customary land, which is denied the legal status of property, struggle to derive a livelihood from their smallholdings and access to dwindling and increasingly enclosed common land, including grazing and watering areas. Both macro-data and field studies show that most of the foreign acquired land is used for large-scale plantations, some of which include contract farming and outgrower schemes. Research on these large-scale projects has shown, however, that most fail to attain the projected aims of providing benefits to the countries and people from which they acquired the land. The failure to benefit the millions of small- to medium-scale users of land, despite the rhetoric of land investors, major donors such as the finance arms of the World Bank Group, and governments facilitating the deals, has emerged as a key problem in light of deepening poverty, and a dearth of sufficient employment to absorb the young population, let alone people exiting from the land. The Highest Bidder Takes It All : The World Banks Scheme to Privatize the Commons The Oakland Institute http://www.oaklandinstitute.org direct URL: http://tinyurl.com/y32agllx This report was authored by Frederic Mousseau with research assistance provided by Flora Sonkin and editorial support by Anuradha Mittal and Elizabeth Fraser. Executive Summary In 2013, the World Bank launched the Enabling the Business of Agriculture (EBA) project, aimed at guiding pro-business reforms in the agriculture sector. It was initially commissioned to support the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition, an initiative launched by the G8 to promote private sector-led agricultural development in Africa. The EBA scores countries on the ease of doing business in agriculture. It measures the legal barriers for agribusinesses and prescribes reforms across 12 topic areas, such as seeds, fertilizers, trade, and machinery. It then promotes policy reforms to remove these barriers and support agribusiness. Under the World Banks guidance, governments should, for instance, loosen regulations on seeds and phytosanitary products (fertilizers and pesticides). The latest EBA report, published in 2017, introduced a new indicator: land. This new indicator comes as large-scale land acquisitions in the developing world have intensified over the past ten years. In most instances, they have involved forced evictions, widespread human rights violations, environmental degradation, increased food insecurity, and the destruction of livelihoods. But these land grabs have also been met with massive resistance by millions of farmers, pastoralists, and Indigenous Peoples who oppose the takeover of their ancestral land. Many have been successful in delaying, disrupting, or stopping the establishment of plantations. The land targeted by so-called investors is often used by local people who might not have property titles. Legally, it is typically either public or state land and/or land on which local communities claim customary rights. This issue is recognized by the World Bank, which has reached the conclusion that undocumented [land] rights pose challenges and risks to investors. This may explain why the Bank, supported by the US and UK governments and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation all strong proponents of the corporatization of agriculture has used the EBA to embark upon a new, unprecedented effort to tackle the land issue in the developing world, particularly Africa. By examining the reforms and measures that this new land indicator advocates for, this report raises serious concerns about their potential impact, if implemented by governments. Whereas the Bank claims its intention is to protect land rights and bring more freedom and equity in access to land, the so-called good practices prescribed by the EBA point to a drastically different agenda centered on promoting large-scale industrial agriculture at the expense of family farmers, pastoralists, and Indigenous Peoples. To regulate countries land tenure arrangements and enhance productivity of land use, the Banks prescribes formalizing private property rights, easing the sale and lease of land for commercial use, systematizing the sale of public land by auction to the highest bidder, and improving procedures for expropriation. Most public land in the developing world is actually used by people as a common good, under customary laws. Communally managed natural resources such as water, forests, savannas, and grazing lands are essential for the livelihoods of millions of rural poor. In customary laws, land is also valued as an ancestral asset with deep social and cultural significance. Ignoring these facts, the Bank is driving governments towards the privatization and commodification of land to enable the expansion of more capital-intensive agricultural production. Suggesting that low-income countries do not manage public land in an effective manner, the Bank prescribes the privatization of public land as the way forward: Governments should become land brokers and transfer public lands with potential economic value to commercial use and private ownership, so that the land can be put to its best use. The World Bank also pushes for the formalization of private land ownership as a way to spur agribusiness investments in capitalintensive agriculture and increase productivity. Part of the process is to make land a transferable asset and encourage its use as a collateral for credit. The Banks premise overlooks the high vulnerability of family farmers around the world, which is further increased when the land that they rely on for their livelihoods becomes an asset that can be traded and speculated upon. In Western economies, with formal land tenure systems, stories of farmers losing their land to banks and creditors abound. Expanding this model to the developing world will provide a legal avenue for increased land dispossession, land concentration, and land grabbing. By scoring countries according to the ease of accessing land for agribusiness, the new land indicator represents an aggressive push to privatize land in developing countries and facilitate private interests access to land. By making land a marketable commodity that must be offered to the highest bidder, the land indicator will inevitably encourage increased concentration of land in the hands of a few, along with the dispossession of the rural poor who rely on it for their food security and livelihoods. This will shift land from being an essential source of livelihoods and the basis of resilient farming and ecological balance, to an increasingly speculated upon financial asset that will expand corporate agriculture. Governments have to be urged and helped to design food and agricultural policies that put family farmers, pastoralists, and Indigenous Peoples at the center to address the major challenges of hunger, environmental degradation, and climate change. Instead, with its new land indicator, the World Bank is launching an unprecedented attack on their land rights and their future. Introduced as a pilot on 38 countries in 2017, the land indicator is expected to be expanded to more countries in the EBA 2019 report. Whereas the EBA was already much biased towards industrial agriculture and agribusiness corporations, the threats that come with this new indicator make it even more important to end this harmful initiative permanently. Land and Natural Resources under Growing Pressure in the Developing World Some 3.1 billion people worldwide rely on land for their livelihoods, mostly as farmers. Eighty percent of the food consumed in the world is produced by family farmers. Despite the essential role they play, farmers and pastoralists have come increasingly under threat over the past ten years with mounting pressures over their land and natural resources by corporate interests. Around the Global South, land grabs have led to dispossession and forced displacements, while posing threats to local and national food security. This trend intensified with the food and financial crises of 2008, when the high volatility of food prices led to a surge of interest in large-scale agriculture and land acquisitions. In 2009, less than a year after the food price spike, 56 million hectares worth of large-scale farmland deals had been announced, more than 70 percent of which were in Africa. By 2016, an estimated 42.4 million hectares of land had come under contract, one third of which involved land formerly used by smallholder farmers. The World Bank has played a pivotal role in promoting these largescale land deals. For years, through different mechanisms including technical assistance and advisory services to governments, aid conditionality, and business rankings, the Bank has encouraged regulatory reforms aimed at attracting foreign private investment for economic growth and development. By 2014, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) the World Banks private-sector arm was managing 156 projects worth US$260 million for advisory services to promote private-sector development in 34 African countries. Around the world, the expansion of large-scale farming has been the cause of dispossession and loss of livelihoods for millions, while failing to bring promised economic development and food security. It has led to massive environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity while worsening climate change through deforestation and industrial agriculture, as seen for instance with palm oil in Indonesia. But the past ten years have also seen countless stories of resistance by farmers, pastoralists, and Indigenous Peoples opposing the takeover of their land and the destruction of their environment. Often mislabeled as land disputes, many of these struggles challenge the takeover of land by foreign firms that is either legally public or state land and/or land on which local communities have customary rights. While some of these struggles have resulted in violent repression and forced displacement, many have been successful in delaying, disrupting, or stopping the establishment of plantations. A farmer in Tanzania, where land and water grabs are frequent. Credit: World Bank/Scott Wallace This is recognized by the World Bank, which has reached the conclusion that undocumented [land] rights pose challenges and risks to investors, and that, in the case of Africa, the continent is held back by land ownership confusion. The EBA A Doing Business in Agriculture Ranking The EBA was commissioned by the G8 in 2012, as one of the so-called enabling actions for the then newly formed New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition. Initially bankrolled by five Western donors including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the US, UK, Danish, and Dutch governments, the project was officially launched by the World Bank in 2013. The EBAs goal is to help create policies that facilitate doing business in agriculture and increase the investment attractiveness and competitiveness of countries. To achieve this, it benchmarks areas including seeds, fertilizers, markets, transport, machinery, finance, and now land, to determine whether countries laws do or do not facilitate doing business in agriculture. The Bank recommends pro- business reforms and scores countries on their performance in applying these recommendations. The scores obtained then condition the provision of international aid and are intended to influence foreign investment in these countries. The EBA exemplifies a growing trend in international aid programs, which have become instruments to enforce market-based and pro-private sector industrial agriculture. In 2014, a multi-continental campaign, Our Land Our Business, was launched with over 280 organizations, including farmers groups, trade unions, and civil society organizations joining hands to denounce the top-down imposition of policies detrimental to farmers and food security by the EBA and the Doing Business projects. Pressured by the campaign, the Dutch and Danish governments terminated their funding of the EBA in 2016. What Is the EBAs New Land Indicator? Officially, the EBA land indicators measure laws and regulations that impact access to land markets for producers and agribusinesses. The EBA identifies and evaluates the regulatory burdens impacting private access to land. The 2017 pilot scored 38 countries according to three main sub- indicator groups: 1. Coverage, relevance, and currency of records for private land; 2. Public land management; and 3. Equity and fairness. The first group of sub-indicators assesses the documentation and coverage of private land, for instance the presence and extent of systems for mapping private property and the existence of online records for land-related legal procedures, such as land transfers, mortgages, and land disputes. According to the World Bank, a key purpose of land records is to increase investments in agriculture and allow land owners to transfer their property to others if they decide to take up non-agricultural opportunities. The second set of sub-indicators deals with public land management. It scores countries in terms of existing mechanisms such as state land mapping, monitoring, and the use of public tenders to transfer public land to private owners. Though the stated goal of these subindicators is to prevent encroachment, all of the nine questions that guide the scoring relate to processes for easing the transfer of state lands such as parks, natural reserves, forests, and other public spaces to commercial use. The Bank emphasizes the potential economic value of public land and claims that privatizing it via public auction will ensure that state land is put to its best uses. For low-income countries to improve their poor ratings in public land management (see Figure 1), they must establish adequate tender mechanisms to transfer public land to the private sector and ensure a good price for the land sold. In other words, public land must be sold to the highest bidder. Forest in Uganda appropriated for palm-oil plantation. Credit: FoEI. The third set of sub-indicators concerns equity and fairness in land markets. It recommends gender-differentiated land records as well as the lifting of restrictions on land leasing. For the Bank, encouraging the long-term leasing of land would allow farmers with higher skills to expand and invest in more capitalintensive production methods, while less efficient farmers would exit agriculture. Most of the questions related to equity and fairness (7 out of 12) concern procedures for expropriation, so that land rights are protected against expropriation without fair compensation. The pilot EBA land indicator ranks OECD countries highest, whereas countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are ranked lowest (see Figure 1). Throughout the EBA report, the establishment of land markets for selling and leasing land to investors is encouraged for efficiency-enhancing land transfers and effective land use, which, for the Bank, consists of allocating farmland to capitalintensive agriculture. The EBAs land indicator and associated World Bank documents raise important questions about the Banks policy prescriptions to governments. An initial concern has to do with the assumption that formalizing private ownership over land will secure land tenure and spur development. Is Formalizing Private Property the Right Way to Secure Land Tenure? While the EBA prescribes the formalization of private property as a way to increase land tenure security, it also encourages land registration in order to turn land into a transferrable asset. According to its logic, once land tenure is formalized i.e. the rights and conditions of access of a now bounded piece of land are officially registered landowners will be able to access credit, using their new title as collateral for loans. As a result, they will be able to invest in more capital-intensive agriculture or sell their land to others if they choose to exit agriculture. This approach raises a number of questions. First, the Banks premise that people would freely choose to exit agriculture overlooks the high vulnerability of family farmers around the world. Their vulnerability is further increased when the land on which they rely for their livelihoods becomes an economic asset that can be traded and speculated upon. In Western economies, with formal land tenure systems, stories of farmers losing their land to banks and creditors abound. The consequences of formalizing land as a transferable asset are likely to be even more dire in developing countries, where farmers are highly vulnerable to environmental shocks, receive limited public support, lack crop insurance, and where agricultural prices are generally deregulated and volatile. Where tenure systems allow such sales, farmers may then be forced to sell their land in years of bad harvests or low commodity prices. This happened on a largescale following the 2005 food crisis in Niger, when in just one season, hunger forced 8 to 14 percent of the farmers to sell or mortgage their land in order to survive. The Banks approach thus provides a legal avenue for increased land dispossession, land concentration, and land grabbing. ... Moreover, the Banks assertion that private titles constitute a necessary building block for eradicating poverty and achieving development is challenged by its own Independent Evaluation Group (IEG). A 2016 IEG review of the Banks land projects from 1998 to 2014 found that most projects failed to deliver on development promises and did not even target the poor and marginalized groups in the first place. Furthermore, the same review found weak evidence of enhanced credit access as a result of titling and registration. Preventing Encroachment of Public Land: A License for Land Grabbing The World Bank claims that the primary objective of governments regarding the management of public land should be to prevent encroachment. But the majority of so-called encroachment in the developing world is actually the use of public lands by pastoralists, smallholder farmers, and Indigenous Peoples for their livelihoods. It is estimated that as much as 65 percent of the worlds land area is stewarded by communities under customary systems. Throughout history, large expanses of these lands have been claimed by colonial and later independent states under statutory laws. After their independence, a number of formerly colonized countries adopted legal systems establishing that all land was owned by the state. Communities were allowed to maintain customary tenure systems and could still access and use public land and natural resources, while the state reserved the right to transfer or lease land for public interest purposes. Public land is therefore often land that is used under customary arrangements. Communally managed natural resources such as farmland, water, forests, and savannas are essential to the livelihoods of millions of pastoralists, fisherfolk, and family farmers, and generally also valued as ancestral assets with deep social and cultural significance. The Banks policy recommendations and its stated goal to prevent encroachment thus transform customary land users into squatters, encroachers, or trespassers on their own lands that they have protected and used for generations. This is exactly how local communities have been labeled in a number of cases of forced evictions documented by the Oakland Institute in recent years. This land belongs to the state is a recurring argument used by governments to grab the land from their own citizens for the benefit of foreign business ventures as documented in the case of Indigenous communities in Ethiopia, the Maasai in Loliondo, Tanzania, and the villagers who lost their land to the Bukanga Lonzo agro-industrial park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Unfolding the Banks Agenda: Privatization of Public Land in the Developing World The Bank emphasizes the potential economic value of public land, as if this land is universally idle and available. In a rather cynical posture, oblivious of centuries of colonial and neocolonial exploitation, the Bank claims that poverty in Africa is largely due to its poor land governance: Despite its abundant agricultural land and natural resources, Sub- Saharan Africa is still mostly poor and has been unable to translate its recent robust growth into rapid poverty reduction. The continent is held back by land ownership confusion, the Bank claims. For the World Bank, in order to improve low EBA ratings, developing country governments should enforce transparent public tender mechanisms to offer land to private investors at the highest market prices. The Bank considers that fairness would be ensured by such transparent sales of land to the highest bidder, while ignoring that in a world rampant with inequality, this is likely to drive further land concentration. The highest bidders are likely to be the most powerful economic interests, such as corporations and rich individuals. The use of public auction to sell public land is posited as the way to ensure that state land is put to its best uses. Once public land is transferred to commercial use, investors will ensure economically valuable land is used with efficiency. The Bank fails to provide a definition for economically valuable land nor what it means by its best use, or efficient use. This is highly problematic. Who gets to assess and decide what the best use of the land will be? Using what criteria? Will communities living on that land have a say? And who will benefit eventually? Bringing Equity and Fairness or Driving Expropriation and Land Concentration? Given the massive threats to land rights around the globe, it would be commendable if the World Bank prescribed measures that actually increased equity and fairness in access to land. However, what the Bank recommends to governments falls short of what is required to achieve these goals. Instead, its measures could contribute to increased concentration of farmland in the hands of a few. [For example] The second EBA recommendation for fairness and equity focuses on the freedom of leasing land, i.e. removing regulations and restrictions on leasing. According to the Bank, leasing is critical for structural transformation and restrictions on its use should be removed to allow efficiency-enhancing land transactions and more effective land use. The positive sounding freedom of leasing recommendation is promoted as a way to allow land transfers for farmers wishing to grow into the commercial sector, but also for those wanting to exit agriculture. Yet, as discussed earlier, many farmers dont exit agriculture by choice but are forced to do so because of social marginalization, poverty, conflict, climate, lack of institutional support, and more. In this context, promoting the freedom of leasing is geared towards easing large-scale land acquisitions and land concentration in the hands of corporations, influential individuals, and those with more resources. In terms of productivity and food security, as early as 2009, the International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD), a multidisciplinary study involving over 400 scientists and co- sponsored by the FAO, UNDP, UNEP, and the World Bank itself, widely discredited the supposed benefits of capital- intensive, industrial agriculture. The report urged all actors involved in agricultural development to shift their support toward agroecological practices that are less dependent on capital and external inputs. The IAASTD also called attention to the negative environmental impacts of intensive agriculture, which are hardly taken into consideration by the Banks current policy advice. Another comprehensive study, carried out by the World Banks own research staff in 2009, deconstructed the fallacy of the economic efficiency argument that is used to favor the privatization of land and expansion of land markets. According to the Banks experts, the creation of land markets ultimately leads to land concentration for industrialized agriculture and monocultures in large mechanized land holdings, which are less productive than family farms. In addition, large industrial farms often lead to much higher economic burdens for farmers (e.g. debt) and health and environmental damage (e.g. loss of biodiversity, soil depletion, contamination of water sources by chemical fertilizers, food insecurity/lower nutrition intake). Overall, the World Banks own experts assert that land markets not only fail to distribute land to the poor, but also do not make economic sense in terms of enhancing productivity. AfricaFocus Bulletin is an independent electronic publication providing reposted commentary and analysis on African issues, with a particular focus on U.S. and international policies. AfricaFocus Bulletin is edited by William Minter. AfricaFocus Bulletin can be reached at africafocus@igc.org. Please write to this address to suggest material for inclusion. For more information about reposted material, please contact directly the original source mentioned. For a full archive and other resources, see http://www.africafocus.org Prime Minister in-waiting Narendra Modi on Monday arrived here in his parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh to thank the people for reposing their faith in him and offer prayers at the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple. Modi, who flew in from Ahmadabad, was greeted by BJP President Amit Shah, Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other BJP leaders at the airport. He then went to the Reserve Police Lines by a helicopter and then drove to the Kashi Vishwanath temple where he performed a special 'puja'. Varanasi, on Monday, turned out in its Sunday best to welcome its MP who has won with a record margin of 4.8 lakh votes. Strings of saffron balloons lined along the route, fluttering gaily in the winds and people lined up on both sides of the road to wave out to the Prime Minister. Groups of 'dhol' players played welcome songs and children danced to welcome the Prime Minister-in waiting. Modi was scheduled to address a gathering of workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during this first visit to his constituency after he won the Lok Sabha elections by the huge margin. He was expected to travel by road from the police lines to Bansphatak. Following his temple visit at Kashi Vishwanath and Kal Bhairav, he would address a gathering of workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Pundit Deen Dayal Hastakala Academy, said Manish Dixit state in-charge of BJP. The programme was expected to last four hours. On Sunday, Modi was in Gujarat to meet his mother Heeraben. He sought her blessings after leading the BJP to a massive victory in the Lok Sabha polls. --IANS amita-team/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of BJD President Naveen Patnaik as the Chief Minister of Odisha, a party leader said on Monday. Patnaik will take oath for a record fifth term as the Chief Minister of Odisha on Wednesday. The BJD bagged 112 seats in the 146-member Assembly. "A formal invitation has been sent to the Prime Minister's Office. Besides, leaders of political parties in the state and all elected MPs and MLAs have been invited to the swearing-in ceremony," said BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb. The industrialists who had participated in the Make in Odisha Conclave have been extended the invitation too, he added. The invitation to the Prime Minister assumes significance against the backdrop of the war of words between Modi and Patnaik while campaigning during the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. --IANS cd/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat's support for a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya has evoked a sharp reaction from the Muslim clergy. Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali, Imam of Eidgah and a well known Sunni cleric, said: "It is not right to make such statements when the matter is in the Supreme Court. The mediation process is also on under the court supervision. "Muslims are waiting for a decision and the Hindu leaders should also exercise patience. Such statements will only serve to create controversy and panic." Zafaryab Jilani, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and also of the All India Babri Masjid Action Committee, one of the petitioners in the Ayodhya case, said: "The RSS chief's statement is uncalled for at this point of time when the mediation process is on. Muslims have always said they will accept the Supreme Court verdict. So why make such statements? More so, at a time when the Prime Minister has called for instilling confidence." Shia cleric Maulana Yasoob Abbas said that since the matter was sub-judice, leaders of both the communities should refrain from making statements. On Sunday, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said in Udaipur in Rajasthan that "Ram ka kaam karna hai, Ram ka kaam ho kar hi rahega" (Ram's work needs to be done and Ram's work will be done), implying that a grand Ram temple would be constructed at all costs at the site of the razed Babri mosque in Ayodhya. He added that Lord Ram "resides in our hearts and we all need to be active and move ahead to realize our goals". --IANS amita/mr/pg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) North Korea sharply criticized US National Security Advisor John Bolton on Monday, calling him a "war maniac" and a "security destruction advisor" as he accused Pyongyang of violating UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions following the Asian country's tests of short-range missiles. A spokesperson for the North's Foreign Ministry said in a statement: "When it comes to UNSC resolutions, as we have declared repeatedly before, they are an outrageous total denial of our right to survival and development. Never once have we acknowledged them or been confined by them. "Bolton said our regular military drills violated UNSC resolutions, which is beyond stupid." In the statement released by North Korea's official news agency KCNA, the spokesman called Bolton a "defective human product" after the latter told reporters on Saturday that there was "no doubt" that the missile tests carried out on May 4 and 9 were in violation of UNSC resolutions. "It is no coincidence that there are criticisms of Bolton as a war maniac whispering war into the ears of the President although he avoided military service saying he did not want to die in a Southeast Asian rice paddy. "Such a defective human product must go away as soon as possible," the North Korean spokesman was quoted as saying by Yonhap news agency. Until now, both South Korea and the US have downplayed the launches, which were supervised by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Pyongyang has maintained that the launches were part of its regular military exercises and avoided using the term "missiles" for the weapons. Expert analyses, however, point towards the projectiles that were launched being short-range ballistic missiles. "Our military exercises did not aim at anybody, nor did it put anybody in danger, but Bolton surely has a different mindset from ordinary people in insisting that they are a violation of the resolutions," said the spokesman. US President Donald Trump acknowledged in a press conference in Tokyo that members of his team in the White House believed that the ballistic missile tests by Pyongyang "could have been a violation" of UN resolutions, although he disagreed. "Very importantly, there has been no nuclear testing for two years," Trump said. He added that he was in "no rush at all" to reach an agreement with North Korea and that the two sides had achieved much since they initiated bilateral contacts. The talks between Washington and Pyongyang concerning the Korean Peninsula's denuclearization have been stalled since the failed summit between Trump and Kim in Hanoi on February 28. --IANS soni/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has dismissed ICICI Bank's application seeking insolvency proceedings against Hyderabad Ring Road Projects Pvt Ltd on the ground of duplicacy as proceedings are already underway against Era Infra Engineering, of which the former firm is a special purpose vehicle (SPV). The two-judge bench headed by NCLT President M.M. Kumar dismissed the petition, saying "on account of duplicacy of the claims the petition cannot be entertained". "It is evident that the claim lodged by the petitioner -- ICICI Bank Ltd before Rajiv Chakaraborty, IRP (Insolvency Resolution Professional) of that company (namely Era Infra Engineering Ltd) has already been collated and admitted," the tribunal said. During the proceedings, the Hyderabad Ring Road Projects counsel Vijay Kumar Singh noted that ICICI Bank did not disclose that their claim has already been accepted by the IRP appointed in the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) of Era Infra Engineering Ltd. A partner with Singh & Associates, Vijay Kumar Singh also represents Era Infra Engineering at the NCLT. Era Infra Engineering was in the first list of the 12 defaulting companies sent by the Reserve Bank of India to the banks in 2017 for recovery of debt through the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). Earlier this month, the Delhi bench of the tribunal had dismissed ICICI Bank's plea to initiate insolvency proceedings against Era Infra Engineering subsidiary Era Infrastructure, on a similar basis. --IANS rrb/sn/bc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nepal's tourism authority has denied accusations that the rise in Mount Everest deaths is solely due to "overcrowding" and said factors including adverse weather conditions also resulted in the deaths. Tourism Department's Director General Dandu Raj Ghimire said 381 people had ascended Everest this spring but as periods of fine weather had been short, the number of people on the routes had been "higher than expected". So far, 10 climbers have been reported dead or missing this season. But Ghimire put the current death toll at eight, the BBC reported. Four Indians including Kalpana Das, Nihal Bagwan and Anjali Kulkarni are among the dead. Their deaths have been attributed primarily to a long queue of both ascending and descending climbers, forcing many to wait for hours at 8,000 metres plus altitudes. One Nepalese, an Austrian and an American are also among dead or missing, reports say. Photos of long queues near the summit have been widely shared as record numbers ascended the mountain in May. According to the BBC, Briton Robin Haynes Fisher, 44, died on Saturday minutes after reaching the summit. Kevin Hynes, 56, from Ireland, died in his tent on Friday and Seamus Lawless, also Irish, is presumed dead after falling near the summit. Ghimire offered "heartfelt condolences to those who've passed away and prayers to those who are still missing". "Mountaineering in the Himalayas is in itself an adventurous, complex and sensitive issue requiring full awareness yet tragic accidents are unavoidable," he said. --IANS soni/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The New Zealand government will deliver its first ever "Wellbeing Budget" this week, said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday. Instead of meeting GDP goals, this year's government budget is understood to be focused on such as mental health, homelessness and child poverty, reports Xinhua news agency. "Mental health will be a cornerstone of the government's budget," Ardern told the media here. "This demonstrates our spending parameters for this budget, which a lot of investment has been shared over the past months as we made announcements to tackle the long term challenges facing New Zealand and to improve the wellbeing of all of us." The New Zealand coalition government is committed to putting people's wellbeing and the environment at the heart of its policies, including reporting against a wider set of wellbeing indicators in future Budgets, it was said in last years' budget. The government will announce its annual budget on Thursday. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least eight people were injured, houses ransacked, as West Bengal continued to be singed by post-poll violence across districts on Monday. Two Trinamool Congress workers were injured when unidentified miscreants hurled bombs in Domkol of Murshidabad district. "Two Trinamool workers were injured from splinters. Around four people were involved in the attacked and two of them have already arrested," an officer of Murshidabad's Domkal police station said. Initially, the attackers were believed to be miscreants backed by the Congress party, but the police said that both the victims and attackers belong to Trinamool Congress(TMC). A clash between Trinamool and BJP workers broke out in West Midnapore's Haripur area. "Six Trinamool workers were injured after an altercation broke out between both parties. Four BJP workers have been arrested," an officer of Belda police station said. Also, cases of violence were reported from North 24 Parganas, Coochbehar and Hooghly district. --IANS bnd/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he is trying his best to form a new government in the last 48 hours before the deadline. "You can do a lot of things in 48 hours. There is no reason in the world to paralyse the state for another half a year and spend billions on elections," Xinhua quoted Netanyahu as saying on Monday. However, he admitted that he had not yet persuaded Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu party, to join the coalition. Netanyahu made the statement shortly after the Knesset, Israeli Parliament decided to dissolve itself in a preliminary vote fewer than two months after the April 9 general elections. Just before his statement, Netanyahu met with Lieberman at the Parliament, but the two did not reach an agreement. According to Israeli law, Netanyahu had 28 days to form the government, before he received a two-week extension which will expire on Wednesday's midnight. The right-wing parties won 65 out of the 120 seats in the Israeli Parliament, but without the five seats gained by Lieberman's party, Netanyahu will not be able to form a coalition with a stable majority. Lieberman refuses to join the government because Netanyahu does not accept his demand to amend the draft law to set army recruitment quotas for ultra-Orthodox Jewish students. This amendment is opposed by Yahadut Hatorah and Shas, two ultra-Orthodox parties which are planned to join Netanyahu's coalition. --IANS vin/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Incumbent Pema Khandu will be sworn in as Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister on Wednesday after the state BJP won the recent Assembly and Lok Sabha polls. The BJP legislature party in Arunachal Pradesh has elected Khandu as their leader during a meeting on Monday. Later, Khandu accompanied by legislator and former Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and state BJP chief and MP Tapir Gao called on state Governor Brig. B.D. Mishra at the Raj Bhavan in Itanagar and staked claim to form the next government. Khandu informed the Governor about the meeting consisting of 41 elected members of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly from the BJP and said that 40 members have unanimously elected him as their leader in the seventh Legislative Assembly of the State. Under the provisions of Article 164 (1) of the Constitution, the Governor has appointed Khandu as Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh and invited him to form the government and take oath as Chief Minister on Wednesday at the Dorjee Khandu State Convention Centre in Itanagar. The Governor requested Khandu to advise and inform him about the names of others to be appointed as members of his Council of Ministers. State Assembly and Lok Sabha polls were held simultaneously in Arunachal Pradesh last month and counting of votes was held on May 23. The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the state securing 41 seats in the 60-member House. The outgoing Cabinet met on Sunday and unanimously resolved for dissolution of the sixth Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh with immediate effect to pave way for formation of the next government. All the ministers resigned on Sunday and Khandu called on the Governor and submitted the resignations and the resolution passed by the Cabinet recommending dissolution of the Legislative Assembly. --IANS ah/kr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Public Interest Litigation was filed in the Delhi High Court on Monday alleging that auctioning of players in the IPL is illegal and should be stopped. A division bench headed by Chief Justice Rajendra Menon said the plea will be heard on July 26. The PIL was filed by a social activist Sudhir Sharma who has alleged that bidding of players in Indian Premier League is violation of constitutional and statutory rights. In his plea, Sharma has sought direction to the government to look into the matter related to "international human auctioning". Sharma said that such practice has promoted corruption and nepotism by selling of players through open bidding. He said the government has remained a silent spectator to the illegal act. He said that the government has failed to regulate, ban, stop and curb the menace of human bidding and selling through auctioning. "The IPL is organising human auctions above law, which is mockery of the legal system and affecting the serious issue of right to equality provided by the constitution of India to the citizens". The plea has also sought order directing inquiry and taking action against the guilty persons. --IANS ak/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Portugal's Socialist Party (PS, or Partido Socialista) have won the European elections by garnering 34 per cent of votes, showed the preliminary results after counting of 95 per cent of the votes. The Socialist Party was followed by PSD (Partido Social Democrata) with 23.0 per cent, Left Bloc (BE) with 9.4 per cent, according to the preliminary results, which was released by Europe Elects on its Twitter account on Sunday, Xinhua reported. The vote to elect the new 751-member EU assembly was held in each of the 28 EU member states between May 23 and May 26, with 427 million eligible voters across the continent. --IANS vin/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Punjab government on Monday again posted Inspector General of Police Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh to head the Special Investigative Team (SIT) probing the involvement of former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his son Sukhbir Singh Badal in the sacrilege cases and police firing in 2015. Vijay Pratap was relieved from the post on the directions of the Election Commission. Two people were killed and many others injured in Behbal Kalan village on October 15, 2015, when police resorted to unprovoked firing on hundreds of people protesting the alleged desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib in Bargari village in Faridkot a few days earlier. The incident came a day after police used force to disperse agitators in Kotkapura village. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who also heads the Home Department, during his election campaigns had announced that Vijay Pratap would be back to complete and take the SIT investigation to its logical conclusion the day after the election code of conduct is lifted. In an official order, Home Secretary N.S. Kalsi said Vijay Pratap was transferred and posted as Inspector General of the Organised Crime Control Unit, with additional charge of Inspector General of Counter Intelligence, Amritsar. He had been posted to Counter Intelligence after he was shifted out of the Organised Crime Control Unit on the Election Commission orders for alleged violation of the model of code conduct, a charge that the Chief Minister had denied. Vijay Pratap was an active part of the SIT investigation into the Bargari and other sacrilege incidents, and the subsequent Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura firing, when he was removed by the Election Commission. Amarinder Singh had alleged the orders were issued at the behest of the ruling BJP, an ally of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) whose top leaders, including the Badal father-son duo - Parkash Singh Badal and Sukhbir Badal, have figured in the investigation so far. The Ranjit Singh Commission, set up by the Amarinder government to probe the cases, had suggested further investigation into the role of the Badals, which the SIT was probing. Amarinder Singh has repeatedly maintained that the firing on peaceful protestors could not have been possible without the knowledge of then Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and then Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal who also held the Home portfolio. --IANS vg/kr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Congress President Sunil Jakhar, who lost the Lok Sabha election from Gurdaspur to BJP candidate and actor Sunny Deol, has sent his resignation from the post to party chief Rahul Gandhi. In the resignation sent three days back, he took moral responsibility for losing his seat and the party's not so outstanding performance in the Congress-ruled state. The Congress has won eight of the 13 seats. The Akali Dal and the BJP won two seats each while the Aam Adami Party (AAP) won one seat. In his letter, Jakhar said he was unable to retain his seat despite the best support by the Congress President, General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi and Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. "Everyone supported me fully and put in their best for me but I was unable to defend my seat. In such a scenario I cannot continue as state chief. I feet a moral responsibility to quit," said Jakhar, who lost by over 77,000 votes. The BJP-Akali Dal fielded 62-year-old Deol from Gurdaspur, the seat represented four times by yesteryear actor Vinod Khanna, who died in April 2017 due to cancer. Jakhar, 65, won the October 2017 by-election with a margin of 1.92 lakh votes. The by-election followed Vinod Khanna's death. Veteran actor Dharmendra, who had campaigned and sought support for his actor-turned-politician son Deol, said he was a friend of Sunil Jakhar's father, the late Balram Jakhar. He said if he had known that his son was contesting against Sunil Jakhar, he would not have allowed his son to contest against him. As a BJP candidate, Dharmendra refused to contest against Balram Jakhar from Churu in Rajasthan in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. He contested from Bikaner. Dharmendra won from Bikaner while Congress candidate Balram Jakhar lost from Churu. In 1991, Dharmendra campaigned for Balram Jakhar in Sikar. Dharmendra hails from Sahnewal town near Punjab's industrial town Ludhiana. --IANS vg/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Congress President Sunil Jakhar, who lost the Lok Sabha election from Gurdaspur to BJP candidate and actor Sunny Deol, on Monday sent his resignation from the post to party chief Rahul Gandhi. In the resignation, he took moral responsibility for losing his seat and party's not so outstanding performance in the Congress-ruled state. The Congress has won eight of the 13 seats. The Akali Dal and the BJP won two seats each while the Aam Adami Party (AAP) won one seat. In his letter, Jakhar said he was unable to retain his seat despite the best support by the Congress President, General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi and Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. "Everyone supported me fully and put in their best for me but I was unable to defend my seat. In such a scenario I cannot continue as state chief. I feet a moral responsibility to quit," said Jakhar, who lost by over 77,000 votes. --IANS vg/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Rahul Gandhi would visit Wayanad in the first week of June to thank the electorate for his record breaking win from this Lok Sabha seat in Kerala, said a Congress leader on Monday. Leader of opposition Ramesh Chennithala said this after the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) met for the first time after registering a resounding victory in the Lok Sabha polls, winning all but one of the 20 seats in the state. A source in the know of things said Rahul Gandhi's visit could be either on Saturday or Monday. Gandhi won with the highest ever margin of victory in any Lok Sabha election with 431,770 votes. He defeated his nearest rival P.P. Suneer of the Communist Party of India who secured 274,597 votes while Gandhi received 706,367 votes. "This huge victory has placed more responsibility on us and we assure the people that this victory will not get into their heads. They will always work for the people of the state," said Chennithala. --IANS sg/pg/pcj (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An official meeting of six BSP MLAs, supporting the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in Rajasthan, with Governor Kalyan Singh was postponed, triggering speculation abut their continued support. Official sources said the six BSP MLAs were scheduled to meet the Governor on Monday in the evening. However, by 5 pm, the Governor was informed that the meeting could not proceed due to illness of one of the MLAs, Deepchand. As BSP has extended its support to Congress in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the news of BSP seeking appointment with Governor spread like wild wire fuelling speculation about BSP's support. The "cancelled" meeting followed rout of the Congress in the Lok Sabha polls in the state with BJP making a clean sweep. Meanwhile, BSP MLA Wajib Ali sought to play down the significance of the MLAs' scheduled meeting with the Governor. "It was supposed to be a routine meeting," he said. The speculation over BSP MLAs' came hours after state minister Lal Chand Kataria's resignation letter went viral, which remained unconfirmed by the CMO and Governor's House till evening. Even Kataria was unavailable. Later, another state minister Ramesh Meena also came out counting failures of his government which resulted in Congress failing to get even a single seat in the parliamentary elections. "Bureaucracy dominated the government... the work promised to the people could not be taken up. This upset even our party workers," said Meena. Meanwhile, a review meeting scheduled in Delhi to evaluate reasons for party's severe drubbing in Rajasthan was also postponed in the wake of unavailability of Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Party sources said the meeting would be held on Tuesday at Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi's residence in the presence of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot and Congress party state in-charge Avinash Pandey. A committee formed under the guidance of senior leader A.K. Antony will review the reasons of the stunning defeat, sources added. Rahul Gandhi and senior party leader Ahmed Patel are likely to participate in the meeting, sources said. --IANS arc/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid speculation of a leadership change in Rajasthan, Congress leader Lal Chand Kataria has reportedly resigned as Agriculture Minister, citing the rout of the party in the Lok Sabha elections. In a purported press release, Kataria said he had sent the resignation to the Governor through Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who came under attack from Congress President Rahul Gandhi after the Congress failed to win even one seat in Rajasthan. Neither the Chief Minister's nor the Governor's office confirmed that Kataria had quit. Kataria could not be reached on telephone to confirm if he had indeed resigned. Informed sources said he had left for Delhi and possibly to Europe on a holiday. According to the "press release" which gone viral on the social media, Kataria said he considered it morally inappropriate to continue as Minister after the party's defeat. "This resignation should not be connected to any other factor." But he said he will remain a member of the Rajasthan Assembly and continue to articulate people's grievances. Chief Minister Gehlot, Deputy Chief Minster Sachin Pilot and state Congress in-charge Avinash Pandey are likely to meet Rahul Gandhi in Delhi in the coming days. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had pointed fingers at three Chief Ministers including Gehlot, accusing them of putting their sons' interest above the party. This sparked speculation of a leadership change in the state. --IANS arc/rtp/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP ally Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader and MP Chirag Paswan on Monday claimed that his father, the LJP chief and Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, will be inducted again into the cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chirag Paswan said here that his father would become a member of the Rajya Sabha either from Assam or Bihar. "My father will be inducted again into the Union Cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi", Paswan said. The junior Paswan has downplayed reports that he himself is likely to be inducted into the Union Cabinet. Flush with the Lok Sabha poll victory of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), of which LJP is a constituent, he said the win would be repeated in the Bihar assembly polls next year. This time, the LJP has won all six seats it contested in Bihar. Ram Vilas Paswan did not contest Lok Sabha polls in 2019, which is the first such absence since 1977, when he won his first parliamentary poll from Bihar's Hajipur. --IANS ik/bc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has said that he is ready to take the responsibility of the Leader of the Congress party in the Lok Sabha if party offers him the job. "If offered, I am ready to be the Congress Lok Sabha leader," Tharoor, elected for a third consecutive term as a MP from Thiruvananthapuram, told Tiranga TV on Monday. He accepted the Congress' main election theme -- 'NYAY' -- was not properly communicated among the electorate and criticized Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi's "soft Hindutava" plank. He, however, insisted that Rahul Gandhi should continue as the Congress President. "The party could consider appointing a series of regional working presidents to assist him," the former Union Minister said. He said the Congress and other opposition parties must challenge the belief that the Hindutva concept of India, as essentially a Hindu country, has triumphed over the Nehruvian view of secularism that India is a country of multiple religions, castes, cultures and identities. Tharoor, a former UN Under-Secretary General, has been representing Thiruvananthapuram since 2009. In 2014, he won by a narrow margin of 15,000-odd votes against BJP veteran O. Rajagopal. In 2019, he defeated Kummanam Rajasekharan of the BJP by 99,989 votes. The Congress won 52 seats in the Lok Sabha polls. It remains the main opposition party in the house. However, like in the 16th Lok Sabha, the Congress has not qualified to have a Leader of Opposition in the 17th Lok Sabha. --IANS bns/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Anil Ambani-led Reliance Capital Ltd and group company Reliance Land have decided to divest their entire stake in Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd (RBNL) operating BIG FM Radio to Music Broadcast Ltd (MBL), Reliance Capital said. In a statement issued here, Reliance Capital said RBNL under BIG FM Radio network operates 58 stations across India. As per the deal, MBL - part of media conglomerate Jagran Prakshan Group - will initially acquire a 24 per cent equity stake of RBNL by way of a preferential allotment for a total consideration of Rs 202 crore. On receipt of all regulatory approvals, MBL will acquire all of the remaining equity stake held by Reliance Capital and Reliance Land in RBNL at a total enterprise value of Rs 1,050 crore. "In addition, Reliance Capital will receive an estimated Rs 150 crore from the disposal of other assets of RBNL which do not form part of the transaction with MBL, in accordance with the regulations," the statement added. In aggregate, the transaction will reduce Reliance Capital's outstanding debt by an estimated Rs 1,200 crore. "We are delighted to announce the asset monetization transaction with Music Broadcast Ltd, a leading FM Radio broadcaster. This transaction is part of our overall strategy to reduce exposure in non-core businesses and will reduce Reliance Capital's debt by an estimated Rs 1,200 crore," Amit Bapna, CFO, Reliance Capital, was quoted as saying in the statement. --IANS vj/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor has urged the government to focus on employment, education and health provisions for citizens. Rishi, who is currently undergoing medical treatment in New York, reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers Smriti Irani and Arun Jaitley, in a series of tweets to share his concerns after their party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a victory in the Lok Sabha elections. "My sincerest wish, desire and request to the re-elected BJP, Arun Jaitley, Smriti Irani and the honourable PM Narendra Modiji... Please work upon getting India free education, medical, pension... It's difficult but if you start working on today, we will achieve it one day," Rishi wrote. "After seeing the graduations happening here and hearing about specialised treatments in hospitals, why can only the few avail/afford these. After all, most doctors and teachers here in the US are Indians," he added. The 66-year-old actor said focus on these aspects could give us "the India we Indians want to see". "Literacy will give the educated youth decent jobs and the sick a full life. A true Democracy -- a chance," he said, adding: "Please excuse me if I have over stepped but being a citizen I feel my duty to voice it." --IANS dc/rb/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Back in the days when technology was not as advanced as today, Veeru Devgan choreographed some of the most interesting action sequences for Bollywood, making his actors' and stuntmen's safety top priority. The Hindi film fraternity remembered all this and more about the veteran, who died here on Monday at the age of 85. Remembering Veeru as a responsible director, actress Madhuri Dixit Nene told IANS: "He was such a caring action director who used to encourage us, but at the same time was very cautious about our safety. When he choreographed an action scene, he kept the safety in mind. He was such a wonderful human being." Actor-director Satish Kaushik, who had worked with him as an actor and director, was emotional after he returned from the funeral of his "Veeru paaji". "He was such a gentleman. He was a 'Punjab ka puttar' in the true sense and had a huge heart. Everyone loved him so much... It was very sad to see him go away today," Satish Kaushik told IANS. Actor Anupam Kher called Veeru a "great action director" who always gave top importance to the "safety of actors and his fighter team". Veeru is best known for directing action sequences for films like "Himmatwala", "Mr. India", "Khatron Ke Khiladi", "Phool Aur Kaante", "Dilwale" and "Laal Badshah". He had also helmed the 1999 film "Hindustan Ki Kasam", starring his son Ajay Devgn and megastar Amitabh Bachchan. As the news of his demise broke, members of the film fraternity Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Sajid Khan, Mahesh Bhatt and Harry Baweja visited the Devgan residence to pay condolences. Some even took to social media to pay tributes. Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt tweeted: "Veeru Devgan and I began our career together in the 1970s. 'Make Ajay a great actor,' I remember him telling me after Ajay's debut film became a big hit. "Ajay and I finally worked together in 'Zakhm', which won him his first National Award." Actor Aamir Khan said Veeru was "extremely professional". He had worked with him in the movie "Ishq". "I'm very sad to hear about Veeruji passing away. I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Veeruji. He was an amazing person to work with, extremely professional and one of the best in his field," he added. said Bollywood's action star Akshay Kumar: "Extremely sad to hear about the demise of Veeru Devgan, one of the finest action directors of our industry. My heartfelt condolences to Ajay Devgn and family." Sanjay said he was a "gem of a person and extremely gifted". Here's what other film fraternity members wrote: Kunal Kohli: RIP Veeru Devganji. A legend of Hindi cinema. Left his mark at a time when 'pure action' without VFX was the order of the day. Heartfelt condolences to Ajay Devgn and Kajol. May his soul rest in peace. Suniel Shetty: Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of a great man Veeru Devgan! You are in our thoughts and prayers. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to you Ajay, Kajol and your family. Varun Dhawan: RIP Veeru Devgan, heartfelt condolences to the Devgan family. Rahul Dev: Saddened to know about the passing away of Veeru Devganji, best described as a great action director and a kind man. Aneez Bazmee: There will be no better action director than you Veeruji. Will miss you. Abbas Mustan: Our heartfelt condolences to Ajay, Kajol and the entire family on the sad demise of Veeru Devganji. May his soul rest in peace. --IANS sim/rb/pcj (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Monday declined newly-elected BSP MP Atul Rai's plea, seeking protection from arrest till the end of the general elections on May 23, in a rape case. Rai, who has been absconding since the registration of the rape case, preferred to withdraw his petition. In an FIR registered at a police station in Varanasi on May 1, a college student accused the BSP MP from Ghosi in Uttar Pradesh, of having sexually assaulted her. Rai's counsel contended that the case was politically-motivated to prevent the BSP leader from campaigning in the just-concluded general elections, and eventually sabotage his poll prospects. Rai won the Ghosi seat defeating his nearest BJP rival and sitting MP Hari Narayan Rajbhar by 1,22,018 votes in the Lok Sabha elections. --IANS ss/akk/rtp (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Remo D'Souza's upcoming directorial "Street Dancer 3D" has got a new release date. It will now hit the screens in January 2020 instead of the end of this year as planned. "Street Dancer 3D" was slated to release on November 8, 2019, but the film's makers issued a statement on Monday saying that it will now release on January 24, 2020. The team of "Street Dancer 3D", produced by Bhushan Kumar, Divya Khosla Kumar, Krishan Kumar and Lizelle D'Souza, are currently shooting for its second schedule in Dubai. Last week, its lead actor Varun Dhawan got emotional on the sets. He broke down while performing on a sad number. It also stars Shraddha Kapoor, Prabhudheva and Nora Fatehi. --IANS nn/rb/pg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A teenager was killed and another critically injured on Monday in a mysterious explosion in the border area of Gurez in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district. Police sources said 16-year-old Amjad was killed and Ishtiyaq Ahmad was critically injured when they fiddled with an explosive device while playing in a forest near Chuntiwari village. Doctors at the Dawar hospital in Gurez said Ishtiyaq had sustained critical injuries and he was referred for specialized treatment to Srinagar. --IANS sq/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Disheartened by the defeat of Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao's daughter K. Kavitha in the Lok Sabha elections, one of her supporters died of shock, TRS leaders said on Monday. Kishore, a Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) worker, died of cardiac arrest on Saturday in his village Manchikappa in Nizamabad district. Following Kavitha's defeat from the Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency, Kishore had stopped sleeping and eating, according to the party leaders. Kavitha on Monday visited Kishore's house and assured full support to the family from the party. The TRS leader appealed to party workers and her supporters not to lose heart as defeat and victory were part of the democratic process. The former MP said workers were the strength of the party and they should face the situation with courage. Kavitha, who was elected from Nizamabad in 2014, assured the people that she will continue to work for them. Kavitha was defeated by the Bharatiya Janata Party's D. Arvind by over 71,000 votes. Party leaders said her prospects were marred by the entry of a record number of candidates including 178 farmers who wanted to highlight their problems like lack of remunerative prices for turmeric and red jowar. The constituency also hit the national headlines as the Election Commission used a record number of Electronic Voting Machines to facilitate polling. --IANS ms/ksk/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump on Monday backed a possible face-to-face meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and said he expected "good things" to come from Pyongyang. Abe said Trump pledged "full support" to the proposed meeting, in which he wanted to have "frank" talks about North Korea's nuclear policy and Japanese abductees. Trump, on a four-day visit to Japan, earlier in the day became the first foreign leader to meet newly crowned Emperor Naruhito. At their meeting at the State Guest House Akasaka Palace, Trump and Abe discussed issues ranging from trade to foreign relations. Abe said they were on the same page with ambitions to see North Korea denuclearised, but they appeared to disagree over the short-range missile tests conducted earlier this month. The Japanese leader, who sees the missile tests in nearby North Korea as a threat to Japan's security, described them as being "of great regret", while Trump said he was not "personally bothered", the BBC reported. Trump described Kim as a "very smart guy" and said he expected "a lot of good things" to come out of North Korea. His remarks came after Pyongyang called US National Security Advisor John Bolton a "war maniac". Trump also said he would work with Tokyo to bring home Japanese citizens kidnapped by North Korean agents decades ago. The regime admitted kidnapping 13 Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 80s, and returned five to Japan in 2002. It maintains that the rest are dead -- something Japan does not believe. The Japanese citizens were abducted to train North Korean spies in the Japanese language and customs. Attempts to mend trade disagreements were also discussed between Trump and Abe. The US leader said he needed to correct a "tremendous" trade imbalance with Japan, hinting at a major announcement on the issue in August. "Trade-wise, I think we will be announcing some things probably in August that will be very good for both countries," Kyodo News quoted Trump as saying following his meeting with Abe. Both countries would work to rectify what he saw as a "lack of fairness" in his country's economic relationship with Japan, the US President said. In response, Abe said, "I'd like to have in-depth discussions over global challenges such as North Korea, the US and Japanese economies, and coordinate bilateral efforts toward a successful Group of 20 summit." Talking about Iran, Trump said he was willing to talk to the country to ease the ongoing tensions between them while highlighting the mediation role Japan could play in the process. The US and Japan also pledged to continue and expand cooperation during the state dinner hosted by Emperor Naruhito for the US leader. "I sincerely hope that... the peoples of our two countries will continue to contribute to peace and prosperity in the world to bring about a future filled with hope, all the while further expanding the scope of our cooperation and deepening our unwavering bond," Naruhito said, according to state broadcaster NHK. Trump said he was carrying the American people's expectations for the treasured bilateral alliance. The US President is set to conclude his Japan visit on Tuesday after commemorating American military personnel who died in service at a US military base south of Tokyo and visiting a Japanese helicopter carrier. --IANS soni/pcj (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US and Japan on Monday pledged to continue and expand cooperation during a state dinner hosted by newly-crowned Japanese Emperor Naruhito in honour of American President Donald Trump during the latter's official visit to the Asian country. The dinner, hosted at the Imperial Palace by Emperor Naruhito at the end of a day full of political meetings for Trump, was also attended by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and around 180 other guests. The men were dressed in tuxedos and the women were wearing gala dresses or striking kimonos, Efe news reported. At the beginning of the banquet, both Naruhito and Trump toasted the cooperation between the two allies. "I sincerely hope that... the peoples of our two countries will continue to contribute to peace and prosperity in the world to bring about a future filled with hope, all the while further expanding the scope of our cooperation and deepening our unwavering bond," Naruhito said, according to state broadcaster NHK. Trump, wearing an unfastened tuxedo, said he was carrying the American people's expectations for the treasured bilateral alliance. "We embrace the limitless potential now before us: to cooperate on new frontiers of technology, space, infrastructure, defence, commerce, and many other areas of shared promise," said the US leader. The other invitees included the top political leaders of the country and members of the royal family. The French-inspired menu at the banquet included Consomme a la Royale, Turbot a la Meuniere Sauce Tomate, Cote de Boeuf Rotie, Salade de Saison, Glace Mont Fuji and a dessert of melon and grapes. The state dinner marked the end of the day's agenda for Trump, who had arrived on Saturday as the first foreign leader to be received by Emperor Naruhito, who ascended the throne on May 1 after the abdication of his father, Akihito. Trump is set to conclude his Japan visit on Tuesday after commemorating American military personnel who died in service at a US military base south of Tokyo and visiting a Japanese helicopter carrier. --IANS soni/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Visiting US President Donald Trump said here on Monday that he was willing to talk to Iran to ease the ongoing tensions between the two nations, while highlighting the mediation role Japan could play in the process. "I know the Prime Minister (Shinzo Abe) and Japan have a very good relationship with Iran," Trump told the media before his meeting with Abe at the Akasaka Palace, where visiting heads of states and dignitaries stay. "I do believe Iran would like to talk and if they want to talk we'd like to talk," added Trump, who arrived on a four-day state visit to Japan on Saturday. Japanese media have pointed to the possibility of Abe travelling to Tehran in June in an attempt to broker talks between Iran and the US, whose governments have traded hostile remarks recently. Frictions between Washington and Tehran escalated further after Iran decided to reduce its commitments to the nuclear pact reached with China, France, Russia, the UK and Germany in 2015 and from which the Trump's administration withdrew last year. "I know for a fact the Prime Minister (Abe) is very close with the leadership of Iran, and we'll see what happens. Nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me," Trump said. The possibility of Japanese mediation between the US and Iran arose after Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif's visit to Tokyo in mid May. Trump also referred to his diplomatic thaw with the Pyongyang regime, which suffered a setback after talks collapsed at the end of February following the failure of the summit he had with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Hanoi. "I personally think that lots of good things will come with North Korea. I feel that. I may be right, I may be wrong but I feel that," Trump said. "No rocket testing, no nuclear testing... We've come a long way with North Korea. We'll see what happens. There's a good respect built, maybe a great respect built between the US and North Korea," said the American leader despite the short-range missile tests carried out by Pyongyang earlier this month. "Let's see if something constructive can be done... if you look back at the last two years, it's been a big difference," he said. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) - the world's largest contract chipset maker - has officially announced the beginning of mass production of its second-generation 7nm+ process for Kirin 985 and or A13 chipsets. The top-notch Kirin 985 chipset would likely feature in Huawei's flagship Mate 30, while A13 would come with Apple's 2019 iPhones. "This is the first time the Taiwanese company is implementing EUV lithography, taking a step towards becoming the main competitor of Intel and Samsung," the GSMArena reported on Monday. The announcement comes days after TSMC said it would continue delivering critical semiconductors to Huawei Technologies even as chip designer ARM has cut ties with the tech giant. Other firms that will continue shipping products that do not violate US restrictions to Huawei, include Panasonic and Chinese computer maker Lenovo Group. On May 15, US President Donald Trump effectively banned Huawei with a national security order. The US publicly asked its allies to steer clear of using Huawei products over concerns that the equipment could be used by the Chinese government to obtain private information. --IANS ksc/rtp (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The informal meeting of two 'rebel' Karnataka Congress legislators with BJP's senior leader S.M. Krishna here on Sunday sparked speculation over the continuation of the year-old fledgling JD-S-Congress coalition government in the southern state. "Yes, the two Congress legislators - Ramesh Jarkiholi and K. Sudhakar met Krishna at his residence in the city for personal reasons as they both knew him well and the latter was a veteran Congressman till he resigned in early 2018 to join our party," BJP's state unit spokesman G. Madhusudan told IANS here. Jarkiholi, who was dropped from the coalition government on December 24, by the Congress and replaced by his elder brother Satish Jarkiholi, revolted against the party leadership for being ignored and threatened to resign along with a few other rebel legislators with a view to ousting the government. Jarkiholi is a three-time lawmaker from Gokak assembly segment in the state's northwest Belagavi district, about 550 km from here. Sudhakar, a legislator from Chikkaballapura assembly seat near Bengaluru, has been sulking for being denied a cabinet post in the ministry. "As our party has been ridiculed for predicting the imminent fall of the government due to various reasons and inherent contradictions, we will let actions speak louder than words hereafter. Just wait and see," hinted Madhusudhan. Ignoring the party leadership, Jarkiholi also did not campaign for the party's candidates in the recent Lok Sabha elections, in which the Congress retained only one parliamentary constituency (Bangalore Rural) and lost 20 of the 21 seats it contested along with its ally Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S). Defying the party leadership, Jarkiholi also did not attend the Congress legislature party meetings convened by its leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in January and February ahead of the budget session. Jarkiholi has also been trying to get two other rebel party legislators Mahesh Kamtahalli and Bheema Naik to join him in quitting the party for joining the BJP, which is reported to have promised plum cabinet post to them. "As the coalition government is surviving on a slender majority of 116 with 113 as the halfway mark for simple majority, resignation of 5-6 Congress or JD-S legislators will reduce it into a minority and a trial strength in the event of a floor test," added Madhusudhan. In the 225-member House, the BJP has 104, Congress 79 excluding the speaker and JD-S 37, with the remaining 2 Independents and 1 BSP and one nominated. --IANS fb/vin/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Admitting his correspondence with the investigating authorities, media personality Raghav Bahl has vehemently refuted claims of any financial misconduct. In a press statement, Bahl claimed that he had made all disclosures in his income tax returns (ITRs) about his investment and transactions. In response to reports about Enforcement Directorate probing him, Bahl said the only proceedings he was aware of relate to a show-cause notice dated May 1, 2019 which was duly replied to on May 2, 2019. "Further clarifications along with relevant documents were sent by way of email to the authority on the same day. The said show-cause notice seeks information with regard to a property outside India and the source of funds for an investment made in that property," Bahl said. He said that all the funds invested in the property were from income on which taxes had been duly paid. The same was duly disclosed in the Foreign Asset Schedule of the Income Tax Returns of Raghav Bahl and his wife and children. "The entire funds invested in that property have been remitted through the banking channel under the scheme approved by the Reserve Bank of India and all taxes have been duly paid," the media baron said in his personal capacity. The Income Tax department (I-T) had last year raided Raghav Bahl's residence and office in an alleged case of tax evasion. Following this, Bahl had issued an official statement, saying he was astonished to see that a blatant attempt had been made by the "government's spin-masters" to say that the action was part of a year-long investigation into some long-term capital gains scam, whereby Raghav Bahl and Ritu Kapur had made "bogus" income of Rs 118 crore. --IANS nk/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) From the summer of 2015 to March 2015, US Navy pilots had reported about seeing strange objects in the sky, one of them like a spinning top moving against the wind, which appeared almost daily over the East Coast, a media reports said. In this period, the pilots reported to their superiors that the objects had no visible engine or infrared exhaust plumes, but that they could reach 30,000 feet and hypersonic speeds, The New York Times said in the report published on Sunday. "These things would be out there all day," Lt. Ryan Graves, an F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot who has been with the Navy for 10 years, and who reported his sightings to the Pentagon and Congress, told the newspaper. "Keeping an aircraft in the air requires a significant amount of energy. With the speeds we observed, 12 hours in the air is 11 hours longer than we'd expect." In late 2014, a Super Hornet pilot had a near collision with one of the objects, and an official mishap report was filed. Some of the incidents were videotaped, including one taken by a plane's camera in early 2015 that shows an object zooming over the ocean waves. Lieutenant Graves and four other Navy pilots, told The New York Times that they saw the objects in 2014 and 2015 in training manoeuvers from Virginia to Florida off the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt. The objects have gotten the attention of the Navy, which earlier this year sent out new classified guidance for how to report what the military calls unexplained aerial phenomena, or unidentified flying objects. The sightings were reported to the Pentagon's little-known Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program, which analyzed the radar data, video footage and accounts provided by senior officers from the Roosevelt. Luis Elizondo, a military intelligence official who ran the programme until he resigned in 2017, called the sightings "a striking series of incidents". --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Multiple agencies are looking into Jet Airways' former promoter Naresh Goyal's alleged role in financial irregularities in the running of the grounded airline. According to highly placed sources, multiple agencies, including the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), are probing Goyal's role in siphoning off loan amounts raised on behalf of Jet Airways to his other entities. "Suspicious transactions", they said, have been found in the company's books that triggered the probe and a lookout circular against Goyal. Even though the charge has not yet been fully investigated, it seems the government wanted Goyal to be present in the country while investigations proceed. On Saturday, Goyal and his wife Anita were offloaded from a Dubai-bound flight and barred from leaving India. The de-boarding comes days before the official swearing-in of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. The government last year had come under attack from the opposition on the escape of Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, who are accused of having cheated state-run Punjab National Bank to the tune of Rs 14,000 crore. On May 25, an Emirates flight with Goyal and his wife on board was recalled after it had already started moving on the runway preparatory to take-off from Mumbai Airport. The couple were taken into custody by the Mumbai Airport Immigration for investigations. Some lawmakers had recently demanded that Mumbai Police impound the passports of Goyal and other senior officials of the airline to prevent them from leaving the country. Having run out of cash, Jet Airways suspended its operations On April 17, impacting thousands of employees, its lessors, vendors and passengers. Lenders of Jet Airways led by state-run State Bank of India are currently in the process of selling the airline to recover their dues of over Rs 8,400 crore. (Rohit Vaid can be contacted at rohit.v@ians.in) --IANS rv/sn/bc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's son Vivek Doval on Monday told a Delhi Court that 'The D Companies' article published in The Caravan magazine was defamatory and lowered his and his father's reputation. "The article in a very systematic way creates inferences and innuendos which make readers think that Vivek Doval and family are involved in illegal activities such as money laundering, round tripping of capital, violating financial regulation and connections to foreign royal families," Vivek Doval told Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal. Vivek Doval was being examined in the defamation case filed by him against Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, The Caravan Editor-in-Chief Paresh Nath and reporter Kaushal Shroff. In March, the court summoned Ramesh Nath and the other accused in connection with the article titled "The D Companies", published in the magazine on January 16. Vivek Doval told the court that his reputation had been lowered amongst friends and family. "This has also lowered the reputation of the family particularly of my brother and father, Ajit Doval," he said. He told the court that he had filed a defamation complaint for redressal of a number of allegations, innuendos and insinuations which have been used to destroy his family's hard earned reputation. He called the article false and misleading splashed with random and incorrect facts. Ramesh repeated the misleading allegation in his press conference, he said, adding that people reacted with disparaging and insulting remarks against his family in the comment box on the video of press conference uploaded in YouTube. "My father (Ajit Doval) is my hero... When I came back to Delhi, I was confronted by my father on the veracity of these utterances. I broke down. I felt helpless," he said, adding that the photographs of him, his father and brother Shaurya Doval with the title 'The D Companies' was defamatory in nature. The D Company in India is referred to Dawood Ibrahim, a much wanted underworld don turned terrorist, he said. Vivek Doval told the court that his father had no relation with his company. The article had been a blot on his professional standing. The court listed the matter for July 10 for cross examination of Vivek Doval by the accused. --IANS ak/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Telangana State Board of Intermediate (TS BIE), which faced flak over alleged bungling in publication of results,Monday said 1137 candidates of the 3.8 lakh students, whose answer scripts were reverified after they failed in the exams in march, were declared passed. The announcement of exam results last month had led to protests by students, parents, students organisations and political parties over alleged goof-up in the process. Several students across Telangana, including the nephew of Telugu Desam Party Rajya Sabha MP C M Ramesh, reportedly committed suicide as they failed to clear the intermediate (class XII) examination. Government officials had said that bubbling errors in OMR sheets (by examiners), among other things, were noticed. The BIE said in a release Monday night that 9,43,005 candidates appeared for the Intermediate exams in March. Of these, 5,60,889 passed while 3,82,116 failed, it said. TSBIE said re-verification of answer scripts of failed candidates was started on April 26 on the directions of the High Court. The second level checking using Artificial Intelligence and scanning for 19,788 answer scripts was still going on. All efforts were being made to complete testing, scanning and uploading by tonight or tomorrow, the release said. After re-verification 1,137 candidates were declared to have passed, of whom 552 were from second year and 585 from the first year, it said. The second year candidates are eligible to pursue higher education, it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The commerce and industry ministry has proposed a customised incentive package to attract foreign investments in sectors such as electronics, chemicals and food processing, an official said. The proposal is part of a 100-day action plan prepared by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), an arm of the ministry, for the new government. According to the plan, India can attract USD 100 billion of foreign direct investment annually, provided it matches up to the financial incentives of competing countries like Vietnam. The Southeast Asian nation provides a host of incentives to foreign investors such a low rate of corporate income tax and tax exemptions up to four years. "Major investments in the field of electronics, manufacturing, chemicals, food processing and others can come through such incentives. Customised incentive packages will be provided to large investors in priority sectors/areas," the official said. These labour intensive sectors hold huge investment potential and job creation. The ten-point action plan has also proposed a favourable tax regime, formulation of employment generation strategy through legal changes, proper allocation of natural resources, support for small businesses, steps to promote budding entrepreneurs, release of new industrial policy. Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu had carried out a series of consultations across the country for formulation of a detailed industrial policy. For a favourable tax regime, the department has suggested inclusion of petroleum products, natural gas and electricity within the ambit of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to help improve competitiveness of businesses by removing the cascading effect of taxes and enabling input tax credit. "There is no justification of having a separate tax regime for non-corporate business entities," the official said. It has noted that there is a need to remove legal impediments in labour intensive industry as restrictive labour laws do not allow businesses to scale up and discourages formal hiring of labour. It has proposed to recognise part time/shared/free-lance employment as new categories of jobs with a view providing flexibility to businesses. Allocation of natural resources should be done by balancing the need to raise government earnings and allow for development of the sector, according to the plan. The department suggested that revenue sharing models will be pursued - where the upfront payments from businesses are reasonable and do not affect viability of the business. "Vast resources of coal, bauxite remain unutilised due to inadequate capacity of public sector in exploration and mining. Participation of state corporations and private sector would be allowed to strengthen commercial mining," the official said. Further the action plan has recommended formulation of a national retail policy to help 65 million small traders. Besides, there is a proposal to provide support to small businesses in terms of marketing their product and make them more competitive. "These actionable strategies and interventions will address challenges and layout the priorities for industrial development in future," the official added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be administered oath of office for his second term along with his new council of ministers on May 30. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Krishna district police Monday seized 150 kg ganja, worth Rs 20 lakh, and arrested two person while they were allegedly smuggling the contraband from Andhra Pradesh to Telengana, police said. They said the seizure was made after they intercepted a car at Janardhanapuram village in Krishna district by National Highway-214 during a routine check. Police said they arrested two suspected smugglers, who had loaded the ganja in the vehicle at Narsipatnam in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh and were headed to Hyderbad in Telengana. The Nandivada police registered a case and the vehicle along with the seized contraband would be produced in a court, said police. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thirty 20th century Indian artworks from the private collection of Swiss collectors Guy and Helen Barbier will go under the hammer at Sotheby's upcoming sale on June 10. The collection built over a span of three decades, was exhibited in 1987 in the form of a show titled 'Coups de Coeur'. An outcome of the Barbiers' commitment to discovering and celebrating Indian art, more than two thirds of the works were acquired directly from the artists and none have ever been offered at an auction before. Highlights of the sale include a rare 1953 figurative work by Ram Kumar, one of the India's foremost abstract painters. The painting featuring a man and woman holding hands was originally intended as a gift from Kumar to his wife. The Barbiers acquired the work when the artist sold it to them in 1985-86 because of "their hospitality and generosity". It is estimated between Rs 1.94 - 2.47 crore. Another work by Kumar, a 1967 oil on canvas from his celebrated Varanasi series, will also be part of the sale. Also acquired by the Barbiers directly from the artist in 1982, this painting has not been seen in thirty years since 1987. The work, estimated between Rs 88.40 lakh to 1.32 crore, straddles the boundaries between abstraction and realism. With its sombre hues and dark shadows, this haunting vista matches the mysteries of the sacred city itself. "Having first met the Barbiers in 2005 and over many conversations with Mr Barbier throughout the years, we are honoured to present this extraordinary collection this June. "The Barbiers were pioneering for their time, collecting in the 1980s in a field of Indian art that few westerners sought. Their works are historic, exciting and fresh. It has been a coup for us as well to work on this collection," Yamini Mehta, Deputy Chairman, Indian and South Asian Art, said. Also part of the sale would be two oil on canvases by M F Husain -- "Marathi Women" (1950), and "Umbrella VII" (1978). In "Umbrella VII", one can see a village woman whose face is obscured by the umbrella. Acquired by the Barbiers the year it was painted, this work hails from Husain's 'Portrait of an Umbrella' series in which the artist explores what the umbrella could mean as a metaphor to different people. The work is estimated at Rs 88.40 lakh to 1.32 crore. The other painting, estimated at Rs 66.30 - 88.40 lakh, belongs to the body of work that Husain produced between 1948 and 1951, the time of the formation of the Progressive Artists' Group. Bhupen Khakhar's landmark "Two Men in Benares", unanimously considered one of the most important works by the artist will also be on offer. It was with this work through which Khakhar became the first Indian artist to freely disclose his sexual orientation. Guy and Helen Barbier acquired it from a show at Mumbai's Chemould Prescott gallery where it was showcased for the first time in 1986. "Bhupen Khakhar's works are the result of an artist bravely portraying his ethos and beliefs, making use of a myriad of sources from his life in an unabashed way to express his own honest narrative of love and desire. "'Two Men in Benares' is a seminal work, both for the context it was made in and its powerful and complex imagery. In equal parts it is subversive, sensual and sentimental," Ishrat Kanga, Specialist in Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art and Head of Sale, said. The painting is estimated at Rs 3.97 - 5.30 crore. Other works include a rare early painting by Tyeb Mehta, and a collection of works by Rameshwar Broota. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The National Weather Service says a tornado touched down in the Tulsa area early Sunday, damaging structures, uprooting trees and toppling power lines. Pete Snyder with the weather service said Sunday that officials had confirmed that a tornado caused damage in the Tulsa suburb of Sapulpa and surrounding areas. Snyder says crews are assessing the damage to determine the tornado's strength. He says the area also experienced damage from straight-line winds that officials say exceeded 129 kilometers per hour. The tornado was spawned by a powerful storm system that rolled through the state and occurred not long after another tornado killed two people and injured 29 others in El Reno, about 40 kilometers west of Oklahoma City. An apparent tornado has downed trees and power lines and heavily damaged some businesses in a suburb of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The apparent twister struck Sapulpa early Sunday morning, not long after another tornado killed two people and injured 29 others in El Reno, a city 110 miles southwest of Sapulpa and about 25 miles west of Oklahoma City. The Sapulpa Police Department said on its Facebook page that it hadn't heard of anyone being killed there and that only a few people had reported minor injuries. Damage was also reported in other area communities. Many roads were closed, including parts of the Creek Turnpike, where the Oklahoma Highway Patrol says power lines came down across the roadway. Raymond Beck, who owns a memorabilia shop in Sapulpa, told the Tulsa World he was in his store when the storm hit. He says, "Stuff was flying everywhere. It sounded like a real high-pitched whistle to me. I knew I had to get away from the windows. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of a BJP worker in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district two days ago, police said on Monday. Director General of Police (DGP) O P Singh said there was a local-level political rivalry between the deceased, Surendra Singh, 50, and the father of one of the accused. "We have arrested three persons. After the incident was reported, as many as seven people were taken into custody and they were thoroughly quizzed," Singh told reporters here. "Among the seven people, there were three who were linked with the incident." Amethi Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar said those arrested have been identified as Ramchandra, Dharmanath and Naseem, while two persons were absconding. Singh, a close aide of newly-elected Amethi MP Smriti Irani, was shot when he was sleeping in his house at Baraulia village, 25 km from the district headquarters, on Saturday night. The former village head was referred to a Lucknow hospital, but succumbed to injuries during treatment. "The incident is a result of old enmity. There was tension between the slain ex-pradhan and Dharamnath since the last panchayat election," the SP said. Both were preparing for the coming panchayat election that is likely to be held later this year, police sources said. The DGP said a .315 bore countrymade pistol and a blood-stained towel had been recovered from Ramchandra, whose motorcycle was also used in the incident and is yet to be recovered. The officer said the towel had been sent for forensic examination. "In unveiling the entire case, the police have examined circumstantial evidences and electronic surveillance," he said. Singh said Atul Singh and Waseem, who are on the run, have been traced at Delhi and Lucknow. The arrests come a day after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had directed the DGP to take effective action in the case. Irani, who met the deceased's family in Amethi on Sunday, had alleged that Singh was killed so that the constituency could be "terrorised, disintegrated and bowed down". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A police officer and two others were injured in a powerful blast claimed by the Islamic State in Bangladesh's capital. The explosives that lead to the blast in a police pick-up van in Dhaka's Malibagh on Sunday night might have been planted, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia said on Monday. "We think it (the explosive) was kept in the car and not hurled at the police," he said while talking to reporters after visiting the injured at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. "Based on primary investigation, we think it was an improvised bomb, but it was more powerful than the usual ones used here," he said. An assistant sub-inspector and two others were injured in the explosion. He said police have yet to identify the culprits. Meanwhile, US-based SITE Intelligence Group said that IS has claimed responsibility for the blast targeting the police van in Dhaka. Terming the incident as an act to spread fear, the DMP chief said: "If they (the attackers) wanted, they could have killed our police officials." "Attacking a police vehicle or checkpost is a move to break down the police's morale and its initiative to oust terrorism from Bangladesh, he said. The government has consistently ruled out the presence of the dreaded terror group in the Muslim-majority nation though experts have been maintaining that series of brutal attacks on minorities and secular activists had the hallmarks of ISIS group. Bangladesh launched a crackdown on Islamist militants following the July 2016 terror attack in which terrorists stormed a Dhaka cafe and killed 22 people, including 18 foreigners, by firing indiscriminately. The ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack. In a nationwide raids since then, the security forces have killed around 100 terrorists and detained several others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three terrorists belonging to the Islamic State (IS) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) militant groups have been arrested by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) officials in Pakistan's Punjab province. According the CTD of Punjab police, separate teams raided whereabouts of the suspected terrorists in D G Khan and Sialkot districts and arrested the three terrorists on Sunday. In the first raid, the CTD said it arrested an active member of ISIS, Mohammad Sadaqat, in D G Khan, some 400-km from Lahore and recovered hand grenades and weapons. It said Sadaqat along with his accomplices wanted to target officials of law enforcement agencies. It said the suspect is being interrogated and his other accomplices in the area will also be arrested. In the raid in Sialkot, some 130-km from Lahore, two terrorists who were involved in sectarian killings were arrested on Sunday. The CTD said both suspects are members of LeJ and they were involved in killing of some people of Shia sect. Weapons have been recovered from them. They have been shifted to undisclosed location for investigation. The CTD last week arrested six members of the banned Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) and (LeJ) from different parts of Punjab province for collecting funds for "financing terrorism". "The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab government in a massive crackdown has arrested six activists of the proscribed organisations from various parts of the province for collecting funds for financing terrorism," the CTD said. It said Muhammad Zahid and Irfan Ahmad of JeM were arrested from Gujranwala, and Zafar Iqbal of JeM from Rawalpindi. Similarly, Muhammad Hanzala and Hamza of LeJ were arrested from Lahore while Ijaz Ahmad of the same banned organisation from Multan. The CTD said those arrested were collecting funds for terror financing for their proscribed organisations JeM and LeJ. "No member of any proscribed organisation will be allowed to collect funds for financing terrorism and extremism under the law of land, the CTD said. The Pakistan government had arrested over 100 members of banned outfits including JeM chief Masood Azhar's son and brother and taken control of JeM, JuD and FIF properties including seminaries and mosques across the country following immense international pressure built up after the Pulwama attack in February. The government termed the action in accordance with the National Action Plan and meeting the obligations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) / -- International School Awards (ISA - India), a two-day event hosted by Chitkara University , on May 24-25, 2019 saw over 500 schools, 1000+ educators and 100+ startups across the globe come together, under one roof. The goal was to open a dialogue with the international community, as well as celebrate and reward their contributions. The event was presented by Robogenie, powered by Robochamps and Chhapai.com, and supported by Chitkara University. The theme of this year's event was 'Building for the Future' with a vision to revolutionize the System. Chitkara University believes that its future students have to run parallel with the advancing technological aspects. Thus, with this in mind, International School Awards & Conference was designed to provide a platform where all the great contributors come together under one roof to resolve the present day needs of the students. For awards, the event received a total of 9673 nominations of educators from 43 countries. Hon'ble Dr. Niyati Chitkara, Principal, Chitkara International School, declared the International School Awards & Conference open in the presence of Dr. Jawahar Surisetti, Adviser to Government, TED Speaker, Author; Mr. Akshay Ahuja, Founder, Robochamps; Mr. Rajesh Batra, Founder, Chappai.com; and Col. Rakesh Sharma, Associate Director, Chitkara University Affairs. Dignitaries and delegates from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore, UAE, and South Africa, were in attendance to open a dialogue with the international education community, as well as celebrate and reward their contributions. To bring about the change and inculcate innovations in a student's life, ISA created three sub-themes to further segregate the pathway for a 'Better Future'. Global Megatrends, Entrepreneurship Skills, Technological Learning, Brand Building, among others, were a part of the conference. Experts acknowledged how Artificial Intelligence, Teachers, Schools, and Education play a vital role in a student's life. A Knowledge Village - an exhibition platform with more than 10+ stalls, was also set up at the Chitkara campus to showcase and promote 'educational' tools, products and services to the attendees of ISA. Day 1, Keynote Sessions and Panel Discussions motivated experts to find a balance between the technologies and educative learning. With great topics aligned, the event had on board the best of the speakers sharing their mastery and inspiring everyone during the morning session where Author & TED Speaker, Dr. Jawahar Surisetti spoke about the 'Power of Counselling'; Awecademy Founder & CEO Ms. Raya Bidshahri expressed how 'Artificial Intelligence is the Future'; Teacher Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Co-Founder & CEO, Mr. Praveen Wadalkar gave everyone 'Lessons in the Brand Building: How to build an educational brand'; and finally the famous 'human calculator' & Founder of Exploring Infinities Mr. Bhanu Prakash showed the audience how he is 'Quicker than a Calculator'. The afternoon session saw a constructive Panel Discussion on 'Emerging Technologies', where experts asked and discussed how smart technology will shape the future. Panelists - Mrs. Taruna Vashisht, Founder Principal, Manav Rachna International School, Mohali; Ms. Ritika Subhash, Director of Schools, Indian Subcontinent, Mangahigh.com; Mr. Abhiraj Malhotra, Founder, School Pad; and Mr. Akshay Ahuja, Founder, Robochamps presented their views and shared examples and possibilities on the subject, while Mr. Mario Fishery, Director of Technology Support at American School of Bombay moderated the discussion to a meaningful consensus giving the educators a blueprint to building the classroom of the future. Day 2, the first half of the session saw Dr. Attaullah Wahidyar, Senior Advisor to the Education Minister of Afghanistan, shedding light upon - 'Peace, Justice and Strong Institution'. Other speakers who offered insider insights with inspiring keynote addresses, included - Dr. Deepak Vohra, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Lesotho and Guinea-Bissau, shared his insights on 'Global Megatrends'; and Hon'ble Dr. Niyati Chitkara, Principal, Chitkara International School, spoke about 'Teachers and School Education'. The resounding message - all came in an alliance towards one goal of building a brighter future and rooted for bringing change in the student's education with digital techniques to ease up the learning. Next, insightful Panel Discussions on 'Entrepreneurship in Schools' was held during the afternoon session. Experts deliberated on 'Entrepreneurship in School' while discussing the importance of entrepreneur skills in the changing economy, and introducing these to students using case studies, field work, thinking tools, interactive games and moderated discussions. Panelists include - Mr. Ayush Gupta, Former Secretary, E-cell, IIT Roorkee; Mr. Siddharth Bansal, Founding CEO, Bansal EnviroTech 'A Green Company'; Mr. Mani Ramalingam, CEO & Founder, Techoptions Infosolutions Pvt. Ltd.; and Mr. Sameer Sharma, Founder, Shoutlo. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Rahul Naverker, Founder & CEO, IndiaNetworks. International School Awards & Conference concluded on a high note with an Awards Ceremony. Hon'ble Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Vice Chancellor, Chitkara University; gave away the prestigious Awards to winners in a glittering function attended by over 200 delegates from over 12 countries across the globe. The awards recognize excellence in education and outstanding contribution in innovation & Leadership, of School Heads, School Entrepreneurs and Teachers from across the globe. Speaking about the mega event, Hon'ble Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Vice Chancellor, Chitkara University, said, "Traditional lecture halls cannot equip every student for whatever their unique future holds, whether they move on to study further or enter the job market. With International School Awards & Conference, Chitkara University aimed to open a dialogue with the international education community by not only unlocking the potential of flexible, challenging educational innovations that focus on student needs, but also predicting what the future of learning should look like while taking cue from others who are taking bold steps into the future using ground-breaking methods. This remarkable event redefined education, gave us all boundless resources and helped us envision a future that promotes diversity, creativity and collaboration." About Chitkara University: In the year 2002, Chitkara Educational Trust established its Punjab campus 30 km from Chandigarh, on the Chandigarh-Patiala National Highway. In 2010, Chitkara University was established by the Punjab State Legislature under 'The Chitkara University Act'. Chitkara University, one of the best universities in Punjab is a government recognized university with the right to confer degrees as per the Sections 2(f) and 22(1) of the UGC Act, 1956. Chitkara University has been founded by Dr. Ashok Chitkara and Dr. Madhu Chitkara who have been passionate teachers for more than 40 years now. Chitkara Education brings with it a reputation that has been earned through years of serving the career needs of the student community. It is a reputation for excellence and innovation among coveted employers for preparing graduates who have the knowledge and skills they need for success in their workplace. Chitkara University graduates go on to great careers, as they have their hands-on responsive teaching methodology. Students from around the country are attracted to Chitkara University because of their commitment to teaching excellence, because they conduct research that makes a difference, because of their industry partnerships and because of their tailored courses. This difference has been acknowledged by students, parent, alumni, government, and industry since the inception of the university. Within a decade, most of Chitkara University academic programs are ranked among the top 50 programs in the country which speaks volumes about their strong academic heritage, highly committed faculty, extensive industry collaborations, great international connections, and state-of-the-art campus facilities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sixty-one security personnel and 11 civilians were killed while 142 people were injured in 177 terror-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir in the first four months of 2019, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has said. The statement by Sulekha, Director, MHA came in response to an RTI plea filed by social activist Rohit Choudhary of J&K. She said that the injured included 73 security force personnel and 69 civilians. Earlier, General Officer Commanding in Chief (GoC-In-C), Northern Command, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said 86 terrorists were killed this year in the state and vowed that operations against the ultras will continue. "During this year, we have neutralised 86 terrorists so far. Twenty terrorists were also apprehended. Our operations against terrorists will continue. A number of ultras have been brought back to the mainstream with the help of their parents, teachers and senior citizens," Lt Gen Sinbh had said at a function in Udhampur last Monday. He also said 450 terrorists were operating in Jammu and Kashmir and the terror infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC) was intact with the full support of Pakistan as 16 terrorist camps were operating in the neighbouring country and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An estimated 86.29 per cent out of the nearly 8 lakh students passed the Higher Secondary examinations in West Bengal this year, the results of which were declared on Monday. Out of a total of 7,77,266 candidates, who appeared for the examinations this year, 86.29 per cent students passed, the president of West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education, Mohua Das, told a press meet here. The overall pass percentage last year was 83.75 per cent, she said. A total of 7,818 candidates secured 90 per cent or above marks and 2,63,149 students secured 60 per cent or above marks in the examinations this year, Das said. Das said a total of 137 candidates were among the top ten rankers from all the three streams - science, arts and commerce. This year, every rank has been shared by more than one candidate, she added. Shovan Mondal from Birbhum Zilla School and Rajarshi Burman of Jenkins School in Cooch Behar jointly shared the first rank this year, Das said. Both of them scored 498 out of 500 (99.6 per cent). The second rank was shared by six candidates, each of them scoring 496 (99.2 per cent), while the third rank was shared by four candidates and each of them scored 494 (98.8 per cent). Sanjukta Bose, who ranked second in the overall list, topped among girls. She is a student of Bidhannagar Government High School at Salt Lake in North 24 Parganas district. The examinations began on February 26 and ended on March 13, Das said, adding, the results were out 74 days after the conclusion of the examinations. The students can view their results on www.wbchse.nic.in. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Filmmaker Abdellatif Kechiche is once again at the receiving end of critics and the audiences at the Cannes Film Festival for his film "Mektoub, My Love: Intermezzo", which sparked walkouts and major uproar over its explicit scenes. And now a report in French media has revealed that the 58-year-old director pressured his film's lead actors to perform those scenes. A report by French outlet Midi Libre claimed that Kechiche pressured the actors to engage in explicit sex scenes. "Kechiche absolutely wanted a non-simulated sex scene, something the actors didn't want to do. But by the way of insistence, and over time and with alcohol being regularly consumed, he managed to get what he wanted," a tweet translating the report read. Another French outlet, Le Figaro, managed to get hold of an eyewitness from the film's set who told them that the director "had the scenes of the disco replay for hours and hours, exhausting all the actors and the filming was prolonged very late at night". Kechiche had defended the film at a press conference after the backlash. "Not everyone shares the way I look at others. Not everyone likes this or that kind of film for example so, no, it doesn't bother me in the least. If what I see is what I want to see and if that doesn't appeal to everyone, well, that is very fortunate, it would be a disaster if everyone watched a film in exactly the same way," he had said. This is not the first time that Kechiche's working method has attracted criticism. Actors Lea Seydoux and Adle Exarchopoulos, the stars of "Blue Is the Warmest Colour", which earned Kechiche the Palme d'Or trophy, had detailed their harrowing experience of working with the director in 2013. "Mektoub, My Love: Intermezzo" is the sequel to Kechiche's "Mektoub, My Love: Canto Uno", which premiered at the 2017 Venice Film Festival. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Monday he had won the backing of US President Donald Trump for a proposed meeting with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un. "I feel I have to meet face-to-face with Chairman Kim without attaching any preconditions and exchange frank views with him," Abe told a joint conference with Trump following their summit in Tokyo. "President Trump... said he will give full support needed for that," the premier said. Abe has said that a face-to-face meeting with Kim is the only way to solve the emotional issue of Japanese people who Tokyo believes were abducted by Pyongyang, but Kim has so far shown little interest in a summit. Japan suspects dozens of people who are still missing were abducted by North Korean agents in the 1970s and 1980s to train their own spies in the Japanese language and culture. Abe acknowledged he had "no specific plan" to meet the North Korean leader. "But there is no change in Japan's policy that we will seek to resolve the issue of abduction, nuclear and missiles comprehensively and to settle the unfortunate past to normalise" diplomatic ties, he added. Following their summit, Trump and Abe met families of abductees. "It's very much on my mind," Trump told them. "I can also tell you that it is the prime minister's primary goal," he said, pledging to work together with Abe to bring their relatives home. For his part, Abe said: "I am convinced that President Trump has been making every effort." Abe, seen as a foreign policy hawk, has recently softened his rhetoric towards Pyongyang, calling for a summit with Kim to resolve the emotional row. Abe has repeatedly asked Trump to seek answers on the fate of the missing during his talks with North Korea. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Adoption of artificial intelligence is expected to help double the rate of industrial innovation, and may result in over two times jump in employee productivity in India by 2021, a study by tech giant Microsoft said Monday. The study, conducted by research firm IDC on behalf of Microsoft, said organisations that have adopted AI saw tangible improvements in the range of 8-22 per cent in areas like customer engagement, margins and competitiveness. "By 2021, artificial intelligence (AI) will more than double the rate of innovation at organisations (2.2 times) and employee productivity (2.3 times) in India," the study titled 'Future Ready Business: Assessing Asia Pacific's Growth Potential Through AI' said. However, only one-third of the organisations (respondents) in India said they have embarked on their AI journeys. The study found that India business leaders and workers hold positive viewpoints about the AI's impact on the future of jobs. About 64 per cent of business leaders and 63 per cent of workers believe that AI will either help to do their existing jobs better or reduce repetitive tasks. When it comes to creating or replacing jobs, 16 per cent of business leaders believe that AI will create new jobs, but 18 per cent also feel that the technology will replace workers. The report said that about 85 per cent of businesses prioritise skilling and re-skilling of workers in the future and plan to invest in the human capital evenly or even more compared to investing in technology. "Economies and businesses that have yet to embark on their AI journey run a real risk of missing out on the competitive benefits that are enjoyed by leaders. Businesses must now embrace a new culture, where innovation and continuous learning are core components of the organisational culture," Microsoft India National Technology Officer Rohini Srivathsa told reporters here. The Asia Pacific study was based on response from 1,605 business leaders and 1,585 workers, including 200 business leaders and 202 workers in India. Fifteen countries were part of the report including Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore among others. ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company, which used Microsoft's AI expertise, showcased a new solution that deploys AI to process vehicle insurance claims and renew policies more efficiently. Girish Nayak, Chief Service, Operations and Technology at ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company, said the company recognised the potential of AI in providing high quality car damage evaluation services. "With data being generated at an exponential level, this technology will help us derive insights to inspect and process claims with utmost efficiency...this will allow us to meet customer demands quicker without compromising on service excellence," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Monday successfully test fired an Akash-MK-1S missile from the integrated test range at Chandipur in Odisha, the defence ministry said Monday. The surface-to-air anti-aircraft missile with a strike range of 25 km and capability to carry warhead of 60 kg was test fired on May 25 and May 27, they said. "Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test fired AKASH-MK-1S missile from ITR, Chandipur, Odhisa on May 25 and 27," the defence ministry said in a statement. It said the Akash weapon system has combination of both command guidance and active terminal seeker guidance. "Seeker and guidance performance have been consistently established in both the missions. All the mission objectives have been met," the ministry said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Armed miscreants looted Rs 60 lakh from two persons near the Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) here on Monday, a senior police officer said. The two persons, staff of rice businessman were on their way to deposit the money in a bank branch when six miscreants riding three bikes snatched the money from them at gun point, City Superintendent of Police (East) Rajendra Kumar Bheel told PTI. The miscreants looted the money and fled from the spot, the SP said, adding police are conducting raids to nab the culprits. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) For a second time, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will miss her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi's swearing-in on May 30 as she will be on a three-nation foreign visit, officials here said Monday. According to a government release here, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq will attend the ceremony as the senior most Cabinet member of the Bangladesh government. Prime Minister Hasina will be on a tri-nation visit to Japan, Saudi Arabia and Finland beginning Tuesday, it said. She could not attend the previous swearing-in ceremony of Modi in 2014 as she was abroad then too. Last time, Parliament Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony held on May 26. Prime Minister Modi will be administered the oath of office for his second term along with his new council of ministers on May 30, the President's Office said Sunday in New Delhi. Several global leaders including US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan have congratulated Modi on his resounding victory. Prime Minister Modi on Thursday led his Bharatiya Janata Party to a landmark victory for a second five-year term in office, winning 303 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Soon after Prime Minister Modi's victory, the two leaders pledged to continue to raise the relationship between the two countries to an "unprecedented new heights". The Bangladesh Prime Minister was one of the first foreign leaders to congratulate Prime Minister Modi following his election victory, reflecting the "extraordinarily close and cordial ties" between India and Bangladesh, and the excellent rapport that the two leaders enjoy, the report said. She also spoke to Modi on Thursday and said this "emphatic verdict is a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed on you by the people of the world's largest democracy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ahead of Rathyatra in Ahmedabad, Special Operations Group (SOG) Monday detained 47 Bangladeshi nationals from various parts of the city for illegal stay, police said. The Ahmedabad SOG had formed five different teams to carry out a search operation, as per an official statement. Patrolling was conducted in different areas of the city during which as many as 47 Bangladeshis were detained from areas including Chandola lake in Ishanpur, Danilimda, Chirag Park Society, Naroda Patiya, Juna Wadaj etc, and brought to SOG police station, it said. They were detained as they were found to be staying illegally in the city without any valid documents. Police are probing if the detainees were involved in any illegal activity. The Rathyatra or the chariot procession is held in the name of Lord Jagannath in June/July every year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) State-owned Monday posted 49.33 per cent jump in standalone net profit at Rs 682.70 crore for March quarter 2018-19 mainly on the back of higher revenues. The company's profit in the year-ago period stood at Rs 457.17 crore, as per a BSE filing. Total income rose to Rs 10,418.03 crore in March quarter from Rs 10,351.07 crore in the same period of 2017-18. During 2018-19 fiscal, the standalone profit rose to Rs 1,215.39 crore from Rs 806.60 crore a year ago. Total income jumped to Rs 31,026.59 crore from Rs 29,507.28 crore in 2017-18. Consolidated profit during the fiscal went up at Rs 1,009.16 crore from Rs 438.19 crore in the previous fiscal. Income also rose to Rs 31,029.17 crore from Rs 29,506.72 crore in 2017-18. In addition to interim dividend of Rs 0.80 per share (40 per cent) already paid (on share with face value of Rs 2 each), the company's board Monday recommended a final dividend of Rs 1.20 per share (60 per cent). Total dividend for 2018-19 would stand at 100 per cent, on the equity. The total dividend outflow for 2018-19 shall be the highest during the last six years.The earning per share for 2018-19 is Rs 3.35 as against Rs 2.20 in 2017-18. "Prudent strategies of garnering business in a shrunken and highly competitive business environment coupled with thrust on diversification, have resulted in several breakthroughs," Chairman Atul Sobti told During the year, the company booked highest-ever orders in its transportation business segment and spares and services, said. It also developed in-house India's first state-of-the-art regenerative braking system for 5000 HP WAG-7 electric locomotive and delivered BHEL's first 6,000 HP electric locomotive to Indian Railways. BHEL also received its maiden order for electrification of 440 km rail track. The company forayed into the floating solar power business with the first commercial scale order of 5 MW at Sagardighi. It also entered the electric vehicle (EV) market with maiden order for installation of Solar-based EV Chargers along the Delhi-Chandigarh highway. In addition, the company has entered other new segments like lake purification, municipal water segment, PV plants with battery storage, etc. In overseas markets, despite challenging circumstances, BHEL secured 50 orders for projects, products, systems and services from 17 countries in the last fiscal. This includes an order for the largest hydro power plant in Nepal, 4x225 MW Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project. BHEL also bagged an EPC project - 32 MW Djermaya Solar Power, in Chad. "With focus on core business, equal efforts are being made to increase the share of business from Non-Coal' areas to 50 per cent from the current level of 30 per cent. BHEL is pursuing new initiatives in various areas such as solar, water, defence, aerospace, electricity storage solutions, e-mobility, railway electrification," Sobti said. BHEL continues to lay strong foundations for new avenues of future growth. Initiatives in the new business areas will require technology development as the most critical input, he added. The company has taken up in-house development of important technologies including Advanced Ultra Supercritical Technology (AUSC), Coal to Methanol, propulsion technology, etc. Significant progress has been made in the AUSC project, and among other milestones, BHEL has successfully poured the world's heaviest casting for alloy 625M turbine casings. BHEL is also in the process of setting up a rail-based logistics terminal at Haridwar and plans to make Bengaluru a solar business hub along with further expansion of solar PV manufacturing capacity. A local court Monday sentenced a man and his son to life imprisonment for killing a woman after branding her as a witch in Bihar's Begusarai district four years ago. Additional District and Sessions Judge Raj Kishore Rai held Alijan Miyan and his son Shabbir Miyan guilty of murdering the woman, who was their neighbour, on October 21, 2015. The court also slapped a fine of Rs 14,000 each on the two. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A blame game has erupted in West Bengal over the killing of a BJP worker in the Kankinara area of North 24 Parganas district, with BJP alleging that the TMC was behind the murder. The Trinamool Congress has termed the allegation as baseless. BJP worker Chandan Shaw was shot dead at Bhatpara on Sunday night, police said, adding that one person has been arrested in this connection. Clashes have since been reported from Bhatpara and Kakinara areas, which fall under the Barrackpore Lok Sabha seat, where the BJP's Arjun Singh defeated Dinesh Trivedi of the TMC. Singh said the victim was a BJP worker, and alleged that TMC goons were behind his killing. "Since the beginning of the election, the TMC has been terrorising BJP workers. It had set our (BJP) party offices on fire and beat up our party workers. Now it has started killing our workers. But such killings won't stop the victory march of the BJP," he said. Asked who might be responsible, Singh said an FIR has been lodged by the victim's family and the identity of the killers would be revealed after arrests are made. The Trinamool Congress leadership, however, termed the allegations as baseless and claimed that its party offices have been taken over by Arjun Singh's men in Kakinara. "TMC supporters are being driven away from their houses in the area," TMC North 24 Parganas district president and minister Jyotipriyo Mullick said. Police personnel have been deployed in the area to control the situation. "The allegations are completely baseless. BJP men are beating up our party workers. Hundreds of them have been rendered homeless since the announcement of the results," Mullick said. "This incident is a result of intra-party rivalry," district-level TMC leader Nirmal Ghosh said. The TMC will conduct a peace rally in Barrackpore this Saturday, Mullick said. Violent incidents have been reported from across the state since the Lok Sabha poll results were announced. Two people have been killed and many injured in the clashes that broke out between the two parties since the Lok Sabha results were declared, officials said. A 23-year-old BJP worker was shot dead in Nadia district's Chakdaha town Friday and the saffron party alleged that TMC men were behind the incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Twenty-two years after the savage murder of the wife of a celebrated French film producer in Ireland, a trial gets under way in Paris on Monday, but with the British suspect absent and unrepresented. Ian Bailey, a 62-year-old former freelance journalist, denies killing Sophie Toscan du Plantier on December 23 1996, and "will not be present, or represented" in court on Monday, his lawyers Dominique Tricaud and Franck Buttimer told reporters. The Irish government has refused to extradite Bailey, who will therefore be judged in absentia. The parents, son and other people close to the victim, will however be present for the trial. Toscan du Plantier, who was the 39-year-old wife of film producer Daniel Toscan du Plantier, was found beaten to death at her holiday home in County Cork in southwest Ireland. Injuries to her hands showed that she had struggled to defend herself. Near her body was found a large rock and bloodstained concrete block. Bailey has long lived in Ireland near the home where she was staying. He was twice arrested for questioning by Irish police but never charged. "This case, even in the absence of the accused, will take place and the work of justice will be done," said Marie Dose, a lawyer for the family The victim's husband Daniel Toscan du Plantier, former director-general of the Gaumont Film Company, died in 2003. Despite the lack of Bailey's DNA at the scene of the crime, the British man soon became the main suspect, partly due to scratches on his arms and forehead which he attributed to dealing with a Christmas tree and cutting up a turkey for dinner. French authorities issued warrants for Bailey's arrest in 2010 and 2016, but Dublin refused both requests, citing the lack of a reciprocal extradition deal between the two countries. If found guilty Bailey could face a 30-year jail sentence and France could again seek his extradition which would then be "difficult to refuse", said Dose. On the basis that Irish justice has found no case against Bailey, who these days sells pizzas in the southwest Ireland village of Schull where the murder occurred, his lawyers spoke of "a judicial error" in France, adding that their client had "already been condemned" there. For the family's lawyer Dose, Bailey is staying away from the French court "because he is afraid of being sentenced and with good reason". The verdict in the case is expected to be handed down on Friday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nepal-based Buddha Air started flight operations between Kathmandu and Kolkata on Monday, an Airports Authority of India (AAI) spokesperson said. The airline's maiden flight arrived at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) airport in Kolkata with 56 passengers and a total 64 passengers went to Kathmandu in the return flight, An AAI statement said. Buddha Air will operate three flights a week between Kathmandu and Kolkata with ATR-72 aircraft, it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : The Karnataka cabinet Monday approved a cloud seeding programme, to be implemented in June, following reports that there would be deficit rainfall in the state. Rural Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda told reporters here that his department has called a tender for two years for cloud seeding at a cost of Rs 88 crore. The cabinet approved the proposal for Rs 93 crore, as the bidder quoted Rs 91 crore, he said, adding the amount also includes Rs two crore lump sum grant for the department. Gowda had recently said cloud-seeding would be taken up by the end of June. Among other cabinet decisions taken Monday were to promulgate an ordinance to 'protect' gazetted officers, who will face demotion or lose their jobs, as their recruitment process in 1998 by the Karnataka Public Service Commission was found to be irregular. The move comes as at least 25 officers with 20 years service will lose their jobs when a High Court order on the matter is implemented. Gowda said the cabinet decided to seek a detailed project report from RITES to set up a "no-frills" airport at Hassan by the state government, which would set up a Joint Venture company with Airports Authority of India for the purpose The cabinet decided to include NOTA in nagar sabha (Corporation) elections, a provision which was not there till now, Gowda said. It also decided to issue an ordinance to implement a long standing demand to create a separate university for Raichur district, currently under the ambit of Kalburgi University, Gowda said. The University would cover Raichur and Yadgir districts, he said. Gowda said JSW steels in Ballari was given 3,660 acres in 2005-06 on the basis of lease-cum-sale to set up plant and infrastructure for employees. As per the agreement the lease had to be converted to sale after 10 years, which the cabinet approved Monday, he said. He also said any difference in the amount that the company needs to pay would be collected. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday decried the "misconception" being created that BJP was a Hindi heartland party and said the Lok Sabha poll results testified to its victories across India, stressing "chemistry has triumphed over arithmetic". "Political pundits are not aware that their thinking and logic is meant for the 20th century. Results show that beyond arithmetic there is chemistry and this time chemistry has triumphed over arithmetic," the Prime Minister told his electorate while thanking them profusely for their hardwork and dedication. Modi who will be taking oath as the prime minister for the second time on May 30, said the hat trick of victories in 2014, 2017 and 2019 - vis-a-vis the state - is no mean achievement for the BJP. "For the country I am the PM, but for you I am your MP, I am your sevak," he told the Varanasi electorate, wondering how political pundits still consider his party as that of the Hindi heartland. "There is no region where the BJP's poll percentage is not rising. We have government is Assam, getting elected in Ladakh yet political pundits say (our's is) Hindi heartland politics, this is a misconception that has been created," he said. Thanking party workers profusely for braving the sweltering summer heat to reach out to the electorate and for ensuring that campaign goes on smoothly, Modi said the workers have passed the test with distinction. Admitting that is about perception, Modi lamented that a wrong impression had been created about his party through lies and wrong logic. "Because of this wrong awful perception, people do not like standing with us. But those creating bad and wrong perception can be defeated with the help of transparency and hard work. This is the strategy to trounce it," he said. Stressing on coordination between the government and party organisation, he said, "the perfect synergy between the government and party organisation was a big power and the BJP has realised it." "The Government makes policies while organisation makes ranniti (strategy). The synergy of niti (policies) and ranniti (strategy) is the mirror of sarkar and organisation and the country is getting its benefits," he said. "Work and workers create wonders," he said, giving full credit for his victory to the workers at the grassroots level for creating awareness of his government's policies and programmes for the people. Modi, who earlier in the day took part in the 'puja' at the Kashi Vishwanath temple in a thanksgiving for his party's landslide victory, also spoke about the dangers faced by his party in the form of "political untouchability". "Take the cases of Kerala or Kashmir, Bengal or Tripura (these cases) it will not come in media. Some people have selective sensitivity. Hundreds of workers have been killed only for political ideology. In Tripura workers were hanged, in Bengal murders are still on, in Kerala too... perhaps in India only one political party has faced such killings. Violence has been given legitimacy. This is a danger before us," he pointed out. Ambedkar and Gandhi had shunned untouchability but unfortunately, political untouchability is rising,...BJP workers were murdered," he said. His remarks assumed signifiance in the light of the killing of a BJP leader in Amethi in the first post-poll violence in Uttar Pradesh. Amid such hatred, BJP's mantra remains 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' Modi said adding that unlike others, his party has not come under the pressure of vote bank which has "spoiled" democracy. The prime minister said he was also grateful to his opponents who fought against him. Stressing on the significance of Opposition in democracy, he said: "When others come to power, there is no sign of opposition". He cited the example of Tripura where there was no Opposition during the 30 years of Congress government but "now that we are in government there is a 'jaandar and shandar vipaksh'. This is the spirit of democracy." Thanking Uttar Pradesh for showing the way for India and strengthening the foundation of healthy democracy, the prime minister also spoke about his Kedarnath visit after the completion of polling. "Since the people of Kashi had ordered me not to come here for a month after filing my nomination papers, I thought if not Baba in Kashi then (baba) elsewhere," he said, adding perhaps no other candidate is as satisfied or contended as he was (before the results are announced) and its reason was the confidence of Kashivasis. Modi, who offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple here, visited the temple town four days after steering his party to a huge win. The BJP won 303 out of the 542 seats in the Lok Sabha this time. Earlier, BJP president Amit Shah said Modi has only shown a glimpse of development and Kashi will turn into an amazing city in the next five years. In the city along with the prime minister for thanking the electorate and party workers for the landslide win in the recent Lok Sabha elections, the BJP president said what a difference had come in Kashi of 2014 and today. Hinting at the SP-BSP-RLD alliance, he said some media was predicting Modi will not get clear majority but the party successfully gave a call for working on achieving 50 per cent vote share. Both Shah and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in their speeches here, focused on the "gruelling" campaigning Modi undertook in the run up to the general elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday said chemistry has triumphed over poll arithmetic to give the BJP a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections and also spoke about how his party always faced the dangers of "political untouchability" and political violence. On a thanksgiving visit to this temple town after his victory from Varanasi parliamentary constituency for the second straight time, Modi decried the misconception that the BJP was a Hindi heartland party. Calling himself a 'sevak' of Varanasi, Modi offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple that was preceded by a roadshow of sorts as his cavalcade traversed through the bylanes of this temple town amid high security with crowds lining the roads and people on rooftops trying to catch a glimpse of the man who will be sworn as prime minister for a second term on May 30. "Political pundits are not aware that their thinking and logic is meant for the 20th century. Results show that beyond arithmetic there is chemistry and this time chemistry has triumphed over arithmetic," Modi told his electorate while thanking them profusely for their hardwork and dedication, four days after he steered the BJP to power at the Centre with a resounding victory of 303 seats in the Lok Sabha. Modi, who will be taking oath as the prime minister for the second time on May 30, said the hat trick of victories in 2014, 2017 and 2019 -- vis-a-vis Uttar Pradesh -- is no mean achievement for the BJP. "For the country I am the PM, but for you I am your MP, I am your sevak," he told the Varanasi electorate, wondering how political pundits still consider his party as that of the Hindi heartland. Modi's victory margin was over four lakh votes. "There is no region where the BJP's poll percentage is not rising. We have government is Assam, getting elected in Ladakh yet political pundits say (our's is) Hindi heartland politics, this is a misconception that has been created," he said at the meeting of BJP workers. Admitting that is about perception, Modi lamented that a wrong impression had been created about his party through lies and wrong logic. "Because of this wrong awful perception, people do not like standing with us. But those creating bad and wrong perception can be defeated with the help of transparency and hard work. This is the strategy to trounce it," he said. Modi also dwelled on the dangers faced by the BJP in the form of "political untouchability" and political violence. "Take the cases of Kerala or Kashmir, Bengal or Tripura (these cases) it will not come in media. Some people have selective sensitivity. Hundreds of workers have been killed only for political ideology. In Tripura workers were hanged, in Bengal murders are still on, in Kerala too... perhaps in India only one political party has faced such killings. Violence has been given legitimacy. This is a danger before us," he said. "Babasaheb Bhimrao (Ambedkar) and (Mahatma) Gandhi had shunned untouchability but unfortunately, political untouchability is rising,...BJP workers were murdered," he said. Amid such hatred, BJP's mantra remains 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' Modi said, adding that unlike others, his party has not come under the pressure of vote bank which has "spoiled" democracy. The prime minister said he was also grateful to his opponents who fought against him. Stressing on the significance of Opposition in democracy, he said: "When others come to power, there is no sign of opposition". He cited the example of Tripura where there was no Opposition during the decades of Left rule but "now that we are in government there is a 'jaandar and shandar vipaksh'. This is the spirit of democracy." Thanking Uttar Pradesh for showing the way for India and strengthening the foundation of healthy democracy, the prime minister also spoke about his Kedarnath visit after the completion of polling. "Since the people of Kashi had ordered me not to come here for a month after filing my nomination papers, I thought if not Baba in Kashi then (baba) elsewhere," he said, adding perhaps no other candidate is as satisfied or contended as he was (before the results are announced) and its reason was the confidence of Kashivasis. Earlier, BJP president Amit Shah said Modi has only shown a glimpse of development and Kashi will turn into an amazing city in the next five years. In the city along with the prime minister for thanking the electorate and party workers for the landslide win in the recent Lok Sabha elections, the BJP president said what a difference had come in Kashi of 2014 and today. Hinting at the SP-BSP-RLD alliance, he said some media was predicting Modi will not get clear majority but the party successfully gave a call for working on achieving 50 per cent vote share. Both Shah and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in their speeches here, focused on the "gruelling" campaigning Modi undertook in the run up to the general elections. Stressing on coordination between the government and party organisation, Modi said, "the perfect synergy between the government and party organisation was a big power and the BJP has realised it." "The Government makes policies while organisation makes 'ranniti' (strategy). The synergy of 'niti' (policies) and 'ranniti' (strategy) is the mirror of sarkar and organisation and the country is getting its benefits," he said. "Work and workers create wonders," he said, giving full credit for his victory to the workers at the grassroots level for creating awareness of his government's policies and programmes for the people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China on Monday took strong exception to US National Security Advisor John Bolton's official meeting with his Taiwanese "counterpart" David Lee, which broke a four-decade practice of no direct talks between America and Taiwan under the 'One China' policy. China, which regards the breakaway region of Taiwan as part of it, insists that all countries having diplomatic ties with Beijing follow 'One China' policy, explicitly recognising the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the only China. "First of all, I have to correct it. The man Bolton spoke to cannot be called his counterpart," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters here. Lee reportedly met Bolton during his May 13-21 visit to the United States. It was the first official talks between the US and Taiwan since 1979. "We resolutely oppose the US government official's exchanges with Taiwan in any form and under any pretext. We are also resolutely opposed to any attempt to create 'two China' and 'one China, one Taiwan'," he said. The US, along with many other countries, does not recognise Taiwan as a sovereign nation and officially adheres to the 'One China' policy. However, Washington has maintained informal relations with the de facto government of Taiwan despite breaking diplomatic ties with Taipei in 1979. Lu said as per policy, the US is committed to only maintain unofficial contacts with Taiwan. "We have said many times that the 'One China' principle is the political basis for the Sino-US relations. We once again urge the US to abide by the 'One China' principle and the provisions of the Sino-US joint communiques," he said, adding that America should carefully handle the Taiwan-related issues so as not to affect the Sino-US relations and cooperation in important areas. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) will always stand by Pakistan's "core interests" no matter how the landscape changes, visiting Chinese Wang Qishan has said as he cited the USD 60 billion CPEC as the manifestation of their all-weather relationship. Addressing a meeting on Sunday organised by the Pakistan- Institute (PCI), the senior Chinese leader said the world was passing through a time of major developments and transformation. The situation, he emphasised, had been further complicated by traditional and non-traditional challenges and conflict between opposing schools of thought and culture. "No matter how the landscape changes, will always stand by Pakistan's core interests, and both and China have made the right choice based on equality and mutual benefit," Wang said. Wang, a member of the politburo of the ruling Communist Party of China, said that the spirit of the Silk Road binds the two countries together with a common heritage and history. He also appreciated the success of the China- Economic Corridor (CPEC) and said that the second phase of the project would even bring more benefits for both and China. 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 on the "The CPEC has come a long way over the past five years. The CPEC is rapidly extending to new priority areas including industrial parks and livelihoods," he said. The Chinese leader said that China and Pakistan were all-weather strategic partners. He recalled Pakistan's support for China at critical moments and said that his country always supported Pakistan to achieve core interests. He said that the CPEC was a manifestation of their collaborative relations. Wang also referred to the situation and said that despite challenges, the way forward is globalisation, free trade and people-to-people connectivity. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the CPEC was a binding force between Pakistan and China. Citing the recent visit of Prime Minister to China for the Belt and Road Forum, he praised the CPEC for contributing to the progress of Pakistan. Clashes between inmates killed 15 people at a jail in Amazonas state in northern Brazil on Sunday, the regional prison authority said. The clashes broke out around 11:00 am during visiting hours at the facility, located some 28 kilometers from the state capital Manaus. "It was a fight between the inmates. There had never been deaths during the visits," Colonel Marcos Vinicius Almeida told a conference. An investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the fight, Almeida said. Almeida emphasized that authorities had reacted within minutes to the Sunday violence, preventing a potentially worse result. In January 2017, the same facility was the scene of a prison rebellion that lasted almost 20 hours and left 56 people dead. Brazil has the world's third largest prison population, with 7,26,712 inmates as of June 2016, according to official statistics. The population is double the capacity of the nation's prisons, which in 2016 was estimated to be 3,68,049 inmates. Along with severe overcrowding, Brazil's prisons are plagued by gang violence, while riots and breakout attempts are not uncommon. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The commerce ministry has come out with a comprehensive draft of the export policy which includes product specific rules with a view to provide a ready reckoner for exporters. "Based on inputs received from various partner government agencies, it is proposed to bring out a comprehensive exports policy for all ITC (HS) tariff codes (including items which are 'free' for export and do not currently exist in the policy), covering conditions/restrictions imposed by partner government agencies on exports," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade said. The draft policy aims at consolidating the export norms for each product as applicable at different government agencies. ITC-HS Codes are Indian Trade Clarification based on Harmonized System of Coding. It was adopted by India for import-export operations. Every product has been accorded eight digit HS codes. The compendium will help an exporter know all the applicable norms pertaining to a particular product, helping him/her understand policy conditions for that item. This exercise is for consolidating the norms and not for making any changes in the existing export policy of the country. The DGFT said that the updated draft has been prepared by including all existing policy conditions, all notifications and public notices issued after January 2018. Besides, it also includes non-tariff regulations imposed by different government agencies. Commenting on the move, exporters body Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) said that it would provide a "ready reckoner" for traders and help in digitisation. "It will help exporters in understanding export norms and conditions for items," FIEO Director General Ajay Sahai said. The directorate has sought views of all stake holders on the draft. Similar policy exists for import purposes also. While Schedule 1 deals with imports, Schedule 2 deals with export related matters. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Director General of Jacob Thomas, who is under suspension for the past 18 months for alleged violation of service rules, is now facing a criminal case and termination threat for writing his The complaint was filed by the General Administration Department on the direction Chief Secretary Tom Jose. The police's Crime Branch wing registered a criminal case against Thomas for penning his bare-all 'Sravukalkkoppam Neenthumbol' (Swimming With Sharks) without seeking prior permission from the higher-ups. In the 240-page book, the 1985-batch IPS officer had attacked many leaders, including former chief minister Oommen Chandy, and mentioned how the investigation of some controversial corruption cases were sabotaged. The book details his life from childhood in a hilly hamlet of central to his experiences as an all-India service officer. According to the FIR, Thomas had allegedly revealed in the book official secrets, which had come to his knowledge in his capacity as the vigilance director, thus violating the Police-Forces (Restriction of Rights) Act, 1966. If found guilty, Thomas will have to face imprisonment for up to two years and a fine. A departmental action by the state government, based on these charges, may result in the DGP's termination. Thomas, however, said no prior permission was needed before publishing the book as it came under the category of literary works. He also claimed there were no new revelations in his book, but information that was already in public domain. The officer had triggered a row by initiating a probe against high-profile persons, including ministers, politicians and bureaucrats, during his over one-year tenure as chief of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department. He was later transferred as the director of the Institute of Management in Governance before being placed under suspension in December 2017 for his remarks against the Pinarayi Vijayan government's handling of the Ockhi cyclone. "It may be for the first time in the country that an IPS officer is being placed under suspension continuously for such a long period," Thomas told PTI. "The criminal case registered against me for writing a book is part of the continuing retaliatory measures taken by the LDF government." It is proof of utmost "revenge and retaliation" by the government towards an officer who is not in their good books, the officer said, alleging the entire government machinery was being misused to suppress free speech. When contacted, Additional Chief Secretary (Health and Family Affairs) Rajeev Sadanandan, who conducted a departmental inquiry against Thomas on various charges, said he had submitted two reports to the government. "I have submitted two inquiry reports -- one regarding his and the second on his controversial speech, in which he had made anti-government remarks. But, I cannot reveal the details of the report or my recommendations," Sadanandan told PTI. Thomas claimed that the criminal case registered under the Force (Restriction of Right) Act was not even applicable to an all-India service official and only applicable to those recruited under the state Criminal proceedings were initiated weeks after a vigilance case was slapped against Thomas for the alleged financial irregularities as the director of ports in the procurement of a dredger during the period 2009-14, a charge rejected earlier by the Vigilance Department and Vigilance court after an inquiry. Though Thomas, who has service till June next year, sought to take voluntary retirement in March to contest the Lok Sabha election as a nominee of 'Twenty20', a non-profit organisation, the state government did not relieve him. "I have been denied job and salary for the last 18 months. I am not even allowed to go out of service," he said. "They are slapping case after case against me to keep me away from the service till I retire." Thomas said he was mulling several options to fight the alleged injustice meted out to him by the state government. He has already approached the Central Administrative Tribunal against the back-to-back suspensions and filed a case in the High Court seeking to quash the vigilance case. Meanwhile, CPI(M) legislator M Swaraj told PTI that certain rules were to be followed by the serving government officials while in service. BJP veteran Kummanam Rajasekharan, however, said the act of registering criminal case against Thomas for penning an autobiography was "fascism" and a clear case of "victimisation". "If the officer is found to have violated any service rule, the government can take departmental action. But here, a criminal case is registered against the officer for writing a book, that too by the Left government which pretends to be advocate of free speech and freedom of expression," Rajasekharan told PTI. Echoing similar sentiments, D B Binu, president of the Right to Information Act, Kerala Federation, said if such a case was registered anywhere else in the country, Left leaders would have termed it "intolerance" and "infringement on the freedom of expression." Thomas was the first IPS officer in the state to get sanctuary under the Whistleblowers' Protection Act from the union government in 2005 after he brought to light corruption in the Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation while serving as its managing director. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court on Monday sought Robert Vadra's response on the ED plea to cancel his anticipatory bail in a money laundering case on the ground that it required his custody as he was not cooperating in the investigation. Justice Chander Shekhar issued notice to Vadra on the Enforcement Directorate's petition challenging trial court's April 1 order which granted him anticipatory bail. The high court also sought response of Manoj Arora, an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP and a co-accused in the case, on the agency's plea seeking cancellation of the anticipatory bail. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, said they required his custody as Vadra was not cooperating in the investigation and the trial court had not discussed the gravity of the offence in its order. Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, is facing allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million pounds (over Rs 17 crore). The case is being probed under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act. When the court asked if the ED wanted Vadra's custody, Mehta said, "Yes, that is my case. We want his custody", and added that Vadra was not cooperating in the investigation. The high court further sought to know what was the flaw in the trial court's order. The solicitor general said everything was shown to the special judge but it has not discussed the gravity of the offence in the trial court order. "It was categorically recorded but no finding was given in the order. See the modus operandi. We need his custody. At this stage, we have to show a prima facie case. It is not that anybody was picked up, we have material against him," Mehta contended. The plea, filed through ED prosecutor DP Singh, has challenged the trial court's order saying the special judge had failed to consider the settled position of law that bail should not be "granted in a routine manner". ED has contended that if Vadra is granted the blanket protection of bail, there is a likelihood that he may tamper with evidence and influence the witnesses in the case and that the trial court had failed to appreciate that he was a highly-influential person. It has claimed that Vadra was "non-cooperative" and in spite of being given several opportunities to come clean on his alleged role in the case, he remained evasive. It said the protection given to him would be detrimental to its probe on certain crucial aspects, including ascertaining the exact source of the allegedly tainted money and the end use of the funds involved in the case. Besides, the ED has alleged that Arora was aware of the undeclared overseas assets and was instrumental in arranging funds. The separate pleas of Vadra and Arora seeking quashing of the case are also pending before the high court. They have denied the allegations. ED further said that Vadra has "maliciously" claimed to be a victim of political vendetta and made all possible attempts to sensationalise the case. It said the other important aspects of the probe are related to unearthing the entire source of credits for purchasing the properties and ascertaining the details of all similar transactions in the accounts of the entities concerned. The agency has said it will also require to confront Vadra with voluminous incriminating material for bringing the investigation to a logical conclusion. Vadra has recently approached a trial court seeking permission to travel abroad and his plea is pending. The trial court, while granting anticipatory bail to Vadra, had directed him not to leave the country without prior permission and also to join the probe as and when called by the investigating officer. According to the ED, it had lodged the money-laundering case against Arora after his role came up during the probe of another case filed by the Income Tax department under the newly-enacted Black Money Act and tax law against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. It has alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million pounds and sold in 2010 for the same amount, despite incurring an additional expense of approximately 65,900 pounds on its renovation. ED said it has received information about various new properties in London which allegedly belong to Vadra, including two houses worth 4-5 million pounds each and six flats. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former prime minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda had a discussion with Karnataka Congress chief Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday, following the combine's rout in the just-concluded Lok Sabha election. After the meeting that lasted for over an hour, Rao told reporters that Deve Gowda had asked him to come home to discuss various issues. He, however, refused to divulge what transpired between the former prime minister and him. "I cannot disclose what discussion we had because he has said something outright about the two parties. "We will have to take certain decisions after discussing with the senior leaders in our party," Rao said. The Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) only managed to win one seat each of the 28 in Karnataka, while the BJP won 25 seats. The other seat was bagged by BJP-backed Independent candidate Sumalatha Ambareesh, who defeated Deve Gowda's grandson Nikhil Kumaraswamy in Mandya. Deve Gowda too lost from Tumkur. BJP leaders have predicted the collapse of the Congress-JD(S) coalition in Karnataka and an increase in the saffron party's tally in the Assembly after the Lok Sabha poll results, claiming that 20-odd Congress MLAs were unhappy with the state government. The Deve Gowda-Rao meeting comes amid coalition worries and discontent within the Congress, with its MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, who has been rubbing shoulders with the BJP for some time, even threatening to resign, along with a few other lawmakers. The Congress has convened a meeting of its legislature party on Wednesday to discuss the political developments in the southern state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Faced with a colossal electoral defeat, the Congress was on Monday riven by internal turmoil with Rahul Gandhi insisting on quitting as party president while its governments in Rajasthan and Karnataka teetered on the brink. In the midst of the disquiet, several state Congress chiefs, including Punjab's Sunil Jakhar, Jharkhand's Ajoy Kumar and Assam's Ripun Bora, also offered to resign following the party's drubbing in the elections, party insiders said. Congress sources said Gandhi is insisting on resigning his post and is understood to have conveyed to several leaders that it is time for the grand old party to look for a new chief. The Congress won only 52 out of 542 parliamentary seats in the Lok Sabha polls, just six more than its 2014 tally. The party could not open its account in 18 states and union territories. Taking responsibility for the defeat, Gandhi on Saturday offered to resign as party president at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party, but it was "unanimously rejected". At the CWC meeting, Gandhi accused three senior leaders -- Ashok Gehlot, Kamal Nath and P Chidambaram -- of placing their sons above the party. His sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the entire top brass of the party left Rahul Gandhi alone to fight it out against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the party grapples with a severe existential crisis, its governments in both Karnataka and Rajasthan face a tough time with reports suggesting the BJP may try to wrest power in both states. It is learnt that Congress legislators Ramesh Jarkiholi and Dr Sudhakar visited BJP leader S M Krishna's residence in Bengaluru on Sunday along with several other BJP leaders and they are understood to have deliberated on dethroning the incumbent dispensation. Sources said a number of Congress legislators in Karnataka are understood to be unhappy over the party's electoral loss. In Rajasthan, there have been reports of internal turmoil with several ministers demanding fixing of accountability and seeking action against those responsible for the poll debacle in the state. The Congress drew a blank in Rajasthan as the NDA won all 25 seats. In Karnataka, where it formed a government with the JD(S) in May last year, the Congress managed to win only one Lok Sabha seat out of 28. The party was crushed in most of the 29 states, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, where it had defeated BJP in the assembly polls in December. As crisis beset the opposition party, its chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Monday urged everyone to respect the sanctity of the CWC meeting and asked the media not to fall into the trap of "conjectures, insinuations, gossip and rumour-mongering". Surjewala said it is a democratic forum for exchange of ideas and taking corrective action. It was a "closed-door" meeting and any speculation about it was unwarranted and uncalled for, he added. He was reacting to reports about happenings at the May 25 meeting, the first of the CWC after the Congress's humiliating defeat in the parliamentary polls. "The Congress party expects everyone, including the media, to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculation, insinuations, assumptions, gossip and rumour-mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted. "The CWC held a collective deliberation on the performance of the party, the challenges before it as also the way ahead, instead of casting aspersions on the role or conduct of any specific individual. The gist of the deliberations was made public in the CWC resolution of May 25, 2019," the Congress leader said in a statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three women doctors at a BMC-run medical college and hospital here, accused of driving their 26-year-old colleague to suicide after tormenting her with casteist slurs, have sought a "fair probe" in the case. In a letter to the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), the three - Ankita Khandelwal, Hema Ahuja and Bhakti Mehare - said they want the college to conduct a fair investigation in the matter and "give justice" to them. "This is not the way to do an investigation through police force and media pressure, without hearing our side," the three doctors said in the letter. MARD has suspended the three doctors. A senior MARD official said, We have credible inputs that the three doctors made casteist remarks against Dr Payal Tadvi, who allegedly committed suicide. We will cooperate with the police for the further investigations. To prevent such incidents, MARD has decided to organise sensitisation programmes for second and third year undergraduate medical students, the official said. The FIR filed after the second year PG student ended her life, stated that her seniors often threatened her, saying she wouldn't be allowed into operation theatres or allowed to perform deliveries. She was also mocked for being a tribal on WhatsApp groups. Tadvi committed suicide on May 22. Her family has alleged that the doctors taunted her for belonging to a scheduled tribe. The hospital's anti-ragging committee is expected to submit a report on the suicide. The administration has issued notices to the head of the department and the unit head of the obstetrics and gynaecology department. The three doctors have been booked under the Atrocities Act, the Anti-Ragging Act and the IT Act and Section 306 (abetment to suicide) of the IPC. Tadvi's mother Abeda Tadvi said from her hometown in Jalgaon district of north Maharashtra that her daughter had called her up on May 22 about her alleged harassment. Meanwhile, workers of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, All India Democratic Association, Democratic Youth Federation of India and Students Federation of India staged a protest outside the college and hospital building premises. A tribal organisation has planned a march from the hospital premises to the Agripada police station on Tuesday, to demand arrest of the three doctors. Holding the Nair hospital administration responsible for the suicide, the organisation has demanded action against the dean. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid growing protests by students and tribal organisations over the suicide of a doctor in a state-run hospital, allegedly after casteist slurs, the state women's commission Monday asked the dean to submit a report in the case. In a letter to the dean of the Mumbai civic body-run BYL Nair Hospital Ramesh Bharmal, the Maharashtra State Commission for Women sought to know whether the Anti-ragging Act was effectively implemented in the institution. The report, which also seeks information on "lack of communication" between the administration and students, is to be submitted within eight days, the Commission said. Meanwhile, the three women doctors at the hospital, accused of driving their 26-year-old colleague to suicide after tormenting her with casteist slurs, have sought a "fair probe" in the case. In a letter to the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), the three - Ankita Khandelwal, Hema Ahuja and Bhakti Mehare - said they want the college to conduct a fair investigation in the matter and "give justice" to them. "This is not the way to do an investigation through police force and media pressure, without hearing our side," the three doctors said in the letter. MARD has suspended the three doctors. A senior MARD official said, We have credible inputs that the three doctors made casteist remarks against Dr Payal Tadvi, who allegedly committed suicide. We will cooperate with the police for the further investigations. To prevent such incidents, MARD has decided to organise sensitisation programmes for second and third year undergraduate medical students, the official said. The FIR filed after the second year PG student ended her life, stated that her seniors often threatened her, saying she wouldn't be allowed into operation theatres or allowed to perform deliveries. She was also mocked for being a tribal on WhatsApp groups. Tadvi committed suicide on May 22. Her family has alleged that the doctors taunted her for belonging to a scheduled tribe. The hospital's anti-ragging committee is expected to submit a report on the suicide. The administration has issued notices to the head of the department and the unit head of the obstetrics and gynaecology department. The three doctors have been booked under the Atrocities Act, the Anti-Ragging Act and the IT Act and Section 306 (abetment to suicide) of the IPC. Tadvi's mother Abeda Tadvi said from her hometown in Jalgaon district of north Maharashtra that her daughter had called her up on May 22 about her alleged harassment. In Mumbai Monday, members of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, All India Democratic Association, Democratic Youth Federation of India and Students Federation of India staged a protest outside the college and hospital. A tribal organisation has planned a march from the hospital premises to the Agripada police station on Tuesday, to demand arrest of the three doctors. Holding the Nair hospital administration responsible for the suicide, the organisation has demanded action against the dean. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi University will be reopening its admission portal for foreign nationals from June 16, the varsity said. The online process for admission to various courses in the university, which commenced on February 22, had ended earlier. "In view of the large number of requests received, the University of Delhi will reopen the online application portal for foreign nationals between June 16 and June 25 for the second phase of admissions for the undergraduate, postgraduate, MPhil, PhD, certificate, and diploma programme courses (except MBA programmes)," the varsity said. Admissions in the second phase will be done after admissions in the first phase are over, and depending on the availability of seats, it added. The DU offers more than 500 programmes at various levels. Foreign nationals are not required to take the entrance test for admission to these programmes. Their applications are forwarded to the admission committee constituted by the department or faculty concerned for screening and it shortlists the applications according to the eligibility requirement, merit, and number of seats. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Muslim Indian worker in Dubai, who has named his newborn 'Narendra Damodardas Modi', longs to go back home in Uttar Pradesh to see his son who is already drawing attention with people in the neighbourhood coming to meet the child named after the prime minister. Mustaq Ahmed, 29, who works as a maintenance staff in Hatta, about 130 km from Dubai, said his wife who lives in Gonda district decided to name their son Modi as the baby was born on the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi won the elections with thumping majority for a second term. "When my wife called me with the good on May 23, I asked her whether Narendra Modi had won the elections. Then I told her "Desh mein Modi agaya. Hamaray ghar main bhi Modi agaya. (Modi has come to power in the country. And Modi has arrived in our family too)," he told the Khaleej Times. Ahmed's wife Mainaz Begum came with the idea to name their son Narendra Modi while names for the boy were being discussed. People around her tried to make her change her mind, but she was adamant, her father-in-law Idrees told PTI last week. Ahmed also tried to make her drop the idea, but later he ended up agreeing to his wife's wish. The family then filed an affidavit in Gonda district authorites. In the affidavit, Ahmed's wife lavished praise on Modi and his government's welfare schemes, including free cooking gas connection to the poor and financial help to construct toilets. The affidavit also praised Modi for the initiative to end triple talaq. The little 'Modi' is Ahmed and Begum's third child . The Muslim couple has two daughters - Mantaza, 7 and Fathima, 3. Ahmed came to the UAE five years ago seeking better employment. "We are impressed by what our prime minister has done for the country in the last five years. I wish my son will also do good work and earn a solid reputation like our Prime Minister," he said. He said the little Modi is already winning hearts as people in the neighbourhood are all coming to see him. "I am sure people will keep teasing by calling him 'Modi, Modi.' But when he grows up, no one will dare mess with him because he is Narendra Modi," Ahmed said with a laugh. Asked when he is going home to see Modi, he said, "I will have to wait a little longer. I have to earn some more money before I can afford the air ticket and other expenses." "But I know good days are ahead because the country has one Modi and I have two," said Ahmed. Ahmed's dreams that Prime Minister Modi will come and bless his newborn son. "I wish Modi will come down to our village in Uttar Pradesh to see my little Modi and bless him. It will be a great honour for my son and our family," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Monday refused to explicitly back the idea of a fresh Brexit referendum after the party's dismal performance in the European Parliament elections. Corbyn said any deal with the European Union should be put to a "public vote". His statement came despite increasing calls from within the Labour Party to back a fresh Brexit referendum. In the first referendum held on June 23, 2016, 51.9 per cent of those voting supported Britain leaving the EU. Senior Labour figures including deputy leader Tom Watson and shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry have called for Labour to be clearer in its support for a fresh Brexit referendum. "We had a very clear policy all along," Corbyn said. "We will call for a general election and a referendum to decide on the future," the BBC quoted Corbyn as saying. When asked if he would back a second referendum, and campaign for the UK to remain in the EU, he said there should be "an agreement made" (with the EU) which would then be "put to a public vote". Corbyn also denied claims from Labour MP David Lammy that the party had "tried to ride two horses" and "fell flat on our faces". Labour has tried to keep both Leave and Remain supporters on side by saying it accepts the result of the 2016 Brexit vote but also keeping the option of another referendum on the table if it is unable to force a general election or achieve a Brexit deal with the Tories it can endorse. "What we've tried to do is bring people together, whether they voted Leave or Remain, they still face problems of a Tory government in disintegration," Corbyn said. The Labour leader said the party was "listening carefully" to its members and supporters - who would be consulted before the issue was brought back to the party's conference in September. The UK was to leave the EU on March 29 and the European elections were never meant to happen, but the inability of the House of Commons to agree on how to leave the 28-member trading bloc has left the country in limbo. Meanwhile, shadow chancellor John McDonnell told the BBC another referendum may be the only way to break the Brexit deadlock. Faced with the prospect of a "Brexiteer extremist" leading the Conservative Party, McDonnell said Labour would back a fresh Brexit vote to prevent a "catastrophic" no-deal scenario. "Of course we want a general election, but realistically, after last night there aren't many Tory MPs who're going to vote for a general election - it would be like turkeys voting for Christmas - so our best way of doing that is going back to the people in a referendum," he said. "If there can be a deal, great, but it needs to go back to the people," he added. With only Northern Ireland results left to declare, Labour is on 14 per cent of the vote - worse than the party's previous low in 2009 - and finished in fifth place in Scotland. Across Britain, it is in third place, behind the Liberal Democrats (20 per cent) and the Brexit Party (32 per cent). Deputy leader Tom Watson said the party needed "a change of direction urgently" following the "disastrous" results. In a statement, he said the likely election of a "hardline Brexiteer" as Conservative leader put additional pressure on Labour to change its approach. "Labour is rightly calling for a general election. But we cannot go into an election with our current Brexit position." Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry said Labour's election campaign lacked clarity on Brexit and the party should now campaign to remain in the EU. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A farmer from Nashik in Maharashtra, who had caused a flutter last year by sending his paltry earnings from onion sale to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has requested him to make Nitin Gadkari Agriculture Minister. The farmer, Sanjay Sathe, has also sent a parcel containing a "Gandhi topi" (a white cap), two white-coloured cotton handkerchiefs, and a written letter to the PM congratulating him (for the BJP's resounding victory in Lok Sabha elections). "I want to congratulate PM Modi hence as a tradition here, I have sent him a white cap and two long handkerchiefs," Sathe said Monday. "I also requested the PM to make Nitin Gadkari union agriculture minister so that he can resolve our issues," he said. Sathe, who hails from Niphad taluka in the North Maharashtra district, had sent Rs 1,064, his earnings from selling selling 750 kg of onions in wholesale market, to the PM on November 29 as a protest. The PMO had returned the money-order sent by Sathe. Gadkari, who was re-elected from Nagpur on May 23, is currently holding the portfolios for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation in the Centre. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) proposed on Monday to merge with France's to create the world's third-biggest automaker and save billions of dollars needed to invest in the race to make new electric and autonomous vehicles. The merged company would reshape the global industry: it would make some 8.7 million vehicles a year, leapfrogging General Motors and trailing only Volkswagen and Toyota. Shares of both jumped over 10 per cent on the of the offer, which would see each side's shareholders split ownership in the new manufacturer. welcomed the idea. The company's board met Monday at its headquarters in Boulogne-Billancourt outside Paris to discuss the proposal and said afterward that will study it "with interest." In a statement, Renault said such a fusion could "improve Renault's industrial footprint and be a generator of additional value for the Alliance" with Japan's Nissan and Mitsubishi. Fiat Chrysler's offer comes at a key moment for Renault. The French manufacturer had reportedly wanted to merge with Nissan, but those plans were derailed by the arrest of boss Carlos Ghosn on financial misconduct charges in Japan. Now, questions are growing over the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance , which is the biggest maker of passenger cars in the world. While says the merger with Renault would accommodate the alliance, it is unclear how the Japanese might react in the longer term to being tied to a much larger partner. A merger would save 5 billion euros ($5.6 billion) for the two each year by sharing research, purchasing costs and other activities, said in a statement. It said the deal would involve no plant closures, but didn't address potential job cuts. The companies are somewhat complementary: Fiat Chrysler is stronger in the US and SUV markets, while Renault is stronger in Europe and on electric vehicle developments. Together, they would be worth almost $40 billion euros. The French government, which owns 15 per cent of Renault, is "favorable" to the idea of a merger with Fiat Chrysler but wants to study its conditions more carefully, especially in terms of "Renault's industrial development" and employees' working conditions, government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye said Monday. Such a merger would show "our capacity to respond to European and French sovereignty challenges in a globalized context," she said. "We need giants to be built in Europe." France's influential CGT union warned against job cuts in a merger, and said it wants the French government to retain a blocking stake in any new company. Italian officials sounded open to the deal. Matteo Salvini, the leader of the rightwing populist League party and the deputy premier, said that "if Fiat grows, it is good for Italy and Italians," though he warned a deal should protect "every single job." Investors welcomed the proposal, pushing shares in Fiat Chrysler up 10 per cent and Renault 14 per cent in European trading. Nissan Motor Co. Chief Executive Hiroto Saikawa wouldn't comment directly on the idea but said, "I am always open to exchanging constructive views on strengthening the alliance." He was shown speaking to reporters on Japan's Fuji TV Fiat Chrysler estimated that Nissan and Mitsubishi would make 1 billion euros in savings a year from the deal. Collaboration between automakers has taken on importance in recent years as they seek to build their technological capabilities in pursuit of electrical vehicles, net connectivity and artificial intelligence for vehicles. Automakers are also under pressure from regulators , particularly in Europe and China, to come up with electric vehicles so they can meet tougher pollution limits. During an earnings conference call earlier this month, Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley told shareholders that he believed that there would be "significant opportunities" in terms of strategic partnerships or alliances in the next two or three years. Manley said Fiat Chrysler was taking action to address weaknesses in Europe. A fire broke out at a pesticide factory in Vishwakarma Industrial Area near here on Monday but there was no loss of life, police said. Nine fire tenders were pressed into service and the blaze was doused after much efforts, fire officer Mohar Singh said. The fire apparently broke out due to a short circuit in electrical wires, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The NCB Monday claimed to have busted a narcotics syndicate operating in the national capital with the arrest of four foreigners, including two women, and recovering more than 7 kg of drugs from them. Officials of the central anti-narcotics agency said two separate operations were conducted over the weekend here. In the first case, a woman from Venezuela was arrested from the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) after she landed here from Addis Ababa on May 25, a Narcotics Control Bureau officials said. The woman acted as a drug carrier and had swallowed 65 cocaine-filled capsules which were recovered from her after a medical procedure, they added. Her links in and around the national capital region are being ascertained, they said. In the second operation, a woman from Uganda was apprehended by the Delhi zonal unit of the NCB after she reached here from Mumbai on a train. The woman was operating with a narcotics trade syndicate and during investigation she revealed the whereabouts of her two Nigerian associates, who were later arrested with 5 kg heroin, 2.5 kg cocaine and 55 grams of amphetamine (stimulant drug). The accused were held under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the officials said, adding that further investigation was underway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Newly-appointed Sikkim Chief Minister P S Golay Monday announced a five-day working week for state government employees. After taking charge of the office at Tashiling state secretariat, he also held a meeting with top government officials. Talking to reporters after interacting with senior officials, Golay said there will be five-day working week for the government employees in Sikkim. "We have fulfilled one of our election promises to reduce the working week for government employees from six days earlier to five days," he said. The government employees will get an additional day as holiday which they will use to take care of their health and that of their parents and family members, he said. The chief minister also announced his ministers and MLAs, including himself, will use Scorpio vehicles instead of Fortuner SUVs which were being used by the elected representatives earlier. "For the time being we have no option but to use Fortuner SUVs, but we will use Scorpio vehicles once they are made available to us," Golay said. The SKM supremo had earlier accused the SDF government headed by his predecessor P K Chamling for "misusing public money". Golay said the money saved on using less expensive vehicles like Scorpio will be used for betterment of the people of Sikkim. In the introductory meeting with chief secretary, additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries and heads of department, the chief minister sought their cooperation and asked them to work collectively for the betterment of the state and its people. He urged the entire government machinery to act as one family and support each other at every point of governance. Golay said "good governance" initiated by the previous government will be continued and that the electoral fight against his predecessor Pawan Kumar Chamling was based solely on ideology, adding his government will always seek the latter's advice for running the affairs of the state. He also instructed the chief secretary, director general of police (DGP) and officials concerned to maintain law and order, and take necessary action irrespective of party affiliations of the accused. Earlier in the day, the 51-year-old SKM supremo was sworn in as the sixth Sikkim chief minister along with 11 ministers by the governor at a function at Paljor stadium. The SKM, founded in 2013, won a slender majority in the 32-member Sikkim Legislative Assembly by bagging 17 seats against 15 won by the SDF. The Chamling government was ousted by the SKM after over 24 years rule. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre will ask the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments to identify tribals who allegedly fled Chhattisgarh due to the Salwa Judum movement around 15 years ago and settled there, according to officials. Salwa Judum was a militia that had been deployed as part of anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh. It was operational between 2005 and 2011, before it was banned by the Supreme Court. The action came on a complaint of an NGO, CGNet Swara Foundation, that wrote to the ministry claiming that over 5,000 families had fled Chhattisgarh due to the controversial militia force formed by late Congress leader Mahendra Karma in mid-2005 to counter the Maoists. "We received a complaint on May 12 stating that a number of tribal families fled to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana from Chhattisgarh due to Salwa Judum. We have to take all state governments on board and verify these cases," a senior official of the Tribal Affairs Ministry said. "Once the verification process is completed, we will sit together and decide the next course of action. We will have to see what political stand the Chhattisgarh government will take on it... whether it acknowledges that these were families were displaced due to Salwa Judum," the official said. Another official from Chhattisgarh said that once it is established that these families belonged to the state, a process can be initiated to rehabilitate them under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. Experts say the previous BJP-led administration had backed the movement and the Congress government at the Centre was seized of it. The Supreme Court banned the militia force in 2011 after it acquired a notorious reputation for allegedly burning villages, killing people and sexually assaulting women after terming them Maoist sympathisers. According to CGNet Swara Foundation, the militia force led to the displacement of 5,000 families from Chhattisgarh. These families settled in Andhra Pradesh, which got bifurcated in 2014. The NGO claimed these families had been living without basic facilities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and could not benefit from the Forest Rights Act, which provides for giving land rights to those living on forest land for at least three generations before December 31, 2005. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Drug firm Monday said its subsidiary has received approval from the US health regulator for Methylphenidate Hydrochloride extended-release capsules, used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The approved product is bioequivalent to the reference listed drug product (RLD), Ritalin LA extended-release capsules of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. The (USFDA) has approved the abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) filed by Granules Pharmaceuticals, a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary of Granules India, for Methylphenidate Hydrochloride extended-release capsules in the strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg and 60 mg, Granules said in a BSE filing. said, till date, Granules Pharmaceuticals had submitted total 19 ANDAs and the current approval is the third ANDA approval for the entity. Go-ahead for the balance 16 ANDAs are awaited. Shares of were trading 1.54 per cent higher at Rs 112.80 apiece on BSE. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Sunday he would call for early polls next month after a drubbing at European and local elections. "Following the second round of local elections (on June 2), I will ask the president to immediately call national elections," Tsipras said in a televised address. A likely date for the ballot is June 30, reports said. With about a third of polling stations accounted for, Tsipras' leftist Syriza party scored less than 24 percent in the European ballot compared to more than 33 per cent for the main opposition conservative party New Democracy. And in local elections, early results showed New Democracy in control, or securing outright, the bulk of Greece's 13 regions. "I will not run away or quit the struggle for equality, solidarity, social justice," said Tsipras, Greece's youngest prime minister in 150 years and the first avowed atheist leader. "The electoral result... is not worthy of our expectations," he said. New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis had earlier called on Tsipras to resign. Tsipras' four-year term was originally to run until the autumn. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With double-digit scores across Europe's biggest countries including a stunning 20 percent in Germany, the Greens bagged record gains in EU elections on Sunday with younger voters leading calls for action to halt global warming. The environmental party doubled its score in Germany from the last EU elections in 2014, knocking the Social Democrats off their traditional second place. In France, the Greens were number three with 12 percent, while in Austria, Ireland and the Netherlands, they garnered double-digits. In Britain, they were on 12.4 percent, nearly double their previous score, and beating the ruling Conservatives into fifth place. "To see The Green Party beating the Conservatives so far in these elections is truly amazing. Something seismic is happening in British and European politics," said Alexandra Phillips, Green Party candidate for South East England. With the two main traditional EU blocs -- the conservative EPP and the centre-left Social Democrats projected to lose ground, the Greens could end up as kingmakers in the European Parliament. "This is a Sunday for Future," said the Greens' lead candidate in Germany Sven Giegold, in a nod to the "Fridays for Future" school strikes by students sounding the alarm on the climate crisis. His counterpart in France, Yannick Jadot, also hailed it as a "green wave in which we are the main players". France's Prime Minister Edouard Philippe acknowledged the "message about the ecological emergency". "Everywhere in Europe, our citizens and in particular the youngest are asking us to act with determination and that's what we'll do in France and in Europe," he said. In Ireland, Green Party candidate Ciaran Cuffe was on course to top the first preference tally in Dublin on 23 percent of the vote, with the Greens also seen in contention in the country's two other constituencies. Congratulating the Greens, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the election was about Brexit and climate action. "It's a very clear message from the public that they want us to do more on climate action -- and we've got that message. That's going to require lots of changes on individual level, community level and Govt level," he said on Twitter. "The big story tonight is that the far right didn't rise in Europe, those numbers didn't come in," said Irish Green Party leader Eamon Ryan. "What actually happened is the Greens came in, the counter to that. In Germany they're the second biggest party, and right across Europe and including here at home I'm so glad that green wave hit home -- we're part of that story." The momentum for the Green surge had been building up over months as the strikes started last November by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, 16, not only refused to lose steam but caught the imagination of youth across the world. In a major mobilisation on Friday, tens of thousands of students rallied, with some calling on their parents to tick the box for the at European polls this week. Cheering Sunday's results, a leading student activist in Germany Luisa Neubauer wrote: "The European elections show that we're not only bringing the climate crisis to the streets but also to the ballot boxes. This should give food for thought to those who have in the last month laughed at 'youth engagement'." Under the 2015 Paris deal to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the 28-nation EU has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 percent by 2030, compared with 1990. But many scientists and climate activists say Europe and all other major economies must sharply raise their ambition. The UN Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change warned in October that warming is currently on track towards a catastrophic 3C or 4C rise. In Germany, the climate crisis has exposed a generational split, with adults and the elderly accused of hanging on to their polluting diesel cars while youngsters are urging change by going on school strikes. Stunned by the Greens surge, the parties in Germany's governing coalition vowed to take on the challenge. Markus Soeder, who heads Chancellor Angela Merkel's Bavarian allies CSU, declared the environmental party as its main competitor. "The biggest challenge of the future is the intensive debate with the Greens," he said, adding that "old measures that we had before, are no longer valid". Underlining that his party is struggling to win over young voters, he added that "we must work to be younger, cooler and more open". Early results suggest around one in three under-30s voted Green, while only 13 percent picked the CDU. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court on Monday asked the State Election Commission (SEC) to decide whether party symbols can be removed from ballot papers and EVMs in the municipal polls in the national capital. The court asked the SEC to deal with the issue while disposing of a PIL seeking removal of election symbol from the ballot paper, including the unit of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), in the next municipal elections. A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice Brijesh Sethi asked the SEC to take a decision on the issue before the next municipal elections, which are likely to be held in 2022. "Let the state election commission deal with the issue before the next elections," the court said. The petitioner, a woman, had contested in the last MCD polls in 2017 and had lost. The petitioner, Alka Gahlot, had contended that the SEC puts the reserved symbol on the ballot paper in "blatant violation" of the provisions of the Constitution and the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act as there is no reference to political parties in the Part IX and IX-A of the Constitution and the Act. Gahlot had said she wants to contest the election again in 2022 and there is a fear of losing as she would be allotted a new election symbol just 15 days before the polling day whereas some other candidates would contest elections on reserved symbol. The plea had said that in the 2017 MCD elections, photographs of contesting candidates were put on the balloting unit of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). "In the presence of photograph of the contesting candidates on the ballot paper, there is no need of any other election symbol. Even illiterate voters can identify their candidate by seeing the photograph of candidates and cast his vote in secrecy," it had said. The plea had alleged that the presence of reserved symbols for candidates of recognised political creates bias and violates Article 14 (equality before law) of the Constitution and restricts the entry of individuals in the corporation. The authorities have failed to hold free and fair elections as it is absolutely "rigged" by the presence of reserved election symbol of recognised political parties and there placing on ballot papers, it had claimed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court Monday sought response of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a plea by corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar, accused in a money laundering case, seeking interim bail on medical grounds. Justice Chander Shekhar asked the jail authorities to file a medical report and nominal roll of Talwar by May 30, the next date of hearing. The court also directed the jail superintendent to provide the necessary medical treatment to the accused. Talwar, who was in custody since January 30 after being brought to India from Dubai, sought interim bail on ground that he was "facing medical issues in jail." The ED had earlier filed a charge sheet in a trial court against Talwar claiming he allegedly acted as a middleman in negotiations to favour foreign private airlines, causing loss to national carrier Air India. It had told the trial court that it needed to interrogate Talwar to get the names of officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, National Aviation Company of India Ltd and Air India, who favoured foreign airlines, including the Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia. The ED had claimed that entities directly or indirectly controlled by the accused received exorbitant amounts from the Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia and submitted a chart of total USD 60.54 million received by firms directly or indirectly owned by Talwar between April 23, 2008 and February 6, 2009. His role in some aviation deals during the previous Congress-led UPA regime is also under the scanner. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Hindu veterinary doctor was arrested on Monday after a local cleric filed a police complaint accusing him of committing blasphemy in Pakistan's southern Sindh province. The doctor, identified as Ramesh Kumar, was taken into custody while angry protestors set fire to shops owned by Hindus and burnt tyres on road in Phuladyon town in Mirpurkhas district in the province, media reports said. The head cleric of the local mosque, Maulvi Ishaq Nohri, filed the complaint with the police alleging that the doctor had torn pages of a holy book and wrapped medicines in them. Zahid Hussain Leghari, the Station House Officer of the local police station, said that a case was registered against the doctor. Leghari said a proper investigation would be carried out and the doctor had been taken to a safe location after the unrest broke out in the town. A large number of Hindus reside in the interior of Sindh province and in Karachi and the Pakistan Hindu Council has complained in the past of minority community members being targeted under the blasphemy law by people because of personal enmity. At least 1,472 people were charged under Pakistan's blasphemy laws between 1987 and 2016, according to statistics collected by the Center for Social Justice, a Lahore-based advocacy group. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. However, according to the community, over 90 lakh Hindus are living in the country. Majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province where they share culture, traditions and language with their Muslim fellows. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hugh Jackman could not attend Ian McKellen's birthday celebrations in person but he tried to make it up by listing the help of about 50,000 audience members of his one-man show "The Man, The Music, The Show" in wishing his "X-Men" co-star. The actor captured the moment at the Manchester Arena on Saturday on his Instagram. Jackman led the sold-out audience some 50,000 strong in a rendition of "Happy Birthday" to celebrate McKellen's 80th. "I'm sorry I can't make your party, Ian. But I think I might annoy about 50,000 people," Jackman said in the Instagram video. The audience broke into cheers as the camera panned around the arena and then proceeded to sing "Happy Birthday" with Jackman. The actor ended the video by blowing a kiss into the camera and saying,"Love you, man. Happy birthday." McKellen played the role of Magneto in the X-Men films while Jackman is famous for his role as Wolverine. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cooperation between humans and machines can work much better than just human or robot teams alone, according to a study. Researchers from the University of Gottingen in Germany and colleagues simulated a process from production logistics, such as the typical supply of materials for use in the car or engineering industries. A team of human drivers, a team of robots and a mixed team of humans and robots were assigned transport tasks using vehicles. The time they needed was measured by researchers. The results, published in the International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, were that the mixed team of humans and robots were able to beat the other teams. This coordination of processes was most efficient and caused the fewest accidents. This was quite unexpected, as the highest levels of efficiency are often assumed to belong to those systems that are completely automated. "This brings a crucial ray of hope when considering efficiency in all discussions involving automation and digitisation," said Professor Matthias Klumpp from the University of Gottingen. "There will also be many scenarios and uses in the future where mixed teams of robots and humans are superior to entirely robotic machine systems. At the least, excessive fears of dramatic job losses are not justified from our point of view," Klumpp said. The researchers from the various disciplines of business administration, computer science and sociology of work and industry highlighted the requirements for successful human-machine interaction. In many corporate and business situations, decisions will continue to be driven by people. The researchers said that companies should pay more attention to their employees in the technical implementation of automation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa Monday flew the 'missing man' formation in a MiG-21 aircraft to pay tributes to Squadran Leader Ajay Ahuja and other fallen heroes of the Kargil war. He was accompanied by Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) Western Air Command Air Marshal R Nambiar in the flypast organised at Air Force Station in Bhisiana here. The 'missing man' formation is an aerial salute accorded to honour the fallen comrades-in-arms. It is an arrow formation, with a gap between two aircraft in the formation depicting the missing man, the IAF said in a statement. The Chief of the Air staff, led a four aircraft, MiG-21 'missing man' formation flypast to honour the valour and supreme sacrifice of men killed in action during 'Operation Safed Sagar' at Kargil, an IAF spokesperson said. Later, in a sombre ceremony, he laid a wreath at the War Memorial to honour the IAF men who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja had laid down his life during the Kargil conflict. He was at that time the Flight Commander of 17 Squadron and was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously for his valour during the conflict which took place 20 years ago. On the occasion Alka Ahuja, widow of Ajay Ahuja, also paid tributes to the late IAF officer. On May 28, the air chief will visit Air Force Station in Sarsawa, Uttar Pradesh and fly in a Mi-17 V5 'missing man' formation to commemorate the Kargil martyrs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras are developing indigenous processes for efficient recovery of oil from mature offshore wells in the country. Collaborating with research laboratories in Australia, the researchers are studying the efficacy of an emerging enhanced oil recovery method called Low-Salinity Enhanced Oil Recovery (LSEOR). Domestic production is currently insufficient to meet India's energy demands, said Jitendra Sangwai, Professor, Department of Ocean Engineering, He said Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) has been looking at Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques to boost oil and gas output from old and matured fields. Leveraging on modern techniques such as LSEOR could enable the country to meet the expected output. The research, published in Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, and Energy and Fuels journal, can help understand and optimise the technique and develop indigenous processes for efficient recovery of oil from mature offshore wells in India. "Our research aims to develop indigenous methods for recovery of from geological reservoirs, which is a complex process," Sangwai said. "There is still much that needs to be understood in the use of LSEOR methods. We do not yet have a clear idea on the mechanism of wettability alteration that can be caused by factors such as oil composition, salt levels in water, acidity of the crude oil, mineralogy of the rock and other factors," he said. There have been many studies since the 1990s all over the world, aimed at improving the wettability of oil-bearing rocks for better recovery through water injection. One way to do this is by reducing the salinity or salt content of sea water that is injected into the rock, because the presence of certain divalent cations can change the wettability of the rock. LSEOR has been gaining interest in recent years for better oil recovery from offshore reservoirs. Oil is extracted from offshore reservoirs through the water injection process, a secondary oil recovery method, in which, sea water is injected into the oil-bearing porous rocks, typically limestone and sandstone under the sea, and the water pushes the oil out. The efficiency of the process depends upon the wettability of the oil-bearing rock, researchers said. Although limestone and sandstone are water wettable rocks by nature, they can become hydrophobic or water repellent due to their oil content. This results in poor wetting and inefficient oil extraction. The team has investigated the effects of varying the salt concentrations in water to understand the effect of various ions on the wettability of quartz surface as quartz is the most important rock-forming mineral in sandstone reservoirs. The researchers also added organic acids and bases to model oil to test the effect of acidity and basicity of oil on wettability during LSEOR. In one study, Sangwai and his research student, Abhijit Kakati found that a reduced concentration of divalent cations such as calcium and magnesium in water can make the quartz less oil wettable, while sodium ions seem to have the opposite effect. Similarly, the presence of acidic and basic substances in the oil also reduced water wettability, especially in the presence of salts. In a parallel study, Sangwai's team, along with his research student Nilesh Jha, also studied the effect of adding surfactants and nanoparticles to low salinity water to alter the wettability of sandstone. Surfactants can reduce interfacial tension between the oil and water, and therefore make the rock more water wettable, but the surfactant itself can be absorbed by the rock. This can be prevented by adding nanoparticles, particles that are 80,000 times smaller than the width of human hair. The nanoparticles, when added in right amounts, are co-absorbed on the rock, thereby reducing the surfactant absorption. The team, in collaboration with researchers from Curtin University and Edith Cowan University of Australia, found that salts can mediate the absorption of the nanoparticles on the sandstone. They hypothesised that there is interplay among divalent cationic bridges that form between the rock surface, the nanoparticles and the surfactant, which alters the wettability of the sandstone. Control of the nanoparticle surfactant ratio in LSEOR can enhance the efficiency of oil recovery, researchers 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.) India must tread cautiously during negotiations for the proposed mega-pact RCEP against the backdrop of US-China trade war so as not to cede space to China in the global textiles and clothing sector, the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) said Monday. The textile industry body said that while the ongoing US-China trade war presents an opportunity to Indian textile manufacturers to enhance their exports to the US, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade scenario reveals that India must tread cautiously, particularly with China, as half of India's textiles and clothing (T&C) trade in RCEP is with China. CITI Chairman Sanjay Jain said the ongoing US-China trade war cannot go unnoticed as China would be looking for new markets for its products. India needs to be over cautious while negotiating with China which is already re-routing its textiles into India through Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc. According to Jain, India's trade deficit with China in the textiles and clothing sector is likely to be widened once RCEP is concluded and could be detrimental for its domestic textile manufacturers. India registered trade deficit in 2018-19 with as many as 11 Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member countries - including China, South Korea and Australia - out of the grouping of 16 nations that are negotiating a mega trade pact since November 2012. The RCEP bloc comprises 10 ASEAN members and their six FTA partners - India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. ASEAN members comprise Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Laos and Vietnam. RCEP negotiations, which started in Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, aim to cover goods, services, investments, economic and technical cooperation, competition and intellectual property rights. Pressure is mounting on India for early conclusion of the proposed trade pact. Member countries are looking to conclude the talks by the end of this year, but many issues, including the number of products over which duties will be eliminated, are yet to be finalised. Domestic steel and other metal industries want these sectors to be kept out of the deal. India already has a free trade pact with ASEAN, Japan and South Korea. It is also negotiating a similar agreement with Australia and New Zealand, but has no such plans for China. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Officials from Pakistan and India on Monday held a meeting to discuss the modalities for a corridor linking Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur district to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur across the border. The meeting lasted for about two hours and a host of issues pertaining to the building of the corridor were discussed, an official said. The meeting took place at the Kartarpur Zero Point. The group from the Indian side had officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Land Ports Authority of India, National Highways Authority of India, among others, the official said. Earlier in April, technical experts and foreign office officials from both the sides had participated in the talks held at the same venue. In a major initiative last November, both India and Pakistan agreed to set up the Kartarpur corridor to link the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib -- the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev -- to Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur. Kartarpur Sahib is located in Pakistan's Narowal district across the Ravi river, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine. India and Pakistan had on March 19 held a meeting of technical experts on the Kartarpur corridor during which its alignment, coordinates and other engineering aspects of the proposed crossing points were discussed. The technical meeting at the level of experts, including engineers and surveyors, was held at "proposed zero points" in the follow-up to the decision reached on the March 14 meeting. During the previous meeting, both the sides jointly surveyed the coordinates of the Zero Point and discussed the technical details, including finished road level, high flood level, etc. Pakistan will build the corridor from the Indian border to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, while the other part from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur up to the border will be constructed by India. The corridor will be opened in November in connection with the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism's founder Guru Nanak Dev. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Investors' wealth has gone up by Rs 3.86 trillion in two days of market rise where the has gained 872 points after a decisive mandate for the Narendra modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the general elections. The 30-share key index has gained 871.9 points in two days. The on Monday closed 248.57 points higher at 39,683.29. Led by the rally in the equity market, the (m-cap) of BSE-listed companies rose by Rs 3,86,220.41 crore to Rs 1,54,11,395.90 crore. At the close of trade on Thursday, the market valuation of BSE-listed firms had been Rs 1,50,25,175.49 crore. The had hit its all-time high of 40,124.96 during the trade on May 23, the day election results were announced. Hemang Jani, Head (Advisory), Sharekhan by BNP Paribas said, "Indian end the day on a positive note. The continue their upward trend supported by FII (foreign institutional investor) buying in the past two consecutive trading days. The current government wining the general elections by a two-thirds of majority will clam the political environment in the country." He said slowdown in global growth, US-China trade war along with rise in oil prices pose an immediate threat to domestic markets "However, post the elections, we now expect the market to revert to fundamental issues such as earnings growth," Jani added. From the 30-share pack, 17 scrips gained led by Tata Steel, YES Bank, NTPC, Larsen and Toubro, Axis Bank and State Bank of India. Among sectoral indices, the capital goods, power, industrials, utilities, metal and realty indices rallied up to 3.06 per cent. In the broader market, the S&P Midcap index gained 1.13 per cent and BSE Smallcap 1.77 per cent. On the BSE, 1,793 scrips advanced, while 785 declined and 188 remained unchanged. Iran hit out at the United States on Monday for "causing tensions" after President Donald Trump said his government was not seeking regime change and that he would welcome talks with Tehran. The Trump administration was "hurting the Iranian people and causing tension in the region," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on his Twitter account. "Actions -- not words -- will show whether or not that's @realDonaldTrump's intent," Zarif added, referencing the US president's Twitter handle. Zarif also denied Iran was seeking nuclear weapons, after Trump said during a visit to Japan that "we're not looking for regime change (in Iran)... we're looking for no nuclear weapons". Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "long ago said we're not seeking nuclear weapons -- by issuing a fatwa (edict) banning them," the foreign minister tweeted. Khamenei is said to have issued a fatwa against nuclear weapons in 2003 and has reiterated it several times since. Iran is locked in a tense standoff with the United States which has beefed up its military presence in the Middle East in response to alleged threats from the Islamic republic. On Saturday, Zarif called a deployment of extra US troops to the region "very dangerous and a threat to international peace and security." It follows a US decision earlier this month to send an aircraft carrier strike force and B-52 bombers in a show of force against what Washington's leaders said they believed was an imminent Iranian plan to attack US assets. Washington says the latest reinforcements are in response to a "campaign" of recent attacks including a rocket launched into the Green Zone in Baghdad, explosive devices that damaged four tankers near the entrance to the Gulf, and drone strikes by Yemeni rebels on a key Saudi oil pipeline. Iran has denied any involvement in the attacks. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israel's parliament on Monday took a first step toward holding new elections due to deadlocked coalition negotiations following April polls, giving preliminary approval to a law to dissolve itself. Three more votes are required for final approval of the law, which would result in new elections being held. The vote was 65-43 with six abstentions, according to parliament's website. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been unable to reach a deal to form a governing coalition ahead of a Wednesday night deadline to do so. He was due to speak in parliament at 8:00 pm (1700 GMT). Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman has prevented a deal by refusing to budge from a key demand. Holding elections so close to one another would be unprecedented in Israel, and there have been concerns over the cost and prolonged political paralysis that would result. It would also be a major setback for Netanyahu, who received support on Monday from his close ally US President Donald Trump. "Hoping things will work out with Israel's coalition formation and Bibi and I can continue to make the alliance between America and Israel stronger than ever. A lot more to do!" Trump, currently visiting Japan, said on Twitter, using Netanyahu's nickname. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 27) Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino challenged Shanti Dope to write a song in line with the governments war on drugs amid his call to ban the rappers song Amatz for supposedly promoting marijuana. Sana makagawa siya ng music naman na itoy aligned sa war on drugs natin. Mas makakabuti sana na gumawa siya ng kanta para sa mga kabataan na hindi nagpo-promote na something bad, Aquino told CNN Philippines The Source on Monday. [Translation: Hopefully he can make music that is aligned with our war on drugs. It would be better if he makes a song for the youth which doesnt promote something bad.] Aquino is not backing down from his bid to ban Amatz, despite criticisms from Shanti Dopes management and an artists group, who said this is tantamount to censorship. We are dealing with the illegal drugs holistically. Eh hindi lang pwede yung [It cant just be] supply reduction, di lang pwedeng [it cant just be] demand reduction, mayroon ding [there should also be] harm reduction and this form part of our harm reduction, he said. He stood by his interpretation of the song, even if this was already disputed by Shanti Dopes management, who said Amatz is about getting high on music to take your mind off drugs. But Aquino said the message comes across clear. Siguro twice lang [pinakinggan] pero ang hirap intindihin ... kasi rap eh, ang bilis. So ang tatak lang sa isip ko yung word na amats eh, Aquino said. [Translation: I only listened to it maybe twice, but its hard to understand because its rap, its so fast. So what struck me was just the word amats.] Shanti Dope has earned the ire of Aquino after the PDEA chief heard Amatz performed on ABS-CBNs noontime variety show ASAP, prompting him to write to the TV network, the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board to have the song banned from airwaves. The 18-year-old rapper has not shied away from talking about drugs and the drug war in his songs. A track on his first extended play released when he was just 16 titled T.H. talks about the controversial Oplan Tokhang. In the song, Shanti Dope, Sean Patrick Ramos in real life, seemed to have taken a swipe at the governments warmer ties with China, which PDEA had described as the top source of drugs in the country. Aquino has changed his tune on this, saying that most of the drugs in the country now come from the Golden Triangle region, composed of neighboring Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Palihim na pong sinasakop ang ating inang bayan ng mga singkit na gahaman dun sa kabilang isla na ang tangi nilang nilalako'y droga sa kada araw. Bansang lubog sa tubig, pero bakit bato pa din ang pinakanangibabaw? Shanti Dope sings in T.H. [Translation: Our motherland is secretly being invaded by greedy chinky-eyed people from the neighboring island who only sell drugs every single day. A country is underwater, but why are rocks still on top?] In his second extended play, Shanti Dope, along with J. Kris, Abaddon and Gloc-9 rap about how poverty pushes a man to sell drugs on a track titled Norem. Aquino said Shanti Dope wants to visit the PDEA office Tuesday or Wednesday for a dialogue. However, this was refuted by the rappers management in a Facebook post. Meanwhile, the MTRCB said it will conduct a conference with concerned parties on the PDEAs bid to ban 'Amatz.' Since PDEA announced that it is trying to get 'Amatz' off the air, interest in the song and Shanti Dope has spiked, with more people heading to Google to search for the song and the rapper in the past two days compared to the past 90 days. In a span of four days, the music video for 'Amatz' also gained 637,037 more views on YouTube. (see related story on European elections) (ANSA) - Milan, May 27 - Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said his League party's stunning performance in the European elections was a mandate for Italy to seek to change the EU's budget rules. He also said that the victory will not tempt him to dump the coalition government with the 5-Star Movement (M5S) and he promised that the executive would deliver big tax cuts soon. "A letter from the European Commission about our country's economy is on the way and I think that the Italian people have given a mandate to me and to the government to discuss revising these old, obsolete parameters," he said. Salvini has frequently criticised EU rules and has proposed Italy breaching the 3% deficit limit if it necessary to boost the economy and create jobs. He vowed to delivery a "positive fiscal shock" with the government's next budget law after repeatedly calling for acceleration on the pledge to bring in a two-tier flat tax on income. "There is the issue of the rules and the fiscal limits," Salvini said. "Reduction of the tax burden is a moral duty and it features in the contract of government". The League's strong showing and the disappointing performance of the M5S could change the dynamics within the ruling coalition. But Salvini ruled out talk of him causing Premier Giuseppe Conte's government to collapse. "I spoke to the premier," he said. "I reiterate that the League is loyal to the contract (of government) and the government has never been in question". The Israeli military said it carried out an air strike in Syria in retaliation for anti-aircraft fire from the war-torn country targeting one of its fighter jets on Monday. "Earlier today, Syrian anti-aircraft systems fired at an IDF fighter jet during a routine flight in northern Israel," the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement. It said the projectile missed and the plane completed its journey before "the IDF targeted the launcher that had fired" at the jet. Earlier, the official SANA agency reported that an Israeli missile struck the Syrian province of Quneitra, causing casualties. "An Israeli missile targeted Tel al-Shaar in Quneitra," the Syrian agency said, adding a "military vehicle was targeted and there are wounded". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking responsibility of the party's debacle in the recently held Lok Sabha elections, Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Ajoy Kumar Monday resigned from his post. He handed over his resignation letter to the party's state unit in-charge R P N Singh. "I have handed over my resignation letter to R P N Singh, party's state unit in-charge in the state, taking personal responsibility for the election results," Kumar told PTI over phone. It is not immediately known whether his resignation letter was accepted. The Congress, which led the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) in the state, contested the Lok Sabha polls from seven out of 14 seats. But the party could win only one seat - Singhbhum(ST) - where former chief minister Madhu Koda's wife, Gita Koda, defeated BJP's state unit president Laxman Gilua. The JMM contested four seats and won only one seat, while Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) contested two seats and lost both. On the other side, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) failed to open its account, though it had contested the Lok Sabha polls from Palamau (SC) and Chatra constituencies. The BJP-Ajsu Party alliance won 12 of the total 14 Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand. According to the pre-poll alliance, seat-sharing arrangement of the 'Mahagathbandhan', the Congress had been given the charge to head the grand alliance in Lok Sabha, while the JMM would be given responsibility during the assembly polls to be held later this year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Compounding the ruling Congress-JDS' woes, Congress leader K N Rajanna Monday hit out at Karnataka deputy chief minister G Parameshwara and claimed the government will not survive beyond June 10. Lashing out at Parameshwara, Rajanna said,"This government would have collapsed by now... I got to know that since Modi is taking oath (as PM) on May 30, it has been decided in their party (BJP) not to do anything. At the most, this government will survive till June 10." Targeting Parameshwara, Rajanna said there was no chance for any defeat for the Congress-JD(S) coalition but 'zero traffic' led it to defeat...there was no chance for any defeat here (in Tumkur). Then what's the reason behind the defeat...if there is any reason... it's 'zero traffic , there is no second thought about it," the former MLA told reporters at Tumkur. JD(S) supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda had lost to BJP's G S Basavaraj in Tumkur Lok Sabha constituency. When asked what he meant by zero traffic, Rajanna said everybody knew who 'zero traffic' was. "Within a week, zero traffic will become zero. Don't ask me to spoil my tongue by naming him," Rajanna said in a veiled dig at the Deputy Chief Minister (DCM), apparently referring to traffic being allegedly blocked to enable Parameshwara reach Tumkuru district fast during his visits. Asked if he was referring to the deputy chief minister, Rajanna said, "I never treated him as a DCM. Whats his contribution as DCM? Tell me what else has he contributed for the district other than zero traffic?" His statement comes in the wake of the humiliating defeat of the combine in the Lok Sabha election and dicontent within the party, with party MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, who has been allegedly cosying up to BJP, even threatening to resign along with a few MLAs after the LS polls. Adding to the congress' unease was senior party legislator Roshan Baig's outburst against the leadership, holding them responsible for the poor show by the party. The Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) only managed to win one seat each of the 28 in Karnataka, while the BJP won 25 seats. The other seat was bagged by BJP-backed Independent candidate Sumalatha Ambareesh. The Congress has convened a meeting of its legislature party on Wednesday to discuss the current political developments in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Normal life in was paralysed on Monday due to a general strike called by an outlawed communist group, a day after a series of explosions rocked the capital Kathmandu, killing at least four people and injuring seven Educational institutions and business establishments remained shut in major cities while traffic was thin due to the strike called by the Communist Party of (CPN) -Maoist to protest against the killing of its cadres during an encounter a couple of months ago. A series of bombs exploded at different parts of the capital city on Sunday, killing four people and injuring seven Police said they suspect that the outlawed group that once split from the ruling Communist Party was responsible for the blasts as its members have been protesting the arrests of their supporters. The bombings were the deadliest since the government imposed a ban on the activities of Netra Birkram Chand-led outfit on March 12 following a blast outside its office in Nakkhu in Southern that killed one person. A cadre of Chand-led outfit was killed on the spot and another was injured after a powerful bomb went off at a house in Ghattekulo in Kathmandu on Sunday. The deceased has been identified as Prajjwal Shahi and is said to be the leader of CPN-aligned student wing. According to the police, he was making a bomb when it accidentally went off. Police have found pamphlets belonging to the splinter communist group at the explosion site. Another pressure cooker bomb went off at a barber's shop in Sukedhara in Kathmandu, killing three persons and injuring four Police suspect two of the deceased were CPN cadres. The injured people are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kathmandu. In another incident, two cadres of the outfit were injured when a bomb they were carrying on a motorcycle exploded in Nagdhunga of Chandragiri Municipality in the western part of Kathmandu district. Protestors torched a passenger bus in Surkheton Monday. However, no one was injured in the incident. Nepal Army diffused bombs at various places including Pokhara Metropolitan City, Morang, Baitadi and Tanhu districts. The security forces also recovered suspected objects from different parts of the country. Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa has instructed the law enforcement agencies to step up the security in view of the violence that has erupted in the wake of the general strike. The outlawed group split from the Maoist party, which fought government troops from 1996 to 2006, when its members gave up their armed revolt to join a peace process and mainstream politics. The BJP's massive win in has paved the way for the first reshuffle of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's council of ministers as three ministers have won the election creating vacancies in the state Cabinet. Also, a vacancy was created after disgruntled minister and SBSP O P Rajbhar was sacked by the chief minister for his outburst against his senior NDA partner, the BJP. The ruling party is likely to reward its leaders for their hard work during the general election campaigning which resulted in it winning 62 seats, BJP sources said. This would be the first cabinet reshuffle since Adityanath was sworn in as the chief minister of in March 2017. Adityanath had indicated during an interview to that a cabinet reshuffling was very much on the cards and he was likely to take a decision soon. "We will do it (Cabinet expansion). We will do everything as and when time comes. We will do everything in the interest of the state," he had said. "Mahendra Singh was the party's in-charge in Assam, where the BJP had won nine out of 14 seats. After the were over in Assam, he was assigned the task of organising the roadshow of BJP chief in Amethi and Both the roadshows were highly successful," a senior told Mahendra Singh is the minister of state (independent charge) for Rural Development and Overall Village Development. Another of the BJP state unit said UP minister Swatantradev Singh was made in-charge of the crucial state of Madhya Pradesh, where the party bagged 28 out of 29 seats. "The task was indeed very challenging as the BJP had lost in the assembly to the Hence, to boost the morale of the party workers and to ensure that a positive result for the party comes from that state was a tough task. His efforts paid rich dividends for the party, as bigwigs such as Digvijay Singh and Jyotiraditya Scindia had to taste defeat," he said. Swatantradev Singh is the minister of state (independent charge) for Transport and Protocol. Four cabinet ministers in the UP government were in the poll fray. Of them, three won and one lost. UP Cabinet Minister for Animal Husbandry, Minor Irrigation and Fisheries S P Singh Baghel registered a win from by a margin of 2,11,546 votes. Similarly, Rita Bahuguna Joshi, who is the minister of women's welfare, family welfare, mother and child welfare, tourism, won from Allahabad, defeating her nearest rival Rajendra Singh Patel by 1,84,275 votes. Satyadev Pachauri, who holds the portfolio of Khadi Village Industries, Sericulture, Textile, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Export Promotion, won from However, UP Cooperative Minister Mukut Bihari Verma lost to BSP's Ritesh Pandey by 95,880 votes. With the monsoon session of the UP Legislative Assembly likely in the next couple of months, it is to be seen whether the reshuffle takes place before or after the session. The BJP's win in Uttar Pradesh has paved the way for the first reshuffle of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's council of ministers to fill the vacancies created by three state ministers winning the Lok Sabha election and a fourth being sacked. The exercise, the first since March 2017 when the Adityanath government was sworn in, is also likely to reward party's leaders for their hard work in ensuring a win in 62 of the 80 seats in the state, BJP sources said. The three cabinet ministers who contested the Lok Sabha election and won are S P Singh Baghel from Agra, Rita Bahuguna Joshi from Allahabad, and Satyadev Pachauri from Kanpur. A vacancy has also been created after disgruntled minister and SBSP leader O P Rajbhar was sacked by the chief minister for his outburst against his senior NDA partner, the BJP. Adityanath indicated during a recent interview to PTI that a cabinet reshuffle was very much on the cards and he is likely to take a decision soon. "We will do it (Cabinet expansion). We will do everything as and when time comes. We will do everything in the interest of the state," he said. The two loyalists who are likely to be rewarded with elevated posts are Mahendra Singh and Swatantradev Singh, in charge of the party's campaigns in Assam and Madhya Pradesh, respectively, party insiders said. While Mahendra Singh is minister of state (independent charge) for Rural Development and Overall Village Development, Swatantradev Singh is minister of state (independent charge) for Transport and Protocol. "Mahendra Singh was the party's in-charge in Assam, where the BJP won nine out of 14 Lok Sabha seats. After the elections were over in Assam, he was assigned the task of organising the roadshow of BJP chief Amit Shah in Amethi and Gorakhpur. Both the roadshows were highly successful," a senior UP BJP leader told PTI. Another leader pointed out that Swatantradev Singh was made in-charge of the crucial state of Madhya Pradesh, where the party bagged 28 out of 29 Lok Sabha seats. "The task was indeed very challenging as the BJP had lost in the assembly elections to the Congress. To boost the morale of the party workers and to ensure that a positive result for the party comes from that state was a tough task. His efforts paid rich dividends for the party, as Congress bigwigs such as Digvijay Singh and Jyotiraditya Scindia had to taste defeat," he said. The other ministers contesting the parliamentary polls registered handsome wins. Baghel, minister for Animal Husbandry, Minor Irrigation and Fisheries, won the Agra seat by a margin of 2.11 lakh votes. Joshi, the minister of Women's Welfare, Family Welfare, Mother and Child Welfare and Tourism, won from Allahabad by defeating her nearest rival by 1.84 lakh votes. Satyadev Pachauri holds the portfolio of Khadi Village Industries, Sericulture, Textile, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Export Promotion, won Kanpur by over 48,000 votes. A fourth minister who contested lost his election. UP Cooperative Minister Mukut Bihari Verma lost to BSP's Ritesh Pandey by 95,880 votes in Ambedkar Nagar. The monsoon session of the UP Legislative Assembly likely in the next couple of months. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A massive fire broke out Monday at a chemical factory in an industrial estate in Sanad near here in Gujarat, but nobody was injured in the incident. The blaze occurred this evening in the godown of a chemical unit located in Uma Estate where the barrels filled with chemicals were stored, a fire department official said. The fire spread rapidly as the chemical-filled drums exploded one after another. Around 15 fire tenders are trying to put out the flames. "Fire broke out at the godown located in the compound of the chemical factory where chemical drums are stored. Due to fire, many drums containing solvent exploded, fuelling the fire further. However, fire personnel prevented the blaze from spreading to other areas," said Ahmedabad Chief Fire Officer M F Dastur. "No loss to life or injury has been reported," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 58-year-old man died after he allegedly jumped from the balcony of the third floor of the Bawana police station, where he was called for questioning regarding the whereabouts of his son, officials said Monday. The deceased's son -- Rahul -- is involved in two cases of attempted murder as well as in another case of murder and has been declared an absconder by a city court, they said. The deceased has been identified as Balraj, a resident of Bajitpur Thakran near Bawana, the officials said. His family alleged that he was beaten up at the police station and might have died of the physical assault. Police, however, denied the allegations. The incident took place at around 7.30 pm on Sunday when Balraj was called to Bawana police station. He was questioned about the whereabouts of his son, said Gaurav Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer north). Sharma said Balraj was questioned in the presence of his son-in-law and a few other men. "Balraj was questioned and later released. He went to the balcony of the police station and jumped from there," the DCP added. He said no suicide note has been found. Police said the body of Balraj has been sent for post-mortem. Though the post-mortem report is awaited, prima facie it appears that the cause of the death is due to "fall from height", they said. Sunil, another son of Balraj, said his father, a labourer, was taken to police station by two policemen at around 11 am. No one was at home at that time, he added. Later, my mother, who is working in a factory, was also called to the police station, said Sunil, the elder son of the deceased. "My father called me at around 7.05 pm from his mobile phone and said you will get a call from the police station and they will ask you to come here. But please don't come. They thrashed me. They will beat you too. Please save me," he told PTI At around 7.20 pm, when I tried to call my father, his phone was switched off, Sunil said. Later, he said, he received a call from the police station informing him that his father had "committed suicide". I was at Ballabgarh in Faridabad then, he added. Sunil alleged that neither his mother nor other members of the family were allowed to go near the body. "There is possibility that my father could have died due to the physical assault on him by the police officials," he alleged. The DCP said the Judicial Magistrate, as per procedure, was informed about Balraj's suicide. The officials visited the spot and informed Sub-Divisonal Magistrate about the incident, he said. A constable, Praveen, has been suspended in connection with the incident while an assistant sub-inspector, Gajender, has been sent to police lines, Sharma said. The action has been taken against the duo for failing to escort the victim while he excused them to drink water, he added. Rahul, 22, is involved in two cases of attempt to murder and another case of murder registered against him at Bawana police station, which falls under the outer north district, the DCP said. Sunil said his brother has been missing since the past four-five months and the family has no contact with him. He said that one Monu was injured after he was shot at by unidentified men in December last year. Later, my uncle's son was shot dead in February by the associates of Monu, he added. "Later, my brother Rahul's name also surfaced in a case. Fearing that he would also be killed just like the uncle's son, he left home," Sunil said. Balraj is survived by his wife and three children, including Rahul, Sunil and a daughter, police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 30-year-old man was seriously injured when two persons allegedly fired at him in suburban Mankhurd on Monday over a property dispute, police said. One person was detained in this connection, they said. The incident took place around 5.30 am at Zakir Hussain Nagar when the victim, Abbas Shaikh, a resident of the neighbouring district, came to his friend's house here, a police official said. When the two accused, who had some dispute with the victim over a property in Raigad district, came to know that Shaikh was in Mankhurd, they reached his friend's residence and allegedly fired at him with their guns, he said. The victim received bullet injuries and was rushed to a civic-run hospital where his condition was reported to be serious, he said. One of the accused was detained and efforts were on to nab the other one, he said. A case was registered against the accused under Indian Penal Code sections for attempt to murder, he added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 28-year-old man was arrested Monday for allegedly killing his in-laws in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar district, police said. Mantu Gupta killed his father-in-law Chhangur Gupta (60) and mother-in-law Kismati Gupta (55) during their sleep with a sharp-edged weapon in Khangi Bazaar area under Barwapatti police station on Sunday night, Superintendent of Police Rajeev Narayan Mishra said. The couple's grandson couple Aditya, 14, suffered injuries in the incident, Mishra said, adding the boy was presently receiving treatment at a hospital. Mantu was arrested from his residence in Bihar and, during questioning,he confessed to have committed the crime, the SP said. "Mantu suspected his wife's fidelity. He had complained regarding this to his in-laws," he said. The accused's wife Shanti said since marriage in 2018 Mantu had been harassing her for dowry, the SP said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (ANSA) - Caserta, May 25 - Italian swimming star Federica Pellegrini said she was looking forward to the upcoming 2019 Summer Universiade on the sidelines of the 4th City of Naples Grand Prix - Coconuda Trophy, which took place at the weekend at the Caserta Swimming Stadium. "These are important events for sport and for our country," Pellegrini said. "I say this as an athlete-fan, who hoped until the very end that Rome could host the 2020 or 2024 Olympics. I remember my Universiades. It's always very exciting to represent Italy in such an important international context," she said. Pellegrini, who competed at the Grand Prix on Saturday afternoon, said she was "happy to have come back this year too". "Peoples' enthusiasm is always engaging, the warmth and passion of the people here are exceptional. I always come back to compete at this meet with pleasure, and I see that the City of Naples Grand Prix grows every time. It's a great sign for swimming and for the sport in general. I have to congratulate the organisers," she said. Luciano Cotena, director of the event organising company Eventualmente Eventi & Comunicazione, also said the meet grows each year, in both the number and quality of participants, "thanks to the push by the champions who sign on". "This is above all due to the work that we've done and in this I have to thank the whole staff, starting with technical director Francesco Vespe," he said. Several Maoist activists were arrested in Nepal as a general strike called by an outlawed communist group on Monday disrupted normal life in the country, a day after a series of explosions rocked the capital Kathmandu, killing at least four people. Educational institutions and business establishments remained shut in major cities while traffic was thin due to the strike called by the Netra Bikram Chand (Biplav)-led Communist Party of Nepal to protest against the killing of its cadre during an encounter a couple of months ago. Just a day ahead of the nationwide strike, a series of bombs exploded at different parts of the capital city, killing four people and injuring seven others. Police said they suspect that the outlawed group that once split from the ruling Communist Party was responsible for the blasts as its members have been protesting the arrests of their supporters. The bombings were the deadliest since the government imposed a ban on the activities of Chand-led outfit on March 12 following a blast outside its office in Nakkhu in Southern Nepal that killed one person. A cadre of Chand-led outfit was killed on the spot and another was injured after a powerful bomb went off at a house in Ghattekulo in Kathmandu on Sunday. The deceased has been identified as Prajjwal Shahi and is said to be the leader of CPN-aligned student wing. According to the police, he was making a bomb when it accidentally went off. Police have found pamphlets belonging to the splinter Communist group at the explosion site. Another pressure cooker bomb went off at a barber's shop in Sukedhara in Kathmandu, killing three persons and injuring four others. Amid a high alert after Sunday's attacks, Nepal Army diffused pressure cooker bombs at various places including Pokhara Metropolitan City, Morang, Baitadi and Tanhu districts. The security forces also recovered suspected objects from different parts of the country. Protestors torched a passenger bus in Surkheton Monday. However, no one was injured in the incident. Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa has instructed the law enforcement agencies to step up the security in view of the violence that has erupted in the wake of the general strike. The outlawed group split from the Maoist party, which fought government troops from 1996 to 2006, when its members gave up their armed revolt to join a peace process and mainstream politics. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) / -- Launch of the 'Fellowship in Clinical, Preventive & Non-invasive Cardiology' course for an advanced understanding of Cardiovascular subject Medvarsity, a pioneer in online medical training, announced its partnership with Medanta - The Medicity Hospital. The two entities launched a 'Fellowship in Clinical, Preventive & Non-invasive Cardiology' course as a joint program under this association. This partnership promises to work towards strengthening the Cardiology practices to the next level in India. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/834823/Medvarsity_Logo.jpg ) A quarter of deaths in India are due to cardiovascular diseases, according to the global burden of disease report. The number of heart disease cases is alarmingly high and only increasing with demanding lifestyle changes. Even though these numbers are rising constantly, there is a significant lack of trained cardiologists in the country. India requires around 88,000 but only has about 4,000 cardiologists, which opens up the need for more trained physicians who can handle such cases, and in turn bridge the gap effectively. Talking about the partnership, Mr. Gerald Jaideep, CEO, Medvarsity Online Ltd., said, "Partnering with Medanta allows us to develop a pool of skilled clinical practitioners to address the increasing demand for cardiology services in India. We aim to discover viable ways to improve patient care and effectively contribute to the ever-changing landscape of the medical industry." The course aims to address the increasing demand for cardiology services in India. It has been curated to provide physicians with the opportunity to learn more effectively and become better healthcare professionals with advanced skills to handle the rising challenges in the cardiovascular department. By introducing new age learning methodologies and digital education, it gives more scope to the medical professionals to enhance their skill set. The course is innovatively designed keeping in mind the futuristic needs of the cardiology field, to provide quality care to patients. Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Ravi. R. Kasliwal, Chairman-Division of Clinical & Preventive Cardiology, Medanta - The Medicity, said, "This partnership will help doctors become better caregivers in this rapidly changing 21st-century landscape. We are aiming to provide a robust, point of care access to the students interested in building a career in all aspects of clinical cardiology, a complete nuance of echocardiography and allied techniques and acute care cardiology. We are looking forward to an association that will help curb the menace of the cardiovascular disease epidemic in the country." Physicians trained in MD/DNB Internal Medicine, DNB Family Medicine, and PGDCC are eligible for taking up this course. This 2-year full-time program includes hospital-based practical training and online learning through theoretical content on LMS - textual reading material, recorded videos, live virtual classes (webinars), online virtual simulations and research methodology training. Fellowship certification will be awarded by Medvarsity and Medanta Institute of Education & Research to all students who successfully complete the program. About Medvarsity Online Ltd. Medvarsity Online Ltd. is India's first and largest online healthcare training company with over 45,000 medical professionals trained and certified. Our partnerships with leading universities globally enable us to present the best courses and faculty to our students and help them meet their learning goals. With over 7000 active learners on our platform and course accreditation by leading global partners, Medvarsity is a leader in the medical certification training in the region. It is the leading online medical certification and training company with presence across 10 locations in India and students across India, Middle East, Africa, and South-East Asia. Our blended training solutions combine the best of traditional e-learning, live virtual classes, clinical bedside learning and mobile learning models to deliver impactful courses to our students. Medvarsity has been rewarded with 'excellence in training and development' in online education in the year 2018. For further details, log onto www.medvarsity.com Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/medvarsity/ | https://www.linkedin.com/school/medvarsity-online-ltd-/ | https://twitter.com/Medvarsity About Medanta With a unique patient-driven, holistic approach, since 2009, we have delivered world-class healthcare through our values of Leadership & Excellence, Integrity & Courage, Compassion & Service. We achieve this through a culture of Collaboration, Learning and Innovation. With our presence in Gurugram, Indore, Ranchi, Lucknow and Ganganagar, we deliver comprehensive, end-to-end care across 22 super specialities which meet or exceeds international standards. Source: Medvarsity Online Ltd. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday thanked world leaders for their messages congratulating him for returning to power in the Lok Sabha elections. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani wished Modi for his thumping electoral victory. Thanking him on Twitter, the PM said, India and Iran enjoy civilizational links. "We will work to strengthen close ties between the two countries," Modi wrote. MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted that Kim Jae Ryong, the Premier of Cabinet in Democratic People's Republic of Korea, also congratulated Modi on being elected to the office for a second term. In his response to wishes from Jamaican PM Andrew Holness, Modi said the victory is a reflection of the aspirations of 1.3 billion people of India. "I look forward to working with you to strengthen our friendly relations for the mutual progress and prosperity of our people," he said. Responding to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's greetings, Modi returned the wishes on inauguration of his second term of presidency. The PM said he looks forward to meeting him "soon". Modi told his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern that he looks forward to continue working with her to further strengthen the bilateral ties in all spheres, "including in our shared fight against the forces of radicalism and terrorism". The PM also thanked Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz for his message of congratulations, saying he looks forward to working for stronger ties between the two countries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP president Amit Shah said on Monday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed Kashi in the last five years. He also thanked voters here for supporting Modi and re-electing him to the Lok Sabha for the second term. Shah, who has won his maiden Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar, said when Modi visited the party workers on the day he filed his nomination papers, it became clear that he was going to win. "I thank your all. At the same time you are lucky to have a person like Modi to represent you in Lok Sabha," he said, addressing party workers here. "Perhaps it is the only election where the candidate has not visited constituency after filing nomination. It reflects the confidence Modi had on his voters," he added. He accompanied Modi to Varanasi where the prime minister offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple soon after his arrival. Both Shah and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in their speeches here, focused on the "gruelling" campaigning that Modi undertook in the run up to the general elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Moscow court on Monday upheld extending the arrest of 24 Ukrainian sailors seized by Russia off Crimea last year, defying an international tribunal that had urged their immediate release. The Moscow City Court declined an appeal against the extension of the sailors' detention until July, filed by their lawyers. Russia in November fired on and seized three Ukrainian navy vessels, capturing two dozen sailors near the Kerch Strait, as they tried to pass from the Black Sea to the Azov Sea. It was the first open military clash between Kiev and Moscow since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and a pro-Russian insurgency erupted in eastern Ukraine. On Saturday, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, based in the German port city of Hamburg, urged Russia to "immediately" release the sailors and return them to Ukraine. The tribunal was established by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday dismissed the ruling, saying Moscow would continue to "consistently defend its point of view." Peskov claimed that the convention did not apply in the current case. Ukraine had taken the case to the tribunal last month. Russia said it does not recognise the Hamburg-based court's jurisdiction and did not send representatives to the hearings. Moscow accuses the sailors of violating its maritime borders. If convicted, the Ukrainian sailors face up to six years in prison, lawyers have said. Saturday's ruling by the international tribunal had been hailed as a victory in Kiev. Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the weekend that if Russia complied with the tribunal's demand to release the sailors that "could be the first signal from the Russian leadership about a real readiness to end the conflict with Ukraine." Some 13,000 people have been killed in the war in eastern Ukraine since 2014, according to the UN. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Classes at several educational institutions in Kashmir remained suspended on Monday to thwart student protests following the killing of Zakir Musa, the chief of an Al-Qaeda affiliate, in an encounter in Pulwama district last week, officials said. While many schools conducted normal operations till Class 10, all higher secondary schools and degree colleges in Srinagar, Budgam and Kupwara districts remained suspended as a precautionary measure, the officials said. Classes were also suspended in colleges and higher secondary schools of Baramulla town, Sopore and Pattan in Baramulla district, and some in Ganderbal district, they said. The teaching was suspended in degree colleges and four higher secondary schools -- two in Bandipora and one each in Sumbal and Hajin area -- of Bandipora district, they said. In Anantnag district, classes in degree colleges and higher secondary schools of Anantnag and Bijbehara towns was suspended on Monday. In Kulgam, classes remained suspended in all degree colleges and at higher secondary school Nehama, the officials said. All schools and colleges remained closed in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, while the classes remained suspended at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora. Musa, the head of the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, a group affiliated with the Al-Qaeda, was trapped on Thursday after the security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in a village in Tral area. The encounter ended on Friday with Musa's killing. The authorities ordered closure of all schools and colleges across Kashmir as a precautionary measure and clamped curfew in parts of the Valley. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a suspected case of hate crime, an inebriated man here asked a street vendor his name and then shot him in the back on learning that he is a Muslim, police said on Monday. The suspect, Rajiv Yadav, also asked the man, Mohammed Qasim, to go to Pakistan, they said. On the compliant of Qasim, a case has been registered against Yadav, who is absconding, Station House Officer Neeraj Kumar Singh said. "The incident took place at Kumbhi village in Cheria Bariyarpur police station area of the district on Sunday. An FIR has been registered and search is on for Rajiv Yadav. We are making efforts to bring the accused to book at the earliest," he said. A video of Qasim, who sells detergents to make a living, expressing his ordeal while undergoing treatment at a hospital, has gone viral on social media. The clip shows Qasim alleging that the man fired at him in an inebriated state after asking him his name. "I was on my daily round when the attacker stopped me and asked me my name. When I replied, he exclaimed - you are a Muslim. What are you doing here? You should go to Pakistan. "He, thereafter, whipped out a pistol and opened fire. The bullet hit me in my back. His firearm had just one bullet. As he proceeded to load more ammunition, I shoved him away and ran for my life," Qasim, who is in his 30s, alleged, adding that bystanders did not come to his rescue. CPI leader Kanhaiya Kumar, who had contested from Begusarai in the Lok Sabha elections but lost by a huge margin to BJP's Giriraj Singh, said leaders who spread hate for political gains were to be blamed for the incident. "For such incidents, leaders and their cronies who spread hate for their political gains are responsible. We will not rest until the guilty are punished," he tweeted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A team of Pakistan's top anti-graft body on Monday quizzed deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Kot Lakhpat Jail for over two hours over the illegal purchase and use of more than 30 bulletproof government vehicles from Germany. A four-member National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team arrived at the Kot Lakhpat Jail (Lahore Central Prison) where the 69-year-old Sharif is serving a seven-year sentence awarded to him in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and Nawaz's daughter, confirmed the investigation by the NAB team in jail where the former prime minister is being held since December 2018 after his conviction. In a message on her Twitter account on Monday, Maryam rubbished the investigation, point fingers at "fake Prime Minister" Imran Khan who used the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's helicopter for personal use was above the law. Earlier reports said the NAB team will record the three-time prime minister's statement in the case of an alleged import of 34 bulletproof vehicles from Germany without payment of customs duty on any of them. The anti-graft body said the cars were purchased without duty for guests of the 19th SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summit in 2016, Geo reported. The SAARC Summit, however, did not take place as India boycotted the meeting after the Uri terror attack. Later, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Maldives also pulled out of the summit, culminating in an indefinite postponement of the summit. According to the NAB, Sharif added 20 of those 34 cars to his own motorcade, and he and his daughter Maryam Nawaz also used the bulletproof vehicles for their personal use. Former Prime Minister and a member of the PML-N Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's statement has already been recorded, it said. The anti-graft body also said that officers associated with the foreign ministry misused their authority by allocating the bulletproof cars for the Sharif's family. Sharif has been serving a seven-year prison term at the jail since December 24, 2018 when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in Panama Papers case. Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them were politically motivated. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A team of Pakistan's top anti-graft body will quiz deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Kot Lakhpat Jail here on Monday over the illegal purchase and use of more than 30 bulletproof government vehicles from Germany. The four-member National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team has arrived at the Kot Lakhpat Jail (Lahore Central Prison) where the 69-year-old Sharif is serving a seven-year sentence awarded to him in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case. The team will record the three-time prime minister's statement in the case of an alleged import of 34 bulletproof vehicles from Germany without payment of customs duty on any of them. The anti-graft body said the cars were purchased without duty for guests of the 19th SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summit in 2016, Geo reported. According to NAB, Sharif added 20 of those 34 cars to his own motorcade, and he and his daughter Maryam Nawaz also used the vehicles for their personal use. Former Prime Minister and a member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's statement has already been recorded, it said. The anti-graft body also said that officers associated with the foreign ministry misused their authority by allocating the bulletproof cars for the Sharif's family. Sharif was imprisoned in Adiyala Jail and shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail on request. He has been serving a seven-year prison term at the jail since December 24, 2018 when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in Panama Papers case. Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them were politically motivated. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has dismissed an insolvency plea filed by ICICI Bank against Hyderabad Ring Road Projects, observing that there was "duplicacy of the claims" of the private lender. A two-member bench headed by President Justice M M Kumar said ICICI Bank has already raised the similar claims against its corporate guarantor Era Infra Engineering, which is currently going through Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP). "Therefore, on account of duplicacy of the claims the petition can not be entertained," said NCLT bench, adding "this petition fails and the same is dismissed". Hyderabad Ring Road Projects Private Ltd, is a special purpose vehicle related to Era Infra Engineering Ltd and raised an amount of Rs 193.60 crore between January 2014 to September 2015. ICICI Bank had extended the loan over the corporate guarantee filed by Era Infra Engineering, against which the NCLT has already allowed to start insolvency proceedings after default in June 2018. The NCLT observed that ICICI has already filed claims of Hyderabad Ring Road Projects before the RP of Era Infra Engineering, which has been admitted as financial creditor of the company. "... It is evident that the claim lodged by the petitioner - ICICI Bank Ltd before IRP of that company (Era Infra Engineering) has already been collated and admitted. This can not be again made the basis of triggering CIRP in the present proceedings and it is not permissible under law...," NCLT observed. Last month, the NCLT had dismissed ICICI Bank's insolvency plea against Era Infrastructure India for a default of Rs 240 crore, on the same ground stating that the bank has already raised similar claims against its parent company Era Infra Engineering. Hyderabad Ring Road Projects was represented by advocate Vijay Kr Singh before the NCLT. Era Infra Engineering was in the first list of 12 defaulting companies which was issued by Reserve Bank of India, directing banks to recover debts through the Insolvency and Bankruptcy (IBC) Code. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) LUCCA - Focusing on the romantic itineraries of the countries that are part of the program Interreg Italy-France (Maritime) 2014-2020 co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is the theme on the agenda of a meeting scheduled on May 29 in the Scompiglio estate in Vorno, near Lucca. The congress will launch the project Itinera Romanica+, which involves first of all the municipality of Capannori and then all of the five regions that are part of Interreg, selecting 13 areas of interest: in particular two in Tuscany, five in Sardinia, two in Corsica, three in Liguria and one in Paca, or the region Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur. These are rural areas that have in common the presence of minor cultural sites with limited access. The objective is to improve their ability to promote their common heritage internationally. The project Itinera Romanica+ was approved in 2018. It was created after the experience of other projects - Iterr-Cost, Accessit e Gritaccess - developing the promotion of romantic cultural heritage and improving accessibility through cooperation, the connection of sites and joint work to preserve and sponsor cultural heritage. Three Pakistani nationals have been arrested from Nepal's Tribhuvan International Airport for carrying fake Indian currency with a face value of Rs 76.80 million, police said Monday. The Pakistani nationals -- Mohmad Akhtar, 49, Nadia Anwar, 39 and Nasiruddin, 67 --- were arrested from the airport on Saturday as they arrived in the country from Doha with the fake currency, they said. Three Nepalese nationals, who reached the airport to pick up the fake currency, were also arrested. The police have initiated further investigation into the matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The National Green Tribunal has imposed a penalty of Rs 10,000 on Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board for its "misleading" report on inspection of two industrial units in Ghaziabad. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said the UPPCB report is not a responsible one as the team did not visit the actual location of the workshops. The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by city resident Arvind Mahipal, through advocate Siddhartha Singh, seeking action against the polluting activities of the Express Engineering and Spare Pvt Ltd, Surya Nagar, Ghaziabad. "For such misleading report, we impose cost of Rs 10,000 which may be deposited by the UPPCB with the CPCB within one month and recovered from the person responsible for giving misleading report. Appropriate action be also taken by the UPPCB against the conduct of such person, after identifying him," the bench said. The tribunal also noted that no action has been taken in spite of finding illegal action amounting to an offence under the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. "Let the UPPCB take further appropriate action of prohibiting the illegal activity, prosecuting the offender and recovering the compensation from the polluters in accordance with law and furnish a report of compliance within one month by e-mail," the bench, also comprising Justices S P Wangdi and K Ramakrishnan, said while posting the matter for hearing on July 31. A joint inspection report submitted by Central Pollution Control Board, the UPPCB and Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation told the tribunal that Express Engineering Pvt Ltd was operating in a residential area without obtaining any consents and permissions. "This is clearly a case of illegal operation requiring proper actions as per the provisions of the applicable laws/rules. The unit never obtained and nor was granted any licenses/ consents / permissions from the State authorities like Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam, UPPCB, etc," the report said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four members of Bodo insurgent group NDFB(S) were convicted by a special NIA court in Guwahati Monday for a terror attack in Assam's Kokrajhar district in 2014 in which five tribals were killed, officials said. Bina Basumatary, Jayanta Mushahary, Dwithai Basumatary and Khanda Daimary were sentenced to five years imprisonment and a fine was imposed on each of them, an NIA spokesperson said here. "?The case pertains to the terrorist attack on 23.12.2014 by NDFB(S) cadres upon innocent people of Pakiriguri village under Serfanguri Police Station in Kokrajhar district of Assam, in which five adivasis were killed and another five sustained grievous injuries due to indiscriminate firing by the terrorist group," he said. He said one of the accused Gautam Mahalia had earlier pleaded guilty in April 2019. "He was sentenced to 4.5 years. Trial against 10 other accused persons who are in judicial custody will continue," the spokesperson said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath Monday asserted there is no threat to his five- month-old Congress government and expressed readiness to take the floor test to prove his majority in the assembly. Nath's statement came in the backdrop of Leader of Opposition Gopal Bhargava of the BJP writing to Governor Anandiben Patel on May 20, requesting a special session of the assembly to discuss pressing issues and also seeking division (voting) on financial matters. A division of votes in the House will indicate whether the Congress government enjoys majority support or not. "There is no threat to my government. Let the floor test takes place. We are ready for it," Nath told reporters. The Chief Minister along with senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh and others arrived at Shivrajpur, Churhat near here to pay tributes to Saroj Singh, the wife of former Union minister, the late Arjun Singh. Saroj Singh died in New Delhi two weeks ago and her last rites were conducted at the familys ancestral place in Churhat in Sidhi district. Asked about the Congress's poor performance in Madhya Pradesh in the just concluded Lok Sabha elections, Nath said, "During the brief period that we got, we are unable to apprise people about the number of welfare schemes implemented for them." The ruling Congress won just one Lok Sabha seat - Chhindwara (bagged by Kamal Nath's son Nakul) - in the state which sends 29 MPs to the Lower House of Parliament. The Congress won 114 seats in the 2018 assembly polls, two short of a majority in the 230-member House. It formed the government in December with the support of the two BSP MLAs, one from the SP and four Independent MLAs. Sources had said Sunday that Nath has made up his mind to expand his Cabinet and induct some of these MLAs to ensure stability of his government. The BJP, which lost power in the state after 15 years, bagged 109 assembly seats. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) North Korea on Monday called US National Security Adviser John Bolton a "war monger" and "defective human product" after he called the North's recent tests of short-range missile a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. The statement by an unnamed North Korean foreign ministry spokesman came as President Donald Trump continued his visit to Japan for meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in which the nuclear standoff with North Korea was expected to be high on the agenda. Bolton told reporters in Tokyo on Saturday that there was "no doubt" that North Korea's recent launches violated UN resolutions, and that sanctions against the North must be kept in place. North Korea tested short-range ballistic missiles on May 4 and 9, ending a pause in launches that began in late 2017. The tests have been seen as a way for North Korea to pressure Washington to soften its stance on easing sanctions against it without actually causing the negotiations to collapse. In the statement carried by Pyongyang's official Korean Central Agency, the North Korean spokesman said that the North was rightfully exercising its rights for self-defense with the launches. "Demanding us to ban all launches using ballistic technology regardless of range is same with asking us to relinquish our rights for self-defense," the spokesman said. "Bolton should not be called a security adviser who works to secure security, but an adviser for security destruction who destroys peace and security. It's not that strange that crooked sound will always come out the mouth of a man who is structurally flawed, and it's best that this defective human product goes away as soon as possible." The statement came as South Korea began its annual summertime defense drills involving thousands of civilians and troops that have been modified to exclude large-scale military exercises with the United States, which were suspended to create space for diplomacy with the North. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi Monday hit out at yoga guru Baba Ramdev over his comments that the country is not ready to deal with its population explosion and for suggesting measures like limiting voting rights to two children only. "There is no law preventing people from saying downright unconstitutional things, but why do Ramdev's ideas receive undue attention?," Owaisi tweeted. "That he can do a thing with his stomach or move about his legs shouldn't mean @narendramodi lose his right to vote just because he's the 3rd kid," the tweet said. Owaisi was re-elected from Hyderabad constituency in the recent Lok Sabha election. The yoga guru Sunday opined that India is not ready to deal with its population explosion and suggested some measures like denying voting rights and other government services to the third children onwards. Addressing a press conference in Haridwar, he said the country's population should not be allowed to go beyond 150 crore. "This is only possible if we enact a legislation denying voting rights to the third or higher children of a parent. Such children should also be denied right to contest elections and other government services," he had suggested. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A group of prominent Pakistani dissidents on Monday condemned the excessive use of force by the Pakistani military at unarmed protestors of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) in North Waziristan. "The loss of three lives and several others injured in firing carried out by the military soldiers reflects utter disregard for human life, dignity and law," the South Asians Against Terrorism and for Human Rights or SAATH Forum sad in a statement. The statement was signed, among others, by Pakistan's former envoy to the US Husain Haqqani, columnists Dr Mohammed Taqi, Marvi Sirmed, Gul Bukhari, Taha Siddiqui, former MP Farahnaz Ispahani, and academics Dr Asim Yusufzai and Nabila Kiani. It called upon Imran Khan's civilian government to rein in the military, stop this abuse of power, and address the grievances of the affected Pashtun population that has been victim of state and non-state violence since 9/11. "We call upon the government to conduct an independent investigation into this sad and unfortunate incident and immediately release all arrested individuals belonging to PTM, including the member of parliament Ali Wazir, who was reportedly taken into custody following the attack on the PTM protestors," they said in a statement. According to the SAATH Steering Committee members, the "situation on ground remains volatile, and therefore we call on Islamabad to show restraint and not repeat history when we witnessed authoritarian military controlled regimes causing irreversible damages to the unity of Pakistan." They also urged the Pakistani media to act independently and provide a voice and platform to PTM instead of censoring them and being partisan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistani-origin UK home secretary Sajid Javid on Monday became the ninth contender for the post of British prime minister as he confirmed his intention to contest the Conservative Party leadership race starting next month. The senior-most minister in the UK Cabinet made the announcement with a video message posted on Twitter, calling for people to join Team Saj. "I'm standing to be the next leader of Conservatives & Prime Minister of our great country," read his statement. "We need to restore trust, bring unity and create new opportunities across the UK. First and foremost, we must deliver Brexit. Join Team Saj to help me do just that," he said. Javid, 49, becomes the latest candidate to throw their hat in the ring to enter Downing Street since Theresa May announced her intention to step down as Conservative leader and therefore as British PM on June 7. A formal Tory party election process will kick off from June 10, with former foreign secretary Boris Johnson seen as a frontrunner for the PM post. Others in the fray include Cabinet ministers Michael Gove, Rory Stewart, Jeremy Hunt and Matt Hancock and former ministers Dominic Raab, Esther McVey and Andrea Leadsom. With the European Parliament election results throwing up a massive bruising for the Conservative Party and major wins for the newly-formed Brexit Party, all the leadership contenders are expected to focus all their attention on the delivery mechanism for Britain's exit from the European Union (EU). "Hugely disappointing results but this is a verdict on our delivery of Brexit. There's a clear lesson: people want us to get on with it. Not another election or referendum asking if changed their mind. We'll need to unite as a party to deliver that. There are no other options," said Javid, who often highlights his humble roots as the son of Pakistani migrants whose father was a bus driver. The investment banker-turned-politician has also found strong backing from within the British-Indian community and most recently called for closer India-UK ties at the annual Conservative Friends of India (CFIN) event. "The new (post-Brexit) immigration system will be a skills-based system, which means it will not be based on nationality. It means that we will be even more open once we have left the EU to welcome even more of India's brightest and best," he said earlier this month. Javid will now go head to head with the other contenders within the party before the list is whittled down by party MPs down to two that will clash in a vote put to the wider Tory membership from across the UK. The winner of the vote is expected to take charge as Tory leader and the new British PM in July. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Pakistan Army soldier was killed when some militants attacked a security outpost in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal region on Monday. An exchange of fire broke out between the security forces and the terrorists when they raided the Makki Garh post in Shawal Valley of North Waziristan, the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. Troops effectively repulsed the attempt by the militants and in the exchange of fire, a soldier was killed, it said. The army retrieved five unidentified bodies during patrolling in Boya area where an army post was attacked on Sunday by a group. The bodies with bullet wounds were found from a dry stream nearly 1.5 kms away from the Khar Kamar post which was attacked by the group. Once a hotbed of militants, North Waziristan was cleared after an operation in 2014. However, lately it has witnessed sporadic incidents of violence by militants entering from Afghanistan, according to the security forces. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan and the UK have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to start the process for the extradition of former finance minister Ishaq Dar, who has been declared an absconder in a graft case linking to the Panama Papers scandal. The MoU - signed this week and case specific to 68-year-old Dar - provides legal basis in the absence of an extradition treaty, Geo TV reported. It's understood that the MoU was signed after Prime Minister Imran Khan's Adviser on Accountability Shahzad Akbar held talks with British Home Secretary Sajid Javid, it said. Dar, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader, left Pakistan soon after a court began hearings against him in a graft case filed in line with the Supreme Court's July 2017 Panama Papers verdict. After his arrival in London, he underwent treatment for heart related ailment at a Harley Street hospital. The MoU states that the government of Pakistan and the British government have developed an understanding "for the extradition of Ishaq Dar to the jurisdiction of the government of Pakistan," the channel said. The document, signed by Graeme Biggar, the new Justice and Accountability focal person for Pakistan on behalf of Home Secretary Javid and Akbar stated that the MoU means the "surrender to the government of Pakistan of Dar for the purpose of prosecution there for one or more offences and for the purpose of serving a sentence of imprisonment", it added. The MoU states that it provides for more effective cooperation in combating crime. The case of asset beyond means was launched against Dar in September 2017 on the orders of Supreme Court after it disqualified Nawaz Sharif and ordered corruption cases against him, his children Maryam Nawaz, Husain and Hasan and son-in-law (retd) Captain Muhammad Safdar. The anti-corruption watchdog already seized all of movable and immovable assets of Dar located in Lahore and Islamabad. According to the case, Dar acquired assets worth Rs 831.7 million, which was disproportionate to the known sources of his income. The Panama Papers case is about alleged money laundering by Sharif in the 1990s when he twice served as Pakistan's prime minister to purchase assets in London. Citing a source familiar with the development, the channel said that it's a big step towards Pakistan's efforts for the extradition of Dar in the absence of a treaty -- the only possibility of someone's extradition is by way of a special arrangement for the extradition of a specific person. In recent years, the UK has made such special arrangements with the government of Rwanda and once with Taiwan. The source claimed that the MoU means that the UK govt is satisfied that Pakistan is a suitable extradition destination and the UK is ready to consider extraditing the former minister once the laws of England and Wales are met. The source said the principle of dual criminality is met in this case and the offences alleged are extradition offences which include every offence that is imprisonable for more than one year and doesn't involve death penalty. Citing a PTI government source, the channel said that in the next two weeks Pakistani government will send material to the secretary of state for the extradition of Dar and it is hoped that he secretary of state will accelerate the process. The British government had told Pakistan that it was ready to sign an extradition treaty with Pakistan with the exception of offences resulting in death sentence upon conviction. Pakistan agreed to accept that condition of UK by providing appropriate assurances in such cases in future and following that Akbar visited London this week. The UK had told Pakistan that the treaty with Pakistan cannot be signed on the grounds that the latter has not abolished death sentence and cited it a matter of human rights. Recently, the cabinet approved amendments in the laws in this connection. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WHO says 562 dead, 2,855 wounded in Tripoli clashes (ANSAmed) - TUNIS, MAY 27 - The death toll in the armed conflict in Tripoli and the surrounding area has risen to 562, including 40 civilians, said the World Health Organization in Libya on Twitter. It said 2,855 people have been wounded, of whom 106 are civilians. It said two health workers were among the victims last week, killed while traveling in ambulances. (ANSAmed). Filmmaker Bong Joon-ho, who became the first South Korean director to win Cannes Film Festival's prestigious Palme d'Or award for his film "Parasite", hopes this will inspire people to learn more about the cinema from his country. The director, best known for his films such as "Memories of Murder", "The Host" and "Snowpiercer", said he was not the only South Korean director who could win the award. Bong said the Palme d'Or win was special as 2019 marks the 100 year anniversary of cinema in Korea, according to IndieWire. "In 2006, I went to see a retrospective on Kim Ki-young. I went to the French cinema library to see that and was surprised to see French spectators really liked his films and that made a big impression on me. I got the Palme today in Cannes but I'm not the only Korean director who could receive that award," he said at a press conference. "There's a lot of Korean talent that could win the Palme. I would like to do more retrospectives around the world featuring great Korean directors. Maybe today this will help me move forward in this direction. It's an opportunity for people to learn more about Korean cinema around the world," the director said. Cannes jury, headed by Mexican filmmaker Alejandro Gonzlez Irritu, awarded "Parasite", Bong's seventh film, the Palme d'Or in a unanimous vote on Sunday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Unhappy over the "not upto expectation" performance by party candidates in Lok Sabha polls in Odisha, chief minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik Monday held consultation with various stake-holders to ascertain reasons, party sources said. Patnaik met defeated candidates, district presidents and senior leaders and wanted to know as to why BJD candidates lost the Lok Sabha seats despite retaining most segments in Assembly elections held simultaneously. While BJD won 112 seats in the 147 member state Assembly, the regional party candidates could bag 12 of the 21 Lok Sabha seats. In 2014 elections, the BJD had captured 20 Lok Sabha seats while the BJP had won only one. This time the BJP won eight Lok Sabha seats while the Congress got one. The BJD candidates lost in Bargarh, Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Bolangir, Sambalpur, Kalahandi, Koraput and Mayurbhanj Lok Sabha seats. What has come as a surprise for the BJD is that its Lok Sabha candidates lost even as party's assembly nominees won in most of the seats under these Parliamentary constituencies. For instance, Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat which was a strong hold of BJD, party candidate Arup Mohan Patnaik lost the polls to BJP's Aparajita Sarangi by 23,839 votes. The BJD's assembly candidates, on the other hand, won in six of the seven assembly segments under Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat. The BJD candidates won in Bhubaneswar-North, Bhubaneswar-Central, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar, Khurda, Jaydev and Begunia segment while Congress candidate won in Jatni. "We are surprised as to how our Lok Sabha candidate lost though party nominees won in six assembly segments. It could be either due to split voting or some kind of sabotage," said a senior leader after meeting Patnaik. BJD candidate Sunita Biswal, who lost in the Sundergarh Lok Sabha seat said: "I could not get sufficient time for campaigning. As I contested for the first time, I might have committed some mistake." She, however, said that a thorough review is required." Similar was the case in Bargarh Lok Sabha seat. The BJD candidates won in all the seven assembly segment, but the party candidate lost in the Lok Sabha polls. In Koraput Lok Sabha seat, the BJD candidates won in 5 Assembly segments while one each went in favour of an Independent and Congress. BJD candidate Kausalya Hikaka lost the polls by a slender margin of only 3,613 votes to Congress's Saptagiriu Ullaka. The BJD voter share in the Lok Sabha polls witnessed a decline. While the regional party candidates had secured 44.77 per cent votes in 2014 elections, the ratio came down to 42.8 per cent in 2019. The BJP on the other hand increased its vote share to 38.4 per cent from 21.88 per cent. The BJD leadership, which is apparently worried over sharp increase in BJP's vote share, is analysing the voting pattern threadbare in order to take necessary measures to check the saffron surge, sources said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Punjab government Monday shifted IPS officer Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, who was transferred by the Election Commission for violation of poll code, to his old posting as IG of Organised Crime Control Unit (OCCU). Singh will also hold the additional charge of IG, Counter Intelligence, Amritsar, an official statement said here. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who also heads the Home Department, had, during his election campaign, announced that the Inspector General of Police rank officer would be back to complete the SIT investigation. Pratap Singh is a member of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the 2015 sacrilege and police firing incidents. The IG had been posted to Counter Intelligence after he was shifted out of OCCU on EC orders for alleged violation of the model of code conduct. Amarinder had earlier alleged the orders were issued at the behest of then ruling BJP an ally of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), whose top leaders, including the Badals, have figured in the investigation so far. The Justice Ranjit Singh Commission, set up by the Amarinder Singh government to probe the cases, had suggested further investigation into the role of the Badals, which the SIT was probing. Amarinder has maintained that the firing on peaceful protestors could not have been possible without the knowledge of then chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and then deputy CM Sukhbir Badal, who also held the Home portfolio. He has promised stringent action, as per the law, against those found culpable by the SIT. Last month, the Election Commission had directed the Punjab government to divest Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh of his charge as Inspector General (IG) of police, OCCU for "violating" model code of conduct. The EC's direction came after a complaint was lodged by the SAD against the officer. Following the directions of the poll panel, the Punjab government had posted him as Inspector General of Counter Intelligence (Amritsar). In a communication sent to the chief secretary of Punjab, the EC last month wrote that it had received a complaint from Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Gujral (Akali Dal leader) against the IPS officer. "The matter was examined and it was found that the officer gave politically motivated interview to a TV channel on March 18 and 19 about ongoing investigation by SIT and made certain political comments," said the letter. "It has also been observed that the contents of the part of the interview have political connotations and have the potential to show certain political leaders in poor light. The officer also mentioned the name of leaders of SAD which is clearly in violation of the provision of model code of conduct," it said. Meanwhile, the Punjab government had told the EC that the SIT was functioning independently. It also accused the Akali Dal of trying to use the EC by filing "frivolous" complaints, aimed at "sabotaging" the SIT probe into the 2015 sacrilege and police firing incidents. The polling for 13 Lok Sabha seats in the state was held in the final phase on May 19. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chemistry has triumphed over poll arithmetic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday, profusely thanking Varanasi voters for electing him by a huge margin in the Lok Sabha elections. "Political analysts will have to accept that beyond poll arithmetic there is a chemistry," he told party workers on his first visit to his constituency after his resounding victory which was by a higher margin this time. "For the country I am the PM, but for you I am your MP, I am your sevak," he said. "Work and workers create wonders," Modi said, giving full credit for his victory to the workers at the grassroots level for creating awareness about his government's policies and programmes for the people. Uttar Pradesh is showing the way for India, he said. He also spoke of importance of "perfect synergy" between the government and the party. The prime minister said he was also grateful to his opponents who fought against him. At the same time he lamented there was a sense of political untouchability, adding BJP workers were being killed for their ideology in West Bengal, Tripura and Kerala. His remarks assumed signifiance in the light of the murder of a BJP leader in Amethi in the first post-poll violence in Uttar Pradesh. Modi, who also offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple here, visited the temple town four days after steering his party to a huge win. The Modi-led BJP won 303 out of the 542 seats in the Lok Sabha. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Poland's governing right-wing Law and Justice party (PiS) won European elections, complete official results showed on Monday, with its leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski urging a wider victory in the autumn general ballot. The PiS took 45.38 percent of the vote to win 27 of Poland's 51 seats in the European Parliament compared with 38.47 percent and 22 seats for the liberal European Coalition, according to full official results published on Monday. The progressive Spring party, led by openly gay former MP and mayor Robert Biedron, took 6.06 per cent for three seats while the far-right Confederation group failed to cross the five-percent threshold required to enter the European Parliament. Poland will gain one extra seat for a total 52 MEPs after Brexit. "We won but with a result that should push us to one thing: to work hard before the parliamentary elections this fall," Kaczynski said at PiS campaign headquarters in Warsaw as an exit poll handed his party victory. This is the first time the PiS has topped the European polls amid a record voter turnout of 45.68 per cent, suggesting the nationalist PiS succeeded in mobilising its electorate as it heads to a general election this fall. The party, in power since the 2015 general election, campaigned on a platform of generous social spending that saw its prime minister push hikes in pensions and child benefits through the Polish parliament. "The PiS owes its success to a certain social inertia," veteran political scientist Jadwiga Staniszkis told the top-selling Fakt tabloid daily. "People in rural areas didn't know much about the views of individual candidates and voted for the PiS due to its broad and generous public spending," she added. "I'm very happy with the result of these elections," Gerard Schronski, a 60-year-old transportation company worker, told AFP in Warsaw on Monday. "I support the policies of this government and I want us to have our own voice in the European Parliament," he added. The PiS campaign was also marked by strong rhetoric against gay rights and a refusal to honour Jewish claims for the compensation of properties lost during the Holocaust. The government has stoked tensions with the EU by introducing a string of controversial reforms that Brussels says pose a threat to judicial independence, the rule of law and ultimately to democracy. Warsaw has since backed out of some of the legislation, but the opposition is still concerned that the clash with Brussels could pave the way to a "Polexit". Kaczynski has long been a fierce critic of the strong brand of EU federalism championed by the bloc's powerhouses Germany and France. He is among a growing number of populist leaders in the EU advocating a reform agenda for the bloc that favours national sovereignty over further integration and federalism. PiS Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Friday ruled out teaming up with France's far-right National Rally but said his party was "ready to talk" with Italian and Spanish anti-immigrant and ultra-nationalist parties in the European parliament. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kerala Governor P Sathasivam has appointed Dr Sabu Thomas, Professor, School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, as the Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University. This was stated in a press release from the Raj Bhavan. The Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the university, made the appointment for a four year period. The search committee, comprising Prof Sushma Yadav, Vice Chancellor, Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila Vishwavidyalaya, Haryana (UGC Nominee), Prof V K Ramachandran, Vice Chairperson, Kerala State Planning Board (Senate Representative) and Tom Jose, Chief Secretary (Convenor) unanimously recommended Prof. Sabu Thomas for appointment as Vice Chancellor, the release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The (CIC) has directed the to disclose the list of big it had sent to banks for resolution. The CIC's directive came while deciding on a plea by Lucknow-based activist Nutan Thakur, who had based her application on some media reports that RBI Deputy Governor in a lecture in 2017 had said accounts of some have been sent to banks for resolution. "The IAC (Internal Advisory Committee) has recommended that the should initially focus on stressed assets which are large, material and aged, in that they have eluded a viable resolution plan despite being classified as NPAs (non-performing assets) for a significant amount of time," Acharya had said. "The RBI had accordingly directed banks to file applications against 12 large accounts comprising about 25 per cent of the total NPAs," he had said. "The Reserve Bank has now advised the banks to resolve some of the other accounts by December 2017; if the banks fail to put in place a viable resolution plan within the timelines, these cases also will be referred for resolution under the IBC ( and Bankruptcy Code)," the RBI deputy governor had said. In her application, Thakur wanted to know from the RBI the list of that was referred to in the lecture and the records of note sheets and correspondence regarding these accounts. The RBI had refused to provide the details to her by terming them "confidential information", following which she approached the "The CPIO (chief public information officer) denied the information under section 8 (1) (d) (commercial confidence) of Act whereas the first appellate authority held that the exemption under section 8 (1) (d) does not apply to the case and but falls under Section 45C and E of the RBI Act as per which the credit information submitted by all banks shall be treated confidential," Information Commissioner Suresh Chandra noted. The Right to Information provides a two-stage dispute resolution process. In the process, a CPIO receives and responds to the application.His decision to deny or provide partial information is first challenged before a senior officer within the organisation called the first appellate authority. If the applicant is still unsatisfied, a second appeal can be filed before the During the hearing before the commission this month, the RBI had said on September 16, 2017, the date of filing of the RTI application, the information was not provided due to pending resolution and the list of defaulters had not been finalised, but now they can provide the information. On the issue of note sheets and correspondence, the central bank said it not only pertains to the list of willful defaulters but also the burrowers suffering economic distress. "The information in that regard are so intertwined that it may not be possible to separate or sever each and every document... "Disclosure of names of the borrowers of economic distress would breach the confidentiality among the customers and the RBI, hence, may be exempted under section 8 (1) (d) of RTI Act," it had said. In his order, Chandra said he agrees with the RBI that the information related to note sheets and correspondence is voluminous and may also include additional information that is not sought in the RTI application. He said the disclosure of entire files may also reveal the names of the borrowers which are not included in the list of willful defaulters. "However, the respondent (RBI) is directed to provide information and documents pertaining to point nos. 1 and 2 of the RTI application (related to list of defaulters) to the appellant," Chandra said. Qatar said on Sunday that it had received an invitation from Saudi Arabia to attend emergency regional talks to discuss mounting tensions between Iran and the United States. Riyadh had called two gatherings -- one for Arab League members, the other for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regional bloc nations -- after a spate of attacks. Several tankers in Gulf waters were targeted under mysterious circumstances and a Saudi crude pipeline was hit by drone strikes coordinated by Yemen rebels who Riyadh said were acting on Iranian orders. King Salman had invited Gulf leaders and Arab League members to summits in Mecca on May 30 but it was not stated if Qatar was also invited to the Arab bloc deliberations. It was unclear if Qatar -- subject to a Saudi-led economic and diplomatic boycott over alleged support for Iran and Islamist movements -- would be invited at all, with Doha initially reporting it had not received an invite. Qatar's emir "has received a written message" inviting the government to join the crisis talks, the government's information office said in a statement. The invitation was received by Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani during a meeting with the secretary general of the GCC, it added. Al-Thani has previously called for a "dialogue" between Iran and the United States to resolve the crisis between their countries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Facing flak over the Congress' rout in the state, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday said party president Rahul Gandhi has been authorised by the working committee to decide whatever changes are required in the organisation or in states ruled by it and these will be binding on all. In an interview to PTI, he said that in such challenging times for the party, no leader should hanker after any position and the only priority should be to revive the party by standing behind Rahul Gandhi, who has been asked to fix accountability for the losses. Asked about certain reported remarks made by Rahul Gandhi at the CWC meet against him, he said they were "quoted out of context", but maintained that the Congress president "has all the right to make any remark he deemed fit, in party interest". He did not give a direct answer when asked whether he would resign in the wake of the party's defeat in Rajasthan, where the Congress failed to open its account and his son was defeated from Jodhpur, barely five months after winning the assembly polls. "Congress president has all the right on whatever changes he wants to initiate in the organisation or the governments, the working committee has left it to him," Gehlot said. "For any leader in the country, priority should not be any position and the only priority should be how to revive and strengthen the Congress party and and how they can contribute," he said. He said whatever the high command decides should be binding on all and "position should not be a priority for any leader". There are reports that the Congress chief ticked him off at the CWC meeting on May 25 by noting that Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh chief ministers, besides former finance minister P Chidambaram, "kept their sons over the party's interests". "The CWC has authorised Rahul Gandhiji to take decisions in party's interests, be it reorganising the party at all levels, or in state governments ruled by the party. He has been authorised to take decisions in the party's and country's interests. I hope these decisions will be taken soon," Gehlot also said. On Rahul Gandhi's reported remarks, he said, "The comments are being quoted out of context, as the same were made in different context. But, the Congress president has all the right to comment on anything in party's interest." He added that he has addressed over 125 rallies in different constituencies across Rajasthan during elections, with three to five in each Lok Sabha constituency and no demand of any candidate was ignored. He contended that this kind of "one-sided" results can only be possible with polarisation on the basis of religion and caste which is not in the interest of democracy. Pointing to similar results in many states with victory margins between one lakh to six lakh votes in most constituencies, Gehlot said it is beyond imagination as this has never happened in the country's history. "That is why people have doubts on the EVMs. Such a defeat has never happened in a democracy," he said. The Rajasthan chief minister said the manner in which the Congress president has fought the battle against the BJP all these years, going by his thoughts for the country, countrymen and towards humanity, "it is only Rahul Gandhi who can fight out the BJP and he will finally emerge victorious". "The truth is on our side and the truth shall finally prevail," he added. Gehlot said such a situation in the Congress had come earlier too when Indira Gandhi lost the election and the Congress was routed from many states in 1977. Then too, people brought her back and Indira Gandhi resurrected the party and emerged victorious. "Thereafter, the Congress bounced back in 1980 and ruled for 25 years," he said, adding that the Congress party has the power to resurrect as it is fighting the battle of ideology and people will stand by it. "Such trying and challenging times have come upon our party in the past too, but the Congress has the resilience to pass through and resurrect. Our leadership is aware of such times in the past. "The Congress has never left anything wanting in nation's interests. The entire rank and file of the Congress are together and are behind Rahul Gandhi in strengthening the party again," he said. The veteran Congress leader claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite Rahul Gandhi's attempts, did not campaign on principles and policy and instead polarised the election on religious and caste lines. "It is easy to ignite fire, but difficult to douse it. The Congress has strengthened the social fabric of the country, but such religious and caste polarisation is not good for the country or democracy," he noted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba may be appointed as next Cabinet Secretary, replacing P K Sinha, whose four year tenure comes to an end on June 12, officials said Monday. Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, B V R Subrahmanyam, a 1987 batch IAS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre, seems to be the top contender for the post of union home secretary after Gauba. Gauba, one of the senior most bureaucrats, had served in various capacities in central government as well as in Jharkhand and Bihar governments, is supposed to complete his two-year tenure as home secretary on August 31. There is all likelihood that Gauba will be the next Cabinet Secretary, the top post in the country's bureaucracy, an official privy to the development said. If Gauba, a 1982 batch Jharkhand cadre IAS officer, is appointed as cabinet secretary, he will have a fixed two-year tenure, which can be extendable for further two years. Incumbent Sinha was first appointed in 2015 for two years. He got an year extension of service in 2017 and again another year in 2018. Both predecessors of Sinha -- Ajit Kumar Seth and K M Chandrasekhar -- had also served the post for four years. Seth, who was appointed by the UPA dispensation in 2011 continued in the post till 2015 after the Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014. As per the government rules, no government servant shall be granted extension in service beyond the age of retirement of 60 years but as per rule FR 56, extension in public interest may be given "for a period not exceeding four years in the case of Cabinet Secretary". If Gauba's name is cleared by the Appointment Committee of Cabinet in the new government after it assumes charge on May 30, he will first be appointed as Officer on Special Duty, some time in first week of June before taking over the charge from Sinha, another official said. In the central government, Gauba had served as secretary in the ministry of urban development, additional secretary in the ministry of home affairs, joint secretary in the ministry of environment. He had also served as chief secretary of Jharkhand, Resident Commissioner of Jharkhand in Delhi. Before bifurcation of Bihar, Gauba had also served as district magistrate of Gaya, Nalanda and Muzaffarpur districts. Gauba had also served as private secretary to the then Defence Minister George Fernandes in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lucca congress focuses on Med's romantic itineraries On May 29 in Vorno as part of Interreg It-Fr project (ANSAmed) - LUCCA, MAY 27 - Focusing on the romantic itineraries of the countries that are part of the program Interreg Italy-France (Maritime) 2014-2020 co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is the theme on the agenda of a meeting scheduled on May 29 in the Scompiglio estate in Vorno, near Lucca. The congress will launch the project Itinera Romanica+, which involves first of all the municipality of Capannori and then all of the five regions that are part of Interreg, selecting 13 areas of interest: in particular two in Tuscany, five in Sardinia, two in Corsica, three in Liguria and one in Paca, or the region Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur. These are rural areas that have in common the presence of minor cultural sites with limited access. The objective is to improve their ability to promote their common heritage internationally. The project Itinera Romanica+ was approved in 2018. It was created after the experience of other projects - Iterr-Cost, Accessit e Gritaccess - developing the promotion of romantic cultural heritage and improving accessibility through cooperation, the connection of sites and joint work to preserve and sponsor cultural heritage. (ANSAmed). After Congress chief Rahul Gandhi gave Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot a tongue-lashing for putting his son above the party, several Rajasthan ministers and MLAs have demanded that accountability be fixed and action taken for the Lok Sabha poll debacle. According to some of the leaders, who attended Saturday's Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Gandhi did a lot of "plain-speaking" in his surgical analysis of the role of several party leaders while himself offering to quit as the party president. Ticking-off Gehlot for camping in Jodhpur for his son Vaibhav's election, Gandhi said the chief minister spent days campaigning extensively for his son in Jodhpur and neglected the rest of the state. Gehlot had reportedly taken part in over 130 rallies and road shows, 93 of them in Jodhpur alone. His son, however, lost to the BJP, which took 24 of the 25 seats in the state, with one seat going to its ally. After Gandhi's severe criticism, several ministers in the state have come out in the open, demanding fixing of accountability and action over the electoral drubbing just months after the party formed the government in the state. Rajasthan Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said the CWC has given Gandhi full authority to fix the accountability and he will exercise that power. Asked about Gandhi hauling up senior leaders for putting their sons over party, he said: "Rahul Gandhi ji has full right to say what he has to in the CWC. Nobody is above him and he would have said it after giving it full thought. All workers and leaders of the Congress respect his word. I also learnt from the media about it (Rahul's remarks)." "If Rahul Gandhi ji finds fault with senior leaders, it is his right -- to fix accountability and take corrective steps," Khachariyawas said. Echoing Khachariyawas' views, his cabinet colleague, Bhanwarlal Meghwal, also demanded that accountability be immediately fixed for the defeat. "Whatever Rahul Gandhi said is right...Action should be taken against those people who are responsible for this defeat so that a message goes to the workers. The Congress workers are also very angry," he said. Meanwhile, Gehlot is in Delhi and met Congress general secretary in-charge K C Venugopal on Monday. However, what transpired in the meeting was not known. Two state ministers have also come out in the open to demand a detailed assessment by the top leadership. Cooperative Minister Udai Lal Anjana, and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Ramesh Meena have said the party should review the reasons for the defeat so that the party bounces back and performs well in upcoming local body elections in the state. Meanwhile, there were reports that Agriculture Minister Lalchand Kataria has resigned after party's poor showing in the polls. However, there was no conformation. Several MLAs, speaking on condition of anonymity, said priority should be given to fixing accountability. K C Vishnoi, DCC president Hanumagarh, lashed out at Gehlot for the poll debacle. "The organisation worked really hard and brought the party to power. But within three months the people got upset with the government, the chief minister should take responsibility. He should have offered to resign," he said. The rumblings in the party cadres comes after Gandhi, who left the CWC meeting abruptly and was adamant on not continuing as the Congress president, ticked off several senior leaders. Apart from Ghelot, he also criticised former Union minister P Chidambaram and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath for placing their sons before party interests. Rahul also said that Gehlot, Nath and Chidambaram spent days lobbying for a ticket for their sons. Chidambaram's son Karti and Nath's son Nakul managed to win the Lok Sabha elections from their respective seats, but Gehlot's son Vaibhav lost the Jodhpur seat to BJP's Gajendra Singh Shekhawat with a margin of 2,74,440. Even in CM Gehlot's Sardarpura assembly seat -- a part of the Jodhour parliamentary constituency -- the BJP got better of Congress as also in Tonk, a seat that is represented by Deputy CM Sachin Pilot and falls in Tonk-Sawai Madhopur LS segment. In fact, the BJP was ahead in almost all the assembly constituencies of the ministers in the state. The CWC meeting was held in the backdrop of the Congress winning just 52 Lok Sabha seats and drawing a nought in 18 states and Union Territories. Gandhi himself lost from the family bastion of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, though he won from Wayanad in Kerala. The Congress drew a blank in Rajasthan for the second consecutive Lok Sabha polls and the poll debacle came just months after its victory in the assembly polls in the state. CWC sources said that when former Guna MP Jyotiraditya Scindia urged Gandhi to strengthen the state leaderships of the party, the party president quipped looking at Chidambaram, saying that "Mr Chidambaram threatened to resign if a ticket was denied to his son." About Kamal Nath who was absent from the CWC meeting, Gandhi said, "Mr Nath said how could he be CM if his son was not fielded. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gaurav Bakshi's "He Thought He Was Gandhi', featuring actor Sanjay Mishra, will open the Ottawa Indian Film Festival Awards (OIFFA) in Canada on June 11, event organisers said Friday. Tamil-language film "KD", by writer-director Madhumita, will bring the curtains down on the third edition of the the five-day event here, they said. "Developed originally as a short film as part of the 20152016 Sundance-Drishyam Screenwriters Lab, 'He Thought He Was Gandhi' tells the story of retired widower and pacifist Ram Nath Gadhvi, who inadvertently takes on the establishment when he decides to fight the machinations of hired gun Omkar, setting off a funny turn of events. "Not only does Gadhvi fashion his pacifist beliefs as Gandhian, but he also believes that he is the reincarnation of the Mahatma himself! OIFFA organisers said in a statement. Mishra, known for his critically acclaimed turns in films like "Aankhon Dekhi" and "Newton", will be the special festival guest. The closing film "KD", meanwhile, deals with the fundamental right to live through the story of 80-year-old Karuppu "KD" Durai, who suddenly wakes up from three months in a coma to overhear his family planning to kill him by performing the ancient euthanasia ritual "Thalaikoothal". "Heartbroken and afraid, KD runs away from the only home he has ever known when he runs into 10-year-old orphan Kutty. Kutty encourages KD to chalk out a bucket list and start living for himself. Thus begins an eventful road trip of this unlikely pairan old man running away from his family and a young boy who never had one! they said. OIFFA, the organisers said, is dedicated to cultivating an audience for Indian cinema and culture in Ottawa and showcases Indian films, supports Indian filmmakers and promotes the diverse perspectives of the Indian diaspora. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Days after a crushing defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, the Aam Aadmi Party has appointed its senior leader Sanjay Singh as in-charge of the party's state units of Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The decision was taken in a party's political affairs committee meeting, chaired by AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a party statement said. Singh will soon visit Odisha and hold meetings with the party members in the state, it said. The AAP suffered a debilitating blow in the just concluded general elections, winning only one out of the 40 seats it contested across the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel Monday claimed Hindu Mahasabha leader Vinayak Damodar Savarkar had first sown the seed of the two-nation theory which was later taken forward by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the late founder of Pakistan. The Congress leader claimed efforts are being made to change Jawaharlal Nehru's idea of India and said the first Prime Minister started nuclear and space programmes and oversaw building of world-class institutions. Addressing Congress leaders and workers at a function on Nehru's 55th death anniversary organised at the partys state headquarters 'Rajiv Bhawan' here, Baghel paid rich tribute to the first prime minister of the country and gave an account of works done by him. "Savarkar, who was a leader of the Hindu Mahasabha, had sown the seed of division of the country which was later implemented by Muhammad Ali Jinnah," he said. Later, talking to reporters on the sidelines of the programme, Baghel said, "It is a historical fact that in Hindu Mahasabha, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar had proposed that Hindustan should be independent as two nations. "He had put forth the demand of two nations on religious ground and Muhammad Ali Jinnah implemented it. It is a fact and no one can prove it wrong." Speaking at the function, Baghel said, "As soon as Nehru ji got the responsibility (of PM), he started AIIMS, nuclear programme, space programme to build the nation. "Bhilai Steel Plant set up in our state is an example of his farsightedness to eliminate hunger and unemployment." Baghel, who is also state Congress president, said Nehru was a true democrat. "In a democratic system, the people's biggest strength is to ask questions. Nehru ji was its supporter but today you cant question the Prime Minister," the CM said in an apparent reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Today, efforts are being made to change Nehru's India. Today, where we stand, the biggest credit for it goes to Nehru," Baghel added. "When we read his 'Discovery of India', we get astonished because his book provides wealth of information on history, geography, arts and culture. "Nehru ji had written that the bigotry in any manner is harmful for the country," Baghel said. He said the legendary leader was against obscurantism and narrow nationalism. "Nehru ji never projected hollow and irrelevant things. He believed in nationalism but not in narrow nationalism," the Chief Minister said. Reacting to his remarks, former Chief Minister and BJP vice-president Raman Singh said Baghel should re-read history to gain a better understanding of the subject. "He (Baghel) should read history once again. He should have better understanding of history. Debate on division and background of division of the country is not required today. "He should not speak more with limited knowledge, Singh told reporters when asked about his successor's remarks. Singh said, "The comments came as a result of shock over his party's debacle in the Lok Sabha polls." Of the 11 Lok Sabha seats in the state, the BJP has won nine, while the Congress got just two. The Congress came to power in Chhattisgarh in December last after a massive victory in the assembly polls, ending the 15-year-old rule of the BJP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a plea challenging the Telangana High Court verdict that a person can be arrested by the concerned authority in cases of Goods and Service Tax (GST) evasion. The plea came up for hearing before a vacation bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Aniruddha Bose and the apex court said it was not inclined to interfere with the April 18 judgement of the high court. "Having heard counsel for the petitioner and upon perusing the relevant material, we are not inclined to interfere. The special leave petition is accordingly dismissed," the bench said. On April 18, the high court had said it was not inclined to grant relief against arrest to the petitioners who had approached it challenging the summons issued by Superintendent (Anti-Evasion) of the Hyderabad GST Commissionerate under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 and invocation of penal provisions under the law. The high court had delivered the verdict which dealing with a batch of petitions filed by some private companies, its top officials and others. The government had told the high court that petitioners before it were allegedly involved in incorporating several partnership firms and had claimed input tax credit on the basis of certain invoices, without there being any actual physical receipt of goods. It had alleged that the fraudulent input tax credit claimed by them was to the tune of Rs 224.05 crore. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court Monday restrained the West Bengal Police from taking any coercive action for seven days against a state BJP leader in a criminal case. A vacation bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Aniruddha Bose, however, refused to entertain the petition of West Bengal BJP treasurer Sawar Dhananiya against the registration of the criminal case and asked him to approach the local court with his plea. The bench took note of the submission of senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for Dhananiya, that a case has been lodged against him due to political vendetta and, moreover, he was constrained to approach the apex court as the lawyers in the state were on strike. It granted protection from arrest to Dhananiya for seven days starting from Monday and asked him to approach the court in the state in the meantime. Earlier, the bench had agreed to hear the plea in the backdrop of a submission that the lawyers of the Calcutta High Court and the trial Court were on strike. "We want to ascertain the real position about the functioning of the courts," the bench had said while posting the plea for hearing on Monday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant protection from arrest to newly elected BSP MP from Ghosi Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh, Atul Rai, accused of raping a college student from Varanasi. A vacation bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Aniruddha Bose said it was not inclined to entertain a petition to grant relief from arrest to Rai. Previously, the apex court had refused to grant interim protection from arrest to Rai. An FIR was registered against him on May 1 on a complaint by a college student, alleging that he took her to his home on the pretext of introducing her to his wife but sexually assaulted her. Rai's lawyer has said there was no provision for anticipatory bail in Uttar Pradesh, and since the high court on May 8 had dismissed Rai's petition seeking protection, he feared his client could be arrested in the case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Stunned by the rout of his Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar and Jharkhand in the Lok Sabha election, Lalu Prasad had given up lunch after the declaration of poll results on May 23 for two days. Prasad had the meal on Sunday, May 26, after doctors, worried for his health, pleaded him that proper food intake was required for his medication to continue, Dr Umesh Prasad, head of the team looking after him, told PTI on Monday. The RJD president is under treatment for blood pressure, sugar and kidney ailment at the Ranchi-based Rajendra Prasad Institute of Medical Sciences since December 2017 after he was sent to jail by a court, RIMS sources said. The doctor said Prasad's health parameters are normal. The jovial RJD supremo, known for his earthy humours, apparently could not digest that his party drew a blank in its stronghold Bihar and also in the neighbouring Jharkhand. This is the first instance after its inception in 1997, that the RJD could not win a parliamentary seat in Bihar but it's the second time in a row that it failed to open account. Heading the 'mahagathbandhan' in Bihar, the RJD had fought on 19 seats and shared Arrah constituency with CPI(ML); it got a drubbing at the hands of NDA on all the seats. Prasad's eldest daughter Misa Bharti was defeated for a second time by Union minister Ramkripal Yadav, her father's former close associate, on Pataliputra constituency. On Saran seat, held by the RJD president for several times in the past, Chandrika Rai, father-in-law of his elder son Tej Pratap Yadav, tasted defeat at the hands of BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy. Of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, only Kishanganj was won by Congress, a grand alliance ally. This was the first occasion that RJD went into an election without its popular leader Lalu Prasad. His wife Rabri Devi and son and heir apparent Tejashwi Yadav could do little to perk party's poll performance. Even during the "Modi wave" of 2014, RJD had managed to win four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. Later, in the Bihar election, Prasad's party in alliance with JD(U) and Congress emerged as the single largest party with 80 MLAs. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar left the grand alliance in July 2017 and joined hands with BJP again. RJD spokesman Mritunjay Tiwari told PTI over phone from Patna, that the party would discuss in detail what went wrong for it in the election. But he said Prasad's absence was a big reason for the drubbing. Tiwari said the results have given the party "a lesson" which the leadership would definitely take into account to win back people's support. The RJD, which formed the mahagathbandhan with Congress, JMM and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik), got only Palamau (SC) seat as per the seat-sharing adjustment among them. But it lost the seat. In Koderma, former RJD state unit president Annapurna Devi fought on BJP ticket and defeated JVM president Babulal Marandi. RJD leaders on Monday are meeting for a review of the party's humiliating performance, its leader Kailash Yadav said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah Monday asserted that the JDS-Congress government was a 'strong' one and ridiculed state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa for repeatedly claiming that the coalition will collapse. In a series of tweets, he also said the people's mandate was for continuation of the BJP-led government at the Centre and not for 'toppling' the state government. "Yeddyurappa has been saying for the past one year the government will fall. He will continue to say the same for the next four years. I am confident the government is strong," Siddaramaiah said. Referring to Prime Minister Narenda Modi bowing to the Constitution after being elected leader of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance on Saturday, he sought to know which article in the Constitution gave the BJP the right to topple a state government. "@BSYBJP (Yeddyurappa) claims to form the govt inspite of not having the number. This is not a new drama but this is continuously misleading the public. Mr. @narendramodi bowed to the Constitution but in which article has the constitution given the right for @BJP4India to destabilise our govt (sic)," the Congress Legislature Party leader asked. He asserted that all Congress MLAs, including dissident leader Ramesh Jarkiholi, were with the party and nobody was leaving. Dismissing Yeddyurappa's claim that the state government would collapse on June 1, Siddaramaiah dared him to resign from his post if his prediction did not come true. The BJP has predicted the collapse of the ruling coalition and an increase in its tally in the assembly after the LS poll results, claiming that 20 odd Congress MLAs were unhappy with the government and may take any decision anytime. Siddaramiah said the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections, in which the BJP won 25 seats, was for continuation of the NDA government at the Centre and not for toppling the government in the state and make Yeddyurappa chief minister again. "It's nonsense to say the assembly should be dissolved because the Lok Sabha election results were against us," Siddaramaiah said. Yeddyurappa Sunday told PTI that it was impossible for the BJP to form a government with the JD(S) in the event of the present coalition government collapsing and favoured fresh assembly elections. "We are ready for fresh assembly elections. There is no option left for our party," Yeddyurappa had said, citing the failure of the previous coalition arrangement between the JD(S) and the BJP in 2007. His comments came against the backdrop of speculations that the JD(S)-Congress coalition would fall in view of the poor showing in the Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara also exuded confidence that Ramesh Jarkiholi will not leave the party. "I am pretty confident that he will take a decision in favour of the party and government. Ramesh Jarkiholi is our close friend. I believe that neither he nor his team will leave Congress," he told reporters here Monday. In response to a question about his resignation, Jarkiholi had Sunday said "Will give (resignation)...will not give it through media, will (discuss with) well wishers and give... I won't say (when)...I may even give after one year." Jarkiholi has been hobnobbing with the BJP for some time and had threatened to resign from the party along with some MLAs after the Lok Sabha polls. He had Sunday visited senior BJP leader S M Krishna here in the presence of Yeddyurappa. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Academy president John Bailey believes was "misrepresented" in his comments that streaming films don't qualify for According to reports, Spielberg had said once "you commit to a television format, you're a TV movie" and argued that if it's good, it deserves an Emmy and not When asked, if veteran filmmakers are insecure of the digital medium such as the Netflix, Bailey, who was re-elected as the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), said Spielberg's comments were inaccurately presented. "As a president, I have to be very careful about what I say in public because I just can't express my own opinion. I can say this because Steven is a governor in the director's branch that he was misrepresented." Bailey, who was interacting with the media on Sunday here, blamed Hollywood publications for the misinformation. "He was demonised for what he said and it was not completely accurate. There's a lot of misinformation... There's no point in singling out a or a Chris Nolan or a Ted Sarandos (Chief Content Officer at Netflix) on We are all filmmakers and we will find a way out." Spielberg's comments had sparked a debate in Hollywood about whether movies distrusted by Netflixwith a limited theatrical releasedeserve Oscar recognition. Bailey, an choreographer-director, said there is a "streaming revolution" happening with Hulu, Amazon, Netlfix and it is going to get bigger. "Disney, Paramount and Warner Bros are starting their internal streaming services, which is going to get very difficult for That's why is creating more original content because they are going to lose access to Hollywood feature films. "The Academy has been thrust into this discussion... The Academy has decided that we are in the middle of a transition about what is a movie. Can it be streaming or does it have to play in cinema halls? "There are partisans on both the sides and there are some, who are ambivalent. We can't decide because there are drawbacks and virtues for both. Does one exclude the other and if not then how do you define it?" Bailey said the board of governors did a good thing by not changing the rules this year. "There was a lot of pressure. But this was not the year to make changes, especially when the studios are changing. We will see where we are a year or two from now. Netflix will be different. We surely know and Paramount will be different. (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.) Syria: 240,000 displaced since start offensive in North - UN 205 civilians killed in first two weeks of May (ANSAmed) - BEIRUT, MAY 27 - Some 240,000 civilians have been displaced in north-western Syria following a military offensive by Russian and Syrian government forces in the area of Idlib under the control of anti-regime militias close to Turkey, the UN reports. The organization said that in the first two weeks of May a reported 205 civilians were killed in the ongoing violence. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has just released a report according to which 20 healthcare structures were hit in Russian and Syrian government strikes. The healthcare facilities served an estimated 200,000 people in the regions of Hama and Idlib, according to the World Health Organization, quoted by OCHA. Moreover, 17 schools were hit in air and artillery attacks carried out by the warring sides, including anti-regime militants. (ANSAmed). Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth is excited about his gig as an MIB agent and he says it is an honour for him to take forward the legacy of actor Will Smith. Smith and Oscar winner Tommy Lee Jones are the original stars of the franchise that started with 1997's "Men in Black". The two actors portrayed Agent J aka James Darrell Edwards III and Agent K, respectively. In the series reboot, titled "MIB: International" and directed by F Gary Gray, Hemsworth stars as Agent H alongside Tessa Thompson's Agent M, a new recruit to the secret organisation that monitors and control the activities of alien species on Earth. "I love the original 'MIB' franchise. Will Smith did it a couple of times and this was an opportunity to take that legacy forward and make something fun and huge and amplify these elements. The characters are full of cheek and charm. My character Agent H has anti-establishment attitude to him. And it was interesting," Hemsworth said at a fan event here on Monday. The 35-year-old Australian actor said working on the film was a surreal experience as he got a chance to travel across the US, Morocco, Italy and the UK while filming the project. "My favourite part about this movie was that we got a chance to travel. We mostly shoot the films in New York and here it was a lot of travelling. We were shooting in Morocco... It was a surreal experience. It was a lot of fun," he added. Hemsworth, who has been a regular to Bali as a tourist, was happy to interact with his fans during his work trip to the Indonesian island. The actor was welcomed on the red-carpet amid much fanfare and celebrations. Eager fans of the franchise and members of the press waited for over an hour to catch a glimpse of the actor and probably score a selfie. Hemsworth, who looked dashing in a grey ensemble, gave his fans, especially the female followers, a moment to remember as he clicked selfies and signed autographs for most of them. The crowd was dressed in MIB T-shirts and wore the signature black glasses to pose for a group picture with the star. "MIB: International", also featuring veteran actors Liam Neeson and Emma Thompson, is being released by Sony Pictures India in the country on June 14. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three men have been arrested from Sriniwaspuri in South East Delhi for their alleged involvement in several cases of robbery in the national capital, police said Monday. The accused were identified as Gulshan (21), Satish Kashyap (19) and Deepak (20), all residents of Sriniwaspuri area. With their arrest, the police also claimed to have solved eight cases of robbery. The police also recovered a country-made pistol, two live cartridges, one scooter, one laptop and two mobile phones from them. The three men were arrested arrested during investigation into a case of robbery lodged by an advocate. The advocate had complained to the police that he was robbed of his cash and valuables by four or five men at gun point near Astha Kunj Park on May 16 night while returning home at Sant Nagar, said South East Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Chinmoy Biswal. He added that a case had been subsequently registered at Amar Colony police station on the lawyer's complaint. Following investigation, the police came to know of the trio's involvement in the crime. On a tip off that they would be meeting near Karpuri Thakur Camp in Sriniwaspuri to plot a new crime, the police laid a trap and arrested Gulshan and Kashyap from the area. Deepak too was arrested subsequently arrested at their instance, the DCP said. Biswal added that during interrogation, Gulshan and Satish disclosed that they have committed many robberies in Amar Colony area. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President got the red carpet treatment Monday at Japan's Imperial Palace where he made history, becoming the first world leader to meet with the new emperor of Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne on May 1, opening what is called the era of "Reiwa," or "beautiful harmony." The president and first lady kicked off the formal visit with handshakes and greetings with Naruhito and Empress Masako. The president, who is on a four-day state visit to Japan, was treated to a welcome ceremony full of pomp and pageantry. On a hot, sunny day, Trump stood at attention alone atop a platform before he walked along a red-carpeted route to review troops. Military bands played and Trump passed in front of a group of schoolchildren feverishly waving US and Japanese flags. Trump later will go to the Japanese state guest house for meetings, a working lunch and joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister The president will also be the guest of honour at an imperial banquet at the palace hosted by the emperor. US national security adviser John Bolton will this week travel to the United Arab Emirates for talks, the US embassy in Abu Dhabi said Monday. The US embassy in the UAE on Monday sent an invitation to AFP to attend a roundtable with Bolton which would take place "this week", but no date was given. Bolton's planned meeting comes as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the US have increasingly sought to isolate Iran, and it coincides with key meetings planned in Saudi Arabia. Regional tensions have spiked since Donald Trump's administration reimposed sanctions against Iran after unilaterally pulling out of a multilateral 2015 nuclear accord signed with the Islamic republic. Regional summits are planned on Thursday and Friday in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as Riyadh seeks to further isolate its regional rival Tehran. The Trump administration has ordered non-essential diplomatic staff out of Iraq, citing threats from Iranian-backed Iraqi armed groups, and sent an aircraft carrier and heavy B-52 bombers to the region. On Friday, Trump announced the deployment of some 1,500 more soldiers to the Middle East, while his administration the same day bypassed Congress to sell USD 8.1 billion of arms to Saudi Arabia and other Arab allies. But the US president has appeared to dial back his hawkishness towards Tehran since then, saying on Monday his government does not seek "regime change". "I really believe that Iran would like to make a deal. I think... there's a possibility for that to happen," Trump said during a visit to Japan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Donald Trump says the US isn't ready to make a trade deal with China, but he's leaving open the possibility that the two nations could strike an agreement someday. Speaking in Tokyo Monday, Trump said of China, "they would like to make a deal. We're not ready to make a deal." He added, "We're taking in tens of millions of dollars of tariffs and that number could go up very, very substantially, very easily." Still, Trump predicted a "very good deal with China sometime into the future because I don't believe that China can continue to pay these really hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs."The world's two largest economies are in a tense standoff over trade. Trump has said he expected to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, next month at a G-20 meeting in Japan. Trump said he knows that his advisers think that North Korea violated UN Security Council resolutions when it fired off short-range missiles earlier this month. But Trump said he sees it differently and that it doesn't matter anyway. Trump said perhaps North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was trying to get attention with the tests. Trump spoke Monday in Tokyo alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who also believes North Korea's recent tests violated UN resolutions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 28-year-old woman allegedly committed suicide on Monday after jumping off the terrace of a six-storey building in east Delhi's New Ashok Nagar area, police said. The deceased, Ankita, was a resident of the same area, they said. "Police received information regarding the incident that took place in Eastern Apartment of New Ashok Nagar area at around 1.45 pm," Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Jasmeet Singh said. After reaching the spot, police found Ankita's body lying in a pool of blood. She was rushed to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital where she was declared brought dead, he said. During investigation, the deceased's family told police that she was depressed about having got married late, but denied that there was any issue between the couple, a senior officer said. Ankita married Mukesh Pandey on April 21, he said. According to police, before Ankita jumped off the building, she called her mother and blamed herself for the sufferings of her family. She also told her mother that she would end her life for the betterment her family members. Ankita's mother informed her husband and son about the call and they came to look for her. Her father reached the spot and identified Ankita's body, the police said. Her father told police she was depressed and was undergoing treatment. However, she had not been taking her medicines for the past few months, they said. The sub-divisional magistrate has been informed and post-mortem will be conducted on Tuesday, the police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 34-year-woman was arrested from West Delhi's Punjabi Bagh area for allegedly impersonating as a crime branch official and duping people, police said Monday. The woman, a resident of Madipur here, was arrested on May 25, a day after one of her victims filed a police complaint, they said. In her complaint, the victim said that she used to work at a call centre in Meera Bagh area. However, she left her job some two months ago and a few days later, she got a call from a woman, the accused, claiming to be a crime branch officer, police said. The accused alleged that she has received a complaint of cheating against the woman from a few employees of the call centre where she used to work previously, a senior police officer said. The "fake officer" told the victim that she could settle the matter by paying her Rs 2.5 lakh. Fearing the consequences, the victim arranged for the money and give it to the accused person, the officer added. A few days later, the victim again received a call from the same woman who demanded more money. Following this, the victim approached the police, the officer said. Monika Bhardwaj, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (West), said a case was registered and subsequently, the accused woman was arrested on May 25. The cheated amount of Rs 2.5 lakh was also recovered from her, she said. During interrogation, the accused woman said she had gone to the call centre for a job. After she failed to get an employment there, she somehow managed to access the contact details of the employees of the call centre, the officer said. She then started calling a few of them and threatened them with false complaints by impersonating as a crime branch officer, police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government had asked the lenders of the debt-laden Jet Airways to share findings of its forensic audit report of the grounded airline in March this year, around the same time the company's founder, Naresh Goyal, left all executive roles. State Bank of India-led lenders to Jet Airways had hired Ernst & Young as the new auditor of the troubled airline to carry out forensic audit for the period between April 2014 and March 2018 in December last year. The forensic audit report, carried out by EY, has not been made public, but its findings created doubts about several transactions carried out by firms related to Goyal, the airline's then chairman, Mint quoted a source as saying. Also Read: Jet Airways crisis: Naresh Goyal, wife stopped from flying abroad at Mumbai airport On Saturday, Naresh Goyal and his wife Anita Goyal were denied permission to fly abroad by the immigration authorities at Mumbai airport. They were supposed to take a Dubai-bound Emirates flight (EK 507). Though there's no clarity as to why the Goyals were stopped from flying, Naresh Goyal was apparently travelling for a meeting with executives of Gulf carrier Etihad and the Hinduja Group on the airline's revival plan, reported news agency PTI. The ongoing stake sale talks are Jet Airways' last hope to regain its wings after the airline was grounded in April due to lack of funding. The consortium of lenders, who had hoped to recover dues of over Rs 8,400 crore through the stake sale, seek investors to buy stake in the company so it can restart flight operations. Last week, Hindujas Group and Gulf carrier Etihad Airways reportedly failed to reach a deal on the crisis-hit airline. This was a big blow for the airline as the Hinduja Group had expressed interest to invest around Rs 1,500 crore as part of a plan to revive the airline. Also Read: AirAsia drops plan to take Jet Airways' grounded B737 planes Reacting to the news, Jet Airways share price declined as much as 4.11 per cent and touched an intra-day low of Rs 142 against previous close level of Rs 148.10 on the Bombay Stock Exchange. Paring some of the early losses, the stock was currently trading at Rs 146.20, down 1.28 per cent. Edited by Chitranjan Kumar Healthcare industry insiders have long predicted consolidation in the sector by a few large players in the face of the tightening regulatory environment. After the $1.1 billion IHH Healthcare-Fortis deal and KKR-backed hospital management firm Radiant Life Care's acquisition of a majority stake in Max Healthcare, the buzz is that Manipal Hospitals is all set to acquire Naresh Trehan owned Medanta Hospitals. People in the know told The Economic Times that Medanta's board on Friday accepted the binding offer of Rs 5,800 crore submitted by TPG- and Temasek-backed Manipal Hospitals for the acquisition, ending two-year-long negotiations. "Manipal has begun confirmatory due diligence on Medanta assets," said a source, adding that the documentation work has already begun and an agreement is likely to be signed in the next 60 days. The Rs 5,800 crore valuation will be an EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) multiple of about 24 times since in FY19 Medanta had posted EBITDA of Rs 240 crore, up 8% year-on-year. Medanta's promoters - Trehan, his family members, and cofounder Sunil Sachdeva, who jointly own 55 per cent of the company - will reportedly sell their entire stake to Ranjan Pai-owned Manipal. The deal will also give an exit to the Gurgaon-based hospital chain's current investors such as Carlyle and Temasek, who have agreed on the price already. In December 2013, US-based investment entity Carlyle Group had bought a 27 per cent stake in Medanta from PE firm Avenue Capital for Rs 960 crore, valuing the company at around Rs 3,550 crore. Two years later, an arm of Singapore's state-owned investment company Temasek acquired Punj Lloyd's entire 17.74 per cent stake in Global Health Pvt Ltd, which owns Medanta Medicity hospital. "Though most of the financing will be done by Ranjan Pai through equity and internal accruals, [Manipal's] existing investors TPG and Temasek will also participate in this acquisition," the source added. Pai owns 60% of Manipal Hospitals through the promoter holding company, while TPG holds a 22% stake and Temasek owns the rest. The daily previously reported that the world's largest private equity firm Blackstone had held discussions with Pai with a Rs 3,200 crore ($450 million) funding commitment for the Medanta buyout. This deal will give Manipal a much-needed presence in North India. Medanta, founded in 2009, operates super speciality hospitals and clinics in cities such as Gurgaon, Lucknow, Indore, Ranchi and Sri Ganganagar. Experts say that demonetisation, GST, tightening of cash transactions and the price caps imposed by the drug pricing regulator have impacted some of the smaller establishments making them unviable, paving the way for more mergers and acquisitions going ahead. Manipal Hospital Chairman H. Sudarshan Ballal told PTI in December that the "future healthcare will be a high-volume, low-margin venture", inching towards universal health care with an active role played by the government. So 2019 may well see the closure of some individual-driven smaller facilities. Meanwhile, the biggies in the business and PE firms are closely watching the healthcare space. With PTI inputs Also read: Max India gets shareholders' nod for stake sale in health insurance biz Also read: Delay in open offer: IHH says it 'understands concerns' of Fortis' minority shareholders Ten high-performing state universities are set to undergo a major revamp. The chosen colleges will undergo revamp of Rs 100 crore each this academic year. The grant to promote excellence under the Centre's Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyaan (RUSA) will be given to these universities with NAAC ratings of over 3.51. Kolkata's Jadavpur University, Haryana's Kurukshetra University and Pune's Savitribai Phule University are some of institutions to be given this grant. However, there is a condition to this grant - these universities will have to spend the money by March 2020. Additionally, as part of this programme these universities will be mentored by seven US universities, including Cornell, UPenn and UC Berkeley. The Union HRD has likened these universities to the IITs of the 1960s that prospered with special funding and autonomy. RUSA is a collaborative effort between the Centre and the state, with the Centre providing almost 70 per cent of the funds. According to a report in Times of India, these universities are also forming 'campus companies' that will receive the grants directly from the Centre. The campus companies will be allowed to raise money from additional resources. The campus companies will be headed by Vice Chancellors and will have eminent faculty and independent domain experts. They have been asked to make presentations and proposals, submit daily updates along with weekly progress charts and undertake monthly reviews. Savitribai Phule University, Osmania University and Karaikudi's Alagappa University have already formed their campus companies. Odisha government has given its approval to form the company, while Jammu University is in the process. The daily mentions that Savitribai Phule University will be mentored by University of California, Berkeley, while Jammy University will be mentored by University of South Florida. Also read: Top-level appointments to NHB, IIFCL expected soon Also read: Niti Aayog for revamp of Indian statistical system, says vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar UNICEF reports massacre of children in Yemen at weekend Seven killed in attack in Taiz last Friday (ANSAmed) - ROME, MAY 27 - Seven children between the ages of four and 14 were killed in southern Yemen last Friday during an attack in the district of Mawiyah, in the city of Taiz, said UNICEF. It said this attack brings to 27 the number of children killed and injured in a recent escalation of violence near Sanaa and in Taiz over the past 11 days. "These are only the numbers that the United Nations has been able to confirm; actual numbers are likely to be even higher," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta H. Fore. "Nowhere is safe for children in Yemen. The conflict is haunting them in their homes, schools and playgrounds. We, once again, urge all warring parties in Yemen and those who have influence over them to protect children at all times and keep them out of harm's way. Attacks on civilian infrastructure must stop and calls for peace in Yemen must be heeded," Fore said.(ANSAmed). The Trump administration has moved to the next step on the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) proposal to ban the practice of granting work permits to H-4 visa holders, mostly spouses of H-1B visa holders. On May 22, the US government issued a notice to kick-off public consultations for the proposed rule. More than 1 lakh Indian immigrants working in the US would be staring at job loss in the near future, if this four-year-old rule is scrapped. The H-4 visas are given to immediate family members of H-1B visa holders, which include spouses and children below 21 years of age. Work permits for certain categories of H-4 visa holders were issued under an executive order by the previous Obama administration in 2015 in a bid to address the skill shortage in the technology domain. Before that, spouses could not be employed while H-1B visa holders sought out permanent resident status-a process that can take a decade or longer. Indians, largely female engineers, have reportedly been the biggest beneficiaries of the H4 EAD (Employment Authorisation Document) visa programme, taking over 90% of the 1.2 lakh visas issued since 2015. However, even if this proposal goes through, it would take a while for it to take effect. "The process is currently at the second last stage. Once it is approved here, it will be posted in the federal register and people will have 30 or 60 days to post comments, following which the regulation will be made final," Rajiv S. Khanna, managing attorney at immigration law firm Immigration.com, told the Economic Times. The administration is obligated to comment before publishing and implementing the final rule, a process that could take as much as a year, he added. The Trump administration, already well-known for its hard-line anti-immigration stance, moved to scrap this programme in February last year. Then, in October, the DHS claimed in its Unified Fall Agenda that "Some US workers would benefit from this proposed rule by having a better chance at obtaining jobs that some of the population of the H-4 workers currently hold, as the proposed rule would no longer allow H-4 workers to enter the labour market early". Hence, this proposed rule is clearly aligned with US President Donald Trump's Buy American and Hire American executive order. It's not just H-4 visa holders who are running scared but also H-1B visa holders. The latter is a popular non-immigrant work visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations, and American tech companies have long depended on it to hire highly-skilled employees from countries like India and China. In fact, Indians typically garner more than 60% of these visas and our IT services sector is a major beneficiary. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has, in recent times, tweaked H-1B visa rules not only mandate electronic pre-registration with the USCIS for the annual visa lottery but also allow the agency to reverse the order by which it selects H-1B petitions under the regular cap and the advanced degree exemption. As a result, US employers seeking to employ foreign workers with a US master's or higher degree will have a greater chance of selection in the H-1B lottery. The number of rejections for existing visa holders who seek extension for another three years is reportedly also on the rise. According to experts, a fallout of the scrapping of the H-4 visa programme would be a shortage of talent for US tech firms as these families are likely to return to India. While most tech firms have increased their local hiring in the US, it has been difficult to find people, given the low unemployment rates coupled with a shortage in the number of people with the kind of skills required. If an employee's spouse can no longer pursue a career in the US, it may lead to more people turning down US postings. Also read: Indians likely to benefit as Trump unveils new immigration policy for merit-based professionals Also read: Silicon Valley-based IT firm sues US govt for denying H-1B visa to Indian professional Manpasand Beverages share price hit its lower circuit in early trading on Monday after top executives of Vadodara-based Manpasand Beverages were arrested by Goods and Services Tax (GST) department officers for creating fake company units and committing tax invasion. Manpasand Beverages' Managing Director Abhishek Singh, his brother Harshvardhan Singh and the Chief Financial Officer Paresh Thakkar were arrested in the case, according to a press release by the CGST. Manpasand Beverages share price was trading 20% or 22 points lower at 88 level on BSE. Share Market Live: Sensex, Nifty trading higher; Manpasand Beverages share price tanks 20% The share opened 20% lower at the same price compared to the previous close of 110. The stock has fallen after three consecutive days of gain. There were only sellers in the market, not buyers. Manpasand Beverages share price has fallen 1.12% since the beginning of this year and lost 79.58% during the last one year. As per the statement, the authority carried out raids on several premises of Manpasand Beverages on May 23 (Thursday). "The searches unearthed a huge racket of creating fake/dummy units for availing fraudulent credit and committing tax evasion of Rs 40 crores and involving turnover of Rs 300 crore," said the press release. "The continuing investigation has unearthed a network of more than 30 fake units located in various parts of the country which were used for committing fraud by availing illegal credit. The investigation regarding the ultimate beneficiary of the fraud and web of shell companies is under progress," as per the statement. The fruit juice maker company owns brands such as MangoSip, Fruits Up, Manpasand ORS, and OXY Sip. Manpasand's MangoSip brand was the second- largest selling mango drink in India in 2014. A first generation restaurateur, Priyank Sukhija, CEO and managing director of First Fiddle, set up his first restaurant in 1999 in New Delhi's Malcha Marg. It today operates 30 outlets with a turnover of over Rs 200 crore in 2018/19. Sukhija, who gets involved in the entire process of setting up a restaurant - executing the concept, hiring chefs, restaurant staff, and marketing - expects to clock revenues of over Rs 500 crore by next year. As people are spending more on eating out, Sukhija is actively launching large format stores to capture higher share of consumers' wallet. He shares his expansion plans in an overcrowded restaurant space in an interaction with Business Today. Edited excerpts: Business Today: How many brands do you operate at the moment? What brands are you focussing on more than others, and why? Priyank Sukhija: Currently, we operate about 15 brands and 30 properties. I'm focussing more on Lord Of The Drinks, Plum By Bent Chair and Dragonfly along with a couple of new brands that are in the works. Earlier, we focussed on creating more and more brands, but now I want to focus on building those brands into chains instead of just coming up with a new one each time. Apart from that, I am also working on the food and theme of the brands. For example, introducing cuisines like Chinese, Japanese, Peruvian, and Thai. BT: You have made ambitious projections about store openings and revenues in the past, and there have been times when you could not achieve those targets. Do you think that you are generally over-optimistic about the hospitality sector? Sukhija: It's true that I have been overly optimistic and ambitious about my projects and the direction the company is moving in but those projections were based on decisions that were later changed. Earlier, we were planning to raise $25 million private equity, but our EBITA was strong, so we decided to carry forward with the current revenues and raise the capital later. Also, the kinds of restaurants we're doing now are going to have a different growth plan from our other restaurants. We are tapping into the luxury niche market restaurants, which will have a lesser number of outlets but the investment that goes in each of them would be much higher than other brands. BT: What are the revenues and profits of First Fiddle? Sukhija: In the last financial year, we have garnered revenues of over Rs 200 crore and around Rs 187 crore a year before that. BT: When do you expect to raise VC/PE capital? Sukhija: We will need private equity. I do have plans of tapping into it perhaps towards the end of the year or next year. I've been occupied with the projects on hand, and have been delaying it and trying to keep my stake higher. BT: What's the mix of food and beverages in your revenues? Do you see that changing, going forward? Sukhija: With our older brands such as Lord Of The Drinks, Flying Saucer Cafe, and others, over 70 per cent of the revenues come from liquor. However, with brands like Plum by Bentchair and Dragonfly, we are hoping that at least 50 per cent of the revenues would come from food. Moving forward, we are looking at getting into more serious dining brands. BT: With the saturation in the restaurant space in metros, do you have plans to expand into smaller towns? Sukhija: Of course. We are already doing that. BT: Do you think the regulatory challenges are affecting the restaurant sector in India? Sukhija: The restaurant sector is one of the worst-hit sectors right now. EBITA of the industry has gone down. Apart from the regulatory challenges like age limits, lack of one-window licensing, and strict timings for outlets, we are also not getting input tax credit on goods and services tax (GST), which was previously around 18 per cent. This is one of the biggest reasons that the organised restaurant industry is suffering. The policy changes have caused an increase in the cost of running restaurants. Also Read: IndiGo parent Interglobe Aviation posts 91% decline in net profit at Rs 156.10 crore in FY19; revenue up 23% Also Read: Naresh Goyal deplaning a pre-emptive strike to avoid another Nirav-Mallya situation Also Read: BT Insight: All you need to know about quant funds India's largest automaker Maruti Suzuki is looking to launch its electric car, WagonR Electric next year. High price and lack of adequate charging facilities at the end of potential buyers are some of the challenges facing the company's plans to launch an electric car, which is why Maruti is still assessing the commercial launch. Nevertheless, Maruti will be ready with the vehicle in 2020, but the launch will depend entirely on the willingness of the buyers to pay more for an electric version, as per Maruti Suzuki chairman R C Bhargava. "The WagonR Electric is being tested and will be ready next year," the Economic Times quoted Bhargava as saying. "But what the company can produce and sell will depend on the customer's willingness to buy the vehicle given the limitations of cost and charging space." Presently, Maruti Suzuki is testing as many as 50 electric WagonRs. Economic viability will be a key factor in the decision to launch the car next year. Maruti Suzuki MD Kenichi Ayukawa added that Maruti was "studying" a commercial launch. The electric version of a small car may cost as much as Rs 12 lakh, provided the current regulatory regime, the daily quoted Ayukawa. Comparatively, the petrol version of the new WagonR will be priced at Rs 4.20-5.70 lakh. Bhargava mentioned that it was a mistake to think that businesses are driven by manufacturers as they are customer-driven. He further added that the price of electrifying a small car can go far beyond the reach of the small car owner. The government imposes a lower tax rate of 12% on electric vehicles against 28% on those that run on internal combustion engines. (Edited by: Nehal Solanki) Also read: Electric vehicles journey to begin with hybrid technology in India: Honda Also read: Fiat Chrysler and Renault in tie-up talks: Sources In a sign that crisis at Jet Airways is benefitting competing airlines, IndiGo on Monday reported a profit of Rs 589.6 crore for the January-March quarter in FY19, compared to Rs 117.6 crore in the corresponding period of FY18. This is nearly a five-fold jump in profits mostly due to stabilising crude prices and IndiGo increasing its market share. The carrier's total income was up by 35.5 per cent to Rs 8,259.8 crore in the quarter ended March 2019 compared to Rs 6,097.7 crore in the year-ago period, the company said in a statement. However, the no-frills carrier's profit for the entire financial year stood at a mere Rs 156.1 crore, 93 per cent lower than the net profit in the financial year 2017-18 which stood at Rs 2,242.4 crore. The net profit for the entire fiscal was down due to high fuel prices and a weak rupee. However, the crude oil prices stabilised in the latter part of fiscal. In a call with journalists and analysts, IndiGo CEO Ronojoy Dutta said that Jet Airways shut down helped in February and March, but the impact will be limited to some international routes by June. A total of 285 former Jet pilots have joined the airline which in turn has helped IndiGo overcome its pilot shortfall. ALSO READ: IndiGo parent Interglobe Aviation posts 93% decline in net profit at Rs 156.10 crore in FY19; revenue up 23% "Fiscal 2019 was a tough year for the airline industry in India because of high fuel prices, weak rupee and intensely competitive environment," Dutta said. "However, it is a tale of two halves for IndiGo, with the first half of the year incurring losses and the second half of the year experiencing a sharp recovery," he added. IndiGo has been having a stellar run of late; the low-cost carrier also increased its passenger market share in April. As of April, IndiGo has a market share of 49.9 per cent in India. Total expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, were Rs 7,643 crore, an increase of 28.9 per cent over the same quarter last year. IndiGo, as of March 2019, has the largest fleet in India with 217 aircraft. It added nine aircraft to its fleet during the March quarter. IndiGo plans to increase its capacity to 262 aircraft in the coming year. It also reported a relatively decent on-time performance at 76.6 per cent in the four key metros and flight cancellation rate of 1.49 per cent. Some of the Airbus A320neo aircraft faced technical snags this year, forcing IndiGo to cancel flights. However, the IndiGo management assuaged the concerns by saying that most of the issues have been addressed and issues related to new gears and blades would be cleared by September. ALSO READ: Naresh Goyal deplaning: From Nirav to Mallya, why Indian businessmen flee to London "The airline offered 1,376 peak daily flights during the quarter and connected 52 domestic destinations and 16 international destinations," said IndiGo in the press statement. So at a time when the entire aviation industry is in doldrums, what is IndiGo doing right? Even though IndiGo has seen management tussle for over a year now, it has managed to not only stay afloat but also stay ahead of its competitors. The now infamous spat between its two promoters, Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal over the expansion issues hasn't proved to be a roadblock in its success story. IndiGo has taken full advantage of the space created by the grounding of Jet Airways. Experts say IndiGo's success is largely due to aggressive pricing on select routes to gain market share. Typically, increasing passenger footfall on new routes requires lower fares to make the airline and routes popular. IndiGo is also known for keeping a low-cost structure. The airline also said that it is connecting smaller cities to make its presence pan India and to capture more of market share. ALSO READ: Naresh Goyal deplaning a pre-emptive strike to avoid another Nirav-Mallya situation "IndiGo is a professionally managed airline with the right business model - low cost. As India is a price sensitive market, IndiGo is profitable because of its calibrated growth, operating multiple frequencies on each route, has the commonality of the fleet. Its performance shouldn't be compared with Air India, Vistara or Jet Airways because they are full-service carriers. IndiGo is now reaping the advantage of business volume as it commands almost 50per cent of domestic market share." says Jitendra Bhargava former Executive Director Air India. For the entire year, IndiGo's expenditure on fuel increased by 19per cent to Rs 27,813 crore. Dutta added that he is bullish about the future and sees plenty of opportunities for profitable growth in IndiGo's network. The total debt as of March 31, 2019, was Rs 2,429.2 crore, which was "aircraft-related", said the airline. However, some experts expressed concerns that the airline is running after market share and ignoring the long-term ramifications of low airfares. "Jet Airways grounding has come at the right time for IndiGo to cash in on. With the big network helped especially high load factor at normal price. The passenger confidence in IndiGo is better than what the other LCCs are having. However, take the whole year and not this 9W aided quarter to judge," aviation expert Mohan Ranganathan said. The metro connectivity in Chennai is all set to expand as Phase-II work begins in the capital city of Tamil Nadu. On February 10, 2019, the last stretch (10 km) from AG-DMS to Washermanpet metro station of Chennai Metro's Phase-I project (45.1 km) was thrown open to the public, making Chennai the third largest Metro network in India after Delhi and Hyderabad. As per reports, plans for the Phase-II project of Chennai Metro are being finalised and work is underway on the 118.9-km network (128 stations). The project will cost around Rs 69,180 crore and is expected to be completed by the year 2026. Furthermore, the efforts of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to enhance last-mile connectivity on the two operational corridors have produced successful results as increasing number of commuters use the shared auto and taxi services that have been launched at select metro stations so far. The three corridors comprising the Phase-II project are Madhavaram to Sipcot (45.8 km with 26.72 km underground), Lighthouse to Poonamallee (26.1 km with 10.07 km underground) and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (47 km with 5.83 km underground). These corridors will link the remote suburban areas to the core localities of the capital, for instance, the Madhavaram-Sholinganallur corridor is expected to drastically reduce the travel time between the two areas. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has agreed to provide a loan assistance of Rs 20,196 crore for the Madhavaram to Sholinganallur corridor (35.67 km) and the Madhavaram to CMBT stretch (16.34 km) under the Phase-II project. As per reports, construction work for over a length of 52.01 km will begin before the end of this year. The 52.01 km corridor will have a total of 55 stations- both elevated and underground, which will provide connectivity in the eastern parts of the city including the IT hub at OMR. (Edited by: Nehal Solanki) Also read: Train 18 export issue to be considered after meeting domestic needs, says Railway official Also read: US aviation regulator says Boeing hasn't submitted 737 MAX fix `What are the chances of you buying a laptop infested with some of the world's deadliest viruses for $1 million? Zero? We thought so, but there are others who live life on the edge of the internet. An 'internet artist' has created a machine infested with six of the world's deadliest viruses and the current bidding price of that machine is around $1.2 million! The artist, Guo O Dong, has taken an ordinary 10.2-inch Samsung NC10-14GB laptop running on Windows XP (SP3) and dubbed it 'The Persistance of Chaos'. The laptop is loaded with six of the world's deadliest viruses responsible for causing financial damages totalling $95 billion! The piece of art weighs 2.8lbs and comes with a power cord and restart script. According to the auction page, thepersistenceofchaos, the six pieces of malware included in the laptop are: ILOVEYOU The ILOVEYOU virus, disseminated via email and file sharing networks, affected 500,000+ systems and caused $15 billion in damages total, with $5.5 billion in damages caused in the first week. MyDoom MyDoom, potentially custom-built by Russian e-mail spammers, was one of the fastest spreading worms. It's projected that this virus caused $38 billion in damages. SoBig SoBig was a worm and trojan that circulated through emails as viral spam. This piece of malware could copy files, email itself to others, and could damage computer software/hardware. This piece of malware caused $37 billion in damages and affected hundreds of thousands of PCs. WannaCry WannaCry was an extremely virulent ransomware cryptoworm that also set up backdoors on systems. The attack affected 200,000+ computers across 150 countries, and caused the National Health Service in England $100 million in damages with further totals accumulating close to $4 billion. DarkTequila A sophisticated and evasive piece of malware that targeted users mainly in Latin America, DarkTequila stole bank credentials and corporate data even while offline. DarkTequila costed millions in damages across many users. BlackEnergy BlackEnergy 2 uses sophisticated rootkit/process-injection techniques, robust encryption, and a modular architecture known as a "dropper". BlackEnergy was used in a cyberattack that prompted a large-scale blackout in Ukraine in December 2015. The laptop has been isolated and airgapped to prevent against the spread of the malware. The bid's Terms and Conditions states that "You should not and undertake not to disseminate any malware included in the Work of Art in any manner. You agree not to connect the work of art to any computer Network." Speaking to The Verge, artist Guo O Dong said that the intention behind creating such a laptop was to turn the digital abstract threats more physical. "We have this fantasy that things that happen in computers can't actually affect us, but this is absurd", Guo said. "Weaponized viruses that affect power grids or public infrastructure can cause direct harm." Edited By: Udit Verma Also Read: OnePlus 7 Pro has a display issue! Should you still buy the device? Also Read: Snapchat steals one from Instagram, lets users add music to posts Also Read: Xiaomi Black Shark 2 launched in India; here're the specs, features, price in India India is the 4th most expensive country in the world to buy an iPhone XS. According to a report by Deutsche Bank, an iPhone XS in India will cost you as much as Rs 1,13,626.78 ($1,635). The report stated that Brazil is the most expensive country to buy an iPhone for $2,050 followed by Turkey and Argentina where the prices are $1,880 and $1,776, respectively. According to the Deutsche Bank's 'Mapping the World's Prices 2019' survey, nearly every country sells iPhone XS at a higher price when compared to the price in the US where an iPhone costs $1,251. Nigeria, however is the only country in the report where iPhone prices are lower than the US price. As per reports, the decrease in the sales of iPhones and trade tensions with China has forced the Apple Inc to hike the prices of iPhones. The company, however, is looking at different ways to boost its sales in the Indian market. It is "capitalising on older iPhones by assembling them in India and selling them at a lower cost", reported Livemint. In a conference call with analysts after the declaration of Q2 results earlier this month, Apple CEO Tim Cook had said that the company has made some adjustments in India and have seen better preliminary results here. Apple has started assembling of iPhone 7 at its supplier Wistron's facility in Bengaluru in an attempt to drive its manufacturing plans in India. Taiwan-based industrial major Wistron has already assembled iPhone 6S in the country. Cook also hinted the company's plans to open its branded stores in India. Apart from older iPhones, Apple has reportedly been cutting down the prices of its newer iPhones as well. The American tech giant gave a "promotional offer" earlier this month to bring down the cost of its Rs 76,900 iPhone XR (64GB) by as much as Rs 23,000. (Edited by: Nehal Solanki) Also read: Xiaomi Mi Days sale on Amazon: Get top deals and offers on MiA2, Redmi 6 pro, Mi TV 4 series and more Also read: Bengaluru, Gurugram among top 5 preferred locations in APAC for tech firms: Report The Central Bank of Ireland published a paper on Friday entitled Fixed Rate mortgages generating risk or building resilience. The paper noted a rapid shift in traditional variable rate mortgages towards fixed rate mortgages in Ireland and other countries. Fixation periods appear to be slowly lengthening. The paper notes that whilst fixed rate mortgages can increase household resilience, this is likely to increase the cost of the mortgage. Pricing risk is shifted from households to the banks who must then diversify away the risk through funding markets or through market hedges and the pricing risk depends on numerous jurisdiction specific regulatory and institutional factors. At present, the majority of Irish mortgages have fixations below 5 years. The paper notes that if growth in short term fixations continues in Ireland, the market will slowly look more like the UK market, where most mortgages are issued on teaser rates, bearing in mind that variable rates in Ireland are generally at higher levels than most fixed rates. The paper notes that the current point in the cycle and flat swaps curve makes longer-term fixations relatively attractive for banks and customers, suggesting that the key issue with longer term fixed rate mortgages is pricing risk. The Central Bank notes that while the average wholesale funding maturity has increased to 8.66 years in 2018, banks are still 80% funded by variable rate deposits. There are also no government backed securitisiers or insurance providers in Ireland. Combined with the lack of a liquid market for long-term fixed rate securities, the paper suggests it may be difficult to obtain sufficient funds to support a large long-term fixed-rate mortgage book. The paper goes on to add that if fixed-rate mortgage books continue to grow, banks will need to engage in risk hedging strategies and set margins and capital buffers high enough to insure them against any residual risk. These additional costs will likely result in households paying higher mortgage rates, reflecting the benefits they obtain from being insured against bank funding cost risk. Margins are likely to increase even more if households are able to refinance at low cost, as banks will need to compensate for the additional refinancing risk. According to Goodbody Stockbrokers, "The paper provides useful insights into the Irish mortgage market, noting that the length of fixation is closer to the UK model than the European model. The paper suggests that the current funding structure for Irish banks may make it difficult to support a large fixed rate mortgage book." They added, "Whilst the Financial Stability Note doesnt dictate Central Bank policy per se, the paper seems to be suggesting that unless the Irish mortgage model can develop a cheaper longer-term funding model, banks will need to engage in risk hedging strategies and set margins and capital high enough to compensate for the additional refinancing risks. These costs will likely result in households paying higher mortgage rates." Source: www.businessworld.ie The new Curragh Racecourse was officially opened yesterday during a spectacular opening ceremony by An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar and His Highness the Aga Khan. The centrepiece of the redeveloped racecourse is The Aga Khan Stand which can cater for up to 6,000 people over four levels. Thousands of people attended the Grand Opening Weekend which marked the historic opening of the new Curragh Racecourse. The two year, multi million euro redevelopment includes the spectacular new The Aga Khan Stand, refurbished stable yards and parade ring and bespoke facilities including conference capabilities and restaurants. In addition, the gallops which are located across the Curragh plains have also been upgraded. The Aga Khan Stands 7,000 square metre roof can be seen from across the Curragh and provides valuable shelter for racegoers during inclement weather. There is also in-door and sheltered vantage points looking straight onto the track. The historic Queens Room, which was relocated as a standalone feature and reassembled block by block from the old stand, is a stunning feature that overlooks the large parade ring. The Curragh Racecourse will host 14 more race meetings this year with the Dubai Duty Free Derby Festival taking place from 27th 29th June. Commenting on the opening, An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar said, "The Curragh has gained much more than a new stand. This is a complete redevelopment which will match the best in the world. The Government, through Horse Racing Ireland, invested over 36 million in this project, about 40% of the total cost, because we recognised the significance of the Curragh to Irish society." Chairman of the Curragh Racecourse, Padraig McManus added, "Today is a significant milestone not just for the Curragh Racecourse but for the entire racing industry and the county of Kildare. We have upgraded and renovated our racing and training facilities to create a new Centre of Excellence. We are delighted that we now have the facilities for our racegoers that match our world-class race track." Source: www.businessworld.ie TUNIS - After Algeria's public radio announced that no candidature for presidential elections on July 4 had been presented, the Constitutional Council instead announced that the candidates are two: Abdelhakim Hamadi and Hamid Touahri. The names are not high profile in Algeria's political scenario, according to local media reports that stressed in particular how no party leader was among candidates. Maintaining elections on July 4 is a difficult decision after the announcement of the indictment of 11 Algerian personalities including two former premiers, Ahmed Ouyahia and Abdelmalek Sellal. Meanwhile, authorities are determined in keeping the vote on July 4 while demonstrators, who took to the streets for the 14th time last Friday in cities nationwide, continued to reject the possibility. They asked, among other things, to ''chase away the symbols of the regime'', while refusing a military dictatorship and calling for ''an authentic democratic transition''. The president of the Union des forces democratiques et sociales (Ufdg), Noureddine Bahbouh, stressed the need for an ''authentic dialogue'' to schedule ''as soon as possible'' a new date for presidential elections and to avoid the continuation of the political crisis. Another obstacle for the vote is the fact that a number of mayors and magistrates have already announced that they will not participate in the organization of the vote. The prospect of a "no deal" Brexit was fast becoming the central battle of the race to succeed British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday, as environment minister Michael Gove became the eighth candidate to declare. May said on Friday she was quitting over her failure to deliver Brexit, potentially opening the way for a new leader who could seek a more divisive split with the European Union and lead to confrontation with the bloc or a possible parliamentary election. Setting out their pitch to the Conservative Party's largely pro-Brexit membership who will decide the outcome of the contest, four of the leadership hopefuls have said Britain must leave the EU on Oct. 31 even if this means a no-deal Brexit. "I will fight for a fairer deal in Brussels ... if not I will be clear we will leave on WTO terms in October," former Brexit minister Dominic Raab, who bookmakers rank as the second favorite to win, told BBC TV. "If you're not willing to walk away from a negotiation, it doesn't focus the mind of the other side ... I will not ask for an extension." Fellow contenders Esther McVey and Andrea Leadsom both made similar comments on Sunday. Former foreign minister Boris Johnson, the bookmakers' favorite to replace May, wrote in his weekly column for the Daily Telegraph newspaper: "No one sensible would aim exclusively for a no-deal outcome. No one responsible would take no-deal off the table." Gove, a leading campaigner for Brexit during the 2016 referendum campaign and a candidate in the Conservative leadership contest that May ultimately won, told reporters on Sunday that he planned to run again. "I am ready to unite the Conservative and Unionist Party, ready to deliver Brexit and ready to lead this great country," he said. In an interview with the BBC later, he said Britain would "be able to get through" a no-deal Brexit but it was "ultimately better for all of us if we secure a deal and leave in an orderly way." The EU has said it will not reopen negotiations on the Withdrawal Agreement, which has been rejected by parliament three times, while British lawmakers have also repeatedly voted against the prospect of a no-deal exit. Highlighting the deep splits within the governing party over the way forward on Brexit, several senior Conservatives, including leadership candidate Rory Stewart, on Sunday warned against pursuing the policy of leaving without a deal. Finance minister Philip Hammond said parliament would be "vehemently opposed" to a no-deal strategy and a prime minister who ignored parliament "cannot expect to survive very long." "I will urge all of my colleagues who are standing in this contest to embrace the concept of compromise ... going to parliament with a hard line absolutist view and daring parliament to accept it is quite a dangerous strategy," he told BBC TV. Hammond said he could not support a no-deal strategy but declined to say what he would do if there was a vote of confidence in a government which adopted that policy. "In 22 years in parliament I have never voted against the Conservatives ... and I don't want to have to start now contemplating such a course of action," he said. The opposition Labour Party said it was seeking to work with other parties to try and block May's successor from taking Britain out of the EU without a deal. "There is real threat now of an extremist Brexiteer becoming the leader of the Conservative Party and taking us over the cliff edge of a no deal," Labour's finance spokesman John McDonnell told Sky News. "We have got to move to block a no deal." (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Ottawa, Ontario May 27, 2019 The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, will travel to Vancouver to attend the 10th Clean Energy Ministerial, on May 28, 2019. Canada will welcome over 25 countries to discuss a future with a cleaner environment and showcase its leadership in cleantech innovation, champion gender equality, youth and Indigenous peoples in clean energy, and promote Canada as an investment destination. Schedule of events for Minister McKenna Minister McKenna will participate in the Clean Energy Ministerial Ignite Talk on the topic Diversity of Approaches. Event: Speech Time: 11:45 a.m. (PDT) Location: Room 118-120 Minister McKenna will deliver a speech at the Drive to Zero workshop and then will be joined by Tamara Vrooman and Steven Guilbeault, co-chairs of the Advisory Council on Climate Action, for the release of the Councils final report. Media availability to follow. Event: Speech and media availability Time: 1:00 p.m. (PDT) Location: Room 220 Media representatives must register to gain access to CEM10/MI-4 press conferences, events and on-site interviews. Registration for media accreditation. Media are encouraged to express their interest and register for the event with Media Relations at Environment and Climate Change Canada. Turkey: hunger strike against Ocalan's isolation ends After Ankara opens to PKK leader, protest by 3,000 inmates (ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, MAY 27 - A hunger strike by some 3,000 detainees against the isolation in jail of Kurdish PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan has ended after over six months. The announcement was made by HDP lawmaker Leyla Guven, who has become a symbol of the protest, that had reached 200 days of fasting. The decision was reached at Ocalan's request after the Turkish government allowed him to meet his lawyers twice in the last month. He has not met them since 2011. Ocalan will be able to receive regular visits in the prison-island of Imrali on the Marmara Sea, where he has been detained for 20 years. ''Our resistance with the hunger strike has reached its purpose. But our fight against isolation and for social peace will continue in all fields'', explained Guven in a statement. After meeting his lawyers, Ocalan launched an appeal for the return of a ''method of democratic negotiation'', suggesting the need to ''take into consideration'' the ''sensibility'' of Turkey in the region, including in Syria. According to some analysts, the surprise opening towards Ocalan of the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is linked to the attempt to regain ground with Kurdish voters ahead of the repetition of a crucial municipal election in Istanbul on June 23 after the annulment of the victory of opposition candidate Ekrem Imamoglu. (ANSAmed). May 27, 2019 Ottawa, ON Canada is an ocean nation. With the worlds longest coastline and surrounded by three oceans, our marine ecosystems are home to an abundance of marine life and support over 350,000 Canadian jobs. However, our government recognizes that our oceans face urgent threats, from warming waters due to climate change, to a decline in marine biodiversity, which have a direct impact on the health of our environment and economy. Recognizing the need to take action, the Government of Canada committed to protect 10% of our oceans by 2020. We have expanded the scope of protected ocean space from less than 1 percent in 2015 to 8.27 today. Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that the Governor General has granted Royal Assent to changes to the Oceans Act and the Canada Petroleum Resources Act (Bill C-55). These changes directly empower the federal Government to strengthen the protection of at-risk marine ecosystems by stopping new potentially detrimental activities from taking place in those areas through interim protections until the permanent designation of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) is made. This proactive freeze on new activity can be applied for up to five years in areas where there is an urgent need to provide environmental protection. This measure will allow additional science and consultations to take place together with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and the public. This engagement will inform and finalize plans for longer-term protection through MPAs. MPAs protect marine habitats and provide a safe home for species such as endangered whales, turtles and seabirds, and help maintain sustainable fish stocks. The creation of MPAs in a faster and more comprehensive manner is a core component of this legislation. It is also a key part of our governments commitment to growing our economy in a sustainable way, through ensuring that we are protecting our environment. Our government understands the critical need to protect our oceans and coastlines from environmental degradation today. This legislation gives federal maritime enforcement agencies the teeth to enforce protections. These changes to the Oceans Act modernize and enhance the ability to enforce the protection of these important areas. This brings the Act in line with Canadas other environmental legislation, putting the protection of our ocean space and coastlines on par with on-land protections. To complement the proposed amendments to the Oceans Act, Parliament has also adopted amendments to the Canada Petroleum Resources Act. They allow Natural Resources Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada to negotiate the voluntary surrender of a companys oil and gas interests. They also allow for compensation in areas where an Oceans Act MPA is designated, should the interests require cancellation. The new Oceans Act gives the federal Government the right tools to conserve and protect Canadas unique coastal and marine areas. 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. Manila (CNN Philippines Life) Filipinos love talking about love. Whether it might be about their friends love life, their relatives new marriage, or their own lack of one, love and relationships are topics that will never disappear from any discussion both online and offline. One type of relationship thats often discussed is the Filipino-foreigner relationship. These are not new and we have all seen some form of it in the movies or read about it in the news. We even witness it for ourselves when local celebrities and sometimes even our relatives end up with someone from an entirely different culture. However, when people see a Filipino walking down the street with a person who looks like they might be from another country, people still tend to look and whisper amongst themselves. There are also certain misconceptions about what could be the real reason behind committing to a foreigner besides plain old love. But how is it really like to be in a relationship with someone from another culture? Did they have any apprehensions before deciding to fully commit to the relationship? Are there advantages or disadvantages when youre in a relationship with a foreigner? How is it any different from being with a fellow Filipino? And how did their families even take in the news? With these questions in mind, we asked several Filipinos who are currently married or are in a relationship with a foreigner to share their thoughts on what its really like to be committed to someone from an entirely different culture. Photo courtesy of THERESE TIANGCO Therese Tiangco, in a relationship with a Brit for six months We matched on Tinder. He Super Like-d me, then I messaged him first asking if it was an accident. We started chatting a lot because we vibed well. We decided to video chat after two weeks and constantly talked to each other, then we met in real life day he arrived in Manila. He met me for the first time in my house. My mom and grandma were there so I briefly introduced him to them. Then after two weeks, he met my dad and extended family during All Souls Day when we went to the cemetery. They were very welcoming and were glad to have met him. My parents and extended family saw that he was a nice guy and they got along with him, so they approve of him and our relationship. In fact, even when I was abroad in France, he and my parents would go out for dinners together. Before, my mom didnt originally want me to date a foreigner because of the negative stigma towards the foreigners that go the Philippines. People think they are just there for a fun time. She didnt want me to be left in the airport when he leaves and get hurt. She was also worried about the cultural differences since she doesnt know how foreign men would treat their women. But when she met my boyfriend, her worries went out of the window because my boyfriend is a nice guy who respects our customs and traditions. Nicola Sermonia, in a relationship with a Canadian-Dane for two years [I live abroad and] my parents live in the Philippines, so when my mom visited, thats when I told her and we all went for lunch. She was shocked because I rarely introduce anyone. She found it funny actually. My dad hasnt met him yet but he was happy for me. It opens your eyes to a different perspective and you get to appreciate your culture and upbringing more when you see the differences. When you start a family, you realize what you want and dont want as seen through both of your upbringings. Photo courtesy of RENEE DE GUZMAN Renee De Guzman, in a long-distance relationship with a Chinese-Singaporean for one year [We met] through common friends [and] were long distance now! Actually, 80 percent of our relationship has been long distance. Were both pretty relaxed about it because its important to be on the same page. Its been pretty chill. I introduced him to my mom prior to my graduation, but for the rest of my family, after graduation. They were okay with him and they got along pretty well. [When it comes to long distance relationships,] always have communication and trust! Effort in LDR is important because that alone will keep the relationship going and growing. Chloe Ramirez, in a long-distance relationship with a Japanese-English-Russian for one and a half years One misconception is that with advancing technology, long distance relationships can be effortlessly maintained. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it's much easier to be in an LDR now compared to the days when you had to wait for letters to arrive weeks later (which we do). Video calling makes it much easier, but what with the different time zones, busy schedules, and trying to find time to fly to each other, it still isn't a walk in the park. If North and South relationships in Manila are considered long distance, then what more if he's halfway across the world! It's way easier now than before, but it still takes a lot more time, effort, and patience compared to if you're in the same country. Another misconception is that you'll fight, a lot. It may be because of your different cultures, preferences, or even moral characters. But because Takaya and I have a bunch of similarities, it makes it easier to get by. I love his differences, but I still hang on to mine. We get along really well! Just because someone is from a different country and culture, doesn't mean he's less of a human. We're all alike somehow. Photo courtesy of THERESE PENONIA Therese Penonia, in a long-distance relationship with a New Zealander for five years A high school classmate of mine started using this site called Teen Chat and I ventured into it. I met a bunch of people including him and we all were added on a Skype group where we all kept in touch. Eventually we were paired up and we started dating. [Since were in an LDR,] it was difficult to manage the time differences and it still sort of is. But we somehow developed this schedule where we always manage to do a call and we message each other on a daily basis. It definitely takes a lot of patience on both parties. [It was] definitely a surprise visit for [my parents]. He told me ahead that he would visit, I didn't believe him until he showed me he purchased his tickets already. I told my parents about a month before he arrived here the first time [and they] were shocked! They didn't really know I was in a long distance relationship until I told them that he was coming over. So at first they were very overprotective, especially my mom. Over time, they warmed up to him. LDR is not an impossible feat. I think it really depends on how much you two want it to work. I wouldn't say it's easy but I would say that it's worth it if it's for the right person. Distance makes the heart grow fonder. And also patience and understanding; you gotta communicate as much as you can. Trish Wong, married to an Australian for four years One of the advantages [of being in a relationship with someone foreign,] is learning about another culture and in turn seeing things with a fresh and different perspective. I've become more open-minded and more understanding of others. In raising our daughter, an advantage is that we get to share both cultures with her and she gets to grow up knowing the best of both. One disadvantage would be not being able to communicate to my husband in Tagalog and also him not understanding why I find certain things hilarious. He just doesn't get it. I think when dealing with major differences in cultures and beliefs, it's important to remind yourself of what your core values are. Identify what are the beliefs that you hold dear and what are non-negotiable to you. In my experience, it's best to communicate this to your partner. Once that's established then other things are negotiable. You can always communicate respectfully and always find a compromise. Photo courtesy of JYUNKO TOROBU-PALMER Jyunko Torobu-Palmer, married to an American for one year We met on a dating app. Ultimately, it wasnt my goal to find a relationship [abroad]. I just moved to Japan and I thought using that platform can make me meet new people. He messaged me first, had friendly conversation and we decided to meet up in person after several months. Since I already moved out from my parents' house, I informed them through text messages that I was dating someone from a different country. I officially introduced him to my mom when she visited Japan. I didnt ask her what she thinks about my husband but I think she is genuinely happy for me. Claudette Artificio, in a long-distance relationship with a German for one month The person I am with now is my first boyfriend. To have an LDR as your first relationship is really hard, mostly because I have no prior experience and that my peers havent experienced it, so if I ask for advice, my situation is completely different with what they have (since their boyfriends are here in the Philippines). Any advice they give, I can only partially follow. The great thing about us is that we really became close friends before we got together. We already had this connection and we were really comfortable with each other. As for the distance problem, like every millennial, we often tag each other in posts in either Facebook or Instagram, we also have a snapstreak in Snapchat. These social media platforms somewhat make the distance feel lesser, even more with Facebook since we use the video call function there. Plus, I really do believe that if you really like someone, you will do everything to make it work.e really do like each other, and thats why I believe that we, as others say, are staying strong. My dad met him once [and] though it was very brief, my dad remembers him quite well because hes the only guy I have introduced to him. Initially, like any other Filipino, my dad thought he was American. When my boyfriend and I got together officially, I placed a polaroid photo of us at the back of my phone. Since I often leave my phone lying around anywhere, my brother saw it and questioned me about it. Then he reported to my parents, and as many Filipino families do, we had a family gathering to question me. I felt like I was in an intense thesis defense. After explaining my situation, my family just wished me luck and told me that they trust me to decide whats good for me. My family is still not 100 percent into the idea of LDR, but because I am in one, theyre more open-minded towards the topic. Photo courtesy of JEAN TORTULA Jean Tortula, in a long-distance relationship with an American-Puerto Rican for four and a half years We met through online video chat and he is of American-Puerto Rican descent. We are currently still in a long-distance relationship, and managing it takes patience, understanding, and love. We alternate to help the other when one is weaker, and we learn from each other on how to build [our] relationship. [There are many advantages,] food is one. We learn how to combine our palates and enjoy different foods together in one dish. That's exciting! Learning each other's backgrounds and appreciating the long journey from where the other came from to get to where we are now together is another thing that helps us cherish each other [especially since] true love is not easy to find. Photo courtesy of JESS WALKER Jess Walker, married to an African-American for three months We met on Tinder. Its not the most ideal place to meet your soulmate, but we were both at a difficult place in our life and we both believe that God had a hand in it since we found each other pretty quickly within a week of downloading the app. Its been hard because hes now three hours away so Ive only been able to see him twice in almost two months. He also doesnt have good Wi-Fi signal or much signal at all, so we try to text each other often and we call each other every night whenever we can. Since his schedule in the military is unpredictable and I still have to stay in California for school for the next year, we try to make the most out of our time together whenever hes home for a long period of time. My only apprehension about being in a relationship with someone from an entirely different culture was that he would not be open to learning my culture or language, or have our future children learn. But he quickly reassured me that was not the case as he constantly asks me to teach him words and phrases in Tagalog and discusses with me how our children will be bilingual. I was concerned that my parents/family wouldnt be as accepting as I was, but they welcomed him with open arms and introduced him to a lot of Filipino dishes! Photo courtesy of LIANZA REYES Lianza Reyes, in a relationship with an Indian-American for nine months My partner is Indian-American and grew up in the United States. His parents immigrated here just before he was born. Over the holiday seasons and in the summertime, I typically come back to the Philippines while he stays back home. It's one of our biggest struggles to manage it because of the time difference and we're doing our own thing back home. Our texting and communication styles are also quite different. I'm a much bigger texter than he is, so I just text him whenever I want and wait for him to respond. It can be hard when we're apart, but when we're physically together, everything flows easily. I've known him a pretty long time and conversation is easy to do when you've known each other for that long. My parents had heard of him over the years. My mom even met him once before we began dating. But I really wasn't sure how they would take it. Eventually, since my parents and I are very far apart in distance, I had to tell them over a video call. They were really nice about it, maybe just a bit nervous because this was my first serious relationship. All parents tend to be like that. When I met his parents, they were really nice towards me, and still are to this day. I'm quite fond of his parents and his sister. I'm thankful for that. I began to get much more apprehensive four months into our relationship, when things began to get more serious. When we had our first serious argument, it really forced me to question how much I wanted this relationship to work and how much we were willing to understand our differences. Apprehension is always valid. Cultural differences can really add a set of unique experiences to a relationship. However, when you're working a relationship out, it should leave you fulfilled and happy. You should see progress over time. And more importantly, the love should grow and develop. That's something I am still trying to learn myself. We send out headlines each week day of the latest Chattanooga news. Our news headlines have links that take you to the stories with a click. We also send out special emails if there is a highly significant local news story breaking so you will be aware of it quickly. To be added to the email headline list, just email us at news@chattanoogan.com. In addition, like us on Facebook and Twitter and get our news sent to you "in real time." Our Internet newspaper allows us to post stories very quickly there is no need to wait for a press run or for carriers to deliver the paper. It is always free to read all the articles on Chattanoogan.com. Click on the links below and be sure to "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter. With the feeds, you will be able to catch up on the local news as it happens. On this Memorial Day when we remember our heroes, I believe of all the glorious movies the genius duo of Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks have given this world, the 10-part miniseries. A Band of Brothers, is the crown jewel. To me it is perhaps mankinds greatest illustration ever of how insanely horrible war most truly is. Today the miniseries is recognized as the most popular of all time. It first aired on HBO in 2001, and is based on Stephen Ambrose's historical bestseller by the same title. It is about a World War II unit called Easy Company, 2nd Battalion of the 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army. The series begins with Easy Companys training in Toccoa, Georgia, in the spring of 1942, then follows them into France on D-Day, and ends with the Allied victory in Europe in 1945. What you need to know on this Memorial Day is that the title for the book and series comes from the famous St Crispin's Day Speech in William Shakespeare's play Henry V, delivered by King Henry before the Battle of Agincourt. This was set on October 25, 1415, and you need to understand in the play the English armies are tired and ready to quit. Yet the French armies, who outnumber the English 5-to-1, are fresh and are ready for war. How King Henry inspires his Band of Brothers is Shakespeare at his best and has been repeated for centuries as one of the most motivational and beloved verses of all time. As one critic wrote, In his Saint Crispins Day speech, Henry V speaks of glory, honor, and brotherhood -- all ideals that inspire even the most despairing and downtrodden of men. (In the play, there is a line: We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.) Secondly, of the 10 episodes, it is the ninth that has earned the worldwide distinction of Why We Must Fight. It is the most popular of all the one-hour segments and, be advised, it is for mature audiences. I dont care how old you may be, this will likely move you to tears and youll never question why good men and Godly countries must fight ever again. To see a clip of the episode, CLICK HERE. This description of Episode No. 9 by one critic is an understatement -- Easy Company finally reaches Germany, but they arent prepared for what they will find there, especially not the remains of a concentration camp which has been abandoned by the German soldiers who ran it. Here they see Hitlers Final Solution and, as they liberate the remaining prisoners, the reasons they are fighting this war are brought home to the soldiers. In Stephen Ambroses book, Shakespeares Saint Crispins Speech is the forward of the book and, in the miniseries, the speech is recited by a surrendering German Amy officer in the closing scenes. * * * THE ST. CRISPINS DAY SPEECH, FROM THE PLAY HENRY V BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE WESTMORELAND Of fighting men they have full threescore thousand. EXETER There's five to one. Besides, they are all fresh. SALISBURY God's arm strike with us! Tis fearful odds. WESTMORELAND O, that we now had here But one ten thousand of those men in England That do no work today. KING HENRY Whats he that wishes so? My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin. If we are marked to die, we are enough To do our country loss; and if to live, The fewer men, the greater share of honor. Gods will, I pray thee wish not one man more. By Jove, I am not covetous for gold, Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost; It yearns me not if men my garments wear; Such outward things dwell not in my desires. But if it be a sin to covet honor, I am the most offending soul alive. No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England. Gods peace, I would not lose so great an honor, As one man more, methinks, would share from me, For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more! Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host, That he which hath no stomach to this fight, Let him depart. His passport shall be made, And crowns for convoy put into his purse. We would not die in that mans company That fears his fellowship to die with us. This day is called the feast of Crispian. He that outlives this day, and comes safe home, Will stand o tiptoe when the day is named And rouse him at the name of Crispian. He that shall live this day, and see old age, Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbors, And say Tomorrow is Saint Crispian: Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars. And say These wounds I had on Crispians day. Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot, *But hell remember with advantages What feats he did that day. Then shall our names, Familiar in his mouth as household words, Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter, Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester, Be in their flowing cups freshly remembered. This story shall the good man teach his son; And Crispin Crispian shall neer go by, From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remembered We few, we happy few, we band of brothers For he today that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother, be he neer so vile, This day shall gentle his condition: And gentlemen in England now a-bed Shall think themselves accursed they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks (Henry V, Act 4. Sc. 3) That fought with us upon Saint Crispins day. (Henry V, Act 4. Sc. 3) * * * To watch the speech in a clip from Kenneth Branagh's masterpiece film of the Shakespeare classic play. CLICK HERE. * * * With todays modern technology, you can stream Band of Brothers in a number of ways. Please Google stream band of brothers or go to Amazon, where there are several options. The miniseries will also be aired by several sources in June. * * * Men, it's been a long war, it's been a tough war. You've fought bravely, proudly for your country. You're a special group. You've found in one another a bond that exists only in combat, among brothers. You've shared foxholes, held each other in dire moments. You've seen death and suffered together. I'm proud to have served with each and every one of you. You all deserve long and happy lives in peace. -- Joseph Liebgott (Ross McCall), Band of Brothers, Season 1: Points * * * Hitler made only one big mistake when he built his Atlantic Wall, the paratroopers liked to say. He forgot to put a roof on it. -- Stephen E. Ambrose, Band of Brothers. * * * How could anyone ever know of the price paid by soldiers in terror, agony and bloodshed if theyd never been to places like Normandy, Bastogne or Haguenau? -- David Webster, Band of Brothers. royexum@aol.com It has been more than a few years since Joshua Duggar found himself embroiled in multiple scandals in the span of just a few months. While the father of five is keeping a low profile in Arkansas now that he is awaiting the arrival of his sixth child, fans arent quick to forget his two-timing ways. In fact, Joshuas betrayal lives on in infamy on the internet, and the answers to an OkCupid questionnaire painted a pretty disturbing picture of the man who molested his siblings and cheated on his wife multiple times. Media outlets uncovered Joshs OkCupid profile amid his Ashley Madison scandal While Joshua was busy dealing with two scandals that rocked his family, media outlets discovered an OkCupid profile that many believe was directly linked to Joshua. While the picture used in the profile is not Josh, it was a photo readily available through a quick Google search, according to Gawker. The profile described Joshua as single, and went on to label the date-seeker as strictly monogamous. The profiles location was also set close to Joshs home in Maryland. Thats the very home he shared with his wife Anna and then-three children while he worked in Washington, DC. In 2017, Joshs profile was confirmed when the man whose picture was stolen for use on the website sued Duggar. According to The Hollywood Gossip, Matthew McCarthy, a Los Angeles-based DJ sued Duggar for harming his personal and professional life by stealing his online photos for use on the dating website. What questions did Joshua Duggar answer on OkCupid? The online dating website poses a series of questions to users to help better match them with potential mates. Josh answered a ton of questions on the site in hopes of finding an extra special someone. When asked about his drinking habits, he replied that he never drank something from the Duggar upbringing sunk in. Duggar also suggested he was not okay with abortion, not okay with drugs and not okay with a partner having more than fourteen previous sexual relationships. Josh Duggar | Photo by D Dipasupil/Getty Images for Extra Joshs answers started to deviate from his staunch, religious upbringing when relationships and sex were brought up. The puppet account he used to find dates answered that he was completely okay with the idea of having sex on the first date. He Also is allegedly completely open to the concept of an open relationship and was more interested in physical attraction than good conversation. One of Joshs answers has made people uncomfortable. Josh went on to answer a few dozen questions on OkCupid, but there was one particular question that had fans raising their eyebrows. Duggar responded to a question that asked applicants if they believe there is a circumstance in which someone is obligated to have sex with them. Josh answered that yes, he thinks some situations literally obligate a woman to give up her body to him. Fans were dismayed by the answer considering Joshs track record. Josh married Anna after an insanely short courtship. He also molested several of his younger siblings and a family friend during his teen years. The Duggar family might be famous for their reality TV series, but their food choices are just as notorious. The family was made famous by a couple of their recipes, and while there is a contingent of fans who believe the Duggars are nailing it in the kitchen, many more fans are concerned about their culinary endeavors. So, what is the family of 21 serving up nightly for dinner? You wont believe what tops their list as family favorites! Frito Chili Pie is a family favorite The Duggars have long sung the praises of Frito Chili Pie. Its exactly what it sounds like, and while it surely makes an excellent ballgame meal, it doesnt often show up at the dinner table for those with more discerning palates. Making this meal is quick and straightforward, which is probably why the Duggar family deploys it as a meal for 21 people. You simply take a bag of Fritos (or any corn-based snack chip will do) and cover it in ground beef, beans, sour cream, and cheese. Just like that, dinner is made. Josh Duggar, the eldest of the Duggar kids, has listed this as his favorite food for years. The famous Tater Tot Casserole also tops the list The Duggar family showed the world their culinary chops for the very first time with the Tater Tot Casserole. While they arent the only family in America crafting this hot dish, its one that has become ubiquitously linked to the Duggars. So, what exactly is it? The casserole consists of ground turkey mixed with cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup and evaporated milk. The mixture is poured into a casserole dish and then covered with tater tots. The hot dish is then baked in the oven until the tots are golden brown. Some people add cheese to this culinary delight, but the Duggar family leaves it off. Jim Bob Duggar has listed this dish as his favorite food several times. Anna Duggar brought her Chicken Etti recipe all the way from Florida When Anna Duggar married into the Duggar family, she brought one great family recipe with her; a chicken dish that the Keller family dubbed Chicken Etti. The casserole meal is simple to make and can feed an army for just a few dollars, which is probably why they love it so much. For fans that dont enjoy processed cheese product, the meal probably isnt a winner, but anyone who believes in the power of Velveeta to salvage any meal will surely love it. To make Chicken Etti, Anna boils spaghetti (that is where the etti comes in), then she mixes cream of chicken soup, a pound of Velveeta cheese and a can of diced tomatoes. She shoves that mixture in the microwave to make sure its all melted. While thats spinning away in the microwave, the mother of five mixes together some diced chicken, green peppers and chicken broth. She combines everything and toss it in a casserole dish to bake for 30 minutes. The Duggar family sometimes wash their meal down with Cherry Vanilla Punch For special occasions, the Duggar family head out to the Marketplace Grill to enjoy an ice cream dessert that can give you cavities just by looking at it, but if they are hanging out at home and desire a sweet treat, they turn to Cherry Vanilla Punch. The punch is an interesting mixture that might actually be good in that disastrous kind of way. As noted on the Duggar family blog, the punch is pretty simple. All you need is Welchs white grape cherry juice, 7up (or Sprite) and a quart of cherry vanilla ice cream (the Duggar family prefers Breyers). To make the punch soften the ice cream and then mix it with the juice and soda. The Duggar family also employs this punch when they are hosting a social event. Meghan Markle has been the star of headline news with the birth of her first born son, Archie. The Duke and Duchess took to Instagram to announce the birth of their baby boy. Meghans mother has been with her every step of the way in preparing for little Archies arrival. Meghan Markle with her mother Doria Ragland | STEVE PARSONS/AFP/Getty Images Meghan Markles parents Doria Ragland and Meghans dad, Thomas Markle Sr., met in California. His marriage to Doria was his second marriage. Thomas had previously divorced his first wife Roslyn despite having two children together, Thomas Junior and Samantha. Meghan remains quite close with her mother, but relationships have been strained with her siblings and her father. Doria was the only member of Meghans family to attend her wedding. How did Meghan Markles parents meet? Meghans parents met in the late seventies at the television set where Thomas worked. In her book Harry & Meghan: A Royal Engagement, author Halima Sadat writes: Doria was working as a temp at the television studios where Thomas was the lighting director for a popular soap operathey fell in love and were married in 1979, with Meghan being born two years later. Meghan has written of her parents meeting, stating, I like to think he was drawn to her sweet eyes and her Afro, plus their shared love of antiques. Whatever it was, they married and had me. The Markle divorce The Markles divorced when Meghan was only 6 years old. However, Meghan has some powerful childhood memories of what it means to be a family. She remembered one such memory in an essay she wrote for Elle magazine,On Christmas morning, swathed in glitter-flecked wrapping paper, there I found my Heart Family: a black mom doll, a white dad doll, and a child in each color, she wrote for Elle. My dad had taken the sets apart and customized my family. Meghan and her mom Meghan has remained quite close with her own mother, social worker, and yoga instructor, Doria. In fact, Doria had been living with Meghan and Harry in their home in Windsor prior to Archies arrival. Even Prince Harry has mentioned that he adores his mother in law. They have an excellent relationship. But where is Meghans dad? We all recall how Meghans father, Thomas, was supposed to walk Meghan down the aisle, but at the last minute it was announced he would not be in attendance at the wedding due to apparent health complications. Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding, Meghan announced in a statement. I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health. I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous messages of support. A statement from Ms. Meghan Markle: pic.twitter.com/TjBNarmuBU Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 17, 2018 Then, there were all those times where her father leaked information to the press, even when both Meghan and Harry begged him to stop. Now that the Duchess has delivered her baby, many are wondering if her father will make an appearance in the U.K. to visit. Thomas Markles reaction to baby Archie Thomas Markle is no stranger to the press, in fact, his relationship with reporters is one of the reasons Meghan and Harry dont have much contact with him. However, after the birth of Archie, Thomas wished his daughter and son-in-law well on their new parenting adventure. Im delighted to hear that mother and child are doing well, Thomas Markle said in a statement to The Sun. I am proud that my new grandson is born into the British royal family and I am sure that he will grow up to serve the crown and the people of Britain with grace, dignity, and honor. At this time, it appears that Thomas has no plans to visit the U.K. to meet his grandchild. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed Baby Archie recently, and he couldnt be more perfect. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were beaming with pride as they walked into Saint Georges Hall of Windsor Castle, holding their sleeping newborn and posing for the first pictures. They couldnt stop smiling as they said a few words about parenthood, and how much they are both loving the wonderful experience. Archie seems to have had a positive effect on both of his parents, as we have never seen Meghan and Harry look happier. Parenthood is a natural journey for the royal couple, and now that the members of the royal family are beginning to meet him, it is possible the effect may be rubbing off. In particular, some people are wondering if Kate Middleton may be catching baby fever from her sister-in-law. So, is baby Archie causing Kate to want yet another child? Why Kate Middleton might want a baby Kate Middleton | Samir Hussein/WireImage Science says Kate could actually get baby fever. While many people think that baby fever is nothing more than an expression, studies show it is a real thing. Babies can be addicting, with their sweetness and innocence, not to mention their wonderful smell and the feel of their soft, perfect skin. Its not unheard of for women to catch baby fever when they hold someone elses newborn in their arms. Even mothers who either thought that they didnt want any more children or thought that they never wanted children at all. Further, psychological journal Emotion claims women and men can catch baby fever. Kate Middleton has officially met Baby Archie Kate and William have officially visited baby Archie Harrison for the first time, and there is no doubt that Kate simply melted the moment she laid eyes on the newborn. The Duchess of Cambridge is wonderful with children, as anyone can see when they observe her with her own three kids. As babies, Kate looked overjoyed as she held them in her arms, proving that the connection between a mother and baby is definitely real. Does Kate Middleton want four children? Queen Elizabeth has four children, and there is always the possibility that Kate may want to follow in her footsteps. She may have always envisioned herself with a large family and considering as how the Cambridge family lives in a massive 20-bedroom apartment at Kensington Palace, there is certainly enough room. Anyone can see just by watching Kate with her children that she is a great mother, and when we take into consideration that she is the same child-bearing age as Meghan, it makes sense that she may be considering one more. Does Kate Middleton want another girl? William and Kate already have two boys and one girl, so perhaps theyd like to give themselves the chance to have another daughter. Two boys and two girls seem like the perfect balance for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and we know that Princess Charlotte would most likely be over the moon at the prospect of a little sister. However, if Kate and William are, in fact, planning another child, royal fans will be ecstatic no matter if they welcome a new prince or a princess. Does Kate Middleton have baby fever? Although Kate has had an extremely rough time with her pregnancies in the past, suffering from a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, she may just be willing to put up with it one more time in order to have another baby. The world would love to see yet another royal baby welcomed into the world. However, Kate has effectively shut down rumors of a fourth child so far by continuing to wear slim-fitting outfits and even drinking a beer in public. Then again, Kate recently said she was feeling very broody when making conversation with the public while on tour in Northern Ireland earlier this year, so well just have to wait and see if they grow their family even more. Whether you know him from old classics like My Own Private Idaho or youre a newcomer to his work through John Wick, theres no doubt Keanu Reeves has solidified himself as a Hollywood legend through his years of acting. And more recently, it seems his personal life has come back to the forefront. Reeves is known for being kind and generally keeping to himself, but many know of his tragic past. And now, were all wondering if he wants to be a loner or if he desires marriage with children. So, does Reeves actually wish he was in a relationship, or is he happy flying solo? His interviews have given us a clue. Keanu Reeves was once in a serious relationship, but it had a tragic end Keanu Reeves in 2000 | Jason Kirk/Newsmakers Reeves doesnt talk about his personal life, but many fans know the tragedy he dealt with years ago. People reports back around the time Reeves was filming The Matrix, he was dating fellow actress Jennifer Syme. Syme and Reeves were expecting a child together, but unfortunately, their daughter was stillborn. The two broke up shortly after but still seemed to remain good friends, as they saw each other often. Sadly, tragedy struck again for Reeves. People notes on April 2, 2000, Syme lost control of her Jeep and was involved in a major car accident. She was thrown from the car and died instantly, though authorities also found a white powdery substance in the car along with her antidepressants. Hes stated before that hed like to start a family of his own Actor Keanu Reeves | Andrew Lipovsky/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images The loss was no doubt a huge blow for Reeves, and it seems he hasnt had too many serious relationships (that fans know of, anyway) since Syme. People reports a friend said of Reeves, Sometimes, its almost like he doesnt trust himself to have a relationship with anyone. And perhaps thats why Reeves remains single, seemingly reclusive, and without children today. Just because hes flying solo doesnt mean he necessarily wants to live the single life, though. During a 2008 interview with Parade, Reeves noted that he did have aspirations to have a family one day. Id like to have a family. Im getting older and maybe that experience can help you to be the best that you can be to yourself and to another person that youre with, he said. As for what kind of relationship he wants, he also added, I think you have to use communication and imagination in a relationship. Its an imaginative act; its an act of creation. Reeves thinks hes too old to get married and have kids now Keanu Reeves attends a handprint ceremony honoring him | Phillip Faraone/WireImage Will we ever see Reeves pursue a serious relationship, marry, and have children? It seems the star may think hes lost his chance. Hes 54 now and seems to be still ultra-focused on his career and motorcycle obsession instead of starting a family. During an interview with Esquire a few years ago, the interviewer asked Reeves if he had plans to settle down. To that, Reeves answered, Im too its too late. Its over. Im 52. Im not going to have any kids. The Esquire interviewer then joked that Mick Jagger was still having children, but Reeves seemed set in his decision. In the same interview, Reeves noted that the last few decades really flew by, too. Ageing. Im just starting to get better at it. Just the amount of stuff you have to do before youre dead. Im all of the cliches, and its embarrassing, he noted. Its just, Oh my God. OK. Where did the time go? How come things are changing? How much time do I have left? What didnt I do?' Only time will tell if Reeves is truly finished with the dating scene. For now, we cant wait to see him in even more fantastic films. Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! Some know her as the powerful bassist from Lemonade Mouth, most know her as the actress cast in Disneys live-action adaptation of Aladdin. The 26-year-old British-Indian actress, Naomi Scott, became an internet sensation practically overnight, earning almost a million followers on Instagram. Learn more about Naomi Scotts career and net worth here. Naomi Scott attends the premiere of Disneys Aladdin | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic This celebrity has been acting for a while Naomi Scott started as an actress playing Megan in the Disney original television series Life Bites. She then starred in her first American movie, Lemonade Mouth, portraying Mo, the smart, logical bassist from the band Lemonade Mouth. As Mo, Naomi Scott performed in songs like Shes So Gone and Determinate, showcasing her voice and star quality. In 2011, Naomi Scott joined the science-fiction drama series, Terra Nova, portraying Maddy Shannon for 13 episodes. She also acted as the pink power ranger in one of her latest movies, the 2017 film, Power Rangers. Scott also is a musician, releasing singles and EPs for purchase on iTunes and for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and other music platforms. Her artist page on Spotify has over a million monthly listeners. In April 2019, the artist was featured on the cover of British Vogue. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the stars net worth as of 2017 was estimated at about $1 million. This is the culmination of her work on Power Rangers, Lemonade Mouth, Life Bites, and Terra Nova. Her 2017 net worth does not include her salary for Disneys Aladdin. Will Smith, Naomi Scott, Mena Massoud, Guy Ritchie and Alan Menken | Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images For Disney Naomi Scott portrayed Princess Jasmine in Disneys live-action Aladdin About 27 years since the original films release date, Disneys Aladdin is back in live-action form. The reviews for this live-action film are split, however, some critics say that Naomi Scotts interpretation of Princess Jasmine is the highlight of this adaptation. Additionally, Naomi Scott sings a new song written for this live-action movie, for Princess Jasmine. The empowering song, entitled Speechless is already speculated to earn a Grammy nomination. [Princess Jasmine is] so many different things at so many different points, Naomi Scott said in an interview with Independent. What I love is that you can be strong and you can cry. You can be strong and feel weak. Yeah, shes sassy, but whats more important is that shes actually fighting for the freedom of choice for her people. Thats feminism, its not just a witty comment. The cast initially received backlash from fans, primarily because of the lack of representation in this film, Naomi Scott being from Britain. Lemonade Mouth starring Naomi Scott, Bridgit Mendler, and Hayley Kiyoko | Bob DAmico/Disney Channel via Getty Images Naomi Scott has other projects lined up Aside from her work on Aladdin, the actress keeps busy with other projects and films. Naomi Scott will star in the 2019 film, Charlies Angels, a reboot of the 2000 comedy based on the 1970s television series. Scott will portray Elena Houghlin, alongside actors like Noah Centineo and Kristen Stewart. Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! Lat Friday, Prince Harry traveled from his home in London to Rome, Italy. Whilst there, the Prince participated in the ninth annual Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup. This charity, that was co-founded by Prince Harry himself in 2006, seeks to raise awareness and money to support youth in Africa who are suffering from HIV. Though the Prince was traveling for a very worthy cause, he did catch some heat for his decision to travel so soon after the birth of his son, baby Archie. Prince Harry | Photo by Elisabetta A. Villa/Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their beautiful baby boy into the world just three short weeks ago on March 6, 2019. The pair have both expressed overwhelming joy and gratitude about their new, royal bundle of joy. Its been the most amazing experience I could ever have possibly imagined. the Prince informed reporters just a few short hours after Archie was born. Markle echoed Prince Harrys thoughts by gushing that she had the two best guys in the world. Close friends of the royal family have stated that the pair are absolutely loving this new phase in their lives and adjusting to parenthood quite nicely. But, not everyone agrees with Prince Harrys decision to leave home so quickly after baby Archie was born. While at the Sentebale Polo Cup, Nacho Figueras (an Argentine polo player and long-time friend of the Prince) was asked how Markle was dealing with parenting baby Archie solo while Prince Harry was away. The reporter went on to say that traveling internationally so soon after a babys birth was not something most fathers would do, calling Prince Harrys parenting decisions into question. Meghan Markle, royal baby Archie, & Prince Harry | Photo by Dominic Lipinski / POOL / AFP Figueras immediately shut the reporter down and rushed to the defense of his close friend. Thats an assumption that youre making. I am a father of four and sometimes duty calls. This is 24 hours away from the house, I think hes doing just fine. Hes a wonderful father. Im very impressed and hes here for an amazing cause. I dont see that as a problem. the polo player stated, effectively shutting down any further implications that Prince Harry wasnt making the right parenting choices. But the defense didnt end there. Figueras went one step further and extended his love and support of Prince Harry to the world via Instagram. On Sunday, Figueras posted a beautiful message about Prince Harry. The world thinks they know everything about this man. I have been fortunate enough to spend enough time over the years to learn and understand the man he really is, a kind, generous, compassionate person who is constantly thinking about how to make the world a better place, whether that is helping kids in Africa, talking openly about mental health, encouraging children or talking about climate change and the things that we all human beings need to change for the next generations. I see him do that over and over again and it is truly inspiring. I am honored to be your friend and lets keep fighting because if we all fight together love always wins. the professional polo player wrote about his long-time friend. Truly we couldnt have said it better ourselves. We are sure that Prince Harry and Markle will continue to make the best choices from themselves and for baby Archie. They should be free to do so without the intense judgment that accompanies constant scrutiny. Were glad to see that they have such a strong support system who is ready and willing to jump to their defense when they are in need. Jenelle Evans is apparently taking her current custody battle in stride. Jenelle and her husband, David Eason have spent the better part of two weeks in court battling to regain custody of the child they share, and the children they each brought into the relationship. If rumors are to be believed the process isnt going well for the North Carolina couple. But fear not, Jenelle allegedly has it all under control. She took to Facebook to post a cryptic note letting fans know that she is evolving in the face of her current legal troubles. What did Jenelle mean when she said shes evolving? Heres MY STATEMENT about whats going on with custody/my visitation of Jace: https://t.co/brtJ1Yt6nl pic.twitter.com/rgo4CE45hi Jenelle Eason (@PBandJenelley_1) May 14, 2019 Jenelles somewhat introspective post has some fans scratching their heads. Jenelle isnt known for being a thoughtful teen mom. While some fans are holding out hope that shell figure out how important her children are, others worry that she hasnt grown at all over the last nine years. Jenelles quote about evolving may be a dig at the haters. The former reality TV star has clapped back repeatedly at people who question her parenting and choices in partners. Jenelle seems to widely believe the world is against her through no fault of her own. Its possible the quote she shared indicates she thinks her current predicament is somehow linked to her past. Jenelle Evans | Photo by Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic Whether shes truly evolved remains to be seen. Fans will just have to wait until a final judgment is handed down in her custody case to see how she moves forward. A final judgment isnt too far off, thankfully. When will a judge rule on the custody of Jenelles kids? Jenelle and David have been in court since last week, but a final verdict could be handed down as early as Tuesday, according to Inquistr. The couple arrived at court early Friday morning, and David Eason left several hours later. He was seen again, driving Jenelles new truck by the courthouse. He then picked Evans up. No one is sure why Evans was in court for hours after Eason left. Right now, the children are with temporary guardians. Originally, Ensley and Davids daughter, Maryssa were placed in the care of Davids mother. Later, a judge named Barbara Evans as temporary guardian of Ensley. The child was moved into her care sometime last week. Barbara has had physical custody of Jenelles oldest child, Jace, for years and recently posted a photo of Ensley hanging out at the beach with her older brother, and her uncle, Colin. Jenelles four-year-old son, Kaiser is in the care of his father. Is there any chance Jenelle could get her kids back? Media outlets have surmised that Jenelle could regain custody of her children, but only under one condition- she dumps David Eason. Eason is the actual cause of the kids being removed from the home. Evans, for all the trouble shes kicked up over the years, is not seen as a threat to the safety of her children. David, however, is considered a threat to their well-being, and a judge is unlikely to place them back in the home if David remains there. For now, Evans and Eason are presenting as a united front, but that could all change come Tuesday. If a judge refuses to return the kids to Jenelles care if David remains in the picture, it could be the kick she needs to move on with her life. For now, however, Jenelle seems to be picking Eason over her children, just like she picked Eason over her lucrative job with MTV. The entire world burst into excitement recently when the news broke that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had finally welcomed their first child. After months of betting on whether the royal baby would be a boy or a girl, how much he or she would weigh, and the new moniker that the parents would choose for their child, we were introduced to little Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, who weighed in at 7 lbs., 3 oz. We caught a glimpse of the baby, wrapped in a soft ivory blanket and wearing a matching hat as he slept peacefully while his parents posed for a few photographs. Royal fans couldnt be happier for Meghan and Harry, and they could not be enjoying parenthood more. Baby Archie certainly is one lucky baby, however, fans cant help but wonder what his future holds. Baby Archie wont be in the spotlight Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with baby Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor| DOMINIC LIPINSKI/AFP/Getty Images It is well-known that the reason Meghan and Harry decided to move to Frogmore Cottage is that they wanted to escape the high-profile city of London in favor of a quieter life. They did this because they wanted to keep their new baby out of the spotlight of royal life, and the countryside town of Windsor is the perfect place to do just that. Chances are, photographers will not be following the new parents as they help baby Archie navigate through his first few years of life, and we may not know about all of his important milestones, as Meghan and Harry will likely keep them private. Baby Archie wont have a royal title at first Although his father is a prince, Archie may not have that title until his grandfather, Prince Charles, becomes king. This is a solid indication that Meghan and Harry are planning a low-key childhood for their son and probably wont hesitate to bend the rules of royal tradition just a little. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are known for doing things their own way, which is why it is not very surprising that the newborn does not have a royal title yet. Things may change as Archie gets older Meghan and Harry may be planning a quiet, simple life for Archie when he is young, but there is always the chance that he will choose to be in the spotlight when he gets older. There is a possibility Archie could be active with royal duties, and it really cant be predicted at this point as to what he will choose to do. Also, we should take into consideration the extensive humanitarian and charity work that Meghan and Harry both enjoy being involved in. Given their dedication to causes that are close to their hearts, they may pass this along to their son. Baby Archie may be seen at official visits We do know that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are focused on introducing their son to the quieter side of life. However, Meghan and Harry carry out official visits, and we may see baby Archie traveling with them. It is likely that we could get glimpses of the child as his parents visit different countries around the world, as Meghan and Harry have said that they want to be hands-on parents. We are eager to see what the future holds for Archie No matter what Archie chooses to do as he gets older, we are sure that he will make a positive impact on other people, just like his parents, as well as other family members such as Prince William, Prince Charles and Princess Diana. He couldnt ask for better role models than Meghan and Harry, who will definitely show him how to be the best person that he possibly can. After what seemed like a very long and exciting wait, little Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor is finally here. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle debuted their newborn son two days after his birth at Saint Georges Hall of Windsor Castle. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex beamed with pride as they spoke to photographers and told them a little about Archie, as the precious baby slept in his fathers arms. Meghan and Harry will make amazing parents, and some even say that the prince is like a big child himself. He has said in past interviews, several years before he met Meghan, that he couldnt wait to become a father. There is no doubt that both of the new parents are over the moon regarding their new arrival. Although Archie is not even a month old, fans are already asking an important question: Will Meghan and Harry have another baby? Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have the space for more children Meghan Markle and Prince Harry | Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Meghan and Harry just recently moved into Frogmore Cottage, a spacious new home that boasts 10 bedrooms, a large kitchen, a yoga room, and a fancy new nursery that Meghan and Harry carefully chose every detail of. There is plenty of space for a large playroom, making it a perfect home to raise as many children as Meghan and Harry would like to have. The Duchess of Sussex is such a wonderful decorator, so surely she would jump at the chance to be hands-on in getting another nursery ready at some point in the future. Prince Harry knows how great it is to grow up with a sibling Growing up, Harry always had his older brother, Prince William, nearby whenever he needed advice, support, or just someone to hang out with. The brothers are close in age, and theyve always had a wonderful relationship. For this reason, Harry knows just how important it is for children to have a built-in friend who will always be there no matter what, just as he and William have done for each other during their entire lives. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are wonderful with children Both Meghan and Harry are known for being excellent with children, especially their young royal fans. They can often be seen in photographs kneeling down to eye level with children, smiling, and sometimes even giving hugs. Children love them as well, as they have a great way of communicating and relating to kids, further proving that perhaps a large family is definitely in the cards for them. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have expressed their desire for more than one child Meghan is already telling her friends that she would love to have another baby. A source tells People magazine that Meghan has talked about having one more. When the royal couple debuted Archie, it was evident that Meghan was overjoyed about this new stage of her life, and we have to agree that motherhood suits her quite well. Its as if she has been preparing to be a mother for her entire life, as she couldnt stop smiling as she placed her hand gently on her new son. This is something that we would love to see Meghan be able to do again in the future. Will Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have another baby? We hope so. While there is no way to know what Meghan and Harry have discussed privately, we can think of no two people who are better suited to welcome more children. Chances are, they would love to give Archie a little baby brother or sister sometime in the future, and if that is what they are planning, we cant wait for it to happen. 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. 5 Interesting Facts About Memorial Day Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Memorial Day is an annual holiday that falls on the last Monday in May. It is observed nationwide to honor those who served in the Armed Forces, with an emphasis on the deceased. Originally observed in the nineteenth century, the holiday is known for its parades, barbeques, the Rolling Thunder journey to the Washington, D.C., area, and special shopping deals. Here are five interesting facts about the origins of the holiday, including how it is observed, and how some overseas choose to never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next Texas Baptist church to allow ministers to perform same-sex weddings Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Corrections appended After months of praying, leaders at the University Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, announced Sunday that they have decided to allow their ministers to perform same-sex weddings inside their church building even though it goes against the official policy of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Four months ago, the leadership team stood before you and asked for your prayers and your voices regarding building use and pastor autonomy for same-sex marriages, church leaders noted in a letter to the congregation. We believed then, as we do now that UBC is a place that celebrates intellectual and theological diversity, but felt that our ambiguity on these polices had the potential to create harm for those in the LGBTQ community, the letter continued. Leaders then described the prayerful contemplation and other steps they took before making a decision that they are aware is not fully embraced by their congregation but is the best collective/theological conclusion. On the matter of building use for same-sex marriages, we have voted yes. On the matter of pastoral autonomy with regard to performing LGBTQ marriages, we have voted yes, the letter said. Though it is not our polity at UBC to take congregational votes, in January we said that it was our aim to come to our best collective/theological conclusions on these decisions, and so it is important to share that our votes were consistent with both congregational and pastoral feedback. It continued: We know that for some this announcement comes with great joy, and we sit with and among you today. We know that for some this announcement comes with loss, and we sit with and among you today. We know that for many this is a day of uncertainty or ambiguitytoo much, not enough, or some other singular or mixed emotional highs and lowsand we sit with and among you, too. The official position adopted by the Baptist General Convention of Texas on same-sex marriage in 2016, is that it is grounds for declaring a church outside the bounds of cooperation with the state convention. In February 2017 three churches Lake Shore Baptist in Waco, First Baptist in Austin and Wilshire Baptist in Dallas were declared outside of harmonious cooperation with the BGCT in line with that policy. According to Baptist Standard, University Baptist Pastor Josh Carney "recognized the policy University Baptist Church has adopted regarding same-sex marriage is contrary to the stated position of the BGCT, as well as Baylor University and Truett Theological Seminary." Truett Theological Seminarys Kyle Lake Center for Effective Preaching is named for a 1997 Truett Seminary graduate who died while serving as pastor of University Baptist Church. Joshua Minatrea, BGCT communications director, told the Baptist Standard that, the conventions executive leadership and elected officers will work together over the coming days to gather information and, if needed, refer the situation to the Executive Board for further consideration. Carney added, We are interested in maintaining our relationship with the BGCT and with Truett. We will continue to honor them and speak well of them. We will celebrate the good work they are doing, despite what is decided." Correction, May 28, 2019: A previous headline for this article stated University Baptist is "connected" to Baylor University. While Baylor's seminary has a center named after a former pastor of University Baptist, there is no official connection between Baylor and University Baptist. Correction, May 28, 2019: A previous version of this story attributed a quote from Joshua Minatrea to a University Baptist Pastor Josh Carney. It also incorrectly attributed a quote and paraphrase from Josh Carney, "that University Baptist Churchs decision is contrary to the stated position of the BGCT, as well as Baylor University and Truett Theological Seminary," to Minatrea. Blessing bikes, planting flags: What churches are doing to celebrate Memorial Day Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States centered on remembering members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have died. In addition to the usual festivities of parades, gatherings, and the decorations of graves, churches across the country have their own ways of observing the solemn holiday. First Baptist Church of Dallas held a remembrance service on Sunday. We will take a moment in the service to remember those who have given their lives to protect our nation, Pastor Robert Jeffress told CP on Friday via email. After verbally acknowledging their sacrifice, Taps will be played and a prayer will be offered for the families of our military men and women who have died in the service of our country. Jeffress also told CP that FBC Dallas has an annual service with a focus on American nationalism called Freedom Sunday, which is scheduled to take place on June 30. We will dedicate the entire service to celebrating our freedom as Americans and as Christians, continued Jeffress, whose congregation has garnered controversy in the past for the patriotic themes of the service. In addition to the inspiring patriotic and inspirational music, we will recognize all who have served in all branches of the military. Our guest speaker that day will be Lt. Col. Oliver North who will share his Christian testimony. The Washington National Cathedral, a prominent Episcopal Church congregation in the nations capital, held a Blessing of the Bikes event early Friday evening. The event was created in 2014 and held as a way to welcome participants of the Rolling Thunder motorcycle gathering who were traveling to the area for the holiday weekend. Included on the agenda was a brief service with a two-bell ceremony. From there, attendees departed for a candlelight vigil held at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Ruth Frey, director of programs at Washington National Cathedral, told CP in a 2015 interview that the annual event reminds them that we cannot fully recognize and honor the living without also remembering those who have been lost. This event with Rolling Thunder is part of the Cathedral's ongoing initiative to recognize and pay tribute to veterans, to offer a sacred space for spiritual healing, and to educate the civilian public about the experience of veterans and the challenges they and their families face when returning home, said Frey at the time. This years Blessing of the Bikes might be the final one, as the Military Times is reporting that Rolling Thunder will not return in 2020. In Alabama, one church annually puts down thousands of small American flags on its property to remember the soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003. Grace Place Church of Enterprise places around 7,000 American flags on its lawn, with volunteers showing up earlier in the week to plant the banners. In an interview with CP in 2014, when the church first created this display, former Grace Place Pastor Donny Thrasher explained that it was meant to "remind our congregation that freedom isn't free, that it often is paid for with the lives of our military." Our church really got behind this project; from paying for the flags to putting out the flags today, said Thrasher at the time. Many of those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan sponsored flags with donations and dozens of them were present today to put out the flags. Thrasher also told CP in 2014 that he felt it was "very important" that churches in America remember the men and women who gave their lives for their country. "No people in the world are as free as we are to worship without fear of reprisal; and that freedom to worship and serve our Lord and Savior is protected and paid for by our military. Memorial Day is about remembering those who paid for it with their life," noted Thrasher. Franklin Graham announces 'special day of prayer' against enemies of President Trump Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Evangelist Franklin Graham announced a "special day of prayer" to ask God to protect President Donald Trump from his political foes. "If [Trump] succeeds, we all benefit," Graham proclaimed in a video posted to social media. "But if his enemies are allowed to destroy him, and pull down the presidency, it will hurt our entire nation." The announcement comes as congressional Democrats debate whether to pursue impeachment proceedings against Trump for obstructing justice in the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and other matters. The "Special Day of Prayer for the President" event will take place at participating churches next Sunday. A statement announcing the event was posted to the website of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, which is led by Franklin Graham, the son of Billy Graham and also the president of Samaritan's Purse. The statement reads: "We the undersigned are calling for June 2 to be a special Day of Prayer for the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, that God would protect, strengthen, embolden, and direct him. "We believe our nation is at a crossroads, at a dangerous precipice. The only one who can fix our countrys problems is God Himself, and we pray that God will bless our president and our nation for His glory." The statement includes a number of prominent signers, such as former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann; Gary Bauer, president of American Values; David Barton, president of Wallbuilders; Trump spiritual adviser Pastor Paula White-Cain; Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries; Dr. James and Shirley Dobson of the James Dobson Family Institute; Jerry Falwell Jr., president of Liberty University; Pastor Jentezen Franklin, former Southern Baptist Convention President Steve Gaines; former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee; Pastor Robert Jeffress; Southern Evangelical Seminary President Richard Land; Pastor Greg Laurie; author and public speaker Eric Metaxas; Penny Young Nance, president of Concerned Women for America; Tony Perkins, president of Family Research Council; Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference; and Christian music artist Michael W. Smith. In a message posted to Facebook, Graham added, "President Trumps enemies continue to try everything to destroy him, his family, and the presidency. In the history of our country, no president has been attacked as he has. I believe the only hope for him, and this nation, is God. "This is a critical time for America. Were on the edge of a precipice. Time is short. We need to pray for God to intervene. We need to ask God to protect, strengthen, encourage, and guide the President." Graham also quoted 1 Timothy 2:2-3. "The Bible instructs us to pray for those in authority, 'that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,' Graham wrote. Christian author Lance Wallnau, one of the signers of the statement, announced he was participating in the June 2 prayer event in order to defeat liberals. "For your sake, for your children the Left must be defeated everyplace every time or we will see the reverse of every gain. Join Franklin Graham, Paula White, me and 250 other friends of Trump on June 2, to PRAY!" he wrote in a retweet of Trump decrying a recent court decision regarding wall construction on the southern border. Earlier this month, Wallnau was selling a $45 "Trump coin" on the "Jim Bakker Show." Purchasers of the coin would have a "point of contact" with God, he claimed. The coin shows Trump alongside King Cyrus from the Old Testament. Trump has been compared to Cyrus among certain evangelical Trump supporters. Alan Cross, a Southern Baptist pastor and prominent critic of Trump's immigration policies, first tweeted support for the event. "Good. The Bible says we should pray for our leaders. We should do this daily, but a special Sunday of prayer is good too," he tweeted in part, also noting that Graham had called for prayers for President Barack Obama. But after seeing Graham's video, he changed his mind. After tweeting a shorthand for "never mind," he wrote, "This shows Grahams intention as political. I assumed it was, but I thought, you know, a call for prayer is a good thing. Ill join. But, Graham reveals that he wants us to pray for Trumps success and protection from political enemies. I disagree. "Our prayer should be that Trump conforms to the character and will of God in how he lives and governs, that he repent, and that he comes to know Christ. That he love people and deal justly with people and that he love and pray for his enemies. "This could have been good and I wanted to give benefit of doubt on this [because] my soul needed to. But, you dig a little deeper and you see that this is being used by some (Graham) as a partisan political move attached to a call for prayer. I DO NOT ascribe this to all signers." Brian Zahnd, pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri, also criticized Graham, arguing he is using a prayer event for partisan political purposes. "I will pray for the President like the early Christians prayed for the Emperor. I wont pray for the President as a public display of the church bestowing political support, which is what Franklin Graham is up to," he wrote. Warren Throckmorton, an evangelical Christian and professor of psychology at Grove City College, wondered why the signers of the statement have pledged to pray for Trump but not congressional leaders. "Nothing in the call to prayer calls Trump to repentance for his many lies, for his support for ruthless dictators around the world, for his obstructions of reasonable Congressional oversight, or for the authorization of cruel treatment of asylum seekers at the border. The Scripture used by Franklin Graham as foundation for the event calls on Christians to pray for kings and those in authority. In our system, that does include the president but it also includes Congress. The House Democrats are trying to exercise oversight but are being thwarted by Trump and his supporters," he wrote in a blog post. Pulse nightclub shooting survivors: Move of Holy Spirit 'being birthed' among former LGBT persons Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment WASHINGTON Two survivors of the 2016 Pulse nightclub mass shooting who no longer identify as gay are inviting Christians to repent for how the church has treated LGBT-identified persons in the past. Before approximately 200 persons at the Sylvan Theater near the Washington Monument for the Freedom March, Angel Colon and Luis Javier Ruiz shared part of their own journeys out of homosexual lives and into the Kingdom of God. They made a point to offer repentance and ask for forgiveness on behalf of the church to LGBT-identified persons, expressing their heart to reach out and believing that a move of the Holy Spirit is at hand. Taking the stage together in the 80-degree heat, Colon stressed that God has given believers authority to shake the foundation of the nation's capital and to proclaim to the nation that "change is possible in Christ." Even as the shooter was gunning down dozens of people that night in the nightclub in Orlando, Colon tapped into that authority. As bullets flew and bodies started falling all around him, he drew upon the faith he was raised in and began to declare that he was not going to leave the nightclub dead. Colon was shot several times that night and was unable to move. "As I laid on the ground ... I prayed to the Lord. And I started prophetically speaking [over] my life and said 'Lord, I am not leaving this building dead tonight. You promised me that I had a purpose in life. You promised me that there was a ministry in my future," Colon said. "You promised my mom that [the] baby inside of her womb was special and had a purpose in his life. So tonight I am not leaving here dead, Lord. I am leaving here alive. And when I leave here alive I am going to worship you for the rest of my life." He elaborated that true deliverance and freedom in Christ means that when temptation to sin comes, as it does, to face it and say: "I don't want you, I want Jesus." Colon met Ruiz the night of the Pulse shooting and had no idea that nearly three years later they would be in ministry together, a ministry called Fearless Identity. "We have learned what true peace is. We have learned what true happiness is. We have learned what true love is in Jesus Christ, that our identity is not in our sexuality but it is in Jesus," he said. A move of God is at hand among those who have been set free from sexual sin, those at the Freedom March stressed. Ruiz, who was also born into a Christian home and raised in the faith, credited his parents for their faithfulness. "The reason that I'm here is because I had a mother and a father that never compromised the Gospel, that prayed and prayed and believed not in my situation but in my destiny," Ruiz said, receiving cheers from the crowd. "It wasn't a gay to straight thing. It was a lost to saved thing," he said. "One thing that the LGBTQ has, and it's really good, is that they didn't get to choose. It's not like the Enemy came to my bed and said 'Hey, fill out these lists of sins and we're going to work with them for the rest of your life.' No, I didn't get to choose. But the Word of God now shows me that now I get to respond to it. " Ruiz added: "Even though I might be tempted every day, I choose Jesus. Because he is the only man in my life. He's the only man that didn't sleep with my best friend. He's the only man that has been loyal to me. His name is Jesus, and that's who I choose." The Pulse shooting survivors both knelt down and led those gathered in a prayer of identificational repentance, asking the LGBT community to forgive the church for previous generations of rejection and mistreatment of them in years past. "We want to ask forgiveness for how they have treated you. This is a new day, baby. And we're coming in love, we're coming in relationship. We're coming with Jesus," he declared. "Father, I thank you for what you are about to do in America ... I believe that something is being birthed out of here today. Lord, we want you back in the forefront of America as we stand in the front lines of society and culture." Colon told The Christian Post in an interview following his words Saturday that "God has given us authority and power to rise up against anything else that is not in His will. And that change is possible." Joshua-Perez Rijos, who is from Orlando but was not present at Pulse that night yet is part of Fearless Identity and traveled to Washington to be a part of the Freedom March, commented that this movement is about equipping the church on how to love again. "It's going to teach the church how to love profoundly, with a genuine love, a book of Acts type love. The church has lost that because of culture, religion and doctrine, but the Lord is rising on people who know how to love people back to life," he told CP. The first Freedom March, founded by Jeffrey McCall, a former trans-identified male prostitute, occurred last year in Washington, D.C., at the same location. A subsequent march was held in Los Angeles in the fall. Next month, the Freedom March will take place in St. Paul, Minnesota. On June 12, 2016, Omar Mateen, killed 49 people and wounded 53 others in a mass shooting inside Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Police shot and killed Mateen following an approximately three-hour standoff. United Nations urges US to 'ensure' abortion rights, slams passage of statewide bans Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment In response to recent laws passed in conservative states that could provoke a U.S. Supreme Court challenge to abortion rights, the United Nations is calling on the United States government to ensure that women in the country can get an abortion. Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, told Reuters this week that evidence has shown that bans on abortion actually jeopardize the life, health and safety of the women concerned and do not reduce the number of abortions. She argued that laws such as the ones passed in Alabama, Georgia, and other states are inherently discriminatory because they affect impoverished women from minority backgrounds and marginalized communities. We are very concerned that several U.S. states have passed laws severely restricting access to safe abortion for women, including by imposing criminal penalties on the women themselves and on abortion service providers, Shamdasani was quoted as saying. So we are calling on the United States and all other countries to ensure that women have access to safe abortions. At an absolute minimum, in cases of rape, incest and fetal anomaly, there needs to be safe access to abortions. Last week, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed legislation that bans nearly all abortions in the state without exceptions for cases of rape or incest. The bill does provide for an exception in the case where the mothers life is at risk Days later, Missouri passed a law banning abortions after eight weeks of pregnancy that also did not include exceptions for rape and incest. The bill has not yet been signed by Republican Gov. Mike Parson but he has indicated that he will sign the bill. Earlier this month, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill that banned abortion after six weeks of pregnancy but did include exceptions for rape, incest and when the mothers life is at risk. So far in 2019, eight states with Republican-controlled legislatures have passed some sort of abortion restriction, which if challenged legally could be brought before the conservative-majority Supreme Court to challenge the courts landmark 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade. In that decision, the court made it a national right for a woman to seek an abortion until the fetus is viable. Abortion advocates have long claimed that legal restrictions to abortion will increase the number of women who seek illegal abortion and that any restriction to abortion would cause hundreds if not thousands of women to die from back-alley abortions. However, pro-life activists have refuted that claim. In 1972, the year before Roe, while there were 39 deaths from illegal abortion and 24 deaths in the handful of states where abortion was legal, a report from the pro-life organization Live Action reads, citing data from the Centers for Disease Control. In 1973, the year the Supreme Court forced abortion on the nation, the CDC reports 19 deaths from illegal abortions and 25 deaths from legal abortion. It should be noted that more recent CDC data shows that the number of deaths from both legal and illegal abortion has dwindled over the years as abortion has become more accessible. However, the CDC found that at least six women died as a result of legal abortion complications in 2014, the last year in which data is available. The annual number of deaths related to legal induced abortion has fluctuated from year to year over the past 40 years, the CDC reports. For example, nine legal induced abortion-related deaths occurred in 1998, four in 1999, and 11 in 2000. The national legal induced abortion case-fatality rate for 20082014 was 0.62 legal induced abortion-related deaths per 100,000 reported legal abortions, the CDC added. This case-fatality rate was similar to the rate for most of the preceding 5-year periods but lower than the case-fatality rate of 2.09 legal induced abortion-related deaths per 100,000 reported legal abortions for the 5-year period (19731977) immediately following nationwide legalization of abortion in 1973. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment On my commute home after a long day, the 1970s hit song War by Edwin Starr came over my Serius radio station. I can remember passionately singing its lyrics, War, what is good for? Absolutely nothing, at age 11 when it was at the top of the Billboard charts. And there I was alone in my car fifty years later, once again, singing those same words, when suddenly I paused mid-lyrics, realizing I didnt believe that anymore. Not all war is wrong. Granted, war always tends to produce greater evils than those which precipitated its cause. But to argue all war is wrong to say that there is absolutely nothing good about it just isnt true. The pacifists position on war nor the militarist's view is actually right. The truth lies between the two extremes. Americas first great military general, George Washington, expressed the desire of every sober-minded person concerning war. Washington said: My first wish is to see the whole world in peace, and the inhabitants of it as one band of brothers, striving who should contribute most to the happiness of mankind. For the sake of humanity, it is devoutly to be wished that the manly employments of agriculture and the humanizing benefits of commerce should suspend the wastes of war and the rage of conquest and that the sword may be turned into the plow-share. Nevertheless, as the late Presbyterian scholar, Lorraine Boettner argued in his classic publication, The Christian Attitude Toward War, war is sometimes just, necessary, and sometimes good. Boettner writes: If the people of Europe had not resisted the Mohammedan invasions, Europe would have been conquered and, humanly speaking, Christianity would have been stamped out. If at the time of the Reformation the Protestants had not resisted the Roman Catholic persecutions, crimes such as were practiced so freely in the Spanish and Italian Inquisitions would have become common all over Europe, and Protestantism would have been destroyed. If the American colonists had not fought for their rights, this country would not have gained its independenceWe desire peace, but we realize there are some things worse than war. We desire peace, but not the kind found in the slave camp or the cemetery. Over and again in the Old Testament, God directly commands the Israelites to go to war against their enemies. After they were delivered from Egypt, Moses and the people sang, Jehovah is a man of war: Jehovah is his name. Pharaohs chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea (Exod. 15:3,4). After wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, the Israelites entered the Promised Land, and God told them to drive out its wicked inhabitants. Joshua received direct instructions from God as to how to fight the battle of Jericho. Many of the Psalms are prayers for guidance and victory during war-time. The nations that Israel often fought were so vile and sinful that God authorized war against them to wipe them out. And when the Israelites became like the pagan nations and were abominable in their own behaviors, God raised armies to make war against them. There is no question that the Scriptures teach that war, in the Providence of the Almighty, is sometimes sanctioned and divinely appointed. It may sound remarkably striking, but the truth is war can serve wholesome objectives. Of course, someone will quickly take exception to this assertion and claim the New Testament has a different message. The teachings of Christ always forbid war, theyll say. Such arguments can seem quite persuasive, when based on some poignant sentiment, or when Scripture is selectively employed, and the larger context of the Bibles teachings as a whole on the subject is avoided. The New Testament doesnt provide any direct teaching on war. Jesus does command his followers to render to Caesar what is Caesars. The apostle Paul teaches in the book of Romans that Christians must recognize the authority of civil government and perform their duties to their country. It is also true that Christians are living in a different dispensation than the people of God in Old Testament times. Still, as Boettner contends, When rightly understood the two Testaments are supplementary, not contradictory. The silence of the New Testament on the subject of war apparently rests on the assumption that the subject had been adequately treated and did not call for any addition or modification. I believe the wars America has fought through the years were just and right. I think Colin Powell, the U.S. Secretary of State who served under President George W. Bush, summed it up quite eloquently when he said: Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those who did not return. This Memorial Day Weekend, we remember those who gave their lives to secure our freedom. As Abraham Lincoln said in his incomparable Gettysburg Address that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to the cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vainand that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. War, what is good for? Absolutely nothing. No, that just isnt true. Rev. Mark H. Creech is executive director of the Raleigh-based Christian Action League of North Carolina Inc. The search for a missing teen swimmer at Matagorda Beach ended Monday evening as the U.S. Coast Guard continued to search for a 17-year-old boy who also went missing near Surfside Beach in Freeport. A body was recovered around 6 p.m. Monday that matched the description of a missing 16-year-old who vanished off Matagorda Beach, about 50 miles southwest of Surfside Beach. Friends notified authorities at about 1 p.m. Sunday of the teen's disappearance after he did not return to shore while swimming with friends. Coast Guard officials have not released the teen's name. Harris County Emergency Services District No. 48 (HCESD No. 48) was awarded a rating of Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 2 by the Texas Department of Insurance and the State Fire Marshals Office in April. HCESD No. 48 hosted a brief event May 23 at its Station 5 administration building, 21201 Morton Road Katy, to recognize the men and woman who helped make this new rating possible and to present the ESD Board of Commissioners with a plaque to commemorate the occasion. You are among the select few to achieve a class 2 rating in Texas. The community has achieved one of the highest Public Protection Classification (PPC) ratings awarded by the Insurance Services Office and approved by the Texas Department of Insurance and are among the nations best, according to the official letteer from the State Fire Marshal. The Public Protection Classification is the classification system used countrywide by the Insurance Services Office to grade a community's local fire protection. This grade is then used to set property insurance rates and a rating of Class 2 puts HCESD No. 48 in the top 7 percent of all rated Texas districts. ISO classifies communities by grading such features as water distribution, fire department equipment and manpower, hydrant coverage and fire station facilities. This improved rating can lower the cost of property insurance rates for residential and commercial properties within our community. It has been our goal since the inception of our new agency in 2015 to make the community a safer place to live and work. This new ISO rating is proof that we are accomplishing what we set out to do just under four years ago, said Fire Chief Jeff Hevey. This is a very prestigious award for the district, an improvement from their previous rating of ISO 3, and HCESD No. 48 is proud and humbled to have achieved the ISO 2 rating, said Hevey. This is a direct result of the hard work and time HCESD No. 48 has put into providing efficient and effective fire protection services to the Katy area. Loving Houston is continuing its fight to help children reach better futures and is spreading the word to get more people involved in its cause. Loving Houston has scheduled its Loving Houston 101 Workshop, followed by a Leader Luncheon, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 11, at St. Pauls United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St. in the Fondren Hall. To register for the free event, go to https://tinyurl.com/y5cr3mnd. May 17 An officer was dispatched to the West U PD Lobby in regard to an Identity theft. At 3:45 p.m., a police officer was dispatched to 700 San Jacinto to pick up an individual, who had outstanding warrants with the city of West University Place. The individual (Shelby Lenoir) was taken into custody and transported to the West University Place jail for booking process. May 18 An officer was dispatched to the West U PD Lobby in regards to a report of identity theft. An officer was dispatched to the station in regards to a found property. It was reported that a key was located in the 6400 block of Sewanee Street. A report was generated. An officer observed a vehicle run the stop sign at the intersection of the 3200 block of Tangley and the 5800 block of Buffalo Speedway. A traffic stop was initiated and during the course of contact, the officer was able to detect an odor of marijuana emanating from within the vehicle. A probable cause search was conducted and marijuana was found in the vehicle. The driver was given the opportunity and agreed to participate in a Harris County drug program. The driver was provided the necessary information and released from the scene. An officer observed a vehicle traveling southbound at a high rate of speed in the 5800 block of Buffalo Speedway. A traffic stop was conducted and after further investigation, the officers discovered the driver to be in possession of marijuana and warrants with the Houston Police Department. The driver was placed in custody for the warrants. The driver also chose to participate in the Misdemeanor Marijuana Diversion Program and was released to Houston Police Officer from the West University Place Jail. May 19 An officer observed a vehicle traveling northbound at a high rate of speed in the 6500 block of Buffalo Speedway. A traffic stop was conducted and after further investigation, the driver was found to be in possession of marijuana. The driver chose to participate in the Misdemeanor Marijuana Diversion Program and was released from the scene. An Officer was dispatched to the 5600 block of Kirby Dr. in reference to an individual leaving a restaurant without paying. A theft report was generated. May 20 An officer observed a vehicle traveling northbound in the 5900 block of Buffalo Speedway with an expired registration. The officer also observed the vehicle fail to signal when changing lanes in the 5800 block of Buffalo Speedway. After further investigation it was discovered the driver forged the insurance card he presented to the officer. The driver was arrested for Forgery. An Officer was dispatched to the Harris County Sheriffs Office Jail to pick up an individual with warrants through the City of West University Municipal Court. The individual (Irma Wooten) was taken into custody and transported without incident. An officer was dispatched to 6800 Buffalo Speedway to meet with a Harris County Precinct 1 Deputy that had an individual in custody with warrants out of the City of West University Place. Subject attempted to cause injury to himself while in custody. The subject was transported to Houston Methodist Hospital and released into the care of the Psychiatric Unit. May 23 An Officer was dispatched to the 3300 block of Rice, to speak with a reportee in regards, to a theft that had already occurred. 3 1 of 3 Courtesy Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Metro Video LLC Show More Show Less 3 of 3 A man shot and killed by Houston police officers Friday night after his alleged attempt to break into an apartment has been identified. Carlvon Mayo, 35, was killed at an apartment complex at 5901 Selinsky Road after police say he threatened them with a weapon. He was identified Sunday by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. A man Houston police tried to stop for a seat belt violation is in critical condition after he allegedly hit an officer with his car and then collided with two other vehicles, authorities said. The man was said to be in surgery and unidentified mid-day Sunday. He is expected to face charges including felony aggravated assault on a public servant. The officer's name was not released. Houston Police officers were conducting seat belt checks around 9:30 a.m. Sunday at the intersection of the U.S. 59 feeder road and Bellaire Boulevard, Cmdr. Kevin Deese said. "Being it Memorial Day weekend ... we're always concerned with traffic fatalities," Deese said. An officer saw the man without his seat belt on and stepped into a lane of traffic to give him the signal to stop, which he did, Deese said. Police say that he paused, then accelerated and hit the officer. The officer got into his vehicle and pursued the man, who drove north on the feeder road and passed through the intersection at Hillcroft without stopping, Deese said. He clipped one vehicle at the rear, Deese said, then was t-boned on the driver's side by a pickup truck and spun into a traffic light pole. The driver could face up to life in prison for the charge of assault on a public servant, said Sean Teare, chief of the vehicular crimes division for the Harris County District Attorney's Office. Teare said they also accepted charges for evading in a motor vehicle and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. "As I've said numerous times, cars can be and are deadly weapons," Teare said. "And in this case it was used as a deadly weapon." It was an example of the repercussions that follow when people didn't wear seat belts, Teare said. "Wear your seat belts," he said. "Don't drink and drive. Be safe. Those are the messages for this weekend. Because this is one of the great weekends in our country every year, but its also one of the deadliest." It's been a whirlwind week in Canaan, New Hampshire, with television cameras descending on the town of fewer than 4,000 after news of a cafeteria worker being fired for giving a student a free meal garnered national media attention. Bonnie Kimball claimed that she had lost her job when a supervisor caught her giving food worth $8 to a student whose account had no money. She received an outpouring of support after the story went viral, including a job offer from celebrity chef Jose Andres, and the contractor that employed her offered to rehire her. But now the school district has withdrawn its support for Kimball after the student's mother shared information with the New Hampshire Union Leader suggesting Kimball lied and engaged in a "cover-up." Kimball had served lunch in the cafeteria of Mascoma Valley Regional High for nearly five years, according to the Valley News, when she was fired March 29. The Union Leader reported, based on her account, that the termination came in response to a manager catching her giving one meal to a student who had no money in his lunch account. After an outpouring of public support for Kimball, the president of the Cafe Services subsidiary that employed her, Brian Stone, said in a May 17 statement to The Washington Post that the company would offer to rehire her. That same day, Kimball told the Associated Press she wasn't interested in taking the job back, alleging that the company, Fresh Picks Cafe, had offered her her job back "so that it could keep its contract [with the school district]." But the mother of the student who got the free lunch from Kimball has now told the Union Leader that Kimball has been dishonest. She said that her son, a 17-year-old, was supposed to bring his own lunches. "I have three children, and they are all well-cared for and well-fed," the mother told the Union Leader. "She did not get fired for feeding a hungry child." The woman, who the Union Leader did not name to protect her privacy, also shared Facebook messages from Kimball to the teenager attempting to cover up her account given to the news media. "We will prolly get written up," Kimball wrote, according to the messages cited by the Union Leader, "but we can make it look good. Lol." Stone said that the teenager received free food from Kimball for three months, not just one meal. The student's mother told the Union Leader that she did not know why Kimball was giving her son free food. "We have nothing to do with her outside of the school system," she told the paper. Kimball rejected the student's mother's claims of a coverup, the Union Leader reported. After the story went viral, Kimball started a GoFundMe account that has raised $8,498 as of May 24. A representative for GoFundMe, who had previously verified the account, told The Washington Post, "GoFundMe will honor refund requests by donors. To date, we have not received any requests for refunds." When first reached for comment May 17, a Cafe Services representative told The Post that "the information as reported is untrue" but declined to elaborate. The school district superintendent, Amanda Isabelle, confirmed that district policy is to provide lunch to every student, regardless of their ability to pay. On May 20, Stone, the president of the Cafe Services subsidiary that employed Kimball, released a video statement explaining that while he had not commented on the matter before out of "respect for the privacy and confidentiality of our employees," he wanted to correct the record. "This student hadn't been charged for anything for the previous three months," Stone said. "This employee was dishonest and was let go for not following procedures." Isabelle, the school district superintendent, wrote in a May 22 Facebook post that the district was "rescinding its demand that the employee be rehired." "We have been overwhelmed by a crush of national and international media interest in this incident," Isabelle wrote, "but I do not believe we have yet seen a full and complete retelling of the facts." In a separate statement sent to The Post, Stone said he hoped the attention on the story could be directed instead to organizations such as Friends of Mascoma, which supports nutrition in the area. He closed his video statement with a call for a return to normal. "We'd like to get back to the business of feeding kids," he said, "because that's what we love to do." A.O. PRIMARIA MEA este in cautare de o companie IT sau de un intreprinzator individual pentru crearea si dezvoltarea unei pagini web a organizatiei LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- Northeast Ohio theater veteran Eric Schmiedl has Ian McKellen to thank for his love of William Shakespeares King Lear. The first time I realized the power of Lear was in the late 80s when Ian McKellen was doing a tour of his one-person show, Schmiedl said. He spent a week in Cleveland, and I went to see it. He did Lears final monologue when hes carrying Cordelia in. Wow, it just had an amazing impact on me. I thought you could really see the power of language as an actor and a live audience, the power of a story about a father and his daughter and this revelation that happens in that moment. Thats when I first went, oh, theres something really remarkable in this piece. While Schmiedl was a part of many other Shakespeare plays over the decades, King Lear was always the respected production that eluded him. That changes this month when he helms a Beck Center for the Arts production of the regal family drama appearing May 31 through June 30 in the Studio Theater. Schmiedl said King Lear is quite the challenge, as a huge play with a lot of pieces and parts. Because there are so many resonant scenes, it seemed to me the best way to tackle this play is for us to embrace it as honestly as possible, Schmiedl said. The cast is made up of some of the best actors in Northeast Ohio. Theyre really amazing. All together, we have like 300 years of theater experience. The 15-member cast includes Robert Hawkes (King Lear), Julia Kolibab (Goneril), Brian Pedaci (Alban), Lisa Louise Langford (Regan), Rodney Freeman (Cornwall), Danyel Renee Geddie (Cordelia), David Hansen (Kent), Anne McEvoy (Gloucester), James Rankin (Edgar) and Daniel Telford (Edmund). While King Lear is grounded in honesty, Schmiedl decided to change things up by casting McEvoy in what is traditionally the male role of Gloucester. During auditions, we talked with McEvoy, a brilliant actor, about this role, Schmiedl said. She was perfect, with a sense of dignity, authority and range needed as an actor, because this role goes a long way. Its a huge part, and you need an actor who has a big heart and is able to handle that journey. Anne is definitely the actor to do it. The casting of McEvoy changes the dynamic while connecting King Lear and his three daughters to Gloucester with her two sons. The parallel gender reflection seemed interesting to us and has fostered some really unique conversations, Schmiedl said. Hopefully it will touch the audience in a unique way. Thats what were really trying to shoot for, is to merely draw the audience into the story of the play and then let them figure out whats most resonant in this really complex and multifaceted story. Read more news from the Sun Post Herald. NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio -- National coffee chain Biggby Coffee opened its first Northeast Ohio store earlier this month in North Olmsted. Biggby Coffee is the No. 1 specialty coffee franchise brand in the country right now, said Biggby Coffee Northeast Ohio Area Representative Moe Charara. We were looking all over Northeast Ohio, and we figured North Olmsted would be the perfect fit for the first location, which had to have a drive-through. The building used to be a former Chinese restaurant that we completely gutted. It looks beautiful. Mayor Kevin Kennedy added: Theyre great people that have done an incredible job with a building that needed a lot of work. I hope residents stop by for a coffee and see the improvements. Biggby Coffee specializes in made-from-scratch drinks that have fun names like Teddy Bear and Caramel Marvel. Its menu features Bragels (combination of a bagel and sandwich), muffins, cookies and more. We offer coffees and lattes that can be made hot or iced, Charara said. We also offer smoothies. Started in East Lansing, Mich., nearly a quarter of a century ago, Biggby Coffee has 277 cafes open or under construction across 10 states, including Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Florida, Texas and New Jersey. Charara noted that construction is currently under way for new Northeast Ohio Biggby Coffee locations in University Heights and Elyria. So far, North Olmsted has welcomed Biggby Coffee, Charara said. Were finding that at least one in every five people who have walked through our doors knows about Biggby Coffee or the brand. Thats because our coffee is great. Its not burned or bitter, and we have some of the freshest beans out there. Coffee lovers wont be disappointed. Read more news from the Sun Post Herald. BRUNSWICK, Ohio -- As he sat with his father awaiting the arrival of this years Memorial Day parade down Pearl and Center roads, 4-year-old Gavin Tews was already hard at work counting American flags. He is really excited about the flags, said dad Chris Tews. And how many had Gavin counted by the time the parade officially stepped off at Visintainer Middle School? All of them; all of the flags on the houses, Gavin replied. Like the rest of the sizable gathering at Westview Cemetery for the official Memorial Day ceremony, the Tewses also enjoyed the arrival of police and fire vehicles from Brunswick and Brunswick Hills Township, along with members of area Boy Scout troops and the Brunswick High School Marching Band in the parade. We are here to honor our servicemen, but also for the fire trucks, said Elaine Erskine, mother of Brunswick Fire Chief Josh Erskine. Elaine Erskine attended the parade with her granddaughter Sydney Altenhof, who was in town from Pittsburgh. I live in Valley City and wanted to see how different this one was, Erskine said. And its such a nice day. The parade procession to the cemetery was followed by a brief but moving ceremony, including the placing of wreaths on the cemeterys Tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument by members of Brunswick VFW Post 9520, American Legion Post 234, Posts 9520 and 234 Womens Axillaries, Blue Star Mothers and the 40 & 8 veterans organization. The ceremony concluded with a flag presentation to longtime VFW and American Legion member and Korean War veteran Leo Chainey for his dedication and things he has done to honor veterans, in the words of Post 9520 Quartermaster Tom Chester. There is always a good turnout (for the Memorial Day ceremony). The citizens of Brunswick are very dedicated to the vets and we appreciate that, Chester said. They show us honor every day of the year. Read more news from the Brunswick Sun. INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- The city of Independence honored hometown heroes and remembered the countrys veterans at Memorial Day services on Monday, May 27. The day began at 9:30 a.m. with a ceremony at the Soldiers Memorial in Independence Public Square on Brecksville Road. After Mayor Anthony Togliatti welcomed attendees, the Independence Fire Department Honor Guard, along with Boy Scouts of America Troop 297 and Cub Scout Pack 297, honored the American flag and raised it to half mast on the pole in Public Square. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a performance of the National Anthem by the Independence High School Marching Band, Togliatti addressed the attendees. He said that veterans fought to give Americans the gift to speak freely and the right of all citizens to receive equal justice. Togliatti went on to mention the citys 104 Hometown Hero banners that display pictures of veterans with ties to the city. Togliattis final thoughts focused on remembering local veterans as he said: Please know how proud we are of you. You will forever be recognized as one of our hometown heroes. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Robert Wagner then came to the podium to offer his remarks on the holiday. He said that when soldiers did not make it home, communities stood still in sorrow and the community made a promise never to forget their sacrifice. He then proceeded to read each of the 10 names listed on the Soldiers Monument and give a brief history of each soldiers life and how he died. The tribute touched the hearts of many in attendance. The speeches were eloquent. It was a fitting tribute to all of our veterans, and they have a long history in this town, said resident Kelly Hatfield. She went on to say that she liked that Wagners speech included backstory on each of the veterans, especially pointing out how young they were when they died. All of the veterans whose names are included on the monument had a connection to Independence as residents and some as alumni of Independence High School. The names were categorized under the war in which they served. Under the Civil War was Louis Merkle; under the Vietnam War were Dale Waid, Richard Sadick and Frederick Lechak; under the World War II category were Robert Wilkins, Leroy Raymond Geringer, Lynn Lou MacMillan, Robert Allen Hasselbusch, Vernon Glenn Charleston and Fredrick Kessler. Wagner ended with, May we never pass by [the monument] without thinking, thank you. Independence resident Ed Chrzanowski followed by giving testimony to his father, Edmund Chrzanowski Sr., who was a member of the U.S. Navy. Edmund went into submarine service at age 19, which Ed said at the time was the type of service that had a high casualty rate. After returning home, Edmund quickly got a job in his fathers butcher shop, and like all veterans who returned safely, they came home and began to build America. Ed said his father, like many World War II veterans, didnt like to talk about his experience. The only quote Ed could get from his father was, We all came home alive. Ed went on to say that veterans had many life lessons to pass on, which were to believe in God, work hard, love your family and treat others the way you want to be treated. Once the speeches concluded, Councilman Jim Trakas, a member of the Ohio Military Reserve, and Pat Woodrick, a VFW Ladies Auxiliary Lifetime Member, both took turns placing floral tributes at the monument. A musical tribute by the Independence High School Marching Band and closing remarks by the Rev. John Mullee of St. Michael Catholic Church kicked off the parade down to Maple Shade Cemetery for the second part of the service. At the cemetery, wreaths and American flags decorated the gravestones of those who served. A podium was set up near the grave of Fredrick Kessler, one of the veterans honored on the Soldiers Monument, who died at age 31. Woodrick noted: Freedom is never free. It takes the shedding of blood to set us free from dictators and tyrants. The service at the cemetery ended with a God Bless America from Togliatti. Attendees were then invited to Drug Mart on Brecksville Road for free hot dogs and to listen to another performance by the marching band. Read more news from the Parma Sun Post. LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- Lincoln Elementary School students annually get to throw a pie in a teachers face. The messy affair is the reward for the schools popular American Heart Association fundraiser. The Kids Heart Challenge charity effort raised more than $7,500 this year for the nonprofit. The top 10 earning students got a chance to throw bakery at a teacher. Participating in the American Heart Associations jump rope events since 1998, the school has raised more than $108,000, Lincoln Elementary physical education teacher Nicole Anderson said. The kids learn jump rope skills and how healthy jumping rope is for the heart, while raising money. The jump rope effort culminated earlier this month when the schools 300 students were joined by parents also jumping to raise money. We dont really push the money portion, Anderson said. Its just kind of the excitement of the jumping rope. Ive been doing it for a long time; the interest generates itself. Also helping to create interest in being active is Lincoln Elementarys Jump Rope Club, which attracts between 30 and 60 kids twice week before school. As for the pies in the face, one this year went to third-grade teacher Erin Hennessy, who said the American Heart Association fundraiser is one of her favorite programs. I believe its extremely important to start teaching kids at a young age about heart disease and the healthy choices they can make to prevent it, Hennessy said. The Jump Rope Club brings attention to how important it is to take care of our hearts through daily movement and exercise. Another benefit of the Kids Heart Challenge is that it builds empathy and compassion in students. Hennessy said the program encourages youth to help others. The kids are excited every day to share how much money theyve raised, which is why Im willing to take a pie to the face, Hennessy said. If one of my students is going to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to something, then Im going to support that 100 percent, even if it means smelling like whipped cream for days. The top fundraiser in this years Kids Heart Challenge was Taylor Nails. The second-grader, who raised $610, jumped for her uncle, who died from heart disease. I do it to keep my uncle close to me, Taylor said. When I fundraise, I can teach others about being heart healthy. I love learning all the jump rope tricks and having my parents come jump with me. Taylors mother, Tracy, said her family is passionate about raising awareness about the leading cause of death in the United States. Heart disease is something that affects my family, Tracy said. I dont think people understand that there is no age limit regarding heart disease. I lost my brother-in-law at the age of 40, and my father-in-law passed at a young age as well from heart disease. I believe the more money we can raise, the sooner we can find a cure. As for Taylors efforts, Tracy said she is proud of her daughter. This is Taylors second year raising money. These kids learn so much from Mrs. Anderson, Tracy said. I love the fact that she takes the time to teach them the importance of heart-healthy decisions. Her students are very lucky to have such a wonderful teacher. Read more news from the Sun Post Herald. WESTLAKE, Ohio -- Tim Barrett, principal of Dover Elementary School in Westlake, has proved he is willing to give up just about anything for a worthy cause. As the school raised increasing amounts of money recently to benefit the Taussig Cancer Centers Department of Pediatric Radiology Oncology, he allowed his students to tape him to a wall and to plan a ceremony to shave half his goatee if they could raise $5,000. After that goal was met, a new goal to raise an additional $3,000 also was reached, which meant he had to move his desk to the roof of the school for a day. But the shaving of the goatee appeared to be the prime motivator for the young students. On May 24, the students -- some 350 strong, grades K-4 -- sat together outside the school to watch half of Barretts goatee be shaved off. They laughed and cheered at the result. The barber, Matt Martin, who came to do the deed was from the Dover Chop Shop and was a former student of the school. He hadnt been back to the school since he completed sixth grade there. As of the shaving day, the students (themselves) have brought in almost $3,000 to support the fundraiser, said Rachel Cain Jewell, Dovers PTA president. Last week, the fundraiser circled around Spirit Week and an iPad raffle, she said. The other $5000, to date, has come from community donations, mostly Dover parents and staff. (Barrett) has revised his goal to $10,000, and we are currently sitting at $8,011. I do not anticipate reaching the new goal to be problematic. I know of at least four families who are holding their donations until noon on Friday. Our school is notoriously competitive when it comes to helping people in need, Jewell said. Barrett took all of his rewards for the fundraising with a good deal of grace. Perhaps that is because he is preparing to retire as this school year comes to a close. He is a boating enthusiast and plans to take a lot of boat trips, with a base at the Lake Erie Islands. Dover Elementary is being retired this year, too. The school is one of four in Westlake that are being consolidated into a new elementary school slated to be ready for the 2019-2020 school year. The other three schools are Bassett, Holly Lane and Hilliard elementary schools. Barrett was inspired to participate in a fundraising effort for the Taussig Cancer Center after meeting one of the doctors there. Taussig is the hub for the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center and is ranked fifth in the U.S. and best in Ohio by U.S. News & World Report, according to the Clinics information. With locations throughout Northern Ohio and in Weston, Fla, the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center provides comprehensive care for patients who have cancer, as well as a range of services to patients including clinical trials, internationally recognized cancer research efforts ensuring patients have access to the latest advances in cancer treatment and a range of support programs helping patients navigate the challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis. For more information on Taussig, visit https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/cancer/about/taussig-cancer-center. Read more news from the West Shore Sun. CLEVELAND, Ohio Detectives used fingerprints from a stolen cellphone to identify a Cleveland man as a suspect in an Ohio City armed robbery, court records say. Joseph Smith, 28, is charged with aggravated robbery in a hold-up that happened on Woodbine Avenue near West 38th Street, according to court records. He is not in custody, but a warrant was issued last week for his arrest. Detectives found his fingerprints on an Apple iPhone X stolen at gunpoint during the April 13 robbery, court records say. Cleveland police officers used the Find My iPhone app to track the phone to the corner of West 32nd Street at Franklin Avenue, where it was discarded near the sidewalk. Smiths fingerprints were in an Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation database due to a prior criminal conviction. He spent 10 years in prison after he pleaded guilty in 2008 to charges of aggravated robbery, receiving stolen property and failure to comply in two separate cases in Cuyahoga County, court records say. Details of those cases were not immediately available. Smith was released Nov. 15 from the Toledo Correctional Institution, but was ordered to be on probation for another five years, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction records say. The armed robbery happened five months after his release. Smith is accused of being one of two men who robbed a 46-year-old man and a 40-year-old man in Ohio City, court records say. The robbers pointed handguns at the men and told them not to move. They took the mens wallets, as well as the iPhone X, police reports say. Detectives also learned Smith owns a 2006 Ford Focus that was seen in the area when the armed robbery occurred. The car was also seen on surveillance video at a gas station, where one of the mens stolen credit cards was used, court records say. To comment on this story, visit Mondays crime and courts comments page. CLEVELAND, Ohio A Cleveland man is accused of being one of two gunmen who ambushed and shot a man who was sitting in a car in the citys Kinsman neighborhood, police said. Entionne D. Quran, 22, is charged with felonious assault in the May 19 shooting on Bessemer Avenue near East 93rd Street, according to court records. He is not in custody, but a warrant has been issued for his arrest. An associate called a 23-year-old man and asked him to meet outside a home. The man was sitting in his black Kia just after 3:15 p.m. when Quran and an unknown man came up and shot him in the chest and leg, court records say. Officers later found a large bag of marijuana in the Kias center console, police reports say. Investigators have not said if the shooting was drug-related, and the 23-year-old man has not been charged in the case. Two Cleveland police officers heard the gunshots while they were in the parking lot outside the Fourth District police station, located approximately a half-mile away on Kinsman Road near East 94th Street, police reports say. They were driving on Bessemer Avenue when they found the 23-year-old man shot on the front porch outside a home at East 99th Street. An ambulance took the man to University Hospitals, where he underwent surgery for his injuries. The man told the officers hed been shot while sitting in his Kia. He then drove away until he found someone to ask for help. The officers found bullet holes in the car, and blood in the drivers seat, police reports say. They also found five bullet casings in the street where the shooting happened. The car was towed to a police department lot so it could be checked for evidence. To comment on this story, visit Mondays crime and courts comments page. CANTON, Ohio A man was killed and a woman was hurt early Monday in a shooting at a Canton home, police said. The man, whose name and age have not been released, was found shot in the head at a home on 3rd Street Northwest near Fulton Road Northwest, police said in a news release. He died after an ambulance took him to Aultman Hospital. A 26-year-old woman was shot in the arm during the incident. An ambulance took her to the same hospital for treatment. Detectives said the man is the womans boyfriend. Canton police officers were called to the home about 3:45 a.m. for a report of shots fired. The 26-year-old woman flagged them down and told them someone shot into their home, police said. The shooting was not a drive-by, and does not appear to be random, police said. Detectives are investigating the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call the Canton Police Department at 330-489-3144. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Tip411. To comment on this story, visit Mondays crime and courts comments page. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As the lyrics to the famous American battle hymn say, When Johnny comes marching home, hurrah, hurrah. Unless its the wrong Johnny that comes marching home, namely, John Walker Lindh, the reportedly unrepentant American Taliban released early from prison Thursday. And its not Capt. Johnny Micheal Spann, the U.S. Marine and CIA paramilitary officer killed shortly after interviewing the captured Lindh. Spann became the first American serviceman killed post 9-11, in Afghanistan when Taliban prisoners staged an uprising, during which Lindh escaped. Lindh was eventually recaptured, and in a plea deal, was sentenced to 20 years. On May 23, Lindh was granted his supervised release by Judge T.S. Ellis after serving 17 years. Lindh was released early for good behavior, despite two assessments that determined he was an unrepentant jihadist. According to Vox, a report from the National Counterterrorism Center stated that in 2016, Lindh still continued to advocate for global jihad and to write and translate violent extremist texts. The report also noted that Lindh also told a television news producer that he would continue to spread violent extremist Islam upon his release. In a 2015 letter correspondence with an NBC producer in Los Angeles, Lindh expressed support for ISIS, agreeing that they represented Islam. Yes, and they are doing a spectacular job. The Islamic State is clearly very sincere and serious about fulfilling the long neglected religious obligation to establish a caliphate through armed struggle, which is the only correct method. Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, Taliban expert, Bill Roggio, told Vox: Johnny Walker Lindhs release is a travesty of justice and is Exhibit A in our failure to deal with unrepentant jihadists. An assessment report by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, published in 2017, also found that Lindh remained radicalized. Lindh American Taliban and American al Qaeda Capt. Spanns daughter, Alison, who was nine when her father was killed, called Lindhs release a slap in the face" Ive spent 18 years without my dad. It never crossed my mind that the United States would let someone like this out early. Lindh is a traitor, and I think his early release is a slap in the face, Spann told the Washington Examiner In her interview with the Examiner, Alison Spann correctly makes the case the Lindh is as much the American al Qaeda as he is the American Taliban.' Lindh converted to Islam at age 16. Prior to 9/11 he traveled to Pakistan and Afghanistan when he was 26. While he ultimately joined Taliban fighters in Afghanistan, he underwent training in al-Qaeda camps pre and post 9-11, and even met Osama bin Laden. You dont accidentally stumble into an al Qaeda training camp, said Alison Spann. In prison Lindh became a dual citizen of Ireland and in anticipation of his release, at one point expressed a desire to seek asylum there. But one of the restrictions of his release, is hes not allowed a passport. Lindh was granted dual citizenship in Ireland because he had a grandparent born there. If possible, Lindhs Irish citizenship should be revoked and any future asylum he seeks there should be rejected. As an Irish-American with more relatives living in Ireland than in America, I dont want Lindh in Ireland, or at liberty in America, I want him in prison where he still belongs. Should Lindh be as unrepentant as the assessments say, and be as closely supervised as his release calls for, chances should be good that he violates his release and is sent back to prison. My siblings and I hads to grow up without my father. My younger brother will never know his father. And so my family is serving a life sentence, Alison Spann told the Examiner. How Marine Capt. Johnny Spann should be remembered. Alison Spann is now a 27 year old television reporter. In letters to members of Congress and President Trump seeking to prevent Lindhs release, and in her interview with the Washington Examiner, this is how she said her father should be remembered: Mike Spann made a positive impact on the world, both here in the United States and abroad. He is loved and remembered by two communities --his brothers in Afghanistan and his friends, family and brothers here in the United States. Hes admired and respected not because of the way he died, but because of the way he lived his life. Johnny Michael Spann was a man who set out from his youngest days to make a difference in the world. I dont know he knew if he would make the ultimate sacrifice, but he wanted to make sacrifices for the greater good, and he did. And he instilled that in me. I dont think my dad would think he was worthy to be buried in Arlington Cemetery. I dont think hed want the attention. He was just somebody who wanted to make a difference in the world, but in a quiet way. My father was killed so many years ago. He was the first American killed after 9/11. But who even remembers that? We all need to remember that, and every person who gave their lives, limbs or mental well being for this nation. Spann is memorialized with a star on the CIA memorial wall and at is his gravesite in Arlington. He and all his fellow heroes need to also be memorialized in our minds, today and everyday. BRUNSWICK, Ohio -- When the new Brunswick Middle School opens its doors in the fall of 2020, its top administrator will have been preparing for the moment for an entire school year. At its May 20 regular meeting, the Brunswick City Schools Board of Education approved Susan Palchesko as principal for the new Brunswick Middle School. Palchesko, who was selected from among 91 candidates for the job, brings 27 years experience in education, all at the middle school level. Most recently, Palchesko was principal at the 800-student, 90-staff member Kimpton Middle School in the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District. Palchesko, who officially begins her employment in Brunswick Aug. 1, said she is excited to be a part of the Brunswick City Schools. We have a great deal of exciting work ahead of us (and) I am looking forward to, literally, building a school from the ground up and combining the current middle schools into one collaborative community, she said in a news release. I am also looking forward to meeting with the students, staff and community so that I can listen and continue learning even more about Brunswick City Schools. I am both humbled and honored to be named the Brunswick Middle School principal. The new middle school campus is being constructed on Pearl Road, at the site of the current Visintainer and Edwards school buildings, which are set to be demolished. The $65 million building project is being funded by a 30-year, voter-supported bond issue. Brunswick City Schools Community Relations Director Amy Rutledge said it was important for the district to select a principal well ahead of the opening of the new building, which will combine the student bodies of Visintainer, Edwards and Willetts middle schools. There is a lot of planning for any new school year, and even more planning (for the new middle school), she said. There are a lot of logistics moving three schools into one -- students and staffs -- and we will be working on that this whole first year. The last thing we want to do is move into the building and tell students and staff, ready, set, learn. But we have no doubt (Palchesko) will make this a seamless transition, Rutledge said. Stiff competition Palchesko was selected by a committee made up of district administration, teaching and support staff, and parent representatives. The original 91 candidates were vetted to 20, resulting in 12 interviews and four final interviews. The job was posted like any other position in the district, Rutledge said of the process. A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Kent State University, Ursuline College and Cleveland State University, Palchesko holds a bachelors degree in education and masters degrees in education with a literacy focus and education with an administration focus. She also earned her superintendents license from Cleveland State in 2014. She has been the principal at Kimpton since 2016 and was previously an assistant principal at Lee Burneson Middle School in Westlake. District Personnel Director Mike Draves was part of the middle school principal selection committee. The committee was pleased with Susan's experience as it relates to team teaching at the middle school level, he said. She has a strong growth mindset that was student-centered and has an excellent track record in regards to communication. The district had an excellent pool of candidates to select from. Read more news from the Brunswick Sun. Want to make a difference in Clevelands future? Think about committing to Open Table, in which groups of six or seven people come together to meet one night a week for a year as mentors to someone in need. On the latest episode of the cleveland.com podcast This Week in the CLE, reporter Leila describes her experience as a member of a table organized through MetroHealth Systems. (Weve also written much about the experience through Community of Hope, headed up by Amber Donovan.) Leila has just unveiled the next iteration of A Greater Cleveland, in which she chronicles life on Open Table, in hopes of convincing you to get involved. Hundreds of people already have signed on and helped change lives, while building new relationships with people from across the geographic, political and socioeconomic spectrum. In the first iteration of A Greater Cleveland, reporters embedded themselves with families living in poverty, to describe the overwhelming challenges facing them as they try to make sure their children break the cycle. You can read those stories here. Our goal in the series was to mobilize the generous people of Northeast Ohio to help people, one at a time, beat these challenges, and after we met Amber, we immediately settled on her efforts as the model. MetroHealth CEO Akram Boutros read about what Amber was doing and quickly set up an Open Table model to add momentum. Listen to Leila talk about what shes been learning, and or read the transcript below. You can Download the MP3 here to start listening to the Open Table discussion at minute 26:24, or, on many devices, you can see a player here and listen to the entire podcast. Chris Quinn: For more than a year and a half now, we've been bringing you and greater Cleveland a project exploring the barriers faced by children in poverty. Our goal in this project from the start was to spark people to give up their time to try and change the patterns of multi-generation poverty, one little step at a time. Ultimately, we settled on promoting the model of Open Table, in which a group of six or seven people come together to mentor a single person in need, and hundreds of you have answered the call. Now we're to talk about where we're taking the project. We have Leila. Leila, you kicked it off this week. What is part two? Leila Atassi: Well, so, as we determined, we spend about a year and a half, as most of our listeners might be aware, spending time with families in Cleveland. We followed eight families, embedded our reporting team with the Boys and Girls Club, got to know the children, got to know their families, and reported at length about the challenges they face on a daily basis. Through that, we really learned that relationship is the key to addressing many of the challenges they face. Helping people kind of find that path from poverty to prosperity. And also, we learned that the relationships we forged with the families that we got to know were transformative for us. I can honestly say that I am a different person today than I was two years ago when we embarked upon this, three years ago perhaps. So what we discovered, this program called Open Table, which is a national model that nonprofits can become licensed to execute on a local level to any population that the nonprofit serves. One very well-established one in the Cleveland area deals with children who are aging out of the foster care system. And then, we kind of embraced that and we wrote a lot about Open Table and we hosted in our own facility here an open call for people who are interested to come and hear what Open Table is all about Chris: 500 plus people signed up. We had more than 300 people here for that. Leila: Yes! It was astonishing to see that many people interested in engaging with families and people on that level. And from there, Metro Health decided that they wanted in on this, that Open Table aligns so closely with their mission as the safety net hospital for the region. They wanted to become licensed to run Open Table for themselves, and they did it. Back in August, I decided that I would love to be a part of the the Open Table process at Metro. I asked them if it would be okay if I signed up. I wanted to see that journey for myself and write about it for listeners who have come all this way with us on greater Cleveland. Chris: So, you went through the training. Leila: I did. Chris: And it took a little bit of time for you to get a table, but you started meeting when, in December? January? Leila: Yeah. We met our family member, as Open Table refers to it, our sister ... We call her Alondra Rivera in our series .... in December, right around Christmas time. And my table is made up of five women. The other members of the table are all Metro Health employees. But that's not a requirement of being a part of Metro's Open Table program. Chris: No, actually, Akram Boutros, the CEO there, is really hoping a lot of people from the public involved in this. Leila: Definitely. Yes. And that's really what we're hoping too, is that by chronicling this journey that our table takes together with Alondra, that we can encourage as many people as possible to see that this can fit in with their own life and that they can do great things in their community. Chris: So, just like the reporting on the families in the segment ... the first segment, we should mention, Mark was a big part of that too, he followed families. This has been challenging for you. This has not been easy. You've gone through a lot of trials and tribulations. Talk a little bit about that. Leila: Through the Open Table process? Chris: Yeah. Leila: Well, you know, like any family, our table, you know ... and we had been told, you're going to have this honeymoon phase. And it's true. We did. I fell in love with this group of women. I mean they're so, you know, they have these diverse interests and talents and some are spiritual and some are very pragmatic. We came together in this blend. There was this one day when I was like, "I just love you guys," you know, just, we were all just love fest for the first couple months. But, we had some challenges along the way, and you'll read about those things. We had very different opinions about how to best counsel. Alondra, who was an 18 year old recent graduate of high school, she went to CMSD schools and was just sort of kind of rudderless in life, and didn't really have a strong mentor in her life until now. Didn't have many friends and was living in the Lakeview Terrace public housing complex with her mother and sister in a really crowded unit. Her mother didn't speak English very well, and so she was just really kind of a lost soul out there. And we had a really hard time with many of the challenges she faced. We had just strong opinions of how to help her find the way. Chris: All right, so the first two parts of this publish this week, and you introduce it, and you've got a lot of pieces already put together to take us through this story. What I'd be interested in hearing is, we talked a lot during phase one. You faced a lot of very difficult moments in the first phase as you confronted the obstacles that a very hardworking, caring mother faced because of poverty. I mean, it really upended a lot of the thoughts people have about poverty. This is a little different in what you're facing, right? I mean, in the first case, it was straight mom, bunch of kids, living in horrible conditions, trying to make a go of it. You alone, basically, you and Mark. Now you've got this team of people all working on one person. So, how is it different, and even in your emotional challenges to yourself? Is this easier? Leila: Well, the difference really lies in the fact that in the last phase, I was an observer. And, of course, a friendship developed from that relationship between reporter and subject. But, I am constantly aware of my new role in this person's life, Alondra, and I spend a lot of time with her, and it's really ... I mean, spoiler alert, she goes through a housing crisis, and there are a couple nights when she was kind of tossed out in the cold, and one of our table members took her in. And this sparked a immediate response from the table. Chris: Let me you stop you right there, because anybody that's thinking of doing this, that's not normal. Leila: That's not typical. Chris: You don't have to take your table person in. Leila: It's not typical. Yes, of course. It's not typical. And, in fact, you know, the experienced administrators of these programs have told us that they have never had that happen before. But, it is an interesting dramatic point for a storyteller. So, I ended up taking ... after we resolved that housing crisis and Alondra ended up back in her home with her mother, and they smoothed over all their issues, I ended up taking her to A Place For Me, which is a nonprofit house at the YWCA to help her kind of learn what resources are available for housing and stability for someone in her situation. And I just was so aware of the entire time that I was taking notes that I wasn't there writing a story, I was there trying to help my friend. Chris: Wow, that's very cool. Mark. Mark Naymik: Leila, if you could talk a bit about seeing the issue of poverty now from a very different generation. You are now dealing with a young woman who's 18, versus the [Corper 00:07:54] family where you still continue to stay in touch with and write about, but was already, had children up to the age of 12 at the time you started, and you're seeing this now at this perspective. Has that changed how you've been looking and addressing poverty, and I guess any observation you can make on that? Leila: I think with Contessa Corper, you know, she, as you mentioned, she is a mother of four children, and so many of the challenges that she faced involved finding the right school for her children, getting them the right health care, finding uniforms for school, feeding them, making sure that her money can stretch. Obviously, with single parenting, and the fathers of her children were nowhere in the picture. The difference, of course, with Alondra is that she is so fresh in the world, and she has all of these competing dreams, and helping her try to hash through them and do the soul searching that it takes to figure out what path is best for her is joyful and also frustrating. But it is completely different from, you know, the mother of four who is trying to help her children do that. And as a friend to Contessa, being the support system to help her support her children. And here, being the support system for someone who's just sort of newly released into adulthood. Chris: We could do a whole podcast on this, and we're going to have to move on. But, Emily, you had one question? Emily Bamforth: In these Open Table situations, often, part of it is the sister or the family member has to open up. There's definitely trust that needs to be built in. These people are coming from situations where they haven't had an opportunity to fully trust someone in a while. Could you talk a little bit about building that trust? Leila: Thats a great question, because recently, I was talking to a table member who was lamenting to me that she thought we would be closer with Alondra than we are, and I actually feel like were exactly where I expected to be, because I was aware of how hard it is to gain the trust of people when you just parachute into their lives like that. And, for Alondra, I mean she is one of those ... Mark had the opportunity to meet her when he came to take some pictures of her. She is so just warm and sweet and kind of naive about the world and open. She was ready for this experience in a way that kind of took us by surprise. She had really begged to be a part of it, because she took the readiness test, which I think is some sort of psychological, you know, it tells, whether or not you are mentally prepared for what lies ahead. And Im not quite sure she passed over the threshold, but we knew that she was ready based on how she had done so much research about Open Table and she was like, Bring it to me. I need these sisters in my life. And, she has always remained committed to it. The Bharatiya Janata Party won an absolute majority in the lower house. Card Oswald Gracias calls on the government to meet the needs of young people, women, farmers and the poor. Protestant Churches also send their message of good wishes. New Delhi (AsiaNews) The Catholic Church of Indian congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his victory in the countrys general election and expressed its eagerness to work together for the sake of the country. Card Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Mumbai and President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), issued a letter last Saturday. In it, he writes: On behalf of the Catholic Church in India, and on my own behalf, I extend my heartiest congratulations to you and to the Bharatiya Janata Party on the emphatic election victory. The people of India have given a clear mandate for a stable and effective Government. My congratulations to the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party Mr. Amit Shah. The final results on 23 May and show an overwhelming victory for the Prime Ministers party. In all, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 303 seats in the Lok Sabha (lower House of Parliament) out of a total of 543. In previous election (2014), it had won 282. The main opposition party, the Indian National Congress of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, won only 52 seats (six more than in the previous elections). Addressing the prime minister and his government, the cardinal goes on to say: I want to assure you of our prayers and best wishes for you and your team as you lead our country in building a strong and inclusive India. At a public function held on Friday, He noted that we prayed that God give you health, wisdom and strength to carry out the great responsibilities entrusted to you. The CBCI president also focused on some areas that need to me addressed immediately. We are all eager to work together for the vision of a New India which your Excellency has spoken about - a New India which gives hope and energy to our youth, empowers our women especially in rural areas, opens new and sustainable opportunities for our farmers and strengthens our economy while leaving no one behind: a New India which enjoys peace and prosperity and continues to make progress. Protestant Christians added their voice to the cardinals in expressing best wishes to the prime minister. As the Bible commands, you and your government will be in our prayers during the next [. . .] years, and we pray that peace and prosperity and freedom will increase under your rule, writes the Most Reverend Joseph DSouza, Archbishop of the Good Shepherd Church of India and President of the All India Christian Council. BLOOMFIELD, N.J. Congress fights with the White House over financial records. President Donald Trump rages against the first Republican to call for impeachment proceedings against him. But for many voters in areas like the northeast New Jersey town of Bloomfield, those issues shrink behind concerns about property taxes and a high cost of living. And the state's largely Democratic congressional delegation has fixed much of its ire on one target: the 2017 Republican tax overhaul. Near the start of a town hall meeting earlier this month in Bloomfield, Rep. Mikie Sherrill tried to assure constituents that she is working to lift the new $10,000 limit on state and local tax deductions. The change disproportionately hit residents of high-tax blue states. She got some of her strongest applause of the day when she noted that "every single member of your New Jersey delegation is on a bill to get rid of the state and local tax deduction cap." "The New Jersey delegation has been adamant that this is our number one issue," Sherrill told CNBC after the May 19 event. Earlier this month, Sherrill and three other House members Democrat Gil Cisneros of California and Republicans Elise Stefanik and Peter King of New York introduced a bill to hike the state and local deduction to $12,000 for single taxpayers and $24,000 for married filers. Those levels match the standard deduction. A bill that Democratic Reps. Lauren Underwood and Sean Casten of Illinois introduced in March would more dramatically lift the cap to $15,000 and $30,000 for single and married filers, respectively. Those Democrats have a clear political incentive to target the deduction cap. It allows them to criticize Trump's signature legislative achievement while offering financial relief to their districts, where a significant share of voters benefited from state and local deductions before they went away in the 2018 filing year. But efforts to hike the deduction limit may not play as well politically nationwide. Democrats have spent a year and a half eviscerating the Republican tax law as a giveaway to the wealthy and corporations that blows a hole in the federal budget deficit. Not only do analyses show high earners would see the most benefits from raising the deduction cap, but doing so is expected to further reduce federal revenues. "Anything that you do to raise the cap is generally going to benefit higher income taxpayers," said Frank Sammartino, a senior fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, an organization usually considered left of center. Democrats are still using the tax law to score political points against Trump: Top Democratic presidential contenders such as former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders have bashed the plan on the campaign trail. Still, Congress appears to have limited appetite for addressing the state and local tax deduction limit, for now. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not publicly mentioned plans to try to lift the deduction cap even though she criticized it as Republicans pushed to pass the tax law in 2017. A spokesman for the California Democrat did not respond to a request to comment on whether the speaker planned to bring any deduction-related bills up for a vote in the House. The lawmakers who introduced the legislation have numerous constituents who would benefit from it. In Sherrill's New Jersey 11th District, for example, more than 40% of taxpayers previously used state and local deductions, with an average of more than $20,000, according to the Government Finance Officers Association. She and other Democrats who flipped Republican-held House seats in New Jersey in last year's midterms campaigned in part on reversing the deduction limit. But easing the limit may not be as politically palatable for many of her colleagues. As of 2016, about 30% of tax returns claimed state and local deductions, at an average of about $12,500, according to the Tax Policy Center. BOTSWANA - 2014/06/13: Female African elephant (Loxodonta africana) with baby in the Chitabe area of the Okavango Delta in the northern part of Botswana. (Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images) Botswana's government lifted a 5-year ban on elephant hunting on Thursday, spurring criticism from wildlife conservation groups who see the move as a step backward in protecting the population. The reversal has tipped off international controversy over wildlife protection, economic stimulus and ivory trading. Botswana has the highest elephant population of any African country, with an estimated population between 120,000 and 130,000, according to Mark Jones, a veterinarian and the head of policy at the Born Free Foundation, a global wildlife conservation charity. Jones said trophy hunting is unlikely to have any real impact on the population's numbers but is likely to harm the animals themselves. "Elephants are highly intelligent creatures and will move away from areas where they are in danger," Jones said. "Most of the countries surrounding Botswana allow [hunting] and many elephants have moved into Botswana because of the poaching in neighboring countries." Safari Club International, a U.S.-based hunting group praised the government's stance, claiming that lifting the ban would be good for wildlife. "We thank the President of Botswana and all others involved in Botswana for their forward thinking and having the courage to bypass doing what is easy in order to do what is right for the benefit of the wildlife of Botswana and the people of Botswana," said SCI President Paul Babaz in a statement. "They need to be able to manage their own wildlife so that there will be more wildlife in wild places in harmony with the people for generations to come." The Botswana government claims there has been an increase in human-elephant conflict a consequence of the growing elephant population and elephant-related damage to livestock. In Botswana elephants are not confined to fenced reserves. That allows them to migrate freely over large distances throughout the country, and even cross over into neighboring countries. "We are concerned that hunting causes extreme stress to elephants, which are intelligent, thinking, communicating animals. The elephants begin to associate humans with violence and they retaliate hence the large number of human fatalities," Paula Kahumbu, CEO of nonprofit Wildlife Direct, said in a statement. Still, experts maintain hunting is not a credible method of population control or an effective means to combat higher rates of violence and damage. There are more humane and legitimate ways to litigate the size of the population and prevent them from crossing into crop-fields. The use of chili or the introduction of beehives have proved to be effective in doing so, Jones said. Officials also say the ban has caused local communities to suffer as a result of the loss of income from trophy hunters. "Most of the money generated by hunting is captured by the state and by the hunting companies. Communities make very little gain studies have shown that less than 2% of the funds generated by hunting reach communities," Kahumbu said. Moreover, Botswana is one of four African states proposing the decriminalization of commercial trade of ivory, which is outlawed under international law. "Poaching for ivory is the biggest single threat to elephants," Jones said. The U.S., U.K. and China have all outlawed ivory trade. There were reports of a number of elephants being poached just last year, according to Jones, but allowing the sale of ivory to resume in some countries would stimulate hunting of the animals and put them in grave danger. WATCH: How China could use its massive US debt holdings as a trade war weapon This image depicts a schoolboy receiving a measles vaccination in1962. As part of the national immunization effort, this doctor was giving a measles vaccination to a young boy at Fernbank School in Atlanta, Georgia. Cheryl Healton remembers the look on her mother's face when the then 8-year old was diagnosed with measles in 1961. "I could tell by her reaction that my life was at risk," said Healton, now 66 and the dean of New York University's College of Global Public Health. It was. While measles is best known for the rash it produces, the disease leaves people sick with a fever, runny nose, and can lead to complications like pneumonia, brain swelling and, in some cases, even death. Nearly every American child contracted measles at some point before they turned 15 before a measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About half a million new cases were reported to the CDC every year between 1942, the first year it was tracked, and 1962. Most cases went unreported, and the CDC estimates up to 4 million people actually caught the measles every year. About 400 to 500 people died, 48,000 were hospitalized and 1,000 suffered encephalitis, or brain swelling. That changed when the measles vaccine hit the market. Measles cases started plummeting. The first mumps vaccine was introduced in 1967 and the first rubella vaccine was introduced in 1969. In 1971, Merck launched the first combination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. A resurgence in the late 1980s and early 1990s led health officials to recommend babies get two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella shot instead of the previously recommended one. It also caused them to realize some children weren't getting vaccinated because they were uninsured or underinsured and they couldn't afford it, said Dr. Nancy Messonnier, acting director of the CDC's National Center for Preparedness and Response. Lawmakers created the Vaccines for Children Program in 1993 that allows children who can't afford vaccines to get them for free. Seven years later, in 2000, the CDC declared measles eliminated from the U.S., meaning the disease was no longer being transmitted between Americans. But people no longer saw the measles as a threat, and that was a problem. British physician Dr. Andrew Wakefield published a study in 1998 which has since been retracted that wrongfully claimed the MMR vaccine caused autism. His work is largely credited with giving birth to the so-called anti-vaxx movement that's scared some parents into refusing to vaccinate their children. Eighteen studies from seven different countries on three different continents have since proven children who receive the vaccine are at no greater risk of getting autism, but the fear still exists, said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "It's hard to unscare people," he said. "It's easy to scare them. It's much harder to unscare them." Messonnier said it's important people understand how "extensively and thoroughly" the MMR vaccine is studied. Prevention efforts rely on herd immunity where most people in a community are vaccinated, creating a "societal cushion" that protects people who cannot be vaccinated, she said. When that breaks down, measles can spread quickly and easily. The disease is among the most contagious in the world, and it's still common in some parts of the world. An estimated 7 million people were affected by the measles in 2016, according to the World Health Organization. Global measles deaths decreased 84%, dropping to 89,780 in 2016 from 550,100 in 2000. Measles has started to spread again in recent years as more parents refuse to vaccinate their children, even though health officials stress immunizations are the best way to protect against the measles. The WHO reported a 300% increase in measles cases in the first three months of this year compared with the same time last year. This year, health officials are battling the worst year for the disease in 25 years after unvaccinated Americans brought the disease back after visiting the Philippines, Ukraine and Israel, among other countries. The CDC has confirmed 940 new cases of measles so far this year through Friday, largely in unvaccinated children. "What [this year's increase in cases] shows us is that our ability to control measles is fragile," Messonnier said. Yet it's possible to eliminate measles "from the face of this Earth" because the MMR vaccine "is good enough to do that," Offit said. Two doses of the vaccine are 97% effective, according to the CDC. For those in public health who have watched measles cases plummet over the years, watching it make a comeback is shocking. "If you would have told me five years ago I would have laughed and said that's not possible," said Healton. "But the internet has made it possible." Correction: A measles vaccine was introduced in 1963. An earlier version misstated the type of vaccine. The Saudis have invited Qatar to the two summits of the Arab world scheduled for May 30 in Mecca. The "incidents" of the past few days in the Gulf waters and Houthi drone attacks are at the center of the Arab League and CCG meetings. In recent days Doha has called for "dialogue" between Washington and Tehran. Riyadh (AsiaNews / Agencies) Shelving almost two years of severe tensions, Saudi Arabia has invited Qatar to two emergency summit meetings in Arab countries, scheduled for May 30th in Mecca. At the center of the summits is the ongoing clash - so far only verbal, but there is a strong risk of a military escalation as threatened by the White House itself - between the United States and Iran, which could destabilize the entire Middle Eastern region. The news was given by the Doha Foreign Ministry, which says that the Emir of Qatar Sheik Tamim ben Hamad al-Thani "received a written message" inviting his government to participate in the meetings in the holy city. In recent days the head of Doha diplomacy Mohammed ben Abdelrahmane al-Thani received the secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (CCG) Abdullatif al-Zayani, to mend relations in the Arab world. On May 18, Riyadh called for a meeting of the CCP countries and the Arab League following several "incidents" from the surrounding mysterious occurrences in the Gulf waters. Among the reasons for concern are the recent attacks by drones launched by Houthi rebel militias in Yemen towards Saudi Arabia's oil pipelines. Saudi Arabia has called the Mecca summit for May 30 to "discuss aggression and its consequences on the region". It is, the note adds, "to consult and coordinate with the brother leaders" about "all the issues likely to reinforce the security and stability of the region". The Arab countries therefore seem intent on closing ranks, filing recent grievances, facing the common Iranian "threat". In recent days, the Qatari foreign minister had called for a "dialogue" between Iran and the United States, in an attempt to avert the arms race. According to some analysts and experts, close Qatari-Iranian relations are the cause of the clash between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. In fact, Qatar and Iran recently reiterated their mutual economic and diplomatic support. Others blame the rivalry between Doha and Abu Dhabi among Sunnis for the crisis.In reality, behind the controversy - which has isolated a small emirate in the Gulf area, bringing it even closer to the Islamic Republic, Turkey and Morocco - there would be the opposition within Sunni Islam between Doha and Abu Dhabi. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called snap national elections after suffering a heavy defeat by the opposition conservatives in European Parliament elections on Sunday. With an unexpectedly severe pounding at the ballot box for his leftist Syriza party, Tsipras decided not to push through to a full term which expires in October. "I will request immediate declaration of national elections from the President of the Republic," Tsipras said in a speech. A party source said the earliest a vote could take place would be June 30, to allow for preparations. Results for the European Parliament vote showed Syriza trailing the opposition New Democracy party by about nine points. Syriza stormed the Greek political scene on an anti-austerity platform six years ago, then suffered a backlash after having to impose cut-backs as part of a third bailout in 2015. More damagingly, there was a deeply unpopular agreement that resolved a long-running name dispute with North Macedonia. New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis demanded Tsipras resign, saying he had lost the popular mandate. "The Prime Minister must assume his responsibilities. For the good of the country he must resign and the country should hold national elections, the soonest possible," Mitsotakis said. Once a leftist firebrand, Tsipras, 44, mellowed after sweeping to power and telling the country's creditors to back off in 2015. But he was forced into a painful new bailout months later, when faced with a choice of that or being turfed out of the euro zone and into the financial wilderness. The capitulation went down badly with many voters. Greece emerged from close financial supervision by its lenders in August 2018. The government this month introduced tax cuts and pension payouts, going some way toward unwinding some of the austerity measures. The handouts may have averted a steeper defeat in the European election, political analyst Thanos Veremis said. Tsipras' decision to broker a deal ending a name dispute with North Macedonia earned kudos from his European partners, but proved deeply unpopular with many Greeks. His coalition partner, Panos Kammenos, pulled out of the government in January, triggering a confidence vote in parliament that Tsipras nonetheless won comfortably. For most, use of the Macedonia name is an appropriation of Greek heritage by the country's small neighbour. Regardless, Tsipras signed the name-change deal in June, on the banks of the Prespes Lake bordering Albania, Greece and North Macedonia. "Syriza committed suicide in Prespes," Kammenos, his former coalition partner, tweeted on Sunday evening. As trade talks between the U.S. and China increasingly center on Chinese treatment of foreign companies, Beijing says major American complaints about structural aspects of its economy are running up against "core interests." The implication: Those matters are not up for negotiation. Previously, the vague "core interest" term was generally understood as referring to Beijing's territorial claims, such as those on Taiwan. But a commentary piece published this weekend by state news agency Xinhua emphasized that China will not yield on its prerogative about how to manage its economy. The Chinese-language article published Saturday claimed there were five ways in which the U.S. is harming the growth of the global economy by launching a trade war with the Asian giant. "At the negotiating table, the U.S. government has made many arrogant requests, including restricting the development of state-owned enterprises," the commentary said, according to a CNBC translation. "Obviously, this is beyond the field and scope of trade negotiations, (and) touches upon China's fundamental economic system." "This demonstrates, that behind the trade war the U.S. has launched against China, there is an attempt to violate China's economic sovereignty, (and) compel China to damage its own core interests, the article said. China's giant state-owned enterprises control strategic industries such as energy, telecommunications and defense. Since those companies benefit from favorable policies and subsidies, foreign companies complain of an unfair advantage. The escalating trade dispute between the U.S. and China has focused the coerced surrender of proprietary technology and the trampling of intellectual property rights. Critics say China has been able to benefit economically from joining the World Trade Organization in 2001 without following through on commitments to reduce state control. For its part, Beijing has made some effort to increase the role of the market in its economy and allow foreign companies greater access but many outside observers say it's too little, too slowly. Surveillance cameras are mounted on a post at Tiananmen Square as snow falls in Beijing, China, on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019. Qilai Shen | Bloomberg | Getty Images China and America's trade war looks more and more like a tech war, and the United States appears to be widening its focus on to another category of Chinese technology: surveillance. The U.S. may put Chinese surveillance equipment company Hikvision on a blacklist that would limit its ability to acquire American components expanding the tech rivalry between the countries and even bringing attention to the ways China monitors its own people. Hikvision is one of the world's largest makers of video surveillance products. If Washington goes ahead with the penalties, U.S. firms will be required to obtain a government license to sell equipment to Hikvision, the New York Times reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The Times noted that the Trump administration sees China as an economic and geopolitical threat, but added that there are concerns about China's "extensive surveillance industry." U.S. lawmakers last month cited intensive surveillance of a minority Muslim population in the western part of China as possibly constituting "crimes against humanity." U.S. lawmakers made similar accusations last October. China rejects criticism China's foreign ministry has said surveillance in the Xinjiang region is designed to ensure social stability. A Chinese state-controlled newspaper last week said U.S. efforts to link human rights with China-made technology show that the United States is "obsessed with impeding China's development." China's Ministry of Public Security did not respond to a CNBC request for comment. A Hikvision spokesperson told CNBC that the company "takes these concerns very seriously and has engaged with the U.S. government regarding all of this since last October." The spokesperson added that it had hired a human rights expert to advise the company. Hikvision is just a small part of a sprawling ecosystem of Chinese surveillance technology at home and which China increasingly exports to autocratic regimes around he world. At the heart of the project is technology. The 200 million surveillance cameras peppered around China are recording what's going on, but in addition the systems have artificial intelligence (AI) technology that powers facial recognition. China's facial recognition database includes almost every one of its 1.4 billion people. Government surveillance is a potentially important tech growth sector in China, a Credit Suisse analyst told CNBC in March. "For example, quite a lot of AI companies in China, their biggest business is (the) public surveillance type (of business); that could be another area you could see rising," Head of China Equity Strategy Vincent Chan told CNBC at the Credit Suisse Asian investment Conference in Hong Kong. Beijing has been vocal in stating that it intends to be the world leader in artificial technology in the near future. In turn, AI companies are springing up across the country and have now become some of the most valuable private firms in the world. The data Underpinning China's surveillance network is data. Chinese nationals have unique identification cards, and law enforcement accumulates information about individuals, including things such as digital records of their faces. That helps AI algorithms identify and pinpoint an individual. People must register their ID cards in order to buy SIM cards. That means people's phone numbers are linked to a government database. And when they sign up for services using their phone number, their real identity becomes known trying to use online pseudonyms, for example, won't give a person any anonymity. Authorities have been also collecting other biometric data, including voice samples of individuals, according to a 2017 report by Human Rights Watch. So far, the collection of data is far from centralized meaning there is not yet one huge database. But the idea is to be able to connect various databases using advanced algorithms that are able to track down anyone at any time. The role of multibillion-dollar tech firms In 2017, China laid out its blueprint for becoming the world leader in artificial intelligence. The government has been pushing the development of that technology, which has led to the growth of firms that sell AI-driven products. Many of them have been actively involved in the construction of China's surveillance state. SenseTime, which is reportedly worth over $4 billion, is one of those firms. It sells AI-powered facial recognition technology to police departments. Megvii, another company reportedly valued at around $4 billion, also has its facial recognition technology sold to government customers, according to a representative for the company. A SenseTime spokesperson said the company works with the Chinese government "on many smart city projects" pointing to one in particular in Shanghai. A description of that project on SenseTime's website says it uses its technology to "improve public safety management, smart regional operations and life quality enhancement." Those companies have proven able to raise huge sums of money from investors. Megvii raised $750 million just this month. Last year SenseTime raised more than $1 billion over two rounds. Several other big technology companies in China including Hikvision are involved with the government's mass surveillance plans. Origins China's discussion around using technology to control and manage society can be traced back to the 1970s and 1980s, according to Samantha Hoffman, a fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's International Cyber Policy Centre. But it was in 2000, with the launch of the "Golden Shield Project," that China's surveillance drive really kicked off. The aim was to create a centralized database system with every citizen's records that can be accessed by security forces around the country. That has developed to include other initiatives. One is called "Skynet," which refers to the government's video surveillance project, and another is "Sharp Eyes," which looks to extend that monitoring to more rural areas. This network comprises tens of millions of cameras, and Beijing wants to have blanket coverage across China. "It's truly Orwellian, but the (Communist) party think they need to do this to survive," James Lewis, a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told CNBC. Finding a blueprint Chinese President Xi Jinping and members of Chinese delegation attend a working dinner with U.S. President Donald Trump after the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina December 1, 2018. Kevin Lemarque | Reuters Was it ruthless greed, ineptitude or hubris that led China to entrap itself into its huge, systematic and unsustainable trade imbalances with the United States? The answer is: All of the above. Beijing's trade problem was also part of unintended consequence of America's economic policy errors. China, therefore, cannot complain about any sinister scheming. In trade and in most of the rest, America's policy toward China has been an open book ever since the Shanghai Communique in 1972, when Washington began its "triangulation" game of playing China to fight its cold war with the Soviet Union. The focus of American policy changed after the collapse of the Soviet Union, as Washington tried to promote a market economy and democracy in China. The Chinese ignored the advice, kept pocketing the benefits of open access to U.S. markets and free technology transfers, accumulating $3.1 trillion of foreign reserves (at the last count) and steadily growing net foreign assets. Thanks in large part to American investments and technology, China moved from its cheap smokestack manufacturing base of the 1980s to an engineering powerhouse, with cutting-edge industries ranging from infrastructure to transportation, telecommunications, computing, military hardware, space exploration and global retailing. Free-riding is over It took a while for Washington to sober up from its missionary zeal, and to realize the importance of China's bold and seemingly unstoppable economic development with all of its political and security corollaries. The problem then became: What do we do now? Torn between extreme and useless advice of American sinologists take it easy, cooperate; or hit them hard with everything you got, and the sooner the better Washington opted early this decade for the containment strategy with a "pivot to Asia," later morphing into the "rebalancing to Asia" as a semantic adjustment to apparently make it sound less offensive to China. And while the U.S. was agonizing over its China policy, or, if you wish, kicking the can down the road from one administration to the next, Beijing was stepping up its sales on American markets. Between the beginning of 2011 and the end of the first quarter of this year, the Chinese took $4 trillion on their goods exports to the U.S., encouraged by some economics-challenged pundits that there was nothing Washington could do to stop that. Some of them are still telling the Chinese that U.S. trade deficits and rising foreign debt are pre-ordained, because even in good years American spendthrifts save barely 6% of their after-tax income, while the penny-pinching Chinese squirrel away half of what they earn. The Chinese apparently could not bother with that nonsense. They just kept unloading their stuff, earning a net income of $3 trillion on those $4 trillion of American sales. Showing an incredible chutzpah, the Chinese did not change their trade policy even after U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January 2017 a man who was throwing harsh trade warnings at China from the campaign trail since 2015. No, Beijing paid no attention to Trump threats: China's exports to the U.S. in 2017 and 2018 exceeded the half-a-trillion dollar mark, and the Chinese surpluses on American trade kept soaring at average annual rates of 10%. Balanced trade and better ties One might call that a ruthless greed, a self-assured defiance toward Trump's America or, more generously, a rational response to America's decades-old apparent indifference to one-third of its economy, where China's trade surpluses were slashing growth, jobs and incomes. Instead of following the old law of holes if you find yourself in a hole, stop digging China continued to aggravate its U.S. trade case and broadening bilateral tensions with vacuous, lecture-style incantations of "win-win cooperation," a "harmonious co-existence" and a "shared future for mankind." That sort of hubris could perhaps sell in China, but it finds no takers in the U.S., Europe and most other places around the world. Somehow, Beijing officials seem to have chosen to use sloganeering as a substitute for a prompt and decisive action to sharply narrow their excessive trade surpluses with the U.S. a policy that would have deprived Washington of any legitimate reason to seek relief from damages caused by China's aggressive mercantilism. It is hard to believe that Beijing's leaders did not step in to do the obvious, and the only thing China had to do: Slash the excessive trade surplus with the U.S. quickly and build a more productive relationship with Washington. Trump apparently still hopes that he can cut the Gordian knot with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the G-20 meeting in Japan next month. That perhaps explains his puzzling one-liners bubbling with optimism regarding trade talks with China. China should support that by sending stronger signals on bilateral trade flows to make such a deal possible. Maybe that's what is intended by a 14% annual decline of Chinese exports to the U.S. during the first quarter of this year, resulting in a 12% cut of America's trade deficit with China. But, if that's Beijing's true policy intent, China should restrain its apparent urge to "punish" Washington, as it did with a whopping 19% cut of American goods purchases in the January to March period. Stepping up imports from the U.S. would be a much better, and correct, thing to do to atone for China's abusive trade policies toward the U.S. Washington, for its part, should step back from meddling in China's legislative process and economic policies, while reserving the right to vigorously respond to cases of intellectual property violations, forced technology transfers, illegal industry subsidies and restricted market access to U.S. businesses operating in China. Investment thoughts As he's the co-founder of Apple and the visionary behind some of the world's leading personal computing innovations, few would question the late Steve Jobs' expertise. But it was a rather more common interpersonal skill that turned him into a "brilliant" business leader, according to former Apple CEO John Sculley. That skill? The ability to listen. Sculley, who served as Apple's CEO for a decade from 1983 to 1993, told CNBC Make It that ability did not come naturally to Jobs. Rather, it took 12 years and a contentious departure from Apple to hone it. Jobs famously resigned from Apple in 1985, aged 27, following a clash with Sculley (a former ally) and Apple board members over the strategic direction of the company. In the 12 years that followed, Jobs founded another computer software company, NeXT, before returning to Apple in 1997. U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday he expects to get the trade gap with Japan "straightened out rapidly," adding that announcements on that could come as soon as August. Trump was speaking ahead of his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo, as the American president embarked on a state visit amid looming trade issues between the two countries. "Trade-wise, I think we'll be announcing some things, probably in August that will be very good for both countries," Trump said, according to Reuters. "We'll get the balance of trade, I think, straightened out rapidly." According to the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. had a deficit of $56.8 billion in goods and services with Japan in 2018. The president's state visit comes amid tensions with carmaker Toyota over potential auto tariffs. Trump has repeatedly threatened Japanese and European carmakers with tariffs. But earlier in Mar, Trump delayed a decision on car levies for up to six months and directed U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to seek trade agreements with Tokyo and Brussels. Still, the president ratcheted up pressure on Japan the first day he arrived, saying on Saturday that "Japan has had a substantial advantage for many, many years." He also called on Japanese businesses to invest more in the United States. "President Trump ... would like to claim credit for some progress on trade whether it's agriculture or products or automobiles, but he can wait because his election isn't till November next year," said Glen Fukushima, former deputy assistant of United States Trade Representative for Japan and China during Ronald Reagan's administration told CNBC on Monday. Trump had previously said he did not expect major progress until July, when Abe's ruling bloc faces an election for parliament's upper house. "Trump and Abe have established a good relationship. Both have been relying on each other to help them domestically," said Fukushima, who is now senior fellow at the Center for American Progress think tank. Fiat Chrysler and Renault, two automakers looking to curb costs producing vehicles and pool resources for developing the next generation of automobiles, are planning a merger to create the world's third largest automaker. According to a statement from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the combined business would be owned 50/50 between shareholders of FCA and Groupe Renault. A board of governors would hold a majority of independent directors. Shares in Fiat Chrysler and Renault jumped 13% and 11.5% respectively. The merger still requires approval by the boards of both automakers. Reuters reported Monday that Renault board members will meet informally within days with the intent to make a decision early next week on whether to proceed with the proposed full merger. The joint organization would produce estimated sales of 8.7 million vehicles a year and would be considered the world's third largest car manufacturer. Fiat Chrylser said the combined entity would generate savings of 5 billion euros annually ($5.6 billion) and be "carried out as a merger transaction under a Dutch parent company." The press release from Fiat Chrysler added that there would be no plant closures as a reults of the tie-up and the union should provide an opportunity to lead in the development of electric and autonomous vehicles. Emmanuel Macron, France's president, speaks ahead of the Balkan summit at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, on Monday, April 29, 2019. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Marine Le Pen's euroskeptic National Rally have topped the European election vote in France, early results published Monday showed, narrowly beating the centrist alliance of President Emmanuel Macron. National Rally, a re-branding of Le Pen's National Front has taken 22 seats, beating Macron's party by just one seat. It represents a setback for the French leader, who had put himself at the forefront of a bruising and personal campaign, while nationalist supporters across the bloc are likely to celebrate a symbolic victory. In a statement, Macron's office described the performance as disappointing but not disastrous. It also said pro-EU parties were still in the majority. The French Greens were seen coming third in a crowded field of candidates, adding to the remarkable second place of their German counterparts. The result is likely to bolster expectations of a so-called "green wave" that could influence EU policy over the coming years. Much improved voter turnout The projected result comes at a particularly challenging time for Macron a Europhile who was elected back in 2017. His reform agenda, including on the labor market, has frustrated some French citizens over the last two years which has escalated into months of protests and historically-low levels of popularity for the president. Nonetheless, the narrow defeat to Le Pen's National Rally most likely won't derail Macron's domestic agenda, as the government seeks to impose a major overhaul of the pension system over the coming months. This was Macron's first European election, having formed his own party for the presidential race back in 2017. Marine Le Pen's party, on the other hand, won the 2014 European parliamentary election in terms of French seats in Brussels. At the time she got nearly 25% of the votes, which translated into 23 seats at the European Parliament. The European elections are widely seen as a test on national leaders across the 28 countries. Philippe Huguen | AFP | Getty Images EU votes still believe in the European project, experts claimed Monday, despite long-dominant centrist parties losing ground to euroskeptic and nationalist opponents in the parliamentary elections. Voters delivered a fragmented result overnight on Sunday, meaning the make-up of the EU Parliament will appear more divided over the next five years. Some nationalist and anti-EU candidates enjoyed solid gains, while Liberal and Green parties also ate into the centrist block's stronghold. Despite the strong showing for nationalist and far-right groups, experts told CNBC on Monday that the European Union still had significant levels of support. "I think the voter turnout shows that people really still care about the EU and what the European Union is doing," Anna Rosenberg, head of Europe and the U.K. at advisory firm Signum Global, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe." "It shows a trend that, rather than weakening, it's going to strengthen," Rosenberg added. She said the new makeup of the European Parliament will help the EU become a global player in tackling issues like climate change, citing the rise in the Greens' share of the vote. Support for right-wing populist parties had been "overestimated," she added, and while some countries have seen a rise in nationalists, it's not a "European-wide trend." Meanwhile, Vasileios Gkionakis, global head of FX strategy at Lombard Odier & Cie, noted that although the Greens and the Liberals veered from the center, both are parties in favour of the European project. "The expectations were (for) a relatively meaningful increase in populist and nationalist parties which didn't actually take place," he said. Italy remained an outlier where there was a marked increase in support for Matteo Salvini's nationalist Lega party. While there's "definitely an issue" as far as Italy's concerned, Gkionakis said, overall the result was "positive" for the EU. Call for change But that doesn't mean the EU can afford to be complacent, one analyst suggested. "Some of these changes we're seeing at the margin tell us that Europe needs to change," said Guy Miller, chief market strategist at Zurich Insurance, noting the 2016 Brexit referendum where a majority of British voters rejected the EU. However, he added there is now "an appreciation on the part of Europe" that the public was demanding to be listened to. The expectation is that the EU will progress toward a vision held by French President Emmanuel Macron of a more united Europe, Miller said, "provided he can deliver a real feeling of vision." Daniel Gros, director of the Centre for European Policy Studies agreed: "(Leaders) have to start realizing that maybe people have accepted Europe, but in some instances they want a different Europe Brussels has to take that into account." Gros noted that, as there was no clear winner, it could pose problems when it comes to selecting new leadership for the European Commission. "I think (it will be) somebody from a party who has a strong showing in this parliament, maybe a Liberal, maybe Green," he said. "We need somebody who can put these parties together, because we have different coalitions on different issues, and we never know what the next crisis will bring, and therefore we really need somebody who can pull people together." Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here. Tens of thousands of people - according to the organizers - gathered outside the Tel Aviv museum. The protesters brandished images of Erdogan, symbol of the "regime" that wants to establish the premier. Supreme Court called to judge on corruption and fraud allegations. Possible (and sensational) new elections on the horizon. Tel Aviv (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Israelis are protesting a government majority bill to guarantee immunity to the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (in his fifth mandate) from investigations by the judiciary for corruption and fraud. Over the weekend, thousands of people gathered outside the Tel Aviv museum, the country's economic and commercial capital, in a "pro-democracy" demonstration that brought together the main opposition camps. The street demonstrations are the first since the electoral victory of the outgoing premier in early April. Some of the protesters wore red fez in Ottoman style and wore portraits of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom they believe "embodies the type of regime we are fighting". Organizers report tens of thousands of joining in the protest but there has been no official data on numbers. Benny Gantz, a former army general and Netanyahu's main challenger in the last election, was among protest leaders and he addressed the crowd urging them to demonstrate. He then strongly attacked the prime minister, accusing him of blemishing the dream of Israel with his leadership. "There are those who are attempting to replace the people's rule with the rule of a single man and to enslave an entire nation to the interests of one man," Gantz said. According to reports from the main opposition figures, Netanyahu - who at this time presided over a meeting of the troubled majority and appeared particularly nervous - cannot serve as head of government in the event of incrimination. The Supreme Court is the body called to decide whether he will resign the least; however, according to critics and civil society, the Prime Minister is trying to limit - if not disregard - its powers to retain power. His goal, they add, is to get a law approved that protects him from accusations of corruption. Netanyahu is accused among others of having pocketed assets and gifts for almost 270 thousand dollars in branded cigars and champagne, in exchange for political favors. In the second line of inquiry, he would have passed regulations favorable to the telecommunications company Bezeq, in exchange for favorable press coverage. Finally, he would have benefited from flattering articles and reports on his work and on the family of the daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronot, the best-selling newspaper in the country, in exchange for harassing and discriminating measures against a rival media. He faces sentences of between three and ten years in prison. He has always maintained his innocence, terming teh charges a political "witch hunt". This has further complicated the formation of a new government . The deadline for the presentation of the new executive is set for May 29, but internal tensions and street protests - with the judicary's sword hanging over the prime minister's head - have slowed the process. The political and institutional scenario is getting more and more tangled with the passing of the hours and some members of Likud (Netanyahu's party) have begun to speak of new (and sensational) early elections if the situation does not improve. Italy's nationalist Lega party is set to win the majority of the country's seats at the European Parliament, while its coalition partner in Rome has seen a slump in support. Initial results with over half the ballots counted suggested that Lega would take around 34% of the vote against just 17% for the left-leaning Five Star Movement (M5S) almost and exact inversion of the 2018 national election result. Lega took just 6.2% in the last EU ballot in 2014. "Thank you Italy. We will use your trust well. The first party in Italy will change Europe," Lega's leader and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said in a video posted on Facebook. Political analysts have described the European election as a test of Italy's anti-establishment government that has been in power for about a year. Both parties are still the two biggest in Italy, but there has been a clear shift in public opinion between them. In last year's general election, M5S gathered the most votes but over time it has lost support, while its coalition partner has gathered momentum. Given the growing popularity of Salvini, analysts have questioned whether he will trigger a snap election and potentially lead the next Italian government. Tensions between both parties have intensified over the last few months. Employees of Japan's microprocessor maker Renesas Electronics work at the company's Naka wafer fabrication factory in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki prefecture on June 10, 2011. Japan's government said on Monday that high-tech industries will be added to a list of businesses for which foreign ownership of Japanese firms is restricted. The new rule, effective Aug. 1, comes amid heightening pressure from the United States in dealing with cyber-security risks and technological transfers involving China. The Japanese government made no mention of specific countries or companies that will be impacted by applying existing foreign ownership restrictions to the IT and telecoms industries. The announcement came on the same day visiting U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are holding talks in Tokyo on trade and other issues. The United States has warned countries against using Chinese technology, saying Huawei Technologies could be used by Beijing to spy on the West. China and Huawei have strongly rejected the allegations. "Based on increasing importance of ensuring cyber security in recent years, we decided to take necessary steps, including addition of integrated circuit manufacturing, from the standpoint of preventing as appropriate a situation that will severely affect Japan's national security," Japanese ministries said in a statement. Japan wants to prevent a leakage of technology deemed important for national security or damage to defense output and technological foundation, they added. The new rule will be applied to 20 sectors in information and communications industries, according to the joint statement by the finance ministry, trade ministry and communications ministry. Under the foreign exchange and foreign trade control law, Japan brings certain industries such as airplanes, nuclear-related sectors and arms manufacturing under foreign capital controls. The law requires foreign investors to report to the Japanese government and undergo inspection in case they buy 10% or more of stocks in listed Japanese companies or acquire shares of unlisted firms. If the government finds any shortcomings, it can order foreign investors to change or cancel their investment plans. Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda speaks during a press conference in Tokyo on December 20, 2018. Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said on Monday the global economic outlook is highly uncertain, and there are downside risks due to trade friction, China's slowing economy and Britain's negotiations to leave the European Union. Kuroda, in a speech at a seminar, said Group of 20 meetings this year will discuss current account balances and also said bilateral trade measures will not resolve such imbalances. "There is a high degree of uncertainty ... and the downside risks are large," Kuroda said. "As president of the G-20, we will lead policy discussions at the meeting with all the relevant information and appropriate evaluations of global economic conditions." Japan will host a Group of 20 finance ministers and central bankers' meeting on June 8 and 9. Kuroda's comments on the current account balance come amid increasing tension between the United States and its main trading partners. Japan and the United States are negotiating a two-way trade pact. U.S. President Donald Trump, who is in Japan for a state visit, has made it clear he is unhappy with Japan's $68-billion trade surplus with the United States, much of it from auto exports. Trump has also waged a trade war with China in an attempt to lower the U.S. trade deficit and change trade practices that the U.S. government considers unfair. The animal had been sick for some time. He died from old age and involved organ failure. With his death, only one female remains in Malaysia. Tam's genome is now preserved in cell culture. Kota Kinabalu (AsiaNews/Agencies) Malaysias last surviving male Sumatran rhino Tam (pictured) didnt make it. He died around noon today at the Borneo Rhinoceros Sanctuary, in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Lahad Datu. Datuk Christina Liew, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, said the exact cause of death would be known after the autopsy, noting that everything that could have possibly been done, was done, and executed with great love and dedication. The animals last weeks involved the most intense palliative care as humanly possible, she explained, rendered by the Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA) team under veterinarian Dr Zainal Zahari Zainuddin at the Borneo Rhino Sanctuary. Liew said Tam's death was related to old age and involved multiple organ failures. Reports indicate that his appetite and alertness had declined significantly since the end of last month. Urine analysis tests indicated that he was suffering from organ damage and poor kidney function. It spent most of its time lying down, having received round-the-clock attention and medication from keepers as well as veterinarians. Liew said Tam's living genome was now preserved in cell culture. "We hope that with emerging technologies at cell and molecular levels, he may be able to contribute his genes to ensure the survival of the species," she explained. With Tam's death, Malaysia is now left with one female Sumatran rhinoceros, Iman, who was captured in 2014. She appears to be the last Sumatran rhinoceros found in the wild. Since her rescue, no other Sumatran rhinoceros has been detected in Sabah, a sign that the species may have become extinct. by Shafique Khokhar The bill is stuck in Parliament due to parliamentarians and government members who believe it is against Islam. In Pakistan every 20 minutes a woman dies due to complications related to maternity, whilst more than a thousand girls are abducted every year and forced to convert and marry much older men. Faisalabad (AsiaNews) A well-known rights group is calling on the government to approve the law against child marriages as soon as possible. After adoption in the Senate, the bill is stuck in the National Assembly (lower house) due to the opposition of some of its members as well as government ministers who claim the draft law violates Sharia and is un-Islamic. The Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Bill 2019 raises the legal age to marry at age 18, and imposes stricter penalties and fines on anyone who abducts non-Muslim women and girls to Islam, converts them against their will, and force them to marry much older Muslim men. Hailed around the world as a victory for child rights, the bill is currently held up in Parliament. According to Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), the number of girls deprived of their childhood and the possibility of studying is staggering. About 21 per cent of girls in Pakistan are married before age of 18 and 3 per cent are married before the age of 15. Pakistan has the sixth highest number of child brides in the world, 1,909,000. For HRFP president Naveed Walter, Pakistan has committed itself to eliminate child, early and forced marriage by 2030 in line with target 5.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals [objective] which seeks to eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilations. HRFP as well as other civil society groups want to see an end to kidnappings, forced conversions and forced marriages of girls. All Pakistani girls must have a chance to pursue a career without the obstacle of their guardians and be the authors of change in society for a truly democratic, tolerant and prosperous Pakistan. The life and future of the new generations must not be ruined. WASHINGTON - JANUARY 22: Pro-choice advocates participate in protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building January 22, 2010 in Washington, DC. Activists from across the nation gathered to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, which decriminalized abortion in all fifty states. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) The Supreme Court could signal as soon as Tuesday that it is ready to once again revisit the landmark abortion decision Roe v. Wade. Conservative legislatures in states like Georgia and Alabama have in recent weeks raced to pass restrictive abortion laws in the hopes of testing the 1973 decision, which held that women have a qualified constitutional right to end their pregnancies. Much of that legislation was spurred by the confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's second appointee to the panel, in October. The addition of the judge gave the court a reliable conservative majority. The newly passed laws are unlikely to make it before the top court anytime soon. It could be two or three years before any litigation makes it through the lower courts. But two laws limiting abortions passed in Indiana in 2016 and signed by then-Gov. Mike Pence, now the vice president, are ready for review. The justices on Thursday met in a private conference to vote on whether to hear them, and an announcement is expected Tuesday. It requires four votes for the court to take a case. One of the Indiana laws prevents abortions sought for reasons deemed "discriminatory" for instance, those based on the expected race or disability of the fetus. The other requires an ultrasound at least 18 hours in advance of an abortion. Both laws were blocked by lower courts before going into effect, but experts say that the Supreme Court is likely to uphold any but the most restrictive abortion laws if it decides to formally review them. "You have three pretty solid votes to uphold most of this, one very likely vote, Kavanaugh, and the chief justice, [but] he could be peeled off now and again," said Brian Fitzpatrick, a former clerk to Justice Antonin Scalia who teaches law at Vanderbilt University. "I would put my wagers on upholding most of these laws." While the five conservative justices may avoid a complete overturning of Roe or a later decision which narrowed it, taking up either Indiana law would signal that the court intends to hamstring some longstanding protections. In Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the court reasoned that laws which put an "undue burden" on women seeking abortions are impermissible. The possibility that Roe could be weakened but not eliminated is more alarming for some reproductive rights groups than its direct reversal. Those groups worry that upholding restrictive abortion laws could have just as grave a practical impact without sparking the same degree of political resistance as taking Roe on directly. "We don't need to see a reversal of Roe v. Wade for states to shut their last clinic and huge numbers of people have their right to access abortion taken away from them," an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, which has fought many abortion restrictions in court, recently wrote. Another abortion law the justices are likely to review soon was passed in Louisiana. In February, the justices voted 5-4 to temporarily block the law, which would have required abortion doctors in the state to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. The measure is nearly identical to a Texas law the court struck down in 2016. The court's February decision has spurred intrigue. In 2016, Chief Justice John Roberts joined the conservatives in dissenting from the court's 5-3 decision to strike down the Texas version of the law. In February, though, he joined the court's liberal wing in blocking it, raising questions about which side he will take if the case comes back to the court next year for a full hearing. Louisiana asked earlier this month for the court to hear the case, though that petition was not up for a vote Thursday. If the court takes up the Indiana or Louisiana abortion cases, they will likely be heard in the term that begins in October. A decision would be expected around June 2020 setting up a fight over abortion just months before Americans head to the polls in the presidential election. Among women entrepreneurs, Ankiti Bose is something of an icon. With her rapidly growing fashion platform, Zilingo, she's on track to become the first Indian woman to co-found a $1 billion start-up. But rather than revel in the "glamorous labels," the 27-year-old founder says she wants to use that newfound status as an opportunity to drive progress for other would-be women leaders. Bose, who started her career as an investment analyst before launching Zilingo in 2014, said she was fortunate to find a male co-founder and team of backers who thought of her quite "genderlessly" and supported her business ambitions. However, she acknowledged that even today that support can be hard to come by for many women, and she wants to use her leadership position to bridge that gap particularly in the tech industry and within Asia. That includes ensuring Zilingo is a 50% female company with 50% female leadership, she said. "I was phenomenally blessed to have a team of mentors, team of guides that would think of me quite genderlessly," Bose told CNBC Make It. "I really want to see that happen with a lot of women, and I know that it doesn't," she continued. 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 EU Election 1) Brexit Party romps to victory Britains two main parties suffered a collapse in support last night as Nigel Farages Brexit Party scored a sweeping victory in the European parliament elections. With counts in ten of the twelve regions complete, the party topped the national vote share with 31.6 per cent as the countrys Brexit divisions widened. Mr Farage said that the outcome was a massive message to the Labour and the Conservatives. If we dont leave the EU on October 31, tonights results will be repeated in a general election, he said. The re-elected MEP demanded that his party be given a role in any renegotiation with the Brussels over the terms of Britains exit. The Times >Today: MPsETC: The Brexit Party wins the Euro-elections. The Liberal Democrats are second. Disaster for the two main parties. EU Election 2) Conservatives reduced to just three MEPs with worst result ever Daniel Hannan, who was elected as one of just three Tory MEPs in England and Wales, said the European elections had been without question our worst result as a party ever. People voted to leave three years ago and we havent left, its as simple as that, he told the Press Association. I think Im back as one of, I think it looks like being three Conservatives nationally. So without question our worst result as a party ever. But he suggested the partys fortunes could be turned around and the threat from Mr Farages Brexit Party neutralised if the UK did leave the EU. Daily Mail >Today: ToryDiary: Divided Britain EU Election 3) Lib Dems and Greens gain seats EU Election 4) Labour engulfed by acrimony over how to stem losses in two directions The Lib Dems finished second behind the Brexit Party. Sir Vince Cables party picked up swathes of votes from disaffected Labour supporters, with a 13.5 per cent vote swing from Labour to the Lib Dems in the early results. Tory Remainers including Lord Heseltine also registered a protest vote by backing the Lib Dems as the Partys clear message in favour of staying in the European Union proved its greatest strength. It comes after the Lib Dems gained more than 700 councillors and 10 local authorities in the local elections earlier this monthThe Green Party, whose environmental message has been boosted by the success of high-profile protests by Extinction Rebellion, recorded a three point increase in its vote share to 12 per cent, winning seven seats. Daily Telegraph Battered Jeremy Corbyn today hinted he will finally back a second Brexit referendum as Labour erupted into civil war after being humiliated in European elections. The Labour leader said this issue will have to go back to the people as the shadow Cabinet turned on him although he again dodged stating whether there should be a general election or a single-issue vote. The desperate fire-fighting came as foreign secretary Emily Thornberry was among those to blast the partys unclear strategy and demand a second referendum after Labours thrashing. Ms Thornberry warned were getting a good kicking as the unashamedly pro-Remain Lib Dems ate into the Labour vote. Deputy leader Tom Watson demanded an urgent change of direction. Daily Mail Corbyns party falls to third in Wales Daily Mail Thornberry urges a second referendum (as the Lib Dems win Islington) The Guardian Watson says they will lose the next election if they dont offer a re-run The Guardian McCluskey accuses the Deputy Leader of an anti-Corbyn plot The Sun We could have won on a Remain platform Ben Bradshaw, The Times The Brexit Party won most votes in Exeter Devon Live Leadership Contest 1) Johnson: We cannot continue to ignore the clear instruction to Leave the EU The message from these results is clear. If we go on like this, we will be fired: dismissed from the job of running the country. The only way to avert that outcome is to honour the result of the 2016 referendum, and come out of the EU; and that means doing it properly not with some frail simulacrum of Brexit, but clearly and sensibly, so that we are able to join every other independent country in being able to set our own tariffs and make our own laws. If we fail yet again to discharge that mandate, then I fear we will see a permanent haemorrhage of Conservative support, and loyal voters who have left us to join the Brexit Party (and others) may simply never come backIf we are to recapture the attention of the electorate, we must show, now, that we can and will deliver what we said we would do. Boris Johnson, Daily Telegraph >Today: MPsETC: Leadership election candidate MP support numbers: Hunt 29, Johnson 23, Gove 22, Raab 20, Javid 11 Leadership Contest 2) Gove enters the race: Compromise is not a dirty word The environment secretary said in an interview at the Hay Festival last night that he had evolved as a politician and was ready to become prime minister and negotiate Britains exit from the European Union. Mr Gove said that in the next few days he would spell out precise details of his approach to ending the impasse in parliament and with Brussels, adding: Compromise, as the prime minister reminded us, is not a dirty word. He insisted that a no-deal departure on March 29 would have caused real problems in sectors of our economy. Mr Gove acknowledged that his environment department had presented him with the consequences of a no-deal exit, but denied that he was shocked. It wasnt the case that there was a ta-da moment and somebody pulled the cord and behind the velvet curtain there was some Hieronymus Bosch picture, he said in the interview. I have also said that this is a great country. We would be able to get through but ultimately it is better for all of us if we secure a deal with the European Union and leave in an orderly way. The Times Front-runners often lose, he warns, citing Game of Thrones Daily Mail The Gover will give Johnson the challenge we missed out on in 2016 Trevor Kavanagh, The Sun We need a sensible, unifying contest instead well get backstabbing and factionalism The Times Leader It must be a quick decision The Sun Says I challenge fellow candidates to rule out a general election before delivering Brexit Matt Hancock, The Times >Yesterday: WATCH: Greening rules herself out of leadership election, and says its a beauty parade for hard Brexiteers Leadership 3) Born-again Brexiteer Hunt says the future of the Conservative Party is at stake Hes ahead in the ConservativeHome MP support listings The Times The next Chancellor must take the fight to Brussels Matthew Lesh, Daily Telegraph Leadership 4) Raab pitches himself as the principled details guy The future of the Conservative Party could be in doubt unless it manages to deliver Brexit, leadership hopeful Jeremy Hunt has warned. The Foreign Secretary acknowledged the very existence of the party he hopes to lead could be threatened by the Brexit backlash after the Tories secured just nine per cent of the vote in England and Wales. Mr Hunt, who hopes to replace Theresa May in Number 10, said it was a painful resultMr Hunt, the most senior Cabinet minister to declare his intention to seek the leadership, said there was an existential risk to our party unless we now come together and get Brexit done. Evening Standard Mr Raab told The Andrew Marr Show that he would seek to renegotiate the Irish backstop but that there was no case for a further extension and that he would bring the country out of the EU on October 31 with or without a deal, the same position as that taken by Boris Johnson. He repeatedly described himself as a lawyer and a details guy, outlining his pitch to Brexiteer MPs choosing between him and Mr Johnson. Mr Raab refused to rule out working with Nigel Farage but subsequently issued a statement clarifying that he would not agree to an electoral pact with the former Ukip leader or his new Brexit Party. Two other Brexiteer leadership candidates, Andrea Leadsom, a former Commons leader, and Esther McVey, a former work and pensions secretary, said that they were prepared to leave without a deal and would not seek an extension. The Times Which of his rivals might he be implying is not into details? Daily Mail The former Brexit Secretary calls for live head-to-head candidate debates Daily Telegraph He promises to be resolute with Brussels The Sun And stands by criticism of obnoxious bigot feminists The Guardian Stewart says he would lock up Tory MPs over the summer to get backing for the deal The Sun >Yesterday: WATCH: Raab I am willing to walk away with No Deal Leadership Contest 5) Lewer: McVeys Blue Collar Conservatism is what the country needs We must quit the talks, McVey argues The Sun It is these kinds of practical, Conservative messages and pledges that will allow our Party to move on from the Referendum, to re-capture that sense of optimism, hope and purpose that brought us together as Conservatives in the first place, to bypass Nigel Farage and ensure Jeremy Corbyns divisive and destructive socialist followers never control the levers of power. Nowhere is practical Conservatism and bold, new thinking needed more than in addressing our broken housing marketEsther McVey has already started demonstrating her vision of the sort of country she wants to see. She will be able to bring back trust to our politics, transform the Conservative Party into a winning force again, and ensure that Westminster starts making a practical difference to our constituents lives, gives everyone a stake in society and ensures that hard work is rewarded. Andrew Lewer, Daily Telegraph >Today: Chloe Westleys column: Three lessons for the Conservatives from that amazing centre-right win in Australia >Yesterday: WATCH: Im standing on a Blue Collar Conservative platform, says McVey The pattern of gains for insurgent parties of left and right is mirrored across the EU Far-right and Eurosceptic parties won more European Parliament seats than ever before after voters across the continent left their nations rulers with bloody noses. Conversely, left wing and Green parties also surged amid the highest turnout in 25 years, breaking the majority held by the two largest centre-right and centre-left groups of parties for 40 years. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvinis hardline League party emerged as the largest in Italy, while Marine Le Pen inflicted a painful defeat on pro-European French president Emmanuel Macron. The party of longtime German chancellor Angela Merkel, a European Union stalwart, also lost ground, although it was the Greens and not the far-right Alternative for Germany that made big gains in her country. Daily Mail Le Pen wins in France The Times Salvini wins in Italy The Times Eurosceptic and anti-EU parties raise turnout The Times The EU parliament is more fragmented Ben Hall, FT Young people are more likely to downsize than older people Record numbers of over-70s continue working Daily Mail Build-to-rent is not delivering inter-generational fairness Pauline Skypala, FT Stop refunding fraud victims, police chief urges banks Young people are four times more likely to downsize than the elderly, according to a survey which lays bare Britains property divide. It found that around 12 per cent of 18 to 34-year-olds expect to move into a smaller home this year, compared with just 3 per cent of over-55s. The figures confirm how hard it is for young people to move up the housing ladder. They also point to similar problems in the rental sector. Many under-35s looking to downsize are thought to be tenants in parts of Britain where rents are going up quickly. They are forced to move to smaller properties each year because their wages are not increasing at the same pace. Daily Mail Banks should not guarantee refunds for fraud victims to deter customers from being careless with their money, a police chief has claimed. Commander Karen Baxter, the national co-ordinator for economic crime at the City of London Police, said there should be consequences for extremely irresponsible behaviour such as ignoring safety advice and making unwise transfers. Her calls come days before major banks including HSBC, RBS and NatWest are set to adopt a voluntary code of conduct requiring them to refund scam victims in full provided they have shown reasonable diligence. Daily Mail 65,000 taxpayer bill for Venables latest effort to hide his identity Daily Mail The war of constant innovations in prison drug smuggling The Times Corbyn supports proposal to monitor workplace jokes The Sun Scientists propose that a new geological age has begun: the Anthropocene China plans to move millions of people from countryside to towns in drive to eliminate poverty Some 540 million years after life began to bloom on Earth during the Cambrian period scientists say that we are entering a new geological chapter: the first created by Man. The Anthropocene epoch marks a new phase of the planets history, where mankind is the dominant influence on climate and the environment. Starting in the 1950s, it would be identifiable from the radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons tests, the appearance of fossilised plastics and a rise in carbon pollution from a global postwar economic boom. A panel of experts chaired by Jan Zalasiewicz, of the University of Leicester, has spent a decade reviewing evidence on whether the Anthropocene is a geologically valid concept. Its 34 members took their first formal vote last week and decided that it had merit. The Times Fewer than 1 per cent of people in China live on less than $1 a day, Beijings definition of absolute poverty. Many belong to ethnic groups that differ in language, religion or appearance from the dominant Han Chinese. Ms Li, for instance, is one of the 1.4m-strong Lisu people, a hill tribe native to the mountains of India, Myanmar, Thailand and southwestern China. Most, like her, are caught between the need for money and the tug of family and habit. Beijings solution is to move them all. Ms Li, her invalid husband, her elderly mother and her neighbours will be swept up in a radical experiment. Remote counties are frantically building roads, apartment blocks and vocational training centres to consolidate people in nearby towns at a cost of $18.7bn this year alone. The goal is to cut the number of people living in absolute poverty from 30m in 2017, to zero in 2020. China wants to be an example to the world, says Li Haishu, standing member of the Nujiang prefecture Communist party committee. You can only do this in China. Ive never heard of another country in history doing this. FT News in Brief Steve Brine is MP for Winchester. He served as PPS to Jeremy Hunt as Health Secretary from 2015-2016 and as Public Health Minister from 2017-2018. Ive seen Jeremy Hunt close up and under pressure. Heres why I am supporting him as our next Prime Minister. The week after the 2015 General Election, I was feeling rather pleased with the way things had turned out. First elected to the Winchester constituency in 2010 with a majority of just 3,048, I had seen that rise to 17,000 with a 52 per cent share of the vote. My intention, having served on the committee in my first Parliament, was to run for the Chairmanship of the Justice Select Committee. As I set about making plans, Gavin Barwell (he was then in the Government Whips office) called to say the Prime Minister wanted me to go to the Department of Health as PPS to Jeremy Hunt. Were near neighbours in constituency terms but we didnt know each other well. Nonetheless I jumped at the chance, having worked consistently on health in Parliament and in Winchester. Jeremy could not have been more welcoming or warmer towards me and was determined to ensure I got as involved as I wanted to be and learned as much as possible. Being a PPS can be a thankless task parliamentary bag carrier, the media call us and some Ministers treat them as such. Jeremy was different. Sure, he needed my help with colleagues, and around Health Questions in the Commons, but he always went out of his way to include me and to make sure I was learning how Government works from the inside. I attended many of his priority meetings with senior NHS figures (such as Simon Stevens and Mike Richards) as well as countless officials at the Department of Health. I saw first-hand the respect they had for him personally and for his very obvious commitment to the NHS, its staff and its patients. I saw close-up his understanding of the system and determination to drive reform around his priorities as Secretary of State, including of course patient safety. And it was this focus which led us both to a truly defining moment in his tenure as the longest-serving Health Secretary: the junior doctors dispute. He faced down the notoriously tough doctors union to introduce a new junior doctors contract in the face of a series of strikes that lasted longer than the miners strikes. No other Health Secretary in history has taken on the doctors union and won and history will record he was right about that one. Jeremy never backs down in negotiations, having personally forced the Government to deliver on the 350 million a week referendum promise by securing an extra 20 billion for the NHS through tough negotiations with a resistant Treasury. And it was the issue of future NHS funding where I saw, by then as one of Jeremys Ministers at the Department of Health, the negotiator get his way. He was steely without doubt, and ruthless in his pursuit of a record settlement which would form the cornerstone of our new Long Term Plan but I am absolutely sure it wouldnt have happened without his force of personality and ability to take Number 10 and 11 with him. So Jeremy is pragmatic, persuasive and a tough negotiator, and that will serve him well as Prime Minister at any time, let alone right now. The options we face are a General Election or a second referendum which risk annihilating our party, or one last heave to get a deal through this hung Parliament. That means we need a tough negotiator with whom the EU are prepared to do business on the backstop. Jeremy is an entrepreneur with a background in creating jobs, doing deals and taking risks: he has spent the last year building relationships with European leaders, and is one of the few people who could convince them to re-open the negotiations. At best our new Prime Minister will get one shot at extracting changes to the backstop. My colleagues need to think long and hard about who we want sitting round the table with the EU, striking deals for us at 4am. They need to ask who has the negotiating skills, diplomatic touch and entrepreneurial flair to extract the compromise that we need and the answer becomes obvious: Jeremy Hunt. Equally clear to me is that we need a leader who can unite the Party in order to unite the country. Neither of those things is possible once the other Jeremy (Corbyn) gets into Number 10. Very few people will be able to hold our fractured party together, and bring our country together. Anyone who seriously alienates the Lib Dem/Tory or UKIP swing voters who gave us a majority in 2015 will hand the keys of Downing Street to Corbyn. As someone who voted Remain but has worked tirelessly to honour the referendum result, Jeremy is one of the few who can unify. After nine years in the Cabinet, Jeremy has the experience, stature and track record of competence to lead the country at this perilous time. He survived in one of the toughest jobs in Government for five years to become the longest-serving Health Secretary ever managing an annual budget of over 100 billion and the fourth largest workforce in the world. Jeremy was also responsible for the successful delivery of the London Olympics, the largest peacetime logistical exercise in the countrys history. He is the only candidate who is also a successful entrepreneur, having set up a business and grown it into a multinational company employing over 200 people. That business gave five per cent of its profit to charity and established a charitable foundation that has given millions to some of the poorest people in the world. Those entrepreneurial skills are exactly what the country needs to help us navigate this challenging phase and embrace the opportunities of Brexit. As Foreign Secretary, Jeremy has quickly gained respect at home and abroad as a competent and compassionate Foreign Secretary, who champions human rights and fights for British interests, including personally brokering peace talks in the Yemen conflict, fighting for the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, and securing a presidential pardon for Matthew Hedges, the academic who was falsely imprisoned in Dubai. That phone call from Gavin Barwell in 2015, that took me into Team Hunt in the first place, allowed me to see at close quarters the man who I hope will be our next Prime Minister. Jeremy has the temperament, the personality and the international reputation to take charge at this time. He has exactly the cool head under fire you need in the top job and he is, above all, someone the country can trust and rely upon. Ive seen Jeremy Hunt close-up and its why he has my support to be our next Prime Minister. Six years ago, the TaxPayers Alliance reported that in the last year, five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories. Since then, the figures have varied, and some Conservative members or supporters have been selected to fill important posts. Nonetheless, it remains the case that, since it took office in 2010, our Party has punched beneath its weight when it comes to public appointments. One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply dont apply in the same number as Labour supporters. To help remedy this, every week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies, so that qualified Conservatives might be aware of the opportunities presented. Historic England Commissioners Historic England is the public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate Englands spectacular historic environment, from churches and battlefields to parks and high streets. We champion and protect the places that define who we are and where we have come from as a nation. We champion the historic environment, helping people discover the great places that add colour and character to our lives. We include everyones history because we know every community has made a contribution that is worth understanding and celebrating. We protect by identifying the most important parts of our heritage, by listing and conserving, and by speaking up for places that are at risk. We care by helping communities and professionals to look after their local heritage. Time: 15-20 days per annum typically. Remuneration: 4,133 per year plus reasonable expanses. Closes: 22 May Theatres Trust Trustee Theatres Trust is the national advisory public body for theatres. We believe that current and future generations should have access to good quality theatres where they can be inspired by and enjoy live performance. We champion the future of live performance, by protecting and supporting excellent theatre buildings, which meet the needs of their communities. Established by the Theatres Trust Act 1976 and the Theatres Trust (Scotland) Act 1978 to promote the better protection of theatres the Trust is a statutory consultee on planning. Local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales are required to consult the Trust on planning applications for all theatres. Time: Four meetings a year. Remuneration: Reasonable expenses. Closes: 29 May Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise Commissioner The Department for Transport is seeking an individual to serve as a Commissioner of the Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise (ICCAN), a body which is being established to become a credible and authoritative voice on civil aviation noise issues. The Commissioner for Acoustics and Aviation Noise will work with the Head Commissioner, steering and developing the overall work of the Commission. The Commissioner will be required to work approximately two days per month, while maintaining sufficient flexibility to respond to additional ad hoc duties. They will also represent ICCAN and promote its strategy and overall direction. Time: Two working days per month. Remuneration: 12,000 per annum. Closes: 03 June The Royal Armouries Chair The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is seeking to appoint an outstanding individual as the next chair of the Royal Armouries, to take the Museum forward as this new critical period in its history. The ideal candidate will have a passion for cultural heritage, a commitment to public service, strong commercial acumen and a successful track record in public service, heritage management, or business. This is a very exciting time for the Royal Armouries, having substantially increased its commercial operations, and now in the process of devising a masterplan to transform the museum brand and its offer at the main museum site in Leeds. Time: ~4 working days per month. Remuneration: Reasonable expenses. Closes: 05 June Imperial War Museum Business Trustee IWM is seeking to increase the business and commercial skills on its Board of Trustees as the generation of commercial revenue forms a critical part of IWMs income and operating model. The commercial and learning activities of IWM, including retail, corporate hospitality and the IWM Duxford Air Shows are operated through the IWM Trading Company plc, a wholly owned subsidiary incorporated in 1999. The business trustee will also be Chair of the IWM Trading Company Ltd. Candidates for this particular post will have significant experience in an area of business or commerce. Time: Up to one day per month. Remuneration: Expenses reasonably incurred. Closes: 05 June Air Quality Expert Group Chair AQEG plays a vital role in providing advice to officials and key office holders in Government and the Devolved Administrations (DAs) on the evidence base supporting air quality policies and operations. The independent advice from AQEG helps shape Defras evidence base to robustly support policy development and implementation. While AQEGs primary role is in the provision of scientific advice to assist Defras strategic vision, members and the Chair are also called upon to provide ad hoc advice on occasion. The role of the AQEG is particularly significant at present as Government begins to implement its Clean Air Strategy. Time: 4-6 meetings per annum. Remuneration: 226 per diem. Closes: 10 June Financial Reporting Council CEO The mission of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is to promote transparency and integrity in business. These are cornerstones to generating public trust and confidence in UK business and help attract investment in successful companies that provide jobs, create prosperity and generate economic growth. The FRC sets the UK Corporate Governance & Stewardship Codes which aim to make investors more accountable to their clients and beneficiaries. The FRC also sets standards for accounting, auditing and actuarial work. As the UKs independent regulator and Competent Authority for Audit it monitors, and takes action where necessary, to promote the quality of corporate reporting and audit. It also operates independent enforcement arrangements for accountants and actuaries. Time: Full-time. Remuneration: 330,000 per annum. Closes: 10 June Office of Rail & Road Board Members ORR is the independent regulator for Britains railways and the independent monitor of Highways England. We are here to ensure the two networks operate safely, reliably, meet the needs of users, and provide value for taxpayers and customers by making best possible use of their capacity and their funding, and support economic growth across our country. A role on the ORR board provides an opportunity to use your skills and experience to contribute to the development of the sectors and the delivery of a strategy that would help shape the future of rail and road in the UK. Both of these sectors touch fundamentally on the ability of the UKs economy to grow and prosper and are likely to change significantly in the next few years as opportunities emerge through innovation in technology and changing user behaviour. Time: 3.5 days per month average. Remuneration: 22,429 per annum. Closes: 17 June Charity Commission Board Members Last year the Charity Commission redefined its purpose: to ensure charity can thrive and inspire trust so that people can improve lives and strengthen society. To help us meet that purpose, fulfil our proud commitment to represent the public interest in charity, and meet the challenges we face, the Board has set a new and ambitious five-year strategic plan. To be the effective regulator that the public demands and the sector requires, the Commission must do all it can to ensure that charities show they are being true to their purposes, can demonstrate the difference they are making, and meet the high expectations of conduct and behaviour demanded by the public. Time: 18-24 days per annum approx. Remuneration: 350 per diem plus reasonable expenses. Closes: 19 June Public Weather Service Customer Group Chair The Public Weather Service Customer Group (PWSCG) is an independent body which acts as the customer on behalf of the public and public sector users of the Public Weather Service (PWS). It provides independent advice to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to enable the formal agreement of the PWS Customer-Supplier Agreement (CSA) between Government and the Met Office. It is responsible for defining the outputs required from the Met Office and holding them to account for delivering to a satisfactory level. The funding for the PWS is currently around 120M per annum, of which 100M is paid by BEIS. Time: Up to 36 days per annum. Remuneration: 20,000 per annum. Closes: 23 June Financial Conduct Authority Non-Executive Director The Government is seeking to appoint a number of Non-Executive Directors to the Board of the Financial Conduct Authority. These appointments are to fill vacancies which arise from retirements in 2019 and 2020 as Directors complete their maximum terms. In accordance with the Financial Services Act 2012, one of these appointments will be made jointly by the Treasury and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, with further appointments made solely by the Treasury These vacancies are senior roles requiring people with the necessary skills to assist the Chair in providing strategic leadership and oversight of the FCA and in supporting and positively challenging the FCAs senior executives. Time: Up to 36 days per annum. Remuneration: 35,000 per annum, plus 10,000 if committee chair. Closes: 30 June Pope's Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2019, this year on September 29th, with the theme: "It is not just about migrants". In every political activity, in every program, in every pastoral action "we must always focus on the person, in his multiple dimensions, including the spiritual one". Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The signs of meanness we see around us heighten our fear of the other, the unknown, the marginalized, the foreigner... We see this today in particular, faced with the arrival of migrants and refugees knocking on our door in search of protection, security and a better future. To some extent, the fear is legitimate, also because the preparation for this encounter is lacking," writes Pope Francis in his Message for the World Day for Migrants and Refugees 2019 which will be celebrated on September 29th, with the theme: "It is not just about migrants". "The problem - Francis writes - is not that we have doubts and fears. The problem is when they condition our way of thinking and acting to the point of making us intolerant, closed and perhaps even without realizing it racist. In this way, fear deprives us of the desire and the ability to encounter the other, the person different from myself; it deprives me of an opportunity to encounter the Lord. Below is the complete text of the Message: Dear Brothers and Sisters, Faith assures us that in a mysterious way the Kingdom of God is already present here on earth (cf. Gaudium et Spes, 39). Yet in our own time, we are saddened to see the obstacles and opposition it encounters. Violent conflicts and all-out wars continue to tear humanity apart; injustices and discrimination follow one upon the other; economic and social imbalances on a local or global scale prove difficult to overcome. And above all it is the poorest of the poor and the most disadvantaged who pay the price. The most economically advanced societies are witnessing a growing trend towards extreme individualism which, combined with a utilitarian mentality and reinforced by the media, is producing a globalization of indifference. In this scenario, migrants, refugees, displaced persons and victims of trafficking have become emblems of exclusion. In addition to the hardships that their condition entails, they are often looked down upon and considered the source of all societys ills. That attitude is an alarm bell warning of the moral decline we will face if we continue to give ground to the throw-away culture. In fact, if it continues, anyone who does not fall within the accepted norms of physical, mental and social well-being is at risk of marginalization and exclusion. For this reason, the presence of migrants and refugees and of vulnerable people in general is an invitation to recover some of those essential dimensions of our Christian existence and our humanity that risk being overlooked in a prosperous society. That is why it is not just about migrants. When we show concern for them, we also show concern for ourselves, for everyone; in taking care of them, we all grow; in listening to them, we also give voice to a part of ourselves that we may keep hidden because it is not well regarded nowadays. Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid! (Mt 14:27). It is not just about migrants: it is also about our fears. The signs of meanness we see around us heighten our fear of the other, the unknown, the marginalized, the foreigner... We see this today in particular, faced with the arrival of migrants and refugees knocking on our door in search of protection, security and a better future. To some extent, the fear is legitimate, also because the preparation for this encounter is lacking (Homily in Sacrofano, 15 February 2019). But the problem is not that we have doubts and fears. The problem is when they condition our way of thinking and acting to the point of making us intolerant, closed and perhaps even without realizing it racist. In this way, fear deprives us of the desire and the ability to encounter the other, the person different from myself; it deprives me of an opportunity to encounter the Lord (cf. Homily at Mass for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 14 January 2018). For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? (Mt 5:46). It is not just about migrants: it is about charity. Through works of charity, we demonstrate our faith (cf. Jas 2:18). And the highest form of charity is that shown to those unable to reciprocate and perhaps even to thank us in return. It is also about the face we want to give to our society and about the value of each human life... The progress of our peoples... depends above all on our openness to being touched and moved by those who knock at our door. Their faces shatter and debunk all those false idols that can take over and enslave our lives; idols that promise an illusory and momentary happiness blind to the lives and sufferings of others (Address at the Diocesan Caritas of Rabat, 30 March 2019). But a Samaritan traveller who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight (Lk 10:33). It is not just about migrants: it is about our humanity. Compassion motivated that Samaritan for the Jews, a foreigner not to pass by. Compassion is a feeling that cannot be explained on a purely rational level. Compassion strikes the most sensitive chords of our humanity, releasing a vibrant urge to be a neighbour to all those whom we see in difficulty. As Jesus himself teaches us (cf. Mt9:35-36; 14:13-14; 15:32-37), being compassionate means recognizing the suffering of the other and taking immediate action to soothe, heal and save. To be compassionate means to make room for that tenderness which todays society so often asks us to repress. Opening ourselves to others does not lead to impoverishment, but rather enrichment, because it enables us to be more human: to recognize ourselves as participants in a greater collectivity and to understand our life as a gift for others; to see as the goal, not our own interests, but rather the good of humanity (Address at the Heydar Aliyev Mosque in Baku, 2 October 2016). See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father (Mt 18:10). It is not just about migrants: it is a question of seeing that no one is excluded. Todays world is increasingly becoming more elitist and cruel towards the excluded. Developing countries continue to be drained of their best natural and human resources for the benefit of a few privileged markets. Wars only affect some regions of the world, yet weapons of war are produced and sold in other regions which are then unwilling to take in the refugees produced by these conflicts. Those who pay the price are always the little ones, the poor, the most vulnerable, who are prevented from sitting at the table and are left with the crumbs of the banquet (cf. Lk 16:19-21). The Church which goes forth... can move forward, boldly take the initiative, go out to others, seek those who have fallen away, stand at the crossroads and welcome the outcast (Evangelii Gaudium, 24). A development that excludes makes the rich richer and the poor poorer. A real development, on the other hand, seeks to include all the worlds men and women, to promote their integral growth, and to show concern for coming generations. Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all (Mk10:43-44). It is not just about migrants: it is about putting the last in first place. Jesus Christ asks us not to yield to the logic of the world, which justifies injustice to others for my own gain or that of my group. Me first, and then the others! Instead, the true motto of the Christian is, The last shall be first! An individualistic spirit is fertile soil for the growth of that kind of indifference towards our neighbours which leads to viewing them in purely economic terms, to a lack of concern for their humanity, and ultimately to feelings of fear and cynicism. Are these not the attitudes we often adopt towards the poor, the marginalized and the least of society? And how many of these least do we have in our societies! Among them I think primarily of migrants, with their burden of hardship and suffering, as they seek daily, often in desperation, a place to live in peace and dignity (Address to the Diplomatic Corps, 11 January 2016). In the logic of the Gospel, the last come first, and we must put ourselves at their service. I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly (Jn 10:10). It is not just about migrants: it is about the whole person, about all people. In Jesus words, we encounter the very heart of his mission: to see that all receive the gift of life in its fullness, according to the will of the Father. In every political activity, in every programme, in every pastoral action we must always put the person at the centre, in his or her many aspects, including the spiritual dimension. And this applies to all people, whose fundamental equality must be recognized. Consequently, development cannot be restricted to economic growth alone. To be authentic, it must be well-rounded; it must foster the development of each man and of the whole man (SAINT PAUL VI, Populorum Progressio, 14). So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God (Eph 2:19). It is not just about migrants: it is about building the city of God and man. In our time, which can also be called the era of migration, many innocent people fall victim to the great deception of limitless technological and consumerist development (cf. Laudato Si, 34). As a result, they undertake a journey towards a paradise that inevitably betrays their expectations. Their presence, at times uncomfortable, helps to debunk the myth of a progress that benefits a few while built on the exploitation of many. We ourselves need to see, and then to enable others to see, that migrants and refugees do not only represent a problem to be solved, but are brothers and sisters to be welcomed, respected and loved. They are an occasion that Providence gives us to help build a more just society, a more perfect democracy, a more united country, a more fraternal world and a more open and evangelical Christian community (Message for the 2014 World Day of Migrants and Refugees). Dear brothers and sisters, our response to the challenges posed by contemporary migration can be summed up in four verbs: welcome, protect, promote and integrate. Yet these verbs do not apply only to migrants and refugees. They describe the Churchs mission to all those living in the existential peripheries, who need to be welcomed, protected, promoted and integrated. If we put those four verbs into practice, we will help build the city of God and man. We will promote the integral human development of all people. We will also help the world community to come closer to the goals of sustainable development that it has set for itself and that, lacking such an approach, will prove difficult to achieve. In a word, it is not only the cause of migrants that is at stake; it is not just about them, but about all of us, and about the present and future of the human family. Migrants, especially those who are most vulnerable, help us to read the signs of the times. Through them, the Lord is calling us to conversion, to be set free from exclusivity, indifference and the throw-away culture. Through them, the Lord invites us to embrace fully our Christian life and to contribute, each according to his or her proper vocation, to the building up of a world that is more and more in accord with Gods plan. In expressing this prayerful hope, and through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Way, I invoke Gods abundant blessings upon all the worlds migrants and refugees and upon all those who accompany them on their journey. From the Vatican, 27 May 2019 FRANCIS 60% Website epuff.cz uses latest and advanced technologies like: JQuery. It supports HTTPS. The main html page has a size of 26578 bytes (25.96 kb uncompressed). This CoolSocial report was updated on 2020-09-30, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. 100% Website hnbgu.ac.in 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 250710 by Alexa. It supports HTTPS. The main html page has a size of 132366 bytes (129.26 kb uncompressed). This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-09-16, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. 62% Website ingyenesjatek.hu uses latest and advanced technologies. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 19759 bytes (19.30 kb uncompressed) and 3931 bytes (3.84 kb compressed). This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-09-26, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. 100% Website kaltern.com uses latest and advanced technologies. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 143701 bytes (140.33 kb uncompressed) and 26350 bytes (25.73 kb compressed). This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-10-09, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. An international team of atmospheric scientists has pinpointed eastern China as the major source of the rise in emissions of ozone depleting CFC11 first reported last year. Atmospheric observations from monitoring stations in Korea and Japan are said to have confirmed that eastern China, and in particular the provinces of Shandong and Hebei, are responsible for upwards of 60% of the recent rise in CFC11 emissions. Last year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration revealed that emissions of CFC11, a gas once commonly used as a refrigerant and insulation propellant, but since banned under the Montreal Protocol, was mysteriously on the rise again. Analysis of atmospheric measurements revealed that emissions had increased by 25% above the average measured from 2002 to 2012. In all it was thought that about 13,000 tonnes a year had been released since 2013. According to new figures from the team of scientists from the UK, South Korea, Japan, USA, Australia and Switzerland, around 7,000 tonnes has been emitted from eastern China since 2013. Reports published in June 2018 by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and the New York Times pointed to large scale violations of the Montreal Protocol in China, with CFC11 being widely used as a foaming agent for insulation in products like refrigerators. At that time, however, atmospheric researchers only had an indication that at least part of the source was located somewhere in eastern Asia. Emission spikes The clue to the location of the new CFC11 emissions came from the NASA-sponsored Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE) station on Jeju Island in South Korea and an AGAGE-affiliated station run by the National Institute of Environmental Studies (NIES) on Hateruma Island in Japan. Professor Sunyoung Park from Kyungpook National University in South Korea, a lead author on the new study, who runs the South Korean Gosan measurement station, explained: Our measurements show spikes in pollution, when air arrives from industrialised areas. For CFC11, we noticed that the magnitude of these spikes increased after 2012, indicating that emissions must have grown from somewhere in the region. Similar signals had also been noticed at the NIES station on Hateruma, close to Taiwan. To establish which countries were responsible for the growing pollution levels at these stations, an international team of modelling groups at University of Bristol, the UK Met Office, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) and MIT ran sophisticated computer simulations that determined the origin of the polluted air samples. From the Korean and Japanese data, we used our models to show that emissions of CFC11 from eastern China had increased by around 7,000 tonnes per year after 2012, particularly in or around the provinces of Shandong and Hebei, said Dr Luke Western, post-doctoral researcher at the University of Bristol. We didnt find evidence of increasing emissions from Japan, the Korean peninsula, or any other country to which our networks are sensitive. Whilst the new study has located a major source of the global emissions rise, the scientists warn that it is possible that smaller increases have also taken place in other countries, or even in other parts of China. Professor Park explained: Our measurements are sensitive only to the eastern part of China, western Japan and the Korean peninsula and the remainder of the AGAGE network sees parts of North America, Europe and southern Australia. There are large swathes of the world for which we have very little detailed information on the emissions of ozone depleting substances. The devices were placed in three districts at a great distance. Extremists reportedly left a flyer at sight of first explosion. In 2006, a peace agreement was signed between Maoist rebels and security forces. Kathmandu (AsiaNews / Agencies) - At least four people were killed and seven others injured in three separate explosions that shook the capital of Nepal. The bobms were detonated yesterday in three districts of Kathmandu at different distances from each other. Although so far no one has claimed responsability for the attacks, investigators suspect that the Maoists are behind the violence despite being largely dormant since the end of the civil war. Yesterday's explosions represent a new source of concern in the Indian subcontinent, marked last month by the massacres in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. Shyam Lal Gyawali, a police officer, reports that three people died instantly, while the fourth victim died during transport to the hospital. According to witnesses, the first explosion occurred inside a house in the residential area of Ghattekulo, in the heart of Kathmandu, and killed one person. The second bomb was placed in a hairdressing salon in Sukedhara, a north-eastern suburb, causing the death of three people. The third rudimentary bomb detonated near a brickyard in the Thankot area, causing the injuring of two suspected accomplices who were transporting the bomb. The police let it be known that a flyer was found at the site of the first explosion, which would point to Maoist groups. The Himalayan country was marked by a bloody civil war between Maoist rebels and security forces (1996-2006), ended with a peace agreement (the Comprehensive Peace Agreement) signed before the United Nations. In 2008 that agreement led to the abolition of the absolute Hindu monarchy after 240 years of reign and the creation of a secular democracy. In 2015 the first democratic constitution was approved, which however did not moderate the conflicts between the parties and the high corruption that characterizes politics. Beginning Wednesday, July 10, Stamfords Avon Theatre is showing art films from Exhibition on Screen, the award-winning cinematic series that explores the biographies of historys most revered artists. Click here to purchase tickets. The series begins Wednesday, July 10, at 7:30 p.m. and July 13 at 11 a.m., with Van Gogh: A New Way of Seeing. Perhaps more than any other artist, Vincent Van Goghs life has long captured the imagination of storytellers, according to an Avon news release. Delving deep into his fascinating and sometimes deeply troubled world comes this definitive, award-winning documentary directed by David Bickerstaff. Enjoying complete and unprecedented access to the treasures of Amsterdams Van Gogh Museum, this is a fresh film about one of the worlds favorite artists, marking both a major re-hanging of the gallerys collection and a celebration of the 125th anniversary of Van Goghs death. See iconic masterpieces on the big screen while specially invited guests, including world-renowned curators and art historians, offer their interpretations and explanations of his work. Beautifully shot and making extensive use of Van Goghs own letters this is a wonderful film about a wonderful, but too often misunderstood, artist, the Avon said of the 90-minute film. Next up is Rembrandt on Aug. 14, at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 17 at 11 a.m. To mark the 350th anniversary of Rembrandts death and the Year of the Dutch Golden Age, Exhibition on Screen produced Rembrandt on the big screen, the Avon said. Filmed in exquisite detail, the camera offers a privileged view of the once-in-a-lifetime 2015 Late Works exhibition at the Amsterdams Rijksmuseum and Londons National Gallery. Rembrandts creativity gathered new energy in the closing years of his life. It is the art of these late years soulful, honest and deeply moving that indelibly defines our image of Rembrandt the man and the artist. This landmark exhibition was a unique opportunity to experience the passion, emotion and innovation of Rembrandt. With behind-the-scenes access revealing the preparations of the show, the film reveals a fresh and fascinating full biography of this great artist, the Avon said of the 90-minute film. Young Picasso arrives Sept. 25, at 7:30 p.m., and Sept. 28, at 11 a.m. This film takes an in-depth look at the journey of Pablo Picassos life and traces his path to genius. This carefully crafted documentary, filmed over two years, includes two critical periods in Picassos life the Blue and Pink Periods but does not overlook the years before those which are, though much less well-known, absolutely formative, the Avon said. Young Picasso visits Malaga, Barcelona and Paris and explores their influence on Picasso, focusing on specific artworks from these early years. The 91-minute film thus explains how this young artist acquired his craft, the Avon said. The series wraps Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. with Leonardo: The Works. Leonardo da Vincis peerless paintings and drawings will be the focus, as Exhibition on Screen presents every single attributed painting, in Ultra HD quality, never seen before on the big screen in this 85-minute film. Key works include The Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, Lady with an Ermine, Ginevra de Benci, Madonna Litta, Virgin of the Rocks and more than a dozen others. This film also takes a fresh look at da Vincis life his inventiveness, his sculptural skills, his military foresight and his ability to navigate the treacherous politics of the day through the prism of his art. To be released on the 500th anniversary of his death, this is the definitive film about da Vinci: the first to truly tell the whole story. Avon Theatre Film Center, 272 Bedford St., Stamford. $13-$10. 203-967-3660. The US president is on a state visit to the Land of the Rising Sun. He is the first international leader to meet the new emperor, Naruhito. Dialogue with North Korea, commercial tensions with Tokyo and frictions with Iran are the themes on the meeting table with Shinzo Abe. Tokyo (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The US president, Donald J. Trump, supports the attempts by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to mediate a possible dialogue between Washington and Tehran, exploiting good relations between Tokyo and the Islamic Republic. The third day of Trump's visit to the Land of the Rising Sun (25-28 May) was opened by the first meeting of a foreign head of state with the new emperor of Japan, Naruhito. However, the international diplomats' attention is drawn to the president's journey, as there are thorny global issues, including the dialogue with North Korea, the commercial tensions with Tokyo and the intensification of frictions between the United States and Iran. During this morning's meeting with Abe (photo), Trump said: " I know that the prime minister and Japan have a very good relationship with Iran so we'll see what happens". The prime minister's already spoken to me about that and I do believe that Iran would like to talk. And if they'd like to talk, we'd like to talk also. We'll see what happens ... nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me". Trump has imposed new and severe sanctions on Iran, which are paralyzing the economy of the Middle Eastern country. At the end of last week, in the midst of growing tensions, Washington announced the deployment of 1,500 US soldiers in the region. The United States deployed an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers in the Persian Gulf, in response to intelligence on Iranian threats to US interests. KAHULUI, Hawaii - The helicopter buzzed over the forest canopy. Three searchers peered into dense foliage and rolling waterfall beds as they watched their fuel dwindle. It would soon be time to turn back and end the 16th day of the search for Amanda Eller, led in part by a recently unemployed arborist. Search coordinator Chris Berquist was fired from his day job just a few days into the rescue operation. He said his boss was frustrated with the time he spent on the search, organizing a battalion of volunteers devoted to finding the missing hiker in Hawaii's Makawao Forest Reserve. He didn't have the paycheck, but it freed up Berquist to lead the effort. Berquist, along with Javier Cantellops and Troy Helmer, were scanning the forest from about 150 feet above, over roaring waterfalls and jagged cliffs. In a flash of human presence among the branches, Berquist made out a figure in faded yoga pants and a dirtied white shirt. Eller was waving, barefoot and ecstatic. The team had studied her face for days. They knew they found her. "I've never met her before, but there was no mistaking that's who it was," Berquist told Maui Now. The dramatic rescue of Eller, a 33-year-old Maui resident, physical therapist and yoga instructor, was fueled by the efforts of volunteers and organizers who braved the heat, wild animals and precarious terrain - and ultimately returned with Eller, shaken but alive. Their effort began when Maui fire rescue personnel ended the official search on May 12, after hitting a 72-hour limit on missing-person assistance. Maui Fire Chief David Thyne did not return a request for comment asking about his department's role in search efforts after the time limit passed, though volunteers praised their continued assistance and "behind the scenes" support. The volunteer search started as a low-tech slog. Volunteers turned to crude "pirate maps"and unorganized guidance, according to Eller's father. Days later, they were aided by GPS mapping and analysis tools that pointed them toward the most promising areas to search. Eller, a physical therapist and yoga instructor, got turned around on a hiking trail and lost in the reserve carved into the northwest slopes of the Haleakala volcano thick with tropical ash, bushy ferns, bamboo and massive rotting trunks. She fractured her leg on the third day, ate moths and unknown plants and covered herself in leaves for warmth. She slept in a wild boar's den one night. Meanwhile, volunteers faced the same conditions as they searched. They took time off to help comb through much of the reserve's 2,000 acres. Coordinators like Berquist ferried them into the jungle, where they braved a relentless sun, flooding rivers and unforgiving terrain that they took head on with the business end of machetes. They picked through the intestines of the boars they slew to look for human remains. The pressures weighed on volunteers, Berquist told The Washington Post. "As time pushes on in a search, it's natural for people to lose a little bit of faith," he said. "It starts to play with your mind the longer you're out there and not finding her." Coordinators set up a yurt in a parking lot, where volunteers, sometimes numbering 150 in a day, received their orders based on ability and skill. Those who could not hike ran tables at the base camp where nurses were on stand by. Experienced backcountry hikers fanned deep into the bush. Drone operators took to the skies, and hunters, rock climbers and rappellers carved out terrain to search. "The terrain there is pretty rough, there are a lot of trees down and a lot of confusing side trails," said Elena Pray, a rappelling guide on Maui who volunteered for nearly the entire search effort. Berquist, who said he had experience with EMS operations and cave rescues, warned each of them to be careful. "We don't need any more victims," he told one group. As the days wore on, Eller's father's tech background became key to search efforts. John Eller, the chief executive of a telematics company, introduced a search interface that allowed volunteers to log via their smartphones where they already looked. When they returned to camp, they handed over their own GPS data to coordinators, which then colored in swaths of a map and revealed which areas still needed to be combed. Spirits lifted when searchers glimpsed monitors and saw their efforts in real-time. It was paired with a data analysis of where missing persons are often located. "We found out that more than 80 percent of people recovered are in drainages or creeks - and that's where we found her," Berquist said. Amanda Eller's decisions imperiled her from the start. She left her water and phone at her car, thinking they were unnecessary for a three-mile hike. She said in an interview that her "gut instinct" drew her in one direction that led her deeper into the forest. She fell off a cliff and fractured her leg. Her shoes were lost in a flood. And on several occasions, Eller heard helicopters buzzing overhead but couldn't reach them. "There were times of total fear, and loss and wanting to give up," Eller said in a video statement from her hospital bed after the rescue. "It came down to life and death. And I chose life." Data, and some luck, led Berquist, Helmer and Cantellops to Eller on Friday. Research pointed to waterfall beds and rivers as likely places Eller would take refuge. With fuel supplies low, Berquist spotted Eller near a waterfall and signaled to her that they were there for the rescue and not some oblivious, waving tourists, he told Maui Now. "There is no professionalism at this point," Berquist said, describing their emotions upon seeing her. "We're just trying to get to her." The helicopter, which was contracted and paid for through donations, landed on a plateau. The team fought through thick grass to cut a path to Eller. Cantellops, who had previously met her, called out. He nearly fell off a cliff, Berquist said. Then he shouted again for Eller, asking if she recognized his voice. "Javi?" Eller called back. Cantellops was the first to reach her and snapped selfies and video before a rescue helicopter hoisted her up in a basket. Then it did the same for the rescuers. For the first time in more than two weeks, they could enjoy the beautiful island view as it whirred by. "It didn't feel wrong to be enjoying that," Berquist said. Recovering from dehydration, a broken leg and badly blistered leg wounds, Eller praised the search effort. "This was all about us coming together for a greater purpose of community and love, and appreciation for life," she said. Eller's father said he would harness the lessons and technology to create software that could be utilized to find lost hikers in the future, and Berquist agreed it was a model that could be scaled up. "We're going to make sure this is a well-oiled machine," he said, "and doesn't take 15, 16 plus days to find someone next time." Cantellops said the team was still elated Saturday afternoon. But the celebration was short-lived. He cut an interview short to hop on a helicopter with Berquist to search for Noah Mina, a hiker lost in Iao Valley. --- Horton reported from Washington, D.C. An unleashed dog attacked another dog that was on a leash at a park, Virginia Beach Police reported. It happened near the boardwalk Sunday night, authorities said. WAVY-TV reported police were dispatched to the area of King Neptune's Park. Terry Branstad visited the iconic sites of Tibetan Buddhism, raising concerns about the religious freedom of local Buddhists. Beijing (AsiaNews/RFA) As part of a rare visit to Tibet, the US ambassador to China urged Chinese authorities to open a "substantive dialogue" with the Dalai Lama and guarantee the Himalayan regions Buddhists freedom to practise their religion. Ambassador Terry Branstad was posted to Beijing in 2017. He visited the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and Qinghai Province between 19 and 25 May, the US State Department said in a note. During his stay, Branstad met with Buddhist religious leaders and visited the iconic sites of Tibetan Buddhism. The Ambassador raised our long-standing concerns about lack of consistent access to the Tibetan Autonomous Region, the State Department note said. He also expressed concerns regarding the Chinese governments interference in Tibetan Buddhists freedom to organize and practice their religion, it added. Ambassador Branstad encouraged the Chinese government to engage in substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without preconditions, to seek a settlement that resolves differences. Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, fled Lhasa in 1959, during the Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule, finding refuge in India. Although he tried many times to engage Beijing in dialogue, to safeguard Tibetan religion and culture from cultural genocide, the Communist Party has always branded him a "dangerous separatist" who wants Tibet's independence. Hoping to return to Tibet, he gave up his political role in 2011 to remain the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. But for the Chinese Communist Party he continues to be a "wolf in sheep's clothing". Select the Female and Male Athletes of the Week for Dec. 17-23 sports by Tran Hung Vietnamese consumers dump their Huawei products into the second-hand market. Google, UK-based ARM and Japans Panasonic halt working with the Chinese giant. Huawei wants to build the 5G network in Vietnam, but local media report that many Vietnamese are against it. Hanoi (AsiaNews) Sales and revenues of China's IT giant Huawei are sharply down in Vietnam, following restrictions imposed by the United States and Google, one of the most important US IT companies. Many Vietnamese are suspicious of the Chinese multinational based in Shenzhen (in Guangdong) and have doubts about the reliability of its products. Huawei Vietnam director Fine Fan (pictured) last March said he was "confident about the prospect of expanding business" in the Southeast Asian country. "We cannot be beaten on quality or cost" in Vietnam, he told Nikkei Asia Review. "Huawei will provide better technology and solutions, along with financial support to local operators to deploy 5G." However, for the US administration, Huawei poses risks to US national security, because it has to pass on information and data to the Chinese government. Google, following the US ban, decided on 20 May to block updates to the Android operating system on Huawei phones, as well as access to apps like Google Play, Gmail and YouTube. Two days later British multinational semiconductor and software design company ARM halted working with Huawei. Last Thursday, Panasonic also announced its decision to stop working with the Chinee giant. A survey by the Saigon Economy newspaper found that 95% of its readers do not want Huawei to win the contract for the 5G network in Vietnam. Intellectuals point out the dangers inherent in giving Chinese authorities access to information and data that run on such infrastructures. Tuoi Tre newspaper and VNExpress report that "Many Vietnamese want to sell the Huawei phones after the US ban. Currently, in Vietnam, Huawei Groups phones are very cheap." However, local media have reported that Huawei smartphones customers have been talking about the issue online forums, feeling confused, worried, and helpless to the fact their smartphones will become bricks. It is the best of times. It is the worst of times. In our current age of foolishness, things are incredible, thriving, booming, prospering, tremendous, beautiful, very much happy the greatest, best and most. It is also a disaster, a mess, disintegrating, really bad, even worse than the worst, ridiculous, nasty and fake with abuses, a lot of problems and in a spiral down. All of the above thoughts were proclaimed by President Trump within the span of a few minutes this last week. So extreme is his rhetoric that even an attempt to portray himself as calm devolved into hysterical hyperbole. I was so calm, he said. I was extremely calm. Kellyanne, what was my temperament? Very calm, aide Kellyanne Conway replied. You were very calm, aide Mercedes Schlapp assured him. Aide Larry Kudlow concurred: You were very calm. So I was very calm, said Trump. Very calm, spokeswoman Sarah Sanders echoed. Couldnt have been more calm, Trump summarized. We had this instance at least once before where I was very, very calm. So I was extremely calm, very much like I am right now. Totally!!! He was so preternaturally pacific, so stupendously serene, so transcendentally tranquil that there has never, ever been a person, dead or alive, as utterly, astonishingly and overwhelmingly calm as Trump. We have by now become accustomed to such extreme emotion both hot and cold from the president. Routine though it is for him, it is not normal. Now we know exactly how abnormal it is. I asked Factba.se, a data analytics company that analyzes language with artificial intelligence, to do a sentiment analysis of Trumps speech compared to that of his predecessors. Factba.ses Bill Frischling had his computers sift through millions of words uttered by presidents back to Herbert Hoover and compute the intensity of each ones average positive comment and average negative comment. The presidents were in a tight band. With +1.0 being the most favorable possible statement, their positive statements averaged from +0.22 to +0.33. With -1.0 being the most adverse possible statement, their negative statements averaged from -0.19 to -0.27. And then there was Trump. His average positive statement: +0.64 (+0.66 on Twitter). His average negative statement: -0.53 (-0.61 on Twitter). He is literally twice as extreme as all predecessors over the past century. And its not just presidents. Trumps rhetoric is also about twice as extreme as the most extreme members of the last Congress (-0.31, +0.36). But if Trump is without peer in the American political tradition, he unfortunately has equals in another tradition. Such rhetoric is a hallmark of totalitarianism. Its using emotion to circumvent reason, to overwhelm reason, says Jason Stanley, a Yale philosopher specializing in language and author of the book How Fascism Works. He wants to get the situation such that its a crisis and theres such fear and suspicion that the only happiness, the delivery, is winning over his enemies, Stanley tells me. Hence, the lavish praise of and great love for his supporters and the unalloyed vitriol toward foreigners, racial minorities, elites and socialists. Trump isnt necessarily fascist, but his language is. Goebbels talks about propaganda being best when it appeals to straightforward emotion: fear, suspicion, anger, and then it would be culminated with were winning, were going to get them,' Stanley says. A speech of this method was often very long, with extremes of paranoia and then praise of us, our greatness, and a desire for revenge for lost greatness. When our emotions are being overwhelmed its because people are trying to manipulate us and drive us toward a desired goal. That Trump loves to insult is obvious. But hes actually more extreme in his positive sentiments his own greatness and his paternalistic love for supporters. He couldnt have that sort of negative campaign without also having the positive its the contrast, explains Texas A&M communications professor Jennifer Mercieca, author of a forthcoming book on Trumps rhetoric. His supporters, lovingly embraced, feel as if theyre in on the joke; they know he often lies, but they believe hes lying for them lying to the liars. Us-vs.-them thinking becomes so powerful that the enemys humiliation can be more gratifying than ones own betterment. How to counter this extreme emotion? The evidence that not a single member of Congress comes close to Trumps rhetorical excess raises hope that this will pass. The best opponents can do until then is to cling to truth. Emotion can only overwhelm reason for so long. Dana Milbank is syndicated by the Washington Post Writers Group. By Cathal D. O'Connell, Researcher and Centre Manager, BioFab3D (St Vincent's Hospital), University of Melbourne from www.shutterstock.com I work in the field of bioprinting, where the aim is to build biological tissues by printing living cells into 3D structures. Last month I found my Facebook news feed plastered with an amazing story about the first 3D printed heart using a patients own cells. A video showed a beautiful, healthy-looking heart apparently materialising inside a vat of pinkish liquid. Big news. According to an impact tracking algorithm, the story has been picked up by 145 news outlets, tweeted 2,390 times to 3.8 million followers (as of May 27, 2019). Articles on Facebook have at least 13,000 shares, and videos about the story have been viewed well over 3 million times. Unfortunately, many of these media reports dont match up well with the original science. Over-reporting of medical science is unethical, and occasionally dangerous. Its a problem all of us who work in the creation and telling of science can act to fix. Read more: Titanium is the perfect metal to make replacement human body parts How they printed a heart In the original printed heart scientific paper, Israeli scientists describe how they built on their own earlier work on bio-inks (printable materials and cells) to create 3D structures in the laboratory. The main focus was to print a square patch of heart cells and blood-vessels using a personalised bio-ink; one where all of the cells and materials came from a particular patient. This is important because bio-inks typically contain some synthetic or animal-derived materials. As a final flourish the team also printed the cells into a thumbnail-sized, heart shape. The text of the original paper clearly states the printed heart-shaped structure is not a real heart, and lacks most of the features required to make a heart work. But, along with those striking visuals, this is the aspect of the work that helped the paper become such a media hit. This might sound like the envious griping of a rival scientist. However, Im not criticising the science. This is impressive work the cardiac patches may indeed turn out be an important development in the field. Im more worried about media reports giving the impression that our field of research is far more advanced than it is. When medical research is overplayed Sensationalism is rife in science journalism. And the 3D bioprinting field is interesting in particular, as it is currently fuelled by a perfect storm of hype: it builds on the wider buzz around 3D printing, is deceptively easy to understand, and blends ideas of science fiction with potential impact in real health outcomes. There are other recent examples of sensationalised reporting in the bioprinting field. For example, Wake Forest University had to issue a clarification notice following reports its scientist Anthony Atala had printed a human kidney live on stage In December 2015, news articles announced that a 14-year old boy had become the first human patient to be implanted with a 3D printed nose. In reality, 3D printing was only used to make a template to help the surgeon piece together pieces of donor cartilage into the correct shape. Were left with the impression that 3D bioprinting is a mature, clinically available technology, when currently it is not. Read more: Edible seaweed can be used to grow blood vessels in the body Whats the harm in a bit of hype? There are numerous ethical downsides linked with over-enthusiastic portrayals of bioprinting in the media. The problem is, mass media is one of the most important sources of health and medical information for the general public, especially prospective patients. Positive portrayals of a novel technology in the media can affect patient consent to undergo treatment and can even prompt prospective participants to request enrolment in clinical trials. Ive seen this myself. Whenever our own research is reported, particularly on television, the next morning I get phonecalls from people who want to sign up for a particular treatment. On TV the message is rarely communicated that we are still at an experimental stage, with human trials still years away. In the worst case, the buzz around new technology can provide an opportunity for unscrupulous charlatans, such as the cosmetic surgeon who reportedly sold an unapproved stem-cell technology in Beverley Hills. One patient ended up with fragments of bone in her eyelid. Media reports of infamous thoracic surgeon Paolo Macchiarinis implantation of a synthetic trachea arguably provided him a platform to accelerate his research program. Seven of the nine patients who received one of his synthetic trachea transplants have since died. Read more: Whose hearts, livers and lungs are transplanted in China? Origins must be clear in human organ research An anatomy of hype Fed by enthusiastic reporting, technologies tend to follow a pattern called the Gartner Hype Cycle: first buoyed to an unsustainable peak of inflated expectations before falling to the trough of disillusionment. The phenomenon can bring benefits to many players in the industry of science. So how can we fix the situation? The exaggerated claims around particular stories tend to build upon one another in a snowball effect. This means all of those involved in creating and sharing the stories of science can step up: scientists, journals, universities and journalists. Read more: Science journalism is in Australias interest, but needs support to thrive Salesmanship has become an indispensable skill for modern scientists really, every grant application is a sales pitch. Indeed academic science as a whole seems to be tending toward ever more bluster. In published papers the use of positive terms such as innovative, unprecedented and groundbreaking have increased by thousands of percent over the past four decades. Scientists need to be wary of this trend and keep themselves in check when speaking to the media especially in cases where their words will be taken very seriously by prospective patients and patient advocacy groups. Journals and article reviewers can take responsibility for ensuring they publish top quality science, and also that the language in an article is accurate and not overblown. This includes the article title, which is sometimes the only part of an article journalists and general readers can see. Language choices are also vital in materials coming out of university press offices. Some reporters take press releases at face value, regurgitating lines or paragraphs verbatim. Non-specialist science reporters may not understand a field in enough detail to question this interpretation, or they dont invest time in placing a new announcement in a broader context. Asking other experts for their views on a new piece of research is vital in science reporting. A risky symbiosis A symbiosis has evolved between scientists and the media: scientists need the media to bolster their record of exposure and impact on the next grant application. The media needs scientists for those shareable (and all too rare) positive, feelgood stories. There is a stark mismatch between the elements required of a modern news story (novelty, impact), and the reality of medical research (slow, meticulous, often incremental). This can result in a distorted depiction of medical research. When these pressures push the story too far, they can end up spinning a fairytale. And with medical research in particular, fairytales can be dangerous. Cathal D. O'Connell is Centre Manager of BioFab3D, a 3D bioprinting lab based at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne. He is a member of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society, the Australian Society for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering and the International Society for Biofabrication. Originally published in The Conversation. Have the Tories the world's most successful political party been fatally impaled on the fork of Brexit? Is a Corbyn-led Marxist government now inevitable? If the answer to these questions is not yet a definitive 'Yes', the results of the European elections confirm that the Conservative Party has a bigger fight on its hands than at any time in living memory. Nigel Farage's Brexit Party has attracted millions of traditional Tory voters exasperated by the Government's failure to honour the outcome of the June 2016 referendum. How on Earth is the next Conservative leader going to win them back? For the danger is that Farage's party will split the centre-Right vote at a future general election, giving Labour despite all its difficulties, which were emphasised by its appalling results last night a clear run at becoming the next government. Farage was re-elected as an MEP last night along with fellow south east Brexit Party candidates Belinda De Lucy (right) and Robert Rowland (left) Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage arrives to speak to the media outside the counting centre for the European Parliamentary election in Southampton. His party has surged to victory in the poll Nigel Farage's Brexit Party has attracted millions of traditional Tory voters exasperated by the Government's failure to honour the outcome of the June 2016 referendum It's no good saying Farage is bound to do less well in a general election, when issues other than leaving the EU would be at stake. Brexit seems likely to be the overriding one might say virtually the only political hot potato for as long as any of us can see. The problem can be stated in simple terms. The best way for a new Tory leader to lessen the appeal of Nigel Farage will be to reject a 'soft Brexit' and champion the cause of No Deal. And, indeed, given the strongly pro-Leave disposition of Tory Party members who will decide between the two candidates presented to them by Conservative MPs, it seems almost certain the next leader will be someone prepared to do this. Once this person is in position, the only possibility of extracting significant concessions from Brussels, particularly over the Northern Ireland backstop, will lie in convincingly threatening No Deal a prospect that unnerves the EU Commission and several European countries. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage declares victory in the European elections in the early hours of Monday, warning that his movement would repeat its success in a general election if Brexit was not delivered Yet a new prime minister pitching his or her tent on such territory could face an almost instantaneous No Confidence motion in which some Remainer Tory MPs would vote with the Opposition and precipitate a general election. One could put it in these terms: The next prime minister would be caught in a pincer movement, with the Brexit Party and hardline Tory MPs applying increasing pressure on one side and a Commons majority opposed to No Deal on the other. It will take a political genius to navigate these rapids, and it's not at all clear we have one among the candidates jostling for power. Anyone who thinks the demise of Theresa May marks an end to in-fighting and political turbulence is sadly deluded. The truth is there are sometimes intractable political problems that don't admit of an instant solution. The Tory Party may be unable to save itself. The centre-Right could split or at any rate the Brexit Party might deprive the Conservatives of an electoral majority and Corbyn would then unleash his Marxist experiment on an unfortunate British public. But let us not give in to despair. Notwithstanding the Remainer inclinations of the Commons, the logic of the outcome of European election result is that the next prime minister should be a robust and I hope sinuous No Dealer. Such a person would be in a strong position to highlight the simplistic and one-dimensional nature of Farage's appeal. It is possible not to be terrified of No Deal and yet to believe that an improved negotiated settlement with the EU is both preferable and attainable. As the European election results confirm that No Deal is regarded by millions of voters as either an unfrightening or even alluring prospect, the next prime minister may be able to claim something of a mandate to wave in the faces of recalcitrant Remainers. There is something else a new Conservative leader could do to persuade Leavers seduced by the shallow appeal of Farage to return to the fold. The Brexit Party leader has no answer to Jeremy Corbyn. Indeed, as things stand he is facilitating a Labour victory. I don't believe former Tories who voted for Farage on Thursday want such an outcome. It's one thing to be a protest party upsetting the established order over a single issue, it is quite another to show voters you have the arguments to see off Corbyn. Mrs May was utterly consumed by Brexit, but there are other things in life. The next Tory leader obviously has to find a solution, which is going to be fiendishly difficult. But he or she also needs to nail Corbyn's many dangerous idiocies. It will be an enormous challenge. The Tory Party has no guaranteed right of survival. But a Tory prime minister who delivers a respectable Brexit, and engages with the deadly threat of Corbyn, can still puncture Nigel Farage's bubble. As early as last week Boris Johnson's team convened in his fourth-floor office in Portcullis House in Parliament to assess the threats to his leadership bid. For years there have been jibes, such as that the former foreign secretary could not be trusted with the family babysitter let alone the keys to No 10. Most recently, junior business minister Margot James said he 'wasn't fit for high public office'. Boris Johnson's (pictured) team convened in his fourth-floor office in Portcullis House in Parliament to assess the threats to his leadership bid Although Miss James might not be a household name, she is a member of the new, yet influential, One Nation group of Tory MPs. Set up six weeks ago and spearheaded by Cabinet minister Amber Rudd, the group of Remain-supporting MPs was formed to try to counter the rise of the fanatically Brexit-supporting European Research Group led by Jacob Rees-Mogg. Not only is the One Nation caucus implacably opposed to Britain leaving the EU without a deal, but the 60 members including eight ministers have ruled out supporting a future coalition between the Conservatives and Nigel Farage's Brexit Party. Johnson is being countered by the recently established One Nation group of Tory MPs. Not only is its caucus implacably opposed to Britain leaving the EU without a deal, but the 60 members including eight ministers have ruled out supporting a future coalition between the Conservatives and Nigel Farage's Brexit Party (pictured) Ideologically they are poles apart from Boris Johnson. Crucially, as 'Team Boris' gathered in a room dominated by a bust of the Ancient Greek statesman Pericles a hero of Classics-educated Johnson they suspected the One Nation group might have another agenda: co-ordinating attacks on their man and preventing him from reaching the final two of leadership candidates for the vote-off among Tory party members. How right they were. On Saturday, Rory Stewart, the International Development Secretary who's a member of the new grouping, said he 'could not serve in a government whose policy was to push this country into a No Deal Brexit'. He added: 'I could not serve with Boris Johnson.' Rory Stewart (pictured arriving for the Andrew Marr Show on Sunday) is the anti-Boris candidate, having already refused to serve in the Cabinet if Johnson becomes PM It was a calculated attack. One theory in Westminster is that Stewart, who so far has no named backers among his parliamentary colleagues, is a 'suicide-bomber' trying to take out Boris in the early stages. Yesterday, at the behest of Stewart, Justice Secretary David Gauke another One Nationer left no one in doubt whom he was referring to when he wrote in The Observer: 'Big promises fail to be delivered, leaving the public yet more disillusioned, angry and tempted by the snake oil of populism.' As for Amber Rudd, a spate of reports have suggested she might back Johnson in return for him choosing her as Britain's first female Chancellor. But yesterday, with her fellow One Nationers lining up to take pot-shots at Johnson, it seemed that scenario was increasingly unlikely. 'She's desperate to stop a No Deal Brexit. So she cannot back Boris,' confirmed a source. Sir Nicholas Soames, grandson of Winston Churchill and a senior member of One Nation, yesterday attempted to dispel claims that the group was out to scupper Johnson. He told me: 'We are not a 'Stop Boris' campaign group, although I accept it looks like that.' Indeed, not every agitator against Boris belongs to the grouping. For example, Chancellor Philip Hammond, whose veiled warning that the next Prime Minister 'will not survive' if he tried to take Britain out of the EU without a deal, was merely expressing his own Remainerish views. More worryingly for Team Boris, Hammond suggested that he would support a motion of no confidence against the Government if the next Tory leader pursues a No Deal scenario even if it triggered a general election. Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond said on the Andre Marr Show yesterday (pictured) that 'daring' Parliament to oppose a no deal Brexit would be a 'very dangerous strategy'. He also suggested he would support a motion of no confidence against the Government if the next Tory leader pursues a No Deal scenario even if it triggered a general election 'He was talking about Boris and was effectively saying he would blow up the entire Government if it's led by Boris and trigger a general election,' said the Tory source. With senior figures in One Nation including Business Secretary Greg Clark and ministers of state Caroline Nokes and Claire Perry yet to speak out, Johnson's campaign is braced for more attacks. In addition, there's talk of Sir John Major, the former prime minister, launching his own offensive. Inevitably, Johnson's nemesis during the 2016 leadership campaign, Michael Gove, is set to benefit from all this. But even without Sir John's intervention, Boris's team is already rattled. As one Tory MP told me 'Boris and Michael are at war with each other again. Michael was the victor last time but didn't get the ultimate prize. Boris is looking for revenge this time and thinks he can win that prize.' Just 3 per cent of those eligible to participate in the EU elections voted Tory. A truly awful statistic. That said, I believe Labour's problems may be greater. Although Jeremy Corbyn has many faults, I have admired his consistent record of opposition to Britain's disastrous intervention in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya. But his Brexit strategy has suddenly derailed. No wonder many senior Labour MPs and trade unionists are gunning for him. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (pictured leaving his London home yesterday) has told his MPs that the party is 'ready to support a public vote' on Brexit For a long time ahead of Thursday's vote, they repeatedly warned Corbyn that he would face electoral meltdown if he sat on the fence over Europe. By not committing to a second referendum, he would lose those Labour supporters (in London and middle-class areas) who want the UK to remain in the EU. And by not doing enough to cherish those Labourites in the North and Wales, for example, his critics said he risked losing them to the Brexit Party. Complacently, Corbyn brushed their warnings aside. Instead, he took the advice of his clique of hard-Left advisers. The result? The worst Labour election result in memory. True, slightly better than the Tories. But with a government party riven by civil war and a lame duck prime minister, Labour should have got much, much more than a 14 per cent share of votes nationally. Such is the widespread sense of despair in Labour circles that there is understandable talk of a challenge to Corbyn's leadership. Even some of those who have behaved like cult members worshipping at his feet now want him to set party policy and demand that the British public has a 'final say' vote on any Tory Brexit deal. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell (pictured) said Labour could unite the party and country by 'taking the issue back to people in a public vote' Over the next few weeks, Corbyn's pro-Remain critics want him to make up his mind once and for all. Personally, this will be an agonising decision for their party leader. Yesterday, Corbyn was still refusing to explicitly back another referendum. Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry, along with many other senior colleagues, has urged her boss to stop trying to keep both Leave and Remain supporters on side and to 'campaign to remain in the EU'. Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, too, says any government Brexit deal 'needs to go back to the people' if a No Deal Brexit is to be avoided. All politicians have to duck and dive. Weak ones become adept at avoiding difficult decisions. There is something magnificently bloody-minded or reckless about Corbyn when it comes to Brexit. His views date back to the Seventies. At heart, he is anti-EU having voted in the 1975 referendum for Britain to pull out of the Common Market, alongside his hero Tony Benn who saw it as an anti-democratic 'capitalist club'. Indeed, he has spoken witheringly of the EU's 'failed neo- liberal policies'. What is more, he has strong support for this stance from key allies, including the hard-Left Unite trade union and his omnipresent lieutenant, the former Guardian journalist Seumas Milne. Trade union boss Len McCluskey (pictured), an opponent of a second vote, demanded that Mr Corbyn stick to his existing position of trying to keep Leave and Remain supporters together The Brexit Party won the most seats in the election last Thursday, followed by the Lib Dems Labour Remainers speculate that the hard-Left acolytes who surround Corbyn secretly want a No Deal Brexit in order to create economic chaos which, of course, has long been the aim of anti-capitalists everywhere. Remember this: the men and women who surround Corbyn want to change this country irrevocably and turn it into a hardline socialist state. Thus their hostility to the EU, as membership means that Britain is subject to a host of rules such as those restricting state aid that prevent countries going down the path of full-blooded socialism. This is why Corbyn's hard-Left clique is determined to stop him making any move that gives comfort to Remainers. However, not all of Corbyn's fanatical supporters accept this analysis. Very different to the Seumas Milne breed of Corbynistas are the Momentum political movement, whose activists made Corbyn party leader. This diagram shows the Brexit Party's dominance everywhere except London and Scotland With a large number of their members being millennials who tend to feel more European than British, they are insistent that we remain part of the EU. Corbyn, therefore, can't please both groups. That's why he's sat on the fence for so long reluctant to offend either his Momentum power base or the quasi-communists who form his inner circle. So what does the Labour leader do? Yesterday's refusal to budge suggests he'll try to keep facing both ways. In a statement, he said: 'With the Conservatives disintegrating and unable to govern, and parliament deadlocked, this issue will have to go back to the people, whether through a general election or a public vote.' How ludicrously opaque. The phrase 'a general election or a public vote' will never appease those clamouring for a second referendum. But it was typical of the deliberately ambiguous language that Corbyn has used throughout his leadership. Yesterday, he also said there would be a discussion on Brexit 'across our party and movement'. Another delaying tactic which I'm sure won't work. Amid this mire, one thing is certain. By refusing to show firm leadership, Comrade Corbyn an idol for many years for his cultish supporters risks becoming a serious liability and an impediment to Labour's chances of forming the next government. An Australian woman has slammed clothing standards in Australia after struggling to find a pair of jeans that fit her on a recent shopping trip. Jess King, a size 12 model, shared a photo of herself unable to do up a pair of 'extra large' jeans on Instagram and warned designers that it sent a poor message to women. 'The average Aussie woman is a size 14 to 16 and if someone smaller than that can't fit into a brand's size XL what kind of message is that sending?' She captioned the photo. An Australian woman has slammed clothing standards in Australia after struggling to find a pair of jeans that fit her on a recent shopping trip. 'I'm honestly torn - With fashion week being on this week I'm truly grateful to be involved in some way but sad too because my body and others are STILL not good enough to be seen or catered to. When is it going to get better?' Her followers were quick to share their support in the comments, with many saying they struggle finding clothes that fit properly. 'I have bought jeans in size 16, 12 and 11 in the past week, all of which have fit me comfortably and all of which have messed with my head,' one person said. Another woman said she was thinking the same thing when she was shopping and was reading sizes as she couldn't believe a size 14 was considered an extra large. 'The average Aussie woman is a size 14 to 16 and if someone smaller than that can't fit into a brands size XL what kind of message is that sending?' She captioned the photo 'I genuinely can fit from a 10 to a 16 depending on where I'm buying and what I'm buying,' another follower said. 'It's so frustrating especially when you think yeah a 12 will fit and feel awful about yourself when it doesn't.' This isn't the first time Jess has brought attention to the variation in women's clothing sizes. 'I have bought jeans in size 16, 12 and 11 in the past week, all of which have fit me comfortably and all of which have messed with my head,' one follower said In a different post she expressed her disappointment at the fact the fashion industry classifies her as a plus size model even though she doesn't wear plus size clothing. In the modelling world a plus size model is considered a model over a size 10, which she said is purely an industry term to help clients when booking models larger than a traditional sample size. Most plus size brands start their sizing from a 16/18 but at the same time, the average Australian woman wears a 14/16. In a different post she expressed her disappointment at the fact the fashion industry classifies her as a plus size model even though she doesn't wear plus size clothing In the modelling world a plus size model is a model over a size 10, which she said is purely an industry term to help clients when booking models larger than a traditional sample size 'When I explain to people that I am a 'plus size' model I'm often met with - 'you're not plus size- you're beautiful'. As if the two are not mutually exclusive?!' She said. 'Why do we have such a negative relationship with the term? I've never felt embarrassed at being referred to as a plus size model, but I've sometimes felt that I am unfairly taking the voice and space from someone who is truly plus size in an everyday sense.' She went on to say that there is a lot of confusion and differing opinions on what plus size actually means and whether it's a good or bad thing. 'I think it's silly to say that being in an industry that nit-picks your body wouldn't make you question your worth every now and then, but it's about not letting those insecurities define me,' Jess said. From the outside, this property looks like any regular old warehouse. But once you step through the doors of the former boot factory, you'll be surprised to find a luxury home fit for any family looking to settle in the inner-city suburb of Brunswick East in Melbourne's north. Hidden behind wooden doors, the stunning interior renovations sets the modern home apart from just about every other property on the market. The spectacular warehouse conversion features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, heated concrete floors, and a fishpond. From the outside, this Melbourne property looks like any regular old warehouse But once you step through the doors of the former boot factory, you'll be surprised to find a luxury home fit for any family looking to settle in the inner-city suburb of Brunswick East The couple carefully restored the warehouse by keeping the factory's exposed brick walls 'Every warehouse conversion has its own unique design features. This one used to be an old leather boot factory, which was converted in the early 2000s,' Jellis Craig Brunswick agent Lachlan Stewart told Daily Mail Australia. Vendor Marina McAllan and her partner Bruce purchased the 'dark, dirty and ugly' property as an empty shell for $320,000 in May 2002. The couple lived in the property with their daughter for 11 years before renting it out for the past six years. 'It had a long history of tenants who made things there,' Ms McAllan told The Herald Sun. 'We took it back to the bare bones and scraped 100 years of dirt off.' The couple carefully restored the warehouse by keeping the factory's sawtooth roof, exposed brick walls and facade intact. The home comes complete with four bedrooms - with option to turn one room into a study There are three bathrooms in the home - two located as part of two bedroom en-suites The spectacular property features a chef's kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances The renovations sets the modern home apart from every other property on the market The building was completely transformed into a designer home, which includes a fish pond With the help of Ms McAllan's commercial stylist sister, they removed plaster to expose the vintage windows, and fireplace. From there, the old building was completely transformed into a 'designer' warehouse extending over two dynamic levels. Other unique features include a spacious living and dining area, a separate self-contained studio, 'mezzanine' study, an alarm system and high ceilings. The property was sold at auction on Saturday at $1.62 million. Viewers of Good Morning Britain were left divided this morning after two guests clashed over the idea of compassionate leave following the death of a pet. Radio presenter Cristo Foufas and former Apprentice contestant Daniel Elahi appeared on the show this morning to discuss taking time off to grieve for a pet. While Cristo said he'd need up to a week off to cope with the death of his dog DD, Daniel slammed the concept, saying it couldn't work economically. Viewers were left divided over the suggestion, with some pet owners saying they thought it was a good idea, and others calling it 'crazy'. Daniel Elahi and Cristo Foufas clashed over whether pet owners should be allowed compassionate leave on Good Morning Britain Viewers were left divided over the debate, with many taking to Twitter to share their thoughts. While some called the idea 'crazy', some pet owners were in support of it One slammed the idea on Twitter, writing: 'Are they expecting full pay for a week while they are off? That's crazy.' But others felt it would be sensible, with one saying: 'Totally agree people should get compassionate leave when a pet dies. Our dog 13 years in is one of the family. And would be sorely missed.' Employers are not required by law to grant time off when a pet dies, but it is becoming more common to grieve the loss of an animal and take time off to do so. Cristo, who appeared on the show alongside his dog Dominique Deveraux, said he would need time off to cope if she died, telling presenter Richard Madeley that he would be 'absolutely bereft' if his dog died. Radio presenter Christo said he would be 'absolutely bereft' if his dog Dominique Deveraux died, saying he would need a week off work to cope with his grief He said: 'I would need time off, absolutely. I work in radio, but if I had a Monday-Friday office job, there would be no way that I would be able to perform in a way that is conducive to doing a good job.' He went on: 'I would be grief stricken. I'd think I'd need the rest of the week off. Perhaps even longer. It's a member of the family.' As Richard and his fellow presenter Charlotte Hawkins looked shocked at the idea, the radio presenter and pet lover pressed on. He explained: 'You'd have to have the funeral, you'd have to arrange all of that. I would need to do that. Cristo clashed with Daniel Elahi on the programme, who suggested it would cost the economy up to 1 billion if employers allowed every pet owner compassionate leave He went on to reveal his relationship with his dog could be considered more important than that of his family members. The radio presenter said: 'Unlike some family members who you only see every week or two, I see DD every morning, I take her out at the same time, feed her at the same time. I would be absolutely bereft.' But Daniel slammed the idea, saying: 'But where do you draw the line? You would take a week off, but the next person might ask for two weeks off.' The business owner went on: 'I wouldn't do it. I wouldn't do it personally. It's kind of bespoke if the firm can afford to give that time off, whether it's paid or unpaid, whether the employee can cope with it.' Pet lover Cristo suggested he would need up to a week off to cope with the death of his dog, saying he often felt closer to her than his family members Daniel pointed out that it would be ridiculous for someone who had a pond with hundreds of gold fish to take a day off every time one of the fish died. He said: 'As a small business owner, could you afford to give every employee two weeks off every time a pet died? I personally couldn't.' Cristo argued back, saying: 'But could you afford not to, if they couldn't perform in their role?' But Daniel was determined, asking: 'Who covers the economic cost of this?' Daniel was clear in considering the impact of allowing pet owners time off to cope with the deaths of their animals, predicting that it could cost the economy 1 billion He explained: 'Whilst I understand that finance is obviously secondary in such issues, if we look at the public sector in this country, it employs five and a half million staff, and the number of pet owners in this country are 50 per cent. 'So if you assume an average of two days off a year for bereavement if you assume one a year, that's an extra 1 billion a year. 'Would you be prepared to have your taxes increased by a billion pounds or having services cut?' But Cristo stunned Daniel by suggesting he would be in favour of that choice, saying he considered the mental health cost of restricting compassionate leave more important. Cristo suggested he would be in favour of increasing taxes or cutting services to help cope with the economic impact of allowing people time off to cope with their pets dying He explained: 'If it meant that they could do a better job long term and actually if their mental health would suffer as a result of dragging themselves into work grief stricken. We can't talk about a mental health epidemic and then abandon that when we're grief stricken.' Viewers were left divided over the idea, with many agreeing with Daniel that the idea was ridiculous. 'Is this possibly the biggest 'snowflake' I've ever seen?' one questioned on Twitter,'Yes, yes it is. You'll get 1 day off, like it or lump it.' Many were divided over the idea, with some agreeing with Daniel that compassionate leave for pets shouldn't be allowed. One called it 'crazy' Another wrote:'Compassionate leave for pets? You're having a laugh.' One commented:'I was self employed when my Dad died and was back at work the next day. Some people don't have the luxury.' Another added: 'What if a kids hamster dies and he/she is devastated. Do they get time off school?' But others were in favour of the idea, with one saying:' Watching #GMB I agree you should be allowed compassionate leave off work if your pet dies. Meanwhile some pet owners were in favour of the idea, with some taking to Twitter to say they would take time off over their pets dying. 'Dogs especially are like a member of your family in some cases people cant have children so their pets are like there child of course you are going to grieve.' Another wrote: 'When my dog dies I am having time off!' They went on:'If youve looked after an animal for 9/10yr or longer and it dies, if you're not upset then you dont deserve to have ever had that animal.' One commented: 'We had out dog for 15 years, we were absolutely destroyed when we lost her. We all needed time to grief. Albeit only a day or two.' Princess Charlene of Monaco paid tribute to the late Formula One driver Niki Lauda with a stunning red silk evening gown as she attended a Grand Prix gala last night. The 41-year-old mother-of-three joined husband Prince Albert, 61, at the star-studded affair in the French city-state following Lewis Hamilton's victory in the race. Prince Charles and Princess Camilla of Bourbon were also in attendance, with the Italian mother-of-one stunning in a floating cream gown with colour floral accents. The royal pairings were joined by Prince Serge of Yugoslavia and his wife Eleonora Rajneri. Princess Charlene of Monaco, pictured with her husband Prince Albert paid tribute to the late Formula One driver Niki Lauda with a stunning red silk evening gown as she attended a Grand Prix gala last night The Monaco royals were joined by Prince Charles and Princess Camilla of Bourbon were also in attendance, with the Italian mother-of-one stunning in a floating cream gown with colour floral accents. Dashing Prince Carl Philip of Sweden joined his father King Carl Gustav at the glamorous event, with both looking smart in tuxedo suits. Former Olympic swimmer Princess Charlene wore her short blonde bob in a sleek up do and looked statuesque in the high-neck gown which showed off her gorgeous figure. Prince Albert, who is the son of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, married Charlene, 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. Yesterday Charlene exchanged a kiss on the cheek with British racing driver Lewis Hamilton, who secured his fourth victory of the season on the tricky circuit. Prince Carl Philip and King Carl Gustav of Sweden both looked dapper in tuxedos as they arrived for the Gala evening Prince Serge of Yugoslavia and his wife Eleonora Rajneri also attended the star-studded gala in Monaco The Monaco royals arrived arm in arm while British former Formula One racing driver Jackie Stewart, pictured right, sported tartan trousers for the event Hamilton dedicated his win to the late Austrian champion Niki Lauda, who passed away on Monday last week aged 70 after a lung transplant operation which triggered a decline in health. British former Formula One racing driver Jackie Stewart also made an appearance at the gala, sporting a fun pair of tartan trousers and a velvet jacket. Prince Serge also opted for a velvet jacket, while his wife Eleonora looked a picture of elegance in a grey and white pleated gown with cape sleeves. Princess Camilla, who became Italian royalty when she married Prince Charles, 55, in a Monte Carlo cathedral in 1998, wore her shoulder length blonde locks in glamorous Hollywood curls and accessorised with large statement gold earrings. The team of royals all posed for photographs with a group of people dressed in traditional costumes at the event. Former Olympic swimmer Charlene looked statuesque in the high neck gown which showed off her stunning figure Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert of Monaco pose with guests at the Gala evening for the 77th Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco Scottish racing legend Jackie Stewart posed with two gentleman dressed in old-fashioned costumes at the Gala Prince Charles and Princess Camilla of Bourbon also posed with the costumed gentleman at the glamorous event Princess Camilla became royalty when she married Prince Charles, 55, in a Monte Carlo cathedral in 1998 Hamilton led thousands of motorsport fans in paying tribute to Niki Lauda as he clinched his nail-biting victory. After crossing the line ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, the star took off his helmet and pointed at the Austrian icon's name which had been emblazoned on it. The Mercedes driver said: 'I was fighting with the spirit of Niki. I was just trying to stay focused and make him proud.' And although fading tyres caused the British F1 competitor some stressful moments on the track, he said of Lauda: 'I definitely felt he was with me today.' Droves of spectators flocked to the historic street circuit to pay their respects to the three-time world champion. Hamilton, pictured being congratulated by Princess Charlene, led thousands of motorsport fans in paying tribute to Niki Lauda as he clinched his nail-biting victory AwazToday.pk Privacy Policy: 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 Web sites 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. Disclaimer: AwazToday.pk is not responsible for any content linked to or referred to from these pages. All videos, live tvs, blogs or video links point to content hosted on third party websites or members. We are using third party links for live tvs. Users who upload these videos or blogs agree not to upload illegal content when creating their user accounts. AwazToday.pk does not accept responsibility for content hosted on third party websites or by the members. If you have any questions please contact us. Copyright 2000-2021 AwazToday.pk. All rights reserved unless where otherwise noted. The former editor of Attitude magazine has revealed he was inspired by Princess Diana's work with AIDs patients to invite Prince William to become the first royal to grace the cover an LGBT magazine. Matthew Todd, from London, appeared on Lorraine this morning to discuss the impact the royals have on gay culture. He told the presenter that he'd been inspired by the late Princess' work with AIDs patients to invite Prince William to grace the cover of the magazine. Matthew suggested she would be proud of William for the cover, saying: 'I can imagine, when he did that, somewhere she would be saying thumbs up.' Scroll down for video Matthew said seeing Princess Diana shaking hands with someone who was HIV-positive was 'life-changing' for LGBT people across the world (pictured Princess Diana in Casey House, an AIDS hospice in Toronto in 1987) He went on to reveal that Prince William had joked 'don't ask me to take my top off' when gracing the cover of Attitude magazine in 2016 Prince William appeared on the cover of Attitude magazine in 2016, marking the first time a member of the Royal Family had been photographed for the cover of a gay publication. Matthew, the former editor of Attitude, appeared on Lorraine to reveal that it was Princess Diana's work with the LGBT community that had inspired him to invite the Duke. He explained that Princess Diana had been transformative in his experience as a gay man, saying: 'It was very difficult growing up. It affected my self-esteem, I felt very depressed about just being a gay person because there was nobody saying it was OK.' He went on to call the moment Princess Diana shook hands with a man suffering from the AIDs 'life changing.' Matthew revealed how much Princess Diana had impacted him growing up, calling her an inspiration to the gay community which 'never really got the chance to thank her' Matthew revealed that it was Princess Diana's work with AIDS patients that lead him to invite Prince William to grace the cover of Attitude magazine In April 1987, Princess Diana opened the UK's first purpose built HIV/AIDS unit that exclusively cared for patients infected with the virus, at London Middlesex Hospital. She was photographed shaking hands a man suffering with the illness without wearing gloves, publicly challenging the notion that HIV/AIDS was passed from person to person by touch. Matthew told Lorraine: 'For Princess Diana to shake hands with someone HIV positive was life-changing. It went all across the world.' Recalling what an inspiration she had been to the gay community, he went on: 'It's so sad we lost her and we never really got a chance to thank her.' Matthew appeared on Lorraine to discuss the royal family's impact on the LGBT movement, and praised Princess Diana for her work with AIDS patients The former editor of Attitude magazine also revealed he thought Princess Diana would be doing 'all the gay magazines' if she were alive (pictured visiting Diana Casey House, an AIDS Hospice in Toronto, Canada in 1991) Matthew also revealed that her work for the LGBT community had inspired him to ask her son Prince William to grace the cover of Attitude magazine in 2016. He revealed that Prince William joked 'don't ask me to take my shirt off', before calling the royal 'amazing' and 'absolutely lovely.' He went on: 'That was the main reason, I asked him. Diana had meant so much for me as a teenager.' He also suggested that the move from the Duke of Cambridge, who was the first royal to grace the cover of an LGBT magazine, would have made his mother proud. Matthew suggested Princess Diana would be proud of Prince William for becoming the first royal to cover a gay magazine The former editor told Lorraine: 'I can imagine, when he did that, somewhere she would be saying thumbs up.' In an interview to go with the cover shoot, Prince William hit out at bullies who targeted the gay community, saying: 'No one should be bullied for their sexuality.' He then called on young people being bullied for their sexuality to seek help. Matthew also revealed Prince William was 'absolutely lovely' when he graced the cover of Attitude magazine in 2016 Attitude was founded in 1994 and is the UK's biggest-selling gay magazine with a circulation of around 60,000 issues per month, including digital. Matthew - who was editor of Attitude magazine from 2008-2016 - went on to say that if Diana was alive she would have a huge presence in LGBT media. Matthew explained: 'If she was here she'd be on the cover of Attitude. She'd be in all the gay clubs, she'd be doing all the gay magazines. She'd have a cabaret act by now.' Loose Women viewers were left in tears today after the show presented a montage of best bits to mark its 20-year anniversary featuring the late Lynda Bellingham. The actress and mother-of-two, who joined the panel on the ITV programme in April 2007, made more than 300 appearances before her death from cancer in October 2014 aged 66. The special segment also featured emotional confessions from Ruth Langsford, Penny Lancaster, Saira Khan and Denise Welch, as well as light-hearted moments from the past two decades. Viewers took to Twitter in their droves, with many expressing renewed sadness at Bellingham's passing. Scroll down for video Loose Women viewers were left in tears today after the show presented a montage of best bits to mark their 20-year anniversary featuring the late Lynda Bellingham One tweeted: 'Hands up if you wiped away a tear when you saw Lynda Bellingham?' Another wrote: 'What's wrong with me? Got tears not even hungover,' while another asked: 'Can we have more nostalgia like this please #LooseWomen.' The clips showed Lynda with actor Brian Blessed, who comically fell from his chair into the lap of Carol McGiffin when she shouted his name in his face as he went off on a tangent. The late actress was also seen trying her hand at tap dancing with a cane beside performer Lionel Blair. The clips showed Lynda with actor Brian Blessed, who comically fell from his chair into the lap of Carol McGiffin when she shouted his name in his face as he went off on a tangent The actress and mother-of-two, who joined the panel on the ITV programme in April 2007, made more than 300 appearances before her death from cancer in October 2014. Pictured with Lionel Blair Viewers took to Twitter, with many expressing renewed sadness at Lynda Bellingham's passing After a string of lighthearted moments, featuring guest appearances from Britney Spears, Robbie Williams and Paddy McGuiness, the montage swiftly changed in mood. It showed the moment Denise Welch broke down on live TV in February 2012 as she admitted she and Benidorm actor Tim Healy had been living separate lives for 18 months. As she revealed they're officially separated, she was comforted by her fellow panellists as she tearfully stressed they still 'love each other very much'. The montage showed the moment Denise Welch broke down on live TV in February 2012 as she admitted she and Benidorm actor Tim Healy had been living separate lives for 18 months Viewers were also reminded of the time Penny Lancaster bravely spoke out about the harrowing time she was sexually assaulted as a young girl It also featured Ruth Langsford becoming emotional while talking about her father going into care when his Alzheimer's made it impossible for her mother to cope with, and Andrea McLean opening up about the moment she sought help for her post-natal depression. Viewers were also reminded of the time Penny Lancaster bravely spoke out about the harrowing time she was sexually assaulted as a young girl. Rod Stewart's wife admitted she didn't feel she could tell her parents because she was worried about what they would think, but urged other victims to speak out in the wake of the #MeToo movement. The emotional segment showed the moment Andrea McLean opened up about seeking help for her post-natal depression It also showed the time Ruth Langsford became emotional while talking about her father going into care when his Alzheimer's became too difficult for her mother to cope with Saira became emotional as she discussed how her fertility problems let her to travel to Pakistan eight years ago and visit an orphanage. She went on to adopt her daughter Amara It also showed the moment tearful Saira Khan admitted she is 'so grateful' she suffered fertility problems because it led her to adopting her daughter Amara. Saira travelled to Pakistan eight years ago and visited an orphanage that allows foreigners to adopt newborn babies. Loose Women has been broadcast on ITV since September 6 1999 and was originally presented by Kaye Adams and Nadia Sawalha - who remains a panellist to this day. An outraged student has blasted Boohoo after being sent a completely wonky playsuit from the UK-based online retailer. Eden Tanner, 19, of Essex, was left unimpressed by the 10 Basic Cami Wrap Playsuit - which is currently on sale for 8. She quickly discovered that one of the garment's legs was significantly longer than the other, and took to Twitter to hit out at the online retail giant. Shocking: Eden Tanner (pictured left), 19, of Essex, was left unimpressed after purchasing Boohoo's 10 Basic Cami Wrap Playsuit (right) - which is currently on sale for 8 - and discovering that the legs were unequal in length Posting a picture of her wearing the crooked playsuit, she said: 'Cant believe this, opened up this playsuit, and this is how its been made...completely wonky wtf.' The dissatisfied fashion marketing student soon followed the tweet with another, urging the company to respond to her. 'Are you just going to ignore me or actually reply?' she wrote. Not impressed: Miss Tanner (pictured) took to Twitter to hit out at the clothing firm and posted a picture of her wearing the playsuit She wrote on Twitter: '@boohoo_cshelp cant believe this, opened up this playsuit and this is how its been made...completely wonky wtf.' Reaction: Miss Tanner summed up her disappointment with the online retailer in one final tweet Sorting it out: A member of the Boohoo help team contacted Miss Tanner and asked her to direct message them with her order number A member of the Boohoo help team then contacted Miss Tanner and asked her to direct message them with her order number. She summed up her disappointment with the online retailer in one final tweet, which read: 'Now I remember why I havent shopped on Boohoo for 2 years. Spent 70 and dont like a single thing.' MailOnline has contacted Boohoo for a comment. And it isn't the only mistake to be made by the fashion company this month. Nikki Goodwin (pictured left with her daughter), 34, from London, claimed she discovered a dead goldfish in the packaging of a bag she ordered from Boohoo Last week, a mother claimed she discovered a dead goldfish in the packaging of a bag she ordered from Boohoo. Nikki Goodwin, 34, from London, had ordered the 18 black pleather handbag as a present for her 15-year-old daughter Tayla Clarkson. But the teen was horrified when she unwrapped the gift and allegedly saw the long-deceased slippery creature. Mother-of-three Nikki, who thinks the fish may have been popped in the bag as a prank by one of the warehouse staff, has since been offered a full refund and 20 voucher. A Benidorm bar has created the ultimate indulgence for booze-filled and hungover Brits, holidaying in sunny Spain - a pizza topped with a full English breakfast. Good Times Bar and Grill, in the heart of the Costa Blanca resort, is serving up a classic 2,600 calorie margherita pizza - topped with two fried eggs, two rashers of bacon, two sausages, chopped up mushrooms and baked beans. Since the bar, popular with Brits, shared the post on its Facebook page, reviews of the unusual concoction have been divided. A Benidorm bar has created the ultimate indulgence for booze-filled and hungover Brits holidaying in sunny Spain - a pizza topped with a full English breakfast The eatery, which has a string on five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, was quickly met with a mixed reaction when they posted the 'Yum' pizza online. While one person said they would be there 'every morning', another said it was 'so wrong', while a third added: 'Looks rank'. Others suggested the food is ideal when you're enjoying a raucous holiday in the resort that's much-loved by Brits. One holidaymaker wrote: 'Perfect for coming home in the early hours when you can't decide whether it's supper or breakfast time.' Earlier this month, pizza takeaway giant Domino's caused controversy when it announced the launch of a pizza topped with tinned spaghetti. The chain has even made the treat a little tastier by adding chunks of pineapple to the limited edition offering. Good Times Bar and Grill, on the heart of the Costa Blanca resort (pictured) is serving up a classic 2,600 calorie Margarita pizza - topped with two fried eggs, greasy bacon, two sausages, chopped up mushrooms and baked beans The pizza, aptly named the 'Hawaiian Spaghetti Pizza', comes served with tinned Watties spaghetti, chunks of pineapple, ham and mozzarella cheese. 'We've officially added Hawaiian spaghetti pizza to our menu for a limited time only, with help from our friends at Wattie's NZ (no April Fools this time),' the company announced. News of the new pizza, which for now is only available in New Zealand, has been met with plenty of interest. However, it would seem social media is split with some commenters saying they can't wait to try it and others insistent the two ingredients should never mix. 'I have made my own pizzas using spaghetti and pineapple... love it!' Said one. Domino's has just launched a new tinned spaghetti, ham and pineapple-topped pizza named the 'Hawaiian Spaghetti Pizza' (pictured) Another said: 'My childhood right here when mum was too lazy to cook a proper meal. I even do it for my kids sometimes too.' 'Spaghetti on a pizza is actually really nice. Should do one with beef mince and cheese. Spaghetti bolognese pizza,' a third said. A fourth said: 'Look mum, it's the pizza's you used to make us when we were little.' While a classic Hawaiian pizza traditionally comes with pineapple and ham, some said the addition of spaghetti was a bridge too far. 'Um no thanks, spaghetti doesn't belong on a pizza!' said one Facebook commenter. Lauren Duggar is proudly showing off her baby bump on Instagram just months after tearfully revealing that she miscarried during her first pregnancy. The 20-year-old newlywed, who married into the Duggar family with her 22-year-old husband Josiah, announced last week that she is pregnant for the second time since they wed on June 30, 2018. And this time, she is far enough along to have a tiny baby bump, which she happily cradled in a photo that the couple shared on social media this weekend. Look here! Lauren Duggar proudly showed off her baby bump with husband Josiah at a wedding this weekend Trying again: The couple only just announced the pregnancy, just months after Lauren, 20, suffered a miscarriage So blessed: The newlyweds, who got hitched last June, spoke about their baby joy in a video for TLC Sad: Lauren had become pregnant shortly after their wedding, but miscarried some time in October 'We're just so extremely grateful for this baby,' Lauren said. 'Going through a loss really shows us how good God is, and that miracles do happen' Gender divide: Josiah, 22, said he gets to pick the name if they have a boy, and Lauren will pick if they have a girl The couple spent the weekend attending the wedding of fellow Christian fundamentalist Carlin Bates, who is one of the stars of Bringing Up Bates. Carlin, 21, married Evan Stewart in a Tennessee ceremony attended by several members of the Duggar family. And for Lauren, it was a chance to show off the beginnings of a baby bump. The mom-to-be wore a white dress with a pink floral design, which she cinched with a red belt just above her belly. As Duggar women frequently do while pregnant, she laid a hand under her bump while posing for the picture. Next to her, her husband Josiah is also smiling at the camera, and is wearing a floral tie to match her dress. Also at the wedding were parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar, oldest sister Jana Duggar, and sex pest Josh Duggar's wife Anna Duggar, who is also pregnant. Joy Anna Duggar, 21, served as a bridesmaid to her friend Carlin, and also cradled her much larger baby bump in several photos. Everybody's bumpin' along! Josiah's younger sister Joy Anna, 21, is also pregnant, and cradled her baby bump in other photos from the wedding this weekend Friends: Joy Anna, 21, served as a bridesmaid to fellow Christian fundamentalist Carlin Bates, who tied the knot with Evan Stewart Showing yet? Anna Duggar, who is married to sex pest Josh Duggar, is also expecting and was seen at the wedding, but kept her pregnancy more covered up But while Joy Anna has been pregnant before once, with one-year-old son Gideon and 30-year-old Anna is on her sixth child, this is the first time that Lauren has been able to flaunt a visible baby bum. She and Josiah were elated to announce the second pregnancy after Lauren suffered a miscarriage during her first. On May 20, the pair shared their happy baby news on Instagram while also paying tribute to the child they lost, whom they named Asa. 'We are so excited to announce that baby #2 is on the the way!!!!' they wrote. 'Its hard to fully express just how grateful we are for God blessing us again with another precious gift!' 'So, as we rejoice of the life of our second sweet baby, we also remember (balloon as symbolism) our other sweet baby, Asa, in heaven. God is so incredibly good!' They added the hashtags #MiraclesDoHappen, #babynumber2, #rainbowbaby, and #DaddyandMamaof2blessings. Inevitable announcement: In mid-May, Josiah and Lauren revealed today that they are expecting once again Quick turnaround: The news comes just seven months after Lauren suffered a miscarriage during her first pregnancy, and the two call this baby 'baby #2' Baggy: The mom-to-be has been mostly hiding her figure thought it could be due to modesty standards as much as covering a bump (pictured the weekend of May 18) The couple's announcement comes just weeks ahead of their one-year wedding anniversary on June 30, and just days after Lauren's 20th birthday. The couple posed for pictures for the big reveal: In one, Lauren holds up ultrasound photos. In another, they pose near a balloon symbolizing the baby the lost, and in a third, they hold up a sign that says: 'Rainbow after the storm. Baby #2.' The term 'rainbow baby' is used to refer to babies conceived after the loss of a pregnancy, either through miscarriage or stillbirth. In a video released by TLC, they spoke more about the loss. 'Recently, we walked through losing a little one through miscarriage,' said Josiah. 'But we're excited to have another little one on the way now.' 'We're just so extremely grateful for this baby,' Lauren added. 'Going through a loss really shows us how good God is, and that miracles do happen.' Josiah said they learned they were expecting after he went to the store to buy a pregnancy test at four in the morning, with Lauren adding that they were crying because they were 'so thankful for another sweet blessing.' They also revealed that while Josiah gets to pick the name if it's a boy, Lauren gets her choice if it's a girl. Hint hint: Fans began to speculate she was pregnant this weekend when she wore this dress a maternity dress once worn by her sister-in-law Jinger to a birthday lunch Big birthday: Lauren just turned 20 on May 18 and celebrated with her mom (pictured) and the Duggar girls Look close! Lauren appeared to be cradling a little baby bump at a birthday lunch (pictured right) Not so bumpy: Earlier this month, Lauren posed in a blue floral dress with a high waistline Lauren and Josiah have previously spoken about the loss of their first pregnancy, which occurred early in the first trimester last year. The couple had already shared their news with the entire family before they lost the baby two events that were covered on the most recent season of the TLC show Counting On. 'Lauren and I were actually preparing for a trip to go to a friend's wedding,' Josiah said in a video in which they discussed the loss. 'She started feeling really sick and started noticing some different things. Mrs. Swanson was there, so she was able to help her out I didn't know exactly what was going on,' he went on. 'I wasn't feeling well,' Lauren added. 'I was cramping really, really bad, which was quite strange because I normally don't. 'I was thinking maybe I had something that had gluten in it,' the teenager, who has a gluten intolerance, added before tearing up. 'It was late at night and I went to use the restroom and there was the baby. Gone. I couldn't believe it and I was hoping it wasn't true.' Newlyweds: At the beginning of May, Josiah shared a message for Lauren on her 'first Mother's Day' Caption: Josiah wrote that Lauren is still a mother and this was still her first Mother's Day In a video statement to Us Weekly, the couple stood together outside arm-in-arm and reflected on their sad news. 'A couple months ago, we found out that we were expecting, but suddenly thereafter, we lost our baby,' Lauren said. 'It really was a hard time for our family going through this right after we got married,' Josiah piped in. 'And all the dreams of getting to see our little one and hold it in our hands dashed before our eyes.' 'Nobody really talks about it,' Lauren said. 'We just wanted to let y'all know that you're not alone.' Fans began speculating that she could be pregnant again the weekend before their announcement, when several photos were posted on social media while the family celebrated her and sister-in-law Jill's birthdays. In one, she wore a purple maternity dress that appears to be a hand-me-down from Josiah's sister Jinger. In another, she was seated at a restaurant table with her mother, mother-in-law, and sisters-in-law, and appeared to cradling a bump. But she and Josiah did keep mum last weekend as they celebrated Mother's Day, with Josiah only referring to the baby they lost in an Instagram tribute. He uploaded the post to the couple's shared Instagram account, choosing a posed shot of the couple smiling outside, which fans have speculated was taken at their wedding rehearsal. Sad: In February, Josiah's sister Jessa shared a picture of her baby bump and shared her heartbreak over Lauren's miscarriage Another! She and her husband Ben are expecting their third child later this summer the same time Lauren would have been due before 'To my dear Lauren... Happy 1st Mothers Day!' wrote Josiah, the eighth eldest of 19 children. 'I have seen you love, protect, and how much you have given without getting anything in return. I wish our sweet baby couldve seen just how wonderful a mother you are,' he went on. 'Not all mothers arms get to hold their little one, or get to hear their babys laughs and cries. You may have missed out on these things since our baby was called home to be with Jesus, but you ARE a mother. 'I love you Lauren!' he concluded it, signing the message 'Si.' Lauren hasn't shared her due date for the new baby. She had, though, been due to give birth to their first around the same time that Josiah's sister Jessa is due with her third with husband Ben Seewald. In February, 26-year-old Jessa shared a mirror selfie showing off her baby bump on Instagram but paid homage to her sister-in-law. 'Pregnancy such a precious gift, and definitely not something I take for granted,' she wrote. 'As we look forward to meeting our baby, were also feeling an exceptional amount of grief over my brother Josiah and sister-in-law Laurens loss of their baby. 'Lauren and I shared the exact same due date,' she revealed. 'We have cried so many tears, both together and apart. My heart aches for them. 'I weep when I think of how difficult it must be for her to see me pregnant in the very stages where she wouldve been right up through the babys due date. Bittersweet: Jessa said that her 'heart aches' for her brother Josiah and sister-in-law Lauren Emotional: 'I weep when I think of how difficult it must be for her to see me pregnant in the very stages where she wouldve been right up through the babys due date,' she wrote Opening up: 'If youve lost a child, know this YOU ARE A MAMA, and you will never cease to think about and cherish the life you carried,' she wrote 'And yet, even in a flood of emotions, there are perplexities of the human heart that may cause us to want to clam up or remain silent through such a trial. Because of this, many people feel like theyre walking this road alone. 'It is true that speaking for the sake of filling silence is not needful and is often hurtful. Ive watched Lauren converse with people who have been unknowingly insensitive, and I am amazed by her graciousness. 'Ive heard some try to give reasons or explanations, not realizing that their unsolicited opinions might be very painful, like salt to a wound. One might never know the tears you cry at night as a result of their words flowing back through your head. 'Often times, "I love you and Im praying for you along with a hug are quite sufficient. 'We do not need to fill every silence with words. But at the same time, conversations of lost dreams should never feel suppressed. Silence can stifle healing, but a carefully chosen word may work to help bring life and healing to the soul. 'We must all reinforce the fact that emotions over a life lost are not something to be resisted. Theyre not wrong, and you should never think that for a moment. 'If youve lost a child, know this YOU ARE A MAMA, and you will never cease to think about and cherish the life you carried,' she wrote. Another on the way! There's something in the water in Duggar-ville, and Joseph and Kendra recently announced they are expecting their second child (pictured with baby Garrett) All smiles: Joy-Anna Duggar, 21, and her husband, Austin Forsyth, 25, are expecting their second child together as well Their first, Gideon, recently turned one, and Joy Anna has been showing off her changing figure She continued: 'My heart aches for you as topics of babies or pregnancy arise in conversation. It is likely you were already well acquainted with the first trimester symptoms of nausea, food aversions and fatigue, and you would've give anything to have had the opportunity to labor and deliver your baby, no matter how long or painful the process. 'When complaining or grumblings ... are verbalized over colicky babies or sleep that's been broken up for night feedings Oh, what you wouldn't give to be in their shoes! 'We do continue to pray that God will bless you with a baby to hold in your arms, but this is not to insinuate that having another will remove the grief over one that's been lost. That life can never be replaced and will forever hold a special place in your heart.' 'Lauren, you're such a positive, life-giving soul, even in walking through a great hardship and suffering so much loss. 'I don't know how you can grieve through such a trial, and at the same time be so thoughtful to say, "Jess, if you ever feel too sick or tired and need some help do not hesitate to text or call. I would be more than happy to make a meal, watch the boys, etc." 'That is God's grace, and it radiates from your life. We love you both so much, and pray that God would continue to comfort your hearts.' Jessa, who married her husband on June 21, 2014 when she was 21 and he was 19, already has two children: three-year-old Spurgeon and two-year-old Henry. Several other members of the family have also announced additional pregnancies. Big brood: Anna is expecting number six with Josh, adding to nine-year-old Mackynzie, seven-year-old Michael, five-year-old Marcus, three-year-old Meredith, and one-year-old Mason Lots of babies: Jinger, 25, has a nine-month-old daughter named Felicity with her husband Jeremy Vuolo The rest of the fam: Jill and husband Derick Dillard have three-year-old Israel and one-year-old Samuel (left), while John David, 29, and Abbie, 26, have yet to announce a pregnancy (right) Most recently, Joy Anna, 21, announced that she and husband Austin Forsyth are expecting their second. They already have one son, Gideon. Josh, 31 who infamously was discovered to have molested his sisters as a teenager and was caught with a profile on the adultery website Ashley Madison in 2015 and his wife Anna revealed she is pregnant with their sixth child. Joe, 24, and his wife Kendra, 20, are also expecting their second, a little sibling for big brother Garrett. Meanwhile, sister Jill, 27, and Derick Dillard have two sons, four-year-old Israel and one-year-old Samuel. Jinger, 25, has a nine-month-old daughter named Felicity with her husband Jeremy Vuolo. Only newlyweds John David, 29, and Abbie, 26, have yet to announce a pregnancy. The Duggar parents, Michelle and Jim Bob, have been outspoken against birth control, saying that they welcomed as many children as God saw fit to give them. Jim Bob revealed that initially, they thought they'd have just two or three kids, and Michelle went on the pill for the first few years of their marriage. But after having their eldest son Josh, Michelle went back on the pill and got pregnant while taking it. They ended up losing that baby, and were so grieved that, through prayer, they decided to 'give that area of our life to the Lord,' letting God decide on when and how often they would have kids. Hospitals in Lithuania are to start advertising cheap operations to patients in the UK because of a surge in demand on the back of the NHS crisis. Health Tourism Lithuania claims it has been inundated with enquiries from Britons frustrated at having to wait months for routine treatment. The body has now revealed that, from next month, it will target patients across the home nations with Facebook and Google adverts. NHS data revealed a total of 4.23million people in England were waiting for hospital treatment in March the longest the waiting list has ever been. Reda Ambrozaite, one of the founders of Health Tourism Lithuania, claimed the NHS crisis is tempting scores of patients to seek care abroad. Some 48,000 Britons travelled abroad for treatment in 2014, according to the Office for National Statistics. This rose to 144,000 in 2016. And data published by the ONS suggests the figure was closer to the 300,000 mark in 2017. The final figures have yet to be released Health Tourism Lithuania claims it has been inundated with enquiries from Britons frustrated at having to wait months for treatment (Pictured: A grab from its website) 'We started functioning about a year ago and we targeted our business to [people in] Scandinavia because it's very close,' she told MailOnline. 'But suddenly we started getting enquiries from the UK.' Ms Ambrozaite revealed the body, which essentially operates as a booking agent, 'can really see that something is going on' in the UK. Most enquiries HTL receives revolve around plastic surgery and dentistry, but they also hear from patients who want hip replacements. The travel agency brags of being able to offer patients cut-price operations at clinics scattered across the country for procedures including cataracts surgery and IVF. For instance, it told MailOnline patients can pay just 3,340 for a hip replacement. It costs in the region of 10,000 to have one privately in the UK. Cataracts surgery costs as little as 730 while IVF can cost 1,230 per cycle. Private clinics in the UK can charge as much as 4,000 for cataracts and 5,000 for IVF. And HTL says it can offer gastric bypasses for 5,000 around a third of the price that the procedure can cost in private clinics in Britain. MAN, 86, TRAVELS FROM THE UK TO LITHUANIA TO HAVE HIS HIP REPLACED BECAUSE HE FEARED HE WOULD DIE WAITING 80 WEEKS FOR THE NHS TO PERFORM THE OP A man travelled to Lithuania and paid 6,000 to have his hip replaced because he was afraid he would die waiting for the NHS to get round to it. Peter Gaillard, 86, was told he could have to wait 80 weeks (a year and seven months) to have the surgery near his home in Wales. Instead of shelling out for private surgery in the UK, he flew to the Baltic nation and had the life-changing op for half the price and the NHS paid him back for it. Mr Gaillard, from Gwynedd in North Wales, went on the 10-day round trip in October last year and says the results are 'extraordinarily good'. After having his right hip replaced in the UK in 2004, Mr Gaillard noticed the same problem brewing in his left leg last year, the Daily Post Wales reported. But the NHS board near his home Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board told him he might have to wait more than a year for the operation. 'I did not feel at my age I could hang around for what might have been two years with everything getting worse,' Mr Gaillard said. Peter Gaillard, 86, travelled to Lithuania for a hip replacement after being told by the NHS in Wales he could have to wait more than 18 months to have the surgery in his home country Advertisement The total cost does not includes flights, hotel stays and airport transfers in Lithuania but the agency also offers these as an add-on. Ms Ambrozaite said: 'We are now planning to do some special advertising and PR in the UK.' The company began to boost its public image two months ago but the social media and search engine adverts have yet to begin Ms Ambrozaite said they will both start in June. HTL revealed it has a budget of around 3,000 per month that is being spent on advertising, including its PR output. However, a spokesperson told MailOnline that they predict the budget will likely increase as time goes on. In a frank admission, Ms Ambrozaite revealed people between the ages of 55 and 75 will be targeted with the adverts. Cataracts and hip replacements are very common procedures in older people, with the NHS performing thousands of both each year. Ms Ambrozaite added that younger patients may also be interested in the services it offers, such as breast implants and IVF. NHS rationing has led to just four of 208 local health boards in England offering the 'gold standard' of IVF treatment of three full cycles for women under 40. Health Tourism Lithuania was unable to offer MailOnline any statistics to back up the alleged rise in demand from UK patients. However, it said its research has revealed other agencies in medical tourism had also noticed a 50 per cent increase in enquiries in the UK over the past year. The agency currently works alongside five clinics. They include GP Klinika in Kaunas and Kardiolita Hospital in Vilnius. However, only one is highlighted on its website (in red) NHS CRISIS: A RECORD 4.23MILLION PEOPLE ARE ON THE WAITING LIST FOR ROUTINE OPS The NHS waiting list is longer than it has ever been and April was the busiest month on record for A&E departments, figures revealed earlier this month. A total of 4.23million people in England were waiting for routine hospital treatment in March, a rise of 90,000 on the previous month. The number shows 10 per cent more people were waiting than at the same time last year, which experts have branded a 'failure' of the NHS. The waiting list figures cover patients who need scheduled hospital treatment, usually operations, but are not emergency cases or inpatients. Some 92 per cent of these patients should be seen within 18 weeks, the NHS states. But in March this was only 86.7 per cent and the 18-week target hasn't been met since February 2016. A record 4.23million people are waiting for routine NHS treatment as the referral waiting list is now the longest it has ever been, figures revealed today. The list has risen by around two million people since 2009 (Graph compares figures for March of each year from 2009-2019) Advertisement HTL boasts on its website that the quality of the treatment centres it works with 'are of top global standards'. The agency currently works alongside five clinics. They include GP Klinika in Kaunas and Kardiolita Hospital in Vilnius. The NHS warns on its own website that patients should 'be cautious of websites selling cosmetic surgery as part of a holiday'. The British Fertility Society told MailOnline it was concerned by the HTL adverts and could 'not emphasise enough the risks of travelling abroad for IVF'. Dr Jane Stewart, chair of the BFS, said: 'Until we deal with the postcode lottery for NHS funded IVF, we will continue to see people going overseas. 'Ultimately this can cost the NHS far more in caring for multiple births and other complications. 'While we understand the desperation that drives people to go overseas for treatment, we cannot emphasise enough the risks of doing so.' Dr Stewart added: 'The UK has one of the most highly regulated fertility sectors in the world. 'If you go elsewhere, you may not find the same standards of care and you may encounter practices that we consider unethical, here.' Ian Eardley, a council member of the Royal College of Surgeons, told MailOnline: 'We are aware that health tourism is on the rise. 'Some countries are now positioning themselves as destinations for healthcare particularly for cosmetic procedures. 'They offer competitive prices and attractive packages in order to encourage this type of tourism. 'Although it is difficult to know for certain, there is the possibility that some NHS patients are choosing to go abroad to avoid long waiting lists.' He said the RCS 'strongly urges' patients thinking about having surgery outside of the UK to thoroughly research the dangers before committing to the procedure. The TaxPayers' Alliance said the fact Lithuanian hospitals are advertising to British patients shows the NHS is 'not performing well'. John O'Connell, its chief executive, said: 'The Government is putting more money into the health system, but this needs to come hand-in-hand with reform. 'The NHS needs to prioritise spending on essential services and cut out the administration and bureaucracy that eat up huge chunks of the health budget.' HTL revealed it has a budget of around 3,000 per month that is being spent on advertising, including its PR output Government data shows the number of British patients flying overseas for medical treatment has trebled in recent years. Some 48,000 Britons travelled abroad for treatment in 2014, according to the Office for National Statistics. This rose to 144,000 in 2016. And data published by the ONS suggests the figure was closer to the 300,000 mark in 2017. The final figures have yet to be released. Poland has led charts for the number of Britons seeking treatment abroad for many years. The most recently available dataset, covering 2016, showed 33,922 Britons travelled to the country for medical treatment. WHAT PROCEDURES ARE ON OFFER AND HOW MUCH DO THEY COST? Hip replacement surgery: 3,810 EUR (3,370) Hip implants: 1,650 EUR (1,460) Dental implant: 750 EUR (660) Root canal treatment: 70 EUR (62) Gastric bypass: 5,000 EUR (4,420) Heart angioplasty plus stenting: from 2,035 EUR (1,800) Breast implants: 3,500 EUR (3,095) Knee ligament reconstruction surgery: 850 EUR (750) IVF cycles: from 1,400 EUR (1,240) Cataract surgery: from 830 EUR (735) Source: Health Tourism Lithuania Advertisement The RCS said many patients going abroad for treatment are likely to be returning to their home countries for non-urgent healthcare. Poland was followed by Hungary (15,884), Romania, (14,588), Turkey (11,987), Spain (10,741), France (6,389), Latvia (5,117) and Lithuania (5,058). Spain has recorded a 10-fold rise in the number of British patients flying over for treatment between 2015 and 2016. While rates tripled in India and doubled in Poland and Hungary over the same time frame, according to the ONS data. But the ONS's figures may not be fully representative fewer than 12,000 Brits went to Turkey for treatment in 2016, they revealed. But the Turkish Healthcare Travel Council claims the true figure was closer to 17,356 44 per cent higher than the figure quoted by the ONS. The body also claims there were 23,563 visits from Britons to doctors in Turkey in 2018, up again from 19,967 in 2017. NHS patients can apply to claim back the costs of private treatment which the health service was unable but expected to provide. In March, it was reported an 86-year-old man went to Lithuania to have his hip replaced because he was afraid he would die waiting for op on the NHS. Instead of shelling out for private surgery in the UK, Peter Gaillard, from Wales, had the life-changing procedure for 6,000 and the NHS paid him back for it. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson accepted that some patients do seek treatment abroad. But they added that the percentage of patients seeking surgery abroad is 'less than one per cent of the people treated in the UK'. 'Over a million NHS patients start elective treatment with a consultant each month and the majority are seen and treated within 18 weeks,' they said. The spokesperson added the NHS Long Term Plan, backed by an extra 20.5billion a year for the NHS by 2023-24, would 'cut long waits' for planned surgery. An elderly man spent two weeks in hospital after drinking liquorice tea caused his blood pressure to spike to dangerous levels. The unnamed 84-year-old had already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, known medically as hypertension, before his ordeal. Doctors who treated him revealed he had managed to control his condition in the months leading up to his 13-day hospital stay. But his love of his home-made liquorice brew caused his systolic reading - the top number - to spike to as high as 210mmHg. An elderly man spent two weeks in hospital after drinking liquorice tea caused his blood pressure to spike to dangerous levels Anything above 180 is known as a hypertensive crisis, which can be life-threatening and cause an array of symptoms, including head aches. The man, however, was not aware his drink was to blame - despite knowing of the link between liquorice and high blood pressure. The patient took measurements of his blood pressure at home for an entire week, which showed persistently elevated measurements. He went to the emergency department at McGill University in Montreal because of his concerns his blood pressure readings were so high. The man also complained of headaches, light sensitivity, chest pain and fatigue - all are symptoms of a hypertensive crisis. Medics who initially examined him found his blood pressure was 196/66mmHg, he also showed signs of fluid retention in his calves. WHY CAN LIQUORICE BE DANGEROUS? Black liquorice is made with extract from root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant that gives the candy its sweetness. The root contains a compound called glycyrrhizin. Glycyrrhizic acid keeps the body from properly absorbing potassium, so when you consume too much glycyrrhizin, potassium levels may drop below normal levels. The balance between potassium and sodium levels is key to healthy heart functioning. When potassium levels are too low, sodium levels are correspondingly too high. The imbalance can result in high blood pressure and upset the hearts rhythm. Abnormal heart rhythms greatly increase the risk of heart attack. Advertisement Other examinations showed he had a low potassium level of 2.5mmol/L - below the recommended 3.5-5mmol/L. 'Excessive amounts of some herbal products can have harmful side effects,' said Dr Jean-Pierre Falet, one of the authors of the case report. 'Products containing licorice root extract can raise blood pressure, cause water retention and decrease potassium levels if consumed in excess. 'Given Canada's multicultural population, physicians should consider screening for licorice root intake in patients with difficult-to-control hypertension.' Writing in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, medics said he took a blood pressure reading four months earlier of 125/60mmHg. His initial symptoms resolved after just 24 hours in hospital. However, his shortness of breath stayed with him for several days. The man then admitted to doctors, when questioned, that he had consumed a home-made liquorice root extract daily. He revealed he drunk an 'erk sous' extract up to twice a day for two weeks before going to hospital with dangerously high blood pressure. Writing in the medical journal, doctors revealed the patient knew of the link between liquorice and high blood pressure. However, the team who treated him said: 'He did not think of it when he noticed his blood pressure starting to rise.' The man did not consume any liquorice while he was in hospital. His blood pressure gradually improved after almost two weeks in care. He was sent home on a cocktail of drugs, which he had to take alongside the remainder of his usual medications. The patient returned to clinic three weeks later. Dr Falet and team said his blood pressure was 110/57mmHg and he felt well. He had not taken any licorice extract since his hospital admission and his potassium level returned to normal (3.8 mmol/L). Being mildly overweight as a teenager raises the risk of heart failure in adulthood, scientists have once again found. Scientists tracked 1.6million men for nearly five decades to examine the dangers of carrying extra weight in adolescence. They found those who were even mildly overweight when they were 18 were more likely develop cardiomyopathy in later life. The Swedish researchers warned the risk of the condition, which can lead to heart failure, was highest for the fattest teenagers. The findings come amid a worldwide childhood obesity crisis, with figures showing there are 340million youngsters who are overweight or obese. Being mildly overweight as a teenager raises the risk of heart failure in adulthood, scientists in Sweden find Obesity is known to be a risk factor for a multitude of health problems including heart disease. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg were looking mainly to see if teenage obesity raised the risk of cardiomyopathy. It is the general term for diseases of the heart muscle, which can make it harder for the organ to pump blood around the body. Men who enlisted in compulsory military service between 1969 and 2005, when they were 18 or 19 years old, were analysed. Researchers recorded figures on their height, weight and overall fitness. They also used two other national databases that track the causes of all deaths and hospitalisations to see if any men developed heart disease. Among the men in the study, 4,477 were diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at an average age of 45.5. The men who at age 18 had a body mass index (BMI) below 20 had a low risk of going on to develop cardiomyopathy. But the risk steadily increased as weight increased, according to the findings that were published in the journal Circulation. Men who had a BMI of 35 and over - considered obese - were eight times more likely to develop dilated cardiomyopathy as adults. WHAT IS CARDIOMYOPATHY? Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that affects its size, shape and structure. The condition is usually inherited. The three main types of cardiomyopathy are: Hypertrophic - heart wall is thickened - heart wall is thickened Dilated - heart muscle becomes stretched and thin - heart muscle becomes stretched and thin Arrhythmogenic right ventricular - heart muscle cells cannot be kept together All of these types of cardiomyopathy affect the heart's ability to pump blood around the body efficiently. They can also impact the way electrical signals make the organ beat. There is no cure, however, in most cases people's quality or length of life is unaffected. Therapies may include medication, treatment to normalise heart rhythm, pacemakers and, in rare cases, heart surgery or transplants. Source: British Heart Foundation Advertisement Dilated cardiomyopathy is one form of the disease when the heart muscle becomes weak and can't pump blood efficiently. It wasn't possible to estimate an increased risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in men with a BMI of 35 or above because there were too few cases. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is when the heart muscle becomes stiff and isn't able to fill with blood properly. The researchers expect the results to apply to men throughout the world, as levels of obesity are 'disturbingly high' in many high income countries. The authors wrote: 'Given the overall increase in body weight in young people globally, physicians need to be aware of an increased risk for cardiomyopathy. 'The already marked importance of weight control in youth is further strengthened by these findings.' But Professor Annika Rosengren, a cardiologist and author of the study, warned the findings may or may not translate to women. She said: 'The data on weight was gathered when males in Sweden register for compulsory military service. 'Since women do not register for military service, data on women's weight at around age 18 was not available to the researchers.' Heart failure caused by cardiomyopathies doubled in Sweden between 1987 and 2006, the researchers noted. Often the cause of the cardiomyopathy is unknown, however, in some people it's the result of another condition or inherited. Contributing factors include metabolic conditions, such as obesity, drug use, high blood pressure and drinking too much alcohol. It affects around one in 500 people in the UK and US, according to charities. Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975, according to the World Health Organization. Health chiefs have long been trying to crack down on childhood obesity rates, considering children who are obese are put at a higher risk of heart conditions and diabetes at a younger age than normal. Obese youngsters are likely to stay obese into adulthood, where long-term health problems include cancer. A schoolboy who had been in a three-week coma woke up after his mother brought his favourite Lynx deodorant into intensive care. Kacper Krauze, 13, got into difficulty while paddling with friends in the River Eden, Cumbria, in February of this year. Unable to swim, he ended up completely submerged in the freezing water for 25 minutes, according to witnesses. His lifeless body was eventually pulled from the river by emergency services, when medics from the Great North Air Ambulance worked to restart his heart. He was brought back to life on the way to hospital, but was fighting for his life in a coma after being starved of oxygen because of his ordeal. It wasn't until his mother, Wioletta Krauze, brought the deodorant he used every day into the intensive care unit that Kacper woke up. Schoolboy Kacper Krauze who had been in a three-week coma came round after smelling his favourite Lynx Kacper, 13, had got into trouble while paddling with friends in the River Eden, Cumbria, in February of this year. He was in a coma for three weeks (pictured in hospital) Wioletta Krauze, 43, said it was a 'miracle' he woke up. Pictured with Kacper after the incident Mrs Krauze, 43, of Appleby, Cumbria, said: 'It was a miracle. 'We had tried everything to wake him up. A nurse had suggested I bring in some of his toiletries to wash him with. 'As soon as I spayed the Lynx he opened his eyes immediately. He must have remembered that was his favourite smell. 'He has always absolutely loved Lynx and he still wears it to this day. 'We had tried so hard to get him to wake up from his coma. We had played music, we had spent hours talking to him.' Kacper, of Appleby, Cumbria, is believed to have gotten into difficulty because the water was so cold. He cannot swim. Pictured before Kacper's lifeless body was eventually pulled from the river by emergency services, when medics from the Great North Air Ambulance worked to restart his heart. Pictured, Kacper meeting the team that helped rescue him HOW CAN LYNX AROUSE SOMEONE FROM A COMA? Research suggests stimulating the main senses touch, hearing, vision and smell could potentially help a person recover from a coma. It is recommended by the NHS that visitors talk to the person like normal, hold their hand, play their favourite music through headphones, put flowers in their room or spray their favourite perfume - such as Lynx. A coma usually only lasts a few weeks, during which time the person may start to gradually wake up and gain consciousness. Scientists have previously shown that hearing the voices of loved ones helps coma victims wake up more quickly. Just hearing the family reminisce memories, share family jokes, stories and voice nicknames helped to awaken the unconscious brain and speed recovery. In a study, scientists at Northwestern University in the US played recordings made by family members four times a day for six weeks to six coma patients. All recovered faster than the normal rate, according to the research published in the journal Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, with MRI scans showing increased neural activity in response to the sound of a loved one speaking. In 2015, it was reported that a Chinese man suddenly awoke from a year long coma when nurses waved some cash under his nose. Doctors had never seen anything like it in their career - one sniff of a 100 yuan bill (11.42/$14.49) was all it took to bring back Shenzhen resident Xiao Li back to consciousness. Advertisement Mrs Krauze added: 'But in the end it was the Lynx which did it. I just couldn't believe it.' Families are recommended to stimulate the senses of those in a coma by talking to them, holding their hand, playing music and spraying familiar scents. Research suggests that it reduces the time taken for someone to wake up, and in some cases it has taken an individual memory, smell or sound to suddenly arouse the patient. On the day of Kacper's incident, Mrs Krauze and her taxi driver husband Marek, 50, got a panicked phone call from someone in their town to say their son was in difficulty in the water. It is understood Kacper fell into the water while paddling with friends because he was in shock at the freezing temperatures. Kacper cannot swim, and so he quickly got into difficulty. However, the details of what exactly happened are unclear. Mrs Krauze, who is also mother to Karol, 19, said: 'We ran to the car and raced to the river. When we arrived Marek and Karol waded into the river to try to find him. I was crying and screaming. 'Somebody called the fire brigade and it was a fireman who jumped in the river and pulled him out. 'He had been in the water for a really, really long time. He had drowned. 'They told us later that in the air ambulance a doctor gave him another electric shock and after four electric shocks they could finally feel a pulse. 'He had been brought back to life but he remained in a coma. His condition was very, very bad, I was praying like mad.' A coma is a state of unconsciousness where a person is unresponsive and cannot be woken. It can result from injury to the brain, such as a severe head injury, stroke, severe alcohol poisoning or a brain infection. Mrs K and her taxi driver husband Marek, 50, got a panicked phone call from someone in their town to say their son was in difficulty in the water. Pictured at their home in May Kacper said Lynx is his 'lucky charm' after it suddenly awoke him from the coma In Kacper's case, it was caused by a lack of oxygen due to drowning, which sufferers of a heart attack may also experience. Kacper was taken to Freeman Hospital in Newcastle where he remained in intensive care. Mrs Krauze said: 'We were next to him all the time, all the time. But it took a can of Lynx to bring him round. 'Kacper still struggles a little with his speech and using his right hand but apart from that he has made a full recovery.' Kacper said: 'I am really grateful to all the doctors, nurses and the Great North Air Ambulance for saving my life. 'I have always absolutely loved Lynx. It's my favourite smell. It always has been. I never thought it would bring me round from a coma. 'I will continue to wear it now, always. It's my lucky charm.' A student had slug-like growths removed from her nose after they caused her to suffer breathing problems for almost a decade. Julia Khalil, 21, from West Hampstead, London, claims she had agonising cramps in her back, ribs, and chest because of her swollen turbinates. Turbinates are small bony structures covered in soft tissue inside the nose that cleanse and humidify air as it passes through the nostrils. Miss Khalil had been told by others her loud breathing, caused by a seemingly blocked nose, was annoying, leaving her embarrassed. She claims doctors put her difficulty breathing down to her spinal condition, scoliosis, which in severe cases can lead to the lungs being compressed. It wasn't until a friend suggested her it could be due to swollen turbinates that she sought help. After having a private turbinate reduction procedure at a cost of 9,000, Miss Khalil said she now feels like a 'vacuum cleaner' because she can breathe easier. Stress, fatigue and thyroid disorders can cause the turbinates to enlarge, but symptoms can be mistaken for a cold. Julia Khalil, 21, of West Hampstead, London, had growths the size of slugs removed from her nose that had caused her to suffer mystery breathing problems for most of her life She had been told by others her loud breathing was annoying, therefore was too ashamed to study in the library at The University of Central Lancashire Miss Khalil was shocked to see the slimy pieces of excess tissue removed from her nostrils by surgeons - a procedure also offered on the NHS. She said: 'They were enormous. Side by side, they were about the size of large slugs. Almost instantly, I could breathe so much more easily. 'And since then, I've been able to sleep better and I can go for a run without having to worry about catching my breath. 'I honestly feel like a vacuum cleaner, I can inhale so much. The more I think about how my life was before, the more I appreciated how it's changed for the better.' WHAT ARE TURBINATES? Nasal turbinates are normal outgrowths of the nasal sidewall bone that are covered in nasal cavity mucus membrane. There are three sets on each side of the nose. Turbinate hypertrophy is when these outgrowths become enlarged or inflamed, obstructing the nose. Turbinates can become enlarged through a number of ways - and they also grow slightly as we get older. Stress, fatigue, hormone changes, thyroid disorders and pregnancy can all cause the turbinates to become inflamed, irritated and enlarged. Allergies, irritation and infection can also produce an excessive amount of mucus which can lead to congestion. It can also be present from birth - the middle turbinate may be enlarged due to a concha bullosa, or air-filled turbinate. Advertisement Miss Khalil, studying management at The University of Central Lancashire, was diagnosed with scoliosis - a curvature of the spine - aged 12. She claims doctors assumed this was the cause of her breathing problems. In severe cases of the condition, the lungs can be squashed by the rib cage. Miss Khalil had to wear braces to try and correct her posture, as well as having six years of physio. But while her spinal condition eased, her breathing issues did not. The turbinates were overlooked while Miss Khalil repeatedly complained about poor breathing that would cause her to wake up in the night gasping for breath. As well as being in pain, she struggled with exercising and embarrassment. She said: 'For most of my life, I haven't been able to breathe properly. 'And when you're always struggling for oxygen, it can be a miserable experience. 'I used to wake up in the middle of the night with horrific cramps in my back, ribs and chest because my body was always fighting to breathe. 'And I always had difficulty sleeping, too, often waking up gasping for breath. 'If I ever tried exercising, I would have to breathe through my mouth. Everything was restricted.' For most of her life, Miss Khalil had suffered with such severe breathing issues she would wake in the night gasping for air. Pictured recently Miss Khalil added: 'But one of the worst things was when I was in a quiet place, everyone could hear me breathing. 'They would give me funny looks, I felt awful and would try and avoid places like the library. Some people would openly say I annoyed them because I breathed so loudly.' In the end, a friend pointed out that Miss Khalil's turbinates may be enlarged or swollen. This was confirmed in a consultation with Dr Bashar Bizrah, founder of the Beyond Med Centre in Kensington London and Dubai. While steroid nasal drops help some sufferers, they generally stop being effective after two or three months. They can then start making the problem worse by increasing swelling in the nose. Lasering is the next option, when a thin probe delivering laser light or radiofrequency energy shrinks the turbinate tissue. Surgery shaves off extra tissue, but because the turbinates serve a functional entity within the nose, surgery tries to minimise damage. The brain relies on special 'air flow' receptor cells on the surface of the turbinates to recognise air is passing through the nose. Without these receptors, the brain would register the nasal passages as blocked even if clear, causing the sensation of a constantly blocked nose. Miss Khalil's surgery lasted just 30 minutes while under local anaesthetic. Stress, fatigue and thyroid disorders can cause the turbinates - which are bony structures covered in mucus - to enlarge, but symptoms can be mistaken for a cold. Pictured, Miss Khalil turbinate tissue in a jar after a 9,000 removal procedure Miss Khalil said her swollen turbinates were overlooked because doctors thought her breathing difficulties were caused by the spinal condition scoliosis During Miss Khalil's surgery carried out by Dr Bizrah, she also had a correction to a deviated septum - a bent nasal passage that also restricts air flow. Dr Bizrah said: 'The nasal turbinates are narrow passageways that help to warm and moisten the air that flows in through the nose. 'But if they're too large, they can block airflow. In Khalil's case, it's an issue that went undiagnosed for years. 'You might also mistake it for a prolonged cold, as you'll typically get nasal congestion, a runny nose and snoring.' Miss Khalil, who also sees the funny side of the situation, said: 'I'm definitely not taking it for granted, because I know how much I used to suffer. 'Now, when I'm in a quiet room, I'm not the loud one that everyone is staring at anymore. I'm not the annoying one making breathing noises. 'I don't have to avoid quiet rooms and I can study in the library. It's changed my life.' It is not clear how many people suffer with enlarged turbinates which has varying definition criteria. But some experts predict millions of Brits could be suffering with the condition without being aware. Manila (CNN Philippines Life) Manila can be a rather overwhelming experience for first-timers: a 10-minute trip becomes an hour-long excursion due to traffic, the humidity hangs hot and heavy, there is a constant buzz of urban noise. It can be a lot to take in. Those seeking to know what Manila is about usually head to the historic walled city of Intramuros. But Manila has many other stories to tell, multiplied further when considering the different points of view of its residents. Below are some of the tours that will show you the many sides of Manila. Royal Postal Heritage Guided Tour While the art of writing and sending letters is fading away due to the internet and other technological advances, there is still something magical in putting ones feelings on paper and sending it somewhere far away. One of the places that makes this possible is the Manila Central Post Office located in Intramuros, overlooking the Pasig River. There is a museum housed inside dedicated to philatelic history, or the history of stamps and postal products. On the first and third Sunday of every month, a tour is scheduled, coinciding with the Filipinas Stamp Collectors Club and Apo Philatelic Club meeting. The tour is free of charge, and will take participants through the postal history of the Philippines. The tour guides are club members who are passionate and knowledgeable about philately, which is sure to ignite your interest in a potential new hobby. The Royal Postal Heritage Guided Tour has a Facebook page where they post updates about their tours and they can be contacted for any inquiries. The Bukas Quiapo tour takes participants from well-known spots such as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church) to lesser-known ones such as June-Nairah Restaurant in Muslim Town. Photo from BUKAS QUIAPO/FACEBOOK Bukas Quiapo For most people, Quiapo has become synonymous with pirated goods, pickpockets, and the crazy crowds during the traslacion, but the people who actually live in it know just how special it is. Conducting Bukas Quiapo tours are the residents themselves, people who have very personal ties to Quiapo and thus have more to tell than the typical history book. As its name implies, the tour aims to open Quiapo to more people and show them that there is more to the historic district than just shopping. The tour takes participants from well-known spots such as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church) to lesser-known ones such as June-Nairah Restaurant in Muslim Town, where guests have an opportunity to sample dishes from Mindanao. Part of the tours proceeds also goes to the restoration of the San Sebastian Basilica, the only all-steel church in Asia. The tour costs 1,700 per person or 1,500 per head if youre booking for groups of two or more. Bukas Quiapo tours may be booked via its Facebook page. The Meaningful Travels Poblacion tour will bring participants back in time, along the Pasig river, as well as to the heritage structures of that witnessed the neighborhoods growth into its present state. Photo from MEANINGFUL TRAVELS PH/FACEBOOK Meaningful Travels PH True to its name, Meaningful Travels aims to make each tour meaningful, believing in the power of travel to do good. The tours that they organize are not limited to Manila, but all offer an immersive, cultural experience. One of their newer tours is one that takes participants on an evening walk around one of todays hippest neighborhoods: Poblacion, Makati. Bars, restaurants, and hostels abound, making it the go-to place of backpackers and young professionals looking to chill after a long day. The tour will bring participants back in time, along the Pasig river, as well as to the heritage structures that witnessed the neighborhoods growth into its present state. The Poblacion tour costs 1,500 per head. Meaningful Travels Poblacion tour, as well as their other tours, may be booked via their Facebook page or their email, meaningfultravelsph@gmail.com. The Don't Skip Manila tour will show participants a districts history, and how it contributed to the nations story. Photo from DON'T SKIP MANILA/FACEBOOK Dont Skip Manila Visitors to the Philippines are often told to simply skip Manila as there is nothing to see, relegating it as a mere jump-off point to places like Cebu, Bohol, and Palawan. But this group makes its intentions clear with its name: Dont Skip Manila. There are the usual Intramuros history tour and the Binondo food crawl offered by this group, which are perfect introductions to the City of Manila. However, for those looking for something a little different, theres the Pandacan walking tour. Pandacan was known as the Little Venice and Little Italy of Manila, and was home to people such as the first Filipina doctor, Dr. Paz Guanzon, the musical composer and conductor Ladislao Bonus, and GOMBURZAs Fr. Jacinto Zamora. The tour will show participants the districts history, and how it contributed to the nations story. Dont Skip Manila hopes to one day have tours for every district of Manila to show the world that Manila is not a place to be missed. Prices for Dont Skip Manilas tours vary from 350 (Pandacan walking tour) to 1,500 (Binondo food crawl). Dont Skip Manila tours may be booked via their Facebook page. The Manila Who tour involves a mystery to be solved that will take participants around Manila. Photo from MANILA WHO/INSTAGRAM Manila Who For amateur sleuths and aspiring detectives with a keen interest in history, Manila Who offers a fun and exciting tour. Instead of the usual guided tour, there is a mystery to be solved that will take participants around Manila, allowing them to experience the city and its history firsthand. Participants can choose from two stories. As the minimum number of players per story is two, the tour is also perfect for adventurous couples who want a unique date. Of course, more people are welcome to join in the fun: groups of up to five can be accommodated, with bigger groups being split into smaller ones. There is no time limit, so participants can take their time to soak in the history and their surroundings. Manila Who tours cost between 968 and 2,420 per head, depending on how many players will be joining. Manila Whos game tours can be booked via their website. In 1973 Technical Sargent Leonard Matlovich read an interview in the Air Force Times with gay activist Frank Kameny who had counseled several gays in the military over the years. He called Kameny in Washington DC and learned that Kameny had long been looking for a gay service member with a perfect record to create a test case to challenge the militarys ban on gay men. About a year later, he called Kameny again, telling him that he might be the person. After several months of discussion with Kameny and ACLU attorney David Addlestone during which they formulated a plan, he hand-delivered a letter to his Langley AFB commanding officer on March 6, 1975. When his commander asked, What does this mean? Matlovich replied, It means Brown versus the Board of Education because for Matlovich, his test of the militarys ban on homosexuals would be equivalent to that case. At that time, the Air Force had a unique exception clause that technically could allow gays to continue to serve under undefined circumstances. (Remember this was LONG before DADT a time where if someone whispered you were gay youd be discharged without any defense) An Air Force attorney asked Maltovich if he would sign a document pledging to never practice homosexuality again in exchange for being allowed to stay in the Air Force. Matlovich refused. Despite the fact that Maltovich had an unblemished military record, tours of duty in Vietnam, was a recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star, the military ruled Leonard Matlovich unfit to serve and he was recommended for a General, or Less than Honorable, discharge. The base commander recommended that it be upgraded to Honorable and the Secretary of the Air Force agreed, confirming Matlovichs discharge in October 1975. Maltovich sued for reinstatement, but the legal process was a long one, with the case moving back and forth between United States District and Circuit Courts. When, by September 1980, the Air Force had failed to provide US District Court Judge Gerhard Gesell an explanation of why Matlovich did not meet their criteria for exception [which by then had been eliminated but still could have applied to him], Gesell ordered him reinstated into the Air Force and promoted. The Air Force offered Matlovich a financial settlement instead, and convinced they would find some other reason to discharge him if he reentered the service, or the conservative US Supreme Court would rule against him should the Air Force appeal, Matlovich accepted. The figure, based on back pay, future pay, and pension was $160,000. His case resulted in articles in newspapers and magazines throughout the country, numerous television interviews, and a television movie on NBC. He was repeatedly called upon by gay groups to help them with fund raising and advocating against anti-gay discrimination, helping lead campaigns against Anita Bryants effort in Miami, Florida, to overturn a gay nondiscrimination ordinance and John Briggs attempt to ban gay teachers in California and also later the fight for adequate HIV-AIDS education and treatment. On June 22, 1988, less than a month before his 45th birthday, Matlovich died of complications from HIV/AIDS beneath a large photo of Martin Luther King, Jr. His tombstone, meant to be a memorial to all gay veterans, does not bear his name. It reads, When I was in the military, they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one. Since the human genome was first mapped in 2003, scientists have been searching for specific genes that cause autism. But a new study by Princeton University and Flatiron Institute's Center for Computational Biology in New York City suggests we may have been barking up the wrong tree. Researchers used artificial intelligence to screen the entire genomes of 1,790 families, each with just one person diagnosed with autism, to understand what genes and snippets of DNA could lead to the disorder in one but not in others. They found that the disorder did not appear to be caused by mutation to a gene, but by little kinks in the 'junk' DNA that regulates and influences genes. Until recently, 'regulatory DNA' has been seen as playing a minor supporting role in the human genomes' performance. But the new study, published today, is the first to confirm a long-held theory that disruptions in any aspect of DNA can be the root of serious, complex disorders. In this study, the computer system taught itself to analyze not only the known genes, and their supporting DNA, but also the excess 'junk' DNA - which is thought to be pointless, but makes up 99 percent of the human genome. It sorted through every potential chemical pair of genes and regulatory DNA there could be to understand what the 'outcome' would be - a task that would take a human a lifetime As our understanding of the human genome deepens, we are coming to see that it is far more complex and impenetrable than at first blush. The map led to many discoveries, but many more dead-ends as we learned our assumptions (that, for example, many disorders would boil down to one gene) were too simplistic. Artificial intelligence is helping to speed up some of those deflating discoveries and help us work out what questions we should be asking. In this study, the computer system taught itself to analyze not only the known genes, and their supporting DNA, but also the excess 'junk' DNA - which is thought to be pointless, but makes up 99 percent of the human genome. It sorted through every potential chemical pair of genes and regulatory DNA there could be to understand what the 'outcome' would be - a task that would take a human a lifetime, if that. It also analyzed disease-causing mutations we already know about. All of that helped the computer to compile a 'disease impact score,' a way to measure how likely a mutation is to have an effect on disease. It is not the first time this has been done, but this time the AI was trained to give greater emphasis to some mutations depending on how influential they would be. Previously, studies like this have found no significant difference in regulatory genes between people with autism and their relatives without. This study saw a marked difference. The computer analyzed the genomes of 1,790 families with 'simplex' autism - i.e. one child, but no others, has the disorder. Previously, fewer than 30 percent of the people had a previously identified genetic cause. The rest were mysterious. But the researchers said their discovery of mutations in 'junk' DNA do away with some of that mystery. 'They say that when you meet one person with autism you have met one person with autism because no cases are alike,' said Chandra Theesfeld at Princeton's Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics. 'Genetically, it seems to be the same way.' 'Now we open the field to understand all the factors that may be involved in autism,' Theesfeld added. Four days after giving birth to her first child, a son named Myles, in March 2017, Lindsey Hubley began feeling lethargic. She thought she was just tired, but then she began shaking and feeling abdominal pain. Hubley and her son were cleared to go home but, the next day, she was back in the hospital. Doctors had to place her in a medically-induced coma. The first-time mother, 35, from Nova Scotia, Canada, was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, an infection that destroys tissue under the skin - and that it had spread through her body. All four of her limbs would have to be amputated to save her life. Hubley's attorneys allege - in a lawsuit filed against the hospital - that part of her placenta was accidentally left inside her body after a vaginal tear was sewn up, which led to the infection. In an exclusive with Topic Magazine, Hubley discusses what it's like to be a quadruple amputee mother to a toddler and how the ordeal left her struggling with an opioid dependence that she's been trying to kick with CBD. Lindsey Hubley, 35, from Nova Scotia, Canada, gave birth to her son, Myles, in March 2017 before she was rushed back to the hospital with skin discoloration and abdominal pain. Pictured: Hubley, left, with Sampson and Myles after her amputation Doctors diagnosed her with necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating bacteria that destroys tissue under the skin. Pictured: Hubley, left, with Myles and her fiance, Mike Sampson, before her infection Hubley says it has been a struggle and a months-long process to bond with her son ever since she left the hospital. During the 420 days she was at Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre Health Center in Nova Scotia, Myles would visit daily either with his father and Hubley's fiance - Mike Sampson - or with his grandparents. But as he bonded with the other adults in his life, he was distant from Hubley when she first came home. And although Hubley does all the tasks every mother does - feeding, putting her son to bed, helping him use the bathroom - there are some days when Myles will cling to his father and refuse to approach her. 'There's no book for this,' she tells Topic. Hubley says she remembers that the night she was sent home, her stomach was in severe pain and her skin was becoming discolored. Sampson rushed her back to the hospital, where doctors determined she had necrotizing fasciitis, a rare bacterial infection that quickly kills surrounding tissue. The exact cause of the infection is unknown, but it can enter the body through the tiniest cut or scrape in the skin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 700 and 1,200 cases occur in the US each year. Early symptoms include a red or swollen area of the skin and severe pain. Later symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, blisters and change in skin color. All four of her limbs had to be amputated and Hubley had to spend 420 days in the hospital before she was discharged. Hubley, left, with Sampson and Myles after her amputation. Pictured: Hubley, right, with Sampson during her pregnancy Hubley has been relearning how to walk, feed herself and use the bathroom. She also now has prosthetic legs and hands. Pictured: Hubley in the hospital with Myles after her infection Hubley's hands had turned black in spring 2017 from the infection, and were giving off an unpleasant smell. 'For a long time I was terrified of my fingers falling off,' she told Topic. The CDC says that a prompt diagnosis and rapid treatment is key to stopping the infection in its tracks. This includes antibiotics or surgery when medication is unable to reach the tissue that has already been infected. Between 25 and 30 percent of necrotizing fasciitis cases every year result in death. Hubley spent months in the hospital. After three months, both of her hands and wrists were amputated. One month later, her left leg was amputated just below the knee and right leg was amputated to the kneecap. Doctors also needed to remove her uterus, ovaries, cervix and fallopian tubes because the infection had spread to her reproductive system. Hubley told Topic that she needed 32 surgeries in total and spent 420 days in the hospital before she was discharged. She was given 17 different medications during her stay in the hospital to manage her pain - some that she still takes - which left her with a dependence on opioids. Hubley says she uses medically prescribed THC and CBD, but occasionally her pain is too unbearable and she needs to use a fentanyl patch. Hubley says sometimes she struggles to bond with her son and trying to kick an opioid dependence. Pictured: Hubley, right, with Sampson After arriving home, she and Sampson, her fiance, have equipped their home with several items made specifically for amputees or things they've invented themselves to make performing everyday tasks easier for Hubley. She is also learning how to feed herself, walk and use the bathroom on her own. Hubley has prosthetic legs and, just last week, received her first prosthetic arm. According to Topic, the estimate to make a set of prosthetic hands costs $148,000, which has to be approved by insurance. But, three days a week, Hubley travels to Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax for dialysis treatments. She's on the list for a kidney transplant but still needs to undergo more tests before the procedure is approved. There's also the lawsuit Hubley and Sampson have filed against Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre and five of its doctors, citing negligence and that they failed to correctly diagnose her condition sooner. However, despite the dramatic changes in her life, she insists it's all been worth it to have Myles. 'I would do this all over again to have him,' she told Topic. Irene Tempelaars, from Nijmegen, Netherlands, was 10 years old when she was diagnosed with eczema after the first patches appeared on her arms. As the rashes began spreading to her neck, back and torso, doctors prescribed her stronger and stronger steroid creams to treat them. But after years of use, her skin was getting itchier and the patches were now appearing on her face - meaning the creams had stopped working. That's when Tempelaars, 29, decided to quit using the medication and went through a painful process known as Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). Tempelaars says that her skin often burns and rips and says strangers don't want to stand next to her because they think she is contagious. Irene Tempelaars, 29 (pictured), from Nijmegen, Netherlands, was diagnosed with eczema at age 10 Eczema causes red, fiercely itchy rashes on the face, arms and legs. When Tempelaars was first diagnosed, she was prescribed a low potent steroid cream. Pictured: Tempelaars's eczema on her face, left, and her hand after quitting the creams, right Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that result in the skin being inflamed, red and itchy. Affected areas usually appear very dry, thickened, or scaly. The specific cause of eczema remains unknown, but it is believed to develop due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is currently no cure, and treatments generally include topical medications, steroid creams, moisturizers and ultraviolet light, plus antihistamines to relieve itching. According to the National Eczema Association, around 30 million Americans suffer from some form of the condition. When Tempelaars's mother first took her to her primary care doctor, she was prescribed a low potent steroid cream to control the eczema. 'I started with Hydrocortisone, which is a mild steroid, and by the time I stopped using steroid creams I had been using Betamethasone Valerate, a potent steroid, for over 10 years,' she said. 'I was always told to only use the creams for a maximum of four days in a row, so that's what I did.' As the years passed, her eczema started spreading to her knees, neck, back, stomach and hands. 'During this time, I visited several dermatologists and, every time my eczema got worse or spread to another part of my body, they gave me stronger steroids,' Tempelaars said. Her skin stabilized for a while, until summer 2018 when the eczema spread to her face. 'It started with a small spot on my forehead, but the eczema soon spread to my eyelids, temples and upper lip,' she said. 'I felt super frustrated and I didn't understand why my body couldn't just behave.' As the eczema spread to her knees, neck, back, stomach and hands, Tempelaars (pictured) was prescribed stronger and stronger steroids From Instagram, she learned about topical steroid withdrawal (TWS), which occurs when potent topical steroids are used regularly over a long period of time, then stopped. Pictured: Tempelaars using an organic skin cream, which made her skin red initially, left, but later said it felt softer, right Not wanting to visit another dermatologist, who would likely prescribe another cream, she searched 'eczema' on Instagram, hoping to find a solution. That's when she discovered that many sufferers had stopped using their creams, but were going through topical steroid withdrawal (TWS). TWS occurs when potent topical steroids are used regularly over a long period of time, then stopped. Symptoms can emerge from days to weeks after stopping use of creams and including reddening skin that burns and stings. Tempelaars decided to quit using steroid creams for good on November 25, 2018. 'My eczema spread all over my face when I gave the steroids up,' she said. 'I started oozing in random places and my skin was hot, painful and got so tight it would rip open. It feels like your skin is five times too small and it's being stretched around you. She said she wants to find a long-term treatment for her eczema- such as organic creams - and is hopeful that her skin will heal. 'I do notice people watching when I go food shopping and sometimes the cashier hesitates to give me the receipt,' Tempelaars said. 'I think it's because she's afraid it's contagious. I wish people would just ask so I could explain that it isn't.' Tempelaars (pictured) says strangers feel uncomfortable standing next to her because they assume she is contagious Tempelaars says she wants people with eczema to be confident, but also to be careful about what they use to treat it. She adds that people can be critical of doctors but advises not to disrespect them. Pictured: Tempelaars's eczema on her arm, left, and on her face, right Tempelaars says she wants people with eczema to be confident, but also to be careful about what they use to treat it. 'For people dealing with eczema or another skin condition, I know it's hard and you may feel frustrated, like your body is failing you, but please be critical about what you put on your skin,' she said. 'If I knew what topical steroids could do to my body, I wouldn't have used them.' She adds that she doesn't blame any of the doctors she saw, and says they were just trying to help her. 'It's okay to be critical towards doctors but don't disrespect them. They are only human, and they can't know everything,' Tempelaars said. 'I think most doctors are simply unaware of the long-term damage topical steroids can do to our bodies. Steroids are a great way to handle eczema if you want a quick fix, but they aren't sustainable. For six months, I have had an itchy rash all over my body which started on my lower leg. Im told its Grovers disease. Steroid ointments and body washes prescribed by my GP havent helped, although antibiotics I took for another condition did. It is affecting my sleep is there anything you can suggest? Andrew Sinclair, Stenhousemuir, Falkirk. Grovers disease, technically called acantholytic dermatosis, is a rare and mysterious skin condition that mainly affects men in middle age or older. The cause is unknown and there are conflicting reports about whether it is due to increased sweating (it can be triggered by a period of bed rest) or exposure to cold, dry air (one study noted that it is diagnosed far more frequently in winter than in summer). Did you know? Grovers disease, technically called acantholytic dermatosis, is a rare and mysterious skin condition that mainly affects men in middle age or older Typically, there is a rash of red, raised, blistery spots and the torso is the most usual site of what can be almost intolerable itching. The limbs may be affected, too, but the face, palms and soles are usually spared. The only way to diagnose the condition confidently is to have samples from two or three sites examined by a pathologist. Most dermatologists suggest using moisturisers twice daily, along with high-potency steroid creams or ointments. Antihistamine pills are also said to help calm the itching. A less commonly prescribed treatment that some patients have found effective is calcipotriol ointment, which is derived from vitamin D and generally used in the treatment of psoriasis. A prescription is necessary and it might be worth asking your GP to consider it. I cannot think why your symptoms improved with antibiotics. This may have been a fluke. The good news is that the condition is normally temporary and resolves within six to 12 months. My daughter has suffered heavy periods for most of her life. Eventually, endometriosis was discovered and she had a hysterectomy (shed already had a daughter, now aged ten, via a caesarean). She has had pain, at times unbearable, from the region of the caesarean scar ever since. Why might this be? Anne Logan, Longfield, Kent. Endometriosis occurs when endometrium the lining tissue of the uterus is found elsewhere in the body, typically the pelvic region but also on the bowel, diaphragm and even in the chest cavity. The tissue is subject to the hormonal variations of the menstrual cycle so will bleed and cause inflammation. Write to Dr Scurr To contact Dr Scurr with a health query, write to him at Good Health Daily Mail, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT or email drmartin@dailymail.co.uk including contact details. Dr Scurr cannot enter into personal correspondence. His replies cannot apply to individual cases and should be taken in a general context. Always consult your own GP with any health worries. Advertisement It mainly results in pelvic pain, particularly dysmenorrhoea (period pains). Infertility and pain during intercourse are also common. The dysmenorrhoea often occurs a day or two before a period, and can continue beyond the bleeding. In your longer letter, you say your daughter had a laparoscopy a keyhole operation during which surgeons found such advanced endometriosis that it was decided a hysterectomy was the best option. Her ovaries might have been removed at the same time, thereby pushing your daughter into menopause. Once menopausal, the symptoms of endometriosis stop as the lack of oestrogen means no more endometrial tissue is formed and the tissue that is present will no longer bleed. However, a caesarean can lead to tissue from the womb dispersing elsewhere. Endometrial tissues can lodge around the site of the caesarean scar and this can cause pain, which may not follow the menstrual cycle and which can be constant. This sounds the most likely possibility in your daughters case, as the pain can persist even without oestrogen. An ultrasound scan might help with a diagnosis, so your daughter should discuss this with her GP. If it proves to be the case, there are effective treatments available, such as surgery. Sixty more measles cases have been identified, bringing the total nationwide number to 940, US health officials reported today. The new cases, stretching into another state, mark a nearly seven-percent increase in cases from the previous week. This makes 2019's outbreak the worst since 1994 and since measles was declared eliminated from the US in 2000, the worst since 1992, when more than 2,000 cases were recorded. New Mexico became the 26th, and most recent, US state to be struck by measles after health officials revealed a one-year-old from Sierra County had fallen ill. It is the state's first measles case in nearly five years. The highly infectious disease has been spreading among people who are unvaccinated or live in states that allow non-medical exemptions for vaccines. The CDC reported on Monday that the total number of measles cases for the year had risen to 940 in 26 states after 60 new cases were confirmed last week Health experts have warned that the outbreak is not over as the number of cases edges closer to the 1994 total of 958. That was the highest number since 1992, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded 2,126 cases. Public health officials have blamed the measles resurgence on the spread of misinformation about vaccines. Also to blame, the officials say, are a vocal fringe of parents whom oppose vaccines, believing, contrary to scientific studies, that ingredients in them can cause autism. Cases have been confirmed in the following US states: Arizona California Colorado Connecticut Florida Georgia Illinois Indiana Iowa Kentucky Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Missouri Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Texas Tennessee Washington Of those states, seven - Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington - allow exemptions for philosophical and/or personal beliefs. Maine's governor, Janet Mills, signed a bill into law on Friday that eliminates religious and philosophical exemptions for vaccinations in the state. New York, particularly, has been struggling to contain the disease that was considered 'eradicated' 20 years in ago. There have been at least 785 confirmed cases in Brooklyn, Queens and Rockland County since September 2018 - almost all in Orthodox Jewish communities. The outbreak did not originate in the US, but began with travelers who brought measles back from countries such as Israel and Ukraine, which have been experiencing their own outbreaks. Measles is a highly contagious infection caused by the measles virus. When someone with measles coughs, sneezes or talks, infected droplets are sprayed into the air. Other people can inhale them and are then infected. Symptoms present themselves between 10 to 14 days after infection and include fever, cough, runny nose and a total-body skin rash. Once common, the disease is now rare due to the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. The CDC recommends children receive the first dose at 12 to 15 months old and the second dose at four to six years old. The vaccine is about 97 percent effective. But those who are unvaccinated have a 90 percent chance of catching measles if they breathe the virus in, the CDC says. Before the measles vaccine was available, more than 500,000 cases were diagnosed in the US every year, with about 500 annual deaths. The World Health Organization reported that worldwide, there was a 300 percent increase in measles cases in the first three months of 2019 compared with the same time period in 2018. Going on holiday to Greece is no longer just about soaking up the sunshine for Mary Saunders its her lifeline. The 63-year-old spends much of the trip with her husband Garry, 64, travelling from one pharmacy to another buying a thyroid drug that should be available on the NHS. It helps her avoid the crippling fatigue, weight gain and depression caused by her underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism. But after its maker used a loophole to inflate the price by 4,600 per cent over ten years, some local health authorities have stopped prescribing liothyronine for hypothyroidism. Priced at 204.39 for a 28-day course compared to just 4.46 in 2007, the only alternative is to obtain tablets by private prescription. That is is out of the question for many patients, including Mary, as it is too expensive. Instead she stocks up in Greece, where a packet of 30 of the 25mg tablets costs just 1. Expense: Liothyronine is currently priced at 204.39 for a 28-day course - compared to just 4.46 in 2007 - after its maker used a loophole to inflate the price by 4,600 per cent Its a terrible situation, says Mary, from Peacehaven, East Sussex, who was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 11 years ago. But I dont have a choice. Last time I was able to bring back a 15-month supply. Both the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and a parliamentary inquiry are investigating the huge increase in cost of liothyronine by the maker Advanz Pharma. The CMA claims the company breached UK and EU competition law between 2009 and 2017 by charging excessive and unfair prices; the cost of the drug rose from 15.15 to 258.19 over this period a rise of 1,605 per cent, while production costs remained broadly stable. The company used a regulatory loophole to debrand its drug in 2007, meaning it could escape NHS rules that stop companies increasing the price of branded medicines. There are no price caps on unbranded drugs and as Advanz Pharma was then the only company producing the drug it was free to set its own price. Advanz Pharma told Good Health: NHS England has issued clear guidance to CCGs [clinical commissioning groups] supporting the continued prescribing of liothyronine for patients who need it and we recommend that all CCGs refer to this guidance. The pricing of liothyronine has been conducted transparently with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) over a period of ten years, with price increases notified in advance and implemented only after approval from the DHSC. Up to 20 per cent of the population suffer mild underactive thyroid problems a third of whom experience no symptoms. Recently, as the Mail reported, a major review in The BMJ concluded these subclinical patients do not benefit from hormone medication although Dr Peter Taylor, an endocrinologist at Cardiff University, says more research is needed as these trials were small (involving only 2,000 patients). Given hypothyroidism is so common, there need to be larger trials, studying whether certain genes are associated with worse symptoms and better response to treatment, he says. Did you know? Most cases of underactive thyroid are caused by the immune system malfunctioning and attacking the thyroid a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that regulates the bodys metabolism But around 3 per cent of the population have an obviously underactive thyroid with women over 40 at greatest risk (its not known why). And while they do benefit from hormone treatment, many are missing out. Most cases of underactive thyroid are caused by the immune system malfunctioning and attacking the thyroid a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that regulates the bodys metabolism. This reduces its production of the hormones thyroxine (known as T4) and tri-iodothyronine (known as T3), causing tiredness, weight gain and depression. The most common treatment is levothyroxine, a synthetic version of T4. However, symptoms persist for around 10 per cent of patients and they may need to also take liothyronine, a synthetic version of T3. Mary, who was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2008 following a routine check, had struggled with her weight despite exercising and eating well. I was put on levothyroxine but it had very little effect. By 2015, I felt I was living half a life depressed and tired Id need a daytime nap and would fall asleep half way through the evening, says Mary, who has three grown-up children. Since I started taking liothyronine in 2016, I have got my life back. I dont fall asleep during the day, have lost a stone in weight and got fitter. Thousands of patients are missing out on liothyronine because many of the 195 CCGs in England responsible for their local health services are restricting its use because of cost Thousands of patients are missing out on liothyronine because many of the 195 CCGs in England responsible for their local health services are restricting its use because of cost. This is despite NHS England guidelines stating it should be available when recommended by a specialist endocrinologist. The price rises led to sharp drops in prescription rates between 2013 and 2018; variations in prescribing between CCGs have seen some prescribing 49 times less than others. For example, patients covered by Marys health board (Brighton and Hove CCG) are among those with the greatest difficulty accessing liothyronine. The board has seen the biggest drop in prescriptions in England with doctors now prescribing 32 times less than five years ago. This is followed by Nottingham North and East CCG, with a 14-fold drop; Nottingham West, an 11-fold drop; Croydon, an eight-fold drop; and Mansfield and Ashfield, a seven-fold drop. Yet despite these figures, the cost to the NHS for the medication has soared. WHAT IS A THYROIDECTOMY? A thyroidectomy is the medical term for the removal of the thyroid gland, often as a result of cancer of an overactive thyroid. The thyroid gland, which is small and shaped like a butterfly, produces hormones which regulate the body's metabolism. Patients who have their entire thyroid gland removed need daily treatment with hormones to make up for the loss of function. The Mayo Clinic, a respected health centre in the US, states that a thyroidectomy is 'generally a safe procedure'. However, it warns risks can include bleeding, infection, airway obstruction. Some patients can be left with a hoarse voice. The operation can last between 45 minutes and three hours - depending on how complex it proves, according to the American Thyroid Association. Figures suggest nearly 150,000 thyroidectomies are carried out in the US each year - while the number is smaller in the UK. Advertisement An analysis in the journal Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology earlier this year found that while the total monthly cost to the NHS in England of liothyronine prescriptions in August 2013 was 758,975, this increased by almost ten times to 7,018,679 by July 2018 despite almost two-thirds of areas prescribing less liothyronine. Our findings support the need for urgent measures to reduce the cost of liothyronine to the NHS, wrote Dr Taylor, who led this study. Desperate to continue taking their medication, two-thirds of patients denied the drug now pay privately for the treatment, while one in five goes without. Combination T4 and T3 therapy is controversial as there is no categorical proof that it is better than T4 alone. However, with some studies showing it to be beneficial, NHS England says it should be available. In some cases, such as Marys, endocrinologists recommend a trial of T3 alone to see if symptoms improved. I was referred to an endocrinologist in February 2016, when the price shot up, says Mary. He agreed to trial me on T4 and T3, but my CCG rules meant he couldnt prescribe it on the NHS. The only way to get it was a private prescription or to source it myself. Thats when I started buying it in Greece. Brighton and Hove CCG said liothyronine is available from an NHS specialist only for specific conditions myxedematous coma (a rare, life-threatening form of hypothyroidism) and pre-radioiodine treatment for thyroid cancer. Lorraine Williams, director of The Thyroid Trust, said: Its shocking that endocrinologists are being told that they cant prescribe liothyronine for patients who need it, she says. Too many patients with hypothyroidism are telling us they have no quality of life and are being let down with this vital medicine being denied. Its time for that to stop. Concerns raised about wide variations in prescribing rates have prompted the NHS to announce it is now working to clarify its national guidance. Until the price comes down, Mary says she has no choice but to stock pile the medicine on her annual holiday to Greece. Liothyronine is cheap there and is available to buy over the counter, without a prescription. Its ridiculous, she says. I am seen by an NHS specialist who recommends the drugs but I cant get them in the UK. More info at thyroidtrust.org 'Burn-out' is officially a disease, according to the World Health Organization. The agency, currently holding the World Health Assembly in Geneva, added the condition to its catalog, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), on Monday, a year after it was recommended by global health experts. It will become globally recognized in 2022, giving healthcare providers and insurers precedent to acknowledge, treat and cover symptoms of 'burn-out'. The WHO describes burn-out as 'chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed,' along with three defining symptoms: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one's job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job; and reduced professional efficacy The agency, currently holding the World Health Assembly in Geneva, added burn-out to its catalog, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), on Monday The listing in the ICD notes that 'burn-out refers specifically to phenomena in the occupational context and should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life.' It is distinct, the authors say, from other types of adjustment disorder, disorders specifically associated with stress, anxiety or fear-related disorders, and mood disorders - all of which have their own classifications. 'This is the first time,' burn-out has been officially recognized in the ICD, WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told reporters, according to the AFP. Other new conditions added to the list include: 'compulsive sexual behavior' as a mental disorder (but not an addiction, as some had suggested); video gaming as an addiction The new list removes: Doctors are burning out - and it's costing the US health care system around $4.6 billion a year, according to a new study. 'Burn-out', officially recognized as a chronic syndrome by the World Health Organization today, is associated with poorer overall quality of patient care, lower patient satisfaction, and malpractice lawsuits, all of which have an economic impact. Researchers from four institutions worked on the analysis, one of the first to assess the economic impact of burn-out. They found that every burned-out physician costs the US $7,600 a year, which means a total cost of $2.6 billion to 6.3 billion. The study was publishing in one of the world's top five journals, the Annals of Internal Medicine, along with an editorial from Edward M Ellison, Executive Medical Director of Southern California Permanente Medical Group, one of the largest medical groups in the world, who hailed it as 'valuable ... overdue and important.' Researchers from four institutions worked on the analysis, which found that every burned-out physician costs the US $7,600 a year. That means a total cost of $2.6 billion to 6.3 billion 'I believe that Han and colleagues' estimation of the costs of physician burnout in the United States is a fresh and much-needed exploration of the economic effects of this condition,' Dr Ellison wrote. 'This work is a valuable early step in an overdue and important conversation we need to have in the health care community.' WHAT IS BURN-OUT? The World Health Organization (WHO) describes burn-out as 'chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed,' along with three defining symptoms: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one's job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job; and reduced professional efficacy The listing in the WHO's catalog (the ICD-11) notes that 'burn-out refers specifically to phenomena in the occupational context and should not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life.' It is distinct, the authors say, from other types of adjustment disorder, disorders specifically associated with stress, anxiety or fear-related disorders, and mood disorders - all of which have their own classifications. Advertisement The researchers from the National University of Singapore, Stanford University, the Mayo Clinic, and the American Medical Association said $4.6 billion is a conservative estimate. They found the damage could range from $2.6 billion to $6.3 billion. But it was complicated to measure, largely because burn-out has not been officially recognized or documented. That's not to say there hasn't been noise about it. The American Medical Association has an entire page dedicated to physician burn-out, with a range of support tools - from an anecdote from a surgeon who found solace and healing through art to a comparison between specialisms. The Mayo Clinic also has a page on job burn-out and how to handle it. And even Anne Helen Petersen, the author of a viral story on millennials as the 'Burnout Generation', was stunned by the story's success, and the flood of personal stories she was hit with. Burn-out has touched all professions, but its impact on physicians, who have always had a uniquely grueling schedule, and now even more so, has a significant impact on the rest of us. However, this study is one of the first to start mapping out exactly what that impact looks like. 'Although physician burnout is associated with negative clinical and organizational outcomes, its economic costs are poorly understood,' the researchers said in their abstract. 'As a result, leaders in health care cannot properly assess the financial benefits of initiatives to remediate physician burnout.' The NHS carries out more than 8,000 toe, foot and lower leg amputations a year due to a single disease: diabetes. And the figure is rising because of an increase in type 2 diabetes, a lifestyle-related illness, cases of which have doubled since the mid-Nineties. But now a breakthrough in wound care technology could halt this escalation in its tracks. Scientists have developed a transparent patch made from patients blood which could help to heal the problem ulcers that lead to foot or leg amputations. Fact: Recent figures from Public Health England show that between 2015 and 2018, the NHS carried out more than 27,000 toe, feet and lower leg amputations due to diabetes The treatment, called LeucoPatch, has been trialled at more than 200 hospitals around Europe including several in the UK and involves taking about half a cup of blood from a patients arm. The blood is put into a container in a machine that spins it hundreds of times a minute. During this process (known as centrifugation), the more dense red blood cells sink to the bottom, while the less dense white blood cells rise to the top. Centrifugation also separates out fibrin, an even less dense protein that forms a mesh-like substance which acts as a scaffold in wounds. Blood can clot on to this to form a healing scab and healthy new skin cells can begin to grow. Following the spinning process, the fibrin is removed and pressed into a semi-solid round patch roughly the size of a 50p piece which also contains leucocytes, white blood cells that help to kill bacteria and viruses, and platelets, tiny disc-shaped cells which help blood to clot. Designed to treat foot ulcers, the patch is placed on the wound and covered with a loose dressing. After a week, it starts to break down and is replaced with another patch made in exactly the same way. This process is repeated until the wound heals. It can take around 20 weeks to heal a foot ulcer fully, a common and severe complication of diabetes which develops because the disease damages nerves and blood vessels at the extremities. Risk: People with diabetes are far more likely to need their toes or feet amputated because their injuries do not heal normally. High blood sugar can cause nerve damage which means patients cannot feel their skin as well and may not know when they have a wound Recent figures from Public Health England show that between 2015 and 2018, the NHS carried out more than 27,000 toe, feet and lower leg amputations due to diabetes. An increase in type 2 diabetes is thought to be the cause. Most diabetic foot ulcers are treated with a combination of debridement (the removal of dead tissue), antibiotics (to combat infection), and protective dressings. But in a significant number of cases, the wound fails to heal due to lack of blood flow through the damaged blood vessels. The results of the LeucoPatch trial were featured recently in a major study published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. The study involved more than 260 patients with hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers. Half were treated with the new LeucoPatch and half received standard treatment, such as debridement and regular dressings. Each patient was followed up for six months. In the LeucoPatch group, 34 per cent saw wounds heal completely, compared with just 22 per cent in the control group. HOW CAN DIABETES LEAD TO FOOT AMPUTATIONS? People with diabetes are far more likely to need their toes or feet amputated because their injuries do not heal normally. High blood sugar can cause nerve damage which means patients cannot feel their skin as well and may not know when they have a wound, or feel how serious it is. And diabetes restricts circulation in the legs, which slows down healing because oxygen and nutrients are in short supply. The combination of these two factors means it can take longer for people to get over injuries and the healing time means there is more opportunity for it to become infected or for flesh to die because of gangrene. If an injury becomes too infected or untreatable the affected part of the body may have to be cut off. Source: American Podiatric Medicine Association Advertisement Furthermore, they healed faster, with more LeucoPatch patients ulcer-free after just three months of treatment. Its thought the patch works by stimulating the release of growth factors, which promote tissue repair and the formation of healthy blood vessels to fill the wound with oxygen-rich blood, vital for healing. Philip Herberts, 54, from Pontefract, Yorkshire, was one of the first in the UK to benefit from the treatment avoiding amputation of his lower leg. The father of one was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2007, after he was immobilised by a trapped nerve and his weight ballooned to 22st. A few years ago, he developed peripheral neuropathy, a complication of diabetes where nerves in the extremities become damaged, causing numbness in the leg and foot. This means injuries such as cuts and blisters can go unnoticed and dont heal properly. I was on holiday when I noticed a blister bigger than a 2 coin on the bottom of my foot, just behind my toes, says Philip. Over the next 12 months, it got bigger, despite the efforts of my nurse. Doctors warned Philip he faced an amputation unless the ulcer started to heal. I was horrified, he says. Im a self-employed mechanic and driver, so losing part of a leg would have had a tremendous effect on my life. Then, his team at Wakefield Hospital, part of the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, asked Philip if he wanted to take part in the LeucoPatch trial. After only eight sessions of treatment, Philips ulcer had completely healed. It just disappeared, he says. It was amazing. Its given me back my mobility and I have lost around 5st. LeucoPatch is available in the UK only in clinical trials, but if they are successful (and depending on costs, which are currently unknown) it may become available on the NHS. Dan Howarth, head of care at the charity Diabetes UK, says: More than 160 diabetes-related amputations happen every week in the UK, so anything that has the potential to reduce this shocking number is welcomed. Fiat Chrysler has made an audacious 27 billion bid to merge with Renault, in a move that could spark a wave of car industry mega-deals. Uniting Italian-American Fiat with French giant Renault would create the worlds third-largest car company, behind only Volkswagen and Toyota. It would have an annual turnover of 150 billion and sell more than 8.7 million vehicles a year. Fiat Chrysler has made an audacious 27 billion bid to merge with Renault, in a move that could spark a wave of car industry mega-deals If the tie-up goes ahead, it is likely to spark a frenzy of takeovers among other auto firms battling to survive amid slowing sales in Britain and across the West. Shares in both of the companies jumped by more than 10 per cent after Fiat released the details of its offer, in a sign that investors in both firms are supporting the proposal. Renault described the approach as friendly and said it is studying Fiats proposal with interest. It will release a more detailed response at a later date. In a statement yesterday Fiat, whose brands include Alfa Romeo and Jeep, estimated the two companies could save 4.4 billion a year by joining forces. It said that no factories would need to close, though job cuts are expected at management level. Car companies are facing major upheaval as customers ditch diesel due to new evidence it is highly polluting and harmful to health. Meanwhile, the industry is gearing up for a costly transition away from traditional engines to primarily hybrid and electric cars. Want to invest in cars? Then buy a classic Classic cars are a lucrative investment and in some cases even more valuable than buying stock in the firm that makes them. The rare BMW 507 rose in value by more than 800 per cent in the 14 years to the end of 2018, says German lender Suedwestbank, whose classic car index has climbed 450 per cent since 2004. This is a much better performance than BMWs stock, up 110 per cent in the same time. A BMW 507 (pictured below) now costs around 1.5 million. The car attracted celebrity buyers - most notably Elvis Presley, who bought two and had one painted red as fans would kiss it, leaving lipstick marks. This makes combining with rival firms a more attractive prospect, as it allows companies to pool resources and the cost of research. Fiats offer to merge with Renault could spark more companies to follow suit. It comes after speculation this month that Vauxhall and Peugeot owner PSA Group wants to buy British car brand Jaguar Land Rover, which is currently owned by Indian conglomerate Tata. Although JLR and Tata repeatedly denied the rumours, Frances PSA has made it clear it would be keen to buy the luxury firm, which is Britains biggest car maker. Renault is in a global alliance with Japanese car makers Nissan and Mitsubishi. Fiat said the alliance could make extra savings of 883 million a year through the Renault-Fiat tie-up. It has proposed a 50/50 deal that means the new company would be equally owned by the Fiat and Renault shareholders. Because Fiats market value is slightly bigger than Renaults, Fiat has said it will hand 2.2 billion to its investors in a one-off dividend and will sell its robotics business, Comau. Qatar's sovereign wealth fund has bought a 200 million stake in water firm Severn Trent Qatar's sovereign wealth fund has bought a 200 million stake in water firm Severn Trent despite threats by Labour leaders to nationalise the industry. The Qatar Investment Authority now owns 4.2 per cent of the firm, which provides water and sewage services to around 8 million people in the Midlands and West of England. Run by the Al-Thani royal family, it has 787 billion of investments and owns department store Harrods and has stakes in Barclays and Heathrow Airport. Global banks have taken three of the top five spots among the highest-paying companies in the UK for 2019, according to new data. Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and Standard Chartered have all been ranked highly in Glassdoor's 25 highest-paying companies list. The recruitment site found those in the league were offering staff between 61,000 and 90,000 as a median total compensation package, which included base pay plus bonus. The top highest-paying companies in the UK are Credit Suisse, SAP, Deutsche Bank & Facebook The list is dominated by finance firms, but also tech stars - with Just Eat and Babylon Health featuring, both of which have their global HQ in the UK. The highest median total compensation package includes base salary and other forms of compensation, such as commissions, tips and bonuses as reported by UK-based employees on Glassdoor from 1 March 2018 to 28 February 2019. Companies considered for this report must have received at least 30 salary reports in pounds by UK-based employees during the time-frame. The survey was conducted online within the UK by The Harris Poll on behalf of Glassdoor among 715 UK adults. John Lamphiere, of Glassdoor, said: 'It is no surprise that multinational tech and finance firms dominate the list, given that both industries compete fiercely for talent, especially when it comes to tech roles. 'While salary and bonuses might get people in the door, it is more likely to be culture and career progression that help people stick around in the long term.' 1. Credit Suisse (Finance) Glassdoor last completed the highest-paying companies survey in 2017, where Credit Suisse was found at number ten on the list with a median total compensation of 80,000 - showing a hike of 10,000 over the last two years. The Swiss multinational investment bank and financial services company currently has a number of open jobs advertised, if you're looking for a salary raise. Median Total Compensation: 90,000 Median Base Salary: 82,000 2. SAP (Tech) SAP, the German multinational software corporation, came in at number five on the 2017 survey, with employees earning the same total compensation now as they did then. The tech firm is headquartered in Germany but has regional offices in 180 countries around the world. Median Total Compensation: 90,000 Median Base Salary: 66,000 Credit Suisse was found to be the UK's highest-paying company with a median salary of 82k 3. Deutsche Bank (Finance) Deutsche Bank has risen in the rankings by one place - despite knocking 500 off its total compensation from 2017. The German bank is currently operational in 58 countries with a large presence in Europe, America and Asia. Median Total Compensation: 89,500 Median Base Salary: 80,000 4. Facebook (Tech) Facebook has slipped down the list two places since 2017. The online social media site currently has offices around the world and is considered one of the Big Four technology companies along with Amazon, Apple and Google. Median Total Compensation: 89,000 Median Base Salary: 74,000 5. Standard Chartered (Finance) Standard Chartered has more than 1,200 branches and outlets across more than 70 countries, employing around 87,000 people. The bank has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. Median Total Compensation: 85,000 Median Base Salary: 76,000 Tech: Google had a UK median total compensation of 78,000 a year - putting it at number ten 6. Salesforce (Tech) Voted the highest paying company in 2017 with a median total compensation of 110,000, the American software company has since slid down the list to number six. Median Total Compensation: 85,000 Median Base Salary: 66,806 7. Dell (Tech) Dell is an American tech firm that develops, sells, repairs, and supports computers as well as related products and services. It did not appear on the 2017 list and has replaced the Macquarie Group, which did not feature on this year's top 25. Median Total Compensation: 84,825 Median Base Salary: 62,500 8. Oracle (Tech) Oracle is an American computer technology corporation that was named as the third largest software company by revenue in 2018. The firm is currently advertising for a number of jobs in London. Median Total Compensation: 80,000 Median Base Salary: 66,250 9. UBS (Finance) UBS is co-headquartered in the cities of Zurich and Basel but has a presence in all major financial centers as the largest Swiss banking institution in the world. Median Total Compensation: 79,000 Median Base Salary: 75,000 UBS is a Swiss bank that offers employees a median base salary of 79,000 per year 10. Google (Tech) Renowned for its offices, Google currently has a large number of jobs available at the London base. Employees can expect an average base salary of 62,500 per year. Median Total Compensation: 78,000 Median Base Salary: 62,500 11. Goldman Sachs (Finance) Goldman Sachs's global headquarters is now in New York City, but the company has major offices and regional headquarters in London, Hong Kong and Tokyo among others. Median Total Compensation: 74,000 Median Base Salary: 58,000 12. Cisco Systems (Tech) Cisco Systems is a technology company based in Silicon Valley, in California. The firm is currently looking for new employees in London, Feltham and Uxbridge amongst other locations. Median Total Compensation: 72,250 Median Base Salary: 59,000 Goldman Sachs, the investment bank and financial services company, came in at number 11 13. McKinsey & Company (Consulting) McKinsey & Company was previously found at number three on the list of the UK's highest-paying companies in 2017 with a median total compensation of 92,800 but this has since dropped over 20,000. It currently has over 27,000 members of staff. Median Total Compensation: 70,000 Median Base Salary: 65,000 14. Bank of America (Finance) The Bank of America is currently advertising for staff in Camberley, Bromley and London for a range of roles. The bank, founded in 1784, has over 200,000 employees. Median Total Compensation: 70,000 Median Base Salary: 64,500 15. Microsoft (Tech) One of the world's largest companies, Microsoft, has dropped from number eight on the list in 2017, when employees could expect a median total compensation of 81,010. Now the firm is looking for new staff in London, Reading and Cambridge to join over 130,000 employees already working for the tech giant. Median Total Compensation: 68,000 Median Base Salary: 61,300 Having both worked in cafes while studying at university, Scott Kennedy and Fergus Moore are no strangers to the sheer volume of waste produced by Britons' love of coffee. But rather than shrug their shoulders and ignore the 78million problem of disposing of 500,000 tons of used coffee grounds each year, they set about solving it. After graduating with degrees in entrepreneurship from Strathclyde University in Glasgow, the pair founded Revive Eco, an environmentally conscientious outfit that deals with coffee waste by converting used grounds into a natural oil product that can be used by a variety of industries. The process saves money for coffee vendors who would normally have to find other ways of disposing used grounds and prevents waste from reaching landfill. It also produces a sustainable oil that can be used in skin and hair care products, food and drink and for products in the pharmaceutical industry. This is Money caught up with Kennedy at the Chivas Venture entrepreneurship competition earlier this month, where he competed against 20 other finalists to win a share of the $1million (787,700) prize money on offer to innovative new businesses. Revive Eco's Scott Kennedy (left) and Fergus Moore (right) have created a sustainable business that was entered into the Chivas Venture competition to compete for a share of $1million In Scotland we have 40,000 tons of coffee grounds going to waste,' says Kennedy. We both studied entrepreneurship at university and we were always challenged in class to come up with innovative ideas to tackle social and environmental problems. Our technique sees us convert the grounds into high value natural oils which is a sustainable alternative to palm oil. Whats exciting is that well be able to disrupt so many different industries and the likes of cosmetics industry is crying out for more sustainable ingredients - there is really high demand for it. Revive Eco charges a small fee of between 5 and 8 per bin to collect coffee grounds from various locations in Scotland, which is where the firms operates currently. Coffee companies put the grounds in our coffee ground bin so it is a cost saving or at least cost neutral for the majority of them,' explains Kennedy. We take them away and generally do one pick up a week that is the minimum. But it depends on the client - some of our bigger ones have us collect five times or so. Kennedy says the business will expand and cater to other parts of the UK but adds that in Scotland alone there is a large amount of waste to deal with. What is Chivas Venture? Chivas Venture is an international competition which pits entrepreneurs against each other to win their share of $1million in no-strings attached funding. Entrepreneurs have to pitch their business to a panel of judges and demonstrate profit with purpose that the business is profitable, scalable and will bring about a positive impact on the world. This year the judging panel comprised of Zoe Saldana; Alexandre Ricard (chairman and chief executive of Pernod Ricard parent company of Chivas Regal); Cemal Ezel (founder of Change Please and global winner of the Chivas Venture 2018); and Sonal Shah (economist and founding executive director of the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University. To find out more, go to chivasventure.com and sign up to the newsletter for updates on next year's Chivas Venture competition. The concept caught the attention of Chivas Venture finalists and although Revive Eco didn't make it to the final five, Kennedy and his business partner walked away with $20,000 (15,723) in prize money. They plan on using the Chivas funding to expand their team. Adding more staff is the plan. We have a small team at the moment and a lot of really exciting growth opportunities on the horizon,' says Kennedy. 'Its crucial that our next step is to expand on our marketing and sales through to processing. Were trying to grow our coffee collections and need to work closer to coffee shops and with clients who need our products like those in the cosmetics industries. Were looking at developing close relationships in the next few months. Raising further funding is also on the cards. For the first couple of years Revive Eco raised funding through various competitions and small pots of grants totaling 60,000 from the Government and councils. But over the past six months Revive Eco has received private investments and grants through Zero Waste Scotland, a Government-funded organisation. Kennedy says: From Zero Waste Scotland we got roughly 250,000 and from private investment 100,000 so that totals 350,000. Over the next few months we want to commercialise the process and are looking to raise between 800,000 to 1million. Its not a ridiculous amount to go from a demonstration to commercial unit.' Revive Eco's technique converts grounds into high value natural oils which is a sustainable alternative to palm oil and can be used in products in the beauty and pharmaceutical industry Kennedys advice to others thinking about becoming entrepreneurs includes talking about the business idea and creating something sustainable. I would encourage anyone to go and speak to someone whether its a potential customer or partners before starting the business,' he says. And apply for Chivas Venture - its been rewarding and transformational. Do not have social responsibility as an add-on. Have it as a core of everything you do. A three-year-old child is the youngest of 26 people whose deaths have been attributed to Victoria's early-starting flu season this year. The youngster, along with two others aged six and 11, were reported to the health department several weeks ago, acting Chief Health Officer Angie Bone confirmed on Tuesday. The majority of cases were aged-care residents, but there could be others who have died from the flu who had other conditions as the department is not notified of all deaths, she said. So far 10,683 confirmed flu cases have been reported since the current season started late last year, Dr Bone said. "It's certainly not showing any signs of tapering off, but it's not showing any signs of suddenly taking off with a massive increase," she told 3AW radio of the flu season. Health Minister Jenny Mikakos blamed the early season on people travelling when the flu is at its peak in the northern hemisphere. "We are seeing a lot of communicable diseases spread through overseas travel, that's certainly been the case in terms of measles cases and flu cases," Ms Mikakos told reporters. "We have seen a very significant summer flu season this year as a result of people coming back from the northern hemisphere with the flu and that spreading in the community." Ms Mikakos said the death of three children was unusual. "(Juvenile flu deaths) do tend to be associated with situations where there might be other illnesses and vulnerabilities involved with those children," she said. Authorities are urging Victorians to get a flu vaccine. The federal government has a program of flu vaccines for vulnerable people, expanded by the the state government, making it free for children under five years old. "We have put in an order for a record number of flu vaccines this year, two million flu vaccines for Victorians are available," Ms Mikakos said. Sunrise host David Koch has taken aim at Scott Morrison and his new-look Cabinet after a record number of seven women were appointed to the ministry. The television host weighed in on the Coalition's progressive new picks after the party had been criticised for its lack of female representation throughout the election campaign. 'Seven females are said to be sworn into senior roles on Wednesday, has the Coalition fixed its women problem, do you think?' Koch asked Trade Minister Simon Birmingham on Monday. Senator Birmingham ignored Koch's subtle dig and said the appointments, which include Australia's first Aboriginal Indigenous Affairs Minister, as a 'historic moment' in politics. 'It's a great moment... to see such a strong line up of highly capable women who've got their on their own merits,' he continued. 'We want to make sure we continue to drive and encourage a representation that reflects the diversity of Australia, and this line up does that.' Prime Minister Scott Morrison has named his new Cabinet a week after he led his party to a surprise victory during the Federal Election Sunrise host David Koch weighed in on the Coalition's progressive new picks after the party had been criticised for its lack of female representation throughout the election campaign Mr Morrison's government had struggled to change its 'anti-woman' reputation following reports of sexism and bullying within the party that emerged last year. The allegations led to the dramatic departure of former Liberal MP Julia Banks, who made the move to an independent claiming 'gender bias' within the government. The Coalition's 'women problem' served as a target for Labor which consistently highlighted its alleged poor treatment of women and lack of female leadership throughout the campaign. The ministry's new additions includes Victorian Liberal Senator Jane Hume, Farrer MP Sussan Ley, Forrest MP Nola Marino and South Australia Senator Anne Ruston. Marise Payne will remain as the Foreign Affairs Minister and has been handed additional responsibilities as Minister for Women. Following the announcement, Ms Hume said the women have been appointed to senior roles based on their talent and ability - not as a token gesture. 'The calibre of women in Scott Morrison's cabinet defies aesthetics,' Ms Hume told The Australian. 'Make no mistake. I'm not here for my skirt. I'm here for my experience, and the contribution I can make to a sector that is critical to the Australian economy. Liberal Senator Jane Hume, who is among the seven women who have been promoted, said the women have been appointed to senior roles based on their talent and ability - not as a token gesture NSW Liberal MP Sussan Ley (pictured left) will take over Melissa Price as Environment Minister. Bridget McKenzie (right) will become Australia's first ever female Agriculture Minister The prime minister has put his own stamp on the ministry and cabinet after making minimal changes when he first took over as leader in August last year. 'A key focus for all of my ministers and their departments will be lifting performance on government service delivery,' Mr Morrison said on Sunday. 'This will include congestion busting on regulatory and bureaucratic roadblocks, making better use of technology and better integrating service delivery across portfolios. 'The goal is to make it easier to deal with and access the government services Australians rely on.' But his appointment of key ally Stuart Robert to cabinet as Government Services Minister attracted strong criticism from Labor. 'The idea that Stuart Robert is being given cabinet responsibility for anything says everything about the exodus of talent that has occurred,' Labor deputy leadership hopeful Richard Marles told reporters. Mr Robert was forced to quit the ministry in 2016 after it was revealed he misrepresented a private trip to China to support a Liberal party donor as official government business. In 2017 it was revealed his parents didn't know they were directors of Mr Robert's IT company, which had won millions of dollars of government work. In 2018 Mr Robert had to pay back nearly $38,000 to taxpayers after it emerged he was charging them almost $2000 a month for his home internet bill. Marise Payne will remain as the Foreign Affairs Minister and has been handed additional responsibilities as Minister for Women Linda Reynolds has been announced as the Minister for Defence Hamid Ould-Rouis, 58, was fatally shot by local and federal law enforcement officers who were serving a warrant Friday afternoon A Florida man wanted for nearly stabbing a woman to death has been shot dead after police caught up with him outside a mosque. Hamid Ould-Rouis, 58, who lived in Fort Lauderdale, was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident, according to police. His shooting death occurred more than two months after he was arrested for shocking his estranged wife with a stun gun at her home in Kissimmee, Florida before heating a pot of boiling cooking oil on the kitchen stove and threatening to poor it on her face, court records show. The disturbing domestic dispute unfolded as the estranged couple's two children and the victim's female friend looked on helplessly, according to a sheriff deputy's report. Rouis' wife told investigators that she and her husband had been separated for about a year prior to the incident. She declined to press charges against her husband, who was ultimately set free. A US Marshals spokesman told reporters that Rouis was 'brandishing' a firearm Friday afternoon when police tried arrest him in the parking lot outside the Masjid Al Iman mosque near Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Local news helicopter cameras caught glimpses of the handgun next to the SUV after the incident On Thursday, law enforcement officials said a warrant was issued for Rouis' arrest after he brutally beat a man and stabbed an unidentified woman, possibly his estranged wife, during an early morning attack inside an apartment in the Integra Sunrise Park complex in Kissimmee. Rouis' alleged female victim, who's identity has not been confirmed, remained in critical condition at a local hospital Friday night, according to Local 10. US Marshals later found Rouis more than 200 miles away in the parking lot outside the Masjid Al Iman mosque near Fort Lauderdale, where federal agents and a group of officers from the Fort Lauderdale and Plantation police departments tried to arrest him Friday afternoon. US Marshal spokesman Gadyaces Serralta (center) told reporters 'the taskforce members opened fire and unfortunately the suspect is deceased' during a press conference after the shooting Rouis was wanted for the early Thursday morning assault of a man and attempted murder of his girlfriend inside their apartment in Kissimmee, Florida Witnesses said officers fired a hail of bullets as Rouis got out of his vehicle Marshals spokesman Gadyaces Serralta told reporters that Rouis was 'brandishing' a firearm when he got out of his vehicle. Multiple officers fired bullets at the suspect. None of the officers who responded to the incident were injured. Local news helicopter cameras caught glimpses of a handgun next to the SUV after the shooting. 'The taskforce members opened fire and unfortunately the suspect is deceased,' Serralta said during a press conference after the shooting. Authorities said Rouis does not appear to be affiliated with the Masjid Al Iman. Council on American Islamic Relations Florida chapter spokesman Wilfredo Ruiz told the Miami Herald he has been in contact with community members at the mosque who said Rouis was not involved with their community. Tap-Ky Duong, 41, has been charged with two counts of aggravated indecent assault A male swimming school owner has been charged over the alleged indecent assault of two girls near Albury in southern NSW. Tap-Ky Duong, 41, who runs GT Aquatics in Lavington, south NSW, has been accused of sexually abusing an eight-year-old girl during lessons and sexually touching a 14-year-old girl on two separate occasions. The NSW Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad launched an investigation following allegations the man had molested the 14-year-old in August last year. Police also allege Duong sexually abused an eight-year-old girl at the pool during lessons between May and September 2015. Duong was charged in November, but attended Albury Police Station last Thursday following further investigation. He was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated indecent assault. The swimming instructor has been granted strict conditional bail to appear at Albury Local Court on Monday. Investigations are continuing. Sydney's new $7.3 billion Metro has begun on the wrong track with doors almost opening mid-journey, carriages overcrowding and one train breaking down. The technical problems caused huge delays during its official opening on Sunday and forced officials to apologise for the 'small glitch'. Nearly 140,000 people rode the new line between Rouse Hill and Chatswood following on Sunday with 42,000 passengers travelling in the first three hours. The Sydney Metro trains faced outrage after a door on one train broke down (pictured) The teething problems sparked mass complaints from angry commuters online and raised fears how it would perform during peak hour. Passengers on one train panicked when an announcement on the loudspeaker said the doors were going to open mid-journey. Commuters on another train were forced off after the doors became so problematic the train was taken out of service. Many were frustrated with the trains after experiencing huge wait times on platforms as well as many being stuck in between stations for 15 minutes. 'The Sydney Metro is slow, small, and soulless: a total waste of $7.6 billion', one man wrote on Twitter. 'People unhappy about the long waits between trains, 10 minutes instead of 5 as promised,' another posted online. 'It's 7.43am at Epping and a train every 10 mins is terrible. There is hardly any standing room on the train,' said another Twitter user. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian (pictured) apologised for the 'small glitch' but said on the whole, things went really well. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian apologised for the 'small glitch' but said on the whole, things went really well. 'I hope today will be glitch free,' she told Nine's Today Show on Monday. 'But you'd expect in the first few weeks and even months that it won't be perfect. We are asking people to be patient and I want to thank everybody for their patience.' When the newly-opened line reaches full operation, trains will run every four minutes each way during peak hour between Rouse Hill and Chatswood. But for the first six weeks, they will first run every five minutes at peak times. Ms Berejiklian said it would take a few months before people started using the network, as they work out how it fits in their daily routine. Overcrowding was a huge issue on the platforms and many waited up to 30 minutes for a train (pictured) Despite the hiccups on Sunday, the trains ran without any major hitch on Monday, impressing passengers with their speed and convenience. 'Travelling to work today. Left Castle Hill at 7:31am.....arrived at Central at 8:24am, a trip that usually took 1hr 45mins and $110 in parking, tolls and petrol just took 53mins and $5... absolutely life changing,' one woman posted on Twitter. Many passengers were impressed with the speed and convenience of the new service during its first peak hour trips on Monday Others were requesting there be another service which travels to the city, after current Sydney trains appeared much slower than the Metro. 'Metro trains speeds show us just how slow the mainstream Sydney trains are. It's a very slow trip from Chatswood to the City. Hurry up with Metro phase 2 please!' another person commented. Due to the Metro train's efficiency, many are requesting another service be put in place Commuters were impressed with the speed of the driver-less trains With overcrowding being an issue during its first opening day, commuters were pleased with how the service ran during busy morning trips. 'New driver-less trains for the Monday commute went smoothly with no crowds at 7:12am' one person commented. More than 20,000 people worked on the $7.3 billion project over eight years. Work is now underway to extend the line from Chatswood to Bankstown. Another metro project will later link greater Parramatta with the CBD. Advertisement Shocking footage shows the moment customers at a Chick-fil-A abandoned their car and jumped through the restaurant's drive-thru window when a suspected tornado suddenly hit Oklahoma City on Friday night. The twister touched down in southern Oklahoma City Friday evening with such force that Chick-fil-A workers had urged two drive-thru customers to exit their car and rush into the building for safety. Surveillance footage showed two people hop out of their vehicle and crawl through the window as wind is seen battering their car in the background. Surveillance footage from inside the restaurant show workers dressed in red frantically herding customers into a safe area inside the shop, away from windows. Officials believe it was a twister that hit Friday night, according to KFOR. No one was injured in the restaurant during the tornado hit. Shocking footage from an Oklahoma City Chick-Fil-A shows staff urge two customers to jump through the drive-thru window when a tornado hit Friday evening This Chick-Fil-A worker is seen beckoning the customers in the car to hop inside the restaurant for shelter One customer obliged, climbing through the small window as wind was seen whipping the car in the background A second customer is seen jumping through the window as the tornado touched down on Friday evening To safety: Surveillance footage from the restaurant shows the employees in red taking customers into a safe area away from windows as the twister touched ground The customers and workers were seen running frantically as winds started to knock items on the counters onto the ground The incident took place at this Chick-Fil-A near 1-40 and MacArthur in Oklahoma City on Friday evening However, another devastating twister touched down in Oklahoma in El Reno on Saturday evening that killed two people, injured 29, and destroyed dozens of buildings as it ripped through a two-mile path, leaving destruction and rubble in its wake. El Reno Mayor Matt White announced the tragic deaths during a news conference Sunday morning, saying two people were tragically killed and a motel and nearby mobile park home was destroyed by the tornado. Sunday morning White said that some victims were still in surgery 'as we speak' adding, 'there's some absolutely major issues at this point in time'. Sixteen people were transported by officials to hospitals in Oklahoma City and an additional 13 people were taken in private vehicles with injuries that ranged from minor to critical condition, according to Fox. Shocking before and after pictures show the twister's range of destruction in the town. The tornado hit six years to the date of another twister that ripped through the very same town. According to the National Weather Service Saturday's tornado was an EF-2 tornado. EF-2 tornadoes have winds between 111 and 135mph and can create 'considerable damage'. The tornado touched down and swirled across Interstate 40, decimating the American Budget Inn. More than 30 people were reportedly inside the hotel when the twister struck. Witnesses said they saw people being pulled from the rubble of the hotel in the aftermath. Slide me On Saturday another twister struck in El Reno, Oklahoma, completely destroying the American Budget Value Inn The aftermath: Shocking photos taken Sunday morning show the flattened and destroyed American Budget Value Inn after the tornado tore it apart The twister caused the roof to fall in, ripped apart walls, and left it completely decimated There were 30 people inside the motel when the twister barreled through Saturday night Two people were killed and 29 were injured following Saturday's vicious twister in El Reno. An aerial shot of the American Budget Inn pictured above Part of the roof was left exposed at the American Budget Value Inn after a tornado struck Saturday night The motel sign and building was left completely decimated and in tatters following the twister that hit around 10.30pm 'We have absolutely experienced a traumatic event here in El Reno,' White told ABC News. 'We had an incident where a tornado hit a mobile home park, a hotel and several business(es). It's been a serious, serious event here. We have all hands on deck.' 'It's a very trying time for us, but we're going to get through it,' he added. Onlookers have been asked to stay away from the area while rescue teams search through the debris. Video at the scene showed emergency crews sifting through the rubble after part of the motel collapsed. A tornado warning was issued for El Reno at 10.26pm on Saturday. The National Weather Service recorded a tornado over the city minutes later at 10.31pm. According to the National Weather Service Saturday's tornado was an EF-2 tornado. EF-2 tornadoes have winds between 111 and 135mph and can create 'considerable damage' The tornado hit through an El Reno mobile home park, completely destroying multiple homes Emergency personnel pictured above scouring the destruction left in the wake of Saturday's twister A home on Route 66 is damaged after a tornado touched down overnight in El Reno, Oklahoma on Saturday An historic railroad building owned by Farmers Feed Store was destroyed by another suspected tornado which hit Sapulpa, Oklahoma early Sunday morning Justin Sloggett reacts while talking about his parents furniture store, The Saving Place Rustic Furniture and Mattress, after a suspected tornado destroyed their warehouse in Sapulpa, Oklahoma Sunday morning 'This is an unfortunate example of just how quickly these types of storms can develop,' Union City Police Department Chief Richard Stephens wrote on Facebook. 'Please remain weather aware and be prepared.' Loyd Roberts, of Burnet, Texas, said he was sleeping at the motel when the roof tell in. 'That is what woke me up,' he said to the Oklahoman. 'The roof caved in, desk flipped over, the room looked like a bomb hit it. I pulled the sheet rock off of me and started looking for people. All I saw was people with scrapes and bruises.' Tweety Garrison, 63, told The Associated Press early Sunday that she was inside her mobile home along with her husband, two young grandchildren and a family friend when the storm hit. Garrison said when she heard the storm coming, she immediately hit the ground. Moments later, she heard the mobile home next door slam into hers, before it flipped over and landed on her roof. The incident lasted around five to 10 minutes. Garrison said there was a tornado warning on her phone but the sirens did not go off until after tornado hit. Emergency workers scour what's left of the American Budget Motel after the tornado struck Saturday night The tornado is believed to have touched down near the junction of Highway 81 and Interstate 40 to the south of the city Video at the scene showed emergency crews sifting through the rubble after part of the motel's second story collapsed Firefighters arrive at the scene, one armed with an ax and another carrying a blow-over stop sign, as the search through the rubble of the building and the trailer park began National Weather Service radar detected debris lofted by the El Reno tornado at a height of 7,000 feet. The tornado struck El Reno nearly six years to the day after the city was hit by the widest tornado on record. Eight people were killed and 151 were injured when a tornado tore through a 16.2-mile path on May 31, 2013. Storms have ravaged central U.S. states over the last week, and are continuing to threaten major flooding into the holiday weekend. Meteorologist Rick Smith in Norman says the suspected twister hit El Reno on Saturday night as a powerful storm system rolled through the state. A nearby mobile home park that was in the path of the tornado was also destroyed on Saturday night. Emergency workers are pictured here sifting through the rubble of the mobile home park A tornado warning was issued for El Reno at 10.26pm on Saturday. The National Weather Service located a tornado over the city mere minutes later at 10.31pm Smith says crews will assess the damage on Sunday to determine the severity. A tornado warning was issued for downtown Oklahoma City as the same thunderstorm that struck El Reno blasted into the area. A possible tornado caused damage at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, according to Accuweather. A tornado was also spotted near Oktaha, Oklahoma on Sunday morning and tornado warnings were issued for Broken Arrow and Tulsa. Another suspected twister was also reported in Sapulpa, Oklahoma on Sunday morning. Overall, there were nine reports of tornadoes Saturday, from the Texas panhandle to eastern Oklahoma. Meteorologist Jean Suriel posted a terrifying video of the tornado that destroyed more than a dozen homes in Oklahoma on Tuesday. Debris is seen here lying near a damaged building after a tornado touched down in El Reno on Saturday night. National Weather Service radar detected debris lofted by the El Reno tornado up to a height of 7,000 feet Overall, there were nine reports of tornadoes Saturday and Saturday night, from the Texas panhandle to eastern Oklahoma Suriel revealed that at least 24 tornadoes were recorded in less than 24 hours in the U.S., and 52 tornadoes had formed in even states in the span of three days last week. Heavy rain in recent weeks has also spurred major flooding in several states. Flooding along the Arkansas River will threaten communities from Tulsa into western Arkansas through at least the holiday weekend, officials said Friday, as water released from an Oklahoma dam combines with additional rain in the forecast. To control flooding in Tulsa, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Friday began increasing the amount of water being released into the river from the Keystone Dam northwest of the city of about 400,000 people. The Brexit Party's Ann Widdecombe has been elected an MEP, declaring that the EU election results rule out a second referendum because 'we've had it tonight'. The former Conservative MP said that if Britain did not leave the EU then 'the Brexit Party will do what they've done tonight in a general election'. After defecting to the Brexit Party earlier this year, the 71-year-old has won a seat in the next European Parliament as a member for South West England. Speaking after her victory she said: 'I think what tonight does is first of all to get rid of the notion of a second referendum - that's it, we've had it tonight. The Brexit Party's Ann Widdecombe (pictured) has been elected an MEP, declaring that the EU election results rule out a second referendum because 'we've had it tonight' The Brexit Party has won the most seats in the European Parliament election, while Labour was pushed into third place by the Liberal Democrats This chart shows the shares of the vote in the EU elections with the Brexit Party well ahead Timeline: Ann Widdecombe's career Born in 1947, Ann Widdecombe began her career as a councillor in Surrey before being elected to Parliament in 1987. During her career as an MP she gained notoriety for advocating the death penalty and opposing some gay rights legislation. After John Major became Prime Minister she was promoted to the front bench as a junior minister. In 1995 she became prisons minister - notably visiting every prison in the UK. After the Tories lost power in 1997 she helped to sabotage Michael Howard's leadership bid by remarking that he had 'something of the night' about him. She became shadow home secretary under William Hague in 1999. In 2010 she left Parliament and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing with Anton Du Beke. She returned to the role for a Christmas special in 2018. Earlier this year she announced she was defecting from the Tories to the Brexit Party and backing Nigel Farage at the EU elections. On May 23 she was elected as an MEP for the South West of England. Advertisement 'But secondly it puts immense pressure on Westminster to get this sorted out. 'People are fed up that the result of the 2016 referendum has not been implemented three years later. 'They're sending a big message to Westminster and saying we want this sorted out. 'There was only ever one reason for voting for the Brexit Party and that was to get Brexit. There were no other things that would make you vote for the Brexit Party yet. 'Tonight, we have got a very clear instruction from the British people that they are reaffirming the vote that they gave in 2016. 'They want a Brexit and the only people who are going to deliver it are the Brexit Party. 'A message to Westminster has come out loud and clear tonight which is: if you don't Brexit you'll be going against the will of the people and then the Brexit Party will do what they've done tonight in a general election.' Miss Widdecombe entertained the nation as one of the most memorable dancers the show has ever seen when she paired with Anton du Beke in 2010. Though no longer an MP, she had continued to be a member of the Conservative party before her defection earlier this year. The former prisons minister served as an MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years. Among other high-profile candidates, Jacob Rees-Mogg's sister Annunziata was also elected an MEP. However, Boris Johnson's sister Rachel Johnson, who was running for Change UK, was defeated in her race. Former Conservative MP Miss Widdecombe (pictured) said that if Britain did not leave the EU then 'the Brexit Party will do what they've done tonight in a general election' Former MP Ann Widdecombe has previously entertained the nation with her partnership with Anton du Beke on Strictly Come Dancing Annunziata Rees-Mogg said her brother Jacob would be 'devastated' after the Brexit Party won three European seats in the East Midlands. After the result was announced in Kettering, the newly-elected MEP, whose party won 38.2 per cent of the vote, said the Conservatives were paying for the Theresa May 'betraying' the British people. The Liberal Democrats also won a seat alongside Labour but the Tories returned no MEPs after polling just 10.7 per cent of the vote. Ms Rees-Mogg described the the results as 'quite astounding'. She said: 'They have been far bigger percentages than I had anticipated, although while I was on the streets in areas as diverse as Boston, Mansfield, Skegness and Chesterfield, the people were telling us they wanted to be listened to. 'Today, they have had their voices heard and we will fight for them tooth and nail.' Addressing how her brother will be feeling after a disappointing evening for the Conservatives, Ms Rees-Mogg said: 'I have no doubt he will be devastated at what has been done to his own party, the Conservatives. 'Theresa May has betrayed the British people. She made a lot of promises she didn't stick to and unfortunately the whole party is paying for it. 'We are the party that will be listening to them.' This diagram shows the change in vote shares with Labour, the Conservatives and UKIP all losing ground while the Brexit Party came from nowhere and the Lib Dems and Greens gained The detonated bomb made a deafening boom that was heard eight miles away 1,500 Kingston residents were evacuated as the bomb disposal team set to work Locals crying in the street, cars wrecked, home windows blown in and the mother of all craters. It sounds like the fall-out from a major gas disaster. But this was the catalogue of chaos from the controlled explosion of a Second World War bomb which left residents wondering what damage an uncontrolled one might have caused. Army experts were called in after the 550lb German bomb was discovered on a building site in Kingston, south-west London, on Thursday. The scene of the controlled explosion of a WWII 250kg Bomb at Fassett Road West London which has left a massive crate, shattered windows and damage to buildings and a nearby vehicle Around 1,500 residents were evacuated and a cordon was put in place as the bomb disposal team set to work. In many cases such bombs are taken away and disposed of in a remote location. So the decision to detonate this one where it was after packing tons of sand around it left locals assuming they would hear a muted bang. What they actually got on Friday afternoon was a deafening boom that could be heard eight miles away. One resident tweeted hearing a massive explosion like thunder. Others said they felt the walls of their homes shake. Families described apocalyptic scenes upon returning home. the 550lb German bomb was discovered on a building site in Kingston, south-west London, on Thursday and detonated the next day in a controlled explosion Keeley Malone, 21, said: People were crying in the streets, it wasnt very nice to see really. From what I saw yesterday it was horrible. Most of the house windows down the road were smashed. There was sand everywhere. At the site itself, the Army team posed for a picture at the crater left by the blast. The bomb is thought to have been a SC250, or Sprengbombe Cylindrisch 250, which was used widely by the Luftwaffe during the Blitz. It dropped 24,000 tons of high explosive on London in 85 major raids. Police said damage had been limited to a 50-yard radius of the detonation. Chief Superintendent Sally Benatar said: The matter of detonating this device was taken with the utmost seriousness and Id like to thank the Army and the other emergency services for their assistance and support. The MoD was contacted for comment. British plants are under threat from one of the worlds most deadly horticultural diseases and volunteers are needed to stop its transmission. Experts want them to find cuckoo spit left by insects that could spread Xylella bacteria, which has not yet made it to the UK but is feared to be on its way after taking hold in France, Spain and Italy. Until 2013, it was seen only in the US and Taiwan. The bacteria, which threatens plants such as lavender, rosemary and cherry, is described by the Royal Horticultural Society wants as its No 1 concern. The bacteria, which threatens plants such as lavender, rosemary and cherry, is described by the Royal Horticultural Society wants as its No 1 concern Using the Biological Records Centres website, it wants people to track sap-suckers called spittlebugs that leave what looks like spit on leaves and can transmit Xylella. This will help experts understand how Xylella will spread if it comes to the UK. If it is discovered in the UK, all plants that host it within 100 yards would be destroyed. The woman accused of egging Scott Morrison at a Country Women's Association election rally has arrived at court to face assault charges. Amber Holt, 24, appeared stony-faced as she was seen arriving at Albury Court House in New South Wales on Monday morning. Holt was charged with common assault after she allegedly smashed an egg onto the Prime Minister's head at the CWA rally in Albury on May 7. Amber Holt, 24, appeared stony faced as she was seen arriving at Albury Court House in New South Wales on Monday morning Holt arrived at court with a male companion while looking downcast, wearing a grey jumper and checkered pants, and without her infamous red beanie Holt didn't crack a smile as she arrived at court, wearing a striped grey jumper with checkered pants, flanked by a male companion. She is also charged with possessing cannabis after police officers allegedly found marijuana on her person following the incident. Holt pleaded guilty to marijuana possession but further discussions between police and her lawyers will take place regarding her assault charge. Holt was freed on strict conditional bail after the alleged egging, with court records stating: 'You must not do any of the following to Scott Morrison ... assault or threaten him'. Holt faces common assault charges after she allegedly smashed an egg into the Prime Minister's head at the CWA rally in Albury during the election campaign on May 7 The incident came just weeks after 17-year-old Will Connolly, who affectionately became known as Egg Boy, smashed an egg on Senator Fraser Anning in response to his Islamophobic comments about the Christchurch massacre. After allegedly striking him on the head, Holt walked away clutching a half-dozen eggs and told reporters: 'He deserves it, he deserves a lot worse actually.' Following the incident, Holt told reporters the egging 'speaks for itself' and that 'he (Mr Morrison) deserves it'. 'Have you seen his video to Manus Island?,' she asked. She appeared to be talking about a video of Mr Morrison she posted to Facebook last year. The case was adjourned until July 8. The defences have stood firm for the best part of 400 years. But now a Civil War monument known as the Bulwarks is under attack yet again from a Lidl supermarket. The site of the remains of low walls and ditches which were built to protect the town of Carmarthen, west Wales, in 1651 has been earmarked for a new discount store. A Civil War monument in Carmarthen, west Wales, known as the Bulwarks (pictured) is under attack yet again from a Lidl supermarket Lidl said it will work with the Welsh government's preservation body, Cadw, and build the shop in line with its planning application (stock pictured) But historians at the Carmarthen Civic Society said the Bulwarks were 'considered to be the best surviving example of town defensive earthworks' from the war between the Roundheads and Cavaliers, and opposed the application. They said: 'It is particularly disappointing that the proposal pays scant regard to the historical importance of the site and its relevance to the historical landscape of the town.' Lidl said it will work with the Welsh government's preservation body, Cadw, and build the shop in line with its planning application. A woman who was abused so badly as a child that she developed 2,500 personalities wailed in horror as she re-visited the home where her father damaged her forever. Jeni Haynes, 49, was horrifically raped by her father Richard from the age of four to 14 at their home in Sydney's western suburbs. Ms Haynes developed an 'army' of personalities each with their own voices, memories and characteristics as a way of coping with her ordeal. During a landmark trial in February, she was allowed to testify against her father using several of her personalities - but he cracked after just two hours and changed his plea to guilty. In harrowing police footage aired last night on 60 Minutes, Ms Haynes howled and cried as she relived her nightmare to show officers where she was savagely tortured. Jeni Haynes, 49, was horrifically raped by her father Richard (pictured) from the age of four to 14 at their home in Sydney's western suburbs In another section of the footage, the 49-year-old shows police around her father's bedroom. She breathes deeply to compose herself before saying: 'And this is where he made me get on the end of the bed and I was raped by him.' Finally, she takes officers the laundry room. She points to a washing machine and says: 'The twin tub where he raped me endlessly.' 'Oh my god, deep breath, you can do this,' she told herself as she took officers into her father's old workroom. 'Okay... it's the same,' she said, pointing to a wooden bench where she was abused. 'The bench?' a detective asked. 'The bench is the same,' said Ms Haynes. In another section of the footage, the 49-year-old showed police around her father's bedroom. She breathed deeply to compose herself before saying: 'And this is where he made me get on the end of the bed and I was raped by him.' Ms Haynes then took officers into a small shed at the property. She scanned her eyes around the room and said: 'This is possibly one of the most terrifying rooms in the universe.' Finally, she took the police the laundry room. She pointed to a washing machine and said: 'The twin tub where he raped me endlessly.' Ms Haynes (pictured) developed an 'army' of personalities each with their own voices, memories and characteristics as a way of coping with her abuse The footage was taken by officers during their investigation before charging Haynes. Ms Haynes, who gave police a 900,000 word statement recounting her abuse, had multiple surgeries to reconstruct her coccyx, bowels and anus after the brutal assaults. She developed her personalities to protect her while she was abused - and she can summon them upon request. Ms Haynes created a girl called Symphony when she was four - and this was the personality she would take on when she was raped. Other personalities include an eight-year-old boy named Little Ricky and a teenager named Muscles. 'My dad inflicted severe, sadistic, violent abuse that was completely unavoidable, inescapable and life threatening - and he chose to do this every day of my entire childhood,' Ms Haynes said. Richard Haynes was extradited from the United Kingdom in February 2017 to face a judge-only trial after being charged for the decade of abuse. The allegations were so serious it was feared a jury could be left psychologically traumatised. The personalities include a four-year-old girl called Symphony, the personality abused by her father, and an eight-year-old boy named Little Ricky. Pictured: Ms Haynes A a child victim of sex abuse, Ms Haynes was given the chance to remain anonymous during court proceedings. But if she did so her father would also have remained anonymous, so Ms Haynes made the brave choice to take the story public. She said she wanted her father to go to jail with 'everyone knowing what he did'. As they prepared for trial, Ms Haynes agreed with her legal team how she would present her personalities during her testimony. When she was asked a question, the character who knew the answer would 'come out and say it.' Ms Haynes testified in the personality of Symphony for two hours before Haynes changed his plea and stopped the trial. She believes this is because he did not want the world to hear her full testimony, to hear what he had done to her. Richard Haynes pleaded guilty to 25 counts of rape, buggery and indecent assault at the Sydney home in the 1970s and 1980s. In a 60 Minutes interview on Sunday night, Ms Haynes admitted she never realised having multiple voices inside her head was considered abnormal. 'I didn't know that you're only supposed to have one personality,' she said. Almost 90 per cent of Multiple Personality Disorder cases, now more commonly referred to as Dissociative Identity Disorder, involve some form of trauma or abuse. It is often thought of as a coping mechanism for victims to disconnect, distance or separate themselves from the trauma. 'Jeni was born and my father started to abuse her. An alter was created who came to take dad's abuse so Jenny didn't have to,' Ms Haynes previously said. Ms Haynes (pictured right) was brutally abused by her father (pictured centre) from the age of four to 14 and required reconstructive surgery for the damage done to her ' "Symphony" intended to testify in court for the whole thing. When my father raped Jennifer Haynes he raped 'Symphony'. He pleaded guilty because he was scared to death of hearing 'Symphony' testify about everything he did to her.' Ms Haynes, who now lives in Queensland, said the other egos came along after the abuse became too difficult for 'Symphony' to deal with. 'It's not an act of mental illness or playing silly games, pretending to be other people,' Jeni told Liz Hayes. 'You are protecting yourself. You are protecting your soul, and that's what I did.' After her father pleaded guilty, a relieved Ms Haynes told reporters she was stunned but thrilled her father had 'owned up' to what he'd done. 'The guilty plea is my father admitting everything he did and I could not be happier,' she said. Ms Haynes said she wanted her father to face her in court because he'd previously thought of her as 'not real'. 'I am a blow-up doll... and today he had to face the blow-up doll and I hope he enjoyed every minute of it,' she said. Ms Haynes urged other child victims to come forward and issued a warning to their abusers. 'Children remember,' she said. 'We will tell and we will put you in a courtroom... and you will go to jail.' Haynes will be sentenced on May 31. Newly elected Labor leader Anthony Albanese says he's 'just mates, nothing more' with a party official - as his new promotion brings attention to his personal life. Mr Albanese, 50, was today appointed party leader, unopposed, and thanked his ex-partner of 30 years, former NSW deputy premier Carmel Tebbutt, for her support. 'Our relationship has changed, but I have nothing but best wishes for her future,' he said. The rare comments about his relationship breakdown came as he quashed rumours he had 'stepped out' with a new woman at an event in Melbourne last month. Anthony Albanese, 50, today thanked his ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt (together) as he was appointed Labor leader The newly single father told The Australian's Margin Call column he was 'nothing more' than friends with the Labor official, whom Daily Mail Australia has chosen not to name. The young woman was most recently running a campaign for a candidate at the federal election. The rumour appears to have begun after the pair attended a Politics in the Pub event at the Stomping Ground Beer Hall in Collingwood last month. Friends of Mr Albanese say the new ALP leader has other things on his mind than the single life. He lives with his son Nathan, 18, a university student. He has been campaigning for the party around the country through the election and is now taking on politics' most punishing job of Opposition Leader. At a press conference today, Mr Albanese thanked Ms Tebbutt; his late mother Maryanne mother, who raised him in a housing commission flat in Camperdown; his 'father figure' Tom and a string of Labor mentors, including Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd. 'No-one gets to this position by themselves,' he said. Power couple: Both Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt have held senior roles in the Labor party Mr Albanese's new bachelordom is not the only interesting chapter of his personal story. 'He comes across as an avuncular everyman guy... whether he can stand what's coming remains to be seen' His mother, herself a single parent, told him as a child that his father had died overseas. He learned later in life that his dad was actually alive and tracked him down in Italy a decade ago. Carlo and Anthony Albanese had at least one brief (and by all reports happy) meeting in 2011. Mr Albanese Sr died in 2014. Politics expert Dr Nick Economou said while many Australians feel 'Albo' is a familiar figure, he's still something of an enigma. 'At the moment he comes across as an avuncular every-man guy - the fact he's got the nickname tells us that,' the senior lecturer at Monash University said. 'Whether he can withstand what's coming remains to be seen.' Independent candidate Tommy Robinson (pictured at a count in Manchester last night) has failed in his bid to be elected as an MEP, losing his 5,000 deposit Tommy Robinson was humiliated last night after he failed in his bid to become an MEP and lost his 5,000 deposit because he got so few votes. The activist stood as an independent candidate to represent the working class of England' pledging he would absolutely absolutely smash it come polling day. But Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, came in eighth place out of 11 in the North West England region with 38,908 votes. The former leader of the English Defence League looked downbeat at the Manchester count last night as he blamed being banned from social media for the poor result. The far-right agitator - who has been banned from Facebook and Instagram and was twice targeted by milkshake-throwing protesters during his controversial campaign - gathered only just 2.2 per cent of the vote. He is a political adviser to the current Ukip leader Gerrard Batten but did not run under the banner of Nigel Farage's former party, which was completely wiped out last night. Mr Robinson conceded defeat in his bid to become an MEP before the official council area results were declared at the North West count. Before leaving the Manchester Central venue, he told his followers on the Telegram private messaging app: 'Disappointed to say the least. They (the votes) are not in but they are in ... at the same time what do you expect? 'Going through the votes we have certainly not got a place as a MEP but I want to say a special thank you to every single person who supported.' Speaking at the Manchester count, the former leader of the English Defence League said he had faced a 'near impossible task' in attempting to win one of the eight seats available. The Brexit Party has won the most seats in the European Parliament election, while Labour was pushed into third place by the Liberal Democrats This chart shows the shares of the vote in the EU elections with the Brexit Party well ahead Tommy Robinson arrives at his count in Manchester last night. He failed in his attempt to become an MEP for the North West of England He claimed it was not a fair campaign as he was unable to get across his message on social media platforms. 'I am not allowed social media,' he said. 'I am not able to interact with the public.' Despite a controversial campaign in which he was targeted by milkshake-wielding protesters, he said: 'More than anything every community I have gone to - every working class estate - I have so felt loved, (more) than I have ever felt in my life.' Mr Robinson's affiliation to UKIP has caused a row among supporters and former members of that party. He is unable to join UKIP's membership under party rules because anyone who has previously been an English Defence League member is banned. Among other high-profile candidates, journalist Rachel Johnson, whose brother Boris - the former Foreign Secretary - is running to be Conservative Party leader, did not get elected as a Change UK candidate. This diagram shows the change in vote shares with Labour, the Conservatives and UKIP all losing ground while the Brexit Party came from nowhere and the Lib Dems and Greens gained Change UK finished in seventh place in South West England with 46,612 votes, which meant no candidates for the new party were elected. YouTuber Carl Benjamin, who was second on Ukip's South West regional list, also failed to get elected. Mr Benjamin was surrounded in controversy throughout the campaign for comments he made about Labour MP Jess Phillips. The 39-year-old who styles himself online as the 'Sargon of Akkad' said he 'wouldn't even rape' the Labour MP and refused to apologise for the remarks. In the South West, Ukip received 53,739 votes which meant the party lost its two MEPs there, down 29.07% on the 2014 vote. Former Labour cabinet minister Lord Adonis also lost his bid to become an MEP in the South West region. The Labour Party lost their only seat in the South West region, as the party polled fifth with 108,100 votes, down 7.26% on the 2014 vote. Jon Venables' latest attempt to keep his identity secret has cost taxpayers more than 65,000, official figures show. Lawyers for the child killer got 8,100 in legal aid this year, while government lawyers were paid almost 57,300. Venables, now 36, was fighting a legal challenge from James Bulger's father, Ralph, which aimed to overturn his lifelong anonymity. Jon Venables' latest attempt to keep his identity secret has cost taxpayers more than 65,000. Above Venables is pictured in his police photo in 1993 CCTV image shows the moment two-year-old James Bulger was abducted from the Bootle Strand shopping mall in 1993 by Venables, who is seen holding his hand. He and Robert Thompson took the boy before torturing and killing him James Bulger (Pictured) was two-years-old when he was led from the shopping centre. His 52-year-old father has tried to overturn the lifetime anonymity granted to his killer Jon Venables arguing that it would 'protect the public' The 52-year-old told The Sun, which saw the official figures, that he wanted the ban lifted to 'protect the public'. However, Judge Sir Andrew McFarlane rejected the case saying the injunction was intended to protect Venables from 'being put to death'. Speaking in March, he said: '(Venables) is 'uniquely notorious' and there is a strong possibility, if not a probability, that if his identity were known he would be pursued resulting in grave and possibly fatal consequences. 'This is, therefore, a wholly exceptional case and the evidence in 2019 is more than sufficient to sustain the conclusion that there continues to be a real risk of very substantial harm to (Venables).' Anyone who breaches the wide-ranging injunction faces prosecution for contempt of court. Speaking outside court after the ruling, solicitor advocate Robin Makin, for the Bulgers, said: 'The authorities seem to be hell-bent on protecting JV regardless of the risk to others and this has been a primary driving force behind Ralph and Jimmys application.' James's father Ralph (Pictured) argued that revealing Jon Venables identity would protect the public after he was sent back to prison twice, in 2010 and again 2018, for having child abuse images Two-year-old James was murdered by Venables and Robert Thompson, both 10, after they snatched him from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, in 1993. His mother had taken her eyes of him for just a few moments, which was when the pair took James to a railway line 2.5 miles away in Walton. His body was found two days after his murder, with both Thompson and Venables being charrged with his murder on February 20 1993. Venables, now 36, has been living anonymously under a new identity since his release from prison but was convicted of having child abuse images in 2010 and again in 2018. Last year a film was released called Detainment, which recreated the harrowing events surrounding James' death. Actors portrayed the killers before and after the murder and the film was directed by Vincent Lambe. Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable warned today that a No deal Brexit would see the UK wander into a global trade 'battlefield' between the United States and China, saying he would try to avoid it happening. Sir Vince, 76, who has announced his is to step down, insisted that there was a 'majority to stay' in the EU after his party beat the Tories and Labour in an election for the first time in 100 years. His party came second behind the Brexit Party in the European vote, winning 14 seats to add to the one they held before Thursday. And Sir Vince took a swipe at those like Nigel Farage, who have advocated leaving on World Trade Organisation (WTO) trade terms. The Lib Dem leader, who backs a second referendum, told Sky News: 'There is no such thing at the moment as WTO rules. 'The World Trade Organisation system, the rules-based system of trade, which operated until quite recently is in the process of collapsing. 'The United States and China, the two biggest economies and the two biggest trading countries in the world, are in a trade war. 'Those people who say ''let's have WTO rules'' want us to wander into the middle of that battlefield - that is the reality and that is why the argument has moved on so fundamentally since where we were three years ago.' Sir Vince Cable met three of the party's new MEPs today (left to right) Dinesh Dhamija, Luisa Porritt and Irina von Wiese The Lib Dem election surge came as they sucked up Remain votes from Labour and the Tories. And it forced the new centrist party Change UK to beg them for a merger. The party formed by Labour and Tory defectors did not bag a single MEP. But leader Heidi Allen said that the new centrist party was 'down but not out' last night. Change UK MP Chuka Umunna said on Saturday that the two parties should form a pact not to stand against each other's candidates in the next general election. And yesterday Mrs Allen, who left the Conservatives to join other breakaway Tory and Labour MPs, said she would go 'one step further'. 'I would like us to be in the same vehicle,' she told BBC Radio 5 Live. Asked if she meant the same party, Mrs Allen replied: 'Yeah, probably.' Sir Vince Cable and his wife Rachel Smith posted with pro-Remain activists today after his party finished second as it hoovered up thousands of pro-Remain votes from the main parties Change UK MP Chuka Umunna said on Saturday that the two parties should form a pact not to stand against each other's candidates in the next general election The Lib Dems were 'cock-a-hoop' at their expected performance last night, taking votes from Labour supporters angry at the party's equivocal stance on Brexit. Turnout was said to be higher in Remain areas than in Leave ones, meaning the Lib Dems were on course to do even better than predicted. At the last European elections in 2014, towards the end of the Coalition period, the Lib Dems performed disastrously taking only one seat. The Greens also looked set to outperform Change UK last night. In the weeks following its formation, Change UK figures were talking confidently of replacing the Lib Dems as the third party in British politics. But yesterday Mrs Allen admitted that it was more likely that her party would have to join forces with the Lib Dems. With most results in, the Brexit Party had won the vast majority of council areas in England and Wales last night 'I think we are sensible enough to know we can't do it on our own,' she said, adding: 'I don't know what the format will be, but will we be singing from the same hymn sheet? I would hope as a collective, let's call us a collective, somewhere in the middle with other like-minded colleagues.' Mrs Allen said that to be a 'real insurgent force', the alliance needs to be 'brand new' rather than a larger Lib Dem party. She predicted that more Tory MPs could desert the party if Boris Johnson becomes prime minister, while Labour MPs may also defect if Jeremy Corbyn continues to refuse to commit to a second referendum. However, she added that while the Brexit Party may do well in the EU elections it should not be part of any future Brexit negotiations. 'I don't think so. They need to earn some MPs to get that,' she said. Labor's new leader Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to his estranged wife as he was elected unopposed to replace Bill Shorten. The Left faction spear-carrier is the first major party leader in 50 years to be single. In his first media conference as Labor leader, he paid tribute to his estranged wife Carmel Tebbutt, a former deputy premier of New South Wales, who is the mother of his 18-year-old son Nathan. Scroll down for video In his first media conference as Labor leader, Anthony Albanese (pictured right) paid tribute to his estranged wife Carmel Tebbutt (left), a former deputy premier of New South Wales, who is the mother of his 18-year-old son Nathan 'To my partner of 30 years, Carmel, I thank you for your love, your support and your advice over all of those years,' he told reporters in Sydney on Monday. 'Our relationship has changed, but I have nothing but best wishes for her future.' Their son Nathan finished year 12 in 2018, with Mr Albanese and Ms Tebbutt announcing their split in January after he had completed his final exams. 'We have raised a wonderful young son in Nathan,' Mr Albanese said. 'He is now studying business at university. We couldn't be more proud.' Anthony Albanese, the son of an invalid pensioner who grew up in housing commission in Sydney's inner-west, met his former partner in Young Labor during the late 1980s. Anthony Albanese, the son of an invalid pensioner who grew up in housing commission in Sydney's inner-west, met his former partner in Young Labor during the late 1980s Anthony Albanese has been confirmed as Labor's new leader after his potential rivals withdrew from the race to succeed Bill Shorten Four months after his separation, he is the first federal Opposition Leader to be elected unopposed since Kim Beazley succeeded Mark Latham in January 2005. Mr Albanese is also the first major party leader in Australia to be single since Country Party leader John McEwen, a widower, briefly served as prime minister, for three weeks, in December 1967 and January 1968. This was after Liberal PM Harold Holt had drowned near Portsea on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula. Mr Albanese, a 56-year-old former deputy prime minister, had a clear run for the Labor leadership following the withdrawal of fellow inner-Sydney Left-faction frontbencher Tanya Plibersek, who had been Mr Shorten's deputy for six years. 'A remarkable politician and a friend of mine for a very long period of time,' he said. The 23-year member for Grayndler, in Sydney's inner-west, also had no competition from Labor's Right faction, after outgoing shadow treasurer Chris Bowen pulled out of the leadership race. The Left faction spear-carrier has been elected unopposed as the new Opposition Leader, after his predecessor Bill Shorten (pictured with wife Chloe) lost the election Mr Bowen, an MP from outer south-west Sydney, had been the architect of Labor's unpopular negative gearing and franking credits policies, that targeted housing investors and share-owning retirees. Queenslander Jim Chalmers, who had been Labor's finance spokesman, had also considered running for the leadership only to withdraw. Mr Albanese's ascension to the Labor leadership has occurred almost six years after Mr Shorten defeated him, under new rules whereby rank-and-file party members were given a say. He had won the support of 60 per cent of card-carrying party members only to lose out to Mr Shorten, a Right-faction contender from Victoria who had majority support among federal Labor MPs. 'I want to pay tribute to Bill Shorten. No one could have worked harder to put Labor back into government,' Mr Albanese told reporters on Monday. Richard Marles, another Right-faction Victorian, is expected to be elected as Mr Albanese's deputy at a Labor caucus meeting on Thursday. Mr Albanese, a former assistant general secretary of Labor's NSW branch, as recently as March posted an Instagram image of himself with Britain's hard-Left Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn Mr Albanese, a former assistant general secretary of Labor's NSW branch, as recently as March posted an Instagram image of himself with Britain's hard-Left Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. He has, however, promised to be more economically centrist and last week spoke out against Labor's franking credits policy, arguing it targeted people who 'weren't very wealthy'. Mr Shorten had campaigned for Ms Plibersek to succeed him as Labor leader, following Prime Minister Scott Morrison's election win. Mr Albanese briefly served as deputy prime minister under Kevin Rudd between June and September 2013. The left-wing leader with a cosmopolitan, inner-city electorate is now tasked with winning back areas of northern and central Queensland that deserted Labor on May 18 over the Adani coal mine. Labor's two most recent leaders to have won government from Opposition, Mr Rudd and Bob Hawke, held inner-city electorates in Brisbane and Melbourne, respectively. The SNP hailed its best ever European election results today as Labour suffered a humiliating wipeout disaster in Scotland. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon declaring it 'emphatically clear' that Scotland has rejected Brexit. The nationalists scooped up three of the six Scottish MEP seats as they won 37.7 per cent of the vote north of the border. But the real losers were Labour, who humiliatingly lost their two MEPs. It prompted two Labour MPs to warn Jeremy Corbyn and Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard that the result must act as a wake up call' . Ian Murray and Martin Whitfield said Scottish voters had 'delivered an utterly damning verdict' on the party - which fell from second to fifth in the polling. Writing in the Edinburgh Evening News, the two MPs said: 'The blame for the worst result in Scottish Labour's history lies squarely with our party's leadership. 'This was an election campaign about the biggest issue facing our generation: Brexit. And yet we walked away from that battlefield, offering nothing but ambiguity on an issue that will determine the future of our country.' Despite being kept off the top spot, the Brexit Party came in second on 14.8 per cent and added one more MEP to their tally. The Lib Dems and Tories saved their blushes by keeping one MEP each. The SNP's previous best Euro election result was 32.6 per cent in 1994. Ms Sturgeon tweeted: 'Formal declaration to come, but clear now that the SNP has won the Euro election emphatically - we are on course to take 3 out of 6 seats. 'A historic victory. And Scotland has rejected Brexit again.' The SNP scooped up three of the six Scottish MEP seats as they won 37.7 per cent of the vote north of the border This chart shows the shares of the vote in the EU elections with the Brexit Party well ahead Nicola Sturgeon (pictured meeting Irish PM Leo Varadkar in Dublin today) said Scotland had 'rejected Brexit' by backing her SNP candidates in the Euro polls Five years ago Labour was a close second with 25.9 per cent of the votes, but that fell to 9.3 per cent last night. Labour's David Martin - who had been the UK's longest serving MEP having first been elected in 1984 - conceded he had lost his seat, with the party paying the price for its failure to take a clear stand on the crucial issue of Brexit. Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, Mr Martin said there must now be a shift in Labour's position on Brexit and establish itself as a pro-European party. The former Scottish Labour MEP added that the party's leader, Jeremy Corbyn, had become 'stuck in limbo' on the question of the UK's EU membership. Mr Martin said: 'I kind of understand the position that Jeremy Corbyn tried to take. 'He's the leader of one of the two major parties in the United Kingdom, we had a referendum and that referendum said we should leave the European Union, so he felt an obligation to try and deliver on that. 'It's become clear that there is no easy way, in fact I would say it's impossible, to deliver on what the people have asked for. 'But he was stuck in this limbo of knowing the damage a hard Brexit would do to the country, but, at the same time, feeling an obligation to respect the outcome of a national referendum.' Alyn Smith (L), SNP lead candidate for the Scottish Region in the European election, and SNP Deputy Leader Keith Brown (R) in Edinburgh City Chambers last night The final results were declared after the figures from the Western Isles - which does not count votes on a Sunday - are declared. Ms Sturgeon also tweeted about the 'outstanding results' for her party, saying they were 'our best ever Euro election result'. She added: 'Polling way ahead of any other party. Higher % in Scotland than Brexit Party's current share in rUK. Emphatically clear that Scotland doesn't want Brexit.' Meanwhile Alyn Smith, who was the lead SNP candidate said it was 'clear Scotland has endorsed Remain'. The Brexit Party has won the most seats in the European Parliament election, while Labour was pushed into third place by the Liberal Democrats This diagram shows the change in vote shares with Labour, the Conservatives and UKIP all losing ground while the Brexit Party came from nowhere and the Lib Dems and Greens gained He added: 'Our Remain vote can not be ignored any longer. Scotland's for Europe.' In the City of Edinburgh Council area Labour was sixth - behind the SNP, the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish Greens, the Tories and the Brexit party. Lothian MSP, and former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said her party should respond to the results by 'backing a People's Vote unequivocally and committing wholeheartedly to remain'. Meanwhile Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said 'all indications' were her party had retained a Scottish MEP on what was a 'tough night for the party UK-wide'. The Liberal Democrats had lost their Scottish MEP in 2014, when the party paid the price at the polls for its coalition with Conservatives at Westminster, but its increased share in this election leaves the party in Scotland on course for a return to the European Parliament. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has joined scores of Twitter users in blasting The New York Times for using a glamour shot of former White House aide Hope Hicks in a news story. The Democratic congresswoman from New York was reacting on Sunday to a feature story in the Times about the existential question of whether Hicks should comply with a subpoena to testify before Congress. AOC tweeted: What gets me is news breaks that this woman is weighing committing a crime before Congress & its getting framed by the NYT as some Lifetime drama called Hopes Choice. This is a [former administration] official considering participating in a coverup led by the President. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Democratic congresswoman from New York, slammed The New York Times on Sunday for what she believes was a sympathetic portrait of a former Trump official The Times on Sunday posted a story about Hope Hicks, the former White House communications director. Its lede described the 'existential question' of whether Hicks should comply with a congressional subpoena AOC tweeted: What gets me is news breaks that this woman is weighing committing a crime before Congress & its getting framed by the NYT as some Lifetime drama called Hopes Choice.' Treat her equally. She also pointed out the unfairness that 'In the immediate aftermath of shootings, media routinely post menacing photos of people-of-color victims + dredge up any questionable thing theyd ever done. But when Hope Hicks considers not complying w a subpoena, its glamour shot time. ' Congressional subpoenas are legally binding, and those who do not honor them face penalties, including possible fines or being held in contempt. Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday subpoenaed Hicks, the former White House communications director, and another former Trump staffer, Annie Donaldson, to appear before the panel and give testimony. Hicks and Donaldson, who was chief of staff to former White House counsel Don McGahn, are required to produce documents as well as appear before the committee to give statements under oath. Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday subpoenaed Hicks (left), the former White House communications director, and another former Trump staffer, Annie Donaldson (right), to appear before the panel and give testimony Donaldson was chief of staff to former White House Counsel Don McGahn (left), who himself defied a congressional subpoena earlier this week McGahn, who is a key player in the report issued by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into alleged meddling by Russia in the 2016 elections, declined to appear last week before the committee despite a subpoena. Democrats are likely eager to hear from former Trump staffers in order to get on-the-record statements about President Trumps alleged obstruction of justice during the Russia investigation. The president has denied any wrongdoing. Muellers report lists instances in which Trump is alleged to have attempted to impede the investigation. Twitter users were furious with the Times and its White House reporter, Maggie Haberman, who wrote the story about Hicks and her existential question. Haberman was mocked for using the term existential. She was also blamed for the photograph of Hicks that was used for the story. AOC joined other Twitter users who blasted the Times and its White House correspondent, Maggie Haberman (above), for the wording she used in her story Haberman was also blamed for the picture, which shows a well-styled Hicks in the White House last year wearing makeup, lipstick, and eye shadow. Her hair is combed back into a bun. At the moment the photo is taken, a pensive Hicks is looking down toward the floor as if in deep thought. It does not appear that Hicks knew she was being photographed While Twitter users said it was a glamour shot, in reality the photo of Hicks, a former model, was snapped while she was working at the White House in February 2018. The picture shows a well-styled Hicks wearing makeup, lipstick, and eye shadow. Her hair is combed back into a bun. At the moment the photo is taken, a pensive Hicks is looking down toward the floor as if in deep thought. It does not appear that Hicks knew she was being photographed. Nonetheless, social media users slammed the Times, saying its use of the photo makes Hicks appear to be a sympathetic figure while downplaying her apparent readiness to break the law by declining to honor a subpoena from Congress. Walter Shaub, a former top ethics official who resigned from the Trump administration in protest, tweeted: After this photo shoot she's going to have to pay Zoolander royalties for Blue Steel. Blue steel is a reference from the comedy film Zoolander, in which Ben Stiller plays a male model who employs trademarked facial expressions and poses such as Blue Steel, Ferrari, and Le Tigra. Monica Lewinsky, the former White House intern at the center of the scandal involving then-President Bill Clinton, tweeted a meme of Gary Coleman, the star of the 80s era sitcom Diffrent Strokes. Whatchu talkin about, Willis? Coleman says. It is his trademark expression on the show. Ava DuVernay, the acclaimed filmmaker, tweeted the meme of a man blinking as if to express disbelief and shock. Journalist Brandi Buchman tweeted: This is the dumbest thing I have seen come out of NYT in a minute. You deserve this criticism: existential question, please. Walter Shaub, a former top ethics official who resigned from the Trump administration in protest, tweeted: After this photo shoot she's going to have to pay Zoolander royalties for Blue Steel. Monica Lewinsky, the former White House intern at the center of the scandal involving then-President Bill Clinton, tweeted a meme of Gary Coleman, the star of the 80s era sitcom Diffrent Strokes. Whatchu talkin about, Willis? Coleman says. It is his trademark expression on the show Ava DuVernay, the acclaimed filmmaker, tweeted the meme of a man blinking as if to express disbelief and shock Journalist Brandi Buchman tweeted: This is the dumbest thing I have seen come out of NYT in a minute. You deserve this criticism: existential question, please' Ned Pyle tweeted: [Haberman] might as well join the White House communications office. Hope Hicks spent her time covering up crimes & now refuses to comply with the law; you respond with glamour shots & a shoulder to cry on because she was obviously one of your sources & you think will be again. This is a matter of legality. Period. Do not turn the narrative into some B movie melodrama. Saying this as a reporter. This framing turned my stomach. Twitter user Will Donnelly tweeted: So for a privileged white person, whether to comply with the law is an existential question. For a black person, not complying with the law is justification for being shot. Cant she assert existential privilege? quipped Tony Haywood. The joke is a reference to Trumps efforts to prevent his aides from testifying about conversations with him by asserting executive privilege. Executive privilege is claimed by the president for the executive branch of the US government. It argues that he is entitled to withhold information in the public interest. Ned Pyle tweeted: [Haberman] might as well join the White House communications office. Hope Hicks spent her time covering up crimes & now refuses to comply with the law; you respond with glamour shots & a shoulder to cry on because she was obviously one of your sources & you think will be again. Richard Sawicki, 20, has been charged with driving while intoxicated after he crashed into a family of nine, killing three on Sunday Three members of a New Jersey family including a four-year-old girl were tragically killed and six other injured after they were hit by a suspected drunk driver while on a road trip to Niagara Falls. Richard Sawicki, 20, has been arrested for the devastating crash that took place at 6.30am on Sunday morning when his pickup truck slammed into an SUV carrying nine passengers in Sheldon, New York. The crash took place at Route 20A and Maxon Road where two women were thrown from the car in the violent smash. Sawicki, from Lackawanna, has been charged with aggravated vehicular manslaughter, DWI and reckless driving for the deadly collision, according to The Daily News. His driver's license was also suspended. He was arraigned on $100,000 bail and is due to appear in court on June 20. The SUV was traveling west on Route 20A when Sawicki, heading southbound in his pickup truck on Maxon Road, failed to halt at a stop sign and rammed into the SUV. The women ejected from the car were pronounced dead at the scene. A four-year-old girl was taken by ambulance to Wyoming County Community Hospital and died, succumbing to her head injuries, about an hour later. Sawicki, driving a pickup truck, crashed into a New Jersey family of nine in a SUV on a road trip to Niagara Falls at 6.30am on Sunday after he failed to yield at a stop sign. The crash took place at the intersection of Route 20A and Maxon Road in Sheldon, New York (above) Close up: The busted pickup truck in the crash pictured above with its front end destroyed The SUV the family was traveling in pictured on its side in a grassy ditch following crash He hit the SUV with such force two women and a four-year-old girl were ejected from the car. The women were pronounced dead at the scene, the child was hospitalized and died an hour later suffering injuries to her head The six other family members of the crash were injured in the crash An adult man, a woman, a 14-year-old, a 10-year-old and two other four-year-olds were also rushed to the hospital in the accident. The man has been released from the hospital. The woman is being treated at Erie County Medical Center. The others are being treated at Oishei Childrens Hospital in Buffalo. The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of family members. Wyoming County Sheriff Gregory Rudolph responded to the scene following reports of a 'crash with multiple ejections and injuries.' He said all the nine passengers in the SUV were family members headed to Niagara Falls. Sawicki, from Lackawanna, has been charged with aggravated vehicular manslaughter, DWI and reckless driving for the deadly collision. His license has also been suspended According to his Facebook he has multiple trucks including this black pickup, which appears to be the destroyed truck he drove in the crash Sawicki was taken to Erie County Medical Center and was released. A horde of first responders responded to the scene early Sunday morning. Rudolph praised emergency workers saying: 'The response was overwhelming'. 'Anytime a child is involved, and in this case we had five, it pulls at you. It's a tragedy,' he added. The accident remains under investigation and the sheriff's office says further charges are expected, according to WKBW. Two young brothers have been found dead at the bottom of their Florida apartment complex pool after their mother says they sneaked out late at night to go swimming while she was asleep. Ja'Kye Joseph, 6, and Branario Minto, 5, drowned last Wednesday night at the Silver Palms Apartment Complex in North Lauderdale where they live. Police said their mother Wildine Joseph and other family members pulled the boys from the pool at about 9.30pm but they were unresponsive. Ja'Kye Joseph, 6, and Branario Minto, 5, drowned last Wednesday night in their North Lauderdale apartment complex pool after sneaking out while their mom was asleep Relatives performed CPR while they waited for first responders to arrive. The brothers were rushed to the Northwest Medical Center where they were pronounced dead. Their mother told reporters that she believes the boys somehow managed to get out of their apartment and climb over the locked pool fence. 'I'm so sorry. If I was there I could have saved them on time,' she said, according to Local 10. 'I will always miss my babies. I'm sorry, Ja'Kye. I'm sorry, Branario. They're only 5, and they're only 6.' Police said their mother Wildine Joseph and other family members pulled the boys from the pool at about 9.30pm but they were unresponsive A distraught Joseph told reporters that her boys had been learning to swim but one of them couldn't swim properly on his own Police said their mother pulled the boys from the pool but they were unresponsive. The two brothers were pronounced dead at the hospital Joseph said her sons were taking swimming lessons but only one of the boys had learned to swim on his own. 'He thought he could swim, but he could not swim,' she said. Police said they are investigating the drowning deaths. They are trying to speak to witnesses who may have seen the boys making their way from the apartment to the pool. Child protective services removed the 4-month-old and 1-year-old siblings of the boys from the home while they continued the investigation. Joseph has since set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the funerals of her two boys. Joseph said Ja'Kye and Branario (above in 2015) were taking swimming lessons but only one of the boys had learned to swim on his own Joseph, pictured hanging onto the pool gate where her boys drowned, believes her sons sneaked out while she was sleeping The former CEO of Blackmores has revealed the ingenious way she shot the vitamin company from $1million to $500million in sales in less than two years. Christine Holgate told an expo last week that taking a photo with Chinese president Xi Jinping at the G20 in Brisbane in 2014 was what skyrocketed the brand's success in China. Ms Holgate's sales team urged her to get a snap with Jinping to boost Blackmores' sales and popularity in the Asian nation. Former CEO of Blackmores Christine Holgate has revealed taking a photo with China's president Xi Jinping at the 2014 G20 Summit is what sent sales in China through the roof, pictured with then Prime Minister Tony Abbott Prior to the photo being taken, the company was taking in just $1million for the year in China, despite forking out more than $10million on staff and marketing. When speaking at Australia Post's Crossborder Ecommerce Expo last week, Ms Holgate, who is now the CEO of Australia Post, shared her secrets to success, and said the first step was seeing a fortune teller. Ms Holgate said she was determined to meet the president, and Tony Abbott promised she would get the chance to She said the fortune teller told her to wear a piece of green to the G20 summit, which she did, and thinks this could also have contributed to her stroke of luck on the day. While waiting to enter the event, Ms Holgate chatted with Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce, HP Billiton chief executive Andrew McKenzie and ANZ chief executive Mike Smith. Prior to the photo being taken, the company was taking in just $1 million for the year in China, despite forking out more than $10 million on staff and marketing Ms Holgate said Joyce asked her who she wanted to meet: 'I said "I only just need a photograph with Xi Jinping". He said "You are off your head, he will be covered by security guards".' Ms Holgate said she was determined to meet the president, and Tony Abbott promised she would get the chance to. But there was a slight roadblock, as attendees weren't allowed to take their mobile phones into the event. She said she doesn't know how it happened, but shortly after leaving her handbag with security she found her phone in her pocket. Soon after, Jinping arrived and Mr Abbott called her over to meet him, in what she described as a miracle. The then prime minister then turned to the Chinese leader and told him that Ms Holgate wanted a photo with him. While at the G20 summit in Brisbane in 2014, Ms Holgate posed in a photo with China's president Xi Jinping, which then spread all over China 'Tony said "Pass me your phone, I'll take the photograph". I said "Tony, no, I think I would like two leaders not just one". So I passed the phone to Alan Joyce and Alan Joyce took the picture,' she said. Just a week later the photo had been spread internationally, and a chemist retailer which sells Blackmores in China, blew the photo up to the whole size of a wall. That year Blackmores raked in $50million in China, and the next year sales soared to $500million. As for her tips on leading a successful company, Ms Holgate had some pretty straightforward advice. 'Go see a fortune teller, get yourself a photo with the president and you've nailed it,' she said. A plane flying across Western Australia was mistaken for a meteor by locals. Australians on the west coast witnessed what appeared to be the fireball shooting across the sky on the weekend. But the orange flame that lit up Perth's northern suburbs on Sunday night was just an Emirates A380 flying in from Dubai. Reports of a 'shooting star' were made by people living in Laverton and Telfer in outback Western Australia in addition to those coming from the suburbs, The West Australian reported. Perth Observatory spokesperson Matt Woods said sometimes contrails from a jet (pictured) can look like a meteor flying across the sky 'Hot exhaust from the jet engines mixes with cold air in the upper atmosphere and forms these long bright contrails,' Perth Observatory spokesperson Matt Woods said. 'Sometimes they can look like a meteor flying across the sky.' Mr Woods said the activity was not out of the ordinary, and in fact is likely to become more common in the coming months. He said the skies above Perth are entering a 'busy season' as it approaches the International Space Station. The planets Jupiter and Saturn are also expected to be coming into view in the region. 'We also have the Sagittarius arm of the galaxy coming into view so we are looking directly into the centre of the galaxy,' he said. Police hold grave fears for the safety of a teenage girl who disappeared from a home in Sydney's west on Friday night and hasn't been heard from since. Rana Kandakji, 16, was last seen at a home on Gordon Street, in Bankstown, on May 24 just before midnight. She was wearing a black Adidas jacket with black pants and a beige hijab. Rana has brown eyes and is estimated to be 160cm tall. Rana Kandakji was last seen at a home on Gordon Street, in Bankstown, on May 24 just before midnight She is Middle Eastern, has a thin build and has black hair that is covered by a scarf. Police are concerned about Rana's safety as she has not been seen or heard from since. She is known to hang out in Bankstown, Liverpool and Greenacre. Anyone with information on where Rana is should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A deaf dog is fighting for life after he was allegedly abducted and stabbed in the chest twice by a knife-wielding man on the run. The 24-year-old man allegedly stole a car and smashed into two vehicles at the intersection of Stirling Highway and Canning Highway in Perth on Sunday afternoon. He allegedly pulled out a knife and threatened onlookers before going to the nearby Tradewinds bottle shop. He then fled in another allegedly stolen car with the 15-year-old Jack Russell terrier, named Henry, inside. A 15-year-old deaf dog, named Henry (pictured) is battling for life after he was allegedly abducted and stabbed in the chest twice by a knife-wielding man on the run Police later arrested the man and found the elderly dog with stab wounds. Officers took Henry to a vet for treatment and his condition is said to be critical. Jaimy Heywood, whose parents own Henry, told 6PR radio on Monday that Henry has spent the night needing blood transfusions. 'His breathing got a bit erratic,' she said. According to a GoFundMe appeal, Henry has lost a lot of blood and requires surgery According to a GoFundMe appeal, Henry lost a lot of blood and requires surgery. More than 200 people have already donated for Henry's treatment. His attacker has been charged with five offences, including two counts of stealing a motor vehicle and one count of animal cruelty. He is due to appear in Fremantle Magistrates Court later on Monday. The BBC defended its impartiality over claims it was biased today after furious Brexiteers accused it of downplaying the Brexit Partys victory in its election coverage The corporation said it featured 'a range of voices' after angry viewers claimed it emphasised the strong performance of the Remain-supporting Greens and Liberal Democrats rather than focusing on Nigel Farage's triumph at the polls. The media giant was also blasted after allowing former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell to grill another guest over the Brexit Party's finances. Mr Campbell, a close former aide of Tony Blair, said Mr Farage's party had had the 'roubles coming in' - a reference to the Brexit campaign's alleged links to Russian money. He was also picked up after making the bizarre claim that Remain won the election because smaller parties cumulative number of votes. Piers Morgan was among those who picked up his claim and mocked him. Former UKIP MEP Patrick O'Flynn said: 'I know it's early, but I must say BBC coverage is missing the obvious huge story - the Brexit Party has won these elections and won them big.' A BBC spokeswoman said that the Brexit Party win had been its 'lead story' and the coverage had provided 'accurate, impartial reporting and analysis'. She added: 'Our election coverage featured a range of voices and opinions in a format designed for genuine interaction between guests.' Some viewers of the BBC's election broadcast took aim at former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell (pictured) over his comments about the Brexit Party Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan mocked the BBC's coverage by retweeting this meme of a mocked-up news alert Nigel Farage (pictured giving his victory speech last night) won the European Parliament elections but some BBC viewers thought the corporation gave him too little coverage With most results in, the Brexit Party had won the vast majority of council areas in England and Wales last night. This map shows the largest party in each area One twitter user also chimed in and addressing the BBC directly, said: 'Your biased Euro election coverage was appalling, Alastair Campbell lied about Iraq, and continues to lie and spin against democracy, aided and abetted by the 'impartial' BBC. You know where you can stick your licence! I'll save my roubles and watch YouTube.' Many people also reached out to Ofcom via social media to complain about the coverage. Although no official figures have yet been released which suggest the complaints. Ofcom had previously released a note to broadcasters prior to the election, urging them to comply with the relevant election guidelines. 'Ofcom reminds all broadcasters of the rules for election-related programming. In particular, broadcasters should ensure that they comply with sections five (due impartiality) and six (elections and referendums) of the Code, as well as the prohibition on political advertising contained in section 321 of the Communications Act 2003 and reflected in Section 7 of the BCAP Code.' The BBC was criticised for not challenging Alistair Campbell, who had previously described himself as being in the 'bad books' of the BBC. Despite the claims that the BBC had focused on the Greens and the Liberal Democrats, the Lib Dems also felt they had not been given enough airtime. The source of the Brexit Party's funds had already come into question, after former Labour leader Gordon Brown demanded an inquiry - although the election watchdog has not found any wrongdoing. The allegations included that the party was allowing foreign money in to pay for its rallies, social media and advertising campaigns. During the programme Mr Campbell admitted he had voted for the Lib Dems in the election - something that could trigger his expulsion from Labour. He said it had been the first time in his life that he had not voted for the Labour Party, launching a blistering attack warning its 'policy of riding two horses has failed'. One Twitter user described Campbell as a 'sore looser' and a 'total embarrassment to himself and his supporters' Furious viewers of the BBC's election coverage took to Twitter to accuse the corporation of biased coverage, emphasising the success of Lib Dems and Greens rather than Nigel Farage This morning, following the election result, Mr Campbell tweeted: 'Looking forward to seeing which journalist (probably a regional) is the first to say to @nigelfarage 'but you lost!' Would have the merit of truth. Remain parties > Leave.' Mr Farage later blasted the claim. Asked about it on Good Morning Britain he angrily called it 'absolute tosh' and 'not a fact'. Mr Farage said: 'Add up the Brexit vote, add up the Ukip vote.. add the Conservative vote, who are still a party that says we are going to leave, and you will find that Leave beat Remain. 'In fact what you will find is that overall the country is 52-48 in favour of leaving.' He added: 'We are supposed to be a democracy. We were promised this would be implemented.' In an article earlier this month, Mr Campbell addressed his concerns surrounding the BBC, saying he had lost confidence in the broadcaster. 'I do not underestimate the challenges they face at the best of times, and with Brexit so complex, so divisive, these are far from the best of times for politics and media alike. But I really hope the BBC is conducting soul-searching about its Brexit coverage which goes well beyond the glib one-liner above.' In the article for the New European on May 24 he added that Mr Farage knew exactly what he was doing when it came to his coverage on the BBC. 'Nigel Farage knew what he was doing with his pre-prepared tantrum at Andrew Marr two weeks ago for asking him a range of legitimate questions about views he had expressed in the past. 'He was making an issue of BBC bias against him, when he personally has so much to thank the BBC for, not least all those appearances on Question Times.' The Brexit Party has won the most seats in the European Parliament election, while Labour was pushed into third place by the Liberal Democrats This chart shows the shares of the vote in the EU elections with the Brexit Party well ahead Another Twitter user said that the BBC appeared to be a platform for people to 'preach remain' After the BBC coverage last night, one Brexiteer laid into the corporations coverage and said: 'BBC EU programme now resorting to waxing lyrical on a People's Vote, second referendum, guest after guest droning on about it and compromise, bringing the country together. 'A massive BXP election performance has been turned into a BBC remain party political broadcast.' Another accused the BBC of 'completely ignoring the fact the Brexit Party is topping the results'. Some slammed their coverage in general, with one observer saying that perhaps now the British public will look differently at the coverage the broadcaster puts out. This diagram shows the change in vote shares with Labour, the Conservatives and UKIP all losing ground while the Brexit Party came from nowhere and the Lib Dems and Greens gained Other Twitter users asks Ofcom and Ipso to take action against the broadcaster One user said: 'This election has also hastened the day when the bbc will lose its licence as millions more brits see just how unashamedly biased its coverage is.' Mark Vipond said: 'BBC News currently doing an outstanding job of not mentioning the Brexit Party in its coverage. 'They've just spent half an hour telling us how great the Lib Dems are doing in London.' In a colourful complaint Andy Fitch said: 'I'd like a referendum on my licence fee after the disgracefully biased coverage tonight. 'The BBC confirms its stance as a bunch of Chai tea drinking Islington hipsters who continue to deny Farage's victory.' Harrison Hale wrote: 'More coverage from the Biased Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) - all they can talk about is betraying the democratic will of the British people. 'As the results show, the British people are better than that and will not stand for it.' Yet another viewer said: 'The BBC coverage is disgraceful , they are ignoring the success of the Brexit Party. One viewer said the BBC was 'not mentioning the Brexit Party in its coverage' while another took aim at Alastair Campbell being allowed to speak about the party's 'roubles' 'Instead they are reporting on the growth in the smaller pro EU parties. This is clear institutional pro EU bias from the BBC.' Talking about Alastair Campbell's comments, one viewer said the BBC should have urged him to 'apologise or retract' the 'roubles' remark. Another said: 'Alastair Campbell cannot be allowed to get away scot free with that smear.' However, some viewers and politicians felt the coverage had, conversely, been too pro-Brexit. The Liberal Democrats said: 'Delighted to have been allowed about 5 minutes of discussion over the BBC's election night coverage, given we are only on course to be 2nd in terms of votes and seats with our best ever result in European Elections.' And another furious viewer said: 'After two and a half hours of election coverage, the BBC finally decided to let a Green voice speak.' A company has been fined after liquid dye from its factory leaked into a storm water system and turned a creek fluorescent green. The water in Scotchmans Creek in eastern Melbourne turned bright green for a few hours, and was traced back to a substance used at Pebble Mix, a company situated in Glen Waverley. Officers attended the business and came across an onsite issue that contributed to the leakage. The business was fined $8,060 by Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) for releasing a liquid mix fluorescein into the waterways. A company has been fined after liquid dye from its factory leaked into the storm water system and turned a creek fluorescent green The water in Scotchmans Creek in eastern Melbourne turned bright green for a few hours Fluorescein is a dye often used by plumbers to track drain systems, and a small quantity can spread substantially through water. While it doesn't maintain the bright colouring for any more than a few hours, an EPA spokesman said the odd colouring could have been off-putting for locals. 'It's hard to say if it caused any harm to the area.' 'EPA expects businesses to manage their onsite risks including installing controls to make sure liquids do not escape their premises,' EPA Regional Manager Marleen Mathias said. Officers attended the business and came across an onsite issue that contributed to the leakage 'It is disappointing that the site did not have adequate controls in place.' Some people challenged the fine the company received, saying it should have been more severe. 'You're kidding me,' one person said. 'This fine should have been a lot more'. New laws will be introduced in Victoria as of July 1, 2020 demanding businesses take more responsibility for their environmental impact and to help prevent harm to both the environment and human health. Ukip leader Gerard Batten (pictured) lost his MEP seat at the European elections last night Ukip came crashing down to earth last night as the party lost all its seats in the European Parliament. Nigel Farage's former party was the winner in the 2014 election but struggled in this year's race after its one-time figurehead switched to the Brexit Party. After winning 27.5 per cent of the vote five years ago they have only collected around three per cent this time. Current Ukip leader Gerard Batten, who is standing down as party chief, lost his seat in London which he had held since 2004. Controversial candidate Carl Benjamin, a YouTuber who was second on the party's South West regional list, also failed to get elected. Mr Benjamin was condemned during the campaign for comments he made about Labour MP Jess Phillips. The 39-year-old, who styles himself online as the 'Sargon of Akkad', said he 'wouldn't even rape' the Labour MP and then refused to apologise for the remarks. In the 2014 EU elections, Ukip stormed into pole position with 28 MEPs, up 11 from 2009. However, following a series of defections, the party went into this year's elections defending only three of the seats it had won five years ago. After winning more than four million votes in 2014 it has gathered only 550,000 in this year's poll. Mr Farage's switch to the Brexit Party has taken the wind out of UKIP's sails and he romped to victory with his new movement last night. Controversial candidate Carl Benjamin (pictured), a YouTuber who was condemned during the campaign for comments he made about Labour MP Jess Phillips, also lost his MEP bid In addition Ukip has been dogged by claims that it is veering towards the far right. Mr Batten has been Ukip leader for 16 months and appointed former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson as his political adviser in November 2018. Mr Robinson is unable to join UKIP's membership under party rules because anyone who has previously been an English Defence League member is banned. Last week the party's deputy leader Mike Hookem stepped down, saying he could no longer support Ukip's direction. 'I believe Ukip always has been and always should be a libertarian party that encourages and promotes common-sense policies with a broad electoral appeal,' he said. 'However, under Mr Batten's leadership, and despite my appeals, Ukip has been derailed from this objective. Ukip has slumped since former leader Nigel Farage (pictured) abandoned the party and formed his new pro-Brexit movement The Brexit Party has won the most seats in the European Parliament election, while Labour was pushed into third place by the Liberal Democrats This chart shows the shares of the vote in the EU elections with the Brexit Party well ahead 'Mr Batten's policy direction and associations have given the mainstream media the ammunition to label our party extreme and far-right, accusations I do not believe to be true.' Former leader Mr Farage had previously warned the party faces 'total and utter marginalisation' if it moves to the extremes of politics. Earlier this month he said the party had 'attracted individuals that I would never have allowed'. Mr Farage said he had given 26 years of his life to Ukip, but the party is now 'past its sell-by date'. The party's strong performances under Mr Farage helped to pressure then-PM David Cameron into calling the 2016 referendum. Mr Farage quit as leader after winning the Brexit vote although he later returned temporarily as the party went through a succession of leaders. Diane James, Paul Nuttall and Henry Bolton have all led the party for short periods before quitting for various reasons. This diagram shows the change in vote shares with Labour, the Conservatives and UKIP all losing ground while the Brexit Party came from nowhere and the Lib Dems and Greens gained Six-month-old Skylah was listed in critical condition at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Saturday Michigan state police found a six-month-old baby dying of thirst inside a motel room with her dead parents on Friday. Jessica Bramer, 26, of Grand Rapids, and Christian Reed, 28, of Marne, had been dead for three days. Their dehydrated daughter, Skylah, was found near their corpses at the Rodeway Inn in Whitehall, Michigan. A state trooper, who was asked to do a wellness check on the family, discovered the child and her dead mom and dad around noon on Friday. Drug paraphernalia also was found in the room. An autopsy was performed on both parents on Saturday, but toxicology findings aren't expected for at least 30 days, authorities said. Inn staff members have declined to say whether anyone heard the baby crying or saw something suspicious, according to WKRG. Christian Reed (left), 28, of Marne, Michigan and Jessica Bramer, 26, of Grand Rapids, Michigan were found dead inside their motel room on Friday along with their infant daughter. Police said drug paraphernalia was also found in the room. Their cause of death has not yet been determined A Michigan state trooper discovered the dead mom and dad along with their infant daughter inside a room at the Rodeway Inn in Whitehall, Michigan around noon on Friday Baby Skylah was listed in critical condition at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Saturday, but is expected to recover fully, according to Fox 6 Now. Bramer and Reed had been in and out of jail, according to family members, who also said Skylah's grandparents contacted Children's Protective Services in January after they became concerned about their grandchild's safety. The local child protective services agency did not immediately respond to calls for comment on the incident. State police are asking anyone with information about what happened to Bramer or Reed to contact them at 616.866.4411. Bramer and Reed had been in and out of jail, according to family members, who also said Skylah's grandparents contacted Children's Protective Services in January after they became concerned about their grandchild's safety North Korea on Monday called U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton a 'war monger' and 'defective human' after he called the North's recent tests of short-range missiles a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The statement by an unnamed North Korean foreign ministry spokesman came as President Trump continued his Japan tour. It will include meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, where the nuclear standoff with North Korea is expected to be high on the agenda. Bolton told reporters in Tokyo on Saturday that there was 'no doubt' that North Korea's recent launches violated U.N. resolutions, and that sanctions against the North must be kept in place. President Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton (left), was called a 'war monger' and 'defective human product' by an official from North Korea. Kim Jong-un, the North Korean ruler, is seen right Bolton said that the North's recent testing of short-range missiles were a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions Despite Bolton's comments, his boss, Trump, tweeted on Saturday that he was not disturbed by the missile test Trump later downplayed the missile tests, tweeting: 'North Korea fired off some small weapons, which disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me.' North Korea tested short-range ballistic missiles on May 4 and 9, ending a pause in launches that began in late 2017. The tests have been seen as a way for North Korea to pressure Washington to soften its stance on easing sanctions against it without actually causing negotiations to collapse. In the statement carried by Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency, the North Korean spokesman said the North was rightfully exercising its rights of self-defense with the launches. 'Demanding us to ban all launches using ballistic technology regardless of range is same with asking us to relinquish our rights for self-defense,' the spokesman said. The spokesman said Bolton was an 'ignorant' hard-liner who throughout different U.S. administrations constantly pushed provocative policies against North Korea, which the spokesman said included endorsements of preemptive strikes and regime change. The spokesman also said that Bolton's 'hammer act' was responsible for the collapse of a major nuclear deal between the countries reached in 1994, when the North agreed to halt its nuclear program in exchange for U.S. fuel aid. The deal broke down in 2002 after U.S. intelligence agencies said North Korea was continuing its pursuit of bombs with a secret uranium enrichment program. Trump is in Japan, where he held talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (right). The two men discussed the North Korean threat 'Bolton should not be called a security adviser who works to secure security, but an adviser for security destruction who destroys peace and security,' the spokesman said. 'It's not that strange that crooked sound will always come out the mouth of a man who is structurally flawed, and it's best that this defective human product goes away as soon as possible.' Negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have been at a standstill since February, when a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Trump broke down over what the United States described as the North's excessive demands for sanctions relief in exchange for a partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities. Kim since then has said the United States has until the end of the year to come up with mutually acceptable terms for a deal to salvage the negotiations. Bolton acknowledged that the United States has not been 'hearing much from North Korea' since the summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. The U.S. special envoy to North Korea, Stephen Biegun, 'can't wait to talk to his North Korean counterpart, but they haven't responded,' Bolton said, adding that Biegun was 'ready at any point to get on a plane and go anywhere.' The North Korean statement came as South Korea began its annual summertime defense drills involving thousands of civilians and troops. The drills have been modified to exclude large-scale military exercises with the United States that were suspended to create space for diplomacy with the North. The four-day Ulchi Taeguk exercises will include massive civilian evacuation drills and a South Korea-only military drill aimed at preparing for war situations and disasters. A devastating house fire has left four housemates without a home and 'nothing but the clothes on their back'. Their Avalon home, in Sydney's northern beaches, was in flames on Saturday afternoon and left completely gutted. Elise Coulter, her partner, little sister and best friend had rented the home for a year-and-a-half before it burned down. Four housemates have been left with nothing after a devastating fire ripped through their home and they don't have contents insurance. Pictured: Reggie Songaila, Lauren Coulter, Elise Coulter and Ella Dixon Elise Coulter, her partner, little sister and best friend had rented the home for a year and a half before it burned down They had been out of the house while their real estate agent showed it to potential buyers. 'The real estate agent called us and said "your house is on fire. I'm literally watching it burn down" and I think she grabbed our dog and ran downstairs,' Ms Coulter told Daily Mail Australia. She said the fire had ripped through the home within a matter of five minutes. 'We didn't realise it was going to be the whole house but everything we owned was burned to a crisp,' she said, including thousands in furniture. 'My partner's grandfather has passed away and he kept his piano accordion that has been in the family for generations. It was something really sentimental to him,' she said. The firefighters tried to help them salvage some items - including some clothes, a guitar and two passports. 'The real estate agent called us and said "your house is on fire. I'm literally watching it burn down" and I think she grabbed our dog and ran downstairs,' Ms Coulter told Daily Mail Australia They had been out of the house while their real estate agent showed it to potential buyers Ms Coulter said what started the fire is still unclear and they're waiting on the reports. She said they're currently couch surfing and trying to plan what comes next for them, but through everything they have been overwhelmed by the support. 'It has been overwhelming. It was quite touching and they're giving,' she said. 'We have friends that are dropping off bags of clothes. And now all of a sudden there is a Go Fund Me page, which is amazing because we are currently homeless and don't know what is going on with any kind of insurance.' Ms Coulter said they're currently couch surfing and trying to plan what comes next for them, but through everything they have been overwhelmed by the support Video footage from the timber and metal home showed there was nothing left as they visited what was left of the structure. One of the women who lived in the share house, Ella Dixon, took to Facebook on Monday to thank the firefighters and the community. 'I just want to say thank you to everyone. The love support and excessive amount of tooth brushes and spare undies are very much appreciated,' she said. 'Years of built up c*** has now gone up in smoke but it's our c*** and we loved it very much. She said the fire had ripped through the home within a matter of five minutes 'We are safe and have each other and thats what is getting us through.' The blaze started just before 1.30pm on Saturday and fire crews were on scene within ten minutes. The two-storey home needed nine trucks to put out the fire, which had reached the roof of the home. Police, ambulance and the energy company were also at the fire and no injuries were reported. 'Today our good friends Reggie, Elise, Ella and Lauren left there house and returned to a sight that unfortunately our family has experienced ourselves,' a friend wrote on Go Fund Me. 'There home has literally burnt to the ground leaving them with nothing but the clothes on there back. Unfortunately all four of them didn't have any contents insurance.' 'Please help us make this incredibly difficult journey a little easier and donate as much or little as you possibly can.' An accountant who murdered his wife because he wanted a relationship with her sister has been sentenced to at least 23 years behind bars. Ahmed Dawood Seedat, 37, killed 32-year-old Fahima Yusuf while their children slept before burying her in the garden of their home in Carlisle, Western Australia in August. On Monday Justice Bruno Fiannaca sentenced him to life in jail and called the murder brutal, callous and cowardly. He said Seedat planned the murder of Ms Yusuf, originally from Bolton in the UK, for weeks and had egotistical motives. Ahmed Dawood Seedat (left) made 'disturbing' online searches including how to bury a person alive before he murdered his wife Fahima Yusuf (right) Ms Yusuf's body was found in a shallow grave in their backyard four days after her murder Justice Fiannaca said Seedat had earlier searched online for chilling terms such as 'cremating a body', 'best place to knock someone out' and burying someone alive. The killer struck his wife of eight years with a wheel brace as she slept. Seedat's lawyer Bernard Standish previously told the court his client had lost attraction for his wife and that he could no longer meet her 'sexual demands'. Seedat claimed to police officers on the night of the murder that he killed her because she tried to come on to him, the court heard. Ms Yusuf woke up after the first blow but was vulnerable and easily overpowered by him as he continued his attack, Justice Fiannaca said. Seedat then choked or suffocated Ms Yusuf and buried her in a hole that had been made by a contractor who was told it was to install a pool for his children, aged two and five. Seedat claimed his wife's final words were her telling him: 'I love you.' But Justice Fiannaca said that only demonstrated her horror and desperation to stop him from killing her, and the betrayal she felt. Ms Yusuf's cause of death remains undetermined but Justice Fiannaca said she suffered lacerations to her head and body, and had sand in her mouth but not in her airways. After Ms Yusuf's death, Seedat lied to explain her absence, telling friends and neighbours she had gone to the UK for eye surgery and telling her sister she had left him. Ms Yusuf (pictured left) and Seedat (pictured right) lived in the Perth suburb of Carlisle with their two children aged two and five The hole was dug by a contractor, who was told it was to install a pool for the children, the court heard (pictured: Mr Seedat and Ms Yusuf's backyard which was put up for sale) Seedat also asked a friend to call Ms Yusuf's interstate father and impersonate a police officer. Justice Fiannaca said it was part of Seedat's narcissistic traits that he thought people would believe his lies and he would get away with the crime. 'It may have been technically clumsy but it was calculated behaviour,' he said. Ms Yusuf was reported missing four days after her death and police found her body the following day. Seedat had intended to try to pursue a relationship with his sister-in-law, who he described as his best friend, but she viewed him as a brother. 'You envisaged a future with your sister-in-law ... you had become emotionally dependent on her,' Justice Fiannaca said. Seedat had also searched online: 'Can you marry your brother-in-law if your sister is dead muslim?' Justice Fiannaca said Seedat had deprived his children of both their parents, but accepted he was remorseful. Seedat is separately facing fraud charges, with allegations he stole $5.7 million. An armed gang is on the run after terrorising Melbourne last night with two home invasions and a carjacking. Four men of African appearance broke into a home in Bentleigh East, Melbourne at around 8.40pm on Sunday. They stole valuables and drove off in the victims' car but crashed it on the freeway. The men then carjacked another and broke into a second home where they stole two more luxury cars and terrified the residents. An armed gang is on the run after terrorising Melbourne last night with two home invasions and a carjacking During the first break in, one of the gang was armed with a knife and threatened the owners, a 39-year-old man and 32-year-old woman. The couple were both assaulted and left with minor injuries. The men then fled with jewellery, computers and handbags, and also took the victims' black BMW. The gang crashed the car on the Westgate Freeway by driving it into a barrier. As a car slowed down to help, one of the gang got out and tried to open the door. The 45-year-old man and his female passenger, 39, managed to drive away unharmed. Timeline of terror 8.40pm: Men break into a home in Bentleigh East 9pm: Men carjack woman in Port Melbourne 12am: Men break into home in Derrimut and steal two cars Advertisement The stolen BMW was later found dumped nearby. Police were then called to a house in Port Melbourne just after 9pm after reports of an aggravated carjacking. It is understood a woman was about to put her child into the car when she was approached by three men. One pulled out a knife and demanded her vehicle. The victim, a 42-year-old Box Hill North woman, called for help and was assisted by a family member, a 40-year-old man also from Box Hill North. He was also threatened by the gang, who took off in their vehicle, described as a black 2012 Hyundai i30 with registration ZEX859. The victims were not injured. Police later responded to an aggravated burglary in Derrimut about 12.10am on Monday. Four men of African appearance broke into a home in Bentleigh East, Melbourne at around 8.40pm on Sunday On this occasion, four masked men armed with knives broke into a home on Ivy Close and were confronted by the occupants. A 65-year-old man was assaulted during the incident and sustained a minor laceration. He did not require hospital treatment. A 58-year-old woman, 91-year-old man and 64-year-old woman, who were also home at the time, were not injured. The gang stole two cars, a grey 2010 Mercedes sedan registration XOB358 and a black 2015 Honda HR-V registration 1EY3DI. The stolen Hyundai from Port Melbourne was dumped nearby. Both the Honda HRV and Mercedes remain outstanding. Detectives believed the incidents were linked. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Michael Gove compared the Tory leadership race to Game of Thrones yesterday Michael Gove begged Tory members to 'trust' him last night as he predicted he could surge past Boris Johnson to take the leadership crown. Launching his bid to be prime minister, the Environment Secretary spoke about his love for the fantasy TV series Game of Thrones and appeared to deliver a warning to the former foreign secretary. In an apparent reference to the leadership race, he said: 'It is a gripping drama that surprises you. There's a character that you think will be the hero then voomph they are no more.' Mr Gove said he was 'aware of the irony'. The Environment Secretary has told friends he is the 'unity' candidate with the best chance of taking on Jeremy Corbyn at the next election. Speaking to the BBC's Nick Robinson at the Hay Festival in Wales he said he had a 'particular mix of experience' which means he was ready to move into No 10. In a sideswipe at Mr Johnson, he said he should be Tory leader because he had an 'eye for detail'. Asked whether he could be trusted despite 'stabbing David Cameron in the front' by joining the Leave campaign and 'stabbing Boris Johnson in the back' by scuppering his leadership bid in 2016, he said: 'Yes'. 'If you want testimony of the sort of person I am, ask those who know best,' he said. Mr Gove insisted he has 'evolved' as a politician since stating in 2016 he was 'incapable' of being prime minister. 'In those three years I have been through a variety of experiences,' he said. 'I led the campaign to leave the European Union and that involved going up head-to-head with David Cameron and others in the debate formats that we had. 'And being tested during that campaign, having had time to reflect when I was on the backbenches and then coming back into government. 'I think that I've evolved as a politician, but, obviously, we'll see in the course of the next few days and weeks who people think has what it takes.' He added: 'You do need an eye for detail the process of taking us out of the EU requires that. You also need conviction as well.' Mr Gove talked about the fact that he was adopted as a baby by a couple from Aberdeen and said he wanted to prove to them that the sacrifices they made for him have paid off. Boris Johnson, seen at an event in Switzerland last week, is the early favourite for the crown - a dangerous position to be in, Gove warned, citing Game Of Thrones He said: 'I want to prove to them the risk they took, or the chance they took on me was the right one. I believe there are things that I'm doing that show I appreciate sacrifices that they made. 'I'm trying to demonstrate to them that it was worth it, that I can do worthwhile things and give them the reason to believe that they chose the right one. I think I'm ready to be prime minister and knowing that I have loving parents makes me feel I can put something back.' The Environment Secretary said Britain could survive in a No Deal scenario, but it would be difficult and it would be better with a deal. He said he agreed with Theresa May that 'compromise is not a dirty word', but said sometimes you have got to be like Margaret Thatcher and have a 'handbag moment'. 'She was a deeply principled but also a thoughtful and subtle politician and sometimes you do need to stand firm and sometimes you do need to, in any job, have a handbag moment where you do make it clear you are going to stand for a position and not be budged from it,' he said. 'At other points you need to exercise thoughtfulness and yes, compromise.' Former farming minister George Eustice, who resigned from his position over Theresa May's Brexit deal, backed Mr Gove, saying that unlike Mr Johnson he 'has an eye for detail'. Taking a swing at both Mr Johnson and the other frontrunner Jeremy Hunt, who had voted Remain, Mr Eustice said: 'It is not enough for the next leader to 'respect' the 2016 referendum result we have tried that. 'Nor is it enough for them to just believe in Brexit. 'The next leader must respect it, believe in it and, crucially, have the wherewithal to deliver it.' Advertisement Seventeen black, bulletproof Chevrolet Suburbans stretched in a neat row were seen sitting outside the onetime official residence of Mexico's presidents on Sunday. Nearby stood a 2007 Lamborghini Murcielago and a 2016 Ford Shelby pickup truck with a video camera embedded in the front grill and a hand-held radio next to the driver's seat. All were put up for auction Sunday by the Institute to Return the Stolen to the People, the new name for a branch of the Finance Ministry that is in charge of selling property seized from purported drug dealers and tax cheats as well as government vehicles and other property that is no longer in use. Holding the auction outside Los Pinos, a mansion nestled on an edge of the capital's Chapultepec Park, it carried extra significance since President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador turned the once heavily guarded compound into an open cultural center when he took office December 1. $1.5million was made from the sale of 82 vehicles. A man holding his auction paddle looks at vehicles on display to be auctioned at the Los Pinos Cultural Center, once the presidential residence, in Mexico City, Sunday A man poses for photos next to a Chevrolet Camaro 2010 which was auctioned at the Los Pinos Cultural Center, the once heavily guarded home of previous Mexican presidents Looking for a new owner: People look inside a 2007 Lamborghini Murcielago which was auctioned off Sunday The top seller was the cherry red Shelby pickup (seen above) with a license plate from the northern state of Sinaloa, home to one of Mexico's most brutal drug cartels A photographer snaps photos of the luxury vehicles ahead of the auction. The Lamborghini Murcielago fetched $93,000 in the auction A Mexican soldier looks into a seized Jeep Wrangler that went under the hammer on Sunday The money raised will be be sent to two poor communities in the southern state of Oaxaca to improve roads, schools and other infrastructure. Those municipalities were chosen because almost all their residents live in poverty, he said. Some of the vehicles put up for sale had been collecting dust in government warehouses for 10 years. According to Mexican outlet El Universal, its the second time that prospective buyers have passed on the lot. The Ford Shelby was seized in September 2016 following the arrest of Julio Oscar 'El Kevin' Vega, a member of the Pacific Cartel and close ally of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, after Vega and his fellow cartel members killed five military soldiers and injured 10 during an ambush in El Chapo's native home state of Sinaloa. A lucky bidder purchased the armored truck for $99,745. The Lamborghini Murcielago fetched $93,000 in the auction. Head of the institute, Ricardo Rodriguez Vargas, said it was the most well attended auction in the history of the Finance Ministry with 800 people registering to bid. For every person sitting in the auction area under the shade of a white tarp there were at least another five outside ogling the vehicles, taking selfies with their favorite cars or watching the bids rise from beyond the cordoned auction pit. Holding the auction on the grounds of the former presidential mansion was symbolic, said Ricardo Alvarado, a researcher with Mexicans Against Corruption and Impunity, a watchdog group. 'Using a space that's characteristic of the luxury of past administrations is without a doubt a symbol of what this government intends to do with austerity,' he said. Lopez Obrador has slashed government salaries, including his own, and aggressively trimmed budgets. He plans to sell the presidential jet and travels on commercial airplanes, wears a Timex watch and claims to own fewer than a dozen suits. He is also targeting corruption and theft of state-produced gasoline. Holding the auction on the grounds of the former presidential mansion was symbolic, said Ricardo Alvarado, a researcher with Mexicans Against Corruption and Impunity, a watchdog group. 'Using a space that's characteristic of the luxury of past administrations is without a doubt a symbol of what this government intends to do with austerity,' he said. Pictured above, a man looks on at some of the vehicles up for grabs Men wash a 2007 Lamborghini Murcielago which was part of the auction. Some of the vehicles put up for sale had been collecting dust in government warehouses for 10 years A child looks inside a Chevrolet Camaro 2010 which went under the hammer on Sunday Several would-be buyers told The Associated Press that the vehicles were going for above-market prices Alejandro Santana, a luxury vehicle mechanic, traveled from the northern state of Durango with hopes of winning a bargain price Mini Cooper or pickup. He left empty-handed, describing the winning bids as 'very high'. People look at the vehicles on offer above For every person sitting in the auction area under the shade of a white tarp there were at least another five outside ogling the vehicles, taking selfies with their favorite cars or watching the bids rise from beyond the cordoned auction pit. People look at the vehicles ahead of the auction Several would-be buyers, though, told The Associated Press that the vehicles were going for above-market prices. Eduardo Aburto hoped to snag the 2004 special edition Volkswagen Beetle - one of the last ever produced - for the equivalent of $7,500, but the little beige Beetle went for $17,000. Another Beetle is seen above The armored Suburbans, many of which were at least a decade old, drew little interest from bidders Sunday, but the competition was fierce for three classic Volkswagen sedans - the original Beetles - as well as for pristine Audi and BMW hatchbacks with leather bucket seats. Muscle cars, such as an orange Corvette and canary yellow Chevrolet Camaro, also saw intense bidding. Men in fluorescent yellow vests floated between bidders, yelping like Mariarchi crooners as offers got loftier and loftier. Red auction paddles soared in the air, encouraged by a moderator in a little black dress who seduced buyers with warnings like: 'Don't let it go!' People who placed winning bids declined interviews with the media, citing security concerns. Several would-be buyers, though, told The Associated Press that the vehicles were going for above-market prices. Eduardo Aburto hoped to snag the 2004 special edition Volkswagen Beetle - one of the last ever produced - for the equivalent of $7,500, but the little beige Beetle went for $17,000. People hold up their numbers during a practice run before the start of a car auction at the Los Pinos Cultural Center An auctioneer waits to start a car auction at the Los Pinos Cultural Center, once the presidential residence, in Mexico City Alejandro Santana, a luxury vehicle mechanic, traveled from the northern state of Durango with hopes of winning a bargain price Mini Cooper or pickup. He left empty-handed, describing the winning bids as 'very high'. Tania Arenas, a researcher at a public university, also watched with dismay as prices soared past her budget ceiling on several vehicles. 'The price starts to shoot up in the first seconds - they rise too much,' she said with incredulity. Nonetheless, she credited the highly visible event with providing voters with proof that the government is raising money and putting it to good use. Bonifacio Rodriguez Correa, a farmer in a cowboy hat, traveled two hours by bus from what he described as a 'forgotten' ranch in central Mexico just to feast his eyes on the vehicles. 'I don't have any money,' he confessed, adding that if he did, he would have bid for a hardy VW to help in his corn fields. He was overcome with emotion, though, when he talked about this display by Lopez Obrador. 'I cry because I'm happy,' Rodriguez Correa said. 'I have a lot of faith, a lot of confidence that he'll get us out of this quagmire. He's a man who does what he says.' Seized helicopters and a Bombardier Challenger 605 plane were also sold at auction last month. A Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft put on the auction block by Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is pictured above Hezekiah Perkins, 90, was laid to rest at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati on Saturday Hundreds of Good Samaritans paid their respects to a Korean War veteran who was buried without any immediate family at his funeral. Hezekiah Perkins, 90, was laid to rest at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati on Saturday. The cemetery posted notices asking members of the public to attend Perkinss funeral since he did not have any immediate family who could attend. Once I learned his daughter and other family members would not be able to attend - his daughter due to health issues - I just felt it was very fitting that this soldier receive long overdue honors, said Lynay Straughn, an employee of the cemetery. Spring Grove arranged for soldiers from nearby Fort Knox, Kentucky to give Perkins full military honors, according to WKRC-TV. The funeral home also live streamed the burial service so that his daughter can watch from afar. The cemetery asked the public to pay respects to Perkins who did not have any family members nearby who could attend his burial More than 100 veterans on motorcycles rode in a cavalcade to escort Perkinss body Staff estimated that some 400 people showed up to pay their respects to a man they never met Perkins died with a rank of Army Private First Class following his service in the Korean War. He purchased a burial plot 20 years ago at the cemetery Straughn said: She is just in tears. She is so grateful and moved by the kindness and and the love and support of the military family and everybody else that came out. More than 100 veterans on motorcycles rode in a cavalcade to escort Perkinss body, Fox 19 TV reported. Perkins died with a rank of Army Private First Class following his service in the Korean War. He purchased a burial plot 20 years ago at the cemetery. Cemetery staff never expected such a massive response from the community. It started out as a little bitty idea and it just mushroomed into hundreds of people, Straughn said. Staff estimated that some 400 people showed up to pay their respects to a man they never met. No one should ever leave this world alone and we will not let a fellow veteran leave this world alone, said Pat Bushman of American Legion Post 630, a national veterans organization. A worker has died and another is seriously injured after they became trapped under landfill in a western Sydney quarry. Emergency services arrived at the Eastern Creek work site about 12:45pm on Monday, following reports the two men were trapped. Fellow workers and emergency services battled to free the men from under debris. The men are believed to have become trapped under waste when a tipper truck rolled. One man in his early 30s has been taken to Westmead Hospital with abdominal and shoulder injuries, while the other has died. The matter is now being investigated by Work Safe NSW. More to come. Disgraced Cardinal George Pell won't seek a reduced sentence if the Court of Appeal upholds his conviction for sexually abusing two Melbourne choirboys in the 1990s. Pell has been behind bars since February and is due to return to court next month to fight his conviction. But he won't be adding an appeal against the six-year prison sentence handed down by County Court Chief Judge Peter Kidd in March. Disgraced Cardinal George Pell won't seek a reduced sentence if the Court of Appeal upholds his conviction for sexually abusing two Melbourne choirboys in the 1990s Pell was ordered to serve at least three years and eight months of that sentence after being convicted by a jury in December of one charge of sexual penetration of a child and four charges of committing an indecent act with or in the presence of a child. Pell raped one 13-year-old choirboy and sexually molested his friend in the sacristy of St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne in 1996 when he was newly-installed as Archbishop. He molested the first boy again about a month later. His barrister Robert Richter QC filed an application for appeal in February against Pell's conviction, arguing it should be overturned on three grounds. Pell has been behind bars since February and is due to return to court next month to fight his conviction. Pictured: leaving the County Court in Melbourne in February AAP has confirmed there will be no appeal against Pell's sentence added to that application. An appeal against sentence would have to argue the sentence was 'manifestly excessive'. Judge Kidd acknowledged there was a real chance Pell, who will turn 78 next month, could die in jail Sydney silk and specialist appeals barrister Bret Walker SC will run the appeal case on June 5 and 6. Three judges will first decide if Pell should be granted leave to appeal and, if so, the appeal is scheduled to be heard over two days. Pell was still free when the appeal was filed and requested to be in court. That remains the case now he is in prison. He e won't be adding an appeal against the six-year prison sentence handed down by County Court Chief Judge Peter Kidd in March His legal team will first argue the verdicts were 'unreasonable' because the jury could not have been satisfied beyond reasonable doubt Pell was guilty on the word of the single surviving complainant against 'unchallenged exculpatory evidence' of more than 20 prosecution witnesses. They are also set to argue Judge Kidd was mistaken in not allowing the defence to use a video graphic in Mr Richter's closing arguments, which he said would demonstrate the offending was impossible. A third ground claims there was a 'fundamental irregularity' in the trial because Pell was not arraigned - asked if he pleaded guilty or not guilty - in front of the chosen jury. While Pell remains Australia's highest-ranking Catholic, the Vatican has launched its own investigation into his convictions If the judges accept the first ground, Pell's conviction will be overturned and he will be released. A new trial could be ordered if they accept the second or third grounds. While Pell remains Australia's highest-ranking Catholic, the Vatican has launched its own investigation into his convictions. Vatican spokesman Alessandro Gisotti said while the verdict was 'painful', Pell 'has the right to defend himself until the last stage of appeal'. A former soldier jailed over the manslaughter of his baby son has been freed after spending less than two years behind bars. Nicholas Baxter was sentenced in November 2017 to nine years in jail after being found guilty of killing his six-week-old son Matthew in Townsville, Queensland. But on Monday morning he was granted bail after the Court of Appeal quashed his manslaughter conviction, the Townsville Bulletin reported. Nicholas Baxter was sentenced in November 2017 to nine years in jail after being found guilty of killing his six-week-old son Matthew in Townsville, Queensland The 39-year-old was found not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter, and appealed his conviction just three days after the jury returned their verdict. The baby suffered brain hemorrhaging and 17 rib fractures before he died. Last week two majority appeal judges at The Court of Appeal ruled that the trial judge shouldn't have let evidence of earlier rib fractures suffered by the baby be heard by the jury. Baxter wasn't present when he was granted bail at Townsville Supreme Court on Monday by Justice David North. Six-week-old Matthew suffered brain hemorrhaging and 17 rib fractures before he died Prosecutors didn't fight the bail application, but the Crown will be seeking a retrial. Crown Prosecutor Nigel Rees said he assumed a future trial would last three to four weeks, and Justice North said it would likely take place in 2020. 'There may need to be reconsideration on the admissibility of evidence,' Justice North said. The matter will next be heard in Townsville Supreme Court on August 26. A video of a Sumatran policeman has gone viral after he was filmed performing a magic trick for a journalist in the wake of the Indonesian election riots. The footage, uploaded by 9News Asia Correspondent Renae Henry, shows the officer offering some magical relief to the journalist in Jakarta last week. Ms Henry and her crew had been hanging around the police barricades in between live crosses when riot squad member Ridho Vernando offered to show her a trick. After tearing up a tissue, the officer was seen forming the pieces into two crumpled balls, enclosing one in her fist and one in his fist. News Asia Correspondent Renae Henry shared a video of Indonesian officer Ridho Vernando offering some magical relief in Jakarta last week After tearing up a tissue, the officer was seen forming the pieces into two crumpled balls, enclosing one in her fist and one in his fist. He then magically transfers his tissue to her hand Crime-fighting magicians. A bit of fun with these Sumatran police today whove been risking their lives to fend off rioters in #jakarta pic.twitter.com/WNyW3hW6JL Renae Henry (@renaehenry9) May 23, 2019 He then makes the tissue in his hand disappear by magically 'transferring' it to Ms Henry. When she finally opens her hand, she is seen holding both pieces, causing spectators to erupt with cheers and applause. The video has garnered more than 760,000 views, as well as 23,000 retweets and 31,000 likes. 'A bit of fun won't hurt. How I wish he could magically make all those rioters disappear,' one person replied. Ms Henry described the moment as 'magic amid madness' as the country continues to experience political unrest following a controversial election outcome. Violent riots and clashes between protesters and police have taken over the streets of Jakarta since the election commission announced last week that President Joko Widodo had beaten former general Prabowo Subianto in the April 17 poll. Six people have already died in the protests while another 200 have been wounded. Anies Baswedan, governor of the Indonesian capital, confirmed the deaths last Wednesday during clashes sparked by the official confirmation that President Joko Widodo had won last month's election. Violent clashes between police and protesters have continued for a a second night in Jakarta Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned Australians planning to visit the country to 'exercise a high degree of caution' 'As per 9 o'clock this morning, there were 200 people hurt being brought to five hospitals,' the governor told broadcaster TVOne. 'The number of people dead was six,' he said, adding that hospitals were conducting post mortems to determine the cause of death. White-robed protesters blocked streets in one central Jakarta neighborhood and in another, rioters fought running battles with police, throwing rocks and setting fires. During the night, vehicles and a paramilitary police dormitory were set ablaze as police using tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon battled protesters who threw molotov cocktails and burning projectiles. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has warned Australians planning to visit the country to 'exercise a high degree of caution' in Indonesia overall, including tourist hotspot Bali. Further demonstrations are planned in central Jakarta in the coming days, particularly in the vicinity of the electoral commission office in Menteng, and the Election Supervisory Board in Tanah Abang. Indonesian authorities say 40,000 police and army personnel are on duty across Jakarta to maintain security. The former world's fattest man has denied he is a scrounger as he is set to return to the UK to receive 100,000 of NHS care - as the US won't pay for his treatment. Paul Mason moved to the US five years ago seeking a new life, after an NHS stomach operation helped him to slim down from 70st to 19st. However, the 58-year-old's weight soon started to balloon again, following a split from his America girlfriend, with his weight creeping up to 40st. He is set to board a flight home today and says he understands why Brits have become irritated over him coming back to the UK to receive treatment. Mr Mason is pictured in a photograph using two walking aides, so to the fact he needs knee surgery Mr Mason is seen in January 2017 after losing significant weight following an exercise regime Paul Mason, who was once the world's fattest man, is pictured on ITV's This Morning in 2013 (right) and on a treadmill (left) Speaking to The Sun, he said: 'I can understand people in Britain saying, 'Why should my tax pay for him?' 'But I'm no sponger I deserve it as much as any Brit. I contributed to society when I was working. 'We all fall apart when things get tough. Doing it over here in America has been the worst thing I could have done because there's no support. But there is in the UK.' He reportedly needs to surgery to replace his knees, repair eight stomach hernias and adjust his bypass. In the 1980s Mr Mason weighed around 25stone and by the year 2000 his weight had ballooned to 70 stone. After going on a diet, a strict exercise regime and surgery he managed to get down to 19 stone in 2010. However, following a split with his girlfriend, his weight once again crept up to 39 stone this year. Mr Mason revealed in a Facebook post earlier this month that he plans to return to Britain soon He also needs mobility aids as well as counselling sessions. Despite piling on the pounds and needed counselling sessions, he said that food gives him a great feeling and described it as being 'better than sex'. 'You don't choose this lifestyle. The addiction never goes away. You don't conquer it. You can just keep it at bay. 'You know when you orgasm you get a really good strong sexual feeling? It's like that, but contentment as well.' Paul Mason's fluctuating weight losses and gains 1980s: Paul weighs around 25 stone 1989: Was sacked as a postman for stealing money to pay for his snacking habits 2000s: Paul's weight creeps up to his heaviest at a whopping 70 stone 2009: Had a gastric band fitted 2010: He drops down to 19 stone following an exercise regime, diet plan and surgery 2013: Say's he has lost 46 stone in total, weighing in at 24 stone 2014: Pauls care was costing UK taxpayers 100,000 - moves to the US for surgery 2018: Fined 200 for stealing 2019: He puts on weight following splitting from his girlfriend, weighting in at 39 stone Advertisement However Tam Fry, of the National Obesity Forum, said that bypass patients know they have to reduce their food intake and think more carefully about what they eat. He added: 'Paul's health problems are therefore his fault. The NHS should not be forced to clean up this mess. 'It's pretty ripe of him to expect us to pick up the pieces. As far as I'm concerned when he moved to America he forfeited his right to NHS treatment.' Mr Mason, originally from Ipswich, Suffolk, was 70 stone (445kg) at his heaviest and his battle to lose weight featured on TLC show World's Fattest Man. But when he moved to Orange, Massachusetts, in 2014, he ballooned in size again from 19 stone (121kg) to 35 stone (222kg) despite having gastric band surgery. After being charged with stealing from supermarket Walmart and splitting from his fiancee, he now plans to return to the UK. He wrote on his Facebook page earlier this month: 'I need to return to the UK where I will be eligible for the assistance I need to get my life back on track.' In recent months Mr Mason has piled the weight back on, gorging on pizza and crisps all night following the split from fiancee Rebecca Mountain last year. He now gets around on sticks and is desperate for a double knee replacement and an op to fix a herniated stomach staple which he damaged by over-eating. He said yesterday: 'After nearly five years living in the US, the time has come for me to soon return to the UK. I will go into more detail in the coming weeks and months/ 'But what I can say now is that over the years living in the US I made some wrong decisions which has led to some bad consequences.' 'Some of those being letting my visa expire, moving in with someone who was a bad influence and because of these and other choices I made, I've put on weight. 'I'm now around 500 pounds, up from my lowest weight of 275. Looking forward, I need to return to the UK where I will be eligible for the assistance I need to get my life back on track.' Mr Mason shows how fat he had become by November 2011 while appearing on ITV's Daybreak After news of his latest allegation of shoplifting reached his hometown of Ipswich, residents were outraged at his plans to return to Britain. A former neighbour said last year that the reality TV star was still allowing his circumstances in life to affect his weight. They said: 'To leave the country and come back just because we have a free NHS is wrong although it's completely understandable why you would do it. 'He should be looking not just at the weight but at how he thinks and feels so he can cope better when he's in a bad way.' Mr Mason is pictured on a shopping trip in his hometown of Ipswich in Suffolk in April 2011 Mr Mason is pictured on the TLC documentary World's Fattest Man which first aired in 2010 Police in the US said Mr Mason was found with 175 worth of aftershave, perfume, phone charges and earphones in his shopping trolley in May. According to Walmart security staff, he had tried to pull the stunt before. A police officer's report, seen by The Sun, read: 'Store security advised the male party, later identified as Paul Mason, failed to pay for the items he had in his basket totalling approximately $225. 'I was further informed that they having (sic) been watching Paul as he has done this in past, as he fills up a basket and then leaves the store utilising a motorized cart. Mr Mason ballooned in size in the US despite having gastric band surgery. He is pictured on the TLC documentary in 2010, which told the story of how doctors tried to help him Mr Mason is pictured outside a hospital in the US as part of the TLC documentary in 2010 Before moving to join Ms Mountain, an eight stone vegetarian, in Massachusetts in 2014, Mr Mason's care was costing UK taxpayers 100,000-a-year and an estimated 1.5million in total. In a 2002 medical emergency, fire crews had to take out a window and brickwork so a forklift could take him out of the house and to hospital in a five-ton ambulance specially built for obese people. By 2009 he needed a life-saving operation after putting away 20,000 calories a day, including three family-sized takeaway meals an evening. Then in 2010 he had gastric bypass surgery that shrunk his stomach to the size of an egg. Mr Mason is pictured on the TLC show in 2010 with his ex-fiancee Rebecca Mountain Paul Mason, 59, is pictured in 2009 when he needed a life-saving operation after putting away 20,000 calories a day, including three family-sized takeaway meals an evening In 2013 Ms Mountain contacted Mr Mason after seeing a documentary about him. The pair got engaged and in May 2015 he had four stone of excess skin cut from his body in a nine-hour procedure in New York. The NHS had refused to do the 30,000 operation until his weight had been stable for two years. Despite him getting down to 19 stone, the couple called off their engagement in September 2015. Nigel Farage During nearly three decades in public life, Nigel Farage has risen from a eurosceptic rabble-rouser on the fringes of British politics to a pivotal player reshaping the country's Brexit-dominated landscape. Farage was a driving force behind the 2016 vote to quit the EU and the 55-year-old has now helped see off two prime ministers after scoring his third political victory in five years in the European Parliament polls held in Britain on Thursday. Ann Widdecombe Ann Widdecombe began her career as a Tory councillor in Surrey before being elected to Parliament in 1987. During her career as an MP she gained notoriety for advocating the death penalty and opposing some gay rights legislation. After John Major became Prime Minister she was promoted to the front bench as a junior minister. In 1995 she became prisons minister - notably visiting every prison in the UK. In 2010 she left Parliament and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing with Anton Du Beke. Earlier this year she announced she was defecting from the Tories to the Brexit Party and backing Nigel Farage at the EU elections. On May 23 she was elected as an MEP for the South West of England. Annunziata Rees-Mogg The younger sister of Brexit hardliner Jacob Rees-Mogg was unveiled as the Brexit Party's star candidate. The 40-year-old married mother of one last appeared on the political stage in 2010 as the Tory candidate in Somerton and Froome, losing the Somerset seat to the Lib Dems by less than 2,000 votes. Ahead of the poll it was claimed David Cameron asked her to shorten her name to Nancy Mogg - but she refused and later claimed 'I think it's phoney to pretend to be someone you're not'. Annunziata married former soldier Matthew Glanville in 2010 and they have a daughter, Isadora. Richard Tice Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice is a multi-millionaire property developer in charge of a 500 million portfolio. He co-founded Leave.EU, which campaigned in the referendum, with Arron Banks. Tice, 54, then founded Leave Means Leave to fight for a hard Brexit. He regularly appears on TV and radio to make his case. He had been a loyal Tory backer, and was tipped to stand for them in next year's election for London's mayor Ben Habib Ben Habib is chief executive of First Property, a 730 million portfolio that has made the Anglo-Pakistani magnate millions from investments in office blocks in Central Europe. The company has boasted of exploiting 'Brexit nervousness' to maximise profits. Mr Habib, who lives in a 6 million mansion in Hampshire with wife Sarah and three children, was previously a lifelong Conservative voter who donated to the party Martin Daubney Martin Daubney, now a regular TV pundit but the former editor of 1990s 'lads' mag' Loaded, is the son of a Nottinghamshire coal miner and now a West Midlands MEP. He won plaudits from voters after he said he believed the current Westminster politicians were 'clueless' about the 'real world' of ordinary people's lives and 'don't know what a day's work is'. After winning one of three Brexit Party seats in the West Midlands, newly-elected MEP Martin Daubney tweeted: 'I did it! I'm in!' June Mummery June Mummery is a member of Fishing For Leave and the managing director of fish market auctioneers BFP Eastern in Lowestoft, Suffolk. Described as a 'veteran Brexiteer' who 'has spent years fighting for the rights of British fisherman by finally taking back controls of our waters', she has claimed some people call her Boadicea, after the British queen who led a doomed uprising against Roman rule almost 2,000 years ago. Mummery, 55, backed Brexit for the economic benefits she believes it will bring for the fishing industry, adding: 'At the moment we have about 500 people making a living from fish in the town. If Brexit goes our way, I believe the workforce will double in the next ten to 15 years.' Mrs Mummery's daughter Scarlett, 23, who works on oil rigs, has used her model good looks to gain almost 25,000 followers on Instagram James Glancy James Glancy was a Captain in the elite British Royal Marines and Special Boat Service, serving in three combat tours of Afghanistan. In 2012, he was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) for leadership and bravery on the frontline. He is now a Director of a conservation charity, Veterans 4 Wildlife, where he focuses on the preservation of African wildlife and combating the global trade in shark fins. James is currently a host on Discovery Channel's Shark Week and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He says Brexit has made Britain an international laughing stock. Claire Fox Former Communist Party member Claire Fox is the director of the Academy of Ideas, which she established to create a public space where ideas can be contested without constraint. She is a panelist on BBC Radio 4's The Moral Maze and is frequently invited to comment on developments in culture, education, media and free speech issues on TV and radio programmes in the UK such as Newsnight and Any Questions? She said: 'Don't get me wrong, I'm from the left. If you sat Nigel and I down, I am not going to agree with them on any range of questions. But the question now is whether we are going to let democracy be overturned'. Christina Johnson Christina is a former NHS nurse turned community leader. She came to the UK from Malaysia in 1985 after starting her career as a secretary at Turkish Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. She completed her Registered General Nurse training at Winchester General Hospital and went on to work as a staff nurse. Now she lives in Salisbury after a long career in nursing. She said: 'I love this country. I want to stand up for the 17.4 million'. Lance Forman Mr Forman is owner of luxury food company H.Forman and Son, famed for its smoked salmon. Before taking over the family business, Lance Forman started out as President of the Cambridge Union. He qualified as a chartered accountant at PWC before running his salmon business out of east London. Matthew Patten Matthew is an experienced business and charity director. He has global board and CEO experience in social impact, sports, commerce, social mobility, governance, campaigning, fundraising and business development knowledge. He has been Chief Executive of the Lord's Taverners, Chief Executive at M&C Saatchi Sponsorship and Director of Communications for Clubs for Young People, working with over 400,000 disadvantaged young people. John Longworth John Longworth, 60, is a former director of Asda and Tesco who stood down as head of the British Chambers of Commerce in 2016 when he publicly backed Brexit, against the group's agreed stance. He says MPs have 'done everything possible to frustrate, delay and undermine' the process of leaving the EU. He is now chairman of Leave Means Leave, the lobby group set up by Richard Tice. Christina Jordan Christina is a former NHS nurse turned community leader. She came to the UK from Malaysia in 1985 after starting her career as a secretary at Turkish Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. She completed her Registered General Nurse training at Winchester General Hospital and went on to work as a staff nurse. Now she lives in Salisbury after a long career in nursing. She said: 'I love this country. I want to stand up for the 17.4 million'. Lucy Harris Lucy Harris, a former opera singer turned Brexit campaigner, also won in Yorkshire and Humber, hit the headlines last year after she claimed a commuter called her 'thick and racist' for wearing a bag supporting leaving the EU. Ms Harris, a Brexiteer and founder of the pro-Brexit group Leavers of London, accompanied her post with a picture of the man, who denied her claims and described in the incident as 'friendly chat'. Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen, 59, a Danish national, who has lived in the UK for more than 20 years with his British wife and children. He is an NHS dentist, senior trade union official and a socialist, who lives in London and is standing in the North West of England as a candidate. Mr Overgaard-Nielsen said he was involved in the campaign in Denmark in 1992 to reject the Maastricht Treaty, which he said was then rejected by politicians in that country. David Bull Ex A&E doctor David Bull was spotted by a modelling agency before transitioning into TV. He appeared on Watchdog before moving to join Tomorrow's world' the prime time technology show. In 2002 David launched the cult show Most Haunted Live, and hosted the world's largest live ghost hunt, each show being a three hour unscripted live show. He stood for the Tories in the 2009 election before joining the Brexit Party this year. Alexandra Phillips Alexandra Phillips was UKIP's Head of Media for three years but would later join the Conservative Party after Theresa May became leader. But she left again after her failure to deliver Brexit. There were jokes and a little confusion as voters in the South East elected two people called Alexandra Phillips to represent them in the European Parliament. Brexit Party MEP Alexandra Phillips secured a seat in the region alongside leader Nigel Farage and two other party colleagues. Meanwhile, the Green Party's Alexandra Phillips, previously the mayor of Brighton and Hove, was also elected. Robert Rowland Robert Rowland was elected alongside Nigel Farage in the south-east. He helped fund more than 15,000 for supporter Don MacNaughton, 81, who was covered in the strawberry drink by a 'yob' who spotted his Brexit Party rosette in Aldershot on Thursday. An outpouring of public sympathy for the widower saw a crowd-funding effort to pay for his dry cleaning bill surge in popularity, and within hours donations were approaching 15,000. Mr Rowland explained: 'It quickly snowballed into an incredible act of charity that gives you faith in the British public. 'Don was also being offered cash by the great British public on the street, which he steadfastly declined.' Belinda de Lucy The new Brexit Party MEP is studying Masters in EU Law while campaigning to leave. She says she loves Europe and all its 44 nations - but not its political institutions. She tweeted today: 'Thank you to all the protesters, campaigners, leafleters, supporters for every hour you stood, insult you bore, mile you marched and EVERY vote you've had to make. And they thought we'd come to heel'. Nathan Gill Nathan Gill heads up the Brexit Party in Wales, having previously served as a UKIP MEP. He is one of two newly-elected Brexit Party MEPs for Wales, tweeted: 'Thank you Wales! I will never forget that you voted to leave, even though those in Westminster have tried to silence your vote. Along with @JamesfWells I will be your voice in the European Parliament and we will get our Brexit.' He added: 'Wales voted to LEAVE! We knew what we were voting for and we still want to LEAVE. @brexitparty-uk is the only party committed to respecting the vote of the people of Wales'. James Well James Wells, who has been elected in Wales, was a civil servant banned from political involvement so resigned from his job as head of UK trade at the Office for National Statistics. He left work for the last time on at 4pm and embarked on a campaign to become an MEP the following day. 'It's been a bit of a whirlwind,' he said, but he could no longer go on 'shouting at the TV' as he believed 'democratic values' were being 'trampled over'. Michael Heaver Michael Heaver is a former press adviser for Mr Farage who writes for pro-Brexit political news website Westmonster. The newly-elected Brexit Party MEP tweeted: "Huge win here in East of England with 38% of the vote and 3 Brexit MEPs. The fight back starts now!" Jonathan Bullock Former UKIP MEP Jonathan Bullock defected to the Brexit Party and is now an MEP in the East Midlands. For the Conservative Party, Bullock fought the Parliamentary seats of Manchester Gorton in 1992 and Gedling in 2001 before standing in the 2004 European Parliament election in the East Midlands constituency. Rupert Lowe Former Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe was the Brexit Party's lead candidate for the European Elections in the West Midlands. Mr Lowe, 61, became the football club's chairman in the mid-1990s and resigned in June 2006 after the club slumped into administration. In 1997 stood for the Referendum Party and played a high-profile role in the 2016 EU referendum. Andrew Kerr Andrew Kerr is a lawyer turned politician who was elected in the West Midlands yesterday. He also runs a number of business, including an estate agency. Jake Pugh Jake Pugh has been elected to his first political post in Europe overnight as part of the Brexit Party's big win. He tweeted today: 'Three more MEPs for the Brexit Party, taking half of the seats in Yorkshire and the Humber. Congratulations!' Brian Monteith Scottish-born Brian Monteith is PR expert who was a Conservative Member of the Scottish Parliament between 1999 and 2007. He has now been elected as an MEP for the Brexit Party in the North East England constituency. Monteith listed a French address as his primary home on his nomination papers and has not said if he will move to the North East region now elected. John Tennant Before becoming an MEP, Gateshead-born Mr Tennant is a senior councillor on Hartlepool Borough Councillor, having been elected as an independent and formed a group called the Independent Union. He has worked in Brussels and was considered to be close to Nigel Farage, helping him with his speaker schedule. Advertisement Revellers made the most of the Bank Holiday break by hitting the town and partying into the early hours of the morning. Plenty of those out celebrating will likely need a lie-in today after looking a little worse for wear at the end of the night. Some were dressed to the nines as they enjoyed hitting upmarket bars in Birmingham and Manchester. But others ended up stumbling around and even falling to the floor, while the emergency services were on hand to help those who had too much to drink. One man in Birmingham was later arrested after he refused to leave a taxi despite him and his friends not having the money to pay the driver. The extra day off work also led some to choose the weekend as the perfect opportunity for hen parties, with groups of women seen wearing traditional sashes and less-traditional bunny ears. Thousands of revellers across the country hit the tiles last night to make the most of the Bank Holiday break, with the streets of Birmingham packed with those looking to enjoy a three-day weekend. Many were dressed to the nines in high heels, left, while others opted for more colourful outfits, right In Manchester this group of women chose the Bank Holiday weekend as the ideal chance to have a hen party, wearing sashes and bunny ears One woman in Birmingham found herself an easier way of getting home at the end of the night after persuading a male friend to give her a lift, left, while others clutched each other as they braved the chilly temperatures, right High heels became too much for two women in Birmingham who opted to sit down to eat some fast food, with one taking her shoes off to get comfortable But some were worse for wear and needed help from the emergency services, including this woman in Birmingham who was wheeled into an ambulance by paramedics after passing out The woman in Birmingham, pictured, had been attended to by friends outside the Players nightclub in Broad Street who then called an ambulance to help It was also a good night for fast food traders with revellers, including these women in Birmingham, hunting out take-aways at the end of the night One woman in Birmingham chose an unusual place to have a rest - the ground in Broad Street Revellers were also enjoying the three-day weekend in Manchester, even if some did decided to shed their footwear, pictured Those enjoying a night out in Manchester, pictured, also made a beeline for takeaways at the end of the night Advertisement Furious voters turned the country Brexit blue today as they sent a vicious message to the Tories and Labour. Nigel Farage's insurgents dominated across England and Wales, evicting the main parties from key strongholds in the South East and London. Only in Scotland did the SNP managed to stave off the challenge from the Brexit Party. But there was also a wave of support for the Liberal Democrats and Greens south of the border, underlining the depth of the divisions in the UK. In a sign of the strength of feeling, turnout at 37 per cent was the highest since 2004, when the figures were inflated by the use of all-postal ballots. The results sparked frenzied infighting in the Conservatives and Labour, as they struggled to work out how to respond to the drubbing. This map shows the party which won the most votes in each of hundreds of local authority areas in England, Wales and Scotland. With almost all results in, the Brexit Party had won the vast majority of council areas in England and Wales last night Despite only being launched six weeks ago, the Brexit Party has won at least 28 MEP seats and around 31 per cent of the vote. It came first in hundreds of local authorities across the country. By contrast, the Conservatives dropped to fifth place across much of the country with just 9 per cent of the vote. The disastrous showing immediately sparked warnings from would-be leader Boris Johnson that things could get even worse for the Tories if the UK does not leave the EU by the end of October - deal or no deal. A jubilant Mr Farage demanded a role in the next round of negotiations with the EU, threatening to loose more havoc at a general election. 'If we don't leave on October 31 then the scores you have seen for the Brexit Party today will be repeated in a general election, and we are getting ready for it,' he said. As voters vented their fury at the political chaos in Westminister Jeremy Corbyn was also handed a bloody nose as Labour's vote collapsed. His party has slumped to third, beaten by the unashamedly pro-Remain Liberal Democrats, after being humbled in strongholds including London and Wales as Remain voters deserted them. As the scale of the thrashing became clear, Labour MPs and peers lined up to castigate their leader for sitting on the fence rather than coming out strongly for a second referendum. These diagrams show how the Brexit Party has stormed to victory in the European elections, winning the most votes and seats Kevin Na claimed nearly $1.3 million for his victory at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, on Sunday, but his caddie made out pretty well, driving away from the PGA tour win with a shiny blue 1973 Dodge Challenger. The native of Seoul, South Korea gave the keys to caddie Kenny Harms, who had asked Na during a practice round earlier in the week if he could have the car if Na won. Na apparently agreed but after handing over the keys to the Dodge he assured those gathered at the press conference that he is not lacking in the motor department. 'Oh, yeah,' Na said. 'I got a Lamborghini at home.' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO The native of Seoul, South Korea gave the keys to caddie Kenny Harms, pictured in the vehicle He promised to give it to his caddie. pic.twitter.com/CyhIwLPP3Q PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 26, 2019 Harms posted photos of the car on Instagram before the tournament began, writing the caption, 'After @kevinna915 wins this week #charlesschwabchallenge This beauty is mine!' Na opened Sunday with a two-shot lead and fired a 4-under 66 to win by four shots, claiming his third PGA Tour victory. After sinking a birdie at 18 to cap his round, Na pointed to the car and said, 'That's your car, baby,' while smiling and embracing Harms. Na of the United States hugs caddie, Kenny Harms, on the 18th green after winning the Charles Schwab Challenge Kevin Na (plaid blazer) claimed nearly $1.3 million for his victory at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, on Sunday, but his caddie Kenny Harms (in white) made out pretty well, driving away from the PGA tour win with a shiny blue 1973 Dodge Challenger Kevin Na reacts as he revs the engine of a fully restored 1973 Dodge Challenger that he was presented with after winning 'He knows I was thinking about it,' Na said afterward. 'I mean, looks like a beautiful car, but little did I know how much that car was worth.' Depending on the condition, the classic model of car can be worth anywhere from around $30,000 to approaching six digits. 'He's a good salesman, I guess,' Na said. 'He sold me into it. But I'm more than happy to give it to him. He deserves it.' Harms posted photos of the car on Instagram before the tournament began, writing the caption, 'After @kevinna915 wins this week #charlesschwabchallenge This beauty is mine!' As Na revealed on Sunday, he actually pays his caddie more than the customary 10 percent of his winnings. 'You know what? Wouldn't surprise me if he's the highest percentage paid caddie out here,' Na said in his post-round press conference. 'I'm being dead serious. You can ask him. He won't tell you the number, but he gets a good check, a lot more than the average.' Kevin Na of the United States talks with Charles Schwab after being presented with a fully restored 1973 Dodge Challenger Kevin Na talks with his caddie, Kenny Harms, on the 12th hole during the final round Sophia Na runs to her father Kevin Na after his win of the Charles Schwab Challenge Senator Joni Ernst said Sunday that Trump calling farmers 'patriots' in a recent speech 'doesn't pay the bills', as she slammed his trade dispute with China for endangering US agriculture. The Republican, 48, said the President's escalating trade war with China has had a devastating effect on farmers in her home state of Iowa and across the US, and urged him to break the deadlock. Speaking on CNN's State of the Union, she said farmers were living in 'very tense times'. Speaking on CNN's State of the Union, Senator Joni Ernst called on Trump to end the trade war with China Trump announced on Thursday a $16 billion bailout plan for farmers struggling to stay above water 'I think we need see a deal done. I would love to see it this summer. I don't see that happening this summer,' she said on the show. She added, 'At what point do you say national security, the interests of our country, that's enough? I think that our trade rep, the president, they understand the implications. 'They know better where we are those negotiations. The president has asked those farmers to hang on just a little bit longer. It is tenuous. It is hurting in the Midwest. It's hurting all over the country with the tariffs but at the same time, we do have to get China to the table.' Earnst said farmers in her state wanted the President to confront China over trade issues and intellectual property theft, but that they were also worried about 'paying the bills'. 'We have to stop them from stealing intellectual property. We have to stop them from force technology transfers. that's detrimental not only to our economy but national security,' she added. 'The president has called our farmers patriots, it doesn't pay the bills. It doesn't pay the bills. We'll see in the up coming months how long we can sustain.' Earnst argued many farmers in her home state of Iowa wanted Trump to confront China over trade issues On Thursday, Trump unveiled a $16 billion bailout plan for farmers struggling to stay above water as a result of the trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. 'The $16 billion in funds will help keep our cherished farms thriving and make clear that no country has veto on America's economic and national security, can't let that happen ever,' the president said. 'You could say with our farmers, they're patriots, they stood up. We will ensure that our farmers get the relief that they need, and very, very quickly,' the president added with the plans announcement. Trump wrote on Twitter earlier this month that America's 'great Patriot Farmers' will ultimately benefit from a reoriented trans-Pacific trade balance, and '[h]opefully China will do us the honor of continuing to buy our great farm product, the best.' But if not, he added, he will step in with subsidies: 'This money will come from the massive Tariffs being paid to the United States for allowing China, and others, to do business with us.' 'The Farmers have been 'forgotten' for many years. Their time is now!' he concluded. Donald Trump has demanded a change to libel laws after hitting out at an NYU professor who tweeted a made-up quote attributed to him on Sunday. Ian Bremmer, the president and founder of Eurasia Group and a political science professor, posted a tweet on Sunday morning saying Kim Jong-un would make a better President than Joe Biden. 'Kim Jong Un is smarter and would make a better President than Sleepy Joe Biden,' Bremmer wrote in the now-deleted tweet, attributing it to Trump. Scroll down for video Ian Bremmer, the president and founder of Eurasia Group and a political science professor, posted a tweet on Sunday with a fake tweet from Trump Trump tweeted on Monday that he had spoken to Bremmer who admitted that he made up the quote Hours later, however, Trump hit back with his own tweet claiming Bremmer had admitted to him that the quote was made up. 'Ian Bremmer now admits that he MADE UP a completely ludicrous quote, attributing it to me,' the President wrote on Twitter. 'This is whats going on in the age of Fake News,' he added, 'People think they can say anything and get away with it. Really, the libel laws should be changed to hold Fake News Media accountable!' In a now-deleted tweet in the wake of the initial post, Bremmer appeared to defend the quote saying it was 'kinda plausible'. He wrote: 'This is objectively a completely ludicrous quote. And yet kinda plausible. Especially on Twitter, where people automatically support whatever political position they have. That's the point.' The President is currently on a tour of Japan but took time out of his schedule to dispel the fake tweet Soon after Bremmer posted the first tweet, he was called out by fellow academics who revealed it was made-up. Canadian journalist Daniel Dale tweeted: 'This quote is fabricated. As often, no idea what Bremmer is doing.' And Geopolitics analyst Ankit Panda wrote: 'This is not a real Trump quote If you're basing your views of reality based on Ian Bremmer's tweets in 2019, please reconsider.' North Korea has previously called Biden a 'fool of low IQ' and an 'imbecile bereft of elementary quality as a human being' after he labelled Kim Jong-un a tyrant in a speech. Biden during a campaign launch in Philadelphia on Saturday accused Trump of cozying up to 'dictators and tyrants' like Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Bremmer has since deleted not only the original fake quote, but also his own explanations and responses amid the growing backlash. A drug dealer's ill-gotten gains have been paid back to the courts - by his grandfather, a former member of the House of Lords. Daniel Lewis, 31, earned almost 100,000 selling party drugs from his Brighton flat where Geordie Shore star Aimee Spencer fell to her death. He was jailed for three years in January and has been ordered by the court to pay back his illegal profits. Now his grandfather, Lord Gus Macdonald, has paid off 90,000 - despite Lewis himself owning assets worth more than 400,000. Daniel Lewis, 31, earned almost 100,000 selling party drugs from his Brighton flat where Geordie Shore star Aimee Spencer (pictured) fell to her death Daniel Lewis, 31, (pictured during his police interview) earned almost 100,000 selling party drugs from his Brighton flat where Geordie Shore star Aimee Spencer fell to her death. He was jailed for three years in January and has been ordered by the court to pay back his illegal profits. Now his grandfather, Lord Gus Macdonald, (pictured right) has paid off 90,000 Lewis, his wife and Aimee spent the weekend on a drugs binge in the flat (pictured) - which also belonged to Lord Macdonald - before the actress and porn star plunged from a window The Labour life-peer agreed to cover the cash following an investigation under Proceeds of Crime laws, rules designed to take illegal profits away from criminals to fund good causes. Lewis, his wife and Aimee spent the weekend on a drugs binge in the flat - which also belonged to Lord Macdonald - before the actress and porn star plunged from a window. Aimee, 27, fell from two storeys onto a flagstone patio in July, 2016. Her naked body was found by a neighbour. She suffered catastrophic head injuries in the fall and battled for life in hospital for a week before her life support was turned off. Aimee Spencer, 27, fell from two storeys onto a flagstone patio in July, 2016 Lewis was arrested on suspicion of murder and later released. An inquest at Hove heard Aimee had taken cocaine and ketamine on the night she fell. An investigation into Lewis's finances traced 98,827 related to drug dealing. The Crown dropped ten per cent and rounded the figure to 90,000 which Lord Macdonald agreed to pay. A court heard Lewis has available assets of 431,243 which will still be his when he is released from prison. Lewis pleaded guilty to dealing LSD, banned steroids, cocaine, ketamine and 'Meow Meow'. He lived rent free in the flat in Chichester Terrace an exclusive seafront area of Brighton. He lived off a trust fund and did not need to deal drugs for money, Lewes Crown Court heard in November last year. The original two-year suspended sentence was referred to the High Court in London for review under Unduly Lenient Sentence rules. A panel of appeal court judges jailed Lewis for three years and ordered him to return to Brighton and hand himself in to police in January. Aimee, 27, fell from two storeys onto a flagstone patio in July, 2016. Her naked body was found by a neighbour Lewis is serving his three-year sentence at HMP Rochester and was brought to court in Hove on Friday to finalise the Proceeds of Crime Act hearing. He spoke only to confirm his name. Kate O'Raghallaigh for Lewis said Lord Macdonald would pay the debt the same day. Nicola Shannon for the Crown said most of the money Lewis earned was from dealing cocaine. 'The 90,000 can be paid immediately by a third party. 'His grandfather is to make the order,' Ms Shannon said. 'It is to be paid within three months, but it will be paid today.' His Honour Judge Paul Tain told Lewis: 'These things are drawing to a close for you.' Baron Macdonald of Tradeston is a Labour life peer. He resigned as a member of the House of Lords in April 2017. Labour Home Secretary David Blunkett steered The Proceeds of Crime Act through the commons in 2001 and 2002 while Lord Macdonald was a government minister. Aimee's mum Jean said it was amazing somebody else was allowed to pay the money which should act as a deterrent to other criminals. 'That is not fair at all. It is quite surprising that they allow that. It is an eye opener. I appreciate he is in prison but he has had no financial penalty whatsoever. 'I wish I had a grandfather like that. 'Considering his whole defence was based on him being low-level. 90,000 doesn't sound like a low-level dealer to me. 'He should pay. It doesn't seem right at all. It should be part of the deterrent. How can that be a deterrent when he has go the funds to pay it?' Four teachers at a high school built on a toxic landfill dump in which blue water was coming out of the taps have all developed the same rare form of bladder cancer. It was revealed in January that teachers at Buchanan High School in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Scotland, had been gagged and threatened with the sack after raising safety concerns about the drinking water. Staff complained three years ago that water at the campus, which shared with St Ambrose High School and is built on a site used by the former Gartsherrie Iron Works, had turned blue, and four of them have now been diagnosed with cancer. Four teachers at two schools built on a toxic landfill dump in which blue water was coming out of the taps have all developed the same rare form of bladder cancer But council bosses only imposed a drinking ban on the tap water at both schools late last year and ordered tests. Three of the four teachers who now have cancer are believed to have worked in the same corridor at Buchanan where staff were told not to drink the tap water, the Daily Record reported. High levels of copper in corroded pipe work can cause water to turn blue, experts said. And in February, the Sunday Post revealed that copper levels were three times higher than normal. Work is now under way to replace corroded pipes at the schools. Professor Andrew Watterson, a public health expert at Stirling University, said that the reported cancer cases seemed a 'very big cluser' and were worthy of further investigation. 'The reported ill health cases do merit serious investigation and it is understandable staff and pupils are anxious. 'This seems a very big cluster very close together in the building for a very small population of teachers. Establishing if a cluster is causal or random is, however, notoriously difficult.' Mr Watterson said that cadmium, which is produced during the process of smelting, is known to cause cancer. Smelting was a part of the operation at the old iron works and the old site was also used for hazardous waste materials such as arsenic, nickel and lead. Arsenic is also known to cause cancer, Mr Watterson said. Buchanan High School, which serves 96 pupils with additional support needs and opened in 2012, shares a campus with St Ambrose, which has 1,200 pupils. The teacher absence rate at Buchanan High is the highest in the area. Staff are now considering industrial action, and it is understood that lawyers for at least one of the teachers who has been diagnosed with cancer has warned the council of legal action over alleged link between their illness and 'unknown contaminants'. Bladder cancer accounts for only 3 per cent of new cancer cases, and is most common among those aged 85 and over. Eddie Carroll of teaching union NASUWT said the prevalence of the cancers was above anything 'we would expect to find normally'. 'Teachers are concerned for their health and for their pupils, too. Were on the brink of voting on strike action,' he added. Staff at both schools were threatened with the sack after raising concerns which went back three years that their health had been affected by the water. A group of the teachers wrote to local member for the Scottish parliament Fulton Macgregor to say that they had been told by superiors, including both previous head teachers, that the water was not a concern. 'We were told to run taps or boil water. We are outraged with how the council has failed to take our concerns seriously,' they said. It was revealed in January that teachers at Buchanan High School in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Scotland, had been gagged and threatened with the sack after raising safety concerns about the drinking water 'Staff morale is low because we are frightened to say anything in case we implicate ourselves and lose our jobs.' North Lanarkshire Council said both schools are safe and there is no credible evidence between illness and the site. A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council told Mail Online: 'The safety of pupils and staff is the councils primary concern. 'While it is regrettable that any pupil or member of staff suffers from a serious illness, there is no credible evidence to suggest that any such illness has been caused by environmental factors associated with the school site or copper previously being present in the drinking water supply. 'The council will continue to write directly to parents about issues of concern and is, of course, happy to discuss these with staff and trade unions at any time. 'To date, the council has replaced almost 1,800 metres of copper piping with plastic piping and all test results since November last year indicate the supply meets drinking water standards. 'If anyone has concerns about their own, or their childs, health they should contact their GP,' they added. Surgeons said he suffered a 25cm wound in his rectum with possible fracture Seen hobbling away from the bull but was later pictured holding one of the defeated animal's ears up to a cheering crowd This was the very painful moment a French matador suffered a ten-inch wound when he was gored up the backside by a raging bull. Juan Leal, 26, was left seriously injured during a show at Las Ventas bullring in Madrid yesterday. Amazingly, the bullfighter then got up, continued with his duel and walked himself to the infirmary once he had finished the fight. Scroll down for video The enraged bull ripped into French matador Juan Leal's trousers and lifted him off the floor during a show at Las Ventas bullring in Madrid yesterday Doctors said he suffered a 25cm wound in his rectum with a possible fracture of the sacrum coccyx and an exit hole in the gluteal region. The bull turned on him during the fight which was part of the San Isidro festivities. Pictures show how Leal was taunting the bull with his cape when the animal struck him several times, tossing him around the ring before being tempted away. The bullfighter managed to walk away, with the huge hole in his white trousers stained with blood clearly visible. The violent goring took place on the 12th day of the San Isidro bullfighting Fair. Doctors said he suffered a 25cm wound in his rectum with a possible fracture of the sacrum coccyx He was then rushed to hospital where he was operated on. His surgeon, Maximo Garcia Leirado later said: 'I can't understand how managed to continue the fight and kill the bull afterwards because a normal person wouldn't have been able to even stand up or walk. 'It was fortunate that the horn hit the sacrum and then slid upwards, rather than pentrating his stomach. 'Doctors say he should make a full recovery but will need to rest and avoid any infections. The former headteacher of a 25,000-a-year girls' school has insisted that pushy parents need to back off and 'let them go'. Clarissa Farr had worked at St Paul's school in West London for 11 years before retiring in 2017, and has now revealed that pupils became so distraught with their grades, that one was even found face-down on the floor. The prestigious school has alumnus such as Labour MP Harriet Harman and film star Rachel Weisz and charges fees of around 25,000 a year. Now Ms Farr has revealed the pressures she faced from stressed teenagers and parents, who expected daily progress reports on their children's performance. Clarissa Farr (pictured above) tells all in a new book 'The Making of Her' which details her experience as a headteacher The St Paul's school in west London (pictured above) charges around 25,000-a-year for school fees Famous former pupils include film star Rachel Weisz (left) and Labour MP Harriet Harman (right) In her new book 'The Making of Her', Ms Farr details how one teen was distraught after receiving an A grade in a sweep on A* GCSEs. The book, which comes out at the end of August, describes the influence parents have and recalls how one parents was irked after their daughter got an offer from the 'wrong' Oxbridge college. She has urged parents to cling less to their children when they start secondary school and let them go. According to The Times, Ms Farr said that in many cases, parents who were asked to take a back seat often found it hard to do so. Ms Farr (pictured above) said parents shouldn't expect to know everything about their children Other famous faces to have attended the school include Sophie Rayworth (left) and Susanna Reid (right) She said: 'Surely it was up to them to know everything, to smooth away all the snowdrifts blocking their path? For us parents, this learning to let go is a lifelong counterintuitive lesson. 'Get used to the fact that you will not know everything which means not expecting daily personal bulletins on progress, but a relationship of trust where you would feel comfortable to be in touch if you had a genuine concern or worry.' Ms Farr, pictured outside the school in March 2012. She worked there for 11 years before resigning in 2017 Equally, she said pupils should also be taught to not involve parents in problems at school. Ms Farr is now a trustee of the British Museum and referred to her pupils as 'prodigiously talented'. The school itself was found in 1904 by the Worshipful Company of Mercers. It used part of the endowment from the Tudor humanist and dean of St Paul's Cathedral, John Colet, which also funds the much older St Paul's Boys' school. St Paul's faced backlash last year after it implemented an 'austerity day' which saw pupils be stripped of their usual lunch treat of duck leg, and instead introduced them to humble jacket potatoes and beans. At the time critics slammed the event and said it was insensitive, while the school said it wanted to raise pupil's awareness of varied economic backgrounds. The school has seen pupils from Sophie Rayworth and Susanna Reid to Baroness Williams of Crosby. Ms Farr had previously also spoke of how the parents of children at school schools were terrified of their children failing and how it would reflect on them. She also accused some high-achieving parents of neglecting their children and not showing them enough attention in the evenings. Despite this, she said she has learnt a lot from her pupils, who once held as assembly to discuss 'phubbing', where someone is trying to talk to you, but you are too busy scrolling on your phone. Ms Farr (pictured above) said creating more grammar schools is not the way forward She also criticised private schools for being 'spellbound' by academic results. 'In the race to attract the 'best' students, fee-paying schools have become spellbound by the same academic goals and are increasingly mono-focal in their approach. 'They see oversubscription as a reason to select on ever more limited grounds, squeezing out the life and spirit from the vision of education that they might have had when they started. This narrowing of focus is a reflection of a more deep-seated way of looking at education and what we value.' In the book Ms Farr talks about giving children space, but admitted that she would privately compare St Paul's grades to other schools. It doesn't publish its results to league tables and is currently ranked No 1 in The Sunday Times Parent Power rankings of independent secondary schools, with 90.8 per cent of A levels at A or A*. She condemned the 'persistent adulation of academic success and snobbery'. She says this has served 'both to encourage a divided society and entrench an over-simplistic view of what constitutes a good school'. Speaking on politics, she said bringing back grammar schools was not the answer, but defended segregated educational institutes. She added: 'I don't believe that learning to 'adapt' earlier which all too often means learning how to play nicely, avoid appearing too clever, succeed by flirting and conform to male expectations of what you will be good at is in the long-term what girls should be doing. 'Whether or not the girls' school movement survives, and that must be a question despite the growing body of research defending the need for girls to be educated separately, there has to be continued attention paid to the education of girls, if the special talents and gifts they offer are to be brought out for the world's greater benefit.' MailOnline has contacted Ms Farr's publisher and St Paul's School for comment. Council chiefs in Shakespeare's home town have banned a cab driver from displaying the Union flag in his taxi because it's not 'welcoming.' Greg Rojewski, 44, was ordered to remove a sticker - which shows the Union flag and Polish flags intertwined - after the council received a complaint. Polish-born Mr Rojewski has lived and worked in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, since 2004 and put the sticker in his taxi three years ago. He said it was intended to tell customers he was Polish and could therefore speak the language if passengers struggled with speaking English. Greg Rojewski, 44, (pictured, showing the sticker) was ordered to remove a sticker - which shows the Union flag and Polish flags intertwined - after the council received a complaint But Stratford District Council ordered him to remove the sticker, saying that only 'appropriate livery' could be displayed. Mr Rojewski, who has a girlfriend in Poland, said: 'It is crazy to ban me from displaying the flags. It's discrimination. 'There is another taxi with a St George's flag on the back window but I am the one who is told to remove my sticker. 'The sticker isn't political, I had it made to help Polish customers who might not know how to speak English. 'I have found it is very useful to people, especially if they have hospital appointments because they don't have to worry about being misunderstood. Stratford District Council ordered Mr Rojewski (pictured in front of the council offices) to remove the sticker, saying that only 'appropriate livery' could be displayed. William Shakespeare's birthplace on Henley street in Stratford-upon-Avon 'There are a lot of Polish people in Stratford and some of them don't speak very good English. 'The sticker is also meant to show the lifelong friendship between Poland and this country. 'Polish pilots fought in the Battle of Britain and all over the world to help everyone's freedom. 'If I had painted my cab red and white in the national colours of Poland then I might understand the decision but it's not nice to be treated like this.' Mr Rojewski moved from his home in Parczew in east Poland to find work in the UK and he says he considers the country his home. Stratford District Council defended the sticker ban and say Mr Rojewski should have written to them for permission before displaying it in his taxi (pictured) He added: 'I've now worked in this country for longer than I did in Poland and I'm staying here because it's my home.' Stratford District Council defended the sticker ban and say Mr Rojewski should have written to them for permission before displaying it in his taxi. A spokesperson said: 'A complaint from another driver was raised against this driver for displaying the Polish flag on the rear of his vehicle. 'The Stratford-on-Avon District Council taxi policy prevents the display of any livery on licensed vehicles unless written approval has been obtained from the district council. 'The driver has not sought approval for his chosen livery and so has been asked to remove it. 'Any request for a display of symbols, written words, pictures or similar on a licensed vehicle is carefully considered with a view to ensuring that the display of such an item is appropriate and that the taxi fleet remain welcoming in appearance to all passengers whom may wish to use their services, regardless of nationality. 'On this occasion the district council has received no request for consideration so can only enforce the licence conditions which require any livery to be authorised in writing.' Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd is in talks for a documentary to tell his side of the story of how his date Charlotte Brown died on the River Thames. Production studio Story Films has offered the film to the BBC and Netflix and has been speaking to Shepherd in prison, telling him he will get to have his say. The father-of-one, 31, is currently serving a six-year jail sentence for manslaughter over the death of Miss Brown, 24, when she was thrown from his speedboat into the Thames in 2015. Before he was convicted, Shepherd fled to Georgia where he was holed up for 10 months before eventually breaking cover and being extradited back to the UK to face justice. He also sparked outrage after winning the right to appeal his conviction while still on the run and being handed 100,000 in legal aid to fund it. Production firm Story Films wants to speak to Jack Shepherd, left in prison for a documentary about the death of his date Charlotte Brown, right, that could air on Netflix Story Films are believed to have already started filming in Georgia and now want to interview Shepherd in prison. A source told The Sun: 'It seems Jack has no shame in continuing to exploit the death to boost his own profile even after he was brought to justice. 'Story Films are talking to the BBC and offering the idea to Netflix. Jack is speaking to them from prison. They want to approach Charlotte's family but, for them, any air time is too much.' Shepherd, 31, pictured, is currently serving a six-year prison sentence for manslaughter Story Films is based in London and has been involved in both drama and documentary films. It was founded in 2016 by David Nath and Peter Beard, who have both won Baftas for directing documentaries. MailOnline has approached Story Films and Netflix for comment. The BBC confirmed it would not be taking the documentary. Last year it helped produce The Interrogation of Tony Martin which starred Steve Pemberton and aired on Channel 4, depicting the police interview of the Norfolk farmer who shot a burglar dead in 1999. It will also bring Generation Porn, a three-part documentary on the influence pornography has on its audience and performers, to the same channel later this year, while it is working on a 'docu-sitcom' called Our Happy Valley Life about a family in Wales for Channel 5. Earlier this year Shepherd was handed an extra six months in jail for fleeing to Georgia on top of the six-year manslaughter sentence he received in his absence last year. Miss Brown's father, Graham Brown, mother Roz Wickens and two sisters Katie and Vicky stared at him from the public gallery five yards away as the judge berated him for causing them extra distress. Speaking after the hearing, Miss Brown's sister Katie struggled to hold back tears as she spoke of the agony the ordeal had caused the family. Miss Brown's family have previously accused Shepherd of having 'no remorse' over Miss Brown's death and a source claimed they would be opposed to Shepherd being given any air time to explain his side of the story. Pictured from left are mother Roz Wickens, sisters Vicky and Katie and father Graham Brown Story Films have previously produced The Interrogation of Tony Martin, a drama starring Steve Pemberton, pictured, depicting the police interview of the titular farmer who shot a burglar in 1999 During the Old Bailey trial jurors were told Shepherd's speedboat, pictured, was found to have a number of defects She said: 'As a family we are relieved that Jack Shepherd is now back in the country and commencing his prison sentence. It's a step closer to justice for Charli. 'Shepherd has continued to prolong our agony, making wild accusations against our family and the events of the fateful night in December 2015, which are inconsistent to Shepherd's own police interview and testimonies given during the manslaughter trial.' The family has accused Shepherd of failing to show remorse or responsibility for his actions. How the speedboat killer case unfolded December 8 2015: Jack Shepherd and Charlotte Brown meet for a date where he takes her to the Shard for dinner, before taking a taxi back to Shepherd's home, a houseboat in Hammersmith, where they took champagne on board his speedboat for their ride past parliament. July 2018: An international arrest warrant is issued for Shepherd July 26, 2018: Shepherd, despite being absent from court, was found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence July 27, 2018: Shepherd is sentenced to six years' imprisonment Shepherd's wife is then said to have told police that the 33-year-old had travelled to Georgia. December 2018: Shepherd is granted leave to appeal against his conviction despite still being on the run. January 22, 2019: Family of Charlotte meet with Savid Javid before making a television appeal for Shepherd to 'do the right thing' January 23, 2019: Shepherd hands himself in to police in Georgia January 24, 2019: Shepherd tells a television station in Tbilisi that he fled the UK because he feared the 'power within the prison system' held by Ms Brown's father Graham, who he claims is 'a civil servant of some influence'. January 29, 2019: His legal team successfully fight a fast-track extradition to the UK. March 26, 2019: Shepherd agrees to be extradited back to the UK following a hearing at Tbilisi City Court. April 10, 2019: Shepherd is flown back to the UK in handcuffs and is handed over to the Met Police after arriving at London Gatwick at around 9.20pm. April 11, 2019: Shepherd admits breaching bail and absconding before his trial at the Old Bailey in front of Miss Brown's family. He is given an extra six months in jail on top of the six-year manslaughter sentence Advertisement Shepherd claims Miss Brown was at the wheel of the boat when it crashed but the family claim there is no evidence to support this. After handing himself in to police on January 23, he fought extradition for two months before finally being flown back to the UK in Apruil. Shepherd previously admitted he felt responsible for Charlotte Brown's death, but not to the extent of manslaughter, and said he wished he had spoken to her family in the aftermath of the tragedy to explain what happened, before the case came to court. He added: 'I regret that I did not speak to [Charlotte's family] sooner. I see that now. I wasn't thinking at the time, I was acting on emotional and fear and I made a mistake.' In Georgia Shepherd began a relationship with amateur model Maiko Tchanturidze, 24, who is the same age as Miss Brown when she died. She wept when she said goodbye in his prison in the capital Tbilisi and vowed to stay true to him, saying: 'I will come to England to visit him in prison, if I can get a visa.' At his trial, jurors heard Shepherd used the speedboat as part of his 'seduction routine' and he may have taken up to ten women on a boozy cruise. After meeting online, Shepherd and Ms Brown shared two bottles of wine over dinner at The Oblix restaurant in The Shard. He invited her back to his Hammersmith houseboat where they had more drinks and then out for a high-speed champagne sightseeing tour in his red speedboat. Ms Brown can be heard yelling: 'Oh my God, you're going so fast' as she made a video on their way up to the Houses of Parliament. But the encounter went horribly wrong when Shepherd decided to hand the wheel to Ms Brown. The speedboat capsized opposite Plantation Wharf, near Wandsworth Bridge and Shepherd was found clinging to upturned bow of the boat. Witnesses described hearing him shouting out 'Help me', rather than 'Help us'. He was unsteady on his feet and still reeked of alcohol after lifeguards hauled him from the river. Miss Brown was found dead or dying when she was pulled out of the icy water after a frantic search. Since publication of this article, Story Films has confirmed that the documentary is not going ahead. A spokesperson said: 'As with a lot of production companies, Story Films are regularly in development with a number of projects. 'Whilst we did film in Georgia and were in discussions with Jack Shepherds legal team about the development of a possible documentary for a UK broadcaster, not Netflix, we did not meet with Mr Shepherd and the project will not be going forward.' French police have arrested two suspects after a weekend manhunt for the Lyon 'nail bomber' who left 13 people wounded, including a ten-year-old girl. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner made the announcement on Monday morning after the package packed with nails, screws and bolts, exploded outside a bakery at 5.30pm on Friday. Lyon mayor Gerard Collomb said one of the suspects is an IT student who was arrested as he stepped out of a bus. Police had earlier issued CCTV of their suspect, a man seen on a bicycle before the explosion wearing sunglasses and a cap - it is not clear if this is the person arrested. Police have arrested two suspects following this weekend's hunt for the 'nail bomber' who wounded 13 people (pictured, officers at the scene today) Today's arrests come after what is believed to have been a nail bomb exploded outside a bakery in Lyon (pictured, investigators today) Pictured: A police officer at the scene of today's arrests following the explosion that injured 13 people Officers are pictured in Oullins today where they have arrested two suspects following this weekend's manhunt The Paris prosecutor's office, which has jurisdiction over terrorist investigations in France, confirmed a 24-year-old man arrested in Lyon, is a suspect bomber. He had been the target of an extensive manhunt after the explosive device was placed in front of the bakery near the corner of two crowded pedestrian streets in the historic centre of Lyon. Police circulated photos of the suspect on Twitter, leading to 'several dozen' calls from people with information. Sources close to the investigation suspected the explosive was acetone peroxide, or APEX, a volatile compound used in the deadly Paris attacks on November 13, 2015. Investigators recovered small screws, ball bearings and batteries along with a printed circuit and a remote-controlled trigger device. Officials later said the charge was relatively weak. Thirteen people were wounded in the blast - eight women, four men and a 10-year-old girl - of whom 11 needed hospital treatment. A CCTV image of the man suspected to be behind the bomb blast in central Lyon on Friday evening - it is not clear the police manhunt led to this suspect or others Emergency service workers load injured people into ambulances after the bomb blast Friday, which French President Emmanuel Macron labelled 'an attack' Forensics officers inspect the area on Friday evening after a parcel bomb packed with nails, screws and bolts went off at around 5.30pm Forensics officers in protective clothing examine the scene, taking photos and gathering evidence on Friday evening after at least 13 people - including a young girl - were injured in the blast None of their injuries are believed to be life-threatening, but authorities said some needed surgery to remove shrapnel. Anti-terror prosecutor Remy Heitz said no terror group had claimed responsibility as French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the 'attack' on Friday. Justice minister Nicole Belloubet told BFM television it was too soon to say whether the blast was a 'terrorist act'. The case was nonetheless handed to the Paris prosecutor for anti-terrorism that deal with all terrorist cases. Specialist police force officers sit in a vehicle to secure the perimeter around the Rue Victor Hugo on Friday evening An officer armed with a tactical assault rifle and wearing a balaclava secures the scene in central Lyon A view over the street in central Lyon where police officers gather (left) and forensics officers (right) gather evidence in the cordoned off area District mayor Denis Broliquier said 'the charge was too small to kill,' and an administrative source told AFP it was a 'relatively weak explosive charge' that was triggered at a distance. The blast occurred on a narrow strip of land between the Saone and Rhone rivers in the historic centre of the southeast city. The area was evacuated and cordoned off by police. 'There was an explosion and I thought it was a car crash,' said Eva, a 17-year-old student who was about 15 metres (50 feet) from the blast site. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner was at the scene in downtown Lyon to support police officers in their intervention and offer reassurance to the public Emergency workers carry a person injured in a suspected package bomb blast along a pedestrian street in the heart of Lyon French officers stand beside a police cordon set up in the aftermath of the explosion which French President Emmanuel Macron described as an attack Anti-terror soldiers secure the site of the suspected bomb attack in central Lyon as authorities hunt for a man in his 30s 'There were bits of electric wire near me, and batteries and bits of cardboard and plastic. The windows were blown out,' he said. The attack upended last-minute campaigning ahead of France's European Parliament vote on Sunday with Prime Minister Edouard Philippe cancelling his appearance at his centrist party's final rally Friday night. 'I was working, serving customers, and all of a sudden there was a huge 'boom',' said Omar Ghezza, a baker who works nearby. 'We though it had something to do with renovation work. But in fact it was an abandoned package,' he said. A 'parcel bomb' filled with nails, screws and bolts exploded on a busy street in Lyon, France Emergency workers attended to an injured person in the back of an ambulance after the bomb blast in Lyon French police escort the emergency services following a suspected package bomb blast along a pedestrian street in the heart of Lyon Authorities are saying a man on a bicycle was seen placing a bag on the ground just moments before the blast The bombing follows a series of ISIS and al-Qaeda attacks on France over the past five years that have seen 250 people killed in a series of devastating attacks. They started in January 2015 with a murderous attack on the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo by two brothers affiliated to al-Qaeda. Later that year, in November, a series of assaults by ISIS terrorists carrying Kalashnikov and explosive in Paris caused 130 deaths. ISIS has targeted France since the country became involved in bombing raids on the so-called ISIS caliphate in Syria and Iraq, but that has been decimated in recent months. Shocked shoppers looked on as a large police presence filled the busy pedestrian street in the heart of Lyon A dressed victim being loaded into an ambulance after the attack, with officials later saying there were no serious injuries A police officer carries evidence at the site of the suspected bomb attack in Lyon on Friday evening Police officers are seen near the site of a suspected bomb attack in central Lyon this evening A row of ambulances are spotted as emergency workers attended to injured people in the back of an ambulance after the attack Despite this, Castaner and his security chiefs have warned the threat of further violent crimes 'remains very high'. Last month two Frenchmen were charged in Paris on suspicion of planning an attack on a school or a police officer. Far-Right groups have also been intercepted planning assaults on ethnic minority targets and politicians, including President Macron himself. The attack came on the eve of European Parliament elections in France, when millions will go to the polls to elect new MEPs. Armed police are seen near the site of the suspected bomb attack in central Lyon The area where the explosion occurred has been evacuated with at least eight people injured The package contained 'screws or bolts' and had been placed in front of a bakery on the corner of the two popular streets Anti-government Yellow Vest protesters have also been causing chaos in major cities such as Lyon every weekend as they call for Mr Macron tor resign. Particularly disturbing attacks on the police have taken place in Lyon, but none have caused fatalities. Following the bomb explosion, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner called on prefects to 'reinforce security in public place' and urged people to 'be vigilant.' Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has been ousted by a no-confidence vote after the 'Ibiza-gate' corruption scandal fractured his coalition government. The motion was backed by lawmakers from the Social Democrats and the far-right Freedom Party, which was in coalition with Kurz until a week ago when its leader became embroiled in the 'Ibiza-gate' video sting and stepped down. The news comes after Kurz celebrated a big win for his conservative People's Party (OeVP) in Sunday's European elections, projected to gain 34.9 percent of the vote and two extra European parliament seats. 'Ibiza-gate' saw FPOe leader and Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache resign after he was caught appearing to offer public contracts in return for campaign help from a fake Russian backer. Despite success in the European Elections on Sunday night, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (pictured at a polling station in Vienna) was ousted in an historic no-confidence vote on Monday Aerial view of the home were Austrian Vice Chancellor and FPO party leader Heinz Christian-Strache was allegedly recorded in a corruption scandal in Ibiza That led to Kurz ending his coalition with the FPOe and calling early elections that are planned for September, but the opposition said the 32-year-old leader had to also take responsibility for the scandal. The no-confidence vote took place place in a special sitting of parliament on Monday, making Kurz the first chancellor in post-war Austrian history to be removed in this fashion. He had remained composed amid withering criticism from opponents ahead of the vote, telling the body that he was 'proud and satisfied with the work we have done as a government in the past year and a half. 'We will certainly not put any stones on the path of the next government, he added, 'we will support them as much as possible.' The ousting gives him the shortest tenure of a Chancellor since the first post-war government in 1945. The far-right, meanwhile, seemed to have suffered a setback in Sunday's vote over 'Ibiza-gate', falling from 19.7 percent to 17.2 percent and losing one of their four MEPs. The scandal erupted following the publication on May 17 of hidden-camera recordings filmed in a luxury villa on the holiday island of Ibiza a few months before Austria's last parliamentary elections in 2017. The no-confidence vote took place place in a special sitting of parliament on Monday, making Kurz (pictured on Monday) the first chancellor in post-war Austrian history to be removed in this fashion. Kurz leaving after losing a no-confidence vote during a special session of the parliament in Vienna Amid a welter of embarrassing comments, Strache appeared to allude to a scheme channelling political donations through FPOe-linked foundations in order to avoid legal scrutiny. Kurz suggested that he had no choice but to end his partnership with the Freedom Party after the video of Strache emerged. 'It was clear for me that it meant the end of the coalition,' Kurz said. After Strache's resignation, Kurz also sacked FPOe interior minister Herbert Kickl, arguing he could not oversee any possible investigation into his own party's wrongdoing. FPOe ministers responded by walking out of the government en masse, leading to Kurz appointing experts to take their place in an interim government. Kurz smiles on Sunday night as EU elections brought success for the Austrian People's Party despite the 'Ibiza-gate' revelations Austrian Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache reacts as he addresses the media in Vienna after the story broke on May 17 When he first became chancellor in late 2017, Kurz was widely hailed on the European right as someone who could successfully tap into surging anti-immigration sentiment while projecting a polished demeanour. Since the crisis broke, he had projected himself as a paragon of stability in a turbulent political climate. But even before the current crisis, Kurz found himself constantly having to bat away criticism for alleged extremist sympathies among FPOe members. A still image from a footage shot in Ibiza, Spain in July 2017 that has caused Austrian politician Heinz-Christian Strache to step down as vice chancellor and Freedom Party leader The opposition has placed the blame for the current debacle squarely at the feet of Kurz himself for having invited the far-right into government in the first place, saying he had ample warning of the unsuitability of the FPOe for government. Kurz has trod a fine line in his statements since the crisis broke, admitting he found the FPOe's antics 'hard to swallow' but insisting he had no other choice. 'There was no other party which was ready to form a coalition with us,' he told journalists on Thursday, when asked whether he regretted the coalition. It was not immediately clear when the Austrian president would appoint the new government. A mother-of-two was left 'angry and embarrassed' after she was 'told to stop breastfeeding' her baby on a Ryanair flight. Rachel Duffy, 40, was on a flight from Faro Airport, Portugal, on May 15 when she began feeding seven-month-old son, Noah. The mother, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, said she decided to nurse him at take-off because she read online it would help prevent Noah's ears from popping. Ms Duffy said she was then approached by a steward who told her to stop and then 'waited until she unlatched and redressed', despite having no problems while feeding him on the flight out to Portugal 10 days earlier. Rachel Duffy, 40, left, said she was furious after being told to stop breastfeeding seven-month-old son Noah on a Ryanair flight from Portugal to Manchester. She is pictured left and right with her son on holiday Ms Duffy, pictured with Noah and elder son Nathan, 14, said she wanted to feed her baby during take-off because she read it would help stop his ears from popping The mother added she had not had any problems breastfeeding on a flight out from Manchester 10 days earlier. Pictured are her sons Nathan and Noah in front of the plane She said: 'I got on the plane and sat down in the seat and strapped Noah in on my lap with the two seatbelt extensions provided. 'Noah was moaning so I latched him onto my breast as I had read that sucking would be good to stop his ears popping and it would stop him disrupting the rest of the flight. 'Then the air steward came over and told me that I couldn't feed my son, which was shocking as I had been fine on the Ryanair flight just 10 days earlier. The mother-of-two said Noah, pictured, was left crying while the steward waited for her to get redressed before leaving 'The steward stood and watched while I struggled to sit my baby up - who started to cry - and continued to stand there until I had re-dressed myself. 'I was really shocked, angry and embarrassed by the situation - I continued to breastfeed during the rest of the flight, but I was told to stop again before landing. 'It's left me incredibly anxious and nervous to fly again - and I won't be doing so with Ryanair.' Ms Duffy added: 'When I flew to Portugal from Manchester, on a Ryanair flight, I was allowed to breastfeed during take-off and landing. 'No one said anything to me, even when they were doing the seatbelt checks. 'Alongside other people advising me to do so, that's why I assumed it would have been fine for me to feed on the flight home. 'Luckily, for the rest of the flight from Portugal to Manchester, I was not told to stop breastfeeding - but I was told off again when the plane began to land. 'It's made me very angry and others that I have spoken to are disgusted with Ryanair. 'It made our flight very difficult and uncomfortable.' She was travelling with Noah and her older son Nathan, 14, as well as her sister-in-law, Rachel Hey, 34, who is 32 weeks pregnant. Ms Duffy was travelling with pregnant sister-in-law Rachel Hey, 34, pictured left with her during the holiday, who said she was 'disgusted' at the treatment Ms Hey said: 'The whole thing was disgusting - there was no communication, the steward was just abrupt and said 'no feeding'. 'There was no elaboration, apology or even notice that she would continue to feed during the flight. 'The steward stood there and watched Rachel unlatch and there was no privacy or dignity. 'The exact same happened on landing too - there was no compassion showed to a screaming, unsettled baby and a panicking mum. 'I'm 32 weeks pregnant and it's completely put me off breastfeeding in public - and I definitely won't be flying with Ryanair.' A spokesperson for Ryanair said: 'Breastfeeding mothers are very welcome on board our flights.' MailOnline has approached Ryanair for further comment. Speeding down the motorway at over 140mph, a silver BMW catches the eye of a Florida state trooper writing up a seatbelt citation. The trooper, Jessica Sabo, instantly sprints to her car and chases after the BMW. It takes four minutes of a high-speed chase for Ms Sabo to catch up with the speeding car. As the driver, Scott Patrick Sorenson, 37, realises he is about to be caught he makes a last-ditch attempt to evade arrest. Scott Patrick Sorenson, 37, gets caught driving at more than 140mph after crashing into a moving vehicle He dangerously tries to manoeuvre his car between two other moving vehicles and ends up crashing into one of them, sending a tire and other debris flying. Three children and three adults were injured in the crash. Ms Sabo is forced to swerve on to a grassy verge in the middle of the motorway to avoid hitting the other car involved in the crash. Sorenson eventually stops his car and Ms Sabo and other troopers immediately jump out of their vehicles and take their guns out. When police officers run to his car to arrest him, Sorenson refuses to get out of the car so has to be dragged Troopers claimed his trousers were wet and smelled of urine and that Sorenson accused them of being terrorists. He was arrested on eight charges, including a DUI and aggravated fleeing with injury As the approach Sorenson's car they shout: 'Get out of your vehicle!'. Sorenson refuses and forces the troopers to drag him out before he asks: 'What did I do wrong?'. Troopers claimed his trousers were wet and smelled of urine and that Sorenson accused them of being terrorists. He was arrested on eight charges, including a DUI and aggravated fleeing with injury. He was taken to Alachua County Jail and his bond has been set at $85,000. A 'high-flying' trainee doctor who faced career ruin after she faked a prescription in an attempt to get herself antibiotics for an 'embarrassing' medical problem has escaped with a written warning. Dr Ashleigh Williams, 28, was found guilty of serious professional misconduct after she used a colleague's name to procure Amoxicillin tablets. The GP trainee who works at Burnley General Hospital said the tablets were for her younger sister. Dr Ashleigh Williams, pictured previously leaving the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in Manchester with her partner, has escaped with a written warning after faking a prescription She was said to be 'embarrassed' because of a medical problem she needed the prescription for. But she was caught out after the pharmacist became suspicious and contacted the prescribing doctor who could not recall signing off the prescription. The antibiotic is often used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. Health chiefs investigated the incident but declined to take further action against Williams who was described by colleagues as a 'high-flyer' and a 'model doctor.' She was subsequently advised to report herself to the General Medical Council and was ordered to face a disciplinary hearing. At the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in Manchester, Dr Williams, who is due to complete her training in August, was criticised for her dishonesty but a disciplinary panel said her fitness to practise medicine was not impaired. It instead imposed a warning on the doctor's record saying she has to be 'honest and trustworthy in all communications with colleagues and patients.' She has since completed what was described as a 'Significant Event Analysis' of the incident. Tribunal chair Catherine Hartley said: 'Dr Williams's dishonest conduct was a clear breach of principles relating to probity and was an example of a clearly inappropriate attempt to self-prescribe. Dr Williams was described as a 'model doctor who was reliable, efficient and good with patients' 'However the tribunal was fully satisfied that Dr Williams is a highly competent and responsible clinician who presents no risk to the health, safety and well-being of the public. 'Her misconduct was an isolated incident which took place over a short period of time and the tribunal distinguished her misconduct from dishonesty which could impact on patient care or was for financial or other personal gain. 'None of the evidence suggests that Dr Williams is an inherently dishonest doctor.' The incident occurred on March 26 last year after Dr Williams, who was working in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department at the hospital, attended a pharmacy and falsely saying her younger sister needed more antibiotics as she had lost them. Ceri Widdett, a lawyer for the General Medical Council said: 'She signed the form with her own signature and wrote her colleague's name without informing her and then took the prescription to the out-patient pharmacy. 'When questioned about it by the pharmacist, she failed to inform the pharmacist that they were in fact for herself and she said it was for her sister who had lost her antibiotics. 'She says she had written the prescription with her details, her date of birth and then she just thought of the first person who came into her head who was the on-call doctor whom she had had no contact with for about a year and she signed the prescription with her own signature. 'She says: "As I was sat waiting I felt guilty and on edge I then realised the implications." 'The pharmacist then called her over where they had a brief conversation in which the pharmacist said she had spoken to the doctor who didn't recall prescribing the antibiotics.' The hospital carried out an internal inquiry but concluded Williams had realised her mistake and it was a 'momentary lapse of judgement'. Dr Williams wept at the hearing and admitted: 'I did something really stupid but I didn't believe that at the time. 'I just thought it was a prescription for antibiotics but it has had a massive impact on myself and my confidence and I think it has been a huge strain on my relationship. 'It was completely out of character - I don't know what was going through my head at the time. 'The biggest thing was lying about it as well. I shouldn't have done that - there are so many different ways I could have dealt with it. 'I have just tried to make up for it since. I understand that the prescribing doctor is affected too - I have known her for quite a period of time I have worked with her. 'It must be really difficult for her to be able to trust me again as a doctor. I have lost her trust. 'I have tried to be very open with everyone, I have done the reading and booked onto courses about risk, apologising, learned that if you lie that has a knock on effect. I realised I have to be open and honest. 'I have tried as best I could I can prove I'm an honest trustworthy doctor..' In a statement, the colleague implicated by Dr Williams said she was a 'model doctor who was reliable, efficient and good with patients' and added: 'I never had any concerns about Dr Williams before and I have not had any concerns since. 'Dr Williams remains a very professional doctor.' Defence lawyer Andrew Hockton said: 'It was an isolated incident in an otherwise unblemished career and the act itself was at the lower end of the spectrum for dishonesty. 'She has made full admissions, clearly recognises what she did wrong, has apologised and engaged in suitable and appropriate remediation. 'It would be difficult to think of what more she could have done to address matters.' This is the heart-stopping moment a stage with over a hundred children and adults suddenly collapses, leaving one child dead and sending dozens of others plunging underground. A 13-year-old child was declared dead while 14 others, including five adults, were injured during the accident caught on camera on Saturday. Footage shows participants gather on stage at the end of a dance audition at the Golden Daffodil performing arts theatre in Zhangzhou, China. The stage with over a hundred children and adults suddenly collapses, leaving one child dead and sending dozens of others plunging underground The fire service spent 20 minutes rescuing the trapped victims. A 13-year-old died while 14 others were left injured The event's organiser is heard screaming when the middle section of the stage suddenly gives way and dozens of children fall. The audience then rushes toward the stage to try and rescue the trapped children. The fire service spent about 20 minutes helping the children, which included one young girl whose leg was trapped between the stage and the platform rig. They said two of the 14 injured were in a serious condition. The event's organiser is heard screaming when the middle section of the stage suddenly gives way and dozens of children fall. The audience then rushes toward the stage to try and rescue the trapped children. The identity of the deceased victim has not been disclosed. Authorities have reportedly detained three employees with the Kunming Queshen Cultural Broadcasting Company, which hosted the event. While initial findings suggested the theatre stage had been crowded with too many people, a main organiser surnamed Yuan has been quoted as saying the stage was too 'old'. Italian-US auto giant Fiat Chrysler presented a merger proposal to France's Renault on Monday that would create the world's third largest automaker. Fiat Chrysler delivered a non-binding letter to Renault proposing 'a combination of their respective businesses as a 50/50 merger', with a group that would be listed in Paris, New York and Milan, it said in a statement. Renault said its board would meet on Monday to discuss the offer. According to a source within the French company, the meeting began at 8am at Renault's Boulogne-Billancourt headquarters near Paris. Italian-US auto giant Fiat Chrysler delivered a non-binding letter to Renault proposing 'a combination of their respective businesses as a 50/50 merger', it said in a statement The source said, however, that a decision was not expected by the close of the day: 'it will take days, or even weeks'. Monday's board session would merely examine whether or not to explore the offer on the table, the source said. After the news broke, shares in Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) soared 18 percent when the Milan stock exchange opened on Monday, before falling back slightly. Fiat Chrysler said the merger would create 'a pre-eminent global automotive group', with annual sales of 8.7 million vehicles. Renault said its board would meet on Monday to discuss the offer. According to a source within the French company, the meeting began at 8am at Renault's headquarters near Paris It could also generate around 5 billion ($5.6 billion) in annual savings. The brand portfolio of the two groups would be 'broad and complementary... and would provide full market coverage, from luxury to mainstream', it said. The combination would be carried out as a merger transaction under a Dutch parent company. The French government, which owns a 15 per cent stake in Renault, supports the merger in principle would want to see more details, its main spokeswoman said on Monday. It is believed officials would want to see certainties around employment and production due to the thousands of French employees currently working for Renault. Renault's current major partnership is with Japan's Nissan, in which it holds 43 percent Renault's current major partnership is with Japan's Nissan, in which it holds 43 percent. Nissan in turn owns 15 percent of its French partner Renault but the imbalance in the relationship has led to serious friction, highlighted by the arrest of former Renault and Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn in Tokyo. The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance currently makes around 10.8 million automobiles, compared with Germany's Volkswagen and Japan's Toyota, both on around 10.6 million. However, the tie-up with FCA could make Renault much more powerful, potentially further upsetting the balance in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance where Ghosn was pushing for much more say before his downfall. In recent weeks, Renault has been pushing for changes to its tie-up with Nissan, suggesting the formation of a 50-50 holding company to run both firms. However Nissan has resisted, feeling it is the bigger company and should be treated as such. Fiat Chrysler has been under pressure in Europe, stoking speculation it was looking for a partner as the industry is forced to consolidate in the face of declining demand and a costly switch into electric cars. Fiat Chrysler is widely seen as a latecomer to the electric vehicle market but does well in the US SUV and pick-up sectors. Renault meanwhile has pushed ahead in electric cars but is relatively weak in North America so the two companies would be a good fit. Fiat Chrysler said the merger would put the group in 'a strong position in transforming technologies, including electrification and autonomous driving'. Early this year, rumours circulated that Renault was interested in Fiat-Chrysler after its hopes for a full merger with Nissan or even French competitor PSA were dashed. Fiat Chrysler said the merger would create 'in excess of five billion euros ($5.6 billion) estimated annual run rate synergies' on top of existing Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance ones. All counted, including Nissan and Mitsubishi, it would mean the production of close to 16 million vehicles, besting Volkswagen and Toyota. The merger would not result in the closure of any production sites, and the board of directors of the new group would be composed mainly of independent members, Fiat Chrysler said. Christian Lacey, 21, left police custody on April 26 last year, and two hours stabbed his mother, 63-year-old Liz Lacey Medical staff showed a 'lack of professional curiosity' while examining a man in the grip of schizophrenia, missing two chances to stop him killing his mother, a report has found. A review has suggested police, a GP and mental health workers showed 'unconscious bias' and 'made an assumption' that seriously ill Christian Lacey was not dangerous - because he was 'well dressed and from a nice family.' Lacey, 21, was able to leave police custody on April 26 last year two hours before stabbing his mother, 63-year-old Liz Lacey, despite having already tried to strangle his father, Johann Wierzbick, and half-brother, Jacob Carfoot, the previous day. After killing Ms Lacey at her home in Garston, Liverpool, he walked to his grandmother's nearby, where he tried to kill her carer Edwina Holden by stabbing her 12 times. Ms Lacey's body was discovered by her brother Ian Wright, after being subjected to what the review termed 'a manic act of violence.' It later emerged Lacey's worried family had taken him to A&E at the Royal Liverpool Hospital on March 30, where his paranoid schizophrenia was also missed. On that occasion he had gone missing in London for hours, where he described giving his brand new mobile phone to a homeless man because he thought it had been hacked and he was going to die. Ms Lacey's (pictured) body was discovered by her brother Ian Wright, after being subjected to what the review termed 'a manic act of violence' Christian Lacey, 21, was able to leave police custody on April 26 last year two hours before stabbing his mother, 63-year-old Liz Lacey at her home in Garston, Liverpool But a mental health worker noted 'he was a pleasant young man who did not appear to have any significant mental health issues' and mistook his symptoms for Asperger's Syndrome and cannabis-induced psychosis, rather than schizophrenia. Lacey was initially charged with murder and attempted murder, but the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) agreed to accept pleas to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility after details of his illness came to light. Lacey is now a patient at high security Ashworth Hospital in Maghull, having being made the subject of an indefinite hospital order at Liverpool Crown Court. Judge Clement Goldstone, QC, passing sentence, had ordered Merseycare NHS Foundation Trust to make public a report of an review into what went wrong with Lacey's care, which has now been shared. The report states: 'The review identified that in the panel's opinion the root cause of the incident was [Lacey's] complex presentation which was not explored by the practitioners in depth. 'This lack of exploration may have been due to [Lacey's] presentation as well as a lack of sufficient training in exploring psychopathology. 'This resulted in a delay in diagnosis and therefore untreated psychosis.' While the review found Lacey's behaviour when examined by mental health practitioners was not typical of paranoid schizophrenia, making it harder to diagnose, staff failed to ask about why he had assaulted his step-brother and father. While the review found Lacey's behaviour when examined by mental health practitioners was not typical of paranoid schizophrenia, making it harder to diagnose, staff failed to ask about why he had assaulted his step-brother and father The report described chilling details of how, on April 25 last year, Lacey had walked into Mr Carfoot's room and grabbed his half-brother without warning. The report states: '[Lacey] had turned the music up and walked into his room, and got him in a headlock and it was only after he managed to get off the strangle hold after a struggle that he ran out of the room. '[Mr Carfoot] left the house and went to his friend's house. He has since the incident, commented that [Lacey] would often come into his room and sit quietly at the end of his bed and that he had also stated that the black towels in the bathroom had bad vibes and that they were evil.' Later that evening Lacey attacked his father by strangling and then punching him, before relenting after Mr Carfoot intervened. The report states: 'The family were clearly scared of what had happened and had locked their bedroom doors at night. 'The next morning he was taken to his GP and was told about the attack. The GP advised him techniques to deal with anger. Whilst at the GP surgery, [Lacey's] father found a bread knife, wrapped in clothing, in his bedroom. He then contacted the police as he was worried about the risks.' Lacey was taken to St Anne Street Police Station where he was assessed by Merseycare staff from the Criminal Justice Liaison Team (CJLT) who did not believe he needed to be sectioned. Ms Lacey's grieving friends would describe her as 'wise, witty and wonderful' A review of the assessment found that while mental health staff are often discouraged from asking incriminating questions, no attempt to explore the reasons for the attacks on his dad and brother were made. After being released, Lacey would go on to repeatedly knife and slash his mother at her home in Garston. Her grieving friends would describe her as 'wise, witty and wonderful'. The report said: 'This may have prevented the CLJT Practitioner from exploring the reasons why [Lacey] had been involved in the incident with his step-brother. However, when this was explored during the interviews with the practitioner, it was not immediately described as the reason for not exploring these issues. 'It appeared that [Lacey's] presentation which was fairly settled in manner, coherent conversations and his social circumstances that his family background and upbringing did not suggest an underlying serious psychotic illness or that there were risks of serious violence.' The review panel found some CJLT members had not received formal training in mental health before joining the team. Merseycare has now ordered the implementation of a series of recommendations, including new training in the recognition of psychosis, new training in assessing risk and reminders to properly question family and carers of mental health patients. This is the moment a daredevil man tried to break a beer bottle on his forehead - and spectacularly fails. Michael Sawyer, 55, was dared to smash the Budweiser bottle over his head for 20 by pal Gordon Taylor, 59. The video, filmed by his friend Gordon Taylor, a minibus driver, shows the West Yorkshire cab driver brace himself for the moment the lager bottle shatters on his forehead. After a few deep breaths, Mr Sawyer bashes the glass bottle against his head After a few deep breaths, Mr Sawyer bashes the glass bottle against his head. The 40-strong crowd is greeted with a comical noise as the bottle hits his forehead an fails to break. The bar breaks into rapturous laughter as the 55-year-old walks away holding his head. A red-face Mr Sawyer paces around as the laughter continues, as checks for blood on his head while managing to see the funny side. Best mate of 20 years Gordon Taylor, who lived on Michael Sawyer's street in Pudsey for around 10 years, said he and four other friends met up for their usual session on Wednesday evening. The crowd is greeted with a comical noise as the bottle hits his forehead an fails to break He randomly dared his pal after the cabbie finished his bottle of Bud, and apparently said: 'I bet you can't break this over your head for 20 quid'. Mr Sawyer, according to Mr Taylor, said 'It's easy' - before failing the feat on May 22 at around 9.30pm in the Pudsey Tavern, Pudsey. Mr Taylor said that his mate is a bit of a daredevil, and once ate a whole jar of pickled eggs - 20 in total - in similar dare for 20 back in 2012. Mr Sawyer plans to raise money for Air Ambulances UK next week by drinking nine pints of lager and eating nine pork pies - rounded off by a pint of lemonade - in an hour. He's apparently not allowed to throw up either. Mr Taylor said he thinks it's 'ironic' that Mr Sawyer is raising money for the emergency service, because 'he'll need an ambulance by the end of that'. A friend Courtney Herron has fought back tears while speaking of her generosity just a fortnight before she was allegedly bashed to death in a park. Ms Herron's body was found at Royal Park in Melbourne's inner-north by two dog walkers on Saturday morning. Henry Hammond, 27, is accused of killing the 25-year-old, who was couch-surfing and sleeping rough in the lead up to her death. Jessica Bateman said she was beyond devastated to learn of her close friend's death, describing the woman as 'hilarious' and 'generous'. Courtney Herron's body was found at Royal Park in Melbourne's inner-north by two dog walkers on Saturday morning Ms Bateman spoke of her generosity while recalling the last time she saw Ms Herron two-and-a-half weeks ago. 'I didn't have enough for myki to get home and she gave me $10 which she didn't need to do,' she told The Project on Monday night. 'She could have put that towards a bed, shelter for the night to be safe but she got me back home.' The heartbroken friend admitted she was immensely worried for Ms Herron, who would often be forced to sleep in parks when she couldn't find a safe place to stay. Ms Bateman said Ms Herron was 'absolutely' failed by the system as she struggled to overcome a crippling drug addiction and could not find accommodation. 'She was trying to get into public housing, she was trying to get on methadone or suboxone or Xanax or something that would stop the withdrawal symptoms she was going to face and the fear of withdrawal is really what kept her using,' she said. Jessica Bateman said she was beyond devastated to learn of Ms Herron's death, who she described as 'hilarious' and 'generous' Henry Hammond, 27, is accused of killing the 25-year-old, who was couch-surfing and sleeping rough in the lead up to her murder Ms Herron's body is removed from the scene in Royal Park, Melbourne, on Saturday Host Waleed Aly questioned Ms Bateman if the incident was a reflection of violence against women or homelessness in Australia. Ms Bateman said homelessness was the ultimate cause of Ms Herron's death but admitted sleeping rough was more difficult for women than men. 'Because women are more vulnerable than men being homeless and you know men can attack them, take advantage of them and it's just, especially when it concerns mental illness and drugs,' she said. Mr Aly's question comes after Victoria's Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius urged men to take responsibility for a spate of violence against women. Relatives of Ms Herron leave flowers at Royal Park, in Melbourne, where her body was found Ms Bateman said Ms Herron was 'absolutely' failed by the system as struggled to overcome a crippling drug addiction or find safe accommodation Four women have been killed in public in Melbourne in less than a year. 'The critical piece is, particularly when we're talking about violence against women, the men in our community need to take responsibility for this,' Mr Cornelius said. 'We need to reflect on our behaviour, we need to reflect on the behaviour of men who are known to us, we need to reflect on what we say to our sons.' Ms Herron's alleged murder is less than a year since 22-year-old Eurydice Dixon was killed in a nearby park in mid-June 2018. Aiia Maasarwe, 21, suffered a similar fate to Ms Dixon after being attacked on her walk home near La Trobe University on January 15. Both women were attacked by men they did not know and who have since been charged. In April, Natalina Angok's body was found dumped in Chinatown, allegedly killed by her one-time partner Christopher Allen who has been charged. Police believe Ms Herron (pictured) suffered a violent death Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius (pictured) used the incident to remind men they had to take responsibility for the recurring instances of violence against women Homicide squad Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said extreme violence was inflicted on Ms Herron. 'The level of violence involved here was extreme in my view,' he told reporters on Sunday. 'This was a particularly, particularly horrendous attack.' Investigators believe Ms Herron was bashed just hours before her body was found about 9.25am on Saturday. Ms Herron had been couch surfing and sleeping rough for some time while struggling with drug and mental health issues, Inspector Stamper said. 'It's the death of a woman sadly again in our city,' Inspector Stamper told reporters on Saturday. Friends have paid tribute to Ms Herron, who was 'always smiling and joking' Police at Royal Park on Saturday after Ms Herron's body was found by dog walkers Homicide squad Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper (left) said extreme violence was inflicted on Ms Herron 'We get impacted as much as anyone else in the community.' Inspector Stamper said that homeless people regularly sleep rough in the Royal Park. Premier Daniel Andrews has called for men's attitudes to women to change. 'This is a terrible tragedy,' Premier Daniel Andrews said on Sunday. The Premier, who delivered Australia's first royal commission into family violence last term, said while the state had made significant progress on violence against women, there was more to be done. 'This is not about the way women behave, this is not about where women are at what hour,' he said. 'This is most likely about the behaviour of men.' A message left by Courtney Herron's grandmother at the scene. She cried to the skies as if looking for answers as to why her beloved had been taken away Throwing their hands into the air and seemingly asking God to respond, family of the 25-year old made their way to Royal Park just before midday A message left by the mother of Courtney Herron at the scene of her alleged murder. The note was attached to flowers left there in a gut wrenching scene that brought those who saw it to tears The mother and grandmother of Ms Herron left touching tributes for her after making a heart-wrenching visit to the spot where she was allegedly murdered. 'I love you my sweetheart Courtney,' her grandmother wrote on flowers left at the scene. 'You will always be in my heart. You are now in a better place with your pappou.' Ms Herron's mum wrote: 'To our beloved Courky, Forever in our hearts ... Find internal peace with Pappou - You will be forever safe with him. Love mum, Chris, Sian and LuLu.' Upon reaching the burnt out logs where Ms Herron was allegedly so cruelly killed, the pair broke down in inconsolable grief. Mourners lay flowers at the tragic scene where Courtney Herron's life was cut short Mr Hammond appeared in court on Monday with no shoes on and nodded when he was told he'd be held in custody until his next appearance in September They were accompanied by Ms Herron's uncles and aunts, who could do nothing but stand back and allow the pair to shriek in agonising despair. Ms Herron is understood to have been in regular contact with her family up until two weeks ago and had been staying with friends at the time of her attack. Hammond fronted the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with Ms Herron's murder. The court heard he has a 'possible delusional disorder', a possible autism spectrum disorder and had been prescribed Ritalin for his ADHD. Hammond, originally from New South Wales, appeared in court with no shoes on and a smile on his face. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance in September. A GoFundMe has been set up by the Melbourne Homeless Collective to help cover Ms Herron's funeral costs. Stunning new footage has emerged of a 'car-sized' meteor that hurtling through the night sky over southern Australia. A CCTV camera on Royal Adelaide Hospital's helipad captured the moment the object burns up as it comes through earth's atmosphere. At first only a distant glow, the 'fireball' - as classified by NASA - shoots quickly towards the earth's surface before quickly catching fire and then burning out. An onlooker from Brighton, Melbourne, described seeing a large round fireball with a 'long tail fall from the sky like it was diving into the bay'. The meteor was spotted on Wednesday night by several people over southern cities in Australia. 'I was standing on my balcony. As it hit on the horizon, it exploded silently right in front of me,' he told the Herald Sun. Others took to Facebook to share their amazement at the captivating sight. A CCTV camera on Royal Adelaide Hospital's helipad captured the moment the object burns up as it comes through earth's atmosphere As it appears to break through the earth's atmosphere it quickly begins to burn up and explode, brightening the entire night sky for a new seconds Astronomers believe it crashed into the ocean as no land sightings have been made since 'I saw the biggest orange flames and the whole night sky light up about 10:45 tonight whilst out in horse paddock. It scared the stuffing out of me,' one woman said 'I saw the biggest orange flames and the whole night sky light up about 10:45 tonight whilst out in horse paddock. It scared the stuffing out of me,' one woman wrote. Another person from Victoria phoned into 3AW to describe the glow as 'brighter than Jupiter'. The meteor entered the stratosphere at a speed of 44,100km/h before exploding the 1.6 kiloton force in to the atmosphere, according to The Advertiser. Astronomers have estimated the asteroid could have landed in the ocean. The Country Fire Authority received several calls from people across Melbourne who thought a fire had been started. Australians on the west coast witnessed what appeared to be another fireball shooting across the sky this weekend, but it turned out to be an Emirates A380 plane flying in from Dubai The meteor is then believed to have crossed the border, with sightings coming from Adelaide's CBD. Last night dozens of Australians believed they have spotted the orange flame of a second meteor within a week. But it was quickly revealed to be an Emirates A380 plane flying in from Dubai. President Donald Trump complained Monday about Democrats trying to impeach him as he caught up U.S. news during his Tokyo trip. 'Impeach for what, having created perhaps the greatest Economy in our Countrys history, rebuilding our Military, taking care of our Vets (Choice), Judges, Best Jobs Numbers Ever, and much more?' he said. 'Dems are Obstructionists!' Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel had put Democratic Congresswoman and Trump detractor Rashida Tlaib on blast after the Michigan representative made the case for Trump's impeachment on 'Meet the Press.' She said Tlaib 'continues to obsess over impeachment' and claimed Democrats want to impeach Trump 'because they dont have any other message heading into 2020 and theyre scared they cant beat him at the ballot box.' President Donald Trump complained Monday about Democrats trying to impeach him as he caught up U.S. news during his Tokyo trip Trump retweeted his party's chairwoman and fired back at Tlaib in a tweet that said: 'The Dems are getting NOTHING done in Congress! They only want a Do-Over on Mueller!' At a news conference on Monday afternoon local time in Tokyo, an American president asked Trump about his pledge to cut off contact with the Democrats until they drop their investigations into him. His refusal to work with Democrats to pass legislation could make it hard to fulfill his campaign promises, the journalist noted. 'Certainly as things get approved, I would love to sign them. It's only good for our country,' he said. 'I'm only interested in what's good for our country. It's very important.' In the U.S. the topic had come up in Tlaib's interview on 'Meet the Press.' She insisted impeachment is not an election tactic. Tlaib pointed to Trump's executive action on Friday morning that allowed an arms sale to Saudi Arabia to go through, bucking Congress. He took to Twitter to voice his frustrations and claimed he had created the 'greatest economy in the country's history' Trump retweeted his party's chairwoman and fired back at Tlaib in a tweet that said: 'The Dems are getting NOTHING done in Congress! They only want a Do-Over on Mueller!' 'The first time historically did we exercise our war powers and said no more arm deals, no more kind of interaction with helping the Yemeni humanitarian crises through our relationship with Saudi Arabia. And he turned around and pretty much ignored the Congress's decision. A bipartisan decision,' she said. She said Trump believes that he is above the law, and he's making it impossible for Congress to do its job. 'Look, this is not about the 2020 election. It's about doing what's right now for our country. This is going to be a precedent that we set when we dont hold this president accountable to the rule of the law and to the United States Constitution,' she said. Tlaib accused him of broad abuses of power from his rejection of subpoenas to alleged violations of the U.S. Constitution. 'A lot of the corruption that you see through the Oval Office is already seeping into the halls of Congress. I can tell you from day one, this president has misled Congress, has undermined his own cabinet members and has lied to the American people,' she said. Standing next to the Japanese prime minister at Asakaka Palace in Japan, the U.S. president repeated a claim that there has 'never been a president more transparent' and the Mueller report cleared him of obstruction and collusion. 'And Bob Mueller, I guess you could say he wasn't a friend of mine, but he did something that was really the right think to do. They were very disappointed, they can't get over the fact that I never spoke to Russia, never dealt with Russia, ; he said. 'And I will say, without question, we have done a job that few presidents have done.' He suggested Democrats are jealous of the economy he has created, and that's why they're trying to push him out. 'So, I think that we will work with them,' he said, bringing up the U.S. Mexico Canada trade agreement as an example of possible overlap. 'I would imagine that Nancy Pelosi will approve that. I think it would be very hard not to, but we'll see.' A village in Wales could be the first in the UK to be abandoned and lost to the sea due to rising water in the coming decades. Experts believe Fairbourne in west Wales could be beyond saving after it was predicted the waters in Barmouth Bay will rise by more than 3ft over the next century. Council bosses have subsequently drawn up plans to relocate all 850 residents within the next 25 years and demolish all 400 homes. But residents say the predictions may be wrong and want to stay and raise families in the area. The village of Fairbourne in west Wales, pictured, could be 'decommissioned' and all residents relocated amid fears sea levels will rise up and 'swallow' the properties A shoreline management plan drawn up by the UK and Welsh governments predicts waters from Barmouth Bay could rise by more than 3ft, or one metre, flooding though the village. Pictured is what the area could look like if the projections are correct Gwynedd Council, which first raised the issue in 2013, said no decision has been taken on decommissioning yet but that it is an option. But Locals have hit out at a Shoreline Management Plan for west Wales, created by several agencies including the UK and Welsh governments, local councils and Network Rail, which contains the predictions for the sea levels. Campaigners say the plans are 'based on assumptions' the predictions will come true and that the village has subsequently been 'written off'. Stuart Eves, who has lived in Fairbourne for 43 years, told Wales Online the Shoreline Management Plan has 'destroyed' the village. He said: 'You can't get a mortgage here anymore. There's lots of young people here who want to stay and buy houses, but they can't. Banks won't give them the money.' Lauren Baynes, 22, who runs a butchers with her partner, added: 'We have two young children. It would be nice to hand the business down to them one day and for the whole family to stay here. 'I've lived in the area my whole life and I've never known Fairbourne to flood badly.' Residents have disputed the predictions and say they can no longer sell homes or businesses because the prices have crashed Gwynedd Council has drawn up proposals to move residents by 2042. Pictured is Fairbourne in west Wales on a map Meanwhile residents have also struggled to sell their homes due to the predictions, which caused house prices to plummet. There are currently no plans to compensate any locals who are relocated. The council says changing weather patterns and sea levels mean it would become impossible to strengthen flood defences past 2054. Natural Resources Wales has spent around 6million on flood management plans in the past four years. A spokesperson for Gwynedd Council said: 'Whilst decommissioning has been suggested, no firm decision has been made, and such a step will be a matter that will need to be considered by Natural Resources Wales, Welsh Government, Snowdonia National Park and the community itself.' Two brothers with links to a notoriously destructive British 'gypsy' family are to be deported from New Zealand for a 16,800 roofing scam. Johnny Quinn, 30, and Patrick Quinn, 27, appeared at Auckland Crown Court for defrauding people across the city out of $32,550. One of their accomplices told a Remuera resident his home was in dire need of chimney repairs, charging him $18,000 and leaving his chimney dismantled. Last week in Christchurch James Quinn, 58, was deported for his role in the roofing scam and was linked by police to the British tourist family who hit headlines earlier this year for running amok on the island. Patrick Quinn, 27, in the Whanganui Court in February - he was sentenced on Monday after pleading guilty to the roofing scam in Auckland Johnny Quinn, 30, at Whanganui Court in February - he was sentenced on Monday after pleading guilty to his role in the roofing scam The behaviour of the tourists (pictured speaking to police after causing a scene in January) sparked anger in New Zealand and the group were labelled 'a*******' and 'trash' by the Mayor of Auckland Johnny and Patrick's lawyers had sought to argue they had been unfairly linked to the infamous family, but police identified a number of the roofing scammers with ties to the family, the New Zealand Herald reported. They have paid back less than half of what they owe for their scams which Judge David Sharp described as a 'very serious breach of trust for vulnerable people,' the paper reported. Johnny pleaded guilty to four fraud charges, while Patrick admitted five. They were sentenced to six months in prison but will be deported within a day. The British Doran clan caused outrage from the moment they landed in January, with allegations of drunkenness on their flight, littering beaches and aggressive behaviour. They returned to the UK describing a 'holiday from hell' which saw them branded 'worse than pigs' by the Mayor of Auckland. Local woman Krista Curnow alleged the group of about 12 tourists, who spoke with an Irish accent, turned violent when she asked them to clean their mess as they left the beach. Footage showed a young boy, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, approaching Krista Curnow, telling her: 'I'll knock your brains out', after she videoed them littering a beach The establishments where the group of British tourists reportedly had complaints about their behaviour during their stay in New Zealand 'I approached the family to ask again if they could not disrespect our country while visiting and pick up their rubbish,' Ms Curnow said. 'They turned violent and even grandma and the child got involved saying they wanted to punch my head in.' Footage showed a young boy, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, approach Ms Curnow, telling her: 'I'll knock your brains out'. The four adult Dorans were served with 28-day deportation liability notices by New Zealand's immigration service before leaving to return to the UK. Patriarch Larry told Mail Online his family had done nothing wrong when arriving back at Heathrow earlier this year: 'We've been tortured, we've been condemned. 'We've done nothing wrong. It's been the holiday from hell ... I've paid for this holiday for me and my wife and we got blamed for things. 'It's lies, they've condemned us. We've been hiding in the mountains for two days.' Larry (pictured at Heathrow in January) told a photographer: 'I'll break your bones. I'll break your camera' Two others, Tommy Ward, 26, and William Donohue, 25, have been linked to the Doran clan and are due to appear in a New Zealand court next month for their roles in the roofing con. James Anthony Nolan, 26, was also part of the roofing scam but fled the country after he was bailed for assault, reckless driving and fraud charges, the Herald reported. He had allegedly driven a car at Curnow and tried to take her camera phone during the Doran clan's rowdy events in January. The daughter of notorious Australian child murderer and serial rapist Leonard Fraser has broken her silence 12 years after her father's death. Fraser, from Ingham in northern Queensland, was behind some of the most sickening crimes the country has ever seen before he was sentenced to life in prison for the abduction, rape and murder of nine-year-old Keyra Steinhardt in 2000. Fraser, who acquired the nickname 'The Rockhampton Rapist', was also responsible for multiple callous killings and the rape of over 20 women and girls, including one terminally ill cancer patient. His daughter Missy Rigby has opened up about her struggles to come to terms with the dark truth about who her father really was in a candid interview with 7NEWS. The daughter of one of Australia's most notorious child murderers and serial rapists Missy Rigby (pictured) has broken her silence 12 years after her father's death Ms Rigby, who suffers with bipolar disorder and is occasionally prone to violent outbursts, said she is fearful that her father could be buried within her own mind. 'I will never know whether my bipolar is a genetic thing handed down from dad, although it is a huge fear that he could be somewhere in my mind but I will never know. I manage it very well and not going to hide behind an [un]stable mind to excuse my actions even though it's a big thing to say "my dad's a serial killer",' she told the program. Ms Rigby admits she herself was scared of what her father, who she describes as the 'boogeyman', was capable of doing. She says on one occasion she pushed her bedroom furniture against her door in a desperate bid to keep her father at bay. Ms Rigby was brought up by her grandmother, Fraser's own mother, who she says told her never to be alone with the man who was supposed to care for her. But Ms Rigby, who is Fraser's only known child, has memories of her father that are starkly different to who he really was. Fraser (pictured) from Ingham in northern Queensland was behind some of the most sickening crimes the country has ever seen She says she remembers him as being 'fun, jolly and affectionate' when she was very young. But the fond memories weren't to last. When Ms Rigby was just two years old police came to the family home, which Fraser shared with Ms Rigby's mother Pearl, asking to speak to him in connection with the rape of a woman. Unbeknown to Ms Rigby's mother, Fraser was already on parole for a number of rapes in New South Wales, and had previously served seven years of a 21-year sentence. In 1985, Fraser was convicted of the rape of a woman in Shoal Point, a suburb of Mackay, and was handed a 12-year sentence. Ms Rigby was estranged from her father until she was six years old, when her grandmother decided to take her to visit Fraser in prison. She said when she was first reunited with her father he embraced her and told her how much he missed her. Keyra Steinhardt, 9, was abducted and murdered in Rockhampton on April 22, 1999 Ms Rigby admits at the time she 'didn't know' who he really was and saw him as just her dad. But when Ms Rigby reached 11 she decided to confront her mother about why her father was in jail. Her mother obliged and told Ms Rigby, who is a victim of sexual abuse, about the crimes Fraser had committed. 'I lost it ... and because it had been done to me (sexual abuse), hearing what he was, it switched something off that would never, ever bring him back into my mind as a dad,' she said. From that moment on Ms Rigby stopped visiting her father in prison and cut off all contact with him. In 1985, Fraser (pictured) was convicted of the rape of a woman in Shoal Point, a suburb of Mackay, and was handed a 12-year sentence She did however, send him a series of letters, in which she says she 'berated him' in a 'diplomatic way' which would have 'cut him to pieces'. Ms Rigby didn't see her father again until he was released from prison and he one day approached her as she walked home from school. Ms Rigby says she was scared and ran away from her father. But in February 1999 Fraser came to stay with Ms Rigby and her foster father - who had been reassured that Ms Rigby was happy to stay in the same house as her biological father. She said she allowed him to stay at the home because she had wanted to 'face the devil'. Shortly after, Fraser asked Ms Rigby to move in with him a proposition she swiftly declined. 'I am not under any false assumption that once I turned into a teenage girl and physical changes came about that I would've been in a position of danger,' Ms Rigby said. Ms Rigby said if she had taken the decision to move in with her father Keyra Steinhardt, who Fraser abducted, raped and murdered in 1999, may still be alive. She says her refusal might have been the 'last kick in the guts' for her father. She said she was 'devastated' to hear about what he'd done to the little girl. This year marks 20 years since Keyra's (pictured) death and her mother said she still cannot believe her daughter is gone Just before her father died of a heart attack in January 2007, Ms Rigby says prison staff got in touch with her on Fraser's behalf to ask if she wanted to talk to him. Even though she was told her dad was likely to die she 'shut them down' as she had 'nothing' to say to him. When she was told of her father's passing Ms Rigby admits she felt 'relieved' and looked upon his death as a 'celebration'. This year marks 20 years since Keyra's death. Treasa Steinhardt, Keyra's heartbroken mother, still can't believe she's gone. 'It does not feel like she is gone I have her here at home. and her toys, photos, and pictures,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'I miss not been able to see her grow up as a lady and be the women she meant to be.' Ms Steinhardt now says she survives by rewriting Keyra's story to make her the victim who led to him finally being captured so he couldn't kill again. 'When they found my daughter and he got life in prison never to be released, I turned the story around,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'Keyra caught him out and put him in jail. that she is the hero who saved other girls from being hurt and brought the bodies of other victims back to their families.' An innocent man who spent 12 years behind bars for a murder he didn't commit had called his family to say he had fallen in love the night before his life was abruptly cut short in a hit-and-run in Los Angeles. Australian Andrew Mallard, 56, was tragically killed after he was struck by a car while crossing a road at Sunset Boulevard and Formosa Avenue in Hollywood last month. He was found guilty of killing Perth jeweller Pamela Lawrence in 1994 in one Australia's worst miscarriages of justice. He spent more than a decade in jail before his conviction was quashed in the High Court in 2005, which saw him to be released the following year. WA Attorney-General John Quigley and journalist Colleen Egan, who played an integral role in overturning Mr Mallard's conviction, have recalled their shock to the news of his recent death. Andrew Mallard endured one of Australia's worst miscarriages of justice before his life was tragically cut short in a hit and run crash in April 'He had called them just the night before and said he was getting married, that he'd met a girl and that he was totally in love. They are obviously very devastated. Grace (his mother) is 92 years old now,' Ms Egan told ABC's Australian Story. Mr Quigley described him as gentle man and honest person. 'I can't tell the feeling of grief that washed over me. I held that man in my arms in prison and promised I'd never leave him. I felt just a little bit of me die when I heard this news,' he said. 'I just think it's so unfair, so sad, what happened. I'd like to think that Andrew's soul is resting in peace.' Friend Tonina Khamis expressed her disbelief to the news revealed he had recently written to her to say he was well and happy. 'I'm still processing it, and I'm thinking, well, maybe the universe had other plans for him. Maybe the grass is now greener on the other side for him,' she said. Journalist and author Colleen Egan (pictured) was woken by the tragic news that Andrew Mallard, the man she helped be released from prison had been killed in a hit and run The episode also aired parts of its 2010 interview with Mr Mallard. 'I was wrongfully imprisoned. There's a stigma that goes with that and it still goes with that,' he told Australian Story nine years ago. 'I still get abuse from certain members of the public. I still get scoffed at. People don't know the full story. They think I'm some sort of psycho, some sort of mentally ill patient. 'I had done nothing wrong. I was innocent and I protested my innocence from the word go. For nearly 11.5, nearly 12 years, For nearly 11.5, nearly 12 years, I was protesting my innocence consistently, continually.' A man, 19, has been charged over the hit and run that killed Australian Andrew Mallard Monday night's episode ended with a statement from Pamela Lawrence's family to say they were shocked and deeply saddened by Mr Mallard's death. They added their only solace was that he regained his freedom and saw his name cleared. 'We had high-profile people from the police and the prosecution that were still confident they had the right person,' Ms Lawrence's daughter Katie told the program in 2010. 'It didn't occur to us that... ..the justice system could have failed so dismally.' CCTV footage captured the heartbreaking moment Mr Mallard was struck by a silver sedan in Los Angeles. WA Attorney-General John Quigley (pictured) remembered Mr Mallard as a gentle person In the footage Mallard can be seen casually strolling across the road at Sunset Boulevard and Formosa Avenue in Hollywood, near where his fiancee lives. The footage shows Mallard suddenly stopping as the vehicle, with its headlights on, approaches. The sedan does not slow down as it ploughs threw Mallard before fleeing east on Sunset Boulevard. Dozens of onlookers can then be seen rushing to his rescue before he died at the scene. Kristopher Smith, 19 was charged several days later with felony hit and run involving injury or death and had bail set at $A71,300. 'I panicked,' Smith told LA TV station CBS2. 'I just went home to my mum.' The night before he died, Andrew Mallard (pictured with his sister and mother) had told his family that he was getting married and was 'totally' in love Smith says he did not see Mr Mallard as the Australian walked across busy Sunset Blvd. He added he was 'sorry for the accident' and he felt 'sorry for the victim's family'. Mr Mallard's family has been left devastated by his tragic passing. 'He suffered injustice and spent almost 12 years in prison for something he didn't do,' his sister Jacqui Mallard told The Australian last month. 'Those years were taken from him and now his life has been taken. We are heartbroken.' Andrew Mallard featured on Australian Story in 2010, four years after he was released Andrew Mallard pictured with his biggest supporters, mum Grace and sister Jacqui Mr Mallard was free for only 13 years after being cleared of murder. Pamela Lawrence, a business owner in Mosman Park, Perth, was attacked at her jewellery shop on the afternoon of Monday, 23 May 1994. She was attacked sometime between 3pm and 6pm and died in an ambulance at 7pm. Mr Mallard quickly became a suspect because a witness saw a man matching his description outside the shop. He had been released from police custody earlier that day after being arrested for breaking into his his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend's apartment and was seen arriving in Mosman Park in a taxi at around 5pm. Mallard had a history of mental illness but no history of violence. There was also no weapon, blood or DNA connecting him to the case. Two key pieces of evidence led to his conviction the first was police notes from interviews with Mallard where it was claimed Mallard had confessed. The family of Pamela Lawrence (pictured) were deeply saddened by Mr Mallard's death The second was 12 minutes of an 11-hour interview where Mallard was filmed speculating how Ms Lawrence may have been killed. 'If Pamela Lawrence was locking the store up, maybe she came in through the back way, the front door was already locked Maybe she left the key in the back door and that's why he had easy access, and that's why she didn't hear him until he was in the store,' he told police. Mallard spent 12 years of his life sentence at Casuarina Prison in Perth before he was released in 2006. Months later a cold-case review found a palm print linking English backpacker Simon Rochford to the crime scene. The convicted murderer was serving a 15 year minimum sentence for bashing his girlfriend Brigitta Dickens to death. Simon Rochford (pictured) was later linked to the crime scene of Pamela Lawrence's murder in 1994. He committed suicide in a Western Australian jail days after he was interviewed by police He had four years left on his sentence when he was questioned by police in relation to mother-of-two Ms Lawrence's death. A week later he committed suicide in a West Australian prison after being publicly named as the new suspect for Ms Lawrence's murder. The following year, in 2007, a Corruption and Crime Commission inquiry found that police had withheld crucial information from Mallard's defence team, including details of an undercover operation. It also emerged that two police officers had caused witnesses to alter their statements. Mallard was granted a $3.25million compensation payment for his time behind bars after lengthy negations with the state government in 2009. He later moved to the United Kingdom, while also spending time in America. Kristopher Smith, 19 (pictured) was charged over the hit and run that killed Andrew Mallard A Cannes superyacht was travelling around four times the speed limit when it crashed killing a British sailor on board another luxury vessel, prosecutors say. The 29-year-old, who was a crew member on board the 26.5m-long Minx, died of a heart attack after suffering 'severe trauma' in the collision just off the coast of Ile Sainte-Marguerite in Cannes Bay. The 3.7million London-registered Princess 88 yacht - carrying nine British guests - was 'anchored and stationary' when its bow was struck by the 27m yacht Vision at about 7.45pm on Saturday. French prosecutors say Vision had been unable to avoid Minx because it was moving at about 20 knots (23mph). The speed limit in the area close to the shore is five knots. The dead crewman was lifting the anchor of Minx and 'despite all attempts at resuscitation' the man was declared dead after a 'cardiac arrest'. The experienced French captain of Vision has been questioned on suspicion of reckless manoeuvering. A British man died from a cardiac arrest after suffering 'severe trauma' when the yacht he was working on collided with another in the bay of Cannes on the last day of the resort's annual film festival Police and ambulance services at a dock near after passengers had to be taken back to shore after the crew member of the Minx died in the collision Witnesses have since described the horrifying aftermath of the collision. According to The Times, one said on social media: 'I saw the damage. There was still blood from the guy on the hull of the yacht, it was horrible. He was flattened.' The captain of the Vision is French and currently in custody in Cannes. 'It was still light, and visibility was excellent, but this did not prevent the collision,' said an investigating source. The Minx, which was flying a British flag, had a party of nine UK nationals on board, with survivors all said to be 'in a state of deep shock', according to the source. 'Medical stuff tried to resuscitate a 29-year-old British man but he was declared dead following a cardiac arrest,' said an investigating source. The Minx superyacht: The 29-year-old crew member was working onboard the ship and was believed to be moving the anchor at the time of the fatal crash The Vision 3000 yacht which crashed into the side of the Minx just north of the Ile St Marguerite 'Passengers and other crew members witnessed the collision which was quite horrific' the source added. The agents for Minx said witnesses on board the vessel had seen a yacht 'approaching... at high speed'. 'Minx was anchored and stationary in a safe anchorage zone... Witnesses on board saw a yacht approaching at high speed. 'As a result of the impact on the stationary Minx our crew member tragically died.' French prosecutors announced yesterday that they would investigate the collision, which happened on the last night of the resort's annual film festival. Cannes Bay is full of yachts during the festival, and everything is done to try and regulate speeds. 'A trauma unit was set up for those who saw what happened. Both yachts were very badly damaged on their bows, but were able to sail back to port afterwards. There was no leakage of fuel.' The victim was described as an 'experienced member of the crew on the Minx', which is rented out for events such as the Cannes Film Festival for 55,000 (48,000) a week, excluding food, alcohol, tips and fuel. Saturday was the last day of this year's show, when stars from all over the world, including Hollywood, descend on Cannes for a week or film releases, prizes and parties. Both vessels are marketed as Superyachts, and have crews of 15. The Minx is five years old and described as being an 'ideal charter yacht for socialising and entertaining with family and friends.' The Vision, which was built in 2011, had recently arrived in Cannes from Monaco. 'He was a crew member on the Minx, a yacht that was at anchor in the Cannes bay area. The other yacht involved was the Vision, which was manoeuvring at the time.' It is not known exactly how the unidentified victim came to die, said the source, who added that 17 passengers on both yachts were 'soon evacuated to the mainland'. An investigation has now been started by the Maritime Prosecutor of Marseilles, in conjunction with the Maritime Gendarmerie Research Brigade The captains and other crew members of the Minx and Vision were meanwhile being interviewed at length. An investigation has now been started by the Maritime Prosecutor of Marseilles, in conjunction with the Maritime Gendarmerie Research Brigade. The boats were just north of the Ile St Marguerite a Mediterranean island just off Cannes which is full of party yachts at the weekend, especially during the film festival. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: 'Our staff are assisting the family of a British man following his death in France, and are in contact with the local authorities.' Saturday was the last day of this year's show, when stars from all over the world, including Hollywood, descend on Cannes for a week or film releases, prizes and parties. A tiny 3,000 year old gold ritual vessel which ancient tribes used to 'get high' has emerged for sale for 45,000. The canonical shaped vessel was used by the Scythians - who lived in what is now southern Siberia between 900 and 200 BC - to smoke cannabis and opium. The Scythians were nomadic warriors who partook in human sacrifices, drank the blood of slain enemies and used female warriors. A tiny 3,000 year old gold ritual vessel which ancient tribes used to 'get high' has emerged for sale for 45,000 The 3in vessel, which weighs just 4.4 ounces (125 grams), is being sold by Timeline Auctions, in Mayfair, London. It has belonged to a European businessman since the 1990s, having previously been in a North American collection for four decades. Its whereabouts before then is unknown. Chris Wren, managing director at Timeline Auctions, said: 'The Scythians were a nomadic people who covered a vast area - they were known by the Chinese who built the Great Wall to protect themselves against their raids. The canonical shaped vessel was used by the Scythians - who lived in what is now southern Siberia between 900 and 200 BC - to smoke cannabis and opium 'Gold vessels which have been recently excavated and also have holes to the base were found to have a black residue inside that, when tested, was discovered to be a mixture of cannabis and opium. 'Academic opinion believes them to have been used for the ritual burning of incense or drugs. 'This is a special object which shows that clearly drugs are not just a modern problem!' The Scythians were nomadic warriors who partook in human sacrifices, drank the blood of slain enemies and used female warriors The Scythians extended their influence all the way from China to the northern Black Sea. Masters of warfare on horseback, the tattooed warriors drank to excess and got high as this was seen as important for social bonding between individuals and tribes. The sale takes place on May 28. Sam Little, 78, was arrested by police on Drug charges in 2012. DNA acquired during his detention connected him to three murders in the 1980s. Last year, he confessed to 90 more A woman who was attacked by 'America's most prolific serial killer' has opened up about her terrifying near-miss. Laurie Barros, then 22, was working as a prostitute in San Diego, California when Samuel Little attacked her and left her for dead in a pile of trash in October 1984. Speaking a Channel 4 documentary called 'Confessions of a Serial Killer' Laurie describes in detail how Little allegedly got her in a headlock and bundled her into his car before dumping her at a trash disposal site. Little, 78, already convicted of three California murders and long suspected in numerous other deaths, claimed in November he was involved in about 90 killings nationwide spanning nearly four decades. He often targeted vulnerable women like Laurie, who he approached while she was out working one night. Laurie Barros, 22, was working as a prostitute in San Diego, California when Samuel Little attacked her Little had a history of criminal dealing before he began his alleged murder streak in the 1970s (pictured: Little is detained in Washington DC, 1972, for illegal possession of a handgun) 'He pulled up behind me I could hear something I think I might have just froze in place well he'd already got out of his car and put me in a headlock and shoved me in his car,' she told Channel 4. 'I can remember my shoes getting yanked off and pretty much just him pushing my head down on the back seat so I'm laying down. 'He had taken my nylons off and he used those to tie my wrists up behind my back I tried to go along with that and act like it was normal like I was enjoying it. 'He came down on my neck with thumbs like that and I'm like, "I'm screwed". He says "I like it when you swallow", and I don't have any recollection after that. That's when I was out for good.' Laurie said she woke up around five hours later at an 'illegal dump site' and walked miles to find a payphone and get her friend to come and pick her up. Police say Little is in poor health and they're conducting daily interviews to extract as much information from him as possible (pictured: Little leaves court in Odessa, Texas, December 2018) 'It was exactly 30 days later I believe that he had attempted to murder the next girl, in the same place, in the same way, and the police actually caught him in the act.' Asked why she has chosen now to open up about her ordeal, Laurie said: 'I owe more to those women than to just run away'. I've always wrestled with that, why me? Why didn't I die? I didn't deserve to live. And a lot of times I wished I hadn't. I remember saying to myself as if Im praying to god, god tell my parents I'm sorry for getting killed.' In February this year it emerged Little has started painting pictures of some of his victims - and the FBI needs help identifying them. Historic DNA evidence resulted in him sentenced for the murders of three women in 2014, but by November last year Little told authorities he'd actually killed nearly 100 more women. If his claims are proven to be true, Little will go down as one of the most prolific serial killers in history. So far investigators have managed to link Little to 36 of his claims, spanning the width of the US, from LA to Washington DC. 20 of those victims were murdered in Los Angeles So far, investigators have managed to confirm 36 of his slayings, which span the length of the country from LA to Washington DC. But in a bid to close a litany of long-cold cases, the FBI has started releasing the doodles Little has been painting of his victims in his cell. Most of his confirmed kills were identified to be drug addicts, prostitutes or transgender women - whom Little would strangle and often dump their bodies in dense wooded areas. With no trace of a gunshot or stab wound, police would often mistakenly rule the cause of death to be an overdoses or an accident, and failed to open a murder probe as a result. Little was arrested in 2012 in a homeless shelter wanted on drug charges in California. Police tested his DNA and he was connected to three unsolved murders across 1987 and 1989, including the death of Audrey Nelson. Little is said to be in poor health and investigators are conducting daily interviews to extract as much information from him as possible. Little has been doodling the faces of some of his victims in his cell, using watercolors, chalk and pencil Confessions of a Serial Killer was on Channel 4 last night and is available to watch on 4OD by clicking here Advertisement A new book shows the crucial role British submarines played in the two world wars and the gruelling jobs that their crew undertook. Fascinating photos of four submarines sitting side by side in Australian waters in 1945, a brave sailor manning a 'midget' submarine, and the cramped, stuffy control room where lives could be saved or lost. The remarkable photos form part of acclaimed naval historian Norman Friedman's British Submarines In Two World Wars, a hugely in-depth summary of the evolution of underwater conflict and its role in the greatest wars of the 20th century. The claustrophobic control room of a First World War J-class submarine. The J-class were developed by the Royal Navy prior to the First World War and were much larger than previous British submarines British submarine M 1 in camouflage. The wavy pattern helped make it less visible when it surfaced. The submarine sank in 1925 while on an exercise in the channel, and none of the crew survived. The wreck was discovered in 1999 This photo shows how newer submarines dwarfed their predecessors. Here an O-class submarine lies alongside M 2, L 25 and H 32, in descending size, with other O-class submarines forward of her The Royal Navy's J-class submarines in World War One (pictured). After the Great War they were given to the Royal Australian Navy who which could not afford to maintain and operate them, and soon had to discard them HMS Venturer, the first (and so far the only) submarine to have sunk another submarine while both were submerged, in her case sinking a U-Boat off Norway on February 9 1945 Four T-class submarines lie alongside HMS Adamant in Fremantle, 1945. Their size was limited to keep the cost down. To provide sufficient firepower, they were given external torpedo tubes 'The Royal Navy did not invent the submarine, but by 1914 it was the world's leading submarine operator,' explained Friedman. 'It was extremely innovative. For example, it originated the specialised anti-submarine submarine which became so important after the Second World War. 'Its First World War fleet submarines can be seen as forebears of modern fast nuclear submarines intended for direct support of battle groups. 'By 1914 the Royal Navy considered submarines integral to its strategy. Like the rest of the Royal Navy's ships, submarines were much affected by the strategic shifts of the interwar years, from an emphasis on European waters to the Far East and then back to European waters. 'These shifts are visible in the design of British submarines. 'The Royal Navy did not buy submarines until 1901 not because of some innate conservatism but because up to that point submarines did not affect its strategy. It kept close watch on foreign submarine developments, the question always being when (and if) submarines matured to the point that they might affect British naval operations. The E-class was conceived as an ocean-going craft. Pictured here is E 25 on its launch day August 23, 1915. The last of the E-class submarines were withdrawn from service by 1922 British submariners test out the sights on their sub's gun turret. British submarines were a major element in the North Sea battles, and they helped fight the U-boat menace which was devastating allied forces shipping A mini-sub X-craft at sea, the officer in the hatch giving an idea of its tiny scale. The vessels were intended to be towed by a larger submarine and were used during World War II Smiling submariners onboard the World War One submarine B4 shows an early wireless antenna installation, usable only when she was surfaced UK: DANGEROUS, dark and hugely technical: An authoritative new book shows the crucial role British submarines played in the two world wars and the gruelling jobs that their crew undertook Two men operate a Chariot, which was developed in 1942 for use in World War II. Much like the X-class, the Chariot would be transported very close to its target before leaving a bomb with a timer attached to an enemy ship The remarkable photos form part of acclaimed naval historian Norman Friedman's British Submarines In Two World Wars, a hugely in-depth summary of the evolution of underwater conflict and its role in the greatest wars of the 20th century 'Of course, in the end they did and by 1914 the UK had the largest submarine fleet in the world. 'The First World War was the first submarine war. British submarines operated effectively in the North Sea, the Mediterranean and the Baltic. This experience shaped the interwar British submarine fleet. The service grew enormously after 1914. At that time it comprised 62 submarines, with 168 officers and 1250 enlisted men. On 11 November 1918 a total of 133 submarines were in commission and the service had grown to 444 officers and 4196 enlisted men.' During the First World War British submarines virtually closed the Baltic to German iron ore traffic, and they helped block supplies to the Turkish army fighting at Gallipoli, preventing further loses during the Gallipoli disaster. British submarines were a major element in the North Sea battles, and they helped fight the U-boat menace which was devastating allied forces shipping. The lessons learnt in the First World War could be applied to British submarine operations in World War II. 'Readers will be aware of the role of US submarines in strangling Japan, but perhaps not how British submarines in the Mediterranean fought a parallel costly but successful battle to strangle the German army in North Africa,' continued Friedman. 'Like their US counterparts, interwar British submariners were designed largely with the demands of a possible Pacific War, although that was not the war they fought. 'Readers will see how the demands of such a war, which would be fought over vast distances, collided with interwar British Government attempts to limit costs by holding down the size (and numbers) of submarines. 'It says much about the ingenuity of British submarine designers that they managed to meet their requirements despite enormous pressure on submarine size.' During the Second World War the Royal Navy also operated both midget submarines and manned torpedoes (Chariots), tiny crafts which could operate stealthily and in utmost secrecy. They were designed to attack enemy submarines who were protected in heavily armoured harbours or even bridge supports. Norman Friedman's British Submarines In Two World Wars, published by Pen and Sword Books, is due for release next month. Georgina Bretman (pictured above) injected her dog with insulin in 2013 A veterinary nurse escaped a jail sentence and has been struck off after deliberately poisoning her pet cocker spaniel with insulin. 'Attention seeking' Georgina Bretman injected her black and white pooch with insulin in 2013, causing the animal to suffer hypoglycaemia, convulsions and seizures. The two-year-old dog received immediate veterinary treatment in order to avoid going into a coma and dying. In 2017, the then 28-year-old was convicted of causing Florence the dog unnecessary suffering after a trial in Glasgow and she has now been struck off the register by the RCVS Veterinary Nurse Disciplinary Committee. She had previously worked for Pets A&E in the Kinning Park area of Glasgow and after being convicted, was given 140 hours of unpaid work. No explanation was ever offered as to why the vet nurse had harmed her pet, the court was told by her former employer Lesley Herd, that she was an 'attention seeker.' When Bretman was sentenced in 2017, the Sheriff told her: 'Florence was vulnerable and she depended on you. Florence the dog (pictured above) suffered hypoglycaemia, convulsions and seizures after being injected by her owner 'The motivation for you to cause Florence's suffering will never be known, as you did not shed any light on this when you spoke to social workers. You have shown no remorse.' On May 20, the committee announced they would remove Bretman's name from the register in order to prevent her from being employed in the sector. In the report outlining the Committee's decision, it said: 'The Committee recognised the impact this was likely to have on Miss Bretman, which was unfortunate given her young age and her obvious passion for a career as a veterinary nurse. Georgina Bretman (pictured above) has now been struck off the register 'However the need to protect animal welfare, the reputation of the profession and thus the wider public interest, outweighed Miss Bretman's interests and the Committee concluded that removal was the only appropriate and proportionate sanction in this case. 'The Committee determined that it was important that a clear message be sent that this sort of behaviour is wholly inappropriate and not to be tolerated. It brought discredit upon Miss Bretman and discredit upon the profession.' Along with references, Bretman also provided a written statement and testimonials to give to the Committee. In her evidence, she detailed how she grew up with a passion for animals and how all she ever wanted to do was work in the veterinary profession. She spoke of attending university and graduating in 2011with an Upper Second Class Honours degree in Veterinary Nursing. From there she went into a veterinary practice specialising in emergency work and animal rehabilitation. She said she worked long shifts, but relished the opportunity to learn and progress, often working more than 100 hours a week. The court heard that Bretman had caused deliberate distress to her dog Florence (above) But she described herself as content and happy in her work. Bretman said she discovered a particular interest in the field of hydrotherapy and rehabilitation and obtained a British Small Animal Veterinary Association Veterinary Nurse (BSAVA VN) Merit Award in Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy from Cardiff University. As far as she was aware she was the only veterinary nurse practising in Scotland at the time to hold such a qualification. Bretman spoke about the devastating effect of this incident and the shame that was 'brought down on her head.' She said she was suspended from her job, which she had hoped would be her life's career, less than two years out of university. Bretman said that in the aftermath of her conviction she had tried hard to accept the verdict of the court. But she felt that veterinary nursing was her 'calling in life' and something that she was 'meant to do.' She said that she had spent her whole life working towards helping animals, improving their lives and making sure they get the best possible care. She added: 'I miss working as a veterinary nurse more than I can say. It is my vocation. But I lost everything.' Following her suspension from work, Miss Bretman said she had to sell her flat and move back in with her parents. She had not worked as a veterinary nurse following her conviction, instead, working as a waitress, but very much wanted to return to working with animals. She said she had kept her registration as an RVN up to date, hoping that she might be allowed to return. Bretman accepted that the offence she had been convicted of was very serious, particularly for a veterinary nurse. She said she had carried out all her unpaid work and completed her community sentence. What she really wanted to be able to do was to rebuild the career for which she had such a passion. The Scottish SPCA told has welcomed the decision. Chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: 'Bretman caused deliberate distress and suffering to her dog, Florence. 'We are glad this case has been taken seriously by RCSV and this decision has been made.' A 13-year-old girl has been charged with assault following a shocking attack on a 33-year-old mother. Bonnie Halcrow, 33, had taken her daughter to the playground at Pleasant Hill Park in Saskatoon, Canada, when a group of children launched an attack on her. The children, aged between 10 and 14, started throwing punches when Ms Halcrow told them to stop chucking stones at a man pushing a fridge on a trolley. A 13-year-old girl has been charged with assault following a shocking attack on a 33-year-old mother. Bonnie Halcrow, 33, had taken her daughter to the playground at Pleasant Hill Park in Saskatoon, Canada, when a group of children launched an attack on her Footage shows Ms Halcrow being repeatedly kicked and punched while she is dragged across the ground by the mob of children. The children laugh in delight as they continue their brutal assault. One of them tries to take her jumper off while the rest carry on hitting her. She eventually manages to stagger to her feet and stumbles away while the children run off. Footage shows Ms Halcrow being repeatedly kicked and punched while she is dragged across the ground by the mob of children She told them to leave the man alone and that she would be reporting them to the police if they didn't. One of the children then snatched her phone from her and she wrestled to get it back. Once she was down on the ground the children started 'swarming' her. In an interview with CBC she said: 'I couldn't feel any of the punches or kicks because my adrenaline kicked in, and I couldn't fight kids. It just isn't me to fight kids, so I just did the best I could.' Ms Halcrow said she was terrified for the safety of her 10-year-old daughter who was forced to watch her mother get beaten up. The 13-year-old girl who has been charged with assault is also facing another assault charge over a different incident at the same park from a week before. An Iraqi court has today condemned a fourth French citizen to death for joining ISIS, as the verdict for a fifth man was postponed after he testified to being tortured. Mustafa Mohammed Ibrahim, 37, was given a sentence of death by hanging according to reports from the courthouse in Baghdad where all the Frenchmen are being tried. Yesterday, the court handed capital punishments to three other Frenchmen on trial for supporting the extremist terror group. Security guards stand outside the building where Islamic State militants are being tried in a special counterterrorism court in Baghdad, Iraq. Four have been sentenced to death France, meanwhile, said the Iraqi court has jurisdiction to rule in the cases, though a spokeswoman reiterated the French government's opposition to the death penalty. France's foreign affairs spokeswoman Agnes Von der Muhll said France's position is that adults detained in Iraq must be tried by the Iraqi justice system, as soon as it declares itself competent. 'France respects the sovereignty of Iraqi authorities' she added, though she expressed her country's opposition to the death penalty, 'in principle, at all times and in all places.' The trials come as questions swirl about the legal treatment of thousands of foreign nationals formerly with the extremist group. The Frenchmen on trial are among 12 French IS fighters whom the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces handed over to Iraq in January. The Kurdish-led group spearheaded the fight against IS in Syria and has handed over to Iraq hundreds of suspected IS members in recent months. The defendant's cage in an empty courtroom at Nineveh Criminal Court, one of two counterterrorism courts in Iraq where suspected Islamic State militants and their associates are being tried Suspected Islamic State militants wait their turn for sentencing at the counterterrorism court in Baghdad, Iraq last week IS 'terrorists must answer for their crimes in court,' said France's foreign affair's ministry spokeswoman, Agnes von der Muhll. As Monday's proceedings opened, the first to appear was Mustafa Mohammed Ibrahim, 37, from the Mediterranean city of Nice. Ibrahim, of Tunisian origin, with short hair and a light beard, walked in the courtroom wearing a yellow prison uniform with 'Reforms Department' printed on the back in Arabic 'I ask for forgiveness from the people of Iraq and Syria and the victims,' Ibrahim said before Judge Ahmed Mohammed ordered he remove his top in order to see if there were any signs of torture on his body. None were visible. 'No matter what the sentence will be against me I want to go back to my country,' said Ibrahim. He added that he used to work as a driver back in France before joining IS. The judge sentenced Ibrahim to death. The second man brought into the courtroom was identified as Fadil Hamad Abdallah, 33, of Moroccan origin. Abdallah said he was subjected to torture while in detention and the judge referred to him to a medical committee for investigation and postponed his next session until Sunday. The judge also postponed the sentencing of three other Frenchmen until next Monday. This is the incredible moment a hero biker saved the life of a young girl having an epileptic fit - by rushing her to hospital while her family were stuck in a traffic jam. The girl's father Sorachat Sadudee, 51, was driving home after picking up his two daughters from school in Phitsanulok, central Thailand on Thursday evening. His youngest daughter Kaimook, eight, told him that she felt sick and very tired, so he tried to make his way home as quickly as he could. Passing biker Itthiphon Petchphibunpong, 28, noticed the panic-stricken family inside the black sedan and offered to help with his bike But the girl had a potentially deadly tonic seizure and started to foam at the mouth before she eventually passed out on the passenger seat while they were stuck at a junction. The father was trying to drive the child to the nearest hospital but he was blocked in by the heavy traffic. So, he opened the window beeping and shouting for help. Speaking after, Mr Sadudee said: 'At that moment, she was in a very terrible condition. Her hands were jerking, her mouth had turned green, and her body was so pale with a high temperature too.' Passing biker Itthiphon Petchphibunpong, 28, noticed the panic-stricken family inside the black sedan frantically trying to wake the girl up. Helmet camera footage shows the quick-thinking motorcyclist parking his bike and asking what was happening, before immediately offering to take the girl to the hospital. Itthiphon Petchphibunpong noticed the panic-stricken family inside the black sedan frantically trying to wake the girl up Helmet camera footage shows the quick-thinking motorcyclist parking his bike and asking what was happening, before immediately offering to take the girl to the hospital Mr Petchphibunpong moved forward knocking on the car windows asking for them to move out of the way so the family could park their car at the roadside. The father then carried his sick daughter and jumped onto the back of the big motorbike. They were heard asking several drivers to make a path and beeping at cars in order to get through Thailand's notoriously bad rush hour traffic. Footage shows the motorcycle ride weaving through rows of stationary cars waiting at junctions. Mr Sadudee said: 'I couldn't thank him enough for his kindness. He saved my daughter's life' Kaimook finally arrived at the emergency ward within four minutes - far quicker than her father would have been able to have arrived if he had stayed in the traffic jam. She was saved and later transferred to another hospital. Mr Sadudee said: 'I couldn't thank him enough for his kindness. He saved my daughter's life. As soon as she is fully recovered, I'll take her to meet him and thank him again in person.' Speaking after the incident, Mr Petchphibunpong said that it was an unexpected moment but he was very happy to help the child with his bike. Kaimook finally arrived at the emergency ward within four minutes - far quicker than her father would have been able to have arrived if he had stayed in the traffic jam Kaimook finally arrived at the emergency ward within four minutes - far quicker than her father would have been able to have arrived The heroic biker said: 'At first, I was also surprised to see her having a seizure. I didn't know how to treat her but I knew that I could take her to the hospital with my motorcycle. 'As I am also a father, I know what it feels like to see our children collapsed and in pain in front of us. So, I didn't even hesitate to help her.' An Australian climber is fighting for life after he was found unconscious on Mount Everest - where ten climbers have died in nine days. The man was rescued at an altitude of 7,500 metres, on the northern slopes, about 7pm on Wednesday, according to China Daily. Four crew members from the Tibet Himalaya Expedition Company brought the unidentified man down part of the mountain Wednesday evening. He was reportedly unconscious and in a critical condition. The man was rescued (pictured) at an altitude of 7,500 metres, on the northern slopes, about 7pm on Wednesday Four crew members from the Tibet Himalaya Expedition Company brought the unidentified man down part of the mountain Wednesday evening (pictured) The news comes as ten climbers died at Everest in nine days, with locals blaming clogged up routes for the toll. Pictured: Climbers queue to stand on the summit of Everest on May 22 By Thursday morning, the climber had been taken to Base Camp where he was then transported to hospital. A spokeswoman from The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said they are 'providing consular assistance to an Australian man hospitalised in Kathmandu' in a statement to Daily Mail Australia. 'For privacy reasons we are unable to provide further details,' they said. The Australian climber has reportedly stabilised. The news comes after ten climbers died on Everest in nine days, with locals blaming clogged up routes for the death toll. Climbers waiting in queues while climbing are sucking up mountaineers' limited oxygen supply and exposing them to the harsher winds for longer. The route up the mountain includes several large obstacles including a huge moving glacier near to base camp as shown in the map above The 10 climbers who have died on Everest in the past nine days May 16: Irish professor Seamus Lawless went missing on May 16 after reportedly falling. The search operation has since been called off and he is presumed dead. This week: Four Indians, one Austrian, one American and one person from Nepal died on Everest. Friday: Irishman Kevin Hynes, 56, passed away on the northern Tibet part of the mountain. The father-of-two died in his tent at 23,000ft on the descent after turning back before reaching the top. Saturday: Robin Haynes Fisher, 44, collapsed and died only 150m from the peak. Advertisement Hiking officials attributed most of the deaths to weakness, exhaustion and delays on the crowded route to the 29,030-foot (8,850-metre) summit. British climber Robin Haynes Fisher, 44, died in the 'death zone' - known for low oxygen levels - on his descent on Saturday after speaking of his worries about overcrowding on the world's highest mountain. In one of his last social media posts, he told of how he had changed his plans in order to avoid the 'fatal' crowds. He said: 'With a single route to the summit, delays caused by overcrowding could prove fatal so I am hopeful my decision to go for the 25th will mean fewer people. Unless of course everyone else plays the same waiting game.' Mr Fisher was described as an 'aspirational adventurer' who 'lived life to the full' in a statement from his family. Robin Haynes Fisher, 44, died in the 'death zone' of Mount Everest - known for its low oxygen levels and had previously told of his worries around overcrowding on the mountain Irish climber Kevin Hynes, 56, died in his tent at 7,000 metres in the early hours of Friday after turning back before reaching the summit. The father-of-two was part of a group from UK-based climbing company 360 Expeditions which was attempting to scale Everest. His death comes a week after Trinity College professor Seamus Lawless, aged 39 and from Bray, Co Wicklow, fell during his descent from the peak having achieved a lifetime ambition of reaching the summit. The search for Mr Lawless has been called off. An American climber, Austrian climber and two Indian climbers are also reported to have died. Seamus Lawless 39, from Bray, Ireland, fell during his descent from the peak having achieved a lifetime ambition of reaching the summit. Above: Mr Lawless after scaling Alaska's 20,000-ft Mount Denali last summer Mr Fisher was the tenth fatality on Everest in the current climbing season that ends this month and the 18th in Nepal's Himalayas in the same period. Record numbers of climbers are cramming on to the piste during the spring season's good weather. There are 41 teams with a total of 378 climbers permitted to scale the mountain during the spring climbing season in Nepal that begins around March. An equal number of Nepalese guides are helping them get to the summit. Murder detectives probing the disappearance of a woman and her young son more than 40 years ago are draining a flooded quarry. Police believe the bodies of Renee Macrae, 36, and three year old Andrew, who vanished on November 12 1976 from Inverness, could be buried there. The flooded Leanach quarry at Culloden Moor, on the eastern side of Inverness was searched last year, but is now being drained. Experts have begun emptying the 100ft deep pit before search teams move in to hunt for the remains among the layers of mud and silt. Police believe the bodies of Renee Macrae, 36, and three year old Andrew (pictured) who vanished on November 12 1976 from Inverness, could be buried in the quarry Police arrived at the Leanach quarry in Culloden Moor, just east of Inverness today as they prepared to drain the pit Excavating equipment has also begun to arrive on site ahead of the draining of the quarry Police Scotland revealed it had a team of detectives working to 'identify new lines of inquiry' in the case that has baffled investigators for more than four decades. A source close to the investigation told The Sun: 'They believe this is the best chance they've had of solving this case. 'It was triggered by new information that came in following recent appeals. 'It's very significant and it's led them back to the quarry, which has always been an area of interest. 'It's a massive undertaking to search the entire quarry, but the cops obviously believe they have good reason to do so. Mrs Macrae (left) and Andrew (right) vanished after dropping older son Gordon, nine, at the home of her estranged husband, also Gordon. She has been on the way to see her lover, Bill McDowell Police Scotland (pictured, officers at the quarry today) say it has had a team of detectives working to 'identify new lines of inquiry' in the case that has baffled investigators for more than four decades 'It's too dangerous just to be searched, so in the next few days they are going to pump water completely out the quarry. 'The main focus of the team will be to get to this evidence and to recover the bodies if they are there.' Mrs Macrae and Andrew vanished after dropping older son Gordon, nine, at the home of her estranged husband, also Gordon. She was on her way to meet her lover Bill McDowell, Mr Macrae's married accountant, who was Andrew's biological father. He told police that they never met. Mrs Macrae's burned out BMW was discovered in a lay-by on the A9, south of Inverness. In November last year Mrs Macrae's sister Morag Govans (pictured) said she was hoping one day to be able to lay them to rest A bloodstained rug was in the boot. It sparked fears they were murdered and their bodies were buried at either a quarry or at the construction works for the A9. In 2016 a report naming a suspect who may have killed the pair was sent by the police to prosecutors but they decide there was insufficient evidence to take action. Since then the investigation into the disappearance has continued and fresh appeals have been made. The quarry set to be drained was first searched in 1978. Divers using underwater cameras were said to have caught sight of a head inside a plastic bag. In October last year police used an underwater camera to search Leanach Quarry. They are returning today to drain the pit Police also searched nearby Dalmagarry Quarry at the time of her disappearance. They returned in 2004 (pictured) drafting in forensic archaeologists to sift 35,000 tonnes of soil from the disused trench But the rubbish they retrieved failed to find any evidence of their remains. Police also searched nearby Dalmagarry Quarry at the time of her disappearance. They returned in 2004, drafting in forensic archaeologists to sift 35,000 tonnes of soil from the disused trench. Nothing was ever found. It is believed the latest operation has been months in the planning. Last year they released an image of missing youngster in a fresh appeal for information. They received 20 calls. The source added: 'The team have been reviewing this case and it's led to the major investigations team returning to the quarry with renewed determination. 'It will be a detailed search that will see investigators going through tonnes of material with a fine tooth comb, looking at everything there. In November last year Mrs Macrae's sister Morag said she was hoping one day to be able to lay them to rest. She said: 'Not a day goes past that both are not in my thoughts. 'Even after the passage of time I believe that there are people who know what happened to Renee and Andrew, and I will never give up hope of getting justice for them both. 'I appeal for anyone with any information to come forward and for others to examine their conscience to end 42 years of pain and anguish to allow us to grieve for Renee and Andrew.' A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'Detectives investigating the murders of Renee MacRae and her son Andrew are expected to begin searching an area of interest near Inverness within the coming days. 'We are unable to comment further at this stage.' German newspaper Bild published a cut-out-and-use kippa on Monday after Jews were warned by the government's anti-Semitism commissioner not to wear it. Felix Klein said he 'cannot advise Jews to wear the kippa everywhere all the time in Germany', in an interview over the weekend. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin voiced shock at Klein's warning and said it was a 'capitulation to anti-Semitism' and evidence that Jews are unsafe in Germany. Bild, Germany's top-selling daily, waded into the debate, calling on readers to 'stand in solidarity with (their) Jewish neighbours' by making 'their own kippa', bearing the star of David, to 'raise the flag against anti-Semitism'. Bild printed a cut-out-and-use kippa on Monday after Felix Klein sparked outrage with his comments warning Jews who wear the skullcap Rejecting the warning to leave off the kippa 'seven decades after the Holocaust', Bild's chief editor Julian Reichelt wrote: 'There is only one answer to that: No, it cannot be the case! Germany's anti-Semitism commissioner Felix Klein sparked outrage for saying he 'cannot advise Jews to wear the kippa everywhere all the time in Germany' 'If that is so, then we have failed in the face of our history,' he said. Urging readers to cut out the skullcap and wear it, Reichelt stressed that 'the kippa belongs to Germany.' Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Monday 'it's the job of the state to ensure that anybody can move around securely with a skullcap in any place of our country.' Germany, like other western countries, has watched with alarm as anti-Semitic and other racist hate speech and violence have increased in recent years while the political climate has coarsened and grown more polarised. Anti-Semitic crimes rose by 20 percent in Germany last year, according to interior ministry data which blamed nine out of 10 cases on the extreme right. The arrival in parliament of the far-right AfD, whose leaders openly question Germany's culture of atonement for World War II atrocities, has also contributed to the change in atmosphere. Chancellor Angela Merkel has also deplored 'another form of anti-Semitism' stemming from a major asylum-seeker influx, with many coming from Muslim countries like Syria, Afghanistan or Iraq. 'That the number of anti-Semitic crimes is increasing should be a cause of great concern for all of us in Germany,' Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Monday. The number of anti-Semetic and anti-foreigner incidents rose in Germany last year, according to government statistics released earlier this month 'It is the task of the state to ensure that everyone can move freely with a kippa anywhere in our country and we stand by that responsibility.' The Central Council of Jews in Germany has already issued several warnings about wearing the kippa in public. In one prominent case last year, a 19-year-old Syrian man was convicted for assault after lashing out with his belt at an Israeli man wearing a Jewish kippa skullcap while shouting 'yahudi', Jew in Arabic. More than half of Americans want Congress to drop the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election - a new survey has revealed. A poll carried out by CBS showed 53 per cent of respondents believe the Mueller Probe should be abandoned in favour of more serious issues. As many as 58 per cent also said they had heard enough about the report when it was published earlier this year. Scroll down for video A survey carried out by CBS showed more than half of respondents believe the Mueller probe should be dropped A massive 73 per cent of Democratic respondents to the survey, however, said the investigation should continue. The number is an increase from when the survey was last carried out in March this year. Seventy-four percent said Mueller should testify to Congress to discuss the findings in the report, which Americans are split on. Thirty-one percent said the report cleared him of any wrongdoing, and 33% said the report does not clear him. Thirty-two percent said it was too soon to decide if it does. Earlier this year the report found that there had been no collusion between Russia and the United States during the election. During a trip to Japan on Monday, Trump repeated a claim that there has 'never been a president more transparent' and the Mueller report cleared him of obstruction and collusion. Trump claimed on a visit to Japan this week that Democrats were disappointed with the result of the probe He also claimed the Democrats were 'disappointed' with the result of the probe. 'And Bob Mueller, I guess you could say he wasn't a friend of mine, but he did something that was really the right think to do. They were very disappointed, they can't get over the fact that I never spoke to Russia, never dealt with Russia,' he said. 'And I will say, without question, we have done a job that few presidents have done.' He suggested Democrats are jealous of the economy he has created, and that's why they're trying to push him out. 'So, I think that we will work with them,' he said, bringing up the U.S. Mexico Canada trade agreement as an example of possible overlap. 'I would imagine that Nancy Pelosi will approve that. I think it would be very hard not to, but we'll see.' Dale Melia (pictured above) stole 19 high performance cars A burglar who stole more than 800,000 worth of luxury cars and valuables has been jailed for six years. Dale Melia carried out and 'astonishing' six-month crime spree which included a string of break-ins across four counties. The 24-year-old from Coventry also stole 19 high-performance cars including BMW and Mercedes models. Between October 2018 and March this year he raided properties in the West Midlands, Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire. His loot consisted of cash, electronics, jewellery and cars. On March 27 he was finally arrested after forensic teams linked him to a string of break-ins. He was jailed on Friday 24 May for six-and-a-half years, admitting a string of burglaries at Warwick Crown Court. Melia pleaded guilty to 28 counts of burglary, six counts of theft of a motor vehicle, two counts of attempted burglary, one count of driving while disqualified and one count of driving without insurance. Melia was jailed on Friday 24 May for six-and-a-half years, admitting a string of burglaries at Warwick Crown Court Detective Constable Tim O'Mahoney, of Warwickshire Police, said: 'The scale of Melia's offending was astonishing and there is no doubt our communities are safer with him in prison. 'Following a thorough investigation and support from the public Melia's crimes finally caught up with him and he is now behind bars facing the consequences of his actions.' This is the moment a man jumps out of his car and reaches out to catch a toddler plunging from four floors up before the falling child hits him and knocks him out cold. The relieved hero Tonik Turghanbek, 28, woke up seconds later to discover that he had successfully rescued the two-year-old boy by cushioning his fall. CCTV images from the Renhe Residential District in Yining, a city in China's north-western Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, captured the incident on 23rd May. Turghanbek can be seen getting out his parked car and looking upwards before the boy falls into his arms a second later, knocking him to the ground Turghanbek can be seen getting out his parked car and looking upwards before the boy falls into his arms a second later, knocking him to the ground. He can be seen lifting his head a few seconds later after regaining consciousness, with witnesses arriving to check on him and the child. Turghanbek and the tot were both taken to the Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, where doctors confirmed they had escaped serious injuries. CCTV images from the Renhe Residential District in Yining, a city in China's north-western Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, captured the incident on 23rd May The residential building where the boy fell from. Turghanbek and the tot were both taken to the Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture Tunrghanbek reportedly sustained minor injuries to his left arm for his heroic actions Turghanbek said: 'I'd just come back from work and parked in front of the Renhe Residential District. 'I was still in my car when I heard screaming outside. People were all looking up, then I spotted the child hanging four storeys up. A few seconds later he fell. 'I wasn't even thinking at the time. I just ran up and caught him, but I don't know what happened afterwards - he knocked me out.' Turghanbek and the tot (pictured) were both taken to the Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture According to reports, the tot - weighing 28 pounds - had climbed outside the window of his home and slipped over the edge, clinging on for a few seconds before plunging to the ground. It is still unclear whether he had been at home alone at the time of the accident. Tunrghanbek reportedly sustained minor injuries to his left arm for his heroic actions. The pilot of a small corporate plane that crashed into the Atlantic ocean off the coast of Florida last week as it was approached by military fighter jets has been named as Juan Carlos Gonzalez-Mejia. The 2001 Cessna 560 left St Louis Regional Airport in East Alton, Illinois, for Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport on Friday at around 3.30pm. It was traveling normally until the final part of the journey. At 4.50pm, after losing contact for more than an hour, the Florida Air National Guard sent two F-15 jets to investigate. At 5.45pm, the plane, with tail number N832R, dramatically slowed down. As the jets approached, the aircraft suddenly plummeted and crashed into the ocean, 310 miles off the coast of Fort Lauderdale. The F-15 pilots did not fire at the Cessna, Local10.com reported. The search for the pilot of the small business plane that crashed in the Atlantic Ocean Friday has temporarily been called off. The pilot was named as Juan Carlos Gonzalez-Mejia The plane was a small Cessna Citation V. It belongs to a company called Hypo Consulting, which is based in Palm Beach, Florida The Cessna departed from St. Louis Regional Airport in Illinois Friday afternoon According to the publication, the plane was headed toward the Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport, Bahamas, and crashed east of the Leonard M. Thompson International Airport in Marsh Harbour, Bahamas. A U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater HC-130 Hercules airplane crew responded to the downed Cessna. The pilot was the only person on board the aircraft, which is registered to Hypo Consulting LLC - a business consulting company in Palm Beach, Florida. A search was carried out for 650 nautical square miles until Sunday when U.S. authorities suspended the hunt for Gonzalez-Mejia. Christopher Eddy, he Coast Guard 7th District Search and Rescue Coordinator, said: 'Suspending a search is one of the most difficult decisions we ever have to make, and we never make it lightly. 'We always want the best-case scenario to happen and will continue to monitor for new information that could aid responders.' The investigation into what happened on the fixed-wing multi-engine aircraft has been taken over by officials in the Bahamas. Fighter jets scrambled and flew out to investigate when the Cessna pilot didn't communicate. File image Gonzalez-Mejia was supposed to land at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Florida The small business jet appeared to head toward Grand Bahama International Airport, Bahamas Air Accident Investigation Department in The Bahamas, Delvin Major told Eyewitness News: 'Were the state that is closest to where the crash happened so we are involved as far as gathering information and because the United States in the state of registry, they would also take a lead role as well.' 'So, we are coordinating between ourselves and the United States. Up to now, we have not been able to get any more information as to if they were able to find the aircraft or the occupant of the aircraft.' It remains unclear if the pilot intentionally sank the aircraft or if something else caused it. Maj. Mark R. Lazane, a spokesman for the North American Aerospace Defense Command, also known as Norad, told The New York Times that as the jets approached it, the plane started 'rapidly descending'. Lazane said: 'The intent of military intercepts is to have the identified aircraft re-establish communications with local FAA. air traffic controllers and instruct the pilot to follow air traffic controller directions to land safely for follow-on action.' The Federal Aviation Administration would not comment on the crash on Monday. The National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating. This was the plane's path from Illinois to Florida. The green path marks where Juan Carlos Gonzalez-Mejia flew. At 4.50pm, as he flew past the airport he was meant to stop at and over the ocean. That is when the plane plunged into the ocean where the path turns white This is the moment a pro-Vladimir Putin Russian official floored a TV journalist who quizzed him about alleged corruption. The irate head of a district in Siberia is seen grabbing the microphone of state television channel journalist Ivan Litomin before wrestling him in a violent attack. Burly bureaucrat Sergei Zaitsev, 52, was angry over questions on how he afforded his palatial newly-built mansion. The reporter quizzed him on whether money from a 61 million fund for rebuilding homes destroyed by wildfires in 2015 had been diverted to fund construction of his private home. The irate head of a district in Siberia is seen grabbing the microphone of state television channel journalist Ivan Litomin Zaitsev - sitting at his desk - demanded: 'What the hell are you doing here?' The official - head of Shirinsky district in Khakassia region - told the 25-year-old reporter several times to 'go away'. As Zaitsev stood up and got physically aggressive, shoving Litomin, the journalist asked him: 'Why are you pushing me? The official - head of Shirinsky district in Khakassia region - told the 25-year-old reporter several times to 'go away' 'I have more questions for you. I still have a question about you house.' The district chief demanded: 'Is it a suitable question?' Litomin replied: 'Yes, it is. Who built your house?' Local reports say the house was constructed by a company that won a lucrative contract from Zaitsev to rebuild a sewage system in the area for new homes for those made homeless by the wildfires - who claim their new houses are of poor quality. Local reports say the house was constructed by a company that won a lucrative contract from Zaitsev to rebuild a sewage system in the area for new homes for those made homeless by the wildfires 'Why the hell are you linking my house and the sewage?' demanded the apparatchik. He failed to answer the question over whether labourers paid from the state budget constructed this mansion, but instead grabbed Litomin's microphone, then wrestled and floored him. From the ground, Litomin demanded that Zaitsev's aide should not touch the camera. From the ground, Litomin demanded that Zaitsev's aide should not touch the camera 'Your camera will fly through the window,' stormed Zaitsev as aides including his female secretary tried to calm the fracas. Rossiya 24 screened footage the violent attack which caused the reporter 'physical pain'. The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a case into preventing a journalist from doing his job. Zaitsev was earlier jailed for four years for 'negligence' over the destruction of 1,500 homes by raging fires which killed 30, and left 54 wounded Zaitsev belonged to Russia's main pro-Vladimir Putin United Russia party which today expelled him If convicted he could face up to six years jail. The committee will also probe the allegations about use of state funds for building his mansion. Zaitsev was earlier jailed for four years for 'negligence' over the destruction of 1,500 homes by raging fires which killed 30, and left 54 wounded. He was later freed in an amnesty. He went back to his job but is also under scrutiny amid complaints from residents of newly build homes over the shoddy workmanship in these properties. He belonged to Russia's main pro-Vladimir Putin United Russia party which today expelled him. Khakassia is a favourite region for Putin to go on holiday. Nigel Farage might have delivered a political earthquake in the EU elections - but it would be nothing to the shock if he could replicate the performance in a Westminster election. The Brexit Party would be sitting on a 200-plus seat majority if the votes broke down the same way in a general election, according to the Electoral Calculus website. Such results would spell disaster for key Conservative strongholds - with constituencies held by Cabinet ministers Sajid Javid and Brandon Lewis among those most at risk. The figures will come as a brutal wake-up call to the Tories, although experts have played down the likelihood of a Westminster election having the same outcome. Even though turnout was relatively high at 37 per cent, the 2017 general election had turnout of just under 69 per cent. While the European elections are conducted on a party list system, MPs are elected on a first-past-the-post basis. There would also probably be other policy issued at stake in a general election and the grass-roots machines of the two main parties could hold more sway. However, theoretically Mr Farage's 31.6 per cent support would give the Brexit Party 446 out of 650 seats in the Commons, under the formula used by Electoral Calculus. That would be a significantly bigger majority than Tony Blair enjoyed in 1997. Labour would have 93 MPs, and the Tories would be down to zero. The SNP would have 56 seats, the Liberal Democrats 31, the Greens one, and Plaid Cymru five. Philip Cowley, politics professor at Queen Mary University of London, said today that reading across from EU election results to Westminster polls was 'tricky'. However, he pointed to 34 constituencies where local authority boundaries were the same as constituency boundaries, But he said the Brexit Party had won the popular vote in around a dozen of the others, including Mr Javid's Bromsgrove seat and Mr Lewis's Great Yarmouth constituency. The Lib Dems also came top in the West Oxfordshire area, which has the same borders as David Cameron's former seat of Witney. Her family said that they last made contact with Lorber at 11pm on Thursday Colorado woman Jennifer Lorber, 30, has gone missing during a trip to California A Colorado woman with a history of depression has vanished during a trip to California. Police are now desperately searching for Jennifer Michelle Lorber, 30, who disappeared shortly after she arrived in Los Angeles from Denver on Thursday. Lorber's family said they last had contact with her at 11pm on Thursday night. She had been staying at a motel in the 22000 block of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. Lorber's rental car was found near the Pacific Coast Highway around 1am on Sunday. She had been driving a white 2018 Toyota RAV4 with the license plate BJM8505. Lorber's family said they last had contact with her at 11pm on Thursday. They said Lorber has a 'history of depression' and that they are concerned for her well-being Lorber is described as being 5ft 1in tall, 100lb, with long brown hair and brown eyes The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has since released an image of the vehicle. Witnesses also reported seeing Lorber at a motel close to where her car had been found. Lorber's family said she suffers from depression and that they are 'concerned for her well-being'. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is now appealing to the public for help in locating Lorber. Lorber had been staying at a motel in the 22000 block of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu (pictured here) Lorber's rental car was found near the Pacific Coast Highway around 1am on Sunday. She had been driving a white 2018 Toyota RAV4 with the license plate BJM8505 (pictured) She is described as being 5ft 1in tall, 100lb, with long brown hair and brown eyes. Lorber was a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara and runs her own jewelry line called Pulso Jewelry. Anyone with information can contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Missing Persons Unit at 323-890-5500. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 27) The Department of Justice has dismissed the murder cases filed against three policemen over the killing of Quezon City Prosecutor Rogelio Velasco in 2018. In a 36-page resolution dated May 8, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong said he found insufficient evidence to charge PO1 Jose Lunar Mercado, SPO2 Rodante Lalimarmo and PO3 Arthur Lucy with murder. He also cleared seven unnamed men and an unnamed woman who were implicated after they were seen at the closed-circuit television footage presented as evidence. Velasco was shot dead on May 11 last year. He was driving along Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City when at least four unidentified gunmen fired at his vehicle. Velasco, who was then with his daughters, was declared dead upon arrival to the hospital. The National Bureau of Investigation the complainant along with Velasco's daughter, Vanessa said its investigation found that the victim and Mercardo had a heated exchange a day before the incident. This was supposedly over the illegal possession of firearms and drugs cases filed against the Mercardo's brother, which are pending before Velasco's office. Velasco allegedly told Mercardo: "Goddamit, alam mo na pulis ka! Bakit pinabayaan mo ang kapatid mo na mag-drugs (You know you're a police office. Why did you let your brother do drugs)." The CCTV footage also showed the alleged movements of the policemen from a parking lot at the Quezon Memorial Circle to the area where Velasco was killed. Mercardo and Lalimarmo, along with other unidentified individuals, were allegedly on board the white vehicle of the gunmen. Lucy, meanwhile, was purportedly monitoring Velasco's exit from the Quezon City hall where Velasco came from before he was killed. The accused had denied the allegations, saying they were somewhere else and do not know each other. But aside from being "insufficient," Ong said, some of the evidence presented by the complainants were "inadmissible, unbelievable, untrue and contradictory." He also cited inconsistencies with the testimonies of the witnesses. "Complainants should not rely on speculations and conjectures to support their case. Mere speculations and probabilities cannot substitute for proof required to establish the guilt of an accused beyond reasonable doubt," Ong said. Two war veterans finally got the chance to celebrate graduating from high school, more than 65 years after they would've done had they not gone into military service as teens. On Saturday, Joe Perricone, 95, of Florida, and Bill William Arnold Craddock, 85, of Tennessee, donned graduation gowns and walked across their respective high school stages to receive diplomas alongside regular 2019 class members. Perricone, wearing a bright orange gown and matching mortar board cap, made the walk 76 years after he would've graduated from Tampa, Florida's Hillsborough High School, had he not been a senior when he was drafted into the Army in February 1943, according to WFLA. Scroll down for video World War II veteran Joe Perricone, 95, became a member of the class of 2019 when he received his high school diploma during a ceremony Saturday, 76 years after he would've graduated had he not been drafted into the Army Bill William Arnold Craddock, 85, also joined the class of 2019 when he got his diploma during a graduation ceremony, 66 years after joining the Air Force at 16 and serving in the Korean War While Perricone did wind up receiving his high school diploma upon his return home from fighting in Europe during World War II in 1946, he never had the chance to participate in an official graduation ceremony until Saturday. During the ceremony, school officials paid tribute to Perricone, who then received a standing ovation from teachers and students. Later, when he walked across the stage to receive his diploma, he was loudly cheered by the crowd. Perricone's grandson, Judge Thomas Palermo, was said to have worked with the school board and high school's principal, Gary Brady, to pull off Perricone's participation in the graduation ceremony. Meanwhile, a similar story was playing out several states away. During Perricone's graduation ceremony, this picture of the man alongside his Army buddies was flashed on stage. It's unclear which of the men is Perricone, however Both Perricone (left) and Craddock (right) received loud applause and cheers from students and the audience as they were handed their diplomas Saturday Craddock was 16 and attending Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Tennessee, when he joined the Air Force and went off to fight in the Korean War, according to WJHL. Had he stayed behind to finish his degree, he would've graduated with his classmates in 1953. Although he did get his GED during his nearly eight years in the Air Force, he wasn't able to participate in an actual graduation ceremony until Saturday, when he joined the class of 2019 at Volunteer High School in Church Hill, Tennessee. After being welcomed and introduced on stage, Craddock received loud applause as he was given his diploma, 66 years after he was meant to pick it up. 'I'm tickled pink that I went through this to get this. Seeing all the people, and they have made me feel good,' Craddock told the news station. When asked if he had any advice for his fellow graduating class, Craddock said: 'I would tell that class to study hard and be good. Learn all they can and get the best education they can get.' Bailey fears that court may try to extradite him for third time if he is convicted Experts claim new technology will make new case from original evidence French judges holding new trial on case but several key witnesses will not attend Twice arrested in Ireland but never charged and Director of Public Prosecutions decided that Bailey should not be prosecuted French judges are to try an Englishman for the murder of a TV producer's French wife in Ireland 23 years ago - despite the defendant and numerous key witnesses refusing to turn up. The unprecedented legal process in Paris has Ian Bailey, now 60, fearing he could be extradited to a French jail for allegedly bludgeoning Sophie Toscan du Plantier - who was then 39 - to death. French forensic experts claim advancements in technology will help provide a case from evidence in the original investigation. A new trial in Paris could have Ian Bailey (pictured in 2010 at Dublin's High Court), now 60, facing 30 years in prison for the alleged crime of bludgeoning Sophie Toscan du Plantier - who was then 39 - to death near her Irish holiday home Sophie Toscan du Plantier was attacked in an isolated country lane at her holiday home near Toormore, in West Cork, on December 23 1996 The death of the glamorous Paris socialite and mother-of-one captured the imagination in her native France Bailey was twice arrested in Ireland in connection with the murder, but was never charged and has seen the case dropped by the country's Director of Public Prosecutions. Now Bailey's lawyer says the trial - taking place under a French law that allows prosecutions for an attack on a citizen overseas - brings 'no new evidence' and is just a 'rubber-stamping exercise to determine his guilt'. 'They can read into the record statements that were taken many years ago, including many that are discredited or downright b*******,' Frank Buttimer told the Guardian. He confirmed that Bailey would not be travelling to Paris for the trial. Victim Sophie Toscan du Plantier's son Pierre-Louis Baudey-Vignaud speaks to the media at the Court of Appeal in Paris following the start of a new trial into the 23-year-old unsolved murder case Sophie Toscan du Plantier (left), then 39, was the wife of Daniel Toscan du Plantier (centre), a famous French film producer. He later died in 2003 aged 61 Mrs du Plantier was attacked on an isolated country lane at her holiday home near Toormore, in West Cork, on December 23 1996. The death of the glamorous Paris socialite and mother-of-one who was married to the late Gaumont cinema producer Daniel Toscan du Plantier captured the imagination in her native France. But Bailey, a Manchester-born freelance journalist, fears he will be the victim of a 'farcical show trial'. Dominique Tricaud, Bailey's French lawyer, confirmed his client would not be travelling to Paris for the opening of the trial on Monday. A policeman stands in a road leading to the house that belongs to French movie producer Daniel Toscan du Plantier, near Schull, in the county of Cork, Ireland, where Sophie, 38, was found dead 'Ireland's Attorney General has examined everything and wrote a 96-page report that concluded with the dismissal of the case,' said Mr Tricaud. The barrister added: 'Imagine if a Frenchman was accused in France of the murder of an Irishwoman, and imagine that French justice found him innocent. Do you really believe that we would hand the case back to Ireland?' Sophie Toscan du Plantier, then 39, was the wife of Daniel Toscan du Plantier, a famous French film producer. Bailey was twice arrested in Ireland in connection with her murder, but was never charged Other notable absentees at the Paris Assizes - where Bailey will be tried by three judges - are his long term partner Jules Thomas. She was on a summons list along with her three daughters - Saffron, Ginny and Fennella - but there was no sign of them on Monday morning. Marie Farrell, another local who made conflicting statements about Bailey in the hours after the attack, is also staying away. She first told Gardai (Irish police) that she had seen Bailey at Ms Toscan du Plantier's home on the night of the murder. But she then retracted this statement almost ten years later, saying she had been put under pressure to lie by detectives, who said they would tell her husband that she was having an affair. Bailey, who said he showed an interest in the murder at the time for journalistic reasons, was arrested twice in Ireland but was released without charge. French prosecutors have no power to make anyone in Ireland take part in proceedings, despite issuing summonses that include the possibility of appearing by video link. Many of the 40-odd witnesses summoned from Ireland are those who were originally interviewed by Irish police soon after Ms Toscan du Plantier's death. Marie Farrell, who made conflicting statements about Bailey in the hours after the attack before withdrawing them 10 years later, is also staying away from the trial in France Her son, Pierre Louis Baudey-Vignaud has in turn issued a public plea for them all to cooperate with French lawyers so 'we can get justice for my mother'. In France, individuals who attack the country's citizens abroad can be prosecuted despite alleged offences taking place outside French jurisdiction. Mrs du Plantier's son, Pierre Louis Baudey-Vignaud has in turn issued a public plea for them all to cooperate with French lawyers so 'we can get justice for my mother' The French have indicated that if they can achieve a conviction, then they will immediately push to have Bailey brought to France, acting on an existing European Arrest Warrant (EAW). They believe forensic techniques have progressed enough to strengthen the case against him. Experts from France's Scientific Police Unit will rehearse evidence taken from key items including clothes Ms Toscan du Plantier was wearing when she died. They have also reexamined the concrete block that was used to crush her skull, along with scrapings taken from under her fingernails during a post mortem. Gardai forensic experts failed to find any evidence that would help secure a conviction against Bailey, who has described the last 23 years as 'a very grim, dark period of my life', and 'absolute hell'. He said last week: 'I know that I had nothing to do with this and I am going to finish up as a convicted murderer'. Bailey still lives close to the murder scene and is retraining as a wood sculptor. His trial at the Paris Assizes is expected to last a week. Friends of Melbourne woman Courtney Herron gave police a vital clue which led to the arrest of the man accused of brutally bashing her to death. The 25-year-old's body was found at Royal Park in the city's inner-north by two dog walkers on Saturday morning. After news of the tragedy broke, Ms Herron's friends contacted police to tell them she had left a party with Henry Hammond hours before the grisly discovery. The tip off sparked a manhunt in Melbourne's CBD, culminating in the arrest of Hammond, 27, in Bourke Street on Sunday. Scroll down for video Courtney Herron's body was found at Royal Park in Melbourne's inner-north by two dog walkers on Saturday morning The tip off sparked a manhunt in Melbourne's CBD culminating in the arrest of Henry Hammond, 27, (pictured) in Bourke Street Hammond appeared in court on Monday with no shoes on and nodded when he was told he'd be held in custody until his next appearance in September Hammond is accused of killing Ms Herron, who was couch-surfing and sleeping rough in the lead up to her death. Hammond also has no fixed address. Former colleagues of Hammond's alleged to police he had been abusing drugs heavily since his fiancee left him years earlier. Meanwhile, people who knew the accused killer told The Age he had cultivated a image to share with the world through the use of three separate Facebook accounts. A post on one of the profiles from 2016 shows his former fiancee describing the couple to a real estate agent as 'easy going, sociable people, who prefer a chill vibe who like a glass of wine or more'. The Facebook pages also described Hammond as being a musician who played the saxophone, enjoyed hoola-hooping and 'chilling outside'. One former acquaintance said Hammond began to spiral out of control in 2017. 'Apparently at one point he thought he was Jesus,' she told The Age. Meanwhile, people who knew the accused killer told The Age he had cultivated a image to share with the world through the use of three separate Facebook accounts Hammond was known to friends as coming from a good family who had received an education at the Bradfield Senior College in northern Sydney, a far cry from the dishevelled, shoeless and homeless man who faced court 'From [that summer] on, apparently something happened. I don't know, he became psychologically dislodged.' Hammond was known to friends as a young man from a good family, who was sent to an exclusive school in Sydney after being raised in the Blue Mountains. He was educated at Oxford Falls Grammar, a Christian school on Sydney's northern beaches, before moving to Bradfield Senior College in North Sydney. A far cry from the dishevelled, shoeless and homeless man presented to the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday. Tributes to Ms Herron, have been left at the scene of her alleged murder and online including from family and close friends. Ms Herron had left Genazzano College, one of Melbourne's most prestigious high schools, in Year 9 and had been sleeping at Royal Park before her death. Jessica Bateman, a friend of Ms Herron, broke down in tears and said she was beyond devastated to learn of her close friend's death, describing the woman as 'hilarious' and 'generous'. Ms Bateman spoke of her generosity while recalling the last time she saw Ms Herron two-and-a-half weeks ago. 'I didn't have enough for myki to get home and she gave me $10 which she didn't need to do,' she told The Project on Monday night. 'She could have put that towards a bed, shelter for the night to be safe but she got me back home.' The heartbroken friend admitted she was immensely worried for Ms Herron, who would often be forced to sleep in parks when she couldn't find a safe place to stay. Ms Bateman said Ms Herron was 'absolutely' failed by the system as she struggled to overcome a crippling drug addiction and could not find accommodation. 'She was trying to get into public housing, she was trying to get on methadone or suboxone or Xanax or something that would stop the withdrawal symptoms she was going to face and the fear of withdrawal is really what kept her using,' she said. Host Waleed Aly questioned Ms Bateman if the incident was a reflection of violence against women or homelessness in Australia. Jessica Bateman said she was beyond devastated to learn of Ms Herron's death, who she described as 'hilarious' and 'generous' A friend of Ms Herron's (pictured) said homelessness was the ultimate cause her death but admitted sleeping rough was more difficult for women than me Ms Bateman said homelessness was the ultimate cause of Ms Herron's death but admitted sleeping rough was more difficult for women than men. 'Because women are more vulnerable than men being homeless and you know men can attack them, take advantage of them and it's just, especially when it concerns mental illness and drugs,' she said. Mr Aly's question comes after Victoria's Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius urged men to take responsibility for a spate of violence against women. Four women have been killed in public in Melbourne in less than a year. 'The critical piece is, particularly when we're talking about violence against women, the men in our community need to take responsibility for this,' Mr Cornelius said. Ms Herron's body is removed from the scene in Royal Park, Melbourne, on Saturday Relatives of Ms Herron leave flowers at Royal Park, in Melbourne, where her body was found Ms Bateman said Ms Herron was 'absolutely' failed by the system as struggled to overcome a crippling drug addiction or find safe accommodation 'We need to reflect on our behaviour, we need to reflect on the behaviour of men who are known to us, we need to reflect on what we say to our sons.' Ms Herron's alleged murder is less than a year since 22-year-old Eurydice Dixon was killed in a nearby park in mid-June 2018. Aiia Maasarwe, 21, suffered a similar fate to Ms Dixon after being attacked on her walk home near La Trobe University on January 15. Both women were attacked by men they did not know and who have since been charged. In April, Natalina Angok's body was found dumped in Chinatown, allegedly killed by her one-time partner Christopher Allen who has been charged. Homicide squad Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said extreme violence was inflicted on Ms Herron (pictured) Homicide squad Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said extreme violence was inflicted on Ms Herron. 'The level of violence involved here was extreme in my view,' he told reporters on Sunday. 'This was a particularly, particularly horrendous attack.' Investigators believe Ms Herron was bashed just hours before her body was found about 9.25am on Saturday. Ms Herron had been couch surfing and sleeping rough for some time while struggling with drug and mental health issues, Inspector Stamper said. 'It's the death of a woman sadly again in our city,' Inspector Stamper told reporters on Saturday. Ms Herron had been couch surfing and sleeping rough for some time while struggling with drug and mental health issues, Inspector Stamper said Police at Royal Park on Saturday after Ms Herron's body was found by dog walkers in the early hours of the morning Homicide squad Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper (left) said extreme violence was inflicted on Ms Herron 'We get impacted as much as anyone else in the community.' Inspector Stamper said that homeless people regularly sleep rough in the Royal Park. Premier Daniel Andrews has called for men's attitudes to women to change. 'This is a terrible tragedy,' Premier Daniel Andrews said on Sunday. The Premier, who delivered Australia's first royal commission into family violence last term, said while the state had made significant progress on violence against women, there was more to be done. 'This is not about the way women behave, this is not about where women are at what hour,' he said. 'This is most likely about the behaviour of men.' A message left by Courtney Herron's grandmother at the scene. She cried to the skies as if looking for answers as to why her beloved had been taken away Throwing their hands into the air and seemingly asking God to respond, family of the 25-year old made their way to Royal Park just before midday A message left by the mother of Courtney Herron at the scene of her alleged murder. The note was attached to flowers left there in a gut wrenching scene that brought those who saw it to tears The mother and grandmother of Ms Herron left touching tributes for her after making a heart-wrenching visit to the spot where she was allegedly murdered. 'I love you my sweetheart Courtney,' her grandmother wrote on flowers left at the scene. 'You will always be in my heart. You are now in a better place with your pappou.' Ms Herron's mum wrote: 'To our beloved Courky, Forever in our hearts ... Find internal peace with Pappou - You will be forever safe with him. Love mum, Chris, Sian and LuLu.' Upon reaching the burnt out logs where Ms Herron was allegedly so cruelly killed, the pair broke down in inconsolable grief. Mourners lay flowers at the tragic scene where Courtney Herron's life was cut short They were accompanied by Ms Herron's uncles and aunts, who could do nothing but stand back and allow the pair to shriek in agonising despair. Ms Herron is understood to have been in regular contact with her family up until two weeks ago and had been staying with friends at the time of her attack. Hammond fronted the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with Ms Herron's murder. The court heard he has a 'possible delusional disorder', a possible autism spectrum disorder and had been prescribed Ritalin for his ADHD. Hammond, originally from New South Wales, appeared in court with no shoes on and a smile on his face. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance in September. A GoFundMe has been set up by the Melbourne Homeless Collective to help cover Ms Herron's funeral costs. A 26-year-old woman was seriously injured by an alligator while swimming in a Florida lake over the weekend. The Brevard County Fire Rescue said Nichole Tillman, of Melbourne, Florida, suffered 'significant bite injuries' at the Fay Lake Wilderness Park on Saturday. Brevard County Fire District Chief Thomas Uzel said Tillman 'was out in the woods, swimming in the lake' when an 8-foot-long alligator bit her thigh. Nichole Tillman (pictured on a stretcher), 26, was seriously injured by a gator while swimming at the Fay Lake Wilderness Park in Florida Photos from the rescue shows first responders lifting her into the back of an ambulance. She was then placed into a helicopter and airlifted to Holmes Regional Medical Center Witness Dave Nygard told ABC News that about a dozen people were in waist to chest deep water when the victim 'starts screaming and luckily a couple of guys reacted and grabbed her'. Nygard said he thought it was all a joke until they pulled her out of the water and saw that her 'thigh was open'. As soon as people saw her injury, they ran from the water and tried to help Tillman. 'So then about 30 seconds later I see a gator head pop up. It was every bit of 8 foot,' Nygard added. Her injuries are not life-threatening. No other injuries were reported. Photos from the rescue shows first responders lifting her into the back of an ambulance. A short time later, an alligator trapper responded to the scene and removed the reptile (file image) that attacked Tillman from the area She was then placed into a helicopter and airlifted to Holmes Regional Medical Center. A short time later, an alligator trapper responded to the scene and removed the reptile that attacked Tillman from the area. First responders said the attack on Tillman is the first one in the area in about 35 years. Officials are warning residents to look for alligators in or near any body of water. Alligators are more active during the spring and summer months. Real estate mogul Franklin Haney contributed $1 million to President Donald Trump's inaugural committee and all he's got to show for the money is the glare of a federal investigation. The contribution from Haney, a prolific political donor, came as he was seeking regulatory approval and financial support from the government for his long-shot bid to acquire the mothballed Bellefonte Nuclear Power Plant in northeastern Alabama. More than two years later, he still hasn't closed the deal. His tale is a familiar one in Washington, where lobbyists and wealthy donors use their checkbooks to try to sway politicians. It's a world Haney is accustomed to operating in and one that Trump came into office pledging to upend. Yet Trump has left in place many of the familiar ways to wield influence. Prosecutors are examining a $1 million contribution Frank Haney Sr. (r) made to the Trump inaugural committee Haney's hefty donation to Trump's inaugural committee is being scrutinized by federal prosecutors in New York who are investigating the committee's finances. Their probe is focused in part on whether donors received benefits after making contributions. Trump's former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, has given prosecutors information regarding Haney, his son and business associate, Frank Haney Jr., and the nuclear plant project, according to a person familiar with what Cohen told the authorities. The person was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity. Haney had briefly hired Cohen to help obtain money for the Bellefonte project from potential investors, including the Middle Eastern country of Qatar. Cohen is now serving a three-year prison sentence for tax evasion, lying to Congress and campaign finance violations. GOING NUCLEAR: In this Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016 file photo, two cooling towers can be seen in the reflection of a pond outside of the unfinished Bellefonte Nuclear Plant, in Hollywood, Ala. Real estate mogul Franklin Haney contributed $1 million to President Donald Trump's inaugural committee and all he's got to show for the money is the glare of a federal investigation Longtime Trump lawyer Michael Cohen is providing information to prosecutors about the matter Donald Trump spent a record $107 million on his inaugration Frank Haney Jr, Emmy Haney, Frank Haney Sr., Mary Alice Haney and Tom Haney attend the HANEY's Fifth Year Anniversary Celebration on August 24, 2018 in Sag Harbor, New York Haney and his attorney did not respond to interview requests. Prosecutors also are examining whether foreigners unlawfully contributed to the committee. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan issued a subpoena last year seeking a wide range of financial records from the committee, including any "communications regarding or relating to the possibility of donations by foreign nationals." The inaugural committee has denied wrongdoing and said its funds were fully accounted for. Haney, 79, has previously faced accusations that his political gift giving is aimed at cultivating influence. An investigation by House Republicans in the late 1990s alleged that Haney's money and his political pull with senior Clinton administration officials helped him to get the Federal Communications Commission to move into an office building that he had a major stake in. Haney denied any wrongdoing and the Justice Department declined to pursue the matter. But he was charged in 1999 with funneling about $100,000 in illegal contributions to President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore and other politicians, then acquitted. A federal prosecutor described Haney as a sophisticated fundraiser who hoped to impress potential business clients with his access to elected officials, like Clinton and Gore. Haney's family-owned real estate business donated thousands of dollars in 2013 and 2015 to political action committees that supported Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, who later recommended that the nuclear plant Haney wanted to buy be put up for sale. Haney also contributed to a nonprofit created to promote Bentley's agenda. The Republican governor resigned in 2017 as he faced impeachment proceedings after an alleged affair with an aide. In addition to the investigation into Haney's contribution to the Trump inaugural committee, Haney is in an unrelated legal battle with the nuclear plant's owner, the Tennessee Valley Authority. Another Haney company, Nuclear Development LLC, has filed a lawsuit in federal court accusing the TVA, the nation's largest public utility, of illegally blocking the plant's sale to him at the last minute. The utility has argued it couldn't complete the transaction because Haney failed to get the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's approval for transfer of the construction permits. A tentative Bellefonte sale in November 2016 involved two partially constructed nuclear reactors and the supporting cooling towers, several other buildings and more than 1,000 acres of land on the Tennessee River. Haney put down $22 million and had until November 2018 to complete the $111-million sale. On Nov. 29, the day before the sale was to be closed, the TVA scrapped the deal, declaring that Haney's company had not yet secured regulatory approval as required by the Atomic Energy Act. Haney filed a breach of contract lawsuit. In early April, about five months after Nuclear Development submitted its application for transfer of the construction permits, the regulatory commission's staff told the company it needed to submit more technical details before it could proceed. Edwin Lyman, a nuclear power expert at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said the response reflected skepticism about whether Haney's company "is serious about or capable of actually undertaking this project or just wants to put the license in its pocket for purposes unknown." But Lyman added the five-member nuclear regulatory board is dominated by Trump appointees and may not want to be seen by Congress and the Trump administration as throwing up roadblocks to a nuclear power expansion. Haney's Nuclear Development company also has applied to the U.S. Energy Department for financing assistance on the project. The department said it considers the loan application process to be "business sensitive" and declined to comment. Stephen Smith, executive director of the nonprofit Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, said Haney faces too many technical and financial hurdles to overcome. For example, Bellefonte's never-completed nuclear reactors are decades old and are of a unique design that has never received an operating license in the U.S. before. He compared Bellefonte to a Ford Pinto, a 1970s-era vehicle with serious engineering flaws. Smith said it's "extraordinarily unlikely" Bellefonte will be allowed to operate. A young woman found out she was rejected for her dream job after a recruiter for the company accidentally left a cruel voicemail message judging her on her social media selfies. Lily Rose-Wilson, originally from London, had been looking for a new position in Perth when she applied for an administrative role at STS Health and missed a phone call from employer Michelle Lines regarding the job. But Ms Rose-Wilson had never thought innocent images she uploaded to Facebook would prove detrimental to her chances of furthering her career with the company - until she listened to the voicemail. Scroll down for video Lily Rose-Wilson (pictured) had been seeking a new position in Perth when she applied for a job at STS Health Ms Lines had failed to hang up the phone properly and continued to have a conversation with a colleague in which they discussed Ms Rose-Wilson's appearance. In recordings obtained by Channel Nine's A Current Affair, Ms Lines can be heard stating 'not answering the phone now', in reference to getting put through to Ms Rose-Wilson's voicemail. 'Probably getting another tattoo,' Ms Lines' male colleague says, to which Ms Lines responds: 'She's probably doing her fake tan.' The unidentified male voice then asks Ms Lines if she really did 'Facebook stalk' Ms Rose-Wilson. Ms Rose-Wilson (pictured) hadn't considered the innocent images she uploaded to Facebook would prove detrimental to her chances of furthering her career Ms Lines failed to hang up the phone properly and in a shocking twist of fate continued to have a conversation with a colleague in which they discussed Ms Rose-Wilson's appearance Ms Lines defiantly states 'that's what you got to do babe', before her male colleague congratulates her on being so thorough. The conversation then takes a contentious turn when the colleagues agree they wouldn't have bothered looking at Ms Rose-Wilson's online profile if she'd been a man. 'Yeah, if it was recruiting a guy, a technician, nup,' the man states. Shockingly, Ms Lines then admits she did 'really like' Ms Rose-Wilson's resume, but was put-off by her online images. 'I don't like her anymore. She's taking selfies all the time,' Ms Lines concludes. Ms Lines (pictured) admitted she did 'really like' Ms Rose-Wilson's resume, but was put-off by her online images. Ms Rose-Wilson (pictured) said she was left utterly gobsmacked when she listened back to the contents of her voicemail Ms Rose-Wilson, whose Facebook profile states she's a lover of animals, says she was left gobsmacked when she listened back to the contents of her voicemail. She said she was disappointed that Ms Lines had clearly liked her resume but thought twice about her as a potential candidate after she viewed her Facebook images. 'She really liked my resume. I could have been a possible candidate up for that job until she saw my photos,' Ms Rose-Wilson said. She added it was 'not right' for Ms Lines to have written her off because of her looks and tattoos. Ms Rose-Wilson said she had plenty of attributes to offer an employer and said she was 'friendly and organised' and was trained as an estimator. Ms Rose-Wilson (pictured) said she had plenty of attributes to offer an employer and said she was 'friendly and organised' and was trained as an estimator She also noted that she was 'professional' and would never 'discriminate' against anyone. Ms Lines has since issued a public apology to Ms Rose-Wilson and said she had been 'immature' but had never intended to 'hurt her feelings'. However she did argue that social media profiles are 'very important' and the majority of employers are in fact looking at online posts. She said that it would be best to make them 'more private'. But when ACA asked Ms Lines about the selfies she had shared to her own social account which are very similar to Ms Rose-Wilson's she said she was not applying for a job. She said if she had been looking for a new role she would 'probably' have taken certain posts off her profile. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Lines and Ms Rose-Wilson for comment. The Israeli government may face its second snap election in months amid a crisis as its Prime Minister struggles to form a coalition. Benjamin Netanyahu may be forced to fight a second election this year as Israel's newly elected parliament has begun drafting a bill to dissolve itself. Crisis has struck following a disagreement about the policy which allows ultra-Orthodox men exemption from military conscription. Benjamin Netanyahu (right, shaking hands with former Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman) may be forced to fight a second election this year as Israel's newly elected parliament has begun drafting a bill to dissolve itself But former Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman has insisted on the passing of a new law which would overturn this. Netanyahu's ultra-Orthodox allies demand that the exemptions remain in place. Without the five seats of Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party, Netanyahu cannot muster a majority. Mr Netanyahu appeared to have a clear path to a majority coalition, and fifth term in office overall, after the April 9 elections. His Likud party secured 35 seats, tying it for the largest party in the highly fractured 120-seat parliament. Counting his traditional allies, he appeared to control a solid 65-55 majority. Crisis has struck following a disagreement about the policy which allows ultra-Orthodox men exemption from military conscription. Pictured is Netanyahu (foreground) and Lieberman (background) Lieberman said he will press for new elections if his demands are not met. He said: 'The draft law has become a symbol and we will not capitulate on our symbols.' Netanyahu's ruling Likud has traditionally had an alliance with ultra-Orthodox and nationalist parties. But Lieberman, a former top Netanyahu aide, is a wild card. Though staunchly nationalist, he also champions a secular agenda aimed toward his political base of immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Likud insists Lieberman is motivated by his personal spite for Netanyahu and has launched a vicious campaign against him in recent days. Without the five seats of Lieberman's (left) Yisrael Beiteinu party, Netanyahu (right) cannot muster a majority. Lieberman said he will press for new elections if his demands are not met But Lieberman says he is driven by ideology and will not be a hand to religious coercion. 'I will not be a partner to a Halachic state,' he said, referring to Jewish law. Ultra-Orthodox parties consider conscription a taboo, fearing that military service will lead to immersion in secularism. But years of exemptions have generated widespread resentment among the rest of Jewish Israelis. A stalemate on the issue was one of the factors that shortened the term of the previous coalition government, which Lieberman resigned from months before elections were called because he disagreed with its policy toward the Gaza Strip. Dissolving parliament would be a shocking turn of events for Netanyahu, who has led the country for the past decade and appeared to capture a fourth consecutive term in the April election. 'We invite Lieberman to join us today and not contribute to the toppling of a right-wing government,' a statement by Likud read. With the 42-day timeline allotted to Netanyahu to sign agreements with his partners and present his new government set to expire late Wednesday, his Likud presented the paperwork to dissolve the parliament. The bill appeared to have a majority but could be pulled at any moment if a compromise is found. The main opposition party, Blue and White, which also controls 35 seats, appealed for a chance to form a coalition. But a parliamentary vote for dissolution would automatically trigger new elections. Blue and White has ruled out any alliance with Netanyahu. If the vote passes, it would mark the first time the scenario had played out in Israel and set the stage for an unprecedented second election in the same calendar year. Polls indicate the results of a new election would not be much different from the last one. A German father has been arrested for slaughtering his wife and son in their family home. The bodies of a 38-year-old woman and her eight-year-old son were found at a home in an upmarket neighbourhood in Tiefenbronn, a town in the south-western German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. According to local media, the neighbours of 60-year-old engineer Josef H., who could hear the gruesome scenes unfold. He was later arrested as the suspected killer at the murder scene. Neighbours said the man's eldest child, 11, had sprinted out of the house covered in blood screaming 'that's enough now daddy'. Police at the crime scene of the double homicide in Tiefenbronn. Police were called after a neighbour heard a brutal attack taking place Blood stains could even be seen on the gate of the house. The man's eldest child sprinted out of the house covered in blood screaming 'that's enough now daddy' The boy suffered life-threatening injuries to his neck after being attacked with a knife. When police arrived soon after, they discovered the bodies of the boy's mother and younger brother in the house. The 11-year-old boy was rushed to hospital by helicopter with severe injuries. There are no updates on his current condition. He also suffered unspecified injuries and was taken to hospital. According to reports, he could soon be remanded into investigative custody. The house where the mother and son were murdered. The police arrested Josef H. as the suspected killer at the murder scene A forensic investigator at the crime scene in Tiefenbronn. Investigators could be seen securing traces at the crime scene An unnamed neighbour was shocked by the bloody incident although she added that Josef H. could often be heard shouting at his family during his frequent rages. She said: 'We did not see him very often, but we did hear him shout a lot.' Forensic investigators could be seen securing traces at the crime scene after the double murder. Local media report there are spots of blood on the villa's gate and the street, with local Mayor Frank Spottek shocked by the double murder in his otherwise quiet town. Spottek said: 'I am shocked by this tragic event in our community. This is a drama nobody would wish to happen.' The investigation is ongoing. Families face a 'cost of living catastrophe' next year thanks to soaring energy bills, tax increases and the highest inflation in 30 years, a report warns. It predicts that 2022 will be the 'year of the squeeze', with households facing a hit of at least 1,200. With inflation projected to reach 6 per cent in spring, wages next Christmas could be no higher in real terms than they are today, the study by the Resolution Foundation think-tank forecasts. Meanwhile, it says rising gas prices could add at least 600 to family budgets when the energy price cap is reviewed in spring. On top of this, households face higher taxes from April when National Insurance goes up by 1.25 percentage points to fund the NHS and social care - a rise that will affect middle-income earners more. Most town halls are also expected to put up council tax by almost 3 per cent in the same month. The think-tank said the combined impact of these factors would leave the average household at least 1,200 worse off - but warned that even this may be an under-estimate because energy bills could rise by more than expected. Some experts have warned that surging wholesale gas prices could add as much as 1,000 to household bills. Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, said: '2022 will begin with Omicron at the forefront of everyone's minds. But while the economic impact of this new wave is uncertain, it should at least be short-lived. Instead, 2022 will be defined as the year of the squeeze. Advertisement Nigel Farage today angrily dismissed 'absolute tosh' claims that Remain parties came out on top in the European elections. The Brexit Party leader raged that pro-EU politicians were just 'moaning about every single election which they lose'. The furious rebuke came after some Remainers argued that adding up the votes for anti-Brexit parties could be taken as an indication that the public did not want to leave the EU. Former No10 spin doctor Alastair Campbell was among those trying to push the interpretation today, insisting it showed why there must be another referendum. The Brexit Party romped home in the elections today, raking in 31.6 per cent of the vote despite being formed only six weeks ago. The Lib Dems were a distant second on 20.3 per cent, ahead of Labour on 14.1 per cent, the Greens on 12.1 per cent and the Tories, who came fifth with a dismal 9.1 per cent. Presenter Charlotte Hawkins challenged Mr Farage about the argument as he appeared on ITV's GMB programme, saying: 'If you add up all the pro-Remain parties they did get a bigger percentage - 35.8 per cent versus the Brexit party 31.6 per cent. So the pro-Remain parties altogether did get a bigger percentage.' But a clearly livid Mr Farage - who will be leading the joint largest party in the European Parliament when MEPs take up their seats in July - shot back by pointing out the obvious flaw in the argument, underlining that the results can be portrayed in various different ways to make political capital. 'I'm sorry this is absolute tosh, he said. 'It is not a fact.' Presenter Charlotte Hawkins (pictured centre) challenged Nigel Farage (right) about the idea that Remain parties won the elections as he appeared on ITV's GMB programme Former No10 spin doctor Alastair Campbell was among the Remain supporters insisting Brexiteers had actually lost the elections today Mr Farage gave his own interpretation of the results as he tackled the claims that were being circulated by Remainers on social media today The Brexit Party have topped polls in every country or region apart from London. London was won by the Liberal Democrats The Brexit Party won the vast majority of council areas in England and Wales last night. This map shows the largest party in each area What will the Tory leadership candidates do to deliver Brexit as Farage calls the shots? Boris Johnson: Brexiteer who backs a deal but will leave without a deal if required. Writing in the Daily Telegraph today the ex-foreign secretary said: 'No one sensible would aim exclusively for a no-deal outcome. No one responsible would take no-deal off the table.' Dominic Raab: Brexiteer who wants the current deal with Brussels renegotiated but believes the UK should leave on October 31 'at the latest' with or without a deal, saying: 'I believe that I have the plan to ensure we can leave the EU by the end of October'. Andrea Leadsom: Brexiteer who told the Guardian we must be 'prepared to leave without a deal' but has a 'three-point plan for Brexit, for how we get out of the European Union'. Rory Stewart: Remainer who says he could not work for a PM who backed a No Deal Brexit. Described it as 'damaging, unnecessary' and 'a huge mistake'. Michael Gove: Brexiteer who favours a deal. He told the BBC at the weekend that 'we would be able to get through it' but added: 'It's ultimately better for all of us if we secure a deal with the EU and leave in an orderly way'. Matt Hancock: Remainer who backs a deal. He told Sky News that leaving the European Union without an agreement is 'not an active policy choice that is available to the next prime minister', in jibe at Boris Johnson. Jeremy Hunt: Remainer turned Brexiteer whose views on No Desal have varied. last year he said it would be 'a mistake we would regret for generations' before later insisting the UK would 'would survive and prosper' if it left unilaterally. Esther McVey: Ruled out a futher Brexit extension. Todya she said: 'People saying we need a Brexit policy to bring people together are misreading the situation. We need to deliver on the referendum result with a clean break and then we bring people together by how we govern the country outside the EU.' Sajid Javid: Remainer Home Secretary who accepts that Brexit has to happen. He said today: 'First and foremost, we must deliver Brexit.' Advertisement Mr Farage said: 'Add up the Brexit vote, add up the Ukip vote.. add the Conservative vote, who are still a party that says we are going to leave, and you will find that Leave beat Remain. 'In fact what you will find is that overall the country is 52-48 in favour of leaving.' He added: 'We are supposed to be a democracy. We were promised this would be implemented.' Green Party MP Caroline Lucas was among the Remainers to insist Mr Farage was wrong to say Leave had won the election. She told the Today programme: 'I don't think that's right, I think the Brexit Party got about 35 per cent of the vote and the strongly Remain parties got about 40 per cent of the vote. 'So either way you look at it the Brexit Party has got nothing like the 17 million they had before. 'The point is let's just try and rule out the kind of terrifying vision for this country of no deal, that literally should go.' Labour MEP Richard Corbett also weighed in, jibing that the number of Remainer party MEPs returned in the poll was actually higher than five years ago at 37. He added the Brexit Party and Conservatives together to claim that Eurosceptics only had 33 MEPs - fewer than last time - saying: 'Clear swing from Leave to Remain!' However, the maths only works as Mr Corbett classed Labour as a Remain party - whereas actually the leadership has been insisting it will deliver on the 2016 Brexit vote. Senior Labour MP Hilary Benn stated that the election result was a clear rejection of No Deal Brexit. WHAT ARE THE KEY DATES FOR BREXIT NOW - AND CAN A NEW DEAL BE AGREED BY OCTOBER 31? There might be five months left until the next deadline for the UK to leave the EU, but in fact time is short to prepare the ground for it to happen. The new Tory leader is unlikely to be in place before the end of July. And then they will have just two months - including August, when much of the continent downs tools - to overhaul the Brexit deal Theresa May thrashed out with Brussels. Success in this process would still mean a frantic race against time to pass legislation through Parliament in October. Here are the key dates in the process: June 7 - Theresa May formally steps down June 10 - Tory leadership contest begins The battle to succeed Mrs May as Tory leader should formally kick off early in June. Nominations to stand will close in the week beginning June 10 before it is put to several rounds of votes. The final two candidates are then offered to the Tory membership at large for an election. It could take two to six weeks for MPs to whittle down the leadership contenders From 24 June - Top Two Tory candidates are offered to Tory members Once Tory MPs have whittled the leadership contenders down to the top two in a series of votes - the lucky two will be be put to a vote by Conservative Party members. July 26 - New Tory leader selected and becomes PM The Tory party hierarchy has said it wants a new Tory party leader to be selected by the Parliamentary recess - which is likely to be on July 26. The new leader will become Prime Minister and form a government. September 29-October 2 - Conservative Party conference The Tory gathering in Manchester this autumn will be the natural time for a new leader to take the stage and try to unite the fractured party. Assuming no way has been found to force a Withdrawal Agreement through Parliament by this point, they will need to spell out how they intend to approach the Brexit process. October 31 - Britain leaves the EU? The Brexit extension Mrs May thrashed out with the EU expires on October 31. Unless another postponement can be agreed, the UK is still scheduled to leave the bloc at this point. Advertisement 'Tonight the Brexit Party wasn't supported by around two-thirds of voters and No Deal was rejected,' he tweeted. 'The country remains divided. The only way to resolve this is to go back to the British people in a confirmatory referendum. Labour must now back this policy clearly.' Meanwhile, Brexit Party supporters have lashed out at the overnight BBC election coverage, claiming it was 'biased' and downplayed Mr Farage's triumph at the polls. The corporation faced fury for emphasising the strong performance of the Remain-supporting Greens and Liberal Democrats rather than focusing on Mr Farage's victory. BBC presenters were also taken to task for allowing former Mr Campbell to grill another guest over the Brexit Party's finances. During the programme Mr Campbell admitted he had voted for the Lib Dems in the election - something that could trigger his expulsion from Labour. He said it had been the first time in his life that he had not voted for the Labour Party, launching a blistering attack warning its 'policy of riding two horses has failed'. The results of the Euro elections have plunged both the Tories and Labour deeper into crisis, as they tear themselves to pieces over their Brexit policies. Candidates to take over from Theresa May - who announced her departure on Friday - have been competing to sound more hawkish about the need to get the UK out of the EU by the end of October. Top Tories today demanded Brexit be completed as soon as possible to avoid a catastrophe for the party after it was utterly humiliated by voters who subjected it to its worst ever election defeat. As Sajid Javid became the ninth MP to join the Tory leadership race as candidates vying to replace Theresa May broke cover to warn of a Conservative collapse as the party finished fifth on nine per cent behind the Greens. After Mr Farage gobbled up votes to come top in the contest and consign the Conservatives to the worst result in their history, leadership favourite Boris Johnson delivered a stark message that they must listen to the 'millions who voted for change'. The leadership front runner said the rout last night in the polls after months of chaos and bitter infighting will become a 'permanent haemorrhage' of voter support unless the party takes dramatic action to win back furious Brexiteers. The Prime Minister said the European elections were a 'very disappointing night' for the Tories, adding that: 'It shows the importance of finding a Brexit deal, and I sincerely hope these results focus minds in Parliament.' Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who is also hoping to succeed Theresa May, said the Tories were looking at an 'existential risk' unless they found a way to break the impasse. Some viewers of the BBC's election broadcast took aim at former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell (pictured) over his comments about the Brexit Party Labour MEP Richard Corbett also weighed in, jibing that the number of Remainer party MEPs returned in the poll was actually higher than five years ago at 37 Labour tears itself apart over a new referendum as frontbenchers line up to demand a new poll Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party was engulfed by a bitter Brexit civil war over a second referendum today after a brutal night in the European elections saw it humiliated. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell and shadow home secretary Diane Abbott both spoke out publicly in support of a 'public vote' after it slump to a predicted third behind the Brexit Party and the resurgent Liberal Democrats. Labour is well behind Nigel Farage's Brexit Party and the Lib Dems. Even in Mr Corbyn's Islington back yard Labour only managed to come second. It is being consumed by an acrimonious split between MPs in Remain-supporting areas and those in Leave seats who fear a backlash at the next general election. After the result Mr McDonnell said Labour could unite the party and country by 'taking (the) issue back to people in a public vote' and Ms Abbott said that the party had been damaged by not having a 'clearer line' on the issue. Foreign secretary Emily Thornberry was among those to blast the party's 'unclear' strategy and demand a second referendum after Labour's thrashing. Ms Thornberry warned were 'getting a good kicking' as the unashamedly pro-Remain Lib Dems ate into the Labour vote. Deputy leader Tom Watson demanded an 'urgent' change of direction, warning that it will soon be too late to stop the UK from crashing out of the EU without a deal. And shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said that the public should be offered a choice between 'a credible leave option and remain'. But shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon - a key Corbyn lieutenant - insisted Labour had the right approach in seeking to appeal to both Leavers and Remainers despite its failures. It came after Mr Corbyn himself has said 'this issue will have to go back to the people' as the shadow Cabinet turned on him - although he again dodged stating whether there should be a general election or a single-issue vote. Advertisement Andrea Leadsom, who quit last week over Theresa May's later-abandoned Brexit deal, said the nation 'should never have been fighting these elections' and said she had a 'three-step plan' to deliver Brexit. And another hardline Brexiteer, Dominic Raab, said voters had delivered a message that 'unless we get on and actually leave the EU they will rightly kick us out at the next election'. Mr Javid announced he was joining the leadership race today, saying: 'First and foremost, we must deliver Brexit.' A jubilant Mr Farage demanded a role in the next round of negotiations with the EU, threatening to contest a general election. He said he would be willing to support a Conservative leader who promises to take Britain out of the EU with No Deal. 'If we don't leave in October the Brexit party will go on to a general election,' Mr Javid said. 'We are happy to help any leader who is genuine about us leaving the EU. We would like to be part of the negotiating team, use us and give us some responsibility, but they need to be prepared to leave with a clean break Brexit. Boris Johnson, Dominic Raab, Michael Gove - all of them voted for Mrs May's European treaty. 'It's all about establishing trust if the next leader says the same thing then no one is going to trust them.' 'This is just the beginning of a new political movement.' Brexiteer leadership outsider Esther McVey went further that the other candidates, saying that Brexit should happen before any attempt to heal the party and the nation. 'People saying we need a Brexit policy to bring people together are misreading the situation,' she said on Twitter. 'That is clearly not possible. 'We need to deliver on the referendum result with a clean break and then we bring people together by how we govern the country outside the EU.' But Matt Hancock said the party needed to win back voters who defected to the 'Brexit Party and Lib Dems', saying: 'We must deliver Brexit, before an election. Then focus on the future: higher pay not higher taxes: that's how we win elections - and we can do so again.' Election guru Sir John Curtice said that the result meant that the next Tory leader faced a 'conundrum', saying: 'So many Conservative Leave voters have switched to the Brexit Party - many of whom we should remember voted for Ukip in 2014 and/or in 2015. 'They switched to the Conservatives in 2017 because they thought Theresa May would deliver. 'Now that she hasn't delivered it seems to me 'once bitten, twice shy' and they will probably wish to see the UK leaving the European Union before many of them will be willing to go back again.' Mr Farage held a photo call with the rest of the new Brexit Party MEPs in central London this afternoon - including former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe (right) Meanwhile, Jeremy Corbyn is desperately trying to keep a lid on a Labour civil war over whether to back a second referendum that could cancel the Brexit process altogether. In a sign of how embarrassing the results were for Labour, the Lib Dems topped the poll in Islington, in north London - where both Mr Corbyn and Ms Thornberry are MPs. In his first comments since the election result, Mr Corbyn told the BBC his priority has not changed. He said: 'The priority at the moment, I think, is for this Government to call for a general election and actually have a general election so we can decide the future. 'There's no majority in Parliament, there's no legislative programme and Parliament has basically been given nothing to do by the Government. 'I think that is a demand that should be made and made as strongly as possible.' Mr Corbyn did not rule out another referendum, saying any Brexit deal should be put back to the people and that the UK should not be allowed to 'crash out' with no deal. Mr Corbyn's position appeared to be in conflict with Sir Keir Starmer, who said the public should be given the choice between a 'credible leave option and remain'. Sir Keir, writing on Twitter, said: 'It's no use trying to hide from these very disappointing results. We need to reflect hard and listen to our members, supporters and voters. 'The only way to break the Brexit impasse is to go back to the public with a choice between a credible leave option and remain.' Mr Farage embraced Ms Widdecombe at a celebratory parade of new Brexit Party MEPs in central London this afternoon As UK politics went up in flames over Brexit today, David Cameron was celebrating Aston Villa taking the lead in the Championship football playoff against Derby at Wembley On the Liberal Democrat side, leader Vince Cable warned today that a no deal Brexit would see the UK wander into a global trade 'battlefield' between the United States and China, saying he would try to avoid it happening. Sir Vince, 76, who is stepping down despite the party's recent resurgence, insisted that there was a 'majority to stay' in the EU after his party beat both the Tories and Labour in an election for the first time in more than 100 years. His party came second behind the Brexit Party in the European vote, also defeating Labour in London. Today Mr Cable took a swipe at hard Brexiteers such as Nigel Farage who have advocated leaving on World Trade Organisation (WTO) trade terms. The Lib Dem leader, who backs a second referendum, told Sky News: 'There is no such thing at the moment as WTO rules. 'The World Trade Organisation system, the rules-based system of trade, which operated until quite recently is in the process of collapsing. 'The United States and China, the two biggest economies and the two biggest trading countries in the world, are in a trade war. 'Those people who say ''let's have WTO rules'' want us to wander into the middle of that battlefield - that is the reality and that is why the argument has moved on so fundamentally since where we were three years ago.' Ioan Sava (pictured above) had previously been before the courts on a shoplifting charge in April A Romanian crime gang has been spared jail after stealing 2,000 worth of perfume in order to fund a funeral party. The three men and two women swiped expensive Christian Dior fragrances from counters in Debenhams and House of Fraser. All five gang members were caught following a police chase, with officers discovering 17 bottles of perfume in the boot of their uninsured Audi A4 on May 1. Laurentur Ciurar, 19, Roxan Demian, 21, Ioan Sava, 31, Luminata Sava, 25, and Verdeata Sava, 31, all of Bedford, admitted two charges of theft. Worcester Magistrates' Court heard Luminata and Ioan Sava were caught by officers when they sprinted across a busy dual carriageway. The gang all received four-month curfews banning them from leaving their homes between 8pm and 4am. They each were also ordered to pay 200 in compensation to Debenhams and 100 to House of Fraser. Luminata Sava (left) and Laurentur Ciurar (right) had admitted two charges of theft at Worcester Magistrates' Court Roxan Demian, 21 (left) and Verdeata Sava, 31, also received four-month curfews banning them from leaving their homes between 8pm and 4am The court heard Ioan Sava had previously been before the court on a shoplifting charge on April 10, while Luminata Sava was given 18 months suspended for 24 months for another offence. Chris Aggrey, defending, said Luminata Sava had had issues with the law but 'has learnt his lesson from that period.' The court heard officers in a marked police car spotted the passengers in an Audi A4, who had all been attempting to hide their faces as they passed them in Worcester. Officers ran an insurance check on the car, which showed the owner of the vehicle lived well outside of the area, and gave chase. They pulled over the car in the city's Whittington Road. The outside of a House of Fraser store in Worcester (pictured above) where the gang stole perfume from All five defendants were in the car but it was suggested they did not know English, the court heard. Police confirmed the perfume bottles were taken from a Debenhams store in Gloucester earlier that day and the same Audi was seen in the area. Prosecutor Shafquat Reaz said: 'The crown says this is organised crime. These are high value products and they are going into department stores knowing they will be out on counters. 'It's a pandemic, gangs coming from out of town, doing what they did and then evaporating.' Worcester Magistrates Court (pictured above) heard officers in a marked police car spotted the passengers in an Audi A4, who had all been attempting to hide their faces as they passed them Mr Aggrey added: 'Romanian traditional circles' after someone has died a party lasting several days is held and paid for by those closest to them. He said: 'The family of the deceased have to foot the bill for everything in terms of all the food and drink and facilities. 'Given the large number of people that may attend, the bill can run into thousands of pounds.' He said several members of the group had recently lost their jobs at a fruit factory and were 'desperate' for money. As they left the court, Luminata Sava said: 'We all apologise for what we did.' Sand is disappearing from one of Britain's most popular beaches and has left power cables and rocks exposed. The fine soft sand of the award-winning South Beach, Tenby, has washed away sparking fears it could vanish altogether in time. The town attracts around 500,000 holidaymakers each year who have been drawn to the long sandy shores of its Blue Flag beach. But tourism bosses fear they could be lost if urgent action is not taken to save the one-and-a-half mile-long beach. Signs have been placed on the beach to warn of exposed cables, rocks and sandbags. A man using his metal detector on South Beach, Tenby. Sand is disappearing from the beach, which attracts large numbers of tourists every year Two people enjoy a stroll on the beach. After the disappearance of the sand signs have been placed on the beach to warn of exposed cables, rocks and sandbags Business owner Marianne O'Shea, who manages a seaside snack bar, said: 'It is the worst I have seen in 20 years.' Locals fear climate change or the removal of groynes from the beach could be to blame for the disappearing sand. Groynes are structures that extends into the sea that aims to protect the shoreline from coastal erosion. The groynes were removed by the Pembrokeshire Council in 2007 as they were deemed unsafe after one collapsed. Council chiefs are hopeful the change is cyclical - and the sand will naturally return by summer. Pembrokeshire Council's coastal engineer Emyr Williams said: 'It has happened before although I would admit that it's particularly bad this year. 'The sand will return eventually - probably in time for the school holidays. 'The volumes of sand needed to build a decent beach here would be enormous - around ten million cubic metres at enormous expense and for no obvious benefit.' The beach was handed both Blue Flag status and Seaside Resort Award last year. Four police officers have been killed and seven others wounded in gang attacks in western Mexico. The Michoacan state prosecutors' office said attackers opened fire on one patrol vehicle and then twice ambushed reinforcements that were sent in to help on Sunday. The office said three officers died in the attacks in the city of Zamora, and Mayor Martin Samaguey later said a fourth had died of wounds suffered in the shootings. The prosecutors' office did not identify which gang was behind the attack in the city of Zamora. However, prosecutors said one of the attackers' trucks had been found and local media published photos of the pickup with the letters 'CJNG' on its door. Those are the Spanish initials of the violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel. A video posted on social media around the time of the attack showed a convoy of pickup trucks and SUVs, apparently about two dozen, all with criminal group's initials neatly painted on the doors. Alleged members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel stand on the middle of a road in Michoacan, Mexico. The group reportedly ambushed three police vehicles Sunday, and killed four cops and wounded seven Alleged members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel paraded through Zamora, Michoacan, on Sunday before a deadly encounter that left four officers dead and seven other wounded The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is led by Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes The dead and seven of the wounded were municipal police, who in most parts of Mexico rarely play a front-line role against drug cartels. Municipal police are relatively lightly armed and are less well-paid and trained than their federal and state police colleagues. In many towns, they have been corrupted by drug gangs. Samaguey, the mayor, said the city had been asking for help for some time. 'These have been difficult times,' Samaguey wrote in a statement. 'We have been urgently requesting assistance from state and federal authorities, while working with whatever we have and doing whatever we possibly can.' Mayor Martin Samaguey (second from left) said the city of Zamora had been asking for help for some time to combat the Jalisco New Generation Cartel The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is widely considered as the most powerful criminal organization. Its leader is Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes - who is the most-wanted man in Mexico and has a $1.6million bounty on his head. El Mencho is one of the 10 most-wanted men on the FBI's list and the U.S. Department of Justice is also offering a $10million reward for his arrest. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, El Mencho's organization operates in 22 of 32 states in Mexico and has shipped cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl-laced heroin to the United States. It also has established that the group has a presence in Europe, Asia and Australia. This is the strangely satisfying moment a Turkish barber uses a vest as a border to give a client's back hairs a shave into the same shape. In a peculiar version of the bowl cut, the man sat down for a back trim with Berat Polataglu in his shop in Diyarbakr, Turkey. Mr Polataglu went back to basics as he used a simple razor to trim the man's hind hairs. The barber is an avid YouTuber with a loyal fan base of 20,000 subscribers. The man sat down for a back trim with Berat Polataglu in his shop in Diyarbakr, Turkey He uploaded the video of the strange trim there, garnering over 40,000 views to go along with the over 1 million he achieved on his Instagram account. Although the video is of a humerous nature, Polataglu is a serious barber. He has skillfully mastered the fade and has experimented with other weird styles, such as shaving a mustache onto someone's hairy neck. Mr Polataglu went back to basics as he used a simple razor to trim the man's back hairs The barber is an avid YouTuber with a loyal fan base of 20,000 subscribers Polataglu, who has over 180,000 Instagram followers, considers himself a 'world class barber and hairstylist.' Reports in his native Turkey suggested that Berat Polatoglu sold his brother's mobile phone to participate in the World Congress of Hairdressers Confederation in Italy in 2017. He managed to finish in second pace with the Turkish team in the 'cuts' section. Security reviews by intelligence agencies including ASIO has led to recommendations Australian jihadists and their families who fled to ISIS territory should be allowed to return home. The intelligence sector told the Federal Government earlier this year jihadists pose less of a threat to Australia if they are kept in custody or monitored through surveillance in the country, The Daily Telegraph reported. NSW Minister for Counter Terrorism Anthony Roberts chose not to talk about specifics of the recommendations but did say he agreed with the calls to bring jihadists home. 'Its in our interest to actually have those people in custody rather than overseas quite frankly, its actually in our interest to have them here in Australia where they can be monitored or they can be placed in custody and under surveillance,' he said. Security reviews by Australian intelligence has lead to them recommending jihadists and their families returning to Australia is the best option for the country 'These are the days where you can have an individual overseas basically issuing instructions and orders to people over here, sending them information on how to carry out acts of extremism, and it is better for us to have them here where they are either in a facility or monitored.' Currently fighters over the age of 14 can be blocked from returning to Australia for up to two years if they pose a threat to the community. But a senior intelligence operator confirmed to the publication the intelligence sector was in support of bringing jihadists and their families home immediately. 'The feeling of our intelligence agencies both here and abroad is that we actually want these people back, better to have them back from war zones and put them in a controlled environment,' the intelligence source said. A total of 230 Australians travelled to Syria or Iraq during ISIS's reign of terror and 95 of them were reportedly killed during combat actions. Authorities are currently in direct communication with five of those Australians who joined ISIS overseas and are seeking a path home. The recommendation was passed onto the government after the intelligence sector undertook a review of potential jihadist returnees. The revelation came just days after it was reported that orphaned children of an Islamic State fighter who are being held in a Syrian refugee camp could soon be returned to Australia. The three children, aged between six and 12, were taken from Australia to Syria when their parents Yasin Rizvic and Fauzia Khamal Bacha joined the terrorist group in 2014. Rizvic, from Bosnia, had been a senior figure at the Al-Furqan Islamic centre in Melbourne which was often linked to radical extremism before its closure in 2015. Currently jihadists over the age of 14 can be blocked from getting a passport of returning to Australia for up to two years if they pose a threat to the community but there is a push for getting jihadists and their families returned home Australians begging to come home after fighting with ISIS Oliver Bridgeman, 21 Olive Bridgeman, 21, (pictured) claims he went to Syria to be a humanitarian worker. The 21-year-old from Toowoomba in Queensland's Darling Downs claimed he travelled to Syria to be a humanitarian worker. Queensland's Darling Downs claimed he travelled to Syria to be a humanitarian worker. He previously assured his mother and father he hadn't been fighting in the war-torn nation, where ISIS terrorists are battling for control. His passport has been cancelled by the Australian government and he has been stuck in the war-torn area since 2016. Mahir Absar Alam, 26, Mahir Absar Alam, 26, (pictured), was caught just outside Baghouz. Alam joined Islamic State just four weeks after it declared its so-called caliphate in 2014. He has allegedly expressed regret for joining. The 26-year-old faces spending time in a prison camp in Syria, and could be taken to Iraq for trial or possibly be deported back to Australia, where he could be prosecuted. Ahmed Merhi, 27 Ahmed Merhi, 27, (pictured) has begged Australia to help him escape. Sydney terrorist Ahmed Merhi has begged Australia to help him after he was sentenced to death by hanging in Iraq. The former Granville Boys High School student, from Sydney's west, travelled to Syria in 2014 or 2015. At the time, he claimed he was travelling to the war-torn region to perform aid work. Janai Safar, 24 Janai Safar, 24, (pictured), previously vowed never to return to Australia. Safar is living in a refugee camp in northern Syria after its defeat. She left Australia to allegedly join the jihadi terror group in 2015. She previously vowed she'd never return to Australia. 'It was my decision to come here to go away from where women are naked on the street. I don't want my son to be raised around that,' she said. Zehra Duman, 24, Zehra Duman, 24, (pictured) hit headlines in Australia when she fled to Syria in 2014. Duman, from Melbourne, is believed to be held at the al-Hawl refugee camp in Syria with her two-year-old son and six-month-old daughter. She claims she has been trying to leave ISIS for two years. The 24-year-old said she knows Australians would be angry with her but insisted: 'My kids have a right to be treated like normal kids.' Khaled Sharrouf's children: Zaynab, 17, Hoda, 16, and Humzeh, eight Zaynab (top left), Hoda (top right), and Humzeh (bottom, middle) are in the al-Howl camp. The Australian terrorist's remaining three children have been held at the al-Hawl refugee camp in north-eastern Syria since mid-march. Their Sydney-based mother, Tara Nettleton, smuggled the children out of Australia after her husband left to join the caliphate. Nettleton is believed to have died in 2016, while Sharrouf and his two eldest sons were believed to have been killed in an airstrike in 2017. Advertisement He died while fighting for the terrorist group in 2016. Bacha later died also, yet circumstances around her death are not known. The young children have been stranded in the Kurdish-controlled al-Hawl refugee camp in western Syria since their parents were killed, ABC reported. The Australian has reported three children, believed to be of Bosnian background, were likely to be the first children from the war to be returned home. It's unclear whether the orphans mentioned are Rizvic's children. Australian authorities have reportedly been working to move the children to Lebanon or Iraq, where they would meet with an Australian consular official before being flown to Melbourne. Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said the children shouldnt be made to suffer but stood firm on the government stance that no Australian official would be put in harms way to extradite them from a conflict zone. 'When it comes to children, we will deal with each and every case on its merits, but in every single case we will be putting the security of Australians at the top of the list.' The children have been pleading for help to return to Australia, however, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that national security was his number one priority. Zaynab, 17, Hoda, 16, and Humzeh, 8, were taken to Syria by their parents, who have since died. Zaynab now has two toddler daughters and is heavily pregnant with a third child. Theresa May admitted it had been a 'very disappointing night' for the Conservatives after they were almost wiped out in the European elections. The Prime Minister, who will stand down as Tory leader on June 7, has been blamed for the rout by the Brexit Party for failing to leave the EU on March 29. Mrs May, who quit on Friday, said: 'Some excellent MEPs have lost their seats, some excellent candidates missed out. But Labour have also suffered big losses'. She added: 'It shows the importance of finding a Brexit deal, and I sincerely hope these results focus minds in Parliament'. Theresa May arrives at church with her husband Philip yesterday hours before the Tory election nightmare results were revealed Mrs May was overcome by tears as she spoke of her pride at having been PM, even though she admitted to having failed to deliver Brexit, before quitting Labour and the Conservatives' Brexit policies were dealt a hammer blow by voters in a terrible night for both parties in the European elections. The Brexit Party and the Liberal Democrats triumphed, but the scale of disaster for the main parties was laid bare as the final results for Great Britain were announced. The Tories secured just 9.1% of the vote - their worst ever national election share - while Labour finished on 14.1%, with voters split between the clear Brexit alternatives offered by Nigel Farage's new party and the pro-EU Liberal Democrats. Just four Conservatives were elected in England, Scotland and Wales, while the Brexit Party had 29 seats, overtaking the 24 MEPs that Mr Farage's former party Ukip sent to the European Parliament in 2014. The Lib Dems, reduced to just a single MEP in 2014, were on 16 after their best ever European results. Labour had 10, halved from 20, the Greens - who also enjoyed a boost from pro-EU voters - were on seven, up from three. Mr Farage today warned the Tories he will wipe them out at a general election unless they push through Brexit by Halloween - after securing a stunning triumph in EU polls. The stark ultimatum came after the Brexit Party won at least 28 MEP seats and 31 per cent of the vote, despite only being formed six weeks ago. A jubilant Nigel Farage (pictured in London this morning) demanded a role in the next round of negotiations with the EU after te Brexit Party's triumph, threatening to contest a general election In grim contrast, the Conservatives have dropped to fifth place across much of the country on just 9 per cent of the vote. The disastrous showing immediately sparked warnings from would-be leader Boris Johnson that things will get even worse for the Tories if the UK does not leave the EU by the new deadline at the end of October - deal or no deal. And Jeremy Corbyn was facing civil war within his party as critics blamed the party's poor third-place finish on 14 per cent on his failure to back a second referendum. The Remainer Lib Dems surged into second place on 20 per cent with the Greens coming a close fourth on 12 per cent. A jubilant Mr Farage demanded a role in the next round of negotiations with the EU, threatening to contest a general election. Speaking this morning, he blasted the Tories for their handling of Brexit but said he would be willing to support a Conservative leader who promises to take Britain out of the EU with No Deal. He said: 'If we don't leave in October the Brexit party will go on to a general election. 'We are happy to help any leader who is genuine about us leaving the EU. We would like to be part of the negotiating team, use us and give us some responsibility, but they need to be prepared to leave with a clean break Brexit. Boris Johnson, Dominic Raab, Michael Gove - all of them voted for Mrs May's European treaty. 'It's all about establishing trust if the next leader says the same thing then no one is going to trust them.' 'This is just the beginning of a new political movement.' A 34-year-old graffiti artist has been arrested after 'tagging' buildings with support for a neo-Nazi group and flat earth research. Skyler Gene Butts had been the subject of a year-long investigation involving more than 30 incidents of graffiti spraying on federal land in Colorado. The latest tagging was on a Bureau of Land Management bathroom and the damage was estimated at $5,000. A 34-year-old graffiti artist has been arrested after 'tagging' buildings with support for a neo-Nazi group and flat earth research Skyler Gene Butts had been the subject of a year-long investigation involving more than 30 incidents of graffiti spraying on federal land in Colorado Throughout the year-long investigation Butts has spray-painted support for 'Flat Earth Research' and the 'Rise Above Movement'. The Rise Above Movement is a militant alt-right group based in California that describes itself as openly neo-Nazi, white nationalist and white supremacist. The group, started by Robert Rundo, is only believed to have between 20 and 50 members. Four of its members were arrested last year for violating the federal rioting statute during a Unite the White rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017. The latest tagging was on a Bureau of Land Management bathroom and the damage was estimated at $5,000 Throughout the year-long investigation Butts has spray-painted support for 'Flat Earth Research' and the 'Rise Above Movement' It is unclear whether Butts is affiliated with the group. A statement from the Colorado River Sheriff's Office said: 'On May 22, 2019, Butts was seen on surveillance cameras driving his company vehicle and spray painting the side of a BLM restroom facility near Parker Dam Rd. 'Butts was positively identified as the suspect during the investigation. Estimated damages for defacing the property is estimated at over $5,000. 'Butts was arrested and booked into the Colorado River Station jail on felony vandalism charges. His bail amount was set at $25,000.' Hillary Clinton had some pointed words for Scrabble game makers, Hasbro, while tweeting out a complaint that took a swipe at President Trump and his lawyer, Rudy Giuliani. 'Earlier this month, Scrabble updated its list of approved words for game play for the first time in four years ("ivesssapology" and "covfefe" were not among them),' Clinton tweeted Sunday morning. 'But those changes aren't yet reflected in the Scrabble app. Where are we on this, @Hasbro?' Scroll down for video Hillary Clinton took to Twitter Sunday to nudge Scrabble-makers Hasbro to issue an update to their app's dictionary, simultaneously taking a swipe at Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani Clinton's tweet referenced head-scratching 'words' from previous Trump and Giuliani tweets Clinton, who is said to be a Scrabble fan, appeared to be complaining that the Scrabble app's dictionary hadn't been updated yet, but took the opportunity to poke fun at the two Republicans' Twitter gaffes. The famed 'covfefe' reference stemmed from the confounding apparent typo Trump made in May 2017, when he tweeted out 'Despite the constant negative press covfefe,' late one night. Clinton is said to be a big Scrabble fan Trump failed to explain what 'covfefe' meant or correct the tweet, which went on to capture the attention of many and inspire a plethora of jokes, but stoked the speculation fire instead by later tweeting, 'Who can figure out the true meaning of 'covfefe' ??? Enjoy! Clinton also mentioned the head-scratching 'apology' to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that Giuliani tweeted on the morning of May 24. After it was pointed out that he had previously tweeted out a doctored video of Pelosi speaking at an event, which included slow-motion footage that made her words sounds slurred, Giuliani took to Twitter with a mea culpa. At 9am on May 24, he wrote: 'ivesssapology for a video which is allegedly is a caricature of an otherwise halting speech pattern, she should first stop, and apologize for, saying the President needs an "intervention." Are' Trump (left) and Giuliani (right) recently made headlines for sharing video clips of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that made it seem like she was slurring her words or stuttering The 'covfefe' and 'ivesssapology' tweets that Clinton threw shade at in her own tweet The abruptly-ended tweet led some social media users to speculate that Giuliani was drunk when writing the tweet. A half-hour later he tweeted a more coherent version of the apology, leaving out the caricatured slurring that kicked off his initial tweet. He has since deleted the first apology tweet. Although Trump did not share the doctored Pelosi video, he did tweet out a compilation video of Pelosi speaking, which featured cuts of her from multiple speeches which made it seem like she was stuttering. During a speech at Harris County Democratic Party's annual JRR luncheon in Houston, Texas, Friday, Clinton noted that Trump and his 'cronies' were 'running around spreading a doctored video of Nancy Pelosi' and called that 'sexist trash,' according to USA Today. An Australian mother, who could face the death penalty in the US if convicted of stepdaughter's murder, was charged after police found a series of text messages sent to her husband. Lisa Cunningham, from Adelaide, and husband Germayne Cunningham are accused of abusing and neglecting seven-year-old Sanaa Cunningham, who died in February 2017. Sanaa suffered acute schizophrenia and other mental health problems, but died from complications due to sepsis and acute bronchitis. Text messages between Cunningham and her husband, given to an Arizona appeals court, reveal the couple had become overwhelmed caring for Sanaa's condition, Adelaide Now reported. An Australian mother, who could face the death penalty in the US if convicted of stepdaughter's murder, was charged after police found incriminating text messages sent to her husband. Pictured: Lisa Cunningham Lisa Cunningham, from Adelaide, and husband Germayne Cunningham are accused of abusing and neglecting seven-year-old Sanaa Cunningham, who died in February 2017 Text messages between Cunningham and her husband, given to an Arizona appeals court, reveal the couple had become overwhelmed caring for Sanaa's condition Detective Noah Yeo told the court his suspicions the couple were allegedly involved with the child's death grew after reading the chain of messages between the married couple. Mr Cunningham, a former police officer, wrote to his wife: 'I don't want her to sleep with her hands behind her back, for some people can die like that if they have certain health issues or are on drugs.' In another text, the 45-year-old Australian said to her husband: 'She's not sleeping. She's standing. And I am not dealing with her again tonight. It's midnight I'm not having her groaning and screaming and keeping everyone up playing her bulls**t.' A message from Ms Cunningham on December 17, 2016 read: 'I just got her put there so the kids can sleep. You can sort it out when you get home ... I will not tolerate her behaving like an animal to get what she wants.' 'Sanaa p***ed in the garage. Of course, it's dark, so I stepped in it. So f***ing nasty. F*** it. I will give her nasty ass a Pamper. She can sit in it and get hose off when I get up.' The couple appeared in Maricopa County Superior Court last week for a pre-trial hearing, over one-year before their criminal trial is due to start in July 2020. Mr Cunningham, a former police officer, wrote to his wife: 'I don't want her to sleep with her hands behind her back, for some people can die like that if they have certain health issues or are on drugs.' Detective Noah Yeo told the court his suspicions the couple were involved with the child's death grew after reading the chain of messages between the married couple Sanaa suffered acute schizophrenia and other mental health problems, but died from complications due to sepsis and acute bronchitis The mother-of-six could become the first Australian woman executed in the US since 1851, if found guilty. She has two children from her first marriage, with an American pilot, and shares two children with her husband. Cunningham is also the stepmother to her husband's two children from a previous marriage, which included Sanaa. The couple are attempting to dismiss their murder trial through appeal which would either lead to their release or send the case to another jury for a review. They are arguing the jury were mislead by prosecutors with fake evidence, the judge made an error by excusing the misinformation and the 11 felony charges were worded vaguely and made a case for the defence impossible. The couple appeared in Maricopa County Superior Court last week for a pre-trial hearing, over one-year before their criminal trial is due to start in July 2020 Speaking from prison to the Sunday Night in September 2018, Cunningham said Sanaa (pictured) was not murdered. 'Nobody was murdered here. Nobody was killed, and nobody was abused,' she told reporter Matt Doran in a phone interview. Prosecutors are arguing the couple allegedly left Sanaa to die by not treating her ailing health and restraining her. The defence argued Sanaa's behaviour had become overwhelming and the couple did what they thought was best but proved to be poor medical advice, which turned fatal. Speaking from prison to the Sunday Night in September 2018, Cunningham said Sanaa was not murdered. 'Nobody was murdered here. Nobody was killed, and nobody was abused,' she told reporter Matt Doran in a phone interview. 'She was not a burden to our family and that is not a fair thing to say to us or her siblings.' 'And it's not fair to her memory.' An 81-year-old travelling from his home in Newcastle to Rome in Italy to see the Pope ended up in Germany after blindly following his satellite navigation system. The OAP, who is originally from Italy but now lives in Newcastle, decided to make a pilgrimage to Rome in the hope of seeing his holiness at the Vatican. But he mistakenly entered the details for the district of 'Rom', part of a small rural community in the western German state of North Rhine Westphalia rather than the slightly more famous Italian capital. The OAP, who is originally from Italy but now lives in Newcastle, accidentally drove his Jaguar (pictured after running over a sign for Rom) to west Germany after incorrectly entering Rome into his satnav After the navigation system insisted he had arrived safely, the confused OAP climbed out of his vehicle, possibly to try and see some of the landmarks that should have been clearly visible, such as the Colosseum or The Sistine Chapel. In a further twist, he forgot to put the handbrake of his Jaguar on, which rolled away and ended up knocking down the sign for Rom. Police were then called to investigate and found the confused man 900 miles from his intended destination. Police spokesman Monika Treutler said: 'The man was on a pilgrimage. He was on his way to Rome, where he was hoping to visit the Pope.' Instead of travelling south through France and Italy to get to Rome the pensioner cut straight through Brussels and found himself in Rom, Germany A police spokesman said that the man, who has not been named, realised something was wrong when he could not see any of the landmarks he was expecting, given that he was supposed to be in Rome She added that the man, who has not been named, realised something was wrong when he could not see any of the landmarks he was expecting, given that he was supposed to be in Rome. The Italian man may also have been confused by the fact that Rome is written Roma in Italian and Rom in German. Police said that the car had come to a halt after hitting the sign but did not appear to be seriously damaged although an ambulance was called to check on the pensioner. Luckily despite the detour he had only managed to add around two hours travel time to his journey. An undocumented immigrant from Guatemala begged a judge to be deported after he was arrested for allegedly impregnating a minor in Arizona. Carlos Cobos-Perez, 20, appeared before the magistrate in Phoenix last week accused of getting the 11-year-old girl pregnant. Through a translator asked if he could sign off on his voluntary exit from the United States so he could get out of the situation. 'If I want to sign my order of deportation, am I allowed to do so or no?' Cobos-Perez asked. The judge then told him that it was 'something this court doesn't do'. Carlos Cobos-Perez, who is being charged with impregnating an 11-year-old girl in Arizona, asked a court judge if he could voluntarily sign off on his deportation Cobos-Perez was brought to the attention of authorities in November 2018 after the elementary school student was found to have love bites on her neck. Cobos-Perez then told investigators he would no longer see the girl but he allegedly continued to do so and later had sex with the 11-year-old inside his car near the minor's school, according to a police report. Court documents revealed a letter from Cobos-Perez to the girl in which he said he was aware he could be imprisoned for carrying on a relationship with her. A May 17 trip to a Phoenix Children's Hospital revealed that the child was two months pregnant after her mother heard rumors that Cobos-Perez was frightened because he thought he had impregnated the young girl. Guatemalan national Carlos Cobos-Perez has been with two felony counts of sexual conduct with a minor and one felony count of aggravated assault. he is seen above pleading with the judge to be deported The pregnant girl's mother told Univision Arizona that her daughter will have the baby. 'I have no other choice but to support the child ... She will have the baby,' she said. 'Instead of her enjoying her childhood, she is going to move on to another stage [in life] instead of being a child.' The girl's step-father told of his fury when he discovered she was pregnant. 'I was working and to be honest I wanted to leave work and destroy him,' she said. 'She's an 11-year-old girl. He's 20. Almost 21. He got into her head and she fell for him easily.' The girl's stepfather told ABC affiliate KPHO that the police warned him that he could get himself into trouble if he went after Cobos-Perez. The mother of the 11-year-old old girl who was allegedly impregnated by Cobos-Perez is seen above According to FOX affiliate KSAZ, a girl, who spoke on the condition of anonymity and is friends with Cobos-Perez and the minor, said that the suspect was distraught when he found out the child was pregnant. 'He called me last Friday crying, telling me he got his girlfriend pregnant and I didn't believe it,' she said. 'She really loved him with all her heart, but her parents would not let her see him.' Cobos-Perez has been charged with two felony counts of sexual conduct with a minor and one felony count of aggravated assault. He remains under custody pending a $150,000 bail that can only be met with a cash payment. The girl's mother is hopes Cobos-Perez is not deported. 'He needs to pay for what he did,' she said. 'If they let him out and send him back, he'll be able to come back pretty easily.' President Donald Trump on Monday blasted out comments by Republican Rep. Liz Cheney that a pair of FBI agents who took part in in the Russia probe took part in something 'like a coup' and that it 'could well be treason.' Trump had set up Cheney's extraordinary comment with his own statements about treason last week, when asked who exactly he meant when he previously lobbed the accusation. Treason which the Constitution defines as levying war against the United States can carry a penalty up to death. The president then named former FBI Director James Comey and former deputy director Andrew McCabe as well as 'FBI lovers' Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, who exchanged a series of anti-Trump texts before the election while also carrying on an affair. Trump fired Comey early in his tenure for what he said was Comey's handling of the Hillary Clinton email controversy. The incident became a feature of possible obstruction of justice that Special Counsel Robert Mueller examined as part of his investigation. Trump retweeted an article about Cheney's Sunday comments from the Hill newspaper, writing simply: 'Liz Cheney: Statements by agents investigating Trump 'could well be treason.' Republican Rep. Liz Cheney said former FBI agents Peter Strzok and Lisa Page may have committed treason with their anti-Donald Trump texts Cheney, a member of the House GOP leadership, said Sunday that former Strzok and Page, both now former agents, may have committed treason with their texts criticizing Trump. 'I think what is really crucially important to remember here is that you had Strzok and Page, who were in charge of launching this investigation, and they were saying things like we must stop this president, we need an insurance policy against this president,' she said on ABC's 'This Week.' 'That in my view when you have people that are in the highest echelons of the law enforcement of this nation saying things like that, that sounds an awful lot like a coup and it could well be treason,' she noted. The Constitution lays out a precise definition of Treason, associating it with making war on the nation or giving aid and comfort to enemies. 'Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court,' it says in Article III. 'That's treason,' President Trump said last week, describing communications of FBI lovers Peter Strzok and Lisa Page Her words echo President Trump's words last week, when he accused the two of treason. And Cheney followed Trump's lead in singling out former FBI director James Comey and his former deputy at the bureau Andrew McCabe. 'We need to know what was Jim Comey's role in all of this? These people reported to him, Andy McCabe reported to him, what was Comey's role in that?,' she said. She noted Attorney General Bill Barr would be focusing on all those topics when he probes the agency's actions during the 2016 election. 'That is what the attorney general is going to be focused on,' Cheney said. At the White House on Thursday, President Trump railed against the FBI's look into his 2016 campaign to see if it had been infiltrated by Russians. 'If you look at Comey. If you look at McCabe; if you look at probably people people higher than that,' he saids. 'If you look at Strzok, if you look at his lover, Lisa page, his wonderful lover,' Trump said at the White House. 'Two lovers. They talked openly. They didn't use their private server because they didn't want to get caught. So they used the government server,' Trump said of the two FBI agents whose relationship was revealed following an inspector general's report. 'That was not a good move,' Trump said. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders also said Sunday that Barr would find out what happened at the FBI during that time. 'We already know that there was an outrageous amount of corruption that took place at the F.B.I. They leaked information. They lied. They were specifically working trying to take down the president, trying to hurt the president,' she said on NBC's 'Meet the Press.' 'We'll leave the final call up to the attorney general and he'll get to the bottom of it. But we think Americans deserve the truth. The president's asked for that. And we should expect nothing less.' She added: 'There's a lot more there that we still need to know. And we're going to let the attorney general do his job.' Trump has complained about a growing list of Obama-era Justice Department officials in the past, calling many of them 'traitors' and saying the Mueller probe was 'treasonous'; pictured, clockwise from top left, are former FBI Director James Comey, his former deputy Andrew McCabe, former FBI lawyer Lisa Page and former FBI senior agent Peter Strzok NBC's Chuck Todd asked her: 'That's my point. It doesn't sound like you want him to do his job. It sounds like the president has already determined the outcome.' Sanders referred to new executive order that empowers Barr to declassify information in connection with the probe of law enforcement actions. 'Chuck, that's the reason that he's granted the attorney general the authority to declassify that information, to look at all the documents necessary is so that we can get to the very bottom of what happened. Once again, we already know about some wrongdoing. The president's not wrong in that. But he wants to know everything that happened and how far and how wide it went,' she said. And she argued that 'the people that were responsible and that were part of this unprecedented obstruction and corruption at the F.B.I., those people should certainly be held responsible and be held accountable and the president expects that to take place.' Todd asked her: 'So he expects an outcome that he wants, not an outcome that the facts lead to.' 'Chuck, I think you're trying to muddy the waters too much here. We already know, once again that there was wrongdoing,' she replied. Attorney General Bill Barr has opened an investigation into how the Justice Department's broad Russia probe began White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said that Barr would find out what happened at the FBI during that time A federal law defines treason as an action that 'levies war' against the United States 'or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere.' The crime is punishable by death, or by a jail sentence that's 'not less than five years.' Barr has opened an investigation into how the Justice Department's broad Russia probe began, including the process through which the DOJ persuaded a judge in a secret federal court to grant surveillance warrants against then-Trump foreign policy adviser Carter Page. Barr told Fox News last week that his preliminary look isn't reassuring. 'I've been trying to get answers to the questions and I've found that a lot of the answers have been inadequate and some of the explanations I've gotten don't hang together,' Barr said. 'In a sense I have more questions today than when I first started.' 'People have to find out what the government was doing during that period,' he said. 'If we're worried about foreign influence, for the very same reason we should be worried about whether government officials abuse their power and put their thumb on the scale.' Barr emphasized that he hadn't yet drawn any conclusions. 'I'm not saying that happened but it's something we have to look at,' he said. Trump has long believed that Obama-era DOJ officials plotted to prevent his victory over Hillary Clinton, citing text messages from a former FBI agent and his FBI lawyer paramour. Peter Strzok and Lisa Page famously chatted that they would 'stop' Trump's ascent. They both worked on the FBI's initial counter intelligence investigation into Trump's campaign and on Special Counsel Robert Mueller's expansive investigation. Durham, the new spy-hunter, has previously served as a special prosecutor investigating allegations of impropriety by intelligence officials In an August 2016 text message exchange, the two agents - who were having an extramarital affair - talked about Trump's chance of being elected president. '[Trump's] not ever going to become president, right? Right?!' Page texted Strzok. 'No. No he won't. We'll stop it,' Strzok responded. In another text, they spoke of an 'insurance policy' against Trump. Page later told lawmakers this referred to the Russia investigation. Barr appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut John Durham to investigate the origins of the Russia probe. Durham will examine whether the FBI's methods of collecting intelligence on Trump's 2016 campaign, which ultimately led to the investigation, were legal. Previously, Durham served as a special prosecutor investigating improper behavior by intelligence officials. The attorney general signaled during a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee last month that he wanted to review the law enforcement agency's surveillance of the Trump campaign. He said 'spying did occur,' but clarified that it was not necessarily illegal spying. Trump and Republicans assert that the FBI used 'illegal' and irregular methods to obtain the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act warrant, which allowed the agency to spy on Trump's campaign adviser Carter Page. Trump empowered Barr to declassify intelligence information with a new executive order charging him with carrying out the investigation of the origins of the Russia probe. A man has died following a shooting in Sydney's west. Police visited the suburb of Doonside about 7.30pm on Monday following reports a man had been shot. They found a man, suffering a number of gunshot wounds, who died at the scene. Police visited the suburb of Doonside about 7.30pm on Monday following reports a man had been shot No arrests have been made and investigations are continuing. The man is reportedly in his 50s and was suffering injuries to his torso. A crime scene has been established at the Doonside address and there is a heavy police presence in the area. Vice President Mike Pence visited Arlington Memorial Cemetery honored those who lost their lives in service to their country calling for the country never to forget their sacrifice. In somber remarks while the nation continues to suffer loses in wars beyond its shores, Pence called attention to gold star families who bear the burden of departed loved ones. He brought long-distance respects from President Trump, who is traveling in Japan, and even mentioned dictator Kim Jong-un, who reached an agreement with Trump to return remains of U.S. Korean War remains. Vice President Mike Pence honored the fallen during remarks at Arlington National Cemetery Pence recalled fallen soldiers and called on the country 'never fail to remember what theyve done to us and never fail to honor and cherish the families theyve left behind.' Speaking on a bright, sunny day in the nation's capital, Pence asked the country to 'be worthy of the freedom that they won for us all.' 'The debt our nation owes to those who rest here among these hallowed fields and in cemeteries, churchyards and humble plots across the wider world is a debt we can never fully repay,' Pence said. He said he brought the 'deepest respects and gratitude of the 45th president of the United States, President Donald Trump,' who is in Japan, where he attended ceremonies honoring the new emperor of Japan, which concluded with a banquet and a multi-course meal in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Scroll down for video: Pence referenced North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un and his agreement to return remains of U.S. servicemen who fought in Korea The hearse carrying the remains of Cpl. John G. Krebs arrives at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling, Ill., Friday, May 17, 2019. A hero's ceremony was afforded Krebs, from Illinois, who was killed during the Korean War and nearly 70-years later buried next to his twin, who was killed during the same battle Pence also conveyed respects from President Trump, who was traveling in Japan, where he toasted Emperor Naruhito and welcomed a new era of Japanese history and culture in a dinner speech Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are greeted by Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako upon their arrival at the Imperial Palace for a state banquet Matthew Murphy, 4, places a rose on a tombstone beside his father, Kevin Murphy, of Springfield, Virginia, during a volunteer event at Arlington National Cemetery ahead of Memorial Day on May 26, 2019 in Arlington, Virginia Dave Crafton pays his respects Monday, May 27, 2019, to his father and mother who are both buried at National Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio. Crafton's father served in World War II Pence had the solemn task of speaking and participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery Vice President Mike Pence, from left, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael Howard and acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in observance of Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2019, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Pence held a solemn expressing while placing the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier The U.S.-Japan came about following overwhelming sacrifices in the Pacific, and many soldiers who lost their lives in the effort lie in the fields at Arlington. 'While his duties have taken him to the other side of the world, I spoke to him just a little while ago, and I know his heart is here, with all of you, and the families all across this nation for whom every day is Memorial Day,' said Pence. Trump send out his own Memorial Day sentiments via Twitter, calling for remembrance and sending out a video homage. 'The debt our nation owes to those who rest here among these hallowed fields and in cemeteries, churchyards and humble plots across the wider world is a debt we can never fully repay.' On a day when Trump defended Kim Jong-un by refusing to say his regime had used ballistic missiles in a recent launch, Pence also referenced the North Korean dictator in his remarks. Speaking at the Tomb of the Unknown, Pence referenced those 'resting in a place known but to God.' Pence promised the nation 'would never stop searching,' then invoked Trump's agreement with Kim during his Singapore, that also contained broad language about denuclearization but no precise pathway. 'Last June, at his first historic summit in Singapore with Chairman Kim Jong-un, President had our missing fallen on his heart,' Pence said. 'President Donald Trump also secured a promise for the return for the remains of all fallen service members lost in North Korea,' he continued. He referenced his own participation in a repatriation ceremony in Hawaii with '55 flag-draped coffins bearing the remains of American who fought in the Korean war.' 'I must tell you. For this son of a combat veteran of the Korean war, I will never be given a higher honor than to have been present when our boys were finally coming home,' Pence told the crowd, which included family members who lost loved ones in war. 'This is just the beginning,' he intoned. 'We will never rest until every soldier is accounted for an resting on American soil.' Massachusetts authorities say a group of Jewish teens played a key role in saving the life of a drowning man who has a tattoo of a swastika. It happened Thursday night as the four youths - all students at an Orthodox Jewish high school in suburban Brookline - spotted the body of a man partially submerged in Chestnut Hill Reservoir, NBC Boston reported. Boston College police officer Carl Mascioli says two of the teens ran to his patrol car to alert him. Mascioli says he rushed down the embankment, pulled the man from the water and noticed the Nazi symbol tattooed on his hand. A group of four Orthodox Jewish boys from a yeshiva high school in Brookline, Massachusetts helped save the life of a man with a tattoo of a swastika, police say. Four of the boys are seen in the photo above. They have not been identified, and they are not permitted to speak to press The teens were walking near Chestnut Hill Reservoir when they noticed the man's partially submerged body in the water The teens alerted a patrol officer nearby, who ran to the embankment and pulled out the man's body. He is expected to make a full recovery 'While I was pulling him out of the water, I also observed that he had a swastika on his hand,' said Mascioli. He says the unidentified students told him they don't regret helping the man despite his anti-Semitic tattoo. 'I kind of let the gentleman know sometimes some deeds have a funny way of turning around,' said the officer. 'Their good deed had a little bit of a twist to it.' Officials say the man is expected to make a full recovery. They said that the teens likely saved the man's life since it is unlikely the patrol officer would have seen his body in the reservoir. The teens have not been allowed to speak to the media about the incident. Advertisement David Cameron has been pictured celebrating today after Aston Villa beat Derby 2-1 at Wembley - as the Tories lick their wounds after being mauled in the European elections. The 52-year-old looked thrilled as Villa were promoted to the Premier League after an assured performance this afternoon, and clearly wasn't letting the nightmare election results sour his mood. The former Prime Minister, who was watching the playoff final with his son Arthur, called for the EU referendum to heal divisions in the Conservative Party and settle the question of Europe once and for all. But the Tories have been bitterly divided over the 2016 EU referendum ever since, and voters have punished them at the ballot box and consigned the party to the worst result in their history. Cameron promptly quit No.10 and his Witney seat after the result and has been spending his time writing his memoirs For The Record, which will be published in the autumn. David Cameron looked thrilled as Villa secured their path back to the Premiership in an assured performance this afternoon, and clearly wasn't letting the nightmare election results sour his mood The former Prime Minister originally called for the EU referendum to heal divisions in the Conservative Party and settle the question of Europe once and for all. Prince William celebrates the 2nd goal scored by John McGinn of Aston Villa. Villa beat Derby 2-1 and are heading back to the Premiership David Cameron celebrates Aston Villas opening goal with his son Arthur. It comes as Mr Cameron is thought to be considering a return to front line politics, friends told The Mail on Sunday It comes as Mr Cameron is thought to be considering a return to front line politics, friends told The Mail on Sunday. Brexiteer MPs fear the former Prime Minister could team up with his old ally after claims that the ex-Chancellor privately hinted he harboured ambitions to return to government. Allies point to Mr Camerons record as the only Tory leader to win a Commons majority in the past 27 years, and say that at the age of just 52, he has three decades of public service left in him. One source claimed last night that friends of Mr Cameron had made discreet enquiries about standing in Sevenoaks one of the safest Tory seats in the country after the expected retirement of the sitting MP Sir Michael Fallon. However, Mr Cameron has denied that he plans to re-enter the Commons. Tory MPs also claim Mr Osborne, who holds several jobs including editor of the London Evening Standard, had told friends he had considered standing in Kensington, the once-safe Tory seat that turned Labour in 2017. The claim was spread on a WhatsApp group for Brexit-supporting MPs last week, with one warning the comeback had been discussed at a dinner party two weeks ago. This is the baffling moment a Chinese student is forced to smash his own phone by his classmates. The clip, which has more than 8 million views online, was filmed at The Hui People Middle School in the city of Shangqiu in Central China's Henan Province. The student, who is believed to be aged 17 or 18 and in his final year of secondary school, can be seen striking his mobile phone on the floor with a lock. As he stands back up, however, a female voice belonging to a classmate can be heard saying: 'Hit it again, smash it to pieces.' The boy crouches down and picks up the lock again before repeatedly hitting his phone with it. The girl nearby then adds: 'Throw it. Throw it against the floor. Throw it over there.' A viral video shows a Chinese student forced to smash his own phone to pieces by his classmates The boy, who appears to be on the verge of tears, slams his phone against the floor until it breaks apart. Social media users were critical of school staff for allegedly making the boy break his own phone, but a school spokesman said no teachers were involved in the punishment. 'We've always had a ban on phones. Pupils sign agreements as soon as they enter the school,' he said. The video was shot by a teacher who was walking past the classroom at the time and wanted to show the incident to her students 'No one is allowed to bring their phone to school. 'However, no teacher forced the pupil to break his phone. It's a policy the students decided to enforce themselves. 'The video was taken by a passing teacher who wanted to show it to her own class.' The school is not expected to compensate the boy or his family for the phone. A man has drowned in a Georgia lake after trying to save his father who walked off of their boat after a nap because he mistakenly thought he was heading toward the bathroom inside his home. Jeremiah Israel, 34, has been identified as the man who drowned overnight between Sunday and Monday, the LaGrange Daily News reported. Israel's body was recovered on Monday on West Point Lake near the bridge on Cameron Mill Road, authorities said. Jeremiah Israel, 34 (pictured), has drowned in West Point Lake in Georgia after trying to save his father, 62 Troup County Sheriff's Sgt. Stewart Smith said Israel and his father were fishing on Sunday night on the lake. At one point, the two grew tired and tied the boat to the bridge and fell asleep. Smith said. Overnight, the father woke up and thought he was home, and got up to use the restroom. At that time, the father apparently walked right off the boat. Israel's father (left) apparently who walked off of their boat after a nap, thinking he was heading to use his bathroom at home. Israel is pictured at right The father (right) was helped to safety by nearby boaters but Israel (left) did not resurface Smith said Israel jumped in to rescue his father, but did not resurface. A group of boaters who were about 20-30 feet rescued the father by helping him back into his boat, Smith said. After being taken to West Georgia Medical Center, the father was released. After being taken to West Georgia Medical Center, the father (left) was released. Israel is pictured at right Israel's (pictured) body was recovered on Monday at 10.47am near the bridge on Cameron Mill Road Israel's body was recovered at around 10.47am on Monday by Tift County Sheriff's Office deputies and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Rangers. The tragic incident is being investigated as an apparent accidental drowning by Georgia's DNR. Israel resided in the Jonesboro suburb of Atlanta. They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that's including the wildlife. It was a lesson one Walmart employee learned the hard way when they discovered a huge snake inside a shopping cart. The employee was collecting carts at the Walmart in Cross Roads when they came across a large rat snake sitting inside one of the carts on Saturday. A Texas Walmart employee let out a scream after they discovered this large rat snake hiding inside a cart in front of the store Police called on John Heckaman (pictured), known as 'The Snake Charmer', to help remove the snake from the cart They let out a loud scream, which caught the attention of a Northeast Police Department officer who was patrolling the area. Police then called on John Heckaman, known as 'The Snake Charmer', to help. Heckaman, of Savannah, was able to safely assist in the relocation of the snake - although he was bitten once in the process. One photo posted on the police department's Facebook page shows him handling the large reptile, which on average measure 3ft to 5ft long. The employee was collecting carts at the Walmart in Cross Roads when they came across a large rat snake sitting inside one of the carts on Saturday Heckaman, of Savannah, was able to safely assist in the relocation of the snake - although he was bitten once in the process Authorities said that many snakes in Texas have been forced out of their natural habitats due to recent heavy rains Authorities said that many snakes in Texas have been forced out of their natural habitats due to recent heavy rains. 'This goes to show that they can turn up just about anywhere,' the department warned. Rat snakes are non-venomous and are the second most common type of snake to be kept as a pet. They are found throughout the every Southeastern state and most of the Eastern and Midwestern states, according to the University of Georgia. The father of a missing Utah girl said he doesn't believe that her uncle would have harmed the five-year-old. Elizabeth Shelley was reported missing from her home around 10am on Saturday. Later that day, authorities arrested the child's uncle, Alexander Whipple, 21, who police reportedly found walking around with some of the girl's clothing in his hands. On Sunday, Elizabeth's father, Wes Shelley, made a comment on the Facebook page of his daughter's mother, Jessica Whipple. 'I knew Alex and was good friends with him for a while before I met Jess. I don't think he could or would do it to his niece,' Shelley said in response to a Facebook user. Scroll down for video Wes Shelley, the father of missing Utah girl, Elizabeth Shelley (pictured), said he doesn't believe that her uncle, Alexander Whipple, 21, would have harmed the five-year-old On Sunday, Elizabeth's father, Wes Shelley (right), made a comment on the Facebook page of his daughter's mother, Jessica Whipple (left) 'I knew Alex and was good friends with him for a while before I met Jess. I don't think he could or would do it to his niece,' Shelley said in response to a Facebook user Shelley, who claims that Jessica has refused to let him see his daughter, said: 'I seen how he was with her but, like I said Jess has ignored me for 4 years and I lost touch with Alex. A lot can happen in time. 'I just pray that my daughter is safe and gets home safe,' Shelley added. Shelley also voiced his concern on Jessica's page, saying he 'would appreciate a call' and that he's 'worried' about how she's doing. He also wrote that he knows 'how it feels to have her go missing in the middle of the night'. Shelley didn't elaborate on that statement nor did he return a DailyMail.com request for comment on Monday afternoon. He made the comments on Facebook just hours before officers from the Logan City Police Department shared an update on the social media site as they continue their search for Elizabeth. 'Officers located several items of interest a short distance from the home. This item has been tested and there is forensic evidence of 5-year-old Elizabeth Shelley,' the update reads. Police did not elaborate on what that particular item is, but they did say that the piece of evidence connects Whipple to the child and her residence. 'Some items were then located another short distance away which also shows a forensic connection to our missing 5-year-old,' the statement continued. Authorities also said that they have 'over 200 law enforcement officers from a dozen agencies including local, State and Federal officers' searching for Elizabeth. Shelley also voiced his concern on Jessica's page, saying he 'would appreciate a call' and that he's 'worried' about how she's doing Shelley (pictured with Elizabeth when she was a baby) also wrote that he knows 'how it feels to have her go missing in the middle of the night'. Shelley didn't elaborate on that statement nor did he return a DailyMail.com request for comment on Monday afternoon Logan City Police said they arrested Elizabeth's 21-year-old uncle, Alexander Whipple (right), who had stayed at the family's home Friday night. Whipple had some of the girl's clothing in his possession when he was arrested. He is reportedly not cooperating with authorities In the update on Monday, police laid out a timeline of Elizabeth's disappearance. The family told police that Whipple, Jessica's brother, showed up Friday evening and they were all in the home at 2am, when Elizabeth was last seen sleeping. 'When they awoke the next morning a little after 9am they couldnt find Elizabeth and Alex was no longer in the home. They searched for a while and then contacted police,' the statement read. Police were called to the family's home around 10am on Saturday. Cache County Deputies located Whipple at 3pm at the south end of Cache Valley where he 'failed to identify himself'. Police said Whipple had a warrant out for his arrest for not checking in with his probation officer. 'He was also in possession of drug paraphernalia,' authorities said, adding that Whipple was arrested on a probation violation and charged with possession of drugs. Whipple was then taken to the Logan City police station where he was interviewed by detectives. During the interviews police said he 'made several inconsistent statements at the very beginning and lied about his whereabouts which were already known'. 'He was uncooperative throughout the interrogation.' Authorities said 'several search warrants were obtained and executed throughout the night on several crime scenes and for evidence from Whipples person'. 'The evidence obtained from Whipple was tested and there are confirmed forensic evidence from Elizabeth Shelley located from off his person,' police said. Elizabeth's family also released a statement on Monday afternoon through a spokeswoman. 'As a family we are overwhelmed, scared and sad at the recent tragic events that have touched our lives. 'Our family asks for privacy and respect during this difficult time and continue to hope for the safe return of our sweet girl Lizzy,' the statement concluded. The family also said that they are 'grateful for all those who continue to search and help'. According to Cache Valley Daily, Whipple had some of the girl's clothing in his possession when he was arrested. Police said dozens of law enforcement officers (pictured) and other volunteers have spent the weekend searching for Elizabeth Officers have been going door-to-door and getting permission to search homes and yards of residents in the neighborhoods surrounding the child's home 'Were very concerned,' Logan police Capt Tyson Budge told the Salt Lake Tribune on Saturday. 'At this point, we believe shes been harmed,' he added. Whipple was convicted of theft, failing to stop at the command of law enforcement and driving under the influence in January 2018. Authorities have asked residents to check home video surveillance footage from 2am to noon on Saturday. Police said law enforcement officers and other volunteers have spent the weekend searching for Elizabeth. Officers have been going door-to-door and getting permission to search homes and yards of residents in the neighborhoods surrounding the child's home. Elizabeth is described as being 36 and about 40lbs. She has shoulder-length curly brown hair with bangs, and brown eyes. The Logan Police Department is asking the public to contact the if they saw Whipple or Elizabeth on Saturday, if they live in the Southwest part of Logan or along the area of 1200 West between Nibley and Hyrum. For that same area, individuals should check their yards, buildings, containers and garbage cans for anything they dont recognize. Call 435-753-7555 with any information. Chris Kulish, 62, died on Monday after reaching the summit. He died 'suddenly' after arriving back at South Col An American lawyer has become the 11th person to die descending Everest in the last 10 days. Colorado resident Christopher John Kulish, 62, died on Monday after scaling the mountain from the normal Southeast Ridge route. He died suddenly at South Col after his descent and the cause of his death remains unclear. It was announced by the Nepal tourism department on Monday. Kulish is the second American to die in the last 10 days after reaching the peak. He was part of a group of climbers and he celebrated his 62nd birthday on the mountain. Most of the deaths have been attributed to exhaustion and tiredness, exacerbated because a crowded route to and from the summit has led to dangerous delays. Seasoned Sherpa have told how there are now more inexperienced climbers than ever scaling the peak. Some do not even know how to put on their shoes but they are fighting and shoving for selfies as they get to the summit. It means that everyone waiting to scale the final stretch of the mountain is spending more time than they should with limited oxygen supplies at the very top. Kulish was a patent lawyer from Boulder, Colorado. Scroll down for video Massive line: In this picture taken on Sunday May 22, hundreds of mountain climbers line up to stand at the summit of Mount Everest. Many teams waited for hours to reach the summit, risking frostbites and altitude sickness The route up the mountain includes several large obstacles and a huge moving glacier near to base camp as shown in the map above Kulish had reached the summit and started his descent when he died on Monday. No other information has yet emerged News of his death on Monday came hours after a Canadian film maker described stepping over a dead body to get to the peak during a hike on May 23. Elia Saikaly, from Ottawa, said he tried to warn other climbers to head off the world's tallest peak, people who later ended up dead. The filmmaker said: 'Here we all were, chasing a dream and beneath our very feet there was a lifeless soul. It was scary... it was like a zoo Doctor who climbed Everest last week and survived 'Is this what Everest has become? 'As I documented the team climbing the iconic step, my mind raced and empathized with every person who struggled to stay alive while undoubtedly questioning their own humanity, ethics and integrity. 'This poor human being perched 7,000ft above the Western Cwm for everyone to observe was a reminder of each of our own mortality. Was this the "Dream of Everest'"we all imagined? 'My heart bled for the family and loved ones and at the same time I was conscious of the necessity to continue to move. At nearly 9,000m above sea level, there is no choice but to carry on. 'Who is responsible here? The individuals? The companies? The Government? Is it time to enforce new rules? Will things ever change? What's the solution here? 'With great sadness, as the cues pushed onwards and upwards, so did we, as did over 200 people that day. Sakaily posted this picture he took while he was on the treacherous mountain on Thursday - a dead body can be seen still tethered dangling from the mountain. Sakaily wrote: 'This poor human being perched 7,000ft above the Western Cwm for everyone to observe was a reminder of each of our own mortality' 'I deeply apologize for the sensitivity of this post, but I feel we have a responsibility to inform aspiring future climbers of the seriousness of this undertaking while creating a dialogue around how to make safer, more responsible and more ethical choices with how we approach climbing to the top of the world. 'To those that lost their lives this season may their souls Rest In Peace.' Questions have now turned to who is to blame for the dangerous set of circumstances. Some say the Nepalese government is selling too many of the $11,000 permits required to climb the mountain because it needs the money. Of the 18 days this year on the mountain, only two have occurred on the Tibetan side - which is stricter with how many permits it issues. One climber who scaled the summit this week described the scene as 'scary'. Ed Dohring, a doctor from Arizona who dreamed his whole life of climbing it, told The New York Times that when he finally got to the summit this week, he had to stand 'chest-to-chest' with around 20 other people. 'It was scary. It was like a zoo,' he said. Irishmen Seamus Lawless 39 (left) and Kevin Hynes, 56, (right) also died descending the peak Utah-resident Donald Lynn Cash, 55, (left) collapsed after reaching the summit of Everest. British climber Robn Haynes Fisher (right), also died last week Guides who were operating on the Nepalese side of the mountain are now switching to the Tibetan side because they fear more will die. 'This is not going to improve. Theres a lot of corruption in the Nepali government,' Lukas Furtenbach, one such guide, said. 'They take whatever they can get.' Nepal's government has denied that it is to blame and says instead that there have not been enough good-weather days this year . 'If you really want to limit the number of climbers, lets just end all expeditions on our holy mountain,' Danduraj Ghimire, the director general of Nepals department of tourism said. Others have told how ruthless and 'obsessed' climbers become with getting to the top that they ignore people who may be struggling. 'I asked people for water and no one gave me any. People are really obsessed with the summit. They are ready to kill themselves for the summit,' 18-year-old Rizza Alee from Kashmir said. Another woman said that as she climbed to the top, she saw people around her collapsing but no one stopped to offer them oxygen for fear that they would die themselves. 'It was terrible,' she said. Russia moved a pod of beluga whales to a secret Arctic base around the time one of its 'spy animals defected to Norway', satellite images suggest. A beluga was found wearing a harness marked 'equipment of St Petersburg' last month off the coast of Norway - and was refusing to stray far from the harbour. The sea creature, which had a harness for a camera, was hanging around the port performing tricks for locals in return for food, with many residents joking he had 'defected'. New satellite images suggest Russia moved a pod of beluga whales to Olenya Guba base, in a bay of the Barents Sea, around the time one of its 'spy animals defected' to Norway A beluga whale was found wearing a harness marked 'equipment of St Petersburg' last month and was refusing to stray far from the Norwegian harbour This has prompted speculation the animal may have escaped from a Russian military facility, which has been reported on in the past (harness pictured) Russia has dismissed claims its 'spy whale' was caught snooping on the fishing vessels of a NATO country - despite the Defence Ministry in Moscow previously admitting to experiments using these mammals for espionage. It has now been revealed Russia's navy may have taken another pod of whales to the Olenya Guba base, in a bay of the Barents Sea, in the north west of the country around the time of the incident. The pictures, taken from space in April, were released by defence analysts at H I Sutton and show two new pens along a pier in the base - with one appearing to contain a white beluga. The images taken from space were released by defence analysts and appear to show a beluga in one of two pens at a pier in the base H I Sutton wrote in their report: 'The discovery demonstrates that the Russian navy is still working with marine mammals in the Arctic.' On the pier the Russian spy ship Yantar was also docked, H I Sutton reported, which poses as an oceanographic research vessel. Olenya Guba is the home of the 29th Separate Submarine squadron of the Northern Fleet of the Russian navy. Last year, reports emerged that the base also stocked a fleet of small, nuclear-powered submarines that can remain motionless on the seabed. The analysts said a white mark (circled) may be a beluga whale and in 2017 a Russian TV station stated there was a military programme experimenting with whales Two further marine mammal sites in the area - Sayda Bay and Tonya Bay - are already known to store belugas and seals, but Olenya Guba is the only beluga-specific site. In 2017, Russia's official TV station Zvezda revealed the programme for experimenting with whales for military purposes. The aim, it said, was to use the sea mammals or underwater warfare roles including potentially killing intruders. The work was done alongside Russia's attempts to deploy seals and dolphins for military purposes. But not everyone buys into claims Russia is training 'spy animals'. Professor Audun Rikardsen at the Arctic University of Norway asked residents to stop feeding the whale in Norway so it can learn to survive in the wild on its own The harness the whale in Norway was wearing (pictured) appeared to have a mount for a camera - sparking fears it had been trained by the Russian military for surveillance Viktor Baranets, a retired colonel, said the beluga found in Norway had merely escaped from a civilian research institute in St Petersburg. He accused Norway and the rest of Scandinavia of 'paranoia that sees either our nuclear submarine or our divers in each floating log'. Others believe it may have come from St Petersburg in Florida. But Professor Audun Rikardsen from the Arctic University of Norway dismissed this as too far away. It was reported last year that the Russian Academy of Scientists awarded an honour for 'outstanding research' for experiments involving sea mammals. Experiments were undertaken to assess whether white whales could be used to 'guard entrances to naval bases' in polar regions and 'assist deep water divers and if necessary kill any strangers who enter their territory', according to the TV Zvezda report. 'It was mainly about white whales with highly sensitive sonars,' stated the story. 'It was planned that white whales could be on duty at the entrances to naval bases. 'But (they) turned to be very delicate animals - they easily got ill after long swimming in cold polar waters.' The whales, as well as seals, reportedly failed to obey commands claimed the Russian military. This raised the question whether a whale undergoing training escaped from its commanders or the tests using whales were more successful than the Zvezda report let on. A motorhome has been captured on video driving on the wrong side of the road on a dual carriageay in Scotland. The video was captured on the A9 near the town of Ballinluig, in the Scottish highlands, by 25-year-old Alan McConachie. The footage shows the motorhome charging down the highway as two cars drive past in the opposite direction. Alan McConachie, 25, started filming the video while he was driving on the A9 near the town of Ballinluig in the Scottish highlands Luckily, the motorhome did not collide with any of the oncoming vehicles. The driver of the motorhome pulls over at the conclusion of the short video. Mr McConachie said he was in 'total shock' when he first saw the vehicle driving in the wrong direction. 'I saw the motorhome veer across and wondered what the hell he was doing,' he said. The motorhome charged down the motorway in the video and just misses colliding with two cars 'I don't know if the guy was on the phone or what, but it's a really dangerous situation and I'm glad no one got hurt. 'I just couldn't believe what I was seeing.' Mr McConachie posted the video on Facebook, where it now has more than 130,000 views. Mr McConachie said he was in 'total shock' when he first saw the vehicle driving in the wrong direction He said: 'I first put it on snapchat and everyone thought it was wild. 'It's on Facebook now and it's sitting on 130,000 views just now. 'I'm glad the video made it as far as it did.' Advertisement The faces of Holocaust victims were slashed out of large canvasses in Vienna last night by 'right-wing radicalism', according to the installation's photographer. Luigi Toscano has taken 200 photographs of survivors of the Holocaust since 2015, but yesterday around 80 were destroyed. The installation was set up on part of the Ringstrasse, a busy road that runs around downtown Vienna, on May 7. But since then three attacks have seen the now elderly victims' faces removed, slashed with knives or daubed with swastikas. Luigi Toscano has taken 200 photographs of survivors of the Holocaust since 2015, but yesterday around 80 were destroyed. As Austrians walked past they were faced with images of the slashed faces of those who the installation had intended to honour Vandals, thought to be right-wing extremists, used knives to cut through the faces of the Holocaust survivors whose portraits were on display. Using an arc motion they cut through the centre of the face and left the image billowing in the wind Cyclists turn to look at the damage as they pass the close-up shots of those who survived the brutality of the Holocaust. Again using an arc motion the centre of this man's face has been destroyed. The man's remaining eye still stares out of the image Earlier this month faces were daubed with swastikas in two other incidents of vandalism against the images. On a post to Instagram the photographer wrote: 'The 94 year old protagonist Susan Cernyak-Spatz shared a quote with us that gets to the heart of it: "If we forget the past, we are condemned to repeat it"' Today people were forced to walk by the destroyed portraits on part of the Ringstrasse, a busy road that runs around downtown Vienna. The photos, taken close up to their subjects, show the lines of experience these survivors gained which those who were not so fortunate did not And Mr Toscano has been left 'devastated' by the destruction. He said: 'There's been vandalism which hasn't been politically motivated, but nothing of this proportion. 'This is right-wing radicalism.' On a post to Instagram he wrote: 'The 94 year old protagonist Susan Cernyak-Spatz shared a quote with us that gets to the heart of it: "If we forget the past, we are condemned to repeat it."' President Alexander Van der Bellen says he is 'deeply worried' about the attacks. He said: 'I know that the overwhelming majority of Austrian society totally rejects the atrocities committed by the Nazis. 'That some cannot see the truth and solemn reminder shown by these photos is crushing.' This woman stopped to look at the damage after 80 out of 200 portraits had their faces cut out amid a rising amount of anti-Semitism across Europe. Just days ago German officials warned Jews it was not safe to wear their skullcaps in all parts of the country due to the increasing threat of violence Photographer Luigi Toscano has taken more than 200 photographs of Holocaust survivors and listens to the story of each person. As he inspected the damage to his installation he said he was 'devastated' his art had been destroyed by a rise in 'right-wing radicalism' On social media he said: 'It deeply affects me that the exhibition 'Lest We Forget' was brutally destroyed.' The leader of Austria's Jewish community, Oskar Deutsch, said that 'it is an anti-Semitic attack on all of Austria' and that police are investigating. He tweeted: 'In Vienna, photos of Shoah survivors were violated. It is an anti-Semitic attack on all of Austria. 'The police are investigating. Suggested response: watch the installation and give a voice on Sunday for human dignity and for Europe.' Volunteers spent today repairing the photographs and Muslim Youth of Austria volunteers are keeping watch. Austria's Forum Against Anti-Semitism tallied 503 anti-Semitic acts in the country in 2017, twice the figure from 2014. The leader of Austria's Jewish community, Oskar Deutsch, said that 'it is an anti-Semitic attack on all of Austria' and that police are investigating. He tweeted: 'In Vienna, photos of Shoah survivors were violated. It is an anti-Semitic attack on all of Austria Austria's Forum Against Anti-Semitism tallied 503 anti-Semitic acts in the country in 2017, twice the figure from 2014. But Mr Toscano said he will not let the vandals' destruction put him off continuing to create his installations A bunch of roses was placed underneath one of the portraits on display. 'The face is the mirror of your life. It's a most respectful act when you show something in the face,' Mr Toscano has previously said. 'This is my art. We must respect these people' Last year the installation, called Lest We Forget, was set up in Boston, US, where the large portraits honoured the human faces who suffered under Nazism. 'The face is the mirror of your life. It's a most respectful act when you show something in the face,' Mr Toscano has previously said. 'This is my art. We must respect these people.' Since 2015, Toscano has photographed more than 200 survivors in Germany, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Israel and the United States. In Austria alone some 65,000 Jews were murdered during the Holocaust while around 135,000 managed to escape. Last year the installation, called Lest We Forget, was set up in Boston, US, where the large portraits honoured the human faces who suffered under Nazism The slogan 'Good Jud' was written along the Ringstrasse street in Vienna, Austria, on May 22 . More than ten portraits had been vandalised and covered with swastikas last week Since 2015, Toscano has photographed more than 200 survivors in Germany, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Israel and the United States. The international installation was in Boston, US, until November last year A scorching heatwave is gripping the Deep South with several cities reporting the hottest temperatures ever recorded in May. High temperatures were at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 Celsius) Sunday in Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina; Fayetteville and Wilmington in North Carolina; Savannah and Macon in Georgia; and Gainesville, Florida. The Columbia's National Weather Service tweeted out that Monday's highs were expected to be 100 degrees and that the daily record for both Columbia and Augusta, South Carolina, is 99 degrees. They advised locals to 'drink plenty of water' while celebrating Memorial Day. Scorching temperatures were predicted for Monday's Memorial Day celebrations as a fierce heat wave grips the Deep South with weather reaching triple digits in some areas South Carolina's National Weather Service tweeted out an angry-looking map representing multiple areas that would see temperatures reaching 100 degrees Monday The Deep South had seen record-setting temperatures all weekend long NWS Wilmington, North Carolina, tweeted Monday highs would be in the upper 90s to near 100. Despite the high heat, the organization noted that since no rain was expected, 'Humidity will remain relatively comfortable, but please take precautions if outdoors.' NWS Tallahassee which covers North Florida, Southeast Alabama and Southwest Georgia also tweeted about weather in the area reaching near 100 degrees in the inland areas, while predicting heat indices 'in the 101-105 degree range.' Likewise, they urged people to stay hydrated and to remember to cool off indoors throughout the day. Monday afternoon, NWS Huntsville, Alabama, tweeted that at '1:37 PM: The temperature at the Muscle Shoals airport reached 97 degrees at 1:20 PM. It has tied another record high set in 2012 and will likely beat the record again today.' Monday's high temperatures followed a record-breaking weekend. Weather experts advised staying hydrated and taking frequent breaks indoors to beat the heat Experts said that these high temperatures were unusual for late May, but not unheard of for the Deep South in the middle of summer, which is still weeks away The above normal temperatures are expected to continue through the middle of the week Savannah's high of 102 degrees (38.9 Celsius) was a record for all of May and hotter than any day so far this year in Phoenix, Arizona, as the same weather pattern bringing the unprecedented heat to the Southeast also has the desert southwest in the U.S. unusually cool. The high in Death Valley, California, on Sunday was 82 degrees (27.8 Celsius), according to the National Weather Service. Augusta, Georgia, meanwhile, tied a 141-year-old record when the temperature reached 98 degrees on Friday, while Saturday's scorching 100 degree weather in Savannah tied a record dating back to 1953, before going on set a new record when temperatures hit 102 degrees, according to AccuWeather.com. Also setting new records were Charleston, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina, when they recorded 100 degree heat for the first time ever in May on Sunday. While unusual for late May, this kind of heat isn't unheard of for the Deep South in the middle of summer. Officials did not report a large number of people sickened by the hot weather, even over the long Memorial Day weekend. The above normal temperatures will continue through the middle of the week, said National Weather Service meteorologist Michael Emlaw in Charleston. But the record hot May doesn't mean the whole summer will simmer in the Southeast U.S. A look at the various records that were either tied or broken during the weekend heat wave The US Navy Blue Angels soared above the beach during a Memorial Day airshow Monday The six aerobatic team Blue Angels jets were seen speeding over holiday makers heads as they performed their dare devil maneuvers along the beach in Miami Monday A big factor will be whether the area can shake loose from the unusually dry weather pattern too, Emlaw said. 'The lack of rain is making it hotter. With the ground dry, all of the sun's energy is put into heating the atmosphere instead of some of it being used to evaporate moisture in the ground,' Emlaw said. A few isolated portions of the region are already looking at water shortages. Pender County in southeast North Carolina declared a water shortage emergency. But most of the region is not in a drought yet. That dry weather has made this May heat wave a little more tolerable than most dead-of-summer heat waves in the Southeast. The humidity has been a bit lower, preventing the oppressive, heat blanket that the Deep South often feels in summer. 'It doesn't feel bad as 100 might feel in July,' Emlaw said. 'If that's a plus, I guess we'll take it.' Monday through Wednesday the temperatures in Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and north Florida are expected to sit in the mid 90s. On Thursday the temperature will cool down a bit hitting 92 degrees in Atlanta, Georgia 93 degrees in Charlotte, North Carolina, 96 in Norfolk, Virginia, and 88 in New Orleans. The National Weather Service released heat advisories for parts of the Florida Panhandle, Georgia, and South Carolina for the holiday weekend. Locals were warned to not leave their kids or pets in hot vehicles without air conditioning. 'Most high temperature records across the region stand in the 90s, so many cities are expected to consistently challenge records during the heat wave,' according Accuweather meteorologist Max Vido. 'Many records date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s,' he added. Meteorologists are warning that this week's heatwave will remain in the high 90s to lower 100s, continue to challenge record highs, and will bring with it dry height that can increase the possibility of fires. A massive brush fire dubbed the Yellow Bluff Fire broke out in Jacksonville, Florida, charring a whopping 608 acres of land on Thursday. That fire is now about 50 percent contained. Warning: Pope Francis (pictured) declared that migrants were 'often considered the source of all-society's ills' a day after several populist parties triumphed at EU elections Pope Francis has warned against a rise in intolerance and racism a day after a series of populist and nationalist victories in the European elections. The 82-year-old pontiff declared that migrants were 'often considered the source of all society's ills' in a strongly-worded plea for tolerance. The Pope did not comment on the EU elections specifically but his comments drew support from one fellow cleric, who said the results 'would have been worse' if Francis had not stood up for migrants. Rome's staunchly anti-migrant interior minister Matteo Salvini was among the winners in the 28-nation poll, along with fellow Eurosceptics Nigel Farage in Britain and Marine Le Pen in France. Salvini's far-right League party did particularly well in Italy in centres seen as migrant 'hot spots'. 'Today's world is increasingly becoming more elitist and cruel towards the excluded,' the Argentinian said pontiff said in his message. Francis acknowledged the 'fear' in many societies towards migrants and refugees arriving in search of protection or a better future. 'To some extent, the fear is legitimate, also because the preparation for this encounter is lacking,' he said. 'But the problem is not that we have doubts and fears. 'The problem is when they condition our way of thinking and acting to the point of making us intolerant, closed and perhaps even - without realising it - racist.' Close to home: Italian deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini (pictured) was among the staunchly anti-migrant politicians to triumph on Sunday night In the lengthy message, entitled It Is Not Just About Migrants, he urged countries to 'welcome, protect, promote and integrate'. 'Wars only affect some regions of the world, yet weapons of war are produced and sold in other regions which are then unwilling to take in the refugees produced by these conflicts,' he added. Vatican officials stressed that Francis's message was not political but one church leader linked his comments to the EU vote. At a press conference launching the migrant message Monday, Luxembourg archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich, said the results of the European Parliament vote 'would have been worse' if Francis had not consistently stood up for migrants. The Pope's message was issued well in advance for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which is in September. In Italy, Salvini's League won over 34 per cent of votes, compared to just six per cent in the 2014 EU elections and 17 per cent in the Italian general election last year. Nigel Farage (left) triumphed in Britain as leader of the Brexit Party, while in France, Marine Le Pen (right) and her National Rally came first ahead of President Emmanuel Macron's party Analysts say Salvini may be tempted to break up his current coalition with the Five Star Movement and join forces with others on the right. Italy's small far-right Brothers of Italy (FdI) party took home 6.4 per cent of the vote, while billionaire Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right Forza Italia party, a historic ally of the League, gathered 8.8 per cent. It came alongside a sweeping success for Nigel Farage's Brexit Party in Britain which condemned Theresa May's hapless Conservatives to fifth place. The opposition Labour party also suffered a humiliating result, coming third behind the pro-Europe Liberal Democrats. In France, Marine Le Pen's National Rally came first ahead of President Emmanuel Macron's party. The vote was seen as a test for Macron domestically after months of anti-government 'yellow vest' protests. His defeat was a setback after he pipped Le Pen to the presidency in 2017 but some editorials in France called it a 'disappointment but not a defeat'. Two high school seniors have died in a crash in Peru just a week after graduating from high school. Zachary Morris and Albert Ales, both 18, had only been in Peru for a few hours when they were hit and killed by a bus. The Florida natives, who had gone to Cusco to celebrate their recent graduation, were exploring the city on a motorcycle when they were struck on Friday. High school seniors Albert Ales (left) and Zachary Morris (right), both 18, were tragically killed on their graduation trip to Peru just a week after earning their degrees The Florida natives had gone to Cusco to celebrate their recent graduation, and had been exploring the city on a motorcycle when they were struck on Friday. Pictured is a Snapchat they took before the accident They were rushed to a local hospital, where they later died from their injuries. Morris and Ales' sudden deaths have shocked their community at Southeast High School in Bradenton. The best friends both had bright futures ahead after graduating from their school's tough International Baccalaureate program. Morris was heading to Yale University in the fall while Ales planned to attend the University of Central Florida. 'They were bigger than life,' Richard Platt, the applied engineering teacher at Southeast High, told WTVT. The best friends both had bright futures ahead after graduating from their school's tough International Baccalaureate program. Pictured is Ales on his graduation day Morris (left) was heading to Yale University in the fall while Ales (right) planned to attend the University of Central Florida 'They were those kids that made everyone feel better when they were around. They completely changed the direction of where I teach engineering now and where I'm going with it until I retire.' 'When you have two students that made such an impact on our community and such an impact on our school... it's completely devastating,' he added. Together Ales and Morris helped their teachers build machines that could mass produce wooden toy cars for underprivileged children around the world. 'They picked up the phone one day and called Google,' recalled Platt. 'And got one of the top vice presidents at Google and they wrote us a check for $16,000 dollars.' 'These young men, they exemplified the best in what our school can produce and what our state can produce,' he added. 'They were the best. Not only is it a great loss for us, it's a great loss to our country.' Together Ales and Morris helped their teachers build machines that could mass produce wooden toy cars for underprivileged children around the world Their best friends John Ferguson and Anthony Sevarino said the teens were known for their incredible personalities as well. 'They lit up any room that they were in,' Ferguson told WFLA. 'I mean, come on, the charisma that they came in, the confidence that they had, was incredible.' 'Albert was the guy that, if you had a problem, he was going to fix it,' added Seravino. 'Zach is just the smartest guy you would ever see. He was so confident in his speaking. Both of them are really the reason I am molded into the person I am today.' Southeast High School has asked that students, teachers, and administrators to wear orange or a Hawaiian shirt to pay tribute to the teens on Tuesday. Southeast High School has asked that students, teachers, and administrators wear orange or a Hawaiian shirt to pay tribute to the teens on Tuesday 'Even if you didn't have the pleasure of knowing them or getting close to them, it would mean a lot to their friends in the graduated class and those students still at SEHS to show the love and support,' the school said in a statement on Sunday. 'In the meantime, please just try and think of all the good and happy memories of those two boys living their lives to the fullest.' Ferguson said he also plans to honor his two best friends by being 'just like them'. 'The confidence they carried, the selflessness they had, the charisma...They wanted to live life to the fullest. So I've figured that's how I'm going to live the rest of my life too.' A non-profit organization, backed by Steve Bannon, to fund Donald Trump's border wall between the United States and Mexico has built its first mile-long section of wall. The wall, which spans just under one mile in length, went up over the weekend on private property running next to El Paso, Texas, through Sunland Park, New Mexico, triple-amputee veteran Brian Kolfage told DailyMail.com on Monday. 'Its just under one mile long,' Kolfage said. 'The wall starts at the Rio Grande River and goes up Mount Cristo Rey where the US Army Corps of engineers said it was impossible to build. Kolfage said once everything is said and done, his organization will sell the wall, which cost between $6million and $8million to build, to the federal government for the bargain price of $1. 'We're going to sell this wall to them for $1 and release the title to them,' he said. 'We can't give the government the money because that's not the way it works. But we wanted to show the American people how to get this job done.' Kolfage told DailyMail.com that this build has been approved by Trump and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A DHS official told DailyMail.com that 'this project is not connected to DHS efforts.' Heavy machinery moves a bollard-type wall to be placed along the border of private property using funds raised from a GoFundMe account at Sunland Park, New Mexico on Monday The image above shows the wall being built as seen from the Mexican border town of Ciudad Juarez on Monday Kolfage is operating under an entity called We Build the Wall Inc., which is a Florida non-profit tax-exempt advocacy organization, with former White House Chief Strategist and former Breitbart News executive chairman Steve Bannon as director, and former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach on the team as well. Dustin Stockton, co-founder of We Build the Wall Inc., told The Associated Press Monday that they spent about 10 days moving dirt before starting construction Friday. He says the wall segment in Sunland Park is 'mostly up' and should be completed by the end of the week. The build was overseen by construction mogul Tommy Fisher of North Dakota-based Fisher Industries. Kolfage told DailyMail.com his team chose the location at the intersection of the Texas, New Mexico and Mexico borders based on data obtained from a Freedom of Information Act request filed with US Customs and Border Protection. 'Its the worst smuggling route on the entire border,' Kolfage said. 'Border patrol said 1,000 people cross there each day, on average.' Triple-amputee veteran Brian Kolfage's non-profit We Build the Wall Inc. has built a portion of its promised border all over the weekend, spanning one mile and costing $6-$8 million Kolfage told DailyMail.com his organization, under the direction of former White House Chief Strategist and former Breitbart News executive chairman Steve Bannon, will sell the wall to the federal government for the bargain price of $1. Former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach on the We Build the Wall Inc. team as well (Kobach is second from the left) Kolfage told DailyMail.com his team chose the location at the intersection of the Texas, New Mexico and Mexico borders based on data obtained from a Freedom of Information Act request filed with US Customs and Border Protection, with Kolfage calling it 'the worst smuggling route on the entire border' According to Kolfage, the government said in the past that the mountains were a natural barrier that would stop the flow of migrants. 'But it hasn't stopped anything,' he said. 'That's why decided to build here first.' Kolfage said his organization had to build in secrecy for fear of groups opposing the building of a border wall impeding the project's process. 'There are a lot of different groups opposed to what we're doing that would have just had to file an injunction against the property owner and that would have delayed the build,' he said. 'We also didn't want to risk an international incident so we wanted to keep it tight-lipped until it was completed.' Bannon said, 'We had to catch them by surprise,' while discussing the building in between his weekend in Kazakhstan for a geopolitical seminar, Yahoo! reported. Kolfage said his organization had to build in secrecy for fear of groups opposing the building of a border wall impeding the project's process. The non-profit's director Steve Bannon (pictured) said, 'We had to catch them by surprise,' while discussing the building in between his weekend in Kazakhstan for a geopolitical seminar The wall sits on a stretch of property about 10 feet wide, right on the edge of New Mexico, and a team of hundreds began constructing it on Friday night. Kobach is shown working on site The build was overseen by construction mogul Tommy Fisher of North Dakota-based Fisher Industries. The build site is shown from over the weekend The wall sits on a stretch of property about 10 feet wide, right on the edge of New Mexico, and a team of hundreds began constructing it on Friday night. Bannon claims that the wall will connect two 21-mile sections of existing fence, but this has not been independently confirmed, according to CNN. 'Border Patrol told us it's the No. 1 most important miles to close,' Bannon said. 'The tough terrain always left it off the government list. 'And that's what we focus on - private land that is not in the program and take the toughest first.' Kobach made a similar claim on Fox&Friends, saying: 'There's been a half-mile gap between the existing wall and Mount Cristo Rey. 'And it was a ridiculously large gap that the smuggling of both people and drugs would go through.' Kobach said the project was 'the first time any private organization has built border wall on private land.' The property owner was an entity called American Eagle Brick Company, a Texas business with George F Cudahy listed as the registered agent. Kolfage said the owner of that company is an Air Force veteran fighter pilot, who has dealt with theft and was eager to get a border wall up after 'the federal government said they wouldn't and couldn't do it.' That owner finally got his wish, after turning over control of the stretch of land to We Build the Wall Inc. The agency's wall is generally 25 feet tall, depending on the section, according to Kolfage. The group bought the property the wall sits on from a private owner. It starts at the Rio Grande River and goes up Mount Cristo Rey, ending at a cliff (location shown on map) The agency's wall is generally 25 feet tall, depending on the section, according to Kolfage 'The steel portions of the wall are 25 feet tall, but we built the base up with stone in some areas, so it can be roughly 30-40 feet tall, as it goes up the mountain,' he said. 'It's made of all-weather steel which could last for centuries. It costs more up front but the overall cost of not having to be replaced in the near future is better in the long run.' Kolfage said the wall being built by the US government is being made with steel that is not all-weather and will rust. 'Our wall is far superior to the government wall,' Kolfage said. The wall ends at cliff on the mountain where you would have to be an expert mountain climber get across from Mexico into the US, Kolfage said. 'We also opted for a technology package that includes a fiber optic sensor in the ground that can detect digging and even people touching the wall. There will also be cameras mounted on the wall,' he said. 'We're paving a road for border control with outlook centers at the top of the mountain, as well.' 'The steel portions of the wall are 25 feet tall, but we built the base up with stone in some areas, so it can be roughly 30-40 feet tall, as it goes up the mountain,' Kolfage said Kolfage estimated that the total cost of the wall built over the weekend to be between $6 million and $8 million Kolfage estimated that the total cost of the wall built over the weekend to be between $6 million and $8 million. 'The wall itself cost about $2 million,' Kolfage said. 'Construction was right around $2 million, and we had to clear a mountain. The biggest cost was earth moving on this project. If we were working on flat land it would have cost about $3 million to $4 million for the mile.' By that estimation, the organization could afford to build about two more miles of border wall under similar circumstances, based on its total contributions received to date of $22,372,736. If Kolfage is correct about lower costs for building on flat land, the group could build another three-and-a-half miles of wall with its current donations. For context, the US Mexico border spans a total of 1,954 miles. When asked about claims that Kolfage has diverted funds from the donations he received on GoFundMe to pay for a private jet, he said those claims were false and he travels as a beneficiary of an organization called Veterans Airlift Command. 'It's a network of private jet owners who donated their time, their aircraft and fuel to fly wounded veterans who are disabled on private airplanes,' he said. 'We can't spend a dollar without getting approval from our internal and external audit committees. There's no way we could be buying private jets or a yacht with donor money.' Kolfage told DailyMail.com that his group hopes to expand their efforts beyond privately owned land. 'We're talking with DHS and trying to get permission to build inside the Roosevelt Easement, and if that works out, we could build the entire wall from New Mexico to California with private donations,' he said. Kolfage said Kobach is handling all discussions with DHS. DHS did not comment on any other proposed projects. When asked if his organization would put in a bid to build the government funded portions of the wall, Kolfage said it had no plans to do that. 'That seems like a mess and it's not really what it's about for our group,' he said. 'We have letters of intent to build more border wall, but we're not releasing locations in advance. We're going to keep chugging along and raising money and supplementing the president's plan.' Furious landowners are digging moats around their countryside estates to try to counter violent fly-tippers in a high-profit trade dubbed the 'new narcotics'. Michael Longshaw, managing director at Brocket Hall Estate, Hertfordshire, is a rare case of a victim speaking out about his turmoil. In just a five-day window last year, around 485 tonnes of waste was tipped in his grounds. A landowner has said revealed his plans to dig a moat around his estate after 485 tonnes of waste (pictured) was fly-tipped in a five-day period there last summer There will be a moat dug around Brocket Hall Estate in Hertfordshire (pictured), managing director Michael Longshaw said He is awaiting a cleanup bill of around 200,000, while It is estimated the culprits made at least 20,000. He told NBC News: 'An enormous, almost like a military operation was required to get so much garbage there in such a short time.' A moat is set to be dug around the estate after the cleanup operation is complete, with Mr Longshaw adding: 'It's almost like going back to the Middle Ages.' Stuart Roberts, who is vice president of the National Farmers' Union said: 'We have to take defending ourselves into our own hands.' It comes during a spike in fly-tipping, with a new brand of career criminals resorting to violent methods in a bid to make more money. Mr Longshaw (pictured) said: 'An enormous, almost like a military operation was required to get so much garbage there in such a short time' Mr Longshaw is awaiting a cleanup bill of around 200,000 for the act, while It is estimated the culprits made at least 20,000 It comes during a spike in fly-tipping, with a new brand of career criminals resorting to violent methods in a bid to make more money Those caught can face prison, but there have been few successful prosecutions, making the risk low. It has left many victims hesitant of reporting incidents. Head of the Environment Agency Sir James Bevan dubbed fly-tipping the 'new narcotics'. He said: 'It feels to me like drugs felt in the 1980s. 'The system hadn't quite woken up to the enormity of what was going on and was racing to catch up.' North Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan added: 'They are largely organised criminals looking at ways in which they can make and launder money. This is another string to their bow, if you like.' Head of the Environment Agency Sir James Bevan went as far to say fly-tipping was the 'new narcotics' Last year, an independent review commissioned by the government found some criminals use it to mask drug running, money laundering and even human trafficking. But chair of the review Lizzie Noel said it was a hard task to link suspected fly-tippers with the crime. The hugely profitable illegal business sees criminals divert around 1billion a year from the Treasury and legal companies, according to the Environmental Agency. Mr Roberts said this is due to a lack of security measures, adding: 'You don't go near those people. You basically just report it to the police and look the other way because you can't confront them.' But he added that fines are pitiful, 'so actually, for them it's almost a commercial cost'. Those with waste are supposed to go through a legitimate company who can charge up to hundreds of pounds for the service whereas criminals do it on the cheap. US Rep. Duncan Hunter of California acknowledged taking a photo with a dead combatant during his time as a Marine as he defended a Navy SEAL charged with multiple war crimes, including killing a teenage fighter. The Republican congressman, who was re-elected last November as he faces corruption charges, made the comments during a town hall Saturday in his San Diego-area district, according to the Union-Tribune. Hunter has advocated for a pardon for Edward Gallagher, who's charged with stabbing to death a teenage Islamic State fighter under his care in Iraq in 2017 and then holding his reenlistment ceremony with the body. Prosecutors said the Navy SEAL chief texted a photograph of himself next to the dead fighter and wrote he 'got him with my hunting knife.' He's also accused of shooting two civilians in Iraq and opening fire on crowds. Scroll down for video US Rep. Duncan Hunter (center) (R-California) leaves court in San Diego. Hunter of has acknowledged taking a photo with a dead combatant during his time as a Marine as he defended a Navy SEAL charged with multiple war crimes Hunter was advocating for a pardon for Navy SEAL Edward Gallagher Gallagher (pictured) who is charged with multiple war crimes, including killing a teenage ISIS fighter under his care in Iraq in 2017 President Trump in March got Gallagher moved from the military brig to better confinement in a military hospital with access to his lawyers and family Hunter said he also posed for a photo next to a dead combatant but said he did not text it or post it to social media. The congressman said 'a lot of us have done the exact same thing,' referring to fellow service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hunter called the military justice system 'corrupt,' saying it is run by lawyers and bureaucrats intent on pursuing 'war fighters.' His offices didn't return calls and emails seeking comment Monday. Gallagher's lawyers have said he did not murder anyone and that disgruntled SEALs made the accusations because they wanted to get rid of a demanding platoon leader. Dozens of Republican congressmen say Gallagher is an innocent war hero being unfairly prosecuted. President Donald Trump got him moved from the brig to better confinement in a military hospital with access to his lawyers and family. Speaking on Gallagher during a town hall in San Diego on Saturday, Hunter said 'a lot of us have done the exact same thing', referring to fellow service members in Iraq and Afghanistan President Trump says he is considering pardons for several American military members accused of war crimes. Trump says he is considering pardons for several American military members accused of war crimes. Gallagher's court-martial on charges including a count of premeditated murder is set to begin this week at Naval Base San Diego. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and his legal team filed a motion Sunday night accusing military prosecutors and Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents of deliberately hiding or misconstruing facts in his case that could exonerate him, according to the Navy Times. Hunter and his wife are set to stand trial in September for allegedly using $250,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses in 2016, RollCall reported. Prosecutors have accused the congressman of using campaign money to pay for dental work and trips to Italy and Hawaii. He declined to comment on his own pending court case during his Saturday town hall. Hunter and his wife have pleaded not guilty and have their next court hearing scheduled for July 29. Gallagher was reunited with his family for the first time in April since his arrest in 2017 John McCain's legacy shouldn't be used as a political pawn in the 2020 campaign, the late senator's daughter Meghan McCain has insisted. The View co-host pleaded to leave her father out of presidential politics after Democratic candidate Amy Klobuchar claimed that John McCain ran through names of dictators during Donald Trump's 2016 inauguration. 'John McCain kept reciting to me names of dictators during that speech,' Klobuchar told an Iowa crowd over the weekend, 'because he knew more than any of what we were facing as a nation. He understood it.' However, Meghan McCain was furious that Klobuchar was stoking the beyond-the-grave feud between the late senator and President Trump. Meghan McCain (left) asked Senator Amy Klobuchar (right) of Minnesota not to invoke her father's name during her campaign for president Meghan tweeted on Monday: 'On behalf of the entire McCain family - @amyklobuchar please be respectful to all of us and leave my fathers legacy and memory out of presidential politics.' Democratic candidate Klobuchar made the claim at a campaign event in Iowa which also served as a 59th birthday party for the Minnesota Senator. She is among a bevy of Democratic candidates trying to grab the brass ring of the party's presidential nomination to take on Trump in 2020. Klobuchar made clear she considered the comments part of a 'dark inauguration' in 2017 she says presaged other calamities. 'He knew because he knew this man more than any of us did,' Klobuchar said. The View co-host tweeted on Monday: 'On behalf of the entire McCain family - @amyklobuchar please be respectful to all of us and leave my fathers legacy and memory out of presidential politics.' Klobuchar told a story about President Trump's inauguration in January 2017. 'John McCain kept reciting to me names of dictators' to her during Donald Trump's inauguration, said Klobuchar, who was seated next to the late Vietnam War hero McCain, like most D.C. political insiders, did not spend much time with Trump before his stunning election upset. However, McCain was familiar with the infamous golden showers dossier, an unverified document of compiled political intelligence that he passed on to the FBI during the transition. 'The path that we are on did not just start today. It didn't just start with the 2020 debates,' said Klobuchar. 'The arch that we are on, this arch of justice started that day after that dark inauguration.' Sen. John McCain feuded with Trump during the 2016 campaign, then passed on a dossier about him to the FBI. He reeled off dictators' names to Klobuchar during the historic speech Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., speaks to local residents during a meet and greet at a coffee shop, Saturday, May 25, 2019, in Iowa Falls, Iowa Klobuchar also referenced the women's march, which came onto the scene in part as a reaction to Trump, and flooded the Capitol immediately after his inauguration. She called it her 'favorite march,' and said there was 'no way, no how' voters would give up, the Des Moines Register reported. She said she was seated between Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who is running for president as he did in 2016, and who Trump has tried to label 'Crazy Bernie.' Trump had famously attacked McCain's war record as a POW during the campaign, saying 'I like people who weren't captured.' McCain helped bring down Trump's Obamacare repeal, then took shots at Trump in his book before his death from brain cancer in 2018. Trump has continued to attack McCain after his death, including by bringing up the healthcare vote. Meghan McCain has frequently used her platform to attack President Trump for statements he has made about her later father. The Texas Senate has approved a controversial bill that would allow any Texan who can legally own a firearm to carry handguns for a week after natural disasters. On Sunday, House Bill 1177 narrowly passed with a vote of 16-15. The bill, which applies to any Texan who can legally own a firearm, will now head to Gov Greg Abbott's desk for either his signature or veto. If it becomes law, those Texans would be able to carry their handgun, open or concealed, for a full week after a state or natural disaster is declared, according to Dallas News. All 12 Democrats and three Republicans voted no against the bill. On Sunday, House Bill 1177 narrowly passed with a vote of 16-15. The bill, which applies to any Texan who can legally own a firearm, will now head to Gov Greg Abbott's (pictured) desk for either his signature or veto The bill was proposed following the destruction of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, when gun owners asked for new rules that would allow them to carry their weapons to protect themselves from looters after natural disasters Republican Senator, Joan Huffman, told the news site that if the bill is finalized by the governor, it could cause some serious problems for police officers working after disasters. 'It's really, really poor public policy that is not well thought out,' Huffman said. 'It is not solving a problem. It is creating a problem.' Currently, Texans who can legally own a firearm don't need any other license to openly carry a gun like an AR-15. But in order to carry a handgun, gun owners must have a 'license to carry', which requires coursework, a shooting test, a background check and a fee. Following the destruction of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, gun owners asked for the aforementioned rules to be loosened, prompting the creation of House Bill 1177. Texans argued that residents should be able to protect themselves from looters after natural disasters. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo voiced his opposition Monday morning after learning of the news. 'We experienced one of the worst disasters in Texas history during Harvey. The World watched as we all came together. This bill wasn't needed then & isn't needed now,' Acevedo tweeted. He warned that the bill 'will embolden 20,000+ gang members & will not help LE'. Acevedo said he hopes that Abbott doesn't sign the bill. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo (pictured) voiced his opposition Monday morning after learning of the news He warned that the bill 'will embolden 20,000+ gang members & will not help LE'. Acevedo said he hopes that Abbott doesn't sign the bill Last week, Texas lawmakers gave tentative approval to a Senate measure that calls for schools to undertake several new safety protocols, including allocating funds for enhanced security, developing campus emergency plans to be filed with the state, and engaging in active shooter and emergency response trainings. The move marks the first major action by state lawmakers since the May 2018 shooting at Santa Fe High School . The legislation doesn't include restricting gun sales or access to weapons, as GOP leaders have long pledged to protect gun rights. But some of the proposed measures were brought forth by Gov Abbott following the shooting. Abbott also proposed tighter gun storage laws following the shooting before going silent on the idea amid swift rebuke from gun-rights advocates. The bill that passed the House with bipartisan support - on a 128-14 vote - also looks to get more mental health counselors in schools and create 'threat assessment teams' that would help identify potentially dangerous students before they act. Teachers groups and gun control activists worry that more guns in classrooms, even concealed weapons, will lead to potentially lethal accidents. 'If we put an unlimited number of guns in our schools, we're only creating an unlimited number of potential mistakes that could harm our children,' said Hilary Whitfield, a volunteer leader of the Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, in a statement. The bill would eliminate a provision that limit marshals to one per 200 students or one per building. GOP Sen Brandon Creighton said the measure would 'allow school districts to decide themselves what works best for them in order to keep their students safe'. Campione d'Italia, a tiny Italian tax haven on the shores of Switzerland's Lake Lugano, is now fighting for its survival after its giant casino employing around a quarter of the population went bankrupt. The Casino closed its doors last July after decades of attracting tourists to the small enclave. Since then the community has struggled to cope with the loss of income and unemployment which has seen the Mayor quit, the local nursery close and the food bank inundated with people in need. 'SOS Campione is dead' reads a giant banner hung opposite the immense 10 floor casino designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta and made up of modernistic cubic-shaped blocks with darkened windows. The Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia with its casino, a large building designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, standing tall in the middle Former casino employee Fiorenzo Dorigo stands in front of the casino in Campione d'Italia 'Rien ne va plus' - the French version of 'no more bets' - reads another banner on a tent set up by the unions representing 500 of the casino employees, who suddenly found themselves without work. The demise of the casino is believed to have stemmed from new laws whittling away the house winnings and the rise of internet gambling. For the 1,961 inhabitants of this one-square-kilometre sovereign Italian territory inside southern Switzerland, the closure of the public casino has been devastating. The front of the Casino Municipale in Campione d'Italia, that has remained closed since July Slot machines turned off inside the casino in Campione d'Italia as the building lies unused For decades, it guaranteed the prosperity of the town, 23 kilometres from Italy. Fiorenzo Dorigo, who worked at the casino for 21 years said: 'Those who were lucky enough to be born here, were lucky enough to have a job. 'Once you were done with your studies and military service, you reunited with all of your old school mates working at the casino.' Union representative Vincenzo Falanga poses next to a banner that reads 'SOS Campione is dead' in the Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia in Switzerland The towns livelihood instantly evaporated last July, when a local Italian court in Como ordered the casino to close after it failed to honour its financial obligations to authorities in Campione, which is part of Como province. Evgenia Petrova, a 52-year-old Russian artist, a resident of Campione since 2012, describes the atmosphere of the village as 'sad' now that the 'Italian positivity' has faded. However there is still hope for the casino's resurrection after a Milan court recently overturned the Como legal ruling on the grounds of procedural inconsistencies. Children's smocks hang from a balustrade by the Lake to protest against the shut down of a kindergarten following the casino's bankruptcy of the casino in Campione d'Italia And last month, the Italian government sent an expert to evaluate the possibilities of bringing the casino back to life. Inhabitants are demanding that Rome comes to the rescue. Unionist Vincenzo Falanga said: 'Campione is Italian. Italy cannot just abandon it. It must take all possible steps [to save the enclave]. Campione's history of espionage Campione has a long and rich history. In the year 777, a wealthy trader and landowner named Totone donated Campione - later renamed Campione d'Italia under the rule of dictator Benito Mussolini - to the monastery of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan, which became part of Italy in 1797. The picturesque enclave, which with its winding walkways and hills covered in cypress and palm trees offers a magnificent view of the lake, has a unique status. Inhabitants pay taxes to Italy, but almost everything else is Swiss, including the currency, car registration number plates, telephone lines and rubbish collection. It is also a tax haven: there is no sales tax and inhabitants benefit from a generous tax break to compensate for the cost of living, which is also very Swiss - meaning high. A gaming establishment was first opened in Campione in 1917, but its main purpose was to spy on foreign diplomats during World War I, and it closed two years later. It reopened in 1933 thanks to a decree, which remains in effect, requiring the casino proceeds to cover all municipal costs. The casino, with its high-rollers, showered Campione in riches for decades, allowing the tiny enclave to dream big - too big, according to some. Advertisement Competition, online gambling In 2007, after seven years of construction, a brand new, 36,000-square-metre, ochre-coloured casino, saw the light of day. The colossus, designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, can accommodate 3,100 gamblers at a time, offering them 56 tables and around 1,000 slot machines to choose from. But new laws permitting slot machines in bars and cafes and the rise of online gambling have gradually whittled away the house winnings. The strengthening of the Swiss franc against the euro, as well as the opening of three large Swiss casinos nearby since 2000 have also taken their toll. Over the past decade, as the casino's profits fell, so too did the town's fortunes. The mayor quit, the nursery school shuttered and the tourist office is preparing to do the same. Swiss and Italian aid groups say that around 200 people now usually show up at their thrice monthly food and other aid distributions. 'Campione has not seen a situation this difficult since the war,' said Giorgio Zanzi, the administrator sent by Rome to run things after the mayor left. His office is chilly: Campione can no longer afford fuel to keep the heating on, and municipal employees have not been paid since February 2018. The casino and municipality have together raked up millions in debt, Zanzi told AFP, adding, though, that he was still holding out hope for a rescue. As a result of the downturn, Campione had no candidates for Sunday's local elections and has cancelled the ballot, which should have run in parallel with voting in European elections. Swiss and Italian aid groups say that around 200 people now usually show up at their thrice monthly food and other aid distributions following the casino's redundancy Giorgio Zanzi, Campione d'Italia's municipality administrator, poses inside the Mayor's office in Campione d'Italia 'Small territory, big problems' Ideas on how to save Campione have been discussed, from investing in tourism or new technologies to the creation of an advantageous tax scheme for businesses. But time is of the essence. The situation will soon become even more complicated: Next year, the enclave is due to become part of the European Union customs area, raising practical questions about interactions with non-EU member Switzerland. Authorities in Bern say discussions with Italy about the implications of the change are 'under way' but refuse to give details. Campione, Zanzi said, is 'a small territory, but with big problems'. Married Oregon man Michael Wolfe, 52, has been charged with murder and kidnapping after his former mistress and their three-year-old son went missing A married Oregon man has been charged with murder and kidnapping after his former mistress and their three-year-old son went missing. Michael Wolfe, 52, has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder and two counts of kidnapping in the disappearance of Karissa Fretwell, 25, and their son William. The Salem Police Department said investigators and law enforcement partners are still searching for Fretwell and William, who were last seen on May 13. Lt Treven Upkes said police, who arrested Wolfe at a Portland doughnut shop on Friday, have enough evidence 'at this point' to charge Wolfe with murder. 'We work toward the worst possible scenario and hope for the best,' he said. 'We continue to hope for the safe return of Karissa and William.' Upkes would not disclose why Wolfe was a suspect in the case but it was recently discovered that Wolfe and Fretwell were in the middle of a custody battle. Wolfe has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder and two counts of kidnapping in the disappearance of Karissa Fretwell, 25, and their son William (both pictured) The Salem Police Department said investigators and law enforcement partners are still searching for Fretwell and William, who were last seen on May 13 A paternity test recently revealed that Wolfe was William's biological father and he was ordered to pay $900 a month in child support. Fretwell had filed a petition last year to establish William's paternity. A paternity test recently revealed that Wolfe was William's biological father and he was ordered to pay $900 a month in child support. Wolfe is seen here in an undated mugshot Megan Harper, Fretwell's friend, said Wolfe and Fretwell had an affair when they were both working at a McMinville steel mill years ago. 'There was never a relationship there,' Harper told KATU. 'She never knew he was married until after a couple weeks of her being pregnant. Then he offered to pay for an abortion.' But Harper said Wolfe later wanted to have full custody of William. 'That was her fear, him taking her child away,' she added. 'My first thought when she went missing was that he'd done something.' Multiple friends of Fretwell said Wolfe began to send her worrying messages. 'There were all these warning signs,' Harper said. 'He would send her creepy things in the mail.' Harper said she was supposed to watch William on May 17 but never heard from her friend. They had last spoken days before, on May 11, when Fretwell asked Harper about installing a security camera system called Ring. Fretwell and her son were reported missing on May 17 by family after she didn't show up for work. Their last known location was west Salem. Wolfe was named a person of interest on Thursday and police said they are searching two of his rural properties, including a 10-acre property in Gaston. Megan Harper, Fretwell's friend, said Wolfe and Fretwell had an affair when they were both working at a McMinville steel mill years ago Harper said Fretwell only found out Wolfe was married weeks after she fell pregnant and he allegedly offered to pay for an abortion Authorities said dive teams are also being used to help search bodies of water in Yamhill County. Randy Ruggles, Wolfe's neighbor, said the suspect has lived there with his family for the last eight years. He said he has not seen Wolfe for months. 'This was a big shocker to us,' Ruggles told the Statesman Journal. 'It's just scary.' Ruggles said FBI officials and Salem police officers have been at Wolfe's house since Sunday. Wolfe is currently being held without bail at Yamhill County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday. It remains unclear if his wife or family members have been interviewed by the police and if they are part of the investigation. A car registered to Karissa is still parked in front of the apartment. The white Grand Am, pictured, has a child's car seat in the back Harper said Wolfe later wanted to have full custody of William. 'That was her fear, him taking her child away,' she said. Authorities said the final charges against Wolfe will be determined by the Office of the District Attorney of Yamhill County. Fretwell is described as 5ft 9in, 135 pounds, with blue eyes and blonde hair that she dyes red. William is described as 3ft, 30 pounds, with blue eyes and blonde hair. 'I'm hoping by some miracle that they are just locked away somewhere and they find her,' Harper said. 'And I can say, "We didn't give up hope, we didn't stop looking for you", and have a happy ending to the story.' Anyone with information regarding this case should call the Salem Police Department Tips Hotline at 503-588-8477. Tory leadership contender Michael Gove (pictured outside his London home today) has launched an eye-catching initiative to help EU nationals get British citizenship Michael Gove will offer three million EU citizens the chance of free British nationality if he becomes Prime Minister, in an eye-catching policy pitch in the Tory leadership race. The environment secretary will waive the usual 1,330 fee for eligible EU nationals who lived in the UK at the time of the June 2016 referendum. And in a break with Theresa May's policies, Mr Gove will also water down the controversial 'settled status' scheme for EU nationals, replacing it with a less stringent registration scheme. Lobbying for Mr Gove's leadership campaign, his supporters said the plan was intended to 'heal the nation'. Tory MP Alberto Costa, who has lobbied for such a move, said he was 'delighted [Gove] will guarantee EU nationals' rights with a declaratory scheme and offer them fee free British Citizenship. 'This is the morally right thing to do & will help heal our nation. He has my full support to be our next PM.' Foreign citizens must have lived in the UK for at least five years to be eligible for British nationality. It is believed there are around 3million such people in the UK. Speaking to Sky News, sources close to Mr Gove said: 'This is simply the right thing to do - honouring the promise of Vote Leave that EU nationals studying, working and living in the UK were welcome to stay. 'Michael Gove led that campaign and now he's ready to deliver Brexit.' The policy launch will be seen as a bid to stand out from the crowd in a busy Tory leadership race which also features Boris Johnson, Sajid Javid and Jeremy Hunt. Mr Gove previously ran for the leadership in 2016, infamously sabotaging Mr Johnson's campaign after initially backing him. This year he is posing as a self-styled 'unity candidate'. 'I believe that I'm ready to unite the Conservative and Unionist Party, ready to deliver Brexit, and ready to lead this great country,' he said. Mr Gove, pictured announcing his entry into the Tory race yesterday, has pledged to water down the controversial 'settled status' scheme for EU nationals However he was forced to clarify previous comments that he was 'incapable' of being prime minister, now insisting he had 'evolved'. He told BBC Radio 4: 'I've changed my mind. In those three years I have been through a variety of experiences. I think that I've evolved as a politician.' Mrs May's 'settled status' scheme has sparked concerns from rights groups who have warned of a new Windrush scandal. Critics have warned that thousands could be left without legal status if applications were not processed quickly and efficiently. EU nationals and their family members who wish to remain in the country beyond June 2021 must apply to the settlement scheme. Applicants are asked to prove their identity, declare any criminal convictions and upload a facial photograph. Government estimates indicate that between 3.5 million and 4 million EEA citizens will be eligible to apply. In January Mrs May scrapped a 65 fee for EU citizens wanting to stay in Britain after Brexit on the same day as the registration policy was rolled out. A woman and her four young children were incinerated in a 'catastrophic' car crash last night. The mother, 35, was driving near Kumbia in Queensland's South Burnett region at 7.20pm when she pulled out to overtake a truck. But her Nissan station wagon smashed into an oncoming truck, flipped over and burst into flames. Firefighters manged to douse the inferno and pull a horrifically burnt girl from the car - but she did not survive. The driver of the car and her three children, all aged under 10, were pronounced dead at the scene. Pictured: The wreckage of the car The woman, 35, was driving in South Burnett, Queensland at 7.20pm when she pulled out to overtake a truck. Pictured: The wreckage of the truck Aftermath: The scene of the crash between a car and a truck near Kumbia, Queensland The truck also caught fire but the driver, a 47-year-old man, escaped and was taken to hospital for his injuries. The mother and three of her children, all aged under 10, were pronounced dead at the scene. Her fourth child, a girl believed to be six, was pulled from the car and taken to Kingaroy Hospital with devastating burns and injuries. She was later flown to Queensland Children's Hospital in a critical condition but sadly passed away during the flight. A policeman at the scene told Channel 9: 'It's certainly one of the worst accidents I've ever seen. It's just a tragedy for everyone involved.' Ambulance Service Assistant Commissioner Stephen Zsombok said paramedics were traumatised by the scene. A policeman at the scene told Channel 9: 'It's certainly one of the worst accidents I've ever seen. It's just a tragedy for everyone involved.' Pictured: The car and truck on fire The mother and three of her children, all aged under 10, were pronounced dead at the scene (pictured) 'These are very seasoned officers and they've explained this as tragic, extremely traumatic with people obviously involved in the car that's caught fire,' he said. 'Smoke, fire, our officers have gone though that dangerous scene to get to the child they were able to work on... Unfortunately that child died. 'Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those people.' Investigations are continuing and police are expected to remain on the scene for hours. The crash happened 7km outside Kumbia on Bunya Highway, south of the turn off to the Bunya mountains, toward Dalby. The family was from Eli Waters near Hervey Bay. Jeremy Corbyn was close to surrender over a second EU referendum last night after Labour's electoral humiliation triggered a mutiny at the top of his party. Mr Corbyn signalled he could be ready to commit to a second Brexit vote after his closest colleagues said it was the only way to stop Labour haemorrhaging support. John McDonnell and Diane Abbott both told him the party must guarantee a new referendum under any circumstances in the wake of its European elections mauling. Party policy has been to push first for a general election and then back a second referendum only to stop a 'bad' or No Deal Brexit. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (pictured leaving his London home yesterday) has told his MPs that the party is 'ready to support a public vote' on Brexit But after Labour was pushed into third place nationally by the pro-Remain Liberal Democrats on Sunday night, Mr Corbyn's colleagues demanded an end to the ambiguity. In a dramatic intervention, Shadow Chancellor Mr McDonnell said: 'Our only option now is to go back to the people in a referendum.' Last night, Mr Corbyn made what his aides described as a 'tonal shift' to his position. In a letter to his MPs, the Labour leader said: 'It is clear that the deadlock in Parliament can now only be broken by the issue going back to the people through a general election or a public vote. We are ready to support a public vote on any deal.' The statement moved the party closer to fully committing to a second referendum, but Mr Corbyn will still face intense Labour pressure to back a so-called 'people's vote' without delay, in any circumstances and to campaign on the Remain side. The major obstacle to this remains his hard-Left allies such as powerful union boss Len McCluskey, who is vehemently against a second Brexit vote for fear of Labour being wiped out in the North. The party endured an appalling night on Sunday, finishing with just 14 per cent of the vote, losing control of London to the resurgent Lib Dems and seats to Nigel Farage's newly created Brexit Party in its pro-Leave heartlands. The Tory party was also humiliated by Mr Farage, finishing fifth in vote share and suffering one of the worst electoral nights in its history. Leadership candidates warned yesterday that the party must deliver Brexit by October or face oblivion. This diagram shows the Brexit Party's dominance everywhere except London and Scotland Shadow chancellor John McDonnell (pictured) said Labour could unite the party and country by 'taking the issue back to people in a public vote' Squabbling at Change UK after new party gets just 4% of vote MPs from Change UK descended into public infighting yesterday after their disastrous election performance. The future of the pro-Remain party formed by breakaway Tory and Labour MPs was in doubt last night after it secured just 4 per cent of the vote and failed to win a single MEP. The failure to make an impact came in the face of a surge for the Liberal Democrats, who had a similar pro-EU message. Yesterday, Anna Soubry, the party's Brexit spokesman, accused its leader Heidi Allen of 'bizarre' behaviour for suggesting that their supporters engage in tactical voting. The former Tory minister said 'over 600,000 people went and voted for us, a genuinely new party' which was an 'extremely good' result, she claimed. But she told BBC Radio 4's Today: 'I think it is rather bizarre for an interim leader on the eve of a poll to tell people essentially not to vote for their party.' Former Tory Miss Allen insisted Change UK was 'down but not out' and should 'work with other right-minded parties like us that are pushing for Remain'. Advertisement As both main parties were engulfed by the fallout from Sunday night's political earthquake: Mr Farage said he was ready to reshape politics at a general election, and would contest every seat, as his party demanded a seat at the Brexit negotiating table; Tory leadership contenders scrambled to promise to deliver Brexit ahead of the October deadline, with Dominic Raab making clear he was ready for No Deal; Environment Secretary Michael Gove said the party 'absolutely needs to deliver Brexit' and it would be his first priority if elected, while Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said there was an 'existential risk to our party' of not getting 'Brexit done'; The Liberal Democrats said they would use their second-place showing in the European elections to 'stop Brexit'; Change UK's future was thrown into serious doubt after the newly created party failed to gain a single MEP; SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon signalled she would push for a second independence referendum after winning in Scotland; A row broke out over whether pro-Remain or pro-Leave parties had collectively won more votes in the elections. Both main parties have hit the panic button after Sunday night's mauling, but Mr Farage said: 'In some ways, the Labour Party today are in more trouble than the Conservative Party.' Until yesterday, Labour demands for a second referendum had been led by pro-Remain frontbenchers such as Sir Keir Starmer, Tom Watson and Emily Thornberry. But yesterday the calls came from two of Mr Corbyn's closest hard-Left colleagues, Mr McDonnell and Miss Abbott. Mr McDonnell acknowledged that Mr Corbyn wanted a general election rather than a referendum but said the reality was that this was unlikely. He said the country was facing the prospect of a 'Brexit extremist' becoming the next prime minister, meaning the UK faced the prospect of No Deal. 'Of course we want a general election,' he said. 'But realistically, after last night, there aren't many Tory MPs who will vote for an election it will be like turkeys voting for Christmas. Trade union boss Len McCluskey (pictured), an opponent of a second vote, demanded that Mr Corbyn stick to his existing position of trying to keep Leave and Remain supporters together The Brexit Party won the most seats in the election last Thursday, followed by the Lib Dems 'Our best way of doing that [stopping a No Deal Brexit] is going back to the people in a referendum I think that's what our members want. 'We're saying quite clearly, if there can be a deal, great, but it needs to go back to the people. 'If it's a No Deal, we've got to block it and the one way of doing that is going back to the people and arguing the case against it because it could be catastrophic for our economy.' Mr McDonnell added: 'It's not just me saying that, it's Philip Hammond the Chancellor, it's others across the parties, and independent economists and I'm not willing to stand by and let my constituents lose their jobs and have their livelihoods undermined by this.' Asked if Labour now supported a referendum under any circumstances, he said: 'I think it is, yeah.' Miss Abbott, the Shadow Home Secretary, also weighed in, saying: 'When we come in third after the Brexit Party, that is a clue something is wrong with our strategy. We need to listen to our members and take a clearer line on a public vote.' But other hard-Left allies including Mr McCluskey, general secretary of the Unite union last night demanded that Mr Corbyn stick to his existing position of trying to keep Leave and Remain supporters together. Labour's bigwigs turn on each other after election wipeout Labour was in meltdown last night as the party tore itself apart over its Brexit policy after its European electoral humiliation. Jeremy Corbyn's party endured a night of disaster at the polls losing hundreds of thousands of votes in the Leave-supporting north and the Remain-backing south. They lost major northern strongholds such as Leeds, Sheffield and Bolsover and were pushed into second place to the Brexit Party even in the North East. In Remain-backing London, they ended up second behind the Liberal Democrats and lost Mr Corbyn's stronghold of Islington. The results sparked open warfare at the top of the party, with critics saying Labour did so poorly because it tried to appeal to both sides of the Brexit debate while pleasing neither. Labour lost control of its stronghold of Wales, coming third in its worst ever result there. And in Scotland, a resurgent SNP pushed the party into fifth place, sparking warnings that Labour will 'never recover' north of the border. This chart shows the parties' respective share of the vote, with Labour third and the Tories fifth The Conservatives suffered a humiliating 14.9 per cent loss in their 2014 vote share in last night's European election results Labour ended up third on the night with just 14 per cent of the vote, behind the Liberal Democrats on 20 per cent. Only ten Labour MEPs were returned, compared to the Lib Dems' 16. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage said Labour's election results were in many ways worse than the Conservatives' because the party was being squeezed from both sides. He said: 'For the first time in over 100 years, the Labour Party has not won an election in Wales. 'In fact, they've been mightily trounced by the Brexit Party we won Wales quite handsomely by digging deep into the Labour vote. 'Our highest-scoring region 39 per cent of the vote was in the North East. And where did the vote come from? It came from the Labour Party. The same happened in Yorkshire. 'You've got these three big areas South Wales, the Midlands and the North where the majority of the 5 million Labour voters voted Brexit. In some ways, the Labour Party today are in more trouble than the Conservative Party.' Labour's poor results led to a debate over a second referendum and whether the party should promise one. The Scottish and Welsh Labour parties, and two major unions, demanded that Mr Corbyn backed a referendum in all circumstances. Unison's Dave Prentis said: 'If Labour is going to win the next election, it needs to understand that ambiguity and division aren't appealing. The country needs a radical Labour government, with properly-funded public services at its heart but it won't get that unless Labour has a clearer line on Brexit.' This map shows by council that the Brexit Party have topped polls in almost everywhere in England and Wales. The Tories have not topped in any council areas As the results flooded in on Sunday night, Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry and Brexit spokesman Sir Keir Starmer came out in support of a second vote. And deputy leader Tom Watson said: 'Following the disastrous EU election results, Labour urgently needs to rethink its Brexit position and realign with members and voters.' On the other side of the argument stood figures such as Ian Lavery, the party chairman and another close ally of Mr Corbyn. He tweeted: 'The country is now more polarised than ever. Very toxic, very unpleasant! 'UK Labour will never turn our backs on the 48 per cent or the 52 per cent. 'We will seek the real solutions that will heal society and bring together the 100 per cent.' The leader of the Unite union, Len McCluskey, said Labour's attempt to 'unite the nation' over Brexit was 'an honourable objective that must not be abandoned'. He added: 'This is the time to hold our nerve because the true prize is the very real possibility of a looming general election.' In a dig at Mr Watson, he said: 'Faced now with the serious prospect of a No Deal Tory prime minister, Labour must stay united and show the country that it is ready to lead. 'There are some rushing to advance other agendas but are doing so to undermine Jeremy Corbyn. They will be seen for what they are and never forgiven by the members.' Labour MPs also expressed their anger at the European election campaign. Peter Kyle, MP for Hove, said: 'Party staff did their level best, they are amazing. 'But their bosses who devised and led this campaign can never again be allowed near a campaign. Never. 'Our messaging was appalling, our promotional material lamentable. I feel the need to apologise to staff, activists and voters.' Major energy firms are thought to have lost around 500,000 customers this year alone following accusations of rip-off prices. Households are ditching the Big Six of British Gas, EDF, Eon, SSE, Npower and Scottish Power in favour of smaller rivals. Following soaring energy tariffs, ministers have accused the dominant players in the market of greed and campaigners have urged consumers to hunt for better deals. To prevent firms overcharging, in January the Government imposed an annual energy price cap, which now stands at 1,254 for a standard default tariff. Figures revealing how many house holds switched out of accounts with the Big Six energy suppliers, a total of around 500,000 this year so far But figures released by four of the Big Six reveal households switched out of around 500,000 gas and electricity accounts by the end of April. Between January and March, Scottish Power lost 50,000 accounts, for Npower it was 103,000, and 100,000 were switched from SSE. British Gas lost 234,000 accounts from January to April. Only British Gas and Npower have revealed the number of customers lost, at 183,000 and 40,000 respectively. The French firms EDF and Eon have not disclosed how many accounts or customers switched this year. Eon said its UK business was 'under considerable pressure', while EDF sales have fallen 2.9 per cent. But if their figures are anything like those of their rivals, and all six continued to lose accounts at a similar rate, the total figure could be much higher than the 487,000 gas and electricity accounts already lost most likely amounting to more than 500,000 customers. Figures from industry group Energy UK show the number of customers switching supplier in the first quarter of 2019 rose by 12 per cent compared with the same period last year. More than 1.45million energy switches took place from the start of January to the end of March up from 1.3million in the same period of last year. As well as customer dissatisfaction, energy firms are also facing the spectre of nationalisation, with leaked documents showing that the Labour Party is considering bringing utility companies back into public ownership. SSE now wants to offload its beleaguered supply business which lost 570,000 domestic energy accounts last year by the middle of 2020, having failed to merge it with Npower's. Laith Khalaf, senior analyst at the investment website Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'The big energy providers have been losing customers hand over fist as a host of challenger brands have sprung up and the new energy price cap has disrupted the market. 'The threat of nationalisation also hangs over the share prices of these companies, as the Labour Party wants the government to take control of the sector.' The logo of EDF (Electricite de France) is seen on the French state-controlled utility EDF's headquarters in Paris, France Victoria Arrington, from the price comparison site Energyhelpline, said: 'It's undeniable that customer numbers at the Big Six are falling. 'Customers have woken up and see that there are better deals to be had out there in exchange for little effort. 'These customer losses should serve as an alarm bell to the Big Six. There is a wide range of quality suppliers and tariffs out there, including ultra-cheap deals, bargain renewable tariffs, and low-rate long-term fixes.' However, the Energy Ombudsman has warned that complaints about switching energy suppliers have overtaken quality of service to become customers' second biggest grievance. Last April, energy minister Claire Perry told British Gas customers to switch supplier after the company imposed a 60 price rise on 4.1million households. The following month, she said a price rise from SSE was 'unjustified', while consumer experts warned that anyone on a standard Big Six tariff was 'ripping themselves off'. Two years ago, Theresa May stepped in to describe the energy market as being broken because it 'punishes loyalty with higher prices'. The Prime Minister said most loyal customers tended to be on lower incomes, the elderly, people with lower qualifications and people who rent their homes in other words, those who can least afford to pay more for utilities. As a result, she brought in the price cap to protect dual-fuel customers on standard tariffs from being 'ripped off' by energy companies. Prisoners will be offered jobs in Pret a Manger sandwich shops under Whitehall plans to tackle reoffending. Those considered to be of low public risk will be given placements at one of 530 businesses across the UK, including several high street chains. Once released from jail, they may be offered the job full-time. Ministers hope the scheme will deter offenders from returning to a life of crime as well as providing them with more structure while in prison. Today's announcement by the Ministry of Justice is a major expansion of the Release on Temporary Licence scheme, known as RoTL. Figures show that about 4,300 prisoners were released on temporary licence at least once between October and December 2018 This allows inmates to be released temporarily to attend work placements in the community, once they have passed a risk assessment. Previously the Government has struggled to persuade companies to employ prisoners in case it put customers off. But the MoJ says 530 businesses have signed up, including Pret, the Greene King pub chain, Virgin Trains and the DHL parcel service. Until now, the RoTL scheme was offered only to inmates in the last 12 months of their sentences. From today, governors will be able to put forward any prisoner they think might be suitable. Justice Secretary David Gauke said: 'Broadening access to training and work opportunities is a vital part of our strategy to steer offenders away from a life of crime and ultimately keep the public safe. 'Many organisations are recognising the value of giving offenders a second chance, and we have carefully listened to their feedback before making these changes. Those considered to be of low public risk will be allowed out to work placements 'I urge more businesses to join this movement and help ex-offenders turn their backs on crime for good.' The scheme largely applies to inmates in open prisons and women's jails who are considered to be low risk. But this may still include those convicted of serious offences such as murder and rape who are nearing the end of long sentences. They will be paid at least the minimum wage but their earnings will vary depending on their employers. Some of their pay will be deducted and invested into the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, a victims' compensation scheme. Figures show that about 4,300 prisoners were released on temporary licence at least once between October and December 2018, a 3 per cent increase on the same period in 2017. Andrew Neilson, director of campaigns at the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: 'This is a welcome initiative from the Government, as securing a job is a key way to help people out of crime.' He added: 'Extending the use of RoTL will get prisoners off their prison bunks and into meaningful education and employment in the community, preparing for them for life once they are released.' Police were last night investigating the deaths of a man and woman after their bodies were found in a flat. The grim discovery was made after the alarm was said to have been raised by a child at around 10.50am yesterday. Forensics officers were seen entering and leaving the flat at Culbin Drive, Knightswood, Glasgow. The grim discovery was made after the alarm was said to have been raised by a child at around 10.50am yesterday Neighbours claimed a child had rushed to a nearby house to alert police. A house close to the scene was cordoned off and guarded by police officers in an unmarked car last night. A police spokesman said the deaths were being treated as unexplained and inquiries were continuing. Forensics officers were seen entering and leaving the flat at Culbin Drive, Knightswood, Glasgow No further details about the man and woman were released and officers said a post-mortem examination would be carried out in due course. A local, who did not want to be named, said: 'It's just awful, a girl went into a guy's house early in the morning for help and the police have been sitting outside all day. 'They had to cordon it off because of the state of the girl and what she might have seen. She's just a child.' Police said their deaths are currently being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing She added: 'It's not a bad area, this kind of thing doesn't really happen here. There's always people arguing and that, but not murder.' Another neighbour said a riot van and dozens of police vehicles were on the street around 11am. A police cordon remained in place around the block of flats last night and a bin storage area was also taped off. It is understood the pair were found inside a first-floor property. Donald Trump has hit out at Joe Biden saying that black Americans won't vote for the Democrat because he was behind the tough 1994 'Super Predator' Crime Bill. Biden - who was a Delaware senator at the time - was instrumental in pushing for the bill, which critics blamed for a dramatic increase in the number of black people being sent to prison. 'Anyone associated with the 1994 Crime Bill will not have a chance of being elected. In particular, African Americans will not be ble (sic) to vote for you,' Trump tweeted on Monday. 'I, on the other hand, was responsible for Criminal Justice Reform, which had tremendous support, and helped fix the bad 1994 Bill!' In a second tweet, Trump wrote: '....Super Predator was the term associated with the 1994 Crime Bill that Sleepy Joe Biden was so heavily involved in passing. That was a dark period in American History, but has Sleepy Joe apologized? No!' President Donald Trump has hit out at Joe Biden on Monday saying that black Americans won't vote for the Democrat because he was behind the tough 1994 'Super Predator' crime bill Biden wrote the bill when he was a Delaware senator before it was passed by Congress with bi-partisan support and then signed into law by President Bill Clinton as the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. The bill later came under intense criticism when those opposing it said it resulted in higher numbers of black Americans being jailed on drug charges. Opponents also blamed for the bill for an increase in incarceration rates across the country. Trump, who has loudly backed bipartisan efforts for a criminal justice reform since becoming president, infamously took out a full page ad in the New York Times in 1989 calling for the death penalty to be reinstated and more police. The ad was placed during the time when the 'Central Park Five' were jailed for the attack of a Central Park jogger. The group of teens were later exonerated but Trump continued to say they were guilty. Trump hit out at Biden on Twitter as he wrapped up his four day trip to Japan. Trump has loudly backed bipartisan efforts for a criminal justice reform Biden (left next to Bill Clinton) wrote the bill when he was a Delaware senator before it was passed by Congress with bi-partisan support and then signed into law by President Bill Clinton as the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act The 1994 Crime Bill has been a shadow on Biden's campaign since he announced he was running for president last month. The bill is the largest of its kind in the history of the U.S. It provided for 100,000 new police officers, as well as $9.7 billion in funding for prisons and $6.1 billion in funding for prevention programs. The bill included the now infamous 'three strikes' mandatory life sentence for repeat offenders, which disproportionately affected African-Americans. It also offered billions of dollars for new prisons to states if they increased their percentage of convicted violent offenders and increased the percentage of the sentence they actually served. Within a decade, the prison population skyrocketed from 1,179,200 people to 2,015,300 people. While Clinton, who signed the bill into law, has walked back on his support in recent years, Biden has not wavered. Clinton even acknowledged at one point in 2015 that he 'made the problem worse'. 'That was overdone. We were wrong about that. That percentage of it, we were wrong about,' he said. 'I signed a bill that made the problem worse, and I want to admit it.' Biden fought hard for the bill in 1994, making it clear he believed it was integral to protecting American society from those who were 'beyond the pale'. 'We have no choice but to take them out of society,' he said. 'It doesn't matter whether or not they were deprived as a youth, it doesn't matter whether or not they had no background that enabled them to become socialized into the fabric of society. It doesn't matter whether or not they're the victim of society.' 'The end result is, they're about to knock my mother in the head with a lead pipe, shoot my sister, beat up my wife, take on my sons. So I don't want to ask what made them do this. They must be taken off the streets, that's number one.' Kirsty Boden has been recognised for the selfless act which cost the Australian nurse her life Kirsty Boden, known as the Angel of London Bridge after the 2017 terror attack at the British landmark, has been recognised for the selfless act which cost the Australian nurse her life. Ms Boden, one of four Australian nurses to receive the Florence Nightingale Medal this year, has been recognised for helping others during the attack. She was among eight killed when terrorists ran down dozens of people on the bridge with a van on the night of June 3 before stabbing some of their victims. The 28-year-old, who had been working at Guy's Hospital in London, was stabbed as she tried to help Alexandre Pigeard, 26, who also died. Ms Boden's partner James Holler recently told a London inquest into the attacks that her heroic actions would not have seemed unusual to those who knew her. 'To Kirsty it wouldn't have seemed brave, she loved people and lived her life helping others,' Mr Holler said. 'To Kirsty her actions that night would have just been an extension of how she lived her life.' Red Cross aid workers Denise Moyle, Yvonne Ginifer and Cristina de Leon have also been honoured for exemplary service in war zones and countries devastated by disease or natural disaster. Recognised for her work with surgery teams across war-torn Sudan and post-earthquake Pakistan, Melbourne-based Ms Moyle said she felt incredibly lucky and honoured to receive the medal. Pictured: terrorists Khuram Shazad Butt, Rachid Redouane and Youssef Zaghba The graphic above shows the various points in the London Bridge and the surrounding areas which were affected 'The opportunities I've had with Australian Red Cross, the fabulous mentors along the way and the privilege of assisting some of the world's most brave and humbling people in their times of desperate need has truly shaped me,' she said. Ms Ginifer, from Mildura, worked in the Red Cross response to the Ebola epidemic in Liberia and also provided medical care in Myanmar, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Sudan. She praised the work of volunteers and locals whose communities had been devastated by conflict and disaster. Ms de Leon was awarded for coordinating the delivery of critical health care in Myanmar, Somalia and Afghanistan. Ms de Leon, from Sydney, said the award recognised the hard work of everyone at the Red Cross. 'I am privileged to be a small part of the overall team effort and to be part of the Red Cross movement,' she said. Who were the victims of the London Bridge terror attack? Spaniard Ignacio Echeverria was stabbed to death as he tried to fight off the terrorist attackers with his skateboard. The 39-year-old had been in the UK for over a year was working as a financial crime analyst at HSBC. Mr Echeverria joined unarmed police constables Wayne Marques and Charlie Guenigault in fighting off the three attackers as they set upon Marie Bondeville, hitting at least one terrorist with his skateboard. 'His courageous efforts were to seek to stop the attack,' Chief Coroner Mark Lucraft said. Kirsty Boden Mr Echeverria was the youngest of five siblings and was a Catholic who went to mass every week. He could speak English, German and French fluently. Nurse Kirsty Boden was fatally stabbed as she tried to tend to the wounded and the dying. Miss Boden, 28, moved to London in 2013 from the small town of Loxton, in South Australia. She was a senior staff nurse at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital and lived with her British boyfriend James Hodder in a flat in Hampstead. Mr Hodder said: 'She loved people and loved her life helping others. To Kirsty, her actions that night would have been an extension of how she lived her life.' Alexandre Pigeard Alexandre Pigeard was working as a waiter at Boro Bistro when he was attacked. The 26-year-old Frenchman had moved to London to further his ambitions as a dance music DJ. Minutes before he was fatally stabbed, he video-called his father Philippe during a break from work at the French restaurant. Mr Pigeard had planned to return to France in the autumn of 2017 to help open a restaurant in Nantes and to record an EP with his musician father. Mr Pigeard senior told the inquest: 'I'm present here as a devastated father who has lost a child in such circumstances - an inconsolable father.' James McMullan James McMullan was stabbed in the chest near the Barrowboy and Banker pub while he was celebrating getting financial backing for his online education company. The British-Filipino entrepreneur was watching the Champions League final with friends in the pub. The 32-year-old, from Hackney in East London, was attacked when he stepped outside to have a cigarette. He had dreamed of helping children without access to education through his e-learning company. Mr McMullan's father Simon described his son as 'funny, charming and clever' and said 'his fearlessness could never be underestimated'. Sebastien Belanger The mother of chef Sebastien Belanger said she does not forgive the terrorists who 'mutilated and killed him'. Her 36-year-old son was drinking at the Boro Bistro when he was stabbed repeatedly in the chest. His mother Josiane Belanger said: 'We miss him so much, his smile, his joie de vivre. I do not forgive what they did to him.' Originally from Angers in western France, Mr Belanger started work at the Coq d'Argent in the City and was promoted to the role of head chef. Australian au pair Sara Zelenak was on the 'trip of a lifetime' when she was stabbed to death while on a night out with a friend. Sara Zelenak Miss Zelenak's mother Julie Wallace said 'every sliding door' put her daughter in 'harm's way'. 'She was meant to be working and at the last minute she got the night off,' Mrs Wallace said. 'At 10pm Sara's phone rang and her friend said 'I've finished at the rugby' and so she left her safe haven and walked out into a terrorist attack and was stabbed to death.' Before leaving for UK in March 2017, Miss Zelenak worked with her stepfather Mark as a crane truck operator in Brisbane to save up for her trip. Her parents have since set up Sarz Sanctuary to help other families to cope with grief. Xavier Thomas Xavier Thomas was walking over London Bridge with his girlfriend Christine Delcros when they were hit by the van. The 45-year-old father-of-two was catapulted into the Thames and his girlfriend suffered life-changing injuries. His body was recovered downstream three days later. Mr Thomas, who had arrived in London on the day of the attack, lived near Paris and worked for American Express. Miss Delcros said: 'Since Xavier disappeared in such tragic and traumatic circumstances our whole world has fallen apart.' Canadian tourist Christine Archibald told her fiance Tyler Ferguson she loved him seconds before she was mowed down. Christine Archibald Miss Archibald and Mr Ferguson were walking across London Bridge after dinning at a nearby restaurant when the atrocity unfolded. Her fiance said: 'At one point Chrissy stopped me out of nowhere, grabbed me close and gave me a passionate kiss after telling me she loved me. 'I remember it being a warm summer's evening and the sun had just gone down.. And then the attack took place and Chrissy was killed. 'No words can express how I felt when this happened. I was absolutely devastated and inconsolable. Nothing has ever been the same since.' Miss Archibald's engagement ring was lost during the attack, but later recovered from the bridge. Mr Ferguson now wears it on a chain around his neck. For many it is simply a novel way to find out more about the ancestors. But a neuroscientist has raised concerns over popular DNA-testing sites, warning firms are selling off customers' personal data to third parties. Dr Hannah Critchlow said data gathered by companies charging up to 149 for ancestry tests could potentially be 'manipulated' before being sold on. Customers send off saliva samples to be analysed to find out more about their genetics and their risk of developing inherited illnesses And she flagged up one firm in particular, 23andme, which last year sold on clients' DNA data to a large pharmaceutical company. Addressing an audience at the Hay Festival, Dr Critchlow, from the University of Cambridge, said: 'Really worryingly, you might have heard of a company called 23andme where people pay to give their DNA away to a company and it will sequence that DNA. 'Then it might make some very vague biological predictions. What this company has done very recently is it has gone on and sold all your DNA data to a pharmaceutical company.' She said the pharmaceutical firm had 'obviously paid quite a lot of money for this', adding that many 'positive things' could spring from data being sold on. 'You can get more personalised medicine from it. Hopefully you'll be able to find new treatments for people that might have been suffering otherwise because there was no tailored treatment available to them,' she said. The results are calculated with a genetic test on a tablet once the DNA has been analysed But, she added, there is also 'concern for what companies are going to be doing with this data and how it might possibly be manipulated'. In her speech, Dr Critchlow also raised concerns over firms' inability to warn customers about 'serious biological repercussions' that might be discovered in their test results. She said: 'They can't release those warnings to you because, by law, they will have to offer some kind of counselling service to go alongside it. So they won't actually give you any information that could be useful.' 23andme, which offers its services to more than 50 countries, claims on its website that it can 'help people access, understand and benefit from the human genome'. Customers send off saliva samples to be analysed to find out more about their genetics and their risk of developing inherited illnesses such as type 2 diabetes. 23andme, which charges up to 149 for a test, says that on average one client's sample will contribute to 200 different research studies. Last year it emerged 23andme had signed a $300million (237million) deal with pharmaceutical giant Glaxosmithkline, which can then analyse stored samples to investigate new drugs. At the time both companies said this can only happen with the customer's consent. A 23andMe spokesman said: `23andMe does not sell individual customer information nor do we include any customer data in our research program without an individuals voluntary and informed consent customers can choose to consent, or not to, at any time. `When 23andMe announced its collaboration with GSK, our CEO, Anne Wojcicki, emailed all customers to inform them of the collaboration and provide them with a clear link to opt-out of their research participation if they had previously opted-in. `We provide a valuable service and frequently hear from customers who have learned they may be at risk for a health condition that they would have otherwise been unaware of. Further, our tests are shown to be 99.5% analytically accurate for the health reports we provide.' The mother of a seven-year-old was horrified when her daughter started choking on a large piece of cardboard that was inside her fish finger. Tamaiya Blake's daughter was eating an Asda own-brand fish finger at their home in Eastlands, Manchester, when she found it difficult to swallow and started to choke. And when Tamaiya, 29, looked at what her daughter was eating she saw a large piece of cardboard that 'resembled what you get on the end of a loo roll.' Tamaiya Blake's daughter was eating an Asda own-brand fish finger at their home in Eastlands, Manchester when she found it difficult to swallow and started to choke Tamaiya's friend Jen Cockerill took to Twitter to complain. She said: 'Last night my friend's daughter was choking to then find that it was cardboard cooked inside a fish finger. 'Cardboard!?! Why and how is cardboard in the fish finger?! Asda's own brand too! Absolutely disgusting!!' The Asda Service Team thanked her for making them aware before the store apologised, refunded the 1.37 cost of the fish fingers and gave Tamaiya a 10 gift card. Tamaiya's friend Jen Cockerill took to Twitter to complain. She said: 'Last night my friend's daughter was choking to then find that it was cardboard cooked inside a fish finger Speaking today, Tamaiya said: 'My daughter couldn't chew the fish finger as it was too hard. I looked at the plate and you could see something sticking out' When Tamaiya, 29, looked at what her daughter was eating she could not believe it when she saw a large piece of cardboard that 'resembled what you get on the end of a loo roll' Jen added to her post by saying: 'It's just awful. I don't think I can look at fish fingers in the same way for a while.' Pictures taken by the mother show the cardboard wrapped in the fish and half-eaten. Thankfully, her daughter was not seriously harmed by the incident, but the product has been taken away by Asda for investigation. Speaking today, Tamaiya said: 'My daughter couldn't chew the fish finger as it was too hard. I looked at the plate and you could see something sticking out. 'It was a big shock and quite hard to believe the card was all the way through it. It was quite thick and resembled what you get at the end of a toilet roll.' Thankfully, her daughter was not seriously harmed by the incident, but the product has been taken away by Asda for investigation The Asda Service Team thanked her for making them aware before the store apologised, refunded the 1.37 cost of the fish fingers and gave Tamaiya a 10 gift card This is not the first time a supermarket has been called out for having cardboard in fish fingers The mum also wants Asda to treat their investigation into the product seriously as the experience might have been much scarier. Tamaiya added: 'These are aimed at kids as a quick meal and I've always bought the Asda ones as the quality has been quite good for the price. 'I don't think I will be able to buy them again. Hopefully they take urgent action with this as it could have been much worse.' This is not the first time a supermarket has been called out for having cardboard in fish fingers. In May 2016, Aberdeen mum Lisa Duncan complained to Iceland when she discovered cardboard inside the food she was feeding to her 10-month-old daughter. Lisa said she was unlikely to shop at the store on Aberdeen's Great Northern Road again despite receiving an apology. Advertisement Fed up with visitors trashing a beauty spot, the farmer who owns the land has taken drastic action - by blocking its entrance with 60 tons of slate. Sheep farmer Allan Titley used a digger to block the only access to Blue Lake, a spectacular flooded quarry, in Gwynedd, North Wales. He moved 60 tons of slate to seal off the mine workings which allow access to the lake, near the coastal village of Fairbourne, and hopes it will now become a nature reserve. Mr Titley, 70, who bought his 500-acre farm in the 1980s, had previously allowed visitors access to the lake. The beauty spot is on private land and there is no right of way to it. Sheep farmer Allan Titley used a digger to block the only access to Blue Lake (pictured) a spectacular flooded quarry, in Gwynedd, North Wales The beauty spot (pictured), a flooded quarry, is popular with visitors, but is on private land Fly-tipping at the site in North Wales drove Mr Titley to block off the entrance in a move that has disappointed locals. The 70-year-old claims that online popularity led to the 'secret' location becoming a dumping ground Tourists will no longer be able to access the Blue Lake because the land owner has sealed off the only entrance after fly-tippers left him furious But he said the litter problem has become substantially worse due to publicity about the secret site on social media. Hundreds of visitors have flocked to the swim or camp at the lake on summer weekends. Mr Titley said although some tourists were responsible and picked up litter, it was mostly left to himself and local volunteers. They were faced with a never-ending mess of abandoned barbecues, camping paraphernalia and even used condoms and human excrement. Bags of dog mess were put in bags but then tied to trees. Mr Titley said: Litter is everywhere now. In the whole of Wales, I dont think theres a beauty spot that hasnt been trashed. Another pile of rubbish left by visitors to the beauty spot which led to Mr Titley deciding to take drastic action and block access The 70-year-old (pictured using the entrance) has dumped slates over the opening after litter dumped at the site enraged him. Tourists will no longer be able to visit the location, which experienced a surge in popularity due to online reviews Pictured: A digger hauls slates across the entrance to the Blue Lake as its 70-year-old owner finally got sick of people throwing their rubbish on the floor Mr Titley said he took action when he received a letter from the local council earlier this year threatening to prosecute him for fly tipping over the rubbish at the lake (pictured) We also have problems such as dogs chasing sheep. People have no education and just dont care about the countryside. I have never stopped anyone going to the lake before but in the past visitors used to respect it. In the past 10 years it has gradually got worse and worse. Mr Titley said he hopes the tunnel entrance to the lake will now become a habitat for bats. Its 35 to 40 yards long and would be the ideal location for them. I hope Ive preserved the lake for future generations as a nature reserve, he added. A letter from the local council earlier this year threatening to prosecute him for fly tipping over the rubbish proved the final straw. After it emerged the quarry had been sealed off, scores of tourists took to social media with their memories of previous visits to the beauty spot The council sent Mr Titley the notice because he, as landowner, is deemed legally responsible for rubbish at the site. He said: I was threatened with court action for fly tipping four or five months ago by trading standards because they couldnt find out who had dropped the rubbish and it was on my land. That was the last straw. I cleaned it up myself. Last week, the farmer decided enough is enough and decided to fill in the access tunnel. He said: Thirty years ago they respected the place. It is a beautiful beauty spot and it has just been trashed. Its private land in the middle of my farm. They are destroying the land. After it emerged the entrance had been sealed off, tourists took to social media to share their memories of visits to the beauty spot. Helen Woodley wrote: 'I remember asking mum and dad to drive home from Fairbourne beach to our caravan via the lake on many occasions on our childhood holidays more than thirty years ago. The land owner reported a rise in dogs chasing sheep at the site (pictured after he filled the entrance in) as people head out to the countryside from the city Beer bottles are strewn across the site in Friog (pictured). Mr Titler says that 40 bags of dog excrement, dirty nappies and a tent were also found there Beer cans and clothing are discarded at the site, which was the only entrance to the Blue Lake before the 70-year-old took the step of sealing it off 'Why does the current throw away, self indulgent society feel that it is appropriate to visit somewhere beautiful and leave their s*** for someone else to dispose of?' Anne Cotgreave added: 'So sad about this. I taught my son to skim stones on our first visit to the Blue Lake, back in the last century. One of my most special places...' Mr Titley said he had been overwhelmed with support since making his stand against the litter louts. Ive had 95 per cent of people who have talked to me about it saying, I dont blame you, because they have walked up there and seen the mess first-hand, he said. Theres been a tremendous amount of people backing me. They say my hands were forced. Leigh Pocock, 20, a student living nearby who regularly visited the lake to swim and walk, told how its closure was quite gutting. But he said: It was bound to happen. Tourists ruined it. A spokesman for Wild Swim Snowdonia, whose members used the old quarry, said: We understand the farmer has reached the end of his tether and we dont blame him for that and respect his decision. Louise Hughes, a local councillor, said about 40 bags of rubbish had been removed from the astonishingly beautiful site in recent weeks. She said some visitors had no regard for the environment, adding: Its got steadily worse. Social media hasnt helped. Britain's richest man has donated 25 million to the new national rehabilitation centre for soldiers wounded in service. Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe's chemical, oil and fracking company INEOS is investing the money in the construction of a building at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), on the Stanford Hall estate, near Loughborough, Leicestershire. It will be called the 'INEOS Prosthetics Wing' and will help those who have lost limbs in conflict to get the 'very best treatment and support'. Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe has donated 25 million to a new rehab unit for wounded soldiers The gift also ensures that the fundraising campaign to build the 300 million rehabilitation centre, replacing the former Ministry of Defence centre at Headley Court, Surrey, is complete. The 25.3 million donation is thought to be one of the largest corporate gifts ever made in Britain. The DMRC is one of the world's most advanced clinical rehabilitation centres, providing expert care and facilities for members of the British Armed Forces. It can also help civilians thanks to the first ever NHS specialist rehabilitation facility on the same site and will function as a training facility for specialists across the UK. Mr Ratcliffe said: 'There is no better cause than to help wounded servicemen and women who were prepared to lay down their lives for their country.' Andy Reid, an ambassador for The Black Stork Charity, who was himself badly injured while serving in Afghanistan, and who underwent rehabilitation at Headley Court, welcomed the INEOS donation. He said: 'The journey back from major injury is so tough and demanding. 'I know from my own experience how important it is to have the right facilities, as well as the correct expertise, to help people through their rehabilitation. 'The INEOS Prosthetics Wing will be hugely beneficial and make a massive difference to injured servicemen and women and the skilled clinicians working at the DNRC.' One in five girls and young women are teased or bullied over their periods, with many suffering in silence, according to a study. Of the 20 per cent of 14 to 21-year-olds who said they were bullied, just under half (49 per cent) said they had not spoken to anyone about the abuse which researchers said was a sign of the 'unacceptable stigma' they face. Two thirds (67 per cent) said abuse was mainly occurring in schools, with 66 per cent saying they have missed classes because of their period. A new study found one in five 14 to 21-year-old females have been bullied over their periods (stock photo) The poll of 1,000 girls was published by children's rights charity Plan International UK. Chief executive Tanya Barron said girls are 'facing unacceptable stigma and shame linked to their periods'. She added: 'Not only is this damaging girls' confidence and self-esteem, it's also having an often-overlooked impact on their education. Girls tell us they are missing out on school because of their period.' Plan International is to work with the Government's equalities department and the Procter & Gamble corporation to boost education around periods. Sir Philip Green is expected to close the flagship Miss Selfridge store on Oxford Street in July as part of a wider restructuring of his struggling retail empire. Sir Philip's Arcadia Group, which includes brands such as Topshop, Burton, Dorothy Perkins and Evans, has been hit by the wider crisis facing the high street as shoppers turn online. Last week Arcadia said it plans to close 23 stores in a restructuring process called a company voluntary arrangement, which allows it to renegotiate rents and shut under-performing shops. Sir Philip Green is taking drastic action as his retail empire struggles to compete with online shopping The plans will put at least 520 jobs at risk. And now it has emerged Arcadia will close another 25 stores with the brunt of the closures being forced upon Evans and Miss Selfridge, which appeals to teenagers and young women. As part of the deal, Sir Philip is controversially proposing that Arcadia cuts the amount of money it pays into the pension pot by half, to 25million a year. He and wife Lady Tina have said they will put 100million into the scheme over the next three years from their personal fortune. Arcadia Group's creditors will vote on the restructuring plans on June 5. The main Oxford Street Miss Selfridge shop will move next door, where it will become a basement concession in the sprawling flagship Topshop. The current Miss Selfridge site will be rented out. Arcadia said that many staff will be transferred to the concession within Topshop, the Guardian reported. Arcadia was contacted for comment. Malaysia's last surviving male Sumatran rhino died Monday, wildlife officials said, leaving behind only one female in the country and pushing the critically-endangered species closer to extinction. Once found as far away as eastern India and throughout Malaysia, the Sumatran rhino has been almost wiped out, with fewer than 80 left, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Only a handful of the creatures remain in the wilds of Indonesia. Scroll down for video Malaysia's last surviving male Sumatran rhino died Monday, wildlife officials said. The Sumatran rhino is one of the rarest large mammals on earth Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga said the Malaysian male, Tam, had lived in a nature reserve on Borneo island. The cause of the animal's death was not immediately clear, but previous media reports have suggested it was suffering from kidney and liver problems. Tam's death puts pressure on an ongoing effort for conservationists hoping to use in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) techniques to create offspring from Malaysia's last female Sumatran rhino, Iman, and an Indonesian male. Tuuga said there were problems with Iman's uterus and that she was incapable of becoming pregnant, but was still able to produce eggs. 'We just have to look after the last remaining rhino. That's all we can do, and try if possible to work with Indonesia,' he said. Ikea Plans to Open First Mexico Store in 2020 IKEA, the world's largest furniture seller, will open its first store in Mexico next year and plans to launch other stores around the country, the company said last week as it expands in Latin America to counter growing competition in its core U.S. and European markets. The Swedish chain known for its modern and inexpensive designs plans to open a store in eastern Mexico City in the fall of 2020 and also sell its products online, Malcolm Pruys, the country retail manager for IKEA Mexico, said at an event in the capital. IKEA also plans to target a number of other cities of varying sizes throughout the country, he added in an interview. "We're setting a reasonably aggressive expansion plan," he said. The first store will be medium-sized, offering 7,500 products and a restaurant able to seat more than 650 people, with a warehouse off-site for e-commerce. IKEA's traditional model has called for vast warehouses on city outskirts packed with goods. But the retailer has recently developed compact formats, allowing it to branch into smaller cities, Pruys said. IKEA has 427 stores across 52 markets. Stores in Europe and the United States drive the majority of sales for Inter IKEA Group and its franchisees, but rival retailers, especially online, are increasingly vying for shoppers. Late last year, IKEA announced plans to enter Latin America, including Chile, Colombia and Peru. The plans to launch in Mexico began four years ago. On Wednesday, several IKEA executives met with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who was pleased by Ikea's confidence in Mexico, Pruys said. "There is great movement in Mexico around cleaning up corruption," he said. "We think there's a big opportunity for Mexico's economy to continue to grow." IKEA is working on plans for a variety of payment options for online shopping, aiming to reach Mexico's vast unbanked population, he added. Hours spent toiling away under the beating sun to harvest berries and fruit may soon be a thing of the past as robots look set to replace humans in the field. A 700,000 machine built by the University of Plymouth has succeeded in plucking a raspberry from a plant and carefully placing it in a punnet. The painstaking process takes a whole minute to get one berry because it requires a combination of soft robotics, clever AI and 'deep learning'. It stands around six foot tall (1.8metres) and will combat a continued drop in the amount of migrant farm workers available for the arduous harvests. Scroll down for video A 700,000 machine built by the University of Plymouth and spin-off firm Fieldwork Robotics has succeeded in plucking a raspberry from a plant and carefully placing it in a punnet (pictured) Fieldwork Robotics, a spin-off from the university dedicated to agricultural robots, built the machine and says it will be able to pick 25,000 fruits a day in the future. This will make it more efficient than human workers who manage approximately 15,000 in an eight-hour shift, according to the company. The development comes amid Brexit uncertainty, which has seen the number of migrant workers plummet, leaving farmers scrabbling to get their yield. The technology is also hoped to be adapted to more crops in future, with the company also developing robots to pick cauliflower, for example (pictured) Farmers in Cornwall testing a machine last year that picks cauliflowers (pictured) from the field without bruising them. It works in a similar way to the human hand by squeezing each cauliflower before deciding whether it is ready to be harvested Booming economies in countries such as Romania and Poland has seen a supply chain of seasonal staff cut off. The machine was created in association with Hall Hunter, a firm that grows many of Britain's berries and supplies supermarkets such as M&S, Tesco and Waitrose. Dr Martin Stoelen, a lecturer in robotics at Plymouth where the machine was created, spoke at a recent agriculture conference. She said: 'We looked at human muscles, such as the biceps and triceps, and the way humans can flex and stiffen those muscles depending on the situation. 'We've also been using "deep learning" to build a large database of raspberries that will make it easier for the robot to classify and grade them.' The technology is also hoped to be adapted to more crops in future, with the company also developing robots to pick cauliflower, for example. WHEN WILL ROBOT FARMERS BE A REALITY? Leading agricultural minds are working on developing robots to increase the efficiency of plant harvesting. Harper Adams University in Shropshire are developing a robot that don't harvest crops until they are perfect, eradicating wonky and inedible vegetable. Farmers currently harvest fields all at once, in a practice known as slaughter harvesting. But this method leads to up to 60 per cent of the crop being wasted, because it is either wonky or inedible. Engineers are working on machines that can autonomously plant seeds, weed, water and spray without a farmer. The robots can also be programmed to only pick crops where they are perfectly ripe. Developer of the autonomous veg pickers, Professor Simon Blackmore, said: 'I am trying to develop a completely new agricultural mechanisation system based on small smart machines. 'We are developing laser weeding, droplet application where only 100 per cent of the chemical goes onto the target leaf, selective harvesting where we can grade the product at the point of harvest.' Advertisement Farmers in Cornwall tested a machine last year that picked cauliflowers from the field without bruising them. It worked in a similar way to the human hand by squeezing each cauliflower before deciding whether it is ready to be harvested. The GummiArm robot was also the work of Dr Stoelen. 'A lot of producers are very worried about where they will get their reasonably priced manual labour from and rightly so,' Dr Stoelen said at the time. 'Manual harvesting also represents a large portion of their total costs, often it can be up to 50 per cent, so looking at addressing that, especially against a backdrop of Brexit, is very important.' An amateur astronomer caught dozens of miniature satellites from SpaceX's Starlink project as they traverse their new orbit around Earth. In the video, captured by Dr. Marco Langbroek who shot the clip from the Netherlands, the satellites -- which appear as a string of consecutive lights -- can be seen flying through the night sky a little more than a day after they were launched. A blog post from Langbroek details the amateur astronomer's excitement as the satellites enter his camera's field of view. Scroll down for video Langrbroek says he captured the video using a 'WATEC 902H low-light-level surveillance camera equipped with a Canon FD 1.8/50 mm lens.' 'It started with two faint, flashing objects moving into the field of view,' he wrote. 'Then, a few tens of seconds later, my jaw dropped as the "train" entered the field of view. I could not help shouting "OAAAAAH!!!!" (followed by a few expletives...).' To time the satellites voyage and get the video, Lanrbroek said he calculated the instruments' orbit himself. 'There were no orbital elements for the objects available yet on Space-Track, but based on the orbital information (53 degree inclination, initially 440 km orbital altitude) I had calculated a search orbit and stood ready with my camera,' he wrote in a post. 'My search orbit turned out to be not too bad: very close in sky track, and with the objects passing some 3 minutes early on the predictions. And what a SPECTACULAR view it was!' While Langbroek set up his camera in anticipation of viewing the satellites, other stargazers weren't anticipating the spectacle, causing an outpouring of UFO claims. Following the fly-by dutch UFO website www.ufomeldpunt.nl was flooded with reports. 'There's a long line of lights. Faster than a plane. Huh?' said one poster. 'bizarre train of stars or lights moving across the skies at constant speed,' posted another. In a report by dutch outlet, NOS, one witness said he was concerned the lights were an attack. Starlink is one of several high profile company's looking to capitalize on satellite-provided high speed internet that include Jeff Bezos' Prohect Kuiper 'I didn't know what to think,' said an eye-witness who saw the lights go over The Hague reports NOS. 'Is Russia attacking America? Are they UFOs? I really didn't know.' SpaceX, owned by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, launched the instruments earlier this month as a part of an initial test of its project Starlink, which will beam internet down to Earth from a constellation of low-Earth-orbiting satellites. Once in full-force, Starlink could eventually include as many as 12,000 satellites orbiting just above Earth's atmosphere and offer speeds as high as 1GBPS with a latency as low as 25ms. Apple has been hit with a class-action lawsuit in which customers claim the tech giant is 'intentionally and unlawfully' sharing users' iTunes listening data with third parties. Three iTunes users from Rhode Island and Michigan filed the federal lawsuit against the iPhone maker, aiming to represent hundreds of thousands of residents from their respective states who allege their data was shared without their consent, according to Bloomberg. The plaintiffs argue that by sharing what users play in iTunes and Apple Music, it allows for 'the targeting of particularly vulnerable members of society.' Scroll down for video Apple has been hit with a class-action lawsuit in which customers claim the tech giant 'intentionally and unlawfully' sharing users' iTunes listening data with third parties 'For example, any person or entity could rent a list with the names and addresses of all unmarried, college-educated women over the age of 70 with a household income of over $80,000 who purchased country music from Apple via its iTunes Store mobile application,' the lawsuit states. 'Such a list is available for approximately $136 per thousand customers listed.' Mail Online has reached out to Apple for comment on the lawsuit. In the filing, the plaintiffs say their allegations directly contradict with Apple's claim that 'what happens on your iPhone, stays on your iPhone.' 'None of the information pertaining to the music you purchase on your iPhone stays on your iPhone,' the lawsuit states. During the annual Consumer Electronics Show in January, Apple put up a conspicuous billboard on the Las Vegas Strip with that phrase, in an effort to tout its robust user data protections relative to the likes of Facebook, Google and Amazon, who have all suffered privacy blunders. Apple's privacy policy states that it collects 'non-personal information' that is not identifiable to any individual users and says that it reserves the right to use this data, which can include customer activities from the iTunes Store and other Apple marketplaces, for any purpose, according to Billboard. The firm says it does this to 'help [Apple] provide more useful information to our customers and to understand which parts of our website, products and services are of most interest.' In the filing, the plaintiffs say their allegations directly contradict with Apple's claim that 'what happens on your iPhone, stays on your iPhone.' Pictured is an Apple ad at CES this year The suit alleges that Apple shares users' listening data with third parties who can 'supplement that information with additional sensitive personal information' that's collected by the firm. 'The data Apple discloses includes the full names and home addresses of its customers, together with the genres and, in some cases, the specific titles of digitally-recorded music that its customers have purchased via the iTunes Store and then stored in their devices,' the lawsuit notes. Many third parties take that information and sell it to other third parties for 'further exploitation and monetization - all without providing prior notice to or obtaining consent from anyone,' the filing continues. In doing so, the plaintiffs argue that it puts consumers are risk of being targeted by 'fraudulent telemarketers, while Apple 'profits handsomely.' 'Such disclosures invaded Plaintiffs' and the unnamed Class members' privacy and have resulted in a barrage of unwanted junk mail to their home addresses and e-mail inboxes,' the lawsuit states. The lawsuit seeks $250 each for Apple customers in Rhode Island and $5,000 each for customers in Michigan. Apple previously faced widespread backlash after it was discovered that a bug in its FaceTime video chatting app let users hear the person they were calling before they picked up. Advertisement Dramatic images have shown the shattered windscreen of an Airbus A380 that was struck by hailstones. The China Southern Airlines flight from Guangzhou Baiyun International was at 37,000 feet and en-route to Beijing Capital International Airport yesterday morning when the glass cracked. Following protocol, the plane's captain, He Xianghang, issued a mayday call to air traffic control and he managed to land the plane safely around 90 minutes later in Beijing. Dramatic images have shown the severely shattered windscreen of an Airbus A380 that was struck by a mid-air hailstorm. The China Southern Airlines flight from Guangzhou Baiyun International was en-route to Beijing Capital International Airport The plane's captain, He Xianghang issued a mayday call to air traffic control and luckily he managed to landed the plane safely around 90 minutes later in Beijing Shocking images taken from inside the cockpit after the plane landed show both the front windscreen and side windows splintered due to the impact of the hail. Another picture of the exterior of the super jumbo jet also shows paint missing from the nose of the aircraft. According to the AV Herald, the flight crew had to rapidly descend to 16,700 feet after the hail strike. In radio transmissions released online, Captain He can be heard telling the Beijing control tower he 'can still see' before he successfully brought the plane down. China Southern Airlines confirmed nobody was injured during the hailstorm scare on flight CZ3101. However, some passengers likened the turbulence after the severe weather to being on a 'roller coaster'. Although encounters with hail while flying are rare, retired captain and author Tom Bunn says it is possible for it to strike at high altitude. He told Inverse: 'A powerful updraft in a thunderstorm can kick hailstones out of the top into the clear air above the cloud.' Shocking images taken from inside the cockpit after the plane landed show both the front windscreen and side windows splintered due to the impact of the hail (left). Another picture shows that there was paint also missing from the nose of the aircraft after it was pelted by icy drops (right) Beijing International had to cancel 111 out of 436 scheduled flights yesterday due to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The inclement weather also affected trains with services between Beijing and Tianjin put on speed restrictions. China Southern Airlines is one of three major airlines in China alongside China Eastern Airlines and Air China. It is the world's seventh-largest airline in terms of the number of passengers carried and Asia's largest airline by fleet size. MailOnline Travel has contacted the airline about the incident. In July 2016, China Southern Airlines was involved in a similar incident. AV Herald described the windshield of another aircraft as having become 'basically opaque' due to a hailstorm. This meant the pilots had to navigate using their instruments rather than by sight. In a bid to crack down on drunk and disorderly behaviour, authorities in Benidorm are set to ban unruly holidaymakers. A blacklist of troublemakers will reportedly be sent to bars, restaurants and hotels in the Spanish resort so that they can be easily pinpointed. It comes after an increasing number of complaints from proprietors over drunken behaviour and last year a popular bar was forced to close due to its rowdy clientele. In a bid to crack down on drunk and disorderly behaviour, Benidorm (pictured) is set to ban unruly holidaymakers According to the Daily Star, the new blacklist that will be distributed to Benidorm establishments will carry the name, nationality and passport number of any tourist who has caused bother in the past. Local entertainer Gary Beddow Brown said he welcomed the move. He explained: 'I'm all for a blacklist - people need to be held accountable. Why should local businesses be out of pocket for damage caused by people with no regard for others?' MailOnline Travel has contacted the Spanish tourism board for comment on the new blacklisting measure, but is yet to receive a reply. Last year, the Tiki Beach Bar in the Costa Blanca resort was reportedly hit by a string of complaints from locals over anti-social behaviour by foreign tourists. Tiki Beach Bar on the Costa Blanca (pictured) was reportedly hit by a string of complaints from locals over anti-social behaviour exhibited by foreign tourists At the time, Spanish newspaper Diario Informacion revealed that Spain's Supreme Court ruled the venue must close following a long-running court battle. The venue has since re-opened with no name. In 2015, Benidorm followed Ibiza and Magaluf with British police officers deployed on the streets to curb alcohol-fuelled trouble. Brits are the largest group of foreign tourists to Benidorm, which was made even more famous by the hit ITV comedy series of the same name. There is even an district in the resort known as Little England. Kyle and Jackie O Show producer Jaimee Hassos married her long-term partner Sebastian Blazquez in the NSW Hunter Region on Saturday afternoon. The glamorous couple, who have been dating for nine years, said 'I do' at Wallalong House in front of friends, family and a host of KIIS FM regulars. Their outdoor nuptials went off without a hitch, despite Jaimee being the victim of a cruel on-air prank earlier in the week that meant she almost had to find a new venue. Here comes the bride! Kyle and Jackie O Show producer Jaimee Hassos married her long-term partner Sebastian Blazquez in the NSW Hunter Region on Saturday afternoon Jaimee, better known to Kyle and Jackie O listeners as 'Mayo', looked stunning in a Leah Da Gloria white dress with a thigh split and intricate lace detailing throughout. She accessorised with statement earrings by Ranjana Khan and completed her look with bridal heels by Badgley Mischka. Footage from the ceremony showed her being walked down the aisle by an older gentleman, believed to be her father, while the guests watched on. Many familiar faces from The Kyle and Jackie O Show were in attendance, including 'Puerto Rican' Pedro Vitola, 'Coffee' John Nicholson and newsreader Brooklyn Ross. Special day: The glamorous couple, who have been dating for nine years, said 'I do' at Wallalong House in front of friends, family and a host of KIIS FM regulars Phew! Their outdoor nuptials went off without a hitch, despite Jaimee being the victim of a cruel on-air prank earlier in the week that meant she almost had to find a new venue 'Intern' Pete Deppeler, executive producer Sonia 'Palestine' Jahshan and KIIS FM night presenter Mitch Churi were also among the guests. Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson were not present, however. Afterwards, Jackie wrote on Instagram: 'The crew. Wish I was there!' After saying 'I do', the newlyweds arrived at their reception in style, dancing through the marquee to 'Came Here For Love' by Sigala ft. Ella Eyre as the crowd cheered. Hey, big spender! Jaimee (pictured in the studio last week) recently admitted to spending her 'life savings' on her special day, which has apparently cost the couple around $90,000 Newlyweds: Jaimee, better known to Kyle and Jackie O listeners as 'Mayo', looked stunning in a Leah Da Gloria white dress with a thigh split and intricate lace detailing throughout Special moment: Footage from the ceremony showed her being walked down the aisle by an older gentleman, believed to be her father, while the guests watched on Later on, the drinks were flowing freely as Jaimee and Sebastian were lifted onto guests' shoulders and paraded across the dancefloor. And as evening descended into nighttime, the happy couple had their first dance to 'One Last Song' by Sam Smith. The ceremony took place just days after a hilarious Only Lying segment earlier this week saw Jaimee throw a tearful tantrum over her 'doomed' nuptials. Whole gang's here! Many familiar faces from The Kyle and Jackie O Show were in attendance, including 'Puerto Rican' Pedro Vitola, 'Coffee' John Nicholson and newsreader Brooklyn Ross The Kyle and Jackie O Show had tricked Jaimee into believing that her wedding venue had been double booked, throwing her plans into chaos. With the help of Sebastian and a KIIS FM sales executive pretending to be someone from the venue, the team convinced her she would have to 'share' the marquee with another wedding party. The bride-to-be's reaction to the devastating phone call was captured via a hidden camera in the KIIS FM office, adjacent to Kyle and Jackie O's studio. 'Apologies, I know it's really last minute [but] unfortunately the venue has been double booked on the day of the wedding, on Saturday,' said the KIIS staffer, after introducing herself as 'Susan'. 'What? So someone's getting married on the same day?' replied Jaimee. 'Yes, it's a small Lebanese wedding,' responded 'Susan', as Jaimee began darting anxiously around the office floor. She continued: 'What we're going to do is just put up a curtain in your marquee...' The dream team: 'Intern' Pete Deppeler, executive producer Sonia 'Palestine' Jahshan and KIIS FM night presenter Mitch Churi were also among the guests 'What? A curtain?' barked Jaimee as she locked herself in a conference room. 'We have 190 people, there's no way that's going to work.' 'Susan' then reassured her: 'It's only a small Lebanese wedding. So there's about 45 people. What we're going to do is cordon off a small portion of the marquee...' Sounding desperate, Jaimee then said: 'Can we not? Can they choose a different day or something? This actually... this is not good!' Plus-ones: Newly-departed junior producer Pedro (left) and incumbent executive producer Palestine (right) were joined by their respective partners The situation escalated when 'Susan' said the Lebanese wedding party had insisted upon having a 'big drum parade' inside the marquee and that both weddings had to share the same PA system. 'This is so f**king messed up!' said Jaimee, pacing back and forth in the meeting room. 'It's not really fair I have f**king Lebanese drums running around my wedding.' She eventually snapped when 'Susan' suggested that both parties have 'one big joint wedding' without the partition, before angrily hanging up the phone. When the boss is away! Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson were not present, however Afterwards, hidden cameras captured Jaimee's tearful conversation with executive producer Palestine about the situation. 'They double booked our wedding day... I'm serious! Oh, my God. Seb's going to be so stressed, I don't want to call him,' she wept. 'They're legit, they're serious. This is not good... They want to half our marquee with this Lebbo family because they double booked us.' But as Sonia kept asking Jaimee if she was 'sure' it was the venue's owner she was speaking to on the phone, the penny finally dropped. She covered her face in her hands and said: 'Is this an Only Lying? Are you legit? Oh, my God!' So romantic: As evening descended into nighttime, the happy couple had their first dance to 'One Last Song' by Sam Smith Over the past few weeks, Jaimee's wedding has been referenced several times on The Kyle and Jackie O Show. She recently admitted to spending her 'life savings' on her special day, which has apparently cost the couple around $90,000. Jaimee and Sebastian also decided to splash out on their nuptials instead of buying a house together. The Kyle and Jackie O Show airs weekdays from 6am on KIIS 106.5 in Sydney Avengers: Endgame star Sebastian Stan has revealed Steve Rogers was setting his right hand man Bucky Barnes free by not gifting him the title of Captain America in the final moments of the film. The I, Tonya actor, 36, said the superheros other close ally, Sam Wilson, was a more trustworthy choice to take up the responsibility of the coveted position. Speaking at MCM London on Saturday, he revealed: I think it makes a lot of sense. I really loved the enthusiasm in terms of Bucky getting the shield but it just doesnt make sense for him. Opening up: Avengers: Endgame star Sebastian Stan has revealed Steve Rogers was setting his right hand man Bucky Barnes free by not gifting him the title of Captain America in the final moments of the film I mean, in a way for me Steve not giving him the shield is a way of setting him free. And setting himself free. At the end of Avengers: Endgame, Captain America goes back in time to put all six Infinity Stones back in their places just seconds after they were taken by the Avengers to stop the titan Thanos. But instead of coming back to the present day, Steve goes back in time again to live a life, it is implied, with Peggy Carter - who was his love interest throughout Captain America: The First Avenger. Popular: Stan plays Bucky, AKA the Winter Soldier, in the epic Marvel adventure At the very end of the three-hour epic, a very old version of Steve (Chris Evans) reappears on a bench near the place he had disappeared from seconds earlier as a young man. Here, he decides to pass on his shield, and it seems the moniker of Captain America, to his friend Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) instead of Bucky (Stan) as many fans expected. Sebastian added: Both [Steve and Bucky] have been forever in a way tied to this duty you know since the 40s and in a way they both sort of are free, to some extent, now. Candid: The I, Tonya actor, 36, said the superheros other close ally, Sam Wilson, was a more trustworthy choice to take up the responsibility of the coveted position And Sam is a much more trustworthy character. I dont know how much weve seen of Buckys evolution mentally so far to really trust him with that sort of responsibility so, you know, I think for me it made a lot of sense. The Political Animals star went on to explain that the story was likely to be different to that of the comic books, as another version of Bucky had been motivated to take up the shield by Steves death. He said: Its different because in the comic books, Steve Rogers dies. And that is actually something that really motivates the Bucky Barnes character to make sure to carry that on. Poignant: At the very end of the three-hour epic, a very old version of Steve (Chris Evans) passes on his shield after reappearing on a bench near the place he had disappeared from seconds earlier as a young man Thats the way he would have felt most close [to Steve] was to have done that, but were in a different world. In the interview, Sebastian also confirmed a conversation had occurred between the two brothers in arms prior to Captain Americas unexpected return to the past - hence their heartfelt goodbye in the film. He said: When I found out that we were doing that scene, which was probably about 40 minutes before it was filmed, I said Look, dont you think if this is really happening wouldnt there be something more to be said? But then you know the producers were like You guys have had that conversation, youve had that moment, you know what is going to happen and what Steve is doing. In the last interaction there is a lot of subtext which is like Alright, here we are, you know, Ill see you when I see you. Married At First Sight's Jules Robinson has denied reports she is trying to distance herself from the controversial reality show. According to NW magazine on Monday, the 37-year-old salon owner has only 'limited contact' with her former co-stars because she is trying to launch her own brand. But Jules told Daily Mail Australia this couldn't be further from the truth. 'That's not true!' Married At First Sight's Jules Robinson (pictured) has denied claims she is 'distancing herself from the show and no longer talks to her co-stars' 'I was with Heidi [Latcham, MAFS co-star] yesterday, we had the best day,' she said. 'And I ran into Melissa [Lucarelli] at Fashion Week last week! She looked amazing.' It comes after Jules addressed the 'nonsense lies' being spread about her and fiance Cameron Merchant in the press. Responding to claims she is a 'bridezilla' trying to profit off her own wedding, the businesswoman took to Instagram last week to set the record straight. Fake news! According to NW magazine on Monday, the 37-year-old salon owner has only 'limited contact' with her former co-stars because she is trying to launch her own brand. But Jules told Daily Mail Australia this couldn't be further from the truth Having her say: Last week, Jules addressed the 'nonsense lies' being spread about her and fiance Cameron Merchant (left) in the press 'The positive love and kindness is what really matters, not the nonsense lies and untrue things said about me or our relationship,' she wrote. 'From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all the lovely people who have taken the time to share your thoughts and feelings and write to me. 'You take the bad with the good in life - and when you weigh it all up the goodness is tenfold.' Setting the record straight: In this emotional Instagram post, Jules thanked her fans for their support while hitting back at some of the 'untrue' claims being made about her Earlier this month, Jules told 9Honey she felt 'disappointed and betrayed' after a friend 'leaked' pictures from her engagement party. She also strongly denied being 'paid $50,000 by Channel Nine' to give the network exclusive access inside the invite-only event. Similar accusations were laid against Jules in New Idea earlier this month. Kourtney Kardashian wore all-black Sunday to Kanye West's church session where it was hardest to keep up with her son Reign and nephew Saint. The 40-year-old reality star donned a black leather jacket along with a black sweater, black skinny jeans and matching heels for Sunday Service in Calabasas, California. Kourtney had her black hair parted down the middle and down around her shoulders and accessorized with sleek black sunglasses. Family service: Kourtney Kardashian wore an all-black outfit Sunday while attending Kanye West's Sunday Service in Calabasas, California Her four-year-old son Reign also sported an all-black outfit with an Adidas tracksuit. Reign was spotted running through the parking lot with his three-year-old cousin Saint. Saint wore a purple sweatshirt from his 41-year-old father's Sunday Services clothing line that read 'Holy Spirit' across the front. He had on matching sweatpants while racing with Reign. Keeping up: Reign Disick and Saint West raced each other in the parking lot Lady in black: The 40-year-old reality star wore a long black leather jacket Good times: Reign wore an Adidas tracksuit while running with Saint Sunday line: Saint wore a purple Holy Spirit from his father's Sunday Service clothing line The Holy Spirit sweatshirts were being sold last month for $165 and $225 at the Sunday Service held on Easter. Kourtney's daughter Penelope, six, also attended the weekly session in an Iron Maiden T-shirt, black leather pants and trainers. Kim Kardashian, 38, for the service wore a sleeveless long black dress. Yellow trim: Kourtney added a small pop of color with yellow trim at the top of her sweater Rocker wear: Penelope, six, also attended the weekly session in an Iron Maiden T-shirt, black leather pants and trainers Warm welcome: Kim Kardashian hugged a friend while leaving Sunday Service Simple style: Kanye West also kept it simple in an all-black outfit Her husband Kanye also kept it simple in a black T-shirt, black jacket and matching black trousers. Khloe Kardashian, 34, showed up in a plain white hoodie, distressed blue jeans and sunglasses. Kanye started his weekly Sunday Service spiritual orchestration in January. It has since attracted numerous stars including Katy Perry, Courtney Love, Rick Rubin, Diplo, Busy Philipps and most recently Shia LaBeouf. The Voice may be looking for Australia's next pop sensation, but it was the show's 'Hot Door Pusher' who recently sent fans into a meltdown on Twitter. And after viewers demanded to know his identity, Channel Nine has now confirmed the mystery crew member is actually model and social media influencer Jay Munro. Originally from Scotland, Jay now lives in Sydney and often shares his professional modelling photos and shirtless selfies with his 38,000 Instagram followers. The Voice's 'hot door pusher' revealed: The mystery crew member who left fans swooning on Twitter has been identified as model and Instagram star Jay Munro Jay's modelling work seems to take him all over the world, as he has recently shared photos from destinations including the UK, Bali and Ibiza. The Glasgow-born hunk isn't shy when it comes to flaunting his ripped physique, and often posts photos of himself in swimwear and sweaty gym clothes. In recent weeks, Jay has been making a name for himself as The Voice's resident 'Hot Door Pusher' - the handsome crew member who beckons the artists on stage. Doing it for the 'gram: Originally from Scotland, Jay now lives in Sydney and often shares his professional modelling photos and shirtless selfies with his 38,000 Instagram followers Viral sensation: The Glasgow-born hunk isn't shy when it comes to flaunting his ripped physique, and often posts photos of himself in swimwear and sweaty gym clothes He caught the eye of viewers during the show's backstage scenes earlier this month, with fans desperately trying to track him down on Twitter. One fan recently tweeted about Jay: 'Who is the door pusher on The Voice this year? Asking for myself.' Another wrote: 'Back again with another shout-out to THIS YEAR'S DOOR PUSHER! Who are you? Are you single? Will you by my man?' Flaunting it: In recent weeks, Jay has been making a name for himself as The Voice's resident 'Hot Door Pusher' - the handsome crew member who beckons the artists on stage Jay made his debut on The Voice's season eight premiere on Sunday, May 19. He has appeared backstage in every single episode, lending a helping hand to contestants by manually opening the stage doors - despite them appearing to be automatic. Jay wears the same outfit every night: skinny jeans, a tight black t-shirt and Balenciaga sneakers. In demand: Jay caught the eye of viewers during the show's backstage scenes earlier this month, with fans desperately trying to track him down on Twitter New role: Jay made his debut on The Voice's season eight premiere on Sunday, May 19 He is following in the footsteps of the show's previous 'door pushers', male models Levi Neufeld and David Paul. Indigenous influencer Levi left fans hot under the collar in 2018 and went on to build a strong Instagram following of 110,000. Meanwhile, David is a French personal trainer, who served as the show's door pusher in 2017 and once joked that he had the 'hardest job' backstage. Hard at work: Jay has appeared backstage in every single episode, lending a helping hand to contestants by manually opening the stage doors - despite them appearing to be automatic He's the MasterChef hopeful who has wowed judges with his culinary skills. But it appears Sandeep Pandit possesses more than just a knack for cooking - having revealed he has a talent for singing as well. Speaking to TV Week on Monday, the 37-year-old reality TV star announced his first brush with fame was competing on Indian Idol back in 2007. 'I used to sing': MasterChef star Sandeep Pandit (pictured), 36, revealed his first brush with fame was competing on Indian Idol in 2007 during an interview with TV Week on Monday 'I used to sing for my engineering college band,' Sandeep told the publication. Although he enjoyed being on the show, Sandeep explained he unfortunately did not get very far in the competition. '[Indian Idol] was a good experience but I didn't make it past the first round,' he said. '[Indian Idol] was a good experience but I didn't make it past the first round,' he told the publication Revealing that singing is still a hobby, Sandeep claims he sometimes busts a few tunes in the MasterChef kitchen. 'I sometimes hum Hindi songs in the MasterChef kitchen, much to the amusement of everyone - because they can't understand a word!' he said. It comes after the IT project manager wept with joy last week after one of his meals on the show received rave reviews from British celebrity chef, Rick Stein. 'This is almost like seeing god!': It comes after Sandeep (R) wept with joy on the show last week after his meal received rave reviews from celebrity guest judge Rick Stein (L) 'Exquisite': Upon tasting Sandeep's meal, Rick branded it 'exquisite,' while Gary gushed: 'That's damn good' Sandeep welled up with tears as his Indian dish was lauded by the English restaurateur and fellow judges, Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston. The aspiring chef was seen holding his hands in prayer position as he described the moment as 'spiritual.' 'Cooking food to give someone pleasure has always been something that I've done and to me I think that is spiritual,' Sandeep told the judging panel. 'This is almost like seeing god,' The Victorian cook added. MTV's new reality show Teen Mom Australia is set to debut later this year. And shortly after the lineup was revealed on Sunday, star Ammi Chambers, 18, took to Instagram to announce she is currently pregnant with her second child. The Melbourne-based teenager and her childhood sweetheart Jordan Hayes welcomed their first daughter, Jiyah, in February 2018. 'Baby No. 2 due in September': Teen Mom Australia's Ammi, 18, and her tradesman boyfriend Jordan have announced their second pregnancy 'Might as well announce baby #2 is due in September too,' Ammi told her Instagram followers. She accompanied the post with a photo of herself flaunting her baby bump while tradie Jordan stands behind her in his workwear. However, the couple's announcement may have been a little late as MTV had already confirmed the news in a press release several hours earlier. Awkward! The couple's announcement on Sunday may have been a little late as MTV had already confirmed the news in a press release several hours earlier Growing family! Ammi and her childhood sweetheart Jordan welcomed their first daughter, Jiyah, in February last year. The family live with Ammi's older sister Katya in Melbourne The young couple currently live with Ammi's older sister Katya in Melbourne. Jiyah's arrival turned Ammi and Jordan's lives upside down last year, and Teen Mom Australia will document their various trials and tribulations. Ammi, who is described as 'fiery and brutally honest', recently said that she predicts a mixed response from viewers when the show airs. 'Everyone is going to have their own opinion on me but that's their opinion and I am entitled to my opinion about them', she told The Sunday Telegraph. 'Everyone is going to have their own opinion': Ammi predicts a mixed response from viewers when Teen Mom Australia airs. Pictured: Ammi during her first pregnancy in 2018 Ammi will star on Teen Mom alongside Akosita Masima, 19, and Georgina Manios, 20. Akosita, nicknamed Sita, is described as a 'soul singing, vivacious rugby player'. However, the 19-year-old had to put her ambitious career plans on hold after falling pregnant with baby Andrew aged 18. Lineup: Ammi will star on Teen Mom alongside Akosita Masima, 19, and Georgina Manios, 20 Makeup enthusiast Georgie completes the reality show's lineup. The 20-year-old beautician is in an on-again-off-again relationship with her daughter Evie's father. 'I'm not doing it for social media followers, that's not important to me,' she said. Based on the hit U.S. program, Teen Mom Australia will document the trio's lives as they balance childcare, relationships and teenage life. EastEnders star Lucy Benjamin is set to reprise her role as Lisa Fowler as her character makes an explosive return to Albert Square. The troubled character was last seen in Walford in 2017 after making an ill-fated attempt to kidnap teenage daughter Louise Mitchell amid a mental breakdown. But the character is set to make a huge comeback once more as she discovers Louise is pregnant. She's back! EastEnders star Lucy Benjamin is set to reprise her role as Lisa Fowler as her character makes an explosive return to Albert Square (pictured in 2014) Actress Lucy, 38, revealed to The Mirror that she 'couldnt be more excited' to be stepping back into the shoes of the iconic character, who famously shot ex Phil in 2001. She told the publication: 'Going back to EastEnders feels like going home. I love and adore playing Lisa, and am looking forward to seeing whats in store for her this time.' While the BBC soap's executive producer Jon Sen also shared his excitement for the impending return. He said: 'Lisa is one of the most enduringly popular characters in the history of the show. Thrilled: Actress Lucy, 38, revealed to The Mirror that she 'couldnt be more excited' to be stepping back into the shoes of the iconic character, who famously shot ex Phil in 2001 'Were chuffed Lucy has agreed to come back for a thrilling storyline that takes us into the heart of her past on the Square.' Apart from her brief comeback two years ago, the star was last seen playing the down-trodden character in 2003 as she fled to Portugal with Louise. It came a couple of years after she was identified as Phil's attacker, with Lisa shooting the mechanic, played by Steve McFadden, following her discovery that he bedded her best mate Mel Owen (Tamzin Outwaite). Lisa and Phil clashed when they met again in 2017, with Lisa battling with her mental health and trying to kidnap Louise - before being given her marching orders by Phil. But the pair are set to come face-to-face once more as Lisa returns to ensure her daughter is being properly looked after amid her pregnancy. Exciting times: Going back to EastEnders feels like going home. I love and adore playing Lisa, and am looking forward to seeing whats in store for her this time' (pictured in 2013) The move is no doubt set to irk Phil's wife Sharon (Letitia Dean), who had arranged for Louise (Tilly Keeper) to have an abortion - only for the teen to change her mind. Louise is carrying boyfriend Keanu Taylor's (Danny Walters) baby, little knowing that he recently resumed his steamy affair with his former lover (and Louise's step-mum) Sharon. The news of Lucy's return comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Patsy Palmer will be returning to her role as Bianca Butcher. Executive producer Jon Sen confirmed on Wednesday that the actress, 46, will be heading back to Albert Square for a huge storyline, with her first scenes to appear in the autumn. Clash: The troubled character was last seen in Walford in 2017 after making an ill-fated attempt to kidnap teenage daughter Louise amid a mental breakdown Trouble ahead: But the pair are set to come face-to-face once more as Lisa returns to ensure her daughter is being properly looked after amid her pregnancy Patsy last appeared in EastEnders in 2014 when Bianca moved to Milton Keynes with boyfriend Terry Spraggan, and has since been living in California with husband of 19 years Richard Merkell and her four children. Jon said: 'I'm thrilled Patsy's agreed to return to reprise her iconic creation in a blistering storyline that will grip fans this autumn.' A source added: 'Bosses are delighted to be getting Patsy back. She's a real Enders icon and fans love seeing old faces return. 'She has yet to get her scripts but she will no doubt be at the centre of drama when she returns in the autumn.' Comeback: The news of Lucy's return comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Patsy Palmer will be returning to her role as Bianca Butcher When Dr Karl Kennedy cheated on his wife Susan with Sarah Beaumont, it was considered one of the most scandalous affairs in Australian TV history. Fans were left so angered by the Neighbours storyline that Nicola Charles, who played Sarah, was spat on and called a 'b***h' in the streets of London. Speaking to News.com.au on Monday, Nicola revealed the affair was actually her idea - but she never expected to receive such an intense backlash. The dark side of being a soap star: Nicola Charles (above) was spat on in public after featuring in Neighbours' most scandalous affair - but says the raunchy storyline was all HER idea Nicola explained that she was shopping in Harrods, an upmarket department store in Knightsbridge, London, in 1998 when a woman came up to her. '[She] spat in my direction. It landed on my foot and she said, "You stay away from Susan, you horrible b***h!"' Nicola recalled. 'Can you believe it?' At the time of the confrontation, Sarah's affair with Dr Karl had just been revealed on Neighbours, which has a huge following in the UK. Scandal: When Dr Karl Kennedy cheated on his wife Susan with Sarah Beaumont, it was considered one of the most scandalous affairs in Australian TV history Love triangle: Speaking to News.com.au on Monday, Nicola revealed the affair was actually her idea - but she never expected to receive such an intense backlash The storyline was a ratings smash, as it rocked one of Neighbours' most popular couples, Dr Karl (Alan Fletcher) and Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne). Nicola's character Sarah joined Ramsay Street in 1996 and began working for Karl as a receptionist at his GP practice. But after 18 months in the role, the actress began to get bored of her character and told the scriptwriters that Karl should have an affair with Sarah. 'I was what I used to call a MTA - a model turned actor - so I thought to myself, "What I'll do, is instead of being famous on Neighbours, I'll be infamous,"' Nicola explained. Spicing things up! In the late '90s, Nicola was a fixture in British lads' mags like Loaded and FHM and believed a scandalous storyline would be good for her career At the time, Nicola was a fixture in British lads' mags like Loaded and FHM and believed a scandalous storyline would be good for her career. It took a year for Neighbours' bosses to finally put the wheels in motion and Nicola was delighted with the villainous storyline. Eventually, Sarah left Ramsay Street in 1999 and Karl and Susan Kennedy were able to save their marriage. Nicola returned Neighbours in 2012 and 2013, before coming back again in 2016 in a storyline that saw Sarah reveal to Susan she was dying of cancer. Recurring role: Nicola returned Neighbours in 2012 and 2013, before coming back again in 2016 in a storyline that saw Sarah reveal to Susan she was dying of cancer Despite what happened between them, Susan and Karl pushed for Sarah to seek treatment. Karl sent her to a facility in Germany and it was later revealed she was in remission. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia in June 2018, Nicola said she 'felt bad' for leaving Neighbours and was in talks for another comeback. 'I think it would be marvelous, I'd love to go back,' she said at the time. There's less than a week until the release of Godzilla: King Of The Monsters, but fans were treated to a final glimpse of new footage on Friday. The final look trailer shows a bevy of action scenes between the eponymous lizard and his fellow giant monsters. The short clip also fleshed out the relationship between the beast and Vera Farmiga's character, who advocates for resurrecting Godzilla to battle the destructive creatures. Last batch: The final action-heavy trailer for Godzilla: King Of The Monsters was released Friday and featured additional footage The trailer opens in the middle of the action as the Kaiju begin to rise from their resting places under the Earth's surface. The clip mirrors a previous trailer showing the rise of Mothra, Ghidorah and Rodan, but the new clip features slightly different footage of the three monsters. We get a better view of the three-head King Ghidorah rising up from the sea in the new clip with Zhang Ziyi reciting their names once again. There's also a clearer shot of pterodactyl-like Rodan emerging from a volcanic inferno. They're back! The trailer opens in the middle of the action as the Kaiju begin to rise from their resting places under the Earth's surface The baddie: We get a better view of the three-head King Ghidorah rising up from the sea Name dropper: Zhang Ziyi once again recounts the monsters' names, though we have a clearer view of her in this trailer Fiery entrance: There's also a clearer shot of pterodactyl-like Rodan emerging from a volcanic inferno The footage, set to the iconic line 'Don't call it a comeback' from LL Cool J's Mama Said Knock You Out, also gives fans a better idea of Godzilla's surprising speed and physicality as it knocks down a cell tower while tackling one of Ghidorah's heads. We also see more of Vera Farmiga's Dr. Emma Russell, who advocates for releasing Godzilla to battle the other monsters and is the mother of Millie Bobby Brown's character. One snippet in particular seems to hint at some harm that may befall her, as a close-up shows her lying on the ground as she intones 'Long live the king,' in a weak murmur. The new trailer recycles some of the previously released footage of Kyle Chandler and Bradley Whitford in their control bunker, but there's an additional shot of Silicon Valley star Thomas Middleditch and Straight Outta Compton actor O'Shea Jackson Jr. Been here for many years: Much of the footage is set to LL Cool J's 'Don't call it a comeback' line from Mama Said Knock You Out Massive power: The trailer gives fans a better idea of Godzilla's surprising speed and physicality as it knocks down a cell tower while tackling one of Ghidorah's heads Uh oh: One snippet in particular seems to hint at some harm that may befall Vera Farmiga's Dr. Emma Russell, as a close-up shows her lying on the ground as she intones 'Long live the king,' in a weak murmur New glimpses: The new trailer recycles previous footage of Kyle Chandler and Bradley Whitford in the control bunker, but we also see Silicon Valley's Thomas Middleditch and Straight Outta Compton's O'Shea Jackson Jr. In anticipation of the film's release, the Cinerama Dome at the ArcLight Hollywood got into the Kaiju spirit. The iconic honeycomb dome was adorned with a giant inflatable Godzilla head that appeared to be bursting through the roof, thanks to some carefully placed fake rubble. The lumbering, lizard-like creature is a far cry from the more cartoonish beast that was introduced in 1954's Japanese film Gojira (its original name) and an 1956 re-edit for American audiences, Godzilla. The creature was originally played by Japanese actor Haruo Nakajima, who put on the suit for the first 12 Godzilla films, including 1964's Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster. Godzilla: King Of The Monsters falls the rough outline of that film, which first introduced the destructive Ghidorah, who battled with Godzilla and his stalwarts Rodan and Mothra. In the mood: In anticipation of the film's release, the Cinerama Dome at the ArcLight Hollywood got into the Kaiju spirit; pictured May 20 Making an entrance: The iconic honeycomb dome was adorned with a giant inflatable Godzilla head that appeared to be bursting through the roof, thanks to some carefully placed fake rubble; shown May 10 Redesign: The lumbering, lizard-like creature is a far cry from the more cartoonish beast that was introduced in 1954's Japanese film Gojira (its original name) and an 1956 re-edit for American audiences, Godzilla; still from Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster Love Island Australia star Cassidy McGill made headlines last week when she claimed that it's 'hard work' being a full-time Instagram model. And now the 23-year-old influencer is facing a major backlash on Facebook, with people labelling her 'clueless' and 'privileged'. After Cassidy said her fans don't understand the 'pressure' of taking picture-perfect selfies everyday, one person commented: 'This actually makes me so mad!' 'What about people in underpaid jobs doing it tough?' Love Island star Cassidy McGill, 23, has sparked a major backlash for saying it's 'hard work being an Instagram model' They continued: 'There are so many people out there in underpaid... jobs doing it so much tougher [and] actually providing a needed service. 'And this chick (who most haven't heard of) is whining about getting paid to promote free products and attend parties. What is this world coming to?' Another Facebook user wrote: 'Imagine being so privileged that you think having someone tell you what to do is the worst part about working.' A similar comment read: 'My eyes have rolled so far back in my head they may never return.' 'This actually makes me so mad!' Cassidy is facing a major backlash on Facebook, with people labelling her 'clueless' and 'privileged' One medical professional commented: 'Yeah, I'll think of how hard she has it when I strap myself in for a 12-hour shift in my ambulance on Monday'. Summing up the outrage, another Facebook user wrote: 'Being a social worker is a hard job. Being a nurse is a hard job. Being a teacher is a hard job. 'Being a labourer is a hard job. Being a mother is a hard job. Being a farmer is hard. 'Being an "influencer" is an unsustainable job for 98 per cent of you in the long term. Have some influence? Do some good in the world.' 'I want to defend this stigma around having social media as a job': Cassidy told her Instagram followers last week that, contrary to popular belief, her job 'isn't easy' It comes after Cassidy told her Instagram followers last week that, contrary to popular belief, her job 'isn't easy'. Cassidy rents an apartment near Sydney's Bondi Beach, and is regularly seen at red carpet events and invite-only parties. But while her life may seem glamorous, she insists there is a lot of hard work involved behind the scenes. 'I want to defend this stigma around having social media as a job. Everyone thinks we get paid to do f**k all. It's not easy!' she said in a video shared to Instagram. 'I'm quite nervous posting this... I don't know why it feels controversial. 'I love my job now and I'm very appreciative of the position I've been put in, but it's actually not easy - it never stops!' Social butterfly! Cassidy rents an apartment near Sydney's Bondi Beach, and is regularly seen at red carpet events and invite-only parties Cassidy explained that she is always worried her followers won't like her posts. 'I have 260,000 bosses, essentially,' she said, comparing her Instagram followers to traditional office managers. 'And a third of you think you're my boss and give me constructive criticism in the most gruesome ways on the daily. 'Sometimes I even put your happiness and your needs ahead of mine.' Selfless: Cassidy says she often puts her followers' happiness and needs ahead of her own She added: 'It's a tough job, we get paid well, but we have a lot of pressure and a lot of feedback to continuously go off. It's a tough job that never stops.' Cassidy then revealed she works around the clock replying to comments, thinking of creative ideas for posts, going to events and recording videos. 'I want to give myself a pat on the back, and my fellow influencers, it's a damn hard job [but] we're lucky,' she concluded. 'I'm not a millionaire... but I'm so grateful for where I am now.' Exactly one week after the epic series finale, HBO took fans behind-the-scenes of the final season with a two-hour documentary titled Game of Thrones: The Last Watch. The documentary showcased the legions of crew members and unsung cast members who have helped bring the show to life over the past eight seasons, taking fans to production hubs such as Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Dubrovnik, Croatia, two of the primary locations the show was filmed in. There is also dramatic footage from a table read with the entire cast, showing the actors react to some of the series' biggest surprises as executive producer Bryan Cogman read the action lines. Behind the scenes: Exactly one week after the epic series finale, HBO aired a two-hour documentary Game of Thrones: The Last Watch, which took fans behind-the-scenes of the final season We see the cast react to Arya Stark killing The Night King, as everyone applauds, from the second to the last episode. Also included: Kit Harington and Emilia Clarke reaction to the scene where Kit's character Jon Snow kills Emilia's character, Daenerys Targaryen. After the table read, all of the scripts are shredded, as the documentary also features Del Reid, the show's 'head of snow,' spraying fake snow all over Winterfell set in Belfast. Production hub: The documentary showcased the legions of crew members and unsung cast members who have helped bring the show to life over the past eight seasons, taking fans to production hubs such as Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Dubrovnik, Croatia, two of the primary locations the show was filmed in Table read: There is also dramatic footage from a table read with the entire cast, showing the actors react to some of the series' biggest surprises as executive producer Bryan Cogman read the action lines Reaction: We see the cast react to Arya Stark killing The Night King, as everyone applauds, from the second to the last episode End of the road: There are many emotional moments for the cast and crew Reaction: We also see Kit Harington and Emilia Clarke react to the scene where Kit's character Jon Snow kills Emilia's character, Daenerys Targaryen It takes a village! The documentary showcased the legions of crew members and unsung cast members who have helped bring the show to life over the past eight seasons The documentary delves into some of the logistics of a show this massive, including location work for extras holding, as the location manager tries to figure out where the extras will be able to smoke cigarettes. Director David Nutter, who directed the first, second and fourth episodes, is seen in the crypts of Winterfell. 'I'm a conductor of fine musicians who basically just waves my arms around,' Nutter said about his crew. Nutter is also one of the few on Game of Thrones who gets paper scripts, since everyone else getting digital scripts. Head of Snow: After the table read, all of the scripts are shredded, as the documentary also features Del Reid, the show's 'head of snow,' spraying fake snow all over Winterfell set in Belfast Director: Nutter is also one of the few on Game of Thrones who gets paper scripts, since everyone else getting digital scripts Extras: The documentary delves into some of the logistics of a show this massive, including location work for extras holding, as the location manager tries to figure out where the extras will be able to smoke cigarettes The documentary also takes fans behind the scenes of the first day of filming, showing the process Emilia Clarke goes through with her elaborate blonde wig. We also see the first shot of the final season, a scene where Daenerys tells Samwell Tarly (John Bradley) that she killed his father and brother. Fans also get to see a number of the undead white walkers with their full prosthetics on, as they try to eat their lunch during some downtime on the set. Director Miguel Sapochnik, who directed the third and fifth episodes of the final season, is featured when the show moves into night shoots. Emilia: The documentary also takes fans behind the scenes of the first day of filming, showing the process Emilia Clarke goes through with her elaborate blonde wig Dany: We also see the first shot of the final season, a scene where Daenerys tells Samwell Tarly (John Bradley) that she killed his father and brother Director: Director Miguel Sapochnik, who directed the third and fifth episodes of the final season, is featured when the show moves into night shoots The director is seen giving direction to Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams, telling them to perform a scene like they both have a 'stomach ache.' Sapochnik said there are only three dialogue scenes in Episode 3, The Long Night, with the battle sequence that took 55 nights to film. Rory McCann (The Hound) and Hafthor Julius Bjornsson (The Mountain) are also seen rehearsing for their epic 'Cleganebowl' in the series finale. Direction: The director is also seen giving direction to Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams, telling them to perform a scene like they both have a 'stomach ache' Fight rehearsal: Rory McCann (The Hound) and Hafthor Julius Bjornsson (The Mountain) are also seen rehearsing for their epic Cleganebowl in the series finale Night King actor Vladimir Furdik also talks about how he had to make a choice whether to continue with the show or go back to life with a gang. He admitted that it's a good thing he left, since all of his gang friends are now dead. In Iceland, Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington are seen rehearsing their scene together where their characters fly dragons together. On top of the complicated production schedule, producers were thrown a few curveballs when actual snow started to fall. One actor reveals that the Battle of Winterfell featured 120,000 white walkers and 18,000 of the unsullied and Daenerys' forces. Night King: Actor Vladimir Furdik also talks about how he had to make a choice whether to continue with the show or go back to life with a gang, and it's a good thing he left since all of his friends are now dead During the ninth week of night shoots (of 11), they filmed the death of Jorah Mormont (Iain Glen), during the Battle of Winterfell. There are also a number of behind the scenes shot from The Night King's epic death at the hands of Arya Stark, who flies through the air on a stunt rig. The documentary also shows the toll such a rigorous production schedule has on the cast and crew, with one crew member comparing themselves to 'zombies.' Production shifts to Seville, Spain, where they filmed the scene in the finale where the leaders of Westeros chose a new king. The production also reveals they have brought decoy characters to Spain, like The Waif (Faye Marsay) and Jaquen H'ghar (Tom Wlaschiha), solely to throw fans off. Fans: Production shifts to Seville, Spain, where they filmed the scene in the finale where the leaders of Westeros chose a new king Seville: Vladimir Furdik was also seen spending time with fans outside the hotel in Seville, while Kit Harington's car was mobbed upon arrival Waif: The production also reveals they have brought decoy characters to Spain, like The Waif (Faye Marsay) and Jaquen H'ghar (Tom Wlaschiha), solely to throw fans off Vladimir Furdik was also seen spending time with fans outside the hotel in Seville, while Kit Harington's car was mobbed upon arrival. David Nutter also spoke about how his return to Game of Thrones literally saved his life, while behind the scenes of the funeral pyre scene in the fourth episode. They also show the final shot in the series for Emilia Clarke, with her hugging cast and crew such as Maisie Williams. There is also the final shot of Kit Harington, with D.B. Weiss delivering a heartfelt speech, as Harington breaks down and cries before delivering a speech of his own. The documentary ends with extra Andrew McCray, delivering a heartfelt speech of his own before turning in the costume and saying the five years he spent on the show were the best years of his life. Final shot: There is also the final shot of Kit Harington, with D.B. Weiss delivering a heartfelt speech, as Harington breaks down and cries before delivering a speech of his own. Finale scene: They also show the final shot in the series for Emilia Clarke, with her hugging cast and crew such as Maisie Williams Heather Maltman has announced her resignation from Sea FM on the Gold Coast, telling listeners she will be finishing up on Friday. The former Bachelor star, who has co-hosted the Heather, Dan & Ben breakfast show since November 2016, said she will be relocating to Sydney to focus on her podcast series, One Together. 'After a long time now, I've decided to leave the show. Some would call this a sad day, others may high-five and have a spring in their step,' said Heather, 33. End of an era: The Bachelor's Heather Maltman (centre) has quit her Gold Coast breakfast radio job. Pictured with her co-hosts Ben Hannant (right) and Dan Anstey (left) 'I've learned a lot in my time at Sea FM. Mostly I've learned how much I enjoy sleep,' she added. 'As I look towards a podcast, otherwise known as unemployment, you have to take risks to get what you want. For years I've wanted to be part of something really big.' The Queensland-born radio personality then revealed she plans to launch an acting career in China. 'You gotta know when its time for something new!' The former Bachelor star, 33, said she will be relocating to Sydney to focus on her podcast series, One Together 'This year, I sold a [TV] show about me trying to make it big in China. That's a fact, actually going to try and make it big as an actor in China,' she explained. Heather also touched upon her difficult childhood and offered some words of advice to her young listeners. 'As a woman who grew up in crappy circumstances and pushed past a lot of life's judgements, to the women of the GC, I say to you now, "Want more!" she said. 'You deserve more. Take a risk and be all of yourself no matter how much someone tries to keep you down.' Remember this? Heather first rose to fame on Sam Wood's season of The Bachelor in 2015 After her on-air resignation, Heather took to Instagram to share the news with her 48,200 followers. She wrote: 'You gotta know when its time for something new. Take a risk and go after what you really want... It's scary as hell but its time.' Heather first rose to fame on Sam Wood's season of The Bachelor in 2015. Back in Sydney! Heather is pictured at the media launch for Supper Club Sundays at Panama House in Bondi Beach on Sunday New horizons: In addition to her podcast, Heather is pursuing acting opportunities in China She later co-hosted I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here NOW! with comedian Joel Creasey for Channel 10 in 2016. In November that year, it was announced that Heather would be joining Sea FM's breakfast radio show alongside Ben Hannant and Dan Anstey. In her part time, she has continued to chase her dreams of Hollywood stardom, auditioning for several high-profile roles. In December 2018, Heather revealed she'd tried out for the role of Batwoman, but producers decided to cast Ruby Rose instead. She was separate from her girlfriend Cara Delevingne, who was shooting a film in Canada. But Ashley Benson still had a great time out in Los Angeles' Los Feliz neighborhood with friends on Sunday. The Pretty Little Liars star, 29, showed off her taut tummy in a skimpy crop top for the fun-filled evening which appeared to include champagne and shenanigans. Night out: Ashley Benson, 29, had a fun-filled evening out with friends while celebrating Memorial Day weekend in Los Angeles' Los Feliz neighborhood on Sunday Ashley put some skin on display for the outing with her cut-off jean shorts highlighting her svelte legs. The 5foot3 beauty covered up on the chilly day with a black zip-up hoodie. The Spring Breakers star also wore a pair of black leather boots and brought along a black handbag. She had her dirty blonde locks put up in a loose bun and brought along a pair of black frame sunglasses. Revealing outfit: The Spring Breakers star put some skin on display with her white crop to and super-short cut-off jeans Festive: She goofed around with her male buddies, pretending to lick one while posing for a photo Imbibing: Later, she relaxed with a glass of wine Ashley was seen joking around with her friends, and she pretended to lick one pink-haired male buddy while they posed for a photo. Later, she sipped on a glass of wine while partying. Missing from all the festivities was Ashley's girlfriend, British model Cara Delevingne. The Suicide Squad star was occupied in Toronto, where she was filming Life In A Year opposite Jaden Smith. She stars as a teenage girl diagnosed with a terminal illness. She tries to fit in as many essential life experiences as possible while her boyfriend (Smith) copes with his impending loss. MIA: Missing from all the festivities was Ashley's girlfriend Cara Delevingne, whom she met while filming the critically acclaimed punk rock drama Her Smell; still from Her Smell Ashley and Cara first met while appearing as upstart Riot Grrrl band members in the critically acclaimed punk rock drama Her Smell, starring Mad Men's Elisabeth Moss. The two were romantically linked after they were seen kissing in London's Heathrow Airport in August of last year. Since then they've stayed most mum about their relationship apart from a few cryptic social media posts, though they've spent plenty of time together. Still going strong! The British heiress seemingly confirmed the pair were an item when she referred to the Anaheim-born beauty as her 'true love' in the comments of an April 27 Instagram post Following her role in Her Smell, Ashley will be seen in Ask Me If I Care opposite Hank Azaria and Ruby Modine. The short film is adapted from Jennifer Egan's Pulitzer Prize-winning A Visit From The Goon Squad. She'll also appear in Lapham Rising, an absurd comic film about an aging retire who's life is upended when a multimillionaire begins constructing a mansion across from his island home in the Hamptons. 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. Love Island Australia star Tayla Damir has revealed her secret struggle with anxiety. During an interview with New Idea, the 22-year-old said that she has been able to 'overcome' her problems partly because of her newfound fame. 'I went through a lot of anxiety when I was in high school... I didn't know what to do and I always felt kind of isolated,' she explained. 'I always felt isolated': Love Island Australia's Tayla Damir has revealed her secret struggle with anxiety - but insists that fame helped her 'overcome' the problem In a surprising admission, Tayla said the attention she received after winning Love Island last year didn't make her anxiety worse. 'I don't think [fame] was necessarily either good or bad [for anxiety], it just depends on the day that I'm having and how I feel inside,' she said. 'If anything, [fame] made me overcome a lot more anxiety than I thought, which is really cool... and challenged me in ways I didn't really expect.' Candid: 'If anything, [fame] made me overcome a lot more anxiety than I thought, which is really cool... and challenged me in ways I didn't really expect,' she told New Idea on Monday Last year, Tayla made headlines over her public break-up with Grant Crapp just two weeks after they won the dating show together. At the time, she was horrified to discover that Grant actually had a girlfriend back in Canberra the entire time he was filming the show. As a result, she unceremoniously dumped her boyfriend and took home her share of the $50,000 prize money. Betrayed: Last year, Tayla made headlines over her public break-up with Grant Crapp (right) just two weeks after they won Love Island together. She was horrified to discover that Grant actually had a girlfriend (left) back in Canberra the entire time he was filming the show Despite her romance with Grant ending in tears, Tayla has done well for herself since Love Island finished filming 12 months ago. She has parlayed her reality TV fame into a career as a fashion influencer and is often spotted at A-list events around Sydney. She is currently dating her Love Island co-star Dom Thomas and is also a regular panellist on Channel Nine quiz show Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation. He may be touring the world with his one-man show, but Hugh Jackman still has time to wish his friends a happy birthday. The Australian actor, 50, was forced to skip Sir Ian McKellen's 80th birthday party on Saturday night because it clashed with his scheduled concert in Manchester, UK. But Hugh still commemorated the occasion by leading the 50,000-strong crowd in singing 'Happy Birthday' to his X-Men co-star. Hugh recorded the entire spectacle on his iPhone and shared the footage with his 26 million Instagram followers. 'I'm sorry I can't make your party, Ian... I think I might annoy about 50,000 people,' he said in the video. The Wolverine star then encouraged the sold-out crowd to sing along as cheers erupted throughout Manchester Arena. 'Sorry I can't make your party!' Hugh Jackman recorded a birthday tribute to Ian McKellen live on stage in Manchester on Saturday Happy birthday: Sir Ian McKellen (pictured) celebrated his 80th birthday on Saturday, May 25 Supported by his orchestral band and the audience, Hugh launched into an energetic rendition of 'Happy Birthday'. He then blew a kiss and signed off: 'Love you, man! Happy birthday.' Hugh and Ian formed a close friendship while starring in The X-Men franchise, with the British actor playing super-villain Magneto. Marking the moment: Hugh commemorated the occasion by leading the 50,000-strong crowd in singing 'Happy Birthday' to his X-Men co-star He really is The Greatest Showman! Supported by his orchestral band and the audience, Hugh launched into an energetic rendition of 'Happy Birthday' Sing-a-long, anyone? The Wolverine star encouraged the sold-out crowd to sing along as cheers erupted throughout Manchester Arena Both actors have enjoyed a stellar career in Hollywood and on Broadway, with Hugh now touring the globe with his own one-man show. He will perform across North America, Australia and New Zealand in the coming months after wrapping up his UK dates. Hugh previously described the show, in which he performs songs from The Greatest Showman and Les Miserables, as a 'dream come true'. Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi wants her baby to 'come out' - immediately. The 31-year-old reality star is currently pregnant with her third child with husband Jionni LaValle - a baby boy they're naming Angelo - but as she nears the end of her third trimester, she's made clear she's sick of waiting for the tot to arrive. On Sunday, a panel on her Instagram Stories focused on her belly read, 'Come out you little s***.' Restless: Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi urged her unborn son Angelo to come out Sunday, writing on her Instagram, 'Come out you little s***' The Jersey Shore alum shared shots of her weekend festivities, which looked like outdoor lounging for the Memorial Day weekend with her MTV co-star Deena Cortese and their respective families. On Snooki's social media, she mockingly went through various methods thought to induce labor, including bouncing on a yoga ball and drinking iced lemon water. Snooki - who's mom to daughter Giovanna, four, and son Lorenzo, six, with LaValle - said earlier this month she was 'annoyed' that her son was likely to be two weeks overdue, as she is ready to give birth to him. Refreshing: The reality star experimented with 'fresh lemons and bouncing on a ball' in her efforts to induce labor Speaking on her It's Happening with Snooki and Joey podcast, Snooki said she was irritated after a doctor's office visit amid ongoing physical symptoms that had her thinking she might be entering labor. 'I just got back from the doctors office,' she said. 'Im so annoyed because Ive been feeling cramps and I swear the babys coming out, and then I went today and he said like another two weeks or so.' The charismatic TV personality said she was upset that she has 'to spend another couple weeks feeling this miserable.' New method: Snooki had her daughter Giovanna, four, try and lull her little brother out with song Fun with friends: Snooki's MTV co-star Deena Cortese was on hand for the holiday weekend Awww! Snooki's daughter Giovanna and son Lorenzo, six, spent time with their dad Snooki revealed the moniker she and Jionni chose for their third child on social media last month. Snooki posted on Instagram to show off some adorable baby gifts she received from Cortese, including a personalized teddy bear security blanket and a piggy bank, all with the name Angelo printed on them. 'Look what Deena got me!' she said. 'So you guys know the name, it's gonna be Angelo.' The premiere date for the second season of Love Island Australia has not yet been announced. But luckily for fans, they can tide themselves over with the fifth season of the UK series. Love Island UK is set to premiere in Australia on June 5 on 9Now, with a genetically-blessed cast hoping to last the entire two months in Majorca, Spain. Set to sizzle! The fifth season of Love Island UK will premiere in Australia on June 5 on 9Now, with a genetically-blessed cast in Majorca, Spain. The 2018 cast are pictured The new line-up of singletons will be announced in the coming days, however a given is veteran host Caroline Flack and narrator Iain Stirling. Contestants couple up with the opposite sex, and the aim is to maintain an exclusive relationship by the end of the series, in order to win the cash prize. One of the beauties set to grace screens is reportedly beauty therapist Amber Rose Gill. Intense: Contestants couple up with the opposite sex, and the aim is to maintain an exclusive relationship by the end of the series. Pictured: Kendall Rae Knight and Eyal Booker Geordie beauty: One of the beauties set to grace screens is reportedly beauty therapist Amber Rose Gill, 21 According to The Sun, the 21-year-old was flown out to the famous Majorca villa by show executives last weekend. A source told the publication: 'Amber is a down-to-earth and fun-loving girl. She loves to party and is always out in Newcastle. 'She's beautiful and looks incredible in a bikini and unlike other previous stars of the show doesn't have masses of Instagram followers.' Curves ahead: Plus size model Jada Sezer is reportedly joining the fifth season The honey-blonde bombshell, who currently has 4.4K followers on Instagram, will certainly turn heads in the villa with her incredibly-toned physique and stunning looks, which she often flaunts in sizzling social media snaps. Plus size model Jada Sezer and pharmacist Anna Vakili are also tipped for the 2019 series. A representative from ITV, which airs the series in the UK, told MailOnline: 'All names are pure speculation and we will confirming our line up for Love Island 2019 in due course.' They have been dogged with accusations of a secret fling. Yet Khloe Kardashian was again forced to hit back at 'childish' rumours that she had bedded her sister Kourtney's baby daddy and ex beau after sharing a post with the duo enjoying a bath together while sporting swimwear. The 34-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star shared a sweet series of shots of the duo through the years yet the post drew attention for the wrong reasons when a fan wrote underneath the snap: 'Refuse to believe they've never sh*gged'. Shocker: Khloe Kardashian was again forced to hit back at 'childish' rumours that she had bedded her sister Kourtney's baby daddy and ex beau after sharing a post with the duo enjoying a bath together while sporting swimwear Khloe joined in the long line of Kardashians to pay tribute to Scott as he turned 36, with many of the famous family sharing throwback snaps. Alongside Khloe's cosy snaps, she lauded her sister's ex for how he has grown following the fractious beginnings to their friendship. She added a caption reading: 'You and I! I am so thankful for the person that you have grown into. I am thankful for every highs and lows because we have been through it all and we are closer than ever... 'I am proud to say that you are my brother and also one of my best friends! Have the best birthday Lord!! FOREVER the Lord and the Lady.' Ouch: The 34-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star shared a sweet series of shots of the duo through the years yet the post drew attention for the wrong reasons when a fan wrote underneath the snap: 'Refuse to believe they've never sh*gged' Eek: Despite splitting in 2015, Kourtney proved they were still on great terms and also gets on famously with his current girlfriend, Sofia Richie, 20 One of her 94million followers then commented on the snap writing: 'Am I the only one who finds their friendship really weird?... 'Only because thats her siss baby daddy... She's awful "close" with Scott; her sister's babies daddy. More than what's deemed normal but yet forced Kylie's hand at a long term friendship with Jordan. Please make this hypocrisy make sense?!' Another meanwhile penned: 'Refuse to believe they've never sh*gged'. Oh dear: Khloe joined in the long line of Kardashians to pay tribute to Scott as he turned 36, with many of the famous family sharing throwback snaps Back on: Following her years of criticism over Scott - who was frequently unfaithful to kourtney, with a fan penning: 'It's crazy how much you hated him before to now' While she failed to make any outright statements herself, Khloe backed the fans' comments with simple emojis which seemed to confirm her support of the denials - including a series of hearts and kisses. Another defender wrote: 'They don't realise of forgot that this man has no mother, no father or siblings. This is his SISTER the only family despite his children that he has. Just because two people are close don't mean they have sh*gged before. childish.' Following her years of criticism over Scott - who was frequently unfaithful to kourtney, with a fan penning: 'It's crazy how much you hated him before to now'. Hitting out: While she failed to make any outright statements herself, Khloe backed the fans' comments with simple emojis which seemed to confirm her support of the denials - including a series of hearts and kisses Despite splitting in 2015, Kourtney proved they were still on great terms and also gets on famously with his current girlfriend, Sofia Richie, 20. Kourtney and Scott share nine-year-old son Mason, daughter Penelope, six, and son Reign, four, and get along famously since they split on a number of occasions. Despite their past heartbreak, Kourtney seemed to be having a great night with her ex, who she split from in 2015 after nine years of dating. Lorraine Kelly is set to make her Coronation Street cameo on Monday night, where she will be confronted by superfan Gail Platt. The television host teased a clip of what's in store in the upcoming episode, telling viewers she took part in the soap because it was part of her bucket list before she turns 60 in November. After heading off on holiday, paid for by Audrey, the Platt family are starstruck when they see Lorraine at the holiday camp. Exciting: Lorraine Kelly is set to make her Coronation Street cameo on Monday night, where she will be confronted by superfan Gail Platt Gail is convinced the TV host is staying at the holiday park and cajoles Sarah and Bethany into helping hunt her down, taking their search across the lake by peddle boat. She said: 'Sarah keep peddling we're just going round in circles. Excuse me Lorraine. She's getting away.' To which Bethany quipped: 'Getting away? What do you want to do, hold her hostage?' Cameo: The television host teased a clip of what's in store in the upcoming episode, telling viewers she took part because it was part of her bucket list before she turns 60 in November Biggest fans: After heading off on holiday, paid for by Audrey, the Platt family are starstruck when they see Lorraine at the holiday camp Gail hit back: 'I just want to have a chat with her.' Viewing the family struggle on their pedalo, Lorraine said: 'Those women are going to capsize if they are not careful.' While Dan Wootton added the encounter with Gail 'doesn't end well', Ben Price, who plays Nick Tilsley, teased Lorraine would have a dramatic stunt last week. Hilarious: Gail is convinced the TV host is staying at the holiday park and cajoles Sarah and Bethany into helping hunt her down, taking their search across the lake by peddle boat Starstruck: Gail is convinced the TV host is staying at the holiday park and cajoles Sarah and Bethany into helping hunt her down, taking their search across the lake by peddle boat He told the Daily Star: 'She's got a big part in this storyline. She's got a stunt. She's in the best family she could possibly be with - The Platts.' In a behind-the-scenes look, which Lorraine aired last week, the star revealed she had been given a body double for the dramatic scene. Speaking of her time on the cobbles, she said: 'What an amazing day. I've had an absolute blast. Frantic: She said: 'Sarah keep peddling we're just going round in circles. Excuse me Lorraine. She's getting away' 'Best day of my life, fantastic. All the crew and the cast could not have been nicer to me.' Over the course of the week, the truth is revealed over Audrey Robert's missing money, with David confessing on the holiday. But in the darker storyline, the identity of the climax of who was responsible for the Underworld roof collapse will be revealed. Coronation Street begins on Monday at 9pm on ITV. Rachael Finch has plans on taking her fitness brand, Body By Finch, global, starting with Los Angeles. And on Monday, the 30-year-old practiced what she preaches while out at Sydney's Coogee Beach. The model shared a photo of her toned figure in a skimpy bikini to Instagram, and told fans she completed a 30 minute walk and an ocean dive. Practicing what she preaches! Svelte Rachael Finch, 30, embarked on a 30 minute walk and an ocean dive at Sydney's Coogee on Monday, after announcing she's expanding her fitness empire in Hollywood Rachael's lithe arms, washboard stomach and defined legs were accentuated in her scanty swimwear, and her wet brunette locks were slicked back off her face. She held onto a black towel with one hand, and a stunning vista was the backdrop. 'Warmer in than it is out. BodyMove for me today - 30min walk followed by an ocean dive,' Rachael told her fans in the caption. Going global! On Sunday, Rachael told The Daily Telegraph's Confidential that she's expanding the Body By Finch brand into Los Angeles Just days earlier on Sunday, Rachael told Confidential that she's expanding the Body By Finch brand into Los Angeles: 'We're heading to America in June for a little business trip.' The beauty revealed that her app will be available around the world. 'We're launching our body program overseas,' she said, adding that LA is the perfect market for the brand. 'LA is very health and fitness focused so it'll be great to get among energy and excitement,' she added. The former Miss Universe Australia has in the past revealed the one secret behind her incredible figure. 'I usually like to eat within an hour of waking up,' explained Rachael. 'If I wait too long for breakfast I notice my body goes into a stressful state and I then tend to overeat!' However, Rachael went on to remind fans that 'all bodies are different' and her top tip may not work for them. They revealed their engagement last year after almost nine years of dating. And Leona Lewis and fiance Dennis Jauch looked ever the happy couple as they head for lunch together in Beverley Hills on Thursday. The X Factor winner, 34, kept things casual yet chic in a denim overall over a high neck white jumper. Cute: Leona Lewis and fiance Dennis Jauch looked ever the happy couple as they head for lunch together in Beverley Hills on Thursday Leona wore her blonde locks in a low ponytail and went makeup free to show off her natural beauty. She finished the stylish ensemble with chunky trainers and a cross body bag and a french manicure. Meanwhile Dennis rocked a black leather jacket, T-shirt and dark trousers. The choreographer finished the look with a gold necklace and trainers with lime green details. Happy couple: The X Factor winner, 34, kept things casual yet chic in a denim overall over a high neck white jumper Lunch date: Leona wore her blonde locks in a low ponytail and went makeup free to show off her natural beauty The loved-up duo first began dating in 2010 when Dennis worked as a backing dancer on her tour. The star revealed their engagement in August as she took to her Instagram story to flash an eye-catching diamond ring in several photos and clips during her romantic holiday to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Notoriously private, Leona has kept her personal life out of the spotlight but previously discussed her hopes to settle down in 2013. Love birds: The loved-up duo first began dating in 2010 when Dennis worked as a backing dancer on her tour Speaking to the Metro, she said: 'Things with Dennis are going really good. We havent talked about marriage yet. It is something I want to do at some point. I did want to get married in my 20s. 'That was always a weird thing for me. I was always like, "I am going to get married in my 20s! But now Im like No, no, no. Im not ready!" Continuing: 'I feel like you think you are going to be ready but then you get to your late 20s and youre not ready.' The couple recently celebrated their eight-year anniversary on August 1. Lee MacDonald has been seen in Albert Square for the first time after it was revealed he is joining the cast of EastEnders. The actor, 50, will play Terry in the BBC Soap in his first major TV role for 32 years since starring in Grange Hill. Lee will no doubt be hoping that this new role is a bit more family friendly after confessing that playing drug addict Zammo in Grange Hill 'ruined his career'. First look: Lee MacDonald has been seen in Albert Square for the first time after it was revealed he is joining the cast of EastEnders playing Terry the bus driver Lee's Grange Hill character Samuel Maguire was fondly known as cheeky chappy Zammo, who attended the fictional north London school between 1982 and 1987. The actor featured in the show's most famous - albeit controversial - storyline when Zammo spiralled into an addiction to heroin, which climaxed in an overdose scene. And despite being a household name because of the show, Lee claims that he struggled to find any work afterwards as potential employers didn't want to be associated with drug use. Iconic: The actor featured in the show's most famous - albeit controversial - storyline when Zammo spiralled into an addiction to heroin, which climaxed in an overdose scene Ruined: Lee will no doubt be hoping that this new role is a bit more family friendly after confessing that playing drug addict Zammo in Grange Hill 'ruined his career' Speaking to The Sun, Lee explained: 'I was leaving Grange Hill but earning reasonable money doing personal appearances in clubs and places like that.' 'But then I got a call and they said, "We're not going to use you any more". 'I was like, "What?" And they said they didn't want their nightclubs to be associated with a drug addict.' His EastEnders role looks to be a bit more lighthearted, however, as he will play bus driver Terry, who will clash with pub landlord Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) when they both try to win gig tickets. Lee will reportedly appear in two episodes this summer, but is hoping to return. Back in business: Lee (left, in 2018) is returning to screens 32 years after he played Zammo (right) Full circle: Best known for playing Samuel 'Zammo' Maguire (right), Lee attended the fictional London school with characters Roland Browning (left) and Jonah Jones (centre) Speaking in 2007, Lee also discussed his struggle to get acting work in his late teens because of his negative association with drugs. 'After [the new series] was out, my agent said 'Nobody wants you any more because it's a drugs related character. So nobody wants to use you,' he told fan site Grange Hill Gold. 'I lost loads of work because adults didn't want me at the club because it was drugs related. But that's the power of telly . . . More so in the 80s when there was only a couple of channels. ' 'Things were taken a lot more seriously than they are now. There's so much stuff that kids watch now that is outrageous.' Since leaving Grange Hill in 1987, Lee has enjoyed cameos in The Bill, Birds Of A Feather and Neighbours, but Zammo was his last long-term part. However he has moved away from acting to become a locksmith, and open his own store in Banstead, London. From Grange Hill to the EastEnd: Lee isn't the only star to come to the BBC soap from the children's programme - Susan Tully played Michelle Fowler (left), after leaving the fictional school as Suzanne Ross (right) Likewise: Todd Carter went on to play Mark Fowler (left) after cutting his teeth as Tucker Jenkins (right) On the soap scene: Michelle Gayle played Hattie in EastEnders (left) after being better known as Fiona Wilson (right) The heartthrob: Shaun MaGuire starred as Aidan Brosnan (left) but he grew up playing school boy 'Tegs' Ratcliffe He's not the first ex-Grange Hill star to be welcomed onto Albert Square. Susan Tully was Suzanne Ross before she became Michelle Fowler in 1985 and stayed for 10 years. Todd Carter, formerly known for playing Tucker Jenkins, flourished on the set of EastEnders in 1990, taking on the role of Mark Fowler for 13 years. Michelle Gayle played Fiona Wilson until becoming Hattie on EastEnders in the same year. Later, Shaun MaGuire left 'Tegs' Ratcliffe behind to play Aidan Brosnan on the BBC soap in 1993. She plays tough Rita Connors on the hit show, Wentworth. And while some actors might find it daunting, Leah Purcell, 48, admitted she can't get enough of the challenging role. On Tuesday, the actress spoke to The Daily Telegraph about the role, saying she loves the 'physicality' and 'emotional journey' of the characters. Challenge: Wentworth actress Leah Purcell, 48, (pictured) has spoken about her dream role as tough Rita Connors ahead of the show's season premiere. Here in Sydney, 2018 'I have been waiting 27 years for a role like this,' she said. 'I love the physicality and the emotional journey you can have with the characters.' She continued: 'There's that mystery and thriller aspect to it and working with other actors just makes it a dream. 'There's a soft side, being vulnerable, and I get to play a tough b**ch and kick some a**e.' 'I love the physicality and the emotional journey you can have with the characters': Leah said of her character, Rita Connors (pictured) Earlier this week, Leah was named as a Logie nominee for Most Outstanding Actress, while the show itself is up for six awards. Leah's co-star Celia Ireland was nominated for Most Outstanding Supporting Actress. Speaking to Stellar magazine in May, the TV star spoke candidly about how her craft intersects with her family's indigenous heritage. Homage: 'I feel if I wasn't justifying my talents, then what my mother, my grandmother and my great-grandmother had gone through is a waste,' Leah told Stellar. Pictured in May in Sydney '[Indigenous stories] didn't have a voice,' she said adding that her grandmother was part of the stolen generation,' she said. 'I feel if I wasn't justifying my talents, then what my mother, my grandmother and my great-grandmother had gone through is a waste.' Wentworth, the new season, returns exclusively to Foxtel on Tuesday May 28. Stream seasons 1 - 6 on Foxtel now by Kristina Knight Researchers with Yotpo and Magento teamed up for the 2019 State of D2C Marketing report and among the more interesting findings are these: half (52%) of businesses are increasing their spend on Facebook; this investment is coming as brands report ecommerce growth as a key priority for them (60%). Other priorities include customer acquisition (54%) and conversion rates (53%). Researchers further found the focus on Facebook-specific ad investment is more than double what businesses are spending on Amazon ads, despite the face the some research suggests about half of all ecommerce visits begin at Amazon. "In the D2C approach, the website is both the brand and the store: story, mission, style, products, transaction, and service," said Tomer Tagrin, CEO & Cofounder, Yotpo. "Unlike the limitations of physical stores, eCommerce can give businesses access to a wider and global base of potential customers. Additionally, the lower overhead can provide the resources for businesses to persist amidst changing market conditions." Additionally, the State of D2C Marketing report found: 61% of customer acquisitions derive from social media, 51% from SEO, and 50% from direct-nav traffic Mid-size brands are more likely to use UGC - 36% implement customer photos and 43% customer videos 63% report referrals give them equal or greater ROI than digital ads, 37% say digital ads give better ROI than referrals Additional data from the Yotpo report can be accessed here. Tags: advertising, ecommerce, ecommerce trends, Magento, social ads, social marketing, Yotpo Earlier this month, Hollywood actress Margot Robbie took time out from her schedule to enjoy her own backyard, the Australian Outback. Sharing a series of stunning images to Instagram, the 28-year-old documented her trip to the Northern Territory to explore the rugged terrain surrounding Uluru. And according to Confidential on Tuesday, the trip, including a ride on the world famous Ghan train, was for her sister Anya Robbie's 30th birthday. 'It's just too beautiful out here!' Margot Robbie, 28, went on an Outback adventure earlier this month in the Northern Territory, and shared a series of stunning images to Instagram 'Margot told her about three years ago that for her 30th she would take her anywhere in the world, and Anya really wanted to go on the Ghan,' the source said. 'Margot was like, 'No, anywhere in the world'. And Anya really wanted to do that train so they did.' One of the photos shared to Instagram by Margot, saw the blonde beauty in a beanie and activewear, taking a selfie with a grinning camel. And in an adorable display, she also shared a photo of herself cradling a baby joey at the Kangaroo Sanctuary outside Alice Springs. Reports: According to Confidential on Tuesday, the trip, including a ride on the world famous Ghan train, was for her sister Anya Robbie's 30th birthday. Anya is pictured with brother Cameron Robbie Say cheese: During the trip, Margot sported a pair of retro shades while taking a selfie with a grinning camel Captioning the photographs, Margot wrote: 'Outback adventure in @Australia. No filters, its just that beautiful out here.' The trip comes shortly after Margot jetted home to the Gold Coast in time to attend her grandmother's burial. Margot joined her loved ones, including brother Cameron Robbie, at Dalby in Queensland's Darling Downs. How cute: In an adorable display, the star shared a photo of herself cradling a baby joey at the Kangaroo Sanctuary outside Alice Springs Her grandmother Verna, 92, who was affectionately called 'Narnie', passed away on April 13. However they decided to delay the burial in order for Margot to arrive home in time. Just days prior to the burial, the I, Tonya star was pictured looking understandably downcast in New York. Demi Moore shared a stunning flashback image to Instagram that was taken about 40 years ago. The St Elmo's Fire actress was gorgeous as she wore a yellow and white bikini top that exposed her tummy. The ex-wife of Bruce Willis has been posting more to Instagram as she prepares to release her tell-all book, Inside Out, later this year. Always pretty: Demi Moore shared a stunning flashback image to Instagram that was taken about 40 years ago. The St Elmo's Fire actress was gorgeous as she wore a yellow and white bikini top that exposed her tummy Natural beauty: Her hair is worn up and her makeup is nicely done, showing off her movie star good looks In this older photo, Demi is slender as she shows off a flat belly as well as sculpted arms. In addition to her groovy top, Moore had on light pink shorts. Behind her was a large wicker chair, which was popular at that time, and a palm tree. Her hair is worn up and her makeup is nicely done, showing off her movie star good looks. Her nails were painted a light red. With child: Earlier this month she shared this image of her naked belly The caption read: 'Baby mi #tbt, circa 1975 or 76.' And the hashtags plugged her new book. Moore shared the book cover for her new memoir Inside Out on Wednesday. The acting vet - best known for the films Ghost, Indecent Proposal, Striptease and GI Jane - has little makeup on with her hair pulled back and a dark top on. The 56-year-old beauty has already said she will be candid about her drug addiction and her divorces in her first tome. A clean look: The star shared the book cover for her new memoir Inside Out on Wednesday. The acting vet has little makeup on with her hair pulled back and a dark top on Still stunning: Here she was seen at the Met Gala in NYC earlier this month A top body: She stole the show in Charlie's Angels with her swimsuit surfer girl scene According to Harper Magazine's executive editor, the book - which is due out in September - will be one that both surprises and moves readers. She came from humble beginnings in New Mexico to becoming one of the most famous actresses of our time. Growing up with a step-dad who moved the family around often prior to committing suicide when she was young, and never meeting her real father, the icon's early years were not easy. Co-parents: She was also in a high profile relationship and marriage with Bruce Willis from 1987 to 2000; seen in 1995 Unexpected: The Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle actress later was wed to Ashton Kutcher from 2005 to 2013; seen in 2011 Not to mention her mother had a long record of arrests for crimes such as drunk driving and arson. All of that, plus health issues before she was a teenager, created a tumultuous past before Demi eventually dropped out of high school to pursue show business full time. These trials will be delved into for the book, which will also discuss Demi's career and three marriages. All girls: In the 1980s, the mother of Rumer, 30, Scout, 27 and Tallulah, 25, checked into rehab for a drug and alcohol addiction; seen with Scout and Tallulah in 2016 At 17, the Striptease front runner met musician Freddy Moore, who she co-wrote three songs with and went on to marry in 1980 up until their divorce in 1985. She was also in a high profile relationship and marriage with Bruce Willis from 1987 to 2000, and then later was wed to Ashton Kutcher from 2005 to 2013. With inside information on those relationships coming forth in the Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle beauty's tell all, Harper executive editor, Jennifer Barth, is already praising the authentic book. 'Inside Out is first and foremost a womans story; that the woman in question happens to be one of the most celebrated actresses of our time only makes her journey of vulnerability, strength, and self-acceptance all that more resonant,' she said. Angels: On May 1, she reunited with her Charlie's Angels co-stars Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu and Cameron Diaz She continued: 'I think readers are going to be surprisedand movedby this book.' The magazine big wig calls Inside Out a story of 'survival, success, and surrender - as well as resilience.' According to her, Demi's writing is 'wrenchingly honest.' In the 1980s, the mother of Rumer, 30, Scout, 27 and Tallulah, 25, checked into rehab for a drug and alcohol addiction. Then in 2012, she returned to treatment after collapsing in her Los Angeles home, convulsing due to months of partying and intense weight loss. She was seen for addiction and eating disorder struggles the second time around. Demi has since been open about her hardships, admitting in a speech at the Peggy Albrecht Friendly Houses 29th Annual Awards Luncheon, where she was named Woman Of The Year, that for years, she was 'spiraling down a path of real self-destruction.' 'No matter what successes I had, I just never felt good enough,' she bravely said. This path, she went on to say, brought her to a crisis point, where with the help of loved ones, she eventually began to rebuild. Hot stuff in the 90s: One of her top films was 1993's Indecent Proposal with Woody Harrelson 'They gave me a chance to redirect the course of my life before I destroyed everything. Clearly, they saw more of me than I saw of myself. And Im so grateful because without that opportunity, without their belief in me, I wouldnt be standing here today,' the starlet said. Demi recently stole the show in Corporate Animals, alongside Ed Helms. She is on good terms with Willis, who she raised their three girls with, and is mending relations with Ashton's new wife, Mila Kunis. On top of that, the beauty says she's shifted her priorities over the last seven years. While speaking to Gwyneth Paltrow and Arianna Huffington at the 2019 In Goop Health summit, Moore said she's now focused on her health and the people around her, rather than her career. 'My relationships are more important, and what I do comes second,' she explained at the NYC event, reports People. Inside Out will hit the stands on September 24. She been left with rave reviews since releasing her new skincare line last week. And in true form, Kylie Jenner was spotted celebrating the achievement in Los Angeles on Sunday night. The 21-year-old beauty flashed much skin in a head-turning number as she arrived in style to her dinner. Night out: Kylie Jenner set pulses racing while baring her skin for a dinner date in Los Angeles on Sunday night. She flashed much skin in the head-turning number, arriving in style to the event Kylie stunned in a mini orange number that only merely kept kept her modest. Her dress featured a low v-neck that showcased her ample cleavage before cinching in at her tiny waist. The beauty mogul added to her 5ft7in statuesque height with a pair of clear PVC $760 heels from her brother-in-law, Kanye West's line, Yeezy. Gorgeous: Kylie's brunette tresses were styled slicked back into a high ponytail which was draped over her shoulder. Supporting the family: The beauty mogul added to her 5'7" statuesque height with a pair of clear PVC $760 heels from her brother-in-law, Kanye West's line, Yeezy Kylie's brunette tresses were styled slicked back into a high ponytail which was draped over her shoulder. The girlfriend of Travis Scott ensured her glam matched her stellar look, opting for a burnt orange shadow and deep peach blush on her cheeks. The 'youngest self-made billionaire's' night out comes after she took to her social media accounts earlier in the day to share gushing reviews from fans of her latest skincare product venture. Baring all: Her dress featured a low v-neck that showcased her ample cleavage, before cinching in at her tiny waist She's a success! The 'youngest self-made billionaire's' night out comes after she took to her social media accounts earlier in the day to share gushing reviews from fans of her latest skincare product venture Not long to go: Kylie thanked her fans for their reviews of her skincare line, adding that there was a restock happening While one fan called the '$133' line a 'whole different level of skincare' others claimed they would 'never use anything else' on their skin. Kylie revealed on her account that she would be restocking the skincare collection set on June 5 while individual products would be available for purchase on June 10. In March of this year, Kylie became the youngest self-made billionaire of all time - snatching the title from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, thanks to her Kylie Cosmetics empire. The Hidden Hills, California resident owns a 100 per cent stake in Kylie Cosmetics, and also had a separate income from endorsement deals and from the Keeping Up With The Kardashians reality show. They were hit with criticism by fans who were unimpressed with the shoddy sound system at their opening show in Dublin on Friday. And Geri Horner, 46, Emma Bunton, 43, and Mel C, 45, have been building up excitement for their fans on social media as they get ready for their second show of the tour at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Monday. Revving up fans Geri, shared a snap on her Instagram taken from the show last week, where she can be seen storming the stage as she belts out vocals. Get ready: Revving up fans Geri, 45, shared a snap on her Instagram taken from the show last week, which she captioned: 'Cardiff we're coming for you!!' Proving her excitement, she wrote on the image: 'Cardiff we're coming for you!!'. Backing up Geri's sentiment, Emma posted a snap of herself from the previous show where she strutted onstage with her hands fanned out in a pair of killer heels and candy floss pink fluffy jacket. Bursting with anticipation, she captioned the offering: 'Walking into Cardiff like....... cant wait for tonight, See you there! #spicegirls #spiceworld.' Baby Spice also filmed a video of herself, where she addressed her followers. Excited: Backing up Geri's sentiment, Emma Bunton, 43, posted a snap of herself from the previous show and wrote: 'Can't wait' Dolled up: Baby Spice also filmed a video of herself, where she addressed her followers Star: Modelling her pink tresses she said: 'Cardiff we are coming for you! I cant wait for tonigt! I am nearly ready, well I dont look nearly ready but I am!' Modelling her pink tresses she said: 'Cardiff we are coming for you! I cant wait for tonigt! I am nearly ready, well I dont look nearly ready but I am!' Mel C, took to her story to share a series of snaps taken from the opening show and added text to highlight her intense feelings ahead of the show in the Welsh city. One image showed her huddled up with her band mates with an animated look on her face, she wrote on the photo: 'What fun we had.' Another snap showed her running across the stage, which she captioned: 'See you in Cardiff' and another with Geri that read: 'Let's do this.' Mel B is yet to post any pre-show messages on her social media accounts. Joining in: Mel C, 45, took to her story to share a series of snaps taken from the opening show and added text to highlight her intense feelings ahead of the show in the Welsh city Anticipation: Images showed the foursome having the best time on stage alongside messages to rev fans up ahead of their Cardiff appearance Mel B was the only Spice Girl to address the backlash to their debut tour date performance after attendees raged over sound issues which resulted in some fans walking out. Early on Saturday morning, Scary Spice uploaded a video to Instagram in which she admitted there were sound and vocal problems at the group's debut Dublin gig - and pledged to improve the sound quality for the next show. After a fresh-faced Mel, 43, shared the candid video at 6am the day after the first gig on the reunion tour as she took to the photo-sharing site to gush over their performance and thank their 'supportive' fans. Solo: Mel B was the only Spice Girl to address the backlash to their debut tour date performance after attendees raged over sound issues which resulted in some fans walking out Candid: In an Instagram video Scary Spice admitted there were sound and vocal problems at the group's debut Dublin gig - and pledged to improve the sound quality for the next show Speaking into the camera whilst lying in bed, she appeared irked as she said: 'Hey guys thank you for attending our show tonight in Dublin. 'We will see you in Cardiff and hopefully the vocals and the sound will be much, much better.' The mother-of-three then made an exasperated, and purposefully audible, sigh. While her bandmate acknowledged the sound gaffe, Geri chose to ignore the backlash to their debut tour performance as she took to Instagram to celebrate their comeback. Positive vibes only: While her bandmate acknowledged the sound gaffe, Geri Horner, 46, chose to ignore the backlash to their debut performance as she celebrated their comeback United: Ginger Spice shared a snap of herself on stage clad in a red and blue Renaissance-style gown and a shot of herself backstage walking hand-in-hand with her bandmates Ginger Spice shared a snap of herself on stage clad in a red and blue Renaissance-style gown and a shot of herself backstage walking hand-in-hand with her bandmates. She captioned the photographs, simply: 'Thank you Dublin! #welove #weserve #wecelebrate #SpiceWorld.' Mel C gushed about the girl-band's return, thanking fans for their support as she posted a fierce photograph to Instagram of herself on stage alongside her fellow Spice Girls. Thankful: Mel C gushed about the girl-band's return, thanking fans for their support as she posted a fierce photograph to Instagram She wrote alongside: 'Wow! Words cannot describe how it felt to be back on stage with @officialmelb @therealgerihalliwell @emmaleebunton last night. I love you all so much, more than ever!!! 'Thank you so much to our incredible team, their talent, dedication and relentless hard work have that made this show this best thing I have ever been a part of. 'Thank you to our wonderful fans, without you we never could have done this, we are eternally grateful for your endless support. Cant wait to do it all over again and again!!!! Watch out Cardiff were coming for you!' Amazing! Emma Bunton branded their first performance 'amazing' as she too took to Instagram to mark the Spice Girls comeback Emma Bunton branded their first performance 'amazing' as she too took to Instagram to mark the Spice Girls comeback. Next to a solo snap of herself on stage, she wrote: 'Amazing first night, thank you Dublin #spicegirls #spiceworld.' Emma also decided to focus on other positive developments rather than address the backlash received after the Spice Girls' reunion performance. Taking to her Instagram stories, the mother-of-two celebrated garnering 1million followers on the photo-sharing site, thanking fans. Mel's selfie video comes after fans who attended the first date of the Spice Girls reunion tour in Dublin on Friday voiced their disappointment, as sound problems inside the stadium meant they were unable to hear the show, and one fan even claimed they saw 'huge numbers' walking out of the show. Emma Bunton, 43, Geri Horner, Mel Brown, and Mel C, 45, delighted the crowd of around 58,000 fans with a medley of their greatest hits, and Ginger Spice even paid homage to her iconic Union Jack dress with a red and blue Renaissance-style gown. While many fans took to Twitter to share their excitement about attending the concert, others were quick to share their dissatisfaction with the Spice Girls' first performance. Raging: Many fans angrily took to Twitter to complain about sound issues during the concert, with many hitting out the venue Croke Park after spending around 100 on tickets Although fans were delighted to see the band finally reunite to kick off their tour, some took to social media to complain that sound issues meant they were unable to hear the show, with one even claiming they saw members of the audience leaving the concert. Several also bemoaned the issues given how much they had spent on the sold-out concert, with ticket prices ranging from 66 to 146. One wrote: 'Sound is so bad... v disappointing,' while another posted: 'Be great if someone could tell the sound people at Spice Girls that the audience can't hear them.' Amazing: The band finally returned to the stage on Friday, seven years after their last group performance at the 2012 Olympics A third also tweeted: 'There's something wrong when the crowd at @spicegirls concert are all sitting down because no one has a clue what song is on because the sound really is THAT bad.' 'Sound! Sort the sound out @spicegirls team. Is it the band or the sound engineer?' a fan angrily posted. Fans anticipation was rife ahead of the concert, as it was the first time the band had taken to the stage as a group in seven years. She launched her almost completely sold out Mrs. West Collection for her KKW Beauty line on Friday. And one day later, Kim Kardashian showed fans how she does her makeup using products from her makeup company for date night. The 38-year-old entrepreneur was getting ready with her hair and makeup team as she tells fans she's using the Mrs. West Collection blush and the lipstick. Ready for her close up: Kim Kardashian showed fans how she does her makeup using products from her makeup company Kim says during the video: 'Look at that blush you guys. From the Mrs. West Collection.' She is using the Mrs. West Collection sold out blush called Flower Wall; the name of the blush refers to the stunning white flower wall at her wedding in Italy on May 24, 2014. Kim continues: 'The lip is Love - the lipstick from the Mrs. West Collection - mixed with 1.5 lipliner and we're using the highlighter also.' The brunette beauty used the Mrs. West Collection Love lip lipstick over her KKW Beauty nude cream lip liner in the 1.5 tone - which is a mid-tone warm nude. 'Date night,' she adds with a kiss in the clip. Gorgeous: The 38-year-old entrepreneur was getting ready with her hair and makeup team as she tells fans she's using the Mrs. West Collection blush and the lipstick Stunner: Kim says during the video: 'Look at that blush you guys from the Mrs. West Collection' Perfection: She is using the Mrs. West Collection sold out blush called Flower Wall; the name of the blush refers to the stunning white flower wall at her wedding in Italy on May 24, 2014 Her makeup artist - Mario Dedivanovic is seen applying the makeup on her, later adding a touch of her Mrs. West Collection gloss - in the color Soulmate - to her pout. Kim sported defined brows with smokey taupe eye shadow on her lids, adding her Mrs. West Collection highlighter - in the color Forever - on her cheeks. The mother of four donned a gray pajama top with pink stitching on the pocket and her long, dark brunette hair loose around her. Wow factor: Kim continues: 'The lip is Love - the lipstick from the Mrs. West Collection - mixed with 1.5 lipliner and we're using the highlighter also' Hair stylist Chris Appleton had two barrettes in hair - to hold her hair away from her face as she gets her makeup done. Kim got ready for her anniversary date night with husband Kanye West; they celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary with a trip to Las Vegas to see Celine Dion in concert. Time to celebrate: Kim got ready for her anniversary date night with husband Kanye West, 41; they celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary with a trip to Las Vegas to see Celine Dion in concert Her new Mrs. West Collection - inspired by her own wedding makeup look - for KKW Beauty launched Friday and is almost sold out. Only three products are available on the site - the Love lipstick, the Soulmate gloss and the Forever highlighter. Everything else - which includes the full collection in its entirety for $100 - the separate palette, the lip bundle, blush and lipliner is sold out; the limited collection will not be restocked, according to Kim. She released the Mrs. West Collection in celebration of her upcoming wedding anniversary on her fifth wedding anniversary, which was Friday, May 24. Complete collection: Her new Mrs. West Collection - inspired by her own wedding makeup look - for KKW Beauty launched Friday and is almost sold out Once Upon A Time: The packaging for the new Mrs. West palette features Kim on her wedding day in the stunning Givenchy gown she sported as she walked down the aisle; pictured on her wedding day The Mrs. West Collection launched on May 24 at 12 pm PST on her KKWBeauty.com website.. The packaging for the new Mrs. West palette features Kim on her wedding day in the stunning custom Givenchy gown she sported as she walked down the aisle. Kim and Kanye were longtime friends before they finally began dating in April 2012; they got engaged on her 33rd birthday - October 21, 2013. The duo had their pre-wedding festivities in Paris, France and had their ceremony on May 24, 2014 in Fort di Belvedere in Florence, Italy. Kim stunned in a custom Givenchy dress by Riccardo Tisci. A dream: The duo had their pre-wedding festivities in Paris, France and had their ceremony on May 24, 2014 in Fort di Belvedere in Florence, Italy Fairy tale wedding makeup: The Mrs. West Collection launched on May 24 at 12 pm PST on her KKWBeauty.com website - which is her five year wedding anniversary Jude Law, 46, with new wife Phillipa Coan, 32, en route to France Film star Jude Law never fails to surprise when it comes to his love life. Just weeks after quietly marrying his psychologist girlfriend Phillipa Coan at an intimate register office ceremony in Londons Marylebone, I can reveal he has pulled off another clandestine affair. The Talented Mr Ripley star, 46, hosted a secret wedding party at the weekend to celebrate his marriage to Phillipa, 32, whom he started dating in 2015. The bash, which included a matrimonial ceremony, took place at the house owned by Laws parents, Maggie and Peter, at Vaudelnay in the Loire Valley in western France. While it had previously been rumoured that a party would take place after the small London service, no details had been confirmed. It was a very beautiful ceremony and everyone had a great time, reveals my source. Jude may have had his share of fun back in the day, but this was certainly a party hell never forget. Among the 150 guests in attendance were his children from his first marriage to former model Sadie Frost, 53, which lasted for six years until 2003 musician Rafferty, 22, who was reportedly the best man and dressed in pink trousers, Burberry model Iris, 18, who opted for a white shirt and black tie, and Rudy, 16. Law dances with his sister's daughter at the bash While Sadie was absent she was in London giving a talk on well-being Jude was joined by his artist sister Natasha and her children, as well as his parents. The actor, who has five children by three women, showed off his moves on the dancefloor until late, as guests enjoyed a live brass band and tucked into a buffet including salad and quiche. According to neighbours, Vaudelnay mayor Jean-Marcel Supiot had made a bylaw that prohibited public access to the local cemetery over the weekend because one of its walls adjoins the property of Laws family. Nothing about our relationship is an effort, Jude has said of Phillipa, but it takes a lot of effort to keep it [private]. How spiritual Idris follows new wife's lead Idris Elba, 46, has been taking part in Ramadan, the Islamic holy month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset Marriage is a steep learning curve for Idris Elba. Just weeks after his extravagant, three-day wedding to Sabrina Dhowre in Marrakesh, the 46-year-old Hackney-born actor has been taking part in Ramadan, the Islamic holy month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Model Sabrina, 29, who was raised a Muslim by her Somali parents, has been observing the tradition, which comes to an end next week. Idris shared online a photo of himself (left) in a taqiyah cap and shawl next to Sabrina. Ramadan vibes, he explains. In 2012, Elba said: I am not a religious person, but as I move forward, that is something I want to work on, my spirituality. My father always told me that a fool at 40 is a fool for life. Pardoned Conrad Black to resume seat in Lords Former newspaper tycoon Conrad Black, 74, has a new bounce in his step after U.S. President Donald Trump gave him a full pardon two weeks ago. The colourful Canada-born Briton or, to use his official title, Baron Black of Crossharbour served three years in prison in America for fraud and obstruction of justice. Former media magnate Conrad Black will return to the House of Lords after serving three years in prison Now, he has declared that he plans to spend time in the UK resuming his seat in the House of Lords. He announces to readers of his column in the National Post, the Canadian newspaper he founded: I will be in England for the next five weeks plumbing the depths of my socioeconomic status and enjoying Their Lordships House. No doubt that will include the 300 daily attendance allowance to which he is entitled. One can only imagine the warm welcome hell receive. They're due to welcome their first child in a matter of weeks. And The Bachelor's Matty Johnson and Laura Byrne are busy putting the finishing touches to their baby's nursery inside their Bondi home. In a series of videos shared to Instagram on Monday, Matty showed off several items of furniture, including a cot and changing table as well as a pram and rocking seat. The countdown begins! The Bachelor's Matty Johnson and Laura Byrne put the finishing touches to their baby's nursery on Monday, weeks ahead of their child's arrival The couple are still in the process of organising the small space where they will raise their bundle of joy. 'My contribution to the nursery... it is now complete!' Matty joked while sharing a photo of new wine glasses. The pair, who found love on The Bachelor in 2017, are expecting their first child to be born next month. Final touches: The couple are preparing a nursery inside their Bondi home Baby room: The nursery includes wooden baby furniture, including a cot and changing table 'I'm so bad at keeping secrets so I'm EXTREMELY excited to let everyone know, we are having a little baby!' Matty previously wrote on Instagram, announcing Laura's pregnancy. '@ladyandacat I love you more than words can describe and I can't wait to start our family together. WE ARE GOING TO BE PARENTS!!' Their baby news was followed by a surprise engagement last month. Oh baby! Laura displayed her bare baby bump on Instagram last month 'You are my favourite everything @matthewdavidjohnson. YES to a lifetime of love and flamboyant dance moves with you my honey,' a heavily pregnant Laura captioned a photo of her diamond ring. Matty also shared a romantic video, which showed him dropping down to one knee and popping the question at a private beach in Fiji. 'There's absolutely no one else I'd rather grow old and senile with. I can't wait to start a family together and now I can't wait to be your husband!' he wrote. Wedding bells! On April 28, the couple announced their engagement in a heartwarming Instagram post Matty recently told WHO magazine that a lot of thought and preparation went into his proposal. 'On the second night I asked Laura to come down for a photo at sunset and I put the ring box down my pants,' he said. 'I walked over and had all this stuff planned to say and then I just went totally blank. I kind of just stood there and had a couple of tears.' Jenna Dewan was spotted enjoying a sunny Memorial Day outing with daughter Everly on Monday. The actress treated her five-year-old tot, who was dressed as Princess Jasmine from Aladdin, to a piggyback ride on her back as the duo made their way down a street in Los Angeles. The 38-year-old actress looked gorgeous in a cream floral sundress which she teamed with a long nude cardigan. Doting mom: Jenna Dewan looked lovely on an outing with daughter Everly, five, in Los Angeles Shading her face from the sun Jenna donned a straw fedora and carried a crossbody handbag which perfectly matched her sweater. She gave her outfit a practical touch with some worn sneakers. Meanwhile, the former World of Dance host, recently admitted she lived with a Peruvian tribe for two weeks after her split from ex-husband Channing Tatum. The Step Up star, a self-confessed 'hippie', has revealed she got over her 'intense' 2018, which saw her divorce her husband of nine years - by partaking in healing 'rituals' which enabled her to 'connect to something greater than [herself]'. The actress teamed a cream floral mid length dress with sneakers she gave her girl a piggyback ride Aladdin fan: Everly was dressed in a princess Jasmine costume on the outing She revealed: 'It's no secret I had, like, a very intense year and a lot of change. I'm a hippie at heart. I'm sort of a seeker. I sort of like to do practices and rituals and things that sort of connect me to something greater than myself, like bigger than myself. 'Through that, I used a lot of those sort of techniques to help me through change and crazy year.' Jenna has penned the book Gracefully You: How to Live Your Best Life Every Day about her 'personal' experiences in Peru and admitted she found the whole process very 'cathartic'. Nature lover! Everly appeared to be collected some wildflowers as the duo made their way down a street Jenna, 38, shared some snaps of her little girl showing off her costume She said: 'There's a lot of personal stories, there's a lot that I go into. I went to Peru, I lived there for two weeks with this tribe. I've always been that type of person.' On writing the tome, which is released in October, she said: 'It was really cathartic and actually fun to write this.' Jenna filed for divorce from the Magic Mike XL star last October, after almost nine years of marriage. The former couple confirmed their split in April last year. Both of them have embarked on new romances, with Channing, also 38, dating British pop star Jessie J, 31, whilst Jenna is smitten with Tony Award-winning actor Steve Kazee, 43. He stars in sci-fi comedy Men in Black: International, which is scheduled to be released in Australia next month. And on Monday, Chris Hemsworth was on the campaign trail promoting the move in Bali, Indonesia. The 35-year-old greeted fans in Denpasar, signing autographs and posing for selfies at the Pan-Asian Media Summit. Doing his thing! Chris Hemsworth signed autographs and posed for selfies in Bali, Indonesia on Monday while promoting his new film Men in Black: International Looking sharp for the occasion, Chris showed off his buff physique in a light grey shirt, a grey vest and matching trousers. He also posed wearing a pair of dark sunglasses, just like the glasses he wears in the film Men in Black: International. Chris, who is based in Byron Bay, appeared in high spirits as he mingled with the adoring crowd. Leading man: Chris, who is based in Byron Bay, appeared in high spirits as he mingled with the adoring crowd Dapper chap: Looking sharp for the occasion, Chris showed off his buff physique in a light grey shirt, a grey vest and matching trousers 'I love the original franchise': Chris said that he hopes to continue the legacy of the original 1997 Men in Black film, which starred Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones Chris stars in the Men in Black reboot alongside the likes of Tessa Thompson and Liam Neeson. During his trip to Bali, he said that he hopes to continue the legacy of the original 1997 film, which starred Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. 'I love the original franchise. This is an opportunity to continue on that legacy and build something fun and entertaining,' he told Business Standard. Showing off his comedy chops! 'I love the original franchise. This is an opportunity to continue on that legacy and build something fun and entertaining,' Chris said Dream team: Chris stars in the Men in Black reboot alongside Tessa Thompson (pictured) Meanwhile, it was reported last week that Chris is set to play an undercover cop in a new comedy starring Tiffany Haddish. He will appear in the movie titled Down Under Cover, according to Gulf News. Production will commence in February, with the film having a budget of $40million. Life experiences can certainly change you. And such can be said for Abby Lee Miller, who's admitted to becoming less temperamental following prison time and cancer battle. In an interview with Us Weekly, the Dance Moms star spoke of how her life has changed, particularly with her patience. A difference: Abby Lee Miller, 52, spoke of how her life has changed, following prison time and her battle with cancer. She is seen in LA last Monday 'I don't think I get that upset over things,' she began. 'It's hard to deal with the moms, all of that's hard, but I don't fly off the handle as quickly as I did. ...And when the kids don't win, I'm like, "Yeah, but you were great."' On her Lifetime show, the dance instructor, who helped birth the careers of stars such as Jojo Siwa and Maddie Siegler, was known for her quick temper. An assault lawsuit was allegedly filed against the star in 2014. Changes: The Dance Moms star said that she thinks she doesn't 'get that upset over things' like she used to In May 2017, the reality star was convicted of bank fraud. She was given a one year and one day prison sentence, followed by a release with supervision, for two years. In April of last year, she was diagnosed with cancer, following spinal surgery. She has since been cancer-free for six months. Despite her setbacks, she's been given a second chance at life. A deep valley: In May 2017, the reality star was convicted of bank fraud. She was given a one year and one day prison sentence, followed by a release with supervision, for two years Moving forward: In April of last year, she was diagnosed with cancer, following spinal surgery. She has since been cancer-free for six months. Despite her setbacks, she's been given a second chance at life 'I feel grateful. I feel alive and thriving when I'm back in the [dance] studio and I get in my zone and I'm just doing my thing.' Abby is currently in a wheelchair, but should start walking again 'in three months.' Despite leaving Dance Moms in March 2017, she has since returned to the franchise that made her famous. The Pennsylvania native can be seen on the premiere episode of Dance Moms: Resurrection in June on Lifetime. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 27) The Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief on Monday defended President Rodrigo Duterte from backlash for his rape joke at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduation. Police General Oscar Albayalde a member of PMA "Sinagtala" Class of 1986 said that as the country's president, Duterte is free to speak his mind and no one can stop him. The President is not a stranger to vulgar remarks against women. His jokes against women first gained notoriety in 2016, when he cracked the controversial rape joke about a detained Australian missionary. There were several more sexist tirades after that, including a comment about Vice President Leni Robredo's legs and what his officials defended as a "made up" story about molesting his sleeping househelp. "Well that's up to the President. He is the President, hindi naman natin puwedeng sabihin sa kanya kung ano ang dapat niyang sabihin at hindi," Albayalde told a media briefing, referring to Duterte's joke. "That's the President of the republic." [Translation: We cannot tell him what he should and should not say.] Albayalde did not explicitly answer whether rape jokes are acceptable in the PMA, but he said it was clearly a joke and that Duterte is known to be fond of cracking jokes. "That's an obvious joke of course 'yung sinasabi niya, tapos rape with robbery with so and so pa. That's an obvious joke, in fairness naman sa ating Presidente. Probably he wants to make everybody happy or probably gusto nya tumawa ang mga tao doon," he said. [Translation: That's an obvious joke of course, what he said, even saying it was rape with robbery and so on. That's an obvious joke, in fairness to our President. He probably wanted to make everybody happy or probably wanted the people there to laugh.] The police chief shared the same sentiments as Duterte's spokesman, Sal Panelo. "He is a mischievous man, he wants to make people laugh. And the fact that people laughed at his jokes, they give a hearty laughter, means that they know that this President is joking," Panelo said. Duterte on May 26 threw a rape joke while he was in the middle of pardoning outstanding punishments of PMA underclassmen. "The number one is for rape. P*******a. Ang number two is drugs with rape with robbery. Para sa Muntinlupa 'to. Pangatlo, multiple rape of the women of Baguio, the beautiful ones," he said. [Translation: The number one is rape. Son of a b***h. Number two is drugs with rape with robbery. This one is for Muntinlupa. Third, multiple rape of the women of Baguio, the beautiful ones.] The graduating batch of cadets, whose valedictorian is a female Ilocos Native, laughed at the rape joke. Albayalde said criminal offenses are not part of the pardon being given to PMA cadets since criminal offenses are not being tolerated and may lead to their dismissal from the academy. Women's group GABRIELA slammed Duterte's latest rape joke, pointing out that he returned to the public eye after a long absence only to utter inappropriate remarks. Malacanang has tirelessly defended Duterte's sexist remarks, pointing to what it says are his "pro-feminist" policies. CNN Philippines correspondent Gerg Cahiles contributed to this report. Bill Shorten has told Labor supporters "the fight goes on" after the election loss, as Anthony Albanese looks set to replace him as leader. Factions are also meeting to decide Mr Albanese's deputy and shadow cabinet. Mr Shorten has stayed mainly quiet since Saturday's shock loss but he sent a note to Labor supporters on Friday afternoon thanking them for their support. "We're all hurting right now," Mr Shorten said in his email. "For me, the greatest disappointment is all the things a good, strong, reforming Labor government could have done for our country and for the millions of our fellow Australians who voted for us." Mr Shorten said after the "hard, raw" moments on Saturday, Labor was resilient. "The fight goes on - and Labor still needs you in the fight with us. I urge you to keep the faith, to unite behind our new leadership," he said. Queensland Labor MP Jim Chalmers withdrew from the leadership race on Thursday, leaving Mr Albanese so far unopposed for the top job. Mr Chalmers won't contest the deputy role either. Mr Albanese is confident but not complacent about becoming leader, when nominations close on Monday morning, and is promising to be tough on the government when parliament returns. "They haven't got a blank cheque, they need to be held to account by a strong opposition," he told Nine's Today program on Friday. "And we also need to be resetting our policy framework over the next three years." Victorian Labor right-faction MPs Richard Marles and Clare O'Neil are both considering a run for deputy. Labor frontbencher Tony Burke says Mr Marles has been ringing colleagues about the role for "quite some time". Labor has aimed to have a man and a woman in the leadership duo, from different states and factions. Labor equality group Emily's List called for women to be included in the two lower house and two upper house leadership positions. If there are no further nominations for leader, the Labor caucus is expected to meet as early as Wednesday to confirm its leadership team, including deputy leader and senior Senate personnel. Penny Wong is expected to remain Labor's senate leader. The Victorian Right spent Friday trying to figure out who to support for the deputy leadership. Queensland Labor MP Shayne Neumann pre-emptively argued for a spot in the new shadow cabinet, warning the party it needs a strong voice in Queensland. Victorian Left factional powerbroker Kim Carr announced he would not expect a shadow ministry role. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has told the Queensland government to "get on with it" over the Adani project as the miner vows to swing into action as soon as approvals are secured. Adani believes it will have approvals for its Queensland coal mine within three weeks, and has vowed to immediately ramp up construction. The company says it's confident it will soon be working on stage two of the Galilee Basin mine after deadlines were set for the state approvals it's been waiting on for 18 months. On Friday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Adani would know by June 13 if the environment department would approve its plans to protect an endangered finch and groundwater at its mine site. "This is good news," she told reporters, two days after stepping in to resolve the impasse. "I know initially people thought this was months, and what I'm announcing today is it's in a matter of weeks." Mr Morrison says compliance measures for the mine should be followed like any other project. "And people should have the certainty about those processes being followed and them not being delayed," he told reporters in Cloncurry, in Queensland's north, on Friday. "And so that's what should happen. They have a decision to make. They're the authority on these questions and they should make those decisions." Adani has previously accused the state government of frustrating the project by constantly moving the goal posts, but now says it's feeling encouraged. The premier ordered urgent talks on Wednesday, after federal Labor's bruising defeat in regional Queensland electorates that want Adani's jobs. She said she was "fed up" with the delays, and ordered the miner and the environment department to develop a timeline to resolve the approvals, overseen by the coordinator-general. Adani Australia CEO Lucas Dow is not expecting any problems with its plans, after spending a year and a half going back and forth with the department. "We're at the point now (where) there's no new surprises," he said. "There's some requirements the department has conveyed to us that we're updating our plans with. We expect that will satisfy their requirements in totality." He said jobs would quickly begin to flow if the department gave its consent. "Our construction activity will start almost immediately - the moment we've got those approvals." Adani supporter and Queensland LNP Senator Matt Canavan said people power had won. But Stop Adani campaigners say they won't give up and the election result wasn't a mandate for Queensland to fast-track the mine. Spokesman and Mackay Conservation Group coordinator Peter McCallum said Adani, Clive Palmer and the mining industry had used their power to "buy a federal election outcome that suits them". Adani considers the outstanding state approvals the greatest threat to its mine, but there are also some federal approvals, legal challenges and a dispute with some indigenous owners. There are other major issues to resolve too, with the coordinator-general set to release target dates to finalise a royalties agreement, Adani's plans for a rail line and other infrastructure agreements. Adani will be back before the Federal Court on Friday as some traditional owners continue their fight against the mine. They are appealing a Federal Court decision that upheld Adani's Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the Wangan and Jagalingou people. Former TV newsreader Jodi McKay will contest the NSW Labor leadership against right faction colleague Chris Minns arguing she is the party's best hope of beating Gladys Berejiklian in 2023. Mr Minns, a former ALP official and ministerial staffer, threw his hat in the ring on Thursday stating Labor needed a new generation of leader after three successive state election losses. Ms McKay announced on Friday she'd nominated because "right now I believe I can beat Gladys Berejiklian". "I believe I can win the 2023 election," the Strathfield MP told reporters in Homebush West. Ms McKay said while Mr Minns was talented she was "the best person to lead the Labor party". "I have the experience and the skills to do this. I can also unite our caucus and we have to have a stable and united team if we are to win that election in 2023," she said. Mr Minns lacks the support of some unions who remain upset by comments he made during his inaugural speech to parliament in May 2015. "Trade unions are integral to both our success and our heritage but Labor also needs to represent those who are not in a trade union," the father of three said at the time. "That will mean taking steps to reduce union control on the floor of our conference." The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union on Thursday was quick to declare it didn't have confidence in the 39-year-old's ability to unite the labour movement. Ms McKay on Friday said that, following the resignation of former leader Luke Foley and recent state and federal election losses, NSW Labor was now a "humble party". "It needs to be a party that speaks to everyone," the 49-year-old said. She took aim at Premier Gladys Berejiklian for leading a coalition government which "has a price on everything but values nothing". "Her government is a hollow government, a government that is transactional, a government that has sold assets built up over generations for a quick financial fix," Ms McKay said. The Strathfield MP promised to make education a key priority and said she wanted to see a sustainable community and jobs for young people. Ms McKay was the member for Newcastle between 2007 and 2011 when she lost her seat. She returned to Macquarie Street at the 2015 election in the seat in Sydney's west. She was forced on Friday to deny a suggestion - that's dogged her for more than a decade - that she once planned to run in Port Stephens as the Liberal Party candidate. The idea was "offensive", she said, adding: "I've been a member of this (Labor) party for a very long time, I have Labor values that I will never sway from, so I can categorically deny that." Nominations for the leadership closed on Friday afternoon. Interim leader Penny Sharpe has held the top job since Michael Daley stepped down following Labor's resounding defeat in the March state election. A leadership spill is required following a defeat under the party's rule. A ballot of both the caucus and rank-and-file members will be held with both blocks given equal weight. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the return of three Australian children whose father died fighting for Islamic State is being treated carefully to prevent the plan from being compromised. The children, aged eight to 12, lived with their parents in Melbourne before the family went to Syria in the early days of the conflict, The Australian reports. Their father was killed in battle and their mother died in unknown circumstances. "I'm not going to go into a commentary on what are very sensitive matters," the prime minister told reporters in Cloncurry on Friday. "These are issues that really do fall under the banner of national security in how they're handled, and I don't want to put at risk or compromise the safety of anyone. "It's a very sensitive matter and we will continue to manage it very carefully and it's important that we don't compromise anything." The children are believed to be in a Syrian refugee camp, with authorities working to get them to Lebanon or Iraq to be flown back to Australia. Mr Morrison says he won't be risking the safety of Australian officials in order to return the children. They are among 70 Australians, mostly women and children, believed to be in Syrian camps. A spokeswoman for the government said national security would always be a priority, and anyone presenting as Australian at an embassy would undergo rigorous checks. A controversial plan to boost rock lobster supply in Western Australia has collapsed, and the state government and industry are blaming each other. The industry reacted angrily in December when the WA government proposed increasing the total catch and taking control of 17 per cent. When the government backed down in February, proposing a 315 tonne rise instead of 1700 tonnes, with none state controlled, the Western Rock Lobster Council agreed. But after consulting members, the council abandoned the deal because only 50 per cent supported it, Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly said. He said the plan would not have reduced lucrative lobster exports, but tripled domestic supply, which could have fed a new international lobster festival, and pleased tourists and locals who currently pay eye-watering prices. "If the industry is not able to agree on how it is going to be done, then at some point, the process has to come to an end," Mr Kelly told ABC radio. "It's very disappointing. There might have been some mistakes made by government early on but we thought we had pared this back to the bare minimum." Western Rock Lobster Council chairman Terry Lissiman said the state government pulled the pin on complicated discussions. "We were shocked and surprised," Mr Lissiman told the broadcaster. He said the industry wanted to cooperate but insisted any proposal was carefully thought through, fearing the impact of a sudden supply surge on prices. The WA Nationals said the minister was "throwing the baby out with the bathwater" and urged Premier Mark McGowan to take over negotiations. The opposition said the industry had long supported boosting local supply but the state government didn't give it time or support to resolve its concerns. The Australian Hotels Association said the plan's failure was disappointing for consumers. Air quality in parts of Sydney have reached "hazardous" levels as smoke and fog blankets the city, again prompting health warnings. The combination of fog and residual smoke from hazard reduction burns in the Blue Mountains earlier this week caused visibility issues on Friday morning, particularly in Sydney's west. "It's due to a lack of wind being able to move some of that air out and the wind has been trapped in the basin," Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Chris Ryan told AAP. Conditions are expected to slowly change over the coming days as a tropical front moves over the southern parts of NSW, Mr Ryan said. Some parts of Sydney's east and northwest recorded "hazardous" air quality on Friday morning, including Richmond, Macquarie Park and Lindfield. Authorities are urging older people, children, and anyone with heart or lung disease to avoid exercising outdoors and stay inside as much as possible. Everyone else is advised to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. The NSW Rural Fire Service said no additional fires have been lit in the past 48 hours and no further burns are scheduled in Sydney on Friday. The heavy fog at Windsor affected some train services on the western and north shore lines. Likely new Labor leader Anthony Albanese says he "will consider" supporting the federal coalition's entire tax plan, after previously flagging support for the initial stages. The opposition has indicated support for the first part of the plan geared toward low and middle-income earners, but not the government's aim to flatten the tax structure in 2022 and 2024 under the second and third stages of its plan. But that could change if Mr Albanese is confirmed as leader, after nominations officially close on Friday. "We will consider that, but let me tell you - it is a triumph of hope over experience and reality that the government knows what the economic circumstances are in 2025 or 2023," Mr Albanese told Nine's Today program. "We'll give consideration to it, that's a matter for our proper processes." If Labor resists the plan the coalition may have to consider splitting up its tax cuts, if it can't get them through the Senate without the opposition's support or the backing of crossbenchers. Finance Minister Mathias Cormann has ruled this out. "No, we will not split the bill. It is a holistic plan, it is a plan to provide income tax relief to all working Australians," he told Sky News. "Labor should back our plan to provide income tax relief to all hardworking families around Australia. Obviously the Australian people endorsed that plan. "It can't be taken apart, it can't be dealt with in bits and pieces, it will be put to the parliament as a whole." Actor Geoffrey Rush will receive $2.9 million from the Daily Telegraph after he won his defamation case against the Sydney newspaper but he would have accepted just $50,000 if it came with an apology. Justice Michael Wigney in April found the Daily Telegraph's publisher, Nationwide News, and journalist Jonathon Moran were reckless regarding the truth when they reported Rush had been accused of inappropriate behaviour during a Sydney theatre production of King Lear. The judge said a poster and two articles contained several defamatory meanings - including that Rush was a pervert and a sexual predator - but the publisher hadn't proven they were true. Following an agreement between the parties, the judge on Thursday awarded Rush $1.98 million for past and future lost earnings. Justice Wigney had previously awarded the Oscar winner $850,000 in general and aggravated damages plus $42,300 interest. But Rush's barrister, Sue Chrysanthou, revealed on Thursday in the Federal Court that the actor had offered in early 2018 to settle the case in exchange for $50,000 plus costs and an apology. She said Nationwide News didn't respond. The Telegraph and Moran instead tried to prove a truth defence at trial, based largely on the evidence of Rush's former co-star, Eryn Jean Norvill, who didn't participate in the 2017 articles. She alleged Rush sexually harassed her during the Sydney Theatre Company's King Lear production in 2015-16 when she played the daughter of his titular character. Justice Wigney ultimately said Norvill was at times "prone to exaggeration and embellishment" and he wasn't persuaded she was an entirely credible witness. Norvill later said she stood by her testimony. Nationwide News and Moran are appealing Justice Wigney's defamation decision arguing his conduct "gave rise to an apprehension of bias". More than $1.8 billion will be poured into Victoria's prisons as the state's inmate population swells after a tightening of bail laws. The bulk of the funds will go towards an additional 1650 prison beds, mostly for male prisoners, and a new maximum-security jail at Lara, near Geelong, expected to be finished in 2022. Monday's state budget will also include $237 million for the women's prison system, and $6 million for planning a new custody and courts complex near the city's Melbourne Assessment Prison, Corrections Minister Ben Carroll said. "On the back of the abolition of suspended sentences, the bail and parole reforms, we are seeing an unprecedented number of prisoners in our system," he told reporters on Friday. Nearly $43 million would go towards programs aimed at keeping women, particularly Aboriginal women and those with mental illness, disabilities or cognitive impairments, out of prison, the minister said. "We're wanting to make sure we have the best reintegration and rehabilitation programs because 99.5 per cent our prisoners are released. And we want to make sure that when they are released, they come out with a vocational qualification or job ready," Mr Carroll said. Opposition corrections spokesman, David Southwick, criticised Labor for playing catch up with the state's prison population and said the extra beds should be able to be built more cheaply. The government's 2019/20 budget, to be released on Monday, also includes $50 million to rebuild Melbourne's iconic St Kilda pier, with a penguin viewing area. "St Kilda Pier is a popular spot for visitors during summer and special place for locals year-round," Ports and Freight Minister Melissa Horne said. "This upgrade will give the community more green space, safer swimming spots and protect the local penguins." The Andrews Labor government first revealed plans to replace the 50-year-old pier ahead of the November state election. Construction is due to start in 2020 and designs have been finalised. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Melbourne's deadly 1980s Russell Street bombing is not linked to an abduction and rape the night before, a former detective believes, despite the two events having offenders in common. Two men connected to the car bomb outside a city police station on March 27, 1986 have been charged with the sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman the night before. Craig Minogue, 56, is serving a life sentence in prison for the bombing, and 61-year-old Peter Michael Komiazyk was convicted but later acquitted. When Komiazyk faced court on Thursday night, it was revealed the 19-year-old victim was reportedly inside the police station reporting her assault at the time of the bombing. The revelation has fuelled speculation of a link between the two events. But retired Victoria Police officer Gary Ayres, who was part of a task force investigating the bombing, has dismissed this. "I don't think that the rape has got anything to do with the bombing," he told ABC radio in Melbourne on Friday. "That was well-planned that bombing and if my information is right that young lady was abducted the night before the bombing. It was all preconceived before then." Mr Ayres was asked if he believed the bombing could have been designed to disrupt investigations into the rape. "In my opinion, no - you could argue that the bombing was done because they were going to do an armed robbery on a bank later on in the afternoon, which they did," he replied. The former officer confirmed the men charged over the bombing had a deep-seated hatred for police and had been investigated over other crimes, but not sexual assaults. "Certainly armed robberies. Some pretty vicious armed robberies on country hotels and then they started on banks in Melbourne," Mr Ayres said. Komiazyk and Minogue are both charged with 38 offences related to the abduction and aggravated rape of the 19-year-old and another girl, 18, in 1985. Komiazyk was denied bail and is due back in court on Friday. The court was told another man convicted over the Russell Street bombing, Stanley Brian Taylor, who's now dead, was also connected to one of the rapes. Minogue is due to face court over the abduction and rape allegations on June 14. A NSW man accused of taking part in a sex romp on the back seat of a Hunter Valley bus has been placed in a secure mental health unit. Ryan Jones, 23, of Windale, allegedly had sex on the bus as it travelled between Charlestown and Warners Bay in the Lake Macquarie region on a Friday morning in late March. Legal aid lawyer Keppie Waters said she'd been unable to discuss the police brief of evidence against Jones because he was in the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre's mental health unit. MRRC staff had refused to allow her to visit Jones while he was in the unit, Ms Waters told Newcastle Local Court on Thursday. Magistrate Robert Stone agreed to adjourn the case to May 30 to give her time to try to speak to Jones. Jones is facing six charges including behaving in an offensive manner on the bus between 10am and 11am. He allegedly performed a sex act on his female partner and participated in other sexual activities on the back seat of the bus. Jones has also been charged with assault after he allegedly told the bus driver "I'm trying really hard not to spit on you" before he went ahead and spat on him. Police have previously said Jones, who had been on parole at the time, spat at the driver after he ordered the couple to stop having sex and booted them off his bus. Jones' alleged sex partner, 31-year-old Wonder French, also from Windale, is due to appear in Belmont Local Court on June 5. She has been charged with offensive behaviour, inciting the commission of crimes, using offensive language and travelling on the bus without a ticket. Jones, who's unemployed and homeless, is accused of travelling on the bus without a valid ticket, intentionally or recklessly damaging property, affray and stalking. He has pleaded not guilty to the offences. Warriors veteran Blake Green has no doubt Brisbane will single out Kodi Nikorima for special attention in a fascinating sub-plot to Saturday's NRL clash in Auckland. In the same breath, Green warns the visitors to be wary of the new attacking dimension, and results, the former Broncos halfback has brought to the Kiwi club this month. They've gone from four straight losses to consecutive wins, with Nikorima's incisive wider running game providing a key point of difference. The 25-year-old New Zealand international made eight tackle busts in last week's 30-10 dissection of Penrith, more than he managed in any of his 86 appearances for Brisbane across five seasons. Green is convinced Nikorima is revelling in a "freestyler" role, unshackled from the extra responsibilities bestowed on him at the Broncos. "That's probably one of the reasons he decided to come to our footy club, because he didn't have to worry about steering people around and wondering about what tackle it is, what the clock is," said Green, who owns those responsibilities at the Warriors. "He can just get out there and play footy and we'll get him the ball in the right part of the field at the right time and he can do his thing." Nikorima's speed is comparable to that of fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, leaving Green with what he says is the obvious task to put either of them in space or one-on-one with a tired defender. However, he expected the Broncos to be cognisant of the threat posed by their former halfback and to target his defence ruthlessly. "I've got a fair idea of what's going to come at him, I think he'll get a fair bit of attention," Green said. "But he's really experienced. He's played Test matches, he's played in some big games for the Broncs. He'll know how to handle the occasion." Nikorima was looking forward to his first game at Mt Smart Stadium and insisted he was less nervous about facing his former club than he was ahead of his Warriors debut, when he played in the Magic Round at his former Suncorp Stadium home venue. The Warriors and Brisbane boast the same 4-6 record and are coming off successive wins. The Broncos have arguably been more impressive in dispatching Manly and the Sydney Roosters, with a number of their State of Origin candidates finding a vein of form. STATS THAT MATTER * The Broncos are chasing back-to-back wins at Mt Smart Stadium for the first time since 2000. * All four of the Warriors wins this season have come when surpassing 25 points. Otherwise they've lost. * Brisbane's average team running metres (1464m) and post-contact metres (488m) are both second-best in the league behind the Roosters. Logie Award nominations will be announced on Sunday at the new home for Australian TV's night of nights on the Gold Coast. Hosted by Richard Wilkins and Sarah Harris, the ceremony at the Star Casino will reveal the shortlist of nominees and who's in the running for the prestigious Gold Logie Award. Australians had a chance to cast their vote in the "Most Popular" categories, including best actor and actress, and the award for most popular personality on Australian TV. Last year Grant Denyer was the surprise winner of the 60th Gold trophy following a last-minute campaign run by comedian and Hard Quiz host Tom Gleeson. A Current Affair's Tracy Grimshaw was expected to win the award but Gleeson started the #denyerforgold campaign. For the second time the awards ceremony will take place in Queensland on June 30, after the Victorian government offloaded the event. Melbourne had played host to the glamorous evening for most occasions since 1959, but said it no longer represented value for money. Last year the change of location reportedly prevented some stars from attending, while TV personalities including Channel Nine host Karl Stefanovic protested the move. But Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate remains enthusiastic. "Last year we rolled out the red carpet in true Gold Coast style and proved we're the perfect host for Australian TV's night of nights," Mr Tate said in a statement. Forcing religious leaders in Western Australia to reveal knowledge of child sex abuse risks "interfering with the free practice of the Catholic faith" and will be ineffective, Perth's Catholic archbishop says. The state government plans to expand mandatory reporting laws to include religious leaders such as priests, ministers, imams, rabbis, pastors and Salvation Army officers. The laws already apply to doctors, teachers, nurses, midwives, police and school boarding supervisors. Archbishop Timothy Costelloe said plans to remove legal protections around the confidentiality of religious confessions would cause "great concern and distress" to many people of faith. While everyone supports their goal to protect children from sexual predators, many will question whether the proposed laws will achieve that, Archbishop Costelloe said in a statement on Thursday. "The absolute freedom and confidence to reveal the depths of our shame and sorrow to God in order to experience his mercy in a truly human way through the ministry of the priest requires that there be no possibility of self-incrimination before the law. "To threaten priests with prosecution if they remain faithful to this foundational teaching of the church is to run the risk of interfering with the free practice of the Catholic faith." Archbishop Costelloe said it seemed very unlikely that child abusers - who were notoriously unrepentant - would come to confession. Those convicted under WA's mandatory reporting laws face a maximum fine of $6000 and were likely to be banned from working with children. The US cannot give Australian companies any guarantees they won't be hit when a trade deal is finally reached with China. At the moment, Australian firms are benefiting from the trade tensions between the two great nations, with China seeking other sources for commodities like LNG and beef to avoid new US tariffs. Australian beef exports to China have risen by about 50 per cent over the past year, while the country has drastically slashed its LNG imports from the US and companies down under hope to fill that gap. But there are no assurances the Americans would consider the flow-on effects for their allies should they guarantee a level of imports in any deal with China. "I'm not sure it's my specific role or even the role of the United States to give those kind of assurances you're looking for," acting assistant secretary of state W Patrick Murphy told reporters in Canberra on Friday. Nevertheless, he doubted much would change America's strong economic relationship with Australia. "We also share similar values and that's awfully critical in a healthy trading relationship," he said. "Those key elements, I think, will help this trade and economic relationship ride through uncertainties that might emerge based on other relationships." US President Donald Trump was on Thursday lauding a trade deal struck with Japan to open up beef exports to that market. "First time ever. So, beef is now going to be starting to flow to Japan. And our folks that do beef, they are very much happy... It's happening fast," he told reporters in Washington. Japan is Australia's largest overseas market for beef, with the US second and China a close third. Mr Murphy said he understood people's uncertainty about the "pretty rigorous trade negotiations" but denied there was anything arbitrary in the way the US was acting and the outcomes it would pursue. "I think it's safe to say that all parties concerned hope for a good, positive conclusion," he said "We're keen to ensure this is both a free and a fair trading relationship (with China). "That does not as a matter of policy undermine our trading relationships with other countries." Papua New Guinea's prime minister has told a court he's never been an Australian citizen amid questions about his eligibility to hold office. Attorney-General Alfred Manase this week launched a probe into the citizenship of all 111 sitting members of PNG's parliament after outspoken opposition politician Bryan Kramer alleged PM Peter O'Neill held dual Australian citizenship through his Melbourne-born father. Dual citizens are not eligible to serve as members of the Pacific country's parliament. O'Neill's lawyers on Thursday submitted an affidavit saying he had never been an Australian citizen and did not hold an Australian passport. The prime minister has also asked for a court order preventing Kramer from continuing to make what he calls defamatory statements. Kramer has said he will only provide proof in court or parliament next week. The claims come after the embattled O'Neill this month managed to delay a vote of no confidence by adjourning parliament until next Tuesday. The opposition plan to oust O'Neill, in office since 2011, came after a series of defections from his party. A convicted killer who stabbed another man to death in a Sydney shoes and accessories shop in broad daylight has been jailed for at least 20 years. Douglas Johnson, 44, was found guilty by Justice Stephen Campbell in February of the murder of David Morrison, 41, with a short-bladed knife in a Campsie store in June 2017. He was jailed on Friday for 26-and-a-half years with a non-parole period of 20 years, the judge noting Johnson had a "baseless suspicion" his victim was stalking him and it was "pure coincidence" they were in the same place that day. "He was completely unable to control his violent impulses involving the use of a knife to obtain redress in respect of, in this case, an imagined grievance," Justice Campbell said in the NSW Supreme Court. Johnson was also convicted of assaulting Mr Morrison's friend, Scott Campbell, immediately after the murder. The judge said Mr Morrison was "at least known to the offender by sight" and likely due to previous encounters. Evidence before the judge-alone trial established Johnson's partner and Mr Campbell both attended the same methadone clinic in Campsie on the day of the murder. "For no good reason whatsoever, the offender, and apparently his partner, jumped to the baseless conclusion Mr Morrison and Mr Campbell were stalking them with the intention of ambushing the offender," the judge said. He said Johnson strode into a shoe shop "bent on confronting" Mr Morrison and uttered words to the effect of "Are you conspiring against me?". Johnson then produced the knife and thrust it twice into Mr Morrison's left pelvic and upper thigh region, severing the 41-year-old's femoral artery. He punched Mr Campbell before walking briskly out of the shop. Johnson was 18 when he fatally stabbed 25-year-old Peter John Miller in the upper back as he made his way home from a Newcastle hospital in June 1993. Mr Miller had received stitches there for three non-fatal knife wounds earlier inflicted by Johnson during a fight that broke out between the pair, who were known to each other, while they were drinking heavily with a group. Johnson made admissions in a police interview that he'd intended to kill Mr Miller, apparently motivated by some personal animosity. He was convicted and jailed for the murder and released on parole under strict supervision in 2015. On Friday, Johnson's second murder sentence was backdated, meaning he'll eligible for parole from September 2037. WHAT'S NEXT FOR MORRISON GOVERNMENT? EVENTS * Swearing in of ministry (expected next week) * Finalising of election result (by June 28) * PM to attend G20 leaders' summit in Osaka, Japan (June 28-29) * Opening of 46th parliament (expected in July) RESTRUCTURE * 'Congestion busting' in the public service, with cuts to most departments and agencies, and an easing of red tape for business and investors * Appoint a national youth suicide prevention adviser in the prime minister's portfolio * Establish a national plan for indigenous suicide prevention * Appoint a National Rural Health Commissioner to train rural doctors * Create a ministerial advisory council for each new free trade agreement * Create an Office of the Pacific * A new National Agricultural Labour Advisory Committee * Establish the National Water Grid, a new statutory authority for planning and management of water policy POLICY * Income tax cut plan to be put to parliament. Coalition is insisting it must be passed as a whole, but Labor doesn't support longer-term changes * Rolling out energy policy which delivers lower prices, more reliable power and cuts to carbon emissions * Establish the first home loans deposit scheme * Fund 30 new headspace centres for youth mental health * Establish 10 training hubs in regional areas to connect industry and schools * Expand the youth jobs PaTH program and the transition to work service * Extend the Keys2drive program - free theory and practical lessons for learner drivers and their supervisors - for a further two years until 2023 * Support the pilot of a road safety course for year nine students * Establish five rural-based university medical school programs in the Murray-Darling region of NSW and Victoria * Create the Institute for Regional, Rural and Remote Health and Medical Research * Create a program for more clinical trials in rural and regional Australia * A referendum for an Indigenous Voice to parliament, after communities are consulted for an appropriate model * Establish a program to provide perinatal support * Introduce new laws to toughen penalties for online abuse and harassment * Review the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act * Introduce a NDIS participant service guarantee and a seven per cent employment target for people with disability across the public service by 2025 Australian and American partnerships are vital to ensuring small Pacific countries have options as they grow, a senior US State Department official believes. Acting assistant secretary of state W Patrick Murphy says these smaller countries are vulnerable to the vagaries of international markets and corruption because their institutions are still developing and, in some cases, fragile. "We're very keen ... to help countries protect their sovereignty and their independence, to have alternatives, viable alternatives and options to meet their development needs, their infrastructure needs, their nation-building needs," acting US assistant secretary of state W Patrick Murphy told reporters in Canberra on Friday. China has been pursuing greater economic and diplomatic ties in the region, financing growing numbers of development projects. It committed almost $A2.5 billion to Pacific nations in the decade to 2016, the Lowy Institute estimates. But America is hearing from countries that have taken Chinese loans they are now finding the small print of the contracts leads to more debt than anticipated, concerns about interference and no local economic benefits. US ambassador to Australia Arthur Culvahouse has previously said his country has grave concerns about what it sees as "payday loan diplomacy" by China. Pacific governments now owe about $A1.9 billion in concessional debt to China, Reuters reported on Wednesday. The US isn't seeking to match China dollar for dollar, preferring instead to enter into partnerships with like-minded countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Japan to help out. An example is the push to connect 70 per cent of Papua New Guinea's population to electricity over the next decade with investment from the four larger nations. Mr Murphy said China was a big, growing and well-resourced country that was engaged around the world. But it must adhere to international law, standards and well-accepted practices in financing development projects and infrastructure if it wants to be accepted. "We've seen ample evidence where it's not adhering," he said, citing corruption and state direction of private companies in the telecommunications sector as an example. The US has just banned Chinese company Huawei from selling phones and other products in America without government approval due to national security concerns. "China could be a contributor in telecommunications if it wasn't going about business the way it does, directing its own companies and with undue influence, and threatening the integrity of systems around the world," Mr Murphy said, referring to Pacific development projects. Australia is the major donor to Pacific nations and in November the government announced a so-called step up in the region with an extra $A3 billion for infrastructure and stronger strategic ties. The reliance on temporary beds to accommodate the rising number of prisoners in NSW is putting the safety of inmates and staff at risk, an audit has found. The state's prison population grew by about 40 per cent between 2012 and 2018, according to a report by the NSW Auditor-General published on Friday. To cope with the demand, the NSW Department of Justice has doubled-up and tripled-up the number of beds in prison cells and reactivated previously-closed jails. But relying on these measures is inefficient and over a long period contributes to prison crowding, the audit found. "It has increased risks to staff and prisoner safety, and timely inmate access to prisoner support services and programs," the report said. "In addition, the cost per prisoner per day increased over the past two years." Growing prisoner numbers have coincided with an increase in assaults between inmates and on staff, as well as waitlists for key programs. The report criticised the NSW government's response, noting the department had advised it of the impact of rising prisoner numbers in 2013 but did not receive significant funding until 2015-16. But a spokeswoman for NSW Corrections pointed to multi-million dollar spends on the prison system by way of counterpoint. Among them, a $330 million spend over four years on rehabilitation programs to reduce recidivism which began in 2017. "High intensity program units" now focus on domestic and violent offenders as well as units for the specific needs of Aboriginal and female inmates, the spokeswoman added. The spokeswoman also pointed to slight reductions in the levels of assault over the last two years. "We continue to monitor and review procedures to improve safety for staff and inmates," she said. The report acknowledged the department's strategy to respond to the long-term projected growth in the prison population - three versions of which have been endorsed by the government - but also that "it has yet to be funded". "DOJ should continue to highlight the urgency of this issue until it is addressed, as it prevents planned actions to improve system efficiency and effectiveness," the audit recommended. The government in 2016 announced a $3.8 billion program to provide immediate, medium and long-term capacity - and within 18 months two rapid-build dormitory style prisons were delivered. The government spokeswoman pointed out that spend created more than 1000 new beds; 400 at the Macquarie Correctional Centre and 400 at the Hunter Correctional Centre along with "recommissioned" existing facilities. But, with the extra capacity mainly in regional NSW, the department still projects a shortfall in capacity in the Sydney metropolitan region from 2022, the audit found. "This audit identifies that the NSW government has been advised on the risk that the NSW prison system will not be able to effectively accommodate the projected inmate population in the medium to long-term," the report said. "While funding has been provided to address immediate and short-term needs, DOJ has forecast that longer-term growth will exceed the additional capacity that this funding has provided." It recommends the government "settle" its objectives to deal with the forecasted growth and invest accordingly. Clare O'Neil wasn't even supposed to be elected in 2013. Six years later she could be Labor's deputy leader. The 38-year-old won the Victorian seat of Hotham, in Melbourne's leafy east, after she was a last-minute replacement for local councillor Geoff Lake. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd stepped in to dump Mr Lake as a candidate just before the election, after comments he made about another councillor 11 years earlier resurfaced. Labor had to pick a new candidate days before nominations closed, and the then 32-year-old was flung into the fray. As the youngest woman to be elected as a mayor in Australia's history, Ms O'Neil was a rising star in Labor circles. She joined the party at 16 and the first MP she met was Simon Crean, whose seat of Hotham she took in 2013. At 23 she was elected mayor of the City of Greater Dandenong when her fellow councillors picked her in a ballot. "I think they recognised it's good for the city to have something a bit fresh and a bit different," she said in March 2004. Ms O'Neil studied at Harvard in the United States on a scholarship, and later worked for management consultancy firm McKinsey and Company. She also spent nine months living in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory in 2011. In her first speech to parliament, she talked about how her grandparents were held back from success by economic disadvantage. "For the growing parts of our economy, the old lines of labour and capital have all but disappeared," she said in September 2013. "Working people - more than two million of whom now own their own businesses, and almost all of whom are shareholders - know that a fair society needs a strong economy, and that means businesses that work. "The big thinkers in Australian business also know that government is essential to helping them succeed." Ms O'Neil was named Labor's justice spokeswoman after the 2016 election, and was promoted to the financial services portfolio in June 2018 as the banking royal commission was taking off. She pushed for the royal commission to be given more time to hear from victims, and for lawyers to help people who banks have ripped off. Before she was on the Labor front bench, Ms O'Neil introduced a private members bill into parliament in a bid to ban the importing of products tested on animals. As one of the few prominent women in the lower house from Labor's Right faction, Ms O'Neil is now in the frame for a senior role. Murat Davsanoglu claimed to love Ozlem "Ozzie" Karakoc but in the end he was just another man who killed a woman to get what he wanted. Supreme Court Justice Lex Lasry made the damning assessment as he jailed Davsanoglu on Friday for 23 years for the murder of his on-and-off partner of almost two decades. The 44-year-old must serve at least 18 years behind bars for the killing he admits was the result of his unwillingness to accept her engagement to another man and desire to move on from him. "This is yet another case of a man inflicting his will on a woman by the use of fatal violence in her home," Justice Lasry said, slamming violence by men against women as an epidemic that "simply must be stemmed". Davsanoglu sat emotionless in the dock as his fate was revealed to a full courtroom, including Ms Karakoc's family and his own. Three weeks after Ms Karakoc engagement, she and Davsanoglu met for the final time at her Dandenong home, in Melbourne's east. Just after midnight on July 14, 2017, as her young daughter slept in the next room, Davsanoglu held the 34-year-old under water in the bath with his full body weight. She struggled, kicking and scratching him, desperate to survive. "The means by which you caused her death must have been terrifying for her and required a significant degree of force," Justice Lasry said. He then partially dressed her body, put it in his car and left, abandoning Ms Karakoc's then six-year-old daughter. Davasnoglu spent the next three days driving Ms Karakoc's body back and forth across state borders. He drove to Murray Bridge in South Australia, back to Melbourne's west, then back to South Australia. He'd planned to drive to the Nullarbor to dump Ms Karakoc's body in the ocean - claiming it was what she wanted - but eventually returned home and left it in the garage. Davsanoglu told his family what he'd done, claiming he "lost it" but had tried to kill himself. He handed himself in to police three days after the murder, telling them she'd died in a suicide pact between them. Police and prosecutors didn't buy it and he was charged with murder. At trial, Davsanoglu took the witness stand to defend his actions as those of a man unable to carry out his end of the pact. But when prosecutor Diana Piekusis SC turned to questions about leaving Ms Karakoc's daughter to wake up without a mother, Davsanoglu cracked. After a pause, he admitted: "I just snapped that night, ok, that's it". "Pardon?" Ms Piekusis replied. "I just snapped that night and that's it," Davsanolgu said. He said he was angry she'd moved on and killed her because he was losing her to another man. Justice Lasry himself sought to clarify the shocking revelation after such an adamant denial. "So there was no suicide pact on that night?" he asked. "Not on that night, no," the killer replied. It's unusual for a murder accused to testify and rarer still, to confess while in the witness box. Davsanoglu's then barrister, John Desmond, who specialises in homicide cases, said he'd never experienced it in more than 30 years at the bar. Justice Lasry told Davsanoglu he found it difficult to know if the guilty plea that followed was a sign of remorse. Ms Piekusis revealed at a pre-sentence hearing he'd written to prosecutors, asking to change his plea. He also wrote a letter to Ms Karakoc's devastated family, including her now 10-year-old daughter. Outside court, Ms Karakoc's cousin, Seren Ozerkan, slammed him as remorseless. "He never loved her. If you love someone why would you do that, why would you take away an innocent life?" she said. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Former prime minister Bob Hawke will be honoured at a state memorial service at the Sydney Opera House on June 14. "Bob was a political giant and a national icon - it is fitting that a public celebration of his life will be held at such an iconic and beloved Australian venue," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a statement on Friday. The event will be televised from 11.30am and free tickets to attend will be available from noon on May 29 via the Opera House website. Scott Morrison has paused to pay tribute to a trailblazing relative during a trip to outback Queensland. The prime minister travelled for hours across the north-west of the state, checking in on cattle farmers recovering from drought. Driving through the small town of Cloncurry on Friday, his convoy came to an unexpected stop outside a cemetery. Mr Morrison climbed out of the car and bound through the gates, flanked by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and a handful of bureaucrats. The search party set out through the graveyard to track down a small sign on a metal stake. There lay the ashes of Dame Mary Gilmore - Mr Morrison's great, great aunt. "She was a communist - I'm not kidding," the conservative prime minister told a travelling companion. "She was the first female employee of the Australian Workers Union - she wrote for the Australian Worker as a journalist." Dame Mary - the female face of the $10 note - is one of Australia's most celebrated writers. "She was a great journalist ... but she was a better poet," Mr Morrison said. As a young school teacher in 1895, Dame Mary had moved to the "New Australia" commune in Paraguay. She and her husband William then lived throughout Argentina shearing sheep, before earning enough money to return to Australia. She later settled in Sydney, while her husband returned to a station east of Cloncurry, with their son eventually joining him there. Dame Mary used the platform of a popular column to campaign for women, pensioners, the poor and indigenous people. Mr Morrison's father - a beat cop in King's Cross - dropped in on her apartment most days. "She died down in Sydney but wanted her ashes scattered up here with Billy," the prime minister said. Her ashes were interred with the grave of her son and husband following her death in 1962. Sydney police are investigating if a garbage truck was involved in an incident which has left a man clinging to life in the city's west. An ambulance was called to Lalor Park before 11am on Friday where they found a man with serious lower leg injuries. He was taken to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition. A police investigation assisted by the crash investigation unit then led officers to a garbage truck depot in Rooty Hill. They spoke with a driver and took him to Riverstone Police Station to be interviewed. The incident comes a year after garbage truck driver Ian Juurik ran over and killed a homeless man sleeping in Bourke Lane in Redfern. The driver mistook the victim - 31-year-old Mathew Hayne - for a pile of blankets. Mr Juurik was cleared in early April 2019 of negligent driving causing death. Magistrate Jennifer Giles at the time noted garbage collectors were faced every day with "the disgraceful waste problem of affluent Sydney flooding the streets". Rushing to get a central Queensland quarry operating was a key factor in the death of a young worker pulled into a conveyer belt that did not have the required safety guarding, a court has heard. Sean Scovell, 21, died at MCG Quarries' South Moranbah site in June 2012, six months after it was rushed into operation by managing director William McDonald, who prevented planned commissioning work taking place. McDonald was sentenced in Brisbane Magistrate's Court on Friday to 18 months' jail, with 12 months suspended, but immediately bailed pending an appeal against his sentence for multiple charges of failing health and safety obligations. More than half of the Northern Territory's massive 1.4 million sq km area will be open to hydraulic fracturing of onshore gas under the Gunner Labor Government's plans. The NT Government released its proposed fracking "no go zones" in a report on Friday. The first exploration fracking by petroleum companies such as Origin Energy and Santos in the gas-rich Beetaloo Basin is expected to occur in just over a month . There are currently 15 NT locations where petroleum exploration or production including the controversial practice of fracking cannot occur. That includes obvious locations such as Uluru and Kakadu National Park and the four largest towns including Darwin and Alice Springs. However dozens of other significant areas are not yet formally blocked from gas exploration, such as the MacDonnell Ranges, Tiwi Islands and Mataranka with its famous hot springs. Those areas would be part of the Territory Government's proposed "no-go zones", representing 654,900 sq km or 48.44 per cent of the Northern Territory. The report comes more than a year after the Labor government lifted its own two-year ban on fracking, following a divisive debate between opponents who say it will threaten water supplies, and supporters who say it will create jobs An independent report by Justice Rachel Pepper found then that the risks associated with fracking of gas deposits could be managed and regulated. "The plan would protect the environment, create jobs and ensure the government and industry were transparent and accountable, Primary Industry and Resources Minister Paul Kirby said. Traditional landowners will also be able to veto fracking under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act over and above the government. However some Aboriginal groups want fracking on their land because of the economic gains, such as providing jobs which is a key problem in remote Indigenous communities. About 50 per cent of the land in the NT is Aboriginal land and 85 per cent of the coastline. Twelve people have been arrested over an alleged drug trafficking syndicate in Melbourne's southeast. Anti-bikie taskforce police raided eight properties in Keysborough, Cranbourne North, Springvale South, Mulgrave and Dandenong North on Tuesday into the secret drug ring. Officers seized heroin, ice, cannabis, precursor chemicals, cash, a motorcycle, jewellery, pistols and tasers during the raids. Nine people were arrested during the raids. Another four properties were raided in Narre Warren South, Dandenong North and Springvale South on Thursday, with more cash found. Three more men were charged with drug offences. Eleven of the men and women have faced court and one person is still expected to be charged on summons. The investigation is ongoing. Australian Sara Zelenak was stabbed seven times and slashed twice, but she died nearly instantaneously when the first blow to her neck severed her spinal chord in the London Bridge attacks, an inquest has heard. The 21-year-old and fellow Australian Kirsty Boden, 28 - along with six others - were killed when Khuram Butt, Rachid Redouane and Youssef Zaghba used a van to run down dozens of people on the bridge on the night of June 3, 2017. They then stabbed dozens more with ceramic kitchen knives in the nearby Borough Market. Pathologist Dr Ashley Fegan-Earl on Friday told an inquest into the deaths that the Queenslander, who was one of the first people stabbed, tripped and fell while running away from the attackers. He said Ms Zelenak was stabbed just below her left ear with the knife severing through her C1 vertebra and spinal chord, immediately cutting her control of her heartbeat and breathing. "That is without doubt the fatal injury," Dr Fegan-Earl told the inquest The pathologist said after the Australian's brain stem was severed she was stabbed another six times and slashed twice as she lay on the ground. Ms Zelenak was also stabbed in the neck again with the knife fracturing her jaw and slashed on the back of her neck. She was also stabbed in the left side of her chest with so much force that the knife cut her left rib in two. A stab wound to her left side on back went all the way through skin and muscle and scoring her left shoulder blade. Ms Zelenak also had two superficial knife wounds in her waist. She was also stabbed in her upper left thigh, with the knife passing right through to the other side She had a slash wound to her lower left leg, which passed through skin and muscle to score her fibula bone Dr Fegan-Earl noted that she had no defence wounds commonly seen in stab victims, despite the fact she was a young and fit lady. He said that indicated she was already dead from the first blow and would not have felt any pain from the other injuries, which were not fatal. "In my view it would have caused near instantaneous death," Dr Fegan-Earl said. "The basic functions of life are controlled in that area." Canadian Christine Archibald, 30, Frenchmen Xavier Thomas, 45, Sebastian Belanger, 36, and Alexandre Pigeard, 26, Briton James McMulln, 32, and 39-year-old Spaniard Ignacio Echeverria were also killed in the attack. Ms Archibold and Mr Thomas were hit by the van with the others all stabbed to death. Another 48 people were seriously wounded, while all three attackers were shot dead by police at the scene. Telstra has been issued a warning by regulators after failing to consult with residents before installing a base station on a rooftop in Canberra last year. The Australian Communications and Media Authority said on Monday that Telstra breached the rules by not fully complying with its consultation plan, not sending a letter to all interested parties and not acknowledging a written complaint within 10 days. Telstra told the ACMA that its supplier, Kordia Solutions Australia, notified some neighbours before installing the base station at 10 Binara Street in July 2018, but failed to notify the residents of an address on Bunda Street after a planner mistook it for an office building. The resident emailed Kordia to complain but didn't receive a response, the ACMA said. "Telstra has taken steps to avoid such problems occurring in future, including reviewing its contractor complaints handling procedures and implementing regular training," ACMA said. Telstra has been approached for comment. Chinese tech giant Huawei is seeking its own mobile operating system and processors in the face of a US ban President Donald Trump on Thursday for the first time linked a dispute over telecom giant Huawei, which he views as a threat to American security, with a deal to resolve the US-China trade war. "Huawei is something that is very dangerous," Trump told reporters at the White House. "You look at what they've done from a security standpoint, a military standpoint. Very dangerous." That notwithstanding, Trump said there is a "good possibility" Washington will reach an agreement with Beijing to end the escalating trade conflict, and that "it's possible that Huawei would be included in a trade deal." The two sides have hardened their stands over Huawei, with the US blacklisting the smartphone and telecommunications company over worries that China uses it as a tool for espionage, while Beijing has accused Washington of "bullying" the firm. Trump's comments directly contradicted statements from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who said just hours earlier that Huawei and the trade issue were not linked. In an interview on CNBC, Pompeo stressed that there are two separate elements: "the national security component" and efforts "to create a fair reciprocal balanced trade relationship between the two countries." "I hope that we can keep those issues in their own place. We have an imperative to protect American national security. We have a need to make sure we get these trade rules right," Pompeo said. Pompeo also rejected Huawei's statements about its relationship with China's government and said any data touched by the company is "at risk" of falling into the wrong hands. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Huawei is lying about its ties to the Beijing government and that any data it touches is at risk "To say that they don't work with the Chinese government is a false statement," Pompeo said. Huawei "is deeply tied not only to China but to the Chinese communist party." China had already drawn a link between the two issues, accusing the US of "bullying" Huawei. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday warned that Beijing was ready to "fight to the very end" in its trade war with Washington. "The US use of state power to arbitrarily exert pressure on a private Chinese company like Huawei is typical economic bullying," Wang said. - Japanese, British firms respond - US lawmakers appeared to rally around Washington's position with a bipartisan proposal to help telecom networks remove Huawei as they upgrade to 5G systems. The bill is aimed at preventing "companies subject to extra-judicial directions of a foreign adversary to infiltrate our nation's communications networks," said Democratic Senator Mark Warner. Factfile on China's Huawei, including revenues, core business areas and patent applications Companies around the world were scrambling to comply with the US blacklist, which would prevent them from supplying American technology components or software to Huawei. Japan's Panasonic was the latest to announce it would suspend transactions with Huawei. But when asked for a response, Huawei pointed to a statement on Panasonic's Chinese website that said the firm was supplying Huawei "normally." Japanese firm Toshiba said it had resumed shipping products to Huawei hours after announcing a temporary halt to check whether US-made parts were involved. Major Japanese and British mobile carriers said this week they would delay releasing new Huawei handsets as a result of the US sanctions. In the US, equipment makers Inphi Corp, Qorvo, Neophotonics and Rogers Corp. all said they would see lower sales due to the Huawei sanctions. - 'National emergency' - US President Donald Trump's moves seen as targeting Huawei came days after he increased tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods Last week, Trump declared a national emergency to bar US companies from using foreign telecom equipment deemed a security risk -- a move seen as targeting Huawei. The Commerce Department also announced a ban on US companies selling or transferring technology to Huawei, though it later issued a 90-day reprieve. Google said it would cut off Huawei devices from some services on the Android operating system. Huawei has since indicated that it could roll out its own mobile operating system this year in China and internationally next year. Analyst Richard Windsor, who writes the Radio Free Mobile tech blog, said Huawei's prospects without Google are limited. "Whatever alternative Huawei comes up with for Google's digital ecosystem is extremely unlikely to be able to prevent an almost complete loss of market share in markets outside of China," Windsor said. burs-rl/hs/wd A police file photograph of "American Taliban" John Walker Lindh (left) from 2002, and a picture from when he was a student at a madrassa in Pakistan before he was captured in Afghanistan in 2001 John Walker Lindh, the US Muslim convert who came to be known as the "American Taliban" after being captured while fighting in Afghanistan in 2001, was released Thursday after serving 17 years in a federal prison. The US Bureau of Prisons confirmed his early morning release from the federal high security prison in Terre Haute, Indiana. His lawyer Bill Cummings told CNN that 38-year-old Lindh, suspected by some of still harboring radical views, will settle in Virginia under strict probation terms that limit his ability to go online or contact other Islamists. President Donald Trump said he was unhappy about the release but that government lawyers had told him there was no legal way to keep him in prison. "We'll be watching him and watching him closely," Trump told reporters. "What bothers me more than anything else, here's a man that has not given up his proclamation of terror. We have to let him out," he said. "Am I happy about it? Not even a little bit." US Secretary of State and former CIA director Mike Pompeo denounced his release, noting a CIA officer died in an uprising of a group of prisoners Lindh was captured with in 2001. Lindh is "still committed to the very jihad that he engaged in that killed a great American and a great officer," Pompeo said on Fox News. - Plans unknown - Known as "Detainee 001" in the US War on Terror, Lindh's early release on a 20-year sentence has resurrected memories of the September 11, 2001 attacks, when he became for many Americans one of the faces of the jihadist threat against the United States. But his release also underscores that, almost two decades later, the US remains mired in a fight with the Taliban with no end in sight. There was no information released about Lindh's plans, other than that he will settle in Virginia, the state abutting the US capital Washington. His family, which lives near San Francisco, California, remained silent Thursday. The release comes amid concerns that Lindh may not have abandoned support for hardline Islamist thinking while incarcerated. In a letter this week to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, two senators asked how his alleged threat would be contained, citing unproven allegations that he "openly" supports extremist violence. "We must consider the security and safety implications for our citizens and communities who will receive individuals like John Walker Lindh," they said. A person believed to be "American Taliban" John Walker Lindh is seen leaving the Terre Haute, Indiana Federal Correctional Complex early in the morning on March 23, 2019 The quiet son of a middle-class couple, he converted to Islam at age 16 and travelled to Yemen in 1998 to study Arabic. After returning home for several months, Lindh went back to Yemen in 2000, and then on to Pakistan to study further in a madrassa, or religious school. In mid-2001, ostensibly drawn by stories of the mistreatment of Afghans, he enlisted in the Taliban's fight against the Northern Alliance. After the United States intervened in Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks, Lindh was one of hundreds of Taliban fighters captured by Northern Alliance forces on November 25. He revealed his American identity to two CIA officers. One of them, Johnny Micheal Spann, was killed in a prisoner revolt hours after he interrogated Lindh, making him the first American killed in post-9/11 conflict in Afghanistan. While Lindh had no role in Spann's death, his case became politically and emotionally entwined with it. Lindh was quickly charged with multiple counts of terrorism and conspiracy to kill Americans, with politicians and generals demanding the death penalty. But in July 2002, he pleaded guilty to much-reduced charges of illegally aiding the Taliban and carrying weapons and explosives in the commission of that crime. - Remains a devout Muslim - By most accounts, Lindh clung firmly to Islam throughout his imprisonment. He spent years with a few dozen other Muslim prisoners in the Communications Management Unit of the Terre Haute prison, where their contacts with outsiders, media and information were tightly controlled. An internal 2017 report from the US National Counterterrorism Center, obtained by the Foreign Policy website, said Lindh "continued to advocate for global jihad and to write and translate violent extremist texts." The claim was not supported by any public evidence. \ But Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens, a researcher at the George Washington University Center for Extremism, says that while in prison Lindh became close to Ahmad Musa Jibril, an Arab-American who, since his 2012 release, has preached an extremely conservative version of Islam that is popular among jihadists. - Restrictions on internet use - John Walker Lindh (second left) in January 2002 when he was accused of being a traitor and supporting terrorism. He later pleaded guilty to illegally aiding the Taliban He will face extremely tough conditions in his three-year probation. Lindh, who gained Irish citizenship while in prison, cannot obtain a passport or travel abroad. He can only possess or use an internet-capable computer or phone with official permission, and the device has to be monitored continuously by authorities. He will also remain under tough scrutiny from a society where many believe he should be imprisoned for life. Botswana says lifting the ban will not threaten the elephant population Many conservationists on Thursday reacted with anger over Botswana's decision to lift its blanket ban on hunting, describing it as a "horrifying" move, though others backed the idea. Botswana fended off criticism of its decision to end the five-year ban, saying the move would not threaten the elephant population. A government statement said the cabinet had been influenced by the "high levels of human-elephant conflict" and its "impact on livelihoods". "Predators appear to have increased and were causing a lot of damage as they killed livestock in large numbers," it said. "The general consensus from those consulted was that the hunting ban should be lifted." A blanket hunting ban was introduced in 2014 by then-president Ian Khama, a keen environmentalist, to reverse a decline in the population of wild animals. But lawmakers from the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) have been lobbying for the policy change, saying wild animal numbers have become unmanageable in some areas. Environment minister Kitso Mokaila said the government had found itself in the firing line over the decision. "We are trying to come up with solutions and yet we seem to be the guys that are targeted for abuse," he said, adding that many lives had been lost. "Conservation is in our DNA," he told reporters in Gaborone. The London-based Humane Society International said "the horrifying decision... will send shock waves throughout the conservation world" Much of the controversy has focused on elephant hunting, as landlocked Botswana has the largest elephant population in Africa, with more than 135,000 roaming freely in its unfenced parks and wide open spaces. The London-based Humane Society International said "the horrifying decision... will send shock waves throughout the conservation world." "Resuming... hunting is not only morally questionable and flies in the face of all international efforts to protect these giants, but it will also likely damage Botswana's hugely valuable tourism industry." But the minister said "we have never been reckless and we will never be reckless. Our responsibility to conservation has not changed." A deputy director in the ministry, Cyril Taolo, said the resumption of hunting was not "intended to reduce our elephant population" and that there was an annual quota to hunt 400 animals a year. "We will ensure hunting is done ethically," he said. - 'A political move' - President Mokgweetsi Masisi took over from Khama last year and a public review began five months later, with reports suggesting growing political friction between Masisi and his predecessor. Botswana is renowned as a luxury safari destination "This is a political move and not in the best interests of conservation in Botswana," Jason Bell of the US-based International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) said. "Elephants are being used as political scapegoats, but at a huge cost. "Hunting will do nothing to alleviate human-elephant conflict." But Botswanan groups said hunting would help local communities as trophy hunters pay large sums to shoot an animal. "We are very happy that hunting will be back," Amos Mabuku, chairman of the Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust, told AFP. "The people were the ones who had been bearing the brunt of co-existing with these animals -- we have lost brothers, we have lost our crops, we have lost our cattle due to this. "Livelihoods are dependent on the revenue from trophy hunting... controllable hunting, not poaching." Some experts say the number of elephants in Botswana has almost tripled over the last 30 years The WWF said that its policy was that "scientific evidence has shown that trophy hunting can be an effective conservation tool as part of a broad mix of strategies." - Rising numbers - Some experts say the number of elephants in Botswana, renowned as a luxury safari destination, has almost tripled over the last 30 years, and that the population could now be over 160,000 -- around a third of the entire African population. Villagers at the scene of an elephant trampling in which a man died Tom Milliken, a consultant with TRAFFIC, an international charity on trade in wild animals, said trophy hunting could support rural areas. "Sport hunting does get revenues going back to local communities and if we hope to maintain large landscapes for species like elephants we need to have the goodwill of local communities." Many of Botswana's elephants roam across borders into Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. All four countries have called for a global ban on elephant ivory trade to be relaxed due to the growing number of the animals in some regions. Whether or not President Donald Trump yelled during a row with Democrats at the White House, his relations with the opposition party appear to be at a nadir Democratic congressional leader Nancy Pelosi on Thursday said Donald Trump is angry that her party is not rushing to impeach him, as the relationship reached new lows with the rivals trading crude personal barbs. It was the second straight day of a very public war of words between Trump and the speaker of the House of Representatives, who earlier questioned the president's mental fitness for office and expressed hope that those close to Trump would stage an intervention "for the good of the country." Trump responded by branding Pelosi "crazy Nancy," in what appeared to be the first time he ascribed a pejorative nickname to the woman who is his congressional nemesis. The back-and-forth attacks are highlighting the bitter feud that has swelled since the release last month of the special counsel's report on Russian interference in the 2016 US election. According to Pelosi, Trump's strategy is to get his opponents to commit themselves to impeachment -- a process that would almost certainly pass in the House, and then fail in the Republican-controlled Senate, ultimately energizing Trump's core voters during his re-election bid. "The White House is just crying out for impeachment," she told journalists. Trump is "disappointed" that the Democrats are holding off for now, Pelosi said, even as they intensify congressional investigations into the president's links to Russia and his alleged obstruction of justice -- probes that Trump is trying to block. "It may take us to a place that is unavoidable in terms of impeachment or not, but we're not at that place," she said. Under pressure from the congressional probes, Trump on Thursday ordered the US intelligence community to "fully cooperate" with an investigation into what he has termed "spying" on his 2016 election campaign. According to Trump, court-approved surveillance of his campaign's links to Russians amounted to "spying." He has even called the probe treason and indicated he would like to see criminal charges brought against his investigators. Pelosi, who repeated her charge that Trump was engaged in a "cover-up," goaded the president, declaring that she was praying for him and that she wished "his family or his staff or his administration would have an intervention for the good of the country." - 'Extremely stable genius' - Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said her party was not yet ready to pull the trigger on impeachment proceedings, especially as President Donald Trump seemed to want such an outcome as part of his re-election strategy Trump responded with demeaning accusations, branding her "crazy Nancy" and questioning her mental fitness. "She's not the same person," he told reporters at the White House during a prolonged rant. "She's lost it." Trump watched Pelosi during their meeting "and she was all crazy with the hands and everything," he said, waving his arms around for emphasis. "She is a mess." The remarks came in a week of legal setbacks for Trump, including a federal judge's ruling that a House subpoena of Trump financial records was lawful. "I think what really got to him was these court cases and the fact that the House Democratic caucus is not on a path to impeachment, and that's where he wants us to be," Pelosi said Thursday. A day earlier Pelosi and other Democrats came to the White House to discuss infrastructure, only to have the president abruptly cancel the talks and proclaim there could be no progress on policy issues until Democrats end their "phony" investigations. Pelosi said Trump threw a "temper tantrum" at the meeting, pounded his fists on the table and then stormed out. Trump vehemently disputed the account, and during his press event Thursday took the unusual step of calling separately on five aides to defend their boss's behavior. "Very calm," said Kellyanne Conway, counselor to the president. "They said you were fuming, temper tantrum, rage. It's a lie." The president went so far as to praise himself as "an extremely stable genius," a line that swiftly boomeranged back at Trump in the form of a withering Pelosi tweet. "When the 'extremely stable genius' starts acting more presidential, I'll be happy to work with him on infrastructure, trade and other issues," she posted on Twitter. - Impeachment indecision - Several Democratic lawmakers and 2020 presidential contenders are eager to move forward with impeachment proceedings, citing what they say is Trump's obstruction of justice and refusal to respect congressional oversight powers. But there are concerns among senior Democrats that the impeachment tactic could backfire, energizing Trump's base ahead of the 2020 election. Asked directly if he was seeking that outcome, Trump was cautious. "I don't think anybody wants to be impeached," he said, while expressing confidence that American voters would see the process as "a bad thing for our country." Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who is close to Trump, said Democrats had hoped the Mueller report would sink the president and that they still haven't given up. "After two years of a political rectal exam, nobody's been looked at more than Trump. They found nothing," Graham told Fox News late Wednesday. Democrats insisting on impeachment "is just political revenge, (and) it's going to blow up in their face." Shane Lin and Marc Yuan were the first to register for marriage in Taipei Taiwan made history on Friday with Asia's first legal gay weddings as same-sex couples tied the knot in jubilant and emotional scenes, the culmination of a three-decade fight for equality. The weddings, which came a week after lawmakers took the unprecedented decision to legalise gay marriage despite staunch conservative opposition, places Taiwan at the vanguard of the burgeoning gay rights movement in Asia. Some dozen couples were among the first to arrive at a government office in downtown Taipei to legally register their relationships as marriages. They embraced and kissed in front of the gathered press before proudly holding aloft their wedding certificates and new identity cards listing each other as spouses. Gay marriage worldwide Among those tying the knot were social worker Huang Mei-yu and her partner You Ya-ting. They held a religious blessing conducted by a progressive Buddhist master in 2012 but longed for the same legal rights granted heterosexuals. "It's belated, but I'm still happy we can officially get married in this lifetime," Huang told AFP after signing her marriage certificate, clutching a bouquet and beaming. Legal recognition of their love, she said, was a crucial step and might help others accept their relationship. "Now that same-sex marriage is legally recognised, I think my parents might finally feel that it's real and stop trying to talk me into getting married (to a man)," she said. Shane Lin and Marc Yuan, who fell in love at college, were the first to register. "It's not been an easy journey and I'm very lucky to have the support of my other half, my family and friends," Lin told reporters through tears. "Today I can say in front of so many people that we are gay and we are getting married. I'm really proud that my country is so progressive," he added. - Long fight for equality - Taiwan made history last week when it became the first place to legalise gay marriage in Asia, home to 60 percent of the world's population. Veteran rights activist Chi Chia-wei filed the court case that led to legalised marriage But the issue has caused deep divisions on an island that remains staunchly conservative, especially outside of the cities and among the older generation. More than 500 same-sex couples registered their relationships on Friday, according to local authorities, including around 130 in the capital Taipei which boasts a thriving and vocal gay community. The city hall hosted an outdoor wedding party at the foot of the famous Taipei 101 skyscraper with dignitaries from Canada, Spain and Britain giving speeches welcoming Taiwan into the handful of liberal democracies that have legalised same-sex marriage. For veteran gay rights activist Chi Chia-wei -- dressed in an eye-catching red suit with a rainbow headband -- Friday's registrations were the culmination of a three-decade fight to persuade successive governments to change the law. It was Chi who eventually petitioned Taiwan's Constitutional Court leading to a 2017 judgement that denying same-sex couples the right to marry was unconstitutional. Facing an imminent court deadline, parliament finally passed a bill last Friday allowing same-sex couples to form "exclusive permanent unions" and another clause that would let them apply for a "marriage registration". "I feel very happy that same-sex couples can finally register and be listed as each other's spouse. I am honoured to witness Friday's marriage registrations," Chi told AFP. - Conservative pushback - In the last decade Taiwan has become increasingly progressive on gay rights with Taipei hosting by far Asia's largest pride parade. Taiwan made history when it became the first place in Asia to legalise gay marriage, sparking jubilation on the streets of Taipei But the issue has polarised society. Conservative and religious groups mobilised after the court ruling and comfortably won a series of referendums last November in which voters comprehensively rejected defining marriage as anything other than a union between a man and a woman. Conservative lawmakers put forward rival bills that offered something closer to limited same-sex unions but those measures failed in parliament. However, the new law still contains restrictions not faced by heterosexual couples. Same-sex couples can currently only adopt their partners' biological children and can only wed foreigners from countries where gay marriage is also recognised. Gay rights groups say they are willing to accept partial equality for now in the hopes of winning later legal battles over issues such as adoption, surrogacy and marrying foreigners. Opponents have vowed to punish President Tsai Ing-wen and the lawmakers who supported the gay marriage law at January's elections when Taiwanese will elect both a new president and a new parliament. "We encourage the people to stand up in next year's elections to unseat all politicians who violated and trod on public opinions and the referendums," anti-gay marriage group the Coalition for the Happiness of Our Next Generation said in a statement. China was a major market for US soybean farmers, but exports have virtually halted amid the year-long trade war President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled a new $16 billion aid package to help farmers caught in the crossfire his trade war with China. "The farmers have been attacked by China," Trump told reporters at the White House. "We're going to help out our farmers and we're giving them that level playing field that is so important." Trump again claimed that China is paying the 25 percent tariffs he has imposed on $200 billion in imports, which economists agree are paid by businesses and consumers. "Some of that money will go to the farmers to help them out during a period where trade has been very unfair to them," Trump said. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said the bulk of the funds will go to direct payments to crop and livestock producers, while a small portion will be used to purchase food to use in US aid programs like food banks and school lunch programs. "The plan we are announcing today ensures farmers do not bear the brunt of unfair retaliatory tariffs imposed by China and other trading partners," Perdue told reporters in a conference call. "Farmers would rather have trade than aid but without the trade they are going to need some support." Trump's aggressive tariff strategy, especially against China, has drawn stiff retaliation from Beijing and others designed to hit the United States where it hurts: farm country. Soybeans and pork have been primary targets, but many other crops have suffered directly or indirectly. Soybean exports to China fell 75 percent in 2018, according to Commerce Department figures. The Trump administration ramped up the aid from the $12 billion provided last year but officials said they increased and redesigned the program this year to make it easier to understand. There were high hopes early this month that a resolution with China was within striking distance but that optimism largely evaporated when Trump said Beijing had backed away from commitments considered already settled. - Not playing by the rules - He more than doubled existing punitive tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods, and threatened to hit all the goods that had been spared so far. US President Donald Trump says tariffs on Chinese goods will help pay for a $16 billion program to support farmers hurt by the trade war "China hasn't played by the rules for a long time and President Trump is standing up to them, sending the clear message that the United States will no longer tolerate their unfair trade practices," Perdue said. The US Department of Agriculture will calculate damage done by the retaliation, and officials said the first of three payments is expected to go out in July or August. The officials did not indicate the expected size of the payments, but Perdue said the aid will be "heavily skewed" towards the first payment, while the others will depend on the market and the status of the trade talks. But reaching an agreement now "depends on China." USDA officials said the amount each farmer receives will be based on the damage calculated to each US county, with equal payments made to all farmers based on the acreage planted, regardless of crop, to prevent distorting planting decisions. Crops covered include alfalfa, barley, canola, corn, lentils, rice, peanuts, chickpeas, sorghum, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat. Dairy and pork producers, as well as growers of cherries, cranberries and nuts, also will receive support, officials said. Robert "Bobby" Long was accused of raping and killing at least eight young women in 1984 A serial killer was put to death on Thursday in the US state of Florida, 35 years after he raped and killed at least eight young women in the Tampa Bay region. Robert "Bobby" Long, 65, was executed at 6:55 pm (2255 GMT) at the Florida State Prison in Raiford, the state's Department of Corrections said. "The execution took place without incident," Michelle Glady, the department's director of communications, said in a statement. He was sentenced to death in September 1985 for killing a woman the year before. During the investigation, he confessed to killing seven others as well as to committing multiple rapes, according to the execution order. The then recently divorced father of two began his violent spree in early 1980s. He first chose his victims from the classifieds section in local newspapers. He contacted women who were selling items, went to their homes and raped them before fleeing. That earned him the nickname of "classified ad rapist." In 1984, Long started murdering. Over the course of eight months, he kidnapped at least as many women, tied them up, raped them, choked them or slit their throats before abandoning their bodies. He kidnapped a 17-year-old girl who was returning home on her bike in September of that year. After raping her repeatedly, she managed to convince him to let her go, and later notified police. Since his sentencing, Long made several failed appeals. His last request, filed with the Supreme Court, failed as well. His lawyers had highlighted that their client suffered from epilepsy, along with other reasons to stay his execution. They said the cocktail of lethal drugs would fail and could cause Long to suffer cruel and unusual punishment, in violation of the US Constitution. Long's execution was the eighth so far this year in the United States. Damion Flower had been a regular fixture at Sydney's racetracks, as he owned one of Australia's most in-demand stallions Australia's horse racing industry was reeling Friday after a high-profile owner was charged with being part of a syndicate smuggling cocaine on commercial flights from South Africa. Damion Flower, a regular fixture at Sydney's racetracks, was arrested at his home in the city on Wednesday. An airport baggage handler was also arrested. Both have been charged with six counts of importing a commercial quality of drugs. Another man linked to the plot was seized last month. If convicted, they face life in jail. Flower did not apply for bail when he appeared in court on Thursday. The 47-year-old shot to prominence as the owner of Snitzel, a Group 1 winner that has become one of Australia's most in-demand stallions. Group 1 are the highest class of thoroughbred racing. He owns or part-owns some 50 horses, including some with well-known figures -- such as Australian rugby league great Phil Gould. "I just can't believe it. I am hoping it's not true. I've been sick all day," the Sydney Morning Herald cited Gould as saying. There is no suggestion that Flower's co-owners knew anything about his alleged criminal activities. Australian Federal Police Superintendent Brad Edgtton said it had been "a complex, multi-layered investigation". "These arrests demonstrate trusted insiders who are allegedly willing to abuse that position of trust are on our radar," he added. Police say the Sydney airport baggage handler used his airside access to collect more than 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of cocaine from the holds of commercial flights. The drugs were then allegedly passed to two other men, including Flower. Some Aus$8 million (US$5.5 million) in cash was seized at a property linked to the baggage handler, police said. The battle for Tripoli has affected more than 122,000 Libyan students, forcing the closure of schools in conflict-hit areas around the capital and the suspension of the academic year The fight for control of Libya's capital is depriving tens of thousands of pupils of their education, with high school students displaced by the violence fretting about their future. "We've fallen behind... and I don't even know where we will sit our final exams or how they will calculate my grades," said Mayar Mostafa, a teenager in her last year of high school. Mostafa said the fighting has forced her and her family to flee their home in a southern Tripoli suburb, while her school has shut its doors. All this has left her "psychologically stressed out", she lamented. Mostafa is among those who are living in limbo -- not knowing when they will be able to resume their studies to salvage the school year, or when life as a whole might return to normal. On April 4, strongman Khalifa Haftar launched an offensive to seize the capital Tripoli and unseat the internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). More than 75,000 people have been driven from their homes in the latest fighting and 510 have been killed, according to the World Health Organization. More than 2,400 have also been wounded, while 100,000 people are feared trapped by the clashes raging on the capital's outskirts. Fighting between Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army and forces loyal to the GNA continues to rage south of Tripoli, and the UN envoy has warned of a "long and bloody war". - Schools shelter displaced - Mostafa remembers the day the fighting erupted, saying she was woken by "the deafening sound of machine-gun fire and cannons". "We had to flee our home in the midst of a decisive school year," she said. "I was planning to go to university next year... Now I don't know my fate". Some schools in Libya have been turned into shelters for families displaced by weeks of fighting According to the UN's agency for children, UNICEF, the fighting is "directly affecting some 122,088 children". "The academic year has been suspended in all schools in conflict-affected areas, and seven schools are currently sheltering displaced families," UNICEF said last month. It noted that an "attack on an education warehouse destroyed 5 million schoolbooks and national school exam results" in April. In many schools classes are suspended because teachers have been trapped by fighting and are unable to reach work. According to Rachad Bader, the head of a crisis cell set up by the Libya's education ministry, "most schools in Tripoli have remained open", despite the violence. "But that is not the case for schools in Ain Zara and Abou Slim" in the southern suburbs of the capital, he said. These "are the areas hardest hit by the military operations," Bader added. "I hope that the fighting will stop soon, otherwise we will have to look for alternatives for displaced children so that they won't have to loose their school year," he said. - Catching up - The education ministry has given time off to teachers and students for the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan which began on May 6, hoping that by the end of that period fighting will have abated. Meanwhile, in areas of Tripoli spared by the conflict, teachers have banded together to give free remedial classes during Ramadan to students displaced by the violence. Libyan teachers are giving free lessons to students displaced by the fighting to help them catch up "It is generous on their part, knowing that they have sacrificed their Ramadan holiday to help us catch up," said Mostafa, who along with 25 other students is taking maths classes. "We are really grateful for their help in such difficult times," she said. But she is still afraid that she will not get good grades in her final exams. English teacher Gofran Ben Ayad says the impromptu teaching initiative is key for the students. "What is remarkable is that most of these students are brilliant and have shown that despite the psychological trauma they have suffered and their forced displacement, they are still able to learn," she said. Ahmad Bashir said he found out about the catch-up lessons through the internet and "didn't waste time" in registering for classes. "My high school -- the Khaled Ben al-Walid in Ain Zara -- has been closed for six weeks, and this is a decisive year," he said. "I don't know what my future will be like after this war," added Bashir, who like Mostafa is in his last year of high school. He hopes the education ministry "will be understanding" in the timing of end-of-year exams, and take into account the plight of displaced students. China's government has poured money into an effort to develop its own semiconductors and chip designs but has not been able to close the gap with US, Japanese and South Korean rivals China's president has called for technological self-reliance in the escalating rivalry with America, but experts believe Beijing's late start on tech and relatively backward capabilities could make that a mission impossible. China has no doubt made an amazing transformation, from a former basket case wracked by mass famine and political upheaval to a highly connected society marked by growing use of renewable energy, a space programme, and bullet trains criss-crossing the country. But a closer look reveals that while China is adept at assembling foreign technologies into commercially successful products at home, its ability to innovate remains deeply hampered, tech experts said. Take semiconductors, the building blocks of the global digital architecture. China's government has poured money into an effort to develop its own semiconductors and chip designs but has not been able to close the gap with US, Japanese and South Korean rivals. "One way to look at (China's situation) is that someone may be able to make beautiful designs out of Legos, but they don't know how to make the Legos themselves," said Gabriel Chou, Asia chair for World Semiconductor Trade Statistics, a grouping of semiconductor-product companies. "(China) is aggressively attacking the end-market, such as mobile phones or other consumer products. But semiconductors require many very fundamental science skills" that China struggles with, Chou added. The risks are now clear following last week's move by Washington to ban Chinese telecom and smartphone giant Huawei's access to critical American chips and other technology. The ban has thrown the company's future into doubt, causing a number of Huawei partners around the world to bail on the company and emphatically illustrating US tech clout. - Long March - President Xi Jinping this week telegraphed his alarm, calling for self-reliance in "key core technologies" while saying China faced a "Long March" against foreign challengers -- a reference to a now-legendary 1934-35 strategic retreat by Communist revolutionaries. But a state-directed approach is a bad idea, said Paul Triolo, head of geotechnology at the Eurasia Group. While China is adept at assembling foreign technologies into commercially successful products at home, its ability to innovate remains deeply hampered Triolo said the world's top tech companies got where they are because open competition with rivals forced them to develop better products and attract the best human capital. And being plugged into the world tech ecosystem encouraged them to constantly tailor products to evolving market needs to stay ahead of the pack -- or die. "It's incredibly hard to wean yourself off foreign suppliers in such a highly market-driven sector where you must be on the cutting edge, and that edge is constantly changing and moving outward," Triolo said. The very idea of national self-reliance flies in the face of reality, he adds. Different countries have excelled in different areas and focused on their core competencies to survive, leading to a complex and interconnected global supply chain. "The US has a lot of dominance, but there are other big players too. China simply can't be an island and recreate a whole globalised technology ecosystem at home," Triolo said. "To reduce dependence they will have to take a different paradigm from the rest of world and that's tough. It's not something money is going to solve over the short-term." - Software glitch - Software is another glaring weak spot. As in the rest of the world, there is no viable alternative in China to Microsoft and Apple on personal computing systems -- or to Google's Android or Apple's iOS on mobile phones. US companies also dominate the Chinese landscape for enterprise software. The United States suspects Huawei has ties to China's military and fears the company's installation of telecom networks worldwide could put sensitive data at risk. Huawei denies the charges. But Chinese software shortcomings leave Huawei vulnerable even on these global networks -- the company relies heavily on US software to power them, Triolo said. "A database has to be really robust and no company in China can do that database software," he said. China could nonetheless be a formidable player in next-generation technologies like artificial intelligence, driverless cars and automated manufacturing. Xi's government has singled out such futuristic technologies for state development -- a programme partly responsible for triggering US pushback on tech. "We believe China is in a commanding position to become a far more influential player in disruptive technologies globally," said Kenny Liew, a tech analyst with Fitch Solutions. He adds that the US-China tech rivalry "will contribute positively to the global technological landscape." burs-srb-dma/lth/gle Since 1989 rebel groups have been fighting some 500,000 soldiers deployed in Indian Kashmir Government forces in Indian-administered Kashmir killed a top militant who pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda, officials said, describing his death as a major blow to militancy in the disputed territory. As the news of Zakir Musa's death spread Thursday night hundreds of protestors spilled out on the streets and clashed with government forces in many areas, including in the main city of Srinagar. Authorities cut cellular internet services across the Kashmir valley and imposed a curfew in large parts of the territory to stop the protests spreading. Musa, 25, was trapped alone late Thursday evening by soldiers and counterinsurgency police inside a hideout near the southern town of Tral and asked to surrender, a top police official told AFP. "In return he fired a grenade followed by bullets and was later killed during the ensuing gun battle," the officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Musa announced in 2017 the creation of his group Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind and declared his allegiance to Al-Qaeda, saying in a statement that he was fighting to establish an Islamic caliphate in Kashmir. Musa dropped out of his engineering course in 2013 to join Kashmir's largest militant group Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) fighting Indian rule and later became a part of a group led by charismatic militant Burhan Wani. Wani's group deftly used social media to recruit young men into militancy by revealing their faces and openly challenged Indian rule. The death of the popular militant leader in 2016 sparked wide-scale protests across the territory that lasted months and left more than 100 civilians dead and thousands injured. Musa later took Wani's place, but in 2017 broke away from the group to form Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, which officials say was an offshoot of Al-Qaeda in Kashmir. It threatened separatist leaders opposed to Indian rule if they came in his way of fighting for a caliphate. HM, whose top leaders are based in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, later dissociated with Musa, most of whose associates have since been killed by government forces. "Musa was left with just one or two associates," the police officer said. Rebel groups including HM have been fighting for decades some 500,000 Indian soldiers deployed in the territory New Delhi controls, seeking independence or a merger with Pakistan that administers a part of the divided former kingdom. Kashmir has been divided between the nuclear-armed rivals since the end of British colonial rule in 1947. New Delhi regularly accuses Pakistan of supporting anti-India rebels fighting in Kashmir, a charge Islamabad denies saying it only provides moral and diplomatic support to a Kashmiri struggle for the right to self-determination. Rahul Gandhi will have to face the music at a meeting of party leaders in coming days A second straight landslide election defeat for opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised serious questions Friday about his leadership and cast a damaging shadow over one of the world's most prominent political dynasties. Gandhi, who even lost the family constituency seat to the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party of arch-rival Narendra Modi, will have to face the music at a meeting of party leaders in coming days. The election results made grim reading for Congress barons who have relied for generations on the talismanic Nehru-Gandhi name -- which rivals the Kennedy clan in the United States and the Bhuttos in Pakistan -- to provide electoral success. The tarnished party was predicted to get about 50 seats, barely improving the historic low 44 it won in Modi's last landslide in 2014. Congress failed to get a single seat in 13 of the country's 29 states. When asked about responsibility for the loss, Rahul Gandhi told a press conference late Thursday: "This is between my party and me. Between me and the Congress Working Committee." Party spokesmen have insisted the 48-year-old son, grandson and great-grandson of Indian prime ministers would not resign and that strategy was to blame for the defeat. "We have to go back to the drawing board," Congress spokesman Salman Soz told AFP. - Tarnished icons - But experts say the party and its ruling family is in denial. "The Congress leadership has clearly failed. It is a discredited and bankrupt leadership," Kanchan Gupta, a politics expert at the New Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation think-tank, told AFP. The use of Rahul's sister Priyanka on the campaign trail did not galvanise Congress votes as expected Congress has been a virtual one-family party for the last century. India has been mesmerised by the twists and turns of its successes and frequent tragedies. Pro-independence leader Motilal Nehru served as party president twice between 1919 and 1929. His son Jawaharlal Nehru took over and became India's first prime minister after independence, ruling until his death in 1964. His daughter Indira Gandhi and then her son Rajiv Gandhi -- Rahul's father -- followed as premiers. Both were assassinated in office. Rajiv's widow Sonia Gandhi won two elections as party leader but did not become prime minister, fearing her Italian origins would fuel a backlash. Party fortunes had dwindled since she started to hand the reins to Rahul ahead of the 2014 vote and as Modi turned the BJP into a formidable vote machine, seizing on corruption scandals that hit Congress. Rahul failed this time to connect with voters in the way that Modi did, critics said. The Nehru-Gandhi name that was once Congress's biggest asset is now a liability. The Congress "campaign was a disaster and now their very existence is under question. The more it staggers, the more it helps the BJP," Hartosh Singh Bal, political editor of Caravan magazine, told AFP. Modi made hay mocking Rahul Gandhi's lineage, calling him "shehzada" (prince), which contrasted sharply with his humble origins as a tea seller. Congress's age-old policy of offering welfare handouts to the poor no longer resonates with an "aspirational India", says Kanchan Gupta Modi also attacked Rahul's father, Rajiv, describing him as India's most corrupt premier. The use of Rahul's sister Priyanka on the campaign trail did not galvanise Congress votes as expected. "Rahul's party may have mobilised crowds for him but he simply couldn't connect," said Gupta at the Observer Research Foundation. Gupta said that Congress's age-old policy of offering welfare handouts to the poor no longer resonates with an "aspirational India". - What next for Congress? - "It is pretty much over to the Congress to decide if it wants to shield Rahul Gandhi, like they have done other times," said Nistula Hebbar, political editor of The Hindu newspaper. "If they do, the going gets much tougher for the party to revive from its present situation," she told AFP. Several big-hitting Indian politicians have defected from Congress over the years because of the Gandhis' refusal to give up power. Sharad Pawar, who formed the National Congress Party, and Trinamool Congress Party leader Mamata Banerjee, quit long before Rahul took charge. Commentators say there is young talent in the party that should be promoted but they cannot see the Gandhis giving up power. "It will be very tough for the Gandhis to rebuild from here on," said Hemant Kumar Malviya, associate professor of political science at the Banaras Hindu University. "But I don't think it's the end of the road for them," he added. Traditional Samburu tribeswomen gather their goats to sell at Merille livestock market, some 411km north of Nairobi in Kenya's Marsabit county For generations, Kaltuma Hassan's clan would study the sky over Kenya's arid north for any sign of rain -- some wind here, a wisp of cloud there -- to guide their parched livestock to water. But such divination has been rendered hopeless by intensifying droughts. Days on foot can reveal nothing more than bone-dry riverbeds and grazing land baked to dust, sounding the death knell for their herd. "You might go a long distance, and they die on the way... It is a very hard life," Hassan told AFP in Marsabit, a sparse and drought-prone expanse where millions of pastoral families depend entirely on livestock to survive. Today, she leaves less to chance. The 42-year-old relies on detailed rainfall forecasts received via text message from a Kenyan tech firm to plan her migrations, a simple but life-changing resource for an ancient community learning to adapt to increasing weather extremes. Nomadic livestock herders in East Africa's drylands have endured climate variability for millennia, driving their relentless search for water and pasture in some of the world's most inhospitable terrain. Nomadic livestock herders in East Africa's drylands have endured climate variability for millennia But their resilience is being severely tested by climate change, forcing a rethink to traditional wisdom passed down for generations. Kenya endures a severe drought every three to five years, the World Bank says, but they are increasing in frequency and intensity, and temperatures are rising too. With conditions ever-more unreliable, Hassan no longer relies on warriors she once dispatched to scout for suitable grazing land for her cattle. "They wake up very early in the morning and they look at the clouds, they look at the moon, to predict. I use this now," she said, scrolling through customised weather updates on her phone, sent via SMS in Rendille, a local language. The service uses advanced weather data from US agricultural intelligence firm aWhere to provide subscribers with rain and forage conditions for the week ahead in their locality. A traditional Samburu man haggles for a goat with a woman from the same community at Merille livestock market The forecasts are sent as text messages, so they are compatible with basic phones often used by pastoralists in remote areas. Kenyan IT firm Amfratech, which launched the SMS service earlier this year, has also rolled out a more advanced app-based version. They hope to eventually sign up tens of thousands of pastoralists. - Dry skies - Rainfall -- the difference between feast and famine in East Africa and the Horn -- is more erratic than ever, arriving late or not at all. Herders in Kenya have to relentlessly search for water and pasture in some of the world's most inhospitable terrain A long dry spell can set a pastoral family back years and erode their capacity to handle future shocks, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization said in a 2018 report. A second blow in quick succession can leave them teetering on starvation. Such a crisis is already brewing in Kenya's pastoral country to the north and over its borders in neighbouring arid regions. This year's so-called long rains failed to arrive, putting millions at risk. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network has warned that hunger in pastoral areas will worsen in coming months. "It doesn't rain like it once did," said Nandura Pokodo, at a dusty livestock market in Merille, an outpost in Kenya's northern pastoralist heartland. Nobody wants his drought-weary animals, so he will return home empty-handed. "It's harder to find pasture... year after year." A long dry spell can set a pastoral family back years and erode their capacity to handle future shocks, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization said in a 2018 report As the rains failed, Pokodo, 55, wandered for days between March and April in search of grazing land but found nothing. He lost 20 goats and sheep -- a ruinous outcome for nomads whose fortunes are intertwined with their beasts. "Even if you have a million shillings but have no goats or sheep or camel, they consider you very poor," said Daniel Kapana, the head of Merille market, and an intergenerational herder himself. - Turn to technology - The text messages have also helped Samuel Lkiangis Lekorima protect not just his livestock, but the safety of his community. Kenya Longer, harsher droughts have stoked intense competition between pastoralists for ever-scarcer water and pasture. A feud between two groups over a watering hole near Ethiopia left 11 dead in May, local media reported. Lekorima, a 22-year-old herder from Marsabit, said advance knowledge of rainfall helped keep his people wandering far, and avoid any potential tensions with distant clans. "When I get that message, I phone people (and) tell them... don't go far away, because there is rain soon," he told AFP. Other modern interventions are also playing a part, helping protect not just pastoralists but a sector that contributes more than 12 percent to Kenya's GDP, according to the World Bank. The Nairobi-based International Livestock Research Institute uses satellite imagery to determine when pasture levels are critically low -- a portent of livestock death. No caption Some insurance products are linked to this index and issue payments before drought hits, so pastoralists can buy enough fodder for lean times ahead. Tens of thousands of herders have signed up, industry groups say. "A drought should no longer be an emergency," said Thomas Were, of CTA, an EU-funded institution that is driving a pastoralist-resilience project in Kenya and Ethiopia. Helima Osman Bidu, a traditional herder and mother-of-three, has joined a women's collective that invests in non-livestock related enterprises, another approach to drought-proofing the family finances. "It is good to have something on the side," she told AFP, nodding to a padlocked metal box nearby containing the group's seed money. Sadhvi Pragya Thakur is accused of participating in a 2008 mosque bombing that killed six people and injured more than 100 others A firebrand Hindu nationalist nun facing terrorism charges over the deadly bombing of a mosque has been elected to Indian parliament, a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned her for celebrating the assassin of independence hero Mahatma Gandhi. Sadhvi Pragya Thakur is accused of participating in the 2008 attack that killed six people and injured more than 100 others. She spent nine years in detention over the charge and is still awaiting a trial for terrorism and criminal conspiracy after being bailed in 2017. But the 49-year-old won an emphatic victory for Modi's right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in results announced Thursday, taking 62 percent of the vote for a seat in the central industrial city of Bhopal. Thakur only joined the BJP in April and the party stunned many when it named her as a parliamentary candidate the next month. She courted controversy throughout the campaign, telling journalists that the radical Hindu assassin of Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi was a "patriot". Thakur also raised eyebrows for claiming that drinking cow urine had helped cure her cancer and extolling the benefits of drinking a concoction of milk, butter and cow dung. The opposition Congress party, which made a pitiable showing in the election, have denounced her as symbolic of the rise of extreme Hindu nationalism in India under Modi. Modi was forced to admonish Thakur as a backlash grew over her comments on Gandhi's assassin, only days after publicly backing her candidature. "She apologised publicly for the comments, but I won't forgive her at a personal level," Modi said in a TV interview. But the BJP has usually defended Thakur, with party president Amit Shah calling the terrorism charges against her "fake". Police say her motorbike was used to carry the explosives used in the 2008 attack and that she took part in a key planning meeting before it was staged. The trial dragged on in India's notoriously slow legal system and election rules allow anyone to stand for office as long as there is no conviction. Some of the other candidates face murder charges. The charges had little impact on Bhopal voters, many of whom sought blessings from Thakur at her public events. Thakur said her win over her Congress rival in Bhopal was a "victory of right over wrong". Whether or not President Donald Trump yelled during a row with Democrats at the White House, his relations with the opposition party appear to be at a nadir Democratic congressional leader Nancy Pelosi says Donald Trump is angry that her party is not rushing to impeach him, as the relationship between the rivals reaches new lows. Thursday was the second straight day of a very public war of words between Trump and the speaker of the House of Representatives, who earlier questioned the president's mental fitness for office and expressed hope that those close to Trump would stage an intervention "for the good of the country." Trump responded by branding Pelosi "crazy Nancy," in what appeared to be the first time he has ascribed a pejorative nickname to the woman who is his congressional nemesis. The president later tweeted a Fox Business Network video of Pelosi that had been edited to focus on sections of a speech in which she stuttered and mispronounced certain words, with the caption "Pelosi stammers through news conference." Another video of Pelosi shared by Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani in which her speech was slowed down to give the impression she was drunkenly slurring her words had been viewed 2.3 million times. The back-and-forth attacks are highlighting the bitter feud that has swelled since the release last month of the special counsel's report on Russian interference in the 2016 US election. According to Pelosi, Trump's strategy is to get his opponents to commit themselves to impeachment -- a process that would almost certainly pass in the House, and then fail in the Republican-controlled Senate, ultimately energizing Trump's core voters during his re-election bid. "The White House is just crying out for impeachment," she told journalists. Trump is "disappointed" that the Democrats are holding off for now, Pelosi said, even as they intensify congressional investigations into the president's links to Russia and his alleged obstruction of justice -- probes that Trump is trying to block. "It may take us to a place that is unavoidable in terms of impeachment or not, but we're not at that place," she said. Under pressure from the congressional probes, Trump on Thursday ordered the US intelligence community to "fully cooperate" with an investigation into what he has termed "spying" on his 2016 election campaign. According to Trump, court-approved surveillance of his campaign's links to Russians amounted to "spying." He has even called the probe treason and indicated he would like to see criminal charges brought against his investigators. Pelosi, who repeated her charge that Trump was engaged in a "cover-up," goaded the president, declaring that she was praying for him and that she wished "his family or his staff or his administration would have an intervention for the good of the country." - 'Extremely stable genius' - Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said her party was not yet ready to pull the trigger on impeachment proceedings, especially as President Donald Trump seemed to want such an outcome as part of his re-election strategy Trump responded with demeaning accusations, branding her "crazy Nancy" and questioning her mental fitness. "She's not the same person," he told reporters at the White House during a prolonged rant. "She's lost it." Trump watched Pelosi during their meeting "and she was all crazy with the hands and everything," he said, waving his arms around for emphasis. "She is a mess." The remarks came in a week of legal setbacks for Trump, including a federal judge's ruling that a House subpoena of Trump financial records was lawful. "I think what really got to him was these court cases and the fact that the House Democratic caucus is not on a path to impeachment, and that's where he wants us to be," Pelosi said Thursday. A day earlier Pelosi and other Democrats came to the White House to discuss infrastructure, only to have the president abruptly cancel the talks and proclaim there could be no progress on policy issues until Democrats end their "phony" investigations. Pelosi said Trump threw a "temper tantrum" at the meeting, pounded his fists on the table and then stormed out. Trump vehemently disputed the account, and during his press event Thursday took the unusual step of calling separately on five aides to defend their boss's behavior. "Very calm," said Kellyanne Conway, counselor to the president. "They said you were fuming, temper tantrum, rage. It's a lie." The president went so far as to praise himself as "an extremely stable genius," a line that swiftly boomeranged back at Trump in the form of a withering Pelosi tweet. "When the 'extremely stable genius' starts acting more presidential, I'll be happy to work with him on infrastructure, trade and other issues," she posted on Twitter. Several Democratic lawmakers and 2020 presidential contenders are eager to move forward with impeachment proceedings, citing what they say is Trump's obstruction of justice and refusal to respect congressional oversight powers. But there are concerns among senior Democrats that the impeachment tactic could backfire, energizing Trump's base ahead of the 2020 election. Asked directly if he was seeking that outcome, Trump was cautious. "I don't think anybody wants to be impeached," he said, while expressing confidence that American voters would see the process as "a bad thing for our country." Newlyweds in Taiwan rejected the idea that gay rights were incompatible with Asian 'values' As they celebrated tying the knot at an outdoor party, many of the first same-sex couples to marry in Taiwan on Friday urged Asian governments to follow their island's lead. Taiwan's decision to legalise same-sex marriage was not without controversy and came after three decades of campaigning by activists against staunch conservative opposition. It places the island at the forefront of the gay rights movement in Asia, a continent home to 60 percent of the world's population but where the battle for marriage equality has struggled. "I think this will have a ripple effect and influence other Asian countries, they will see that this is feasible, that it can be done in Taiwan," Chen Xue, a writer who married her long-term partner on Friday, told AFP in a Taipei park where newlyweds and their supporters had gathered to celebrate. "Even though there might be some unease in the short term, in the long term it will have positive influences on society," she added. "We are definitely setting up a positive example for other Asian countries." Taiwan now finds itself among a handful of liberal democracies to have granted equal marriage rights. Until last week only 26 nations had legalised same-sex marriage, sixteen in Europe, followed by seven in the Americas as well as South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Twelve others have passed some form of civil union laws, while Israel recognises foreign same-sex marriages. - 'Asian values' - But in Asia, Taiwan currently stands alone. Religious and conservative values remain entrenched in countries such as India, Indonesia and Malaysia. In East Asia many conservative groups have pushed the idea that same-sex relationships clash with so-called traditional Asian or Chinese "values". In China, communist authorities only removed homosexuality from a list of mental disorders in 2001 and the LGBT community faces routine discrimination. Gay rights groups have made little progress on marriage in Hong Kong and Singapore. Many of the couples getting married in Taiwan hoped the legalisation of same-sex marriage would counter the argument that gay rights had no place in Asia Many of those getting married in Taipei said Friday's weddings offered a vivid counter to the argument that gay rights had no place in the region. "I want to tell people in other parts (of Asia) don't give up and keep on fighting," said Huan, a local celebrity YouTuber who goes by one name, and who married her partner on Friday. "The victory will come in the end." Lin Meng-huan, a 32-year-old screenwriter, married his partner Chou Chung-peng, an actor. "I hope that Taiwan is the beginning of gay rights movement in Asia, not the end, and everybody has to keep fighting," said Lin. "I didn't expect Taiwan would be the first in Asia," added Chou. "I hope this love can gradually expand to drive other marriage equality movements in Asia." Taiwan's breakthrough came in 2017 when the island's top court ruled that denying same-sex couples the same marriage rights as heterosexuals breached the constitution. The court gave politicians two years to change the law with parliament only just making the deadline. But popular opinion remains wary. In November conservative and religious lobbies won a series of referendums, with a large majority of voters opposed to granting marriage rights to same-sex couples. Taiwan's current President Tsai Ing-wen and her ruling party members may find themselves punished at the ballot box next January for supporting the law changes. Youngsters in South Korea are under enormous pressure to do well at school, but are regularly ranked as among the unhappiest in the developing world A law allowing South Korean parents to physically discipline their children is to be scrapped, authorities said, prompting controversy in a country where hierarchical family values still predominate. Reporting of child abuse -- including neglect and emotional abuse as well as physical or sexual assaults -- rose more than 10-fold between 2001 and 2017 to 22,386 cases, with 77 percent of the perpetrators known to be the victims' parents. "More in our society agree that child abuse is a serious social problem," Seoul's Welfare Minister Park Neung-hoo told reporters. "But many are still lenient about corporal punishment. The ministry is to change this perception." Parental rights to physically discipline their children will be removed from the country's civil code, he said, where they have been stated since 1960. Physical punishment was also allowed in schools until 2010. A recent government survey showed that 76.8 percent of adult South Koreans feel corporal punishment is necessary, and Thursday's announcement prompted controversy. Lee Kyung-ja, head of a conservative group of parents, was adamantly opposed to any change. "I'm going to continue beating my kids even if it requires writing a contract with them," she told AFP. "I'll refuse to give them food and pay for their tuition if they don't listen to their parents -- this is how I'll re-establish my rights as a parent." South Korean children have been repeatedly cited as the least happy in the OECD group of developed countries, facing a high-pressure education system and deeply rooted traditional values which emphasise obedience and respect towards parents and authority figures. That makes young victims of domestic violence especially vulnerable, as filing a complaint or publicly criticising a parent can be considered a disgrace -- or even a "sin against heaven". With few facilities for abuse victims, many parents facing prosecution have their charges dropped as there is no-one else to care for their children, said youth rights activist Kang Min-jin. Earlier this year a 12-year-old girl who had reported abuse by both her biological father and her stepfather to police was murdered by the stepparent. "Many Koreans still view as their children as their properties, rather than separate human beings who have their own set of opinions and judgement," said activist Kang. But Lee Hee-bum, who leads the conservative Freedom Union group, said the government decision amounted to state interference in personal and family lives. "One should be able to decide how to parent his or her kids independently," he said. mountaineer Elisabeth Revol after she was rescued while attempting to climb Nanga Parbat in 2018 French climber Elisabeth Revol, who was dramatically rescued last year from Pakistan's Mount Nanga Parbat, summited Lhotse Friday morning, a day after reaching the top of Everest, her expedition organiser said. "She summited Everest yesterday and reached the top of Lhotse this morning. Her health is well and she is heading down from Camp 3 now," Rishi Ram Bhandari of Satori Adventures told AFP. Everest and Lhotse share the same path until diverting at South Col at 7,900 metres (25,918 feet). Revol was attempting to summit the mountains without supplemental oxygen -- becoming the first French woman to do so -- but Bhandari could not immediately confirm if she was able to do so. Her Everest ascent clashed with dozens of other teams taking advantage of clear weather, and climbers lined up for hours to reach the top -- risking frostbite and altitude sickness. Last year, Revol and Polish climber Tomek Mackiewicz were attempting to scale the 8,125-metre (26,660-foot) Nanga Parbat in winter, when they ran into trouble. She had been forced to separate from Mackiewicz, who was suffering from snow blindness and was coughing up blood, a sign of oedema, or acute mountain sickness. Mackiewicz was never seen again. The team of elite Polish climbers found her in a daring night rescue after she had already spent two days above 6,000 metres without a tent on the world's ninth-highest mountain. Expedition organisers confirmed three more deaths on Everest on Friday, taking the toll from a deadly week on the overcrowded peak of the world's tallest mountain to seven. An instructor guides a Singapore child through an indoor skydive as part of a world record-breaking attempt Children with special needs set a world record in Singapore Friday by performing hundreds of "indoor skydives" in a massive wind tunnel. Scores of youngsters and their teachers did simulated, tandem skydives under the guidance of instructors, floating up and down on air blasting through the 17-metre (56-feet) high wind tunnel. Organisers said the team managed to perform the feat 300 times to set a Guinness World Record for the most tandem indoor skydives. They broke the previous record of 227 set in 2016. "The fact that (the children) bucked up the courage to go into the air tunnel -- it empowers them," school principal Ruby Chiew told AFP. "It really provides my kids with the opportunity to experience something that the school itself will not be able to provide." The students were from the AWWA School, an institute for children with disabilities, and the aim of the record attempt was to raise money for a second school run by the same group. Vietnam confirmed the haul and also announced a separate seizure of 8.3 tonnes of pangolin scales from 'an African country' in the northern Haiphong port Vietnam police have seized more than five tonnes of pangolin scales stashed in a cashew shipment from Nigeria, the government said Friday. Communist Vietnam is a hotbed for the illegal wildlife trade, where animal products from elephant ivory to rhino horn and tiger bones are consumed domestically and also smuggled abroad. Police on Thursday found 5.3 tonnes of pangolins scales hidden in a shipment from Nigeria at a port in southern Ba Ria Vung Tau province, according to Hai Quan, the official mouthpiece of Vietnam Customs. "The scales were stuffed into 151 sacks inside a container... (and) bags of raw cashew nuts were used as a disguise in order to avoid detection from authorities," the online news website said Friday. The government confirmed Thursday's haul and also announced a separate seizure of 8.3 tonnes of pangolin scales from "an African country" in the northern Haiphong port earlier this month. Pangolins used to roam free in Vietnam's national parks, but they have been aggressively hunted recent decades. Their scales, which are made up of the same material as fingernails, are used in traditional medicine to treat allergies and male impotence. Pangolin meat is consumed on special occasions and can be bought for a hefty sum on the black market. Often called scaly anteaters, pangolins curl up into a ball when they feel threatened and are the most hunted mammal on the planet. Over one million pangolins have been plucked from Asian and African forests in the past decade, sold and consumed in Vietnam and China where burgeoning middle classes have fuelled appetites for illegal wildlife. It is illegal to trade the animals internationally, and their status ranges from vulnerable to critically endangered depending on the species, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Last month Singaporean authorities busted two major shipments of pangolin scales destined for Vietnam weighing nearly 26 tonnes in total. Air China Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes on the apron after after being grounded at Beijing Capital Airport. China's three biggest airlines have filed claims seeking compensation from Boeing over the grounding China's official airline association said Friday it will help 13 member carriers seek compensation from Boeing for losses already approaching $580 million due to the grounding of the 737 MAX 8. "As time passes by, related losses will further increase," the China Air Transport Association said in a statement. "Its still unknown when the aircraft will return to service." On March 11, China became the first country to ground the 737 MAX, a day after a deadly crash of an Ethiopian Airways Boeing 737 MAX that killed all 157 people on board. That followed the crash last year of a Lion Air 737 MAX 8 which killed all 189 people on board. By the end of June, the Chinese air transport business will have incurred losses totalling 4 billion yuan ($580 million), the association said. By the end of March, 13 Chinese airlines had grounded a combined 96 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in their fleets. The losses were incurred from the grounding of planes already in fleets, and the delayed delivery of planes that had been ordered. More than 130 additional aircraft were due to be delivered to Chinese airlines this year. Earlier this week, China's three biggest airlines -- China Southern, China Eastern and Air China -- were reported to have filed claims seeking compensation from Boeing. The amounts being sought by the big three were not released. Boeing acknowledged on Saturday that its 737 MAX flight simulator software used to train pilots was flawed and needed to be fixed. The compensation claims come amid a bitter trade conflict between China and the United States. Trump launched the trade war last year to extract economic reforms from Beijing, which he accuses of seeking to forge global industrial dominance through massive state intervention in markets and the theft of US technology. The two sides have exchanged tariffs on more than $360 billion in two-way trade. US aircraft have traditionally been among the single largest exports to China by value. "We sincerely hope Boeing can attach great importance to the claims made by our member companies and resolve them reasonably and legally," the Chinese airline association said. Around 40 homes have been destroyed by wildfires in central Israel but the emergency services were able to evacuate those in the path of the blaze and there have been no reports of casualties Israel remained on high alert on Friday after wildfires fed by tinder dry conditions destroyed around 40 homes. There were no reports of casualties from Thursday's fires as the emergency services evacuated homes in the path of the blaze in the centre of the country. Addressing a crisis meeting on Friday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked foreign governments which had helped tackle the blaze. Croatia, Cyprus, Greece and Italy sent firefighting planes, while Egypt, one of only two Arab governments that have signed a peace treaty with Israel, sent two helicopters. Several roads across the danger zone in central Israel remained closed for fear that the fires would reignite amid the unseasonable heat. Temperatures have topped 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) across much of the country for several days. In 2016, wildfires damaged or destroyed around 700 homes in Israel and the occupied West Bank, and sent more than 13,000 hectares (32,000 acres) of woodland up in smoke. US President Donald Trump's bilateral talks with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe are expected to focus on trade, North Korea, military issues and other diplomatic crises There is "great respect" between the United States and North Korea, President Donald Trump said Monday, predicting "lots of good things" despite recent missile launches by Pyongyang. "I personally think that lots of good things will come with North Korea, I feel that. I may be right, I may be wrong, but I feel that," Trump said at the start of bilateral talks with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. "We've come a long way," the US leader added. "There's a good respect built, maybe a great respect built between certainly the United States and North Korea." The comments come despite short-range missile launches by Pyongyang in May that Trump's own National Security Advisor John Bolton said over the weekend were in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Trump appeared to dispute Bolton's assessment in a tweet on Sunday, in which he called the missiles "small weapons" that "disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me". The US president is in Tokyo for a state visit that included a meeting with the newly enthroned Emperor Naruhito on Monday morning, the first time the monarch has met a foreign leader since taking the throne. Trump's bilateral talks with Abe are expected to focus on trade, North Korea and military issues, as well as other diplomatic crises, including the tensions between Washington and Tehran. Abe has reportedly proposed serving as a mediator and is said to be weighing a state visit to Iran, and Trump said he remained open to talks. "I do believe that Iran would like to talk, and if they'd like to talk, we'd like to talk also," he said. "Nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me," he added. Trump said US-Japan relations have "never been better," but the allies are locked in negotiations over trade, with the US leader repeating Monday that America suffers a "tremendous imbalance" with Japan on trade. "We're working on that, and I'm sure that will work out over a period of time," Trump added, saying he expected the allies to be "announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries". "We'll get the balance of trade straightened out rapidly." Top scorer Roy Krishna (left) seen here action for Wellington Phoenix against Melbourne Victory earlier this month is to leave the A-League Wellington Phoenix and Fiji striker Roy Krishna announced Monday he is leaving the A-League after a stellar season which saw him named the competition's best player and win the Golden Boot. Krishna, 31, did not name his destination but media reports in Australia said he had been snapped up by an unnamed Korean club. Krishna said he decided to move on after five years with the New Zealand-based Phoenix following discussions with his family. "We have negotiated a contract and we are currently working out the finer details," he said in a statement. "We will be announcing the club name... towards the end of June." Krishna, who captains the Fiji national team, was the A-League's top scorer with 18 goals in 26 matches, helping the Phoenix to their first finals appearance in four years. His efforts resulted in Krishna receiving the Johnny Warren Medal for the A-League's player of the year. He had reportedly generated interest from other A-League clubs but Krishna said he would have remained with the Phoenix if he was staying in the competition. The Phoenix issued a statement thanking Krishna for his "enormous contribution" to the club and wishing him well for the future. Pelosi questions Trump's fitness to stay. He calls her crazy WASHINGTON (AP) - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi openly questioned President Donald Trump's fitness to remain in office Thursday, suggesting a staff or family "intervention" for the good of the nation after his dramatic blow-up at a White House meeting with Democrats. Trump responded by calling her "crazy." "She's a mess," Trump told reporters at an afternoon news conference in which he lined up White House staff to testify to his calmness at a meeting with Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer. "Cryin' Chuck, Crazy Nancy ... I watched Nancy and she was all crazy yesterday," he claimed. As for himself, he declared, "I'm an extremely stable genius." Both the Republican president and Democratic leaders dug in a day after Trump stalked out of the Cabinet Room demanding an end to all congressional probes before he would work with Congress on crumbling U.S. infrastructure and other matters. By Thursday as Congress prepared to recess for the Memorial Day break, both sides were questioning each other's stability, with the president insisting on Twitter that he was calm when he left the White House meeting that was to focus on infrastructure spending after just three minutes. Pelosi said Trump has established a pattern of unpredictability, and at one point she even joked about the 25th Amendment, the Constitution's provision laying out the procedure for replacing a president. ___ US charges WikiLeaks founder with publishing classified info WASHINGTON (AP) - In a case with significant First Amendment implications, the U.S. filed new charges Thursday against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange that accuse him of violating the Espionage Act by publishing thousands of secret and classified documents, including the identities of confidential sources for American armed forces and diplomats. The Justice Department's 18-count superseding indictment alleges that Assange directed former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in one of the largest compromises of classified information in U.S. history. It says the WikiLeaks founder damaged national security by publishing documents that harmed the U.S. and its allies and aided its adversaries. The case comes amid a Justice Department crackdown on national security leaks and raises immediate media freedom questions, including whether Assange's actions - such as soliciting and publishing classified information - are distinguishable from what traditional journalists do as a matter of course. Those same concerns led the Obama administration Justice Department to balk at bringing charges for similar conduct. Assange's lawyer, Barry Pollack, said Thursday that the "unprecedented charges" against his client imperil "all journalists in their endeavor to inform the public about actions that have been taken by the U.S. government." The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press said the case was a "dire threat" to media freedom. But Justice Department officials sought to make clear that they did not view Assange's actions as protected by the First Amendment. ___ Modi surges to victory in India on Hindu-first platform NEW DELHI (AP) - Narendra Modi, India's charismatic but polarizing prime minister, was headed Thursday for a landslide election victory, propelling his Hindu nationalist party to back-to-back majorities in parliament for the first time in decades. With most of the votes counted, Modi's stunning re-election mirrored a global trend of right-wing populists sweeping to victory, from the United States to Brazil to Italy, often on a platform promoting a tough stand on national security, protectionist trade policies and putting up barriers to immigration. The victory in India was widely seen as a referendum on Modi's Hindu-first politics that some observers say have bred intolerance toward Muslims and other religious minorities, as well as his muscular stance on neighboring Pakistan, with whom India nearly went to war earlier this year. "India wins yet again," Modi exulted in a tweet. Election Commission data showed Modi's Bharatia Janata winning 158 seats and in the lead for 145 more, which would catapult the party well beyond the simple majority in the 545-member lower house of Parliament required to govern. The results spelled another nail in the coffin of the main opposition Indian National Congress party, which picked up 31 seats and was leading in 21 other contests. Its president, and the scion of modern India's most powerful political dynasty, personally conceded his seat to BJP, signaling the end of an era. The final tally was not expected until Friday. ___ UK's May delays Brexit bill, faces showdown on resignation LONDON (AP) - Increasingly isolated, Prime Minister Theresa May backed down Thursday from plans to seek Parliament's support for a Brexit bill already rejected by much of her Conservative Party, as expectations rose that she would cave in to demands that she resign and let a new leader try to complete the U.K.'s stalled withdrawal from the European Union. Conservative lawmakers have given May until Friday to announce a departure date or face a likely leadership challenge. Several British media outlets reported that she would agree to give up the prime minister's post June 10, sparking a Conservative leadership contest. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, treasurer of the committee that oversees Conservative leadership races, said that if May did not agree to leave, there would be "overwhelming pressure" for a no-confidence vote in her. If May does name an exit date, she will likely remain prime minister for several more weeks while Conservative lawmakers and members vote to choose a successor. May's spokesman, James Slack, said she would still be in office when U.S. President Donald Trump comes to Britain for a June 3-5 state visit. ___ Congress on cusp of delivering long-overdue disaster aid WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate on Thursday passed a long-overdue $19 billion disaster aid bill by a broad bipartisan vote, but only after Democrats insisted on tossing out President Donald Trump's $4.5 billion request to handle an unprecedented influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. The relief measure would deliver money to southern states suffering from last fall's hurricanes, Midwestern states deluged with springtime floods, and fire-ravaged rural California, among others. Puerto Rico would get help for hurricane recovery from the legislation, which has more than doubled in size since the House first addressed the issue last year. The Senate approved the bill by an 85-8 vote. House lawmakers have left for the Memorial Day recess but the chamber probably will try to pass the bill by voice vote Friday, said a spokesman for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Trump said he will sign it even though money to deal with the border has been removed. "I didn't want to hold that up any longer," Trump said. "I totally support it" ___ American who joined the Taliban is released from prison John Walker Lindh, the Californian who took up arms for the Taliban and was captured by U.S. forces in Afghanistan in 2001, got out of prison Thursday after more than 17 years, released under tight restrictions that reflected government fears he still harbors radical views. President Donald Trump reacted by saying, "I don't like it at all." "Here's a man who has not given up his proclamation of terror," he said. Lindh, 38, left a federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, after getting time off for good behavior from the 20-year sentence he received when he pleaded guilty to providing support to the Taliban. It was not immediately clear where the man known as the "American Taliban" will live or what he will do. He turned down an interview request last week, and his attorney declined to comment Thursday. ___ Trade impasse: Trump pledges $16B to farmers; markets slump WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump rolled out another $16 billion in aid for farmers hurt by his trade policies, and financial markets shook Thursday on the growing realization that the U.S. and China are far from settling a bitter, year-long trade dispute. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said that the first of three payments is likely to be made in July or August and suggested that the U.S. and China were unlikely to have settled their differences by then. "The package we're announcing today ensures that farmers do not bear the brunt of unfair retaliatory tariffs imposed by China and other trading partners," Perdue said. The latest bailout comes atop $11 billion in aid Trump provided farmers last year. "We will ensure our farmers get the relief they need and very, very quickly," Trump said. ___ Serial cyberstalker who threatened women gets prison term PROVO, Utah (AP) - A man who posted a Facebook message threatening to kill "as many girls as I see" in retaliation for years of romantic rejection was sentenced Thursday to up to five years in prison. Judge Christine Johnson's decision to keep Christopher W. Cleary, 27, of Denver, behind bars in Utah went against a recommendation from Cleary's attorney and prosecutors to sentence him to probation so he could be returned to Colorado to serve prison time there for probation violations. Johnson said the incident clearly warranted prison time and that she didn't feel comfortable relying on Colorado to keep Cleary locked up. She said Utah's board of pardons can decide if Cleary should be transferred to Colorado. Cleary's Facebook threat came hours before women marched through many U.S. cities in January, stoking fears of another deadly rampage by a man blaming women for his problems. Cleary called himself a virgin who never had a girlfriend. When police tracked his cellphone and arrested him at a McDonald's restaurant in Provo, Utah, Cleary said he had been upset and wasn't thinking clearly. Cleary spoke only briefly at the sentencing, saying quietly, "I'm just sorry for what happened." ___ Woman who helped put away serial killer awaits his execution STARKE, Fla. (AP) - At 17, Lisa Noland was fighting for her life. A killer on a rampage that would leave 10 women dead abducted her outside a church and raped her. The day before, she'd written a suicide note, planning to end her life after years of sexual abuse by her grandmother's boyfriend. She made heroic use of that history. Noland became the victim Bobby Joe Long let go, the one who knew the mind of a rapist and played it while gathering - and leaving - evidence that would lead to his capture. Her abduction and rape saved her own life. "At the time he put the gun to my head, it was nothing new to me," she said while packing a suitcase to leave for Long's execution, scheduled for Thursday night. She said she knew from her past abuse that if she fought, it would further enrage her attacker. ___ Far from border, US cities feel effect of migrant releases MIAMI (AP) - A surge of asylum-seeking families has been straining cities along the southern U.S. border for months, but now the issue is flowing into cities far from Mexico, where immigrants are being housed in an airplane hangar and rodeo fairgrounds and local authorities are struggling to keep up with the influx. U.S. immigration officials have eyed spots in states like Florida, Michigan and New York, to help process the migrants before they move on to their destination, which could be anywhere in the U.S. And in border states, cities that are several hours' drive from Mexico are already seeing sometimes hundreds of migrants a day. The situation is leaving local authorities and nonprofits with the task of providing shelter for a night or two, a few meals and travel assistance to help migrants reach their final destinations across the U.S. The issue erupted in political intrigue last week when Democratic strongholds in Florida balked at plans to send migrants to their counties, conjuring images of homeless migrants on the streets. John Walker Lindh, the Californian who took up arms for the Taliban and was captured by U.S. forces in Afghanistan in 2001, got out of prison Thursday after more than 17 years, released under tight restrictions that reflected government fears he still harbors radical views. President Donald Trump reacted by saying, "I don't like it at all." "Here's a man who has not given up his proclamation of terror," he said. Lindh, 38, left a federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, after getting time off for good behavior from the 20-year sentence he received when he pleaded guilty to providing support to the Taliban. It was not immediately clear where the man known as the "American Taliban" will live or what he will do. He turned down an interview request last week, and his attorney declined to comment Thursday. In a Fox News interview, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo decried Lindh's early release as "unexplainable and unconscionable" and called for a review of prison system policies. FILE - In this Jan. 24, 2002 file photo, John Walker Lindh, far right, leaves the Alexandria Detention Center in Alexandria, Va., before dawn, on the way to his first appearance in a nearby federal court. Lindh, the young Californian who became known as the American Taliban after he was captured by U.S. forces in the invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, is set to go free Thursday, May 23, 2019, after nearly two decades in prison. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) The president said he asked lawyers whether there was anything that could be done to block Lindh from getting out but was told no. Trump said the U.S. will closely monitor him. Under restrictions imposed by a federal judge in Alexandria, Virginia, Lindh's internet devices must have monitoring software; his online communications must be conducted in English; he must undergo mental health counseling; he is forbidden to possess or view extremist material; and he cannot hold a passport or leave the U.S. FBI counterterrorism officials work with federal prison authorities to determine what risk a soon-to-be-released inmate might pose. Probation officers never explained why they sought the restrictions against Lindh. But in 2017, Foreign Policy magazine cited a National Counterterrorism Center report that said Lindh "continued to advocate for global jihad and to write and translate violent extremist texts." On Wednesday, NBC reported that Lindh, in a letter to a producer from Los Angeles-based affiliate KNBC, wrote in 2015 that the Islamic State group was "doing a spectacular job." Lindh converted to Islam as a teenager after seeing the movie "Malcolm X" and eventually made his way to Pakistan and Afghanistan and joined the Taliban. He met Osama bin Laden and was with the Taliban on Sept. 11, 2001, when al-Qaida terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Lindh was captured on the battlefield after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan following 9/11 and was initially charged with conspiring to kill Mike Spann, a CIA operative who died during an uprising of Taliban prisoners shortly after interrogating Lindh. Lindh denied any role in Spann's death. But he admitted carrying an assault rifle and two grenades during his time with the Taliban. Spann's daughter Alison Spann, now a journalist in Mississippi, posted a letter on Twitter that she said she had sent to Trump. In it, she called Lindh's early release "a slap in the face" to everyone killed on 9/11 and in the war on terror since then, along with "the millions of Muslims worldwide who don't support radical extremists." Republican Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby and Democratic New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan also expressed concern about Lindh's release in a letter last week to the federal Bureau of Prisons. "We must consider the security and safety implications for our citizens and communities who will receive individuals like John Walker Lindh who continue to openly call for extremist violence," they wrote. The bureau defended itself Thursday in a statement that said Lindh's release followed federal laws and guidelines. It said it works closely with outside agencies "to reduce the risk terrorist offenders pose inside and outside of prisons," and added that no radicalized inmate has returned to federal prison on terrorism-related charges. Moazzam Begg, a former detainee at Guantanamo, now serves as director of outreach for London-based CAGE, which supports the rights of those accused of terror-related crimes. He said the criticism over Lindh's early release is misguided. If anything, Begg said, Lindh was imprisoned too long. He noted that many of the other Taliban fighters who were sent to Guantanamo as enemy combatants were released much earlier. As for Lindh's letter in support of the Islamic State, Begg noted that it was written four years ago and that Lindh might not have had full knowledge of the group's atrocities from behind bars. "Nobody really knows what his views are right now in 2019," he said. In a statement, Begg said: "It is now time for him to be allowed to restart his life in peace and freedom." ___ This story has been corrected to show that Alison Spann is a journalist in Mississippi, not Alabama. ___ Barakat reported from Falls Church, Va. Contributors include Associated Press writers Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia, Kimberly Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama and Eric Tucker in Washington. FILE - This file image taken Dec. 1, 2001, from television footage in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, shows John Walker Lindh, right, claiming to be an American Taliban volunteer. Lindh, the young Californian who became known as the American Taliban after he was captured by U.S. forces in the invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, is set to go free Thursday, May 23, 2019, after nearly two decades in prison. (AP Video, File) FILE - American John Walker Lindh is seen in this undated file photo obtained Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2002, from a religious school where he studied for five months in Bannu, 304 kilometers (190 miles) southwest of Islamabad, Pakistan. Lindh, the young Californian who became known as the American Taliban after he was captured by U.S. forces in the invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, is set to go free Thursday, May 23, 2019, after nearly two decades in prison. (AP Photo, File) This January 2002 photo provided by the Alexandria Sheriff's Office in Alexandria, Va. shows John Walker Lindh. Lindh, the young Californian who became known as the American Taliban after he was captured by U.S. forces in the invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, is set to go free Thursday, May 23, 2019, after nearly two decades in prison. (Alexandria Sheriff's Office via AP) LONDON (AP) - The World Health Organization is publishing its first-ever global strategy to tackle the problem of snakebites, aiming to halve the number of people killed or disabled by snakes by 2030. Nearly 3 million people are bitten by potentially poisonous snakes every year, resulting in as many as 138,000 deaths. Last week, Britain's Wellcome Trust announced an 80 million-pound ($100 million) program to address the problem, saying there were new potential drugs that could be tested. In a statement, Doctors Without Borders said it was "cautiously optimistic" WHO's snakebite strategy could be a "turning point" in addressing snakebites. The agency called the problem of snakebites "a hidden epidemic" and said most bites are treatable. WHO's strategy includes plans to increase global access to treatment and anti-venom. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - An outbreak of nasty storms spawned tornadoes that razed homes, flattened trees and tossed cars across a dealership lot, injuring about two dozen people in Missouri's capital city and killing at least three others elsewhere in the state. The National Weather Service confirmed that a large and destructive twister moved over Jefferson City shortly before midnight Wednesday. The tornado cut a path about 3 miles long and a mile wide from the south end of Jefferson City north toward the Missouri River, said police Lt. David Williams. Emergency workers reported about two dozen injuries, Williams said, and around 100 of people went to shelters. Hospitals reported treating injuries such as cuts and bruises. There were no immediate reports of any deaths or missing people in the capital city of about 40,000, and it appeared everyone was accounted for after door-to-door checks that were nearly complete Thursday evening, police Lt. David Williams said. Many in Jefferson City considered themselves fortunate to survive. David Surprenant watched the storm approach then rushed to join his family in the basement. By then, the windows had started shattering and the pressure dropped. A worker walks past tornado-damaged Toyotas at a dealership in Jefferson City, Mo., Thursday, May 23, 2019, after a tornado tore though late Wednesday. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) "It was just the eeriest sound ever, and it felt like it was taking your breath right out of you," Surprenant, 34, said. He and his family were unharmed. Kevin Riley operates a car dealership next to Surprenant's home, where he sells Chevys and Toyotas. He figured that 98 percent of the approximately 750 vehicles on the lot were damaged. Lincoln University President Jerald Woolfolk rode out the tornado in the basement of her official residence, and it may have saved her life. University spokeswoman Misty Young told the Jefferson City News-Tribune that the home, built 103 years ago, was so badly damaged it appeared to be uninhabitable. Weather forecasters had been tracking the storm before it arrived, and sirens first sounded in Jefferson City at 11:10 p.m. - about 30 minutes before the first property damage. Gov. Mike Parson credited the warning system for saving lives. The three deaths happened more than 150 miles (240 kilometers) away near Golden City in Missouri's southwestern corner. Kenneth Harris, 86, and his 83-year-old wife, Opal, were found dead about 200 yards (180 meters) from their home, and Betty Berg, 56, was killed and her husband, Mark, seriously injured when their mobile home was destroyed, authorities said. The National Weather Service said preliminary information indicates the tornado at Jefferson City was an EF-3, which typically carry winds up to 160 mph (260kph). The severe weather moved in from Oklahoma, where rescuers struggled to pull people from high water. This week has seen several days of twisters and torrential rains in the Southern Plains and Midwest. Kerry Ann Demetrius locked herself in the bathroom of her Jefferson City apartment as the storm approached. "It sounded like stuff was being thrown around, everything was just banging together, and then it just went dead silent," she said. She emerged to find the roof had been blown off her apartment building. Another natural disaster could be imminent in Jefferson City. Most of the city, including the tornado-ravaged section, sits on a bluff overlooking the south side of the Missouri River. But the swollen river is projected to top a levee on the north side of the river by Friday, potentially flooding the city's airport, which already has been evacuated. The Missouri Office of Administration said several state office buildings sustained damage, mostly roof damage. A tornado also skipped through the town of Eldon, population 4,900, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) outside Jefferson City, where it damaged the business district and "tore up several neighborhoods," Miller County Emergency Management Director Mike Rayhart said. But Mayor Larry Henderson said people in Eldon were counting their blessings: Despite all the damage, just one man was hurt, when the wind flipped his truck. Henderson did not have any details about the man's injuries. A twister also caused damage and several injuries in the town of Carl Junction, not far from Joplin, on the eighth anniversary of the catastrophic tornado that killed 161 people in that city. Police Chief Delmar Haase said nearly three dozen homes had significant damage and several people sustained minor injuries. He estimated total damage in Carl Junction was "in the millions." The National Weather Service says the EF-3 tornado that hit Carl Junction was among four tornadoes that hit that area of the state Wednesday night over a path of roughly 50 miles. Meteorologist Mark Burchfield in Springfield, Missouri, said Thursday that the tornado that hit Carl Junction was on the ground for about nine miles. He said the deadly EF-3 tornado outside Golden City was on the ground for 12 miles. The severe weather was expected to push eastward Thursday, with forecasters saying parts of the Ohio Valley and the mid-Atlantic - including Baltimore and Pittsburgh - could see tornadoes, large hail and strong winds. Storms and torrential rains have ravaged the Midwest, from Texas through Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and Illinois, in the past few days. Two barges carrying a total of about 3,800 pounds (1,700 kilograms) of fertilizer broke loose Thursday and floated down the swollen Arkansas River in Oklahoma, spreading alarm downstream as they hit a dam and sank. On Facebook, Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, warned the town's 600 residents: "If the dam breaks, it will be catastrophic!! Leave now!!" The barges had been floating out of control, on and off again, since Wednesday night near the town of 600, which was under a mandatory evacuation order due to flooding concerns. Aerial footage from the Oklahoma City television station KFOR showed the moment of impact shortly before noon Thursday. The Army Corps of Engineers was checking the dam for damage. The Army Corps of Engineers immediately inspected the dam and said only "minimal" damage was found. However, the wrecked barges sank and are blocking three of the dam's 12 flood gates. Near Tulsa, about a dozen homes were evacuated as the Arkansas River continued to swell. The potential for further flooding also prompted the HolleyFrontier Tulsa Refinery to temporarily shut down. Officials in Tulsa said additional residents may be asked to evacuate as the Army Corps of Engineers increases the flow rate at a dam northwest of the city to help drain a watershed flooded by severe storms. Missouri's three tornado fatalities bring to seven the number of deaths from storms this week. ___ This version of the story corrects the gender of Lincoln University president. ___ Associated Press writers Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City; Jill Bleed in Little Rock, Arkansas; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; Jim Salter in St. Louis; and Ken Miller and Tim Talley in Oklahoma City contributed to this report. A car is trapped under the fallen metal roof of the Break Time gas station and convenience store in tornado-hit Jefferson City, MO., Thursday, May 23, 2019. The National Weather Service has confirmed a large and destructive tornado has touched down in Missouri's state capital, causing heavy damage and trapping multiple people in the wreckage of their homes. (AP Photo/David A. Lieb) The sign for the Hidden Oaks apartment complex in Jefferson City Missouri stands bent on May 23, 2019, from an apparent tornado in front of a tree that was ripped apart. A "violent tornado" touched down in Jefferson City, Missouri, causing possible fatalities, according to the National Weather Service (AP Photo/David A. Lieb) A destroyed sign for a car wash is seen in tornado-hit Jefferson City, MO., Thursday, May 23, 2019. The heavily damaged gas station is at background. The National Weather Service has confirmed a large and destructive tornado has touched down in Missouri's state capital, causing heavy damage and trapping multiple people in the wreckage of their homes. (AP Photo/David A. Lieb) Plastic chairs lie in the road and metal from a damaged gas station roof is twisted around a downed power line in Jefferson City Missouri Thursday, May 23, 2019. The National Weather Service has confirmed a large and destructive tornado has touched down in Missouri's state capital, causing heavy damage and trapping multiple people in the wreckage of their homes. (AP Photo/David A. Lieb) Downed power lines stretch into a street in tornado-hit Jefferson City, MO., Thursday, May 23, 2019. The National Weather Service has confirmed a large and destructive tornado has touched down in Missouri's state capital, causing heavy damage and trapping multiple people in the wreckage of their homes. (AP Photo/David A. Lieb) This image posted on Twitter account of Stechshultsy shows tornado-hit Jefferson City. MO., Thursday, May 23, 2019. The National Weather Service has confirmed a large and destructive tornado has touched down in Missouri's state capital, causing heavy damage and trapping multiple people in the wreckage of their homes. (Stechshultsy via AP) This image posted on Twitter account of Stechshultsy shows tornado-hit Jefferson City. MO., Thursday, May 23, 2019. The National Weather Service has confirmed a large and destructive tornado has touched down in Missouri's state capital, causing heavy damage and trapping multiple people in the wreckage of their homes.(Stechshultsy via AP) This image posted on Twitter account of Stechshultsy shows tornado-hit Jefferson City. MO., Thursday, May 23, 2019. The National Weather Service has confirmed a large and destructive tornado has touched down in Missouri's state capital, causing heavy damage and trapping multiple people in the wreckage of their homes.(Stechshultsy via AP) This image posted on Twitter account of Stechshultsy shows tornado-hit Jefferson City. MO., Thursday, May 23, 2019. The National Weather Service has confirmed a large and destructive tornado has touched down in Missouri's state capital, causing heavy damage and trapping multiple people in the wreckage of their homes.(Stechshultsy via AP) This image provided by John Dolson shows the damage of a car dealership in Jefferson City, MO., Thursday, May 23, 2019. A "violent tornado" touched down in Jefferson City, Missouri, causing possible fatalities, according to the National Weather Service.(John Dolson via AP) This still image taken from video provided by Chris Higgins shows a tornado, Wednesday, May 22, 2019, in Carl Junction, Mo. The tornado caused some damage in the town of Carl Junction, about 4 miles (6.44 kilometers) north of the Joplin airport. (Chris Higgins via AP) This still image taken from video provided by Shayla Brooks shows a tornado on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, in Carl Junction, Mo. The tornado caused some damage in the town of Carl Junction, about 4 miles (6.44 kilometers) north of the Joplin airport. (Shayla Brooks via AP) Samantha Karnes and her son Anthony Pickett, 3, walk up to their neighbor's mobile home to check on him as floodwater from the Arkansas River approaches at the Riverside Mobile Home Park in Muskogee, Okla., Wednesday, May 22, 2019. (Mike Simons/Tulsa World via AP) The Keystone dam on the Arkansas river on Wednesday, May 22, 2019. Authorities on Wednesday encouraged people living along the Arkansas River in the Tulsa suburb of Bixby and low-lying areas near creeks both north and south of Okmulgee, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) south of Tulsa. to leave their homes. (Tom Gilbert/Tulsa World via AP) A severe overnight storm that may have been a tornado destroyed this home, in rural Adair, Iowa, seen Wednesday, May 22, 2019. (Kelsey Kremer/The Des Moines Register via AP) Flood water encroach homes near 118th and Delaware on the Arkansas river on Wednesday, May 22, 2019. Authorities on Wednesday encouraged people living along the Arkansas River in the Tulsa suburb of Bixby and low-lying areas near creeks both north and south of Okmulgee, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) south of Tulsa. to leave their homes. (Tom Gilbert/Tulsa World via AP) NEW DELHI (AP) - Charismatic but polarizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi surged to a landslide victory in Indian elections, propelling his Hindu nationalist party to back-to-back majorities in parliament for the first time in decades. With most of the estimated 600 million votes counted by early Friday, Modi's reelection mirrored a trend of right-wing populists sweeping to victory, from the United States to Brazil to Italy, often by promoting a tough security stance and protectionist trade policies. India's elections were seen as a referendum on Modi's Hindu-first politics, which critics say have bred intolerance, as well as his muscular stance on archrival Pakistan, with whom India nearly went to war earlier this year. "India wins yet again," Modi exulted in a tweet. Election Commission data by Friday morning showed Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party winning 287 out of the 525 seats in the Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament, well beyond the simple majority to form a government. Top rival Indian National Congress won 50 seats but lost one held by party president Rahul Gandhi, the scion of modern India's most powerful political dynasty. The All India Trinamool Congress led by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee won 19 seats. Results were not in for 42 seats, and the final tally was not expected until later Friday. Addressing thousands of party workers celebrating the outcome, Modi urged the world to "recognize India's democratic power." He attributed the party's showing to his policies aimed at improving the lot of the nation's poor, including free medical insurance, relief for distressed farmers and a highly popular program to build 100 million toilets in a nation where basic sanitation is limited. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah greet supporters on arrival at the party headquarters in New Delhi, India, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Modi's Hindu nationalist party claimed it won reelection with a commanding lead in Thursday's vote count, while the head of the main opposition party conceded a personal defeat that signaled the end of an era for modern India's main political dynasty. (AP Photo) The election victory was a resounding endorsement of the 68-year-old Modi, whose economic reforms have had mixed results but whose background as a social underdog from a lower-caste Hindu family clearly inspired some in India's highly stratified society, appealing to tens of millions of Indians seeking upward mobility. Critics have said his Hindu-first platform risks exacerbating social tensions in the country of 1.3 billion people. Since Modi led the Bharatiya Janata Party to power in 2014, Hindu mobs have lynched dozens of Muslims and lower-caste Dalits for consuming or slaughtering cows, which Hindus consider sacred. Modi has largely shown complacency toward violence and discrimination against minorities, and to rhetoric like that of his party's president, who called mainly Muslim Bangladeshi migrants to India "termites," or one of BJP's candidates for parliament, who described peace activist Mahatma Gandhi's assassin as a "patriot." Activists, lawyers, journalists and academics have been harassed and even prosecuted under anti-terrorism and anti-sedition laws that Human Rights Watch calls draconian. But on the campaign trail, Modi seized on his personal narrative, presenting himself as a self-made man with the confidence to cut red tape and unleash India's economic potential, and labeling Congress party president Rahul Gandhi as an out-of-touch elite. This resonated in India, where an anti-corruption movement helped lead to the ouster of Congress partly for the perceived excesses of the Gandhi family, and for the bloated and inefficient bureaucracies Congress ran as the ruling party for nearly a half-century after independence. Gandhi conceded defeat for his own parliamentary seat to his BJP rival in Amethi, a constituency in Uttar Pradesh state that had been a Congress bastion. But candidates are allowed to run in more than one constituency, and Gandhi was leading the race for a constituency in the southern state of Kerala. Before the results were complete, President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Zinping, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others were rushing to congratulate Modi. The elections, so daunting an exercise they are phased over six weeks, were a testimony to the vibrancy of the world's largest democracy just 72 years since India won independence from British colonial rule. Voters expressed confidence that Modi could jumpstart India's stalling economy, despite his poor first-term record and failure to deliver on his pledge to create jobs. The BJP harnessed social media, including Twitter, where Modi has 47.4 million followers, and WhatsApp to reach out to millions of supporters. Modi also capitalized on a suicide bombing in Kashmir in February that killed 40 Indian soldiers. India retaliated with airstrikes at alleged terrorist training camps in Pakistan, fanning the flames of nationalism and helping hold voters' attention. As votes were being counted, Pakistan's military said it successfully test-fired a long-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. Tensions with Pakistan "gave him the narrative he needed to counter all these allegations of non-performance, unemployment and rural distress. It reenergized him and enabled him to reclaim his image as a strong leader India needs at this juncture," political commentator Arti Jerath said. The BJP's performance "is absolutely stunning. Modi is the predominant leader in India today. He has pushed everybody else aside. Nobody in the opposition is a match for him," Jerath added. Trends in the election data suggest that BJP's strategy of aggressively campaigning in eastern India worked, with the party breaking into the citadels of Trinamool Congress Party in West Bengal state and the Biju Janata Dal in Odisha state. The biggest losers appear to be the Communists who ruled West Bengal state for 34 years until they were ousted by Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress Party in 2011. Coalition partners of the Congress-led government in New Delhi between 2004 and 2008, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) was leading in only three constituencies and the Communist Party of India in two constituencies. Outside BJP headquarters in New Delhi, hundreds of people cheered and shouted party slogans, lifting cardboard cutouts of Modi and BJP President Amit Shah into the air as other people played drums and set off fireworks. Mohit Sharma, a 29-year-old who runs a bathroom fittings business, said India had never had a prime minister like Modi. "In the past, when leaders after they won elections, they sat in air-conditioned rooms and they never reached out to people, but Modi was never like that. He was always connected to the people through social media," Sharma said. ___ Associated Press writers Rishabh R. Jain, Bharatha Mallawarachi and Ashok Sharma contributed to this report. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers celebrate outside BJP headquarters in New Delhi India, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party have a commanding lead in early vote counting from the country's six-week general election. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a giant floral garland from party leaders at their headquarters in New Delhi, India, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party claimed it had won reelection with a commanding lead in Thursday's vote count, while the stock market soared in anticipation of another five-year term for the pro-business Hindu nationalist leader. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses party supporters, standing next to his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah at their headquarters in New Delhi, India, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Modi's Hindu nationalist party claimed it won reelection with a commanding lead in Thursday's vote count, while the head of the main opposition party conceded a personal defeat that signaled the end of an era for modern India's main political dynasty. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) India's main opposition Congress party President Rahul Gandhi addresses a press conference at the party headquarters in New Delhi, India, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Gandhi has conceded his parliamentary seat to his rival from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which has claimed a decisive victory in India's general election. (AP Photo) A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporter holds cutouts of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a symbol of his Bharatiya Janata Party and celebrate their party's victory in the general elections in New Delhi, India, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party claimed it had won reelection with a commanding lead in Thursday's vote count, while the stock market soared in anticipation of another five-year term for the pro-business Hindu nationalist leader. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters celebrate their party's victory in the general elections in New Delhi, India, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party claimed it had won reelection with a commanding lead in Thursday's vote count, while the stock market soared in anticipation of another five-year term for the pro-business Hindu nationalist leader. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah is showered with flower petals as he arrives at the party office in new Delhi, India, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party claimed it had won reelection with a commanding lead in Thursday's vote count, while the stock market soared in anticipation of another five-year term for the pro-business Hindu nationalist leader. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers celebrate outside BJP headquarters in Mumbai, India, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party were off to an early lead as vote counting began Thursday following the conclusion of the country's 6-week-long general election, sending the stock market soaring in anticipation of another five-year term for the Hindu nationalist leader. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters celebrate their party's victory in the general elections in New Delhi, India, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party claimed it had won reelection with a commanding lead in Thursday's vote count, while the stock market soared in anticipation of another five-year term for the pro-business Hindu nationalist leader. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah displays the victory sign as he arrives at the party office in new Delhi, India, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party claimed it had won reelection with a commanding lead in Thursday's vote count, while the stock market soared in anticipation of another five-year term for the pro-business Hindu nationalist leader. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) A supporters of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party wears mask of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he celebrates early trends of party's victory in general elections in Ahmadabad, India, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Modi and his party were off to an early lead as vote counting began Thursday following the conclusion of the country's 6-week-long general election, sending the stock market soaring in anticipation of another five-year term for the Hindu nationalist leader. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers celebrate at BJP headquarters in, Lucknow, India, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party were off to an early lead as vote counting began Thursday following the conclusion of the country's 6-week-long general election, sending the stock market soaring in anticipation of another five-year term for the Hindu nationalist leader.(AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers celebrate outside BJP headquarters in Mumbai, India, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party were off to an early lead as vote counting began Thursday following the conclusion of the country's 6-week-long general election, sending the stock market soaring in anticipation of another five-year term for the Hindu nationalist leader. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters celebrate at the party's head office in Gauhati, India, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist party claimed it won reelection with a commanding lead in Thursday's vote count, while the head of the main opposition party conceded a personal defeat that signaled the end of an era for modern India's main political dynasty. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath) WASHINGTON (AP) - She's calling for an "intervention" to save the nation from him. He says she's "crazy." The enmity between President Donald Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi deteriorated Thursday into rude-and-then-some questioning of his fitness for office and her sanity, with personal attacks flowing from both the nation's top elected officials after a dramatic blow-up at the White House. However intended, the exchanges left uncertain ahead of the 2020 election whether Trump and the Democrats will be able to work together on serious, must-pass tasks, such as funding the government and raising the federal borrowing limit, let alone thornier issues such as immigration, national security and more. Pelosi went first, with demure shrugs and practiced sass. Then, as a tornado warning blared across Washington, Trump followed with a derisive nickname - something he had declined to give her, up to now. "She's a mess," Trump told reporters at an afternoon news conference in which he lined up White House staff to testify to his calmness the day before when he walked out after three minutes at a meeting with Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer. "Crazy Nancy. ... I watched Nancy and she was all crazy yesterday." Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., meets with reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, May 23, 2019. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) As for himself, he declared, "I'm an extremely stable genius." Pelosi scolded back: "When the 'extremely stable genius' starts acting more presidential, I'll be happy to work with him on infrastructure, trade and other issues," she tweeted. There was more, before and after that exchange, for political enthusiasts with the time and interest to follow along. For those who don't: The theater came a day after Trump stalked out of the Cabinet Room demanding an end to all congressional investigations before he would work with Congress on repairing U.S. infrastructure or other matters. He apparently was wound up generally over the ongoing congressional Trump-Russia probes into whether he obstructed justice, and specifically by Pelosi's jab a few minutes earlier at the Capitol that he "is engaged in a cover-up." "I don't do cover-ups," fumed Trump, who is fighting subpoenas for testimony by current and former White House officials. Hanging over the increasingly personal exchanges is a drumbeat among about two dozen Democrats and one Republican to launch impeachment hearings against Trump based on special counsel Robert Mueller's report, which described Trump's efforts to block his federal investigation. Pelosi has resisted that impeachment pressure, preferring a methodical process by which Congress investigates and lays out the facts on the question of obstruction of justice. She says the House is "not on a path to impeachment," but she's been clear this week that an impeachment inquiry is not off the table. Short of that, she's been happy to give Trump a hard time all year, including questioning his manhood and forcing him to re-open the government without the border wall money he demanded. On Thursday, she said the White House is "crying out" for impeachment - the idea being that a vindication by the Republican-controlled Senate would help assure his re-election. On Thursday, subtlety went by the wayside. Pelosi said Trump has established a pattern of unpredictability, and at one point she even joked about the 25th Amendment, the Constitution's provision laying out the procedure for replacing a president. "I wish that his family or his administration or his staff would have an intervention for the good of the country," Pelosi said at her weekly news conference, adding that she prays for him and the nation. "Maybe he wants to take a leave of absence," she said. Asked whether she's concerned about Trump's well-being, she replied, "I am." Trump denied he wanted the House to formally charge him. "I don't think anybody wants to be impeached," he said. Pelosi, the second in line to the presidency, said she thinks Trump's actions Wednesday were part of his skill at distraction. But she also suggested what he does isn't all strategic. "Sometimes when we're talking to him he agrees," she said, only to change his mind. "He says he's in charge and he may be." During questions, Pelosi said she thought a reporter had asked about "statutory" intervention, the 25th Amendment. "That's a good idea," she said with a smile. "I am going to take it up with my caucus. Not that they haven't been thinking about it." She has been insulting Trump since the meeting Wednesday that was supposed to be about bridges and other crumbling infrastructure. "For some reason, maybe it was lack of confidence on his part ... he took a pass, and it just makes me wonder why he did that," she told reporters back on Capitol Hill. "In any event I pray for the president of the United States." Trump tweeted back: "Nancy, thank you so much for your prayers, I know you truly mean it!" ___ Associated Press Writers Lisa Mascaro, Mary Clare Jalonick, Zeke Miller and Jonathan Lemire contributed to this report. ___ Follow Kellman and Miller on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/APLaurieKellman and http://www.twitter.com/ZekeJMiller . President Donald Trump, accompanied by Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Texas, left, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, right, and farmers and ranchers, speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit Arlington National Cemetery for the annual Flags In ceremony ahead of Memorial Day Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., meets with reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Pelosi openly questioned President Donald Trump's fitness for office Thursday after a dramatic blow-up at the White House at a meeting on infrastructure. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders walks towards the West Wing after speaking to reporters on the North Lawn at the White House in Washington, Thursday, May 23, 2019.(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) STARKE, Fla. (AP) - A serial killer who terrorized Florida with a murderous spree that claimed 10 women in 1984 was put to death Thursday, his execution witnessed by a woman who survived one of his attacks and aided in his capture. Bobby Joe Long, 65, was pronounced dead at 6:55 p.m. Thursday following a lethal injection at Florida State Prison. Long had no last words, simply closing his eyes as the procedure began, witnesses said. The killer terrified the Tampa Bay area for eight months in 1984 as women began showing up dead, their bodies often left in gruesome poses. Most were strangled, some had their throats slit, and others were bludgeoned. Law enforcement had few clues until the case of Lisa Noland, who survived one of Long's attacks. She witnessed Thursday's execution from the front row. Just 17 in 1984, Noland was abducted by Long outside a church that year. He raped her but ultimately let her go free. She left evidence of his crimes on the scene and gave police details leading to his capture. Long confessed to the crimes, receiving 28 life sentences and one death sentence for the murder of 22-year-old Michelle Simms. Noland positioned herself in the witness room where she hoped Long would see her. Lisa Noland, who survived an attack at the hands of serial killer Bobby Joe Long, speaks to reporters after his execution May 23, 2019, in Starke, Fla. Bobby Joe Long, a serial killer who terrorized Florida with a 1984 spree that claimed the lives of 10 women was put to death Thursday, his execution witnessed by the woman who survived one of his attacks and aided in his capture.(AP Photo/Brendan Farrington) "I wanted to look him in the eye. I wanted to be the first person he saw. Unfortunately, he didn't open his eyes," she said. "It was comforting to know this was actually happening." She said she began to cry after she left the room once it was over. "The peace that came over me is a remarkable feeling," she said. Another witness wore a polo shirt with a photo of one victim on the front and the words "Gone But Not Forgotten." On the back were photos of all 10 slaying victims and the words, "The Ones That Matter." Noland was the victim Long let go. The day before her abduction, she said, she had written a suicide note, planning to end her life after years of sexual abuse by her grandmother's boyfriend. But she ended up making heroic use of that history. "At the time he put the gun to my head, it was nothing new to me," she told The Associated Press earlier this week. She said she knew from her past abuse that if she fought Long, it would enrage him. "I had to learn who he was, what made him tick. If I did the wrong move, could it end my life? So literally, the night before I wrote a suicide note out, and now I was in a position where I had to save my life," she said on Wednesday. Investigators were baffled by the trail of bodies Long left around Tampa Bay. Artiss Ann Wick was the first killed, in March 1984. Nine others followed. Law enforcement had few clues until Noland told her story. Noland said beforehand that she knew what she would have said if she could have addressed Long. Said Noland: "I would say 'Thank you for choosing me and not another 17-year-old girl.'" "Another 17-year-old girl probably wouldn't have been able to handle it the way that I have," she said. Long moved from West Virginia to the Miami area as a child and was raised by his mother, a cocktail waitress. After high school, he married his childhood sweetheart, but later became violent. The ex-wife, Cindy Brown , told AP she recalls fearing for her life as the attacks grew worse, including a day he choked her and knocked her unconscious. In the AP interview Wednesday, Noland described her attack in excruciating detail: the church where Long abducted her, the gun he pressed to her head, the bright light she could see on the car's dashboard beneath the edge of her blindfold. It said Magnum, as in Dodge Magnum. She was menstruating and made sure she left blood evidence on the car's backseat. She could tell when they were on an interstate north of Tampa. When she was brought to the killer's apartment, she counted the steps up to the second floor. When he let her use the bathroom, she made sure she left fingerprints everywhere. She knew she couldn't make him angry. She appealed to a glimmer of kindness he showed while he washed her hair after raping her repeatedly. She asked what made him do what he did. He said he had suffered a bad breakup and hated women. She told him he seemed nice and that maybe she could be his girlfriend. She wouldn't tell anyone. Long later got Noland dressed. He let her loose and told her not to take the blindfold off for five minutes. She got out of the car and tripped on the curb. Long caught her before she fell. She waited for what seemed like an eternity and pulled off the blindfold. She was in front of a tree in another churchyard. Today, she claims that tree as hers, and included it in the design of a T-shirt she made to mark Long's execution. And she's joined the ranks of the law enforcement officers who captured Long. She's a deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the same department she helped lead to Long's arrest. _____ Associated Press writer Curt Anderson in Miami contributed to this story. NEW YORK (AP) - Brittany K. Barnett and MiAngel Cody are warrior attorneys with a mission: freeing drug offenders serving life in a federal system they're working to reform. When it comes to the cause, their energy is boundless, Barnett through her Buried Alive Project and Cody as founder of The Decarceration Collective. And they're immensely grateful to Kim Kardashian West for joining the fight, catching some headlines in the process. Barnett, who lives in Dallas, and Cody, based in Chicago, have spent years in the prison reform struggle, both after spending time in corporate law. "At a basic level, I've always been interested in how courts and judges wrestle with human stories of the people standing in front of them, which drew me to contesting and attacking mandatory minimum sentences. Because when you have mandatory minimums, judges can't even consider their personal stories," Cody told The Associated Press. It's that "erasure of the historiography of people" that keeps her going, said Cody, also lead counsel of her nonprofit collective of lawyers, community organizers and criminal justice policy experts. The organization Barnett co-founded does similar work, representing individuals in court in pursuit of second chances, educating policymakers on the need for legislative reform and sharing stories to humanize those convicted to break the stigma of incarceration. This May 14, 2019 photo released by The Decarceration Collective shows lead counsel MiAngel Cody, left, and attorney Brittany K. Barnett in Dallas, Texas. Barnett and Cody are warrior attorneys with a mission: Freeing nonviolent drug offenders serving life in a federal system they're working to reform. (Dessie Brown Jr./The Decarceration Collective via AP) Kardashian West, who is now studying law while running her beauty business and continuing on reality TV, first learned of Barnett's work when she stumbled on an interview with Alice Marie Johnson from prison and tracked down the Tennessee grandmother's legal team, which included Barnett. President Trump commuted the mandatory life sentence given Johnson, a first-time offender convicted in a cocaine conspiracy case, after a visit to the White House by Kardashian West. After, Trump signed a bipartisan compromise on federal prison reforms late last year. That's when Barnett and Cody joined forces on a 90-day effort to free as many federal inmates as they could under the new rules. The two secured releases for 17 offenders. "It was literally a dare over text," Cody said of the idea. "It was like, hey girl, let's get some people out of prison. We were arguing motions in courtrooms that were completely unfamiliar to us. Kim knew we were doing this for free. We were probably halfway into the project, not paying ourselves, and with no money and no funding." Barnett has known Kardashian West for nearly two years, since the star took up Johnson's cause. She offered to help fund the 90 Days of Freedom campaign when the usual big donors would not. "It was like, OK, let's link arms. We need all the help we can get," Barnett told the AP. "She has always volunteered her resources. I've never asked Kim for a dime." Barnett and Cody will launch a new initiative, the Third Strike Project, on June 19. It's aimed at offenders in their database left behind under last year's measure, the First Step Act, which retroactively made inmates convicted in crack cocaine cases eligible for consideration to receive reduced sentences. "We have a client who's doing mandatory three strikes life for marijuana. The First Step Act didn't help him because it didn't cover marijuana," Cody said. "Maybe they had a high amount of a different kind of drug. Maybe it was cocaine powder and it was 5 kilos. We couldn't go back and retroactively ask the judge to lower their life sentence." According to The Buried Alive Project , 3,834 people were sentenced to life in federal drug cases between 1988 and 2016. Of those, about 63 percent were black and 17 percent Hispanic. Overall, 46 percent were 46 years old and older. Barnett and Cody have spent time fielding criticism among their own supporters online who are troubled by the attention Kardashian West has received. "We tell our truth, and the truth is Kim linked arms with us when other people turned us down. We consider her a partner," Barnett said. "People are missing the bigger picture, which is that someone with the celebrity and platform Kim has is actually raising awareness for issues that many of us care about and many of us have been working on for a long time. We welcome anyone who wants to join this fight." The fight, for her, is personal. Barnett's mother, who had a crack addiction, served three years. Barnett and her sister would shuttle several hours back and forth for prison visits. Then, while she was in law school, Barnett came across the case of Sharanda Jones, who was sentenced in 1999 to mandatory life without parole for her role in a drug conspiracy, her first arrest and conviction. After nearly 17 years behind bars, Jones became one of seven inmates for whom Barnett secured clemency from President Barack Obama. Jones is a co-founder of Buried Alive. She was also a close friend of Johnson in prison. Cody founded The Decarceration Project after serving as a federal defender. She wrote one of the first clemency petitions granted by Obama, in 2013, for Reynolds Wintersmith Jr., who was 19 when arrested and later sentenced to mandatory life under sentencing guidelines of the time. He served 20 years. "His mother had overdosed from drugs. He was sent to live with his grandmother, who was abusive and taught him how to sell and cook crack," Cody said. "It was an entire story of systemic failure." She earned clemency in six more cases before Obama left office, and she praised those in Congress who supported First Step last year. "Brittany and I say from the courtroom to Congress to clemency, we will show up and advocate for people who are serving life," Cody said. "We're talking about mass incarceration, human beings in cages for life. At the end of the day, I have nothing left for any other conversation." RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Tobacco giant Philip Morris said Thursday that Brazil's courts have consistently ruled that tobacco companies are not liable for smoking-related health damages after the country's attorney general filed a lawsuit seeking to recover costs to the public health system in treating such illnesses. The suit filed Tuesday against Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco seeks to recuperate losses over the last five years for the treatment of 26 diseases with scientifically proven links to tobacco usage. It is the first of its kind in Latin America. In a statement, Philip Morris responded by saying: "It is worth noting that for the past 20 years, courts in Brazil have consistently found that tobacco manufacturers are not liable for smoking-related damages given that the sale of cigarettes is a legal, heavily regulated activity and that the health risks of smoking have been well-known for decades." It said it had not yet been notified of the lawsuit so could not comment on specific allegations. A spokesperson from British American Tobacco said the company was aware of the lawsuit but had not yet been served legal proceedings so couldn't comment. In the suit, the attorney general's office said Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco and their subsidiaries are responsible for 90% of Brazil's cigarette sales and manufacturing. Brazil's Health Ministry estimates that the country loses the equivalent of $3.5 billion per year due to medical expenses and lost productivity from nicotine addiction. FILE - In this July 17, 2012 file photo, Marlboro cigarettes are displayed in Montpelier, Vt. Philip Morris International issued a response on Thursday, May 23, 2019, after Brazil's attorney general filed a lawsuit seeking to recover costs by the public health care system in treating smoking-related illnesses. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot, File) "Since the profit of this business is sent abroad, it's more than fair that these multinationals pay the burden they are leaving with Brazilian society," said David Bressler, a coordinator from a regional prosecutor's office. The U.S.-based Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids called the case "historic" and said that the attorney general's office is "courageously standing up to multinational tobacco companies and seeking just compensation the Brazilian people deserve." About 428 people die per day in Brazil because of nicotine dependency, and 90% of lung cancer cases in the country are related to smoking tobacco, according to the Health Ministry. Brazil is considered a regional leader in tobacco control. Smoking is illegal in nearly all enclosed public places, advertisements and promotions for tobacco products are banned, and cigarette packs carry graphic health warnings of cancer-infected lungs and mouths. A statement from the attorney general's office said the case didn't intend to affect tobacco production in Brazil. "(The lawsuit) doesn't in any way affect domestic tobacco production and Brazil's position as the world's largest exporter of tobacco leaves, as it has been for 26 years," it said, noting that 70% of the country's tobacco production is exported. Similar lawsuits in the U.S. and Canada have forced tobacco companies to pay billions for health damages. Sen. Elizabeth Warren calls Betsy DeVos the "worst secretary of education we've seen." Sen. Amy Klobuchar says DeVos "shouldn't be in her job." Beto O'Rourke's take on DeVos: "We can do better." In the hunt for a presidential nomination, those Democrats and others are increasingly taking swings at DeVos as a way to energize supporters, jostle for attention and curry favor with the nation's major teachers unions, which claim millions of voters among their members. Over the last two months, candidates have gone after DeVos at campaign rallies, during TV appearances and in policy proposals. They have used her name to get a rise out of crowds at events from Las Vegas to Virginia. DeVos herself has become as much of an issue as any education policy, attracting more attention than most other members of President Donald Trump's administration. "When you look across the Cabinet, there really isn't anyone else who has driven engagement at a personal level in the same way she has," said Mike Spahn, a managing director at Precision Strategies, a political consulting firm that works with Democrats. "She's the one who draws the most negativity." So far at least six candidates have publicly opposed DeVos, often as they offer their own pledges to support public schools and raise pay for teachers across the country. Warren in particular has framed her friction with DeVos as a cornerstone of her 2020 campaign. In a letter to supporters this month, the Massachusetts senator issued a scathing rebuke of DeVos and promised that, if elected, she will put a former public school teacher in the nation's top education post. FILE - In this April 10, 2019, file photo, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington. An internal Education Department watchdog says DeVos has sometimes used personal email accounts for government business and did not always properly save the messages. The agency's Office of Inspector General released a report Monday, May 20, finding "limited" instances in which DeVos sent work emails from four personal accounts. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, file) "I'll just be blunt: Betsy DeVos is the worst secretary of education we've seen," Warren wrote. "She and her team are up to their eyeballs in conflicts of interest. Instead of championing our students, they protect for-profit colleges that break the law and cheat them." Education Department spokeswoman Liz Hill declined to comment for this story. Others who have taken jabs include former Vice President Joe Biden, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana. In Fredericksburg, Virginia, O'Rourke recently drew cheers when he asked, "Do you all think that we can do better than Betsy DeVos as secretary of education?" He answered, "I do too." While it's uncommon for an education secretary to become such a focus on the campaign trail, education itself is often an important topic in presidential races. During the 2016 election, Americans in both parties agreed that education was among the most important issues alongside the economy, according to a poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Democratic strategists say it's politically savvy to tap into the left's outrage over DeVos and her proposals, especially her support for school choice, her proposed overhaul of federal rules on campus sexual assault, and her efforts to roll back a variety of Obama-era regulations. Some say focusing on DeVos also can help candidates stand out in a crowded field of 23 competitors. "It's kind of a goldmine. For Democrats, she is the face of an incompetent administration," said Scott Ferson, president and CEO of the Liberty Square Group a political strategy firm in Boston. "I think Democrats are looking for somebody who isn't just going to knock the president every time they speak, and DeVos is a good surrogate for the administration." Candidates have taken aim at the secretary as the nation's two major teachers unions begin deciding who will get their endorsements. Both the National Education Association, which claims 3.2 million members, and the American Federation of Teachers, with 1.7 million, are seen as powerful political forces and recently began vetting candidates. Both unions are sharp opponents of DeVos and have depicted her as an enemy of public schools. DeVos in turn describes the groups as outdated institutions that put their own interests above students. Speaking to conservatives in California this month, DeVos called teachers unions and other groups "an education cabal that protects the status quo at the expense of just about everyone else." Strategists say swinging at DeVos is an easy way to score political points with the labor groups. Warren issued her declaration against DeVos the same day she spoke at a Philadelphia town hall organized by the American Federation of Teachers, which backed Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. The union has hosted other recent events with Klobuchar and Sanders, along with Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., and Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio. DeVos has been a popular target for Democrats since her 2017 confirmation hearing, where she appeared to be flustered by questions from some lawmakers. Online videos of her occasional public gaffes have been used as an organizing tool by her opponents, and Democrats in last year's midterm elections often depicted DeVos as a villain in their TV campaign ads. One ad from Democratic supporters in Maryland accused Republican Gov. Larry Hogan of having "similar views" to DeVos, saying it posed "a big problem for Maryland students." During O'Rourke's Senate bid in Texas, he released an ad saying his opponent, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, "was the deciding vote in putting Betsy DeVos in charge of our children's public education." Beyond her policies, DeVos is a favorite foe of Democrats because they see her as a symbol of privilege, said Spahn, of the Precision Strategies firm. DeVos and her husband are billionaires who have used their wealth to support school choice efforts in Michigan and across the country. "The combination of the policies she is articulating and the system she represents has really resonated with people," Spahn said. "I think that does have to do with the fact that she's got a yacht or two, and she has funded some very conservative campaigns." Some consultants expect DeVos to remain a target for Democrats through the 2020 general election, but some question whether the strategy can yield more than a brief boost. Some previous campaigns have found that focusing on DeVos generated attention online but didn't always translate into long-term backing, said Larry Huynh, a partner at the consulting firm Trilogy Interactive. "What people have found is she creates energy," Huynh said. "But are these people simply anti-DeVos? Can you turn them into pro-candidate X? We have actually seen quite mixed results on that." Using DeVos as a foil could also be problematic for some candidates with past ties to DeVos. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., for example, once served with her on the board of Alliance for School Choice, a group that supported school vouchers, and he was the keynote speaker at a 2012 school choice summit hosted by the American Federation of Children, a group DeVos led. Booker later voted against DeVos' confirmation by the Senate and said he was "frustrated and deeply saddened" by her appointment. ___ Follow Collin Binkley on Twitter at https://twitter.com/cbinkley WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats (all times local): 6:05 p.m. The enmity between President Donald Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is ratcheting up, with each questioning the other's fitness for duty. Personal attacks flowed on both sides Thursday after a dramatic blow-up at the White House a day before. Pelosi openly questioned Trump's fitness to remain in office, suggesting a staff or family "intervention" for the good of the nation. Trump responded by calling her "Crazy Nancy." Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., meets with reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, May 23, 2019. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) As for himself, he declared, "I'm an extremely stable genius." Both the Republican president and Democratic leaders dug in a day after Trump stalked out of the Cabinet Room demanding an end to all congressional probes before he would work with Congress on crumbling U.S. infrastructure and other matters. ___ 11:35 a.m. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is suggesting an "intervention" with President Donald Trump after he vowed to not work with Congress unless Democrats stop investigating him. The California Democrat described a pattern of "stunts" by Trump to change the subject amid the investigations and unflattering news about him. On Wednesday, Trump stalked out of a meeting with Democrats that had been set up to talk about how to pay for a $2 trillion package to repair the nation's roads and bridges. Pelosi told reporters Thursday at her weekly news conference: "I wish that his family or his administration or his staff would have an intervention for the good of the country." And she suggested: "Maybe he wants to take a leave of absence." Wednesday's blow-up between Trump and Democratic congressional leaders came as Trump has refused Democrats' demand for documents and testimony in the aftermath of special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Russia's election meddling and contacts with the Trump campaign. ___ 9:50 a.m. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders says "it's insane" to think infrastructure talks can continue as if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (puh-LOH'-see) did not accuse President Donald Trump of a "cover-up." Pelosi did, ahead of a key White House meeting Wednesday. Trump stalked out, demanding an end to congressional investigations before working together on legislation. The move came shortly after Pelosi met with her members in an attempt to tamp down talk of impeachment. Between the caucus gathering and the White House meeting, Pelosi accused Trump of engaging in a "cover-up." Sanders said Thursday on CNN, "It's real simple, you can't go down two tracks." Trump tweeted that Democrats are a "do-nothing party!" Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said on MSNBC that the Republican president is "an erratic, helter-skelter, get-nothing-done" leader. MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP) - A general strike called by Nicaragua's opposition to demand the release of political prisoners had a mixed impact Thursday. Small businesses, some supermarkets and private schools closed in the capital. But pharmacies and gas stations were open. Traffic was lighter than usual, with many private vehicles off the roads, but buses and taxis were circulating as usual. The government had warned banks they would be sanctioned if they participated in the strike called by opposition coalitions. A private school attended by some of President Daniel Ortega's grandchildren was among those closed, though it said that was for security reasons. Evelia Herrera said she opened her shop in Managua because she doesn't eat if she doesn't work. The strike seemed to be more effective in other cities. Shoppers make their way through Roberto Huembes market where some vendors decided to partake in a general strike called by the opposition to Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega in Managua, Nicaragua, Thursday, May 23, 2019. The nation-wide strike was called to pressure the government to free political prisoners. (AP Photo/Alfredo Zuniga) Opposition leaders claimed success, while government officials suggested the strike's impact was minimal. Jose Pallais of the Civic Alliance opposition group said 65%-70% of businesses remained closed and consumption was reduced by 90%, according to preliminary estimates from organizers. Jose Adan Aguerri, president of the business council Cosep, called the protest "very successful." But Rosario Murillo, Ortega's powerful vice president and first lady, said, without directly mentioning the strike, that "in all Nicaragua, families carried out everyday activities" such as farm work, education and health care. Men walk across a road with low circulation due to a general strike called by the opposition to Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega in Managua, Nicaragua, Thursday, May 23, 2019. The nation-wide strike was called to pressure the government to free political prisoners. (AP Photo/Alfredo Zuniga) A woman walks past a tailor's shop featuring photos of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and first lady Rosario Murillo, at the Roberto Huembes market where some vendors partook in a general strike aimed at pressuring the government to free political prisoners in Managua, Nicaragua, Thursday, May 23, 2019. The words on the wall read in Spanish "Feeling the pride in being 100% pure Nicaraguan." (AP Photo/Alfredo Zuniga) A shopper makes his way through Roberto Huembes market where some vendors decided to partake in a general strike called by the opposition to Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega in Managua, Nicaragua, Thursday, May 23, 2019. The nation-wide strike was called to pressure the government to free political prisoners. (AP Photo/Alfredo Zuniga) Women cross a road with low circulation due to a general strike called by the opposition to Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega in Managua, Nicaragua, Thursday, May 23, 2019. The nation-wide strike was called to pressure the government to free political prisoners. (AP Photo/Alfredo Zuniga) OXFORD, Miss. (AP) - A Mississippi city has fired a police officer charged in the killing of a woman with whom he was romantically involved. In a related development, a judge who presided over the officer's first court appearance has stepped away from the case after the victim's mother said the judge was disrespectful. An Oxford Police Department spokesman confirmed Thursday to the Oxford Eagle that city aldermen met in closed session Tuesday night and fired Mathew Kinne (KIHN'-ee). Kinne, 38, is charged with murder in the shooting death of Dominique Clayton, 32, of Oxford. Her 8-year-old son found her body when he returned home Sunday. The mother of four had been shot in the back of her head. Kinne is white and Clayton was black. Her relatives say they were in a romantic relationship. Kinne had worked for the Oxford Police Department since 2015. He remains jailed in a neighboring county. Oxford Police Officer Matthew Kinne, center, is escorted into a hearing by Lafayette County Sheriff Dept. Maj. Alan Wilburn at the Lafayette County Courthouse, Wednesday, May 22, 2019, in Oxford, Miss. Kinne is charged in the death of 32-year-old Dominique Clayton, who was found dead Sunday. (Bruce Newman/The Oxford Eagle via AP) Clayton's mother, Bessie Clayton, expressed outrage Wednesday after a prosecutor told a judge that prosecutors and defense lawyers might agree next week on "reasonable" bail for Kinne. "There is no justice for black people," Bessie Clayton said. She also said that Circuit Judge Andrew Howorth, who is white, had laughed during Kinne's court appearance, and that was a sign of disrespect to her slain daughter. "This judge has got to go," Bessie Clayton said. During the court appearance , Howorth sought to present written charges to Kinne's defense attorney and then realized he did not have the papers. Howorth sent Kinne and the attorney to sit back down and a court employee delivered the papers to the judge as Kinne sat. Although a video camera at the hearing cut away from the judge, Howorth can be heard saying to Kinne and his attorney, in a lighter tone of voice, "Come on back up." The newspaper reported that in an order recusing himself Thursday, Howorth referred to the family's public statements their potential effects on the future of the case if he were to stay, prompting his decision to step away from the case. "Statements made to the media -whether motivated by grief, anger, fear, confusion, or ignorance - are repeated by the media. Then those statements meld their way into and through social media, where they then apparently are often considered to be facts," Howorth said in the order. "Thereafter, public confusion or misunderstanding has an actual, genuine risk of impacting fairness at trial." Oxford's interim police chief, Jeff McCutchen, said he opposes bail and Kinne "needs to be in jail." "There is NO 'reasonable' bond, which can be set in this case," McCutchen said in a statement. "Matthew Kinne should not be released. He is a danger to our community and should not be released. We share in the frustrations of the community, stand with, and support the Clayton Family. This is about justice for Dominique Clayton." ___ This story has been corrected to show that a prosecutor, not a judge, mentioned the possibility of "reasonable" bail. Judge Andrew K. Howorth speaks to Oxford, Miss. police officer Matt Kinne, right, and his attorney Tiffany Kilpatrick during a hearing at the Lafayette County Courthouse in Oxford, Miss., Wednesday, May 22, 2019. Relatives of Dominque Clayton, a slaying victim were outraged Wednesday when Mississippi court officials discussed possible bail for a white police officer accused of killing the black woman with whom he was romantically involved. (Bruce Newman/The Oxford Eagle via AP) Oxford Police Officer Matthew Kinne, left, attends a hearing at at the Lafayette County Courthouse, Wednesday, May 22, 2019, in Oxford, Miss. Kinne is charged in the death of 32-year-old Dominique Clayton, who was found dead Sunday. (Bruce Newman/The Oxford Eagle via AP) Oxford Police Officer Matthew Kinne, center, escorted by Lafayette County Sheriff deputies Jarrett Bundren, left, and Maj. Alan Wilburn, after hearing at the Lafayette County Courthouse, Wednesday, May 22, 2019, in Oxford, Miss. Kinne is charged in the death of 32-year-old Dominique Clayton, who was found dead Sunday. (Bruce Newman/The Oxford Eagle via AP) WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - A Delaware judge has ordered the unsealing of a complaint filed by chemical manufacturer Chemours against the DuPont Co., which spun off Chemours in 2015, and chastised attorneys for the secrecy surrounding the dispute. Attorneys for Chemours filed the complaint under seal on May 13, publicly acknowledging in a cover sheet only that it was an "action for declaratory judgment and other relief relating to a spin-off transaction." Chemours then failed to comply with a court rule requiring the filing of a redacted, public version of the complaint within three days. The redacted version of the 64-page complaint - which was filed shortly after The Associated Press pointed out the expiration of the deadline and asked the court to unseal the filing - is almost entirely blacked out. In a conference call with attorneys Thursday, Vice Chancellor Sam Glasscock III expressed concerns about the secrecy and the violation of court rules. "A court can only function in a free society where it maintains the respect of the citizens it serves," Glasscock said. "In order to do that, it has to conduct its business in public." The judge noted that Chemours attorneys had failed to provide a cover sheet that summarized the filing in sufficient detail to inform the public of the nature of dispute, then filed a completely blacked out complaint after the deadline to file a public version had expired. "That can't be a good-faith compliance with the rule," said Glasscock, who noted that the dispute "involves the picking of the carcass of the quintessential Delaware public corporation." In addition to DuPont, the other defendants in the case are DowDuPont Inc., which was formed following DuPont's merger with Dow Chemical in 2017, and Corteva, which is the agricultural division of DowDuPont but is being spun off into an independent, publicly traded company next month. According to the lawsuit, Corteva is expected to be the direct parent of DuPont and will hold certain assets and liabilities of DowDuPont. An attorney for Chemours, formerly DuPont's performance chemicals unit, told Glasscock that the secrecy was requested by DuPont, whose attorneys say the court filing violates a separation agreement requirement that any dispute between the companies be resolved through arbitration. "This complaint should never have been filed in this court," said Rob Saunders, an attorney for DuPont, noting that the separation agreement, which was attached to the complaint, has a clear mandatory arbitration provision. Even the mere existence of a dispute must be kept secret, Saunders added. "We're trying to mitigate the harm caused by Chemours' breach of that agreement and prevent further harm by keeping the nature and details of the dispute as confidential as possible," he said. Glasscock remained skeptical, saying it was clear that a lot of material in the complaint could not legitimately be considered confidential under court rules that allow limited protection for certain confidential business information. The judge also suggested that the appropriate remedy for breach of contract was to seek damages, not try to hide a court filing from the public. After telling attorneys the complaint should be unsealed, Glasscock deferred ordering an immediate unsealing to allow attorneys to file an interlocutory appeal or a motion for reargument. In a letter to Glasscock later Thursday, Saunders indicated that the defendants will ask Delaware's Supreme Court to accept an appeal of his ruling. WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump was walking across the sun-splashed airport tarmac in Jerusalem with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2017 when the Israeli leader playfully warned his political ally about the confusing protocol he was about to encounter on his first visit to Israel as president. "What is the protocol?" Trump asked his host, referring to the rules that govern how dignitaries interact. "You have any idea what it is?" A smiling Netanyahu replied: "Who knows?" Trump's next few weeks will serve as a master class in the finer points - and potential pitfalls - of protocol as he makes state visits to Japan and the United Kingdom, meeting with both Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Japan's newly installed Emperor Naruhito. Plenty of world leaders are tripped up by the intricacies, and Trump himself has a spotty record in his diplomatic dealings on the world stage. He pushed his way to the front of a pack of world leaders as they got into position for a photo at a NATO meeting in Brussels in 2017. He belittled Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over Twitter after leaving a fractious meeting of the Group of Seven industrialized nations last year in Canada. And he walked steps ahead of the queen at Windsor Castle when the pair met for the first time last year. For all of that, though, the president can't seem to get enough pomp and pageantry. He raved about the reception he received in Asia in 2017, when China and other governments welcomed Trump by rolling out red carpets, staging military parades and putting on fancy dinners as he toured the region. FILE - In this July 13, 2018 file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump with Queen Elizabeth II, inspects the Guard of Honour at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England. Trump's next few weeks will serve as a master's class in the finer points _ and potential pitfalls _ of protocol. He's making state visits to Japan and the United Kingdom where he'll be meeting with both Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Japan's newly installed Emperor Naruhito. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Trump's penchant for flattery is not lost on the Japanese, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe going all-out to become perhaps Trump's closest friend among global leaders. The frills of a state visit, including meeting Naruhito and an imperial banquet, should bring out the best in Trump, said Michael Green, senior vice president for Asia and Japan chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "I think he'll be on really good behavior," Green said. "I think the Japanese knew very much what they were doing." With nothing left to chance, diagrams have been drawn up to help Trump rehearse his movements at the Imperial Palace, where he and first lady Melania Trump will meet Naruhito on Monday. Officials there say they aren't worried about any diplomatic blunders, noting that Trump's meeting two years ago with then-Emperor Akihito went smoothly. Governments across the globe, including the United States, employ officials who ground themselves in the ins and outs of protocol, the rules that govern how leaders and dignitaries interact and comport themselves. But leaders don't always follow the instructions - for reasons as varied as a case of the nerves or sheer disregard of conventions. Etiquette experts say protocol exists to provide structure and help put people at ease, and that those who disregard it send a signal that their own desires are more important than the feelings and expectations of others. During a 2017 visit with Saudi Arabia's royal family, Trump and King Salman drank traditional Arabic coffee in small cups. Seeing that Trump held the cup with his left hand, taboo in the Muslim world, Salman instructed Trump that religious tradition dictates using the right hand. Trump then replied: "Always the right hand, right. Always the right hand." Protocol has stumped other presidents and dignitaries, too. In 1992, President George H.W. Bush slumped over and vomited in the lap of Japan's prime minister during a state banquet in Tokyo. Bush was in the midst of a lengthy tour of Asia and had become nauseous between courses of raw salmon and grilled beef. In 2011, President Barack Obama was zinged for talking as "God Save the Queen" began to play during his toast to the queen during a Buckingham Palace banquet. The orchestra started playing the British national anthem before Obama had finished the toast, which caused a bit of a stir at the dinner. She did not appear to be offended. During an earlier Obama visit to London in 2009, first lady Michelle Obama was criticized for putting an arm around the queen and wearing a sweater to their first encounter. Mrs. Obama, a well-known hugger, wrote in her memoir that she and the queen had bonded at the Buckingham Palace reception over their uncomfortable shoes and achy feet when the queen laughed. "I then did what's instinctive to me anytime I feel connected to a new person ... I laid a hand affectionately across her shoulder," she said. Royal protocol dictates that an individual wait for a sign from the queen or other family member that physical contact such as a handshake or an embrace is welcome. The former first lady said she tried not to let the ensuing media firestorm rattle her. "If I hadn't done the proper thing at Buckingham Palace, I had at least done the human thing," Mrs. Obama wrote. ___ Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo, Jill Lawless in London, Aya Batrawy in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report. ___ Follow Darlene Superville on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Jurors on Thursday heard jail calls in which a suspect charged with fatally shooting a woman and wounding seven people at a Nashville church in 2017 laughs about it with his then-girlfriend. The October 2017 calls were replayed in court Thursday in the Nashville trial of 27-year-old Emanuel Kidega Samson. Jurors began deliberating in the afternoon and will resume Friday. A transcript of the calls shows Samson said he heard the shooting victims saying "some funny (expletive)" when he was on the floor of Burnette Chapel Church of Christ in September 2017 after being shot during a tussle with a churchgoer. Samson says in one of the calls that he and his then-girlfriend are able to "look at the humor in any situation." "When I put the two bullets in my chest and laid down and I was on the floor and I could hear what everyone was saying and some people were saying some funny (expletive) bruh and, I was like, if Maya were here listening to y'all's whack (expletive), bruh," Samson said in one call. Samson also says in the calls that he wanted to intimidate jail guards, adding that he has an "intense African look." And the couple also brag about how good Samson looked in news coverage. Emanuel Kidega Samson testifies in his own defense Wednesday, May 22, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. Samson is accused of fatally shooting a woman and wounding seven people at a Nashville church in 2017. Prosecutors have said they're seeking life without parole for Samson. (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean via AP, Pool) "Big sexy hashtag, hashtag," Samson said in that call. Prosecutors played the calls to rebut Samson's previous testimony denying such comments. Defense attorney Jennifer Lynn Thompson said the calls that prosecutors played were just a handful of 1,500 that Samson made. She pointed out how quickly Samson was speaking in the calls, saying he sounded manic. Prosecutors said the calls indicate Samson wasn't suicidal that day; the defense argued the exact opposite. "It is amazing that only one person lost their life in this," Deputy District Attorney Roger Moore said in closing arguments. "It is not so amazing that that one person who didn't lose their life in this was Emanuel Samson." The shooting rampage killed 38-year-old Melanie L. Crow of Smyrna, Tennessee. She was shot in the church parking lot while heading to her car to get a cough drop, and dropped her Bible and notes from the worship ceremony that had just concluded, Deputy District Attorney Amy Hunter said. Prosecutors are seeking life without parole for Samson, who has been charged with first-degree murder and other crimes in a 43-count indictment. Samson is black and the victims are white. Samson left a note about a 2015 shooting massacre at a South Carolina black church and aimed to kill at least 10 white churchgoers in revenge, Hunter said. Hunter has explained that a note in Samson's car cited white supremacist Dylann Roof's massacre at a black church in Charleston in 2015. It also referred to the red, black and green Pan-African flag, sometimes called RBG. "Dylann Roof is less than nothing," the note read, according to Hunter. "The blood that 10 of your kind will shed is that of the color upon the RBG flag in terms of vengeance." The note included an expletive and ended with a smiley face, Hunter said. Thompson described the note as the ramblings of someone with schizoaffective disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder who was having hallucinations. Samson testified that he didn't remember committing the crime. He said his mental health disorders have caused lapses in memory and constant shifts from feelings of ecstasy to the thoughts of suicide he said he experienced the morning of the shooting. He said he's on medication now in jail and his thoughts have "slowed down drastically." "He went to the church because he was struggling that day, because he remembered the Christianity there, he remembered the people there, and he was hoping that somebody there would do something to try to stop him," Thompson said in closing arguments. Prosecutors have said Samson was conveniently choosing which details he could recall. "It's just an easy way, I submit, of getting out of answering the hard questions," Moore said. FILE - In this May 20, 2019, file photo, Emanuel Kidega Samson, 27, center, enters the courtroom in Nashville, Tenn. Samson, accused of fatally shooting one person and wounding seven others in a Nashville church in 2017, said Wednesday, May 22, he can't remember if he did it. (George Walker IV/The Tennessean via AP, Pool, File) Minister Joey Spann listens as Emanuel Samson testifies during his own trial Wednesday, May 22, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. Samson is accused of fatally shooting a woman and wounding seven people at a Nashville church in 2017. Prosecutors have said they're seeking life without parole for Samson. Spann was injured during the shooting. (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean via AP, Pool) PROVO, Utah (AP) - A man who posted a Facebook message threatening to kill "as many girls as I see" in retaliation for years of romantic rejection was sentenced Thursday to up to five years in prison. Judge Christine Johnson's decision to keep Christopher W. Cleary, 27, of Denver, behind bars in Utah went against a recommendation from Cleary's attorney and prosecutors to sentence him to probation so he could be returned to Colorado to serve prison time there for probation violations. Johnson said the incident clearly warranted prison time and that she didn't feel comfortable relying on Colorado to keep Cleary locked up. She said Utah's board of pardons can decide if Cleary should be transferred to Colorado. Cleary's Facebook threat came hours before women marched through many U.S. cities in January, stoking fears of another deadly rampage by a man blaming women for his problems. Cleary called himself a virgin who never had a girlfriend. When police tracked his cellphone and arrested him at a McDonald's restaurant in Provo, Utah, Cleary said he had been upset and wasn't thinking clearly. Cleary spoke only briefly at the sentencing, saying quietly, "I'm just sorry for what happened." His actions fit a pattern of behavior for a troubled man with a history of terrorizing women he met over the internet. At least eight people since 2012 have contacted authorities to accuse Cleary of stalking or harassing them, according to an Associated Press review of police and court records. Christopher W. Cleary, makes a court appearance during his sentencing Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Provo, Utah. Cleary, a man who posted a Facebook message threatening to kill "as many girls as I see" in retaliation for years of romantic rejection was sentenced to up to five years in prison in Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool) His attorney, Dustin Parmley, said Cleary was ashamed of his actions and has long had issues controlling his impulses to say inappropriate things. He said Cleary had a troubled childhood and was diagnosed with mental health issues at age 10, though he didn't elaborate. Parmley said Cleary bounced between group homes and mental health hospitals during his childhood. Parmley said police did the right thing in taking the threat seriously but noted Cleary has never followed through on his threats with physical violence. "The threats were made in very vague and nonspecific terms," Parmley said. Cleary pleaded guilty in April to a reduced charge of attempted threat of terrorism, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. As part of the deal, prosecutors agreed to recommend probation, which would have spared him any additional jail time in Utah beyond the months he's served since his Jan. 19 arrest. Deputy Utah County Attorney Douglas Finch called Cleary a "disturbing young man" but said he was fine with the agreement because Colorado prosecutors indicated they would make sure Cleary would serve prison time in that state. Cleary was still on probation in Jefferson County, Colorado, when he was arrested in Utah. Pam Russell, a spokeswoman for the county prosecutor's office, said earlier this week that prosecutors would seek to revoke his probation and request a "significant" prison sentence in Colorado after the Utah case was concluded. He could face up to 17 years in prison in Colorado for three stalking cases, Russell said. "We want to have him returned to Colorado as quickly as possible," Russell said Thursday. Among the complaints against Cleary in Colorado were reports that he threatened to bomb a grocery store in 2013 after an employee refused to cash his check; that he threatened to slit the throat of a Denver city employee after his car was towed; and that he threatened a mass shooting at a mental health facility during a 2016 phone call. Cleary was on probation for a marijuana conviction when, in 2016, he was charged with stalking two 18-year-old women he met online. He was on probation and in mental health court for the stalking cases when he was charged in 2017 with stalking and harassing a third woman who was Cleary's caseworker. Last year, judges in Jefferson County, Colorado, sentenced him to probation in all three stalking cases. Cleary also has a warrant for his arrest in Denver, where a 17-year-old told police in 2015 that he sent her a string of threatening text messages, including: "I own multiple guns I can have u dead in a second." ____ Associated Press writers Michael Kunzelman in College Park, Maryland, Maryclaire Dale in Philadelphia, and Colleen Slevin in Denver contributed to this report. Christopher W. Cleary, makes a court appearance during his sentencing Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Provo, Utah. Cleary, a man who posted a Facebook message threatening to kill "as many girls as I see" in retaliation for years of romantic rejection was sentenced to up to five years in prison in Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool) Christopher W. Cleary, makes a court appearance during his sentencing Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Provo, Utah. Cleary, a man who posted a Facebook message threatening to kill "as many girls as I see" in retaliation for years of romantic rejection was sentenced to up to five years in prison in Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool) Christopher W. Cleary, leaves the courtroom following his sentencing Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Provo, Utah. Cleary, a man who posted a Facebook message threatening to kill "as many girls as I see" in retaliation for years of romantic rejection was sentenced to up to five years in prison in Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool) CHICAGO (AP) - The Latest on a judge's order unsealing the file from actor Jussie Smollett's criminal case (all times local): 5:35 p.m. The file that a judge unsealed in Jussie Smollett's criminal case includes documents from when the actor posted $10,000 bail after being arrested on charges that he lied to police about being the victim of a racist, anti-gay attack. The documents released Thursday mention that one of the conditions for Smollett after his release from jail was for him to have no contact with two brothers he was accused of paying to help stage the attack in January in Chicago. The file is more than 250 pages and overall appears to contain little information that the news media did not already know about the case. The bulk of the file centers on the legal battle between media organizations that wanted access to the file and the "Empire" actor's attorneys who wanted it kept sealed. The 16 counts against Smollett were dismissed with little explanation in March. FILE - In this March 26, 2019, file photo, actor Jussie Smollett waves as he leaves Cook County Court after his charges were dropped in Chicago. A judge in Chicago has ordered the file in the Smollett criminal case unsealed. Cook County Judge Steven Watkins said Thursday, May 23, 2019, that while there are good arguments in favor of keeping the file sealed, the "Empire" actor forfeited his rights to keep the case sealed to protect his privacy by talking to the media before and after prosecutors dismissed the charges against him. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty) ___ 1 p.m. A judge that ordered the file from Jussie Smollett's criminal case unsealed says the actor's actions did not appear to be those of someone seeking to maintain his privacy. Cook County Circuit Court Judge Steven Watkins said in his order Thursday that Smollett's lawyers had argued that since the case was dismissed, Smollett had "the right to be left alone." Watkins wrote that Smollett "voluntarily appeared on national television for an interview speaking about the incident in detail" and that on "several occasions, attorneys for defendant, presumably with his authorization, appeared on various media outlets speaking about the case." Watkins added that "these are not the actions of a person seeking to maintain his privacy or simply to be let alone." Smollett had been charged with 16 counts alleging he lied to police when reporting he'd been the victim of a racist, anti-gay attack in January. Prosecutors dropped all charges. ___ 12 p.m. A judge in Chicago has ordered the file in the Jussie Smollett criminal case unsealed. Cook County Judge Steven Watkins said Thursday that while there are good arguments in favor of keeping the file sealed, the "Empire" actor forfeited his rights to keep the case sealed to protect his privacy by talking to the media before and after prosecutors dismissed the charges against him. Smollett had been charged with 16 counts alleging he lied to police when reporting he'd been the victim of a racist, anti-gay attack in January. Police insist the actor, who is black and gay, staged the attack because he was unhappy with his salary and wanted publicity. Prosecutors dropped all charges with little explanation. The criminal case was dismissed March 26. Smollett wanted the case sealed, saying that he had "the right to be left alone." ___ Check out the AP's complete coverage of the Jussie Smollett case. WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate on Thursday passed a long-overdue $19 billion disaster aid bill by a broad bipartisan vote, but only after Democrats insisted on tossing out President Donald Trump's $4.5 billion request to handle an unprecedented influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. The relief measure would deliver money to Southern states suffering from last fall's hurricanes, Midwestern states deluged with springtime floods and fire-ravaged rural California, among others. Puerto Rico would also get help for hurricane recovery. The Senate approved the bill by an 85-8 vote. House lawmakers have left for the Memorial Day recess, but the chamber probably will try to pass the bill by voice vote Friday, said a spokesman for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Trump said he will sign it even though money to deal with the border has been removed. "I didn't want to hold that up any longer," Trump said. "I totally support it." Much of the money would go to Trump strongholds such as the Florida Panhandle, rural Georgia and North Carolina, and Iowa and Nebraska. Several military facilities would receive money to rebuild, including Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., talks to reporters after the Senate passed a $19 billion disaster aid bill to help a number of states and Puerto Rico recover after a series of hurricanes, floods and wildfires, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Republican leaders agreed to Democrats' demand to toss out President Donald Trump's $4.5 billion request to address a record influx of Central American migrants who are fleeing violence in Guatemala, Honduras and elsewhere and coming to the United States. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Disaster aid bills are invariably bipartisan, but this round bogged down. After weeks of fighting, Democrats bested Trump and won further aid to Puerto Rico, the U.S. territory slammed by back-to-back hurricanes in 2017. Trump has feuded with the island's Democratic officials and has repeatedly misstated that Puerto Rico has received much more aid than it actually has. Trump originally wanted no money for Puerto Rico before agreeing to $605 million for its food stamp program. But ultimately, Democrats said they secured about $1.4 billion, including money to help Puerto Rico's cash-poor government meet matching requirements for further disaster rebuilding efforts. Talks this week over Trump's border request broke down, however, over conditions Democrats wanted to place on money to provide care and shelter for asylum-seeking Central American migrants. Talks were closely held, but aides said liberal and Hispanic forces among House Democrats could not come to terms with administration demands. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York dictated the terms of the agreement because Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was in a procedural box. Schumer took a victory lap with reporters immediately after the vote, recounting how he bested Trump on money for Puerto Rico and then carried the day by forcing a vote on the natural disaster-only measure. Schumer said the bill was virtually the same as what he and Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, proposed six weeks ago. He said the bill "could have been passed then. It wasn't Democrats blocking it." Schumer led a filibuster of an earlier version last month over Trump's refusal to sign off on money to speed further disaster aid to Puerto Rico. He said Democrats "insisted that Puerto Rico get the aid that it needed, along with the rest of America, and it is." "This funding will replenish Puerto Rico's nutrition assistance program, fund important disaster recovery projects, and allow critical infrastructure like hospitals and schools to be built back better," said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey, D-N.Y. But border needs are increasingly desperate, and lawmakers will face intense pressure to act when they return next month. Money to house and care for migrants is expected to run out in June. The disaster aid bill was most urgently sought by southern Republicans such as Sen. David Perdue of Georgia, who want to help farmers who lost billions of dollars when Hurricane Michael hit last fall during harvest season. Midwestern Republicans such as Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa also pressed for the legislation. Democrats didn't pay a political price for filibustering the bill in early April, and Schumer remained confident that Republicans such as Perdue - who is close to Trump and faces reelection next year - were getting desperate. Pressure built, and Trump agreed to sign the measure after a phone call with Perdue and the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala. All sides agree that another bill of more than $4 billion will be needed almost immediately to refill nearly empty agency accounts to care for migrants, though Democrats are fighting hard against the detention facilities requested by Trump. Part of the rush to get the bill through without the refugee aid was to get politically exhausted lawmakers out of Washington, but Republicans controlling the Senate were determined to get disaster aid completed or face the wrath of frustrated constituents. "Right now the total dollar amounts are pretty close on border security. Democrats and Republicans are pretty much in agreement about it," said Perdue. "We're just trying to work out some detailed language, but we didn't think we could wait any longer to get this done." Trump rushed to try to claim credit, too, though his budget office never submitted an official request for the disaster aid. But he talked up the aid in a recent trip to the timber-rich Florida Panhandle, his best region in a state without which it's virtually impossible for him to win reelection. "Well, we're going to get the immigration money later, according to everybody," Trump said. "I have to take care of my farmers with the disaster relief." Democrats secured a provision that would block Trump from diverting any of the money in the bill for military projects toward building his border wall. Trump has declared a national emergency and has said he is considering transferring up to $3.6 billion from military construction to border barriers. The measure also includes a temporary extension through September of the government's troubled flood insurance program, which is critical to the housing market in coastal and flood-prone areas. UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The Netherlands called Thursday for the establishment of a tribunal to prosecute members of the Islamic State extremist group responsible for "mass atrocity crimes." Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok made the proposal at a U.N. Security Council meeting on the protection of civilians in conflict, saying there must be accountability and an end to impunity for violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws. He said Islamic State fighters responsible for mass atrocities should be prosecuted, preferably in the region, and if feasible by "an ad hoc or hybrid international criminal tribunal." "I am fully aware of the complex obstacles on our road towards this goal," Blok said. "But we have to keep in mind: Justice is a prerequisite of lasting peace and security." He said the Netherlands will organize a ministerial meeting on the prosecution of fighters from IS, which is also known as ISIL, on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders at the General Assembly in September. "I invite Security Council members and others to join us on this road towards justice," Blok said. The Islamic State group's self-declared "caliphate" that once spanned a third of both Iraq and Syria has been defeated on the battleground but its fighters are now staging insurgent attacks. The atrocities its fighters and supporters committed have left deep scars. Thousands of members of Iraq's Yazidi minority, mainly women and girls, were raped and enslaved, while men were killed. Suspected homosexuals were pushed off roofs to their deaths. Captured Americans and other Westerners were beheaded, and an unknown number of suspected opponents were killed. A Security Council resolution backed by more than 60 countries to refer the Syrian conflict to the International Criminal Court was vetoed by both Russia and China in May 2014. A new attempt at the council to refer Syria to the ICC would almost certainly face a similar fate. The General Assembly established an independent panel in December 2016 to assist in the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for war crimes or crimes against humanity in Syria. In September 2017, the Security Council voted unanimously to ask the U.N. to establish an investigative team to help Iraq preserve evidence "that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide" committed by Islamic State extremists. In March, the Iraqi government, with U.N. support, started exhuming a mass grave left behind by IS in the northwestern Sinjar region in the presence of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad, whose slain Yazidi relatives are believed to have been buried in the area. Murad said it marked the first exhumation of a mass grave containing the remains of Yazidis. The U.N. investigative team said in a report circulated Thursday that to date the excavation of 12 grave sites has been completed and investigators have started collecting "testimonial evidence." In the report to the Security Council, the team said investigators plan to focus on three initial areas: IS attacks against the Yazidis in Sinjar in August 2014; IS crimes in Mosul between 2014 and 2016 "including the execution of religious minorities, crimes involving sexual and gender-based violence and crimes against children"; and the mass killing of unarmed Iraqi air force cadets from Tikrit Air Academny in June 2014. The report said survivors come from all communities in Iraq "and their message has been consistent and clear: ISIL must be held accountable for its crimes." "This call for accountability is not one of retribution, but one of justice," the report said. "Those who have spoken to the investigative team wish for the crimes of ISIL to be exposed, openly and objectively, so that the world can see the true nature of those acts and so that we can, together, honor the victims." BOSTON (AP) - Lawyers for a woman who says Mario Batali forcibly kissed and groped her in a Boston restaurant in 2017 said Thursday the celebrity chef must be held accountable. Batali, who recently gave up financial stakes in all his restaurants, is to be arraigned Friday in Boston on a charge of indecent assault and battery, a spokeswoman for Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins said. It's the first criminal charge against Batali resulting from several sexual harassment and assault allegations that crippled his career amid the #MeToo movement. "Mr. Batali must be held accountable criminally and civilly for his despicable acts," attorneys Eric Baum and Matthew Fogelman said in an email to media. Batali abused his celebrity status and enticed the woman to take a selfie with him, they said. "While taking the photograph, Mario Batali groped her breasts, buttocks, and genitals, and kissed her repeatedly without her consent," the attorneys said. FILE - In this Wednesday, April 19, 2017, file photo, chef Mario Batali attends an awards event in New York. The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office in Boston says Batali is scheduled to be arraigned Friday, May 24, 2019, on a charge of indecent assault and battery, in connection with an allegation that he forcibly kissed and groped a woman at a Boston restaurant in 2017. (Photo by Brent N. Clarke/Invision/AP, File) The same woman previously sued Batali. Batali's lawyer said his client denies the allegations. "The charges, brought by the same individual without any new basis, are without merit," attorney Anthony Fuller said in his own email to news outlets. "He intends to fight the allegations vigorously and we expect the outcome to fully vindicate Mr. Batali." Several other women have previously come forward to allege sexual misconduct by Batali. Batali has apologized for some of those instances, saying the allegations "match up" with ways he has acted, while denying others. "I have made many mistakes and I am so very sorry that I have disappointed my friends, my family, my fans and my team," Batali said in an email newsletter in 2017. "My behavior was wrong and there are no excuses. I take full responsibility." ___ This story has been corrected to show that the statement came from the accuser's lawyers, not from the accuser through her lawyers. ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) - President Donald Trump paid his respects Thursday to those who died in service to the United States by placing American flags at several gravesites during an early Memorial Day visit to Arlington National Cemetery. Trump and his wife, first lady Melania Trump, participated in a decades-old tradition known as "flags in." Every Thursday before the holiday, members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, or the Old Guard, honor the nation's fallen heroes by placing American flags at each service member's headstone. Trump and the first lady each placed three flags at three headstones after making a quiet trip to the hallowed burial ground. Presidents typically lay a wreath and deliver remarks at the cemetery on Monday, which is Memorial Day, but Trump will be in Japan on a state visit. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit Arlington National Cemetery for the annual Flags In ceremony ahead of Memorial Day Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit Arlington National Cemetery for the annual Flags In ceremony ahead of Memorial Day Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit Arlington National Cemetery for the annual Flags In ceremony ahead of Memorial Day Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit Arlington National Cemetery for the annual Flags In ceremony ahead of Memorial Day Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit Arlington National Cemetery for the annual Flags In ceremony ahead of Memorial Day Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit Arlington National Cemetery for the annual Flags In ceremony ahead of Memorial Day Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit Arlington National Cemetery for their annual Flags In ceremony, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Arlington, Va.(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit Arlington National Cemetery for the annual Flags In ceremony, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Arlington, Va.(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visit Arlington National Cemetery for the annual Flags In ceremony, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Arlington, Va.(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) NEW YORK (AP) - A banker who prosecutors say tried to buy himself a senior post in President Donald Trump's administration by making risky loans to former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort pleaded not guilty Thursday to a financial institution bribery charge as his lawyer said he's done nothing wrong. Stephen M. Calk, 54, was released on $5 million bail after making a brief appearance in Manhattan federal court. Calk, who lives in Chicago where The Federal Savings Bank is headquartered, was told by Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman to have no contact with bank employees except for his brother until prosecutors next week submit a list of individuals he cannot communicate with. The small bank where Calk was CEO when he allegedly carried out the scheme said in a statement that Calk already had no involvement with the bank and is on a leave of absence. In a statement, Calk attorney Jeremy Margolis said Calk will be exonerated on the "baseless isolated charge." He called the arrest a "travesty." He said the bank his client founded and Calk were "victims of Mr. Manafort's ongoing fraud. Mr. Calk did not commit any offense with him." Stephen Calk, center, leaves Federal court with his attorney Jeremy Margolis, left, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in New York. Calk charged in New York with issuing loans to win a role in President Donald Trump's administration has pleaded not guilty. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) Another defense lawyer, Daniel Stein, said outside court: "These loans were simply not a bribe for anything." "The Special Counsel and a federal judge have determined that The Federal Savings Bank was a victim of Mr. Manafort's crimes," the bank said in a statement, adding it isn't accused of "any wrongdoing." Federal prosecutors described the charge in a release, saying Calk abused his bank position by approving $16 million in high risk loans that were ultimately downgraded by the bank's primary regulator. William F. Sweeney Jr., head of New York's FBI office, said Calk "went to great lengths to avoid banking violations in an attempt to secure a senior position in a presidential administration." "His attempt at petitioning for political favors was unsuccessful in more ways than one - he didn't get the job he wanted, and he compromised the one he had," Sweeney added. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison. Manafort lobbied Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to consider Calk for Secretary of the Army, according to emails from the weeks leading up to the 2016 election shown to jurors at Manafort's tax evasion and bank fraud trial last year. Prosecutors said while Manafort's loans were pending approval, Calk gave Manafort a ranked list of government positions he wanted, starting with Secretary of the Treasury, followed by Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Defense, as well as 19 ambassadorships similarly ranked and starting with the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy. According to trial evidence, Manafort passed along Calk's resume to Kushner in a Nov. 30, 2016, email, along with two other names of people he said "should be a part of the Trump administration." Manafort wrote that the individuals would be "totally reliable and responsive to the Trump White House." He also said Calk was "strong in defense issues, management and finance." Kushner responded, "On it!" Calk was formally interviewed for the position of under secretary of the Army in early January 2017 at the Presidential Transition Team's Trump Tower offices, prosecutors noted. But Calk never got an administration post, though he did approve Manafort's loans. Manafort received a $9.5 million cash-out refinance from Calk's bank on November 2016 and an additional $6.5 million construction loan on a Manafort property in New York in January 2017. Prosecutors said Calk began in July 2016 to exploit his position as head of the bank and its holding company, knowing Manafort urgently needed loans to avoid foreclosure proceedings on multiple properties he and his family owned. Calk himself was not summoned by federal prosecutors to testify in Manafort's case. Instead, executives who worked under Calk at The Federal Savings Bank testified he began green-lighting more than $16 million in loans after he expressed interest in joining the Cabinet if Trump won the 2016 election. Testifying under an immunity agreement, James Brennan, who was a vice president of the bank at the time, said Calk overruled bank executives who rejected Manafort's loan for "inconsistencies." The loan "closed because Mr. Calk wanted it to close," Brennan said. The federal jury was unable to reach a verdict on the bank fraud charge related to Calk, but Manafort was convicted on eight other counts in the case. Manafort later acknowledged guilt in all the bank-related charges as part of a deal with the special counsel's office. Manafort is serving a 7 year sentence after his convictions on 10 charges alleging multiple crimes, including bank and tax fraud, misleading the government over his foreign lobbying work and encouraged witnesses to lie on his behalf. He also faces an indictment in New York charging him with state crimes , including a residential mortgage fraud scheme. ___ Associated Press Writer Stephen Braun in Washington contributed to this report. Stephen Calk leaves Federal court, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in New York. Calk charged in New York with issuing loans to win a role in President Donald Trump's administration has pleaded not guilty. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) Stephen Calk leaves Federal court, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in New York. Calk charged in New York with issuing loans to win a role in President Donald Trump's administration has pleaded not guilty. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) Stephen Calk, center, is surrounded by photographers as he leaves Federal court, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in New York. Calk charged in New York with issuing loans to win a role in President Donald Trump's administration has pleaded not guilty. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) Stephen Calk leaves Federal court, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in New York. Calk charged in New York with issuing loans to win a role in President Donald Trump's administration has pleaded not guilty. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) In this June 28, 2012 photo, Stephen M. Calk, Chairman and Chief Financial Official of The Federal Savings Bank speaks as Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel listens during an announcement about job growth and economic development and a corporate headquarters relocation by the Federal Savings Bank to Chicago. Calk, who prosecutors say tried to buy himself a senior post in President Donald Trump's administration by making risky loans to former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, was arrested Thursday, May 23, 2019, on a financial institution bribery charge. (Al Podgorski/Chicago Sun-Times via AP) BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Police in Idaho were searching Thursday near a small town for a man suspected of shooting and killing a motorist along a desolate stretch of interstate highway in Utah. Jonathan Llana, 45, of Los Angeles was being sought near Burley after crashing his car during a chase by authorities, Idaho State Police said, describing him as armed and dangerous. Officials said they didn't know a motive for the shooting Wednesday night on a stretch of Interstate 84 called Rattlesnake Pass in northern Utah. Llana was charged Thursday afternoon with one count of aggravated murder and one count of attempted aggravated murder, according to online Utah court records. The charging documents don't reveal much about the incident other than that Llana is accused at firing multiple rounds at the vehicle driven by the victim, Dennis Gwyther of Salt Lake City. Gwyther and a passenger were traveling in a Range Rover from Salt Lake City to Boise, Idaho, for work, Utah State Bureau of Investigation Lt. Ryan Van Fleet said, Llana owns a silver Volkswagen Jetta that Idaho troopers pursued until it crashed into a canal along Interstate 86, Van Fleet said. This undated booking photo provided by the Idaho State Police shows Jonathan Llana. A search was underway Thursday, May 23, 2019, in southern Idaho for Llana, suspected of shooting and killing a motorist on a Utah highway, Idaho State Police said in a statement. (Idaho State Police via AP) The driver ran, and authorities were searching for him Thursday, with the assistance of a helicopter, officials said. "We think he's still out there ... running through the fields," Van Fleet said during a news conference in Salt Lake City. "We really think we're getting close on this." In Idaho, Cassia County Sheriff Jay Heward warned residents near the search area to be wary of strangers and asked them to report any missing vehicles. "People should keep their doors locked and not let strangers inside their homes," Heward told The Times-News newspaper in Twin Falls, Idaho. "Don't pick up anyone when you are driving or befriend anyone." Llana was described as 5 feet 10 inches (1.8 meters) tall, weighing about 150 pounds (68 kilograms), with black hair and brown eyes. He is described as armed and dangerous, but Heward said it's unknown whether he has a weapon in his possession. Utah law enforcement officials said a weapon was found inside the wrecked Jetta. Van Fleet said there was no indication the two drivers had interacted before the Wednesday shooting. The attack occurred after the Jetta and Range Rover cleared a traffic slowdown that resulted when two big rigs were side by side as one passed the other, Van Fleet said. The passenger in the Range Rover called 911 to report the shooting and provided a description of the Jetta, which had a unique antennae, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety. Another motorist - an emergency medical technician - stopped to help and confirmed the driver had died. The injured passenger was taken to a hospital. FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - After an all-day meeting with global aviation regulators, the chief of the Federal Aviation Administration sounded more upbeat than ever about prospects for clearing the troubled Boeing 737 Max to fly again. Aviation officials from more 30 countries met with the FAA to hear the U.S. regulator's approach to reviewing changes that Boeing is making after two crashes that killed 346 people. "We are going through an incredibly intensive and robust process to make the safety case to unground the Max," acting FAA Administrator Daniel Elwell told reporters when the closed-door meeting was over. He added that the agency won't let the plane fly "until we have made that safety case." Boeing has not yet submitted a final, formal application for its update to a flight-control system that has been implicated in crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. That submission will be followed by test flights to demonstrate the changes to FAA experts. Elwell declined to put a timetable on the plane's return or comment on reports that FAA officials told a separate meeting of airline officials in Montreal that the plane could be cleared for flights in the U.S. as soon as late June. The meeting Thursday in Fort Worth, Texas, was crucial to the U.S. agency's hopes of convincing other regulators around the world to lift their bans on the plane soon after the FAA does. FILe - In this May 8, 2019, file photo, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 jetliner being built for Turkish Airlines takes off on a test flight in Renton, Wash. Representatives from more 30 countries met with Federal Aviation Administration officials Thursday, May 23, to hear the U.S. regulator's approach to determining how soon the Boeing 737 Max can resume flying after two crashes that killed 346 people. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File) Among those scheduled to attend were regulators from China, Europe and Canada, as well as officials from Indonesia and Ethiopia, sites of the two crashes that occurred before the Max was grounded worldwide in March. Boeing is fixing flight-control software that in each accident pushed the plane's nose down based on faulty readings from a single sensor. It will tie the system to more than one sensor and make it less powerful - pilots for Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines were unable to counter the system's automatic nose-down pitch. Elwell has said he hopes other regulators will lift their bans on the plane soon after the FAA does. However, regulators in China, the European Union and Canada have said they plan to conduct their own reviews of Boeing's software changes and have stressed the need for additional pilot training. Once airlines get the green light, they will have to remove their Max jets from long-term storage and prepare them for flying. That will take anywhere from two days to a week, said Ali Bahrami, the FAA's associate director of aviation safety. A far more significant delay in the plane's return to service could occur if regulators decide that pilots should train in flight simulators first. Boeing is pushing for computer-based training only. Elwell said the FAA has not made a final decision, and that during Thursday's meeting no other country said it would insist on simulator training. The FAA did not allow reporters to attend or watch the meeting, and it kept them away from international aviation officials who attended the all-day session at a gated FAA office. It is unclear whether the event will do much to convince travelers that the Max is safe. Barclays said that its survey this month of 1,765 travelers in North America and Europe found that nearly half plan to avoid flying on the Max for a year or longer. About half said they would pick a non-Max flight if given the choice. Airlines are making plans for a campaign to reassure nervous customers. They know it won't be easy. American Airlines CEO Doug Parker told NBC that because of all the news coverage of the crashes and their aftermath, no amount of marketing will sway worried passengers. "There may be some period of time" before customers are comfortable flying on the plane, Parker said, "but we will work through that." He suggested that if passengers see U.S. pilots getting on board, they will follow. United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz said this week that he will be on the carrier's next Max flight. He added, however, that United would let passengers who don't want to fly on the plane rebook without the customary ticket-change fee. The Flight Safety Foundation, a nonprofit group based in the Washington suburbs, is urging regulators to coordinate recertification of the Max. The group's CEO, Hassan Shahidi, said that would lift public confidence and be less disruptive than a fragmented, country-by-country return of the plane. ___ David Koenig can be reached at http://twitter.com/airlinewriter WASHINGTON (AP) - In a case with significant First Amendment implications, the U.S. filed new charges Thursday against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, accusing him of violating the Espionage Act by publishing secret documents containing the names of confidential military and diplomatic sources. The Justice Department's 18-count superseding indictment alleges that Assange directed former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in one of the largest compromises of classified information in U.S. history. It says the WikiLeaks founder, currently in custody in London , damaged national security by publishing documents that harmed the U.S. and its allies and aided its adversaries. The case comes amid a Justice Department crackdown on national security leaks and raised immediate fear among news media advocates that Assange's actions - including soliciting and publishing classified information - are indistinguishable from what traditional journalists do on a daily basis. Those concerns led the Obama administration Justice Department to balk at bringing charges for similar conduct. Assange's lawyer, Barry Pollack, said Thursday that the "unprecedented charges" against his client imperil "all journalists in their endeavor to inform the public about actions that have been taken by the U.S. government." The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press called the case a "dire threat" to media freedom, and the American Civil Liberties Union said it was the first time in history a publisher was charged for disclosing truthful information. But Justice Department officials sought to make clear that they believed Assange's actions weren't protected under the law, though they declined to discuss the policy discussions that led to the indictment. The new Espionage Act charges go far beyond an initial indictment against Assange made public last month that accused him simply of conspiring with Manning to crack a Defense Department computer password. "Julian Assange is no journalist," said Assistant Attorney General John Demers, the Justice Department's top national security official. "No responsible actor, journalist or otherwise, would purposely publish the names of individuals he or she knew to be confidential human sources in war zones, exposing them to the gravest of dangers." FILE - In this May 1, 2019, file photo, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange puts his fist up as he is taken from court in London. The Justice Department has charged Assange with receiving and publishing classified information. The charges are contained in a new, 18-count indictment announced May 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File) Zachary Terwilliger, the U.S. Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia, where the case was brought, said Assange was charged with illegally soliciting classified information and not simply publishing it. He said that while the indictment alleges that he published hundreds of thousands of documents, it charges him with disclosing only a "narrow set of documents" related to the identities of confidential sources. Prosecutors sought throughout the document to make a distinction between what Assange did as the founder and "public face" of WikiLeaks and the work of journalists. They noted, for example, that he promoted his site to a convention of European hackers and published a list of the classified information he sought as "The Most Wanted Leaks of 2009." They described how Assange worked with Manning to improperly access Defense Department computers to gain access to thousands of pages of material and encouraged her as she delved through databases for information. Prosecutors also say the danger wasn't just to the U.S. government, but to people who worked with it. Reports from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq published by Assange included the names of Afghans and Iraqis who provided information to American and coalition forces, while the diplomatic cables he released exposed journalists, religious leaders, human rights advocates and dissidents in repressive countries. Assange said in an August 2010 interview that it was "regrettable" that sources disclosed by WikiLeaks could be harmed, the indictment says. Later, after a State Department legal adviser informed him of the risk to "countless innocent individuals" compromised by the leaks, Assange said he would work with mainstream news organizations to redact the names of individuals. WikiLeaks did hide some names but then published 250,000 cables a year later without hiding the identities of people named in the papers. Justice Department officials mulled charges for Assange following the documents' 2010 publication, but were unsure a case would hold up in court and were concerned it could be hard to justify prosecuting him for acts similar to those of a conventional journalist. The posture changed in the Trump administration, with former Attorney General Jeff Sessions in 2017 calling Assange's arrest a priority. Attorney General William Barr paused for several seconds at his confirmation hearing when asked if his Justice Department would ever jail journalists, finally saying there were scenarios when he could envision it as a last resort. A senior Justice Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday to discuss the case, said it had been "looked at by a number of prosecutors" and that prosecutors reached the point "where we believed we had assembled the best case that we could and we presented it to the grand jury." First Amendment aside, the indictment poses a secondary ethical question for journalists. News organizations around the world widely used the Manning material, which provided previously unavailable information about the Guantanamo Bay detention center, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and international diplomacy. Many reporters found the documents that he released inherently newsworthy. "These unprecedented charges demonstrate the gravity of the threat the criminal prosecution of Julian Assange poses to all journalists in their endeavor to inform the public about actions that have taken by the U.S. government," said Pollack, Assange's lawyer. WikiLeaks played a central role in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia, having published before the 2016 presidential election Democratic emails that were hacked by Russian intelligence officers. The allegations in Thursday's indictment are entirely separate from that episode. Assange, 47, is in custody in London after being evicted from the Ecuadorian Embassy in April. He has said he would fight any effort to extradite him to the U.S. Manning, who was convicted in military court for providing classified documents to WikiLeaks, is currently in a northern Virginia jail on a civil contempt charge. Manning spent two months in the Alexandria Detention Center beginning in March after she refused to testify to a grand jury investigating WikiLeaks. Manning has said she believes prosecutors want to question her about the same conduct for which she was convicted at her court-martial. She served seven years of a 35-year military sentence before receiving a commutation from then-President Barack Obama. ___ Associated Press writers Ben Fox in Washington and Matthew Barakat in Alexandria, Virginia, contributed to this report. FILE - In this May 1, 2019, file photo, protesters demonstrate outside court where Julian Assange will appear in London. The Justice Department has charged Assange with receiving and publishing classified information. The charges are contained in a new, 18-count indictment announced May 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File) Chagos islands. Wikimedia commons. In the time before the Second World War, Great Britain still had an empire. The tiny European island wielded power across the globe by way of colonialism, with the Commonwealth spanning much of Africa and the developing world. Thats no longer the case - combinations of political pressure and an acceptance by the state that some of its past conduct was wrong have led to British overseas territories being returned to their native peoples. The last time a significant British overseas asset was returned to domestic rule was in 1997, when the British handed Hong Kong back to China. Thats left three remaining overseas territories in dispute; Gibraltar, which is claimed by the Spanish; the Falkland Islands, which are claimed by the Argentinians; and the Chagos Islands, which are claimed by Mauritius. Its the latter of the three which has recently been the subject of a ruling by the United Nations. The colonial history of the islands is long and complicated. The islands - along with wider Mauritius - have at times been under the control of various European powers including the Dutch and the French, before finally ending up under British control during the 19th century. The land and its people were put to work for the betterment of the British empire, with natives from Madagascar and Mozambique shipped in to farm coconuts on British-owned plantations. This remained the case until 1960 arrived, when official decolonization acts were underway, and the independence of Mauritius became an inevitability. The UN of the time were keen to see all Mauritian territories returned to local administration, and specifically instructed the British not to attempt to separate or partition any of the land. Despite this, the British entered into negotiations with the United States of America, who had declared an interest in establishing a military presence in the area. The outcome of those negotiations was the annexing of the land and the eviction of the native people of Chagos from their homeland. Those who were already abroad were declined permission to return. Those who lived there were forcibly evicted. The British justified this by stating that theyd entered into negotiations with the newly independent Mauritian state, who had voluntarily agreed to allow Britain to maintain control of the islands. The Mauritians have long disputed this version of events, stating that they were threatened into surrendering the islands by the British. They have since spent decades in international courts pleading their case for the islands to be restored to them, and their people allowed permission to return home. With the UN ruling, they now have solid evidence that the international community agrees with their case, and they are now eagerly awaiting compliance from the British. Despite the ruling of the United Nations, it does not appear that Britain will voluntarily return the islands, or allow Chagossians to return to it. The court in the Hague hearing the case had the power to make advisory rulings only, meaning that there's no compulsion for the British to comply, nor any punishments or sanctions available in the event of non-compliance. The British Government has already stated that they disagree with the ruling, and are currently considering their legal options. The Government of Mauritius initially expressed joy at the verdict, along with a hope that they could soon begin to relocate their displaced people, but at present, that possibility seems as remote as it did before the hearing. The specter of colonialism is a difficult and shameful one for the British Government and the image of the British abroad. The people of Britain view themselves as peaceful and benevolent; a public of countryside walks, friendliness with other nations and long evenings spent socializing in bars, as per the imagery used in the Down the Pub' slot game at Amigo Slots, which uses the cliches and tropes of a standard British civilian enjoying a standard British night out. The comparison to a slot game is a prudent one, though; the objective of any slot game is to invest a little speculative money in the hope that there will be a greater return. With their colonies, the British undoubtedly invested in industry and infrastructure, but all the profits gained from such endeavors went to the British treasury rather than benefiting the locals. To use a casino term, the house always wins.' The Spanish and the Argentinians will be watching the debate and the legal ramifications with interest. Gibraltar, another island off the coast of Spain, has been in British hands since 1704 when it was captured during a war. Since 1830, its been a formal British colony, with a population who consider themselves to be British. That sits at odds with the Spanish view, who view it as their territory as it sits inside their waters. With wrangling continuing between Britain and the EU over the subject of Brexit, the Spanish are trying as hard as possible to put the future of Gibraltar on the negotiating table in the context of any deal between the parties. The British Government has repeatedly stated that the matter is not up for negotiation. The Falkland Islands, known to the Argentinians as Las Malvinas, are similarly disputed. The recent legal and political history of the UK-Argentine dispute over the territory isn't one which offers much hope to the Mauritians; the United Nations have in the past ruled that it resides within Argentinian waters, and have strongly indicated that they believe it should be returned to the Argentinians. The British have consistently stated that they won't give it up. There was a brief war over the islands during the 1980s, with Britain emerging as the victors, but lingering tensions remain. As with Gibraltar, the population of the Falklands consider themselves to be British, and have consistently voted in favor of remaining British when referendums have been offered on the subject. Whatever the future of the Chagos Islands, the ruling by the UN represents a black mark on Britain's international reputation, during a time when Brexit is already damaging its standing among the international community. It will be interesting to see what changes - if anything - in the months and years to come. STARKE, Fla. (AP) - The Latest on the execution of Florida serial killer Bobby Joe Long (all times local): 8:30 p.m. A woman who survived an assault by convicted Florida serial killer Bobby Joe Long says his execution brought her peace. Lisa Noland sat in the front row at Thursday's execution of the 65-year-old inmate at Florida State Prison. She says she wanted to look him in the eye but he kept them closed. "I wanted to be the first person he saw. Unfortunately, he didn't open his eyes," Noland said. She began to cry after leaving once it was over. Says Noland, "The peace that came over me is a remarkable feeling." In this updated photo made available by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement shows Bobby Joe Long in custody. Long, is scheduled to be executed Thursday, May 23, 2019, for killing 10 women during eight months in 1984 that terrorized the Tampa Bay area. He was sentenced to 401 years in prison, 28 life sentences and one death sentence. His execution is for the murder of 22-year-old Michelle Simms. (Florida Department of Law Enforcement via AP) Noland was 17 in 1984 when she was abducted and raped by Long, but he released her. She eventually led police to the man who later admitted killing 10 women in the Tampa Bay area. He drew the death sentence for one of the killings, of a 22-year-old woman. ___ 7:30 p.m. Convicted serial killer Bobby Joe Long had no last words before he was executed for a 1984 murder spree that claimed 10 women. Witnesses say the 65-year-old Long simply closed his eyes as the lethal injection procedure began Thursday at Florida State Prison. In the front row was Lisa Noland, who was abducted and raped by Long before he released her - and she was able to lead police to him. Another witness had on a polo shirt with photos of all 10 victims on the back and the words, "The Ones That Matter." Long was pronounced dead at 6:55 p.m. He was captured after an eight-month killing spree in the Tampa Bay area. Long confessed to the crimes, receiving 28 life sentences and one death sentence for the murder of 22-year-old Michelle Simms. ___ 6:55 p.m. A serial killer who terrorized Florida with a 1984 murder spree that claimed 10 women has been put to death. Authorities say 65-year-old Bobby Joe Long was pronounced dead at 6:55 p.m. Thursday following a lethal injection at Florida State Prison. He was captured after an eight-month killing spree. Long confessed to the crimes, receiving 28 life sentences and one death sentence for the murder of 22-year-old Michelle Simms. The killings began in March 1984. Most of the victims were strangled. Some had their throats slit. Others were bludgeoned. Authorities say the killer positioned most of the bodies in gruesome poses. Long's undoing was a 17-year-old. Long abducted, raped and then released Lisa Noland . She left evidence and gave police details that led to the man's capture. ___ 6:30 p.m. The U.S. Supreme Court has cleared the way for the execution of a serial killer who killed 10 women in Florida. The justices denied the final appeals of 65-year-old Bobby Joe Long, who was set to receive a lethal injection at Florida State Prison. The planned 6 p.m. execution was delayed slightly while the justices considered the case. Long was condemned for the killing of 22-year-old Michelle Simms. He also was serving 28 life sentences for the other crimes committed in the Tampa Bay area. Long's undoing was a 17-year-old. Long abducted, raped and then released Lisa Noland. She left evidence and gave police details that led to his arrest. ___ 6 p.m. The scheduled execution of a serial killer who killed 10 women in Florida has been delayed temporarily while the U.S. Supreme Court considers his final appeals. Sixty-five-year-old Bobby Joe Long was set to receive a lethal injection at 6 p.m. Thursday at Florida State Prison, but the justices had not yet ruled in his case. Barring a reprieve, the execution would take place later Thursday. Long was condemned for the killing of 22-year-old Michelle Simms. He also was serving 28 life sentences for the other crimes committed in the Tampa Bay area. ___ 4:45 p.m. Prison officials say no one visited a serial killer facing execution for a murder spree that claimed the lives of 10 women in Florida in 1984. Barring a last-minute court reprieve, Bobby Joe Long is scheduled to receive a lethal injection at Florida State Prison on Thursday evening. Long was condemned for the killing of 22-year-old Michelle Simms. He also was serving 28 life sentences for the other crimes committed in the Tampa Bay area. Prison officials say Long's last meal was a roast beef sandwich, french fries, bacon and a soda. ___ 10:20 a.m. A serial killer whose murderous spree claimed the lives of 10 women in Florida in 1984 is set to die. Bobby Joe Long is scheduled to die by lethal injection at Florida State Prison on Thursday. Long was condemned for one of the killings, that of 22-year-old Michelle Simms. He also had been serving 28 life sentences for the other crimes committed in the Tampa Bay area over an eight-month period in 1984. But he was undone by a 17-year-old who described being abducted, raped and released a day later. She gave police details that led to his arrest. Now that victim, Lisa Noland, is preparing to watch the execution. In an interview, she said she would tell long "Thank you" for picking her as a victim, because she helped solve the crime. AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday that $1.6 billion in teacher raises are coming in a deal partly driven by classroom unrest across the U.S. and Republicans who sharply changed course on public education ahead of 2020 elections. Abbott trumpeted the pay hikes near the end of an unusually muted session of the Texas Legislature, where a weakened GOP majority largely retreated from culture wars that had made the state Capitol a recurring national battleground over abortion, immigration crackdowns and LGBT rights. But after losing more than a dozen seats in the 2018 midterms - and barely hanging onto others - Texas Republicans who have angered teachers over spending cuts and appeals to religious and private campuses announced they would prioritize public education. The system of funding schools for more than 5 million students was declared barely constitutional in 2016. "In the inauguration I made some pretty bold promises to the people of Texas," said Abbott, who was sworn into a second term in January. "I said we must reward teachers in school districts that achieve results, we've done that. I said we must prioritize spending in the classroom, we've done that." A spending bill is not yet signed but is expected to reach Abbott's desk before lawmakers adjourn Monday until 2021. It makes Texas the latest state - and now the largest - to pour significant new dollars into classrooms in wake of teacher revolts across the U.S. since 2017. Public school teachers in Texas don't collectively bargain and never went on strike, but teacher unions said they made their resentment known at the ballot box last year. Governor Greg Abbott, seated center, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, seated left, and Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen, seated right, and other law makers attend a joint press conference to discuss teacher pay and school finance at the Texas Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Austin. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Teacher salaries in Texas are currently about $7,000 below the national average, according to the National Education Association. Lawmakers who worked on the new spending plan says the raises amount to roughly $4,000 for teachers with more than five years in the classroom, and that raises will also be given to librarians and school staff. Teacher unions met the news with caution, saying they needed to see details. But they also found reason for optimism just two years after Texas' last legislative session was upended by failed efforts by Republican leaders to pass a "bathroom bill" targeting transgender students . "We've been working to elect a new Legislature that would take schools seriously and not give us bathrooms and vouchers, and it appeared that was the direction we were moving in," said Louis Malfaro, president of the Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers. Low teacher pay has also become an issue in the crowded field of Democratic presidential candidates, with some calling for a federal investment in classroom salaries. Republicans said the changes in Texas include a merit pay program that could pay exceptional teachers even more. "Eventually they could make a six-figure living and not have to go into being a principal or administration," said Republican state Rep. Dan Huberty, the Texas House chairman over public education. Abbott announced the raises as part of a broader deal that includes a school finance overhaul and reforms to slow rising property taxes. That the plan includes $5 billion for tax relief and $4.5 for classroom dollars left some education observers disappointed. "Very clearly the priority of this bill was tax cuts and future tax cuts, not education," said Chandra Villanueva, an education policy analysis for the left-leaning Center for Public Policy Priorities. ___ Follow Paul J. Weber on Twitter: www.twitter.com/pauljweber Governor Greg Abbott's dog Pancake joins Abbott, seated center, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, seated left, and Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen, seated right, and other law makers for a joint press conference where changes to teacher pay and school finance were announced at the Texas Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Austin. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Governor Greg Abbott is followed by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick after a joint press conference to announce changes to teacher pay and school finance at the Texas Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Austin. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Seated at table from left, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Governor Greg Abbott, and Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen, are joined with other law makers for a joint press conference to discuss teacher pay and school finance at the Texas Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Austin. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Gov. Greg Abbott, center, is joined by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, left, and Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen, right, and other law makers for a joint news conference to discuss teacher pay and school finance at the Texas Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Austin. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Governor Greg Abbott's dog Pancake joins Abbott, seated center, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, seated left, and Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen, seated right, and other law makers for a joint press conference where changes to teacher pay and school finance were announced at the Texas Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Austin. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on U.S. charges against Wikileaks founder Julian Assange (all times local): 5:10 p.m. A lawyer for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange says the "unprecedented charges" against his client threaten all journalists looking to inform the public about actions taken by the American government. Assange was charged in a new 18-count indictment Thursday with soliciting and publishing classified information. Barry Pollack, his lawyer, says the indictment charges Assange with "encouraging sources to provide him truthful information and for publishing that information." Pollack says the case poses a threat to all journalists doing their job. FILE - In this May 1, 2019, file photo, protesters demonstrate outside court where Julian Assange will appear in London. The Justice Department has charged Assange with receiving and publishing classified information. The charges are contained in a new, 18-count indictment announced May 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File) __ 4 p.m. The U.S. has filed new charges Thursday against Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, accusing him of placing the United States at risk of serious harm by publishing thousands of secret and classified documents, including the names of confidential sources for American armed forces. In an 18-count, superseding indictment, Justice Department prosecutors allege that Assange directed former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in one of the largest compromises of classified information in U.S. history. The case presents immediate questions about media freedom, including whether the Justice Department is charging Assange for actions - such as soliciting and publishing classified information - that journalists do as a matter of course. Department officials say they believe Assange strayed far outside First Amendment protections. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Latest on the Tennessee church shooting suspect's trial (all times local): 5 p.m. A jury will return to consider whether to convict a man charged with fatally shooting a woman and wounding seven people at a Nashville, Tennessee, church in 2017. Jurors left without a verdict after an hour of deliberations Thursday in 27-year-old Emanuel Kidega Samson's case. They will resume Friday morning. Samson was charged with first-degree murder and other crimes in the Burnette Chapel Church of Christ shooting. Churchgoers testified about witnessing the bloody scene. FILE - In this May 20, 2019, file photo, Emanuel Kidega Samson, 27, center, enters the courtroom in Nashville, Tenn. Samson, accused of fatally shooting one person and wounding seven others in a Nashville church in 2017, said Wednesday, May 22, he can't remember if he did it. (George Walker IV/The Tennessean via AP, Pool, File) Samson said he didn't remember if he shot the churchgoers. Prosecutors argued that he was just saying that to avoid hard questions. Samson also testified about his mental illnesses, saying he felt suicidal that day. Prosecutors are seeking life without parole. The defense has argued that Samson should be found guilty of criminally negligent homicide, not first-degree murder. ___ 3:55 p.m. A jury is considering whether to convict a man charged with fatally shooting a woman and wounding seven people at a Nashville, Tennessee, church in 2017. Jurors began deliberating 27-year-old Emanuel Kidega Samson's case Thursday afternoon after closing arguments. Samson was charged with first-degree murder and other crimes in the Burnette Chapel Church of Christ shooting. Churchgoers testified about witnessing the bloody scene. Samson said he didn't remember if he shot the churchgoers. Prosecutors argued that he was just saying that to avoid hard questions. Samson also testified about his mental illnesses, saying he felt suicidal that day. Prosecutors are seeking life without parole. The defense has argued that Samson should be found guilty of criminally negligent homicide, not first-degree murder. Samson is black and the victims white. A prosecutor said Samson left a note about a 2015 shooting massacre at a South Carolina black church and aimed to kill at least 10 white churchgoers. ___ 2:25 p.m. Jurors have heard jail calls in which a suspect charged with fatally shooting a woman and wounding seven people at a Nashville church in 2017 laughs about it with his then-girlfriend. The October 2017 calls were replayed in court Thursday. A transcript shows 27-year-old Emanuel Kidega Samson said he heard the victims saying "some funny (expletive)" when he was on the Burnette Chapel Church of Christ's floor after being shot during a tussle with a churchgoer. Samson says in one of the calls that he and his then-girlfriend are able to "look at the humor in any situation." The two brag about how good Samson looked in news coverage. Samson also says in the calls that he wanted to intimidate jail guards. Prosecutors played the calls to rebut Samson's previous testimony denying he made such comments. Emanuel Kidega Samson testifies in his own defense Wednesday, May 22, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. Samson is accused of fatally shooting a woman and wounding seven people at a Nashville church in 2017. Prosecutors have said they're seeking life without parole for Samson. (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean via AP, Pool) Emanuel Kidega Samson testifies in his own defense Wednesday, May 22, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. Samson is accused of fatally shooting a woman and wounding seven people at a Nashville church in 2017. Prosecutors have said they're seeking life without parole for Samson. (Shelley Mays/The Tennessean via AP, Pool) RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - A top Brazilian military court ordered on Thursday that nine soldiers be released while they await trial in an April shooting that killed two people in Rio de Janeiro, an incident that caused national outrage. Brazil's Superior Military Tribunal ruled the nine suspects should leave jail to face homicide and negligence charges. Only one of the 15 judges said the soldiers should remain in custody while being prosecuted in the shooting of more than 80 bullets into a family's car April 9. Three other defendants already were released. Musician Evaldo dos Santos Rosa and garbage collector Luciano Macedo were killed in the incident. Rosa was driving his family to a baby shower when the soldiers fired. Police said soldiers confused the family's car with a stolen auto. LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Police in Lincoln, Nebraska, are investigating an assault on a Muslim woman as a possible hate crime. Police tell the Lincoln Journal Star that the 18-year-old victim was walking Wednesday night in west Lincoln when two white men approached her, made derogatory comments and threats and then knocked her to the ground and kicked her. Police say the woman suffered bruises and cuts to her forearms and both sides of her face. No arrests had been reported by Thursday afternoon. Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister said the attackers' threats and comments led police to open a hate crime investigation in the assault. Bliemeister said his agency "will not tolerate hate crimes." The Council on American-Islamic Relations is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the attackers. ___ Information from: Lincoln Journal Star, http://www.journalstar.com OXFORD, Miss. (AP) - The Latest on a Mississippi police officer charged in a killing (all times local): 4:40 p.m. A Mississippi judge is stepping away from a murder case after the victim's mother said the judge was being disrespectful. Judge Andrew Howorth presided Wednesday during the initial appearance of a former Oxford police officer, Mathew Kinne (KIHN'-ee), who is charged in the shooting death of 32-year-old Dominique Clayton. Prosecutors mentioned the possibility having another hearing to consider bail for Kinne. The victim's mother, Bessie Clayton, later said Howorth had laughed during the hearing. She told reporters: "The judge has got to go." The Oxford Eagle reports Howorth issued an order Thursday recusing himself from the case. The order said it is unusual for a family to request a judge's recusal but when someone is killed, relatives "should not necessarily be expected to behave rationally." ____ 11:35 a.m. A Mississippi city has fired a police officer charged in the killing of a woman with whom he was romantically involved. An Oxford Police Department spokesman confirmed Thursday to the Oxford Eagle that city aldermen met in closed session Tuesday night and fired Mathew Kinne (KIHN'-ee). Kinne is charged with murder in the shooting death of 32-year-old Dominique Clayton, who was found shot in the back of her head Sunday at her Oxford home. Kinne is white and Clayton was black. Her relatives say they were in a romantic relationship. He remains jailed in a neighboring county. Clayton's mother, Bessie Clayton, expressed outrage Wednesday after a prosecutor told a judge that prosecutors and defense lawyers might agree next week on "reasonable" bail for Kinne. She said: "There is no justice for black people." WASHINGTON (AP) - The Trump administration is considering an emergency declaration that would allow it to make an arms shipment to Saudi Arabia without the approval of Congress, two U.S. officials and lawmakers opposed to the move said Thursday. The officials say a decision on invoking a national security waiver in the Arms Export Control Act to bypass congressional review of proposed sales to the Saudis could be made as early as Friday. The officials were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. It was not immediately clear what sales would be covered by the possible waiver, which could allow previously blocked weapons transfers to move forward or be applied to new ones. A sale of precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia has been on hold for over a year. Congressional opposition to U.S. military support for Saudi Arabia has been growing and lawmakers have blocked about $2 billion in arms sales to the kingdom for more than a year due to concerns over civilian casualties in the Saudi-led military operation in Yemen and outrage over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October by Saudi agents. President Donald Trump last month vetoed legislation that would have ended U.S. military assistance for the Saudi-led war in Yemen against Iran-backed rebels but administration officials have complained that sales remain blocked. The law requires Congress to be notified of potential arms sales, giving the body the opportunity to block the sale. But the law also allows the president to waive that review process by declaring an emergency that requires the sale be made "in the national security interests of the United States." Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who would authorize the waiver, has been considering the step for months, according to the officials. But the matter has become more pressing in recent weeks due to what the administration says are heightened threats from Iran and drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities by Yemen's Houthi rebels this week. President Donald Trump waves as he walks towards the Oval Office in Washington, Thursday, May 23, 2019, after visiting the annual Flags In ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, The ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Thursday that he would move to halt any sales that arise from an exemption. "I will pursue all appropriate legislative and other means to nullify these and any planned ongoing sales should the administration move forward in this manner," he said in a statement. "The Congressional review process exists so that the Senate can ask questions about whether a particular arms sale serves our national interests and supports our values, including human rights and civilian protections." Democrat Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut warned Wednesday that the administration might use the "obscure loophole" to bypass congressional approval. "Trump knows he would lose a vote on the sale - Congress and the American public object to selling these bombs to the Saudis," Murphy said in a series of tweets on the matter. "If there is an emergency, it's a humanitarian emergency caused by the bombs we sell the Saudis." There is precedent for using the emergency exemption for arms sales to Saudi Arabia. President Ronald Reagan invoked it in the 1980s and both Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush used it for sales before the 1991 Gulf War and the 2003 Iraq war. The State Department declined to comment, citing a policy against discussing potential arms sales until Congress is notified. OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Two unmanned barges that broke loose on the swollen Arkansas River in Oklahoma crashed into a dam hours later and sank Thursday, and they didn't cause the structure to fail, which officials feared might happen. The barges carrying about 3,800 pounds (1,725 kilograms) of phosphate fertilizer between them became unmoored Wednesday night in the Port of Muskogee, which sits at the confluence of the Arkansas and two other rivers and is about 40 miles (65 kilometers) southeast of Tulsa. At some point, the vessels were caught and secured to trees along the soggy riverbank, but they broke free again Thursday when the trees uprooted, said Tricia Germany, a spokeswoman for the Muskogee County Emergency Management Agency. The barges eventually crashed into the dam near the town of Webbers Falls shortly before noon and quickly sank. "They did a direct hit, they kind of turned a little bit," Germany said of the crash. Webbers Falls officials on Wednesday ordered the town's roughly 600 residents to evacuate due to the threat of flooding from the swollen river, which was at 42 feet (12.8 meters) as of 11:45 a.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. That is 14 feet (4.27 meters) above flood stage. Later Wednesday, they sounded the alarm about the runaway barges on the town's Facebook page, warning they could hit the lock and dam: "If the dam breaks, it will be catastrophic!! Leave now!!" Brian Dubuc removes items from his home as water approaches in the Meadow Valley neighborhood of Sand Springs, Okla., Thursday, May 23, 2019. (Mike Simons/Tulsa World via AP) The lock and dam didn't break, though the Army Corps of Engineers was going to closely inspect them for damage, said Kenna Mitchell, a spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Two downstream bridges, including an Interstate 40 bridge, remained closed after the crash until further notice. "We don't know how long that's going to be. Safety is the priority for this," Mitchell said. If the warning about the runaway barges seems alarmist, it shouldn't: During Memorial Day weekend in 2002, a manned barge struck one of the I-40 bridge's supports, causing part of the bridge to collapse and killing 14 people whose vehicles plunged into the river. As for the fertilizer that was on the runaway barges, the amount that got into the river is significant but should dilute quickly because of the waterway's heavy flow, said Jay Wright, environmental programs manager for the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Management. "It's soluble in water. If it's exposed to the water, it's going to dissolve in the water," he said. The crash happened during a period of powerful storms in the central United States, including a system that spawned deadly tornadoes overnight. The wet weather has caused heaving flooding, and the threat from swollen waterways persists. On Wednesday, at least one unoccupied home fell into the Cimarron River near Crescent, Oklahoma, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) north of Oklahoma City, and erosion left several homes hanging over the swollen current. One death has been attributed to the flooding in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said 53-year-old Laura Renee Moorman of Perkins drowned Tuesday after she drove around a road barrier and her vehicle was swept away by water near Perkins, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) northeast of Oklahoma City. ___ Follow Ken Miller on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kamiller7 HOUSTON (AP) - The police chief in Houston said Thursday that evidence shows a 4-year-old girl who has been missing since earlier this month was killed, and he's asking for the public's help in finding her body. "She deserves to be found, she deserves to be recovered and she deserves to have a proper burial," Chief Art Acevedo said at a news conference . Maleah Davis was reported missing earlier this month by her mother's former fiance, Derion Vence. He told police that he, Maleah and his 2-year-old son were abducted on May 3 by a group of men in a truck after he pulled over on a Houston highway. He said he and his son were freed the next day, but the kidnappers kept Maleah and his vehicle. Police later said the story didn't add up. Acevedo said Thursday that he believes Vence knows where the child is but has not told police. Vence is being held on a charge of tampering with evidence, specifically a human corpse. Investigators found blood in Vence's apartment and search dogs detected the scent of human decomposition in his car when it was found. "We strongly believe he knows where she's at and if he wanted to tell us, he would," the chief said. Executive Assistant Chief Matt Slinkard, who also spoke at the news conference, said: "We are not receiving the level of cooperation we need from anybody involved at this point." This undated photo released by the Houston Police Department shows Maleah Davis. Houston police are trying to determine what happened to the 4-year-old girl after the ex-fiance of her mother said she was taken by men who released him and his 2-year-old son after abducting them as well. An Amber Alert was issued Sunday morning, May 7, 2019, for Maleah Davis. (Houston Police Department via AP) In addition to asking anyone who may have seen something or has information about the case to come forward, Acevedo also implored the public to be vigilant when out in places that are not heavily traveled, such as hiking trails and wooded areas. He said to look out for things like out-of-place soil. It is Memorial Day. We may spend the day grilling burgers or hot dogs, playing games, and enjoying time away from daily life. It is easy to forget why the day is set aside. I have had the privilege in recent years of offering prayers at the Memorial Day observance for the city of Troy, where I live. I seek to bring a balance between remembering those who have died in service to the nation, as well as those persons whose lives have been irreparably altered by their service. I did not serve in the military, nor have I had a family member who perished in such service. So, I do not know the fullness of such sacrifices. Nevertheless, I understand the importance of honoring lives lost and lifting up families who have experienced loss. As I was reminded at the observance, we should not forget those who remain Missing in Action. That is not part of the prayer, though I did add it into my benediction at the end of the observance. May this prayer, offered in a public setting, serve as a word of encouragement and honor, even as we pursue the call to peace. *********************** God of Peace and Compassion, We come together as a community to honor the memories of women and men who have laid down their lives in the service to the nation. We call to mind and heart their lives so that they might not be forgotten as time passes. We gather to lift up the families of the fallen. May they find solace, healing, and encouragement in this act of remembrance. We gather to remember all those whose service to country and community has left them with injuries, disabilities, mental distress, or loss of faith. May they find healing of body, mind, and spirit. Together with these persons living and dead whom we have noted, we also lift up and remember all our loved ones who have died. We remember husbands, wives, children, parents, and friends whose absence is keenly felt. May we find comfort in calling to mind their legacies. On this Memorial Day, we lift up all who grieve, asking that may find reassurance in your comforting presence. Even as we remember all those who have given of themselves in service to country, even to the point of death, we also pray that peace may one day be fully experienced. We pray that the day will soon come when Isaiahs vision will be fulfilled so that the nations shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. Amen WASHINGTON (AP) - Sometimes even the president of the United States needs somebody to vouch for him. No, Trump insisted Thursday, he did not have a temper tantrum a day earlier when he cut off a White House meeting with congressional Democrats after just three minutes. To prove it - in the middle of a meeting with farmers - he called on five members of his staff to bear witness to his demeanor. One by one, his advisers dutifully stepped forward to testify, saying Trump had been "very calm," albeit "direct," in his meeting with the Democrats. Then the president questioned the mental capacity of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who had irked him Wednesday with her suggestion that he was engaged in a "cover-up" as he directed aides to refuse to cooperate with congressional inquiries. The testimonials were a wild detour amid Trump's announcement of new federal assistance for farmers caught up in his escalating trade war with China. First up was White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, his unwavering defender on cable news. President Donald Trump, left, asks counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway, right, how his demeanor was during yesterday's infrastructure meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif. and other Democratic leaders during a meeting to support America's farmers and ranchers in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) "Kellyanne, what was my temperament yesterday?" Trump asked. "Very calm," she said, adding that the president did not throw a temper tantrum. Next up: White House spokeswoman Mercedes Schlapp. "You were very calm. You were very direct," she said. "You yourself have tried time and time again to negotiate and work with them on issues like border security, which they call a manufactured crisis. It's time for them to wake up and to stop waging this political war." Trump's desire for public affirmation from those serving under him has been a defining trait of his administration. It was clear at his first Cabinet meeting nearly two years ago, when almost all his advisers offered saccharine praise for the president. World leaders have learned to shower Trump with accolades before television cameras if they want to get on his good side. Now it was his staff's turn. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders had stepped out of the room, so Trump turned to Larry Kudlow, the director of the National Economic Council, to weigh in. "You were very calm. You laid out your case," Kudlow said. Trump was on a roll. "The narrative was I was screaming and ranting and raving and it was terrible," Trump said. "And I watched Nancy and she was all crazy yesterday - she was with the hands - she reminded me of Beto. She actually reminded me of Beto, maybe a little bit worse." Trump has repeatedly accused Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke of excessive gesticulation. By then, Sanders had been summoned and returned to do her part. "Very calm. I've seen both," she said of Trump's personality, getting a laugh from those in the room. "Very calm and straightforward and clear that we have to actually get to work and do good things for the American people." Bringing up the rear was Hogan Gidley, the deputy press secretary, who said Trump was calm but had "every right" not to be. There was one other order of business for Trump: He gave Pelosi a nickname - "Crazy Nancy." But then he took it back, not wanting it to appear derivative of his moniker for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. He added of Pelosi: "I've been watching her a long time. She's lost it." For her part, Pelosi suggested a staff or family "intervention" for Trump for the good of the nation. Trump concluded with his concise verdict on his own mental state, declaring, "I'm an extremely stable genius." ___ This story has been updated to delete a reference to Gidley not being at the Pelosi meeting; he says he was. White House chief economic adviser Larry Kudlow, right, accompanied by from left, counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway, Mercedes Schlapp, Director of strategic communications, and Deputy White House press secretary Hogan Gidley speaks after President Donald Trump asks him how his demeanor was during yesterday's infrastructure meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif. and other Democratic leaders during a meeting to support America's farmers and ranchers in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) White House chief economic adviser Larry Kudlow, right, accompanied by Deputy White House press secretary Hogan Gidley, left, smiles as President Donald Trump, asks him how his demeanor was during yesterday's infrastructure meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif. and other Democratic leaders during a meeting to support America's farmers and ranchers in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) President Donald Trump, left, asks counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway, right, how his demeanor was during yesterday's infrastructure meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif. and other Democratic leaders during a meeting to support America's farmers and ranchers in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) White House press secretary Sarah Sanders, right, accompanied by from left, counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway, Mercedes Schlapp, Director of strategic communications, Deputy White House press secretary Hogan Gidley, and White House chief economic adviser Larry Kudlow, speaks after President Donald Trump asks her how his demeanor was during yesterday's infrastructure meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif. and other Democratic leaders during a meeting to support America's farmers and ranchers in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) President Donald Trump, accompanied by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, left, speaks during a meeting to support America's farmers and ranchers in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. (AP) - An Arizona man has been arrested for allegedly burying his dead mother in his backyard to continue receiving her Social Security checks and Veterans Affairs benefits. Pinal County Sheriff's officials say 66-year-old Daniel Shannon of San Tan Valley is jailed on suspicion of fraud and improper disposal of a body. It was unclear Thursday if he has a lawyer. Sheriff's officials talked to Shannon after being told his 94-year-old mother hasn't been seen since December. They say his story kept changing upon questioning until he admitted Wednesday to discovering his mother's dead body on Dec. 21 and burying it to continue collecting her benefits, which he said he needed for a patent on an unknown invention. Sheriff's officials executed a search warrant and discovered a body buried in the backyard. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Major law enforcement organizations dropped their opposition Thursday to California legislation that strengthens standards for when officers can use deadly force, a shift that followed changes to the measure. The measure would bar police from using lethal force unless it is "necessary" to defend against an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to officers or bystanders. It was prompted by public outrage over fatal police shootings, including the killing of unarmed vandalism suspect Stephon Clark in Sacramento last year. The current standard lets officers kill if they have "reasonable" fear they or others are in imminent danger, a threshold that makes it rare for officers to be charged following a shooting and rarer still for them to be convicted. "With so many unnecessary deaths, I think everyone agrees that we need to change how deadly force is used in California," said Democratic Assemblywoman Shirley Weber of San Diego, who wrote the measure. "We can now move a policy forward that will save lives and change the culture of policing in California." The issue has spawned emotional testimony from those who have lost loved ones in confrontations with police and from officers who have been involved in shootings on the job. Law enforcement officials did not explain their decision. But a revised version of the bill filed Thursday drops an explicit definition of "necessary" that was in the original. The deleted language said officers could open fire when there is "no reasonable alternative." FILE - In this April 8, 2019 file photo, Malaki Seku Amen holds up an American flag with the names of people shot and killed by law enforcement officers, as he and others in rally in support of a bill that would restrict the use of deadly force by police, in Sacramento, Calif. Major police organizations confirmed Thursday, May 23 2019, that they won't fight a measure, AB392, by Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, D-San Diego that would bar police from using lethal force unless it is necessary to prevent immediate harm to themselves or others. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File) The amended measure also makes clear that officers are not required to retreat or back down in the face of a suspect's resistance and officers don't lose their right to self-defense if they use "objectively reasonable force." Amendments also strip out a specific requirement that officers try to de-escalate confrontations before using deadly force but allow the courts to consider officers' actions leading up to fatal shootings, said Peter Bibring, police practices director for the American Civil Liberties Union of California, which proposed the bill and negotiated the changes. "The courts can still consider whether officers needlessly escalated a situation or failed to use de-escalation tactics that could have avoided a shooting," he said. The ACLU considers the revised measure to still have the strongest language of any in the U.S., though legal experts split on the significance of Thursday's changes. "This is so watered down," said Ed Obayashi, a use-of-force consultant to law enforcement agencies and a Plumas County deputy sheriff. "The language is virtually legally synonymous with current constitutional standards for use of force. It really is a distinction without a legal difference." But University of South Carolina law professor and former Tallahassee, Florida, police officer Seth Stoughton called it a significant change to current state law. The revised bill "does a better job than any law that I'm aware of in defining what is an imminent threat," he said. "It doesn't do everything the original bill had in it, but it brings California from the lowest tier in the country in to the highest tier in the country and you're left with a feasible, reasonable standard that I think is going to go a long way to protecting officers and community members," Stoughton said. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders in the Legislature backed the revised version, which is set for an Assembly vote next week. Newsom called it "an important bill, one that will help restore community trust in our criminal justice system." Law enforcement opponents blocked passage of a similar measure introduced last year after police killed Clark, an unarmed black man. The death set off intense protests. The Peace Officers Research Association of California, which represents rank-and-file officers, and the California Police Chiefs Association both removed their opposition and moved to neutral positions. The groups were the key law enforcement negotiators with Weber's office and the ACLU. Six other associations representing state, county and local law enforcement officers and the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association all also withdrew their opposition. Law enforcement organizations are backing a related Senate measure that would require that every officer be trained in ways to avoid opening fire. HOUSTON (AP) - Advocates demanded $100 million in damages Thursday on behalf of the family of a 20-year-old Guatemalan woman who was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol agent last year. The legal claim on behalf of Claudia Patricia Gomez Gonzalez was filed one year after she died. It comes as the U.S. government grapples with surging numbers of Central Americans crossing its southern border and the deaths of six children in the last year after being apprehended by border agents. The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas filed the claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act as a precursor to filing a lawsuit. Gomez Gonzalez crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas along with several migrants who were confronted by a Border Patrol agent, who opened fire and killed her. The claim says Gomez Gonzalez "posed no threat to anyone, as would have been obvious from the slightest glance." The claim says she was unarmed and not fleeing as others in the group of migrants were. It demands $50 million each for personal injury and what it says was Gomez Gonzalez's wrongful death. FILE - In this Friday, May 25, 2018, file photo, Dominga Vicente shows a photo of her niece, 20-year-old Claudia Patricia Gomez Gonzalez, who was allegedly killed by an agent of the U.S. Border Patrol in Nuevo Laredo, Texas, during a news conference at the National Migrants Commission headquarters in Guatemala City. Advocates for Gomez Gonzalez are demanding $100 million in damages. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo, File) "Her life was as valuable as anyone else's, and her family deserves justice for their loss," said Andre Segura, the group's legal director. "Our government has a responsibility to treat everyone lawfully, humanely, and with respect regardless of how they came into this country." U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Border Patrol's parent agency, declined to comment Thursday. CBP's initial statement on May 23, 2018, about Gomez Gonzalez's death said that the agent used his gun after being attacked by "multiple subjects using blunt objects." The agency called Gomez Gonzalez an assailant. The agency revised its statement a day later to say Gomez Gonzalez was "one member of the group" that rushed the agent and ignored orders to get on the ground. The statement said the agent fired one round. The agent, who was not identified, was placed on administrative leave at the time. CBP declined on Wednesday to comment on the agent's status or the claim being filed. George Altgelt, a lawyer for the agent, did not return a phone message. Gomez Gonzalez was from San Juan Ostuncalco, outside the western highland city of Quetzaltenango. Family members have said she studied forensic accounting and sought admission to a state university but failed to pass three admission exams. Living in poverty and unable to find work, she left for the United States. More than 160,000 people from Guatemala were apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border between October and April. At Gomez Gonzalez's wake, a woman said that many villagers had left for the United States looking for work. "We are poor, there are no jobs. That is why people leave," said the woman, Guadalupe Carreto. PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The publishers of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News and Philly.com are offering buyouts to staff but the threat of layoffs looms if there aren't enough volunteers. Philly.com reports that Philadelphia Media Network's publisher and chief executive emailed employees Thursday. Terrance C.Q. Egger says the decision is due to the decline in revenue for the organization, which is owned by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, a nonprofit. The president of the NewsGuild of Greater Philadelphia has told union members in an email the announcement is "sickening." She says there's a threat of layoffs if not enough staffers volunteer for buyouts. The terms of the buyout offers weren't available. The news comes a day after a federal bankruptcy judge approved the sale of the Reading Eagle to Digital First Media. ___ Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, http://www.inquirer.com NEW YORK (AP) - New York City police have been searching for a person who has been intentionally pulling the emergency brakes on subway cars for no legitimate purpose. Police on Thursday released images and video of a man they say rode on the outside of a car for several stops before entering the car and pulling its emergency brake and fleeing. It happened on a northbound 2 train at the 14th Street and Seventh avenue station during the Tuesday evening rush hour. Police say there have been about 40 similar incidents. They began in February, continued in March and increased in frequency in April and May. Police believe the brake pulling prankster is using a key to gain access to an unoccupied motorman car, where he is able to engage the emergency brake. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - After some conservative Alabama probate judges stopped issuing marriage licenses over the issue of same-sex marriage, state lawmakers have come up with a workaround: marriage certificates that don't have to be signed before the wedding by the judge. The bill, which won final approval Thursday, now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey for her signature. For several years a few conservative probate judges in Alabama have refused to issue marriage licenses to anyone so they don't have to issue them to gay and lesbian couples. The House of Representatives voted 67-26 for the bill that would replace marriage licenses with a new form called a marriage certificate. Republican Sen. Greg Albritton, the sponsor of the bill, said he proposed the change so people can obtain marriage documents in every county. Rep. Neil Rafferty, the only openly gay member of the House, said the proposal was "born out of prejudice." "It accommodates a handful of judges that couldn't get their personal feelings, couldn't check them those at the door and couldn't do their jobs," Rafferty, D-Birmingham, said. Current Alabama law says probate judges "may" issue marriage, but doesn't force them to do so. After same-sex couples obtained the legal right to marry, about a half dozen of Alabama's 68 probate judges declined to issue licenses so they would not have to give them to gay couples. Rep. Wes Allen, a Republican from Pike County, was one of the judges who made that decision. "I believe marriage is between a man and a woman, as do a lot of Alabamians," Allen said. Allen said he received "overwhelming" support in the county for his decision. Currently a judge signs a marriage license before a couple's wedding. Allen said he viewed signing the form as endorsing the marriage. Under the proposed change, couples would return a form and an affidavit affirming they meet legal requirements to be married, to the probate judge's office. The judge, or someone in his or her office, would still sign the certificate to show it was filed with the county. Albritton said that is acceptable to the judges because it is simply signing off on the documents being filed. Albritton argued the proposal would not be much change for couples. "I'm glad it's done. This helps everybody in the state," Albritton said. BALTIMORE (AP) - The acting chief executive of the University of Maryland Medical System is pledging "significant changes" to senior staff after a scandal involving financial arrangements. The Baltimore Sun reports system CEO John W. Ashworth III met with Gov. Larry Hogan and House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones on Thursday. Ashworth III said the hospital network needs to undergo a "cultural shift" away from an environment in which board members won contracts for their private companies. Ashworth said reforms would include a restructuring of the organization affecting top personnel. Three members of the system's board resigned on May 7. A new law pushed by Hogan and General Assembly leaders requires all of the system's board members to step down by the end of the year, to be reappointed or replaced by the governor. ___ Information from: The Baltimore Sun, http://www.baltimoresun.com MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A Minneapolis man is suing a former police officer recently convicted of murder for allegedly pointing a gun at him during a traffic stop. Brian Oman contends former Officer Mohamed Noor and another officer wrongfully pulled him over in May 2017. Oman says Noor pointed his gun at the motorist for about 30 seconds. The lawsuit says Oman didn't do anything to justify the officers drawing their guns. A citation against Oman was later dismissed. The lawsuit also names the other officer, Justin Schmidt, and the city of Minneapolis as defendants. The Star Tribune reports attorneys for the city said the officers drew their guns but denied that it was illegal or unwarranted. Noor fatally shot Justine Ruszczyk Damond in July 2017 after she called 911 to report a possible crime. Noor was convicted of murder earlier this year. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that prohibits Florida's government agencies from releasing photos, video or audio that record the killing of a person in an act of mass violence. The new law was signed Thursday and takes effect immediately. The bill was written after last year's school shooting in Parkland that left 17 people dead. It says the exemption to the public record law is needed to protect victims' families from trauma and to prevent the images or recordings from inspiring others to kill. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Tom Lee of Hillsborough County, has said he is aware that such recordings can help the media keep authorities accountable after a mass shooting but pointed out that news organizations can petition a judge to access the images. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 27) Lani Mercado-Revilla the wife of Senator-elect Ramon Bong Revilla who was jailed for four years for plunder and graft charges became the center of a Twitter storm Saturday. Mercado-Revilla went to Twitter to share what she had to say amid criticisms of her husbands win even though he still faces 16 graft charges in relation the multimillion-peso pork barrel scam. His co-accused, pork scam mastermind Janet Napoles and Revillas staff Richard Cambe, were found guilty. The Senator-elects wife tweeted to school netizens on good manners and right conduct (GMRC). You dont have to be mean just to get attention. People are more appreciated when they show respect and GMRC even in social media, she said. Twitter then blew up with reactions, with netizens asking her if the senator-elect would return the money supposedly plundered. In its 186-page decision, the Sandiganbayan's First Division ruled that the prosecution failed to prove Revilla was guilty beyond reasonable doubt for plunder. It said there was "not a single direct evidence" presented that Revilla benefited from the use of his Priority Development Assistance Fund. Revilla, who was the Senator-elect with the 10th largest number of votes garnered, was accused of also amassing 224.5 million in kickbacks from Napoles during his time as Senator. The Senator-elect, who also drew controversy for his Budots dance video campaign, is out on a 480,000 bail bond. CONCORD, N.C. (AP) - The hometown kid is starting out front in NASCAR's longest race. Charlotte native William Byron became the youngest driver ever to capture the pole for the Coca-Cola 600. The 21-year-old Byron, who grew up a short drive from Charlotte Motor Speedway, turned a lap of 183.424 mph in his No. 24 Chevrolet on Thursday night. Aric Almirola will start alongside Byron on the front row in his No. 10 Ford. It is one of six Fords starting in the top 10. "I grew up in Charlotte and I came to this race every year, so it's a dream come true to qualify on the pole," Byron said. "This is pretty cool. I can't think of a better way to start the weekend." Byron downplayed being the youngest pole-sitter in the race, saying he doesn't view himself as young but rather as a "race car driver like everyone else." Byron has six top-10 finishes in 49 career Cup Series starts, but is still looking for his first win. He's hoping to follow in the footsteps of Kyle Busch, who won the Coca-Cola 600 last year starting from the pole. Busch will start third this year, followed by 2017 winner Austin Dillon and 2011 and 2013 champion Kevin Harvick. William Byron poses with the trophy in Victory Lane after winning the pole position during qualifying for Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., Thursday, May 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) At the very least, Byron is hoping things go better than they did last year in his inaugural appearance in the Coca-Cola 600. Byron struggled in 2018, qualifying 21st before finishing 39th after crashing. "That was miserable," Byron said. He won't have to deal with slower traffic this time around starting from the pole. Byron has been qualifying well with new crew chief Chad Knaus, who is no stranger to winning at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Byron has five front-row starts this season. "That No. 1 pit stall will pay dividends later in the race for sure," Byron said. HARVICK QUALIFIES Kevin Harvick finally got a chance to run a qualifying lap at the Coca-Cola 600 and will start fifth on Sunday. That's much better than last year when Harvick never got on the track after failing pre-race inspection three times. Car chief Robert Smith was ejected, and Harvick will have to sit out the first 30 minutes of practice Saturday. WALTRIP HONORED Speedway Motorsports president and CEO Marcus Smith presented Darrell Waltrip with a special-edition trophy Thursday to commemorate his record five Coca-Cola 600 wins. "This is the trophy you get when you win the Coca-Cola 600, but this is not the inscription you get on the trophy. This will be something I cherish forever," said Waltrip, whose special trophy includes a nod to each of his 600-mile wins and a thank you for his contributions to NASCAR. ___ More AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/apf-AutoRacing and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Kyle Busch covers his ears as he looks out of the garage before practice for Sunday's NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 Cup series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., Thursday, May 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Martin Truex Jr. climbs into his car before practice for Sunday's NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 Cup series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., Thursday, May 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Clint Bowyer waits in his car before practice for Sunday's NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 Cup series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., Thursday, May 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) WASHINGTON (AP) - New charges filed against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange quickly drew alarm Thursday from media organizations and others. The groups are concerned that the Justice Department is charging Assange for actions that ordinary journalists do routinely in their jobs. Department officials said they don't view Assange, who founded WikiLeaks in 2006, as a journalist. And they say his actions strayed far outside what the First Amendment protects. Some questions and answers about the new charges: WHAT EXACTLY DO THE CHARGES SAY ASSANGE DID? An indictment made public last month charged Assange with only one count, conspiring with former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to crack a Defense Department computer password. The 17 additional charges unsealed Thursday go further, accusing him of one of the largest compromises of classified information in U.S. history. The new charges rely on the Espionage Act, which dates to the World War I era and is designed to protect the handling of classified information. Prosecutors say Assange asked for and received hundreds of thousands of secret government documents including military reports and State Department cables in violation of the act. FILE - In this May 1, 2019, file photo, protesters demonstrate outside court where Julian Assange will appear in London. The Justice Department has charged Assange with receiving and publishing classified information. The charges are contained in a new, 18-count indictment announced May 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File) HOW DO ASSANGE'S ALLEGED ACTIONS COMPARE WITH WHAT OTHER JOURNALISTS DO? The documents say Assange illegally solicited classified information and ignored government warnings that some of the material could be damaging to national security. The Department of Justice says he published identities of people working with the government without regard to the consequences, something officials say professional journalists would handle differently. But Jameel Jaffer, the executive director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, said in an email that the government's charges "rely almost entirely on conduct that national-security journalists engage in every day." That includes cultivating sources, encouraging sources to share information about government policy and conduct, and receiving and publishing classified information. He called those activities "crucial to investigative journalism, and crucial to the public's ability to understand government policy and conduct." "I don't think there's any way to understand this indictment except as a frontal attack on press freedom," he wrote. WHAT HAS BEEN THE REACTION TO THE CHARGES? The American Civil Liberties Union and Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press were among the organizations and individuals calling the charges a grave threat to press freedom. "For the first time in the history of our country, the government has brought criminal charges against a publisher for the publication of truthful information. This is an extraordinary escalation of the Trump administration's attacks on journalism, and a direct assault on the First Amendment," said Ben Wizner, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project in a statement. Lisa Lynch, a communications professor at Drew University who has written about WikiLeaks, said the Obama administration had considered but then backed away from using the Espionage Act to bring charges against Assange. She said the Trump administration's decision to do so, adding the Espionage Act to its arsenal of tools to prosecute the dissemination of information, "sets the stage for an unprecedented crackdown on press freedom." WHAT DOES THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SAY IN RESPONSE TO THOSE CONCERNS? The Justice Department, in announcing the new charges, sought to draw a distinction between journalism and Assange's actions. "Julian Assange is no journalist," said the Justice Department's top national security official, John C. Demers, in announcing the charges, noting that the indictment charges Assange with conspiring to obtain classified information and publishing the names of secret sources that gave critical information to American military forces and diplomats. "The Department takes seriously the role of journalists in our democracy and we thank you for it. It is not and has never been the Department's policy to target them for their reporting," Demers said. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Despite the new charges, Assange is still a long way from a United States courtroom. He's currently in custody in London after being evicted from the Ecuadorian Embassy in April. The U.S. is seeking his extradition. Bruce D. Brown, the executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said there's a real chance Assange never gets brought to the United States. Even so, the charges aren't meaningless, he said. He described them as also a warning by the Justice Department to potential whistleblowers, a message to sources inside government. It's a "shot across the bow," he said. ___ Associated Press reporter Eric Tucker contributed to this report. BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - The Trump administration said Thursday it was withdrawing a proposal for freight trains to have at least two crew members, nullifying a safety measure drafted under President Barack Obama in response to explosions of crude oil trains in the U.S. and Canada. A review of accident data did not support the notion that having one crew member is less safe than multi-person crews, Department of Transportation officials said. The withdrawal also seeks to pre-empt states from regulating crew sizes. The 2016 proposal followed oil train derailments including a runaway oil train in 2013 that derailed, exploded and killed 47 people while levelling much of the town of Lac Megantic, Canada. Other derailments of trains carrying oil and ethanol have occurred in North Dakota, Oregon, Montana, Illinois, Virginia and other states. Under Obama, regulators concluded that having two or more crew members would be worth the extra cost even if it prevented a single accident. The rail industry, which long maintained that crew requirements were unnecessary, cheered Thursday's move. But a representative for a rail workers union said it would put the public at greater risk by removing a safeguard against accidents. Most trains currently operate with at least two crew members but without a government regulation there's no guarantee that would continue indefinitely. FILE - In this Dec. 30, 2013 file photo, a fireball goes up at the site of an oil train derailment near Casselton, N.D. The Trump administration is withdrawing a proposal for freight trains to have at least two crew members that was drafted in response to explosions of crude oil trains in the U.S. and Canada. Transportation officials said Thursday, May 23, 2019 that a review of accident data did not support the notion that having one crew member is less safe than a multi-person crew. (AP Photo/Bruce Crummy, File) "If railroads would start running single person operators, there's nobody up there to interact to make sure everything is done right," said John Risch, legislative affairs director for SMART Transportation Division, a rail workers union. "The government has essentially said we're not going to provide any oversight whatsoever. Whatever the railroads want to do, they can do," Risch said. The Federal Railroad Administration said in a statement that the rail industry has "maintained a strong safety record in the absence of regulation on this issue." The statement also said a crew staffing rule would have would have been "an unnecessary obstacle" to future innovation in the industry. Thursday's withdrawal marks the latest rollback since President Donald Trump took office of safety rules adopted under Obama in the face of opposition from the energy and transportation industries. The administration this month eased inspection requirements for offshore oil and gas drilling put in place after the deadly 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill. And transportation officials had earlier rescinded a requirement for more advanced electronic brakes for trains hauling crude and other hazardous fuels. Railroad company representatives said the withdrawn crew rule would have locked them into crew sizes at a time when the industry is expanding the use of new technologies such as positive train control. Those are computer-based systems that can automatically stop trains to prevent accidents caused by high speed or collisions. "Allowing railroads the flexibility to adjust their operations to reflect the capabilities of technologies like PTC (positive train control) will help advance railroads' mission to achieve an accident-free future," Association of American Railroads President and CEO Ian Jefferies said. ___ Follow Matthew Brown at https://twitter.com/matthewbrownap FILE - This June 4, 2016 file photo provided by the Washington State Department of Ecology, shows scattered and burned oil tank cars after a train derailed and burned near Mosier, Ore. The Trump administration is withdrawing a proposal for freight trains to have at least two crew members that was drafted in response to explosions of crude oil trains in the U.S. and Canada. Transportation officials said Thursday, May 23, 2019 that a review of accident data did not support the notion that having one crew member is less safe than a multi-person crew. (Washington Department of Ecology via AP, File) FILE - In this July 6, 2013 file photo, smoke rises from railway cars from now-defunct Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railways company that were carrying crude oil after derailing in downtown Lac Megantic, Quebec. Forty-seven people were killed. The Trump administration is withdrawing a proposal for freight trains to have at least two crew members that was drafted in response to explosions of crude oil trains in the U.S. and Canada. Transportation officials said Thursday, May 23, 2019 that a review of accident data did not support the notion that having one crew member is less safe than a multi-person crew. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP, File) WASHINGTON (AP) - Mexico proposed Thursday that the United States finance seven projects aimed at boosting the economies of three Central American nations whose poverty and violence push desperate people to migrate north. Mexican foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard told reporters after meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan that he plans to showcase the same proposal next week in Germany. Ebrard is to meet Friday with President Donald Trump's senior adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan at the White House. He expects to get an update on talks about the U.S. committing some $10 billion in development funds for Mexico and Central America. Earlier this week in Mexico, a U.N. commission presented a roadmap to boost development in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. Ebrard said the proposal includes building an electric grid, a network to distribute natural gas and schools in the three nations. "I cannot tell you now whether the United States will take all the projects we bring, but certainly Mexico's perspective needs to be taken into account," Ebrard said. "I hope President Trump, once he has the information we are providing, he can reassess what Mexico is proposing." Mexico's Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard speaks with reporters, Thursday, May 23, 2019, after meeting with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the U.S. State Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) Trump went on Twitter this week to voice frustration with Mexico, saying it "is doing virtually nothing to stop illegal immigrants from coming to our Southern Border." Ebrard said Mexico and the Central American countries have already budgeted at least $30 billion over the next five years for development projects. Since taking office Dec. 1, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has pushed the idea of developing southern Mexico together with Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador as the best option for stemming the flow of migrants. ___ Luis Alonso Lugo on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/luisalonsolugo Mexico's Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard speaks with reporters, Thursday, May 23, 2019, after meeting with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the U.S. State Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump on Thursday granted Attorney General William Barr new powers to review and potentially release classified information related to the origins of the Russia investigation, a move aimed at accelerating Barr's inquiry into whether U.S. officials improperly surveilled Trump's 2016 campaign. Trump directed the intelligence community to "quickly and fully cooperate" with Barr's probe. The directive marked an escalation in Trump's efforts to "investigate the investigators," as he continues to try to undermine the findings of special counsel Robert Mueller's probe amid mounting Democratic calls for impeachment proceedings. Press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement that Trump is delegating to Barr the "full and complete authority" to declassify documents relating to the probe, which would ease his efforts to review the sensitive intelligence underpinnings of the investigation. Such an action could create fresh tensions within the FBI and other intelligence agencies, which have historically resisted such demands. Barr has already asked John Durham, the U.S. attorney in Connecticut, to examine the origins of the Russia investigation to determine whether intelligence and surveillance methods used during the probe were lawful and appropriate. Still, Barr has been directly involved, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to discuss it publicly, and is also working with CIA Director Gina Haspel, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and FBI Director Christopher Wray. Trump is giving Barr a new tool in his investigation, empowering his attorney general to unilaterally unseal documents that the Justice Department has historically regarded as among its most highly secret. Warrants obtained from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, for instance, are not made public - not even to the person on whom the surveillance was authorized. Trump explicitly delegated Barr with declassification power - noting it would not automatically extend to another attorney general - and only for use in the review of the Russia investigation. Before using the new authority, Barr should consult with intelligence officials "to the extent he deems it practicable," Trump wrote in a memo formalizing the matter. FILE - In this May 15, 2019, file photo, President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr speak at the 38th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Trump is directing the U.S. intelligence community to "quickly and fully cooperate" with Barr's investigation of the origins of the multi-year probe into whether Trump's 2016 campaign colluded with Russia (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) Trump has frequently claimed his campaign was the victim of "spying," though the intelligence community has insisted it acted lawfully in following leads in the Russia investigation and conducted surveillance under court order. Wray vocally opposed the release by Congress last year of details from a secret surveillance warrant obtained by the bureau on a former campaign adviser, Carter Page. The White House had eagerly encouraged Republicans on the House intelligence committee to disclose that classified information, believing it could help undermine the Russia investigation. Wray, though cooperating with Barr in a review of the origins of the Russia probe, would presumably balk at declassifying classified information that could reveal sensitive sources or methods of investigators. Despite Mueller finding no evidence to support criminal charges against Americans related to Russia's actions, his report documented extensive Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 campaign and willingness on the part of some in Trump's orbit to accept their aid. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff accused Trump and Barr of trying to "conspire to weaponize law enforcement and classified information against their political enemies." "The coverup has entered a new and dangerous phase," Schiff said in a statement released late Thursday. "This is un-American." Typically, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence coordinates declassification work by contacting various agencies where classified material originated to get their input on what should be released or not disclosed based on legal exemptions. The president, however, has the authority to declassify anything he wants. A former senior intelligence official who served in the Obama administration said their principle concern is that the attorney general, hand-picked by Trump, could declassify and release selective bits to make the previous administration and former senior officials look bad. The former official spoke on the condition that the official would not be named in order to describe the concerns of intelligence professionals. Thursday's move further solidifies Barr's position in Trump's eyes as a legal warrior on fighting on his behalf. After Mueller submitted his report to Barr in March, the attorney general released a four-page summary to Congress. Barr's letter framed the debate about the probe over the next few weeks and, White House officials believe, allowed Trump to declare victory before the release of the full report, the contents of which are far more ambiguous. Trump also appreciated Barr's combative stance with lawmakers and reporters as he defended the Justice Department's handling of the report, and again when he declined to appear before Congress and defied a subpoena, drawing a possible contempt charge. Trump has told close confidants that he "finally" had "my attorney general," according to two Republicans close to the White House who were not authorized to speak publicly about private conversations. "Today's action will help ensure that all Americans learn the truth about the events that occurred, and the actions that were taken, during the last Presidential election and will restore confidence in our public institutions," Sanders said. Two of Trump's congressional allies, Reps. Mark Meadows and Jim Jordan, were seen by reporters earlier Thursday at the Justice Department. __ Associated Press writers Mike Balsamo, Deb Riechmann and Jonathan Lemire contributed to this report. PHOENIX (AP) - The parents of an incapacitated woman who was raped and later gave birth at a Phoenix long-term care center alleges in a $45 million legal claim that the facility and state broke their promise to have only female caregivers tend to their daughter. A nurse charged with sexually assaulting the 30-year-old patient had cared for her more than 1,000 times in the 13 months leading up to the birth, according to an expert cited in the claim filed Wednesday against Arizona. Many of Nathan Sutherland's encounters with the patient at Hacienda HealthCare occurred overnight, when fewer staff members and visitors were around, said Christopher Cherney, a professor with more than 20 years of experience as a long-term care facility administrator who reviewed the woman's medical records. The family alleges in the precursor to a lawsuit that Hacienda missed dozens of signs that the woman was carrying a baby and discovered the pregnancy only after another nurse saw the boy's head. The patient, who has a feeding tube and whose nutrition was reduced in response to her weight gain during the pregnancy, delivered the boy while severely dehydrated and without pain medications, the claim said. The family's lawyers say the woman suffered injuries from repeated sexual assault. Notes from the hospital where she was treated say her injuries suggest it wasn't her first pregnancy, but no other details were provided. The surprise birth on Dec. 29 triggered reviews by state agencies, highlighted safety concerns for patients who are severely disabled or incapacitated and prompted the resignations of Hacienda's chief executive and one of the victim's doctors. FILE - This Jan. 25, 2019, file photo, shows the Hacienda HealthCare facility in Phoenix. A legal claim against the state of Arizona by the parents of an incapacitated woman who was raped and later gave birth at Hacienda HealthCare alleges the facility and state broke promises to have only female caregivers tend to their daughter. The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System declined to comment on the claim. (AP Photo/Matt York, File) A spokeswoman for the Arizona Department of Economic Security, which oversaw the woman's care, did not return a message seeking comment. Hacienda spokesman David Leibowitz and Sutherland's lawyer, Edwin Molina, declined to comment. Representatives from Hacienda and the state had told the woman's parents that their daughter would have only female caregivers, the claim said. Documents from the Department of Economic Security note that only female staff members should provide her personal care, such as bathing and dressing. Cherney, the expert for the family, said Sutherland conducted safety checks, administered medications and wrote notes on the woman's status during his many encounters with her. Investigators say Sutherland's DNA matched a sample from the woman's son, who is being cared for by her family. Sutherland has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual abuse and abuse of a vulnerable adult. He is challenging a court order requiring tests to see whether he has HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. The victim began suffering seizures at 2 months old and her medical conditions stem from a brain disorder diagnosed afterward, family attorney John Micheaels said. The disorder caused motor and cognitive impairments and vision loss. She was also left with no functional use of her limbs. News organizations, including The Associated Press, previously reported that she was in long-term care after a near-drowning. Despite her disabilities, her family says she responds to some sensory stimuli. She turns her head toward sounds she finds pleasing like soft music or being read to, the claim said. She can groan and smile. Despite being non-verbal, she will cry and make "throaty sounds" if she is feeling pain or discomfort. The claim said that Arizona has a duty to provide services to people with developmental disabilities by contracting with companies like Hacienda and that the state did a poor job of monitoring its operations. While the claim heavily criticizes Hacienda and Sutherland, it seeks money only from the state. It said Hacienda missed 83 opportunities to diagnose the woman's pregnancy. She gained weight, had a swollen belly and missed menstrual periods in the months before the child was born. The family's lawyers said a simple blood test would have revealed the pregnancy. ___ Follow Terry Tang on Twitter at twitter.com/ttangAP and Jacques Billeaud at twitter.com/jacquesbilleaud. NEW YORK (AP) - A tentative deal has been reached to settle multiple lawsuits brought against the television and film company co-founded by Harvey Weinstein, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by scores of women. Attorneys involved in the negotiations told a federal bankruptcy court judge during a hearing in Wilmington, Delaware, Thursday that a breakthrough in a still-unfinished mediation had put a settlement within reach. The amount of the deal wasn't revealed in court, but a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press it was worth $44 million. The person wasn't authorized to reveal details of the discussions and spoke on condition of anonymity. "We now have an economic agreement in principal that is supported by the plaintiffs, the (New York attorney general's) office, the defendants and all of the insurers that, if approved, would provide significant compensation to victims, creditors and the estate and allow the parties to avoid years of costly, time consuming and uncertain litigation on all sides," Adam Harris, a lawyer for studio co-founder Bob Weinstein, told the judge. He cautioned that there was still "a lot of work here to do." "But," he added, "I personally am very optimistic." FILE - In this Oct. 11, 2018, file photo, Harvey Weinstein enters State Supreme Court in New York. A tentative deal is close to settling lawsuits brought against the television and film company co-founded by Weinstein, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by scores of women. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File) The size of the settlement was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. More than 15 lawsuits have been filed accusing Harvey Weinstein or the company of misconduct. The settlement would cover many of them, including a class action by alleged victims that accuses the film company of operating like an organized crime group to conceal widespread sexual harassment and assaults. It would also resolve a civil suit by the New York attorney general alleging that Harvey Weinstein's media company, in enabling his mistreatment of women, violated labor laws. The New York attorney general's office declined to comment on the amount of the settlement. Any settlement would need to be approved by the courts. Harvey Weinstein also faces criminal charges in New York of rape and performing a forcible sex act. His trial is scheduled to begin in September. The settlement wouldn't resolve his criminal case. Weinstein denies all allegations of nonconsensual sex. An attorney who represents unsecured creditors in the bankruptcy of the Weinstein film studio, Robert Feinstein, told U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Mary Walrath that mediation talks that had broken down a few months ago had recently been restarted. A global settlement of the class action lawsuit and all other legal action against the Weinstein Co. seemed to become possible only in the past few days, he said, though he cautioned that many details remained to be resolved. "I think we are poised to get there. I can't assure the court that we will," he said. Harris said the settlement was complex due to the number of claims, and insurance companies, involved. "We're dealing with potential claims here that go back . more than 25 years," he said, adding that the nature of the allegations had also made for "a highly charged environment, with very strong feelings on all sides." ___ Associated Press writer Randall Chase in Dover, Delaware, contributed to this report. MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexico's Congress approved a series of safeguards Thursday intended to prevent abuses under the country's new militarized police force known as the National Guard. Critics worry the National Guard may transfer military practices to the subtleties of police work including rules of procedure, evidence and engagement. The four new laws approved in the lower house set out specific guidelines on the use of force and respect for human rights. The laws also mandate the creation of a national registry of people arrested and detained, which will allow relatives or lawyers to find them more quickly. Mexico has long had a problem with people disappearing or being tortured after being taken into custody. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador created the force after taking office on Dec. 1. It combines military police units with existing federal police forces. But the human rights group Amnesty International said the laws give the National Guard the power to determine which demonstrations have a "legitimate" purpose, and said the force was not sufficiently subject to outside oversight. FILE - In this April 29, 2019 file photo, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador attends a ceremony at the Military Airbase Number 1 in Santa Lucia, on the outskirts of Mexico City. Mexico's Congress approved a series of safeguards Thursday, May 23, intended to prevent abuses under the country's new militarized police force known as the National Guard.(AP Photo/Marco Ugarte, File) That concern was based on a passage in the law that says the guard "will under no circumstances use weapons against participants in demonstrations or peaceful public meetings that have a legitimate purpose." The rules of engagement say the guards can only fire at people who refuse to drop guns, point them at guard members or threaten people's lives with knives. "If Congress passes this legislation, the National Guard will become an all-powerful security force, without independent scrutiny and with dangerous powers, such as the authority to detain migrants and to use force against public demonstrations it does not deem to be legitimate," Tania Reneaum, the executive director of Amnesty International Mexico, wrote prior to the vote. The laws have already passed the Senate and will now go to Lopez Obrador for his signature. Mexico's president allowed marginal civilian control over the force, but appointed an army general as its commander. He has said he values military discipline, values and loyalty as a bulwark against Mexico's rising wave of killings and crimes. Last year saw the highest number of murders in at least 20 years. The military is generally seen as less corrupt than the police in Mexico. The laws were passed overwhelmingly, with only a handful of votes against them. Congresswoman Rocio Barrera Badillo, of Lopez Obrador's Morena party, said the new laws "will give the nation a civilian, professional police force to combat the crime whose consequences we have been suffering ever more seriously for than a decade." Rene Juarez Cisneros, a congressman from the old ruling PRI party, said simply "the government wanted a National Guard and they got it. Now we Mexicans want results." RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - A majority in Brazil's supreme court has voted to make homophobia and transphobia crimes like racism, a decision coming amid fears the country's far-right president will roll back LGBT social gains. Six of the Supreme Federal Tribunal's 11 judges have voted in favor of the measure. The five other judges will vote in a court session on June 5, but the result will not be modified. The measure will take effect after all the justices have voted. Racism was made a crime in Brazil in 1989 with prison sentences of up to five years. The court's judges ruled that homophobia should be framed within the racism law until the country's congress approves legislation specifically dealing with LGBT discrimination. Brazil's Senate is dealing with a bill to criminalize discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender with sentences of up to five years. "Racism is a crime against flesh and blood, whether it is a member of the LGBT community, a Jew or an Afro-descendant," justice Luiz Fux said Thursday. The court's judges said the ruling was to address an omission that had left the LGBT community legally unprotected. Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro poses for photos with a statue of Our Lady of Fatima,during a Catholic ceremony at which he dedicated his nation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at Planalto presidential palace in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, May 21, 2019. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) While same-sex marriage is legal in Brazil, it is still a dangerous country for members of the LGBT community and has a large evangelical movement often critical of gay rights. According to the rights group the Grupo Gay da Bahia, 420 LGBT people were killed across Brazil in 2018, while at least 141 have been killed so far this year. President Jair Bolsonaro, a former army captain who assumed office on Jan. 1, has a history of offensive comments about gays, blacks and other minorities, openly acknowledging he is a homophobe. He has said he would rather have a dead son than a gay son. The ruling "comes at a very good moment, when we have a head of state who is LGBT-phobic," said Bruna Benevides, president of the Niteroi Diversity group. "The Supreme Court assumed the responsibility to protect us." CHICAGO (AP) - U.S. immigration officials have told a pregnant Mexican woman who had taken sanctuary inside a Chicago church that she can stay in the United States until after the baby is born. Adilene Marquina had been told by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that she could be deported this week. But the Chicago Tribune says she was told on Thursday she will not have to leave immediately and should report to ICE on Oct. 23. Marquina is staying in the Faith, Life and Hope Mission. ICE has a policy against making arrests in places of worship. She fled to the U.S. in 2015 seeking political asylum. She waited four years for an immigration judge to deny her claim. She has two American sons ages 16 and 3 and a 14-year-old son. ___ Information from: Chicago Tribune, http://www.chicagotribune.com DRDO successfully flight tested a 500 kg class Inertial Guided Bomb from Su-30 MKI Aircraft from the Pokhran test range. The guided bomb achieved the desired range and hit the target with high precision, according to DRDO. A PTI photo. NEW DELHI (PTI): The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Friday successfully test fired an indigenously-developed 500 kg class guided bomb from a Sukhoi combat jet at Pokhran in Rajasthan. The defence ministry said the guided bomb achieved the desired range and hit the target with high precision. "The DRDO successfully flight tested a 500 kg class Inertial Guided Bomb today from Su-30 MKI Aircraft from the Pokhran test range in Rajasthan," it said. The ministry said all the mission objectives have been met during the test firing of the bomb, adding it is capable of carrying different warheads. The test firing of the guided bomb came two days after the Indian Air Force successfully test fired the aerial version of the supersonic BRAHMOS cruise missile from a Sukhoi jet at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The 2.5 tonne air-to-surface missile has a range of around 300 km, and it will significantly enhance the IAF's combat capability. The BRAHMOS cruise missile travels at a speed of Mach 2.8, nearly three times that of sound. RENO, Nev. (AP) - NASA has launched the final stage of a four-year effort to develop a national traffic management system for drones, testing them in cities for the first time beyond the operator's line of sight as businesses look in the future to unleash the unmanned devices in droves above busy streets and buildings. Multiple drones took to the air at the same time above downtown Reno this week in a series of simulations testing emerging technology that someday will be used to manage hundreds of thousands of small unmanned commercial aircraft delivering packages, pizzas and medical supplies. "This activity is the latest and most technical challenge we have done with unmanned aerial systems," said David Korsmeyer, associate director of research and technology at NASA's Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. An autonomous drone took off Tuesday from the rooftop of a five-story casino parking garage and landed on the roof of another out of view across the street. It hovered as onboard sensors adjusted for gusty winds before returning close to the center of the launchpad. Equipped with GPS, others flew at each other no higher than city streetlights but were able to avoid colliding through onboard tracking systems connected to NASA's computers on the ground. Similar tests have been conducted in remote and rural areas. The Federal Aviation Administration has authorized individual test flights in cities before but never for multiple drones or outside the sight of the operator. In this May 21, 2019 photo, two drones fly above Lake Street in downtown Reno, Nev., on, as part of a NASA simulation to test emerging technology that someday will be used to manage travel of hundreds of thousands of commercial, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) delivering packages. It marked the first time such tests have been conducted in an urban setting. (AP Photo/Scott Sonner) The new round of tests continuing this summer in Reno and Corpus Christi, Texas, marks the first time simulations have combined all those scenarios, said Chris Walach, executive director of the Nevada Institute of Autonomous Systems, which is running the Reno tests of unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs. "When we began this project four years ago, many of us wouldn't have thought we'd be standing here today flying UAVs with advanced drone systems off high-rise buildings," he said. The team adopted a "crawl, walk, run" philosophy when it initiated tests in 2015, culminating with this fourth round of simulations, said Ron Johnson, project manager for unmanned aircraft systems traffic management at NASA's Ames Research Center. "We are definitely in the 'run' phase of this development here in Reno," he said. The results will be shared with the FAA. The agency outlined proposed rules in January that would ease restrictions on flying drones over crowds but said it won't take final action until it finishes another regulation on identifying drones as they're flying - something industry analysts say could be years away. Critics assert that the FAA has stymied the commercial use of drones by applying the same rigid safety standard it uses for airlines. "There can be a lot of Silicon Valley mentality where people don't want to wait. So, we're trying to strike a balance between unleashing entrepreneurship and ensuring we're doing it safely while trying to accelerate acceptance of drones in public," Johnson said. Amazon and FedEx are among the companies that hope to send consumer products by drone by 2020. Drone delivery company Flirtey began testing delivery of defibrillators for cardiac arrest patients last year in Reno under FAA oversight. Johnson said cities present the biggest challenges because of limited, small landing areas among tall buildings that create navigation and communication problems. He said it became apparent early on that the travel management plans for drones would have to be completely automated because FAA air traffic controllers can't handle the enormous workload. The system is being tested with the help of 36 private partners, including drone manufacturers, operators, software developers and other third-party service providers, Johnson said. The system uses software on the ground that communicates flight plans and positions to other software systems. The drones are equipped with programs for landing, avoiding crashes, surveillance, detection and identification, optical cameras and systems similar to radar that work with lasers. Huy Tran, director of aeronautics at NASA's Ames Research Center, said her supervisors at NASA headquarters were surprised to hear they had be testing drones in Reno. "They said, 'Are you crazy?'" she said. "We hope (the test in) Reno shows drones can be flown and land safely." In this Tuesday, May 21, 2019 photo, a drone takes off from the roof of the Cal-Neva casino parking garage in downtown Reno, Nev. as part of a NASA simulation to test emerging technology that someday will be used to manage travel of hundreds of thousands of commercial, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) delivering packages. It marked the first time such tests have been conducted in an urban setting. (AP Photo/Scott Sonner) In this May 21, 2019 photo, a drone flies over downtown Reno, Nev., before landing on the Cal-Neva casino parking garage, as part of a NASA simulation to test emerging technology that someday will be used to manage travel of hundreds of thousands of commercial, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) delivering packages. It marked the first time such tests have been conducted in an urban setting. (AP Photo/Scott Sonner) In this Tuesday, May 21, 2019 photo, a drone flies over downtown Reno, Nev., before landing on the Cal-Neva casino parking garage, as part of a NASA simulation to test emerging technology that someday will be used to manage travel of hundreds of thousands of commercial, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) delivering packages. It marked the first time such tests have been conducted in an urban setting. (AP Photo/Scott Sonner) In this Tuesday, May 21, 2019 photo, a researcher positions a drone for take off on the roof of a casino parking garage in downtown Reno, Nev., where NASA conducted the first drone tests of their kind in an urban setting. A series of simulations are testing the emerging technology that someday will be used to manage travel of hundreds of thousands of commercial, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) delivering packages. (AP Photo/Scott Sonner) In this Tuesday, May 21, 2019 photo, Chris Walach, executive director of the Nevada Institute of Autonomous Systems, points to the the launch pad on a casino parking garage in downtown Reno, Nev., where NASA conducted the first drone tests of their kind in an urban setting. A series of simulations are testing the emerging technology that someday will be used to manage travel of hundreds of thousands of commercial, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) delivering packages. (AP Photo/Scott Sonner) In this Tuesday, May 21, 2019 photo, two drones fly above Lake Street in downtown Reno, Nev., on, as part of a NASA simulation to test emerging technology that someday will be used to manage travel of hundreds of thousands of commercial, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) delivering packages. It marked the first time such tests have been conducted in an urban setting. (AP Photo/Scott Sonner) A Nepalese woman lights a butter lamp during Buddha Jayanti, also known as Vesak, a festival marking the birthday, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha. In other images from the Asia-Pacific region this week, a police officer in Jakarta, Indonesia, fires his tear gas launcher at supporters of a losing presidential candidate who triggered deadly riots. Customers buy frozen pork at a local market in Hong Kong, where a case of African swine fever has prompted the culling of all 6,000 pigs at a slaughterhouse. ___ This gallery was curated by Associated Press photo editor Toru Takahashi in Tokyo. ___ In this Saturday, May 18, 2019, file photo, a Nepalese Buddhist woman lights a butter lamp during Buddha Jayanti, or Buddha Purnima, festival in Kathmandu, Nepal. The festival marks the triple events of Gautam Buddha's life: his birth, his enlightenment and his attaining a state of Nirvana that frees believers from the circle of death and rebirth. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha, File) Visit the AP Images blog: http://apimagesblog.com Visit AP Images online: http://www.apimages.com In this Wednesday, May 22, 2019, file photo, a police officer fires his tear gas launcher at supporters of Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto during a clash in Jakarta, Indonesia. Indonesian President Joko Widodo said authorities have the volatile situation in the country's capital under control after six people died Wednesday in riots by supporters of his losing rival in last month's presidential election. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, File) In this Wednesday, May 22, 2019, file photo, firecrackers explode near supporters of presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto during clashes with the police in Jakarta, Indonesia. Indonesian President Joko Widodo said authorities have the volatile situation in the country's capital under control after six people died Wednesday in riots by supporters of his losing rival in last month's presidential election. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, File) In this Wednesday, May 22, 2019, file photo, Indonesian police arrest a supporter of the losing presidential candidate in Jakarta, Indonesia. Supporters of the losing presidential candidate burned vehicles and battled police and the government announced restrictions on social media. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim, File) In this Wednesday, May 22, 2019, file photo, Indonesian riot police officer fires a tear gas launcher to disperse supporters of Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto during a rally in Jakarta, Indonesia. Supporters of an unsuccessful presidential candidate clashed with security forces and set fire to a police dormitory and vehicles in the Indonesian capital on Wednesday after the release of official election results. (AP Photo, File) In this Thursday, May 16, 2019, file photo, customers buy frozen pork at a local market in Hong Kong. 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. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File) In this May 8, 2019, file photo, a pig walks near a window in a barn at a pig farm in Jiangjiaqiao village in northern China's Hebei province. Pork lovers worldwide are wincing at prices that have jumped by up to 40 percent as China's struggle to stamp out African swine fever in its vast pig herds sends shockwaves through global meat markets. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) In this Thursday, May 23, 2019, file photo, India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah is showered with flower petals as he arrives at the party office in new Delhi, India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party claimed it had won reelection with a commanding lead in Thursday's vote count, while the stock market soared in anticipation of another five-year term for the pro-business Hindu nationalist leader. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup, File) In this Sunday, May 19, 2019, file photo, an Indian woman waits to vote in the seventh and final phase of national elections in Dharmsala, India. Sunday's polling wraps up a 6-week-long long, grueling campaign season with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist party seeking reelection for another five years. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 23. (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia, File) In this May 19, 2019, file photo, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks to party supporters flanked by his wife, Jenny, second from left, and daughters Lily, right, and Abbey, after his opponent concedes in the federal election in Sydney, Australia. Australia's newly reelected administration says its promise to slash income taxes might be delivered late but won't be broken as the government hopes to stimulate consumer spending and revive a flagging economy. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File) In this Monday, May 20, 2019, file photo, a child plays with bubbles near the logo for tech giant Huawei in Beijing. The Trump administration's sanctions against Huawei have begun to bite even though their dimensions remain unclear. U.S. companies that supply the Chinese tech powerhouse with computer chips saw their stock prices slump Monday, and Huawei faces decimated smartphone sales with the anticipated loss of Google's popular software and services. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File) In this Wednesday, May 22, 2019, file photo, Taiwan Navy's Perry-class frigate launches an ASROC (anti-submarine rocket) during a naval exercise off Hualien County, eastern Taiwan. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying, File) In this Wednesday, May 22, 2019, file photo, activist Jatupat Boonpattararaksa talks to reporters outside the Pathumwan police station in Bangkok, Thailand. Thirteen Thai political activists have appeared at a Bangkok police station to answer a summons on sedition charges that critics say are part of a plan to remove a rising progressive politician from the political scene. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File) CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - A top U.S. diplomat for Southeast Asia on Friday urged Pacific island nations not to withdraw diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, warning that Chinese pressure to change Taiwan's international standing threatens to increase the possibility of conflict. U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia W. Patrick Murphy spoke to reporters in Canberra at the end of a three-day Australian visit for talks with officials in the recently reelected government on expanding their security alliance. Six Pacific island nations give diplomatic recognition to Taiwan, accounting for a third of the self-governing democratic island's diplomatic allies around the world. But they are under intensifying pressure from Beijing to switch allegiances as it builds influence in the region. Murphy said diplomatic decisions should not be influenced by China. "China is attempting to reduce Taiwan's diplomatic relations in the region and that's kind of heavy-handed," Murphy said. "It gives rise to tensions by changing the status quo and then the possibility of conflict," he added. FILE - In this Dec. 13, 2017, file photo, U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia W. Patrick Murphy gestures during a press conference in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Murphy urged Pacific island nations not to withdraw diplomatic recognition of Taiwan on Friday, May 24, 2019, warning that Chinese pressure to change Taiwan's international standing threatened to increase the possibility of conflict. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith, File) Solomon Islands Prime Minister Rick Hou had promised to review the nation's relations with Taiwan before he lost power at elections last month. Switching recognition to China, the Solomons' biggest export market, remains a live issue. Murphy said the United States has "strong diplomatic relations" with the Solomons, and had congratulated new Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Murphy declined to say whether he discussed with Australian officials concerns of some security analysts that China wants to construct a deep-water military base somewhere in the Pacific. He said Chinese militarization in the Pacific would be as destabilizing as its militarization of disputed islands in the South China Sea. "A growing military presence anywhere in the region of a country like China that doesn't work on a rules-based approach or adhere to international standards is and should be of concern," Murphy said. "We have a lot of national interests in the region that are built on freedoms of commerce, navigation and overflight. We have key partners and the establishment of a military presence there, the notion, the concept is indeed quite troubling," he added. Murphy on Saturday flies to Australia's nearest neighbor, Papua New Guinea, where the pro-Beijing Prime Minister Peter O'Neill backs China's territorial claims in the South China Sea. The United States and Australia have committed to redevelop a Papua New Guinea naval base on Manus Island. Murphy said the Lombrum Naval Base expansion was about "partnership with Papua New Guinea and meeting its needs," not denying China a military presence in the poor nation for more than 8 million people. When Australia and Papua New Guinea announced the upgrade last October, China cautioned both countries to discard "cold-war" thinking, referring to an era when the world was less integrated. "The Pacific island countries should not be the sphere of influence of any country," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at the time. SRINAGAR, India (AP) - Government forces in Indian-controlled Kashmir killed a top militant commander linked to al-Qaida, officials said on Friday, as authorities restricted internet access and enforced a curfew to prevent anti-India protests. Zakir Musa was killed Thursday evening in a gunfight after police and soldiers launched a counterinsurgency operation in the southern Tral area, said Col. Rajesh Kalia, an Indian army spokesman. Musa refused to surrender and fired grenades at the troops after they zeroed in on his hideout in a civilian home, police said. Residents said troops destroyed the home using explosives, a common tactic by Indian forces in Kashmir. Musa's killing triggered violent anti-India protests in many places. No one was immediately reported injured. Authorities cut off the internet on mobile phones in a common tactic to make organizing anti-India protests difficult and discourage dissemination of protest videos. They also imposed a curfew across much of the Kashmir Valley, including in the main city of Srinagar, in anticipation of more protests and clashes, and ordered schools and colleges to remain closed. Kashmiri villagers participate in the funeral procession of Zakir Musa, a top militant commander linked to al-Qaida, as it rains in Tral, south of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, May 24, 2019. Musa was killed Thursday evening in a gunfight after police and soldiers launched a counterinsurgency operation in the southern Tral area, said Col. Rajesh Kalia, an Indian army spokesman. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) Later Friday, thousands participated in Musa's funeral despite rains and the security lockdown. Musa joined Kashmir's largest indigenous rebel group, Hizbul Mujahideen, in 2013 after dropping out of his engineering course. But in mid-2017, an al-Qaida linked propaganda network said he became the head of an affiliate militant group, Ansar Ghawzat-ul-Hind, with less than a dozen others. Musa regularly issued audio messages mainly stressing that Kashmir's struggle was for Islamic cause and had nothing to do with nationalism, highlighting a shift in ideology among some rebels in the region where militants have mainly fought for either independence of Indian-controlled Kashmir or merger with Pakistan. He instantly became a media sensation, particularly with New Delhi-based television news channels using him to showcase that Kashmiri struggle for self-rule was part of a global militant agenda. Previously, no global jihadi groups have openly operated in Kashmir, a territory divided between India and Pakistan but claimed by both entirely. All Kashmir rebel groups rejected Musa and his al-Qaida affiliate, some even calling him inimical to their cause. Separatist leaders, who challenge India's sovereignty over Kashmir, have repeatedly rejected the presence of outside groups, including al-Qaida, and have accused India of portraying the Kashmiri struggle as extremist. Musa was a close aide of Burhan Wani, a charismatic Kashmiri rebel leader whose killing in 2016 triggered open defiance against Indian rule. Wani's death and the resulting public fury brought the armed rebellion into the mainstream in Kashmir and revived a militant movement that had withered in recent years to only about 100 fighters in scattered rebel outfits. Officials say since Wani's killing, hundreds of young men have joined rebel ranks, some of them after stealing weapons from soldiers and police. Wani's death also cemented a shift in public behavior, with people displaying anger at Indian rule openly and violently when troops raid villages to hunt rebels. Rebel groups have been fighting against Indian rule since 1989. Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the armed uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown. Kashmiri villagers carry the body of Zakir Musa, a top militant commander linked to al-Qaida, as it rains during his funeral procession in Tral, south of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, May 24, 2019. Musa was killed Thursday evening in a gunfight after police and soldiers launched a counterinsurgency operation in the southern Tral area, said Col. Rajesh Kalia, an Indian army spokesman. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) A burnt peach tree stands by a house damaged in a gunbattle in Tral, south of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, May 24, 2019. Government forces in Indian-controlled Kashmir killed a top militant commander linked to al-Qaida in the disputed region, officials said on Friday. (AP Photo/ Dar Yasin) A Kashmiri boy tries to take out a bullet out from the wall of a damaged house after a gunbattle in Tral, south of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, May 24, 2019. Government forces in Indian-controlled Kashmir killed a top militant commander linked to al-Qaida in the disputed region, officials said on Friday. (AP Photo/ Dar Yasin) Kashmiri villagers watch the funeral procession of Zakir Musa, a top militant commander linked to al-Qaida, as it rains in Tral, south of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, May 24, 2019. Musa was killed Thursday evening in a gunfight after police and soldiers launched a counterinsurgency operation in the southern Tral area, said Col. Rajesh Kalia, an Indian army spokesman. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) Kashmiri villagers watch the funeral procession of Zakir Musa, a top militant commander linked to al-Qaida, as it rains in Tral, south of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, May 24, 2019. Musa was killed Thursday evening in a gunfight after police and soldiers launched a counterinsurgency operation in the southern Tral area, said Col. Rajesh Kalia, an Indian army spokesman. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) Kashmiri villagers carry the body of Zakir Musa, a top militant commander linked to al-Qaida, as it rains during his funeral procession in Tral, south of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, May 24, 2019. Musa was killed Thursday evening in a gunfight after police and soldiers launched a counterinsurgency operation in the southern Tral area, said Col. Rajesh Kalia, an Indian army spokesman. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) Kashmiri villagers watch the funeral procession of Zakir Musa, a top militant commander linked to al-Qaida, as it rains in Tral, south of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, May 24, 2019. Musa was killed Thursday evening in a gunfight after police and soldiers launched a counterinsurgency operation in the southern Tral area, said Col. Rajesh Kalia, an Indian army spokesman. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) Kashmiri villagers watch the funeral procession of Zakir Musa, a top militant commander linked to al-Qaida, as it rains in Tral, south of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, May 24, 2019. Musa was killed Thursday evening in a gunfight after police and soldiers launched a counterinsurgency operation in the southern Tral area, said Col. Rajesh Kalia, an Indian army spokesman. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) Kashmiri villagers watch the funeral procession of Zakir Musa, a top militant commander linked to al-Qaida, as it rains in Tral, south of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, May 24, 2019. Musa was killed Thursday evening in a gunfight after police and soldiers launched a counterinsurgency operation in the southern Tral area, said Col. Rajesh Kalia, an Indian army spokesman. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) Kashmiri villagers participate in the funeral procession of Zakir Musa, a top militant commander linked to al-Qaida, as it rains in Tral, south of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, May 24, 2019. Musa was killed Thursday evening in a gunfight after police and soldiers launched a counterinsurgency operation in the southern Tral area, said Col. Rajesh Kalia, an Indian army spokesman. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) Kashmiri villagers display the body of Zakir Musa, a top militant commander linked to al-Qaida, as it rains during his funeral procession in Tral, south of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, May 24, 2019. Musa was killed Thursday evening in a gunfight after police and soldiers launched a counterinsurgency operation in the southern Tral area, said Col. Rajesh Kalia, an Indian army spokesman. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) - Hundreds of same-sex couples in Taiwan rushed to get married Friday, the first day a landmark decision that legalized same-sex marriage took effect. Taiwan became the first place in Asia to allow same-sex marriage last week in a legislative vote on a cause that the island's LGBT rights activists have championed for two decades. A household registration office in central Taipei was packed as couples seized the earliest opportunity to tie the knot. Jubilant couples held flower bouquets and posed for photos, smiling and kissing. "The legalization of marriage is only the first step," said a 48-year-old novelist who writes under the pen name Chen Hsue. "In the future, through this legalization, I hope LGBT people could be accepted as ordinary people by Taiwanese society," said Chen, who has lived with her partner for more than 10 years. Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior said 500 same-sex couples registered their marriages across the island on Friday. Two same-sex couples seal their legal marriage with a kiss at the registration office in Xingyi District in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, May 24, 2019. Hundreds of same-sex couples in Taiwan are rushing to the household registration office on the first day that a landmark decision to legalize same-sex marriage has taken effect. (AP Photo/Johnson Lai) A Taipei resident who identified himself only by a nickname said tearfully that he and his partner feel lucky that they are able to announce in front of everyone that they are gay and have gotten married. The two men wore matching pastel pink suits and stood in front of a rainbow display featuring messages blessing the newlyweds. Several couples requested that their real names not be made public because they fear the stigma that persists around being gay in Taiwan. Kristin Huan, a YouTube blogger, said she and her partner Amber can strengthen other people's faith and hope by sharing their story online. "Coming out of the closet is a very difficult process for every gay person," Huan said. Taiwan split from mainland China amid civil war in 1949, though China's ruling Communist Party claims the island as part of its own territory. Same-sex marriage is not legal in mainland China, and while LGBT rights advocates have made progress over the years in raising awareness and promoting tolerance, depictions of same-sex relationships are still regularly censored on Chinese TV and social media. Two same-sex couples show their legal marriage certificates at the registration office in Xingyi District in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, May 24, 2019. Hundreds of same-sex couples in Taiwan are rushing to the household registration office on the first day that a landmark decision to legalize same-sex marriage has taken effect. (AP Photo/Johnson Lai) Two same-sex couple seal their legal marriages with a kiss at the registration office in Xingyi District in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, May 24, 2019. Hundreds of same-sex couples in Taiwan are rushing to the household registration office on the first day that a landmark decision to legalize same-sex marriage has taken effect. (AP Photo/Johnson Lai) Americans generally do not have enough saved for retirement and Congress is considering a number of measures to address that. There are a few retirement-related bills of note making their way through Congress. One in particular, the Secure Act, gained significant traction this week. The House voted to approve it Thursday and it is widely expected to move forward in the Senate. Some experts are saying it is one of the most important potential changes to retirement rules seen in years. ___ WHAT IS IT? The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act, known as Secure Act, is designed to help more people save more for retirement. Its highlights include a provision to make it easier for small businesses to band together to offer retirement plans to employees. It also opens the door for long-term part-time employees to gain access to workplace retirement plans. It would raise the age that Americans must start drawing from retirement savings, known as the required minimum distribution age, from 70 to 72, as people are living and working longer. It also provides more years for people to contribute to individual retirement accounts, for the same reason. FILE - In this Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016, file photo, people walk at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Americans generally do not have enough saved for retirement and Congress is considering a number of measures to address that. (AP Photo/Matt Rourk, File) Additionally, it creates new rules that could expand lifetime-income options within workplace plans, such as annuities, to help people establish reliable stream of income in retirement. It would also make it easier for employees to transfer retirement plan assets when they change jobs. There are other notable components, such as allowing employees to withdraw savings penalty free for the birth or adoption of a child. And it would fix a component of the 2017 tax overhaul that raised taxes on benefits received by family members of deceased military veterans, as well as taxes on some students and members of Native American tribes. ___ WHY DOES IT MATTER? Americans are facing a major retirement savings crisis. Almost half of U.S. households led by someone 55 or older had not set aside savings for retirement, according to a report released in March by the Government Accountability Office. About 20% of households did have access to a pension or other defined benefit plan. But 29% of older Americans had neither a pension nor assets in another retirement account. It's a complex problem, driven in part by a shift away from traditional pensions toward a do-it-yourself savings system. Research has shown one of the most effective ways to get people to save is through access to a workplace retirement plan. But millions of Americans do not have access to such plans, particularly at small businesses where the cost and complexity hinders some companies from establishing one. So this legislation is important because it removes some of those barriers, said Phil Waldeck, president of Prudential Retirement. The legislation would eliminate other hurdles that keep other people from saving in other settings. It's not a cure all but experts say it's a step in the right direction. Rhian Horgan, founder and CEO of Kindur, a startup that aims to help people navigate retirement, said she thinks it is "the most meaningful piece of retirement-focused legislation we've seen in decades." ___ WHAT'S NEXT? The bill was approved in the House with a 417-3 vote and now goes to the Senate. Given the overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress and among industry leaders, it's likely to move forward, said Elizabeth Kelly, senior vice president of operations at United Income, who once worked as the special assistant to the president on the National Economic Council under the Obama administration. There is a similar Senate bill, known as the Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act, but the Secure Act has many of the same provisions. But even the backers of the Senate bill spoke out in favor of the Secure act Thursday, suggesting its passage is likely. The bill would then head to the president. ISLAMABAD (AP) - The Latest on developments in the Persian Gulf region and elsewhere in the Mideast amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran (all times local): 5 p.m. Japanese media say Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering a visit to Iran next month amid rising tension between Tehran and Washington, and will consult with President Donald Trump about it when he arrives in Tokyo this weekend. The Kyodo News agency, citing unidentified government sources, said on Friday that Abe's visit would be likely in mid-June. Abe, who reportedly hopes to serve as mediator between the U.S. and Iran, will seek Trump's consent during his upcoming visit, starting Saturday. The report comes a week after Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visited Tokyo. In this photo released by the Foreign Office, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, attends meeting with Pakistani officials at the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad, Pakistan, Friday, May 24, 2019. Zarif is in Pakistan Friday on a critically timed visit amid a crisis between Tehran and Washington and ahead of next week's emergency Arab League meeting called by Saudi Arabia as regional tensions escalate.(Pakistan Foreign Office via AP) Japan was a major oil importer from Iran before the sanctions. If he goes, Abe will be a first Japanese leader to visit Iran since 1978 - before the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. ___ 4:40 p.m. Iran's foreign minister has lashed out during a visit to Islamabad at Donald Trump, assailing the American president for his tweet this week warning Iran not to threaten the U.S. again or it would face its "official end." Mohammad Javad Zarif says "Iran will see the end of Trump, but he will never see the end of Iran." The remarks came during Zarif's visit to Islamabad on Friday where he was thought to be seeking Islamabad's help to help de-escalate the situation in the Persian Gulf amid the crisis between Tehran and Washington. Zarif also chastised the Trump administration for designating last month Iran's powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard force as a terrorist group - the first such U.S. designation for an entire division of another government. The semi-official Fars news agency quoted Zarif as saying that though Trump "accused the Iranian nation several times with this title (terrorist), he is the one that deserves it." ___ 4 p.m. Iran's foreign minister is being quoted as warning of anarchy in the Mideast if world powers do not unite to stop what he called U.S. aggression - Iran's official parlance for Washington's pressure on Tehran. The official Iranian news agency IRNA says Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif spoke in Islamabad, where he held talks Friday with top Pakistani officials. Zarif says "we are witnessing today how the U.S. ,with its bullying approach, is putting sanctions on Iran" and adds that "regional states have to stand up against the sanctions for their own interests." Zarif has been criticized by name this week by Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who said he and President Hassan Rouhani failed to implement Khamenei's orders over Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. ___ 1:40 p.m. Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has met with Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan during a visit to the capital, Islamabad, ahead of next week's emergency Arab League meeting called because of escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region. A brief statement from Khan's office says only that bilateral issues were discussed during the meeting on Friday. Iran and Pakistan share a troubled 900-kilometer-long border, or about 560 miles, and Tehran says that anti-Iranian Sunni Muslim militants have found safe havens in Pakistan's border province of Baluchistan. ___ 12:20 p.m. Oman's Foreign Ministry says it's working to "ease the tensions" between Iran and the U.S. The ministry in a series of tweets on Friday morning attributed the comments to Yusuf bin Alawi, the sultanate's minister of state for foreign affairs. They were published in Asharq Al-Wasat, the London-based newspaper owned by a Saudi media group long associated with the Al Saud royal family. Bin Alawi warns war "could harm the entire world if it breaks out." He doesn't confirm any current Omani mediation but says both the U.S. and Iran realize the gravity of the situation. Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said spoke last week by telephone with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Oman long has been an interlocutor of the West with Iran. The U.S. held secret talks in Oman with the Iranians that gave birth to the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. ___ 11:40 a.m. Iran's foreign minister is in Pakistan on a critically timed visit amid a crisis between Tehran and Washington and ahead of next week's emergency Arab League meeting called by Saudi Arabia as regional tensions escalate. Mohammad Javad Zarif was holding talks on Friday with his Pakistani counterpart, Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Ahead of his arrival in Islamabad, Pakistan's foreign ministry had called on "all sides to show restraint, as any miscalculated move, can transmute into a large-scale conflict." Tensions have ratcheted up in recent months and the U.S. sent additional warships and B-52 bombers to the Gulf. Pakistan walks a fine line with neighboring Iran, despite their sometimes prickly relationship, and ally Saudi Arabia, which this week announced a $3.2 billion deferred oil and gas payment package for energy-strapped Islamabad. In this Monday, May 20, 2019 photo, an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Fist of the Fleet of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25 lands on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Sherman/U.S. Navy via AP) BRUSSELS (AP) - While all EU member countries go to the polls this week, Belgians on Sunday are also voting in a general election, looking to end months of political limbo sparked after the biggest party in the governing coalition quit over Prime Minister Charles Michel's support for the U.N. migration pact. Michel has steered a caretaker government doing only day-to-day business since December, but with the country's 8 million voters choosing from more than a dozen parties, chances are that it will prove difficult to quickly form a stable coalition. The Flemish N-VA party takes a hard line on migrants and pulled out of government after Michel sought parliamentary approval for the U.N. Global Compact against its wishes. The N-VA branded the remnants of his government "the Marrakech coalition," after the city where the migration treaty was adopted. The N-VA has been campaigning hard ahead of election day - Belgium is also holding a regional poll on Sunday - and surveys suggest the party may simply be too big for any future government to avoid. In a sign of the size of the challenge, Michel has even left his door open to working with the party again, telling broadcaster RTL Thursday: "I don't intend to rule out anything that will make the country ungovernable." But when is Belgium likely to have a government? A woman walks past political campaign posters placed on a restaurant window at the African Matonge quarter in Brussels, Wednesday, May 22, 2019. Belgium, which has one of the oldest compulsory voting systems, will go to the polls for regional, federal and European elections on May 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) Belgium is renowned for its culinary fare and surrealist art - "I have to admit, it is easy to love a country famous for chocolate and beer," former U.S. president Barack Obama said during a visit in 2014 - but if there's one thing the kingdom is infamous for, it is politics. After elections in 2010, Belgium set a world record of 589 days without a government, almost doubling the previous record set by conflict-torn Iraq. After the last polls, in 2014, parties haggled for four months before a coalition was agreed. Analysts warn that the same thing is likely this time, meaning Belgium - where voting is compulsory - might spend most of this year without a fully functioning government. The root of the problem is the divide between the richer, Flemish-speaking north of the country, where about 60 percent of the population lives, and the somewhat poorer French-language region of Wallonia. Belgium also has a small German-language community. Parties align themselves in terms of language and community, making it exceedingly difficult to form clear majorities in parliament and simple coalitions with a balance of community representation in government. The Greens, a relatively small party, are expected to be bolstered, given several climate change rallies this year, and could play a kingmaker role, even though the Flemish nationalists and Walloon Socialists appear set to win the most seats. European fears of a rise of far-right and populist parties are unlikely to arise in Belgium. Surveys suggest Vlaams Belang will make ground in Flanders, although will remain a relatively small party, but the far-right is virtually non-existent in Wallonia. People sit on the grass near to political campaign posters near the European Parliament at the European quarter in Brussels, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Dutch and British voters were the first to have their say Thursday in elections for the European Parliament, starting four days of voting across the 28-nation bloc that pits supporters of deeper integration against populist euroskeptics who want more power for their national governments. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) French coffee maker Noa waits for customer outside the European Parliament at the European quarter in Brussels, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Dutch and British voters were the first to have their say Thursday in elections for the European Parliament, starting four days of voting across the 28-nation bloc that pits supporters of deeper integration against populist euroskeptics who want more power for their national governments. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) Romanian musicians perform for money in a restaurant area near the European Parliament at the European quarter in Brussels, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Dutch and British voters were the first to have their say Thursday in elections for the European Parliament, starting four days of voting across the 28-nation bloc that pits supporters of deeper integration against populist euroskeptics who want more power for their national governments. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) Workers clean the European Council headquarters entrance glasses at the European quarter in Brussels, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Dutch and British voters were the first to have their say Thursday in elections for the European Parliament, starting four days of voting across the 28-nation bloc that pits supporters of deeper integration against populist euroskeptics who want more power for their national governments. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) A man walks by an election poster in the window of a store in the Jewish quarter of Antwerp, Belgium, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Belgium, which has one of the oldest compulsory voting systems, will go to the polls for regional, federal and European elections on May 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) NEW DELHI (AP) - India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi described his first term as "filling in potholes" - shorthand for addressing the country's basic needs. In a campaign speech in April, he pledged his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party in the next five years would "try to address people's aspirations and take the country to new heights." Modi claimed a decisive victory in India's elections, the vote count showing his BJP winning a commanding majority in the lower house of Parliament allowing it to form a form a government on its own. The victory signals that millions of Indians believe that Modi's leadership is what the country needs to become a modern, developed and prosperous nation, while raising questions over how he and his party use such hefty political capital to advance their Hindu-first ideology and development agenda. Modi's vision of India is threefold, political analysts say: getting India into the exclusive $5 trillion economy club that includes the European Union, United States, China and Japan; asserting itself as a nuclear power and a force in the world; and placing its Hindu heritage at the center of politics. By 2030, the BJP has pledged to expand the Indian economy from the world's sixth-largest, a rank the World Bank said it achieved in 2017, to the third-largest. FILE - In this Dec. 8, 2014, file photo, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during a campaign rally ahead of local elections in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir. Modi and the BJP on Thursday, May 23, 2019, claimed a thunderous sweep of India's general elections, winning well over the 272 seats in the lower house of Parliament required to form a government. Modi described his first term in office as "filling in potholes," shorthand for addressing the country's basic needs. In the next five years, he pledged in an April campaign speech, his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party would "try to address people's aspirations and take the country to new heights." (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan, File) Modi believes he can do this by building on some preexisting social programs, including rural electrification, microloans and digitization. Other ideas, such as doubling the incomes of India's legions of distressed farmers and building millions of homes to replace mud huts, are promises from his 2014 campaign that are still unfulfilled. Santosh Ahlawat, a former BJP member of Parliament from the desert state of Rajasthan, said the new administration will be a "people's government which will go full throttle on all fronts" to build on the achievements of Modi's first term. But before Modi can work on ramping up the economy, he will need to address its apparent slowdown, economists said. Amitabh Kant, chief executive of government-supported think tank Niti Aayog, said the focus of the new government will be to push annual economic growth from 6.6% to 9%. "We have to carry through more structural reforms and accelerate growth and for that, we have to open up more sectors of the economy. We will continue with our earlier policies of extending electricity, housing and other benefits to reach Indians in rural areas and we will enhance the flows of private investment coming in. The big challenge is to accelerate our growth rate," he said. At the heart of the election campaign was an existential conflict between the opposition Congress Party's idea of a pluralistic, diverse multicultural republic and the BJP's ideology of Hindu nationalism, in which the country's fundamental character would not be as a secular state but one with a distinct Hindu ethos where the majority culture dominates. Anti-Muslim sentiments were expressed repeatedly during the BJP campaign. Party president Amit Shah in April likened Bangladeshi migrants - mainly Muslims - to "termites" and promised to revive a national register of citizens he said would allow the government to "remove every infiltrator, except Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs." The BJP also stoked fears by fielding Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, a Hindu hardliner facing trial on charges connected to a 2008 bombing that targeted Muslims, and who recently called independence leader Mahatma Gandhi's assassin a "patriot." Thakur won a seat in Bhopal with more than 60% of the vote. On the BJP goal of building a Hindu temple at Ayodhya, the site where the Babri Masjid mosque was demolished by a Hindu mob in 1992, the BJP election manifesto stated: "All alternative options will be explored for its construction in a most conducive manner." With such aims stirring sectarian passions, Modi's critics say that India's Muslim minority, 14% of India's 1.3 billion people, will continue to feel persecuted and insecure. In a February report, Human Rights Watch said that between May 2015 and December 2018, at least 36 Muslims were killed by gangs of cow vigilantes who suspected them of consuming beef or illegally moving cattle. For the Hindu majority, the cow is regarded as sacred and its slaughter is banned in most states. For political analyst Yogendra Yadav, Modi's second term promises "a move towards a non-theocratic Hindu majoritarianism. Two is a move towards two kinds of citizenship in India with the minorities relegated to second-class status. In short, we will see a move towards Putin's Russia." Vijay Chauthaiwale, a senior BJP official in charge of the party's foreign affairs, rejected the accusation that Modi has created a culture of intolerance of minorities. "Our development agenda is for all citizens. When we gave cooking gas cylinders to women, we didn't ask what religion they were. When we gave electricity and health care cover to people, we didn't ask what religion, gender or caste they were. So the BJP's agenda is totally neutral on gender, caste and religion," he said. Yadav said he based his somber prediction on Modi's first term. "We have seen a serious truncation of every democratic space, a downplaying of constitutional freedoms, and shrinking space for minority rights. Now, we will move towards what I call electoral authoritarianism under which we will have regular elections certainly, but every other aspect of democracy will gradually be extinguished," he said. As much as Modi's victory is a testament to his political prowess, though, it also signals the lack of a credible alternative, voters and analysts said. Congress Party president Rahul Gandhi failed to convince voters that he would be a better prime minister and Modi's left-leaning critics failed to persuade voters that longer Hindu nationalist leadership could imperil basic freedoms. Fashion designer Sandeep Verma, 39, said he wasn't a BJP supporter but voted for the party in the elections. "A country like India needs a decisive leader and the people did not find that in Rahul Gandhi. There was no alternative to Modi," Verma said. ___ Amrit Dhillon covers Indian affairs for The Associated Press in New Delhi. FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014. file photo, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, center, unveils the logo of 'Make in India' initiative in New Delhi, India. Modi and the BJP on Thursday, May 23, 2019, claimed a thunderous sweep of India's general elections, winning well over the 272 seats in the lower house of Parliament required to form a government. Modi described his first term in office as "filling in potholes," shorthand for addressing the country's basic needs. In the next five years, he pledged in an April campaign speech, his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party would "try to address people's aspirations and take the country to new heights." (AP Photo/Saurabh Das, File) FILE - In this Thursday, May 23, 2019 file photo, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a giant floral garland from party leaders at their headquarters in New Delhi, India. Modi's vision of India is threefold, political analysts say: getting India into the exclusive $5 trillion economy club that includes the European Union, United States, China and Japan; asserting itself as a nuclear power and a force in the world; and placing its Hindu heritage at the center of politics. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) In this Thursday, May 23, 2019 photo, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses supporters at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi, India. Modi's vision of India is threefold, political analysts say: getting India into the exclusive $5 trillion economy club that includes the European Union, United States, China and Japan; asserting itself as a nuclear power and a force in the world; and placing its Hindu heritage at the center of politics. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) FILE - In this Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016 photo, leaders of BRICS countries, from left, Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and South African President Jacob Zuma raise their hand for a group photo at the start of their summit in Goa, India. Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday, May 23, 2019, claimed a thunderous sweep of India's general elections, winning well over the 272 seats in the lower house of Parliament required to form a government. Modi's vision of India is threefold, political analysts say: getting India into the exclusive $5 trillion economy club that includes the European Union, United States, China and Japan; asserting itself as a nuclear power and a force in the world; and placing its Hindu heritage at the center of politics. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath, File) In this Tuesday, July 24, 2018, file photo, Kareeman Bano holds a photograph of her son-in-law Rakbar Khan, who died after being thrashed by a mob last week on suspicion of cattle smuggling, in Kolgaon village, India. In a February 2019 report, Human Rights Watch said that between May 2015 and December 2018, at least 36 Muslims were killed by gangs of cow vigilantes who suspected them of consuming beef or illegally moving cattle. Modi's critics say that India's Muslim minority, 14% of India's 1.3 billion people, will continue to feel persecuted and insecure. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri, File) PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) - Cambodia's Supreme Court on Friday upheld a life prison term given to a man convicted of murdering a prominent government critic. The court rejected the appeal of Oeut Ang for a reduction in his sentence for shooting dead political analyst Kem Ley at a convenience store in the capital Phnom Penh in July 2016. Oeut Ang had claimed he shot Kem Ley over an alleged loan he failed to pay back. But there was widespread speculation the killing was politically motivated because of Kem Ley's caustic commentaries about Prime Minister Hun Sen and his government in the media. The killing took place shortly after Kem Ley spoke on radio about a report alleging that Hun Sen's family had taken advantage of its connections for financial gain. Tens of thousands of people joined his funeral in protest of Hun Sen's authoritarian rule, which hardened even more after the killing with the closure of independent media and a court decision dissolving the only credible opposition party ahead of the 2018 general election. Oeut Ang's lawyer, Im Mach, said that the decision to uphold the sentence was too severe, because his client admitted his crimes and asked the court for mercy. LONDON (AP) - In a May 24 story about D-Day, The Associated Press erroneously reported the number of Allied troops killed on D-Day. It was 4,414. A corrected version of the story is below: 75 years later, D-Day veteran still feels the pull of duty 75 years after George Skipper splashed ashore on Gold Beach, the former working-class lad from London's East End is still focused on doing his duty By DANICA KIRKA Associated Press LONDON (AP) - George Skipper was in a hurry. Having overslept, the D-Day veteran gunned his mobility scooter across the quad at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the tail of his scarlet coat flapping as he raced to an interview about the Allied landings in Normandy. He just missed a historic cannon, but splinters flew when he misjudged the width of a doorway. A hospital official urged him to slow down, but he pressed on. Seventy-five years after Skipper splashed ashore on Gold Beach, the former working-class lad from London's East End is still doing his duty. These days, it's reminding younger generations about the sacrifices of those who didn't come back. "I lost two of my best friends in it, they got killed," Skipper, now 96, told The Associated Press during an interview at the historic home for retired soldiers. "We lost a hell of a lot of men on D-Day, hell of a lot of men. But then again, when you come to think of it, when the war was on, life was very cheap for the soldiers. They were getting killed left, right and center." With the number of survivors dwindling every year, men like Skipper are on a mission to share their experiences -aware that this is probably the last big anniversary of their lifetimes. About 160,000 British, American and Canadian troops landed on the French beaches on June 6, 1944. In all, 4,414 Allied troops were killed that day. More than 2 million Allied forces took part in the campaign before Allied forces broke out of Normandy and started their march to Paris to take back occupied France. More than 73,000 Allied forces were killed in the overall Battle for Normandy. This year, Skipper is going back on a specially chartered ship for Normandy veterans. It won't be the first trip for many of them, as some go every year. But Skipper says this year is special. If nothing else, because people are listening to his story. Skipper was just 16 when the war broke. He'd grown up so poor that he shared a bed with three siblings and would pick bread off the ground and soak it in water to soften it, so he could eat it. His father was often drunk. His mother would scrub down ships on the docks to keep the family alive. Even as a kid, took odd jobs and loaded Johnnie Walker whisky on horse-drawn carts. He was playing cards at home with his brother when Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain came on the radio, telling the nation that Britain would declare war if Adolf Hitler didn't leave Poland. It was not long after that air raid sirens became the norm, their two-tone wail warning Londoners to take shelter. A champion boxer and dancer, Skipper was called up for active duty with the Royal Army Service Corps when he was 18. He'd never been farther than the farms of Kent, south of London, before the Army sent him to North Africa where he spent 14 months with Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery's famed Desert Rats. Returning to Britain in the buildup to D-Day, Skipper found himself chauffeuring colonels and generals around London. He knew the city, which could be difficult to navigate in blackout conditions, and recognized that his passengers appreciated a polished appearance. He figured out a way to keep his trousers creased and his boots shiny. In May 1944, he got two days off and married his fiancee, June, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force who helped service barrage balloons. The reception featured four quarts of brown ale and lettuce sandwiches in his mother's living room. One week later, Skipper found himself at London's Victoria Docks boarding the ship that took him to Normandy. "It all happened so quickly," he recalled. "We were on a boat that took us inland and (then) we jumped over onto a flat-bottomed boat and in we went." The soldiers were ordered to jump out into water their officers believed was knee deep. But an unseen bomb crater meant the heavily-laden infantrymen couldn't touch bottom. Skipper could swim, but others couldn't. After urging his comrades to pretend they were "jumping on their toes," he swam to shore, threw off his pack and came back to help the others. "I got back and pushed them in," he said. "They said you would get a medal for this ... (but) all I got was soaking wet." The beach was chaos. German bombers overhead, machine guns rattling, dead bodies in the water, hundreds of boats delivering men and equipment to the beach, soldiers shouting "Come on!" Skipper said he survived because he just kept going. "When you come to think of it, you don't know what to expect," he said. "The Germans are shooting down at us and we are shooting back at them. If you get a stray bullet that hits you, you've had it. I made sure I didn't get up to the front." Seventy-five years later, the medals gleaming on Skipper's chest belie his insistence that it was better to be a live coward than a dead hero. Skipper moves more slowly now, at least when he's not on his scooter. He has trouble hearing, and he took a fall a few days before the interview, which shook him up a bit. But viewing it as his duty, he showed up for a photo shoot with the hospital's other Normandy veterans, who looked sharp in their scarlet coats that identify them as members of this British institution. While the anniversary provides a welcome platform for Skipper, it's also hard on him. He wonders why he survived and others didn't. "I'm 96 years old, I've still got a good memory, I must have done something good to still be here," he said. Skipper said he wants to keep returning to Normandy for as long as he is able - even if he's the only one. He worries that the world, and young people in particular, have forgotten what happened on D-Day -how men died when they ran up a beach raked by machine gun fire to support each other. "Well, I often wonder, was it worth it?" he said of the sacrifice. "I don't think it was because no one takes no notice now. Now, it's all forgotten. Isn't it?'" BEIJING (AP) - China's airline industry association has thrown its support behind 13 Chinese carriers seeking compensation from Boeing for groundings of the 737 Max 8. The China Air Transport Association said in a statement Friday that the groundings and delayed deliveries of the planes were causing "serious damage" to the companies' businesses. It estimated their losses at 4 billion yuan ($580 million) should the planes remain grounded through the end of next month. The group said it would "actively support and coordinate member companies to carry out their compensation work." It was unclear if the push to penalize the American aircraft maker over losses resulting from the grounding of the aircraft was in any way linked to trade tensions between Beijing and Washington. China was among the first governments to order 737 Max jets grounded in March after crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia that killed 346 people. The Chinese airlines, including major carriers Air China, China Eastern and China Southern, have 96 Max aircraft in their fleets, with more than 30 more due to be delivered this year. FILE- In this Nov. 6, 2018, file photo, models of Boeing passenger airliners are displayed during the Airshow China in Zhuhai city, south China's Guangdong province. China's airline industry association has thrown its support behind 13 Chinese carriers seeking compensation from Boeing for groundings of the 737 Max 8. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File) Aviation officials from more 30 countries met Thursday with the FAA to hear the U.S. regulator's approach to reviewing changes that Boeing is making. The company has not yet submitted a final, formal application for approval of its update to a flight-control system that has been implicated in the crashes. That submission will be followed by test flights to demonstrate the changes to FAA experts. BRUSSELS (AP) - Ireland is going to the polls to kick off the second day of European Union elections which have already caused a stir in the Netherlands. According to a surprise Ipsos exit forecast late Thursday, the Dutch Labor Party of European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans will become the country's biggest party in the European Parliament. Britain also voted on Thursday, and in neighboring Ireland polls opened Friday morning. The Czech Republic was set to open two days of voting in the early afternoon. By Sunday night, all 28 nations will have voted and results will start to come in. The vote is seen as a battle between pro-EU parties and those who seek to wrest power from the EU and back to national capitals. BANGKOK (AP) - Thailand's king on Friday addressed the first session of an elected parliament since the military staged a coup in 2014, advising lawmakers to take their responsibilities seriously because their actions will affect national security and the people's well-being. King Maha Vajiralongkorn wished the ceremonial joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate success as he declared the parliamentary session officially open after a general election in March. Its first major business will be to select the body's speakers and then a prime minister to lead a new government. The government's formation has been complicated by the failure of any single party to win an absolute majority in the 500-seat House of Representatives. The military-backed candidate, Prayuth Chan-ocha, is virtually certain to become prime minister because the vote is jointly taken by both chambers and he has the solid support of the Senate, whose 250 members he helped appoint. He staged the coup and has been prime minister and junta chief since then. The king in his brief remarks said it is necessary for everyone to work together "in accordance with principles of law and righteousness." Vajiralongkorn was officially crowned king in an elaborate coronation ceremony earlier this month. He was accompanied on Friday by his wife Queen Suthida, who received her royal title just prior to the coronation. The show of unity before the king belies the fact that the election has failed to bring the country together. The polls were touted as restoring democracy, but appear likely to ensure the military's grip on power behind a facade of civilian rule. The leader of Thailand's Democrat Party Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, center, and secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, right, arrives at the parliament Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2019. Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn plans to officially open parliament following the first democratic election since a coup five years ago. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Critics say such an outcome was dictated by a military-authored constitution and a blatantly manipulated electoral system. On Thursday, a court suspended a charismatic progressive politician from parliament in a move widely seen as a further attempt to weaken anti-military parties. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit's new Future Forward Party became the third biggest with 80 seats. He is accused of breaking election rules on shareholdings in media enterprises, which he denies. Despite the suspension he attended Friday's opening, and he and his party colleagues in official white uniforms appeared happy and relaxed. He will not be allowed, however, to take part in normal parliamentary activities unless a court finds him innocent of the charge against him. Several other legal cases, which supporters charge are politically motivated, could also disqualify him. Selection of speakers for both the upper and lower houses will commence on Saturday, and a prime minister is expected to be elected by the end of the month. Thailand's Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit arrives at the parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2019. Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn plans to officially open parliament following the first democratic election since a coup five years ago. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Thailand's Democrat Party leader Jurin Laksanavisitarrive at parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2019. Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn plans to officially open parliament following the first democratic election since a coup five years ago. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Member of parliament from Future Forward Party openly LGBT from left to right Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, Tanwarin Sukkhapisit, Nateepat Kulsetthasith, Kawinnath Takey, arrive parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2019. Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn plans to officially open parliament following the first democratic election since a coup five years ago. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Thailand's Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit gets inside an elevator after arriving at parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 24, 2019. Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn plans to officially open parliament following the first democratic election since a coup five years ago. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea said Friday that nuclear negotiations with the United States will never resume unless the Trump administration moves away from what Pyongyang described as unilateral demands for disarmament. The statement by an unnamed North Korean foreign ministry spokesman published in state media was the country's latest expression of displeasure over the stalled negotiations as it continues to press Washington to soften its stance on enforcing sanctions against the North's crippled economy. It came as President Donald Trump prepares to travel to Japan this weekend for a summit with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in which the North Korean nuclear issue will likely be high on the agenda. In the statement carried by Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency, the North Korean spokesman accused the U.S. of deliberately causing February's collapse of talks between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with unilateral and impossible demands. "We hereby make it clear once again that the United States would not be able to move us even an inch with the device it is now weighing in its mind, and the further its mistrust and hostile acts toward the DPRK grow, the fiercer our reaction will be," the statement said, referring to North Korea's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "Unless the United States puts aside the current method of calculation and comes forward with a new method of calculation, the DPRK-U.S. dialogue will never be resumed and by extension, the prospect for resolving the nuclear issue will be much gloomy," the statement added. FILE - In this Feb. 28, 2019 file photo, President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un take a walk after their first meeting at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi hotel, in Hanoi. North Korea says nuclear negotiations with the United States will never resume unless Washington changes its negotiating tactics. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) The U.S. has said the Trump-Kim talks broke down because of North Korean demands for sanctions relief in exchange for a partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities. Kim has since declared that the Trump administration has until the end of the year to come up with mutually acceptable terms for a deal. Friday's statement follows two separate launches of short-range missiles earlier this month, which ended a pause in North Korea's ballistic missile launches that began in late 2017 and was seen as measured brinkmanship aimed at increasing pressure on Washington without actually causing the negotiations to collapse. The North has also strongly protested the recent U.S. seizure of a North Korean cargo ship that had been involved in banned coal exports and demanded the vessel to be immediately returned. Following the collapse of the Trump-Kim summit, North Korea also significantly slowed the pace of its engagement with South Korea, which has been eager to improve bilateral relations and help revive discussions between Washington and Pyongyang. South Korea earlier this week vowed to push ahead with plans to resume large-scale humanitarian aid to the North. But it's unclear whether any aid package from South Korea would influence the behavior of North Korea, which has been demanding much bigger concessions from Seoul, such as the resumption of inter-Korean economic projects currently blocked by U.S.-led sanctions against Pyongyang. BEIJING (AP) - The Latest on trade tensions between the U.S. and China (all times local): 6:10 p.m. South Korea says it's discussing security issues regarding its 5G, or fifth generation, cellphone networks with the United States following a report the Trump administration is demanding that Seoul join a "war" against Huawei. South Korea's Foreign Ministry and presidential office did not confirm Friday a report by the Chosun Ilbo newspaper that U.S. officials want Seoul to block a local wireless carrier that uses Huawei equipment for its 5G services from unspecified "sensitive areas." It's unclear whether Seoul would accept potential U.S. demands to block imports of Huawei products at risk of triggering retaliation from China, its biggest trade partner. ___ In this Thursday, May 23, 2019, photo, a crane lifts a shipping container at a port in Qingdao in eastern China's Shandong province. Stepping up a propaganda offensive against Washington, China's state media on Friday accused the U.S. of seeking to "colonize global business" by targeting telecom equipment giant Huawei and other Chinese companies. (Chinatopix via AP) 5:45 p.m. Chinese surveillance equipment maker Hikvision says it takes U.S. concerns about its business "very seriously" and is taking measures to ensure it complies with human rights standards. The statement Friday comes amid allegations the company facilitates mass surveillance in China's northwestern region of Xinjiang and could be targeted by Washington in a trade war with China. Activists have been urging the U.S. and other countries to sanction China over repression of members of Muslim minority ethnic groups in Xinjiang, where an estimated 1 million people are being detained in re-education camps. The New York Times reported the U.S. Commerce Department might put Hikvision on its "entity list," restricting its business with U.S. companies. In its statement, the company said it had "engaged with the U.S. government regarding all of this since last October." ___ 3:00 p.m. China's state media has unleashed fresh attacks on the U.S. as the tariff war between world's two largest economies continues. The China Daily newspaper on Friday accused Washington of seeking to "colonize global business" by targeting Chinese firms. The Global Times accused the U.S. of "hegemonic hubris" and launching a "global assault" on free trade. The Trump administration last week put Huawei on a blacklist that effectively barred U.S. firms from selling the Chinese company computer chips and other components without government approval. The move could cripple Huawei, the world's largest manufacturer of networking gear and second-biggest smartphone maker. Washington has called Huawei a threat to national security. The Trump administration has imposed 25% tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese imports and has plans to hit another $300 billion worth. LONDON (AP) - A timeline of key events in how Brexit unfolded and how the political crisis led up to Theresa May's ouster as British prime minister: May 7, 2015: British voters elect a majority Conservative government. Then-Prime Minister David Cameron confirms in his victory speech that there will be an "in/out" referendum on Britain's EU membership. Feb. 20, 2016: Cameron confirms that he will campaign for Britain to remain in the 28-nation bloc. The referendum date is set for June. June 23, 2016: Britain votes 52 percent to 48 percent to leave the EU. June 24, 2016: Cameron says he will resign in light of the results. July 13, 2016: Following a Conservative Party leadership contest, May, then Home Secretary, becomes prime minister. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives to make a statement outside at 10 Downing Street in London, Friday May 24, 2019. Theresa May says she'll quit as UK Conservative leader on June 7, sparking contest for Britain's next prime minister. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP) Oct. 2, 2016: May says that Britain will begin the formal process of leaving the EU by the end of March 2017. In order to do this, the British government would have to invoke Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty. March 29, 2017: The British government formally triggers Article 50, setting in motion a plan for Britain to leave the EU on March 29, 2019. June 8, 2017: A general election called by May to bolster her party's numbers in Parliament to help with the Brexit negotiations backfires as her Conservative Party loses its majority and continues in a weakened state as a minority government. July 7, 2018: May and her Cabinet endorse the so-called Chequers Plan worked out at a fractious session at the prime minister's country retreat. It leads to the resignations of Brexit Secretary David Davis, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and others who favor a more complete break with the EU. November 25, 2018: EU leaders approve a withdrawal deal reached with Britain after months of difficult negotiations. May urges British Parliament to do the same. December 10, 2018: May delays the planned Brexit vote in Parliament one day before it is to be held because it faces certain defeat. She seeks further concessions from the EU. December 12, 2018: Conservative lawmakers who back a clean break from the EU trigger a no-confidence vote in May over her handling of Brexit. She wins by 200 votes to 117, making her safe from another such challenge for a year. January 15, 2019: The Brexit deal comes back to Parliament, where it is overwhelmingly defeated in a 432-202 vote. March 12, 2019: Lawmakers reject deal again. March 23, 2019: Anti-Brexit protesters flood a central London by the hundreds of thousands demanding a new referendum on whether to leave the EU. March 28, 2019: May offers up her job in exchange for her Brexit deal, telling colleagues she would quit within weeks if the agreement was passed. March 30, 2019: British lawmakers reject the government's Brexit deal for a third time. April 11, 2019: Britain and the EU agree to extend the Brexit deadline to Halloween. The Oct. 31 cutoff date averts a precipitous Brexit on April 12. May 7, 2019: The UK government acknowledges for the first time that the country will definitely take part in the European Parliament elections because there's no chance that a Brexit deal can be approved in time to avoid them May 17, 2019: Talks between Britain's Conservative government and the opposition Labour Party seeking a compromise over Brexit break down without agreement plunging the country back into a morass of Brexit uncertainty. May 21, 2019: May offers a concession to lawmakers, giving them the chance to vote on whether to hold a new referendum on the country's membership in the EU - but only if they back her thrice-rejected Brexit agreement. May 24, 2019: May says she will step down as Conservative Party leader on June 7 and will serve as caretaker prime minister until her successor is chosen. LONDON (AP) - Prime Minister Theresa May's announcement that she will leave 10 Downing Street has set off a fierce competition to succeed her as Conservative Party leader - and as the next prime minister. These are some of the most prominent names on a list of contenders that is expected to grow in the coming days. ___ BORIS JOHNSON The former foreign secretary has made no secret of his desire to take the top job when May departs. The outspoken Johnson, with his unkempt hair and flamboyant ways, has long been one of Britain's best known politicians, and he is believed to enjoy strong support from rank-and-file Conservative Party members. He was a key leader of the campaign that in 2016 convinced a majority of British voters to cast ballots in favor of leaving the European Union. FILE - In this Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018 file photo, British Conservative Party Member of Parliament Boris Johnson speaks at a fringe event during the Conservative Party annual conference at the International Convention Centre, in Birmingham, England. Prime Minister Theresa May's announcement that she will leave 10 Downing Street has set off a fierce competition to succeed her as Conservative Party leader _ and as the next prime minister. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira, File) Johnson, 54, planned a leadership run after that vote but eventually decided not to compete. He has already said he will seek the job this time around. He resigned as foreign secretary in July because of unhappiness with May's Brexit plans. ___ DOMINIC RAAB The former Brexit secretary is banking on his tireless advocacy for leaving the EU to help propel him to 10 Downing Street. He served at the helm of the Brexit department for a relatively short time, taking the position in July and resigning in November over a policy rift with May. Raab said he left the Cabinet because he could not "in good conscience" support the deal May had reached with EU leaders about the terms of Britain's withdrawal. The 45-year-old has been highly critical of May's approach. He is a longtime admirer of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who enjoyed a successful career as Conservative Party leader. The buttoned-down, serious Raab is seen by many as a youthful rising star in the conservative movement. ___ JEREMY HUNT Hunt stepped into the role of foreign secretary when Johnson resigned. He has tried to raise his profile by making provocative statements to establish his credentials as a staunch Brexiteer, despite having backed the "Remain" side during the 2016 referendum. He made headlines at a recent party conference by comparing the EU to the Soviet Union, earning rebukes from some European leaders but perhaps winning supporters among anti-EU members of his party. Hunt, 52, has held a variety of government posts, including a tenure as health secretary, and played an important role in the widely praised production of the 2012 Olympics in London. ___ SAJID JAVID Unlike many of his competitors, the home secretary does not come from an elite background. He is the son of Pakistani immigrants and his father worked as a bus driver and shopkeeper. He enjoyed a successful career in banking with Chase Manhattan and Deutsche Bank before entering politics and winning election to Parliament in 2010. During the Brexit referendum of 2016, Javid was on the "Remain" side but was noticeably lukewarm in his support for keeping Britain in the EU. He has since embraced Brexit. He has raised his profile in recent months by taking aggressive action to curtail the arrival of small boats carrying migrants across the English Channel. ___ ANDREA LEADSOM Leadsom resigned her key post as leader of the House of Commons this week to put space between herself and May - and to clear the way for what would be a second run for the party leadership. The 56-year-old was in what became a two-woman race with May in 2016 when the party leader spot was last open. Leadsom dropped out before the matter came to a vote, in part because of a backlash against comments in which she suggested she had more of a stake in the future than May because she had raised children. She apologized, but the controversy dampened her chances and helped bring May to Downing Street. Leadsom is an outspoken supporter of Brexit who is seen by many to have been an effective House of Commons leader during an extremely contentious time. ___ MICHAEL GOVE Environment Secretary Michael Gove tried and failed to become party leader after he played an important role in the campaign to take Britain out of the European Union. He had been expected to back Boris Johnson's leadership bid but decided instead to compete for the top job himself. He eventually joined May's government, adding the Environment role to a resume that already included the top positions in Education and Justice. The 51-year-old Gove has been loyal to the prime minister, backing her Brexit policies even as former colleagues denounced May's withdrawal deal. As education secretary, Gove was heavily criticized by teachers for his overhaul of the school curriculum, and raised eyebrows by calling for the removal of some classic American novels from the curriculum in favor of an increased focus on British writers. FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018 file photo, Britain's Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union Dominic Raab arrives for a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London. Prime Minister Theresa May's announcement that she will leave 10 Downing Street has set off a fierce competition to succeed her as Conservative Party leader _ and as the next prime minister. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File) FILE - In this Wednesday, March 13, 2019 file photo, Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt arrives for a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London. Prime Minister Theresa May's announcement that she will leave 10 Downing Street has set off a fierce competition to succeed her as Conservative Party leader _ and as the next prime minister. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File) FILE - In this Tuesday, May 1 , 2018 file photo, Britain's newly appointed Home Secretary Sajid Javid arrives for a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London. Prime Minister Theresa May's announcement that she will leave 10 Downing Street has set off a fierce competition to succeed her as Conservative Party leader _ and as the next prime minister. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File) FILE - In this Tuesday, March 19, 2019 file photo, Britain's Andrea Leadsom the Leader of the House of Commons leaves a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London. Prime Minister Theresa May's announcement that she will leave 10 Downing Street has set off a fierce competition to succeed her as Conservative Party leader _ and as the next prime minister. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File) LONDON (AP) - Theresa May has joined the ranks of Conservative prime ministers whose time in office has been overwhelmed - and cut short - by the issue of Europe. Ever since Edward Heath took the U.K. into what was then the European Economic Community in 1973, the Conservative Party has been anguished by how close the country's ties should be with the continent. On Friday, May announced she, too, would resign as party leader, effective June 7, because of her inability to deliver on a referendum to leave the European Union. Here's a look at what happened to Heath and his successors. ___ EDWARD HEATH, prime minister 1970-74 FILE - In this Jan. 22, 1972 file photo, British Prime Minister Edward Heath signs the treaty that saw Britain join the European Economic Community at the Palais d'Egmont in Brussels, Belgium. On Friday, May 24, 2019 announced she would resign as party leader, effective June 7, because of her inability to deliver on a referendum to leave the European Union. May has joined the ranks of Conservative prime ministers whose time in office has been overwhelmed - and cut short - by the issue of Europe. (AP Photo/File) On taking office, Heath made membership of the EEC a key objective. He was fortunate to have in Georges Pompidou a French president more amenable to the prospect of Britain joining the bloc than his predecessor Charles de Gaulle, who twice in the 1960s vetoed British membership. In October 1971, the House of Commons voted 356-244 to join the EEC in 1973, with a sizeable chunk of Heath's own party voting against the measure. Heath and the Conservatives were voted out of office a year later after an economic crisis, and his passionate pro-European stance weighed against him when Margaret Thatcher challenged him for the party's leadership in 1975. ___ MARGARET THATCHER, prime minister 1979-90 Thatcher was a keen backer of the EEC at first; she even wore a sweater with the flags of the member countries during Britain's first referendum on membership of the bloc in 1975. But her 11 years in Downing Street were marked by growing opposition to Europe. Though her government backed the creation of the single European market in the mid-1980s, she became increasingly hostile to the move to further integrate European countries. The appointment of French socialist Jacques Delors to head the executive European Commission added fuel to her fire. Thatcher and a growing part of the Conservative Party were aghast at Delors' ambition for a single currency. In a 1988 speech, Thatcher rejected the prospect of a "European super-state exercising a new dominance from Brussels." Not everyone in her party was that hostile, and Thatcher's growing antipathy to Europe prompted the 1990 resignation of her deputy - and then her own. ___ JOHN MAJOR, prime minister 1990-97 Thatcher's successor, John Major, sought to mend fences with Europe, even while keeping Britain out of the single currency. His government would soon descend into civil war over the Maastricht Treaty, which bolstered integration on an array of issues including foreign policy, and led to the creation of what is now known as the European Union. Many of the hard-line euroskeptic lawmakers who have bedeviled May's leadership came to the fore during Major's premiership, and it was clear that the party was riven by the issue of Europe, both in parliament and beyond. Hugely divided, the Conservatives suffered one of their worst defeats in history in 1997 - after 18 years in office - in an election that saw Tony Blair lead a decidedly pro-European Labour Party into power. His ambition was to put Britain in the "heart of Europe" and he even indicated a willingness for the country to join the euro currency, which launched in 1999. ___ DAVID CAMERON, prime minister 2010-16 During the Blair years, the Conservatives became more and more hostile to the EU, but Cameron promised that his party would no longer continue "banging on about Europe." Nonetheless, Cameron couldn't avoid the issue when becoming prime minister in 2010, leading a coalition with the far-more pro-European Liberal Democrats. With the U.K. Independence Party making headway with its demand for a referendum on Britain's membership, Cameron felt compelled to call a vote to bind his party together. Cameron mounted a "Remain" campaign, confident Britons would heed his call to stay a part of the European Union. But in the referendum on June 23, 2016, 52 percent of voters chose to leave, dooming Cameron's hopes. He resigned a day later, and May won the ensuing succession battle, promising to deliver Brexit ___ THERESA MAY, prime minister 2016-19 May favored remaining in the EU during the referendum campaign, but embraced Brexit after voters had their say. Negotiating Britain's departure from the EU became her top priority. She formally set the process in motion by triggering Article 50 on March 29, 2017, which gave Britain two years to negotiate a withdrawal deal, but made a serious mistake by calling a general election in June that cost her party its majority in Parliament, leaving her in a weakened position. Her government eventually reached an agreement with EU leaders, but it never gained backing in Britain's Parliament, which defeated the bill three times. Her efforts to build cross-party support in Parliament failed when talks with the opposition Labour Party collapsed, and plans for a new approach were soundly rejected by fellow Conservatives, leading to May's announcement Friday that she will step down as party leader on June 7. ___ Gregory Katz contributed to this story. ___ Follow AP's full coverage of Brexit at: https://www.apnews.com/Brexit FILE - In this Thursday, Nov. 20, 1990 file photo, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher dozes off for a few minutes while attending the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. A few days later, Thatcher resigned after 11 years as prime minister, largely because of her strident views on future European integration. On Friday, May 24, 2019 announced she would resign as party leader, effective June 7, because of her inability to deliver on a referendum to leave the European Union. May has joined the ranks of Conservative prime ministers whose time in office has been overwhelmed - and cut short - by the issue of Europe. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau, File) FILE - In this Friday May 2, 1997 file photo, British Prime Minister John Major drives away after retaining his parliamentary seat in the general election that his Conservative Party lost. On Friday, May 24, 2019 announced she would resign as party leader, effective June 7, because of her inability to deliver on a referendum to leave the European Union. May has joined the ranks of Conservative prime ministers whose time in office has been overwhelmed - and cut short - by the issue of Europe. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) FILE - In this Friday, June 24, 2016 file photo, British Prime Minister David Cameron speaks outside 10 Downing Street, London as his wife Samantha looks on. Cameron announced his plan to step down, a day after Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum. On Friday, May 24, 2019 announced she would resign as party leader, effective June 7, because of her inability to deliver on a referendum to leave the European Union. May has joined the ranks of Conservative prime ministers whose time in office has been overwhelmed - and cut short - by the issue of Europe. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File) LUNCAVITA, Romania (AP) - In 2014, the Romanian village of Luncavita had one of the lowest voter turnouts in the country for the European Parliament election - all of 19.3%. But the southeastern village has increasingly figured out how to draw in exceptional amounts of European Union money for development projects. When the polling stations open again Sunday for this year's European Parliament vote, more residents say they will be there. The village's turnout was hardly an exception in Romania's Tulcea County, where just 27.5% of eligible voters cast ballots, the second-lowest figure in Romania, according to the Permanent Electoral Authority. "You can find this effect across Eastern Europe," said Sorin Ionita, a political analyst with Expert Forum, a Bucharest-based think-tank. "People think Europe is so big and runs so well that they don't need us to tell them what to do." Voter turnout across the continent has been declining for decades in the European Parliament elections, falling to an all-time low of 42.5% in 2014. That included a range from 13% in Slovakia to 90% in Belgium, where voting is compulsory. Last month, the EU launched a three-minute video to inspire more Europeans to vote. Since 2004, Luncavita has attracted more than 55 million euros ($61.3 million) in European funds, or almost 12,000 euros ($13,345) for each of its 4,600 residents. In this picture taken Tuesday, May 21, 2019, Valentina Radu works on an automated sewing machine in Luncavita, Romania. Radu also worked in Italy, but when her husband lost his job there, they struggled to pay the rent and decided to come home where they used European Union funds to buy a small farm and she further opened a tailor's shop. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) The man responsible for turning the village into an EU money magnet is Marian Ilie, who was preparing for the priesthood before a 2002 accident landed him in a wheelchair. Ilie then found a new vocation as project manager for the use of European Union funds allocated to his hometown. Among other projects, EU money has financed the local drinking water and sewage system, a water treatment plant, roads and a school renovation. For Mayor Stefan Ilie, Marian's brother, the EU "is fundamental to our development." "If Romania were to exit the EU tomorrow, it would return to communism within five years," Stefan Ilie said. Marioara Banea, a 63-year-old local retiree, remembers tying a rope from her home to the backyard outhouse so her blind mother could find it. "The EU changed my life," Banea said. "Now we have water. We used to queue at the well for hours ... and we have indoor plumbing too!" Despite the EU-related benefits, she didn't vote in the EU elections in 2009 or 2014. "I didn't know what the EU was, but now that I see how much money they gave us, I'm going to," Banea said, hoping some new EU funds will help build a home for the elderly. While some 3.6 million Romanians - most under the age of 40 - have left the country since it joined the EU in 2007, European money is also helping to bring some of them back to Luncavita. After working for six years in Italy, Radu Canepa, 34, came back to Romania and started a small farm with 30,000 euros ($33,420) in EU funding, buying some land and five cows. The milk he sells to a local processing plant brings about in 1,000 euros ($1,115) a month. Canepa hopes to apply for an addition 10,000 euros ($11,180) to expand his business. "Without EU funds, I'd still be in Italy right now," Canepa said. Valentina Radu also worked in Italy, but when her husband lost his job there, they struggled to pay the rent and decided to come home. They also used EU funds to buy a small farm, which now has 25 cows. But Radu wanted to have a second business, and after talking with Marian Ilie, she settled on opening a tailor's shop. She bought machinery and raw materials with the help of the 70,000 euros ($78,000) she received from the EU and her traditional Romanian blouses and skirts are now in high demand. For Romania, Sunday's vote will also be a test run for the country's presidential election this fall, with political parties trying out messages on voters now. "People do appreciate the support they get from the EU, but their feeling is that the EU works with or without them," said Ionita, the analyst. Still, Radu is very appreciative of the EU's role in her successful enterprises, saying the bloc has "changed my life for the better." "I will definitely vote this time around," she added. "I want to expand my business and EU funds are the way to go." ___ Nicolae Dumitrache and Vadim Ghirda contributed to this report. ___ For more Associated Press coverage of the 2019 European Parliament elections go to https://www.apnews.com/EuropeanParliament In this picture taken Tuesday, May 21, 2019, Radu Canepa, a local farmer walks next to his cows in Luncavita, Romania. After working for six years in Italy, Canepa, 34, came back to Romania and started a small farm with 30,000 euros ($33,420) in EU funding, buying some land and five cows. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) In this picture taken Tuesday, May 21, 2019, folders containing documentation for European Union funded projects are stored in Luncavita, Romania, Tuesday, May 21, 2019. The Romanian village of Luncavita has benefited greatly from millions in development funds from the European Union, but few of its residents bothered to vote in previous European Parliamentary elections. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) In this picture taken Tuesday, May 21, 2019, Valentina Radu shows traditional clothing items she produces in Luncavita, Romania. Radu also worked in Italy, but when her husband lost his job there, they struggled to pay the rent and decided to come home where they used European Union funds to buy a small farm and she further opened a tailor's shop. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) In this picture taken Tuesday, May 21, 2019, an old gate still stands outside a parking area for agricultural equipment in Luncavita, Romania. The Romanian village of Luncavita has benefited greatly from millions in development funds from the European Union, but few of its residents bothered to vote in previous European Parliamentary elections. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) In this picture taken Tuesday, May 21, 2019, Radu Canepa, a local farmer, pets Cristi, a baby goat, in Luncavita, Romania. After working for six years in Italy, Radu Canepa, 34, came back to Romania and started a small farm with 30,000 euros ($33,420) in EU funding, buying some land and five cows. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) In this picture taken Tuesday, May 21, 2019, Marian Ilie, the man responsible for turning the village of Luncavita into an European Union money magnet, speaks during an interview with the Associated Press, in Luncavita, Romania. Ilie, who was preparing for the priesthood before a 2002 accident landed him in a wheelchair, found a new vocation as project manager for the use of EU funds allocated to his hometown. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) In this picture taken Tuesday, May 21, 2019, an automated sewing machine produces traditional clothing in Luncavita, Romania. Valentina Radu worked in Italy, but when her husband lost his job there, they struggled to pay the rent and decided to come home where they used European Union funds to buy a small farm and she opened a tailor's shop. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) In this picture taken Tuesday, May 21, 2019, needles sit on a piece of fabric at a tailor shop that produces traditional clothing in Luncavita, Romania. Valentina Radu worked in Italy, but when her husband lost his job there, they struggled to pay the rent and decided to come home where they used European Union funds to buy a small farm and she opened a tailor's shop. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) In this picture taken Wednesday, May 22, 2019, Liviu Alexandru Iorga holds puppy Cora as he stands next to a dangerous dog sign outside his home in Luncavita, Romania. The Romania village of Luncavita has benefited greatly from millions in development funds from the European Union, but few of its residents bothered to vote in previous European Parliamentary elections. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) In this Tuesday, May 21, 2019, cows graze in a field in Luncavita, Romania. In 2014, the Romanian village of Luncavita had one of the lowest voter turnouts in the country for the European Parliament election _ all of 19.3%. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) Last: Delicious pairings of wine and music Ive spent a considerable amount of time over the last four decades honing my passion for wine and food but theres a third element that has inextricably woven itself through these pleasures for me and thats music. Its not simply a matter of the sensory gifts all getting on with each other, in fact, in many cases they dont. Some of you may recall an ill-fated local cigar and Champagne bar, for example come on in and taste how one of these things will murder the other with a blunt instrument. All the Beatles and Mozart records in the world would not have saved that place but there is now solid scientific research linking our sense of taste to the love of music. I read a fairly exhaustive article by Charles Spence and Qian Wang (check it out at https://flavourjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13411-015-0043-z) published back in 2015 that studied how frequencies and melodies affect our sense of taste, specifically with wine. That confirmed what my brain and palate has suspected all along; they were meant for each other. As such for Xmas this year, Im recommending not only some delicious wines but some delicious recordings to go with them. PARIS (AP) - Media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders is urging French authorities to explain why the country's intelligence agency summoned eight journalists working on sensitive stories. Secretary-general Christophe Deloire says the watchdog fears "an attempt to intimidate the journalists and their news organizations and to identify their sources so as to punish them or deter them." Journalists with the investigative news site Disclose, newspaper Le Monde, France Inter radio and TV news show Quotidien recently were summoned about separate stories on French arms sales to Saudi Arabia and a political scandal involving former presidential security aide Alexandre Benalla. The summons prompted criticism from press freedom advocates. France is ranked 32nd out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The family of a 5-year-old boy who survived after being thrown from a third-story balcony at the Mall of America in Minnesota says he will undergo further medical procedures. The Woodbury family posted Thursday evening on a GoFundMe page that the procedures are "non-life threatening complications" related to the fall. The boy, named Landen, plunged 40 feet when he was randomly grabbed by Emmanuel Aranda and tossed over the railing. Aranda has pleaded guilty to attempted premeditated first-degree murder in the April 12 attack. Landen suffered head trauma and multiple broken bones. The family's post says Landen is recovering, his spirit is strong, but there is still a long road of recovery ahead. The GoFundMe site has raised more than $1 million over the past month. Even as the anti-abortion movement celebrates the sweeping bans passed in several states, it's divided by a widening rift over whether those prohibitions should apply to victims of rape and incest. The debate pits those who believe any abortion is immoral against those who worry that a no-exception stance could be harmful to some Republican candidates in upcoming elections. A Gallup poll last year found that 77% of Americans support exceptions in cases of rape and incest. "There is a media spotlight shining on this issue," said Clarke Forsythe, senior counsel with Americans United for Life. "State leaders need to be prudent and reflect not only on state elections but also national elections, and the pace of change the public might accept." There's potential for even more division. The Federalist, an online magazine influential in conservative and anti-abortion circles, ran an article this week by two abortion opponents suggesting that women who induce their own abortions should be prosecuted for murder. The position is at odds with the pro-women rhetoric of leading anti-abortion groups. "We're 100% percent against prosecuting women." said Kristi Hamrick, spokeswoman for Students for Life of America. FILE - In this Wednesday, May 22, 2019, file photo, Beck Gerritson, president of Eagle Forum of Alabama, speaks at an anti-abortion rally outside the Capitol in Montgomery, Ala. Even as the anti-abortion movement celebrates passage of sweeping bans in several states, a rift is widening between activists who oppose exceptions for rape and incest, and other abortion opponents, including many Republican politicians, who support those exceptions. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler, File) Divisions over rape-and-incest exceptions have existed within the anti-abortion movement for years, but have become more apparent as several states in the South and Midwest enacted tough bans on abortion. Only the ban in Georgia includes an exception for victims of rape or incest - and then only if the woman files a police report first. Measures enacted in Alabama, Ohio, Kentucky, Mississippi and Missouri do not contain those exceptions, nor does a measure nearing final approval in Louisiana. Alabama's ban is the toughest: Performing an abortion at any stage of pregnancy would be a felony punishable by up to 99 years or life in prison. The only exception would be when the woman's health is at serious risk. Some Republicans in Alabama's GOP-controlled Senate, as well as minority Democrats, were enraged when an exemption for rape and incest was removed without a roll call vote. The flare-up prompted a five-day postponement before final approval came on May 14. Emboldened by the bans, 17 anti-abortion leaders sent a letter Wednesday to Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel requesting a meeting and urging the GOP to explicitly oppose exceptions for rape and incest. The signatories included Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life, the Rev. Frank Pavone, director of Priests for Life, and activist Ryan Bomberger , the son of a woman who was impregnated by a rapist but opted against having an abortion. "We understand that issues like rape and incest are difficult topics to tackle." the letter said. "Nevertheless, it is our view that the value of human life is not determined by the circumstances of one's conception or birth." McDaniel, in reply, described the GOP as "the party of life" and added, "I welcome any discussion about how to protect it." Discussing the bans in an interview with CNN on May 17, McDaniel said, "Personally, I would have the exceptions. ... But we are a party that is a broad tent." President Donald Trump, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky also have distanced themselves from the no-exceptions bans. "I am strongly Pro-Life, with the three exceptions - Rape, Incest and protecting the Life of the mother," Trump tweeted on May 18. "We must stick together and Win.... ....for Life in 2020. If we are foolish and do not stay UNITED as one, all of our hard fought gains for Life can, and will, rapidly disappear!" In several state legislatures, debate over the exceptions produced dramatic moments. Samantha Blakely, 25, a travel industry employee from Birmingham, testified at a hearing on the Alabama ban about her decision to have an abortion after a rape in 2017 resulted in pregnancy. She says ban supporters ignore the difficult situations faced by women like her. "They have absolutely lost sight of victims," Blakely told The Associated Press. "There are blinders on, to block out victims of rape and incest." If the new law had been in effect when she was raped, Blakely said, she would have done anything to end the pregnancy - possibly including suicide. "I knew I would not be emotionally or mentally or financially stable enough to give that child what they needed," Blakely said. "And I didn't know exactly how dangerous my rapist was at the time. ... I knew he would try to somehow stay in my life and use that child to control me. And the thought of those things, I'd rather be dead." In South Carolina, where the legislative session ended before a proposed abortion ban could be passed, there was bitter debate over whether to include an exception for rape and incest. GOP state Rep. Nancy Mace objected angrily after a fellow Republican lawmaker passed out a flier suggesting that a rapist who impregnates his victim should be referred to as a "sperm donor." After Mace proposed adding the exceptions to the bill, another GOP colleague protested, while referring to rape in a way that appeared to diminish its seriousness as a violent crime. "The question is whether another life should be taken because of a bad act," said Rep. John McCravy told fellow lawmakers. In arguing for the exemption, Mace had shared her own story of being raped, one of several female lawmakers to do so amid the heated state abortion debates. The abortion bill eventually passed the House with the rape-and-incest provision included, but did not get traction in the South Carolina Senate. Stephen Schneck, a retired political science professor at the Catholic University of America, personally opposes abortion but believes most Americans have a nuanced view - favoring neither Alabama-style bans nor unrestricted abortion access at any phase of pregnancy. "Politically, promoting the all-or-nothing positions makes sense for fundraising and mobilizing activists on both sides," he said via email. "But it also makes it impossible for the country as a whole to come together on the issue." None of the abortion bans enacted this year has taken effect. All are expected to be blocked by federal courts, with ban supporters hoping appeals might lead to the U.S. Supreme Court. The recent Federalist article, by Georgi Boorman and James Silberman, took aim at the growing interest in do-it-yourself abortions, in which a woman could receive the abortion drug misoprostol by mail and terminate a pregnancy without involvement of a medical professional. The authors called for total abolition of abortion, so that "the murder of an unborn boy or girl will be treated exactly the same as the murder of a toddler or older child." ___ Associated Press writers Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar in Washington, D.C., and Christina A. Cassidy in Atlanta contributed to this report. FILE - In this Wednesday, May 22, 2019, file photo, hundreds of pro-abortion rights supporters block Poydras Street outside One Shell Square to protest anti-abortion legislation during a "Just Laws or Outlaws: Take to the Streets," event organized by the New Orleans Abortion Fund, Women With a Vision, the New Orleans Peoples' Assembly and BYP 100. Even as the anti-abortion movement celebrates passage of sweeping bans in several states, a rift is widening between activists who oppose exceptions for rape and incest, and other abortion opponents, including many Republican politicians, who support those exceptions. (Michael DeMocker/The Times-Picayune via AP, File) DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) - Syrian government forces regained control of a northwestern village on Sunday, just days after losing it to militants, state media and an opposition war monitoring group said. State TV said troops captured Kfar Nabudah before noon from militants, including members of al-Qaida-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group. The opposition's Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that militants lost control of the village. The latest round of violence erupted late last month, wrecking a cease-fire brokered for the area by Russia and Turkey and raising fears of a wider government offensive. Some 180,000 people have already been displaced inside the rebel-held area that straddles most of northwestern Idlib province and parts of neighboring Hama. The U.N., the U.S. and others have called for an end to the violence. Government forces first captured Kfar Nabudah on May 8, then lost it on Wednesday. The village is located on the southwestern edge of Idlib, the last major rebel stronghold in the country. The Observatory said Syrian government forces carried out scores of airstrikes, and used barrels bombs and artillery shells to retake the village. It said the latest round of Kfar Nabodah fighting killed 28 militants, and also 16 troops and pro-government gunmen. This photo provided Tuesday, May 21, 2019 by the Syrian Civil Defense group known as the White Helmets, shows smoke rising after Syrian government forces targeted the town of al-Habeet, in Idlib province, Syria. Syrian activists and a rebel spokesman said Wednesday, May 22, 2019 that opposition fighters have recaptured Kfar Nabuda, a village at the edge of the last rebel stronghold in northwestern Syria. (Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP) The initial capture of the village facilitated government troop advances to the west and north, leading to the fall of several villages. The Observatory, which tracks Syria's civil war, now in its eighth year, said that 766 people, including 226 civilians have been killing since April 30. THIKA, Kenya (AP) - A growing number of Kenyan farmers are turning to silk production, in a move away from traditional cash crops such as coffee, maize, sugarcane and cotton. The rearing of silkworms is seen as less affected by a changing climate that has hurt some traditional crops in the East African nation because the mulberry trees silkworms feed on are relatively drought-resistant. "Production is lowering in China. It is more or less completely reduced in Japan. India is doing well in silk so we feel that Kenya can contribute to global silk demand," said Muo Kasina, director of the National Sericulture Research Center. The center has joined with the Japan International Cooperation Agency to promote silk production by developing technologies and providing farmers with training, seeds and access to markets. "As of now we have more than five Japanese companies that have shown interest in Kenyan silk," Kasina said. "We have high technology of silk and sericulture (silk farming) but we can't use it because Japan is too developed, and also the climate in Kenya is much better than Japan for sericulture, so that is why I want to cooperate with Kenya," said Yuko Mizutori, one Japanese investor. In this photo taken Friday, April 26, 2019, research assistants Catherine Ndumi Musyoka and Muthama Eric feed silkworms with mulberry leaves at the National Sericulture Research Center in Thika, Kenya. A growing number of Kenyan farmers are turning to silk production as they move away from traditional cash crops such as coffee, maize, sugarcane and cotton, with the mulberry trees the silkworms need to survive seen as less affected by a changing climate. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) Silkworm rearing on an acre of land can fetch up to $15,000 a year, according to Kasina. That's a small fortune for Kenyan farmers. Newton Owino owns a silk farm in western Kenya that employs 15 workers. "This is the 26th day and you can see the silkworms are already spinning," he said. The cocoons are harvested and processed for the silk thread. Last year the world's largest silk producer, Guangdong Silk-Tex Group, announced plans to create a silk processing factory and silk farm in Kenya. If successful, the venture is expected to create more than 300,000 jobs for Kenyans. The venture also would significantly reduce the price of silk products by localizing the production process. This would be a welcome change for Osman Shariff, a fabric seller in Kenya's western city of Kisumu. He said the current cost of importing fabrics from China makes them too expensive for customers. "We will be happy if silk will be manufactured in Kenya as we will be able to cater for our customers accordingly," he said. It might even give Kenya's textile industry a boost, he added. ___ Ooko reported from Kisumu, Kenya. ___ Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa In this photo taken Friday, April 26, 2019, mulberry plants are grown at the National Sericulture Research Center in Thika, Kenya. A growing number of Kenyan farmers are turning to silk production as they move away from traditional cash crops such as coffee, maize, sugarcane and cotton, with the mulberry trees the silkworms need to survive seen as less affected by a changing climate. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) In this photo taken Friday, April 26, 2019, research assistant Catherine Ndumi Musyoka holds mulberry leaves as silkworms feed on them, at the National Sericulture Research Center in Thika, Kenya. A growing number of Kenyan farmers are turning to silk production as they move away from traditional cash crops such as coffee, maize, sugarcane and cotton, with the mulberry trees the silkworms need to survive seen as less affected by a changing climate. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) In this photo taken Friday, April 26, 2019, Director of the National Sericulture Research Center, Muo Kasina, stands by silkworms feeding on mulberry leaves at the center in Thika, Kenya. A growing number of Kenyan farmers are turning to silk production as they move away from traditional cash crops such as coffee, maize, sugarcane and cotton, with the mulberry trees the silkworms need to survive seen as less affected by a changing climate. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) In this photo taken Friday, April 26, 2019, Director of the National Sericulture Research Center, Muo Kasina, explains the process of silk production to visitors at the center in Thika, Kenya. A growing number of Kenyan farmers are turning to silk production as they move away from traditional cash crops such as coffee, maize, sugarcane and cotton, with the mulberry trees the silkworms need to survive seen as less affected by a changing climate. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) In this photo taken Friday, April 26, 2019, a tray of silkworm moths is shown at the National Sericulture Research Center in Thika, Kenya. A growing number of Kenyan farmers are turning to silk production as they move away from traditional cash crops such as coffee, maize, sugarcane and cotton, with the mulberry trees the silkworms need to survive seen as less affected by a changing climate. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) In this photo taken Friday, April 26, 2019, Director of the National Sericulture Research Center, Muo Kasina, demonstrates a silk reeling machine at the center in Thika, Kenya. A growing number of Kenyan farmers are turning to silk production as they move away from traditional cash crops such as coffee, maize, sugarcane and cotton, with the mulberry trees the silkworms need to survive seen as less affected by a changing climate. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) NEW YORK (AP) - Sharing their stories doesn't come easily for these middle-aged men. At times, their eyes well up or their voices crack as they describe being sexually abused in the Boy Scouts and suffering from emotional damage long afterward. Looking back, they all remember vividly how excited they were to become Scouts. "I was real gung-ho about getting my badges - fishing and campfires and all of that," said Darrell Jackson, now a 57-year-old New Yorker. "It was good at the beginning." Jackson, whose unit leader was convicted of sodomy and imprisoned for about 18 months, is among hundreds of men across the U.S. who have recently contacted lawyers for help suing the Boy Scouts of America for sex abuse they say they suffered at the hands of scout leaders. Many of the men are from New York, which this year adjusted its restrictive statute-of-limitations law. The changes allow victims of long-ago abuse to sue for damages during a one-year window starting in August. New Jersey enacted a similar law this month. California is on track to follow suit. Some of the lawyers told The Associated Press they have evidence that the BSA was inaccurate when the organization said in recent press statements that it had never "knowingly allowed a perpetrator to work with youth." Darrell Jackson, of The Bronx, N.Y., speaks during an interview in New York, on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. Joining the Boy Scouts in 1972 at age 10, he said, "I was real gung-ho about getting my badges _ fishing and campfires and all of that. ... It was good at the beginning." (AP Photo/Richard Drew) The Boy Scouts acknowledge that sex-abuse litigation poses a financial threat and have not ruled out seeking bankruptcy protection. Jackson joined a Cub Scout pack in Brooklyn in 1972 and the next year testified against his pack leader, Freddie Modica. His initial fascination with the Boy Scouts was simple: He liked the uniforms. "It was like G.I. Joe dolls," he recalled. He soon learned that some boys in the unit were making visits to the pack leader's home. "They made it seem like it was a big thing - and I felt out of the loop," Jackson said. "When I got a chance to go, I was like 'OK.'" The allure, Jackson recalled, was that the scoutmaster - while posing as a supportive father figure - let the boys engage in taboo pastimes such as smoking and drinking. Jackson now refers to what ensued as "the ugliness" - repeated sexual molestation by the scoutmaster until Jackson summoned the nerve to tell his grandmother, who was raising him. Initially skeptical, she eventually went to police. In the years after the trial, Jackson says, he was often mocked with anti-gay slurs. He responded at times with belligerence and mistrust. "It caused me to go into crime, drugs, everything, just to block stuff out," he said. "It basically messed up my life." Despite receiving psychological counseling over the years, his marriage broke down. His childhood dreams of becoming an oceanographer faded. He cobbled together a career in home remodeling and maintenance. Why sue the Boy Scouts? He says the organization should be held accountable, and he wants children to be safe. "I don't want nobody to go through what I went through," he said. ___ SCARS AND SHAME LASTED DECADES Raymond Luna says he still has psychological scars from being abused as a scout in New York City in the 1970s. "In my head, there's still anger," said Luna, 56, who now lives in Poughkeepsie, New York, and runs a fire-alarm installation company. He recalls that the scoutmaster befriended many of the single moms - including his own - who had sons in the troop. Luna was among several boys who began visiting the scoutmaster's house. He says that's where the molestation took place. He said he never reported the abuse to others. "The shame was so big - like it was a secret," he said. "During my teenage years up to when I was 33, I totally blocked it out." Even during a 26-year-marriage - which produced five children before ending in divorce - Luna says he never told his wife. He abused drugs and alcohol to keep the bad memories at bay and underwent years of therapy. The counseling "helped me realize that I was a victim and not a participant," he said. Luna says he's increasingly at peace. He has shared his full story with his current girlfriend. But he snapped to attention when he saw a TV ad seeking survivors of Boy Scout sex abuse to join in litigation. He and Jackson signed on with the same Seattle-based law firm. After searching the internet for references to his former scoutmaster, he learned nothing about the man's whereabouts but found him listed in a database of the Boy Scouts' "ineligible volunteer" files, which list thousands of adults barred from scouting because of confirmed or suspected acts of molestation. An expert hired by the Boy Scouts testified earlier this year that 7,819 suspected abusers were identified in the files, as well as 12,254 victims. Luna's former scoutmaster was placed in the files in 1964 after an arrest for abusing a 12-year-old boy, yet he rejoined New York City's scouting ranks in the early 1970s. He remained a scoutmaster until 1975, roughly a year after Luna quit the organization in shame and anger, the paperwork showed. "The BSA needs to know how much pain the abuse caused me and so many others," Luna said. ___ 'IT WASN'T THEIR FAULT' Jason Amala, one of Jackson's and Luna's lawyers, said scout officials failed to take reasonable steps to protect the boys from the foreseeable harm of being sexually abused by scout leaders. The claims will seek unspecified compensatory damages for pain and suffering and punitive damages based on an allegation that the BSA intentionally concealed their knowledge of the danger. "We get people who call us virtually every day who still think it's their fault. And until the Scouts are fully transparent and accountable, you're going to have that problem," Amala said. "It wasn't their fault - not their parents' fault, not their moms' fault. It was the Boy Scouts' fault." The BSA has repeatedly apologized and says it now has policies to curtail abuse, including making mandatory criminal background checks for all staff and volunteers and requiring two or more adult leaders to be present with youth at all times during scouting activities. "We believe victims, we support them," said the BSA's chief executive, Mike Surbaugh. "We encourage them to come forward." William Stevens, 50, came forward last year in Arkansas, filing a lawsuit alleging he was molested by his scoutmaster at least six times over a two-year period after joining the Scouts' Webelos program shortly before his 10th birthday in 1978. The BSA's files show that the scoutmaster accused by Stevens, Samuel Otts, was caught sexually abusing a boy while a scoutmaster in Georgia in 1977. Yet Otts subsequently registered as a scout leader in Arkansas and remained active until 1980. Rather than call police, the Scouts "allowed him to transfer and did nothing to warn the parents and scouts" in his new troop, said Peter Janci, one of Stevens' lawyers. Last year, an Arkansas judge ruled against Stevens, saying his lawsuit was precluded by the state's statute of limitations. Janci hopes that ruling will be reconsidered if his legal team can prove the Boy Scouts made false claims about their abuse-prevention efforts. The Boy Scouts say they report all suspected abusers in their database to law enforcement. But Janci and his partner, Stephen Crew, say they have identified multiple cases in the Boy Scouts' database in which adult volunteers implicated in child abuse were allowed to return to scouting assignments on a probationary basis. Asked about the lawyers' assertion, the BSA pointed to its current anti-abuse policies, but added, "We recognize, however, that there were moments in our organization's history when certain cases were not handled the way they would be addressed today." Stevens went on to forge a successful life. He's married, has a daughter and is human resources director for a Little Rock-based trucking company. Yet his experience in the Scouts in Hot Springs, Arkansas, has haunted him. "For the past 40 years, I've always felt like I was damaged goods," he said. "I've lived with the shame and embarrassment and guilt because of the abuse I suffered. I pushed people away and didn't let them get close to me." Only in 2016, Stevens says, did he come across an online database that included the Boy Scouts' file about Otts and learn of the abuse that was documented in Georgia. Stevens reached out to Janci's Oregon-based law firm and decided to go public with his story, speaking occasionally to small groups in abuse-recovery programs. "That was the most difficult thing I've done in my life," Stevens said, "but also the most rewarding." Darrell Jackson, 57, of The Bronx, N.Y., is interviewed in New York, Tuesday, April 30, 2019. He was abused by scoutmaster Freddie Modica after joining the Boy Scouts in 1972 at the age of 10. Despite receiving psychological counseling over the years, Jackson's marriage broke down. His childhood dreams of becoming an oceanographer long since faded, but he cobbled together a career in home remodeling and maintenance. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) Attorney Jason Amala, from Seattle, talks with client Darrell Jackson, of The Bronx, N.Y., in New York, Tuesday, April 30, 2019. Jackson is among hundreds of men across the United States who have reached out to lawyers in recent months, seeking help in suing the Boy Scouts of America for damages related to sex abuse they claim to have suffered at the hands of scout leaders. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) Darrell Jackson, of The Bronx, N.Y., and his son Darrell Jackson Jr., are photographed in New York, Tuesday, April 30, 2019. The elder Jackson was abused by scoutmaster Freddie Modica after joining the Boy Scouts in 1972 at the age of 10. Despite receiving psychological counseling over the years, Jackson's marriage broke down. His childhood dreams of becoming an oceanographer long since faded, but he cobbled together a career in home remodeling and maintenance. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) Ray Luna, from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., poses for a photo in New York's Central Park, Tuesday, April 30, 2019. Luna, who describes his current life as "blessed," says he still has psychological scars from abuse suffered as a scout in New York City in the 1970s. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) Ray Luna, 56, from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., is interviewed in New York, Tuesday, April 30, 2019. Suffering abuse as a scout in the 1970s, he says, "In my head, there's still anger. I struggle with that." (AP Photo/Richard Drew) BERLIN (AP) - The Latest on Austria's political crisis (all times local): 7:15 p.m. Austria's ousted chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, has told a cheering crowd in Vienna just hours after he lost a no-confidence vote that he is looking to increase his center-right party's support in a September election. To chants of "Chancellor Kurz" outside party offices, the People's Party leader pledged that "the changes that we began two years ago will not end today." He says "in the end the people will decide in September and I'm happy about that." He criticized his former coalition partner Freedom Party and the opposition Social Democrats, saying from them "we have only heard one thing, that Kurz must go, that's the only platform of those two parties and I'm afraid to say I must disappoint them both: I'm still here." Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz attends at parliament session in Vienna, Austria, Monday, May 27, 2019. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz faces a no-confidence vote at the parliament session. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak) ___ 4:30 p.m. The Austrian parliament has voted to oust Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and his ministers, paving the way for a caretaker government before a new election in which the young leader and his party could emerge strengthened. Parliament needed only a majority vote Monday to pass the measure proposed by the opposition Social Democrats to oust Kurz and his Austrian People's Party. Kurz pulled the plug on his coalition with the far-right Freedom Party earlier this month after a video emerged showing the Freedom Party's leader appearing to be offering favors to a purported Russian investor. That prompted the Social Democrat's motion to remove Kurz and his party from government as well. A new election is planned for September. The vote comes a day after Kurz's party emerged strengthened in European elections. ___ 8 a.m. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz defended his government's track record Monday ahead of a no-confidence vote in parliament prompted by his decision to end a coalition with the far-right Freedom Party. He told parliament: "I am very proud and satisfied with the work we have done as a government in the past year and a half." Kurz pulled the plug on the coalition after a video emerged earlier this month showing the leader of the Freedom Party, Heinz-Christian Strache, in which he appeared to be offering favors to a purported Russian investor. Strache has since resigned as Freedom Party leader. Kurz has called for new elections in September, but ahead of that the opposition Social Democratic Party has brought the no-confidence vote seeking to oust him and his Austrian People's Party. On Sunday, Kurz's center-right Austrian People's Party finished first in Austria in the European elections with 34.9%. The Social Democrats won 23.6% and the Freedom Party took 18.1%. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz delivers his speech at parliament session in Vienna, Austria, Monday, May 27, 2019. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz faces a no-confidence vote at the parliament session. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak) Designated Leader of the right-wing Freedom Party, FPOE, Norbert Hofer waves to his supporters during the final election campaign event for European elections in Vienna, Austria, Friday, May 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak) Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz delivers his speech at parliament session in Vienna, Austria, Monday, May 27, 2019. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz faces a no-confidence vote at the parliament session. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak) Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz attends at parliament session in Vienna, Austria, Monday, May 27, 2019. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz faces a no-confidence vote at the parliament session. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak) Polls have closed in European elections which Theresa May hoped would never have to be held and which could deliver a damaging blow to her Tory party. Nigel Farage issued a warning to Westminsters politicians that his Brexit Party would be coming for their jobs ahead of his expected success. Results of the European contests will not start being announced until Sunday night but opinion polls have suggested Mr Farages party is on course for victory in the elections, which are only taking place because of the delay to Brexit. Meanwhile the election watchdog said it was aware of reports that EU citizens had been unable to vote in the UK and blamed the late notice from Mrs Mays Government that the poll would be going ahead. Results will be announced after 10pm on Sunday, when the final polls have closed across Europe. Both Mrs May and Jeremy Corbyn are braced for a backlash from voters, with Mr Farages party and from the opposite side of the Brexit divide the Liberal Democrats expected to pick up votes. Seventy-three MEPs will be elected to represent the UK, with England, Scotland and Wales using a form of proportional representation called the DHondt system and Northern Ireland using the single transferable vote method. Mr Farage, who is standing in the South East constituency, said: If you want Brexit, youve got to vote Brexit. We did it once, they ignored us, so were going to tell them again. This time they will realise it isnt just the votes we get today, its what we might get at a general election that would cost them all their jobs. So they better listen to what people have to say today or theyll all be unemployed. In a polling day video message, Mr Corbyn warned that the far right is on the rise and Britain was at a crossroads. The actions we take now will have huge consequences for our future, he said. On a campaign visit to Worthing, he added: This Government cant last very long. And so, get ready for a general election. But in a sign of Labours divisions over Brexit, pro-EU MPs Wes Streeting and Ben Bradshaw both spoke of difficult doorstep experiences. Former Cabinet minister Mr Bradshaw said it was a dispiriting experience to see Labour voters flocking to the Remain-supporting Greens and Lib Dems, while Mr Streeting said it was not the easiest of polling days. That was the most dispiriting Election Day in 35 years a Labour member. Our voters are flocking to the Greens & Lib Dems because of their clear & unequivocal support for a #FinalSay #peoplesvote & Remain. So sad & so avoidable. #BrexitShambles #EUelections2019 Ben Bradshaw (@BenPBradshaw) May 23, 2019 Not the easiest of polling days to be honest. Its usually a day for turning the vote out, not trying to persuade voters - and members - to stick with us instead of voting Lib Dem or Green. Huge, huge thanks to everyone who turned out to help @IlfordNorthCLP. Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) May 23, 2019 Mrs May smiled as she arrived to cast her ballot alongside husband Philip in her Maidenhead constituency, but she knows the Tories are in for a difficult set of results after a distinctly lacklustre campaign. Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband, Philip, arrive to cast their votes (Victoria Jones/PA) The European elections took place almost three years after the UK voted to leave the EU because of Mrs Mays failure to get her Brexit deal through Parliament. The late confirmation on May 7 that voters would go to the polls was highlighted by the Electoral Commission as a factor in the difficulties faced by some EU citizens in casting their ballots. An Electoral Commission spokesman said: We understand the frustration of some citizens of other EU member states, resident in the UK, who have been finding they are unable to vote today when they wish to do so. All eligible EU citizens have the right to vote in the EU elections in their home member state. If an EU citizen instead chooses to vote in the EU election in the UK, there is a process for them to complete to essentially transfer their right to vote, from their home member state to the UK. This is a requirement of EU law, which specifies that this has to be done sufficiently in advance of polling day. UK law sets this as 12 working days in advance of the poll. Were aware that some EU citizens, resident in the UK, have been unable to vote today and understand the frustration this has caused. Heres our statement: https://t.co/jziu14L9Nf pic.twitter.com/7ukg7arASJ Electoral Commission (@ElectoralCommUK) May 23, 2019 The spokesman added: The very short notice from the Government of the UKs participation in these elections impacted on the time available for awareness of this process amongst citizens, and for citizens to complete the process. Labours Cat Smith, shadow minister for voter engagement, said: We repeatedly warned the Government that European citizens living in the UK would be denied their right to vote because of its incompetent approach to Brexit. From day one, the Tories have buried their heads in the sand about these elections, even at the eleventh hour when it was clear that the Governments botched Brexit deal would not pass. The 3 Million group, which campaigns for the rights of EU citizens in the UK, demanded a full investigation of the democratic disaster. These European elections are significant to so many EU citizens as this might potentially be the last nationwide vote before our voting rights will be downgraded to potholes and bin collections in local elections, a spokesman said. The Electoral Commission, but also local authorities, must urgently answer why so many people were denied their right to vote. It is outrageous that the incompetence and unwillingness of the Government and the Electoral Commission have denied these people a vote. A Downing Street spokesman said: I do recognise there is frustration. The running of polls is rightly a matter for independent returning officers. Its for them to put in place the necessary planning and contracts with suppliers to produce and deliver items like poll cards and postal votes to meet necessary timetables. Im sure the Electoral Commission will take any reports seriously. A Local Government Association spokesman said: Councils are hugely experienced at running elections and have worked tirelessly around the clock to get everything in place for these EU elections at short notice. Police have been attacked by petrol bombers during orchestrated disorder near a polling station in Northern Ireland. They attended a security alert involving a suspicious device close to a school in Londonderry being used for the European election vote when they were targeted. Three male youths were arrested. Theres a security alert in the Moss Park area of Derry/Londonderry after the report of a suspicious device just before 7pm. The polling station at St.Pauls PS remains open & is accessible from Moss Road roundabout and the back gates of the school. Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) May 23, 2019 Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Superintendent Gordon McCalmont said: There is no doubt my officers were lured into the area this evening and that those involved in this orchestrated disorder had one aim in mind to attack police. This was all the more reckless by the fact that one of the petrol bombs hurled at police landed in close proximity to young children who could have been left seriously injured, or worse. This security alert is the second this month in this area, impacting the same community that was disrupted on May 2 during local council elections. Police have been attacked by petrol bombers near a polling station in Northern Ireland (Niall Carson/PA) It cannot be lost on anyone the disruption this has caused in the local community, let alone the potential for serious harm that could have been caused. Last month journalist Lyra McKee was shot dead in Derry by dissident republicans during unrest in the city. On Thursday evening officers were attending a security alert in the Moss Park area of the city. They came under attack, with five petrol bombs thrown at them. One was in the Glengalliagh Park area where there were a number of children close to where it landed, police said. Officers recovered six petrol bombs, along with 20 paint bombs and two crates of empty bottles. Police subsequently arrested two teenagers aged 17 and a boy aged 12 in connection with the disorder. They are in custody assisting with enquiries. Police said later ammunition technical officers had carried out a controlled explosion on the suspicious device, which had been declared an elaborate hoax and taken away for forensic examination. Security alert in Moss Park area of Derry/Londonderry has ended. A suspicious device reported in the area was examined by ATO and declared an elaborate hoax. Moss Road has reopened. Thanks to the public for their patience. If youve info, call 101, quote reference 1639 23/05/19. Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) May 23, 2019 Moss Road has been re-opened, and Mr McCalmont said: I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding during the course of this policing operation. The blame for the inconvenience, however, lies squarely with those individuals who left this close to a local school, which was being used as a polling station this evening. Those responsible have absolutely nothing to offer local people or society in general. I would like to appeal to anyone who has information about this incident to contact police at Strand Road on 101, quoting reference number 1639 of 23/05/19. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been charged in the United States with receiving and publishing thousands of classified documents linked to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US Justice Department has indicted the 47-year-old, who is currently jailed in Britain, on 18 counts that relate to his alleged role in one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of the United States, it said. He is accused of working with former US army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in unlawfully obtaining and disclosing classified documents related to the national defence, a statement said. The Justice Department said that by publishing unredacted versions of the leaked files, Assange put named human sources at a grave and imminent risk. After a federal grand jury returned the indictment on Thursday, WikiLeaks swiftly issued a tweet describing the move as madness. This is madness. It is the end of national security journalism and the first amendment. https://t.co/wlhsmsenFw WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) May 23, 2019 It is the end of national security journalism and the first amendment, it said. Julian Assange is currently jailed in Britain over a bail breach but US authorities are seeking his extradition (Victoria Jones/PA) Manning handed over databases containing roughly 90,000 Afghanistan war-related significant activity reports and 400,000 Iraq war-related significant activities reports, the Justice Department said. There were also 800 Guantanamo Bay detainee assessment briefs and 250,000 US Department of State cables, it added. Assange was dramatically dragged from the Ecuadorian embassy in Knightsbridge, central London, last month, some seven years after he sought political asylum after the documents were published. He was then jailed for 50 weeks for a bail breach and is fighting against extradition to the US. US authorities allege the whistleblower conspired with Manning, 31, with reason to believe that the information was to be used to the injury of the United States or the advantage of a foreign nation. Assange published the documents on WikiLeaks with unredacted names of sources who gave information to US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. These human sources included local Afghans and Iraqis, journalists, religious leaders, human rights advocates, and political dissidents from repressive regimes, the Justice Department said. WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange Charged in 18-Count Superseding Indictment https://t.co/N1rfnPHs3l Justice Department (@TheJusticeDept) May 23, 2019 According to the superseding indictment, Assanges actions risked serious harm to United States national security to the benefit of our adversaries and put the unredacted named human sources at a grave and imminent risk of serious physical harm and/or arbitrary detention. It added: Many of these documents were classified at the Secret level, meaning that their unauthorised disclosure could cause serious damage to United States national security. Classified rules of engagement files for the Iraq war were also handed over by Manning, US officials said, and Assange is said to have agreed to hack into secure government networks. The Justice Department said: Assange actively encouraged Manning to provide more information and agreed to crack a password hash stored on US Department of Defence computers connected to the Secret Internet Protocol Network (SIPRNet), a United States government network used for classified documents and communications. Assange is also charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusion for agreeing to crack that password hash. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for each count except conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, which is punishable by five years. I find no satisfaction in saying I told you so to those who for 9 years have scorned us for warning this moment would come. I care for journalism. If you share my feeling you take a stand NOW. Either you are a worthless coward or you defend Assange, WikiLeaks and Journalism. https://t.co/NkUfZWYan8 Kristinn Hrafnsson (@khrafnsson) May 23, 2019 WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Kristinn Hrafnsson said in a tweet: I find no satisfaction in saying I told you so to those who for 9 years have scorned us for warning this moment would come. I care for journalism. If you share my feeling you take a stand NOW. Either you are a worthless coward or you defend Assange, WikiLeaks and Journalism. Bishop George Nkuo consoles victims now residing in bushes Whatsapp The Bishop of Kumbo diocese, His Grace George Nkuo, has paid and evangelic and condolatory visit to indigenes of Kikaikelaki, Bui Division of the North West region, now residing in buses after their homes got destroyed by soldiers on a military raid. On Sunday May 26, the Bishop was at the Our Lady of Immaculate's Conception Parish in Kikaikelaki, where he encouraged and brought hope to the people of the area. He celebrated the Holy Eucharist in the mission and headed to the inaccessible community in Yeeh, where most of those affected by the crisis, reside. He visited these persons hiding in palm bushes, where some have already constructed huts since three months ago when their homes got burnt by Cameroonian soldiers. Most of those concerned come from villages such as Mendzen, Kikaikelaki, Ntonghie and Bamkika'ay, all in Bui. The Man of God presented gifts to the victims suchh as mattresses, blankets, bed sheets, cartoons of soap, plates, buckets, sanitary pads, as well as basic food commodities like rice and cooking oil amongst others. He told them that beds will still be made for them in the days ahead. Under the leadership of Bishop George Nkuo, the Kumbo diocese has been reaching out to those affected in conflict areas which its 34 parishes, thanks to support from partners such as MISEREOR, a German Catholic Bishops Organisation for Development and Cooperation, as well as the Diocese of Limburg in Germany. Reports say over 350 houses have been burnt in Nso, since the crisis began, sending off many in bushes, who have constructed hurts, where they now reside with little access to hospitals and other basic social amenities. This is not the first time Bishop George Nkuo is undertaking such as journey, despite the fact that in some areas, roads have been blocked and destroyed by separatists. The Kumbo diocese, Bui Division of the North West last month revealed some 358 civilians have been killed since the Anglophone crisis became bloody in 2017, and suggested that the figure might get higher. The report condemned military actions as they were accused of burning down many houses, rendering hundreds homeless.The diocese further said over 9900 persons from its 34 parishes and pastoral zones were displaced, while blaming the military and separatists for looting property and also rape. Theresa May is expected to set out when she will quit Number 10 after a Cabinet revolt over her Brexit plan. The Prime Minister will meet the leader of backbench Conservatives, Sir Graham Brady, on Friday to discuss her future after her authority was left in tatters following the backlash against her new Brexit deal. Senior ministers set out their concerns in frank talks with the beleaguered premier as Downing Street delayed publication of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill (WAB) which sets out her Brexit plan in law. The Prime Ministers private meeting with Sir Graham, chairman of the powerful 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers, could be the moment that Mrs May sets the date for her exit from Downing Street. A 1922 Committee source told the Press Association they expected June 10 to be the day Mrs May chooses. Hopefully what will happen is she will stand down as Tory leader I think on or before June 10, and she will hopefully remain as caretaker Prime Minister until such time as a new Tory leader is elected, they said. My feeling is that she will stay until June 10. The source said a new leader would ideally be in place by the end of the summer to get a Brexit deal through Parliament before October 31, the date currently set for the UKs exit from the European Union. Mrs Mays leadership appears fatally damaged by the reaction to her latest Brexit deal, which offers MPs a vote on whether to hold a second referendum and a choice which could leave the UK in a temporary customs union with the EU both measures which are unacceptable to Tory Eurosceptics. The scale of Cabinet anger at the legislation which led to Andrea Leadsoms resignation on Wednesday night was made clear by two of Mrs Mays most senior ministers. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt leaves the Cabinet meeting in 10 Downing Street, London. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt is understood to have told the Prime Minister to ditch the WAB completely, saying it was clear it would not pass. It was a step too far to ask Tory MPs to vote for it under those circumstances, he told the Prime Minister. Home Secretary Sajid Javid set out his concerns about the prospect of another referendum (Isabel Infantes/PA) Mr Javid had a frank discussion with the Prime Minister about the plan, making it clear he does not believe the Government should be paving the way for a second referendum. He was understood to be pleased with the delay to the publication of the WAB and neither minister is expected to follow Mrs Leadsom out of the Cabinet. The Prime Minister is listening to her colleagues about the Bill and will be having further discussions, Mrs Mays spokesman said. Scottish Secretary David Mundell has concerns the offer of a vote on a referendum could be exploited by the SNP to bolster Nicola Sturgeons demands for a second independence vote. Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt also said she had given my advice to Number 10. The WAB had been due to be published on Friday but that has been delayed in a sign of the chaos at the top of the Government. MPs were told that the Government now intends to publish the Bill in the week beginning June 3. Downing Street had previously insisted the WAB would go before MPs for a vote that week, but it was not announced when the Government set out the forthcoming Commons agenda. In a sign that Mrs Mays departure may come within weeks, rather than days, the Foreign Secretary said he expected her to still be Prime Minister when US President Donald Trump visits the UK on June 3. In response to a question following a speech at the National Cyber Security Centre, he said: Theresa May will be Prime Minister to welcome him and rightly so. Digital minister Margot James told the Press Association Mrs May was being hounded out of office because Parliament will not make a decision and the parties just have an inability to compromise over Brexit. (PA Graphics) Mrs Leadsom said the Prime Ministers future was a matter for her. Great honour to join the Cabinet. My first Red Box as Leader of the House of Commons has just arrived. Now to work... pic.twitter.com/s2YtfsiXQM Mel Stride (@MelJStride) May 23, 2019 Mrs May appointed Mel Stride as Commons Leader following Mrs Leadsoms departure. Pupils across Scotland will once again demand urgent action to tackle climate change in the second global school strike. Hundreds of children took part in demonstrations across the UK as part of a day of global strike action held in March. Events were held at locations including outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh and at George Square in Glasgow. Large number of schoolchildren outside the Scottish Parliament this morning calling for action to tackle climate change #ClimateStrike pic.twitter.com/vv4mWUeMda Lewis McKenzie (@LewisMcKenzie94) March 15, 2019 Later on Friday, pupils will take part in marches through Edinburgh and Glasgow, finishing once again at the Parliament and George Square, while protests will also be held in towns and cities across the country including Aberdeen, Fort William, Skelmorlie, Aboyne, Fort William, Peebles, Nairn, Stirling and Ullapool. At the SNP conference last month, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon declared a climate emergency, noting she had been inspired by demonstrating pupils. Ms Sturgeon told her partys conference: I met some of the young climate change campaigners whove gone on strike from school to raise awareness of their cause. They want governments around the world to declare a climate emergency. They say thats what the science tells us. And they are right. So today, as First Minister of Scotland, I am declaring that there is a climate emergency. And Scotland will live up to our responsibility to tackle it. Earlier this month, the Scottish Government also agreed to set a target of net-zero emissions by 2045 an aim described by experts as the most ambitious in the world. It followed recommendations set out by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) that Scotland meet the target five years ahead of the UK in 2050. Glasgow and Edinburgh have also both outlined their aims to cut greenhouse emissions and to become the UKs first net zero city. The climate strikes by pupils were started in August 2018 by the Swedish schoolgirl Greta Thunberg and have since been mirrored across the world. Scottish pupils have been inspired by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Holly Gillibrand, 13, from Fort William said: I am too young to vote and we cant wait for people my age to come into power. Thats why we need to strike to make our voices heard. Neelu Saraswatibhatla, 17, from Edinburgh, said: Business as usual will result in climate destruction and disruption is necessary in order to force governments to take urgent action as the alternative is death. Evie Hylands, 15, from Glasgow, said: This protest symbolises something greater than just a strike. It gives a perfect depiction of the anger of the youth, who will be most affected by the fall of mother nature, yet we always seem to be the ones whose opinions are disregarded. The youth is now speaking up now so hear us out. We want to save our planet. Major hotel booking sites are continuing to use tactics that could mislead customers despite a clampdown by the competition watchdog, a consumer group has warned. Which? found sites are still skewing search results, using pressure tactics and claiming false discounts despite agreeing to a raft of changes to end misleading sales and hidden charges in February after a probe by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Expedia, Booking.com, Trivago, Hotels.com, Agoda and Ebookers were all named by the CMA for employing unfair practices. While all six sites voluntarily agreed to comply with the new rules, the CMA gave them until September 1 to make the changes. Which? has warned holidaymakers to remain alert ahead of the summer season. (Which?/PA) On Trivagos website, a deal with Expedia to stay at Pariss Millesime hotel was 244 in February advertised as a saving of 63%. However, this was only the case if compared with the most expensive price (675) available on another site, not the average. The investigation also found the ongoing use of pressure tactics such as one room left at this price and booked four times in the last 24 hours. Which? found Booking.com advertising the last double room with private external bathroom at the Balmore Guest House in Edinburgh when there were another seven doubles available with ensuites for the same price. Booking sites have also been told to clearly differentiate between sponsored and unsponsored listings by September to prevent some properties paying a premium for a prominent position at the top of the page. Which? found it was all too easy to miss the word sponsored in paid-for listings on eBookers and Expedia while the only clue on Booking.com was a yellow thumbs-up icon which, when hovered over, expanded into a message explaining that the hotel might pay Booking.com a bit more. (Which?/PA) Which? is advising consumers to filter searches by price or location, which should sift out the sites sponsored links, and to contact their chosen hotel directly by phone to book. The watchdog found most will gladly offer a cheaper stay or alternative perk to secure a booking from customers who call quoting prices they have seen online. Rory Boland, Which? Travel editor, said: These sites have been getting away with dodgy sales practices for years and while the regulators intervention is a positive step, millions of holidaymakers still going to be duped this summer before any changes are made. Youre usually better off calling the hotel directly for the best rate anyway even if it cant beat the price it will usually offer an incentive, discount or even a bottle of champagne to sweeten the deal. Which? found (Which?/PA) A CMA spokeswoman said: Six of the largest hotel booking sites have already committed to bring an end to misleading sales tactics and hidden charges, thanks to CMA action. Some have already made important changes. Our work hasnt stopped there we have written to all booking sites and hotel firms demanding that they fall in line with the same standards so people can be sure the deal they choose is the best one for them. All these sites have until September 1 to fully comply but if they dont, the CMA is prepared to take further action against them. Trivago said: We appreciated the opportunity to work with the CMA over the past year to establish a single roadmap for online travel companies in the UK. Now that the CMA has established clear guidelines for the UK sector, we will of course follow them to the extent they are applicable to us. Expedia Group said: Expedia Group continuously aims to deliver attractive travel options at affordable prices in transparent, clear and easy to understand ways, so that our customers can make informed travel choices. Thats why we have invested significant time and energy into working closely with the CMA to create a helpful industry standard for all UK booking sites offering accommodation search and booking services. Derek Mackay will be a keynote speaker at a day celebrating research at Glasgow Caledonian University. The Finance Secretary will speak at the event at the universitys Hamish Wood Building on Friday May 31. PhD students, research associates and post-doctoral researchers will also be speaking about tackling real-world challenges and making a positive impact in the world. Finance Secretary Derek Mackay will be the keynote speaker at the event on Friday (Jane Barlow/PA) Mr Mackay said the Scottish Government is united with the university in its aims to make a better world through research and innovation. The Scottish Government is committed to sustainable and inclusive economic growth as the alignment of our National Performance Framework to the UN Sustainable Development Goals underlines, he said, We are united with Glasgow Caledonian University by the desire to make a better world through research and innovation, whether this is through helping to secure global food and water supplies, protecting our living environment or making industrial processes more efficient. Im keen for universities in Scotland to achieve societal and sustainable economic impact from their research. GCU is showing that the UN Sustainable Development Goals form an excellent framework to guide such efforts. Mr McKay will be joined at the event by former Chief Medical Officer for Wales Dr Ruth Hussey and Shane McHugh from the Royal Academy of Engineering. GCU said its research strategy is underpinned by the Sustainable Development Goals, issued by United Nations in 2015 and developed in order to end poverty, ensure prosperity for all and protect the planet. The community element of GCUs annual research celebrations takes place on Friday and Saturday as the University hosts its Citizen Science Days with partners at Cadder Community Centre, in the north of the city, as part of the Glasgow Science Festival. The Scottish Government needs to take urgent action to stop the equivalent of a classroom of children a day from falling into poverty. Think tank IPPR Scotland calculated that without new measures being introduced, 50,000 more youngsters will be affected between 2017-18 and 2023-24. That is the equivalent of 25 children a day entering into relative poverty, it added. To help tackle the problem, it called on Scottish ministers to bring forward plans to introduce a new family income supplement. The Scottish Government has already said this is to be brought in in 2022. But IPPR Scotland director Russell Gunson said action should be taken sooner, before the next Holyrood election in May 2021. PICTURE POSED BY MODEL The quivalent of a classroom of children a day could fall into poverty without action, think-tank IPPR Scotland warned The call for action comes after the Scottish Governments own advisers at the Poverty and Inequality Commission urged ministers to introduce the initiative quicker. Today we publish our response to the Scottish budget 2019-20. Need more funding directly targeted at poverty & inequality and need to measure the impact of this spend. https://t.co/TOIW3Kz4U1 Poverty & Inequality Commission (@povinequalscot) May 21, 2019 Mr Gunson said: Its not right that almost a quarter of children in Scotland are locked into poverty. And without action that figure is due to rise dramatically. Every day the equivalent of a classroom of children are due to enter poverty over the next few years. But we know what to do to reduce child poverty in Scotland. Weve done it before and we can do it again. He added: Much of the increases in poverty in Scotland come from UK benefit cuts and a UK economy that has failed to maintain, let alone improve living standards. But here in Scotland, theres more we can do. Every day, every week and every month of delay matters. He added: The Scottish Government has promised to introduce an income supplement as part of wider plans to help to reduce child poverty. This is a golden opportunity to help tens of thousands of children escape poverty in Scotland. But given increasing child poverty rates, we want to see urgent action to make a start earlier than planned. We believe the Scottish Government can and should bring forward plans for an income supplement before the end of this parliament, and to consider an interim payment before this. He made the plea days after the Poverty and Inequality Commission said the Scottish Government would need to invest considerably more on tackling child poverty if it is to meet legally binding targets it has set. Holyrood has already committed to cutting relative child poverty to less than 10% by 2030-31, while reducing absolute child poverty to below 5%. But figures showed almost a quarter (23%) of children were living in relative poverty in 2016-17, with this forecast to increase to 27% by 2023-24. John Dickie, director of the Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland, said: As each year passes childhoods are slipping away, childhoods undermined by the ill health, educational underachievement and stress that poverty too often brings. As this report makes absolutely clear, the time for action is now. Citizens Advice Scotland policy officer Eilidh McIvor said: This is a stark warning that should be taken seriously. The levels of poverty in our society are already completely unacceptable and the prospect of it getting worse will horrify people across Scotland. A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: Our first Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, published last year, outlines the actions to be taken between 2018-22 including working towards the development of a new income supplement. We have been doing just that and have involved stakeholders, including IPPR, in that work. A one-year progress report will be given to Parliament in June. Oil giant BP is ploughing 1 million into new exhibition spaces at a city art gallery currently undergoing renovation. The BP Galleries at Aberdeen Art Gallery will host three special exhibitions each year by UK and international artists. The galleries are to be located on the venues new second floor, which is due to open to the public this autumn. The BP Portrait Award will also return to the gallery in 2020, as part of the funding agreement. BP Group chief executive Bob Dudley said: We are proud that BPs support for arts and culture in the UK stretches back more than five decades. Through our long-standing relationships with major centres like the National Portrait Gallery, the British Museum, the Royal Opera House and the Royal Shakespeare Company, we enable access to excellence in the arts for millions of people. Todays commitment adds the Aberdeen Art Gallery to the list of great institutions we support, in a city that is home for our people, our business and the community we are a part of. Under the redevelopment project, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Cowdray Hall and Remembrance Hall are being transformed into a major cultural attraction in the centre of the city. The revamp involves significant investment in the fabric of the buildings, new exhibition and display galleries, improved visitor facilities and an enhanced activity programme, officials said. Lord Provost Barney Crockett, Councillor Marie Boulton, and BP Group Chief Executive Bob Dudley in Aberdeen for the announcement (Norman Adams, Aberdeen City Council) The project has received 10 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and 10 million from the city council, while the campaign to secure the remaining 10 million has so far raised 4.8 million. Aberdeens Lord Provost Barney Crockett said: Todays investment by BP means that a new generation of visitors will experience and engage with exhibitions of the highest quality in contemporary surroundings which meet the needs of the 21st century visitor and complements the architecture of the original Victorian building. Councillor Marie Boulton, Aberdeen City Councils culture spokeswoman, said: When it reopens in autumn this year, Aberdeen Art Gallery will be the citys most inspiring, accessible and welcoming public building. We are thrilled that BP is supporting the revitalised art gallery and we look forward to working with them in the coming years to share inspiring art with our visitors, including the BP Portrait Award. A serial killer who terrorised Florida with a 1984 spree that claimed the lives of 10 women has been executed. Inmate Bobby Joe Long was pronounced dead on Thursday evening after a lethal injection at Florida State Prison, authorities said. The 65-year-old had no last words before his execution, with witnesses saying he simply closed his eyes as the procedure began. The killer terrified the Tampa Bay area for eight months in 1984 as women began showing up dead, their bodies often left in gruesome positions. Most of the victims were strangled, some had their throats slit and others were bludgeoned. Law enforcement had few clues until the case of Lisa Noland. Bobby Joe Long was executed for killing 10 women during eight months in 1984 (Florida Department of Law Enforcement via AP) Then 17, Ms Noland was abducted by Long outside a church that year. He raped her but ultimately let her go free. She left evidence of his crimes at the scene and gave police details that led to his capture. Long confessed to the crimes, receiving 28 life sentences and one death sentence for the murder of 22-year-old Michelle Simms. Investigators had been baffled by the trail of bodies Long left in the Tampa Bay area. Artiss Ann Wick was the first woman killed, in March 1984, and nine victims followed. Ms Noland said on Wednesday that she planned to sit in the front row in the room where witnesses watched executions. She said she wanted to hear Longs final words, though she would not be able to address him. But if she could, it would be this, she said: I would say Thank you for choosing me and not another 17-year-old girl.' Another 17-year-old girl probably wouldnt have been able to handle it the way that I have, she said. Long moved from West Virginia to the Miami area as a child and was raised by his mother, a cocktail waitress. After high school, he married his childhood sweetheart, but the relationship became violent. Investigators gave the serial killer the moniker The Classified Ad Rapist while trying to solve dozens of rapes. Long would go through classified ads and make appointments to see items for sale. If a woman answered the door and was alone, he would rape her. Expectations over Theresa Mays departure from Downing Street are splashed across Fridays front pages. The Daily Mail says the Prime Minister is expected to address the nation today to confirm when she will leave Number 10. The Times says Mrs May will clear the way for Britain to have a new Prime Minister by the end of July by stepping down soon after Donald Trumps visit in June. The Times 24/5/2019 Donald and Melania Trump will meet the Queen for a state visit next month with his sons and daughters, and their partners. He will stay at the US ambassadors residence. Photo : Fred Watkins/ABC via Getty Images#thetimes #tomorrowspaperstoday @thetimes pic.twitter.com/pRZwAB71xM The Times Pictures (@TimesPictures) May 23, 2019 The PM will meet with Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 committee of backbench Tories, on Friday to discuss the timetable before making an announcement, the Financial Times reports. Just published: front page of the Financial Times, UK edition, Friday 24 May https://t.co/hTOPOzcJ1l pic.twitter.com/lGYPr4OGP9 Financial Times (@FinancialTimes) May 23, 2019 Mrs May decided to quit after being forced to ditch plans to publish her new Brexit bill, the Daily Mirror reports. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt met with the PM to tell her he was withdrawing his support, which Mrs May relied on for her political survival, the Daily Telegraph reports. What the papers say - May 24 (PA) Home Secretary Sajid Javid also said he could not support the bill, the i says. Friday's front page of i Javid and Hunt join mutiny against May PLUS exclusive - Universities face squeeze on humanities#tomorrowspaperstoday #skypapers #bbcpapers #DeniedMyVote pic.twitter.com/AjY7Nl48Vm Oly Duff (@olyduff) May 23, 2019 Mrs Mays announcement comes amid deep concerns among centrist Cabinet ministers that candidates to be the next prime minister will have to promise a hard Brexit, according to The Guardian. Guardian front page, Friday 24 May 2019: Tory leadership race heats up as May prepares to name exit date pic.twitter.com/ATMyg8YPYT The Guardian (@guardian) May 23, 2019 The Metro looks at her departure from the perspective of Mrs Mays husband. And the Daily Express reports on the European elections, calling it a second vote for Brexit. Tomorrow's @Daily_Express #FrontPage - The day you voted for #Brexit AGAIN - Amazing life of Tiger Who Came to Tea author as #JudithKerr dies aged 95 - One in three of us will work past 70 - Mummy, please take us back to your garden - Royal exclusive #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/7cSlhg1G5A Daily Express (@Daily_Express) May 23, 2019 In other news, The Sun reports on prison visits. A university drop-out is facing years in jail for attacking four police officers with a knife after making a bogus 999 call. Alex Traykov, 20, lashed out at the officers who had responded to his report of a fight at a house in Islington, north London, on October 6 last year. Following an Old Bailey trial, he was cleared of attempted murder but convicted of three counts of wounding with intent and a fourth charge of attempted wounding with intent. He will return to court to be sentenced by Judge Wendy Joseph QC on Friday. Jurors were shown harrowing CCTV footage of Alex Trakov attacking the officers (Met Police/PA) Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson QC told how Traykov attacked the four officers without hesitation or warning. He was caught on CCTV bringing the blade down onto the head of Pc Istarlin Said-Ali, 31, cutting her raised hand. He lunged at Pc Rafal Kedziora, 34, cutting his face and slashing the back of his neck. Traykov was found guilty of carrying out a knife attack on four officers (Met Police/PA) He turned on Pc Ben Thomson, 40, before Pc Launa Watkins, 39, Tasered him twice. Giving evidence, Traykov, who lived with his estate agent mother in Redhill, Surrey, accepted he had injured the officers but denied he meant them serious harm. The former Winchester University history student said he was so high on strong cannabis he was not thinking straight. The incident took place in north London last October (Met Police/PA) Following the verdict, the officers spoke of the mental and physical impact of the attack. Pc Thomson said: I joined this job to protect people and uphold the law. My colleagues and I did our duty on that night, and we were subjected to an unprovoked savage attack at the hands of the defendant. We all suffered injury as a result, but fortunately we were able to fight back and ultimately we survived, and our physical injuries have or will heal over time. Who can say how we have been injured mentally and whether we will ever come to terms with what we experienced. (The knife recovered from the scene (Met Police/PA) Pc Said-Ali described a roller coaster of emotions over the past six months. She said: Although we are police officers, we are human beings just like the communities we serve. We should be able to go to work and do the job we have chosen to do without a fear of not going home to our loved ones at the end of our shift. Northern Irelands new police chief constable is expected to be named later. George Hamilton steps down as head of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) next month. Four candidates to replace him in the 207,500-a-year job include officers from within the force and the rest of the UK. They are: PSNI deputy chief constable Stephen Martin; assistant chief constable Mark Hamilton; Bedfordshire chief constable Jon Boutcher, who is probing the activities of the Armys highest ranking spy during the Troubles; and former chief constable of Cheshire Police Simon Byrne. Interviews were carried out on Thursday and more are due on Friday before independent oversight body the Policing Board meets to agree its choice. The next chief is being chosen by a panel of seven board members. Dolores Kelly of the SDLP (Liam McBurney/PA) Four of the main five Stormont political parties are represented but the nationalist SDLPs Dolores Kelly withdrew for personal reasons. An announcement is due on Friday evening after Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley approves the appointment in the absence of a justice minister at Stormont. Independent recruitment specialists have been hired to oversee the process. A senior occupational psychologist will dip sample notes taken by selection panel members and ask them to justify the marks they allocate to shortlisted candidates. A preference for applicants to have served outside Northern Ireland has been dropped from the list of desirable criteria in the selection process. The steps are among several beefed-up scrutiny measures introduced following controversial comments by Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald on who should succeed Mr Hamilton. Mrs McDonald was accused of undermining the integrity of the recruitment exercise when she said she did not have confidence in any prospective candidate from within the PSNI. Her remarks in February prompted calls for the customary Sinn Fein representative to be excluded from the selection panel. Those demands were ultimately resisted, with board members instead agreeing to introduce new quality assurance measures to safeguard the process. Mr Boutcher is leading an operation probing the activities of a high-ranking Army mole within the IRA who was known as Stakeknife during the Troubles. Sisiku Ayuk Tabe et son gouvernement Archives Anglophone leader and President of the so-called Ambazonia nation, Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, has issued a statement, setting conditions for a dialogue which includes amongst others, the release of all Anglophone detainees, withdrawal of government troops, administrators and civil servants. Writing from the Yaounde Central Prison in Kondengui, he insisted that for dialogue to hold, some conditions such as a cease fire, withdrawal of military troops from the Anglophone regions by he government, should be enforced. He listed the release of all Anglophone detainees, arrested as a result of the ongoing unrest and handing them over to the UN for accountability, withdrawal of appointed administrators and civil servants from the regions. He mentioned that for dialogue to be effective, parties involved must evaluate the origin of the conflict, exact parties to dialogue with, conditions for the dialogue, venue and issues at stake, amongst others, while blaming the United Nations, for selling the rights of Anglophones to the Republic of Cameroon. Declaring they want an international involvement in the settlement of their differences, Sisiku declared that parties to dialogue with should involve the government of Cameroon, separatists, United Nations as the referee, foreign observers such as the United Kingdom, the African Union, the Commonwealth, European Union and ECOWAS. He continues that Southern Cameroons Apart from pushing for equal representation on the dialogue platform, Sisiku requested that all talks be carried out at the UN headquarters in Geneva, Addis Ababa or United States for security reasons. The government of Cameroon, has also set preconditions to the dialogue on the unrest that began since 2016. Prime Minister Dion Ngute on a mission to the Anglophone regions, said President Paul Biya was ready for dialogue, initiated by government only, on the condition that separation wasnt going to be discussed. The Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji on a French TV stations said government was ready for dialogue but not to discuss on the form of state. As both parties continue to lock horns, the death toll is gradually increasing from the initial 1870 figure revealed by the Human Rights Watch group. More than 500,000 persons have been displaced as a result of the conflict, with over 40,000 seeking refuge in Nigeria. The 200th anniversary of Queen Victorias birth is being celebrated at her childhood home, Kensington Palace, with the opening of two major new exhibitions. Victoria: Woman and Crown and Victoria: A Royal Childhood begin on Friday to coincide with the bicentenary. Monarch for more than 63 years, Victoria acceded to the throne in 1837 when she was only 18. Britain had evolved into a constitutional monarchy and she became the figurehead of a vast empire, with her reign spanning the rest of the century. She married Prince Albert and had nine children, but mourned Alberts early death for the rest of her life. Victoria first met Albert on 18 May 1836 at #KensingtonPalace. She recorded in her diary: Albert is extremely handsome but the charm of his countenance is his expression, which is delightful. Two new exhibitions open on 24 May for #Victoria200: https://t.co/KUA5aL7FTc pic.twitter.com/y7q9XIzgix Historic Royal Palaces (@HRP_palaces) May 18, 2019 The display also explores Victorias complex love affair with India, from the story behind the Koh-i-noor diamond to her friendship with the deposed Maharajah Duleep Singh. Examples of her personal diaries carefully inscribed in Urdu will form a centrepiece. The Victoria: A Royal Childhood exhibition allows visitors to follow a route through the suite of rooms in the west London royal residence where the young Victoria was born and spent her childhood. Outfits worn by Queen Victorias children on show at Kensington Palace, (Aaron Chown/PA) New research by curators at Historic Royal Palaces has been used to reimagine the rooms as they would have been when Victoria was a child. The colours were so bright and to modern eyes discordant, that Lee had moments of self-doubt Chief Curator @Lucy_Worsley gives us a peek into the redecoration of Queen Victorias childhood rooms at #KensingtonPalace: https://t.co/HgEFnaeMGn #Victoria200 opens tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/ZieXyYbcAE Historic Royal Palaces (@HRP_palaces) May 23, 2019 Victoria: Woman and Crown and Victoria: A Royal Childhood are open daily from May 24 and entry is included in palace admission tickets. Donald Trump has directed the US intelligence community to quickly and fully cooperate with attorney general William Barrs investigation of the origins of the multi-year probe of whether his 2016 campaign colluded with Russia. The move marked an escalation in Mr Trumps efforts to investigate the investigators, as he continues to try to undermine the findings of special counsel Robert Muellers probe amid mounting Democratic calls to bring impeachment proceedings against the president. Press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement that Mr Trump was delegating to Mr Barr the full and complete authority to declassify documents relating to the probe, which would ease his efforts to review the sensitive intelligence underpinnings of the investigation. Such a move could create fresh tensions within the FBI and other intelligence agencies, which have historically resisted such demands. Mr Barr has already asked John Durham, the US attorney in Connecticut, to examine the origins of the Russia investigation to determine whether intelligence and surveillance methods used during the probe were lawful and appropriate. Still, Mr Barr has been directly involved, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorised to discuss it publicly, and is also working with CIA Director Gina Haspel, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and FBI Director Christopher Wray. Mr Trump has frequently claimed his campaign was the victim of spying, though the intelligence community has insisted it acted lawfully in following leads in the Russia investigation and conducted surveillance under court order. Mr Wray vocally opposed the release by Congress last year of details from a secret surveillance warrant obtained by the bureau on a former campaign adviser, Carter Page. The White House had eagerly encouraged Republicans on the House intelligence committee to disclose that classified information, believing it could help undermine the Russia investigation. Despite Mr Mueller finding no evidence to support criminal charges against Americans related to Russias actions, his report documented extensive Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 campaign and willingness on the part of some in Mr Trumps orbit to accept their aid. Thursdays move further solidifies Mr Barrs position in Mr Trumps eyes as a legal warrior on fighting on his behalf. Attorney General William Barr (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) After Mr Mueller submitted his report to Mr Barr in March, the attorney general released a four-page summary to Congress. Mr Barrs letter framed the debate about the probe over the next few weeks and, White House officials believe, allowed Mr Trump to declare victory before the release of the full report, the contents of which are far more ambiguous. Mr Trump also appreciated Mr Barrs combative stance with politicians and reporters as he defended the Justice Departments handling of the report, and again when he declined to appear before Congress and defied a subpoena, drawing a possible contempt charge. Todays action will help ensure that all Americans learn the truth about the events that occurred, and the actions that were taken, during the last Presidential election and will restore confidence in our public institutions, Ms Sanders said. Home Secretary Sajid Javid has been urged by WikiLeaks to block Julian Assanges extradition to the US over fresh espionage charges in the name of press freedom. The organisation said Mr Javid was under enormous pressure to protect the rights of the free press in the UK and elsewhere after its founder was hit with a raft of new charges by the US Department of Justice. The 47-year-old, who is currently jailed in Britain, faces 18 counts that relate to his alleged role in one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of the United States. On Thursday, a grand jury indictment was unsealed to reveal allegations against Assange, who is accused of working with former US army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in unlawfully obtaining and disclosing hundreds of thousands of classified documents. The Justice Department said that by publishing unredacted versions of the leaked files, Assange put named human sources at a grave and imminent risk. The department alleges the pair conspired with reason to believe that the information was to be used to the injury of the United States or the advantage of a foreign nation. According to WikiLeaks, the charges, 17 of which are under the First World War-era Espionage Act, carry 175 years in prison if convicted. WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Kristinn Hrafnsson branded the new charges the evil of lawlessness in its purest form, while the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said the move was an extraordinary escalation of the Trump administrations attacks on journalism. John Pilger, the Bafta-winning documentary maker, warned that modern fascism is breaking cover, tweeting: Tomorrow it will be you on the New York Times, you on the BBC. WIKILEAKS RESPONDS TO ESPIONAGE ACT INDICTMENT AGAINST ASSANGE: UNPRECEDENTED ATTACK ON FREE PRESS pic.twitter.com/F0iUyr0R7F WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) May 24, 2019 US actress Pamela Anderson, who struck up an unlikely friendship with Assange, said more people should be proud of him. The Australian was dramatically dragged from the Ecuadorian embassy in Knightsbridge, central London, last month, some seven years after he sought political asylum after the documents were published. He was then jailed for 50 weeks for a bail breach and is fighting against extradition to the US. Following his arrest Mr Javid told the Commons that it would be for the courts to determine whether there was any legal reason for Mr Assange to avoid extradition. The Home Secretary added: It is right that we implement the judicial process fairly and consistently, with due respect for equality before the law. In a statement on Friday, WikiLeaks said: The final decision on Assanges extradition rests with the UK Home Secretary, who is now under enormous pressure to protect the rights of the free press in the UK and elsewhere. Press rights advocates have unanimously argued that Assanges prosecution under the Espionage Act is incompatible with basic democratic principles. This is the gravest attack on press freedom of the century. WikiLeaks said the charges relate to disclosures of war crimes and human rights abuses by the US government that were published online in 2010 and 2011. The organisation warned the indictment demonstrated extraterritorial application of US law and ignored Assanges rights as a journalist under the First Amendment of the US Constitution. Assange was dramatically dragged from the Ecuadorian embassy in Knightsbridge, central London, last month (Victoria Jones/PA) Mr Hrafnsson said: This is the evil of lawlessness in its purest form. With the indictment, the leader of the free world dismisses the First Amendment hailed as a model of press freedom around the world and launches a blatant extraterritorial assault outside its borders, attacking basic principles of democracy in Europe and the rest of the world. Only one charge, of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, had previously been revealed against Assange. His lawyer, Barry J Pollack, said the initial charge had been a fig leaf. These unprecedented charges demonstrate the gravity of the threat the criminal prosecution of Julian Assange poses to all journalists in their endeavour to inform the public about actions that have been taken by the US government. The war on Julian #Assange is now a war on all. Eighteen absurd charges including espionage send a burning message to every journalist, every publisher. The target today is #Assange. Tomorrow it will be you on the New York Times, you on the BBC. Modern fascism is breaking cover. John Pilger (@johnpilger) May 23, 2019 The ACLU said the new charges established a dangerous precedent that can be used to target all news organisations that hold the government accountable by publishing its secrets. Pilger tweeted: The war on Julian #Assange is now a war on all. Eighteen absurd charges including espionage send a burning message to every journalist, every publisher. The target today is #Assange. Tomorrow it will be you on the New York Times, you on the BBC. Modern fascism is breaking cover. According to the US Justice Department, Manning handed over databases containing roughly 90,000 Afghanistan war-related significant activity reports and 400,000 Iraq war-related significant activities reports, the Justice Department said. There were also 800 Guantanamo Bay detainee assessment briefs and 250,000 US Department of State cables, it added. When Chelsea face Arsenal in Baku on Wednesday it will be only the third time there has been an all-English tie in the combined history of the UEFA Cup and Europa League. With fewer teams qualifying in the first place and some of those that do perhaps not treating Europes secondary competition as a priority, few English teams make it to the later stages where they might be drawn together, leaving this years final as something of a rarity. But though the history is brief it is pretty rich all the same given the calibre of the two that have come before. Wolves v Tottenham 1971-72 (Tottenham won 3-2 on aggregate) Alan Mullery, top, and Tottenham celebrate with the UEFA Cup (PA) The first all-English affair came in the 1972 UEFA Cup final, which pitted the previous seasons League Cup winners Spurs against a Wolves side who had finished fourth in Division One. This was the first season of the UEFA Cup, newly created to replace the old Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. Spurs won the first leg 2-1 after Martin Chivers struck a stunning late winner at Molineux, having seen his 57th-minute opener cancelled out by Wolves skipper Jim McCalliog. Come the second leg at White Hart Lane, Spurs captain Alan Mullery added to their advantage with a 29th-minute goal and though Dave Wagstaffe pulled a goal back before the break Wolves could not draw level. It was Tottenhams second European honour after lifting the UEFA Cup Winners Cup in 1963 with a rout of Atletico Madrid, and they would win the UEFA Cup again in 1984, beating Anderlecht on penalties. Liverpool v Manchester United 2015-16 (Liverpool won 3-1 on aggregate) Roberto Firmino, second right, fires Liverpool towards victory over Manchester United in 2016 (Peter Byrne/PA) Louis van Gaals Manchester United dropped in to the Europa League midway through the 2015-16 season after finishing third in their Champions League group. They comfortably saw off FC Midtjylland in the last 32 before being paired with a Liverpool side finding their identity in Jurgen Klopps first season in charge. It might not be the stage these two great rivals were used to meeting on but the Europa League proved a fine setting. Anfield was absolutely buzzing for the first leg and Liverpool rewarded their fans with a comfortable 2-0 victory, with Daniel Sturridge scoring from the spot after Memphis Depay fouled Nathaniel Clyne and Roberto Firmino added a second from close range with 17 minutes to go. Only a fine display from David De Gea prevented things getting worse for a disappointing United side. In the second leg at Old Trafford, Anthony Martial scored in the 32nd minute to give United hope, but a brilliant solo goal from Philippe Coutinho on the stroke of half-time killed the tie. While United were out, Liverpool continued to the final where they eventually lost 3-1 to Unai Emerys Sevilla. Arsenal and Chelsea will contest an all-English Europa League final in Azerbaijans capital city Baku on Wednesday. It is the first time two English sides will meet in the tournaments showpiece since Tottenham beat Wolves over two legs in 1972 when the competition was known as the UEFA Cup. Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at the main talking points. Safety first for no-go Mkhitaryan Having considered all the current options, we had to take the tough decision for me not to travel with the squad to the #UEL Final against #Chelsea [...] pic.twitter.com/3CPrTvLquy Henrikh Mkhitaryan (@HenrikhMkh) May 21, 2019 Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will play no part in the final. The Armenia international will not be travelling due to the on-going dispute between his country and Azerbaijan. Despite assurances from Azerbaijan against any threat of violence, the 30-year-old was not convinced about his safety on the pitch and some Gunners fans have debated on social media whether to boycott the final in protest. He has featured in 11 of Arsenals 14 Europa League ties this season, but missed their group game against Qarabag in Baku in October for the same reason. Problems getting there and Baku again UEFA has been criticised for choosing Baku to host a major European final and apologised for the travel chaos experienced by both clubs fans, who face a round trip of 5,000 miles. Arsenal and Chelsea have been allocated only 6,000 tickets each, which represents 17 per cent of the 68,000-capacity Olympic Stadium, due to restrictions over the number of people Bakus airport can handle. Despite concerns the stadium might only be two-thirds full, UEFA has defended its decision, saying it would be utterly unfair to exclude certain venues just based on their decentralised geographical position. Hazard can sign off in style Eden Hazard could be making his final appearance for Chelsea (Mike Egerton/PA) Eden Hazard will want to bow out with a bang in what is expected to be his final game for Chelsea. The 28-year-old, who has said he has made a decision over his future and informed the club, appears likely to join Real Madrid later this summer. The Belgium forward has a year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea are currently fighting a FIFA transfer ban over Financial Fair Play rules and cashing in on their prize asset now, rather than losing him for nothing next summer, would help balance the books. Hazard joined Chelsea from Lille for 32million in 2012. Arrivederci Signor Sarri? Europa League success may not be enough to keep Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge (Steven Paston/PA) Maurizio Sarri could also be involved in his final game for Chelsea as speculation mounts over his future. The 60-year-old has not had an easy ride at Stamford Bridge after replacing fellow Italian Antonio Conte last July. He publicly criticised his players in January, while it has been reported some senior players will look to leave the club if he remains in charge. Champions League qualification and a possible Europa League crown is no guarantee that he will still be at the helm, with Massimiliano Allegri again linked with Chelsea after leaving Juventus and declaring his desire for an immediate new challenge. Emery is Mr Europa League Unai Emery is bidding for a record fourth Europa League win (Tim Goode/PA) Arsenal boss Unai Emery will make it a record-breaking fourth Europa League win as manager if his side overcome their London rivals. Emery, appointed as Arsene Wengers successor just over a year ago, guided his former club Sevilla to three successive tournament wins in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Giovanni Trapattoni is the only other manager to win the tournament three times, with Juventus (1977 and 1993) and Inter Milan (1991). Jose Mourinho (Porto and Manchester United) and Rafael Benitez (Valencia and Chelsea) are among five managers to have won it on two occasions. Prominent Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan has said he fears the party is facing total wipeout in the European elections and will be left without any representation at all. The Brexiteer, who has been a member for South East England since 1999, said he suspected the Conservatives would be left with zero MEPs following Thursdays poll. The Tories face an uneasy wait for the results of the European contests, which will not start being announced until Sunday night. Thank you to everyone who voted for the @Conservatives today. My sense, for what it's worth, is that we are facing a total wipeout - zero MEPs. I just hope our next leader can get Brexit over the line. Daniel Hannan (@DanielJHannan) May 23, 2019 Opinion polls have suggested Nigel Farages Brexit Party is on course for victory, with the election only taking place in the UK because of the delay to Britains departure from the EU. Giving his grim prediction after polls closed, Mr Hannan tweeted: Thank you to everyone who voted for the @Conservatives today. My sense, for what its worth, is that we are facing a total wipeout zero MEPs. I just hope our next leader can get Brexit over the line. The election will see 73 MEPs chosen to represent the UK. Tory MEP Daniel Hannan fears the party with be left with no representation after the European elections (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Results will be announced after 10pm on Sunday, when the final polls have closed across Europe. Voting has begun as Ireland chooses members of the next European Parliament. Two of the 13 elected face an uncertain wait as to when they can take their seats due to the Brexit delay. The Republic is receiving two of the 27 places formerly reserved for the UK which are being redistributed among 14 member states. The UK is participating in the poll, with British MEPs set to attend the inaugural plenary session of the new parliament on July 2. As a result, those elected in last place in Irelands Dublin and South constituencies must wait to see if they can take their seats. Residents on remote Atlantic islands off the coasts of Donegal, Galway and Mayo cast their votes a day early (Niall Carson/PA) Residents on remote Atlantic islands off the coasts of Donegal, Galway and Mayo cast their votes a day early on Thursday. Local council elections are also being held on Friday, as is a referendum on divorce laws with a Yes set to reduce the lengthy period separated couples have to wait before they can obtain a formal divorce. Voters in Cork, Waterford and Limerick will also be able to participate in separate plebiscites on government proposals to create directly elected city mayoral positions with executive functions. Counting in the local elections and divorce referendum will begin on Saturday morning. The European election count for Irelands three constituencies Dublin, South, and Midlands-North-West will commence on Sunday morning at centres in Dublin, Cork and Castlebar, Co Mayo. A Europe-wide embargo means the first results in that poll cannot be declared until 10pm that night. If previous elections are a guide, counting is likely to continue through into Monday. Counting in the mayoral plebiscites is likely to get under way in the three impacted cities on the Monday. The European and local government elections will be the first electoral test for Irelands main parties since the inconclusive general election of 2016. The result delivered a hung parliament and precipitated months of negotiations between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, two parties with a century-old enmity dating back to Irelands Civil War. A historic accord emerged that saw Fianna Fail agree to support a minority Fine Gael-led government through a confidence and supply deal for three years. The parties renewed that arrangement late last year, extending what has been dubbed an era of new politics until early 2020. While Fridays elections focus on European and council issues, the results will no doubt be interpreted as a public judgment on Fine Gaels performance in government and how effectively Fianna Fail has managed the delicate balancing act of holding an administration to account while at the same time propping it up. Other smaller parties in the Oireachtas parliament, such as Sinn Fein, the Green Party and Labour, will hope to be the beneficiaries of any potential public disaffection with new politics. Jose Mourinho believes Tottenham could go on a trophy spree if they can win the Champions League final next week. Mauricio Pochettinos side take on Liverpool in the final in Madrid on June 1. In an interview with Sky Sports, Mourinho who has won the Champions League twice feels that success against Liverpool could be the first of many trophies for Spurs. Of course, Spurs is not winning titles and to win the first one, the biggest one of all, would be, of course, fantastic and would mean to win other domestic trophies (is easier) because the Champions League is the biggest one of all, Mourinho said. Jose Mourinho thinks there is pressure on Jurgen Klopp (Andrew Matthews/PA) I think, big match, of course, with huge levels of pressure. We used to say finals are not to play, finals are to win. Mourinho also believes success would be huge for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp but thinks a third Champions League final defeat for the German would be a big blow. Being a manager and understanding what it means for a manager to play a Champions League final, there is always a negative side of it and the negative side is that one team is going to lose it, Mourinho added. If Jurgen wins, it is an incredible achievement for him, if Jurgen doesnt win you know, to lose three Champions League finals has to be really, really hard. But in this moment, he is a positive guy and I think he just thinks about winning. The clash in Madrid is just one half of the two all-English European finals, with Chelsea and Arsenal contesting the Europa League final in Baku. The Portuguese, who had two spells as Chelsea manager, also reflected on the Blues Europa League final against Arsenal and the future of Eden Hazard. It looks like it is the last match in blue for Eden Hazard, a player that was crucial for Chelsea success in this last generation, the 56-year-old said. I think Eden will try to be what he is the majority of the time, a fantastic player on the pitch and to win and go, possibly, I dont want to say more than possibly, to Real Madrid with a last trophy for Chelsea. Both sets of supporters have faced difficulties, with both unable to sell out their ticket allocation. Mourinho believes there is more pressure on Unai Emerys Arsenal (Tim Goode/PA) I feel sorry for some Chelsea and Arsenal fans that they could not find a way to be in Baku supporting their teams, Mourinho added. Mourinho, who is out of work after being sacked by Manchester United in December, believes the pressure is on Unai Emerys Arsenal in Baku but is delighted to see English sides dominating in Europe. More pressure of course for Arsenal because they play for their season. They play for the Champions League next season, they play for many millions, pride for the success of their season, he said. It is really special, we will have two English teams with two cups. We will have at the start of next season two English teams playing the European Super Cup so thats great news. Hundreds of same-sex couples in Taiwan have rushed to get married on the day a landmark decision to legalise same-sex marriage took effect. Taiwan became the first place in Asia to allow same-sex marriage last week in a legislative vote on a cause that the islands LGBT rights activists have championed for two decades. A household registration office in central Taipei was packed as couples seized the earliest opportunity to tie the knot. Jubilant couples held flower bouquets and posed for photos, smiling and kissing. Hundreds of couples took advantage of the first day of the new law to tie the knot (Johnson Lai/AP) The legalisation of marriage is only the first step, said a 48-year-old novelist who writes under the pen name Chen Hsue. In the future, through this legalisation, I hope LGBT people could be accepted as ordinary people by Taiwanese society, said Ms Chen, who has lived with her partner for more than 10 years. The Interior Ministry said 500 same-sex couples registered their marriages across the island on Friday. A Taipei resident who identified himself only by a nickname said tearfully that he and his partner feel lucky they are able to announce in front of everyone that they are gay and have got married. The two men wore matching pastel pink suits and stood in front of a rainbow display featuring messages blessing the newlyweds. Several couples requested that their real names not be made public because they fear the stigma around being gay in Taiwan. Kristin Huan, a YouTube blogger, said she and her partner Amber can strengthen other peoples faith and hope by sharing their story online. Coming out of the closet is a very difficult process for every gay person, Ms Huan said. Taiwan split from mainland China amid civil war in 1949, though Chinas ruling Communist Party claims the island as part of its territory. Same-sex marriage is not legal in mainland China, and while LGBT rights advocates have made progress over the years in raising awareness and promoting tolerance, depictions of same-sex relationships are still regularly censored on Chinese TV and social media. Theresa Mays legacy as Prime Minister will be defined by her fateful decision to call a snap election and the Brexit chaos that followed. She arrived in Downing Street on July 13 2016 faced with the task of bringing together party and country after the traumas of the EU referendum. She will be leaving with her party fractured and the country still divided over Europe. Her premiership has been dominated by tortuous negotiations in Brussels and vicious infighting within Tory ranks over the terms on which the UK would leave. Mrs May, 62, marked her arrival with an impassioned promise on the steps of Number 10 to tackle the burning injustices which hold back the poor, ethnic minorities, women and the working classes in modern British society. Theresa May arrives at Downing Street after being appointed prime minister (Stefan Rousseau/PA) But her disasterous decision the following year to hold a snap election deprived her of her slim majority in the House of Commons, leaving her dependent on the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). From that point on, she was engaged in a day-by-day battle to force her agenda through and maintain the fragile unity of her Government. She lost more than 30 ministers most of them quitting over her Brexit plans saw her keynote policy defeated by a record-breaking 230 votes and suffered the indignity of having her Government found in contempt of Parliament. It all looked so different when Leave-backing leadership rival Andrea Leadsom dropped out of the contest to succeed David Cameron, clearing the way for former Remainer Mrs May to take office without a vote of Tory members. Hailed by some commentators as a new Iron Lady, the vicars daughter hardened by six years as home secretary immediately showed her ruthless streak, sacking both Michael Gove and chancellor George Osborne, with whom she had clashed in Cabinet. In her first speech to Conservative conference, she shocked many by setting out red lines for withdrawal which put Britain on track for a hard Brexit. She dismissed her critics as people who saw themselves as citizens of the world but were in fact citizens of nowhere. Determined to show she was taking the UK into a new global role, she rushed to be the first world leader to meet Donald Trump at the White House after his inauguration in January 2017. But footage of her holding hands with the US president exposed her to ridicule and raised questions about her closeness to a man whose unpredictability was already causing concern in capitals around the world. Mrs Mays awkward demeanour and endlessly repeated `strong and stable mantra saw her dubbed the Maybot during the 2017 election campaign (Danny Lawson/PA) The decision to call an early election in the hope of securing the comfortable majority she needed to implement her Brexit plans was taken on an Easter walking holiday in Snowdonia with husband Philip. A poorly received manifesto and hastily withdrawn social care policy, coupled with a robotic campaigning style and a surprise outbreak of Corbynmania, saw her squander a 20-point lead in the polls and lose 13 MPs. When the dust had settled her Tory majority had been wiped out and a visibly distraught Mrs May had to turn to the DUP to prop her up in Parliament, with 1 billion in extra Government funds going to Northern Ireland in return. That years conference in Manchester ended in humiliation as she was handed a P45 by a comedian on stage, lost her voice to a persistent cough and ended her speech with letters falling off the backdrop behind her. Comedian Simon Brodkin interrupted Mrs Mays disastrous conference speech in Manchester (Peter Byrne/PA) In December, she seemed to salvage the Brexit deal, finalising a Withdrawal Agreement with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker after a pre-dawn flight to Brussels. But that agreement contained the seeds of future troubles, introducing the controversial backstop customs arrangements for Northern Ireland which were to be fiercely opposed by the DUP and hardline Tory Brexiteers. Her attempt to unify her Cabinet behind her deal at Chequers in July 2018 led foreign secretary Boris Johnson and Brexit secretary David Davis to walk out of the Government. They were followed in November by Mr Daviss successor Dominic Raab and other Leave-backing ministers, who quit in protest at the final deal agreed with leaders of the other 27 EU states in Brussels. Meanwhile, Mr Trumps summer visit to the UK only deepened her woes, as he said her Government was in turmoil and that Mr Johnson has what it takes to be PM, only to blithely shrug his comments off as she gritted her teeth alongside him at a sun-drenched Chequers press conference. There were awkward moments for Theresa May during Donald Trumps visit to the UK in 2018 (Stefan Rousseau/PA) By the winter, Mrs May was in open warfare with the DUP and many of her own backbenchers, who said her deal would leave the UK in a state of vassalage. She survived no-confidence motions from her own MPs and Labours Jeremy Corbyn, but was forced to postpone the key meaningful vote ratifying her Brexit deal when it became clear she was heading for defeat. When the deal was finally put to a vote in January this year, it was crushed by the largest majority in modern parliamentary history. And it fared little better when it returned in March, defeated by 149 votes with scores of Tories rebelling, and more unhappiness in the ranks as another extension was sought. (PA Graphics) A third vote on the original Brexit date of March 29 was prefaced by a promise from Mrs May to quit if the deal passed, but even that was not enough to secure victory and the Government was again defeated, this time by 58 votes. There was Tory mutiny as it became clear the UK would have to go through EU elections on May 23 and the Prime Minister faced mounting calls to immediately set out her departure timetable. Chairman of the 1922 backbenchers committee, Sir Graham Brady, threw the beleaguered leader a lifeline by allowing her extra time to strike a deal with Labour and hold another vote before setting out a schedule. Prime Minister Theresa May and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (PA) However, putting her future into the hands of Jeremy Corbyn failed too and talks with Labour collapsed on May 17. With a fourth vote pencilled in for the first week in June, Mrs May made a last-ditch plea for compromise on Tuesday, but her plan was pronounced dead on arrival. Mrs May was left to face down hostile MPs in the Commons on Wednesday as a flurry of no-confidence letters were publicly handed over to Sir Graham. With MPs from all sides rejecting her fourth attempt at reaching agreement before it even reached a vote, the ship of her Brexit compromise deal appeared holed beneath the waterline and about to take down Mrs May too. Mrs Leadsom resigned as Leader of the House of Commons on Wednesday night and other key ministers made clear their disquiet with the new Brexit plan. Theresa May and her husband Philip arrive to cast their votes at a polling station near her Maidenhead constituency (Victoria Jones/PA) By the time Mrs May left Downing Street to vote in the European Parliament elections on Thursday, proposals to publish her latest Withdrawal Agreement Bill had been postponed. And with her party facing a drubbing in those elections, an announcement about her final departure from Downing Street became inevitable. Teachers mourning in black at Regional Delegation Facebook Teachers in Bamenda have denounced the constant killing, abduction on their profession, with the latest case being that of Wountai Voundou Olivier, history and Geography teacher at Government Bilingual High School Nitop, Bamenda. These teachers along with the entire education family in Bamenda staged a peaceful protest at the Regional delegation of Secondary last Friday, calling on a ceasefire and an end to violence in both North West and South West regions. In a statement issued by leaders of teachers trade unions found in the Anglophone regions, revealed a good number of education stakeholders have paid the price of the ongoing crisis through attacks from both ends. The trade unions include those protecting Baptist, Presbyterian, and catholic schools. They made a call to persons of good will to join hands on deck and push for a peaceful settlement of the crisis, so that loves can be spared. They implored the civil, administrative and security officials to play their role of protecting citizens. To hem, the Head of State, should initiate dialogue as soon as possible, while all persons of goodwill should prepare for all children to go back to school in September 2019. The Governor of the North West, Adolphe Lele Lafrique had ordered for an investigation on the killing and beheading of Mr. Wountai Olivier Voundou, as well as the recovery of other parts of his body. His head rolled out of a bag at Mobil Nkwen, Bamenda, dropped by armed separatists on the 21st of May, 2019. His remains will be removed from the Bamenda Hospital mortuary on Wednesday 29th of May, and will be taken to the regional delegation of secondary education, where colleagues and other stakeholders will pay their last respect to the deceased, before his coffin is transferred to his homeland, Guider in the North region. One of Theresa Mays closest allies, Damian Green, has paid tribute to her as her departure draws closer. The Prime Minister has arrived in Downing Street where she is understood to be meeting 1922 Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady after a cabinet revolt over her latest Brexit plan and the delay of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill (WAB). Tory backbenchers representative Sir Graham is expected to insist that she should set out when she will resign, with a 1922 Committee source telling the Press Association Mrs Mays departure date is likely to be June 10. Sir Graham Brady, Chairman of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Meanwhile, one of her closest allies paid tribute to her leadership and spoke openly about who should succeed her on BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Her former de facto deputy Damian Green said a difficult hand to play was made impossible by losing her majority in the snap general election. He said: Suddenly and unexpectedly becoming Prime Minister after the seismic shock of the Brexit referendum meant she was dealt an extremely difficult hand to play. The truth is, having an election a year later, which cut the Conservative Partys majority, then at that point it is impossible. Conservative MP Damian Green (Yui Mok/PA) Mr Green added she could not recover from the resignation of former Brexit secretary David Davis in July last year. He said: I think the key point where it went off the rails was when David Davis resigned from Cabinet. I think being able to have a deal that kept him and probably Boris Johnson inside would have made all the difference that seems to have been the turning point. Former Brexit secretary David Davis (PA) Meanwhile, former Middle East Minister Alistair Burt said he could vote for Boris Johnson to take over from Mrs May at Number 10. When asked whether he could back Mr Johnson, he told the Today programme: The answer to the question for almost all the candidates is yes. I would find it very difficult to support a candidate who said it was in Britains best interest to leave with no deal, leave straight away, WTO I dont expect any candidate really to say that. Helen Grant, the Conservative vice chair for Communities (Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament) Meanwhile, Helen Grant, Conservative vice chair for Communities, resigned to actively and openly support one of the new leadership candidates. In a letter to the Tory Party chairman Brandon Lewis, she said: Regrettably, I must now give notice of my resignation because I wish to actively and openly support one of the new leadership candidates and would not want there to be any perception of a conflict between the candidates campaign and my role at CCHQ. The PM has, of course, said she will be leaving, a decision that I respect and believe to be right. I have a close relationship with my local Association and they are fully supportive of this decision. The Prime Ministers private meeting with Sir Graham could be the moment she sets the date for her exit from Downing Street. A 1922 Committee source told the Press Association they expected June 10 to be the day Mrs May chooses. Hopefully what will happen is she will stand down as Tory leader I think on or before June 10, and she will hopefully remain as caretaker Prime Minister until such time as a new Tory leader is elected, they said. My feeling is that she will stay until June 10. (PA Graphics) The source said a new leader would ideally be in place by the end of the summer to get a Brexit deal through Parliament before October 31, the date currently set for the UKs exit from the European Union. Mrs Mays leadership appears fatally damaged by the reaction to her latest Brexit deal, which offers MPs a vote on whether to hold a second referendum and a choice which could leave the UK in a temporary customs union with the EU both measures which are unacceptable to Tory Eurosceptics. The scale of Cabinet anger at the legislation which led to Andrea Leadsoms resignation as leader of the House of Commons on Wednesday night was made clear by two of Mrs Mays most senior ministers. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt leaves the Cabinet meeting in 10 Downing Street, London (PA) Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt is understood to have told the Prime Minister to ditch the WAB completely, saying it was clear it would not pass. It was a step too far to ask Tory MPs to vote for it under those circumstances, he told the Prime Minister. Home Secretary Sajid Javid set out his concerns about the prospect of another referendum (Isabel Infantes/PA) Mr Javid had a frank discussion with the Prime Minister about the plan, making it clear he does not believe the Government should be paving the way for a second referendum. The WAB had been due to be published on Friday but that has been delayed in a sign of the chaos at the top of the Government. MPs were told that the Government now intends to publish the Bill in the week beginning June 3. In a sign that Mrs Mays departure may come within weeks, rather than days, the Foreign Secretary said he expected her to still be Prime Minister when US president Donald Trump visits the UK on June 3. In response to a question following a speech at the National Cyber Security Centre, he said: Theresa May will be Prime Minister to welcome him and rightly so. Digital minister Margot James told the Press Association Mrs May was being hounded out of office because Parliament will not make a decision and the parties just have an inability to compromise over Brexit. A tearful Theresa May announced she was quitting the job it had been the honour of my life to hold as she set out the timetable for her exit from Number 10. The Prime Minister said she will resign as Tory leader on June 7, paving the way for the potentially brutal contest to replace her to begin the following week. Here are the latest developments: 12.07pm Strong and brave speech by a Prime Minister driven by duty and service she should be thanked for her tireless efforts on behalf of the country. Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/4XpEZIzrxh David Cameron (@David_Cameron) May 24, 2019 12.06pm In a Twitter thread, the Archbishop of Canterbury said: During the last three years of leading our nation through times of profound change and uncertainty, Theresa May has shown determination, resilience and a sense of public duty that has never wavered. That is a service to us all that deserves our admiration and gratitude. As Mrs May prepares to stand down from office over the coming months, this is a moment to pause and pray for her and her husband, Philip, whose support has been unwavering, and for all those around them working to ensure a smooth transition into new leadership. He added: Every day in churches across the country, we pray for our political leaders. We pray that they be guided and strengthened in wise leadership that strives for the common good. In these critical times in our shared national life, people of faith should commit to pray for all those who lead, all those who are led, and work together with all of goodwill, especially for those who are vulnerable and on the margins. As Christians we pray that our society would be shaped around Christs hope-filled vision of abundant life for every person. 12.06pm 12.01pm The EUs chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Twitter: I would like to express my full respect for @theresa_may and for her determination, as Prime Minister, in working towards the #UKs orderly withdrawal from the EU. 11.58am 11.58am 11.56am In a joint statement, Tory party chairman Brandon Lewis, and vice chairs of the 1922 Committee Dame Cheryl Gillan and Charles Walker said they were saddened by Mrs Mays decision but understand it and thank her for her years of service to our party and our nation. As an activist, a councillor, a devoted constituency MP, a loyal member of the Shadow Cabinet in our long years of opposition, our first female party chairman, as a bold and reforming Home Secretary, and throughout her time as our nations second female Prime Minister, she has shown great dedication, courage and tenacity. She embodies the finest qualities of public service and, with this decision, has once again demonstrated her strong sense of duty and devotion to the national interest. After the Prime Minister has resigned as leader of the Conservative Party, we will begin the process to elect a new leader. The timetable for this is set by the Executive of the 1922 Committee after consultation with the party board, which includes representatives of the voluntary, Parliamentary and professional party. We intend that the Parliamentary stages of the contest which involves determining the final choice of candidates to put before all members of the party should begin with the close of nominations in the week commencing June 10. 11.43am 1/2 I voted for #TheresaMay believing she would follow #OneNation Conservatism. I was wrong. But Mays biggest failing was her own inability to compromise having laid down her #Brexit red lines which she has never moved on, not even after losing 2017 GE. Anna Soubry (@Anna_Soubry) May 24, 2019 11.36am Here is Theresa Mays resignation speech in full: 11.30am Chancellor Philip Hammond tweeted: Theresa May has served this country as Prime Minister with great dignity & commitment for nearly three years. She has worked tirelessly to deliver Brexit & to forge the compromise that will be necessary to do so. It has been a privilege to serve alongside her as her Chancellor. 11.23am 11.15am DUP leader Arlene Foster said: After the General Election in June 2017, we worked with the Prime Minister and her team through the Confidence and Supply Agreement. Whilst at times there were differences in our approach, particularly on Brexit, we enjoyed a respectful and courteous relationship. In particular, I commend and thank the Prime Minister for her dutiful approach on national issues and her willingness to recognise Northern Irelands need for additional resources through Confidence and Supply arrangements. I pay tribute to her selfless service in the interests of the United Kingdom and wish her well for the future. 11.13am A combination photo of Prime Minister Theresa May (left) making a speech outside Downing Street in July 2016 after meeting the Queen and accepting her invitation to become Prime Minister and form a new government, and Mrs May making her statement (Hannah McKay/Yui Mok/PA) 11.09am Liberal Democrats Leader Sir Vince Cable tweeted: The Prime Minister is right to recognise that her administration has reached the end of the road. Sadly her compromises through the last three years have too often been with the right-wing of her own party, rather than about bringing the country together. Conservative Party interest has always trumped national interest, and yet Conservative MPs continue to demand an ever more extreme Brexit policy. The best and only option remains to take Brexit back to the people. I believe the public would now choose to stop Brexit. 11.09am It is difficult not to feel for Mrs May, but politically she misjudged the mood of the country and her party. Two Tory leaders have now gone whose instincts were pro-EU. Either the party learns that lesson or it dies. Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) May 24, 2019 11.08am 11.01am Theresa May was driven out of Downing Street by the rear exit accompanied by her husband Philip and escorted by a convoy of unmarked police cars. 10.58am Theresa May leaves Downing Street after her statement (Dominic Lipinski/PA) 10.54am Mr Corbyn continued: The last thing the country needs is weeks of more Conservative infighting followed by yet another unelected Prime Minister. Whoever becomes the new Conservative Leader must let the people decide our countrys future, through an immediate General Election. 10.53am Picture Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour Party, said: She has now accepted what the country has known for months: she cannot govern, and nor can her divided and disintegrating party. The burning injustices she promised to tackle three years ago are even starker today. The Conservative Party has utterly failed the country over Brexit and is unable to improve peoples lives or deal with their most pressing needs. Parliament is deadlocked and the Conservatives offer no solutions to the other major challenges facing our country. 10.50am Several more leadership candidates offered tributes to the PM on Twitter. Home Secretary Sajid Javid said: Nobody could have worked harder or had a greater sense of public duty than the Prime Minister. Her dedication in taking our country forward has been monumental. She has served her country with fortitude and we are grateful to her for it. Prisons Minister Rory Stewart tweeted: The Prime Minister has been an immensely dignified public servant it has been a great honour to work with her and for her we owe @theresa_may a great debt of gratitude. 10.49am What a hypocrite https://t.co/qY5opxXLlc Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 24, 2019 10.49am Theresa May shows emotion during the statement (Yui Mok/PA) 10.48am 10.46am Incredibly moving and dignified speech from the Prime Minister. She has given all in service of her country. Thank you Theresa. Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) May 24, 2019 10.43am Bookmaker Ladbrokes said Boris Johnson was the immediate favourite to replace Mrs May, at odds of 5-4. Dominic Raab was second at 5-1, according to the company, while Andrea Leadsom and Michael Gove were tied in third place at 10-1. They were followed by Jeremy Hunt (12-1), Penny Mordaunt, Sajid Javid and Rory Stewart (all 20-1). 10.40am A very dignified statement from @theresa_may. Thank you for your stoical service to our country and the Conservative Party. It is now time to follow her urgings: to come together and deliver Brexit. Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) May 24, 2019 10.40am 10.37am Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd said: As a Party we must come together to make a success of the next phase of our Partys great story. Brexit is a process and compromise is needed to pass a Deal that works for everyone. We must show we can lead this great country to the strong future that I know we can deliver. 10.35am Irish premier Leo Varadkar described Mrs May as honourable and deeply passionate. In a statement, he said: I got to know Theresa May very well over the last two years. She is principled, honourable and deeply passionate about doing her best for her country, and her party. Politicians throughout the EU have admired her tenacity, her courage and her determination during what has been a difficult and challenging time. Theresa May strove to chart a new future for the United Kingdom. I want to wish her the very best for the future. I look forward to working closely with her successor. 10.33am Whilst we have had differences with Theresa May on Brexit I have always found the Prime Minister very courteous and pleasant to work with on a personal basis. I thank her for her public service and wish her well. Nigel Dodds (@NigelDoddsDUP) May 24, 2019 10.32am The Prime Ministers Chief of Staff Gavin Barwell tweeted: As the PMs Chief of Staff for the last two years, I have seen at first hand her commitment to public service and her incredible resilience as she has confronted the biggest challenge any British Government has faced since the Second World War. It has been an honour to serve her. 10.31am Dignified as ever, @theresa_may showed her integrity. She remains a dedicated public servant, patriot and loyal Conservative. https://t.co/2YjBp0x8HM Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) May 24, 2019 10.28am Prominent European Research Group member Steve Baker, who strongly opposed the PMs Brexit deal, tweeted: Very dignified statement from Theresa May, beginning to set out the many things which she has achieved in office. This is a sad but necessary day. 10.28am A moving speech from a Prime Minister who deserves our respect and gratitude. Thank you @theresa_may Michael Gove (@michaelgove) May 24, 2019 10.27am Andrea Leadsom, who resigned as Commons Leader on Wednesday, tweeted: A very dignified speech by @theresa_may. An illustration of her total commitment to country and duty. She did her utmost, and I wish her all the very best. 10.27am Theresa May re-enters Downing Street after making her statement (Yui Mok/PA) 10.25am Have listened now to her statement and yes it's hard to hear her emotion. She deserves our respect but not an unwavering whitewash. Our country desperately needed and needs leadership that doesn't pander to their bases and speaks and hears the country Jess Phillips MP (@jessphillips) May 24, 2019 10.25am 10.24am Mrs May said the unique privilege of being PM is to use the platform to give a voice to the voiceless and to fight the burning injustices that still scar our society. She listed her work on mental health care, domestic abuse, the race disparity audit, gender pay reporting, and the Grenfell Tower inquiry. The Prime Minister said: This country is a union: not just a family of four nations, but a union of people, all of us whatever our background, the colour of our skin or who we love, we stand together and together we have a great future. Our politics may be under strain but there is so much that is good about this country. So much to be proud of, so much to be optimistic about. 10.23am Scottish Secretary David Mundell said it was time to get on with the process of choosing a new prime minister. I am very sorry it has come to this. Nobody could have worked harder, or shown a greater sense of public duty, in delivering the result of the EU referendum than Theresa May, he said. She has my utmost respect for those endeavours, in the most challenging of circumstances, as well as her unswerving commitment to the Union. As Mrs May herself acknowledges, she has, however unfairly, become an impediment to the resolution of Brexit and was no longer being given a hearing by Parliament. Yesterdays elections will surely show that delivering Brexit is now more urgent than ever, and that will fall to a new Prime Minister. Its time to get on with the process of appointing one. 10.23am 2. Her departure will not solve the Brexit mess that the Tories have created. Only putting the matter back to the people can do that. Given current circumstances, it also feels deeply wrong for another Tory to be installed in Number 10 without a General Election. Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 24, 2019 10.21am Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liz Truss, a candidate to replace Mrs May, tweeted: Very dignified statement from the Prime Minister. She has put her all into the job and has shown huge resilience at this difficult time. #ThankYou #PMStatement 10.19am I want to pay tribute to the PM today. Delivering Brexit was always going to be a huge task, but one she met every day with courage & resolve. NHS will have an extra 20bn thanks to her support, and she leaves the country safer and more secure. A true public servant. Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) May 24, 2019 10.19am Labour MP David Lammy, who opposes Brexit, tweeted: Theresa Mays premiership was doomed from the moment she bound the country to the ERGs impossible red lines. Every PM who maintains the fantasy that we can leave the EU but keep the benefits is destined to fail and sadly the next one may bring the country with them. 10.17am Mrs May said that in order to deliver Brexit, her successor would have to build a consensus in Parliament. It is and will always remain a matter of deep regret that that I have not been able to deliver Brexit, she said. It will be for my successor to seek a way forward that honours the result of the referendum. To succeed, he or she will have to find consensus in Parliament where I have not. Such a consensus can only be reached if those on all sides of the debate are willing to compromise. 10.16am Theresa May makes her statement (Aaron Chown/PA) 10.15am After the PM broke down in tears, Change UK Interim Leader Heidi Allen tweeted: Oh @theresa_may , why didnt we see that emotion more? Things could have been so different. 10.15am The Prime Minister has shown great courage. She is a public servant who did all she could to bring Brexit to a resolution. Her sense of duty is something everyone should admire and aspire to. Amber Rudd (@AmberRuddUK) May 24, 2019 10.14am Mrs May, her voice cracking, concluded her speech saying: I will shortly leave the job that it has been the honour of my life to hold. The second female prime minister, but certainly not the last. I do so with no ill will, but with enormous and enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love. 10.14am Mrs May said that the process of electing her successor would begin the week after she finally stepped down as Conservative leader. She said that she had informed the Queen that she would continue to serve as Prime Minister until that process was complete. 10.13am .@theresa_may has acted with dignity and honour in pursuit of what she believes to be in the national interest, the hallmark of her time in public life. Dr Liam Fox MP (@LiamFox) May 24, 2019 10.12am Picture Theresa May has announced she is standing down as Tory party leader on Friday June 7. 9.53am Theresa May is expected to make a statement at around 10am, Downing Street confirmed. 9.52am (PA Graphics) 9.50am Broadcasting equipment and a lectern have been set up in Downing Street amid expectations the PMs statement will be within the next 30 minutes. 9.43am Helen Grant, the Conservative vice chair for Communities, has resigned from her position in order to actively and openly support one of the new leadership candidates, she said on Twitter. It is with regret that I have today resigned as @Conservatives Vice Chair for Communities. Now is the time for new leadership to deliver Brexit and unite our Party and our Country. pic.twitter.com/vNzRi0MYTK Helen Grant (@HelenGrantMP) May 24, 2019 9.41am (PA Graphics) 9.38am Calm before the storm: Larry the cat sits outside 10 Downing Street (Yui Mok/PA) 9.37am Former chancellor Ken Clarke suggested the majority of Tory MPs did not support their own party in the European election. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I suspect the majority of Conservative MPs did not vote Conservative yesterday. 9.34am 9.32am Former Middle East Minister Alistair Burt said he could vote for Boris Johnson to take over from Theresa May. When asked whether he could back Mr Johnson, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: The answer to the question for almost all the candidates is yes. I would find it very difficult to support a candidate who said it was in Britains best interest to leave with no deal, leave straight away, WTO I dont expect any candidate really to say that. 9.30am The Prime Minister has arrived in Downing Street where she is understood to be meeting 1922 Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady after a cabinet revolt over her latest Brexit plan and the delay of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill (WAB). Tory backbenchers representative Sir Graham is expected to insist that she should set out when she will resign, with a 1922 Committee source telling the Press Association Mrs Mays departure date is likely to be June 10. Tributes have been paid to Bishop Joseph Devine, who has died at the age of 82. Bishop Devine served as Bishop of Motherwell for 30 years and died on Thursday at Wishaw General Hospital, North Lanarkshire, after a period of illness. In 1960 he was ordained as a priest in Glasgow and became a bishop in 1977 when he was ordained by Thomas Joseph Winning whose funeral sermon was conducted by Bishop Devine in 2003. He served there for six years before moving to Motherwell in 1983, where he remained until retiring in 2013 on his 75th birthday, as is expected of bishops. Bishop Joseph Toal, his successor as Bishop of Motherwell, said: All in the Diocese of Motherwell feel the sadness of the death of our Bishop Eremitus, Rt Rev Joseph Devine, yesterday evening. We acknowledge and give thanks to God for his faithful and very full ministry as a bishop and priest. I heard of the news of his death in Wishaw General Hospital as I was about to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation, something which Bishop Devine celebrated hundreds of times, and it is for this that many in the Diocese remember him best. Through his years, Bishop Devine served the Catholic Church in Scotland through his full participation and valued contribution to the work of the Bishops Conference of Scotland, particularly in regard to Catholic Education. Although he was very ill through the last days of his life, he was still very alert and very much himself. I suspect he would have liked to have lived another couple of days to know the outcome of Saturdays Scottish Cup final. I thank those who nursed him through his last week on earth and those who attended to him at home through the years since his retirement. Bishop Devine delivered the sermon at the funeral of Cardinal Thomas Winning in 2013 (Ben Curtis/PA) Details of Bishop Devines funeral are yet to be announced. Bishop Hugh Gilbert, Bishops Conference of Scotland president, said: On behalf of the Bishops Conference of Scotland, I would like to offer Bishop Devines family our deepest and most prayerful sympathies. During his active years as a bishop, he made a lasting and significant contribution to work of the Bishops Conference. We ask God to grant him eternal rest after his distinguished ministry as a priest and bishop in Scotland and give thanks for all that he did for the church in our country over the past 59 years of his priesthood. May God rest his soul. A top police officer is being investigated after an alleged incident of public indecency. Chief Superintendent Gareth Blair of Police Scotland was found by colleagues engaged in alleged sexual activity with a woman at a park and ride in Edinburgh on Tuesday, according to The Sun. Claims about the married officer have been referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc), which has now launched a probe. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: Police attended a report of alleged public indecency in Edinburgh on Tuesday. The circumstances have been highlighted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) who has instructed the Pirc to investigate. Police Scotland will fully co-operate with the Pircs inquiries. Chief Superintendent Gareth Blair is Commander of Edinburgh Division (David Cheskin/PA) A Pirc spokesman said: We are investigating allegations of potential criminality against an officer of Police Scotland and it would be inappropriate to comment further on a live inquiry. The matter was referred to the Pirc by the COPFS and a report on the commissioners findings will be submitted to the COPFS in due course. Chief Superintendent Blair took up his current post as Commander of Edinburgh Division in June. Theresa Mays turbulent leadership of the Conservative Party will end on June 7, paving the way for a new prime minister to lead the Brexit process. A tearful Prime Minister said she had done my best to get her Withdrawal Agreement through Parliament and take the UK out of the European Union but acknowledged she had failed. It is and will always remain a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit, she said in Downing Street. Watched by husband Philip and her closest aides, an emotional Mrs May said it was in the best interests of the country for a new prime minister to lead that effort. Announcing her departure from a job she loved, Mrs May said: I am today announcing that I will resign as leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party on Friday 7th June so that a successor can be chosen. Concluding her resignation statement, Mrs May broke down as she said it had been the honour of my life to serve the country that I love. Helen Grant, the Conservative vice chair for Communities (Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament) Earlier, in a sign that the leadership race to replace Mrs May is already under way, Helen Grant quit as Conservative vice chair for communities to actively and openly support Dominic Raab. She quit her Tory party role to avoid any perception of a conflict between Mr Raabs campaign and Conservative HQ. Ms Grant said the former Brexit secretary has an inspiring vision for a fairer Britain and I think he is undoubtedly the best person to unite the Conservative Party and our country. North Korea has said nuclear negotiations with the US will never resume unless the Trump administration moves away from what Pyongyang described as unilateral demands for disarmament. The statement by an unnamed North Korean foreign ministry spokesman published in state media was the countrys latest expression of displeasure over the stalled negotiations as it continues to press Washington to soften its stance on enforcing sanctions against the Norths crippled economy. It came as President Donald Trump prepares to travel to Japan this weekend for a summit with prime minister Shinzo Abe in which the North Korean nuclear issue is likely to be high on the agenda. In the statement carried by Pyongyangs official Korean Central News Agency, the North Korean spokesman accused the US of deliberately causing Februarys collapse of talks between Mr Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with unilateral and impossible demands. Kim Jong Un meeting Donald Trump (Evan Vucci/AP) We hereby make it clear once again that the United States would not be able to move us even an inch with the device it is now weighing in its mind, and the further its mistrust and hostile acts toward the DPRK grow, the fiercer our reaction will be, the statement said, referring to North Koreas formal name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. Unless the United States puts aside the current method of calculation and comes forward with a new method of calculation, the DPRK-US dialogue will never be resumed and by extension, the prospect for resolving the nuclear issue will be much gloomy, the statement added. The US has said the Trump-Kim talks broke down because of North Korean demands for sanctions relief in exchange for a partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities. Mr Kim has since declared that the Trump administration has until the end of the year to come up with mutually acceptable terms for a deal. Fridays statement follows two separate launches of short-range missiles earlier this month, which ended a pause in North Koreas ballistic missile launches that began in late 2017 and was seen as measured brinkmanship aimed at increasing pressure on Washington without actually causing the negotiations to collapse. The North has also strongly protested over the recent US seizure of a North Korean cargo ship that had been involved in banned coal exports and demanded the vessel be immediately returned. Following the collapse of the Trump-Kim summit, North Korea also significantly slowed the pace of its engagement with South Korea, which has been eager to improve bilateral relations and help revive discussions between Washington and Pyongyang. Seoul earlier this week vowed to push ahead with plans to resume large-scale humanitarian aid to the North, but it is unclear whether any aid package from South Korea would influence the behaviour of North Korea, which has been demanding much bigger concessions such as the resumption of inter-Korean economic projects currently blocked by US-led sanctions. It is deeply concerning a hardline Brexiteer could become the next Prime Minister and threaten a no-deal exit from the EU, Nicola Sturgeon has said. Following Theresa Mays announcement on Friday that she would be stepping down on June 7, Scotlands First Minister warned her departure would not solve the Brexit mess. She said it would be wrong for Mrs Mays successor to take office without calling a General Election. 1. I wish Theresa May well. She and I had profound disagreements - not least on her handling of Brexit and her disregard for Scotlands interests. However, leadership is tough - especially in these times - and she deserves thanks for her service. Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 24, 2019 Ms Sturgeon added Mrs Mays resignation also outlines the importance of Scotland being given the chance to vote again on the question of independence. The First Minister said: I wish Theresa May well. She and I had profound disagreements not least on her handling of Brexit and her disregard for Scotlands interests. However, leadership is tough especially in these times and she deserves thanks for her service. Prime Minister Theresa May and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (Jane Barlow/PA) Her departure will not solve the Brexit mess that the Tories have created. Only putting the matter back to the people can do that. She added: Given current circumstances, it also feels deeply wrong for another Tory to be installed in Number 10 without a General Election. The prospect of an even more hardline Brexiteer now becoming PM and threatening a no-deal exit is deeply concerning. Added to the experience of the past three years, this makes it all the more important that Scotland is given the choice of becoming an independent country. Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: "I am very sorry it has come to this. Nobody could have worked harder, or shown a greater sense of public duty, in delivering the result of the EU referendum than Theresa May. Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland (@ScotSecofState) May 24, 2019 Scottish Secretary David Mundell said Mrs May had his utmost respect. Mr Mundell said: I am very sorry it has come to this. Nobody could have worked harder, or shown a greater sense of public duty, in delivering the result of the EU referendum than Theresa May. She has my utmost respect for those endeavours, in the most challenging of circumstances, as well as her unswerving commitment to the union. As Mrs May herself acknowledges, she has, however unfairly, become an impediment to the resolution of Brexit and was no longer being given a hearing by Parliament. Yesterdays elections will surely show that delivering Brexit is now more urgent than ever, and that will fall to a new Prime Minister. Its time to get on with the process of appointing one. Statement on Theresa May's announcement of resignation. pic.twitter.com/3k7LPiQ4ax Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonPC) May 24, 2019 Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said the Prime Ministers time in office had been characterised by hard work, resilience and quiet dignity. Ms Davidson said: The Prime Minister has always put country before party and, by announcing her resignation and setting out a plan for an orderly departure, she has shown that commitment again today. Theresa May knew when she took on the job of Prime Minister that the challenges facing our country were unprecedented. Her time in office has been characterised by the hard work, resilience, quiet dignity and attention to detail for which she is known. She added: Above all, by opposing the SNPs call for an immediate second independence referendum in 2017, the Prime Minister demonstrated her resolute commitment to the union and to Scotlands place in it. As Britains second female Prime Minister, she has been a role model for girls and women across the United Kingdom, showing that there is no glass ceiling to their ambitions. We dont just need Theresa May out, we need the Tory government evicted from Downing Street. Labour is ready to govern and we will transform our country so it works for the many, not the few. Richard Leonard (@LabourRichard) May 24, 2019 Ms Davidson added Mrs Mays successor must demonstrate a level of commitment to Scotlands place as part of the UK. On behalf of everyone in the Scottish Conservative and Unionist party I would like to thank her for her years of service as an MP, party chairman, Secretary of State and Prime Minister, she said. As leader of the Scottish Conservatives, I want to see candidates show that same level of commitment to Scotlands place in the union, an ability to advance our interests at home and abroad and, crucially, demonstrate how they intend to bring our country back together after the divisions sown by two constitutional referenda. Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said: We dont just need Theresa May out, we need the Tory government evicted from Downing Street. Labour is ready to govern and we will transform our country so it works for the many, not the few. Donald Trump has suggested he might be willing to make embattled Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei part of trade talks with China. His administration last week put Huawei, which it has called a threat to national security, on a blacklist that effectively barred US firms from selling the Chinese company computer chips and other components without government approval. The move could cripple Huawei, the worlds largest manufacturer of networking gear and second-biggest smartphone maker. Huawei (Yui Mok/PA) I can imagine Huawei being included in some form of a trade deal, Mr Trump told reporters. He offered no details but said any arrangement would look very good for us, I can tell you that. It came as Mr Trump rolled out another 16 billion dollars (12 billion) in aid for farmers hurt by his trade policies, and financial markets shook on the growing realisation that the US and China are far from settling a bitter, year-long trade dispute. US agriculture secretary Sonny Perdue said the first of three payments is likely to be made in July or August and suggested the US and China are unlikely to have settled their differences by then. .@POTUS has great affection for Americas farmers and he knows they are bearing the brunt of these trade disputes. Here is our program to support farmers while @POTUS fights to get better trade deals with China and other nations around the world: https://t.co/B0uD0xh5Zr Sonny Perdue (@SonnyPerdue) May 23, 2019 The package were announcing today ensures that farmers do not bear the brunt of unfair retaliatory tariffs imposed by China and other trading partners, Mr Perdue said. The latest bailout comes on top of 11 billion dollars (8 billion) in aid Mr Trump provided farmers last year. We will ensure our farmers get the relief they need and very, very quickly, he said. Seeking to reduce Americas trade deficit with the rest of the world and with China in particular, he has imposed import taxes on foreign steel, aluminium, solar panels and dishwashers and on thousands of Chinese products. UStrading partners have lashed back with retaliatory tariffs of their own, focusing on US agricultural products in a direct shot at the American heartland, where support for Mr Trump runs high. On Friday, Beijing accused the US of seeking to colonise global business with moves against Huawei and other Chinese technology companies. Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang accused American politicians of fabricating various lies based on subjective presumptions and trying to mislead the American people. The China Daily, an English-language newspaper, said US expressions of concerns about Chinese surveillance equipment maker Hikvision were for the self-serving aim of claiming the moral high ground to promote Washingtons political agenda. In this way, it is hoping to achieve the colonisation of the global business world, the newspaper said. Hikvision said in a statement that it takes US concerns about its business seriously and is working to ensure it complies with human rights standards. A tearful Theresa May announced she was quitting the job it had been the honour of my life to hold as she set out the timetable for her exit from Number 10. The Prime Minister said she will resign as Tory leader on June 7, paving the way for the potentially brutal contest to replace her to begin the following week. In an emotional statement in Downing Street, with husband Philip and her closest aides watching on, Mrs May said it was in the best interests of the country for a new prime minister to lead efforts to deliver Brexit. Her voice cracked as she said: I will shortly leave the job that it has been the honour of my life to hold the second female Prime Minister but certainly not the last. I do so with no ill-will, but with enormous and enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love. The Prime Minister who had an audience with the Queen on Wednesday said she had kept the monarch informed of her plans and will remain in office until the leadership process is concluded. Conservative Party chairman Brandon Lewis said he expected a new leader would be announced in late July, before Parliament rises for the summer recess. Mrs May became emotional during her speech (Yui Mok/PA) Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said Mrs Mays replacement should call an immediate general election. Mrs Mays decision to finally name the date for her resignation came after a bitter backlash against her last effort to get a Brexit deal through Parliament. A Cabinet mutiny and the prospect of the backbench 1922 Committee allowing another motion of confidence in her leadership eventually forced the Prime Ministers hand. Her announcement came following a meeting with Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the powerful 1922 Committee. She insisted she had done my best to deliver Brexit and take the UK out of the European Union. But almost three years after the UK voted to break away from Brussels, Mrs May said: It is, and will always remain, a matter of deep regret to me that I have not been able to deliver Brexit. Boris Johnson is widely seen as a frontrunner to succeed Mrs May (Dominic Lipinski/PA) It will be for my successor to seek a way forward that honours the result of the referendum. With Brexiteer Boris Johnson the current favourite to replace her, and former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab his nearest contender, Mrs May warned against a hardline approach, saying a consensus was necessary. Such a consensus can only be reached if those on all sides of the debate are willing to compromise, she said. Within minutes of the Prime Ministers statement, Cabinet colleagues including some who have ambitions to replace her paid tribute to Mrs May. And Mr Johnson, who quit as the Prime Ministers foreign secretary over Brexit, praised her dignified statement and stoical service. A very dignified statement from @theresa_may. Thank you for your stoical service to our country and the Conservative Party. It is now time to follow her urgings: to come together and deliver Brexit. Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) May 24, 2019 But he said it was now time to come together and deliver Brexit. Earlier, in a sign that the leadership race to replace Mrs May is already under way, Helen Grant quit as Conservative vice chair for communities to actively and openly support Dominic Raab. It is with regret that I have today resigned as @Conservatives Vice Chair for Communities. Now is the time for new leadership to deliver Brexit and unite our Party and our Country. pic.twitter.com/vNzRi0MYTK Helen Grant (@HelenGrantMP) May 24, 2019 She quit her Tory party role to avoid any perception of a conflict between Mr Raabs campaign and Conservative HQ. Ms Grant said the former Brexit secretary has an inspiring vision for a fairer Britain and I think he is undoubtedly the best person to unite the Conservative Party and our country. Within the Cabinet, Environment Secretary Michael Gove who stood in the 2016 leadership race and may consider another bid said Mrs May deserves our respect and gratitude. Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock, another potential leadership contender, said it was an incredibly moving and dignified speech. Incredibly moving and dignified speech from the Prime Minister. She has given all in service of her country. Thank you Theresa. Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) May 24, 2019 Cabinet ministers who led the revolt over the Prime Ministers last-ditch Brexit plan also joined in the tributes. A moving speech from a Prime Minister who deserves our respect and gratitude. Thank you @theresa_may Michael Gove (@michaelgove) May 24, 2019 Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who met Mrs May on Thursday to deliver his assessment that her Brexit deal would never pass, said the Prime Minister was a true public servant. I want to pay tribute to the PM today. Delivering Brexit was always going to be a huge task, but one she met every day with courage & resolve. NHS will have an extra 20bn thanks to her support, and she leaves the country safer and more secure. A true public servant. Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) May 24, 2019 Home Secretary Sajid Javid, who had a frank discussion with Mrs May about her deal on Thursday, said nobody could have worked harder or had a greater sense of public duty. Nobody could have worked harder or had a greater sense of public duty than the Prime Minister. Her dedication in taking our country forward has been monumental. She has served her country with fortitude and we are grateful to her for it. Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) May 24, 2019 Scottish Secretary David Mundell, who had raised concerns about Mrs Mays Withdrawal Agreement Bill opening the door to a second referendum a move which could have been exploited by the SNP to call for another independence vote said nobody could have worked harder or shown a greater sense of public duty. But he added it was time to get on with the process of choosing her successor. Mr Corbyn said Mrs May had finally accepted she cannot govern and nor can her divided and disintegrating party. The last thing the country needs is weeks of more Conservative infighting followed by yet another unelected prime minister, he said. Whoever becomes the new Conservative leader must let the people decide our countrys future, through an immediate general election. Theresa May recalled advice from the late Sir Nicholas Winton, hailed as Britains Schindler after saving hundreds of children from Nazi tyranny, as she set out the timetable for her departure. The Prime Minister said the humanitarian had been a constituent of hers in Maidenhead for many years, and once told her that compromise is not a dirty word. He was right, said Mrs May, speaking outside Number 10. Sir Nicholas organised the rescue of 669 Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia on the eve of the Second World War before helping them to begin new lives in Britain. The London-born stockbroker founded the Kindertransport following a visit to Prague at the end of 1938, during which he felt compelled to help save children there from almost certain death. His bravery was only made known to the public half a century later, when his family happened upon an old briefcase in the attic containing lists of children and letters from their parents. Sir Nicholas died in 2015, aged 106, and Mrs May, then the home secretary, was among political dignitaries who celebrated his life at a memorial service the year after. Speaking outside Downing Street, the PM said: It will be for my successor to seek a way forward that honours the result of the referendum. To succeed, he or she will have to find consensus in Parliament where I have not. Such a consensus can only be reached if those on all sides of the debate are willing to compromise. For many years the great humanitarian Sir Nicholas Winton, who saved the lives of hundreds of children by arranging their evacuation from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia through the Kindertransport, was my constituent in Maidenhead. At another time of political controversy, a few years before his death, he took me to one side at a local event and gave me a piece of advice. He said: Never forget that compromise is not a dirty word. Life depends on compromise. He was right. As we strive to find the compromises we need in our politics, whether to deliver Brexit or to restore devolved government in Northern Ireland, we must remember what brought us here. Mrs May has previously described Sir Nicholas as a hero of the 20th century. PM Dion Ngute & Minister Atanga Nji PhotoGrid The Prime Minister, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, has denounced cacophony within the Government. The Head of Government frowned at the disorder prevailing within Government on Thursday, May 23, during a Cabinet meeting in Yaounde, The Post has reported. Dion Ngute apparently felt embarrassed when the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, went on France 24 and contradicted him on the issue of dialogue. Dion Ngute announced during his maiden official visit to the two Anglophone Regions that the President is to organise a national dialogue to end the Anglophone Crisis and that the Head of State says he is open to discussing all subjects at the forum, except secession. This means that Biya is ready to discuss on the form of State like Federation, which he had earlier considered a taboo subject. But Cameroonians were shocked when Atanga Nji appeared on France 24, in the evening of the same day that the Prime Minister officially rounded up his visit to the two Anglophone Regions, to claim that the form of State will not be discussed at the national dialogue. The Post learnt from an authoritative source, who was at the recent Cabinet meeting that, though the Prime Minister did not mention the name of any Minister, he denounced what he termed cacophony in Government. The Prime Minister during the meeting stressed on the importance of members of Government to work in solidarity by looking at the same directions, and not working in disperse ranks. Atanga Nji Tries To Justify His Action The Post from their source said during the meeting, Atanga Nji tried to justify what he did. According to our source, Atanga Nji said almost all the reports after the Prime Ministers declaration on national dialogue, indicated that many Cameroonians misunderstood what the Prime Minister said. He said they mistook what the Prime Minister said to mean that President Biya has accepted the Federal System of Government, which to him, is not true. He said all of the Ministers are aware that the President believes in Decentralisation as the best form of Government for Cameroon. Atanga Nji further stated that some of them in Government are called hardliners for taking certain actions. He pointed out that some of them in Government are privileged to occupy certain positions or have certain contacts that permit them to know certain things that other members of Government do not know. He explained that he (Atanga Nji), for example, is also the Secretary of the National Security Council, who is privileged to regularly receive classified information on the security situation across the country, and thus knows what many of his colleagues in Government do not know. As such, there are certain decisions or actions that I may take which are very important for the interest of the country, but which many of my colleagues may not understand. The Posts source said many Ministers during the cabinet meeting told Atanga Nji that if he had borrowed from Labour Minister, Gregoire Owona, who explained that President Biya still stand for Decentralisation, but is prepared to discuss other forms of State like Federalism, except secession, then there would have been no problem. An American climber who fulfilled his dream of climbing the highest mountain on each of the seven continents by reaching the summit of Mount Everest died of probable altitude sickness on the way down, mountaineering officials said. Don Cash became ill at the summit and was treated there by his two Sherpa guides, one of the officials said. He got high altitude sickness on top of Everest, said Pasang Tenje Sherpa, head of Pioneer Adventure, which provided the guides. When he was on the top he just fell. The two Sherpas who were with him gave CPR and massages. After that he woke up, then near Hillary Step he fell down again in the same manner, which means he got high altitude sickness. Hillary Step is a rocky outcrop near the summit named after Sir Edmund Hillary, who was the first person to climb the mountain, with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, in 1953. Altitude sickness is caused by low amounts of oxygen at high elevation and can cause headaches, vomiting, shortness of breath and mental confusion. Mount Everest (David Cheskin/PA) Mr Cash, 55, from Utah, had a long-held dream to climb the seven summits, the highest mountains on the seven continents, his daughter Danielle Cook posted on Facebook. Santa Bir Lama, the president of Nepal Mountaineering Association, said Mr Cashs body was still near Hillary Step. Many others who are at the summit are still there. When the Sherpas come down, then they can bring his body down, he said. Pasang Tenje Sherpa said Mr Cashs brother had sent him a message thanking the Sherpa guides, Norbo and Tenzin, for their help. Please tell Norbo and Tenzin our familys deep appreciation for their heroic effort to save Don, he quoted the message as saying. Give them our love and prayers, and we are glad they are safe. Before he headed for the summit, Mr Cash texted his son Tanner that he felt so blessed to be on the mountain that I read about for the last 40 years. He said on his LinkedIn page that he left his job as a sales executive to try to join the seven summits club. In January, he wrote, he climbed Mount Vinson Masif, Antarcticas tallest peak. He is survived by his wife Monette and their four children, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. Thousands of students are taking to the streets to demand action on climate change and call on the Government to teach children about the threat it poses. Organisers say more than 120 protests are taking place in the UK, with tens of thousands of students attending despite exams taking place in schools around the country. London, Brighton, Birmingham and Edinburghs events are expected to be particularly popular. A protester climbs on the Sir Winston Churchill statue in Parliament Square, Westminster (Yui Mok/PA) In London, students are gathering in Parliament Square before marching on the Department for Education. The strike calls on ministers to Teach the Future, by reforming the curriculum to include more material on climate change. Shakira Martin, a former president of the National Union of Students, will address the London demonstration. Similar large-scale youth protests took place in February and March this year, with students striking from school to take part. Climate activist Greta Thunberg has sparked the worldwide `strikes (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Extinction Rebellion, which organised protests in London last month, said it is not involved in Fridays event but supports the cause. Although the strikes are a decentralised movement and have no formal leader, many consider Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg to be the figurehead. Ms Thunberg began striking from school on Fridays to lobby the Swedish parliament on climate change in August 2018. Her protest sparked similar strikes across Europe, North America and Australia. Thousands of students have joined the latest climate change protest in London (Aaron Chown/PA) Protesters in 110 countries are expected to take part in Fridays strike. UK spokesman Jake Woodier, 26, said the Teach the Future campaign is designed to educate students more about climate change in schools. Students are really learning and gaining their knowledge from outside of education, he said. Were calling for dramatic reform of the education system to provide students with the knowledge and tools to be equipped for the changing world which theyre going to be inheriting. Business leaders repeated calls for an end to the uncertainty over Brexit after so many wasted days. Dr Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: Businesses must be reassured that a change at the top in Downing Street does not simply usher in a longer period of posturing and gesture politics. Westminster has already squandered far too much time going around in circles on Brexit. The UK is already paying the price for a political system at war over Brexit and our reputation as a great place to do business has been tarnished. Any leadership contest should be swift and followed by a clear plan to break the impasse says @BCCAdam https://t.co/snsWG54EvU pic.twitter.com/H8wprvA0BJ BCC (@britishchambers) May 24, 2019 As our global competitors get sharper and more strategic, Britain is still mired in indecision and uncertainty. Drift and lack of direction have real-world economic consequences, brought home to many of our communities not just by high-profile business closures, but by the quiet and growing loss of contracts, investments and jobs. The UK is already paying the price for a political system at war over Brexit. Our hard-earned reputation as a great place to do business has been tarnished, and for too long, government has been distracted from working with business to fix the fundamentals here at home, particularly around skills and infrastructure. Business leaders have urged the demise of Theresa May to lead to an end to the uncertainty over Brexit (PA) Jasmine Whitbread, chief executive of London First, said: This marks a sad end to the leadership of an undoubtedly committed public servant. After more than a thousand wasted days of Brexit chaos, the six-month extension the UK was granted to find a way out of this mess risks being squandered unless the Conservative Party gets its act together and fast. The next Prime Minister must accept that the only way to break the stalemate in Parliament is to go back to the people for a definitive vote on the actual terms of a revised exit agreement. We cannot and must not risk crashing out of the EU in October. David Frost, chief executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: The Prime Ministers departure was an unavoidable necessity for moving beyond the countrys political log jam. We hope that a new leader can find a constructive way forward to break the impasse in Parliament and deliver certainty about the UKs terms of exit from the EU. Exit on WTO terms is still a very real possibility on October 31 and whether or not it happens is not entirely in UK hands. With #TheresaMay stepping down on 7 June, @JasmineLdnFirst makes it clear what the next PM must prioritise: "the only way to break the stalemate in Parliament is to go back to the people for a definitive vote on the actual terms of a revised exit agreement." pic.twitter.com/RbxMgl6NHs London First (@London_First) May 24, 2019 The Government must ensure it and business are well prepared for this situation and we remain ready to work with them on this. Businesses must be reassured that a change at the top in Downing Street does not simply usher in a longer period of posturing and gesture politics. Westminster has already squandered far too much time going around in circles on Brexit. CBI director general Carolyn Fairbairn said: The Prime Minister could not have worked harder to deliver a Brexit deal that protects the economy. She leaves office with the respect of business. But her resignation must now be a catalyst for change. There can be no plan for Britain without a plan for Brexit. Winner-takes-all politics is not working. Jobs and livelihoods are at stake. Nation must be put ahead of party, prosperity ahead of politics. Compromise and consensus must refind their voice in Parliament. We call on politicians from all parties, on all those ambitious to lead, to take this chance for a fresh start. Stephen Phipson, chief executive of Make UK, the manufacturers organisation, said: Britains manufacturers now call on whoever takes over as prime minister to find a solution to the Brexit dilemma at speed. We have limited time before we leave the EU in October and we must avoid using much of that time engaged in Westminster politics. .@theresa_may could not have worked harder to deliver a Brexit deal that protects the economy. She leaves office with the respect of business. But her resignation must be a catalyst for change. There can be no plan for Britain without a plan for Brexit. Carolyn Fairbairn (@cbicarolyn) May 24, 2019 Edwin Morgan, interim director general of the Institute of Directors, said: To borrow a phrase, nothing has changed, or at least, very little has. A new leader will be faced with the same political challenges and the same economic realities. No deal remains a significant, and growing, concern for businesses, and that cannot be wished away, whoever is in power. When companies and the country need serious, considered decision-making, we have pantomime instead. We would ask for politicians to swiftly come to a solution which provides for as smooth an exit as possible, but that feels like a vain hope at the moment. She was plagued by the nickname Maybot throughout her premiership, but Theresa Mays time as prime minister ended in tears. Once described as a dead-eyed automaton by a sketch writer, even colleagues criticised her for failing to reveal what she really thought in private meetings. But, despite displaying a sense of stoicism as she set out her timetable for leaving Number 10, her voice cracked as she delivered her final sentence. I will shortly leave the job that it has been the honour of my life to hold the second female prime minister, but certainly not the last. I do so with no ill-will, but with enormous and enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love, she said, fighting back tears. It was perhaps a fitting end to her time in office revealing her emotions when it was already too late. As Change UK leader Heidi Allen, who quit the Tories over Brexit earlier this year, speculated: Why didnt we see that emotion more? Things could have been so different It was a stark contrast to her endlessly repeated strong and stable mantra, or insistence during the 2017 general election campaign that nothing has changed. The Prime Ministers husband, Philip, undoubtedly her rock in tricky moments, looked on from the street with her team as she delivered the statement on Friday morning. He has often kept himself out of the spotlight, appearing alongside her in public at just a handful of key moments and public outings. He was there to support her after her disastrous speech to the Tory party conference in 2017, and has been spotted in the side gallery to watch his wife during challenging Prime Ministers Questions in recent times. And as she left Downing Street to return to her constituency following the dramatic statement, Mr May was once again by her side. North Korea has called US national security adviser John Bolton a war monger and defective human product after he called the Norths recent tests of short-range missiles a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. The statement by an unnamed North Korean foreign ministry spokesman came as US president Donald Trump continued his visit to Japan for meetings with prime minister Shinzo Abe in which the nuclear standoff with North Korea was expected to be high on the agenda. Mr Bolton told reporters in Tokyo on Saturday that there was no doubt that North Koreas recent launches violated UN resolutions, and that sanctions against the North must be kept in place. Mr Trump later downplayed the missile tests, tweeting: North Korea fired off some small weapons, which disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me. North Korea tested short-range ballistic missiles on May 4 and 9, ending a pause in launches that began in late 2017. The tests have been seen as a way for North Korea to pressure Washington to soften its stance on easing sanctions against it without actually causing negotiations to collapse. In the statement carried by Pyongyangs official Korean Central News Agency, the North Korean spokesman said the North was rightfully exercising its rights of self-defence with the launches. Demanding us to ban all launches using ballistic technology regardless of range is same with asking us to relinquish our rights for self-defence, the spokesman said. The spokesman said Mr Bolton was an ignorant hard-liner who throughout different US administrations constantly pushed provocative policies against North Korea, which the spokesman said included endorsements of preemptive strikes and regime change. The spokesman also said that Mr Boltons hammer act was responsible for the collapse of a major nuclear deal between the countries reached in 1994, when the North agreed to halt its nuclear program in exchange for US fuel aid. The deal broke down in 2002 after US intelligence agencies said North Korea was continuing its pursuit of bombs with a secret uranium enrichment program. Bolton should not be called a security adviser who works to secure security, but an adviser for security destruction who destroys peace and security, the spokesman said. Its not that strange that crooked sound will always come out the mouth of a man who is structurally flawed, and its best that this defective human product goes away as soon as possible. Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met in Vietnam earlier this year (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) Negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have been at a standstill since February, when a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Mr Trump broke down over what the United States described as the Norths excessive demands for sanctions relief in exchange for a partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities. Since then, Mr Kim has said the United States has until the end of the year to come up with mutually acceptable terms for a deal to salvage the negotiations. Mr Bolton acknowledged that the United States had not been hearing much from North Korea since the summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. The US special envoy to North Korea, Stephen Biegun, cant wait to talk to his North Korean counterpart, but they havent responded, Mr Bolton said, adding that Mr Biegun was ready at any point to get on a plane and go anywhere. The North Korean statement came as South Korea began its annual summertime defence drills involving thousands of civilians and troops. The drills have been modified to exclude large-scale military exercises with the United States that were suspended to create space for diplomacy with the North. The four-day Ulchi Taeguk exercises will include massive civilian evacuation drills and a South Korea-only military drill aimed at preparing for war situations and disasters. By Jeff Mason and Malcolm Foster TOKYO, May 27 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday a deal with Iran on its nuclear programme was possible, crediting economic sanctions for curbing activities Washington has said are behind a spate of attacks in the Middle East. "I really believe that Iran would like to make a deal, and I think that's very smart of them, and I think that's a possibility to happen," Trump said during a news conference with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. "It has a chance to be a great country with the same leadership," Trump said. "We aren't looking for regime change - I just want to make that clear. We are looking for no nuclear weapons." In Tehran, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran was not seeking nuclear weapons, which its supreme leader had banned in an edict, adding on Twitter that U.S. policies were hurting the Iranian people and causing regional tensions. "Actions-not words-will show whether or not that's @realDonaldTrump's intent," Zarif said. President Hassan Rouhani said in October the United States was seeking "regime change" in Iran, adding that the current U.S. administration was the most hostile that the Islamic Republic had faced in its four decades. Tensions have risen between Iran and the United States after this month's attack on oil tankers in the Gulf region. Washington, a firm backer of Tehran's regional rival Saudi Arabia, has blamed the attacks on Iran, which denies the accusations. The United States has deployed a carrier strike group and bombers to the and announced plans to deploy 1,500 troops to the Middle East, prompting fears of a conflict. Trump's national security adviser John Bolton said on Saturday that the United States had "deep and serious" intelligence on threats posed by Iran, without providing details. Trump, on a four-day visit to Japan, welcomed Abe's help in dealing with Iran after broadcaster NHK said Japan's leader is considering a trip to Tehran as early as mid-June. Iran said a visit was unlikely in the near future. "I know for a fact that the prime minister is very close with the leadership of Iran, and we'll see what happens," Trump said. At his joint news conference with Trump, Abe said Japan would do what it can on the Iran issue. Trump last year withdrew the United States from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran, and is ratcheting up sanctions seeking to end Iran's international sales of crude oil and strangle its economy. Japan was a major buyer of Iranian oil for decades before U.S. sanctions which Trump said were taking effect. "They were fighting in many locations," he said of Iran. "Now they are pulling back because they have serious economic problems." Bolton, who has spearheaded an increasingly hawkish U.S. policy on Iran, described recent bomb attacks on tankers off the United Arab Emirates and a pipeline pumping station in Saudi Arabia, as well as a rocket attack in Baghdad's Green Zone, as "manifestations of concern" about Iran. Iran has distanced itself from the bombings and on Sunday, Zarif said his country will defend itself against any military or economic aggression. (Additional reporting by Tim Kelly, and Dubai newsroom; Writing by Tim Kelly and Malcolm Foster; editing by Darren Schuettler and Howard Goller) 11 hours ago Stocks start higher on Wall Street, helped by travel, energy Stocks were slightly higher Tuesday, adding to the momentum the market had the day before, as investors continue to close out their positions for 2021. Bank and health care stocks were among the better performers, while technology companies, which did well on Monday, lagged the broader market. Read Article Conifex Timber Inc. primarily manufactures and sells lumber products in the United States, China, Canada, Japan, and internationally. It is involved in the timber harvesting, reforestation, and forest management activities; manufacture of finished softwood lumber from spruce, pine, and fir logs; manufacture, sale, and distribution of dimension lumber; processing logs into lumber and wood chips, as well as by-products or residues, such as trim blocks, sawdust, shavings, and barks; and providing value added lumber finishing services. The company also develops bioenergy and bio products; and operates a 36 megawatt biomass power generation plant, which produces renewable energy for commercial sale. The company was formerly known as West Fourth Capital Inc. and changed its name to Conifex Timber Inc. in June 2010. Conifex Timber Inc. was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Read More GCE session Archives Students writing the Cameroon General Certificate Of Education(GCE) in the North West and South West regions have begun sitting for the examination this Monday May 27, despite all attempts to ruin their academic year, with calls for ghost town and school boycott. For eight months, thee students went through thick and thin to attend classes amidst kidnappings carried out by armed separatists and gun exchanges between both separatists and the military. Reports so far indicate they have started their examinations in calm and total security at most campuses of GBHS Bamenda, GBHS Downtown and GBHS Bamendankwe, GTHS Bamenda amongst other top schools in the North West region. Statistics from the GCE board shows that over 110,543 candidates will be sitting in for the 2019 GCE session as against 133,104 candidates in 2018, thus a drop by 17 percent. The academic year 2018-2019 saw the registration of 110, 543 students, as compared to 130,00 in 2018. GCE O/L 2019 registered 65,638, A/L recorded 30,498 candidates, 4700 at GCE O/L Technical, and 3,621 at GCE A/L Technical. The drop in the number of candidates registered have been blamed on the unrest in the Anglophone regions, which has led to school dropouts as parents had given up hopes in sending children to school who are often threatened not to dare separatists. Separatists have been accused of denying education to over two million children in the North West and South West regions, which is their fundamental right. This academic year witnessed the kidnapping of several students with the cases of Presbyterian Secondary School Nkwen, Bamenda where 79 of them were taken for three days, and the over 100 students kidnapped from Saint Augustine in Kumbo Bui Division, all in the North West. Royal Bank of Canada operates as a diversified financial service company worldwide. The company's Personal & Commercial Banking segment offers checking and savings accounts, home equity financing, personal lending, private banking, indirect lending, mutual funds and self-directed brokerage accounts, guaranteed investment certificates, credit cards, and payment products and solutions; and lending, leasing, deposit, investment, foreign exchange, cash management, auto dealer financing, trade products, and services to small and medium-sized commercial businesses. This segment offers financial products and services through branches, automated teller machines, and mobile sales network. Its Wealth Management segment provides a suite of advice-based solutions and strategies to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, and institutional clients. The company's Insurance segment offers life, health, home, auto, travel, wealth, annuities, and reinsurance advice and solutions; and creditor and business insurance services to individual, business, and group clients through its field sales force, advice centers, and online, as well as through independent insurance advisors and affinity relationships. Its Investor & Treasury Services segment provides asset, cash management, transaction banking, and treasury services to institutional clients; correspondent banking and trade finance services for financial institutions; and short-term funding and liquidity management services. The company's Capital Markets segment offers corporate and investment banking, as well as equity and debt origination, distribution, sale, and trading services for corporations, institutional investors, asset managers, governments, and central banks. Royal Bank of Canada has a strategic partnership with Royal College Of Physicians & Surgeons Of Canada to support the needs of Canada's medical specialists. The company was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of BP: 200 PS Overseas Holdings Inc., 563916 Alberta Ltd., ACP (Malaysia) Inc., AE Cedar Creek Holdings LLC, AE Goshen II Holdings LLC, AE Goshen II Wind Farm LLC, AE Power Services LLC, AE Wind PartsCo LLC, AM/PM International Inc., ARCO, ARCO British International, ARCO British Limited, ARCO Coal Australia Inc., ARCO El-Djazair Holdings Inc., ARCO Environmental Remediation L.L.C., ARCO Exploration Inc., ARCO Gaviota Company, ARCO International Investments Inc., ARCO International Services Inc., ARCO Midcon LLC, ARCO Oil Company Nigeria Unlimited, ARCO Oman Inc, ARCO Resources Limited, ARCO Trinidad Exploration and Production Company Limited, ARCO Unimar Holdings LLC, Actomat B.V., Advance Petroleum Holdings Pty Ltd, Advance Petroleum Pty Ltd, Air BP Albania SHA, Air BP Brasil Ltda., Air BP Canada LLC, Air BP Croatia d.o.o., Air BP Finland Oy, Air BP Iceland, Air BP Limited, Air BP Norway AS, Air BP Sales Romania S.R.L., Air BP Sweden AB, Air Refuel Pty Ltd, Allgreen Pty Ltd, AmProp Finance Company, American Oil Company, Amoco (Fiddich) Limited, Amoco (U.K.) Exploration Company LLC., Amoco Bolivia Petroleum Company, Amoco Bolivia Services Company Inc., Amoco Canada International Holdings B.V., Amoco Capline Pipeline Company, Amoco Chemical (Europe) S.A., Amoco Chemicals (FSC) B.V., Amoco Cypress Pipeline Company, Amoco Destin Pipeline Company, Amoco Environmental Services Company, Amoco Exploration Holdings B.V., Amoco Guatemala Petroleum Company, Amoco International Finance Corporation, Amoco International Petroleum Company, Amoco Leasing Corporation, Amoco Louisiana Fractionator Company, Amoco MB Fractionation Company, Amoco MBF Company, Amoco Main Pass Gathering Company, Amoco Marketing Environmental Services Company, Amoco Netherlands Petroleum Company, Amoco Nigeria Exploration Company Limited, Amoco Nigeria Oil Company Limited, Amoco Nigeria Petroleum Company, Amoco Nigeria Petroleum Company Limited, Amoco Norway Oil Company, Amoco Oil Holding Company, Amoco Olefins Corporation, Amoco Overseas Exploration Company, Amoco Pipeline Asset Company, Amoco Pipeline Holding Company, Amoco Properties Incorporated, Amoco Remediation Management Services Corporation, Amoco Research Operating Company, Amoco Rio Grande Pipeline Company, Amoco Somalia Petroleum Company, Amoco Sulfur Recovery Company, Amoco Tri-States NGL Pipeline Company, Amoco Trinidad Gas B.V., Amoco U.K. Petroleum Limited, Amprop Illinois I Limited, Amprop Inc., Anaconda Arizona Inc., Arabian Production And Marketing Lubricants, Aral Aktiengesellschaft, Aral Luxembourg S.A., Aral Services Luxembourg Sarl, Aral Tankstellen Services Sarl, Arco Mediterraneo Inversiones S.L., Areas Noriega S.L., Areas Singulares Reyes S.L., Aspac Lubricants (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Atlantic 2/3 UK Holdings Limited, Atlantic Richfield Company, Atlantic Richfield Companyd, Autino Holdings Limited, Autino Limited, Auwahi Wind Energy Holdings LLC, B2Mobility GmbH, BASS Management Pty Ltd, BP (Abu Dhabi) Limited, BP (Barbados) Holding SRL, BP (Barbican) Limited, BP (China) Holdings Limited, BP (China) Industrial Lubricants Limited, BP (GTA Mauritania) Finance Limited, BP (GTA Senegal) Finance Limited, BP (Gibraltar) Limited, BP (Guangzhou) Advanced Mobility Limited, BP (Hunan) Petroleum Company Limited, BP (Indian Agencies) Limited, BP (Shandong) Petroleum Co. Ltd, BP (Shanghai) Trading Limited, BP - Castrol (Thailand) Limited, BP AMI Leasing Inc., BP Absheron Limited, BP Advanced Mobility Limited, BP Africa Limited, BP Africa Oil Limited, BP Akaryakit Ortakligi, BP Alaska LNG LLC, BP Alternative Energy Holdings Limited, BP Alternative Energy Investments Limited, BP Alternative Energy North America Inc., BP Alternative Energy Trinidad and Tobago Limited, BP America Chembel Holding LLC, BP America Chemicals Company, BP America Foreign Investments Inc., BP America Inc, BP America Inc., BP America Limited, BP America Production Company, BP Amoco Chemical Company, BP Amoco Chemical Holding Company, BP Amoco Chemical Indonesia Limited, BP Amoco Chemical Malaysia Holding Company, BP Amoco Exploration (Faroes) Limited, BP Amoco Exploration (In Amenas) Limited, BP Andaman II Ltd, BP Angola (Block 18) B.V., BP Argentina Exploration Company, BP Argentina Holdings LLC, BP Aromatics Holdings Limited, BP Aromatics Limited, BP Asia Limited, BP Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., BP Asia Pacific Holdings Limited, BP Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, BP Australia Capital Markets Limited, BP Australia Employee Share Plan Proprietary Limited, BP Australia Group Pty Ltde, BP Australia Investments Pty Ltd, BP Australia Nominees Proprietary Limited, BP Australia Pty Ltd, BP Australia Shipping Pty Ltd, BP Australia Swaps Management Limited, BP Aviation A/S, BP Benevolent Fund Trustees Limited, BP Berau Ltd., BP Biocombustiveis S.A., BP Bioenergia Campina Verde Ltda., BP Bioenergia Ituiutaba Ltda., BP Bioenergia Itumbiara S.A., BP Bioenergia Tropical S.A., BP Biofuels Advanced Technology Inc., BP Biofuels Brazil Investments Limited, BP Biofuels Louisiana LLC, BP Biofuels North America LLC, BP Biofuels Trading Comercio Exportacao Ltda., BP Bomberai Ltd., BP Brasil Ltda., BP Brazil Tracking L.L.C., BP Bulwer Island Pty Ltd, BP Business Service Centre Asia Sdn Bhd, BP Business Service Centre KFT, BP CIV Pty Ltd, BP Canada Energy Development Company, BP Canada Energy Group ULC, BP Canada Energy Marketing Corp., BP Canada International Holdings B.V., BP Canada Investments Inc., BP Capellen Sarl, BP Capital Markets, BP Capital Markets America, BP Capital Markets America Inc., BP Capital Markets p.l.c., BP Car Fleet Limited, BP Caribbean Company, BP Castrol KK, BP Castrol Lubricants (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., BP Central Pipelines LLC, BP Chembel, BP Chemicals (Korea) Limited, BP Chemicals East China Investments Limited, BP Chemicals Investments Limited, BP Chemicals Limited, BP China Exploration and Production Company, BP Comercializadora de Energia Ltda., BP Commodities Trading Limited, BP Commodity Supply B.V., BP Company North America, BP Company North America Inc., BP Containment Response Limited, BP Containment Response System Holdings LLC, BP Continental Holdings Limited, BP Corporate Holdings, BP Corporate Holdings Limited, BP Corporation North America, BP Corporation North America Inc., BP D-B Pipeline Company LLC, BP D230 Limited, BP Danmark A/S, BP Developments Australia Pty. Ltd., BP Dogal Gaz Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, BP East Kalimantan CBM Limited, BP Eastern Mediterranean Limited, BP Egypt Company, BP Egypt East Delta Marine Corporation, BP Egypt East Tanka B.V., BP Egypt Production B.V., BP Egypt Ras El Barr B.V., BP Egypt West Mediterranean (Block B) B.V., BP Energy Asia Pte. Limited, BP Energy Colombia Limited, BP Energy Company, BP Energy Europe Limited, BP Energy Solutions B.V., BP Energy do Brasil Ltda., BP Energia Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., BP Espana S.A. Unipersonal, BP Estaciones y Servicios Energeticos Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, BP Europa SE, BP Exploracion de Venezuela S.A., BP Exploration & Production Inc., BP Exploration (Absheron) Limited, BP Exploration (Alaska), BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc., BP Exploration (Algeria) Limited, BP Exploration (Alpha), BP Exploration (Alpha) Limited, BP Exploration (Angola), BP Exploration (Angola) Limited, BP Exploration (Azerbaijan), BP Exploration (Azerbaijan) Limited, BP Exploration (Canada) Limited, BP Exploration (Caspian Sea), BP Exploration (Caspian Sea) Limited, BP Exploration (D230) Limited, BP Exploration (Delta), BP Exploration (Delta) Limited, BP Exploration (El Djazair) Limited, BP Exploration (Epsilon) Limited, BP Exploration (Gambia) Limited, BP Exploration (Greenland) Limited, BP Exploration (Madagascar) Limited, BP Exploration (Morocco) Limited, BP Exploration (Namibia) Limited, BP Exploration (Nigeria Finance) Limited, BP Exploration (Nigeria) Limited, BP Exploration (Psi) Limited, BP Exploration (STP) Limited, BP Exploration (Shafag-Asiman) Limited, BP Exploration (Shah Deniz) Limited, BP Exploration (South Atlantic) Limited, BP Exploration (Xazar) Pte. Ltd., BP Exploration Angola (Kwanza Benguela) Limited, BP Exploration Argentina Limited, BP Exploration Australia Pty Ltd Level 15, BP Exploration Beta Limited, BP Exploration China Limited, BP Exploration Company (Middle East) Limited, BP Exploration Company Limited, BP Exploration Indonesia Limited, BP Exploration Libya Limited, BP Exploration Mexico Limited, BP Exploration Mexico S.A. De C.V., BP Exploration North Africa Limited, BP Exploration Operating Company, BP Exploration Operating Company Limited, BP Exploration Orinoco Limited, BP Exploration Personnel Company Limited, BP Exploration Peru Limited, BP Express Shopping Limited, BP Finance Australia Pty Ltd, BP Finance p.l.c., BP Foundation Incorporated, BP France, BP Fuels & Lubricants AS, BP Fuels Deutschland GmbH, BP GOM Logistics LLC, BP Gas & Power Investments Limited, BP Gas Europe S.A.U., BP Gas Marketing Limited, BP Gas Supply (Angola) LLC, BP Ghana Limited, BP Global Investments, BP Global Investments Limited, BP Global Investments Salalah & Co LLC, BP Global West Africa Limited, BP Greece Limited, BP Guangdong Limited, BP High Density Polyethylene - France, BP Holdings (Thailand) Limited, BP Holdings B.V., BP Holdings Canada, BP Holdings Canada Limited, BP Holdings International B.V., BP Holdings North America, BP Holdings North America Limited, BP Hong Kong Limited, BP India Private Limited, BP Indonesia Investment Limited, BP International, BP International Limited, BP International Services Company, BP Investment Management Limited, BP Investments Asia Limited, BP Iran Limited, BP Iraq N.V., BP Italia SpA, BP Japan K.K., BP Korea Limited, BP Kuwait Limited, BP LNG Shipping Limited, BP Latin America LLC, BP Latin America Upstream Services Inc., BP Lubricants KK, BP Lubricants USA Inc., BP Luxembourg S.A., BP Malaysia Holdings Sdn. Bhd., BP Management International B.V., BP Management Netherlands B.V., BP Marine Limited, BP Mariner Holding Company LLC, BP Maritime Services (Singapore) Pte. Limited, BP Marketing Egypt LLC, BP Mauritania Investments Limited, BP Mauritius Limited (in liquidation), BP Middle East Enterprises Corporation, BP Middle East LLC, BP Middle East Limited, BP Midstream Partners GP LLC, BP Midstream Partners Holdings LLC, BP Midstream Partners LP, BP Midwest Product Pipelines Holdings LLC, BP Mocambique Limitada, BP Mocambique Limited, BP Muturi Holdings B.V., BP Nederland Holdings BV, BP Netherlands Upstream B.V., BP New Ventures Middle East Limited, BP New Zealand Holdings Limited, BP New Zealand Share Scheme Limited, BP Nutrition Inc., BP Offshore Gathering Systems Inc., BP Offshore Pipelines Company LLC, BP Offshore Response Company LLC, BP Oil (Thailand) Limited, BP Oil Australia Pty Ltd, BP Oil Espana S.A., BP Oil Hellenic S.A., BP Oil International, BP Oil International Limited, BP Oil Kent Refinery Limited (in liquidation), BP Oil Llandarcy Refinery Limited, BP Oil Logistics UK Limited, BP Oil New Zealand Limited, BP Oil Pipeline Company, BP Oil Senegal S.A., BP Oil Shipping Company, BP Oil UK Limited, BP Oil Venezuela Limited, BP Oil Vietnam Limited, BP Oil Yemen Limited, BP Olex Fanal Mineralol GmbH, BP One Pipeline Company LLC, BP Pacific Investments Ltd, BP Pakistan (Badin) Inc., BP Pakistan Exploration and Production Inc., BP Pension Escrow Limited, BP Pension Trustees Limited, BP Pensions (Overseas) Limited, BP Pensions Limited, BP Petrochemicals India Investments Limited, BP Petroleo y Gas S.A., BP Petrolleri Anonim Sirketi, BP Pipelines (Alaska) Inc., BP Pipelines (BTC) Limited, BP Pipelines (North America) Inc., BP Pipelines (SCP) Limited, BP Pipelines (TANAP) Limited, BP Pipelines TAP Limited, BP Polska Services Sp. z o.o. Ul., BP Portugal -Comercio de Combustiveis e Lubrificantes SA, BP Poseidon Limited, BP Products North America, BP Products North America Inc., BP Properties Limited, BP Raffinaderij Rotterdam B.V., BP Refinery (Kwinana) Proprietary Limited, BP Regional Australasia Holdings Pty Ltd, BP River Rouge Pipeline Company LLC, BP Russian Investments Limited, BP Russian Ventures Limited, BP SC Holdings LLC, BP Scale Up Factory Limited, BP Senegal Investments Limited, BP Services International Limited, BP Servicios de Combustibles S.A. de C.V., BP Servicios territoriales S.A., BP Shafag-Asiman Limited, BP Shipping Limited, BP Singapore Pte. Limited, BP Solar Energy North America LLC, BP Solar Espana S.A., BP Solar International Inc., BP Solar Pty Ltd, BP South America Holdings Ltd, BP Southern Africa Proprietary Limited, BP Southern Cone Company, BP Subsea Well Response (Brazil) Limited, BP Subsea Well Response Limited, BP Taiwan Marketing Limited, BP Technology Ventures Inc., BP Technology Ventures Limited, BP Train 2/3 Holding SRL, BP Transportation (Alaska) Inc., BP Trinidad Processing Limited, BP Trinidad and Tobago, BP Trinidad and Tobago LLC, BP Turkey Refining Limited, BP Two Pipeline Company LLC, BP UK Retained Holdings Limited, BP Venezuela Investments B.V., BP West Aru I Limited, BP West Aru II Limited, BP West Papua I Limited, BP West Papua III Limited, BP Wind Energy North America Inc., BP Wiriagar Ltd., BP World-Wide Technical Services Limited, BP Zhuhai Chemical Company Limited, BP+Amoco International Limited, BP-AIOC Exploration (TISA) LLC, BPA Investment Holding Company, BPNE International B.V., BPRY Caribbean Ventures LLC, BPX (Eagle Ford) Gathering LLC, BPX (KCS Resources) LLC, BPX (Karnes) Gathering LLC, BPX (Permian) Gathering LLC, BPX (WSF Operating) Inc., BPX Energy Inc., BPX Midstream LLC, BPX Operating Company, BPX Production Company, BPX Properties (GP) LLC, BPX Properties (LP) LLC, BPX Properties (NA) LP, BTC Pipeline Holding Company Limited, BXL Plastics Limitedv, Bahia de Bizkaia Electridad S.L., Baltimore Ennis Land Company Inc., Black Lake Pipe Line Company, Blueprint Power, Brian Jasper Nominees Pty Ltd, Britannic Energy Trading Limited, Britannic Investments Iraq Limited, Britannic Marketing Limited, Britannic Strategies Limited, Britannic Trading Limited, Britoil Limited, Burmah Castrol, Burmah Castrol Australia Pty Ltd, Burmah Castrol Holdings Inc., Burmah Castrol PLC, Burmah Castrol South Africa (Pty) Limited, Burmah Chile SpA, Butamax Advanced Biofuels, CASTROL Austria GmbHb, CH-Twenty Inc., CNAA, Cadman DBP Limited, Casitas Pipeline Company, Castrol (China) Limited, Castrol (Ireland) Limited, Castrol (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., Castrol (Shenzhen) Company Limited, Castrol (Tianjin) Lubricants Co. Ltd., Castrol (U.K.) Limited, Castrol Australia Pty. Limited, Castrol B.V., Castrol BP Petco Limited Liability Company, Castrol Brasil Ltda., Castrol Caribbean & Central America Inc., Castrol Colombia Ltda., Castrol Del Peru S.A., Castrol Egypt Lubricants S.A.E., Castrol India Limited, Castrol Industrie und Service GmbH, Castrol KK, Castrol Limited, Castrol Lubricants RO S.R.L, Castrol Mexico S.A., Castrol Namibia (Pty) Limited, Castrol Offshore Limited, Castrol Pakistan (Private) Limited, Castrol Philippines Inc., Castrol Servicos Ltda., Castrol Ukraine LLC, Castrol Zimbabwe (Private) Limited, Centrel Pty Ltd, Charge Your Car Limitedc, Chargemaster, Chargemaster (Europe) GmbH, Chargemaster Limited, Charging Solutions Limited, Clarisse Holdings Pty Ltd, Coastwise Trading Company Inc., Consolidada de Energia y Lubricantes (CENERLUB) C.A., Conti Cross Keys Inn Inc., Coro Trading NZ Limited, Cuyama Pipeline Company, DHC Solvent Chemie GmbH, Dermody Developments Pty Ltd, Dermody Holdings Pty Ltd, Dermody Investments Pty Ltd, Dermody Petroleum Pty. Ltd., Dome Beaufort Petroleum Limited, Dome Wallis (1980) Limited Partnership, ECM Markets SA (Pty) Ltd, Elektromotive Limited, Elite Customer Solutions Pty Ltd, Elm Holdings Inc., Energy Global Investments (USA) Inc., Enstar LLC, Estacion de Servicio Alto Campoo S.L., Estacion de Servicio Ganzo 10 S.L., Estacion de Servicio Reocin 9 S.L., Estacion de Servicio Santillana II S.L., Estacion de Servicio Sardinero S.L., Estonian Aviation Fuelling Services, Europa Oil NZ Limited, Exomet Inc., Expandite Contract Services Limited, Exploration (Luderitz Basin) Limited, Exploration Service Company Limited, FWK (2017) Limited, FWK Holdings (2017) LTD, Finite Carbon, Flat Ridge 2 Holdings LLC, Flat Ridge Wind Energy LLC, Foseco Holding Inc., Foseco Holding International B.V., Foseco Inc., Fosroc Expandite Limited, Fotech Solutions Ltd, Fowler Ridge Holdings LLC, Fowler Ridge I Land Investments LLC, Fowler Ridge II Holdings LLC, Fowler Ridge III Wind Farm LLC, FreeBees B.V., Fuel & Retail Aviat ion Sweden AB, Fuelplane- Sociedade Abastecedora De Aeronaves Unipessoal Lda, GOAM 1 C.I S. A .S, Gardena Holdings Inc., Gelsenkirchen Raffinerie Netz GmbH, Grampian Aviation Fuelling Services Limited, Guangdong Investments Limited, Highlands Ethanol LLC, Hosteleria Noriega S.L., IGI Resources Inc., Insight Analytics Solutions Holdings Limited, Insight Analytics Solutions Limited, Insight Analytics Solutions USA Inc., International Bunker Supplies Pty Ltd, Iraq Petroleum Company Limited, Jupiter Insurance Limited, Ken-Chas Reserve Company, Kenilworth Oil Company Limited, Kingbook Inversiones Socimi S.A., Latin Energy Argentina S.A., Lebanese Aviation Technical Services S.A.L., Limited Liability Company BP Toplivnaya Kompania, Limited liability company Setra Lubricants, Lubricants UK Limited, Lytt Limited, Manormaker (Nominee No. 1) Limited, Manormaker (Nominee No. 2) Limited, Manormaker GP Limited (99.90%) 11 Black Horse Lane, Mardi Gras Transportation System Company LLC, Markoil S.A., Masana Petroleum Solutions (Pty) Ltd, Mayaro Initiative for Private Enterprise Development, Mehoopany Holdings LLC, Mes Tecnologia En Servicios Y Energia S.A., Minza Pty. Ltd., Mountain City Remediation LLC, No. 1 Riverside Quay Proprietary Limited, Nordic Lubricants A/S, Nordic Lubricants AB, North America Funding Company, OMD87 Inc., OOO BP STL, Omega Oil Company, OnSight Analytics Solutions India Private Ltd., Open Energi, Orion Delaware Mountain Wind Farm LP, Orion Energy Holdings LLC, Orion Energy L.L.C.b, Orion Post Land Investments LLC, Oyambre 1 S.L., PRODUITS METALLURGIE DOITTAU, PT BP Petrochemicals, PT Castrol Indonesia, PT Castrol Manufacturing Indonesia, PT Jasatama Petroindo, Pacroy (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Peaks America Inc., Pearl River Delta Investments Limited, Petrocorner Retail S.L.U., Phoenix Petroleum Services Limited, Pozuelo 4 S.L., Prospect International C.A. (In liquidation), Puente Arce 4 S.L., Remediation Management Services Company, Richfield Oil Corporation, Rio Corvo 2 S.L., Rolling Thunder I Power Partners LLC, Romax Insight Korea Ltd., Ropemaker Deansgate Limited, Ropemaker Properties Limited, Ruhr Oel GmbH, Rusdene GSS Limited, SOFAST Limited, SRHP, Saturn Insurance Inc., Sherbino I Holdings LLC, Sherbino Mesa I Land Investments LLC, Sociedade de Promocao Imobiliaria Quinta do Loureiro SA, Societe de Gestion de Depots d'Hydrocarbures - GDH, South Texas Shale LLC, Southeast Texas Biofuels LLC, Southern Ridge Pipeline Holding Company, Southern Ridge Pipeline LP LLC, Sp/f Decision3 (GreenSteam) Company, Standard Oil Company, Standard Oil Company Inc., Standard Oil of Ohio, Stryde Limited, Sunrise Oil Sands Partnership, TISA Education Complex LLC, TJKK, Taradadis Pty. Ltd., Telcom General Corporation, Terre de Grace Partnership, The Anaconda Company, The BP Share Plans Trustees Limited, The Burmah Oil Company (Pakistan Trading) Limited, The Standard Oil Company, Thorntons, Toledo Refinery Holding Company LLC, Torrelavega 7 S.L., Union Texas International Corporation, Vastar Pipeline LLC, Veba Oel AG Veba Oel, Verenium, Viceroy Investments Limited, Villacarriedo 8 S.L., Warrenville Development Limited, Water Way Trading and Petroleum Services LLC, Welchem Inc., West Kimberley Fuels Pty Ltd, Westlake Houston Development LLC, Whiting Clean Energy Inc., Windpark Energy Nederland B.V., and Winwell Resources L.L.C. iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA ETF's stock was trading at $59.53 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, USMV stock has increased by 35.5% and is now trading at $80.69. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through four strategic business units: Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S. Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; and Capital Markets. The company offers chequing, savings, and business accounts; mortgages; loans, lines of credit, student lines of credit, and business and agriculture loans; investment and insurance services; and credit cards, as well as overdraft protection services. It also provides day-to-day banking, borrowing and credit, investing and wealth, specialty, and international services; correspondent banking and online foreign exchange services; and cash management services. The company serves its customers through its banking centers, as well as direct, mobile, and remote channels. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce was founded in 1867 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More iShares MSCI Canada ETF's stock was trading at $23.42 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus (COVID-19) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, EWC shares have increased by 63.3% and is now trading at $38.24. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Danone S.A. operates in the food and beverage industry in Europe, Noram, Latin America, the Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. The company operates through three segments: Essential Dairy & Plant-Based, Specialized Nutrition, and Waters. It produces and distributes yogurts; milk products; coffee creamers, drinks, and beverages; plant-based products; and ice creams, desserts, and nutritional powdered protein products under the Actimel, Activia, Alpro, Aptamil, Danette, Danio, Danonino, evian, Nutricia, Nutrilon, Volvic, as well as under the licensed brands, including International Delight, Dunkin' Donuts, and Bailey's. The company also offers specialized nutrition products for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, infants, and young children under the Aptamil, Nutrilon, Gallia, Cow & Gate, BlAdina, Bebelac, Olvarit, and Happy Family Organics brands. In addition, it provides tube feeding products under the Nutrison name; oral nutritional supplements under the Fortimel and NutriDrink names; and hypoallergenic products for children with allergies primarily under the Aptamil ProSyneo, Aptamil Pepti Syneo, and Neocate Syneo names. Further, the company offers water with natural fruit extracts, fruit juice, and vitamins under the evian, Volvic, Aqua, Mizone, Bonafont, Villavicencio, Villa del Sur, Hayat, Sirma, Fontvella, LanjarAn, Salus, Aqua d'Or, and Zywiec Zdroj brands. It distributes its products through retail chains and traditional market outlets; convenience stores; hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies; and e-commerce. The company was formerly known as Groupe Danone and changed its name to Danone S.A. in April 2009. Danone S.A. was incorporated in 1899 and is headquartered in Paris, France. Read More Kah Walla and Stand Up for Cameroon Facebook Women under the Stand Up For Cameroon(SUFP) movement were in black this Friday, May 24, to mount pressure on the government of Cameroon to stop injustices. The consistent move led by Edith Kah Walla has every Friday decried the injustices, violence and poor governance in Cameroon, calling on President Paul Biya to step down. This week, the group showed concern about the recent killing of the Four-month-old baby in Muyuka, South West region, where they called for justice on the soul of the innocent Neba Maltha, who was shot in her home, while she was sleeping. We will learn from sisters who came before us, share with one another and strengthen the fight for final steps. We will not bow to dictatorship. We will not lie low as our children are killed. We will stand up for ourselves, for our children, for our nation, tweeted Kah Walla. In their usual Friday In Black' campaign, she and her team have been posting pictures on social media, decrying violence and ongoing killings in the Anglophone regions. At the mention of the gruesome murder of the Four-month-old baby, she said, It is beyond ALL comprehension. A baby? A baby? What possible threat could the baby have posed? How do you mistake a baby for anything other than a baby? Under what circumstances does a person, even in the height of madness, shoot a baby? It is too much. Kah Walla and her movement were arrested on the 8th of April 2016 in Yaounde, when they staged their first Friday in Black campaign. She has been on governments throat ever since, declaring the regime unjust, corrupt and heartless. KKR & Co. Inc. pays an annual dividend of $0.58 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 0.75%. KKR & Co. Inc. has been increasing its dividend for 2 consecutive year(s), indicating that it does not yet have a strong track record of dividend growth. The dividend payout ratio of KKR & Co. Inc. is 6.47%. This payout ratio is at a healthy, sustainable level, below 75%. Based on earnings estimates, KKR & Co. Inc. will have a dividend payout ratio of 14.50% next year. This indicates that KKR & Co. Inc. will be able to sustain or increase its dividend. View KKR & Co. Inc.'s dividend history. 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. 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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. 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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. Ibstock plc manufactures and sells clay and concrete building products and solutions primarily in the United Kingdom. Its principal products include clay bricks, brick components, concrete roof tiles, concrete stone masonry substitutes, concrete fencing, pre-stressed concrete, and concrete rail products. The company provides facing bricks, walling stones, architectural masonry products, cast stones, facade systems, and retaining walls, as well as lintels, sills, and arches; and cladding solutions; roof tiles, chimneys, soffits, and roofing accessories; and fencings, caps and copings, bollards, balustrades, path edgings, and urban landscaping products. It also offers floor beams, door steps, gully surrounds, screed rails, insulated floorings, and hollowcore products; and rail and infrastructure products, such as troughing, cable theft protection, boards, blocks, bases, catchpits, and inspection chambers. In addition, the company offers engraving, cutting, and bonding services; floor beam and block design, supply, and fitting solutions; bespoke concrete products; and staircases and lift shafts services. Its products are used in new build housing; repair, maintenance, and improvement; and infrastructure markets. The company sells its products under the Forticrete, Supreme, Anderton, and Longley brands to customers in the construction industry. Ibstock plc was founded in 1825 and is headquartered in Ibstock, the United Kingdom. Read More iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE ETF's stock was trading at $65.02 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EFAV shares have increased by 18.3% and is now trading at $76.93. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. iShares MSCI EAFE ETF's stock was trading at $56.05 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, EFA stock has increased by 41.2% and is now trading at $79.15. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Nubian Resources Ltd. engages in the exploration and evaluation of mineral properties in the United States, Peru, and Australia. It explores for gold, silver, lead, and zinc deposits. The company holds a 100% interest in the Excelsior Springs property comprising 140 claims that covers an area of 3.5 square kilometers located in Esmeralda County, Nevada. It also holds interests in the Palmetto project consisting 9 unpatented claims located in Esmeralda County; Dunfee project with 22 unpatented claims located in Esmeralda County, Nevada; and Copper Hills project with 10 unpatented claims in Socorro County, New Mexico. In addition, the company holds interest in the Esquilache project consisting of 2 mining concessions covering an area of approximately 1,600 hectares located in Southern Peru. The company was formerly known as ICS Copper Systems Ltd. and changed its name to Nubian Resources Ltd. in February 2011. Nubian Resources Ltd. was incorporated in 2004 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 27) A woman was found lying down the stairway of a Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 station after sustaining a stab wound to her chest Monday afternoon. The incident took place at the Boni Avenue station, initial report from Transport authorities said. The womanwho has yet to be identifiedwas immediately provided medical assistance and was rushed to the nearest hospital. The DOTr-MRT3 Safety and Security Unit personnel also responded to the location, together with the PNP-Regional Mobile Force Battalion (PNP-RMFB). The team of Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and Mandaluyong PNP also went to the site to conduct an initial assessment, the report read. Authorities have yet to release further details on the incident, but stressed police are now investigating the matter. This is a developing story. Monday, May 27, 2019 at 12:32AM Embed from Getty Images During a recent interview with Bloomberg Television, Huawei Technologies Founder and Chief Executive Ren Zhengfei said that if Beijing has plans to retaliate on Apple for blacklisting his company, he would be the first to oppose the move. He also said that the scenario is highly unlikely. That (Chinese retaliation against Apple) will not happen first of all and second of all, if that happens, Ill be the first to protest, the Huawei CEO said. He added, Apple is my teacher. It is advancing in front of us. As a student, why should I oppose my teacher? I would never do that. When asked about what effect the export limitations have on its development progress, Zhengfei concedes it cuts into the two-year lead the company has built against its competitors. But they will continue to ramp up production of its chip supply or look for alternatives to keep its lead both in smartphone development and in the development of 5G. Huawei has consistently denied that its controlled by the Chinese government, military, or intelligence services, which is the issue the US has with the company. Zhengfei also refuted claims of critics that say that they got to where they are now through intellectual property theft and government support. He said, The US has not developed that technology so from where should I still it? We are leading the US. If we were behind, Trump would not need to make so many efforts to attack us. When asked what they plan to do now that more and more US companies are adhering to Trumps orders of ending their partnerships with Huawei, the founder of the company said, The US manages its own companies. The US is not the international policethey cant manage the whole world. The rest of the world decides whether they should work with us based on their own business interests and positions. If the US imposes further restrictions on us, we will reduce our purchases from the US and use more of our own chips. If American companies have permission from Washington to sell to us, we will continue to buy from them. Source: Channel News Asia Invesco S&P 500 BuyWrite ETF's stock was trading at $18.23 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, PBP shares have increased by 26.9% and is now trading at $23.1270. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Royal Dutch Shell plc operates as an energy and petrochemical company worldwide. The company operates through Integrated Gas, Upstream, Oil Products, Chemicals segments. It explores for and extracts crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids; markets and transports oil and gas; produces gas-to-liquids fuels and other products; and operates upstream and midstream infrastructure necessary to deliver gas to market. The company also markets and trades natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, electricity, carbon-emission rights; and markets and sells LNG as a fuel for heavy-duty vehicles and marine vessels. In addition, it trades in and refines crude oil and other feed stocks, such as gasoline, diesel, heating oil, aviation fuel, marine fuel, biofuel, lubricants, bitumen, and sulphur; produces and sells petrochemicals for industrial use; and manages oil sands activities. Further, the company produces base chemicals comprising ethylene, propylene, and aromatics, as well as intermediate chemicals, such as styrene monomer, propylene oxide, solvents, detergent alcohols, ethylene oxide, and ethylene glycol. Royal Dutch Shell plc was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands. Read More Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA engages in the traditional banking businesses of retail banking, asset management, private banking, and wholesale banking. It operates through the following segments: Spain, the United States, Mexico, Turkey, South America, and Rest of Eurasia. The Spain segment includes mainly the banking and insurance business that the group carries out in Spain. The United States segment consists of the financial business activity of BBVA USA in the country and the activity of the branch of BBVA SA in New York. The Mexico segment refers to banking and insurance businesses in this country as well as the activity of its branch in Houston. The Turkey segment reports the activity of Garanti BBVA group that is mainly carried out in this country and, to a lesser extent, in Romania and the Netherlands. The South America segment comprises of operations in n Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The Rest of Eurasia segment includes the banking business activity carried out by the group in Europe and Asia, excluding Spain. The company was founded in 1857 and is headquartered in Madrid, Spain. Read More The ceremony included the laying of more than a dozen wreaths, music from the Fluvanna Baptist Church Choir and a rifle salute. American Legion Post 2003 was assisted in the rifle salute by two Civil War re-enactors. Twelve local Gold Star mothers were recognized during the ceremony, as well. William Saunders, the district chaplain for the Scottsville VFW post, said it is important to honor and remember veterans and casualties from all wars that Americans have fought in. People dont realize that only 3% of the American population at that time fought in the Revolutionary War, Saunders said. And we beat an army that was so organized and so well funded that there was no other way to go but to give us our freedom. Saunders joined the Marine Corps when he was 17. And they had to wait until I was 18 to send me to Vietnam, he said. Saunders also urged folks not to forget about the prisoners of war and those who are missing in action. Therere a lot of wars out there that have lost a lot of good young men, he said. Katherine Knott is a reporter for The Daily Progress. Contact her at (434) 978-7263, kknott@dailyprogress.com, or @knott_katherine on Twitter. For all the latest news on local schools, subscribe to The Cheat Sheet here. 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. Laufer raised the second-most out of the candidates in the first quarter of the year. Reeves raised $165,447 while Laufer brought in $101,405. Breeden raised $48,250 and Hixon raised $9,212. I think that speaks to the fact that people are ready for a change, Laufer said. Laufer, a Wisconsin native who grew up on a dairy farm, said her background means she understands the challenges facing the farmers in the district. She said she wants to ensure they have access to the internet and adequate transportation to help sell their goods. Hixon, who is from Monroe, Louisiana, said supporting small farmers is a key component of his platform. Among other ideas, he wants the state to invest in tools such as community commercial kitchens and mobile slaughterhouses to help farmers process, prepare and package their goods more easily. For Breeden, the key issues fall under broader concerns about emerging technologies and automation. Several of the politically charged issues being reviewed are going to make the upcoming months especially challenging for the legislative commission that oversees JLARC and that is composed of members from both parties and both chambers of the General Assembly. JLARC staffers acknowledge that the planned studies of the inspector general's office which is scheduled for September and will look at whether that office should be authorized to monitor local and regional jails and the attorney general's office, due in November, will both require a careful approach. One of the areas of concern is Attorney General Mark Herring's questionable use of outside counsel, although Greer says that isn't the reason the study is being done. According to the story, Greer is expanding his staff to 30 people to handle the additional tasking. We wish them the best in handling the robust workload, and we anticipate reading their reports and seeing their impact during the next General Assembly session. Adapted from the Richmond Times-Dispatch. This version incorporates a clarification later added by the newspaper. Editor's note: Editorials shared from other newspapers are offered in an effort to disseminate additional opinion and information, and do not necessarily represent the views of The Daily Progress. 2:00pm 3:00pm This is a series of free, public, monthly drop-in sessions that are open to all but aimed at people who identify as white and are interested in working toward collective liberation. Come ask the questions about race, racism, social change, and social justice you wondered about. After a board meeting over what it termed a "friendly" offer, Renault said it would enter talks on a merger that would forge the world's third-largest automaker. Paris: Renault said that it would study "with interest" a 50-50 merger proposal from Fiat Chrysler, a deal that could reshape the industry as Renault reviews its options following the arrest in Japan of its chief executive. Renault had for years tied its strategy to a partnership with Japanese automaker Nissan but this has come into question after the arrest and subsequent ouster of Carlos Ghosn at both companies. After a board meeting over what it termed a "friendly" offer, Renault said it would enter talks on a merger that would forge the world's third-largest automaker. Investors cheered the prospect, with Renault's shares soaring 15 per cent in afternoon trading in Paris, and Fiat Chrysler stock up more than 10 per cent in Milan. A deal would give Fiat access in particular to Renault's electric car technologies, allowing it to meet the strict CO2 limits being enacted by the European Commission. AFP The deal being discussed would include guarantees covering corporate governance and employment in France and Italy. Paris: Fiat Chrysler and Renault are set to confirm tie-up talks on Monday, with the board of the French carmaker called to an early morning meeting to discuss the situation. It comes after news broke over the weekend that two of the worlds leading car companies are in talks on a comprehensive global combination that could address some of the main weaknesses of both. The plan under discussion would involve some transfer of equity, according to a source close to the discussions. Renault Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard presented an FCA-Renault merger plan to French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire on Friday, Les Echos reported on its website. The French government has a 15 percent stake in Renault. The deal being discussed would include guarantees covering corporate governance and employment in France and Italy, the French daily said. Pressure for consolidation among carmakers has grown with the challenges posed by electrification, tightening emissions regulations and expensive new technologies being developed for connected and autonomous vehicles. Earlier this year FCA Chairman John Elkann - a member of Italys Agnelli dynasty that controls the company - stressed the familys commitment to the automotive industry. But he also added that they were prepared to take bold and creative decisions to help build a solid and attractive future for the company. A source said earlier an announcement from Italo-American FCA could provide some concrete although initial details but added the situation was still fluid. A separate source with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed that the Renault board will meet on Monday morning at 0800 local time (0600 GMT) to discuss the issue. REGIONAL RATIONALE FCA has a highly profitable North American RAM trucks business and Jeep brand but has been losing money in Europe, where it may also struggle to keep pace with looming carbon dioxide emissions curbs. Renault, by contrast, is an electric-car pioneer with relatively fuel-efficient engine technologies and a strong presence in emerging markets, but no U.S. business. Any tie-up would likely face political and workforce hurdles, particularly in Italy. However, most of FCAs European plants are running below 50 percent capacity. A deal between FCA and Renault would not preclude a consolidation of Renaults alliance with Japanese carmaker Nissan, a source told Reuters on Saturday. The Renault-Nissan partnership, underpinned by cross shareholdings, has been strained by the scandal surrounding former chairman Carlos Ghosn, who was ousted after his arrest last year. Speculation about the future of Fiat Chrysler, often seen as a potential M&A target, intensified after the sudden death of long-serving former CEO Sergio Marchionne almost one year ago. In October last year, just after three months he was picked to replace Marchionne, new CEO Mike Manley agreed to sell FCAs car parts unit Magneti Marelli to Japans Calsonic Kasnsei, owned by US private equity firm KKR. The sale was completed early this month for 5.8 billion euros. According to reports earlier this year the manufacturer had also restarted talks with Frances PSA Group - which have been a recurrent theme over the years. Fiat Chrysler and Renault together would have a combined market capitalisation of more than 32 billion euros (USD 36 billion) and total global sales of 8.7 million vehicles. Fiat Chrysler has a valuation of just under 18 billion euros and Renault around 14.4 billion An alliance that included Nissan would vault the ensemble to the rank of global No.1 carmaker with 13.8 million annual sales. It would also maintain a foothold in China, where both FCA and Renault are marginal players. Despite these challenges, the company closed the quarter with net sales of Rs 635 crore, up by 5 per cent. In FY19, however net sales at Rs 2,659 crore grew by 7 per cent. Kolkata: An extended winter, which pushed back the onset of summer, has adversely impacted the performance of Emami's summer portfolio which contributes over 40 per cent to the 4th Quarter topline. The agrarian crisis too moderated the rural growth, top company officials said. Despite these challenges, the company closed the quarter with net sales of Rs 635 crore, up by 5 per cent. In FY19, however net sales at Rs 2,659 crore grew by 7 per cent. Top company officials said that during the quarter, the domestic business was impacted due to a prolonged winter affecting the sales of summer products like cool oils, talcs and deodorants. Weak rural sentiment and adverse liquidity conditions also impacted demand during the quarter. Photo: The Canadian Press U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton is surrounded by reporters at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Japan. North Korea on Monday called U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton a "war monger" and "human defect" after he described its recent tests of short-range missiles as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The statement by an unidentified North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson came as President Donald Trump visited Japan for meetings with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at which the nuclear standoff with North Korea was expected to be high on the agenda. Bolton told reporters in Tokyo on Saturday that there was "no doubt" that North Korea's recent missile launches violated U.N. resolutions, and that sanctions against the North must be kept in place. Trump later downplayed the missile tests, tweeting, "North Korea fired off some small weapons, which disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me." North Korea tested short-range ballistic missiles on May 4 and 9, ending a pause in launches that began in late 2017. The tests were seen as a way for North Korea to pressure Washington to soften its stance on easing sanctions against it without actually causing negotiations to collapse. In the statement carried by the North's Korean Central News Agency, the North Korean spokesperson said the North was exercising its right of self-defence with the launches. North Korea has never recognized the U.N. Security Council resolutions, which it views as denying its "rights to existence and development of a sovereign state," the statement said. "If any object is launched, it is bound to fly in trajectory," the statement said. It said a demand that North Korea ban all launches that use ballistic technology regardless of the range is the same as asking it to relinquish its right to self-defence. The spokesperson said Bolton was an "ignorant" hard-liner who throughout different U.S. administrations pushed provocative policies against North Korea including endorsements of pre-emptive strikes and regime change. The spokesperson also said that Bolton's "hammer act" was responsible for the collapse of a major nuclear deal between the countries reached in 1994, when North Korea agreed to halt its nuclear program in exchange for U.S. fuel aid. The deal broke down in 2002 after U.S. intelligence agencies said North Korea was continuing its pursuit of bombs with a secret uranium enrichment program. The company's consolidated PAT during Q4FY19 was at Rs 144.85 crore, up 35 per cent from Rs 107.36 crore in the corresponding quarter of previous year. (Representational Images) Kolkata: Kolkata-headquartered Srei Infrastructure Finance Ltd (Srei), one of India's largest holistic infrastructure institutions, will increasingly focus on co-lending arrangements with banks and aim at growth in the equipment finance sector, going forward. The company will also be aggressively implementing new technologies in business tsssowards its goal of remaining financially prudent, said Hemant Kanoria, Chairman, Srei. He is also bullish about the fact that infrastructure will continue to remain a focus area for the new government. The company, which is celebrating its 30th year, meanwhile, has notched up a consolidated profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 486.78 crore during the financial year ended March 31, 2019, up 29 per cent from Rs 377.29 crore earned in the previous year. The standalone PAT was at Rs 94.67 crore in 2018-19 as compared to Rs 90.42 crore a year earlier. The company's consolidated PAT during Q4FY19 was at Rs 144.85 crore, up 35 per cent from Rs 107.36 crore in the corresponding quarter of previous year. Meanwhile, the total consolidated income for the year ended March 31, 2019 was at Rs 6,469.70 crore, up from Rs 5,399.98 crore in the previous year. And consolidated assets under management stood at Rs 47,070 crore, compared to Rs 47,480 crore, last year. Consolidated disbursements during 2018-19 were at Rs 21,229 crore, down from Rs 22,726 crore. Sharma said now that banks have to comply with Basel-III and Solvency-II norms, the new breed of actuaries can be of much help to them. New Delhi: The tiny population of actuaries, who help in the measurement and management of risks in the insurance and pension sectors, is creeping up in the country's financial sector. The Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI) estimates that the number of qualified actuaries will reach 480 by this fiscal-end, from 439 now. This is a significant jump, considering that India had only 120 actuaries in the year 2000. "We have got students pursuing actuarial courses from across the country at the moment and we hope that there will be 480 qualified actuaries by the end of the current fiscal," said Sunil Sharma, President, IAI. The IAI was formed in 2006, and thereafter it became a statutory body under an Act of Parliament, on the lines of ICAI, ICSI and ICWAI. The IAI conducts exams for actuaries. It also trains actuaries. In India, though actuaries are mostly engaged in the insurance and pension sectors, their services are sought in banking, risk management and investment banking. Sharma said the IAI has mutual recognition agreements (MRA) with its counterparts in three countries: the Institute & Faculty of Actuaries (IFO) in the UK, the Institute of Actuaries in Australia, and the Casualty & Actuarial Society of America. By this, actuaries qualified in India can practise in those three countries and vice versa. Sharma said now that banks have to comply with Basel-III and Solvency-II norms, the new breed of actuaries can be of much help to them. "However, the problem was that there was not an effective single financial regulator in the country like the Monetary Authority of Singapore or the Bank of Negara (Malaysia). Once this happens, it will pave the way for absorption of actuaries in various other financial sectors like banking, risk management, investment banking and risk-based capital," Sharma said. India's financial sector is under various regulators like the RBI, SEBI and the IRDAI. According to traders, fall in demand from local jewellers and retailers at the domestic spot market led to the dip in gold prices but a positive trend overseas capped the fall. (Representative Image) New Delhi: Gold prices on Monday declined by Rs 40 to Rs 32,770 per 10 gram in the national capital due to lacklustre demand from local jewellers, according to the All India Sarafa Association. Silver however, gained Rs 90 to Rs 37,500 per kg on fresh offtake by industrial units and coin makers. According to traders, fall in demand from local jewellers and retailers at the domestic spot market led to the dip in gold prices but a positive trend overseas capped the fall. Globally, spot gold was trading higher at USD 1286.60 an ounce, while silver was up at USD 14.66 an ounce in New York. In the national capital, gold of 99.9 per cent and 99.5 per cent purity dropped by Rs 40 each to Rs 32,770 and Rs 32,600 per 10 gram, respectively. Sovereign gold, however, held steady at Rs 26,500 per eight gram. On Saturday, gold prices had fallen by Rs 60 to Rs 32,810 per 10 gram. Silver ready Monday rose by Rs 90 at Rs 37,500 per kg, while weekly-based delivery advanced Rs 114 to Rs 36,498 per kg. On the other hand, silver coins held flat at Rs 79,000 for buying and Rs 80,000 for selling of 100 pieces. Adolescent cannabis use is associated with behavioural changes related to reward and motivation in humans. (Photo: Representational/Pexels) Washington: New researches by Canadian neuroscientists have revealed that cannabis use affects the brain of adolescents and is linked to cognitive abnormalities, impairments in working memory and inhibitory control. The research was presented by neuroscientists Patricia Conrod, Steven Laviolette, Iris Balodis and Jibran Khokhar at the '13th Annual Canadian Neuroscience Meeting'. Dr Patricia Conrod, Universite de Montreal, studied the year-to-year changes in alcohol and cannabis use and cognitive function in a sample of adolescents consisting of five per cent of all students entering high school in 2012 and 2013. The students were assessed annually for four years on alcohol and cannabis use, and their cognitive function was evaluated using computerised cognitive tests. According to the study, cannabis use was linked to impairments in working memory and inhibitory control, which is required for self-control. Cannabis use was also linked to deficits in memory recall and perceptual reasoning. Dr Steven Laviolette team demonstrated that adolescent exposure to tetrahydrocannabinol or THC induces changes in a specific region of the brain called the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and in a brain circuit, the mesolimbic pathway, that closely resemble the abnormalities observed in schizophrenia. Furthermore, adolescent THC exposure also caused cognitive abnormalities including deficits in social interactions, memory processing and anxiety regulation. Interestingly, Dr Laviolette's team found that administration of drugs that restore normal PFC function in early adulthood could reverse the effects of adolescent THC exposure. They also demonstrated that co-administering THC with drugs that prevent the THC-induced disruption in brain signalling pathways prevented the development of schizophrenia-like effects. Dr Iris Balodis, McMaster University, investigated the mechanisms that motivate individuals to act and make decisions that can go against a person's best interest, as seen in people suffering from addiction. To compare decision-making in individuals suffering from cannabis addiction (also called cannabis use disorder) to healthy controls, Dr Balodis used an effort-based decision-making test, which explored how much effort an individual is willing to make to receive a given reward. Participants were given a choice between an easy task or a hard task in which they can gain varying amounts of money. During the administration of this test, Dr Balodis and her team looked at differences in activity in different brain regions by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Initial findings suggested that there are differences in encoding the value of the reward (money received) and of the effort cost (amount of work done) in individuals addicted to cannabis relative to healthy controls. These were revealed by differences in the activation of specific brain regions known to be important for motivation. This information could be key to finding cannabis addiction vulnerability factors. Adolescent cannabis use is associated with behavioural changes related to reward and motivation in humans. Paradoxically, this use has both been suggested to increase motivation for other drug use (the gateway hypothesis) and a potential "amotivation syndrome" in which individuals are less willing to expend effort to receive a reward. Taken together, the research help decipher the links between cannabis use and long-lasting changes in the brain, which underlie changes in behaviour in adolescent humans, and in studies reverse-translating these findings to animal models. Washington: A new study has recommended physical exercise as a natural way to treat patients with mental health and mood disorders; from anxiety and depression to schizophrenia, suicidality and acute psychotic episodes. The study was published in the 'Global Advance in Health and Medicine'. "The general attitude of medicine is that you treat the primary problem first, and exercise was never considered to be a life or death treatment option. Now that we know it's so effective, it can become as fundamental as pharmacological intervention," explained David Tomasi, a psychotherapist and inpatient psychiatry group therapist at the University of Vermont Medical Center and the lead researcher of the study. Practitioners at inpatient psychiatric facilities, often crowded, acute settings in which patients experience severe distress and discomfort; typically prescribe psychotropic medications first, rather than natural remedies like physical exercise, to alleviate patients' symptoms such as anger, anxiety and depression. In fact, Tomasi estimated that only a handful of inpatient psychiatric hospitals in the United States provide psychotherapist-supported gym facilities exclusively for these patients. Instead, practitioners rely on classical psychotherapeutic and pharmacological frameworks to treat psychiatric symptoms, which they monitor to determine when a patient is ready to be discharged from the facility. Tomasi built a gym exclusively for roughly 100 patients in the medical centre's inpatient psychiatry unit and led and introduced 60-minute structured exercise and nutrition education programmes into their treatment plans. The psychotherapists surveyed patients on their mood, self-esteem and self-image both before and after the exercise sessions to gauge the effects of exercise on psychiatric symptoms. Patients reported lower levels of anger, anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, and overall improved moods. Tomasi found an average of 95 per cent of patients reported that their moods improved after doing the structured exercises, while 63 per cent of the patients reported being happy or very happy, as opposed to neutral, sad or very sad, after the exercises. An average of 91.8 per cent of patients also reported that they were pleased with the way their bodies felt after doing the structured exercises. "The fantastic thing about these results is that, if you're in a psychotic state, you are sort of limited with what you can do in terms of talk therapy or psychotherapy. It's hard to receive a message through talk therapy in that state, whereas with exercise, you can use your body and not rely on emotional intelligence alone," explained Tomasi. "The priority is to provide more natural strategies for the treatment of mood disorders, depression and anxiety," he added. Hyderabad: A woman and her 4-year-old son were found murdered at their home in Jinkal-vada, Sanathnagar, un-der Cyberabad police commissionerate on Sunday. The police suspect that the womans husband, who is currently absconding, could have resorted to the offence. A case of murder has been registered for the probe. According to the Cyberabad police, Rajesh, along with his wife Urmila (27) and son Kishan (4), arrived in the city on May 12 from Devaria in Uttar Pradesh. The couple, along with their child, moved in with Urmilas sister Chanda and her husband Deepak, who had been living in a rented house in Jinkalvada. Deepak and Chanda were employed in private firms, while Rajesh was looking for a job in the city. Around 9 am on Sunday, Deepak and Chanda left to go to work, while Rajesh stayed back at home. Deepak returned home around 1 pm and found that his main door was locked. He tried reaching Rajesh on his phone but to no avail. Two hours later, the door was still locked. Having run out of options, Deepak broke the door open and entered the house only to find Urmila lying in a pool of blood with an injury to her head and Kishan floating dead inside a bucket of water in the bathroom. Upon receiving the information, a team from Sanathnagar police station along with the clues team and dog squad rushed to the spot and inspected the crime scene. The bodies of the mother-son duo were recovered and shifted to the Gandhi Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination. Prima facie, it was found that Rajesh and Urmila had got into a quarrel over financial issues while in Uttar Pradesh, which is being suspected to be the reason behind the murder. The police have registered a case of murder and are on the hunt for the absconding Rajesh. The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant protection from arrest to newly elected BSP MP from Ghosi Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh, Atul Rai, accused of raping a college student from Varanasi. (Photo: File) New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant protection from arrest to newly elected BSP MP from Ghosi Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh, Atul Rai, accused of raping a college student from Varanasi. A vacation bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Aniruddha Bose said it was not inclined to entertain a petition to grant relief from arrest to Rai. Previously, the apex court had refused to grant interim protection from arrest to Rai. An FIR was registered against him on May 1 on a complaint by a college student, alleging that he took her to his home on the pretext of introducing her to his wife but sexually assaulted her. Rai's lawyer has said there was no provision for anticipatory bail in Uttar Pradesh, and since the high court on May 8 had dismissed Rai's petition seeking protection, he feared his client could be arrested in the case. Bengaluru: A family of five were killed on the spot after the car they were travelling in collided head-on with a government-run ambulance in Yelahanka, early on Monday morning. The impact of the crash was so extreme that the vehicle was crushed beyond recognition, with the bodies of the deceased tangled within. The incident took place at around 1 am at Kogilu cross in the Yehalanka as the ambulance of National Ambulance Service, jumped the median and collided head-on with the car heading towards the city. The ambulance, which was travelling well over the speed limit, was heading towards Kempegowda International Airport. The police have identified the deceased as Dipankar Dey (46); his wife, Swagata Chaudhury (42); their son, Dhruva Dey (14); Swagata's sister, Sujaya (45) and their mother Jayanthi (65). The family, who hailed from West Bengal, were residents of RT Nagar. The driver and the nurse who were in the ambulance, have survived the accident with injuries and are undergoing treatment at a hospital. While Dipankar worked at a multi media company, his wife Swagata was a teacher at Choudhury Jain International School. The family, according to police, had been to Chennai and was returning home along with their grandmother, who was heading to Bengaluru for treatment for a kidney ailment. Yelahanka traffic police rushed to the spot and shifted the bodies to a hospital for a postmortem. Preliminary investigations revealed that it was the fault of the ambulance driver, who was driving the vehicle in a rash and negligent manner. He lost control over the vehicle and jumped the median to collide with the car coming from the opposite direction. Police have registered a case and are waiting for the driver to recover to investigate the case. According to the Valigonda police, a complaint was received from the girls mother that her 19-year-old daughter who has a speech disability as also has a disability related to walking, was sexually assaulted by Mahendar on Sunday night. (Representional Image) Hyderabad: A specially-abled girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by her 22-year-old neighbour when she was sleeping alone in her house in Valigonda in the Rachakonda police commissionerate limits on Sunday night. Based on a complaint from her mother, police booked a case against the accused and took him into custody for questioning. According to the Valigonda police, a complaint was received from the girls mother that her 19-year-old daughter who has a speech disability as also has a disability related to walking, was sexually assaulted by Mahendar on Sunday night. After dinner on Sunday, the parents went to sleep on the terrace, leaving their daughter on the ground floor. On Monday morning, the victim told her about the assault by Mahendar the previous night at around 11.30 pm, said police. The flight I5 588 took off from Bagdogra with 179 passengers on board. (Representational Image) Kolkata: An Air Asia flight was cordoned off on Sunday by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at the airport here after receiving a threat call. The flight I5 588 took off from Bagdogra with 179 passengers on board. The airline said it recieved the call from an unknown person at Bengaluru airport. "AirAsia India received a call stating that the caller would not be responsible in case anyone was hurt onboard flight i5-588. The flight had already departed from Bagdogra for Kolkata by the time the call was received. AirAsia India operations coordinated with Kolkata ATC to affect an immediate landing at Kolkata," Air Asia said in a statement. The airline also expressed regret caused to passengers due to delay. "Delays caused due to this are regretted, but we would like to reiterate that we prioritise the safety and security of our guests and crew at all times," it added. The forces and authorities swung into action and the flight was kept in isolation bay. All passengers were deboarded. The identity of the caller is yet to be ascertained. "The airline is also facilitating security agencies to establish the whereabouts and investigation of the call," it said. Fire tenders were also present at the spot. Photo: The Canadian Press Jody Wilson-Raybould holds a news conference to discuss her political future in Vancouver, Monday, May 27, 2019. UPDATE: 9:45 a.m. Former Liberal cabinet ministers Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott say they will run as independents in the next federal election. They made separate but co-ordinated announcements in their ridings Wilson-Raybould in Vancouver and Philpott outside Toronto. Wilson-Raybould served as justice minister in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet before she was shuffled to the portfolio of veterans affairs in January. She later revealed she thought the decision to move her out of the justice role was motivated by her decision not to intervene in the criminal prosecution of the Quebec engineering giant, SNC-Lavalin. Philpott was health minister and then minister of Indigenous services and president of the Treasury Board before resigning over Trudeau's handling of the SNC-Lavalin affair. Both were ousted from the Liberal caucus in early April and sit as independent MPs in the House of Commons. ORIGINAL: 9:05 a.m. Former justice minister Jody Wilson-Raybould says she will run again for Parliament as an independent. Wilson-Raybould is the independent MP for the B.C. riding of Vancouver Granville. She was the justice minister in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet before she was shuffled to the portfolio of veterans affairs in January. She later revealed she thought the decision to move her out of the justice role was motivated by her decision not to intervene in the criminal prosecution of the Quebec engineering giant, SNC-Lavalin. In early April, she and fellow former minister Jane Philpott were ousted from the Liberal caucus. Philpott is due to announce her own plans just after Wilson-Raybould. More coming. The sleuths later found that Serena had travelled to and from Dubai and Kerala six times. Thiruvananthapuram: CBI may take over the investigation into the gold smuggling through the airport here after the involvement of customs officials came to light. The link was established with the arrest of customs superintendent V. Radhakrishnan by the DRI on Friday after they found that the maximum quantity of smuggling of gold took place when his team of officials was on duty. It was exposed when 25 kg of gold was seized from the bags of Sunil and Serina Shaji when they came out of the airport after checking on May 13. The sleuths later found that Serena had travelled to and from Dubai and Kerala six times. The investigating officers after examining the visuals could establish that Radhakrishnan, who is the air intelligence superintendent of the air customs unit, was on duty whenever Serena flew in at the X-ray scanning system Apart from him, they questioned two inspectors of customs and raided their homes along with that of Radhakrishnan. These officials were on duty at the airport on May 13. They also arrested Rashid, an accountant of a private firm in the city that bought gold from smugglers. Two days after the arrest of Kumar and Sareena, they arrested one more woman, Vineetha Kumari, who was suspected to be part of the gang involved in the smuggling. Ms Kumari is the wife of Biju Manohar, a lawyer and main suspect still on the run, along with Hakkim, the owner of the firm that bought the gold and other accused Vishnu and Jithu. New Delhi: Reacting on the attack on a man in Gurgaon, BJPs Gautam Gambhir came out strong and called for exemplary action against the accused. In Gurugram Muslim man told to remove skullcap,chant Jai Shri Ram. It is deplorable. Exemplary action needed by Gurugram authorities. We are a secular nation where @Javedakhtarjadu writes , & @RakeyshOmMehra gave us d song in Delhi 6. Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 27, 2019 In Gurgaon, a man was attacked by a gang that knocked off his skull cap and demanded that he chant Jai Shri Ram. The incident happened when the 25-year-old man was on his way home after offering namaz. Read: Muslim man beaten up in Gurgaon for wearing skull cap A police case has been filed. The accused are yet to be identified. Chennai: Alleging large-scale malpractices in the election to 38 Lok Sabha and by-poll to 22 Assembly Constituencies in the State, TTV Dhinakaran of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) asked the Election Commission to answer about the non-registration of votes for his party in the election in a number of polling booths across the State. Speaking to media persons in Chennai on Sunday he said that, as per preliminary reports, the party candidates have not secured even a single vote in nearly 300 polling booths. The party posted one booth agent in all the booths and they would have at least four members in their families. They would have voted for the AMMK candidate and each party candidate would have secured at least four votes, he reasoned. Party candidates failed to get even a single vote in Avadi and Madhavaram seats and failed to win a single seat in the Lok Sabha polls, with some even forfeiting their deposits. The party's total vote share was less than 5%. He asked, If in a particular booth if we got zero votes, are you telling me that even our party workers did not vote for us? In a booth, I have at least 100 people who are associated with me, my family, my friends, my associates, we got just 14 votes. Only the Election Commission can answer this question, he added. AMMK candidates had failed to get even a single vote in Avadi and Madhavaram seats and failed to win a single seat in Lok Sabha polls, with some even forfeiting their deposits. The partys total vote share was less than five per cent. The AMMK leader, said details were being collected and would shortly be presented to the poll body. The office bearers of the party will meet in Chennai on June 1 to discuss the partys poor performance in the election. Dhinakaran has directed all State and District level office bearers to attend the meeting. Dhinakarans comments come after the DMK called on the Election Commission to explain the suspicious movement of EVMs and VVPAT machines in the Theni and Erode constituencies. Several other opposition parties, including the Congress, expressed similar concerns regarding EVM movement and storage across the country the day before counting and kept all-night vigils outside storerooms. What an amazing result! In their near unanimity in predicting the direction in which the close contest would go, the exit polls proved to be the spoilers. But then no one would have dared to believe them to be the gospel truth. May 23 was the real Day of Reckoning and it proved to be one that knocked out many astrologers as having been too clever by half in playing a guessing game in which they hedged freely while the pollsters stuck their necks out in making their brave predictions and proved right. South India is a different world, or at least its inhabitants believe they live in another planet. Maybe, they didnt get a whiff of the Hindu sentiment that drove the voters further to the Right in a clear show of majoritarianism. The distrust of the exit polls in the south may have been largely because of the distance. There was no I told you so gloating here, only a quiet acceptance of the will of the majority of the nation. The fact is 112 Parliament seats from four southern states meant little to the overall result although there were significant events in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala where the voters impulse came from the wish for a change. They dislike me because of my humble origins. Can a party stoop so low? Modi had said during the campaign. Yes, a person belonging to a poor family has become prime minister. They do not fail to hide their contempt for this fact. Yes, I sold tea, but I did not sell the nation. True because he did not sell the nation like some before him. His personal integrity was an integral part of his appeal irrespective of whether those opposed to him accept that or not. They are the ones on whom much could be pinned. Prime Minister Narendra Modis presidential style of campaigning seemed to go well in a swath of India from the west through the north to the east and northeast, and in Karnataka too (where the sympathy factor of the single largest party not being able to govern after the last assembly poll may have been the reason), but not in major parts of the south. But that is hardly relevant to the story of triumph and of the upending of an unceasing flinging of charges at the Modi I regime from not only the opposition but also the entire liberal crowd. The motley collection of people were entitled to their view, but the one thing that may not yet have impinged itself on their consciousness is that everyone need not think like them every minute of every day. Their idea of India is not the only idea of India, however idealistic it is in its adherence to secularism and plurality. An even greater idea may be true equality in India. That equality may be challenged in the new regime as opposed to the ancien regime. But that is a challenge society as well as every individual must face. It is to be considered a pity that Modis nearest challenger in this presidential race was an effete scion of a family with a dynastic claim to rule India and the person may have had a dilettante past too. The projection of a strong leader a opposed to a Love Guru helped too. If Rahul Gandhi thought his cleverest line, apart from some good internet humour, was chowkidar chor hai, he may have learnt that vague charges didnt stick at a time when the armed forces were held in the highest esteem after a real strike across the PoK border - call it surgical or otherwise - in a muscular response to Pakistan-sponsored terror. At no time in the past had India responded so vigorously in at least showing intent, not even after the atrocities of 26/11 in 2008, an extended attack many times the intensity of Pulwama. Considering the contrasting background, the nationalism plank was bound to pay electoral dividend. How could the political debate then descend to an one-track oust Modi cry when nothing bound those making that call except their lust for power? They did not realise that there is a new India out there that is least bothered about their entitlement to an old order just because the new came with a few faultlines when it replaced the old five years ago. The idea of an aspirational India willing to look beyond the shibboleths was beyond the grasp of the liberals, the left and the idiosyncratic illiberal of the east. It may be the triple factor of Hindi-Hindu-Hindutva that cut through the others to produce a verdict bigger than 2014. To be able to accept that and adapt rather than throw in the towel is the challenge that lies ahead of the career politicians who oppose Modi and his lieutenant in chief, Amit Shah. If they continue to do it in the same vein as they did at the hustings they will be the losers forever. The poor and the middle class have more champions to take up their cause now than those who ruled in days of yore with the promise of crumbs. (R. Mohan is the Resident Editor of the Chennai and Tamil Nadu editions of Deccan Chronicle) New Delhi/Varanasi: Four days after he steered the Bharatiya Janata Party to a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi was back in Varanasi on Monday to thank voters, party workers and offer prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Thanking the electorate, Mr Modi said that despite facing political untouchability and political violence, the BJP has worked on its chemistry with people to beat all poll arithmetic. Political pundits are not aware that their thinking and logic is meant for the 20th century. Results show that beyond arithmetic there is chemistry and this time chemistry has triumphed over arithmetic, Mr Modi said. Calling himself a sevak of Varanasi, Mr Modi offered prayers at the temple after a roadshow. For the country I am the PM, but for you I am your MP, I am your sevak, he told the Varanasi electorate. Mr Modi was accompanied by BJP president Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. An LED screen had been installed at the entrance of Kashi Vishwanath temple that live-streamed visuals from inside as Mr Modi offered prayers. Wondering aloud why political pundits still considered his party as one that belongs to the Hindi heartland, Mr Modi said at a meeting of BJP workers, There is no region where the BJPs poll percentage is not rising. We have a government in Assam, getting elected in Ladakh yet political pundits say (ours is) Hindi heartland politics. This is a misconception that has been created. Bengaluru: In a move that has shocked the journalistic community and marks a low point in the continuing feud between the political class and the media, an FIR has been registered against the editor-in-chief of a Kannada newspaper for publishing a 'defamatory' article in his newspaper about Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. Nikhil was an MP candidate, who contested and lost from Mandya to actor Sumalatha Ambareesh, an Independent candidate backed by BJP, by over one lakh votes. The Srirampura police have booked Vishweshwar Bhat, the editor-in-chief of Vishwavani, under various sections of Indian Penal Code after a complaint was filed against him, accusing him of publishing derogatory remarks against Nikhil on the front page of Saturday's edition. The complainant Pradeep Kumar S.P., general secretary of the JD(S) Legal Cell, stated in his complaint that the article was derogatory, fictitious and brought disrepute to Nikhil and his grandfather and JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda. The article allegedly went on to claim that an angry and drunk Nikhil kicked up a ruckus at the hotel and yelled at his grandfather, holding the Janata Dal (Secular) patriarch responsible for his embarrassing loss in Mandya. "In spite of having eight MLAs, we were not able to win. Didn't H.D. Revanna gain the support of Congress in Hassan? Why weren't you able to gain the support of Congress rebels Cheluvarayaswamy and Narendra Swamy?...It is a humiliation that I have lost to a woman. Mandya's people have not held my hand. My dream of being an MP did not come true," the article read. On Sunday, strongly rubbishing the claims in the Vishwavani article, Pradeep approached Srirampura police and lodged a complaint against Mr. Bhat saying no such incident had happened in the hotel and the article was published with intent to tarnish the image of Nikhil and bring disrepute to his family. The police have booked Mr. Bhat under under IPC sections 499, 500, 501 (defamation), 504 (intentional insult), 506 (criminal intimidation), 420 (cheating), 406 (criminal breach of trust), and 468 (forgery). Its a vendetta: Bhat Mr Bhat meanwhile, speaking to Deccan Chronicle, said that there was a desperate attempt from the government to get him arrested and put him behind bars at least for one day. This must be for the first time a police complaint has been filed in connection with an article published in the newspaper. The police too was in hurry to book me under irrelevant IPC sections. Not everyone agrees with what we write. If someone feels something defamatory is published against them, there are proper channels to get an action initiated. There is a press council, a court of law but this police complaint only shows their despiration and their personal vendetta against me, Mr. Bhat said. Mr. Bhat also pointed out that the police had booked him under IPC sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 420 (cheating), 406 (criminal breach of trust), and 468 (forgery) and wondered how all these sections could be applied in this case. He further said that while the article has appeared on Saturday, an article that ran Nikhil Kumaraswamy's counter was carried the very next day. Social media outrage As soon the news of FIR against Mr. Bhat spread, it sparked an uproar in the social media platforms with Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and supporters defending Mr. Bhat and accusing the state government of curtailing freedom of speech by such acts. Several other BJP leaders including B.L. Santhosh, CT Ravi, and Arvind Limbavali also took to social media to term the police action against the well known Kannada journalist as 'Emergency in Karnataka'. The BJP leaders and supporters demanded case be withdrawn against Mr. Bhat. Hyderabad: Telangana state Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister- designate Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7 pm on May 30 in New Delhi. Earlier that day, Mr Reddy will take oath as Chief Minister at 12.23 pm in Vijayawada. Mr Rao will be present at Mr Reddys oath ceremony along with his family. It is not known if they will travel together to Delhi. Patna: In the first sign of discontent brewing within the RJD following its defeat, a senior party leader and five-time MLA from Gaighat constituency, Maheshwar Yadav, has come out in the open to protest against the party leadership. Tejashwi Yadav should resign as the Leader of the Opposition on moral grounds after the partys humiliating defeat in the Lok Sabha election, he said. Maheshwar Yadavs hard-hitting statement is likely to create flutter not only in the RJD, but also in the grand alliance which was reduced to just one seat in the recently concluded general election. The NDA, comprising the BJP, JD(U) and LJP, won 39 out of 40 seats in Bihar. The Congress managed to win only Kishanganj seat, while the RJD, HAM, RLSP and VIP could not win even a single seat in the Lok Sabha polls. RJD leader Maheshwar Yadav raised the banner of revolt a day ahead of proposed meeting to assess the partys humiliating defeat in the polls. According to sources, besides Maheshwar, there are many others in the party who have been raising their voices against Tejashwi after the poll results. Party insiders claim that few leaders may intensify their demand for Tejashwis resignation during the partys meeting on Tuesday. The dissident in the RJD has been brewing since Lalu Yadav handed over reins of the party to his younger son Tejashwi Yadav after he was convicted and jailed in the fodder scam. Senior party leaders are miffed at having been overlooked and a newcomer with little political experience being given control of the party. I fail to understand why he (Tejashwi Yadav) was made the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly... The party could even split if he doesnt resign from the post, RJD MLA Maheshwar Yadav said. New Delhi: Keeping Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan out of the guest list, India on Monday invited leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) that includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 30. Leaders of Kyrgyzstan the current Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Mauritius, whose Prime Minister was the chief guest at this years Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, have also been invited. An invite to Bimstec nations means that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will not be an invitee since Pakistan is not a member of the grouping. In fact, the Indian government has been promoting Bimstec in a big way instead of south Asian grouping South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) ever since relations with Pakistan soured in 2016. There are indications that the government chose Bimstec since it would have avoided uncomfortable questions on why Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was not invited. This also indicates that the government wants to tread cautiously in the case of Pakistan, given the bitterness in ties in the past few months over the Pulwama attack and Balakot airstrikes. India became a member of the predominantly central Asian grouping SCO two years ago and has very close ties with Indian ocean nation Mauritius. A majority of the population of Mauritius is of Indian origin. With the exception of south-east Asian countries Myanmar and Thailand, which are members of Asean, the rest of the Bimstec countries are also members of Saarc. It may be recalled that during his swearing-in ceremony in 2014, Mr. Modi had invited leaders of all Saarc nations, including the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Also, the P-5 countries (permanent members of the UN Security Council US, Russia, UK, France and China) have so far not been invited perhaps due to the short notice. This newspaper confirmed that Russia and China had not been invited till Monday evening. The MEA said, The government of India has invited leaders of the Bimstec member states for the swearing-in ceremony. This is in line with the governments focus on its Neighbourhood First policy. Meanwhile, for a second time, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will miss Modi's swearing-in 30 as she will be on a three-nation foreign visit. According to a government release in Dhaka, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq will attend the ceremony as the senior most Cabinet member of the Bangladesh government. Hasina will be on a tri-nation visit to Japan, Saudi Arabia and Finland beginning Tuesday, it said. She could not attend the previous swearing-in ceremony of Modi in 2014 as she was abroad then too. The Bangladesh PM was one of the first foreign leaders to congratulate Modi following his election victory, reflecting the extraordinarily close and cordial ties between India and Bangladesh, and the excellent rapport that the two leaders enjoy. Mumbai: Protests by students and organisations over the suicide of 26-year-old postgraduate medical student Payal Tadvi a Muslim from the Tadvi Bhil tribal community due to alleged casteist abuse at Mumbai civic body-run BYL Nair Hospital are gaining momentum. Amid the mounting outrage, the Maharashtra State Commission for Women on Monday asked the dean of the hospital, Ramesh Bharmal, to submit a report in the case mentioning whether or not the Anti-ragging Act was effectively implemented in the institution. The report, which also seeks information on lack of communication between the administration and students, is to be submitted within eight days, the Commission said. Several groups such as the tribal organisation Akhil Bhartiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad (ABAVP), the Students Federation of India (SFI) and the All India Democratic Womens Association and Just Associates (JASS) have staged protests at the hospital and demanded stringent action against the culprits. The Democratic Youth Federation of India, among other organisations, has called for a stir on Tuesday from the hospital to the police station. It has been five days since the suicide and the police is yet to arrest the three accused doctors Ankita Khandelwal, Hema Ahuja and Bhakti Mehare who allegedly abetted her suicide. Lucky Jadhav, a member of the ABAVP said the tragic incident has sparked public outrage against the deep-rooted casteism and discrimination against the dalits, bahujans and adivasis in Indian organisations across the country. Why has no action been taken against the accused? Seeking justice is our birthright and we have to protest against injustice. It is shameful that despite our strong Constitution, such instances still occur, he said. Dr Kalyani Dongre, central president of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), said, We have protested in our campus, demanding the suspension of the head of the obstetrics and gynaecology unit, Dr Yi Ching Ling for not taking action when Dr Tadvi approached him with a complaint against the trio. A social media campaign #JusticeForPayal has also seen prominent personalities demand justice for the deceased. Photo: Department of National Defence The beaches of Normandy, where the Allies stormed ashore to begin the eventual liberation of Europe from Nazi rule, are widely regarded by veterans and historians alike as venerated, sacred ground. And yet those beaches including the one code-named Juno, where thousands of Canadians landed under a fearsome tirade of German fire on June 6, 1944 have not been designated as culturally or historically significant by the United Nations. It's not for a lack of trying: France applied to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2014 to have the beaches designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, much like several other locations linked to the Second World War. But that bid remains in limbo, dashing hopes the application might have been heard in time to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Juno landings, in which 359 Canadians were killed and 574 were wounded. Serge Durflinger is one of those who firmly believes the D-Day invasion beaches are "incontestably important" to the world and meet the very high standards for the UN designation. The University of Ottawa history professor was part of a team of international experts that included archeologists, geologists and all manner of other specialists who were brought together by the French government to help with the D-Day application. "The Normandy campaign and the D-Day invasion involved people from dozens of countries, all engaged in a united purpose, all brought to this small coastal region in France for the beginning of what would become the end of Nazi Germany," Durflinger said. "And they're all combining efforts on a global scale in this titanic effort, which was also one of the single greatest, momentous military operations ever mounted that we know about. And that it has scientific achievement, and its remnants are very real." Getting the beaches added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites conveys a number of benefits, including honouring those who fought and died there and giving D-Day what Durflinger describes as "an international seal of approval." "The notion of what happened here would not be limited to the Anglo-Saxon countries of Britain and the United States and Canada, basically," he said, arguing the event was a pinnacle moment in the history of Europe and the world. "Something very, very important happened there, and not just for the countries that landed, but for the greater good of the world, with the beginning of the creation of an international system that lasted half a century." The designation would also solidify what are already strong protections against development, as well as bring in more tourists, said Mike Bechthold, executive director of the Juno Beach Centre, which commemorates Canada's role in the Second World War. "It would be huge to designate the landing beaches as a UNESCO World Heritage site," Bechthold said. "Estimates are anywhere from a 10- to 25-per-cent bump in visitor attendance because of the designation. So it's not inconsiderable." However, it remains unclear just when the French application which proposes including artificial harbours built by the allies to facilitate supplies from England, as well as shipwrecks off the coast and German bunkers will be reviewed. Instead, the UNESCO committee responsible for reviewing such applications decided last year to take a step back and figure out how to deal with what it calls "sites associated with memories of recent conflicts." A meeting on the matter is scheduled for next year. New Delhi: In a set-back to Bahujan Samaj Partys (BSP) newly elected Lok Sabha member Atul Rai, the Supreme Court on Monday declined his plea for anticipatory bail in an alleged kidnapping and sexual assault case. A vacation bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Aniruddha Bose dismissed the plea as court enquired about the number of criminal cases pending against Atul Rai. Dismissed, Chief Justice Gogoi said as lawyer for Rai said 16 cases were pending against him. Atul Rai is absconding since May 1 when FIR was registered against him in Varanasi by a college student alleging that he had sexually assaulted her. The court was unmoved even as Rais lawyer told the court that the case was politically motivated to thwart him from campaigning during the election. As court dismissed his plea for anticipatory bail, Rais lawyer sought to withdraw it. Counsel for the petitioner seeks leave of this court to withdraw the present special leave petition. The special leave petition is dismissed as withdrawn, the bench said. Rai won the Ghosi Lok Sabha seat defeating BJP candidate and the member of now dissolved 16th Lok Sabha. Rai had defeated BJP rival by a margin of 1,22,018 votes. A vacation bench of the top court comprising Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Sanjiv Khanna had on May 17, declined to give him relief and allowed him to place on record additional documents in support of his plea. Though a special stakeholders' panel under the State Pollution Control Board was formed to give recommendations to bring down the usage of plastic, the state govt is yet to take a final call. Thiruvananthapuram: The recent floods that devastated the state had exposed how plastic waste is degrading the environment. Many other states, including Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, had banned single-use plastic products and disposables following flooding. As per statistics, Kerala produces over 400 tonnes of plastic waste daily and four percentage of the total waste generated in the state is plastic. Though several months have passed since the floods, the state is hesitant to ban single-use plastic products. Though a special stakeholders' panel under the State Pollution Control Board was formed to give recommendations to bring down the usage of plastic, the state government is yet to take a final call. PCB chairman K. Ajit Haridas told DC that the report mooted by the stakeholders' panel on the impact of plastic waste post- floods had been submitted to the chief secretary. "The chief secretary would call a meeting soon to discuss the report. It's purely a policy decision. However, the law doesn't mandate a ban on plastic. Scientific management of plastic is the only way out," he said. The Tamil Nadu government last year announced a ban on plastic items, including non-biodegradable bags, in the best interest of environment. However, Kerala has landed in soup because plastic manufacturing is a booming industry with an annual turnover of Rs 2,500 crore. There are around 3000 small, medium and large-scale manufacturers in the state. General secretary of Kerala Plastic Manufacturers' Association Tom J. Kallarackal said that it's a huge industry and a livelihood for thousands. "Many of the manufacturers have taken huge loans from banks to start the business and a ban overnight will ruin them. If the government decides to ban it, they should compensate the manufacturers," said Mr Tom. The authorities should also take steps to ban plastic products from the other states, he added. Mumbai: Three doctors - Hema Ahuja, Bhakti Mehar, and Ankita Khandilwal - all accused of abetting Dr Payal Salman Tadvi to commit suicide by persistently harassing her on the pretext of her social identity - have urged the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) to ensure 'fair' probe into the whole issue. In a letter to the MARD on Monday, the trio has also denied the charges of 'ragging' levelled against them by the victim's mother Abeda Tadvi. "We want the college to conduct a fair investigation to give justice. But this is not the way to do investigation through the police force and media pressure without listening to our side," they have stated in the letter. "Just because we don't know the reason why suicide was committed, it is seriously an injustice to put the blame on us without any proper cause and levelling a charge of atrocity," the letter written and signed by the three doctors reads. "You all are aware of the workload in residency and do you all really believe burdened with the workload is ragging? We all are doing residency and are going through all three years of residency which has different aspects." "If the heavy workload is given the name of ragging, then we all have been ragged or ragging someone while performing our basic duties. Then all of us should be blamed as all the workload and pressure is always transferred from our seniors (lecturer, AP, HOU, and HoD) and department," the letter reads. Denying the allegation of caste-based discrimination, the three accused have written: "Also, we have been blamed for caste discrimination. Do you really think such allegations are true? Do we ever consider caste before treating patients? Do we make friends, listen to our seniors/juniors and colleagues on the basis of caste? Are we really allotted work on the basis of our caste?" The letter further asks the MARD to help the accused in getting a fair trial and give them a chance to clear the allegations levelled against them by the victim's mother. "Guys we have been working together. Do you really think we could do ragging and caste discrimination? We just want you all to understand our side and help us get justice against these allegations which are levelled," says the letter. Abeda Tadvi, mother of Dr Payal, who committed suicide on May 22, has claimed that three senior doctors -- Hema Ahuja, Bhakti Mehar, and Ankita Khandilwal -- at Nair Hospital tortured her daughter, and unable to bear this, she committed suicide. The administration of the BYL Nair Hospital had formed an anti-ragging committee to probe into the suicide, while Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has suspended the three accused doctors. Maharashtra State Commission for Women has issued a notice to Dean of BYL Nair Hospital seeking a report on the action taken in connection with the suicide case. Kochi: The Panangad police on Sunday arrested a 48-year old person for allegedly murdering his wife following a family feud on Saturday night. According to police, Vini, 42, of Ramachamkuzhiyil, Nettur was beaten to death by her husband Antony, a carpenter by profession. According to police, the incident happened around 11 pm on Saturday. The accused thrashed the head of Vini using a wooden hammer and with window frames kept at the house following a verbal fight. Vini sustained deep injuries on the backside of her head that led to death. Soon after incident, Antony had surrendered before the Panangad police. When the police reached the house she was found dead. The neighbours and the relatives said that Antony used to have fights with his wife alleging she was a mental patient, everyday. He also used to threaten his father-in-law saying he would kill Vini. On Saturday night also he threatened his father-in-law over mobile phone. They didnt take this seriously because he used to do this a lot, an official said. The couple used to live in the house along with the mother of Antony and their two children. The mother and children were not there at the time as they had gone to the house of Antony's sister. Police said that the neighbors did not hear any kind of sound from their house as there was heavy rain. Vini was an employee in a private firm at Kaloor for the past several years. Forensic and scientific experts visited the spot and conducted examination. The accused will be produced before the court on Monday. The body of Vini was handed over to kin after postmortem. Mumbai: Have you missed any news today? Here are the top national, international headlines of the day. Smriti Irani's aide's murder: Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of a BJP worker in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district two days ago, police said on Monday. Director General of Police (DGP) O P Singh said there was a local-level political rivalry between the deceased, Surendra Singh, 50, and the father of one of the accused. Read: 3 arrested in Amethi murder case; cops say 'political rivalry' Rahul Gandhi may resign: Congress president Rahul Gandhi was reported to be adamant on his stand of stepping down from his post after the dismal performance of the party in the recently concluded general election. Gandhi, however, would give the party some time to choose a new leader and would continue to chair the party for the time being. Read: Rahul still adamant on resigning? Party dismisses it as idle gossip Rajasthan Congress' post poll exercise: After suffering a humiliating drubbing in the Lok Sabha elections, internal bickering has begun haunting Rajasthan Congress with top state leaders facing the ire of party rank and file. Many party leaders have asked for 'change in leadership' and 'resignation' of those responsible for the party's worst ever electoral show in the state. Read: Post-LS poll debacle, internal bickering haunts Rajasthan Congress Sheila Dikshit's poll introspection: Delhi Congress chief and former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Monday constituted a five-member committee to probe in depth the reasons behind the party's rout in the city-state in the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections. Read: Sheila Dikshit sets 5-member panel after Congress's defeat in LS polls in Delhi Hardik detained after hunger strike threat: Congress leader Hardik Patel was on Monday detained by police after he threatened to sit on a hunger strike if the Gujarat government did not take action against Surat mayor and other officials over with the fire tragedy that claimed lives of 22 students, an official said. Read: Surat fire tragedy: Hardik detained after hunger strike threat Internal bickering haunts Rajasthan Congress: After suffering a humiliating drubbing in the Lok Sabha elections, internal bickering has begun haunting Rajasthan Congress with top state leaders facing the ire of party rank and file. Many party leaders have asked for 'change in leadership' and 'resignation' of those responsible for the party's worst ever electoral show in the state. Read: Post-LS poll debacle, internal bickering haunts Rajasthan Congress Telangana to face heat wave, temperatures to touch 47.2: Heat wave is continuing in the state of Telangana with Ramagundam recording 47.2 degree Celsius, the season's and the state's highest. The IMD has issued a warning that the heat wave was likely to prevail in isolated places of the state till May 31. Read: Telangana sizzles, Ramagundam hottest at 47.2 degrees Celsius Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa on Rafale: Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said that Rafale combat aircraft would prove to be a "game-changer" for the Indian Air Force (IAF) as it would tilt the balance of power back in India's favour, on Monday. Read: 'Rafale will be a gamechanger' says Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa First session of 17th Lok Sabha to begin from June 6: The 17th Lok Sabha's first session is likely to start from June 6 and go on till June 15, sources have said. The dates of the first Parliament session are expected to be finalised during the first meeting of the new Cabinet on May 31, a day after Narendra Modi takes oath as Prime Minister of the country for a second term, they said. Read: First session of 17th Lok Sabha likely from June 6-15 Congress state chiefs resignation: Taking the moral responsibility for poor performance of Congress party in national elections, chiefs of four other states also resigned from their post. UP party chief Raj Babbar, Assam unit chief Ripun Bora and Ashok Chavan of Maharashtra also offered to quit. Read: Ram's work has to be done and will be done, says RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat Ex-Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar skips CBI summon: Former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar skipped a meeting with the CBI officials on Monday despite being summoned by the agency for questioning in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam, officials said. Kumar, however, sent a letter to the CBI, seeking some more time to appear before its officers in connection with the case. Read: Rajeev Kumar skips CBI summons, sends letter seeking more time Karnataka cabinet to be reshuffled post BJP's landslide win: Results have proved that is a complete failure with both parties jointly winning just 2 parliamentary seats from the total of 28. The Congress-JD(S) alliance in the state of Karnataka is dertermined to stay the path despite the disastrous performance in the recent Lok Sabha election. And to that end, sources suggest that a cabinet expansion and reshuffle is likely to happen soon. Read: BJPs landslide win bring up resuhffling discussions in Ktaka cabinet PM Narendra Modi addresses BJP worker in Varanasi: PM Modi said, I had spoken to workers of Varanasi. All of you had ordered me that I can't set foot in Varanasi for a month. The nation might have elected me as the PM but for you, I am a worker. For me, your order was the priority. Read: 'Elected as PM, but worker for you': PM Modi to BJP workers in Varanasi Trump addresses Japan over trade gap: US President Donald Trump pressed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday to even out a trade imbalance with the United States and expressed confidence, despite Japanese wariness, that good things would come from North Korea. Read: Trump addresses Japan over trade gap, expects good things from North Korea Washington-Tehran feud: Iraq offered to mediate in the crisis between its two key allies, the United States and Iran, amid escalating Middle East tensions and as Tehrans nuclear deal with world powers steadily unravels. Iraqi foreign minister, Mohammed al-Hakim, made the offer Sunday during a joint news conference in Baghdad with visiting Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif. Read: Iraq wants to be peacemaker as Washington-Tehran feud heats up Kejriwal addresses party workers: Motivating disheartened AAP workers after the party's crushing defeat in the Lok Sabha polls, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Sunday asked them to humbly accept people's verdict and concentrate on the assembly elections slated for next year. Read: Kejriwal prepares AAP workers for 2020 polls; says dont get disheartened Bathinda: Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said that Rafale combat aircraft would prove to be a "game-changer" for the Indian Air Force (IAF) as it would tilt the balance of power back in India's favor, on Monday. "IAF is about to get two squadrons of Rafale. Rafale has the capability that no enemy can interfere in the air operations which is a big thing. It will come and change the balance back to us," he told ANI here. Dhanoa was speaking on the 20th anniversary of the Kargil war at an event organised to honour Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, whose plane was shot down during the war. IAF Chief BS Dhanoa led the 'missing man' formation of the MiG-21 formation in the honour of the war hero. He said that whatever shortcomings the IAF had during the Kargil war were long gone, citing laser designator pod (LDP), which is the laser sensor-cum-targeting system used in aircraft are now present in all aircraft fleets and refuelling aircraft too have now been added. "Whatever our deficiencies were back then are now gone. We have now got LDP in all strike fleets. Only the Mirage 2000 had it during Kargil war, now the Jaguar, MiG-27 upgrade and Sukhoi-30's have it. We have also got UAVs, refuelers and evacs which indicate we have come ahead big time," Dhanoa said. Talking about the strength and the modernization of the IAF fleets, Dhanoa asserted that the Sukhoi-M30, Tejas and Rafale will soon arrive to replace the older aircraft which are in need of an upgrade. "The MiG-21 Bison which is our main operational aircraft today has upgraded capabilities, it has significantly upgraded capabilities much advanced than the old MiG-21's." "The new aircraft which are going to come in include a squadron of Su-30's manufactured by the HAL. A fleet of Tejas Mark 1a light combat aircraft in the FOC configuration and 2 squadrons of Rafale, the old aircraft will keep getting replaced as and when the decision is taken," he said. 20th Century Fox's Independence Day released on July 4, 1996, was a blast - A sci-fi disaster film about an alien spacecraft that attacks Earth on Fourth of July weekend. But, the scene at the climax where Jeff Goldblum uses a Mac laptop to upload a computer virus to the alien mothership disabling the attacking ships, felt downright unbelievable to the fans. In the same vein, is it believable for a virus to infect a space station orbiting at a distance of over 330 km above the earth? It shocked astronauts on board to find their Windows XP-based laptops on the International Space Station (ISS) infected with a virus called W32.Gammima in 2008. Gammima.AG worm is a malware that gathers and transmits sensitive gaming data to an attacker. Investigations later revealed that unsuspecting Russian cosmonauts had inadvertently carried infected USB storage devices aboard the station spreading computer viruses to the connected computers. The damage by the malware to the computer systems of the ISS is unknown to date. Eugene Kaspersky, head of security firm Kaspersky labs, maintains that the virus epidemic took hold of the space-based computers, including dozens of laptops. Following which the authorities concerned took a decision to migrate from the Windows XP operating system to a more secure GNU/Linux operating system. Satellites and Space Stations, despite being in space, are susceptible to cyberattacks. In fact, regularly over the years, the orbiting stations and satellites have become infected by malware. Similar to computers, satellites communication systems are vulnerable to hacking. In September 2014, the US National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration reported that a serious hacking incident took its Satellite Data Information System offline denying high volumes of data to weather forecasting agencies around the world for 48 hours. Prior to this episode, in October 2007 and July 2008, a Landsat-7 Earth observation satellite built by NASA and managed by the US Geological Survey experienced 12 or more minutes of interference. Similarly, a NASA-managed Terra AM-1 Earth-observation satellite suffered interference for two minutes or more on a single day in June 2008, and at least nine minutes on one day in October 2008. This is not futuristic science fiction - it is real, and it is happening right now. For instance, in the 1990s, radio technologists in Brazil discovered that they could latch on to the UHF frequencies dedicated to satellites in the Navy's Fleet Satellite Communication system, or FLTSATCOM. Hackers in Brazil used high performance antennas and home brew gear to turn US Navy Satellites to their own CB communicators. Since then, apart from truckers and others, drug dealers have been using the link to traffic drugs and tree fellers have been using it to transmit warnings to other loggers when the authorities begin operations against them. After the US came to know of the misuse of their Navy Satellite links by the Brazilians, they forced the Brazil government to launch a crackdown called "Operation Satellite" During which, police arrested truckers, farmers, university professors, and electricians for hacking into the US Navy Satellite. Similarly, Turla APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) a sophisticated Russian cyber-espionage group, believed to be sponsored by the Russian government, has targeted a number satellites and abused satellite based Internet connections to siphon sensitive data of government, military, embassy, research, and pharmaceutical organisations in over 45 countries, including China, Vietnam, and the United States. They have been doing so by exploiting the loopholes available in the orbiting satellites. The UK-based newspaper Sunday Business had carried a story stating that computer hackers had attacked the UK's military communications satellite Skynet which the Ministry of Defence was quick to deny but the computer fraud detectives at the Scotland Yard said they were investigating the matter. As much of the UK's military intelligence from places such as Kosovo comes through Skynet, the attack on satellite was being considered a dangerous breach of security. Terrorists and criminals, of late, have been focusing on satellite technologies. Who can forget the manner in which Lashkar -e-Taiba utilised GPS to sail into Mumbai and once in Mumbai they used Google Earth to navigate inside the city to intended places of attack from where they launched attacks by receiving instructions over satellite phones all the way from Karachi? Similarly, Shia insurgents from Iraq have intercepted live video feeds from unmanned US Predator drones using a software called SkyGrabber made by a Russian company called SkySoftware. $26 software is actually an Internet downloaded software which intercept videos, music, photos, etc. Users don't need an internet connection but just a customised satellite dish to grab the desired satellite signals. The militants used SkyGrabber to tap into feeds from the Predator drones that were increasingly being used in operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Militants could do so because the feeds being sent by the drones to the ground stations we're not encrypted. Americans discovered this problem when the US military arrested a Shiite militant and found him in possession of a laptop containing intercepted drone feeds. They later discovered similar feeds in laptops belonging to many other militants, which led them to believe that, militants groups had received training in drone interception. And likewise, Gendarmerie Air Transport (GTA)-a division of the National Police in France-is looking into the possibility of someone having tampered with the satellite communications systems of the widely reported Malaysia Airlines aircraft (flight MH370) that disappeared in 2014. Satellites confer many benefits on humankind. Has anyone wondered what would be our fate if the satellites suddenly ceased to function? If the satellites stop functioning, making international calls could become impossible, our favourite TV programmes reaching us through the satellite dish would become unavailable, our GPS systems would crash and governments would lose grip over communications systems. All this could happen if we let the hackers hack satellites. Hackers hack satellites by exploiting the vulnerabilities and security back-doors. Here's a shocker, some satellite systems even today run on Windows XP or Windows 95. In fact, there are reports that the UK's Royal Navy uses Windows ME, which, if you did not know, is a predecessor to Windows XP. Hackers interested in satellite hacking exploit such technological gaps .They also spoof and jam satellite signals. I have chosen not to discuss spoofing and jamming of satellites, as I have previously dealt with them elaborately here. Are you aware that, several multi-ton satellites with Windows-95 operating systems are orbiting our planet faster than the speed of sound? These satellites are responsible for everything from GPS, weather forecasts, television signals, mobile signals and the Internet. The countries that own these satellites consider them invaluable for the services they provide. Countries that own these satellites do not take these satellites down despite being old and susceptible to hacking because it's prohibitively expensive. Such old satellites with outdated systems become prime targets for satellite attacks. A Cyber-criminal who wishes to hack a satellite would fake his IP address, which provides information about his computer and location. After which he gains entry into the satellite's computer system. Once he gains foothold inside the system, he manipulates the satellite and controls where the satellite goes or what it does. He could jam the radio transmission from earth disabling it. The cost of such an attack could be huge. If a satellite stops functioning, then people on earth will get deprived of GPS, Internet, and cell phone communications. What's even worse is, knocking out of a part or an entire satellite out of its orbit could create a domino effect and cause extreme damage to other satellites. Finding out the culprit who caused the attack on satellite is tough because scientists can't access these computer systems from earth. Just imagine, what would happen if terrorists altered the flight paths and crashed the satellites into other satellites. China, in fact, has provided such ideas to malicious actors by obliterating one of its own aging satellites unnerving the US and other governments. A type of miniature satellites called Cubesats are being used for tracking terrorists besides interplanetary missions .Cubesats are less expensive to build and operate. Cubesats are so small they fit in the palm of one's hand. For the police and military, watching terrorists from space has unique advantages over ground-and air-based systems. Cubesats are becoming indispensable for "high-value target" missions, such as the raid on Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden.US recently launched several cubesats to track high value targets like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, through SpaceX rocket. Special Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Exploitation program in Special Ops Command, USA, has several programs designed to help locate high-value targets using covert tracking tags.Cubesats has opened up an inexpensive way of exploring planets on a shoestring. NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab could launch two Cubesats Marco-1 and Marco-2, to voyage Mars at a low cost of US $13 million. The reason for cyber-conflicts in space could be many. States or non-state actors could indulge in gaining military advantage or governments could use it to steal strategic intellectual property or criminal gangs could use it to steal cash or groups/ governments might want to cause Kessler Effect which is to initiate a cascade of collisions to deny all the use of space in the foreseeable future. Just like other digital networked systems, satellites their ground stations and other space assets are vulnerable to cyberattacks. There is a need for a global organised effort to counter these threats. Other than some sporadic efforts being made by the United Nations, there is no international body fully dedicated to cyber-security in space. Establishing an international body to assess risks, establish safeguards and promote best practices can go a long way in filling in this gap. Space and space technology offers enormous benefits and has helped humankind improve life on earth. On the negative side, space assets in the outer cosmos may have attracted the Cyber-criminals. The inner cosmos has attracted spiritual seekers to traverse its depths in search of eternal bliss and wisdom. Congruously, astronauts who viewed earth from space have reported spiritual feelings of awe, interconnected euphoria, and global consciousness. (Dr K. Jayanth Murali, an IPS officer, is Director DVAC, Chennai) The Modi juggernaut was not merely stopped in its tracks, but literally overturned in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, despite a propitious environment pan-India. What stands out is the Tamil Nadu results, where AIADMK, PMK and allies were also pulled down by the weight of their association with BJP. That is the stark reality. While the whole of India re elected Modi, TN rejected him resoundingly. Rather, expressed its 'hate' for Modi, to be brutally truthful. Why? Was it a cultural construct from Periyar and Annadurai times? When the entire nation was captivated by the Hindutva magic, so much so, a controversial candidate in Pragya Thakur trumped a veteran in Digvijaya Singh by over 2.5 lakh votes, in Bhopal, the Hindu bashing in TN hardly mattered to the voters, who overwhelmingly rejected the Modi mania? Was it Modi specific and centric? It would do a world of good for BJP, at the state and national level, to analyse the 'why' of this rejection. Modi himself may well introspect and Amit Shah who will not miss a trick is already on the job. As someone commented, "We had a WhatsApp election in TN. The viral memes and videos in circulation ridiculing and spreading hate against Modi were too obvious to miss". And it was not for the past 2/3 months during the campaign alone. It had been going on for 3 years now and if one wants to fix a date/time, it could be the jallikattu agitation, of 3 years ago. The jallikattu agitation really broke out big, and captured the imagination of not only those in TN, but entire India was transfixed. Marina beach became the Tahir Square- the Egyptian equivalent. People from every walk of life joined in, and it became a casteless/classless agitation, with popular appeal. It was live and even as the Supreme Court proceedings were on, made a huge impact on the social imagination .OPS was the Chief Minister and he himself went over to meet Modi seeking a statutory solution. But Modi never spoke where his sympathies lay, though he acted to diffuse the agitation, supporting the cause. The 'Tamilians' concluded that Modi was indifferent to their interests. His heart did not beat for anything Tamil because his party had no dividends to reap in this state. More importantly, the long held perception that BJP was a party of the upper class and 'North Indians' got reinforced. Modi made no effort to publicly intervene, though ultimately it was his dispensation which granted the benefit of Central Government approval for President Ramnath Govind to sign the consent, as the Constitution mandated. But this was totally lost sight of, in the events leading to the state legislation, to become law legalising jallikattu. Modi missed a trick and more, in spite of providing the solution to the imbroglio, which has now stood the test of time after the Supreme Court refused to grant interim stay of the legislation. What remained was the perception that Modi did not care. And then we had another spectacle, for nearly 100 days, at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, by farmers from TN. Tamilians associated themselves with this cause, even if it was weird at times. The grouse of the Tamil people was that the Prime Minister Narendara Modi did not so much as make one symbolic visit to the Jantar Mantar and promise to look into their demands. It was concluded that Modi did not care for he had no stake in Tamil or Tamil Nadu's interests. Modi missed a trick here too. If only he had cared to visit the farmers and met them in person and called them for a meeting to address their demands - he would have been feted in Tamil Nadu. Unfortunately, the demands of the farmers lost sheen in the sheer drama of the spectacle they indulged in for it was not a healthy one. And Modi chose not to recognise it as a serious agitation. And since he was trying to address the farmers' distress on All India basis, he possibly did not consider a TN specific demand any different. Whatever the justification, all that it required for Modi, was a visit to the site and a handshake, and a promise to look into the issues. Respect is all, the Tamilians expected, they say. Forget not the Neet issue that impacts several families. And TN was in the thick of action because of the 69 per cent reservation, unique to us, and the number of medical colleges, in place, run mostly by Dravidian politicians. It was a hot issue not only because it impacted the lives of ordinary folks - as little Anita who tragically committed suicide - but the financial health of political families in TN. No wonder the issue flared up on instigation, so much so that party manifestos proclaimed that they will give a good bye to Neet. What is unfortunately forgotten is that Neet was not Modi's baby. It was the Supreme Court's - spiked by the court itself in a dubious order once. And then 'resurrected with a vengeance' by the top court, as an academician put it. Modi came to TN's rescue with an ordinance, which was trashed by the apex court, for no fault of his. He did not bring Neet. He could not undo it, even if he was willing. But Modi failed to express it in public. He was silent but it cost him his stature and inclination. The perception that BJP had no stake in TN and therefore Modi did not care,h ardened. And DMK and its allies brilliantly built on this 'perception and fanned the flames to keep the issue alive as anti Modi narrative', as one commentator suggested.Add the killing of 13 innocents in Thoothukudi in the wake of Sterlite agitation. Modi was perceived to be cold and uncaring, since he did not sympathise with the victims, even while he tweeted his sympathies for those killed abroad. His failure to visit TN in the aftermath of Gaja cyclone, despite his sanctioning a huge financial aid, was perceived as disdain and indifference to Tamilians. More so, when he was seen to be publicly attending a celebrity wedding contemporaneously. Even his government's grant of licence to run Methane and/or hydrocarbon units or oil drilling, to provide employment opportunities, is perceived as being with no 'concern for the health of Tamilians'. Modi and BJP allowed the feeling, emotion, perception to take root and grow. The state unit's feeble counter narrative fell flat, as EPS administration was portrayed as BJP B team. The state BJP miserably failed to sound Modi on the 'alternate facts' gone viral. To convince him on the 'need to dispel the impression gaining ground and impacting on the voters who are swayed by feelings alone in any democratic polity' - as Yuval Noah Harari, the Israeli Professor concludes in his 21 lessons in 21st century on the ' overwhelming role of feelings over reality'. Modi-Shah combine have a mountain to climb in TN, if they are serious about BJP's realistic chances for a breakthrough in TN. Are they game? (Author is an advocate practising in the Madras high court) Chennai: In India, crude oil production is insufficient to meet the nations energy demands. Indias oil production has fallen by 4 per cent in the financial year 2018-2019. India has produced only 34.2 million tonnes of crude oil, while in the previous year the country produced 35.7 million tonnes. The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras in collaboration with some researchers in Australia have come up with a method to increase oil production by 120 million tonnes. Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, researchers in collaboration with the research laboratories of Australia are developing an indigenous process for efficient recovery of oil from offshore wells. Currently, they are studying, Low-Salinity Enhanced Oil Recovery(LSEOR), an enhanced oil recovery method. Their research has been published in the journals Journal of Petroleum and Science And Engineering and Energy and Fuels. The research which is headed by Dr Jitendra Sangwai, Professor of Petroleum Engineering, Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT, Madras is being jointly funded by IIT Madras and Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Dr.Jitendra Sangwai, on his research, says that Our research aims at developing indigenous methods for recovery of crude oil from geological reservoirs, which is a complex process. There is still much that needs to be understood in the use of LSEOR methods . He further added that they dont have a clear idea on the mechanism of wettability alliteration that can be caused by factors such as oil consumption, salt levels in the water, the acidity of the crude oil, mineralogy of the rock and other factors. Low-Salinity Enhanced Oil Recovery(LSEOR) can be a better oil recovery from offshore reservoirs, since it may reduce the salinity of seawater that is injected into the rock because the presence of certain divalent cations can change the wettability of the rock. Oil is extracted through the water injection process, a secondary oil recovery method from the rocks filled with oil such as limestone and sandstone. The researchers say that the efficiency of the process depends upon the wettability of the rock. When these stones become hydrophobic they result in inefficient oil extraction. The researchers add that during the LSEOR, they added organic acids and bases to model oil to test the effect of acidity and basicity of oil on wettability. The study resulted in the presence of acidic and basic substances in the oil reduced water wettability, especially in the presence of salt. The study found owners of most shops have unauthorisedly sealed roofs and converted portions into go-downs after getting corporations approval. Kochi: The fire audit report submitted by the fire and rescue department calling for setting up of permanent fire fighting mechanism such as pressurised fire hydrants at crowded markets and other vulnerable spots in the district are yet to be taken up for implementation. Pressurised fire hydrants are points from which fire tenders can draw water in quick time. They are connected to a large water tank or to the main water distribution pipe. The report, submitted to the district administration and the Kochi Corporation over a year ago, sought installation of fire hydrant points at Broadway market, Mattancherry Jew Street and the Kakkanad Special Economic zone on a war-footing. However it is put on a back burner despite rise in fire mishaps in crowded markets and residential areas in the region. The report called for setting fire hydrants at Broadway as the only water sources are that from Vembanad lake and a few wells," said a senior fire force official. It also recommended widening of access roads to Broadway. We've conducted a detailed study and submitted a trajectory layout. At present, many areas couldn't be accessed by fire tenders. Similar is the situation with the Mattancherry market," he said. The study found owners of most shops have unauthorisedly sealed roofs and converted portions into go-downs after getting corporations approval. The same will congest a building and will increase fire incidence," the officer said. The unauthorized "extension" was noticed in the old building in which fire broke out on Monday. too. The report listed faulty electrical systems as another cause for worry. Hong Kong: Signature project opens An opening ceremony for the "Construction of Lift Tower at Shung Yan Street in Kwun Tong" under the Kwun Tong District Signature Project Scheme (SPS) was held today. The project includes the construction of a lift tower with two passenger lift cars and a link bridge connecting Hong Ning Road Recreation Ground and Shung Yan Street. It also includes upgrading works for the adjacent barrier-free access provisions and refurbishment of some leisure facilities in Hong Ning Road Recreation Ground. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Secretary for Home Affairs Lau Kong-wah said the project provides residents with a barrier-free access walkway, bringing convenience to the elderly and disabled. He added the enhanced recreation ground provides a more comfortable leisure area for the public. The Government earmarked a provision of $100 million for each District Council to implement up to two SPS projects to address local needs. This story has been published on: 2019-05-27. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 27) The Philippine government is optimistic the ban on official trips to Canada will be lifted once the garbage issue is resolved. "Hopefully I think yes, if there is no more reason to be pissed off by their actions," Presidential Spokesperson Sal Panelo told CNN Philippines on Monday. In a memorandum issued by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, department secretaries and heads of agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, and government financial institutions were advised not to issue travel permits to Canada. Heads of government agencies were told to reduce official interaction with representatives of the Canadian government. Panelo said the action was in line with the government's stance on "diminished diplomatic relations" with Canada after the failure to reclaim garbage shipped to Manila six years ago. "We have to do this to show the Canadian government that we are serious," he said. He added that according to the Foreign Affairs Department and the Bureau of Customs, they're processing the papers and soon, the trash will be transported back to Canada. On May 16, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Locsin Jr. announced on social media that recall letters were sent to the ambassador and consuls stationed in Canada after it missed the May 15 deadline to pick up the trash. The Canadian government said it is "disappointed" by Ambassador Petronila Garcia's recall. Duterte then ordered the return of the garbage at the Philippines' expense. On May 22, Canadian officials said they contracted a shipping company to bring back the trash, and that Canada would shoulder the cost. A statement from Environment and Climate Change Canada, a Canadian government agency which gives information on how to protect and conserve the country's natural heritage, said the removal of the garbage would be completed by the end of June. Panelo and Environment Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said the deadline was unacceptable. Photo: The Canadian Press Georges Awaad answers the phone with a polite "Hello," but he could just as easily answer in Arabic, French, Japanese, or any of the multiple other languages he speaks. At the age of 20, the Montreal linguistics student can already speak 19 different languages, most of which he taught himself through a combination of internet videos, music and conversation with friends. "I'm a very auditory person, so I try to expose myself as much as possible to the language, by listening to music, videos, films if I find them, and by listening to conversations and having them with friends," he said in a phone interview. He also speaks Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Russian, Hebrew, Romanian, Swedish, Georgian, Armenian, Cantonese, Korean, Esperanto, and Dutch. Awaad, whose first language is French, said he learned early in life that he liked the sound of different languages, but his interest really began around age 10, when he asked his Arabic-speaking grandparents to help him improve his skills. "I told my parents I really loved learning with my grandparents and they told me, 'You know, there are places online if you want to learn more languages,'" Awaad said. His parents pointed him to Google Translate, and he was instantly hooked, he said. Awaad may just speak more languages than any other student in Canada, according to online language learning platform Babbel. Babbel, along with the Student Life Network, launched a search earlier this year to find Canada's most polyglottic, or multilingual, student. Awaad emerged the clear winner, impressing the judges with two rounds of video submissions displaying his linguistic prowess, which were judged by native speakers of each language. "As a team of hundreds of linguists from all around the world, we are extremely impressed by Georges' command of languages, especially for someone so young," Ted Mentele, Babbel's Editor in Didactics, said in a statement. Despite his achievement, Awaad doesn't believe he has any exceptional skills when it comes to learning languages. His secret, he says, is that he finds it fun. "I think it's more that I'm passionate about it," he said. "It's easier for me to put in the effort to learn them because I really love them... It doesn't feel like work." Awaad finds it hard to pinpoint exactly what he loves the most about languages. At first, he says, he just loved the different sounds and inflections they made. But as he got older, he came to appreciate how they allowed him to make new connections and explore new cultures in a fuller way. As an example, he says he was able to serve as his family's translator during a trip to Japan. He's also made plenty of new friends in his quest to find people to converse with. "It started to show me just how much learning a new language can open your mind and heart to so many other people around the world and new cultures," he said. "You can understand the world so much better and on a much deeper level." In the state, the BJP also is believed to have the support of the two independents. If the BJP is able to lure away a few legislators, they may be in a position to say that the government has lost its majority. (Photo: File) Bengaluru: The Congress-JD(S) alliance in the state of Karnataka is dertermined to stay the path despite the disastrous performance in the recent Lok Sabha election. And to that end, sources suggest that a cabinet expansion and reshuffle is likely to happen soon. On Sunday, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy of the JD(S) met his predecessor from the Congress, Siddaramaiah. The two leaders discussed the political situation and strategy in the face of potential revival of what is referred to as "Operation Lotus". The term was first used in 2008, when the BJP was accused of inciting several opposition legislators to defect to ensure the stability of its government headed by BS Yeddyurappa. However amidst these discussions, BJP chief in the state BS Yeddyurappa has said that partnering with the JD(S) to form the new government was out of question and he was strongly in favour of a fresh set of elections. The results have proved that the Congress-JD(S) alliance is a complete failure with both the parties jointly winning just 2 parliamentary seats from the total of 28 in the state. Congress heavyweights including Rizwan Arshad, Krishna Byregowda, BK Hariprasad, Mallikarjun Kharge and HD Deve Gowda lost from their respective constituencies against the BJP candidates. Sources said Siddaramaiah had spoken to Congress legislators who have been openly criticising the party in recent days. It is believed that one legislator, Dr Sudhakar, who had described the coalition as an "unholy alliance" has been persuaded to stay with the party. But Ramesh Jarkiholi, brother of minister Satish Jarkiholi, seems all set to jump ship. Numbers are crucial at this point. In the 224-member Karnataka assembly, the Congress-JD(S) coalition has 117 and the BJP 105, with 113 being the majority mark. The BJP also is believed to have the support of the two independents. If the BJP is able to lure away a few legislators, they may be in a position to say that the government has lost its majority. But that would mean overcoming the reluctance of many legislators who are facing a fresh election. The election dealt several blows to the family of HD Deve Gowda. The JD(S) patriarch and former prime minister lost his election. And one of grandsons, Nikhil, lost to the BJP-backed independent and political novice, Sumalatha Ambareesh. She is the wife of Congress leader and Kannada superstar Ambareesh who died last year. DC Thammanna, Karnataka state transport minister and Janta Dal (Secular) leader on Monday said that he wouldn't mind being dropped from the state cabinet if considered 'incapable.' "Let them drop me, I don't mind. I'm ready for the party to sack me from my post. If I am capable let them make me continue, otherwise, I don't want any post," he stated on being asked if he will be dropped from the state cabinet. "I will abide if my party takes any such decision," he further added. This comes after sources indicated that a cabinet expansion and reshuffle may happen soon. He also refused to comment on any political situation citing that "my party has asked us not to talk to the media or comment on politics" JD(S) working president MS Narayan Rao on Sunday had issued a circular to party leaders, spokespersons and MLAs asking them not to participate in TV debates or give any statements to the media. With inputs from ANI. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analysis et al. Happy reading. Bengaluru: In view of the tumultuous political developments in Karnataka, Congress party's state unit has called for a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting on May 29 in Bengaluru. Along with senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Dinesh Gundu Rao, will also be present at the meeting. Congress has 79 MLAs while Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) has 37 MLAs in the coalition government holding power in the state. The JD(S)-Congress coalition which is in power in the state went through a rough patch during the campaigning of the recently held elections with leaders of both the parties accusing each other. The tensions between the two parties benefitted the BJP which won 25 of the 28 MP seats in Karnataka while both JD(S) and Congress had to content itself with just one seat each. However, the Karnataka Congress unit had said that there was no threat to the coalition in the state. The CLP meeting is reportedly being held to mitigate the differences between the two coalition partners and to assess whether its flock is intact amid speculation of defections. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analyses et all. Happy reading. In a purported press release, Kataria said he resigned from the Ashok Gehlot cabinet in the wake of the Congress party's poor performance in the state in the Lok Sabha elections. (Photo: Twitter) Jaipur: Speculation was rife on Sunday about senior Congress leader Lalchand Kataria quitting as the Agriculture Minister of Rajasthan with his purported resignation letter doing the rounds on social media, even though the Chief Minister's Office did not confirm the development. In a purported press release, Kataria said he resigned from the Ashok Gehlot cabinet in the wake of the Congress party's poor performance in the state in the Lok Sabha elections. The Congress lost all 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state in the general elections. The BJP won 24 and its ally Rashtriya Loktantrik Party one seat in the Congress-ruled state. Kataria said he was forwarding his resignation to Governor Kalyan Singh through the CM. When contacted, the Chief Minister's Office told PTI, "We refuse to confirm the resignation." Sources at the Raj Bhawan also did not confirm the resignation. "There is no confirmation on this," said a source. Kataria could not be contacted for comments as his official phone was unreachable. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analyses et all. Happy reading. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, formVice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi paid tributes to Pandit Nehru at his memorial Shanti Van. (Photo: ANI) New Delhi: Political leaders including senior Congress leaders on Tuesday paid their homage to the country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 55th death anniversary. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, former Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi paid tributes to Pandit Nehru at his memorial Shanti Van here. Among others who paid their obeisance to the late leader was former Uttar Pradesh, Governor Motilal Vora. An all-religion prayer meeting was organised at the memorial premises. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his tributes. "Tributes to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his death anniversary. We remember his contributions to our nation," he wrote on Twitter. Nehru emerged as an eminent leader of the Indian independence movement under the tutelage of Mahatma Gandhi and served India as Prime Minister from its establishment as an independent nation in 1947 until his death on May 27, 1964. A staunch advocate of socialism, secularism and democracy Pandit Nehru, he was an eminent leader of India's freedom movement against the British rule. RJD spokesman Mritunjay Tiwari said the results have given the party "a lesson" which the leadership would definitely take into account to win back people's support. (Photo: File | PTI) Ranchi/Patna: Stunned by the rout of his Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar and Jharkhand in the Lok Sabha election, Lalu Prasad had given up lunch after the declaration of poll results on May 23 for two days. The RJD chief had the meal on Sunday, May 26, after doctors, worried for his health, pleaded him that proper food intake was required for his medication to continue, Dr Umesh Prasad, head of the team looking after him, said on Monday. The RJD president is under treatment for blood pressure, sugar and kidney ailment at the Ranchi-based Rajendra Prasad Institute of Medical Sciences since December 2017 after he was sent to jail by a court, RIMS sources said. The doctor said Mr Prasad's health parameters are normal. The jovial RJD chief, known for his earthy humours, apparently could not digest that his party drew a blank in its stronghold Bihar and also in the neighbouring Jharkhand. This is the first instance after its inception in 1997, that the RJD could not win a parliamentary seat in Bihar but it's the second time in a row that it failed to open account. Heading the 'mahagathbandhan' in Bihar, the RJD had fought on 19 seats and shared Arrah constituency with CPI(ML); it got a drubbing at the hands of NDA on all the seats. Mr Prasad's eldest daughter Misa Bharti was defeated for a second time by Union minister Ramkripal Yadav, her father's former close associate, on Pataliputra constituency. On Saran seat, held by the RJD president for several times in the past, Chandrika Rai, father-in-law of his elder son Tej Pratap Yadav, tasted defeat at the hands of BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy. Of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, only Kishanganj was won by Congress, a grand alliance ally. This was the first occasion that RJD went into an election without its popular leader Lalu Prasad. His wife Rabri Devi and son and heir apparent Tejashwi Yadav could do little to perk party's poll performance. Even during the "Modi wave" of 2014, RJD had managed to win four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. Later, in the Bihar election, Prasad's party in alliance with JD(U) and Congress emerged as the single largest party with 80 MLAs. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar left the grand alliance in July 2017 and joined hands with BJP again. RJD spokesman Mritunjay Tiwari told PTI over phone from Patna, that the party would discuss in detail what went wrong for it in the election. But he said Prasad's absence was a big reason for the drubbing. Mr Tiwari said the results have given the party "a lesson" which the leadership would definitely take into account to win back people's support. The RJD, which formed the mahagathbandhan with Congress, JMM and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik), got only Palamau (SC) seat as per the seat-sharing adjustment among them. But it lost the seat. In Koderma, former RJD state unit president Annapurna Devi fought on BJP ticket and defeated JVM president Babulal Marandi. RJD leaders on Monday are meeting for a review of the party's humiliating performance, its leader Kailash Yadav said. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analysis et al. Happy reading. Bengaluru: Has the JD(S)-Congress coalition decided to mount a counter-offensive against the BJP's Operation Lotus' by luring BJP leaders to its fold by offering them Cabinet berths and positions on boards and corporations? While the BJP appears to be having second thoughts having failed to receive any clear instructions on Operation Lotus from the party high command, insiders said it could happen after the swearing-in of the Union government. Sources said the BJP may try to bring down the government and go in for a mid-term poll by November. To pre-empt this, the JD(S)-Congress coalition, whose strength has fallen to 117 in the state assembly, are reportedly trying to woo back the two independents, who have deserted them and are working to increase their number to at least 127 by poaching around 10 BJP MLAs. On Monday, reports were rife that around nine ministers from both the Congress and JD(S) would be asked to resign and 10 new faces inducted into the cabinet. The ministers, whose heads were said to be on the block were D.K. Shivakumar, Krishna Byregowda, Priyank Kharge, Zameer Ahmed Khan, Jayamala and R B Thimmapur from the Congress and Sa Ra Mahesh, M C Managuli and S R Srinivas from the JD(S). However, KPCC president, Dinesh Gundu Rao, who met JD(S) supremo, H D Deve Gowda on Monday denied that the two had discussed a cabinet reshuffle, and merely said Mr Gowda had raised specific issues, which he would discuss with his party leaders. After the meeting that lasted for over an hour, Rao told reporters that Deve Gowda had asked him to come home to discuss various issues. He, however, refused to divulge what transpired between the former prime minister and him. "I cannot disclose what discussion we had because he has said something outright about the two parties. "We will have to take certain decisions after discussing with the senior leaders in our party," Rao said. The Congress has convened a meeting of its legislature party on Wednesday to discuss the political developments in the southern state. PTI Rating: HMD Global has been on a roll. The Finnish company has not only managed to revive a dying brand but also has given it the ability to flourish. This year has been all about innovation and its now the time to stop and take notice as one of the worlds biggest mobile phone manufacturers is back and better than ever. Earlier on this year, HMD unveiled a few handsets at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and after launching the Nokia 4.2 in India, the brand has finally taken the wraps off the Nokia 3.2, a smartphone meant for the budget conscious audience who arent looking to compromise in the size of the display and a truly all-day battery. We spent a few days with the Nokia 3.2 and here are our takeaways from it. Design, Build The Nokia 3.2 is a big device and this is one of its main highlights. Unlike the Nokia 3.1 which was a diminutive budget model, this device comes fitted with a large display which so happens to be one of the biggest fitted in a Nokia handset. While its easy to get distracted with the size of the screen, the rest of the handset boasts some pretty impressive design elements which can be comparable to handsets that cost a fair bit more. The Nokia 3.2 is huge, that much is certain; however, it is also an extremely lightweight device. HMD managed this impressive feat by adding a unibody polycarbonate shell on the rear which helps in keeping its weight down to a minimum. While it may be difficult to handle single-handedly, you can take solace in the fact that its lightweight; thereby leaving quite little muscle fatigue. HMD Global, to keep the price down has added a glossy plastic shell here instead of a glass back. With it, we get a design thats trendy enough for 2019 without breaking the bank. While its great that the design looks good, the handset is a fingerprint magnet; so, its better if a transparent case is added here to keep it shiny and new and free from scratches. Being a budget device, HMD has not neglected to add a fingerprint scanner. This is located quite high on the rear panel and accessing it initially may be a task. During our review period, we kept on accidentally reaching for the single rear camera in a bid to unlock the phone. This is a minor issue as the fingerprint scanner is quite flush with the device. We foresee you getting used to the location of the zippy canner in just a couple of days. The camera bump here is quite negligible; this allows it to remain flat even when used without a case. The Nokia 3.2 comes with two new design features a dedicated Google Assistant Button and a Power button with an LED notification light. These two are minor additions, but play a major role in the convenience of the handset. The LED notification light here lights up from the centre as opposed to the halo effect found on the Nokia 4.2. By adding the notification light on the power button, you can see it when the handset is placed on its face or on its rear. Hence, no missed notifications at unforeseen times. The desiccated Google Assistant Button is another great addition which makes its way here from the Nokia 4.2. When you single press the button it will pull up the virtual assistant to help you with anything you need. By long pressing the button, you will activate a walkie-talkie mode, which lets the Google Assistant listen to you until you release it for long sentence queries. An interesting feature here is that you can access all of the assistants features even when the handset is locked. The handset also comes with a micro USB charging port and a 3.5mm audio jack. Its important to mention the latters port as handsets are quickly ditching it this year. So an audio jack is always welcome. Overall, the Nokia 3.2 feels like a sturdy device that can take a few accidental knocks. However, as mentioned earlier, we recommend using a case to keep it safe. Display The major highlight of the Nokia 3.2 is the massive display and like the Nokia 4.2 that was launched prior to it, it also comes with a waterdrop-style notch. By adding the notch, we get slimmer bezels on three sides and a sizable chin. The chin is quite large here and there arent really any complaints from us considering the pricing of this device. The handset comes with a 6.26-inch HD+ TFT display and it comes with the trendy 19:9 ratio. Even though the handset falls in the budget category, there are quite a few devices in and around this price range that feature a similar waterdrop notch; thereby not making it stand out from the competition. As far as the quality of the display goes, the Nokia 3.2 performs acceptably and nothing extravagant to write home about. The display is bright, vivid and colours are reproduced accurately. While the display performs well indoors, in direct sunlight it tends to struggle a bit as content onscreen is not quite viewable. Watching videos and playing games was passable and you shouldnt expect deep blacks or bright whites here. The overall quality of the display performs as advertised, which is good enough for most people. Software Much like other Nokia handset that has been launched in the recent past, the Nokia 3.2 is a part of the Android One program. With this, you get a UI thats very intuitive and devoid of any bloatware. Navigating through the interface is as smooth as you can expect from a sub Rs 9K device and due to the barebones Android operating system, you get UX that cant be matched by others in this price range. Being an Android One handset, you get a lot of the OS major features which include but not limited to Adaptive Brightness and Digital Wellbeing which are essential for 2019 smartphones. With Adaptive Brightness, your battery gets used to the way you use your handset using AI and in the end, it helps in maximising the battery life. With Digital Wellbeing, a very important tool of Android Pie you get App Timers, Wind Down and others that help you understand your device usage and prompt you to take a break when you need it. With the Nokia 3.2 being a part of the Android One program, you can be assured of timely software and security updates. Additionally, your 3.2 will also be eligible for the next big Google OS Android Q. Performance The Nokia 3.2 is not a tech powerhouse and you shouldnt expect it to perform like one. Under the hood, you get a Snapdragon 429 chipset thats paired with either 2GB or 3GB of RAM. This chipset is of the quad-core variety and hence it wont be able to output super fast performances on a regular basis. With this chipset on board, youll be able to achieve ideal results when accessing everyday apps such as those in the social media or instant messaging categories; however, app load times may not be the best. If you intend on playing graphic heavy apps like Asphalt 9 or PUBG Mobile, youre hard out of luck here as the handset will struggle to keep up. There will be a lot of stutter and lag noticeable and playing these sort of games here is a hassle just not worth getting into. If these games are your primary motive for purchasing a new smartphone, then its best you look elsewhere. We ran a series of tests on this handset and it performed as expected. During our testing phase, we observed that the handset performs well with the limited RAM available and even managed to pull up background apps pretty quick. This was evident across apps of different varieties and not just limited to social media. If streaming content on popular OTT apps or just browsing through YouTube is your thing, then the large display will offer an immersive experience. The fingerprint scanner is pretty quick too which made it our go-to option for unlocking the device. There is also a face unlock feature that works alongside the fingerprint scanner. While this is a great additional tool, we would recommend sticking to the fingerprint scanner as it was a lot quicker than the face unlock. Camera The Nokia 3.2 comes with a single 13MP shooter on the rear thats assisted by an LED flash. The camera app is one of the simplest to navigate through and grasping the features here can take place within a matter of minutes. Surprisingly, the single rear shooter performs pretty well and even though it doesnt come with specs that are featured in rival handsets in and around this price range; the Nokia 3.2 does hold its own. In well-lit environments, the Nokia shines as the images captured here have a fair amount of detail and the colour reproduced accurately. Indoors is where the handset tends to struggle as there is a bit of image noise creeping through especially at the corners of the photos captured. While clicking selfies with the 5MP front-facing the camera, we noticed that the photos shot were vibrant and skin tones appeared natural. In less than ideal light, the Nokia 3.2s selfie camera tends to struggle as well. For the best shots, its better to use this handset in well-lit conditions. Battery The battery life of the Nokia 3.2 is by far our pick for the best feature here. Packing a 4000mAh battery, with medium usage during our testing phase, the handset managed to last a day and a half till it was put for charge. The reason for the great battery life is all down to the Snapdragon 429 chipset and the Android Pie OS thats optimised to get the maximum out of a battery. Even if you use this handset to run videos continuously, you can be sure the Nokia 3.2 will last a day without needing to be topped up. Verdict The Nokia 3.2 is priced at Rs 8,990 for the 2GB/16GB option and Rs 10,790 for the 3GB 32GB option. The handset has two things going for it which are a large display and incredible battery life. On paper and in our tests, the Nokia 3.2 falls by the wayside in comparison to rivals that cost a similar amount. There are smartphones available in India with much superior specifications that cost the same which prompt us to caution you before purchasing this device. With that being said, if its just a large display, brilliant battery life and an extremely clean OS youre after, then the Nokia 3.2 is an ideal choice. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. The Samsung Galaxy A50 comes with an Exynos 9610 chipset and runs on the Android Pie OS. The Samsung Galaxy A50 was launched earlier this year and with it, we got access to one of the hottest devices from the South Korean brand in a long time. Not only did the handset get priced absolutely right, but also came with features that were worth switching over to. In what may come as good news for those who were indecisive, Samsung has just slashed the prices of the handset in India; thereby making it an all the more exciting option. The Samsung Galaxy A50 now sells for as low as 18,490 for the 4GB version and Rs 21,490 for the 6GB variant. Originally, the 4GB option came with an MRP of Rs 21,000 while the 6GB version was priced at Rs 24,000. The handset can be purchased in India on Flipkart, Amazon and Samsungs official website. The Samsung Galaxy A50 comes with an Exynos 9610 chipset and runs on the Android Pie OS. It boasts a 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-U display and is kept alive by a 4000mAh battery which supports 15W fast charging. The Samsung Galaxy A50 comes with a triple camera layout at the back which comprises of a 25MP sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle camera and a 5MP depth sensing shooter. On the front, the handset features a 25MP shooter. Additionally, the handset has a fingerprint scanner thats of the in-display variety. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. In January 2017, the same facility was the scene of a prison rebellion that lasted almost 20 hours and left 56 people dead. (Photo:AP) Brazil: Clashes between inmates killed 15 people at a jail in Amazonas state in northern Brazil on Sunday, the regional prison authority said. The clashes broke out around 11:00 am (1500 GMT) during visiting hours at the facility, located some 28 kilometers (17 miles) from the state capital Manaus. "It was a fight between the inmates. There had never been deaths during the visits," Colonel Marcos Vinicius Almeida told a news conference. Also Read: Families look for answers after 29 prisoners die in Venezuela jail riot An investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the fight, Almeida said. Almeida emphasized that authorities had reacted within minutes to the Sunday violence, preventing a potentially worse result. In January 2017, the same facility was the scene of a prison rebellion that lasted almost 20 hours and left 56 people dead. Brazil has the world's third largest prison population, with 726,712 inmates as of June 2016, according to official statistics. The population is double the capacity of the nation's prisons, which in 2016 was estimated to be 368,049 inmates. Along with severe overcrowding, Brazil's prisons are plagued by gang violence, while riots and breakout attempts are not uncommon. On Sunday, Trump tweeted that he expected big moves on trade would wait until after Japans upper house election in July. (Photo:AP) Washington: US President Donald Trump pressed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday to even out a trade imbalance with the United States and expressed confidence, despite Japanese wariness, that good things would come from North Korea. Trump is on a four-day state visit to Japan meant to showcase the alliance between the two nations, but which has also been shadowed by trade tensions. Trump explicitly linked trade and security, a connection that disturbs Tokyo, whose alliance with Washington stands at the core of its defence policies. Its all a balance sheet thing, he said. When I talk about a security threat, I talk about a balance sheet. Also Read: Trump becomes first foreign leader to meet Japan's new Emperor In order to have USD 716 billion dollars a year in military expenditures, you have to have a lot of money coming in, he said, adding that Japan had bought tremendous amounts of US military gear. On Sunday, Trump tweeted that he expected big moves on trade would wait until after Japans upper house election in July. Trade-wise, I think well be announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries, Trump said on Monday. Well get the balance of trade, I think, straightened out rapidly. ? Abe, who has developed close personal ties with Trump since the US leader came to office, stressed the closeness of ties. I am determined to demonstrate at home and abroad the very strong bond he said of the alliance in Japans new Reiwa era, which began on May 1 when Emperor Naruhito inherited the throne. Earlier, Trump was greeted by Naruhito and his Harvard-educated wife at the imperial palace in Tokyo in a formal welcome ceremony broadcast live on national television. He became the first foreign dignitary to be received by the monarch since the latter inherited the throne after his father, Akihito, stepped down in the first abdication by a Japanese emperor in two centuries. Trump gave a slight bow and he and First Lady Melania Trump shook hands with the imperial pair before entering the palace, to be met by Abe and his wife, Akie, among others. The president and emperor and their wives returned outside to walk a red carpet and stand under a hot sun while a military band played the national anthems of both countries. Trump then walked the red carpet again, waving at assembled school children and inspecting Japanese troops before a military band played a formal salute as he stood solemnly on a raised platform. Trump has made clear he was pleased to have the honour of the first reception with the emperor, who is hosting a lavish state dinner for the US leader and his wife on Monday. The two leaders have put on a show of friendship but have policy disagreements over trade and North Korea. Trump has threatened to target Japanese automakers with high tariffs in his effort to cut the US trade surplus and get a two-way trade pact with Tokyo. Trump has also spearheaded an expensive trade dispute with China. That trade war between the worlds two largest economies has hurt markets worldwide and confounded US allies, including Japan and the European Union. Such allies share US concerns about Chinese practices but object to Trumps hardball tactics. Abe and Trump are also set to discuss North Korea and Iran. I personally think that lots of good things will come with North Korea. I feel that. I may be right, I may be wrong, but I feel that, Trump said on Monday. On Sunday, Trump had said he was not worried about a recent missile launch by North Korea. That put him at odds with his own national security adviser, John Bolton, who said on Saturday Pyongyangs recent short-range missile tests violated United Nations Security Council resolutions. Abe is considering a trip to Iran next month, domestic media said, to try to soothe rising tension between Tehran and Washington. Trump said Abe had spoken to him on the subject. Well see what happens, Trump said. But I know for a fact that the prime minister is very close with the leadership of Iran, and well see what happens. Also on Monday, Trump will meet families of Japanese citizens abducted by Pyongyang decades ago. Photo: Nicholas Johansen B.C.'s police watchdog is investigating a collision between an off-duty police officer and a cyclist in Kelowna on Saturday. The Independent Investigations Office is looking into the crash, which happened about 3:30 a.m. May 25 on Harvey Avenue, near Cooper Road. The male cyclist was rushed to Kelowna General Hospital with serious injuries. Any witnesses to the incident are urged to call the IIO at 1-855-446-8477. The IIO is the independent civilian oversight agency of police in British Columbia. It investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing. The crisis takes root in President Donald Trumps withdrawal last year of the US from the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. (Photo:AP) Tehran: Iraq offered to mediate in the crisis between its two key allies, the United States and Iran, amid escalating Middle East tensions and as Tehrans nuclear deal with world powers steadily unravels. Iraqi foreign minister, Mohammed al-Hakim, made the offer Sunday during a joint news conference in Baghdad with visiting Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif. We are trying to help and to be mediators, said al-Hakim, adding that Baghdad will work to reach a satisfactory solution while stressing that Iraq stands against unilateral steps taken by Washington. In recent weeks, tensions between Washington and Tehran soared over America deploying an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers to the Persian Gulf over a still-unexplained threat it perceives from Tehran. The US also plans to send 900 additional troops to the 600 already in the Mideast and extending their stay. Also Read: Iran foreign minister Javad Zarif visits Iraq to discuss tension with US The crisis takes root in President Donald Trumps withdrawal last year of the US from the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers that capped Irans uranium enrichment activities in return to lifting sanctions. Washington subsequently re-imposed sanctions on Iran, sending its economy into freefall. Trump has argued that the deal failed to sufficiently curb Irans ability to develop nuclear weapons or halt its support for militias throughout the Middle East that the US says destabilize the region, as well as address the issue of Tehrans missiles, which can reach both US regional bases and Israel. Zarif, who was been on a whirlwind diplomatic offensive to preserve the rest of the accord, insisted that Iran did not violate the nuclear deal and urged European nations to exert efforts to preserve the deal following the US pullout. Speaking about the rising tensions with the US, Zarif said Iran will be able to face the war, whether it is economic or military through steadfastness and its forces. He also urged for a non-aggression agreement between Iran and Arab countries in the Gulf. The Shiite-majority Iraq has been trying to maintain a fine line as allies Tehran and Washington descended into verbal vitriol. The country also lies on the fault line between Shiite Iran and the mostly Sunni Arab world, led by powerhouse Saudi Arabia, and has long been a battlefield in which the Saudi-Iran rivalry for regional supremacy played out. The mediation offer by al-Hakim, Iraqs foreign minister, echoed one made Saturday by Mohamad al-Halbousi, the Iraqi parliament speaker. Al-Hakim also expressed concern for Irans spiraling economy. Iranians make up the bulk of millions of Shiites from around the world who come to Iraq every year to visit its many Shiite shrines and holy places and their purchasing power has slumped after Trump re-imposed the sanctions. The sanctions against sisterly Iran are ineffective and we stand by its side, al-Hakim said. Also Read: More troops stationed at Middle-East as US blame Iran for tanker attacks Meanwhile, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani suggested the Islamic Republic could hold a referendum over its nuclear program. The official IRNA news agency said Rouhani, who was last week publicly chastised by the countrys supreme leader, made the suggestion in a meeting with editors of major Iranian news outlets on Saturday evening. Rouhani said he had previously suggested a referendum to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2004, when Rouhani was a senior nuclear negotiator for Iran. At the time, Khamenei approved of the idea and though there was no referendum, such a vote can be a solution at any time, Rouhani was quoted as saying. A referendum could provide political cover for the Iranian government if it chooses to increase its enrichment of uranium, prohibited under the 2015 nuclear deal. Earlier last week, Iran said it quadrupled its uranium-enrichment production capacity though Iranian officials made a point to stress that the uranium would be enriched only to the 3.67% limit set under the deal, making it usable for a power plant but far below whats needed for an atomic weapon. Rouhanis remarks could also be seen as a defense of his stance following the rare public chastising by the supreme leader. Khamenei last week named Rouhani and Zarif _ relative moderates within Irans Shiite theocracy who had struck the nuclear deal _ as failing to implement his orders over the accord, saying it had numerous ambiguities and structural weaknesses that could damage Iran. Khamenei, who has final say on all matters of state in Iran, did not immediately respond to Rouhanis proposal of a referendum. The Islamic Republic has seen only three referendums since it was established in 1979 _ one on regime change from monarchy to Islamic republic and two on its constitution and its amendments. Also in Tehran, acting commander of the countrys powerful Revolutionary Guard said any negotiations with the US would be fruitless. Gen. Ali Fadavi said it would be like having negotiations with Satan. Meanwhile, Yemens Iranian-allied Houthi rebels launched a bomb-carrying drone Sunday targeting another airport in Saudi Arabia. Col. Turki al-Maliki, a spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition fighting against the Houthis, said that the military intercepted and destroyed the drone targeting its Jizan Regional Airport. Saudi state TV published images of debris it said belonged to the drone. The rebels have attacked another airport multiple times and a critical Saudi oil pipeline in recent days amid the heightened tensions between the US and Iran. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy is contemplating reshuffling his cabinet by obtaining the resignations of some ministers and replacing them with dissident legislators. This a desperate move by the CM to protect the fall of the government. Having said that, it seems that the Damocles Sword is hanging over the JD(S) ministers of the Mysuru region. JD(S) leaders of the region feel that the CM may seek the resignation of the ministers of the region as most of them are loyal to the party and to himself said B Harshavardhan, Nanjangud MLA and son-in-law of MP-elect V Srinivas Prasad. As per the formula arrived by the leaders of the JD(S)-Congress coalition, the criteria to seek the resignation was loyalty. If the loyalty of the ministers is beyond question, there is no risk of rebellion. It is expected that Tourism Minister Sa Ra Mahesh, Minor Irrigation Minister C S Puttaraju and Transport Minister D C Thammanna will volunteer to resign, he added. The MLA said that the move was to reprimand the leaders of Mandya Lok Sabha constituency where Kumaraswamys son K Nikhil faced a humiliating defeat against Independent candidate A Sumalatha. It is worth a mention here that under Mandya LS segment, there were eight MLAs, three MLCs and three ministers of the JD(S). Challengers Harshavardhan felt that to save the state government, ministers like Puttaraju and H D Revanna should stand by their word and retire from politics. It may be recalled here that Revanna had stated that he would take political sanyas if Narendra Modi was re-elected Prime Minister. Puttaraju also had challenged that he would retire from active politics if Nikhil does not win by a margin of over 2 lakh votes. Harshavardhan opined that if they do not keep their word, people would lose trust in them. Revanna, GTD It is learnt that the alliance government was in no mood to drop either PWD Minister H D Revanna and Higher Education Minister G T Devegowda. Revanna is former PM H D Deve Gowdas favourite son. He ensured his son Prajwals victory in Hassan LS seat. G T Devegowda is Mysuru district strongman. He trounced former CM Siddaramaiah in Chamundeshwari Assembly constituency in May 2018. Kumaraswamy needs a leader to counter Siddaramaiah in Mysuru region. They may be spared, observed a JD(S) spokesperson. The JD(S) may also use a Corporation chairmanship to accommodate a disgruntled legislator. Chairman of D Devaraja Urs Backward Classes Development Corporation K Annadani may be asked to resign. He has invited Kumaraswamys wrath. It must be noted here that Nikhils vote share in Malavalli Assembly constituency represented by Annadani in the LS poll was not along expected lines. Within Congress In Congress, Chamarajanagar district in-charge minister C Puttarangashetty might be dropped. A KPCC member said that Puttarangashetty was a staunch Siddaramaiah follower and a loyal Congressman. He is a suspect in a case in which a large amount of cash was found at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. If he resigns to make way for others, it will benefit the government, Harshavardan said. From the wild card entry into Arunachal Pradesh cabinet in 2011 after the death of his father and chief minister Dorjee Khandu in a helicopter crash to leading dissident Congress MLAs in 2016 and finally giving BJP its first elected government in 2019, Pema Khandus political career graph so far has impressed many. Around noon on Monday Khandu, 40, a graduate in history from Delhis prestigious Hindu College, marched towards Raj Bhawan at Itanagar with 41 newly elected BJP MLAs and staked claim to form the frontier states new government. Hours before, the BJP legislature party elected Khandu their leader to head the states first elected BJP government. Elections for 57 of the 60-member Assembly were held on April 11, along with two Lok Sabha seats. The BJP bagged 38 seats while three of its MLAs were declared elected unopposed before the polls. The BJP had won 11 seats in 2014 Assembly elections. After defecting from Congress to Peoples Party of Arunachal (PPA) and then switching over to the BJP in 2016, Khandu served as the chief minister and steered the BJP-led government. The BJP had similarly taken over the Gegong Apang-led United Democratic Front government in 2003 till the elections eight months later. Our challenge begins now. People of Arunachal Pradesh has helped in the full bloom of the lotus with immense hope. We have to work hard for the states development and meet those aspirations, Khandu told reporters after the legislature party meeting. Khandu, who joined Congress in 2000 and secretary of the partys state unit was elected as an MLA uncontested from his fathers Mukto constituency and was inducted as a water resource and tourism minister in 2011 soon after his fathers death. He was again elected uncontested from the same constituency as a Congress MLA in 2014. This is for the first time, Pema contested the elections and got elected to the Assembly. Khandu will take oath as the new chief minister on May 29, where Union minister J P Nadda, Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP general secretary Ram Madhab, among others are likely to attend the ceremony. The three had taken part in Mondays legislature party meeting in Itanagar. I am sure Arunachal Pradesh will achieve new heights of development and growth under his (Khandu) able leadership, Nadda tweeted. Promise to improve connectivity, be it road, telecom or air transport is going to be among the biggest challenges before Khandu and BJPs new political journey in the frontier state, which shares the border with China, Myanmar and Bhutan. As New Delhi complied with US sanctions on Iran and stopped buying crude oil from the Islamic Republic this month, Tehran responded by offering to connect its Chabahar Port with Gwadar Port of Pakistan. India is concerned over the proposal Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif mooted during his recent visit to Pakistan late last week. Zarif proposed to connect Chabahar Port of Iran with the Gwadar Port, which was developed by China on the south-western coast of Pakistan. New Delhi has been investing in Chabahar Port on the South-Eastern coast of Iran as it would give India sea-land access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan, which has been playing spoilsport to initiatives for connectivity between South Asia and Central Asia. The Chabahar Port's strategic importance for India grew further after Pakistan handed over the control of its Gwadar Port to China. Sources told the DH that Iranian Foreign Minister's proposal to link the Chabahar Port with Gwadar Port of Pakistan appeared to be Tehran's response after New Delhi had to completely stop importing of crude oil from the Islamic Republic. New Delhi is concerned over the prospect of Pakistan and China expanding footprints on Chabahar Port if it is connected with Gwadar Port. New Delhi perceived Chabahar Port in Iran as a counter to the Gwadar Port, which China developed as part of its String of Pearls policy to develop strategic assets around India. What also made New Delhi worried is the possibility of the Chabahar Port being linked to Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China, if it is connected with the Gwadar Port the end point of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). New Delhi has been stayed away from the BRI, as the CPEC, linking Xinjiang in China and Gwadar Port of Pakistan passes through parts of Kashmir that India has been claiming as its own and accusing Pakistan of illegally occupying. Zarif was in New Delhi on May 14 when he met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and discussed with her ways to continue export of crude oil from Iran to India despite United States sanctions on energy exports from the Islamic Republic. New Delhi remained non-committal. Iran was the third-largest oil supplier for India after Iraq and Saudi Arabia. India bought 23.6 million tons of oil from Iran in the 2018-19 financial year. India, however, has been slashing its energy import from Iran after the US on November 4, 2018, re-imposed economic sanctions on Iran, particularly targeting the energy exports from the West Asian nation. The sanctions came into effect almost six months after President Donald Trump's Administration in Washington D.C. decided to withdraw from the deal that the United States, four other permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, and Germany, as well as European Union, had inked with Iran in 2015 to end the row over the controversial nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic. Trump Administration earlier this month ended the waivers, which it had granted to India, China and six other nations last year to enable them to continue to import crude oil from Iran without making their entities liable to the US sanctions. The US withdrew the waivers to step up pressure on India, China and other nations to completely stop importing crude oil from Iran. Harsh Shringla, New Delhi's envoy to the US, told a news conference in Washington D.C. on May 23 that India had completely stopped buying crude oil from Iran after the withdrawal of the waiver American Government granted to it earlier. The US, however, kept the Chabahar Port out of the ambit of its sanctions on Iran, apparently in view of its role in establishing sea-land connectivity between Central Asia and South Asia through Afghanistan. India, Afghanistan and Iran signed the trilateral Chabahar Agreement in May 2016 to facilitate transit and transport through the port. India in October 2017 started exporting wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar Port bypassing Pakistan. Islamabad at present allows trucks from Afghanistan to carry goods through Pakistan only up to Wagah (a check-point on the Pakistani side of Pakistan-India border), and not up to Attari (a check-point on the Indian side of the India-Pakistan border). The goods have to be unloaded from trucks coming from Afghanistan in Wagah and loaded again on other vehicles to be brought to Attari and finally into India. The Afghan trucks then return empty to Afghanistan, as they are not allowed to carry goods from India. Islamabad has repeatedly rejected calls by New Delhi and Kabul to allow hassle-free two-way trade between Afghanistan and India through Pakistan. Over 1,100 kg of ganja worth over Rs 2.27 crore had been seized by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Vijayawada and one person arrested in this connection, the agency said Sunday. The seizure was made on May 24 when the DRI officers, acting on specific intelligence, intercepted a cargo vehicle and searched it at Vijayawada, in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. They seized 1,137.30 kg of ganja valued at Rs 2,27,46,000 being transported illegally under the cover of bulk cargo of Phosphogypsum to Hyderabad, a release from the DRI Hyderabad Zonal Unit said. The narcotic substance was seized under the provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 and one person arrested in this, it said adding further investigation was in progress. MEDIA Perhaps it was the perfect spring weather; maybe it was the atmosphere of the community; or possibly the meaning of day itself-to honor those who gave what Abraham Lincoln called in the Gettysburg Address, the last full measure of devotion. For whatever reason, the Memorial Day parade along State Street and up to a short ceremony at the courthouse attracted hundreds of people, from babies to the most senior of our citizens Ed Hess, who will turn 100 June 3. As the parade wound around Orange Street onto Front, Mayor Bob McMahon identified the various contingents of military and veterans organizations, a sizable representation of local fire departments, and the Penncrest Marching Band which traditionally has its students taking part on their day off. The borough will always feel the loss of Bob Dimond who, with McMahon, organized the Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades in such a way to make all of Delaware County feel welcome. Dale Dimond represented herself and late husband by leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Recognizing the Media Theatres strong collaboration with veterans, Roger Ricker offered a hearty rendition of the National Anthem and God Bless America. The parade reaches out to all veterans, and was fortunate to have several of the World War II greatest generation including Hess; Pearl Harbor survivor Ed Kane; Angelo Marsella; Ed Buffman; nurses Gladys Martin and Phyllis Stevick; and several others. Grand Marshal Thomas A, Brown of Swarthmore, VFW Pennsylvania State Commander 2016-2017, was one of many Korean War veterans present. His address was thoughtful and direct. Memorial Day is not Veterans Day. Today we honor the veterans that are not with us, Brown said, clarifying that Memorial Day is remembrance of those who gave their lives during service. The dead are not dead until we forget them. There is a veteran in every cemetery in the nation and many around the world. That is sacred ground. Brown said those individuals who died in service represent Americas commitment to freedom. Weve paid a heavy cost in preserving our way of life. McMahon recognized participants in the parade organization, especially borough resident Larry Bak who manages the who, what and where to provide an accurate account of the marchers and guests. The mayor later had one more observation. The Vietnam veterans are now taking part in these events, but not those who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq. But we need them, McMahon said, hoping there would not be any major campaigns to follow. Photo: Vancouver Courier It could be a rocky summer between teachers and the province, as they try to hammer out a deal the first since the teachers won back the right to bargain on class size and composition in 2017. The employers first proposal wipes out their Supreme Court win and could mean the layoff of hundreds of teachers in Metro Vancouver, BCTF president Glen Hansman says. But the B.C. Public School Employers Association responded by saying the teachers opening proposal is unrealistic, unworkable and very expensive. The rules governing class size, the number of special needs students in any given class and the number of specialist teachers such as librarians or counsellors were removed by the former B.C. Liberal government in 2002. Teachers fought to the nations highest court, which restored the deleted provisions in November 2016 after a 14-year court battle. Since the ruling, B.C. has hired 3,700 new teachers to implement the new rules, boosting its education budget $580 million to $6.6 billion. Hansman said the employers proposal calls for bigger classes in most districts, lesser provisions for special needs students than are in place now in many districts including Vancouver, and no guaranteed numbers of specific specialist teachers like librarians or counsellors. Teachers are freaking out, Hansman said. It is jaw-droppingly shocking that the NDP would be bargaining like its 2014." But Alan Chell, chair of the BCPSEA board of directors and an elected school trustee in Revelstoke, said one district modelled the BCTFs proposal, and the number of teachers required would be staggering. The teachers' class composition proposal would see special needs students weighted higher than other students when calculating class sizes, Chell said, calling the idea "completely unrealistic." It would cost hundreds of millions of dollars and in many cases, there are neither the teachers nor the facilities to accommodate smaller classes, Chell said. Teachers are asking for the government-mandated two per cent wage increase in each of the next three years, Hansman said. However, they are also asking to shorten the salary grid to increase wages for new teachers and to add a new level at the top for long-term teachers. Chell said the grid adjustment is equivalent to another seven per cent increase, and that teachers have also asked for a four per cent labour market adjustment. Tracy Sherlock / Vancouver Courier Today is about remembering those who died for our freedom. Thats it, pure and simple. It is not about selling automobiles or furniture nor is it the same as Veterans Day. That holiday is in November and celebrates and honors all, living and dead, who have served in our nations armed forces. Yes, today is a national holiday and, by happenstance, it does signal the coming of summer. But Memorial Day is meant to be much more than that. It should be a time of reverence, remembrance and recognition of the ultimate sacrifices that were made on our behalf. For those who understand its meaning, Memorial Day is as it should be a solemn holiday. Originally, it was called Decoration Day, but there is great debate about its actual origin. At least two dozen cities and towns across the country claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. That matter was settled, as a political issue at least, in May of 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson officially declared Waterloo, N.Y., as the birthplace of Memorial Day. In Pennsylvania, we cherish the legend of Boalsburg, Pa., as the birthplace. According to legend, three local women visited the cemetery in 1864 to lay flowers on the graves of a father and son who had died in the Civil War. As the women left, they agreed to return the next year to remember not only their loved ones, but others. Their tradition continued. And in 1868, May 30 was declared Decoration Day across the country. But it wasnt until 1971 that the U.S. officially celebrated Memorial Day on the last Monday in May. The three Boalsburg ladies are the mothers of a rich American tradition and fitting tribute to those who gave their lives in defense of our country, Sen. Pat Toomey wrote in a 2016 opinion piece. That tradition of remembrance still exists in the community today, as Boalsburg is home to the Pennsylvania Military Museum that honors all the Pennsylvanians who have fought in every one of our nations wars. While some of the history is sketchy, we do know that the first actual proclamation was issued by Gen. John A. Logan, national commander of the U.S. Army, declaring May 30, 1868, as the day when flowers were to be placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. That began a somber tradition that has been expanded and remains today. On the Thursday before Memorial Day each year since the 1950s the soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment which is known more famously as The Old Guard or Escort to the President place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. The soldiers from the regiment then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing. It is a touching action and a sobering sight, indeed. Unfortunately, much of the nation has lost touch with this original purpose of the day, especially for those who have no close ties to the military. Pleasure, comfort and convenience have replaced honor, reverence and remembrance as the hallmarks of the day. For many the holiday merely serves as cause for barbecues, picnics and family gatherings, which are great. But in the midst of it all we should never forget that many have died so that we can enjoy such pleasures. We owe them and their families a great debt of gratitude. At the least we should take a little time today to remember them and offer a simple thank you. Without their grandest of sacrifice, we would not be the nation we are today. A lighthearted look at the news of the day: Graduates of 2019, I stand before you today to commence my commencement speech, grateful you have convoked this convocation and knowing that the only way you will remember a word I say is if I announce I will pay off all your student loans. So, remember to keep your feet on the ground while you reach for the stars, dont lose faith in your fellow human beings, wear sunscreen, turn off your darned phones, dont let someone fool you into buying jeans with holes in the knees, and quit looking at me that way. I dont have $40 million. --- Robert F. Smith, an Austin billionaire, finally figured out how to give a commencement speech people will remember longer than the time it takes to return their rented caps and gowns. His $40 million loan payoff gift probably also will put him in great demand for commencement speeches nationwide next spring. --- Today is Memorial Day, the one holiday greeting card companies never have figured out how to exploit. --- Utah lawmakers are calling for big, bold ideas regarding tax reform. Theyre also still mulling plans to broaden the base of taxpayers. Isnt that a little counterproductive in an age when obesity is such a problem? --- If we broaden the base any more, a tax on candy and Big Gulps may be the only sure way to save the state budget. --- Nancy Pelosi says she hopes President Trumps family or staff will hold an intervention, implying she is concerned about the presidents mental health and saying she prays for him. Trump responded by telling a news conference, Im an extremely stable genius. He then called Pelosi a mess and crazy. Americans everywhere are wondering when they get an intervention. --- Americans, meanwhile, opted for something a little more family friendly on their televisions, preferring to watch the final episode of "Game of Thrones." --- CSPAN will never rival shows like "Game of Thrones." For one thing, who would hold viewing parties each week where everyone had to come dressed as a politician? --- Meanwhile, the roughly 236 Democratic candidates for president are considering forming an a capella group called the low-tones, but theyre having trouble finding songs that dont have much harmony. KAIBETO, Ariz. Miranda Haskie sits amid the glow of candles at her kitchen table as the sun sinks into a deep blue horizon silhouetting juniper trees and a nearby mesa. Her husband, Jimmie Long Jr., fishes for the wick to light a kerosene lamp as the couple and their 13-year-old son prepare to spend a final night without electricity. They're waiting for morning, when utility workers who recently installed four electric poles outside their double-wide house trailer will connect it to the power grid, meaning they will no longer be among the tens of thousands of people without power on the Navajo Nation, the country's largest American Indian reservation. Haskie and Long are getting their electricity this month thanks to a project to connect 300 homes with the help of volunteer utility crews from across the U.S. The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority typically connects from 400 to 450 homes a year, chipping away at the 15,000 scattered, rural homes without power on the 27,000-square-mile reservation that lies in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. At that rate, it will take the tribal utility about 35 more years to get electricity to the 60,000 of the reservation's 180,000 residents who don't have it. The couple's home at the end of rutted dirt roads outside the small town of Kaibeto was about a quarter-mile from the closest power line. Life disconnected from the grid in the high desert town dotted with canyons and mesas was simple and joyful but also inconvenient, they said. "It's not that bad. Growing up, you get used to it, being raised like that," Long said. The family's weekday routine included showering, cooking and charging cellphones, battery packs and flashlights at Haskie's mother's house 2 miles away, down dirt roads that turn treacherous in stormy weather. Navajos without electricity also pack food or medication in coolers with ice or leave it outside in the wintertime. Children use dome lights in cars or kerosene lamps to do their homework at night. Some tribal members have small solar systems that deliver intermittent power. No electricity typically means no running water and a lack of overall economic development. Creating the infrastructure to reach the far-flung homes on the reservation is extremely costly. Hooking up a single home can cost up to $40,000 on the reservation where the annual, per-capita income is around $10,700 and half the workforce is unemployed, said Walter Haase, general manager of the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority. For the recent power hookup project called LightUpNavajo, the utility raised funds from an online campaign, collected donations from employees, businesses and communities, and used revenue from solar farms on the reservation to cover the utility's $3 million cost. Money that isn't raised will be borrowed and the repayment passed on to customers via their rates, Haase said. The project started in March and ends this month. The volunteer crews spent days on the reservation, learning about Navajo culture, the language and the landscape before setting out to job sites often hours away from their hotel rooms. Tribal utility crews had already performed much of the prep work, removing trees or stumps so the volunteers could focus on installing power poles and miles of electric line to connect homes. A four-man crew from Piqua, Ohio, weathered rain, dust storms and sandy terrain that threatened to bury their equipment as they traveled through the western part of the reservation in Arizona earlier this month. They heard from families who have waited months, years and a lifetime to get power. Navajos showed their appreciation to the crews with feasts of fry bread, steaks and steamed corn. "It's kind of crazy to think about the different things you take for granted on a daily basis," said Ken Wagner, a journeyman lineman for Piqua Power System. At an appreciation dinner, his crew received gifts of posters with traditional Navajo sayings, turquoise jewelry, shirts and mugs. Among those getting electricity hookups were Vernon Smith and his wife, Bertha. They live in Salt Lake City but are preparing their home in Tuba City on the reservation for a move back. They became set on getting electricity when a kerosene lamp tipped over while she was napping and she feared the house would burn down. The wait for electricity took three years, but Vernon Smith called that "a miracle." "I couldn't believe it," he said in an interview, his face lighting up as recalled seeing the whirling blades of a ceiling fan in his reservation home for the first time. "I didn't think I was going to get electricity that fast." Haskie said she could live without electricity but that it's also exciting getting it. "I can walk in, turn the light on without my son turning on the generator," she said. She's crafted a wish list that includes a blender, a coffee maker, a juice maker, a stand-up mixer and an espresso machine. Eventually, she'll subscribe to cable TV. The couple's son, Jayden, said he managed fine without power using portable chargers for his cellphone. Some days, he fired up a gas generator that was hooked up to the home's electric panel to watch TV or turn on the light in his bedroom. But the generator's 5-gallon tank lasted less than a day and the cost of fuel meant it was used sparingly and mostly on the weekends. He's looked forward to taking eggs, bacon, steak, pork chops and hamburgers out of a refrigerator to cook whenever he wants. As of May, the LightUpNavajo project hooked up 208 homes. Crews from 26 utilities in 12 states traveled to the reservation to help, installing 1,500 power line poles and more than 35 miles of electric lines. The project was designed with a $125,000 grant from the American Public Power Association. Mike Hyland, an association senior vice president, said the group and the tribal utility will consider repeating it on the Navajo Nation, or using it as a model for other reservations or rural areas. On the morning that Haskie's and Long's home got power, journeyman lineman Justin Foutz with the Piqua utility slipped on a pair of gloves and grabbed an extendable, yellow tool to close a switch atop the utility pole and send power to the home. "Coming in hot," he said. A few minutes later, electrician Delbert Graham knocked on the trailer's door. "Hey, you're energized," he said. "Go ahead and turn on your main breaker." Using a flashlight inside the darkened house, Long flipped on the breaker, turned on the home's porch light and opened the door with a smile. Then the crew loaded up their utility trucks and headed toward the small community of Coppermine, about an hour's drive down the next dirt road, to connect more homes. Silver wings upon their chest These are men, Americas best 100 men will test today But only three win the Green Beret The Ballad of the Green Berets OGDENIts Memorial Day and nobody needs to tell Terry Schow what to do. Be up at the crack of dawn to place an American flag on the grave of each and every veteran lying in rest in the Ogden City Cemetery. Then return at 5 p.m. to take them down for next year. Remembering veterans is what Schow does, and not just for one day, but every day, all year long. Hes been doing it so long its second nature to him, like breathing. For years he was executive director of the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs an office he helped reinstate and since his retirement in 2013 hes kept right on advocating for veterans rights as Utahs National Executive committeeman to the American Legion, as a member of the Veterans Military Commission formed by the Utah Legislature, as a member in good standing of the Disabled American Veterans, as the moving force behind refurbishing the World War I doughboy statue that now stands at the aforementioned Ogden City Cemetery, and so on and so forth. They paid me for a little while, now Im back to being a volunteer, is how Schow, with characteristic understatement, sums up his lifetime of service. * * * He grew up in the 1950s and '60s on the wrong side of Ogden. His family was on assistance and moved a lot. He attended five schools, and that was just in elementary school. But all along the way he was inspired by veterans. The grocery store where he worked was run by a World War II vet. The man he mowed lawns for was another World War II vet. When he got a job unloading boxcars at the Defense Depot of Ogden he met a vet named Steve Brantz, who had been in the elite Special Forces in the Army, aka the Green Berets. Hearing Brantzs stories about jumping out of airplanes and operating behind enemy lines and all the training, fitness and discipline required, Schow decided he wanted to be in Special Forces, too. The fact he was just 5-foot-6 and 135 pounds did not deter him. As soon as he graduated from Ogden High School, Class of 67, he volunteered for the U.S. Army. The Vietnam War was at its height. Schow volunteered for that, too. After two years of surviving stateside Special Forces training, he and a buddy left their base in Massachusetts and drove across the country to California to board a ship bound for Saigon. On the way, they stopped in Ogden and Las Vegas, where Schow gambled away his last dollar. He was 21, he was off to war, why not? Who knew what was coming next? After serving a year in Nam and returning to tell about it, he put the G.I. Bill to use, helping him get his college degree in police science. When his military time was over, he was hired in 1978 by the state of Utah to work in its social and human services department. He might have been assigned to the Department of Veterans Affairs but there wasnt one. In 1978, three years after the end of the highly unpopular Vietnam War, the state decided to disband an office that had been in existence since World War II. I thought, man, this is crazy, says Schow, who joined others in a yearslong effort to reopen the Veterans Affairs office. In 1991, the lobbying was finally successful. In 2001 Schow became executive director of the department, a position he held until he retired in 2013. Evidence of the swath he cut for veterans is everywhere in Utah, highlighted by the three nursing homes for veterans erected in Ogden, Payson and Ivins. In retirement, the old soldier has not faded away. Theres not a week goes by that Im not doing something veteran related, Schow confesses. These days he just wears more hats. One day hes working with the American Legion as national committeeman from Utah hes helping with birthday plans as the largest veterans organization in the world turns 100 in 2019 the next hes helping a veteran file for medical claims, the next hes advising the Legislature. His No. 1 cause at the moment is trying to get the U.S. Census Bureau to include a question on the 2020 census that asks Are you a veteran? The question has been asked previously but has been dropped for 2020. Its a big deal, says Schow, because the number of veterans in a state determines how many federal dollars you are entitled to. His worry is that the count will be lower than it should be because veterans have a way of slipping through the normal bureaucratic cracks and some wont be counted any other way than on the census. "It can mean the difference of whether we get another nursing home, and all the nursing homes we have are full, with waiting lists. At 70, Schow walks with a cane, a consequence of those days jumping out of airplanes as a Green Beret. Hes still 5-foot-6, but a tad more than 135. I could be taller, I could be thinner, he laughs. But he couldnt be more loyal to veterans. I just have a high regard for men who served, he says, especially for the infantry guys. I have a real soft spot for them. He doesn't want anyone left behind. MILLCREEK With bagpipes playing in the background, Tad and Liz Nielson visited Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park Monday to tidy up her relatives' gravesites, which is their custom each Memorial Day. But it isn't just one day each year they visit the graves, Tad Nielson said. "We come here often, pretty much most holidays," he said, clipping grass away from the grave markers of his wife's parents, Bonnie and Edward Chytraus. The couple met as teenagers at East High School and were married 56 years until Edward's passing in 2011. They are buried side by side in a plot the couple purchased for $180. "Well, that was many, many years ago," said Liz Nielson, their daughter. The Nielsons are such regular visitors to the cemetery that they also tend the graves of a couple next to their family members. The man was a woodsman and "Tad is a carpenter," said Liz Nielson, explaining their kinship to the pair. "His wife's name was Daisy and my mother's favorite flower was a daisy," she said. Earlier in the day, the memorial park hosted a formal ceremony honoring veterans who died in service to their country, those who passed away in succeeding years and the veterans who survive them. Among the veterans buried at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park is Julie McAdams' grandfather, William Woodrow Wilson. McAdams, pinch-hitting for her husband Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, said both of their grandfathers were World War II veterans. The congressman was speaking at another Memorial Day observance conducted at the same time. "Today we remember the heroes who, thankfully, answered duty's call. We pray for those who have passed on as well as for those who must keep going. We treasure the memories of soldiers who died too young as well as the living history of gray-haired warriors who are still with us," said McAdams, who serves in the general counsel's office at the University of Utah. McAdams recalled the words of Gen. Douglas McArthur, who in a speech at West Point said, "The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war." She added, "I know that in many Utah homes, especially those with Gold Stars, Purple Hearts, folded flags and last letters home, such prayers are fervently offered each and every day." As Americans honor the sacrifices of veterans across the generations, "we remind ourselves and also our leaders to avoid mistakes that can lead to future generations being put in harm's way," McAdams said. Cantor Wendy Elizabeth Bat-Sarah of Congregation Kol Ami offered the benediction. She thanked God for numerous blessings bestowed upon the United States. "Out of the many nations of this world our county has been blessed with a singular opportunity to demonstrate how people of many faiths and heritages can live side by side and enrich one another's lives through friendship and sharing of our unique traditions," she said. On the occasion of Memorial Day, "we are united this day in a solemn act of gratitude to those who have served in our nation's defense, to those who risked their personal safety to save the lives of others and above all, to those who have died serving this country. "Their sacrifices are forever remembered by us and by our children for generations to come. We do not forget," Cantor Bat-Sarah said. SALT LAKE CITY Utah has one of the most comprehensive set of laws in the country surrounding internet safety and minors, a new report shows, including measures addressing online harassment and sexting. The Beehive State is one of the top 10 states "with the most supportive laws in place to protect children from online threats," according to home security research organization SafeWise. Criteria for the ranking included whether states have laws penalizing online harassment, whether schools discipline cyberbullying both on and off school grounds, and whether states have criminal consequences for sexting, the practice of exchanging sexually explicit materials via text message. Like many other states, Utah does have legal consequences for online harassment and its schools do discipline cyberbullying, though that doesnt include off-campus instances, the report shows. The state also has laws in which minors can be charged for sending or possessing an explicit photo. The report awarded Utah an "A" grade overall but as Utah and other states wade into new legal territory as technology and communication evolve, there's some disagreement over how best to keep kids safe online. There's been a general trend among state legislatures in recent years toward decriminalizing consensual teen sexting, according to Beth Schwanke, executive director of the Institute for Cyber Law, Policy, and Security at the University of Pittsburgh. The Washington Legislature, for example, last month passed a law no longer requiring minors convicted of sending or receiving nude photos to register as sex offenders. Meanwhile, an increasing number of states, including Utah, are adopting laws to address cyberbullying and online harassment. "Utah has been fairly progressive in addressing the issues of online harassment and cyberstalking," said Randy Dryer, a law professor at the University of Utah. The Utah Legislature passed its first law aimed at curbing cyberbullying in 2017, making it illegal to post someones name, photo or place of employment online in order to "intimidate, abuse, threaten, harass, frighten or disrupt the electronic communications of another. If convicted, a cyberbully could face up to a year in jail. The law was supported by law enforcement and school administrators, but criticized by some who said they worried it could lead to First Amendment violations. Another law passed by the Legislature, effective this month, makes harassing a minor through a phone, computer or other electronic device a class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a felony for the second offense. Twenty-five states have some sort of law in place specifically addressing sexting, according to the SafeWise report. But only in six, including Utah, does sexting carry potential felony charges, the report said. Possible charges for a Utah teenager caught consensually sexting another teenager include dealing in harmful materials to a minor and sexual exploitation of a minor felonies for adult offenders though the state allows misdemeanor charges for minors accused of these crimes. Other states have questioned whether criminal charges are the best way to deter teens from sharing explicit content. Some, such as New Jersey, have created diversionary programs to address underage teens sharing sexual images and videos. If the court so chooses, the teenager can undergo education and counseling while avoiding criminal charges. While potential legal consequences can serve as a deterrent, perhaps the most effective way to keep kids safe online is to emphasize education and dialogue between children, parents, and doctors, Schwanke said. "Laws are super valuable and super important around teens and technology," Schwanke said. "But what really matters is education." Just as awareness of cyber dangers is growing in state legislatures, Schwanke said she sees awareness growing among parents and children's health care providers. "I think it's improving," she said. "There are a lot more resources than there were for parents a few years ago on how to have these conversations. But there needs to be more." Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to the Maldives on June 7-8, in his first bilateral visit after resuming office for the second term, sources said on Monday. Modi had earlier visited the island country in November last year, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, after he surprisingly defeated Abdulla Yameen in the presidential polls. This was followed by Sohil's visit to India in December after New Delhi had announced financial assistance of USD 1.4 billion to Male in the form of budgetary support, currency swap and concessional lines of credit to fulfil the socio-economic development programmes in the country. During Sohail's visit, the two leaders had agreed to work together to create institutional linkages and to establish a framework of cooperation in health cooperation issues, particularly cancer treatment, mutual legal assistance on criminal matters, investment promotion, human resource development and tourism. Both leaders had also emphasised the need to improve connectivity between the two countries through the establishment of enabling infrastructure that would promote the exchange of goods and services, information, ideas, culture, and people. -ANI It has become Rangoli Chandel's everyday task to bash some celeb or the other. In fact, your day might feel incomplete if she would not lock horns with someone. Right from Mahesh Bhatt, Alia Bhatt and Soni Razdan to Randeep Hooda to Hrithik Roshan and even Richa Chaddha, she did not spare anyone from her ire. And now, Rangoli's new target has been Karan Johar. Rangoli Chandel has now tweeted about how Karan Johar takes complete ownership of those who he launches and even dictates who they should date or break-up with! Retweeting KRK, where he claimed that Ishaan Khattar would never be cast in any of Karan's films because he had talked rudely with the director-producer, she made some shocking revelations. She said, "Karan not only takes a huge percentage of every artist earnings who he launches or works with and sends to Matrix but also tells them what to wear and who to sleep with, the percentage I understand a lot of Hollywood production houses do that but always forcing actors to patch up& break up based on his brand propaganda requirements will not b acceptable by any self respecting individual career gaya bhad mein peace f mind is more imp khud ki nazron mein he gir jaoge toh duniya mein 4 paise toh kama loge magar sahi mayane mein kuch ban nahin paoge." Here are her tweets: Karan not only takes huge percentage of every artist earnings who he launches or works with and sends to Matrix bt also tells them what to wear and who to sleep with, percentage I understand lot f Hollywood production houses do that but always forcing actors to patch up...(contd) https://t.co/NN9HMx3mpA Rangoli Chandel (@Rangoli_A) May 26, 2019 (contd)& break up based on his brand propaganda requirements will nt b acceptable by any self respecting individual career gaya bhad mein peace f mind is more imp khud ki nazron mein he gir jaoge toh duniya mein 4 paise toh kama loge magar sahi mayane mein kuch ban nahin paoge ? Rangoli Chandel (@Rangoli_A) May 26, 2019 That is not it. Rangoli further had a problem with the title of Kiara Advani's upcoming film, Indoo Ki Jawani. She said, How can a film be called Indu ki Jawani? On one hand we talk about woman empowerment and on other hand we present them like toys ....(contd) https://t.co/vVdHY4XDCF Rangoli Chandel (@Rangoli_A) May 27, 2019 (Contd) ...if censor approves this then its a slap on our faces and our future girl children will forever be ashamed of us that we women didnt stand for ourselevs or them ... Rangoli Chandel (@Rangoli_A) May 27, 2019 Sexist bollywood how do you look your daughters in the eye after making such sexist films #shame Rangoli Chandel (@Rangoli_A) May 27, 2019 Well, looks like we have an angry young woman out here! Amazon said that it would continuously improve the Announcement feature to ensure consistency across all Alexa built-in devices. Remember when your mother had to call everyone for dinner? Well, some of Amazon's Alexa enabled devices offers similar functionality with a feature called Alexa Announcements. The feature was previously available on some Amazon Echo speakers and it is now be made available on all certified Alexa built-in products. These products include the Echo, Echo Plus, Echo Dot, Echo Show, and Echo Spot. The support has also been extended to third-party products like Facebooks Portal, and smart speakers from companies like Bose and Sonos. The Announcements feature enables users to turn an Echo device into an intercom system. Users can send out their announcement by saying Alexa announce that or Alexa tell everyone or Alexa broadcast..., followed by a message that is needed to be communicated to several people in the house. The message will be pushed out to all of the devices in a home network simultaneously. Today, Alexa Voice Service (AVS) is making Announcements available for certified Alexa built-in products to implement and new ones that pass the provided self-tests and certification. Alexa Announcements enables customers to make and receive one-way announcements to and from compatible Alexa built-in devices in their household. Similar to a one-way intercom, Alexa Announcements is great for quick, broad communications you want to share with your whole family. Customers can also use the Alexa app when they are away from home to make an Announcement, the company said in a post. This feature is similar to Googles Broadcast feature, which enables a user to send a message to everyone by broadcasting messages on all Google Home devices connected to the same Wi-Fi. The company also said that it will continuously improve the Announcement feature to create better customer experiences and to ensure consistency across all Alexa built-in devices. Recently, Amazon announced that anyone will be able to publish their skills created using Alexa Skill Blueprints to the India Alexa Skills Store. Skills are like apps for Alexa, and with Skill Blueprints, users can use over 30 templates to create their own personal Alexa skill. Demos showcase $499 Ryzen 9 3900X beating Intel Core i9-9920X and Radeon RX 5700 beating RTX 2070 COMPUTEX 2019 kicked-off with the first ever launch keynote given by none other than AMDs CEO, Dr. Lisa Su. AMD had several major announcements lined up of which we had noticed a few leaks but nothing too concrete. All we knew was that Radeon Navi GPUs and 3rd Gen Ryzen processors would certainly be announced. Here are the announcements in detail. AMD EPYC Dr. Lisa Su kicked off the days announcements with their data centre offerings. AMD EPYC has grown over the last 3 years to now have more than 60 solutions and more than 50 cloud installations. This was followed by pointed out the latest jewel in AMDs crown, the Frontier Supercomputer at Oak Ridge, National Laboratory which is capable of more than 1.5 exaFLOPS and is supposedly going to be the worlds fastest supercomputer once it goes live. The meat of the announcement was AMDs latest collaboration with Microsoft to incorporate AMD EPYC processors into Microsofts Azure cloud computing solutions. Next up, AMD announced AMDs 2nd Gen EPYC processors codenamed Rome. This second gen AMD EPYC platform can give up to 64 cores per socket and can reportedly push four times the floating point workload per socket compared to the previous gen EPYC processor. This was showcased with a demonstration that pitted a 64-core/socket AMD EPYC 2-socket solution against an Intel Cascade Lake 8280 28-core/socket 2-socket solution. The EPYC solution was capable of crunching out 19.60 ns/Day compared to the Intel solution. The 2nd Gen EPYC processors will be launched in Q3 2019. AMD Navi Sporting what AMD calls as an entirely new microarchitecture called RDNA, the biggest announcement was the new 7nm based GPUs which will be part of AMDs much anticipated Radeon NAVI GPUs a.k.a. The AMD Radeon RX 5000 family of graphics cards. The naming scheme is centered around this being AMDs 50th anniversary. The new microarchitecture, dubbed RDNA, is supposedly different from the existing GCN architecture that has been powering AMD Radeon GPUs since the Southern Islands family i.e. Pitcairn, Tahiti, Oland and Cape Verde. Key improvements include a new compute engine design, multi-level cache hierarchy and a streamlined graphics pipeline. This will also provide the new Radeon RX 5700 series to offer faster clock speeds at lower power. These will also be the first PCIe Gen 4 capable graphics cards. AMD Radeon RX 5700 lineup was pitted against an RTX 2070 in a video game benchmark of Strange Brigade and was shown to have about 10% lead. AMD Radeon RX 5700 series will be available in July 2019 with more details set to be revealed on June 10. And it will be a multi-GPU launch unlike the earlier Radeon VII launch at CES 2019. AMD Ryzen 3rd Gen and X570 platforms The most anticipated announcement was left for the last and that was the AMD 3rd Gen Ryzen Processor family. Built on a 7nm TSMC process node, the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X is an 8-core/16-threaded processor which will still use the AM4 socket but will need the latest X570 platform to make the most of it. Thats not saying that you cant use the new 3rd Gen Ryzen with the older X370 or X470 platforms. Compared to the Intel Core i7-9700K, the Ryzen 7 3700X was shown to be better by a significant lead. The 3700X scored 4806 points in Cinebench R20 MT run whereas the 9700K did 3276 points. However, this isnt the top of the line SKU in the mainstream lineup. The 3700X was followed by the Ryzen 7 3800X which has a base clock of 3.9 GHz and a boost clock of 4.5 GHz and is a 105W TDP processor whereas the 3700X was a 65W TDP processor. The 3800X was shown to have a lead of at least 11% and going all the way up to 34% lead in gaming performance when compared to the older gen Ryzen 7 2700X. However, AMD has even bigger plans with the 3rd Gen Ryzen. AMD announced the Ryzen 9 family of processors with the top SKU being the Ryzen 9 3900X, a 12-core / 24-thread beast of a processor rated for 105W TDP. It has a base clock of 3.8 GHz and a boost clock of 4.6 GHz and uses two chiplets to achieve the high core count. In a Blender benchmark pitting the Ryzen 9 3900X against the Intel Core i9 9920X, the render was completed in 32 seconds on the 3900X as against 38 seconds on the Intel 9920X. It should also be noted that the Intel Core i9-9920X is a 165W TDP processor and the Ryzen 9 3900X beats it in both, single threaded and multi-threaded performance. AMD 3rd Gen Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 Pricing The new SKUs are priced as follows: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X for $329 (Rs.22817 approx), Ryzen 7 3800X for $399 (Rs.27,671) and the Ryzen 9 3900X for $499 (Rs.34,607). These are converted USD>INR pricing, we will update the article once we have the proper India specific pricing closer to launch. Tata invested Rs1,200 cr for BS VI emission compliance: report Tata Motors started the process of upgrading to BS VI emission norms soon after the government confirmed of skipping BSV and announced the deadline for switch over from BS IV to BS VI norms, reports said today. A report in The Hindu cited Tata Motors managing director and CEO Guenter Butschek as saying that upgrading to BS VI would cost a lot more for manufacturers than visible outside. While the exact amount needed for the transition is difficult to guess, he said, meeting BS6 norms would cost manufacturers thousands of crores of rupees. Everything from components to manufacturing plants and assembly lines need to be upgraded, Butschek told the paper in an interview. The company, he said, has already invested Rs1,200 crore in the transition to BS VI. He said this amount was invested in last fiscal, more is expected to be invested this year. He did not reveal fresh investment While details about the investment was not revealed, it is clear that Tata Motors may discontinue some models and upgrade select models to meet BS VI. In any case all new and upcoming models of Tata Motors will be BS VI compliant. And in future, Tata Motors will make fewer diesel cars than today considering the cost of making diesel engines BS VI compliant. President of Tata Motors passenger vehicles business Mayank Pareek cited concerns over the added investment in development of small diesel engines. In fact, Tata Motors plans to stop producing small diesel engine cars from April 2020.The company will wait for market denad to rise before reintroducing these vehicles. Tata Motors sells diesel variants of most of its models. Recently, Tatas Tiago hatchback got a diesel engine option along with the Tigor compact sedan. The Nexon compact SUV, Zest sedan and the recently launched Harrier SUV also will get diesel engine options. IAF's AN-32 aircraft certified to operate on blended bio-jet fuel IAFs formidable workhorse, the Russian made AN-32 aircraft, has formally been certified to fly on blended aviation fuel containing up to 10 per cent of indigenous bio-jet fuel. P Jayapal, chief executive of the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) handed over the approval certificate to Air Commodore Sanjiv Ghuratia VSM, Air Officer Commanding, 3 BRD, AF at the aero-engine test facilities at Chandigarh. The IAF has undertaken a series of evaluation tests and trials with this green aviation fuel for the last one year. The scope of these checks was in consonance with the international aviation standards. IAF followed meticulous testing standards for the use of indigenous bio-jet fuel by the IAF. The indigenous bio-jet fuel was first produced by the CSIR-IIP lab at Dehradun in 2013, but could not be tested or certified for commercial use on aircraft due to lack of test facilities in the civil aviation sector. On 27 July 2018, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC had formally announced IAFs intention to permit the use of all its resources for testing and certifying the indigenous fuel. Since then, IAFs flight test crew and engineers have been evaluating the performance of this fuel against international standards. This is a huge step in promoting the Make in India mission as this bio-fuel would be produced from tree borne oils (TBOs) sourced from tribal areas and farmers, augmenting their income substantially, an official release stated. Narendra Modi thanks voters in Varanasi Ahead of his 30 May swearing in as head of government for a second term, Narendra Modi visited Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and addressed party karyakartas to thank them and the voters for "reposing" faith in him and the party. Addressing BJP workers after offering prayers at the Kashi Temple, Modi, told BJP workers that he was lucky to be contesting from Varanasi, suggesting that from campaigning to ensuring a BJP victory in the constituency everything was handled by the workers. Modi, who was flanked by party chief Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, said: "All of you had ordered me 'you can't set foot in Varanasi for a month'. The nation might have elected me as the prime minister but for you, I am a worker. For me, your orders were the priority." He said the trust of the people of Kashi and the hard work of the party workers gave him enough confidence during voting and therefore he could "peacefully" go to Kedarnath to meditate. No other candidate was as relieved as him, he added. In the end the 2019 election was not all poll arithmetic, it was more of a chemistry with the voters of Varanisi, he said, adding that every household that voted in these elections is a Narendra Modi. "Elections are all about arithmetic but there is chemistry that goes beyond arithmetic. This time chemistry has defeated arithmetic. Some people say that politics is all about perception but we do not create perceptions. For us, transparency and hard work scores above everything else," he said. "After three elections in Uttar Pradesh (2014, 2017 and 2019), if political pundits are unable to see the social, political and electoral messaging that the voters are indicating, then they are suited for the last century, not the 21st Century," Modi said. "The polls in 2014, 2017 and 2019 mark a hat-trick of wins in Uttar Pradesh. Each of these wins is special and should be studied very carefully by political analysts. Uttar Pradesh is further strengthening the country's democratic fabric. The perception around us (BJP) has been vicious, sometimes even telling everyone that we are dangerous and we should be stayed from but India has shown that to political pundits and therefore there is no alternate of transparency and hard work for us." Modi said there are many in politics whose profile runs into 50 pages or more but they are not connected with the poorest of the poor. "We are dedicated to such people," he said. "Work and workers create wonders," Modi said, giving full credit for his victory to the workers at the grassroots level for creating awareness about his government's policies and programmes for the people. Uttar Pradesh is showing the way for India, he said. He also spoke of the importance of "perfect synergy" between the government and the party. Modi won from Varanasi by a huge margin of 4.79 lakh votes. He not only retained his seat but also saw his victory margin increase by nearly a lakh votes as compared to 2014. He lamented the sense of political untouchability against the saffron party, adding that the BJP workers were being killed for their ideology in West Bengal, Tripura and Kerala. Modi noted that the legacy of Indian culture cannot be ignored, although some opposition parties believe that goes against their interests. "Many are embarrassed about it, but I am not. I am proud of our culture. It cannot just be about the future, the country cannot progress without its past," Modi said. China moots ASEAN+3 FTA without India, Australia and NZ China has proposed an ASEAN+3 mega free trade agreement that excludes India, Australia and New Zealand, in a move that could bring together 16 countries, including the ASEAN member countries, China, Japan and South Korea in a new trade bloc. China hopes to push through the current proposal in the light of US pressure on most Asian countries to open up markets, although an earlier proposal made by Beijing for a similar free trade pact was rejected by Japan. Officials in Indias commerce ministry feel that China has revived the proposal to put pressure on India to give it concessions similar to those by other countries at the RCEP negotiations. China is reported to have started pushing for the ASEAN+3 free trade pact at the East Asia Summit that brings together 18 countries that are negotiating the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The ministry of external affairs is reported to have sought comments from the commerce ministry on Chinas proposal for an ASEAN+3 FTA. The next East Asia Summit, which is a forum of 18 countries of the Asia-Pacific region formed to fulfil the objectives of regional peace, security and prosperity, is in Turkey next month. Since RCEP members, including the ASEAN, are proposing zero tariffs on over 90 per cent traded items, New Delhi is apprehensive of Chinese goods swamping its market, destabiling domestic producers. If finalised, the RCEP will result in the largest free trade bloc in the world accounting for 25 per cent of global GDP and 30 per cent of world trade. China is trying to impress other countries of the region with its free trade offer knowing well that none of the other countries pose any trade threat to China. On the other hand, China could dump its cheap products across the Asia Pacific. China is also looking at support from Australia and New Zealand, thus putting more pressure on India to be more flexible in the RCEP negotiations. The trade war with the US is forcing China to look for alternative markets and hence the push for an ASEAN + 3 arrangement to create a new order in the region with itself at the helm. While, Japan earlier insisted on Indias participation in the negotiations for a regional bloc as it believed that the country could act as a balancing factor and block Chinas efforts to increase its influence over the region, this time, with US pressure on both China and Japan, it is not known if China has reached some kind of understanding with Japan on the matter. At present, officials from RCEP countries are holding an inter-sessional meeting in Bangkok, which is to be followed by another round at the end of next month. Most RCEP countries want to conclude the negotiations for the free trade bloc by the year-end, but India so far has refused to be hurried into giving its commitments. Switzerland gets serious on sharing banking info, puts 11 Indians on notice The Swiss Federal Tax Administration on Tuesday issued at least 11 notices to Indians clients of Swiss banks, as the country stepped up moves against black money. The Swiss government's gazette notifications, however, redacted the full names of bank clients and instead gave initials, nationality and the dates of birth. The two Indians whose names have been mentioned in full are Krishna Bhagwan Ramchand (born in May 1949) and Kalpesh Harshad Kinariwala (born in September 1972). However, no further details have been disclosed about them. The Indian nationals with redacted names include Mrs A S B K (born on 24 November 1944), Mr A B K I (born on 9 July 1944), Mrs P A S (born on 2 November 1983), Mrs R A S (born on 22 November 1973), Mr A P S (born on 27 November 1944), Mrs A D S (born on 14 August 1949), Mr M L A (born on 20 May 1935), Mr N M A (born on 21 February 1968) and Mr M M A (born on 27 June 1973). The notices ask the individuals concerned or their authorised representatives to file appeals within 30 days with necessary documentary proof to support their case against providing 'administrative assistance' to India, which broadly means sharing of their banking and other financial details. Earlier this month on 7 May, the Swiss authorities issued a similar notice to an Indian national, Ratan Singh Chowdhury, giving an option to appeal within ten days, while another Indian national with redacted name, Mr R P N, was given 30 days on 14 May. In April also, the Swiss authorities issued some such notices including to one Mrs J N V, as also to Mr Kuldip Singh Dhingra and Anil Bhardwaj, among others. Several of these names are said to have figured in the leaked HSBC lists and Panama papers, which allegedly contained names of Indians with Swiss bank accounts and are being probed by Indian authorities in alleged black money cases. In case of Krishna Bhagwan Ramchand and Kalpesh Harshad Kinariwala, such notices were issued in April as well and fresh notices have been served to them presumably after their responses to the earlier notices. In March, Swiss authorities issued such notices to Mumbai-based Geodesic Ltd and its three directors (Prashant Sharad Mulekar, Pankajkumar Onkar Srivastava and Kiran Kulkarni), as also to Chennai-based Aadhi Enterprises Pvt Ltd, who are being probed by the Indian authorities for alleged money laundering and other financial irregularities. Switzerland was widely known as a safe haven for black money before it bowed to global pressure and agreed to bring down the secrecy walls that had historically surrounded Swiss banks, provided the requesting country gave proof for financial irregularities done by the concerned person or the company. Several western countries have already got banking information on suspected investors in a large number of cases in the last few years. As per the Swiss law, the FTA decision can be appealed within 30 days (in some cases 10 days), provided the appellant is able to give sufficient ground to challenge it. While the Swiss government documents did not disclose specific details related to the information and assistance sought by the Indian authorities, the issuance of notices to these individuals follows submission of proof about financial and tax-related wrongdoings and typically involves sharing of information relating to bank account details and other financial data. Switzerland has since March sent at least 25 notices to Indian clients of its banks, giving them a chance to appeal before it gives information about them to the Indian government. It may be noted that while the Federal Tax Administration of Switzerland started sharing information on foreign clients of Swiss banks with a number of countries, the number of India-related cases have so far been few. NASA announces award of first contract for 2024 lunar mission Artemis The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) on Thursday announced the award of contract to develop and demonstrate power, propulsion and communications capabilities for the lunar Gateway of the space agencys lunar exploration mission Artemis to Maxar Technologies, formerly SSL, in Westminster, Colorado., The power and propulsion element provides a communications relay capability for Nasa's Gateway, enabling it to serve as a mobile command and service module for human and robotic expeditions to the lunar surface. The power and propulsion element is a high-power, 50-kilowatt solar electric propulsion spacecraft three times more powerful than current capabilities. As a mobile command and service module, the Gateway provides a communications relay for human and robotic expeditions to the lunar surface, starting at the Moons South Pole, Nasa said, adding that this is one of the first steps of the agencys Artemis lunar exploration plans. The power and propulsion element is the foundation of Gateway and a fine example of how partnerships with US companies can help expedite Nasa return to the Moon with the first woman and next man by 2024, said Nasa administrator Jim Bridenstine. It will be the key component upon which we will build our lunar Gateway outpost, the cornerstone of Nasas sustainable and reusable Artemis exploration architecture on and around the Moon. This firm-fixed price award includes an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity portion and carries a maximum total value of $375 million. The contract begins with a 12-month base period of performance and is followed by a 26-month option, a 14-month option and two 12-month options. Spacecraft design will be completed during the base period, after which the exercise of options will provide for the development, launch, and in-space flight demonstration. The flight demonstration will last as long as one year, during which the spacecraft will be fully owned and operated by Maxar. Following a successful demonstration, Nasa will have the option to acquire the spacecraft for use as the first element of the Gateway. Nasa is targeting launch of the power and propulsion element on a commercial rocket in late 2022. Were excited to demonstrate our newest technology on the power and propulsion element. Solar electric propulsion is extremely efficient, making it perfect for the Gateway, said Mike Barrett, power and propulsion element project manager at Nasas Glenn Research Centre in Cleveland. This system requires much less propellant than traditional chemical systems, which will allow the Gateway to move more mass around the Moon, like a human landing system and large modules for living and working in orbit, he added. Charged with returning to the Moon within five years, Nasas lunar exploration plans are based on a two-phase approach: the first is focused on speed landing on the Moon by 2024 while the second will establish a sustained human presence on and around the Moon by 2028. We then will use what we learn on the Moon to prepare to send astronauts to Mars. Nasa is tapping 11 American companies to advance human lunar landers. A Michigan company will similarly help Nasa build moon rocket and accelerate missions. The Moon missions are named Artemis after the Greek goddess of the Moon and twin sister of Apollo. On 13 May, the White House submitted an amendment to the FY 2020 budget request to help NASA implement a sustainable, open, long-term programme of lunar exploration. An alleged IRA bomber given a so-called comfort letter by the Tony Blair Government, must wait to hear the outcome of an appeal against his proposed extradition to the north for the 1972 Enniskillen bombing. Northern Irish authorities are seeking to extradite John Downey (67) to face prosecution for the murder of two British Army Infantrymen as well as aiding and abetting the causing of an explosion on August 25, 1972. Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) soldiers Lance Corporal Alfred Johnston and Private James Eames were killed when a device exploded in a vehicle they were checking on the Irvinestown Road, Cherrymount, in Enniskillen. Mr Downey was arrested last November at his home address in Ards, Creeslough, Co Donegal on foot of a European Arrest Warrant. He told detectives he believed it was the DUP and not the DPP who decided to prosecute him. The High Court in Dublin ordered Mr Downeys extradition in March, despite objections on grounds of delay and a letter of assurance he believes amounts to a pardon or amnesty. Mr Downeys trial in relation to the 1982 London Hyde Park bombing, in which four soldiers and seven horses were killed, collapsed in February 2014 over the letter, sent to him and other alleged republican paramilitaries. The so-called comfort letters", issued by the Tony Blair government, told republican paramilitaries they were not wanted for prosecution of crimes committed during the troubles. The on-the-run scheme and letters, which fully emerged following the collapse of Mr Downeys 2014 trial in relation to the 1982 Hyde Park bombing, triggered a major political controversy and lead to an inquiry. Mr Downeys lawyers told the Court of Appeal on Monday, that the letters were originally given to around 250 so-called on-the-runs. After that, consideration was given to other people, including Mr Downey, who asked for a letter. Garnet Orange SC, for Mr Downey, said the authorities spent five years conducting research before the letter of assurance was given to Mr Downey. It was effectively a decision not to prosecute, he submitted, so Mr Downey could go about his lawful business. All of this came about as a result of political discussions at the highest level, he added. Mr Orange said his client was trying to live out the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement, travelling to Northern Ireland for constructive purposes, building bridges and so forth. He said his client had a legitimate expectation that no proceedings would be issued against him and he had travelled back and forth between the UK and Ireland to his detriment for a number of years. The letter lead Mr Downey to act against his own interests by travelling through the UK, Mr Orange submitted. He was arrested in relation to the Hyde Park bombing while transiting through Londons Gatwick Airport, on the way to a holiday, the court heard, an arrest deemed an abuse of process by the Hyde Park trial judge. Counsel for the Attorney General, Remy Farrell SC, said the purpose of the letter was to state there were no known proceedings, warrants or active investigations against Mr Downey at that time. It did not amount to a statement that Mr Downey will not be prosecuted, he added. We now know the letter was factually wrong, Mr Farrell said, and it was unrealistic for Mr Downey to rely on a letter to say he wasnt wanted for prosecution, when he was wanted for prosecution. Mr Farrell said the contention that Mr Downey was lulled into a false sense of security was an argument on admissibility of evidence, to be made in the northern Irish trial court. He said Mr Downeys arguments were for the Belfast courts not the Irish courts. President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham, who sat with Mr Justice Michael Peart and Mr Justice John Edwards, said the court would reserve its judgment. Two Dothan teens face capital murder and attempted murder in a Saturday shooting on Florida Avenue. Willie Blackmon, 18, and Kaleb Tubbs, 18, both of Dothan were arrested Sunday, May 26, and charged with capital murder and attempted murder for the shooting death of Shawn Bernard Callins, 35, of Dothan. Kanesha Lee, 31, of Dothan, was critically injured. Dothan Police responded at 1:50 p.m. Saturday, May 25, to a report of shots fired in the 400 block of Florida Avenue. Two people a male and a female suffered gunshot wounds and were in critical condition. According to Dothan Police Chief Steve Parrish it was determined during the investigation the suspects forced their way in the front door. Once inside the home, the suspects began shooting at the victims. Both victims were struck multiple times. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Houston County Coroner Robert Byrd said Callins died about 3:30 p.m., Saturday in the emergency room at Southeast Health. Lucille Palmer Beaty, a resident of Baker Hill, Alabama, died Friday, May 24, 2019, at her home. She was 81. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, March 26, 2019, in the Holman-Abbeville Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Nathan Poe and Reverend Hollis Ritter officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Zion Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Sunday at the mortuary in Abbeville. Holman Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of funeral arrangements. Phone 334-585-5261.You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. "You couldn't turn them down," he said. "We threw them c-rations and those hungry younguns fought one another for them." Robinson was then stationed on a small mountain at Kimpo Airfield for 16 months. His first assignment was to stand guard, and one dark, rainy night, he heard the enemy coming. I had a gun that held 30 rounds and it could unload all those bullets at once. So I clicked off the safety. Thats when I heard the yelling. It was my sergeant, not the enemy. Hed heard that safety click and knew he was in trouble! His eyes flashed with pride as he spoke of moving up from ammo carrier to eventually being in charge of one of four massive 90mm anti-aircraft guns placed at each corner of the airfield. This artillery targeted high-flying planes, and it took a platoon to run each one16 men. The soldiers slept in a building right beside their gun and were on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Thus, William Robinson and his gun became one. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. First UK visit for Hammerclub will reconnect Dundee with silver heritage Published On Mon 27 May 2019 by Grant Hill Dundees precious metals heritage will be connected to its growing contemporary reputation for design when a prestigious exhibition and gathering of silversmiths takes place in the city later this month. Hammerclub, a forum for silversmiths from across Europe, will be hosted by Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, from Friday 31 May to Sunday 2 June. It will be the first time in the 17-year history of the organisation that its flagship annual event has taken place in the UK. Around 100 silversmiths will come together for two days of visits and talks alongside the exhibition of their work, entitled Renewal, which will remain open until the end of June at Dock Street Studios. The exhibition will show 79 works from Belgium, China, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Netherlands, Poland, Serbia, South Korea, UK and the US. Renewal takes its theme from the regeneration of Dundee, the UKs only UNESCO City of Design and home to the V&A Dundee design museum. Dundee also has a long history with silver - in the 18th century it had its own provincial silver mark represented by a vase of lilies, the towns emblem. Duncan of Jordanstones Dr Sandra Wilson said, Throughout history, silversmithing has renewed itself through the next generation and their social, cultural and economic influences. This continues to this day. It is clear that the field is vibrant and brimming with ideas. I hope our exhibition and symposium will make a significant contribution to several of the aims of Dundee as a UNESCO City of Design aims, in particular fostering public discourse on the place and contribution of design in contemporary society. The exhibitition will explore renewal through the re-use of materials, innovation and new emergent technologies as well as new designs for familiar objects, modernisation of traditional techniques and the development of form and within nature. Each year, participants vote for the best works in the exhibition and award three prizes of silver bullion. In Dundee, the exhibition visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite work. A highlight is the public forging of the common bowl, a communal act of making by all the participating silversmiths which will take place at V&A Dundee on 31 May and at Discovery Point on 1 and 2 June. This will be forged from fair-mined silver provided by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh. The exhibition is supported by Goldsmiths Centre and the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh. Selected works from the exhibition will be shown at the Goldsmiths Centre in London over the summer and at Elements: a Festival of Gold and Silver in Edinburgh later this year. Hammerclub was founded in Germany and is organised annually by different European cities on a voluntary basis. In Dundee it is being hosted by Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, which has an internationally renowned jewellery and metal design department. For media enquiries contact: Grant Hill Press Officer University of Dundee Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN Tel: +44 (0)1382 384768 Mobile: 07854 953277 Email: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk Reach key decision makers with sales-ready leads that shorten your sales process. Move the needle by delivering funnel qualified leads to your sales team. Learn more The United States Supreme Court on Monday gave thumbs up for a class action antitrust lawsuit to proceed against Apple for alleged monopolistic practices at its App Store. In the case, Apple Inc. v. Pepper et al., the consumer plaintiffs maintain the Cupertino, California, company has monopolized the retail market for the sale of apps, and that it used its position to charge higher-than-competitive prices for the software it sells in its App Store. Apple tried to keep the case from advancing in the courts by arguing that it doesnt set the prices for software it sells at the App Store. The developers of the software set the prices, so the company has only an indirect relationship to pricing. In a previous decision, Illinois Brick Co. v. Illinois, the Court ruled that antitrust lawsuits could be filed only against a company that had direct control over prices paid by a plaintiff. The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 opinion written by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, didnt buy Apples logic. The plaintiffs purchased apps directly from Apple and therefore are direct purchasers under Illinois Brick, he wrote. At this early pleadings stage of the litigation, we do not assess the merits of the plaintiffs antitrust claims against Apple, nor do we consider any other defenses Apple might have, Kavanaugh continued. We merely hold that the Illinois Brick direct-purchaser rule does not bar these plaintiffs from suing Apple under the antitrust laws. Supply Chain Logic In the 1977 case, Illinois Brick Co. v. Illinois, the Illinois Brick Company made and distributed concrete blocks that it sold to masonry contractors who sold them to general contractors who used them in projects for the State of Illinois. When the state sued the brick company for an alleged conspiracy to fix the price of concrete blocks, which resulted in the state paying more for the building material, it was rebuffed by the Court. The justices at the time ruled that the state could not bring an antitrust lawsuit against Illinois Brick because the state had not purchased concrete blocks directly from the company. While its true that Apple doesnt set the prices for apps, it does sell apps directly to consumers and collect a 30 percent commission on every app sale. A D V E R T I S E M E N T In this case, unlike in Illinois Brick, the iPhone owners are not consumers at the bottom of a vertical distribution chain who are attempting to sue manufacturers at the top of the chain, Kavanaugh wrote. There is no intermediary in the distribution chain between Apple and the consumer, he continued. The iPhone owners purchase apps directly from the retailer Apple, who is the alleged antitrust violator. The iPhone owners pay the alleged overcharge directly to Apple. Apple Gerrymandering Kavanaugh maintained that the Illinois Brick case sought to ensure an effective and efficient litigation scheme in antitrust cases. The Court drew a bright line that allowed direct purchasers to sue but barred indirect purchasers from suing, he wrote. When there is no intermediary between the purchaser and the antitrust violator, the purchaser may sue. Kavanaugh also attacked Apples we dont set the price arguments. Apples effort to transform Illinois Brick from a direct-purchaser rule to a who sets the price rule would draw an arbitrary and unprincipled line among retailers based on retailers financial arrangements with their manufacturers or suppliers, he wrote. Apples line-drawing does not make a lot of sense, other than as a way to gerrymander Apple out of this and similar lawsuits, Kavanaugh added. In sum, Apples theory would disregard statutory text and precedent, create an unprincipled and economically senseless distinction among monopolistic retailers, and furnish monopolistic retailers with a how-to guide for evasion of the antitrust laws. Dissenting Opinion Not all of the justices agreed with Kavanaughs reasoning for the Courts majority. Justice Neil Gorsuch who, like Kavanaugh, was appointed to the Court by President Donald J. Trump, argued in a dissenting opinion that the majoritys view could open a nasty can of worms. If the 30 percent commission Apple charges to sell through its platform is a monopolistic overcharge, Gorsuch noted, the developers are the ones injured by it. Plaintiffs can be injured only if the developers are able and choose to pass on the overcharge to them in the form of higher app prices that the developers alone control, he wrote. Because this is exactly the kind of pass-on theory Illinois Brick rejected, it should come as no surprise that the concerns animating that decision are also implicated, Gorsuch continued. Like other pass-on theories, plaintiffs theory will necessitate a complex inquiry into how Apples conduct affected third-party pricing decisions, he added. And it will raise difficult questions about apportionment of damages between app developers and their customers, along with the risk of duplicative damages awards. Whats more, it is easy to evade the majoritys test for standing in an antitrust case. All Apple has to do is have consumers pay developers directly, then take its 30 percent cut, Gorsuch pointed out. No antitrust reason exists to treat these contractual arrangements differently, and doing so will only induce firms to abandon their preferred and presumably more efficient distribution arrangements in favor of less efficient ones, all so they might avoid an arbitrary legal rule, he wrote. Kavanaughs Obamacare Moment With its decision, the Court has sent a message to the tech sector, maintained Jerry Flanagan, litigation director for Consumer Watchdog, a consumer advocacy group based in Los Angeles. Todays decision is a major victory for consumers and will open the door to litigation against corporations where the public is the end user of products and ultimately pay more or are harmed by market manipulation, he told TechNewsWorld. Apple and other tech giants will need to be focused on how their business practices affect consumers, not just app developers who can pass costs on, added Flanagan. Consumers could benefit from an expansion of the Apple app market, but they could be harmed by it, too. Consumers would have access to more third-party apps outside of Apples controlled ecosystem, noted Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies, a technology advisory firm in Campbell, California. But they do that at their own risk, he told TechNewsWorld. It could uncouple the apps from Apples stellar security and expose peoples devices to more malware and security threats. Although Apple is at the center of the Pepper case, the litigation could have ramifications for other online outlets using a business model similar to Apples, noted Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT, a technology advisory firm in Hayward, California. At the least, the ruling is likely to make the companies involved in those online outlets rethink and probably revise the way payments are made and managed, he told TechNewsWorld. Along with Apple, the ruling was also a slap at the Trump administration, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and a raft of politically involved tech industry titans, King observed. That the ruling hinged on the vote of Brett Kavanaugh, a Trump appointee, probably shocked quite a few folks, he said. This is Justice Kavanaughs Obamacare moment, said Consumer Watchs Flanagan. Kavanaugh is making a clear statement he shouldnt be counted as a rubber stamp for big business. (Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC)Ecumenical Accompaniers from the World Council of Churches EAPPI program offer a peaceful protective presence for Palestinian children as they go to school at Al-Maniya near Bethlehem in the West Bank. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC The World Council of Churches Executive Committee has condemned attacks and persecution of Christian communities in Asia and reiterated its call for a just peace in Israel and Palestine. "Throughout history, religious communities living in contexts in which other religions predominate have been among the most vulnerable groups in society," the statement on persecution in Asia reads, the WCC said May 27. The executive committee of the WCC has held its May 22-28 meeting in Bossey near Geneva, Switzerland and it traditionally issues a statement on global issues affecting the members of the global church grouping representing more than half a billion Christians. "In many parts of the world today, Christians in such contexts are among the most persecuted communities." The statement acknowledges that, in in some contexts, Christian communities are unfairly or mistakenly linked to the colonial histories of their countries. "They are frequently scapegoated in the context of prevailing geopolitical and religious undercurrents and narratives of retaliation, and their dignity and freedoms violated, often with impunity," the statement reads. "And they are increasingly targeted in brutal violent attacks." The violence occurs in the context of systematic marginalization, unequal citizenship rights, and discriminatory and blasphemy laws, the statement continues. "In many contexts, the vulnerability of Christian communities is accentuated by their socio-economic situation, race, ethnic and or caste identity, and lack of access to land, resources, and education," the statement reads. "Women are particularly vulnerable, being subjected to physical, and sexual violence, rape, abductions, forced marriages, and in cases of conversion, also to shaming, shunning, forced divorce and denial of custody of children," said the statement. The WCC's Central Committee, its main governing body between assemblies elects 20 of its members to serve as the Executive Committee. It meets twice a year appointing program staff, monitoring ongoing work, and supervising the budget approved by the Central Committee. The Executive Committee, in another statement, reiterated its call for a just peace in Israel and Palestine. 'FABRIC OF OUR FAITH' "That commitment is part of the fabric of our faith, and of the heritage of the ecumenical movement," reads the statement. "We seek to express it by accompanying the churches, interfaith partners and communities of these lands in their witness and work for justice and for peace." The WCC called for a peace founded on justice. "Just as we categorically denounce antisemitism as sin against God and humanity, so do we reject discrimination, marginalization, collective punishment and violence against Palestinian people on the basis of ethnicity, race or religion also as sin against God and humanity," reads the statement. "We call for an approach to the situation in Israel and Palestine that does not reduce it to a competition of binary opposites, in which one must choose one side or the other, but that recognizes and affirms the common humanity and equal God-given dignity and rights of all people of the region." The WCC said it continues to support and promote the vision of the two-state solution as the only practicable configuration for peaceful coexistence. The WCC calls on "all WCC member churches, ecumenical and interfaith partners and all people of conscience and goodwill to continue to uphold and assert the equal human dignity and rights of all people, both Israelis and Palestinians," the statement read. Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 17) Despite significant progress in recent years, the world is falling short of meeting the global energy targets set in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for 2030. Ensuring affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030 remains possible but will require more sustained efforts, particularly to reach some of the worlds poorest populations and to improve energy sustainability, according to a new report produced by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the World Bank and the World Health Organization (WHO). This is the executive summary of the report Click here to download the full report According to the latest data, the world is making progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), but will fall short of meeting the targets by 2030 at the current rate of ambition. The SDG Target 7.1 is to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services (7.1.1 focuses on the proportion of the population with access to electricity and 7.1.2, on the proportion relying primarily on clean fuels and technologies for cooking). Target 7.2 is to increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. Target 7.3 is to double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. In recent years, pronounced progress in expanding access to electricity was made in several countries, notably India, Bangladesh, and Kenya. As a result, the global population without access to electricity decreased to about 840-million in 2017 from 1,2-billion in 2010 (Fig. 1). Those still lacking access are increasingly concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa. Meanwhile, the population without access to clean cooking solutions totaled almost 3 billion in 2016 and was distributed across both Asia and Africa. The widespread use of polluting fuels and technologies for cooking continues to pose serious health and socioeconomic concerns. Renewable energy accounted for 17,5% of global total energy consumption in 2016. The use of renewables (i.e., sources of renewable energy) to generate electricity increased rapidly, but less headway was made in heat and transport. A substantial further increase of renewable energy is needed for energy systems to become affordable, reliable, sustainable, focusing on modern uses. Finally, with respect to energy efficiency, global primary energy intensity was 5,1 MJ/US$ (2011 purchasing power parity) in 2016. Energy efficiency improvements have increased steadily in recent years, thanks to concerted policy efforts in major economies, including China. However, the global rate of improvement in primary energy intensity still lags behind SDG target 7.3, and estimates suggest that improvements slowed in 2017 and 2018. Additional effort will be essential in ensuring progress toward not only SDG 7 but also the broader Sustainable Development Agenda. In particular, SDG 7 and climate mitigation (SDG 13) are closely related and complementary. According to scenarios put forward by both the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), energy sector investment related to all SDG 7 targets will need to more than double in order to achieve these goals. Between 2018 and 2030, annual average investment will need to reach approximately $55-billion to expand energy access, about $700-billion to increase renewable energy, and $600-billion to improve energy efficiency. This report identifies best practices that have proven successful in recent years, as well as key approaches that policy makers may deploy in coming years. Recommendations applicable to all SDG 7 targets include recognising the importance of political commitment and long-term energy planning, stepping up private financing, and supplying adequate incentives for the deployment of clean technology options. The following sections review progress in electricity access, access to clean cooking solutions, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. Electricity access Thanks to significant efforts across the developing world, the global electrification rate reached 89% in 2017 (from 83% in 2010), still leaving about 840-million people without access. The progress amounts to an average annual electrification rate of 0,8 percentage points, and newly gained access for more than 920-million people since 2010. The electrification trend began to accelerate in 2015. An additional 153-million people were electrified yearly between 2015 and 2017, at an annual rate of more than 1 percentage point. However, the momentum remained uneven across regions; difficult-to-reach populations, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where many remain without access. Electrification efforts have been particularly successful in Central and Southern Asia, where 91% of the population had access to electricity in 2017 (Fig. 2). Access rates in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as Eastern and Southeastern Asia, climbed to 98% in 2017. Among the 20 countries with the largest populations lacking access to electricity, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Myanmar made the most significant progress since 2010. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region with the largest access deficit: here, 573-million people more than one in two lack access to electricity. The region is also home to the 20 countries with the lowest electrification rates (Fig. 3). Burundi, Chad, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Niger were the four countries with the lowest electrification rates in 2017. Progress in electrifying inner cities has been slow, and most informal settlements are still supplied through fragile distribution networks. The rural access rate of 79% in 2017 was lower than the urban access rate of 97%. To reach remote areas, off-grid solutions are essential; these include solar lighting systems, solar home systems, and increasingly mini-grids. SDG target 7.1 calls for universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services. Reliability and affordability remain challenging elements in many countries, even as the number of household connections increases. In 2017, one third of access-deficit countries faced more than one weekly disruption in electricity supply that lasted over four minutes. A basic, subsistence level of electricity consumption (30 kWh per month) was unaffordable for 40% of households in about half of these countries. Access also has a gender dimension. In key access-deficit countries analysed under the World Banks Multi-Tier Framework for Energy, found significant variability in household access rates based on gender of head of household. If the rate of progress in expanding access to electricity remained at the same level as that between 2015 and 2017, universal access could be reached by 2030. However, connecting the last of the unserved populations may be more challenging than past electrification efforts, since many such populations live in remote locales or overburdened cities. A projected 650-million people are likely to remain without access to electricity in 2030, and nine out of ten such people will be in sub-Saharan Africa. Key strategies for closing this gap will include data-based decision-making and advanced policy-planning frameworks, private sector financing, versatile solutions that include decentralised renewables, and efforts to both extend rural electrification and cope with urban densification. Access to clean cooking solutions The share of the global population with access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking increased from 57% in 2010 to 61% in 2017. However, because population growth is outpacing annual growth in access, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, the population without access to clean cooking remains just under 3-billion (Fig. 4). Between 2010 and 2017, the percentage of the population relying on clean cooking solutions grew by an annual average of 0,5 percentage points, though annual progress slowed in 2008. During this period, global improvements were driven by gains in the regions of Central and Southern Asia and Eastern and Southeastern Asia, which posted average annual increases of 1,2 and 0,9 percentage points, respectively. To reach universal clean cooking targets by 2030 and outpace population growth, the annual average increase in access must rise to 3 percentage points, from the rate of 0,5 percentage points observed between 2010 and 2017. Looking at individual countries, in absolute terms, India and China account for the largest shares of the global population without access to clean cooking, at 25% and 20%, respectively (Fig. 5). These two countries alone are home to 1,3-billion people without access to clean cooking solutions. Meanwhile, in six of the 20 countries with the largest access deficits: The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Uganda, and Tanzania, less than 5% of the population uses clean fuels and technologies as their primary means of cooking. In most access-deficit regions, the use of wood is steadily declining, but this trend is offset by an increase in charcoal usage, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. An inverse relationship between kerosene and cleaner gaseous fuels (liquid petroleum gas, natural gas, and biogas) has also been observed: As kerosene use declines, reliance on cleaner gaseous fuels for cooking increases. The uptake of cleaner fuels remains slow in rural Africa, in large part due to issues of affordability and supply. The business-as-usual approach will not meet the universal access goal by 2030. Based on the projections of current and planned policies, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that 2,2-billion people will still be dependent on inefficient and polluting energy sources for cooking. Most of this population will reside in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. To achieve universal access by 2030, greater use of liquid petroleum gas would be appropriate in urban areas (accounting for an estimated 92% of new connections) since population density justifies the necessary investment in infrastructure. Meanwhile, improved biomass cookstoves, which represent 37% of clean cooking solutions, would be particularly suited for rural or more remote areas. Cleaner household energy is closely linked with other development goals, including those touching on human health, the environment, and gender equality. Universal access to clean cooking solutions would help prevent some 3,8-million premature deaths each year, primarily among women and children, from exposure to household air pollution. It would also save time spent collecting fuel (wood or other biomass) and tending fires, time that could otherwise be used for learning, earning, and social activities. Clean cooking solutions reduce deforestation and lower climate-changing emissions. For these and other co-benefits to be realised, however, clean cooking must be integrated into national policy, by scaling up solutions, increasing public and private investment in clean cooking, and enhancing multi-sectoral collaboration. Transitioning to clean cooking requires tailored policies and programmes that focus on key barriers to the adoption of clean cooking solutions, such as their affordability, lack of supply, and social acceptability. Particularly successful programmes to date have addressed behavioural patterns, cultural norms, and regional variations. Because women are typically responsible for cooking, they often have a comparative advantage in reaching out to other users of clean cookstoves. Other success factors are enhanced multisectoral collaboration and greater public and private investment in clean cooking. Renewable energy In 2016, the share of renewables in total final energy consumption increased at the fastest rate since 2012 and reached almost 17,5%. Renewables are essential in the drive towards universal access to affordable, sustainable, reliable and modern energy, except for the traditional uses of biomass (e.g. for cooking) which is linked to significant negative health impacts. In 2016, the share of modern renewables (that is, excluding these traditional uses of bioenergy) in total energy consumption reached 10,2%, up from 8,6% in 2010, while the share of traditional uses of biomass declined to 7,3% from 7,9%. Of the three end uses of renewables electricity, heat, and transport the use of renewables grew fastest with respect to electricity (Fig. 7), driven by the rapid expansion of wind and solar technologies. The share of renewables in electricity consumption increased by 1 percentage point to 24% in 2016. This was the fastest growth since 1990, more than double that of 2015. It was driven by three key developments: (i) drought recovery in Latin America and an associated increase in hydropower generation, (ii) Chinas record-level wind capacity additions in 2015, which became fully operational in 2016, and (iii) rapid expansion of solar capacity in China and the United States. Hydropower remains the largest source of renewable electricity, accounting for 68% in 2016. It is followed by wind, bioenergy, solar, and geothermal. The share of renewables in heat remains the highest among the three end uses. That share surpassed 24% in 2016, an increase of 0,5% year on year. However, most of the share reflects traditional uses of biomass. Only 9% of heat was generated from modern renewables in 2016. The share of renewable energy in transport remains lowest: it increased by 0,1% year on year to reach 3,3% in 2016. Biofuels constitute the majority of renewable energy used for transport in the United States, Brazil, and the European Union. Electricity generated from renewable sources also grew, linked to rail and the rapid increase of electric vehicles. The top 20 energy-consuming countries in 2016 were responsible for three-quarters of global energy demand and two-thirds of global renewable energy consumption. In the six countries where consumption of renewables was above the global average, the trend was led by traditional uses of biomass (in India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Pakistan), modern biomass (in Brazil), or hydropower (Canada). Strong policy support and the increasing cost-competitiveness of solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind technologies are projected to bolster the deployment of renewable electricity across all regions. However, according to long-term scenarios developed by both IEA and IRENA, global renewable energy consumption needs to accelerate substantially to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. Despite remarkable progress over the past decade, renewables still face persistent financial, regulatory, and sometimes technological barriers. Policies have focused on renewable electricity so far, and fewer countries have implemented policies for renewables use for heating and transport. To foster an enabling environment, it is important that various policies work in tandem to integrate renewables into energy systems and directly support their deployment in all end uses. To ensure that the renewables-based energy transition is inclusive in all respects, gender considerations need to be mainstreamed in energy sector policies, education and training programmes, and private sector practices. Energy efficiency Rates of improvement in global primary energy intensity, defined as the percentage drop in global total primary energy supply per unit of gross domestic product, were more sustained in 2010-2016 (falling by more than 10%) than they had been in 1990-2010 (Fig. 8). Global primary energy intensity was 5,1 MJ/US$ (2011 US$ at purchasing power parity) in 2016, a 2,5% improvement from 2015. Yet this lags behind the annual rate of improvement to 2030 targeted by SDG 7.3, which now exceeds 2,7% and it is estimated that further declines in the rate of improvement have been observed in 2017 and 2018, with the rate of improvement in 2018 falling to a mere 1,3%. To realise the significant cost savings to be gained from improved energy efficiency, more needs to be done. Concerted policy efforts, technology change, and changes in economic structure will contribute to improving global primary energy intensity. Recent progress has been more sustained than historical trends. In 2010-2016, the annual rate of primary energy intensity improvement accelerated in 16 of the worlds 20 economies with the greatest energy demand. China saw the most significant improvement, with India, Indonesia, Japan, and the United Kingdom also recording strong progress. Energy intensity has decreased at varied rates across end-use sectors. Progress has been fastest in industry and passenger transport, where the average annual rate of improvement exceeded 2%. Rates of efficiency improvement in the services, agriculture, and residential sectors exceeded 1,5%. Freight transport lagged slightly behind, but a changing policy landscape following the implementation of fuel economy standards for trucks in the United States, Canada, Japan, China and India, as well as proposed standards in Europe signals potential change in the coming years. The rate of improvement in global primary energy intensity is also influenced by supply-side factors: Chief among them efficiency in fossil fuel generation and reductions in the losses incurred in the transmission and distribution of electricity. Fossil fuel electricity generation has become steadily more efficient since 2000: The efficiency level reached nearly 40% in 2016. Meanwhile, the modernisation of electricity networks in the worlds largest electricity-generating countries, including China and India, has reduced transmission and distribution losses. Looking ahead, improvements in energy intensity are likely to fall short of the SDG 7.3 target, leaving a large portion of potential benefits unrealised. Given current and planned policies, energy intensity improvements are projected to average 2,4% per year between 2017 and 2030. In the IEAs Sustainable Development Scenario, in which cost-effective energy efficiency potentials are maximised, the rate of intensity improvement between 2017 and 2030 reaches 3,6%. This highlights that it is still possible not only to meet but even to exceed SDG target 7.3. Key efforts that governments can undertake to realise this potential include strengthening mandatory energy efficiency policies, providing targeted fiscal or financial incentives, leveraging market-based mechanisms, and disseminating high-quality information about energy efficiency. The spread of digital technologies will also create new ways to harness efficiency improvements through improved devices and business models. This is the executive summary of the report Click here to download the full report Contact International Energy Agency, press@iea.org Related Articles New York, May 26 (EFE).- Some 2,300 US sailors have dropped anchor in New York for the traditional "Fleet Week," a tribute by the Big Apple to US maritime military forces who, for the past 31 years, have been visiting the city for this special annual event. The city launched the patriotic event on Wednesday with a "parade" of 13 vessels that will remain docked - with most of them being open to the public - on the Hudson River on the west side of Manhattan, until next Tuesday after on Monday, Memorial Day, honoring those who have fallen in US military conflicts. Not all the military equipment on display for the event is seagoing. In the middle of Times Square, a military all-terrain vehicle has been parked right beside the iconic LED light board depicting the US flag at Kilometer Zero, and there is also a Navy recruitment office there. The vehicle is an LMADIS and is used by the Marines, one of their number - Tyler Bickel, age 23 - told EFE as he explained the vehicle's features, in particular a powerful system to detect and incapacitate drones with electronic attacks. Bickel comes from a small Colorado town and said he was very happy with the welcome New York had given him and his military colleagues for Fleet Week, and he and his fellow Marine, Tobias Viel, confirmed that the LMADIS works something "like an Xbox." "Even a child can operate it," said the 21-year-old Viel, born in Tennessee, adding that the vehicle has been deployed only "in the Mediterranean." The soldiers in camouflage, wearing combat boots and caps say that they've been in the military for three years and arrived in the city on board the USS New York, an amphibious transport vessel that is the star of Fleet Week this year, since its prow is made using 7.5 tons of steel recovered from the ruins of the World Trade Center. Near the two Marines is an information tent, where other soldiers answer questions from the public, display an assortment of military gear and even pose to have their photos taken with people. The troops are on hand here amid a festive atmosphere, with images circulating on the social networks under the hashtag "FleetWeekNYC." But one of the best things about the sailors' visit to the Big Apple is that the public can go on board ships like the USS New York, which is anchored at Manhattan's Pier 88, or the Navy patrol boats at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, the epicenter of the celebration, where people are standing in long lines to have the chance to view them up close. By Nora Quintanilla Relacionados NRT to Exhibit Groundbreaking New Solutions During Upcoming 2019 G2E Asia Show Destructive tornado killed at least two civilians in Oklahoma In late May 2013, El Reno was struck by the widest tornado on record, which killed eight people and injured 150 others. A destructive tornado has caused two fatalities and several injuries in US state of Oklahoma. TWO DEAD The tornado destroyed a hotel and damaged a mobile home park in the city of El Reno on Saturday overnight, Mayor Matt White said at a press conference early Sunday. "We have absolutely experienced a traumatic event," said White, adding several people were rushed to hospitals in Oklahoma City, but did not give an exact number. After midnight, another confirmed tornado tore through the southern Tulsa metro area. The mayor did not give details about the people who were killed. Last week, at least three people were killed when severe storms and at least one tornado tore through Missouri, leaving mass destruction in their wake. Iran proposes non-aggression pact to Gulf neighbors Iranian will defend itself against any military or economic aggression, Iranian FM Javad Zarif says. Iran has offered to sign a non-aggression pact with its Gulf neighbors, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said Sunday. "WE WILL FACE THESE EFFORTS WITH STRENGTH" "We will defend against any war efforts against Iran, whether it be an economic war or a military one," Zarif told a joint press conference in Baghdad with his Iraqi counterpart Mohamed Alhakim. "We will face these efforts with strength," he said. "Tehran has offered to sign a non-aggression pact with its neighbors in the Gulf," the Iranian minister said, going on to stress that Iran wants to "build balanced relations" with all Gulf states. On Friday, CNN reported that Donald Trump approved sending some 1,500 US troops to the Middle East in a mostly protective effort on deterring Iranian threats. The move came amid rising tension between the US and Iran since Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from a landmark nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 group of nations (the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany). The Trump administration has also re-imposed sanctions on Irans banking and energy sectors, while Iran has threatened to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz to US oil shipments. Zarif, who arrived in Iraq on Saturday for a three-day visit, said Iran does not seek any military escalation in the region. "We are ready to accept any initiative aimed at reducing escalation and building constructing relations with all neighboring countries," he said. He also called on the Europeans to activate a mechanism for trade with Iran and to do more efforts to maintain the 2015 nuclear deal. "Iran has not violated the nuclear agreement, but talks are not enough to maintain the deal," he said. Israeli forces arrests eight Palestinians in West Bank According to Palestinian figures, some 5,700 Palestinians continue to languish in Israeli detention facilities, including scores of women and hundreds of minors. Israeli forces rounded up eight Palestinians in overnight raids across the occupied West Bank, according to the Israeli military on Monday. 8 PALESTINIANS ARRESTED The individuals were arrested for "suspected involvement in popular terrorist activities", the army said in a statement, without elaborating on the nature of these activities. "The suspects have been taken into custody for further investigation," it added. The Israeli army frequently carries out wide-ranging arrest campaigns across the occupied West Bank on the pretext of searching for "wanted" Palestinians. Regime forces attacks killed six civilians in Idlib Regime forces also attacked the towns of Kafr Nabudah, Ltamenah and Kafr Zita in Hama province, the sources said. Six civilians were killed in regime airstrikes in Syrias northwestern de-escalation zones, sources with the White Helmets civil defense agency said on Sunday. SIX CIVILIANS KILLED The overnight attacks targeted Idlib province's towns of Kafr Nabl and Khan Sheykhun as well as the villages of Armanaya, Fatterah, Tramla, Deir Sunbul, Hass and Hobait, the sources said. Some 1,5 million people currently reside in Idlib, half are displaced from other parts of the war-torn country. Turkey and Russia agreed last September to turn Idlib into a de-escalation zone in which acts of aggression would be expressly prohibited. The Syrian regime, however, has consistently broken the terms of the cease-fire, launching frequent attacks inside the de-escalation zone. Syria has only just begun to emerge from a devastating conflict that began in early 2011 when the Bashar al-Assad regime cracked down on demonstrators with unexpected severity. Russia wants to play role in Venezuela crisis talks in Oslo Russian government had stated that it had thrown weight behind Maduro. Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday that Moscow was ready to play a role in talks between the Venezuelan government and opposition in Oslo if the participants felt it was useful. PEACE TALKS Norway said on Saturday that representatives of Venezuelas government and opposition would return to Oslo following an initial round of preliminary talks about how to address the countrys political crisis. The Russian foreign ministry said in a statement it welcomed the fact that the talks were continuing, but warned against any external powers trying to foist ultimatums on the Venezuelan leadership. Turkish jets hit PKK terror targets in Iraq Weapon emplacements, shelters and ammunition depots of terror group destroyed, Turkeys Defense Ministry says. Turkish fighter jets hit PKK terrorist targets in northern Iraq, the Turkish Defense Ministry said on Sunday. PKK IS RESPONSIBLE FOR 40.000 DEATHS The Defense Ministry said on Twitter that the air operation in the regions of Haftanin destroyed weapon emplacements, shelters and ammunition depots used by PKK terrorists. In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and the EU has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including many women and children. DALLAS, May 27, 2019 -- A large study of Swedish men found that those who were even mildly overweight around age 18 were more likely develop cardiomyopathy in adulthood -- an uncommon heart muscle condition that can cause heart failure, according to new research in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation. The study examined data on height, weight and overall fitness from a Swedish registry of 1,668,893 men who enlisted in compulsory military service between 1969 and 2005, when the men were 18 or 19. The researchers then used two other national databases that track the causes of all hospitalizations and deaths in Sweden to determine whether the men had serious heart disease as they aged, and followed them for up to 46 years. "We were interested in studying cardiomyopathies, because heart failure caused by this historically uncommon disorder doubled in Sweden between 1987 and 2006," said Annika Rosengren, M.D., Ph.D. study co-author, professor of medicine at the University of Gothenburg and cardiologist at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden. Among the men in the study, 4,477 were diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at an average age of 45.5 years. The men who were lean at age 18 - with a body mass index (BMI - measure of body weight) below 20 - had a low risk of cardiomyopathy. However, that risk steadily increased as weight increased, even among men on the high end of a normal BMI (22.5-25). There are several types of cardiomyopathy, but the causes are poorly understood. In one form, called dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes weak and can't pump blood efficiently. In another, called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes stiff and isn't able to fill with blood properly. Cardiomyopathy can reduce heart function and lead to heart failure, which means the heart is not able to pump blood properly. In the study, men who had a BMI of 35 and over in their youth were eight times more likely to develop dilated cardiomyopathy as adults compared to men who were lean in their youth. It was not possible to estimate increased risk for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in men with BMI 35 and above because there were too few cases to provide a meaningful analysis. Because overall rates of cardiomyopathies are so low, it took a dataset as large and long-term as this one to have enough statistical power to find an association with weight, said Rosengren. She is not aware of other datasets large enough for a comparison study, but she would expect the results of this study to apply to men throughout the world, including the United States, although additional studies would need to be conducted to see if there are racial or ethnic differences in how body weight in adolescence influences the development of cardiomyopathy later in life. The findings may or may not translate to women. The data on weight was gathered when males in Sweden register for compulsory military service. Since women do not register for military service, data on women's weight at around age 18 was not available to the researchers. ### Co-authors are Josefina Robertson M.D.; Maria Schaufelberger, M.D., Ph.D.; Martin Lindgren, M.D., Ph.D.; Martin Adiels, Ph.D.; Linus Schioler, Ph.D.; Kjell Toren, M.D.; Ph.D., John McMurray, M.D., Ph.D.; Naveed Sattar, M.D., Ph.D.; Maria Aberg, M.D., Ph.D. Author disclosures are on the manuscript. The Swedish state, the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation and the Swedish Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare funded the study. Additional Resources: Losing Weight Extreme Obesity and What You Can Do After May 27, 2019, view the manuscript online. Follow AHA/ASA news on Twitter @HeartNews Statements and conclusions of study authors published in American Heart Association scientific journals are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the association's policy or position. The association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations and health insurance providers are available at https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/aha-financial-information. About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. Researchers from Sweden's Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg present a new method which can double the energy of a proton beam produced by laser-based particle accelerators. The breakthrough could lead to more compact, cheaper equipment that could be useful for many applications, including proton therapy. Proton therapy involves firing a beam of accelerated protons at cancerous tumours, killing them through irradiation. But the equipment needed is so large and expensive that it only exists in a few locations worldwide. Modern high-powered lasers offer the potential to reduce the equipment's size and cost, since they can accelerate particles over a much shorter distance than traditional accelerators - reducing the distance required from kilometres to metres. The problem is, despite efforts from researchers around the world, laser generated proton beams are currently not energetic enough. But now, the Swedish researchers present a new method which yields a doubling of the energy - a major leap forward. The standard approach involves firing a laser pulse at a thin metallic foil, with the interaction resulting in a beam of highly charged protons. The new method involves instead first splitting the laser into two less intense pulses, before firing both at the foil from two different angles simultaneously. When the two pulses collide on the foil, the resultant electromagnetic fields heat the foil extremely efficiently. The technique results in higher energy protons whilst using the same initial laser energy as the standard approach. "This has worked even better than we dared hope. The aim is to reach the energy levels that are actually used in proton therapy today. In the future it might then be possible to build more compact equipment, just a tenth of the current size, so that a normal hospital could be able to offer their patients proton therapy," says Julien Ferri, a researcher at the Department of Physics at Chalmers, and one of the scientists behind the discovery. The unique advantage of proton therapy is its precision in targeting cancer cells, killing them without injuring healthy cells or organs close by. The method is therefore crucial for treating deep-seated tumours, located in the brain or spine, for example. The higher energy the proton beam has, the further into the body it can penetrate to fight cancer cells. Although the researchers' achievement in doubling the energy of the proton beams represents a great breakthrough, the end goal is still a long way off. "We need to achieve up to 10 times the current energy levels to really target deeper into the body. One of my ambitions is to help more people get access to proton therapy. Maybe that lies 30 years in the future, but every step forward is important," says Tunde Fulop, Professor at the Department of Physics at Chalmers. Accelerated protons are not only interesting for cancer treatment. They can be used to investigate and analyse different materials, and to make radioactive material less harmful. They are also important for the space industry. Energetic protons constitute a large part of cosmic radiation, which damages satellites and other space equipment. Producing energetic protons in the lab allows researchers to study how such damage occurs, and to develop new materials which can better withstand the stresses of space travel. Together with research colleague Evangelos Siminos at the University of Gothenburg, Chalmers researchers Julian Ferri and Tunde Fulop used numerical simulations to show the feasibility of the method. Their next step is to conduct experiments in collaboration with Lund University. "We are now looking at several ways to further increase the energy level in the proton beams. Imagine focusing all the sunlight hitting the Earth at a given moment onto a single grain of sand - that would still be less than the intensity of the laser beams that we are working with. The challenge is to deliver even more of the laser energy to the protons." says Tunde Fulop. The new scientific results have been published in the respected journal Communications Physics, part of the Nature family. Read the scientific article "Enhanced target normal sheath acceleration using colliding laser pulses". ### More about the research: The research has been financed by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, within the framework for the project "Plasma based compact ion sources". (Link in Swedish) Other financiers include the European Research Council and the Swedish Research Council. The simulations have been done at the national data centre Chalmers Centre for computational Science and Engineering. (C3SE) For more information, contact: Tunde Fulop, Professor, Department of Physics, Chalmers University of Technology +46 72 986 74 40, tunde.fulop@chalmers.se Julien Ferri, Postdoctoral researcher, Department of Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, +46 70 986 74 76, julien.ferri@chalmers.se Evangelos Siminos, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg, +46 31 786 91 61, evangelos.siminos@physics.gu.se Canada should reinvent the Motherisk program to support pregnant women to have healthy babies, argues an editorial in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). "The loss of Motherisk has exposed a major public health and research void that is neither quickly nor easily reconciled," writes Dr. Nathan Stall, associate editor, CMAJ, with colleagues. "Although finding an immediate replacement for Motherisk is not feasible, reinventing a reputable and modernized clinical and research program in reproductive drug safety should be a national priority." Motherisk, once a leader in evidence-based counselling on drug safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding in Canada, was shut down after losing credibility and funding amid allegations of research misconduct involving its former director. To ensure trust in a reinvented program, there should be oversights to ensure responsible conduct, which could be achieved through affiliation with a respected research institute and federal support to guarantee independence from industry. "We envision a national and interprofessional collaborative effort among clinical and research experts in reproductive drug safety; front-line providers in primary care and obstetrics; and health care organizations and specialty societies, including in family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, nursing, midwifery, internal medicine, pediatrics and other relevant disciplines," writes Dr. Stall and colleagues. ### The neurodevelopmental condition can result from mutations in the noncoding regions of the human genome, new research demonstrates for the first time Leveraging artificial intelligence techniques, researchers have demonstrated that mutations in so-called 'junk' DNA can cause autism. The study, published May 27 in Nature Genetics, is the first to functionally link such mutations to the neurodevelopmental condition. The research was led by Olga Troyanskaya in collaboration with Robert Darnell. Troyanskaya is deputy director for genomics at the Flatiron Institute's Center for Computational Biology (CCB) in New York City and a professor of computer science at Princeton University. Darnell is the Robert and Harriet Heilbrunn Professor of Cancer Biology at Rockefeller University and an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Their team used machine learning to analyze the whole genomes of 1,790 individuals with autism and their unaffected parents and siblings. These individuals had no family history of autism, meaning the genetic cause of their condition was probably spontaneous mutations rather than inherited mutations. The analysis predicted the ramifications of genetic mutations in parts of the genome that do not encode proteins, regions often mischaracterized as 'junk' DNA. The number of autism cases linked to the noncoding mutations was comparable to the number of cases linked to protein-coding mutations that disable gene function. The implications of the work extend beyond autism, Troyanskaya says. "This is the first clear demonstration of non-inherited, noncoding mutations causing any complex human disease or disorder." Scientists can apply the same techniques used in the new study to explore the role noncoding mutations play in diseases such as cancer and heart disease, says study co-author Jian Zhou of CCB and Princeton. "This enables a new perspective on the cause of not just autism, but many human diseases." Only 1 to 2 percent of the human genome is made up of genes that encode the blueprints for making proteins. Those proteins carry out tasks throughout our bodies, such as regulating blood sugar levels, fighting infections and sending communications between cells. The other 98 percent of our genome isn't genetic dead weight, though. The noncoding regions help regulate when and where genes make proteins. Mutations in protein-coding regions account for at most 30 percent of autism cases in individuals without a family history of autism. Evidence suggested that autism-causing mutations must happen elsewhere in the genome as well. Uncovering which noncoding mutations may cause autism is tricky. A single individual may have dozens of noncoding mutations, most of which will be unique to the individual. This make the traditional approach of identifying common mutations among affected populations nonviable. Troyanskaya and her colleagues took a new approach. They trained a machine learning model to predict how a given sequence would affect gene expression. "This is a shift in thinking about genetic studies that we're introducing with this analysis," says Chandra Theesfeld, a research scientist in Troyanskaya's lab at Princeton. "In addition to scientists studying shared genetic mutations across large groups of individuals, here we're applying a set of smart, sophisticated tools that tell us what any specific mutation is going to do, even those that are rare or never observed before." The researchers studied the genetic basis of autism by applying the machine learning model to a treasure trove of genetic data called the Simons Simplex Collection. The Simons Foundation, the Flatiron Institute's parent organization, produced and maintains the repository. The Simons Simplex Collection contains the whole genomes of nearly 2,000 'quartets' made up of a child with autism, an unaffected sibling and their unaffected parents. These foursomes had no previous family history of autism, meaning that non-inherited mutations were probably responsible for the affected child's condition. (Such mutations occur spontaneously in sperm and egg cells as well as in embryos.) The researchers used their model to predict the impact of non-inherited, noncoding mutations in each child with autism. They then compared those predictions with the effects of the same, unmutated strand in the child's unaffected sibling. "The design of the Simons Simplex Collection is what allowed us to do this study," says Zhou. "The unaffected siblings are a built-in control." Noncoding mutations in many of the children with autism altered gene regulation, the analysis suggested. Moreover, the results suggested that the mutations affected gene expression in the brain and genes already linked to autism, such as those responsible for neuron migration and development. "This is consistent with how autism most likely manifests in the brain," says study co-author Christopher Park, a research scientist at CCB. "It's not just the number of mutations occurring, but what kind of mutations are occurring." The researchers tested the effects of some of the noncoding mutations in laboratory experiments. They inserted predicted high-impact mutations found in children with autism into cells and observed the resulting changes in gene expression. These changes affirmed the model's predictions. Troyanskaya says she and her colleagues will continue improving and expanding their method. Ultimately, she hopes the work will improve how genetic data are used for diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders. "Right now, 98 percent of the genome is usually being thrown away," she says. "Our work allows you to think about what we can do with the 98 percent." ### ABOUT THE FLATIRON INSTITUTE The Flatiron Institute is the research division of the Simons Foundation. The institute's mission is to advance scientific research through computational methods, including data analysis, theory, modeling and simulation. The institute's Center for Computational Biology develops new and innovative methods of examining data in the biological sciences whose scale and complexity have historically resisted analysis. The center's mission is to develop modeling tools and theory for understanding biological processes and to create computational frameworks that will enable the analysis of the large, complex data sets being generated by new experimental technologies. Safe and painless approach could improve quality of life for underserved patients A combination of visual training and a recently developed brain stimulation technique boosts learning in healthy adults and cortically blind patients, according to research published in JNeurosci. Lorella Battelli at the IIT-Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia and collaborators Krystel Huxlin and Duje Tadin at the University of Rochester demonstrate enhanced learning in healthy men and women with only 10 days of training. Transcranial random noise stimulation of early visual areas resulted in twice as much improvement on a visual motion task compared to other stimulation techniques or training alone. Surprisingly, the study found this enhanced learning persists for at least six months. By extending their findings to patients who suffered a stroke or traumatic brain injury affecting their visual cortex, the researchers suggest this safe and painless two-pronged approach could lead to faster visual recovery and improved quality of life for this underserved patient population. ### Manuscript title: Boosting Learning Efficacy With Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation in Intact and Brain-Damaged Humans* *A preprint of this manuscript has been posted on bioRxiv Please contact media@sfn.org for full-text PDF and to join SfN's journals media list. About JNeurosci JNeurosci, the Society for Neuroscience's first journal, was launched in 1981 as a means to communicate the findings of the highest quality neuroscience research to the growing field. Today, the journal remains committed to publishing cutting-edge neuroscience that will have an immediate and lasting scientific impact, while responding to authors' changing publishing needs, representing breadth of the field and diversity in authorship. About The Society for Neuroscience The Society for Neuroscience is the world's largest organization of scientists and physicians devoted to understanding the brain and nervous system. The nonprofit organization, founded in 1969, now has nearly 37,000 members in more than 90 countries and over 130 chapters worldwide. The flavoring liquid for electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease when inhaled, according to a study led by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine. The scientists investigated the effect of the e-liquids on cells called endothelial cells that line the interior of blood vessels. They found that, when grown in a laboratory, endothelial cells exposed to the e-liquids -- or to blood collected from e-cigarette users shortly after vaping -- are less viable and exhibit significantly increased levels of molecules implicated in DNA damage and cell death. The cells are also less able to form new vascular tubes and to migrate and participate in wound healing. The severity of the damage, aspects of which occur even in the absence of nicotine, varies among popular flavors, the researchers said. Cinnamon and menthol were found to be particularly harmful. "Until now, we had no data about how these e-liquids affect human endothelial cells," said Joseph Wu, MD, PhD, director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and professor of cardiovascular medicine and of radiology. "This study clearly shows that e-cigarettes are not a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes. When we exposed the cells to six different flavors of e-liquid with varying levels of nicotine, we saw significant damage. The cells were less viable in culture, and they began to exhibit multiple symptoms of dysfunction." The researchers studied human endothelial cells generated in the laboratory from what are called induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells. Human iPS cells can become many different cell types, and they provide an ideal way for researchers to closely study cells that would be difficult to isolate directly from a patient. This study was the first to use endothelial cells derived from iPS cells to directly investigate the effect of e-liquids with and without nicotine on their viability and function. A paper describing the findings will be published online May 27 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Wu is the senior author. Former postdoctoral scholars Won Hee Lee, PhD, now an assistant professor at the University of Arizona, and Sang-Ging Ong, PhD, now an assistant professor at University of Illinois-Chicago, are the lead authors. E-cig use has skyrocketed In the United States, cardiovascular disease is responsible for about one-third of smoking-associated deaths in smokers, and secondhand smoke causes approximately 34,000 early deaths from heart disease each year in nonsmokers. Endothelial cells line the interior surface of blood vessels and play a critical role in heart and cardiovascular health. Although some studies have suggested that e-cigarettes deliver lower levels of carcinogens to users than do conventional cigarettes -- perhaps decreasing the risk of cancer -- the effect of e-cigarette use on vascular health has been unclear. Despite these uncertainties, the use of e-cigarettes has skyrocketed since their introduction about a decade ago, particularly among young people. The Food and Drug Administration estimated that more than 3.5 million middle and high school students used e-cigarettes in 2018, though sales to minors are prohibited. In 2018, the FDA restricted the sale of flavored e-cigarettes to adults-only venues, with the exception of tobacco, menthol and mint flavors, which can be sold wherever traditional cigarettes are sold. "One in five high school students have tried e-cigarettes, perhaps because they feel they are relatively safe," Lee said. "But we found the e-liquids caused changes in the endothelial cells that are closely related to those seen during the development of cardiovascular disease." The researchers investigated the effect of six different popular e-liquid flavors -- fruit, tobacco, sweet tobacco with caramel and vanilla, sweet butterscotch, cinnamon, and menthol -- with nicotine levels of 0, 6, and 18 milligrams per milliliter on endothelial cells derived from human iPS cells. They found that while several of the liquids were moderately toxic to the endothelial cells, the cinnamon- and menthol-flavored e-liquids significantly decreased the viability of the cells in culture even in the absence of nicotine. Exposure to the e-liquids also increased the relative levels of reactive oxygen species -- molecules that can cause DNA damage -- and the levels of molecules associated with programmed cell death. The researchers also found that exposure to the cinnamon and menthol flavored e-liquids significantly disrupted the ability of the cultured cells to form capillary-like tubular structures associated with the growth of new blood vessels. The e-liquid flavored with caramel and vanilla also disrupted growth, but not as severely. The cells exposed to cinnamon flavor and caramel and vanilla flavors exhibited an increased uptake of low-density lipoproteins and lipids -- processes commonly associated with inflammation and endothelial dysfunction -- and a reduction in their ability to migrate to heal wounds or scratches. Some of the effects of exposure to the various e-liquids were dependent on the nicotine concentration, but others, like cellular migration and decreases in cell viability, were independent of nicotine, suggesting a combined effect of nicotine concentrations and flavoring components. Finally, the researchers compared the levels of nicotine in the blood serum of people after they had vaped e-cigarettes with the levels in people who smoked traditional cigarettes. They found that the amounts of nicotine in the blood were similar between the two groups after 10 minutes of smoking at a constant rate. "When you're smoking a traditional cigarette, you have a sense of how many cigarettes you're smoking," Wu said. "But e-cigarettes can be deceptive. It's much easier to expose yourself to a much higher level of nicotine over a shorter time period. And now we know that e-cigarettes are likely to have other significantly toxic effects on vascular function as well. It's important for e-cigarette users to realize that these chemicals are circulating within their bodies and affecting their vascular health." ### Other Stanford co-authors are research assistant Yang Zhou; postdoctoral scholars Lei Tian, PhD, and Hongchao Guo, PhD; graduate student Hye Ryeong Bae; undergraduate student Natalie Baker; and professor of pediatrics Kari Nadeau, MD, PhD. Researchers from the University of Arizona College of Medicine, the University of Illinois College of Medicine, the University of California-San Francisco and the University of Louisville School of Medicine also contributed to the study. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (grants P30DK116074, HL130416, CA180890 and HL120062), the American Heart Association, the Stanford Diabetes Research Center, the University of California Tobacco Related Disease Research Program and the FDA. Stanford's Department of Medicine also supported the work. The Stanford University School of Medicine consistently ranks among the nation's top medical schools, integrating research, medical education, patient care and community service. For more news about the school, please visit http://med.stanford.edu/school.html. The medical school is part of Stanford Medicine, which includes Stanford Health Care and Stanford Children's Health. For information about all three, please visit http://med.stanford.edu. Print media contact: Krista Conger at (650) 725-5371 (kristac@stanford.edu) Broadcast media contact: Margarita Gallardo at (650) 723-7897 (mjgallardo@stanford.edu) Researchers at the Donnelly Centre in Toronto have found that dozens of genes, previously thought to have similar roles across different organisms, are in fact unique to humans and could help explain how our species came to exist. These genes code for a class of proteins known as transcription factors, or TFs, which control gene activity. TFs recognize specific snippets of the DNA code called motifs, and use them as landing sites to bind the DNA and turn genes on or off. Previous research had suggested that TFs which look similar across different organisms also bind similar motifs, even in species as diverse as fruit flies and humans. But a new study from Professor Timothy Hughes' lab, at the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, shows that this is not always the case. Writing in the journal Nature Genetics, the researchers describe a new computational method which allowed them to more accurately predict motif sequences each TF binds in many different species. The findings reveal that some sub-classes of TFs are much more functionally diverse than previously thought. "Even between closely related species there's a non-negligible portion of TFs that are likely to bind new sequences," says Sam Lambert, former graduate student in Hughes' lab who did most of the work on the paper and has since moved to the University of Cambridge for a postdoctoral stint. "This means they are likely to have novel functions by regulating different genes, which may be important for species differences," he says. Even between chimps and humans, whose genomes are 99 per cent identical, there are dozens of TFs which recognize diverse motifs between the two species in a way that would affect expression of hundreds of different genes. "We think these molecular differences could be driving some of the differences between chimps and humans," says Lambert, who won the Jennifer Dorrington Graduate Research Award for outstanding doctoral research at U of T's Faculty of Medicine. To reanalyze motif sequences, Lambert developed new software which looks for structural similarities between the TFs' DNA binding regions that relate to their ability to bind the same or different DNA motifs. If two TFs, from different species, have a similar composition of amino-acids, building blocks of proteins, they probably bind similar motifs. But unlike older methods, which compare these regions as a whole, Lambert's automatically assigns greater value to those amino-acids-- a fraction of the entire region-- which directly contact the DNA. In this case, two TFs may look similar overall, but if they differ in the position of these key amino-acids, they are more likely to bind different motifs. When Lambert compared all TFs across different species and matched to all available motif sequence data, he found that many human TFs recognize different sequences--and therefore regulate different genes-- than versions of the same proteins in other animals. The finding contradicts earlier research, which stated that almost all of human and fruit fly TFs bind the same motif sequences, and is a call for caution to scientists hoping to draw insights about human TFs by only studying their counterparts in simpler organisms. "There is this idea that has persevered, which is that the TFs bind almost identical motifs between humans and fruit flies," says Hughes, who is also a professor in U of T's Department of Molecular Genetics and Fellow of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. "And while there are many examples where these proteins are functionally conserved, this is by no means to the extent that has been accepted." As for TFs that have unique human roles, these belong to the rapidly evolving class of so-called C2H2 zinc finger TFs, named for zinc ion-containing finger-like protrusions, with which they bind the DNA. Their role remains an open question but it is known that organisms with more diverse TFs also have more cell types, which can come together in novel ways to build more complicated bodies. Hughes is excited about a tantalizing possibility that some of these zinc finger TFs could be responsible for the unique features of human physiology and anatomy--our immune system and the brain, which are the most complex among animals. Another concerns sexual dimorphism: countless visible, and often less obvious, differences between sexes that guide mate selection--decisions that have an immediate impact on reproductive success, and can also have profound impact on physiology in the long term. The peacock's tail or facial hair in men are classic examples of such features. "Almost nobody in human genetics studies the molecular basis of sexual dimorphism, yet these are features that all human beings see in each other and that we are all fascinated with," says Hughes. "I'm tempted to spend the last half of my career working on this, if I can figure out how to do it!" ### The research was funded by grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the National Science and Engineering Research Council, and the US National Institutes of Health. Hughes also holds the Billes Chair of Medical Research at the University of Toronto. ALKB said: psykoerik said: Thanks Clever octopus i guess this is an easier process than to my wifes flrm. Because my brother in law is young & single, few have told me his holiday visa here would straight away get rejected from my solicitors i got a sponsor declaration from me just highlighting his status & my status + signed from me to state he will go back after his 6 weeks stay. Your probably right that i probably didn't require this but just wanted to strengthen his case Also got land registry & accommodation report to show he'll be staying with me comfortably in future would want my moms sister to come over for an holiday. she unlike my brother in law is poor & old. i guess my side to show that I'll be supporting her visit comes into play. my mom is mentally ill & 18 months ago my dad passed so I'd like her sister to visit us, to keep mom & have some cherished family time. we don't have any family here, since my dads passing some have just gone away Click to expand... Young, unmarried men from Pakistan are indeed seen as potential overstayers. What other social/familial ties does he have in Pakistan? Any obligations, responsibilities beyond his job? A salary of 260.00 per month will not be seen as an overwhelming incentive to return. Also, is it clear how he accumulated his savings? (I used to live in Pakistan and life there is not that cheap!) Any large deposits to his account, recently? Those are usually big red flags. He is planning to spend what amounts to the equivalent of nearly six months' salary on a holiday, this is also often seen as disproportionate and another red flag. Young, unmarried men from Pakistan are indeed seen as potential overstayers.What other social/familial ties does he have in Pakistan? Any obligations, responsibilities beyond his job?A salary of 260.00 per month will not be seen as an overwhelming incentive to return.Also, is it clear how he accumulated his savings? (I used to live in Pakistan and life there is notcheap!)Any large deposits to his account, recently? Those are usually big red flags.He is planning to spend what amounts to the equivalent of nearly six months' salary on a holiday, this is also often seen as disproportionate and another red flag. Click to expand... Thanks ALKBHe has his mom,dad & fiance. He looks after his parents who are quite elderly.his 6 months bank statement look good, no big cash deposits just an accumulation of his salary every 5th of the month adding upto 9 & a half lakh (almost 5 grand)he's not staying 6 month's but if he was for example shouldn't be much because he's staying in our house as a guest for free. Food, day to day spendings wouldn't be much because we'll cater mostly for him. Probably buying gift for his mom dad fiance such as clothes etc & going on a weekend out to london etc will occur his spending. Lets say [email protected] x 6 months = 1200 + 600 his Airfare so anything upto 2 grand will be his total expenditure while staying here, i believe will be less than that even as he's staying with us.On his visa application il also show my savings which is about 5000. On the declaration i wrote i specified he'd be spending his own money but im there as a back up. Wrote he'll definitely go back signed by me & stamped by solicitorwe haven't applied yet, i will send my land registry, accommodation report, 6 months bank statements, proof of my income ie carers letter ....once he receives all this along with his documents in hand then plan to applyHe genuinely will return home & while he obey all laws. will be here for a genuine family holiday with me, his sister (my wife) & my mom Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 27) A lawmaker has sought Supreme Court intervention to stop the ban on provincial buses on EDSA which will take effect next month. Jose Maria Clemente "Joey" Salceda, who represents the second district of Albay, asked the high court on Monday to issue a temporary restraining order against the plan of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to prohibit all provincial buses from picking up and dropping off passengers on the country's busiest highway. He said banning provincial buses "will not solve traffic congestion" on Epifanio de los Santos Ave. (EDSA). He cited data from the Philippine Statistics Authority that stae only around 4,000 provincial buses use Metro Manila's roads out of a total of 2.8 million vehicles. "[W]hy pick on probinsyanos to solve Metro Manila traffic? While each bus can carry 50 (people), a car can carry only five," Salceda said. "MMDA should have instead managed the 800,000 utility vehicles, 400,000 cars, 120,000 trucks, and 1.4 million tricycles fighting for every available space in its streets." The MMDA staged a dry run for the bus ban on April 21 but called it off two weeks later to iron out the guidelines for the scheme, which is slated to begin in June. Under the proposal, buses from northern Luzon should drop off all passengers at a terminal in Valenzuela City, while commuters from the south will have to alight at a terminal in Sta. Rosa, Laguna or in Paranaque City. From there, they will have to board a different bus or car to reach Manila. In his 15-page petition, Salceda said the MMDA regulation is "utterly oppressive and unfair" to the public as the new routes will only add physical and financial burden to commuters. Salceda also told magistrates he too takes public buses to and from his hometown, which is at least 10 hours south of Metro Manila. He said provincial buses are not to blame for traffic jams, as they usually enter EDSA between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. rather than rush hours. READ: DOTr, MMDA working on new city bus routes The MMDA "overstepped" its authority by revoking the approved routes and franchises of these buses as granted by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Salceda said, as well as by removing bus terminals along EDSA. There are 96 bus terminals in Metro Manila, 46 of these along EDSA, with many operating in Cubao, Quezon City. In April, representatives of Ako Bicol party-list also filed a similar request for the high court to stop the bus ban. MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia has said provincial buses on EDSA only cause five percent of traffic on the 23-kilometer stretch. The University of Texas at San Antonio wants to build a pedestrian bridge connecting its expanding downtown campus to the West Side, according to its master plan. The bridge would be adjacent to Buena Vista Streets existing vehicular overpass that clears a railroad switching yard, according to the plan. The point would be to have a point of entry from the West Side into the campus to enable a kind of partnering, access to the facilities, to enable more college going, so we have a much more community-oriented campus, said Kimberly Espy, provost and vice president for academic affairs. Though the university has no concrete plans to build yet, officials envision a public, leisurely outdoor space and a recreational center that would also be open to the community where the bridge ends on the UTSA side, Espy said. The plan would call for relocating functions in the current Monterrey Building and constructing a different building, Espy said. On ExpressNews.com: UTSA plans downtown growth on city and county land You can imagine families coming and taking advantage of the green space, moms taking kids in strollers so they learn about UTSA early on by having a picnic on our beautiful grounds or using the rec center, Espy said. A master planning committee made up of faculty, staff and students found that community members want a connection to the West Side neighborhood and want downtown areas, such as Milam Park and Historic Market Square, to be better integrated, Espy said. Folks told the panel they want safer and more comfortable sidewalks and better access to public transportation, she said. The plan is expected to aid in improving the pipeline from early childhood education to higher education. It also calls for a pedestrian route beneath Interstates 10 and 35 to connect the existing campus to parcels on Dolorosa Street where the university and city have announced plans for a $33 million National Security Collaboration Center and $57 million School of Data Science. On ExpressNews.com: Texas Power Brokers: UTSAs Eighmy has big plans for university, San Antonios downtown In 2018, UTSA enrolled 941 students from the West Side, an increase of more than 15 percent compared to 2014 when the university graduated 126 students from the same four zip codes, according to data included in the master plan. About 80 percent of those students are first-generation college attendees. University officials want to collaborate with local cultural institutions such as Zona Cultural and Casa Navarro, the plan states. The city and UTSA President Taylor Eighmy this week celebrated completeion of a first step in the 2012 bond-funded Frio Street project intended to incorporate a crosswalk, widen sidewalks and connect the downtown campus with the VIA transit center. Krista Torralva covers several school districts and public universities in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | Krista.Torralva@express-news.net | Twitter: @KMTorralva PEARSALL Pvt. Herschel Riggs was among the first American soldiers to land in Korea in the summer of 1950, part of a force that was undermanned, ill-equipped and unprepared for the war they were about to face. Three weeks into the war, Riggs, 18, of Rio Grande City made a stand on the south side of the Kum River with other GIs of the 24th Infantry Divisions 19th Infantry Regiment. Their job: Delay the enemys advance. They fought valiantly but couldnt hold the line. The North Koreans overran several forward positions and soon were in the rear lines of the Americans. Riggs vanished July 15, 1950, near the city of Taejon. Nearly three weeks later, his mother, Lillie Clark, received a Western Union telegram from the Armys adjutant general informing her that her son was missing. From that day on, Clark and Riggs sister, Norma Mae Riggs, kept up hope that hed be found alive, that somehow there would be a joyous reunion. They prayed for a miracle even after the Army declared him dead in 1953 without positively identifying his body and promoted Riggs to private first class. His mother and sister were still awaiting word when they died in 1978 and 1998, respectively. On this Memorial Day weekend, Riggs finally came home. Nieces, nephews, distant relatives and strangers from as far away as Las Vegas gathered Saturday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Pearsall to salute Riggs as a hero. Riggs was buried with military honors at Pearsall Catholic Cemetery East, where his ashes were interred at the foot of his sisters grave. Now Playing: Retired Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez gives the eulogy for Riggs, who was killed in the early days of the Korean War and listed as missing in action for 69 years. Video: San Antonio Express-News Present at the church service were Daniel Cretaro, a retired sergeant major and a veteran of the 1950 Battle of Taejon, and retired Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, commander of coalition ground forces in Iraq in 2003 and 2004. Both men served at different times in the 24th Infantry Division. Cretaro, then a 20-year-old private first class, made a harrowing escape after the line broke on the Kum. Sanchez, a native of Rio Grande City, delivered the eulogy. We say that Herschel was missing in action for 69 years before we identified him and brought him home, Sanchez told the crowd at the church. But I believe there is comfort in knowing that he was not alone. As Shakespeare says, Those who shed their blood with me this day shall be my brother. It was an argument with a girlfriend that prompted Riggs to join the Army after graduating from Rio Grande City High School in 1949, his family said. Lost in the fog of war, Riggs was found through DNA tests that matched parts of a skeleton discovered at Chochiwon, 88 miles south of Seoul. With the remains were size 30 cotton shorts and a size 8EE combat boot with a wool sock. The American Graves Registration Service team determined that X-155 Taejon was a white male around 5 feet, 8 inches tall. The body was disinterred last fall and sent to a laboratory. There, scientists from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified the remains as those of Riggs, using dental, anthropological and chest radiography analysis, as well as DNA tests on samples provided by Riggs niece, Liviar Hernandez, 62, and her brother, Rosendo Saenz, 59, both of Pearsall. At least 33,739 American troops were killed in the Korean conflict, and 7,662 remain unaccounted for. The conflict started when 135,000 North Korean soldiers backed by heavy tanks invaded the south June 25, 1950, pouring across the 38th parallel. The U.S. entered the conflict five days later, sending the 24th Infantry Division with orders to delay the communist onslaught. North Koreas army smashed through poorly trained, understrength South Korean troops, sowing chaos and terror in their wake as they executed local officials. Seoul, the capital, fell within days. Riggs was a soldier in one of four American divisions, all of which were understaffed, lacked medium tanks and had an ammunition reserve of just four days. The Americans first fought July 5 but fell back, losing a series of battles until Gen. Douglas MacArthur masterminded an amphibious landing at Inchon that reversed American fortunes in Korea. In late November 1950, 300,000 Chinese troops from the 4th Field Army intervened a catastrophic development for the Americans that forced a bloody standoff in which combatants often fought for feet and yards. The war closed with an uneasy armistice July 27, 1953, but technically never ended. Cretaro, now 89 and living in San Antonio, remembers the battle that claimed Riggs life. His unit, the 34th Infantry Regiment, was on the flank of Riggs 19th Infantry Regiment, fighting the North Korean armys 3rd and 4th divisions. The Americans were quickly encircled. Led by two officers, remnants of the 34th began an 80-mile trek over four days. North Korean soldiers often were so close that the Americans could hear their conversations, Cretaro said. We fought our way out of the encirclement and made our way to the high ground, he recalled, adding that they headed toward the South Korean city of Pusan, drinking rice paddy water, foraging for food and sleeping little while evading the enemy. They finally commandeered fishing boats. He and many other GIs later fell ill with malaria. Our issue was food, said Cretaro, who later served in Vietnam and retired at Fort Sam Houston. We didnt have anything to eat. He credited the two officers, Capt. Sidney Marks and Lt. William B. Caldwell III, with saving his life. Caldwell later became a three-star general and commander of the 5th U.S. Army at Fort Sam. After Riggs went missing, he remained very much alive in the minds of his mother and sister back in Rio Grande City. He was an easygoing guy, loved the girls, said nephew Herschel Marvin Saenz, 63, of Pleasanton. I remember just one story that my mother (Norma Mae Riggs) told me. She was about 14 or 15, and she would work ironing clothes and take her money, 15 or 20 cents that she would get, to give to him to take the girlfriends to the movies. Riggs performed in Rio Grande City High Schools band, playing the drums. Lillie Saenz, one of his nieces, learned that from a distant relative Friday night at the rosary. What happened after Riggs graduated is better known because it was a major change in his life the spat with his girlfriend that led to a trip to the recruiting office. Even now, no one can say what the couple argued over. The decision didnt go down well with his mother or sister. I dont think she really liked it, Herschel Marvin Saenz, a fruit and vegetable inspector, said of Riggs mother. Family lore has it that Riggs was headed to boot camp when he told his mother and that there was no stopping him. Before long, there were photos of his travels as a GI. They depicted a life of adventure with his fellow soldiers, along with romance in distant lands. He went to Fort Riley, Kan., and later Japan before deploying to Korea. In one snapshot, Riggs leans against a building in an Army uniform, thumbs in his pockets, an expert marksmanship badge on his chest. In another, hes with his Army buddies, one of them drinking from what appears to be a wine bottle. In a third, hes with a Japanese woman and another soldier, whose head rests on Riggs shoulder. Riggs left a hole that never healed in the hearts of his mother and sister. My grandmother grieved him until she died. She never got over losing her only son, niece Hernandez said. She still had hopes that he would come home. The waiting went on long after the war in Korea ended and a new one in Vietnam raged. Television news reports of prisoners of war got the attention of Riggs mother, who hoped to hear his name on the news. I think in 1960-something, they released prisoners, and she was watching and she goes, Wait and hear if his name comes out, recalled Lillie Saenz, 61, of Pearsall. It might be him! But it wasnt. I guess all those years she wanted closure. I guess that never knowing where he was ... Saenz said, her voice trailing off. She never gave up. Sig Christenson covers the military and veterans in San Antonio, Bexar County and the nation. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | sigc@express-news.net | Twitter: @saddamscribe By any measure, J. Harmon his first name is the letter J is living a comfortable life on the shore of Lake Dunlap outside New Braunfels in a Margaritaville-meets-Mayberry community, where half-million-dollar homes mix with rusty double-wides. A successful Guadalupe County home builder and former Houston livestock and rodeo supplier, Harmon lives in a 10,000-square-foot, white limestone, two-story dream house on six shaded lakefront acres with his wife, Lory, a silver lab and golden retriever, race cars, boats, a cushy RV, and giant cypresses and live oaks. But now he looks out on a lake that has dropped 18 to 20 feet since the failure of a 90-year-old spill gate in the lakes earthen-and-concrete dam on May 14. He wonders if people beyond his circle of friends will care. This is a far bigger thing than people realize, said Harmon, 61, as he cast his eyes toward a horizon of muddy banks and neighbors $150,000 boats suspended from chains in dock hoists. His home is less than a quarter-mile upstream of the Dunlap Dam. Some peoples livelihoods are based on renting out homes. How will they pay their bills? Some people have saved all their lives to have a modest home here, he said. What happens to their investment? Its not like someone said on Facebook, `Awww, those poor millionaires lost their private lake. This lake is not so much about hydroelectric power anymore, Harmon said, but it does supply drinking water to many communities around here San Marcos, Kyle, Boerne, the San Antonio Water System and the volunteer fire department is now bringing drinking water to people all around here whose wells have failed. Harmon, who is president of the Preserve Lake Dunlap Association, said he has worked non-stop since the spill gate failed, fielding panicked phone calls, making repairs to his own lot and others, and prodding his state representatives for answers. State Rep. John Kuempel of Seguin and State Sen. Donna Campbell of New Braunfels sent a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott urging him to find emergency funding for what the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority estimates will be a $28 million repair. Their letter says that nearly 100,000 water customers are served by the 410-acre reservoir. GBRA spokeswoman Patty Gonzales said there are 15 spill gates on six hydroelectric dams built with mules in the late 1920s on lakes Dunlap, Wood, McQueeney, Placid, Nolte and H-4 and that repairing them would cost $15 million to $35 million each. At each dam site, said Gonzales, the repairs could take two to three weather-dependent years. That doesnt include a year to complete the design, or possible delays related to environmental concerns or litigation. Harmon said: Weve always known that it was not if the dams would fail, but when. Theyre aged, but it was a perfectly normal morning. Not a ripple on the lake. The Dunlap Dam and spill gate are so old, said Harmon, that theyre not electronically operated and require a person to sound sirens and take 10 minutes to physically turn the creaky wheel that operates the bear-trap-style gate. I dont blame the current administration of GBRA, said Harmon. They inherited a can of worms. The infrastructure was simply never taken care of. Gonzales said that from 1963 to 2016, the GBRA spent $24 million on repairs, and in the 1960s that was big money. Not far from Harmons place, a San Antonio couple, Cindy and Clyde Jenkins, were busy Sunday relaxing in their backyard in the shadow of their retirement dream a soon-to-be finished four-bedroom, two-story home theyve been planning for years. When we bought the property in October 2016, said Cindy, 61, a homemaker and mother of five grown children, we came right here overlooking the lake and had champagne in little plastic cups. She and her husband both laughed. Their Corgi waddled through the grass beside a resting wheelbarrow. Were so glad no one was hurt after the dam broke, or flooded-out disastrously, said Clyde, 64. We try to look on the positive side. Our kids say, Now you have a beach. Were sorry for the people losing their wells, Cindy added. Honestly, though, its so much quieter now because there are no big boats, no jet-skis. The damage done by the shrinking lake isnt all immediately apparent. Concerned for ranchers on the opposite eastern bank, Harmon said he hoped they were able to remove all their cattle before they ventured out onto the muddy lake bed and got stranded. Before long, and certainly if summer drought hits, he expects the lake bed will go dry and then grass over. I wonder if these beautiful cypresses will be damaged. I need to ask an arborist. Harmon looked at his own stressed and leaning bulkhead the reinforced barrier that separates the lake from the backyard and said that without the pressure of the lake holding back the massive slope of land, he would expect thousands of feet along the 14-mile shore to require repair at a cost he estimated at $250 per linear foot. Many residents boats are stranded in their docks. If theyre not removed and serviced, he said, engines will go bad, the upholstery can rot, squirrels can wreak havoc. The political irony was not lost on Harmon, a supporter of President Donald Trump, that along these shores, some folks who have historically wanted to downsize government are looking for tens of millions of dollars in emergency taxpayer support to save their weekend homes and rental investments. But as I told State Sen. Jane Nelson in a letter shes a Republican from Flower Mound and chair of the Senate Finance Committee this is all about Texans helping Texans. The state helped immediately during Hurricane Harvey. And if the government wont help, maybe some of us here who are well off will work with private investors to get it done. GBRA is a quasi-governmental entity and has a 10-county service area. The governor appoints the water authoritys board, but the agency is on its own to find funding. A community meeting is to be held June 5 at 6:30 p.m., Harmon said, at the New Braunfels Convention Center so all the stakeholders can air their concerns and get an update on the situation. As Harmon drove slowly through his neighborhood known historically as Schumannsville; like so many in Central Texas, it was a German settlement founded in the mid-1800s he recalled when he first showed his wife the plot of lakefront land that would become their retirement home. It was maybe 16 years ago, and the land was just like jungle. I came in there with machetes and bulldozers. It was thick with briars, snakes, mesquite. In the middle of it, you couldnt even see the lake. Lory just looked at me and said, `Are you sure we can do this? Their patio, large enough to host bands and dozens of guests, features a wooden sign that says: Fairy Tales Do Come True. Weekends at their 300-foot lakefront backyard were once filled with their three kids jumping off the wooden deck or leaping from a rope swing into a cool body of water about 24 feet deep. Now my little granddaughter shes eight comes to visit, said Harmon, and she looks at the lake and says all teary-eyed, `Pop Pop, are you gonna fix this? bselcraig@express-news.net A former Brooke Army Medical Center commander had a simple Memorial Day message for the unusually large crowd of 2,500 that had gathered Monday morning at Fort Sam Houston National Cemeterys assembly area. It came down to just two words. Thank you, said retired Army Col. Evan Renz, a veteran of two wars. Thank you to each of you in attendance today, thank you for taking part in this ceremony to help memorialize those who have died in the service of his or her country so that we can enjoy all that we do. Renz, a surgeon who served two tours of duty in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, checked off a long list of conflicts fought since World War II, some all but forgotten as the Alamo City paid respects to Americas fallen on Memorial Day. He even mentioned the 1983 Grenada invasion, in which 20 Americans were killed, and the U.S. intervention in a civil war in the Dominican Republic in 1966, in which nine Marines and 18 soldiers lost their lives. The previous year, President Lyndon B. Johnson had escalated the war in Vietnam, committing the U.S. to a deep and seemingly intractable involvement there that ended in 1973 with 58,220 American troops killed. More than 2.5 million U.S. troops were on duty in the region over the years. For those of you here today who served in Vietnam, Renz said, we thank you for your service and also for your patience with us as a nation for us not recognizing your service as we should have nor when we should have. Now Playing: More than 2,500 people converge on Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Video: San Antonio Express-News The post-9/11 era has seen 2.7 million Americans go to war, primarily in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. U.S. troops have been engaged in active combat operations for nearly 18 years, and there is no sign of either war ending. More troops, in fact, are heading to the region as tensions with Iran rise. For many, being deployed is the only life that they know, Renz said. The hourlong ceremony Monday at Fort Sam followed a reading Saturday of veterans who had died in the past year and were buried in the cemetery. The reading by members of the American Legion originated on the West Coast and began here in 2010. It continued Monday with the names of seven veterans who were buried over the weekend. Memorial Day was once known as Decoration Day, initially created to honor Union and Confederate soldiers after the Civil War. It became a widespread tradition by the end of the 19th century and was expanded after World War I to commemorate U.S. troops who died in all conflicts. Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday in 1971. The day drew a lot of people to Fort Sam for Renz to thank. The cemetery crowd swelled outside the concrete semicircle seats that bend around the stage, leaving many to stand throughout the ceremony, but more came to visit some of the 162,000 veterans and family members buried there. Cemetery director Aubrey David said heavy morning traffic got even worse after noontime. Motorists, he said, needed an hour to get from the front to the back of the 336-acre cemetery. Many in the crowd were veterans, one of them Pedro Torres, who served aboard a Navy tanker off Vietnam when cousin Marine Cpl. Leonard Ramos Jr. was killed in a battle there May 23, 1968. Ramos, a draftee from the West Side, was 19. That was my blood, said Torres, 73, a retired painter. Renz, who is now associate chief of staff for the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, was a Ranger and master parachutist who served 33 years in the Army, including stints at the 10th and 86th Combat Support Hospitals in Iraq and the 115th Combat Support Hospital in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. His speech ranged from relatively brief conflicts to World War II, whose cost included more than 291,000 U.S. service members killed. Renz remembered that two years after the Gulf War, a conflict that saw 382 U.S. troops fall in 1990 and 1991, his wife, Diane, received a call informing her that a younger brother, also an Army Ranger, had been wounded in Mogadishu, Somalia. The U.S. lost 18 special operations forces troops in a battle made famous in the book and movie Black Hawk Down. So far, 6,697 Americans have fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the Iraq Coalition Casualty Count, which tracks service deaths. Eight U.S. troops have been lost this year in Iraq, with an additional nine dying in Afghanistan. Coalition deaths in both countries total 8,462. Renz said an additional 52,000 U.S. troops have been wounded in the global war on terrorism since 2001. While Memorial Day so often focuses on the dead, he told the crowd, it was important to remember the survivors who live with vivid memories of those who did not return home. Many of these men and women mourn deeply as they face the reality of their own survival when their brother or sister in arms did not make it back, he said. I know that some of us are remembering them today. Families of the fallen, such as the Gold Star families that are here today, face another day without the hero that they fondly remember as husband, wife, mom or dad, son or daughter, or perhaps sister or brother. We thank you for your faithfulness. This time every year, some Gold Star parents post photos of their children and messages about them on Facebook. Paula Pena, who lost son Sgt. Roger P. Pena Jr. in 2006, was one of them. He was the first native San Antonian to fall in Afghanistan. A Harlandale High School graduate who went to the University of Texas at Austin, hed videotape himself reading childrens books in Kabul. The tape and book would then get mailed home to his sons Ivan and Gabriel. My dear son, his mother wrote Saturday, I miss you sooo much. Kim Smith posted photos of her son, Pvt. Robert Lewis Franz, who died in Baghdad in 2003, with sketches done by Michael Reagan, a Marine corporal who served in Vietnam. In another post, she included a poem, I Never Left You. I watch you every day, it begins. In the crowd, Donald and Carol Hollins also remembered. A Navy veteran who served aboard a guided missile cruiser from 1960 to 1964, Donald Hollins, 77, of San Antonio had a brother who served in the Army: Pfc. John Larry Hollins, who was in Vietnam in 1966. Spc. 4 Charles Redford fell in Vietnam in 1969. He was 22 and the uncle of Carol Hollins, now 68. A very favorite uncle in the whole world. We were only five years apart, she said, adding that, Ive always loved to come out and honor him on this day. Hollins has other relatives in the military, including children who served in the Army and grandchildren in the Navy and Air Force. She joked that they could stand and sing every song during the service medley performed by the 323rd Army Band brass quintet except for the Coast Guards. Its just precious to be around so many others that understand our grief and sorrow and that can acknowledge the memories, she said. Its a mixed feeling, her husband said. Its honor and grief. Sig Christenson covers the military and veterans in San Antonio, Bexar County and the nation. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | sigc@express-news.net | Twitter: @saddamscribe AUSTIN Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo on Monday blasted a bill that would allow people without a handgun license to carry pistols in public openly or concealed for a week after a disaster is declared. We experienced one of the worst disasters in Texas history during Harvey, Acevedo wrote. This bill wasnt needed then and isnt needed now. This will embolden 20,000+ gang members & will not help LE [law enforcement]. Lets hope it isnt signed. We experienced one of the worst disasters in Texas history during Harvey. The World watched as we all came together. This bill wasnt needed then & isnt needed now. This will embolden 20,000+ gang members & will not help LE. Lets hope it isnt signed. https://t.co/nIKlxP0s5C Chief Art Acevedo (@ArtAcevedo) May 27, 2019 Gun control advocates and several lawmakers have raised similar concerns about House Bill 1177, which is headed to the desk of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott for approval after narrowly passing in the Texas Senate on Sunday. Rep. Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, said he sponsored the legislation so gun owners dont have to leave their firearms behind when evacuating their homes. Existing laws, however, allow gun owners to store them in their vehicles, with some conditions. Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox I dont want someone to feel like they have to leave their firearms back in an unsecured home for a week or longer, and we all know how looting occurs in storms, Phelan said in an interview in March. Entire neighborhoods are empty and these people can just go shopping, and one of the things theyre looking for is firearms. Opponents say Phelans bill could add firearms to an already volatile situation in disaster-struck areas. Its permitless carry in an emergency and that phrase should bring fear to all of us, said Gyl Switzer, executive director of Texas Gun Sense. Foes included state Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, who said she is a firm believer in the Second Amendment, but called the bill bad public policy in a debate on the Senate floor. Its not solving a problem, its creating a problem, she said. The bill passed the Texas House on a 91-52 vote on Sunday, and passed in the Texas Senate in a 16-15 vote that saw three Republicans side with Democrats against the bill. Here are some of the top stories from this weekend: Legal pot supporters regroup as black market thrives Without enough support for the full legalization of marijuana, the states cannabis market, estimated at nearly $1 billion, will remain underground for now. Advocates are left to regroup and consider future strategy, including a possible amendment to the state Constitution. Abortion battle stirs up Connecticuts Griswold history As men and women across the country have been rallying against challenges to the famous U.S. Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, another landmark constitutional case Griswold v. Connecticut has returned to the forefront of the discussion, as has Connecticuts back-and-forth history with reproductive liberties. Wind power might bring windfall to Bridgeport Connecticut is poised to purchase the most wind power in state history a move that could offer Bridgeport an opportunity to revitalize its long neglected deep water port. The initiative could create 2,000 jobs, including 1,000 in construction and more than 300 permanent positions for the city, Mayor Joe Ganim said. Greenwich employees earning $100K triples in a decade Members of the Greenwich Police Department and educators in the Greenwich Public Schools dominate the list of highest-earning town employees, rankings that show how lucrative extra-duty work is for GPD officers. Site of fatal Stamford Christmas fire sold to neighbor 8 years later The Stamford property, where three children and their grandparents died in a 2011 Christmas fire, has been sold to a next-door neighbor. Steve Loeb, who purchased the lot for $500,000, said he plans to preserve the property and do something respectful with the land. Police use-of-force complaints decline in Norwalk Use-of-force complaints against Norwalk police officers have dipped over the past three years, and department higher-ups believe body cams could be part of the reason. Last year, Norwalk police documented only three use-of-force complaints matching the three-year low previously seen in 2017, according to the departments annual review. This is down from the five reported instances in 2016. E-scooters set to zip down streets in New Haven, across Connecticut In some cities, theyve landed like a flock of birds, ready to ride. The electrically powered, stand-up scooters, known as e-scooters, are tremendously popular wherever theyve appeared, competing with bicycles for easy, environmentally friendly two-wheeled transportation. E-scooters may be an inevitable arrival on Connecticuts streets. A bill regulating e-scooters, H.B. 7141, was unanimously approved by the General Assemblys Transportation Committee and passed the state House in April. Heading into summer, food trucks rev up for chowdowns Connecticut cities are recognizing the mushrooming popularity of food trucks by creating a summer focal point for the industry. There is no shortage of food trucks with about 270 gourmet operators listed on a website CT Food Trucks, which also lists festivals where vendors congregate. Danbury tattoo artists help ink new law Licensed tattoo artists first choice would be no new regulations in Danbury but since thats unlikely, ink artists may have secured the next best thing: a seat at the negotiating table. There they were in full-arm ink representatives from the citys handful of licensed tattoo shops at a conference with Danbury policymakers to learn about plans to redraw tattoo laws in the city. Sustainable communities a small but growing part of CTs climate A total of 22 Connecticut municipalities were certified as a sustainable community in 2018 by the organization Sustainable CT. In addition to certifying municipalities for their work, Sustainable CT aims to provide them with a list of volunteer opportunities, and resources and tools to help implement sustainability actions. Fairfield, MT (59436) Today Variable clouds with snow showers. Low -11F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 50%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.. Tonight Variable clouds with snow showers. Low -11F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 50%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. by Elliott Baas | Cardinals Correspondent | Mon, May 27th 10:38am EDT Jack Flaherty fired six scoreless innings and struck out seven in the Cardinals' 4-3 extra innings loss to the Braves on Sunday. He allowed three hits, no walks, and took a no decision. Fantasy Impact: Flaherty was on in this one, but unfortunately his bullpen couldn't seal the deal for Flaherty to get a win. The young right-hander has had his ups and downs this year, but he has the talent to crank out starts like this with regularity. He just needs to reign in his command with the slider before that can happen, and this outing was a great start. He'll next take the hill Saturday vs. Chicago. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category While Salman Khan and Katrina Kaifs much-hyped Bharat is on the verge of release, its trailer and songs are already a huge hit with the audiences. Through the years, as we know, Salman has grown selective about the films he signs. Bharat, as we know, entailed a long gruelling schedule and shooting on several locations like Abu Dhabi, Spain, Malta, Punjab, and Delhi. What was it about the film that excited the superstar? Apart from the huge canvas and the regular dash of thrills, comedy, and romance, there was something else that got Bhai hooked to the idea. Its the plot of the film, informs Salman adding, A nine-year-old boy is assigned the responsibility of looking after his mother and three siblings. His father assures that he will return someday. From the age of 9 to 72, the boy does everything to keep the family together. They nag him to settle downThe film is about the protagonist honouring his promise to his father despite all odds, shares Salman, for whom family comes first too. Based on the 2014 South Korean melodrama Ode To My Father, Bharat traces Indias post-independence history from the perspective of a common man. Its written and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and jointly produced by Salman Khan, Atul Agnihotri, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, and Bhushan Kumar among others. Bharat is set for an Eid release on June 5. After being lashed out by several women on the internet including Bollywood stars Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Urmila Matondkar, Vivek Oberoi finally deleted his crass meme featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The offensive meme had photos of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan with actor Salman Khan, Vivek Oberoi and with her husband Abhishek Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya. The pictures in the meme were captioned as opinion polls, exit polls and results. Sharing the meme, Vivek wrote, Haha! creative! No politics here...just life. On deleting his tweet, Vivek wrote, Sometimes what appears to be funny and harmless at first glance to one, may not be so to others. I have spent the last 10 years empowering more than 2000 underprivileged girls, I cant even think of being disrespectful to any woman ever. Sometimes what appears to be funny and harmless at first glance to one, may not be so to others. I have spent the last 10 years empowering more than 2000 underprivileged girls, I cant even think of being disrespectful to any woman ever. Vivek Anand Oberoi (@vivekoberoi) May 21, 2019 After receiving major backlash on the internet, Vivek has now received a legal notice from The National Commission For Women (NCW) for sharing the meme. Rekha Sharma, the chairperson of NCW tweeted, This tweet is absolutely Disgusting, distasteful, and degrading a women. @NCWIndia will be serving notice to @vivekoberoi. (Embed Tweet) Soon after that, a news agency shared, National Commission for Women issues notice to actor Vivek Oberoi demanding explanation over his tweet on exit polls. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is currently in Cannes and so is Sonam Kapoor. Aishwarya is joined by her daughter Aaradhya there. Arjun Rampal's girlfriend Gabriella Demetriade shares baby shower picture | FilmiBeat Arjun Rampal recently hosted a baby shower for his partner, Gabriella Demetriades. In a recent interview to a daily, Arjun opened up about his relationship with her and revealed that last five years were very difficult for him. His sister too admitted that the actor is in a happy space now, all thanks to Gabriella. ''It's been sheer hell for the last five years but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, doesn't it?" Talking about his lady love, Arjun said, ''We met through common friends. So, what can I say? That she stalked me? Wishful thinking that, buddy! It's only been a year since we started dating and here we are. For keeps. And I must add that it was of prime importance that my daughters should accept her as part of the family. I'm blessed that they have, no questions asked," Arjun said. In the same interview, Arjun talked about his late mother Gwen, who passed away last year due to cancer, ''She was the axis of my life. We went everywhere for treatment, including America and Portugal. During her last days, she could converse only by raising her hand. She went away without saying a word. But she returns in my dreams and I hear her saying, 'Don't worry about a thing, never worry. Look after yourself.'" To which Komal, the younger sister of Arjun, said, "Arjun was in the doldrums, both of us were extremely close to mom. We're trying to get over our loss. Thankfully, he's in a happy space now that he's with Gabriella. Life has to move on." For the uninitiated, in April, Arjun Rampal had announced his girlfriend's pregnancy with a post, "Blessed to have you and start all over again... thank you baby for this baby." Keep watching this space for more updates. Most Read: 'Katrina Kaif, Do You Want A Slap?' What Made Akshay Kumar Say Such SHOCKING Thing To Her? Here's What Katrina Kaif Said.. When Katrina was asked that many people think that there's no space for a relationship, Katrina rather replied, "Who said that? There's lots of space." Our guessing game is as good as yours, readers! Katrina On Ranbir & Maintaining A Good Equation With Alia & Deepika When asked how Katrina managed to maintain a good term with Ranbir, Deepika and Alia, despite have a past with them, she said, "I'm taking this as a compliment. But yes, if someone like you, who knows me well, feels nice about my conduct, it's a good thing." 'I'm Doing It To Make My Life Easier' "I'm not trying to be saintly but it's always easier to just make peace, be friends, to be loving. I'm not doing this to make your life easier. But I'm doing it to make my life easier. It genuinely is more peaceful and you feel more lighter and happier when you don't hold on to any anger or grudges," added Katrina. Katrina Also Spoke About Her Equation With Salman Speaking of her 'masti' moments with Salman on the sets of Bharat, Katrina was quoted as saying, "He pulls everyone's leg. It's his personality which makes everyone feel comfortable. Everyone smiles around him. I'm not a silent lamb. I give it back when I have to." How Katrina's Equation Has Evolved Over The Years? "I remember the first film I did with Salman was Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya and that was my third film as an actor. I was new and trying to find my feet. There were also a few days on Partner with Salman and Govinda who are the kings of improvisation. I was like, 'Oh Mmy Goodness'. You feel out of your depth there." Katrina: Experience Is The Best Teacher "So now, with Bharat, there is so much for me as a person. Salman was already Salman when we did our first film. For him, he doesn't have the same feedback. When I came on Bharat, I came as a different person because the experience is the best teacher." Bharat is all set to hit the theatres on June 5, 2019. Sandalwood actor Yash is a fan favorite for a lot of reasons. Not only has he gained popularity for his skills on-screen, but, over the years he's proved himself to be a great human being too. He along with his wife Radhika Pandit have started the YashoMarga Foundation. For a few years now, they have been supplying water to drought-hit villages of Karnataka. The Rocking Star's recent philanthropist activities prove that he is unaffected by KGF's success. YashoMarga was jointly started by Yash and Radhika a couple of years ago. The star couple has been providing drinking water in villages of Karnataka that are deeply affected by drought. Their initiative has reached places that aren't supported by the government of Karnataka too. The organisation is also working towards rejuvenating water bodies in villages that have dried up. Recently, tanks of water was supplied in Raichur. Later, Yash's team sent a few more tanks to villages in Bidar, that are facing severe water crisis this summer. Rashmika Mandanna's Unbelievable In These No Makeup Selfies! Challenges Industry's Beauty Standards On the professional front, Yash is busy shooting for the sequel of his superhit film KGF. Recently, a few pictures from the sets of KGF Chapter 2 were making rounds on the internet. The shooting of the film is expected to wrap up by September. If everything goes as per the plan, Yash's next will hit theatres in 2020. This agreement defines an exclusive option to obtain licences for joint programs including Otoferlin Usher Type 1 and preference rights on the research pipeline in the field of genetic disorders of the inner ear in order to set up future collaborations Regulatory News: Sensorion (Paris:ALSEN) (FR0012596468 ALSEN) a pioneering clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company which specialises in the development of novel therapies to restore, treat and prevent inner ear diseases such as hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo, today announces the signature of a research partnership framework agreement with Institut Pasteur (Paris) granting to Sensorion an option to obtain exclusive licenses to develop and market drug candidates in gene therapy coming from collaborative projects, for the restoration, treatment and prevention of hearing disorders. In accordance with the letter of intent announced the 23rd of November 2018, Sensorion and Institut Pasteur have leveraged the last six months to reach a partnership framework agreement. This agreement provides for, after completion of a research program, an exclusive option to obtain licences. The terms of the licences are predefined for two specific programs aiming at correcting hereditary monogenic forms of deafness including Usher Type 1 and deafness caused by a mutation of the gene encoding Otoferlin. As for the other projects in the field of hereditary monogenic forms of deafness, the terms of the licences will be negotiated in light of the results of the research programs. Lastly, Sensorion has preference rights on Institut Pasteur's research programs in the field of genetic inner ear diseases in order to set up collaborations. In the event of a change of control of Sensorion that has not been approved by the Sensorion Board of Directors, Institut Pasteur has the right to terminate the partnership framework agreement. The Genetics and Physiology of the Hearing Unit of Institut Pasteur, led by Professor Christine Petit, has developed world-class expertise over the last 25 years in the molecular physiology and physiopathology of the hearing system. Recent advances have led to the development of gene therapy programs to treat monogenic form of inner ear diseases. Researchers, including the Institut Pasteur team, have managed to restore hearing in a mouse model of DFNB9 (Otoferlin) deafness, a hearing disorder that is one of the most common cases of congenital genetic deafness. This work was published in a prestigious scientific journal1 "I am particularly pleased by this agreement signed between Institut Pasteur and Sensorion. It will allow us to transform our scientific progress into innovations for the benefit of patients, whether it is by contributing to create new diagnostic tools, improving patients' healthcare pathway or developing curative treatments for hearing disorders," says Professor Christine Petit. Professor Christine Petit, MD, PhD, who chairs Sensorion's Scientific Advisory Board, is an internationally renowned geneticist and neurobiologist in the field of hearing. "We believe that the scientific work undertaken by Christine Petit's teams is of great interest for public health and for the foundations of a field that is unfortunately of increasing concern. We are delighted to work with Sensorion, a dynamic French company with the strengths to allow Institut Pasteur to fulfil one of its missions, i.e. to transform its first-class academic research into products aiding patients alongside socio-economic partners," states Dr Isabelle Buckle, Head of Research Applications and Industrial Relations at Institut Pasteur. "This agreement confirms Sensorion's strategic relationship with the internationally renowned scientists from Institut Pasteur and I am very pleased about this. This is a great milestone for Sensorion, that enables us to develop the broadest pipeline with therapeutic solutions to Prevent, Treat and Restore inner ear diseases. In addition to the two drug candidates in development, SENS-111 and SENS-401, we are now adding innovative drug candidates in gene therapy allowing us to offer relevant medical solutions to treat disabling inner ear diseases," comments Nawal Ouzren, Sensorion CEO. About Sensorion Sensorion is a pioneering clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, which specializes in the development of novel therapies to restore, treat and prevent inner ear diseases such as hearing loss, vertigo and tinnitus. Our clinical-stage portfolio includes two phase 2 products: Seliforant (SENS-111) under investigation for acute unilateral vestibulopathy and Arazasetron (SENS-401) for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). We have built a unique R&D technology platform to expand our understanding of the physiopathology and etiology of inner ear related diseases enabling us to select the best targets and modalities for drug candidates. We also identify biomarkers to improve diagnosis and treatment of these underserved illnesses. We are uniquely placed through our platforms and pipeline of potential therapeutics to make a lasting positive impact on hundreds of thousands of people with inner ear related disorders; a significant global unmet need in medicine today. www.sensorion-pharma.com About the Institut Pasteur The Institut Pasteur, a non-profit foundation with recognized charitable status set up by Louis Pasteur in 1887, is today an internationally renowned center for biomedical research with a network of 32 institutes worldwide. In the pursuit of its mission to prevent and control diseases in France and throughout the world, the Institut Pasteur operates in four main areas: research, public health, education and training, and development of research applications. More than 2,500 people work on its Paris campus. The Institut Pasteur is a globally recognized leader in infectious diseases, microbiology, and immunology. Other avenues of investigation include cancer, genetic and neurodegenerative diseases, genomics and developmental biology. This research aims to expand our knowledge of the living world in a bid to lay the foundations for new prevention strategies and novel therapeutics. Since its inception, 10 Institut Pasteur scientists have been awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine, including two in 2008 for the 1983 discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS. www.pasteur.fr/en Label: SENSORION ISIN: FR0012596468 Mnemonic: ALSEN Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Sensorion and its business. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Sensorion considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will be verified, which statements are subject to numerous risks, including the risks set forth in the Document de reference registration document filed with the Autorite des marches financiers (AMF- French Financial Market Authority) on September 6, 2017 under nR.17-062 and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Sensorion operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Sensorion or not currently considered material by Sensorion. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance or achievements of Sensorion to be materially different from such forward-looking statements. This press release and the information that it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe for, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for, Sensorion shares in any country. The communication of this press release in certain countries may constitute a violation of local laws and regulations. Any recipient of this press release must inform oneself of any such local restrictions and comply therewith. 1 Dual AAV-mediated gene therapy restores hearing in a DFNB9 mouse model. PNAS 2019 116 (10): 4496-450 Akil O., Dyka, Calvet C., Emptoz A., Lahlou G, Nouaille S, Boutet de Monvel J., Hardelin JP., Hauswirth W., Avan P., Petit C, Safieddine S., and Lustig LPress release https://www.pasteur.fr/en/press-area/press-documents/gene-therapy-durably-reverses-congenital-deafness-mice View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190526005033/en/ Contacts: Sensorion Nawal Ouzren CEO contact@sensorion-pharma.com Tel: +33 467 207 730 Catherine Leveau Financial communication catherine.leveau@sensorion-pharma.com Tel: +33 467 207 730 MUNICH, May 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- REC Group, the leading European brand for solar photovoltaic panels, has secured the first orders for its new game-changing Alpha Series of high-performance solar panels. The Alpha Series delivers industry-beating power of up to 380 watt-peak (Wp), making this the world's most powerful 60-cell solar panel. The first orders - with a total volume of 4.3 MW - come from all over the world, from Australia, over Europe up to Hawaii in the U.S. Launched officially by REC Group CEO Steve O'Neil and CTO Shankar G. Sridhara at Intersolar Europe on May 15, the new panel captured a sizeable order volume of 4.3 MW within its first hours. Steve O'Neil is proud of this early success: "With the Alpha, REC set out to build a solar panel that would create a triple win opportunity: for REC, our partners and solar professionals as well as for households and businesses who want to create a legacy of sustainable energy for the next generation. With orders so soon after the launch, the new panel is on track to meet these objectives." The Alpha delivers the world's best power density on a 60-cell module: over 20% more power from the same area and the same number of panels compared to a mainstream 300 Wp panel. This is a key consideration when space is tight - like on any rooftop. The first takers of the Alpha solar panels did not need long to decide. They all put their signature to a special edition of the REC Alpha panel at Intersolar Europe - marking the kick-off to what promises to be a successful career for the latest ground-breaking innovation from REC Group. The first REC Alpha Series customers: BayWa r.e. Solar Systems Pty Ltd, Australia BayWa r.e. Solar Energy System GmbH, Germany Carbomat NV, The Netherlands EWS GmbH & Co. KG, Germany Inter-Island Solar Supply, Hawaii , U.S. , U.S. KDI Solar, France Krannich Solar GmbH & Co. KG, Germany Sol Distribution Pty Ltd, Australia Sonepar Italia S.p.a., Italy Taspac Energy Pty Ltd, New Zealand About REC Group: Founded in Norway in 1996, REC Group is a leading vertically integrated solar energy company. Through integrated manufacturing from silicon to wafers, cells, high-quality panels and extending to solar solutions, REC Group provides the world with a reliable source of clean energy. REC's renowned product quality is supported by the lowest warranty claims rate in the industry. REC Group is a Bluestar Elkem company with headquarters in Norway and operational headquarters in Singapore. REC Group employs 2,000 people worldwide, producing 1.5 GW of solar panels annually. Find out more at recgroup.com and on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rec_/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RECGroupMedia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RECGroupSolar/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/893047/REC_Logo.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/893046/REC_Alpha_Launch.jpg Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2019) - Atom Energy Inc. ("Atom" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the execution of a strategic investment with ICC International Cannabis Corp. (CSE: WRLD) ("ICC") for gross proceeds of $5.0 million, as part of a larger funding package (the "Funding Package") to raise a total of approximately $13.5 million. Net proceeds from the Funding Package will be used to fund the previously announced acquisition (the "Merger Transaction") of 6th Wave Innovations Corp ("6th Wave") and working capital. 6th Wave is a development stage nanotechnology company focused on the extraction and detection of target substances at the molecular level. Their patented molecularly imprinted polymer technology holds the potential for significant advantages in cost and performance relative to traditional extraction technologies. Further to the Merger Transaction, Atom will acquire 100% of the equity of 6th Wave in accordance with the terms outlined in the Company's press release dated September 11, 2018. The Funding Package will consist of three components described below and will result in the issue of up to 13.4 million equity securities of the Company at a price of $0.75 per security, as well as the receipt of equity of ICC valued at $3.5 million in exchange for a licensing right of first refusal agreement (the "ROFR Agreement"). The remaining $1.5 million of ICC's $5.0 million strategic investment will be part of the non-brokered private placement described below. The Company anticipates a closing date for the Funding Package of June 18, 2019. Brokered Private Placement - Subscription Receipts As part of the Funding Package, the Company has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of agents led by PI Financial Corp. (the "Agents") in connection with a brokered best efforts private placement of up to 7,100,000 subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") of the Company at an issue price of $0.75 per Subscription Receipt for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $5,325,000 (the "Offering"). In addition, the Company has granted the Agents an option (the "Agents' Option"), exercisable in whole or in part at any time prior to the closing of the Offering to offer up to an additional 5,334,000 Subscription Receipts on the same terms. If the Agents' Option is exercised in full, the aggregate gross proceeds of the Funding Package will be approximately $17.5 million. Each Subscription Receipt will automatically be exchanged for one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") upon the satisfaction of certain escrow release conditions (the "Release Date"), including the closing of the Merger Transaction announced by the Company in its press release of September 11, 2018 and the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Company intends to pay a commission of 7% of the gross proceeds of the Offering and issue compensation options of the Company (the "Compensation Options") equal to 7% of the aggregate number of Subscription Receipts issued by the Company pursuant to the Offering (including any Subscription Receipts sold pursuant to the Agents' Option). Each Compensation Option will give the holder the right to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.75 for a period of 24 months following the Release Date. Non-Brokered Private Placement - Common Shares The Company is also undertaking a non-brokered private placement (the "Placement") which will consist of up to 6,280,000 common shares (the "Common Shares") of the Company at an issue price of $0.75 per Common Share for total proceeds of approximately $4.7 million. The Company has closed initial tranches of this placement for total proceeds of approximately $3.21 million and issued a total of 4,280,000 Common Shares. The Company intends to pay a commission of up to 7% of the gross proceeds of the Placement and issue compensation options of the Company (the "Compensation Options") equal to up to 7% of the aggregate number of Common Shares issued by the Company pursuant to the Placement. Each Compensation Option will give the holder the right to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.75 for a period of 24 months following the closing date of the Placement. ROFR - Licensing Agreement The third component of the Funding Package is a payment in the amount of $3,500,000 pursuant to ROFR Agreement between the Company and ICC. Further to the ROFR Agreement, the Company has agreed to give ICC the right of first refusal to acquire licensing rights for certain Sovereign States and Dependent Territories in Europe (excluding Greece, in which ICC will have limited rights to operate) in exchange for a payment in the amount of $3,500,000, payable in common shares of ICC (the "Consideration"). The Consideration will be paid upon delivery to ICC of the first Alpha Unit, an extraction system for the isolation and purification of certain cannabinoids using the Company's proprietary technology. Corporate Update In addition to the development of the Alpha Unit referenced above, 6th Wave continues to progress the development and deployment of its flagship IXOS-Au technology to the gold mining sector. IXOS-Au proposes to replace activated carbon for the extraction of gold from cyanide leach solutions used in heap leach and mill mines throughout the gold mining sector. 6th Wave and CyPlus GmbH have signed a sales and marketing representative agreement for IXOS nanotech gold extraction resin for the mining industry. CyPlus is a leading supplier of cyanides in Europe and Mexico and offers a number of services regarding safe handling and logistics of cyanides. CyPlus is dedicated to bringing sustainable innovations beyond cyanides to the mining industry and has identified IXOS as premiere product after a global search for technologies meeting strict performance criteria. Pilot Plant testing of the IXOS-Au product is now taking place on the main production line, on site at a major international gold producer located in Nevada. Additionally, 6th Wave is continuing the development of technology for the extraction of lithium in an aqueous environment and announces the expansion of its patent portfolio with the filing of a second patent for the liquid - liquid extraction of lithium. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "John Veltheer" John Veltheer, CEO & Director For information, please contact the Company: Phone: (604) 562-6915 E-mail: john@veltheer.com This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Cautionary Notes This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements including the possibility of listing on a recognized stock exchange in the future, the intention to undertake a private placement transaction and the intended use of proceeds from a private placement transaction. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future events or developments that the Company expects, are forward looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual events or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Atom's actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, Atom not securing additional funds for its working capital needs to continue as a going concern; Atom failing to identify or complete the transaction (or series of transactions) that results in Atom expanding upon its business activities; or Atom failing to identify investors for some or all of its proposed private placement transaction. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/45041 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2019) - Nicola Mining Inc. (TSXV: NIM), (the "Company" or "Nicola") is pleased to announce that it has received all required permits and has commenced its 2019 Exploration Program (the "2019 Program"). The Company has contracted Western Exploration Diamond Drilling Ltd. to conduct the diamond drilling program ("DD Program"), which started on May 23, 2019. Overview The New Craigmont Project does not conform to a "typical" exploration pipeline. The Project is a permitted historic mine site with active permits under M-68. In addition, extensive work done on the mine (c.1958-c.1982) was focused primarily on ore definition, development and extraction of the mineral inventory, known at the time. This work resulted in a cumulative production of 36.75 million tons of ore grading 1.28% Cu[1]. However, the project had limited exploration beyond its historic operations. The exploration strategy at New Craigmont Project can be summarised in Figure 1. The primary objective is to prove the historic un-exploited mineral inventory through target definition drilling on in-situ ore bodies and underground surveying to delineate volume of material remaining in sub-level caves in Craigmont Central area. In tandem, a NI-43-101 Mineral Resource is in the process of being defined on the historic Mining Terraces. Figure 1: Exploration Targets / Pipeline at New Craigmont Project To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/45056_8f9dd99d54d36988_002full.jpg Diamond Drilling Targets: The first holes ("Hole 1&2") aim to intersect the unexploited, and incompletely delineated Number 3 ore body (Figure 2). The Number 3 ore body is characterized by silicified sediments with fine-grained chalcopyrite and little to no associated iron (Fe), thus differentiating it from the extracted ore bodies number 1 and 2, both of which had significant iron oxide (magnetite and/or hematite). The second proposed drill pad ("Holes 3&4") aim to extend strike the ore body strike length westward, toward the approximately N-S striking Embayment Fault. The Company has already conducted and confirmed high-grade mineralization west of the Embayment Fault[2], indicative that the mineralizing event occurs further West than the historic Craigmont Open Pit and underground workings. The third drill pad ("Holes 5&6") will target the eastward extension of the ore body to test potential mineralization south of the 2400 level historic drilling. Figure 2: Initial Diamond Drilling Targets To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/45056_8f9dd99d54d36988_003full.jpg The fourth drill pad ("Hole 7") hopes to explore stratigraphy on North of the Open pit and extend mineralization at the 3500-level westward. Native copper mineralization is recorded to have occurred at this level, but no follow-up drilling is known to have occurred west of this native copper mineralization. The DD Program may be adjusted, as will subsequent holes, depending on initial drilling results and data from other forms of exploration that will occur in the 2019 Program. Historic Mine Terraces: On October 30, 2018 the Company announced the commencement of a Phase 2 Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling program on the historic Craigmont Copper Mine waste piles and the 3060 Ore Portal. In response to mineralization viewed in the 49 holes drilled between 2017 and early 2018, the Company completed an additional 60 RC holes. The 2017 & 2018 RC campaigns predominantly tested the Southern "Terraces" and the 3060 Ore Portal for mineralization in the blasted material (i.e. "Waste piles"). At the time of mining (c.1963 onwards), this blasted material was considered sub-economic (<0.4% Cu). The current economic viability of processing this material through the utilization of ore separation technology is currently being assessed. The Company has entered into a Consulting Agreement with James N. Gray P. Geo of Advantage Geoservices Ltd. with the goal of completing a resource estimate of these southern terraces in 3Q, 2019, in accordance with CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. A news release on the resource estimation of the Mining Terraces is forthcoming. Additional Exploration: Beyond the drill program at Craigmont Central, the 2019 Program will include a substantial soil geochemistry survey; reconnaissance geological mapping; analysis of historic core, and; alteration mineral mapping using the high-resolution PhotoSat multi-spectral satellite (WorldView-3). The PhotoSat alteration mineral mapping will be the first property-scale map of the alteration minerals and alteration systems present at Craigmont at a resolution of approximately 2 meters. This survey promises to put into context the multiple mineral showings and occurrences on the property. The Company has signed an agreement with PhotoSat on May 23, 2019 which aims to execute this project during the summer of 2019. About Nicola Mining Nicola Mining Inc. is a junior mining company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and is in the process of recommencing mill feed processing operations at its 100% owned state-of-the-art mill and tailings facility, located near Merritt, British Columbia. It has already signed six mill profit share agreements with high grade gold producers. The fully-permitted mill can process both gold and silver mill feed via gravity and flotation processes. The Company has an active gravel pit that is located adjacent to the milling operation, as well as 100% ownership of the high-grade silver Treasure Mountain property. About New Craigmont Project In November of 2015, Nicola became the first group in decades to consolidate ownership of the New Craigmont Project (the "Property") and has been actively conducting mineral exploration since. The Property is a wholly-owned copper-iron property with an active mine permit (M-68), located 33 km south of the world-class Highland Valley porphyry district. It lies at the southern contact between the Nicola Group and Guichon Creek batholith, of which the latter is known to be a precursor intrusive event to mineralization at Highland Valley. There are currently no NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimates on the Property. However, an estimated 60,000,000 tons of material grading >0.4% Cu is reported to have remained unmined in the mineralized hanging wall of the Sub level cave, due to a 0.7% Cu cut-off grade[3]. It should be noted that these historical estimates do not meet the requirements needed to conform to National Instrument 43-101 standards. The Company notes that an independent Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to verify and classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources and is therefore not treating the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. For further details on the Property, see the technical report entitled "TECHNICAL REPORT on the THULE COPPER - IRON PROPERTY, Southern British Columbia, Canada", filed on May 8, 2013 on Sedar at www.sedar.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Peter Espig" Peter Espig CEO & Director For additional information contact: Peter Espig Telephone: (778) 385-1213 Email: peter@nicolamining.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. [1] Geological Wonders: https://www.exploregoldcountry.com/pdf/caches/Craigmont%20Mine.pdf [2] Apr 2, 2018 News Release: Nicola Mining Drills 100.6 Metres of 1.33% Copper and Reports on the Winter Drilling Program at the New Craigmont Project, British Columbia Feb 28, 2018 News Release: Nicola Mining Inc. Releases Grades on Continued Embayment Zone Expansion That Includes 71.4m of 0.6% Cu January 23, 2017 News Release: Nicola Mining Resamples Historic Craigmont Drill Hole S-100 Intersecting 0.54% Copper Over 116.7 Metres September 7, 2016 News Release: Nicola Mining Inc. Intersects 1.11% Copper Over 85.92 Metres at the Thule Copper Property in Southern BC [3] Bristow, J.F. (Jul. 22, 1985) Internal memo: Continued Exploration at Craigmont Mines Limited's Merritt Property. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/45056 CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / May 27, 2019 / Tourism is a difference maker for Alberta's economy-standing out as a growth industry, job creator, economic diversifier, and community builder. And it all starts with the businesses and experiences that inspire the world to visit Alberta, and Albertans to explore the adventures and hidden gems at their doorstep. Experiential travel is more than a catchphrase. Today's travellers prioritize authentic experiences. They want to do more than just observe. They want to be actively involved in transformational experiences they can't find anywhere else and connect with locals to learn more about the destinations they are visiting. "Alberta is open for business, and that includes tourism. Our government knows that a strong tourism industry creates jobs and economic growth in Alberta. Together with our industry partners, we will develop a 10-year tourism strategy to bring more travellers, jobs and investment back to our province. We want to continue to develop unique Alberta experiences for people from all over the world to discover," said Economic Development, Trade and Tourism Minister Tanya Fir. "Alberta's experiences are as much about Albertans as they are about the travellers who enjoy them. Our pride of place shines through-from the tourism operators and hard-working Albertans who deliver a multitude of 'goose bump' moments, to residents and communities that know we have something special going on here," said Travel Alberta CEO, Royce Chwin. Fully 75 per cent of the $8.5 billion generated annually by provincial tourism is thanks to Albertans enjoying 'staycations' in their home province. The ongoing development of new tourism products is critical to the growth of Alberta's visitor economy, making it a key focus for the Government of Alberta. At Travel Alberta, a team of experience development managers works with industry partners around the province to support the enhancement and development of new tourism experiences that can accommodate international demand. The Travel Alberta team also provides innovative tools, educational opportunities, marketing expertise and co-operative funding to help Alberta tourism businesses promote their experience offerings. Some areas of focus include Indigenous, culinary, rural and inclusive tourism. Explore what's new in all regions of the province! About Tourism Week and Alberta's tourism industry Tourism Week is a national grassroots initiative that brings attention to the economic opportunities available through travel and tourism. Tourism is one of the key industries in Alberta, with clear economic and social benefits: $8.5 billion to the economy 35 million visits 19,000 businesses 127,000 jobs $9.3 billion to Alberta's GDP $4.1 billion in tax revenue* *Sources: 2016 Statistics Canada Travel Survey, Travel Survey of Residents of Canada Alberta Government 2016 (2015 tax information) About Travel Alberta Travel Alberta is the destination promotion organization of Alberta. We showcase Alberta tourism experiences to potential travellers in Canada and internationally. Travel Alberta provides marketing expertise and support to Alberta-based tourism businesses, marketing the compelling reasons for travellers to explore Alberta. Established as a crown corporation in 2009, Travel Alberta is mandated to promote the province as a top tourism destination and support the Government of Alberta in the development of tourism policy, advocacy, research, visitor services and product development. @TravelAlbertaCo Travel Alberta on LinkedIn -30- For more information, please contact: Deborah Spence Manager, Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Travel Alberta E: deborah.spence@travelalberta.com C: 403-616-9752 Photo: Travel Alberta/Colin Way Visitors on a medicine walk, learning about plant medicine with an Indigenous guide from Mahikan Trails near Canmore, Alberta Photo: Travel Alberta/Colin Way Visitors learning about the small batch distillery process at Krang Spirits in Cochrane, Alberta Photo: Travel Alberta/Katie Goldie Learning to fly fish with a guide from Alberta Fly Fishing in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta Photo: Travel Alberta/John Prince Stargazing tour with Dark Sky Guides in Waterton National Park, Alberta Photo: Travel Alberta/Roth & Ramberg Digging for fossils with a guide in Dinosaur Provincial Park in the Canadian Badlands, Southern Alberta SOURCE: Travel Alberta View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/546693/Tourism-Week-is-the-Perfect-Time-to-Spotlight-the-Experiences-that-Put-Alberta-on-Bucket-Lists-Around-the-World From 30 May to 1 June 2019 in Granada, Spain Regulatory News: SuperSonic Imagine (Paris:SSI) (Euronext: SSI, FR0010526814), a company specializing in ultrasound medical imaging, will for the first time present Aixplorer MACH 30 at the 31st Congress of the EFSUMB (European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology) which will take place from 30 May to 1 June in Granada, Spain. Every year, the EUROSON congress offers physicians from all specialties the opportunity to discuss and obtain information on current trends in ultrasound as well as on the regulations relating to ultrasound applications. "The EUROSON congress is a European event dedicated to ultrasound imaging. During the congress, practitioners can talk about their ultrasound practices and the latest technological developments. With exceptional image quality and increasingly innovative imaging modes, Aixplorer MACH 30 brings a new dimension to ultrasound," said Yves Tenaglia, SuperSonic Imagine's Director and Vice President for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Aixplorer MACH 30 pushes the boundaries of ultrasound The latest technological innovation by SuperSonic Imagine, Aixplorer MACH 30 changes the paradigm of ultrasound practice. The next generation of UltraFast imaging optimizes all innovative imaging modes (UltraFast Doppler, Angio PL.U.S. PLanewave UltraSensitive imaging and TriVu) and offers exceptional image quality to provide enhanced diagnostic performance. The new generation of ShearWave Elastography developed by SuperSonic Imagine ShearWave PLUS makes it possible to view and measure tissue stiffness on a color map in real time, and offers significant improvements in acquisition speed, size of the elastography acquisition as well as examination depth. The SonicPad touchpad, an unprecedented concept in the ultrasound sector, is designed to streamline the user's experience. The SonicPad improves the radiologist's workflow by reducing the user's movement by 77% and the examination time by 32%. The enhanced performance, functional design and streamlined user experience of Aixplorer MACH 30 appeal to users worldwide. Live demonstrations with Aixplorer MACH 30 will be held throughout the congress on SuperSonic Imagine's booth (no. 10). Learn more about Aixplorer MACH 30 at Aixplorer-MACH.com About SuperSonic Imagine SuperSonic Imagine specializes in ultrasound medical imaging. The company manufactures the flagship Aixplorer series of products, which feature the exclusive UltraFast technology. UltraFast has given rise to new imaging modes that set the standards of care for non-invasive characterization of breast, liver and prostate diseases. The first groundbreaking UltraFast mode developed is ShearWave Elastography (SWE), which enables doctors to view and instantly analyze tissue stiffness, a vitally important factor in the diagnosis of many conditions. To date, more than 600 published articles have validated the diagnostic value its technologies. The most recent addition to the Aixplorer range is the Aixplorer MACH 30 ultrasound platform that introduces the next generation of UltraFast imaging, which optimizes the system's innovative imaging modes: ShearWave PLUS, Doppler UltraFast, Angio PL.U.S. and TriVu. The company has more than 2,300 ultrasound systems installed in over 80 countries. Its main growth markets are China, the United States and the European Union (France). The company generated a turnover of 24.6 million in 2018. SuperSonic Imagine is listed on Euronext (symbol: SSI). Find out more at www.supersonicimagine.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190527005172/en/ Contacts: FP2COM Relations Medias EU Florence Portejoie fportejoie@fp2com.fr +33 6 07 76 82 83 NewCap Investor Relations EU Thomas Grojean Nicolas Merigeau supersonicimagine@newcap.eu +33 1 44 71 98 55 Regulatory News: Europcar Mobility Group (Paris:EUCAR) is today a mobility service company , offering a wide range of mobility solutions, including vehicle rental, chauffeur services, cars scooters sharing. Its "New Mobility" Business Unit operating the Ubeeqo, GoCar, E-Car, Brunel and Scooty brands, as well as overseeing the minority stakes* of the Group is at the forefront of this strategic repositioning. To accelerate the ramp-up of these activities, Europcar Mobility Group is now appointing Xavier Corouge, as Managing Director of the Business Unit, member of the Group's Executive Committee. At this occasion, the "New Mobility" Business Unit, is rebranded "Urban Mobility", to better reflect the addressed mobility needs. Xavier Corouge was previously Europcar Mobility Group's Chief Marketing and Digital Officer, responsible for Marketing, E-commerce, Direct sales and Customer relationship for all brands and markets. He joined the Group in 2013 and since then, he successfully contributed to the digital transformation of the company. Prior to this, Xavier Corouge held several senior positions in the travel and digital industry, from E-Commerce Director at Thomas Cook Group to Head of Marketing and CRM at OUI.Sncf and Vivendi Group. This appointment will reinforce and support the Urban Mobility Business Unit scale-up. Well positioned on double digit growth segments in Europe, the Urban Mobility activities of the Group experienced a +45% revenue growth in 2018; a positive trend that has been confirmed by Q1 2019 results (over 40% revenue growth for the vehicle sharing business). In addition to these good records, the Business Unit will benefit from the recent win of the "Mobilib service" tenders of the Paris City Hall, that make Ubeeqo the number one car-sharing player in Paris with 1,100 self-service vehicles available before end of 2019. Fabrizio Ruggiero, Europcar Mobility Group Deputy CEO, Head of Business Units, comments: "We have set an ambitious target for our Urban Mobility activities for 2019, with a doubling of its revenue, achieved through growth in cities where services are already operated and through services openings in new cities and new countries. This will be played with the Group's expertise in fleet management one of the historical assets our car rental business and our expertise in e-commerce, which is key to grow customer base and utilization rates. Xavier Corouge is ideally positioned to take up this challenge, in a very customer-centric and integrated manner, enhancing our ONE Group approach". Xavier Corouge comments: "In all countries where we operate, our Urban Mobility teams have done an amazing job over the past few years. We are now in a position to play a major role in the reshaping of the urban mobility ecosystem, providing attractive alternative solutions to vehicle ownership. "I am delighted to take this new role, at a time when synergies between Europcar Mobility Group Business Units are critical to enhance customer experience and foster profitable scale-up." *Minority stakes in Wanderio (multimodal search and comparison platform of transportation means) and Snappcar (second largest international peer-to-peer car-sharing player in Europe). About Europcar Mobility Group Europcar Mobility Group is a major player in mobility markets and listed on Euronext Paris. The mission of Europcar Mobility Group is to be the preferred "Mobility Service Company" by offering alternative attractive solutions to vehicle ownership, with a wide range of mobility-related services: vehicle-rental, chauffeur services, car-sharing, scooter-sharing and peer-to-peer car-rental. Customers' satisfaction is at the heart of the Group's mission and all of its employees and this commitment fuels the continuous development of new services. Europcar Mobility Group operates through multi brands meeting every customer specific needs; its 4 major brands being: Europcar the European leader in vehicle rental services, Goldcar the most important low-cost car-rental company in Europe, InterRent 'mid-tier' brand focused on leisure and Ubeeqo one of the European leaders in car-sharing (BtoB, BtoC). Europcar Mobility Group delivers its mobility solutions worldwide solutions through an extensive network in 135 countries (including 16 wholly owned subsidiaries in Europe, 2 in Australia and New Zealand, franchises and partners). Further details available at: www.europcar-mobility-group.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190527005255/en/ Contacts: Europcar Mobility Group Valerie Sauteret, valerie.sauteret@europcar.com Vincent Vevaud, vincent.vevaud@europcar.com Publicis Consultants Marie Quinette, marie.quinette@publicisconsultants.com, +33 6 37 19 70 04 Camille Madec, camille.madec@publicisconsultants.com, +33 7 86 42 95 15 The commerce ministry is considering a major export promotion scheme to ensure expeditious refund of central and state taxes and levies to boost shipments in the wake of global challenges at trade front, an official said New Delhi: The commerce ministry is considering a major export promotion scheme to ensure expeditious refund of central and state taxes and levies to boost shipments in the wake of global challenges at trade front, an official said. The proposal is part of a 100-day action plan prepared by the ministry for the new government which will take office on 30 May. A new export promotion scheme has become necessary as the existing merchandise exports for India (MEIS) scheme is being opposed by the US in the World Trade Organisation (WTO), stating it is not in compliance with global trade norms, the official said. The new scheme could be named as Central and State Taxes and Levies Scheme. According to the proposal, the new scheme would ensure refund of all un-rebated central and state levies and taxes imposed on inputs that are consumed in exports of all sectors. Major un-rebated levies are - state VAT/ central excise duty on fuel used in transportation, captive power, farm sector; mandi tax; duty of electricity; stamp duty on export documents, purchases from unregistered dealers; embedded CGST and compensation cess coal used in the production of electricity. Initiatives by Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu has helped in taking exports to an all-time high of $331 billion in 2018-19. The ministry has also proposed to Introduce a WTO compliant production-based support scheme to increase outbound shipments. The department of commerce is consulting with all the concerned stakeholders to frame this scheme to promote high potential sectors like electronics, telecom, hi-tech engineering, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and technical textiles. "We are consulting the stakeholders to propose production based government assistance. We will finalise the architecture of the scheme very soon," the official said. Any government support which is subject to export performance becomes a prohibited subsidy under WTO norms. The ten-point action plan has also proposed the launch of a new five-year foreign trade policy (2020-25) on September 1 this year and promote shipments of the services sector. The current policy will end in March 2020. The policy provides guidelines for enhancing exports with the overall objective of pushing economic growth and generating employment. "The new policy would include new export schemes while retaining important existing schemes. It will also include modern IT system with end to end IT enablement of all interfaces and processes of DGFT (directorate general of foreign trade) with exporters and other ministries/ agencies," the official said. The other proposals include resolution of WTO issues like on agriculture sector; steps to revive special economic zones (SEZs), implementation of agriculture export policy; disbursal of funds under Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme and promotion of Government e-marketplace (GeM) portal for public procurement. For SEZs, the ministry has proposed measures such as uniformity in administrative and financial matters among all zones; an integrated online portal for processing new investment requests, easy operational and exit-related matters, procedural relaxations. Besides, the commerce ministry would consider allowing alternate sectors to invest in sector-specific SEZs, the flexibility of long term lease for developers and tenants, facility of sub-contracting for customers outside these zones and flexibility in usage of non-processing area by developers. "We need bold measures to revive investment, promote manufacturing and exports from SEZs. The new SEZ policy needs to be future ready, investor-friendly and correspond to global market needs," the official added. The ministry has also planned to roll out national logistics policy, multi-modal logistic policy, integrated national logistics action plan, and logistics planning and performance management tool. "Multi-Modal Transportation of Goods bill will be introduced in Parliament. The new bill will replace the existing MMTG Act, 1993. The new Bill introduces new concepts like regulation of self-regulatory agencies etc," the official said. Prabhu has taken a series of steps to cut logistics time and cost to push both domestic and foreign trade. Arvind Panagariya, who had served as the first Vice Chairman of the NITI Aayog, said that the government can start by cutting corporate tax to 20 percent and removing exemptions In the first 100-days, the Narendra Modi-led government should focus on acceleration of non-performing loans (NPAs) clean-up, eminent economist Arvind Panagariya said on Monday. Panagariya, who had served as the first Vice Chairman of the NITI Aayog from January 2015 to August 2017, in an interview with CNBC-Tv18, said that the government can start by cutting corporate tax to 25 percent and removing exemptions. He said the government should focus on strategic disinvestment and can take up Air India privatisation issue again. Panagariya said the government needs to roll back customs duties hiked by it. Commenting on the US-China trade war, Panagariya said India can take advantage of the spat only if the country's markets are open. #CNBCTV18Exclusive | @APanagariya: 'In my 3 years at NITI Aayog, I felt Commerce ministry bureaucrats were too conservative' pic.twitter.com/gy2a6vUDuo CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) May 27, 2019 On Monday, an official said the commerce ministry was considering a major export promotion scheme to ensure expeditious refund of central and state taxes and levies to boost shipments in the wake of global challenges at trade front. The proposal is part of a 100-day action plan prepared by the ministry for the new government which will take office on 30 May. The ministry has also planned to roll out national logistics policy, multi-modal logistic policy, integrated national logistics action plan, and logistics planning and performance management tool. "Multi-Modal Transportation of Goods bill will be introduced in Parliament. The new bill will replace the existing MMTG Act, 1993. The new Bill introduces new concepts like regulation of self-regulatory agencies etc," an official was quoted as saying by PTI. Last month, Panagariya had said that India must focus on the growth of labour-intensive sectors to create decent jobs for the masses as well as give "serious thought" to privatising the public sector banks (PSBs). "My personal view is that India must complete its reform process in the coming five years," Panagariya, Director at the Raj Center on Indian Economic Policies at Columbia University, told PTI in New York in April. With PTI inputs The government may not hold any residual stake in Air India keeping in view the last year's unsuccessful privatisation bid. After its failure to sell stake in Air India last year, the government may make yet another attempt to divest its stake in the debt-laden national carrier, said media report. Meanwhile, the bid to sell Air India's real estate assets received a lukewarm response. Accordingly, efforts by the civil aviation ministry and the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) in the finance ministry are already underway to woo potential investors to invest in Air India when the divestment process begins, said a report in Business Standard quoting people aware of the development. The government may not hold any residual stake in the airline keeping in view the last year's unsuccessful privatisation bid. It is said that there is a plan to retain 5 percent shares for the employee stock option (ESOPs) while divesting 95 percent stake in Air India, said the report. Meanwhile, Air India's prime realty assets failed to attract buyers as it managed to sell only less than 10 of the 56 properties that were put up for sale in April this year, reported Mint quoting two people directly aware of the development. The auction panel is expected to re-auction some of the properties as the officials felt that the reserve price of these assets was not in tune with the market conditions, which dissuaded the buyers, said the report. The reserve price of these properties, mostly residential units, ranged from Rs 16 lakh to about Rs 8 crore and were located in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata. In January this year, the government had said that it would initiate the process of strategic disinvestment of Air India in the second half of 2019-20 and in between it would work towards selling some of its subsidiaries and monetise assets. The government was eyeing around $1 billion (about Rs 7,000 crore) from the sale of the national carrier. Air India has a debt burden of Rs 55,000 crore. In November last year, a ministerial panel headed by finance minister Arun Jaitley had approved transferring Rs 29,000 crore debt to a special purpose vehicle (SPV) Air India Asset Holding Company. In June 2017, the government had approved strategic disinvestment for Air India. After nearly a year-long search for potential bidders, it had in May 2018 abandoned the plan in the absence of receiving any initial bids the proposed stake sale. In May 2018, Civil Aviation secretary RN Choubey had said the government could decide against selling state-run Air India if it did not get "adequate" price for it. The loss-making airline already received more than Rs 26,000 crore under the bailout package announced by the former United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in April 2012. The UPA government had approved a turnaround plan under which Air India is to receive a total equity infusion worth Rs 30,231 crore up to 2021, subject to meeting certain performance thresholds. In April last year, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat had said Air India should be owned by an Indian player who could run it efficiently. Cautioning the government against "losing control and ownership of its skies", Bhagwat said Air India's operations have not been managed properly. Investors' wealth has gone up by Rs 3.86 lakh crore in two days of the market rise where the Sensex has gained 872 points after the decisive mandate for the BJP in the general election New Delhi: Investors' wealth has gone up by Rs 3.86 lakh crore in two days of the market rise where the Sensex has gained 872 points after the decisive mandate for the BJP in the general election. The 30-share BSE key index has gained 871.9 points in two days. The Sensex on Monday closed 248.57 points higher at 39,683.29. Led by the rally in the equity market, the market capitalisation (m-cap) of BSE-listed companies rose by Rs 3,86,220.41 crore to Rs 1,54,11,395.90 crore on the BSE. At the close of trade on Thursday, the market valuation of BSE-listed firms was Rs 1,50,25,175.49 crore. The Sensex had hit its all-time high of 40,124.96 during the trade on 23 May, the day election results were announced. Hemang Jani, Head (Advisory), Sharekhan by BNP Paribas said, "Indian markets end the day on a positive note. The markets continue their upward trend supported by FII (foreign institutional investor) buying in the past two consecutive trading days. The current government winning the general elections by two-thirds of the majority will clam the political environment in the country." He said the slowdown in global growth, US-China trade war along with rise in oil prices pose an immediate threat to domestic markets "However, post the elections, we now expect the market to revert to fundamental issues such as earnings growth," Jani added. From the 30-share pack, 17 scrips gained led by Tata Steel, YES Bank, NTPC, Larsen and Toubro, Axis Bank and State Bank of India. Among sectoral indices, the BSE capital goods, power, industrials, utilities, metal and realty indices rallied up to 3.06 percent. In the broader market, the S&P BSE Midcap index gained 1.13 percent and BSE Smallcap 1.77 percent. On the BSE, 1,793 scrips advanced, while 785 declined and 188 remained unchanged. (Reuters) - Indian carrier Jet Airways (India) Ltd founder Naresh Goyal and his wife Anita Goyal were stopped from leaving India on Saturday at Mumbai airport, according to an airport official who asked not to be named. The couple were taken into custody by immigration officers, the Indian Express reported, citing sources. (Reuters) - Indian carrier Jet Airways (India) Ltd founder Naresh Goyal and his wife Anita Goyal were stopped from leaving India on Saturday at Mumbai airport, according to an airport official who asked not to be named. The couple were taken into custody by immigration officers, the Indian Express reported, citing sources. The airport official did not confirm that the couple had been detained. It was not immediately clear why the couple had been prevented from traveling, or whether it was related to reported regulatory probes into the airline. It was not immediately possible to reach either the Goyals or Jet for comment late Saturday. Local media said the Goyals had been traveling to Dubai for a connecting flight to London. Local media, citing sources, reported earlier this month that the ministry of corporate affairs had been looking into Jet's books and had asked for a corporate fraud investigation into the airline, suspecting that its promoters siphoned off funds. Jet said at the time that it had complied with all regulations. The Goyals did not comment on the reports at the time. Once one of India's largest carriers, Jet was forced to ground all flights last month after running out of money and failing to secure funds, crippled by mounting losses as it attempted to compete with low-cost rivals. The carrier is saddled with some $1.2 billion in bank debt, and Goyal and his wife stepped down from the airline's board in March amid the crisis. (Reporting by Maria Ponnezhath, Rajendra Jadhav, and Zeba Siddiqui; Editing by Frances Kerry) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. In a statement issued on 23 May, the Maldivian Attorney Generals Office has said no sum will be imposed on GMR by the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority on the final award sum in respect of taxes. Hyderabad: In a breather to GMR Group, the Maldivian government has decided not to press for income tax and fines of over $20 million from the infra major on the compensation it received from the island nation for the premature termination of Male International Airport contract. In a statement issued on 23 May, the Maldivian Attorney Generals Office has said no sum will be imposed on GMR by the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority on the final award sum in respect of taxes. The Maldivian government in 2017 had slapped a notice seeking $20.5 million (approximately Rs 137 crore) towards income tax and fines from GMR Male International Airport Private Limited, a GMR group company, that won $270 million arbitration against the premature termination of the contract for modernisation and operation of the Male airport. The Indian infrastructure major refuted the tax claim by Maldives. "We have been informed by the government (of Maldives), and, therefore, confirm that no sum will be imposed (on GMR) by Maldives Inland Revenue Authority on the final award sum in respect of taxes. As a result, there is no need for any sum to be added to the final award sum to take into account any tax to be imposed by the Maldives Inland Revenue," Authority the Maldivian Attorney Generals Office said. When contacted, an official of the GMR Group confirmed the development and welcomed the decision of the Maldivian government. "Maldives government has now agreed with the GMR assertion that GMR need not pay any tax on the arbitration award. GMR welcomes this positive outcome, the company spokesperson told PTI Sunday in an email response. GMIAL had entered into an agreement on 28 June, 2010 with the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), Maldives, for the rehabilitation, expansion, Modernisation, operation and maintenance of the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport for a period of 25 years. However, in November, 2012, the agreement was repudiated by the MACL and the MoFT alleging that the same was void ab initio, following which GMR initiated international arbitration. A Singapore arbitration tribunal awarded $270 million arbitration against the premature termination of the contract. During 2017-18, the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority had issued tax audit reports and notice of tax assessments demanding business profit tax amounting to $14.4 million, $2.8 million as the additional withholding tax and further $3.3 million towards fines, GMR had earlier said. The mega project to develop the country's main airport worth over $500 million was awarded to GMR during the tenure of former President Mohamed Nasheed, despite concerns by the then opposition. Shortly after the controversial resignation of Nasheed, the island nation government had cancelled the airport project. Banking cash transactions should be encouraged and correspondingly cash transactions discouraged through incentives for the former and not through tax on the latter. The new Narendra Modi government that is all set to take office on 30 May 2019 is mulling a series of steps on the economic front. The important ones are the revival of estate duty and banking cash transactions tax (BCTT). P Chidambaram, the then Finance Minister had launched with a lot of fanfare in 2005 and which ended up in a whimper in 2009. Estate duty was suspended in 1985. It needs to be revived either as a pristine estate duty on the estate of a deceased or as an inheritance tax on the inheritors. In the US, some states levy a stiff tax of about 50 percent on estate or inheritors. The Netherlands imposes a fairly heavy inheritance tax too. These are dyed in the wool capitalistic nations and free societies, and if they can consider estate duty kosher so can India. India is increasingly becoming a welfare state with an accent on ameliorating a lot of the economically weaker sections (EWS) of the society which calls for Robinhood taxation. The estate duty and wealth tax are its essential components. It is sad that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley abolished wealth tax with effect from the financial year 2016-17 on the specious ground that the cost of administering it was more than collections therefrom. The truth is the Wealth Tax Act, 1992 targeted just six assets whereas it should have been comprehensive. Both estate duty and wealth tax need to be revived comprehensively without too many exemptions. The revival of banking cash transactions tax, however, is retrograde. During its short existence from 2005 to 2009, it imposed a 0.1 percent tax on cash withdrawals from accounts other than savings with banks in excess of Rs 50,000 per day by individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) and Rs 1 lakh by others. Ditto for the withdrawals from fixed deposit accounts. The idea was to discourage black money transactions. More specifically, it was designed to stop the abuse of banks for money laundering purposes. Chidambaram said it was being abolished as the objectives for which it was introduced were fulfilled. Touche. Now that the know-your-customer (KYC) norms are in place and better enforced, no one dares to open fictitious and fleeting accounts. In September 2017, the Modi government froze some 2 lakh shell company bank accounts reportedly thus immobilising a whopping Rs 37,500 crore. Shell companies sprung up like spring chicken during demonetisation for depositing black money. The government got wind of it and its promoters have come under its lens. It is still a work in progress. BCTT is not only futile as crooks now know better than to tangle with the government by trying to make their black money legit through bank deposits and post-haste withdrawal but also burdensome for banks. Instead, tax sleuths and banks should put in place software that flags abnormal cash withdrawals. In fact, they are already in place; only they need to be fine-tuned periodically to catch up with the crooks designs. It can also be a nuisance for businesses which perforce have to withdraw more than Rs 1 lakh per day (under the BCCT 2005) due to remoteness of their locations away from banks as well as due to reluctance of financially illiterate employees in plantations, mines etc, though their number is coming down with Jan Dhan Yojana. Banking cash transactions should be encouraged and correspondingly cash transactions discouraged through incentives for the former and not through tax on the latter. Nearly 6 percent of the turnover through the banking channels instead of 8 percent being deemed as business profits under the presumptive taxation scheme for small traders is a case in point. BCTT is bound to make crooks look for alternatives including hawala. (The author is a senior columnist and tweets @smurlidharan) Goyal could have been officially or legally advised to stay at home and not travel abroad instead of delaying a foreign carrier and inconveniencing passengers It was high drama at Mumbai airport Saturday when the former chairman of Jet Airways Naresh Goyal and his wife Anita Goyal were denied permission to travel abroad. Not only had they cleared Customs and Immigration but according to reports EK 507 to Dubai had pushed back and was trundling to the runway when it was called back to the parking bay and Goyal and his wife were offloaded and so were their four suitcases. It is believed they were connecting to London and had boarded the aircraft as any normal passengers without let or hindrance. According to one source, the recall decision was made in a movie-like fashion because in another couple of minutes the flight would have been airborne when Immigration realised there was a lookout notification for Naresh Goyal. It is not clear if his wife volunteered to get off in support of her husband or whether she was also on the no-fly list. Clearly, the orders must have come from much higher up and one could hazard a guess that two days after the election result in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the nation by storm, the optics of witnessing the escape of Goyal to join the likes of Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi in self-exile in the UK would have gone done very poorly with the public. The Opposition or what is left of it would have had a heyday as would have the media. Especially with a debt of $1.7 billion hanging over his head it would have looked like he had been aided and abetted by the authorities to 'escape.' The part that is difficult to understand is the need for the grandstanding high drama. A lookout circular is usually issued when a wanted individual goes into hiding. Goyal and his wife drove to the airport, checked in their baggage, got their boarding passes, passed through Immigration and customs and security waited in the lounge, had refreshments and when boarding was announced, joined the throng. Instantly recognisable not just to other passengers but to a majority of the hundreds of workers at various levels at the airport it stands to reason Goyal was not underground or below the radar seeing as how he was boarding a scheduled commercial flight and not a private jet. If there is a political motive that finally becomes transparent, it would be that an order was given to offload him to send out the message of non-corruptibility that is one of the cornerstones of the Modi government. Short of that, there was no reason to treat him like a fugitive since after the collapse of Jet Airways he has been actively participating in its dissolution and rescue bids, even bidding himself for a share. With 200 aircraft on the Jet fleet grounded and its unpaid pilots and ground and cabin crews and management all in the running for jobs and finding very few vacancies, the rage against him was palpable. But that was a mutually exclusive situation from shaming him at the airport seeing as how Jet Airways staff association President Kiran Pawaskar had written to the Commissioner of Police days ago stating that the passports of Naresh Goyal and his wife Anita in her capacity as a stockholder be impounded because salaries had not been paid for several months. In the light of this Goyal could have been officially or legally advised to stay at home and not travel abroad instead of delaying a foreign carrier and inconveniencing passengers. Ironically, both business baron Vijay Mallya and diamond merchant Nirav Modi both away from India in much the same manner indicating that the lookout circular system clearly does not work well or is predicated to the last minute decision from the corridors of power...to go or not to go. There are large non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) operating in the financial system, posing fresh serious threats to the banking system The NPA mess in Indias commercial banks may be largely under control post the painful clean-up process, but that isnt the case with the shadow banks. Fresh shocks are emerging, especially in the rosy books of non-banks with high exposure to real estate builder loans. Unavailability of liquidity, high cost of funds and asset quality pressure are hurting a good number of NBFCs which warrant a deeper look on their balance sheets. For banks, this cleansing process began in 2015. Two things worked well for banks in Narendra Modis first term. One, the creation of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC); IBC was essential to reduce the time required for resolution for banks with respect to large, sticky non-performing assets (NPAs). Prior to IBC, many corporate default cases lingered in courtrooms for six-seven years. Cash-rich promoters used to drag banks in prolonged legal battles, at the end of which hardly anything left in the underlying asset. This has been brought down to a few months now. Second, the clean-up of the banking system was long overdue. The Asset Quality Review (AQR) initiated in 2015 under former governor Raghuram Rajan, aided by strong political will of the Narendra Modi government, has played an important role in digging out the hidden dirt in banks balance sheets, which till then, happily retained much of the NPAs on their books as standard assets using technical adjustments. The addition of the Rs 9 lakh odd crore Gross NPAs on banks books is, thus, actually good news and not a cause of worry. The illness within would have turned fatal if remained untreated. But what about NBFCs? As said earlier, Indias vast and complicated financial system doesnt end with commercial banks. There are large (some of them even bigger than smaller SCBs) non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) operating in the financial system, lightly regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) posing fresh serious threats to the banking system as well. These entities, which are shadow banks, have complex interlinks with the broader financial marketsbanks, mutual funds and public depositors. Some of these NBFCs are beginning to falter under severe liquidity crunch, loose governance practices and allegations of financial irregularities. IL&FS scare IL&FS, which started as a road construction financing company and now a financial behemoth with a rumoured 348 subsidiaries, grew its debt to about Rs 91,000 crore without getting much attention. Its debt to earnings ratio was jumping to dangerous proportions. Yet, rating agencies, analysts and regulators waited till the last moment to ring alarm bells. When IL&FS finally started to default on its payments to institutions, a scare spread in financial markets forcing the government to take over the board and begin the repair work. That process is underway. Top 10 debt funds by exposure to NBFC as of April 2019 Scheme name Categorisation % exposure Essel Short Term Fund - Growth Short Duration Fund 39.97 Essel Liquid Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Liquid Fund 30.51 DSP Savings Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Money Market Fund 24.43 DSP Ultra Short Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Ultra Short Duration Fund 23.56 BNP Paribas Liquid Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Liquid Fund 23.13 Mirae Asset Short Term Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Short Duration Fund 22.34 BNP Paribas Corporate Bond Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Corporate Bond Fund 22.24 Union Liquid Fund - Growth Liquid Fund 22.21 Canara Robeco Corporate Bond Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Corporate Bond Fund 22.04 BOI AXA Liquid Fund - Retail - Growth Liquid Fund 21.76 Source: Crisil IL&FS crisis triggered a panic situation among commercial banks which are major funding sources to these institutions. Credit lines were halted for a while before the government intervened and assured all steps to salvage the situation. But, the wound left by IL&FS stayed and banks and mutual funds significantly cut their exposure to NBFCs creating a persistent strain on liquidity and forcing the investor outlook to change on NBFCs. But as in the case of most financial crises, everyone woke up to the IL&FS episode too late. According to The Economic Times report, RBI twice warned that IL&FS financial services net-owned funds were wiped out. None, including board members or rating agencies, paid any attention to it. Along with this, the liquidity position was turning grim. Cost overruns and escalating interest cost added to the weakness. All major shareholders, including LIC, let the crisis run its course and blow up ultimately, forcing the government to take over the board of IL&FS. Logically, NBFC stocks lost big on Indian bourses since IL&FS crisis. According to a Bloomberg report, mutual fund investments in commercial paper and bonds that mature within 90 days dropped to Rs 3.24 trillion ($46.5 billion) at the end of March, the lowest in six quarters. The report quoted sector expert to say that MFs have cut their exposure to NBFCs debt to 27 percent of assets under management as of the end of March from about 34 percent last September. DHFL next The next big shocker in the non-banking finance space came when Dewan Housing Finance Ltd (DHFL), one of the largest NBFC home loan financiers in the country started feeling the liquidity pinch. DHFL got attention when DSP Mutual Fund sold Rs 3,00 crore of DHFL papers at 11 percent in the secondary market, way higher than the traded rates raising fears that borrowing costs may be shooting through the roof. Rating agencies soon began to downgrade DHFL papers one by one, finally forcing the NBFC to stop taking fresh deposits and even restrict premature withdrawals. The problem with DHFL episode too was in its linkages with the rest of the financial system. At the last count, there were as many as 164 MF schemes across 23 asset management companies with total industry exposure to DHFL alone at around Rs 5,183 crore, as on 30 April 2019, according to data provided by Value Research. What did the RBI do? In a draft circular last week, the RBI proposed to introduce Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) for all deposit-taking NBFCs and non-deposit taking NBFCs with an asset size of Rs 5,000 crore and above even as it denied a special credit window to the NBFCs. The central banks proposal is to implement the LCR requirement in a calibrated manner through a glide path over a period of four years commencing from April 2020 and going up to April 2024. NBFC AQR due? But, is a new LCR requirement enough to contain the risk in the NBFC sector? There is a growing view that the banking regulator put NBFCs in the country through an asset quality review just like banks were subjected to in 2015. The recent episodes have raised serious questions about the actual state of the books of mid-sized and larger NBFCs whose papers are with mutual funds. The process will be, of course, painful for the liquidity-starved NBFCs. But, it will help to sort out the uncertainty of the quality of assets. Siddharth Purohit, an analyst at SMC Global Securities said few NBFCs with high exposure towards builder loans and LAP (Loan against property) have asset quality issues and Liquidity issues as well. But I don't think there is a need for separate AQR for the NBFC sector. What is important is to provide more liquidity to some well managed NBFC so that there wont be any contagion effect, Purohit said. But no one can deny that there is a sizeable exposure from banks to NBFCs. As of March, 2019, banks exposure to NBFCs stood at Rs 6.4 trillion, which grew from Rs 5.6 trillion a year-ago. In the 12 months ended March, this exposure grew about 30 percent. NBFCs will face a major problem if their funding taps dry and asset quality issues come up. That will have a cascading impact on the banking sector, without a doubt. Indias problematic shadow banks need an AQR pill before it is too late. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has dismissed an insolvency plea filed by ICICI Bank against Hyderabad Ring Road Projects, observing that there was 'duplicacy of the claims' of the private lender New Delhi: The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has dismissed an insolvency plea filed by ICICI Bank against Hyderabad Ring Road Projects, observing that there was "duplicacy of the claims" of the private lender. A two-member bench headed by President Justice M M Kumar said ICICI Bank has already raised the similar claims against its corporate guarantor Era Infra Engineering, which is currently going through Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP). "Therefore, on account of duplicacy of the claims the petition cannot be entertained," said NCLT bench, adding "this petition fails and the same is dismissed". Hyderabad Ring Road Projects Private Ltd, is a special purpose vehicle related to Era Infra Engineering Ltd and raised an amount of Rs 193.60 crore between January 2014 to September 2015. ICICI Bank had extended the loan over the corporate guarantee filed by Era Infra Engineering, against which the NCLT has already allowed to start insolvency proceedings after default in June 2018. The NCLT observed that ICICI has already filed claims of Hyderabad Ring Road Projects before the RP of Era Infra Engineering, which has been admitted as financial creditor of the company. "... It is evident that the claim lodged by the petitioner - ICICI Bank Ltd before IRP of that company (Era Infra Engineering) has already been collated and admitted. This cannot be again made the basis of triggering CIRP in the present proceedings and it is not permissible under law...," NCLT observed. Last month, the NCLT had dismissed ICICI Bank's insolvency plea against Era Infrastructure India for a default of Rs 240 crore, on the same ground stating that the bank has already raised similar claims against its parent company Era Infra Engineering. Hyderabad Ring Road Projects was represented by advocate Vijay Kr Singh before the NCLT. Era Infra Engineering was in the first list of 12 defaulting companies which was issued by Reserve Bank of India, directing banks to recover debts through the Insolvency and Bankruptcy (IBC) Code. Dispelling such remours, the government on Sunday said reports on the deteriorating health of Arun Jaitley are false and baseless, and media should stay clear of rumour mongering. New Delhi: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das called on outgoing Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday. The governor in a tweet said that it was a courtesy meeting. Had a courtesy meeting with Honble Union Minister @arunjaitley this evening. pic.twitter.com/Kmq7qkBaCA Shaktikanta Das (@DasShaktikanta) May 26, 2019 His tweet came amid speculations in some media on the state of Jaitley's health. Dispelling such remours, the government on Sunday said reports on the deteriorating health of Jaitley are false and baseless, and media should stay clear of rumour mongering. "Reports in a section of media regarding Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley's health condition are false and baseless. Media is advised to stay clear of rumour mongering," government spokesperson Sitanshu Kar tweeted. Jaitley's college friend and media baron Rajat Sharma as well as Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta also rejected reports on deteriorating health of the senior BJP leader. Dasgupta tweeted that he met Jaitley Sunday afternoon and presented a copy of his book to him. In another tweet, he said, "Actually he is off all medication now. Just recovering his strength and working as usual. He is still meeting officials." "Questions about @arunjaitley health understandable. He is recovering from a bout of heavy medication. But he is still in terrific form and his wit is firmly intact. Needs a little rest to get back his strength. All our good wishes," the MP tweeted. Profitability of IT companies is set to be impacted by adverse policies like the one on H1-B visas in the key US market, with margins estimated to narrow by up to 0.80 percent in 2019-20, a report said on Monday Mumbai: Profitability of IT companies is set to be impacted by adverse policies like the one on H1-B visas in the key US market, with margins estimated to narrow by up to 0.80 percent in 2019-20, a report said on Monday. Revenues are set to rise by 7-8 percent in dollar terms for the over $180 billion industry in this fiscal on the back of faster growth in digital services, rating agency Crisil's research wing said in a note. The industry's operating margins will narrow by 0.30- 0.80 percent largely on an increase in local hires which the industry has been forced into due to the policy framework in its markets, the note said. It explained that the Indian IT sector has traditionally relied on labour arbitrage -- getting the same work done cheaper than the developed markets -- but the gap is narrowing, crimping the margins. Nearly 65 percent of the operating expenses for an IT player is towards employees, it said, adding that the same grew by a faster clip of 17 percent for tier-I players in FY2018-19 as against 6 percent earlier. "Such an increase in employee costs can be attributed to tightening of visa norms for Indian players, resulting in higher onsite costs for them," the note said. It said ever since the US government tightened its H- 1B visa policy in 2017, challenges have mounted for the sector as Indian-origin employees were the largest consumers of H-1B visas at 63 percent of initial employment. It can be noted that the US reduced both the number of visas available and also set a minimum floor of salary to be offered, making it difficult for the Indian IT sector. Typically, an Indian-origin employee with an H1-B visa would cost 20 percent lower than hiring the same talent locally, it said. Additionally, lower unemployment of under 2 percent in the US technology sector as against overall unemployment of under 4 percent means talent availability is limited and it will lead to higher costs, it said, adding profits will continue to be under pressure in the future as well. It said margins have been declining for the last five fiscals due to factors like stabilising utilisation levels and billing rates, and the rise in employee costs is only aggravating the problem. The note suggested players can try to optimise onsite costs by resorting to the pyramid model, wherein college graduates are hired at $50,000-60,000 in a higher proportion and the rest filled with a few domain experts at a higher cost. Focus on moving up the value chain in digital services could also play a role to offset rising employee cost, it said. The fund infusion of Rs 4,020 crore has taken Vistara's paid-up capital to Rs 5,640 crore. The fund infusion came following the shrinking operations of some of the airlines Promoters of Vistara, Tata Sons Ltd and Singapore Airlines Ltd, have reportedly infused total fund of over Rs 4,000 crore into the airline in the 12 months till April 2019, a media report said. According to Mint, the fund infusion of Rs 4,020 crore has taken Vistara's paid-up capital to Rs 5,640 crore. The fund infusion came following the shrinking operations of some of the airlines, a source familiar with the matter told the newspaper. The capital will be used to augment Vistaras fleet, increase routes globally and attain earlier break-even, the source added. Last week, Vistara said it leased six aircraft from Singapore-based BOC Aviation to boost its domestic growth and would deploy them to meet the "sudden drop" in capacity in the market. Vistara leased four Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft to be delivered in May 2019 and two Airbus A320neo powered by CFM LEAP 1A engines, scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2019. At present, the full-service carrier connects 24 destinations, operates over 850 flights a week served by a fleet of 22 Airbus A320 aircraft. The airline recruited nearly 500 former employees of Jet Airways, including pilots, cabin crew, engineers and other staff to support the next phase of expansion of its domestic operations. Due to acute lack of funds, Jet Airways suspended its operations on 17 April, leaving more than 20,000 employees in the lurch. In March, Civil Aviation Secretary PS Kharola said Vistara has been given permission to operate international flights. Vistara's relationship with BOC Aviation dates back to 2014 when the airline announced to lease its first 20 Airbus A320 family aircraft. Last year, for its domestic, short-haul and medium-haul international operations, Vistara placed an aircraft order of a combination of purchased and leased aircraft totalling 50 from the Airbus A320neo family (including the A321neo), with deliveries scheduled between 2019 and 2023. Additionally, the airline has purchased six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft that are to be delivered between 2020 and 2021 and will be used for long-haul international operations. While Vistara has 5.17 percent share in the domestic passenger market, low-cost carrier IndiGo has solidified its position as the leader with a 49.9 percent share, according to the monthly traffic data released by DGCA. On 21 May, Vistara said Vinod Kannan would take over as its chief strategy officer from June as the full-service carrier prepares to fly overseas. Kannan has been working as a chief commercial officer at Scoot, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA) group, since October 2017. "As Vistara accelerates its growth and prepares to take the next leap in its journey of becoming a global brand, certain changes have been introduced in the leadership structure," an airline spokesperson told PTI. With PTI inputs Addressing a press conference in Haridwar, Ramdev said that country's population should not be allowed to go beyond 150 crore and this is only possible if a legislation is enacted denying rights to the third child born to a set of parents. Baba Ramdev on Sunday said that in a bid to curb India's population, democratic rights of a third-born should be taken away. The third child should be denied the right to vote, contest elections and claim other government services, the co-founder of Patanjali Ayurved suggested. Addressing a press conference in Haridwar, Ramdev said that country's population should not be allowed to go beyond 150 crore and this is only possible if a legislation is enacted denying rights to the third child born to a set of parents. "Then people will not give birth to more children, no matter which religion they belong to," he said. He also batted for a pan-India ban on manufacturing, sale, and purchase of liquor and demanded a complete ban on cow-slaughter saying it is the only way out to reduce the conflict between cow smugglers and "gau rakshak" (cow protectors). "There should be a complete ban on cow slaughter and it is the only way out to end the conflict that we see between cow smugglers and 'gau rakshak'. For those who want to eat meat, there are several other types of meat which they can eat," he said. On banning liquor, he said: "In Islamic countries, liquor is banned. If in Islamic countries it can be banned then why not in India? This is the land of sages. There should be a complete ban on liquor in India." With inputs from agencies Media Invite As my monkies will tell you, there is really nothing like seeing history come alive before your very eyes as compared to plain mugging from textbooks. Which is why I believe the centrepiece event of the Singapore Bicentennial, From Singapore to Singaporean: The Bicentennial Experience will be a smash hit with families. PLUS, it's all FREE! Opening to the public from 1 June to 15 September 2019, it comprises of two parts - Time Traveller and Pathfinder . The first is an indoor cinematic, immersive journey which requires pre-booking of time slots while the latter is an outdoor exploratory trail featuring eight interactive pavilions and installations with no pre-registration required. TIME TRAVELLER ATRIUM Act 1: Beginnings (1299 1613) Act 2: Arrival (from 1819) Act 3: Connectivity (1867 1941) Act 4: Occupation (1942 1945) Act 5: Destiny (1950s 2019) PATHFINDER ECHOES Useful Information From Singapore to Singaporean: The Bicentennial Experience Set in the historic Fort Canning Park, The Bicentennial Experience takes visitors back in time to witness key moments in Singapores transformation and if I have to give a short summary of the experience after my preview, it will have to be this:To be honest, my expectations were not high prior to the show as I was anticipating just another usual multimedia show with heavy usage of light and sound. But boy, was I proven wrong! The re-telling of the Singapore's 700-year (yes it's not only 200!) history was extremely ingenious and uses different forms of mediums to touch our hearts.The star of the experience has got to be Time Traveller, which is a 60-minute immersive, multisensory experience within the Fort Canning Centre which transports visitors through time. The Time Traveller begins with the Atrium, and is followed by five powerful acts presenting Singapores story over 700 years.There are a few pleasant surprises along the way so I will not be describing each Act in detail so that you will get to enjoy the whole experience.The show begins right at the holding area at Fort Canning Centre, where visitors will be able to get briefly acquainted with the different acts and view some actual artefacts that were unearthed at Fort Canning.Here, visitors can catch a weather installation featuring rain that falls in reverse, providing insights into how weather played a significant role in the rise and fall of civilisations and cities, including Singapore.This segment combinesperformers with multimedia projections in a high-action re-enactment, with a moving travellator adding drama and dynamism to some of the most colourful exploits that unfolded in early Singapura.Witness how Singapore was already at the forefront of regional and global events as early as the 13th century, and get drawn into a fascinating world of explorers, adventurers and warriors, with court intrigues and epic battles unfurling before your very eyes.Visitors will then be ushered into a room with a 360-degree screen where the familiar narrative of how Raffles came to Singapore in 1819 is retold from an omniscient perspective through the eyes of local wildlife.Board the Indiana, the ship that Raffles arrived on, and embark upon a cinematic voyage, witnessing dramatic historical moments and meeting important historical figures who were instrumental in shaping the fate of early Singapore.Be enthralled with how colourful early 20th-century Singapore looked as it blossomed into a dynamic port city.This upbeat, fast-paced segment features a rotunda with a wrap-around screen and a revolving platform, recreating both the magic and the mayhem urbanisation brought about in the early 20th century.This Act captures the many different facets of progress, showing how connectivity resulting from new shipping routes and communication lines helped this small island make the big leap forward.And then, the tone shifts...A distinct shift in tenor, this Act conveys the difficult days of the Japanese Occupation. And it begins like this.Just a dark room with an audio segment recounting how local resistance fighters bravely stood up to the Japanese invasion.Visitors then move into a tunnel where cracks in the wall provide peeks into wartime life. At the end of the tunnel is the actual oral account, with re-enactment, of a survivors harrowing escape from the Sook Ching massacre.This is easily my fave Act! And I highly suspect it will be the same for kids too... because they get to play in the 'rain'!Visitors will be handed umbrellas for this Act because there will be rainfall! Here, they will be able to journey through the story of how our nation emerged after World War Two and comes into her own in this special rain enclosure.Shimmery water projections highlight the nations remarkable achievements, the road to independence, and a promising glimpse of the future.After the experience, visitors will be asked to pick a DNA trait - Multi-culturalism, Openess or Self-determination - that is the most important to Singapore by dropping a ball into the respective boxes.You can then view the results on the opoosite side of the display with the most chosen trait of each day being represented in the Lightbeam projection show nightly. More details further below.Done with the show? Head to the area opposite Fort Canning Centre's main entrance for Pathfinder, a series of eight pavilions and installations where visitors get to uncover fascinating aspects about early Singapore and experience Singapores 700-year old history through space.This area is open to everyone and does not require any pre-registration, and it takes visitors through Singapores place in the world across the centuries by using artefacts, maps, flora and the written word.One standout pavilion is the Seed Conservatory which features the historical flora of Singapore over the last 700 years. This pavilion spotlights native plants, alongside those which were brought to the island either by forces of nature, or to be cultivated for aesthetic as well as economic reasons.If you are in dire need for some air-conditioned comfort, head to the Observatory which is the Old Married Soldiers Quarters.Here, visitors can see how historical events around the world coincide with our 700-year history.Remember the Lightbeam projection show I mentioned earlier? At 8pm, 9pm and 10pm nightly, the Lightbeam shoots from the Pathfinder area and the intensity of each colour is determined by the choice of DNA traits made by visitors after they complete the Time Traveller: Blue for Openness, Silver for Self-determination and Gold for Multiculturalism.Above all, the pavilions are great for adding some jazz to your Instagram feed.... so just selfie away!Yes, I couldn't resist too.Echoes is a series of four site-specific short films projected nightly at Fort Canning Green. These fictional stories by Multimedia Director Brian Gothong Tan explore the themes of love, compassion, and multiculturalism, in scenes inspired by life in early Singapore.Personally, I feel Time Traveller is a must-visit for everyone - young and old. Last I checked, the tickets for the weekend shows are mostly snapped up. There are still plenty of tickets for shows on weekdays. So if you planning to head down, here are some things to take note with regards to ticketing: Entry to The Bicentennial Experience is free of charge and open to all. It is recommended for children aged 5 and above, and is rated PG. Members of the public who want to visit in June may book their tickets online via the Singapore Bicentennial website Tickets are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, and visitors may book up to a maximum of 12 tickets online. Once booking is complete, an e-ticket will be issued via e-mail, which needs to be shown for admission at Fort Canning Centre. For the subsequent months in July, August and September, tickets will be available at the ticketing counter at Fort Canning, and online, within the first week of the preceding month.5 Cox Terrace, Singapore 1796201 June - 15 September 2019o Time Traveller: Monday: 0830 1730 | Tuesday Sunday: 0830 2200o Pathfinder: Monday Sunday: 0830 2230o Echoes: Tuesday Sunday: 1900 2230*Echoes will not be screened when events are taking place at Fort Canning Green*Time Traveller is located at Fort Canning Centre within Fort Canning Park*Pathfinder is located at Fort Gate within Fort Canning Park Several leaders from across party lines paid tribute to the first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, on the occasion of his 55th death anniversary on Monday. Several leaders from across party lines paid tribute to the first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, on the occasion of his 55th death anniversary on Monday. Top Congress and UPA leaders including party president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh were among the first to pay their respects at the Shantivan memorial for Nehru in Delhi. Senior Congress leader Motilal Vohra and former vice president Hamid Ansari were also present. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter said, "We remember (Nehru's) contributions to our nation." Reportedly, an "all-religion prayer meeting" was also organised at the memorial. Nehru was Independent India's first prime minister and held the office from 1947 till his death in 1964. He was instrumental in shaping India's early years after decades of colonial rule. His leadership made the Indian National Congress a "dominant political force" in the country. Pandit Nehru, as he is fondly referred to, became the General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee in September 1923. In 1928, he founded the Independence for India League, which advocated complete severance of the British connection with India, and became its General Secretary. "In 1929, Nehru was elected President of the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress, where complete independence for the country was adopted as the goal. He was imprisoned several times during 1930-35 in connection with the Salt Satyagraha and other movements launched by the Congress. He completed his Autobiography in Almora Jail on 14 February, 1935," the official website said. In August 1942, Nehru, who was a close aide of Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle, moved the historic Quit India resolution at the AICC session in Bombay. Several times he was among the Indian leaders who were imprisoned for protesting against the British. In all, he was imprisoned nine times. With inputs from agencies A rare handwritten cookbook dating back to the time of Shahjahan gets a second life In a tragic twist of fate, Shahjahan, the emperor whose wealth was once the envy of the world, spent the last eight years of his life eating dishes made with just one basic ingredient chickpeas as decreed by his son, Aurangzeb, who had him imprisoned at the Agra Fort. One of those dishes attained immortality and continues to be cooked and served as the Shahjahani Dal, a creamy indulgence made with mashed chickpeas and a procession of spices. When his writ ran across Hindustan, Shahjahan (1628-58), as was befitting of the Great Mughal, didnt keep quite a frugal table, and his cooks kept titillating his taste buds. Their recipes, which have survived in a handwritten manuscript prosaically titled Naan o Namak (Bread and Salt), now re-named Nuskha-e-Shahajahani, do not use red chillies, potatoes and tomatoes food staples today across India because they hadnt reached our shores. They made up with peppercorns for pungency, tamarind for tartness and dollops of ghee, and the generous use of saffron, fruit and nuts the Persian gift from Nur Jahan, Emperor Jehangirs queen, to Mughal cuisine as well as gold and silver foil, and with inventive combinations designed to ensure that each preparation took the diner by surprise. For a busy period of Indian history that saw long years of peace and efflorescence of prose and poetry, art and architecture, the Age of the Mughals (or Timurids) suffered from an abject poverty of gastronomic literature. Much of Mughal culinary history is based almost entirely on conjectures spurred by accounts of contemporary foreign travellers and rare historical references, such as the description of Emperor Akbars kitchen and the many types of birinj (rice cooked with meats) in Ain-i-Akbari, than on surviving manuscripts, of which just two have been brought to our notice. One, of course, is Naan o Namak, whose two extant copies are at the British Library, London, and the Government Oriental Manuscript Library, Chennai; the latter was critically edited by Syed Muhammad Fazullah and published in 1956 the book is now out of print. The other is Alwan-e-Nemat, which dates back to the time of Jehangir, and its only copy is in the National Library, New Delhi. Salma Yusuf Hussain, the present translator of Naan o Namak (Nuskha-e-Shahjahani), who is also a Persian scholar and food consultant with a long innings at ITC Hotels behind her, has brought Alwan-e-Nemat (Bounties of the Table) back to life and the manuscript is ready for publication. Add these two to Manasollasa (written in the early 12th century by King Someshwara III, it has 1,820 shlokas dedicated to food), Paka Darpanam (attributed to the legendary King Nala, of Nala-Damayanti fame, this cookbook in Sanskrit, as is Manasollasa is believed to have been published some time between the 12th and 17th centuries), and Nimat Nama (the richly illustrated Persian cookbook written mostly by Ghyias-ud-din Khilji, the ruler of Mandu, in present-day Madhya Pradesh, between 1469 and 1500 and completed before 1510 by his son and successor, Nasir-ud-din Shah), and you have the entire corpus of extant culinary literature dating back to the first 800 years of the last millennium. Nuskha-e-Shahjahani opens with a chapter on naan and it is evident already that the Mughal table was way ahead of its predecessors. Amir Khusrau (1253-1325), Sufi poet and scholar to whom we owe the first references to samosas in India, mentioned only two types of naan, but the Nuskha lists nine, including one filled with dates and another layered with pistachios. Soups (aash) that follow the breads are made of lamb with different combinations of vegetable (the Mughal favourites were turnips, carrots and beetroot) and some are sweetened with generous quantities of sugar. A long chapter is the one devoted to qaliyas and do-piyazahs, which include one with sheeps head, another with goats liver, and still others with bitter gourd (karela), spinach and egg, dry fruits and egg yolks, raw mango, deep-fried tangerines, betel leaves and even fried musk melon (kharbooza). For the vegetarians (we must not forget Shahjahan had a Hindu mother, Jagat Gosain, from the House of Marwar), we have slow-cooked eggplant stuffed with onions, tangy yam (zameenkand) with Indian gooseberries (amla), and sweet potato cooked with carom seeds (ajwain). Shahjahan also had bhartas, but whereas Bharta Gujarati had roasted and mashed brinjals and fried onions, Bharta Baingan was smoked at the end and was cooked with raisins, Bharta Shirazi came with boiled eggs, Bharta Gosht was minced lamb cooked in sugar syrup, and Bharta Mahi was fish wrapped in banana leaf and smoked. The most number of recipes, though, are in the chapter dedicated to zeer biryan (saffron rice) and pulao. The first is a zeer biryan with paneer and green gram (chholia), but the dishes get more exciting as we progress into the section dedicated to pulao. Theres one pulao whose centrepiece is a stuffed chicken (a mince lamb-stuffed eggplant occupies the same place in the Badenjan Pulao, and a lamb mince samosa, or luqmi, makes an appearance in another). To cater to the sweet tooth, theres a recipe for Zard Pulao (sweetened cinnamon-flavoured rice garnished with raisins), one for Muzaffar Pulao (where two cups of sugar is added to stock to cook four cups of rice!), and another for the Mutanjan Pulao (lamb and rice slow-cooked in sugar syrup). Sweetened bananas, steamed pineapple, fried raisins, and sweet and tangy raw mango add sweetness to lamb rice. There even a masala omelette (khagina) dipped in sugar syrup. In the penultimate section, kababs, we have some that have been lost to history egg kababs, for instance; or chicken stuffed with minced meat slow-cooked on cinnamon bed, and grilled ribbed gourd stuffed with minced lamb. We also get recipes for shishrangas minced lamb topped with eggs and slow-cooked stands out and so do mashed apples with eggs, also slow-cooked. Sadly, the chapter on desserts is missing in the manuscripts that have survived, but the book does have recipes created by Hussain digging into her gold mine of information on Mughal Cuisine. At the end of it, one is left drooling and one cant help but wonder how Shahjahan lived out the last eight years of his life as his sons captive, fed exclusively on chickpeas. (Sourish Bhattacharyya is a blogger and founder director of the Tasting India Symposium) Dalit civil society groups including Navsarjan and also Mevani organised a meeting to tackle discrimination being faced by Dalits on 22 May, 2019 in Lhor village in Kadi taluka. Weddings are a joyful occasion but in many villages, in Gujarat, Dalit weddings are becoming about asserting their rights which in turn is leading to caste conflicts in the villages. Dalit grooms who are riding a mare in their wedding processions are angering the upper and other dominant castes, which in turn is creating caste conflicts and also leading to boycotts. This is the marriage season and Dalit weddings where they are planning to ride a mare during the wedding procession are seeking police protection in their villages to avoid caste clashes in Gujarat. Dalit activists are saying that instead of ensuring that the rights of the Dalits are protection some police officials have asked them to avoid taking the marriage processions from the areas where the upper castes reside to avoid a conflict. Mehul Rathods wedding in Lhor village in Kadi taluka in Mehsana district grabbed media attention when his wedding procession was opposed by Thakor community as he wanted to ride a mare in his wedding procession in mid-May. His father Manubhai Rathod said, This is for the first time that a Dalit groom in my village has ridden a mare in his wedding procession. My son wanted to do it so I supported him. We also informed the police about it. Mehul works in Ahmedabad in a private hospital. Dalit activist Bharat Parmar said, Though police have been informed days before the wedding, they were late and did not arrive till the situation turned tense. Following the wedding procession which was eventually conducted the villagers boycotted the Dalits of Lhor village. The sarpanch of Lhor village Vinuji Thakor made an announcement from the village temple that anyone who would sell groceries and milk, ground their wheat or ferried them in their autorickshaws would have to pay a fine of Rs 5,000. So the Dalits, numbering about 40 families in Lhor village were boycotted. Incidentally, Lhor village has a population of around 1,600 people. It was only after Dalit activists and police intervened and booked the sarpanch for atrocities that the matter was resolved. In several villages, especially in north Gujarat, Dalits faced opposition during their wedding celebrations. In Boriyav village in Sabarkantha in North Gujarat, Sanjay Rathod, a constable in the Gujarat Police mounted a mare during his wedding procession. He too faced opposition for this. Incidentally, Sanjay Rathods father too faced opposition in 1982 when he got married. He wasnt allowed to serve delicacies at his wedding or decorate his house then. In Sitvada village in Prantij taluka of Sabarkantha district, Anil Rathods wedding procession was stalled on 12 May. Here the dominant Darbars and Thakors, both OBC communities, opposed the Dalit wedding. Anil Rathod is a mechanic in the state transport depot in Naroda, Ahmedabad. Again in Khambisar village in Aravalli district, Jayesh Rathods wedding was disrupted by Patels on 12 May. Jayesh has earlier infuriated Patels of his village when he took out a procession on 14 April to mark the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar. Jayesh also inaugurated a library with 500 books in his house on the same day and is now seen as a beacon of Dalit aspirations in the village. Bharat Parmar, who works for Navsarjan, an NGO for Dalit rights, said, educated Dalit youth are eager to exercise their rights and they are no longer afraid like their fathers or grandfathers were in earlier times. Also, with education, some measure of affluence has also come. Kiritbhai Parmar, another Dalit activist from Navsarjan said, Now that the Dalit youth are educated and are working in cities, they are not ready to back down. They know their rights and want to do simple things like ride a mare on their wedding day, sport a moustache, wear fashionable clothes, ride bikes, have stylish haircuts, etc. They dont see why they cant aspire for such simple things and they are not afraid. However, the dominant castes are not used to Dalits spreading their wings and they are not amused with it. Independent MLA from Vadgam and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani speaking to this correspondent said, Casteism is all over India but when the police have been informed it is their responsibility to ensure that peace is maintained. Also, police should have taken preventive measures to ensure that caste violence doesnt occur. The government hasnt undertaken any campaign to eradicate caste discrimination and neither have non-Dalit civil society groups spoken up against this current situation which the Dalits are facing. He said that this is the age of Dalit assertion which is not going down well with the dominant castes. Dalit civil society groups including Navsarjan and also Mevani organised a meeting to tackle discrimination being faced by Dalits on 22 May, 2019 in Lhor village in Kadi taluka. Earlier, Dalit leader from Uttar Pradesh Chandrashekar Azad also visited the affected villages and met the families of the grooms and other Dalit leaders. He assured them his support. Additional DGP KK Ojha in-charge of Prevention of Atrocities on SC, ST and Weaker Sections spoke to this correspondent on this caste-based clashes. He said, We are being watchful and we have asked all district superintendents of police to regularly visit the villages to ensure that peace is maintained. Ojha denied that there was any leniency on the part of the police though he accepted that while trying to maintain peace in one wedding Aravalli DSP Falguni Patel might not have been able to control the crowd effectively in Khambisar village. In Lhor village, however, DSP Mehsana Manjita Vanjhara successfully controlled the situation and ensured that the wedding procession of Mehul went off peacefully. However, a tense situation prevails in these villages in north Gujarat. Dalit activists said that since it is the wedding season many weddings are still scheduled and it is for the police to ensure that peace is maintained. For the hordes of involuntary celibates and virgins frustrated by strict moral codes, advanced self-pleasuring devices and AI lovers could be just what the doctor ordered Its painful to be around this woman. Deepak wishes he hadnt asked her out. He doesnt want to debate movies, he loathes her floral top, and her constant chewing and sipping seem so unnecessary. Ive got somewhere else to be, he blurts. Hurt flickers in her eyes, but he feels a sense of relief. Someone is waiting for him at home. Solana knows exactly what he wants to hear, she dresses exactly as he likes, and her breasts are made to fit exactly into his hands. Hes glad he remembered to recharge her last night. The future of sex is seductively close, and the innovations of less than a decade ago already seem curiously dated. What are Tinder and Bumble but more of the same when you have men in Japan marrying virtual reality holograms and sex tech companies creating biomimicry microbots to give women blended orgasms? Where we once debated putting silicone into women, we are now talking about putting the idea of women into silicone. Those who are weary of real-life relationships could, like Ovids Pygmalion, bring to life the lovers of their dreams, albeit with the sculpting being done by a handful of sex tech companies busy creating talking-blinking-moaning artificial intelligence companions such as Realbotixs Harmony (and her sister Solana), whose personality, accent, body shape, hairstyle, nipples and labia can be customised to fit your ideal of a mate (theres also a somewhat token male creation called Henry, customisable for height and length). These sexbots have flawless bodies, their AI makes them thirst for knowledge about you so they can serve you better, and the clincher their self-lubricating bits are detachable for detergent cleaning. Their makers are now working on adding heat to their skin and installing cameras in their eyes, all the better to see you with. Although sexbots promising companionship and coitus are already on the market, price is a constraining factor for now with the better models retailing for upwards of $10,000. Also, current models havent quite crossed what Japanese robotics professor Masahiro Mori famously called the uncanny valleythe juncture at which artificial figures are human-like enough to cause us psychological discomfort. Harmony, for example, may be anatomically correct but you can reportedly still hear the motors in her head and her tester and so-called boyfriend Brick Dollbanger confessed that she once broke under his passionate thrusts. Given the ever-accelerating speed of tech disruption, the limitations of cost and realism may soon be transcended. Remember the first commercial mobile phone, launched in 1983, was an ugly and slow clunker that cost nearly $4,000, but look at us now with our beautiful and cheap China-made devices, many capable of being loaded with the Harmony AI Android app that allows you to create your own virtual girlfriend for a small yearly subscription. Avatars, though, are just the gateway drug for the realor more accurately, materialthing. According to some experts, such as Dr Trudy Barber who studies the intersection of sex and tech, virtual and robot sex could become staples for the satisfaction of everyday needs in 25 years or so and help us appreciate the real thing more when we do get it. Others such as robotics expert Noel Sharkey believe that such a time may come within a decade, and will have a ruinous effect on human relationships. Futurologist Ian Pearson predicts that relationship-free robot sex could overtake human-human couplings by 2050. As for the public themselves, 40% of men in a 2018 survey of 2,000 people said they are willing to have sex with a robot, and one in six respondents said theyd prefer this to intimacy with another human. Proponents of sex tech believe AI-powered companions could help beta males who whove been swiped left one too many times and even have therapeutic uses for those who struggle with intimacy, and perhaps even provide a safe sexual outlet for darker desires. There is no evidence to support these claims yet, although one surreptitiously operated sex doll brothel in Toronto invites men to express their violent fantasies. However, other experts are pressing the panic button, as is the norm whenever technology enters the bedroom. Some, such as professor of ethics and culture of robots Kathleen Richardson are waging a full-fledged campaign against sexbots for their potential to intensify the objectification and victimisation of women (and children). There is no evidence to support these claims either. Studies about the effects of pornography on sexual violence have yielded conflicting results over the years, and the data is still sparse on the effects of virtual reality and AI on sexual behaviour. Nonetheless, we can extrapolate some assumptions from sociological trends, psychological research, and the relatively conclusive data at hand on the effects of personal technology on human beings. Here, we will focus on the Indian context. The future of sex in India What might happen when sex tech innovations become more accessible to Indians (provided they are not banned outright)? Psychologically speaking, we look like quite the ideal market, with our low sex ratio and huge population of men and women who do not know how to sexually engage with each other outside of conjugal duties and incestuous fumblings under covers. Given our sexual deprivations (and resultant depravities) and hordes of virgins/involuntary celibates frustrated by strict moral codes, advanced self-pleasuring devices and AI lovers could be just what the doctor ordered, with no side-effects on virtue or health. India is, after all, fast to catch up in technology adoption, especially when it offers some form of release from the dreariness of everyday life. According to a Pew study released this year, 24% of Indians (or more precisely, 34% of men and 15% of women) own a smartphone. One of our favourite smartphones activities is consuming videos online. This hunger extends to pornthe smartphone traffic to Pornhub increased by 121% over 2013 and 2017 due to cheaper data, and we are the third-largest porn-watching country in the world. All this to show that large numbers of us already look to tech to channel our libidinous impulses. Unfortunately, the very chasms, desires, and tendencies that might make sexbots particularly alluring for us could also make them more dangerous. First, in advanced economies, revolutions are usually evolutionsover a period of time, societies are able to engage intensively with the cultural, social, legal, and ethical dimensions of disruptive technologies. In India, on the other hand, we import ideas and we often do not know how to deal with the consequences, as is seen in the case of the messy and generally pointless rules and regulations being made up after the fact in e-commerce. As a society, too, we are still sexually stunted. Sexbots and virtual lovers may send us in an even more regressive direction if they make an entrance during a juncture at which society itself has not evolved. Greater social freedoms are an important aspect of human development, but vast swathes of India are still stranded amid centuries-old cultural stratifications and barriers. At the same time, there is a complicit understanding that boys will be boys and have needs that must be satisfied. I can well imagine parents in the India of 2050 gifting sexbots to their teenage sons to keep them away from in their eyes the nearly equivalent temptations of rape and romantic love. If such a situation comes to pass, then there will likely be less of a push from within society to alter atavistic cultural constructs. Teenagers who form their first sexual relationships with botssomething which has been predicted by expertsmay be permanently crippled in their ability to negotiate complex relationships with women. In Japan, AI girlfriends and sex dolls have been blamed for keeping men from real women and thus contributing to the dropping birth rate. In India, this is less likely since even sexbot-loving males might not escape being dragged to the altar of an arranged marriage, but what effect would this have on the flesh-and-blood woman in the relationship, unless she is really into threesomes? As for the men who find it hard to attract women or sustain relationships, sexbots may take away any chance they ever had. Of course, such men may not mind this so much, given that humans are hardwired for laziness. Dollbanger, for example, told Forbes in an interview he has pretty much written off women for now. When a doll becomes worse for wear, he simply strips the silicone away and dismantles the frame before replacing her. Its not so different from what many men do to women already. It has often been theorised that Indian men are particularly misogynistic because of how much they are built up in this male-worshipping culture, where they learn to see women as objects that exist only for their gratification. Sexbots with their breathless subservience will only perpetuate the status quo. There is no feedback loop for men to adjust their behaviour, no concept of consent, no responsibility to provide pleasure. In such a scenario, it is not so difficult to imagine a Westerworld-like situation where humans are free to rape robots, further normalising sexual violence. There may be other types of impact on women too. Many women are already suffering from body image and mental health issues due to unrealistic beauty standards. How will they negotiate a world they must share with big-breasted, tiny-waisted, perpetually airbrushed simulacrums of themselves? Might they feel compelled to compete, in their looks, in their compliance to male desires, in a disavowal of their own human needs? In India, they might be more drawn than ever to Fair and Lovely-type products given that to date at least, the available sexbots conform strictly to Western beauty ideals. What is a girl to do? While it may take longer for it to be acceptable for women in India to cart home the likes of Henry the sexbot, they might at least be able to discreetly retreat into their bedrooms to dream up virtual boyfriends, maybe with a microrobotic dildo in hand. But futuristic self-stimulation cannot solve our larger problems, and sexbots cannot serve as anything other than band-aid solutions to our struggles with sexuality. Of course, where we stand now, it is highly unlikely that human beings will be sexually outdated any time soon, regardless of what the manufacturers of sexbots will have us believe. The technology has a long way to go, the prices are far from hitting their sweet spot, and it is too early to make doomsday predictions. However, even if society is not shaken to its core, it most certainly will be stirred, and many of us may be negatively affected even if the technology has some clearly positive potential. Its time to think about it. Asavari Singh is an editor with a background in psychology and gender The Narikuravas are among the most vulnerable communities, with very low education levels The Kuraver belongs to one of the great robber castes of Indiathey are systematic thievesthey are hereditary (criminals), habitual and incorrigible The Land Pirates of India by WJ Hatch, 1928 In 1871, Imperial Britain passed the Criminal Tribes Act that declared many of Indias nomadic tribes, including hunters and forest dwellers, to be criminals. These tribes, as is obvious from the extracts of Hatchs book quoted above, were a subject of equal parts fascination and equal parts contempt. Its been nearly a century and a half since the Act was passed: it was repealed by the Indian government in 1952. And while the fascination with the countrys nomadic tribes may have waned, the distrust still lingers, as do the prejudices. Kuraver in Tamil Nadu is a blanket term of reference for nomadic tribes, with each being differentiated on the basis of its traditional occupation. The Narikuravas were traditionally hunters and even today every hut in the Narikurava settlement in Kalmedu village near Madurai has a wicker basket from which the cheeping of chicks can be heard. I have lived here for twenty- five yearsmy childhood was spent wandering from place to place but now we live here, says Vasanti, a 55-year-old matriarch of the community. She has a roof over her head but no walls to support, preferring a ramshackle hut-like arrangement to staying in a pucca house. That is for the younger generation, she says dismissively. She likes to feel the wind on her face. Bird hunters, foxhunters she ticks off the traditional occupations of her community, but none of these are followed now. Today, the Narikuravas are better known for selling beads or hawking their tattoo-inking skills (a traditional art they refer to as pachai kuthu) in exchange for a days living. It is not easy to pinpoint a Narikurava settlements origins. Vasanti, for instance, refers to her birthplace as a forest, but is vague on exact geographical locations. Her settlement in Kalmedu has 100 people and the overwhelming desire is to blend in. We wear sarees the way women here do, we dont move around and some of the children go to school. They want to complete their education, she says, pointing to the ever-increasing crowd which consists mostly of women and children around her. Vasanti speaks with Firstpost in Tamil but the Narikuravas converse with each other in Vagriboli. The Narikuravas say their language, which has no script, is a mix of Hindi, Marathi, Tamil and, perhaps, a smattering of Gujarati or even Rajasthani. There is little scholarly work done on the origins of the Narikuravas in order to help us understand their history or approach to life better. However, in a 1989 paper titled Rituals of a Gypsy Tribe: The Vagri or Narikuravar, William J Jackson does try to answer some questions. Vagri is the term used to identify wandering tribes originating from Gujarateven today wandering groups of Vagri are found in Gujarat and Rajasthan, hunting and selling small animals. But Jackson cautions against assuming that all Vagri tribes are similar, in fact most have very different traditions and dialects. Within the Narikuravas, too, there are differences with settlements differentiating themselves on the grounds of whom they worship. Vasantis clan, for instance, sacrifices buffaloes on festivals like Dussehra and worship a kul devta, but Arjun Pandyans group of fifteen families sacrifices goats and worships Kali. They are at Chennais Marina beach, selling beads and offering tattoos. Nearly all the men in this settlement have the same striking light grey eyes while the women are dressed in colourful long skirts. We dont wear sarees. We move around a lot and its easier to be in our traditional outfits, says Lalli, the most talkative of the lot. She speaks fluent Hindi and had already been in Chennai for two weeks when Firstpost met her. Her village is near Vellore and nearly 200-families strong and they split up in groups of ten or twelve during summers. After this we are headed to Bengaluru. From there we will hit the pilgrimage trail as there are a lot of sales to be done, she says. They refer to the jungle as their ancestral home but admit that its been at least a generation since anyone has gone back. None of the children in this group goes to school. Lalli says their constant movement makes it difficult. The Narikuravas were granted Scheduled Tribe status in 2016, nearly forty-five years after the recommendation was first made by the Lokur Committee. They are considered one of the most vulnerable communities in Tamil Nadu with extremely low education levels. There is political awareness about their ST status especially amongst the younger generation, but they are at a loss on how to channel it. Im the first girl in this settlement to have studied till this level. I want to be a doctor, says Navameena who is in class 11. The Narikuravas remain unaware that they were once the subject of great fascination for British anthropologists and rather that you buy a necklace made out of beads from them. But dont they have glory tales of hunters and a past littered with legends? Yes, we were hunters, but weve also always been nomads, says Lalli. We stick to some traditional practices but there are a few among us who are now in favour of putting down roots. They want their children to study, get an office job. However, there are still prejudices against them. They may have been de-notified in 1952 but are still viewed with suspicion, with theories abounding about everything from their personal lives to eating habits. The truth is that we dont marry outside our community, have very strict rules for both men and women and are well aware of our rights. We have accepted the world but the world needs to start accepting us, says Vasanti. MBOSE SSLC 10th Result 2019 Declared: The Meghalaya board announced the results of the SSLC Class 10 exams today (27 May) on the official websites mbose.in and megresults.nic.in. MBOSE SSLC 10th Result 2019 Declared | The Meghalaya Board of Secondary Education (MBOSE) announced the results of the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) or Class 10 exams today (Monday, 27 May) on the official websites mbose.in and megresults.nic.in. This year, over 50,000 students appeared for the Meghalaya board SSLC Class 10 exams, which were conducted between 5 March and 18 March. The Meghalaya board also declared the results of Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) exams for the Class 12 arts stream. Follow LIVE updates here How to check 2019 results for MBOSE SSLC Class 10 exams on official websites: Step 1: Visit the official websites mbose.in or megresults.nic.in Step 2: Select the link for the 'Meghalaya board result' Step 3: Submit your roll number or admit card number along with other details Step 4: Your MBOSE HSLC Result 2019 will be displayed on your screen Step 5: Download the PDF and take a printout for future reference In 2018, the overall pass percentage for Class 10 board examination was 83.89 percent, higher than the figure in 2017, which stood at 54.10 percent. The board had announced the HSSLC Result for commerce and science streams on 8 May. The pass percentage for science stream students was 73.80 percent while commerce stream students secured 79.24 percent. About Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE): Set up as per the 1973 MBOSE Act, the Meghalaya Board of School Education controls, regulates and look after the matters associated with school education in the state. It also conducts examinations for secondary school leaving certificate for students. BIMSTEC is an international organisation of seven nations of South Asia and South East Asia including Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, and Nepal. Editor's note: This article was originally published on 30 August, 2018 in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the fourth BIMSTEC Summit that was held in Nepal. It is being updated and republished in light of Modi inviting leaders of BIMSTEC nations to attend his swearing-in ceremony on 30 May. If 2014 was the year Modi invited SAARC leaders to his swearing-in ceremony, 2019 is likely to see heads of government from neighbouring Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC countries) in attendance for the ceremony, following the BJP's thumping victory in the Lok Sabha election. The ceremony is slated to be held on 30 May. BIMSTEC is an international organisation of seven nations of South Asia and South East Asia including Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, and Nepal. Flashback to last year, and the two-day BIMSTEC summit was hosted in Kathmandu on 30 and 31 August, 2018. A day before departing for the summit in Nepal, Modi had said that his participation in the BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu signalled India's highest priority to its neighbourhood and a strong commitment to continue deepening ties with the "extended neighbourhood" in South East Asia. Modi said that he would interact with all the leaders of BIMSTEC "to further enrich our regional cooperation, enhance our trade ties and advance our collective efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous Bay of Bengal region". What is BIMSTEC? BIMSTEC is an economic grouping of member-countries in the South East Asia region. This action taken for regional economic cooperation was carried out in 1997 through the Bangkok declaration. BIMSTEC was created with the aim of increasing socio-economic cooperation in the areas of technology, transport and communications, energy, tourism, agriculture, fisheries and human resources development. In addition to this, BIMSTEC also worked to strengthen cooperation in areas of trade and investment. According to Businessworld, "Compared to South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), BIMSTEC Free Trade Area seems to be much more promising. A deeper economic integration process within the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is suffering because of political tensions between India and Pakistan. Such things are less likely to happen in the case of BIMSTEC." Overall, BIMSTEC functions based on three pillars of cooperation: Trade and investment; energy; and transportation. The transformation of the BIMSTEC region into a hotspot of economic growth also adds to the body's relevance for the member countries. BIMSTEC in 2018 One of the objectives of the 4th BIMSTEC meet was to come to a conclusion on the FTA discussion. Ahead of the BIMSTEC Summit, on 20 August, envoys of the seven-nation regional bloc called for the early conclusion of negotiations for an FTA among member-nations, which has been in discussion for 13 years. Speaking at a panel discussion on the "Fourth BIMSTEC Summit: Expectations, Challenges and Opportunities", organised by industry body Ficci, the envoys of Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand were of the view that the time is ripe to give unequivocal directives to facilitate the conclusion of the FTA. India's contribution to BIMSTEC India is the lead country for cooperation in four priority areas: Counter-terrorism and transnational crime, transport and communication, tourism and environment, and disaster management. India is the largest economy within the BIMSTEC region. According to a paper in Observer Research Foundation, in recent times, BIMSTEC has gained more favour as the preferred platform for regional cooperation in South Asia. After India hosted a mini-summit during the BRICS meeting in Goa in 2016, support for BIMSTEC gained further momentum. The Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Manjeev Singh Puri had said last year that the areas of trade, customs facilitation, grid connectivity, and counter-terrorism will be discussed during the summit this year. BIMSTEC and SAARC The growing lack of trust among the member countries of SAARC, especially India and Pakistan, has been a key reason for India looking at alternative platforms for regional cooperation. The Observer Research Foundation paper reported that in recent times, Pakistans non-cooperation has stalled some of India's major initiatives under SAARC. The area of security cooperation has also had major obstacles for SAARC. The lack consensus on threat perceptions has been caused due to member-countries disagreeing on the definition of threats to security. With inputs from agencies Modi had earlier visited the island country in November 2018, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, after he surprisingly defeated Abdulla Yameen in the presidential polls. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to the Maldives on 7-8 June, in his first bilateral visit after assuming office for the second term, sources said on Monday. Modi had earlier visited the island country in November 2018, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, after he surprisingly defeated Abdulla Yameen in the presidential polls. This was followed by Sohil's visit to India in December after New Delhi had announced financial assistance of $1.4 billion to Male in the form of budgetary support, currency swap and concessional lines of credit to fulfil the socio-economic development programmes in the country. During Sohail's visit, the two leaders had agreed to work together to create institutional linkages and to establish a framework of cooperation in health cooperation issues, particularly cancer treatment, mutual legal assistance on criminal matters, investment promotion, human resource development, and tourism. Both leaders had also emphasised the need to improve connectivity between the two countries through the establishment of enabling infrastructure that would promote the exchange of goods and services, information, ideas, culture, and people. Those in power have a feudal attitude, and see the force as an instrument given to them It has been 13 years since the Supreme Court issued a string of directions to reorganise, restructure and reform the police. The states, however, have been dragging their feet on implementing the instructions. The political class may swear by the rule of law but, in reality, they want the law of rulers to prevail. There has been farcical compliance and whatever action has been taken at the state level goes against the letter and spirit of the apex courts directions. The Congress, in its manifesto for the Lok Sabha election, promised to consult state governments and reach a consensus on the police reforms directed by the Supreme Court and that, based on that consensus, will pass a Model Police Act that the states will be advised to adopt and enact in the state legislatures. The manifesto also said that the objectives of the Model Police Act will be to make the police forces modern, technology-enabled, people-friendly, and upholders of human rights and legal rights. Reassuring words, indeed! The fact, however, is that when the Supreme Court gave the directions in 2006, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government was in power and, for the next eight years, it fiddled with police reforms. The least that the UPA government could have done was to pass the Model Police Act, drafted by Soli Sorabjee and prevailed upon the states, where it was in power to pass Police Acts on those lines. Nothing of the kind was done or even attempted. Under the circumstances, the promise in the manifesto has to be taken with a pinch of salt. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government also disappointed in the matter. At one stage, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked of having a SMART policea force which would be sensitive, mobile, accountable, responsive and tech-savvy in the country, there was hope that things would change. Unfortunately, there was no follow-up action by the home ministry or the states where the NDA was in power. The BJP, in its manifesto, has made no mention of police reforms. The document, under the heading Secure India, talks only of zero tolerance against terrorism and extremism, and certain others measures such as abrogating Article 370 and implementing the National Register of Citizens across the country. The Centre recently released Rs 7.69 crore each as an incentive to 10 states that successfully implemented police reforms but the parameters made no mention of the Supreme Courts directions. The states were actually rewarded for filling up vacancies, using technology in the detection of crime and promoting welfare of police personnel, which are important issues no doubt but they skirted the systemic changes the Supreme Court asked for. Why is the political class not bothered about police reforms? The unfortunate fact is that those in power have a feudal attitude towards the police. They look upon the force as an instrument to further their agenda and fix the opposition. The bureaucracy has, of course, mastered the art of circumventing and even subverting directions that are inconvenient to the establishment. Sadly, law and order is not a major issue during parliamentary elections and, in the current politically charged atmosphere, rhetoric trumps over logic and reason. National security has come to be identified with a muscular response to Pakistans non-state actors depredations in India. People have yet to understand that internal security, of which police is an essential component, is an integral part of national security. Strengthening national security without police reforms would be like raising a super structure on foundations of sand. Chinese President Xi Jinping, speaking at a recent national conference on public security, asked the police to closely follow the CPC (Communist Party of China) Central Committee in terms of thinking, political orientation, and action at all timesto ensure that the partys lines, principles, policies, and major decisions and plans are implemented to the letter. One can only hope and pray that our ruling class, consciously or unintentionally, is not pushing the Indian Police in that direction. Prakash Singh is former director general of the Border Security Force and it was on his PIL that the Supreme Court ordered police reforms While Dr Pragya Tadvi's suicide in Mumbai following caste harassment is a grim reminder of how classrooms are not free from the social evil, it is also an indicator of the sorry state of the education system in India. "My birth is my fatal accident... I always was rushing. Desperate to start a life... I am not sad. I am just empty. Unconcerned about myself. That's pathetic. And that's why I am doing this" these were the last words written by Dalit PhD student Rohith Vemula before he committed suicide, alleging discrimination by hostel authorities at Hyderabad Central University. Vemula's death in 2016 brought to the mainstream a grave concern that has plagued India's educational institutes. The death of Dr Payal Tadvi, a 26-year-old resident doctor at Mumbai's BYL Nair Hospital, brings back unpleasant memories of the events that followed after Vemula's suicide as well as into spotlight the dirty state of casteism that continues to have a tight hold on educational institutes in India. Tadvi, found hanging on the premises of the hospital on 22 May, is believed to have committed suicide after facing months of harassment by seniors who levelled casteist slurs at her. Her family, including her mother and husband, alleged that hospital authorities took no action against the three seniors since before December 2018, when she finally confided in her family about the harassment. The three seniors in question have been booked under sections of SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, IT Act and an anti-ragging Act, along with Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code (abetment of suicide). However, this goes beyond ragging. Like #JusticeForRohithVemula, the hashtag #JusticeForDrPayal began to trend on Twitter as news of her death with the focus on what forced her to take her life began to spread on social media. Her death brought to the fore, once again, the worry of how students in India continue to be treated at educational institutes on the basis of which tribe or caste they were born into, on which section of society they "belong to", not their achievements. In 2011, an investigation at AIIMS, Delhi, found that most Dalit and tribal students "did not receive the kind of support other students received from their teachers". They also alleged that examiners questioned them about their caste, they weren't given the marks they deserved in exams and were also often humiliated by examiners. What makes things more difficult for students from non-upper caste backgrounds is when word spreads that they got admission to a particular institute on the basis of reservation for students from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. A 2009 study by the Indian Institute of Dalit Studies in association with UNICEF found,"Diverse spheres of school life where social relations and pedagogic processes fail to ensure full participation of Dalit children, and they are in fact subjected to discriminatory and unequal treatment in relation to their peers." It further says, "While on the one hand, these experiences are detrimental to childrens self esteem and self worth, on the other hand they are likely to have serious implications for their interest and motivation in studies." It doesn't help that politicians have resorted to using Dalits and other groups from what are considered lower castes as a vote bank, reaching out to them when elections are round the corner and their support becomes vital. A more recent study from March 2018 by EPW Engage found that students from lower caste categories "are likely to face humiliation and harassing attitudes from others in their daily lives", concluding that "negative attitudes, perceptions and stereotypes about the ability of students belonging to the SC/ST groups are a major hurdle, and that policy "should recognise how such perceptions hold back individuals and groups". Even today, in the 21st Century, we hear news of a section of school students boycotting meals cooked by Dalits or parents protesting against a Dalit teacher being appointed to a class. One could say that the situation has "improved" from the ostracisation they faced in earlier times. However, the caste bias students face today wherein harassment continues behind the closed doors of hostels or is cleverly hidden from clueless authorities could be considered even more dangerous, considering how they are concealed by the perpetrators or dismissed as banter by others. The subtle ways of caste discrimination in India today underscore the need for not-so-subtle action to be taken against those behind such discrimination. However, one reads more about instances of inaction in such cases. Instead of reports or warnings or suspensions, it's news of authorities ignoring complaints that we read more about. While the resident doctor's suicide in Mumbai following alleged harassment by seniors is a grim reminder of how classrooms are not free from the grip of the social evil, it is also an indicator of the sorry state of the education system in India, where even educated minds cannot set aside their prejudices against caste. Untouchability may have been abolished formally in India and reservations may have been brought in, but the socio-economic divide stands. The fear stands. The discrimination stands. As a student paying his way through college at Eastern Kentucky University, Jason Rector got tired of paying rent. "Every time I wrote the rent check, the landlord's net worth was going up, and mine was going down," he says. That motivated Rector in 2006 to buy his first house: a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home for $117,000. Rector added two more bedrooms and another bathroom, and invited four friends to rent from him. That paid his mortgage and expenses while he lived rent-free. The next summer, he bought a second house for $135,000. His younger brothers, who followed him to college at Eastern Kentucky, lived in and managed the houses after Rector returned to his hometown, Champaign, Ill. Rector, now 34, is a firefighter and continues to buy properties with the help of his wife, Lisa, a real estate agent. They own and manage 93 rental properties, with an eight-figure total value. Much has changed in real estate since Rector bought his first house. Median home prices nationally have risen by 53 percent since the bottom of the housing market in 2012, according to Clear Capital, a provider of real estate data and analysis. Does that mean it's too late to make money in real estate? Not if you find a property selling for a discount and manage it well. Real estate investors offer some key strategies: Location, location... Look for properties in economically stable neighborhoods where you can expect long-term price appreciation and a large, consistent pool of prospective tenants. That's often at the entry level of the market. Run the numbers. Look for cash flow -- rent minus all expenses, including any management fee and a reserve fund in case of vacancies -- of a few hundred dollars a month. Or you might be content to break even each month and wait for the home to appreciate. Use this Rental Property Calculator (www.biggerpockets.com/buy-and-hold-calculator) to assess a property's potential. If you don't have the skills and time to manage a property, or it's in another city, you'll need to hire a property management company. You can expect to pay a monthly fee of about 8 percent to 12 percent of the rent you receive, plus a separate leasing fee, which varies from one-half to a full month's rent. Use other people's money. Ideally, you'll put down as little of your own money as you can, borrow the rest and charge enough rent to pay the loan. You'll pay more for a mortgage on an investment property than you would for your own home. The requirements you must meet to get a mortgage on a rental property vary depending on whether you intend to live on-site and on who is backing the mortgage ( Fannie Mae , Freddie Mac , FHA or VA). If you have enough equity in your current home, you could take out a home-equity line of credit against it to buy the property. (Patricia Mertz Esswein is an associate editor at Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. Send your questions and comments to moneypower@kiplinger.com. And for more on this and similar money topics, visit Kiplinger.com.) (c) 2019 Kiplinger's Personal Finance; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The CBI had on Sunday summoned the IPS officer to the agency's Salt Lake office on Monday after a team failed to meet him at his residence in connection with the Saradha probe. Kolkata: Former Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar skipped a meeting with the CBI officials on Monday despite being summoned by the agency for questioning in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam, officials said. Kumar, however, sent a letter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), seeking some more time to appear before its officers in connection with the case. A CID official visited the CBI office in Salt Lake and submitted the letter, in which Kumar said he is on a three-day leave and, therefore, unable to attend the summon. CBI sources said officials were at the Barasat court to prevent Kumar from taking any legal step to stop the agency from interrogating him. The CBI had on Sunday summoned the IPS officer to the agency's Salt Lake office on Monday after a team failed to meet him at his residence in connection with the Saradha probe. Kumar has been reinstated as the additional director-general of the CID on Sunday night by the West Bengal government after the Model Code of Conduct ceased to exist. On Saturday, the CBI had also issued a lookout notice against Kumar to prevent him from leaving the country. The agency wants custodial interrogation of Kumar in connection with the chit fund scam as he was heading the police's special investigation team to probe the case before the CBI took over. In the Rs 2,500 crore ponzi scheme scam, the Saradha group of companies had duped lakhs of customers promising mhigher rates of returns on their investment, the CBI had said. The last two years have been the worst for the police with its institutional reputation crumbling due to infighting, corruption and misdemeanour The relationship between the police and society is like that of grammar and a language. Just as grammar sets rules to maintain linguistic discipline and quality, the police should ensure measures to protect society after gaining its confidence. Vice-President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan eloquently spelled out the relationship between the police and public as he addressed usthe 12th batch of Indian Police Service (IPS) probationerson October 24, 1960. Fifty-nine years on, we are staring at a situation where peoples confidence in the police has plummeted. There are various reasons for it but the biggest is the infighting among the brass. Admittedly, there were differences earlier too but these never played out in public. In November 1964, we were upset when during the 38th International Eucharistic Congress in Bombay, the instructions of the inspector general of police, then the state police chief, were countermanded by his junior, the Bombay commissioner of police, asserting his operational autonomy from the British days. On July 1, 2010, an ungainly situation arose when the Chhattisgarh director general of police told the media that he cannot teach the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) how to walk. A grossly insensitive remark that came after the CRPF suffered serious losses in Maoist ambushes in the state. The remark provoked a strong riposte from CRPFs additional director general, also a senior IPS officer. The last two years, however, have been the worst for the police, when its institutional reputation has crumbled due to infighting, corruption, excesses and misdemeanour. Aggrieved parties had to seek judicial intervention at the highest level since the political leadership, administrative machinery and regulatory institutions, created to protect citizens rights, were seen indifferent to the grievances due to their political alignments. The slide into ignominy was complete with the Alok Verma vs Rakesh Asthana battle resulting in a midnight coup on October 24, 2018, to forcibly effect change of leadership at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The countrys top investigation agency received its ultimate disapprobation on February 12, 2019, when the Supreme Court punished its interim director, M Nageswar Rao, and his aide for contempt and ordered them to sit in a courtroom corner like errant students. They were also fined Rs 1 lakh each. During this period, a lot of dirt flewcross-criminal complaints and even operational details involving the national security adviser and a Research and Analysis Wing special secretary were made public. The other incident that was a blow to police prestige was the CBI-police clash involving former Kolkata police commissioner Rajiv Kumar. The CBI, for reasons not known, decided to visit Kumars residence on February 3, 2019, a Sunday, for alleged lapses in the Saradha chit fund investigation. The agency ignored a July 16, 2018, Supreme Court order that required it to approach the Calcutta High Court if it faced any obstruction from the local government in its probe. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee interpreted this as New Delhis high-handedness and staged a 70-hour sit-in in central Kolkata. On February 19, Kumar was transferred as additional director general of the Criminal Investigation Department. However, the government gave him extra responsibilities that overlapped Kolkata commissioners jurisdiction, which was unusual. Kumar was moved againto the home ministry in an unprecedented transferafter violence broke out in Kolkata on May 14 during an election rally of Bharatiya Janata Party national president chief Amit Shah. Kumars second plea to protect him from arrest was rejected by the Supreme Court on May 24. How did things come to such a pass? Those calling for police reforms might say it is because the 2006 Supreme Court order on police reforms has not been implemented properly. But I would argue that there is nothing in the seven-point directive to guarantee better police-public relations as envisaged by Radhakrishnan. The CBI imbroglio was the result of governments own action. It was the abrupt transfer of special director RK Dutta to the home ministry on November 30, 2016, two days before the retirement of CBI director Anil Sinha, that set off the chain of events. In the normal course, Sinha should have handed over the charge to Dutta and retired. But Duttas transfer allowed additional director Asthana to take over as interim directorfrom December 3, 2016, to January 31, 2017. On December 9, 2016, the Supreme Court questioned why Dutta, who was supervising the 2G and coal scam cases, was transferred without its permission. On October 8, 2018, Dutta, who finally went back to his home cadre and retired in October 2017, blamed the chief vigilance commissioner for keeping silent about his abrupt transfer. Thus, the public was not wrong in concluding that the seeds of CBIs internecine war were planted by the government. The present governments predatory political strategy since 2014 has resulted in extreme political polarisation of the polity, which has also affected the police and security services as is happening in the United States. Rachel Kleinfeld, a Carnegie Endowment scholar in her paper The Politicization of our Security Institutions (April 25, 2018), has concluded that the highly polarised American polity under President Donald Trump has adversely affected US security institutions, including the police, the Immigration Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. When one party is politicising institutions, its nearly impossible for the other side to refrain from similar tacticspushed by political opportunism or the demands of base voters who want to see their party fight with the same strong tactics they see being used against them, she writes. Israels police, an apolitical force that indicted several politicians like former president Moshe Katsav and former prime minister Ehud Olmert and also interrogated prime-minister designate Benjamin Netanyahu (2017-18) too is facing a challenge. It could find its independence curtailed if Netanyahu has his way. He has until May 29 to form a government. He is busy cobbling up a coalition that will support him by amending the laws granting him amnesty in three police cases. There is also a distinct possibility of Netanyahu recommending fresh elections if he doesnt get the numbers to amend the law that will also restrict the Supreme Courts power of judicial review. On May 14, 2019, Supreme Court chief justice Esther Hayut voiced her disapproval in a speech at Nuremberg in Germany which, according to The Times of Israel, expressed implied criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus planned judicial reforms and invoked the Nazi takeover of Germany in the 1930s. Vappala Balachandran is a former special secretary, cabinet secretariat Erotic Love Poems from India amply demonstrate that Sanskrit literature is not retrograde or reactionary, and is equally the language of the play and dalliance of love Sanskrit language and literature have over the last few decades increasingly come to be seen by many young Indians as a part of the Hindutva package and, thus, something not to be touched with a barge pole. In this perception, Sanskrit is the hoary repository of all that was backward, irrational and repressive in ancient Indian society. What aggravates the situation is that most of the so-called liberals who think so know as little about Sanskrit or ancient India as do their counterparts on the far-Right who claim, without having been within a mile of the four Vedas, that these poetic scriptures contain all the knowledges of the world available then or now. Ignorance here is well met by equal and opposite ignorance. One pleasurable way to break out of this impasse may be to look at a text from Sanskrit which is about physical desire and its fulfilment. The title of a recent anthology of Sanskrit poetry is packed with enticing words: Erotic Love Poems from India:101 Classics of Desire and Passion. It thus seems to exploit a different kind of stereotype about India prevalent in the West, that Indian literature is erotic in a way that much other literature is not. Can one imagine, for example, a book titled Erotic Love Poems from England or for that matter America or Germany to have the same instant appeal? Objective Love At the same time, this perception of India co-exists in the West with another quite contrary one, that modern Indian society is sexually repressed in a way that Western society never was, or at least stopped being a few hundred years ago. To this may be added the counter stereotype that many Indians have entertained ever since the times of British Raj that in matters of sexual conduct, modern Western society is brazenly shameless and immorally promiscuous. Its as if we have all the sexy poetry and they have all the fun. Obviously, each of these prejudiced perceptions needs unpacking and nuancing. Does India really have more than its fair share of erotic poetry? We probably did when Sanskrit was the major language of literary composition for over two millennia, from the Rigveda (c. 1200 BC) to the Gitagovinda (12th century), and that was probably because our pre-modern attitude to sex was candid and unabashed. Not only the poets but even the wise sages spoke of love and sex as a welcome and necessary condition of life. Thus, in ancient India, the sanctioned purpose of human life was to observe and abide by four major objectives, the purusharthas. Together with right conduct (dharma) and pursuit of prosperity (artha), engaging in and enjoying sex (kama) was an obligation which, if duly discharged, would lead to the fourth objective, moksha or ultimate liberation. Erotic love and sex were, thus, a desirable and even essential part of a healthy and wholesome life. So, just as there was a Dharmashastra and an Arthashastra, there was also a Kamasutra. Since the sexual revolution in the West of the 1960s, the Kamasutra has become probably the best-selling Indian book in the world, answering a need of the hitherto repressed West. The (in)famous sixty-four coital positions are rather like an acrobats manual and fill no more than a couple of pages, but the rest of the book is about an elegant and artistic mode of erotic living, and includes elaborate sections on premarital and promiscuous sex as well as courtesans. While the depiction of sex in the Kamasutra is shastra-like and taxonomical, more freely erotic passages are spread far and wide in Sanskrit literature right from the Rigveda through the Upanishads and the major poets even to the Panchatantra. When translating the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Max Mueller came across a passage in which the sexual act is described in terms of a yajna being performed. But even this holy ritual so embarrassed him that he rendered this passage not into English but into Latin. And I own an edition of the Panchatantra from my student days which proclaims on the cover that all the ashleela, i.e., improper and obscene, passages have been scrupulously deleted. Thus prompted, I also bought another edition in which these passages are all nicely restored. This grand parade of Sanskrit erotica is amply represented in a recent anthology, The Parrots of Desire: 3,000 Years of Indian Erotica (2017), in which half of the selected passages come from the ancient period from Sanskrit, its sibling Prakrit, and its southern counterpart Tamil. In her introduction, Amrita Narayanan suggests that we lost this early innocent candour a little after the Bhakti period, with the rise of what she even-handedly identifies as the Hindu and Muslim puritans later joined by the British puritans. For Narayanan, however, erotic pleasure is not one among the several goals of human life but just about the only one, for the pleasure principle overrides all others. This Freudian drive may strike some of us as being equally Faustian. Indecent Proposal The most frequently excerpted text in Narayanans anthology is predictably the Kamasutra but then follows Amaru, the author of this slim volume translated by Andrew Schelling. He lived in the 8th century and wrote only about 100 stanzas of four lines each, a shataka or century of free-standing verses held loosely together by the common theme of love, which are all gathered here. The other major erotic poets in Sanskrit all have a substantially larger corpus. Bhartrihari in his three centuries of verses, Shataka-trayam, addressed love as well as right conduct (niti) and renunciation (vairagya). Halas Gatha Saptasati in Prakrit is a collection of seven hundred verses on love and the closest thing perhaps to Amarus verses. And Kalidasa, the greatest of them all of course, in his epic Kumarasambhava depicted Shiva and Parvati in an act of joyous lovemaking which lasted one hundred years. Even the less explicit Meghaduta by him had to be defended by its first English translator, HH Wilson, in 1813 against the charge of indecency and licentiousness and he did so by invoking a comparison with similarly indecent Latin poets such Ovid, Catullus and Propertius. But Amaru speaks to our modern times perhaps like no other Sanskrit poet does. This is because the erotic in his poetry is not only a bodily business but shot through with acute psychological insights into the minds of the lovers, especially the women. It is also because there is not only desire and pleasure in his poetry but also separation, jealousy, bitter anguish and then sweet reconciliation. In a large number of his verses, the young heroine new to love (the mugdha nayika, as she is called in Sanskrit) bursts into tears, and they are now tears of heartbreak and now tears of joy. The one word in Sanskrit which subsumes all these shades of love is shringara and it is, as in this volume, as often amatory as it is sexual. Besides tears, there is in some verses here humour and laughter in the middle of sulking and misunderstanding. In one verse, the young womans resolve to be angry dissolves at the mere sight of her lover, for on its own / this aroused body tingles. In another, the two lie in bed overtly angry and with their backs turned to each other but secretly looking to find some way to make up when their glances furtively meet, upon which there was a quick / unintentional laugh and the / quarrel broke / in one wild embrace. In yet another verse, though, when he gave her a tentative smile, she lost her nerve and broke into tears. In this world of fresh and tender love, what the poet seems to depict is neither union nor separation in itself but the sheer intensity with each emotion is experienced. In any case, the lovers are often shown to feel not any one emotion at a time but two or three conflicting ones at once. Their young hearts are often a seething cauldron of mixed emotions with the lid tightly on as Bhavabhuti, a contemporary of Amaru, said Ramas heart was after he had banished Sita. For there is not only volatile chemistry between the lovers in these verses but a kind of alchemy going on the keemiyagiri or the medieval semi-magical process by which base metals were purified and turned into gold. There is something like a trial by fire through which the lovers here seek to arrive at a more mature and assured love. There is nothing blase or banal about the love portrayed here, but instead, a tremulous vulnerability which authenticates the emotion like nothing else could. Unbounded Enthusiasm Schelling is able to convey the artful simplicity of Amaru quite well on the whole in his colloquial and idiomatic free verse which is as concise as the original. As a practising poet, he haughtily dismisses some previous translators of this work as being prosaic and hopelessly scholastic. But he himself is skating on thin ice where his knowledge of Sanskrit is concerned, for there is on the very first page a palpable error, made worse by being repeated in a footnote. Elsewhere, under the flag of his poetic translation, he inventively introduces some pretty poetic phrases which sometimes come off and sometimes not. For example, when Schelling speaks of the Milky chatter of pearls at your breast where there was no milk nor chatter in Sanskrit, one can see that the pearls are milky white but can milk chatter or only silently swirl? Again, in Where to / girl with bright thighs? one wonders how the girls thighs are bright as she walks out into a deep-dark night (ghanenisheethe) to a secret rendezvous? It turns out that in Sanskrit her thighs arent bright at all but karabhoru, i.e., tapering like an elephants trunk which is a stock image in Sanskrit for describing the thighs of a shapely woman. But bright thighs seems to work in English, what with its arresting image and half-rhyme, so one cant complain. Subsuming all these factors is Schellings unbounded enthusiasm for the poet and the kind of poetry he translates from thirteen hundred years ago. For our own era, he says in his introduction, it shows that long ago India developed a love poetry as original and vivid as that produced anywhere on the planet. This is superlative praise, and one can only hope that some Anglophone Indian readers too who pick up this volume will develop a taste and regard for Sanskrit poetry in its many alluring hues. They may also discover in the process that Sanskrit literature is not as retrograde or reactionary as some of our ideologically over-determined radicals make it out to be, for if it is the language of Karmakanda, or rites and rituals, it is equally the language of totally secular Kama Keli, or the play and dalliance of love, as amply evidenced in this volume. (Harish Trivedi taught English at Delhi University) [Erotic Love Poems from India: 101 Classics of Desire and Passion. Andrew Schelling. Boulder: Shambhala 2019 reprint, pp. ixx + 114, $14.95] Surendra Singh (50), a former head of Baraulia village, around 25 kilometres from the Amethi district headquarters, was shot at around 11.30 pm on Saturday. Singh was referred to a Lucknow hospital, but succumbed during treatment. Lucknow: Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of a close aide of newly-elected Amethi MP Smriti Irani, police said on Monday. "We have arrested three suspects in the Amethi murder case, while two suspects are still absconding," Uttar Pradesh Director-General of Police (DGP) OP Singh told reporters in Lucknow. "As many as seven persons were taken into custody and they were interrogated. Among those, there were three who were linked with the incident," Singh said. "As of now, two accused persons are still absconding and we are tracking them," the DGP said. Surendra Singh (50), a former head of Baraulia village, around 25 kilometres from the Amethi district headquarters, was shot at around 11.30 pm on Saturday. Singh was referred to a Lucknow hospital, but succumbed during treatment. In his historical non-fiction book, Sarbpreet Singh explores the conquests and foibles of the Sikh ruler, Ranjit Singh, the treasons endured by his regime and how the empire he built crumbled upon his death and fell into the lap of the East India Company. In triumph do the armies march To beat of mighty kettle drum Elephants and steeds proclaim Their glory in the fearsome thrum Mighty kings there are today And many more are sure to come Godless will they all depart Hands bereft of even a crumb. These words, spoken by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, are a cautionary tale about the ephemeral nature of temporal power. Dynasties, powerful beyond imagination have risen and fallen, but this truth endures. This is the story of four great dynasties, the Mughals, the Sadozais and the Barakzais of Afghanistan and the Sukerchakias of Punjab; some of these were in decline, others in ascendancy and some were yet to emerge, when our story begins. Sarbpreet Singh's The Camel Merchant of Philadelphia dives into the intriguing world of the 18th century Sikh leader, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and his fascinating court, Lahore Durbar. The book is an anecdotal account of a "young upstart" who rose to power, and the myriad characters that peopled the court of this Sikh monarch. In this historical non-fiction book, the writer sinks his teeth into the legendary conquests and foibles of the unlettered king. He explores, in great depth, the treasons endured by Ranjit Singh's regime, and how the empire he built crumbled upon his death, falling into the lap of the East India Company. The book largely dominated by the officers and traders serving Ranjit Singh also prominently features the remarkably courageous Sikh and Afghan women, who were key stakeholders in the politics of the early 1800s. Furthermore, the book also traces the lives of the courtiers who aided in the rise of Punjab's Sukerchakia dynasty, but wound up as mere footnotes in the pages of history. Singh's riveting tale of war, power, and greed is revelatory of the time it is based in, while beautifully humanising the protagonist for his readers. In an interview with Firstpost, Sarbpreet Singh shares his thoughts on Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the nature of his governance, and the relevance of his policies in light of the current political climate. Excerpts: While it was the students in your Sikh history class that prompted you to dig deeper into Maharaja Ranjit Singhs reign, what made you turn your research into a book that tells his story? Being somewhat familiar with the romance and tragedy of Maharaja Ranjit Singhs reign, I was well aware that it could form the basis of a very compelling television series, perhaps in the same vein as the Turkish work, Magnificent Century, about the life of Suleiman the Great, which I really enjoyed. The desire to eventually see such a work be created was the impetus for The Camel Merchant of Philadelphia. Could you elaborate a little on the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the consolidation of Punjab under his reign, and what made him a legendary ruler? This topic deserves a book in itself but let me try to respond succinctly. After the collapse of the Mughal empire, Punjab had descended into anarchy. The repeated incursions of Ahmed Shah Abdali further weakened the hold of the Mughals over Punjab. The only resistance Abdali encountered was from the Sikhs who had consolidated into 12 bands or Misls (the Sikh confederacies assembled for military purposes that were later transformed into administrative units in Punjab) who were constantly jockeying against each other, but would unite in the face of an external threat. Ranjit Singh came from one of the smallest and weakest Misls, the Sukerchakias. Aided in no small part by his brilliant and visionary mother-in-law, Sada Kaur, who was married into the once powerful Kanhaya Misl, the young upstart was able to seize power and get himself crowned the King of Lahore, which had been the capital of Mughal Punjab. One of the early master strokes of his reign was a treaty with the East India Company, which enabled him to secure his eastern border and continue expanding elsewhere. His rule was marked by peace in the territories he controlled and while he ruled with an iron hand and was an absolute monarch, he was known to be scrupulously fair, never tyrannical and generous to defeated foes. A section of the book also talks about the Kohinoor. What do the repeated acquisitions of the diamond, coveted by the nobles and later by the East Indian Company, represent? To me, the whole Kohinoor saga is just a testament to human avariciousness. Nothing more. Neither the Mughals, nor Nadir Shah, Ahmed Shah Abdali, Shah Shuja, Maharaja Ranjit Singh or the British who lusted after it and acquired it, ever really gained anything. * ...Sohan Lal Suri, the official biographer in Ranjit Singhs court, documents that Wafa Begum, deeply distressed at her husbands imprisonment, petitioned Ranjit Singh and requested that a campaign be launched to rescue him. In return she offered the Kohinoor, the only thing of great value that was still in her possession... ...It was indeed a strange twist of fate! The most fabulous diamond in the world; the pride of the mighty Mughals; taken unceremoniously by Nadir Shah, the Persian conqueror; seized by Ahmad Shah who became the mighty king of Afghanistan, and then surrendered by his grandson to the upstart Maharaja of Punjab, who had risen from unprepossessing beginnings and become the master of the lands that all these conquerors had ruled in turn!... * Of Ranjit Singhs courtiers and his zenana, who would you say are some of the most interesting characters and are also among your personal favourites? I have always been drawn to Sada Kaur, Ranjit Singhs visionary mother-in-law who played an outsized part in his success. In a time when women were oppressed in a centuries old patriarchal system, Guru Nanak had boldly proclaimed the equality of the sexes. Through Sikh history there were many Sikh women who were inspired to lead in difficult times. None was more impressive than Mata Sada Kaur. What kind of perspective can we draw of the period and of the monarch himself, in light of his several marriages and concubines? It was a time when powerful men indulged their appetites with abandon in full view of society. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was no exception. His various marriages, as was common during the period, were carefully designed to further his political goals and did indeed pay dividends. However, it is also well documented that the monarch was a passionate man with a beating heart, which would not be restrained even when his amorous escapades brought him opprobrium. * It was not, however, smooth sailing as her daughter and son-in-law had anything but a harmonious marriage. Mehtab Kaur was beautiful and haughty and Khushwant Singh speculates that she was probably not very well disposed towards her husband because the death of her father at the hand of his father was a wound too deep to heal. The marriage did not produce heirs for a while and Sada Kaur must have been devastated when Ranjit Singh took a second wife, Raj Kaur, the daughter of the Nakai Chief Sardar, Ran Singh. In his work, The Real Ranjit Singh, Fakir Syed Waheedudin writes that Raj Kaur brought sweetness and light into Ranjit Singhs life and provided for him a focus of interest in his home. Sada Kaur left Ranjit Singhs side and returned to her home in Batala, taking her daughter with her, her plans to secure the future of her daughter and the Kanhayas in tatters! * In the chapter 'The Dancing Girl of Lahore', you mention how the Sikhs were republic in their ideals. Which are some of the features of Ranjit Singhs reign that denote that the king and his rulers were rooted in their republican ideals? Ranjit Singhs rise was antithetical to the republican ideals of the Sikhs. The emergence of a centralised power emasculated the Misls and had the indirect consequence of creating a power vacuum, which had dramatic consequences after the demise of the monarch. After the death of Ranjit Singh and his two older sons, the republican antecedents of the community re-emerged as the grassroot level leaders of the Sikh army gained power at the expense of nobles and courtiers. What are some of the lessons that can be drawn from Ranjit Singhs court, which might be relevant to present day politics and policy-making? We live in a world where on the one hand, the notion of secularism is vilified by the right, as it flexes its muscles and tries to establish a religious hegemony, and on the other is used by centrist-left politicians for vote bank politics. Ranjit Singhs court exemplifies the virtues of governing in a truly secular manner. His key generals, Hari Singh Nalwa and Akali Phoola Singh, were Sikhs, but also prominent in the military ranks were Hindus such as Diwan Mohkam Chand and the Dogras, as well as the likes of Jean Baptiste Ventura and Jean Francois Allard. His chief diplomat was Faqir Azizuddin, who was Muslim. Indian leaders of today have much to learn about the benefits of real secularism from the court of Ranjit Singh. * On 29 March, 1849 the court of Lahore convened for the last time. A proclamation was issued, declaring the end of the Sikh empire. Maharaja Duleep Singh handed over the Kohinoor to the British conquerors and stepped down from his fathers throne, never to sit on it again ... Duleep Singh was exiled from Punjab and was sent from Lahore to Fatehgarh under the care of Dr. John Login, who remained his mentor for many years. Severe restrictions were placed on who could meet him. As a matter of British policy, he was anglicised in every way possible and in 1853, he renounced the Sikh faith and converted to Christianity with the enthusiastic approval of Lord Dalhousie. * Sarbpreet Singh's The Camel Merchant of Philadelphia has been published by Tranquebar/Westland Publications Limited. The excerpts in this article have been published with due permission from Westland Publications and the author. The development of the Indian film industry is credited to the Film Enquiry Committee (FEC) set up by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1949. Ever the statesman, Nehru was also well-versed with the skill of using the appeal of film stars as a tool of diplomacy. By VK Cherian The first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, is known for his development model and how it shaped the country. But an aspect that is not often highlighted is his contribution to the field of Indian cinema. Nehru was a known cinephile who not only played an integral part in the emergence of Bollywood, but also supported and encouraged the genre of films with a message. This was particularly relevant, as has been pointed out by Aruna Vasudev, a documentary filmmaker and an eminent scholar on Asian cinema, in her book, The New Indian Cinema (1986). She wrote that until 1951, cinema was treated at worst as a reprehensible, though unavoidable, social catastrophe, at best a barbarous pastime for the uncultured and gave the entire credit of the development of the Indian film industry to the Film Enquiry Committee (FEC) set up by Nehru in 1949. The committee examined the state of the film industry and proposed measures to further its development along desirable lines. While the government focused on the development of post-Independent India, Nehru did not fail to include the film sector as part of his vision. Based on the FEC report, he called for a national seminar in 1955. With BN Sircar as the chairman, Devika Rani as the executive director and Prithviraj Kapoor as the director, the six-day seminar offered recommendations for an institutional structure, such as training, archiving and funding of films for new talent to change the course of Indian films. Films, development and diplomacy While some saw cinema as a catastrophe, Nehru viewed it as a tool for the education and development of the countrys identity. During his inaugural speech at the first International Film Festival of India in January 1952, Nehru stressed the need for more cultural interventions in the field of films. Film has become a powerful influence in peoples lives. It can educate them rightly or wrongly I mean that they should introduce artistic and aesthetical values in life and encourage the appreciation of beauty in all its aspects. I hope that films which are just sensational or melodramatic or such as make capital out of crime, will not be encouraged. If our film industry keeps this ideal before it, it will encourage good taste and help pave its own way in the building of a new India..., he said. Nehru realised the need for aligning the Indian film sector with the best of global trends and invited Parsi polymath and filmmaker Jean Bhownagary to be the information adviser to the newly formed Indian government in 1951. In fact, it was Bhownagary who had organised the first International Film Festival of India in 1952. Furthering this vision of promoting Indian creative arts through cinema, Nehru then brought in British film scholar Marie Seton an old associate of Nehrus confidant, Krishna Menon. Seton landed in India in the summer of 1955 and played a major role in the governmental acceptance of Satyajit Rays first film Pather Panchali (1955). She became Nehrus and his daughter Indira Gandhis eyes and ears on Indian films, lecturing on film appreciation across the country, their emergence on the global map and unified the sporadic film society activity in cities across India. Under Nehrus leadership, the government laid the foundation for cataclysmic changes in Indian films over the decades. These included the formation of the Film Finance Corporation (FCC) in 1960 [which became the National Film Development Corporation (NDFC) in 1975], establishment of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) at Pune in 1960 and the formation of the National Film Archives of India in 1964. With the FFCs policy decision in 1968 to start giving loans to new film-makers for small budget, offbeat films, the means of production were radically expanded and the ground work for arrival of alternate cinema was laid,' Vasudev wrote in her book. Ever the statesman, Nehru was also well-versed with the skill of using the appeal of film stars as a tool of diplomacy. He would often ask filmmakers KA Abbas, Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor and actor Nargis to lead and be part of cultural delegations abroad. Fuelling the fascination of countries such as Russia and Egypt with Indian films, the inclusion of members of the film fraternity was significant in international diplomatic relations. Nehruvian ideals in cinema Apart from the policies relating to films, Nehrus occidental impulses in bringing modernity to the traditional society emerging from the yoke of colonialism influenced themes in films of people like KA Abbas and Chetan Anand in the 1950s, said Darius Cooper, Professor of Literature and Film and Humanities in English of San Diego Mesa College, USA. He focuses on two films from 1954 that literally presented Chacha, or Uncle Nehru, and how children responded to the Nehruvian utopia of the first Five-Year Plan. In Raj Kapoors Boot Polish, the orphaned brother and sister go from the shameful act of begging to the more honest activity of boot polishing. This symbolised Nehrus vision for the inclusion of all marginalised communities. And Chetan Anands Taxi Driver, which represented the maligned Anglo-Indian community as actual characters in the films narrative. Even Shri 420 was a weak stereotypical critique of Nehrus urbanised progressive schemes. Thus Nehru not only initiated policies but also influenced the creativity of a host of artists in filmmaking as well. When Nargis attacked Satyajit Rays Pather Panchali for selling Indian poverty abroad, Nehru justified the poverty portrayed with empathy in the film, influencing national acceptance. All these decades later, Rays debut film is widely recognised among the all-time 100 best global films. Indeed, Nehru inspired and promoted a generation of creative artists in independent India, many of whom such as Ray, went on to make their mark on the global map of films. VK Cherian is a senior media professional, film society activist and author of Indias Film Society Movement: The Journey and its Impact (Sage, 2017). This article is a part of Saha Sutra, on Sahapedia.org, an open online resource on the arts, cultures and heritage of India. By K A Shaji He is the most loved as well as feared among the 521 captive elephants, presently under private ownership in Kerala. So, it was with bated breath that Thrissur, the states cultural capital, watched the 55-year-old tusker, Thechikottukavu Ramachandran, participating in the Vilambaram ritual marking the ceremonial opening of the annual extravaganza, the Pooram festival, on 14 May. The tusker was in fact paraded, owing to popular demand, after reversing an earlier government order that disallowed its participation in the festivities as parading the partially blind and temperamental animal was against the Elephant Management Rules. There was a gathering of more than 10,000 people this year at the festival venue, the Vadakkumnathan temple, to which the pachyderm was taken in a truck on the morning of 12 May to symbolically push open the southern entrance of the centre of worship, signalling the start of the festivities. But to the disappointment of scores of Ramachandrans fans, the tusker was called back within an hour of his arrival, as directed by the district administration which was obviously more concerned about the safety of the devotees than the magnificence of the event. According to district collector TV Anupama, this celebrated, partially blind and temperamental elephant could run amok even at the smallest sound of a cracker. Other than age-related ailments, Ramachandran has a track record of having killed a dozen people, especially during festivals. However, under extreme pressure from major political parties and religious organisations, the district administration obtained a fit for all activities certificate from a team of veterinarians, permitting the elephants symbolic participation in the Pooram. For the last several years, Ramachandran has been an integral part of the Pooram festivities. Mother of all festivals Thrissur Pooram is billed the mother of all festivals in the state and dates back to the late 18th century. It is said to have been started by Sakthan Thampuran (Rama Varma IX), the king of the erstwhile princely state of Kochi. The most keenly-watched event during the festival is the parading of more than 50 caparisoned elephants and massive bursting of crackers that continues for several hours. Despite being partially blind and cranky, Ramachandran has been winning the hearts and minds of most of the elephant lovers in Kerala on account of its height and majestic gait, and thats why the festival committee had exerted pressure on the district administration for facilitating its participation in the festivities, at least symbolically. A file picture of Thrissur Pooram with caparisoned elephants. Photo by Ramesh N.G./Wikimedia Commons. It was on 31 October in 1984 that the temple committee at Peramangalam, near Thrissur, bought the tall and handsome Ramachandran for Rs 70,000, disregarding its unruly behavioural patterns. The elephant had been brought to Kerala from Assam. Ramachandran at present enjoys huge popularity, with several Facebook fan pages and YouTube videos extolling his grandeur. Standing tall at 10 feet and six inches, Ramachandran had turned partially blind after having been poked in the eye many years ago by a mahout. But that has never been a concern for his fan followers, who call the tusker Ekachatradhipathi or lone emperor; some have even christened him Kaliyugaraman (Ram of Kalyug). "Affection for elephants runs deep in Kerala. Pachyderms are generally graded according to their thalapokkam (height), length, beauty of their tusks and overall shape, and Ramachandran scores high on all parameters. But his beauty blinds his fans to his erratic behaviour," said V K Venkitachalam, secretary of the Thrissur-based animal rights organisation, Heritage Animal Task Force. Last February, the animal was paraded at a house warming function in Guruvayur and it killed two people on that occasion. And after that incident, Venkitachalam and a set of other activists managed to get an official ban on parading the elephant. But soon after the general elections, fans of Ramachandran and the Kerala Elephant Owners Federation clamoured to overturn the ban so that the elephant could be paraded at the Pooram. Ill-treated by mahouts "This is not just the story of Ramachandran alone. The whole drama explains clearly the way Kerala has been treating its captive elephants. Ten elephants have died since January this year in Kerala mostly because of physical punishment meted out by their mahouts or owners. Eight mahouts have been trampled to death by elephants in this period," said Venkitachalam. As per the data available with the Kerala Forest Department, officials have seized six elephants with visible injuries on account of bad treatment since January from private owners and rehabilitated them in an elephant camp at Kottur near Thiruvananthapuram. The camp now houses 36 elephants seized from erring elephant owners ever since it started functioning four years ago. Our demand is that the government must immediately improve facilities at the Kottur camp so that it can seize and accommodate all the privately-owned elephants. Elephant owners with only money on their minds are parading them in almost all religious festivals, ignoring the extreme weather conditions and high decibel bursting of firecrackers. Even for occasions like housewarming, elephants are being paraded, inviting huge risks, including mortality, said activist Purushan Eloor of Save Periyar Action Forum. But the powerful Kerala Elephants Owners' Federation is in denial mode. The sole organisation of private elephant owners in Kerala has been threatening to withhold from parading elephants under their care, in festivals like Thrissur Pooram, until the government relaxes rules pertaining to even problematic elephants like Ramachandran. Bajaj Pulsar bikes (a brand of motorcycles) are generally found to be involved in accidents. Will that be sufficient grounds for banning all Pulsar bikes? asks a defiant federation president P Sasikumar. Elephants getting ready for the Pooram. Photo by Gasoongi/Deepika. More than just an animal As far as Kerala is concerned, elephants are more than just animals. They are deeply connected to the states cultural, religious and social traditions. More than anything else, changing climatic conditions and events for which they are paraded have made life tougher for elephants in Kerala, and so they often rebel and wreak havoc. But even then elephants are the first priority for those who wish to add pomp and gaiety to festivals and even personal functions, said Venkitachalam. Most of the temple festivals take place at the peak of summer and the rising temperatures are known to irk the parading elephants. Along with escalating heat, the dust, water scarcity and shortage of fodder that have been a consequence of changing climate, are also making life miserable for elephants. Elephants have been extending a certain magnificence and splendour to the states religious and cultural narratives. However, mistreatment of elephants has become rampant in the past few decades and tamed elephants have been turning violent. During the summer festival season, not a day passes without the news of at least two incidents of elephant violence being reported. Experts are of the opinion that elephants can never be domesticated and that they can only be kept captive. The basic truth about captive elephants is that they can never be fully domesticated. The domesticated elephants always nurse a tendency to return to the wild and never return. Thus, they are wild though they appear tamed by obeying certain commands," says Jacob V Cheeran, a retired veterinary professor. These animals usually turn violent because of being ill-treated. In order to make money, their owners rent out these animals for being paraded, and they are taken from one festival venue to the other and practically have no rest during a festival season. This is not worshipping of elephants. Its simply abuse in the name of business and religion, said Venkitachalam. Banner image: Thechikottukavu Ramachandran, the elephant that caused the controversy during Thrissur Pooram 2019. Photo by Gasoongi/Deepika. *** This article was originally published on Mongabay.com. Mongabay-India is an environmental science and conservation news service. This article has been republished under the Creative Commons licence. India and Pakistan have moved from heightened tensions following Pulwama attacks marring their relations to Islamabads softened stance, but opinions in the neighbouring countrys media outlets differ In a span of three months, the situation between India and Pakistan has moved from heightened tensions following the Pulwama attack to an exchange of amicable statements between leaders of the two countries. At the root of this change is Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan's congratulatory message to India prime minister-elect Narendra Modi, whose party has made a comeback for a second term with a thumping victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha election. Congratulating Modi over the win, Imran tweeted: I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 23, 2019 To which, Prime Minister-elect Modi replied: Thank you PM @ImranKhanPTI. I warmly express my gratitude for your good wishes. I have always given primacy to peace and development in our region. https://t.co/b01EjbcEAw Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2019 However, the reportage and opinions in Pakistans media outlets differ from the peace-friendly take of the Pakistan government on Modi's re-election. Pakistan media was critical of Modis leadership, his policies, Hindutva and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). As the counting of votes inched towards its end on 23 May and celebrations commenced at the BJP headquarters in Delhi, Pakistan-based Tribune carried a report terming Modis return to power a reinforcement of the global trend of right-wing populists sweeping to victory, from the United States to Brazil and Italy, often after adopting harsh positions on protectionism, immigration and defence. Pakistani commentators likened Modi to strong men Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel and Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey on the basis of the principles of majoritarian nationalism reflected in the stances and policies of their governments. The overall trend, according to Daily Times, points to the rise of fascism. While calling Modis victory a win on the back of nationalist, anti-Pakistan rhetoric and a vision of a Hindu-first India and the triumph of communal politics, Pakistan-based Dawn said that the Indian prime ministers strategy of projecting himself as the choreographer of air raids on Balakot also succeeded in severely bruising a fractious and unequal opposition. India went so far as to escalate tensions by conducting air strikes inside Pakistan in order to whip up nationalist sentiment, another article in Dawn said. "For the world's largest democracy, the writing is on the wall: communal politics in India has triumphed in an age that will define the future of the republic," it read. Though the The Express Tribune commented on the exchange of pleasantries between Khan and Modi as a sign of easing of tensions between the two neighbours, the same news outlet also cited the cases where the Modi regime might have failed the minorities in India, especially the Muslims. One of its stories posited that an outright majority for Modi's party will likely embolden Hindu groups, who want to assert their dominance in the country, to the alarm of minority Muslims. Khans attempt to maintain peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia through interactions with Modi, if successful, is likely to foster India-Pakistan ties resulting in possible solutions to issues relating to trade and security. However, Pakistan media seems hesitant of forming a positive outlook towards Modi and the BJP. This is summed up appropriately in a news report by My Nation, another Pakistan-based news outlet. The editorial says that lynchings of Muslims and low-caste Dalits for eating beef and slaughtering and trading in cattle have risen, adding to anxiety among Indias 170-million-strong Muslim population". Pakistan remained significant in the victorious fronts campaigns in India. Speeches hailed accomplishments against Pakistan, with the Prime Minister-elect and his party repeatedly citing the surgical strikes and Balakot air strikes as an act carried out by Modi ji ki sena. A Dawn editorial claimed that anti-Muslim chants and anti-Pakistan sentiments aided BJP's dominance in the election. "Now that elections are over, we hope that Modi will rein in his rhetoric that had encouraged Hindu extremist groups to step up their intimidation of minorities," the article read. Some news outlets in the neighbouring country chimed into the criticism that many BJP leaders faced at the hands of the Opposition and media in India. ARY News TV carried a story which termed Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur as a "terror accused Hindu hardliner". In a departure from Khans statement deeming cordial India-Pakistan ties essential for peace in the Indian peninsula and Modis victory improving chances of related talks, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said Islamabad remains committed to dialogue, irrespective of who forms the government. Special advisor to Pakistan Prime Minister on information, Firdous Ashiq Awan also told a television channel that the victory of Modi is neither a bad news for Pakistan nor a good news. "We want to engage with India and resolve all difference through talks. For us there is no difference who is leading India, she said. Experts are also of the opinion that a paradigm shift in domestic politics and national policies will bring lasting peace to South Asia. Only a different Pakistan and India can be friends one day, an editorial noted, making clear its stand, in particular, and that of a section of media, in general, on Modis re-election, which lies in no agreement with that of Khans. Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi Monday alleged that BJP workers in West Bengal were being killed only for their political ideology, a charge dismissed as baseless by the ruling Trinamool Congress Varanasi/Kolkata: Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi Monday alleged that BJP workers in West Bengal were being killed only for their political ideology, a charge dismissed as baseless by the ruling Trinamool Congress(TMC). The TMC claimed that on the contrary it was their members who were being targeted in political violence in the state. The fresh war of words between Modi and the TMC came a day after a BJP worker Chandan Shaw was shot dead in Bhatpara in North 24 Parganas district that has already triggered a blame game. The BJP alleged a TMC hand behind the killing while the ruling party dismissed the allegation as baseless. A 23-year-old BJP worker was shot dead in Nadia district's Chakdaha town on Friday night, with the saffron party alleging that TMC men were behind the incident. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjeeon Saturday said the killing might have been a result of infighting within the BJP. Addressing a rally during a thanksgiving visit to Varanasi from where he won the Lok Sabha polls for the second time, Modi spoke about the dangers faced by his party in the form of "political untouchability" and political violence in which party workers were being killed in Bengal for their ideology. "Take the cases of Kerala or Kashmir, Bengal or Tripura, it will not come in the media. Some people have selective sensitivity. Hundreds of workers have been killed only for political ideology. In Tripura, workers were hanged. In Bengal, murders are still on. In Kerala too... perhaps, in India only one political party has faced such killings. Violence has been given legitimacy. This is a danger before us," Modi said. Dismissing the allegation, a senior TMC leader, who did not want to be named, asserted that it was his party workers who were being brutally murdered in political violence in the state. The leader claimed that not a single BJP worker has been killed in Bengal in political violence. "The allegations(by Modi) are baseless. The fact is not a single BJP worker has been killed in Bengal due to political violence. During panchayat polls, more than 30 Trinamool workers were murdered by the BJP. They also killed a Trinamool MLA," the leader said. Violent incidents were reported from across West Bengal since the Lok Sabha poll results were announced on Thursday. The BJP recorded a stunning performance in West Bengal winning 18 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats at stake as against its tally of just two in 2014. The TMC bagged 22 seats. The Congress on Monday issued a statement regarding the Congress Working Committee (CWC) that was held on Saturday to discuss the losses the party faced in the Lok Sabha election 2019. The Congress on Monday issued a statement regarding the Congress Working Committee (CWC) that was held on Saturday to discuss the losses the party faced in the Lok Sabha election 2019. The party slammed the media for "various conjectures, speculations, insinuations, assumptions, gossip, and rumour-mongering", which is likely to be in reference to reports around whether the Congress president Rahul Gandhi would step down from the post. "(The) Congress party expects everyone, including media, to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculations, insinuations, assumptions, gossip, and rumour-mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted," the statement said. Congress statement: Congress party expects everyone including media to respect the sanctity of a closed door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculations, insinuations, assumptions, gossip and rumour mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted. pic.twitter.com/gtv4fsoazn ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2019 "CWC held a collective deliberation on the performance of the party, the challenges before it as also the way ahead, instead of casting aspersions on the role or conduct of any specific individual," it further added. Speculation was rife on Saturday after the CWC meeting that Rahul was "adamant" on resigning from the post of party chief. Rahul and party general secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi left the venue without addressing the media. Other senior leaders of the Congress, including KC Venugopal and Ghulam Nabi Azad also avoided questions immediately after the meeting. However, a panel of party leaders held a press conference a few hours after the meeting said that the CWC had unanimously rejected Rahul's offer to resign and authorised him to overhaul and restructure the party at all levels. "The CWC called upon the Rahul Gandhi to lead the party in its ideological battle and to champion the cause of India's youth, the farmers, the SC, ST, OBCs, the minorities, the poor and the deprived sections," a resolution passed by the panel said. Honorable soldiers, in pledging their allegiance to the goals and values of the armed forces, understand that war is not just about taking down the enemy. It is about building bridges and spreading humanitarianism among the innocent people who find themselves caught up in a war for which they are not responsible or unable to control. Rashid, 51, a former MLA from Langate constituency in north Kashmir, stunned everyone by polling 1,01500 votes as an Independent candidate from Baramulla parliamentary constituency For his adversaries, Engineer Sheikh Abdul Rashid is a 'dramebaaz', a scripted actor in a scripted play. In the last session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly when he jumped into the well of the Lower House to protest killings and rampant human rights violations, political bigwigs burst into laughter. He looked, as they privately would often say, "like a joker". Not anymore. Rashid, 51, a former MLA from Langate constituency in north Kashmir, stunned everyone by polling 1,01500 votes as an Independent candidate from Baramulla parliamentary constituency, 31,192 votes behind the National Conference's winning candidate, Akbar Lone and 827 votes less then his rival Sajad Lone's Peoples Conference. What Rashid has done, most importantly, is to ruin the dream of Lone, who until recently was hoping to become the chief minister by winning key seats in the same north Kashmir block. Lone was considered to be chief ministerial material with just two seats in his kitty in the last Assembly elections that had made him, in the political circles of Jammu and Kashmir, a force to reckon with. But no one had guessed that the man with a black SUV, a driver and a personal assistant, and without committed workers, buntings, tents and, most importantly, without money, would take on such a mammoth political grouping like the Peoples Conference and National Conference, as he has done in the just-concluded Lok Sabha election. "I have come here to tell you that I have no money and no friends in Delhi. They jail me and throw ink on me. BJP says I am Pakistani. National Conference says I am a sellout. PDP says I am the man of agencies and the Peoples Conference says I am joker," he told one gathering during the run-up to the General Election, as crowds held mobile phone torches in their hands in the middle of the night in north Kashmir's Palhalan village, where mainstream political parties still hesitate to hold public meetings. The crowd in front of him erupted into applause. The election results have been encouraging. Rashid is leading in five constituencies of north Kashmir including Karnah, Langate, Uri, Baramulla and Tangmarg, putting him in a head-to-head fight with the National Conference, come the next Assembly election. These leads have dampened the plans of Lone's Peoples Conference that was hoping to pocket more seats in the next Assembly election to help its ally, the BJP, in coming to power in the state again. It was not for nothing that some people travelled from as far as Dubai to vote for Rashid. A majority of his supporters are the disgruntled youths of the Valley. "I have boycotted every election. I voted for the first time today and it was for you," a middle-aged man told Rashid recently in presence of this reporter, "Even if you don't win, you talk about us and we will vote for you always." It is this "us" that has earned such a respectful place for Rashid's rhetorical politics. He talks about right to self-determination. India, Pakistan and militants in the same breath. He talks about dialogue with militants and that New Delhi should solve the Kashmir issue. It is here that he connects with the youth. He says he talks about conflict resolution because he doesn't want "any mother to lose her son, no soldier to lose his life and no militant to be sent to the grave". His messages, often broadcast on social media, strike a chord with commoners, particularly the youth. When they voted for him, most of them took pictures of their inked fingers and send them to "our leader". That he is not rich, doesn't have any security escort, roams around freely and doesn't carry the arrogant demeanour of a politician, connects him instantly with the youth of Kashmir. It is this sort of political connect that has been missing in the Valley for a long time. Rashid, who is chairman of Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), has measured the pulse of the youth. He uses Facebook to keep his followers and admirers updated, even when he was arrested during the Narendra Modi visit to Srinagar. The video was watched by more than a million people. His street agitations, his arrests and his sloganeering reverberate on Facebook. His videos get hundreds of shares and thousands watch them. In absence of any financial backing, he literally ran the 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign on his Facebook page. That perhaps explains why out of 3,500 services votes in the constituency, Rashid took 1,491 votes. It also explains why two sisters from the Raja dynasty of Uri, who should have voted for the Peoples Conference candidate Raja Aijaz Ali because he too belongs to the same caste, travelled from Dubai to vote for him. "I'm extremely thankful to Facebook without which this would all have been impossible. This is just a beginning of change in Kashmir. And it is not any other party but AIP that has become a force to reckon with," he says. Officials from Pakistan and India on Monday held a meeting to discuss the modalities for the Kartarpur corridor linking Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur district to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur across the border Chandigarh: Officials from Pakistan and India on Monday held a meeting to discuss the modalities for a corridor linking Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur district to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur across the border. The meeting lasted for about two hours and a host of issues pertaining to the building of the corridor were discussed, an official said. The meeting took place at the Kartarpur Zero Point. The group from the Indian side had officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Land Ports Authority of India, National Highways Authority of India, among others, the official said. Earlier in April, technical experts and foreign office officials from both the sides had participated in the talks held at the same venue. In a major initiative last November, both India and Pakistan agreed to set up the Kartarpur corridor to link the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev to Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur. Kartarpur Sahib is located in Pakistan's Narowal district across the Ravi river, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine. India and Pakistan had on 19 March held a meeting of technical experts on the Kartarpur corridor during which its alignment, coordinates and other engineering aspects of the proposed crossing points were discussed. The technical meeting at the level of experts, including engineers and surveyors, was held at "proposed zero points" in the follow-up to the decision reached on the 14 March meeting. During the previous meeting, both the sides jointly surveyed the coordinates of the Zero Point and discussed the technical details, including finished road level, high flood level, etc. Pakistan will build the corridor from the Indian border to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, while the other part from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur up to the border will be constructed by India. The corridor will be opened in November in connection with the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism's founder Guru Nanak Dev. Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi is set to take oath on Thursday for a second term in office to head the Indian government. While an official guest list for the swearing-in ceremony scheduled to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi is yet to be available, there are several reports on the political bigwigs expected to attend the event. Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi is set to take oath on Thursday for a second term in office to head the Union government. While an official guest list for the swearing-in ceremony scheduled to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi is yet to be available, there are several reports on the political bigwigs expected to attend the event. The Hans India reported that Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, popularly known as KCR, and Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress (YSRC) president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will take a flight together to attend the ceremony. Reddy is himself set to take oath as the Andhra Pradesh chief minister on Thursday, after his party scored a massive win in the recently-concluded Assembly election. YSRC won 151 seats in the 175-seat Assembly, following which Reddy staked claim to form the state government. In a bid to form friendly relations with the Andhra Pradesh government, the YSRC chief has asked KCR to attend his ceremony in Vijayawada. According to a Raj Bhawan communique, Reddy's oath-taking is scheduled for 12.23 pm on Thursday. Both the leaders will later take the same flight to New Delhi for Modi's swearing-in. Among other important leaders invited for the event are Makkal Needhi Maiam president Kamal Haasan, and top Tamil actor Rajinikanth, according to reports. Both Haasan and Rajinikanth are, however, yet to respond to the invite. Though there is no confirmed information on the names of foreign dignitaries on Modi's invite list, it is speculated that countries part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and those part of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) will be invited. Invitations may also be sent to leaders of the Sri Lanka, P5 countries (US, Russia, UK, France and China), Germany, Israel, as well as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which are prominent members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Some reports said Pakistan may not be invited to Modi's swearing-in this year. In 2014, Modi had called SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif. The event then was held at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, with around 2,000 people in attendance. On Thursday, President Ram Nath Kovind will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the prime minister and the new members of the Union Council of Ministers at the ceremony at 7 pm. Modi called on Kovind after the National Democratic Alliance secured an overwhelming majority in the Lok Sabha last week. Several global leaders, including Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, US president Donald Trump, Chinese president Xi Jinping and Russian president Vladimir Putin have congratulated Modi on his victory. In the 543-member Lok Sabha, NDA together has a strength of 353 MPs, while the BJP has a majority of 303. This is the highest every tally for the BJP, which had got just two MPs in its Lok Sabha electoral debut in 1984. With inputs from agencies Like SAARC leaders last time, heads of government from neighbouring BIMSTEC countries are likely to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his second term on 30 May. New Delhi: Like SAARC leaders last time, heads of government from neighbouring BIMSTEC countries are likely to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his second term on 30 May. As of now, there is no indication of Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan being invited. Sources said leaders of member states of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) will attend the swearing in. Member countries of BIMSTEC include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand besides India. In 2014, when Modi won his first term, all the SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif attended the swearing in as part of invitations extended to all the member countries of the south Asian grouping. But relations with Pakistan soured mid-term and hit its nadir after the Pulwama attack in February, which was followed by India's aerial strikes on terror camps in Balakot in Pakistan. Narendra Modi in Varanasi; Lok Sabha Election 2019 LIVE Updates: Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi visited Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and addressed party karyakartas to thank them and the voters for 'reposing' faith in him and the party for the second consecutive time. After offering prayers at the Kashi Temple, the prime minister-elect, flanked by party chief Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, told the BJP workers that he was lucky to be contesting from Varanasi. Narendra Modi in Varanasi; Lok Sabha Election Results 2019 LATEST Updates: Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi visited Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and addressed party karyakartas to thank them and the voters for "reposing" faith in him and the party for the second consecutive time. After offering prayers at the Kashi Temple, the prime minister-elect, flanked by party chief Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, told the BJP workers that he was lucky to be contesting from Varanasi. Suggesting that from campaigning to ensuring a BJP victory in the constituency everything was handled by the workers, Modi said: "All of you had ordered me 'you can't set foot in Varanasi for a month'. The nation might have elected me as the prime minister but for you, I am a worker. For me, your orders were the priority." PM Narendra Modi addressing BJP workers in Varanasi: I had spoken to workers of Varanasi. All of you had ordered me 'You can't set foot in Varanasi for a month'. The nation might have elected me as the PM but for you, I am a worker. For me, your orders were the priority. pic.twitter.com/Zm57s8Xu4o ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 27, 2019 He added that this assurance was the trust of the people of Kashi and the hard work of the party workers and therefore he could "peacefully" go to Kedarnath to meditate. He added that no other candidate was as relieved as him during voting. Saying that every household that voted in these elections is a Narendra Modi, the prime minister-elect told party workers that the 2019 Lok Sabha elections were not about mathematics, as poll pundits claimed, "it was about chemistry." "Elections are all about arithmetic but there is chemistry that goes beyond arithmetic. This time chemistry has defeated arithmetic. Some people say that politics is all about perception but we do not create perceptions. For us, transparency and hard work scores above everything else," he said. "After three elections in Uttar Pradesh (2014, 2017 and 2019), if political pundits are unable to see the social, political and electoral messaging that the voters are indicating, then they are suited for the last century, not the 21st Century," Modi said. "The polls in 2014, 2017 and 2019 mark a hat-trick of wins in Uttar Pradesh. Each of these wins is special and should be studied very carefully by political analysts. Uttar Pradesh is further strengthening the country's democratic fabric. The perception around us (BJP) has been vicious, sometimes even telling everyone that we are dangerous and we should be stayed from but India has shown that to political pundits and therefore there is no alternate of transparency and hard work for us." The prime minister-elect said that there are many in politics whose profile runs into 50 pages or more but they are not connected to the poorest of the poor. "We are dedicated to such people," he said. "Work and workers create wonders," Modi said, giving full credit for his victory to the workers at the grassroots level for creating awareness about his government's policies and programmes for the people. Uttar Pradesh is showing the way for India, he said. He also spoke of the importance of "perfect synergy" between the government and the party. Modi won from Varanasi by a huge margin of 4.79 lakh votes. He not only retained his seat but also saw his victory margin increase by nearly a lakh votes as compared to 2014. The prime minister-elect said he was also grateful to his opponents who fought against him. At the same time, he lamented that there was a sense of political untouchability against the saffron party, adding that the BJP workers were being killed for their ideology in a West Bengal, Tripura and Kerala. The prime minister-elect also noted that the legacy of Indian culture cannot be ignored. "Many are embarrassed about it, but I am not. I am proud of our culture. It cannot just be about the future, the country cannot progress without its past," Modi said. Claiming that BJP and its workers have faced political untouchability and violence, Modi mocked those who called the saffron party a "Hindi heartland" party said that the BJP has been in Karnataka, North East and Goa forever, "but they will still call us an only 'Hindi-land party'." West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday remembered that her government had taken the oath of office for the second term on this day three years back, and promised to keep working for the people in the coming days Kolkata: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday tweeted in commemoration of the TMC government's second term in the state's Assembly. She recalled that the Cabinet had taken the oath of office on this day (27 May) three years ago, and promised to keep working for the people in the coming days. She said West Bengal will one day emerge as the best state in the world. "On this day in 2016, the Maa-Mati-Manush Government took the oath of office for the second time. People of #Bengal reposed their faith on us, with a massive mandate," Banerjee tweeted on Monday morning. "We are thankful to them, and will keep working for them in the days to come," she added. Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress ousted the CPM-led Left Front government in West Bengal in 2011 and retained power in 2016. Over the years Modi has turned conventional wisdom on its head, while retaining the all-important winning habit Editor's note: This article originally appeared in Firstpost Print Few would recall that Narendra Modis transition into a political role took place at the most tumultuous times of Gujarat. Ahmedabad was the most turbulent place in the state. The atmosphere was charged with communal hatred. There was a saying among Hindus in Ahmedabad: You can win Delhi but not Ahmedabad. The implicit meaning was that Gujarats principal city was invincible for Hindus. Since the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections were to be held in 1987, the atmosphere of polarisation became quite pronounced. Amarsinh Chaudhary, the new Congress chief minister, did not help matters when he banned the Lord Jagannath Yatra, an annual ritual for decades. This proved to be the ultimate provocation for the religiously devout in the walled city. Given the history of communal violence and impression that the Amarsinh Chaudhary government was bent on pandering to Muslims, the issue had been snowballing into a confrontation between Hindus and the government. The Sangh Parivar had thrown in its lot with the Hindus who were irate at the states decree that banned the ritual. In fact, the Jagannath Yatra in Ahmedabad is ritually taken out from the Lord Jagannath temple and goes around the walled city, including certain pockets of mixed population. In a peaceful time, the yatra would get a rousing reception even in Muslim-dominated areas. But things had changed over the years following a series of communal riots and emergence of a powerful Muslim underworld reigned over by the gangster Abdul Latif. This syndicate was seen as enjoying the patronage of successive Congress regimes. Such perceptions, even if built on lies and half-truths, often trigger social resentment. In 1986, Modi had still not made full transition from the RSS into the BJP when this controversy erupted. Though he was active in the functioning of the RSS-BJP and their affiliates, he was still working behind the scenes. Tensions were mounting in the walled city as the yatra day approached. Policemen were posted all around the temple to prevent any move to take out the procession. However, at the social level, a message was circulated all over the city that Hindus were determined to defy the ban. Just a day before the yatra, some elephants that formed a part of the procession were quietly brought into the temple. Some trained volunteers also parked themselves inside in the night. When morning came, the Jagannath temple resembled a police camp. Suddenly, an elephant led the charge and flattened police barriers, catching the personnel unawares. And, the rath yatra was on course. As elephants led the procession, police personnel rearranged themselves to provide security to the yatra. There were clashes as the procession passed through mixed neighbourhoods, and a large contingent of police took it upon themselves to complete the event, which has come to be known as swayambhu yatra, or a yatra that took out itself. The yatra was planned to the last detail by Modi, though there has never been a credible acknowledgment. But, soon after, Chaudhary apparently made inquiries. He reportedly asked Keshubhai Patel, Who is this Narendra Modi? I want to meet him. It did not take long for Gujarat to know about Modi when he took charge of the AMC election in 1987, his first assignment after moving to the BJP. The AMC poll victory is part of walled city folklore. Addressing the corporators on February 20, 1987, Modi said only their good work would take them and the party forward. Soon there was a hepatitis outbreak in the area. The civic body undertook a cleanliness drive and mobilised health workers to educate people about the epidemic as swift arrangements were made for clean water supply. In fact, the AMC became the first laboratory for Modis political experiments that were subsequently replicated in the state and at the national level. No doubt, Modis method of organisation expansion was quite unconventional. As veteran BJP leader Harin Pathak says, the party knew only the traditional ways of holding rallies, making speeches, and mobilising people for an event occasionally. Not without reason, the BJP was then considered to be a party of Brahmin-Bania, who do not constitute a significant numerical strength in Gujarat. Modis rigorous strategy of co-opting marginalised social groups and neo-middle class in urban areas is quite unique. That formed the bedrock of the partys growth at the national level. From the very beginning, Modi was up against a formidable social coalition popularly referred to as KHAM (Kshatriya, Harijan, Adivasi and Muslim). The Congress had claimed invincibility on account of successful forging of this social coalition. Modi not only challenged it but also replaced it with a rainbow alliance that had a Hindutva hue. Initially, Patidars were the vanguard of this amalgam, but it later expanded to include tribals in large numbers. His strategic brilliance came to the fore soon after when he took over as CM in 2001. Though Modi initially found himself in a tight spot after the Godhra carnage and ensuing riots, he recovered swiftly to take firm control of the narrative. His victory in the 2002 election was largely attributed to communal polarisation. But that was only one side of the story. In his gaurav yatra across the state, he engendered hope among the people of restoring peace and Gujarati pride. In the next five years, Modi ensured that the state remained peaceful and, at the same time, launched initiatives that promised to scale up development work in Gujarat to a new level. He also started correcting the malaise that had beset the administration. For instance, he ensured 24/7 power supply all over the state by separating feeders for domestic and agricultural consumption. Since farmers were used to getting subsidised electricity, they rose up in revolt. Modi found a serious challenge to his authority from the Patidars who constitute nearly 20% of the electorate. He used his persuasive skills as an administrator to force farmers to fall in line but not without a political cost. In the 2007 state assembly polls, a strong section of the Patidars, egged on by a political lobby headed by Keshubhai Patel, opposed him with all its might. The deft political manager that he is, Modi could foresee the problem and strategised in time to co-opt tribals and scheduled castes. He tapped into the angst of the burgeoning new-middle class, which aspires relentlessly for a better life and is quite industrious. For this section, the assurance of round-the-clock electricity and supply of clean water was nothing short of a boon. This accretion of new social groups to the BJPs fold significantly added to the partys support base and offset the drifting away of the Patidars. An officer working with the chief ministers office at the time told me that he had once tried to persuade Modi to shelve his scheme of electricity reforms. But an unfazed Modi told him: Go ahead and implement it. Dont bother about the elections. Modi won the polls, against all odds. Since then, he realised that tough decisions are not always bad politics. A day after the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in 2011, Modi gave me a lengthy interview while driving to participate in the annual kite festival. Just after leaving Gandhinagar, he pointed towards some houses that had been demolished to widen the street. This is our model of development which evokes support, he said. The same approach was evident when Modi roped in Ratan Tata to set up his Nano car manufacturing unit in Gujarat by simply sending him the message, Suswagatam (most welcome), after Mamata Banerjee chased away the project from West Bengal. Of course, the 2012 state assembly election was a cakewalk for him as the Congress appeared completely decimated. There is a discernible pattern in Modis politics right through his management of the AMC polls to the national level in 2019. He aligned his development work to popular approbation. At the same time, he is the first Indian politician, perhaps after Mahatma Gandhi, who has honed the skill of persuading people to face hardships brought on by his tough decisions. In 2014, he rode a popular wave of optimism against the backdrop of a government headed by a prime minister who lacked political power and was beset with corruption scandals. Unlike previous experiments of non-Congress governments at the national level, he focused on consolidating and re-arranging his social support by taking up innovative initiatives. It was not without reason that his first speech from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort was devoted to cleanliness and changing social habits in rural India. He launched a massive drive to build toilets across the country, caring the least about experts who rubbished the entire project as a gimmick. Once, when asked if one needed to create infrastructure first to build toilets, Modi is learnt to have replied: Let us not get into the chicken-and-egg dilemma. First build the toilet, the rest of the infrastructure would follow. There is little doubt that there is deep social transformation in areas declared open-defecation free in rural India. Similarly, his insistence on opening a bank account for every Indian has profoundly impacted peoples attitudes towards personal economy. Also, the assured supply of electricity and gas in rural areas has significantly changed peoples lives and made them stakeholders in continuance of the government. While launching initiatives to reform social behaviour, Modis sustained spending on infrastructure across the country is intended to give fillip to growth. He knows it better than most that the construction of highways, shopping malls and promise to build smart cities are not mere political assurances but also instruments to bring about momentous transformation in society. In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where the dominance of regional parties representing caste identities was overweening, Modi along with BJP chief Amit Shah managed to build a formidable organisational machinery and devised schemes to rope in smaller social classes which were politically not as empowered as dominant castes. If one critically analyses Modis strategy to remould society and chart the course of his politics, it becomes quite evident that he has never changed his spots. In fact, he has turned all conventional wisdom on its head, while retaining the all-important habit of winning. Modi himself provided an interesting window to his thoughts while addressing over 300 BJP MPs, many of them first-timers, at Parliament's Central Hall on Saturday evening. What emerged during the address has been lauded in many quarters as 'statesmanlike', 'inclusive' and 'empowering' but a key takeaway from the address was the prime minister's inherent distrust of the media. It is rarely that we get insights into the mind of Narendra Modi, the politician who is redefining politics in our era. This might seem paradoxical since Modi has been in constant conversation with the electorate ever since he came to power at the Centre in 2014. Through countless speeches, interviews, tweets, monologues, dialogues and other communicative outreaches, Modi has been busy talking and listening to the people. Yet, barring a few occasions, it has been impossible to peek into his mind to understand the thought process of a politician who is taking apart existing political models and constantly challenging us to rethink our axiomatic beliefs about India's politics and discourse. The just-concluded 2019 Lok Sabha elections offer a good example. Traditional political wisdom centred around caste identities and votebank politics has been swept away in favour of a new phenomenon the Modi phenomenon the nature of which we dont fully understand yet. Now that Indians have allowed him a bigger mandate in his second consecutive term and even more responsibility than in his first with the result that Modi now possesses power rivalling a Recep Tayyip Erdogan or a Xi Jinping it may be worth noting what he stands for, and in which direction does he wish to take the country that has reposed untrammeled faith in him. Modi himself provided an interesting window to his thoughts while addressing over 300 BJP MPs, many of them first timers, at the Parliaments Central Hall on Saturday evening. What emerged during the address has been lauded in many quarters as statesmanlike, inclusive and empowering but what leapt out, during the address, is the prime ministers inherent distrust of the media. While advising first time MPs on the perceived booby traps laid by the mass medium, it was evident that Modi sees the conventional media (not social) as a sold out entity that in the garb of questioning the government performs the role of a destabiliser. Modi believes that the media is perhaps inimical to India's interests and an obstacle in the path of the government in carrying out its duties and responsibilities. He reminded the MPs that the enormity of the mandate places immense responsibility on their shoulders because "ab janta maaf nahi karegi (the people wont forgive anymore) if they fail in their tasks. And to carry out those tasks, said the prime minister, it requires single-minded determination and a concerted effort to stay away from needless controversies which are inevitable if lawmakers allow the media to 'seduce' them. As he said, "god knows what magic lies in the TV boom that mouths open on their own, and words pour out that keeps their (media's) business thriving and puts the party in trouble." One may easily interpret Modis advice to MPs as a warning not to delve in controversies such as those created by Bhopal contestant Pragya Thakur (now an MP) who had to twice apologise for her controversial statements. So, according to Modi, the media performs the role of a "seductress". Is this assessment justified? Modi might not be against the concept of a mass medium, per se, that performs its role as the proverbial fourth pillar of democracy. If we assess his earlier speeches, Modi has batted for media scrutiny in government functioning and has repeatedly called for informed and constructive criticism. His grouse seems to be that the medias current role (as opposed to its objective task as democracys watchdog) is subjective and deviates from that path owing to a corruptive influence. What may be the corruptive influence that, according to Modi, has damaged medias credibility? From his address to MPs on Saturday, it seemed as if the prime minister is hinting towards two impulses medias loyalty towards the ecosystem that nurtured it for 70 years and pecuniary interests that involve spinning perennially on the controversy axis to sustain itself. "They have been nurtured for 70 years by others it is a folly to believe they would accept us," said Modi the only occasion when he overtly criticized the media. His chief thrust of criticism was towards the lawmakers who have, as he said, repeatedly put the party and the government in a spot in the past not because they failed in their jobs, but because they couldnt resist the lure of media. "We may do very good work as a government but one wrong sentence from you can shatter the goodwill. Beware of two tendencies, which Advani ji (senior BJP leader LK Advani) used to warn about Chhapaas aur Dikhaas (the addiction to be published in papers, and to be watched on TV), he said. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi addressing NDA Parliamentary meet says, "Media ke logo ko bhi pata hota hai ki 6 namune hain, vaha subah pahoch jayo, gate ke bahar khade raho, nikal ke kuchh to bolega." pic.twitter.com/dTtzu9uz6M ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2019 Modi also warned the lawmakers to not fall in the misconception of off the record conversations because, as he said, nothing spoken to the media ever remains off the record, even more so in the age of hidden devices that may record private conversations. This might seem verging on paranoia, but it gives un invaluable glimpse into the mind of a man for whom media remains an anathema. He equally urged party spokespersons not to "react" immediately before gathering full information. "This business of reaction and counter-reaction make things go out of hand and buries the real issue. It is not the medias fault but our enchantment with the medium." Two things are worth emphasizing in lieu of Modis address. One, it gives us an insight into Modis obsessive self-discipline in public life. It also tells us something about his political strengths. To dismantle the existing political models, demolish old ideas centred around consolidation of caste identities and create new consolidations that cut across caste and even community divides requires an extraordinary political acumen. Modi possesses that acumen. As Pratap Bhanu Mehta, vice-chancellor of Ashoka University tells The New Yorker in an interview, "You cannot deny the fact he is an absolutely extraordinary politician, in terms of thinking about the aesthetics of politics, in terms of thinking about what communication means in politics, in terms of thinking about political organization. What he does as a politician is to say, 'You can create a new reality. You are not trapped by inherited categories of thinking'." This is easier said than done. To do what Modi has successfully done two times over requires talent, high degree of motivation, foresight, risk-taking abilities and self-discipline. Modi's assessment may be harsh, but we in media have 'earned' the distrust and loss of credibility that plagues us. It would be easy to paint Modi as a media-hater and stop all introspection. Yet, if half of India has just voted for one man and reposed trust in his vision, it won't be illogical to suggest that his views resonate among majority of Indians. We would do well, therefore, to introspect why we have seemingly deviated from our objective of working as the neutral watchdog of democracy. We should reflect on why sensationalism scores over hard-nosed reporting. Perhaps we have forgotten how to do our primary job offer informed and reasonable critiques of the government, hold it accountable, diagnose and represent the will of the people. Had we been doing our job well, at the very least we would have picked up traces of the Modi wave 2.0. Instead, we hyped up 2019 Lok Sabha polls as a close contest. Rahul Gandhi was launched (for the umpteenth time) as a knight in shining armour finally ready to meet his destiny. Medias self-delusion arises from its laziness, but also because it chooses to remain in denial. The question is, why? One possible answer could be the fact that the media, like everything else, had been controlled by a small group of elites who took grip of the countrys levers of power from the British. As Tavleen Singh, writes in The Indian Express, "believe me when I tell you that we controlled everything. Politics, government, business, foreign policy, the police, the military and the media. All this was possible because we were to some degree all courtiers in the court of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty since the British left. We knew that their 'socialism' and 'secularism' were as fake as their 'idea of India'." It is easy to see why they saw in Modi an existential threat, and through one of their controlling arms the media sought to demolish that threat in inception. In effect, the media perhaps contributed towards making Modi the phenomenon that he is. In his distrust of the media, Modi may do well to acknowledge that (unintended) contribution. For us in the media, it is time for some reflection and going back to the basics. Prem Singh Tamang, Sikkim's chief minister, had been accused of misappropriating funds to the tune of Rs. 9.50 lakh in the milch cow distribution scheme of the state government when he was the animal husbandry minister between 1994 and 1999. The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) president Prem Singh Tamang, popularly known as PS Golay, took oath as the new Chief Minister of Sikkim on Monday. An SKM delegation led by Tamang called on the governor Ganga Prasad at Raj Bhawan on Saturday and staked claim to form the next government in the state having defeated the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) in the Assembly election ending Pawan Kumar Chamling's reign as the longest-serving chief minister of an Indian state he served for five consecutive terms since 1993. Prasad, however reportedly told the delegation to wait as he sought legal opinion on Tamang's year-long conviction in a corruption case in 2016, for which he had served the prison term till August 2018. According to the law, a politician can't contest any election for six years from the date he or she was released from prison. But senior SKM leaders cited another Article 164 of the Indian Constitution which allows anyone to become a minister or a chief minister provided he got himself elected to the Assembly within six months of taking the oath. Thereafter, the governor invited the 51-year-old leader to form the government. However, party members told the media that Tamang did not contest the election to focus on the partys campaign and not because of any legal compulsion. The SKM leaders said they would explore all legal options to ensure the party chief gets to contest election in six months, The Telegraph reported. Tamang had been accused of misappropriating funds to the tune of Rs. 9.50 lakh in the milch cow distribution scheme of the Sikkim government when he was the animal husbandry minister in Chamlings first term between 1994 and 1999. A trial court had found him guilty and he was sentenced to a one-year jail term on 28 December, 2016. On 28 June, 2017, the High Court of Sikkim had upheld the trial courts verdict and Tamang served his jail term from 10 August, 2017 to 10 August, 2018, according to The Telegraph's report. As a part of SDF, Tamang was a candidate from the Chukhung Constituency in West Sikkim and was elected to the Assembly in 1994. During his affiliations with Chamling's, he also served as the State Youth Convenor and Vice President under the former chief minister's leadership. He served in three ministerial roles in the Sikkim government helmed by Chamling from 1994 to 1999. He was the Minister for Animal Husbandry at first, then in 1999, was handed over the charge for industries along with the animal husbandry department; and in 2004 to 2009, he was the Minister for Building and Housing Department. In 2009, after winning an election in the Burtuk constituency, he was nominated as the chairperson of Industries Department. However, he did not serve at the post. Meanwhile, Tamnag founded SKM on 4 February 2013 in Soreng, West Sikkim but it was only on 6 September, 2013 that he officially resigned from SDF and became the SKM president. In the 2014 election, Tamang was elected as MLA from the Burtuk Constituency, and the party gained ten seats in the Assembly with a 42 percent vote share. However, on 13 January, 2017 he was disqualified after being convicted in the corruption case, but his popularity could be gauged by the fact that on his release Sikkim witnessed a mass gathering in his support which is recorded as the highest ever gathering of any political event in Sikkim. In the recently concluded state election, SKM won by a slender majority in the 32-member legislative assembly by bagging 17 seats against 15 won by the SDF. The party is also an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre and thus a part of the National Democratic Alliance. Three months after Rahul Gandhi became Congress president, he waxed eloquent on what ailed India and the Congress at the 84th plenary in Delhi, but like his father Rajiv, Rahul effected no more than superficial changes, replacing in some cases, old 'self-perpetuating cliques' with new ones Can the Congress succeed with Rahul Gandhi continuing as its president? No. He has had his chance for eight years as general secretary, vice-president and president, and failed to deliver. Can the Congress succeed with a non-Gandhi family president? No. The Gandhis will still do backseat driving. The president will be the high command. And the family will be the higher command. In other words, keeping the Gandhis in control of the Congress or throwing them out of it is not a solution to the partys existential crisis. Part of the answer to this conundrum lies in the third question. Will the Congress succeed if the Gandhi family retires into political oblivion and leaves the party to its fate? No, again. Then without the glue of the family, the different pieces of the Congress will simply fall apart. The Congress had several non-family presidents before, only to be replaced by a member of the clan in due course. Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi together have been presidents of the party for only 38 of the 72 years since Independence. After Rajivs assassination in 1991, the party was led by PV Narasimha Rao and, after him, Sitaram Kesari. The latter turned the party into such a dreadful mess that finally the unabashed sycophants of the dynasty prostrated before Sonia, begging her to take over, which she did in 1998. She continued in the post for 19 years the longest stint by anyone till Rahul took the mantle in December 2017. Rahul cant complain he hasnt had enough chance to sanitise the Congress. Three years after his first election to the Lok Sabha, he was made the partys general secretary in 2007. He was appointed vice-president in 2013. He led the campaign in the 2014 election, which saw the partys worst-ever defeat. But, of course, he was promoted as president in 2017. After the second disastrous defeat in a row in the latest election, Rahul apparently wants to hang up his boots, and doesnt even want sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to be made the president, preferring instead an outsider in his place. Those who know Rahul vouch for his gentlemanly and humble traits, if not his intellect. If he is indeed serious about making way for a non-family president for the party, he will set a new laudable standard in political accountability. He must make a graceful exit without letting himself be persuaded to stay on by self-serving cronies. If the party wants to rise from the ashes like a Phoenix, it needs to do much more than getting rid of the dynasty. It needs a leader who, besides being able to keep the flock together, must give the party an ideological raison d'etre. Thats a tall order, if not an impossible task, considering that the party has for far too long depended on the Gandhi family because there is nothing else that keeps it united. Hindutva (whether you agree with it or not) keeps the BJP together. Marxism (even if its a perverted and junked ideology) keeps the Marxists together. The motto of Dalit welfare (sham or real) keeps the BSP alive, if not kicking right now. And so on. There is no knowing what the Congress stands for, except that it is a movable and immovable property of one family. And we are none the wiser as to what this family stands for. After the death of Nehru in 1964 and the anointing of Indira Gandhi as prime minister two years later, the Nehru-Gandhi family stopped making an ideological sense. If there is talk of Moditva replacing Nehruvianism today, thats because there was never Indiraism or Rajivism to talk of. The hallmarks of the Indira era were that she institutionalised corruption, destroyed democratic institutions, concentrated power in herself, introduced appeasement politics, and made noises at the same time about a fake socialism that may have got her votes but which took the country nowhere. All this was bad enough even without her infamous Emergency. 'Brokers of power' A year after he stepped in, Rajiv famously spoke of "brokers of power" and "self-perpetuating cliques" in the Congress Centenary speech in 1985 and vowed to kick them out. Three months after he became president, Rahul waxed eloquent on what ailed India and the Congress at the 84th plenary in Delhi. But Rajiv and Rahul effected no more than superficial changes, replacing in some cases, old self-perpetuating cliques with new ones. And Rajiv took his mothers appeasement politics to a new level by meddling with the Shah Bano verdict and by opening the locks of Ram Temple, thereby heralding communal politics in contemporary India, exploited fully later by Hindutva elements in the BJP. With his soft-Hindutva claptrap, Rahul further confounded the confusion of the Congress traditional voters and minorities about the partys dubious brand of secularism. And there is even less clarity on where the party stands on foreign affairs, national security and economy. If the cowering and grovelling power mongers within Congress instilled in Rahul a false sense of confidence, any doubts he had about his success were removed by his buddies outside the party. The visceral hatred for Modi turned the bhakts of Marx and the admirers of dynasty into fawning fans of Rahul, giving him a delusion of impending success. Forget 150 years of the partys history, today, its just a crass commercial enterprise for most of its leaders and workers a political platform with sham ideology meant to help them grab power and make fast bucks. Its this state of affairs that a new president of the Congress, if there will be one, must change. Kicking out "brokers of power" is only a start. The new chief must convince the country that its a serious political party and spell out unambiguously what it stands for. The author tweets @sprasadindia Unless Congress party sets accountability for each and every leader, and show the door to non-performers, the same set of senior leaders will be visible in the CWC meetings, brainstorming on their debacle after the Lok Sabha election in 2024 After Congress president Rahul Gandhi offered to resign, which was anyway not accepted at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Saturday, theres flurry of resignations offered either by the Pradesh Congress Committee PCC chiefs or state and district level leaders. While Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan tendered his resignation over the partys dismal performance in the state on Saturday, the other state presidents who followed suit are Jharkhands Ajoy Kumar, Punjabs Sunil Jakhar, Assams Ripun Bora, Odishas Niranjan Patnaik, etc. Jakhar resigned after he lost to actor and BJP candidate Sunny Deol from Gurdaspur seat. In total, there are at least 13 Congress leaders in different states and districts whove offered their resignations. By offering to resign, whether or not it would be accepted, these Congress leaders probably wanted to redeem themselves of the defeat that the party has faced in this Lok Sabha election. But the most important question is will these resignations help? If these resignations are not accepted, as happened in the case of Rahul, they will continue in their authoritative position. And, if they are accepted, does Congress have an alternative plan or next level of leaders to take over? The Congress debacle has opened a can of worms, as dissent within the party at state-level have become public. After Rahul's apparent remark in the CWC meeting about senior leaders who had put the interests of their sons above that of the party during the Lok Sabha polls, two ministers of the Rajasthan cabinet have demanded introspection and accountability in their state. They clearly pointed fingers at Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, who spent considerable time campaigning for his son Vaibhav Gehlot. Congress scored zero in Rajasthan. The other two leaders are Kamal Nath and P Chidambaram, whose sons Nakul Nath and Karti Chidambaram, respectively, contested from Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Both their sons got elected from Chhindwara and Sivaganga, respectively. The continuous victory of the BJP is the result of the partys professional approach. Chhattisgarh is a case in point, where the BJP after its debacle in the Assembly election 2018, didnt think twice in replacing all 11 candidates, including 10 sitting MPs ahead of the Lok Sabha election. The saffron party won nine seats in the Congress-ruled state. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehabooba Mufti aptly remarked while congratulating Narendra Modi on the party's success in the Lok Sabha elections. She tweeted, Time for Congress to get an Amit Shah. Her rival Omar Abdullah tweeted, PM Modi Sahib and Amit Shah put together a winning alliance and a very professional campaign. Even after facing a heavy loss in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the Congress party continued with its sympathetic approach to losers and unproductive leaders. The grand old party of India needs to adopt a ruthless approach towards its leaders when it comes to performance, rather than a mere formality. The latest Lok Sabha poll results also show how disconnected the Congress has become from the grassroots over the years. Except giving statements, Congress virtually made no concrete effort to strengthen the organisation. It was discussed in one of the CWC meetings that the Seva Dal the grassroots frontal organisation of the Congress would be rejuvenated, but in practice nothing happened. Today, it has become a redundant body. After becoming Congress president, Rahul had emphasised on the importance of the revival of Seva Dal. The credit of the BJP victory across the country is often attributed to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for the latters grassroots connectivity. The RSS was founded in 1925, a year after Seva Dal (1924). After Jawaharlal Nehrus regime, the role and function of Seva Dal gradually took a back seat. A large number of old guards in the party, who havent won an election for years and have lost their connectivity with voters at the grassroots are continuing in important positions as deadwood. At a meeting of CWC, the partys topmost decision-making body, on Saturday, barring UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, there wasnt any leader who won the 2019 election. If the Congress wants to revive, survive and fight the BJP in future, it has to retire a generation of leaders who are unproductive and non-performers, but are continuing as they have been close to the Nehru-Gandhi family. Despite having tall leaders like Ashok Gehlot and CP Joshi in Rajasthan, and Digvijaya Singh, Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia in Madhya Pradesh, Congress failed to increase its tally. This is despite the fact that these are Congress-ruled states. In fact, in Madhya Pradesh, the party' seats reduced from three to one. Punjab is the only exception among Congress-ruled states where the party actually won a considerable number of seat. The party won eight of 13 seats in Punjab under Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. Giving tickets to sons and daughters of its top leaders, is another area that had cost dear to the Congress. In the recent election, the party gave tickets to children and relatives of several leaders, and a majority of them have lost. This gave Modi an opportunity to attack the party on 'dynasty issue'. The results show the voters rejected the candidates with a family tag, including Rahul, who lost from his family borough Amethi. This formality of resignation wont help anymore. Unless Congress party sets accountability for each and every leader, and show the door to non-performers, the same set of senior leaders will be visible in the CWC meetings, brainstorming on their debacle after 2024 Lok Sabha election. Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah put to rest speculation of the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) combine in Karnataka being under threat after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 25 of 28 Lok Sabha seats in the state Amid rumours of growing discontent between the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) leaders in Karnataka following the BJP's landslide win in Lok Sabha elections in the state, former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not abiding by the Constitution that he 'bows to'. Since Congress rout in Karnataka polls, several reports have claimed that there is tension in the Karnataka alliance. Siddaramaiah's remarks came in the wake of Karnataka BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa on Sunday saying that the saffron party favoured fresh Assembly elections in such an event (in case the coalition collapses), ruling out partnering with the regional party to form a new government. "Forming a government with JD(S) help is an impossibility. I have had a distasteful experience of 20-20 rule under Kumaraswamy's chief ministership. I do not want to repeat the mistake again," Yeddyurappa told PTI in an interview. .@BSYBJP claims to form the govt inspite of not having the number. This is not a new drama but this is continuously misleading the public. Mr. @narendramodi bowed to the constitution but in which article has the constitution given the right for @BJP4India to destabilize our govt Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 27, 2019 Apart from Yeddyurappa's comments, two rebel Karnataka Congress leaders Ramesh Jarkiholi and K Sudhakar were seen at BJP leader SM Krishnas residence on Sunday for a courtesy call after the Narendra Modi-led partys victory in Karnataka. "It was not a political meeting. We wanted to wish Krishna ji on BJP's stupendous performance in the Lok Sabha polls. I was an MLA even when Krishna was CM from 1999 to 2004 and we share a good rapport. So only I visited to inquire about his health," Jarkiholi told ANI. The reports were rejected as rumours by most ruling coalition leaders, however, comments by Congress leader KN Rajanna raised more questions about the functioning of the Karnataka government. Rajanna claimed that the Congress government in Karnataka will collapse "after 10 June." "G Parameshwara will remain the deputy chief minister till the prime minister takes oath. After that, he will not be minister and this government will not remain in power as it will collapse next month after 10 June," he said. KN Rajanna Congress leader & Former MLA: G. Parameshwara will remain as the Deputy Chief Minister till the Prime Minister takes oath, after that he will not be minister and this government will not remain in power as it will collapse next month after 10th June. pic.twitter.com/rukxPUWIah ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2019 A day after the Congress leaders met Krishna, Karnataka minister MB Patil quashed rumours of the coalition leaders looking to switch camps. He clarified, None of our MLAs will switch to BJP. They (BJP) have tried it (to topple government) in the past, they will also try it in the future but this government will complete its full term. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara also expressed confidence that the coalition would withstand BJP attempts to poach its MLAs. We have discussed at length the Lok Sabha results. This referendum has been given to the national election, not the state polls. So, we will continue our state coalition under the leadership of Kumaraswamy. All our MLAs are with us, he said. Meanwhile, following the coalitions defeat, JD(S) working president MS Narayan Rao issued a circular to party leaders, spokespersons and MLAs asking them to not participate in television debates or give any statements to the media. After the Lok Sabha results on 23 May, Karnataka ministers, from both the Congress and the JD(S), assembled to discuss the political situation in the state after the dismal performance by the two parties in the national election. Many of the Congress and JDS heavyweights have lost the elections, including JD(S) patriarch HD Deve Gowda and senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Veerappa Moily. The BJP swept 25 seats, leaving just two constituencies to the Congress and JD(S) and one seat was won by independent candidate and former actress Sumalatha Ambareesh. It was also the only state in southern India where the BJP emerged victorious in majority, with probably the steepest margin since the 1980s. The Congress and JD(S) formed a coalition government in the state after counting of votes in the May 2018 Assembly elections ended with a hung verdict. Karnataka voted in two phases on 18 and 23 April. - With inputs from agencies Everyone has the right to pay homage to the deceased but the politicisation of the issue should be avoided, said Tiwari citing BJP leader Smriti Irani's visit to Amethi where she participated in the funeral procession of Singh to pay her tributes. New Delhi: Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Monday said that the murder of Surendra Singh, ex-pradhan of Amethi, should not be politicised and the killers should be arrested as soon as possible. Speaking to ANI, Tiwari said, "The murder of BJP worker Surendra Singh in Amethi is a very sad and unfortunate incident. It should not be equated with politics as the person who died had visited a stage of Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress before. He had also welcomed Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi before." "Whoever is the culprit in this crime should be caught and strict action as per laws should be taken," he added. Everyone has the right to pay homage to the deceased but the politicisation of the issue should be avoided, said Tiwari citing BJP leader Smriti Irani's visit to Amethi where she participated in the funeral procession of Singh to pay her tributes. Surendra Singh was shot at by unidentified assailants when he was sleeping in the verandah of his house at around 3 am on Sunday. He was rushed to a trauma centre in Lucknow where he succumbed to injuries. On being asked about Modi's Varanasi visit on Monday, Tiwari said, "This is his personal choice to visit his constituency before taking oath as prime minister." Commenting on Sonia Gandhi's statement that she won't step back from sacrificing anything to safeguard the basic values of the country, Tiwari said, "Gandhi family has worked for country's unity and even made big sacrifices. Sonia Gandhi even sacrificed the post of prime minister. I respect her for this a lot." Abhijit Dey This years Computex press conference opened up with the announcement of AMDs latest lineup of CPUs and GPUs that will be making its way in the market this year itself. The semiconductor company unveiled the third generation of its Ryzen lineup of CPUs and its new Navi architecture for its gaming GPUs. AMD CEO Dr Lisa Su announced the next-generation of AMDs products at the opening keynote of Computex 2019. Computex is an annual computer expo held at Taipei, Taiwan where the entire industry converges from across the world to experience the latest from PC components and manufacturer companies. The inaugural ceremony of the expo included an opening keynote by Su who unveiled AMDs roadmap of upcoming products that included both consumer and enterprise solutions. The company also celebrates its 50th anniversary by tying up with other companies to provide special edition products from its lineup. AMD Ryzen 3000 series upgrade In the consumer segment, an upgraded lineup of the companys desktop processors and a new architecture of its graphics cards were announced including a new chipset for motherboards. The third generation of the Ryzen desktop CPUs was announced and the company showcased three models including the eight-core Ryzen 7 3700X and Ryzen 3800X and the flagship of the lineup the Ryzen 9 3900X. The Ryzen 9 series is new to this segment and it comes with 12 cores and 24 threads. To give a glimpse of its performance capability, AMD ran a Blender demo on the Ryzen 9 3900X against the 12-core Intel Core i9-9920X. AMD says that its CPU offers up to 14 percent better performance. AMD portfolio from the latest Ryzen 3000 series also includes CPUs from the mid-range Ryzen 5 3000 series including the Ryzen 5 3600X and Ryzen 5 3600. The lower-end Ryzen 3 series will probably be announced soon. Specifications Ryzen 9 3900X Ryzen 7 3800X Ryzen 7 3700X Ryzen 5 3600X Ryzen 5 3600 Cores 12 8 8 6 6 Threads 24 16 16 12 12 Base clock (in GHz) 3.8 3.9 3.6 3.8 3.6 Boost clock (in GHz) 4.6 4.5 4.4 4.4 4.2 Cache memory 70 MB 36 MB 36 MB 35 MB 35 MB TDP 105 W 105 W 65 W 95 W 65 W Price $499 $399 $329 $249 $199 AMD Navi GPU architecture The company gave a sneak peek into its new Navi GPU that is based on the new RDNA or Radeon DNA graphics architecture. All the GPUs will be announced under the RX 5000 series and it showcased the Radeon RX 5700 that will be going head-to-head with NVIDIAs GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card. It was able to perform better than the competition by 10 percent on average. More details about the GPU will be unveiled at AMDs Next Horizon Gaming event scheduled on 10 June during the E3 gaming conference. The RX 5000 GPUs will also be the first set of GPUs that will be compatible with the PCI-e 4.0 protocol and it will be supported with the third generation of Ryzen CPUs on the newly announced motherboards with the X570 chipset. Introducing the worlds first Navi gaming GPU family based on the all new RDNA gaming architecture: the AMD Radeon RX 5700 series. Learn more from #COMPUTEX2019: https://t.co/xwexmdDMin pic.twitter.com/rY2dAsq52l AMD (@AMD) May 27, 2019 All the upcoming lineup of next-generation AMD products are set to make their way into the market by the third quarter of 2019. However, it wasnt announced whether the products will be arriving in India in the same timeline. tech2 News Staff Gaming disorder, which essentially means addiction to video games, has been officially recognised by the UN's World Health Organisation a modern disease. The organisation in June 2018 decided to add gaming disorder addiction under its section of potentially harmful technology-related behaviors, including too much use of "the internet, computers, smartphones" and more. Now, after a year and a half of deliberation on the new revision, all 194 member states of the WHO have agreed to adopt the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11), which included gaming disorder in its 2017 draft. The new revision goes into effect on 1 January 2022. What's the WHO's definition of 'gaming disorder'? The mention of gaming disorder sits in a subcategory in ICD-11 called "Disorders due to substance use or addictive behaviors" alongside alcoholism, gambling addiction, and, strangely, a section devoted to harmful cannabis use dependence. The so-called, disorder has been described as "a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior, which may be online or offline, manifested by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences." WHO's classification of gaming addiction as a disease: Industry calls for a re-examination The global video game industry which includes representatives from across Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, South Africa, and Brazil have called on the WHO member states to rethink their decision. There are a lot of hot takes out there today about the new video game addiction disorder. Let's make one thing clear: VGA is not about # of hours played. It's when gaming takes precedence over health, hygiene, relationships, finances, etc. Gaming itself is not a disorder. John Jiao, MD (@JohnJiao) May 25, 2019 The body is of the opinion that the WHO reached its decision "without the consensus of the academic community." The consequences could be far-reaching and might achieve the opposite of what the WHO is setting out to do, as per the statement. That's not all. As per a report by Polygon, a joint statement from the representatives of the video games industry in Europe and seven other nations have also called on the WHO to re-examine the decision to include gaming disorder in ICD-11. The WHO is an esteemed organisation and its guidance needs to be based on regular, inclusive, and transparent reviews backed by independent experts, the statement said. Gaming disorder is not based on sufficiently robust evidence to justify its inclusion in one of the WHOs most important norm-setting tools, the statement added. tech2 News Staff Chip design firm Arm has announced its latest chip architecture for premium smartphones that should be seen on devices by the end of the year or in early 2020. The new designs include the Cortex A77 CPU, Mali G77 GPU and a relatively energy efficient and powerful machine learning processor. Arm's current gen Cortex A76 CPU is seen on flagship chipsets such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 and the HiSilicon Kirin 980 SoC. Expected to be based on the 7 nm manufacturing process, Arm is promising a 20x improvement on the instructions per cycle (IPC) as compared to Cortex A76 CPU. The Cortex A77 uses the same micro-architecture as its predecessor. The focus this time around is on a more optimal machine learning performance. The Cortex A77 is expected to be more power efficient than the Cortex A76 with a claimed performance improvement of 4x from its chip designs in 2013. In terms of machine learning performance improvement, Arm promises a 25 percent increase as compared to Cortex A76. The graphics chip design, Mali G77 GPU architecture, is expected to offer performance improvements in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences. The Mali G77 GPU is based on the Arm's Valhall GPU design and claims to have a 1.4x improvement over the Mali G76 GPU along with being 30 percent energy efficient. In addition to the CPU and GPU, Arm is also offering a second-generation machine learning processor design which is expected to be twice as efficient as the first-gen. The peak performance claims to offer 5 trillion operations per second (TOP/s) performance which requires 1 W of power. "For developers, the CPU is more critical than ever as it not only handles general-compute tasks, as well as much of the devices ML, compute which must scale beyond todays limits. The same holds true for more immersive untethered AR/VR applications, and HD gaming on the go," said Arm in a press release. Arm was recently in the news after it announced that it would not be sharing its technology with Huawei and its subsidiaries. Internal documents from the BBC stated that Arm wanted its employees to halt all active contracts, support entitlements, and any pending engagements with Huawei and its subsidiaries. The company memo stated that its designs contain US-origin technology. Arm in a statement to BBC said that it was "complying with all of the latest regulations set forth by the US government. Huawei hasnt spoken on this yet. tech2 News Staff Black Shark, a gaming-focused Chinese company funded by Xiaomi has just launched its first smartphone in India aka the Black Shark 2. While gamer focussed smartphones are a rarity in the country, Black Shark aims to offer a huge boost to those aiming to make it big when it comes to mobile e-Sports. Black Shark 2: Pricing and availability The Black Shark 2 starts at a price of Rs 39,999 in India for the base model with 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage version. The high-end model with a whopping 12 GB RAM and 256 GB of storage has price tag of Rs 49,999. As for availability, the Black Shark 2 will go on sale exclusively on Flipkart starting 12 pm on 4 June. Black Shark 2: Specifications and Key features The new Xiaomi Black Shark 2 features a 6.39-inch AMOLED panel. According to a rough translation from the Black Shark website, the screen is pressure sensitive, using something like Apple's 3D Touch. Xiaomi also appears to be saying that the left and right of the screen are independently pressure sensitive and that buttons can be mapped to either side. Apple's iPhones can only detect pressure at one point on the screen at a time, though it's not clear if this is a software limitation or a hardware one. In addition, the display is said to be designed to reduce screen flicker at low brightness and to improve colour accuracy. The input latency (response to touch input) is also claimed by Black Shark to be the lowest on any smartphone which theoretically, should allow for faster visible response times for hardcore gamers. At its heart sits Qualcomms powerful Snapdragon 855 processor which is paired with either 128 GB or 256 GB of storage. Similar to its predecessor, the new Black Shark 2 gaming has a vapour cooling chamber for smooth gameplay. In terms of optics, the Xiaomi Black Shark 2 features dual rear cameras at the back having a 48 MP primary camera and a 12 MP secondary camera. Up front, it has a 20 MP camera for making video calls and taking selfies. The phone has a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh and supports 27 W fast charging. Just like the original Xiaomi Black Shark, Xiaomi has introduced optional accessories that can be attached on the Black Shark 2. There's also an in-display fingerprint scanner which lets Black Shark stick to a rather clean back, featuring nothing apart from the dual rear-facing cameras and an LED flash. In addition to all the high-end hardware, there's also the inclusion of what the company fancily calls Liquid Cool 3.0 liquid-cooling technology to improve heat dissipation. Like the ASUS ROG phone (review), we also see a dedicated high-performance mode called 'Ludicrous Mode' which lets gamers push the CPU to 100% and also enables an additional fan inside to help keep temperatures low while gaming at full throttle. tech2 News Staff The impact of the United States' ban on Huawei seems to be growing. The Chinese company has now been barred from being a member of the SD Association, the trade group that standardizes specifications for SD and microSD cards. Which means, Huawei is no longer allowed to put official SD or microSD card support in its future phones or laptops, reported 9to5Google. A report by Android Authority also confirms that Huawei will be removed from the group owing to US President Donald Trumps executive order. Notably, SD and microSD cards will continue to work on existing Huawei mobiles and laptops, however, the removal from the group means the future Huawei products will not be able to use the standard. In the past few weeks, there have been many companies that cut ties with Huawei. First Google announced that it will revoke Android license from Huawei, then German chipmaker Infineon suspended shipments to Huawei, soon after ARM employees were instructed to suspend business with Huawei, and then Microsoft took down Huawei laptops from its store. Intel and Qualcomm have also cut ties with Huawei. According to a report by Nikkei Asian Review, the Wi-Fi Alliance, which similar to SD Association, standardises specifications for Wi-Fi across the industry, has also temporarily restricted Huaweis membership due to the US ban. The report also reveals that Huawei has voluntarily left JEDEC a semiconductor standards group for defining RAM specifications. tech2 News Staff By this time we all know that Redmi is about to unveil its flagship device in China tomorrow, i.e. 28 May. The company has been calling it the Flagship Killer 2.0 with the K and 2.0 highlighted which is a nod to the name K20. On the eve of its launch, let's have a look at what we can expect from the device. We already have a pretty good idea about the K20 thanks to the barrage of leaks and renders, many of which the company has shared themselves. Redmi K20 Specifications At the launch event, Redmi is expected to announce not one but two models of its new K series. There is the Redmi K20 and also the K20 Pro, wherein the K20 Pro is pitted as the flagship killer by Redmi. Coming first to the specs of the two devices, the Redmi K20 Pro is said to feature a Snapdragon 855 chipset while the K20 will have the recently launched Snapdragon 730 SoC. In terms of storage configurations, the K20 and K20 Pro should have 4/6 GB RAM and 6/8/12 GB RAM respectively. Both the phones in the Redmi K20 series are said to feature 6.39-inch Full HD+ AMOLED displays with an impressive 91.2 percent screen-to-body ratio. There's also Gorilla Glass 5 protection along with it. For cameras, the Redmi K20 series is tipped to include a single pop-up camera on the front and triple rear cameras on the back. The rear-facing setup is said to comprise of a 48 MP primary sensor, a 13 MP ultrawide lens, and an 8 MP telephoto lens. On the front, the Redmi K20 phones will sport a 20 MP sensor for selfies. As per the leaked specs sheet, both phones will also sport 4,000 mAh battery units along with support for 27 W fast charging. On the software front, the phones are said to run Xiaomi's MIUI 10 skin on top of Android 9 Pie. As per Xiaomi's official Weibo page, the device is seen to sport a red-coloured finish with yellow and purple overtones. Going by the leaked images there appears to be a colour shift on the phone's back depending on the light falling on it. The render also confirms that the device will come with a triple-camera setup which is aligned centrally with the Redmi branding. Another leaked photo on Weibo showed the retail packaging of the K20 Pro which confirms specs such as 4,000 mAh battery, 27 W fast charging, and an in-display fingerprint scanner. Redmi K20 pricing and availability in India Xiaomi is yet to confirm which variants of the Redmi K20 or the Redmi K20 Pro will be brought to India but our best guess is that the Redmi K20 Pro will arrive in India as the Poco F2. The fact that Manu Kumar Jain, Xiaomi India head, has tweeted about the phone more-or-less confirms the arrival of the device in the country. #RedmiK20: Almost time for a knockout blow! The #FlagshipKiller 2.0 is launching in China tomorrow! Super #excited. Check out this incredible video!! Can't wait to show this amazing device to you all. RT if you are excited too! #Redmi #Xiaomi pic.twitter.com/VwNUa4rhD7 Manu Kumar Jain (@manukumarjain) May 27, 2019 If the title Flagship Killer 2.0 is anything to go by, then we should definitely see the Redmi K20 Pro priced well below the Rs 48,999 price tag of the OnePlus 7 Pro. The K20 is expected to come to India at a starting price of Rs 23,000 as indicated by another leaked poster that showed the device priced at 2,299 CNY (approx Rs 23,000) in China. tech2 News Staff Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has officially begun the mass production of its second-generation 7 nm+ manufacturing process. The chipsets expected to be built on this process include Huawei's upcoming top of the line, Kirin 985 SoC which will most likely be seen on Huawei Mate 30 series and Apple's A13 SoC which would be seen on Apple's 2019 iPhones. While there is still a question mark over whether Arm will allow Huawei to use its chip designs (as the processor cores on Kirin SoCs are Arm designs), TSMC has stated that it will continue to deliver critical semiconductors to Huawei according to a report in GSM Arena. TSMC is a Taiwanese company and not from mainland China so it has separate trade agreements with China as well as the United States and is unaffected by the on-going trade war between the two superpowers. According to GSM Arena, this is the first time that TSMC is implementing the EUV Lithography method which is a step towards competing directly with Intel and Samsung. TSMC is also beginning the trial production of its 5 nm process wafers and that is expected to hit mass production in Q1 2020 to ensure chipsets on the 5 nm process by June 2020. This gives it a significant edge over Intel. This is in addition to a current 6 nm process which is already in the works. After serving as a Code Talker a group of radio men who translated American coordinates and messages into an indecipherable code based on the Navajo language Pinto had to take an English test four times before he was finally admitted into the University of New Mexicos College of Education. tech2 News Staff Xiaomi may not have launched a gaming smartphone in India in 2018, but realising the boom in smartphone gaming in the country, the company's all set to unveil the Black Shark 2 smartphone later today. Having launched the smartphone in China back in March this year, the Black Shark 2 isn't really a new smartphone. But Xiaomi will be hosting a launch event for the phone at 1.00 pm today, discussing the salient features of the phone. The launch event will be broadcast live on Xiaomi India's official YouTube handle, which you can find below. Alternatively, you could also head over to our live blog for the event for more trivia and information on what the Black Shark 2 will be going up against in its budget. (To learn all about what we know about the Xiaomi Black Shark 2 before it launches later today, head here) Black Shark 2: Specifications and Key Features The successor to the Black Shark Helo gaming phone, the Black Shark 2 comes with a few interesting aspects including a pressure-sensitive display and an in-display fingerprint sensor by Samsung. Black Shark 2 features a 6.39-inch AMOLED panel and according to a rough translation from the Black Shark website, the screen uses something like Apple's 3D Touch. The phone's left and right of the screen independently pressure sensitive and that buttons can be mapped to either side. The display itself has been designed to reduce screen flicker at low brightness and to improve colour accuracy. At its heart sits Qualcomms powerful Snapdragon 855 processor which is paired with 6 GB or 8 GB RAM and 128 GB or 256 GB of storage respectively. Similar to its predecessor, the new Black Shark 2 gaming has a vapour cooling chamber for smooth gameplay. In terms of optics, the Xiaomi Black Shark 2 features dual rear cameras at the back having a 48 MP primary camera and a 12 MP secondary camera. Up front, it has a 20 MP camera for making video calls and taking selfies. The phone has a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh and supports 27 W fast charging. Just like the original Xiaomi Black Shark, Xiaomi has introduced optional accessories that can be attached on the Black Shark 2. tech2 News Staff Tomorrow Xiaomi is launching its one of the most anticipated smartphoneRedmi K20 or the Flagship Killer 2.0, as the company is calling it. Just before the big launch, Xiaomi has also released an official teaser of the company's first laptopThe RedmiBook 14. This new device is also expected to launch alongside Redmi K20 at the China launch event. RedmiBook 14 specifications: What to expect The teaser poster shows the side view of the Redmi Book 14. The laptop is expected to sport a 14 inch IPS LCD display with Full HD resolution. It might also feature different processors like Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7. It also appeared on the Bluetooth SIG website which means the device also has a Bluetooth certification. According to My Smart Price, RedmiBook will come with 4 GB RAM and 256 GB internal storage. The top- tier variant will be equipped with 8 GB RAM and 512 GB in-built storage and will have NVIDIAs GeForce MX250 GPU. Moving on to the colour variants, it is being speculated that there would no options but one which is most likely to be silver in colour. There is still no word or any leaks regarding the price of the device so we have to sit back and wait for tomorrows event. tech2 News Staff Roughly seven and half thousand kilometres from India, in the French province of Cadarache, a massive, international experiment is underway: the construction of a 20 billion-dollar, first-of-its-kind nuclear reactor. Leading nuclear scientists from several countries, India among them, are hoping to crack the elusive nuclear energy technology to fuse atoms together. The technology is mirrored on how the Sun works and promises to bring a "clean" source of infinite energy if the experiment succeeds. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project brings together the USA, Japan, Russia, the European Union, India, China and South Korea in an effort to try and confine the power of the Sun into a steel bottle. Put together, the project "represents half the world's population and accounts for two-thirds of the global economic might," according to ITER project lead Dr Osamu Motojima. Not only is ITER the biggest nuclear fusion experiment in the world, but it is also the largest scientific project to be undertaken in history. A team of 122 Indian scientists and engineers are hard at work in Gandhinagar to build crucial components going into ITER. Targeting completion in 2021 are researchers from New Delhi, working on what is essentially the world's largest refrigerator the cryostat. It acts like a thermos flask but operates at some of the coldest temperatures ever seen in the universe, working at minus 269 degrees Celsius. This is used to keep the special superconducting magnets at the cold temperature at which they need to operate; the entire fusion system would collapse if it can't be kept cold. The ITER vacuum vessel is a doughnut-shaped, double-wall structure that is a 'tokamak' design of the nuclear reactor. The hot plasma (hot ionised gas) in the experiment is contained inside a "neutron shield" using powerful magnets and neutron generators in the space between the double walls of the vacuum vessel of a tokamak. It is filled with a shielding material and cooling water between both walls. The in-wall shielding has around 8,900 separate blocks of different sizes and several different materials. Avsarala Technologies in Bengaluru is manufacturing the in-wall shield. India is also expected to contribute about 9,000 cores (cores, yes, not crores) over the next decade to the project, and contributing a little under 10 percent of the total cost. Reuters NASA has picked space technology company Maxar Technologies Inc as the first contractor to help build its Gateway platform in lunar orbit, a crucial outpost for Americas mission to relay astronauts to the moon in 2024, the U.S. agency said on Thursday. Shares of Westminster, Colorado-based Maxar jumped more than 20 percent following the announcement by NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine at a meeting sponsored by a Florida college. The firm-fixed-price award carries a maximum total value of $375 million, NASA said in a news release. The Trump administration has made a return to the moon a high priority for the U.S. space program, saying the mission would establish a foundation for an eventual journey to put humans on Mars. Vice President Mike Pences March 26 announcement that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration plans to build a space platform in lunar orbit and put American astronauts on the moons south pole by 2024 by any means necessary, four years earlier than previously planned. Maxar Technologies, formerly SSL, will develop power, propulsion and communications components for the lunar mobile command and service module, NASA said. The power and propulsion element is a 50-kilowatt solar electric propulsion spacecraft, three times more powerful than current capabilities, NASA said. Agence France-Presse A Dutch website set up to record UFO sightings was flooded early Saturday with reports after a "train of stars" was spotted crossing the Netherlands' skies, sparking fears of an alien invasion. But what some thought to be a close encounter of the third kind turned out to be a string of some 60 satellites launched by US-based SpaceX hours earlier as part of its "Starlink" constellation. The row of satellites which are part of a plan by billionaire Elon Musk's firm to provide internet from space, glided across Dutch skies around 4.30am IST (11 pm GMT). Shortly afterwards, Dutch website www.ufomeldpunt.nl was inundated with more than 150 sighting reports, with astonished spotters describing a "bizarre train of stars or lights moving across the skies at constant speed". "There's a long line of lights. Faster than a plane. Huh?" one spotter reported, while another called it a "star caravan" and one saying "I have it on film". One spotter simply texted: "WTF?" "I didn't know what to make of it," an unnamed witness later told the NOS public broadcaster. "Is it Russia attacking the US? Are they UFOs? Seriously, I didn't know," the witness said. VIDEO! Prepare to be mind-blown! The train of @SpaceX #Starlink satellites passing over Leiden, the Netherlands, some 25 minutes ago. Camera: WATEC 902H with Canon FD 1.8/50 mm lens. I was shouting when they entered FOV!@elonmusk https://t.co/xChLDH32uk Dr Marco Langbroek (@Marco_Langbroek) May 24, 2019 I know people are excited about those images of the train of SpaceX Starlink satellites, but it gives me pause. Theyre bright, and there are going to be a lot of them. If SpaceX launches all 12,000, they will outnumber stars visible to the naked eye. Alex Parker (@Alex_Parker) May 25, 2019 One of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets blasted off without incident from Cape Canaveral in Florida at around 2.30 GMT on Friday. An hour after liftoff, the rocket began to release the satellites at an altitude of 450 kilometres. Then, the satellites had to separate and use their thrusters to take up their positions in a relatively low orbit of 550 kilometres. Each of the satellites weighs 227 kilograms and was built in-house in Redmond, near Seattle. One Dutchman who remained unfazed was satellite spotter Marco Langbroek, who knew what the mysterious lights were and had his camera on hand. "I cheered them on, the moment they appeared," he told the NOS. Starlink will become operational once 800 satellites have been activated, which will require a dozen or so more launches. By Francois Murphy and Kirsti Knolle VIENNA (Reuters) - Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz got a boost in his fight to keep his job on Sunday with a projection showing his conservative party coming a clear first in the European Parliament election despite a scandal involving the far right. By Francois Murphy and Kirsti Knolle VIENNA (Reuters) - Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz got a boost in his fight to keep his job on Sunday with a projection showing his conservative party coming a clear first in the European Parliament election despite a scandal involving the far right. Kurz's coalition with the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) collapsed after a video sting forced FPO leader and Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache to step down last weekend. The projection, based on polling mainly before the vote, suggested the Social Democrats, the biggest opposition party, were unable to capitalise on the crisis prompted by the video scandal. Their support fell relative to the last parliamentary vote in 2017 and the European Parliament vote five years ago. The projection put Kurz's People's Party on 34.5%, the Social Democrats on 23.5% and the far-right FPO in third place on 17.5%. "It is a barnstorming result. We have achieved the best result of all time, the biggest lead of all time over the second-placed party," Kurz told his supporters, referring to his party's performances in previous European elections. The projection showed the Greens came in fourth on 13.5%, a leap from the last parliamentary election, in which they failed to make the 4% threshold for entering the assembly, but 1 percentage point less than in the last European election in 2014. Polls in Austria closed at 5 p.m. (1600 GMT) and the first official results are expected at 11 p.m. Kurz, fighting to contain the fallout from the scandal and depicting himself as a victim of the current crisis rather than a midwife to it, is now in charge of a caretaker government in which FPO ministers have been replaced by civil servants ahead of a snap election widely expected in September. Opposition parties say he must carry at least some of the blame, and one or more of them plan to submit a no-confidence motion against him in parliament on Monday. "One has nothing to do with the other," the Social Democrats' chairman Thomas Drozda told national broadcaster ORF, referring to the projected EU vote result and the no-confidence vote. "He (Kurz) has done nothing to build this trust that would have been necessary (to support him in parliament)," Drozda said. The Social Democrats and the Freedom Party are likely to determine the outcome of a no-confidence vote on Kurz. Neither has said which way it will vote. (Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky, Jane Merriman and Frances Kerry) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Chinese vice-president Wang Qishan met Pakistan president Arif Alvi and Imran Khan on Sunday and agreed to speed up projects under the $60-billion CPEC. Islamabad: Chinese vice-president Wang Qishan, who arrived in Islamabad on a three-day official visit, met Pakistan president Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday and signed several agreements and agreed to speed up the projects under the $60-billion CPEC to further cement the bilateral all-weather ties. The president also conferred its highest civilian award Nishan-e-Pakistan on Wang, 70, a member of the ruling Communist Party of China's (CPC) powerful Politburo Standing Committee. The senior Chinese leader was received at the airport by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and other top officials. During delegation level-talks between the Pakistan prime minister and Chinese vice president, a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for cooperation in different sectors were also signed between the two countries, the government said. "These MoUs include cooperation in economic and technical affairs, disaster management and assistance in agriculture sector of Lasbella University," it said. Khan and Wang were present during the signing of the MoUs. The visiting Chinese leader also attended a special seminar about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Wang will visit Lahore on Monday after completing his meetings in Islamabad. The Chinese vice-president's visit underscores the vitality of the time-tested and all-weather relationship between Pakistan and China. His visit will reinforce the strength of bilateral ties and impart further impetus to the growing, multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields, the Pakisani government said in a statement. The visit is in continuation of high-level exchanges between the two countries, which have acquired an increased momentum since Khan's visit to China in November last year and his participation in the 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing in April this year. Last week, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in Beijing that Wang's visit to Pakistan will further deepen high-level exchanges, friendship and mutual trust between the two countries. He said the visit will also advance the development of the CPEC besides bilateral cooperation across the board. Lu said China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners and iron friends and firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's foreign interests. He said Pakistan has been a priority on China's diplomacy and now both the countries have witnessed a sound momentum in their cooperation and frequent high-level exchanges. Lu said both the countries are deepening the mutually beneficial cooperation and conducting close coordination in international and regional affairs. The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of the Belt and Roads Initiative. After visiting Pakistan, the Chinese leader will also visit Germany and Netherlands. Some of the inmates were stabbed with sharpened toothbrushes, while others had been strangled, Brazil's Colonel Almeida said, adding that an investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the fight Sao Paulo: Clashes between inmates have killed 15 people at a jail in Amazonas state in northern Brazil, the regional prison authority said. The clashes broke out around 11.00 am (local time) on Sunday during visiting hours at the facility, located some 28 kilometres from state capital Manaus. "It was a fight between the inmates. There had never been deaths during the visits," Colonel Marcos Vinicius Almeida told a news conference. Some of the inmates were stabbed with sharpened toothbrushes, while others had been strangled, Almeida said, adding that an investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the fight. He emphasised that authorities had reacted within minutes to the Sunday violence, preventing a potentially worse result. The same facility was the scene of a prison rebellion that lasted almost 20 hours and left 56 people dead in January 2017. Brazil has the world's third-largest prison population, with 726,712 inmates as of June 2016, according to official statistics. The population is double the capacity of the nation's prisons, which in the same year was estimated to be 368,049 inmates. Along with severe overcrowding, Brazil's prisons are plagued by gang violence, while riots and breakout attempts are not uncommon. In September, heavily armed men detonated explosives outside the gate of a prison in northeastern Brazil and then shot their way inside, killing a policeman and releasing 92 inmates, about half of whom were later recaptured. In April 2018, a military-style battle erupted between guards and prisoners aided by outside associates, leaving 21 people dead at a prison in Belem, near the Amazon rainforest. The attackers, in that case, tried to blow up a wall to help the would-be escapees. One policeman was killed alongside 20 prisoners and their associates. In January 2017, Brazilian police had to launch a massive manhunt after 184 inmates escaped from two prisons in Amazonas state following a gruesome 17-hour bloodbath between rival gangs that left 56 prisoners dead, many beheaded. Brazil's prisons are home to the leaders of several drug trafficking organizations, and the crisis in the country's penitentiaries has had a ripple effect. Earlier this year, a wave of about 80 attacks on public buildings, banks, buses and gas stations was blamed on newly announced measures to tighten control of prisons. The invitation to leaders of BIMSTEC member states for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony on 30 May is in line with the government's focus on the 'neighbourhood first' policy, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Monday. New Delh: The invitation to leaders of BIMSTEC member states for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony on 30 May is in line with the government's focus on the 'neighbourhood first' policy, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Monday. Kumar added that an invite has also been extended to Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov and to the Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth for the occasion. "Government of India has invited the leaders of the BIMSTEC member states for the swearing-in ceremony. This is in line with the government's focus on its 'neighbourhood first' policy," Kumar told reporters on Monday. "The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, who is the current chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, who was the chief guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, have also been invited," he added. In 2014, when Modi won his first term, all the SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif attended the swearing-in as part of invitations extended to all the member countries of the South Asian grouping. Member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand besides India. By Alonzo Adams EL RENO, Okla. By Alonzo Adams EL RENO, Okla. (Reuters) - Rescue workers on Sunday searched for survivors in the rubble left by a tornado that devastated parts of a small community near Oklahoma City, leaving two dead, more than two dozen injured and hundreds homeless, officials said. It was the latest in a barrage of violent weather that is expected to continue after pounding the Central Plains states last week with deadly tornadoes, high winds, drenching thunderstorms and widespread flooding. In addition to killing two people, the tornado that cut a 10-mile (16-km) swath through El Reno, Oklahoma, on Saturday night left 29 others with minor to critical injuries and displaced hundreds more, the city's mayor said. "It's a very trying time for us but we're going to get through it," a sometimes emotional Mayor Matt White told reporters on Sunday. "There are several hundred people affected by this," he said. "People have absolutely lost everything." Rescue workers combed through the debris field that had been a mobile home park and an Americas Best Value Inn motor lodge where the tornado did its worst damage in the community about 25 miles (40 km) west of Oklahoma City. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Norman, Oklahoma, preliminarily classified the tornado as an EF2, meaning its rotating winds ranged from 111 to 135 miles per hour (179 to 217 km per hour). El Reno was among several areas in Oklahoma and Missouri to be hit with heavy rains and river flooding last week, with local media reporting that first responders had made some two dozen boat rescues. "We've gone through situation after situation after situation, and they've gone nonstop," said White. Forecasters expect a moderate risk of more tornadoes and flooding in the central states on Sunday. "The ground is pretty saturated so it doesn't take a whole lot of rain to get some additional flooding," NWS meteorologist Mark Chenard at the Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland, said. The weather pattern that has spawned violent storms and flooding from the Texas Panhandle north to Iowa will remain in place for at least the next three or four days, he said. "There could be a brief break, but the pattern still looks like it remains favorable for some type of thunderstorm activity across the central part of the country pretty much through the week," said Chenard. At least seven people were killed by storms last week. (Reporting by Alonzo Adams; Additional reporting and writing by Peter Szekely in New York; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 27) The Senate approved on Monday a bill granting the franchise for a solar power generation firm owned by Senator Loren Legarda's son. With 16 votes, the chamber gave the green light for a 25-year franchise to Solar Para Sa Bayan Corp. (SPSBC) owned by Legarda's son, Leandro Leviste. Legarda abstained. Leviste's firm cleared the House of Representatives in December 2018. This will now have to be harmonized with the Senate's version before it is referred to President Rodrigo Duterte for signing into law. Under the law, Congress has the power to grant franchises to companies providing public services such as utilities and media. Solar Para Sa Bayan promotes itself as a social enterprise looking to provide cheap electricity to Filipino households, particularly in areas which remain without access to power, through renewable energy sources. Unlike existing utility firms with separate power generation and distribution companies, the Leviste-led electricity provider will take on the construction, installation, establishment of connections, as well as the operation and maintenance of "distributable" energy resources via a microgrid system. This is also different from the current practice that puts power firms on the wholesale electricity spot market, where the rates are set through daily trading. The Manila Electric Co. previously opposed the grant of a franchise to SPSBC, saying that the House version of the bill provided for a nationwide scope rather than limiting its operations to unenergized localities. The franchise also allows the firm to operate in all parts of the power industry chain. The Senate version specified the areas where SPSBC can operate, limiting it to "remove and unviable, unserved or underserved" barangays, towns and cities in Aurora, Batangas, Bohol, Cagayan, Camiguin, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Isabela, Masbate, Misamis Occidental, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, and Tawi-Tawi. Further changes will be decided by the Department of Energy. The chamber also removed provisions that allow the power frim to engage in ancillary businesses. The proposed measure requires the renewable energy firm to charge rates at "true cost" which must be regulated and approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission. SPSBC cannot enjoy any form of government subsidy, according to the Senate bill. South Korea has expressed concern that the launches may run against the spirit of an inter-Korean military agreement reached last year to reduce tensions, but has been eager to downplay the significance of the tests as it tries to keep a positive atmosphere for dialogue alive. South Korea's presidential office and military have refused to call the launches outright provocations, and have yet to confirm that the missiles were ballistic weapons, although most experts say they clearly were. By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) - The contest to replace Theresa May as British prime minister hotted up on Saturday with seven candidates now throwing their hat into the ring, saying they would succeed where she failed by taking a deeply-divided Britain out of the European Union. May announced on Friday she was quitting over her failure to deliver Brexit, raising the prospect of a new leader who could seek a more divisive split with the EU and lead to confrontation with the bloc or a possible parliamentary election By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) - The contest to replace Theresa May as British prime minister hotted up on Saturday with seven candidates now throwing their hat into the ring, saying they would succeed where she failed by taking a deeply-divided Britain out of the European Union. May announced on Friday she was quitting over her failure to deliver Brexit, raising the prospect of a new leader who could seek a more divisive split with the EU and lead to confrontation with the bloc or a possible parliamentary election. British health minister Matt Hancock, ex-Brexit minister Dominic Raab and former House of Commons leader Andrea Leadsom on Saturday joined an increasingly crowded field to replace May. Former foreign minister Boris Johnson, current foreign minister Jeremy Hunt, International Development Secretary Rory Stewart and former work and pensions minister Esther McVey had already announced they would stand. About a dozen contenders in total are thought to be considering a tilt at the leadership with newspapers reporting that environment minister Michael Gove was expected to announce his candidacy on Sunday. May failed three times to get a divorce deal she agreed with the EU through parliament because of deep, long-term divisions in the Conservative Party over Europe. It meant the original Brexit date of March 29 has been extended until Oct. 31 to see if any compromise could be reached. All those standing say they could build a consensus or amend May's deal, although the EU has said it would not renegotiate the treaty. "We have to propose a deal that will get through this parliament," Hancock told BBC radio. "We have to be brutally honest about the trade-offs." Raab, a leading figure among pro-Brexit Conservatives, said he did not want to exit without a deal, but would do so if the EU refused to budge, a stance echoed by Leadsom, who quit the government on Wednesday over May's deal. "To succeed in a negotiation you have to be prepared to walk away," Leadsom, who made it to the last two in the 2016 contest to replace David Cameron as prime minister following the EU referendum, told the Sunday Times newspaper. Brexit is set to dominate the contest which will begin in the week of June 10 when Conservative lawmakers begin to whittle down the field before party members, about 160,000 according to the Sunday Telegraph, choose the winner from the final two candidates. JOHNSON THE FAVOURITE Surveys have suggested that the members are overwhelmingly pro-Brexit and in favour of leaving the EU without a deal. Boris Johnson is the clear favourite with bookmakers and he has also said Britain should be prepared to exit the bloc without any deal if no acceptable agreement could be reached. "We will leave the EU on October 31, deal or no deal," Johnson told an economic conference in Switzerland on Friday. The party's divisions over the EU has led to the demise of its last four prime ministers - May, Cameron, John Major and Margaret Thatcher - and there is little indication these schisms will be healed soon. "There are huge tensions in this race which are that people will be encouraged to promise things they can't deliver, of those probably the most dramatic are people who are going to be encouraged to promise a no-deal Brexit," one of the contenders, Rory Stewart, told BBC radio. While parliament repeatedly rejected May's accord, lawmakers have also previously voted against leaving without any deal. Stewart said he could not serve in a Johnson government that was prepared to accept a no-deal Brexit. 'DISHONEST' "I think it would be a huge mistake, damaging, unnecessary and I think also dishonest," Stewart said. With no majority in parliament, the Conservatives only govern with the support of the small Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party, a factor that has constantly weakened May's hand. The opposition Labour Party, which called for an immediate election after May's announcement, said it would seek a vote of no confidence in the government if it looked like it might pass, while it has also not ruled out backing a second referendum. "Faced with (a no deal) situation, I think there may well be a majority in the House of Commons willing to bring about some form of public vote and that could include a general election," Labour finance spokesman John McDonnell told BBC radio. Both the Conservatives and Labour are expected to fare badly in the European Parliament elections when the results are published on Sunday, while both the Brexit Party of Nigel Farage and the pro-EU Liberal Democrats were seen doing well. Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson said the party's equivocal stance on the issue was to blame and it now needed to urgently back a second vote. "For our party's sake, but most of all for Britains sake, Labour needs to find some backbone on Brexit, find our voice - and do it fast," he wrote on his website. (Reporting by Michael Holden; editing by Alexander Smith and G Crosse) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The Islamists have also backed the army's demands that the head of Sudan's new governing body be a military figure putting them at odds with protesters who want civilian rule Khartoum: With talks suspended between protest leaders and Sudan's military over a transfer of power to civilian rule, Islamist movements are backing the army in the hope it will keep Sharia law in place. Islamist parties stayed on the sidelines during the months of nationwide protests that led to the April ouster of long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir. They have since not joined the protest alliance at loggerheads with the generals over the makeup of a new governing body, which would rule the country for a three-year transitional period. But hundreds of Islamists have rallied in the capital in recent days, warning they would reject any deal that would exclude sharia an Islamic law from the country's political roadmap. They have also backed the army's demands that the head of Sudan's new governing body be a military figure putting them at odds with protesters who want civilian rule. "We agree with (protesters) that there will be a cabinet of civilian technocrats," said Hassan Rizk, deputy head of the Islamist Reform Now Movement, a breakaway group from the National Congress Party formerly led by Bashir. "But the sovereign council will be headed by the armed forces because there is a security problem." Bashir came to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989 and Sudanese legislation has since been underpinned by Islamic law. But the protest leaders have remained silent on whether Sharia has a place in Sudan's future, arguing that their main concern is installing a civilian administration. Ultraconservative preacher Abdelhay Yousef, a leader of the Nusrat Al-Sharia movement, drew large crowds Friday at a mosque in the capital's southern Jabra district. He used his sermon to champion Islamic law and to rail against the prospect of secular rule. Buses then transported worshippers to a courtyard outside Khartoum's presidential palace where they broke their daytime fast for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan before rallying against the roadmap. "Free revolutionaries will not be ruled by the forces of the left," they chanted. Nusrat Al-Sharia chief Mohamed Ali Jazuli justified the rejection by Islamists of an "ultimatum" put forward by the protesters. While the protest alliance could be a "partner in change", he said, it was not "the only leader of the revolution. The revolution was not against ideology but against corruption and tyranny," he said. Tayeb Mustafa, who heads a coalition of conservative parties, said Islamists were opposed to the transition plan because it "ignored the application of Islamic law". The protest alliance "stole the revolution in broad daylight", said Mustafa, whose 2020 coalition brings together Islamist groups, including the Popular Congress Party, a long-time ally of Bashir. Analysts say Islamists' close ties to Bashir have made it difficult for them to join forces with protesters and their Alliance for Freedom and Change umbrella group. "It's impossible to equate a party that has always been opposed to the regime with another side that was with the regime until its fall," said prominent Sudanese journalist Khaled Tijani. "Freedom and Change, therefore, have the right to lead." A few metres away from the Islamist rally outside the presidential palace, a man wearing traditional robes lit a cigarette as the call to prayer marked the end of the day's fast. "We're fed up with the injection of religion into politics," he said in a low voice. We want freedom, we don't want to be ruled by anyone in the name of religion... What have we done with 30 years of that kind of rule?" he asked. "Religion is for God, politics is for the street." BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian government forces pounded positions in the northwest of the country on Sunday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, in the heaviest day of air strikes since launching a major campaign against the rebel-held territory nearly four weeks ago. The bombardment helped Russian-backed government forces capture the small town of Kafr Nabouda in northern Hama province, the third time it has changed hands in the latest offensive, sources on both sides said. Air and ground strikes killed 12 people in several areas including the town of Maarat al-Numan, the Observatory said BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian government forces pounded positions in the northwest of the country on Sunday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, in the heaviest day of air strikes since launching a major campaign against the rebel-held territory nearly four weeks ago. The bombardment helped Russian-backed government forces capture the small town of Kafr Nabouda in northern Hama province, the third time it has changed hands in the latest offensive, sources on both sides said. Air and ground strikes killed 12 people in several areas including the town of Maarat al-Numan, the Observatory said. The onslaught since late April, focused mostly on southern parts of Idlib province and adjacent parts of Hama and Latakia, marks the most intense conflict between President Bashar al-Assad and his insurgent enemies since last summer. The bombardment has killed 229 civilians, injured 727 and forced more than 300,000 people to flee since April 28, according to The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organisations (UOSSM), which provides assistance to health facilities. Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Observatory, said Syrian government planes and helicopters launched more than 280 strikes on Sunday and Russian jets had carried out 15. Syrian state news agency SANA said Kafr Nabouda had been taken from militants led by a group known as Tahrir al-Sham, previously called the Nusra Front and part of al Qaeda until it broke away and renamed itself. A spokesman for one of the rebel formations in the area, the Turkey-backed National Liberation Front, confirmed government forces had taken Kafr Naboud after an eight-hour bombardment involving hundreds of rockets and dozens of air strikes. (Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by David Holmes) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Young Thai voters seem to view military as an unsuitable partner for the monarchy Thailands King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkuns coronation on May 4 made him the 10th king of the countrys Chakri Dynasty, or Rama X. Elaborate rituals emphasised continuity with the new kings nine predecessors, not least the military commander who founded the dynasty 15 years after the Burmese sacked the Siamese capital of Ayutthaya in 1767. Like Rama I, Vajiralongkorn regards himself as a military man. He studied at Australias Royal Military College, and holds high ranks in the Thai army, navy and air force. The new queen, a former flight attendant whom Vajiralongkorn married three days before his coronation, holds the military rank of general. The coronation took place while Thailand was under military dictatorship the consequence of a 2014 coup widely understood as a means to ensure a smooth transition from King Bhumibol Adulyadej to his son, Vajiralongkorn. Continuity can be illusory. Discontinuity, in fact, marks relations between Thailands monarchy and military. In 1912, military officers unsuccessfully plotted to overthrow King Vajiravudh, or Rama VI. Army and naval officers played leading roles in the 1932 coup that replaced absolute monarchy with a constitutional regime. For much of the following 25 years, military-dominated administrations marginalised the monarchy. It was only in the late 1950s, when Cold War tensions and a drive for economic development created an imperative for national integration, that the military and the monarchy forged what became a long, effective partnership. Thailand weathered its communist insurgency. The unifying power of Bhumibol proved strong and lasting. Through the 1980s and 1990s, Thailand evolved toward parliamentary democracy. And the militarys change in posture, from rival of the monarchy to its protector, gave it the pretext to intervene in politics, submitting the country to repeated periods of military rule. In March, Thailand went to the polls to elect a new parliament. Just days after Vajiralongkorns coronation, the election commission announced official results. The upstart Future Forward Party, led by the young automobile-parts tycoon Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, finished third. Central to this performance was the partys call for the abolition of conscription and for the reform and depoliticisation of Thailands bloated, coup-prone armed forces. Even before the official results were announced, authorities charged Thanathorn with sedition in connection with a 2015 demonstration against the dictatorship. Complaints to the election commission accused him and a number of his party candidates of holding shares in media firms while running for parliament, a violation of election law. These complaints can lead to disqualification from politics and even imprisonment. Press coverage of the election has focused on the juntas determination to perpetuate its domination of politics. That focus is misplaced. Seen in the context of Vajiralongkorns coronation, the pressure on the Future Forward suggests that something more fundamental is at stake. Electoral support for Future Forward represents more than just a challenge to the junta. It sends a strong signal on the palaces partnership with the military and suggests that young voters regard an arrogant military as an unsuitable partner for the monarchy. Vajiralongkorns advisers will do well to heed to these convictions, as they seek to renew the role of the monarchy. The challenges that face Thailand today are different from those of communist insurgency and the need to integrate remote areas of the kingdom. Its society is aging. Two decades from now, more than a quarter of its population will be 65 or older. Its working-age population will shrink by a quarter. With an under-performing education sector and fears among economists that the country will fall into a middle-income trap, a king taking his crown at 66 is well positioned to champion solutions to such issues. In administrative terms, Thailand remains overcentralised. One impediment to decentralisation, including the replacement of provincial governors appointed from Bangkok with wholly elected regional governments, is that the system is a legacy of King Chulalongkorn, or Rama V, with which few dare to tamper. Rama X will, however, have the legitimacy to advocate adjustments, which might resolve the long-running crisis in the Malay-Muslim-majority provinces of Deep South, where military solutions have failed. Relations with China represent a third issue that deserves Vajiralongkorn attention. Thailands intensive contact with that country poses generally unrecognised challenges to national unity. Reinforcing such unity is the role of the constitutional monarchies the world over. Much of this may sound prosaic, but it will be hard work, in which the military has no logical role to play. Tackling these issues will allow the monarchy to distance itself from the soldiers before their continued partnership becomes a liability, even a threat to legitimacy. The path of least resistance does not lie in the direction suggested here. The monarchy-military partnership has come to feel natural to many in Thailand. Pushing the army away and siding with forces backing its reform will not be without risk. But, the prospect of a Thai republic remains too alarming for many in the country to countenance. (Michael J Montesano is co-ordinator, Thailand Studies Programme, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore) Investigators suspect the three blasts in Kathmandu, Nepal, may have been the work of a splinter group of former Maoist rebels who are against the government for arresting its supporters. Kathmandu: Four people were killed and seven others injured on Sunday in three separate explosions in the Nepali capital Kathmandu. Police said they suspected a Maoist splinter group may have been responsible. Three people were killed on the spot and the fourth one died while undergoing treatment at a hospital, police official Shyam Lal Gyawali said, adding that the nature of the blasts was under investigation. One person was killed in an explosion inside a house in the Ghattekulo residential area in the heart of the city. I heard a big noise and rushed to the spot to find the walls of a house had developed cracks due to the impact of the blast, 17-year-old student Govinda Bhandari told Reuters at the site of the first blast. The second blast took place near a hairdressers in the Sukedhara area on the outskirts of the city, where three people were killed. The third blast, a crude device, went off near a brick kiln in the Thankot area of Kathmandu, injuring two people, police said. All of the seven injured people were taken to hospital. A Reuters photographer at the site of the second blast said it had shattered the door and window panes of the shop and the area had been sealed off by the army. Gyawali, the police official, said they suspect the blasts may have been the work of a splinter group of former Maoist rebels who are opposed to the government for arresting its supporters. A pamphlet from the group has been found at the site of the first blast, Gyawali said. The house was used to make improvised or crude explosive devices by activists from the group, he said, adding that one of the injured people was a supporter. Nepal emerged from a decade-long Maoist civil war in 2006, and the main group of the former rebels has joined the party that runs the government now. The breakaway group of former rebels carried out a similar blast in Kathmandu in February, in which one person was killed and two others were injured. No one has claimed responsibility for Sundays blasts. Dont allow MNCs like Pepsi to control the supply chain; buy produce back from farmers A multinational giant using all its might to crush four small farmers for an alleged patent infringement: this is how PepsiCos decision to sue a group of Gujarat farmers for Rs 1 crore each played out in the media early this month. The US-based snack and beverage maker was accused of coercion for taking the farmers to court for growing FC5 potato variety, which it exclusively developed for its Lays chips. It was the money Rs 1 crore that caught attention: how can a poor farmer pay such a huge amount? And instinctively, you side with the farmer. But is that instinct correct? Who is right: the farmers or the drinks major they are up against? PepsiCo is one of Indias biggest food and beverage manufacturers. It developed the disputed FC5 variety in response to supply-chain shortages that affected Lays production. The potato has low moisture and sugar content, which is ideal for chips. The company collaborates with 24,000 farmers in India, selling them potato seeds, providing agricultural assistance and buys the produce at a pre-determined price. PepsiCo registered FC5 under Indias Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights (PPVFR) Act in 2016. In April this year, PepsiCo approached the Gujarat High Court, asking it to prevent the four farmers from growing and selling the FC5 variety illegally. A similar case was registered last year against five farmers in which PepsiCo demanded Rs 1 crore each in compensation for patent infringement. The $64-billion company surely does not need the paltry Rs 9 crore and other farmers growing the FC5 potato do not affect the multi-nationals supply chain. The company offered to drop the demand for compensation, provided the farmers sold the produce to it at a pre-determined price or stop growing the FC5 potato. Finally, in consultation with the government, PepsiCo on May 2 dropped the suit citing ongoing discussions with the government for a long-term and amicable solution to seed protection. The case may have ended but it put the spotlight firmly on the PPVFR Act. As India looks to increase agricultural yield and embrace new farm technologies, the Lays case is unlikely to be the last. PepsiCo claims that the PPVFR Act gives it the exclusive rights to grow the FC5 variety for Lays. But does it? Well, not explicitly. Article 39 (iv) of the PPVFR Act says: A farmer shall be deemed to be entitled to save, use, sow, resow, exchange, share or sell his farm produce, including seed of a variety protected under this Act in the same manner as he was entitled before the coming into force of this Act: Provided that the farmer shall not be entitled to sell branded seed of a variety protected under this Act. Simply put, farmers can exchange seeds among themselves or sell the produce, including new seeds, to a buyer. Thus, the Gujarat farmers could grow the FC5 from seeds they got from other farmers and sell the potato in the market but without claiming that these were FC5 or PepsiCo potatoes. There have been no reports that the farmers violated the PPFVR Act. If this is the case, PepsiCos claim of patent infringement is unsubstantial. Of course, if PepsiCo has evidence of the farmers selling the FC5 potato in a branded packaging, it has every right to approach the courts. But if some reports are to be believed, the farmers were selling the produce to potato chip manufacturers. If this is the case, PepsiCo may be using patent infringement to actually restrict the supply of the FC5 potato to rival manufacturers. Is it fair if rival companies get access to potatoes researched and developed by PepsiCo through the PPVFR Act? While it may not seem fair, there are two things to be considered. One, the farmers action is fair in the view of the PPFVR Act. Second, the farmers could not have claimed the potatoes to be FC5 and even if they did verbally, without any material branding, a rival company purchasing the potatoes would have to do so on trust without any legal recourse if they were duped. Should the laws be amended to give better protection to seed companies? Many firms have found a solution by creating crops that do not produce seed, forcing farmers to buy seeds every year. This works if the income from the yield is higher than the cost to the farmer. Otherwise, the farmer can buy from companies whose seeds may not be high-yielding but will provide seeds the next season. There is complete transparency in this process and the final choice remains with the farmer. Further, most companies do not buy back the products of their seed and remain unaffected by where the farmer sells the produce. PepsiCos case is peculiar because they are the breeder as well as the end-buyer. Amending laws so that companies control the supply chain would be detrimental to the ecosystem. Buying the produce back at prices higher than market rates or providing extra benefits to farmers who sell the produce to the breeder is one solution that can be looked at. In the long-run, the case may not be of patent infringement, but a signal to other farmers and rival manufacturers to keep off Lays potatoes. If the case is of patent infringement, we should stand by PepsiCo. But if it is PepsiCo trying to using intellectual property to protect its potato from reaching its competitors, we need to side with the farmers. In either case, letting the courts decide in a transparent manner instead of opaque government-company discussions would go a long way in setting precedents for farmers and seed companies. Shambhavi Naik is a research fellow with Takshashilas Technology and Policy programme Palestinians may not accept the deal with Israel as it puts paid their statehood dreams The Trump administration has begun unveiling its plan for the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, announcing an economic conference in June in Bahrain. With characteristic hype, President Donald Trump has hailed the plan as the deal of the century, promising to reset the peacemaking paradigm. The plan remains secret, and will likely be rolled out in a staggered manner, but we have had hints. Its authors, including Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, have said that the traditional two-state solution has failed. Instead, the plan, he suggests, puts aside the discussion on Palestinian statehood in favour of steps to improve the economic lot of the Palestinians. These steps, we are told, include significant investment in the Palestinian Authority mostly from the Arab world and a loosening of Israeli restrictions on Palestinian economic activity. In return, the Palestinians are to give up their claim for a state in the territories occupied by Israel since 1967, and accept that key areas, particularly around Jerusalem, will become part of Israel. The Palestinians will likely receive a quasi-independent entity, greater prosperity and a degree of self-rule but under Israeli control. It is unlikely that the plan will be so blunt. The door to Palestinian sovereignty will not be fully closed, but will be kicked far down the road to an undefined future, in return for economic concessions. The plan has been coordinated with Israel. It has also been discussed with other Arab nations notably Saudi Arabia which the US hopes will pay for it and pressure the Palestinians to accept it. It is likely that the economic promises will unfold over the years and only if the Palestinians are judged by Israel and the US to have held their end of the bargain, while the Palestinians will be required to forego claims to statehood right away. There may well be some difficult pills for Israel to swallow as well, in the form of concessions to Palestinian economic activity, the dismantling of some peripheral settlements and perhaps a bit more land for the Palestinian entity. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will likely make much of his countrys willingness to make concessions, after some theatrical hemming and hawing about the heavy price Israel is being asked to pay for peace. It seems clear that the Palestinian Authority, and the people, will not accept the plan. Their aspirations for an independent state will be permanently weakened, while the economic promises are just that promises which may, or may not, be realised. The notion that the Palestinian people will put aside their multi-generational aspiration for a state in return for money smacks of an attitude that the Palestinians are not a people in the sense of a coherent national group who deserves a state, and can be bought off. In effect, it reduces their national aspirations to a real-estate transaction a fitting approach for a president and a son-in-law who are real-estate moghuls. It seems likely that the Palestinians will reject Trumps plan, while Israel will make a show of its willingness to make painful concessions to accept it. This plays well into the Israeli narrative that there is no Palestinian partner for peace, and allows Trump to do what he really wants, which is to support Israel unreservedly. It would, therefore, behoove the Palestinians to not reject the plan but to make a show of considering it. They could signal willingness to discuss the parts they like, the economic assistance, while saying that other parts need work and they are willing to enter talks for that purpose. Such a strategy would deny Israel, and Trump an obdurate Palestinian Authority which is unwilling to even consider new ideas for peace. The Palestinians can then wait out Trump in the hope that his successor would revert to the traditional two-state policy. But, the politics of the moment make such a Palestinian response unlikely. The Palestinian people will be enraged and will look to their leaders to soundly condemn the plan. In doing so, they will walk into a trap and set their aspiration for statehood back yet again. However, the plan, though music to the ears of the right-wing, does Israel no long-term favours either. The simple fact is that demographics will ultimately decide this conflict, though it will take several decades to play out fully. Whatever schemes may be concocted in the short term to allow Israel to maintain control over the territories it occupies, Palestinians will ultimately be a growing majority in the combined area of Israel and the Occupied Territories. Over time, Israel will have to resort to increasingly draconian measures to deny Palestinians their rights, if this area is to be entirely controlled by a Jewish minority. In short, Israel faces a choice. It can accept an independent Palestinians homeland, however difficult that may be for some Israelis to accept, and, thereby, maintain a geographically smaller Israel, which is a Jewish-majority democracy. Or, it can hang on to the Occupied Territories, and, thereby, guarantee that Jews will become a minority in a larger Israel, resorting to increasingly anti-democratic tactics to systematically disenfranchise the Palestinians. The deal of the century, if the hints are true, is an attempt at the latter course. However much it may dress up continued Israeli sovereignty over the Palestinians in the cloak of economic promises, the deal ensures that they remain under Israeli control and without full democratic rights. The Western world has supported Israel for many reasons since its inception, but one of them is that it is a democracy. Over time, if Israel ceases to be one, it remains to be seen what will happen to the support it depends on. (Peter Jones is an associate professor at the University of Ottawa and a former civil servant) It's not the emperor who chose Trump as his first state guest. It was Abe, who is seen by some as using the invitation to meet Naruhito to curry favor with Trump who is threatening to impose potentially devastating tariffs on Japan's auto industry, among other tensions in the relationship.. In her petition for the order of protection, the woman said that Lopez had twice pulled out his gun with intent to harm people when he felt threatened or startled in the prior weeks. In the first instance, he pointed a gun at a real estate agent who arrived at his apartment after forgetting that he had scheduled an appointment to show the home. In another incident, Lopez felt threatened by a neighbor and ran outside with his gun to look for him, according to the court records. Xiaomis Redmi brand introduced the first Redmi Note 7 smartphone in China back in January, and the Redmi Note 7 Pro made its global debut in India in February. Today the company has announced that the combined sales of Redmi Note 7 and Note 7 Pro have hit 10 million units globally in about four months or 129 days of launch. Earlier this month the company announced that it has sold 2 million or 20 lakh units of Redmi Note 7 series in India in 2 months The Redmi Note 7 Series sales hit 4 million units globally on March 29th, so it has added 6 million units in just 55 days. The company recently launched Redmi Note 7S in India, which will replace the Redmi Note 7 in the country. WOW! What an amazing accomplishment! Globally we have sold over 10 million Redmi Note 7 series in just 129 days, marking another major milestone for the awesome #RedmiNote7 series. We couldnt have gotten to this landmark moment without our amazing Mi Fans!#NoMiWithoutYou pic.twitter.com/Kx7NlkNNEF Xiaomi #5GIsHere (@Xiaomi) May 27, 2019 The company is all set to introduce the Redmi K20 series in China tomorrow, which will also be launched in India soon. Source People may have plenty of other goals that they are saving and investing for, but one of the biggest will always be retirement. If you want to enjoy your golden years in relative comfort, you're going to need a hefty nest egg. So, how are we doing, generally, on accruing that cash stash? In the "What's Up, Bro?" segment of this Motley Fool Answers podcast, Robert Brokamp reviews the latest quarterly analysis on the subject from Fidelity, which, with more than 30 million IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement accounts in its care, has a fairly good handle on the wide view. Overall, the data is upbeat, but there's one area in particular where far too many of us are making a less-than-ideal choice. To catch full episodes of all The Motley Fool's free podcasts, check out our podcast center. A full transcript follows the video. This video was recorded on May 21, 2019. Alison Southwick: So, Bro, what's up? Robert Brokamp: Retirement accounts are up. Southwick: Yay! That's really good news! Brokamp: That's what's up. It is good news! And we know this because Fidelity has released recently its quarterly analysis of the more than 30 million IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement accounts that investors have with Fidelity. So it's a pretty good survey of what people have and how they're doing. And this latest report is particularly interesting because not only do they provide the most recent numbers as of the end of the first quarter of this year -- so March of this year -- but they provided the numbers from March from 10 years ago, which was right when the stock market bottomed after the Great Recession. We've talked before about how well the stock market has done since then, but this report gives us an idea of how much retirement savers are doing [compared to] then. So, let's dig into six questions about the average retirement saver that this report answers. No. 1. How big is it? And, of course, I'm talking about 401(k) account balances reaching $103,700, an all-time high. It's up 8% since the end of 2018, so that first quarter, and to be honest, I was a little surprised at that. I thought it would be more, because in the first quarter of this year the S&P 500 was up almost 14% plus people are putting more money into their accounts. I think the bottom line, is, of course, that not everyone is invested completely in the stock market, which is a topic we'll hit on a little later. How does that $103,700 compare to a decade ago? $46,000 was how much the average person had in their 401(k), so it's more than doubled. Again, that's good, but you might have expected more given how well the stock market has done. But 401(k)s are tricky, because these averages could include everyone who's been there for 30 years and someone who's only been there for six months, so they very helpfully broke out the numbers of account balances based on what generation you're a part of as well as numbers for someone who's actually been participating in the same account for a decade. If you look at someone who's been participating in the same account for a decade, the average balance is $297,000 vs. just $52,000 a decade ago. So it's up 466%. Southwick: Not too shabby! Brokamp: Very good! Very impressive! And just in case you're curious, the average balance for someone who's been investing for 10 years: millennials, $129,000; GenX, $268,000; boomers, $357,000. This is good news, especially when you hear stats about the average amount that someone has, especially if they're at the age where they're about to retire. For those who are participating in a 401(k) and have been saving they're doing pretty well. That's how much people have saved if they're actually saving. No. 2. What percentage of employees are actually participating in a 401(k)? The answer to this really depends on whether or not the 401(k) automatically enrolls people or not. If the plan automatically enrolls you -- once you join the company you're put in the 401(k) -- 88% of employees participate. If they don't, 52%. Big difference! Clearly, people need a nudge to sign up for the 401(k), and we hear about the retirement crisis and how people haven't saved enough. Obviously one answer is just to make sure everyone gets put into the 401(k). Once you're in there, only 9% of people then change their mind and say they don't want to be in there. Once you're put in the 401(k), the vast majority of people stay in it. Southwick: But we're only talking about a slice of people in this country who actually have access to a 401(k). Think of all the people who don't even have access to a 401(k). Who have to go through so many more hoops to save money for retirement. It's a huge barrier to entry. Brokamp: It really is. A little bit more than half of employees are covered by a work plan... Southwick: Whether it's a pension... Brokamp: A 401(k), a 403(b), or something like that, which means almost half don't. Now you can still choose an IRA, but IRAs have lower contribution limits. Also, you can set up a solo 401(k) if you're self-employed, but that's kind of a hassle. So having a job with a work plan is a huge benefit. One thing also that is higher is the amount you're automatically enrolled in. So a little less than half are automatically enrolling people at 4% or higher, which means that more than half of the employers are automatically enrolling people at less than 4%, which in my opinion is too low. I think you can get away with automatically enrolling people and having them contribute more than that. If they don't like it, they can always change it, but I think that's also another way to be helpful. No. 3. How much are people saving? The average employee is deferring 8.8% to their 401(k). Employers are putting another average 4.7% for a total of 13.5%, another all-time high, which is pretty good. We've talked, before, about how I think people should be shooting for 15%. That's if you're starting in your 20s or maybe even your 30s. Southwick: Before the match. Brokamp: No, the match included. Southwick: Oh, including the match! Brokamp: Match included. And that's part of what we've done, here, at The Fool. If you contribute 9%, you get 6% for that 15%. So people probably should be saving a little bit more, but still this is pretty good news. Southwick: Yeah. Now I need to hop into Namely and double-check how much I'm contributing to the platform. Brokamp: So question No. 4. How are they investing? This gets back to that question of asset allocation and things like that. The report really celebrated the fact that people are more diversified. For example, they had this stat saying that only 10% of the people are either 100% in stocks or 0% in stocks. All-in or all-out. Compared to 2009, it was 25% of people who were all-in or all-out. Personally, as a relatively aggressive investor and a typical Motley Fool, I'm actually fine being all stock, so I'm not sure this is a great thing necessarily to celebrate, especially since stocks have done so well over the last decade, but, I do think generally diversification is important. And the reason people are becoming more diversified is the use of target date funds. A target date fund is just a single mutual fund that owns other mutual funds -- a mix of stocks, bonds, cash, international stocks, U.S. stocks. Currently, 52% of people with a 401(k) at Fidelity are exclusively invested in a target date fund compared to just 16% in 2009. And this also goes back to the automatic enrollment, because for planned, automatically enrolled employees 90% of those people are being enrolled in a target date fund. I think it's a great solution, especially for the hands-off investor; but, even the most aggressive allocations do have some cash and bonds, so if you are a more aggressive investor, you might want to fiddle with that a little bit. Southwick: Yes, I'm in a target date fund and I was thinking I need to maybe start contributing to a farther-out target date, just to maybe get a little bit more aggressive. Brokamp: It is interesting, because we just recently, on the 401(k) committee here at The Fool, evaluated our target date funds, and we felt that the ones that we had were too conservative, generally, and we've replaced them with another set that are more aggressive; but they get really conservative right before retirement, which some people think is good. But it's a debate about what they call the "glide path" should be. It is pretty complicated. Again, target date funds, I think, are generally good, but you do want to make sure you have the right ones. Two more things from the report. No. 5, are retirees choosing the Roth or the traditional? And the answer for 401(k)s is overwhelmingly the traditional. Almost 90% of people are going with the traditional. Only 11% are going with the Roth. But interestingly, when you look at IRAs, it's different. With the IRAs, 52% are Roth. So what people are doing is they're using the traditional for the 401(k), but then opening a Roth IRA which I think makes a ton of sense. I did this for many years. You get the tax diversification of having a little bit of both. Also, generally speaking, people are more aggressive in their IRAs, because they can buy individual stocks. And if you want one account to grow the most, it's the Roth IRA because the distributions are tax-free and you want your tax-free account to grow the most. I thought that was pretty interesting. They also had a stat in here where they said the average 401(k) account was $103,000. The average IRA was $107,000. But when you look at the average total of people with both 401(k)s and IRAs with Fidelity, the total is over $300,000. And I actually sent them a question. Why is it that the combined is so much higher than the separate? And they said the people with IRAs and 401(k)s are much more engaged and they save more. They also tend to be a little bit older. But I certainly think it makes a lot of sense that if you have the money, to invest in both. And finally, No. 6. What made me cry the most? Well, they had a stat on what people do with their 401(k)s when they leave their job and we've talked about this before. 36% of the people cash out their 401(k). They don't roll it over to the next 401(k). They don't roll it over to an IRA. They take the money -- which means they're paying taxes, they pay penalties if they're not 59 and a half, and they miss out on all that future growth. It also makes me sad because I know a lot of people are doing this for reasons they have no choice over. They might have medical bills, or something like that, and I certainly have sympathy for that, but please, if you're ever thinking of doing this and you don't need the money, roll it over to an IRA. You're going to save yourself a lot of current bills -- in terms of taxes and penalties -- but you're going to be very grateful you kept that money invested when you retire. And that, Alison, is what's up. The stock market was "volatile" in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was "volatile" again, to a lesser degree, ahead of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Maybe you've heard about the stock market's "fear gauge" being elevated at various times -- but what does that actually mean? Here's what investors need to know about stock market volatility. What is stock market volatility? Stock market volatility is a measure of how much the stock market's overall value fluctuates up and down. Beyond the market as a whole, individual stocks can be considered volatile as well. More specifically, you can calculate volatility by looking at how much an asset's price varies from its average price. Standard deviation is the statistical measure commonly used to represent volatility. Stock market volatility can pick up when external events create uncertainty. For example, while the major stock indexes typically don't move by more than 1% in a single day, those indices routinely rose and fell by more than 5% each day during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. No one knew what was going to happen, and that uncertainty led to frantic buying and selling. (Here's a linked resource if you'd like to explore research-based detail on how investors reacted to the volatility of 2020.) Some stocks are more volatile than others. Shares of a large blue-chip company may not make very big price swings, while shares of a high-flying tech stock may do so often. That blue-chip stock is considered to have low volatility, while the tech stock has high volatility. Medium volatility is somewhere in between. An individual stock can also become more volatile around key events like quarterly earnings reports. Volatility is often associated with fear, which tends to rise during bear markets, stock market crashes, and other big downward moves. However, volatility doesn't measure direction. It's simply a measure of how big the price swings are. You can think of volatility as a measure of short-term uncertainty. Historical volatility is a measure of how volatile an asset was in the past, while implied volatility is a metric that represents how volatile investors expect an asset to be in the future. Implied volatility can be calculated from the prices of put and call options. Beta and the VIX For individual stocks, volatility is often encapsulated in a metric called beta. Beta measures a stock's historical volatility relative to the S&P 500 index. A beta of more than one indicates that a stock has historically moved more than the S&P 500. For example, a stock with a beta of 1.2 could be expected to rise by 1.2% on average if the S&P rises by 1%. On the other hand, a beta of less than one implies a stock that is less reactive to overall market moves. And, finally, a negative beta (which is quite rare) tells investors that a stock tends to move in the opposite direction from the S&P 500. For the entire stock market, the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Volatility Index, known as the VIX, is a measure of the expected volatility over the next 30 days. The number itself isn't terribly important, and the actual calculation of the VIX is quite complex. However, it's important for investors to know that the VIX is often referred to as the market's "fear gauge." If the VIX rises significantly, investors could be worried about massive stock price movements in the days and weeks ahead. Why is volatility important? By understanding how volatility works, you can put yourself in a better position to understand the current stock market conditions as a whole, analyze the risk involved with any particular security, and construct a stock portfolio that is a great fit for your growth objectives and risk tolerance. It's important to note, though, that volatility and risk are not the same thing. For stock traders who look to buy low and sell high every trading day, volatility and risk are deeply intertwined. Volatility also matters for those who may need to sell their stocks soon, such as those close to retirement. But for long-term investors who tend to hold stocks for many years, the day-to-day movements of those stocks hardly matters at all. Volatility is just noise when you allow your investments to compound long into the future. Long-term investing still involves risks, but those risks are related to being wrong about a company's growth prospects or paying too high a price for that growth -- not volatility. Still, stock market volatility is an important concept with which all investors should be familiar. Exclusive Market Volatility Q&A with Outside Experts Suchismita Mishra, PhD The Motley Fool had the chance to connect with Dr. Suchismita Mishra, a Professor of Finance at Florida International Universitys College of Business. Dr. Mishra is an expert on corporate finance, financial markets, and international finance. The Motley Fool: Should stock market volatility impact an investors overall investing strategy? Dr. Mishra: Answer to this question will depend on holding period or investment horizon of the investor and the composition of the portfolio he/she is holding. If majority of the portfolio is held in equity or stocks and the investor is not patient enough to buy and hold then volatility will have an impact on the strategy. For example: for someone who is young and has long work life in front of them can afford to have a buy and hold strategy depending on their risk appetite. Volatility can be beneficial to buy stocks at the dip (down market) and hold to gain in the long run. In this case someone can capitalize on volatility. But for someone who are in the middle of their work life or nearing retirement, holding needs to be rebalanced to have more fixed income (bonds or bond funds for example) which are safer asset classes as in this case investor is heading towards the need of more stable cashflow post retirement. Above all, volatility will impact investing strategy as in general rational investors dont like too much swing (ups and downs) in their investment returns. But extent of this impact will depend on the investment horizon, composition of the current portfolio and investors risk tolerance. Typically, volatility will have more impact on investment strategy in a bearish market as investors see their returns plummeting which adds to their stress during a downturn. The Motley Fool: What micro and macro-economic factors influence volatility the most? Dr. Mishra: Macro factors such as shocks (example COVID, Delta Variant currently, policy uncertainty) which create unpredictability or uncertainty in the entire economy as they lead to increased probability of recession, unemployment. There are also structural changes such as commission free trading, increased retail participation in the market via social media etc. which create temporary spikes in stock market volatility for example: Game Stop phenomenon. Micro factors are firms and sectors vary in their response to the shocks for example, hospitality industry had to endure a bigger blow in the COVID crisis whereas banking and finance sector had bigger blow during 2008-11 financial crisis. So the cross sectional differences in the response to the shock are the micro factors which creates varying level of volatility across businesses and sectors. The Motley Fool: Over the long term, what asset classes have the most or least volatility? Dr. Mishra: Gold, Treasury bonds, Bond funds in general are least volatile. Currently digital currencies are one of the riskiest asset classes. The Motley Fool: What is your best advice for investors who experience extreme market volatility near their retirement age? Dr. Mishra: Best is to move funds to fixed income sector such as bonds or bond funds and diversify within these asset classes to reduce risk for example hold a mix government bonds and corporate bonds, domestic and foreign bonds etc. Less holding in equity(stocks) is recommended and even within the equity holdings more emphasis on value stocks rather than growth stocks. Ahmad Namini, PhD The Motley Fool also spoke with Dr. Ahmad Namini, Professor of Practice of Business Analytics in the Brandeis International Business School. Dr. Namini has experience as a quantitative analyst/developer, analytics head and CTO in the fixed income and credit derivative spaces for various investment banks and hedge funds. The Motley Fool asked Dr. Namini some questions about market volatility. The Motley Fool: Should stock market volatility impact an investors overall investing strategy? Dr. Namini: Market volatility is an inevitable part of the investment management process. If market volatility did not exist, no financial instrument would ever rise or fall. Thus, if one invested 1000 dollars, after a period of time, one would still have only 1000 dollars. Thus, market volatility affords the investor the ability of make or lose money. This fundamental law of investment dictates that market volatility is necessary for portfolio growth with the caveat that volatility can also result in negative returns, i.e. losses. An investor should definitely take market volatility into account. With volatility, individual stock prices will go up and down. An investor could time the market, i.e. buy the stock when the price is low and sell when the price high. For most investors, timing the market is difficult to achieve on a consistent basis. Also, market volatility implies that stocks return trends are cyclical in nature. Thus, stocks that go up will go down and everything that will go down will go up. The issue is then transferred to that of what level the ups and downs occur. If the ups are higher than the downs, then in the long term, the stock price is increasing. Obviously, the opposite is true, in that if the ups are lower than downs, in the long run, the stock price is decreasing. Some financial instruments are fundamentally tied to volatility, such as stock options. The more volatile the stock, the more the option is valued, since the owner of the option has the option and not the obligation to purchase stocks at a given price. Options are not for the casual investor since options have leverage which will amplify positive and negative returns. The Motley Fool: What micro and macro-economic factors influence volatility the most? Dr. Namini: Market volatility is the manifestation of the markets level of uncertainty or better known as risk. If the economy makes investors expectation of economic performance ambiguous, the market will exhibit volatility. The uncertainty comes from interest rates (the cost of borrowing money to invest within a company), economic performance (some sectors expect growth while others expect decline), and probably most important, political and societal events (perceived disruption of normal conditions). During last year, the Presidential election, race protests, and pandemic resulted in the market exhibiting historically a high level of volatility. The Motley Fool: Over the long term, what asset classes have the most or least volatility? Dr. Namini: Over the long term, bank deposits are the least volatility. A steady unphased increase of value is expected. However, rates of return are so low under current interest rate levels and the expectation of rising inflation makes bank deposits as an undesirable investment asset class. Next in line are corporate stocks and bonds, which are always desirable but with the caveat that some corporations do better than others. Blue-chip corporations historically perform well and yield a positive return, while small-cap, more growth-oriented corporations might have large returns with periods of high volatility. Finally, penny stocks and cryptocurrencies have proven to be highly volatile with huge swings in prices. High growth is possible but hard to predict for an individual stock or token. Investors must have the internal fortitude and long-term conviction to hold these assets during periods of high volatility. The Motley Fool: What is your best advice for investors who experience extreme market volatility near their retirement age? Dr. Namini: In the end, extreme volatility should be based on ones own risk preference as well as their life environment. Young investors who are generations from retirement can afford to be less risk averse in their retirement planning, while investors nearing retirement should be more risk averse and start to plan for concrete, more certain monthly cashflows. Market volatility is undesirable for investors nearing retirement. Although some elderly investors, no doubt, have benefited from volatility, the vast majority of near retirement age investors are gambling their future in high volatile stocks. Near retirement age, investors should invest in safe, low volatility, historically strong performers. Stock indices are a great bet with diversification balancing individual stock volatility. Also, ETFs provide diversification at the sector level. Finally, any investor should invest in a level of market volatility that they are comfortable with. Financial advisors should provide options that match expected returns per unit of risk. The markets provide investors with higher\lower returns with increased volatility. Any adopted strategy for high growth through higher volatility should explicitly understand that the highs are wonderful but the lows can ruin ones wealth. Dr. Preston D. Cherry, PhD, CFP The Motley Fool also spoke with Dr. Preston D. Cherry, Assistant Professor of Personal Financial Planning and Finance at the University of Wisconsins Austin E. Cofrin School of Business. Because of his expertise in financial planning, retirement, and estate planning, The Motley Fool had a few questions for Dr. Cherry. The Motley Fool: Should stock market volatility impact an investors overall investing strategy? Dr. Cherry: Investing strategy aligns with the individual investors goals, values, and attitudes. Market volatility tends to trigger emotions and behaviors that counter the objectives planned strategy. A portfolio with diversification, liquidity for living needs, and alignment with goals tend to dampen impulse reactions to market volatility. The Motley Fool: What micro and macro-economic factors influence volatility the most? Dr. Cherry: At the micro-level, investor sentiment influences volatility examples such as confidence in the economys overall direction, prices of their daily goods, the outlook of covid and jobs, and dare we say, behavioral and technical sentiment to meme stocks. At the macro-level monetary policy, headlines such as money supply flows, interest rates, and inflation lead to conversations about decentralized finance, or de-fi and cryptocurrency. Political news-cycle discussions, government covid management, and comprehensive policy also influence volatility because they are unknown, which leads to uncertainty. The Motley Fool: What is your best advice for investors who experience extreme market volatility near their retirement age? Dr. Cherry: Market volatility can significantly impact stress, anxiety, perceptions, satisfaction, and overall well-being levels about life and money. During volatile moments is where conversations with a holistic planner coach you through the technical aspects of the micro and macro environment and counsels you through the money psychology of your life cycle moment are valuable. Last week, Ford Motor (NYSE:F) announced another round of cuts to its salaried workforce. Ford is eliminating 7,000 positions -- about 10% of its white-collar workers -- through layoffs and voluntary buyouts, including 900 layoffs implemented in the past few days. Ford's white-collar layoffs follow close on the heels of a similar program at crosstown rival General Motors (NYSE:GM). Through these job cuts and other initiatives, both automakers expect to generate billions of dollars of annual savings over the next few years. Nevertheless, GM shares trade for barely more than five times the company's projected 2019 earnings. Ford stock is only slightly pricier at seven times forward earnings. Clearly, investors fear that cyclical factors and secular threats like the rise of ridesharing, electric vehicles, and autonomous vehicles will undermine profit growth efforts at both companies. However, GM and Ford are well positioned to surpass investors' expectations. Restructuring to become more efficient General Motors has been working to become leaner for several years. Its most recent cost-cutting initiative was unveiled last fall. GM decided to shutter five plants in North America by the end of 2019, impacting about 6,300 workers. (Many of those employees are transferring to other facilities.) It also cut 15% of its North American salaried workforce, or 8,100 positions. Ford has been able to avoid mass layoffs for factory workers in North America by finding new products to replace those it is discontinuing. However, it is following its rival by making big cuts to its white-collar workforce. And in international markets, Ford is well behind the General in terms of addressing recent profitability challenges. The company expects to incur the bulk of an estimated $11 billion in restructuring-related special charges outside the U.S. These cost-cutting programs are not like the moves made a decade ago as auto demand plunged. Back then, staying alive was the priority, so GM and Ford didn't spare R&D spending and other critical investments from cutbacks. Today, the auto giants may not be making as much money as they would like, but both are solidly profitable. Thus, they are acting from a position of strength. Both companies highlighted that they made disproportionate cuts at more senior levels. The goal is to speed decision making by eliminating unnecessary layers of bureaucracy. In other words, the current cost cuts should make GM and Ford stronger in the future -- not weaker. New products in North America will boost profitability Bears believe that cost savings at GM and Ford won't drop to the bottom line. A cyclical decline in U.S. auto sales, weak demand in foreign markets, and tariff-related cost pressures are all potential headwinds that could weigh on profitability. However, both automakers are in the midst of major upgrades to their vehicle lineups in North America, where they still generate the majority of their revenue and virtually all of their profit. With lots of fresh products in the most popular market segments, GM and Ford should be able to make more money in North America even with flat or modestly declining sales. On the new-vehicle front, General Motors is introducing two new Cadillac luxury models this year, led by the XT6 full-size crossover. It reintroduced the Chevy Blazer at the very end of 2018. It will also relaunch the Chevy Trailblazer nameplate for the 2020 model year to replace the Chevy Trax subcompact crossover. Meanwhile, GM is still fairly early in the process of launching a new generation of its lucrative full-size trucks and SUVs. If anything, Ford has even more ambitious plans. It recently reintroduced the Ranger midsize pickup in North America, and two new off-road SUVs (the Bronco and another untitled entry) are coming within about a year. It has been steadily revamping the Lincoln product lineup with new crossover models. And all-new versions of three of its highest-volume models -- the F-150, Escape, and Explorer -- are coming for the 2020 model year. An underappreciated story Thanks to their aggressive efficiency initiatives and new-product offensives, GM and Ford are well positioned to offset whatever headwinds come their way over the next two to three years. There will undoubtedly be some setbacks along the way. The ongoing trade war with China could exacerbate recent weakness there that has hurt both automakers. The U.S. economy could slip into recession at some point. And the potential impact of a tariff on auto imports to the U.S. from overseas is hard to judge in advance. On the other hand, the U.S. just agreed to end tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from Canada and Mexico. That could accelerate recent declines in the prices of both key metals, providing some commodity price relief for U.S. automakers. Considering how cheap shares of GM and Ford are right now, there seems to be far more upside than downside for investors over the next few years. Under the proposed rules, no new large-scale commercial growers would be permitted to set up shop here, at least for now. Instead, the focus would be on small craft growers, with an emphasis on helping people of color become entrepreneurs in the weed industry. In addition, adults would be allowed to grow up to five plants per household, in a locked room out of public view, with the permission of the landowner. Two women were standing in an alley when an unknown man approached the pair and shoved both of them to the ground, according to the alert from police. He then sexually assaulted one woman, police said, until one of the women was able to kick him in the face, essentially fighting him off. If a person only posts the positive, others see their lives as only having positive things happen. But no one lives without a few storms. Young people are particularly challenged by that realization. We have raised a generation of kids that expects participation trophies for everything theyve done and also looks to their parents to solve their problems. They dont know how to fail. And isnt making mistakes how we learn best? I live in a world of young people. Each fall a new crop of freshmen arrives at universities around the world. And we continue to be amazed at their expectations. Of course, Im generalizing and exaggerating a bit, but students today expect colleges will hold their hands to ensure everything in their lives (academically, socially, emotionally, etc.) will be smooth sailing. As a society, weve created these expectations both in homes, K12 schools, and social media. When I speak with recruiters, they continue to be surprised that we in universities cannot seem to wave a magic wand and get students who have had 18 years of conditioning to be reconditioned in four or five years. It just doesnt work that way. Here are some of the Memorial Day events planned in the Fredericksburg area: MONDAYFredericksburg National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, 1013 Lafayette Blvd. Keynote speaker is retired Lt. Col. Britt Brewer, a seasonal park guide who served for 25 years in the U.S. Army. Noon. For more information, call the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center at 540/693-3200 Ext. 4040; nps.gov/frsp. A Walk to Remember and Wreath Laying. Meet at Merchant Square Pavilion, Spotsylvania Courthouse. One-mile walk with American Legion Post 320 to honor Spotsylvania Countys fallen military heroes. Wear a poppy and carry a soldiers name in remembrance, both provided. 9 a.m. 153rd Memorial Day Ceremony, Fredericksburg Confederate Cemetery, 1100 Washington Ave. Speaker Robert Epp presents A Genealogists View of The Fredericksburg Confederate Cemetery, along with taps by camp musician Roy Perry and benediction by Very Rev. Francis de Rosa. 10 a.m. Rain location: Crowninshield Building, Kenmore, 1201 Washington Ave. Hosted by the Fredericksburg Ladies Memorial Association. This year the fest will be put on by the Daniel Ramos Puerto Rican Festival Committee an organization that will be watched by an oversight board to deter fraudulent behavior. The Puerto Rican Parade Committee, the previous producer, is no longer associated with the fest after a year marked by bankruptcy court hearings, investigations into the committee by police and the Illinois attorney generals office and the loss of the committees home building. The building is expected to be demolished and replaced with affordable housing that will include a space for the new committee. Most mortgage rates moved higher today. The interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate loan increased to 3.653%, up 0.037 percentage points from yesterday. The average for a 30-year refinance is up to 3.821%. The lone holdout is the 30-year jumbo loan, which edged down to 3.685%. Today marks the third straight day of rate increases. Cancer program earns reaccreditation The Cancer Program at Samaritan Health Services recently was awarded full reaccreditation from both the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. To achieve the recognition, the Samaritan Cancer Program had to undergo rigorous evaluation and review of performance and compliance to national standards. Samaritan Health Services houses the only cancer program in Oregon accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer as an Academic Comprehensive Cancer Program. To achieve this status, Samaritan Cancer Program must participate in postgraduate medical education in a minimum of four disciplines, record more than 500 newly diagnosed cancer cases each year, offer a full range of diagnostic and treatment services, and participate in cancer-related clinical research. The other reaccreditation earned by the Samaritan Cancer Program was from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Cancers. The accreditation examines all aspects of breast cancer care and the patient experience. Citizens Bank hires new credit officer Citizens Bank recently announced that Kate Salyers has joined the bank as executive vice president and chief credit officer. Salyers succeeds Steve Terjeson, who is retiring after 23 years with Citizens Bank. She has more than 15 years of experience in community banking, most recently as senior vice president and credit administrator of Oregon Pacific Bank in Eugene. There she oversaw credit risk management for the banks loan portfolio and was a member of the banks Risk Management Committee, governing enterprise risk management. She began her banking career with Pacific Continental Bank in Eugene, becoming a commercial loan officer and ultimately senior vice president and special assets manager. Salyers graduated with honors from the University of Oregon with degrees in business administration and economics. She is a member of the Eugene Chapter of Risk Management Association board. She also is a member of the Oregon Bankers Association, whose Executive Development Program and Western School of Commercial Lending she completed. Librarys studio wins award for innovation The Oregon State University Libraries and Press has been selected to receive the 2019 Association of College and Research Libraries Instruction Section Innovation Award for its Undergrad Research and Writing Studio. The studio is described as a dynamic, flexible space where students can develop skills in information literacy, media literacy, data literacy, and rhetoric and composition. Students who want assistance with and advice on writing and doing research can drop in during open hours and get the help that they want. The studio, on the main floor of OSUs Valley Library, was implemented by a team of Writing Center and library faculty members and opened in fall 2017. The Association of College and Research Libraries is a division of the American Library Association and is committed to advancing learning and transforming scholarship. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sometimes, even for members of the armed forces it can take time to fully understand the meaning of Memorial Day. For U.S. Navy ROTC Cmdr. Timothy Reidy, despite long service on nuclear submarines, that moment came during planning work in Kabul, Afghanistan. Reidy, the keynote speaker at Mondays observances at the Benton County Veterans Memorial, told the audience of approximately 300 that all of the coalition nations put up flags at the Camp Eggers installation where he was based. Whenever a service member of any coalition member died in the line of duty, that nations flag was lowered to half-staff. When I was there in 2010 and 2011 one or more of those flags would be in mourning almost every day, Reidy said. Today, all of those who are assembled here are affected by those who fought, toiled and sacrificed. Their numbers will never go down, and they will never be diminished. Its a day that all of those who sacrificed have given all of us. Lets celebrate and remember. The event at the Oregon National Guard Armory, now in its 21st year, offered a new element, a tribute to Gold Star families. Members of four such families were on hand to be honored. It was one of two observances held in Corvallis on Monday. World War II Navy veteran Harry Lagerstedt, a pharmacists mate on the USS General Anderson, received the flag of honor. Three other WWII veterans were on hand 10 days before the 75th anniversary of D-Day. The event received a flyover from a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and continues to be watched over by a giant American flag flapping in the breeze at the top of a Corvallis Fire Department ladder truck. It was cloudy at the start of the event, but by the end of its 90 minutes on the south lawn of the Armory, large patches of blue sky had poked through and temperatures were in the mid-60s. Crystal Lake It was mild and cloudy at 10 a.m. when observances sponsored by American Legion Post 11 got underway at Crystal Lake Cemetery. Corvallis Mayor Biff Traber was the featured speaker, noting three key elements to Memorial Day observances. First, we must remember them, Traber said. Second, we must honor that sacrifice, And third, I pray to God for the grace to live up to the commitment of what they did. Traber also represented the city among those offering floral tributes at the close of the ceremony. Other groups offering tributes included the Benton County Historical Society, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and Masonic lodges. General tributes were offered for those who gave their lives, starting with the Revolutionary War and ending with the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Event organizer Nicky Jones also spoke, noting the importance of early-blooming poppies to memorial observances in other countries as well as the United States. Readings of General John Logans order that started Memorial Day in 1868 and Lincolns Gettysburg Address also were featured, with the Corvallis Community Band, under the direction of Steve Matthes, providing patriotic tunes and service songs. Traber was one of at least a handful of individuals who attend both the Crystal Lake and Armory events. 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. The events of last week (Georgia, Alabama and Missouri signing archaic abortion legislation) have me questioning the double standard that exists not only in those states but states that are considering similar laws. A quick Google search showed me a map of states that support and routinely carry out the death penalty. Here is the double standard: they want to take away a choice that a federal law (Roe v Wade) protects, giving women the right to choose whether abortion is for them but "pound the pulpit" (pun intended) that the death penalty should be used and carried out against people convicted of capital offenses. The taking of a life is just that, taking of a life. How is one different from the other? Quite confusing. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021. Freed said many of Boyles lessons stayed with him, including how to put together a running story, in which developments are constantly added. Boyle had his students develop that skill by giving them bits and pieces of information over time, even holding a fake news conference. Freed said the lesson came in handy as he worked with seasoned New York Times reporters on a national election night. Asus ZenFone 4 Max and ZenFone 4 Selfie receive Android Pie AOSP beta firmware News oi-Sandeep Sarkar The Asus ZenFone 4 Max was launched back in 2017 with Android v7.0 Nougat OS and had received an Android Oreo update last year. Asus has recently released Android Pie update for the ZenFone Max M2 budget smartphone which was launched last year. The company has also pushed out the stable Android Pie firmware to the global variant of the ZenFone Max Pro M1 last week. Well, these are not the only devices by the Taiwanese tech giant to taste the Android Pie flavor. The company has released the update for two other smartphones in its ZenFone smartphone lineup. The device which are receiving the Android Pie updates includes the ZenFone 4 Max and the ZenFone 4 selfie. The Asus ZenFone 4 Max was launched back in 2017 with Android v7.0 Nougat OS and had received an Android Oreo update last year. This was the first smartphone by the company in its 'Z' lineup. The ZenFone 4 Selfie was also announced back in 2017 with Android V7.1.1 Nougat and is now receiving the Android Pie update. Both the Asus ZenFone 4 Max and the ZenFone 4 Selfie smartphones are getting the Android Pie AOSP (Android Open Source Project) Beta update. The update comes with a firmware build version 16.0200.1903 for both the smartphones. The update is available for download on the Asus's official website. It is advised that users should back up all the data before downloading and installing the update. The primary reason is that the data stored on the device might be lost during installation as the update replaces the existing UI with the stock one. Besides, the official website also reveals that this Android Pie AOSP Beta version will not support routine updates. Therefore, when the stable update arrives, users will need to go through some different procedures to download the update. Just to recap, the ZenFone Max 4 is a budget smartphone by Asus which runs on an entry-segment Snapdragon 430 SoC with 3GB RAM and onboard storage space of 32GB. For optics, the dual-camera setup at the back panel offers two 13MP sensors. For selfies, there is an 8MP camera sensor at the front. The device flaunts a 5.2-inch HD display and is backed by a massive 5,000mAh battery unit. via 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 Black Shark 2 launched in India for Rs. 39,999 onwards News oi-Abhinaya Prabhu Xiaomi Black Shark 2 has been launched in India and will be available from June 4. Black Shark has launched the gaming smartphone called Black Shark 2 in India today. This is the latest gaming smartphone from the company, which was unveiled by the company in China in March. Notably, it is the successor to the previous generation model launched last year and comes with notable enhancements. As it is a gaming smartphone, the Black Shark 2 comes with features such as liquid cooking 3.0, Ludicrous Mode for good gaming experience and more. The liquid cooling technology uses a liquid-cooled plate and a liquid-cooled tube to cover the heat-dissipating components and reduce the CPU temperature by 14-degree. This latest smartphone comes with a unique X style antenna design, an in-display fingerprint sensor, RGB logo, hidden press sensitive controls, live streaming of games and AI gaming experience. Black Shark 2 specifications Black Shark 2 adorns a 6.39-inch FHD+ display with a resolution of 2340x1080 pixels and an aspect ratio of 19.5:9 aspect ratio. It gets the power from an octa-core Snapdragon 855 SoC paired with 6GB RAM and 128GB/256GB storage space. The device runs Android 9 Pie and supports dual SIM cards. The imaging aspects include dual cameras at the rear with a 48MP primary Samsung GM1 sensor with LED flash, a secondary 12MP Samsung S5K3M5 sensor with a telephoto lens, f/2.2 aperture and 6P lens. Up front, there is a 20MP camera with f/2.0 aperture. The other aspects include 4G VoLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth 5 and a USB Type-C port. The device is fueled by a 4000mAh battery with 27W fast charging support. Price and availability Black Shark 2 comes in two variants 6GB RAM and 128GB storage space and a 8GB RAM and 256GB storage space. These are priced at Rs. 39,999 and Rs. 49,999 respectively and will be available via Flipkart from June 4. Best Mobiles in India Germany-China tensions rise over military snooping claims Iran Press TV Sun May 26, 2019 09:14AM A diplomatic row is brewing between Germany and China over allegations of Chinese reporters snooping around a military base during a visit by Chancellor Angela Merkel this month. The reporters were accredited along with other journalists to enter the base and report on Merkel's visit to the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force training area at Munster, Germany, on May 20. German authorities say state-run Xinhua reporters had raised suspicion by filming military equipment and interviewing soldiers about their daily routines. A German intelligence official, cited by Bloomberg, said Xinhua has been under observation for some time due to its alleged links to China's ruling Communist party. "German intelligence views Xinhua reporters as feeding Chinese propaganda efforts and helping collect data and information abroad that's subsequently put to official use," it quoted the unnamed official as saying. The development comes in the wake of rising tensions between China and the US and Washington's efforts to build a coalition to counter Beijing's growing influence around the world. Last September, the US government ordered Xinhua and broadcaster China Global Television Network to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The law requires Xinhua and CGTN to disclose their activities and spending and to introduce disclaimers regarding their journalistic content. The United States is currently trying to persuade its allies not to use Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei for their 5G networks. Earlier this month, the US placed Huawei on a trade blacklist, effectively banning American firms from doing business with the world's largest telecom network gear maker and escalating a trade war with China. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang on Friday urged the United States to stop using its national power to suppress and smear other countries' companies. In a further sign of escalating tensions, China has protested to Germany for granting asylum status to two Chinese fugitives. Xinhua said China's Foreign Ministry had summoned Germany's Acting Consul General to Hong Kong David Schmidt for an emergency meeting to express Beijing's "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" to the move. Ray Wong and Alan Li, who are facing rioting charges in Hong Kong, jumped bail and fled to Germany in 2017 via Taiwan. China urged "the German side to recognize its mistakes and change its course, and not to accept and condone criminals, and interfere in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs," Xinhua said. Former British colony Hong Kong was returned to China in 1979. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address National Security Adviser John Bolton has convinced Donald Trump that a hawkish policy toward Iran is good foreign policy, as well as good politically. First, they withdrew from the Iran deal on claims that Iran was violating the agreement; then they increased sanctions. Now we have an aircraft carrier in the Gulf and have cleared our embassies in Iraq of nonessential personnel. It's clear we are deliberately provoking Iran into war. We've been here before, in Iraq, with Bolton. He was part of the group that lied us into that war. We can only hope that Trump is not willing to do the same in Iran. US 'blind' to China's help for Tibet Autonomous Region Global Times By Yang Sheng Source:Global Times Published: 2019/5/26 21:03:05 Stable region makes American politicians nervous: analysts As his trip to Tibet ended Saturday, US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad made unconstructive remarks that interfered with China's internal affairs, Chinese observers noted Sunday, saying that the US is blind to the successful development of the region. Branstad charged the Chinese government to engage in "substantive dialogue" with the exiled 14th Dalai Lama after finishing his week-long visit, said a spokesperson of the US Embassy to China, the Voice of America reported on Saturday. "There is no room for the US to lecture the Chinese government on how to deal with China's internal affairs," said Zhu Weiqun, former head of the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. "About 'substantive dialogue' with the Dalai Lama, we have to make it clear that the dialogue is between the central government of a country and the head of a regional separatist clique. So Tibet's sovereignty and governance are not negotiable at all. The purpose of the talk is to make the Dalai Lama abandon separatism," Zhu said. The central government has sent representatives to engage with the Dalai Lama's personal representatives 10 times from 2002-10, but the Dalai Lama just "refused to correct his mistake and even incited and organized multiple violent and self-burning incidents in Tibet to damage the stability and development of the regionThis is why we suspended dialogue with him," he said. If the US believes that "substantive dialogue" means compromising on Tibet's sovereignty, then neither the Chinese government nor the Chinese people will agree with such a dialogue, Zhu said. Branstad also "expressed concerns regarding the Chinese government's interference in Tibetan Buddhists' freedom to organize and practice their religion," an embassy statement said. China showed its sincerity to maintain or improve its ties with the US by permitting the US envoy to visit Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region and offering him a valuable chance to see the development of Tibet with his own eyes, Zhu said. Diao Daming, an assistant professor at Renmin University of China, said "allowing the request from the US side shows that China has confidence to show a beautiful and stable Tibet to the world and it has nothing to hide." Branstad should improve mutual understanding and respect between the two countries, but unfortunately, his disappointed comments about Tibet after his trip were "very unconstructive to bilateral ties," said Lu Xiang, a research fellow on China-US relations at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing. "The US is still being blind to what we achieved in the region and still wants to interfere in China's internal affairs and is even trying to damage the stability of the region," Zhu said. On May 20, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said at a regular press conference that China hopes Branstad could draw his own conclusions based on respecting facts without prejudice, instead of being deluded or disturbed by hearsay or speeches, especially on the protection of Tibetan culture and religion. "We don't expect some US politicians to change their bias on China's Tibet through showing facts to them, because for some US politicians," said Zhu, adding that they just want to make Tibet unstable and use this to contain China, which means the more stable and prosperous Tibet, the more nervous and unhappy some US politicians. "Ambassador Branstad previously served as governor of Iowa and farmers in Iowa are suffering the consequences caused by the Trump administration's ridiculous trade policy, so should he think more about how to help his people rather than making remarks that interfere with China's internal affairs." Lu said NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pence drops hints of prolonged US wars in Afghanistan, Iraq Iran Press TV Sun May 26, 2019 05:35PM US Vice President Mike Pence has indicated that America's might extend its ongoing military presence in Afghanistan and Iraq, telling young military graduates that they should look forward to see combat in those two countries and other parts of the world. Addressing a group of graduates at the US Military Academy West Point in New York on Saturday, Pence said the young cadets should expect to fight America's wars abroad. "Some of you will join the fight against radical Islamic terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq," he said, using a term coined by the administration of US President Donald Trump for Daesh and other terror outfits fighting in the Middle East. The remarks came days after Washington unveiled plans to send another 1,500 troops to the Middle East, where it's already engaged in years-long battled that have so far failed to yield meaningful results. The war in Afghanistan, which began in 2001 and has been churning on over the past 18 years, is the longest war in the US history. Washington attacked Afghanistan with the declared aim of ending the rule of the Taliban in the country. Today, however, the militant group remains in control of large parts of the country and is stepping up its attacks on foreign and Afghan security forces by day. More importantly, Pence's remarks ran in contrast with Trump's announcement last year that he was withdrawing troops from Syria and Afghanistan now that Daesh had been defeated. Trump, under pressure at home, has retracted his stances ever since, saying he is open to keeping some troops in Syria and delaying the Afghanistan withdrawal. War on Western Hemisphere Pence also suggested during his speech that the graduates could see combat on the Western hemisphere as well. "It is a virtual certainty that you will fight on a battlefield for America at some point in your life," Pence said. "You will lead soldiers in combat. It will happen. Some of you may even be called upon to serve in this hemisphere." Currently, the only possibility of a possible war involving the US on the Western Hemisphere is in Venezuela and on America's own border with Mexico. The Trump administration has so far refused to rule out the possibility of military action in Venezuela, where US-backed opposition leader and self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido has been trying to bring down the legitimate government of President Nicolas Maduro. In additions to sanctions against Maduro and his government, Washington officials have left the door open on possible military intervention. They have even called on the Venezuelan military to take up arms and stage a coup. Besides Venezuela, the US has als o faced the possibility of a military conflict on its southern border with Mexico, where thousands of troops have been stationed over the past few months as part of Trump's policy to curb illegal immigration. Pence told the cadets that Trump was the "best friend" they had. "As you accept the mantle of leadership I promise you, your commander in chief will always have your back," he said. "President Donald Trump is the best friend the men and women of our armed forces will ever have." The vice president said Trump had proposed a $750 billion military budget for 2020 because under his leadership the US "is once again embracing our role as the leader of the free world". The ceremony was Pence's second visit to West Point and his first as commencement speaker. Trump has yet to visit the academy himself. In 2002, then President George W. Bush used the graduation ceremony to outline his doctrine of pre-emptive military intervention. A year later, he authorized the US military to invade Iraq. Since 2002, every West Point class has graduated at the time of war. This is while before from the end of the Vietnam War until the aftermath of the September 11 attacks no class in the academy graduated with country engaged in any conflict. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudanese opposition divided over general strike Iran Press TV Sun May 26, 2019 02:40PM One Sudanese opposition body has rejected a call by another for a general strike, in a first sign of differences growing within the protest movement in the African country. "We reject the general strike announced by some opposition groups" in the umbrella protest movement of the Alliance for Freedom and Change, said the National Umma Party a key backer of the general protest movement in a statement on Sunday Umma, led by former prime minister Sadiq al-Mahdi, said strikes were the last resort to press the ruling military council to transfer power to a civilian-led authority. "A general strike is a weapon that should be used after it is agreed upon by everybody," Umma said. "We have to avoid such escalated measures that are not fully agreed [upon]." In a recent interview, Mahdi, whose elected government was toppled by former president Omar al-Bashir in a coup in 1989, has warned protesters not to "provoke" the military rulers. Earlier, the Sudanese Professionals' Association (SPA) called a nationwide strike for Tuesday and Wednesday. It called on people to go to work but abstain from any activity and then head to various marches and sit-ins across the country. Last month, Sudan's military announced that it had unseated Bashir and later imprisoned him. It then set up the Transitional Military Council (TMC) to rule the country and promised to hand over after elections. But protests, under whose pressure Bashir was forced out, have continued in Sudan, with people demanding that more civilians be on the council than military figures during a transition period. The military and protest leaders have held several rounds of talks since the army overthrew Bashir on April 11. The SPA and the TMC have been holding talks for several weeks. The protest group has articulated a set of demands, including a 15-member council consisting of eight civilian-appointed members and seven military-appointed members. The SPA called the strike after failing to achieve a breakthrough in the talks with TMC. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen launches fresh retaliatory attacks on Saudi Arabia Iran Press TV Sun May 26, 2019 08:07AM Yemeni armed forces have conducted fresh retaliatory attacks on Saudi Arabia's southwestern Jizan region. The al-Masirah TV channel reported on Sunday that the Yemeni Air Force and allied Popular Committees had launched a drone strike on hangars holding Saudi warplanes at Jizan airport. It quoted a military source as saying that the attack had been carried out by a Qasif-K2 combat drone after accurate intelligence gathering and that the mission had been accomplished. Drone downed Yemeni forces have also shot down a hostile spy drone east of Jabal al-Dudud in Jizan region. A military source told the TV channel that the unmanned aerial vehicle was being "operated by the forces of aggression." Yemeni forces have stepped up retaliatory attacks inside Saudi Arabia, which has been waging a war against Yemen since March 2015. The military offensive has already claimed tens of thousands of Yemeni lives. Over the past week, Yemeni fighters launched three drone attacks on the airport in Saudi Arabia's southern Najran region. A US-made Patriot missile battery at the airport was reportedly targeted in the attacks. A drone strike was carried out deep inside Saudi territory on two oil pumping stations on May 14. Ansarullah warned that the attack ushered in a new phase of large-scale retaliatory attacks against vital targets in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Afghan Taliban Accused Of Subjecting Captives To Ill-Treatment, Torture By RFE/RL May 26, 2019 Afghan captives held by the Taliban have been subjected to "ill-treatment and actions that may amount to torture," according to the United Nations' Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). In a statement on May 26, UNAMA said it had interviewed 13 detainees from a group of 53 rescued last month from a Taliban-run detention facility in the Khas-Uruzgan district of the southern Uruzgan Province. The captives freed in an April 25 operation by Afghan special forces were mainly members of the country's security forces but also included government officials and civilians. Most of the detainees had been held since 2018, with three since 2016, the statement said, adding that they were kept in poor conditions and subjected to forced labor. It quoted the detainees as saying that the Taliban killed some of their captives. "They provided consistent accounts of the poor conditions in which they were held and credible claims of ill-treatment and torture, as well as the murder of civilians and security personnel. Multiple detainees reported the murder of at least 11 others by the Taliban." The statement said all the detainees reported being "shackled permanently" while in captivity and that some of them had "scars on their ankles." All but one of them reported being beaten. Some freed captives reported that during the beatings the Taliban "demanded they provide information or confess to specific acts," while the remainder said it was "punishment for what they were told was supporting the government, working with Americans or fighting" the militant group, according to UNAMA. It cited the detainees as saying they were forced to labor for a minimum of seven hours a day, including making improvised explosive devices. UNAMA head Tadamichi Yamamoto said he was "gravely concerned" about the allegations. The top UN rights official in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, urged the Taliban to apply international humanitarian law providing that "all persons who do not take direct part in hostilities, or who have ceased to do so, must always be treated humanely." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghan-taliban -accused-subjecting-captives-ill treatment-torture-/29963571.html Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistani, Indian PMs Speak For First Time Since Military Standoff May 26, 2019 Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, spoke for the first time since a military standoff earlier this year. Khan congratulated Modi on his recent election victory, the countries said in separate statements. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on May 26 that Khan reiterated "his vision for peace, progress, and prosperity in South Asia" and he "looked forward to working with Prime Minister Modi to advance these objectives." India's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Modi "stressed that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism were essential for fostering cooperation for peace, progress, and prosperity in our region." It was the first time the two leaders spoke since the archrivals were on the brink of war in February. That month, a suicide attack by a Pakistan-based militant group killed at least 40 paramilitary police in Kashmir. India then launched air strikes inside Pakistan, prompting it to respond in kind. India has long accused Pakistan of using militant proxies in Kashmir. Islamabad denies the claim. India and Pakistan have a history of bitter relations since they each gained independence from Britain in 1947. The two nuclear-armed rivals have fought three wars, two of them over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, where the two sides still regularly exchange fire. Based on reporting by AFP and AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistani-indian -pms-speak-for-first-time-since- military-standoff/29963955.html Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Romanians Reject Controversial Changes To Anti-Corruption Laws, Judicial Reforms By RFE/RL's Romanian Service May 26, 2019 BUCHAREST -- Exit polls suggest Romanians have overwhelmingly rejected measures seen as making it more difficult to combat rampant state corruption. The vote the May 26 nonbinding referendum was the first popularity test of Romanian voters on changes to the judiciary and to anti-corruption legislation that were made by Romania's ruling Social Democrats (PSD). Centrist President Klaus Iohannis called for the referendum to be held alongside voting for the European Parliament on May 26. Iohannis praised voters after polls closed with turnout of about 41 percent -- well above the 30 percent required to make the reference valid. "The referendum succeeded with flying colors," Iohannis said, declaring that Romanians have spoken out against the attempts of the leftist PSD coalition to reverse anti-corruption reforms in one of the European Union's most corrupt countries. "This is a clear vote for correct politics, for true justice," Iohannis said. "No politician can ignore your clear vote for an independent judiciary." Earlier, when Iohannis called the referendum, he had said that "justice is a matter of national interest and the people have the right to decide whether or not they want corruption to become state policy." Voters were asked two questions in the May 26 referendum. The first was: "Do you support a ban on amnesty and pardon in cases related to corruption?" The second question was: "Do you support the ban on the adoption by the government of emergency ordinances in the field of crimes, punishments, and judicial organization and the extension of the right to appeal directly to the Constitutional Court?" Thousands of Romanians protested in February after the leftist government passed without any public debate an emergency measure that critics said restricted prosecutors' independence. The move was the latest in a series of legislative and personnel changes by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) since it took power two years ago that have raised EU and U.S. concerns about the rule of law in Romania. The PSD was opposed to the referendum and pushed through a decree earlier in May that changed the threshold for the vote to be valid to needing turnout of 30 percent of those in the electoral register instead of 30 percent of those enrolled on the national voters' lists. The number of voters in the electoral register is more than 600,000 higher than in the lists. Meanwhile, Romanian exit polls in the May 26 election for the European Parliament also showed the PSD falling sharply from the 45 percent of the vote it won in the last national ballot in 2016. Both the PSD and the opposition centrist National Liberal Party were on track to win about 25 percent of the European Parliament vote, according to exit polls. A new alliance of opposition parties, the USR-Plus, was close behind and on track to secure third place with about 24 percent of the vote. Before the PSD-led coalition came to power two years ago, Bucharest had earned praise from the EU for its crackdown on corruption under the leadership of chief anticorruption prosecutor Laura Koevesi, who was dismissed last year by the leftist government for alleged abuse of power. Despite her dismissal, Koevesi in February earned the preliminary backing of a European Parliament committee to become the EU's first antifraud prosecutor. However, in March she was summoned for a third hearing by a controversial Romanian investigative agency on charges of abuse of office, bribery, and false testimony -- accusations she has denied. With reporting by Reuters and AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/29963404.html Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Curse Thine Enemy: Turkmen Keep President's Foes In Ramadan Prayers By Farangis Najibullah, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service May 26, 2019 ASHGABAT -- Religious sermons in Turkmenistan's state-controlled mosques often find a way to praise the president and wish him health and success. But imams in the authoritarian state appear to be taking things a step further this year by urging their flocks to curse enemies of President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov in their Ramadan prayers, a call that contradicts the values of the Muslim holy month. An RFE/RL correspondent that attended prayers in several mosques in the capital said that one imam called on his congregation to love the president and to pray for the downfall of his foes. "May Allah save [the president] from all misfortunes and may his enemies fall at his feet," the correspondent, who works in anonymity due to tight restrictions on journalists and fear of repercussions, recalled the imam saying on May 17. The correspondent reported that the sermon began with tributes to Berdymukhammedov, who is referred to as Arkadag, the protector, in Turkmen. "The imam pointed out that all our achievements and happy life are due to the wise policies of Arkadag," the correspondent said. "The imam prayed to God that he grant Berdymukhammedov good health and long life, that Allah save him from all troubles and misfortunes, and that God punish all his enemies and foes." Like all other institutions in Turkmenistan, mosques operate under strict government control, imams are appointed by the state, and sermons are approved by authorities. In the isolated country, officials and ordinary people alike avoid speaking to foreign media out of fear of reprisal. RFE/RL's correspondent said the mosque-goers he spoke to felt unease about the calls to curse the president's enemies, but that voicing criticism was not an option. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/curse-thine- enemy-turkmen-keep-president-s-foes-in -ramadan-prayers/29964014.html Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Air Defence Intercepts Drone Launched by Houthis Towards Airport - Report Sputnik News 18:51 26.05.2019(updated 19:31 26.05.2019) Houthi militants reportedly launched a drone attack on Saudi Arabia's Jizan Airport in the vicinity of the border with Yemen earlier today. Saudi Air Defence Forces have intercepted an explosive-laden drone launched by Houthi militants targeting military hangars in Saudi Arabia's Jizan Airport near the border with Yemen, the Saudi State news agency reported. The agency published pictures of the drone wreckage via its official Twitter account. Houthi militants have ramped up drone attacks on Saudi targets in the past two weeks. At least three drone attacks on the airport of the Saudi city of Najran were reported last week. Earlier this month, the group claimed responsibility for targeting oil assets in Saudi Arabia with drone strikes. There have been continuing clashes in Yemen amid a civil war between the Houthi movement and government forces led by President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi, who is backed by Riyadh. A Saudi-led coalition has been conducting strikes against the Houthis at Hadi's request since March 2015. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MI6 Smuggled Russia's Secrets in Tea Bag on Flight to Venezuela, UK Media Claims Sputnik News 18:35 26.05.2019(updated 18:38 26.05.2019) In what seems more like a plot from a spy novel rather than an actual intelligence operation, Britain's MI6 is said to have hatched the plan together with the United States' CIA and Israel's Mossad. British spies have smuggled Russian strategic defence secrets in a tea bag on board a Venezuela-bound supersonic bomber, the Daily Mail reports. The purported goal was to obtain information about the newest version of Russia's Tupolev Tu-160 (NATO code name Blackjack) strategic bomber, which they were afraid could become an elusive target for existing interceptors in case of a potential conflict. After finding a communicant, MI6 agents reportedly stashed the precious information about the upgrades in a packet of Russian loose leaf tea. It was not revealed, however, whether the secrets were stored on an electronic storage device or the agents simply wanted to do some tea-leaf reading. The secrets were then to be handed over to intelligence services. The tea bag somehow made its way on board of one of the two Tu-160s (the same aircraft that MI6 wanted to learn more about) that Russia sent to Caracas last December to conduct drills with the Venezuelan Air Force. The Russian crew unwittingly used the packet during the flight to Venezuela and then threw it away. The Daily Mail cited an anonymous intelligence official as claiming that an agent retrieved the discarded tea bag from a rubbish disposal point while the plane was refuelling at an airport near Caracas, and then handed it over to a CIA officer who was staying at a hotel in the capital. "That it worked was due, in no small part, to luck, but such is the way with many operations," the source was quoted as saying. While there has been no official confirmation of this "operation" from any of the agencies apparently involved, it is claimed that Western air forces have used the information to adapt their interceptors to better deal with the upgraded Blackjacks. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Venezuela's Guaido Demands Maduro's Exit Amid Oslo Talks Sputnik News 05:15 26.05.2019(updated 05:16 26.05.2019) This call comes just hours after Norway announced that negotiations between delegations of Venezuela's legitimate president Maduro and self-imposed interim president Guaido will continue next week. Juan Guaido posted a tweet Saturday reiterating that the opposition will be satisfied with nothing short of the removal of President Nicolas Maduro from office, even though both Maduro's and Guaido's delegations are engaged in reconciliation talks in Norway. "We pursue all options with responsibility," he tweeted. "Our route is very clear: an end of usurpation, [creation of] interim government and free elections, and will pursue it in all areas of struggle, committed to URGENT changes that our country needs." The tweet comes just hours after Norway's Foreign Ministry announced it will host the second round of talks between delegations of Venezuela's opposing forces. "We announce that the representatives of the major political actors in Venezuela have decided to return to Oslo next week to continue a process facilitated by Norway", the ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Reacting to the statement, Maduro thanked the government of Norway for its efforts in making the negotiations possible. "Our delegation will travel to Oslo with a willingness to work on the agreed comprehensive agenda and to advance the creation of great agreements," Maduro tweeted Saturday. Speaking before his supporters on Saturday, Guaido said he rejects "false dialogue," promising to pursue Maduro's exit with all means at his disposal. "Nobody is ever going to confuse us with false dialogue," Guaido told supporters Saturday, without addressing Norway's announcement directly, according to AFP. "We are going to insist, because today by combining all our strategies, using all the tools we have, we are going to get to that final step." Recently, Guaido resorted to a combination of street protests and talks with the US in his attempts to oust Maduro. His envoy in the US Carlos Vecchio met with US State Department and Pentagon officials in May. While Guaido has not outrightly welcomed a US invasion into Venezuela yet, Vecchio did send a letter to the Pentagon asking for "strategic and operational planning." On Saturday, the State Department reacted to Oslo talks with a statement in which the spokesperson expressed hope that talks in Oslo will focus on Maduro's departure. "If they do, we hope progress will be possible," the statement reads. Venezuela remains entangled in a political crisis since January, when Guaido declared himself the country's interim leader and called for the deposition of Maduro, who won national elections in May 2018. Guaido's attempts to sway the Armed Forces to take his side, including the 30 April coup attempt, have had no success. Maduro's government accuses the opposition of staging numerous attacks on Venezuelan infrastructure which led to massive blackouts and left civilians without food, water and medical care earlier this year. The United States and its allies have backed Guaido, while Russia, China, Turkey and a number of other nations recognize Maduro as the country's only legitimate leader. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Mission in Afghanistan gravely concerned about ill-treatment of prisoners by Taliban, following first-hand testimony 26 May 2019 - The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) expressed "grave concern" on Sunday over "credible accounts" it has been given that Taliban militants have been mistreating prisoners, which in some cases "may amount to torture". The mission based its preliminary findings on face-to-face interviews with 13 detainees who were freed from a Taliban detention facility by Special Forces troops from the Afghan Army, on 25 April. The 53 prisoners released include 45 members of the Afghan defence forces and eight civilians, including three Government officials. Most had been held since last year. UNAMA said the freed prisoners had provided "consistent accounts" of being held underground in five overcrowded rooms and being forced to work for at least seven hours a day, "including making improvised explosive devices". "Detainees said they were held in sub-zero temperatures during winter and were fed beans and bread twice a day, with no medical aid apart from some painkillers and antiseptic for wounds", said the Mission in a press release. The fundamentalist Taliban, which ruled Afghanistan for five years up until the allied invasion of the country in 2001, is engaged in peace talks facilitated by the United States but refuses to negotiate directly with the internationally-recognized Afghan Government. Last month the UN Security Council condemned the announcement of its annual "spring offensive" saying it would simply result in more unnecessary suffering and destruction for the Afghan people". The head of UNAMA, Tadamichi Yamamoto, who is also UN Special Representative in the country, said: "I am gravely concerned about these serious allegations of ill-treatment, torture and unlawful killing of civilians and security personnel, as well as the deplorable conditions of detention". UNAMA's Chief of Human Rights, Richard Bennett, reminded Taliban leaders that "international humanitarian law applicable to international and non-international armed conflicts provides that all persons who do not take direct part in hostilities, or who have ceased to do so, must always be treated humanely". The mission is mandated by the Security Council to monitor detention facilities throughout the country to promote accountability and assist the implementation of freedoms and rights under the Afghan Constitution. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address From violence to dialogue: as land conflicts intensify, UN boosts efforts to resolve disputes through mediation 26 May 2019 - The town of Kitchanga, in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), hosts the highest concentration of internally displaced people in the country, and has been one of the regions most affected by clashes between local communities, made up of Tutsis and Hutus, especially in terms of accessing land. Today, however, thanks to a UN initiative, many disputes over land in Kitchanga are resolved through dialogue instead of violence, and families can cultivate, rent and make a profit from their land. Oumar Sylla is the Unit Leader at UN Habitat for the Global Land Tool Network, (GLTN) a UN-backed alliance of more than 80 organizations looking at the best way of improving land management and land governance overall in the world. In an interview with UN News, he explained how the work of the GLTN has encouraged communities to settle their differences by talking: "In areas that have seen conflict, particularly where you have a broken state, or weak institutions, our approach has been to really think about ways to build trust, confidence and reconciliation among communities. We set up a mediation system, in an informal setting, bringing community members around the table to discuss issues, such as historical injustices in terms of land allocation and land occupation, and find a consensus." "We found that people had more confidence in informal mechanisms than the courts, because the judicial system is too expensive: if communities can't pay the lawyer's fees, they won't be guaranteed a fair process." What do land rights actually mean? One of the difficulties for UN workers dealing with land conflicts, is that the very concept of land rights is not the same in every country. In many African countries, for example, the custom is for rights to be entrusted to a custodian, who is responsible for distributing land amongst members of the community: "Traditionally land has been more about common ownership for the whole clan or community, and there was not really a notion of land rights." Says Mr. Sylla. "The head of the clan or the community is the custodian of the land. In principle he consults with others but, at the end of the day, he is the one who's taking the decision." However, a weakness in the traditional system is that decisions were delivered orally, with no document to verify them, or protect the community in the event of disputes. This is what the GLTN and UN Habitat have been attempting to address: "Our approach is to help communities to develop a system of mapping their lands, or develop registration systems to establish who is entitled to land rights, so that they can get an official document. In Uganda, for example, we are supporting the government, so that it can deliver so-called 'customer certificates' to people living in areas which have traditionally had a custodian system of land rights." Pressure on land intensifying worldwide Globally, the competition for land is growing, and it is a leading cause of conflict. With the pressures on land use which include climate change, urbanization and the rising population only likely to become more intense, the UN has taken important measures to improve its response to the problem. Many of the key United Nations agencies and bodies have accepted that they need to be more effective in dealing with conflict rooted in land disputes, and, following a request by UN Habitat, the UN's settlement programme, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres endorsed, and released in March 2019, a document entitled "The United Nations and Land and Conflict." The guidelines contained in the document are expected to help all parts of the UN to improve their ability to reduce conflicts, protect human rights, and convince affected communities to settle their differences by talking, rather than through violence. UN Habitat described the release of the guidelines as a "milestone in the journey towards a sustained and coherent engagement of the UN system to prevent conflict and sustain peace." However, establishing land rights for vulnerable people can be extremely complicated. Oumar Sylla, is the Unit Leader at UN Habitat for the Global Land Tool Network, (GLTN) a UN-backed alliance of more than 80 organizations looking at the best way of improving land management and land governance overall in the world. In an interview with UN News, he started by explaining that most of the world's population is living in huge insecurity when it comes to land: "The Global Land Tool Network was set up because, although land is very important when it comes to human rights and economic opportunity, some 70 percent of the world population don't have access to formal land title system. This means they don't have any document saying that they have any rights to land, so they are exposed to the risk of evictions and land grabs. In addition, they can't sell or rent the land." People who have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to conflict, says Mr. Sylla, are particularly vulnerable: "most of the time when people have been displaced for years, they lose their land rights. Decision makers and UN Member States need to take this issue of access to land into account when it comes to rehabilitation, housing and shelter for displaced communities." Combatting discrimination against women Another positive impact of mediation in DRC has been the protection of land rights for women. Traditionally, women face discrimination when it comes to land rights but, thanks to the UN initiatives, some progress is being made, and the process has also empowered them: "Most of the time, we were able to restore a bit of equality, helping women to get access to land in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. More importantly, women are now more and more involved in disputes negotiations, and are promoting dialogue between communities. Our mediation process, then, has changed the perception of women's roles in society, and has allowed them to become actors of peacebuilding. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 3 Dead After 2 Explosions in Nepal By VOA News May 26, 2019 Two powerful explosions in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, killed three people and injured at least five others on Sunday. Though no group has claimed responsibility, police suspect that an outlawed communist organization, the Splinter Communist Group, was responsible for the blasts. Police official Shyam Lal Gyawali said authorities are investigating the two explosions that happened in two Kathmandu neighborhoods an hour apart from each other. Police quickly secured both areas and victims were taken to nearby hospitals. Security forces in the region are on "high alert" and officers are patrolling neighborhoods in Nepal's capital. The Splinter Communist Group broke away from the Maoist party that fought government forces from 1996 to 2006. Members of the Maoist party had ceased their armed revolt and entered mainstream politics. In February, the Splinter Communist Group was suspected of involvement in another explosion that killed one person outside the office of a telecom company Ncell, part of Malaysia-based Axiata Group Berhad. The government then banned the group following the incident, and forbade their activities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Experts: Combine US, S. Korean Missile Systems to Boost Defense vs. North By Christy Lee May 26, 2019 South Korea should integrate its missile defense system with that of the U.S. to maximize the combined capabilities to counter a potential incoming flight of North Korea's missiles across the border, experts said in the wake of Pyongyang's two missile launches in early May. South Korea's missile defense system and the U.S. antimissile defense system deployed in South Korea are coordinated but operate independently. "The whole system would work better if it was fully integrated, if it was a completely combined operation," said Bruce Bechtol, a former intelligence officer at the Defense Intelligence Agency who is now a professor at Angelo State University in Texas. Why not integrate systems? The lack of integration is rooted in regional history. The South Korean government, whether it was conservative or liberal, never merged its system with the U.S. system for political reasons, in part, because integrating it would mean joining the U.S. missile defense alliance in the region that includes Japan, South Korea's colonial adversary toward which South Korea's public sentiment has been historically antagonistic, according to Bruce Bennett, a senior defense analyst at the Rand Corp. research center. Streamlining the command and control of the two missile defense systems with autonomous command and control would cut the time needed to analyze data, share information, and cue the proper system for targeting and intercepting an incoming missile, according to David Maxwell, a former U.S. Special Forces colonel and current fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. On May 17, the Pentagon announced the U.S. had approved a $314 million sale of air defense missiles to South Korea. South Korea's missile defense system, termed the Korean Air and Missile Defense (KAMD), includes Aegis and Patriot systems, and is designed to protect South Korea from missiles that fly at different altitudes and distance by detecting, tracking and intercepting incoming missiles in the air. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), which currently falls under the U.S. missile defense system, is also deployed in South Korea. Aegis, a sea-based missile defense system, and THAAD are area defense weapons that have the capabilities to defend wide areas against missiles that fly high altitudes. And, the Patriot system, known as pointed defense weapons, can intercept missiles directed against smaller areas such as air base, according to Maxwell. No perfect defense But they don't provide a perfect defense that prevents missiles from getting through, he added. "There's no impenetrable shield," Maxwell said. "There [is] always going to be a gap, a seam, a weakness, that the enemy is always trying to exploit and defenders are always trying to fix and find a better way. This is constantly a game of where capabilities continue to evolve." This was part of what was happening when North Korea tested a new missile on May 4 that is considered to be similar to the Russian Iskander, a nuclear-capable missile that flies lower than the short-range ballistic missiles North Korea tested before. "A ballistic missile leaves the earth's atmosphere and glides back down," Bechtol said. "This [test] missile does not, as far as I can tell, leave the Earth's atmosphere. It operates more like a cruise missile than a ballistic missile." A cruise missile flies on a relatively straight line and at a lower altitude than a ballistic missile, which arcs up before curving down toward a target. Russian-like missile poses challenges Experts said if the new missile is modeled after the Iskander, it could pose multiple challenges and could exploit gaps in the existing missile-defense coverage in South Korea. The new missile's "flattened flight path" toward a target "makes it difficult to intercept" with current defense systems, said Michael Elleman, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The North Korean version of the Iskander does not fly higher than 50 kilometers and can travel a ground distance as far as 280 kilometers, according to Elleman. But THAAD and the Aegis SM-3 interceptor operate at an altitude above 50 kilometers, and the Patriot system's effective intercepting range is at an altitude of about 25 to 30 kilometers with the Patriot variant PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor extending its flight to an altitude of about 40 kilometers. That leaves "a gap in interceptor coverage" of at least 10 kilometers between the missile defense systems that operate at roughly 40 to 50 kilometers, said Ellemen. "The Iskander spends most of its flight path in this gap, making it difficult to intercept." The Iskander can fly at a high speed, presenting another challenge for the current missile defense system. Bennett said, "The Iskander flies perhaps 20-25 percent faster than the Scud," a series of tactical ballistic missiles that could travel five times the speed of sound, potentially capable of reaching South Korea in about five minutes, Bennett said. "THAAD and the SM-3 on the Aegis [equipped] ships should be able to handle this speed. [But] the Iskander flies low, [a] potential challenge for THAAD and the SM-3," he added. Most accurate North Korean missile The Iskander can be mounted on mobile launch platforms, meaning it can be moved and fired quickly. "It's a solid fuel missile," Bechtol said, explaining that the fuel can be loaded ahead of launch "and moved much more quickly than liquid-fuel missiles." The latter need fueling just before launch. The Iskander's maneuverability also makes it difficult for THAAD, Aegis SM-3, and the Patriot system to intercept. "The Iskander has fins mounted at the back of the missile, which allow it to maneuver during the entire flight," Ellemen explained. "This makes it much more difficult to predict an intercept location and launches the interceptor on the optimal path for an engagement resulting in destruction of the threat." Bechtol said, "It would be the most accurate missile the North Koreans have ever had, so accurate that they could actually fire out [and] target barracks, flight lines for aircraft, headquarter buildings." With the missile test, "the North Koreans are showing us that they have a missile [with which] they can accurately target Osan Air Base or Camp Humphreys in a very real, in a very dangerous way," Bechtol said, citing American installations in South Korea. "They were able to keep in accordance with the agreement they made with [President Donald] Trump, and at the same time, threaten the United States and South Korea in a very compelling way," he added. When the Pyongyang government began talks with Washington last year, it pledged to suspend nuclear and long-range missile tests. Complicated political situation Merging South Korean and U.S. missile defense systems could be hampered by the political situation in South Korea, according to Maxwell. Public attitudes have changed little since 2017, when hundreds of South Korean citizens protested the installation of THAAD at a U.S. military south of Seoul. "I just don't see the political will for that in South Korea among majority of the people or the current rule and government," Maxwell said. Bennett said a North Korean missile that slipped under defense systems could devastate the peninsula, depending on the type of warhead it carried, " which in theory could be conventional, nuclear or chemical," he said. "So the defense would turn to passive defense: protecting people in shelters with masks and protective clothing." According to Maxwell, a variant of the Patriot interceptor, the PACT 3 Guidance Enhanced Missile (GEM-T) under the U.S. missile defense system in South Korea is better able "to defeat tactical ballistic missiles and aircraft and cruise missiles" and could potentially intercept the new kind of missile North Korea tested. Kim Dong-hyun of the VOA Korean Service contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Type 055 destroyer 'pillar' of North China Sea fleet: report Global Times By Liu Xuanzun Source:Global Times Published: 2019/5/26 19:53:40 Destroyer 'pillar' of North China Sea fleet China's first 10,000-ton-class Type 055 destroyer Nanchang is reportedly joining the North China Sea Fleet of the People's Liberation Army Navy, a move that Chinese military experts hailed as crucial to the fleet's combat capability. They also predicted that other Type 055s will also be commissioned into the East China Sea and South China Sea fleets. Nanchang made a brief appearance in an introduction video released by the North China Sea Fleet on Thursday afternoon. Although the video did not elaborate, Weihutang, a column on military affairs affiliated with China Central Television, reported Sunday that the warship would likely join the North China Sea Fleet and become "one of the pillars to the fleet's combat capability." The first Type 055 could be commissioned into the North China Sea Fleet as it can form an aircraft carrier combat group around the carrier Liaoning, Li Jie, a Beijing-based naval expert, told the Global Times on Sunday. Nanchang could serve as lead escort to Liaoning, which is based in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province, Li noted. Another reason behind the naval vessel's potential commissioning in the North China Sea Fleet was that China has already commissioned other advanced warships in the East China Sea and South China Sea fleets. Deploying the first Type 055 destroyer to the North China Sea Fleet balances up the allocation of military resources, according to Li. With a strong air defense capability, Nanchang could protect the Chinese capital region from warplanes or missile attacks in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea areas, analysts pointed out. Future Type 055s will likely also join the South China and East China fleets, Li expected, as the US have frequently sent warships to the South China Sea and across the Taiwan Straits to cause stirs under the excuse of freedom of navigation recently. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's new cybersecurity rule indicates possible retaliation against US Global Times By Wang Cong Source:Global Times Published: 2019/5/26 21:28:40 New cybersecurity rule indicates possible retaliation against US A new draft regulation on cybersecurity could set the stage for Chinese regulators to take necessary action against US technology companies if their products and services are found to pose a threat to China's national security, an industry analyst said on Sunday. The draft regulation, issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), comes at a delicate time when US officials have waged a trade and technology war against China by slapping tariffs on Chinese goods and cracking down on Chinese technology companies by citing unsubstantiated national security threats. Under the draft regulation, which was released on Friday for public comment, companies involved in key information infrastructure would face cybersecurity reviews by regulators, if they acquired internet products and services. Nearly a dozen government agencies, including the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Commerce, will set up a mechanism for cybersecurity reviews and the CAC will set up an office to coordinate the efforts. If acquisitions of products and services could cause disruption to key information infrastructure, or major losses of personal information and important data, or pose other security risks, they must be reported to the CAC's cybersecurity review office. "This is a very major move for China to step up its efforts in protecting its cyberspace security," Xiang Ligang, director-general of the Beijing-based Information Consumption Alliance, told the Global Times on Sunday. "Establishing an effective cybersecurity review mechanism is very important for the country," he said. In 2016, China adopted a cybersecurity law that paid great attention to protection of national security and privacy and offered great leeway for security officials and regulators to conduct oversight of the country's massive internet sector. The latest draft regulations are aimed at improving enforcement of those laws, Xiang said. But the timing of the new regulation has also gained much attention and even speculation that China could retaliate against the US crackdown on Chinese tech giant Huawei by also using national security reviews. "[The Huawei case and the new regulations are not inherently] related but I think this also gives officials a direct tool to investigate US companies if they pose cybersecurity risks," Xiang said. "If [the US] can conduct reviews of Chinese companies on the grounds of national security, so can China. That's beyond reproach." Amid the US crackdown on Huawei, Chinese officials have repeatedly criticized what they call US officials' abuse of the national security review process to target Chinese tech companies, and they have vowed to take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kim Jong Un 'small weapons' do not disturb me, Trump says Iran Press TV Sun May 26, 2019 02:36AM US President Donald Trump has downplayed North Korea's missile tests amid negotiations with Washington, asserting that he is not disturbed by the "small weapons" fired by Kim Jong Un. The US commander in chief took to Twitter on Sunday to express his "confidence" in Kim while on a visit to Japan. "North Korea fired off some small weapons, which disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me," Trump wrote on Twitter, apparently referring to weapons tests in early May. The country fired two short-range missiles on May 9 after an earlier drill on May 4 -- the first in 18 months. Trump's remarks ran counter to US National Security Adviser John Bolton's comment on Saturday that Pyongyang's recent missile launches violated a UN Security Council resolution. The US president further speculated that Kim was sending him a "signal" though the country's state media, releasing a commentary on former Vice President Joe Biden, set to take on Trump in the 2020 presidential election. "I have confidence that Chairman Kim will keep his promise to me, & also smiled when he called Swampman Joe Bidan [sic] a low IQ individual, & worse. Perhaps that's sending me a signal?" The US president has so far held two historic summits with Kim in Singapore and Vietnam respectively but to no avail. Trump is on a state visit to Japan, where he is scheduled to discuss North Korea's nuclear and missile programs with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's Oil Industry dates back to 111 years ago IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency ehran, May 26, IRNA -- Iranian oil industry dates back to 111 years ago when William Knox D'Arcy initiated investment in Iranian oilfield. Some 111 years ago when William Knox D'Arcy , who until then had spent some 600,000 pounds worth of oil exploration in Iran, drilled off the ground at Naftoon, the "Valley of Kherson", Masjed Soleiman, Khuzestan province of Iran and oil exploded from the basement. Desperate to leave Iran, he was able to formalize his contract with the Qajar king. The Iranian oil industry is the oldest in the Middle East. Although the occurrence of numerous seeps in many parts of Iran had been known since the ancient times, the systematic exploration and drilling for oil began in the first years of the 20th century. In the contemporary history of Iran, oil have had greatest role in political, economic, and social developments, and Britain have had greatest role in these developments. If in the past the main objective of British policy in Iran was as a buffer state and defend the interests of their enormous in India and intrusion prevention expansionist Russia to Asia, but at the beginning of the 20th century Iran oil cause fading importance of India in front of Iran oil. William Knox D'Arcy, one of the founders of the oil and petrochemical industry, signed an agreement with Henry Drummond Wolf, Antoan Ketabchi Khan and Kotte to explore oil in Iran in 1900, negotiating with Muzaffaroddin Shah Qajar It began in 1901. In 1908, at another point in the city of Masjed Soleiman, drilling started, and for months without success, and D"Arcy was completely bankrupt, but on May 5, 1287, a drill 360 meters deep at the Kherson valley at Masjed Soleiman The last layer of earth was fissile and the oil erupted with great strain from the earth. Now, this well, known as the No.1 Well, is now under construction in the city of Masjed Soleiman, Khuzestan province, alongside an area known as the same name, under construction under the supervision of the Masjed Soleiman Oil and Gas Operations Company. After Oil exploration in Masjed Suleiman, the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC) was established and from the same time until 1306 all Iran's oil was extracted exclusively from this region. *** Oil Installations as Tourism attractions Iran is well known for its large oil deposits. More than half of this oil is exploited in refineries of Khuzestan province. In addition to oil installations, other large industrial factories have made this city as one of the most important industrial centers of Ahvaz, Iran. .Ahvaz is also a principal transit route connecting different parts of the country to major ports in Abadan, Khorramshahr, Mahshahr, and Imam Khomeini Port. This connection is made through roads, airways, and railroads. Masjed Suleiman in Iran's Khuzestan province in other words, is the hometown of Iran's oil industry, where its oldest processing facilities were built for the first time in the country and the Middle East. Iran's Ministry of Petroleum has decided to create a museum of oil treasures in Masjed Soleiman in order to preserve this sector of the history of the country's industry. Iran's Ministry of Petroleum has decided to hold the facilities and historic sites such as Well No. 1, the first distillery, the first refinery, the first sulfur plant, the first natural gas and electricity plant in the region of thirty rice as a component of the museum. *** Iran oil nationalization; New horizon in Iran National development The nationalization of the Iranian oil industry resulted from a movement in the Iranian parliament to seize control of Iran's oil industry, which had been run by private companies, largely controlled by foreign interests. The legislation was passed on March 15, 1951, and ratified by the Majlis on March 17, 1951. On March 20, Iranian First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri said Nationalization of the Iranian oil industry Day with the efforts made by Mohammad Mossadeq has opened a new horizon in Iran's national development. In his Twitter message which was released on the occasion of Nationalization of the Iranian oil industry Day, he said the day has made prominent Iran's name in the international community and among anti-colonialism movements. He also advised Iranian adversaries to learn from the great history of Iran. 6125**1416 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran rejects claims of involvement in any 'direct, indirect' talks with US Iran Press TV Sun May 26, 2019 02:58PM Iran has categorically rejected recent claims about the beginning of negotiations between the Islamic Republic and the United States with the goal of reducing tensions between the two sides. The remarks were made by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araqchi in a meeting with Omani State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah in Muscat on Sunday. Rejecting all reports about any form of direct or direct talks with the United States, the Iranian diplomat emphasized, "The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to establish balanced and constructive relations with all countries in the Persian Gulf region based on mutual respect and interests." He added that the Islamic Republic does not seek to stoke tensions in the region, saying that ending the US sanctions against Iran and allowing all regional countries to benefit from the interests of economic cooperation would guarantee regional peace and stability. "Imposing sanctions on Iran is a failed experience, which has been repeatedly tested in the past," the Iranian diplomat said. The Omani state minister for foreign affairs, for his part, pointed to the ongoing dangerous escalation in the region and urged all sides to exercise self-restraint. Alawi also called for the continuation of close consultations between Tehran and Muscat. Located just across the Strait of Hormuz from the Iranian territory at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, Oman has maintained friendly ties with Iran through successive crises in the region. The cordial Tehran-Muscat relations have at times allowed the small but strategic sultanate to play an important mediating role, including with the United States. Oman played a positive role in the preliminary nuclear negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries and hosted several rounds of the talks that ultimately led to a landmark 2015 deal between Iran and major world powers, including the US. In a statement on Friday, Alawi warned that any war in the Middle East could be harmful to the entire world, saying it is making efforts to reduce spiraling tensions between Iran and the Unites States. "We and other parties seek to calm tensions between Washington and Tehran," he said. Earlier on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Moussavi also dismissed reports about Tehran-Washington negotiations. "There are no direct or indirect talks between Iran and the US," Moussavi said. The Iranian spokesperson's comments came after Kuwaiti media outlets quoted the country's Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled al-Jarallah as saying on Saturday that negotiations between Iran and the United States have started. The Kuwaiti official is reported by Kuwaiti media to have expressed his country's readiness to work for the promotion of peace in the region. Addressing a cabinet session in Tehran on Wednesday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said US claims of seeking negotiations with Iran are "mere lies" and that the United States, in fact, intends to force the Iranian nation to its knees. "The actions that it is taking are aimed at defeating the Iranian nation" and "making a return" to Iran, Rouhani said, referring to Washington's ample presence and influence in the country prior to the Islamic Revolution in 1979. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US in 'weakest' regional presence in history: IRGC commander Iran Press TV Sun May 26, 2019 01:06PM A senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the United States' presence in the Middle East is at its "weakest in history" of Washington's military presence in this region, amid spiraling tensions between the two countries. "The Americans have been present in the region since 1833 and they are currently at the weakest state throughout the history of their presence in West Asia, and have the minimum number of warships in the Persian Gulf," Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi, the second-in-command of the IRGC, said in an interview with Fars news agency on Sunday. He added that the Americans have even stopped the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which had been scheduled to move towards the region, in the Indian Ocean, and have avoided bringing it to the Persian Gulf due to "the fear they feel" of Iran's power in the region. The United States remarkably stoked tensions with Iran in May 2018 when US President Donald Trump pulled his country out of the nuclear accord, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and re-imposed harsh sanctions against the Islamic Republic in defiance of global criticisms. The tensions saw a sharp rise on the first anniversary of Washington's exit from the deal as the US moved to ratchet up the pressure on Iran by tightening its oil sanctions and building up its military presence in the region. Washington has since then ratcheted up the pressure on Iran, sending military reinforcements, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group, a squadron of B-52 bombers, and a battery of patriot missiles, to the Middle East. On Friday, the Pentagon announced that 1,500 additional troops would be sent to the Middle East in what officials described as a "force protection" measure against alleged Iranian threats. Trump also claimed the deployment is "mostly protective." Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday dismissed the US claims against Iran as "fabricated allegations to justify beefed up US military presence in the region, " saying Washington's decision to deploy additional troops to the Middle East is "extremely dangerous" and threatens international peace and security. Tehran has repeatedly announced that it would not be the initiator of any war, but reserves the right to self defense and will give a crushing response to any act of aggression. Elsewhere in his remarks, Fadavi lashed out at the US for conducting psychological operations against Iran, describing them as an act of evil. Refuting US claims about having defeated terrorist groups, including Daesh, in the Middle East, the IRGC commander emphasized that it was the Islamic Revolution and fighters loyal to the Islamic Revolution that put an end to the activities to terrorist groups, which were affiliated with the global arrogance, in the region. He emphasized that the fighters loyal to the Islamic Revolution routed terrorists in various parts of the Middle East, "and today, there is no sign of self-proclaimed terrorist states in the region." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran repeats offer on non-aggression pact with Arab states Iran Press TV Sun May 26, 2019 10:10AM Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Iran has offered to sign non-aggression agreements with all countries in the Persian Gulf region and those offers are still on the table. At a press conference alongside his Iraqi counterpart, Mohamed Ali Alhakim, in Baghdad on Sunday, Foreign Minister Zarif also said that Iran sought the best of relations with the Persian Gulf littoral countries and would welcome any proposals for dialog and de-escalation toward that end. He added that Tehran would, however, forcefully confront any attempts at waging a military or economic campaign against the country. The US has been escalating tensions with Iran since May 2018, when President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from a multilateral nuclear deal with Iran that also involves Europe and Russia and China. In an attempted campaign of "maximum pressure," the US has imposed sanctions on the Islamic Republic as well as on countries that seek to do business with it. Zarif said the US was "bullying other countries into compliance with its unilateral measures" against Iran, which he said was an unlawful act. He also referred to the European signatories to the Iran deal and said those countries, too, were in practical violation of the agreement by failing to normalize relations with Iran, as the agreement stipulated. The European violations of the deal, he said, have increased over the past year. In response to the American and European non-performance of the deal, Iran partially suspended its commitments in May. Zarif said that the suspension did not equate an Iranian withdrawal. Iraq calls sanctions futile Also speaking at the press conference, Alhakim said Baghdad was opposed to America's unilateral measures against Iran. "Economic sanctions are of no effect," he said, adding that Iraq would stand by Iran's side. Alhakim also said Iraq was in contact with all regional countries to defuse tensions. Zarif also met with the speaker of the Council of Representatives of Iraq, the Arab country's parliament, Mohamed al-Halbousi. Al-Habousi warned against the potential fallout from regional tensions and stressed that the Arab country favored the resolution of the current situation as well as the security and well-being of all its neighbors. Zarif traveled to Iraq on Saturday. He has already met with President Barham Salih and Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, discussing bilateral ties as well as regional and international developments. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zarif Calls For Improved Ties With Gulf Neighbors Amid U.S. Tensions By RFE/RL May 26, 2019 Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has reiterated that his country wanted to build balanced relations with its Arab neighbors in the Persian Gulf. Zarif made the comments on May 26 at a joint press conference with Iraqi Foreign Minister Muhammad Ali Alhakim in Baghdad, amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington. Alhakim said that Baghdad wants to mediate between Iran and the United States while stressing that Iraq stands against "unilateral actions" taken by Washington. Iraq maintains close ties with both Iran and the United States. Mainly Shi'ite Iran has bitter relations with U.S. ally Saudi Arabia and other Sunni-ruled Arab states in the Gulf. Relations between Tehran and Washington have plummeted since the United States a year ago pulled out of a 2015 nuclear accord between world powers and Iran that curbed the country's nuclear program in exchange for relief from crippling economic sanctions. Since then, Washington has reimposed sanctions, stepped up its rhetoric, and beefed up its military presence in the Middle East, prompting growing concerns of a possible military conflict with Iran. In Baghdad, Zarif said that his country will be able to "always strongly and resolutely counter any kind of efforts to launch a war against Iran, whether it is a military war or an economic war on Iran's people." He said that Iran "wants to have the best possible relations with all [its] neighbors in the Persian Gulf region," adding that he had proposed signing a nonaggression pact with them. The Iranian foreign minister also urged European backers of the nuclear deal -- Britain, France, and Germany -- to do more to salvage the agreement. The other signatories are Russia and China. Alhakim said that Iraqi officials were "trying to help and to be mediators" between Tehran and Washington. But the Iraqi foreign minister insisted that Baghdad opposes "the unilateral measures taken by the United States. We do not like the patronizing and the coercion imposed on our neighbor -- Iran. We are standing side by side with the position of [our] neighbor -- Iran." Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi discussed the "dangers of a war" during a meeting with Zarif late on May 25, according to his office. While Zarif was in Baghdad, his deputy, Abbas Araqchi, was in Oman and discussed "regional developments" with Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, the Gulf sultanate's minister responsible for foreign affairs, according to the state-run Oman News Agency. Following a recent visit to Tehran, bin Alawi said that Oman is trying "with other parties" to calm tensions between the United States and Iran. The visits come as U.S. President Donald Trump on May 24 announced the deployment of 1,500 additional military personnel to the Middle East, saying that they would play a "mostly protective" role. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo later said that the administration planned to sell $8.1 billion in weapons to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan to "deter Iranian aggression." Earlier this month, the United States sent an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers to the Middle East, citing "imminent threats" from Iran, prompting growing concerns of a possible military conflict. Tehran denied the allegations and announced it was suspending several commitments under the nuclear deal. Late on May 25, Iranian President Hassan Rohani floated the idea of holding a public referendum over Iran's nuclear program, local media reported. Rohani was quoted as saying that he had previously suggested a referendum on the matter to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2004, when he was a top nuclear negotiator. With reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zarif-calls-for -improved-ties-with-gulf-neighbors-amid -u-s-tensions-/29963751.html Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Military in Mideast 'Weakest in History' - Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps Sputnik News 12:46 26.05.2019(updated 14:44 26.05.2019) Earlier, the United States deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group and a bomber task force to the Persian Gulf to send a "clear and unmistakable message" to Iran. The US military presence in the Middle East is at its "weakest in history", a deputy commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said, as quoted by the Fars news agency. "The Americans have been present in the region since 1833 and they are now at their weakest in history in West Asia," Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi, a deputy Guards commander, stressed. New US deployments in the region include an aircraft carrier strike group, Patriot missiles, B-52 bombers and F-15 fighters, according to the Pentagon. Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan said earlier that Washington had no interest in escalating tensions with Iran or going to war with the Middle Eastern country. US-Iranian tensions escalated in 2018, when the United States unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and started reinstating sanctions against the Islamic Republic. On 8 May, Iran announced its decision to partially discontinue its obligations under the nuclear agreement. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Baghdad Backs Tehran, Will Reject Unilateral US Action - Iraq's Foreign Minister Sputnik News 10:47 26.05.2019(updated 11:22 26.05.2019) Earlier, the United States had sent at least seven warships, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, to the Gulf region. Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Alhakim said that Baghdad rejects the unilateral measures taken by the US. He said that Iraq stands with its neighbour Iran and will act as an intermediary between both parties, adding that Baghdad does not believe an "economic blockade" is fruitful. Tensions have been soaring between the United States and Iran over the past few weeks since Washington bolstered its military forces in the Middle East in what White House National Security Adviser John Bolton has called "a clear and unmistakable message to the Iranian regime". Additional deployments include a carrier strike group, Patriot missiles, B-52 bombers and F-15 fighters, according to the Pentagon. US-Iranian tensions first flared up last year when the United States unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and started reinstating sanctions. On 8 May, Iran announced its decision to partially discontinue its obligations under the nuclear agreement. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi sentences 3 French citizens to death over Daesh membership Iran Press TV Sun May 26, 2019 05:48PM An Iraqi court has sentenced three French citizens to death over membership in the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group and involvement in acts of terror across the conflict-ridden Arab country and neighboring Syria. An unnamed official said the trio, identified as Kevin Gonot, Leonard Lopez and Salim Machou, were convicted of joining Daesh, and carrying out criminal operations by a criminal court in the capital Baghdad on Sunday. They have 30 days to appeal. Gonot, who fought for Deash before being arrested along with his mother, wife and half-brother in Syria by US-backed and Kurdish-led militants from the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces, has also been sentenced in absentia by a French court to nine years in prison, according to French research group the Center for the Analysis of Terrorism. Machou was a member of the terrorist Tariq ibn Ziyad Brigade, which carried out attacks in Iraq and neighboring Syria and planned others in the European capitals of Paris and Brussels, according to US officials. French investigators say Lopez travelled with his wife and two children to the strategic northern Iraqi city of Mosul, before entering Syria. On June 3, 2018, An Iraqi court sentenced French citizen Melina Boughedir to life in prison for her suspected membership in the Daesh terror group. Arrested in the summer of 2017 in Mosul, the former de facto capital of Daesh, Boughedir was initially sentenced to seven months in prison by a court in February last year for "illegal" entry into Iraq and was set to be deported to her home country. However, another court ordered her re-trial under Iraq's anti-terrorist law and the French woman was found guilty of being a member of Daesh. Iraq has been trying hundreds of suspected Daesh members, many of whom were detained as the outfit's strongholds crumbled throughout Iraq. This includes hundreds of foreigners. Hundreds of European nationals traveled to the Middle East to join Daesh after the terror group captured large swathes of territory in Iraq and neighboring Syria in mid-2014. Former Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi declared the end of military operations against Daesh in the country on December 9, 2017. On July 10 that year, he had formally declared victory over Daesh in Mosul, which served as the terrorists' main urban stronghold in Iraq. In the run-up to Mosul's liberation, Iraqi army soldiers and volunteer Hashd al-Sha'abi fighters had made sweeping gains against Daesh. Iraqi forces took control of eastern Mosul in January 2017 after 100 days of fighting, and launched the battle in the west on February 19 last year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Truck bomb explosion kills five, injures eight in Iraq's Nineveh Iran Press TV Sun May 26, 2019 04:42PM At least five people have lost their lives and eight others sustained injuries when a truck bomb ripped through a popular market in Iraq's northern province of Nineveh. The Iraqi Joint Operations Command said in a statement that the attack took place on Sunday afternoon, when a truck rigged with explosives was detonated at a crowded marketplace in the village of al-Uwaynat near the town of Rabiaa. Security forces immediately cordoned off the site of the attack, and ambulance workers ferried the wounded to a nearby hospital. There were no immediate claims of responsibility for Sunday's attack, but such assaults bear the hallmark of those carried out by Daesh Takfiri terrorists. Former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared the end of military operations against Daesh in the Arab country on December 9, 2017. On July 10 that year, he had formally declared victory over Daesh in Mosul, which served as the terrorists' main urban stronghold in Iraq. In the run-up to Mosul's liberation, Iraqi army soldiers and Hashd al-Sha'abi fighters had made sweeping gains against Daesh. Iraqi forces took control of eastern Mosul in January 2017 after 100 days of fighting, and launched the battle in the west on February 19 that year. Daesh began a terror campaign in Iraq in 2014, overrunning vast swathes in lightning attacks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Tel Aviv, tens of thousands protest immunity for Netanyahu Iran Press TV Sun May 26, 2019 05:47AM Tens of thousands of people have held a demonstration in Tel Aviv against legislative steps that could grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immunity from prosecution and curb the powers of the Supreme Court in his favor. The protesters gathered outside the Tel Aviv Museum on Saturday for a mass rally organized by Israeli opposition parties under the banner "Stopping the Immunity Law A Defensive Shield for Democracy." The demonstration was the first held by the opposition since Netanyahu secured a fifth term in office in general elections last month. The Israeli premier is facing criminal charges, including of fraud and bribery, in at least three separate cases. The so-called Case 1,000 involves allegations that Netanyahu received luxury gifts from international billionaires in exchange for favors. In Case 2,000, he is accused of conspiring with the owner of the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper to undermine a critical daily. And Case 4,000 involves allegations that Netanyahu offered incentives to the Israeli telecom provider Bezeq in return for positive stories in the Walla news website. All of that has earned him the title "crime minister." Netanyahu is due to attend a pre-trial hearing on corruption allegations with the Israeli attorney general, set for October. Reports say Netanyahu is attempting to finalize deals with his likely coalition partners, seeking their support for legislative moves to safeguard him from prosecution in the three cases. He is also planning to have the powers of the High Court of Justice restricted so that it will not be able to strike down efforts to protect him. In an address to the rally on Saturday, Benny Gantz, the co-chairman of the centrist Blue and White alliance who ran against Netanyahu in the April elections, said Israel's "dream" was "falling apart" under Netanyahu's leadership. "There are those who are attempting to replace people's rule with the rule of a single man and to enslave an entire nation to the interests of one man," Gantz said. He said Netanyahu had deceived voters, adding that Blue and White would not let Israel become "the private estate of a royal family or sultanate." One protester told The Times of Israel, "Netanyahu is a corrupt dictator who belongs in jail." Others chanted, "Bibi to jail!" "We will take this protest to Netanyahu's house. We will sacrifice our lives if we have to," said another demonstrator, also according to The Times of Israel. Blue and White co-chairman Yair Lapid told the crowd, "What does he (Netanyahu) think, that we'll sit here quietly? That he'll destroy the courts and we'll be silent? We're here because we're angry!" Additionally, Arab Israeli lawmaker Ayman Odeh, who is the leader of the Hadash-Ta'al Party, addressed the protest calling for "Arab-Jewish partnership" to enact change. Netanyahu's right-wing Likud Party dismissed the Tel Aviv rally as a "joke." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Defiant renegade general in Libya 'to continue fighting' Iran Press TV Sun May 26, 2019 05:18PM A Saudi-backed renegade general wreaking havoc in Libya says he will continue fighting forces loyal to the internationally-recognized government of the North African country until they are defeated. In an interview with the Journal de Dimanche newspaper in France on Sunday, Khalifa Haftar claimed that he sought a "political solution" but "to return to politics, we need to finish with the militias," referring to the groups of armed forces loyal to the government. Haftar has been leading a group of militia of his own in an offensive on the Libyan capital, Tripoli, where the government is seated since last month. In the interview, he took aim at United Nations (UN) envoy Ghassan Salame, who has warned about the consequences of Haftar's offensive. "Salame is making irresponsible statements. He wasn't like that before; he has changed. From an impartial and honest mediator, he has become a biased one," the renegade general said. Salame recently warned that Haftar's offensive was "just the start of a long and bloody war." He also urged the UN Security Council to set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the fighting. On April 25, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that the fighting for control of Tripoli was turning the densely-populated residential areas of the city into "battlefields." The 75-year-old Haftar has the backing of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. More than 75,000 people have been driven from their homes in the fighting and 510 have been killed, according to the World Health Organization. More than 2,400 have also been wounded, while 100,000 people are feared trapped by the clashes raging on the outskirts of Tripoli. Libya has been the scene of violence since 2011, when longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi was toppled from power after an uprising and a NATO military intervention. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deadly Violence Mars Protest In Northwestern Pakistan By RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal May 26, 2019 Three people were killed and at least 10 others in clashes between Pakistani security forces and protesters in the country's northwestern tribal region, the military and eyewitnesses say. Details of the May 26 incident in North Waziristan district remain murky. Witnesses told RFE/RL that at least 20 people, including a lawmaker, were injured after security forces "opened fire" on peaceful protesters seeking to join a protest against what they called the military's heavy-handed methods. But the military said that a group led by two members of parliament attacked a security post, wounding five soldiers. It said troops responded to "direct firing" on the post, killing three attackers and wounding 10 others. The two lawmakers -- Mohsin Dawar and Ali Wazir -- were among the founders of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) civil rights group that has been a thorn in the side of the military with regular sit-ins and protests denouncing alleged military abuses. The PTM, whose support base is mostly among the Pashtun ethnic minority, has been peaceful since its founding in early 2018. International rights groups say authorities have banned peaceful rallies organized by the PTM and some of its leading members have been arbitrarily detained and prevented from traveling within the country. A curfew was imposed in the area where the violence took place. Residents of Datta Khel, a small town in North Waziristan, launched a sit-in late on May 25, accusing security forces of "persecuting" and "torturing" civilians during a recent search operation targeting suspected militants. Eyewitnesses said that dozens of tribal elders and leaders of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) were on their way to the sit-in on the morning of May 26 when troops stopped them at a checkpoint and prevented them from reaching the protest site. As more protesters arrived at the area, the "security forces opened fire at them," according to the witnesses. Dawar was among the protesters and told RFE/RL by phone that he was "slightly hurt." Wazir was taken to an "unknown location" by security forces along with a tribal elder identified as Gul Alam, residents said. In a statement, the military said that a group led by Dawar and Wazir assaulted the Kharqamar checkpost, adding that "they wanted to exert pressure" for the release of a "suspected terrorists' facilitator" who had been arrested. Troops manning the post "exercised maximum restraint in the face of provocation and direct firing on the post," it said, adding that five soldiers were injured. The military said that three attackers also lost their lives in the shooting while the 10 others who sustained injuries were evacuated to an army hospital for treatment. Wazir was arrested along with eight other people and Dawar "is at-large after inciting the crowd," the statement said. The PTM has denounced the army's heavy-handed operations in the militancy-hit tribal regions. The group has called for judicial probes into those killed by the military and campaigned for ending enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, and discrimination against Pashtuns. Pakistan's impoverished tribal areas became a front line in the battle against extremist groups after the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, when the Afghan Taliban and Al-Qaeda took refuge in the region. The region has been the scene of deadly Pakistani army operations, U.S. drone attacks, and militant attacks. Pashtuns make up the majority of recruits and members of Pakistani-based militant groups such as the Afghan Taliban, the Haqqani network, and the Pakistani Taliban. But PTM supporters say civilians have borne the brunt of the violence, and claim Pashtuns have been the targets of the army and the ISI, two powerful bodies that have an oversized role in the country. Pakistan's government and military have said they are taking steps to address the protesters' demands. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/deadly-violence-mars-protest -in-northwestern-pakistan/29963831.html Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 27) Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Teddy Boy Locsin Jr. on Monday said the tons of garbage from Canada will be shipped back to the North American country on May 30. In a tweet, Locsin said they are just waiting for documents and routine permission from China for transshipment to Canada. All containers containing garbage cleaned and ready to go. Waiting for a couple of documents and routine permission from China for transshipment to Canada. Departure is May 30, Locsin said. This is a month earlier than the Canadian governments advisory, which said the garbage dumped in the country will be completely removed by end of June. Malacanang earlier said Canadas deadline is too late. More than 2,500 tons of waste initially declared as plastic scrap materials was shipped from Canada to the Philippines in batches from 2013 to 2014. President Rodrigo Duterte, who has been warming up to China, had threatened to go to war against the North American country over the illegal trash shipments if it did not reclaim it. When Canada failed to meet the Presidents deadline on May 15, the Philippines then recalled its diplomats stationed there. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is known to have irked Duterte for criticizing the Philippine leaders war on drugs. 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 3 Killed in Skirmish Between Pakistan Security Forces, Rights Activists By Ayesha Tanzeem May 26, 2019 At least three people were killed and several dozen wounded Sunday morning when Pakistan's security forces and protesters skirmished at a security checkpoint in North Waziristan. The military blamed the incident in North Waziristan, close to Afghanistan's border, on leaders of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), a local rights movement. The country's sitting government supported the military's version of events, while several of the largest opposition parties seemed to be supporting PTM after the incident. PTM leaders Ali Wazir and Mohsin Dawar, who represent the region in Pakistan's national assembly, were involved in the protest. After the incident, Wazir and several other PTM members were arrested, while Dawar went into hiding. Dawar told VOA's Deewa Service security personnel were trying to block them from going to demonstrate against alleged abuses by the military during a search operation in the region a day earlier. "They beat up a woman and picked up some other people yesterday (Saturday). We were going to protest that incident when they opened fire on us. At first, it was aerial firing, then they fired on us directly," he said. A message from ISPR, Pakistan military's public relations wing, said the search operation and subsequent arrests were carried out in response to an attack on its local forces in that area on Friday. A separate official statement suggested the PTM protest was meant to "exert pressure for release of suspected terrorists' facilitators" arrested in the search operation. The statement also said troops fired on protesters in response to an attack on soldiers. "Troops at the check post exercised maximum restraint in the face of provocation and direct firing on the check post," said a statement by ISPR. It said five soldiers were also wounded in the incident Sunday morning. However, PTM leaders denied the accusations, saying soldiers fired on people who had been protesting peacefully. PTM activist Rahim Dawar of North Waziristan said he saw dozens of people who had been wounded in the firing. "I saw at least two dozen people that were hurt. For an hour, no one helped us. We were trying to pick up the injured when three army vehicles came and took the wounded away," Rahim Dawar told VOA's Deewa Service. A cellphone video shared in various WhatsApp groups shows Mohsin Dawar and other protesters angrily yelling at security personnel, demanding to be let through. Neither Wazir nor any of the people around him seem to be wielding weapons. VOA was not able to independently verify the video. Updates from the area are difficult to gather, however, due to a curfew in the area and a complete suspension of internet and telephone services. "I started receiving calls within half an hour of the incident, but within the hour everything was blocked," VOA Deewa Service reporter Adnan Bitani said. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the young leader of Pakistan's People Party (PPP) and son of slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, said he could not believe the violence was perpetrated by PTM leaders. "I'm sorry, what? How can Mohsin Dawar attack a check post. ... I don't think that an elected member of parliament can carry out an attack like this," he said when questioned about the incident during a press conference. Acknowledging that he was unaware of facts in this case, he added that the country nonetheless needed to engage with the young political activists and address their grievances. "If we call out own citizens, our own politicians "traitors" every time they demand their rights, demand democracy, demand rule of law, then it will lead to something dangerous," Bhutto Zardari said. The military has often alleged that PTM receives funding from hostile intelligence agencies and works on an anti-state agenda, a claim PTM denies. "Have we not paid a heavy price for trying to crush protests and silence dissent," tweeted Maryam Nawaz Sharif, vice president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the daughter and heir-apparent of ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Both Bhutto Zardari and Sharif seemed to be alluding to Pakistan's history, when part of the country, called East Pakistan, separated to make Bangladesh after its population felt oppressed and sidelined by the ruling elite in West Pakistan. PTM has so far been a peaceful movement focused on the rights of Pashtuns, particularly those living in the areas bordering Afghanistan who bear the brunt of Taliban violence as well as the military operations against the militants. The party's main demands have been to end extrajudicial killings, present victims of enforced disappearance into a court, clear landmines, and reduce checkpoints in the tribal areas, which, the party claims, are not just a hindrance for the local population, but a source of humiliation at the hands of those guarding the posts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Launches New Icebreaker As It Seeks To Dominate Arctic By RFE/RL May 26, 2019 Russia has launched a nuclear-powered icebreaker as it looks to strengthen its position in the Arctic Ocean to capitalize on its growing commercial potential. At a launch ceremony in St. Petersburg on May 25, officials toasted the Ural, the third vessel in a plan to reinforce its fleet with some of the largest and most powerful icebreakers ever built. "They are the ships from new generation icebreakers of that class that we pin our hopes on in exploration of the Northern Sea Route. It is a principally new ship," Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said at the ceremony. Thawing ice in the Arctic is beginning to give increased access to much of the planet's remaining undiscovered reserves of oil and natural gas and large deposits of zinc, iron, and rare-earth metals, prompting nearby states as well as world powers such as China to rush and claim territory or boost their presence in the region. Moscow's is locked in a race with rivals Canada, the United States, Norway and China to dominate the Arctic through a corridor running from Murmansk to the Bering Strait near Alaska, a faster route for sea cargo traveling from Asia to Europe. The two other icebreakers in Russia's Project 22220 series are the Arktika (Arctic) and Sibir (Siberia), Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia's Arctic icebreaker fleet could total 13 or more by 2035. With reporting by Reuters and TASS Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-launches-new -icebreaker-as-it-seeks-to-dominate-arctic -as-ice-retreats/29963437.html Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 5 Civilians Dead, 12 Injured as Terrorists Shell City in Hama - Russian MoD Sputnik News 22:13 26.05.2019(updated 23:49 26.05.2019) Terrorists from the the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham terrorist group launched 38 rockets from the Idlib de-escalation zone on Syria's Al Suqaylabiyah, leaving 5 civilians dead and 12 more injured, Major General Viktor Kupchishin the commander of the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation said on Sunday. "Militants of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham terror organization [outlawed in Russia] shelled the city of As Suqaylabiyah from multiple rocket launchers five times [over the day]. In total, they launched 38 rockets. Several rockets hit the National Hospital in As Suqaylabiyah. According to the Syrian emergency services, five civilian residents were killed and 12 others were injured," Maj. Gen. Viktor Kupchishin said at a briefing. As Suqaylabiyah is a Christian Syrian city, which belongs to the Hama Governorate. On Saturday, the Russian centre for Syrian Reconciliation reported that militants from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group which emerged after the dissolution of Al Nusra shelled the Syrian province of Hama with 20 projectiles, killing at least 4 people and injuring 7 civilians. The Centre said at the time that the terrorists had launched an offensive in the Idlib demilitarized zone, attacking Syrian government forces positions near the settlements of al-Hairat and Mgair in the north of Hama province. Earlier Viktor Kupchishin warned that terrorists in the Idlib de-escalation zone were preparing up to four vehicles filled with explosives to help them break through Syrian army defensive positions. Speaking at the briefing on Friday, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry's Center for Syrian Reconciliation said that more than 800 militants, at least seven tanks, three infantry fighting vehicles and 15 pickup trucks with heavy machine guns had already arrived just southwest of the Idlib de-escalation zone. In early May, terrorists escalated attack frequency in the Syrian provinces of Hama, Aleppo and Latakia. Syrian forces, in their turn, are targeting Nusra Front* terror group depots, artillery positions and observation posts. Russia, alongside Turkey and Iran, is a guarantor of the ceasefire in Syria. Moscow has also been assisting Damascus through supporting the struggle against terrorist groups, providing humanitarian aid to local residents and facilitating the return of refugees. Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with forces backing the country's leader, President Assad, fighting numerous opposition groups backed by Western states, as well as militants and terrorist organizations. *Nusra Front, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham are terrorist groups banned in Russia and many other countries. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SDF Forces Arrest 200 Men in Syria for Resisting Forced Recruitment - Report Sputnik News 03:57 26.05.2019 Civilians refusing to enlist are being imprisoned or executed, sparking violent protests among locals, according to reports. In the meantime, the SDF forcibly thwarted an attempt by a group of women and children trying to escape a camp in al-Hawl. The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces arrested approximately 200 male civilians, including children, during raids in Hasaka province of Syria between Friday and Sunday, according to Fars News report. According to the report, the detained civilians were forced to join the ranks of People's Protection Units (YPG), the predominantly-Kurdish militia that comprises the core of multinational SDF. The raids are said to be in line with the SDF policy of forced mobilization, despite protests among the local population. The SDF also conducted raids in Raqqa province, arresting dozens of civilians. On Thursday, SDF forces opened fire on residents of al-Hawl Refugee Camp located in southeastern Hasaka, some 15 km from the Iraqi border, according to Fars. The militants opened fire on a group of women and children who tried to escape the refugee camp due to its unbearable humanitarian conditions. An undisclosed number of civilians died during the attack; several residents of the camp who attempted to flee were incarcerated, Fars reported citing activists in Hasaka. The activists told reporters that the SDF imposed tight security measures around the camp, effectively taking it under siege. According to the activists, residents of the camp are in dire need of water, food and medical treatment, which can be obtained only outside the camp. SDF treatment of civilians has sparked protests among the province's population. On Wednesday, protesters burned down several SDF security centres across the city of Hasaka, al-Watan newspaper reported. According to the newspaper, the protests began after the SDF killed a young man who resisted forced recruitment. The SDF reportedly dispatched reinforcements to the region, amid the rising unrest in Hasaka. The Kurdish forces control a large part of Syria northeast of the Euphrates plus the territory around the city of Manbij. Damascus considers the US-backed SDF illegal. Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with forces backing the country's leader, President Bashar al-Assad, fighting numerous opposition groups backed by Western states, as well as militants and terrorist organisations including Daesh a terrorist quasi-state, outlawed in a number of countries. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Planes to land, takeoff on freeway Tuesday in Taiwan's military drill ROC Central News Agency 2019/05/26 15:26:55 Taipei, May 26 (CNA) Fighter jets and other combat aircraft will use Taiwan's main highway as an emergency airstrip Tuesday, during this year's Han Kuang series of military exercises. The aircraft will practice emergency take-offs and landings in the central county of Changhua, on the Huatan section of the main north-south National Freeway No. 1 that runs along the island's west coast. The aircraft drill will be part of a series of live-fire exercises staged over five days, starting on Monday. The Han Kuang exercises, Taiwan's most important war games, are held each year to test the combat capabilities of all branches of the armed forces, in the face of a continued military threat from China. The landing and takeoff drill is an important part of the combat training for the Air Force in the event of an attack by China, the Air Force said in a statement. Currently, there are four sections of the main north-south freeway that are designated as emergency runways in the event of war --the Huatan section in Changhua, the Minxiong section in Chiayi, and the Madou and Rende sections in Tainan. Over the years, the military had staged emergency aircraft takeoff and landing drills on each of the four sections, with the last one on the Huatan section being conducted 12 years ago. To facilitate the Han Kuang exercises, the section of Freeway No. 1 between Changhua and Yuanlin will be closed from Sunday to Wednesday, said Peng Huan-ru (), a section chief in the Freeway Bureau . In preparation for the drills, 1,375 median barriers, 111 street lights and 77 road signs will be removed from the Huatan section of the freeway, according to the bureau. Each emergency runway on the freeway is nearly three kilometers long, Peng said, adding that road maintenance, including resurfacing, has been carried out on the freeway in preparation for the exercises. Three of the main fighter aircraft models in Taiwan's military -- the F-16 A/B, Mirage 2000-5 and Indigenous Defensive Fighter (IDF) - will take part in the drill, along with the E-2K airborne early warning aircraft, according to the Air Force. Meanwhile, the annual Wan-an air-raid drills will begin Monday, with the first one scheduled for 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in northern Taiwan, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said. On Monday, the 30-minute drill will be carried out in Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu City and County, Keelung City, and Yilan County, the MND said. After the first drill in northern Taiwan, the others will be conducted in Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung in southern Taiwan and the offshore county of Kinmen on Tuesday, and in Hualien and Taitung in eastern Taiwan and the offshore county of Lienchiang (Matsu) on Wednesday, the ministry said. On Thursday, the drill will be held in the island county of Penghu and in the central Taiwan areas of Taichung, Changhua, Nantou, and Yunlin, as well as in Chiayi. During the drills, pedestrians will be required to get off the streets and seek shelter, while vehicles will have to pull aside and stop, in keeping with the instructions of police, military, and evacuation personnel, according to the MND. The system for the air raid alert, which was developed last year and tested on a small scale during the Wan An drills in central and southern Taiwan, has been expanded, the ministry said. As result, text messages will be sent this year to all mobile phones nationwide, warning of an incoming missile attack, the MND said. The defense ministry has warned that failure to observe the evacuation regulations and other relevant procedures will result in a fine of between NT$30,000 (US$952) and NT$150,000. (By Wang Shu-fen and Evelyn Kao) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Separatist figure jailed in Turkey calls for end to hunger strikes Iran Press TV Sun May 26, 2019 06:07PM A separatist figure jailed in Turkey has called for an end to the hunger strikes staged by a number of Kurdish legislators and prisoners in the country in solidarity with him. Abdullah Ocalan, 71, said in a statement read out by one of his lawyers at a press conference in Istanbul on Sunday morning that he expected those on strike to end the protest action. "Comrades who have committed themselves to hunger strikes and death fasts, I expect you to end your protest," he said. Ocalan, the co-founder of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), has been serving a life sentence for treason in a prison on Imrali Island off Istanbul since his capture in 1999. Turkey, along with the European Union and the United States, has declared the PKK a terrorist group and banned it. The PKK, which has been seeking an autonomous Kurdish region since 1984, accepted a shaky ceasefire with Ankara, but the truce collapsed in July 2015. Attacks on Turkish security forces have continued since then. In protest against Ocalan's prison conditions and in an attempt to end his detention, pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) lawmaker Leyla Guven went on a hunger strike in November last year. She was herself behind bars at the time but was later released. Her action reportedly grew to involve several lawmakers and some 3,000 Kurds held in different prisons across Turkey. Ocalan's call to end the mass strike came after he was allowed to see his legal representatives for the first time in eight years on May 2 and 22 one of the key demands of the strikers. He then told his lawyers that the hunger strikes "had achieved their goal" and called for them to end. Some commentators suggested that Ankara's decision to allow lawyers to visit the PKK leader could be an attempt to win over Kurdish constituencies by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). However, Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul denied there was any connection. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey Buys Russian S-400s Amid Threat of 'Long-Range Missile' Attack Minister Sputnik News 19:31 26.05.2019(updated 19:34 26.05.2019) For over a year now, the United States has been trying to pressure Turkey into cancelling the deal to buy advanced Russian anti-aircraft systems, but Ankara appears willing to honour its commitment regardless. The rationale behind Ankara's purchase of Russia's S-400 air defence missile systems is the threat of long-range missile attacks, Turkey's Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Sunday. "Should we not purchase the S-400s? We didn't have the means in the past," Soylu stated, as quoted by local news site Ahval. "Not only did we not have money, we didn't have the power and the self-confidence, but today we have [both]. They could attack any location in Turkey with a long-range missile," he added, without going into further detail. The S-400 is believed to be one the most advanced air defence systems in the world, capable of firing three different types of missiles at a short-to-extremely-long range. The system can tackle a variety of targets, including aircraft jammers, reconnaissance aircraft, cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles. Russia is set to supply four S-400 batteries to Turkey, a NATO member, under a $2.5 billion deal, which had the United States up in arms. Washington is afraid that integrating the S-400s with NATO's wider air defence system would help Russia collect data about the alliance's air operations as well as its most advanced fighter jets. Turkey, for its part, maintains that the upcoming purchase is meant to meet its defence needs and is directed neither at the United States nor NATO. The Trump administration has repeatedly warned Turkey against buying Russian weapons, threatening it with sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Last week, US lawmakers introduced a piece of legislation urging the Turkish government to abandon its plans or lose the F-35, but Ankara has so far refused to cave in to the mounting pressure. Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar reassured that the S-400s would not be incorporated into any active NATO military systems, vowing that his country would go ahead with the purchase nevertheless. Washington and Ankara are currently engaged in talks over the F-35 purchase, and Akar said this week that Turkey expected the programme to go ahead as planned, but added that the country was also preparing for sanctions under the CAATSA. Meanwhile, Russia is scheduled to start shipping its missile systems to Turkey in July. Reports surfaced in US media on Tuesday that as the deliveries loom large, US officials gave Turkey a two-week ultimatum to scrap the Russia deal. Turkish officials, however, were quick to dismiss the speculation. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address English Finnish POYRY PLC Press Release 27 May 2019 at 12.00 (EEST) Metsa Fibre, part of Metsa Group, has awarded AF Poyry with the pre-engineering assignment for new bioproduct mill, Kemi. The target for the ongoing pre-engineering project is to create conditions for building a bioproduct mill with an annual production capacity of approximately 1.5 million tonnes of softwood and hardwood pulp to Metsa Groups current mill site in Kemi. In addition to pulp, the mill would produce various other bioproducts. This mill would be the biggest wood processing unit in the Northern hemisphere. The new mill would replace the current Kemi pulp mill with an annual capacity of approximately 620,000 tonnes. The total investment would amount to approximately EUR 1.5 billion. The final investment decision related to the Kemi bioproduct mill is expected to be made earliest in summer 2020. Metsa Fibre has also awarded AF Poyry with the pre-engineering assignment for a pine sawmill at its mill site in Rauma. The estimated annual production of this sawmill would be approximately 750,000 cubic meters. The new sawmill would be the most modern and efficient unit in its field in the world. The level of technology and utilisation of data will be clearly raised higher, compared to current sawmills. The total investment would amount to approximately EUR 200 million. The final investment decision related to the Rauma sawmill is expected to be made in early 2020. These pre-engineering assignments are part of project planning phase that include, among other things, EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) and environmental permit processes, main equipment contracts and investment proposals. AF Poyry serves us with their competence in these large industrial investment pre-engineering projects. We have common target to design the most modern bioproduct mill and sawmill, that dont use fossil fuels and are best in their classes, says Ismo Nousiainen, CEO of Metsa Fibre. Metsa Fibre and AF Poyry has co-operated in several assignments also earlier. These assignments further strengthen the co-operation between Metsa Group and AF Poyry, and we are pleased to be able to support Metsa Fibre in these strategically important sustainable assignments, targeted to reducing the use of fossil fuels, increase production of renewable energy and increase carbon dioxide stored in wood products that have a long lifespan, says Nicholas Oksanen, Executive Vice President, Head of Division Process Industries of AF Poyry. The value of the order is not disclosed. Additional information: Nicholas Oksanen Executive Vice President, Head of Division Process Industries Tel. +358 10 33 22294 e-mail: Nicholas.oksanen@poyry.com Johan Ehrnrooth Head of Competence Pulp & Paper Tel. +358 10 33 22570 e-mail: johan.ehrnrooth@poyry.com Did you know? Poyry is involved in 90% of the world's largest pulp mill designs. About AF Poyry AF Poyry is an international leader within engineering, design and advisory services. We create solutions to support our customers worldwide to act on sustainability as well as the global trends of urbanisation and digitalisation. We are more than 16,000 devoted experts within the fields of infrastructure, industry and energy operating across the world to create sustainable solutions for the next generation. Making Future. Visit our website at www.poyry.com and follow us on Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube CALGARY, Alberta, May 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian Utilities Limited (TSX: CU, CU.X) Canadian Utilities Limited (CU), an ATCO company, announced today that it has entered into definitive agreements to sell its entire Canadian fossil fuel-based electricity generation portfolio for aggregate proceeds of approximately $835 million, subject to customary closing adjustments. The sale concludes a strategic evaluation announced September 13, 2018. An agreement with Heartland Generation Ltd., an affiliate of Energy Capital Partners, includes 11 partly or fully owned natural gas-fired and coal-fired electricity generation assets located in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, with a combined generating capacity of approximately 2,100 megawatts (MW). The sale is expected to close in the second half of 2019, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. RBC Capital Markets and J.P. Morgan are acting as joint financial advisors to CU. In a separate transaction, CU has entered into an agreement to sell its 50 per cent ownership interest in the 260 MW Cory Cogeneration Station, located outside Saskatoon, Sask., to SaskPower International. These assets provide reliable and affordable energy to customers across Canada and I want to thank our employees for their commitment and dedication to operating these assets to the highest standards, said Siegfried Kiefer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Utilities. We are focused on building a globally diversified portfolio of energy-related infrastructure assets. Continually evaluating our business model and strategies ensures we are well-positioned to capture opportunities in markets at home and abroad. We are impressed by the portfolios high-quality assets and strong operating history. We look forward to partnering with the portfolios talented management team and employees and to continuing to provide a high level of service to the portfolios offtakers and customers, said Tyler Reeder, Managing Partner, Energy Capital Partners. The sale agreements do not include ASHCOR Technologies, the Oldman River Hydro Facility, or international projects, which are being retained by CU. Following the closing of the sale agreements, CU will have approximately 250 MW of electricity generation assets located in Canada, Mexico and Australia. With approximately 5,000 employees and assets of $22 billion, Canadian Utilities Limited is an ATCO company. Canadian Utilities Limited is a diversified global energy infrastructure corporation delivering service excellence and innovative business solutions in Electricity (electricity generation, transmission and distribution), Pipelines & Liquids (natural gas transmission, distribution and infrastructure development; and energy storage and industrial water solutions) and Retail Energy (electricity and natural gas retail sales). More information can be found at www.canadianutilities.com Investor Inquiries: Media Inquiries: D.A. (Dennis) DeChamplain Sue Watson Senior Vice President & Manager, Corporate Communications Chief Financial Officer 403 828 3550 403 292 7502 Forward-Looking Information: Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as anticipate, plan, estimate, expect, may, will, intend, should, and similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. The Companys actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Companys expectations as of the date hereof and is subject to change after such date. 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, except as required by applicable securities legislation. PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/c8877b13-6392-4084-b25e-7f7ab92af874 Dublin, May 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Europe Cloud CRM Market by Vertical, Nonprofit, and Country - Forecast to 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Europe CRM Market Size is Expected to Grow from USD 9.0 Billion in 2019 to USD 12.0 Billion by 2024, at a CAGR of 5.86% The strict government compliance and the rise in digitalization are major factors expected to drive the growth of the Europe cloud CRM market. Governments of several countries in Europe have implemented strict compliances for data privacy, many CRM solutions help companies adhere to the data privacy compliances. Among nonprofit sub-verticals, the education sub-vertical to account for the highest market share during the forecast period. Several education institutes in Europe run nonprofit business and CRM is one of the critical factors while running the nonprofit education business. Microsoft has donated USD 1 billion to deliver Microsoft Cloud Services for NPOs and researchers in universities worldwide. Various Microsoft Cloud Services would be provided to around 70,000 NPOs across the globe. CRM Online is one of these services, which would help NPOs manage correspondences with donors and beneficiaries. Among nonprofit sub-verticals, the children and youth sub-vertical to grow at highest CAGR during the forecast period. The children and youth sub-vertical are expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Several NPOs that are focused on the welfare of children and youth are expected to grow in the future. The youth population in various countries is more accustomed to the digital communication media as compared to the earlier generation, hence NPOs working in the area of children and youth are expected to go for the CRM software to manage customer relationships. Among countries, Switzerland to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period Switzerland is expected to hold the highest CAGR among all regions, due to the strict data privacy compliances in the country. In Switzerland, NPOs are mandated to evaluate and publish their activities in annual reports and conduct related research to serve the society effectively. The requirements of effective monitoring, and research and precise evaluation of activities can be achieved with the use of a cloud CRM solution. The adoption of CRM solutions would enable NPOs to collaborate effectively with donors and beneficiaries and better manage and maintain meaningful data and insights. Research Coverage The Europe cloud CRM market has been segmented based on by vertical (nonprofit and higher education), nonprofit (education, research and innovation, social affairs, children and youth, art and culture, and others), and country (UK, Germany, France, and Switzerland). A detailed analysis of the key industry players has been undertaken to provide insights into their business overviews, services, and competitive landscape associated with the Europe cloud CRM market. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 4.1 Attractive Market Opportunities in the Europe Cloud CRM Market 4.2 Market By Vertical, 2019-2024 4.3 Market By Nonprofit, 2019-2024 4.4 Market By Higher Education, 2019-2024 4.5 Market By Nonprofit Sub-Vertical, 2019-2024 4.6 Market Growth Across Countries, 2019 5 Market Overview and Industry Trends 5.1 Nonprofit 5.2 Pestle Analysis 5.3 Higher Education 5.4 Pestle Analysis 6 Europe Cloud CRM Market: Vendor and Partner Ecosystem 6.1 CRM Vendors 6.2 System Integrators 6.3 CRM-Based App Developers 7 Europe Cloud CRM Market, Nonprofit By Sub-Verticals 7.1 Nonprofit: By Sub-Vertical 7.2 Education 7.3 Research and Innovation 7.4 Social Affairs 7.5 Children and Youth 7.6 Art and Culture 7.7 Others 8 Europe Cloud CRM Market, Country Analysis 8.1 United Kingdom 8.2 Germany 8.3 France 8.4 Switzerland 8.5 Rest of Europe 9 Company Profiles 9.1 Higher Education and Nonprofit Segments 9.1.1 Microsoft 9.1.2 Peoplesoft 9.1.3 Hubspot 9.1.4 SAP 9.1.5 ELCA 9.1.6 1CRM 9.1.7 Gmrit Solutions 9.1.8 Cirrus Shield 9.1.9 Zoho 9.2 Higher Education 9.2.1 Otrs 9.2.2 Cas Software AG 9.2.3 Hubspotcrm 9.2.4 Jenzabar 9.2.5 Ambit 9.2.6 Dotbase 9.2.7 Unit4 9.2.8 Academyfive 9.2.9 Hobsons CRM 9.2.10 Cosmoconsult 9.2.11 Best Practice It Solutions GmbH 9.2.12 Wisys 9.2.13 Saba Learning System 9.2.14 Infoclip 9.2.15 Academyfive 9.2.16 ALISTON Consulting 9.2.17 Coheris 9.2.18 Student Recruitment System 9.3 Nonprofit 9.3.1 Nexellgmbh 9.3.2 Cocomore 9.3.3 SugarCRM 9.3.4 Vtiger 9.3.5 Bexio 9.3.6 Curexus 9.3.7 Konica Minolta Business Solutions Germany 9.3.8 Wicecrm 9.3.9 Bpm'online 9.3.10 eWay CRM 9.3.11 TYPO3 9.3.12 Absyscyborg 9.3.13 Oracle 9.3.14 ALISTON Consulting For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/kikao9 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Today we remember those who left the comfort of their homes here in Aurora and all across America to never return again, Irvin said. They took an oath to serve and protect our nation and they did that until their last breath. TORONTO, May 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questrade ( www.questrade.com ) is announcing an exclusive partnership with Passiv ( www.getpassiv.com ), an innovative portfolio management software company that has a tool designed to make it easy for self-directed investors to rebalance their portfolios, thereby saving time and money for retirement. Passiv is a web app that helps implement a passive investing strategy for long term savings goals such as retirement, buying a home or saving for a childs education. Passiv works by automatically calculating trades needed based on the investors target portfolio and available cash, so the investor can rebalance their portfolio with one click. Get Passiv to go autopilot Created for individuals who prefer to manage their own portfolio and are tired of losing money to high management fees, Passiv allows DIY customers to easily automate their portfolio management, receive cash deposit notifications, and calculate trades to follow a target portfolio. As an official Questrade partner, the tool is complimentary for Questrade customers. There is also an option to upgrade to the Elite package, to unlock more advanced investing options and save even more time by having Passiv execute the trades with one click. Were excited to partner with Questrade because of their innovative culture and our shared value of helping Canadians, explained Brendan Lee Young, CEO, Passiv. We too are disillusioned with the status quo of investing -- paying high fees at traditional financial institutions with nothing to show for it. Were in sync with lower fees, and Questrade also offers zero commissions on all ETF purchases, which is a great service to all who are investing for retirement. Building wealth is not always simple but with a tool like Passiv, Questrade can make it much easier, added Edward Kholodenko, president and CEO, Questrade. The partnership with Passiv builds on our commitment to provide unique, innovative and cost-efficient online services to our customers, so Canadians can achieve their financial goals faster and ultimately, keep more of their money. To learn more, investors may visit www.getpassiv.com to take advantage of the tool by linking to their existing Questrade account. About Passiv Passiv is a start-up fintech software company headquartered in New Brunswick, Canada, specializing in building wealth management tools for self-directed investors. Passiv is an official Questrade partner and as such, is available to all of its Canadian customers. About Questrade, Inc. Questrade ( www.questrade.com ) is Canadas fastest growing online brokerage that is changing the Canadian financial services industry by leveraging technology to lower fees, and providing a viable alternative to traditional financial investment options, thereby allowing Canadians to Keep More of their Money. As a leader and innovator in fintech, Questrade is a trusted ally that advocates for consumers, focused on improving value. With 20 years of challenging status quo as Canada's leading, non-bank online brokerage, more than $10 billion in assets under management, account protection of up to $10 million and more than 50,000 accounts opened every year, Questrade and its companies provide financial products and services: securities, foreign currency investment, and online wealth management. Questrade has again been named one of Canadas Best Managed Companies for the eight year in a row, achieving Platinum status. For more information visit www.questrade.com, or follow on Facebook and Twitter @Questrade. Questrade, Inc. is a registered investment dealer, a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) and a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). About Questrade Wealth Management, Inc. Questrade Wealth Management Inc. ("QWM") provides professional investment management services through Questwealth Portfolios. QWM is an Exempt Market Dealer, Investment Fund Manager and Portfolio Manager. QWM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Questrade Financial Group Inc. -30- English Icelandic Skeljungur hf. held a Shareholders Meeting today, Monday May 27, 2019 at the Companys headquarters at 16:00. Proposals to the meeting are enclosed. 1. Proposals regarding amendments to the Companys Articles of Association. a. A proposal regarding a share repurchasing plan, amounting to maximum ISK 550,000,000, was approved. b. A proposal regarding a new article regarding the execution of board elections, in relation to gender quotas, was approved. c. A proposal regarding an amended wording in relation to voting others than those nominated by the Nomination Committee, was approved. d. A proposal regarding an amended wording, to assume the possibility of the Board of Directors being dismissed was approved. 2. Proposal regarding the dismissal of the Board of Directors The proposal was approved. 3. Election to the Board of Directors Following individuals were elected at the meeting to serve on the Board of Directors of the Company: Ata Maria Brentsen Birna Osk Einarsdottir Jens Meinhard Rasmussen Jon Asgeir Johannesson orarinn Arnar Svarsson 4. Other matters No other matters were lawfully brought up at the meeting. The meeting was dismissed at 17:55. Other relevant documents from the meeting, and later a recording, may be found on the Companys website. * * * Following the Meeting the Board of Directors met and decided on allocation of responsibilities. Jens Meinhard Rasmussen was elected as Chairman of the Board and Jon Asgeir Johannesson was elected as Vice Chairman. Helena Hilmarsdottir, Ata Maria Brentsen and Birna Osk Einarsdottir were appointed to the Audit Committee and Jens Meinhard Rasmussen and Birna Osk Einarsdottir to the Remuneration Committee. orarinn Arnar Svarsson was appointed as the member of the Board of Directors to take a seat in the Nomination Committee. Groa Bjorg Baldvinsdottir, Skeljungurs general council, was appointed secretary to the Board. For further information please contact Hendrik Egholm, CEO, investors@skeljungur.is , tel: +354-444-3000 / +354-840-3002. * * * Skeljungur is an energy company which sells products and services in Iceland, the Faroe Islands and in the N-Atlantic. Skeljungurs main activities are import, storage, sales and distribution of fuel and fuel related products. The Company operates 76 gas stations and 6 oil depots in Iceland and the Faroe Islands. In addition, the Company operates convenience stores and provides services and sells oils for house heating in the Faroe Islands and sells fertilizer and other chemical products in Iceland. The Companys customer base spans from individuals to institutions and companies in the fishing industry, agriculture, transport and contractors. Skeljungur owns the brand names Skeljungur, Orkan and OrkanX in Iceland and Magn in the Faroe Islands. Skeljungurs goal is to fulfil the energy needs of individuals and companies in an effcient and safe way, in harmony with the environment. www.skeljungur.is Please find us on Linkedin . Attachment Youd think from all the bombast and military shows at the border that Donald Trump is truly dedicated to ending illegal immigration. His apparent choice of Ken Cuccinelli as immigration czar would seem to cement the impression. The immigration hardliner espouses policies that are both cruel denying citizenship to American-born children of undocumented immigrants and truly stupid letting companies fire employees who dont speak English at work. Trump, however, blew his cover following his release of an actually sensible immigration proposal. The plan would scale back family-based immigration in favor of a preference for foreigners with needed skills. Good idea. Canada does it. But something was definitely missing: a means to stop employers from hiring workers without papers. The system to do that is already in place. Its called E-Verify. E-Verify is a database that enables companies to quickly check a prospective new hires right to work in this country. Paging Donald Trump. Paging Donald Trump. Asked on Fox News whether his immigration proposals would include E-Verify, Trump responded that it could possibly be part of it. E-Verify is so tough that in some cases, like farmers, theyre not theyre not equipped for E-Verify, he said. Oh, really? Does Trump think farmers dont have laptops? As long as foreigners can get jobs in the U.S. paying many times what they do back home, theyre going to come here. You cant blame them for trying. Many of us would do the same. Meanwhile, our undocumented immigrants are overwhelmingly good people. They all deserve humane treatment. But we have our own low-skilled workers to protect, and that requires limiting the number of the foreign-born competing for their jobs. E-Verify, or a system like it, is the only effective way of unplugging the job magnet that attracts undocumented workers. Walls two miles high wont do it. Trumps game, however, is to make a show of abusing and humiliating impoverished Central Americans while wink-winking at businesses that use the illegal labor. If Trump wants to ensure that U.S. agriculture gets the farm workers it needs, he can man up and support changing the laws to admit more people. They may not be as cheap, but thats legal labor for you. By the way, E-Verify was part of a comprehensive immigration reform bill that passed the Senate six years ago with votes from both parties. It could have passed the House with bipartisan support, but then-House Speaker John Boehner refused to bring it up for a vote because a majority of his fellow Republicans opposed it. Some of the bills foes pointed to the 1986 immigration reform, which gave amnesty to many undocumented workers but failed to stop the illegal flow into the country. And they were right about that. Job applicants could present stolen or counterfeit Social Security cards or other documents, and if they looked OK (more winking), the employer was off the hook. But the 2013 bills inclusion of E-Verify fixed that flaw. Face it. Theres no talking to people whose real issue is the color of the immigrants. Another hint that he doesnt really mean business on immigration is his omitting any mention of those brought to the country illegally as children. Polls show that Americans overwhelmingly support legalizing the status of these so-called Dreamers. Whenever things get slow, Trump moves to a tougher message, such as naming Cuccinelli immigration czar. Interesting that Cuccinelli once said he considered not getting a Social Security card for his newborn because its being used to track you. So much for E-Verify, which tracks Social Security numbers. Then again, on immigration, Trump is mainly messaging to his base. And the bigger the mess, the better the message. Harrop is a syndicated columnist. Email her at fharrop@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @FromaHarrop. Vancouver, May 27, 2019 - Galore Resources Inc. (TSX-V: GRI) ("Galore" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Minerales Galore S.A, De CV., Galore's wholly owned Mexican subsidiary, signed an agreement with COMEFIN S DE RL DE CV of Mexico to immediately mobilize a drill core rig to complete a 2,500-meter diamond core drilling program at Galore's 100% owned El Alamo project. The agreement also allows for an additional 1,500 meters of drilling at Galore's 100% owned Los Gemelos project, where previous work has exposed narrow quartz and calcite veins containing visible gold. Drill permits from the governing body, SEMARNAT, and local Ejido's permissions have been approved for both, therefore road preparations and drill pad site construction has begun at El Alamo. Both projects are located in a highly prospective district that boasts the Penasquito Mine, Mexico's largest open pit gold mine located 35km to the northwest. The El Alamo gold project is situated approximately 16 km south of Concepcion del Oro, Zacatecas, Mexico. Geologically, El Alamo consists of Cretaceous sediments, mostly limestones with some siltstones and chert. Locally, strong brecciation of the limestone occurs in association with folding in part related to these structural zones and also occurring with karst type brecciation. Alteration and mineralization are represented by varying amounts of silicification and iron-oxide bodies after sulfides. Some of the higher-grade gold values are associated with extensively iron-oxide jasperoid breccias. Galore's geological team systematically mapped and trenched the El Alamo prospect in 2010, following this up in 2012 with a percussion drill program of 35 shallow holes. This work defined a target with a minimum strike length of 500m and approximately 200 meters north- south in width. It remains open along strike and possibly is in association with a parallel zone to the south as defined by surface samples. Gold values from over 440 trench samples ranged from below detection (<0.005 ppm) to a high of 20.4 ppm, with 64 samples exceeding 0.100 ppm and 22 surpassing 1.0 ppm. The shallow drilling in 2012 encountered widespread anomalous gold values up to 17.15 ppm and several of these drill holes ended with anomalous gold values. The current drill program initially will target the El Alamo zone of alteration and it will consist of both vertical and angled HQ core holes. A strict QAQC program will be implemented at the project with samples transported to the ALS laboratory in Zacatecas for sample preparation, which then will be followed by analysis in the ALS Vancouver laboratory. In other news, the commencement of gold recovery and a small-scale mining operation at Los Gemelos was previously announced last October and was subject to an agreement with URBYASYA, a Mexican mining company. The attempt to recover coarse gold via a gravity circuit did not provide any viable financial income to Galore. Therefore Galore has formally requested that URBYASA vacate the property and terminate the agreement. However, the excavation and blasting activity associated with this operation has exposed altered calc-silicate rocks with iron oxide and secondary copper mineralization along a fault contact with altered intrusives. In addition, within the contact zone, narrow quartz and calcite veins were exposed containing fine-grained visible gold. Narrow gold bearing calcite veins at Los Gemelos were the focus of artisanal mining activity that has been taking place since 1849, where coarse gold was recovered from veins hosted in limestone and skarn spatially associated with a granodiorite intrusive. Since acquiring the project in 2007, Galore has collected almost 400 rock chip samples from outcrops, numerous artisanal pits, underground workings and shallow trenches. Gold values were recorded ranging from below detection to a high of 34.3g/t Au. Galore's drill program planned for Los Gemelos will be the first core drill program to be completed at the project. Initially five angle HQ core holes are planned to depths of approximately 400 meters and these will be designed to cut the exposed veins and contact mineralization and other high priority targets. Mineralization targets are porphyry intrusive related gold-copper skarns. On May 1, 2019, an officer of Galore loaned the Company $100,000.00 USD for the purposes of paying certain operating expenses and begin the proposed drill programs at El Alamo and Los Gemelos. This loan will bear interest at the rate of 10% per annum. Galore also made arrangements to continue paying 8% interest per annum on an outstanding note of $150,000.00 USD loaned to the Company in January, 2017, by the same officer. Qualified Person Guadalupe Garcia, Project Geologist, and Bill Fleshman, Vice President of Exploration, will oversee the drill program. Mr. Fleshman is the Qualified Person and has 43 years' experience as a geologist, working in the USA, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Myanmar, Australia and the last 10 years in Mexico. Bill is a Fellow of the AusIMM and a CP (chartered professional #107342). The technical or scientific information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Bill Fleshman, P.Geo. and Vice President of Exploration for the Company. Mr. Fleshman serves as a Qualified Person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101. About Galore Resources Galore Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration and development company whose focus is to make and develop significant mineral discoveries, which are supported by a sustainable business model. Our goal is to discover a world-class gold and silver deposit in Mexico. Our flagship project is in the heart of the Concepcion del Oro Mining District, the Dos Santos Project. This project covers two historic gold zones and has the potential to host bulk tonnage gold-silver deposits based on past drilling, trenching and a recent airborne geophysical survey. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Michael McMillan" President and CEO To find out more about Galore Resources (TSX.V:GRI) please contact: Mike McMillan at (210) 860-9212 (USA) Please visit our website at www.galoreresources.com or contact us at mike@galoreresources.com. Cautionary Statement: This document contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities regulations. All statements other than statements of historical fact herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding exploration plans and other future plans and objectives, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and future events and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations as well as a comprehensive list of risk factors are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time via SEDAR with the Canadian regulatory agencies to whose policies we are bound. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should conditions or our estimates change, other than as required by law and readers are further advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Copyright (c) 2019 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. But he almost didnt get one: The safe that was holding the guns for this traditional military send-off were locked and no one knew the combination. Thats because, as the veteran in charge of this honor guard for so many years, Whitey, who was a past commander of the Hampshire VFW and American Legion Post in Elgin, was the only person with the numbers. And it took more than a half-hour before the door to the safe was finally opened. Trading Symbol: "IPT: TSX.V" VANCOUVER, May 27, 2019 - Impact Silver Corp. ("IMPACT" or the "Company") announces its financial and operating results for the quarter ending March 31, 2019. The Company reported $3.0 million in revenue for the first quarter of 2019 compared to Q1 2018 at $3.9 million with improved grades helping to offset lower tonnage and silver prices. Mine operating earnings before amortization and depletion were breakeven for the first time since Q1 2018 as cost reductions and grade improvements are having a positive impact. Fred Davidson, President & CEO of IMPACT, stated, "In Q1 2019, silver prices continued to be challenging with prices below $16 USD/ounce. In reaction to these persistent low metal prices, IMPACT has reduced tonnage and focused on higher grades which resulted in a 16% reduction in cost and a 23% decline in revenue during the quarter. Going forward given the current silver price environment, we aim to break even on existing production levels while metal prices remain depressed and explore selective high-grade targets which IMPACT may fast track to higher grade production." IMPACT is increasingly shifting production to the Guadalupe Silver Mine located adjacent to the Guadalupe mill which saves significant hauling costs. Historic production from the Guadalupe Mine was first recorded in 1529 and more recently between 1967-1982 produced an estimated 9,000,000 ounces of silver. Benefiting from better silver grades, proximity to the mill, and existing low-cost shaft infrastructure (which was updated in 2019), in Q1 2019 the Guadalupe mine accounted for 27% of the total production feed and management expects this to continue to increase. Production Overview Silver production decreased to 163,575 ounces in Q1 2019 from 203,199 ounces in Q1 2018 due to planned lower tonnages produced. Average mill feed grade for silver in the quarter increased to 167 g/t silver in Q1 2019, a 4% increase from Q1 2018 at 160 g/t silver. Throughput at the mill decreased 23% to 35,788 tonnes milled in Q1 2019 from 46,602 in Q1 2018. Financial Overview Revenue for Q1 2019 was comparable to Q4 2018 at $3.0 million. However, revenue per tonne increased to $84.98 from Q4 2018 ($79.55) as the Company focused on improving head grade at the mill to combat lower silver prices. Mine operating earnings before amortization and depletion were breakeven ($0.0) compared to $0.3 million in Q1 2018 as cost reductions and grade improvements started materializing. Mine operating loss was $0.4 million for Q1 2019 compared to $0.1 million in Q1 2018. Net loss for quarter was $0.9 million which includes $0.1 million of foreign exchange loss and non-cash expenses of $0.4 million for amortization, depletion, and deferred income taxes. The Company had cash of $0.4 million and trade and other receivables of $1.6 million at March 31, 2019. The Company has no long-term debt. Silver prices for the first quarter of 2019 were range bound to $15 to $16 USD per ounce though some experts have forecasted higher prices on upcoming geopolitical uncertainties in the world, the historic high gold to silver ratio, and 2% decrease in worldwide silver production while investment demand has surged 20% year over year. Cost control remains a high priority for IMPACT. In addition to increasing efficiency and grade at operations, cost reduction initiatives are well under way to ensure IMPACT can weather the markets. Direct cost per tonne at the mill was $82.47 in Q1 2019 compared to Q4 2018 of $91.50, a 10% reduction and showing progress on the Company's continued push on cost reductions. On the positive side, revenue per tonne sold for Q4 increased to $84.98 versus $79.55 in Q4 2018, a 7% increase from the previous quarter. IMPACT continues to focus on cost reductions and maximizing revenue per ounce sold. Dense Media Separation Study at Capire Subsequent to quarter end, IMPACT announced commissioning of an engineering study to test the viability of Dense Media Separation (DMS) processing at its Capire Production Centre. DMS is a low-cost method of pre-concentrating minerals to increase the grade of mineral feed into the processing plant and improve processing economics. Results of the DMS test are pending. New Concentrate Sales Partnership In late Q1 2019, Impact Silver Corp. entered into a new concentrate sales and refining partnership with Samsung C&T Corp. The Company believes the pricing is competitive with this new contract albeit with longer payment terms. George Gorzynski, P.Eng., a Qualified Person under the meaning of Canadian National Instrument 43-101, approved the technical content regarding exploration work in this news release. A recorded conference call reviewing the financial and production results for the first three months ending March 31, 2019 will be available on the Company website on May 27, 2019 at www.impactsilver.com/s/ConferenceCalls.asp. The information in this news release should be read in conjunction with the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis, available on the Company website at www.impactsilver.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified. About IMPACT Silver: Impact Silver Corp. is a successful silver-gold explorer-producer with two processing plants on adjacent districts within its 100% owned mineral concessions covering 357 km2 in central Mexico with excellent infrastructure and labor force. Over the past twelve years IMPACT has produced over 9.4 million ounces of silver, generating revenues over $175 million, with no long-term debt. At the Royal Mines of Zacualpan Silver District several underground silver mines feed the central Guadalupe processing plant. To the south, in the Mamatla District the Capire processing pilot plant is an expandable 200 tpd with a NI-43-101 compliant resource of silver-lead-zinc (see IMPACT news release dated January 18, 2016 for details) awaiting higher metal prices to be restarted. Given the challenging markets the last few years, IMPACT has focused its exploration efforts on gold and silver targets with quick to production profiles and proximity to the Guadalupe processing plant. Following a successful decade of exploration success to production cash flows, IMPACT has shown the Zacualpan District to be prolific in generating high grade epithermal silver-gold production feeds. With markets more perceptive to exploration results and the requirement for additional production feed, IMPACT continues to add emphasis to exploration work. Additional information about IMPACT and its operations can be found on the Company website at www.IMPACTSilver.com. On behalf of Impact Silver Corp. "Frederick W. Davidson" President & CEO Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements This IMPACT News Release may contain certain "forward-looking" statements and information relating to IMPACT that is based on the beliefs of IMPACT management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to IMPACT management. Such statements reflect the current risks, uncertainties and assumptions related to certain factors including but not limited to, without limitations, exploration and development risks, expenditure and financing requirements, title matters, operating hazards, metal prices, political and economic factors, competitive factors, general economic conditions, relationships with vendors and strategic partners, governmental regulation and supervision, seasonality, technological change, industry practices, and one-time events. Should any one or more risks or uncertainties materialize or change, or should any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and forward-looking statements may vary materially from those described herein. IMPACT does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement. The Company's decision to place a mine into production, expand a mine, make other production related decisions or otherwise carry out mining and processing operations, is largely based on internal non-public Company data and reports based on exploration, development and mining work by the Company's geologists and engineers. The results of this work are evident in the discovery and building of multiple mines for the Company and in the track record of mineral production and financial returns of the Company since 2006. Under NI43?101 the Company is required to disclose that it has not based its production decisions on NI43?101?compliant mineral resource or reserve estimates, preliminary economic assessments or feasibility studies, and historically such projects have increased uncertainty and risk of failure. SOURCE Impact Silver Corp. The cloud is a powerful tool for driving digital transformation, but risks abound at every step of the journey. Public-sector IT leaders must assess where they stand in the cloud adoption curve and plan how to optimize their infrastructure costs. [Note: For Memorial Day, wed like to share an article that Stewart wrote for United Press International in 1971 about the last day in the life of an American soldier in Vietnam.] What Does It All Prove? Asks GI After Buddys Death By STEWART KELLERMAN Camp Eagle, Vietnam (UPI)At 5:30 a.m. on the morning of May 16, 1971, the lights were switched on in the wooden barracks and the dozen young men inside yawned, stretched and got ready for another day of war. Four hours later, on a rugged ridge overlooking Vietnams emerald green A Shau Valley, Cpl. David R. Winkle, 20, of Bountiful, Utah, would be shot to death. The Army listed him as one of 38 Americans killed in action during the week of May 16-28, raising combat deaths in the Indochina war from 45,145 to 45,183. This is the story of how Winky died, as told by his Army buddies. It could be about any one of the GIs killed so far in Vietnam and the rest whod die before the war was over. It was cool out as Winky buttoned his camouflage fatigues and tied the laces of his worn combat boots, but the hot, heavy sun would soon be up, pasting the fatigues to his skin. He was scared that morning, Cpl. Jeffrey Foley, 19, of Anchorage, Ky., said. We were all scared. Wed been having it pretty easy for a few weeks and we figured it was time for one of us to get it. Winky and his buddies were Pathfinders, the guides who lead soldiers into tough combat areas. They go in first, help the rest of the GIs get into position and then return to their home base. He didnt talk too much about the war, Cpl. David Webb, 21, of Peoria, Ill., said. He thought it was wrong. But he didnt like the idea of guys burning draft cards as long as were fighting. The Pathfinders had been briefed the night before on their mission. They were to lead a South Vietnamese battalion to a jungle ridge overlooking the A Shau Valley. The landing was part of an allied drive against Communist troops massed in and around the valley. He enlisted in the Army and he volunteered to be a Pathfinder, Foley said. He knew it was a dangerous job. He figured hed fight as long as someone had to do it. Winky was busy packing his rucksack and didnt have time for morning chow. He and the other Pathfinders jumped aboard three-quarter-ton trucks and bounced along the bumpy dirt road leading out of Camp Eagle. He was a pretty quiet guy, Sgt. Daniel Coynes, 21, of Picayune, Miss., said. He wasnt the war hero type. He did his job and he didnt give anybody trouble. He was real squared away. Winky chain-smoked filter-tip cigarettes on the truck and fingered his lucky pendanttwo bullets hanging from a silver chain around his neck. He was an intellectual type, Webb said. He went to college for a while and he figured on going back when he got out. Winky and the others were covered with dust as the trucks wound up a dirt trail to artillery base Birmingham, where the Pathfinders would link up with South Vietnamese troops. When the truck stopped, Winky jumped off and dropped his rucksack to the ground. He stood off by himself smoking while the other GIs kidded one other as they waited for helicopters to take them into battle. He never talked much, Coynes said. He only opened his mouth when he had something important to say. After a half-hour of waiting, the Pathfinders and South Vietnamese soldiers jumped aboard UH1 Huey helicopters, sat down on the steel floors and lifted off. Winky and Foley were on the third chopper to take off. Wind whooshed through the open doorways during the flight. He must have had that same funny feeling we all have when we ride a helicopter into a battle area, Foley said. You think about stupid things. Like what would the fall be like if the chopper were hit and it was certain youd die in the crash. Would you cry? Would you scream? Would you pray? It was 8:30 a.m. when the helicopter reached a tiny dirt landing pad blasted out of the side of the ridge by American jets a few hours before. We took small arms fire as soon as we landed, Foley said. An RPG [rocket propelled grenade] hit the LZ [landing zone] just as the bird pulled away. The fire was so bad the other helicopters turned back and landed farther up the hill. We were all alone, three Americans and 10 South Vietnamese. Winky was shot in the ankle as he ran across the dirt LZ for cover in the surrounding jungle. He fell, clutched his M16 rifle with his right hand, and dragged himself across the dirt into the thick brush. Foley ran to the other side of the LZ, dropped down behind a thick tree, and began blasting into the woods with his rifle. An American lieutenant alongside Winky was shot in the head and blinded. Minutes later the lieutenant was hit in both legs and the stomach. He bled to death and Winky couldnt do anything to help him. It must have been hell lying there beside the lieutenant, knowing the same thing could happen to you any second, Foley said. We left Eagle, figuring wed be back by lunch. But we were soon wondering whether wed be back at all. Winky fired away into the jungle despite the blood gushing from his ankle. He kept firing. He snapped clip after clip into the M16, firing as the empty shells bounced against each other on the dirt beside him. At times like that you think about your family and pray and hope to God youll see them again, Webb said. You wonder whats the sense of it all. You ask yourself why you had to come here and what good itll do if you get killed. Winkys right shoulder must have ached by then from the kicks of the rifle butt. His trigger finger must have been stiff. He was dirty and tired and alone. He probably started praying then, Foley said. He was a Catholic. He hardly ever went to Mass here. None of us went to church much. But he was definitely a Catholic. He believed in Jesus Christ. At 9:30 a.m. Foley ran across the landing zone to find out why Winky had stopped shooting. He found him sprawled dead beside a stump, his blood soaking into the earth. He apparently died instantly when hit in the head by a rifle round. Winky never wanted to kill anybody, Webb said. He was on that LZ because the Army sent him there. Foley ran back across the LZ to his radio to tell of Winkys death and call in air strikes. From his side, he could see a South Vietnamese soldier crawl up and steal Winkys rucksack. You wonder whos going to be the next one, Coynes said. Weve lost a lot of people up here and what does it all prove? Foley got a Silver Star for his actions; Winky got a Bronze Star posthumously. Im not convinced the war is worthwhile, and lm not convinced it isnt, Foley said. Itll be a long time before we can tell whether all these deaths accomplished anything. Help support the Grammarphobia Blog with your donation. And check out our books about the English language. A 2020 deal for Monza's Italian GP is not yet done. Earlier in May, we claimed the race looked "completely safe" until 2024, after the Italian automobile club (Aci) agreed a deal with Liberty Media. However, the official F1 website clarified that "a formal signature" has actually not yet been put on paper. "We continue the negotiation with F1 to quickly reach the signing of the contract," confirmed Aci boss Angelo Sticchi Damiani. Italy's Automoto reports that Damiani was in Monaco at the weekend, where he confirmed that the terms of the contract with Liberty have been agreed. "The problem lies in the political relations with the town of Monza," the publication said. "At Monza, there are apparently huge economic demands that according to the Aci risk putting the historical venue out of action." Automoto said the other two circuits in Italy with the ability to host the Italian GP are Imola, where there was an inspection ten days ago, and Mugello. Flavio Briatore thinks one of the main problems in F1 this year is the tyres. Indeed, many teams - including Ferrari - are struggling to understand the very different Pirelli tyres for 2019. Former Renault boss Briatore, who was in Monaco, told Italy's Automoto that there are too many compounds, with selections changed from race to race. "From one race to another they change them and some teams understand them, others don't. A total casino," said the Italian. "It would be better to give the whole field a soft tyre for qualifying and one for the race. Keep it the same for four years and then even those who do not understand how to make them work will get there sooner or later. "In the commentary I hear always about the tyres, but no one cares," Briatore added. Briatore also had scathing comments about Ferrari, who fudged Charles Leclerc's qualifying with another basic strategy error. "Everybody knows that the track gets faster. Even in F3 the track gets 3 tenths per lap faster all the time and yet Ferrari keeps the driver in the pits?" he said. Told that the decision-makers at Ferrari did not arrive in F1 yesterday and therefore should know better, Briatore said: "No, apparently they arrived on Thursday." GREENSBORO A person was injured in a a shooting early Monday morning, according to a news release from Greensboro police. Officers responded to a call of shots fired at 1:43 a.m. in the area of 15 St. Croix Place, according to the release. They located a victim in stable condition, who was taken by EMS to a local hospital. No suspect information was available and the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000 or text the tip to 274637 using the keyword badboyz. All calls to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and may result in a reward of up to $2,000. The Land of Oz, one of North Carolinas more unusual theme parks, is reopening next month, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the release of the movie The Wizard of Oz. The theme park on top of Beech Mountain near Boone will be open various days throughout June and one day in July, according to its website. Guests will travel with Dorothy down the yellow brick road through the Land of Oz to help in her search for the wonderful Wizard. Some guests will be selected to play one of the characters from the iconic movie and all guests are encouraged to dress in costume (though sensible shoes might be wise.) The theme park will be open every Thursday and Friday in June (6-7, 13-14, 20-21), the last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of the month (26-28) and Friday, July 5. Tickets are $27.50, plus taxes and fees, and children 2 and younger get in free. Tickets are available at https://www.landofoznc.com/journey-with-dorothy. The park is not wheelchair or stroller friendly because of the uneven pathways, staircases, and steep ramps built within the natural terrain of Beech Mountain, according to the parks website. Staff file photo / ST State Police dealt with slightly fewer accidents and made about half the number of operating under the influence and speeding arrests Memorial Day weekend compared to last year, according to statistics provided by the agency. Overall from Friday to Monday, state police dealt with 6,283 calls for service this Memorial Day weekend, including one fatal motorcycle crash that occurred Monday at around 4 p.m. Vietnam War veteran John Beele led some of the younger Marines in an impromptu singing of the Marines Hymn to get them in the spirit just before the start of the Memorial Day Parade in downtown Homewood on Monday. Given Asus' past antics, involving multiple variations of handsets that all had the same name, we were pretty surprised to learn that there's only one Zenfone 6 when it made its global debut a couple of weeks ago. If you too were rooting for another variant of the phone to become official, today the company has delivered. Meet the Asus Zenfone 6 Edition 30, just unveiled at Computex in Taiwan. To be fair, it's not just a differently specced version that will be sold under the same name, so Asus isn't actually going back to its old tropes. The name is longer because the point of this phone is to celebrate Asus' 30th anniversary. As such, it will be a limited edition - only 3,000 will ever be made. It will come with VIP benefits and an exclusive 30-month warranty, but the headline additions to this model are definitely the 12GB of RAM and 512GB of built-in storage. If you shell out what we can only assume will be top dollar for this handset (Asus isn't announcing pricing yet), you'll also get an exclusive Matte Black colorway and design, with "iconic Zen-inspired concentric-circle patterning" and "distinctive Edition 30 logo". Otherwise, this is the same Zenfone 6 we've been talking about for a few weeks now. It includes the awe-inspiring flip camera with the 48 MP Sony IMX586 main sensor and a 13 MP ultra-wide snapper with 125-degree field-of-view. The combo just received a record-breaking selfie score from DxOMark. You also get the Snapdragon 855 chipset, 5,000 mAh battery, and stock-like Android 9 Pie software experience, along with the 6.4" 1080p+ notch-less display. The ongoing US and China Trade War has been keeping Huawei in a perpetual state of emergency ever since the US placed it on its Entity List. Since then Google was forced to withdraw Huawei's license to Android (and has since overturned the decision for up to 90 days) and the number two smartphone maker in the World has seen many of its major partners back away because of US pressure. We have a detailed timeline of events if you want to catch up. Huawei has issued statements on a number of the issues over the past week and a half but today we have the official two cents of Huawei's founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei in the form of answers to questions from a number of media outlets. On Television: the US issued a temporary license to Huawei. In other words, its restrictions on Huawei can be lifted in the following 90 days. What's your view on this license? What could you do in these 90 days? If the news is true and the US cancelled the imposed restrictions after 90 days, how would you comment on such a reversal? Ren Zhengfei: I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the US companies that we work with. Over these 30 years, they have helped us to grow into what we are today. They have made many contributions to us. We also have been receiving support from a large number of US component and part manufacturers over all these years. In the face of the recent crisis, I can feel these companies' sense of justice and sympathy towards us. The US has added Huawei to the Entity List. That is to say if a US company wants to sell something to Huawei, it needs to obtain approval from the US government. The US is a country ruled by law. US companies must abide by the laws, and so must the real economy. So lets should not always blame US companies. The blame should rest with some US politicians. We should understand that these US companies and Huawei share the same fate. We are both players in the market economy. People's Daily: I want to ask a question about chips. I noticed that you said in an interview with Japanese media on May 18 that "Huawei does not need chips from the US. There is no problem with Huawei." In a letter to your employees, you mentioned that Huawei has strengths and has made preparations. Can I ask where your strengths come from and what you have done to prepare? Ren Zhengfei: We are always in need of US chips. Our US partners are fulfilling their responsibilities and asking for approval from Washington. If this approval is granted, we will still buy chips from these suppliers. We may even sell chips to US companies (to help the US make more advanced products). Xinhua News Agency: Do you think the international market has been disrupted? Ren Zhengfei: I don't think so. Europe will not follow in the footsteps of the US, and the majority of US companies are communicating closely with us. The Paper: Other Huawei executives have stated that Huawei is able to continue serving customers. Will the US ban affect your major customers and business? How will you respond? Ren Zhengfei: Our growth will slow down, though not by as much as everyone imagines. In the first quarter of this year, our revenue grew 39% over the same period last year. This rate decreased to 25% in April, and may continue decreasing towards the end of this year. But the US ban will not lead to negative growth or harm the development of our industry. Science and Technology Daily: If the US cuts off the supply chain, how will the industry be impacted? Two days ago, I saw that Fang Zhouzi (an Internet celebrity) tweeted "If the spare tire is good, why not use it before a blowout?" (referring to Huawei's backup OS development) What's your opinion on it? Ren Zhengfei: If we use spare tires in all our products, that means we are seeking the so-called "independent innovation". The main purpose of independent innovation is to become a dominant player. But we want to have partners all over the world. For that reason, his idea of using the spare tire before a blowout is not on our minds. Science and Technology Daily: How will the industry be impacted if the US does cut off the supply chain? Ren Zhengfei: Our company will not end up with an extreme supply shortage. We have got well prepared. At the beginning of this year, I predicted that something like this would occur two years later, and that the US would not take action before the US lawsuit against us was settled in court. We were quite sure that they would take action against us whatever the result was. We thought we would have two years to make preparations. But when Meng Wanzhou was arrested, it sparked everything off. We'll continue to cover the situation as it unfolds. TSMC has officially announced the beginning of mass production of its second-generation 7nm+ process. This is the first time the Taiwanese company is implementing EUV lithography, making a step towards being the main competitor of Intel and Samsung. According to reports from China, the company will continue supplying Huawei and the new process will be for the upcoming Kirin 985 chipset in the Mate 30. It will also be part of the Apple A13 SoC, expected to appear in the 2019 iPhones. TSMC has already made it clear that it will keep supplying Huawei with SoC, despite the trade clashes between the United States and China. Since it is a Taiwanese company and not Mainland China, it has separate trade agreements with both economic superpowers and is not affected by any of the ongoing issues. In the memo, TSMC has also announced its future plans lying ahead. It is currently beginning trial production of 5 nm process wafers with fully applied EUV technology and should hit mass production in Q1 2020, so its chipsets can hit the market by June 2020. A new plant in the Southern Science and Technology Park in Taiwan is currently being relocated and getting new installations for the manufacturing process. The old R&D plant will start preparing for 3nm processes. In addition to the current plans, there is also a transitional 6nm process in the works, which should be seen as an upgrade of its already shipped 7nm+ process devices. Via 1 Via 2 (in Chinese) Haiti - Security : Several thousand people took the streets to denounce the rapes Sunday, following the collective rapes of students from Quisqueya University (UNIQ) and the University of Port-au-Prince on May 17 and 20 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-27800-haiti-security-female-students-victims-of-gang-rapes.html thousands of students, teenage girls, academics, politicians, human rights defenders and ordinary citizens, mostly wearing white T-shirts on which were printed messages including "freedom for women, prison for rapists", "Justice yes, violence not", "Down with impunity", walked peacefully on the streets of Port-au-Prince to UNIQ's call to protest rapes perpetrated against women in general and university students in particular. The march started in front of the UNIQ premises in Turgeau, to continue through the Capital before ending on the Place de la Constitution in the Champ de Mars. Although there are no official statistics on rape in Haiti, feminist activist Pascale Solages has revealed on the radio of the capital that according to the partial data of feminist organizations for the defense of women's rights , at least 10 rapes are committed every day in Haiti, stressing that this number is much lower than reality, since these figures only take into account the women who decided to talk about it. According to the latest study of the Ministry of Health, published in July 2017, one in eight women report having suffered sexual violence at some point in their lives. "We are fed up with cases of rape and impunity [...] Violence is becoming a natural phenomenon and society is beginning to cultivate a culture of tolerance for aggression against women : must say no !" Lamented Rector Jacky Lumarque of Quisqueya University who participated in this march. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-27831-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-27823-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-27822-haiti-justice-gang-rapes-in-haiti-the-lwbc-recalls-the-duties-of-the-state.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-27800-haiti-security-female-students-victims-of-gang-rapes.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26067-haiti-social-campaign-on-sexual-education-violence-and-early-marriage.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25555-haiti-justice-more-than-30-rapes-of-minors-in-the-center.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-24346-icihaiti-security-nearly-a-rape-on-under-18-every-3-days.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23483-haiti-flash-the-protector-of-the-citizen-alarmed-and-worried.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-12579-haiti-social-gender-violence-hinders-the-development-of-the-country.html S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Rain of messages for Mother's Day President of the Republic Jovenel Moise : "I salute all the mothers of Haiti on this special day. I bow to their courage and commitment to our children and Haiti. I hope that everyone is inspired by their sense of sacrifice to save our country together. Happy Mother's Day." Jovenel Moise First Lady of Haiti, Martine Moise : "Haitian mothers have been facing the vagaries of life for decades. Yet they resist and offer our Nation girls and sons who must work together for a better country. May this Mother's Day be an opportunity for us to pay tribute to them, by saying thank you for all they represent in Haitian society. Happy Mother's Day !" Martine Moise Senator Joseph Lambert : "Today and always women and moms deserve to be honored. To all Haitian moms, I wish a happy holiday. Respect and affections!" Senator Joseph Lambert. National Police of Haiti (PNH) : "Lanmou yon manman se tout bagay.Le yon manman we pitit li an danje, li fe tout sa l konnen pou li evite sa. Lanmou yon manman se eneji ki pi fo ke lemond konnen. Lanmou manman pa gen parey. Bon fet ak tout manman ayisyenn." National Police of Haiti (PNH) Mayor of Port-au-Prince : "On this special day, I salute the courage, the dedication of our mothers; these discreet heroines supporting everything, helping at all times, loving everywhere and with all their heart. Happy feast to all Haitian mothers that this joy that rocks your thoughts does not leave you." Mayor of Port-au-Prince Ralph Youri Chevry Nicolas Duvalier : "What is more precious than a mother ? The love of a mother is the fuel that allows a human being to succeed the impossible. No language can express the beauty and strength of a mother. Happy Mother's Day !" Nicolas Duvalier EDH is considering legal measures against fraudsters As part of the reinforcement of the fight against fraud, the EDH met representatives of the Procuratorate of Port-au-Prince... World Bank : $57 million funding extension for education The World Bank has approved a $57 million funding extension for the project "For quality education in Haiti". This amount, which has not yet been disbursed, aims, according to the former Minister of National Education Nesmy Manigat, who drew up and introduced this project, to reduce in particular the differences in attendance and retention rates between boys and girls. In addition, this funding will provide strategic technical assistance to the Ministry of National Education to solve funding problems. This amount is funded by the International Development Association (IDA) to the tune of $39 million and by Global Affairs Canada to the tune of $18 million. Me Andre Michel protests "The decision of the Court of Appeal of Cap Haitien to release the Departmental Delegate of the North, Antonio Jules, following an action Habeas Corpus introduced by his lawyers, is an illegal decision" says Me Andre Michel who qualifies this decision to "a demonstration of the Executive's hand over the Judiciary. Morally, it's a blow for the Dubois Family and the other victims of the attack on Cafe Trio." HL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2019/05/26 | Source A reporter takes a picture on the rooftop of Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul on Thursday. Seoul's landmark Dongdaemun Design Plaza is offering a unique experience to walk the rooftop of the UFO-shaped building that is usually off-limits to visitors. Advertisement The event was arranged to mark the fifth anniversary of its opening, and 88 people who signed up in advance were selected for the tour on Friday and Saturday -- 44 per day -- which also includes a sneak peek of some other parts of the building that have been restricted. The small number of participants is due to safety reasons, since they need to wear helmets and other safety equipment. The building, designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid with her distinctive swooping curves, is covered in over 45,000 aluminum panels. The rooftop, at about the height of a four-story building, provides impressive views of downtown Seoul. The organizer of the event, Seoul Design Foundation, said it could make the tour a regular fixture. According to a grand jury indictment of Thompson handed down in April, the felony charges involved sexual acts between June 1, 2014, and July 7, 2015, with a female minor who was at least 13 but under 18. The charges specify that Thompson held a "position of trust, authority or supervision" over the alleged victim. A TEENAGER spent three weeks carrying out aid work in Tanzania after raising 2,000 to pay for the trip. Claudia Watts taught English to children and adults and spent time with isolated elderly people in and around Moshi, a town and municipality on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The 17-year-old, who lives in Paradise Road, Henley, with her parents Sue and Matt and sister Ellie, 20, arranged her trip through African Impact, a volunteering organisation she read about while conducting research. Claudia raised the money she needed by giving speeches to fellow pupils at Bradfield College and organising doughnut sales. She then spent her Easter holiday in Tanzania, flying from Heathrow to Kilimanjaro airport and staying with four other volunteers from around the world. During the first two weeks, she taught English to both three-year-olds at a nursery school and to adults and then in her third and final week she did the same among groups of young Maasai tribesmen and women. She taught them basic phrases and grammar with help from a Swahili interpreter, which helped her to learn a few aspects of their language. Every afternoon she would visit the Wazee shelter, a government-run initiative for elderly people facing homelessness, poverty and isolation. She brought them fruit and spent time chatting with them about their lives, playing games and reading them stories. She now hopes to raise 500 to provide them with a physiotherapist. Claudia, a former pupil at Rupert House School in Henley and Queen Annes School in Caversham, said: I didnt think it would be possible to volunteer while I was still so young but I was amazed by what African Impact were doing so I spoke to my parents and they said it was fine as long as I raised the money myself. The first two days were really tough because I had to get used to a new culture and I was the youngest ever volunteer on the project as well as a solo traveller. Temperatures typically reached 35C during the day and 25C at night and there was no air conditioning. Claudia said: I barely slept for the first week because it was so boiling but you adapt to it fairly quickly. I soon became close to the other volunteers and found the visit a real eye-opener because it was such a different culture from anything Id experienced before. They put enormous emphasis on family, community and education, which was everyones main focus. It was striking how everybody willingly attended school. Most people complain about it here but everyone there turned up without fail and were keen to learn, even if theyd had to walk for an hour or more to get there. The language was very softly spoken and everyone was so friendly. People would help you in the street and welcome you into their families and communities. They always wanted to be with you and take part in things with you. The teaching was tough at the outset because I didnt know my students and Im not a big fan of public speaking but it became second nature and the students liked me being there. We played games to make them think and made sure there wasnt a sense of pressure and usually they would get it after repeating something a few times. She said the living conditions at the shelter were striking as residents only got one or two meals a day and were sharing a cramped room. Most had no family or friends and had been referred by hospitals or under government schemes to reduce homelessness. Claudia said: I was very shocked but I became very attached to them. They all cried when I left because they loved seeing me. You become their family when youre there and they like to tell you about themselves and their lives. Theyre all facing different circumstances and some have very sad stories. One lady had been in a coma after a car accident and found her family had moved away when she came round so she ended up living on the streets. Its horrible to hear but theyre so open about it and like to talk about it. It must be even harder for volunteers to leave once theyve been there for a couple of months. I met a former biology teacher called James, who was just known as Mr Teacher and became really attached to me and was really upset when I went away for the weekend. He thought Id left and was dancing and singing when I came back. She said she enjoyed caring more than the teaching and would like to pursue a career improving human rights laws in the developing world. Claudia said: It has really changed how I view my future career. I didnt want to leave by the end because Id become so immersed in the project and had already got so used to the way of life. Im hoping to go back there for longer in my gap year. My friends and family have all said I was brave and they didnt think Id have the courage to go by myself but they were all very supportive and I cant wait to do it again. I now feel frustration when people complain about materialistic things because theyre so irrelevant to someone living over there. I think theyre 10 times happier than people living in this country and its made me put things into perspective. Everyone should be grateful for what they have because their lives could be so much tougher, especially considering that were in an economically stable country with the right and access to education. Sinn Fein's Lynn Boylan was facing a battle to retain her seat as an MEP as counting continued in the European elections last night. Support for the Green Party went beyond Dublin and into Europe with Ciaran Cuffe set to take a seat in the European Parliament in Brussels. It means Mr Cuffe, who was elected to Dublin City Council on the first count in the North Inner City on Saturday, will have his local seat co-opted to another member of the party. dictating Of the three sprawling European election constituencies in Ireland only Dublin was able to return a first preference result at 10pm last night - and no new Irish MEP had as yet been confirmed. The Green Party's Ciaran Cuffe topped the poll with 63,849 first preferences in Dublin, but did not make the quota of 72,790. On the second count, Mr Cuffe was at 63,895. However, he is expected to get over the line early today, while two of his party colleagues are in the running to take seats in Ireland's other two constituencies. In Dublin, Mr Cuffe was followed closely by Fine Gael's Frances Fitzgerald with 59,067 first preferences. On the second count, she stood at 59,089. Barry Andrews took 51,420 first preferences and will be hopeful of getting the third seat in the four-seat constituency. The Fianna Fail candidate stood at 51,446 in the second count. European election counts only got under way yesterday, despite voting taking place two days earlier because of European rules dictating that a result cannot be declared until voting has closed across the continent. Drop The rule is designed to ensure that voting and results in one country do not influence voters who have yet to cast their ballot in other EU member states. While voting took place in some countries on Thursday and in Ireland on Friday, people only took to the polls in Latvia and Slovakia on Saturday. Another 20 EU member states only started casting ballots yesterday. Nonetheless, it was clear from early on Friday that Mr Cuffe was going to be elected to the European Parliament following a huge boost in support for the Green Party. This spelled bad news for sitting MEP Ms Boylan. One elected official who does get it is Congressman Brad Schneider, who said late last week the U.S. House Appropriations Committee has included funding for the federal EPA to undertake ambient air monitoring of ethylene oxide. The Deerfield Democrat, whose 10th Congressional District includes Waukegan, pointed out the $5.6 million funding increase, which also has to be approved by the Senate, would support air monitoring for communities identified by the National Air Toxics Assessment as facing high levels of EtO emissions, including those in Lake County. A number of key witnesses in the Sophie Toscan du Plantier murder case have indicated they do not intend to travel to Paris for the opening day of Ian Bailey's trial in absentia. Mr Bailey (60) will go on trial before the Cour d'Assize/Criminal High Court charged with the murder of the 39-year-old French mother-of-one in west Cork 22 years ago. The freelance journalist, law graduate and poet has consistently protested his innocence -and dismissed the Paris hearing as "a show trial". Ms du Plantier was beaten to death on an isolated lane leading to her Toormore holiday home outside Schull as she apparently tried to flee from an intruder on December 23, 1996. Mr Bailey said he believes he has already been convicted in Paris - and that the French intend to lodge a third bid to have him extradited from Ireland. However, it has now emerged that a number of high-profile witnesses from the original garda murder investigation do not intend to travel to Paris because of logistical issues. This is despite a personal appeal from Ms du Plantier's son, Pierre Louis Baudey-Vignaud (37), who travelled to west Cork last weekend. "For 20 years I have trusted you [the people of west Cork]. Do not betray me. Do not betray yourselves," he said. In an impassioned appeal, he urged all witnesses contacted to attend the Paris trial. However, while the majority of the garda murder case witnesses had agreed to co-operate with the French prosecutors, a variety of factors has meant a significant number are not now able to travel to Paris. Discredited The problems range from the short notice issued, the fact all witnesses must pay their own expenses before being reimbursed and the inability to inform witnesses precisely when their evidence will be heard. More than 30 people received written requests from the prosecutor to attend the trial. It is understood around a dozen have indicated they may be able to attend - with six already confirmed. A number of former gardai are expected to attend. The trial will take place before a panel of three judges and is set to last at least a week. If Irish witnesses decline to travel to Paris for the hearing, their statements can still be offered in evidence. The probe was launched a decade ago when the Director of Public Prosecutions ruled that there was little likelihood of a charge being levelled in Ireland. In 2001, the DPP ruled out any action against Mr Bailey. Mr Bailey's solicitor, Frank Buttimer, said it was "incredible" that the French were pursuing a prosecution based on material that was already rejected or discredited in Ireland. Mr Bailey said it was the latest chapter in "a nightmare which has destroyed my life". "I am actually an innocent man and what will happen in France is that they will probably celebrate the fact that I have been convicted and believe me to be the killer," he said. Manchester-born Mr Bailey - who is retraining as a specialist wood artist - has protested his innocence and said "sinister attempts" were made to frame him for the killing. He said the French prosecution was effectively "a tragedy for the truth". The referendum to ease restrictions on divorce has passed, with 82.1pc overall voting 'Yes' and 17.9pc voting 'No'. The final results came in from Galway city in the early hours of the morning. It was put to voters along with the local and European elections on Friday and passed in every constituency. The divorce regime had not changed in more than 20 years when the ban was first lifted. Kindness "I think it's a really strong endorsement from the Irish people for the referendum and it demonstrates their kindness and their understanding of the situation people find themselves in when they are separating or divorcing," Minister for Culture Josepha Madigan said. "I think there's a deep well of kindness in the Irish people. "It wasn't about rocking the system. It was about humanising it. I think the people have shown they have a solidarity with people going through marital breakdown, through separation and divorce." Ms Madigan proposed cutting waiting times for divorce, steering a private members' bill through the Dail soon after she got elected which culminated in Friday's referendum. The result means the Government can introduce legislation that will allow couples to divorce sooner rather than later. Currently, a couple must live apart for four out of the previous five years in order to apply for a divorce. The explicit constitutional prohibition on a person remarrying in the State who has obtained a foreign divorce that is not recognised under Irish law will be removed. Limbo It will still be prohibited for a person to remarry in Ireland unless their foreign divorce is recognised under Irish law. The Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan, said he intends to propose laws to make the rules regarding foreign divorces more consistent. Supporters of the referendum said parting couples could be stuck in limbo while waiting to finalise their separation in divorce, a period in which could increase hostility. Critics of the proposal warned that the changes could ultimately lead to "quickie divorce" in Ireland. These elections will live long in the memory because of the sudden shift in support for the Green Party amid an emerging public concern about environmental issues and climate change. The party looks set to be one of the biggest when the new council term begins next month. Ciaran Cuffe was among the first councillors elected to Dublin City Council - securing a seat in the first count with a huge share of the first preferences in the north inner city. By the time Caroline Conroy secured a 10th seat for the party by coming through the final count in Ballymun-Finglas last night, the Greens had already trebled representation in City Hall. Unique In 2014 the party secured just three seats. Prior to that, it held no seats after the 2009 elections and just one after 2004. Reacting to the results yesterday, leader Eamon Ryan reflected on a great result for the party. He said it was "great to see Dublin going green". "This is a unique opportunity we have been presented with now," he told the Herald. "This is a chance for us to make real change in Dublin. There are big issues and big challenges for us to address. "Come Monday morning, it is important we meet as a group, sit down and discuss what the Green Party can do to implement that change. "There are problems in our city that, if they are addressed and tackled properly, can be really meaningful and make a difference to people's lives. "It is not at all a time to sit back and reflect on what we have done. "Yes, this is one of the better days you can have in politics but that is not what it is about. ruthless "Politics is ruthless and we have to show that we can go and make a difference now." He said housing and transport were the biggest issues for the council to address. "One thing the local authorities can really do that will make a difference is work with the Land Development Agency to identify areas and land where more housing can be delivered. The State really must start building houses for this housing crisis to be brought to a halt. "One other area in Dublin that is of huge concern to us and to people is BusConnects and that is something for us to get our teeth into as well." Ten Green candidates ran in Dublin city, with all of them securing seats. Asked if it should have fielded more candidates, Mr Ryan insisted the party should not. He said he was satisfied with the number of seats the party had secured. The party was in the right place at the right time and it was able to capitalise on support that only really emerged in the past month, he added. Fianna Fail also performed well, securing 10 seats, and has a chance to get further seats. Mary Fitzpatrick won a seat on the first count in Cabra-Glasnevin with a huge share of the vote, securing more than 3,200 first preference votes. Rachel Batten could add another seat in Artane-Whitehall when counting resumes today. It went to a recount after the fourth count. It was a poor election for Sinn Fein, who secured only seven seats so far - despite coming into the election with 16 sitting councillors. Its decision to run four candidates in Ballymun- Finglas backfired. Cathleen Carney Boud was eliminated in the final count, with just 11 votes separating her and her party colleague Anthony Connaghan, who was elected on the last count without making the quota. The Social Democrats also performed well, with Tara Deacy elected in Kimmage-Rathmines. North of the river, it secured seats for Gary Gannon, Mary Callaghan, Patricia Roe and Catherine Stocker. Fine Gael has secured six seats in what has been a difficult election for the party in the capital. Ray McAdam retained his seat in the north inner city, securing a bigger share of the first preference votes compared to 2014. Elsewhere, James Geoghegan, Paddy McCartan, Anne Feeney, Danny Byrne and Naoise O Muiri all successfully secured seats. Garda David Hearne has been praised for his courage An off-duty garda who died diving off the Wexford coast has been hailed for his courage in risking his life many times to save others. Tributes to father-of-four Dave Hearne (46) were led by Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail TD, chairman of the Irish Bravery Awards Council. He said the garda followed in the footsteps of his father, who was also honoured for his courage. "I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Garda Hearne in Wexford," he said. "He was a worthy recipient of a certificate of bravery in 2016, which was awarded to him for rescuing a man from the Colligan River in Waterford. Prayers "In his selfless service to others, Gda Hearne followed in the footsteps of his father, Declan, who was a bravery award recipient in 1958. "My thoughts and prayers are with Gda Hearne's wife, children and wider family." The hero officer saved seven lives in just three years thanks to his water skills and later received multiple awards. He died after apparently suffering the "bends" - decompression sickness - during a recreational dive on a wreck site 15km off Hook Head on Saturday. He was diving with Hook Sub Aqua Club, of which he was an active member. Gda Hearne was a former member of the Garda Water Unit but had been based in Waterford over recent years as part of the Traffic Corps. Sub aqua club members were operating around 10km from where the search was ongoing for missing Wexford fisherman Dominic 'Dom' Sinnott. Mr Sinnott vanished last Friday while fishing off Kilmore Quay. The divers were not taking part in the search at the time but are understood to have been on standby. It is thought the garda was completing a dive on the wreck site around lunchtime with two colleagues when he was suddenly taken ill. The divers immediately took him to the surface and raised the alarm. A number of Naval Service, Irish Coast Guard and RNLI units were in the area as part of the search operation for the lost fisherman. Gda Hearne was taken on board the patrol vessel LE Orla and rushed ashore. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 transferred him to University Hospital Waterford via Waterford Airport. Tragically, he was pronounced dead on admission. A native of Fethard, Co Wexford, Gda Hearne spent most of his career based in the south-east. Gardai in Waterford and Wexford expressed shock at the death of a hugely respected colleague. "The entire force is in shock," one garda involved in search-and-rescue operation said. "He was the nicest guy you could ever work alongside. He has received numerous awards over the years for his commitment to lifesaving." Tributes were also paid by emergency services in Waterford who hailed him "a real-life hero". Waterford Marine Search and Rescue said they were heartbroken. "We are so sorry to hear of the tragic passing of Gda David Hearne. Popular "Dave was a good friend of ours. We would like to offer our condolences to his family, friends and his colleagues." A Waterford Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleagues at Waterford Garda Station following the untimely death of Gda Hearne. "He was a very popular and a highly decorated guard, having won a number of awards for bravery. Sincere sympathy to his family, friends and work colleagues at this most difficult time." Another tribute was paid by Dunmore East Coast Guard, where volunteers knew Gda Hearne well. "He will be remembered for his selfless commitment to the community in which he was stationed, borne out by his receipt of numerous bravery awards. "We would like to convey our sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues," it said. The plebiscite for a directly elected lord mayor in Cork is on course to be defeated, as Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin slated the Government's handling of the campaign as "shambolic". Counting in the plebiscite begins today in Cork City Hall, with partial tallies indicating it will be comfortably rejected by Cork voters. Similar plebiscites were staged in Waterford and Limerick. However, the Cork plebiscite only covered Cork City Council and did not extend to Cork County Council areas. Tanaiste Simon Coveney, who was a high-profile backer of directly elected lord mayors in Cork, had warned it would be "a golden opportunity missed" if the move was rejected by voters. However, Mr Martin said the campaign had not been properly prepared and was run on an "off the cuff" basis. The Fianna Fail leader said a white paper on the proposal should have been prepared - with detailed answers to issues such as mayoral powers, funding and accountability available to voters. "None of that was done - it was absolutely shambolic," he said. "And I publicly said so." In Cork, the campaign was dominated by a row over where any directly elected mayor's funding would come from. Defeat In a further embarrassment for the Government, the plebiscite is facing defeat in Cork, despite the proposal for a directly elected lord mayor being endorsed by all of the major political parties. Mr Coveney said that a directly elected lord mayor would help drive Cork's bid to act as a counterweight to Dublin and the eastern seaboard. Speaking last week, he said: "I think we are likely to see a directly elected lord mayor in Dublin in the not-too-distant future." In relation to a directly elected mayor for Dublin, the issue is to be referred to a citizens' assembly. Dubliners will be asked in 2021 if they want to have a directly elected mayor, depending on the outcome of the citizens' assembly on the issue, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said last month. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has opened the door to a general election in the coming months, saying, "I'm certainly not ruling it out". He was speaking as political parties counted the wins and losses in the local and European elections. Mr Varadkar said he won't be dissolving the Dail in the coming days or weeks but indicated it may happen before this year's Budget. Asked whether he would go to the country rather than hold a number of Dail by-elections, the Fine Gael leader told RTE a number of factors were at play that could lead to an election, including the political landscape in the UK and the possibility of the opposition pulling the plug on the Government here. Factors "If I'm the one to seek a dissolution I have to bear in mind other factors, not just the result of these elections but also what's going on across the water in relation to Brexit and the need to have a stable Government," he said. "Brexit is going to go on for a long time I believe; UK politics is going to be consumed by it. "Also take into account other factors like getting through a budget in September/October and by-elections possibly happening in that period as well." Mr Varadkar was speaking at the RDS yesterday where counting was under way following Friday's local elections. Voters in parts of the country will head back to the polls for by-elections later this year. A number of Dail vacancies are expected to arise. However, Fine Gael sources suggested Mr Varadkar will have a very big call to make as to whether he should hold the by-elections or bring the entire country to the polls for a general election instead. Meanwhile, Mr Varadkar is planning a meeting this week with Fine Gael TD Maria Bailey who sparked controversy over planned proceedings - which she has instructed her solicitors to withdraw - over a fall from a swing at a Dublin hotel. The Herald understands that Ms Bailey faces being temporarily expelled from the party or even losing a 9,500 salary top-up as a result of her compensation claim over the fall. Senior party figures, including the Taoiseach, are privately furious with the Dun Laoghaire TD for allowing the controversy to run for six days before withdrawing the case. Mr Varadkar has now admitted the case caused "reputational damage" at a time when the Government is under pressure over insurance costs for business, and MEP Mairead McGuinness said it "did impact" on Fine Gael's campaign. There is speculation among parliamentary party members that Ms Bailey could be forced to give up her chairmanship of the Oireachtas Housing Committee as punishment. The prestigious role comes with a 9,500 salary top-up. It is understood Mr Varadkar is minded to refer the episode to Fine Gael's executive council which will convene an investigation. It has the power to expel Ms Bailey from the party for a period of time. Ms Bailey lodged the personal injuries claim on the basis that she suffered injuries to her head, lower back and hip after falling off the swing in the well-known Dean hotel. Court documents described her as a "keen runner" who had to reduce her activities since the accident. However, the Irish Independent revealed on Saturday that she completed a 10k three weeks after the incident. Meanwhile, Eamon Ryan and the Green Party defied all expectations and made major gains in last Friday's election. In both the European and local elections the Green Party's vote has hit record-breaking highs. The mother of Zach Parker who was gunned down in Swords earlier this year has called for an end to "senseless killings" after two of his friends were murdered last week. Jordan Davis (23) was shot dead last Wednesday afternoon in Darndale, just 17 hours after his close friend Sean Little (22) was murdered on a back road that leads from Walshetown in north County Dublin to the M1. Zach Parker's mother Siobhan told how she used to make dinner for her son and the murder victims in her home. She insisted that their murders are linked to each other and to that of her son. "Of course they are connected and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that the two of them were killed by the same person who ordered Zach to be murdered," she told the Sunday World. "They are not going to stop" she added. She said that the killings had brought the horror of her 23-year-old son's murder in January back to haunt her. "I was roaring and roaring when I heard one after the other had been killed in the last few days," she sighed. "I've been in bits for the past few days." Murder Barber Zach was blasted in the head, chest and arm on January 17. A killer opened fire on him as he sat in his car with a friend. "Zach was the first murder of 2019," said Siobhan. Siobhan remembers how she regularly cooked meals for Zach, Sean and Jordan and their group of friends who used hang out in her home in Swords. "There was that many in the house I could picture them all on the seats," she said. "I loved Sean. He was a lovely fellow. When Zach moved out of my house in Swords he moved into a house in Rush with Sean. Jordan and a whole load of their friends used to visit them there. "They were only kids and they were all so close. It's such a waste of life." Siobhan discloses that Zach had two distinct group of friends - one was made up of pals he made while going to school in Swords and the other was a drug-dealing gang based in Coolock. She admits she knew that Zach - who was once caught by gardai with 3,000 worth of cocaine in his car - dealt in drugs. "I'm his mam and of course I knew, but I couldn't stop him," she insisted. "He never took drugs himself - well once actually he did and he got a pain in his heart and said 'this isn't for me'. "Zach was arrested with only small stuff. Obviously he was doing bigger stuff." There are several theories as to who murdered Zach, but Siobhan dismissed suggestions that he owed money to a traveller gang. "The travellers actually owe Zach money, maybe 100, or we thought they did," she said. Zach was also linked with north Dublin drug dealer 'Mr Flashy', but she is doubtful that he ordered his killing. "I don't know Mr Flashy, I heard he was at the funeral, though," she said. She said Zach and his friends did not heed her warnings about the perils of being involved in drugs. Killed "They don't listen," she said. "They all want nice cars, nice clothes and lots of money and they see this as an easy way of making money. Every night he went out I used to say to him 'be careful'. "Zach thought he was invincible. He didn't think he would be killed. None of them do, they think they're great. "He had so many friends I had to get dozens of memory cards and key rings for them with his picture on it," Siobhan added. Zach's car had been wrecked in the lead up to his murder, but she does not think it was related to his killing. "His dog broke his leg and he was more in tears about that than his car being wrecked," she said. Siobhan also denies reports that Zach had "thousands of euro" in his bank account after his death, saying: "His account was actually in minus when he died. The only money he had was car insurance which was given back lately, only a couple of hundred euro. "He used to spend all his money on clothes, watches and his car. "He also spent a lot of his money on tattoos. His first tattoo he got was his mam and dad in Arabic. He certainly wasn't loaded." I always say its harder, I believe, (after) being deployed twice, for the family members that get left behind then it is for the soldiers that are out there, Sarah Cvikota said. Because theyre the ones that carry on everything that we leave back home. Alabama governor signs near-total abortion ban into law. Is that a good thing, or are we looking at this as a form of taking womens rights away? If you drill down on this, you are saving the life of a baby. Hopefully that is important to most of us. Tariffs, good or bad? Bad because most of us are looking at increased spending on our part for the same items we bought last week. Good because, in the long run, our economy will become stronger within the United States, we will regain a sense of pride for our country, and good because being taken advantage of in any sense of the definition is not a healthy way to live. We knew from the get-go that increased tariffs were going to affect our pocketbooks, so we will have to make changes on what is important for the long haul. Washington County COVID positivity rate breaks record Weeks after a cyberattack knocked offline the Md. Department of Health's COVID dashboard, county-level data used to track the virus trickles back. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 27) At least two people died, while 50 others were injured when a passenger bus and a trailer truck figured in a collision early Monday morning in Atimonan, Quezon. Initial report from the Atimonan Municipal Police stated that the trailer truck swerved in the opposite lane as it reached a curved portion of the diversion road along Barangay Malinao Ilaya. The vehicle then fell and turned upside downhitting an approaching passenger bus that was traveling on the opposite side. Drivers of both vehicles died on the spot, police said. The dozens injured were rushed to different hospitals in Atimonan including Nuestra Senora Delos Angeles General Hospital, Dona Martha Mem. District Hospital, District Hospital, and Quezon Medical Center. The Philippine Red Cross said officials are closely monitoring the incident. This is a developing story. This is a day for fallen heroes, he said. Everything you have today was given to you by those who decided to lay down their lives for their fellow citizens. They would not know you on the street, some of you, but yet they were willing because of the ideas that make this country great. For the freedom we have and hold so dearly. The victims told police the trio entered the room and collected property belonging to the victims and the motel, and left within minutes. Police estimated the loss at $680. Back at base, as dead and wounded men were being offloaded from the helicopter, he was mistaken for dead and zipped into a body bag. One man saw his face before the bag was completely zipped and called for a medic. Benavidez lived to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1981 and died in 1998 after being asked to speak and tell his story all over the country. Many men did not make it back from the operation. Some were shot on the ground, others died as helicopters crashed during the battle. Some of their stories are recorded in Eric Blehms book Legend and in an excerpt as part of Herbert Wardens American Courage. On Memorial Day we remember the selflessness and the courage courage greater than life itself of our fallen warriors both men and women who paid the ultimate price so the rest of us can live in freedom and peace. Stand in a local cemetery for a few minutes this time of year with flags fluttering in the breeze or visit Arlington National Cemetery and see the flags and the wreaths laid out perfectly, and these visions will leave a lump in your throat. So many graves. So many stories. AML Wrestling partnered with the Hickory Police Department, Newton Police Department and Catawba County Sheriffs office to hold Confrontation, a pro wrestling event at the Hickory Metro Convention Center on Sunday to raise money for the Special Olympics of North Carolina. Wrestlers who made an appearance included AML Wrestling Champion George South, AML Wrestling Tag Team Champions The Dawson Brothers and NWA World Womens Champion Allysin Kay. Col. Robert Parker also made a guest appearance. A meet-and-greet was held just before the event. Money raised through ticket and concession sales will be donated to the Special Olympics of North Carolina as well as the percentage of merchandise sales, according to Sgt. Cam Anderson of the Hickory Police Department. Anderson said he hopes to partner with AML Wrestling again in the future and make Confrontation an annual event. On May 23, standing next to a tea stall I heard a hushed retort, His name is not Rahul Gandhi. He is Rahul Khan. I am happy he lost. A man who seemed to be in his mid-30s told the tea vendor, referring to Congress president Rahul Gandhis rout in Amethi. We were in Hyderabad, the capital of the youngest South Indian state, Telangana. In the state, the Lok Sabha verdict was composite the regional party, Telangana Rashtra Samithi, won nine out of 17 Lok Sabha seats, the Congress won three and All Indian Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen retained its single MP seat in the state. The only surprise that greeted Telangana was the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s improved performance. And that explained the whispers in tea stalls, the growing number of WhatsApp forwards favouring the party and Hyderabad-based trolls who indiscriminately target anyone criticising the BJP. In 2019, the BJP in Telangana upped its seat share to four against the one it secured in 2014. The party also improved its vote share from 10.5% to 19%. Most important, it pulled a shocker the contest in Nizamabad where TRSs Kalvakuntla Kavitha, incumbent MP and daughter of Chief Minister, K Chandrashekar Rao, lost to the BJPs D Aravind by a margin of 70,000 votes. A bloc of 176 turmeric farmers who fielded themselves as candidates, thanks to the growing distress in the agriculture sector, killed Kavithas chances by polling a total of 98,000 votes. This favoured the BJP, and how. The BJP was able to take on a strong regional party with a vote share of 41.29% (2019) because the electorate considered it a viable alternative even if the endgame was to rout an incumbent MP who failed them during her last term. In the past, that alternative would have been the Congress, which had a formidable presence in Telangana, a part of united Andhra Pradesh before 2014. While the south largely bucked the national trend by limiting the BJPs seat share to 29 out of its 128 members of Parliament (MPs), lone trends like that in Telangana suggest that the BJP is a growing presence in the five states located south of Vindhyas. For starters, in three out of five southern states Karnataka, Telangana and Kerala the party improved its vote share either marginally or substantially. In Kerala, where the Congress won 15 out of 20 seats, the BJP improved its vote share by 2.48%. Moreover, the Congress victory in the state was largely the result of voter dissatisfaction which the BJP engineered to target the Left Democratic Front during the 2018 Sabarimala temple controversy. Topping that, in Karnataka and Telangana, the BJPs vote share improved by 8.01 and 8.5 percentage points respectively. In Andhra Pradesh, while the partys seat share dipped by 7.52%, thanks to the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) wave, which won 22 out of 25 seats, the BJP has not lost favour completely as YSRCP president, Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, is keen on keeping a distance from the Congress to protect his vote base. Against these state wise performances, it is safe to say that strong resistance to the BJP with a clear mandate against it came from a single state in the South:Tamil Nadu. In Tamil Nadu, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhakam alliance won 37 out of 38 Lok Sabha seats, because it clearly defined the BJP as an antithesis to Tamil values. The alliance was aware that discontent against the BJP in Tamil Nadu exists not just virtually as suggested by the Twitter trend #GoBackModi. In protest rallies against the Sterlite copper smelter plant in Thoothukudi, in anti-NEET protests and anti-GAIL protests, the common sentiment was resistance to the BJP and its policies, be it the industrial policy, demonetisation or attempts to amend Indias Constitution. The DMK and its alliance partners, including Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, CPI, CPI (M) and Indian Union Muslim League capitalised on this strong undercurrent of Dravidian discontent towards a Hindu nationalist party which Tamil Nadus public sphere, shaped by self-respect movement of Periyar E V Ramaswamys rationalist tradition, harbours. But five years from now, if the electoral tide changes in favour of DMKs rival party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhakam, which is a National Democratic Alliance partner, the BJP may have a hold on the state albeit a proxy one. South India, with its history of social justice, anti-caste and communist struggles is slowly losing its edge when it comes to resisting the BJP electorally. All the party needs is a strong regional ally or a weakening incumbent to pit itself as an alternative. In the next five years, if the BJP focuses on the South like it did over the past decade in the Northeast, could this citadel also fall? Nikhila Henry is a Hyderabad-based writer and author of The Ferment: Youth Unrest in India (Pan Macmillan, 2018). The views expressed are personal Manufacturing contributed in 2017 only about 16% to Indias GDP, stagnating since economic reforms began in 1991. By contrast, in east and south-east Asia, the industry share has exceeded 30-40% while manufacturing is 20-30%. Indias manufacturing share of GDP has not moved up at all, though between 2004-05 and 2011-12 manufacturing employment growth was reasonable (grew by 6 million, using NSS). However, total manufacturing employment has fallen significantly between 2011-12 and 2015-16 by 10 million in just four years (Annual Survey Labour Bureau data, with a sample size same as NSS), especially in labour-intensive manufactures. This is the opposite of what was achieved in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China. All these countries restructured agriculture after the Second World War, focused their modernisation efforts on manufacturing, and made their financial systems slaves to these two objectives. The result was rapid absorption of surplus agri-labour in labour-intensive manufacturing first, which then enabled them to move up the manufacturing value chain to more capital-intensive manufacturing, making them the factory of the world. By contrast, in India the labour intensive manufacturing sectors like food processing, tobacco, textiles, apparel, leather, wood and furniture have seen a decline since 2012. The tobacco and textiles sub-sectors within manufacturing have seen a fall in their share of total manufacturing employment in India (though total jobs grew slightly). The fall in the textiles share requires policy attention, while the fall in tobacco is consistent with government policy to reduce tobacco consumption. Packages for Specific Industries (not enterprises): The most labour-intensive manufactures are food processing, leather and footwear, wood manufactures and furniture, and apparel and garments. These product groups account for 50% of manufacturing employment in India (total manufacturing is 60 million of the total employment in India of 475 million in 2011-12). Unfortunately, however, it is the unorganised segment of these labour-intensive manufacturing firms that employ most workers, not the organised segment. Perhaps this could be one reason for their relative policy neglect. Another could be the rise in rural share observed in manufacturing. Between 1970-71 and 2011-12, the rural share in output of manufacturing doubled (from 25% in 1970-71 to 51.3% of manufactured output) and exceeded the manufacturing production in urban areas. In addition to the usual problems that beset all manufacturing (e.g. poor infrastructure, uncertain electricity, the poor record on ease of doing business), each of these sectors have special problems and each deserve individual attention through a government package of policies in specific states where these activities are concentrated. Thus drawing upon World Bank employment elasticities, rapid export growth in garments sector could generate about half a million additional direct jobs every year. Nearly every successful economic growth take-off in post-war history in East Asia was associated with rapid expansion in apparel exports in the early stages. The ratio of jobs to investment is as follows: in apparel 31.1, in autos only 2.6, and in steel 1.0 (based on Annual Survey of Industries, 2013-14). India could take a part oof the market share that China is losing in international markets due to rising Chinese wages. But India is losing to Bangladesh, Vietnam, and even Myanmar and Ethiopia. Why? The former chief economic adviser, Arvind Subramanian, suggests the following. First, logistics. The cost and time involved in getting goods from factory to destination is higher than in other countries. Second, labour costs could be an advantage, but not really for several reasons: a) regulations on minimum overtime pay; b) onerous contributions that become de facto taxes for low paid workers; c) lack of flexibility in part time work; and d) high minimum wages in some cases. One indicator is Indian apparel firms are smaller compared to firms in China, and even Bangladesh. Some 78% of firms in India employ fewer than 50 workers with 10% employing more than 500 workers. Contrast China, where the comparable numbers are 15% and 28%. Third, world demand is shifting towards clothing using man-made fibres while Indian domestic tax policy favours cotton-based production, and tariff policy protects an inefficient man-made fibre sector. Finally, India faces higher tariffs in the US and EU, unlike its competitors, which India can do little about, but about the rest it can. Garments and apparel in 2016 received a package, as did the leather sector in 2017. However, close on the heels of these packages came demonetisation of high denomination currency notes (in November 2017). Then the cow slaughter ban disrupted the cattle trade in the country, and leather production collapsed (just as beef exports, in which India was the worlds largest exporter, fell). All unorganised sector producers suffered, including these sectors. The government policy packages for these sectors came to nought as a result. Hence, these and other labour-intensive sectors (wood and furniture, food processing) deserve consistent support over long periods of time, for them to compete internationally, as jobs in these sectors are vacated by China. High-end, technology- and skill-intensive large-scale manufacturing will also need greater attention of industrial strategy. Our argument is that policy must go beyond the traditional labour intensive sectors. Electronics are not very labour intensive as final products. But in terms of the components and supply chain, it is a sector that creates many jobs. However, All India Manufacturers Association, in a survey over Oct-Dec 2018, found that MSMEs (that predominate in these sectors) had lost jobs massively over the last four years. The survey found that in 2014-15, if firms had 100 employees then by 2018-19, they were down among traders to 57 workers in 4.5 years; to 68 among micro enterprises; to 65 in small enterprises; and to 76 in the medium segment. The new government will need to respond rapidly if labour-intensive manufacturing jobs among MSMEs are to grow. Santosh Mehrotra is professor of economics, JNU, and editor of Whats the Plan? Indias Planning Commission its Past and Future (Cambridge University Press, forthcoming) The views expressed are personal Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has said he filed an FIR against a social media user who threatened to rape his daughter. Kashyap took to Twitter to thank the Mumbai Police which helped him with filing the FIR. Thank you so much for the amazing support and starting the process. Thank you (Maharashtra Chief Minister) Devendra Fadnavis and thank you (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi Sir. As a father, I am more secure now, Kashyap tweeted. Anyways I want to thank @MumbaiPolice @MahaCyber1 @Brijeshbsingh for helping me with filing the FIR . Thank you so much for the amazing support and starting the process .Thank you @Dev_Fadnavis and thank you @narendramodi Sir. As a father I am more secure now . Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) May 26, 2019 Last week, Kashyap had taken to Twitter to raise his concern about a rape threat his daughter Aaliyah had received from a social media user who claimed to be a Modi supporter. Kashyap had then tagged Modi in a tweet wherein he wrote: Dear Narendra Modi sir. Congratulations on your victory and thank you for the message of inclusiveness. Sir please also tell us how do we deal with these followers of yours who celebrate your victory by threatening my daughter with messages like this for being your dissenter. Along with it, he uploaded a screenshot of the comment posted by the netizen on his daughters Instagram photograph. Dear @narendramodi sir. Congratulations on your victory and thank you for the message of inclusiveness. Sir please also tell us how do we deal with these followers of yours who celebrate your victory by threatening my daughter with messages like this for me being your dissenter. pic.twitter.com/jC7jYVBCi8 Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) May 23, 2019 But Kashyaps post did not go well with actress Suchitra Krishnamoorthi as she did not find any just reason for mentioning Modi in his tweet. Dear Anurag Kashyap, I have been openly pro-Modi and yet have often received rape threats for my daughter and even myself when controversy has erupted. I have done what a right thinking citizen must do... complained to Mumbai Police and Cyber Crime cell. Not Tag PM. Whats your point, Suchitra wrote. Dear @anuragkashyap72 I have been openly pro #Modi & yet have often rcvd rape threats for my daughter & even myself when controversy has erupted. I have done what a right thinking citizen must do ie complained to #MumbaiPolice & #cybercrime cell. NOT tag #PM!!! Whats ur point? Suchitra Krishnamoorthi (@suchitrak) May 26, 2019 Responding to the Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa actors tweet, Kashyap tweeted: Point is - one statement from him that he does not endorse hatemongers will shut them up. Point is - one statement from him that he does not endorse hatemongers will shut them up. Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) May 26, 2019 The irony with social media is when I say vote for your constituent so one can take there problems to them, they say Vote for the PM. When you tag PM to the the tweet they say its not his responsibility go to the constituent. Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) May 26, 2019 (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) Follow @htshowbiz for more Actor-producer Arjun Rampal and his girlfriend Gabriella Demetriades on Saturday hosted a baby shower attended by their mutual friends. They also shared pictures from the party. Now, in a new interview, Arjun has opened up about his relationship with Gabriella and about his previous marriage to former model Mehr Jessia. Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, the actor reluctantly said: Its been sheer hell for the last five years but what doesnt kill you makes you stronger, doesnt it? Arjun lost his mother Gwen to cancer last year. Also read: Salman Khan says Priyanka Chopra told him about Nick Jonas proposal: I said we can adjust 2-3 days On how Gabriella and he met, he said: Ah, thats a question to ask. We met through common friends. So, what can I say? That she stalked me? Wishful thinking that, buddy! Its only been a year since we started dating and here we are. For keeps. And I must add that it was of prime importance that my daughters should accept her as part of the family. Im blessed that they have, no questions asked. In April, Arjun announced he is expecting a child with his Gabriella. Sharing the news on Instagram, Arjun wrote: Blessed to have you and start all over again. Thank you baby for this baby. Along with it, the Roy actor uploaded a photograph of himself with a pregnant Gabriella. Gabriella is a South African model and an actor. She has also acted in Bollywood film Sonali Cable. Arjun was previously married to former Miss India Mehr Jesia. They both share two daughters Maahika and Myra. The couple separated last year after 20 years of marriage. (Wtih IANS inputs) Follow @htshowbiz for more Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor spent the weekend in London, celebrating her cousin Priya Singhs wedding. She has also shared pictures from the festivities on her Instagram page. Her father actor Anil Kapoor, mother Sunita, sister Rhea and husband Anand Ahuja were also in attendance. Also read: Deepika will breathe fire into your Sunday with bright new look. See pics Sharing a lovely picture of the couple, Sonam wrote a long note for her cousin on Instagram. The princess met her perfect soulmate and they lived happily ever after with all her dogs, eating the best food , the best wine and being merry! Thank you for the most beautiful time Priya didi and Ranbir! You make a beautiful pair! And a special tribute to both of you in the words of Tina Turner Youre simply the best Better than all the rest. Better than anyone. Anyone Ive ever met. Im stuck on your heart. I hang on every word you say. Tear us apart Baby, I would rather be dead She also shared a huge family picture and captioned it, Fam! bhambani/Singh/Kapoor In the picture, Sonam is standing beside husband Anand as they pose with Rhea, her parents. Sunitas elder sister Kavita Bhambhani Singh, her daughters Priya and Nandini Singh, the groom Ranbir Batra and Rheas boyfriend Karan Boolani are also seen in the photo. Sonam is seen wearing a white gown while Rhea wore a dramatic dress with summer prints. Bride Priya is seen in a quirky look with ruffled off-shoulder dress. Sonam, who was seen at the recently concluded 72nd Cannes Film festival, has shared a new release date and poster for her upcoming film The Zoya Factor last week. Malayalam actor Dulquer Salman features alongside Sonam in the film which is based on Anuja Chauhans book by the same name. Follow @htshowbiz for more I can't believe how many more times the snowflake name caller doesn't understand how the criminal justice system works. Prosecutors present evidence to grand juries, who decide whether to indict. There wouldn't be indictments if there wasn't enough hard evidence. How many times have Trump soldiers plead guilty or been convicted? Perhaps, if they elected not to become part of the Trump Family Syndicate, their lives wouldn't have been destroyed. On another note, please inform us when and where the new book signing on Roger Stone's biography will be. Readers are always interested in learning about loyal, honest, true blue Americans and how their achievements have contributed to American way! Correct. The government is seriously broken and the Republican conservative, true fake news media has brainwashed the MAGA hat wearers and all other guillible party members who have forgotten or lost the capacity for all logical reasoning. The economic fallout of the imposition of 200% customs duty on goods imported from Pakistan is a major issue many Amritsar traders are grappling with. The increase in duty imposed on goods entering India through Attari integrated check post (ICP), the first land port set up to facilitate faster movement of the trade between India and Pakistan, was a punitive measure adopted by the Centre on February 16, two days after the Pulwama terror attack wherein more than 40 CRPF men were killed in Jammu and Kashmir. The decision resulted in closure of the import as the traders were unable to afford the exorbitant duty. As per an estimate provided by the Confederation of International Chambers of Commerce and Industries, the closure of the import has rendered more than 5,000 people jobless, including 1,600 porters and labourers working at the ICP for loading and unloading of goods, over 2,000 drivers and cleaners for 1,000 trucks operating at the border for the transportation of goods along with clearing-house agents and others employed at the check post. Ashok Sethi, director of the confederation, said the economic impact can be gauged by the fact that the increase in customs duty has dealt a serious blow to the economy of the city as a whole and for Punjab, which was reaping benefits of this big-ticket business with Pakistan. The second biggest import was of cement, about ten lakh bags per month valued at Rs 300 crores annually. The other imported items included lime stones, bauxite, dry dates and chemicals, Sethi said. The Indo-Pak trade, especially the import component, was resulting in the income generation to the extent of Rs 15 to Rs 20 crore monthly to the city traders through this ICP before this complete and sudden stoppage of import from Pakistan, he added. It is imperative for the country not to allow trade ties to become hostage to hostilities as it is important to build up people-to-people contact through this confidence-building measures so that the holy citys economic situation gallops back to its old glory, Sethi said. Rajdeep Uppal, another trader and a senior functionary of the confederation, said Rs 2,500-crore plus annual trade with Pakistan has been greatly affected by this duty raise and resulted in huge unemployment among the border rural youth. A leading clearing-house agent based here, Dalip Singh, said the trade through ICP was generating employment in the city, but now has rendered many jobless. He said after the imposition of 200% duty, more than two lakh bags of cement, along with goods worth several crores including dry dates, have not been lifted. These have now been completely damaged, causing a huge loss to the importers, Uppal added. An importer, Pardeep Sehgal, pointed out that all Pakistan textile associations have requested their government to impose similar duty on Indian exports, including yarn, laces, herbs, spices, dyes, chemicals and other non-traditional items as a reciprocal step. He said this hasty and punitive duty levied on Pakistani goods has hit the economy of the city badly, while rendering huge labour force jobless. He urged the government to take a holistic view of the economic growth of the country and allow trade ties with Pakistan to flourish in order to ensure growth that will eventually lead to the benefit of the people. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON As the Narendra Modi government picks up the threads on India-United States (US) ties, it will find itself confronting the most dire of the challenges the two countries face: trade tensions, with real prospects of rapid deterioration this time around. India and the US put ties on pause some months ago as India went through seven phases of elections stretching over nearly 45 days. And the Trump administration held off on its threat to end Indias eligibility for a zero-tariff import programme of which India has been the largest beneficiary, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). A notification to formalise the threat has been due since May 4. But the administration has not issued it with the expectation that the new government will take another shot at the underlying differences as sought by Modi government 1.0 that have defied resolution for a protracted period of time: chiefly, American demand for greater market access to Indias dairy and medical devices sector. Talks could resume whenever Modi government 2.0 is ready, but it does not apparently have much time. US Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross, on a recent visit to India, signalled it could be June. India wants to save its place on the programme because it is its largest beneficiary, exporting to the US more than $6 billion worth of goods under this programme in 2018. This was 12% of all Indian exports to the US that year and 25% of all the GSP imports from 121 beneficiary countries. Indian beneficiaries of the programme are small and medium businesses who are crucial to Modis Make in India initiative. But they run the risk of losing their American buyers if their products were subjected to regular import duties. The Indian government estimates that the US import duty on Indian GSP products without the zero-tariff cover could add up to more than $190 million. But because the additional cost will be passed on to consumers, these goods might fail the competition test. There is no estimate available of the consequences for affected Indian companies, in terms of lost earnings and, most importantly, manpower. While Washington was prepared to continue these talks with whichever party won the elections, many analysts argued that the BJP and Modi were more open to aligning with US regional strategy of balancing China and more energetic in pursuing economic reforms, as noted in a primer prepared for lawmakers by the non-partisan US Congressional Research Service in March. So Prime Minister Modi it is, 2.0. He received a congratulatory tweet from President Donald Trump on Thursday and the two leaders could meet at the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, in the end of June, although no announcements have yet been made of the prime ministers travels. Engagements between the two countries will continue on the more than 50 areas of ongoing cooperation, such as military exercises and purchases, Indo-Pacific strategic co-operation, counterterrorism, high-level meetings such as the next round of 2+2, education, space, science and so on. Trade will be the most challenging as before. The GSP negotiations will take place amid a growing feeling in the administration that India, a major emerging economy, doesnt really need to be in the programme, which is meant for developing countries and should be graduated out as was just done with Turkey, by a presidential action on May 16. The administration is also said to be considering a China like trade-action under a US law Section 301 of Trade Act 1974 that was used to determine Chinese trade practices were unreasonable and discriminatory, which led to the unilateral tariffs on $250 billion worth of goods imported into the US from China. Trade has been one of the most intractable differences dogging relations between the two countries, defying the growing convergence that generally defines the relationship. And knowing how focused President Trump is on trade and he has signalled his irritation by repeatedly raising the issue of Harley-Davidson Prime Minister Modi might use his new and massive mandate to resolve these issues. yashwant.raj@hindustantimes.com A 11-year-old boy who was reported missing two weeks ago was murdered by his neighbour because the man was angry at being scolded by the childs parents, police said on Sunday. The 28-year-old suspect, Danish, led the police to the decomposed body under the Khajuri Khas flyover after CCTV footage showed him walking with the boy around the same time that he had gone missing, said Atul Kumar, deputy commissioner of police (north-east). The DCP, however, said they were still questioning the suspect to know whether there was any other motive behind the crime or if the boy had been sexually assaulted. For now, we only have Danishs version of the events. We will know more once we receive the autopsy report, said the DCP. Identified by the police only by his first name, Danish earned his living by selling chicken. He lived in the same neighbourhood as the boy in north-east Delhis Nehru Vihar. Until recently, he shared a friendly relationship with the boy who lived with his parents. The boys parents are daily wage labourers. Danish had also gifted the boy a few chicks to rear. They would often spend time together, said the DCP. But for the past few days, he was being repeatedly scolded by the boys parents. Danish would sit outside the home of the boy whose parents believed that he was blocking the narrow street, said the officer based on Danishs confession. Danish was angry. Finally he decided that killing the boy would leave his family in pain. Also read: 18-month-old boy accidentally consumes diesel in Punes Dehu gaon, dies On May 14, Danish allegedly took the boy along with him to an isolated spot under the Khajuri Khas flyover, almost four kilometres from their own neighbourhood. The boy would often go out with him, so it wasnt difficult to lure him away. They walked to the spot, said the officer. Danish then strangled the boy and dumped his body in a cavity in the ground under the flyover even as the childs family got a missing case registered at Khajuri Khas police station. Our investigators scanned many hours of videos and saw thousands of people before the CCTV camera installed outside a shop showed the boy in Danishs company. We picked up Danish on Saturday and confronted him with the footage. He couldnt explain the boys disappearance and confessed, said the officer. Thereafter, Danish led the police team to the body, said the DCP. Though Danish told us that he had strangled the boy, we would be able to confirm that only after the autopsy because the body was in a highly decomposed condition, said the DCP. Also read: Man killed wife for refusing money to purchase liquor SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON At the parliamentary party meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Saturday, Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi gave one of his most significant speeches in recent times. He was addressing multiple constituencies members of Parliament (MPs) of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and MPs belonging to allies, BJP workers on the ground, his larger ideological fraternity of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), including its more belligerent affiliates, and the country at large. By focusing on inclusion, restraint, the importance of coalitions and regional aspirations, commitment to constitutional values, and the path ahead, Mr Modi has laid out the roadmap for the next five years. The first important intervention was with regard to minorities. Mr Modi pointed out that he had, in 2014, said that his government would work for the poor, did so, and was rewarded in the polls, for it is the poor that elected the government back. There was a multi-class coalition that propelled the BJP to a majority, but it is true that there has been a broadening of the partys class base with the rural poor contributing to the saffron surge. This time, he said the government would continue to focus on the poor - but also the minorities who had been deceived so far ---- who had been made to live in fear and treated as mere vote bank. It was time to end the trust deficit with them, Mr Modi declared, and added Sabka Vishwas to his slogan of Sabka saath, sabka vikaas. He also pointed out to his MPs that they must work for all, not merely those who voted for them. This is admirable messaging. While the BJP would do well to introspect how its own ideological world view and actions on the ground have contributed to insecurity among minorities, if indeed Mr Modi lives up to his word, and his government is non-discriminatory in letter and spirit, it will mark a significant departure in the relationship between the regime and the countrys substantial minorities. Mr Modis emphasis on restraint in speech is also noteworthy. It is through statements that a segment of BJP leaders created a climate of intolerance, anger, even hate over the past five years. By warning them to be careful, and not create problems, Mr Modi was not just seeking to avoid future controversies but also perhaps disassociating himself from any such rhetoric that may emanate from the party ranks. And by reaching out to his allies, even though the BJP on its own has a majority, he presented a politically inclusive image, laced with statesmanship. If you add together Mr Modis first tweet, which mentioned an inclusive India, his victory speech where he emphasised the need to take the opposition along, his gesture of paying his respects to party veterans LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, and his speech on Saturday, it appears that the PM in this term is seeking to be a truly unifying figure. And this is coming from a position of supreme strength and confidence. His challenge is in operationalising all of this into action on the ground now. After the historic victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha elections, he received congratulatory phone calls from almost all important global leaders. One of them came from Imran Khan, prime minister of Pakistan. According to the governments press release, Mr Modi reminded his Pakistani counterpart of his initial suggestion for the two countries to jointly fight poverty. He also emphasised that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism were essential for fostering cooperation for peace, progress and prosperity in our region. With every national election or a change in government in either of the two countries, there is always a renewed hope for peace. In Pakistan, even the appointment of a new army chief inevitably brings the same sentiments to the forefront. Arun Shourie, a former politician and veteran journalist, has often said that every new Indian prime minister overestimates his abilities to achieve the following two tasks: one, improving relations with Pakistan; and two, reviving Indias beleaguered public sector enterprises. Though made in jest, this comment carries a kernel of truth. Mr Modi, too, wasnt immune to it during his first term in office. In an effort to establish peace, he even made an impromptu visit to Pakistan in 2015 on the birthday of Nawaz Sharif, Mr Khans predecessor. However, a week later, Pakistani terrorists launched a dastardly attack on Indian Air Force station in Pathankot and the entire peace initiative was left in tatters. Jolted by that experience, Mr Modi was justified in asking for a halt to terrorism before peace talks could be given a serious consideration. There is no harm in reopening talks with Pakistan despite the fact that they have achieved little in the past. But the biggest problem is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. With the Pulwama terrorist attack fresh in mind, Mr Modi will find it difficult to move too far ahead in resuming the dialogue process. However, a brief pull aside meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in June cannot be ruled out. Mr Khans and the Pakistani armys sincerity towards peace is under scrutiny. The ruling Conservative Party has begun the process of choosing a new prime minister for Britain following Theresa Mays announcement that she will resign her office on June 7. The next prime minister will face the same political minefield that May was unable to navigate. There will be three main sources of danger. One is bridging the gaps within the Conservatives about what sort of Brexit will Britain carry out. This division, and the seeming impossible task of finding a middle path between hardline no deal Brexiteers and those who want some sort of soft economic union, has been the primary reason the May prime ministership failed. Two is ensuring that any such resolution will not drive large numbers of voters into the hands of the new right-wing Brexit party or towards the liberal-left opposition. Finally, to then sell any Brexit deal to the European Union and, preferably, find means to smoothen the sharper economic consequences of a clean break. Outsiders have watched with a mix of awe and embarrassment at how Ms May has stoically stumbled from one Brexit humiliation to another over the past two years. When her cabinet mutinied, she accepted her time was up. The problem is Britain is no closer to a viable Brexit plan than before. The Conservatives now seem set to choose a hardline Brexiteer as the next prime minister. If so, this will bring Britain the closest it has been so far to a full break with the EU, without any sort of economic union. This will deliver a sharp economic cost to Britain, driving its economy into recession and making it far less attractive as an investment site for Indian and other foreign investors. Since it is assumed this will not be palatable to any prime minister, a new round of intra-party squabbling can be expected. But the Brexit debate has lurched strongly to the right with Mays announcement. Divorce, without visitation rights or alimony, is now a much stronger denouement to the continuing drama of Brexit. The Maharashtra State Board for Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has announced the result of the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), or Class 12 board examination on Tuesday. Follow LIVE UPDATES of Maharashtra Board 12th result 2019 here Nearly 86% students passed the class 12 exam conducted by the Maharashtra State Board for Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE). The students can check their marks on Maharashtra Boards official website mahresult.nic.in after it is uploaded at 1 pm. The pass percentage has dipped to 85.88% as opposed to 88.41% last year. The Mumbai division has recorded a 83.85% result. Candidates can check their Maharashtra Board results from 1pm on Tuesday, May 28. Students who have appeared in the exam can check their marks on Maharashtra Boards official website mahresult.nic.in after it is uploaded. Over 14.9 lakh students from the state had registered to appear in the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams this year. In a first, 236 transgender students had also officially registered for the exams as the board introduced the third gender in the online forms from this year. Out of this, 3,35,000 students registered for the exams from the Mumbai division, which includes Thane, Raigad and Palghar. Out of the total students registered from the Mumbai region, 54,056 were from arts, 91,178 from science, 1,85,774 from commerce, 4,420 from MCVC (vocational), 1,877 students with special needs and 62 were transgenders Twenty flying squads of the divisional board and over five squads at the district level were deployed to monitor the exams every day. Centres had to distribute papers only in packets of 25 papers in a bundle. Students were allowed to enter the exam hall an hour before the exam started. Steps to check Maharashtra HSC results 2019: 1) Visit the official website mahresult.nic.in. 2) Click on HSC Examination Result 2019. 3) Enter your roll number and your mothers first name 4) Click on view result 5) You results will be displayed, take a print out In 2018, out of 14,16,986 students who appeared for the exam, 12,52,817 passed, which was pass percentage of 88.41%. In the divisional results, Konkan secured the highest pass percentage of 94.85%, followed by Kolhapur with 91%, Pune (89.58%), Aurangabad (88.74%), and Amravati (88.08%). While Mumbai was on 6th position with 87.44%, Nashik had the lowest pass percentage of 86.13%. Girls performed better than boys securing a pass percentage of 92.36%, while 85.23% boys cleared the exam. Of the total 6,33,090 girls who appeared for the exam, 5,84,692 passed. Last year, 7,83,896 boys appeared for the exam and 6,68,125 cleared it. New York-based Nepalese designer Prabal Gurung has denied rumours about having a romantic relationship with Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar. A photograph of the two, where the two are seen together with pyaar kiya to drana kya as caption, took social media in a tizzy on Sunday. Gurung has now released a statement on Twitter clarifying that Karan is just his dearest friend. He wrote: Can we have some humour and levity please. I feel very saddened and disappointed to need to say this, but to officially set the record straight: I am not in a romantic relationship with Karan Johar, he wrote in the post. No, I am not dating @karanjohar He is my dearest friend, mentor, buddy and a big brother. Pls. Kindly read the attachement with my statement and hopefully we can lay it all to rest. Wish you all nothing but the best and love XPG pic.twitter.com/I5UQkIt2fx Prabal Gurung (@prabalgurung) May 26, 2019 The designer said his Instagram post of Karan and him was done with humour and my absolute love of Bollywood, its melodramatic flair and the one and only Madhubala... It has subsequently been misconstrued as Karan and me being in a relationship. Karan is one of my dearest friends. He added that he turns to Karan, whom he described as his mentor, guru, confidante and a big brother, at the time of need. Weve seen each other through our respective highs and lows. Karan is someone I deeply admire and respect . Not only has he been there for me, hes been there for my family as well. I admire his wit, compassion, and his empathy for this world, he added. Gurung wrote that he loves Karan but only as a friend. These reasons and many, many more is why I love Karan. But as a friend, as a big brother , as someone who I can always count on. To misconstrue my deep love for Karan as a romantic relationship is immature, unfounded and frankly very damaging in the 21st century - In this time of incredible divisiveness and othering that is happening all over the world. The designer clarified that he was in a romantic relationship but not with Karan. I have been in a happy romantic relationship for over five years - with someone else -- not Karan. There is not just one kind of love, one definition of love. Gurung said that as a global society, we need to expand the horizon and definition of love. I feel that each and every one of us need to love whoever we want, however we want to love them -- unabashedly, openly and proudly. Gurugram, the second biggest technology hub in India, has also emerged as one of the top five Asian IT- and innovation-hubs due to ease in doing business, good business environment, and growth-supportive cost and availability of office space, finds a report released by real estate consultancy CBRE. According to the report, titled Programming Asia Pacifics Tech Cities as Global Tech Hubs, Gurugram, along with Bengaluru, Shanghai, Singapore and Beijing, has become a preferred and leading destination for a wide range of traditional and new tech companies seeking to establish base in the region. The report adds that Gurugram has an office stock of 60 million sqft, which is the second highest in the country after Bengaluru (155million sqft) and a large majority of it, in both cities, has been rented by technology and ITeS (IT enabled service) companies. The report finds that the reason for emergence of these two cities as technology hubs in Asia is that they have a deep tech talent pool, cutting edge infrastructure, well-entrenched R&D ecosystem, and the veritable competitive cost advantage. Anshuman Magazine, chairman and CEO, India, South East Asia, Middle East and Africa, CBRE said, Improved access to incubator and accelerator programmes and a vast pool of skilled IT talent based in the Delhi-NCR and Bangalore have supported the cultivation of new ideas. Asia Pacific is home to 8.4 million science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates, out of which 30% are in India, which is huge. Citys proximity to the national Capital and an international airport make it an access point for a vast pool of software professionals. The size and quality of its office stock, along with government incentives to the sector, have positioned Gurugram high up on the investors radar. The report further states that Gurugram, which houses some of the biggest global and domestic corporations, is being gauged as an option by many corporate to set up their back-office/front-office operations. The CBRE study considered around 20 factors under three major criteria business conditions, innovation environment, and cost and availability. Business conditions referred to the ease of doing business and parameters included government policy, availability of funding and market size and competition. Innovation environment includes the number and scale of start-ups, the quality of education and size of the talent pool, and public and private investment in R&D. Cost and availability are assessed according to occupancy and labour costs for a software engineer along with availability of office buildings and tech parks. Protest erupted against security forces in Soibug area of central Kashmirs Budgam district on Sunday against the detention and thrashing of some youths including a minor on Friday following the killing of militant commander Zakir Musa in south Kashmir. One of the injured, a 14-year-old boy of Soibug village was referred to the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and was operated for a head injury. He is said to be in critical condition. There was contusion (brain injury and blood leaking into brain tissue) in his brain due to trauma. We operated on him and he is on ventilator on double support, said medical superintendent of SKIMS, Dr Farooq Jan. Locals protested against the 2 RR army camp in Budgam for detaining and then beating the youth who were allegedly pelting stones following the killing of Zakir Musa. Police said that the army handed over three youth to the locals besides handing over two more youth to their parents allegedly in injured state on Saturday. Police said they are looking into the matter. Superintendent of police, Budgam, Amod Nagpuri said,Parents of these youth protested alleging that their sons were beaten by security personnel in custody and then handed over to them with injuries. One of them is a minor. The counter version is that he fell down while running away and injured himself. We are investigating. The army handed over three youth to us. The army said they have video proof of their stone pelting, he said. Army spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia said the army was ascertaining details of the allegation and would soon come up with the facts. While the Kruger family opened Sweety Pies in 2007, the idea for a family-owned bakery was cooking long before that. As children, Dana and Chad would pick wild raspberries near their grandmas house in Rockford for her legendary raspberry pie. At home in West Rogers Park, theyd help out in the kitchen as their mother whipped up her award-winning apple crisp. They learned to love baking and to work together. The National Democratic Alliance government wants to construct 18 million additional rural houses fitted with connections for electricity and cooking gas in the next three years to further boost the delivery of its key welfare schemes, according to senior officials familiar with the matter. The popularity of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY), a modified version of the United Progressive Alliances Indira Awas Yojna, has prompted the Centre to set a target of constructing 6 million houses annually for the next three years at a higher pace than the current rate of construction. The government has earmarked a total cost of ~2.6 lakh crore to build these houses, out of which Centre will provide ~1.8 lakh crore and the rest will come from states. Beneficiaries are provided ~1.6 lakh to construct a house and a toilet as per the schemes provisions. The construction of a toilet is mandatary. In the 2019 elections, the BJP tried to reach out to recipients of the Centres social welfare schemes after it rolled out programmes to give free houses, free gas connections, easy bank credits, scholarships, and power connections to an estimated 220 million poor people. Among the different schemes, the PM Awas Yojna, the Ujjwala gas cylinders, and the Saubhagya power connections were seen as having more impact because they serve individual beneficiaries and help remove social imbalance. The houses would be added with electricity connections under the Centres Saubhagya scheme and the cooking gas connection under the Ujjwala scheme. And, wherever possible, drinking water will also be provided to the new houses, said a senior government functionary. Also Read| Odisha seeks 5 lakh PMAY houses for cyclone affected He added that, for the first time, the government will go beyond its poverty registerThe Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011to enrol beneficiaries. In some states, the waiting list of beneficiaries have been exhausted. The SECC data shows the economic standards of Indian households, identifying the deprived section of the society. It has been the key identification method for social programme beneficiaries while Aadhaar is used to check misuse of funds. The government may now allow families that missed being included in the earlier master list of beneficiaries by narrow margins. Individuals can also apply to get the subsidy meant for the poor, and the government will scrutinise their application, the functionary quoted above said. SECC had identified 4.03 crore families having up to 2 kuccha rooms with kuccha roof and kuccha wall. The list was sent to Gram Sabhas across the states and they validated 2.53 crore potential beneficiaries in 2016. The Housing scheme started November 20 2016, said a second senior officer. While the government wants to hasten the process from the current 4.5 million houses per year to 6 million annually it has not been able to complete its target of building 10 million houses during the first term of the Modi government. A rural development ministry official said that the work had started on 9.4 million houses but about 8.4 million finished before the governments term ended. In some states, such as Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, the permanent wait list of beneficiaries had got exhausted, while Bihar failed to fulfil its quota. Bihar constructed 5.5 lakh houses as against the target of 9 lakhs, said the rural ministry official. Achirangshu Acharya, an economist with Viswabharati University, said: The three key schemes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Swachh Bharat, Ujjwala and PM Awas Scheme are immensely beneficial for rural India to build toilets and houses and get cooking gas connections. And what is perhaps more important is that in all three schemes, the government has actually delivered. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The administration of BYL Nair Hospital has formed an anti-ragging committee to probe into the suicide by Dr Payal Salman Tadvi, while Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has suspended three accused doctors -- Dr Hema Ahuja, Dr Bhakti Mehar, and Dr Ankita Khandilwal. Talking to ANI, BYL Nair Hospital dean Dr Ramesh Bharmal said: We have formed an anti-ragging committee to look into the matter. We have also sent a notice to three senior doctors asking them to appear before us. They are currently not in Mumbai. The committee will file its report as soon as possible. Based on the report, we will initiate appropriate action against them. As of now, the MARD has suspended the three doctors, Dr Bharmal said, while denying the claims of the victims mother Abeda Tadvi that she had complained to the hospital administration against three doctors but no action was taken. Dr Payals mother claims that she had complained to the hospital about the alleged torture being meted out to her daughter are not true. We have received no complaint till date regarding this issue, he said. Also read: Mumbai medico killed herself over casteist slurs by seniors, says mother Abeda, the mother of Dr Payal, who committed suicide on May 22, told ANI: Whenever she used to speak to me on phone, she would say that these three (senior doctors) people torture me as I belong to a tribal community, use casteist slurs. We want justice for her. We have registered a case under SC/ST Atrocities Act, Anti-ragging Act, and IT Act, and Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Further probe is currently underway, said Deepak Kundal, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Agripada, said on Wednesday. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) Almost a week after National Peoples Party MLA from Khonsa West Tirong Aboh and ten others were gunned down by suspected militants, the Arunachal Pradesh police are yet to make any concrete headway into the investigations. No arrests have been made so far. The investigations are in a preliminary stage, said Take Ringu, DIG Eastern Range. Ringu said the police suspect the Isak-Muivah faction of the Naga rebel group National Socialist Council of Nagaland of carrying out the ambush on May 21. The group is in talks with the Government of India. Four five days prior to the incident, the locals where the attack happened have revealed the presence of NSCN (IM) cadres, a police official said. The Indian Army and the Assam Rifles continue their combing operations in the jungles of Tirap, Longding and Changlang, according to officials. On March 21, Abohs convoy of four cars on its way from Assam to Khonsa, the district headquarters of Tirap was waylaid at 12 Mile on the Khonsa Deomali road by attackers who opened indiscriminate fire with automatic weapons before fleeing the spot. Aboh, his son, and nine others including his security personnel and close aides were killed. In March, Jaley Anna, another Aboh supporter was killed by suspected militants in Tirap. We are not ruling out the possibility that it could be the handiwork of the same group, said Ringu. According to him, while the police managed to arrest one of the persons involved in Annas murder, the rest are absconding. The police are also yet to question the two eye witnesses who crossed the area on their motorbikes as the incident happened. One of them, according to Ringu, tried to evacuate Abohs son but had to leave him because of the serious nature of the injuries. Abohs supporters have claimed that it was a political killing. In the May 23 results, Aboh won the polls again from Khonsa West defeating Phawang Lowang of the BJP. Ringu said Lowang is yet to be questioned as he is out of station. We are waiting for the new government to take over. We will step up the pressure once they take oath, said a close aide of Aboh speaking on condition of anonymity. A police official said the motive of the attack was not clear yet, but preliminary investigations point out that the outspoken nature of Aboh may have made him a target. On Monday, outgoing chief minister Pema Khandu met Arunachal Pradesh Governor BD Sharma to stake claim to form the next government as BJP sailed through to a comfortable majority in the recently concluded polls. Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi said on Monday that chemistry defeated arithmetic in the Lok Sabha elections in an apparent reference to the opposition coalition in Uttar Pradesh, and added that workers of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faced political untouchability because of a wrong perception. Speaking to party workers in his Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Modi said that BJP workers were killed in Tripura and West Bengal because a narrative of violence was created against it, and that elections in UP had given a new direction to politics. Dr BR Amedkar and Mahatma Gandhi worked to put an end to untouchability but it is unfortunate that political untouchability has increased in the country . BJP workers are the victims of political untouchability as several forces are creating wrong perception about us. But the chemistry of samajshakti (power of society), chemistry of adarsh (ideals) and sankalp (resolution) defeated all calculations and arithmetic, he said. Modi urged political pundits to open their eyes after the BJPs commanding performance in UP (the party won 62 of the 80 seats in the state despite a tie-up between regional powerhouses Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party. Political pundits have to agree that there is chemistry beyond poll arithmetic, he said. Political pundits may hold the theory that politics is about perception but they will have to rethink. Two things, transparency and hard work, have the strength to defeat those who try to create wrong perception, Modi said. Watch | PM Modis thanksgiving visit to Varanasi after Lok Sabha 2019 win The SP-BSP alliance was expected to bring together a sizeable number of backward, Muslim and Dalit votes, and the combined vote share of the two parties exceeded that of the BJP in 2014 in a number of seats. However, the coalition failed to topple the BJP, which saw a rise in its vote share, in a performance that many experts have credited to Modis popularity and personal appeal. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath hit out at the Congress and other opposition parties in his speech. Many people wanted to contest election from Kashi (Varanasi) but they gave up the idea after seeing the huge crowd in the road show of PM Modi, he said. During the campaign, a number of Congress leaders had urged party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to contest from Varanasi, and she had also said that the party would take the decision on her candidature. But the party decided to field local leader and MLA Ajay Rai from the seat, ending all speculation. On Monday, Modi visited Varanasi along with party chief Amit Shah and Adityanath, and began the day by offering prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple amid chanting of hymns. Also read | Mandir, Mandal and Markets: How BJP reversed post-2014 setbacks Folk artistes performed traditional dances along the route of Modis cavalcade as thousands turned out to see their MP. Who stopped them (the opposition) from celebrating Diwali in Ayodhya, Modi asked, adding that the BJP gave equal importance to culture and vision of the 21st century. He said India was working with the goal of becoming the worlds third largest economic power in future. He also congratulated the people of UP saying that the state worked for strengthening the foundation of a healthy democracy. Showing its faith in democracy in 1977 (when then PM Indira Gandhi was defeated in elections called after the Emergency), UP broke many boundaries and gave a direction to the country. I also thank party workers for working hard in the election and motivating voters. The workers of Kashi (Varanasi) have passed the poll examination with distinction and they are behind the landslide victory of the party, he said. Shah said that UP would be the number one state in the next five years. He pledged to develop Varanasi further in the next five years following the partys spectacular victory in the LS polls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said he was not worried about the poll result in Varanasi as people of Kashi spearheaded his election campaign. Addressing BJP workers during his thanksgiving visit to the counstituency, he said, I had time. I could have come to Kashi on May 17 or 18. But as people of Kashi asked me not to come here till results, I followed their instruction. Then I thought Ye Baba nahi (Baba Kashi Vishwanath) to wo Baba sahi and I went to Baba Kedarnath and I sat at His feet. Perhaps no other candidate was as satisfied or contented as he was before the results were announced, the PM said, adding that the reason was the confidence of Kashivasis. Also Read| After Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, win Sabka Vishwas: Modis message of inclusion Everyone became a Narendra Modi and led the campaign. This campaign was driven by the citizens. The people worked very hard and they did not see these polls solely from the prism of victory and defeat. They made the polls about Lok Shiksha. The people of Kashi categorically told me not to come here till the results; they will spearhead the entire campaign. I am grateful to the people of Kashi for organising several programmes through the campaign. These elections became a festival of democracy, PM Modi said. The PM underlined that such large support from across the country was made possible because people had faith in the Saaf Niyat, Sahi Vikas approach of the BJP government. The army foiled a possible terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district on Monday after soldiers detected and neutralized a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) on the Jammu-Poonch national highway. But police later claimed it was a suspicious object in the shape of an IED to create social disorder. Traffic was suspended for three hours after an army patrol detected IED which was planted near Kellar Chowk on the highway. The IED was spotted around 8 am by the Armys road opening party and the vehicular traffic was suspended on Jammu-Rajouri highway for around three hours, said a police officer. Rajouris Senior Superintendent of Police, Yougal Manhas said, Security forces in Rajouri district foiled a possible attempt by anti national elements to disrupt peace by recovering a suspected IED like material that was kept alongside highway near Kellar chowk. The road opening party flashed an alert after which the police closed traffic on the particular stretch. The armys bomb disposal squad then detonated the IED at the spot an hour later. Manhas said that police have launched an investigation into the matter with Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Govind Rattan in charge of it. The SSP said that initial investigation showed that that no banned explosive material was present in the suspicious object. It seems that some miscreant placed a suspicious object in a disintegrated form to give it the shape of an IED to create social disorder, he added. There has been a rise in terror attacks in Jammu recently. Last week seven security personnel were injured in an IED explosion along the Line of Control in the Mendhar area of Poonch district. Earlier there had been a grenade attack at the Jammu bus stand and killing sin Kishtwar. Security forces in their anti-terror drives have seized arms and ammunition including IEDs in Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi districts in recent times. The Narpoli police on Saturday arrested a 38-year-old man for beating his wife at their residence in Bhiwandi. The accused, identified as Ankush Gayakwad, has been charged with attempt to murder. Gayakwads wife, Anita, is currently undergoing treatment at Indira Gandhi Hospital in Bhiwandi. According to police, Gayakwad had a suspicion that Anita was having an affair, owing to which the two had frequent arguments. The couple resides in a slum area at Sathe Nagar in Bhiwandi. On Friday night, the two got into an argument, which soon escalated. Gayakwad brutally beat Anita up and gave her sleeping pills with the intention of killing her. He then fled the spot. When the neighbours found Anita lying unconscious in the house, they took her to the hospital, said an officer from Narpoli police station. Anitas family, which resides in Kamatghar, was alerted. A case was registered, and Gayakwad was arrested on Saturday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Leaders of the Bimstec nations, Kyrgyzstan, and Mauritius will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi on Thursday, with the focus on the Bay of Bengal-centric grouping dovetailing with the Indias foreign policy initiatives to boost connectivity, security and development. The decision to shift focus from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc), whose leaders attended Modis inauguration in 2014, to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) was made because it was felt this was a more active grouping with greater potential, people familiar with developments said. Bimstec also has a better fit with several key foreign policy initiatives of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government the neighbourhood first policy, the Act East policy focused on Indias extended neighbourhood, and the Indo-Pacific policy, the people added. Inviting the leaders of Bimstec to the inauguration also took care of another tricky issue confronting the NDA how to maintain the focus on Indias neighbourhood without having to extend an invitation to Pakistan, given the rocky state of bilateral relations. There was a feeling that the action has shifted from Saarc to Bimstec in recent years. There is a lot going on in this grouping and several key projects are being taken up, said an official who asked not to be named. Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale oversaw the initiative to have the top leadership of Bimstec which comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan and Kyrgyzstan and Mauritius at the swearing-in ceremony while the heads of different territorial divisions were deputed to get in touch with the concerned countries, the people said. Invitations for the leaders of the nine countries were sent out on Monday after confirmations were received about their participation. A briefing on logistics and arrangements for diplomats of the seven countries was held at the external affairs ministry on Monday evening. External affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the invitation to Bimstec states was in line with the governments focus on its neighbourhood first policy. Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, the current chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, the chief guest at this years Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, have also been invited, he said. Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena was the first Bimstec leader to confirm his participation in Modis inauguration, with an official in his office telling the media on Saturday that he would attend. Bangladesh will send a delegation headed by a top leader as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to begin a three-nation visit to Japan, Saudi Arabia and Finland on May 28, people familiar with the matter in Dhaka said. Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering have confirmed their participation while President Win Myint is expected to represent Myanmar. Thailand, too, is expected to send a delegation led by a top leader, people familiar with developments said. New Delhi has quietly shifted the focus to Bimstec since the last Saarc Summit, which was scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November 2016, stalled after India and several other countries pulled out due to terror-related concerns. Bimstec covers 1.5 billion people in South Asia and South-east Asia and the region has a combined gross domestic product of $3.5 trillion. Originally formed in 1997 by Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand, the grouping was later expanded with the inclusion of Myanmar in 1997, and Nepal and Bhutan in 2004. Addressing the fourth Bimstec Summit in Kathmandu last August, Modi said: This area of Bay of Bengal has a special significance for our development, security and progress. And, therefore, it is no surprise that the culmination of both Indias Neighbourhood First and Act East, happens in this region of the Bay of Bengal. Modi had also offered to host meetings for coastal shipping and motor vehicles agreements under Bimstec and said Indias National Knowledge Network would be extended to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar and Thailand for greater digital connectivity. Indias northeastern region too will play an important role in increasing connectivity with Bimstec members, he said. In September last year, India hosted the first military exercise of Bimstec states at Pune that focused on counterterror operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modis swearing-in ceremony on Thursday will be attended by leaders from the BIMSTEC member states. The president of Kyrgyztan and the Mauritius prime minister have been invited as well. The BIMSTEC, or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, member states are: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan and India. Government of India has invited the leaders of the BIMSTEC Member States for the swearing-in ceremony. This is in line with Governments focus on its Neighbourhood First policy. The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, who is the current Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, who was the Chief Guest at this years Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, have also been invited, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. The invitation fits in well with two key policies of the dispensation in New Delhi neighbourhood first and Act East considering that Bimstec member states account for 22% of the worlds population and have a combined Gross Domestic Product of nearly $2.7 trillion. It is clear that India is looking to the two-decade-old BIMSTEC to get around the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC0), which has become dysfunctional because of differences between New Delhi and Islamabad, and to counter Chinas creeping influence in countries around the Bay of Bengal due to the spread of its Belt and Road Initiative. Also read: BIMSTEC can fill SAARCs space The BIMSTEC is a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia. The two Southeast Asian countries in the grouping, Myanmar and Thailand, have a crucial place for Indias ambitious connectivity plans for northeastern region In 2014, PM Modi had invited all SAARC leaders for his swearing-in ceremony. The President will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the Prime Minister and other members of the Union council of ministers at 7pm on May 30, 2019, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, read the statement issued on Sunday. President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday designated Modi as the next Prime Minister and asked him to form the new government. The NDA has a strength of 353 MPs in the 543-member Lok Sabha out of which the BJP has a majority of 303 MPs. The Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won comfortably in nearly all of the countrys poorest districts, cementing the BJPs formidable win, an HT analysis shows. To analyse how the poor voted, HT used a district affluence ranking created by Mint, HTs sister publication. It captures patterns of household affluence and poverty across districts. The survey used district-level indicators from National Family Health Survey 2015-2016, the latest available estimates of multidimensional poverty. Visualised on an India map, the district affluence tracker creates a unique vertical line, splitting India down in halves. Most poor regions lie towards the east, while the western appears relatively richer. A threefold classification was used to create the district affluence tracker. Households with at least six of the following eight assets pucca house, electricity connection, phone (landline/mobile), television, AC/cooler, refrigerator, washing machine and motorised vehicle (car/motorcycle/tractor/truck) were ranked as affluent. Households with a minimum of one of the above assets were categorised as poor. The rest were classified as middle-income. Based on the above criteria, on a countrywide basis, a little over 25% of Indians are affluent, while slightly more than one-tenth are poor. The rest are in the middle-income category. Also read | Mandir, Mandal and Markets: How BJP reversed post-2014 setbacks In major battleground states such as Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, we chose districts with 30% or more poor households and mapped them on to their corresponding parliamentary seats. In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP won by big margins in parliamentary seats comprising the 10 poorest districts, barring the poorest of them all: Shrawasti (61% poor). All figures in brackets in this instance and subsequently refer to the percentage of poor households. While the BJP lost Shrawasti to the Bahujan Samaj Party, it did exceedingly well in parliamentary seats comprising the second-poorest district Bahraich (56.5%) as well as Sitapur (55%), Sonebhadra (42.4%), Kanpur (53.1%), Hardoi (45.15%), Balrampur (45.8%), Gonda (43.5%), Fatehpur (46.4%) and Kheri (49.9%). The caveat to this inference is that this doesnt imply the party did not do just as well in richer regions or that it performed better in poorer ones. The NDA formation performed similarly well in Bihar, which also has approximately 10 districts with similar levels of poverty. The BJP and its allies Janata Dal (United) and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) won landslides in the poorest regions of Paschim Champaran (48.2%), Purb Champaran (48.4%), Araria (44.9%), Madhubani (42.6%), Khagaria (41.1%), Purnia (47.1%), Samastipur (53.6%), Sitamarhi (53.3) and Katihar (58%). Of these, Sitamarhi, Purnia and Katihar went to JD(U), while Samastipur and Khagaria were wrested by the LJP. In Bihar, the opposition Congress won only one seat with a high level of poverty: Kishanganj (41%). In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the poorest districts and their corresponding parliamentary seats bear the same names. In Madhya Pradesh, three districts had a poverty burden of 30% or more. These are Singrauli (36%), Sidhi (30%) and Shahdol (32%) comprising the Shahdol parliamentary seat, which the BJP won by margin of over 400,000 votes. Even in Odisha, which the BJP didnt sweep, it won from the parliamentary seat that has the poorest district: Kalahandi (36.65%). This only indicates a wave. Both policies and political outreach helped, said Prof. Manu Gautam of the Madhya Pradesh Institute of Social Science Research. Also read: Congress repeated a costly mistake on national security in run-up to 2019 polls | Opinion Prime Minister Modi has adopted a strategy of directly connecting with beneficiaries of government schemes. For instance, he had sent facsimiles of personally signed letters to each identified beneficiary of the flagship health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat. On Feb 17, he travelled to Ranchi to meet families covered by Ayushman Bharat in Ranchi. On 27 June, 2018, the PM held a videoconference with beneficiaries of a clutch of social schemes drawn from across the country. For welfare schemes, such as Ujjwala which offers free cooking gas connections, and the rural housing scheme, the government went for micro-level targeting by collating electoral roles and data from the socio-economic and caste census 2011. The cash transfer scheme for small farmers benefited even landless farmers because states interpreted the inclusion criteria liberally, said economist Yoginder Alagh. The Modi governments social security programmes were mostly a bunch of life and accident insurance schemes, such as the Atal Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Six films from Taiwan will be screened in two Chinese mainland cities in the last week of May as a cross-Strait film show opened in Beijing on Sunday. "The Scoundrels" was screened right after the opening ceremony, followed by a talk with film crew. Five other films, including comedy "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Show" and tear-jerker "Long Time No Sea" will be shown in Beijing and the city of Chengde in Hebei Province. Side exhibitions and forums will also be held. After the Taiwan film show, a mainland film delegation will begin its tour to Taiwan. The annual cross-Strait film exhibition, now in its 11th edition, has brought nearly 150 films to audience across the Taiwan Strait over the past 10 years. A BJP worker was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Sunday night in Bhatapara of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, days after the conclusion of the high-stake election that saw BJP making gains in the Trinamool Congress-ruled state The deceased identified as 24-year-old Chandan Shaw was shot dead by a group of assailants at Kankinara Satadal playground, reports new agency ANI. Security has been stepped up in the area. The Lok Sabah elections in the state were held over seven phases with each phase witnessing clashes between the Trinamool and BJP workers. BJP president Ami Shahs roadshow in Kolkata was also marred by violence and the desecration of 200-year-old statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar at the iconic Presidency College. After the declaration of results that saw the BJP tally going up from two of 2014 to 18, incidents of violence were reported from Bankura, Cooch Behar and other districts in West Bengal. Incidents of vandalisation of houses and capturing of party offices were reported in Coochbehars Toofanganj and Mathabahanga. Trinamool workers blamed the BJP, which denied any responsibility. During a thank you visit to his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the BJP workers were being killed for their ideology in West Bengal. The prime minister made the statement while he was addressing the party workers in his constituency. The BJPs landslide win in the parliamentary elections was also powered by its excellent showing in West Bengal. From two seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, its tally went up to 18 out of 42 in 2019 elections. In the process, the BJP also increased its vote share to 40.25 % in 2019. Political analysts will have to accept that beyond poll arithmetic, there is chemistry, the prime minister told the party workers. Also Read| BJP worker shot dead in West Bengal, security stepped up UP is giving new direction to politics... 2014, 2017 and 2019 hattrick is not small. Even after this, if the eyes of political pundit do not open, their ears do not hear the sound, then they are living in 20th century. Political pundits have to agree that there is chemistry beyond poll arithmetic, the PM said. Modi, who also offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple here, visited the temple town four days after steering his party to a resounding win of 303 Lok Sabha seats. For the country I am PM, but for you I am your MP and sevak, Modi said, thanking the voters of Varanasi for voting him into the Lok Sabha for a second term. He also spoke on the importance of perfect synergy between the government and the party and said work and workers together can create wonders. The prime minister said he was grateful to the opponents who had fought against him. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati will hold a meeting with the partys newly elected Lok Sabha members, office bearers and senior leaders in New Delhi to review the partys performance in the general election, a party leader said. The BSP chief left for Delhi on Saturday evening. Before leaving for the national capital, she reiterated her partys alliance with the Samajwadi Party and the Rashtriya Lok Dal will continue, the party leader said. Behanji (Mayawat) will review the (partys) performance in the Lok Sabha election. She will also hold a meeting with the newly elected MPs before the start of the Lok Sabha session, the party leader said. She will meet the alliance partners SP and RLD as well as leaders of other opposition parties in the national capital. The fate of the alliance will be known in the by-poll for the 11 assembly seats vacated after sitting MLAs were elected to Lok Sabha, the BSP leader said. A political observer RK Gautam said Mayawatis plan to emerge as kingmaker in national politics suffered a jolt with the BJP sweeping the Lok Sabha election, but she still holds the key to the continuation of the alliance as her party won 10 Lok Sabha seats, emerging as a major gainer in contrast to 2014 when the BSP did not win any seats. The party won Ambedkar Nagar, Bijnor, Nagina, Amroha, Lalganj and Machhlishahar, Saharanpur, Shrawasti, Ghosi, Ghazipur and Jaunpur Lok Sabha seats. Gautam said Mayawati had tied up with the BSPs arch- rival Samajwadi Party to regain lost ground and meticulously worked out the seat-sharing formula, allotting respective strongholds to the alliance partners. The maximum number of seats in west UP were allotted to the BSP while the SP was given a lions share of seats in the Yadav belt. The RLD contested on three Jat-dominated seats Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar and Mathura. The BSP and the SP were allotted an equal share of seats in east UP. Mayawati, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Ajit Singh addressed a dozen public meetings in a bid to ensure a hassle-free transfer of votes among the alliance partners. To galvanise the party cadre that was lying low after the defeat in the 2017 assembly election, the BSP projected Mayawati as the next prime minister. During the campaign, Mayawati launched a blistering attack on Bhim Army chief- Chandrashekhar terming him an agent of the BJP. She also launched her nephew Akash Kumar as a young Dalit leader. He was present at all the crucial meetings of the party and accompanied Mayawati to election rallies across the state. When the Election Commission imposed a 48-hour ban on her campaigning, Akash Kumar addressed a joint public meeting of the alliance in Agra. Confident of victory in the LS poll Mayawati attacked Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Besides Uttar Pradesh, she campaigned for party candidates in Bihar, Odisha, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and other states. RK Tripathi, who teaches at the Purvanchal University, said the BSP got rural seats which had a combination of Dalit- Muslim- Backward voters. While the Modi wave swept the state, the BSP managed to wrest 10 seats from the BJP, he said. A proposed meeting of six BSP MLAs with Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh was cancelled here on Monday but the party dismissed speculation that it was related to support to the Congress government in the state. BSPs support to the Congress government is continuing and will continue, BSP MLA Wajib Ali told PTI. He said it was to be courtesy meeting and some general issues were to be discussed with the Governor, but was cancelled as one of the MLAs could not reach. It was a courtesy meeting during which we would discuss some issues with him. It is not yet decided when the next meeting will happen, Ali said. He clarified that the agenda of the meeting had nothing to do with the BSPs support to the Ashok Gehlot Government. BSP state president Sitaram Meghwal also said that it was a courtesy meeting. In the house of 200, Congress has 100 MLAs and its ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD)has one MLA. Besides the BSP, which has six MLAs, the Congress has the support of 12 out of 13 independent MLAs. The Congress could lose the post of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Maharashtra assembly, with five of its legislators set to leave the party, according to people familiar with the developments. Five legislators current LoP Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, Abdul Sattar, Kalidas Kolambkar, Nitesh Rane and Jaykumar Gore are expected to formally quit the Congress this week. Some of them could join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said the people cited above who asked not to be named. The anti-defection law will entail that they resign as MLAs and the constituency goes up for re-election. In this case, however, there may be no need for bypolls because the state assembly elections are due in the next four to five months. If the MLAs quit the party and resign from the assembly, the Congresss strength in the House will come down to 37 from 42. Its alliance partner, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which has 41 legislators of the total 288 members, will then become the main opposition party in the assembly and claim the coveted post. The Congress is hopeful that the NCP will allow it to hold on to the LoP post. As there are only four months left for the assembly elections, we hope the NCP will allow our party to keep the post even though they will be having more MLAs than us, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Anant Gadgil said. Former CM Prithviraj Chavan is likely to replace Vikhe-Patil as the leader of the Congress party in the assembly. It was not immediately clear whom, if at all, the NCP will nominate as leader of Opposition if the Congress MLAs quit. The Maharashtra Congress has identified these five legislators as the ones who had allegedly worked against the partys candidates in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The likely desertions will come as a jolt to the Congress ahead of the assembly elections. Mumbai-based political analyst Abhay Deshpande said, Their morale is already down after drubbing in the polls and now this fresh crisis. It depends on the NCP now whether they will stake the claim for the post with just about four months remaining for the assembly polls. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Former Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar facing arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Saradha chit fund case, failed to appear before the agency on Monday, following which the federal investigation agency is considering legal action. CBI officials said they wouldnt rule out approaching a court for a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Kumar if he continues to evade CBI. The West Bengal Indian Police Service officer, who is believed to be close to state chief minister Mamata Banerjee, sent a letter to the agencys Salt Lake office in Kolkata stating he could not keep his appointment with CBI because he is on leave for the next seven days. The 1989-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer is being investigated for tampering with the evidence in the alleged chit fund fraud case in which investigators believe several state politicians were involved. Kumar was in charge of the investigation in the case when he was the head of SIT (special investigation team) formed by the state government. Kumar has played a key role in the ongoing political slugfest between the states ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Partys, which won 18 seats in the state in the recent Lok Sabha elections, emerging the second strongest political force in the state, and a possible contender for the top honours in the 2021 state elections. In January last week, when CBI officials tried to question Kumar, the state police prevented them from doing so. Also Read | Why Rajeev Kumar features in the Saradha scam On May 15, he was transferred from his post as additional director general CID West Bengal. This was done at the insistence of the Election Commission. He was transferred to the Ministry of Home Affairs, after the Election Commission found out that he had played a role in the violence surrounding a rally by BJP president Amit Shah on May 14. After a legal battle in the Supreme Court, Kumar was ordered, on May 17, to present himself for questioning before the CBI. On May 24, the Supreme Court refused to extend the protection from arrest given till that day. The central anti-corruption agency has claimed it has clinching evidence against the officer and that his custodial interrogation is required. A CBI officer said on condition of anonymity that the agency is discussing what to do with Kumars letter in which he has sought seven days time to appear before the agency. The letter was delivered by deputy SP, Madhusudan Ghosh and Inspector, CID of West Bengal , Abhijit Mukhopadhyay at the Salt Lake office of CBI on behalf of Kumar. The CBI officer cited above added that Kumar might not be given more time. The probe has already been delayed for over four months due to Kumars non-cooperation and confrontational attitude. These are his delaying tactics due to which the main culprits who enjoyed the chit fund money are roaming scot-free in West Bengal, added this officer. Also Read | The Kolkata police commissioner at the centre of Mamata Banerjee, Centre tussle A second CBI officer said that at least three teams are keeping a close watch at three locations Kumars residential quarters at Park Street, the West Bengal CID office at Bhabani Bhaban and the district court in Barasat in South 24 Parganas district. A team of CBI officers and a lawyer of the investigative agency are present in the (Barasat) court premises, said Mihir Das, member of West Bengal Bar Council. On Friday, Rajeev Kumar sent his lawyer to file a petition seeking anticipatory bail from Barasat court. However, he could not file it because of the statewide lawyers strike. The Barasat court didnt function again on Monday due to death of a lawyer. On Sunday night, CBI officials handed over two notices, one at Kumars residence at Park Street and the other one at the CID headquarters at Bhabani Bhavan in South Kolkata asking him to appear at the agencys office. The Union agriculture ministry is looking at algorithms to fix delays in paying farmers their claims under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), a major issue hobbling the flagship crop insurance scheme. The government is experimenting with big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to quicken assessment of crop damage, a lengthy and often disputed mechanism, people familiar with the matter said. If the PMFBY is to achieve its most critical goal timely payouts to farmers it cant fly without a raft of high-end technological fixes, experts say. Analysing the schemes design in his recent work Supporting Indian Farms the Smart Way, economist Ashok Gulati predicted that, for prompt crop insurance settlement, India could even need a fleet of cloud-penetrating satellites for faster crop-loss estimates. Setting up such a constellation would likely cost 2,000 crore, according to Gulatis calculations. The government has taken the first few steps in harnessing high-tech and the results are optimistic, an official said. This rabi season, the government partnered with CropIn, a Bangalore-based AI firm, to infuse big data analytics into a British-era method of estimating yield losses, called crop cutting experiments. The exercise was carried out in Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka under the crop insurance programme. India plans to scale up use of AI in a range of public programmes, according to a document of the Niti Aayog. In a letter, its CEO Amitabh Kant urged states and central ministries to explore use of AI in health care, agriculture and education sectors. The agriculture ministry has issued fresh bids for tech solutions and similar trials to bring down the unit of the crop insurance programme to the level of gram panchayat or village during the 2019 June to September kharif season. Launched in 2016-17, the PMFBY has been dogged by delayed payments to farmers. Prompt payouts to farmers suffering crop losses hinge on accurate estimates of yield loss, arrived at through crop-cutting experiments. Often, insurance companies tend to dispute yield loss data sent by states, rejecting or delaying claims. This is where newer technologies can intervene and bring transparency, an official said. Norms require four crop cutting experiments at every village. This means the country must conduct about 7 million such experiments to estimate yields, an official said. This is the stage in yield-estimation process where high-tech is being brought in. For instance, the brief given to CropIn was twofold. One was to help reduce the number of farm locations for conducting crop cutting experiments to save time. Two, how could AI help give better idea of yield and output? CropIn used its remote-sensing tool called SmartFarm to glean information of the current and previous years to identify homogeneity and heterogeneity of expected yield, the firms head of R&D Richa Hukumchand said. SmartFarms algorithms too can zoom in on farms through remote sensing and by reading pre-assigned digital signatures for specific crops, they can identify the crop, its maturity stage and other parameters. SmartFarm has estimated that crop cutting experiments can be reduced by 30%. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON India has tweaked rules to allow friendly countries to use lines of credit or soft loans given to them to buy Indian defence equipment. The move is aimed at boosting exports, according to two officials aware of the development. In a recently issued order, the ministries of defence and external affairs said the friendly countries can buy defence equipments like Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) manufactured in India at the same price as Indian armed forces have bought them for. Whatever the Indian Navy or Coast Guard has paid for the OPV, a friendly foreign country, using line of credit, can buy the OPV at the same price, said a defence ministry official on condition of anonymity. The official said the acquisition processes are lengthy and cumbersome, and negotiations with Indian manufacturers for them takes time. Allowing friendly countries to buy platforms at the prices at which they been sold to Indian armed forces will cut down the negotiation process. Over the years, India has extended soft loans worth about a billion dollars to Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. Utilisation of the soft loans has not been encouraging, officials said. Initially, the new procedure will apply to Defence Public Sector Units and Ordnance Factory Boards. Once this gains acceptance, we have plans to extend it to the private sector as well, the official said. As per the new procedure, a friendly country can write to the ministry of external affairs indicating what it wants to buy from India. The MEA, after checking with the ministry of defence, will inform the country whether a similar item has been bought by the Indian armed forces and at what price .A price escalation quotient will be applicable in case the platform was acquired earlier, a second official on condition of anonymity. The new procedure will ensure that there is pre-discovered price available for new buyers. And, importantly, it is the price paid by our own forces, he added. The change in the procedure will not prevent the countries from buying equipment through tenders followed by the negotiations with vendors. The option is available to countries, the second official said. India imports much of its defence equipment, but it also excels in manufacturing some of it. Indian forces use transport helicopters like the Advanced Light Helicopters or Dhruv, manufactured by HAL. YSR Congress party president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has begun overhauling of administration, bringing in officials of choice in key positions even before being formally sworn-in as the new chief minister of Andhra Pradesh. The YSR Congress party swept the April 11 assembly elections in the state, winning 151 seats in the 175-member assembly, besides bagging 22 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats. Jagan will take oath as the new chief minister of Andhra at a massive public ceremony to be held at Indira Priyadarshini Municipal Stadium in Vijayawada at 12.23 pm on May 30. A YSRCP leader familiar with the developments said Stephen Ravindra, a 1999-batch senior IPS officer of Telangana cadre, has been finalised as the new intelligence chief of Andhra Pradesh. Ravindra, who is presently working as Inspector General of Police in Hyderabad range, met Jagan at the latters Tadepalli residence on Monday evening. Sources said the chief minister-designate made a request with Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao to relieve him and depute him to Andhra Pradesh. The Telangana government will write to the Centre to approve the deputation. In all probability, Ravindra will be relieved in a week, a party source said. Ravindra, who was the chief security officer of Jagans father and former Andhra CM Y S Rajasekhar Reddy in 2004, is believed to be close to YSR family. He is heading the Special Investigation Team of the Telangana police probing into the data theft case. In fact, Jagan began revamping the administration within hours of securing the massive mandate in the elections. On the very evening of the results being declared, Jagan declared that present chief secretary L V Subrahmanyam, who was appointed the Election Commission on April 6 on interim basis, would continue in the post. The appointment of Subrahmanyam, who was one of the close confidants of YS Rajasekhar, was strongly resisted by the Telugu Desam Party headed by N Chandrababu Naidu. In fact, Naidu accused Subrahmanyam of being a covert supporter of YSRCP and a co-accused in the CBI cases pending against Jagan. During his short tenure as interim chief secretary, Subrahmanyam reviewed the functioning of the finance department and reportedly stopped several pending bills due to be paid to contractors by the TDP government. He also decided to appoint retired chief secretary Ajeya Kallam as the state government advisor in administration and asked Subramanyam to take him on the board immediately. Party sources said Jagan has also decided to appoint senior IPS officer Gautam Sawang as the new director general of police in place of R P Thakur, who was preferred choice of Chandrababu Naidu though Sawang was senior to Thakur in experience. Amarlapudi Joshi, presently working in CM Security, has been appointed as chief security officer of Jagan. During the electioneering, the YSRCP complained to the Election Commission that Naidu had posted more than 50 senior IAS and IPS officers belonging to his caste in various key positions, in order to manipulate the elections. Now, all such officials would be replaced by a fresh team of officials to help Jagan run the administration smoothly, the YSRCP leader said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Congress and its allies moved to secure state governments in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka on Monday by attempting to placate rebels and independents after reports of rumblings following a poor Lok Sabha poll performance. In Madhya Pradesh, a senior state Congress leader said on condition of anonymity that the party was looking at appointments to government-run boards and corporations and expansion of the council of ministers to avert any possible crisis. There is no threat to my government. Let the floor test takes place. We are ready for it, chief minister Kamal Nath said. The Congress, which has 114 MLAs in the 230-member house, is dependent on four independent, two Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and one Samajwadi Party (SP) lawmakers support. Of these, only one independent MLA Pradeep Jaiswal is a minister. The Congress won just one of the 29 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) also appeared to prefer the expansion of cabinet route to ward off any risk to its government in Karnataka, where the BJP won 25 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats. At present there are three vacancies in the state cabinet, two of the JD(S) and one of the Congress. But a senior Congress leader said on condition of anonymity that an expansion may also cause more discontent. The whole exercise is fraught with the risk that those who miss out might kick up a row, the leader said. The Congress has 80 MLAs and the JD(S) 37 in a 224-member house. The fate of the so-called rebel Congress MLAs remains unclear. Ramesh Jarkiholi, who had said in April that he would quit, has said all would be clear soon. I cannot speak to the media at this time. You will get to know my decision in due course, Jarkiholi said. Mahesh Kumathahalli, another dissident MLA, has denied reports suggesting he was close to resigning. Jarkiholi and I are with the Congress and will remain in the party. All reports in the media are mere speculation, he said Last week, MP chief minister Kamal Nath had accused the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, which won 28 of the 29 Lok Sabha seats in the state, of trying to lure Congress MLAs. One of his ministerial colleagues Pradyumn Singh Tomar even alleged that some Congress legislators were offered as much as 50 crore to switch sides. Former chief minister and senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said he is not in favour of a floor test. According to the MP Congress leader quoted above, the state government is now waiting for the model code of conduct, which is in force because of the Lok Sabha polls, to be lifted to take a number of measures to placate disgruntled MLAs. A number of these legislators have expressed discontent earlier. Independent MLA from Burhanpur, Surendra Singh, said last week that as people had said goodbye to the Congress, he might consider doing the same. BSP MLA Rambai Singh, who had earlier expressed annoyance over the denial of a ministerial berth, alleged on Monday that she was offered a minister berth of her choice and 25 to 50 crore to switch over to the BJP side. Kamal Nath ji a good and honest leader and I will not leave him, she added. There are 29 ministers in the state cabinet, and there is space for six more. State home minister Bala Bachchan said, All the MLAs supporting the government have assured that they are with the government for the complete term of the state assembly. The BJP is deliberately trying to create confusion. State BJP vice-president Vijesh Lunawat said, Its not BJP but Congress MLAs are expressing their resentment over governments poor performance and ministers are not paying any heed to them. Political analyst Girija Shankar said, Nobody knows whether the BJP will topple the Congress government but Kamal Nath looks under pressure. Hence, his all the decisions appear to be in the direction of protecting his government. Chinese and U.S. governors have voiced their willingness to enhance cooperation at the sub-national level, and called for more efforts to boost exchanges in various fields, striking a more optimistic and practical tone than that at the national level. At the just-concluded Fifth China-U.S. Governors Forum, Chinese and U.S. governors gathered in Lexington, despite the ongoing bilateral dispute, to promote trade and investment, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges. Sub-national enthusiasm "We want to have a strong partnership with the people of China," Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin said when addressing the opening ceremony at the Lexington Convention Center. "We have 9,000 people in Kentucky working for Chinese-owned companies and hundreds have been added just in recent months ... I want thousands more," said Bevin, whose state hosted the three-day event. Cyrus Habib, lieutenant governor of the U.S. state of Washington, told Xinhua that Washington is the largest exporter to China among all 50 states, and China is Washington's number one export country. "Our relationship with China is absolutely key ... to the success that we have had," Habib said. Liu Guozhong, governor of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, said "the best way to benefit our people is to increase cooperation" not only in economy and trade, but also in environmental protection, culture and tourism, as well as scientific and technological innovation. The National Governors Association (NGA), one of the forum's organizers, said in a statement that about 400 people from both countries attended the event. "This shows strong interest in forging and maintaining strong relationships at the sub-national level for the mutual benefit of the United States and China," it said. The forum, co-hosted by the NGA, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China General Chamber of Commerce-USA (CGCC), features dialogues on business, culture, education and others. Chinese and U.S. companies signed three cooperation agreements at the forum on Thursday. Meanwhile, China's southeastern province of Jiangxi and the U.S. state of Kentucky signed a memorandum of understanding. Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said local-level cooperation between the two countries is a "bright spot" in bilateral relations and will become a new driver for bilateral cooperation. Cui added that he hopes "positive factors at local levels will triumph over the negatives in certain areas." Bilateral ties belong to people When Bill Lee, governor of the U.S. state of Tennessee, found he was sitting next to Tang Liangzhi, mayor of China's Chongqing Municipality, at the opening ceremony, he immediately texted his surprise to his son, who once lived in Chongqing while attending university. Lee said that exchanges on multiple levels "will enhance the opportunity for us to work together on things that are mutually beneficial." Tang, in his remarks, cited a famous Chinese proverb that "friends and neighbors become closer when they visit each other more often," and invited American friends to visit Chongqing. Former Missouri Governor Bob Holden, who has traveled to China many times, told Xinhua what struck him most is the "wonderful" people he met in China who want their children to have a better opportunity than they have, "which is the very same value system that we have in ... the heartland of the United States." Surendra Singh, a former village head of Amethi, was killed due to local political rivalry, Uttar Pradesh police said on Monday. Singh had campaigned for BJPs Smriti Irani during the Lok Sabha elections. The police said that three people have been arrested in connection with the murder. We have arrested three suspects. Two suspects are still absconding and we will nab them soon. On the basis of all evidence, it is very clear that this is a case of local level political rivalry, said OP Singh, UP director general of police (DGP). Surendra Singh was shot by bike-borne assailants outside his house on Saturday night, the police said. He was sent to a hospital where doctors declared him dead. The police initially said they were looking into the possibility of personal enmity as the motive for the crime but the family of the deceased alleged that it was a political killing. Smriti Irani reached Amethis Barauliya village on Sunday afternoon and attended the last rites of 50-year-old Surendra Singh. The new Amethi MP also promised swift action against those involved in the killing. I have taken an oath before Surendra Singh jis family -- the one who fired and the one who ordered it -- even if I have to go to Supreme Court to get the culprits a death sentence, we will knock the doors of the court, she said. Also read: Smriti Irani plays pall-bearer for Amethi aide, vows to hunt down attackers Irani had defeated Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, his partys traditional stronghold, in the Lok Sabha polls that the BJP-led NDA swept, winning 353 of the 542 seats. The victims son, Abhay Pratap Singh, had said his father recently had an argument with some Congress supporters. The brother of the deceased, Rajendra Singh, alleged it was a political killing. He said his brother wielded influence in the area which led to his murder. A four-year-old girl, a student of LKG, was allegedly raped on the premises of a private school in Dhuri town of the district by the school bus conductor on Saturday. The accused was identified as Kamal, 27, a resident of Dhuri, who took the girl inside the bathroom of the school and raped her. Police said the minor reached home at 1 pm on Saturday and complained of pain before her parents. She was rushed to the hospital where doctors gave her some medicine and discharged her. However, when the family came to know about the sexual assault on Sunday, she was admitted to the civil hospital. A team of doctors examined her and submitted the medical report to the police. When the news of the incident spread in the town, hundreds of people gheraoed the city police station and demanded the arrest of the accused. They also raised slogans against the school management which was allegedly trying to facilitate a compromise between the victims family and the accused. After a day-long protest, the police arrested the accused. We arrested the accused within an hour after the incident was brought to our knowledge. The members of school management have also been booked in the case, said Dhuri deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Mohit Aggarwal. A case has been registered against the accused bus conductor under Sections 363 (kidnapping) and 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at the city police station on Sunday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON PM Modi thanks party workers, voters and UP at the end of his speech PM Modi thanks the workers for their hard work and contribution at the end of his speech, thanks Varanasi voters and the whole of Uttar Pradesh. BJPs vote %age is increasing but still called Hindi heartland party PM Modi says BJPs vote percentage is increasing, be it Ladakh, Kashmir Valley or Kerala but the political pundits still call us a Hindi heartland party. Says all government institutions , be it a government school or hospital, belong to the citizens, says it is our duty to improve them. We give equal importance to both our great heritage and modern vision PM says he is proud of the countrys ancient heritage. We have tried to move forward, give equal importance to both our great heritage and modern vision. Says, we need to respect our culture and think of the future. PM Modi talks about reservation for economically weaker sections Wherever we got a chance, the Oppositions voice has been heard, however small the numbers, gave them respect: PM Modi. The poor and common man had to wait for a long time for their voice to be heard. They were protesting but it got buried under the vote bank politics. We heard them and that is why gave 10% reservation for economically weaker section, never discriminated between beneficiaries, says PM. We in BJP have faced two challenges, says Modi We in BJP have faced two challenges, says Modi. Our workers have been killed for their ideology, says Modi, gives examples of Tripura, West Bengal and J-K. Adds, political untouchability is increasing by the day. He said that political detractors created perception about the BJP that it is untouchable. It is shameful and anti-democratic. Says BJP is the only party that follows and cares for democracy. Work and worker creates a wonder, says PM There has to be a synergy between the organisation and government. The governments responsibility is to do work. And when a worker joins this, it creates a miracle. Work and worker creates a wonder, says PM. Work and workers are the biggest catalysts. No alternative to transparency and hard work: PM Modi Politics is about perception, says PM Modi .An attempt was made to create false perception. But transparency and hard work trumps those who try to create bad perception and India has proved this. So, there is no alternative to transparency and hard work for us because that is how the nation will move forward.: PM Modi. We have to ensure a spirit of positivity prevails across the society, says Modi. There is chemistry beyond poll arithmetic: PM Modi UP is giving new direction to politics, says PM Modi. Adds, 2014, 2017 and 2019 hattrick is not small. Even after this, if the eyes of political pundit do not t open, their ears do not hear the sound, then they are living in 20th century. Political pundits have to agree that there is chemistry beyond poll arithmetic. You all ran election campaign, PM Modi tells party workers When I interacted with party workers, I had said that while one Narendra Modi filed nomination but the election will be fought by Narendra Modi in every home.: PM Modi. You all became Narendra Modi and ran the whole campaign. Praises the workers, says they passed with distinction marks. Want to thank other Varanasi candidates, says PM The candidates of various parties and Independents, I want to thank them for their contribution to the election campaign in Varanasi, says Modi. PM also thanks media for the coverage of election campaign in Varanasi. PM Modi begins his address to party workers PM Modi begins his address to party workers in Varanasi. Says, as a BJP worker, I try to fulfil the demands made of me. A month ago, when I was here on April 25, Kashis image impressed the whole country. All of you ordered me not to come to Varanasi for a month, and as a BJP worker, for me your order was most important. On May 19, I wanted to come to Kashi but since I had been asked not to come to Kashi, I decided to go to Kedarnath. There would have hardly been any candidate who was so carefree as I was during the polling and results because I trusted you. Countrys people have blessed PM, says Amit Shah Amit Shah says, countrys people have blessed the PM. Says, despite the sweltering heat, people of Varanasi welcomed him and turned up fo his road show. Modi transformed Kashi in last five years, says Amit Shah Amit Shah talks about the development of Kashi under Narendra Modi as its MP. Says, Modi transformed Kashi in last five years while maintaining its ancient essence. BJP president Amit Shah addresses workers BJP national president Amit Shah addresses party workers. Thanks party workers of Varanasi for handling PM Modis election campaign. Says, Modi trusted the people of Kashi and BJP workers. There must rarely be a campaign where candidate didnt come to his constituency after filing nomination until voting, trusting his voters. People saw Varanasis BJP workers asked him(PM)not to come.Modi ji trusted you, people of Varanasi & that trust was rightly placed, says Amit Shah, The nation has begun a new journey under PMs leadership Taking a jab at congress general secreatary Priyanka Gandhi, without taking her name, Yogi said that many people wanted to contest election from Varanasi. But they gave up their intention seeing the heat of PM Modis Road show. Adds, The nation has begun a new journey under the leadership of PM Modi, the whole country is with him in this journey. UP chief minister welcomes PM Modi UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath addresses the gathering, welcomes PM Modi on behalf of party workers. Says, all efforts in forms alliance and grand alliance to stop Modi bit the dust because the PM worked tirelessly for five years. PM Modi arrives to address party workers PM Modi arrives at the Deen Dayal Hastkala Sankul to address party workers. He PM Modi to thank BJP workers for poll victory shortly Prime Minister Narendra Modi is headed to meet his party karyakartas at Deen Dayal Hastkala Sankul after offering prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. PM Modis convoy leaves Kashi Vishwanath temple amid tight security3 After offering prayers in a detailed ritual, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left the Kashi Vishwanath temple. PM Modis cavalcade moved slowly, as the swelled up crowd flanked both sides of the road. PM Modi offers prayers in Kashi Vishwanath temple, flanked by UP CM Accompanied by BJP party president Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, PM Modi offered prayers at Kashi Vishwanath temple. PM Narendra Modi reaches Kashi Vishwanath Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Kashi Vishwanath temple. He will also be offering prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple during the visit. #WATCH Varanasi: Crowd breaks into chants of 'Modi Modi' as the convoy of PM Modi moves through streets of Varanasi to Kashi Vishwanath temple. pic.twitter.com/YW0t5dkQPP ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 27, 2019 Artists perform in Varanasi ahead of PM Modis visit Local artists are performing in Varanasi, marking celebration of PM Narendra Modis visit to the city today. PM Modi waves at people as he makes his way to Kashi temple Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen waving from his car on his way to Kashi Vishwanath temple. #WATCH Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves at people on his way to Kashi Vishwanath temple. pic.twitter.com/BIeoXzlwua ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 27, 2019 Crowd queues up as PM Modi heads to Kashi Vishwanath The crowd outside Kashi Vishwanath temple - first stop on PM Modis visit to Varanasi is growing as several wait for PM Modi to reach temple. Shower of rose petals awaits PM Modi ahead of Kashi Temple Visit PM Modis thanksgiving visit is likely to include a road show, according to the sources in BJP. BJP workers plan to shower petals on Modi on the way to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.The BJPs Kashi region spokesperson Navratan Rathi said preparations to give a grand welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi have begun.The preparations will be completed by Sunday evening. PM Modi met mother, sought blessings after poll win Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to his mother in Gandhinagar on Sunday and sought her blessings after the BJPs massive victory in the Lok Sabha elections 2019. PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah had arrived in Gujarat on Sunday on a two-day visit. The PM addressed his first rally on Sunday after the poll victory. He was welcomed by a huge crowd at the rally venue in Ahmedabad. Modi arrives in Varanasi PM Narendra Modi reached Varanasi on Monday morning. He was received by Chief Minister Narendra Modi, UP Governor Ram Naik and BJP President Amit Shah. He will offer prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple which will be followed by a meeting with party workers later at 12 noon. Bedecked Varanasi set to welcome Modi On Monday, Varanasi was all decked up to welcome Modi with BJP flags and posters everywhere. Cleaning and maintenance work has been completed. On Sunday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a meeting with local administration officials in Varanasi to assess preparations made ahead of Modis visit here. PM Modi to pay thanksgiving visit to Varansi Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit his constituency Varanasi on Monday in a thanksgiving visit after winning from the temple city by nearly 5 lakh votes and leading the NDA to a landslide win in the Lok Sabha elections Police filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the editor of a Kannada daily here on the complaint of the Janata Dal (S) for publishing a report about trouble within the party chief and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowdas family after the defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. According to the FIR filed against Vishweshwar Bhat, editor-in-chief of Vishwavani on Sunday, Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamys son Nikhil had yelled at his grandfather HD Deve Gowda after his loss in the Mandya Lok Sabha seat. The paper allegedly relied on rumours about an incident that did not occur. The article, titled Gowdara Mommakkala Gaddala-Gondala (Internal squabbles of Deve Gowdas grandsons), appeared in Saturdays edition of the newspaper. It alleged that Nikhil, drunk and angry at his loss to independent candidate Sumalatha, blamed his grandfather for the loss. According to the paper, the incident occurred at Deve Gowdas residence in the city. It claimed that Nikhil accused Deve Gowda for getting him entangled in a tough battle in Mandya. The report said Nikhil blamed his grandfather for not helping him win, despite the JD(S) winning all eight assembly segments in the constituency in last years assembly elections. The article went on to claim that in Hassan the JD(S) had ensured coordination with Congress leaders, which hadnt been done in Mandya. The report said Nikhil told Deve Gowda that he felt humiliated and that the party had not attempted to woo rebel Congress leaders to aid him. Filed by Pradeepkumar SP, a member of the JD(S) legal cell, the complaint says that the article was published with the intention of blackmailing Nikhil and getting him sidelined. Sections 406 (Criminal breach of trust), 420, 468 (forgery), 499 and 500 (defamation), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code have been invoked in the FIR, among others. Speaking to reporters, Bhat said he was shocked that without taking his statement the police had filed an FIR based on the complaint given by JD(S) leaders. I was shocked an amazed by the sections they put in, he said. Usually, when a person is offended by a report they file a defamation case in a court, but in this case the present government wants to curb the media, he said. Incidentally, the paper published Nikhils rebuttal to the article on its front page on Monday, where he claimed that no such incident had occurred. In Mondays article Nikhil claimed that he had stopped drinking eight years ago, and, hence, the report was far from the truth. He also refuted charges made in another article published on Saturday in the paper that said he had been involved in a fracas at a five-star hotel in Mysuru. This was not the first time that Nikhil made headlines for the wrong reasons. In 2006, aged only 19, Nikhil had been involved in a fracas at a restaurant in Bengaluru. At that time, too, Kumaraswamy was the chief minister. The BJP was quick to seize upon the issue and Udupi-Chickmagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje said the state government was only intent in curbing freedom of expression. In a tweet on Monday, she said: Curtailing FOE has become the only job of @hd_kumaraswamy!! After witch-hunting the RW SM activists, now Co-Ja govt is after the popular media houses & its editors. False FIR has been reg against @VishweshwarBhat, for publishing merely a news article!! #EmergencyInKarnataka Over the past month, Kumaraswamy has had a constant run-in with the press. He held the media responsible for running a campaign against his son. And on May 19, he had said at a public rally that the state government was considering a law to curb alleged irresponsible reporting by the electronic media. This is not the first time that politicians have attacked the media. In 2017, the state Assembly had sentenced the editors of two local dailies to a years imprisonment for breach of privilege. In that instance the editors earned the Assemblys ire for allegedly publishing defamatory reports against the then Speaker KB Koliwad and a BJP MLA SR Vsihwanath. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bringing down the curtains on Pawan Kumar Chamlings 24-year rule, Prem Singh Tamang, better known as P S Golay, emerged as the new satrap of Sikkim, when his party, the SKM, bagged 17 of the 32 assembly seats in the state in the just-concluded polls. Once a founder member of the Chamling-led Sikkim Democratic Front, Golay had rebelled against the former chief minister and floated the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha in 2013, alleging corruption and misrule under his parent party. Soon in 2014, SKM positioned itself as a formidable opposition, winning 10 assembly seats. But it was perhaps the fear of rejection of his nomination by election authorities in the wake of his conviction in a corruption case that Golay decided to not contest the assembly polls this time. Born to Nepali parents, Kalu Singh Tamang and Dhan Maya Tamang on February 5, 1968, Golay graduated from a college in Darjeeling and joined as a teacher in a state-run school. He quit the government service three years later to take up social service before joining SDF. The three-decade political journey of Golay has been eventful. He was elected to the Sikkim Assembly for five terms in a row since 1994 and served as a minister in the SDF government till 2009. After Chamling denied him a ministerial berth during the fourth term of the SDF government (2009-14), Golay fell out with his mentor and floated his outfit. He resigned from all SDF party duties and assumed the responsibility as the SKM chief. In 2016, Golay was convicted for misappropriating government funds between 1994 and 1999, and his membership in the assembly was terminated the year after. The 51-year-old earned the dubious distinction of becoming the only politician in the state who has been disqualified from the assembly following the conviction. He challenged the verdict in the Sikkim High court, which upheld the order prompting Golay to surrender. In 2018, when he stepped out of jail, Golay was received by thousands of supporters who took out a procession in a show of solidarity for their leader. Notwithstanding the setback, Golay successfully led the SKM to power in Sikkim this year, vanquishing an astute politician like Chamling. He carried out sustained campaigns across the state, ensuring that the SKM romps to victory in the assembly, albeit by a slender majority. Days after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept the Lok Sabha elections pocketing 303 seats on its own and 352 with partners, its ally Shiv Sena took on the Congress and said that Rahul Gandhis personality doesnt attract people. The Sena, in an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamana on Monday said that people cant draw inspiration from what Gandhi says. It called the Congress directionless that has leaders but no workers. Interestingly, the Sena, when it was at loggerheads with the BJP, had lauded Gandhi for steering his party to victories in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhatisgarh Assembly poll last year. In the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 23 and Shiv Sena 18 of Maharashtras 48 seats. Sharad Pawars NCP could manage 4 and the Congress just 1 seat. Rahul Gandhi is not Motilal or Jawaharlal Nehru. He is neither Indira Gandhi nor Rajiv Gandhi. He is just a son of Sonia Gandhi... Rahul Gandhis personality does not attract people and his speeches are not impressive, the editorial titled What will happen to Congress is a question read. Also read: Congress repeated a costly mistake on national security in run-up to 2019 polls | Opinion The editorial further added that while BJP has Amit Shahs organisational abilities, Gandhi is surrounded by either childish stuff or pensioners club. The Sena said that though Gandhi made efforts, he did not have the backing of senior party leaders including P Chidambaram, Kamal Nath and Ashok Gehlot. The Sena also criticised Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for failing to have an impact in the elections. It said that the party brought in Priyanka Gandhi, but it was of no use. In 2014, the party had won 2 seats in UP, now it came down to one, even Rahul Gandhi lost his seat, it said. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party said that Gandhi offered to resign as the party president, but the Congress Working Committee did not accept it. The one who did not accept it (resignation) do not have an option or a strong hand; this is the current state of the Congress party. The question is what will happen to such a party, it asked. Also read: In its zero hour, RJD leaders talk of cutting ties with Congress Businessman Robert Vadra has been told by the Delhi High Court to respond to the Enforcement Directorate petition that wants the arrest shield granted to Vadra on April 1 to be scrapped, according to news agency PTI. The federal agency mandated to investigate financial crimes has accused Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property worth 1.9 million pounds. Vadra has been given time till July 17 to file his response. In its plea, the Enforcement Directorate, or the ED, had expressed apprehension that Vadra might tamper with evidence as he is an influential person. If he is granted a blanket protection of bail, there is a likelihood that the respondent [Vadra] shall tamper with the evidence and would influence witnesses, the plea read. The agency has argued that the protection from arrest would harm the investigation on certain crucial aspects including ascertaining the exact source of the alleged tainted money and the end use of the funds involved in the case. Robert Vadra hasnt reacted to the court notice but in the past, he has claimed that the agency probe was driven by politics. Senior advocate KTS Tulsi, who had represented Vadra in the trial court, had earlier said the ED had already questioned Vadra for more than 70 hours and if they still didnt have what they wanted, they probably didnt have a case in the first place. According to the Enforcement Directorate, Robert Vadra had been non-cooperative and had been several opportunities to come out clean about his alleged role in the case but he remained evasive. The ED told the high court that Vadra was involved in the commission of the offence of cross border and domestic money laundering. He is the beneficial owner of various properties under the investigation in the case, which have been acquired through the proceeds of crime, the agency said in its petition. Robert Vadra, who is married to Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, often figured in speeches of BJP leaders in the run up to the just-concluded national elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also seen to be referring to Robert Vadra when he spoke about a person who used to think that he is a Shahenshah is now nervous.Ive already taken him to the jail door. Give blessings and Ill put him in jail within the next 5 years, said Modi at a rally in Haryana. The Government Railway Police (GRP) has tightened security of both Pathankot City and Pathankot Cantonment railway stations in Punjab after the Islamic State reportedly threatened to blow up the stations. Kuldip Singh, a GRP officer told reporters that the force was taking extra precautions following the threat on Saturday. He said that passengers entering and exiting the stations were under surveillance and vehicles parked outside the railway stations were being scanned as a precautionary measure. Pathankots Senior Superintendent of Police Vivek Sheel Soni that Punjab Police are already on high alert. Last week, India tightened security along the Kerala coast following intelligence reports that boast reportedly carrying 15 Islamic State terrorists trying to cross to Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands in a white boat. Pathankot was the target of a terror attack in 2016 when the Indian Air Force base was attacked by terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammad who had infiltrated from Pakistan. They killed six soldiers and an officer before they were neutralized after a four-day operation by the army. The airbase which is located near the Cantonment railway is a frontline fighter base of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The 100-metre walk of Amethis MP-elect Smriti Irani carrying the bier of former village head and her campaigner Surendra Singh has won her admirers in Amethi and outside. A woman carrying a bier is an unusual sight, more so in rural Uttar Pradesh, where her gesture was interpreted as an emotional commitment towards her people. Singh was shot dead by unidentified assailants during the early hours of Sunday. Irani stayed in the village till the last rites were performed, and before leaving for Delhi, she assured the villagers that she would do whatever it takes to track down the culprits and bring them to justice. I have taken an oath before Surendra Singh jis family -- the one who fired and the one who ordered it -- even if I have to go to Supreme Court to get the culprits a death sentence, we will knock the doors of the court, she said. She also took a veiled dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his congratulatory message. On May 23, I got a political message publicly -- Amethi ko pyar se sambhalna (please take care of Amethi with love). I want to tell the person who sent this message that I have received the message loud and clear, she said. She also urged BJP workers to act with restraint while warning that this killing was an attempt to terrorise Amethi. For the villagers, Iranis 60-minute air dash to Lucknow followed by a three-hour road ride to Baraulia village where she spent about two hours consoling the bereaved family and carrying the bier, was the message that she would stand by them through thick and thin. While on way to Amethi, she had spoken to many ministers of the Yogi Adityanath government who rushed to Amethi even as chief minister Yogi Adityanath set a 12-hour deadline for the police to crack the case. Aarti Bajpai, a resident of Gauriganj, said over the phone: The BJP had raised the slogan abki baar, didi hamaar (this time, its our sisters turn) to convince many of us into voting the Congress out. It has been just three days since she won after the May 23 counting and already she has shown how she intends to stand with the people. BJP workers and people of Amethi can be sure that his killer will be found out even from beneath the earth, Irani said. Her arrival led to a huge build up, with residents of several villages arriving in Baraulia for the last rites of Surendra Singh, whose relatives claim he had an altercation with some Congress supporters. Some local politicians had to be administered first aid after they fainted due to heat and overcrowding but Smriti ji didnt rest even for a moment, said Kalpana Kithaur, a social worker who had come to Baraulia from Haliyapur. Usually leaders turn up during elections. At least this gesture by the new MP is an indication that she wont neglect her people as was the case earlier, said Keshav, a local RSS functionary. For five years, since she lost to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi in 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Iranis campaign to wrest Amethi from him revolved around the alleged neglect of the constituency by Congress, terming Gandhi as the missing MP. Meanwhile, other BJP leaders also stepped up veiled attack on the Congress saying the killing of the influential three-term gram pradhan would not go unnoticed and the guilty would be punished. Deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said, He was a hard worker. Even if his killers are hiding below the ground, they will be caught. Newly-elected BJP MP from Allahabad Lok Sabha seat Rita Bahuguna Joshi said, I am not saying that Rahul ji is involved in this but if such an incident has taken place a strong message needs to go. MP-elect from Agra SPS Baghel said, We will leave no stone unturned to find out the assailants but I must say such a dastardly act hours after the BJP triumph in Amethi is serious, he said. Congress MLC Deepak Singh said, As far as I know Surendra Singh had no political rivals. I would want on behalf of my party that the police works out the case at the earliest. UP minister Mohsin Raza said the state government would ensure stringent punishment for the assailants of BJP MP Smriti Iranis aide in Amethi so that no one dared to target party workers in future. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In a suspected hate crime case, a street vendor was shot at in Begusarais Kumbhi village under Cheria Bariarpur police station area on Sunday. Victim Mohammed Qasim, a resident of Khajhanpur panchayat, is hospitalised. According to reports, a man, in an inebriated condition asked the vendor his name and later shot at him. The man, identified as Raju Yadav, fled from the spot. Police have registered a case against Yadav and a search has intensified for him, said station house officer Neeraj Kumar Singh. A video of Qasim has also gone viral on social media, in which he says that Yadav shot at him as soon as he disclosed his identity. You are a Muslim. What are you doing here? You should go to Pakistan, he is shown in the video as saying about Yadav. Later, Yadav took out his pistol and opened fire, hitting me on my back. I somehow saved my life, he added. CPI leader Kanhaiya Kumar said leaders who spread hate for political gains were to be blamed for the incident. For such incidents, leaders and their cronies who spread hate for their political gains are responsible. We will not rest until the guilty are punished, he tweeted. Begusarai SP Avakash Kumar said on the basis of the statements of Quasim, a probe is on. The culprit will soon be caught and further details will emerge. He is said to be drunk, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON You are here: Business Chinese telecom giant Huawei Technologies is keen to promote smart cities in Africa in order to boost environmental sustainability, an official said on Sunday. Adam Lane, senior director of public affairs at Huawei Technologies (Kenya) Co., Ltd. told Xinhua in Nairobi that African cities can adopt modern technology in the area of water and energy use, communications, security and safety improvement. "Huawei is currently in talks with a number of African cities to promote the concept of smart cities," Lane said during the Business Leaders Dialogue ahead of the First Session of the UN-Habitat Assembly. Huawei is already deploying smart technology in some cities in Kenya, Nigeria and Botswana. Lane said that smart technology can be used to better monitor use of environmental resource which improves the sustainability of cities. According to Huawei, through the use of smart meters for water and electricity, African cities can curb wastage as well as improve revenue collections by utilities. He observed that Africa is experiencing one of the fastest urbanization rates in the world. "These challenges result in the mushrooming of informal settlements which reduces the quality of lives of urban residents," he added The Chinese tech giant has also developed innovations to improve the safety of urban residents. "We have developed advanced communication and coordination centers that improve the response time for police and ambulances during times of emergencies," the Huawei official said. The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear the anticipatory bail plea of newly-elected Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Atul Rai, a rape accused. A vacation bench led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi noted there were 16 other criminal cases pending against Rai. It added the bench was not inclined to accept Rais request. The rape case was registered against Rai on May 1 following a complaint by a college student, who alleged that he had taken her home on the pretext of meeting his wife but sexually assaulted her. Rai has denied the allegations and has been on the run since he was booked. Rai won the Lok Sabha election from Uttar Pradeshs Ghosi constituency by a margin of over one lakh votes. Earlier, the court asked Rais lawyer about the number of criminal cases pending against his client. The counsel informed the court about the 16 cases but said Rai was out on bail in all except in the rape case. He told the bench about the petition Rai had filed seeking quashing of the rape case. Sorry, we are not inclined to entertain this petition. Dismiss, the bench said, prompting the lawyer to withdraw the case. Counsel for the petitioner seeks leave of this court to withdraw the present special leave petition. The special leave petition is dismissed as withdrawn,it added. The court had on May 17 refused to grant interim relief to Rai, who had sought protection from arrest citing LS elections The Trinamool Congress Monday dismissed as baseless Prime Minister Narendra Modis allegations on killing of BJP workers in West Bengal and claimed that it was TMC members who were being targeted in political violence in the state. The TMC leadership also claimed that not a single BJP worker has been killed in the state in political violence. The allegations are baseless. The fact is not a single BJP worker has been killed in Bengal due to political violence. During panchayat polls, more than 30 Trinamool workers were murdered by the BJP. They also killed a Trinamool MLA, a senior TMC leader said. His comments came against the backdrop of Modi addressing a rally in Varanasi, where he spoke about the dangers faced by his party in the form of political untouchability and several party workers being killed in Bengal. Also Read| BJP workers being killed for their ideology in Bengal: PM Modi Take the cases of Kerala or Kashmir, Bengal or Tripura, it will not come in the media. Some people have selective sensitivity. Hundreds of workers have been killed only for political ideology. In Tripura, workers were hanged. In Bengal, murders are still on. In Kerala too... perhaps, in India only one political party has faced such killings. Violence has been given legitimacy. This is a danger before us, Modi pointed out. Violent incidents were reported from across West Bengal since the Lok Sabha poll results were announced on Thursday in which two people were killed and many injured, officials said. A 23-year-old BJP worker was shot dead in Nadia districts Chakdaha town on Friday night, with the saffron party alleging that TMC men were behind the incident. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday said that the killing might have been a result of infighting within the BJP. Another BJP worker was shot dead in the Bhatpara area of West Bengals North 24 Parganas district on Sunday night. Clashes have also been reported from Bhatpara and Kakinada areas under the Barrackpore Lok Sabha seat, where BJPs Arjun Singh defeated Dinesh Trivedi of the TMC. The TMC alleged that its party offices have been taken over by Arjun Singhs men in Kakinda area. Police said forces have been deployed to control the situation. The BJP staged a stunning performance in West Bengal in the general election, winning 18 Lok Sabha seats against 22 of the TMC. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) A dedicated unit dealing with forced marriages in which at least one spouse is a British citizen has reported an increase in the number of cases linked to India during 2018: 110, compared to 82 in 2017. The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) of the Home and Foreign Office said it dealt with the most cases linked to Pakistan in 2018: 769, followed by Bangladesh (157) and India (110). Overall, 1,764 cases were reported to it. The proportion of cases linked to India in 2018 was similar to previous years. There was a higher proportion of older victims as well as male victims compared to other focus countries. This is most likely due to the fact that many of these cases involved reluctant sponsors, FMU said. Almost 30% of cases were linked to London. There were cases linked to 13 of the 32 London boroughs, it added. Forced marriage when one or both spouses do not consent to marriage is not a problem specific to one country or culture. Since 2011, FMU has handled cases relating to over 110 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America. Cases involving forced marriages often involve immigration issues, in which one potential spouse is a UK citizen and the other is a foreign citizen. The cases also include individuals being taken abroad on the pretext of a holiday and then forced to marry. A forced marriage may feature coercion, including emotional force, physical force or the threat of it, and financial pressure. In an arranged marriage, both parties have consented to the union but can still refuse to marry if they choose to, the FMU said. The units latest analysis does not provide a breakdown of cases by religion, but adds that no major faith in the UK advocates forced marriage and that freely given consent is a prerequisite of Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh marriages. The FMU was established in 2005 to lead on the UK governments forced marriage policy, outreach and casework. The unit operates both inside the UK, where support is provided to any individual, and overseas, where consular assistance is provided to British nationals, including dual nationals. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury took responsibility for his partys debacle in the Lok Sabha election at the two-day-long politburo meeting that concluded on Monday, sparking speculation that he may offer to resign from the top post. The partys highest executive bodythe Central Committee (CC)will meet from June 7 to 9 amid speculation that heads will roll, especially in West Bengal where the party did not win a single seat for the first time. As the first among equals, as the general secretary of the party, I take all the responsibility for the partys performance, Yechury said. While he didnt confirm if he had offered to resign, insiders said it is rare for a general secretary to take the blame for the partys defeat, as the CPI (M) believes in collective leadership. Yechury, keen to stitch a seat adjustment between the Congress and the Left in Bengal, faced veiled criticism from the partys powerful Kerala lobby. According to a politburo member, the Kerala units initial assessment was that while the partys entire focus was against the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the state,Kerala voters were confused when some party leaders said that the Left was ready to support a Congress-led government at the Centre. The Kerala state secretariat also admitted that the Left governments stand on the Sabarimala issue also cost them the votes. In its report, the Kerala unit maintained that many of its traditional voters from the Hindu community were misled by the right-wing propaganda over Sabarimala. A senior CPI (M) leader, however, said that it couldnt have done anything else as it was not possible for a state government to disobey the Supreme Court order. In September 2018, the top court overturned the temples convention of disallowing women from the ages of 10 to 50 from entering the shrine. The ruling Left Democratic Front had said that they would ensure that the courts order was enacted. The party also came to the conclusion that in Bengal, a large section of its supporters shifted to the BJP. Many of our cadres were forced to go into hiding. Their families had no other choice but to vote to the BJP as the main anti-Trinamool force, said another leader. Party seniors indicated that there is an urgent need to infuse fresh blood in the organisation and at the state level. There are also talks that Yechury had offered to resign but the politburo has rejected it. CPI (M) insiders feel that if Yechury has to step down then the top leadership of the West Bengal unit and Kerala CM Pinari Vijayan too, would have to quit. The least that can be expected is for the CPI(M) general secretary and the West Bengal leadership to step down immediately, taking responsibility for the total failure of their political line and organisational performance... A failed leadership which is hell bent on preserving their positions within the party through any means, will only stifle honest and self-critical discussions, said economist Prasenjit Bose. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court on Friday refused to grant any relief to SP-BSP candidate from Uttar Pradeshs Ghosi Lok Sabha constituency, Atul Rai, who is on the run in an alleged rape case. Rai had moved the apex court on Tuesday seeking protection from arrest till the end of the general election on May 23. The court had agreed to hear his plea on Friday. However, on Friday a Vacation Bench comprising Justices Indira Banerjee and Sanjiv Khanna adjourned the plea to another date. Rai is reportedly absconding after an FIR was registered against him in a police station in Varanasi by a college student on May 1. The victim had alleged that Rai sexually assaulted her. Ghosi parliamentary constituency is located in Mau district in eastern Uttar Pradesh and is scheduled to go to polls on Sunday in the final phase. The portal for admissions to first-year junior colleges (FYJC) https://mumbai.11thadmission.net will open today to fill part one of the applications. The deadline will be put up on the website on Monday. This year, there are 849 colleges in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). While part one can be filled before the results, part two (option form), which consists of college preferences, can be filled only once the SSC results are out. For part two, students need to fill in their marks, and can select up to 10 colleges. For part one, students can approach their schools or take help from the nearest guidance centres. In part two, they can apply to colleges in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), said Bhaskarrao Babar, assistant director of education, Mumbai region. Officials at the education department said students should pick colleges after a realistic assessment of the cut-off marks and other factors, including distance from their house, subjects offered, etc. Many students often fill the application form in a hurry and dont think the college preferences through. If they dont get their first preferred college, they are often stuck with the one they did not want, but had still filled in. Students should put names of colleges where they really want a seat, said an official. Continuing with the rule from the past two years, students who get a seat in the college they mentioned as their first preference will have to take admission there. In a first, students who get into ITIs and other courses can opt out of the admission process by clicking on the withdraw application option at any point. The state education department is likely to release a matrix of the available seats on Monday. Thought you can break traffic rules on the highway and get away without getting your licence suspended for three months by providing a photocopy? The state highway traffic police have got that loophole covered. The transport commissioner, in a recent order, asked all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to suspend even photocopies or scanned copies of licences , to boost their drive to reduce accidents on national highways, which started last November. This, however, has given rise to another problem. As the drivers will still have the original document and the suspension details can be found only when the traffic police check their online records, the violators could still misuse it. Transport commissioner Shekhar Chenne said so far original licences were required for suspension, but now they can even act on a photocopy or scanned copy, in case there is no possibility of obtaining the original licence. According to official statistics, of the 2,44,883 cases, only 28,809 licences have been sent for suspension. Records of suspension of licences will be visible on the system, said Chenne. On asking how the police will ensure the driver does not misuse his original licence, Vijay Patil, superintendent of police (highway safety), said if the drivers licence is suspended using a photocopy and he is caught a second time with the original licence, it will be sent for revocation. As part of its special drive, the police, in collaboration with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), surveyed the highways, identifying black spots (accident-prone spots) after the Supreme Court appointed a committee under a retired judge to make highways safer and reducing accidents and deaths by 10%. A special panel was set up in 2014 by the Supreme Court to monitor and measure the implementation of road-safety laws in the country. It had said drivers guilty of jumping signals, talking on mobile phones, and violating helmet, seatbelt laws, among other offences, should have their licences suspended. The rule has already been implemented in Delhi and Goa. Traffic police said it began cracking down against violations such as speeding, using mobile phone while driving, jumping signals, drink driving and carrying passengers in goods vehicles, overloading, which were the major causes of accidents. Patil said licences are confiscated under Section 19 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, read with Rule 21 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, disqualifying the offender from holding a licence for a specified period. After the committee filed the report, every traffic police branch was instructed to forward maximum licences for suspension, which led to the recent order. Patil said the number of licences sent for suspension was low as many drivers do not carry their original driving licences. The RTO demands original licences for suspension, said Patil. According to officials, another problem is that on many occasions, the drivers are from different states and their licences have to be sent to their RTOs, which makes it difficult based on the rules of that place. Panic prevailed at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, after incarcerated Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad suddenly complained of restlessness and suffocation on Sunday morning. Prasads condition had been erratic for the past couple of days, and it deteriorated after the air-conditioning of his room shut down around 5am because of a power cut. The RJD veteran, being treated for multiple ailments, woke up feeling restless. His attendant called Dr DK Jha, who is attending to him at RIMS, from the cell phone of a nurse. Hospital sources said that Jha reached the hospital at 6am, had Prasad taken to a well-ventilated place, and examined him thoroughly. The RJD chief was taken back the ward after power supply was restored. RIMS superintendent Vivek Kashyap said that the power supply to RIMS was cut off by the power utility for changing the high-tension wire of the grid connected to the hospital. The generator meant for [Prasads] ward was not working due to some technical fault in its battery. The battery has been sent for repair, said Kashayap, adding that alternative arrangement of power supply was made from the emergency section of the RIMS. Earlier, Prasads wife and former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi had expressed fear that the RJD chief might be poisoned at RIMS at the behest of the BJP leaders in Jharkhand. His son and opposition leader in the Bihar assembly Tejashwi Prasad Yadav had also alleged that Prasad was being treated worse than the prisoners of war in Pakistan. Poll debacle takes its toll on Lalu Prasad has reportedly been under stress after the Lok Sabha results were declared on May 23, said doctors at RIMS. The daily routine of the former Bihar chief minister is in disarray. He is getting up late, skipping meals and not taking medicines as per schedule, doctors said. Dr Umesh Prasad, one of the physicians, said that the RJD supremo was counselled on Saturday night. Since Thursday, Lalu Prasad has not had his meals properly. He took breakfast reluctantly, and did not have food till dinner. During counselling, we told him that such a routine could aggravate his existing health ailments. Following this, he had lunch as per the schedule on Sunday, said the doctor. He said that it appeared the RJD leader was suffering from anxiety and was under mental strain. However, doctors had no political discussions with him. Doctors are not concerned with his political ambitions; their role is to ensure that any patient admitted to the hospital adheres to the treatment chart and schedule, said Dr Prasad. The RJD leader is suffering from a dozen health ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver, chronic kidney failure (stage 3), prostate, hyperuricemia, kidney stone, and perennial infection. He had undergone heart valve replacement surgery at Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai, in 2018. In September 2018, doctors had also diagnosed him with mild depression. Because of age and health-related ailments, Prasad has suffered from festering boils (folliculitis) in his leg on at least six occasions in the past few months. According to sources in RIMS, the RJD chief had woken up early last Thursday before the announcement of polls results. However, he switched off the TV by 1pm and went to sleep, after early results showed that the party had failed to win any seat in Bihar. Before the elections, a host of political personalities, including Shatrughan Sinha, senior Congress leader Tariq Anwar, Hindustani Awami Morcha (Secular) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi, and NCP general secretary DP Tripathi, had met the RJD chief. While Prasads daughter Misa Bharti visited him last Tuesday, not a single political bigwig met him after declaration of results. On Saturday, RJD state president Abhay Singh, along with Pirpainti legislator Ram Vilas Yadav, had met the party chief. Journalist Nalin Varma, who has co-authored his biography Gopalgunj to Raisina, also met him. Meanwhile, RJD party workers said that the party was looking forward to the assembly elections, scheduled later this year, under the leadership of Prasad. It is inevitable that our leader will be perturbed due to the results. RJD is a like a family, and he (Lalu Prasad) is our father figure The setback is temporary. We will learn from our mistakes, said Kailash Yadav, RJD general secretary The United States is not seeking regime change in Iran, President Donald Trump said Monday, as tensions between the two countries rise with Washington deploying troops to the region. I know so many people from Iran, these are great people, it has a chance to be a great country, with the same leadership, Trump said at a press conference in Tokyo where he is on a state visit. Were not looking for regime change, I just want to make that clear. Were looking for no nuclear weapons. Im not looking to hurt Iran at all, added Trump. The United States on Friday said it was deploying 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East to counter credible threats from Tehran, the latest step in a series of military escalations. Tensions have been rising between Washington and Tehran since Trumps decision last year to withdraw from an international nuclear deal with Iran and reimpose sanctions on the oil producer. The US president reiterated Monday his criticism of that horrible Iran deal but said he was open to new negotiations. I think well make a deal, he said at the press conference alongside Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Hours earlier, Trump had insisted: I do believe that Iran would like to talk, and if theyd like to talk, wed like to talk also. Trump sounded a similarly conciliatory tone on North Korea, a key topic of his discussions in Japan, which views Pyongyang as a major threat. The US leader, who has had two rounds of talks with North Koreas Kim Jong Un, described him as a very smart man who knew he needed to denuclearise. He knows that with nuclear... only bad can happen. He is a very smart man, he gets it well, said Trump, who repeated that North Korea has tremendous economic potential. And he once again dismissed missile launches earlier this month by Pyongyang that National Security Advisor John Bolton has said were a violation of UN resolutions. My people think it could have been a violation... I view it as a man who perhaps wants to get attention, Trump said. Abe reiterated his willingness to meet with Kim himself, in particular to raise the issue of Japanese citizens kidnapped by Pyongyang, and said Trump backed his push to hold direct talks. In addition to North Korea, Trump and Abe have been focused on trade, with Washington and Tokyo locked in negotiations to reduce what the US president calls an unbelievably large trade imbalance. Trump has said a final deal will not come until after Japans upper house elections in July, but said he expected an agreement that would benefit both of our economies. He also said that Japan has just announced its intent to purchase 105 brand new F35 stealth aircraft. This purchase would give Japan the largest F35 fleet of any US ally, Trump added. The US president said he there was a very good chance of clinching a trade deal with China, despite recent retaliatory measures between the worlds top economies. I think sometime in the future, China and the US will have a great trade deal and we look forward to that, Trump said. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) Visitors look at stuffed toys at the booth of Ty Inc. during the 116th Annual North American International Toy Fair at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, the United States, on Feb. 19, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua] Kevin Cheung, vice president of a New York-based clothing firm, recently twisted his ankle and is steadily recovering from an intense burning sensation on it. Yet there are no signs of easing of the "slow burn" that his company, Lisa International, has suffered since the United States initiated tariff disputes with China last March. As Washington increased additional tariffs on 200 billion U.S. dollars' worth of Chinese imports from 10 percent to 25 percent earlier in May and threatened to raise tariffs on more Chinese imports, this worsening trade row between the world's two largest economies has prolonged market uncertainty. "Clothing tariff is still not in place yet, but we assume it will be here soon. This is a bigger concern to me," Cheung told Xinhua in a recent interview. Catastrophic impact Cheung's concern was shared by a growing number of U.S. industry leaders who warned the White House of the "catastrophic" impact of such trade disputes on Americans with rising costs and dwindling profits. "This latest escalation means the trade war will only get worse and hit home for every American," said a statement released on May 13 by the Tariffs Hurt the Heartland campaign, which comprises over 150 U.S. trade organizations. Tariffs are taxes paid by American businesses and consumers, and they force American consumers to pay more for clothes, shoes, toys, electronics and even food while making it more difficult for U.S. exporters to compete, it said. "The trade war has gone on for far too long, and the costs have grown far too high. The patience of farmers, manufacturers, businesses and consumers is wearing thin, " it said. Grant Kimberley, a sixth-generation soybean farmer and marketing director of the Iowa Soybean Association, said he and his peers hope some quick and positive changes could be made. U.S. soybean exports to China have been down 89 percent over the past year, and about half of the supplies that would normally have gone to China have now gone somewhere else, with farmers "still at a deficit for net total exports," Kimberley told Xinhua. "It's likely the trade dispute could be a long-term reality," he said. "With prices going lower and soybean supplies growing, and with only modest hope that a resolution is near, we're likely to be mired in this scenario for some time." "For some farmers, the crop they're currently planting may be their last," he said. Washington's tariff hikes will also hit the U.S. toy industry hard given "how heavily we rely on China for toy manufacturing and how thin the profit margins already are," said Rebecca Mond, vice president of federal government affairs at the Toy Association, a 950-plus-membered industry group. The UN plans to partner with Chinese tech giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. to use artificial intelligence to boost urban planning, an official said on Sunday. Marco Kamiya, head of urban economy and finance branch of the UN-Habitat, said that the initiative will begin in China later this year. "Once the use of artificial intelligence in urban planning has been consolidated in China, it then will be rolled out to the rest of the world," Kamiya said during the Business Leaders Dialogue ahead of the First Session of the UN-Habitat Assembly. The first UN Habitat Assembly, which will kick off on Monday, will bring together over 3,000 delegates from the UN members states to promote the sustainability cities. Kamiya noted that the partnership with Alibaba will also include a collaboration with China Academy of Urban Planning and Design which is part of China's Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development. Kamiya observed that the artificial intelligent project will also be rolled out to African cities to enable them to manage their rapidly growing urban centers. According to the UN-Habitat official, artificial intelligence could be used to assist cities to ensure that both motorized and non-motorized transport are sustainable and do not contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases. Kamiya observed that through the use of modern technology, urban centers can improve the quality of life of its residents. "All urban activities ranging from street lights to pedestrian walk ways can benefit from artificial intelligence," he added. Pipeline 27 May 2019 Good Shepherd Pavilion LLC, recently announced boutique hospitality de sign firm IIG as the company that will design The Shepherd Hotel, a hotel set to open to the public in late 2020. Located in downtown Clemson and within view of Clemson University, the hotel will provide an opportunity to employ a large percentage of its workforce to those with learning and intellectual disabilities. The design of the hotel will reflect The Shepherd Hotel mission to inspire and welcome all guests. The idea for the hotel originated with co-founder Rick Hayduk, a seasoned luxury hotel leader. His daughter Jamison, who has Down syndrome, inspired him to operate a hotel whose primary service providers are individuals with disabilities. Encouraged by his oldest daughter, Vaughn, a Clemson University alumnus, Hayduk partnered with the ClemsonLIFE (Learning Is for Everyone) program to develop the hotel. To bring the project to fruition, Hayduk partnered with Rich Davies, a real estate developer and now co-founder of The Shepherd Hotel. Many, but not all, of the hotel's employees will be students or graduates of the ClemsonLIFE program. The hotel will provide the students with practical hospitality training to fulfill their requirements for a Certificate of Hospitality from the university. The goal is that after employment at the hotel, students will have a greater opportunity to find gainful employment. The Shepherd Hotel team is hopeful that the hotel will provide a positive experience both for employees and guests. The goal is for guests to leave feeling inspired. A rooftop event space that can hold up to 150 people. This space will be available to rent and is th e first of its kind in downtown Clemson. A bar with a terrace on the third floor A ground-floor restaurant Press Release 27 May 2019 As Americans prepare to kick off the summer travel season, (and 2020 presidential candidates intensify their travel to early primary states) we are seeing interesting data that speaks to how the Airbnb community of hosts and guests continues to grow and diversify across the country and around the world. Advertisements Airbnb's mission is to create a world where anyone can belong anywhere. To advance our mission, we are focused on reimagining travel by building an end-to-end travel platform that combines where you stay, what you do, and how you get there, all in one place. To achieve this goal, we are investing in creating new businesses that will power our growth over the long-term. As the global travel and tourism industry continues to grow faster than GDP (3.9% in 2018), Airbnb is succeeding because: Our platform is fueled by hosts and guests who are loyal to Airbnb because we treat them like members of a community, not commodities. We have an unrivaled brand. Our community has created a truly global network. Guests who are seeking unique listings and experiences around the world find what they want at Airbnb. That demand generates greater opportunities for even more hosts. Many of the communities where Airbnb is adding listings do not have traditional accommodation options. For example, in Catalonia there are almost 120 communities that do not have a hotel, and we have worked to grow our community of hosts in places like these. Our community offers unique, high-quality accommodations and experiences that have created a new way to travel that did not exist before and cannot be found anywhere else. Adding More Than 1 Million Listings Today, we are releasing new data regarding the growth of our global community: Between July 1, 2018 and May 15, 2019, Airbnb added more than 1 million listings, and there are more than 6 million Airbnb listings around the world. For comparison, Marriott added 46,101 new rooms between July 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019*, bringing their total to 1.33 million rooms. Airbnb listings are available in 100,000 cities around the world. Airbnb listings are not concentrated in any one market. Less than 3% of all active listings are in New York City, London, and Paris. Five years ago, over 10% of all active listings were in those three markets. No one city accounts for more than 1% of our listings worldwide. Airbnb offers millions of listings that cannot be booked anywhere else, including unique and memorable places to stay. As of May 15, 2019, there are over 18,000 tiny houses listed on Airbnb, over 4,700 castles, and over 2,600 tree houses. Summer Travel Trends Our data has also offered new insights regarding destinations that are increasingly popular with summer travelers. Below are some of the top trending destinations Airbnb guests are heading to this summer based on percentage growth in bookings over the same time last year** : For more information on summer travel trends, please click here. Presidential Planning Purposes If you are an activist, advocate or member of the media who covers politics and public policy, you may soon find yourself in one of the four key states that set the tone for American presidential politics. If your travels take you to New Hampshire, Iowa, South Carolina or Nevada, you will be in the company of hundreds of thousands of Airbnb hosts and guests. According to our data, these four states are home to more than 360,000 Airbnb hosts and guests: (State // Number of Airbnb Hosts and Guests***) Iowa : 69,600 New Hampshire : 55,700 Nevada : 102,900 South Carolina : 133,000 * Latest date for which data is available. ** Based on internal Airbnb data for year-over-year growth for bookings made for June 1 - September 2, 2019 compared to the same booking period in 2018. *** Based on internal Airbnb data for host accounts with an active listing as of May 1, 2019 and guest accounts that booked an Airbnb listing from May 1, 2018 through May 1, 2019. Opinion Article 27 May 2019 Entrepreneurship is en vogue! Not a day passes by without reading or hearing about how entrepreneurship supports most European countries' GDP growth, the groundbreaking innovations that entrepreneurial ventures bring about, or the importance of getting more young people excited about launching their own startup. Advertisements Here at the Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne (EHL), our elective on developing entrepreneurial projects accounts for the most popular course in the final year of study. By the time students finish the course, the comment most often made is: "Why did we not have this course much earlier? There were so many ideas I already had in my first year of study!" Fact is, although these statements echo the entrepreneurial drive that resides within many young students, it also clearly pinpoints the lack of existing infrastructure available to help them. Yet, this does not mean that students need to miss out. In fact, from where I stand as a faculty of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, students have it in their hands to generate an entrepreneurial environment in any institution. The best example is our own Club des Entrepreneurs (CDE), which is a self-organized student body that has made it their mission to not only garner their own entrepreneurial interests, but provide a point of contact for any student who may have a potential idea to develop. The CDE and comparable collective actions are generally referred to as grassroots initiatives. Grassroots initiatives are collectively self-organized actions through a bottom-up rather than top-down approach, with the aim of encouraging a community with similar interests to take responsibility and initiative to drive a goal. This kind of movement relies on individuals who are willing to drive the change that they are concerned about from the ground-up. Hence, the reason we also refer to these initiatives at grassroots is linked to the fact that it tackles the problem where it is felt - at the root. I had the opportunity to speak with Mark-Oliver Wiesner, the head of the Club des Entrepreneurs, to understand where he sees the club's place in the overall lifecycle of a student's entrepreneurial development. He was kind enough to provide us with three important takeaways on why grassroots programs are needed and how the CDE helps students in developing their entrepreneurial ideas into potential startups. 1. Democratizing knowledge One of the biggest roadblocks entrepreneurs' face in the early stages of launching their business - which is not only true for young entrepreneurs - is knowing where to find reliable information. Generally, here many student entrepreneurs face one of two options: either acknowledged institutions like incubators, which have highly competitive access requirements and are hence limited, or companies that make a business of supporting entrepreneurs and often turn out to be expensive. Here is where grassroots programs like the CDE can be tapped into by leveraging the context they operate in. It is not about replacing courses in the curriculum of a school or competing with actors in the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem. It's about giving students of the community a first point of contact to not lose the momentum in a chase for information that may either be expensive or unreliable. Concretely speaking, the CDE taps into the resources that the Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne has to provide, whether this is by encouraging faculty to offer free-of-charge sessions, access to the local innovation hub or granting financial support from the school to organize initiatives for the student body. As Mark-Oliver pointed out: 'You cannot teach someone to have creative ideas - that is born out of the moment or circumstances, but you can teach execution.' Here the club makes the sometimes hard to reach insights accessible - free of charge and reliable! 2. Hands-on opportunities The second point Mark-Oliver pointed to was the importance of providing opportunities. Every venture must start with the first action one takes. Yet, often enough student entrepreneurs don't even know what that first step needs to be. Here grassroots programs can provide a broad and wide ranging portfolio of activities that speak to the different needs of their community. On the formal side, a great opportunity are talks with entrepreneurs that explain how they tackled the initial steps in their entrepreneurial career. Not only do these encounters break some of the myths residing around entrepreneurship, but they showcase that it's ok not to have all the answers. 'Entrepreneurship is about creativity and giving people the chance to create.' While talks and exposure to entrepreneurs are an important tool to allow for vicarious learning from the mistakes that every entrepreneur ultimately makes, it is equally about taking concrete action for the CDE. After all there is a famous saying about learning: "Make me hear and I will forget. Make me see and I will remember. Make me do and I will understand!" To that point the CDE provides more informal initiatives that range from competitions on food waste reduction to blockchain seminars. Regardless of the focus an initiative takes, the mission is direct engagement with the matter. For instance, in line with the Sustainability Week held at the Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne in early May, the CDE set out a competition on how to reduce waste in the area of finger food, allowing the winning initiative the opportunity to be implemented on campus. In sum, the CDE sees itself as planting seeds that will then be grown by the community. After all, as Mark-Oliver points out: "Entrepreneurship is about creativity and giving people the chance to create"! 3. Connecting the dots It may sound like a cliche, but one cannot go about it alone. Grassroots initiatives are centrally there to build a community and network that collectively work with each other. Particularly while still in university environments, student entrepreneurs feel a vacuum between their university life and their ability to transfer over to the entrepreneurial scene. Here early connections are forged while still in their studies, student entrepreneurs can access the wider ecosystem, allowing for a smooth transition rather than a cold start after graduating. For instance, the CDE forges connections with EHL alumni as well as the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem of the canton Vaud and beyond. Once a year they also organize the business angel's dinner that grants up to three projects the opportunity to pitch for financial support. This access is not only crucial for the resource access, but the community building that naturally occurs. After all, the CDE is formed of students, who themselves cannot be a center of competence on all accounts - but if they are not - they are sure to find you the right contact. What can we take away from this interview? Grassroots programs are central to fill a void in the lifecycle of a student entrepreneur. For those organizing entrepreneurial grassroots initiatives it also grants the first opportunity to follow through on their entrepreneurial ambition, while generating positive externalities. This further allows for the support of those that may otherwise see their ideas die without access to crucial resources and the right network when they need it the most. After all, entrepreneurship is only 1% about the idea, 99% is execution! Opinion Article 27 May 2019 This Hotel Yearbook 2020 China Special Edition - was produced for HFTP, coinciding with CHTA Connecting Travellers Conference - 2019 which took place from May 28-30 in Shanghai Marriott Hotel Parkview. 100+ innovative companies, nearly 2000 attendees from China local and global well-known hotel management groups, capitalists (owners & ventures), airlines, OTAs, scenic spots and etc. are expected to be here. And more than 100 Chinese and Western C level cross-border top leadership will get together to share their most innovative thoughts. Property Offers Prime Access to North Beach Area Construction has begun on the Cambria Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach, franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) and developed by Hotel Motel Inc. The hotel will be within short walking distance to public North Beach access when it opens in 2020. This is Cambria Hotels' second hotel in the city, joining the Cambria Hotel Fort Lauderdale Airport South & Cruise Port. The 104-room Cambria Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach, which will be located at 2231 N Ocean Blvd., will offer ocean views and convenient access to The Strip, the city's popular waterfront promenade with dining and retail options. The hotel will also be located a short drive from the Broward County Convention Center; Port Everglades, one of the world's busiest cruise terminals; and several corporate headquarters, including DHL Solutions America, SATO Global Solutions, and Spirit Airlines. "The Cambria Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach will allow guests to take advantage of everything that makes the city a bustling destination year-round," said Janis Cannon, senior vice president, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. "With more than 10 million leisure and business travel visitors annually, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect market to welcome a second Cambria hotel, our sought-after upscale brand." The Cambria Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach will feature upscale amenities that appeal to modern travelers, including: A pool with oceanfront views Contemporary and sophisticated guestrooms, complete with modern fixtures, abundant lighting, and plush bedding Immersive, spa-style bathrooms with Bluetooth mirrors Onsite dining featuring freshly prepared food, local craft beer on tap, wine, and specialty cocktails Multi-function meeting space State-of-the-art fitness center Locally inspired design The hotel is being developed by Hotel Motel Inc. which is owned by Jai Motwani, an experienced developer with several hotels in southern Florida. "Choice Hotels has been a phenomenal collaborator from the moment we first signed our franchise agreement," said Motwani. "The Cambria Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach will be perfect for travelers searching for a unique, upscale experience. We can't wait to provide our guests with a memorable hotel stay." There are more than 40 Cambria hotels open across the U.S. in popular cities, like Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, New Orleans, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. The Cambia brand will enter more prime markets this year, including Anaheim and Napa, Calif.; Boston; and Houston. Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hotel News Resource Drake's essentially become an unofficial benchwarmer for the Toronto Raptors. Throughout the Eastern Conference, he was seen courtside at all the Raptors home games, cartoonishly cheering for his team and chirping the opps. Needless to say, he's lived up to his title as the team's Global Ambassador. With a few days until the finals kick off, Drake flew out to the Bahamas on his newly purchased, "Air Drake." Rappers constantly brag about flying private but Drake is among the few who actually owns his own private jet. According to TMZ, the rapper's "Air Drake" PJ was seen at the landing zone in the Bahamas this past Sunday, posted next to a smaller Delta brand plane. Drizzy's new jet isn't just a typical G4, it's a 767-300F Boeing plane which typically cost hundreds of millions of dollars. This type of PJ is around $185M to $220M. Drake previously gave fans a little tour of the OVO plane on his Instagram page earlier this month which looks as luxurious as you'd expect. With Drizzy continuously building his business resume, maybe an OVO airline is the next thing he has up his sleeves. With the finals coming this Thursday, 90s group Smash Mouth, best known for their cover of The Monkees' "I'm A Believer," called out Drake this weekend, warning him to relax while he sits courtside in Oakland. "When the ball is in-play sit the FCK down! That aint gonna fly in Oakland! #GlorifiedMascot," they tweeted at Drake. Drake's yet to respond but given how petty he's been in the last week, it wouldn't be surprising if he does clap back. During Jim Jones' recent appearance on Full Size Run, the Dipset Capo pushed his weight around mightily. On the topic of Supreme, Jim Jones contends that he and Juelz Santana likely made the streetwear brand a cool billion off the back of that iconic Dipset t-shirt that reportedly earned them a meager payment $14,000 each, without any residual privileges written into their agreement. Just the one day of shooting. Incidentally, that didn't stop the Dipset rappers from participating in future product launches with the brand. In 2017, Juelz was the poster child for the Timberland x Supreme launch of a 6-Inch Premium Waterproof Boot. Interestingly enough, Jim Jones was asked to comment on the emergence of the Nike Boot, which he unsurprisingly credited to Harlem and its fashion-oriented epicenter of 125th and beyond. "This is going to be very controversial, but the Nike boots with the Air bubble at the bottom, they started in Harlem. All facts," Jones told the three hosts. Noted sneakerhead Wale was then brought up in passing seeing that his interest in "Nike Boots" manifested into an actual song. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx3TEamlxf0 Jim Jones was having none of it. He then proceeded to critique Wale's "boo boo" sneaker choice, with little regard for decorum, yet no ill-will whatsoever. Jim Jones is simply a Harlem essentialist: brash, confident, and unafraid to speak his mind. It wouldn't take long for Wale to clap back with a video repost titled:"Jim Jones wellin like shyt.. yes WELLIN." Jim Jones would eventually provide receipts for his claims, but only after Wale doubled in firepower with an adjacent Insta post. Harlem and Washington, DC, will continue to do battle over sartorial supremacy, until the cows some sauntering home. https://twitter.com/_/status/1131693174320181253 https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx2evdmhGMF [Via] Q: Last year, I received a Notice of Forced Collections regarding property in Gonzales, Texas, that my siblings and I thought we owned. We borrowed from a bank to pay the property taxes of more than $8,000. In December, I discovered from a surveyor that we dont actually own the property. We tried to get our money back, but the review board at the Gonzales tax office only refunded about $1,500. We are all over 70 years old, on fixed incomes, and need our money back to repay the loan. What can we do? A: You can appeal the review boards decision. It may be possible to appeal through binding arbitration, or if that option is not available, then you can sue in district court. Of course, hiring a lawyer and filing a law suit to collect $6,500 is highly impractical, so it would seem that going the arbitration route would be your better option. The appraisal district can provide you with information regarding your rights to appeal as well as the steps that would be required. A possible option is to hire one of the many property tax consulting firms to help you try to get your money back. They are not law firms, but they are typically better at dealing with the appraisal districts than you could ever be on your own. Q: My 94-year old mother lives in an assisted living facility. All of her financial accounts are in a revocable trust or are payable on death to me. Her will leaves her property in three equal shares to me and my sisters. I plan to honor my mothers wishes and divide her estate three ways. Will there be a need for probate? Will there be any tax consequence for my two sisters since I will be giving them money I will have inherited? A: If you survive your mother, and you receive all of her assets upon her death, then there will be no need for probate. However, if you die before your mother, then some of her accounts will have no beneficiary, and that means probate would be required. If you ultimately do make the gifts to your sisters, there will be no gift tax consequences if the gifts are less than $15,000 (or $30,000 if you are married, as your spouse can join you in making the gifts). If the gifts exceed this amount, it is probably not going to cause any issues because you can still give away an additional $11.4 million (or $22.8 million if you are married) over your lifetime without having to pay gift taxes. The gifts your sisters receive from you are not considered to be taxable income for them. To be safe, you should consult with an accountant or attorney before making the gifts. One or more gift tax returns may be required following your gifts. The information in this column is intended to provide a general understanding of the law, not legal advice. Readers with legal problems, including those whose questions are addressed here, should consult attorneys for advice on their particular circumstances. Ronald Lipman of the Houston law firm Lipman & Associates is board-certified in estate planning and probate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Email questions to stateyourcase@lipmanpc.com. Smart environmentalists are up in arms over the imminent closure of the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant, where a partial meltdown in 1979 squelched an industry. Exelon Generation, the owner of the last operational reactor at the Pennsylvania facility, says it will not order new uranium fuel for the plant before a June 1 deadline. Anti-nuclear activists are rejoicing; theyve been trying to shutter the plant for 45 years. Jane Fondas movie The China Syndrome had terrified America in 1979 with fears of a meltdown when twelve days later a faulty valve caused an accident and a small release of radioactive gas. On HoustonChronicle.com: America needs a Green New Deal, just not the one proposed Unlike the movie, there was no irreparable damage. No one was killed and the preponderance of scientific evidence suggests the release had negligible health effects. Nevertheless, Three Mile Island became shorthand for nuclear disaster and remained so even after far worse accidents at Chernobyl in Ukraine and Fukushima in Japan. Opposition to nuclear power became a tenet of environmental activism. But in the face of climate change, nuclear power is looking pretty good. Nuclear generation releases no greenhouse gases, making it an excellent source of clean energy. The 98 operating reactors in the U.S. generate 20% of the countrys electricity, according to the World Nuclear Association. More importantly, nuclear plants generate 60% of the clean energy produced in the U.S. Unfortunately, nuclear is expensive, which is why plant owners are threatening to shut down half of the countrys nuclear power capacity. Current power plants, including the only new plant under construction in Georgia, cannot compete with cheap electricity from natural gas. Traditional nuclear plants generate enormous construction, security and clean-up costs, even though the fuel is relatively inexpensive. High costs are not a big deal in places like Georgia, where utilities force customers to pay whatever price is necessary to recoup them. But most of the country is moving to competitive pricing, like Texas, where generators compete to provide the cheapest possible electron. Half of the nations nuclear power capacity is losing money and could shut down, according to a financial analysis by Bloomberg New Energy Finance. But replacing that power with wind and solar energy would take 11 years, according to a new study from Third Way, a center-left think tank. Losing that much nuclear generation would incentivize coal and natural gas power plants and drive up greenhouse gas emissions. New York and Illinois have both passed laws to reward nuclear plants for generating emission-free electricity, keeping six reactors online. But the threat of losing other reactors is making smart environmentalists rethink their opposition to nuclear power. On HoustonChronicle.com: Nuclear energy needs to shake off links to coal Ideally, wed want nuclear reactors to generate zero-carbon power throughout a 60-year life span, or even longer if theyre able to continue operating safely, Third Way researchers concluded. The only way the U.S. and other wealthy countries can cut greenhouse gases and meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement is to keep every nuclear plant online and even build new ones. The challenge is building safer nuclear plants that cost less to build and decommission. Oregon-based NuScale is developing small, modular reactors that are built in a factory and delivered to a power plant site. The company created a joint venture this month with Virginia-based Enfission, which is developing a new nuclear fuel technology to improve the economics and safety of existing and new reactors. The world is also making progress on fusion reactors, which recreate the suns process of creating energy while producing no dangerous waste. Chinese researchers have set a record by maintaining the conditions for a fusion reaction in their Tokamak reactor for 100 seconds. Late last year they achieved a record temperature of 180 million degrees Fahrenheit. The Chinese research feeds into the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, the worlds largest fusion reactor under construction in France. The ITER reached a significant milestone this month when U.S.-based General Atomics completed the first stage of fabrication on the central solenoid, the heart of the project. While encouraging, small nuclear reactors are a decade away from generating commercial electricity, and fusion reactors will not start working before 2050. We need existing reactors in the meantime to keep powering our homes and businesses. President Donald Trump and Congress could make every nuclear power plant in the country profitable tomorrow if they passed a tax on carbon emissions. The tax would also incentivize more rsearch into new clean energy technologies and discourage coal. While wrong to oppose all nuclear power, environmentalists were right about one drawback of old-school plants. Though Three Mile Island will shut down in September, Exelon estimates the site will not be cool enough to disassemble until 2074. Tomlinson writes commentary about business, economics and policy. chris.tomlinson@chron.com twitter.com/cltomlinson You are here: China A total of 2,039 pieces of copyright infringing goods have been seized at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge customs house, according to Gongbei Customs District. Relevant right holders have confirmed in writing that these goods, including garments, shoes and watches, infringe on the trademark right of 21 brands, such as Christian Dior, CHANEL and PRADA. These goods have been detained for further investigation. In the first quarter this year, China seized infringing goods worth 41.05 million yuan (about 6 million U.S. dollars), involving 4,612 batches of imported and exported goods with 16.54 million items, according to the General Administration of Customs. The administration approved 2,714 applications for the protection of intellectual property rights in Q1, up 11.3 percent year on year. Houstonians do love their show tunes. Numbers dont lie. Between last September and this coming November alone, eight of the 14 musicals featured in the Houston Symphonys pops season finale, The Best of Broadway, will have been produced on a prominent local stage. That includes Gypsy, one of many such shows included in another season-closer, TUTS revival of Jerome Robbins Broadway. Broadway itself is still riding the post-Hamilton boom that has brought it closer to the center of American pop culture than it had been in decades. Happily, the tradition that has entertained, challenged, and comforted theatergoers from the Great Depression through our ongoing post-9/11 woes shows little sign of slowing down; much of the nations artistic conscience continues to reside here. This past weekends program culled nearly 75 years of memorable moments, a timeline spanning Cole Porters frothy overture to 1934s Anything Goes and You Will Be Found, the stirring rock ballad from 2006s Dear Evan Hansen. As great as the music from Broadways golden age was, though, the selections from latter-day musicals like Rent and Ragtime suffered little by comparison. The show opened with a flurry of overtures; besides Anything Goes, there was Jule Stynes jaunty, high-kicking Gypsy; Richard Rodgers island mysteries and grand waltzes of South Pacific, my seat neighbors humming right along with the orchestra; and the beckoning strains of Frederick Loewes My Fair Lady. Between them came the Houston Symphony Choruss first appearance: the sopranos and tenors brimming with Sooner optimism on the title song of Oklahoma! Acting as a well-versed and upbeat Broadway tour guide throughout the evening, principal pops conductor Steven Reineke noted that during Daniel Fishs just-opened reimagining of Rodgers and Hammersteins 1943 classic, cornbread and chili is served to the audience at intermission. No such luck here, but perhaps a seed of an idea has been sown for the future. TUTS 2019-20 season opener, A Chorus Line, was represented by the overtures jangled nerves and jazzy cockiness, suitable for a show that juxtaposes big dreams and harsh showbiz realities. The chorus took over for What I Did for Love, the melancholy pop ballad in which one dancer reckons with a career-ending injury; as the evenings first prolonged serious patch, it tempered tragedy with bravery and determination. For the West Side Story selections, Reineke chose the mambo from Leonard Bernsteins suite of symphonic dances adapted from the 1957 musical, its taunting tone punctuated by shouts of mambo! from the chorus and a concluding storm of tympani. Following was a sweeping arrangement of Tonight, a which became a broadly romantic climax as three or four vocal lines wove around one another. (FYI, its A.D. Players big summer musical, opening June 28.) The second half opened not with a show tune but of On Broadway, the 1963 pop-R&B standard that acknowledges the streets grittier side. Minus the words and driven by insistent drums and timbales, Reinekes arrangement became a multilayered showcase for the orchestras horns and some wild electric guitar. Its just fun to do, the conductor said. That raucous tone carried through a suite from Chicago, all wah-wah trumpets, saucy rhythms, and plunger-muted trombones. Audiences dont have to wait long for that bawdiness to return; the musical plays at Jones Hall June 4-9. The subsequent Sunday from Stephen Sondheims Sunday in the Park With George, marked the evenings most dramatic shift tonal shift from one number to the next. Wistful and moving, quite lovely throughout, the choruss swelling harmonies to grew from tentative and soft to majestic and triumphant the musical equivalent of breaking dawn. Following a pulsating version of the Cats dance number Jellicle Ball (kudos to the xylophonist), a touch of that same radiant warmth returned in Seasons of Love, from Rent, and You Will Be Found. A pair of songs from 1998s Ragtime, which just concluded its TUTS run, closed the second half: an instrumental arrangement of the panoramic title track, marked by staggering trumpets, Joplin-esque piano, and whistles aplenty; and Make Them Hear You, a stirring, hope-filled call for people to tell their own stories. It made an unorthodox but appropriate closer for a show like thisalmost. Let us not forget Reineke loves a good singalong. Here he chose for an encore Do Re Mi, from The Sound of Music after all, what better way for summer to start than with a ray of golden musical sunshine? Chris Gray is a Houston-based writer. When Dr. J.J. and Sandy Diaz walked into their newly finished home near Copano Bay earlier this month, it was the first time in months theyd been able to smile during a visit to Rockport, a coastal community devastated by Hurricane Harvey. They rode the elevator to the first floor of their home on stilts, and their builder and interior designer waiting outside could hear them giggle and scream with delight each time they entered a new room. The San Antonio couples vacation home was destroyed by the 2017 hurricane, which turned it into a pile of rubble. In fact, all they could salvage from it were a plant that had been on a porch they found it in the kitchen sink and a chubby, blinged-out mermaid statue pinned under a portion of the roof. This is not a party house, its a family house, said Sandy, 72, as she looked around the big open space on the main floor of the home in the Holiday Beach neighborhood. It includes a roomy kitchen, dining area, bar and a living room with a wide view of other homes plus plenty of still-empty lots. Thousands of people were left homeless by the storm a Category 4 hurricane when it hit Rockport and the city still is filled with homes and buildings under repair. Sandy and her husband, 89-year-old J.J., a longtime family physician in San Antonio, have been inseparable since 1996 and married since 2004. They bought their Rockport home in 2014 as a weekend place where they could relax, Sandy could fish and kayak and their children and grandchildren could visit. Rockport was a city Sandy already loved, having brought her daughter, Christy Stewart, here when she was growing up, the two fishing for hours at a time as often as they could. Sandy, a native of Cincinnati, moved to Texas when she was 27, a single mom who wanted to raise her daughter in a healthier environment. After the August 2017 storm, Sandy rushed to Rockport and could barely believe what she saw. She warned her husband how bad it was, but he wasnt prepared for the damage he saw all through the town, let alone to his own home. When theyd returned to their home, the retired doctor told his wife that he didnt want to go back until a new home was built. Through Stewart, a Houston resident and Clear Creek ISD physical education teacher, and daughter-in-law Claudia Friedman, they connected with one of Friedmans childhood friends, Houston interior designer Rainey Richardson of Rainey Richardson Interiors. She, in turn, brought in Victoria builder Tony Prokop of Prokop Custom Homes, whom shed worked with on homes in Port OConnor and Rockport. Richardson, whose interior design firm is based in her Off White Furniture showroom at the Houston Design Center, has been working on homes in Rockport and Port OConnor since 2015, when she worked on another home that was on the areas Parade of Homes. When visitors oohed and aahed over its furnishings, its owner sent them to Richardson, and every job there has led to more projects. What matters is food, family, friends and fishing. People dont dress up or wear makeup, Richardson said of the areas laid-back vibe. Its a very interesting lifestyle, a simpler lifestyle, and Ive learned a lot about that in the past few years. The Diazes made a trip to Rockport to sign a contract with the builder and designer, but aside from that turned over control to Richardson and Prokop. Thats not to say that Sandy Diaz abandoned Rockport completely. In the months after Harvey, she visited often, bringing food, medical packs, tools and even gifts. Around Christmastime, she found out that 40 teenagers were living with their families in tents and Santa might not make much of an appearance. She bought hoodie sweatshirts and makeup, and off she went for a holiday surprise. Before the storm, we knew the people next to us and across from us, and that was about it, Sandy said. I know so many people at Holiday Beach now. People are still helping each other; so many people still are supporting the community. For her new home, Sandy told Richardson what her favorite colors were and that she wanted the home to be low maintenance and less traditional than their primary home in San Antonios Hunters Creek neighborhood. The Diazes had decided to put that home on the market and shift to Rockport as their primary one. First, the new home had to be designed, built and furnished. Then it opened to visitors on the Crossroads Builders Association Parade of Homes this month, when hundreds of people walked through after it won five big awards: Best Craftsmanship, Best Floor Plan, Best Furnishings, Best Interior Design and Finishings and Best Kitchen. Richardson found fabric in a lively floral pattern with cool greens, blues and oranges. It ended up only in captains chairs in the dining room and decorative pillows on living-room sofas, but it set the color palette for the entire home. That meant ceramic tile that formed a starburst pattern brought a fresh touch to the nearby kitchen backsplash, and the island was painted a soft coastal blue. Barstool seats are covered in pretty blue upholstery, and extra seating comes in smaller bright-orange-painted metal stools tucked into corners. In the living room, a pair of white sofas are joined with blue swivel chairs a functional style Richardson said she uses on nearly every project and a showstopping coffee table made of concrete that looks like a slice from an acacia tree. The coastal setting is perfect for the side dining chairs finished in a ropelike weave and sturdy macrame-covered ottomans in the living room. Perhaps the most defining feature of the home is how low maintenance it is. The flooring is porcelain tile that looks like wood in a light gray-taupe that provides a soft neutral base for everything. That woodlike tone returns in a decorative wall in the dining room, covered with Stikwood peel-and-stick wood planking that looks like reclaimed wood. (Even though its peel-and-stick, Richardson had it nailed in because of the areas humid climate.) The kitchen counters are Silestone, so no cleanup worries, and the wrap-around porch is made of long-lasting Trex composite decking. To stand up to the sun and any stains, the furniture is made with high-performance fabrics. The fun corner of the main room is a bar, with a beverage refrigerator, a fancy coffeemaker, shuffleboard table and a couple of comfortable swivel chairs in front of a big TV. At the back entrance of the home is a mudroom and powder bathroom that have their own cute accents, one being an Airstream trailer door hung barn-door style in front of the bathroom. Original art is hung throughout the home, much of it painted by J.J., who has long dabbled in watercolor and oil painting. Other pieces are by Clementina Rivera, Erin Shaw and Olivia Moore. But fishing is Sandys favorite hobby, and a new fishing pole that her daughter gave her for Mothers Day gives her a fresh start now that shes back on the water. And she expects Stewart will join her once in a while. Im not going to have to call the girls and say, When are we going to see you? Sandy said. Theyre already getting their calendar out, giving me dates. My husband loves people and the stimulation of conversation with young people. Were not two old people sitting on the couch eating our little meals thinking about when were going to go to bed. In fact, the family has dubbed the home the Tipsy Turtle, and there is, of course, a funny story that goes along with it. Turtle Bay is right behind us, and we support turtle conservation, so thats the turtle part, said the good-natured Sandy as she described a party on their waterfront deck. One time we had a party and I had two margaritas Im really not much of a drinker and they were strong. Its a big joke in the family because Christy had just caught a stingray, and I fell into the water. I dont know how I climbed out of there but I did. Im the only one whos ever fallen over. diane.cowen@chron.com HONG KONG - Sitting on a bus in Boston, thousands of miles from her home in Hong Kong, college student Frances Hui crossed paths with an inquisitive fellow passenger. Where are you from? the passenger pressed. When she eventually replied "Hong Kong," the man started to get aggressive, Hui recounted. He insisted that she should define herself as "from China" - which was handed control of the former British colony in 1997. "He kept telling me, 'You are Chinese, you need to fix your identity,' " Hui, a junior at Emerson College, said in an interview. "I felt really insulted. Identity is really personal. It is my thing." Hui penned a column at Emerson's student paper, titled "I am from Hong Kong, not China." She opened with the line: "I am from a city owned by a country I don't belong to." It was soon followed by an intense and, at times, threatening backlash from mainland Chinese students at her college. The squabble was far from Hong Kong, but one that reflects wider questions playing out in the ex-colony over identity amid the rapid erosion of the territory's autonomy and promised "one country, two systems" relationship. Five years after massive street protests in Hong Kong over Beijing's controls, China has steadily tightened its grip over the territory and its young pro-democracy movement. Many now worry they are witnessing an accelerated end of Hong Kong's special status, including its political and business freedoms. And they wonder how to respond - raising the possibility of more protests. The terms of Britain's handover were meant to guarantee Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy, allowing the territory to keep its own political, judicial and economic systems until 2047. But Beijing's controls stepped up after the 2014 street protests, which saw hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets for months in one of the biggest acts of defiance against China's Communist Party in decades. Protesters hoped to extend democratic rights and end plans for China to vet candidates for the city's top job. In recent months, Hong Kong courts have charged and imprisoned the pro-democracy movement's leaders for up to 16 months despite the protests being overwhelmingly peaceful. An appeals court on Thursday ruled that 22-year-old Joshua Wong, one of the movement's symbols, will return to prison. Last year, a party that advocates for Hong Kong's independence was banned, and a senior Financial Times editor was expelled. No official explanation was given for the editor's expulsion, but he had hosted a talk with the founder of that independence party just weeks before at the Foreign Correspondents' Club. The Hong Kong government also is pushing through a bill that would make insulting the Chinese national anthem a criminal offense. All over Hong Kong, advertisements and posters market the "Greater Bay Area," a Beijing-driven plan that will draw the city closer to the mainland. Most controversially, the Hong Kong government is pushing for an extradition bill that would allow fugitives to be transferred from the enclave to any jurisdiction in the world, even without a formal agreement - effectively extending Beijing's powers into Hong Kong. Hong Kong's legislature descended into chaos on May 11 over the bill. Scuffles broke out between lawmakers, and one was taken to a hospital. A congressional commission in Washington said the extradition law, if it were to pass, "could create serious risks for U.S. national security and economic interests in the territory" and could violate a U.S.-Hong Kong act that allows Washington to treat the city as separate from China. "At the heart of every one of these projects and efforts is a political calculation on the part of Beijing, who is asking: What can we do to diminish Hong Kong as a place," said Jeffrey Ngo, a Hong Kong democracy activist and PhD candidate at Georgetown University. "It is really sad, but it has certainly motivated people to assert, even more strongly, the Hong Kong identity." Earlier this month in Washington, a congressional hearing was held on the future of Hong Kong's independence and how the U.S. government should respond. Live-streamed on YouTube, commenters flooded a chat box while the live video was streaming with comments such as "Hong Kong is not China" and "free Hong Kong." Against this backdrop, Hui's piece published in late April on the website of the Emerson College newspaper, the Berkley Beacon. It cited experiences of students like her from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tibet and other places that have struggled to assert themselves against China. A Taiwanese friend, she wrote, felt compelled to adopt a "Chinese" identity despite her love for Taiwan, too afraid to "fight over her identity" with her Chinese friends. Articles in the student paper usually get anywhere between 20 to 40 views. Hui's piece quickly went viral - attracting hundreds of comments and thousands of readers. "I got a lot of attention, which I really did not expect," Hui said. Students from Hong Kong, Taiwan and other places like Singapore reached out with messages of support and encouragement, she said. Among them was Natalie Law, a 22-year-old Hong Kong student at Boston University, who connected to Hui over Instagram. They have since become friends. "She can speak up for all of us, or maybe a majority of us [who are worried about Hong Kong]," Law said. The article started appearing all over Chinese forums including the messaging app WeChat, shared on Facebook and Instagram pages and distributed among students far from Boston. Chinese students started tagging her social media accounts, with comments like "shame on you" and "your parents should be ashamed of you." Someone in a WeChat group with over 200 Chinese students called her a "psycho," and another said they had seen her around campus and noticed she was "a short girl" who did not have any real power. "It made me feel really uncomfortable, like I was being monitored," she said. The most jarring comment came from a Chinese student at Emerson, who made Hui's personal Facebook posts public. In one post, he wrote a comment that translates to: "Whomever opposes my greatest China, no matter how far they are, must be executed." "I was panicking," she said. Hui has not been physically harmed in any way since her article's publication. Her experience, however, mirrors that of other Hong Kongers at overseas universities. Kacey Wong, a visual artist in Hong Kong, remembers pockets of protests at an exhibition he participated in last year at the University of Essex outside London. Works on display centered around Hong Kong's 2014 Umbrella Revolution - named for the umbrellas carried by many protesters - and showed photos of police hostility. "They said my exhibition was biased. They asked why we only showed students beaten up by the police officers and not the other way around," Wong said. "They created Facebook groups in protests. It seems like pretty standard procedure." Hui was a student activist when she was in Hong Kong, along with countless other young people who were inspired by leaders like Joshua Wong, who was only 17 at the time of the protests. "It was the moment of renaissance," Wong said. Yet, the pressure on Hong Kong and its quest for greater freedoms has only intensified. "It is like trying to fight the weather," Wong said. "What can you do? Maybe you can bring an umbrella or wear a raincoat, but you can't shout at the sky and tell it to stop raining." For two and half years, Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman has lived in solitary confinement-with nearly no ability to communicate with the outside world. Now, with Guzman allegedly showing symptoms of distress and sleep deprivation, his defense team had several requests for U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan earlier this month: two hours of outdoor exercise every week, the same food and drink as other inmates, permission to buy six bottles of water a week and earplugs. "This deprivation of sunlight and fresh air, over an excessive 27-month period, is causing psychological scarring," CNN reported the letter said. It called the conditions "cruel and unusual punishment" in violation of the Eighth Amendment. Federal prosecutors were not convinced. According to new court filings obtained by CNN, the government opposed all of the above and alleged the request was part of a ploy to escape from prison or silence cooperating witnesses. Jeffrey Lichtman, one of the lawyers on Guzman's defense team, called the prosecution's response, due Thursday, "literally hysterical." The high-profile prisoner has had no prison infractions since his arrest, he said, "yet now, by simply asking for some bottled water and some fresh air he is accused of plotting a daring prison escape despite zero supporting evidence." In February, federal prosecutors secured a conviction against the Sinaloa Cartel boss for running the drug trafficking enterprise. During the three-month trial, witnesses - including his former bodyguard - testified about horrific murders both ordered and carried out by Guzman. On one occasion, he allegedly shot the rival-cartel member and then buried the victim alive. Guzman, 61, faces multiple life sentences; he will be sentenced in federal court June 25. Until then, the government requested Guzman be held in restrictive detention. "I expect the Bureau of Prisons would be concerned about El Chapo's communication access; his phone calls, email access and letters are likely to be more closely monitored than the average prison there for federal drug possession," Deborah Golden, staff attorney at the Human Rights Defense Center, told The Washington Post in February. Indeed, Guzman's conviction led to widespread speculation he would be housed at ADX, the administrative super-maximum prison in Florence, Colorado. Guzman's requests are being scrutinized because he has broken out of prisons in the past. He escaped from two maximum-security Mexican prisons - in 2001 with the assistance of prison guards and in 2015 through a tunnel underneath the shower in his jail cell. "An escape via rooftop, using a helicopter, or any related means would be elementary by comparison," the prosecutor wrote in his response to the court. Adding to the government's concern is the unsuccessful, attempted jail break in 1981, where an inmate arranged a helicopter-escape from the recreation area of a Lower Manhattan prison. The defense has a week to reply. Guzman is not permitted to have unmonitored phone calls or receive mail, Lichtman said, and his attorneys are the only people he can communicate with. "Because an inmate once attempted to escape the MCC 30 years ago via helicopter, Joaquin Guzman is planning the same?" he quipped on Saturday. "Which one of his lawyers passed the message to his co-conspirators to plan this escape?" PRAHA - A few things have changed in this tiny Czech community since those Sunday mornings more than 70 years ago when nine young men, having finished their pre-dawn farm chores and with faces freshly scrubbed, straggled into St. Mary's Church of the Assumption, quickly bowed to the altar and took their seats on hard wooden pews. U.S. 90, a quarter-mile to the north of the church, might be a bit busier than when it was a country road in the early 1940s. (Of course, nearby Interstate 10 didn't exist.) The liturgy these days is in English rather than Latin, and last Sunday an altar server and liturgical minister were both young women. The priest assigned to St. Mary's, one of Fayette County's lovely, old "painted churches," is from Ghana, and as Father Gabriel Maison led about 50 worshippers through the 8 a.m. Mass, his lilting African-English intonation was in contrast to the Czech-accented English most parishioners still speak. Some things haven't changed in Praha, where many of the old Czech names that would have been familiar to the young men are still on the mailboxes. They would recognize the pasture land and rolling prairie, green this fall thanks to timely rains, as well as the centuries-old live oaks that still offer welcome shade. The quiet community of about 50 is a little smaller than it was 70 years ago, while the cemetery behind the church is larger. At the chain-link cemetery gate, a granite memorial erected in 1984 commemorates those nine young men, all of whom lost their lives within about a year of each other toward the end of World War II. Percentage-wise, few cities or towns in America suffered a greater loss. 'How young they were' "They were all farm boys," Bob Heinrich reminded me on a brilliant, blue-sky morning last week. Heinrich, a Vietnam War veteran, helped organize the All Veterans Day ceremony at the cemetery, held the Sunday closest to Veterans Day every year since 1962. Heinrich and I, along with Bernard Svatek, president of the Praha Veterans Club (lifetime membership $5), were looking at thumbnail photos of the young men that are attached to the base of the memorial. "Look how young they were," Heinrich said, shaking his head. Look closely at their faces, and you can't help but feel haunted by their youth. Here's Eddie Marek, his smiling, dimpled face staring straight at the camera; a machine gunner and Army private, he died in battle on Pelelieu Island. Pvt. Joseph Lev, his face soft and boy ish, his service cap cocked to the side of his head, died on Luzon Island in the Philippines during a 1944 ground assault. A grinning, impossibly young Rudy Barta, also an Army private, died in France on June 16, 1944, the week after D-Day. Pvt. Jerry B. Vaculik died in France a month later, as did Pvt. George D. Pavlicek, on July 7, 1944. Lifelong Praha resident Georgie Cerny told me a few days ago that Pavlicek had been engaged to be married at the time he was killed. Pvt. Adolph E. Rab, a cannoneer, died in northern Italy two days after Christmas 1944. Pvt. Anton Kresta died in the Pacific theater six weeks later. Pvt. Robert Bohuslav commanded a bazooka, won two Purple Hearts and lost his life in Italy on Feb. 3, 1944. Town was devastated "There is not a Sunday in church when I don't think about him and pray for him," Herman Bohuslav, of Corpus Christi, told my friend James Moore, writing for American Legion magazine a few years ago. "He was my big brother, and he was everything to me. I can still see the two men from the Army coming up our farmyard to give the message to Momma and Daddy. It took me several years before I was even able to believe it had happened. I just kept believing my brother would come home." Curly-haired Eddie Sbrusch, part of the 1944 ground assault on Luzon, was taken prisoner. Two months later, the Japanese were moving POWs to an unknown location when a U.S. vessel attacked the transport. American commanders, unaware their own men were in the hold, launched a torpedo and sank it. Japanese authorities later reported that 750 Americans were aboard. Pvt. Sbrusch's remains were never recovered; an empty grave at the Praha cemetery commemorates his life. "It was just devastating to the town," recalled Cerny, who was a youngster during the war. "Everybody was so sad; there were lots of tears. It was like, when will it end?" What might have been Cerny's mother, Stacy Hajek, 101, remembers the nine, particularly Lev. "He was always helping at church, even though he was very young," she recalled. Moore found a 1945 letter about Lev in the weekly Schulenburg Sticker from the Rev. John Anders, pastor of the Praha church at the time. Anders notified the Sticker that he himself had received a letter from a soldier who was with Lev when the young man took a bullet to the stomach from a Japanese sniper. As he slowly bled to death, Lev begged his comrade to write to his parents about the disposition of his will. Lev explained that before shipping out to the front he had become acquainted with the Divine Word Missionaries, who were working with children in New Guinea. His last words to his comrade were instructions that his life's savings be sent to the missionaries. On Feb. 15, 1945, they received a check for $4,204.11. Look at Lev's face, look at all those youthful faces, and it's impossible not to think about the wives they never married, the children they never had, the hopes and dreams that died with them far from Praha, far from the people who loved them. Sunday morning, residents of the community that nurtured the boys will, for a little while, recall with gratitude their sacrifice. I suspect they'll also consider, perhaps for a long time afterward, all that might have been for the boys, for their families, for a close-knit, little community. Sunday's ceremony includes a 9:30 a.m. Mass at Praha's St. Mary's Church of the Assumption (just south of Hwy. 90 between Schulenburg and Flatonia); a memorial service and Air Force flyovers at 11 a.m.; and an 11:45 a.m. flower drop by the Commemorative Air Force. Famous Praha-style fried chicken will be served afterward. AUSTIN Republican House Speaker Dennis Bonnen tried to snuff out any remnants of the GOP civil war Monday, saying attacks from the partys arch conservatives are not worth stressing about and threatening consequences for House members who campaign against each other in the next election. With the legislative session over, lawmakers will soon turn their attention to the 2020 elections. Each of the 150 members of the House is up for re-election. Bonnen threatened political retribution against members who campaign against each other ahead of the 2020 elections, as had happened in the 2018 midterms. That year, for example, Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, sent members of his staff to Houston to campaign against Republican Rep. Sarah Davis. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott also opposed Davis, as well as two other incumbent GOP lawmakers, in primary races. If that sort of thing happens in 2020, Bonnen said he would publicly come out against members who take part and penalize them in the next legislative session, should he be re-elected speaker. The speaker assigns bills to committees but also assigns members to committees and chairmanships, doling out power and influence. Bonnen said the warning applies to members of both parties and those who serve as party chairs. For subscribers: Anti-abortion group accuses Texas Republicans of betraying the cause We accomplished unprecedented things, Bonnen said, referencing an $11 billion plan lawmakers passed Saturday to change how schools are funded and curb the growth of property taxes. If members of the Legislature are out campaigning against each other, you then dont accomplish things like that because you bring the elections into the legislative process and you dont get over the wounds and the battles. And then people turn into Washington and youre simply here to legislate on politics, not on policy and not on accomplishment of success. Bonnen also dismissed an influential conservative group that has funded primary challenges against incumbent Texas lawmakers in an effort to push the Legislature further to the right. The group, Empower Texans, has trashed Bonnen all year for tanking bills that would have furthered anti-abortion efforts and strengthened certain gun laws. Empower Texans, aligned with the tea party, has funneled millions of dollars into Texas elections. Dozens of lawmakers followed the organizations lead in early 2010, although the groups electoral victories dwindled to about 10 in the November midterm elections. The group did not respond to a request for comment Monday afternoon. Other groups, such as Texas Right to Life and Texas Gun Rights, also have criticized Bonnens leadership on those issues. They arent worth responding to, Bonnen told reporters Monday. If we passed every pro-life bill filed in the history of the state, they would say we had not done enough. You will never please or appease those folks and Im sure as hell not going to waste my time trying. Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Empower Texans uses disrespect and attacks to raise money, Bonnen said, adding lawmakers would be ill-advised to chase the groups agenda. You are fooling yourself and you are not respecting your constituents and you are not respecting this institution if you are chasing their wants and their desires, he said. The Legislature did not advance bills that would curtail access to abortion this year, irking Texas Right to Life. But it passed legislation that would cut off funding to affiliates of abortion providers, such as Planned Parenthood, which provide STD and cancer screenings. Texas Gun Rights and Lone Star Gun Rights are frustrated a measure to allow all gun owners to openly carry their weapons in public failed to gain traction. Executive Director of Texas Gun Rights, Chris McNutt, went as far as to hand out fliers in Bonnens neighborhood advocating for the bills passage, setting off a public clash between the two and the bills demise. Andrea.Zelinski@chron.com One swimmer was found dead and another reported missing along the Texas coast Sunday, as people flocked to the beach for the holiday weekend. A red flag warning was in effect in Galveston, warning of rough surf and unusually strong rip currents. Emergency responders located the body of 29-year-old Jose Hernandez around 8 a.m. Sunday in San Luis Pass, known to be a dangerous area to swim, according to officials. Hernandez, who lived in Houston, had been with friends drinking, Galveston Island Beach Patrol Chief Peter Davis said. They saw him go into the water for a swim. The friends called authorities around 1:30 a.m. when they lost sight of him, according to a U.S. Coast Guard news release. Water runs strong, and the ground can drop off steeply in the pass, located at the western end of Galveston Island. The county line runs down the middle of it. This was the third drowning death in Galveston this year, Davis said, including another in the pass at night. On the Brazoria County side, around 13 people have drowned there in the last 10 years, said John Blankenship, vice president of the Gulf Coast Rescue Squad. Swimming is prohibited there on both sides and can be punishable by up to a $500 fine. Just the day before, Blankenship shooed people from the water in the pass. The Galveston Beach patrol also keeps an eye on it, and there are warning signs. I just wish people would stay out of San Luis Pass, Blankenship said. People just dont realize the danger. The Rescue Squad, a nonprofit based in Clute, which works alongside the Brazoria County Sheriffs Office and local constables office, found the body matching the missing mans description floating in the water. Galveston police, the beach patrol and the Jamaica Beach Fire Department also helped Coast Guard crews in the search. Lt. Cmdr. Caren Damon, the Coast Guard search and rescue mission coordinator in the Houston-Galveston area, reiterated the danger of the area. "Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this young man," Damon said in a prepared statement. The Coast Guard reminds everyone to pay close attention to the signs prohibiting swimming and wading in the area." Around 1:00 p.m., Coast Guard searchers were notified of a missing 16-year-old swimmer 60 miles down the coast, at Matagorda Beach. They looked by helicopter and boat for the teen, who did not make it back after swimming with friends, according to a news release. The Matagorda Sheriff's Office and Texas Parks and Wildlife were assisting in the search. In Galveston, the beach patrol meanwhile posted red flags Sunday warning of the dangerous swimming conditions. Adults who knew how to swim were recommended to stay in water no more than waist deep. Children and those who could not swim were suggested to stay along the surf line. The so-called red flag warning was also in place Saturday. It was possible it would continue into Monday. "We do worry about it when it's a holiday, because there's so many more people in the rough surf," said Davis, the patrol chief. Meteorologists predicted such conditions heading into the Memorial Day holiday weekend, when Galveston is a popular destination. "Rip currents can be deadly," the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston branch tweeted on Sunday. emily.foxhall@chron.com Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 27) Hong Kong will get in touch with Philippine authorities to investigate the trash shipment found in Misamis Oriental, its environment department said Thursday. Through the Basel Convention network we are contacting the relevant Authority of the Philippines to request for more information about this case for our further investigation, a spokesperson for the Environment Bureau and Environmental Protection Department of Hong Kong told CNN Philippines. The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal is an international treaty designed to reduce the movement of hazardous waste between nations. More than 50 nation are signatories to this treaty, including the Philippines and China which extended the treaty to its autonomous region, Hong Kong. Tons of plastic waste from Hong Kong were shipped to Misamis Oriental earlier in the year, which were initially declared as assorted electronic devices. Hong Kong SARG commits to combating illegal transboundary movement of waste. Our laws do not allow exporting waste to overseas for dumping, the evironment bureau added. SARG refers to the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Hong Kongs garbage is the latest in a string of reports of trash shipments in the country, including those from South Korea and Australia. The issues have cropped up amid a diplomatic row with Canada over almost 2,500 tons of waste illegally sent to the country from 2013 to 2014. President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to go to war with Canada unless the garbage is shipped back and Manila has recalled its diplomats in that country. Duterte's latest order is for the trash be shipped at Philippine expense and dumped in Canadian waters if Canada fails to take them back. Australia had explained the seven-container shipment was not trash but processed engineered fuel, an alternative fuel source that could be used for manufacturing cement products. MISSION MOON: Nearly 50 years have passed since Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon. Our special Apollo 50 anniversary coverage explores how the country came together to fulfill President John F. Kennedys goal of reaching the lunar surface by 1970, NASA's bold missions - and crippling tragedies - since that historic day, and the future of space exploration and Houston as America's "Space City. *** After Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins splashed down from the lunar landing in July 1969, President Richard M. Nixon was ready and waiting to greet them. But one thing separated Nixon from direct contact with the three astronauts after they came aboard the USS Hornet: quarantine. There was a concern internationally as well as nationally that the first men on the moon might be exposed to some germs that dont exist on Earth and that once on Earth could propagate and cause an epidemic, National Air and Space Museum Curator Allan Needell says in a Smithsonian video. So a very elaborate procedure was developed to deal with such a contingency. For the first days, the astronauts lived in the Mobile Quarantine Facility, a hermetically sealed defense against any deadly lunar microbes that conceivably might have returned with them. Most everyone thought the idea was improbable NASAs director of medical research argued the moon was too dry and the temperature swings too great to sustain life but no one thought it was impossible. WANT TO BE AN ASTRONAUT? The requirements have changed since the 1960s The National Academy of Sciences advised that the introduction into the Earths biosphere of destructive alien organisms could be a disaster. We can conceive of no more tragically ironic consequence. The presence of Nixon on the aircraft carrier heightened the anxiety. He would tell the crew their eight days in space was the greatest week in the history of the world since the creation. Bored in a hurry The facility was a highly modified, 35-foot-long, aluminum vacation trailer, equipped with elaborate air ventilation and filtration systems and complete with living room, sleeping quarters, bathroom and kitchen that featured an early microwave oven. Negative pressure ensured no contaminants could escape. NASA had four built at a total cost of $250,000. The astronauts were accompanied in the quarantine by a NASA physician and a recovery engineer who handled the moon-dust cleanup. The astronauts never developed so much as a sniffle. It nonetheless was not their favorite experience. The unit was comfortable, but there was little to do and nowhere to go so we got bored in a hurry, Aldrin wrote in his autobiography, No Dream Is Too High. A NASA history of the mission called it oppressive. Such isolation was nothing new for the crew. Not only did they spend eight days in space, they were secluded before the launch because of concern they could pick up someones germs before the mission. Even Nixon was not allowed to join them for a pre-launch meal. The effort to protect the Earth from space and moon contamination began before the astronauts entered the quarantine. After Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins splashed down, a frogman opened the hatch of their space capsule, threw in three biological-isolation suits and quickly closed the hatch. After donning the suits, the trio climbed onto an inflatable rubber raft and got a bath that included a germ-killing iodine solution. 'NASA IS STALLED': Apollo-era legends frustrated with where the space agency is headed From there, they were hoisted by helicopter to the USS Hornet and sent directly to the quarantine facility. After 65 hours there, the facility was ferried in the belly of a C-141 transport plane to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, where the astronauts were transferred to the more spacious Lunar Receiving Laboratory for two more weeks of quarantine. The quarantine ended Aug. 10, 1969 two and a half weeks after splashdown in the north Pacific Ocean. During the quarantine, scientists injected lunar solutions derived from moon rocks into fish, animals and plants to determine if they contained any germs. Better next time Quarantine was also enlisted for the astronauts of the Apollo 12 and Apollo 14 missions, but the requirement was eliminated thereafter. By then, evidence had proved that the moon was sterile and there was no risk to the Earth of contamination. The Apollo quarantine efforts havent stood up so well over the years. Aldrin tweeted in 2015 that the rags used to clean the crew of moon dust were dropped in the ocean, the worst place to deposit them if they had harbored life. Officials also failed to sterilize equipment sent from Earth, which resulted in some bugs surviving for a time on the moon. At meetings early this century about possible trips to Mars, participants agreed that NASA would have to do better than it did during the Apollo missions. Still, the Apollo 11 quarantine gave the world one of the endeavors enduring images, the famous photograph of Nixon speaking by microphone to Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins while they peered out from the mobile facilitys rear window, in the words of one Smithsonian article, like kids wishing they could come out to play. todd.ackerman@chron.com twitter.com/chronmed AUSTIN After decades of frustration, the Legislature finally has something to offer Texans who paid more and more in property taxes for a public school system that has fallen behind in teaching young children to read, and in getting the older ones on track for college and careers. Monday the gavel will fall on a Texas legislative session in which lawmakers stepped away from divisive social wars (mostly) and instead invested the bulk of their energy on elusive school finance and tax reforms. With $4.5 billion more invested in education, teachers can expect higher compensation. More children will have access to prekindergarten, an investment in improving fourth-grade reading scores in Texas, which now rank No. 46 in the nation. In addition, local governments will be limited on how much they can raise future property taxes after decades of annual increases up to 8%. While those topics dominated the agenda, the Legislature made other changes to Texas life that people will feel. The legal smoking age will climb to 21, emergency rooms will be barred from surprise medical bills to patients, red-light cameras will become a thing of the past and the state took baby steps to expand the use of medical marijuana, though well short of where many other states are now. Left on the cutting room floor were bills raising the state sales tax in order to cut property taxes more, election reforms that Democrats declared a form of vote suppression, criminal justice reforms to end the cash bail system and bills to reduce penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana. A strong economy, a leadership shake-up in the House, and a shocking 2018 election cycle that eroded dominant Republican majorities in both the House and Senate all contributed to the mood, according to some of the most seasoned legislators in Austin. The devastation of Hurricane Harvey and two heart-wrenching mass shootings also helped keep lawmakers focused on the big issues, they said. There were high-profile stumbles, too. Republicans who are accustomed to calling the shots made unforced errors one that will likely cost the Secretary of State his job on Monday, and an embarrassing attempt by top GOP leadership for a tax swap that would have raised sales taxes in Texas to among the highest in the nation. Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox First the Democrats opposed the tax swap, then the Republicans followed suit. Three days after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick declared the effort was on the 5-yard-line, it was dead. Instead, lawmakers decided to bet more heavily than ever on a booming Texas economy, hoping it will provide more than $13 billion in 2021 to keep funding their reforms. Nevertheless, gone were debates over bathroom bills and immigration that overwhelmed the last legislative session in 2017 and created a toxicity that worked against both property tax reforms and school finance reforms. While there were undoubtedly moments that Republicans tried sneak attacks with social agenda items, state Sen. John Whitmire, a Houston Democrat, said it was clear the temperature of the Legislature was very different than in past sessions, giving room to work on weighty policy reforms. There were flare-ups, but they were few and far between, he said. Instead, the priority was clear from the start, said State Sen. Jane Nelson, a Republican from Denton County who has been in the Legislature since 1993. We came into this session trying to accomplish something that I had never in my 26 years seen accomplished, said Nelson, a former school teacher. Its not because past Legislatures havent wanted to invest more in schools and cap local property tax increases. The planets aligned this time, she said. Were addressing education in a way that Ive never seen. A more prepared Texas Dont underestimate the impact of the pain of Hurricane Harvey, Santa Fe and Sutherland Springs, said State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, a Republican from Brenham. The anguish of those events set a tone early that had lawmakers working together with a different kind of unity that spilled into the school finance reform and property tax reform debates. This time, the Legislature approved the school finance reform bill without a single dissenting vote in the House or the Senate. The response to Harvey combined with school finance and property taxes drove this session, Kolkhorst said. One Harvey lesson is that after the disaster, local governments need help pulling together matching funds to qualify for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Under Senate Bill 7, the state would use money from its Economic Stabilization Fund to help with local matches. Under another bill authored by Kolkhorst, the state will set up standard contracting forms for local governments to use to bring in debris removal companies after hurricanes, plus provide more disaster training for local governments. Were going to be better prepared for future storms, State Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, said. For a time, several of those post-Harvey bills were in jeopardy for mostly political reasons, but going into Monday, most of those bills had cleared the Legislature and are headed to Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature that would put them into law. For subscribers: Multibillion dollar flood package OKd, awaits Abbotts signature Texas had gone through so much since the last legislative session Harvey struck in the fall of 2017, less than three months later 26 people died in a mass shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs outside San Antonio. Then came the mass shooting at Santa Fe High School last May that killed 10 people. Its been incredibly difficult, said state Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, of preparing for the session with those issues while also tackling school finance reform and property taxes. But like Kolkhorst, he said those moments likely brought a collective focus for the Legislature that helped on other issues. This really has been a very unifying session where we knew what everybody wanted to deal with the big picture, Taylor said. The property tax reforms have been another long term venture that has mostly produced frustration in Texas. Patrick and State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, recalled busing to Austin in the early 2000s to call for property tax reforms when Patrick was a conservative talk show host. Patrick said the ill treatment he and others got back then still burns him up and has been part of his motivation to finally get tighter caps placed on the ability of local governments to raise taxes. I dont know if I ever thought this day would come, Patrick told the Senate as Senate Bill 2 passed on Saturday. That bill bars cities and counties from raising local property revenue collections more than 3.5 percent from one year to the next without a vote of the public. The limit is 2.5 percent for school districts. Currently, local governments can go to 8 percent before voters can petition for a rollback election. 2020 elections loom Whitmire said a big reason Republicans had to refocus this year away from social issues is because of the 2018 election cycle. Not only did Republicans see their majorities cut in both the House and the Senate, but statewide Republicans suddenly had much narrower victories. Republicans now hold an 83 to 67 margin in the House, and a 19-12 advantage in the Senate. While Republicans are still in the majority, Democrats have made their presence felt. Whitmire watched Republicans scramble to boost teacher pay and expand pre-K two issues Democrats have long championed, which the GOP has suddenly realized can help them in 2020. Democrats chalked up other wins. In the House, they killed a set of election reforms that they viewed as a new effort to suppress the vote. Senate Bill 9 could have put more restrictions for those who take non-relatives to the polls to help them vote, and would have threatened voter registration mistakes with jail time. In the Senate, Democrats have held firm in opposing the confirmation of David Whitley as the Secretary of State. Whitley, who was appointed in December but needs a confirmation vote from the Senate, led a voter purge in January that targeted 95,000 registered voters suspected of being noncitizens. For subscribers: Texas officials launched voter purge with big splash, little accuracy But that data was filled with errors that produced a lawsuit from civil rights group. Eventually, the state settled and Whitley agreed to end the purge. To be confirmed, Whitley needs two-thirds of the Senate to back him, meaning at least two Democrats would have to break ranks and back him. But Democrats have held firm against Whitley, saying his actions are too egregious to leave him in charge of voting in the state of Texas. The purge was a three-year project that Whitley launched just two weeks into the session. If he had waited a few more months, he likely would have sailed through confirmation hearings. "This session more than other sessions, the Democratic caucus has stuck together more. Weve communicated a lot better, said Senate Democratic Leader Jose Rodriguez of El Paso. "I think the midterm elections may have had something to do with the caucus being much more united." The claim: As it turns out, about 80 to 90 percent of those dont have a valid asylum claim, once we actually get their documentation. U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, referring to immigrants seeking asylum who are being taken into custody at the border. Crenshaw, a Houston Republican, made the comment during an appearance on TV talk show The View in early May, as he sparred with host Sunny Hostin over border security and immigration issues. He was referring to Justice Department data from fiscal year 2018. PolitiFact ruling: False. About 20 to 30 percent of asylum requests have been granted annually since 2009, but experts said that does not mean the remaining 70 to 80 percent of cases are invalid. Discussion: This isnt the first time PolitiFact has checked a claim about the percentage of asylum claims that are valid we rated a similar statement from former Attorney General Jeff Sessions false last year. Crenshaws office directed us to a report from the Executive Office for Immigration Review within the Justice Department that looked at asylum cases that originated with a Credible Fear Claim. These claims are brought by individuals who were apprehended by Border Patrol officers while attempting to enter the country without authorization and were placed into the expedited removal process. About PolitiFact PolitiFact is a fact-checking project to help you sort out fact from fiction in politics. Truth-O-Meter ratings are determined by a panel of three editors. The burden of proof is on the speaker, and PolitiFact rates statements based on the information known at the time the statement is made. See More Collapse Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox If a person in these circumstances claims to have a credible fear of persecution or torture if they were to be removed from the country, they meet with an asylum officer who determines whether to refer their case to an immigration judge for a full hearing. Once a case is referred to a judge, a person must submit an application for asylum to the court. The Justice Department data show that in fiscal 2018, asylum was granted in 16 percent of cases that originated from a credible fear claim. About 29 percent of requests were denied and roughly 15 percent of cases were closed for administrative or other reasons. In the remaining 40 percent of cases, individuals who were booked with a credible fear claim did not end up submitting an application for asylum. Just 16 percent of these cases resulted in asylum being granted, but experts said there are many reasons cases might be closed or requests might be denied, regardless of the merits of a claim. And just because an individual does not submit an asylum application after a credible fear interview does not mean they do not have a valid asylum claim, according to Sarah Pierce, a policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute. One of the reasons it is so common to see people who pass the credible fear test and dont ultimately apply for asylum is that they dont know that they have to and are confused about the process, Pierce said. Some asylum seekers assume their credible fear interview with an asylum officer is their application for asylum, because they are allowed to enter the country while they await their court date, Pierce said. But in actuality, they have to submit a paper application to the court formally requesting asylum. Looking at the roughly 15 percent of cases that were closed for unspecified reasons, Pierce said that this group could include individuals who applied for other benefits before an immigration court at the same time as they sought asylum and were granted those other benefits instead. Similar points were raised by the experts we consulted in our 2018 fact-check of a similar claim from Sessions. Jennifer Gordon, a law professor at Fordham Law School, said cases can be dismissed for a number of reasons unrelated to the merits of an individuals claim. James Hathaway, a law professor and director of the Program in Refugee and Asylum Law at the University of Michigan Law School, said its also important to count the number of cases that were reversed through the available appeals processes. Another important caveat to consider is that credible fear claims do not make up the majority of the asylum cases that go before judges in the United States. Justice Department numbers show that, of all asylum cases closed in 2017 (the latest year with complete data available), about 20 percent of claims were granted and about 34 percent were denied. The remaining cases were closed or dismissed for unspecified reasons. For more on the research and the conclusion, visit Politifact Texas, www.politifact.com/texas/ Embattled Secretary of State David Whitley whose office wrongly challenged the citizenship of thousands of Texas voters resigned Monday. In his resignation letter, Whitley made no mention of the botched voter purge, which ultimately led all 12 senate Democrats to block his confirmation through the legislative session. Working alongside the employees in the secretary of states office, county election officials, and representatives of our #1 trading partner, Mexico, has been my distinct honor and privilege, Whitley wrote to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who nominated him to the job in December. And to have your trust in doing so goes beyond what I ever dreamed of as a kid growing up in a small South Texas community. Neither Abbott nor Whitley responded to a request for comment. Abbott now must name a replacement, who likely wont face confirmation hearings at the Legislature until after the 2020 election. Its not clear who that will be. Though the state ended the voter purge in April under terms of a settlement agreement with civil rights groups that sued, the next secretary of state can continue efforts to identify and remove non citizens from the voter rolls. But first, the office must revise its screening criteria to ensure that the results are more accurate next time. Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Sen. Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, said he hopes the next nominee will learn from what happened. Democrats were united in their concern about the actions that Mr. Whitley took and that hurt a lot of voters and naturalized citizens, he said. Whitley had to be confirmed by Monday, the end of the legislative session, or he would lose his job. The letter was released shortly before the state Senate adjourned. The next legislative session begins in 2021, after the upcoming election. Whitley became a lightning rod in January, after his office wrongly flagged tens of thousands of Texans as potential non-citizens to be removed from the voter rolls. The announcement that nearly 100,000 suspected noncitizen voters had been found was seized upon by President Donald Trump and other top Republicans as evidence of voter fraud. But within days, county election officials found thousands of citizens were erroneously included. For subscribers: Texas officials launched voter purge with big splash, little accuracy The lawsuit from civil rights groups eventually put a stop to the bungled voter purge. Luis Vera of San Antonio, national general counsel for The League of United Latin American Citizens, speaking on his own behalf, said Whitley initiated the settlement talks. He reached out to us, he did everything to correct this thing, Vera said. You either get somebody better or somebody worse. You think Gov. Abbott is going to give us somebody better? Abbott and other state leaders, meanwhile, have laid blame at the Department of Public Safety, accusing the agency of providing flawed data for the analysis, which began in March 2018. The list was created by comparing DPS driver license records some of the records more than 20 years old to state voter rolls. House Speaker Dennis Bonnen on Monday said its a shame that DPS didnt take all the responsibility for their failure from the beginning. For some reason, no one wanted to pay attention to that because we were too busy head-hunting the secretary of state, he said. AUSTIN Texas lawmakers stripped $100 million in border surge spending from a state budget bill on Sunday, after Democrats balked at the last-minute addition made at Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's request. There was little debate over the issue. A top House budget writer said the money was redundant, since the state budget already allocates $800 million to border security efforts. We all said let's take this out, doesn't need to be there, said Rep. John Zerwas, R-Richmond, chairman of the House appropriations committee. The bill would have taken $100 million from the rainy day fund and given it to Abbotts office for surge operations necessary to secure the border. Abbotts office would have had to seek reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Texas Take: Get the latest news on Texas politics sent directly to your inbox every weekday Abbotts aides had told lawmakers the Trump administration asked for help processing immigrants and the money would cover sending national guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to do the work, said Zerwas and Rep. Mary Gonzalez, D-Clint. The House and Senate voted nearly unanimously to remove the money from the supplemental appropriations bill, which also funds Hurricane Harvey relief, the construction of new mental health hospitals and special education funding. Abbotts office has not responded to requests for comment about the matter. Allie Morris covers politics and policy in Austin. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | amorris@express-news.net | Twitter: @MorrisReports Hurricane Harvey dumped 51 inches of rain on the Houston area, flooded hundreds of thousands of homes and left $125 billion in damage. In its aftermath, it was hard to think of anything but making sure that kind of catastrophic flooding didnt happen again. But as we rightfully pay attention to flooding, we must also widen our focus and ask, what if the next big storm is different? Its hard to forget Harvey, but we must remember Ike. More than a decade after the Category 2 storm battered the region, killed 43 people and caused almost $30 billion worth of damage, we remain vulnerable to storm surge coming up Galveston Bay and into the Houston Ship Channel. The proposed Coastal Spine project to be built by the Army Corps of Engineers currently a system of sand dunes and gates at the mouth of Galveston Bay is still in the study phase and is not expected to be finished until 2035 at the earliest, with a cost of about $31 billion. Its development is an important step in helping protect our region, but we should see it as a part of a multi-tiered effort for a problem that has no single solution. Support for the Coastal Spine shouldnt stop us from looking at complementary ideas, such as the Galveston Bay Park Plan. The proposal, developed by Rice University's Severe Storm Prediction, Education & Evacuation from Disasters (SSPEED) Center, would create a 25-foot-high wall up the middle of Galveston Bay as a series of islands, extending from Houston Point down the ship channel to Texas City. If initial permitting work begins this year, the project could be completed as early as 2027 and would help protect the bays west bank, which is home to 800,000 people, 2.2 million barrels of refining capacity and the hundreds of chemical plants along the channel, said Jim Blackburn, an environmental attorney and co-director of the SSPEED Center. Part of what makes the project stand out is its multi-purpose nature, with its construction resulting in 10,000 acres of public land that would be open for recreational use. Illustrations for the project show areas for camping, fishing, a marina and event space. Right now, there is little access to Galveston Bay. Theres one park, Sylvan Beach, but most of it is private shoreline, Blackburn said. This would open up Galveston Bay, it would open up a waterfront. The Corps of Engineers views the plan as complementary to the Coastal Spine and it could even piggyback off the Port of Houstons anticipated efforts to deepen and widen the ship channel, using the dredged materials to build the barrier islands. The projects price tag is between $3 billion and $5 billion, with a variety of funding options being considered. The SSPEED Center is working with the economics department at Rice University on the viability of social impact bonds, where private money is invested in a public project, as well as grant money and other public-private partnerships. Energy interests along the ship channel and some insurance companies have shown interest, Blackburn said. The biggest hurdle moving forward is getting a local government sponsor to apply to the Army Corps of Engineers to begin an environmental study. A permit application is not a commitment to build, but it comes with a price about $2 million for an engineering plan and to ensure the projects feasible. If the plan is as viable as it seems, it will serve as a first line of defense years before the Coastal Spine is ready. In the meantime, a high enough storm surge could wipe out refineries and storage facilities, an economic and environmental disaster from which the community would spend decades recovering. Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia hosted a recent public presentation of the plan and liked what he saw. While he hasnt yet committed to pushing for county sponsorship, he welcomes the effort for a multi-pronged approach to dangerous storms such as Hurricane Ike. I want to see plans that will protect the community and the industry. Eleven years later with nothing to show for it is an embarrassment, he said. We agree. Harris, Galveston and Chambers counties, individually or in partnership, should sponsor the needed permit. Refineries and other firms that will benefit from its protection should help pay for it. The Galveston Bay Park Plan is a creative, timely solution that deserves to be fully explored. Regarding TSA under scrutiny over pipeline security failures (HoustonChronicle.com, May 10): The story focused on recent criticism of the Transportation Security Administrations guidelines, ignoring the effective and longstanding partnership and collaboration that has existed between TSA and industry since 2007, and failed to highlight the many comprehensive initiatives advanced by the natural gas and oil industry to prevent cyberattack intrusions. Industry recognizes that its assets are the targets of a growing number of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks and that the answer lies in perpetual vigilance, constantly evolving and flexible industry initiatives, best-in-class international cybersecurity standards, and close collaboration with government, including TSA. A variety of established public-private partnerships such as the Oil and Natural Gas Information Sharing and Analysis Center give industry and government bodies the opportunity to collaborate on risk identification and management to adapt quickly and effectively. Flexibility is critical to assessing the ever-shifting threat - and makes much more sense than the government creating additional prescriptive regulations that assume one-size-fits-all. In conjunction with industrys leading efforts on protecting energy infrastructure from cyberattacks, TSAs Pipeline Security Guidelines offer customized corporate security plans for companies to pair with their own measures. These guidelines have helped to clarify the threats to the industry. Robin Rorick, vice president of Midstream and Industry Operations at the American Petroleum Institute Tightening cybersecurity The article exploring cybersecurity measures in the pipeline industry does not include key information when explaining to readers how pipeline systems operate and the level of federal government involvement in that process. With more than 300,000 miles of natural gas transmission pipelines crisscrossing the country, pipeline operators take cybersecurity very seriously. The suggestion that a hacker could gain control of a pipeline and weaponize energy infrastructure to create an explosion in a densely populated city is simply not rooted in reality. If a pipeline system was successfully penetrated, the safety systems and engineering design of the pipeline would counteract this nefarious act. The physics of the natural gas system are completely different than the physics of the bulk electric system. This lends itself to fundamental differences in how the systems are balanced. While the electric system must be balanced in a matter of seconds, the natural gas system has hours or more, allowing time to isolate an impacted pipeline and re-direct gas around the affected area or from other supply sources. The federal government also plays a key role in mitigating cybersecurity threats through the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency, which coordinates intergovernmental and private-sector efforts to foster closer partnerships. For example, last year, TSA and Department of Homeland Securitys National Risk Management Center announced the Pipeline Cybersecurity Assessment Initiative. Through this program, DHS and TSA conduct joint, comprehensive cybersecurity assessments of natural gas infrastructure to better understand both the unique risks faced by our pipeline system as well as how we can best protect it. Don Santa, president and CEO of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America Regarding WikiLeaks founder charged with violating Espionage Act (Nation/World, Friday): A 102-year-old law, the Espionage Act, rarely applied, has been dragged out of mothballs to charge Julian Assange with espionage. Although the stated purpose of the Justice Department is to bring to trial one man who it claims is a threat to national security, the actual purpose is to chill any thought on the part of other journalists to write and publish information highly critical of and embarrassing to our government. Waterboarding, other torture techniques, and the collateral murder video are not something the government wants you to know about if they are committed by the United States. In the eyes of the present Justice Department, CIA, and State Department that was the real crime of Assangepublishing critical and true information. Members of the media, instead of joining in the criticism of Assange, should beware of their own vulnerability if they write critical words regarding Russia or China. They may be open to same mistreatment now visited upon Assange. Shaun Smith, Houston Threats to American way In regards to WikiLeaks founder charged with violating Espionage Act (page A10 Friday): Two recent events involving the authoritarian-leaning Trump administration are potential shots across the bow of American democracy. The charging of WikiLeaks leader Assange for publishing stolen information under the Espionage Act has the possibility of opening a whole new avenue for the Trump administration to legally attack news organization investigations into the administration. Event two is the president giving a possibly biased Attorney General Barr the unprecedented authority to have final control over releasing classified information from the various agencies in the investigation of the presidents own campaign. The weakening of journalistic First Amendment rights and spanking the hands of government investigative agencies that followed the rules would be warnings that did not previously exist in America to not look at the fearless leader too closely. Ron Curtis, Houston In a league of her own Regarding President, speaker trade insults over mental fitness (Nation/World, Friday): I greatly admire Nancy Pelosis political wisdom and strength in leading the congressional Democrats in this surreal political chaos created by Donald Trump. I dont pretend to know the political ramifications of impeaching the president, given that the Senate wont set a trial for that impeachment. However, I do feel strongly that if we do not impeach him, we are setting an example and a precedent that will take years to correct. This example and precedent is extremely harmful to the future of our civil society. Children are seeing and hearing about the lies and criminal actions of the president and his cronies, many of whom are already in jail. And yet they see a political process that is wait-and-see. It looks like our leaders care more about our re-election than what is right for the country. I agree with Rep. Al Green and others who have stated repeatedly that we need to move forward with impeachment, regardless of the political outcome, because it is the right thing to do. Beatrice Mladenka-Fowler, Houston As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. Central/South America hotel occupancy dropped 3.2% to 56.6%, and an 18.5% ADR decrease to $98.03 brought RevPAR down 21.1% to $55.48. Cusco hotel business thrives thanks to Semana Santa hotel business thrives thanks to Semana Santa Bogota performance drops with less business travel around the Easter Hotels in the Central/South America region reported negative performance results during April 2019, according to data from STR. U.S. dollar constant currency, April 2019 vs. April 2018 Central/South America Occupancy: -3.2% to 56.6% Average daily rate (ADR): -18.5% to US$98.03 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): -21.1% to US$55.48 Local currency, April 2019 vs. April 2018 Cusco, Peru Occupancy: +4.8% to 73.7% ADR: 14.4% to PEN500.33 RevPAR: +19.9% to PEN368.96 STR analysts note that the absolute ADR level was significantly higher than recent April averages in the market. Demand was up 6.3% for the month, largely driven by Semana Santa, which pushed occupancy for the week leading up to Easter to 86.1% and ADR to PEN613.13. Bogota, Colombia Occupancy: -9.7% to 53.3% ADR: +3.0% to COP277,346.88 RevPAR: -7.0% to COP147,834.46 The poor performance was due to a mix of meaningful supply growth (+4.9%) and lower demand (-5.4%) in the market. According to STR analysts, that drop in demand was largely due the Easter calendar shift from 1 April in 2018 to 21 April in 2019. With more days around the holiday falling in April this year, performance comparisons were effected as business demand is slower around Easter. Bogota is a market largely dependent on business travel. Download the Global Performance Review STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 10 countries around the world with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and an international headquarters in London, England. For more information, please visit str.com. Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest all industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hospitality Trends The results of India's six-week long general elections are finally out. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Narendra Modi, won an extraordinary election to govern India for another five years. Since the time of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister, no non-Congress party has won two successive terms in office at New Delhi. While the BJP had won a surprise landslide in 2014, ending more than three-decade long coalition era in the country, the 2019 poll result is a reaffirmation for Modi's party and his leadership. The ruling BJP and its coalition partners captured as many as 352 seats in the Indian Parliament, out of a total of 535 contested. On its own, the BJP has pocketed astounding 303 seats. The election results are even more remarkable for the fact that the BJP has finally been able to breach the southern and eastern regions of the country. In its three-decades of existence, the BJP has mainly been a party of the heartland and Hindi speaking states. Only a handful of regional parties have able to buck the Modi wave. The 2019 polls registered the highest ever voter turnout. A record 67.8% of voters turned out to elect the new government in a mammoth exercise involving nearly 900 million voters, totalling the combined population of Europe, the United Sates and Canada. The election stretched out for more than a month and involved nearly a million personnel. The election was marked by intense fights, squabbles and acrimonies between the ruling party and the opposition, requiring the Election Commission to act like a headmaster in its attempts to maintain order. What turned the tide for Modi? What led to such a sweeping mandate for the ruling party given India's long history of voters rejecting incumbent governments? It bears reminding that Modi's party lost three of its heartland states to the opposition last December, so many had predicted a tough time for the BJP in 2019 polls, but two major factors seem to have contributed to the unexpected result. First, unlike previous elections that have largely been fought on the basis of government performance, caste and class, this election saw national security emerging as the main topic all through the six-week long campaign trails. The terror attack in Pulwama in January and subsequent Balakot airstrike became an overarching election theme for the ruling party. Many election surveys show the government's narrative of demonstrating an immediate response to terror resonated strongly among average voters. Many were inclined to give issues related to economy and jobs a pass and elect a strong leader. Second, Modi turned the parliamentary election into a referendum on his persona and achievements. Candidates were able to draw votes on his charisma and strong personality. Modi was able to project himself as the sole national leader who could address country's key challenges at home and abroad, and many believed his claims and decisive leadership. Party organization, funds and superior political communications may have added to victory, but the election was about one man, Narendra Damodardas Modi. Now what? Having won a resounding mandate, Modi now has to deliver what he promised over the next five years. The biggest and most urgent issue is the economy, which is reeling under stress with most sectors in trouble. The most important challenge for the Modi government is the creation of jobs. According to a leaked government report, India currently has the highest level of unemployment at any point in the last 35 years. Nearly a million youth are entering the job market every month and unless the government acts, it will soon face growing youth disenchantment. Third, India's farm sector is facing a long term crisis of low prices and low demands. There are rising protests by farmers and the government has tried to deal with this by offering temporary handouts in the form of income transfers. Yet, the new government has to find out long term solution to a problem that affects more than 50% of its population. With a decisive mandate and numbers in its side, hopefully the new government under Modi can deliver the promise of acche din (good days). Niranjan Sahoo is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/NiranjanSahoo.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn. Madrid, Spain - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on the ground handling industry to focus on three priorities to effectively accommodate the expanding demand for air travel and air cargo. The three priorities are; Continuing to put safety first; Implementing global standards; Accelerating the speed of innovation and process modernization. Effective ground operations are essential to meet the doubling in passenger and cargo demand over the next two decades. Putting safety first, implementing global standards and accelerating the speed of innovation and process modernization are key, said Nick Careen, IATAs Senior Vice President, Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security, speaking at the 32nd IATA Ground Handling Conference in Madrid, Spain. Safety IATA called on industry stakeholders to collaborate effectively to improve safety. Ground handling operations have increased in parallel with airport development and traffic growth, corresponding to larger numbers, sizes and types of aircraft. Also, the demand to achieve minimized turnaround and stand occupancy times has increased. This has led to a rise in simultaneous ground handling operations and the support equipment required. Industry collaboration is essential to maintaining and improving safety in this complex environment, said Careen. Specifically, IATA called for industrys support with; Recording incidents through IATA's Safety Exchange platforms Implementing ground support equipment (GSE) proximity sensing and warning devices Mitigating aircraft loading errors Modernizing training for ground handling was identified as another key element to improving safety. The training of employees is paramount to safe operations. New training technologies have an important role to play. This includes innovative virtual reality tools, said Careen, highlighting the success of IATAs RampVR (TM), offering the first virtual reality training tool for ground operations. Global Standards IATA called for the ground handling industry to accelerate the global adoption of the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) to ensure a level of operational consistency and safety across the industry worldwide. Global standards applied consistently are the only route to safe, secure and efficient ground operations. IGOM has been proven to be effective and continues to gather support from not only airlines and GSPs but also regulators, airports and other industry bodies. This is good news but there is more to be done our target remains worldwide implementation, said Careen. IATA also called on governments to recognize the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO)based on IGOM standardsin their regulatory frameworks. Recognition by governments of ISAGO in their regulatory framework, as an acceptable means of compliance for operators oversight of outsourced services in ground operations, is the key to greater harmonization across the industry, reduction of duplicate audits the providers are facing, and improving safety and enhancing operational efficiency, said Careen. As of April 2019, the number of Ground Service Providers (GSPs) in the ISAGO Registry surpassed 184, with 311 accredited stations in 212 airports worldwide. ISAGO is recognized by numerous airports, including Amsterdam Schiphol, London Heathrow, Seattle Tacoma, Miami, Hong Kong, and Singapore. And Civil Aviation Authorities including Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Netherlands have also recognized ISAGO. Innovation IATA called for the modernization of processes and infrastructure using innovative technology. This will be critical to efficiently meeting the expected doubling of demand expected over the next 20 years. The industry's vision for the ramp of the future is outlined under CEDAR (Connected Ecological Digital Autonomous Ramp). CEDAR is focused on the following three areas: Digitalization of aircraft turn around Modernization of Ground Support Equipment and Processes Enhanced Stand Design CEDAR brings together key stakeholders to develop a common vision for the future of ground operations. Key partners involved in CEDAR include members of the recently created IATA Ground Operations Group (GOG), and the Airport Services Association (ASA). The CEDAR project is part of the New Experience in Travel and Technologies (NEXTT) initiative being run in collaboration with Airports Council International (ACI) to develop a common vision to enhance the on-ground transport experience, guide industry investments and help governments improve the regulatory framework. Passenger demand is growing. Airport infrastructure is nearing capacity. New, smarter, more effective ways to operate, harnessing the power of new technology need to be found. We are seeing innovations in passenger processing but unless we have corresponding innovations in turnaround at the gate, we will just be moving the congestion problem to a different part of the journey, said Careen. For more information, please contact: Corporate Communications Tel: +41 22 770 2967 Email: corpcomms@iata.org Notes for Editors: American Legion Post 160 holds its annual ceremony on top of a foggy Mount Greylock. Members of Adams American Legion Post 160. All past commanders who attended Sunday's service. A toast to lost comrades. The Adams American Legion Post 160 is celebrating 100 years. Veterans share in a toast to fallen comrades midway up the mountain. Although folks were enjoying sunny weather in North Berkshire County Sunday morning, the fog was yet to break on Mount Greylock. Past commander Don Sommer reads a few words to begin the ceremony. Although it was foggy atop the mountain Legion members noted weather has been far worse in previous years. Laying wreaths inside the rotunda. Dennis St. Pierre, past commander of Berkshire County District 1 and American Legion Post 125, is the guest speaker. PreviousNext Adams American Legion Holds Mount Greylock Ceremony Dennis St. Pierre speaks at the War Memorial. ADAMS, Mass. A caravan of Legionnaires and veterans from posts throughout the county made its way up a foggy Mount Greylock early Sunday morning. For American Legion Post 160, this was at least its 85th pilgrimage to the summit to lay a wreath at the War Memorial for fallen comrades. "When someone passes families hold a celebration of life. Our fallen comrades are family, therefore, Memorial Day is our celebration of life," Dennis St. Pierre, guest speaker and past commander of Berkshire County District 1 and North Adams American Legion Post 125 said. "We know firsthand these stories, these losses. Our charge is to keep making this accent not just today but every day. St. Pierre thanked members for attending the ceremony at the "top of Massachusetts" and paused on the military history of the mountain itself. "This beacon shines bright over all of our fallen comrades, brothers and sisters, moms and dads, dear friends and more," he said. "A place where the famed 10th Mountain Division once trained ... They trained on our Thunderbolt Ski Trail where now there is a new generation of skiers ... most of whom are children of war veterans, protect and maintain our mountain." St. Pierre went through the history of Memorial Day and said since its inception after the Civil War many more have bravely sacrificed in the name of freedom. "The line between oppression and freedom is drawn by the graves of our fallen comrades. Those who left native shores to the unknown waters of war leaving fanfare and familiarity for the rounds of gunfire and the fog of bombs," he said. "Those back home saw the conflict from afar ... while others stormed into the shadow of war undoubtedly afraid and aware of what was being asked of them but never hesitating." St. Pierre spoke directly to his fellow veterans and asked them to take a moment to remember fallen comrades not only as soldiers but as friends and in many cases family. "Remember their heroics that have impacted lives stretching from east to west from the north to the south. Examples of what it takes to keep the American flame from going out," he said. "But do not forget the man. Do not forget the woman. Celebrate their lives because these memories and stories are not just part of our military history but part of the foundation of the American spirit and the heart of our great nation." After a ceremony and firing squad, a memorial wreath was set in the rotunda of the tower, originally built on the state's highest peak as a memorial to Massachusetts servicemen killed in World War I. Breakfast was then served at the Bascom Lodge. Earlier in the morning during the drive up the mountain, the group stopped near a small waterfall to share in a toast to all passed veterans. During the break, Post 160 historian John Bordeau said the Adams American Legion has always been involved with the Veterans War Memorial Tower. The 93-foot granite tower topped by a beacon was built between 1931 and 1932 and dedicated in 1933. As early as the summer of 1932, the Adams post wanted to be involved because it was in Adams, he said. "They decided they wanted to be involved with ceremonies at the tower a year before it was even dedicated ... as soon as they turned the light on we had a little ceremony in town." Past commander Don Sommer agreed and said post 160, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, was pivotal in the first reconstruction of the monument. Flash The first local results announced Sunday night showed that the Brexit Party outperformed the ruling Conservative and opposition Labour parties in Britain in the European Parliament elections. The Brexit Party won almost half the votes in the key Leave-voting seat Sunderland, nearly twice as many as the second-ranking Labor. The final count for the North East showed that the Brexit Party won two of the three seats in the region. The results are still very preliminary as vote counting is still underway. Brexit Party, led by Nigel Farage who was leader of the UKIP, is competing with other British parties for the 73 seats in the European parliament. The vote to elect the new 751-member EU assembly was held in each of the 28 EU current member states between May 23 and May 26, with 427 million eligible voters across the continent. VANCOUVER The International Energy Agency launched the 2019 edition of the Global EV Outlook, the flagship publication of the Electric Vehicles Initiative (EVI), at the 10th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) meeting in Vancouver on 27 May 2019. The launch was announced at an expert panel on the electrification of transport that also featured an announcement of support for EVIs EV30@30 Campaign by Energias de Portugal (EDP), Schneider Electric and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). The Global EV Outlook combines historical analysis with projections to 2030, providing key insights on electric vehicle and charging infrastructure deployment, ownership cost, energy use, carbon dioxide emissions and battery material demand. The report includes policy recommendations that incorporate learning from front-running countries to inform policy makers and stakeholders that consider policy frameworks and market systems for electric vehicle adoption. This years edition will feature analysis on the performance of electric cars and competing powertrain options in terms of greenhouse gas emissions over their life cycle. It also discusses key challenges in the transition to electric mobility and appropriate solutions including vehicle and battery cost developments, supply and value chain sustainability of battery materials, implications of electric mobility for power systems, government revenue from taxation and the interplay between electric, shared and automated mobility options. The expert panel included participants from EV30@30 campaign supporters ChargePoint and Schneider Electric, major vehicle manufactures, charging infrastructure providers, state-level administrations (California), national governments (Canada, India), the European Commission and philanthropic organisations. The panel discussed the deployment of EVs on heavy duty vehicles, including freight and mass transit, the roll-out of charging infrastructure and challenges and solutions related with the battery supply chain. The panel provided indications for CEM governments on policies that can drive transitions towards electric mobility. Flash Voters in Germany, Lithuania, Cypriot Bulgaria, Greece and Italy cast their ballots on Sunday in elections to the European Parliament (EP). Citizens of the 28 European Union (EU) member countries, among whom over 400 million voters are eligible, are expected to vote over the course of four days, starting from Thursday, to elect 751 members of EP (MEPs) for a five-year term. Germany's Green Party gaining popularity The competition for the 96 seats in the EP is being taken seriously in Germany this year compared to the previous election cycles. A total of 41 German parties are registered for the election. The polling stations are open from 08:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) to 06:00 p.m. local time (1600 GMT). The election takes place in a climate of deep uncertainty about the stability of the EU in the wake of Brexit and the spread of Eurosceptic sentiment. Germany, with the largest population in the EU, felt obliged to voice their opinions. A surge in support for Germany's Green Party is expected to lead to its winning of 17 percent of the votes, a big improvement from its around 10-percent share, according to the poll by Infratest Dimap. Many voters are attracted by their pro-EU policies, humane stance on migration and firm position on tackling climate change and environment protection. Lithuanian traditional parties to win Polling stations are open from 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) to 8 p.m. (1700 GMT), with approximately 2.49 million eligible voters across the country, according to the Central Electoral Commission. Sixteen parties and election committees -- an alternative form for the citizens to run for elections without establishing a party -- compete for 11 seats in the EP. According to the latest public polls, traditional parties are to win the elections. Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union, the country's ruling party, gained 21.1 percent of the votes, followed by the Homeland Union-Christian Democrats gaining 20.5 percent of the votes, showed the survey conducted by Baltijos tyrimai in April. Lithuania's Social Democratic Party ranks third with 11.4 percent of the votes, according to the poll. Lithuania's elections to the EP are held alongside the runoff on Sunday. Cypriot to elect six deputies Cypriot voters will elect six deputies to the EP, Chief Election Officer Kypros Kyprianou said Sunday, adding that polling stations are open from 8 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) to 6 p.m. (1500 GMT). Official results will be announced after midnight, when polling stations in all EU countries will close. This election has two highlights -- large numbers of Turkish Cypriot voters, and whether the extreme right will manage to enter the EP for the first time by taking a seat traditionally held by EDEK Socialist Party. This is the first time Turkish Cypriots are expected to take part in an electoral process organized by the Cypriot authorities since they pulled out of the internationally recognized government of Cyprus in 1964 to form their own breakaway administration. Kyprianou said that the electoral authorities expect about 10,000 Turkish Cypriots out of a total of 81,000 eligible voters to cross the buffer zone to cast their ballot papers. A total of 641,000 people in Cyprus are eligible to vote, the electoral authorities said they fear that the abstention may be as high as 60 percent, despite a big campaign organized by the EU and Cypriot authorities to encourage voters, especially young people, to vote. Public opinion surveys suggested that two of the seats will go to the center-right ruling DISY party, two to the opposition left-wing AKEL party, and one to the center DIKO party. The sixth seat will provide the biggest excitement, as three parties -- Socialist EDEK, the Greens in coalition with another small party, and extreme-right ELAM party -- have equal possibilities to win the seat, according to the latest opinion polls. The Hong Kong government has tabled a bill to the Legislative Council, to amend the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, which allows the transfer of fugitives from Hong Kong to Mainland China on a case by case basis. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) have raised serious concerns about the law, and possible threats to press freedom and freedom of expression in Hong Kong. The IFJ calls on the immediate withdrawal of the bill. A protester stands next to placards during a rally against the government's plans to overhaul its extradition rules, outside the legislative council in Hong Kong on May 4, 2019. Hong Kong's government plans to overhaul its extradition rules, allowing the transfer of fugitives with Taiwan, Macau and mainland China on a "case-basis" for the first time. Credit: Philip FONG / AFP The Hong Kong Journalists Association, together with other 15 media organizations, issued a joint statement to oppose the bill and expressed their concern. The statement pointed out that, the claim from the government is far from reassuring. Over the years, numerous journalists have been charged or harassed by mainland authorities under criminal offences actually covered by the amendment, including drug possession, bribery, smuggling ordinary good, accepting bribes. HKJA and the media organization worried that the amendment will make it possible for mainland authorities to demand the surrender of journalists in Hong Kong, citing all kinds of unfounded charges. The IFJ has reiterated the concerns raised by HKJA about the amendment, that the journalists and whistleblowers will be put under threat when reporting on issues related to China, dealing a further blow to the already limited freedom of express that Hong Kong still enjoys. The IFJ said: We call on the Hong Kong government to withdraw the bill immediately, and the government of its obligations under the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which wasenacted in Hong Kong, to protect the freedom of expression with its full effort. IFJ in the news! Every week the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is compiling a list of the top news articles from across the world in which it is mentioned. Read some of the news highlights from Saturday, 18th May to Friday, 24th May 2019: 1) Press freedom at stake in Nepal: Journalists under probe for news about Dalai Lama, Business Standard 2) Standing for truth, Ghana News Agency 3) Media warns it could form independent regulatory body, The Himalayan Times 4) Nepali journalists protest against proposed media bill in Kathmandu, The Statesman 5) IFJ Welcomes Dismissal Of Charges Against Pakistani Journalist In Cyberterrorism Case, Urdu Point 6) Attacks vs journalists, social media blocks in Indonesia amid election riots IFJ, Rappler Imperial Valley News Center Attorney General Becerra Urges Department of Education to Give Veterans with Disabilities Automatic Student Loan Relief Sacramento, California - California Attorney General Xavier Becerra Friday, as part of a coalition of 52 attorneys general, sent a letter urging the Department of Education (Department) to discharge the student loans of tens of thousands of veterans who were disabled as part of their service. In the letter, the coalition asks the Department to develop an automatic discharge program to ensure that all eligible veterans can have their student loans forgiven, rather than requiring these veterans to take affirmative steps to seek loan forgiveness an approach that that has proven ineffective. Today Ive asked the Department of Education to automatically discharge the loans of veterans with permanent and total disabilities, said Attorney General Becerra. These veterans have made significant sacrifices for our country. They deserve respect and honor, not additional steps and red tape in seeking student loan relief. The Department of Education has identified over 42,000 veterans who are eligible for total and permanent disability discharges based on information received from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Collectively, these veterans carry over $1 billion in dischargeable student loan debtnearly $24,000 each on average. Yet fewer than 9,000 of these eligible veterans had applied for discharges as of April 2018, and over 25,000 were in default. In the letter, the coalition cites these numbers as demonstrating the inadequacy of the current approach. The coalition asks the Department to develop a process to automatically discharge the loans of veterans identified as permanently disabled, halt collection efforts, and clear the credit reports of negative reporting related to student loans. Attorney General Becerra supports strong consumer protections for our nations service members and their families. Last year, Attorney General Becerra sponsored a bill to strengthen Californias existing consumer protections for service members and their families, which was signed into law in September 2018. Just a month later, Attorney General Becerra condemned Consumer Finance Protection Bureau Acting Director Mick Mulvaney for his decision to strip the agencys oversight of lenders under the Military Lending Act. In December 2018, Attorney General Becerra announced the sentencing of Ramil Randy Abalkhad, owner of Romanos Jewelers, for felony conspiracy to engage in illegal financing and debt collection practices targeting sailors and marines in San Diego. Justice Department Recognizes California Task Force for Investigating Child Sexual Predator and Child Pornographer Sacramento, California - The Department of Justice Wednesday honored Detective Christie Hirota and five other members of the Sacramento Valley, California, High Tech Crimes Task Force for their investigation that resulted in the timely arrest of a sexual predator who victimized at least five children and who had a foster child in his care at the time of his arrest. Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Ed OCallaghan, Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt Dummermuth, and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Administrator Caren Harp presented Hirota and other task force members with the Missing Childrens Child Protection Award during the Justice Departments National Missing Childrens Day ceremony. The award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of law enforcement officers who make a significant investigative or program contribution to protect children from abuse or victimization. Other task force members recognized included: Detective James Williams, Sacramento County Sheriffs Department Detective Melinda Gobron, Sacramento County Sheriffs Department Special Agent Scott Schofield, FBI, Sacramento Field Office Investigator George Vasiliou, California Highway Patrol Detective Avis Beery, Sacramento Police Department The vigilance of this task force proves that there is a critical need for dedicated and timely investigative work in the fight to stop child exploitation, said Administrator Caren Harp. The Justice Department commends the Sacramento Valley High Tech Crimes Task Force for bringing this sex offender to justice and their commitment to stopping further child victimization. Hirota led a task force investigation into the suspect immediately after patrol officers received a Secure Digital (SD) memory card containing imagery of a partially-clothed boy from an acquaintance of the suspect. Through police and social service reports, Detective Hirota discovered that the suspect had a history of troubling behavior with boys, and that he currently had a foster child in his home. Just after midnight, Detective Hirota received a search warrant, which led to the seizure and subsequent review of multiple digital storage devices containing pornographic images of the suspects foster children. Within 48 hours of the initial patrol officers report, the task forces investigation led to the suspects arrest on the charge of molesting four children. The Department also recognized 11 other law enforcement officers for their investigations of child predators who sexually assaulted children, or created or viewed child pornography, as well as two firefighters who found a lost six-year-old boy. Harp also recognized Madison Dozier, a fifth grader at Reiley Elementary School in Alexandria, Kentucky, as the 20th winner of the National Missing Childrens Day poster contest. Attorney General Becerra Announces Sentencings in $2 Million Mortgage Fraud Scheme in Southern California San Diego, California - California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced the sentencing of Andrew Valles for operating a $2 million mortgage fraud scheme throughout Southern California. Today, Mr. Valles was sentenced to 13 years in state prison. Restitution was ordered in the amount of $2,342,957. Co-defendant Arnold Millman was previously sentenced to a state prison term of three years and four months. These con artists stole the life savings of decent Californians who thought they were making a smart decision for their homes and their families, said Attorney General Becerra. These actions will not be tolerated. My office will continue to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who prey on hardworking Californians to line their own pockets. The scheme occurred between 2012 and 2017. The defendants conspired using a fake insurance company, SafeCare, which promised to provide home loan services at a low monthly price to primarily Latino and African American families. During this time, the defendants would delay foreclosures and eviction actions by filing false bankruptcy and other court documents under fictitious names. They would instruct victims to deposit illegal advance fees and other large payments into a bank account controlled by the defendants. When the promised loan did not come through, they would proceed with the fabricated filings. The scheme took place in San Diego, Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties. The sentencing and guilty pleas are the product of a joint investigation by the California Department of Justice, the California Department of Insurance, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of the Inspector General (FHFA-OIG). A third codefendant, Jemal Lilly, pled guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 4, 2019. Attorney General Becerra Announces Arrests, Charges Against 10 Individuals in Southern California Vehicle Title Washing Los Angeles, California - California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced the arrest of ten individuals for allegedly using fraudulent information on credit applications to purchase vehicles from various car dealerships located in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and San Bernardino Counties. After purchasing vehicles using false or stolen identities, the defendants would then file fraudulent documents with the California Department of Motor Vehicles to remove lienholders and obtain a clean title to the vehicles. The vehicles were then sold on Craigslist or to used car dealers. The complaint was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. No Californian should have to fear their identity being stolen for the benefit of a fraudulent scheme, said Attorney General Xavier Becerra. Lets make something clear title washing is fraud and it will not be tolerated by my office. Individuals who take advantage of vulnerable Californians and honest businesses will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Auto theft in Southern California and in California in general, continues to be a problem for the California Highway Patrol and for the general public, said California Highway Patrol Commissioner Warren Stanley. The California Highway Patrol has partnered with local law enforcement agencies to form task forces to combat auto theft statewide. As a result of a lengthy investigation, the CHP in conjunction with allied agencies, was able to affect numerous arrests in Southern California areas. The complaint charges the defendants with 35 felony counts of grand theft, grand theft of an automobile, receiving stolen property, commercial burglary, and identity theft. It is alleged that the defendants used the personal identity of innocent individuals to purchase the vehicles. They also allegedly filed fraudulent lien releases with the Department of Motor Vehicles, on behalf of finance companies, stating the loans were paid off. This effectively cleared the finance companies as legal owners, and allowed the defendants to sell the vehicles to unsuspecting victims. In many instances, innocent individuals were contacted by banks and finance companies when they failed to make payments on loans that had been fraudulently opened in their name. This resulted in many victims having to go through an arduous process to clear their names with banks, finance companies and credit reporting agencies. The arrests are the result of an investigation by the California Highway Patrol. It is important to note that a criminal complaint contains charges that are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Justice Department Honors Tennessee Firefighters for Rescuing Lost Boy and His Dog Washington, DC - The Department of Justice Wednesday recognized two Tennessee-based firefighters who led a seven-hour search that led to the discovery of a missing six-year-old boy and his dog. Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Ed OCallaghan, Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt Dummermuth, and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Administrator Caren Harp presented the Missing Childrens Citizen Award to Firefighters Aaron Woods and Michael Webb of the Blount County Fire Department in Maryville, Tennessee, during the Departments National Missing Childrens Day ceremony. This award recognizes private citizens for extraordinary acts that lead to the safe recovery of missing or abducted children. The exhaustive search led by Mr. Woods and Mr. Webb as part of a broader effort to find this missing child epitomizes their dedication to duty and others before self attitude, said Administrator Caren Harp. The Department of Justice applauds these brave firefighters, along with those law enforcement and Tennessee National Guardsmen who quickly mobilized and tirelessly searched to bring this boy and his dog home safely. After the Blount County, Tennessee, Fire Department was notified of the missing boy on April 23, 2018, the department organized a search of approximately 100 participants, including first responders from the local sheriffs department, fire department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the FBI, and Army National Guard. The 22-hour-search spanned 2,000 acres of rugged, wooded terrainon foot and by airon and around Chilhowee Mountain and the Top of the World Community Recreation Center, where the child was last seen. Woods and Webb led a team of reinforcements to continue the search. After seven additional hours, the firefighters found the boy and his dog and ensured the boy received immediate medical treatment for exposure. The Department also recognized 17 law enforcement officers for their investigations of child predators who sexually assaulted children, or created, viewed, and/or distributed child pornography. Harp also recognized Madison Dozier, a fifth grader at Reiley Elementary School in Alexandria, Kentucky, as the 20th winner of the National Missing Childrens Day poster contest. Federal Grand Jury Charges San Fernando Valley Man with Planning Long Beach Terror Attack in Plot to Cause Mass Casualties Santa Ana, California - A federal grand jury has indicted a San Fernando Valley man for his role in planning to bomb a rally in Long Beach last month for the purpose of causing mass casualties. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney Nicola T. Hanna for the Central District of California made the announcement. Mark Steven Domingo, 26, of Reseda, California, a former U.S. Army infantryman who was deployed to Afghanistan, was previously arrested on a criminal complaint in this case. The indictment returned today formally charges him with providing material support to terrorists and attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction. If convicted, he would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison. Domingo, who has been in federal custody since his arrest last month, is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on May 31 in United States District Court. According to the affidavit filed with the criminal complaint, Domingo, in online posts and in conversations with an FBI source, expressed support for violent jihad, a desire to seek retribution for attacks against Muslims, and a willingness to become a martyr. After considering various attacks including targeting Jewish people, churches, and police officers Domingo decided to bomb a rally scheduled to take place in Long Beach last month. As part of the plot, Domingo asked a confederate who actually was working with the FBI as part of the investigation to find a bomb-maker. Domingo then purchased and provided to the confederate and the bomb-maker, who was actually an undercover officer, several hundred nails to be used as shrapnel for the bombs. Leading up to the planned attack, Domingo called for another event similar to the October 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas to give Americans a taste of the terror they gladly spread all over the world, the complaint states. Following an attack on Muslims in New Zealand on March 15, Domingo wrote in an online post, there must be retribution, according to the complaint. On April 26, Domingo received what he thought was a live bomb, but in fact was an inert explosive device that was delivered by the undercover law enforcement officer. According to the criminal complaint, after receiving the bomb, Domingo drove his confederate and the undercover officer to Long Beach to scout the location Domingo planned to attack. While there, Domingo discussed finding the most crowded areas in order to kill the most people. Domingo was arrested shortly after returning from scouting the intended attack location. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is the product of an investigation by the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force. JTTF members who participated in the investigation include the FBI, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and the Long Beach Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Reema M. El-Amamy and David T. Ryan of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section at the United States Attorneys Office for the Central District of California and Trial Attorney Ranganath Manthripragada of the Counterterrorism Section at the Department of Justices National Security Division IAV GmbH Sentenced to Pay $35 Million Criminal Fine for its Role in Volkswagen AG Emissions Fraud Washington, DC - IAV GmbH (IAV), a German company that engineers and designs automotive systems, was sentenced in federal court in Detroit today to pay a $35 million criminal penalty. The penalty is the result of the companys guilty plea for its role in a long-running scheme for Volkswagen AG (VW) to sell approximately 335,000 diesel vehicles in the U.S. by using a defeat device to cheat on U.S. emissions tests mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). During the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Sean F. Cox of the Eastern District of Michigan accepted the parties plea agreement, which includes the appointment of an independent corporate compliance monitor for a period of two years. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Schneider of the Eastern District of Michigan, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jean E. Williams of the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division, Assistant Administrator Susan Bodine of the EPAs Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance and Special Agent in Charge Timothy R. Slater of the FBIs Field Office made the announcement. IAV pleaded guilty in December 2018 to participating in a conspiracy to defraud the United States and VWs U.S. customers and to violate the Clean Air Act by misleading the EPA and U.S. customers about whether certain VW- and Audi-branded diesel vehicles complied with U.S. emissions standards. IAV admitted that it and its co-conspirators knew the vehicles did not meet U.S. emissions standards and worked collaboratively to design, test and implement cheating software to cheat the U.S. testing process. IAV further admitted that it was aware the VW concealed material facts about its cheating from federal and state regulators and U.S. customers. Pursuant to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, IAVs $35 million fine was set according to the companys inability to pay a higher fine amount without jeopardizing its continued viability. The case was investigated by the FBI and EPA-Criminal Investigation Division. The prosecution is being handled by Trial Attorneys Philip Trout, Mark Cipolletti and Gary Winters of the Criminal Divisions Fraud Section; Senior Trial Attorney Jennifer Blackwell of the Environment and Natural Resources Divisions Environmental Crimes Section; and White Collar Crime Unit Chief John K. Neal of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. The Criminal Divisions Office of International Affairs also assisted in the case. The Justice Department also extends its thanks to the Office of the Public Prosecutor in Braunschweig, Germany. This is a story about Memorial Day -- and about what to do to mark it if you're among the vast majority of Americans who are fortunate enough not to have lost any friends or family in the military. Twice each year I see a sudden spike in people trying to remember the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the two military related holidays we celebrate in the United States. I get it. If you're not involved in the military it's hard to keep them straight. So here's the difference plus an idea -- something easy that I think will make you feel proud and happy, especially since we're living during one of the most divided times in American history. Memorial Day Today is Memorial Day, which is dedicated to the memory of every person who gave his or her life in defense of the United States during our nation's wars. It has its origins in what used to be called Decoration Day, first celebrated in 1868, which was dedicated to celebrate the lives of Union soldiers killed in the Civil War. By the end of World War II, however, the day's meaning was broadened to reflect all of those who gave their lives for the United States in any war. The official name of the holiday was changed in 1967. Veterans Day Veterans Day, which is celebrated on November 11, has its origins as a day celebrating the end of World War I. However, it is now dedicated to honoring everyone who has served honorably in the U.S. military at any time. It doesn't matter if you served during wartime or saw combat; simply enlisting and taking the oath of office counts. As a result, Veterans Day is the more far-reaching holiday, given the sheer number of people who have served in the U.S. military. (It's roughly 7 percent of the U.S. population, so we're talking about millions of people.) 'Thank you for your service' I know a lot of veterans who are proud to have served and who have great respect for their fellow veterans. They love their country. But some of them have a pretty wry outlook on they way civilians (and corporations) express their gratitude for their service. I think it's a combination of being grateful for the spirit in which it's intended, but also embarrassment at how ham-handed it can be sometimes. "Thank you for your service, here's a 10 percent discount off a small soda with purchase of any meal deal." Or else, "I didn't serve myself, but I support the troops, as demonstrated by this garish t-shirt with a giant American flag on it." But I think we all want to do something more. Reach out It's awfully hard to be wry or sardonic when it comes to Memorial Day, of course. However, since it coincides with the "unofficial start of summer, if you want to do something appropriate to honor fallen service members on Memorial Day, I have a few ideas. Perhaps it's not practical to visit a cemetery. But if you're a praying person, today would be an excellent time to offer a prayer for both those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, and for the family and friends they left behind. I also think that given how incredibly divided our country is, it would be a worthy tribute to reach out to people with whom you know you disagree vehemently on political issues, and find a way to offer a fleeting, temporary olive branch. It can be as easy as a quick text message saying you're thinking of them and you hope they're having a great weekend. Because if you had a loved one who died in the service of our country, and you saw that country being torn apart by divisive rhetoric, it might be heartening to see a small sign of your fellow citizens doing something easy to repair it -- even just a little bit. And I think it will make you feel just a bit happier and prouder for having made the effort. Flash Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Hakim (R) and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Jawad Zarif attend a joint press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, May 26, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua] Iraq said on Sunday that it opposes sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran and proposed to mediate if asked. "We stand with our neighbor Iran and we affirm that the economic blockade is useless and causes great suffering to the Iranian people. Therefore, we stand against this blockade," said Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Hakim at a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Jawad Zarif who is on an official visit to Iraq. "We are always against the unilateral measures by the United States. We stand with our neighbor Iran, and will be an appropriate mediator for the two sides if asked to do so," al-Hakim told reporters. For his part, Zarif said Iran "has strong desire to establish relations with all countries of the Gulf." Iran has "presented proposals for cooperation with regional countries, including signing a non-aggression pact with Gulf countries," he added. A statement by the media office of the Iraqi Speaker of Parliament Mohammed al-Halbousi said al-Halbousi held a meeting with Zarif, in which he confirmed Iraq's intention to "play a pivotal role in reducing the escalation between Tehran and Washington to avoid the risk of escalation in the region." According to the statement, Zarif said Iran "has no desire in any military escalation, and it is ready to accept any initiative that could help reduce the escalation." On Saturday afternoon, Zarif arrived in Iraq's capital Baghdad and met with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi and President Barham Salih, discussing bilateral ties and regional situation. Zarif's visit came amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, which came after U.S. President Donald Trump decided not to re-issue the sanctions waivers for major importers to continue buying Iran's oil when they expired in early May. On May 15, the U.S. State Department ordered the non-emergency U.S. employees working in both the embassy in Baghdad and the consulate in Erbil to leave Iraq, a U.S. embassy statement said. On May 21, Mahdi said Iraq will send delegations to the United States and Iran to ease the tension in the Middle East. The United States has also increased its military buildup in the region recently by deploying an aircraft carrier, bombers and anti-missile systems, citing a threat of Iranian attack. OK, you know that there is much wrong with the world today. There are climate problems stemming from global warming. There are polarizing politicians dispensing with civility and decorum. Diseases nearly eradicated, like the measles, are making a comeback. Entire countries are failing and releasing vast numbers of economic and anything-for-safety refugees. Inequality is rising between countries and within countries. And much more. How can all of these problems be fixed? How much would it cost? Where would this humongous sum come from? Chris Haroun is among those who believe the answer to all these problems is education. In his view, it does not have to cost much. The technology needed is already in place and proven. What's more, you, personally, can earn money as you become a part of the solution. Many people would say that Haroun's opinion is rather naive. But is there truth in what he says? And should you pay attention to him? First, you need to know something about Haroun. Haroun's father was a Coptic Christian who lived in Egypt and persuaded an army officer to let him out of military service and leave the country. He wound up in Canada where he created a business that eventually had 300 employees and where his son was born. One of Haroun's vivid childhood memories is about his mom and dad. It was the 1960s. His mom was white, and dad was Egyptian. They were holding hands and walking when a man came up and told his mother, "Your father would be ashamed you are dating this man." This episode planted a seed in Haroun's young mind: He knew down deep that education could help people break out of this sort of bigotry. Haroun majored in information systems at McGill University and earned a master's degree in business administation from Columbia Business School. He did stints at such well-known companies as the mulinational professional services firm Accenture. And then he made a mistake and went to work on Wall Street. "I went after money," he says ruefully. "When you do this, you lose your dreams and your happiness. If you make money your goal, you will always want more." There was a cancer on Wall Street, he felt. Everyone was miserable, always comparing himself to someone else. Haroun read The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living by the Dalai Lama (1998, Penguin), and his thinking started to change. Then he made his second mistake. "I went after more money," he says. matter-of-factly. He went from Goldman Sachs to a venture-capital firm, started a hedge fund and played in the financial-services bazaar. He hated it. He recounts that he woke up one day to an insistent voice: "Why am I doing this?" He started teaching at charities for free. He taught poor kids with deadbeat dads. One Saturday, in January 2016, he taught 20 teenagers for 12 hours straight. "It was an MBA in a day," he laughs. The next day he taught eight hours, recorded it, and put it on Udemy, an online marketplace for user-generated educational content. It was "An entire MBA in one course," he says, unabashed. The course sold more than 200,000 units. He created more courses. They earned him "several million dollars" in less than three years, he says, declining to specify the amount. He has become one of the top instructors Udemy, and his An Entire MBA in 1 Course offering is Internet famous. Now Haroun is bent on changing the world. "Education," says Haroun, his voice vibrating with conviction and joy. "Education is what brings kids out of poverty, blasts prejudices into oblivion and knits disparate communities together in common interests." And the best platform for educational videos is there for anyone to use. "YouTube is the answer," Haroun says, turning evangelical. "You don't have to send troops to other countries. It makes no sense to do so. Instead, you can create a million Malala Yousafzai." Malala, of course, is the young Pakistani who became an international symbol of resilience and inspiration after she was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman who objected to women being educated. She was awarded the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize. Beyond academics, videos can teach people the kind of fundamental life skills that are not taught at college, such as time and money management, says Haroun. And, of course, you can also learn practical things, such as household repair, such as how to fix air conditioners and leaky faucets. Haroun walks his talk. He has created dozens of courses and is working on dozens more. He has a new online MBA course, and he expects it to disrupt business schools. He plans to price it at $499. Of course, if you want to create great online courses, you need great video. Haroun became a student of video and found his teacher in Steve Washer, a business communications consultant in Windsor, Conn., about whom I wrote last week. Haroun learned the ins-and-outs of green screens and was disabused of several notions he'd held about the medium. They're now collaborating on a course that will appeal particularly to entrepreneurs. If you are passionate about something, you can be a great teacher about that subject, Haroun says. "When we have millions of such teachers, the world will stop being a conglomerate of warring factions," he says. There's no one right way to plan a business. Some entrepreneurs build a business plan, whereas others simply jump on the right opportunity at the right time. Some entrepreneurs spend years developing their business model and strategic plans, whereas others hit on the right model very quickly. That said, the stories behind the forming of today's most successful and famous companies and brands show that certain practices and traits may help improve the odds of business-planning success. Here's a look at four business-planning lessons from some of today's biggest business success stories: Uber: Solve a common problem The ride-hailing company now valued at more than $50 billion was, as the Vanity Fair story goes, first envisioned when tech entrepreneurs Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp were attending a tech conference in Paris on a snowy night in 2008. They were trying to find a taxi, but none were available. The two friends quickly thought up a technological solution to this problem: Create a mobile app that allowed people to easily hail a comfortable ride. They noted that the same cab shortage was common in San Francisco and figured an on-demand car-hailing service would help ensure cars were available when and where people actually needed them. Soon after, they brought up their idea at a "JamPad" in Paris where they and other entrepreneurs were throwing out possible ideas for start-ups, according to a profile in Vanity Fair. The other entrepreneurs apparently didn't think the ride-hailing idea stood out from the other ideas that night, but Kalanick and Camp didn't give up once they got back to the States. They spent a couple of years tinkering with their concept and launched the first UberCab service in San Francisco in summer 2010 "with only a few cars, a handful of employees, and a small seed round," Vanity Fair reported. Amazon: Conduct intense market research According to Sucess.com, Jeff Bezos, age 30 at the time, was working as a Wall Street executive in the mid-1990s when he decided to quit his job and pursue a dream: Starting an Internet retail business. In the few months before leaving his job, the Amazon.com founder conducted market research on the then-nascent online commerce market. He brainstormed a list of 20 items he thought would sell well online including CDs, videos, books, computer software and computer hardware, according to a profile in Success magazine. He then thoroughly researched each of his ideas and settled on books, because he figured many bookstores were only able to stock a few thousand titles while there were millions of titles available. "I used a whole bunch of criteria to evaluate the potential of each product, but among the main criteria was the size of the relative markets," Bezos told Success. "Books, I found out, were an $82 billion market worldwide. The price point was another major criterion: I wanted a low-priced product. I reasoned that since this was the first purchase many people would make online, it had to be non-threatening in size." While his former wife drove their Chevy Blazer, Bezos reportedly typed up a business plan and started calling prospective investors on the cross-country road trip that relocated his family from New York to Seattle. Amazon officially launched in 1995 selling books only, but within a couple years branched out into other types of products, including CDs and electronics. Apple: Identify your risks and challenges Many entrepreneurs approach business planning with unfettered optimism. Apple Inc. founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak knew better. Before Apple launched its famous Macintosh personal computer in 1982, the company put together a 30-page business plan, called the Preliminary Macintosh Business Plan. The plan, now on display at the Computer History Museum, shows that Jobs and Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak were well aware of the risks and challenges that lay ahead--and they spelled those out in their business plan in a section called "Open Issues." The risks that Apple laid out in its Macintosh plan included: "Europe has not been given much consideration yet." "We are designing our packaging to accept a door-less disk drive only. We feel Vennard will come through. Should we be taking this risk?" "Is our schedule realistic?" You can download the original Apple Macintosh business plan on the Computer History Museum's website. Burt's Bees: Be willing to experiment--and move on Burt's Bees natural skin-care products were famously spawned from a beekeeping and roadside honey business in Maine run by namesake Burt Shavitz, who passed away a few years ago. According to Inc., the company didn't become a huge success story, however, until Shavitz's former love interest, Roxanne Quimby, took over the business in the mid-1980s and began to use the beehive wax to make a variety of home and health care products, including candles, furniture polish and lip balm. Quimby grew the business originally by taking the products to craft fairs. She used those fairs as a product testing ground and informal "focus groups" to see how customers interacted with the products and how well they sold, she told Inc magazine in 2004: I'm not sentimental about products--they perform or they don't. We tried lots of different things. One was beeswax lip balm. It was clear, very early, that people bought lip balm 10 times faster than they bought beeswax furniture polish. Next was a moisturizing cream. It sold better than the polish too. By 1993, Burt's Bees had $3 million in sales and Quimby decided she needed to move the company out of Maine and to a more business-friendly place--North Carolina. She soon bought Shavitz out of the business. In 2007, Burt's Bees was sold to Clorox for $900 million, according to The Washington Post. Rivers around the world are contaminated with dangerous levels of antibiotics, according to a major new study. Concentrations of antibiotics in some waterways exceed safe levels by 300 times, a global team of scientists led by the University of York found. The Thames was contaminated with five antibiotics, including levels of ciprofloxacin used to treat skin and urinary tract infections that were three times what is considered safe. Researchers looked at 14 commonly used antibiotics in rivers flowing through 72 countries and found antibiotics were in two-thirds of samples. Scientists fear antibiotics in rivers cause bacteria to develop resistance meaning they can no longer be used in medicines for humans. The UN estimates that the rise in antibiotic resistance could kill 10 million people by 2050. Environment news in pictures Show all 8 1 /8 Environment news in pictures Environment news in pictures Davos 2019: David Attenborough issues stark warning about future of civilisation as he demands practical solutions to combat climate change Sir David Attenborough has issued a stark warning about climate change to business figures gathered in Davos, telling them that "what we do now...will profoundly affect the next few thousand years". On the eve of this year's World Economic Forum, the renowned naturalist told the audience that the worlds of business and politics should "get on with the practical solutions" needed to prevent environmental damage. "As a species we are expert problem solvers. But we've not yet applied ourselves to this problem with the focus it requires. "We can create a world with clean air and water, unlimited energy, and fish stocks that will sustain us well into the future. But to do that, we need a plan," he said. The broadcaster made his speech after receiving a Crystal Award, which is awarded by the forum to "exceptional cultural leaders". AFP/Getty Environment news in pictures At least 60% of wild coffee species face extinction triggered by climate change and disease Two decades of research have revealed that 60 per cent of the worlds coffee species face extinction due to the combined threats of deforestation, disease and climate change. The wild strain of arabica, the most widely consumed coffee on the planet, is among those now recognised as endangered, raising concerns about its long-term survival. These results are worrying for the millions of farmers around the world who depend on the continued survival of coffee for their livelihoods. As conditions for coffee farming become tougher, scientists predict the industry will need to rely on wild varieties to develop more resilient strains Alan Schaller Environment news in pictures Warming Antarctic waters are speeding the rate at which glaciers are melting The Antarctic ice sheet is losing six times as much ice each year as it was in the 1980s and the pace is accelerating, one of the most comprehensive studies of climate change effects on the continent has shown. More than half an inch has been added to global sea levels since 1979, but if current trends continue it will be responsible for metres more in future, the Nasa-funded study found. The international effort used aerial photos, satellite data and climate models dating back to the 1970s across18 Antarctic regions to get the most complete picture to date on the impacts of the changing climate. It found that between 1979 and 1990 Antarctica lost an average of 40 gigatonnes (40 billion tonnes) of its mass each year. Between 2009 and 2017 it lost an average 252 gigatonnes a year. This has added 3.6mm per decade to sea levels, or around 14mm since 1979, the study shows Nasa/Getty Environment news in pictures Greater Manchester to ban fracking, paving way for confrontation with government over controversial industry Greater Manchester is to effectively ban fracking, raising the prospect of fresh confrontation with the government over the controversial industry. All of the regions 10 councils are to implement planning policies which create a presumption against drilling for shale gas in their areas, Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has announced. Campaigners said the move was the latest sign that the tide was turning against fracking, which has been the subject of multiple legal battles across the country. Critics of fracking say it poses environmental and health risks. Drilling at the UKs only operational fracking site, run by Cuadrilla in Lancashire, has repeatedly been halted due to earth tremors. But ministers support the industry and last year unveiled plans to accelerate the development of new drilling sites Ross Wills Environment news in pictures Japan confirms plan to resume commercial whaling in its waters from next year Japan will resume commercial whaling next year for the first time in more than three decades, in a move that has provoked strong criticism from campaigners and the international community. Chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said his nation would leave the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to resume hunting the marine mammals in Japanese waters. However, he stated the activity would be limited to Japans territory and the 200 mile exclusive economic zone along its coasts. This means controversial scientific trips to Antarctica in which Japanese vessels killed hundreds of whales, as well as activity in the northwest Pacific, will stop in 2019 AP Environment news in pictures COP24: Environmental groups criticise morally unacceptable climate deal reached after major Poland summit Diplomats from around the world have agreed a major climate deal after two weeks of United Nations talks in Poland. But climate campaigners warned the deal effectively a set of rules for how to govern the 2015 Paris climate accord agreed between almost 200 countries lacked ambition or a clear promise of enhanced climate action. Activists cautiously welcomed elements of the plan, saying important progress had been made on ensuring that efforts to tackle climate change by individual nations can be measured and compared. But environmental groups were also highly critical of the agreement, warning it lacked ambition and clarity on key issues, including financing for climate projects for developing countries. The COP24 deal, which is aimed at providing firm guidelines for countries on how to transparently report their greenhouse gas emissions and their efforts to reduce them, was confirmed on 15 December, after talks overran Reuters Environment news in pictures Unprecedented changes needed to stop global warming as UN report reveals islands starting to vanish and coral reefs dying Greenhouse gas emissions must be cut almost in half by 2030 to avert global environmental catastrophe, including the total loss of every coral reef, the disappearance of Arctic ice and the destruction of island communities, a landmark UN report has concluded. Drawing on more than 6,000 scientific studies and compiled over two years, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) findings, released this morning, warn enormous and rapid changes to the way everyone on Earth eats, travels and produces energy need to be brought in immediately. Though the scientists behind the report said there is cause for optimism, they recognised the grim reality that nations are currently nowhere near on track to avert disaster AFP/Getty Environment news in pictures Africas three biggest elephant poaching cartels exposed using DNA from illegal ivory shipments DNA taken from massive shipments of ivory has been used to identify the three largest wildlife trafficking gangs operating at the height of Africas elephant poaching epidemic. Ivory tends to be shipped around the world from African ports in bulk, and scientists have used genetic evidence gleaned from intercepted batches to reveal their origins. Led by Dr Samuel Wasser from the University of Washington, they traced a number of these shipments to three cartels operating out of Kenya, Uganda and Togo. Evidence collected by Dr Wasser has already helped convict ivory kingpin Feisal Mohamed Ali, and as his team joins the dots between shipments they plan to shore up the cases against more of the continents most prolific smugglers Art Wolfe A lot of the resistance genes we see in human pathogens originated from environmental bacteria, Professor William Gaze, a microbial ecologist at the University of Exeter who was not involved in the study, told The Guardian. Drugs get into rivers via human and animal waste, as well as leaks from wastewater treatment and drug manufacturing sources. In one site in Bangladesh, levels of metronidazole which is used to treat mouth and skin infections were 300 times greater than what is considered safe. The most common antibiotic was a urinary tract infection antibiotic called trimethoprim, which was present in 307 of 711 sites tested. Scientists flew out 92 testing kits to partners across the world who took samples from local rivers. Researchers found Bangladesh, Kenya, Ghana, Pakistan and Nigeria were home to the most contaminated rivers. The team said that the safe limits were most frequently exceeded in Asia and Africa. However, sites in Europe, North America and South America also had high levels of contamination showing that antibiotic contamination was a global problem". England could run out of water within 25 years, warns Environment Agency boss Professor Alistair Boxall, from the York Environmental Sustainability Institute, said: The results are quite eye opening and worrying, demonstrating the widespread contamination of river systems around the world with antibiotic compounds. Many scientists and policy makers now recognise the role of the natural environment in the antimicrobial resistance problem. Our data show that antibiotic contamination of rivers could be an important contributor. Solving the problem is going to be a mammoth challenge and will need investment in infrastructure for waste and wastewater treatment, tighter regulation and the cleaning up of already contaminated sites. Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands Show all 23 1 /23 Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands Rachid and Khaled, buffalo breeders in south Iraq look out over the dried out marshes (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands Beached boats lie on parched land which was once inhabited by buffalo breedes in Iraq's famed marshlands (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands Smoke billows from an oil refinery in the background of a dried out marsh (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands Water Buffalo sit in shallow water in Chibayish marsh in Iraq (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands An Iraqi buffalo breeder says that the waters used to stretch to the horizon but have disappeared in a severe drought (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands Families of buffalo breeders fear they will have to move to the cities to find work as the waters have dried up (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands A buffalo breeder points out where the original waterline was when the marshes were not dried out (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands This reed hut used to be surrounded by rich marshes which have now dried out in Iraq's water crisis (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands Famers south of Baghdad point to an emptying salty water pond which once irrigated their crops (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands A young boy plays in an empty irrigation canal south of Baghdad, once known as a greenbelt (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands Young children play in putrid water in an empty irrigation canal in an area south of Baghdad (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands Children from a farming community play by dried up river beds and canals south of Baghdad (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands The Euphrates near Iraq's famed marshes is drying up and at its deepest is just half a metre (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands Young women make traditional tapestries in the Marshlands of Iraq (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands Mahdi Sadah, 30 a father of twelve, who also been displaced said he has lost 6 of his 15 buffalo due to the salty water in the marshes (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands Mahdi Sadah, 30 a father of twelve, with some of his children outside their traditional reed hut in the marshlands of Iraq (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands Water buffalo are dying in their droves in the marshlands of Iraq due to high salinity of the receding waters (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands A traditional reed hut which houses a family of eight in the marshlands in Iraq (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands A young girl suffers from malnutrition as her family struggle to make money for food in the marshlands of Iraq (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands Inside the rudimentary reed huts where the Marsh Arabs live in south Iraq (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands A young girl and her baby sister take cover from searing summer temperatures of Iraq (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands Emaciated water buffalo cool of in the shrinking water of the marshes in Iraq (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Rivers run dry in Iraq's marshlands Rachid Jassim, a Marsh Arab, explains how he has lost $1000s of dollars being displaced due to the water crisis in Iraq (Photo: Bel Trew) Bel Trew Professor John Wilkinson, from the University of York, said: Until now, the majority of environmental monitoring work for antibiotics has been done in Europe, North America and China. Often on only a handful of antibiotics. We know very little about the scale of problem globally. Our study helps fill this key knowledge gap with data being generated for countries that had never been monitored before. The findings will be unveiled at the annual meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry in Helsinki on 27 and 28 May. The price of bitcoin has once again shot up, gaining more than 10 per cent in value in less than 24 hours. The cryptocurrency reached $8,900 (7,000) on some exchanges on Monday, having traded below $4,000 less than two months ago. Other major cryptocurrencies have benefited from bitcoins good fortune, with ethereum, litecoin and bitcoin cash all experiencing significant gains since Sunday. Market analysts have pointed to a number of factors that could have contributed to the remarkable price jump, including a run of good news in the cryptocurrency space. Price manipulation has also been cited as a factor by some experts, who blame large holders of the cryptocurrency for bending the price at their will through huge sell-offs. Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Satoshi Nakamoto creates the first bitcoin block in 2009 On 3 January, 2009, the genesis block of bitcoin appeared. It came less than a year after the pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto detailed the cryptocurrency in a paper titled 'Bitcoin: A peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System' Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin is used as a currency for the first time On 22 May, 2010, the first ever real-world bitcoin transaction took place. Lazlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas for 10,000 bitcoins the equivalent of $90 million at today's prices Lazlo Hanyecz Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Silk Road opens for business Bitcoin soon gained notoriety for its use on the dark web. The Silk Road marketplace, established in 2011, was the first of hundreds of sites to offer illegal drugs and services in exchange for bitcoin Screenshot Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures The first bitcoin ATM appears On 29 October, 2013, the first ever bitcoin ATM was installed in a coffee shop in Vancouver, Canada. The machine allowed people to exchange bitcoins for cash Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures The fall of MtGox The world's biggest bitcoin exchange, MtGox, filed for bankruptcy in February 2014 after losing almost 750,000 of its customers bitcoins. At the time, this was around 7 per cent of all bitcoins and the market inevitably crashed Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Would the real Satoshi Nakamoto please stand up In 2015, Australian police raided the home of Craig Wright after the entrepreneur claimed he was Satoshi Nakamoto. He later rescinded the claim Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's big split On 1 August, 2017, an unresolvable dispute within the bitcoin community saw the network split. The fork of bitcoin's underlying blockchain technology spawned a new cryptocurrency: Bitcoin cash Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's price sky rockets Towards the end of 2017, the price of bitcoin surged to almost $20,000. This represented a 1,300 per cent increase from its price at the start of the year Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures What goes up... Bitcoin price crashes spectacularly, losing half of its value in a matter of days Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin plunges The cryptocurrency eventually bottoms out below $4,000 in 2019 before slowly rebuilding momentum to outperform more traditional assets Getty Images Whatever the cause, analysts believe bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies will continue to see more price gains in the coming months. A panel of cryptocurrency experts put together by finance firm Finder predicted bitcoin would be trading at around $9,659 by December 2019. Nearly half of the panellists also forecast that bitcoins current surge would see its price exceed its record high of close to $20,000, which it reached in December 2017. However, half of the panellists said the market surge would be followed by a similar price crash that occurred in 2018. For more than 12 months following its record high, bitcoin saw its price fall and stagnate before finally showing signs of recovery earlier this year. Bitcoin has experienced the biggest price gains since 2017, when the cryptocurrencys value shot up close to $20,000 (Getty Images) For bitcoin to maintain such a high value it will need to see advances in its usability as a form of mainstream currency, according to Fred Schebsta, co-founder of cryptocurrency brokerage firm HiveEx,. "While I believe bitcoin will rise a little further this year, usability still has a long way to go before real value will exist," he said. "It is also possible that we may see another crash like what we saw in December 2017, when bitcoin dropped by roughly 40 per cent within a few days. But long-term, bitcoin and other digital currencies are very likely to stick around and change the way we do banking." The cryptocurrency may face competition from other digital currencies, rumoured to be in development by major tech companies like Facebook. Last week, details about Facebook's GlobalCoin cryptocurrency were revealed, pointing to a potential launch date of 2020. If successful, Facebook would be able to use its user base of more than 2 billion people to push its growth to levels never seen by bitcoin. "The launch of GlobalCoin is all about Facebook monetising its huge user base in a new way," Simon Peters, an analyst at the online trading platform eToro, told The Independent. "What Facebook will charge in terms of fees remains unclear, but if it is cheaper and easier to use than traditional payment methods or even certain cryptocurrencies, it could reinvent itself as the go-to place for online payments." Bronchitis, sprained ankles and bad memories were not enough to put off competitors from taking part in the world-famous cheese rolling race. Max McDougall, 22, claimed his first ever victory in the daredevil 200ft tumble down Coopers Hill in Brockworth, Gloucestershire. His triumph came just 12 months after he knocked himself out trying to catch the cheese. I just went for it, he said. Pick a line and stick to it. Meanwhile, Flo Early, 28, won the womens race for the fourth time and immediately announced her retirement after picking up an injury. If you go fast from the beginning the hill will do the rest, she said. Gloucester cheese rolling race 2019 Show all 7 1 /7 Gloucester cheese rolling race 2019 Gloucester cheese rolling race 2019 The first men's downhill race begins. Eventual winner Max McDougall has his eyes on the prize. PA Gloucester cheese rolling race 2019 The third men's downhill race begins. PA Gloucester cheese rolling race 2019 Spot the cheese! PA Gloucester cheese rolling race 2019 Tumbling to victory in the women's race PA Gloucester cheese rolling race 2019 The men go head over heels. PA Gloucester cheese rolling race 2019 Women's winner Flo Early with her 8lb Gloucester cheese prize. PA Gloucester cheese rolling race 2019 The winner of the first men's downhill race, Max McDougall, 22, from Brockworth, who won for the first time as champion cheese chaser. PA You want to keep your ankles heavy in the ground and aim for the gate thats the tips I have been given. Im done now, this is it, Im retired. Im in pain with this ankle, its a sprain but it feels pretty uncomfortable. The two other mens races were won by nine-time victor Ryan Fairley, 29, from Brockworth, and Mark Kit, 21, from Toronto in Canada. Mr Kit said he had been inspired to take part after seeing videos of cheese rolling as a child. I didnt know what was going on, he said. I took the first 10 steps and I just started sliding and the next thing I knew I was at the bottom and nobody else beat me. Now were going to the pub. I got bronchitis yesterday and I figured I wasnt going to win the uphill race and going down is a lot easier. Describing his technique, Mr Fairley said: Just run and lean back and dont just try and tumble forward because if you lean back you stay on your feet. My back does hurt a little bit but nothing that wont sort itself out. Ive got work tomorrow. The tradition of cheese rolling is thought to have its origins in a heathen festival to celebrate the return of spring. It has been held annually on the Spring Bank Holiday for years but the official competition was cancelled due to health and safety fears after more than 15,000 people turned up to watch it in 2009. The rebel version has continued, although a police warning in 2013 prompted the use of a lightweight foam cheese instead of the genuine article. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Real cheeses, made by Diana Smart and her son Rod, who had produced cheese for the chase for more than 25 years, were awarded to the winners. The madcap races attracted TV crews from around the world, including Netflix. Champion cheese chaser Chris Anderson, who last year broke the record number of wins by claiming his 22nd victory, did not compete in this years context because he was on holiday. Press Association A high street in Norfolk is set to be closed for a week after a 2ft-wide sinkhole emerged in the middle of the road. The hole, which the fire service said was at least 16ft deep, appeared around lunchtime on Saturday in Sheringham High Street, a seaside resort north of Norwich. Norfolk Police said officers were at the scene following reports a hole has appeared in the road. The force advised locals to avoid the area. Anglian Water, which sectioned off the area, will explore the sewers beneath the hole and carry out repairs. Andrew Munden, chair of the Sheringham Chamber of Trade, told North Norfolk News a number of businesses would be forced to close until the issue was resolved. How sinkholes are swallowing streets worldwide Show all 7 1 /7 How sinkholes are swallowing streets worldwide How sinkholes are swallowing streets worldwide sinkhole1-gt.jpg Getty images How sinkholes are swallowing streets worldwide sinkhole2-epa.jpg EPA How sinkholes are swallowing streets worldwide sinkhole3-ap.jpg AP How sinkholes are swallowing streets worldwide sinkhole4-gt.jpg Getty Images How sinkholes are swallowing streets worldwide sinkhole5-afpgt.jpg AFP/Getty images How sinkholes are swallowing streets worldwide sinkhole6-afpgt.jpg AFP/Getty How sinkholes are swallowing streets worldwide sinkhole7-afpgt.jpg AFP/Getty It comes less than a year after a supermarket in North Yorkshire was evacuated when a sinkhole opened up in an alleyway behind the building. Liz Sheringham, the deputy mayor of Sheringham, said: "The local fire and police services dealt superbly with the situation and local people came together and helped to manage the situation calmly and safely." She added: "This is one of the busiest weeks of the year for Sheringham being half term and could have been a disaster for the town but as a result of this camaraderie and fighting spirit the town is very much open for business." Sinkholes mainly occur in what is known as karst terrain; areas of land where soluble bedrock (such as limestone or gypsum) can be dissolved by water. Giant sinkhole opens up near the White House in northwest DC Though most emerge gradually, ones which suddenly open up are known as cover-collapse sinkholes. These are often created when water dissolves the bedrock underneath until only a thin layer remains between the surface and an underground opening. This thin layer can then eventually collapse. The Conservatives have been issued with a final warning by voters in the European elections and face a permanent haemorrhage of support if they do not deliver Brexit, Boris Johnson has warned. The Tory leadership frontrunner said his party would be dismissed from the job of running the country if it did not respond to Sunday nights humiliation by taking the UK out of the EU. Nigel Farages insurgent Brexit Party took nearly a third of the national vote to top the polls as a swell of support for the pro-Remain Liberal Democrats and Greens pushed to Conservatives down to fifth place. The Tories won just three seats and less than 9 per cent of the vote overnight in the worst nationwide election result in their 185-year history. Today our employers the people have figuratively summoned us to the Human Resources department for a final warning about our performance, wrote Mr Johnson in his Daily Telegraph column. European election 2019 UK results Show all 9 1 /9 European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Brexit Party European election 2019 UK results Liberal Democrats European election 2019 UK results Labour European election 2019 UK results Greens European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Plaid Cymru European election 2019 UK results Scottish National Party European election 2019 UK results Change UK European election 2019 UK results UKIP He added: The message from these results is clear. If we go on like this, we will be fired: dismissed from the job of running the country. The only way to avert that outcome is to honour the result of the 2016 referendum, and come out of the EU; and that means doing it properly. If we fail yet again to discharge that mandate, then I fear we will see a permanent haemorrhage of Conservative support, and loyal voters who have left us to join the Brexit Party (and others) may simply never come back. Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, who is also vying to replace Theresa May as prime minister, said the Conservatives failure to deliver take Britain out of the EU posed an existential risk to the party. He said the painful EU election result should drive the Tories to come together and get Brexit done. Daniel Hannan, one of only few Tory MEPs to retained their seats in European parliament, said the outcome of Thursdays vote was without question our worst result as a party ever. But he suggested the Conservatives fortunes would be turned around and the threat from Mr Farages Brexit Party neutralised if the UK did leave the EU. People voted to leave three years ago and we havent left, its as simple as that, he said. He added: The appeal of a party called the Brexit Party will dry up very quickly once Brexit has happened. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The success of Mr Farages party is likely to harden the stance of Tory leadership contenders who want a no-deal Brexit to remain on the table, as well as deepening party divisions on the issue. Several candidates, including Mr Johnson and Dominic Raab, have said they would be willing to let the UK crash out of the EU without a deal on 31 October. Childrens minister Nadhim Zahawi, who is backing Mr Raab, said on Monday morning he was not frightened of that prospect. But other Tories, including chancellor Philip Hammond and leadership hopeful Rory Stewart, have indicated they could back a no-confidence vote to topple any prime minister who tried to pursue a no-deal Brexit. Nigel Farage has demanded a seat on Britains Brussels negotiating team for the Brexit Party after it pulled off a major victory in the European elections on Sunday night. The new group won the British part of the elections by far, with at least 28 seats surpassing the former success of Ukip which had won the 2014 elections under Mr Farages leadership. The Brexit Party took 32 per cent of the national vote share and topped the poll in nine of the 10 regions declared. Claiming a big win, Mr Farage told reporters as the results rolled in: Weve got a deadline for 31 October, thats the date on which were supposed to leave the European Union. Thats in five months time. What were saying is weve got a mandate now, we demand to be part of that negotiating team, to get this country ready to leave whatever the circumstances. Firstly were going to be in Brussels, secondly weve got some very high calibre businessmen and businesswomen used to putting deals together weve got to get on with this! After Theresa May announced her resignation on Friday, Tory leadership contenders were quick to suggest they might return to Brussels to try and negotiate a better Brexit deal. But the EU is very unlikely to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement, which it says is the only deal possible with the UK. Brexiteers are unhappy with aspects of the proposed treaty, including the controversial Northern Irish backstop, which would likely keep the UK tied to EU customs rules indefinitely. The EU has said it would be happy to renegotiate a different future relationship with the UK, but that the withdrawal agreement which other than Northern Ireland also governs issues like the divorce bill and citizens rights, is not up for discussion. The prime minister has tried and failed to get the deal approved by parliament three times. A fourth abortive attempt ultimately resulted in her resignation. Some Brexiteers have criticised the UK negotiating team itself, pointing the finger at Theresa Mays chief negotiator Olly Robbins, who they accuse of secretly working to stay in the EU. 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 But Brexiteers such as David Davis and Dominic Raab have also played a key role in talks and been met with much the same reception in Brussels. Speaking as the results rolled in on Sunday night, Mr Farage said: [Its been a] big win for the Brexit Party, thats very clear, terrible night for the Conservative party but look at Labour as well look at what the Brexit partys done to Labour in Wales, in the North East of England. This is a big, big message, a bit wake-up call to Westminster will they listen? The Conservative party was reduced to a single-figure vote share and posted its worst national result in its history, slipping to fifth behind the Green party. Labour came in third behind the Brexit party and Lib Dems. Jeremy Corbyn is coming under intense pressure to make a Final Say referendum a condition of Labour support for any Brexit deal, after an exodus of Remain voters consigned the party to its worst national election result since 1910. The Labour leader is increasingly isolated at the top of the party on Brexit, with senior figures including shadow chancellor John McDonnell, shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry and deputy leader Tom Watson calling for a public vote. Mr McDonnell appeared to accept that the strategy of attempting to straddle Labours Remain and Leave-voting constituencies had reached the end of the road. Cant hide from hit we took last night, he tweeted. Bringing people together when theres such a divide was never going to be easy. Now we face prospect of Brexiteer extremist as Tory leader and threat of no deal, we must unite our party and country by taking issue back to people in a public vote. He added: Of course I want a general election. But I realise how difficult this is to secure. I will do anything I can to block no-deal Brexit. So yes if, as likely, general election not possible, then I support going back to the people in another referendum. In a message to the Parliamentary Labour Party on Monday, Mr Corbyn sought to reach out to Remainers, stating: We are ready to support a public vote on any deal. But it is understood that the shift of tone and emphasis does not amount to a change in policy to make support for any deal conditional on a second referendum. Mr Corbyn said any policy change would be for Labours annual conference in September to determine. The move did not go far enough for Labour MPs reeling from the partys collapse to 14 per cent in the European elections, which saw them lose 10 MEPs as voters frustrated with Mr Corbyns ambiguous stance on Brexit flooded to Liberal Democrats and Greens. Emily Thornberry: Labour should have clearly backed Remain during European elections One Remain-backing shadow cabinet source said that Labour members and supporters demand a commitment to require a public vote on any deal, adding: Waiting until September wont satisfy anyone. And backbencher Ian Murray, a supporter of the Peoples Vote campaign for a second referendum, said: This is a step forward, but the policy needs to be made very clear and the campaign for a peoples vote needs to start now, not be delayed for any reason. The idea that we should wait until September is ludicrous. The one thing the results have shown us is that if you stand in the middle of the road you get hit by both sides. That means those members of the Labour front bench opposing a peoples vote need to recognise that now they need to either get on board or consider their positions. The era of playing both ends against the middle is over. European election 2019 UK results Show all 9 1 /9 European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Brexit Party European election 2019 UK results Liberal Democrats European election 2019 UK results Labour European election 2019 UK results Greens European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Plaid Cymru European election 2019 UK results Scottish National Party European election 2019 UK results Change UK European election 2019 UK results UKIP As the disastrous results rolled in on Sunday night, Mr Corbyn appeared to signal a change in strategy, in a statement which said that the Brexit issue will have to go back to the people, whether through a general election or a public vote. He said that Labour would reflect over the coming days on the outcome of the European vote. But in a TV appearance in the morning, he made clear his preferred outcome remains a general election. The priority at the moment, I think, is for this government to call for a general election and actually have a general election so we can decide the future, he said. Asked whether he would support an internal ballot on the direction of policy, the Labour leader replied: What well do is consult members through the constituency parties and affiliated trade unions and bring the issue back to conference in September. Ms Thornberry said the election results showed Labour was not clear enough about its position on Brexit. We should have said quite simply that any deal that comes out of this government should be put to a confirmatory referendum, and that Remain should be on the ballot paper, and that Labour would campaign to Remain, she said. Meanwhile, shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said Labour must listen to our members, who polls suggest back a Final Say vote by a large majority. When we come in third after the Brexit Party, that is a clue something is wrong with our strategy, said the loyal Corbyn ally. We need to listen to our members and take a clearer line on a public vote. Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said: Its no use trying to hide from these very disappointing results. We need to reflect hard and listen to our members, supporters and voters. The only way to break the Brexit impasse is to go back to the public with a choice between a credible Leave option and Remain. However, there were indications that some MPs in Leave-backing constituencies will resist any move to position Labour as an anti-Brexit party. Makerfield MP Yvonne Fovargue tweeted: We need to respect the result and leave the EU with a pragmatic deal. Liberal Democrats are planning to target Conservative leadership contenders who have been exposed as vulnerable to a Brexit backlash from Remain-supporting voters in their own constituencies. The party's analysis of voting figures in this weeks European elections showed that the combined support for Remain parties made up more than half the votes cast in the council area covering the constituency of prominent hard Brexiteer Dominic Raab. And the parties backing a second referendum the Lib Dems, Greens and Change UK together pulled in more votes that Nigel Farages Brexit Party in areas containing the seats of Boris Johnson, Esther McVey, Michael Gove, Andrea Leadsom, Jeremy Hunt, Matt Hancock and Rory Stewart. Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Sir Ed Davey said the party was ready to target Tory leadership hopefuls who failed to reflect their constituents concerns about a no-deal Brexit. The Liberal Democrats will target your seats to save the country from your catastrophic hard Brexit, he warned them. He said: More than half the vote in the seat of Dominic Raab went to Remain parties. It is a travesty of the truth to say that all Conservative voters want their party to be even more like Nigel Farage. Far from wanting to get on with Brexit, the majority of voters now just want to call the whole thing off. According to the Lib Dem analysis, Sir Vince Cables party outpolled the Tories this week in each of the areas including the seats of the eight leadership contenders. And the combined Remain vote hit 54.5 per cent in the voting area including Mr Raabs Esher and Walton. In Mr Goves Surrey Heath, the Remain parties outstripped the Brexit Party by 41.9 per cent to 38.3 per cent and enjoyed an advantage of 29.7-27 in Mr Johnsons seat, 40-34.2 in Ms McVeys, 39.9-36.3 in Ms Leadsoms and 48.5-28.8 in Mr Hunts. European election 2019 UK results Show all 9 1 /9 European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Brexit Party European election 2019 UK results Liberal Democrats European election 2019 UK results Labour European election 2019 UK results Greens European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Plaid Cymru European election 2019 UK results Scottish National Party European election 2019 UK results Change UK European election 2019 UK results UKIP Rather than pandering to Nigel Farage, if any of these Tory leadership contenders have the stature to become prime minister they must be honest and admit that voters are understandably terrified of the reckless hard Brexit that Conservatives have been trying to force on the country, said Davey. The Liberal Democrats have shown they can win in the Tory backyard, and Conservative Brexiteers have every reason to be frightened. I will continue to campaign to give the people a say on any final deal." Flash Greek main opposition conservative New Democracy (ND) party leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis called Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to quit so that Greece will be led to early national elections, after the results of the European parliament and local parliament elections on Sunday. ND wins the European parliament elections with 32.7 percent of votes against 24 percent for the ruling Radical Left SYRIZA party, according to estimates based on the first official results announced on national broadcaster ERT. "The change I had been talking throughout the pre- election campaign has already started. The Prime Minister must assume responsibility. He should resign and the country must be led to national elections," he said in a televised statement. The government's term expires in October this year. With about 10 percent of the votes counted nationwide, according to the early projections issued by the Interior Ministry, six parties will most probably send representatives to the European parliament, clearing the three percent threshold needed under Greece's electoral law. The centrist Movement for Change (KINAL) wins 7.8 percent of votes, the Greek Communist Party (KKE) ranks fourth with 5.6 percent and the ultra- Right Chryssi Avghi (Golden Dawn) garners 4.8 percent of votes. A new Right-wing party, the Greek Solution, wins 4.2 percent of votes, according to the projections. A statement by the Premier was expected later on Sunday evening. The conservatives noted that after the 2014 European elections when SYRIZA had won ND by 26.6-22.7 percent of votes Tsipras had asked for snap polls. An ND party statement reminded that during this pre-election campaign the Greek leader himself had asked for a vote of confidence in his government's policies. According to estimations based on the first official results candidates supported by the opposition have also taken a strong lead in most races for the election of regional governors, regional councilors, mayors and municipal councilors throughout Greece. A second round of local elections will be held next Sunday. The final official results for the European parliament elections and the first round of local elections are expected Monday. Labour is edging closer to support for a second Brexit referendum, after a drubbing at the European Parliament elections which saw Remain voters desert them for Liberal Democrats and Greens. In early-morning messages after seeing the party slump to third place with a 14 per cent share of the vote, both Jeremy Corbyn and shadow chancellor John McDonnell said that the issue of EU withdrawal must be put to a public vote which could come in a general election or a Final Say referendum. Notably, neither mentioned Labours alternative Brexit deal, which has previously been presented as a preferable option to a second referendum. Their comments came as senior party figures blamed the partys ambiguous stance on Brexit for the exodus of votes, with deputy leader Tom Watson blasting the position as mealy-mouthed and shadow foreign secretary and key Corbyn ally Emily Thornberry said Labour was paying the price for a policy which was not clear enough. Mr McDonnell tweeted: Cant hide from hit we took last night. Bringing people together when theres such a divide was never going to be easy. Now we face prospect of Brexiteer extremist as Tory leader and threat of no deal, we must unite our party and country by taking issue back to people in a public vote. He added: "Of course I want a general election. But I realise how difficult this is to secure. I will do anything I can to block no-deal Brexit. So yes if, as likely, general election not possible, then I support going back to the people in another referendum." As results rolled in last night, Mr Corbyn said that the Brexit issue "will have to go back to the people, whether through a general election or a public vote. He added: Over the coming days, we will have conversations across our party and movement and reflect on these results on both sides of the Brexit divide." However, in a later TV clip, he indicated that any shift in Labour's position may have to wait until the party's annual conference in the autumn. Asked whether he would support an internal ballot on the direction of policy, he replied: "What we'll do is consult members and through the constituency parties and affiliated trade unions and bring the issue back to conference in September". "What we've tried to do is bring people together - whether they voted Leave or Remain." EU elections 2019 Europewide results Show all 9 1 /9 EU elections 2019 Europewide results EU elections 2019 Europewide results European People's Party group MEPs: 182 Vote share: 24.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats MEPs: 147 Vote share: 19.6% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe group MEPs: 109 Vote share: 14.5% EU elections 2019 Europewide results GreensEuropean Free Alliance MEPs: 69 Vote share: 9.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results European Conservatives and Reformists MEPs: 59 Vote share: 7.9% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Europe of Nations and Freedom MEPs: 58 Vote share: 7.7% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy MEPs: 54 Vote share: 7.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results European United LeftNordic Green Left MEPs: 38 Vote share: 5.1% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Non-Inscrits and other parties Non Inscrits (MEPs not affiliated with a parliamentary grouping): 6 Vote share: 0.8% Other parties: 29 Vote share: 3.9% Meanwhile, shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said Labour must listen to our members, who polls suggest back a Final Say vote by a large majority. We have to take the time to analyse the EU vote, said Ms Abbott. But, when we come in third after the Brexit party, that is a clue something is wrong with our strategy. We need to listen to our members and take a clearer line on a public vote. Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said: "Its no use trying to hide from these very disappointing results. We need to reflect hard and listen to our members, supporters and voters. The only way to break the Brexit impasse is to go back to the public with a choice between a credible Leave option and Remain." Close Corbyn ally Richard Burgon said the option of a second referendum should be kept open, telling BBC Radio 4s Today: I think we have got to understand now that a damaging, dangerous no-deal Brexit is becoming more and more likely because of the changes in the Conservative Party. It could be a Boris Johnson-backed hard Brexit, it could be a hard Brexit backed by another new prime minister. In those circumstances, we must do everything we can and use whatever mechanisms we can to stop a disastrous no-deal Brexit yes, including a public vote. Ms Thornberry said Labour was not clear enough about its position on Brexit and should have promised voters a confirmatory referendum. We went into an election where the most important issue was what was our view on leaving the EU and we were not clear about it, she said. We should have said quite simply that any deal that comes out of this government should be put to a confirmatory referendum, and that Remain should be on the ballot paper, and that Labour would campaign to Remain. Meanwhile, Baroness Chakrabarti, Mr Corbyns shadow attorney general, said that a second referendum was a way to break the deadlock on Brexit. It has been part of our policy since party conference last autumn, she told the BBCs Andrew Marr Show. It is past midnight. So that means of breaking the deadlock is more and more important by the day. Labour's Mayor of London Sadiq Khan repeated his call for the revocation of the Article 50 letter declaring the UK's intention to quit the EU, to allow a second referendum to take place. "With the Prime Minister having resigned and Parliament in gridlock its crystal clear what must happen now," said Mr Khan. "Article 50 should be withdrawn to stop the clock ticking down towards a no-deal Brexit, and the British public given the final say, with the option of staying in the EU." And Labour MEP Seb Dance, who held on to his seat in the London region, said: Those colleagues who lost their seats did not do so because of their record or their commitment to fight for Britains place in the EU. They lost because our message as a party was not clear. We tried to fudge an issue that voters held paramount in these elections - Brexit. However there were indications that some MPs in Leave-backing constituencies will resist any move to position Labour as an anti-Brexit party. Makerfield MP Yvonne Fovargue tweeted: We need to respect the result and leave the EU with a pragmatic deal. A Brexit Party candidate who lives in the south of France has been elected to represent the northeast of England in the European parliament. Brian Monteith, a former Conservative member of the Scottish parliament, is one of two pro-Brexit candidates to win in the region, after Nigel Farages insurgent party pulled off a major victory in the EU elections on Sunday night. He will be joined in Brussels by John Tennant, a former aide to Mr Farage who once praised a Ukip MEP for using a Nazi slogan to insult a German colleague. Jude Kirton-Darling, a Labour MEP who retained the regions third and final seat, said voters had elected a man who cares not for this region. I think its the height of hypocrisy that somebody whos standing on a platform to remove free movement from the young people of this area actually benefits himself from free movement by living in France and commuting between London and his home in France for work, she said. EU elections 2019 Europewide results Show all 9 1 /9 EU elections 2019 Europewide results EU elections 2019 Europewide results European People's Party group MEPs: 182 Vote share: 24.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats MEPs: 147 Vote share: 19.6% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe group MEPs: 109 Vote share: 14.5% EU elections 2019 Europewide results GreensEuropean Free Alliance MEPs: 69 Vote share: 9.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results European Conservatives and Reformists MEPs: 59 Vote share: 7.9% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Europe of Nations and Freedom MEPs: 58 Vote share: 7.7% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy MEPs: 54 Vote share: 7.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results European United LeftNordic Green Left MEPs: 38 Vote share: 5.1% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Non-Inscrits and other parties Non Inscrits (MEPs not affiliated with a parliamentary grouping): 6 Vote share: 0.8% Other parties: 29 Vote share: 3.9% In a notice of election, which includes all candidates addresses, Mr Monteith is listed as living in Trevien, a village with fewer than 200 residents, according to a 2016 census. Brexit Partys Brian Monteith at a counting centre in Sunderland (Reuters) Mr Monteith, who was branded a Thatcherite Scottish Tory by Ukips lead northeast candidate Richard Elvin, told The Guardian it was not unusual to live in a country different to the one in which you are seeking election, and said he was now moving back to Britain. In a region which strongly backed Leave in the 2016 referendum, the Brexit Partys success there came as no surprise. Mr Farages party won 240,056 votes, more than twice as many as Labour (119,931) in second and the Liberal Democrats (104,330) in third. The Conservatives (42,395) finished in fifth, behind the Greens (49,905) and only just ahead of Ukip (38,269). Change UK (24,968) came a distant seventh. Nigel Farages Brexit Party would find it difficult to repeat last nights stunning victory in a general election, and could even open the door to a Labour administration, experts have said. After the newly-formed party stormed to top slot with 32 per cent of the vote and 29 MEPs, Mr Farage said they had the ability to "stun everybody in a general election too". But academics said that far from dominating the House of Commons after a general election, the Brexit Party would struggle to get more than a handful of MPs. Accepting his re-election as MEP for the South-East in Southampton on Sunday night, Mr Farage said that the Conservatives and Labour should learn a big lesson from being overtaken by his stripling party. And he warned: If we dont leave (the EU) on October 31, then the scores we have seen for the Brexit Party today will be repeated in a general election and we are getting ready for it. European election 2019 UK results Show all 9 1 /9 European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Brexit Party European election 2019 UK results Liberal Democrats European election 2019 UK results Labour European election 2019 UK results Greens European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Plaid Cymru European election 2019 UK results Scottish National Party European election 2019 UK results Change UK European election 2019 UK results UKIP But Liverpool Universitys professor of politics Andrew Russell told The Independent that a general election would be a much tougher task for the insurgent party. European elections are set up for Brexit Party success, he said. The system of voting and the large regions suit them, and they were able to capitalise on the lacklustre campaigns of the main parties. European elections are an opportunity for people to use their votes as a protest in a way that doesnt necessarily translate into Westminster seats. A general Prof Russell pointed to Mr Farages previous party Ukip, which topped the 2014 European polls with 27.5 per cent of the vote, only to slump to 12.6 per cent in the following years general election, winning just one seat. Mr Farage himself fell short in South Thanet in the 2015 election, his seventh unsuccessful attempt to win a seat in Westminster. When youre fighting a general election with 650 constituencies, you need an organisation with grassroots organisational zeal, he said. The Brexit Party just dont have that. It is always going to be difficult for them to win from a standing start. Its very difficult to see them getting more than one or two seats. Prof Russell said the Brexit Party would have to focus on winnable constituencies with vulnerable incumbent MPs in solidly Leave-backing areas like Stoke-on-Trent or Sunderland. The danger for Tories would be Farages party splitting the right-of-centre Brexit vote, allowing Labour gains, he said. A future Tory leader may fight an election with a Vote Farage, Get Corbyn message. Strathclyde Universitys Professor Sir John Curtice agreed that the Brexit Party would struggle to win Westminster seats and that Tories are likely to deploy warnings of a Corbyn victory to scare off potential switchers. But he said that the partys true strength lies in the influence it can exert on the Conservatives stance on Brexit. They might pick up a few seats in places like Clacton, he said. But the lesson from Ukip is that it doesnt matter how many MPs you have, its the leverage you have. Many Brexit Party voters switched from Tories to Ukip in the 2014 European elections, but returned for the general elections of 2015 and 2017 because they believed the Conservatives would deliver the referendum and then EU withdrawal, he said. People left Ukip for the Tories in 2017 because they were scared of letting Labour in, Prof Curtice told The Independent. The danger for Conservatives is that if they dont think Tories will deliver Brexit, they might as well stick with their true faith. European election 2019 UK results Show all 9 1 /9 European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Brexit Party European election 2019 UK results Liberal Democrats European election 2019 UK results Labour European election 2019 UK results Greens European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Plaid Cymru European election 2019 UK results Scottish National Party European election 2019 UK results Change UK European election 2019 UK results UKIP Prof Roger Awan-Scully, head of politics at Cardiff University said that, because their vote is fairly evenly spread in areas like Wales, the Brexit Party could find themselves achieving a lot of good second places in Westminster constituencies but picking up no MPs until they reach a tipping point several percentage points higher than they reached this week. Any success on their part was likely to hit the Conservatives considerably harder than it would hit Labour, making the threat that they could let in a Corbyn government fairly credible, he said. The Brexit Party is preparing to contest a general election with a full manifesto, its leader Nigel Farage has said. The nascent grouping won nearly one-third of votes in the European parliament election despite forming just weeks ago. As the rout of the Tories and Labour became clear on Monday morning Mr Farage piled on the pressure. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: The next date is 31 October. That will become as big a day in peoples minds as 29 March and all I can say is this: if we dont leave ... then you can expect to see the Brexit Partys success last night continue into the next general election. Asked if he would join forces with a no-deal-supporting Tory leader in any general election, Mr Farage said instead that he wanted his new group to have a seat at the negotiating table before the UKs planned exit in the autumn. EU elections 2019 Europewide results Show all 9 1 /9 EU elections 2019 Europewide results EU elections 2019 Europewide results European People's Party group MEPs: 182 Vote share: 24.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats MEPs: 147 Vote share: 19.6% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe group MEPs: 109 Vote share: 14.5% EU elections 2019 Europewide results GreensEuropean Free Alliance MEPs: 69 Vote share: 9.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results European Conservatives and Reformists MEPs: 59 Vote share: 7.9% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Europe of Nations and Freedom MEPs: 58 Vote share: 7.7% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy MEPs: 54 Vote share: 7.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results European United LeftNordic Green Left MEPs: 38 Vote share: 5.1% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Non-Inscrits and other parties Non Inscrits (MEPs not affiliated with a parliamentary grouping): 6 Vote share: 0.8% Other parties: 29 Vote share: 3.9% I absolutely insist that we do have a mandate to now be part of that team. I want the Brexit Party weve got some businessmen and women of considerable experience, quite happy to help the government get ready for 31 October, he said. Pressed further, he added that whatever any Conservative leader says, why would I believe them? Weve heard it all before. He did not believe the Tories would come out with such an unambiguous no-deal message, he said, refusing to be drawn on whether he would oppose the party if it did so. On his election plans, he added: Im not pretending that to set up the infrastructure to fight 650 seats perhaps for an October election is easy, but that work starts this afternoon. It came after a dire showing for both the Tories and Labour, who lost 14.9 and 11.3 per cent of their vote share respectively amid anger over Brexit on both the Leave and Remain sides. The Green Party and Liberal Democrats, who both advocate staying in the EU, saw a surge in support. The former saw their best results since 1989, with Green groups across Europe combining to take about 10 per cent of the whole parliament. Combined, the two parties received 32.4 per cent of the vote compared with 31.6 per cent for the Brexit Party. Poll expert Professor Sir John Curtice told the BBC the overall message is that this country is deeply divided over Brexit and more or less still evenly divided. He added that people were still deeply polarised and also deeply exercised, with turnout up and people using the poll to express their views either in favour of a hard exit or a second referendum and potentially stopping Brexit. The Conservatives and Labour both took a beating last night, with voters deserting them at the EU elections as punishment for their increasingly untenable positions on Brexit. The Tories sank to fifth place, behind the Green Party, in a humiliating result that left them on a 9.1 per cent vote share and nursing the worst nation-wide election result in their 185-year history. Labour was pulled into third behind the Liberal Democrats, as shadow cabinet allies piled pressure on Jeremy Corbyn to back a Final Say referendum. As the news of the lost seats rolled in, Mr Corbyn said his party would reflect on these results, but stopped short of committing to another referendum. The shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry said her party had taken a kicking and should promise a referendum and campaign to stop Brexit. Nigel Farages Brexit Party landed a convincing victory, taking over the Eurosceptic mantle of Ukip, which had won the 2014 elections. Winning at least 28 seats, the Brexit Party took 32 per cent of the national vote share and topped the poll in nine of the 10 regions declared. Across Europe established parties of the centre-left and centre-right also lost out to insurgents, with Green parties making major gains in countries such as Germany, France and Belgium, amid a backdrop of surging climate activism. In France, the far-right National Rally beat Emmanuel Macrons centrist outfit. European election 2019 UK results Show all 9 1 /9 European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Brexit Party European election 2019 UK results Liberal Democrats European election 2019 UK results Labour European election 2019 UK results Greens European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Plaid Cymru European election 2019 UK results Scottish National Party European election 2019 UK results Change UK European election 2019 UK results UKIP Mr Farage claimed his partys victory was a mandate for a no-deal Brexit and demanded input on the UKs negotiations with Brussels. He issued a warning: If we dont leave on October 31 then the scores you have seen for the Brexit Party today will be repeated in a general election, and we are getting ready for it. But the established parties faced pressure on both their Leave and Remain flanks. In Islington, the home turf of Mr Corbyn, Labour was down over 21 percentage points and fell behind the Liberal Democrats in an unprecedented result. The outgoing Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable said his partys clear, honest, unambiguous message has won them their best ever European election showing in second place with 15 seats across England and Wales compared to Labours 10. The Lib Dems took 20 per cent of the national vote share compared with Labour on just 14 per cent. We have shown ourselves as the strongest Remain force in British politics. Thank you to everyone who put their faith in us. We will stand up for you and keep campaigning to stop Brexit, Mr Cable said. Marine Le Pen's party topped poll in France (AFP/Getty) The Green Party, which also backs a referendum, was snapping at Labours heels with seven seats and 12 per cent of the vote, while the Tories were far behind with just three seats, having lost 16 compared with the 2014 result. At the time, the polling five years ago was the Conservatives worst nation-wide election result since the partys founding, only to be replaced by tonights showing. The Brexit Party was the runaway winner with 28 seats across England and Wales. Northern Irish and Scottish seats will be declared on Monday because Northern Ireland and the Scottish isles do not count votes on Sundays. Tory leadership hopeful Jeremy Hunt called the result painful and warned there was an existential risk to our party unless we now come together and get Brexit done. Prominent Brexiteer and MEP Mr Hannan, who retained his South East seat, has also responded to the result, said it was without question our worst result as a party ever. Ms Thornberry was among the Labour figures picking over their partys losses. She said: We should have said quite simply that any deal that comes out of this government should be put to a confirmatory referendum, and that Remain should be on the ballot paper, and that Labour would campaign to remain. I think that we will after these elections need to look very carefully at why it is that we got this result. Members of the NEC... will need to be listening carefully to the membership and learning from that. Earlier in the day Shami Chakrabarti, Mr Corbyns shadow attorney general, warned that it was past midnight and time for Labour to back a Final Say. Responding to the result, Mr Corbyn himself said: After three years of Tory failure to deliver a Brexit that works for the whole country, these elections became a proxy second referendum. Farage's party topped vote in 9 of the first 10 declared regions (Getty) With the Conservatives disintegrating and unable to govern, and parliament deadlocked, this issue will have to go back to the people, whether through a general election or a public vote. Labour will bring our divided country together so we can end austerity and tackle inequality. Over the coming days we will have conversations across our party and movement, and reflect on these results on both sides of the Brexit divide. We will not let the continuing chaos in the Conservative Party push our country into a no-deal exit from the EU. Parliament can and will prevent such a damaging outcome for jobs and industry in the UK. Labour has voted for a second referendum in parliament twice, but the party says it is not its first choice and that it only backs one if it cannot secure a softer Brexit or a general election. The Conservative party is facing a tumultuous leadership contest with the widespread assumption being that whoever replaces Theresa May will end up being a harder Brexiteer more open to leaving the EU without a deal. Across Europe the centre-right European Peoples Party (EPP) preserved its status as largest group in the parliament, followed by the socialists (S&D). There were substantial gains for the liberal and green groups at the expense of EPP and S&D, with the two buoyant outfits likely to act as kingmakers in choosing the next European Commission president. EU leaders are set to meet in Brussels on Tuesday to discuss who should get the top job and replace Jean-Claude Juncker; their choice will need the approval of the European Parliament. Labour should respond to the kicking at the European elections by promising a referendum and pledging to campaign for remain, two of Jeremy Corbyns top shadow cabinet allies have said. Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, said on Sunday night as results rolled in that the party was not clear about its position on Brexit and should have promised voters a final say confirmatory referendum. Meanwhile Shami Chakrabarti, Mr Corbyns shadow attorney general, warned that it was past midnight and time for Labour to back a Final Say. It comes as Labour faces losses across the country to both remain parties such as the Lib Dems and Greens and to the Brexit Party. In Islington, the home turf of both Ms Thornberry and Jeremy Corbyn, Labour was pushed into second place behind the Liberal Democrats, by 27.5 per cent (up 18.6 per cent) to 26.3 per cent (down 21.2 per cent). 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 Lib Dems won three MEPs across London a heartland for Labour at the 2017 election up from zero in 2014. But in other areas, such as Cardiff, Labour lost out to the Brexit Party, Nigel Farages new outfit, which advocates a no-deal Brexit. Labour appears to be set to finish in either second or third place, according to early results but significantly down on last time wherever it places. I think were going to get a kicking and the candidates who worked so hard and all our activists who frankly have not done well, its not their fault, Ms Thornberry told BBC News. We went into an election where the most important issue was what was our view on leaving the EU and we were not clear about it. We were not clear on the one single thing that people wanted to hear, and that wasnt their fault. Emily Thornberry is a close ally of Jeremy Corbyn (Getty) We sent people out to campaign on that and unfortunately we just werent clear enough. We should have said quite simply that any deal that comes out of this government should be put to a confirmatory referendum, and that remain should be on the ballot paper, and that Labour would campaign to remain I think that we will after these elections need to look very carefully at why it is that we got this result. Members of the NEC... will need to be listening carefully to the membership and learning from that. Though Labour has had a poor night, it appears to have done far better than the Conservatives which early results suggest have been reduced to single figures. The election results come just 48 hours after Theresa May announced her resignation, firing the starting gun on a leadership election contest that is set to engulf the party. Earlier in the day Ms Chakrabarti told the Andrew Marr Show: I was a passionate remainer but I also am a democrat and wanted to listen to the 52 per cent. However, a confirmatory vote or a second referendum now we are in the future is a way of breaking the deadlock in our country. It is not a means of stealing Brexit from those who voted for it. It has been part of our policy since party conference last autumn. It is past midnight. So that means of breaking the deadlock is more and more important by the day. The European parliament elections have seen a green wave sweep the continent, campaigners claimed, as environment-focused politicians surged in popularity and in the UK, beat the ruling Conservative Party into fifth place. As the Tories suffered their worst-ever national poll results, the Green Party leapfrogged them with more than 2 million votes or 12.1 per cent and closed in on Labour, in their best showing since 1989. The remain-backing party more than doubled its tally of MEPs, from three to seven. Projections suggested Greens across Europe may secure 71 seats, up from 52 in 2014, with particularly strong results in France, Ireland and Germany, where they surged to second place as Angela Merkels centre-right bloc and her coalition partners, the Social Democrats, saw a slump in support. Sian Berry, co-leader of the UK Green Party, said: Our message of yes to Europe, no to climate change clearly resonated strongly with voters, many of whom will have been casting their vote for our party for the first time. There is clear evidence from this of strong support for the UK remaining in the European Union, but also for tackling the causes of Brexit the massive damage done to so many communities by austerity, tax-dodging and diminution of workers rights. EU elections 2019 Europewide results Show all 9 1 /9 EU elections 2019 Europewide results EU elections 2019 Europewide results European People's Party group MEPs: 182 Vote share: 24.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats MEPs: 147 Vote share: 19.6% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe group MEPs: 109 Vote share: 14.5% EU elections 2019 Europewide results GreensEuropean Free Alliance MEPs: 69 Vote share: 9.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results European Conservatives and Reformists MEPs: 59 Vote share: 7.9% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Europe of Nations and Freedom MEPs: 58 Vote share: 7.7% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy MEPs: 54 Vote share: 7.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results European United LeftNordic Green Left MEPs: 38 Vote share: 5.1% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Non-Inscrits and other parties Non Inscrits (MEPs not affiliated with a parliamentary grouping): 6 Vote share: 0.8% Other parties: 29 Vote share: 3.9% And Caroline Lucas, the Brighton MP, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: We are expecting now the Green group in the European parliament to be the biggest weve ever seen at 74 seats so far. These are extraordinary results for us. Clearly people wanted to vote for the Green Party because they know we are a passionately pro-remain party. But its also the case that right at the top of our campaign messaging we had responses to the accelerating climate crisis. Support for remain-backing Greens and Liberal Democrats showed there was no mandate for no-deal Brexit, she claimed. Left-leaning, ecology-focussed Greens did well among younger voters in urban areas, results suggested. They beat Finlands social democrats into third place, and even appeared to have won a seat in Portugal despite previously being invisible in the polls. The Greens co-leader in the European parliament, Ska Keller, said that the green wave has really spread all over Europe and for us that is a fantastic result. Fellow leader Philippe Lamberts said the party should now become major players in alliance-forming deals to come, in order to counter anti-EU parties. We can see that with an uptick in nationalism and populism, that to forge a stable European Union the Greens are going to be indispensable, he said. Recommended Conservatives and Labour hit hard in EU election rout Irish premier Leo Varadkar got his congratulations in early, tweeting on Saturday: I want to congratulate the Greens on a very good election. Its a very clear message from the public that they want us to do more on climate action and weve got that message. Thats going to require lots of changes on individual level, community level and Govt level. The Greens success came amid greater visibility for environmental issues and climate change in particular. Teen activist Greta Thunberg has sparked a rolling series of school strikes by young people, and Extinction Rebellions protests shut down parts of central London for several days. In the years since Blue Planet II alerted British viewers to the scourge of plastic pollution and humanitys impact on the planet, the UN has warned that mankinds very survival is in doubt due to climate change and other disasters. Its secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, called global warming the battle of my life, and one the world was losing. Additional reporting by agencies Tommy Robinson blamed government interference with social media companies for his failure to secure a seat in the European Parliament. The independent candidate polled 2.2 per cent of the overall vote in the North West region, taking less than 39,000 votes and finishing in eighth place behind all the major parties. The former leader of the English Defence League said he was unable to fight a fair campaign because he was taken off various social media platforms. Trump won his campaign on social media. Brexit was won on social media. Im banned from social media, he told reporters at the count in Manchester. So my ability to fight a fair campaign is gone, orchestrated and organised by the government. I feel like I have been fighting with my hands tied behind my back. He added: I think on my Facebook (page) 59 million watched my videos in four weeks ... if I still had that ability now I would have walked this election. European election 2019 UK results Show all 9 1 /9 European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Brexit Party European election 2019 UK results Liberal Democrats European election 2019 UK results Labour European election 2019 UK results Greens European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Plaid Cymru European election 2019 UK results Scottish National Party European election 2019 UK results Change UK European election 2019 UK results UKIP The anti-racism group Hope Not Hate hailed the result and thanked everyone who took a stand against Robinsons hateful and divisive rhetoric. According to the groups director Nick Lowles, Robinsons share of the vote was so low he will lose his 5,000 deposit. Nahella Ashraf from Stand Up To Racism said: Weve pushed the far right back and were very pleased with the results. Id like to thank the hundreds of activists that came out across the North West to make this happen. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, claimed the result proved you cannot have a fair campaign when the establishment and the government interfere and remove any ability you have to talk to the public. He added: My supporters are not even allowed to mention my name or they get deleted, its dark I am just happy if I got non-voters to vote. Im happy if I politicised people from working class communities. Robinson stayed for just short of an hour at the count venue at Manchester Central as he conceded defeat before the first council area result was officially declared. Before leaving, he told his followers on the Telegram private messaging app: Disappointed to say the least. They (the votes) are not in but they are in ... at the same time what do you expect? Going through the votes we have certainly not got a place as a MEP but I want to say a special thank you to every single person who supported. The Brexit Party took 31 per cent of the vote and won three seats in the region, while Labour and the Lib Dems claimed two each and the Green Party secured one seat. The prospect of a no-deal Brexit has come closer as contenders for the Conservative leadership responded to their humiliation at the hands of Nigel Farages Brexit Party by vowing to take the UK out of the European Union in October. The Tories were plunged into a humiliating fifth place in the European parliament election with just 9 per cent of the vote, losing all but four of their 19 MEPs as a rampant Brexit Party won over millions of voters frustrated at Theresa Mays failure to leave as planned on 29 March. Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt said the results amounted to an existential risk for the party, warning that unless we unite and deliver Brexit, the public will continue to punish us at the ballot box. Esther McVey, the only candidate openly campaigning for a no-deal withdrawal, said: The message from our voters is clear we must leave the EU on 31 October with a clean break, nothing else will wash now. People saying we need a Brexit policy to bring people together are misreading the situation. That is clearly not possible. 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 Home secretary Sajid Javid, who entered the crowded race for the succession on Monday, was alone in stressing the need to bridge divisions in the hope of healing the scars of the long-running debate over EU membership. In a social media video released under the hashtag #TeamSaj, he said he wanted to rebuild trust, to find unity and to create new opportunities for our country. Ms May said it had been a very disappointing night for the Tories which had shown the importance of finding a Brexit deal. And she added: I sincerely hope these results focus minds in parliament. The prime minister who announced her resignation plans on Friday had never wanted the UK to take part in the elections to the European parliament, three years after the referendum decision to quit the EU. She made only the briefest foray onto the election battlefield, failing to launch the campaign or produce a manifesto. A triumphant Mr Farage, who demanded a place for his party in EU withdrawal negotiations, said he was ready to replace the Tories if they failed to deliver Brexit. He dismissed suggestions that he would work with potential Tory leaders like Boris Johnson or Michael Gove who had previously voted for Ms Mays deal, asking: Why would I work with a party I dont trust? Why would I work with a party who have openly, wilfully lied to the British people? Nigel Farage says the Brexit Party could 'stun everybody' in a general election Nigel Farage says the Brexit Party could stun everybody in a general election The leadership rivals were united in agreeing that the message from voters was that Brexit must be delivered. Dominic Raab said: Voters have sent us a very clear message: unless we get on and actually leave the EU they will rightly kick us out at the next election. And former leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom, who quit the cabinet over Brexit days before Ms Mays downfall, said: It is now vital we find a way to decisively leave the EU. Mr Johnson said the Conservatives had been issued with a final warning by voters in the European elections and face a permanent haemorrhage of support if they do not deliver Brexit. The leadership frontrunner said his party would be dismissed from the job of running the country if it did not respond to Sunday nights humiliation by taking the UK out of the EU. Daniel Hannan, one of only few Tory MEPs to retain their seats in the European parliament, insisted the Conservatives fortunes would be turned around and the Farage threat neutralised once the UK leaves. The appeal of a party called the Brexit Party will dry up very quickly once Brexit has happened, he said. Several candidates, including Mr Johnson and Mr Raab, have said they would be willing to let the UK crash out of the EU without a deal on 31 October. Childrens minister Nadhim Zahawi, who is backing Mr Raab, said on Monday morning he was not frightened of that prospect. But other Tories, including chancellor Philip Hammond and leadership hopeful Rory Stewart, have indicated they could back a no-confidence vote to topple any prime minister who tried to pursue a no-deal Brexit. British voters overwhelmingly rejected the far right in the EU elections, despite concern that anger over Brexit, terror fears and low turnout could gift extremists seats in the European parliament. While nationalists were victorious in Italy and France and populist groups saw gains in other parts of Europe, Tommy Robinson and Ukip suffered dismal results. Robinson lost his 5,000 deposit after receiving just 2 per cent of the vote in North West England, blaming his removal from social media sites and conspiring media for the defeat. The English Defence League founder, who could be jailed in a fresh court case, had been doused with milkshakes and his appearances sparked brawls during a chaotic tour of town centres and housing estates. Robinson, who hails from Luton and claims to have never voted himself, targeted areas with high social deprivation and low political engagement. European election 2019 UK results Show all 9 1 /9 European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Brexit Party European election 2019 UK results Liberal Democrats European election 2019 UK results Labour European election 2019 UK results Greens European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Plaid Cymru European election 2019 UK results Scottish National Party European election 2019 UK results Change UK European election 2019 UK results UKIP Im going to be your MEP, he had told counter-protesters, laughing. Im going to come knocking on your door when Im your MEP. His campaigns core slogan urged people to vote for Robinson to take our country back and send them a message theyll never forget. Robinson variously portrayed them as Westminster politicians, mainstream media, established parties and elites. In rallies he condemned serving politicians as traitors and urged his supporters to wipe the smiles off their faces, adding: Our country is disappearing, our culture is disappearing. Thousands of people attended his campaign events but Robinson secured less than 39,000 votes, despite issuing instructions on how to register and get to the polls. A letter on his campaign website claimed he would represent the working class by cutting immigration, taking back national sovereignty and fighting to preserve our national identity against Islamification. But Robinson had no manifesto and offered no explanation of how being an MEP for as little as five months before Britain leaves the EU would achieve any of his stated aims. Ukip candidate Carl Benjamin, also known as his YouTube name Sargon of Akkad, was also hit with milkshakes (and fish) on the campaign trail. His policies were overshadowed by controversy over rape jokes he directed at Labour MP Jess Phillips, for which he refused to apologise. UKIPs Carl Benjamin says he has had kippers and milkshakes thrown over him because the media is radicalising people by lying about me Mr Benjamin appeared with right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos, who has been condemned for his remarks on subjects including feminism, paedophilia, trans people, race and religion, and has called for journalists to be shot. He failed to win a seat in South West England, where Ukip won just 3 per cent of votes. Party leader Gerard Batten lost his own London seat, which he had held since 2004, after Ukip plummeted to seventh place in the capital and ninth nationally. Mr Batten, who has repeatedly called Islam a death cult and labelled the prophet Muhammed a paedophile, sparked an exodus from Ukip last year over his shift to the far right. He hired Robinson as an adviser on grooming gangs and brought in Mr Benjamin and fellow YouTuber Mark Meechan, who was prosecuted over a video showing a pug appearing to perform Nazi salutes in response to slogans including gas the Jews. A wave of resignations culminated in Nigel Farage leaving Ukip in December, going on to create the Brexit Party and effectively wiping out his former group. Despite longstanding accusations that Mr Farage had capitalised on xenophobia and racism with stunts including the 2016 breaking point poster, he cultivated a more moderate image for his new party. He accused Mr Batten of being obsessed with the issue of Islam in December, adding: The brand has now been so damaged, so tarnished, that it is not able to pick up and wont be able to pick up the political opportunity that is there staring it in the face. Sunday nights election results appeared to prove him right. Ukip polled just 3.3 per cent of votes in the UK, losing all of its European parliament seats just five years after topping the polls in 2014. Meanwhile the Brexit Party, with an array of candidates including former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe, won 32 per cent of the vote and will send 28 MEPs to Brussels. Nigel Farage has been cultivating a more moderate image for the Brexit Party (Reuters) The Liberal Democrats came second with 20 per cent of votes and 15 MEPs, Labour third with 14 per cent and 10 MEPs, the Greens fourth with 21 per cent and seven MEPs, followed by the Conservatives with 9 per cent and three MEPs and Plaid Cymru with one MEP. The Liberal Democrats, Greens and Change UK who all campaigned for remaining in the EU together secured 35 per cent of the vote. There was silence from Mr Batten on Monday morning, while Ukips official social media accounts posted a short statement saying: Its time for reflection and planning and figuring out how we can all best serve our country. It was unclear whether the party would ditch Robinson, Mr Benjamin and Mr Meechan in an attempt to recover a less extreme reputation. Defectors told The Independent that Ukip had already been turned into an anti-Islamic party and said the membership had changed dramatically in character and style. Mr Batten defended Robinsons appointment, but in December admitted: I do wonder if I made a wise decision, but Ive asked him to do this for us and what he can bring to the table is access to a million Facebook followers. That access was taken away when Facebook deleted Robinsons account and permanently banned him from the site earlier this year. The anti-Islam activist has also been banned by Twitter, Snapchat and had his personal YouTube channel restricted. After storming out of the election count on Sunday night, he blamed his lack of mainstream social media accounts for his defeat and suggested a wider conspiracy. Tommy Robinson at European vote count in Manchester (PA) Thats the power they have and theres only one answer to it to carry on fighting, Robinson said. Am I happy with the results? No. Do I trust any of the results? No. Do I trust anything to do with it? The media all working together and conspiring together. Many of Robinsons followers on the encrypted messaging app Telegram called the vote a fix and suggested the count had been tampered with. The English Democrats, a nationalist party with far-right links, won just 0.6 per cent of the UK vote after unsuccessfully contesting four regions. The racist British National Party, whose former leader Nick Griffin was elected as an MEP from 1999 to 2014, did not contest the elections. Sabby Dhalu, of Stand Up To Racism, said: The failure of Ukip and Tommy Robinson in these elections shows the effectiveness of exposing and confronting the far-right and their racist, Islamophobic and misogynistic agenda. The return of Nigel Farage to centre-stage is of serious concern. Stunts such as the racist Breaking Point billboard, and the outrageous demand that no HIV positive migrants should be allowed into Britain were a major factor in the rise in hate crime over the last few years. As hatemonger-in-chief Donald Trump is set to be given a state visit, and candidates such as Boris Johnson compete for far-right votes in the Tory leadership contest, it is vital that anti-racists redouble our efforts to challenge and turn back the continued rise in racism. Flash The leaders of Japan and the United States underscored the importance of the two countries' alliance at the outset of their talks in Tokyo on Monday. "I also want to make this an opportunity to clearly demonstrate, in and out of Japan, that the bonds of the Japan-US alliance continues to be firm in the Reiwa era," the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said to U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump said that he had a good relationship with his Japanese counterpart and that relations with Japan are the best they have been. In terms of trade, Trump said, "I think we will be announcing some things probably in August that will be very good for both countries." His remarks were made in reference to to the United States' trade deficit with Japan, which Trump described as a "tremendous imbalance." In the talks ahead, and through his four-day state visit through Tuesday, Trump said that issues of military, trade and those pertaining to the Korean Peninsular had and would be focused on. Abe said: "I'd like to have in-depth discussions over global challenges such as North Korea, the U.S. and Japanese economies, and coordinate bilateral efforts toward a successful Group of 20 summit in Osaka in late June." In terms of rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, Trump said that he believes that Iran is open to talks and that he is also willing to hold talks with Tehran on the situation. "The prime minister and Japan have a very good relationship with Iran so we'll see what happens," said Trump with reference to Tokyo's efforts to deescalate tensions between Tehran and Washington. "I do believe that Iran would like to talk, if they'd like to talk, we'll like to talk also," said Trump. "Nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me," the U.S. leader said. Earlier Monday, Trump became the first head of state to meet Japan's new Emperor Naruhito who ascended the throne at the beginning of May. Trump and first lady Melania were welcomed at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. Once the talks had concluded, Trump said it was "a great honor and a great thing to meet the new emperor, following the first abdication of a Japanese monarch in 202 years." In the evening on Monday, the Trumps will attend a state banquet at the palace hosted by the imperial couple. Home Secretary Sajid Javid has announced he is joining the battle to succeed Theresa May as Conservative leader and prime minister. Mr Javid is the latest contender in a crowded field also including Brexit figurehead Boris Johnson, foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, health secretary Matt Hancock, former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab and ex-leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom. Setting out his platform the day after Tories slumped into fifth place with just 9 per cent of the vote in the European elections, he promised to deliver Brexit, but also to "bridge divides" by promoting the shared values which unite Britain. In an apparent reference to his origins as one of five sons of a Pakistani immigrant bus-driver, he said that he wanted to do his best for "the country which has done so much for me". 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 In a video released on social media with the hashtag #TeamSaj, the Bromsgrove MP said: "My message is simple. It is time to rebuild trust, to find unity and to create new opportunities for our country." Mr Javid said: "As last night's results made all too clear, we must get on and deliver Brexit to ensure there is renewed trust in our democracy. "We must bridge divides to heal communities, reminding us of our shared values as a United Kingdom. "And we must strengthen our society and economy so everyone can benefit from the opportunities which a prosperous nation provides. "I love my country and my pledge to the British people is to be a leader who is always straight, fighting for their interests. "I entered politics to do my best for this country - the country which has done so much for me. As prime minister, I would strive to achieve that ambition every single day." Shooting from helicopters, armoured personnel carriers or at close range, police officers in Rio de Janeiro gunned down 558 people during the first four months of the year the highest number in this period since the state began keeping records more than two decades ago. This recent spike comes after years in which the federal and local authorities put in place policies that significantly diminished police killings. But as the country dove into a deep economic and political crisis in 2014, resources for security programmes dried up. Criminal gangs reclaimed lost territory in Rio, and across Brazil violence exploded: More than 51,500 people were killed last year. Voters went to the polls in October and gave their support to candidates who promised to fight violence with violence by relaxing gun ownership rules and allowing police to fire on armed suspects. The number of people killed by police in Rio de Janeiro jumped in 2018 to a high of 1,538, according to state statistics. If killings continue this year at the current pace nearly five a day that record will be beat. The states newly elected governor, William Witzel, pointed to an overall drop in homicides to argue that the approach was working. Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Show all 20 1 /20 Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Brazil's new President Jair Bolsonaro waves as he drives past before his swear-in ceremony Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Supporters wait in front of the Planalto Palace, where he will take office EPA Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Jair Bolsonaro gestures at the Congress before he is sworn AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Supporters take pictures as Brazil's new President Jair Bolsonaro drives past Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Flanked by first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro waves to the crowd, as he rides in an open car after his swearing-in ceremony AP Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Jair Bolsonaro reacts as he drives past Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration The National Congress before Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro is sworn in AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Jair Bolsonaro gestures at the Congress AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AP Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration EPA Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration Reuters Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's far-right leader inauguration AFP/Getty Were on the right track, Mr Witzel wrote on Twitter on Tuesday, celebrating the drop in homicides and other crimes. Were going to continue preserving the lives and liberty of our families. President Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right former army captain, had promised to give the police more leeway to kill suspected criminals, repeating a popular saying that a good criminal was a dead criminal. Mr Witzel, a former federal judge, endorsed tactics that legal experts say amount to extrajudicial killings. Soon after he was elected, Mr Witzel said police officers should be authorised to open fire on any criminal seen carrying a rifle. The police will do the right thing: Aim at their little heads and fire! So there is no mistake, he told a local newspaper in November. He seemed to relish in the prospect of a rising body count, saying in January that there would be no shortage of places to send criminals. Well dig graves, he said. In March, Mr Witzel announced that snipers deployed covertly across the state were gunning down armed suspects who have to be lethally neutralised. But some local lawmakers and activists in communities that have been the targets of violent police operations say officers are routinely carrying out extrajudicial killings. Summary executions are being carried out in favelas and other peripheral areas, said Renata Souza, a state representative who urged the United Nations and the Organisation of American States to investigate. It is a barbaric state policy that amounts to genocide. Prosecutors acknowledge that they do not have the personnel or resources to investigate more than a small fraction of such cases thoroughly. The state prosecutors office created a task force in 2015 to investigate allegations of excessive force. Since then, the police have killed more than 4,000 people in the state. The unit has charged 72 officers with homicide; of those, at least 19 have been acquitted and none are in prison. Paulo Roberto Cunha, a leader of the task force, said his team faced a crushing workload, deficient forensic investigations and the reluctance of many witnesses who fear police retaliation. While the police in Rio de Janeiro are required by law to record events from cameras installed in patrol cars, the devices have vanished from the vast majority of vehicles, depriving investigators of critical evidence. In 2017, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights condemned Brazil as failing to investigate questionable police killings and ordered the country to do so. But the stacks of case files piled up on Mr Cunhas desk and in filing cabinets outside his door underscore the vastness of the challenge. There are 14 prosecutors in the task force. Jair Bolsonaro speaks after winning Brazil presidential elections Rio de Janeiro has long been an immensely complex state to police. Dozens of districts settled by squatters decades ago, and long neglected by the state, are controlled by drug traffickers and paramilitary groups. Young men with semi-automatic rifles guard entry points to several communities. Police typically enter only to carry out raids and often leave bodies in their wake, according to residents. Soon after the first shots rang out in the hilly Fallet-Fogueteiro district near downtown Rio on the morning of 8 February, it became clear to residents that this was no ordinary shootout in an area where rival gangs have long fought for dominance. As an elite police squad rumbled up the hill, passing murals that have been defaced with graffiti paying homage to a dominant drug gang, a group of suspected traffickers scurried into a house. They took their shirts off a gesture that signalled they were surrendering, according to residents. Among them was Felipe Guilherme Antunes. He peeled off the black T-shirt he had put on that morning, which said Black Is Beautiful, and waited. By the time the hail of bullets ceased, nine men lay on the ground in puddles of blood, and four others were gunned down outside. Police officials at the time said they were acting in self-defence. But as relatives and human rights investigators pored over witness accounts, autopsy reports and photos of the bodies and the houses blood-splattered walls, many grew convinced that the men had been executed. None of the officers in the raid were wounded. According to Human Rights Watch, which examined nine of the autopsies, some of the bodies had shots to the head or the heart. They didnt come to take them into custody, said Tatiana Antunes de Carvalho, the mother of Antunes, who said his wounds did not match the autopsy description. They came to kill. Mr Witzel and senior state police officials turned down repeated requests for interviews. In a short statement, the Police Department said it obeys all protocols in its actions and acts according to law, including in the realm of investigations. Children and other bystanders are often caught in the crossfire: In March, 12-year-old Kauan Peixoto was shot three times. In April, 16-year-old Luana Simas was shot in the back seat of a car. In May, a 27-year-old motorcycle driver was killed during a police shooting in the Rocinha district. Empowering the police to kill more easily has never reduced violence, said Roberto Sa, who oversaw security policy in the state from 2016 to 2018 and served in an elite police unit earlier in his career. Confrontation generates an unsafe environment, mental illness and stress for police officers and residents, he said. The New York Times Mexican drug lord El Chapos recent demand for more outdoor activity might be part of a plan to escape from prison, federal officials have warned. A lawyer for Joaquin El Chapo Guzman asked a judge to intervene over the cruel and unusual conditions at a prison in New York. Guzman, deemed to be most powerful drug trafficker in the world by the US, was convicted in February of running a criminal enterprise and other drug-related charges. The cartel kingpin has not had access to fresh air or natural sunlight during the two years in which he has been detained, his lawyer said in a letter to the judge, adding that he is forced to put toilet paper in his ears to cover up loud prison noise. The lawyer argues he needs more outdoor time. The government formally responded to the allegations saying outdoor time would be problematic due to an attempted prison escape at the jail in 1981 and also because Guzman has successfully escaped other institutions. Inside Mexicos top drug lord El Chapos hideout Show all 4 1 /4 Inside Mexicos top drug lord El Chapos hideout Inside Mexicos top drug lord El Chapos hideout Inside El Chapo's hideout Pictures reveal how the Mexican drug lord had been living since his escape Getty Inside Mexicos top drug lord El Chapos hideout Inside El Chapo's hideout The inside of a house searched by marine special forces where Guzman was hiding Getty Inside Mexicos top drug lord El Chapos hideout Inside El Chapo's hideout Inside a house searched by marine special forces during the military operation to recapture Guzman Getty Inside Mexicos top drug lord El Chapos hideout El Chapo's attempted escape A marine stands guard next to a manhole of the sewer system through which drug kingpin Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman tried to escape Getty They said the only outdoor exercise space at the facility is a rooftop with a wire mesh covering where an inmates cohorts hijacked a sightseeing helicopter and tried to cut open the wire mesh covering. The US government said: In this case, any outdoor exercise time would be particularly problematic for this defendant. The defendant has successfully planned and executed elaborate escapes from two high-security penal institutions. As detailed at trial, one of the defendants escapes involved the construction of a sophisticated, ventilated tunnel that stretched for over a mile. Certainly, an escape via rooftop, using a helicopter, or any related means would be elementary by comparison. Guzman, who will be sentenced next month, faces life without parole for an organised crime conviction, and up to seven life sentences for drug convictions. Recommended Drug lord El Chapo launches clothing line from prison According to his defence lawyer, Mariel Colon, he has been in US detention for 27 months, and is in solitary confinement in a 10ft by 8ft windowless prison cell in Manhattan. She asked the judge to order the Bureau of Prisons to allow Guzman access to two hours of outdoor exercise a week, earplugs and the same food and drink offerings as other prisoners. However, the government said the drug lord has access to several different types of exercise equipment, including an exercise bike and elliptical [cross trainer], and a vented window that provides the defendant with access to fresh, outdoor air and sunlight. El Chapo is known for his evasion of authorities and alleged bribes to Mexican officials. In 2016, El Chapo was recaptured after a gun battle in Sinaloa, his home state finally putting an end to one of the most extensive manhunts ever undertaken by the Mexican authorities. In an infamous escape in July 2015, El Chapo stepped into the shower in a prison cell and slipped away in full view of a video camera. Security later discovered a small hole in the shower floor. A photo of a university graduate wearing a mortarboard and gown next to her farmworker parents in a fruit field has been widely circulated on social media. Erica Alfaro, a 29-year-old who has just graduated with a Masters degree at San Diego State University, posed for a graduation shoot in California strawberry fields where her parents have worked 10 hours a day, seven days a week. With love, I dedicate my Masters to my parents. Their sacrifice to come to this country to give us a better future was well worth it, Ms Alfaro said as she shared her graduation photos on her Facebook and Instagram accounts earlier this month. Ms Alfaro got a bachelors degree from California State University in 2017 after becoming a mother at 15 and surviving domestic violence. She graduated with her masters degree in education, with a concentration in counselling, from San Diego State University on 19 May this year. Pollen haze turns sky green over California Show all 6 1 /6 Pollen haze turns sky green over California Pollen haze turns sky green over California An aerial view shows pollen haze tinting the environment yellow over an area in Durham, North Carolina, U.S., April 8, 2019 Jeremy Gilchrist/Reuters Pollen haze turns sky green over California Dark clouds glower over the green haze over an area in Durham, North Carolina Jeremy Gilchrist/Reuters Pollen haze turns sky green over California Is it yellow of green? Either way, it is very polleny down there in Durham, North Carolina Jeremy Gilchrist/Reuters Pollen haze turns sky green over California The landscape glows in eerie tones tinted by a surfeit of pollen Jeremy Gilchrist/Reuters Pollen haze turns sky green over California An aerial view shows a residential area shrouded by a blanket of pollen Jeremy Gilchrist/Reuters Pollen haze turns sky green over California This dramatic shot shows rolling storm clouds pushing pollen over an area in Durham, North Carolina Jeremy Gilchrist/Reuters Ms Alfaros parents do not have any formal education and she is the first member of her family to attend graduate school. The reason I share my story is because I want to encourage undocumented single mothers, and people who suffer from domestic violence, to get an education and achieve their goals, Ms Alfaro told CNN. These photos represent many of us. Our parents came to this country to give us a better life and we wouldnt be here without them. She said her parents are farmers who were never able to go to school adding that her mother, Teresa Herrera, 51, and father, Claudio Alfaro, 50, are from Oaxaca, Mexico, and speak Mixtec, an indigenous language of Mexico. They both migrated to America separately and met later. Ms Alfaro herself was born in Fresno, California, but brought up in Tijuana as her parents moved back to Mexico in order for her mother to get US residency. The graduate would cross the border every day to go to school while living in Tijuana. When she turned 13, the family moved to Oceanside, California, with another family and 11 people shared a one-bedroom apartment. Magid Magid, the charismatic former lord mayor of Sheffield, has won a seat representing the Green Party in the European parliament. The 29-year-old, who came to the UK as a child refugee from Somalia, said the Greens were just getting started after the party finished with 13 per cent of the vote in the Yorkshire and the Humber region of the European elections. Having issued a ceremonial ban on wasteman Donald Trump visiting the Steel City last year, Mr Magid already has a national profile and intends to use it to push for a more radical climate agenda. Sheffield I f****** love you! Mr Magid tweeted after results emerged on Sunday night showing one in four people in the city voted Green. We did it. Today is about a Green Wave cascading through Europe & landing on the shores of Yorkshire for the first time. We're just getting started. EU elections 2019 Europewide results Show all 9 1 /9 EU elections 2019 Europewide results EU elections 2019 Europewide results European People's Party group MEPs: 182 Vote share: 24.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats MEPs: 147 Vote share: 19.6% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe group MEPs: 109 Vote share: 14.5% EU elections 2019 Europewide results GreensEuropean Free Alliance MEPs: 69 Vote share: 9.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results European Conservatives and Reformists MEPs: 59 Vote share: 7.9% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Europe of Nations and Freedom MEPs: 58 Vote share: 7.7% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy MEPs: 54 Vote share: 7.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results European United LeftNordic Green Left MEPs: 38 Vote share: 5.1% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Non-Inscrits and other parties Non Inscrits (MEPs not affiliated with a parliamentary grouping): 6 Vote share: 0.8% Other parties: 29 Vote share: 3.9% Thisll be more than a fleeting midsummer nights dream in Brussels. Were going to turn the tide of history! Mr Magid was one of six MEPs elected to Yorkshire and the Humber. Three seats went to the Brexit Party, which won 470,351 votes, while Labour (210,516), the Liberal Democrats (200,180) and the Greens (166,980) picked up a seat each. Earlier this year, Mr Magid again made headlines when he promised to defend any pupils facing punishment for skipping school to join nationwide climate protests. If any of your teachers threaten you with some sort of action or give you any hassle for going on strike. Let me know & Ill have a word, even if I have to come into your school! he tweeted during the strikes in February. The Texas Senate has passed a bill that allows gun-owning Texans to have both open- and concealed-carry handguns during the week after a natural disaster in a bid to deter looters. House bill 1177, which must pass the House and be signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, narrowly passed the state Senate 16 to 15. Current law in Texas does not permit gun owners without a license to carry to carry a handgun openly or concealed, but permits the open carry of long-arm guns like the AR-15. The bill aims to deter looting and was supported by the National Rifle Association, who claimed it would offer temporary protection to honest Texans whose licenses are lost or damaged due to flood, wind or fire, and to those who dont have a license because they never envisioned a need to transport or carry their handguns outside the home. HB 1177 drew criticism from gun control groups like Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, who said: HB 1177 would weaken Texas gun safety laws in already sensitive situations by removing key safety requirements to carry hidden, loaded guns during a state of emergency. The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Show all 19 1 /19 The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A tattered U.S. flag damaged in Hurricane Harvey, flies in Conroe, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Lisa Rehr holds her four-year old son Maximus, after they lost their home to Hurricane Harvey, as they await to be evacuated with their belongings from Rockport, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People line up for food as others rest at the George R. Brown Convention Center AP Photo/LM Otero The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Volunteers with The American Red Cross register evacuees at the George R. Brown Convention Center Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Soldiers with the Texas Army National Guard help the residents of Cyprus Creek Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents wade through floodwater Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents walk along the flooded roadway of Texas 249 as they evacuate their adjacent neighborhoods EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A man floats past a truck submerged on a freeway flooded by Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued by airboat as they evacuate from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey James Archiable carries his bike through the flooded intersection at Taylor and Usenet near downtown Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A massive sinkhole opened up on a motorway in Rosenburg, a city 25 miles southwest of Houston, Texas Rosenberg Police The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in an armored police mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey on a boat in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees are airlifted in a US Coast Guard helicopter after flooding due to Hurricane Harvey inundated neighborhoods in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees leave a US Coast Guard helicopter after being rescued from flooding due to Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents look on at a submerged motorway during a break in the rain in Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People photograph the submerged motorway interchange EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Debris lies on the ground after a building was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in Aransas Pass, Texas AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Dominic Dominguez searches for his boat in a boat storage facility that was heavily damaged by Hurricane Harvey near Rockport, Texas EPA The initiative came after gun-owners pleaded with local politicians to relax licensing rules after Hurricane Harvey affected the area in 2017. Recommended NRA president Oliver North forced out amid bitter power struggle The bill's two sponsors, Representative Dade Phelan and state Senator Brandon Creighton, were torn between allowing owners to carry non-permitted handguns for 48 hours or one week after a natural disaster, but a committee ultimately decided to push forward with the one week option. Senator Joan Huffman, one of the three Republicans who voted against it, said she was concerned about the effect the bill could have on law enforcement during a natural disaster. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Ms Huffman said: Its really, really poor public policy that is not well thought out. It is not solving a problem. It is creating a problem. Ms Huffman was joined in her dissent by all 12 Senate democrats. An investigation into the finances of Donald Trumps inaugural committee has drawn attention and scrutiny to a massive donation of $1m (790,000). Real estate mogul Franklin Haney, a known political donor, gave the hefty sum to Mr Trump at the same time that the developer was seeking approval and government support in purchasing the Bellefonte Nuclear Power Plant, which lies unfinished in Alabama. Mr Haney, two years later, has yet to close the deal. His donation to Mr Trumps inaugural committee is being investigated by federal prosecutors in New York, whose search is focused, in part, on if those who handed cash to the committee received any benefits in return. Prosecutors also are exploring if foreign nationals unlawfully donated funds to the committee. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan issued a subpoena last year demanding an array of financial records, including any communications regarding or relating to the possibility of donations by foreign nationals. Criminals who worked for Trump Show all 5 1 /5 Criminals who worked for Trump Criminals who worked for Trump Michael Cohen Former lawyer for Donald Trump was sentenced to three years in prison on counts involving evading income tax, false disclosure of the hush money paid to Stormy Daniels and another hush money charge Getty Criminals who worked for Trump Paul Manafort Former campaign manager for Trump Manafort was found guilty in February 2018 of five counts of tax fraud, two counts of bank fraud and one count of failure to disclose a foreign bank account. The crimes occurred prior to his appointment in Trump's campaign Getty Criminals who worked for Trump George Papadopoulos Former Trump campaign adviser Papadopoulos pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in October 2017. He had lied about making contact with a professor who claimed that the Russians had dirt on Hillary Clinton. He was sentenced to 14 days in jail Getty Criminals who worked for Trump Michael Flynn Former White House National Security adviser Michael Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in December 2017. He had lied about conversations that he had with the Russian ambassador to the US during Trump's Presidential campaign. He was not given prison time due to his "significant assistance" to the Mueller investigation Getty Criminals who worked for Trump Rick Gates Deputy chairman of Trump's presidential campaign Gates pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in February 2018 AFP/Getty Mr Trumps inaugural committee has denied any wrongdoing and claims all funds are accounted for. The presidents former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, had allegedly given the prosecutors information on Mr Haney and his son and business associate, Frank Haney Jr, regarding the nuclear plant project, according to an anonymous source that spoke to ABC. Recommended Trump asks director of legal immigration asked to resign Mr Haney had briefly hired Cohen, who is now serving a three year sentence for tax evasion, campaign finance violations and lying to congress, for his assistance in obtaining money for the power plant project from potential investors. This is not the first time Mr Haney, 79, has faced allegations his political donations were an attempt at gaining influence. Mr Haney has been investigated by the US House Republicans in the past for his donations and political influence on the Clinton Administration, which moved the Federal Communications Commission into a building that would benefit the businessman, but the Justice Department declined to pursue the matter. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Mr Haney was charged in 1999 with funnelling about $100,000 in illegal contributions to President Bill Clinton, then-Vice President Al Gore and other politicians, but was ultimately acquitted. Americans in the midwest braced for extreme weather on Memorial Day amid floods and storms across the centre of the US that have already left 12 people dead. With regions of Nebraska, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois braced for potential tornados and extreme flooding, plans of barbecues and pool parties may be changing for evacuation. Other parts of the nation are already undergoing severe weather, including floods that killed twelve in the Central US. The Arkansas River is expected to see flooding four feet above the record, meaning catastrophic flooding is possible in the towns of Van Buren and Fort Smith, said CNN meteorologist Dave Hennen. In Oklahoma, where six people were killed in severe weather last week, Governor Kevin Stitt warned the situation still could get worse,. Photographers stories of capturing extreme weather Show all 8 1 /8 Photographers stories of capturing extreme weather Photographers stories of capturing extreme weather "I stumbled on the firefighter in front of the burning home on the second day of the Camp Fire in a town called Magalia which is about five miles from Paradise, California. There were about five or six homes burning and firefighters were trying to save the houses near to those that were on fire. The heat from the fire was so intense that the firefighter could only stand near the burning building for 10-15 seconds before having to move away" - Justin Sullivan Getty Photographers stories of capturing extreme weather "This was only one of several large-scale forest fires in Brandenburg state in Germany last year, following droughts which left the forests in the region extremely dry. The year set a new record for fires that burned over 400 hectares. As a photojournalist covering the region for over 15 years, I now have to assume either drought or floods will very likely be a part of the news we will be covering every summer" - Sean Gallup Getty Photographers stories of capturing extreme weather "This photograph was taken at a sunflower field at Goersdorf near Golssen in Germany. The farmers in the region are really despairing. In the years before many faced floods, in 2018 it was scorching heat. Many grow crops that are meant to feed their cows, so when the crops fail they need to buy feed. With the price of milk so low many are fearing for their economic survival if weather cycles like this continue" - Sean Gallup Getty Photographers stories of capturing extreme weather "On the third day of the Camp Fire the flames had moved away from the town and were burning in the nearby hills. I captured this photo in Big Bend, as the story was shifting away from the fire itself and focusing on trying to locate missing persons and recover remains of those who had perished" - Justin Sullivan Getty Photographers stories of capturing extreme weather "You can see the Belchatow power plant and the rising steam and smoke from over 20km away. I went there the day before the start of the United Nations climate conference in Katowice, which took place in a region where coal has a long history and coal mining is woven into local tradition. Poland has made some strides with renewables, such as with wind turbines that now dot portions of the western Polish countryside. However, given how heavily Poland still relies on coal, it is unlikely that Belchatow will close anytime soon. According to a recent study by the European Commission Belchatow is Europes biggest single emitter of CO2" - Sean Gallup Getty Photographers stories of capturing extreme weather "I stayed the night at an alpine hut near the Waxeggkees glacier in Austria. An employee I talked to at night said, sometimes (this was August) she heard the sounds of ice breaking off the glacier and crashing across rocks. 100 years ago the glacier would have filled the photo. Now it takes over an hour to walk up to where the glacier begins" - Sean Gallup, photographer Getty Images Photographers stories of capturing extreme weather "I came across Mr. Helmut Kujat, 78, by chance after I photographed a parched farm nearby. Hes actually pouring the water into a tube that helps to better let the water reach the roots of the tree. He waters the trees in front of his house almost daily throughout spring and summer due to droughts and heat waves" - Sean Gallup Getty Photographers stories of capturing extreme weather "I took this photo about a week after the Camp Fire tore through the town of Paradise, California in November last year. It was the first opportunity to use a DJI Mavic Pro 2 drone to view the widespread devastation since the air space around the burn zone had been closed" - Justin Sullivan Getty We still have water still rising in the east, said Mr Stitt. We are not out of the woods yet. Recommended Fears of more tornadoes for Oklahoma and Arkansas A state of emergency remains in effect for all of Oklahoma on Monday. Over 100 injuries have been reported at local hospitals, according to the state health department said. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Meanwhile, cities in South Carolina and Georgia are expected to hit over 100 degree fahrenheit, record-breaking temperatures on Memorial Day, and the Grand Canyon is expecting snow. Progressive parties around Europe are pinning their hopes on Spain to confront the populist right in the EU parliament after the Socialist Party (PSOE) prevailed in a Super Sunday of polls dominated by domestic division over Catalonia. Although insurgent challenges loom large in Brussels and Barcelona not least from exiled and jailed Catalan leaders who were elected MEPs Spains Socialist prime minister Pedro Sanchez translated his recent general election success into a hat-trick of overwhelming victories at the European, regional and local levels. In Europe, Mr Sanchez often seen as Emmanuel Macrons Mediterranean, market-sceptic counterpart is set to lead the talks over key institutional roles on behalf of the social-democratic parties after PSOE won 32.8 per cent of the vote, the largest share of any of its continental partners, apart from the Portuguese socialists. We are going to be the biggest social democrat delegation, and thats a source of pride for us. Its an opportunity, but also an enormous responsibility, a beaming Mr Sanchez said early on Monday before heading to meet the French president in Paris. His was also the best-performing governing party in Sundays elections, beating Matteo Salvinis anti-globalisation Liga Nord (Northern League) from Italy casting Mr Sanchez, who has so far managed to contain the threat of Vox in Spain, as a protagonist in the fightback against the far right influx within the EU. EU elections 2019 Europewide results Show all 9 1 /9 EU elections 2019 Europewide results EU elections 2019 Europewide results European People's Party group MEPs: 182 Vote share: 24.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats MEPs: 147 Vote share: 19.6% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe group MEPs: 109 Vote share: 14.5% EU elections 2019 Europewide results GreensEuropean Free Alliance MEPs: 69 Vote share: 9.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results European Conservatives and Reformists MEPs: 59 Vote share: 7.9% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Europe of Nations and Freedom MEPs: 58 Vote share: 7.7% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy MEPs: 54 Vote share: 7.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results European United LeftNordic Green Left MEPs: 38 Vote share: 5.1% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Non-Inscrits and other parties Non Inscrits (MEPs not affiliated with a parliamentary grouping): 6 Vote share: 0.8% Other parties: 29 Vote share: 3.9% Juan Rodriguez Teruel, a politics professor at the University of Valencia, said that the election result showed Mr Sanchezs clear mandate. He said: This clear vote of confidence in Sanchezs leadership will allow him to present himself as the most powerful moderate head of government in any major European economy. The results complete PSOEs comeback in Spanish politics, benefiting from the collapse of Podemos and the fragmentation of the right. However, the Spanish government faces being frustrated or embarrassed by pro-independence Catalan politicians, with the former president Carles Puigdemont and his ex-minister Antoni Comin securing EU parliament seats from self-exile in Belgium, alongside the imprisoned former vice-president Oriol Junqueras. Mr Puigdemont, who hailed the result as fresh impetus for the movement and a testament to their persistence, has vowed to contest any ruling that forces him to return home in order to register as a Spanish MEP, which would lead to his arrest on charges relating to his short-lived independence declaration in 2017. Mr Junqueras, currently on trial for rebellion, is likely to encounter similar obstacles but intends to launch a mainly symbolic campaign for the European Commission presidency, running as the candidate for the separatist and regionalist grouping European Free Alliance, which also includes the SNP and Plaid Cymru. In Catalonia, a lower turnout compared to Aprils parliamentary polls helped Puigdemonts Junts per Catalunya (Together for Catalonia) and Mr Junqueras Esquerra Republicana (Republican Left) win a combined 49.8 per cent vote share, handing the pro-independence groups a victory to strengthen their resolve. Puigdemont has pulled off an overwhelming personal victory. He and Junqueras will have a share of the spotlight in Brussels over the coming months, attempting to take their legal case to the heart of the European Parliament, said Mr Teruel. For the first time, this will give legal attention to the Catalan question in the European sphere. Their headline coup came in the Catalan capital where Esquerra candidate Ernest Maragall became the first separatist Barcelona mayor, dethroning housing activist Ada Colau in a race decided by fewer than 5,000 votes, while former French prime minister Manuel Valls trailed Socialist Jaume Collboni in fourth place. Yet, 76-year-old Mr Maragall part of a dynasty comprising an ex-Catalan president and a celebrated modernist poet, surely making him the first mayor already to have a metro stop named after his family fell short of a majority in the city hall, with 10 out of 41 seats and will now have to work with Ms Colau. Despite losing the battle for the hegemony of the left, Ms Colau, the spokesperson for Barcelona en Comu (Barcelona in Common) which also won 10 seats, called for a coalition to be drawn up along traditional lines rather than over the independence issue, offering to lend her support to an inclusive left-wing executive. Mr Valls, backed by unionist liberal party Ciutadans (Citizens), admitted that he cant claim to be happy with the nature of this result but will complete a political comeback as a local councillor for his birthplace and has pledged to make Barcelona a European powerhouse rather than a sovereign capital. Prime minister Pedro Sanchez welcomes Socialists' win in election Meanwhile, the results were far rosier for PSOE in the other Spanish autonomous communities as Mr Sanchez delivered a second round of humiliating defeats for the conservative Peoples Party (PP) following their collapse in the general election, finishing top of the polls in 10 of the 12 available regional assemblies. The Socialists also increased their lead over Pablo Iglesiass more hardline left-wing party Podemos (We Can), which is pushing for Mr Sanchez to form a national coalition between their parties, but may no longer carry enough weight. Amid the growing prospect of governing alone and seeking deals on a case-by-case basis, Mr Sanchez is expected to spend the coming month negotiating on several fronts, including on the continental stage, asking for more Spanish representation in both the European Commission and European Central Bank (ECB). As leader of one of the most Europhile member states, Mr Sanchez has been urged to stake a claim to Britains clout in the EU post-Brexit and may even look to install his ex-minister Josep Borrell as its foreign policy chief. Like in the UK, however, populism and nationalism will hang over the prime ministers every move. Just weeks ago, global news organisations were rifling through their obituary war chests as Silvio Berlusconi was rushed to hospital. The 82-year-old former Italian premier, known for his sordid sex parties and crashing gaffes, often on the world stage, was mid-campaign for the European parliament elections when he was rushed in for bowel surgery. Berlusconi himself feared he had reached the end of the line. In recent years Berlusconi has been dogged by health problems, and had heart surgery in 2016. Time and time again the oft-disgraced politician has been given up for dead before making a triumphant return. This time he left his sickbed to return to the campaign trail and has now been elected as an MEP. His election marks, what he will hope, is the first step on the path back to the corridors of power, after he was forced to give up his parliamentary seat following a conviction for tax fraud in 2015. An Italian court last year lifted, for good behaviour, a ban on Berlusconi holding public office. EU elections 2019 Europewide results Show all 9 1 /9 EU elections 2019 Europewide results EU elections 2019 Europewide results European People's Party group MEPs: 182 Vote share: 24.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats MEPs: 147 Vote share: 19.6% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe group MEPs: 109 Vote share: 14.5% EU elections 2019 Europewide results GreensEuropean Free Alliance MEPs: 69 Vote share: 9.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results European Conservatives and Reformists MEPs: 59 Vote share: 7.9% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Europe of Nations and Freedom MEPs: 58 Vote share: 7.7% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy MEPs: 54 Vote share: 7.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results European United LeftNordic Green Left MEPs: 38 Vote share: 5.1% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Non-Inscrits and other parties Non Inscrits (MEPs not affiliated with a parliamentary grouping): 6 Vote share: 0.8% Other parties: 29 Vote share: 3.9% As the first name on his partys list in four out of five constituencies, Berlusconi was a shoo-in for election under the proportional representation system used in European elections, says Giovanni Orsina, director of the school of governance at Luiss University in Rome. If you are going to vote for Forza Italia, you are going to vote for Berlusconi. His voters believe in him personally. For his die-hard base he can do no wrong. Speaking on Monday, the man himself said that the result showed: We are still indispensable without Forza Italia the centre right cannot win ... In Brussels I will remain the sole levee against anti-European nationalism. I couldnt do any more than I have done. I have given the maximum. Berlusconi was forced to resign as prime minister in 2011 after running the Italian economy into the ground, making way for a technocratic government. His last few years in the countrys top job had been marred by allegations of corruption and tales of bunga bunga sex parties at his lavish villa outside Milan. He was accused of unlawful sex with 17-year-old nightclub dancer Ruby the Heart Stealer but was acquitted on appeal, after a troupe of starlets testified the evenings were merely elegant dinners. After his ousting from politics, the former cruise ship crooner served a community service sentence in a retirement home, where he was in his element at bingo games and singalongs. But with the lifting of his exclusion from public office last year, the Teflon don saw a chance to return yet again to the political fray. He declared his bid for European election in January, saying that at the lovely age of 82 he felt a sense of responsibility to head for Europe, where there is a lack of deep thinking about the world. Since then he has been working his mainstays of off-colour jokes and popular-appeal policies, including lower taxes and animal rights. Silvio Berlusconi tells BBC reporter her handshake is so strong 'no one will want to marry her' But much has changed since Berlusconi left office: his party haemorrhaged voters as Italys conservatives have defected to Matteo Salvinis hard-right Lega Nord (Norhtern League), now the most popular party in Italy. In last years elections, Berlusconis party polled just 14 per cent, down from 37 per cent in 2008. It was too toxic to be part of the coalition between the far-right League and the anti-establishment Five Star, which now govern Italy in an uneasy partnership. Furthermore, he is now in the midst of a second trial for the corruption of witnesses in the Ruby case. The unexplained death of a vital prosecution witness, model Imane Fadil, in January sparked speculation that she had been poisoned as part of a cover-up plot, threatening to ruin Berlusconis comeback. Berlusconi claims he has never met her and that her statements had always sounded like inventions and nonsense. His planetary ego will enjoy a brief respite. But his election as an MEP doesnt really change much. Prime-time Berlusconi was extraordinary because he was a libertine billionaire in charge of a G8 country. But now hes fading away Michael Day, author of Being Berlusconi Berlusconi sees himself as an elder statesmanlike figure with experience in international relations. But in reality, and while in power, he frequently embarrassed Italy on the international stage, and horrified Eurocrats with his puerile jokes. He suggested German politician Martin Schulz could get a role as concentration camp guard in a war film, and reportedly called Angela Merkel an unf***able lard-arse. But while at one time he would be every European leaders worst nightmare, now, in an increasingly fractured Europe, Berlusconi, jaw-dropping gaffes and all, would be a welcome return. He is the best that they can hope for, says Orsina. If, as seems probable, there is a crisis in the coalition after the European elections, there may be fresh elections in the autumn. Forza Italia could then return to government as part of a centre-right coalition with Salvinis League. Silvio Berlusconi has his acquittal in the Rubygate affair upheld But for Michael Day, author of Being Berlusconi: The Rise and Fall from Cosa Nostra to Bunga Bunga, any comeback will be a short-lived rally on a path of terminal decline. His planetary ego will enjoy a brief respite. But his election as an MEP doesnt really change much. Prime-time Berlusconi was extraordinary because he was a libertine billionaire in charge of a G8 country. But now hes fading away. The miserable showing of Forza Italia at 8.8 per cent, a quarter of the 37 per cent it was at its prime in 2008, underlines how Salvini and the hard right are running things now. Even Salvini is doing everything to hinder Berlusconis political return, hoping to be able to form a centre-right coalition without him, says Orsina. Berlusconi puts off a certain part of the electorate, and even as a junior partner would be cumbersome, not happy to sit on the sidelines. Ever the maker of his own myth, Berlusconi has often been said to harbour ambitions of becoming president of Italy. But that dream has now evaporated with his votes. His real legacy is likely to be the corrosion of political faith caused by the corruption and tawdry scandals that dogged his career and tainted Italian politics, ironically contributing to the rise of the new generation of populist forces. Israel could be forced to hold fresh elections, less than two months after the last vote, as Benjamin Netanyahus hopes of forming a coalition government fade. The countrys parliament passed a preliminary motion to dissolve itself on Monday after cross-party talks to form a government stalled. Mr Netanyahus Likud party emerged tied as the largest party in the parliament after the 9 April elections. Many commentators assumed that the right-wing prime minister would control 65 seats out of the 120 in the parliament by striking a deal with right-wing allies. But Mr Netanyahu has, so far, been unable to form a government with the right-wing, far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties whose support he needs. Israeli elections: growing calls for Arab boycott Show all 5 1 /5 Israeli elections: growing calls for Arab boycott Israeli elections: growing calls for Arab boycott Rafik Halabi, mayor of Daliyat al-Karmel Bel Trew Israeli elections: growing calls for Arab boycott Photos of the Druze mayors of Daliyat al-Karmel in Israel ahead of the elections Bel Trew Israeli elections: growing calls for Arab boycott Layla Zahrour, a sweet shop owner in Haifa says the Arab community are disillusioned Bel Trew Israeli elections: growing calls for Arab boycott Rooa, a Druze woman, says she will not vote in the upcoming Israeli elections Bel Trew Israeli elections: growing calls for Arab boycott Many members of the Druze community in Daliyat al-Kamel say they will boycott the upcoming elections over the Nation State Law Bel Trew He has until 9pm on Wednesday to reach an agreement, under an extended deadline imposed by Reuven Rivlin, the Israeli president. Coalition talks stalled after divisions arose between former defence minister Avigdor Liebermans Yisrael Beitenu party and the United Torah Judaism group. The parties disagree over a military conscription bill governing exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students. Mr Lieberman has insisted on passing a new law mandating that young ultra-Orthodox men be drafted into the military, like most other Jewish males. But United Torah Judaism, an alliance of ultra-Orthodox parties, disagrees. In a televised address which aired on Monday, Mr Netanyahu called on his coalition partners to put the good of the nation above every other interest in order to avoid sending the country once again to expensive, wasteful elections. The Israeli prime minister blamed Mr Liberman, his former aide, for the crisis. Without the five seats of the former defence ministers Yisrael Beiteinu party, Mr Netanyahu will not control a majority of the parliament. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The draft law has become a symbol and we will not capitulate on our symbols, Mr Lieberman said on Monday, adding that he would press for new elections if his demands are not met. Mr Netanyahu said he was hopeful a solution could be found in the next 48 hours. If the preliminary bill receives final passage, in a vote scheduled on Wednesday, new elections will have to be held, sending Israels political system into disarray. Additional reporting by agencies Last night a green wave swept across Europe. Almost 70 Green MEPs were elected, with huge surges of support in Germany, France, Ireland, and Finland. In the UK the Green Party won a record seven seats more than doubling our best tally in a European election. This election took place at a time when concern for the environment was at a historic high. After years of struggle from environmental groups, the last few months have seen a combination of school students on strike, David Attenboroughs shocking documentaries, Greta Thunbergs activism and Extinction Rebellions protests and all of a sudden the fate of our planet flew to the top of the news agenda. Those of us entering the European Parliament as new Green MEPs do so as part of a social movement sweeping the globe. Its with the backing of that social movement that I plan to use my position in the European Parliament to bring together a cross-party, cross-continent group of representatives to begin creating a Europe-wide Green New Deal. Such a project, championed so successfully by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the US, wouldnt just build infrastructure such as low-carbon transport and industries, it would also create high quality, well-paid jobs in every corner of the European Union and vastly reduce inequality. It would rapidly help us do what we must and drop our emissions in line with what the science tells us and crucially, it would also allow Europe to begin to repay the climate debt it owes the world. Theres no doubt that people are more likely to vote Green when environmental issues are making waves in the media. Indeed a look back at 1989, when the Green Party recorded their highest ever percentage of the vote (15% per cent in the European Election), shows the British public responding directly to the Chernobyl disaster in the ballot box. That vote didnt win the Greens any seats at all but this election is different, not only because we converted those votes into a record number of seats, but because we did so on the back of our best ever local elections results too. Of course the European election results in the UK werent just about the environment they were also clearly influenced by Brexit. Its no coincidence that the two serious Remain parties did well on Thursday, and that people are recognising the clear leadership that Caroline Lucas MP has put forward in her longstanding campaign for a Peoples Vote. European election 2019 UK results Show all 9 1 /9 European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Brexit Party European election 2019 UK results Liberal Democrats European election 2019 UK results Labour European election 2019 UK results Greens European election 2019 UK results European election 2019 UK results Plaid Cymru European election 2019 UK results Scottish National Party European election 2019 UK results Change UK European election 2019 UK results UKIP The clear public backing for parties supporting a Peoples Vote is only the start of a process of stopping Brexit though. If were serious about healing the divisions in our country we need to engage in a battle, not just against Brexit itself, but against its causes too. For a start that means making a stand for migration, not begrudgingly accepting that freedom of movement will end but being straight with people about our support for Britain being an open country where people can come to make a home. We wont beat Farages demagogues dressed as democrats by parroting lines about justified concerns about migration well only beat them if we take a serious stand against their rhetoric. We also cant pretend that a Peoples Vote would, in itself, alleviate the economic conditions which led to Brexit. A remain and transform plan, which must include an end to austerity and a commitment to public ownership, is the only one which can begin to address the deep economic hardship which played a major part in the Brexit vote. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events This week I will go to Brussels to meet with colleagues from across the continent to start work on an EU-wide Green New Deal, and to make a stand against the far right. For me theres no other way to solve the multiple crises we face. The European Union will succeed if those working within it are bold enough to transform it to work better for us, and to revitalise its institutions to be servants of the people of our continent rather the corporations, who saunter through the halls of power, unaccountable to all. Alexandra Phillips is the Green MEP for South East England Last weekend Italys interior minister, Matteo Salvini, gathered representatives from 11 other European far-right parties for a rally in Milan. It was watched by as many as 25,000 people. We must secure the future of our land and children, said Geert Wilders, the populist anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim politician from the Netherlands. Worryingly, his language appeared to mimic the infamous white supremacist phrase, the 14 words. Focusing on their well-honed, toxic message of a Europe under attack from Muslims and liberal elites, these representatives now want to form a group within the new European Parliament. According to recent polls, the group will occupy about one tenth of the seats in the parliament, unless more parties join. The Lega, Matteo Salvinis party, is likely to get another 20 seats compared to its 2014 tally. Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right anti-Muslim party, is likely to receive a few more seats, as are the Polish Law and Justice (PiS) and the new far-right Vox party in Spain. Rassemblement National (the old Front National) in France, on the other hand, looks set to lose seats or stay largely the same as before. However, they do seem determined to advance their agenda despite being in the minority. For example, the EU has already stopped rescue ships, aimed at preventing the death of migrants, crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa, following pressure primarily from the Italian government. EU elections 2019 Europewide results Show all 9 1 /9 EU elections 2019 Europewide results EU elections 2019 Europewide results European People's Party group MEPs: 182 Vote share: 24.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats MEPs: 147 Vote share: 19.6% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe group MEPs: 109 Vote share: 14.5% EU elections 2019 Europewide results GreensEuropean Free Alliance MEPs: 69 Vote share: 9.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results European Conservatives and Reformists MEPs: 59 Vote share: 7.9% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Europe of Nations and Freedom MEPs: 58 Vote share: 7.7% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy MEPs: 54 Vote share: 7.2% EU elections 2019 Europewide results European United LeftNordic Green Left MEPs: 38 Vote share: 5.1% EU elections 2019 Europewide results Non-Inscrits and other parties Non Inscrits (MEPs not affiliated with a parliamentary grouping): 6 Vote share: 0.8% Other parties: 29 Vote share: 3.9% Last weekends rally in Milan put a spotlight on the fact that the far right is now highly connected across the continent. There is increasing international collaboration, from the individual level to youth organisations, as well as at the party level, helped by an increase in online activism on the broader far right. The far right has long sought to create more formal international partnerships. It has usually not played out as they wanted it to. Differences over their perceptions of national interests, as well as ideology, often makes international collaboration superficial. This theory also applies in the European Parliament. The parties differences in regards to Russia, migrant redistribution and budget issues are often brought up as reasons why Salvinis new alliance will ultimately fail. This is probably true. The far right in Europe is not likely to come suddenly to an agreement on Russia, or how to distribute migrants between EU states although Salvinis alliance is more likely to give them more control over funding. More worrying is that their deeper goal is not dependent on unity or even agreement on specific issues. The core message of the populist radical right, in relation to the EU, is that the union itself is a threat to national sovereignty and identity, and therefore the EUs influence must be limited. When Tomio Okamura from the Czech Freedom and Direct Democracy party addressed the crowd in Milan last weekend, he said that Europeans could either choose freedom and sovereignty of our peoples or leave the power to those who plan [the] extinction of nation states. Fragmentation and disagreement on specific issues matter less when the primary goal is to stop the influence of the EU rather than to extend or steer it in a specific direction. This fragmentation can even be beneficial. Disagreements within and between parliamentary groups play into the overarching goal of limiting the influence of the EU, stalling and debilitating its decision-making process. They could additionally hamper progressive and humanitarian projects within the institution. The common argument that the EU is an ineffective and expensive political theatre to which hardworking people across Europe have to pay their hard-earned money thus becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. An alliance may be superficial, but we should not over-emphasise policy differences between far-right parties. A shared understanding of EU overreach, Christian identity and a belief in a clash with Islam is, for the moment, enough to rally them round. This growing far-right power in Europe risks further blunting the EUs edge when it comes to dealing with issues such as human rights abuses and the rule of law. The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights presented a report this week which concluded that Hungarys immigration policy was causing widespread human rights violations. The European Parliament has already voted for proceedings against Hungary for attempting to silence media and removing independent judges, which could lead to sanctions. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Its not all bad news, though. Until two years ago Marine Le Pens Rassemblement National called for an EU referendum in France, as did many other radical-right parties. According to a poll by the European Council on Foreign Relations, two-thirds of EU citizens have positive feelings toward the EU and as many as nine out of 10 said they would be worse off without it. Perhaps watching the drama unfold with Brexit in the UK has made people think twice. The bad news, however, is that far-right and radical-right parties are finding ways to work together and halt democracy within the European Parliament. If their people still want to remain members of the EU, these parties will work from the inside to come to the same end. They are facing an uphill battle, but we shouldnt underestimate their resolve. Patrik Hermansson is a researcher for HOPE not hate Donald Trump is in Tokyo meeting Prime Minister Abe, and the principal subject unsurprisingly will be trade tensions between the US and Japan. The Brookings Institution here in DC has done a good summary of the issues, making the key point that using national security as a front for cutting imports is a spurious argument. It is certainly hard to see why Americans buying Toyota cars (many of which are assembled in the US) should undermine US security. Leave aside the details and focus on this key point: Japan is in economic decline. True, it is the third largest economy in the world, after the US and China, but in relative weight it is becoming less important in contrast to China. So it is in the self-interest of the US to support Japan as a regional counterweight to China. Attacking its key industry, car manufacturing, must therefore be counter to US strategic interests. This leads to a wider question. What do we know about the impact of the current trade tensions? A two-foot long ballot paper is slowing counting in the Ireland South European election count centre, where outgoing Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly looks set to become the first candidate to take a seat. Mr Kelly said he was hopeful of retaining his seat and described it as encouraging to be there or thereabouts. An RTE/TG4 exit poll predicted Mr Kelly will top the poll with 16% of first preferences, followed by Sinn Feins Liadh Ni Riada and Fianna Fails Billy Kelleher, both of whom are on 13%, while the Green Partys Grace OSullivan is on 12% of first preference votes. Over the last decade I have worked hard to ensure that your interests have been represented at the highest level in Europe. You can watch the video below to hear my key priorities for the next five years if I am returned to the @Europarl_EN following the #EUelections2019 pic.twitter.com/xGd5XZZsJO Sean Kelly MEP (@SeanKellyMEP) April 27, 2019 We put in a hard campaign, a long campaign. Sometimes people say people dont notice whats going on in Europe, but I think if I do well its an example to everybody that if you work hard people will notice, Mr Kelly said on his arrival at Cork count centre on Sunday evening. More than 200 staff began sub-sorting ballot papers at the centre in Nemo Rangers GAA Club on Sunday morning. But, with more than 750,000 papers to be counted, staff wrapped up for the night at about 11pm without any results. No tallies were conducted. First count results from the constituency are not expected until Monday afternoon. Indications are it may take until Thursday before the five seats are allocated. Expand Close Liadh Ni Riada (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Liadh Ni Riada (Niall Carson/PA) Sinn Fein candidate Liadh Ni Riada said she was hopeful of retaining her MEP seat, but she said she did not consider herself a shoe-in. Youre never fully confident, and youre just hopeful. Thats exactly the position Im in now, she said. Its not over until all the votes are counted. She added: Im not putting my eggs in one basket and thinking that Im a shoe-in. Well have to wait and see. While it is expected that Fianna Fails Billy Kelleher will win a seat, it is set to be a worrying few days for the Greens Grace OSullivan, Independents 4 Change candidate Mick Wallace and Fine Gaels Deirdre Clune who will most likely battle for the last seat. Mr Kelly said he believed Fine Gael was very much in contention to retain two seats, despite exit poll results showing the partys candidates, outgoing Ms Clune and first-time EU candidate Andrew Doyle, potentially being in difficulty. The RTE/TG4 exit poll put Ms Clune on 9% first preference votes and Mr Doyle on 4%. It indicated that Mr Wallace had 10%, just 1% more than Fianna Fails Malcom Byrne. Transfers have a big bearing on a constituency and particularly when you have 23 candidates where there is going to be a whole pile of transfers and if they fall the right way theyre going to push up candidates quite a lot, Mr Kelly added. Ms OSullivan said she had worked very hard and that she was hoping she would get that surge in the end. She added that there was a lot of green washing going on by other parties during the elections, but she believed voters had seen through this. Of all of the three European election constituencies, transfers will be most important in Ireland South. It could see candidates like Mr Byrne or Mr Doyle surge past other candidates. Members of the defence forces load ballots on to trucks in Ireland (Niall Carson/PA) Voters in Cork and Waterford have rejected the plan to directly elect mayors but the proposal has passed in Limerick. In Cork City Council area, 34,347 people voted against the proposal, while 33,364 voted in favour. 68,682 ballots were cast. There were 21,718 Yes votes in Waterford City and County Council area, with 22,437 No votes. It equated to some 49.2% of people voting Yes, and 50.8% voting No. In Limerick City and County Council area, 52.4% (or 38,122) voters backed the proposal, while 47.6% (or 34,573) voted against it. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar welcomed the decision taken by Limerick voters but he said he was sorry it had narrowly failed in Waterford and Cork. He tweeted: Pleased that Limerick has voted to have Irelands first Directly Elected Mayor. Real opportunity for the city & county to get ahead. Will be backed by central government. Sorry it was narrowly defeated in Cork and Waterford. Dublin next. Under the Governments plan, directly elected mayors would have more functions than they currently do and serve for a term of five years instead of one year. Supporters of the proposal said it would give a more democratic voice to the people, while critics said the cost of the mayors office would be a waste of money. Health Minister Simon Harris has described Maria Baileys defence of her compensation claim as unfortunate. He said she should have met with the Taoiseach before trying to publicly address the controversy that has engulfed Fine Gael in recent days. Asked whether party will take disciplinary action, Mr Harris said Leo Varadkar has options. The minister, who is a second cousin of Ms Bailey, suggested she should have shown more humility. I think when you withdraw a claim that in and of itself is an acknowledgement of the fact that perhaps that claim shouldnt have proceeded. But the interview still seemed to be in the space of blaming lots of other people, he said. He said Fine Gael members up and down the country would have appreciated that if it was going to be withdrawn that it would have been done before the local and European elections. I think if that had happened the situation could have more effectively dealt with it. Mr Harris said the TD took part in the interview without informing party headquarters. Meanwhile, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan admitted "the optics" of the personal injury claim lodged by Maria Bailey TD was "unfortunate" for the Government drive to reform insurance legislation. Ms Bailey had lodged a personal injury claim against a Dublin hotel after a fall from a swing during a night out - but dropped the action after revelations that she had run a 10km race just weeks after the incident. The Dublin TD gave a high profile interview to RTE today about her claim, its withdrawal and its potential aftermath. Mr Flanagan acknowledged, speaking at the Ireland South Euro count centre in Cork, that the media coverage of the Dublin TD's claim had impacted on the Fine Gael electoral campaign for both the Local Government and European Parliament elections. "I accept that the optics have not been good," he said. "This was an issue that was raised on the doorsteps. But I am very keen to ensure that we proceed with the legislative programme that will result in a reformed insurance framework. "Insurance reform is a big issue. There are certain responsibilities in that regard on my desk. "I am very keen to ensure that I have the new legislation - the judicial council bill - I am working now at an advanced stage on the amendments and I would expect to have it in the Dail within the next few weeks. "I will be looking for Opposition parties to support it. "It is an important piece of legislation and it will set guidelines for judges in personal injury cases and actions. "I would expect to have it passed before the summer recess." Mr Flanagan refused to comment further about Ms Bailey's action and its potential aftermath. "I am not the Taoiseach and I am not going to add or detract from any of the speculation that is out there." He did express surprise at the radio interview the Dublin TD had given about the issue. "I heard the interview with Maria Bailey this morning. I am not going to add or detract from it because I don't know the detail. "It is a matter for herself and her own position. I am surprised that she spoke so freely about it. "But this is entirely a matter for Maria herself. I understand that she has discontinued the civil action that she has taken in a private capacity. "I have to say it was an issue that was raised on the doorsteps. I would not like to over-egg it or overplay it. "I know it had been mentioned." He also refused to comment on calls for Ms Bailey to quit a Dail committee. "That is not a matter that I have given any consideration towards. Over the last few days I have been engaged in the election campaign here for Ireland South and I have not discussed that matter with any of my colleagues. "She has chosen to make certain statements. This is an issue between herself and the hotel involved. "I would rather not say anything further at this stage. I am not going to comment further. We are having a pre Cabinet meeting this evening. I understand the Taoiseach is going to speak with the deputy concerned and I would rather not become any further involved at this stage." Poolbeg and the wider docks area in the capital are the most likely location for any high-rise buildings that might be built in Dublin, according to the CEO of property investment firm Hibernia Reit. "I think the die is cast in a lot of the areas in which we've already built in," said Kevin Nowlan. He added that there may be one or two exceptions at strategic locations in areas primarily close to the city's quays. "I think the opportunities are going to be in places like Poolbeg," he said. "The city is going to have to start looking at the docks. Places like Newlands as well - they're the areas where you can possibly create heights without them looking like they're completely out of context." Hibernia Reit owns a large tract of land at Newlands Cross in the south of the city, where the company wants to build mixed-use developments including homes, retail and some office space. Dublin remains a low-rise city, meaning valuable space at key locations such as the IFSC and docklands has been wasted because of planning laws that restricted high-rise buildings. Among those publicly pushing for taller buildings to be permitted was a company linked to high-profile developer Johnny Ronan and Colony Capital. New rules for building heights were introduced by Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy during 2018. Those rules aim to prevent urban sprawl - long a feature of Dublin - and set out new and updated national planning policies on building heights in urban areas. But projects still have to fit in with existing areas and are subject to planning rules designed to prevent adverse traffic impact and other issues. Locations such as former industrial estates and docklands have been identified as being appropriate for high-rise buildings. "You look at Sandyford at the moment [in south Dublin], with an average of 12 to 15 storeys," said Mr Nowlan. "There's a lot of land in inner city Dublin where there's great potential," he added. "I think the key challenge for those locations is to make sure we do it well." London based specialist alternative asset manager Gresham House Asset Management (GHAM) is planning new forestry and renewable projects after taking over management of 10,000 acres of Irish forests. GHAM wants to win a slice of an Irish market that it believes is worth billions of euro, said CEO Tony Dalwood. The asset manager also plans to open an Irish office to grow its asset management business both here and in Europe, he said. "There is a massive opportunity in Ireland for renewables and also in forestry, which is often found in and around wind farms," he said. "In our UK woodlands assets we have added value over the last ten years by identifying wind or hydroelectric opportunities for clients and we hope that opportunity potentially exists within the Irish forestry asset class." Afforestation - the planting of new forests - is "absolutely part of the long term plan", Dalwood said. "Our intention is to grow in Ireland by raising and managing more forestry assets and by investing in similar types of renewable projects in Ireland as in the UK, such as battery storage alongside wind and solar energy." The plans follows the acquisition - revealed in last week's Sunday Independent - of a 10,000-acre portfolio of mature Irish forests by AXA IM - Real Assets. It bought the portfolio from forestry consultancy Veon Ltd for an undisclosed sum on behalf of clients. London stock exchange-quoted GHAM has been appointed by AXA as exclusive asset manager to the huge portfolio of mature Irish forests on a long-term contract. "The forestry deal is just the beginning of what we want we want to do to build capability and bring investment into Ireland," said Dalwood. "We want to build asset management capability in Ireland and almost a year ago I was introduced to this opportunity by Deloitte. We are the largest forestry asset manager in the UK, with over a billion pounds worth of assets under management with timber and forestry and so it was natural for us to build on that with this opportunity." The portfolio - historically very large by UK and Irish standards - is divided across 185 Irish estates. Two separate High Court challenges have been launched against An Bord Pleanala's decision to grant planning permission for a wind farm which will have some of the "highest structures in the country". The actions have been brought against the board's decision to grant permission to Coole Windfarm Ltd for a 13 turbines wind farm on peatlands near the village of Coole in northwest Co Westmeath, near the border with Co Longford. The first of the actions have been brought by a local residents groups, the North Westmeath Turbine Action Group, and the North Westmeath Turbine Action Group Company Ltd by Guarantee. The second has been brought by environmental campaigner Peter Sweetman. Both seek various orders and declarations, including an order quashing the board's decision to the project the go ahead. They claim that the decision to grant permission is not consistent with EU directives on Habitats and Environmental Impact Assessments. The court heard the turbines, which have a tip height of 175m, were "almost three times the height of Liberty Hall in Dublin," and if built would be some of the highest structures in the country." Permission to bring the challenges against was granted, on a one side only represented application by Mr Justice Seamus Noonan. The cases come back in July. In another legal challenge, Mr Sweetman is also objecting to a national grid connection to a wind farm in Co Wicklow. That case came before the Commercial Court on Monday. Mr Sweetman is seeking to quash a December last decision of An Bord Pleanala in December that the construction of the connection servicing a windfarm development at Ballycumber, Tinahealy, Co Wicklow was exempted development. The case was admitted to the fast track commercial list by Mr Justice Robert Haughton who adjourned the matter to October. The community of Clogherhead is set to welcome the latest RNLI lifeboat to be based in Ireland, to their town on Sunday 2 June. A significant proportion of the funding for the Clogherhead lifeboat has been provided through a generous legacy by a Wexford farmer, Mr. Henry Tomkins, who was a lifelong supporter of the RNLI. Henry stipulated that a lifeboat be named for his long-time friend, the former Arklow RNLI Coxswain, Mr. Michael OBrien. The Shannon was designed by Derry man Peter Eyre who as child was rescued by Lough Swilly RNLI in Donegal. The Michael OBrien Shannon class lifeboat is due to arrive in Clogherhead at exactly 13.31 which is also the operation number of the lifeboat. Its arrival marks the start of a new chapter in the story of search and rescue in the north-east. The Shannon lifeboat is the latest in a long line of search and rescue boats provided by the RNLI to Clogherhead over the past 120 years. This lifeboat and its launching equipment represents a multi-million euro investment at the station and signals a major change in the level of service provided by the RNLI on the east coast as it moves the station from a 15-knot lifeboat to a 25-knot one, cutting vital minutes off the time it takes for the lifeboat crew to reach a casualty. The arrival of the stations new Shannon lifeboat will take place in front of the beach beside the lifeboat station in full view of the public. It will be the first time in Ireland that the RNLI will use a SLARS (Shannon Launch and Recovery System) to launch and recover a lifeboat in Ireland. The SLARS acts as a mobile slipway for the lifeboat, which can be driven directly onto the beach for recovery. It has a unique turntable cradle, which can rotate the lifeboat 180, ready to be launched again within 10 minutes. Clogherhead RNLI Coxswain Tomas Whelahan said, We want the people of Clogherhead and the surrounding areas to come to welcome the new lifeboat home. The station has been preparing for this day for a long time and there is huge excitement for it. The past few weeks and months have been spent in preparation and training by all the crew and shore crew, to receive this incredible piece of kit from the RNLI. It is the most technologically advanced lifeboat in the fleet, and it will proudly serve the east coast for many years to come. We are incredibly honoured to receive it and we are grateful to our donor Henry Tomkins and to the local communities, who by their generosity, have made this day possible. We hope to bring many loved ones safely home in this new lifeboat. Carbon tax should be increased by 50pc next year and continue to rise until it hits 80 a tonne by 2030, Ibec will announce today. In a dramatic move, the employers' group said that it will campaign for higher carbon taxes as part of a wider push for Ireland to become a low-carbon economy. But the cash raised must be ring-fenced for energy-saving schemes including retrofitting, it has insisted. Ibec will today publish a wide-ranging report which it says is a "roadmap" to the future of Irish energy use. The report is titled 'Building a competitive low carbon economy - an Irish business roadmap to 2050'. If it is done well, shifting Ireland to a low-carbon economy will pay off economically and socially, Ibec chief executive Danny McCoy believes. "If we focus on smart, cost-effective and evidence-based policies, we can use the transition to enhance energy security, boost competitiveness, improve quality of life and create thousands of sustainable jobs," he said. Carbon tax is designed to discourage use of fossil fuels or products that rely on fossil fuels. Ibec's business members will support a "measured, stable increase in carbon taxes over time", the group's director of policy, Fergal O'Brien, said. The new policy emerged from a year-long engagement with members, he added. Carbon tax is currently levied at 20 a tonne and raised 491m for the Exchequer last year. Ibec says it should rise to 30 a tonne in the October Budget and then increase by 5 a year for a decade. In very rough terms, that would mean an annual environmental levy of about 300 per Irish household in 2020 - doubling to 600 by 2025, when Ibec would back a review. In theory, the stick of higher taxes will drive consumers towards lower carbon options. Energy conscious consumers will be rewarded with lower carbon bills. However, carbon taxes are regressive - hitting the poor harder - and allowances would need to be made to mitigate that, Ibec thinks. Savings can often include high upfront costs for both businesses and households - such as new energy-efficient boilers. Across the economy that cost will be around 40bn of capital investment by 2030, most of it through private investment, which Ibec wants the State to support. Irish households pay around 59pc of the current carbon tax total. Business pays most of the rest but that is passed on to consumers. Ibec thinks a social partnership forum including Government, unions, employer bodies, farming interests and non-governmental organisations is needed to build and maintain public support. That would include a special task force for the Midlands region, where the dismantling of dirty energy and peat works will inflict a big jobs hit. The lonely, windswept lighthouse at Blacksod, near Mayo's most westerly point, seems an unlikely focal point for European history. Yet it was from here, 75 years ago on June 3, that a weather forecast was delivered which defined the start of D-Day and, with it, the course of World War II. For a brief, terrifying moment, 150,000 Allied troops, as well as the governments of much of the Western world, held their breath for news from a young Irishwoman named Maureen Sweeney. She hadn't especially wanted to be a lighthouse keeper. "I meant to go to America but I didn't get that far so I went for a job in the Post Office instead," Maureen, who now lives in a retirement home in Mayo, recalls. Expand Close Maureen Sweeney filed weather reports from Blacksod for D-Day landings / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Maureen Sweeney filed weather reports from Blacksod for D-Day landings "I answered an ad for a post office assistant and there wasn't a mention about weather. It took me two full days and a part of the third day to get here (to Blacksod). I always loved the sea and the strand and when I saw them I said I'd give this a try." Part of Maureen's duties involved making written weather observations, and she carried these out with professionalism and some trepidation. "There was no learning in that, you learned on the job," she recalls. "I used to be afraid that the Germans would come over us at night." Fear of the Germans was quite a normal emotion to have, for, although Ireland was officially neutral during the war, it was a neutrality which leaned heavily toward surreptitious cooperation with the Allied Forces. De Valera was relying on the power of the Royal Navy and the RAF to protect the country. Hitler had said that possession of Ireland could lead to the end of the war. Plans had been made by the Germans to land troops in the north and the south. In that scenario the Germans said they would then allow a sovereign 32-county republic at the mercy of the German state. De Valera walked a fine line to maintain Ireland's neutrality. In Britain he was coming under pressure to openly join the war effort, but he resisted this. In private there was intelligence cooperation and planning information. In 1939 it was agreed that data from six locations would be shared with the British and American meteorological services. The Irish weather reports were assigned codes, which were in turn generated by the Americans. The Americans and British understood that wars, from The Armada to Napoleon's invasion of Russia, were won and lost by an ability to factor in the effects of the weather. Video of the Day Blacksod's pivotal importance was due to the fact that it was the first land-based observation station in Europe where weather readings could be professionally taken on the European Atlantic westerly weather systems. The science of weather reporting was less sophisticated in the those years, and no other country could accurately predict the weather coming in from the Atlantic over the west coast of Ireland. During the war the American team used pattern recognition - predicting weather by seeing what usually happened in the past. The British constructed charts which showed where the low and high pressure centres were moving - this was a more accurate method, but, still great emphasis was placed on getting reports from stations experiencing the edges of weather systems. Generals from the US Army visited both Valentia Island, in Kerry, and Blacksod during 1942; they understood the significance of having these tiny, secret outposts of the war effort onside. By 1943 World War II was building inexorably to its climax. The Soviet Union was pressuring Allies to open a second front. At the Tehran conference in December 1943, Stalin put pressure on the Allies to name a general who would reinvigorate the war effort. The Americans nominated Dwight Eisenhower. "He had an enormous ability to rationalise different viewpoints into a common ground," Susan Eisenhower recalls of her grandfather. "He had a conciliatory nature, even though he could also be tough-minded. He was the middle child of seven boys. He was the kid who had to compromise." The ability to compromise would be essential to Eisenhower as he attempted to coordinate a huge international coalition against the Axis Forces. That same month - December 1943 - Eisenhower and Field Marshal Montgomery of the British Army began to plan what would become the pivotal moment in the history of the war - the Normandy landings. Eisenhower continually emphasised the part that even the smallest cog in the war effort had in the overall victory. "Teamwork wins wars," he said in one famous public address. "Teamwork among nations." And this included a tiny Irish weather station. Eisenhower arrived in London on June 2, 1944. At that point he was receiving two weather reports per day, one in the morning, one in the evening, both of which were relayed by the chief British meteorologist during the war, a flinty Scotsman named James Stagg. Stagg knew the reasons for the importance of the forecasts. Calm weather was needed for the landings. The troops would be carrying heavy backpacks, so if they jumped out of the boats in bad weather they would be turned over very quickly by strong waves. They needed clear skies for the bombers so they could see their targets. Without calm seas and clear skies the assault may have had to be delayed another few weeks and, by then, the Germans might well have been better prepared. Joseph Goebbels, the German propaganda minister, was already making speeches in which he suggested that the Germans would welcome a summer invasion by the Allied forces. June 3, 1944 was Maureen Sweeney's 21st birthday. Unlike most young people celebrating that milestone, she was not out drinking and dancing in the evening. Instead she was at her desk in the lighthouse watching a barometer that was showing atmospheric pressure was falling. The unsettled weather that she observed would have reached Normandy in the early hours of the morning on June 5. Stagg was disturbed at the reports of rapidly dropping pressure. Maureen received a call from "a lady with an English accent" asking her to confirm the reports she had sent. An hour later, the phone rang again. "It was the same lady," Maureen recalls. "The lady with the English accent and she asked if we could please check and repeat the very latest weather observations we had sent from Blacksod." Maureen was oblivious to the importance of her reports but by the following afternoon the fall in pressure began to slow and then it began to rise. The heavy rain and drizzle cleared, and visibility on land and sea became very clear. A full clearance of the weather would actually arrive at Blacksod one hour later. James Stagg would later say that Eisenhower already knew the weather forecast by examining his (Stagg's) facial expression: "He used my face as a barometer." At 4.15am, on June 5 the Joint Chiefs of Staff met Stagg to discuss the weather prospects. Based on Maureen's reports, he understood that there would be an interlude in the gloom of the preceding days. Eisenhower discussed the matter with the British and American generals, particularly Montgomery, and it was finally agreed that they would begin the landings on June 6. The machinery of war kicked into high gear and ships began to move through the still-stormy weather toward the beaches of Normandy. The German forecasters had no ships or stations in the North Atlantic, and so, although they had similar forecasting expertise to the British, they were blindsided about the brief and unlikely break in the bad weather. Several of their top brass took short holidays during this time. "They believed it would be impossible for the Allied forces to attack. Susan Eisenhower says: "I don't think Nazi Germany in their wildest dreams thought we would declare war on that day." The invasion of northern France in 1944 was the most significant victory of the Western Allies in World War II. American, British and Canadian forces established a foothold on the shores of Normandy, and, after a protracted and costly campaign to reinforce their gains, broke out into the French interior and began a headlong advance. The German Army suffered a catastrophe greater than that of Stalingrad, the defeat in North Africa or even the massive Soviet summer offensive of 1944. The war, effectively, had been won. The sharing of weather reports might not have seemed like the most momentous part of the war effort, but the Irish contribution was nonetheless crucial. Maureen Sweeney is coming up to her 96th birthday and has a touch of dementia, but her long-term memory is largely unaffected. Speaking three years ago, she said: "I was reading a piece in an English paper recently and it said that if Eisenhower had gone to war that night (June 3, 1944) it would have smashed America. "That weather report from Blacksod - of all places - changed the war. Who would have thought it?" 'Storm Front in Mayo' is on Thursday June 6 at 10.15pm RTE1 It has been five years since the high drama of Garth Brooks 'will he or won't he' play Croke Park saga gripped the nation. For some of the 400,000 or so people who bought tickets to one of the planned five nights the country legend was to take to the stage at the Dublin stadium, however, it's likely still a bit of a sore point. Brooks had not played in Ireland since 1997 but has a huge, loyal fan base here so the announcement of initially two, and then three, four and five concerts was met with jubilance and a ticket spending spree. However, the tickets were sold 'subject to license' and Croke Park only had planning permission to host three special events a year, which had already been allocated. Dublin City Council refused to grant a licence for two of the five Comeback Special concerts because of the agreement between stadium owners the GAA and residents living in the area. The concerts were planned for late July and, rather than continue with three, Brooks opted to cancel all five. Many fans had already purchased tickets and were absolutely devastated to have to avail of refunds. A new documentary charts the high and low points of the debacle which played out over the course of a month in the summer of 2014, but has remained a talking point ever since. Scannal talks to journalists who covered the events at the time, including Fiona Looney, who managed to eke a successful play out of the real-life madness. Video of the Day Bhi an sceal ar nos Sobal-Drama, bhi na heileminti go leir ann! (It had all the elements of a soap opera), says Looney. Journlalist Bernie Ni Fhlatharta adds, Bhi se cosuil le bheith ag leamh faoi Brexit, mar bhi an sceal ag athru beagnach chuile dara la. (It was like Brexit.... every second day there was another twist to the story.) Even as late as last year, Brooks revealed he had not given up on the notion of returning to Croke Park. Speaking at a show in Nashville he said the whole sorry debacle was "probably the saddest moment of my musical career" and added taht having to refund 400,000 tickets "broke my heart". "I will tell you this - I believe that things that start should finish so I have 100 per cent make the opportunity available to the people that make the decision in Ireland to get those shows back up and get them running again," he said. "If and when they say yes I will be there," he added. Scannal, Tuesday, May 28, 7pm. THE trial in Paris of Ian Bailey for the murder of French film producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier more than 22 years ago has been told she suffered multiple blows to the head and body. Mr Bailey (62) who is based in Co Cork, is being tried in absentia for the murder of the mother of one on isolated hillside in Toormore, near Schull, west Cork, two days before Christmas in 1996. The case is being heard by a judge and two professional magistrates at the Cour dAssises in Paris. On the first day of trial, presiding judge Frederique Aline - the president of the court - read out the details of the brutal killing of Ms Toscan du Plantier. Expand Close Ian Bailey denies involvement in the death of Sophie Toscan du Plantier (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ian Bailey denies involvement in the death of Sophie Toscan du Plantier (Niall Carson/PA) The court heard that the victim suffered multiple blows to the head and body with a blunt object, and that a breeze block was lying close to her body covered in bloodstains. The attack had been so violent that blood stains were found spattered up to a metre square around the body, and she was wearing only long johns, a T-shirt and walking boots without socks. Judge Aline listed the many twists and turns of the case has taken over the years including the testimony of Marie Farrell - a local woman who initially claimed she had seen Bailey walking towards the victims home on the night of the killing, a claim she later retracted. The court heard how in the days after the killing, several witnesses said Mr Bailey had scratches in his hands and forearms, which he claimed hed acquired while cutting down a Christmas tree. The first live witness was private investigator Michel Larousse, who was tasked with giving evidence on the victims personality after conducting interviews with her friends and family. He said Ms Toscan du Plantier was "very independent", adding "at times she wanted to be with people and there were moments she wanted to be on her own". Mr Larousse said Sophie "wasnt afraid of much" even in situations that carried a risk. He gave the example of the time she had allowed a homeless person to sleep in her car, and the time she had invited another homeless man to have a meal with her. Mr Larousse said the evidence indicated the person who killed Ms Toscan du Plantier was not someone she was afraid of and she didnt see it coming. The victims son Pierre-Louis Baudey-Vignaud, who was 14 when she was murdered, has been at the forefront of the familys campaign for justice and was seated in the court along with her brothers, uncle and parents. The case in one of this countrys most high-profile unsolved murder cases and the circumstances around Ms Toscan du Plantiers death have recently reached a global audience through the popular podcast series West Cork. The trial has been scheduled for one week, with a day off on Thursday, with the court due to return its verdict on Friday. However, very few of the witnesses in the Irish investigation are expected to attend. Mr Bailey who was born in Manchester has repeatedly denied any involvement in her killing. Ms Toscan du Plantier was married to the late Daniel Toscan du Plantier, a celebrated French film director. THE plebiscite for a directly elected Lord Mayor in Cork was defeated by a margin of 983 votes. Waterford similarly rejected the directly elected mayoral plan by less than 1,000 votes while Limerick, by a margin of less than 4,000 votes, ratified the proposal. In Cork - which had been the centrepiece of the Government campaign - the plan for directly elected Lord Mayors was rejected by 34,347 votes to 33,364 votes. Tanaiste Simon Coveney had insisted that the plan was "a stand alone" project - with Limerick now set to be allowed proceed as the first city in Ireland to have a directly elected mayor. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin slated the Government's handling of the campaign as "shambolic." Counting in the plebiscite began today in Cork City Hall with partial tallies indicating it would be rejected by Cork voters. Similar plebiscites were staged in Waterford and Limerick. However, the Cork plebiscite only covered Cork City Council and did not extend to Cork Co Council areas. Tanaiste Simon Coveney, who was a high profile backer of directly elected Lord Mayors in Cork, had warned it would be "a golden opportunity missed" if the move was rejected by voters. However, Mr Martin said the campaign wasn't properly prepared and was run on an "off the cuff" basis. The Fianna Fail leader said a White Paper on the proposal should have been prepared - with detailed answers to issues such as mayoral powers, funding and accountability available to voters. "None of that was done - it was absolutely shambolic. And I publicly said so," he warned. In Cork, the campaign was dominated by a row over where the new directly elected mayor's funding would come from. In a further embarrassment for the Government, the plebiscite faced defeat in Cork despite the proposal for a directly elected Lord Mayor being endorsed by all major political parties. Mr Coveney said that a directly elected Lord Mayor would help drive Cork's bid to act as a counterweight to Dublin and the eastern seaboard. Meanwhile, Limerick has voted for a directly-elected Mayor, who will receive a salary of 129,854 plus benefits. They will also receive additional funds of between 313,000 to 450,000 to run their office. The funds will come from a 10m Local Government Reform Fund. Speaking after the announcement was made at Limerick Racecourse, Monday, sitting mayor of the city and county, James Collins, said he was delighted with the result. Collins has said he is interested in seeking a Dail seat with Fianna Fail. However, he hinted he may yet put his name forward for the new mayor role. When asked if he was interested in the job, Mr Collins replied: Every politician is interested in an election. Ive had a very successful year under the current system and I think Ive seen what could be possible if you had somebody with executive powers putting the best interests of Limerick at heart, he added. A report into the proposal, which is now backed by the public, is to be presented before the Dail, and legislation has to be drafted and voted on. Its a huge opportunity for Limerick. The hope is we get what we voted for, and that it doesn't get watered down as it passes through the (Senate), Mr Collins said. A directly elected mayor would oversee the functions of a local authority, taking on executive functions, including overseeing the Councils budget and development plan. However, individual planning decisions would remain with the Councils Chief Executive. Despite acknowledgement by some in the Yes Camp, that the campaign had been poorly run, the vote was carried by a margin of 3,549. The declared result showed 38,122 votes were cast in favour of the proposal, with 34,573 voting against it. The total valid poll was 72,695 and there were 1,975 invalid votes. John Moran, a former General Secretary at the Department of Finance, who chairs the Land Development Agency, has championed the initiative. Mr Moran also remained tight-lipped about whether or not he was interested in the job. Im not ruling it out, but Im not ruling it in either, he said. Mr Moran called on Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy, who is responsible for this to act on the proposal sooner, rather than later. Its time now for him to get this on his agenda. Theres a proposal out there and it needs to be driven home now. Fine Gael Plebiscite Director of Elections Maria Byrne, who had steered the Yes campaign in Limerick, said she and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar were absolutely delighted with the outcome of the voting. Senator Byrne, Mr Moran and Cllr Collins all acknowledged the campaign could have been improved upon. Fine Gael had stated in a number of public information meetings on the topic, prior to voting day, and explained that a directly elected mayor would mean stronger lobbying powers in government. If given the green light by legislators, the new mayors role would help place Limerick at the heart of the region and help create a counter balance to Dublin. Waterford has marginally voted against the idea. A Yes vote on a ballot paper in Ireland's divorce referendum at the RDS in Dublin. Although there was relatively little debate around the Divorce Referendum in the build up to last weeks vote, the public gave massive backing to constitutional change. Photo: PA The Government is to press ahead with making it easier for couples to divorce following the overwhelming referendum result. Although there was relatively little debate around the Divorce Referendum in the build up to last week's vote, the public gave massive backing to constitutional change. It was the biggest landslide for a referendum since the Good Friday Agreement was passed two decades ago. The final result was confirmed in the early hours of yesterday at the national count centre in Dublin Castle. Culture Minister Josepha Madigan, who spearheaded the Government's campaign, was among a tiny number of spectators as the 82pc 'Yes' result was announced. Just 17pc of the 1.7 million people who voted opted to oppose reform. Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan is now set to bring forward a Bill to amend Section 5 of the Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996. Under existing law, couples have to live apart for four of the preceding five years in order to get a divorce. This is to be reduced to a total of two years during the previous three years. However, Mr Flanagan said "core protections for marriage" will remain. "The Government wants to ensure that the process for obtaining a divorce is fair, dignified and humane, and allows both parties to move forward with their lives within a reasonable time frame," he said. "It is therefore my intention to reduce the living apart period to a minimum of two out of the preceding three years and to do so by way of ordinary legislation, which I will bring forward as soon as possible." Voters were asked to amend the state's Constitution to hand politicians the power to set the length of the "pause period". Couples can now secure a judicial separation in a shorter time frame, but they must then proceed to a second legal stage to obtain a court-approved divorce. Those advocating a No vote had warned against the prospect of "quickie divorces", and expressed concern about giving politicians a free hand to potentially reduce the waiting time further in the future. A second element of the referendum focused on foreign divorces. The Yes vote is set to make it easier for those divorces to be recognised in Ireland. Ms Madigan first raised the issue as a backbench TD in 2016 through a Private Member's Bill in the Dail. She was able to pursue a referendum after her appointment to Cabinet. "I think it's an emphatic, unequivocal result, and, even though we have a very low marital breakdown in Ireland, it just demonstrates the amount of people who stand in solidarity with them," she said. "It's a real groundswell of support and compassion for all those people suffering from marital breakdown and I really want to thank the Irish people for supporting them." Poll position: Green Party candidate Ciaran Cuffe reacts to the first count in the RDS. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire The Greens European candidate Ciaran Cuffe has topped the poll in Dublin, but had yet to be elected when counting was suspended last night. Cuffe had been expected to soar ahead when counting got under way but his support at the ballot box was more subdued than expected. He secured 63,849 first preferences, 17.5pc of the vote. He was just shy of 8,000 votes off the quota when counting stopped at midnight. It will resume today at 10am. However, Sinn Fein's Lynn Boylan faces a battle to retain her seat as an MEP as counting continued. She secured 39,387 first preferences, well behind Frances Fitzgerald, Barry Andrews and Clare Daly. Ms Fitzgerald looked set to secure the second seat after securing 59,067 first preferences. Fianna Fail's Andrews looks set to take the third seat. Counting was delayed until yesterday because of European rules dictating that a result could not be declared until voting had closed across the rest of Europe. Mr Cuffe said he was reluctant to celebrate until a result was declared later today. Expand Close Fianna Fails Barry Andrews is in the running for a seat. Photo: Damien Eagers/INM / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Fianna Fails Barry Andrews is in the running for a seat. Photo: Damien Eagers/INM "I'll wait until I see what is going on until I do any cheering," he said. "I don't want to tempt fate, I'm here to have a look at the spoiled votes. If things go well, I'll be celebrating when the count comes in, but for the moment I am just here to have a look." Ms Fitzgerald said it was "interesting" that some of her transfer votes went to Mr Andrews. "It seems that in European elections the transfers go across the whole wide variety of candidates," she said. "It does seem as if the left haven't done well in these elections and maybe people are voting more centrist. I think that would be a reflection of that if that is the case. "Climate change is very on the agenda and I think ... people wanted to give a message about climate change and that's very clear." Ms Boylan said she still believed she had a "fighting chance" of taking a seat in the Dublin constituency. Arriving at the count centre in the Simmonscourt with her party leader Mary Lou McDonald, Ms Boylan said there was lots of speculation going on. Ms McDonald added: "We are here to see what will transpire, we know this is a tight race. "Everybody knew this was going to go down to the wire from the beginning. "What we have is exit poll data so we are here to get the real figures. "We come here in a spirit of optimism and a spirit of hope." Former SDLP leader Mark Durkan has conceded he is unlikely to win a seat in the European Parliament. Mr Durkan ran as a Fine Gael candidate in the Dublin constituency. An RTE exit poll predicted his vote share was just 5pc. Arriving at the count, he said he was unlikely to win a seat. "I'm not in here believing I am going to defy the gravity of the exit poll," he said. "But I don't regret running, I've enjoyed the conversations with people across Dublin." Italian Interior Minister and Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini, of the League arrives to meet reporters during a press conference at the League headquarters in Milan, Italy, early Monday morning, May 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) The EU's traditional centre has splintered in the hardest-fought European Parliament elections in decades. The far-right and pro-environment Greens gained ground on Sunday after four days of a polarised vote. Turnout was at a two-decade high for ballots across all 28 European Union countries. The elections were seen as a test of the influence of the nationalist, populist and hard-right movements that have swept the continent in recent years and impelled Britain to quit the EU altogether. Both supporters of closer European unity and those who consider the EU a meddlesome and bureaucratic presence portrayed the vote as crucial for the future of the bloc. Italy, France and England: the sign of a Europe that is changing, that is fed up. In Britain, voters went for the extremes, with the strongest showing for Nigel Farage's the newly-formed Brexit party and a surge for the staunchly pro-European Liberal Democrats, versus a near wipeout for Conservatives. In France, an electorate that voted Emmanuel Macron into presidential office in 2017 did an about-turn and the party of his defeated opponent, Marine Le Pen, drew into first place. In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling coalition saw a drastic loss in support to the Greens and, to a lesser extent, the far right. Italy's League party, led by Matteo Salvini, claimed 32% of the vote in early projections, compared with around 6% five years ago. "Not only is the League the first party in Italy, but Marine Le Pen is first in France, Nigel Farage is first in Great Britain," Mr Salvini said. "Therefore, Italy, France and England: the sign of a Europe that is changing, that is fed up." Despite gains, the vote was hardly the watershed anticipated by Europe's far-right populists, who have vowed to dilute the European Union from within in favour of national sovereignty. Pro-EU parties still were expected to win about two-thirds of the 751-seat legislature that sits in Brussels and Strasbourg, according to the projections released by the parliament and based on the results rolling in overnight. The continent-wide voting had major implications not just for the functioning of the bloc but also for the internal politics in many countries. Ms Le Pen exulted that the expected result "confirms the new nationalist-globalist division" in France and beyond; Greece's governing party called for snap elections after its loss; and Mr Salvini was expected to capitalise on the outcome to boost his power at home. "The monopoly of power is broken," Margrethe Vestager, of the pro-EU ALDE grouping that includes Mr Macron's party. Ms Vestager declared herself a candidate to lead the European commission for ALDE, which gained seats in large part because Mr Macron's party is itself a newcomer. Ms Le Pen's far-right, anti-immigrant National Rally party came out on top in France with 24% in an astonishing rebuke of Mr Macron, who has made EU integration the heart of his presidency. His party drew just over 21pc, according to government results. Exit polls in Germany, the EU's biggest country, likewise indicated Ms Merkel's party and its centre-left coalition partner also suffered losses, while the Greens were set for big gains and the far right was expected to pick up slightly more support. Turnout across the bloc was put at 50.5%, a 20-year high. An estimated 426 million people were eligible to vote. The results will likely leave the EU parliament's two main parties, the European People's Party and the Socialists & Democrats, without a majority for the first time since 1979, opening the way for complicated talks to form a working coalition. The Greens and the ALDE free-market liberals were jockeying to become decisive in the body. Current MEPs' terms end on July 1, and the new parliament will be seated the following day. (CNN) Ren Zhengfei, the CEO and founder of embattled Chinese tech company Huawei, is defending U.S. rival Apple. Asked in an interview with Bloomberg about calls in China to boycott Apple, Ren said he would be opposed to any such retaliatory action from Beijing even as tensions with the United States escalate. "That will not happen first of all, and second of all if that happens, I'll be the first to protest," Ren told Bloomberg. "Apple is the world's leading company. If there was no Apple, there would be no mobile internet," Ren said. "Apple is my teacher, it's advancing in front of us, as a student why should I oppose my teacher?" he added. The comments come as Ren's company is in crisis mode. The U.S. Department of Commerce placed Huawei on a trade blacklist earlier this month, effectively barring it from conducting business with American companies. The ban forced suppliers like Google and ARM Holdings to cut off ties with the Chinese company. Top carriers in the UK and Japan are also delaying the launch of Huawei smartphones. The U.S. restrictions threaten Huawei's position as the world's largest telecommunications equipment maker and No. 2 smartphone brand. Washington's ban on the Chinese company "could stir up the smartphone industry by pausing Huawei's positive momentum," analysts at Fitch Ratings wrote in a note on Sunday. The ban could also benefit industry leader Samsung as consumers around the world look for alternatives to Huawei smartphones, they added. Huawei and Apple have had vastly different fortunes in Huawei's home market of China. Huawei shipped nearly 30 million phones in China in the quarter ended March, up 41% compared to the same period last year, according to research firm Canalys. Meanwhile, Apple saw its iPhone sales in China drop 30% in the same period. The country remains a key market for Apple. Greater China, which includes Taiwan and Hong Kong, accounted for nearly 18% of net sales in the quarter ended March. During an earnings call last month, Apple CEO Tim Cook said iPhone sales in China should be boosted by "improved trade dialogue" between Beijing and Washington and "very positive customer response to the pricing actions we've taken in that market." But since then, trade talks between Washington and Beijing broke down, and both sides ratcheted up tensions by slapping more penalties on billions of dollars worth of American and Chinese products. The renewed trade dispute could hurt Apple, according to Fitch Ratings analysts. "Apple could be another victim of the U.S.-China trade war and its market-share loss may accelerate in the Chinese market," they said. U.S. President Donald Trump last week called Huawei "very dangerous," but then said he could see the company being included in a broader trade deal with China. Ren told Bloomberg that using his company as a bargaining chip is "a big joke."' "How are we related to China-U.S. trade?" he said. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Huawei CEO says China shouldn't punish Apple." MEP Mairead McGuinness and her husband Tom celebrate after she was re-elected as an MEP at the Castlebar count centre for the Midlands-Northwest. Pic:Mark Condren 26.5.2019 Confident: Fine Gaels Maria Walsh at the count centre in Castlebar. Photo: Mark Condren FORMER Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh has received a more than 6,000-vote boost from the transfer of her Fine Gael running mate Mairead McGuinness's transfers. Ms Walsh's vote in Midlands-North-West now stands at 70,536 after the second count having picked up 6,036 votes. She still trails Independent Luke 'Ming' Flanagan - who is now on 86,906 having gained 1,872 votes - and Sinn Fein's Matt Carthy on 78,487, up 868. Ex-Presidential candidate Peter Casey is on 57,848, up 1,198 votes. The Green Party's Saoirse McHugh is now on 52,731, having picked up 1,712 of Ms McGuinness's transfers. The quota in the constituency is 118,986. Ms McGuinness topped the poll and was elected on the first count with 134,630 votes. Mr Flanagan is looking safer now to retain his European Parliament seat. Expand Close MEP Mairead McGuinness and her husband Tom celebrate after she was re-elected as an MEP at the Castlebar count centre for the Midlands-Northwest. Pic:Mark Condren 26.5.2019 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp MEP Mairead McGuinness and her husband Tom celebrate after she was re-elected as an MEP at the Castlebar count centre for the Midlands-Northwest. Pic:Mark Condren 26.5.2019 Ms Walsh has been tipped to join Ms McGuinness in Brussels and there is a battle between her, Mr Carthy, Mr Casey and Ms McHugh for the other two seats. Fianna Fail's Brendan Smith and Anne Rabbitte are trailing badly. Mr Smith is on 44,040 and Ms Rabbitte has 31,084. Independent Diarmuid Mulcahy has been eliminated. This comes hours after Ms McGuinness secured her seat on the first count in the four-seat Midlands-North-West constituency. The former TV presenter and high profile MEP will return to Brussels where she has been a prominent voice in the Brexit debate. There will be a fierce battle for the other three seats. Mairead McGuinness was elected with more than 15,000 votes to spare. Ms McHugh had been strongly tipped to take a seat after the RTE/TG4/RedC exit poll put her at 12pc. However it overestimated her support. In the end her first preference vote was just over 8pc. The margin of error was 4pc in the exit poll. The Green candidate came to national prominence after a strong performance on a TV debate marked by her clashes with Mr Casey. After the first count she trails Mr Casey by around 5,600 votes. Reacting to her re-election, Ms McGuinness said she is delighted, relieved and a bit tired. She said her running mate Maria Walsh has done really well and shes quietly confident Fine Gael will take two seats in the constituency. A massive battle is looming for the remaining seats in Midlands North-West as outgoing MEP Mairead McGuinness is set to top the poll and return to the European Parliament. Five candidates are vying for the remaining three slots. Independent Luke 'Ming' Flanagan and Sinn Fein's Matt Carthy are under pressure amid the possibility of an upset from newcomers Saoirse McHugh of the Green Party and Fine Gael's Maria Walsh. Controversial Independent candidate and former presidential hopeful Peter Casey is behind the rest of the pack but last night he insisted he still had "a very good chance". He added: "As my mother would say, what's meant to be will not pass you by." Mr Casey also told the Irish Independent: "I'll be standing in the Dail if I don't get elected." Ms McGuinness is widely expected to be elected with a large surplus on the first count, the result of which is due at lunchtime today. One estimate put her first-preference vote at more than 150,000. Fine Gael estimates project that 40pc of her transfers will go to Ms Walsh. Mr Flanagan was keeping a close eye at the Castlebar count centre, where he was engrossed in analysing transfer patterns. He told Newstalk radio he was transfer-friendly in 2014, adding: "I would be again this time, but...it's with the gods." Mr Carthy's Sinn Fein colleague Senator Rose Conway-Walsh said: "We're in there fighting for the seat." However, she couldn't predict where he would come. Local Fine Gael minister Michael Ring said: "I'm very confident and I think we're going to win the two seats." He said there had been a "tremendous performance" by Ms McGuinness and Ms Walsh is an "exceptional candidate". Both Ms Walsh and Ms McHugh remain strongly in the hunt for a seat. Former Rose of Tralee Ms Walsh predicted her party colleague would keep her seat but "after that it's anybody's game". Meanwhile, Fianna Fail faces the prospect of winning no seats in the constituency for the second European election in a row. Its candidates, TDs Brendan Smith and Anne Rabbitte, languished on 6pc and 3pc in the RTE exit poll. Minister Richard Bruton also has plans to ban single-use plastic such as polystyrene food containers, cups and drinks containers. Photo: Damien Eagers/INM A new climate action plan to be announced by the Government will contain a series of measures aimed at forcing ordinary people to change their habits. The Government is expected to lay the ground for hiking carbon tax at the next budget - a move they baulked at last October. This will affect the price of petrol, diesel and home heating oil, as well as other products such as briquettes. Aside from fuel increases, the motor industry is also likely to be hit with changes to the vehicle registration and motor tax systems. Minister Richard Bruton also has plans to ban single-use plastic such as polystyrene food containers, cups and drinks containers. Some retailers have argued that this could lead to increased prices at the till as they will have to find alternatives. To date, the Government has talked a lot about climate action but delivered very little. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has indicated that he will use the result of the local elections to push reforms which ministers were afraid would damage Fine Gael at the polls. "It will require changes at individual, community and national level. It won't be easy and won't always be popular but the public support is there for it now," the Taoiseach said. Measures which will hit consumers directly in the pocket will be presented alongside incentives for householders to retrofit their homes. People will be encouraged to improve their home insulation, so homes need less heating, helping the environment and saving on energy bills. The climate action plan spells out that the current approach to retro-fitting homes is not delivering the step-change required to meet the current target of 45,000 homes a year to be retro-fitted over the next decade. Every home in the country will also be given a 'smart meter' by 2024 so that they can monitor their electricity and gas consumption in real time. There will be a rush to introduce 'green measures' before the next election. However, question marks remain about whether the Government will prioritise the easy options or go for the hard ones. Five years ago, voters went to the polls to reject water charges in huge numbers. The ballot box rebellion cost Eamon Gilmore his job as Labour Party leader and swept a politician named Ruth Coppinger into the Dail. "Now a TD has been elected who's clearly associated with opposition to the water charges, so politically the parties implementing the water charges are severely weakened by my election," the Solidarity TD said at the time. She was right. The subsequent election in 2016 was seen as a referendum on charges. Fianna Fail denied being the one who originally proposed charges and set about dismantling the regime. And Sinn Fein repeatedly hardened its stance in a bid to out-outrage the left. The Green Party was the only one to stand by its belief that water charges were a necessary evil in a country where we take the supply for granted. Despite the charges being seen as politically toxic, Eamon Ryan continued to insist: "Avoiding any form of charge on water will not help to address the water shortage facing Dublin, or clean up polluted water supplies and waste water systems in Mayo and around the country. "It will also see the investment we have already made in water meters washed down the sink, which makes no economic sense whatsoever." Ultimately, he lost the war. Water charges were abandoned and it would be a brave government that would ever try introduce them again. However, Mr Ryan is now updating his shopping list for after the next general election in the full expectation that Leo Varadkar or Micheal Martin will be knocking on his door. It means one of two things has happened: Either the country has woken up to the climate emergency in a very real way, or people voted without considering the full impact on their pocket. Have the same people who rejected water charges endorsed the idea of carbon tax? Fine Gael ran scared of hiking the tax on fuel in Budget 2019. The Green Party wanted Fine Gael to raise it from 10 per tonne to 30. This would have forced the price of a litre of petrol and diesel up by around 3c, when Vat is included; a bale of briquettes would be 26c dearer and a 40kg bag of coal would rise by almost 1.20. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe strongly considered the idea. Sources suggest he was edging towards the hike but then the Cabinet got involved. Ministers from rural Ireland told him they would be crucified in the local elections if the Government hiked tax on fuel. At the time, one source said "political reality" kicked in at the last minute and Mr Donohoe used Brexit as an excuse for not hitting carbon. Instead he went after hotels and restaurants by raising the special 9pc Vat rate, despite their pleas about the impact of Brexit. Now, on the basis of this election result, we are supposed to believe that Fine Gael would actually have been rewarded for pushing up the price of transport and home heating. Really? It seems a bit far-fetched. But there's no doubt the Government will be able to use the 'green wave' as political coverage for moving on carbon tax next time around. The Brexit excuse will simply fade away. The Green Party's pre-budget submission contains lots of good stuff that every generation would back if the country had an endless boom. The Greens want to increase child benefit, give free transport to students and have a universal basic pension. But to pay for the positive stuff, they have a list of interesting revenue-raising ideas that many voters are unlikely to have thought about last Friday. For example, they wanted to remove the tax relief on private health insurance in order to raise 330m. They want to lessen the tax breaks on pension contributions and raise employers PRSI. In fairness, the Greens don't pretend that they can save the world without inflicting some pain. They are not populist like some other political parties on the left who tell voters that they can invest billions more in health and housing through a magic fix-all wealth tax. Mr Ryan and his new band of councillors are well positioned to hold the balance of power after a general election. But voters will need to ask a few more questions next time because climate action involves more than voting Green. Ignoring the existing quality of its councils, 20-something per cent of us went out on Friday and voted for Fine Gael. This was probably to be expected, but it's still disappointing. Realising that local elections are about our localities and their schools, potholes and bus corridors, we didn't treat these elections like they were a mini-referendum on the Government and how it's performing. Fianna Fail is back in the running and the largest party on Dublin City Council. Some of us went to the left and to the Greens. Some of us went to Independents. But not enough of us to really shake the system. Culture Minister Josepha Madigan wasn't overly concerned at the results. She said: "You have to put this into context, this is a mid-term election, in the last 20 years there is no government that has made gains in a mid-term election." This was a moment for the electorate to take decisive action and send a message to Leo Varadkar and his Government that nothing about the past few years has been acceptable. At a time when homelessness figures hover above 10,000, this wasn't the moment for voters to behave like apathetic sheeple. People are pointing out how it could have been worse for Fine Gael, but the point is that it could have been so much better for the country. Tellingly, in the RTE exit poll just 42pc of voters trust this Government to manage the economy and public spending well. Some 54pc of voters polled disagreed with the statement "I trust this Government to manage the economy and public spending well", and 82pc of those polled agreed that local issues such as homelessness are much more important than European issues. Nine out of 10 voters (89pc) believe there should be more policies to resolve the gap between rich and poor. Strangely enough, that's how most young people - disproportionately affected by austerity, shut out of the housing market, forking out vast sums of tax and USC and mostly ignored by the Government - feel. The Government keeps saying that it has a shiny housing plan, but talk is cheap and the homeless numbers keep on growing. We have had co-living options, posturing and shaky policy offered up in various see-through attempts to win voters over. All of this has been intended to mask the obvious: we're a long way from being able to house people decently and the Rebuilding Ireland plan isn't really working. There are now 10,305 people living in emergency accommodation in Ireland, including 3,821 children. This is an increase of 277 people on the January figures, including a rise of more than 160 in the number of homeless children. The number of homeless children has risen by more than 1,000 and the number of homeless adults has jumped by about 2,400 since May 2016, when the Government came into power. Crucially, these figures don't include people sleeping on the streets, people couch surfing, homeless people in hospitals and prisons, those in direct provision centres, and in domestic violence refuges. The spring rough-sleeper count found a total of 128 people sleeping rough on the night of April 9 and early morning of April 10. This is a decrease of 28 from the winter rough-sleeper count in November but a rise of 18 on the spring count last year. Young people have suffered the most under an ongoing housing crisis. The generation before us bought up a hefty proportion of property and is now either sitting on it or renting it to us for astronomical monthly fees. Headlines tell stories of rents that far surpass what we saw during the Celtic Tiger. People can't afford to wait. The psychological benefits of being able to decorate your home, of being able to choose your own furniture, of choosing the other people you live with will have terrible repercussions for our broken society in years to come. For all the campaigning that us voters put up with this election season - posters on lampposts, cheery canvassers on the front stoop, dozens of slick flyers piling up in the hallway - nothing much will change and people will still sleep in doorways on Dublin's Henry Street tonight. The housing crisis is one of the biggest problems that Ireland has ever experienced. But it doesn't have its own range of slogan jumpers and badges. It isn't trendy, and it doesn't hashtag well. I'm disappointed that people are only motivated to come #hometovote when there's a sexy social issue at stake. The shock we need to absorb too is the loss of half of the electorate to stay-at-home, none-of-the-aboves. Voter turnout was unimpressive. Anger with the clumsy and cruel Cabinet was not enough to get us out of the house to cast our vote. Before the next election, Opposition parties need to find brazenly bold good reasons why people should vote for them instead, and we need to use our vote. Again and again, it feels like the Government is getting away with it. After every mistake, inaction and act of downright cruelty that's come to pass, it's a pity that it wasn't punished proportionately by the public it has been stringing along for the past few years. Well done Ireland. Mannix Flynn pictured after he was elected to the Council in the RDS. Dublin City Councillor Mannix Flynn has compared People Before Profit to Isis and the Taliban, following a tense battle with the party to retain his seat. Mr Flynn lashed out at the party following his re-election to Dublin City Council and criticised supporters who protested when Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy attended election counts at the weekend. They behaved like the Taliban. They behaved like Isis. What they actually did was they came in and did an indiscriminate bombing of the count centre, he said. The Independent had been reelcted following a recount in the South East Inner City area of the city. People Before Profits Anne Mooney called for the recount yesterday after losing out to Mr Flynn on the last count. She was concerned about the allocation of transferred votes. Had they got in, God knows what would have happened because they didnt get in to house anybody or they wouldnt have got in to house anybody, Mr Flynn said. They would have got in to blaggarding and trying to undermine the process that has been fought for long enough in this particular country. I will ask all those individuals in that particular party to grow up and to join us in making a better city, to make progress and rather than going after Ministerial individuals and trying to scream them down, coming in to count centres and closing down workers and the process, that they would understand what they were doing. What they have done is they have weaponised those situations and they are projecting their own dissatisfaction in their own lives and turned that in to fury, not even healthy anger. It is outrageous. What they have done is they have weaponised those situations and they are projecting their own dissatisfaction in their own lives and turned that in to fury, not even healthy anger. It is outrageous. Mr Flynn added he would be happy to represent the protestors on the council in his own way. Today is a good day. I am elected. I intend to represent them and other individuals and if necessary argue their case but I certainly wont be furious about their case. People Before Profity secretary Kieran Allen, who was Ms Mooneys election agent responded, saying Mr Flynn was ridiculous. I dont carry a suicide vest and I despise Isis, Mr Allen said. It is just ridiculous. Mannix is obviously a very bitter man. He should be celebrating his victory. He told me earlier on that he is all in to transparency in the Council and all that we did was ask the election officials could they explain to us the formula by which five votes disappeared from a pile. I dont think asking questions equates you to the Taliban or Isis. He may be referring to whoever he wants to refer to but people have every right to protest. Modernity was a late guest to the Irish table but it's currently making its voice heard - no whispered "pass the sauce please and any chance of some social progress?" but a confident demand for reform. Ours is an electorate in a hurry to see change delivered. We want liberal social mores reflected in legislation, believe climate action matters a great deal and favour change on the national question. Voters are tapping their feet, pointing to the clock and telling politicians to hurry up and join the contemporary age. In a few years, the State will celebrate its centenary. During the lion's share of those decades, it has been a male-dominated political entity with Church and State closely entwined and partition ever more embedded. No longer. Expand Close At the count centre: Finance Minister Paschal Donohue chats with Aodhan O Riordain at the RDS. Photo: Steve Humphreys / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp At the count centre: Finance Minister Paschal Donohue chats with Aodhan O Riordain at the RDS. Photo: Steve Humphreys Advances are needed still on disproportionate male hegemony but on other matters the winds of change are blowing. Leaders, ignore them at your peril. During this latest divorce plebiscite, the Catholic Church all but looked the other way where once bishops would have thundered instructions. Four in five voters told legislators to make it simpler (and cheaper in the process) for married couples to split up. Culture Minister Josepha Madigan, who deserves credit for steering through the initiative, said it was about "humanising" the system. Speaking of which, if we want to continue spreading the common humanity message, it's high time the people had a chance to vote on that article in the 1937 Constitution telling women their place is in the home. Elsewhere, voters said our politicians should be greener - in both environmental and national senses. And we'd like to see more women holding political office. Finally, despite climate change deniers in the Oireachtas who appear to have graduated from the Flat Earth School of Politics, the message has penetrated that action on the environment cannot be delayed. Irish politicians have a tendency to lag behind the electorate on many issues - the resounding Yes to abortion reform and marriage equality are only two examples. The propensity was visible again in relation to climate justice, a sort of make-me-good-but-not-yet approach. But the Greens' resurgence has led to a rush of parties keen to align themselves to greenification. On Irish unity, voters were questioned in a Red C exit poll for RTE and TG4, with two in three saying they favoured it. While the sample was only in the Republic, and a head count in the North may well provide a different response, that 65pc statistic indicates a clear preference for reunification. For the most part, this is not an issue politicians fancy tackling. Leave well enough alone is their view - even as civic society groups, prompted by Brexit, engage in conversations about new constitutional arrangements. It looks as if this will prove to be a positive election result for women locally and in the Europeans. For a long time, women were under represented in the body politic. This is no coincidence but was a decision taken a century ago, when women won the right to vote and stand for office but struggled to get on to selection tickets. Change has been glacial. Leo Varadkar's Cabinet remains light on female ministers, while Micheal Martin's Fianna Fail party is also slow to advance women through the ranks. Incidentally, neither party has ever had a female leader - unlike Sinn Fein, Labour or the Social Democrats. The 30pc quota has been a game changer, but does not apply to the locals and Europeans as it does at general elections. Still, there was a solid field this time out. Traditionally, the view advanced by the parties was that voters didn't want women. (Don't blame us, blame the electorate.) But current results appear to show women are slightly more likely to vote for other women provided they are good candidates, and this is translating into seats. Might there be more female MEPs going to Europe from Ireland than male MEPs? We'll know shortly. However, women can't expect a free pass simply because of their gender. Fine Gael's Maria Bailey is an example of a politician with suspect judgment who doesn't deserve to hold her Dail seat, let alone progress to Cabinet. In seeking to make a Dublin hotel pay damages because she had a couple of drinks and fell off a swing, she has embarrassed party and constituency. "As far as I am concerned this matter is now closed," she said, after dropping a lawsuit many people regard as opportunistic. That's not for her to decide. The episode stands as a blot on her record. What else can be taken from voting patterns? That the case for alliances has intensified. Labour senator Aodhan O Riordain floated the possibility of a left-wing merger between Labour, the Greens and the Social Democrats, lobbing some SDLP members from the North into the mix. Only pride at the top of parties was preventing such a pragmatic union, he suggested. It was an acknowledgement that Labour has lost its bounce and needs an injection of elasticity. Whether or not he leads his party into a general election, Brendan Howlin's days must be numbered. Politics is the bloodiest of blood sports. Fine Gael and Fianna Fail should talk to each other about a merger, as well. They have more in common than divides them, as proven by the success of the confidence-and-supply agreement. As for Sinn Fein, the party needs to give serious consideration to its direction. The retirement of Gerry Adams as leader removes the fig leaf that it is an all-Ireland party. It may have public representatives in both jurisdictions but the northern and southern manifestations of the party are not aligned. The silver lining for Sinn Fein must be that 65pc indication of a pro-reunification vote. But the Good Friday Agreement makes provision for twin plebiscites on both sides of the Border. The case is far from being made in the North. Why? One word. Reconciliation. It hasn't happened between the two communities - nor will it until positive steps are taken to facilitate it. The challenge for Sinn Fein is to show unionism there's not just space but a genuine welcome at the unity table. Sinn Fein isn't used to losing. If you put aside its two attempts to take up residence in Aras an Uachtarain, it has made gains in every election over the past 10 years. In every election it has increased its representation in local government, the European Parliament and in the Dail. The austerity years were awful for most of us, but they were great for Sinn Fein. The party preyed on the disillusionment with establishment politics and muscled its way into communities which were traditionally strongholds for Fianna Fail and the Labour Party. Gerry Adams's leadership has always been riven with questions, whether over his alleged leadership of the Provisional IRA, or his assumed apologist role in politics. Despite all of this, Mr Adams did have a gravitas that appealed to some voters. Replacing him with Mary Lou McDonald was touted as a major milestone for the party. It would set itself free from the shackle of the Provisional IRA's terror campaign. Sinn Fein under Ms McDonald would be a socialist republican movement which would fill the gap in Irish politics caused by the implosion of Fianna Fail and the Labour Party in successive elections. Taking over from Mr Adams was never going to be easy for Ms McDonald. He was the West Belfast-born former Long Kesh prisoner who watched friends and family members die during the Troubles, while she was the privately schooled South Dublin woman whose first party of choice was Fianna Fail. That said, her Dail and media performances were always a cut above her predecessor and there was nothing to suggest the transition would be anything other than a success. But that analysis was completely wrong because her leadership has been utterly abysmal so far. Before looking at the party's dreadful local election result, it is worth examining the events that caused it, which date back a year or two. The bullying scandal that gripped Sinn Fein in the aftermath of Mr Adams stepping down has undoubtedly had an impact on the party. During a two-year period up to the summer of 2018, Sinn Fein saw a total of 37 local representatives step down from their seats. This included 10 leaving for personal reasons while five were expelled, eight resigned and a further 14 quit amid accusations of bullying. The bullying scandal was the first real controversy Ms McDonald faced as leader and her handling of the crisis could come to define her time as Sinn Fein president - for however long that might be. Losing almost 40 councillors was always going to cause an issue for a party before a local election. But when those you forced out decide to run against you, you've got a bigger problem. Many of these councillors had their names on the ballot papers on Friday as Independent candidates. It was always going to come back to haunt Ms McDonald and her party. Early counts show the exiled Sinn Fein councillors are performing very well as Independents. Noeleen Reilly kept her seat on Dublin City Council, as did John Snell on Wicklow County Council, Seamus Morris on Tipperary County Council and John Cassin on Carlow County Council. There are likely to be others who will also retain their seats. Ms McDonald could have done with these seats yesterday. Infighting in political parties is far from unusual but losing more than a dozen sitting politicians over internal rows in the year before an election is not normal politics. After the 2014 local election, Dublin became the Sinn Fein heartland. It held the most seats on South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council. It had real power in local government over the past five years which was a time when city and county councils were faced with tough decisions on housing. But Sinn Fein doesn't like taking tough decisions. The Government rightly shoulders an awful lot of the blame for the housing crisis but local authorities also have a role to play in delivering housing. But Sinn Fein has not helped. The party has voted down plans for thousands of houses which could have helped alleviate the pressure on the market, and it suffered because of this. Voters turned on the party for its disruptive behaviour on councils which is blocking houses. The vote count last night showed its representation on both Dublin City Council and South Dublin County Council has been decimated. Ms McDonald put on a brave face on Saturday afternoon when she spoke to journalists. She said Sinn Fein was not a party of "cry babies" and insisted real leadership comes at times of crisis. There have always been questions over where the real leadership lies in Sinn Fein. Is Ms McDonald really in charge or is she taking orders from West Belfast? If she really is the boss, she bears the full responsibility for the party's election failings and she should prepare for internal dissent which will make the trouble she faced with her councillors seem like a playground squabble. There was already disquiet over her leadership after the presidential campaign but the coming weeks could see the notoriously private Sinn Fein internal rows become very public as she scrambles to hold on to power. Fine Gael TD Maria Bailey has given her first radio interview since the Irish Independent revealed how she withdrew her compensation claim against a Dublin hotel over a fall from a swing. The Dun Laoghaire TD defended her claim, saying she suffered genuine injuries. Read her interview with RTE's Today with Sean O'Rourke in full: Sean O'Rourke: It's often said there's no such thing as bad publicity, you have got an awful lot of it in the last week, most of it, virtually all of it, has been bad and it has led to you deciding to drop your case against The Dean Hotel for negligence. You were looking for damages and medical expenses. Tell me, why have you decided to drop this case? Maria Bailey: Just to be clear I'm not looking for damages, I was only looking to have my medical expenses recouped and I was never looking for compensation. So, what unfolded for me this week, and I will say this has been a hugely distressing, intrusive, abusive week that me and my family have succumbed to, is completely unwarranted through leaked documents last Sunday. I received a call last Sunday from a journalist who had a lot of private medical information about me and I don't know about you but when you go to a GP, do you want people to know why people are there? He wanted a comment and I said I couldn't prejudice a live case and he knew that and he said well I have to fill a story. As someone who grew up on the sideline of a GAA pitch, I play fair, I don't play offside. SOR: This was information which he or she acquired through court documents? MB: We were at the very early stage of preliminary exchanging documents, this was only for listing, it was a closed file, it was not for public information. Expand Close Busy: Bailey at Longitude / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Busy: Bailey at Longitude SOR: Were there political dirty tricks involved? MB: I'm not going to cast aspersions on air, I will deal with that in my own way. SOR: I can't ask you to name any names but was it done from within your own party or another party? MB: I'm not going to cast aspersions, I play fair, unless someone was here to defend themselves I wouldn't do that. SOR: I'm not asking you to name anybody, but you won't say whether it happened within your own party. MB: This was methodical. It was well orchestrated, it was pre-planned to cause maximum damage and I am the collateral damage in in the interim of that. What unveiled after that was on the Tuesday I decided I was going to withdraw as I didn't want to be a distraction and I was rightly advised it would be seen as a cynical move the week of the local elections and not because I had done anything wrong by the way, I was hurt, I have medical expenses and nobody questions that. The reason it took such good traction was I am the subject of clickbait, I handed them a fantastic headline, I accept that. SOR: When you say you want to play fair and so forth, what about your colleagues up and down the country saying we got an awful lot of about Maria Bailey, did you give any thought as to what they had to deal with? MB: Sean, I have been through numerous elections, they are highly emotive times, you are absolutely worn out flat tired by the last week, an election is not won in the last week or lost in the last week. SOR: Did you look for advice from within the party? MB: Absolutely. Regardless, the papers were still going to print. SOR: Did you come under pressure from the Taoiseach? MB: Absolutely not. Absolutely not, this happened long before I became a TD. I was a councillor at the time. SOR: Can we go right back to the night in July 2015. What happened? MB: As you know I'm not a big social animal, I rarely go out, I'm happy to sit at home on the couch with the kids. We met at a friend's house in Sandyford, we had one glass of wine and we hopped on the Luas and we went to a bar/hotel that had just recently opened. We purchased a drink each at the bar which we didn't consume. We went up in the lift, we saw the swings, nobody was drunk, nobody was messing, they're like polished seats, I had a bottle of beer in my hand and next minute I knew I was on the floor. SOR: One bottle of beer in one hand? MB: I had one beer in my hand and I was reaching for my friend's bottle of wine as she was taking her camera out of her jacket, I was then on the floor and I was mortified, I jumped up because I was mortified. I went to the bathroom with my friends to assess, I had a few cuts and grazes. I went down to reception and got some plasters. During the course of this, the hotel have always been respectful. SOR: Just clarify one thing. Did you have something in each hand when this happened? MB: That would have been a matter for the judge to adjudicate on and I'm not opening a trial here. SOR: It's a legitimate question to ask you. You came here to talk about this whole case and why you dropped it so the question of a judge doesn't arise. MB: It does and I'll tell you why it does matter because I believe in our judicial system in this country and I believe the proper place for that is the Four Courts. SOR: But you're not going there now? MB: And let me tell you why I'm not going there. So due to the unbelievable abuse, I wasn't able to go home for three days last week because journalists were sitting outside my home. That is an invasion of my privacy and humanity has been crossed. SOR: Let's just go back to the bottles then. MB: Can I just say this, let me be clear here. As a State we need to decide who our judicial system is here, is it the media or is it the courts. The media were judge, jury and execution in a leaked document, a partial leaked document that was not finalised. SOR: There weren't just the media reporting on it, as is their perfect right, there were former senior ministers, a former attorney general who spoke about it in the Seanad, Michael McDowell. MB: He should know better, it was a live case. SOR: There was Micheal Martin. MB: He should know better too. Without fact, these people should know better without fact. SOR: You were an irresistible target. How can you sit on a swing and hold bottles and presume you won't fall? MB: Sean, I was injured, I was the one who suffered an injury, I never claimed for compensation. The hotel agreed to pay my medical expenses, I ended up in A&E the next morning. I never said I stopped living, I never said I stopped walking. I went through intensive physio for three weeks. It is well documented I am an avid runner, it is a cornerstone of my general well being and keeping me medicated to offset cluster migraines. I went through intensive physio and like any athlete I wanted to dip my toe into the water to see could I do it. I paid the price for it that night and I regretted doing it. SOR: So you're confirming within three weeks of this happening you went on a 10k run... clarify one thing, the date on which this happened? MB: The date is wrong in the affidavit and I am instructing my solicitors to correct that. SOR: So it was actually the 10th of July, not the 13th. Okay. Three weeks later after intense physio you ran in a 10k and - MB: and with pain medication - SOR: Is it not the case in your statement of claim you said you couldn't do any running for three months? MB: No... Yes, sorry. It is in the claim and it is wrong. This is where it's dangerous when you cross legal documents at an early stage, the plaintiff has every right to amend those particulars before going to a judge and a judge can adjudicate in due course. I was the one who put it on my social media. I had nothing to hide here. You know me as someone upfront and with integrity. SOR: You were at a music festival within a week of this happening. MB: I went to Marlay Park with my friends and I sat on the grass and watched a band and I left and I went home. I never said I locked myself away in a monastery. This is a joke. I had to lock myself away for three days this week and couldn't go home. I am a public figure and accept I'm held to a higher standard but I also expect due process. SOR: Of course. Tell me this much, in what way do you believe the hotel was negligent? MB: That would have been for a judge to adjudicate. That is not for your or me. I'm not a legal person. I took legal advice on this and I put every faith into this legal system and I was told I had a clear cut case. SOR: Do you believe the hotel should have had a supervisor there? MB: That legal case was put forward, that's what you do when you put forward a case. I asked a number of months back is this worth the hassle. To be honest, I want to get on with my life and I was told you have nothing to fear and I distinctly asked when would this information become public so I could prepare myself for this being out there and I was told this would not be public until it's before your courts. SOR: Why have a supervisor at a swing? MB: Look, this is Michael McDowell being ridiculous. This was a live case and he should have known better. SOR: The fact is it's out there now? MB: Can we row this out a little bit. In my 15 years elected, one week of my career somebody has tried to character assassinate me and my family and the invasion of privacy I have had and they're trying to negate all the good work I have done. I am so passionate about my job I am not bowing down to keyboard warriors and bullies. SOR: But it's not just keyboard warriors, you have brought this on your own head. MB: Sean, I did nothing wrong. I am fully entitled if I was injured to bring a legitimate case. SOR: If you have filed court documents to say you couldn't run for three months - MB: They have been amended Sean - SOR: ...and it turns out you have been running for three weeks and running a pretty good time. MB: Well, not for me. SOR: This raises questions in the public mind. Presumably you had some input, you gave information to the legal advisers MB: You're filling out an affidavit three years after the incident and you do that with the best of intentions but you know that prior to that going to a judge you can amend the affidavit. This was a deliberate leak to cause maximum damage - I'm not quite sure was it to me or the wider party - I'm still evaluating that. SOR: Was this a deliberate attempt on your part to get money? MB: It was my medical expenses that were verified, you're only talking 6,000 or 7,000 here. I've absorbed those costs already. SOR: Do you have private medical insurance? MB: Yes, I do SOR: So, why get the hotel to cover those expenses? MB: Because the hotel offered to pay. I don't doubt myself. I know exactly who I am, I have already been somebody who shoots straight and plays on a level playing field. I had a legitimate case and a judge would have adjudicated on that. What I and my family have been subjected to is incredible. The distress.. the abuse.. I had to come off all social media, I couldn't drop my kids to school because I didn't want to bring attention on myself. I had to lock myself away and work at home with the exception of going into the Oireachtas to do my job. The media - and one in particular - have crossed the line of humanity and invasion here. I am a public figure, my family is not. SOR: That's the reason why you are a public figure. You had the chance to stand up and be a bigger person. MB: Sean, I was hurt, I was genuinely hurt. Anybody with a back injury knows you can be fine for a while, you can sneeze or you can get out of bed out of the wrong way and it is sore. SOR: Nobody is questioning whether you were hurt. The question is where does the responsibility lie? MB: That is for a judge. Our judicial system is in the Four Courts. It is not judge, jury and execution by the media. Who are journalists accountable to? I am accountable to the people. They will make their own decision. SOR: Leo Varadkar said you had done the party reputational damage as a result of the publicity surrounding this case in the run up to the election, what do you say to that? MB: I think yesterday was a big day for a lot of people and a tough day for people who weren't elected. I stand firm in the belief and take responsibility in that my name was on this case but I don't take responsibility that this wasn't a deliberate attempt to have massive impact in the last week of an election on this party. Yesterday and the day before the Greens did absolutely well. A clear message was sent to us to act faster on this issue. In my own constituency we retained the seats that we have. SOR: So you're saying you didn't do the party reputational damage? MB: I didn't say that. What he said was it would be hard to quantify. I am a long time in politics. I looked at the exit polls and the main reason they vote for local politicians, it was on meeting the candidate, it was on their work ethic and what they'd deliver for their community. SOR: Can I ask you this, it's reported in the Irish Independent, which broke the story last week. It's understood Mr Varadkar is minded to refer the matter to Fine Gael's executive council which has the power to expel you for a period of time. MB: After the week I've had I'm loathe to believe what I read in the paper. SOR: But nothing has contradicted what was in the paper. MB: It's been taken out of context and without my side of the story because they knew I couldn't talk about it. That's not a level playing field - that's an injustice. SOR: You still won't give us the exact details of what happened. MB: I was hurt and I am a citizen of this State too. SOR: Insurance is a hot political potato, we've had people sitting in this exact seat who have been at their wits end and on the verge of tears and sometimes beyond that at the challenges they face and the bills they have because of compensation culture. MB: That's because of fraudulent cases. Mine wasn't. Don't muddy the waters here. My case was legitimate. I followed the legal advice I got. This case is dropped. SOR: The hotel denies any liability but it's not going to be judged now. Overall, it is clear you feel hurt, you feel aggrieved. MB: I have worked so hard for my career. I am a working parent of two children that balances work with home life. I have a clear voice and a clear mandate in Leinster House and I want to fulfil my role. There is a silver lining to this. I am very clear who I am as a person. I am very clear what my values are. I am very clear in being an honest person, and I stand over that. I have learned a huge amount about me, about dealing with adversity, media and social media and the impact it has on public opinion, peoples mental health, their wellbeing. But most of all Ive learned a lot about people, and I will be reflecting on that. I am a strong female politician and some people dont like that. I will not be bowed down or bullied about words in print. SOR: Are you fearful of meeting the Taoiseach and explain all this? MB: Absolutely not. Absolutely not. SOR: Do you think you might be suspended? MB: No I don't. The Taoiseach knows me as someone who is hardworking and integral, and I see the Taoiseach on a regular basis. I go to him all the time with policies and if he looks to meet me - brilliant - I will use that opportunity to come forward with my policies on regulating homecare, affordable housing and other areas SOR: How do you move on from this? MB: I am drawing a line in the sand on this today and I am moving on. I am back in the Oireachtas tomorrow, I have a really busy week. I put my head down and I work. Wreckage: Police remove one of the cars involved in the crash from the scene. Photo: Brooke Kelly Selby. Inset: John John Heneghan and Caitlyn Holtzman John Heneghan (33) and Caitlin Holtzman (32) on their wedding day The couple were kiled in a car crash in Albany, New York An Irishman and his wife were killed when their car was rammed by an alleged drunk-driver in New York State. A 58-year-old man has been charged with vehicular homicide over the deaths of John John Heneghan (33) and Caitlin Holtzman (32). Three other people in the couple's car were seriously injured. They had stopped at a traffic light when another vehicle, approaching from the other side of the road, left its lane and ran into them. The tragedy happened on Saturday afternoon in the town of Clifton Park, around 30km north of Albany, New York. Mr Heneghan was originally from Tourmakeady in Co Mayo, but had been living and working in the New York area. Expand Close Tragedy: John John Heneghan and his wife Caitlyn / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tragedy: John John Heneghan and his wife Caitlyn His wife was a US citizen. Last night, a family member said: "We are heartbroken by the loss of John and Caitlin. "Our thoughts are with their friends in hospital, we are thinking of their families at this time." The couple met while Mr Heneghan was working in the US, and married in Ireland in 2015. Fr John Kenny, parish priest of Tourmakeady, said the community was trying to come to terms with the tragedy. He added that his thoughts are with the families of the couple, and the three injured people. "We heard the word come through (yesterday) and naturally his family are very upset and shocked," Fr Kenny told the Irish Independent. "We don't have details apart from that there was an accident and he and his wife were killed. "And three people with them were injured." The priest said Mr Heneghan retained strong links with the Tourmakeady area, where his family still life. "John, his dad is a widower, his mother passed away a number of years ago. He also has siblings," said Fr Kenny. "In the community he would have been a very popular young man before emigrating to America. "He came home to get married to his wife a number of years ago in 2015. "He's always had a strong connection with home, and he was very popular with all of his peers." Fr Kenny said Mr Heneghan and his wife had met in the US before later marrying in Ireland. "May they rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with both families, with their friends and with the three people who were injured," he said. The three other people injured were named as Luke O'Doherty (25) and Enda Crowley (25), both of whom are understood to be originally from Ireland, and Julia Staples (24). They sustained serious injuries which were not life-threatening, and were transferred to Albany Medical Centre. The Department of Foreign Affairs said last night it was providing consular assistance in relation to the case. The New York State Police are investigating the crash which happened at around 3pm local time. Investigators said a car left its lane and collided into the vehicle containing Mr Heneghan and Ms Holtzman. A man was later arrested as part of the investigation, and has appeared in court. He has been named by the New York State Police as Dickie R Winn (58), of Cohoes, New York. The defendant has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and two counts of vehicular manslaughter as well as driving while intoxicated. "Winn was charged after the vehicle he was operating left its lane of travel and struck a stopped vehicle, killing two passengers and seriously injuring three others," a police spokesman said. "Winn was arraigned in Clifton Park Town Court and remanded to Saratoga County Jail without bail. He is due back in court on May 29 at 4pm." Local reports of Mr Winn's bail hearing state he is a US army veteran. A suspected Isil terrorist could be blocked from returning to Ireland if it is proved he lied to immigration officials to get citizenship. Alexandr Ruzmatovich Bekmirzaev (45), originally from Belarus, left Ireland in 2013 to travel to Syria. He was captured by Kurdish fighters battling against the jihadists at the end of last year. Now gardai, who described him as "a serious player" after he was captured in Syria, are investigating his immigration status. Their inquiries could lead to his citizenship and his passport being revoked and him being banned from entry when he is released. Mr Bekmirzaev, who lived here for 13 years before going to Syria, was believed by Garda anti-terrorist officers and military intelligence to be a key member of a logistics support cell for Isil in Dublin. He is now under investigation by the Garda national immigration bureau. As part of his citizenship application, he claimed he was legally married. But it has since been alleged that his marriage was a sham and he paid a woman to marry him. Immigration officers are working closely with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service to determine his status when he lodged his application. If it is found that he deceived the authorities here, Ireland would be under no obligation to accept him back whenever the Kurds decide to release him from their custody. Mr Bekmirzaev arrived in Dublin in 2000 and did not become known to gardai for the following decade. He did not come through the asylum system and had work permits allowing him to obtain jobs, mainly in the fast food business in the city centre. He also worked at times as a security guard. He and his family did not have any permanent address but lived in several short-term lets. He became an Irish citizen, taking part in a formal ceremony, in 2010. Shortly after that, he is said to have come under the influence of an active Isil supporter, a Jordanian believed by the Garda to be the key recruiter for the jihadists in this country. The Jordanian was eventually deported. In the meantime, Bekmirzaev and some others had been radicalised and became part of a logistics cell, supplying back-up assistance, helping with travel plans and fund-raising as well as providing documentation. Gardai said Mr Bekmirzaev, who travelled to Syria via Istanbul, was one of at least 30 people with Irish passports known to have flown out to Isil's so-called caliphate in Syria and Iraq from Ireland. Some were backing Isil while others sided with the Kurds. Most of them are now believed to be dead. Mr Bekmirzaev was one of half-a-dozen Irish passport holders believed to be still operating on behalf of Isil in Syria until his capture by the Kurd-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on December 30. He has always denied he was a fighter. In an interview with the London 'Independent' in February, he maintained he went to Syria to help Muslims but was forced to work as a driver for foreign fighters in the area around Raqqa. Hundreds turned out to pay their respects at the memorial service for Irish Mount Everest climber Seamus Lawless which took place in The Holy Redeemer Church in Bray this morning. The Trinity lecturer was remembered as a proud Irish man who loved to live life to the full, with gifts being brought to the alter by his daughter Emma and nieces and nephews in his memory to represent his sense of adventure and the many happy memories he had shared with family and friends. These included a photograph of the sunrise taken on the day the climber achieved his life goal of reaching the top of Everest, an Everton jersey, and a treasure box brought to the altar by Emma filled with photos of happy memories with her father. A Tara brooch, a Celtic symbol, represented Shay's pride in his country and also the values he held dear - love, loyalty and friendship. Expand Close Seamus Lawless / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Seamus Lawless Speaking during the service, Fr Michael O'Kelly said Seamus, known as Shay, had achieved all he had wanted in reaching the summit of Everest. He said now the love between Shay and his wife Pam had to face a new challenge with the untimely passing of the 39-year-old. "The last text messages between them were to say he had done it, he was coming home," Fr Michael told the packed church. "Home took on a new meaning." Expand Close The memorial service in memory of Seamus Lawless who lost his life in an accident having climbed Mount Everest at the Holy Redeemer Church in Bray. Picture credit; Damien Eagers / INM / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The memorial service in memory of Seamus Lawless who lost his life in an accident having climbed Mount Everest at the Holy Redeemer Church in Bray. Picture credit; Damien Eagers / INM "The love between Pam and Shay will transcend this new summit. Love doesn't die because life is extinguished." Shay's best friend Robert Watters thanked everyone who had helped in the rescue efforts for the climber and those who had showed their support during a terrible week. He told mourners how they had been friends since childhood and Shay had been the godfather of his son. He said he would cherish the day of the christening as it was one of the last he spent with him. He gave some light relief in what was an emotional service, saying his friend had taken time on his climb to text him when Everton beat Manchester United 4-0. He remembered Shay as the "big brother" he never had. "Pam, Emma, Baby Lawless - you will never be on your own," he said. The Trinitones choir sang at the service, performing Raglan Road and The Parting Glass. The search for Seamus was called off last week despite best efforts to retrieve his body after he fell descending the world's highest mountain. GARDAI are appealing for information about a teenage boy who has been missing since Friday. Eric McLoughlin (16), from Limerick City, was last seen at around 9am on May 24. He is described as being approximately 5'7 and having Fair/Brown hair with blue eyes. His hair is short and shaved at the sides. He is of slim build and when last seen he was wearing Wine Nike Tracksuit Ends, a Black/Grey North Face jacket and Nike Runners. Anyone with information on Erics whereabouts are urged to contact Gardai in Mitchelstown Garda Station on 02584833. Gardai are investigating a fatal road traffic accident on the N80 outside Killeigh in Offaly Picture: Arthur Carron Gardai are investigating a fatal road traffic accident on the N80 outside Killeigh in Offaly Picture: Arthur Carron A YOUNG boy and a man (30s) died in a collision this evening. A girl was also airlifted to hospital, while two other adults were hospitalised for their injuries. Traffic Alert: Collision on the N80 Tullamore - Mountmellick road. Gardai and Emergency Services at the scene. Road closed - diversions are in place. pic.twitter.com/GjHLdJTGdz An Garda Siochana (@GardaTraffic) May 27, 2019 A car and a truck collided in Offaly on the N80 road between Tullamore and Mountmellick at around 5pm this evening. The male driver of the car and a five-year-old boy who was a passenger, tragically lost their lives in the crash. Expand Close Gardai are investigating a fatal road traffic accident on the N80 outside Killeigh in Offaly Picture: Arthur Carron / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Gardai are investigating a fatal road traffic accident on the N80 outside Killeigh in Offaly Picture: Arthur Carron A young girl was airlifted to Crumlin Childrens Hospital with life threatening injuries and a man who was also a passenger in the car has been taken to the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore. The driver of the truck was also brought to the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore with minor injuries. The crash occurred between Scrubb Cross and Killeigh. The road is currently closed and diversions are in place. A local man who lives about 150 metres from the crash site, said: "I was here at home around 5pm and I heard a bang. When I went outside I saw (on the side of the road) and the driver out (of the cab) with a phone in his hand'" he told The Irish Independent last night. "I thought no more of it until a bystander said he thought there was a fatality." Despite a series of heavy rainshowers throughout the day yesterday, the man said the weather was fine at the time of the accident. Although the accident occured at the top of a hill, he said that stretch of road is not considered hazardous, although the N80 is a very busy road, especially between 5 and 6pm. Local resident Rob Kelly, who lives just outside the village, agreed the stretch of road where the accident happened is very busy at rush hour, but does not pose any hazards. "From Tullamore it's a good road. It's level and well surfaced," he said. He said the accident is the first serious one of its kind in the area. "It's unusual," he said. However news of the deaths and injuries came as a shock to local residents. "It's a tragedy," he said. Fr Shane Crombie, a priest at the Church of the Assumption in Tullamore, said he believes the accident victims are from outside the parish. He said the tragic loss of life and injuries came as a shock to everyone in the local area. "Our prayers go to to the families. The whole community will be offering their prayers and thoughts to the families involved," he said. Witnesses are asked to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 0579327600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station. More to follow... Fine Gael TD Maria Bailey faces being temporarily expelled from the party or even losing a 9,500 salary top-up as a result of her compensation claim over a swing fall. Senior party figures, including Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, are privately furious with the Dun Laoghaire TD for allowing the controversy run for six days before withdrawing the case. Mr Varadkar has now admitted the case caused "reputational damage" at a time when the Government is under pressure over insurance costs for business. And MEP Mairead McGuinness said it "did impact" on Fine Gael's campaign. There is speculation among parliamentary party members that Ms Bailey could be forced to give up her chairmanship of the Oireachtas Housing Committee as punishment. The prestigious role comes with a 9,500 salary top-up. It is understood Mr Varadkar is minded to refer the episode to Fine Gael's executive council which will convene an investigation. Expand Close Impact: Mairead McGuinness / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Impact: Mairead McGuinness It has the power to expel Ms Bailey from the party for a period of time. Ms Bailey lodged the personal injuries claim on the basis that she suffered injuries to her head, lower back and hip after falling off the swing in the well-known Dean hotel. Court documents described her as a "keen runner prior to the accident but could not run at all for three months post-accident and has had to reduce her activities significantly since". However, the Irish Independent revealed on Saturday that she completed the 'The Bay 10k' in Dun Laoghaire three weeks after the incident. Her father John, a councillor for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, did win re-election but his vote was down substantially. JUSTICE Minster Charlie Flanagan will point to the threat posed by dissident republicans and the recent murder of journalist Lyra McKee in seeking Cabinet approval to renew tough anti-terror laws. Mr Flanagan is also expected to refer to ongoing gang feuds in Dublin and Drogheda as he seeks to keep the laws which also help combat organised crime. Mr Flanagan will today ask Cabinet for approval to move Oireachtas resolutions to renew provisions In the Offences Against the State Acts. A source said he is expected to point to the real and persistent threat of dissident republican terrorism. He is to highlight incidents on both sides of the border including the murder of Ms McKee in the North and the seizure of explosives and firearms in the South. Miss McKee (29) was killed as she observed rioting in Derry last month. The so-called new IRA claimed responsibility. The legislation requires that the provisions must be renewed by the Oireachtas at specified intervals. Severe pain: Maria Bailey alleged that she was unable to run at all for three months after the incident. Photo: Gerry Mooney FINE Gael TD Maria Bailey claimed "humanity has been crossed" as she attempted to defend her compensation claim for falling off a swing. In an astonishing radio interview, the Dun Laoghaire TD sought to justify her action against a well-known hotel which has dominated headlines over the past week. As part of her claim it was stated that the swing in the The Dean Hotel was "unsupervised" and there were no signs to instruct patrons how to safely use it. Speaking on RTEs 'Today with Sean ORourke', Ms Bailey said the seat of the swing was polished when she fell backwards. She insisted she only wanted her medical expenses paid and was not looking for any extra damages. "It was my medical expenses that are verified, youre only talking six or seven thousand [euro] here. Ive absorbed those costs already," Ms Bailey said. In their defence papers, the hotel claimed the TD was holding items in both hands during the incident. Today, she confirmed that she was holding a bottle of beer and reaching for a friends bottle of wine when she slipped. The interview has gone down very badly in Fine Gael circles. Sources told Independent.ie that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was not aware that Ms Bailey was going on radio. Expand Close Maria Bailey. Picture: Tom Burke / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Maria Bailey. Picture: Tom Burke And Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty who appeared on the programme immediately after her colleague said: "I think its a pity she came on the radio. I think she did herself a disservice." During the interview, Ms Bailey said she withdrew the Circuit Court claim because of the publicity it had generated in the run -up to the local and European elections. But she lashed out at the media for reporting "leaked documents". The Irish Independent reported how in her legal submission it was alleged she couldnt run "at all" for three months but Ms Bailey ran a 'The Bay 10k' race three weeks after the incident in July 2015. "Its well documented that I am an avid runner running is a cornerstone of my general wellbeing and keeping me medicated to offset cluster migraines," Ms Bailey said today. "I went through intensive physio, and like any athlete I wanted to dip my toe into the water and see if I could compete. Now I paid the price for it that night, and I regretted doing it." She said she never denied running three weeks after the alleged accident and she put it on her social media. She added that she was on pain medication. The first-time TD went on to explain that the claim said she couldnt run for three months but this was "wrong". "This is where it is dangerous when you cross legal documents at an early stage." Ms Bailey went on to heavily criticise the reporting of the case. "Due to the unbelievable abuse, I wasnt able to go home for three days last week because journalists were sitting outside my home. That is an invasion of my privacy and humanity has been crossed." The Dublin TD said that as a state, we need to decide who our judicial system is. "Is it the media, or is it the courts? The media were judge, jury and executioner in a leaked document that was not finalised." When asked about the numerous politicians who commented on the case including Senator Michael McDowell and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, Ms Bailey said they should have "known better without fact". She argued her private medical records have found their way into the public domain unfairly. "When you go to your GP, do you want people to know you were there? "Thats not a level playing pitch. And as somebody who grew up on the side-line of a GAA pitch, I play fair. I dont play offside," she said. Ms Bailey said she would not cast aspersions on how the legal documents got out but added: "This was methodical, this was well orchestrated, this was pre-planned to cause maximum damage and I am the collateral damage. "I was hurt. I have medical expenses. Nobody questions that here." Describing the night of her fall, she said; "nobody was drunk and nobody was messing". After she fell, she said she went down to bathroom to assess. "I had a few cuts and grazes... I went down to the reception, I asked for some plasters." The Fine Gael TD also commended the Dean Hotel; "The hotel has always been respectful and very decent." She confirmed the hotel had agreed to pay her medical expenses but the case went legal. "I ended up in A&E the next morning. Nobody else got hurt here except me. I never said I stopped living, I never said I stopped walking," she said. "Three weeks later I went through intensive phsyio." Ms Bailey said she couldnt determine whether the hotel was negligent because that would have been for a judge to adjudicate. "Im not a legal person; I took legal advice on this I was told I had a clear-cut case. "I asked a number of months back, do you know what, is this worth the hassle?, because to be honest I just want to get on with my life. "I am not bowing down to keyboard warriors and bullies. "I did nothing wrong. I am fully entitled if I was injured to bring a legitimate case." When asked about the errors in the legal documents, she said; "youre filling out an affidavit three years after the incident. You do that with the best of intentions. But you know that prior to that going before the judge you can amend that affidavit." She confirmed she had private medical insurance. "The hotel offered to pay, and your private medical doesnt cover your entire medical costs. "I dont doubt myself; I know exactly who I am. The media, and one in particular, have crossed the line of humanity and invasion here. And I am a public figure. My family are not. "I was hurt, I was genuinely hurt. Anyone with back injury knows you can be fine for a while, you can sneeze or you can get out of bed the wrong way and your back is sore. It is a constant management of back." Bailey said the determination of who is responsible lies with a judge. "After the week Ive had I am loathe to believe what I read in the paper it's been taken out of context and without my side of the story because they knew I couldnt talk about it. "I have done nothing wrong here... I was hurt, and I am a citizen of this state too." She concluded the interview by saying that she is "a strong female politician and some people dont like that". She said she was "absolutely not" fearful of meeting the Taoiseach this week and having to explain herself. Its understood Leo Varadkar is minded to refer the episode to Fine Gaels executive council which has the power to expel the TD from the party for a period. "The Taoiseach knows me as someone who is hardworking and integral, and I see the Taoiseach on a regular basis," she said. "I am drawing a line in the sand on this today and I am moving on, I am back in the Oireachtas tomorrow." Meanwhile, Health Minister Simon Harris has described Maria Baileys defence of her compensation claim as unfortunate. He said she should have met with the Taoiseach before trying to publicly address the controversy that has engulfed Fine Gael in recent days. Asked whether party will take disciplinary action, Mr Harris said Leo Varadkar has options. The minister, who is a second cousin of Ms Bailey, suggested she should have shown more humility. I think when you withdraw a claim that in and of itself is an acknowledgement of the fact that perhaps that claim shouldnt have proceeded. But the interview still seemed to be in the space of blaming lots of other people, he said. He said Fine Gael members up and down the country would have appreciated that if it was going to be withdrawn that it would have been done before the local and European elections. I think if that had happened the situation could have more effectively dealt with it. Mr Harris said the TD took part in the interview without informing party headquarters. Two men were killed and a woman was injured in separate road accidents at the weekend. A man in his late 30s, who is believed to have been from Gorey, Co Wexford, died after the car he was driving collided with another car on a notorious accident black spot around 8.30am yesterday. His name has not been released. The driver of the other car, a woman aged in her 50s, was injured in the crash and was taken to Wexford General Hospital. Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Local Fianna Fail councillor Pip Breen said he was driving to his local election count centre from his home in Gorey shortly before 9am yesterday when he came across the horrific accident scene on the R741 at Raheenaskeagh, Oulart, near Gorey, before emergency services arrived. "The road was wet and the cars were in bits," he said. Mr Breen said he pulled over and joined a number of other motorists who had encountered the tragedy. He met the ambulance racing to the scene after ensuring that emergency services were alerted to the accident. Dangerous He said the accident had occurred on a dangerous bend in the road where another motorist died several years ago. "You have no sight line coming into the bend. It's a severe bend and it's easy to lose a car on it," he told the Irish Independent. He said the accident has left the community in shock and offered his condolences to the families of the deceased driver and the injured woman. "It's a huge tragedy. This is a phone call that someone unfortunately is going to get. It's devastating for both families," he said. Meanwhile, a motorcyclist died of his injuries following a collision with a tractor in Kells, Co Meath, on Saturday. The 26-year-old driver suffered serious injuries after he collided with the tractor at Balrath Cross in Kells around 4.10pm on Saturday. He was rushed to James Connolly Memorial Hospital but died of his injuries early yesterday morning. The 19-year-old driver of the tractor was not injured. The road was closed for several hours yesterday as garda forensic collision investigators examined the scene. The tragedies occurred just hours after gardai concluded their 24-hour National Slow Down Day on Friday. The campaign resulted in 304 motorists being caught speeding between 7am on Friday and 7am on Saturday, in a crackdown in which the speeds of 195,768 drivers nationwide were checked. Chief Supt Paul Cleary, of the Roads Policing Bureau, thanked those drivers who were found to be compliant and drove within the speed limit, adding he "would encourage all drivers to drive safely, comply with and respect speed limits". Last Monday was United Nations World Bee Day. This was a call to stop and look at the small, colourful insect unobtrusively making its pollen-gathering way through gardens and parks in much reduced numbers. Ten years ago, I noted hundreds, if not thousands, of humming bees on a sward near house building, gorging on red-and-white clover. They were mainly honey bees, workers from wild nests, some solitary toilers and at the edges, bumbles (Bombus hortorum), those casually calming creatures, diligently going about their business kitted in strip of black, yellow and white, which love to dive into flower bells and burrow beneath the silken folds of rose petals. But bumbles make up just 1pc of the Earth's seriously declining bee species of about 25,000. They are closest to our hearts, though, especially regal queens that must begin new colonies each spring and feed the workers that emerge until they set out to find food for her majesty. Then there are the hairy-footed species which don't make honey, the solitary fellows, the plasterers which line their nests, miners that go underground and leaf-cutters which protect their homes with pieces of rose leaves. The UN has already warned of the imminent collapse of many wild species including thousands of bee types, 37pc of which have declined with 9pc facing extinction. Alison Benjamin, author of a forthcoming book, The Good Bee: A celebration of bees - and how to save them, has written that a bee visiting a flower is "an act of nature playing out for more than 100 million years". Flowering plants evolved with bees. As the bee goes from flower to flower (collecting nectar to fuel her flight and pollen to feed her family) she moves pollen from stamen to pistill (male to female plant part) so that the plant can produce seeds. Benjamin quotes the poet Kahlil Gibran's beautifully described symbiotic relationship: "To a bee a flower is the fountain of life and to the flower the bee is a messenger of love." The role of bees in agriculture is pivotal: they pollinate trees whose oxygen we breathe and which mitigate the climate crisis and also the flora that feeds other insects, birds, mammals in the food chain which produces fruits, vegetables, seeds and fodder. In the past 70 years farming has become highly industrialised, eliminating wildflower meadows that provided food and habitat for bees, replacing them with vast tracts of monoculture for silage making. There are signs, however, that pitfalls are being recognised with the EU banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides - a toxic substance that caused the disorientation and deaths of countless numbers of bees. Herbicide bans are needed now. Tests have shown that pollinated crops have produced bumper harvests. Bavaria, in Germany, is leading the way. Almost two million people signed a bee-saving petition demanding 20pc of farmland become bee-friendly within six years. Urban places are also crucial and local authorities must halt spraying in public parks. If they think 'weeds' are unsightly, remove by hand and hoe - and be guided by those who use the parks. Remember, in saving bees, we are saving ourselves. It feels like a new hotel opens every couple of weeks in Dublin. That means sharper themes and angles are required to make a splash. Think of the basement cinema at The Devlin in Ranelagh, for example. Or the underground river powering the Iveagh Garden Hotel. To this list, you can add The Hendrick (see galleries), which opens in Dublin's Smithfield today as "Ireland's first street art hotel", crammed with 259 artworks. "Every piece is an original," says curator, artist James Earley, "from commissioned paintings and murals to limited edition prints signed by artists." Stepping into the lobby on a preview visit, the first piece I see is a vibrant, abstract canvas by Maser over the hotel's self-service check-in tablets. Next to the lifts, signed by members of U2, is a chunk of wall recovered from Windmill Lane Recording Studios, framed in steel beams. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close A piece of the Windmill Lane walls, signed by members of U2 James Earley at work The Hendrick's lobby with a piece by Maser over the reception area. An accessible room at The Hendrick A take on the iconic photograph of Michael Collins, by Will Saint Leger, hangs in a bedroom corridor. The Hendrick's courtyard, with James Earley's mural The Hendrick Hotel Bar A piece by Joe Caslin at The Hendrick The Hendrick, Smithfield Street art in the lift lobby of the Hendrick A bedroom at The Hendrick Self-service automated check-in pads at The Hendrick A twin room at The Hendrick Artist James Earley. Photo: Al Higgins / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A piece of the Windmill Lane walls, signed by members of U2 Everywhere I turn, Instagram-ready pieces catch my eye, from international artists like Blek le Rat, Shepard Fairey and Taki 183, to Irish names like Obey, Joe Caslin, Will Saint Leger and sign painter Vanessa Power. 75pc of the budget and commissions are Irish, Earley says (developers, the Dublin Loft Company, would not discuss its investment in the hotel or its art) with the highest-profile pieces on display in the lobby, atrium, lift areas and room corridors. Bringing street art, with its roots in an outdoors, outsider artform, into a hotel presented both challenges and opportunities, he tells me. "It helps to demystify things and open up accessibility. That's something I feel really strongly about, educating people about Irish art without hindering the integrity of it." The Hendrick itself is a slickly produced 3-star, with 146 rooms tight on space but kitted out with power showers, "Super Speed" WiFi, TVs and smart storage nooks, alongside hip touches like its cocktails (the 'Jameson Black Barrel Whiskey Sour' is a highlight, I'm told, at 14.95) and a breakfast partnership with the Bretzel Bakery. The idea is to "challenge the expectations of a city hotel", says Dublin Loft Company director Kelly Cosgrave, while reflecting Smithfield's "creative flair". Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close James Earley at work The Hendrick's lobby with a piece by Maser over the reception area. An accessible room at The Hendrick A piece of the Windmill Lane walls, signed by members of U2 A take on the iconic photograph of Michael Collins, by Will Saint Leger, hangs in a bedroom corridor. The Hendrick's courtyard, with James Earley's mural The Hendrick Hotel Bar A piece by Joe Caslin at The Hendrick The Hendrick, Smithfield Street art in the lift lobby of the Hendrick A bedroom at The Hendrick Self-service automated check-in pads at The Hendrick A twin room at The Hendrick Artist James Earley. Photo: Al Higgins / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp James Earley at work But the obvious question... is the street art theme just a corporate wheeze, a nod to contemporary art with a greater eye on Insta-friendly marketing? "Anything I do has to be done for the genuine, correct reasons," replies Earley, who has also curated art collections for the Press-Up Group's Dean and Devlin hotels. "For me, there has to be conceptual credibility to a project, that the artists are treated correctly, that the artists are treated with respect." The owners have allowed that, he says, affording Earley creative control over a sprawling collection that mixes a range of styles and approaches, from small stencils to large murals and vivid, abstract designs. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close A bedroom at The Hendrick James Earley at work The Hendrick's lobby with a piece by Maser over the reception area. An accessible room at The Hendrick A piece of the Windmill Lane walls, signed by members of U2 A take on the iconic photograph of Michael Collins, by Will Saint Leger, hangs in a bedroom corridor. The Hendrick's courtyard, with James Earley's mural The Hendrick Hotel Bar The Hendrick Hotel's lobby A piece by Joe Caslin at The Hendrick The Hendrick, Smithfield Street art in the lift lobby of the Hendrick Self-service automated check-in pads at The Hendrick A twin room at The Hendrick Artist James Earley. Photo: Al Higgins / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A bedroom at The Hendrick He's been painting, too. Earley is responsible for one of three large murals in the atrium, and fans will spot several references to his family history (Earley & Company produced stained glass in Dublin from the 1850s to 1970s) in this and several glass pieces echoing church windows in the industrial-feel lobby space. Look and feel aside, The Hendrick is a basic stay with no hot food menus (Deliveroo is lined up to do in-room deliveries, and the hotel provides plates and cutlery). "We don't plan on seeing you much, with the best of Dublin on your doorstep," it chirps. Describing itself as "a blank canvas for anyone visiting the capital" feels cheesy, but the hotel genuinely appears to engage with its Smithfield neighbourhood - from design touches like the cobble-locking in the lobby's wooden floor, to pointing guests towards goodies on their doorstep - food at Wuff or Urbanity, for example, or nearby attractions like the Lighthouse Cinema or revamped Jameson Distillery Bow Street. And the price? Rooms start at 109 per night on hendrickdublin.ie. Read more: Voters who participate in local and European elections are aware that these contests differ in important ways from general elections. They do not choose the government and, unfettered by concerns about income tax rates and national policy, voters are often more experimental in their voting preferences. The Green Party is the latest beneficiary of the more open form of political competition at local and European elections. The Greens look set to make significant gains at local government level and could return two, and potentially three, MEPs. Their success is rooted in social change, the mainstreaming of climate issues, the odd structure of government that entangles the two centre-right parties and the fading anti-austerity sentiment that has opened up space for debates about the crisis for humanity posed by climate change. In the 1970s, Ronald Inglehart, a US political scientist, first began writing about the effect that relative affluence had on the political attitudes of voters. Mr Inglehart began by looking at the post-World War II generation that rebuilt Europe and showed how they valued social order and material concerns, often because their very survival had been at stake during their lifetimes. He then went on to show that voters who reach political maturity during times of peace, with reasonable economic security, have the freedom to concern themselves with softer issues of equality, human rights and climate change. He labelled these values post-materialist. A global study of Green Party support published in 2018 found that the Greens do particularly well in wealthy countries with low levels of unemployment. These ideas resonate strongly in 2019, Ireland is a wealthy country with low unemployment. The climate crisis has also begun to affect people in tangible ways. Extreme weather events like flooding and snowstorms have caused national shutdowns. Alarming research on biodiversity, discussions about climate refugees and campaigns on single-use plastics are a regular part of the news digest. The Green surge should be evaluated against this background of the direct impact of climate change and heightened consciousness of it as an issue. The Spring 2019 Eurobarometer (EU-wide opinion poll) showed that 34pc of Irish voters thought climate change should be a priority during the European Parliament elections. The EU average was just 16pc. The RTE exit poll showed that by polling day, a remarkable 88pc of voters declared that the Government should be doing more about climate change. And this is where the unusual government arrangements come in. Usually when voters think that a government is not doing a good job, they vote for the opposition. But in this case, the Opposition, in the form of Fianna Fail, is keeping the Fine Gael Government in power. And voters may also have a well-founded suspicion that neither Fine Gael nor Fianna Fail are really committed to policies to deal with climate change, especially where they may conflict with other important interests groups such as farmers and the wider rural community. Economic growth has pushed austerity policies into the recent past and there was a notable difference in the big issues discussed through the 2019 campaign. Water charges and cuts to services dominated in 2014, but housing and climate change were far more important over the past six weeks. The Green surge is not an exclusively Irish phenomenon. According to some early results and exit polls, the Greens are on course for gains in the Netherlands and Belgium and they may end up the second largest party in both Finland and Germany. The Greens are displacing older social democratic parties that are struggling to define themselves. The party is proving very appealing to young, educated, middle-class voters. In many ways, the stars aligned for the Greens in Ireland in 2019. The economy is recovering, voters are more affluent, climate change is beginning to really bite and the other parties are poorly placed to own the issue, and appeal to voter groups most concerned with the climate crisis. There is a possibility that a partial realignment of voters is taking place. For some young voters, this was their first election and they may have initiated a pattern that would see them become life-long Green voters. It is too early to tell. To go back to the start, voters are often more experimental at local and European Parliament elections. Small parties tend to do very well and the Government often takes a beating, the governing penalty. It may very well be that the Green tide will recede and the educated, urban middle class will go back to supporting Fine Gael, Labour and other parties of the centre. This election will have been a wake-up call for all parties and we should expect a political rush to low-energy light bulbs, electric scooters and hybrid cars as all parties seek to wrap themselves in environmental concerns. But returning to the 2018 research, it showed that when Green parties are well established, it is much more difficult to steal their ideas. Dr Theresa Reidy is a political scientist at University College Cork There has been a green wave in the local and European elections. People want action on climate change. That, however, does not equate to people wanting to pay more tax. Micheal Martin and Leo Varadkar are tripping over themselves making overtures to Eamon Ryan about the formation of the next government. However, imposing tax on already stretched workers who have no access to alternatives is not the way to go and will also be met with a significant response at the ballot box. Focus should be placed on retrofitting houses and apartment blocks, rolling out solar power programmes, developing an electric vehicle charging point network and providing decent funding to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Killian Brennan Dublin 17 Two sides to every argument and both should be heard JOHN Downing says The Government, all the Dail political parties and many civil society groups have backed a Yes vote, regarding the divorce referendum (Political attitude to divorce shows just how much we have changed, Irish Independent, May 23) while previously he pointed out that over the weeks since the campaign for change was launched, there has been almost no opposition. Is that not something that a journalist would lament the lack of opposition to the proposed change? After all, as Mr Downing pointed out, the referendum on divorce was passed by less than 1pc. Is it reasonable to assume that all those who opposed divorce have since changed their minds? This lack of a proper debate on vital matters such as divorce and abortion is very worrying and is leaving a large section of our people without a voice. Is that not something of interest to journalists and is it not their function to present the views of two sides in a debate? Yes, Mr Downing, we have changed here in Ireland, but not all of us agree that a lot of it was for the better. Mary Stewart Co Donegal Be careful what you wish for over Mays replacement... BRITISH (mostly English) politicians seem quick to suggest they are trying to bring about what the people voted for, ie. to exit the EU. This is very laudable and noble, etc, but is, alas, untrue. When they voted in that infamous referendum they were totally misled and grossly misinformed, not to mention lied to. Most voters who elected to leave the EU had no idea what that meant. They had a sense of well show Johnny Foreigner, we know better, etc. Now with Mrs May ousted (and we must remember she voted to remain in the EU), we are very likely to see an ardent Brexiteer selected as new Tory leader. As most of these do not seem to understand the problem, we are most unlikely to get a good answer. With general membership heavily involved in the selection process (mostly over 60, very conservative and with fond, if distant, memories of empire, etc), we should be afraid very afraid. If we think Theresa May was bad... David Ryan Co Meath Britains foreign policy needs explaining in testing times ANY new Conservative premiership will be pitifully weak and the final decision on the UKs future in the EU should lie in the hands of 47 million UK voters, not 128,000 conservative members. Also, what has been missing in the debate is the UKs foreign policy in respect of the deal of the century that will be announced by the Trump administration in June, and that aims to effectively obliterate the Palestinian cause, the right of refugees to return to their homeland and to assert Israels sovereignty over Jerusalem, the Golan and the West Bank. The Palestinian question remains pivotal for global peace and security, on the same level as peace in Northern Ireland. Europe is also teetering on the verge of populism, far-right nationalism, terrorism and white supremacy. It also needs to sort out the Ukrainian imbroglio and Russias increasing clout on the world stage. Such issues are complex and need holistic and joined-up solutions. Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob London, UK Free of Church influence, the real Ireland can find its way AS Irelands divorce referendum is passed, it is time to reflect. After the foot of the Catholic Church was slowly and finally removed from the Irish population, the real Ireland is finding its way. Not quite there, but thankfully theres no threat from any individual dominant group. Careful steering is needed from now. Who will lead us into the future? Damien Carroll Dublin 24 US model Kendall Jenner (L) and italian fashion designer Giambattista Valli pose as they arrive on May 23, 2019 at the amfAR 26th Annual Cinema Against AIDS gala at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d'Antibes, southern France US model Kendall Jenner poses as she arrives on May 23, 2019 at the amfAR 26th Annual Cinema Against AIDS gala at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d'Antibes, southern France, on the sidelines of the 72nd Cannes Film Festival. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) US model Kendall Jenner poses as she arrives on May 23, 2019 at the amfAR 26th Annual Cinema Against AIDS gala at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d'Antibes, southern France, on the sidelines of the 72nd Cannes Film Festival. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) US model Kendall Jenner poses as she arrives on May 23, 2019 at the amfAR 26th Annual Cinema Against AIDS gala at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d'Antibes, southern France, on the sidelines of the 72nd Cannes Film Festival. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images TOPSHOT - US model Kendall Jenner poses as she arrives on May 23, 2019 at the amfAR 26th Annual Cinema Against AIDS gala at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d'Antibes, southern France, on the sidelines of the 72nd Cannes Film Festival. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images Model Kendall Jenner poses for photographers upon arrival at the amfAR, Cinema Against AIDS, benefit at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, during the 72nd international Cannes film festival, in Cap d'Antibes, southern France, Thursday, May 23, 2019. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP) US model Kendall Jenner performs on stage on May 23, 2019 during the amfAR 26th Annual Cinema Against AIDS gala at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d'Antibes, southern France, on the sidelines of the 72nd Cannes Film Festival. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP US model Kendall Jenner poses as she arrives on May 23, 2019 at the amfAR 26th Annual Cinema Against AIDS gala at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d'Antibes, southern France, on the sidelines of the 72nd Cannes Film Festival. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) Kendall Jenner attends the amfAR Cannes Gala 2019 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 23, 2019 in Cap d'Antibes, France. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/amfAR/Getty Images for amfAR ) Li Yuchun and Kendall Jenner attend the amfAR Cannes Gala 2019 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 23, 2019 in Cap d'Antibes, France. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/amfAR/Getty Images for H&M / amfAR ) Kendall Jenner attends the amfAR Cannes Gala 2019 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 23, 2019 in Cap d'Antibes, France. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/amfAR/Getty Images for H&M / amfAR ) Ben Simmons and Kendall Jenner arrive to Marquee New York on February 14, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images) US model Kendall Jenner poses as she arrives on May 12, 2018 for the screening of the film "Girls of the Sun (Les Filles du Soleil)" at the 71st edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) Kendall Jenner is enjoying the single life after splitting from Ben Simmons. The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star recently ended her romance with the Philadelphia 76ers player - whom she began romancing in March last year - and is reportedly having fun as a single woman. A source told Us Weekly magazine: Kendall is enjoying the single life right now and had the best time in Cannes. Shes been socialising with friends and going to tons of events and doesnt seem bothered by her split with Ben at all. Previously, insiders had said the split wasnt sudden and had been a long time coming after things had wound down between the pair. Expand Close Ben Simmons and Kendall Jenner arrive to Marquee New York on February 14, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ben Simmons and Kendall Jenner arrive to Marquee New York on February 14, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images) One source said: It wasnt so sudden. Things have wound down between them. They arent seeing each other anymore. Whilst another added: "They're on a break. The relationship ran its course. She's spending time with her friends and back to being in fun mode. The news of their split came after the 23-year-old model had said she doesn't talk about her relationships because she just doesn't know how long they will last. She said: "I'm very young and right now I feel like relationships aren't always super-certain and I don't want to bring too much attention to something if you don't really know long term [what it's going to be]. And Kendall worries things will get "messy" if she brings the spotlight to her romance, especially having seen her sisters' relationships playing out in the public eye. She added: "I got a glimpse of how my sisters dealt with [the attention] and it's cool to learn from that. Expand Close Kendall Jenner attends the amfAR Cannes Gala 2019 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 23, 2019 in Cap d'Antibes, France. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/amfAR/Getty Images for H&M / amfAR ) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kendall Jenner attends the amfAR Cannes Gala 2019 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 23, 2019 in Cap d'Antibes, France. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/amfAR/Getty Images for H&M / amfAR ) Video of the Day "For me, a lot of things are very special and very sacred, like my friends and relationships, and I personally think that bringing things into the public makes everything so much messier... "A relationship is only meant to be between two people, and the second you make it the world's business is when it starts messing with the two people mentally. "Like once everyone is let in, you're letting all these opinions into your relationships, and I don't think that's fair." TV personality Kris Jenner and her partner Corey Gamble walk in the Paddock before the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) TV personality Kris Jenner walks in the Paddock before the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) (L-R) Models Madison Headrick, Josephine Skriver and Olivia Culpo pose for a photo in the paddock before the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (L-R) Models Josephine Skriver, Madison Headrick, and Olivia Culpo pose for a photo in the paddock before the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) Model Josephine Skriver poses for a photo in the paddock before the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) Andrea Casiraghi and his wife Tatiana Santo Domingo arrive with their children ahead of the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Monaco street circuit on May 26, 2019 in Monaco. (Photo by Yann COATSALIOU / AFP) Andrea Casiraghi, his wife Tatiana Santo Domingo and their children Alexandre Andrea Stefano Casiraghi and India Casiraghi walk in the Pitlane before the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) Pierre Casiraghi and wife Beatrice Casiraghi attends the Alberta Ferretti Cruise 2020 Collection At Monaco Yacht Club on May 18, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images) Andrea Casiraghi, his wife Tatiana Santo Domingo and their children Alexandre Andrea Stefano Casiraghi and India Casiraghi walk in the Pitlane before the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) Pierre Casiraghi (C) and his wife Countess Beatrice Borromeo speak with Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf ahead of the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Monaco street circuit on May 26, 2019 in Monaco. (Photo by Yann COATSALIOU / AFP) (L-R) Pierre Casiraghi and wife Beatrice Borromeo attend the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco on May 26, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/WireImage) The Monaco Grand Prix has become a haven of understated summer style. Monaco's oft-underappreciated royals descended in their droves to the Circuit de Monaco (this year observing Lewis Hamilton take home the winner's title for the third time) and display a sense of effortless elegance that so few seem to possess. And the jewel in the crown in the upper echelons of the best dressed is Beatrice Casiraghi (nee Borromeo), the aristocratic Italian journalist who wed husband Pierre - the grandson of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier - in 2015. The 33-year-old mother-of-two has long been a fashion leader, both in her work with the Fashion 4 Development (F4D), an organisation which teamed up with the United Nations to tackle poverty in the developing world, and in her personal dress. For Sunday's festivities, she upgraded her signature waspy style with a polka dot midi dress paired with a black leather tote by Armani and a pair of Loulou heart-shaped sunglasses by Saint Laurent. She finished off her look with a pair of double strap, open toe heels. Both Beatrice and Pierre, who have been together for 11 years, have always preferred a lower profile and both work full-time jobs, but have become more selective about public appearances now that they are parents to two children under three to Stefano (two) and Francesco (one). Expand Close Beatrice Borromeo attends the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco on May 26, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/WireImage) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Beatrice Borromeo attends the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco on May 26, 2019 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/WireImage) Yesterday's event attracted a host of celebrity supporters in the form of Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble, Matt Damon, Christian Bale and supermodels Josephine Skriver and Olivia Culpo. Pierre's brother Andrea Casiraghi and his wife Tatiana Santo Domingo were also in attendance alongside their children. Read More Pierre is the eighth in line for the Monegasque throne and as such, isn't confined to the same royal responsibilities as Prince Albert and his wife Princess Charlene, both of whom made their annual appearance at the event; but is required to show up at certain occasions. Beatrice has maintained the same attitude as she did before her wedding, which is reflected in her wardrobe choices which range from high fashion gowns to practical daywear, admitting that she prefers borrowing couture dresses over buying them because it's just not practical with her salary, saying she "couldn't afford to buy as many dresses as I need for public functions." "I'm a reporter, and I have the salary of a reporter. I'm not going to put half of my salary into a pair of shoes. I did it a few times in my life, and it doesn't feel right. You can wear Zara and nothing bad is going to happen to you," she told Glamour. It helps that her late uncle, the Count Matteo Marzotto worked as president of Valentino for years and European fashion houses are surely clamouring to have their work endorsed by one of the best dressed women. Expand Close Prince Albert II of Monaco (L) and his wife Princess Charlene of Monaco wave to photographers after meeting members of the Red Cross of Monaco and Italy during a visit ahead of the third practice session at the Monaco street circuit on May 25, 2019 in Monaco, ahead of the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prince Albert II of Monaco (L) and his wife Princess Charlene of Monaco wave to photographers after meeting members of the Red Cross of Monaco and Italy during a visit ahead of the third practice session at the Monaco street circuit on May 25, 2019 in Monaco, ahead of the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP) Video of the Day "If I'm interviewing someone in the government, I'm going to be more formal: a jacket, a shirt, pants. But if I go see refugees in the field, I'm not going to care what I wear," she added. Inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Adam Davy/PA) The three churches in charge of Jerusalems holiest Christian site say they have reached an agreement to begin a multi-million dollar renovation of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Leaders of the Greek Orthodox, Catholic and Armenian churches issued a statement announcing the project to restore the foundations and flooring of the church, where many Christians believe Jesus was crucified, entombed and resurrected. A Greek team headed the 2016 restoration project to preserve the aedicule, a large structure inside the church housing the tomb. Expand Close The exterior of the church of the Holy Sepulchre (Andrew Parsons/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The exterior of the church of the Holy Sepulchre (Andrew Parsons/PA) The upcoming second rehabilitation project will involve two Italian institutions. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is shared by multiple Christian sects under a status quo management agreement. Even perceived alterations to the status quo have resulted in arguments or violence. The race to be Britain's next prime minister has descended into open warfare after a Cabinet minister threatened to join fellow Tories in toppling any leader pursuing a no-deal Brexit. Chancellor Philip Hammond's extraordinary threat came after arch-Brexiteer and leadership candidate Dominic Raab predicted MPs would fail to stop him taking the UK out of the EU without a deal if he won the contest. Rival candidate Rory Stewart - who also hinted at joining a no-confidence vote against his own government to block no deal - warned Brexiteers it would ruin Britain's "400-year reputation" for economic competence. The clashes overshadowed Michael Gove's entry into the race as potentially the biggest threat to Boris Johnson's march to power, in a repeat of the bitter 2016 battle that derailed his last campaign. "I believe I'm ready to unite the Conservative and Unionist Party, ready to deliver Brexit, and ready to lead this great country," the environment secretary said. Mr Gove will face intense questions about his stance on the contest's key controversy - whether the winner is ready to crash out of the EU in October, even if that means defying the will of the Commons. Mr Raab sought to outflank Mr Johnson by arguing MPs would fail to repeat their success, under Theresa May, in passing a law to force a request to extend the Article 50 deadline. "It's very difficult for parliament now to legislate against a no deal, or in favour of a further extension, unless a resolute prime minister is willing to acquiesce in that - and I would not," he insisted. Shami Chakrabarti, Labour's shadow attorney general, described the comments as "terrifying". Mr Hammond then refused - three times - to rule out joining the no-confidence vote that Labour has vowed to table if a hardline Brexiteer reaches No 10. The chancellor said any new leader trying to "push through a no-deal exit on 31 October" would immediately face the prospect of having to "leave office". He described support for a no-confidence motion as "hypothetical", but added: "I don't want to start now having to contemplate such a course of action." Pressed again, on the BBC's 'Andrew Marr Show', Mr Hammond said: "It would challenge not just me, but many of our colleagues, and I hope we never get to that position." Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt leads led an early list for the number of backers among Tory MPs with 28, ahead of Mr Gove (23), Mr Johnson (22) and Mr Raab (19). Other declared candidates include Andrea Leadsom, the former Commons leader. People are waking up to the fact Ireland is receiving more support from the EU than Scotland is from Westminster, Nicola Sturgeon has said. Scotland's First Minister criticised the UK Government for treating Scotland with "utter contempt" over Brexit. She spoke out during a trip to Dublin, where she met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, business leaders and schoolchildren. Ms Sturgeon said: "We voted over 60pc to remain, we have tried very hard in the wake of the UK-wide Brexit vote to find compromises and protect our interests, and we have worked hard across party lines to try to prevent the worst impact of Brexit, and we have been ignored. "Votes in the Scottish Parliament have been cast aside, they have even in the process of the Brexit fiasco taken powers away from the Scottish Parliament in order to centralise how they deal with all of this. "Scotland has been treated with contempt by Westminster and people are contrasting that with Ireland, that has been shown real solidarity and support from the European Union. "Suddenly this idea of being a small independent country in the European Union, we only have to look at Ireland to see the benefits of that and many people are having their eyes opened." Ms Sturgeon spoke in a public conversation with Dearbhail McDonald at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin during her visit on Monday. She said she expects Scotland will vote for independence the next time a referendum is held, adding the relationship between her nation and Ireland will grow even stronger then. "There will be another Scottish independence referendum and I will make a prediction today that Scotland will vote for independence and we will become an independent country just like Ireland, and the strong relationship between our two countries now will become even stronger soon," she said. "I want to see Scotland having the choice of independence within this term of the Scottish Parliament, which ends in May 2021, so towards the latter half of next year would be when I think is the right time for that choice." Ms Sturgeon also said the Scottish National Party have examined Ireland's path to independence in their own planning. "The proposition that my party is putting forward now is that we should follow the same path that Ireland followed when it became independent, we use the pound which is our currency until such times as the economic conditions are right to move to an independent Scottish currency, it's a perfectly well-trodden path," she said. Later, Ms Sturgeon met Irish business leaders, schoolchildren and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. She described the visit as having "highlighted the benefits of EU membership for Ireland and exactly what Scotland would miss out on if taken out of the EU against our will. "Ireland is Scotland's closest international trading partner and our fifth largest export market," she said. "It is in the interest of both countries to ensure that we continue to work together and cooperate, not just on an economic level but also in dealing with similar challenges around political engagement. "This is exactly why we must strengthen, not strain these bonds." French President Emmanuel Macron kisses the head of a wellwisher after casting his ballot in Le Touquet, northern France. Photo: Ludovic Marin/Pool via REUTERS Belgian yellow vests protesters are hit with a spray by police during scuffles in Brussels. Photo: REUTERS/Yves Herman Eurosceptic parties enjoyed their best ever results in the European elections last night as voters in their millions voted for populists and abandoned the two groups that have dominated EU politics for the last 40 years. A total of 171 MEPs were returned from Eurosceptic parties across the EU, according to preliminary results. But with seats split between three political groups, the populists will be unable to alter the push for closer EU integration from the dominant Europhile parties. In the 2014 European elections, 155 MEPs from anti-EU parties were returned to the European Parliament. Early predictions suggested turnout increased in comparison to 2014 to between 49pc and 52pc, arresting a steady decline that had continued since the first EU election in 1979. French President Emmanuel Macron was handed a pivotal kingmaker role in the next five years of EU policymaking, despite his Renaissance party group being beaten into second place in the French vote by Marine Le Pen's anti-EU National Rally. Renaissance won 22.4pc of the French votes, roughly 22 seats, while National Rally, which also topped the 2014 vote, took 24.2pc of the vote, a single MEP more, according to early results. "This confirms the new divide between nationalists and globalists," Ms Le Pen said at a victory rally in France. The centre-right European People's Party (EPP) returned 173 MEPs, shedding 48 seats, while the centre-left Socialists and Democrats (S&D) lost 44 MEPs to return 147. Traditional parties also bled support to a "green wave" in some countries, leaving the most fragmented parliament ever. While the EPP and S&D remain the largest groups, it is the first time in 40 years they failed to secure a joint majority in the 751-seat parliament, falling 56 seats short. They have always carved up the top EU jobs between them to ease the passage of EU rules through the parliament. Their losses will have ramifications for their ability to pass EU law and influence the appointment of Jean-Claude Juncker's successor and the new European Commission, expected to take office in November. Expand Close Totting up: Ballots are tallied at a counting centre for the European parliamentary election in Sunderland. Photo: REUTERS/Scott Heppell / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Totting up: Ballots are tallied at a counting centre for the European parliamentary election in Sunderland. Photo: REUTERS/Scott Heppell The EPP and S&D are expected to form a coalition with Mr Macron's Renaissance party and ALDE, the pro-EU European Liberals and third-largest group after last night's results with an estimated 102 seats, to head off the Eurosceptic menace to Brussels. Mr Macron has allied his new party with the Liberals and is expected to demand EPP and S&D back his Europhile agenda for reform and influential EU posts in return for the group's support. Both Mr Macron and Italy's Matteo Salvini, whose League party made big gains, vowed to use the elections to reform the EU. Support fell for Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats, EPP members, according to exit polls, while the far-right Alternative for Germany, secured 10pc of the vote - not the surge some had predicted. Meanwhile, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called a snap election following the defeat of his Syriza party. Mr Tsipras said: "The result does not rise to our expectations. I will not ignore it or quit". ( Daily Telegraph, London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Green parties in Germany, France, Britain and elsewhere were celebrating big gains in the European Parliament elections, amid growing voter concerns over climate change, expressed in large-scale protests in recent months. Provisional results showed the left-leaning Greens bloc coming fourth in the election with 69 seats, an increase of 17 compared with 2014. If confirmed, the results could put the Greens in a position to tip the scales when it comes to choosing the next head of the European Commission. Whoever wants legitimacy from us and the legitimacy of the many who went onto the streets will need to deliver now, said Sven Giegold, a leading candidate for the German Green Party that won more than 20% of the vote nationwide, an increase of almost 10% compared with 2014. Expand Close Green Party candidate Sven Giegold (Matthias Schrader/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Green Party candidate Sven Giegold (Matthias Schrader/AP) Armin Laschet, the governor of Germanys most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, and a member of chancellor Angela Merkels centre-right Union bloc, called the outcome a wake-up call for politics. The drift from the traditional heavyweight parties to the Greens in Germany was particularly pronounced in large cities such as Berlin, Munich and Hamburg, and among young voters, where the party beat its bigger rivals among all voters under 60. In neighbouring France, 25% of voters aged 18-25 voted for the Greens, compared with 15% for the far-right National Rally and 12% for president Emmanuel Macrons Republic on the Move, according to the Ifop polling organisation. Overall, the French green party EELV received almost 13.5% of the vote, coming third. Yannick Jadot, lead candidate of EELV, welcomed the great green wave in Europe. Expand Close Yannick Jadot of the EELV (Stephane de Sakutin/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Yannick Jadot of the EELV (Stephane de Sakutin/AP) The French sent us a very clear message: they want environment to be at the heart of our lives, at the heart of the political game and that message has been spread across Europe, he said. Green parties also polled strongly in Austria, Sweden, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark. In Britain, the Greens took 11 seats in the European Parliament vote. Mr Giegold said some of the Greens young supporters were drawn by their distinctly pro-European Union stance, which put them strongly at odds with the far-right, anti-migrant parties that have also seen a rise in Europe in recent years. The Greens will destroy this country and our job must and will be to fight the GreensAlexander Gauland, Alternative for Germany The enmity was echoed by Alexander Gauland, the co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, who declared the Greens our main enemy. The Greens will destroy this country and our job must and will be to fight the Greens, he said. Mr Giegold said Green legislators in the European Parliament plan to scrutinise the blocs 200 billion euro (175 billion) agriculture budget, which environmentalists say places too much emphasis on large-scale farming and not enough on eco-friendly agriculture. The Greens also want every law passed at the European Union level to undergo a climate check. The party has strongly backed scientists calls for the European Union to end all greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century. 'There are serious doubts about the impartiality of courts in Iraq and Syria.' Stock photo: Depositphotos Three French members of Isil were sentenced to death by a Baghdad court yesterday. The three were among 13 French citizens handed over to Iraq in January by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the mainly Kurdish US-ally that led the battle to oust Isil from Syria. The sentence sheds some light on the pressing question of what may happen when Western countries, including ones like France which oppose capital punishment, do not repatriate their foreign fighter nationals. Hundreds of foreign Isil members survived the devastating battle to destroy the terror group. The detained jihadists, a group that includes women and children, have since been at the centre of a political battle as their countries of origin decline to take them home and the SDF warns that it could run out of the money and manpower to hold them. In recent months, the SDF has transferred an increasing number of Isil survivors to Baghdad for legal processing - a process that in Iraq can include minutes-long trials in the absence of credible witnesses. Of the 13 French citizens, one was later released as it was found he had travelled to Syria to support the Yazidi religious minority, who were the target of a brutal Isil campaign that human rights groups say was a genocide. The remaining 12 were put on trial under Iraq's counterterrorism law, which can order the death penalty to anyone found guilty of joining a "terrorist" group, even if they were not explicitly fighting. The three sentenced to death, Kevin Gonot, Leonard Lopez and Salim Machou, have 30 days to appeal. Gonot, who fought for Isil before being arrested in Syria with his mother, wife and half-brother, has also been sentenced in absentia by a French court to nine years in jail, according to the French Terrorism Analysis Centre. Machou was a member of the infamous Tariq ibn Ziyad brigade, "a European foreign terrorist fighter cell" that carried out attacks in Iraq and Syria and planned others in Paris and Brussels, according to US officials. Lopez, from Paris, travelled with his wife and two children to Isil-held Mosul in northern Iraq before entering Syria, French investigators say. French nationals made up the largest contingent of foreign fighters from Western Europe. In 2015, French and Belgian recruits attacked the Bataclan concert hall, stadiums and bars in Paris. Baghdad has offered to try all foreign fighters in SDF custody - estimated at around 1,000 - in exchange for millions of dollars, Iraqi government sources told AFP. In late January, a French government spokesman said citizens who joined Isil would be prosecuted and jailed if handed over to Paris. Shortly afterwards, French Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet told a radio show that the government would seek to bring home jihadists rather than risk them evading justice. But since then, the only French nationals known to have been repatriated are five orphaned children. This month, two French grandparents filed a lawsuit against the French state, alleging that its refusal to allow their grandchildren into France violates the country's human rights commitments. The trials of the French nationals in Baghdad raise the question of whether foreign Isil suspects should be tried and punished in the country of their alleged crimes, even when there are serious doubts about the impartiality of the courts in Iraq and Syria. ( Daily Telegraph, London) A yoga instructor lost for more than two weeks in the wilds of Hawaii has revealed that she ate moths as she struggled to survive. Amanda Eller (35) spoke for the first time this weekend about her ordeal, saying she almost gave up hope. Ms Eller spent 16 days lost in the Makawao Forest Reserve on Maui after losing her way during what was meant to be a quick 5km hike. She had left her mobile phone and water bottle behind in her car. After several days of wandering helplessly, her plight became worse when she fell seven metres into a ravine, breaking her leg. Speaking from her hospital bed 24 hours after she was spotted by a search and rescue helicopter hired by her frantic parents, she said: "I wanted to give up. "But the only option I had was life or death. I heard this voice that said, 'If you want to live, keep going'." Once she broke her leg, she began to crawl instead of walk, she said, adding: "I was getting so skinny I was really starting to doubt if I could survive." Julia Eller, her mother, said wild berries and a few moths were all that sustained her daughter. She tried to catch some crayfish but was "not very successful". On the 17th day of her disappearance, she was spotted by an elated rescuer 6km away from the original search area. ( Daily Telegraph, London) Destroyed: Gwen McGeorge looks at the hole in the roof of her home in Jefferson City, Missouri. Photo: Reuters At least two people have died and dozens were injured after a tornado destroyed a hotel and a nearby mobile home park in Oklahoma. The twister touched down in El Reno, about 40km west of Oklahoma City. It hit the American Budget Value Inn before ripping through the Skyview Estates trailer park, flipping and levelling homes, according to mayor Matt White. "It's a tragic scene out there," Mr White said. "People have absolutely lost everything." The two people who were killed were in the mobile home park, Mr White said. Everyone at the hotel was accounted for, but searchers were still going through the mobile home park looking for casualties. Some 29 people were injured. They were taken to hospital, where some were undergoing surgery, the mayor said. Some of the injuries were critical. National Weather Service meteorologist Rick Smith said the twister hit El Reno on Saturday night as a powerful storm system rolled through the state. Experts are trying to determine the severity of the damage to the town. Emergency crews were forced to sift through rubble after part of the hotel's second storey collapsed into a pile of debris strewn about the first floor and car park. The storm in El Reno comes after a week of tornadoes, severe rain and flooding in the Southern Plains and Midwest, including a tornado that destroyed homes in Jefferson City, Missouri. The region's most recent spate of bad weather and flooding has been blamed for at least nine deaths. US National Security Adviser John Bolton has been called a war monger by North Korea (Yohei Kanasashi/Kyodo News via AP, File) North Korea has called US national security adviser John Bolton a war monger and defective human product after he called the Norths recent tests of short-range missiles a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. The statement by an unnamed North Korean foreign ministry spokesman came as US president Donald Trump continued his visit to Japan for meetings with prime minister Shinzo Abe in which the nuclear standoff with North Korea was expected to be high on the agenda. Mr Bolton told reporters in Tokyo on Saturday that there was no doubt that North Koreas recent launches violated UN resolutions, and that sanctions against the North must be kept in place. Mr Trump later downplayed the missile tests, tweeting: North Korea fired off some small weapons, which disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me. North Korea tested short-range ballistic missiles on May 4 and 9, ending a pause in launches that began in late 2017. The tests have been seen as a way for North Korea to pressure Washington to soften its stance on easing sanctions against it without actually causing negotiations to collapse. In the statement carried by Pyongyangs official Korean Central News Agency, the North Korean spokesman said the North was rightfully exercising its rights of self-defence with the launches. Demanding us to ban all launches using ballistic technology regardless of range is same with asking us to relinquish our rights for self-defence, the spokesman said. The spokesman said Mr Bolton was an ignorant hard-liner who throughout different US administrations constantly pushed provocative policies against North Korea, which the spokesman said included endorsements of preemptive strikes and regime change. The spokesman also said that Mr Boltons hammer act was responsible for the collapse of a major nuclear deal between the countries reached in 1994, when the North agreed to halt its nuclear program in exchange for US fuel aid. The deal broke down in 2002 after US intelligence agencies said North Korea was continuing its pursuit of bombs with a secret uranium enrichment program. Bolton should not be called a security adviser who works to secure security, but an adviser for security destruction who destroys peace and security, the spokesman said. Its not that strange that crooked sound will always come out the mouth of a man who is structurally flawed, and its best that this defective human product goes away as soon as possible. Expand Close Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met in Vietnam earlier this year (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met in Vietnam earlier this year (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) Negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have been at a standstill since February, when a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Mr Trump broke down over what the United States described as the Norths excessive demands for sanctions relief in exchange for a partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities. Since then, Mr Kim has said the United States has until the end of the year to come up with mutually acceptable terms for a deal to salvage the negotiations. Mr Bolton acknowledged that the United States had not been hearing much from North Korea since the summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. The US special envoy to North Korea, Stephen Biegun, cant wait to talk to his North Korean counterpart, but they havent responded, Mr Bolton said, adding that Mr Biegun was ready at any point to get on a plane and go anywhere. The North Korean statement came as South Korea began its annual summertime defence drills involving thousands of civilians and troops. The drills have been modified to exclude large-scale military exercises with the United States that were suspended to create space for diplomacy with the North. The four-day Ulchi Taeguk exercises will include massive civilian evacuation drills and a South Korea-only military drill aimed at preparing for war situations and disasters. Oatlys sales are expected to double in the UK this year (Oatly) Oatly is eyeing the UK to be the location for another factory as it scrambles to keep up with soaring demand for vegan milk alternatives, the companys chief has told Press Association. The oat milk brand, founded in Sweden in the 1990s, has seen rapid growth around the world as vegan and environmentally conscious consumers switch to the product. Now the UK is in the running to be the site of its third European production facility, following the opening of a factory in the Netherlands this summer. In an interview with PA, Oatlys chief executive Toni Petersson said: Were planning for more factories and were looking at the UK, because its such a big market for us. I think we should have something here. Expand Close Toni Petersson, CEO of Oatly / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Toni Petersson, CEO of Oatly He said the move would be motivated by the amazing uptake of Oatly in the UK and was not linked to Brexit. Last year Oatly brought in UK revenues of 18 million and it expects to more than double that to 40 million this year. At least 3,500 coffee shops in the UK now offer Oatly. After making its mark in London, the brand has seen significant pick-up in Glasgow, Bristol and Manchester in the last 12 months. It became so popular last year that there were shortages of the product in several markets, including the UK. Mr Petersson admitted the supply issues were still not fully resolved, but had been eased by the construction of new factories in the Netherlands and New Jersey. Another two will follow next year in Utah and Singapore. He said at the current rate of growth, a third European site will be needed by 2022. Previous new factories have created up to 50 jobs. The company is independent but its expansion has been backed by a number of investment funds. Mr Petersson said the brand is not likely to sell out to a multinational food and beverage company, but could eventually go public. Were not part of any structure. I think thats obviously the preferred way, he said. We could potentially even IPO, if it gets that big. Commenting on the products popularity, Mr Petersson said: Were tapping into this whole global movement, this ideology of making this world better. It is driven by young people who are concerned about whats going on and understand that everybody needs to pitch in in order to make things better. I think that movement has grown really, really strong in the last two years. He also argued that production of oats is more sustainable than the two main rivals, soy and almond. I dont see any other crops that can compete with oats, he said. You can grow it anywhere in the world, in every continent, and its in a sustainable way. Donald Trump is escorted by Japans Emperor Naruhito during a welcoming ceremony at the Imperial Palace (Franck Robichon/Pool Photo via AP) US president Donald Trump has become the first world leader to meet the new emperor of Japan. The president, who is on a four-day state visit, was the centre of attention at a grand outdoor welcome ceremony at Japans Imperial Palace, where he took a solo walk down red carpets and reviewed Japanese troops as the guest of honour. The pomp and pageantry then gave way to meetings with Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe about trade and other world issues. Mr Trumps state call opened with handshakes and greetings from Emperor Naruhito, who ascended to the throne on May 1, and his wife, Empress Masako. As he approached the emperor, Mr Trump said: How are you? Thank you very much. The first lady told the empress: Nice to meet you. After exchanging pleasantries inside the palace, the couples emerged and walked to a raised platform as the national anthems of both countries were played. Expand Close Mr Trump and first lady Melania Trump were greeted by Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace (Issei Kato/Pool Photo via AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mr Trump and first lady Melania Trump were greeted by Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace (Issei Kato/Pool Photo via AP) At the White House last week, Mr Trump noted the significance of his meeting with the emperor. Naruhito took the throne after his father stepped down, the first abdication in Japans royal family in about two centuries. Its a very big thing going on with the emperor. Its something that hasnt happened in over 200 years, Mr Trump said. I am the guest, meaning the United States is the guest. With all the countries of the world, Im the guest of honour at the biggest event that theyve had in over 200 years, he added. Expand Close Mr Trump reviewed Japanese troops as the guest of honour (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mr Trump reviewed Japanese troops as the guest of honour (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) It is not the emperor who chose Mr Trump as his first state guest. It was Mr Abe, who is seen by some as using the invitation to meet Naruhito to curry favour with Mr Trump, who is threatening to impose potentially devastating tariffs on Japans auto industry, among other tensions in the relationship. After leaving the Imperial Palace, Mr Trump went to the Akasaka Palace, the Japanese state guest house with lush manicured grounds, for meetings, a working lunch and joint news conference with Mr Abe. The president also will be the guest of honour at an imperial banquet at the palace hosted by the emperor. Land acquisition is a major bottleneck for companies looking to invest in India. The difficulty of acquiring land in a reasonable period of time has tended to discourage investments in manufacturing and the development of industrial corridors and transport infrastructure in India, where land is a critical factor. The countrys multiple land laws are not well defined and have often ended up causing legal disputes and delays. According to a recent study by the New Delhi-based think tank the Center for Policy Research (CPR), there are more than 1,200 laws related to land, alongside about 150 federal laws in just eight of Indias 29 states. The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, 2013 Until 2013, land acquisition was governed by colonial-era legislation the Land Acquisition Act of 1894. The UPA government introduced the landmark Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (the Act) in 2013, to ease restrictions for projects in five critical investment areas: defense and defense production, rural infrastructure, industrial corridors, and social infrastructure projects such as Private Public Partnerships (PPPs). However, since its enactment, the state governments and investors have reported many procedural difficulties with the acquisition of land required for important national projects: The consent clause The consent clause in the Act requires approval from 80 percent of the affected families in the case of acquisition by private entities executing public purpose and 70 percent from public-private partnerships (PPPs) executing public purpose. No consent is required when a public entity is acquiring the land for a public purpose. Private entities and SC/ST All acquisitions for private purpose require companies to provide rehabilitation and resettlement to the people affected by the acquisition. In case of scheduled tribe (ST) and scheduled caste (SC) owners, the companies must provide one-third compensation for the project before the land acquisition, and the rest after the process is completed. The government can only acquire their land under exceptional circumstances and that too with the prior consent of a local body or Autonomous District Councils. Further, the development plan for the project must be launched within five years to ensure their livelihood is not affected. Compensation Compensation for the owners of the acquired land shall be four times the market value in case of rural areas and twice in case of urban areas. The law also requires companies to give one-time payment to the affected artisans, and small traders, even if they dont own any land. Social impact assessment The process for land acquisition involves an SIA survey, a preliminary notification stating the intent for acquisition, a declaration of acquisition, and compensation to be given by a certain time. Under the SIA, the government must obtain the consent of the affected artisans, laborers, sharecroppers, and tenant farmers among others, whose (sustainable) livelihood will be affected because of the given project. The social impact assessment makes the process of land acquisition slow, and more expensive. Land left unused after the acquisition In case the acquired land remains unutilized for five years after the acquisition, the Act empowers states to return the land either to the owner or to the state land bank. Given the complete process and complexity involved, many industry bodies and consultants estimate the entire process to take about 56 months to complete. State land policies The 2013 Acts lengthy process and costs have raised concerns among industrialists and businesses. Due to a lack of clarity on central land acquisition provisions, several state governments have come up with their own alternative land policies to make it easier for investors to acquire land. These are Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand. The Gujarat and Telangana government have exempt several projects from SIA and mandatory consent of landowners. These include affordable housing, industrial corridors, projects of national security, defense, rural infrastructure, and other projects under PPP. In Maharashtra, PPP projects have been fully exempted from the SIA and consent clauses. Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, on the other hand, have all reduced the notice period for public hearings under SIA from three weeks to one week. In Jharkhand, the quorum for seeking consent from the Gram Sabha has been reduced from half to one-third. Despite these state-level efforts, the legal challenges in acquiring land remain. The Supreme Court of India recently issued a notice to five state governments Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu for amending their respective land acquisition laws and diluting the provisions of the original 2013 Act. A legal trial such as this threatens to increase troubles for industries and investors already reeling under Indias complex legal procedures to acquire land, encroachments, land conflicts, and political uncertainties that cause project delays, cost over runs, and business uncertainties. The sheer number of concerns and complexity associated with Indias land laws illustrate the importance of diligence in pre-investment market entry studies for foreign investors. Trump OKs Navajo Nation disaster declaration in wake of February storms Cronkite News WASHINGTON President Donald Trump last week week approved a disaster declaration for the Navajo Nation in the wake of a February storm that dumped snow on the reservation, isolating some communities and leading to flooding. The declaration, signed Wednesday, is the first step in a process that will let the tribal government seek Federal Emergency Management Agency funding that can be used for debris removal, assistance reimbursement and hazard mitigation. Right now, what were waiting on is the official letter that will state that its approved by President Trump, said Douglas Watchman, an emergency liaison with the Navajo Department of Emergency Management. Once that document is received and signed by tribal officials, project specialists from FEMA will work with Navajo officials, reviewing documentation and costs to determine how much assistance will be available to the tribe. Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer, left, and President Jonathan Nez, right, are seen at a meeting with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Washington, D,C., on March 6, 2019. Photo: Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President The snowstorm that hit northern Arizona from February 21-24 dumped up to 2 feet of snow on parts of the Navajo Nation, making roads on much of the reservation impassable. I would say about 50 to 60 percent of that reservation was covered by that snow, which hit areas from Kayenta to Fort Defiance, Watchman said. Since most of the roads are in rural areas and are primitive, the snowstorm hampered access to those communities, he said. The snow eventually caused flooding in the affected areas , further hindering efforts by Navajo Emergency Services to deliver supplies such as food, firewood and medicine across the 27,000-square-mile reservation. In response, the tribes chapters, departments and divisions spent more than $250,000 on assistance to the community, exceeding the threshold that allows it to request reimbursement from the federal government under its hazard mitigation plan. In a May 2 letter to Trump , signed by the entire Arizona congressional delegation, lawmakers said local tribal chapters spent almost $535,000 on emergency and lifesaving actions, while the Navajo Nation spent an estimated $443,000 responding to the storm. The lawmakers urged approval of the disaster declaration , saying that the budget hit that came from the storm, coming in a particularly impoverished part of the state, puts necessary services for Navajo Nations most vulnerable citizens at risk going forward. Watchman said that if reimbursements are approved by the federal government, accounts will be created to hold that money for the next incident. Today, the Trump Administration approved a Major Disaster Declaration for the Navajo Nation, prompting the reimbursement of emergency funds related to heavy snowstorms that impacted the Navajo Nation in February. Thank you to everyone for this collaborative effort! Ahehee pic.twitter.com/145Bwmtt7b Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez (@NNPrezNez) May 22, 2019 Once the declaration is received, Watchman said, a ceremonial signing will be held with Navajo President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer, but no date for that ceremony has been announced. This story originally appeared on Cronkite News and is published via a Creative Commons license . Cronkite News is produced by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University Join the Conversation Notes from Indian Country Singing the songs of war It was one of those rare days when the sun shined in April. I was doing some work in the kitchen of our home and singing a little song that popped into my head. Chickaree chick, chala, chala, chickalaromi in a bananika, bawlika, walika cant you see, chickaree chick is me went the verse My wife was listening and she said, Youre just making that up arent you? I replied, No, Im not that musically inclined. I then told her that was one of the songs that came out during World War II. There were many songs back then with crazy lyrics and we think the kids of today have crazy music. In fact Chickaree Chick was a song that was number one on the musical charts in 1945 and it was sung by Sammy Kaye. Even the great vocalist Dinah Shore sang this song. Because the war was a world war even songs from England and France made their way to America. La Vie En Rose, by Edith Piaf, and Vera Lynns White Cliffs of Dover were two great songs. A song by the Andrew Sisters, Ill be with you in apple blossom time was imported to Europe and was a very popular song because of its sentiment. And there were songs of war and patriotism abounding back then. It has always struck me that there were no great war songs that came out of the Korean War or the war in Vietnam. But during WWII there were several. In fact I dont believe there were ever any songs related to Korea or Vietnam. We only heard the songs on Armed Forces Radio that were popular in the States at the time. Tim Giago. Photo courtesy Native Sun News Today During WWII there was a song that came out after the United States Air Force started to drop bombs on Europe and Germany in particular. The aircraft artillery took a heavy toll on the bombers and many of them were shot down over Germany and others were banged up so badly that they barely made it back to England. So out of that chaos came a song that went; Coming in on a wing and a prayer. Though theres one motor gone we can still carry on, were coming home on a wing and a prayer. Another song went, Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition, praise the Lord and pass the ammunition and well all stay free. There are still some of us old timers who vividly recall these songs of war. Great songs came out of the Civil War and the War of 1812 like Battle Hymn of the Republic, Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord. And even the Star Spangled Banner. And from World War I came patriotic songs by Irving Berlin. Like Over There; The Yanks are coming, the Yanks are coming and it wont be over til its over, over there. And Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile. And the sentimental songs of any war like Til we meet again. How many youngsters of today would know what was meant by the song, Milkman, keep those bottles quiet? Bottles? Everything today comes in plastic. It seems that the Forgotten War, Korea, and the War in Vietnam never inspired any great song writers to visualize anything of glory or patriotism in those wars and so the songs never came. Not even funny songs like Chickaree Chick, chala chala came out of those wars and so on this warm day in April I reverted to singing a song I learned from World War II. The great songs of the World Wars came about because Americans really needed the inspiration and patriotism, and so what does that tell you about Korea and Vietnam? How many patriotic songs came out of the Gulf Wars? The war in Afghanistan is now in its 18th year, the longest war in American history so surely there should have been some songs of inspiration and patriotism out of that never ending war. Not! It seems the only songs that came of Vietnam were protest songs. Out of Korea, nothing, not even protest songs. Some of you may recall a song by Barry Sadler called the Ballad of the Green Berets , but that song came out in 1966 before the mass buildup of troops in Vietnam. When he wrote that song there were only Green Berets in Vietnam training the Vietnamese soldiers and Barry was a Green Beret. And so it goes! Contact Tim Giago at najournalist1@gmail.com Join the Conversation In yet another incident of hate crime, a Muslim man was allegedly shot at after he was asked his name in Begusarai district of Bihar. The injured man is seen in a now viral video speaking about the incident. The victim, identified as Mohammed Qasim, is a detergent salesman in Kumbhi village. He identified one of his attackers as one Rajiv Yadav, who he said was drunk at the time of the incident. I was stopped by Rajiv Yadav and he asked me my name. When I told him my name, he said you should go to Pakistan and then shot me, he can be heard saying in the video. An FIR has been filed but the police have not arrested anyone so far, reported The Hindu. Screengrab from video Qasim said that Yadav, after shooting him once, was reloading the gun to shoot him again, when he pushed him and managed to escaped. He added that no one from the crowd came forward to help him because the attacker was waving gun in the air. In the video, Qasim is heard saying that he first went to the village head but was not supported by anyone. Later he went to the police, who took him to a government hospital for treatment. One more hate crime against Muslim. A Muslim Hawker shot at in Begusarai, Bihar Some guy asked his name, he said "Mohd Qasim" then perpetrator said " BC tu yaha kya kar raha hai, tujhe to Pakistan mein hona chahiye" and shot fire on him. This is Modi's Hindu Rashtra 2.0 pic.twitter.com/rpZTfQ9EvI Md Asif Khan (@imMAK02) May 26, 2019 This is the third incident of hate crime against Muslims reported in last one week. On May 22, three Muslims, including a couple were thrashed by cow vigilantes and forced to chant Jai Shree Ram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai slogans in Madhya Pradeshs Seoni district. On May 25, a Muslim youth was attacked by mob that knocked off his skull cap and demanded that he chant Jai Shree Ram. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi blamed the BJP for attacks against Muslims and not being able to control such incidents against them. He said Muslim are reduced to target practice in India. Qasim almost lost his life for literally just saying his name. But sure, I am fear mongering Where does Rajivs brazenness come from? From the top. BJPs leadership has constantly demonised us & associated us with Pakistan Were not human in their eyes, were target practice https://t.co/KLY3e1MAAJ Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) May 27, 2019 BJPs Giriraj Singh won from Begusarai constituency defeating CPI candidate and former JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar. Out of 539 newly-elected Lok Sabha Members of Parliament, close to 50 per cent have criminal charges against them. It is a staggering 20 per cent increase as compared to 2014, according to Association of Democratic Reforms. As many as 233 MPs or 43 per cent have criminal charges. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has 116 MPs or 39 per cent of its winning candidates with criminal cases, followed by 29 MPs (57 per cent) from the Congress, 13 (81 per cent) from the JDU, 10 (43 per cent) from the DMK and nine (41 per cent) from the TMC, the ADR said. Most of the MPs with criminal charges have cases of rape, murder, attempt to murder or crimes against women registered against them. BCCL In 2014, 135 MPs (34 per cent) had criminal charges against them. In 2009, 162 (nearly 30 per cent) out of the 543 Lok Sabha MPs had criminal charges and 14 per cent had serious criminal charges. Eleven winners, including five from BJP, two from BSP, and one each from Congress and YSR Congress Party, and an Independent have murder charges against them. AFP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, BJP MP elected from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh is a 2008 Malegaon Blast accused. The BJP faced acute criticism after they fielded her against Congress Digvijay Singh. Thakur also went on to praise Gandhis assassin Nathuram Godse calling him a 'patriot', and even claimed that she helped demolish Babri Masjid in 1992. Dean Kuriakose from the Congress, who won from the Idukki constituency in Kerala, has 204 criminal cases against him. In South Korea, it's been mandatory to have a fire extinguisher at home since 2017. Yet, only about 60 percent of households in the country own one. So now, these guys are making a dual purpose extinguisher than blends in with your other home decor. Images courtesy: Cheil Worldwide Enter the Samsung Firevase, which is exactly what it sounds like. It's a vase that can hold your plants, while also able to help put out home fires. It's not just a container full of water of course, because that would be dumb. It actualyl has two separate chambers. The inner one, in which your flowers sit, is filled with water. The outer one, which is enclosed between the two glass surfaces, contains potassium carbonate. When there's a fire in your home, the idea is to chuck the Firevase at it like a grenade. When it shatters, the potassium carbonate burst out, and acts as an oxygen suppressant, depriving the fire and causing it to fizzle out. The Firevase was initially launched in September last year as part of a campaign to promote the use of fire extinguishers at home. Cheil produced about 100,000 of them at the time to distribute across South Korea. Now, the company is producing another 200,000 of them. The idea is that people, even if they buy an extinguisher, end up shoving it in a corner because it's ugly and forgetting about it. In This case however, they won't mind keeping the Firevase where it can be seen, and therefore easy to get access to in case of a fire. We do feel the Firevase would've come in handy around the whole exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 episode from a few years ago. Better late than never, though, yes? Bytedance is currently one of the world's most valuable startups, and all thanks to a little short video sharing app called TikTok. Now, after experimenting with other apps as well, the Beijing-based startup has decided it wants to make a foray into hardware too. Images courtesy: Reuters According to reports, Bytedance is planning to develop its own smartphone now. Two sources told Financial Times as much, though a spokesperson declined to comment. Then again the idea is not that far-fetched, given that one way Chinese companies bump up app user numbers is by getting them pre-installed on smartphones in the country. This isn't even the first time something like this has happened. Meitu also used to be primarily an app developer, before beginning to make its own smartphones. In fact, the company recently sold its hardware arm to Xiaomi last year, which has no problem preloading apps, and also focuses on younger users with a passion for selfies. There's also urgency from Bytedance to carve out more user acquisition channels. After a few years of frantic growth, Bytedance failed to hit its revenue target for the first time last year amid slowing ad spending in China, according to a report by Bloomberg. Similarly, other Chinese tech giants like Baidu, Alibab, and Tencent, all worked on their own custom Android ROMS at different times in the past. Alibaba in fact was also responsible for a $590 investment in Meitu back in 2016, to develop an OS for their handsets. More recently, mobile games publisher Tencent has teamed up with the gaming-focused Razor smartphone. Of course, Bytedance will have their work cut out for them given the stiff competition in the budget Android market that originates in China, between the likes of Xiaomi, VIvo, Oppo, and Huawei. There's also the new US-China trade war to be worried about. Though only Huawei has been directly hit by Trump's trade regulations in the run up to a sit-down, other Chinese manufacturers have got to be wary as well. That aside though, Chinese smartphone makers do have a potentially huge market opportunity in India, and Bytedance is no different. It will still however be facing the same stiff competition as back home. Uber, in collaboration with environmental advocacy group Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, is now offering a ride-haling service to help you explore the Great Barrier Reef! Yes, you heard it right. Youll be taken to discover the exotic underwater space in a submarine that the company is calling a scUber. AFP The services are available only from May 27 to June 18, 2019. If youre going to be in Queensland, you can actually book the ride using your Uber app with each trip lasting an hour. The passengers will be taken 20 meters below sea level to discover Australias Great Barrier Reef which happens to be one of the most beautiful locations on the planet that is now getting affected by the climate change as well as pollution in the sea. AFP This ride is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to discover the undersea space but the prices are definitely on the steeper side with one person being charged $1,030 per person (Rs. 71, 674). This price, however, also includes a beautiful helicopter ride to the location of the submarine so this makes for a great deal. We hope this initiative is able to educate people regarding the environmental damage caused to the Great Barrier Reef. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Sign Our Petition to Stop Oil Drilling on Mt. Diablo and Everywhere by Sunflower Alliance Monday May 27th, 2019 10:00 AM The federal Bureau of Land Managements recently released Proposed Resource Management Plan Amendment and Final Environmental Impact Statement for Oil and Gas Leasing and Development would open up public lands to oil and gas development in eleven California countiesAlameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Stanislaus. Approximately 725,000 acres on the Central Coast and in the Bay Area would be made available for new leasing by fossil fuel companies, ruining our beautiful landscape, endangering wildlife and human communities, and hastening climate catastrophe. These lands had been off-limits since environmentalists sued in 2013. A video has gone up the internet, as a man talked about his ordeal in Benin-Lagos express Road, Ondo state. The man who was visibly angry in the video explained the bus he boarded was Robbed by Fulani Herdsmen, he called out the Nigerian Police for not putting necessary apparatus in place which makes the people vulnerable to insecurities and robbery. He continued his video as some Policemen came to the scene to salvage the situation but the agitated people who have been bereaved of their properties were at loggerheads causing a little stir up We are yet to get information from the commission of Police in the state. WATCH VIDEO BELOW https://twitter.com/thebanjidriggz/status/1132959749866237953 ALSO READ: Instagram Blogger, Okoro Blessing Admits she lied about The House She Posted On Instagram As Her Own Adediwura Latifat Bello, the young lady who was declared missing about 10 days ago, has reportedly been found dead in a canal. According to the news making the rounds, she was found in an open manhole after a frantic search in the early hours of today. The report pointed out that she and a bike man were reportedly found in the manhole which was not visible as a result of the storm which accompanied the rain that fell on the day of the accident. Consequently, a lot of Nigerians have accused the government of negligence of not covering the manhole that led to the unfortunate incident. Nigerian female Disc Jockey, DJ Cuppy real name Florence Otedola has slammed a fan, who criticised her for using an iPhone even though she an ambassador of Samsung. The DJ had a shared a photo via Twitter of herself working out at the gym with an iPhone The fan who quickly spotted it called the attention of the DJ to it. Her response was that of savagery missed with sarcasm. How she replied https://twitter.com/cuppymusic/status/1132939164935229440?s=19 A Nigerian man, Ibrahim Abubakar, who was wrongly detained in Saudi Arabia for alleged drug trafficking, says he will never forgive those who planted hard drugs inside his luggage. Abubakar was arrested and detained on December 26 alongside Nigerian student Zainab Aliyu (22) by the authorities in Saudi Arabia. Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust, Abubakar said a man named Abdulkadir was the one who landed him in the trouble that could have ended his life. Abubakar who was released after he had spent four months in prison in Saudi said when he and other passengers arrived Jedda, went through security check successfully and were received by someone who took them to Medina. He said at Medina, they were received by someone else who took them in as guests but things went sour when some persons came looking for him in the night and arrested thereafter. At the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, one Alhaji Haruna, who was my guide, took me to a man called Abdulkadir, who was holding my passport. That was the first time I met him. I had a Ghana-must-go bag with three pairs of clothes and a copy of the Quran, he said. I suspect that Abdulkadir was the architect of what befell me. Only God can exonerate him. I hold that belief because he was the one that handled my travel documents and all the processes. Zainab Aliyu and her family members were also on board, but I didnt know them at that time. At Madina, another person received us, saying we were his guests. Later in the night, I heard somebody knocking at the door. When I opened the door, I saw that person who hosted us, together with some people wearing Jallabiya. They asked whether I was Ibrahim Abubakar and I said yes. Our host asked me to give them my passport and I told him that it was in my bag under the bed. As I turned back towards the bed, they arrested me and handcuffed me. We were taken to court a number of times and there was an interpreter who explained whatever they said there. He told me that 1,000 tabs of hard drugs were seen in a bag with my tag. I told him that it wasnt mine and I didnt know how it happened. I dont know who really did it, but I will never forgive him. Abubakar said while he in prison, he could do was to pray constantly. I was not able to eat to my satisfaction in prison, not because there was not enough food but because I was not used to their kind of food. I was the only Nigerian amongst them. Others were Saudis, Pakistanis, Yemenis, Bengalis and other nationals. They could all speak Arabic. I was the only one who couldnt understand the language and none of them understood Hausa. So there was a language barrier between us. He revealed that it was Zainab who told her father about him so that he could add him to effort being made to secure the release of his daughter. He also revealed that unlike Zainab who was received by the Nigerian embassy, he was released without any form of guidance, didnt know his way around the beclanguagehe language barrier. He revealed that after moving for a while with a Senegalese man who was also released from prison at the same time, he met some Nigerians at Khartina, who took care of him. The embassy later heard of him and sent a vehicle to pick him And that was how he came home. A new report has revealed that some suspected kidnappers stormed a Redeemed Christian Church of God in Edo state yesterday Sunday, May 26th, in hopes of abducting the pastor. According to reports, the kidnappers according to a witness had earlier snatched a Toyota Camry car from its owner but abandoned it behind Church of God Mission International (CGMi), in the area. After this, they proceeded to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and dispossessed worshippers of their valuables, abducted the pastor and drove away in his Nissan Xterra SUV with registration Number, LAGOS: EKY 353 CA. The three-man gang, however, ran out of luck after the students, the vigilante men and some of the worshippers pursued them and barricaded their vehicle. They then proceeded to rescue the pastor then nabbed the kidnappers who were immediately handed over to men of the Okhoro Divisional Police station. Two double barrel-cut-to size guns, a Camry car and the Nissan SUV belonging to the RCCG Pastor, were recovered from the kidnappers. The outgoing governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha has to be the king of no chill as he was heard in a recent video throwing major jabs at some members of his political family. The governor who was speaking recently during a meeting with other governors was heard advising the chairman of the forum to disassociate his himself from the likes of Adams Oshiohmole(National chairman of the All Progressives Congress) and Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna state. Governor el-Rufais reaction as soon as the outgoing governor mentioned his name are beyond explanation One could see that the comment did more than throw him off balance. Watch the video as shared by @romeocza, a Twitter user. https://twitter.com/romeocza/status/1132734458128420864?s=19 The Kano state prison command has nabbed a young lady identified as Rifkatu Anthony as she attempted to smuggle 39 wraps of Indian Hemp into prison. The young lady was nabbed by the Intelligence Unit of the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) attached to the Kano Central Prison. According to reports, she hid the Indian hemp in harmless packs with hopes of being able to deliver them to inmates in the prison. Upon being interrogated the woman feigned ignorance of the Illicit substance in her possession, she claimed the items were given to her by one ThankGod to deliver to the prison inmates. She has since been arrested. Not so long ago (2013), VMware dismissed containers as a trifle, even as the industry went gaga over their potential to up-end the virtualization market. By 2014, VMware started to embrace containers, announcing partnerships with Docker and Google, the latter to improve Kubernetes compatibility with VMwares software. Even then, however, VMware was more interested in finding ways to defend itself from the rising container tide, rather than helping navigate it. No more. As seen in CNCF contributor data for the Kubernetes open source project, VMware is increasingly keen on steering the Kubernetes ship. Once a relative rounding error in terms of Kubernetes contributions compared to Google and IBMs subsidiary Red Hat, today VMware is nearly equal with Red Hats contributions, giving it the potential to better support (and sell) a Kubernetes future. Code is currencyand influence In open source, being the source of the code is critical, given the difficulty of charging for source code. A large bank, for example, will have scads of developers on staff, allowing the bank to keep up with a fast-moving project like Kubernetes. What the bank lacks, however, is influence with the project. Such influence comes with code. Although Thomas Dinsmore is absolutely correct that code doesnt necessarily mean influence, its also true that not contributing code to an open source project definitely means no influence. So, if that bank plans to pay for Kubernetes support, its going to direct its money to a vendor that not only has smart engineers on staff who can track the projects progress, but that can also get pull requests accepted (to expedite bug fixes, for example). Not surprisingly, Google and Red Hat have been the biggest contributors to Kubernetes, and have derived the most revenue from it (OpenShift, in the case of Red Hat). This brings us to VMware. VMware increases its code contributions Kubernetes was born within Google and open sourced by it, so its not surprising that Google has dominated the projects development for so long. During the lifetime of the project, Google has accounted for 38.5 percent of all contributions. What is surprising, however, is that Red Hat has managed to do as much as it has, accounting for 17 percent of all contributions since the projects inception. Once Red Hat fixed its OpenShift cloud strategy on Kubernetes, it dramatically ramped up its involvement in the container orchestration leader, giving it influence to guide Kubernetes development. VMware, at merely 2.7 percent of Kubernetes contributions, appeared for a long time to be engaged just enough to be able to tell its virtualization customers: Oh, you want Kubernetes? Sure, we know all about it. Except that VMware didnt. Like Red Hat, VMware has seen its customer base start to bet big on Kubernetes, and it determined it had to do something. The company first bought Heptio, which had two of the original Kubernetes creators in its management team. Just this month VMware dug into its wallet to buy Bitnami, further strengthening its Kubernetes story. But this isnt yet about cash. Its about code. In that area, VMware is showing up really, really well. During the past year Google was responsible for 28 percent of all Kubernetes contributions; Red Hat made 11 percent, and VMware: 7 percent. Not too shabby. If we look at this past quarter, however, we see a serious challenge from VMware to become a big-three Kubernetes vendor. Google remains in the lead, though that lead is dwindling (which, incidentally, is a sign of impressive community stewardship by Google, not a weakness). In the past quarter, Google delivered 26 percent of all Kubernetes contributions, Red Hat: 9 percent, VMware: also 9 percent. Thats right. In the past quarter VMwares Kubernetes contributions rivaled Red Hats. All of this is great for the Kubernetes community and for downstream customers. Its also really good for VMware, as it positions the virtualization giant to play a significant role in shaping a container-filled future. Before VMware talked a good game, but now its putting its code where its mouth is. Cork will host a major conference on cybersecurity in September with the burgeoning cybercrime industrys exponential growth expected to exceed 4.5 trillion in two years. Cork firm Smarttech247 is behind FutureSec, which will take place at Cork Opera House on September 24 with speakers from the FBI, An Garda Siochana, Data Protection Commission, Laya Healthcare, FBD Insurance, Vectra, and others. Smarttech247 chief executive Ronan Murphy said FutureSec would allow customers and partners to share experiences and challenges, and learn about what they can do every day to better protect their critical data and systems. The cybersecurity sector in Ireland is growing at a rapid pace and Cork has undoubtedly become a globally recognised cybersecurity hub, said Mr Murphy. Under the theme Future of Cybersecurity, more than 400 industry professionals and business leaders from various industries, including financial services, telecommunications, and the healthcare sector, will be attending the event. Community is a key component to the success of our cybersecurity industry and we strive to deliver that through FutureSec, said Raluca Saceanu, Smarttech247s director of strategy and marketing. We are bringing together industry elite for a day of knowledge sharing, collaboration and the exchange of innovative ideas. Smarttech247 said research shows a 67% increase in security breaches in the last five years alone, with cost of cybercrime reaching $5.2trn (4.5trn) by 2021. The firm said the statistics are alarming, and that the FutureSec conference would discuss todays threats and reduce the risks faced by private and public organisations. The event will include a broad spectrum of sessions and discussions on topics such as artificial intelligence, cloud security, automation, data protection, national security and disruptive technologies, Smarttech247 said. The event is supported by Vectra, Getvisibility, it@Cork, Skillnet, Smarttech247, and the Irish Examiner. Tickets can be purchased on futuresec.ie Ian Bailey is unlikely to be extradited to France even if he is found guilty of the voluntary homicide of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Legal sources have confirmed a 2012 Supreme Court ruling refusing a European arrest warrant for Mr Bailey would be a major legal impediment to any further attempt to have him extradited, even if he was convicted of the killing. Its difficult to see how the French would succeed without a change in Irish legislation, one legal source told the Irish Examiner. There are different judges on the court than there were in 2012 but its very rare that a Supreme Court would go against an earlier ruling by the same court. "So irrespective of any verdict, its unlikely Mr Bailey would be extradited. One aspect of the law on which the 2012 ruling was based has changed. Among the grounds for refusing Mr Baileys extradition was that it would involve surrendering a citizen of a third country Mr Bailey is a native of the UK to another European state. Since then, the Government here has changed that law to include Irish residents. Sophie Toscan du Plantier That alone is not seen as crucial in challenging the Supreme Courts ruling. The trial of Mr Bailey for the voluntary homicide of Ms Toscan du Plantier in West Cork in 1996 is due to begin this afternoon in Court dAssises in Paris. Mr Bailey will not be in attendance but the trial will still go ahead following a near decade-long investigation by a succession of French magistrates. A spokesperson for the French courts has confirmed a verdict will be delivered on Friday. Since the original murder investigation, the DPP has examined the Garda file on Mr Bailey at least four times and on each occasion ruled he did not have a case to answer. The evidence at the trial opening today in Paris is expected to differ little from that assembled by the gardai in the original investigation. Mr Baileys solicitor Frank Buttimer has stated that he believes the court will find his client, who has always protested his innocence, guilty this week. But he labelled the Paris trial as a show trial. Summons have been to over a dozen witnesses based in Ireland but it is understood to be unlikely that any of them will travel for the trial. Prosecutors have been given a date in December to argue that the five-year jail term given to Kerry farmer Michael Ferris, who drove the prongs of a teleporter into his neighbour after a decades-long row about a noisy bird-scarer, was unduly lenient. Dairy farmer Michael Ferris (aged 64) of Rattoo, Ballyduff, Co Kerry, had denied murdering his neighbour Anthony OMahony (aged 73) over the use of a crow-banger for scaring birds at Rattoo on the morning of April 4, 2017. The two-week trial was told that the noise from the crow-banger would wake the dead. The Central Criminal Court heard evidence that tillage farmer O'Mahony suffered "catastrophic injuries" after he was repeatedly stabbed with the prongs of the teleporter while he sat in his car. A jury sitting in Tralee found Ferris not guilty of murder but guilty of Mr OMahonys manslaughter by a majority verdict of 10 to two. Sentencing Ferris to six years imprisonment with the final year suspended, Ms Justice Carmel Stewart said Ferris had inflicted "horrific and horrendous" injuries on the deceased which defied belief and imagination. The only consolation for the O'Mahony family was that his death would have been instantaneous in what was a truly gruesome and horrific attack, Ms Justice Stewart said. She backdated Ferris sentence to April 4, 2017, when he first went into custody. The Director of Public Prosecutions is seeking a review of Ferris sentence on grounds it was unduly lenient. President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham fixed December 2 next as the date for the hearing. He also listed the DPPs appeal for hearing in Cork. Brendan Grehan SC, defending bachelor farmer Ferris, told the Central Criminal Court that his client wished to express remorse and sorrow for his actions that day as well as for the death of Mr OMahony. Michael Ferris. The defence had argued that there had been cumulative provocation because of the behaviour of the deceased. In his closing speech to the jury of seven men and five women, Mr Grehan said he made no apology for speaking ill of the dead, which was not a normal thing to do but the community in Rattoo was being "oppressed" by Mr OMahony and living in fear of a "totally unreasonable person". After the sentence hearing, Mr OMahoneys niece, Ann O'Carroll, spoke outside court. "Our family strongly believe that justice was not served in this case. The just outcome would have been a conviction for murder given that the crime was clearly deliberate and premeditated as outlined during the trial," she said. "The trial was a deeply distressing and painful ordeal for our family." "Our brother, uncle and friend was taken from us in the most brutal and violent way possible. This pain was made worse by the blackening of Anthony's good name and character during the trial when he was not there to defend himself. "And now our pain has been exacerbated by the lenient sentence imposed today, Ms OCarroll said. The country has been placed on red alert for an early general election this year, with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar insisting he cant rule it out. As local and European count results continued to pour in last night, Mr Varadkar said he could not guarantee beyond a few days or weeks that an election would not be called given the fragility of the Governments position in Dail Eireann. Mr Varadkar was speaking as Fine Gael was set to lose out on being the largest party in local government to Fianna Fail for the second time in a row. Although Friday nights RTE/TG4 exit poll had the parties neck-and-neck on 23%, first count results nationally put Micheal Martins party in pole position on 27% compared to Fine Gaels 25%. The predicted green wave appeared to be overstated in the exit poll by several percentage points, with the partys Dublin MEP candidate Ciaran Cuffe falling well short of the 23% predicted. He failed to be elected on the first count as had been expected. The fate of the partys two other MEP candidates Saoirse McHugh and Grace OSullivan will become clear today, but Ms McHugh is appearing less likely to take a seat. However, with at least three by-elections likely by the end of November due to TDs taking seats in Europe, Mr Varadkar said he will only stay in office if he can do the job. This is all about ensuring we have a functioning Government. So as long as the Government can function and function well and get our job done and get our agenda through, then there is no need for an election. But if that becomes a problem, then obviously that changes things, he said. Asked if he was definitively ruling out an early general election, Mr Varadkar added: I cant rule it out. First of all, it is not necessarily my decision. Others could pull the plug on the Government. "If I am the one to seek a dissolution, I have to bear in mind other factors. Not ruling [it out] but not a prospect in the next couple of days or weeks. Mr Varadkar said that in the context of the current Dail and a minority Government, where we only have a quarter of the seats, that is just the reality of this. Of course, anyone in Government would prefer to be in with a stable majority, but that is the way it is, he said. He added: If this was about maximising the prospect for my party Fine Gael, we would have gone to the country a year ago in the aftermath of the referendum when we were on 35% in the polls. "I have never put the party first when it comes to these issues: Putting the country first, there are issues that we need to deal with, he added. Brexit, getting the broadband contract through, putting together a budget and of course, there are by-elections. All those four factors and others are at play but I dont intend to be calling into Aras an Uachtarain in the next couple of days, Mr Varadkar said. In Cork, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said he was amused at general election speculation. Reacting to the Taoiseachs comments, Mr Martin said: Im amused at all this talk of a general election. My position is consistent; its the position I set out before Christmas. I have never looked at local elections as a catalyst for a general election and I dont look at the Europeans as a catalyst for a general election; I take it one step at a time. He added that Fianna Fail is prepared to work constructively towards a budget, and the party had extended the confidence and supply agreement to take account of this. We will see the outcome of those by-elections. They may not materially affect the situation in the Dail it depends on who wins the seats and we dont know who is going to win seats in European. Lets take it one step at a time, I think people love exciting news, he said. In the RDS, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald expressed disappointment at her partys poor showing at local government level. The partys support collapsed in some urban areas and by more than 5% nationally. Commenting on the possibility of an early general election, Ms McDonald said: Whenever there is an election, we will fight the election and we will fight it on a platform of social progress and Irish unity. None of the 13 MEP seats were filled last night. As of 10pm at local council level: Fianna Fail led the way with 209 seats, Fine Gael had 183, Sinn Fein 59, Green Party 43, Labour 42, Social Democrats 11, Solidarity/People Before Profit 9 and Independents and others 155. Across Europe, the main conservative group in the European Parliament will remain the largest bloc after the elections, but has lost considerable ground, according to an EU Parliament exit poll. The centre-right EPP group is likely to have the most seats in the assembly with 173, down from its current number of 216. The centre-left Socialists and Democrats are projected to win 147 seats, down from 185, and as a result, the two mainstream parties between them will no longer have a majority in the parliament. Ciaran Cuffes was on the verge of a landmark win for the Green Party in the European elections in Dublin last night after topping the poll on the first count. While he did not make the quota, contrary to the expectations of a Red C exit poll which had predicted the councillor would top the poll with 23% of the vote, he nonetheless performed strongly with 63,849 first preference votes. Also doing well among the first preference figures announced last night were: Frances Fitzgerald (FG) 59,067 Barry Andrews (FF) 51,420 Clare Daly (Independents4Change) 42,305; Sitting MEP Lynn Boylan (SF) 39,387 Gary Gannon (Social Democrats) 20,331 Alex White (Labour) 18,293). Meanwhile, former SDLP leader Mark Durkan secured 16,473 votes on a Fine Gael ticket, while Alice-Mary Higgins, daughter of President Michael D Higgins, took 10,846 votes. Parties were told last night before an official count, that there was no surplus after the first count and that none of the 19 candidates on the ballot paper for the four-seater had reached the quota. While there is a margin of error of four percentage points in the Red C poll for the European elections, other developments have raised questions about it. The divorce referendum passed by 82% after the exit poll had predicted it would get 87% of support. Support for the Greens in the local elections in Dublin was also overestimated in the poll. Nonetheless, Mr Cuffe was remaining calm and declined to answer questions about whether, if in government, the Greens would enter a coalition with Fianna Fail or Fine Gael. Asked about fellow MEP hopeful Saoirse McHughs pledge not to enter government with either of the two parties, Mr Cuffe would only say: I think she spoke from the heart and I admire that. These are all hypothetical questions. Lets see how things go today and then we can have a look at these issues. Pressed on whether he would support a coalition, he walked away from reporters without answering. Ms Fitzgerald said there had been changes in voting patterns, especially with some of her voters giving Mr Andrews second or third votes. She said: It seems that in European elections the transfers go across the whole wide variety of candidates. It does seem as if the left havent done well in these elections and maybe people are voting more centrist. I think that would be a reflection of that if that is the case. Climate change is very much on the agenda and I think people wanted to give a message about climate change and thats very clear. The former minister said she also did not expect there would be a snap general election called in the coming weeks or months. This was despite party leader and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar earlier refusing to rule out the need to go to the country if the Dail arithmetic changes and TDs need to be replaced if and when they are elected to Europe. Former SDLP leader Mark Durkan conceded that he was unlikely to win an MEP seat in Dublin. The Fine Gael candidate was at 5% in the Red C poll. At the RDS in Dublin, he said: I dont regret running, Ive enjoyed the conversations with people across Dublin, Ive enjoyed it as an experience. Ive enjoyed listening to the arguments and the ideas of other candidates as well. I have huge respect for a range of other candidates. There is a lot of speculation now about where votes from eliminated candidates will go when they are distributed. Parties were briefed last night that at least the lowest five candidates would be eliminated. Others who are in contention for a seat include Independents4Changes Clare Daly. She is expected to do well on transfers and receive votes across party lines on the ballot papers. Sinn Feins Lynn Boylan is in a fight for the final seat, according to Red C. She may not be as transfer-friendly, but she could pick up votes when other left-wing candidates are eliminated early on in the official count. It is expected that the Dublin constituency count will finish today. Five European election candidates are bracing themselves for a major battle for what looks like just three remaining seats in Midlands North West with the election count expected to drag on into the middle of this week. Veteran Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness is set to cruise home when the Midlands North West first count takes place at 1pm today, with unofficial tallies suggesting she will have a 150,000-plus first preference votes one of the highest votes in the country. Tallies are also predicting up to 40% of her second preference votes will transfer to ex-Rose of Tralee and Fine Gael running mate Maria Walsh, helping to give her a realistic chance of getting over the line early at a likely second count late on Monday night. However, with the same tallies claiming 12% of Ms McGuinnesss surplus could also go to sitting Independent MEP Luke Ming Flanagan, it is unclear if she will have enough of a lead to reach Brussels. And with Sinn Feins Matt Carthy admitting his own information is that he will poll lower than predicted, a five-way battle for the three remaining seats is on the cards, with Greens success story Saoirse McHugh and Independent Peter Casey also in the mix. The Midlands North West European election constituency gained nationwide attention on Friday night when the RTE/ TG4-Red C exit poll said Green candidate Ms McHugh had surged forward to be a genuine contender in the race. The unofficial poll placed: Mairead McGuinness, Fine Gael, on 23% Matt Carthy, Sinn Fein, 15% Saoirse McHugh, Greens, 12% Luke Ming Flanagan, Independent, 10% Maria Walsh, Fine Gael, 10% Peter Casey, Independent, 7% Brendan Smith, Fianna Fail, 6% Anne Rabbitte, Fianna Fail, 3% Dominic Hannigan, Labour, 3% The exit poll is expected to be accurate for Fianna Fail, which will embarrassingly limp home in a constituency where it has not had an MEP for a decade. However, while sources said Ms McGuinness is certain to reach the quota on the first count, with an expected 150,000-plus first-preference vote, the exit poll results have since been called into question. Mr Carthy said he is likely to be on 2% to 3% less first-preference votes than the exit poll has suggested when the first count is revealed at lunchtime today. I entered the race expecting to be in the running for one of last two seats. Its just based on anecdotal evidence Ive seen so far, but I think Ill be on 2% less than the exit poll. Ill be in a dog fight for the final two, he said. Ms Walsh was more upbeat as she arrived at the TF Hotel count centre in Castlebar, Co Mayo, telling reporters she believes Ms McGuinnesss transfers will help her campaign significantly. Noting Mayos narrow All-Ireland loss to Roscommon at the weekend, she said: It was by a point. So Id never want to see the same thing happen to myself. Mr Flanagan was thought to be polling better than Mr Casey in parts of Co Donegal, a situation, coupled with up to 12% of transfers from Ms McGuinness, could see him retain his seat. It was unclear last night if the same outcome will occur for Ms McHugh, while rumours persist of a shy Peter Casey vote that could see him remain in contention for the final place. At the count centre, Ms McGuinness said while nothing can be taken for granted, getting in on the first count, its a good relief I have to say and I am relieved. "Its a bit surreal as well until you hear it. Ive been listening to the commentary coming down in the car, so I have to digest it all. In a reference to Mr Casey and others, she said she would welcome a vote for people who are not divisive. I believe passionately that bringing people together is never as important as it is today, but equally dividing people has never been as easy. "Look across the water at what is happening. Look at this campaign where some tried and failed. And thank god Ireland is more open and aware, were bigger than that. Meanwhile, Fianna Fail deputy leader Dara Calleary has said his party needs to reflect on its poor Midlands North West performance and how we proceed. Ms McGuinness said Fine Gael TD Maria Baileys legal action over a fall from a swing affected the partys campaign, and that she is glad she dropped the case. The Green Partys European candidate in Ireland South has hit out at other political parties for attempting to bluff their way through environmental issues during the local and European campaign. Senator Grace OSullivan said that the general public saw through the cynical tactics and instead backed the Green Party in a call for urgent action on climate matters. She accused Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and other parties of electioneering by voting to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency in recent weeks, and said that the public wont be won over by empty promises but instead wants urgent action to arrest the slide. She said the Greens are the party of change and that the public has recognised this at the polls. The Green surge has become the story of the local and European elections, with the party primed for its best ever results. As well as reclaiming seats on councils nationwide, it could claim as many as three seats in Europe. Ms OSullivan is expected to be elected in Ireland South but is likely to face a lengthy wait before it is confirmed. Some 200 counters are still working in Nemo Rangers GAA Club to get through the ballot papers from 12 counties, with the length of the paper, which is more than 2ft long, causing the process to run slowly. Some 7.5 tonnes of paper have been sifted through, with many at the count centre predicting that the process of transfers and eliminations could take several days. In the exit poll released after the polls closed on Friday night, Ms OSullivan was on 12% which should give her enough to secure a seat. It put her fourth, behind Sean Kelly, Liadh Ni Riada, and Billy Kelleher. However, she was refusing to take anything for granted. Im one of the new wave of Greens. I came into the party just five years ago, she said. We have worked extremely hard with small resources but, because of the hard work, we are seeing the results. Moreover, the message of climate change and biodiversity decline is really resonating among people, old and young. People see that the Greens are the party who have talked about these issues and we are seeing the return. I am hoping that the surge that we are seeing around the country will bring me home but it is still early days. Im hoping that I am lucky enough to be elected. As the extent of the green surge became clear over the weekend, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, and Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald have all publicly congratulated the party for its performance. The Taoiseach said that the significant vote signalled the need to escalate plans to implement new climate change policies. He said that the public has sent a message to accelerate progress in the area. Ms OSullivan said that the Green Partys performance in the local and European elections is evidence of the appetite for change. I would say the writing is on the wall, she said. The Taoiseach is recognising that there will have to be significant action. He is obviously looking to the next government to see where he can get support. He is a very experienced politician so he knows where he has to go and forge alliances. The Greens would be a party that would be seen to work with the Government on the issues that we believe will be important into the future. He is trying to prepare for the future. Ms OSullivan said that the other parties have been trailing behind when it comes to climate action and that the public saw through recent promises as electioneering. She was particularly critical of the declaration of a climate emergency by the Dail in recent weeks. When the Taoiseach said that the climate emergency declaration was symbolic, I think people really reacted. It wasnt good enough; that wasnt the language they wanted to hear. Its not symbolic, it means the red flag is raised, it is all hands on deck, she said. The green wave, the swell, the surge; the Government have to hear the message. They cannot bluff anymore, Leo Varadkar cannot greenwash anymore. The public will be holding him to account. The evidence is there and now we want the plan. I think they were electioneering, they were looking for votes. She added that there are no excuses for the Government not to take action immediately on the back of the results. I dont like using the word greenwashing but there was a lot of greenwashing going on and it upset me. There was a lot of people talking about things they didnt understand just to get votes, and voters saw through it, she said. The Government has the evidence from the Citizens Assembly and the Joint Oireachtas Committee. We have had experts from Ireland and Europe advising us on what we should be doing so it is timely that they come forward with something really serious. Update: Fine Gael's Frances Fitzgerald has been elected to the European Parliament after the 14th count for the Dublin constituency. The former Government minister got 78,580 votes. Fine Gael TD Frances Fitzgerald elected in Dublin on 14th count #iestaff #EE19 pic.twitter.com/moj15iGZko Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) May 27, 2019 Independents4Change candidate Clare Daly (55,752 votes), Sinn Fein's Lynn Boylan (46,704 votes) and Fianna Fail's Barry Andrews (59,619 votes) are vying for the last two seats. Gary Gannon of the Social Democrats has been excluded and his 29,720 votes will be redistributed. Speaking after she was elected on the 14th count, Ms Fitzgerald said: I am absolutely delighted. Its a great vote. I think its very encouraging in the sense that it is support for the partys approach to Europe and how we have dealt with the Brexit issue over the last number of years. I wanted to run for Europe because its a critical time for Ireland, (there are) huge changes with the UK pulling out. Its very challenging for Ireland and a lot of key decisions are going to be taken in the European Parliament. Earlier: Green Party's Ciaran Cuffe elected as MEP The Green Party's Ciaran Cuffe has been elected in the Dublin constituency after the 13th count. He was elected on 73,028 votes, with Fine Gaels Frances Fitzgerald not far behind with 72,446 votes. The Former government minister is just 344 votes short of the quota. Fianna Fail's Barry Andrews is third with 56,110 votes while Clare Daly of Independents 4 Change is next on 52,930 votes. Lynn Boylan is fifth for Sinn Fein on 45,552 votes ahead of Gary Gannon of the Social Democrats who stands on 25,915 votes. The Labour Party's Alex White has been excluded ahead of the next count, so his 22,205 votes will be redistributed. There are three remaining seats to be filled. Greens Ciaran Cuffe elected in Dublin on 73,028 votes #iestaff #EE19 There has been a generational change he says. pic.twitter.com/1NP5L8FOyG Juno McEnroe (@Junomaco) May 27, 2019 Speaking after he was elected on the 13th count, Mr Cuffe said: Today and this weekend shows young people want to see change. They have spoken to their parents and grandparents and the people have voted for an alternative to business as usual. I am really heartened by the result this evening but I am so heartened by the (election of) 48 Green Party councillors around the country. This is an auspicious day and a new beginning for the Irish Green Party. Ireland South candidate Mick Wallace insists that the nerves aren't getting to him despite facing a tough fight to secure a seat in Europe. The Independents 4 Change candidate is in with a chance of securing a seat in the constituency but he is likely to face stiff competition from Fianna Fail's Malcolm Byrne and sitting MEP Deirdre Clune for the fifth seat. However, with the count in Ireland South likely to take several days before it finishes, it could be several days before Wallace's fate is determined. The RTE exit poll released after the voting finished on Friday had Mr Wallace at 10%, just 1% ahead of Mr Byrne. "It is going to be very close," Mr Wallace said. I heard that Fianna Fail are doing better than the exit poll showed and that would be problematic because Malcolm Byrne is a competitor for the fifth seat. If he does better, it is more difficult for me. "But, I don't do nerves - pressure is for car tyres. Whatever the result is, I've put myself up there and the people will make that call. I accept whatever come my ay. If I'm not elected, I'm not elected. If I am, I am and I'll make the best of it either way." Even if he doesn't make the cut, Mr Wallace said that he has no regrets about running for the seat. "I spent nearly a month going around. I spread myself evenly across the 12 counties. I was amazed at the reception I got but that doesn't turn into votes," he said. Green leader Eamon Ryan has called for a series of rainbow alliances with other parties following his partys historic election wins. The party is on course to win almost 50 seats and could also elect one MEP in each of the three European constituencies. The so-called Green wave of support, where candidates topped polls across wards, has also prompted questions about if the Greens would enter government and with whom. MEP hopeful Saoirse McHugh in Midlands-North West set immediate red lines by insisting she would never enter government with either Fine Gael or Fianna Fail. The 28-year-old, who would be the youngest MEP if elected to Europe, said she would quit the Greens if they entered a coalition with either. Ms McHugh, who is from Achill, Mayo, told Newstalk: I think incrementalism in terms of climate action is done at the cost of support for more radical measures - and I just dont trust that Fianna Fail or Fine Gael will implement a big, radical system change. This later prompted Mr Ryan to say this was her personal opinion. Mr Ryan says the party will work with any other group that implements their policies. He also went further, calling for a series of pacts in local government. He said he anticipates a rainbow coalition with a range of different parties in local government, particularly on public transport issues. Mr Ryan also said the governments current National Development Plan was not fit for purpose. The party looks set to win multiples of its 12-seat tally five years ago, securing huge first preference votes across areas. There was a double win for couple Hazel Chu and Patrick Costello, who won seats in the Pembroke and Kimmage-Rathmines constituencies of south Dublin. Ms Chu, the first Irish-Chinese councillor ever elected, was a first-time candidate and won over 30% of the vote. Overall, the Greens by yesterday evening had secured 40 seats and were in the race potentially for another eight. Wins included five candidates topping polls in Dublin City. Elsewhere, the party made breakthroughs, winning two seats in Limerick City, one in North Clare, two in Galway, two in Cork City and one in Waterford. The party was also still in contention possibly for another two seats in Westmeath and Cork city last night. But the big win for the Greens would be if it elects all three of its candidates to Europe, as predicted by an RTE exit poll this week. With former minister Ciaran Cuffe set to top the poll in the constituency of Dublin, there are also hopes that Greenpeace activist and Senator Grace OSullivan may get one a seat in the five-seater Ireland South while a win for Ms McHugh in Midlands-North West would be a major breakthrough for the Greens, particularly in the vast rural constituency which stretches from Donegal to Louth. Mr Ryan said that, with the strong local election vote, the party could put itself in a position for general election wins, where it would hope to triple its Dail seats from two to six. The surge in Green support has also ramped up the pressure on the government to publish its climate change strategy. Cardiac-care campaigner Matt Shanahan has topped the poll in Waterford City, sailing past the quota in his electoral area, while two Green Party candidates are well positioned to take up seats on the local authority. Mr Shanahan, a first-time Independent candidate, racked up 20.3% of the first preference votes in the Waterford City East district, where Jody Power could snatch the Green Partys first ever seat in the county. He is likely to be beaten to the punch however by Marc OCathasaigh in the Tramore-Waterford City West ward, who received 14.3% of the number ones, one shy of the quota, in his party colleague and European Election candidate Grace OSullivans home district. Labour, which held a solitary seat on the 32-person council, looks to have bounced back with Ger Barron and Seamus Ryan increasing their share of the vote and in with a shout of joining newbie Thomas Phelan in Dungarvan and sitting councillor John Pratt, who comfortably topped the poll in Lismore with 31.5% of the votes. Both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have held their own in terms of seats across the county. FG has been particularly strong in rural areas of the county, with Seanie Power (21%) and Damien Geoghegan (20%) topping the polls in their wards. Sinn Fein looked set to potentially see its representation on the local authority reduced by 50% from six to three. One positive was the strong vote for John Hearne in Waterford City South, elected on the first count. The Lismore Ward was the first to be completed, with John Pratt and FFs James Tobin both surpassing the quota on the first count, closely followed by FGs Declan Doocey, with the trio returning resoundingly over the Greens Lynne Glasscoe and SFs Louise Brierley. Photo: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie Tipperary All five of Independent TD Michael Lowrys political group have been elected to Tipperary County Council. The former minister and FG members son Micheal topped the poll in the Thurles electoral area while John Rocky McGrath, who lost his council seat in 2014, was returned for the Newport LEA. Team Lowry also saw Michael OMeara retain his seat in Nenagh, as did Eddie Moran in the Roscrea- Templemore electoral area. Newcomer Shane Lee also took a seat for the group in Roscrea-Templemore. The other big winner in Tipperary was FG, which increased its seat share from 10 to 12 and first preferences from 26 to 27%. FF also boosted its first preferences by over 2% but ended up losing seats, including that of outgoing council chairman Mattie Ryan Coole who lost in Newport to party colleague John Carroll. It was a bad election for SF, whose Carrick-on-Suir outgoing councillor David Dunne was its only representative in Tipperary to increase his vote share. Catherine Carey ended up in a battle for the last of six seats in Clonmel and lost to Niall Dennehy while in Cashel-Tipperary, the partys two candidates Cllr Martin Browne and Tony Black were neck and neck throughout the weekend before Black took the penultimate seat, with Independent Annemarie Ryan of the MarchforTipp protest group also successful. SF failed to make an impact in any of the other five electoral areas. Clare FF has increased its seats on the 28-seat Clare County Council after increasing its share of first preference vote by 3% to 39%. Yesterday, veteran councillor Pat McMahon (FF) secured one of the last remaining seats in the Shannon electoral area to give the party 13 seats an increase of one on the outgoing council. Cllr Cathal Crowe, the partys poll topper with 2,575 first-preference votes, said the 13 seats was a fabulous result bearing in mind that we had three high-profile councillors who retired coming into this election. With no party having an overall majority, power-sharing at the council is set to continue. Fine Gaels share of the vote remains at 32%, the same as 2014. Its seat share remained at eight. Tension was high last night at the count centre after a full recount was called by new FG candidate, Garreth McPhillips after a recheck of ballots found that Mr Phillips and Cllr Gerry Flynn (Ind) were in a dead-heat for the final seat. The initial election result recorded that Mr McPhillips dramatically fell just four votes short in the Shannon area on Sunday to Cllr Flynn (FG) for a final seat. The new council includes five news faces including Green Party candidate, Roisin Garvey and Lahinch postmaster, Shane Talty (FF). Limerick The first-ever Green Party councillors were elected in Limerick last night. First-time election candidate Brian Leddin broke the duck on the partys 37 years of contesting elections there before Sean Hartigan quickly doubled the partys representation on the joint local authority, while they sought a third council representation in Breandan Anraoi MacGabhann. The SF vote collapsed early on as the party lost most of its outgoing four councillors. Seighin OCeallaigh, a Sinn Fein poll topper in 2014 with 1703 votes, secured just 515 first preferences. Seamus Browne was another casualty, while Malachy McCreesh, Sharon Benson and John Nugent were also staring at defeat. Costelloe was hanging on to retain the partys only seat. FF and FG performed well with possible gains for both. Familiar faces returning for the two main parties included FFs James Collins, Michael Collins, Eddie Ryan, Kevin Sheahan, and, FGs Jerome Scanlon, Liam Galvin, Daniel Butler, Adam Teskey, Stephen Keary and John Sheahan. Outgoing Independents, Frankie Daly and Bridget Teefy, topped the polls in their areas. Richard ODonoghue and Emmet OBrien, both Non-Party candidates were also re-elected. New faces on the council emerged with Fine Gaels Tom Ruddle and Fianna Fails Bride Collins. Labour were set to return their two seats with Joe Leddin and Elena Secas. At the Limerick Racecourse Count Centre the citys first Muslim candidate, Abul Kalam Azad Talukder, continued to jockey for a Council seat. At the time of going to print 20 of the 40 seats had been filled with Fianna Fail (35% 7 seats); Fine Gael 30% (6 seats); Independents (20% 4 seats); Green Party (10% 2 seats). Sinn Fein, the party which prides itself as being the voice of the people, has been left speechless after the local and EU elections. While it captured the public mood and in turn won a massive amount of number 1 votes back in 2014, this time around it has drastically misjudged the electorate. A series of missteps from a poor presidential campaign last year, to its stance on climate action which is now clearly at odds with the public, to bullying allegations has already resulted in significant seats losses across the country. Mary-Lou McDonald didnt have to utter a word when she turned up at the RDS count centre on Saturday afternoon the shock and disappointment was etched all over her face. When the Sinn Fein leader did speak to journalists, she did so with a hoarse voice it summed it all up really. Just over a year ago, Sinn Fein were heralding a new era where they might at last gain the support of middle-class voters who have always been cautious of backing the party. The change of leadership after more than 30 years was a signal that the party was moving away from the Troubles and its perceived links to the IRA. But Ms McDonald has not only failed to harness the support of middle Ireland, she failed to gain any momentum and instead has seen the traditional Sinn Fein support base eroded, with many of the seats gained in working-class areas in Dublin and Cork disappearing. Ms McDonald now faces a massive challenge after presiding over two disastrous elections for her party. While the poor result of just 6.3% of first preference votes received by its presidential candidate Liadh Ni Riada was partially dismissed due to the overwhelming support gained by Michael D Higgins, there will be no denying the figures in the local and EU elections. Sinn Fein will now have to take a long hard look at where exactly it is going wrong. Arriving in the Nemo Rangers count centre in Cork yesterday with Ms Ni Riada, who will be fighting to retain her seat in Ireland South, Ms McDonald was clear that as leader the buck stops with her: It is now my duty to lead. As the Green Party is now surfing a political wave, these elections have left Sinn Fein at sea. But unlike many of her political rivals who were rushing to greenwash themselves in the wake of the vote, Ms McDonald remained adamant that carbon taxes should not be introduced. Nor did she seem open to moving on any other party policy. We are an Irish republican party; we are a party of social justice and equality; we are a party of Irish unity, those are our fundamentals and no, I dont believe that any of that needs to change or will change, she said. Count Staff pictured sorting out some of the ballot papers at the European Election Ireland South Count in Nemo Rangers GAA Club. Picture: Howard Crowdy The party, which has always been keen to highlight its close community links and activism on the ground, is now struggling to speak to voters. They can put it down to a Green surge or a lack of turnout in certain areas, but the reality is it simply failed to judge the mood of the people. I do think that we need to reflect on how we connect those issues for the communities that we serve, Ms McDonald said. So of course we have to reflect, but we are Sinn Fein; we are Irish republicans; that was the case 100 years ago, that is the case today, thats the constant, that wont ever change, she said. We have to examine now how we can be more effective, how we can be more successful, how we can bring more people with us on issues that I believe are hugely, hugely important. The losses on councils from Cork to Dublin, in Galway, Limerick, Offaly and Cavan, will be compounded by the fact that many of those who have robbed Sinn Fein of seats were once party members. In Dublin, for example, Ballymun-Finglas councillor Noeleen Reilly, who left Sinn Fein last year amid assault and bullying allegations, was returned to Dublin City Council on the fifth count as an Independent. It is easy to lead when your party is going well, but the coming days and weeks will be the real test of Ms McDonalds leadership. Fine Gael has become the first government party in two decades to make gains in mid-term elections, according to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. However, while the party won extra seats in Cork and Dublin, it was expected to suffer losses in Kerry, Meath, and Roscommon. Mr Varadkar said there would be a review of the campaign. Reflecting on the council seat numbers, he said: It seems our vote is up slightly, maybe 1%, 1.5%, and we will gain 10 to 15 seats, which is less than we had expected or hoped for. Party strategists predict that Fine Gael could win up to 20 to 30 extra seats. This includes an extra six in Cork City and County, six in the four Dublin councils, three in Kildare, and two in Wicklow. The party also looks set to increase its seats from 10 to 12 in Tipperary and to nine in Longford. Nonetheless, the results will fall short of the 50-seat gain the party had targeted, on top of its 235-seat win in 2014. The modest gains will also likely slow any rush for a snap general election. Furthermore, Mr Varadkar dismissed any likelihood of an immediate Cabinet reshuffle. Given the uncertainty over Brexit, he said he was not sure now is the time to ask ministers to read into a new brief. Mr Varadkar hailed the local election result gains as a first for a government party in 20 years. He also said he expected the party to win at least three MEP seats in the European elections, despite the battle to get sitting MEP Deirdre Clune re-elected in Ireland South. She has a battle on her hands, absolutely no doubt about that. Weve 29% of the vote in Ireland South it seems, so enough votes for two seats, said Mr Varadkar. But just the way the vote splits and the transfers go, shell have a struggle. But it was the same this time five years ago. Asked about the surge in support for the Greens, Mr Varadkar said: I dont see this as a protest vote, I see this as a very big change in opinion on environmental issues and climate issues and a message from the public to us in Government that they want us to do more, more quickly and accelerate climate action. He did not rule out introducing higher carbon taxes in October. That has to be part of the calculations of the budget, which is only three or four months away. Mr Varadkar did not rule out calling a snap general election in the autumn if numbers are altered in the Dail. He said several by-elections may be held if sitting TDs are elected to the European parliament. Given the risks with Brexit as well as the mandate needed to pass Octobers budget, he said there would need to be a decision on whether to hold the by-elections or to go to the country instead to seek a fresh mandate from voters. Thats a judgment to be made at a later date. The by-elections have to be held within a six-month period, they have to be held by the end of November. But there are other factors at play. Obviously the instability across the water [in Britain] in relation to Brexit and also whether we can get the votes to get a budget through, so thats something that has to be considered in the next couple of weeks. The Fine Gael-led Government relies on the support of Fianna Fail TDs to pass legislation and budgets through the Dail. But the numbers are tight for the Government. Any reduction in its combined strength with Fianna Fail would likely reduce the ability to pass laws as well as Octobers budget. The Government is set to publish a new climate change action report by mid-June in a bid to outline Ireland's plans to address the crisis - and woo a resurgent Green party before the general election. Communications, Climate Action and Environment Minister Richard Bruton confirmed the plan is being finalised by the Government's sub-cabinet committee on climate change amid ongoing public pressure for new green policies. Mr Bruton told RTE Radio's Morning Ireland programme that, despite the fact the Government is not planning to stop providing licences to companies extracting fossil fuels, ministers are taking the climate crisis "very seriously". Noting the fact an Oireachtas committee report based in part on recommendations from the Citizen's Assembly has been agreed by all parties, he said the Government intends to introduce policies linked to the document in the coming weeks. "The Government has taken this very seriously. My job is to take this report and carve out a pathway to reaching the commitments to 2030. "It is going to the cabinet sub-committee today and there is a very advanced draft of that, and then to cabinet a short time thereafter. "It will be very ambitious, seeking a massive shift away from fossil fuels, power and heat, and electrification," Mr Bruton said. The Climate Action and Environment Minister declined to say what exact policies are currently being worked on. However, asked specifically about whether the Government intends to continue using fossil fuels and giving companies exploration licences for the fuels - a situation criticised by the Green party - he confirmed this is the case, saying: "Our problem in Ireland is excessive dependence on fossil fuels, not exploration. "When the sun is not shining we will have to fall back to gas and other fuels in need." Mr Bruton also indicated the plan will be linked to a carbon tax, which he said "everyone has signalled" will be introduced in the autumn budget. "Yeah, I think everyone has signalled that and now there is a substantial amount of agreement... We have moved on a lot," he said. The Government climate action plan was discussed by the cabinet sub-committee on the issue today and is a consequence of the Oireachtas committee on climate action's own report. However, the timing of the decision to make it such a priority, just days after Friday's local and European elections vote saw a Green surge across the country, has led to a widespread view the document will be used to woo the Green party into a future government with Fine Gael. Greens leader Eamon Ryan has made it clear he is willing to speak with any party, repeatedly saying in recent days that the only way to address the climate crisis is "to win the next four or five elections" and to convince all parties of the merits of taking action. Green party MEP candidate for the Midlands North West constituency, Saoirse McHugh has said she will quit the party if it joins forces with Fine Gael or Fianna Fail. Four secondary school students investigating ways of growing crops in space are to have their project tested on a low gravity flight. The team from Skerries Community College in Dublin will be the first ever Irish teenagers selected for the flight due to a unique partnership between the Irish Composites Centre (IComp) at University of Limericks Bernal Institute and Project PoSSUM (Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere). Students were asked to design an experiment for testing on a parabolic flight and the Skerries team hope to address some of the challenges associated with developing sustainable sources of food for long term space exploration. The project will investigate the feasibility of fine water mist absorption in microgravity. The students, who won this years BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, are Sam Enright, Cliodhna OReardon, Evanna Niall and Adam Kelly. Team captain Sam Enright said: We are delighted. It is never something we imagined we would be doing, making an experiment to go into space on this microgravity flight and to learn insights into that. We went through a lot of ideas and because the brief was very specific, focusing on environmental impacts, we settled on growing plants, which is something that is going to be terrifically relevant to the future of space exploration and is completely necessary if you want to go to Mars or any further distances. So that is what motivated us. We were thinking about what would change versus what would stay the same in microgravity. "The problem is going to be that you cant just get out a watering can to water plants on a space station in some sort of modified gravity, compared to what they evolved for on Earth. "So we thought if you had some sort of mist-system to spray water and we investigated soil, rather than plants, because that is going to be more necessary and maybe could be an approach that hasnt been looked at as much. PoSSUM will fly microgravity flights in Ottawa, Canada at the National Research Council (NRC) involving different experiments, including the Irish one. The initiative was led by Dr Norah Patten, Project Manager at IComp. The States failed system to provide payments to victims of child sexual abuse in schools needs to be reformed without delay as many survivors are elderly, the States human rights watchdog has said. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission said the payment system likely amounts to an ongoing breach of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The commission makes a number of strong criticisms of the State in a submission to a judicial review of the ex gratia (out of court) payment system that was established in 2015 after a landmark ruling by the European Court of Human Rights. That decision, following a 15-year legal battle by Louise OKeeffe, found that the State had vicarious liability for the sexual abuse the Cork woman suffered when in national school. It emerged this month that not one of the 50 applicants to the payment scheme has yet been offered redress. The States interpretation of the Courts ruling stated that claimants must be able to prove that they previously made a complaint. Mr Justice Iarflaith ONeill has been tasked, as independent assessor, to conduct a review of how the State Claims Agency has handled claims by individuals for ex gratia payments. In what is its third submission to the ONeill review, the commission noted that since October 2015, it has described the States payment system as unduly restrictive and narrow. It said a system where not a single offer of redress has been made could not be described as being an effective remedy, which is a legal obligation under the ECHR. The need to address this matter without further delay is heightened by the fact, that many survivors of abuse, are advancing in age and have been seeking not only compensation but also an acknowledgement of the wrong done to them since their childhood, said the commission. It said that when the scheme was announced, survivors were given to believe that there would finally be an acknowledgement by the State, within a reasonable timeframe, of the wrong done to them. It said: In the commissions view, the successful conclusion of the ex gratia scheme process for a survivor of abuse is about so much more than just the monetary compensation, it is also an opportunity for the State, through its actions, to finally acknowledge the wrong done to that person during their childhood. Instead the reality of the scheme appears to be something quite different no form of redress has been extended to any applicant nearly four years after the establishment of this scheme. It concluded: For the State to establish a scheme of this kind, and then fail to operate in any meaningful manner, likely amounts to an ongoing failure to provide an effective remedy under Article 13 of the ECHR, as well as a failure to vindicate the constitutional rights and ECHR rights (specifically article 3 and 8 of the ECHR) of those people who are survivors of abuse. The commission respectfully urges the independent assessor to ensure, through his determination of the appeals pending before him, that applicants cases are considered without further delay in accordance with the European Court of Human Rights decision in OKeeffe, but equally importantly in light of the States obligations under the Constitution and the ECHR. Gardai have warned of a "zero tolerance policy on underage drinking at a music festival event in West Cork over the June Bank Holiday. There were over 20 arrests made during the Bandon Music Festival last year, with complaints of teenage drunkenness and lewd behaviour. Inspector Brian Murphy said gardai had issues with large groups of youths arriving into Bandon in a drunken state last year, a situation that created a significant public risk. Bandom-based Inspector Murphy said the intoxicated youths were not only a danger to themselves but also put huge pressure on gardai and other emergency services. Last year we made over 20 arrests under the Public Order Act, a lot of these people were under 18 years of age, he said. Inspector Murphy said there will be extra gardai on patrol in Bandon over the weekend and they would be supported by members of the roads policing unit and divisional drugs unit. Any incidents such as public drinking will be dealt with swiftly. In a message to the public attending the event, he said: The Bandon Music Festival is a great weekend in the town; we would just ask that you be safe, mind your belongings and look after each other. Inspector Murphy also asked festival-goers to respect the local residents and businesses. The festival takes place from Friday until Sunday and gardai are warning that young people found drinking alcohol in a public place could be arrested. Gardai have been liaising with locals pubs, security personnel, the festival organising committee and bus companies for a number of weeks. Divisional roads' policing units will be carrying out checkpoints throughout the weekend with a particular focus and buses and taxis who are in breach of regulations. Bus and taxi drivers have been warned that their vehicles are public places under the law and any offences committed, such as consuming alcohol in them, can be dealt with by gardai. Any bus or taxi found to be overcrowded will also be dealt with. The festival organisers warned that anyone caught drinking who is underage or did not have identification will be removed from events. A "check 25" policy would be in operation so anyone who looks under the age of 25 may be asked for ID. They also advised anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated and could also result in the removal of people from events. Maria Bailey (43) is a first-time TD, who was elected on the seventh count in 2016 as one of three Fine Gael TDs in the Dun Laoghaire constituency. One of five daughters born to John and Angela, she grew up in the Killiney area where he was a publican, tour operator and managing director in a car rental company. A second cousin of Health Minister Simon Harris, but it would be fair to say, they are not close. She went to school in Our Lady of Good Counsel N.S. Johnstown and then attended Sion Hill and St Josephs of Cluny and later University College Dublin. She has suffered migraines since the age of 16 and has sought to raise awareness of the condition and the benefits of running and being active in seeking to moderate them. In 2004, Maria at the age of 27 and her father were both elected to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Council for the first time. He topped the poll in Dun Laoghaire and her in the Ballybrack Ward. On the council, the two were indistinguishable from each other and worked very closely on most matters, to the annoyance of many. Some former colleagues have said her dad's more abrasive manner could be the source of annoyance to some council colleagues and given how close they worked, some of that resentment rubbed off on her. Given the Baileys' late arrival into Fine Gael, some of the party's old guard were resentful of their success. They were looked down upon by some Fine Gaelers in Dalkey, who quite frankly are up their own backsides. But the Baileys, and Maria in particular, were known as grafters, said one. The same year she joined the council, Ms Bailey, who also worked in Aer Lingus, married James Ryan and the couple has two children. Despite some internal opposition, she was picked to run for Fine Gael alongside Mary Mitchell O'Connor in the 2016 constituency. With Sean Barrett returned automatically as Ceann Comhairle, Fine Gael now holds three of four seats and took two of the three available on what was a difficult day for the party. Maria Bailey and Paschal Donohoe Once in the Dail, she soon became close to other new TDs Josepha Madigan and Kate O'Connell and were often seen together in the Oireachtas canteen. A split occurred when Ms Madigan decided to back Leo Varadkar for the leadership. Ms O'Connell could hardly do the same when her arch rival and colleague Eoghan Murphy was his campaign manager. Ms O'Connell and Ms Bailey both backed Coveney. Ms Madigan was promoted to Cabinet and the other two are still backbenchers. Ms Bailey was appointed chair of the Oireachtas Housing Committee and has highlighted the plight of those caught in negative equity and those who have been maltreated by the banks. But, not regarded as being as astute as Ms Madigan or as forthright as Ms O'Connell, Ms Bailey was not one widely regarded as Cabinet material. Undoubtedly Monday's interview has done her enormous damage. There is talk already that newly elected councillor and former legal advisor to Enda Kenny, Jennifer Carroll McNeill, could seek to play a part in the shake-up for the next election. That could only happen at Ms Bailey's expense. Eamon Ryan has an excellent way of communicating to people what needs to be done on climate action, be it at the corporate and Government level, or the personal one, writes Alison O'Connor So youve made your Green bed but are you willing to lie on it? Was it enough to make yourself purer with a virtue signalling vote for a Green candidate last Friday? Are you now content to allow those sincere ecotypes simply get on with sorting out our over-heating planet? Oh no you dont that was the non-too-subtle response from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to the non too subtle message from voters at ballot boxes all over the country. He described it as a very clear message from the public that they want the Government to do more on climate action. Weve got that, he said, but added. Thats going to require lots of changes on individual level, community and government level. Hes absolutely correct and there are a hell of a lot of us out there who have not really quite faced that reality, and all the personal changes it will entail. What remains interesting though, is the Taoiseachs sequencing in other words he puts the individual first, the community second and bringing up the rear, the Government. As individuals we do need to be real about all this, not living in some la la land where we think that simply avoiding plastic bags and using keep cups for our take-out lattes will suffice as eco friendly measures. On the day before voting, a seasoned Fianna Fail campaigner from rural Ireland spoke of campaigning in a leafy Dublin suburb. After introducing himself and his party affiliation to the couple the couple immediately told him: Oh were voting Green. The FFer said that he simply couldnt help his gaze going towards the huge SUV standing in the driveway. Clocking this the couple said: We know, we know. Were going to change it to an electric vehicle. As he walked out of the driveway he noticed registration was a 19D. Ha. They wont be changing that any time soon, he said chuckling in memory at the exchange, but all too aware even then that these people and far more would all be voting Green. In her response to the results, Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty said the Government now had the support of the mindset of Irish people and it was a public message of acceptance. She had a political take on the FG losses which would have raised eyes everywhere when she expressed it. These werent really losses at all, she explained, if they instead went to Greens. This was immediately, and quite rightly, described as a new level of spin by her director of elections counterpart Fianna Fails Lisa Chambers. Lisa Chambers. Picture: RollingNews Minister Doherty indicated that Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe would have acted on increasing carbon taxes in last years budget but he felt you couldnt take money out of peoples pockets without having a conversation. She also widened out the responsibility from Fine Gael by saying there wasnt cross-party support for it either with some parties setting their face against such increases. You can be sure that Fine Gael has not forgotten that at the local election the last time around, five years ago, when the party got a real drubbing (as did their then coalition partners Labour), the issue that they were hammered on was water charges. So they are dealing with voters who rejected the environmental case for such charges then, but have now pivoted full tilt towards a party that has environmental protection as their raison detre. Still after eight years in Government youd think Fine Gael might have moved on from the slow learner section of the climate change debate. Its only a wet week ago that we declared a national climate emergency. Were currently awaiting what has been flagged as a radical whole of Government plan on decarbonising how we work and live from Minister for Climate Action Richard Bruton. The lack of momentum to date means that the task ahead is monumental in trying to cope with rising emissions, buildings that lack energy efficiency, buildings heated by fossil fuels and a far from impressive public transport system. Green sensation Saoirse McHugh told the Sunday Business Post over the weekend she would quit the party if it jumped into bed with either Fine Gael or Fianna Fail. Saoirse McHugh She does not believe the two big parties believe in the widescale system change needed now. She added theyve shown repeatedly with the groups they sit within in the Europe Parliament that they would prefer individual action over system change. Her passion is understandable, but it is political pragmatism that will hopefully make this work for all of us in terms of the climate emergency being tackled. Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, who has fought an honourable political fight these last few years and held his party together through some very tough times, wisely refused to rule out coalition even though he acknowledged leading members of his party do not trust them. They will be willing to work with whoever will implement their agenda. Eamon Ryan has an excellent way of communicating to people what needs to be done on climate action, be it at the corporate and Government level, or the personal one. He does not make it appear an insurmountable or impossible task or one that will involve endless and awful suffering on the part of all of us individually. But he does make it clear that serious action has to be taken really quickly on all fronts. The voters have backed his party big time, certainly at the local elections. We must all hope now that the bigger parties get over themselves enough to listen to that message and to help the Greens carry the voters further much along the road of what needs to be done. EU leaders and party officials were forced to rethink their strategies after European Parliament elections ended the domination of the main centre-right and centre-left parties. The results instead revealed an altered political landscape where the far-right and environmentalists stand as forces to be reckoned with. French president Emmanuel Macron launched a flurry of meetings, ahead of todays summit where the 28-nation blocs presidents and prime ministers will take stock of the results from elections that attracted the highest voter turnout in 20 years. Macrons Republic on the Move party looks to have secured 23 seats in the assembly for the next five years the same number as the far-right National Rally, whose leader Marine Le Pen was trounced by Mr Macron in national elections two years ago. He was due to hold talks with the leaders of Spain, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia ahead of the dinner summit in Brussels. France was not the only country where voters took their concerns about immigration and security to the ballot box. Italys populist League party, under hard-line interior minister Matteo Salvini, is set to become one of the biggest in the 28-nation blocs assembly. Belgiums populist Flemish nationalist Vlaams Belang also made significant gains. The rules are changing in Europe, Mr Salvini said at his League party headquarters in Milan. A new Europe is born. Provisional results show the League would win 34% of the vote, up from just 6% at the last European election in 2014. The lions share of Britains seats went to Nigel Farages Brexit Party, as citizens punished the governing Conservatives and opposition Labour Party for their embarrassing failure to manage the divided countrys delayed departure from the EU. Riding what they called Europes green wave, backed by Europe-wide rallies urging climate action, environmentalist parties made strong gains, notably in Germany, one of the continents main forces for EU integration. Another mainstream formation, the pro-free-market ALDE group backed by Mr Macron, saw their stake in the 751-seat parliament rise to 109 seats, from 68 in 2014. The picture of a fractured assembly for the next five years was complete as many citizens turned their backs on the centre-right European Peoples Party one of its key figures, German chancellor Angela Merkel, saw her party lose ground and the centre-left Socialists. In Berlin, the leaders of Germanys governing parties met separately to weigh the fallout from their worst post-Second World War showing in a nationwide election. Certainly, the EU polls have signalled an end to a two-party relationship that has endured for 40 years. Manfred Weber We are facing a shrinking centre of the European Union Parliament, EPP lead candidate Manfred Weber said, after just over 50% of the EUs more than 400m voters had turned out over four days in the worlds biggest transnational elections. From now on, those who want to have a strong European Union have to join forces. The Socialist lead candidate, Frans Timmermans, essentially conceded defeat, even though the two groups remain the assemblys biggest by some margin. If you lose an election, if you lose seats, you have to be modest, said the former Dutch foreign minister. We have lost seats and this means that we have to be humble. Spanish caretaker prime minister Pedro Sanchez was a notable exception, as his victorious Socialists looked set to win 20 of the countrys 54 seats in the parliament. Although still trickling in, results show that the EPP is set to secure 182 seats, down from 217 five years ago. The Socialists are slated to win 147, down from 187. The two parties have dominated the parliament with a combined majority since elections were first held in 1979. Senior figures from the EPP hold the top posts in the EUs three main institutions: parliament president, head of the EUs powerful executive commission and European Council president, who chairs summits of European presidents and prime ministers. While real power in Europe remains in the hands of the 28 member states, the assemblys influence has grown. It has helped improve air flight safety in Europe, cut down on plastics use, end mobile roaming charges inside the bloc, boost data privacy and cut carbon dioxide emissions from cars. The parliament also has an important say in international treaties ranging from trade talks to Brexit. However, new alliances must be forged. Mr Weber suggested that the EPP, Socialists and ALDE could form a stable majority at the centre of the political spectrum, working in concert with the Greens. But ALDE officials, including group lead candidate Margrethe Vestager, insist that Europes traditional political certainties are a thing of the past. The monopoly of power has been broken, said Ms Vestager, currently the EUs competition commissioner, describing Sundays polls as a signal for change. You could sum up the one recurring negative comment about the Green Wave thus: Oh, the Greens are going to come after us and take our cars from us and make us get up on our bikes or go on public transport. It was said in a heavily jocular way, but it was said, nonetheless. Repeatedly, it was said. Not by politicians, even though politicians whose parties didnt do well might have been motivated to denigrate the Greens, even in a small way. It was said by hacks. Only journalists let on to be scared of the consequences of electing the likes of Ciaran Cuffe to the European Parliament, or electing Hazel Chu to her local council. The same journalists also tended to buy in to the age/youth myth about the Greens. It goes thus: The young people of Ireland/Europe/the world have been protesting about the possibility that they might literally have no future and God love them the grannies and grandads went along with the grandkids out of affection. No, they didnt. Todays grandparents, no matter what their political persuasion or their views on other issues, have, all by their highly educated selves, come to face a real fear that if we dont radically change the things were doing that are screwing with the climate, the world may come to an end. Older people didnt need David Attenborough to tell them that the polar bear is not happy about living in smaller spaces than your average prison cell. Those older people have lived through the escalation of problems like flooding, have sent money to help when Bangladesh goes underwater, and were bothered about plastic before plastic botheration was cool. Park close to any of the bottle and can banks in any supermarket car park and youll witness woke older people recycling. Arguably more of them than of any other age group. Those older people never believed that tossing bottles into a big metal tank would solve the problems of the world, but they knew it was something they should do, anyway. They never thought theyd say to each other, as pensioners, that they were glad theyd be gone before the worst happened, but they were terrified for following generations that climate change would bring flood, fire, disease and disaster on epic and perhaps final scale. They wanted action on climate change and they went down the long ballot sheet to select candidates who would give it to them. They voted for candidates theyd never heard of, some of them, in a triumph of hope over experience. They voted for global survival at the cost of changing their own lifestyle. They voted for the unproven because the unproven are also the innocent, or at worst they are the unconvicted. When the scale of the vote for the Greens became apparent, courtesy of exit polls, other parties either pointed to what they were doing on the environmental front already or indicated the intention to pull their green socks up. Richard Boyd-Barrett, always the exception, pinned down the reason behind one of the apparent contradictions of the green vote: the fact that within the last decade, large sections of our capital city took to the streets on two obviously anti-environmental issues. Whatever you say about Irish Waters miscommunication of its truth, water charges would have been profoundly good for the environment. The protesters managed to destroy that possibility. They didnt manage to scotch bin charges, which, again, have a significant environmental benefit, but they tried. Richard Boyd-Barrett If Boyd-Barretts analysis is correct, those protesters, most of them from the ranks of the disaffected, simply didnt come out to vote on Friday. Typically, they would, had they exercised their rights, have voted for left-of-centre, rather than wide-blue-yonder, candidates. But because they stayed home, People Before Profit and Sinn Fein did unusually badly and Labour did badly enough for Aodhan ORiordan to plead for parties of the left to join up rather than eat each others lunch. Or, in this case, deliver all their lunches to the Greens. Of course, we know how this story ends, and it ends in tears. But on the way to party political tears, wonders can be made to happen. The tears will happen when the voters, getting to know the individual Greens, decide theyre just another pontificating aspect of the Establishment and vote them out, as happened last time. On Saturday morning, Eamon Ryan, on his ear with delight over a) the Green Wave and b) winning at the bookies by betting on one of his candidates at odds of 50/1, nonetheless hammered this home. Not that Eamon Ryan ever hammers anything. He did a muffled forcefulness, though, and his point was that, unlike other political parties, the Greens never grow to semi-permanent dominance, nor do they seek to. They just come in like a wave, knowing they will go back out as a wave. In their serenity in the face of a cyclical presence in the body politic, they are unique. Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan speaks to the media at the RDS in Dublin. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire It may be said that Ryan, because hes been on an incoming green wave before and as a result spent some time heading up a government department in the horror months of the economic collapse, may not be matched by the rest of his party on this, but the indications are that hes not on his own. When was asked if she harboured any fears about other, larger parties, taking the Green policies and using them as their own, Saoirse McHughs response was that this would be a good outcome and that ultimately, the disappearance of the Green Party had to be the objective: do right by the planet and who would need them? That's the Greens for you. Unrealistic, because they dont believe realism and pragmatism will save our current domicile. And with other traits that contributed to the paucity of attack from other political parties. Fine Gael or Fianna Fail may need to go into government with the Greens as partners after the next election, so would necessarily be measured in their response, but, in addition, each would prefer the Greens in coalition instead of trying to manage the sack of cats that constitutes an alliance of Independents. Fianna Fail have experience of the Greens around the cabinet table, and it left remarkably few scars on the soldiers of destiny. Of course, the Greens went out like a retreating tide after that session in government, but didnt get permanently tattooed as anathema thereafter. They were shown the door, but that was it, unlike Fianna Fail, who were shown the door and told the door would forever carry a mark barring their re-entry. The big speed bump in front of the Greens is their desire to prove that theyre competent at more than the natural environment. They need to watch that. Their Unique Selling Point is saving the world. They should stick to it. Every one of them should have a screensaver reading: Its the environment, stupid. Business Spurned by the West, Embraced by Myanmar Women walk past a Huawei P30 advertisement at a shopping center in Bangkok, Thailand, May 22, 2019. / REUTERS YANGONAs the U.S. government hit it with severe sanctions in its escalating trade spat with China, Myanmar government officials showed their eager embrace of Chinese tech giant Huawei, pledging to allow the controversial company to help build the Myanmars communication network. The pledge was made on Friday at the Myanmar Indoor Coverage Digitalization Summit 2019, jointly organized by the Federation of Myanmar Engineering Societies (Fed. MES) and Huawei and attended by officials from the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Fed. MEM. Despite the U.S. cutting relations with Huawei over national security concerns, Deputy Director General of the Posts and Telecommunications Department, Ministry of Transport and Communications U Soe Naing praised Huawei for its support and trusted network solutions for Myanmars communication network development. We welcome Huawei to participate in Myanmars future communication network construction, he said, but added that Myanmar will not prohibit any equipment suppliers from competing. The summit came after the Fed. MES and Huawei signed a two-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) in April to promote the development and release of indoor coverage and FTTH (Fiber to home) standards in Myanmar. According to the MOU, Huawei will collaborate with Fed. MES to provide assistance in the development of indoor cellular coverage, fiber optic to home/business (FTTX) standards, technical skills training for new generations of engineers, cloud technology development, e-learning, certification programs and internship programs. Huawei has suffered for some time from allegations that it has close links to the Chinese government, including making equipment with backdoors the Chinese government could use for spying. No evidence has been produced publicly supporting such allegations, and the company rejects the claims. The companys chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, was arrested in Canada in December at the request of the U.S., which accuses the firm of committing fraud by lying to U.S. banks to avoid complying with American trade sanctions on Iran. Huawei rejects those charges, too. We are pleased to see Huawei and Fed. MES [cooperating], Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Construction U Win Tint said. He thanked the company for its constructive efforts for the construction industry in Myanmar, saying he hoped all the industry would share all of their advice and work together for the technology development in the country. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order that added Huawei to a list of companies identified as posing a national security risk, known as the Entity List, thereby prohibiting them from doing business with U.S. companies. Later, the U.S decided to delayed the ban by 90 days. Alphabet Inc.s Google also suspended Huaweis access to its services. Huawei can still use Android and its open-source platform but not the Google Play Store or other Google-run services. American chipmakers Intel, Qualcomm, Xilinx and Broadcom have also halted shipments to Huawei. UK-based chip designer ARM also joining the Huawei ban as its chipset design contains U.S.-origin technology. Huawei was also barred from membership in the SD Association, meaning it cant release new models with a microSD slot. At the summit, Huawei Myanmar Chief Executive Officer Zhang Liman explained the importance of the future 5G rollout. Digitalized indoor networks, he said, are critical for establishing smart cities and indoor coverage digitalization is the inevitable future of the industry. Myanmar is eager to develop smart cities across the country. Ranked by CIO Asia at fifth in the top 10 cities in Southeast Asia in the process of becoming smart cities, Mandalays government is planning to sign a deal with Huawei to provide surveillance cameras and other security equipment for use in their own Safe City plan. Chairman of Fed. MES U Aung Myint said the need for technical support in the countrys real estate, telecom and other sectors for digitalization and indoor coverage is great, as current indoor experiences do not meet expectationsespecially in large-scale complexesdespite peoples demands for high-quality network services. U Aung Myint touted Huawei as a leading Information and Communication Technology (ICT) company, saying hes glad to team up for the sectors development in Myanmar. In December, Huawei signed a MOU for a three-year ICT Talent Development Program with the Rectors Committee for cooperation on six projects: an ICT Diploma Course system, a Seeds for the Future program, the establishment of a Huawei Authorized Information and Network Academy (HAINA), an ICT Talent Scholarship for university students, support for ICT-related scientific research and a Youth Open Day at Huawei Customer Solution Innovation & Integration Center (CSIC). You may also like these stories: Huawei Mobile Users Ponder Switching Brand After Google News Google Suspends Some Business with Huawei After Trump Blacklist Huawei to Supply Mandalays Safe City Project with Cameras, Security Equipment By Spying on Huawei, U.S. Found Evidence Against the Chinese Firm Business Toyota To Assemble Vehicles in Myanmar A Toyota vehicle is seen at the International Motor Show in Geneva in March 2019. / Reuters YANGONJapanese automobile manufacturer Toyota will build an assembly plant in Myanmar this year, according to Japanese media reports. Kyodo reported on Sunday that Toyota Motor Corp. will invest several billion yen in the plant in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone on the outskirts of Yangon. The facility will focus on pickup trucks by assembling parts imported from Japan and other nearby nations. An official announcement could come before the end of the month. Due to import restrictions on used vehicles, demand for new cars is strong in Myanmar. Last year, 17,500 new automobiles were sold in the countrymore than double the previous year. Toyota currently exports about 2,000 passenger and commercial vehicles to Myanmar per year and sees the market as one with strong growth potential, according to The Yomiuri Shimbun. Currently, Suzuki and Nissan of Japan, Kia Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. of South Korea, Ford of the U..S and other major automakers already operate in Myanmar. Meanwhile, locally assembled cars are popular with both manufacturers and buyers due to their lower sales tax and easier licensing process. Myanmar Automobile Manufacturers and Distributors Association chairman Dr. Soe Tun welcomed Toyotas presence in the country, saying it would give consumers more choice. He predicted that locally assembled Toyota vehicles were not likely to have a big impact on the automobile market in the short term. They will focus on pickup trucks first. It will take one or two more years before they have a serious effect on the local market, he said. The Irrawaddy reporter Aung Thiha Tun contributed to this report. You May Also Like These Stories: Accidents Decline on Myanmars Death Highway Thai, Myanmar Hotel Operators Sign MOU for $63 Million Project One Killed, 32 Missing after Quake Paralyses Japans Hokkaido Island Vietnams Viettel Seeks to Double Myanmar Customer BaseCEO From the Archive The 1990 ElectionWill My Vote Ever Mean Anything? The then-Union Election Commission Chairman U Ba Htay collects a ballot paper before casting his vote on May 27, 1990. On this, the 29th anniversary of Myanmars 1990 general elections, The Irrawaddy revisits this article first published in 2005, about the English editors experience of voting day, the ensuing disappointments and watching many unjustly imprisoned, tortured or forced to flee for their political activities. My entire family woke up early that day. Our neighbors were already leaving their homes. Some eagerly shouted at us not to be late. My 63-year-old grandmother and my mother joined them and I rushed to follow. It was election dayMay 27, 1990the first time in 30 years the Myanmar people had been called on to go to the polls. On the way to the polling station, campaigners in traditional robes were still canvassing votes. Most wore the traditional hat that had become the election symbol of the National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Vehicles bearing the scarlet emblem of the NLD drove by, packed with party supporters. Help me vote for the party of Bogyokes daughter, pleaded an elderly woman who had been carried on a crude stretcher to the polling booth. She was too feeble to fill out her ballot paper and place it in the ballot box. For her, Bogyoke (General) referred to Aung San, the father of Suu Kyi. I had just turned 18 like many of my friends. We thought ourselves very lucky to be voting in such an historic election, one which we were confident would lead our country towards democracy. Around 20 million people, about half Myanmars population, were eligible to vote that day. My family and I joined the more than 15 million throughout the country who turned out to exercise that long-withheld right. The first result came in from Seikkan Township constituency in Yangon. NLD candidate San San won the seat and later reminisced: I was hoisted up, put on a roof and threw flowers to the crowd. As the returns that followed over the next few days indicated an overwhelming NLD victory, San San was asked by a foreign reporter whether she thought the regime would now relinquish power. She dismissed the question as nonsense in view of the huge support for the party. The final returns gave the NLD more than 80 percent of the vote, and a total of 392 of the 485 seats contested in the 492-member assembly. The military regime-backed National Unity Party (NUP), formerly the Burma Socialist Programme Party led by late dictator Ne Win, captured just 10 seats. But it was a hollow victory. And how sadly misplaced was San Sans confidence. Far from taking up the representation of her constituency, San San was arrested twice because of her political activities and sentenced to two prison terms, one of six years and the other an inconceivable 25 years. She served four years and now lives in exile, a woman of 75 with diminishing hope of seeing democracy in Myanmar in her lifetime. The junta completely ignored the election result, and continues to live in fear of exercising this most basic display of democracy. In the 15 years since the election, Myanmar should have gone to the polls a further three times. Theoretically, however, the parliament elected in 1990 should now be in session, its members sitting as free men and women instead of languishing in jail or living in exile. A truly representative government should be ruling Myanmar in place of the self-appointed, self-serving dictators now in charge. The wrong party won, thats why the regime changed their minds about everything after the election, concluded Myanmar expert Bertil Lintner. If the NUP had won, Im sure a new government would have been formed within days. Amyotheryei Win Naing, a leader of the Yangon-based National Politicians Group (Myanmar), believes that if the election had been less clear-cut the junta would not have worried too much about handing over power to a coalition of parties and reaching a compromise with democratic forces. After all, 93 parties contested the election and the regime had no reason to anticipate such an overwhelming victory by the NLD. But the NLD landslide victory had fueled fears within the regime that if they gave up power they might face trial for human rights abuses. The paranoia was so intense that one senior NLD leader, Kyi Maung, was jailed for actually rejecting that possibility by bringing up the precedent of the Nuremberg war crimes tribunal. Here in Myanmar we do not need any Nuremberg-style tribunal, he saidand found himself behind bars for the indiscretion. It is believed the junta anticipated that in the election, the NLD definitely wouldnt win by a landslide but votes would be shared by 93 parties contesting the election, including the National Unity Party, or they might have supposed the NUP would win. There has been much discussionand much disingenuous talkabout the intended purpose of the election. Indisputable in this debate, however, is the fact that, in June 1989, the junta, then known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council, enacted a law to hold free and fair multi-party elections for Pyithu Hluttaw (parliament) representatives. The law clearly stated that the parliament would consist of the winning candidates in the general election. Only the elected members of parliament would be entrusted with the task of drawing up a new constitution. Jail cells instead of parliamentary seats awaited many of the winning candidates, however. A ruthless purge of the opposition occurred in the six months following the election, and responsible citizens like San San were sentenced to totally unjust and unrealistic prison terms. NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi was harassed and sentenced to successive terms of house arrest. Shes still in detention today. There were persistent and credible reports of torture, violent deaths and appalling prison conditions. Three elected NLD membersTin Maung Win, Hla Than and Saw Windied behind bars. Fifteen are still in jail, all of them over 60 and probably destined to end their days there. In the first 15 years following the election, 40 of those elected fled the country to avoid political persecution. Eighty-four have died over the years. The NLD made one attempt to formalize its election victory at a two-day congress in Yangons Gandhi Hall two months after the poll. Nearly all the elected NLD parliamentarians attendedit was the last time the party made such a united public appearance. For its part, the regime allowed three years to pass before making a move. In 1993 it called a National Convention (NC), attended by 702 delegates. Only 147 of them were elected parliamentarians or representatives of political parties. The rest were hand-picked by the junta. Two years later, NLD representatives walked out, complaining the NC was undemocratic. One year after that, the NC was adjourned and resumed only in 2004. Khin Nyunt, then prime minister, said the resumption was a first step in a seven-stage road map to democracy. The NLD and the main ethnic Shan Nationalities League for Democracy decided not to attend, however, calling it a sham. Last month, the NC adjourned yet again, with no indication of when it will resume, let alone when it will end. About 10,000 of us assembled anxiously outside the Gandhi Hall when the NLD congress convened in July 1990. There was applause when the decision was announced to give the junta until September 30 to convene parliament. For many, however, the applause was half-hearted: they felt the NLD delegates had missed a golden opportunity. That was a great opportunity, said a former NLD youth leader, who worked with Suu Kyi and Kyi Maung in the buildup to the 1990 election. If the congress had formed a government, the people, as well as the international community, would have recognized it immediately. Instead, the party concluded the congress just by shouting slogans. NLD leader Suu Kyi made stabs at getting the regime to recognize the results of the 1990 election, but she was blocked at every turn. On the 13th anniversary of the election she declared: The NLD must stand up firmly to achieve the result of the elections of 1990. To ignore the result of the 1990 elections is to have total disrespect for the people and is also an insult to the people. It was a cry in the dark. Since Suu Kyis entry into politics in 1988 she has spent some 10 years in detention, silenced and isolated. During one of her rare spells of freedom, on the seventh anniversary of the election, she tried to convene an NLD congress, but the 316 members who had planned to attend were arrested and the event could not be held. In June 1998, the NLD set a deadline of August 21 for convening parliament, and when that was (of course) ignored by the regime, the NLD formed a 10-member Committee Representing the Peoples Parliament, with a mandate signed by 251 of those elected in the 1990 poll. It brought the country no nearer to a constitutional parliament, however. A ray of hope appeared in 2002 when Suu Kyi was released from her second term of house arrest and given a measure of freedom to carry on her political activities. The regime made conciliatory noises and for a while it appeared that secret talks were planned between the junta and NLD leaders. Hopes were dashed in 2003, however, when Suu Kyi and a convoy of supporters were attacked by a military-organized mob in Depayin, Sagaing Division. Dozens of her supporters were reportedly beaten to death, and Suu Kyi and other leaders were arrested. It wasnt the first time Suu Kyi had felt the fury of the regime. During an election campaign tour in Danubyu, Irrawaddy Division, in 1989, an army captain ordered her party to halt. She kept walkingtowards the muzzles of soldiers blocking the road. The captain ordered the squad to prepare to fire, and only the counter-command of a senior officer saved Suu Kyi from being gunned down. In November 1996, a convoy of cars carrying Suu Kyi and other NLD members was attacked by a 200-strong mob organized by the juntas Union Solidarity and Development Association. Suu Kyis companions shielded her from the mob, but her car was smashed. Myanmars opposition faces a much more insidious danger, however. It emanates from those who argue that the election belongs in the past, that it no longer holds relevance or validity in a world of Realpolitik. The former youth NLD leader told me sadly on the phone: Yes, it has become history. In principle, its a matter of absolute truth and democracy. But practically, maybe it is no longer realistic. An alternative to the 1990 election result should be found, he said. But he utterly opposed the National Convention option. Above all, the sacrifices of the 1990 election period should not be forgotten, he said. Dont think it was easy for us to achieve that triumph. The election came out of our sacrificesincluding thousands of lives during the 1988 uprising. Its easy for people like observers or scholars who sacrificed nothing to say Forget about it. The prominent former student leader Ko Ko Gyi, recently freed after serving a 14-year prison sentence, says: I think that national reconciliation is more important and vital than handing over power. Its much more important how the representatives we elected in 1990 deal with the military leaders to reach national reconciliation among all nationalities. Ko Ko Gyi warns that a straight handover of power would not remove deep-rooted political divisions at a stroke. Theres also the problem of the divisions that have surfaced over the years within the main opposition party, the NLD. Growing impatience and dissatisfaction with an aging leadership has led to splits within the party; and the isolation of its natural leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is a further serious challenge to its unity and effectiveness. Differences within the NLD were present, of course, at the time of the 1990 election, particularly when it came to selecting the candidates. But the countrywide support for the party as a unified force was so massive that the choice of individual candidates was, in the end, immaterial. The voters rallied to the NLD en bloc. The name on every NLD voters lips wasnt even a candidate: Aung San Suu Kyi had been barred from standing. In handing in her ballot in May 1990, my grandmother was voting for the party of Bogyokes daughter. Millions of others felt the same way. Although now 78, my grandmother retains a crystal-clear memory of that day 15 years ago. We voted naively, wondering whether power would be handed over, she muses. Naive, indeed. Far from handing over power, the regime used the election as an excuse to smash the opposition. Among those democratically elected members of what should have become a free Myanamr parliament was the candidate who received my grandmothers vote: Sein Hla Oo. We were fellow prisoners in Yangons Insein prison. Im now free, but he is still a prisoner, aged 68, in Myitkyina, northern Myanmar, serving the latest sentence in a string of prison terms that already exceeds 10 years. Me? I still hope my vote went some way to help build a democratic Myanmar. I certainly dont want to torture myself with the question: Was I really lucky to have that vote? You may also like these stories: The Living History: Dagon Taya & Modern Myanmar Literature The Overlooked Mother Where are the Assassins? Criminals at Large Asia Pro-Army Party in Thailand to Cement Deal to Keep Junta Leader as PM: Lawmaker Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha casts his ballot to vote in the general election at a polling station in Bangkok, Thailand on March 24, 2019. / Reuters BANGKOKA pro-army party in Thailand hopes to make a deal on Monday to gain enough parliamentary seats to keep the leader of the military junta in power as elected prime minister, a lawmaker who is a board member of the party told Reuters. The deal would spell an end to opposition hopes of keeping the military out of politics five years after the then-army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha seized power from an elected government. The Palang Pracharat party had contested the March 24 election on a platform of keeping Prayuth as prime minister. Puttipong Punnakanta, one of Palang Pracharats board members and a member of parliament, told Reuters the partywhich gained the second-largest number of seats in the electionwould formally invite two other parties, the Democrats and Bhumjaithai, to join in a coalition government. We will invite the two parties tomorrow. Its certain that we will be forming a coalition government, with at least 251 seats and more, he said. We will see Prayuth Chan-ocha as prime minister next month. The opposition Pheu Thai party, which was ousted from power in 2014, won the most seats in the 500-member House of Representatives in the March election, but its Democratic Front coalition did not gain a majority when final results were announced. The Democratic Front has complained that the Election Commission changed a complex formula of seat allocation after the vote, giving seats to 11 small parties at the expense of a projected opposition majority under the old formula. Palang Pracharat leader Uttama Saovanayana said in a Facebook post on Sunday night that the party is to make a formal invitation to the Democrats and Bhumjaithai on Monday. The two parties seats would give the pro-army coalition a slim majority in the House. The Democrats deputy leader, Nipit Intarasombat, told Reuters the party would meet to discuss the invitation and had not yet made a decision. However, we have previously engaged in discussions with Palang Pracharat at times, which is a good sign pointing to the likelihood that we will join the coalition, Nipit said. Asked on Saturday whether his party will join Palang Pracharat, Bhumjaithai party leader Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters he had decided but did not elaborate. You may also like these stories: Sri Lanka Lawmakers Defect From President to Prime Minister After Dispute Presidents 35.7M Hydropower Loan Plan Presented to Union Parliament Vietnam Leader Nguyen Phu Trong Suffering from Illness Chinas Xi says Belt and Road Must be Green, Sustainable Burma Boat Crash Kills Five in Sagaing A rescue team tries to save the survivors of a boat accident on the Chindwin River, Sunday, May 26., 2019. / Voice Of Myanmar MandalayA boat accident on the Chindwin River left five dead Sunday at Monywa, in Sagaing Region. A small cargo boat carrying 11 passengers, including driver and crew, was heading from Monywa to Kalaywa with a load of oil barrels when it clipped another vessel. The boat was speeding up to pass [another] other boat, near [a] bridge pillar. Then it lost control and hit the other boat with its side and sank, said Ko Kyaw Soe, who witnessed the incident. According to the rescue team, the dead bodies of the boats driver, two crew members and two children were later taken from the boat. The authorities are investigating the accident. The waterway near the bridge is narrow, especially in summer, Ko Kyaw Soe said, adding that many similar accidents have occurred there. The 750-mile-long Chindwin River connects Monywa in central Sagaing Region with Khamti, Htamanthi, Hommalin, Mawlite, Kalaywa, Minkin and Kani in upper Sagaing. The Chindwin River is used to transport many goods and commodities in the region, as well as passenger boats. Because it flows through mountainous terrain, travel along the river is dangerous and fatalities are common, according to local river transport authorities. River transport authorities have issued several warnings and instated rules and regulations against driving at high speeds and overloading cargo, with fines and sentences for violations of up up 300,000 kyats (US$195) and three years in prison. Despite rules and regulations, accidents on the river will never go away if boat operators arent obeying them or authorities arent enforcing them, said U Aung San Myint, who operates a boat on the Chindwin River. There still are the ego and greed of the boat owners who want to overload to gain more money and bribe the authorities. If everyone respects the law and follows it strictly, there wont be such sad accidents, he said. You may also like these stories: Civil Servant Investigated for Criticism of Govt Training Local tour guides want ministry to take action against foreign operators Vietnam Protests to China Over South China Sea Boat Sinking No New Quarrying Licenses to Be Issued in Mon State Forest Reserve Burma Circumstances of Release of 7 Soldiers in Rohingya Massacre Remain Unclear Ten Rohingya men with their hands bound kneel as members of the Myanmar security forces stand guard in Inn Din village, Rakhine State in September 2017. / REUTERS YANGONIt remained unclear on Monday how, and on whose authority, seven soldiers jailed by the military for killing 10 Rohingya in Rakhine State in 2017 had been released. Four officers and three soldiers were dismissed from the military and sentenced to 10 years with hard labor at a remote prison in April last year for their participation in the massacre, the military announced at the time. On Monday, Reutersreported that the soldiers were released in November last year, after serving less than one year of their sentence, quoting two prison officials, two former fellow inmates and one of the soldiers. However, on the same day, the military told The Irrawaddy it had no knowledge of the release, while the military-controlled Home Affairs Ministry, which is responsible for prisons across the country, said the soldiers were no longer incarcerated. The permanent secretary at the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Aung Kyaw Hoe, said during a joint press conference with the Home Affairs Ministry that he had not heard about the release until the issue was raised in the media. We didnt know about it, he said. Colonel Aung Khin Thein from the Office of the Judge Advocate General told reporters that a court martial sentenced seven soldiers to 10 years in prison for their involvement in the killings and that the soldiers had been transferred to prison. He explained that after the verdict, anyone prosecuted by a court martial has the right to submit an appeal as well as petition to the military chief. The colonel said each appeal submission is reviewed by a military appeal court chaired by officers of the rank of colonel or higher. So, we cant confirm their release now, he said. He didnt say, however, whether the seven soldiers had appealed or submitted petitions to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the current military chief. On the other hand, the director general of the Prisons Department, U Myint Soe, said: There is no one related to the killing in our prisons. Military spokesperson Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told The Irrawaddy that the military would make an announcement on the issue later, as he did not have knowledge of the situation. What we cant confirm now is [assuming the report of their release is correct] whether they were freed on appeals or petitions. We are now checking that out, he said. Last year, right after their sentences, rumorshad it that the soldiers were released on a presidential pardon. Presidents Office spokesperson U Zaw Htay said at the time that the news was not true. The killings of 10 Rohingya created international headlines when Reuters exposed the incident early last year. Two local reporters from the agency were arrested due to the report but later released on a presidential pardon early this month, after serving 16 months behind bars. On Monday, Human Rights Watchs Asia Division deputy director Phil Robertson said the early release of the seven soldiers showed that Sen-Gen. Min Aung Hlaing and other Tatmadaw commanders dont really consider the Rohingya to be human, and were never committed to seeing anyone held accountable for crimes committed in Rakhine State. An action like this shows why the Tatmadaws recently created military court for Rakhine State is a bad joke and just another cog in Myanmars cover-up machine, Robertson said, referring to a court set up by the military to investigate its conduct during a crackdown on the Rohingya in Rakhine State in 2017. The Irrawaddy reporter Htet Naing Zaw contributed to this report from Naypyitaw. You may also like these stories: EXCLUSIVEMyanmar Soldiers Jailed for Rohingya Killings Freed After Less Than a Year Rohingya Man, 8-Year-Old Son Killed in Blast in Northern Rakhine People are Dying: UN Official Urges Aid Access for Myanmars Rakhine State Delayed Repatriation Risks Breeding Rohingya Terrorists: Bangladesh Official Burma At Least 20 Troops Killed in Paletwa Clashes, AA Says An undated river view photo of Paletwa Township. / Tin Tun Aung / Facebook YANGON Nearly two dozen Army soldiers, including some high-ranking officers, were killed in a battle with the Arakan Army (AA) in a remote area of Chin States Paletwa Township on Sunday, according to an AA press release. The AA announced it had ambushed a military column that was traveling in four boats on the Kaladan River in upper Paletwas Maung Hna Ma village on Sunday morning. It claimed two of the boats were completely destroyed by gunfire and estimated at least 20 troops were killed during the fighting. The Army troops belong to Mon State-based Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) No. 218, which is now under the command of the Light Infantry Division (LID) No. 11 in northern Rakhine and neighboring Chin State. The AA battle update claimed more than 20 bodies were floating downstream in the Kalandan River and one AA rebel was also killed in the clash. Maung Hna Ma is situated about 15 miles north of Paletwa. As there are no road links between the urban and rural areas, locals mostly rely on boats for their daily activities. A Chin villager from Mee Wa village told The Irrawaddy on condition of anonymity that a number of soldiers died when their boat sank in the middle of the river during the clash with the AA on Sunday. He elaborated that a boat operator from Maung Hna Ma village, U Yan Doe, was shot in the leg while he was transporting military troops. The man was transported to Paletwa General Hospital for medical treatment on Monday morning. As fighting broke out near the village, some villagers fled to a safer location in the region. It remains unclear how many Maung Hna Ma villagers abandoned their homes on Monday. A Mee Wa villager said the Kaladan River is now under the control of the AA, and Chin villagers avoid traveling on it except in emergencies. AA deputy chief Brigadier General Nyo Tun Aung said that at least one boat carrying 10-15 soldiers was sunk by gunfire, while a second was destroyed but able to reach the river bank. We havent received a complete report yet. What I can say for sure is two or three high-ranking officers were killed, he said. The AA said fighting lasted all day on Sunday, including another clash with a Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) No. 214 unit brought in to reinforce troops along the river. In the second engagement, AA snipers and commandos also killed about 20 Army troops, it said. Office of the Commander-in-Chief spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun acknowledged that some troops were shot dead in the battle but declined to provide casualty figures over the phone on Monday. Last week, military Captain Chan Tha Win, 23, of Defense Services Academy (DSA) intake No. 58 was shot dead by AA rebels in Tha Pyu Chaung village in Paletwa Township. A childhood friend of Capt. Chan Tha Win, Ko Soe Min, told The Irrawaddy that he paid a visit to bereaved family members to offer his condolences. When The Irrawaddys Naypyitaw correspondent asked Brig-Gen. Zaw Min Tun about the death of Capt. Chan Tha Win on Thursday, he said, We dont know his name; we have to check the engagement record. He said there was no fighting between the AA and government troops on Monday, but said a battle did break out on May 17 and that the military had three bodies of AA rebels. Burma Not a Hair on Their Heads Will Be Harmed: Tatmadaw AA leaders at a summit of ethnic armed organizations in Kachin States Mai Ja Yang in 2016. / The Irrawaddy NaypyitawThe Myanmary military, or Tatmadaw, has issued a guarantee for the safety of Arakan Army (AA) leaders who meet with government officials for peace talks in government-controlled areas, including the administrative capital of Naypyitaw. The government and the Northern Alliancethe military bloc encompassing the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Taang National Liberation (TNLA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the AAhave agreed to meet to discuss signing bilateral ceasefire agreements, but the two sides have yet to reach agreement on a potential venue for the meeting, Director-General of the Presidents Office U Zaw Htay told reporters on Friday, with the AA voicing concerns over their security. Particularly, the AA is concerned. It said it is concerned about the security of its leaders because of the ongoing clashes, so we asked the military leaders, and the Tatmadaw said they [will] guarantee their safety, and that not a hair on their heads will be harmed, U Zaw Htay said. But military Spokesperson Brig-Gen. Zaw Min Tun called the AA concerns an unreasonable excuse, since no security problems have ever occurred when delegations of ethnic armed groups have met for peace talks in the past, in Naypyitaw or elsewhere. This is an excuse. We have held peace talks not only with them, but with our bitter enemy the CPB (Communist Party of Burma). They came for peace talks anywhere, including Yangon. Nothing happened to them. There was no security break in the history, he told The Irrawaddy. AA Spokesperson U Khaing Thukha said the security concerns are shared among all members of the Northern Alliance. Not just us, other members are also concerned about coming to Naypyitaw. It would be better if the venue is acceptable to both sides, U Khaing Thukha said. The military is launching [a] fierce offensive, and its policy is to crush us, so we have concerns, he added. The Northern Alliance proposed holding peace talks in either Panghsang, which is under the control of the United Wa State Army (UWSA); Kunming, in China; or in Muse, at the Myanmar-China border. The government suggested Naypyitaw, Yangon, Myitkyina and Lashio as potential venues. Negotiations stalled there. According to the government, after the Chinese embassy stepped in to mediate, three of the Northern Alliance groups agreed to hold the peace talks anywhere. On April 30, delegates of the Northern Alliance and the governments National Reconciliation and Peace Center met in Muse, northern Shan State, to discuss signing bilateral ceasefire agreements. At the meeting, the Northern Alliance presented their proposed draft of a ceasefire and the two sides agreed to meet again this month for further discussions. The military extended a unilateral ceasefire on April 30, but again excluded Rakhine State, home of the AA. If the military has a genuine desire for peace, the AA said, it must stop fighting before discussing political problems. (CNN) Divorce laws in the Republic of Ireland will be liberalized after the results of a referendum were revealed Sunday morning. Results from Friday's referendum show 82% of voters want to change the existing law, which is enshrined in the constitution, under which a person can only apply for a divorce after living separately from their spouse for four out of the previous five years. The clause will now be removed, allowing lawmakers to decide on a new separation period. Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan tweeted Friday calling exit polls showing overwhelming support for the change "very positive news." "I intend moving speedily with legislation to cut waiting time & thereby reduce upset & trauma on couples & children where marriages have irreconcilably broken down," wrote Flanagan. In March Flanagan said the government intends to reduce the living apart period to two years so both parties can "move forward with their lives within a reasonable timeframe." As things stand no one is exempt from the mandatory wait time, including those who are trying to leave abusive relationships, most of whom are women. Women suffering from domestic abuse could benefit from a shorter divorce process in order to protect themselves -- and their children -- from continued abuse from a former spouse, according to the National Women's Council of Ireland. Other individuals in the process of separating argue that the minimum wait time creates unnecessary levels of anxiety, prohibits their ability to move on, wreaks havoc on their emotional well-being and is a terrible financial burden. One man told CNN he had been to court 40 times and spent tens of thousands of euros on legal fees trying to get a divorce. Michael Rossney said the long wait has fueled a hostile environment that has been exploited by the legal system, and that the proceedings -- and relationship with his ex -- could have been more positive if the mandatory period wasn't so drawn out. Divorced was only legalized in Ireland in 1995 by a small majority, 50.3%. Friday's referendum has become the latest in a series of measures reflecting modern Irish society that have recently questioned, and rejected, the historical role of the Catholic Church's doctrine on its institutions. Ireland became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage through a popular vote, with more than 60% voting yes in a referendum in 2015. And, earlier this year, it opened its first abortion services following the 2018 vote that repealed a constitutional amendment that had placed a near-ban on terminations. "Ireland has really grown into a more tolerant and progressive society over the last 24 years," tweeted Irish Senator Catherine Noone following the divorce referendum result. This story was first published on CNN.com. "Ireland to liberalize divorce laws following referendum." Burma One Shot Dead in Drugs Raid in Yangons Mingalardon Township Police and locals at the location of the raid in Mingalardon Township on May 25, 2019. / May Sitt Paing / The Irrawaddy YANGONOne person died in a police raid on the home of a suspected drug dealer on Saturday in Yangons Mingalardon Township. Acting on a tip, police raided a house in No.3/B Ward in Mingalardon Township on Saturday evening. When the suspected drug dealers resisted arrest, the police opened fire, killing one 19-year old man and injuring a number of others, according to witnesses. A number of weapons were seized from the premises during the raid, including swords, a spear and an air gun. What we can tell you for the time being is that we have seized 56 yaba pills. The regional government will release details, a police officer of Mingalardon Township Police Station told The Irrawaddy at the scene. We have the authority to enter a locked building. If [a suspect] doesnt surrender himself, we can use physical force under Section 46 of the Police Code of Procedures to arrest him. If he resists, we can shoot to arrest him. This power is given to the police because criminals have risen. This power is given because we are concerned that civilians will be bullied by criminals. If they can do this even to the police, you can imagine what they would do to [unarmed civilians], said the police officer. I heard the gunshots. As the police climbed over the fence, a [young man] from the house attacked them with a sword. [He] was shot dead as he tried to defend his father, said eye-witness Ma Myint Myint. Burma Police Station Head Accused of Taking Bribe in Underage Rape Case The welcome sign at the entrance to the town of Mudon in Mon State photographed on May 27, 2019. / Nann Ma Naik The head police officer at Mudon Township Police Station in Mon State is under investigation for allegedly taking a bribe in the case of the rape of an underage child, according to local sources. The incident happened at Kawkapone Village, Mudon Township. The 12-year-old girl was raped by her half-brother who was living in the same house as her. The victims mother reported the incident to the police station in the town of Mudon on May 18 and the rapist was detained at the station on the same day. U Khin Maung Tun, head of the police station asked for 100,000 kyats (US$65) each from both the victims mother and the accused rapist. A bribe from a victims family would usually be given in order to ensure action is taken against the perpetrator. A bribe paid by the perpetrators family is usually given to ensure better treatment while in police custody. The following day, U Aung Win, the father of both the accused and the victim, paid the 100,000-kyat bribe to U Khin Maung Tun. Following complaints spread on social media about the police station head taking the bribe, a police investigation commission from the state capitals Mawlamyine District Police Station examined the case on May 22. The investigators met both U Khin Maung Tun, who is accused of taking the bribe, and U Aung Win, who paid the bribe. Police Major Aung Min, who headed the investigation, told The Irrawaddy on Monday that U Khin Maung Tun claimed to have taken the money from the accuseds father as he thought it was to be used to buy food for his detained son. It is common in Myanmar for family members to bring food and supplies to those in temporary custody or prison. However, Pol-Maj Aung Min said that in his testimony, U Aung Win had denied this, and told the commission that he gave the money to U Khin Maung Tun because the police officer had asked for the bribe. U Khin Maung Tun denied asking for a bribe. It is the duty of the investigation commission to find out whether a bribe was really taken or not, said Pol-Maj Aung Min. The testimonies of both of the accused will be sent to the Mon state government first and later to the Anti-Corruption Commission in Naypyitaw. Naypyitaw will then decide whether to take action against U Khing Maung Tun. The Myanmar government formed the Anti-Corruption Commission in 2013 and it has since taken action against many officials, including police accused of corruption. However, corruption continues to be an ongoing issue among the government officials. Despite the countrys political reforms, most of those in positions of government administration have been in place since the military regime. You may also like these stories: Victim Age Limit in Child Rape Cases Too Low: Womens Rights Activists Child Rapists Now Face Life in Prison Women Sold into Marriages in China with Help of Police: HRW Report News State Counselor to Visit Czech Republic Next Month State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi / Myanmar State Counselors Office PRAGUEState Counselor and Foreign Minister Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will make an official goodwill visit to the Czech Republic in early June. During her four-day visit she is set to meet Czech President Milos Zeman, Prime Minister Andrej Babis, Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek and parliamentarians. The State Counselor will address the Czech-Myanmar economic forum on June 4. The forum will be attended by Myanmar and Czech businesspeople. She will also attend the opening of the Myanmar Embassy in Prague. Myanmar once had good diplomatic ties with Prague, but they have weakened since 1989. The Czech Republic and Slovakia formed the country of Czechoslovakia until 1993. The opening of the embassy is expected to open a new chapter in the two countries diplomatic relations. The Czech Embassy in Yangon re-opened in February 2014. Prague closed its embassy in 1993 and for the following 21 years engaged with Myanmar through its embassy in Bangkok. In September 2013 Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attended the Forum 2000 Conference founded by the late Czech President Vaclav Havel. Havel, who became leader of his country after democracy replaced 41 years of one-party rule by the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, lobbied several times for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to receive the Nobel Peace Prize while she was under house arrest during her fight for democracy and human rights in Myanmar. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. She will visit Hungary after her visit to the Czech Republic. You may also like these stories: Big Bad Wolf Book Fair Heads to Mandalay With Only One Side Listening, Dialogue on Charter Was Never an Option Sri Lankan in Myanmar with Suspected Ties to Easter Bombings Good News, but Not the News We Need On This Day Myanmars Election that Wasnt People cast votes in the 1990 general election. A general electionthe countrys first multi-party poll since 1960was held on this day in 1990. However, the military regime refused to honor the National League for Democracy (NLD)s convincing victory. A total of 93 parties contested the election. The NLD won over 90 percent of the seats, securing victory in 392 of 447 constituencies as Myanmars people, who had suffered under a single-party dictatorship for decades, voted overwhelmingly for the party. The National Unity Party, the proxy of the Burma Socialist Programme Party, secured just 10 seats. Before the election, the commander-in-chief of defense services, Senior General Saw Maung, said the military would transfer power to the winner of the election and return to the barracks. Despite his promise, many candidates and members of the NLD were arrested and imprisoned after the vote. The military regime retained power for over 20 years until 2010, when it held multiparty general elections under the constitution it drafted. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party won the 2010 election, which was boycotted by the NLD. But the NLD won the 2015 general election by a landslide and came to power. U Win Myint, the incumbent President of Myanmar, was among the candidates whose 1990 election victories were canceled. He won in Irrawaddy Divisions Danubyu Township. Come mid-April 2019, when Huawei's P30 and P30 Pro smartphones are delivered to pre-orderers and the public, the world's best smartphone cameras will be unleashed, with the P30 Pro delivering truly astonishing low-light capabilities, ultra-wide angle, ultra-macro, 5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom, 50x digital zoom within an ultra-premium smartphone of impressive proportions. Long-time iTWire readers would know that I am an iPhone fan and user since the very first iPhone in 2007, but last year's Mate 20 Pro and this year's even better P30 Pro have left me seriously impressed, and wondering whether Apple will catch up in 2019, or whether they'll wait until 2020, or might take even longer to offer some of the features last year's Huawei's Mate 20 and now this year's P30 Pro offer as standard. The Mate 20 Pro was so advanced that Samsung's otherwise impressive S10+ has only just managed to catch up feature-wise, nearly six months later, in terms of wireless reverse charging, in-screen fingerprint reader, wide-angle and also night mode photography, although the S10+ only offers a 2x optical zoom whereas the Mate 20 Pro offered 3x optical zoom capability (as does the P30), which the P30 Pro incredibly eclipses with a 5x optical zoom periscope lens. Now comes Huawei's newest models, with 3 rear cameras on the P30, and the ultra-premium, P30 Pro flagship, achieve its promise to "rewrite the rules of photography", with four cameras on the rear, and a whopping 32 megapixel camera on the front for five cameras in total. Now, there are plenty more features that set the P30 Pro apart from competitors, and we'll go through those features shortly, but first, here's the P30 series launch highlights from the Paris launch, followed by the full video of the P30 launch, which is definitely a must-see keynote launch event. The article continues below, please read on! Huawei P30 Launch Highlights short video: Complete Huawei P30 Series Launch in Paris 1 hour 30 minute must-see keynote: Let's continue with the P30 Pro's cameras, which are astoundingly advanced, as well as the P30's - here's a photo of the P30 Pro's cameras on the back: Both models start with a 40 megapixel main camera with a new "1/1.7-inch Huawei SuperSpectrum Sensor", which Huawei boasts is "the largest in its class" and which also offers a new RYYB filter instead of the RGGB filter normally used in previous and competing sensors. RGGB stands for red, green, green and blue, and here, Huawei has replaced the green pixels with yellow pixels, which the company says captures up to 40% more light, and with updated algorithms to handle this, it means better photos, as well as a much higher ISO rating for vastly improved low-light photography, with the P30 Pro offering "up to 409,000" ISO rating, and up to 204,800 ISO on the P30. Huawei says this is a "fundamental shift in sensor technology" and combined with the company's AIS, OIS (AI Image stabilisation and Optical Image Stabilisation) along with the P30 Pros f/1.6 wide aperture, we're told this delivers "extraordinary photography and videography experiences across a wide range of scenarios producing images with enhanced detail, colour and clarity even in lower light". This ability to turn night into day in the standard, auto "photos" section of the inbuilt camera app - without even using the P30 Pro camera app's specific night mode - truly is astounding, with the standard night mode even better than the actual night mode. The actual night mode can produce even brighter images, seemingly with a slightly yellow tinge, but as noted elsewhere online, this can be updated by Huawei - with the night mode almost (but not quite) rendered completely unnecessary by the fact the standard photo mode does its own night mode, in a much faster time too. Tom's Guide has some excellent examples of both night modes in action that you must see for yourself here, handily outclassing Google Pixel 3 XL's celebrated night mode. I've also taken some photos that turn night into vastly brighter, clearer photos than were possible with an iPhone XS Max, for example, which the iPhone rendered virtually as completely black, and which were visible on the P30 Pro, and I'll write a separate article about these - but Tom's Guide's article is absolutely must-see to demonstrate the P30 Pro's capabilities. The second camera is a 20 megapixel ultra-wide angle camera (16 megapixels on the P30), along with an 8 megapixel telephoto camera on the P30 Pro with 5x optical zoom which I'll go into shortly. The P30 Pro also offers a fourth HUAWEI ToF Camera (which we'll go into shortly as well), with both also offering a 32 megapixel front camera for ever better selfies, although still no wide-screen selfie mode as seen on the Google Pixel 3 and 3XL models. So let's take a closer look at the P30 Pro's telephoto lens, which uses a new periscope design that turns the lenses and sensor sideways, allowing it to go vertically up the back of the phone, rather than needing to be within the very thin space between the back of the phone and its front glass, let along with the motherboard in between. Huawei explains that a "prism element in the telephoto camera bends light at a 90-degree angle to maximise focal length while minimising camera height, without disrupting the sleek design of the phone". Huawei dubs this telephoto as a "SuperZoom Lens", able to not only deliver an incredibly class-leading 5x optical zoom, but by using one of the other lenses in conjunction with the 5x zoom it can deliver a 10x hybrid zoom, and this also allows a 50x digital zoom. These zoom levels are absolutely incredible, and I've been able to take the same photo from the 0.6x wide-angle, through to the 1x "standard" mode, the 5x optical zoom, the 10x hybrid zoom and then the 50x digital zoom (and everywhere in between), and the results are incredible. In the keynote, we were shown a photo of THE MOON with its craters, taken on the P30 Pro (as seen in the keynote image below), something I've never seen any other smartphone do before, and something I'll be trying for myself when the next full moon arrives this month - especially as my experience of capturing the moon has only ever resulted in blurry discs of white light. On the regular P30, there is a 3x optical zoom, like the Mate 20 Pro, so while the P30 is more affordable than the P30 Pro, if you want the best cameras, the P30 Pro is where it's at. Then there's the P30 Pro's ToF or "time of flight" camera, which "captures depth-of-field information to deliver accurate image segmentation". This means "precise distance measurement" which "allows for the simulation of multiple levels of bokeh" - and it's something not available on the regular P30 model. The ToF camera also augments the "Super Portrait feature" which, unlike with competing bokeh capabilities on competing smartphones, allows the P30 Pro to "capture even the smallest details, such as individual strands of hair". Huawei explains it as being able to "combine depth information and proprietary algorithms to produce outstanding images with defocused backgrounds and highlights the subject of the image in any scenario". After an OS update, the ToF camera also offers that Huawei dubs a "powerful AR measurement toolkit" that "can accurately and instantly measure the length, width and depth". We're told that using "the Face Recognition technology, now measuring the height of a person is just a simple task of scanning from toe to head". It will be interesting to see this feature in action. This video shows how the Huawei AR Measurement works: Demonstrated during the keynote, but also awaiting an OS update before being made available to the public is an intriguing "Dual-View" video capability. This lets you record with two rear cameras as the same time for videos with two perspectives - one zoomed in, one at normal distance - and journalists were told during a post-keynote Q&A that you'll be able to save the videos individually, but they'll be in square format rather than widescreen, although the twin videos exported as a single video will take up a wide-screen's worth of space. Here's Huawei's video showcasing this soon to be available feature: Huawei's P30 Pro also allows for stunningly sharp macro photography with only 2.5cm distance, much closer than competing smartphones. It's all seriously impressive stuff, far in advance of what Apple, Samsung, Google, LG and others have been able to achieve thus far - even down to being able to capture faces with excellent clarity, even when shooting into the sun, which is yet another astounding feature. Indeed, if photography is important to you, the P30 Pro's cameras could easily sway your next Android smartphone purchase, and despite the warm embrace and strong pull of the iOS ecosystem lock-in, there could even be iPhone switchers who decide to switch to Huawei's latest and greatest models rather than a Samsung, LG, Pixel or other Android model. There might even be iOS fans who decide to get a P30 Pro just for the photographic capabilities, so they can enjoy the best of both worlds, but it has to be said, and especially so if you're already in the world of Android, then Huawei's P30 Pro is both a must-see smartphone and a very compelling upgrade alternative. Of course, photography isn't all the P30 Pro is capable of, with widescreen video recordings that outclass what any current iPhone can do from a widescreen perspective, and from a low-light perspective too, thanks again to the new "SuperSpectrum Sensor which enables spectacular low-light video capture so night scenes appear bright and highly detailed". Huawei's AIS and OIS support stabilisation kick in too, which the company states "results in perfectly steady shots in a wide range of situations", for what we're told is "truly cinematic capabilities that usher a new era in studio-grade videography". I've always relied on an iPhone for great video that gets better with each new generation of iPhone, but as I do film a lot of video, and the videos I've filmed on the P30 Pro thus far certainly have been impressive - with great audio, too. So, what other features are on the P30 Pro model (see P30 details here)? Well, Huawei has included just about everything you possibly can into the P30 Pro, with the following shortlist of features: 6.47-inch OLED Full HD+ display with DCI-P3 colour display capability In-screen fingerprint reader - promised 30% faster than in the past (and it does indeed appear to be faster and much more accurate than the S10+ in-screen fingerprint reader Face recognition camera (but no Face-ID style that I personally haven't been able to fool with a photo - unlike the Galaxy S10+!) The camera shows as a "dewdrop notch" at the top of the display, which is easily hideable with a thin black bar (unlike the thick black bar to hide the cameras of of the S10+, if you desire to hide the cameras) Up to 15 watt wireless charging Reverse wireless charging Fast charger included in the box at goes to 70% charge in 30 minutes Infrared remote control sensor and app to control most IR remote controllable devices Acoustic Display technology meaning no external above-screen speaker cutout needed, as the screen vibrates to produce sound Dual-SIM slots with Dual VoLTE, with one of the slots also able to be used additional storage using Huawei's proprietary NM memory cards - so no MicroSD Dual-band and thus more accurate GPS Double knock with your knuckle to take screenshots (along with the existing method of pressing the power and volume down button simultaneously) IP68 water and dust resistance 7nm Kirin 980 processor 8GB Ram and 256GB processor 4100mAh battery (rated as 4200mAh typical value) Huawei Share OneHop, an iOS Continuity-like content sharing feature for the Huawei P30 series and Huawei Matebook Windows notebook PCs USB-C headphones included, and while this means no 3.5mm headphone jack, you can still used wired headphones, while wireless options do abound as never before Basic, standard protective case included in the box - thankfully Tech21 and Huawei have collaborated on top notch cases (my article on the new cases here) Gesture-based interface which mimics that of the iPhone X, even allowing you to swipe from the left or right hand sides of the screen to go back, which is a very handy feature. The older triangle, square and circle interface at the bottom of the screen is also available for those who prefer the old way of navigating on Android, but the new gesture based UI, which debuted on the Mate 20 Pro, is my preferred way of navigating. Impressively, Huawei also introduced a new file system which it has called EROFS. The company claims an app speech launch boost of 20%, a more consistent performance over time that helps its smartphones "stay fast" rather than slowing down, as Androids of the past have been known to do. I'm guessing this is also the reason why Huawei's P30 Pro does not spilt video files into separate parts. This is something no iPhone ever does, but the Google Pixel 3 XL and the Samsung S10+ will STILL split a file after something like 30 to 40 minutes and will create another file! This is madness, a video file should not be split into separate parts but should remain as one file. I recorded well over an hour of video in one go on the P30 Pro and the file remained as a single file - just as it should, which made me happy to see. Now, there's no Face ID style face unlock as seen on the iPhone X-series and as Huawei introduced with its the Mate 20 Pro, but Huawei's P30 Pro face unlock works nice and fast. As noted above, I haven't been able to fool it with a photo, or at least not yet, something I was surprisingly able to do incredibly easily with the Samsung Galaxy S10+ with a photo of myself taken on another phone and pointed at a locked S10+, and that's with "faster recognition" on the S10+ turned off, too. I've tried again and again with different photos of myself to get the P30 Pro to unlock with just a photo, and thus far at least, the P30 Pro just refuses to unlock unless it sees my actual face in real life. As with the S10+, the P30 Pro does warn that face unlocking can be insecure, and has a disclaimer menu in the Face Recognition section of the settings, but again, I just can't make it unlock, so your milage may vary but thus is my experience thus far. As for using the phone itself, I've been able to perform all of the expected functions of a smartphone from voice calls, browsing, app usage, hotspot, infrared remote control (given Huawei has this feature), Mirror (the P30 Pro has a great mirror app), video/TV player via Netflix and other TV apps and more, and as a premium smartphone, the experience has been excellent. I do remember the YouTube app crashing a few times but there has been an update since then, and I'm playing a video on YouTube now, and it's smooth sailing. I've taken all manner of photos I can't take on competing smartphones, demonstrating the 0.6x, 1x, 5x, 10x and 50x zoom modes to the astonishment of people I've shown it to, as well as demonstrating night mode photos, and the P30 Pro has unquestionably been a mind-blowing experience, and videos I've taken have been great too, especially with the widescreen mode that lets me capture so much more than earlier smartphones. Also, while the P30 Pro does offer Wi-Fi 5, or Wi-Fi 802.11ac (and earlier Wi-Fi standards), the P30 Pro doesn't offer Wi-Fi 6, something the Galaxy S10+ can do, and which Samsung did make a big deal of during its S10 series keynote. Is it the end of the world? No - routers with Wi-Fi 6 are only just starting to come onto the market, and the vast majority of routers in existing homes and businesses don't have Wi-Fi 6 capability, and will need to be replaced. Wi-Fi 6 devices and routers make Wi-Fi transmissions much more efficient, but unless you upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 routers and devices, you won't get the benefit, so while it's a shame the P30 Pro doesn't have Wi-Fi 6, it's not a deal-breaker, with future Huawei models sure to offer Wi-Fi 6 capabilities at that time. So, what do Huawei's global and local chiefs have to say about the new models? Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei Consumer BG, and star of the P30 Series keynote that you can see above, said, The HUAWEI P30 Series is a fundamental breakthrough after decades of digital camera technology development; it will rewrite the rules and reshape everyones perception of mobile photography. "Innovations such as the HUAWEI SuperSpectrum Sensor and SuperZoom Lens allow us to push the envelope of both photography and videographya frontier long overdue for disruption. The HUAWEI P30 Series will set the pace for the next generation of smartphones by empowering people to capture the true beauty of the world around them through a device that fits in the palm of their hands. Larking Huang, Managing Director of Huawei Australia Consumer BG, followed, Were thrilled to be the makers of a phone range that continues to elevate everyday photography. As Australians were proud of our picturesque nation. With the HUAWEI P30 Series any phone user can transform the average selfie, lighten the evening sky or capture the full view with simplicity but with consistently amazing results. "Yet, while were aiming rewrite the rules of photography, were listening to all Australians needs a longer battery life to keep up with our busy lifestyles and a slick design to match our fashion forward trends. The HUAWEI P30 Series is the phone for the modern Australian user. Pricing and pre-order offer: Naturally, Huawei has a pre-order offer to tempt those considering an upgrade to either the P30 or the P30 Pro smartphones, be it from an existing Android competitor, or from iOS. The P30 model will retail for A$1099, while the Pro P30 will retail for $1599. Those pre-ordering before 15 April 2019 will receive a bonus Sonos One smart speaker, available in black and white, valued at A$299 via redemption, which you can see here. Both models will be available in the Breathing Crystal and Aurora colours, with Optus the "exclusive partner" to deliver the dual 4G SIM card capability on both the P30 and P30 Pro models. Both P30 and P30 Pro models are available to pre-order and buy from Optus, Telstra, Vodafone, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Kogan, mobileciti and bNEXT. More reviews can be seen at Camera Jabber's "Huawei P30 Pro Camera Review (in progress)", Engadget in an article entitled "The Huawei P30 Pro's cameras are miraculous", The Verge in an article entitled "The challenge of low-light photography is dead, and Huawei killed it the P30 Pro is somehow even better than Googles Night Sight", Android Authority's "Huawei P30 Pro review: A phone with superpowers", the Tom's Guide look at night time photos and plenty more online. Below are some more videos, but don't forget to check out the full keynote, where you'll also see that Huawei launched a 40W 12,000mAh SuperCharge Power Bank, a 2nd-generation version of its Watch GT, new "FreeLace" wireless headphones, new "FreeBuds" Lite, and new Bluetooth headset capable Gentle Monster sunglasses, a photo of all of which is below, a screenshot from the keynote. Huawei P30 Pro promo video: Huawei Share OneHop demo video: The writer attended the Huawei P30 Series launch in Paris as a guest of Huawei Australia. Jon von Tetzchner: We will continue to push for regulation keeping not only our users safe, but all Internet users." The company behind the Vivaldi browser says its emphasis on privacy comes from the fact that its slogan is "we are building a browser for our friends". "Clearly privacy is a big deal for us. We are building a browser for our friends, as we consider our users our friends, and one does not spy on one's friends and we aim to keep our friends safe," Vivaldi chief executive Jon von Tetzchner told iTWire in response to queries. But, he added, this did not mean that the company had its head in the sky. "We generate revenue of about US$1 per user on average from search deals and from some of the included bookmarks," he said, a few days after the company had released version 2.0 of the browser which is aimed at power users. "Given the simplicity of the business model and given that it does not include in any way collection of user data, we can just focus on providing a great browser, rich in functionality, focusing on what our users want to see in a browser." Vivaldi was founded in 2013 and is owned by its employees. "There are no external investors and we aim to keep it that way. The only funding comes from me and from the growing revenue we get from the software. The focus for the company is building great software. We do not aim to get external investors, go public or sell the company," von Tetzchner said. The company is based in Norway and von Tetzchner said this did have an impact on its outlook. "Clearly Vivaldi being a Norwegian company, with servers in Iceland, means that we are registered and live in countries with a great focus on privacy, but we also want to take this further. We will continue to push for regulation keeping not only our users safe, but all Internet users." Von Tetzchner said every other browser maker was seen as competition. "Our competition is Microsoft, Google, Apple, Mozilla, Opera and any other browser vendor. We do believe we have a browser that is best for most all users," he said. Formerly with Opera, von Tetzchner said he had left that project due to disagreement with investors about the direction of the company. "Their goal was to sell the company, while I wanted us to continue to grow our user base by focusing on the needs of the user," he said. "Six years after I left, Opera, now Otello, sold the browser business to a Chinese consortium. Otello is a now a holding company that holds the investments Opera made after I left, mostly in the mobile advertising space." Vivaldi was started two years after von Tetzchner quit Opera. "I started Vivaldi as two years after I left Opera, it was clear that Opera was heading in a very different direction as a product company," he explained. "We had a lot of loyal users at Opera and they were very disappointed with that direction. So was I, and the feeling was that we needed a browser that followed the principles that Opera used to follow, always placing the needs of the user first. Thus we make Vivaldi, a feature rich browser, with a lot of adaptability, so it can adapt to the needs of most all users." Von Tetzchner said anyone could use Vivaldi. "Our goal is to become the browser of choice for all those that spend a lot of time online, but clearly everyone is welcome and we believe we have the best browser for most all users. Just test us out!" he said. Register with JOC.com and receive 5 free pieces of content for the first thirty days. After thirty days, you will receive 3 pieces of content and after sixty days you will receive 1 piece of content. To receive full access, Subscribe Today . You can also subscribe to our daily newsletter. Register That was the appeal to Emery when he signed on. The Vietnam veteran was considered an outcast more than anything. It wasnt the thing to be, he said in 2005. Emery followed a circuitous path to his service in Vietnam. He grew up in Bryant Pond, Maine locally famous as the last place in America where a hand-cranked telephone was used and joined the Air Force in 1955 to avoid work in a lumber mill. He did four years and mustered out for a while. But the call to military service led him to enlist in the Army in 1963. He eventually became a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, where he flew a small copter on scouting missions. As anyone whos ever met Emery can attest, hes nothing if not energetic. Once he decided to join the Triad Vietnam Veterans Association, he was fully committed. Through the years, Emery and other members were equally likely to turn up at events which aimed to help pair homeless veterans with appropriate social service agencies as well as organizing parades and patriotic gatherings. A juvenile was seriously injured Sunday when a vehicle collided with the juvenile at Brushy Fork Park at 1860 E. First St. Winston-Salem Police said the juvenile was crouched down in the parking lot behind a Hyundai Sonata driven by Desiree Katina Sweet of Timlic Avenue. The vehicle began backing and collided with the juvenile, police said. The incident occurred around 6:40 p.m. The juvenile was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. The Winston-Salem Police Departments Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is investigating. No further details were immediately available. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773-7700. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- East Africa Metals Inc. (TSX-V: EAM) (East Africa or the Company). In advance of the upcoming Annual General Meeting (to be held at Suite 1100 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, on May 31, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time), the Company is pleased to provide the following update to shareholders. Highlights: The Mato Bula and Da Tambuk Mining Licenses formally granted to East Africa; and Negotiations with Tibet Huayu Mining Co. Ltd. (Tibet Huayu) regarding the sale of up to 70% interest on the granting of licenses (see News Release dated May, 21, 2019) and the Tibet Huayu Project Financing (see News Release dated February 11, 2019). Ethiopian Licences Following the announcement of the approval of the Mining Licences (see News Release dated May 21, 2019), Andrew Lee Smith, the Companys CEO, attended a signing ceremony on Thursday, May 23, 2019 in Addis Ababa, at which the licences were formally granted to EAM by the Minister of Mines. The ceremony marks the final step in the process of the licence grants. Andrew Lee Smith, the Companys CEO stated, With the formal approval of the Mato Bula and Da Tambuk mining licenses, East Africas assets now include four, fully permitted gold and base metal mining projects in Africa. Over the past seven years East Africa has been able to advance our projects from discovery through to advanced development phase at a pace that is seldom seen in emerging resource sectors. The performance of the exploration programs designed and implemented by East Africa are notable, not only due to short time-frame it has taken to achieve the milestone of this past week, but also by the extremely low discovery cost of US$11/ounce. This metric speaks not only to the tremendous mineral endowment of Ethiopia, but also to skill and experience East Africas technical staff has applied to the highly prospective geological environment of the Tigray region. As we look back to the achievements of the last seven years in Ethiopia, we are confident of continued success going forward. Tibet Huayu Sale and Project Development Financing Following meetings in Beijing, May 14-16, the Company and Tibet Huayu are now in the process of completing the draft Sale Purchase Agreements and Joint Venture Contracts and finalizing the terms of the proposed transaction described in the binding letter of intent (see News Release dated February 9, 2019). These documents will define the transaction that will see the East Africa transfer to Tibet Huayu Mining, up to 70% of the Companys equity interest in its Ethiopian subsidiary companies; Tigray Resources Inc. (TRI 100% owner of East Africas Adyabo Project) and Tigray Ethiopia Holdings Inc. (TEHI 70% owner of East Africas Harvest Project). The terms proposed in the binding letter of intent include Tibet Huayus obligation to: Provide a cash payment of US$1.7M to East Africa; Finance, develop and operate the Terakimti, Da Tambuk and Mato Bula projects. The transaction also contemplates East Africa will retain the mineral rights, and all exploration obligations for the prospective targets not incorporated in the three mining licenses (EAM Mineral Resources). East Africa shall give Tibet Huayu a right of first refusal of reasonable duration to acquire future EAMs Mineral Resources based on mutually agreeable terms similar to those defined by the current transaction. More information on the Company can be viewed at the Companys website: www.eastafricametals.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors: Andrew Lee Smith, P.Geo., CEO Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "forecast", "project", "budget", "schedule", "may", "will", "could", "might", "should", indicate, confident or variations of such words or similar words or expressions. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: closing of the Tibet Huayu Transaction; obtaining all required approvals for the Tibet Huayu Transaction; the ability of Tibet Huayu to develop and operate the Ethiopia Projects and Properties within the required laws and agreements; the outcome of the arbitration case with the Developer; if the arbitration case is successful that the Company can occupy the site and advance the Tanzanian projects; if the arbitration is successful the Tanzanian Definitive Agreement payments are not refundable; recoverability of the Ethiopian and Tanzanian VAT receivable; early exploration; the ability of East Africa to identify any other corporate opportunities for the Company; the possibility that the Company may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service its planned operations and may be force to take other options; the risk the Company may not be able to continue as a going concern; the possibility the Company will require additional financing to develop the Ethiopian Projects into a mining operation; the risks associated with obtaining necessary licenses or permits including and not limited to Ethiopian Government approval of EAM Mineral Resources extensions for the Companys Ethiopian Properties and Projects; risks associated with mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of the Companys projections and estimates, including the initial and any updates to the mineral resource for the Adyabo, Harvest and Handeni Projects; realization of mineral resource estimates; interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; foreign taxation risks; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; the speculative nature of strategic metal exploration and development including the risks of contests over title to properties; and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, as well as those risk factors set out in the Companys listing application, East Africas financial statements and managements discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018, and East Africas listing application dated July 8, 2013. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues. The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources as the estimation is uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define any inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading inferred mineral resources to an indicated or measured mineral resource category. The contained gold, copper and silver figures shown are in situ. No assurance can be given that the estimated quantities will be produced. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the price of precious and base metals; the demand for precious and base metals; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner; and the regulatory framework including and not limited to license approvals, social and environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. The Company does not update or revise forward looking information even if new information becomes available unless legislation requires the Company to do so. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 27, 2019 / DeepRock Minerals Inc. (the "Company"), trading symbol "DEEP" on the CSE, is please to advise that the Company has commissioned Chibougamau Drilling to mobile the necessary equipment and has commenced diamond drilling on the Ralleau VMS/Lode Gold Project in Quebec, Canada. The Ralleau VMS/Lode Gold Project is strategically located in the west-central part of the Province of Quebec, Canada. It is readily accessible via Lebel-sur-Quevillon located approximately 620 km N-NW of Montreal and 160 km NE from the mining center of Val d'Or along the provincial highway system. From the regional centre of Lebel-sur-Quevillon, the Ralleau VMS Project is situated just 67 km ENE along a network of well-kept forestry roads. The Ralleau VMS Project currently consists of 59 key claim cells totalling 3,323.85 Ha (33.24 km2), covering an assemblage of contiguous Quebec mineral claims ideally situated in Ralleau and Wilson townships on the National Topographic Sheets (NTS) 32F01 (Lac de la Ligne). The Ralleau VMS Project is located within the very active Urban-Barry Belt, in the central-east portion of the North Volcanic Zone ("NVZ") of the Archean Abitibi Greenstone Belt ("AAGB"). The highly mineralized Urban-Barry Belt ("UBB") extends over 135 km in length and ranges from 4-20 km across. The UBB is bordered in the north by the Mountain and Father plutons, and in the south by the Wilson and Souart plutons that range from granodioritic to tonalitic in composition. DeepRock's Ralleau VMS Project is located within the Urban Formation ("UF") in the western part of the Urban-Barry Belt. The Urban Formation comprises mafic to intermediate volcanic rocks; and felsic volcanics of dacitic to rhyolitic composition attributed to the noted Novellet Member. These lithological units mainly strike WNW-ESE, changing to E-W in the western portion of the project and to NE-SW in the eastern portion of the project. These changes in orientation may be related to the Urban and Cameron Deformational Zones ("UDZ and CDZ"). The Ralleau Syncline is oriented E-W. Geologically, it has been interpreted to coincide with the Urban Deformational Zone forming a two km wide corridor through the central part of the greenstone belt. The area experienced amphibolite-facies metamorphism; however, the central part of the Urban Formation appears to have been exposed to greenschist-facies conditions. The rocks surrounding the synvolcanic felsic intrusives record favourable contact metamorphic to amphibolite-facies conditions. The lithological units range from mafic to felsic compositions, which is consistent with bimodal volcanism. This is a prospective trait of VMS deposits known to exist in this Abitibi Region. They furthermore suggest that the geological setting of the Ralleau property is favorable for Abitibi-style VMS mineralization such as what exists at the operating Langlois VMS Mine. Shear zone-hosted mineralization consists of disseminated (10%) pyrite with trace amount of chalcopyrite. This would be what may host lode gold mineralization to the east, west and north of DeepRock's Ralleau Project. Mineral exploration activity has been carried out sporadically on parts of the current Ralleau VMS Project and its immediate vicinity since the mid-1950s, including geological reconnaissance, mapping, geophysical surveys, and limited diamond drilling. Recent work has been carried out by Megastar, who acquired a 12-claim block north of Lac Wilson in 2005 that evolved into the present Ralleau project of which DeepRock is earning its fifty-percent interest. Since 2005, Megastar has completed a reconnaissance geology survey, a surface geophysical survey, a diamond drilling programme, trenching and sampling, an airborne geophysical survey, a digital database compilation of all earlier work and geological mapping, prospecting and sampling surveys over almost the entire property. DeepRock is confident it is now time to proceed with an extensive and aggressive diamond drill program on the Ralleau VMS Project. The exploration carried out by DeepRock since 2017 has consisted of a prospecting and mapping programme on the eastern part of the Property and a ground geophysical Induced Polarization (IP) survey on the western part of the Property in preparation for diamond drilling. This surveying delineated a number of compelling conductive anomalies which, to date, all remain untested by diamond drilling. Felsic volcanic rocks, displaying characteristic hydrothermal alteration known to be associated with VMSstyle deposits, had been identified from the geological review, historical diamond drilling, and trenching. The Ralleau VMS Project represents a favorable setting for bimodal mafic VMS mineralization similar to the Langlois mine located at some 57 km WNW of the property. In 1996, the Langlois mine owned by Cambior, started the underground mining of a 22 million tonnes zinc and copper deposit at the rate of 2500 tonnes a day for 10 years. Today, the Langlois Mine, operated by Nyrstar is located roughly 50km northeast of the city of Lebel-sur-Quevillon. The Langlois produces zinc concentrate and copper concentrate, as well as silver and gold as by-products. In 2017, Langlois Mine produced 65,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate, 2,100 tonnes of copper concentrate, 1,900 oz of gold in concentrate and 553,000 troy ounces of silver in concentrate. DeepRock's first 2019 diamond drilling program will consist of a set of drill holes testing 600m of depth, averaging approximately 200m each, along the horizon of interest. The first of the set is specifically designed to twin historic hole MAR-06-04 to corroborate the mineralized intervals and provide some idea of special orientation. DeepRock's geoscientific team will target a strong chargeability/metal factor anomaly. The second will test a strong chargeability anomaly and provide important infill information located between historic holes MAR-06-04 and MAR-06-05. DeepRock Minerals looks forward to analyzing the data obtained to further pursue its drilling program on the other IP anomalies delineated on the Ralleau Project. Christian Derosier, P.Geo., D.Sc., is the qualified person (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43-101 and, acting on behalf of DeepRock, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release. On behalf of the Board of Directors, DeepRock Minerals Inc. Mr. Richard Shatto (604) 807-6334 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Reader Advisory This news release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. MONTREAL, May 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Management of SIRIOS (TSX-V: SOI) is pleased to announce assays results for six drill holes of the winter drilling campaign recently completed on the Cheechoo gold property at Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Quebec. Drill holes #240 and 245 intersected high-grade gold zones, Vein 112 and Jordi, as described below: Vein 112 CH19-240: 25.5 g/t Au over 6.8 m, including 187.0 g/t Au over 0.8 m CH19-245: 18.9 g/t Au over 1.0 m Jordi Zone CH19-240: 26.7 g/t Au over 1.2 m CH19-245: 106.0 g/t Au over 1.3 m Drill holes #240 and 245 targeted Vein 112, at a vertical depth of 300 m and approximately forty metres on each side of the discovery hole #112, that yielded 41.0 g/t Au over 8.0 m (press release 14/02/2018). These drill holes demonstrate the continuity of Vein 112, with similar veins intersected in drill holes #098 and #125E, confirming the lateral extension of the vein over 110 metres in a N-S direction. Vein 112 remains open in all directions. Drill holes #240 and 245 have also intersected the Jordi Zone at a vertical depth of approximately 50 metres, confirming the interpretation of the geological model. This zone has been intersected by numerous drill holes, with grades up to 867.1 g/t Au over 0.5 m (press releases 04/03/2018, 24/04/2018). Significant results were obtained in all recent drill holes, most notably in drill hole #239 with 0.6 g/t Au over 77 metres in the Contact Zone and #221 with 2.6 g/t Au over 15.5 metres. Significant results of the six drill holes are presented in the table below. SIGNIFICANT DRILL RESULTS #221, 235, 239, 243, 240, 245 Drill hole CH19- Zone From To Width Au (g/t) Au Cap 50 g/t m (g/t) 221 19.2 29.8 10.6 0.9 52.5 68.0 15.5 2.6 incl. 58.3 65.0 6.7 5.4 incl. 62.3 63.5 1.2 18.1 96.2 103.0 6.8 1.2 Contact 107.2 126.0 18.8 0.9 235 202.0 205.0 3.0 3.0 Contact 254.5 290.6 36.1 0.4 312.0 315.0 3.0 1.5 239 Contact 84.0 161.0 77.0 0.6 incl. 84.0 107.9 23.9 1.0 incl. 119.0 139.1 20.1 0.7 incl. 146.2 161.0 14.8 0.4 240 9.0 22.8 13.8 0.5 Jordi 66.3 67.5 1.2 26.7 118.4 154.5 36.1 0.9 incl. 118.4 119.2 0.8 15.4 181.7 196.5 14.8 0.5 202.5 215.5 13.0 0.7 227.0 230.9 3.9 1.9 265.6 272.3 6.7 0.7 336.0 342.8 6.8 25.5 10.8 Vein 112 incl. 342.0 342.8 0.8 187.0 358.5 399.5 41.0 0.6 419.8 429.5 9.7 0.7 243 85.4 90.1 4.7 1.1 Contact 119.3 135.0 15.7 0.9 245 Jordi 82.2 99.0 16.8 8.8 3.6 Jordi incl. 82.2 83.5 1.3 106.0 164.5 175.0 10.5 0.5 182.5 195.5 13.0 0.6 205.5 211.8 6.3 0.9 225.5 231.5 6.0 1.0 244.5 256.5 12.0 0.8 284.0 290.0 6.0 0.7 Vein 112 310.0 311.0 1.0 18.9 555.9 561.0 5.1 1.2 567.0 574.8 7.8 1.0 A table of collar coordinates is available at the following link: https://www.sirios.com/bd-coordinates-drilled-20190527 The winter 2019 drilling campaign on Cheechoo included 47 NQ drill holes, for a total of 11,322 meters drilled. The assay results are expected very shortly for the remaining ten holes. Sirios 100% owned Cheechoo property is located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec, approximately 800 km north of Montreal, 200 km east of Wemindji and less than 10 km from Goldcorps Eleonore gold mine. Assay quality control All NQ drill core are logged by Sirios personnel at the Cheechoo exploration camp. The drill core is then sent to Rouyn-Noranda to be sawed in half, with one half sent to a commercial laboratory for assaying and other half kept for future reference. A strict QA/QC program is in place by integrating blanks and certified reference standards to the core sample sequence. The samples are assayed for gold by fire assay with an atomic absorption finish by ALS in Val-dOr. Samples assaying greater than 2 g/t Au as well as drill core samples with visible gold are assayed by fire assay with metallic sieve on a 1 kg sample. Jordi Turcotte, MSc., Geo., and Dominique Doucet, P. Eng., Qualified Persons pursuant to National Instrument 43-101, prepared and verified the technical information of this press release, as well as reviewed the final text. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To contact us: Sirios Resources Inc. Dominique Doucet, Eng., President, CEO This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tel.: (514) 510-7961 A Gambian military court on Monday sentenced seven soldiers to nine years in jail for plotting to overthrow President Adama Barrow, and handed a three-year prison term to another. The sentences relate to events in 2017 after the ouster of strongman Yahya Jammeh, who ruled the tiny West African country with an iron fist for 22 years. The court in Yundum, about 25 kilometres from the capital Banjul, acquitted four other soldiers arrested along with the eight who got jail terms. Tribunal head Colonel Salifu Bojang said two of the 12 soldiers accused had accepted plotting how to arrest cabinet ministers, the Chief of Defence Staff and battalion commanders of the Gambia Armed Forces. He said the soldiers had also created a WhatsApp group where they planned an attack on the West African Military Force (ECOMIG) stationed in Gambia to help keep order. Gambia has set up a Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, modelled on South Africas post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to shed light on Jammehs brutal 22-year reign in the hope of providing justice and closure for victims. It began its work last October, empowered with the right of investigation and recommendation for prosecution or reparations, but not to pass sentence. Jammeh fended off several attempted coups during his long reign, including one in December 2014. He is still a force to reckon with despite living in exile. Last week, he reacted to a recording put up on WhatsApp showing an incident in his native village of Kanilai on March 19 in which a local was injured by a Gambian soldier, saying the problem will be dealt with, without elaborating. Jammeh is accused of spiriting away hundreds of millions of dollars while one estimate put it as high as one billion dollars. LINCOLN Gov. Pete Ricketts and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development have announced plans to lead a trade mission to Germany this November. Ricketts made the announcement from the Midwest International Trade Association annual World Trade Conference in La Vista. Germany is a global economic force with advanced capabilities in manufacturing, biotechnology, and agriculture. Engaging with Germany is imperative in order to continue to raise Nebraskas visibility with companies in the country several of which already invest in Nebraska. We look forward to this visit and to opening up new opportunities for Nebraska in Germany, said Ricketts. According to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Foreign Ag Services and the U.S. Census Bureau, exports to Germany from Nebraska totaled nearly $1.5 billion from 2010 to 2017. Soybean exports alone totaled $696 million during that period, while machinery saw a 200% increase from 2010 to 2017. Additionally, German companies have invested in Nebraska. CLAAS, a prominent manufacturer of agricultural equipment, selected Omaha as its North America headquarters.Graepel, a manufacturer of perforated metals, located its North American base in Omaha as well. The Marines were crossing a rice paddy one day when one of the soldiers was shot. Under heavy gunfire, the rest of the unit continued on, leaving the injured soldier, Paul, behind in the middle of the field. Buettner refused to leave the soldier behind, and ran back to treat Pauls injured leg that was losing a lot of blood. Bobby quickly followed, providing cover a few yards away as Buettner and Paul took cover as best they could while Buettner treated the wounds. He was out there fighting trying to keep the enemy away, Buettner said of Bobby. For several minutes Buettner and Bobby yelled back and forth making sure the other was OK. Then Bobby quit responding. It wasnt until the gunfight was over, and the rest of the unit returned to the rice paddy that Buettner learned Bobby had been shot and killed by enemy fire. I looked at them and said, Bobbys gone, isnt he? said Buettner softly. That was a tough one to take. Paul was safely airlifted out of the area and to this day Buettner doesnt know whatever became of him. LEXINGTON It seems a little ironic, using water to deal with water problems, Pershing Resource Officer Kellie Cetak said, but it is exactly what the Pershing Elementary students did to help a family in need. The Zarek family from Genoa lost everything in the March floods; their home was washed away with the waters. The only thing left of their home was the garage; it was found several miles downstream. Cetak said her family is from Columbus and was familiar with the Zarek family and decided to invite the students to help them. In order to help this family, Pershing Elementary organized a bucket dump. Cetak said if the students brought one dollar they could dump a bucket of water on a teacher. If they brought an additional two dollars they could dump water on their choice of School Resource Officer Luke Pinkelman, School Secretary Nancy Price, Principal Susie Melliger or Superintendent John Hakonson. The students got to figure on Thursday, May 16 who got to dump water on whom. Numerous students were able to douse their teachers and administrators, Cetak said some classrooms had more participants than others. WASHINGTON - There was a line to see the man in charge. "Artie," people called. "Artie, did you see?" "Artie," they said. "You gotta do something." It was the Sunday before Memorial Day, and in Washington, that has long meant that one of the world's largest motorcycle rallies was in town. Every year since 1988, riders have roared into the District of Columbia for Rolling Thunder, a demonstration in support of veterans, prisoners of war and service members who were missing in action. But this year, the organization's leader, Artie Muller, had announced that the financial and logistical burden of making the rally happen had become too much; after 2019, the event in the nation's capital would be no more. PHOTO GALLERY: See more photos of Rolling Thunder's Memorial Day ride in a gallery at the end of this story The news inspired hundreds of thousands of bikers, likely a record-breaking number, to flock to the Pentagon parking lot Sunday morning, ready for their final ride into the city and around the National Mall. And then word started spreading: President Donald Trump had just tweeted asserting that Rolling Thunder wasn't going to end after all. "The Great Patriots of Rolling Thunder WILL be coming back to Washington, D.C. next year, & hopefully for many years to come," he wrote. "It is where they want to be, & where they should be." Rolling Thunder devotees gathered around Muller, thinking the event had been saved. But all around him, the team members behind Rolling Thunder were shaking their heads. They had not received a call from The White House. The Pentagon had not been in touch. The rally would still cost about $200,000 to put on - far too much of which, the organizers believe, goes to parking lot rental and security. The ordeal of dealing with the Pentagon's security demands, they said, was no longer worth it. "Effective preparation for an event the size and scale of a Rolling Thunder ride is a complicated and lengthy process," a Pentagon representative said Saturday. When the tweet from Trump - who was in Japan - went out, the Pentagon referred reporters to the White House. A White House representative did not respond to a request for comment. Unless the venue started costing Rolling Thunder less, its organizers said, nothing was going to change. Instead of having the one ride in Washington, local chapters would put on smaller rallies across the country next year. Spokeswoman Nancy Regg repeated to reporters who called her Sunday: "If we are invited to the White House, we'll go, but as of right now, this is our final ride." Around her, the parking lot was packed with motorcycles, lined edge to edge with only a foot of space between them. They had started rumbling in at dawn, six hours before the ride was set to begin. In came Bob Bradford, a 79-year-old from Maryland, his oxygen machine strapped onto the Harley Trike, its tubes slipped beneath his helmet so he could breathe through all the fumes. In rode 49-year-old Randy Day, and his passenger Mitzi, an 8-year-old chiweenie (part Chihuahua, part dachshund) who had ridden 370 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina. Mitzi wore a leather helmet and hot-pink goggles to protect her eyes from the wind. On another bike was Harjot Pannu, a 51-year-old from New Jersey who always orders his helmets one size too big, so he can still wear his crisp white turban underneath. The back of his leather vest read "Sikh Motorcycle Club." He had long ago grown used to the looks that his headwear and his long salt-and-pepper beard would attract at events like these. "It's not easy to fit in. People keep their distance," he said, "But I don't have to change myself. That's what America is about." Nearby, another leather-vested man was holding forth on what he believes America is all about: "People talk about what's going on today and call it a divided country? I say, you have no idea," said Myke Shelby, recalling the divisions after his return from Vietnam. He rode his Harley from New York to witness the unveiling of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1982. The next year on Memorial Day, he made the trip again. The journey became a ritual for him and hundreds of Vietnam vets, and in 1988, he learned that someone was going to make the annual meetup official, with something called Rolling Thunder. "I was like, what the hell are you doing man, why are you trying to commercialize something so grassroots?" said Shelby, who now owns a Harley Davidson dealership in San Diego. He changed his mind when he saw so many veterans turn out and changes the organization was able to advocate for, including the display of the POW/MIA flag on government buildings. As Shelby spoke, he was interrupted by a small girl wearing her own patch-covered leather vest, aviator sunglasses and a bandana slipped over her braid. "Excuse me, sir," she said. "Are you a veteran?" He knew who she was: Sawyer Hendrickson, a 10-year-old from Michigan, junior Rolling Thunder member and quasicelebrity here. She'd come to hand out rocks she hand painted to every veteran she met. Her mom was behind her, lugging all the rocks in a Michael Kors backpack. Shelby already had one, so Sawyer handed the rock to someone else. "Thank you for your service," she said with a firm handshake. This, Sawyer said, was so much better than the fourth grade. "I do like some subjects, like lunch," she explained. Then she headed into the crowd, where the collectible T-shirts were selling out and people were still wondering whether they would be back next year. "The thing to do is work it out," a man was telling Muller. "We're gonna see what happens," Muller replied, repeating what he'd had to say so many times that morning. He retreated into his car, needing the air conditioning, and for a moment, the quiet. To him, a tweet didn't mean much of anything. "They would have to do a lot before we would agree to come back next year," he said. He was tired and hot and 74 years old. His signature expletives had been flying all day. But the truth was, he didn't want Rolling Thunder to end. That's why he thought the smaller rallies in cities across the country would be better. Get the message out, without the hassle. But now he was looking at the biggest crowd he'd ever seen. "You know, he said, starting to choke up. "It really gets to you. Because it shows you there are people who do care about others," when too many people care "about nobody but themselves." All he could do now was treat this ride like it was his last. His sleek black Harley was waiting in the front of the procession. He traded his hat for a helmet that said across the forehead: "Proud to be American." "Come on," he said to his 11-year-old grandson Gavin. The boy climbed into the seat behind him. Muller looked up at the Washington Monument, and his engine roared to life. Photos: Rolling Thunder's final Memorial Day ride in D.C. Photos by the Associated Press Editors note: Each Monday, the Kenosha News takes a look at the life of a Kenosha County resident who recently died. We share with you, through the memories of family and friends, a life remembered. As Al Braun took care of Kenosha families, he took care of his community. For 42 years he served as a funeral director in Kenosha for Hansen Funeral Home, Bruch Funeral Home and for the past 22 years as the owner and operator of Kenosha Funeral Services. In addition to serving individual families, Al was connected to the community, noted pastor Daniel Duncan, chief celebrant for Kenosha Funeral Services. He knew what was going on in his community and understood how community members needed to support each other, he said. He loved what he did, said his wife, Sue Braun. What he liked best about being a funeral director was the point at which a family said, It was a beautiful service, and he got that handshake, Sue said. He was warm, friendly and demonstrated professionalism, Daniel said. After a lifetime of caring for families who sustained loss, on April 18, Allen Braun 64, died from heart failure at his Pleasant Prairie home. He is survived by his wife, Susan; sons Joe, Matt (Emilia Debicka) and Luke (Za); brothers John (Rosie), Richard (Vickie) and Patrick (Diane); a sister, Mary (Larry) Fry; and four grandchildren. Al was born Feb. 17, 1955, in Richland Center, the son of the Frank and Gertrude Braun. He attended schools in Richland Center. Born to the business It seemed to family that Al was born to the funeral business. His interest started when he attended funerals with his parents. He saw (the directors) in three-piece suits and decided that was the career for him, Sue said. In high school, he worked at a local cemetery digging graves and earned the nickname Digger, said his son Joe. After graduation, Al came to Kenosha to work for Hansen Funeral Home and attended Milwaukee Technical College, where he studied mortuary science. On May 14, 1977, he married Sue LaPoint, a native Kenoshan. We got married, and that night he had to study for his state board (examinations), which were the next day, she said. Marrying a man who was embarking on a career in the funeral business didnt bother Sue. Louis Piehl worked with Al for eight years at Bruch Funeral home. He was a good guy to work with, dependable, he said. You either love this business or you find something else to do. Striking out on his own In 1997, Al started up his own funeral service, working at first out of a small storefront on Sheridan Road. Als rationale for branching out on his own was to serve families in the way he knew best, Sue said. He got tired of (businesses) charging so much for funerals and then having to collect money from families, Sue said. He would say, This is the worst time in (a familys) life, and because people arent thinking, they can be taken advantage of. He didnt want to be that guy. Sue joined Al in the business as office manager and bookkeeper. Their sons have since joined the business as well. In 2002, the Brauns constructed a larger facility at 8226 Sheridan Road. We needed more space because we couldnt do larger funerals in the first location, Sue said. Perfectionist At work, Al was a perfectionist, Sue said. He wanted to make sure every family had what it needed and what it could afford. He did not want anyone to go into debt (for their funeral services), she said. He was there all the time and on weekends, said longtime friend and employee Cheryl Turner. He wasnt afraid to do grunt work. When he did give himself time off, Al just wanted to do nothing, Sue said. But this was only after he spent the first three days calling back to the office, added Cheryl. Als favorite trips were beach vacations to the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Florida. He also liked gambling trips to Las Vegas and Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee. At home, Al loved mowing his lawn and puttering around the pool at the Carol Beach house. We joked that the pool was his mistress, Sue said. He was like a country boy from Richland Center again in his yard, Joe said. He was also a big promoter of St. Bernard rescue dogs, taking on several over the years. No plans to retire At 64, Al had no plans to retire as a funeral director, said his family. He was passionate about it; he never would have retired, Joe said. He loved his family, and he loved the families he cared for, Sue said. Although the funeral industry can take its toll, Al was able to keep his balance, Sue said. He was empathetic, but could pull himself back, she said. Duncan said he respected Als approach to his vocation. (A death) is a difficult time for people, and they need good representation. Its about holding hands to get through the process, and this is something Al certainly did. Love 5 Funny 0 Wow 0 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. It couldnt have been any easier than in Kenosha Monday to recognize the reason behind Memorial Day. All one had to do was an about-face every hour from 9 a.m. to noon and there was a ceremony at a park or a cemetery to remember those who died while serving their country. The Memorial Day events held throughout Kenosha, Pleasant Prairie and Somers drew hundreds from all generations and donning ceremonious head cover from every branch of the military to hear the names of the fallen, witness the laying of memorial wreaths and bow their heads in prayer before rain took over the day. Navy Club The traditional series of ceremonies began at 9 a.m. with a service held by Navy Club Ship 40 at Navy Park. More than 150 people gathered to hear the bell toll once each in memory of the Navy Club members who died during the last year, as well as for those who went before them and those whose fate is still unknown. Jim Froehlke, a Marine veteran from Kenosha, said he takes time each Memorial Day to remember his cousin, Buddy Froehlke, who was killed in the Battle of the Bulge. Like Froehlke, Tim Stearns, of Kenosha, has attended the event for about eight years. This year Stearns, himself an Air Force veteran, said he was especially thinking of his friend Kenneth Flaglor, of Pleasant Prairie, who died in January. Flaglor received a Purple Heart for an injury he incurred at the Battle of the Bulge. To honor, remember and never forget, is why Flaglor said he makes the rounds to the various ceremonies held each year. Commanding officer Jim Zeszutek explained that, on Memorial Day, flags fly at half staff until noon and are raised to full height until sundown. This unique custom honors the war dead for the morning and living veterans for the rest of the day, Zeszutek said. Senior executive officer Dick Stader drew attention to the Scout Leaders Rescue Squad boat in the harbor, from which Navy Club member Bill Ennis cast a memorial wreath in memory of those who served in any branch of the military who have died. Those in attendance were then able to memorialize a loved one by throwing carnations into the water. Green Ridge Cemetery Larry Lewens, commander-elect of Amercian Legion Paul Herrick Post 21, led the 10 a.m. service at Green Ridge Cemetery, sharing the story of the Kenosha Marine assigned to the USS Arizona who died in action Dec. 7, 1941, and for whom the post is named. The ceremony also included the presentation of the colors, the laying of a wreath, the reading of the names of Kenosha County military service members who died in the last year by Harborside Academy students, a gun salute and the playing of Taps. Lewens reminded people to remember veterans, and their families, throughout the year. For far too many Gold Star families, the words We regret to inform you, will haunt them forever, Lewens said. Ed Ungemach III carried on a tradition Monday started by his father Ed Engemach Jr. by bringing his children Charles, of Milwaukee, and Laura, of Trevor, to cemeteries throughout the county, beginning with Green Ridge Cemetery, to spruce up family members gravesites. He grew up just blocks away from here, Ungemach said. He always had me bring the kids, and we would go to all the cemeteries. After taking care of the graves, located near where the ceremony is held within Green Ridge, they made their way to the Sunset Ridge cemetery, where Ungemachs father and grandfather, World War II and World War I veterans, respectively, are buried next to each other. Sunset Ridge and St. Marks A pair of ceremonies are traditionally held at 11 a.m. annually by the Somers American Legion David Leet Post 552 at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park and by Pleasant Prairie Veterans of Foreign Wars at Old St. Marks Cemetery. Today is important to remember the soldiers who were lost in the war, David Arb, 11, of Wheatland, said while waiting for the ceremony to start at Sunset Ridge. They will never be forgotten. Arb was there with his brother, Charlie Arb, 10; grandmother, Rae Arb; and father, Kyle Arb, who served as part of the firing squad during the ceremony, which included the posting of the colors, the placement of a memorial wreath, the playing of Taps and the release of doves. Boy Scout Pack 512 led the more than 200 in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance and Rachel Lovell, of St. Joseph Catholic Academy, sang the national anthem. Rob Roberts, from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1865, made a tribute to Staff Sgt. James Lee VanBendegom, who is buried at Sunset Ridge, and presented his mother with flowers. Historian David Wiedenkeller, the keynote speaker, portrayed Col. Joshua Chamberlain, who fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, sharing excerpts from Chamberlains speech on Oct. 3, 1988, at the dedication of the Marine Monuments at Gettysburg. Wiedenkeller said Chamberlain, who was awarded the Medal of Honor and was the last veteran to die of his wounds in the Civil War, tried to re-enlist at age 70. If that doesnt show the patriotism of our country, I dont know what does, Wiedenkeller said. He wanted to do more. Library Park The days ceremonies came to a conclusion in Library Park with a service hosted by the Kenosha Area Vietnam Veterans. The service included the reading of names of the fallen, a gun salute and a by the numbers detail of the lives lost in various wars and conflicts. Tim Green, captain of the honor guard, said of those named on the Vietnam Memorial Wall, 45 were from Kenosha. We have to remember, Green said. That is why we are all here. Were not going to forget our brothers and sisters. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 DOVER Remembering the sacrifices made by veterans and assuring that future generations do the same was a theme that rang through Sundays Memorial Day ceremony at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Ceremony. Before a standing-room-only crowd, local dignitaries paid their respects to the fallen and urged everyone in attendance to never forget those who died for their country. We will not forget the great sacrifice ... the many have made for the great cause of freedom, and we do not take it lightly, pastor David DeBerge said in his invocation. In his remarks, U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., said families and children look to Memorial Day weekend as a time to enjoy cookouts and parades. But we must remember why we have Memorial Day. We must tell our kids why we have Memorial Day. This weekend, share with the next generation why we take this weekend to remember the fallen, he said. Steil noted that June 6 will mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, when thousands of Allied troops stormed the French beaches to turn back the Nazis. He reflected on what it must have been like for the thousands of men as they boarded the boats and approached the beaches. While we cant imagine what was going through their heads, we know what was in their hearts ... the love of America, the love of family and the love of the ideals Americans believe in, Steil said. They freed Europe because of what was in their hearts: patriotism, love and honor. Freedom is not free. It comes with a tremendous cost. Men, women, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters sacrificed their lives to ensure that America remains free. Mary M. Kolar, secretary-designee for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, said that Memorial Day is the most solemn of the countrys national holidays. She said coming together for ceremonies like the one on Sunday helps to educate our fellow citizens who may not understand or grasp the gravity of the service of these brave men and women. ... By our example we are acknowledging the service of those who served. Lets be united in our effort. We must always remember and never forget the sacrifices made through the centuries by our lost brothers and sisters, she said. Our veterans are the true heroes of the American experience. And they have given us the opportunity to make this century one filled with peace, liberty and freedom. Gov. Tony Evers said it is also important to remember the families of those who died in service to their country. Today, and always, we think of those who served and their families and friends, he said. Today we honor those who left their mark on history. We must maintain the legacy of those who fought and died. As the benefactors for their legacy, we must assure that their sacrifices are never forgotten. The ceremony included a fly-over by biplanes from the Commemorative Air Force of Waukesha, as well as a POW/MIA ceremony and recognition of all branches of the armed forces. Wreaths were laid in recognition of the fallen, and Vietnam veterans recreated the Battlefield Cross, consisting of a rifle, helmet, boots and dog tags. In his benediction, DeBerge said, I can tell you today, America is worth living for, and America is worth dying for. ... Have faith and courage to look to the future. Our greatest weapon is love. The ceremony closed with a rifle salute and the sounding of Taps. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A combination of workforce challenges, inadequate Medicaid rates, and facility closures or downsizings are jeopardizing the future viability of Wisconsins nursing facilities and access to high quality care and services in Wisconsin. The effect of these challenges is alarming. Since 2016 there have been 30 nursing facilities that have closed in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the number of nursing facilities that are closing continues to increase. Since Jan. 1, 11 nursing facilities have closed. In addition, there are currently 27 nursing facilities in receivership. Moreover, many more nursing facilities have acted to delicense their bed capacities, limiting access to care and services in their communities. A significant reason for these numbers is the chronic underfunding of the Medicaid program. A recent national study reported that Wisconsin has the second worst Medicaid nursing facility rates in the country when compared to the actual cost of providing care. If left unaddressed, Wisconsins low Medicaid reimbursement rates for skilled nursing facilities could severely limit access to high quality care and services for our States most vulnerable citizens. Nursing homes that serve older adults and people with disabilities rely on Medicaid to cover the cost of nursing care for residents who have often outlived their assets. Medicaid losses are placing a significant financial hardship on nursing facilities where nearly two-thirds of the care provided must be covered by Medicaid. The inadequate Medicaid reimbursement has also contributed to the long-term care workforce crisis, where 1 in 5 caregiver positions remain vacant in Wisconsin. In 2018, there were more than 16,500 openings statewide in long-term care facilities. Despite the growing need for additional caregivers in long-term care, fewer people are choosing to enter the caregiving profession, undoubtedly influenced by other employment options offering higher wages. Without additional Medicaid resources to attract and retain caregivers, more providers will have to limit admissions in order to maintain care quality just as demand begins to rise as the Baby Boomer generation ages and requires more long-term care services. Wisconsin is expected to have 1.1 million residents ages 65 and older in 2020, which will grow to 1.54 million individuals in 2040. Further, from 2010 to 2040, the number persons over the age of 85 in the state will increase by 140 percent. In order to address the severe and growing long-term care challenges facing facilities, Wisconsins long-term care provider associations are asking the Wisconsin Legislature to prioritize an increase for Wisconsin nursing facilities. The requested investment of $83 million in the Wisconsin State Budget would enable nursing home providers to better recruit and retain competent and caring staff. Approval of the request would be a major step toward alleviating the long-term care workforce and funding crisis. Wisconsin can, and must do more to provide access and quality care for our aging population. These older adults are our mothers and fathers, grandparents, brothers and sisters. Wisconsin is the leader in so many things, it is time we lead in supporting a generation of people who have done so much to shape our lives, our state, and our country. John Sauer is president and CEO of LeadingAge Wisconsin, which consists of more than 200 non-profit member organizations, including nursing homes, assisted living and independent facilities, and community service agencies. Statewide, LeadingAge Wisconsin members employ over 38,000 people who provide compassionate care to more than 48,000 individuals daily. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly 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. In contrast to the continuous questions and updates on Foxconn to the north, theres Haribo to the south. Quietly back in the news, the worlds leading manufacturer of fruit gummi and licorice products is planning to build a manufacturing facility as expected in Pleasant Prairie. The Village Board last week approved the initial phase of the Haribo of America development that will begin construction this fall in the Prairie Highlands Corporate Park. Jean Werbie-Harris, community development director, said construction of a warehouse is expected to be completed by next fall and the manufacturing facility finished by the fall of 2021. The new facility is expected to employ 450 workers and would produce or store as many as 132,000 pounds of the gummi candies annually. The full rollout of the campus will include other retail and promotional operations, daycare and fitness centers, a museum and a heliport. Details for those plans were not yet included in the submission to Pleasant Prairie. At the Plan Commission meeting earlier this month, Mike Pollocoff, a Pleasant Prairie board member on the commission, said Haribo represents an excellent development in the growing and business-friendly village. Were looking forward to the next phase of this construction, and Pleasant Prairies very pleased you chose us here, said Mike Serpe, Plan Commission chairman and Village Board member. I guarantee you wont regret that decision. Haribo, the German manufacturer known for its Goldbears gummi bears, is moving to where demand of its product is great, and its plans have been steady moving forward. Last November, Rick LaBerge, chief operating officers of Haribo of America, told the crowd at FaB (Food and Beverage) Wisconsins annual meeting: Were excited to be working so closely with the people of Wisconsin as we make plans to build our first-ever U.S. factory in Pleasant Prairie, he told the 400 attendees. Im so happy to be here to represent Haribo of America and to hear about the incredible initiatives FaB is leading to promote the growth of the food and beverage industry in Wisconsin. Katie Waller, vice president of marketing for Haribo of America, said at the meeting, Haribo showed up so well, our support of the local community was clear, and it was a proud moment for us. Globally, family-owned Haribo employs nearly 7,000 associates and operates 15 production sites in 10 countries. Pleasant Prairie stands to gain a top employer. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 289 Shares Share Im an orthopaedic surgeon, but if you told me Id be here when I graduated from college, Id be laughing at you. When I got started in college, I thought I was going to be pre-med and apply to medical school. It was not a well-thought-out decision. I thought that this was what good Chinese-American children do: Grow up to become doctors. It became clear that this goal was parent-driven and not my own. At UCLA as a new freshman, I walked into my very first class, Bio 101, or whatever it was called back then. Although I came from a medium-sized high school, it sure was shocking to walk into a class of 600 other students, all vying for the pre-med track. Although I enjoyed biology, I very quickly got weeded out of this class. Indeed, these were called the weeder classes for a reason. Now, here I am, a freshman in college with what I thought was going to be a well-defined plan, without direction. So I decided to take classes that just sounded interesting to me, and at the end of three years, I found that I had a lot of sociology credits and a lot of psychology credits. To be honest I could have flipped a coin. Looking at which major had the edge in terms of a faster route to graduation, I decided to be a psychology major. Its a quirky way to decide on a major, but at the time, I hadnt had a long term goal in mind, so I figured graduating would at least help me meet a goal and move on to the next adventure. I did find psychology interesting though (still do!) and found myself applying for graduate programs in psychology as a default next step. But fortunately, I realized that it was not what I actually wanted to do. It wouldve been an expensive detour how do I not. Although I was in a major that I enjoyed, Ill have to say I lived the full college experience. I learned who I was, I made lifelong friends, but I cant say I had the best GPA. While I can technically say I finished with a 3.0, it is only because I can round up from 2.9997! Not exactly the picture of a future doctor. After I graduated, I again chased my passions which were not necessarily academic, and I worked in the snowboard industry. I loved to snowboard, and I had even entered a competition or two in my younger (and more limber) days. I worked for a small snowboarding company in sales and marketing. I traveled around the country, visiting snowboard retailers and selling our goods. I attended competitions, tradeshows and rubbed elbows with athletes and retailers, marketing our boards. It was so much fun, but boy, it sure paid nothing! I then fell into a position where I became an event coordinator, Mandarin language translator, and ran a small office. It was during this time that I had the opportunity to take some coursework in Chinese medicine and acupuncture. I found it interesting, but not necessarily what I wanted my life career to be. I have the good fortune at that time of working pretty closely with some physicians that also had an interest in complementary medicine, and it dawned on me that my path was supposed to include medicine after all. At that time, I was already four years out of college with no pre-med classes under my belt. I had naysayers, and my internal voice wondered if I were smart enough, still young enough but I decided to go for it. While I was working full-time and often traveling three weekends out of the month, I pieced together my post-baccalaureate classes to meet the requirements, sometimes driving all over the Los Angeles area to attend evening classes at the various Cal State and UCLA extension programs to get my requirements done. This time around there was no weeding out. I had clarity of my mission, and I was serious about getting medical school this time. I aced my classes and got very close to a 4.0. I studied hard for the first time in my life. It was during this time that I figured out what study styles worked for me and what did not and in doing so, I got a great score on the MCAT. I applied to medical school and was admitted the first time around. Going in for interviews, it was beneficial to be just a little bit older and have had working experience. I came into medical school much more mature than I would have had I come in at age 21. I felt that this served me well also as I got into my third and fourth your clinical rotations. I was able to relate to people of all different ages because I have done so in my prior work. I felt that I took my schooling so much more seriously but at the same time being more mature, understood that it was still important to have a release valve and have fun too. I was able to effectively have school-life balance, doing well in classes and rotations but staying well-rounded. I have a lot of aspiring medical students ask me about my path and how I got there the nontraditional way even with a low GPA to start. I often share with them the lessons Ive learned along the way: 1. Its never too late. I think some of the lessons that I would take from my pathway is that its never too late and that it is important to be introspective about why you choose the career path that you do. Its important to reassess and reevaluate what your values are so that you know that what you are doing is going to continue to make you happy and feel fulfilled. These can change over time, and I encourage this not only of younger people hoping to get into medicine but even my peers or those older than me mid-career who are asking themselves if they are still where they are meant to be. 2. Acknowledge and address fear. We often have fear of change, and this fear can be paralyzing. Whether it is the college graduate who did not go right into a professional school or someone who is mid-career who feels that so much time and resources have been put into their current position that it is too late to make a change fear drives stagnancy. For me, as I pivoted to apply to medical school, getting over this fear was a big part of my ultimate success in taking the steps to apply and gain admission to medical school. 3. Ask why not. Another piece that is really important is when somebody asks you why, say why not? There are a lot of people who along the way told me various reasons why I shouldnt go for it. I always encourage those around me to prove people wrong when theyre told that they cant do something. Ultimately it takes introspection and evaluation to get over these external barriers. It doesnt matter what external barriers are present; if the internal ones arent addressed, no forward progress can be made. Nancy Yen Shipley is an orthopedic surgeon and can be reached at her self-titled site, NancyMD and on Twitter @_nancymd and Instagram @_nancymd. Image credit: Shutterstock.com New councillor Eugene McGuinness says that he is looking forward to meeting all his new colleagues and people can expect to hear plenty from him over the next five years. The non-party candidate, who got 826 first preference votes, is a brother of sitting Fianna Fail TD John McGuinness. Speaking to the Kilkenny People after he was elected on Sunday night, the Cllr E McGuinness, who was a vocal opponent of plans to build a new mosque in the Hebron area, said it had been an election issue for people. It came up on the doorsteps a lot, he said. People were shocked, absolutely shocked that we were after electing councillors who were afraid to speak out. While other city candidates said the mosque had not been brought up by people with them all that much, Cllr McGuinness said his experience had been different. It probably didn't come up for them, but when they saw me standing at the door, thats what did come up, he said. Theres a lot of people afraid to talk about the mosque, and afraid to voice their opinions because of the religious aspect to the development. They were afraid to do it. When asked what other issues had come up outside of the mosque debate, the new councillor said that shop closures in the city was a major one. Local business everybody sees it, he said. Something has to be done, and quite obviously the councillors who were [previously] elected dont have the answers, and we are going to have to think outside the box to sort it out. What can we expect from him during the next five-year term? I think you can expect a lot of talking, that's for sure," he says. "I wont be afraid to speak about any of the issues. I look forward to meeting all of the councillors that are elected and we can sit down and discuss it, and deal with the real serious issues facing Kilkenny. Super Pit gold mine on Kalgoorlie's Golden Mile in Western Australia, Australia's largest open-pit mine (Kitco News) - Australia's gold production continues to fire on all cylinders as the sector sees its first quarter more than two decades, according to data compiled by gold mining consultants, Surbiton Associates. According to the firm, gold production in the first three months of the year totaled 78 tonnes, the best output since 1998. The firm first quarter comes after Australia saw record gold production in 2018. Miners continue to take advantage of near-report gold prices in Australian dollars. Gold prices in Aussie terms last traded at $1,857.50 an ounce, down only 1.6% from February's all time highs The firm noted that the first quarter is traditionally the slowest part of the year for the mining sector as companies deal with poor weather conditions and a shorter production schedule. "Every day makes a difference, since Australia's current production of around 320 tonnes of gold a year, is nearly nine-tenths of a tonne of gold a day," said Dr. Sandra Close, a director of Surbiton Associates. "While some production was lost in north Queensland this year, the northern part of Western Australia was far less affected than usual." Australia's gang-busting production comes as many market analysts are starting to question the sustainability of the current trend. Close said that peak gold production is not something Australian gold miners should currently worry about. "I cannot predict the future, but at the moment there do not appear to be major causes for concern on the horizon," she said. Quoting data from the United States Geological Survey, the Surbiton Associates noted that Australia has the largest reserves of gold in the world 9,800 tonnes, or enough for 31 years' production at current rates. They compared that with China, the world's largest producer, which has just 2,000 tonnes, or only five years, of reserves. Australias largest gold producers for the March 2019 quarter were: Editor's Note: Get caught up in minutes with our speedy summary of today's must-read news stories and expert opinions that moved the precious metals and financial markets. Sign up here! (Kitco News) - Focus Minerals (ASX: FML) added to its Karridale Gold Deposit's mineral resource. Highlights of its drill program, which were released today, were the following: Indicated Resource: 3.1 Mt @ 1.5 g/t Au for 154,000 contained ounces increase of 14% Inferred Resource: 12.6 Mt @ 1.3 g/t Au for 518,000 contained ounces increase of 28% Total Resource: 15.7 Mt @ 1.3 g/t Au for 672,000 contained ounces increase of 25% Karridale is located on the outskirts of the Laverton township, in Western Australia's north-eastern Goldfields. Written with material from company news release. Advertising on Kitco, the leader in mining coverage. Stuff reports: Israels president said Sunday (Monday NZT) he is shocked by a German officials comment that he wouldnt advise Jews to wear skullcaps in parts of the country, which is drawing mixed reactions at home. Felix Klein, the governments anti-Semitism commissioner, was quoted Saturday as saying: I cannot recommend to Jews that they wear the skullcap at all times everywhere in Germany. He didnt elaborate on what places and times might be risky. The statement of the German governments anti-Semitism commissioner that it would be preferable for Jews not wear a kippa in Germany out of fear for their safety, shocked me deeply, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said in a statement. The rise again of anti-Semitism in Germany is of massive concern. The Guardian suggests it has two sources: Klein acknowledged that the arrival of more than a million asylum seekers, many from Muslim countries such as Syria, Afghanistan or Iraq, has had an impact on the situation in Germany. Some were influenced by watching certain television channels which transmit a dreadful image of Israel and Jews, he said. However, he emphasised that the far-right was to blame for the overwhelming majority of antisemitic crime. Extremism is bad, whatever its form. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr (CNN) "Father, I wanted to look you in the eye ... I wanted to ask you why?" demands Anna Misiewicz as she confronts the parish priest she says abused her when she was just seven and eight years old. "You touched me where you were not supposed to, my private parts," Misiewicz says, matter-of-factly, telling him that his actions "really scarred my adult life deeply." "I still have nightmares ... I am unable to sleep at night," she tells her alleged abuser. "I still carry it inside me." The elderly man she is addressing exhales and shifts in his orange and brown striped chair, as a religious service plays out on a TV nearby, in a home for retired priests in Kielce, central Poland. The priest, identified only as Father Jan A., has never been charged with abuse. He pauses briefly, before saying: "I should never have done it, I should not have touched or kissed you ... I know I shouldn't have." "I regret it profoundly," he says, insisting that he has reformed in the three decades since the alleged episode detailed by Misiewicz. "It was the devil who took his toll." The pair's troubling meeting was captured on secretly filmed footage that is at the heart of "Tell No One," a new documentary that has sent shockwaves through the Polish Catholic Church and wider society in the deeply religious nation. Since its release on YouTube on May 11 the film, which details decades of sexual abuse by Catholic priests in Poland and shows victims confronting their alleged abusers, has been viewed more than 20 million times. 'Erosion' of Catholic Church The Catholic Church -- and its priests -- enjoys a revered status and wields serious influence in Poland, where more than 90% of the country's population is registered as Catholic. The Church has long held powerful ties to politics; together with the late Polish Pope John Paul II, it is widely hailed for its opposition to the Communist regime that collapsed in 1989. Marcin Zaborowski, political analyst at Visegrad Insight, told CNN the Catholic Church has been "fundamental" to Polish society. "The Church is part and parcel of Polish politics," he said. "The current government will find it difficult to distance itself from the Catholic Church," Zaborowski added. Only a week before the film was released, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, leader of the conservative ruling Law and Justice Party, said: "Anyone who raises his hand against the church, wants to destroy it, raises his hand against Poland." After seeing the documentary, he clarified his remarks at a rally, saying: "That does not mean that we support or tolerate pathology in the Church." But Zaborowski said the film "could be a game changer," adding that it had "started the erosion of the position of the Catholic Church in Poland." The case that's created the biggest outcry since the film's publication is that of Father Franciszek Cybula, the priest of Lech Walesa, leader of anti-Communist movement Solidarity in the 1980s. Confronted on the doorstep of a small, white house in Gowidlino, a village in northern Poland, Cybula is accused of abusing a 12-year-old boy, decades earlier. Cybula, who is unaware he is being filmed, admits he touched the boy in a sexual manner, but tries to downplay his actions. "There was a moment of caressing and then we went back to our daily business," he says, arguing that "it never exceeded any inappropriateness," and suggesting that the pair had "fondled" each other mutually. Cybula died before the documentary finished production. Poland's Prosecutor General has issued an investigation into the alleged crimes detailed in the film. "Tell no one" director Tomasz Sekielski told CNN he felt compelled to bring the sexual abuse to public attention after meeting several victims during his career as a journalist. "The horror of their stories stayed with me and I knew that I wanted to do something more on the subject; that's why my brother and I decided to make the film." Taboo subject in Poland It was difficult to find traditional investors willing to back the film because of its polarizing subject, Sekielski said. Ultimately, he and his brother raised more than $100,000 to shoot the documentary via crowdfunding websites. Sekielski says the response to it has far exceeded their expectations: "This film has been like a shock to Polish society and has managed to create real social awareness of a subject that has been very taboo in Poland." Sekielski says he does not know if Pope Francis has seen the film, which is available online with Spanish and English subtitles. When CNN asked the Vatican if they had a comment on the film, they said they "would look into it." In response to the film, the Vatican's ambassador to Poland, Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, told CNN: "The Pope is very concerned, and we express sympathy and solidarity." The Vatican has announced plans to send Malta's Archbishop Charles Scicluna, the Vatican's top sex crimes investigator, to Poland on June 13 to host a "study day" on abuse for Polish bishops on how to protect minors from abuse within the Church. Archbishop Stanisaw Gadecki, President of the Polish Bishops' Conference, said he had been "deeply moved and saddened" by the film. "On behalf of the entire Bishops' Conference, I would like all the victims to accept my sincere apologies; I realize that nothing can compensate them for the harm they have suffered," he said in a statement, adding that the film would "definitely contribute to an even more severe condemnation of pedophilia, for which there can be no place in the Church." Following the film's release, the Polish government proposed raising the maximum prison sentence for convicted pedophiles to 30 years. But that's insufficient, says Polish foundation "Have No Fear," which helps victims of child abuse committed by the Catholic Church. The organization worked with the Sekielski brothers, helping to find victims who were willing to participate in the film. Anna Frankowska, a board member of the organization, told CNN it had been "completely overwhelmed" by the reaction to the film: "It has generated a tsunami of calls from new victims to our charity." Since the film's release more than 100 new cases have come to light, according to the charity. "On one hand it is wonderful, but on the other it is overwhelming as we do not have the resources to process all the cases," said Frankowska. "The government increase in jail time is not an effective tool," she said, arguing that "it is more symbolic than anything, the courts need to actually start implementing these harsh sentences." 'Gesture gave me huge hope' In February, representatives from "Have No Fear" delivered a report to Pope Francis in Rome, accusing 26 bishops in the Polish Catholic Church of concealing the perpetrators of sexual abuse of minors. Marek Lisinski, a co-founder of "Have No Fear," was one of those who met the Pontiff. "The Pope took my hand in his hands and looked at me and ... grew sad. It had a huge impact on me. Then ... he kissed my hand. That gesture gave me huge hope," Lisinski said. An abuse survivor himself, Lisinski told CNN how he had been groomed by a young vicar when he was a 13-year-old altar boy living in Poniatowo, in central Poland. "It was in 1981 ... You must remember these were totally different times in Poland, there was a shortage of almost everything. But he had everything, sweets, food. It's important to understand what it meant in those days to get a sweet from someone," he said, explaining that "times were tough." "He followed me into the toilet one day and started doing bad things to me," Lisinski said. When he tried to tell his mother about the abuse -- on the same day that martial law was declared, in December 1981 -- he said she was "more worried about the political situation in Poland rather than me." Lisinski said the sexual abuse "really hurt my life" and led him to become an alcoholic. Now sober, he now dedicates his time to helping other victims of abuse. "Have No Fear" says it has yet to hear back from the Vatican about the report; its members are extremely frustrated at the way the Polish Catholic Church is dealing with what they see as a huge crisis in the country. In March, Poland's Catholic Church released a long-awaited report on the numbers of sexual abuse cases there in the past 28 years -- the first time it has presented data on the scale of the problem. According to data compiled by the church's statistics institute and child protection center, 382 clergymen were reported for sexual abuse involving 625 minors between January 1990 and June 2018. Of these 58.4% were male, while 41.6% were female; more than half of the victims were under the age of 15, the report said. "Have No Fear" says the numbers do not tell the whole story; they want access to church documents detailing the nature of the abuse, and to find out what -- if any -- punishments the alleged abusers faced. In the absence of those records, the accounts of victims like Anna Misiewicz, who are willing to speak up about the abuse they say they faced as children, are all-important in helping to raise awareness of the issue. Standing outside the pretty wooden church she attended as a child, Misiewicz tells the filmmakers about the day of her first communion, pointing out where she stood alongside her alleged abuser for a photograph to mark the occasion. Dressed all in white, with a lace headdress in her hair and a half-smile on her face, there is little trace of the turmoil she was going through but, she says, "I was under great stress because ... as a little girl I feared the photo would show that there was 'something between us,' as teenagers say now." "He destroyed my life," Misiewicz says of her alleged abuser. "For me he does not even deserve to be called a priest." This story was first published on CNN.com. "Polish priest blames 'devil' as he's confronted by alleged victim whose life was ruined." By Karamjit Kaur, The Straits Times | May 27, 2019 Travellers at Changi Airport can expect to walk through body scanners more often with 14 machines now installed across the four terminals, as part of moves to boost security amid increasing threat levels. Body scanners that are able to detect items concealed under clothing within a few seconds also help to reduce screening time, allowing busy airports like Changi to process travellers quickly and efficiently, experts said. Terminal 4, which has four scanners, was the first to introduce the machines when it opened in October 2017. Since then, another 10 body scanners have been progressively installed at the other three terminals, Changi Airport Group told The Straits Times. At T4 - a test bed for the latest technologies - there are also 10 CT X-ray machines. These allow hand luggage to be screened without travellers having to remove laptops from their bags. With body scanners that are increasingly being used by major airports in the United States and Asia, security personnel - often located in a room away from the screening stations - are alerted when an item is detected on a traveller. A simple outline of a body is generated to indicate where the object is. The alert is conveyed to officers on the ground who then perform further checks on the particular traveller. While body scanning technology has been around for more than a decade, earlier models were rejected due to privacy and health concerns. At Changi Airport, the first trials were done as early as in 2008. To mitigate privacy concerns, body scanners now used at Changi and other airports do not detail the person's actual shape - just an outline. The machines also use millimetre wave technology to detect both metallic and non-metallic items. The technology is certified safe and poses no known health and safety risks as it utilises a very low-power non-ionising form of electromagnetic technology, experts say. The amount of electromagnetic radiation emitted is many times smaller than that emitted by a mobile phone, they add. While there continues to be resistance from certain groups, primarily in the US, it has not stopped security agencies from pushing the technology through. Such scanners, they say, are critical to airport security and could have, for example, detected British terrorist Richard Reid. Better known as the Shoe Bomber, he had attempted to detonate an explosive device packed into his shoes while on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami in 2001. Other passengers managed to subdue him. Apart from the US and Singapore, many other countries, including India and New Zealand, have also announced plans to install body scanners at airports. Supporting the move, Mr Ong Kok Leong, group general manager of security firm Apro Asian Protection, said body scanners that no longer reveal body contours are in fact less intrusive than pat-downs. Changi should also get more CT scanners for hand luggage, he said. "One of the most dreaded experiences in travelling is having to empty laptops and other electronic devices from handheld luggage and repacking them. "With CT scanners, this will be necessary only on a case-by-case basis if the scanner detects suspicious items in the luggage. The ability to generate 3D images will also significantly reduce the number of false positives," Mr Ong said. Wider deployment of new technology will not only improve security levels at Changi and other airports, but it will also make the screening process far less stressful for the majority of travellers, he said. China Aviation Daily | May 24, 2019 The first Air Cargo Day Hungary conference bringing together cargo supply chain professionals was held in Budapest for the very first time yesterday. Over 100 key decision makers from the cargo business from all over the region attending this international event discussed the current issues of the sector, with special focus on its digitalization potential. Terminal 1 of Liszt Ferenc International Airport hosted the first Air Cargo Day Hungary conference. The event was organized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Budapest Airport. The event was attended by all industry actors including the authorities, freight forwarders, airlines, and ground handling agents, to discuss the most important current issues affecting their work in the framework of panel discussions. Key issues covered at the conference included the digitalization potential of the industry as well as technological innovations, the importance of which is also reflected in the fact that in the case of air freight, the average time of transport is six days, but a quarter of it is made up of border control and various administrative processes. It is therefore quite necessary to introduce innovations which accelerate such processes and also make them more transparent. Anca Apahidean, area manager of IATA for Eastern Europe, underlined in her opening speech, "One third of international shipping is happening by air now, and the cargo sector all in all supports 65 million jobs globally. For the industry to be able to keep its competitiveness, in addition to digitalization, processing should also be automated, since the processes applied in air freight remained the same over the last twenty years." "Without a strong logistics community and effective cooperation, cargo growth would be impossible for Budapest Airport, and here the support of the Hungarian government and the authorities was indispensable for us." said Jost Lammers, the CEO of Budapest Airport, in his opening address. He also highlighted that although the volume of air cargo handled in the region decreased, the Hungarian GDP growth of over 5% and the expansion of the automotive and pharmaceutical industries are reasons for optimism. The volume of air cargo handled at Budapest Airport is expected to reach 150 thousand tons in 2019, which also shows that BUD Cargo City is coming right on time. The new logistics base is to be handed over by the end of this year at the airport. Zsolt Veron, head of the supervisory division of the Ministry for Innovation and Technology emphasized that Budapest Airport could become one of the most significant cargo hubs in the region, and the management of the airport has an important role in this. "The government's task is to create a predictable environment for investment and to simplify processes," he said, and added, "Budapest Airport is reaching the upper limit of its cargo handling capacity, and therefore, in addition to the development projects already announced, further investment will be required." As a conclusion of the conference, the participants visited the Cargo City under construction, the logistics base of Budapest Airport, a 15 billion HUF (approx. 46 million Euro) project fully financed by the airport operator. The facility, scheduled for completion by the end of the year, will make it possible for companies involved in handling and transporting air cargo to cooperate more effectively. Aviation-related cargo business provides jobs to approximately 2,000 people at the airport and further 10,000 employees are involved in off-airport logistics closely dependent on the cargo business. Contributed by Budapest Airport A former Vice-President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 election, Atiku Abubakar, has encouraged Nigerian children never to lose hope in their country, whether or not they live here or in the diaspora. Atiku, according to a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, asked them to note that they are the future of Nigeria as they celebrate the Childrens Day across the country and around the world. No matter how tough and trying the situation in the country may appear today, Nigerian children must believe that things can and will get better. This conviction will help them see in themselves the solutions to the multiple challenges our country faces. It will strengthen them not to turn their backs on their country at a time when she needs them most, no matter how rosy life may appear in other shores. From chess champions to acclaimed artists, Nigerian children have been in the international headlines recently for exceptional achievements despite all odds. These shining lights are just some examples of the potential in you, our children, the statement added. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates FONTANA It started with a question. How can it be that a beautiful resort town like Fontana is without an ice cream shop? asked Suzy Brady. Suzys husband, Todd Reschke, who is chief engineer at the Abbey Resort, said guests there would ask him: Wheres the ice cream shop? Together, the couple decided to provide an answer. It is called Blue Heaven, a new outlet inviting area residents to indulge their ice cream appetites at 105 W. Main St., in the SS Fontana building. The building is called the SS Fontana for its nautical decorations, portholes instead of windows on the north side of the building, and trim of deck ropes and life savers. The shop is called Blue Heaven after the name Brady gave to a summer cottage she owned on Geneva Lake. Brady and Reschke, who now live in Fontana, had been coming here for years as a summer vacation spot. Reschke is originally from Crystal Lake, Illinois, where he built homes. Brady is originally from Chicago, although she has also lived in Arizona and California, where she worked in retail. Work on Blue Heaven started March 1, and took about two months to complete. The store itself is small, only about 240 square feet. Reschke did most of the renovation work. Brady is an interior designer, and she gets as much out of that 240 square feet as possible. Standing inside, five area teens were licking at ice cream cones. The ice cream is fantastic, said Lauren Miller, 16. Seating is outdoors on the patio, which can accommodate 37 customers. Brady said they had been talking about starting an ice cream shop for nearly six years. When they bought the SS Fontana building four years ago, they knew they had the right location. Customer Robert Vail said he could recall two other Fontana ice cream shops of years gone by one across the street from where Blue Heaven is now, and another on Third Avenue. But the last one left in the 1970s. Its been that long, Vail said. Vail said he liked the butter pecan ice cream at Blue Heaven, but he has not found a favorite yet. We have the whole summer, he said. Cecelia Perry, of Richland Center, said it was unusual that it has taken nearly 40 years to get an ice cream shop back in Fontana. Especially in a little resort town like this, she said. On his way to the shop, Jim Winquist said this would be his first trip to Blue Heaven. The long-time Fontana resident said it had been a while since the last ice cream shop closed in Fontana. Its exciting to have another ice cream shop, he said. I hope they do well. Blue Heaven is open seven days a week, until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The shop offers 27 flavors from two of Wisconsins leading artisan ice creameries: Purple Door in Milwaukee and Chocolate Shoppe in Madison. Brady said she had the enviable duty of sampling 30 different flavors from the two ice cream makers before making her final selections. The ice cream names are as intriguing as the flavors. Some of them are: Yippee Skippee, Superman, Blue Moon, Birthday Cake, Beer and Pretzel, Purple Moon, Toasted Oatmeal and Whiskey. The shop had a soft opening during the May 18 weekend. The grand opening was May 24. And although the weather was initially cold and rainy, as the rain faded away, customers turned up making the later afternoon and evening busy, Brady said. The cones are also gourmet, with the cookie cones that are made like real cookies, including Oreo, chocolate chip, and a salty Philadelphia pretzel cone. The flavor of the month is Loaded French Toast from Chocolate Shoppe. 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. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is proposing a merger with French automaker Renault that would create the worlds third-biggest carmaker as manufacturers scramble for scale to tackle an expensive shift to electrification and autonomous driving. The transaction would be structured as a 50-50 ownership through a Dutch holding company, the Italian American automaker said Monday. Renaults board later said it would study what it called a friendly proposal, which would give its shareholders, including the French government, an implied premium of about 10%. Together, Fiat and Renault made about 8.7 million cars last year, which would vault the pair past South Koreas Hyundai Motor Group and Detroits General Motors Co. Thats still behind the worlds two biggest automakers, Volkswagen AG and Toyota Motor Corp., which both topped 10 million vehicles last year. Fiat and Renault would have a broad and complementary brand portfolio covering markets from luxury to mainstream, the Italian company said in its statement. Premium brands Jeep, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Infiniti would come under a common umbrella. Advertisement Fiat would give Renault access to the North American market, while gaining clout in Russia, the French carmakers second-biggest market with its Avtovaz unit. Both companies reported lower deliveries in the first quarter. The deal is expected to save Fiat and Renault $5.6 billion in research and development, as well as manufacturing costs. Fiat said the merger would not result in plant closings. The carmakers are moving ahead without Renaults 20-year partner, Nissan Motor Co., as well as Mitsubishi Motors Corp. All three are members of an alliance created by Carlos Ghosn that was thrown into disarray last year when the auto titan was arrested in Tokyo on charges of financial crimes. Ghosn is free on bail and has denied the charges, but is no longer in executive positions at the companies. Fiat has conditioned the merger talks on Renault agreeing not to pursue a merger with Nissan in the short term, according to people familiar with the matter. The Japanese company would be welcome to join the merged entity later. If the output of Renaults existing alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi were added, the groups total production would be more than 15 million vehicles a year. The broad strokes of the plan would make Fiats founding shareholder, the Agnelli familys holding company Exor NV, the single largest investor in the combined entity. Fiat Chairman John Elkann would probably stay in that role while new Renault Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard who succeeded Ghosn in the post would be chief executive, the people familiar with the proposal said. Renault shares surged as much as 16.7%, while Fiat rose as much as 19.5%, the most ever on news of the deal. Together, they had a combined market value of about $39 billion. The talks come as automakers worldwide face intense pressure to spend heavily on new technologies and adapt to trends such as ride-hailing, electrification and autonomous driving. Waymo, a unit of deep-pocketed Google parent Alphabet Inc., is considered a leader in autonomous technology, while financially troubled Tesla has quickly seen its Model 3 become the most popular electric vehicle in the U.S. Falling sales in the worlds biggest markets China, the U.S. and Europe also have brought fresh urgency to consolidate. Fiat and Renault are looking for surer footing by gaining scale, and thats not a bad idea for mass-market carmakers, Bankhaus Metzler analyst Juergen Pieper said. The execution of the deal is a significant hurdle. But on paper, this proposal looks good. The plan has political backing from the French state, which is Renaults most powerful shareholder. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire met last week with Senard to discuss the proposal, government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye said on BFM television Monday. We need to have industrial giants in Europe to compete globally, she said. Obviously we have to see the conditions of the deal, to ensure that it would be favorable to Renaults development and to its employees. Italian Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini, who initially threatened to intervene, later gave his blessing telling Agence France-Presse he trusts the deal will safeguard every job in this country. Shareholders of both companies would be diluted by half. Frances stake would go down to about 7.5%, and it would lose the double voting rights that give it extra sway with Renault. Nissan, which now owns almost 15% of Renault, would regain voting rights suspended under terms of the Renault alliance. Fiat and Renault went through dramatic changes at the top last year after former Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne died and Ghosn was arrested. Ghosns removal from the helm of the Franco-Japanese partnership brought simmering tensions to the surface, with Nissan so far rejecting a French push for a merger. Should Renaults deal with Fiat go through, Nissan will now find itself chained to the larger entity through deeply integrated operations and cross-shareholdings with the French manufacturer. Fiat CEO Mike Manley said Monday that Nissan and Mitsubishi would see benefits from the combination the companys proposal put them at $1.1 billion a year and said hed look for even greater and mutually beneficial opportunities. As part of the proposed deal, Fiat said it plans to spin off its robotics arm Comau. The company had considered options for the unit late last year, including a potential sale at a value of $1.7 billion to $2.2 billion, Bloomberg reported in November. The proposed deal between Fiat and Renault is propelled by an industry undergoing tectonic shifts. Still, merging companies with production facilities in North America, Europe and Japan wont be an easy task and the history of deals in the car industry is marked by some spectacular failures. Daimler AG a decade ago unwound a merger with Chrysler after failing to overcome cultural differences between the German luxury-car maker and U.S. producer of mid-range cars. Volkswagens planned alliance with Suzuki Motor Corp. ended in a London arbitration court before any joint vehicle came off the production line. In making the proposal to Renault, Elkann said hes encouraged by the success of Fiats own merger with Chrysler. We have learned that such deals can be done they are advantageous, he told reporters in Milan. The automotive industry is going through changes, with challenges and opportunities ahead of us. In The InBetween, which arrives Wednesday on NBC, Harriet Dyer plays Cassie Bedford, who sees dead people, among other things you (probably) dont. In the service of television, Cassie uses her various psychic powers to help the police not the first series in which such a thing has happened, as fans of The Medium may now be raising a hand to point out. Creator Moira Kirland, who wrote The InBetween pilot, and was a writer and producer on The Medium (as well as The Dead Zone, Castle and Madame Secretary), would have to agree. But restless spirits have long sought earthly justice from beyond the veil, in folk songs or stories and such its what they do, really. And, lo, its happening again. For the record: An earlier version of this story misstated the name of a character, using the name of the actor who plays him. Serial killer Ed Roven is played by Sean Bolger. The InBetween (not to be confused with the Upside Down, where the monsters lurk in Stranger Things, another NBC Universal production) is set in that familiar TV Seattle that, apart from stock shots of the Space Needle, looks eerily like British Columbia. Besides seeing dead people, Cassie, a bartender by trade, gets prophetic messages of special use to the Seattle PD, where her foster father, Tom Hackett (Paul Blackthorne), just so happens to be a detective. These ethereal hot tips can be relatively straightforward or highly enigmatic, depending on how fast or slow the writers want the plot to move; in either case, Tom keeps the spooky stuff largely quiet around work. He also gets a new partner as the series begins -- because that always happens -- Det. Damien Asante (Justin Cornwell), an overachieving Ivy League ex-FBI profiler with a couple of years on the LAPD, who might have some secret reason to want to be in Seattle. Tom and Damien will have to learn to like one another, because that always happens, too. And Damien will have to learn to like Cassie, because she comes with the package. Advertisement Harriet Dyer as Cassie Bedford, Justin Cornwell as Damien Asante, Paul Blackthorne as Tom Hackett toast a job well done in the NBC supernatural detective series The InBetween. (Sergei Bachlakov/NBC) A couple mild spoilers that arent really spoilers: Cassie has a teenage girl (Sarah Abbott) hanging out at her house, whom you may take as a relative or a neighbor for a second or two; but by the time she walks through Damien 12 minutes into the pilot, you will have already guessed her ethereal status. (Its the most interesting relationship in the series.) There is also, in the land of the dead but not departed, a serial killer (Sean Bolger), a sort of cornpone Hannibal Lecter to Cassies Clarice, who sings a terrible, presumably creepy song about Peter Rabbit and Little Boy Blue and the Little Red Hen, like something he got out of the Serial Killers Handbook. Guess you and me make a pretty good team, he will say. Were not a team, she will respond, though, you know, maybe they are. Though her psychic visitations are said to be rough on her, Cassie is surprisingly insouciant about the miserable dead in her life, and seemingly quite accustomed to being a tool of the universe or that portion of it concerned with Seattle-area criminal justice. Though unbidden visions may panic her while they occur (and this stuff only happens when the universe wants it to happen), Cassie seems pretty composed afterward, mass purchases of alcohol and at least one blackout notwithstanding. That all may worsen, of course, now that a television series has begun. The plotting of the cases in the two episodes available for review is pretty predictable, and because one can see so far down the road you may feel psychic yourself at times the series lacks urgency, even when we are told that things are urgent. And because it is a detective show like other detective shows, we know from experience that necessary information will show up, never too quickly, but always as needed. That is not necessarily a bad thing, if you like your thrillers diverting but not distressing. Wobbly start notwithstanding, theres some potential for drama and, better, comedy among the characters. Besides those youve already met in this review, there is the usual complement of catalog-model cops down at the station house, and Toms husband, Brian (Michael B. Silver), a doctor yet, who doesnt care for the universe and Tom putting Cassie in harms way. (Id give anything to free her from this, Brian, you know that, says Tom, but I cant ignore information that could help solve a murder. and neither could she.) What The InBetween has going for it mainly is Dyer, one of those Australians, like Anna Torv on Fringe or Yvonne Strahovski on Chuck, who make charming Americans on television. Darkness has become the default setting in supernatural fiction, but there is a sunniness to Dyers performance that lightens the series around her, keeping in check its goofy graphic unpleasantness and tendency toward cliche. (This is yet another fictional place where people say things like, Its personal, or Lets get this photo on the wire I want it seen by every bus driver, train conductor, cab and car service in town, or The killer was also a victim.) To the extent it lets its star shine and can laugh at itself, The InBetween may prove a decent enough place to hang out and not think hard. This, too, is television. The InBetween Where: NBC When: 10 p.m. Wednesday Rating: TV-14-LV (may be unsuitable for children under the age of 14 with advisories for coarse language and violence) robert.lloyd@latimes.com Follow Robert Lloyd on Twitter @LATimesTVLloyd Julia Macias was 12 when a gunman shot and killed 26 people, mostly children, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. The Los Angeles preteen heard the news of the 2012 attack and worried about her own family. It made me wonder, Well I have a sister whos four years younger than me, shes in elementary school, what if that were her? And what if that were me? said Macias, now 18. Macias got active, joined the L.A. Unified superintendents student advisory council in high school and pushed for active shooter drills for students. Last year, a month after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., she and other teenagers met with Mayor Eric Garcetti to call for a wider campaign to educate Angelenos about the effects of gun violence and encourage action to prevent it. Advertisement The idea she proposed came to fruition last week as Louder Than Guns, a website and ad campaign developed with help from the mayors Youth Council to End Gun Violence. Garcetti formed the council last summer before meeting with survivors from Parkland. Macias, a freshman at UC Riverside, had graduated by then. But a group of current high school students met about once a month with representatives from the mayors office and an advertising agency to come up with a campaign patterned on the one Macias envisioned and to advocate for legislation around gun violence prevention. The ads, which are on bus shelters and social media, appear at first to tout insurance for victims of different kinds of gun violence. If theres a shooting, are you covered? one reads in bold capital lettering. Mass shooting insurance, another reads, above a photo of a row of empty stadium seats. The poster for accidental shooting insurance has a toppled over teddy bear. Below the images in each ad, in smaller type, are data about gun violence in the U.S., along with the message, Although the violence is real, this insurance is not. Its a wake-up call to take action. The ad leads readers to a website and includes a phone number people can call to share their own stories of gun violence. All the Louder Than Guns ads offer data about gun violence in the U.S. with a call to action. (Los Angeles mayors office) The project cost about $25,000, which comes from the budget of the citys Gang Reduction and Youth Development office. The idea is to spur a wider discussion of gun violence beyond the shocked reactions in the aftermath of a mass shooting. This campaign can inform and engage folks about how to get connected and take action themselves, in a passive way like giving money or in a more active way getting out there, engaging, volunteering, said Anne Tremblay, director of the gang reduction program, which is mostly publicly funded with a budget of about $30 million to $35 million. More private funding such as through the ad campaign could help expand efforts, the mayor said. Look, if it saves one life its worth it, but I think it can save many more than that, Garcetti said. When Macias came up with the education campaign, she had then-First Lady Nancy Reagans Just Say No message and the Los Angeles Police Departments 1980s anti-drug D.A.R.E. program in mind. Though research since then has suggested that the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program was largely ineffective, Macias said she liked the spirit of the approach. She envisioned applying it to the issue of gun violence through student voices. The ad campaign aims to spur a broader discussion about gun violence. (Los Angeles mayors office) It was important to address not just mass shootings and school shootings but the daily violence many young people experience in L.A., said Tyler Okeke, 17, a senior at Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy in Wilmington who is also a member of the mayors youth council and serves as the L.A. Unified School District student board member. The campaigns website directs people to Gang Reduction and Youth Development and local youth nonprofits that contract with the city, as well as national gun violence prevention groups such as March for Our Lives. Another member of the mayors youth council said he hasnt directly experienced gun violence but has felt the effects of it an uncle who grew up in L.A. was deported because of criminal activity that involved guns, he said. Every time he calls, he tells us that its something he regrets, its something that he wishes he didnt do, said Kevin, 16, who asked to be identified by only his first name to protect his safety. His East L.A. school is close to three gang territories. He and other students are cautious and even fear making the wrong hand movements friends have been threatened when gang members thought they were flashing gang signs, he said. Its something that I dont want to live in when I grow up and its something that I dont want my little sisters and my little brothers to experience, he said. Kevin and others on the youth council hope their campaign and gaining the ear of the mayor inspires other young people to get involved. People need to know whats happening, that if they want something changed it takes action, Kevin said. Its actually going forward with your idea and trying to get people on the same page and encourage others as well. Paula Kim, a Cleveland Charter High School senior, said she feels frustrated that there seems to be a sense of Oh, well about gun violence among some of her peers. Her Reseda campus was locked down this school year when someone with a gun was in the community nearby. No one in class seemed surprised by the reality they were facing. She said adults and legislators dont push hard enough to limit access to guns and keep track of whos buying them, and she wants to inspire teens to avoid that apathy. This is something that I needed to stand up for, said Paula, 17. Because if adults cant do it, then I need to take charge. Reach Sonali Kohli at Sonali.Kohli@latimes.com or on Twitter @Sonali_Kohli. Authorities are searching for a woman who flew from Colorado and was last seen in Malibu four days ago. Jennifer Michelle Lorber, 30, was staying at a motel in the 22000 block of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu and was driving a rented white Toyota Rav 4, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. The vehicle was found about 12:50 a.m. Sunday, KTLA reported. The Sheriffs Department did not disclose where the car was located. Detectives said Lorber suffers from depression and that her family is concerned about her well-being. Advertisement The most recent contact with Lorber was about 11 p.m. Thursday. She is described as 5 feet 1 and weighing 100 pounds, with brown eyes and long brown hair. The Sheriffs Department asks anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact its missing persons unit at (323) 890-5500. Tips can be made anonymously by calling CrimeStoppers at (800) 222-TIPS. maya.lau@latimes.com Twitter: @mayalau A pair of masked gunmen known as the Cowboy Gun Bandits, who committed a string of armed robberies in Southern California with an Old West pistol, were sentenced last week to decades behind bars. Dominic Dorsey, 51, of Hollywood was sentenced Friday to 40 years in federal prison, and Reginald Bailey, 74, of the Jefferson Park neighborhood received 35 years. The men were also ordered by U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder to pay a share of $58,700 in restitution. The duo were arrested in June 2014 and convicted in 2016 of 11 felony robbery and firearms counts. Dorsey and Bailey engaged in a 2013 string of crimes at gas stations and a bank in which they terrorized employees and customers and grabbed cash from registers. During the heists, one of the men wielded a long-barrel Colt six-shooter, which gave the pair their nickname. The revolver, believed to date from 1873, was never recovered. Advertisement They were often clad in black and moved fast, never leaving traces of evidence that experts could analyze. In three months, the bandits committed robberies in Thousand Oaks, Woodland Hills, Newhall, Encino, Glendale and Atwater Village, and they rarely got away with more than a few hundred dollars. In one such incident, the duo ran off with a meager $125 from a heist at an Arco gas station in Encino. Days later, they robbed a USA Gas station in Tulare County, ordered an employee to empty the cash register and made off with about $55. But Dorsey and Bailey scored big in November 2013 after walking into a Citibank in Glendale and emptying the tellers drawers. They escaped with nearly $55,500 in cash. After that, the robberies stopped. They were planning on moving up from liquor stores to a bank, Assistant U.S. Atty. Joseph Axelrad told a jury in a downtown federal courtroom in 2016. They were good, but they did make mistakes, and thats how they got caught. At the time, prosecutors admitted that the case was mostly circumstantial. Authorities found no black hoodies, dark pants, shoes or the money related to the robberies when Dorsey and Bailey were arrested. With the help of evidence from witness statements and California Department of Motor Vehicles and cellphone records, investigators were able to zero in on the suspects and help prosecutors build their case. Many of the holdups were captured by video surveillance, which revealed that one of the masked robbers was missing part of his left ring finger and walked with a limp. That further linked Bailey, who is missing part of a finger on his left hand, to the crime. When he was arrested, authorities found in his apartment a backpack with black gloves and a blue bandanna similar to one worn during one of the robberies. Times staff writer Joseph Serna contributed to this report. dorany.pineda@latimes.com Twitter: @DoranyPineda90 Alan Young, the amiable comedic actor who became a TV icon in the early 1960s starring opposite a talking horse named Mister Ed, died Thursday. He was 96. Young, whose later career included doing the voices for Scrooge McDuck and other cartoon characters, died of natural causes at the Motion Picture & Television Home, the Motion Picture & Television Fund confirmed on Friday. He lived at the retirement community for more than four years and died with his children by his side. A veteran of radio and movies who starred in his own Emmy Award-winning TV comedy-variety show in the early 1950s, Young was on a career downswing when he was signed to play the lead in Mister Ed. Comedian-producer George Burns already had financed a failed Mister Ed pilot with other actors when he told his associates: I think we should get Alan Young. He looks like the kind of guy a horse would talk to. Advertisement Mister Ed, which began as a syndicated series in January 1961 and moved to CBS that fall for a four-year run, featured Young as affable architect Wilbur Post, who moves with his wife Carol (Connie Hines) into a new home and is startled to discover that the backyard barn includes a horse that speaks to him. Alan Young in Mister Ed. (Nick at Night ) Young later said that he and his four-legged co-star were great pals and that the relationship between Wilbur and Ed was the backbone of the series. Wilbur was naive and bumbling, while Ed was a wily one, he told The Times in 1990. I think its the same chemistry that made Laurel and Hardy and Jackie Gleason and Art Carney: Its the one guy making a fool of the other guy. An un-credited Allan Rocky Lane, a former B-movie cowboy star, provided the deep voice for the mischievous Mister Ed. Because he had been a star at one time, Rocky didnt want his name to appear on the credits, Young said in a 2004 interview with the State newspaper in Columbia, S.C. But after the first year and the show had become a success, he went to the producers and said he would like a credit line. They told him no because kids in the audience were writing to Ed and thought the horse could really talk. They gave Rocky a nice raise instead, and he seemed happy with that. When Young filmed scenes with the horse, whose real name was Bamboo Harvester, Lane would stand at the edge of the set with a microphone and his script. It really helped to do it like that, said Young. Having Rocky there made me feel sometimes like I really was talking to the horse. One of the first questions fans always asked Young was: How did they get the horse to move his mouth when he talked. For years, he kept the answer a closely guarded secret. I started a big lie, he confessed in a 2001 interview with the Archive of American Television. I said, Well, when you were a kid did you ever get peanut butter stuck under your lip? Oh, thats how its done! So I never really lied; I just asked them a question. But that wasnt true at all. When pressed to reveal the answer, Young explained animal trainer Lester Hiltons technique for getting Mister Ed to talk. Lester had a knack, said Young. He used a soft nylon thread put under the lip. And then he had the end going down the bridle, and hed just give it a little tug [and] Ed would try to get rid of it; that was his cue. And then hed lay the [riding] crop across Eds forelegs, and that was the cue to stop. That was it. For the second year, we could hardly stop him from talking. As soon as he heard my voice stop, his lips would start to go. That proved to be the case off-camera as well. I learned to ride on Ed, said Young. Lester and Id go riding in Griffith Park together, and wed talk as we rode along. And suddenly Lester laughed.... He said, Look, look at Eds mouth. When I stopped talking, Ed would start to move his mouth. So he was a smart horse. He was born Angus Young on Nov. 19, 1919, in Tynemouth, England, and his family later moved to Edinburgh, Scotland. When Young was 6 or 7, his family moved to Canada, where his Scottish father worked in a West Vancouver shipyard. Often bed-ridden with bronchial asthma from age 10 to 17, Young would listen to The Jack Benny Program and other radio comedy shows, which hed reenact the next day for friends and family. At 13, his flair for performing and mimicking accents led to his becoming a regular performer on a Saturday night revue show on radio station CJOR in Vancouver. At 17, he was writing and performing on The Alan Young Show, a Canadian Broadcasting Corp. radio comedy variety program. During World War II, Young joined the Canadian Navy but resigned his commission after finding out hed be spending his time writing for a Navy show. He then volunteered for the Army but was rejected because of his childhood asthma. In 1944, he was brought to New York as a summer replacement for The Eddie Cantor Show on NBC Radio. That fall, The Alan Young Show was launched on NBCs Blue Network, and it later moved to NBC. For a brief period, while starring in his own Sunday evening show, he also played Jimmy Durantes sidekick on Durantes Friday night show. On television from 1950 to 1953, he starred in The Alan Young Show, a half-hour comedy-variety show on CBS. Dubbed the Charlie Chaplin of television by TV Guide, he won an Emmy Award for best actor in 1951, the same year his program earned an Emmy for best variety show. Young, who was brought to Hollywood in 1946 by 20th Century Fox, made his movie debut in Margie, a 1946 comedy starring Jeanne Crain. Later film credits include Androcles and the Lion (1952) and The Time Machine (1960). After flopping in a 1967 Broadway comedy The Girl in the Freudian Slip, Young retired from show business. A longtime member of the Christian Science faith, he become communications director for the Christian Science headquarters in Boston in 1968. He later spent time as a lecturer for the church before returning to acting in the mid-`70s. His return included providing the voice of Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer Scrooge in Disneys 1983 animated short Mickeys Christmas Carol and voicing McDuck in Disneys animated TV series DuckTales. He also did voice work for The Smurfs, Alvin and the Chipmunks and other animated TV series. But for many, Young remained best known as Wilbur in Mister Ed, which continued a long life in reruns. He chronicled his experiences on the show in his 1994 book written with Bill Burt, Mister Ed and Me. To judge the old series continued popularity, Young recalled in his book, he conducted his own impromptu consumer test two years earlier. After stepping into a crowded elevator, he faced the door and quietly sang the first line of the shows theme song: A horse is a horse. Then he stopped, and his fellow passengers behind him sang out in unison, Of course, of course. According to the Associated Press, Young married Mary Anne Grimes in 1940 and they had a daughter, Alana, and a son, Alan Jr. The marriage ended in 1947. A year later, he married Virginia McCurdy in 1948. They had a son, Cameron Angus, and a daughter, Wendy. Information on survivors was not available. news.obits@latimes.com MORE OBITUARIES Singer Julius La Rosa dies at 86 Guy Clark dies at 74; influential songwriter of L.A. Freeway Morley Safer dies at 84: A reluctant voice on camera, he changed television news The hashtag #LivingWhileBlack went viral on social media in the last two years as videos proliferated of incidents around the nation in which white people called police on black people going about their everyday activities. The most well-publicized episodes came last year, including two black men confronted by Philadelphia police after asking to use a Starbucks bathroom without first having made a purchase; a black Yale graduate student questioned by cops for napping in a dorm common room; and a black man in Oakland whose wife filmed his encounter with a woman who dialed 911 to say he was illegally barbecuing in a park. A lesser known one took place in 2017 in Grand Rapids, Mich., on a June afternoon when squad cars showed up at a public park during a graduation party. The event was permitted, the attendees were mostly black, and they said a noise complaint against them was really about white residents who were uncomfortable with a large gathering of black people. That instance, and another last September in which police handcuffed two unarmed black 11-year-old brothers after a phone call reported a teen with a gun, added to complaints about race and 911 calls, as well as policing, in western Michigan. Now, the city of 200,000 could be among the first in the country to make such calls illegal. A proposed ordinance would make it a criminal misdemeanor to racially profile people of color for participating in their lives and subject people behind those 911 calls to a $500 fine. Advertisement A policy like this makes it so people have to think about whether their decision to call 911 is grounded in something significant, said Senita Lenear, a Grand Rapids city commissioner who is the first black person in her position. Our resources cant be wasted on police addressing nonissues. You cant ignore that people of color are the ones who have been victimized.... That is a part of a pattern. The debate in Grand Rapids joins efforts to either outlaw or discourage similar calls introduced by elected officials in Oregon and New York and which activists have pushed for elsewhere. In Oregon, Democratic state Rep. Janelle Bynum was going door to door in her district outside Portland to speak to constituents in July when a resident called police on her because she looked suspicious. Now, Bynum is backing a bill that would allow victims of racially biased 911 calls about non-crimes to sue the callers in small claims court for up to $250. I thought my incident was isolated and odd, but as time went on I realized, no, its not, said Bynum, who is black. My goal has always been to spark a conversation on issues, especially in Oregon where people dont have a great understanding of civil rights history. Bynums proposal recently passed the states House and a Senate committee. In Grand Rapids, the proposed ordinance has received a mix of support and criticism at City Commission meetings. Other attempts to enact such laws, including measures proposed last year by state legislators in New York and Michigan, have failed. Opponents of each have raised similar concerns. One is that making false crime reports is already illegal in many parts of the U.S. Another is that although its relatively easy for police who show up at a scene to determine that theres no crime, its harder to decide whether the 911 caller was acting in a racist manner in making a report. Ronal Serpas, a criminal justice professor at Loyola University New Orleans, questioned whether the potential laws would discourage people from calling police when there are real crimes. We dont want to thwart people from calling when they think there is something suspicious in their neighborhood, he said. But we dont want it to be a racial proxy. We can do both. Whether we need new laws, I dont know. In Grand Rapids, the proposal is part of a larger human rights ordinance that has been under debate since early this year. A vote scheduled this month was pushed back to allow more community input and because of questions over how such a law would work in practice. Jeremy DeRoo, executive director of the Grand Rapids community development nonprofit Linc Up, has attended commission meetings to show his support. Police can charge a person for filing a false report, but this puts more power in the hands of the person who has police called on them, said DeRoo. One city resident who gave only his first name, Joshua, showed up at a commission meeting last month to voice opposition. It is good that we as a community value leaving people alone and letting them live their lives without fear of discrimination, but we already have laws saying its illegal to discriminate based on their class, and to create additional redundant legislation does nothing, he said. Juanita Ligon, the mother of the twin boys who were handcuffed last year in Grand Rapids on the false suspicion that one of them was carrying a gun, disagreed. There are too many people calling police on people in the community who are just going about their business, like they did with my sons, Ligon said. My only concern is that police would use the ordinance to blame any wrong things they do to the community on the people who make the 911 calls. In a statement, the citys interim police chief, David Kiddle, declined to take a position. I look forward to the community and stakeholders having the opportunity to weigh in and discuss the proposed ordinance and I look forward to working with the city as it moves forward, he said. More national headlines After numerous false starts, the Trump administration is finally preparing to unveil its long-promised Mideast peace plan in coming weeks, and initial indications suggest it is aimed at pleasing Israel while offering financial incentives to the Palestinians but no pathway to statehood, their primary demand. The White House has said it will begin the rollout at a U.S.-led conference in Bahrain on June 25-26, where Trump administration officials will reveal economic parts of the plan. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo said the full plan will be released this summer. The White House has a vision for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, Pompeo said at a celebration in Washington this month marking the 71st anniversary of the founding of Israel. It offers an opportunity, although no guarantee, that we hope we can have a brighter future for the Palestinian people. But the Palestinian Authority already has ruled out participating in the Bahrain conference and urged others to boycott it as well, a clear sign of the difficulty the White House will have in selling the plan. Prominent Palestinian business leaders, who were invited, are refusing to attend. Advertisement The Palestinian cause is and always has been about a state and justice, said R. Nicholas Burns, a veteran former U.S. diplomat now at Harvard. Money alone wont work. After taking office, President Trump vowed to try to make the ultimate deal to end generations of discord between Israelis and Palestinians. He appointed Jared Kushner, his son-in-law and senior advisor, to head the effort. But Palestinians saw Trump as overtly pro-Israel when he declared the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israels capital in 2017 and moved the U.S. Embassy there from Tel Aviv. Palestinians claim part of the holy city as their capital, and previous peace plans considered the dispute part of a final political resolution to the conflict. In response, Palestinian leaders broke off contact with Kushner and other U.S. envoys. Trump then slashed millions of dollars in U.S. aid to the Palestinians, including to refugees and hospitals, and ordered the closing of the de facto Palestinian embassy in Washington. In March, Trump defied international law and recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a fertile plateau that Israel seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War. Against that volatile backdrop, Kushner and his team continued trying to draft a plan, and recently began to drop hints as to their approach. In an interview with Time magazine, Kushner was asked whether his plan included a two-state solution, the internationally endorsed arrangement that would end Israeli occupation of the West Bank and allow the Palestinians to form an independent nation alongside Israel. If we focus on old, traditional talking points, we will never make progress, Kushner said. In subsequent comments, he made clear that the plan would not include a two-state solution. If you say two states, it means one thing to the Israelis, it means one thing to the Palestinians, and we said, Lets just not say it, he said at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a nonpartisan think tank. Robert Satloff, who heads the institute, wrote later that it was like pulling teeth to extract from Kushner much empathy for Palestinian political aspirations and recommended killing the plan. Some Palestinians have denounced the U.S. plan as an attempt to buy them off, saying it appears similar to a proposal for economic peace that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli right wing have floated as an alternative to Palestinian statehood. This is not a real estate deal, Zahi Khouri, 81, chairman of the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. in the West Bank, said dismissively of Kushners business background. This is about human rights, freedom, creating a state. Prosperity without resolving the political standoff with Israel was a nonstarter, Khouri said in a telephone interview, listing the challenges Palestinians face. No investor is going to invest in a country with no border, without a government and where residents, to move from one place to another, are at the mercy of an 18-year-old Israeli soldier manning the checkpoints that speckle the Palestinian territories, he said. Kushners top aide, Jason Greenblatt, contended that critics were misjudging a plan they havent seen. To those falsely claiming our vision is just economic peace: weve been clear that the economic vision we present cant exist without the political component, and the political component cant succeed without the economic, he tweeted recently. Dont believe rumors the plan is only economic. Its not. Israeli officials declined to comment on either the Bahrain conference it is not clear whether they will attend or the Kushner plan generally. Netanyahu, one of Trumps closest allies, is still trying to form a government after his party won elections in April. Ehud Barak, a former Israeli prime minister who led peace talks that failed in 2000, said he believed Netanyahu and Trump were working together on a deal that Palestinians will be unable to accept. The idea they have, that economic benefits can bring a people to political agreements, is refuted by all known history, Barak said in a telephone interview. It just doesnt work that way. National aspirations and the desire for economic well-being dont operate on the same plane. Veteran U.S. diplomats including three former ambassadors to Israel and two former peace negotiators also are skeptical. The devils theory is that this is designed to have the Palestinians say no, said Daniel Kurtzer, the U.S. ambassador to Israel from 2001 to 2005. And the quickest way to that is to have them believe you are going to buy them off. Martin Indyk, who served twice as U.S. ambassador and was special envoy to the region in 2014, said Kushner and his team were ignoring history at their peril. They say they are reinventing the peace process because everything we tried failed, Indyk tweeted. Only what theyre trying launching a plan without a process, promoting economic peace, etc has been tried before and it too failed. Palestinians say the Trump administrations team has shown a clear bias toward Israel. In addition to Kushner and Greenblatt, it includes David Friedman, Trumps former bankruptcy lawyer, now the U.S. ambassador to Israel. Friedman, an Orthodox Jew, recently declared that Israel was on the side of God in peace negotiations, and asked prominent Israeli rabbis to pray for Trumps reelection. The three Trump aides are vocal supporters of the settler movement, which builds towns for Israeli Jews on land claimed by the Palestinians, a project considered illegal under international law. Previous U.S. administrations opposed or sought to discourage such construction. Friedman led a successful effort to remove the word occupied from State Department reports on Palestinian territories controlled by Israel, and he uses Judea and Samaria to refer to the West Bank and environs. Many Israelis favor those Hebrew biblical references, which diminish Palestinian claims. Greenblatt has hailed the West Bank city of Hebron as a model of what could be possible, saying it lays the groundwork for peace because a controversial Palestinian businessman held an iftar dinner to break the Ramadan fast with Jewish settlers on May 14. The businessman, Ashraf Jabari, is largely an outcast among Palestinians. Hebron settlers are a tiny minority in a city under strict Israeli military control with little freedom of movement for the majority Palestinian population. They are not even pretending anymore, said Khaled Elgindy, a fellow at the Brookings Institution, a nonpartisan think tank in Washington. Israel has won, the settlers have won, and now they are trying to give the losers the Palestinians a consolation prize. Special correspondent Noga Tarnopolsky in Tel Aviv contributed to this report. For more on international affairs, follow @TracyKWilkinson on Twitter Theres an added poignancy a freshness to Memorial Day observances that come shortly after the end a major war. A century ago, Memorial Day fell just six months after the end of the Great War, which, over time and after another great war, became known as World War I. Its quite a world when you can number your global conflagrations. And World War I had been an exceedingly brutal affair, claiming the lives of nearly 117,000 American soldiers more than half of them from illness and an estimated 8.5 million soldiers worldwide. At the time, it was the largest and deadliest war that the world had endured, except for the 1850-1864 Taiping Rebellion in China. The fighting devastated Europe. It collapsed four monarchies, began to erode the British Empires stature as a major world power, left most of the continent deep in debt, helped propel the rise of the Bolsheviks and the Soviet Union, and prepared the ground for fascism in Italy and Germany, which, of course, led to that second great war. World War I also left the U.S. split over what the nations proper role on the world stage should be. The Spanish-American War 20 years earlier was, in a sense, the nations coming-out party as an international power, and the ensuing Philippine-American War embroiled us in a precursor of wars to come: insurgents seeking to eject American troops they saw as occupiers. Yet still the soldiers fight volunteering, in fact, in the current U.S. military system. Advertisement But when the U.S. entered World War I three years after it had begun and turned the tide in favor of the Allies, the nations global status as a first power was undeniable, even if the American people embraced isolationism in the postwar years until the nation was dragged, again, into a world war. The war wounds were still fresh on Memorial Day 1919, as were the passions that war engendered. The Los Angeles Times editorial board marked the somber celebration in tones reverential to the dead, but also jingoistic as to American might, and, to put it delicately, oblivious to elements of American history. Never has an American soldier fallen in a war of conquest, the editorial board wrote. They have all fought to remove the menace of oppression from the earth, actuated by the ideal that their sacrifice would hasten the day when war and despotism would no longer be possible. The American sword has never been unsheathed except in defense of human rights; it has never propped a tottering throne, never oppressed a neighbor. Wouldst that that were true. The U.S. used its military to pacify native tribes as primarily white Europeans and their descendants expanded the nation westward from the Atlantic Coast. The Mexican-American War of 1846-48 was launched after military skirmishes over competing interests in Texas, and it ended with the U.S. taking control of 525,000 square miles of land (half of Mexicos prewar territory) covered now by all or parts of California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. That land grab was President Polks intent all along, part of his embrace of Manifest Destiny the notion that the U.S. was God-blessed to rule the Americas from sea to sea. The term was coined, ironically enough, by a newspaperman. Military confrontations have been a constant in our history, covering wars of necessity but also wars of opportunity. Throughout, the nation has relied on the spirit of the soldiers, even in unpopular wars and extreme circumstances, to do the dirty work, and they have died by the hundreds of thousands not only in battle but also from disease and accidents (of the more than 620,000 deaths in the Civil War, two-thirds resulted from disease). Remarkably, our war deaths pale compared with that of some other nations. In World War I, Russia counted 1.7 million dead soldiers out of 12 million mobilized troops, with an additional 7.5 million wounded, missing in action or taken prisoner (Russia left the war in 1918 and endured a civil war that killed an additional 1.5 million soldiers). France lost 1.4 million fighters in World War I, and Britain lost about 900,000. So if theres any consolation to be had over the loss of American lives on the battlefield, its that other nations have lost more. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute Yet still the soldiers fight volunteering, in fact, in the current U.S. military system. Whatever ones position on the pacifist-war hawk continuum, the willingness of so many to risk so much for, in many cases, principles of freedom and national defense, is admirable. Somehow, a holiday doesnt seem like enough of a recognition. The statistics, of course, obscure the specifics. In looking for this century-old editorial, I came across a news article about Sgt. Fred A. Patterson, who arrived in Europe late in the war, was assigned to transport duty and never, to his disappointment, saw action. So at wars end he volunteered for the international North Russian Expeditionary Force the Polar Bear Mission in which the U.S., Britain and other countries sought to bolster the White Army against the Bolsheviks Red Army. In so doing, he became the first Angeleno to die in the Russian Revolution, as the news article noted. Its unclear whether he was also the last Angeleno to die there. Heres the Memorial Day editorial from May 1919. And as you read the ending, remember that Adolf Hitler would take power in Germany a mere 14 years later: This Day Demand Memorial Day assumes a new meaning this year as the thoughts of the nation turn from the turmoil of the present to pay a silent tribute to the consecrated dead who gave their lives that the Spirit of Liberty might live. It is for more than country that many of them fought; thousands sleep in foreign lands, where the cohorts of Liberty passed amidst falling thrones and crumbling dynasties; many found their resting places in the haunted depths of the seven seas. Liberty knows no country; it is the heritage of the race; foe alike to anarchy and despotism. The sons of Freedom have carried her torch and sword far afield since the first of the brood fell at Concord and Bunker Hill; but wherever they have raised her altars and fed with their blood the consecrated flame the lights are still burning. There was a time when that torch lighted only a wilderness stretching from the Green Mountains to the Florida Everglades; but the hardy pioneers of Freedom have extended that domain until the banners of our republic have become the emblems of the enslaved of all lands, the Nemesis of every Tyrant. Garlands of flowers, the fairest and the rarest that the spring sends forth, are twined today about the resting places of those who have made possible the triumph of free peoples over man-made tyranny. Some of these graves are older than the country itself; above others the first wild flowers bloom; but they are comrades all, knights-errant in the cause of humanity. As they gave their bodies to the earth their spirits became part of the invisible but indomitable force which fights with our generation and the generations that will follow for the one cause that makes the earth tolerable for human beings. Fortunate, indeed, are we who live in a country whose soldiers never marched with smoking rifle and drawn sword in any cause but that of Liberty, whose traditions and ideals have never changed. They all whether at Yorktown, at Lundys Lane, at Buena Vista, at Gettysburg, at Santiago, at Manila, in the Argonne, in Flanders or in Siberia fell fighting under the same flag for a common cause. They have left us to carry on the fight until the right of every people to govern themselves shall be as common as the air and the sunlight, until the words justice and liberty shall have one meaning in every tongue. Never has an American soldier fallen in a war of conquest. They have all fought to remove the menace of oppression from the earth, actuated by the ideal that their sacrifice would hasten the day when war and despotism would no longer be possible. The American sword has never been unsheathed except in defense of human rights; it has never propped a tottering throne, never oppressed a neighbor. And never has the American soldier fought in vain; never has our sword been sheathed until our objectives were won; never have two wars become necessary to achieve a single object. And that glorious record must not be sullied in this hour when supreme triumph of liberty and justice is possible. If the American people were to consent to become parties to other than a durable peace; if the last of our armies were to be disbanded before a League of Free Nations is formed to guarantee a peace of justice to every people; if we were to pause or turn back now it would be to betray those who have passed through the valley of the shadow that their generation and generations yet to be born might walk in the sunlight. Memorial Day dawns upon eyes still red with weeping, upon hearts bleeding with wound, upon widowed women, maimed men and orphaned children. In no other twelve months of our history has war reaped so rich a harvest. For these sacrifices on the altar of liberty there is a single recompense: a durable peace based on equal justice for all with reparations and with adequate guarantees that our late enemies are not left in position to strike again; and finally and greatest of all, a League of Nations that will preserve our children and childrens children from the horrors of war and rapine. (CNN) A dirt track at Djibouti's Doraleh Port leads to a series of unassuming single-story buildings that, earlier this year, hosted the world's two superpowers. The Chinese contingent took their seats to the far right of the podium where U.S. Rear Adm. Heidi Berg formally launched the U.S.-led military exercise, Cutlass Express. Cutlass, and the handful of other annual US-led drills held throughout the African continent, are a low-risk and relatively low-cost way for U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) to gain and keep regional allies. But in Djibouti -- a tiny nation of just 884,000 people that is a key Red Sea ally of the U.S. -- and throughout Africa, there's new competition for local loyalties from China's military, which is increasingly asserting its influence on the continent. In 2017, China's People Liberation Army (PLA) opened its first overseas base in Djibouti. The sprawling, gray concrete complex sits on a prime location next to one of Djibouti's main ports -- and is just a 15-minute drive from the US military's only permanent base on the continent, Camp Lemonnier. Lemonnier is a strategic asset for U.S. missions abroad, used as a staging area for America's intelligence and counterterrorism operations on the African continent and beyond. One AFRICOM official, who was authorized to speak on the condition of anonymity, says the physical PLA presence in Africa is becoming a long-term strategic concern for America. "They (China) have upped their game, in plain language, and ultimately they are offering things that our partners want, that our partners need," said the AFRICOM official. "In places, we have concerns we are being out-competed." On the ground, however, both sides are engaged in respectful diplomacy. The night before the Cutlass Express, Chinese military officials invited Adm. Berg and her contingent on board a Chinese destroyer docked at the nearby harbor. And, for the first time, Berg welcomed PLA commander Liang Yang to the exercise's opening ceremony. When Berg was asked to comment on the "us or them" narrative, she was quick to refocus attention on what the US can do for its allies. "I think we want to ensure that we don't frame it ... that Africa is a backdrop and an arena for us to score points off China," Berg said. "We are here and our investment and focus is on building our African partners." The Chinese contingent at the Cutlass Express launch declined to comment to CNN, but President Xi Jinping made it clear at a high-level summit in Beijing last September that he's pursuing a "comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership" with Africa, which includes a $60 billion package of aid, investment and loans to Africa. "We are about to set out on a new journey in history," he said. Expanding in Africa China has been expanding its military ties in Africa for years, through extended peacekeeping missions, military personnel training and the China-Africa Peace and Security Initiative forum. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in 2017 that the Djibouti base was part of ongoing efforts to help bring peace and security to the region. "The completion and operation of the base will help China better fulfill its international obligations in conducting escorting missions and humanitarian assistance ... It will also help promote economic and social development in Djibouti," he said. The U.S., naturally, viewed the base with unease, given its proximity to Camp Lemonnier and Djibouti's main container port, which is the primary source of supplies to sustain a force of around 4,000 US personnel on the base. "It's no secret that roughly 98% of the logistics support for Djibouti, as well as Somalia and East Africa, come through that port," AFRICOM's commanding Gen. Thomas Waldhauser told a recent Senate committee briefing. "That port is one of five entities in the overall Djiboutian port. And so, our access there is necessary and required." The loss of that access would be a devastating blow to American interests and operations. One way that could happen would be if China were to leverage its control over Djibouti's debt into control over Djibouti's ports. China holds around 80% of the country's debt. "Perhaps the (Chinese) base would look hawkish or something suspicious or (like it is) something to fear, but Turkey has bases in the region, UAE has bases, Saudi Arabia wants a base, Japan has a base," said Wake Forest University assistant professor Lina Benabdallah, whose research focuses on China-Africa relations. She said the Chinese base has riled the U.S. because of a growing rhetoric of "fear." "The lack of trust between Washington and Beijing is really spreading, and it's taken a global dimension," added Benabdallah. Debt fears In recent years, China has increased its decades-long military ties with African countries by expanding training programs and increasing weapon sales. It's now the number two arms supplier to sub-Saharan Africa after Russia and the number three supplier to North Africa, behind Russia and the U.S., according to research from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. But at the heart of the U.S. concern is China's lending practices on the continent. Since 2000, African countries have borrowed about $130 billion from China, according to a Johns Hopkins analysis. And the amount of loans has tripled since 2012, largely through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). "This is a central preset to Chinese strategy. When you look through history you preemptively shape the environment, shape the potential battlefield, so that your adversaries decide to not even come out on to the field to begin with. There's real potential for the debt to do that," said Gabriel Collins, co-founder of research group, China SignPost. Last year, U.S. national security advisor John Bolton was blunt. During a Heritage Foundation speech that laid out the Trump administration's Africa policy, he claimed "China uses bribes, opaque agreements, and strategic use of debt to hold African states captive to Beijing's demands." But Bolton's rhetoric only makes combating the perceived threat more difficult, said Collins. "When your whole premise is America first, I think it's too narrow of a view," he said. "We need to realize that both the biggest challenges and the biggest opportunities in Africa occur in much more of a non-traditional security and development space." 'We're going to decide our destiny' The U.S. fears about losing access to the port could be rooted in history. In 2017, Sri Lanka surrendered a major port to China after defaulting on the Chinese loan. In that instance, the Sri Lankan government, then led by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, took on $1.5 billion of Chinese debt to develop the Hambantota Port, which ultimately failed. To ease its debt burden, Sri Lanka agreed to hand it over on a 99-year lease. Proponents of China's BRI point out that the scheme often funds much-needed projects that other investors would balk at supporting, and that its focus on infrastructure, with a target investment of $1 trillion in construction is having an immediate impact on the continent. China's Foreign Ministry has stated repeatedly that its investments in Africa come with no political strings attached and it has repeatedly denied China is engaging in what's been referred to as "debt-trap diplomacy." Djiboutian officials insist the country will maintain control over its ports and that, so far, the government has a solid track record of paying off its loans. "The funding is coming from China mainly, but we own the investments, we own the assets. It's a port, it's a railway, it's a free zone, we own two thirds of our investments," said the chairman of the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority, Aboubaker Omar Hadi. But Hadi is also well aware of the risks of -- literally -- banking on China. He just returned from a trip to Asia and Europe to try to drum up investment. "We don't want to depend only on one side, one continent, one country," he said. Hadi bristles at the notion that his country and others on the continent are caught in a superpower tug of war. "The world needs to understand whether it's east or west or north or south, that we are going to decide our destiny ... Everyone is welcome," he said. The future The official position of the Djibouti government may do little to reassure skeptics who believe China's investment program is a front for a more sinister motive of establishing a military footprint worldwide. "The theory is that if China continues unmitigated expansion, both militarily and economically, and we don't compete to protect our influence, the consequence could be that we are edged out of those areas and we lose the ability to address what we perceive as counterterrorism national interests in Africa," the AFRICOM official said. Countering China's economic might is hardly something that should fall on AFRICOM, said Wake Forest professor Benabdallah. "China has been operating (in Africa) for the better part of two decades now and has been doing so in a very smart way, with really close networks and connections that have been in the work for several years," she said. Benabdallah added that much of China's expansion in Africa is the result of strategic dedication led by Xi. The Chinese President has made six trips to the continent, and since January 1990, the Chinese foreign minister's first trip every year has been to a country in Africa. Collins, founder of China SignPost, said soft power has long been a distinguishing feature of US foreign policy, and the current administration would be best served by taking a multilateral approach to relations in Africa. "For the price of a single drone or fighter jet you could establish multiple university branches, and you would still have the funds to support those over the long haul," he said. "It's not an instant payoff for someone who has the impatience of some of our current administration, but if we took a root cause strategy, 10 years from now there would be enormous dividends from that." But until the U.S. can figure out an "all of government" approach, some believe that much of the responsibility continues to land on AFRICOM's shoulders. "We have gone from a unipolar world to realizing at best it's bipolar, at worst it's multipolar," the AFRICOM official said. "I would have a stark perspective. I think we are losing -- in Africa we are losing." This story was first published on CNN.com, "China and the United States face off in Djibouti as the world powers fight for influence in Africa." If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran, President Trump tweeted last week. Never threaten the United States again! The presidential saber-rattling came just days before Memorial Day, clouding the holiday when we remember those who died in battle by raising the possibility we could soon see casualties from a new war. Already, non-emergency State Department employees have been evacuated from neighboring Iraq. A carrier strike force is being deployed. A contingency plan envisions sending up to 120,000 U.S. troops to the region in case of war a war that national security advisor John Bolton has long pushed for. And the harsh, repressive regime in Iran hasnt helped matters by making a few bellicose gestures of its own. The roster of wars that created more problems than they solved is long. Lets hope that a conflict with Iran does not join that list. Advertisement Wars start easily because they promise to resolve problems. In the eyes of Trumps White House, Iran presents plenty of issues to worry about, including the possibility it will develop nuclear weapons and its support for militias hostile to American allies including Israel and Saudi Arabia. As we remember our war dead today, lets also consider the wars they fought in, which all were launched to solve problems, but far too often caused new ones. Think, for example, of our 2003 invasion of Iraq. The problem there, of course, was Saddam Hussein: a brute toward his own people and a threat to his neighbors and possibly to us (remember those alleged weapons of mass destruction?). That spring, less than two months after the war began, Hussein had been removed, and President George W. Bush stood before a Mission Accomplished banner to announce an end to major combat operations in Iraq, despite more work to do. But whatever the mission was, despite more than $1 trillion spent and hundreds of thousands of deaths, it still hasnt been accomplished. U.S. troops remain in Iraq, their ongoing presence goading a new generation of extremists, and the reputation of the United States has suffered mightily. None of this, of course, was foreseen in 2003. Of the conflicts that everyone was certain would resolve troublesome issues, the granddaddy of them all was the First World War. For Austria-Hungary, whose gunboats on the Danube River fired the first shots that summer of 1914, going to war seemed the best way to suppress the various nationalisms boiling under the creaky empires surface. Crushing Serbia would show both the Serbs and other ethnic groups in the region who was boss, once and for all. To Imperial Germany, joining the fight was intended to be, as German General Helmuth von Moltke put it, the decisive showdown in the struggle between Germandom and Slavdom. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute Even the countries who were not aggressors joined in with remarkable eagerness because they, too, had problems they wanted to solve. Another creaky empire, Tsarist Russia, had been defeated in a war nine years earlier, losing, humiliatingly, to Japan. Both generals and ordinary Russians were eager to avenge that shame. As the nations of Europe traded ultimatums that made war seem inevitable, a vast crowd appeared in front of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, sank to its knees and sang the national anthem, God Save the Tsar. And in France, fatefully bound by treaty to Russia, people hoped war could undo another humiliation: the loss of much of Alsace and Lorraine to Germany in the Franco-Prussian war more than 40 years earlier. French authorities had under surveillance several thousand outspoken radicals they were certain would be draft evaders. To official amazement, 80% of those men showed up to do military service. You know how the story ended. By the wars close in 1918, the dead included more than 9 million soldiers, and, by some reckonings, an even greater number of civilians. Twenty-one million men were wounded, many severely. The war left what Winston Churchill called a crippled, broken world and a Germany so filled with bitterness and resentment that it made an even more deadly war inevitable 20 years later. Can you imagine the Second World War happening without the legacy of the First? The roster of wars that created more problems than they solved is long. Lets hope that a conflict with Iran does not join that list. Adam Hochschilds books include To End All Wars: A Story of Loyalty and Rebellion, 1914-1918. One by one, the Democratic presidential candidates campaigning in Iowa show their fealty to ethanol, the corn-based fuel that supports about 42,000 jobs and buoys the states crucial agriculture economy. That is the raw power that Iowa, which holds the first test of the 2020 presidential election, possesses in American politics. At least for a while. By the morning after the Feb. 3 caucuses, the contenders may never mention the commodity again. Many years ago, the late historian Kevin Starr said that modern California was an ecumenical experiment conducted on an unprecedented level. Now the product of that experiment carried out over centuries by missionaries and miners, dreamers and the down-and-out, producers of airliners, iPhones and Hollywood films has the real potential of dominating one of the most important elections of modern times. Advertisement For it is the trademark issues and values of California immigration, healthcare, trade and the environment that to a large extent will drive this presidential contest. The notion of a national race being a referendum on one states values or, in another conception, a struggle between the worldview of California and the worldview of President Trump could only emerge in a political environment where urgent economic and foreign policy issues wont dominate as they ordinarily do. To the extent that economic issues are in play, they are poverty, globalization and income inequality, all central to the California zeitgeist. These are the topics where California conflicts the most with Trump, said Bill Carrick, a veteran Los Angeles-based Democratic strategist. We are as far out of touch with this president as we have ever been with any president. Its striking and its all over California and over all the issues. An early March 3 primary and the presence of California candidates, including Sen. Kamala Harris and Bay Area Rep. Eric Swalwell, among the nearly two dozen Democratic contenders, only serves to heighten the California orientation of the 2020 election. Or as Mark Baldassare, the president of the nonprofit Public Policy Institute of California, put it, The issues that are front and center in California are the very ones the country will be forced to confront in the next four or five years. :: For decades, California has been where the American future first came into focus, thanks to visionaries who peered beyond the present. The pioneers of the film, aerospace and high-tech industries, yes. But also political leaders like the liberals Hiram Johnson and Upton Sinclair, and the conservatives Arthur Laffer and Ronald Reagan. Those ideological fault lines persist dominant on the left but not dormant on the right in a California that, more than ever, seems a world of its own. The state boasts the worlds fifth-largest economy. The population of 40 million exceeds that of Canada. Californias 55 electoral votes alone are more than a fifth of the total required to win the White House, dwarfing the swing states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania as well as the perennial battlegrounds of Florida and Ohio. Today, the state is big and powerful enough to pursue its own economic and foreign policies. A key issue setting California apart, and setting a standard for the rest of the country, is climate change. The state has pledged to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions to 40% below 1990 levels in fewer than a dozen years while dramatically increasing renewable energy and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. We are committed as first-movers, said Bruce Cain, a Stanford political scientist and longtime student of California. We are willing here to be ahead and to staying ahead, and it is a reflection of our high-tech industries and of the reality that drought, fires and flooding have shown us the consequences of climate change. The release of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcettis Green New Deal, with its zero-emissions transportation network and the elimination of plastic straws and single-use take-out food receptacles, echoes previous pioneering initiatives. It signaled the primacy of environmental issues in a state that, in 1882, ended hydraulic mining operations after Central Valley farmers complained of the damaging debris a decision regarded as a landmark in American environmental history. Very early on, Californians realized getting the environment right involved balancing the needs and interests of a lot of people, said David Festa, senior vice president for ecosystems for the California chapter of the Environmental Defense Fund. That process weighing the competing interests of economic growth and environmental protection has always been a challenge, often taken up first in California and then the rest of the country. Few sectors are as sensitive to that tension as the states farm economy, which accounts for more agricultural production above $50 billion than any other American state. More than a third of the nations vegetables and two-thirds of the countrys fruits and nuts are produced in this state, with exports drawing almost $21 billion. This is an area where the Trump tariffs have hit particularly hard; almond exports to China, which primarily uses the nut for skin-beauty products, are down more than 30%. This is a big California issue, said Jamie Johansson, a Northern California olive farmer who heads the California Farm Bureau Federation. These tariffs have had a terrible effect, particularly for citrus and cherries. For certain this will be an issue in the election. So will immigration, which has dominated California politics off and on since well before the Gold Rush and the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Today, immigrants account for more than a third of the states civilian, non-government workforce; more than two-thirds of its agricultural workers; four-fifths of its housekeepers and nine-tenths of its sewing-machine operators. It is not a theoretical issue in this state, said Victor Narro, a professor in the labor and workplace studies program at UCLA. It is a real social and cultural issue that goes to the heart of what the state is and what the country will be. As Trump continues to advocate the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, healthcare remains an important political issue in California, which under Obamacare cut the rate of the uninsured more than half, from 17% to 7% more than any other state. Whatever the label is, Obamacare is generally supported and affirmed here, said Peter Lee, executive director of Covered California, the health insurance marketplace for the state. The majority of California voters are more likely to support an expansion of Obamacare than its replacement. This is a very blue state filled with Democrats and minorities for whom health is a top issue, said Drew Altman, president of the San Francisco-based Kaiser Family Foundation, which studies healthcare-related issues. The Trump tax bill also will get substantial attention, especially in California, where taxpayers this spring unhappily discovered one of the bills major features, the $10,000 federal cap imposed on the deduction of state and local taxes. The average state and local tax burden in California is $18,438, according to a Pew Foundation study, making the impact particularly onerous. This seemed to us to be done out of sheer meanness, said Carrick, the Democratic consultant. :: Another notable part of the 2020 political calculus is the increased role California could play in selecting Trumps opponent. This is a direct result of moving the California primary from June, at the end of the primary season, to March 3, after the four lead states of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina vote. Of course, not all hold California and its brand of left-coast liberalism in particularly high regard. The influence of the state by virtue of its size, its position on the primary calendar and perhaps if the eventual nominee or vice presidential candidate is a Californian could prove worrisome for Democrats if its seen as moving the party too far left. The Democrats are in the middle of an argument about who they are, and one of the options is to be a California party with California views, said Dennis Goldford, a political scientist at Drake University in Des Moines. All the themes that work for a large portion of Democrats are themes that really resonate in California, Goldford continued. But they have to be careful, because in being a California party they risk alienating the Midwestern voters they didnt get last time. Thad Kousser, who teaches political science at UC San Diego, agreed. If the Democrats view this election as a choice between California and Donald Trump, they risk winning only states like California, Kousser said, and winning states like California isnt enough as long as we still have an electoral college. Shribman is a special correspondent. \ The U.S. is not looking for regime change in Iran, President Trump said Monday, distancing himself from the more bellicose views of some of his advisors amid a period of rising tensions. In recent weeks, the administration has dispatched an aircraft carrier to the waters near Iran, ordered 1,500 additional troops to the Middle East and tightened economic sanctions, prompting many Democrats as well as U.S. allies in Europe and Asia to fear that the two nations are heading toward combat. Trump, however, took a more conciliatory tone during a news conference here with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, downplaying tensions with both Iran and North Korea. These are great people has a chance to be a great country with the same leadership, he said of Iran. Were not looking for regime change. I just want to make that clear. Were looking for no nuclear weapons. Advertisement Thats a considerably more modest goal than top administration officials have suggested. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, for example, has laid out a far-reaching case against Iran in a series of speeches over the last year. In the first, just over a year ago, he described Iran in uncompromising terms as a security threat and vowed an all-out campaign of economic sanctions that would leave the country battling to keep its economy alive. National security advisor John Bolton has long advocated regime change in Iran. In 2015, as he campaigned against the Obama administrations nuclear agreement with Tehran, he wrote that the real solution to the ayatollahs nuclear weapons program is to get rid of the ayatollahs. Trump has periodically pushed back against his aides saber rattling toward Iran. Whether his comments reflect a true difference in views or just one of rhetorical emphasis has been the subject of intense speculation in Washington and elsewhere. Since he was a candidate, Trump has often denounced U.S. policies that led to wars in the Middle East, and he has advocated pulling U.S. troops out of conflict zones in Syria and Afghanistan. But he has surrounded himself with hard-line advisors who supported those past military efforts. The goal of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons more closely resembles the Obama administrations policy toward Tehran. Just over a year ago, Trump pulled the U.S. out of the nuclear deal that Obama approved, which he harshly denounced. At Mondays news conference, he criticized former Vice President Joe Biden, who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, for supporting that deal. And he refused to back down from an inflammatory tweet he posted Sunday after arriving in Japan in which he sided with an official North Korean statement that called Biden a fool of low IQ. Kim Jong Un made a statement that Joe Biden is a low-IQ individual, Trump said, referring to the North Korean leader. He probably is, based on his record. I think I agree with him on that. Trump had already broken with American diplomatic tradition when he publicly sided with a hostile foreign government against a political rival, tweeting that he smiled when Kim called Swampman Joe Bidan a low IQ individual, & worse. Perhaps thats sending me a signal? By repeating that view during an official news conference with Abe in a Japanese palace, Trump almost certainly will have added to the political controversy. Trumps comments about Biden and North Korea threatened to overshadow what was supposed to be mostly a goodwill trip here to celebrate the close relationship between Japan and the United States. He completed the trip hours later, delivering a Memorial Day speech to sailors and Marines aboard the USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship, before leaving to return to Washington. Some service members wore patches on their uniforms with the words Make Aircrew Great Again circling an image of Trump. The Japanese are apprehensive about Trumps efforts to flatter Kim in hopes of reaching a diplomatic deal to disarm. Japan sits close to its hostile neighbor and its burgeoning nuclear program. Trump downplays North Koreas missile tests as he visits Japan While attempting to court Kim with his positive rhetoric, Trump has also ordered his administration to refrain from imposing sanctions intended to further isolate Kim. Critics of Trumps diplomatic efforts have long warned that North Korea is simply buying time and will not denuclearize. In the news conference, Trump made the case that Iran and North Korea both show tremendous economic potential that could be realized if they give up their nuclear weapons. Kim Jong Un understands the unbelievable economic potential that country has, Trump said. North Korea has a great location as we used to say in the real estate business, he said, drawing a laugh from Bolton, who was sitting in the front row. Trump said he does not think Kim violated United Nations resolutions by testing short-range missiles earlier this month directly contradicting Bolton, who told reporters that there was no doubt the tests had been a violation. My people think it could have been a violation, as you know, Trump said. I view it differently, Trump added. I view it as a man perhaps who wants to get attention. I think that someday well have a deal. Im not in a rush tremendous sanctions being put on the country of North Korea. All I know is that there have been no nuclear tests, there have been no ballistic missiles going out, no long-range missiles going out, Trump said. That consistent administration emphasis on long-range missiles capable of hitting the U.S. is part of what has disturbed the Japanese, who are within range of North Koreas shorter-range missiles. When Trump says the only DPRK missile tests that matter are ICBMs, we are decoupling the U.S. from its allies in South Korea and Japan, Victor Cha, a Georgetown University specialist on Korea, wrote on Twitter, using the initialism for North Koreas formal name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. Cha was slated to be Trumps ambassador to South Korea, but was dropped early in 2018 because of policy differences with the administration. Abe, who stood beside Trump, reiterated his belief that Kim had violated the U.N. resolutions. He called the missile tests this month a great regret and reminded Trump that we are most threatened by North Korean military capabilities. The Japanese prime minister again said he would like to meet directly with Kim to resolve the longstanding issue of Japanese citizens who were abducted by the North Korean government decades ago. Trump and Abe met with a group of relatives of the abductees before the news conference. On another point of tension with Japan, Trump said that a new trade agreement between the two countries would have to wait at least until August, after Japans scheduled parliamentary elections. And he did not make any specific commitments when asked about lifting tariffs that he has imposed on Japan and other U.S. allies. But Abe said he wanted to pay tribute to Trumps diplomatic efforts, insisting the two countries are collaborating closely. He cracked open the shell of distrust, Abe said. This was a new approach which I welcome. When Costa Mesa moved to voting districts this year for its City Council elections, one of the stated goals was to expand the electoral power of local Latino residents who, by all accounts, had never had one of their own elected to the council. The Nov. 6 election was the first held under the new balloting system and, if the results are any indication, it seems the mission was accomplished with the victory of Manuel Chavez. The 23-year-old doesnt shy away from the challenges and opportunities of his new position as the representative of District 4, a densely populated, predominantly Latino slice of the Westside ranging from Harbor Boulevard west to Monrovia Avenue and south to West 17th Street. Its the area hes lived in throughout his life. That inspires me and humbles me at the same time, he said. It makes me want to do my best and work my hardest, because I know I can make a big impact immediately. He and fellow council newcomers Andrea Marr and Arlis Reynolds are expected to be sworn into office Tuesday. Though Chavez is one of the youngest people ever elected to the City Council, he views his age as an advantage. People my age who have not been involved in politics and dont know how to approach the council now can, because they can approach me, he said. History Though its hard to definitively determine the backgrounds of the nearly 50 different council members since Costa Mesas incorporation in 1953, the election of Chavez as well as Marr and Reynolds, both of whom have Latino heritage appears to be groundbreaking. As far as I know, this is historic, said city spokesman Tony Dodero. Thats not to say Latino residents havent sought council seats. Community activist Mirna Burciaga mounted unsuccessful bids in 2004 and 2006, and Eastside resident Lee Ramos, who has served on several city committees, came up short in 2014 and 2016. However, when they ran, Costa Mesa council members were elected at large, meaning residents citywide could vote for any candidate. With the new district-based system, voters in each of six designated areas elect a candidate to represent them. In this years election, seats were available in Districts 3, 4 and 5. Chavez said he felt very comfortable running in District 4 because I knew the area very well and I knew the issues we faced. Costa Mesas move to voting districts began in 2016, when Kevin Shenkman an attorney with Malibu-based law firm Shenkman & Hughes threatened to sue the city, alleging that its at-large voting method violated the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 by diluting the ability of Latino residents to elect candidates of their choice. As of the 2010 Census, Latinos made up about 36% of Costa Mesas population. In District 4, the proportion is about 79%. We are very happy to see Mr. Chavezs success, just as with the many other candidates who won in their respective cities first-ever district-based elections, Shenkman said. Mr. Chavezs victory is especially gratifying because it is clear he felt he could speak his mind in a district election system. Disconnection Growing up, Chavez said, his Westside neighborhood was close-knit the type of community where people have one anothers back. He attended local schools, including Estancia High, where he became involved with Save Our Youth, a nonprofit that works to provide area teenagers with resources and mentorship to help them succeed in middle school, high school and beyond. After graduating from Estancia, he went to UC Irvine, where he majored in political science and religious studies and obtained a bachelors degree in the former. He now works as an auto dealer funding coordinator. Though he had the support of his community and classmates, Chavezs high school experience revealed a sort of disconnect, he said a feeling that his neighborhood was looked down on or somehow viewed as separate from the rest of the city. He recalled a visit to Mesa Verde, one of Costa Mesas most affluent neighborhoods. It kind of opened my eyes up a little bit, just how different it was, he said. Its the same city, but theres a big gap, a big disparity. It was nicer there than in my part of town. To Chavez, it seemed some people were more interested in finding ways to change the Westside rather than improve the quality of life for its existing residents. Certain people feel like were not worth investing in until they put nice condos in, he said. Thats not to say he doesnt want his home community uplifted and improved. But those efforts cant come at the expense of those who already live there, he said. Chavez said he came to realize that someone needed to step up and ensure his communitys voice was heard. Otherwise, he said, they would keep ignoring us. Future of the Westside The Westside historically has been home to some of Costa Mesas densest, lowest-income neighborhoods and been peppered with properties that have deteriorated or sat dormant as former industrial businesses moved out. In 2006, the city approved plans aimed at revitalizing the area and attracting new residential and mixed-use developments. Chavez, though, said flashy new apartment complexes arent necessarily what his constituents need the most. Rather, they need the city to consistently devote time and resources to tackling issues that residents encounter every day, he said. My big vision is really just the nitty-gritty business stuff Who needs a speed bump? Who needs a light fixed? he said. The minutiae thats what my area needs the most. I think part of my role will be finding that balance for everyone to prosper together. Editors note: Profiles of Andrea Marr and Arlis Reynolds will be published next week. luke.money@latimes.com Twitter @LukeMMoney A day after a divided Costa Mesa City Council decided to terminate his contract, departing City Manager Tom Hatch said he hopes to make a quiet exit. I love, care deeply about and have been honored serving the Costa Mesa community for the past 12.5 years, he wrote in a statement Wednesday afternoon. The city of Costa Mesa has the most talented and dedicated staff of any city in Orange County, and we need to take care of those invaluable professionals and show them the respect they have earned by allowing them to do their work. As a departing city manager, he added, I hope to make a quiet exit so the council, staff and community can move forward for the betterment of Costa Mesa. I want to sincerely thank the current and past city councils for giving me the opportunity to serve the best city in Orange County and wish the incoming City Council well. He declined to offer any additional information beyond his statement or further elaborate regarding the circumstances behind his departure. In Hatchs stead, Assistant City Manager Tamara Letourneau will take over temporarily as acting city manager, according to city spokesman Tony Dodero. Hatchs tenure as city manager came to an end Tuesday, when the council in closed session voted 3-2 with members Katrina Foley and John Stephens opposed to terminate his contract. However, both Foley and Stephens said Tuesday that Hatch effectively left the position earlier, as he had already moved out of his office. If he decided he didnt want to work for the new council, then I think the appropriate thing for him to do would have been to resign, Stephens said, referencing the results of last weeks election which saw voters choose Foley to be the citys first directly elected mayor and elevate Manuel Chavez, Andrea Marr and Arlis Reynolds to the council. Councilman Jim Righeimer, though, said Hatch left because it was clear to him, at least, that he wasnt going to be around much longer, given the election results an allegation Foley called just a flat-out misrepresentation. As a result of the councils vote, Hatch is entitled to nine months severance pay, which he will receive by Dec. 15. His annual pay was set at $237,960 under a contract revision approved last March. Prior to becoming Costa Mesas head administrative employee in 2011, Hatch served as assistant city manager for more than four years. luke.money@latimes.com Twitter @LukeMMoney A Laguna Beach woman who authorities say befriended small-business owners and then stole more than $1.5 million from them over seven years is facing up to 23 years in prison after pleading guilty to fraud. Elizabeth Lizzie Mulder, 34, pleaded guilty May 15 to wire fraud and subscribing to a false tax return, both felonies, as part of a deal with federal prosecutors in exchange for a potentially reduced prison sentence, according to court documents. Mulder is expected to be sentenced in federal court Oct. 16. Her attorney, Kate Corrigan, did not return a call seeking comment June 8. According to authorities, Mulder devised a scheme in which she gained the trust of local small-business owners, agreed to act as their accountant and then embezzled money from them between July 2009 and May 2016. Mulder told the business owners she was an accountant and president of Mulder Financial Consulting, authorities said. Actually, however, she was a saleswoman for a soil and fertilizer company, Laguna Beach police said. Police alleged Mulder deceived clients into making checks payable to a phony business she created called Income Tax Payments under the guise that those payments would satisfy the clients outstanding federal tax obligations. Mulder became the subject of a police fraud investigation in January 2016 after the owner of JAC Wines in Laguna Beach told police that he suspected his accountant had stolen $200,000 from him. During the 18-month investigation, police identified five other businesses that Mulder is believed to have embezzled from Toni & Guy Hair Salon in Newport Beach, the Kurtz-Ahlers travel agency in San Juan Capistrano, Bella Pilates in San Clemente, Andra Builders Inc. in Costa Mesa and California Print 2 Copy in Irvine. According to police, Mulder used the money for personal expenses including a luxury rental home overlooking the beach in Laguna, cosmetic surgery, vacations, horse rentals and horse equipment. Mulder also was accused of filing tax returns from 2011 to 2016 that did not show the true amount of her income for those years, according to court documents. Laguna Beach police Det. Jordan Mirakian, who investigated the case, said one of the most troubling aspects of the situation was how Mulder got people to trust her before she betrayed them. Mulder frequently would attend the business owners weddings, holidays and parties. I think the biggest problem I have is that Lizzie not only stole money from these people but she became ingrained in their lives, Mirakian said. Through charisma and gaining their trust, she became part of their family. Its one thing to steal from people, but its another thing to steal from them when youre having a glass of wine with them over Thanksgiving dinner, he added. During a search of Mulders home, police found an app on her phone that she could use to disguise her voice, Mirakian said. Police and business owners suspect she used the software to call the victims pretending to be other people in an effort to cover her tracks. As long as her mouth was moving, she was lying, Mirakian said. Lauren Scaccia, one of the owners of the Toni & Guy salon, said she was surprised when she received a notice that she had a large workers compensation insurance bill from 2015 that was past due. She said she discussed it with Mulder, who was acting as her accountant, and that Mulder said it was being handled. Soon after, Scaccia received a call from a woman who said she was from the company that handled the salons workers compensation insurance. The woman said her account was in good standing. But the woman said something that struck Scaccia as eerily familiar: Youre totally fine. It was a phrase Mulder often would use to calm her nerves, Scaccia said. Suspicious, Scaccia called the number back. It routed her to the insurance company handling her account. Scaccia believes Mulder stole the money that was to be used to pay the bill. A few weeks after the suspicious conversation, Scaccia received a call from Mulders husband, who said he suspected his wife was stealing. She went after friends and family, people that trusted her, people who wouldnt question her credentials, Scaccia said. The whole thing is just madness. Its disgusting. What shes done to us on so many levels we will suffer from for years to come. Scaccia and Mulder attended high school together and reconnected at a friends wedding in Italy in 2010. The two became close friends. She has painted herself into so many of our memories. There she was in photos of my bridal shower, Scaccia said. Every picture of me walking down the aisle at my wedding, shes right there. She made sure she was positioned in our lives in every aspect. When Scaccia and her business partner wanted to open a Toni & Guy salon in 2015 but were having trouble finding an accountant, Scaccia went to Mulder for advice. She said Mulder agreed to help establish and ultimately manage the business accounts. We believed wholeheartedly that she was who she said she was, Scaccia said. To find out that she didnt have credentials from anywhere and is 100% a fraud, its still hard for me to wrap my head around. hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @HannahFryTCN UPDATES: June 13, 11:50 a.m.: This article was updated with a new sentencing date of Oct. 16. This article was originally published June 8 at 6:20 p.m. Through most of the two-decade Costa Mesa police investigation of the rape and strangulation of Adrienne Sunny Sudweeks, a suspect in her killing was nowhere to be found. But in February 2017, based on new analysis of DNA evidence and a fingerprint at the crime scene, police released the name of Felipe Vianney Hernandez Tellez. Detectives interviewed Tellezs ex-wife at her home in Santa Ana on Feb. 7, according to an affidavit filed in Orange County Superior Court. When they pulled a booking photo of Tellez from their file, the woman began to cry. All the painful memories of their relationship rushed back. The pair met through friends in 1999 and married after six months of dating. At the time, she cleaned homes in south Orange County and baby-sat for some of her clients. Tellez, a native of Mexico, worked at his brothers Orange County painting company. After they married, they moved into an apartment in Santa Ana and Tellez began drinking heavily, she told detectives. She sobbed and said she never would have married him had she known he was an alcoholic. He assumed a different personality after a few drinks and would become violent, she said. Felipe Vianney Hernandez Tellez, pictured in a booking photo from an arrest in 2000, was named as a suspect in Adrienne "Sunny" Sudweeks' killing. Courtesy of Costa Mesa Police Department In May 2000, she reported to police that Tellez arrived home intoxicated after being gone for three days and grabbed her neck, kicked her and pulled her hair. He was arrested and later convicted of battery and inflicting corporal injury on a spouse, according to court documents. She told Costa Mesa detectives that while she was pregnant with their son, Tellez woke her at 3 a.m., grabbed her arm and pushed her out of the apartment. She ran in her pajamas to a relatives apartment, according to a Costa Mesa Police Department affidavit. She said Tellez was jealous and would keep close tabs on her. Tellez was arrested in 2002 on suspicion of driving under the influence and was transferred to an immigration jail in Arizona. He was deported to Mexico but returned to the United States shortly after, according to police. The couple eventually separated, and she filed for divorce in 2005. Tellezs ex-wife said she last saw him in September 2006 when he showed up to say goodbye to his son. He told them he was getting a ride to Tijuana. Tellez, now 44, has remarried and is believed to be living in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. He has three children, according to police. Tellezs brother, whose name is redacted in police records, told Costa Mesa authorities that he last saw Tellez four years ago. During an interview with police, he received a call from Tellez. He placed the call on FaceTime video and handed his cellphone to Det. Jose Morales, who spoke to Tellez in Spanish. Tellez was in a brick home painted white. A bed and a crib, where one of his children was sleeping, sat inside. Morales said he wanted to ask Tellez about a case he was investigating and hoped to do it in person. Tellez told him hed have to meet him in Oaxaca but would not disclose where he was living. He explained that he was delivering rotisserie chickens and was constantly moving around. He declined to meet officers in the U.S. Embassy, saying he could not go there. So Morales began questioning him. Do you know what this is about? I dont have any idea, he responded. Morales said police were investigating a 1997 homicide in Costa Mesa. Tellez told him he didnt have anything to hide. He thanked God for his family and his children and denied being involved in a homicide. Morales asked if he knew Adrienne. No. Did you ever have sex with her? He replied that he never had anything to do with white girls. Morales showed him a photo of Adrienne wearing her horned-rimmed glasses. Tellez repeated that he didnt know her. Morales asked if he killed her. Tellez countered with his own question: How could he if he didnt know her? Morales asked again. Are you asking me or making fun of me? I am telling you I do not know her, Tellez said. Morales asked if he strangled her. Tellez again replied: How could he if he didnt know her? Adrienne Sudweeks' mother, Sandy, holds a milagro that she and Adrienne bought during a trip to Mexico. Photo by Hannah Fry Adriennes mother, Sandy Sudweeks, clutched a bright blue milagro that she and Adrienne had bought on a trip to Mexico. They had been drawn to the poem inscribed on the prayer box, which eerily was written Feb. 23, 1990, exactly seven years before Adrienne was found dead at age 26: Little Virgin of the Miracle, I ask with all my heart that you care for the children of the world, protecting them from being victims of hunger, of bad dreams, of bad treatment, of heat, of cold, from illness, from loneliness, from the cruelty of adults. Little Virgin, we ask that you bless the children of the world as they bless us with their innocence. Sandy, along with her ex-husband, Alan Sudweeks, and their son, Scott Sudweeks, were standing in the emergency operations center at the Costa Mesa Police Department on Feb. 23, 2017. It had been exactly 20 years since Adriennes body was found in her apartment. It was 10 a.m., and the room teemed with reporters. The evening before, the department had sent out a notice of a news conference announcing updates in the homicide investigation, rousing the interest of people who remembered the case. Sgt. Stephanie Selinkse had called Sandy the previous November, saying police were looking into the case again. They had been investigating for seven months and felt they finally had some answers. That was a big deal for me, Sandy said. She saw the news conference as a chance to appeal to authorities in Mexico to help ensure that Tellez was sent to the United States to face charges. She wore a coral-colored blouse and sweater, with a scarf tied loosely around her shoulders. She took a deep breath before delivering her speech: For the last 20 years we have grieved the loss of our beautiful daughter Sunny. Her violent murder has changed our lives deeply and the lives of our family and friends. My only prayer over the years has been that the man who killed her cannot hurt anyone else. Now we ask the people of Mexico and their government: Please help us to stop him. Alan, who wore a pin with a photo of Sandy and Adrienne on the lapel of his sport coat, welled up as she spoke. His son embraced him tightly. Painful memories that had lain dormant resurfaced. And the conclusion still seemed nowhere in sight. Sunny was a beautiful young woman. She was just beginning to start her career, Alan said at the news conference. She had a bright future and that was all lost when she was attacked and killed. Im also angry that for 20 years he [Tellez] has been enjoying life, raising his own children, and yet he denied us the comfort and value of our daughter. Alan and Scott did not comment for this series. Siblings Scott and Adrienne "Sunny" Sudweeks in a childhood photo. Courtesy of Sandy Sudweeks Authorities announced they would seek Tellezs extradition to be tried on a murder charge with possible sentencing enhancements on allegations of murder while committing rape and burglary. In exchange for his extradition, Orange County prosecutors said they would not seek the death penalty a condition Mexico places on extradition of its citizens and instead would ask for life in prison. International extraditions often require a mountain of paperwork and can take years, according to Erin Rowe, an Orange County deputy district attorney. Some countries require coroners and medical reports, sentencing information and facts about the case and some about witnesses. Rowe said she takes great care to ensure her requests arent returned because they havent met all requirements. More than 10 months after the Feb. 23 news conference, prosecutors are still pursuing Tellezs extradition. Rowe declined to comment on the specifics but said, It can take years to get an extradition granted in Mexico. Its very deliberate and very thorough. Adriennes boyfriend, Richard Johnson, considered holding a vigil at the police station to mark the 20th anniversary of her death. The last anniversary he had marked publicly was five years earlier. But he didnt think it would make much difference after so long. The day before the February news conference, Johnson received a call from a Costa Mesa detective asking him to go to the station to look at some photos related to the case. Johnson was on the East Coast with his longtime partner, a public defender in Baltimore. Johnson said he couldnt get to Costa Mesa but asked if the photos could be sent to the Police Department in Baltimore so he could view them there. The detective didnt call back, Johnson said. He heard about the news conference from his editor at the OC Weekly, where he is a freelance photographer, often shooting pictures of musicians and concerts. They might want to tell me whats going on before they tell the rest of the world, before I see it in the newspapers, he said. Johnson has never really moved through anger in the so-called seven stages of grief. That police years before declined to publicly eliminate him as a suspect continues to grate. A lot of my anger went right toward the cops because they disrespected me in a million different ways, he said. They stepped all over our house and accused me of doing it. Costa Mesa police did not comment for this series, citing a policy that prohibits them from discussing cases that have been submitted to the Orange County district attorneys office. Johnson said he doesnt think putting Tellez on trial will make much difference to him. It wont bring back Adrienne. Too little, too late, he said. He still thinks of Adrienne often. Its painful to wonder what could have been. The desire for closure is a haunting mistress. Johnsons Westminster home has a makeshift memorial to Adrienne atop a thick-framed print of Jackie Kennedy that hangs in his dining room. It includes her horned-rimmed glasses, a small vial of her ashes, her business card and figurines representing different facets of her personality punk, life of the party, angel. A time-traveling Homer Simpson represents Johnsons desire to jet back to 1997 if only he had decided to go back to their apartment that February night instead of working, maybe he could have saved her. Every Feb. 23, Peter Vukmirovic Stevens Adriennes friend since their high school days makes a point to call Johnson. A bond formed between them in the wake of her death. He knows why Im calling, Stevens said. Sometimes they dont even talk about her its hard to discuss the loss. But the gesture offers a reminder that theyre not alone and that they havent forgotten. Adrienne "Sunny" Sudweeks, then in her early 20s, climbs the Matterhorn in Switzerland. Courtesy of Sandy Sudweeks There is no closure. Its not over, ever, Sandy Sudweeks said. The process of grieving has its own pace. Though she said Alan and Scott have remained angry over Adriennes killing, Sandy said she never felt much rage. And unlike Johnson, she said shes grateful to police for investing the time and resources to try to solve the case. At first, she was concerned by her absence of rage, thinking she might be repressing it only to unleash it later on someone who didnt deserve it. But she later determined that anger simply wasnt her style, perhaps because of her Buddhist teachings. She likens the grieving process to walking in mud. One foot goes in one direction while the other goes another way. Sandy doesnt dwell on the memories of her daughter every day. That would be much too difficult. But little reminders of Adrienne are stashed conspicuously around her home a framed photograph of when she climbed the Matterhorn in Switzerland with her dad, a silver ring that Sandy has worn for two decades and a black-and-white photo taped to her bathroom mirror. Under the photo is a message from a fortune cookie. Sandy read it aloud: Answer just what your heart prompts you. That was her, she said. She smiled. This is the last of four parts. hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @HannahFryTCN When the first residents moved into Irvines University Park neighborhood, families lived near thousands of acres of asparagus, strawberries and oranges and had to go all the way to Newport Beachs Fashion Island to catch a movie at the theater. People would bike two miles to the Tick Tock convenience store to buy a quart of milk and a loaf of bread. Irvine, in fact, wouldnt be declared a city for five more years. University Park is the first village the Irvine Co. developed in what would become the city of Irvine. The neighborhood is south of the 405 Freeway and bordered by Culver and University drives and Yale Avenue. Some residents have been there since the community opened in 1966 and plan to be there to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a lineup of picnics and parties this weekend. Original resident Sharon Toji, 80, began spearheading plans for the event a few years ago when she was casually chatting with other residents about having an anniversary celebration for the village. The idea was driven further after she made a Facebook page dedicated to the community and saw many people reminisce about the neighborhood online. She thought, Well, we better get started. A family picnic will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at University Community Park with Thrifty ice cream for 10 cents a scoop, games on the lawn, face painting, food trucks, balloon animals and a parade in which residents can march alongside signs showing the year they moved to Irvine. A Dogs of Irvine parade is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, and a photo and art exhibit in the parks community center will be open from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The park is next to the University Park Library, 4512 Sandburg Way. The celebration will conclude with an Irvine Kiwanis all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday at the park. The photo and art exhibit will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. Toji and her first husband, Guy Sircello who died in 1992 bought their house in University Park 50 years ago for $25,000. They moved in with their six children. Toji was pregnant with their seventh. Today, the home is worth almost $800,000, according to the Zillow website. You could see the shape of how things were going to be, but you couldnt see what it would look like in 50 years, Toji said of the village. Its like you had a palette of colors but didnt have a painting of what the community would become. Toji and her family moved to Irvine from Portland, Ore., when her husband got a job as a professor at UC Irvine, which was officially established the year before. According to Irvine Historical Society President Ellen Bell, the opening of UCI became a major impetus for the development of surrounding neighborhoods. "[Irvine master plan designer] William Pereira was passionate about building a university where the idea was to have a city built around it, Bell said. A city of intellect, they called it. Irvine Ranch was on a chunk of prime land in Orange County, and to keep that as purely agricultural was not feasible. Most people used Culver Drive to get to places, since the 405 Freeway had not yet been built. Rather, there was a ranch where cowboys were driving cattle, Toji said. Its important to understand what a leap of faith these people where taking by moving there, Bell said. It was out in the middle of nowhere, but that was part of the charm. Marilyn Vassos, 80 who moved to University Park from Costa Mesa with her husband, Angelo, and their two daughters on April 1, 1966 remembers when Culver was a two-lane road. Vassos said she would have loved to live by the ocean but that it was more important for each of her two daughters to have her own room in a bigger house. University Park had that ideal home, where Vassos children would store a chest of dress-up clothes and put on plays for the family in the living room. The family bought the house for $23,000. Marilyn and Angelo still live there. It still has good bones and nice neighbors, Marilyn said. During Irvines more rural age, many children spent time outside, according to Bell. What people have told me, some of the early residents, is that a lot of what they would do is go out and play, Bell said. They went out to skateboard or to the orange groves. Adventure Playground [in University Park] was a place where they could build forts and play with old tires. There was an [ice cream shop] in University Park Center, a place where some kids had their first jobs. Warm days were spent at the villages Pavilion Pool, where neighbors put on Beach Boys music and danced up a storm, Toji said. Former village residents are expected to fly in from as far away as Georgia and Hawaii for the University Park celebration this weekend. Toji said she and her neighbors will be happy to look back on the history of the place they call home. It was a barren place with 250 houses and tiny trees that looked like spindles, Toji said. Now we have beautiful 50-year-old trees. La Canada Unified School Board members recognized Tuesday La Canada High School senior Gabriel Drill for his recent accomplishments at the national level. Drill was recently named a second alternate for the United States Senate Youth Program, a weeklong event in Washington, D.C., that lets civic-minded students see the nations government at work. The senior, who also chairs the citys Youth Council and is actively involved in YMCAs Youth in Government program, traveled to Sacramento in January to meet State Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California State Board of Education President Michael Kirst. Also in January, Drill was named among some 4,500 candidates nationwide as part of the 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, an honor given to graduating seniors for superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership, character and community involvement. Finalists will be named in May. As a district were extremely proud of his achievements and have enthusiastic confidence he will continue to do things that benefit our local community as well as our nation, said LCUSD Supt. Wendy Sinnette, also thanking mom Irina Mazor and dad Eugene Drill for supporting their sons endeavors. sara.cardine@latimes.com Twitter: @SaraCardine It seems like every La Canadan living within earshot of the Foothill (210) Freeway agrees the city needs more protective sound walls. But the question of how to fund them is older than the city itself. In May, city officials learned state Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge) had secured $5 million in funding through a program under SB 1, a state transportation funding bill that instituted gas and vehicle tax hikes on California motorists. An effort to repeal the tax on the November ballot, however, could mean a complete withdrawal of the funding Portantino secured for the city. But even if it stands, La Canada officials have learned they must put up equal matching funds for the $5 million and that the grant, approved by the California Transportation Commission, can be applied only to hard construction costs and not the estimated $2 million needed for design or environmental review. The grant also specifically names four sound walls Metro provided to the CTC without consulting La Canada officials. In short, to receive the $5 million from SB 1, the city would have to pay $7 million for four walls whose locations they did not choose. There are 20 locations where sound walls are needed but have not been built. On Tuesday, the La Canada Flintridge City Council considered options for sound wall funding and moving forward whatever the November election may bring. They looked to two transportation bills whose coffers hold millions earmarked specifically for La Canada projects Measures R and M. Passed by L.A. County voters in 2008, the 30-year Measure R sales tax dedicated $10.1 million in subregional funding for La Canada projects through its lifespan. City officials have used $6.4 million to build three sound walls and design a fourth, leaving $3.7 million available that can be advanced to the city to build walls where it chooses. Measure M, an indefinite half-cent sales tax, was passed by county voters in 2016. La Canadas annual per capita share of that is $282,000, but any advance of that funding would constitute a loan, which would require the city to pay interest. Wed either have to float bonds for that, or Metro does and we end up having to pay the interest and all the costs of that, said Councilman Greg Brown, who serves on a council sound wall committee with Mayor Pro Tem Len Pieroni. Its really a question of proceeding with Measure R funds thats where the funds ought to end up going. The only difference now is the nuance of which segments (to prioritize). Three residents shared their grievances with increasing freeway noise and asked the council to consider a sound wall on the portion of the 210 that passes over Hampton Road. I would like to invite you all to come out to dinner some night at our place, said Alminar Avenue resident Doug Freeze. You wouldnt be able to hear yourselves talk its gotten progressively worse. Ann Wilson, division manager of the city Administration Department, recommended the council request Metro advance the $3.7 million in Measure R subregional funding before a November Metro board meeting, even if the specific sound walls locations had not yet been selected. Councilman Jon Curtis said he supports sound walls and appreciates Portantinos efforts, but expressed frustration at the citys being forced to deplete its remaining 20-year Measure R commitment on something that should have been paid for by the state when the 210 Freeway was built. We have not gotten our fair share over the years, he said. We shouldnt be making a rash decision tonight just because Metros saying I want you to [make] the decision tonight. I dont think weve got the right information in front of us. Ultimately, council members agreed to request that Metro program the $3.7 million in Measure R money, and schedule a special meeting or forum to collect public input on where the money might best be applied. sara.cardine@latimes.com Twitter: @SaraCardine For highly touted rookie Colton Herta, the Indianapolis 500 was over moments after it began Sunday. Herta, a 19-year-old from Valencia, had started fifth and completed only a few laps when his No. 88 car suddenly slowed because of a gearbox malfunction. It didnt want to change gears, said Herta, son of former racer Bryan Herta. Once I went down to fourth [gear] and back up to fifth a few times it completely depleted it, and there was nothing left so the engine just died. The damage couldnt be fixed and Herta finished last in the 33-car field. Its just really sad, he said. Advertisement Very disappointing start, his Harding Steinbrenner Racing team tweeted afterward. Earlier, as the race was about to start, the team also reported that Herta had said on his radio: Wow, there are a lot of people here. Ferrucci shines Another rookie, Santino Ferrucci, drew praise from the likes of NASCARs Dale Earnhardt Jr., whos now a television racing analyst, after Ferrucci finished seventh, the highest finish of the six rookies in the Indy 500. Ferrucci treated the result almost as a victory as well, hugging his crew members at Dale Coyne Racing after he climbed from his car. Sign up for our daily sports newsletter He avoided disaster at one point by driving on the infield grass as he threaded his car through a multicar wreck ahead of him. I was so happy to come out of that clean, he said. A 20-year-old native of Woodbury, Conn., Ferrucci spent three years as a development driver for the Haas Formula One team before returning to the United States to drive in the IndyCar series. Carpenters struggle Another year, another frustrating Indy 500 for Ed Carpenter. Carpenter is a team owner/driver from Indianapolis and the 500 long has been his main pursuit. But with his sixth-place finish, hes now yet to win in 16 attempts. Carpenter qualified second and was running in the top five for much of the race but he faded in the closing stages. At the end, we just didnt have anything, he said. I am pretty disappointed for myself and for the team. I didnt come here for sixth. I really dont know what to make of it because we were so bad at the end compared to what we had been. james.peltz@latimes.com Twitter: @PeltzLATimes Alaska is bracing for summer. As the states cruise season gets underway, record numbers of passenger ships will be heading north between now and September. Its not too late to join the rush. The deals are great, including prices that start at less than $500 a person for a week-long cruise. If youre already booked, were going to suggest some dont-miss places to visit. More than 1.3 million passengers are expected to tour the 49th state this summer, a 16% increase from last year. The increase is attributable to more and bigger ships. In the past, most ships cruising Alaska carried 2,000 or fewer passengers; this year, four ships will host close to 4,000 passengers each. The larger ships can be repositioned to the West Coast because of the expansion of the Panama Canal. Advertisement This northward migration means extra cabins to fill, which means some people will score deals. This summer, Norwegian Cruise Line is sending northward two superships the Norwegian Bliss, which visited Alaska for the first time in 2018, and its sister ship, the Norwegian Joy, recently undergoing a $50-million renovation. Both ships, which will cruise from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera in the fall, can carry 4,000 passengers each. Bliss was so popular that we decided to bring Joy to the West Coast too, said Andy Stuart, Norwegian president and chief executive. Princess Cruises, which is celebrating 50 years of Alaska cruising this season, will have seven ships sailing north, including the 3,600-passenger Royal Princess, one of its biggest ships. Most ships sail to Alaska from Seattle or the Canadian cities of Vancouver or Victoria. But the Royal Princess will also sail one round-trip voyage from Los Angeles on a 12-day cruise. (Sept. 17, inside cabin from $1,598 per person, double occupancy). The Royal will home-port in Los Angeles in the fall, then sail to the Mexican Riviera. Other players include: Holland America, another experienced Alaska cruise line, will have eight ships in the region on itineraries of seven to 21 days. Cunard will join the parade with its elegant Queen Elizabeth, the first Cunard vessel to visit in 20 years. Royal Caribbeans Ovation of the Seas will be the biggest in the region, carrying 4,118 passengers. Deals to Alaska This is the summer, then, to take advantage of deals, thanks to the laws of supply and demand. Prices are per person, double occupancy, inside cabin. Taxes and fees are not included. These deals are based on availability. $418, June 15, Princess Cruises Golden Princess, seven-day, Vancouver to Anchorage, including Glacier Bay $399, Sept. 21, Princess Cruises Golden Princess, four-day Alaskan sampler, round trip from Vancouver, including Ketchikan, Alaska. $574, Aug. 2, Royal Caribbeans Radiance of the Seas, seven nights, Seward, Alaska/Hubbard Glacier to Vancouver $599, June 15, Norwegian Cruise Lines Joy, seven-day Seattle to four ports, including the Inside Passage $649, Sept. 7, Norwegian Cruise Lines Joy, seven-day Seattle to four ports, including the Inside Passage Info: Contact a travel agent or the cruise lines. The Alaska dont miss list The Inside Passage. This is what Alaskan cruising is all about. Check itineraries to see how much time your ship will spend cruising there. Some ships sail mainly at night, which means you might not see as much. Ketchikan. Check out Creek Street when your ship docks. Its charming, of historic significance to the community and, when the salmon are running, you can watch them make their way up the nearby creek to spawn. Tracy Arm. If this enormous fiord south of Juneau isnt on your ships itinerary, try to visit by float plane (a wonderful adventure) or on a small boat when you dock in Juneau. Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau. You can take boat, helicopter, plane or dog sledding excursions there. Or take an easy 4- to 6-mile wilderness hike. Glacier Bay. See the ebb and flow of glaciers within this majestic 65-mile-long fiord, which has tidewater and alpine glaciers and is ringed by mountains, including the worlds tallest coastal range. White Pass and the Yukon Route Railroad. This is the No. 1 choice of cruise passengers, who ride the narrow-gauge railway as it climbs out of Skagway, following the 19th century Klondike Gold Rush trail. Its an incredible ride. Hubbard Glacier. The 40-story-tall Hubbard weighs in as the largest and most active tidewater glacier on the Alaskan coast, dwarfing even the largest cruise ships. Its phenomenal blue color is spectacular even from a distance. travel@latimes.com @latimestravel Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz was ousted by parliament in a no-confidence vote Monday, paving the way for a new election. The young leader, riding high in popular support, defiantly vowed that he and his center-right Peoples Party would return to power with increased strength. The vote capped a week of turmoil at the top in Austria that started when Kurz pulled the plug on his coalition with the far-right Freedom Party after a video emerged showing that partys leader appearing to be offering lucrative government contracts to a purported Russian investor. A new election is already planned for September and President Alexander Van der Bellen needs to appoint a caretaker government to serve until then. Less than three hours after losing his job, Kurz appeared before a cheering crowd outside party offices in Vienna, pledging that the changes that we began two years ago will not end today. He said he looked forward to helping the interim government ensure stability in the coming months, and would fight to win back his position. Advertisement In the end, the people will decide in September, and Im happy about that, he said to chants from the crowd of Chancellor Kurz! He lashed out at the Freedom Party as well as the opposition Social Democrats, who brought the no-confidence vote, saying from them we have only heard one thing, that Kurz must go. Thats the only platform of those two parties and Im afraid to say I must disappoint them both: Im still here. No-confidence votes are common in Austrian politics, but this is the first one to have succeeded in its modern history. The result makes Kurz the shortest-serving chancellor since 1945 with 525 days in office, according to the Austria Press Agency. Kurz now loses the advantage of campaigning as an incumbent chancellor but remains popular and his center-right party finished first Sunday in Austria in the European Parliament election with 34.9% support, a gain of almost 8 percentage points over 2014. The 32-year-old, who became Europes youngest leader when he was sworn in just before Christmas 2017, remained composed earlier in the day amid withering criticism from opponents in parliament before the no-confidence vote. He told the body that he was proud and satisfied with the work we have done as a government in the past year and a half and pledged to work constructively with the caretaker government. We will certainly not put any stones on the path of the next government, he said. We will support them as much as possible. Sebastian Kurz to be Europes youngest leader as Austria swings sharply to the right Van der Bellen told reporters later that Kurzs government would be officially dismissed on Tuesday but ministers would be left in their positions until a new government can be appointed, possibly by Friday. He said he needed to find an interim chancellor who would be accepted by all parties and was holding talks with all involved. Finance Minister Hartwig Loeger will take over the duties of chancellor in the meantime, he said. In parliament, Kurz suggested he had no choice but to end his partnership with the Freedom Party after the video emerged of Heinz-Christian Strache, who has since resigned as party leader. It was clear for me that it meant the end of the coalition, Kurz said. Herbert Kickl, a top Freedom Party lawmaker, accused Kurz of using the Strache video as a chance to consolidate his power. He made the entire Freedom Party responsible for the wrong actions of two people, Kickl told parliament. Social Democrat leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner issued the same charge. This is a shameless, unrestrained and irresponsible power grab, she said. Smart, charismatic and articulate, Kurz caught the eye of Peoples Party leaders about a decade ago when he was elected the chairman of his partys youth branch while in law school. In Austrias previous government, Kurz became foreign minister and helped reinvent his partys image. With the upcoming fall election, his opponents face an uphill battle. In the European election on Sunday, the Social Democrats won 23.6% and the Freedom Party took 17.2%, a sharp drop from the Freedom Partys previous results in Austrias 2017 national election, according to provisional results. French police have arrested four suspects following a blast in the city of Lyon that wounded 13 people last week, authorities said Monday. TV images showed a police operation underway Monday in a small town outside Lyon involving officers wearing ski masks. Police had launched a large manhunt after a device exploded Friday on a busy pedestrian street in Frances third-largest city. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner announced the first arrest on Twitter, a development later confirmed by Paris prosecutors, who handle all terrorism-related cases. The prosecutors office later said three other suspects were detained and formally arrested. According to French media, they included the mother and brother of the main suspect. Advertisement Lyon Mayor Gerard Collomb, a former interior minister, said one of the suspects is an IT student who was arrested as he stepped off a bus. Its a relief for all Lyon inhabitants. I believe the case has been resolved, Collomb told BFM TV. If there was a network, it has been identified and will certainly be dismantled. French President Emmanuel Macron has called the explosion an attack but no group has claimed responsibility for the explosion. An investigation has been opened for attempted murder in relation with a terrorist undertaking and criminal terrorist association. Last week, Frances counter-terrorism prosecutor, Remy Heitz, described video surveillance that showed a suspect heading toward the center of Lyon on a bike Friday afternoon. The man was seen arriving on foot, pushing his bike along a pedestrian-only street, then leaving a paper bag on a concrete block in the middle of the street near a bakery. The suspect immediately returned to his bike and left the same way. One minute later, the explosion shattered the glass of a refrigerator in the bakery, Heitz said. Regional authorities said the 13 wounded suffered mostly minor injuries. Collomb said the detained student was identified through video surveillance. Investigators at the scene have found screws, ball bearings, batteries, a triggering mechanism that can be used remotely and plastic pieces that may come from the explosive device. France has been hit by a spate of attacks in recent years, some of them deadly, carried out by people ranging from extremist attackers to mentally unstable individuals. Iraq offered Sunday to mediate in the crisis between its two key allies, the United States and Iran, amid escalating Middle East tensions and as Tehrans nuclear deal with world powers steadily unravels. Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed Hakim made the offer during a joint news conference with visiting Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif. We are trying to help and to be mediators, said Hakim, adding that Baghdad will work to reach a satisfactory solution while emphasizing that Iraq stands against unilateral steps taken by Washington. In recent weeks, tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared over the U.S. deploying an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers to the Persian Gulf over a still-unexplained threat that the White House says it perceives from Tehran. The U.S. plans to send 900 additional troops to the 600 already in the Mideast and extending their stay. Advertisement The crisis took root in President Trumps withdrawal last year from the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers that capped Irans uranium enrichment activities in return for lifting financial sanctions. Washington subsequently reimposed sanctions on Iran, sending its economy into freefall. Trump has argued that the deal failed to sufficiently curb Irans ability to develop nuclear weapons or halt its support for militias throughout the Middle East that the U.S. says destabilize the region. Zarif, who was been on a whirlwind diplomatic offensive to preserve the rest of the accord, insisted that Iran did not violate the nuclear deal and urged European nations to exert efforts to preserve it despite the U.S. pullout. Speaking about the rising tensions with the U.S., Zarif said Iran will be able to face the war, whether it is economic or military, through steadfastness and its forces. He also urged for a non-aggression agreement between Iran and Arab countries in the Gulf. Shiite-majority Iraq has been trying to maintain a fine line as allies Tehran and Washington descended into verbal vitriol. The country lies on the fault line between Shiite Iran and the mostly Sunni Arab world, led by powerhouse Saudi Arabia. The mediation offer by Hakim, Iraqs foreign minister, echoed one made Saturday by Mohamad Halbousi, the Iraqi parliament speaker. Hakim also expressed concern for Irans spiraling economy. Iranians make up the bulk of millions of Shiites from around the world who come to Iraq every year to visit its many Shiite shrines and holy places . Their purchasing power has slumped since Trump reimposed the sanctions. The sanctions against sisterly Iran are ineffective and we stand by its side, Hakim said. Meanwhile, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani suggested the Islamic Republic could hold a referendum over its nuclear program. The official IRNA news agency said Rouhani, who was last week publicly chastised by the countrys supreme leader, made the suggestion in a meeting with editors of major Iranian news outlets on Saturday evening. Rouhani said he had previously suggested a referendum to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2004, when Rouhani was a senior nuclear negotiator for Iran. At the time, Khamenei approved of the idea and though there was no referendum, such a vote can be a solution at any time, Rouhani was quoted as saying. A referendum could provide political cover for the Iranian government if it chooses to increase its enrichment of uranium, prohibited under the 2015 nuclear deal. Earlier last week, Iran said it quadrupled its uranium-enrichment production capacity though Iranian officials made a point to stress that the uranium would be enriched only to the 3.67% limit set under the deal, making it usable for a power plant but far below whats needed for an atomic weapon. Rouhanis remarks could also be seen as a defense of his stance following the rare public chastising by the supreme leader. Khamenei last week named Rouhani and Zarif relative moderates within Irans Shiite theocracy who had struck the nuclear deal as failing to implement his orders over the accord, saying it had numerous ambiguities and structural weaknesses that could damage Iran. Khamenei, who has final say on all matters of state in Iran, did not immediately respond to Rouhanis proposal of a referendum. The Islamic Republic has had only three referendums since it was established in 1979 one on regime change from monarchy to Islamic republic and two on its constitution and its amendments. Also in Tehran, the acting commander of the countrys powerful Revolutionary Guard said any negotiations with the U.S. would be fruitless. Gen. Ali Fadavi said it would be like having negotiations with Satan. - Ekene Franklin Ezeunala, the candidate who scored the highest score in the 2019 UTME, has been offered a scholarship by a Ghanaian university - Academic City College, a private university in Accra, has offered him a scholarship worth N14m - The announcement of the scholarship was made by the College Senior Admissions Manager at a workshop held in Lagos A private university in Accra, Ghana, named Academic City College has offered scholarship worth $40,000 (an equivalent of N14m) to the candidate who scored 347 in the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Ekene Franklin Ezeunala who had the highest score in UTME was awarded the scholarship during a workshop organised by the institution for schools and parents at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja. He was, however, absent at the event. The College Senior Admissions Manager in Nigeria, Ogechi Ekpe, spoke at the event. She said that the scholarship granted Ekene would cover tuition and boarding for the duration of his programme at the university. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Her words were: "We have a full scholarship for Ekene. He was supposed to be here today (Friday) but we did not talk about the scholarship today because he was not here. We were to present a scholarship of $40,000 to the boy from year one till he graduates. PAY ATTENTION: Get your daily relationship tips and advice on Africa Love Aid group Speaking about Ekene's absence from the workshop/award night, Ogechi Ekpe had this to say: "We were hoping he would be here today so our president can give him the award. The school is here now. We have to go there and see if we can either take him to Ghana or get our president to come again and give him the scholarship. The scholarship is for real. It is called the Presidential Scholarship so the school pays everything including the hostel fees." Ghanaian university offers $40,000 scholarship to Ekene, Nigerian boy with highest UTME score Source: Educeleb.com Source: UGC READ ALSO: My result in Nigeria was nothing to write home about - Man narrates how he got 1st class in UK university Ekene, who turns 15 on May 27, 2019, was denied admission at his preferred college - the University of Lagos (UNILAG) - because he is below the age benchmark of 16. With regards to this, Mrs. Ekpe said that Academic City College, which offers programmes in Engineering, Business, Communication Arts and Information Technology, is willing to accept students from 15 years of age because it has system in place to monitor them. That is why we want him there. Nigerian schools wont give him admission but we will. We start admitting from 15 which is why we have a very visible Dean of Students Affairs. We make sure that they go to class, especially foreign students. You cannot be in the hostel during learning hours. Dean Ruth, that is her name, she normally goes round. There are parents that pay for their kids to be off campus but all international students must be on campus because we dont want them to have immigration issues; we dont want them to go off track. We actually insist that in the first year at least they must be on campus. READ ALSO: Teenager gets accepted to 31 universities with N333.3m in scholarship offers Ekene was first offered a full scholarship by Gregory University, Uturu in Abia state. This Ghanaian institution is the second college to announce a full scholarship to the 15-year-old boy who just completed his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at Meiran Community Senior High School, Meiran, Lagos. Recently, a beautiful lady who graduated with third class reveals that she employs first class graduates and earns what most of them can never imagine. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better Meet 15 Year-Old Nigerian Wizkid Who Made 9 As in his WAEC | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - 22-year-old lady becomes the youngest member of parliament in Malawi - The lady was elected with the help of President Arthur Peter Mutharika of Malawi - Fyness Mwagonjwa had won the parliament seat with 7,896 votes A young lady has broken records as she becomes the youngest seating member in her parliament in Malawi. The 22-year-old was elected into parliament for Machinga South East Constituency. The young lady reportedly won the seat with 7,896 votes. She had campaigned on the platform of Democratic Progressive Party in Malawi. It was gathered that she won the seat with the help of Malawi's president, Arthur Peter Mutharika. 22-year-old lady wins election as member of Malawi parliament Facebook source: Malawi voice Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Man graduates from same university where he started as a cleaner In an interview with MBC Online, the young lady had expressed happiness to have emerged as the winner out of the eight candidates that contested for the seat. The lady also revealed that she had wanted to become a member for a long time. She said: I am promising people in Machinga south east that am going to develop the area and also I should thank those people who took their time to vote for me though being a youngster. PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app The ambition of becoming a member of parliament in my area started a long time ago when I was in primary school. 22-year-old Mwagonjwa listed her achievements and revealed that she had started her campaign since 2015, with the help of her parents. PAY ATTENTION: Get your daily relationship tips and advice on Africa Love Aid group She said: "I started doing my campaign with the help from my parents in 2015 up to 2019 and among other developments, I have built and renovated bridges in my constituency. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that a young Nigerian woman had been commissioned as Second Lieutenant of the United States Army. The woman's husband had taken to social media to celebrate her achievement. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better Ifeanyi Daniel Akanegbu Story - 27-Year-Old Graduate Breaks Even With Small Chops Business - on Legit TV Source: Legit.ng Pennsylvanias Redistricting Reform Commission is stopping off in the Lehigh Valley this week and wants to hear citizens thoughts on the current process and possible fixes. Gov. Tom Wolf has tasked the advisory commission with studying best practices for nonpartisan redistricting and engaging Pennsylvanians in talks about the system for drawing state legislative and congressional maps. The commission is led by David Thornburgh, president and CEO of the good government watchdog group Committee of Seventy. After the 2020 census, Pennsylvanias new Supreme Court-drawn congressional map goes out the window and the state must draw a new one in 2021. Wolf formed the reform commission ahead of this deadline. It plans to deliver a report to Wolf and the legislature in August that lays out recommendations for nonpartisan redistricting practices. In most states, redistricting is done in a bipartisan fashion. In Pennsylvania, it isnt. The General Assembly has almost total control of the decision, so the party in power gets to decide how the lines are drawn. As part of its work, the commission is holding nine public meetings across the state for residents to voice their concerns, thoughts and questions on the current process and potential reforms. The next meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Northampton Community Colleges Alumni Hall, 3835 Green Pond Rd. in Bethlehem Township. Pennsylvanias history of gerrymandering is long and complex. The Keystone states last congressional districts were so gerrymandered and so bizarrely shaped, (did you hear about Goofy kicking Donald Duck? Everyone else did) they became a national joke. This led to a lawsuit and the January 2018 state Supreme Court ruling that the states 18 congressional districts clearly, plainly and palpably violate the states constitution. Republicans have won 13 of Pennsylvanias 18 seats in three elections under the invalidated map, although statewide elections are often closely contested. After some political back and forth, the court ended up issuing its own congressional map, which went into effect in the May 2018 primary. It will be used in the 2020 election but then it will be time for Pennsylvania to draft a new map. With the 2018 map, Lehigh and Northampton counties are combined into a new 7th Congressional District, that also includes a southern sliver of Monroe County that includes the Stroudsburg area. What can you expect at the commissions Lehigh Valley meeting? It will be organized into four public-comment sessions. To promote dialogue among citizens and attending commission members, each session will consists of a citizen-commissioner panel, according to a news release. All members of the public are encourage to attend and observe the discussions, but those who wish to join a panel and speak with the commission the record will have to register at the event. Organizers are asking members of the public to complete these surveys: This survey on the governors website includes three open-response questions asking respondents to share their own experiences with redistricting, weigh in on who should draw maps and what criteria should be prioritized. This fill-in-the-bubble survey created by commission member Lee Ann Banaszak. The advisory group includes several notables: Former Lehigh Valley Congressman Charlie Dent, a Republican. Amanda Holt, the Republican Lehigh County Commissioner who got her start in politics by showing how easy it is to draw a fair map. Committee Chairman Thornburgh is an independent and a son of the former GOP governor. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. BUDAPEST - With this year marking the 70th anniversary of Sino-Hungarian diplomatic ties, the recent visit to Hungary by China's top legislator Li Zhanshu has injected impetus into the traditional friendship between the two countries. Meeting with Hungarian President Janos Ader on Wednesday, Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, conveyed President Xi Jinping's greetings. Li said that after China and Hungary lifted bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2017, their relationship entered a new stage featuring a "speeding-up" of development. Students taking classes outside of Bangor Area High School has become an issue for the schools administration and some students and parents. Bangor Area Superintendent William Haws said at Tuesdays school board meeting that he is concerned about the past practice that allowed students to enlist in dual enrollment at online, Intermediate Unit 20 or college classes in order to achieve Bangor Area High School credits. Some students said they are miffed that outside classes may be restricted and they will no longer be able to take the classes of their choice. Pennsylvania allows students to take dual enrollment classes outside of their home school district and achieve high school or college credits for their work. However, Bangor Area School Board President Michael Goffredo said Haws, who was hired at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year, discovered students have been taking outside classes that were not approved by the board as is required. Haws said he is concerned that students, especially in the gifted education program at the high school, were loading up on easy, unapproved outside classes and then taking electives during the school day. I am opposed to students saying we want to play music during the day and graduate early, Haws said. Junior Alarik McNay said he thought he was on the path to early graduation when he took summer classes last year outside of the district. He learned in March that he would not be allowed to graduate this spring. The school evidently approved payment of the tuition for his summer classes and he said he feels there were false promises. Maggie Morokutti, who has a daughter at the high school, said juniors should have been grandfathered and not subject to any changes this year. Morokutti said the current policy that states the superintendent has sole discretion to approve whether a student can graduate early should be changed. She suggested early graduation approval could come from a recommendation from teachers, guidance counselors or parents, who have a more direct knowledge of a students achievement level. Haws said the school district offers enough variety of challenging classes that students should be able to satisfy challenging themselves without enrolling in outside classes. The gifted education program is supposed to increase capacity and curiosity of the student but there is more than one way to achieve that, he said. What I am opposed to is extra, Haws said. Extra credits just to graduate early. Mark Xiao said not all students are trying to graduate early. He said his daughter would like to enroll in advanced classes outside of the school to learn at a faster pace. My daughter doesnt want extra credits, Xiao said. She wants a better education and shes not getting it here. Haws said he will continue to look at how to improve the program of studies but he stands firm that taking outside classes not vetted by the administration and school board will not continue. We need a system that works for everyone, Haws said. I do not believe in putting kids in easy classes. John Best is a freelance contributor to lehighvalleylive.com. Former Kildare politician Michael McWey funeral mass took place in Kildare Town today. Mr McWey served for 44 years on Kildare County Council before his retirement in 1999. The native of Tower View Park in Kildare Town passed away on Friday last following a short illness. Ceann Comhairle Sean O'Fearghail, paid an online tribute to the late politician and said it was 'poignant' that Mr McWey passed away on an election day. "There was something particularly poignant about the fact that Michael McWey Sr passed away on Friday; the same day that the local elections were happening. "Michael, one of the finest Kildare men I have ever known, dedicated decades of his life to the service of the people of Kildare as an elected member of Kildare County Council. For many years after his retirement, indeed up until his recent illness, he had continued to promote the best interests of the people and the county of Kildare. I consider myself privileged to have served with him, to have learned from him, and to come to have regarded him as a valued friend. My deepest sympathy to Terry and to all his much loved family." He was married to Terry, and had three sons Thomas, Michael and Joseph (predeceased), and three daughters Carmel, Suzanne and Vivienne. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, his brothers, sisters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. His remains were brought to St Brigid's Parish Church this morning for 11 am for his Funeral Mass with burial afterwards at St Brigid's Cemetery. One of Kildares small businesses, Pestle & Mortar will represent Kildare County Councils Local Enterprise Office at the National Enterprise Awards on Wednesday, May 29, at the Mansion House in Dublin. Run by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in the local authorities nationwide, the National Enterprise Awards are now in their 21st year and offer an investment prize fund of 40,000. The awards feature businesses from a variety of sectors. The Local Enterprise Office Kildares representative, Pestle & Mortar was founded by Newbridge woman Sonia Deasy in 2014. It is now a global skincare brand combining natural healing philosophies with science to produce products which are beautifully simple, effective and easy-to-use. Sold across three continents, all eight of the existing ranges are recipients of numerous awards worldwide. The county has a successful track record in the National Enterprise Awards competition, as last years overall winners were Terra NutriTech a Kildare based AgTech company. Established by brothers Padraig and Tom Hennessy, their company specialises in precision liquid supplementation for livestock. Since winning in 2018, Terra NutriTech have become a client company of Enterprise Ireland, adding a further seven staff and hope to double their workforce by 2021 following a recent 2million investment. Peter Carey Chief Executive of Kildare County Council said; The National Enterprise Awards are very much a benchmark for excellence for small businesses across the country. It is much more than just awards. The businesses involved avail of mentoring and guidance as the process develops and generate connections and leads from other businesses along the way. They also receive signposting for their business helping them to move their company forward, irrespective of whether they win an award. Those who do take part always see the benefit, our winners are now employing over 830 people and are exporting across the world with annual revenues in excess of 130million. The class of 2019 looks to be well prepared to follow in their path. The National Enterprise Awards are one of a number of initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run, to foster entrepreneurship across the country. Others include Local Enterprise Week, the Student Enterprise Programme, National Womens Enterprise Day and Irelands Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE). The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland. Resource Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception five years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 18,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, financial support. SEE ALSO: Live blog election coverage 2019 The trial of a former psychic charged with money laundering has heard a Danish businessman transferred 1.6 million into a bank account which was subsequently frozen. Simon Gold (54), with an address of Augharan, Aughavas, Co. Leitrim, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 22 charges including money laundering, theft, deception and control of false instruments on dates between January 1, 2010 and October 22, 2012. The trial has heard that Mr Gold accepted he had used the names Simon Gold, Simon Gould, Simon Magnier and Niall O'Donoghue. The trial has also heard Mr Gold acknowledged he is responsible for an Ulster Bank account in the name of Anglo Irish Global Ltd. On the seventh day of evidence before the jury, Kurt Lauridsen told Lorcan Staines SC, prosecuting, that he started a business in Denmark producing sliding wardrobes which turned out to be a great success. Mr Lauridsen said he sold part of the company in 2007 for 14 million and that he wanted to invest some of the money in a green energy project. He said he met with Dr Bodo Baars, a lawyer based in Hamburg, who told him about an investment opportunity. He said Dr Baars told him he had to invest 1.6 million in order to receive a 25% return every month for a 12-month period. He said he was told the money would be put into a custodial bank account and that he and Dr Baars would have to sign before the money could be transferred out. Mr Lauridsen said it was his understanding that if the investment failed, I would get my money back. He said Dr Baars told him that Anglo Irish Global Ltd were an investment bank in Ireland. He said he transferred the money in two tranches of 800,000 into what he thought was a custodial bank account in Ulster Bank in Dublin in October 2012. He said he was later contacted by gardai and informed that the account had been frozen. Mr Lauridsen said he never gave any instructions for anyone to transfer any money out of the Ulster Bank account. He said he had not gotten any of the money back. Dominic McGinn SC, defending, asked Mr Lauridsen if he was aware that 335,000 of this money had been transferred to Dr Baars. Mr Lauridsen said he was aware and that he did not authorise that this money would be transferred to him. Mr Lauridsen agreed with Mr McGinn that he was in a difficult position as he was not a banker himself and that he was relying on Dr Baars to tell him the truth. He said he had only heard about Mr Gold from Dr Baars and that he never met him in person. Earlier in the trial, Jody Ryan, a quarry owner from Limerick, told Mr Staines that he paid 10,000 in order to secure a loan from Simon Magnier. The jury has heard that Mr Ryan said not a euro of the loan ever came through and that Simon Magnier became difficult to contact afterwards. Mr McGinn suggested to Mr Ryan that people's memories sometimes play tricks on them and that contact between him and Simon Magnier was fairly frequent after the transfer. Mr Ryan answered that his memory was that it was hard to get through to Simon Magnier afterwards. The trial continues tomorrow Tuesday, May 27 before Judge Nolan and a jury. Also read: Leitrim man on trial charged with deceiving five men A YOUNG activist, who has been protesting for climate action for more than three months, hopes that the incoming council will declare a local climate emergency in Limerick. 13-year-old Saoirse Exton, who along with others, has been striking every Friday since March outside the Limerick2030 building on Patrick Street for climate action. WATCH: 13-year-old Saoirse Exton of @Fridaysforfut18 had a message for the incoming council at the Limerick count centre. She spoke with the @Limerick_Leader about what she hopes to see from them...and she won't rule out running in 2024 pic.twitter.com/PdfcAM292x May 27, 2019 I dont think the Government is taking enough action so I am protesting so that they will take more, Ms Exton said, speaking at the Limerick Count Centre on Sunday. Speaking from the Limerick Count on Sunday, Ms Exton told the Lime When asked what she would like to see from incoming councillors, Ms Exton said: Id like them to declare a local climate emergency. Id like them to maybe do something like have Limerick (become) the first plastic free city. Last Friday, 200 young people gathered in Limerick as part of the March for Climate Change which saw 1.4m people globally protest for climate action, she added. View this post on Instagram We have some new protesters!! #may24 #globalprotest A post shared by climate activism in limerick (@fridaysforfuture.limerick) on May 24, 2019 at 2:30am PDT When asked what she thought of the Green Wave seen across the county, Ms Exton said: I think more people need to come out and vote but people are certainly starting to wake up and change is starting to happen. DEPUTY Niall Collins has taken a swing at Fine Gael over the controversial compensation claim by a Fine Gael TD. Deputy Maria Bailey had taken a case against a Dublin hotel after a fall from a swing. She has withdrawn it. Deputy Collins reacted to the news at the local election count in Limerick Racecourse on Sunday. It is very disturbing what we have been reading and hearing over the last number of days in relation to this particular incident. What was revealed by the media in the last number of days is shocking. "That Maria Bailey was able to engage in vigorous exercise - a 10k run - attending other social events where she would have exerted herself while at the same time claiming that she was injured from an alleged fall from a swing in a Dublin hotel, said Deputy Collins. The Fianna Fail man said the claim came at a time when businesses up and down the country are facing closure because of the exorbitant costs of insurance and the inaction of Government to date to address the spiraling costs of insurance. From being on the campaign trail Deputy Collins said Limerick people are really outraged by this. Speaking on Today with Sean ORourke this Monday morning, Deputy Bailey said it was not a fraudulent claim. She declined to give exact information on how the fall occurred. Deputy Bailey said it would have been up to the judicial system to decide. She also hit out at the media and keyboard warriors. Two Chinese military officers were awarded the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal for their contributions to UN peacekeeping efforts. Colonel Zhang Qiman and Lieutenant Colonel Duanmu Donglin, currently working at the UN Department of Peace Operations were among the 30 medal recipients from 19 countries on Friday. "I feel so proud that I worked at the UN headquarters as a staff officer," Zhang told Xinhua News Agency after the awards ceremony at UN headquarters in New York. Zhang expressed her gratitude to the motherland, which she said gives her "confidence and courage" so that she could do her utmost for UN peacekeeping operations, adding that participating in UN peacekeeping operations is "a new historic mission and task". Both Zhang and Duanmu worked in UN peacekeeping missions prior to their posting at the UN headquarters. UN headquarters observed the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Friday. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres laid a wreath to honor all UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948. "We are thanking them for their services. Peacekeeping is a very demanding work and we are grateful for everything they do," said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, undersecretary-general for peace operations department, who decorated the recipients. "We have excellent colleagues from China. As a permanent member of the Security Council, China's role is extremely important in the view of improving the impact and performance of peacekeeping," Lacroix said. Currently, China deploys 2,508 uniformed personnel, including 70 women, to eight UN peacekeeping missions, including those in Lebanon, Mali and South Sudan, working in such fields as landmine removal, medical services, engineering, transportation and security, according to China's permanent representative to the UN, Ma Zhaoxu. China attaches great importance to training and capacity building of peacekeepers, he said at a Security Council open debate earlier this month. "The Chinese peacekeepers are well-trained, well-equipped and well-disciplined," Ma said. Ma noted that a standby peacekeeping force of over 8,000 troops and two standby peacekeeping police contingents have been established and passed UN inspection. "They can be put into operation at any time," he said. In December, China's share of the UN peacekeeping budget rose from 10.24 percent to 15.22 percent, making it the second largest contributor after the United States. Ma said China would continue contributing to building the UN's peacekeeping capacity and honoring its commitment to world peace with concrete action. UN headquarters observed the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Friday. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres laid a wreath to honor all UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948. Xinhua contributed to this story. xiaohong@chinadailyusa.com (China Daily 05/27/2019 page11) Musician and activist, Charly Boy has taken to Instagram to publicly criticize the federal government for opening a Fulani radio station. According to the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, the Federal Government acquired an Amplitude Modulation radio broadcast licence to reach herdsmen across various locations in the country as parts of measures to enhance nomadic education. He added that the establishment of the radio frequency was to end the perennial farmers-herders crises across the country. Reacting to the move which has been generating criticism online, Charly Boy wrote: Atiku Abubakar has encouraged Nigerian children not to lose hope in their country, whether or not they live here or in the Diaspora. Atiku gave the advice in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, in Abuja to celebrate the 2019 Childrens Day event. He reminded the children that they are the future of Nigeria. A Nigerian man was charged with the murder of a 40-year-old nurse, Siti Kharina Mohd Kamaruddin at the magistrate's court in Sepang, Malaysia, on Monday May 27. The accused, 36-year-old Alowonle Oluwajuwon, nodded his head after the charge was read to him in English before Magistrate A. Akhiruddin. Akhiruddin then set July 31 for remention of the case. According to the charge sheet, the accused was charged with murdering Siti Kharina at a condominium unit at Third Avenue Condominium in Cyberjaya, Selangor, between 12.41am on May 9 and 2.30pm on May 15. He was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, which carries the death penalty upon conviction. Deputy public prosecutor Nasharina Nazlan prosecuted while the accused was unrepresented. Meanwhile, two other suspects - a 35-year-old Nigerian woman and a 38-year-old Pakistani man - were released on court bond. Akhiruddin ordered both suspects to surrender their passports until the conclusion of the case. Siti Kharina, who was reported missing since May 8, was found dead at a condominium unit in Cyberjaya at 2.30pm on May 15. Investigators found slash wounds on her chest, neck and head. The victim, who was believed to have died between four and five days before her body was discovered, was sent to Serdang Hospital for post-mortem. Siti Kharina, who lives apart from her husband and three daughters, had served at the same hospital for five years. Svay Rieng provincial police in Camnodia have arrested 32 year-old Kim Panha for insulting the King, the Prime Minister and the other leaders via Facebook. The provincial police, having been made aware of the Facebook posts, investigated and then arrested Mr Panha at his home in Bavit City last Wednesday. On the next day the provincial court prosecutor charged him, citing the Criminal Code, with public defamation [Libel], insulting the King [lese-majeste], insulting the public, and Incitement to Commit Crime. Lese-majeste (Article 42) is punishable with up to five years in prison. Presiding Judge Sovann Chankrisna ordered the provincial prison chief to keep the accused in pretrial detention from May 23 until September 23. Late last month, Tboung Khmum Provincial Court charged a 45-year-old with incitement to commit a felony and placed him in pretrial detention after he posted messages insulting Prime Minister Hun Sen on Facebook. The protest by youths and women of Ukambi community over the ongoing demolition of their community farmlands for the proposed Obudu International cargo and passenger airport, has claimed one life. According to CrossRiverWatch, the victim, Mr. Raphael A. Ushie, a Chief Inspector of Nigeria Immigration Service who is also the younger brother of Governor Ayades personal physician, Dr. Vincent Ushie, died Thursday morning, after being rushed from a hospital in Obudu to the Univerisity of Calabar Teaching Hospital UCTH. It was gathered from one of the community leaders that the deceased who was nearing retirement from the Nigeria Immigration Service had invested in a palm plantation in his village, Ukambi. On hearing that farmlands in neighbouring Atiekpe and Ikwomikwu had been demolished and same was going to commence in Ukambi, he rushed home to confront the bulldozer that was encroaching into his palm plantation. He arrived last Wednesday morning and went straight to the farm in his uniform and met the bulldozer nearing his plantation. He faced the operator and tried to prevent him from encroaching into his land before other community members joined him in the farm. He participated fully in the days protest and the demolition and collapsed after then. He was rushed to a hospital in Obudu. The matter couldnt be handled there and he was moved to UCTH in Calabar where he passed on this morning. An elder in the community explained to CrossRiverWatch. It was also gathered that, a second person, Mr. Andepibekong Atsua, has also collapsed and is critically sick in the hospital after his farm was demolished. One can conveniently say, the airport is among other things an exercise that will claim lives of the very electorates who voted for Ayade and he no longer listens to them or care about their welfare. the source concluded. Meanwhile, some stakeholders have also reacted to the development and have called for due process in the acquisition of the land and adequate compensation for affected land owners. Two Gambian Human Trafficking survivors, Fatou Badjie and Amie have shared their horrific experiences in Lebanon and Egypt respectively. Immediately after she graduated from university, Badjie, 23, was approached by a close friend about employment prospects in Lebanon. The friend told her that there were job opportunities and if she decided to go there shed earn a decent salary. She felt strongly that the friend would wish her nothing but success. She agreed to go to Lebanon. In an interview with the Chronicles, Badije said; So I just jumped into it without asking questions. He came with a document and I signed it without hesitation, she explains. In the signed document, Fatou agreed to pay D3,000 as deposit before her friend would process her travel documents. To her, this was an opportunity to get her family out of poverty. I paid the money and the next day he brought my passport and visa. Everything was intact. The following week, I left for Senegal. Excited and hopeful, Fatou boarded a plane in the early hours of 26th June 2014, and flew more than 3500 miles to Beirut in Lebanon. I met an immigration officer who immediately took my documents and asked me to follow him. He took me to a small room where I found over 100 girls of different nationalities. One of the girls told Fatou that she was sold by human traffickers. Fatou became scared and confused. She stayed awake the whole night wondering what would happen to her the next day. In the morning, she confirmed she was in trouble. Some women came and started touching me and the other girls. One of them touched me and asked me to follow her. She told me that she had bought me and that I was her slave. I started laughing because I thought it was a joke. There was no joke and Fatou was actually trafficked to be bought for modern day slavery. The woman took her to Hamra, a neighborhood in Beirut where she laid down the house rules. She told me that my job was to take care of her husband who had cancer. Bathing the sick man, changing his clothes, carrying him on her back and feeding him became Fatous daily routine. Id wake up at 6am and I would not stop working or go to bed unless the old man managed to sleep. I was so frustrated. I never thought I could go through this kind of trauma in my life. When Fatou got fed up, she approached her boss and told her she wanted to leave. I told her that the contract I signed in The Gambia said I was coming to Lebanon to work in a restaurant and earn a living. She told me she spent a lot of money on me and Id have to pay the money back before I could leave. Fatou was compelled to stay on even though she never received any salary for her work. But her conditions worsened after that conversation with her boss. Shed put a hot place of rice on Fatous back and eat from there. Other times shed face more severe punishment than that. One day she accompanied the boss to the hospital not knowing there was a plan to do an operation on her. When we went to the operations room I was scared. She told me to sit and wait. As I was waiting, I dozed off and I didnt remember anything. When I woke up I realised that I was operated and my left kidney was removed, without my consent, Fatou says. It would later emerge that the boss sick husband was in need of a kidney and Fatous kidney was given to him. Even with one kidney removed, Fatous nightmares continued. She was arrested and jailed after cutting her boss with a knife in self-defense. In jail, she was regularly beaten and the guards made several attempts to sexually assault her. After 18 months in jail, she escaped and ran away to a sea side. Through the help of a fisherman she met, Fatou processed her documents and returned to The Gambia in April 2018. Amies story: Amie Jobe was trafficked to Egypt in December 2014 by a friend who worked for the immigration department. He told her that there were lot of job opportunities in Egypt and shed earn up to $450 a month. Once Amie accepted the offer, the officer processed her passport and introduced her to a group of Sierra Leoneans based in The Gambia. They took her to Dakar and handed her over to another agent who helped her to get an Egyptian visa. When I arrived at the airport in Cairo, my luggage was taken from me by two men who put me in their car and drove away. It was a 12-hour journey, she tells The Chronicle. When we arrived at our destination, they put me in a room and locked me in for about an hour. The men later confiscated her passport and told her that she was sold into slavery. For the next two weeks, she was locked inside the room. At the end of the two weeks, an Egyptian woman picked her from the agents house. The woman bought me. When I got to her house, she told me that my task was to take care of her three kids. From that day, the kids became my responsibility. She forced me to wake up as early as 5am to look after the kids. Three months later, Amie fell out with her boss after a heated argument which resulted to the boss hitting her. She wanted Amie gone, at 2am. I told her I wasnt leaving without the salaries she owed me for the three months I worked for her. She ended up giving me $50 instead of $450 a month. $400 went to the Nigerian agents who received me in Egypt. Amie had to walk 90 kilometers in the middle of the night. There was no car and I was imagining all kind of things. I could have been kidnapped, killed or raped. Amie was indeed tortured by the police and sexually harassed by the Nigerian agents before she was able to return to The Gambia. Today, both Fatou and Amie dedicate their time to the Network of Girls against Human Trafficking, an organization they set up along with other survivors of human trafficking to sensitize Gambians about the human trafficking and help combat it. There are so many issues that cant be forgotten in this whole situation. I didnt think that our own brothers and sisters would be so mean that theyd take us from our country and sell us out as slaves just for money. If you go through these things you cant forget them, says Amie. The Gambia is listed by the US State Department as a Tier 2 country, and its 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report, the State Department said the Government of The Gambia did not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, though it was making significant efforts to do so. Gambian women are subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking in the Middle East, including Lebanon and Kuwait. Authorities have identified Gambian trafficking victims in Egypt, UAE, and Finland, the US State Department said. How often do you share a meal with your colleagues in office, partaking of the same dishes, at the same table? Recent research suggests that sharing meals, family-style, can help collaboration and negotiation outcomes in office environments. An insightful research study published in Psychological Science, authored by professors Ayelet Fishbach and Kaitlin Woolley, highlights how the way a meal is served and shared in such settings boosts cooperation. Because sharing a meal involves close coordination at the table, it is likely to trigger greater coordination in subsequent work-related discussions too. In India, we are accustomed to sharing meals at home; this is our tradition. Plated meals, in individual servings that follow each other, are not our style. Eating a meal together is also a great occasion for free-flowing family conversation, and, in todays hectic times, perhaps the only formal opportunity to do so every day. No wonder the adage, the family who eats together stays together. Can such dining wisdom apply to our modern offices as well? I submit that eating together in offices has multiple benefits, and hence this is an activity well worth the pursuit. Here are some ways social workplace dining can help us. A refreshing break Most of us toil away at our workstations, staring at our computer screens or engaging in conference calls on our phones, for a good part of the day. In the midst of such extended and intense individual effort, joining your team mates and members of other teams who work in the same office for a shared lunch is a refreshing break. This involves a welcome change in location, light conversation, getting to know some of the interesting stuff that other teams are working on, and, hopefully, lots of laughter too. So it becomes a break that we look forward to every day. And then we return to our work totally refreshed. On the other hand, if you choose to eat your lunch alone at your work desk (which, unfortunately, is what many of us do), you have denied yourself this wonderful social break. View Full Image Teams can use the shared lunch meeting to get to know each other, unshackled from the formality of conference rooms (Photo: iStock) Better communication The team that eats together, works together more closely. Food and drink generally relax us, so when we meet over food we meet in a positive environment that encourages informal and free-flowing conversation. Thats why we often choose to meet someone over a cup of coffee, or invite a colleague to lunch. Teams can use the shared lunch meeting to get to know each other better, unshackled from the formality of conference rooms. Speaking about interests, movies, books and ongoing work projects over a leisurely meal is perhaps an excellent way to nurture sustained team bonding. An occasional glass of wine or beer after work helps, too. As professor Kevin Kniffin of Cornell University has said, Eating together is a more intimate act than looking at an Excel spreadsheet together. That intimacy spills back over into work." Variety is spice Some of us may remember sharing lunch with friends during our schooldays. We would bring our food from home in steel tiffins and, in a somewhat messy but thoroughly enjoyable way, share all the delicious ghar ka khana. What fun. This is perfectly replicable in our offices too. We work in multicultural teams today, so imagine how interesting it would be to pool Punjabi, Konkani, Gujarati and Bengali food on the lunch table at least once in a while. Variety is the spice of life, and I can imagine some very interesting and happy conversations around food, resulting from such tiffin-box sharing. These conversations can be engaging, and can lead to new friendships, because so many of us are foodies at heart. Collaboration & coordination Sharing a meal with common dishes on the table calls for seamless and quick coordination. For instance, you have to ensure that you dont selfishly eat too much of one particular dish, leaving very little for others. Passing dishes across the table without spilling stuff is an art in itself. Ensuring that the vegetarians, non-vegetarians and vegans, all enjoy themselves without causing discomfort or any unfortunate mix-ups requires coordination. And if you have tried ordering in a restaurant for a team of 10 hungry people who are also particular about the food they eat, you will know the extreme cooperation this requires. All this constant give-and-take at the dining table is very likely to subconsciously translate into better team collaboration during subsequent work, negotiations and discussions. Breaking the ice Imagine your colleagues and you are meeting a team from another organisation for the first time to explore a collaboration, or for negotiations. They are strangers to all of you at the outset and the discussions are therefore perhaps somewhat stiff and formal. There is no better way to break the ice than for both teams to sit down and share a meal together. This loosens up the atmosphere, and ensures that both parties get to know each other in a more relaxed environment. If you are sharing from the same dishes at the same table, this is even better. After the lunch or dinner, remember to ask members of the other team what dessert or ice-cream they would prefer to end the meal with. Suggest a kulfi or falooda, or the local fresh ice-cream topped with nuts and hot chocolate sauce. Watch the smiles spread all around. Discussions thereafter will be a tad sweeter, for sure. Harish Bhat works with the Tata group. He loves food, but he has to get distinctly better at organizing relaxed team dinners. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics The electoral statistics related to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliances win are only just being parsed, but they are impressivefrom a 7-percentage-point increase in vote share overall for the BJP to a victory by over 200,000 votes each in 45 constituencies in Uttar Pradesh (despite opposition unity). A mandate this strong grants the new government an opportunity to focus on a structural, as opposed to a project-based, economic agenda. Here are the priorities it must go after. Statistics: Even as he embarks on his new term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi must commit to making Indias economic statistics modern, world-class and immune to political interference. The first thing about fixing" the economy is to measure it right and without bias". During its first term, this government distinguished itself for all the wrong reasons related to jerry-rigging statistics. Hopefully, that will no longer be considered necessary. India is home to many truly world-class statisticians, and this is one area where we could use significant lateral entry to upgrade our talent. The day after election results, the ministry of statistics announced the merger of the Central Statistics Office and National Sample Survey Office into a single entity, the National Statistical Office (NSO). I suggest that the new NSO organizes itself into high-frequency (weekly or daily), medium-term (quarterly) and longer-term (annual) specialist units and collects, parses and disseminates data related to employment, inflation, growth, earnings and productivity. A powerful statement of this commitment to de-politicize economic statistics will be to have the NSO report to Parliament. An apolitical, high-quality NSO will serve as a strong foundation as we go about necessary structural reforms. Employment: Jobs are the most significant economic and political priority for the coming decade. The two major foundational pillars for job growth for the medium and long term are (1) an industrial-strength apprentice and vocational training system in India and (2) a quantum jump in the quality of our school education. Indias vocational streaming and training system delivered primarily through a chain of Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) is broken. One way to cement his legacy of job creation would be for Modi to completely revamp this broken systemfrom streaming high-school youth into the vocational path to improving the quality and relevance of vocational education, and also creating an apprentice supply chain from these institutes into the workforce. Beyond this long-term fix, it is time for Indias Green New Deal". This New Deal should focus on employment generation for environmentally sustainable infrastructure projects funded by the government. Resources for this New Deal can only come from higher productivity and structural GDP growth, so undertaking structural reforms can become a self-fulfilling project. Banking reform: Structural reforms require three forms of capitaltalent/governance, equity and debt. Talent and governance must come from society at large in such a manner that it is held accountable through regulatory fairness, competitive dynamics and market transparency. Equity capital comes when the storyline and delivery on economic growth and productivity match. Debt capital comes from the fixed-income capital markets and from banks. While all three streams need improvement, credit from banks and public sector bank governance are the weakest links. The government cannot fully fix the problems of public sector banks with capital if it is not accompanied by governance reforms. That would be akin to cleaning up a lake but keeping the sewage lines open. The government must immediately transfer its ownership in public sector banks to an empowered agency in the form of an exchange traded fund (ETF). This new agency must be empowered to delink these banks from all forms of governmental interference. To show its commitment to go down this direction, the government must fully privatize IDBI Bankthe only public sector bank set up as a private limited company. In a little noticed move, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reclassified IDBI in March this year as a private sector bank" since it is now majority-owned by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (which itself is a government-owned entity). The government should complete its full transfer to private ownership. Thereafter, with the advantage of time and an electoral majority, the centre should insist on accountability in the governance of all public sector banks. Agriculture reform: For decades, Indian governments have largely failed in their attempt to improve agricultural productivity and provide alternative occupational paths for rural households. With his electoral mandate, Modi can focus on structural fixes that include access to better seeds and technology, drip irrigation and crop planning for the farmer, an easier path from farms to markets for products, a steadier offtake of farm products and a reduction in middleman costs. As already envisaged, a direct cash transfer to the marginal farmer can and should cushion this reform process. Modi and the BJP have an unprecedented mandate to transform India into a middle-income country with widely inclusive prosperity. Lets hope they seize it. PS The future depends on what we do today," said Mahatma Gandhi. Narayan Ramachandran is chairman, InKlude Labs. Read Narayans Mint columns at www.livemint.com/avisiblehand Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics Record attendance includes over 150 foreign companies Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, has pioneered China's big data industry, impressing the world with digital tools to serve the real economy and promote high-quality development. The city is again standing in the spotlight as the key expo newly opened. The China International Big Data Industry Expo, the most influential annual event in the big data industry, kicked off Sunday. This time, a record 59 countries, 156 foreign companies and 39 Fortune Global 500 companies joined the expo. The larger-than-ever conference participation shows the growing influence of the expo and Guiyang claim to fame as the Chinese data valley. "The big data expo is an international carnival that displays the latest technologies, applications and business modes of big data," said Sun Zhigang, Party secretary of Guizhou province at the opening ceremony. "It aims to promote cooperation and communications in a global context by sharing achievements that have been made and realizing further development with joint dialogue." Guizhou province is the first national big data comprehensive experimental zone, the first industrial cluster, technological innovation area and internet safety pilot zone in terms of big data. It is also home to the first big data exchange, the first national big data laboratory and first international big data expo. The big data technology is not an abstract concept to Guizhou, but it's seen, heard and felt in everyday life. The tool has been applied in segments, such as financial service, tourism, pension, logistics and culture. Traditional mining factories are equipped with intelligent devices. Farmers shook off poverty by selling their agricultural products to the outside world by e-commerce. People in the mountainous areas access medical resources through remote medical treatment. The efficiency of government has been significantly improved as paperless platforms and inter-department shared information techniques were commonly adopted. Jim Yong Kim, former World Bank Chief, once investigated the region, saying "China's big data center is in Guizhou". Kamal Dhuper, president of Indian talent development company NIIT in China, told local media in Guizhou that globalization has brought different countries together and created more cooperative opportunities. "Guizhou has become a pioneer in big data and will bring about more opportunities." Besides nine high-level dialogues, 53 forums and the release of 49 cutting-edge scientific and technological achievements, this year's expo for the first time invited Morocco as host country and held high-level dialogue on big data and global poverty reduction as well as organizing artificial intelligence and automatic driving competition. Sidi Mohammed Drissi Melyani, director-general of the Moroccan Agency of Digital Development, said at a high-level dialogue Sunday that the expo has become an indispensible event for foreign and Chinese companies, with a goal to promote innovation and technological breakthroughs. He said Guizhou has many experiences that they can learn from, especially in poverty-relief backed by big data. The country has set up a digitalization development department aiming to create more jobs and improve people's livelihood. "We hope to expand cooperation with Guizhou in more areas," he said. Wang Chen, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said the expo has become a new wind indicator for the development of big data globally. The expo, which ends on May 29, includes various activities, such as the release of the top 10 advanced big data products, a large-scale drone light show, digital art exhibition, as well as business matching. The event has attracted officials, top business executives and renowned experts to discuss the hottest topics in big data, including 5G, data security, digital economy, industrial internet, blockchain and AI. Exhibitors include leading companies in internet and telecommunications, such as 360, Inspur, Google, Tencent and Alibaba, as well as Seagate, Dell, Huawei and ZTE. Visitors gather at the venue for the China International Big Data Industry Expo held in Guiyang, Guizhou province.Dong Xianwu/for China Daily (China Daily 05/27/2019 page12) The enigmatic, painted smile of the "Mona Lisa" is known around the world, but that famous face recently displayed a startling new range of expressions, courtesy of artificial intelligence (AI). In a video shared to YouTube on May 21, three video clips show disconcerting examples of the Mona Lisa as she moves her lips and turns her head. She was created by a convolutional neural network a type of AI that processes information much as a human brain does, to analyze and process images. Researchers trained the algorithm to understand facial features' general shapes and how they behave relative to each other, and then to apply that information to still images. The result was a realistic video sequence of new facial expressions from a single frame. [Can Machines Be Creative? Meet 9 AI 'Artists'] For the Mona Lisa videos, the AI "learned" facial movement from datasets of three human subjects, producing three very different animations. While each of the three clips was still recognizable as the Mona Lisa, variations in the training models' looks and behavior lent distinct "personalities" to the "living portraits," Egor Zakharov, an engineer with the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, and the Samsung AI Center (both located in Moscow), explained in the video. Zakharov and his colleagues also generated animations from photos of 20th-century cultural icons such as Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe and Salvador Dali. The researchers described their findings, which were not peer-reviewed, in a study published online May 20 in the preprint journal arXiv. Familiar faces take on unfamiliar expressions. (Image credit: E. Zakharov et al.) Producing original videos such as these, known as deepfakes, isn't easy. Human heads are geometrically complex and highly dynamic; 3D models of heads have "tens of millions of parameters," the study authors wrote. What's more, the human vision system is very good at identifying "even minor mistakes" in 3D-modeled human heads, according to the study. Seeing something that looks almost human but not quite triggers a sensation of profound unease known as the uncanny valley effect. AI has previously demonstrated that producing convincing deepfakes is possible, but it required multiple angles of the desired subject. For the new study, the engineers introduced the AI to a very large dataset of reference videos showing human faces in action. The scientists established facial landmarks that would apply to any face, to teach the neural network how faces behave in general. Then, they trained the AI to use the reference expressions to map movement of the source's features. This enabled the AI to create a deepfake even when it had just one image to work from, the researchers reported. And more source images delivered an even more detailed result in the final animation. Videos created from 32 images, rather than just one, achieved "perfect realism" in a user study, the scientists wrote. Originally published on Live Science. The Lone Star Neighborhood Association paid tribute to military servicewomen and servicemen with an artsy Memorial Day weekend parade. Bikers, vintage cars, a band and Southwest School of Art students in elaborate costumes were among participants who snaked along Lone Star Boulevard on San Antonio's South Side. Ann FitzGibbons, one of the parade's organizers, told the Express-News that the parade normally begins with a military tribute "and then we start getting wacky and wild." ON EXPRESS-NEWS.COM: 'Wacky and wild' parade hits the streets of San Antonio's South Side View the gallery above to see some of the best scenes from Saturday's parade. The Diocese of Laredo hosted a mass Saturday morning to celebrate and recognize Laredoans and all those who died during the Vietnam War. Diocese of Laredo Bishop James A. Tamayo led the mass reminding those in attendance to continue to give thanks and continue remembering those who have left ahead of us. We are here to remember, Tamayo said. It is good to remember. United States Marine Corps Sergeant veteran Juan Lira said he was honored to be this years speaker Saturday morning at the Memorial Day Mass in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. I was very honored and pleased to be asked to speak today and be part of the ceremony, he said. It means a lot to me. I try to come every year. He said the mass and other Memorial Day ceremonies throughout the city reinforce the idea that Laredo, for years, has been considered a very patriotic city. READ MORE: LISD holds Memorial Day observance event Lira served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1970-76. He retired from Texas A&M International University in 2013 after 35 years of working there. Speaking on Memorial Day, Lira said that it gives an opportunity to reflect on the individuals who felt the need to serve our country and do it willingly as well as those who were drafted. Regardless, the men and women served, and when called upon to do so, they gave their lives, Lira said. Its a tremendous legacy for those of us who are still here to remember, he said. It is important for us to pass on that message to the younger generation that is coming right behind us to understand what it means. Lira said he encourages people to honor veterans this Memorial Day. At 3 oclock, pause for one minute, think and reflect, and say thank you to God and to the veterans for what they did because without them, we probably wouldnt be here, he said. He said he encourages people to fly the American flag in their homes or places of business, and if possible if they have a flag pole to raise the flag at half staff in the morning and fully raised in the afternoon. And after 3 p.m., take it down. Those two positions are very symbolic, Lira said. No. 1 indicates we understand the sacrifice that our fallen heroes have made because it flies at half mast. At full height, it suggests that we value and are very grateful for the freedom that these individuals, who have died, have left us. And that is something to be proud of and to celebrate and to keep working on it. He said he feels very honored to have earned the title of U.S. Marine and to keep associating himself with people that feel the same, and community members who support the kind of things that military service members do is very special, Lira said. Veterans Mike Castillo and Danny Herrera placed a wreath commemorating fallen soldiers and prisoners of war at the foot of the U.S. flagpole. Catholic War Veterans gave a 21-gun salute. Memorial Day activities will resume Monday morning. Maria Salas can be reached at m.salas@lmtonline.com NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN - Constructionman Rosalinda Garcia, a Laredo, Texas native, joined the Navy to serve her country and pursue a college education. Now, one year later and half a world away at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, Garcia serves as the leading-edge of the Navy the Nation Needs. It is exciting that I get to do my job here, Garcia said. It is challenging being the only female in my shop, but I enjoy the hands-on experience. Garcia, a 2018 graduate of United South High School, is a utilitiesman at NSA Bahrain, forward-deployed to the Arabian Gulf region in the Navys U.S. 5th Fleet. As a utilitiesman, I am responsible for the plumbing and water system throughout the entire installation, Garcia said. Garcia credits success in Bahrain, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Laredo. In my hometown, I've been surrounded by a lot of hardworking people, Garcia said. I have learned to be determined and committed to everything that I do. The U.S. 5th Fleet directs naval operations to ensure maritime security and stability in the Central Region, which connects the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean. They work with partner nations to ensure freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in international waterways. NSA Bahrain enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. 5th Fleet and allied forces in support of Navy Region Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia's mission to provide services to the fleet, warfighter and family. What I do is important to 5th fleet because we distribute all the potable water through the base and provide emergency response as needed, said Garcia. The Navys U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of ocean and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 20 countries, includes three critical choke points; the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen. The way they do things in Bahrain is very unique, said Garcia. I have found most people to be friendly and helpful. Serving in the Navy means Garcia is part of a world that is taking on new importance in Americas focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy. A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nations prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the worlds oceans. More than 70% of the Earths surface is covered by water; 80% of the worlds population lives close to a coast; and 90% of all global trade by volume travels by sea. Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships, said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities. Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Garcia is most proud to be female serving in the Navy. As a female, I feel people underestimate what I can do, Garcia said. I work hard every day to change that stereotype. As a member of one of the U.S. Navys most relied upon assets, Garcia and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing the Navy the nation needs. Serving in the Navy means I get to work in a diverse organization and experience many different cultures, Garcia said. The Sanctuary at Lake Houston United Methodist Church in Huffman ruined by the floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey, but the congregation has been determined from the beginning to build a new one in its place. They took a big step on Sunday, May 19, when they held a groundbreaking ceremony for their new sanctuary. Various members of the congregation dug up shovelfuls of dirt on the site where the new sanctuary will be built, right where the former sanctuary which was built in 1961, was. The groundbreaking ceremony came in the wake of a capital campaign which raised over a million dollars in pledges and received grants from the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Woodlands United Methodist Church and the Moody Foundation. The theme of the capital campaign was rising rom the water based off Isaiah 43:2, When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. The demolition process for the former sanctuary, which consisted largely of removing sheetrock and insulation, was done entirely through volunteers. Wesley Duncan, the associate pastor at the First United Methodist Church in Humble, who is also an architect, donated his services for the new sanctuary. The congregation had been worshipping in the Christian Fellowship Center at the church, which sustained some water damage, but was salvageable after four weeks of repairs. We were worshipping in the parking lot for a couple weeks, said pastor Frank Coats. The sanctuary was beyond anything we could do, but in the CFC, we were able to pull up carpet, and we worshipped there on bare concrete and without walls for a while until we could get that built. Coats said the timeline for the new sanctuary to be built is somewhat fluid and that it could take up to 12 months from the time construction starts. Im tremendously excited about it, not just about having a new building, but that Ive been privileged to pastor this group that has faced a great deal of adversity, he said. Everything was under water after Hurricane Harvey. A group that didnt have the faith and the resiliency and the courage would have been defeated by that. elliott.lapin@hearst.com Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., plans to enjoy ice cream with New Hampshire voters to celebrate Memorial Day. He won't be far from former Rep. John Delaney, D-Md., another presidential candidate, who's in the midst of his 19th trip to the state and plans an itinerary that includes four barbecues, one parade and a wreath-laying. In Iowa, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., is rolling through the cornfields in an RV, while Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., unveils a "Family Bill of Rights" and tours an ethanol plant. And here's former Vice President Joe Biden's agenda for the holiday weekend, according to his campaign: "Joe Biden has no public events scheduled." Those seven words are becoming familiar for the Biden team. Aside from a campaign swing right after announcing his candidacy, Biden has kept his head down while his rivals rush from state to state to state. Even when he has held public events, they have included only a handful of questions from voters or reporters. The light public schedule reflects the unique position of his campaign, advisers say: With near universal name recognition and high favorability ratings among Democrats, the former vice president does not need to introduce himself to voters like nearly every other candidate. And as the leader in early polls, he can attract media attention without splashy events. But there are risks. Voters in the early primary states - especially Iowa, with its caucus system that rewards on-the-ground organizing - want to see the candidates personally and often. And there is the danger that Biden's schedule could reinforce a word President Donald Trump is already using to describe his candidacy: sleepy. Biden's campaign says that's not going to happen. "I have zero worry that any voter will leave a Joe Biden event with doubts about his energy," said Kate Bedingfield, his deputy campaign manager. "They're going to see it everywhere he goes." Biden spends 30 minutes to an hour greeting voters on a rope line after his public events, Bedingfield said. But after a short burst of activity in the early primary states, his schedule the past two weeks or so has mostly involved fundraisers, which - while publicly announced and attended by a pool reporter - are far different from open campaign events. It's not clear how long Biden can continue to limit his public exposure in this way. The first Democratic debate is June 26 and 27, and Biden will share the stage with nine rivals and a moderator, each eager to press him on his positions and record. Other debates follow, while influential groups ranging from labor unions to ethnic organizations are hosting multicandidate events and may not take kindly to being skipped. For now, however, the strategy appears to be working. Biden's carefully crafted three-part campaign launch went off without an obvious hitch, and the polls so far give him a comfortable lead in the fractured field of 23 Democratic contenders. Some Democratic strategists say Biden, 76, may be limiting his participation in freewheeling campaign sessions partly to play down the fact that he is older than the figure they may remember. "Voters are going into events with him expecting 'Uncle Joe,' but they come out having seen 'Grandpa Joe,' " said Rebecca Katz, a Democratic strategist who favors liberal candidates and is not working for a presidential campaign. She said Biden is benefiting from his association with former President Barack Obama, who remains popular with many Democrats. "The more people see him live in 2019, the more they realize he might not be the guy the remember from 2008," Katz said. Since entering the race four weeks ago, Biden has held 11 public events, according to his campaign. Former Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-Texas, held nearly four times that number in the same period, according to schedules. And Gillibrand, who is lagging in the polls, planned 11 stops in Iowa just over the holiday weekend. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., has shown her face to the public at 27 events in the four weeks since Biden entered the race. Booker has had at least 27 events scheduled in the same time span, and Sanders has had at least 17 announced engagements. And with the exception of O'Rourke - and unlike Biden - all of those candidates have full-time jobs in the Senate that keep them tethered to Washington most weeks. Advisers say Biden's public schedule reflects a thought-out strategic choice. The candidate's time is better spent on vital but less public activities, they say, such as fundraising, one-on-one calls, policy development and the building of a campaign infrastructure. "It's definitely an advantage that he can pace himself and do events that matter, rather than just doing events that traditionally are used to prove yourself," said Larry Rasky, who worked on Biden's earlier presidential campaigns but has no formal role this time around. "He's in a different place than the other candidates." So far, Biden is taking a pass on the multicandidate forums sponsored by various interest groups, which have become a staple of the early campaign for his rivals. They have allowed some of the hopefuls to show off their policy chops in front of an engaged audience and generate buzz and momentum. Organizers with MoveOn, a prominent liberal activist group, said Biden is not coming to their Big Ideas forum next weekend in San Francisco, which will feature eight other candidates. And he will skip the California Democratic Party Convention the same weekend, which will host 14 candidates. Regarding the Iowa Democratic Party dinner next month, 17 candidates have said they're coming - but not Biden. And he also has passed on the more exclusive Black Economic Alliance presidential forum in Charleston, South Carolina, which sent out seven invitations, organizers say. Similarly, the cable networks have been holding hourlong town hall sessions in which voters can question individual candidates. Biden has given no indication that he plans to take part in one. Some activists worry that by skipping such forums, Biden is able to avoid defining where he stands on the details of policies such as trade, health care, the environment and criminal justice. But Biden's team says he is simply being careful to choose the right venues. "There are a tremendous amount of them," Bedingfield said of these sessions. "The organizers of the events understandably try to create a sense that missing their event is the biggest mistake that a candidate could make. But there are a countless number of these in any given week, and you have to be smart about how you're spending your time and where you're going." Bedingfield said Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, do plan to attend a late-June town hall at the organized by the American Federation of Teachers, a powerful union that is hosting events across the country for all of the Democratic presidential hopefuls. "I don't think any voter or any activist will have any questions about where Joe Biden stands on any issue," she said. "His schedule is and will be driven by him talking on his own terms about his policy positions and his vision for the country." Some veterans of previous campaigns said that limiting public exposure can have the opposite effect, restricting a candidate's ability to set the terms of the discussion. When a candidate isn't in public much, they said, the pressure builds so every word, pause and gesture is scrutinized, sometimes not in ways that are intended. "The upside for front-runners is they are always going to be covered," said Robby Mook, who was Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign manager. "The curse of always being covered is it's not always what you want it to be about." In such cases, Mook said, the coverage tends to be about process and how well the candidate is doing in the polls. "It can be tricky to stay focused on what you want to talk about," he said. Democratic officials in important campaign states, meanwhile, are noticing that Biden hasn't been around as much as the other candidates. "He was here the very first day, for his first event," said Bret Nilles, chairman of the Linn County Democrats in Iowa. "But besides that, we haven't really heard much from him at all." In a sense, Biden, who first ran for president in 1988, has been campaigning for decades, and some Democrats say that relieves much of the pressure. "We have not seen Joe Biden yet. He has a lot of history here, though," said Sarah Mahler, chair of the Washoe County Democrats in Nevada. "A lot of us have our pictures with him, or some story with him." - - - The Washington Post's Dan Balz contributed to this report. Regional CEO says strategy has allowed German automaker to outpace luxury vehicle industry Carmakers in China must respond to quickly-evolving customer demands if they want to succeed, despite the vast potential of the world's largest car market, said a senior executive at German carmaker BMW. "It is not like you launch any car and they will be bought. That time is gone," said Jochen Goller, president and CEO of BMW Group Region China. He made the remarks ahead of the new 7 Series sedan was launched in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Friday. The flagship model has been extremely popular in China, where sales of the vehicle last year accounted for almost half of its total deliveries worldwide. Goller said Chinese people's enjoyment of being chauffeured and the rising number of successful people as a result of the country's reform have contributed to the model's popularity. He expects the segment will continue to grow in years to come. BMW, in response, is offering more luxury models like the X7 SUV and the 8 Series sedan. Despite the vast potential of the Chinese market, Goller said companies will continue their success only by meeting local customers' demands. "One thing is there is a market, but you have to be really good to sell in the market," he said. He said BMW has learned a rule of thumb that the Chinese always expect changes, while customers in other markets may prefer a continuation, as China is permanently changing. Specifically, Chinese customers are found to show a particular focus on the headlamps when they look at a car and premium car owners would like their cars to reflect their status, and BMW has made changes accordingly in the new 7 Series, including enlarging its iconic double-kidney grille, besides the latest technology, said Goller. The German automaker's focus on meeting local demands is not limited to the flagship model. Since Goller took the helm of BMW China, he has made the product department report directly to him and succeeded in making the voice of Chinese customers to be better heard at BMW's headquarters in Munich. Goller said his team uses statistics to influence designers and engineers to offer features that appeal to Chinese customers. BMW's designers in Shanghai, part of the global design team, are also helping to respond fast to Chinese demands. The localization efforts over the past few years and faster introduction of new models are helping BMW to see its popularity rise. In the first four months, sales of BMW and MINI-branded vehicles in China totaled 227,603, up 12.1 percent year-on-year, thanks to mainly new models like the localized X3 SUV. This year BMW will launch 25 models in the Chinese market, the largest ever product campaign in its history. Goller said the carmaker will see faster growth than China's premium car industry, which is expected to increase 5 to 6 percent growth compared with 2018. In the first four months, the segment saw an average growth of around 3 percent year-on-year. In addition to being BMW's largest market, China is now home to the carmaker's largest research and development network outside Europe. The company employs about 1,000 engineers, and 80 percent of them are Chinese. Milagros Caina-Andree, BMW's board member responsible for human resources, said the China team recruited around 120 engineers last year to help develop new trends including autonomous driving and electrification. She said BMW will also make its plant in Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's Liaoning province, the sole production site globally of its electric iX3 SUV as part of the carmaker's "in China for China and the world" strategy. lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn BMW's new 7 Series sedan is launched in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Friday. (China Daily 05/27/2019 page19) Civil War Gen. John A. Logan is credited with creating what we know today as Memorial Day, according to the executive director of the Illinois museum dedicated to him. Logan was born Feb. 9, 1826, in Jackson County, Illinois, on family property that became a part of the city of Murphysboro in 1843. General Logan founded Memorial Day as a national holiday, said P. Michael Jones, executive director of the General John A. Logan Museum. He did that when he issued General Order Number 11 on May 5, 1868, as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, sometimes referred to as the GAR. Jones said several cities have claimed to be the first to observe Memorial Day or Decoration Day, as it was called after the Civil War. The question is not who started the Memorial Day we have today, it was John A. Logan, Jones said. The question is, where did Logan get his idea? Jones said historians have several theories about where it started. However, according to research, newspapers printed in the 1930s and 1940s stated Memorial Day started in the South. Jones said today some Southern states observe Confederate Memorial Day. In her book Reminiscences of a Soldiers Wife: An Autobiography, Logans wife, Mary Logan, wrote about her March 1868 visit to Virginia: In the churchyard near Petersburg we saw hundreds of the graves of Confederate soldiers. These graves had upon them small bleached Confederate flags and faded flowers. She said her husband Gen. Logan was interested in her trip when she returned and told him how touched she was to see the decorated graves. Gen. Logan issued the General Order to observe Memorial Day two months later, in May 1868. However, Jones said historians believe John A. Logan should have been aware of the memorial observations being made in the South due to press coverage at the time. Logan, as commander-in-chief of the GAR, a Union veterans organization, issued General Order Number 11, the Memorial Day Order, on May 5, 1868 from the GAR Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Jones said the GAR was a precursor to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. At the time he issued his General Order, Logan was also an Illinois representative at large of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the whole state of Illinois and not one specific district. The Memorial Day General Order states: The 30th of May, 1868 is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds about them with the choicest flowers of springtime. It is the purpose of the commander in chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. According to Jones, Logans General Order is still read during Memorial Day ceremonies around the United States. BEIJING - In China, the current Islamic holy month of Ramadan can bring even more struggles for Muslims already under relentless pressures. Chinese authorities are bullying members of the Muslim minority Uighur community to eat and drink before sundown - in violation of Islamic rules for Ramadan - with the implicit threat of punishment if they do not, activists say. "It's distressing, and it's insulting to our dignity," said Dolkun Isa, president of the World Uyghur Congress, an advocacy organization based in Munich. He described how restaurants run by Muslims in the western Chinese region of Xinjiang have been forced to open during the day and how Uighur workers have been harassed to eat and drink during lunch breaks at their Chinese-run places of work. "How can anyone refuse?" he said. But Muslim-majority nations have been almost entirely silent - apparently part of calculated policies to avoid angering China, despite widespread denunciations by the West and rights groups over the treatment of ethnic Uighur Muslims. Much of the tone toward China in the Muslim world has been set by Saudi Arabia, which carries economic and religious clout. Its king holds the title of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, in reference to Islam's two holiest sites. The kingdom is also an economic linchpin in the Middle East, and its oil helps fuel China's growth. During a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping this month, Saudi Arabia's King Salman said that the kingdom "is willing to strengthen exchanges with China at all levels," the Xinhua News Agency reported. His son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, appeared to condone China's treatment of Uighur Muslims when he visited China earlier this year. "We respect and support China's rights to take counterterrorism and de-extremism measures to safeguard national security," Chinese media quoted him as telling Xi. As many as 3 million ethnic Uighur Muslims are incarcerated in huge detention camps across Xinjiang, a Pentagon official recently estimated. The Chinese government says these are "vocational training" centers aimed at stamping out terrorism. Family members of the detained, Western governments and human rights advocates say they are a systematic attempt to oppress and "de-Islamicize" an ethnic and religious minority. Men have been forced to shave their beards and women banned from wearing hijab. Mosques have been destroyed. Entire cities are under round-the-clock surveillance. And infringements on Ramadan have increased this year. Saudi Arabia's acquiescence showed the fruits of a relentless campaign by China to quell any criticism from Muslim-majority nations. Over the past six months, the campaign has focused on members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. It has been so vigorous - involving a corps of Chinese diplomats, economic inducements as well as threats - that some of the 57 member states regarded China's entreaties as a national security matter, according to people familiar with Beijing's lobbying effort. China leaned heavily on Saudi Arabia and its principal and influential ally, the United Arab Emirates, making direct appeals to the leadership of those two countries while betting that they would be able to help sway other Muslim states, the people briefed on China's campaign said. Saudi Arabia's position highlighted the dramatic shifts in the kingdom's policies under the leadership of the crown prince, who has sought to confront or co-opt Saudi religious conservatives. Mohammed seeks to craft a new Saudi identity that leans more heavily on nationalism than religion. In practice, that has meant abandoning some of the kingdom's long-standing policies, including its leading role in condemning Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslim minorities around the globe. Saudi Arabia is hardly alone in downplaying the plight of the Uighurs. Other large Muslim-majority states - including Pakistan, Iran and Egypt - have also been conspicuously quiet. But Saudi Arabia's silence has been more notable, given its traditional claims to leadership in the Muslim world, analysts said. "One of the pillars of Saudi legitimacy is they're the guardians of the holy sites," said John Calabrese, director of the Middle East-Asia Project at the Middle East Institute in Washington. "Others would expect that they would take a much more forward-leaning stance on this." China is particularly sensitive to the reaction of majority-Muslim countries, according to diplomats in Beijing who have been briefed on Xinjiang-related issues. "Many Muslim countries are concerned about this, but they are afraid to take the lead" and potentially jeopardize billions of dollars in potential investment from China, said one Beijing-based diplomat from such a country, speaking on the condition of anonymity under customary rules for commenting to media. China is spending $200 billion across 60 countries through its global Belt and Road infrastructure program, and Muslim countries are among the recipients. China is building a rail link and a property development in Malaysia, a high-speed train line for Iran, and ports and power plants for Indonesia. Egypt and Iraq are also voicing enthusiasm for Belt and Road projects. The strategy is working, for the most part. Pakistan's prime minister, Imran Khan, has twice claimed in interviews not to know anything about the situation of Muslims in China. In Indonesia, the government publicly said that it "would not interfere" in China's "domestic affairs." After years of silence, Turkey's government in February publicly criticized the "torture and political brainwashing" in indoctrination centers and called on China to close them. The Uighurs are a Turkic people. China reacted furiously. While oil-rich Saudi Arabia does not need China to build roads and convention centers, there is plenty that ties the countries. "Saudi Arabia's first primary interest is economic," said Dawn C. Murphy, an assistant professor of international security studies at the Air Force Air War College. "Selling oil." China is the world's biggest importer of Saudi oil, overtaking the United States in 2009. China bought $46 billion worth of products from Saudi Arabia in 2018, a year in which overall bilateral trade increased by 33 percent to $63 billion. But Saudi Arabia is also a critical market for China. It is the biggest market in the Middle East for Chinese goods and for contract services such as construction. China is in the process of negotiating a trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Saudi Arabia is the biggest member. The economic relationship has become much more multifaceted since Xi came to power in 2013. In 2016, China and Saudi Arabia upgraded their relationship into a "comprehensive strategic partnership." Xi's Belt and Road Initiative to build infrastructure and influence around the world neatly fits with the crown prince's ambitious Vision 2030 plan to diversify the Saudi economy. But there is also political symbiosis. China has an official policy of noninterference in other countries' domestic affairs, and that is a "shared value," Murphy said. Saudi Arabia's traditionally close relationship with the United States has been materially tested by the death of Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributing columnist who was killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul last year. Turkey and others have said Saudi leadership had a role in ordering Khashoggi's death. A stronger relationship with China could help Saudi Arabia overcome its increasing diplomatic isolationand help rehabilitate its image after the Khashoggi slaying, said He Wenping, research fellow at the Institute of West-Asian and African Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. "Riyadh can also reestablish its influence worldwide and overcome diplomatic and security dilemmas brought about due to the 'unreliable' U.S.," he wrote in the Global Times newspaper. Riyadh appreciated Beijing's silence on the killing of Khashoggi, especially amid the outcry from other world powers, analysts say. "Beijing made it clear that they didn't care about the Khashoggi case. MBS got the red-carpet treatment when he came to China," said Giorgio Cafiero of Gulf State Analytics, a geopolitical risk consultancy, referring to the crown prince by his nickname. And now Saudi Arabia is making sure to repay the favor by staying quiet about Xinjiang. "They're both sensitive about criticism of their international policies," Cafiero said. "Both China and Saudi Arabia have atrocious human rights records, and they don't want any spotlight on it." --- Fahim reported from Istanbul. Berlin Israel's president said Sunday he's shocked by a German official's comment that he wouldn't advise Jews to wear skullcaps in parts of the country, which is drawing mixed reactions at home. Felix Klein, the government's anti-Semitism commissioner, was quoted Saturday as saying: "I cannot recommend to Jews that they wear the skullcap at all times everywhere in Germany." He didn't elaborate on what places and times might be risky. "The statement of the German government's anti-Semitism commissioner that it would be preferable for Jews not wear a kippa in Germany out of fear for their safety, shocked me deeply," Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said in a statement. He added that "we will never submit, will never lower our gaze and will never react to anti-Semitism with defeatism." President Donald Trump on Monday denied that the United States is seeking regime change in Iran, dialing back hawkish rhetoric days after ordering 1,500 additional U.S. troops to the region. Actions by the Trump administration had heightened questions about whether the president was seeking a military confrontation with Iran, starting with his decision to back out of a nuclear deal brokered by the Obama administration and continuing with his recent orders for a military buildup, also including the deployment of a carrier strike group and B-52 bombers. "We're not looking for regime change. I want to make that clear," Trump said at a joint news conference Monday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "We're looking for no nuclear weapons." A number of Democrats have expressed alarm about whether Trump's actions would lead to war, and they also had questioned the administration's interpretation of intelligence to argue that Iran was preparing for offensive action and therefore had to be countered. Former congressman Beto O'Rourke of Texas, a Democratic presidential candidate, said Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation" that Trump was "provoking yet another war in the Middle East." Trump's meeting with Abe on Monday focused partly on the possibility that relations between the United States and Iran could improve. Trump told reporters that Abe has a "very good relationship with Iran." That could set the stage for U.S. talks with Iran, Trump suggested, saying that "I do believe Iran would like to talk, and if they'd like to talk, we'll talk also. ... Nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me." Trump's relatively conciliatory words marked a contrast with some of his recent statements and those of some top aides. Under a 2015 deal backed by President Barack Obama, Iran agreed to restrict its nuclear program in exchange for the dropping of sanctions. Trump had vowed during the 2016 campaign to pull out of the deal, arguing that it did not do enough to ensure that Iran would never be in a position to develop a nuclear weapon. But he initially followed the advice of advisers who urged him not to scuttle the deal, which was struck between Iran and six global powers: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia and China, as well as the United States. That position changed when Trump brought into his administration more hawkish aides, including national security adviser John Bolton. He had called for regime change before joining the administration in March 2018, saying in July 2017 that "the declared policy of the United States should be the overthrow of the mullahs' regime in Tehran." In May 2018, Trump pulled out of the nuclear accord, calling it "an embarrassment," and announced that economic sanctions on Tehran would be reinstated. Earlier this month, Iran said it will withdraw from part of the deal in July unless sanctions are eased. Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated further, as the Trump administration and some allies in the Persian Gulf region accused Iran or its proxies of attacking oil tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. On May 19, Trump tweeted: "If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again!" Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, who represented his country in the nuclear talks with the United States, said on CNN on May 21, "Extreme prudence is required and the United States is playing a very, very dangerous game." U.S. sanctions, he said, "amounts to terrorism" against his country. Last Friday, Trump said he was sending "a small number of troops" - about 1,500 - as well as a squadron of fighter jets and other equipment in what he called a "mostly protective" measure. He also authorized the multibillion-dollar sale of arms to Saudi Arabia, a traditional foe of Iran, invoking an emergency authorization to sidestep a congressional review of the sale. Despite those actions, Trump said Friday that "I don't think Iran wants to fight and I certainly don't think they want to fight with us." Karim Sadjadpour, a senior fellow at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said via email Monday: "What Trump articulated in Japan was another reminder that his main problem with the Iran nuclear deal was that it was signed by Obama. Given Trump's eagerness for a public summit and deal with Tehran, it's conceivable Iran's leaders could sign a more favorable deal with Trump than they did with Obama. But the pride and mistrust of Iran's Supreme Leader makes him more inclined to subject his population to another year of sanctions and economic malaise rather than do a deal with Trump." Trump has often delivered conflicting messages on foreign policy, veering from sharp criticism to diplomacy, frequently leaving allies and adversaries alike unsure about where he stands. In his statements Monday, Trump gave criticism along with praise. He said that Iran was "behind every single major attack" in the Middle East, but that the nation is "pulling back" because of economic problems caused by U.S. sanctions. At the same time, Trump said the Iranians are "great people" and that the Islamic Republic "has a chance to be a great country with the same leadership." While on patrol Monday, a Bexar County Sheriffs deputy discovered 11 undocumented immigrants believed to be victims of a human trafficking ring, officials said. The deputy was on patrol near Rittiman Road and Goldfield on the Northeast Side when he observed a large group of men and women standing near a semi-trailer truck. Several of them scattered when they saw the deputy and others hid in nearby shrubbery, prompting the deputy to investigate. Authorities determined that all of the individuals were likely undocumented migrants from Mexico who had not been given food or water in more than two days. READ ALSO: Brothers plead guilty in Del Rio in immigrant sex-trafficking case Its a tragedy that these folks come here looking for a better life and, quite frankly, theyre preyed upon and taken advantage of and theyre forced into modern day slavery, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said in a statement. Authorities searched the truck and briefly detained the driver before releasing him, cleared of wrongdoing for now, a sheriffs office press release stated. The driver is a U.S. citizen who appears to be a registered sex offender from another state, officials said. The group of migrants was transported to a U.S. Homeland Security Department field office for further investigation and to determine their needs. Homeland Security will lead the investigation. Salazar said several of the deputies who responded to the incident used their own money to purchase food and water for the group. They also provided shoes to one young woman who was barefoot on the hot pavement. Salazar praised the deputy who initially spotted the group. There is no doubt in my mind that the deputys actions helped saved the lives of several of these persons, he said. A tragedy could well have been averted. Granard municipal district boasted the largest turnout of the three Longford MDs in the 2014 local elections and it is poised to emulate the feat this time around also. Although there were 666 votes less cast in the Granard Municipal District than there were in the 2014 local elections, voter turnout in Granard MD was 66.75%, just marginally down by 0.09% on the turnout five years ago. Turnout in Longford MD at 55.14% was 11.61% lower than in Granard. 6,697 voters or 66.75% of the 10,032 people on the electoral register came out on Friday and used their vote in Granard MD. In 2014, the turnout was 66.84%, or 7,363 people of the 11,015 electorate cast their vote. The figure for the total electorate in Granard decreased by 983 on five years ago and this reconfiguration of the district also resulted in the loss of a seat, from six to five. Keep up to date with the Longford Leader: Elections 2019 Live Blog Granard Municipal District 2019 5 seats 11 candidates Electorate 10,032 Ballot Papers 6,697 Valid Poll 6,593 Invalid Ballot Papers 104 Quota 1,099 Granard Municipal District 2014 6 Seats 12 Candidates Electorate 11,015 Ballot Papers 7,363 Valid Poll 7,280 Invalid Ballot Papers 83 Quota 1,041 Also read: Elections 2019: 1,027 more votes cast in Longford municipal district than in 2014 but turnout falls by 5% Also read: ELECTIONS 2019: AT A GLANCE | The members of Longford County Council as they are elected I listened in the past week, to a very old album recorded by Sean Maguire, who at that time of recording was more honoured internationally than at home in Ireland. People in Ireland rated him very highly, but were slow to recognise his abundant genius and unique talent. Maguire eventually became regarded as arguably the greatest violinist ever to play Irish traditional pieces; he could capture the essence of the pathos, energy, happiness or sadness with ease.He was note perfect no matter how exuberant he chose to play. At that time, Ireland was extremely conservative, and didnt like anyone who didnt strictly conform to the music page. Sean Maguire had already outgrown - for some years previously - the taste and qualified appreciation to which he was due. In 1952 he toured Canada and the United States, playing to a capacity audience of 2,800 in Carnegie Hall. In 1952! He followed that with appearances on the Ed Sullivan and Arthur Griffiths shows, both major TV slots at that time. Shortly afterwards he was invited by Wurlitzers of New York to play their Stradivarius and Guarnerius violins, held in trust by them, and after hearing him his name was inscribed in the Golden Book alongside violinists of highest worldly stature such as Fritz Kreisler, and Yehudi Menuhin. Sean Maguire had been officially recognised, in the most difficult market in the world. Maguire, from Mullahoran in county Cavan, was a maestro on the violin. Its a special gift when some player conjures up new ways of expressing their ability, and does it repeatedly in different and breathtaking ways. Also read: Longford to hit high notes with arrival of Music Generation Its easy to copy the original, but the original is always, and forever unique, and never bettered. Listening to Fiddling with The Fiddle again, after such a long time, I was astonished all over again. Music never sounded better. Playing like a stream running down the mountain, rattling and gushing over the rocks and stones, making a helter skelter, bubbling array of notes, plucks, at once mournful and mellow, next joyful, exuberant, cheeky, and mischievous, played with a confidence and sureness of touch that defies description. Causing laughter, accompanied by wonderment. Maguire was indeed a singular, original, never to be copied master. Mullahoran, rightly remains proud. The Connell family from Drumlish/Ballinamuck are in the closing stages of a fundraiser they have organised in aid of the Mater Foundation. There are eight members of the family taking part, one of which is participating from New York, and they are doing it all in honour of their Granny Maureen, who recently passed away suddenly. The fundraiser will see each family member walking in excess of 10,000 steps each, every single day for the month of May. This equates to just over 2.4million steps in total, a huge feat. Granny Maureen passed away quite suddenly. So now we are doing it in her memory. Alice Connell told the Leader. Eight members of our family are doing this including Natalie in NYC for Granny, a much loved and inspirational lady, truly loved by her family. she added. Also read: Lanesboro farmer honoured for dedication to the show circuit To date, the team raised in excess of their target of 4,000, a figure that is expected to climb further before the month is out. They admitted their shock at the success of the venture. Alice said, We thought if we reached 700/800 we would be doing well, but we have gone over 4000 now. People have just been so good. she added. The Mater Foundation have issued a message of thanks to the family for their efforts thus far. Thank you to everyone who is supporting the Connell Family in their fundraiser. Never underestimate the difference your support makes. they posted on social media. David Burns Community Fundraiser of the Mater Foundation added, A huge thank you to the Connell Family & their supporters. Your incredible kindness in taking on this challenge in memory of your Granny now means that patients will benefit from the best possible care. We are a public hospital and it's only thanks to the support of communities like yours that we have state-of-the-art equipment for our national services: Cancer Care, Spinal Injuries, Family Screening for SADS, Heart Surgery and Heart and Lung transplantation. Thank you so, so much. Please don't hesitate to read the patient stories on our page to learn about how your donations will impact people's lives. he concluded. The fundraiser by the Connell family will draw to a close on Friday, May 31. People can still donate to the cause via the The Connell Family fundraiser for The Mater Foundation Facebook page. Algerian Workers' Party (PT) President, Louisa Hanoune, was arrested by a military court charged with conspiracy against the state and military authorities. Louisa appeared in court as a "witness" to a lawsuit concerning the former president's brother and, after giving her testimony, was jailed. The accusation of "conspiracy" or "rebellion" is fanciful, as millions of Algerians, every week, protest against the continuation of the military regime. In addition to Louisa, who has been imprisoned since 9 May, Hadj Ghermoud, a human rights activist, has also been in custody since January. Dozens of activists are being threatened and arrested in Algeria. The IMT is joining the campaign for the release of Hadj Ghermoul and Louisa Hanoune. Regardless of our political differences, we stand for the freedom of all who work for the overthrow of the dictatorship, whose defeat will pave the way for a socialist revolution. Freedom for Louisa and Hadj! Down with the regime! The emancipation of workers will be accomplished by the workers themselves! Authorities say they have arrested a man in connection with a fatal shooting in Brockton. Massachusetts State Police detectives and Brockton police said in a statement Monday that 29-year-old Queito Miranda, of Brockton, was taken into custody Sunday afternoon in Worcester. Miranda is scheduled to be arraigned on a murder charge Tuesday in Brockton District Court. It was not immediately known whether he had an attorney. The Plymouth County District Attorney's office says Miranda is suspected in Friday's shooting death of 32-year-old Earl Thomas, of New Bedford, who was gunned down in a parking lot. Thomas was taken by ambulance to Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, where he was pronounced dead. It was the citys second homicide of the year. As brothers Curtis and S. Prestley Blake built Friendlys from a single ice cream shop in Springfields Pine Point neighborhood into a chain with 850 restaurants at its height, it was Curtis who helped develop the companys greatest asset: people. Curtis Blake, who died Friday at his Florida home at 102, was the companys personnel executive, his brother and Friendlys co-founder S. Prestley Blake said Monday. We worked very closely for 43 years, Pres Blake, who turns 105 in November, said in an interview from his Connecticut home. I counted on him to make important decisions. As the company grew, kids who started out scooping ice cream after school worked their way up to be district managers and vice presidents at the Wilbraham-based company. And Curtis was the one who made sure all those people were trained often reminding them that the name on the door said Friendly. He believed the word was central to their success. The brothers had been close in recent years, despite an earlier falling out. Pres said he visited Curtis recently and was very troubled to see his brother ill. It was torture for Pres because he couldnt do anything to help him, Pres Blakes wife Helen said Monday. But the brothers were able to talk and they pored over photo albums especially photos of cars theyd owned, Helen said. Collecting cars was one of their shared passions, and they had particularly fond memories of their first car: a used Model A Ford they bought for $40. They were able to share the car because they rarely had time off, and almost never at the same time: one brother would work nights making ice cream, and one would run the shop during the day. 8 Friendly's Ice Cream co-founder Curtis Blake Theyd founded the business in the summer of 1935, in the midst of the Great Depression. Curtis was 18 and Pres was 20. The concept of an ice cream shop one where the ice cream was made in a storefront and double-dip cones sold for a nickel was new, and the Blakes drew inspiration from an ice cream shop on North Main Street in Springfield. They believed they could compete with drug store soda fountains, where single-dip cones sold for 5 cents and double-dips for 10 cents. With startup money borrowed from their mother, they opened six weeks later at 161 Boston Road. The Blakes opened at 7 p.m. to a line about 100 feet long. Their price point for a double-dip cone appeared to pay off; there was no line at the drug store down the street. They kept their store open until midnight, selling 552 cones in five hours. The take was $27.60. Our customers didnt have any money and neither did we, Curtis said in a 2017 interview marking his 100th birthday. Even recently, Curtis carried a list of Friendlys managers with him so he could call them by name when he visited restaurants to order his go-to meal: buffalo chicken strips. In the 2017 interview, Curtis said hed switched it up and ordered a Big Beef, Friendlys signature burger. I have to tell you, it was delicious, he said. In an obituary shared by the company, Curtis family recalled him displaying his car collection at events like the 1958 Worlds Fair in Brussels, Belgium. Blake family vacations were often spent touring in vintage cars to places like Seattle and Philadelphia. He was also an accomplished sailor who enjoyed sailing the coast of Maine, where he spent his summers. Even after founding the company he helped build into an iconic brand, Curtis served four years in the Army Air Forces during World War II, including time in England. He served on many boards and shared his financial experience with organizations including Rockefeller University in New York City, Mount Holyoke College, Historic Deerfield and Old Sturbridge Village. Curtis was a longtime fundraiser for and supporter of the Willie Ross School for the Deaf in Longmeadow, where the audiology clinic is named in his honor. "He liked to know what was going on with the school," president and CEO Bert Carter said Monday. Though his visits to the school became more infrequent over the years, Carter said he was always speaking with Curtis on the phone or catching up by letter. He wanted to know how the kids were doing, Carter said. He always wanted to hear about how things were going. If we had a project, he wanted to hear about it. Curtis and his late wife, Patricia, founded the philanthropic Curtis and Patricia Blake Foundation, which donated more than $1 million to the Curtis Blake Center at American International College to benefit students with learning disabilities. In 2015 he asked the college to remove his name from a campus building, explaining that he was disappointed in a decision to close the off-campus Curtis Blake Day School. The school is now run through the Childrens Study Home. Curtis and his wife were also benefactors of Massachusetts General Hospital, where the Blake building is named after the family. WEST SPRINGFIELD Evangelist Franklin Graham, who preached at The Big E grounds May 25, said he offers hope to the troubled and brings people to Jesus just as his father, Billy Graham, did in decades of revivals. Jesus is not dead, Franklin Graham told a crowd of more than 5,600 at the Xfinity Arena amphitheater. He is right here tonight. Graham quoted from the Gospel of John, where Jesus tells an inquiring man named Nicodemus how to be born again in a relationship with God. There may be many here like Nicodemus, Graham said. You are religious. But you dont have that relationship with God. You can have that relationship with God. Graham exhorted the crowd for half an hour to obtain the new birth of Christian faith. Worshipers in the crowd held their hands out and open in front of them, and their eyes shut in prayer. As Graham told reporters before the start of the revival, the night wasnt about politics and he wasnt in progressive Massachusetts to win political converts.. Dont expect a political rally, Graham said. We are here with a simple message. Its a message of hope. Graham did open his sermon with a prayer for the nation. We know our country is in trouble, he said. The politics. There is too much hate. It used to be enough just to disagree with somebody. We know only God can solve this countrys problems. The crowed cheered and offered an amen for the last part. But most of Grahams message was centered on the spiritual, not the civic. And his themes were familiar to this church-going crowd: Sin, grace, repentance and salvation. You can be cleared of sins here tonight, Graham said. Dont leave here unless you are sure. Graham suggested that possibly some in the crowd came with an addiction, problems in school or maybe an unwanted pregnancy. He brought his seven-city "Decision America Northeast Tour " to the Eastern States Exposition grounds, reaching an area of the country were polls show religious commitment has flagged in recent years. We feel good about being here," Graham said. I was here in 2016 as part of a 50-city tour of state capitals. I sensed that I needed to come back. Graham, also head of Samaritans Purse worldwide relief and evangelistic organization, said he and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association worked with more than 260 Springfield-area churches. The crowd, drawn from churches and by roadside signs, came from across Western Massachusetts, Connecticut, and eastern New York State. They filled the bleachers and, with lawn chairs and strollers, carpeted the apron area in front of the stage. Musician Dennis Agajanian and Christian band Crowder performed during the revival. Grahams appearance in West Springfield was not without controversy. Local clergy wrote an open letter to The Republican criticizing Grahams comments about Muslim immigration and criticizing gays, lesbians and others. I love everybody. I dont agree with everybody, Graham said. We love everyone and we want everyone to join us. Volunteers handed out books and met with people individually. People hugged. People cried. As the crowd settled back down, Crowder returned to the stage to perform I Saw the Light and Ill Fly Away. Suffice it to say that my father liked his beer, so I come by my enthusiasm for it honestly. Now, Dad probably wouldnt have cared about craft beer (and indeed was certainly still alive well into the first craft beer boom of the 1980s and 90s) as he drank pretty inexpensive American lager. After moving to Massachusetts, he basically gravitate towards brands like Schlitz, Black Label and Hampden Ale. And its that last beer that is germane to this column. Even though he was not a craft beer fan, Im sure my dad would have been pleased that the area where the former Hampden Ale Brewery was in Chicopee is now home to the citys brand new brewery, Leadfoot Brewing. And as a native of the municipality, I have to admit Im happy that the place where I was born now has a beer to call its own. It seems almost every local city and even plenty of smaller towns has a brewery of some sort these days. Although I now live in Northampton, which has four, Im proud that any hometown has joined the fold. Leadfoot is the result of a shared dream of two friends, Patrick Randall and Jeff Thibodeau, who met in their early college years and shared a love of beer. Trips to Prague, Germany, Ireland, London and Manchester further entrenched their passion for god beer, as did visits to Japan and Taiwan. Both are homebrewers who have now taken their talents to a higher level. The brewery is housed in a warehouse used by Hampden Brewery, which operated from 1894 to the mid-1970s. Hampden Ale was later taken over by Piels Beer. Its a hazy memory now, but I recall the old sign for the Hampden/Piels brewery overlooking the Connecticut River and Willimansett Bridge to Holyoke on drives up Buckley Blvd. to the Fairview section Chicopee. While the duo will brew an IPA due to the styles overwhelming popularity, the brewery will focus more on lagers and pilsners, specifically a Czech-German-style pilsner and an American-style lager. The brewery is located at 95 North Chicopee Street in Willimansett section of the city. Business hours are Thursday and Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. Another detail that makes me happy is that the tasting room is dog-friendly. I dont know: a Pilsner and American-style lager? Brewed where Hampden Ale and Piels used to be? Maybe Dad would have tried Leadfoot. Ill definitely be stopping by this summer to have one for him. Beer note The Whip City Brew Fest is back for a second year on June 1 on School Street in Westfield. The event runs from noon until 5 p.m. and will feature more than 25 breweries. Go to www.whipcitybrewfest.com for more information. If youve listened to the radio over the past 25 years, theres a good chance youve heard Collective Soul or Gin Blossoms. Both bands will hit the stage at The Plaza at MGM Springfield on Saturday, June 1, at 8:30 p.m. as part of the Nows The Time tour, which will find both bands performing some of the biggest alternative rock hits of the 1990s. Tickets start at $59 and are available at www.mgmspringfield.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Need a refresher on your 1990s alternative rock knowledge? Here are five facts to know about the bands. Both Collective Soul and Gin Blossoms dominated the charts in the mid 1990s. Perhaps best-known for jangly, hook-laden Hey Jealousy, Gin Blossoms skyrocketed to multi-platinum status seemingly out-of-the-blue in 1993 and never looked back. Far from a one hit wonder, however, the band would follow up with Congratulations I'm Sorry in 1996, featuring hit single Follow You Down, further cementing the band's status as one of the decade's most memorable acts. Meanwhile, Collective Soul's 1995 self-titled album featured a number of songs that would instantly become staples on radio stations such as gone-but-not-forgotten 106.9 FM. Spending 76 weeks on the Billboard 200 charts and selling over 3 million copies, the album spawned hits such as December and The World I Know, which still receive regular airplay in 2019. Collective Soul started off as a one-man project. After experiencing little success as a member of countless Atlanta-based bands, frontman Ed Roland was ready to give up on a music career. After writing a batch of songs and hiring musicians to record them in his basement, Roland had no goals of forming a new band, instead attempting to sell the songs to a publishing company. However, after the demo was submitted to Georgia State University's flagship radio station in Atlanta, the song Shine was embraced by listeners, quickly becoming the station's most-requested song. The demo was quickly circulated to stations in other markets, and as a result, Roland quickly changed his tune, officially forming Collective Soul in 1993. Original Gin Blossoms co-founder Doug Hopkins was kicked out of the band due to pressure from their record label. As the writer of Hey Jealousy and Found Out About You the two songs that propelled the band to fame Hopkins' penchant for juxtaposing somber lyrics against bright, pop-friendly chord progressions defined the band. However, the songwriter's talent was overshadowed by mental health and addiction issues so serious that A&M Records issued an ultimatum to the band: fire Hopkins or be dropped from the label. Tragically, after signing over all publishing royalties to his replacement, Scott Johnson, and watching New Miserable Experience skyrocket up the charts, Hopkins would struggle with and eventually succumb to substance abuse and mental health issues, committing suicide at age 32. Collective Soul played at not one but two Woodstocks. Collective Soul was part of two of the 1990s most infamous concerts. One, Woodstock '94, is best-remembered as a disorganized, muddy free-for-all in which sets by headliners Primus and Nine Inch Nails were defined by the sheer amount of concertgoers throwing mud at one another. The other, Woodstock '99, proved to be a highly commercialized disaster, with concertgoers opting to get into fistfights instead of mudfights during sets by Limp Bizkit and others. However, wedged somewhere between Fred Durst's off-key singing and concertgoers lighting bonfires during Red Hot Chili Peppers' headlining set, Collective Soul blindsided audiences with a surprise cover of Ozzy Osbourne's Crazy Train before the festival went too far off-the-rails. Both bands have remained active well into this decade. Sure, concertgoers can expect to hear the hits over the course of the current tour. But neither Collective Soul or the Gin Blossoms consider themselves nostalgia acts just yet. In fact, both bands classic lineups remain mostly intact and remain active both on tour and in the studio. Gin Blossoms most recent effort, Mixed Reality was released in June 2018 and Collective Souls 10th studio album, Blood, will be released on June 21. ALADDIN - TWO AND A HALF STARS - (PG) Guy Ritchie directs this live action version of the popular Disny animated tale. Will Smith takes on the role of the genie who transforms a poor boy into a charming prince in order to marry the beautiful princess, Jasmine. (128 min.) AVENGERS: ENDGAME - THREE STARS - (PG-13) The grave course of events set in motion by Thanos that wiped out half the universe and fractured the Avengers ranks compels the remaining Avengers to take one final stand in Marvel Studios grand conclusion to twenty-two films. Endgame, at its best moments, carries the thrill of classic comic-book twists and reversals. (181 min.) DETECTIVE PIKACHU - ONE AND A HALF STARS - (PG) A neutered Ryan Reynolds tries hard but cant make this live action-meets-animated movie gel. Its plodding and listless and really not funny or smart enough. Live-action feature film adaptations of video games have proved a dicey proposition in the past. For every Mortal Kombat theres a Prince of Persia. This one just feels like a venal money grab from a mega corporation. (104 min.) THE HUSTLE - ONE AND A HALF STARS - (PG-13) Rebel Wilson and Anne Hathaway star as a pair of con artists plying their trade in a seaside town in the south of France in this uninspiring comedy. (93 min.) THE INTRUDER - ONE AND A HALF STARS - (PG-13) The thriller stars Michael Ealy and Meagan Good as a young couple who move into their dream home in Napa Valley after chancing upon a seller: the mysteriously eager and mysteriously clingy retiree and widower played by Dennis Quaid. (101 min.) JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM - THREE STARS - (PG-13) Assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) returns in the third installment of the action franchise with a $14 million price tag on his head and bounty-hunters on his trail. (131 minutes) LONG SHOT - THREE STARS - (R) A romantic comedy with a political edge starring Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen, as a woman with presidential ambitions falling for her speechwriter. (155 min.) PET SEMATARY - TWO AND A HALF STARS - (PG-13) An improvement over the 1989 version with plenty of chills, but still falls short of the impact delivered by the Stephen King novel. Amy Seimetz and Jason Clarke star. (110 min.) ROCKETMAN - TWO AND A HALF STARS - (PG-13) Like its flamboyant subject, this Elton John biopic is outfitted to the nines in dazzle and verve, even if its gotten all dressed up with nowhere to go but the most conventional places. (120 min.) SHAZAM - THREE AND A HALF STARS - (PG-13 ) Shazam! is just a lightning bolt of unexpected joy that is certainly worth your time and money. A jaded 14-year-old Philadelphia foster kid, Billy Batson (Asher Angel), whos bestowed with superpowers.. As Shazam, hes physically altered into an adult and takes the form of Zachary Levi. But of course, even with his height, his muscles, his voice and even his powers, hes still very much a kid and has a lot to learn. (132 min.) TOLKIEN - TWO STARS - (PG-13) A worthy biopic of the author, but it lacks the imagination required to truly do its subject justice. (111 min.) (Star ratings based on The Washington Post, Associated Press, Rotten Tomatoes aggregation and Advance Digital reviews) Finding an undiscovered wine region in France might seem like a far-fetched idea. Most wine lovers have heard of Bordeaux or Burgundy, Provence or Champagne, Languedoc or the Loire Valley, which you can read about here in a few weeks based on a recent wine tasting trip to the Loire region. (Spoiler alert they make great wine.) But there are still some wine regions in France that remain relatively unknown to many people. One of these regions can be found just north of Bordeaux along the Atlantic Ocean. There, youll find Gascony (or Gascogne as they call the region in France) home to some truly outstanding, affordable wines. How affordable? All four Gascony white wines recommended this week cost less than $10 (actually, less than $9) a bottle. Who knows why this region hasnt caught on here yet. Who knows why the French love Jerry Lewis or Germans love David Hasselhoff? But if theres any justice in the world of wine, more people will know about Gascony and their distinct, dry wines. BRIEF HISTORY OF GASCONY People have been living in this part of southwest France for thousands of years. Many different cultures have called Gascony home from ancient Romans to Spaniards to people from the Basque region. The English even controlled Gascony at one point up until the Hundred Years War, when France regained control of Gascony in the 15th Century. Must have been all the great wine from Gascony everyone was fighting over. BRIEF HISTORY OF WINE IN GASCONY No history of wine in Gascony would be complete without mentioning Armagnac, the delicious brandy made in the Armagnac region, which is part of the larger Gascony region. Armagnac brandy is made using some of the most common white wine grapes grown in Gascony, which you can read about below. You can find red and rose wines in Gascony. But along with Armagnac, Gascony may be best known for its white wines. COMMON WINE GRAPES IN GASCONY Many of the grapes used to make Armagnac are also used to make many dry, white wines in Gascony. These grapes include: Colombard Folle Blanche Ugni Blanc Other common grapes grown in Gascony to make red, white or rose wines include: Sauvignon Blanc Merlot Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec GASCONY WINES RECOMMENDED THIS WEEK 2017 Domaine San De Guilhem Colombard & Sauvignon Blanc ($8.99 at Table & Vine in West Springfield) 2017 Mont Gravet Cotes De Gascogne ($8.99 at Table & Vine) 2018 Biscaye Baie Cotes De Gascogne Sauvignon Blanc ($8.99 at Table & Vine) 2017 Domaine LEnclos Colombard Ugni Blanc ($8.99 at Table & Vine) WINE TASTING NOTES While all four white wines recommended this week definitely has their own unique personalities, I was struck overall by the way the wines seem to have a few things in common. To varying degrees, all four wines combine the flavors of two of my favorite wines the refreshing grassy flavors of New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs and the crisp minerality you often find in Chardonnays from Chablis in the northern part of Frances Burgundy region. Ill go into more detail below for each wine, but overall, I was very impressed by the bright, lively, crisp, dry, rocky flavors in all four wines. 2017 Domaine San De Guilhem Colombard & Sauvignon Blanc Grapes - 70 percent Colombard, 30 percent Sauvignon Blanc Tasting Notes The soft, subtle, grassy flavors in this blended white wine slowly reveal themselves. While the predominate flavor definitely reminds me of the bright grassiness often associated with New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, theres also an austereness and strong mineral-like quality to this beautiful wine. Its flavors are muted, understated and speak in hushed tones. 2017 Mont Gravet Cotes De Gascogne Grapes - 100 percent Colombard Tasting Notes While this wine is made using only one grape, it takes like the perfect blending of the best aspects of New Zealands grassy Sauvignon Blancs and the dry, bright crispy minerality of Chardonnays from Chablis. Even brighter and slightly crisper than the first wine, the fruit flavors are dry and crisp but also bright and lively. This gregarious, playful wine serves as a great ambassador for the Colombard grape. 2018 Biscaye Baie Cotes De Gascogne Sauvignon Blanc Grapes - 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc Tasting Notes If you want to stump someone who likes to brag about how much they know about wine, serve them this wine without showing them the label. Odds are theyll guess this white wine must come from the Marlborough region on the northern tip of New Zealands South Island. The bright, lively grassy flavors associated with those wines leap forward in every sip of this dry, crisp Sauvignon Blanc. But if you pay close attention, you will also notice that the green apple flavors you often find in New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs are slightly more muted here and replaced with sharper, more mineral-like flinty flavors. Another fun, delightful wine from Gascony. 2017 Domaine LEnclos Colombard Ugni Blanc Grapes - 50 percent Colombard, 50 percent Ugni Blanc Tasting Notes The most austere, most distinct of the four wines recommended this week, this white wine has the rockiest, chalkiest flavors. Like the other three wines, theres definitely a slight hint of bright, green grass in this wine. But the crisp, dry, mineral flavors in this elegant, understated wine definitely take center stage. But dont worry if you cant find this specific wine. All four wines recommended this week are dry, delicious and a great introduction to Gasconys gracious, entertaining wines. Cheers! Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on MassLive.com every Monday and in The Republicans Weekend section every Thursday. Follow Ken Ross on Twitter and Instagram. HOLYOKE Retired Lt. Cmdr. Darrell Johnson remembers climbing aboard the USS Cole shortly after suicide bombers attacked the ship in October 2000, killing 17 and injuring 39. As I walked through the blood and water of the passageways onboard the Cole, the ships crew was, as you would imagine, in shock and devastated, said Johnson, who was serving aboard the USS Hawes at the time. They wanted to reach out and show me their shipmate, whose body and clothing remained in the mangled metal of the bulkhead. The Coles sailors wanted the observers to understand their grief, Johnson said Monday during a Memorial Day service at the citys War Memorial Building. American Legion Post 325, the Caledonian Pipe Band and Patriot Rider Chapter 6 sponsored the event. Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Johnson worked as a helicopter controller. He became a commissioned officer in 1993 and served aboard several warships. He retired in June 2005 and was recognized with numerous medals and awards. Memorial Day means honoring those who paid the ultimate price, Johnson said, and the holiday is a time to reflect on the question: What does Memorial Day mean to me? On this day, my heart is with anyone who may still be held in captivity and thinks perhaps they are forgotten," he said. I will never forget. Johnson closed by saying, On this humble and somber weekend, this day of remembrance and gratitude for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, may all of our fallen veterans continue to rest in peace. Mayor Alex B. Morse said the day honors those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the nation, for Massachusetts and for Holyoke. He praised the efforts of the citys Veterans Services Department for their work on behalf of service members. Councilor Joseph McGiverin said many see Memorial Day as the start of summer. He asked the audience to remember the fallen from past and current conflicts, the service members who preserved the nations freedoms. The Bethlehem Baptist Church Choir performed spirituals, including a stirring rendition of Amazing Grace. The assembled also honored veteran James Hoar, who regularly presided over the annual Veterans Day observances. Hoar, who served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956, died in March. Chris Sims, War Memorial Commission chairman, presided over the ceremony. Brittany Berta performed the national anthem. Chaplain Chad Correa gave the invocation and benediction. Police in Canton and Stoughton are searching for a suspect they say robbed multiple stores in the same area with a butcher knife and fled on a bicycle. According to a Facebook post from Canton police, all of the robberies happened in the Cobbs Corner area. The first robbery happened May 21 around 10:20 p.m. at the Wash n Dry at 108 Washington St. in Canton. The suspect demanded cash and then fled the scene. According to the victims, the suspect was dressed in all black and was carrying a butcher knife. During the early hours of May 26, the same person broke into Kellys Place Restaurant at 110 Washington St. in Canton. Shortly before or after that time, Stoughton police said the suspect went to Seasons, a 24-hour convenience store/gas station and chased the cashier with the knife. He made the cashier empty the drawer and then fled on bicycle. No injuries were reported in any of the robberies. The suspect was described as a white man with a thin build, standing approximately 5-feet, 10-inches to 6 feet tall. Police described the bicycle he fled on as motorized. SPRINGFIELD In a hallway of Duggan Academy in Springfield rests a colorful mural, depicting teenagers working collectively to assemble a broken face a statement on the importance of coming together to rebuild society. Those teenagers in the mural are seniors at Duggan, the same students that joined together to create the large painting which began last November. It represents working together, putting society back together, said Alexis Jimenez, one of five members of the mural team. Each member of the crew was asked to think of words, either describing their life or society, to add to the painting. The words chosen include live, sculpt, dream, inspire, together, pressure and judged. As final touches, each member signed the mural a tradition for mural crews for years to come. The Mural for Justice program, launched this year with the help of a grant from the Springfield Cultural Center, is directed by Springfield artist Don Blanton. The program means an awful lot to the community, especially the community of Duggan, Blanton said. Theyre so proud, and other schools will get a chance to see this and know that they can do the same. The mural will be passed down each year to a crew of rising seniors, who will create another mural on social justice. Such art is Blantons specialty he has been a fixture in the Springfield community for over 50 years, contributing countless murals and artwork to the city. Art has been a part of me forever, he said. I cant even remember when I started. From showcases at Disney World to pieces in museums in Russia and Japan, Blanton said that some of his pieces that he enjoys seeing most are ones that hang in the little Midwestern town that he grew up in. It is to help the kids. Its about them having a legacy to come back to. When a group of Jewish high school students saw a man floating motionless in the Chestnut Hill Reservoir last week, they flagged down a passing police officer in an effort to save his life. The rescue was successful. But after the man was pulled from the water, they learned he had a symbol of anti-Semitic hatred tattooed on his body. While I was pulling him out of the water, I also observed that he had a swastika on his hand, Boston College Police Officer Carl Mascioli told NBC Boston. The teenagers, who are students at an Orthodox Jewish Yeshiva high school in Brighton, did not regret saving the mans life -- and hoped their good deed would send a message, NBC Boston reported. They wanted just to let him know that it was four young Jewish boys that helped save his life, Mascioli told the news station. The rescue comes amid a nationwide increase in anti-Semitic violence, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Swastika graffiti has been found at the Brookline High School Jewish Student Union and the Boston Vietnam Veterans Memorial this month. AMHERST Amherst College presented degrees to 484 graduates Sunday during its 198th commencement. Portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz received a Doctor of Arts degree. She began her career as a photojournalist for Rolling Stone in 1970. By the time she left the magazine, she had shot 142 covers. Later at Vanity Fair and later still at Vogue, she shot scores of portrait photographs of actors, directors, writers, athletes, musicians and political and business figures. Other honorees included David Corey, professor in the Department of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School; Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Anglican archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa; science journalist Charles Mann, a correspondent for The Atlantic, Science and Wired; Nergis Mavalvaia, professor of astrophysics and associate head of the Physics Department at Massachusetts Institute of Technology; writer and editor Cullen Murphy, author of many books and for 25 years author of the comic strip Prince Valiant, and Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation. Paula Rauch received the colleges Medal for Eminent Service. College President Biddy Martin delivered the commencement address. This yearss graduates represented 34 countries and 39 states and territories. College officials estimate the cumulative amount of time spent in classrooms was more than 63 years. In the United States, getting and spending is the business of the Congress. The arrangement is part and parcel of the separation of powers enshrined in our nations Constitution. A casual observer of the day-to-day in modern Washington, though, where presidents from both political parties have long been asserting extraconstitutional authority, might not see clearly that the legislative branch has the power of the purse. But it's right there, spelled out in Article I of the Constitution, which details the appropriations process and the power to tax. And it also says the following: "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law." Seems pretty clear, no? It surely was to the first federal judge to rule on the president's efforts to sidestep Congress and divert taxpayer money as he sees fit. At the end of last week, as President Donald Trump was about to head for Japan and Congress was getting set to get out of town for its Memorial Day recess, a federal judge, who temporarily blocked construction of a portion of Trump's wall on our southern border, had his eye clearly on Congress' Article I powers. That needless partial shutdown of the federal government that lasted fully 35 days, running from the end of last year until nearly the end of January, was all about getting and spending. Trump wanted money for his vanity wall on our border with Mexico; Congress said no. But Trump, never one to concern himself with niceties such as our Constitution, declared the situation at our border an emergency, a move he says gives him the right to spend money that had been otherwise appropriated by the Congress. Not so, said the judge. U.S. District Judge Haywood Gilliam in Oakland, California, issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from diverting funds to the border wall. "Congress's 'absolute' control over federal expenditures -- even when that control may frustrate the desires of the Executive Branch regarding initiatives it views as important -- is not a bug in our constitutional system," he wrote. ""It is a feature of that system, and an essential one." Hear, hear. Though Trump quickly denounced the ruling and vowed to appeal, one imagines that the administration's first loss in the courts on this matter will not be its last. Anyone wondering what's likely ahead need only take a look at the powers delegated to Congress in Article I of our nation's Constitution. It was an easy call for Gilliam, and it ought to be the same for others going forward. AGAWAM Memorial Day observances Monday at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery had state Rep. John C. Velis recalling words painted on a wall in Afghanistan. It was a message he saw as he was leaving to come home from his first of two deployments as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. "Live a life worthy of their sacrifice," Velis said. "That's what the mural said. Because not everybody is coming home." Velis, D-Westfield, is now a major in the Reserve serving in the judge advocate general corps out of Fort Devens. In his short remarks he also briefly described a battle in Afghanistan that claimed the lives of six, including three Americans. He escorted the body of one Army specialist to the honor flight, the helicopter that would begin the fallen specialists final journey home. The battle was still going on, Velis said. The dead soldier's blood was still fresh. How the hell do you thank someone who laid down a sacrifice so great? Velis said. The answer is to keep ever mindful of that sacrifice and serve the needs of the servicemen and women who are still with us. "We honor them by honoring their brothers, their battle buddies, who still serve," Velis said. He was joined at Mondays ceremony by U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield; Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito; state Sen. Donald F. Humason Jr., R-Westfield; mayors Domenic J. Sarno of Springfield and William P. Sapelli of Agawam; and Francisco A. Urena, secretary of the state Department of Veterans Services and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Urena, whose department oversees the cemetery, spoke of how Massachusetts communities gather in support of veterans. He spoke of how people lined the streets of South Deerfield earlier this month as the body of 23-year-old Navy nurse Meaghan Burns was brought home. Burns, who was about to end her enlistment, was shot and killed in Virginia along with a Navy colleague. The shooter, 22-year-old Donavon Moora, a Navy corpsman stationed at Field Medical Training Battalion East in Jacksonville, North Carolina, died by suicide. Urena also spoke of going to meet the body of fallen Marine Thomas J. Sullivan, 40, of Springfield, at Bradley International Airport in 2015. Sullivan was shot and killed while training with Marines in Chattanooga, Tennessee, by a man who had sympathies with Islamic terrorism. The secretary also drew attention to the work veterans do every day in service offices across the state helping their fellow vets access benefits and improve their lives. The ceremony drew hundreds of onlookers. There were also scores of people out in the cemetery visiting graves and placing flowers among the orderly ranks of gravestones. The ceremony even featured an unplanned visit by a bald eagle. The majestic bird circled high over the crowd for a few minutes as Polito spoke. "That was really great," she said, pausing as the crowd looked up and out toward the Connecticut River. Neal reminded the crowd that Memorial Day has its origins in the Americas darkest time, the Civil War, and that we celebrate this Memorial Day in the lead-up to the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy during World War II. Art Franklin of Springfield was in the crowd. Franklin, 72, was in the Army in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968, serving from a base called Camp Carroll about 12 or 15 miles south of the Demilitarized Zone and near the base at Khe Sanh. I lost a lot of friends there, he said. This is my time to remember them. Hong Kong: I&T chief visits Wan Chai Secretary for Innovation & Technology Nicholas Yang today visited a secondary school in Wan Chai. Mr Yang went to SKH Tang Shiu Kin Secondary School to learn about its work and achievements in promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. He spoke with students who had taken part in rocket car competitions and encouraged them to seize opportunities in STEM-related activities to widen their horizons. Under the proposed IT Innovation Lab in Secondary Schools initiative, each publicly funded secondary school would be provided with a maximum funding of $1 million in the coming three school years for facility upgrades and organisation of more IT-related extra-curricular activities, he said. Mr Yang then toured the Buddhist Li Ka Shing Care & Attention Home for the Elderly and said he was pleased that the elderly home had made good use of the Innovation & Technology Fund for Application in Elderly & Rehabilitation Care for the wider adoption of innovative care solutions. Technology applications and innovation help enhance the elderlys quality of life, he added. Mr Yang also met Wan Chai District Council members. This story has been published on: 2019-05-27. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The demand for home blood pressure monitor will rise exponentially in the Global Digital Blood Pressure Monitors Market, finds Fortune Business Insights in a new study. The study is titled Blood Pressure Monitors Market Size, Share and Global Trend By Product Type (Sphygmomanometers, Digital Blood Pressure Monitors, Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitors & Hospitals), End User (Ambulatory Surgery Centers & Clinics, Home Healthcare & Others) and Geography Forecast Till 2025. As per the study, the global digital blood pressure monitors market, valued at US$ 1,037.2 Mn in 2017, will reach US$ 2,074.6 Mn by the end of 2025, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.1%. The demand for fast and reliable digital BP monitors suitable for homecare setting is buoying growth in home blood pressure monitors segment. People are more prone to use such devices in the convenience of their homes. These monitors do not require the presence of a physician, which is a key factor fueling the demand for home blood pressure monitors in the market. Request Sample PDF: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/digital-blood-pressure-monitors-market-100066 In 2017, the home blood pressure monitors segment accounted for 64.3% share in the global market. The rise in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is a major factor increasing the demand for blood pressure monitors worldwide. Besides this, the introduction of cost-effective and technologically advanced blood pressure monitors by major manufacturers will aid the expansion of the blood pressure monitors market in future. Among various innovative types of blood pressure monitors, the blood pressure monitor watch or wrist type monitors are gaining popularity and will continue to do so with the advent of smart wearables. The hospital segment is anticipated to lead among end users in terms of revenue through 2025. This is because of the need for monitoring blood pressure continuously while performing any surgery. Again, the homecare segment will grow at a significant rate as the monitors covered in this segment ensure high precision and improved accuracy. Fortune Business Insights forecasts the homecare setting blood pressure monitors to exhibit the fastest CAGR of 12.0% by the end of the forecast period. Browse Complete Report Details: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/digital-blood-pressure-monitors-market-100066 Inactive Lifestyle to Cause Cardiovascular Problems Fueling Demand for Digital BP Monitors Various factors are propelling the use of blood pressure monitors worldwide. One among them is the change in lifestyle and unhealthy food habits of people, that increases the risk of cardiovascular problems. The increasing demand for automated machines and digital readout monitors, , owing to their easy handling, is also supporting the growth of the market. This will further propel the growth of the market for blood pressure monitoring in the years to come. In the coming years, the digital BP monitors market will significantly gain from several innovations. For instance, the implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the medical sector has created new opportunities for smart healthcare devices. This will, in turn, enable the digital blood pressure monitors market to gain momentum in the coming years. Omron Healthcare to Emerge as Leading Market Player The rising practice of sedentary lifestyle in emerging nations of Asia Pacific is a major factor spurring the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. This is a chief driver of the digital blood pressure monitors in China and India. Additionally, the presence of a large number of players in the U.S. and Canada has helped the market in North America to emerge dominant. In 2017, the North America market was valued at US$ 415.2 Mn. This is also attributable to the improvements in the domestic level distribution of blood pressure monitors in the region. The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and the introduction of smart health monitors will help the Asia Pacific emerge as the fastest growing region. Market players are investing huge sums in research and development activities in order to introduce innovative blood pressure monitors. An analyst at Fortune Business Insights foretells Omron Healthcare to lead the market on account of its widespread geographical reach. Some of the other companies operating in the global digital blood pressure monitors market are Masimo Corporation, Philips, Smiths Group, Nihon Kohden Corporation, American Diagnostic Corporation, Welch Allyn, and GE Healthcare. Speak to Analyst: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/digital-blood-pressure-monitors-market-100066 About Us Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Our reports contain a unique mix of tangible insights and qualitative analysis to help companies achieve sustainable growth. Our team of experienced analysts and consultants use industry-leading research tools and techniques to compile comprehensive market studies, interspersed with relevant data. At Fortune Business Insights we aim at highlighting the most lucrative growth opportunities for our clients. We therefore offer recommendations, making it easier for them to navigate through technological and market-related changes. Our consulting services are designed to help organizations identify hidden opportunities and understand prevailing competitive challenges. Contact Us Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. 308, Supreme Headquarters, Survey No. 36, Baner, Pune-Bangalore Highway, Pune 411045, Maharashtra, India. Phone: US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com by Fern Siegel , May 24, 2019 The U.S. filed 17 new charges yesterday against Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder now in British custody. He is accused of violating the Espionage Act by publishing classified documents, including names of confidential military and diplomatic sources. The Justice Department alleges Assange directed former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to secure the secret information, thereby aiding our enemies and damaging American security. The 17 counts include: One count of conspiracy to receive national defense information, three counts of obtaining national defense information and 13 counts of disclosure of national-defense information. AP reported Assange published the names of Afghans and Iraqis who supplied information to American and coalition forces. Released diplomatic cables exposed journalists, religious leaders and dissidents in repressive countries. advertisement advertisement The new charges immediately raised concerns about press freedom. Advocates fear they could set a dangerous precedent for journalists. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press called the case a dire threat to media freedom. Assange's lawyer, Barry Pollack, said Thursday the unprecedented charges against his client imperil all journalists in their endeavor to inform the public about actions that have been taken by the U.S. government." However, Assistant Attorney General John Demers, the Justice Department's top national-security official, countered: Julian Assange is no journalist. No responsible actor, journalist or otherwise, would purposely publish the names of individuals he or she knew to be confidential human sources in war zones, exposing them to the gravest of dangers. Manning was convicted in military court for providing classified documents to WikiLeaks. She is currently in a northern Virginia jail on a civil contempt charge. Manning served seven years of a 35-year military sentence before President Obama commuted the sentence. Federal authorities want Assange extradited to the U.S. to face charges. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each of the new counts, according to the DOJ. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, May 24, 2019 T-Mobile's proposed $26 billion acquisition of Sprint should be rejected despite the companies' promise to build out a 5G network, six senate Democrats are telling regulators. The behavioral conditions and voluntary commitments offered are filled with loopholes, lack meaningful enforcement mechanisms, and do not come close to ameliorating the negative effects that a reduction in wireless competition would cause for consumers across the country, Sens. Tom Udall (New Mexico), Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts), Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota), Ed Markey (Massachusetts) and Cory Booker (New Jersey) say in a letter sent Thursday to the Federal Communications Commission and Justice Department. The lawmakers are urging FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to reconsider his support for the merger. If the deal gains approval, the country will only have three major wireless carriers -- Verizon, AT&T and the newly merged T-Mobile/Sprint. advertisement advertisement Udall and the other senators say the consolidation will prove harmful. We are concerned that this four-to-three merger does not serve the public interest and would result in substantial anticompetitive effects, harming consumers, workers, and innovation, they write. Staff at the DOJ's antitrust division reportedly have recommended blocking the deal, but antitrust head Makan Delrahim hasn't yet made a decision. The FCC's Pai endorsed the merger, arguing that it will spur 5G deployment and bring high-speed broadband to rural parts of the country -- many of which lack access to fast web connections. T-Mobile and Sprint recently promised that if the acquisition closes, they will build a high-speed network that will cover 97% of the country within three years, including 85% of rural Americans. The FCC's two other Republican commissioners appear to support the transaction, but Democrat Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel voiced reservations. On Monday, she called for the FCC to publish the companies' proposed promises and conditions of the deal, and solicit comments. Udall and the others say they agree with Rosenworcel that the public should have an opportunity to weigh in. The lawmakers are urging the FCC to post the companies' merger plans and give the public 30 days to file comments. Advertisement "We were interested in studying cardiomyopathies, because heart failure caused by this historically uncommon disorder doubled in Sweden between 1987 and 2006," said Annika Rosengren, M.D., Ph.D. study co-author, professor of medicine at the University of Gothenburg and cardiologist at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden.Among the men in the study, 4,477 were diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at an average age of 45.5 years. The men who were lean at age 18 - with a body mass index (BMI - a measure of body weight) below 20 - had a low risk of cardiomyopathy. However, that risk steadily increased as weight increased, even among men on the high end of a normal BMI (22.5-25).There are several types of cardiomyopathy, but the causes are poorly understood. In one form, called dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes weak and can't pump blood efficiently. In another, called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes stiff and isn't able to fill with blood properly. Cardiomyopathy can reduce heart function and lead to heart failure, which means the heart is not able to pump blood properly.In the study, men who had a BMI of 35 and over in their youth were eight times more likely to develop dilated cardiomyopathy as adults compared to men who were lean in their youth. It was not possible to estimate increased risk for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in men with BMI 35 and above because there were too few cases to provide a meaningful analysis.Because overall rates of cardiomyopathies are so low, it took a dataset as large and long-term as this one to have enough statistical power to find an association with weight, said Rosengren. She is not aware of other datasets large enough for a comparison study, but she would expect the results of this study to apply to men throughout the world, including the United States, although additional studies would need to be conducted to see if there are racial or ethnic differences in how body weight in adolescence influences the development of cardiomyopathy later in life.The findings may or may not translate to women. The data on weight was gathered when males in Sweden register for compulsory military service. Since women do not register for military service, data on women's weight at around age 18 was not available to the researchers.Source: Eurekalert Monday blues have set in and you are looking for things and places in your mind to wander off and take away this lack of motivation to go through work mails. In case you're planning on binging on some Netflix today, chuck the usual stuff and stream these fun adult animated series instead: 1. Rick And Morty This sci-fi sitcom is twisted and dark in many fun ways that will change your perception about a lot of things. Rick is a sociopath scientist who, along with his grandchild Morty, embarks on a journey of inter-dimensional travel. 2. Bojack Horseman This crazy animated series is a social satire on a lot of things but the fact that a cartoon can make depression, anxiety, self-destruction and other devils of the world look so real to the human mind is unbelievable. 3. Paradise PD As the name suggests, this adult animated series looks at a gang of cops who snort their way up through cases and we wonder if they do a pathetic or a great job working like this. 4. Teen Titans Go This one will make you laugh when it shows what life for a superhero is when he is not wearing a cape. This one is funny and your short attention span period on a Monday will support it completely. 5. F Is For Family This raunchy comedy is inspired by the life of real life comedian Bill Burr. The story follows a family that depicts the life of Frank, his wife Lisa and their 3 kids. If you love the vibe of the 70s, this is the series for you. Remember Payal Rohatgi, the social media sensation? Well, I hope you detected the sarcasm in that very statement. But why am I talking about her? That's because she's back again, to indulge in some mindless banter, to irk the proletariats in the worst way possible. It's just her visible affinity to waste time over Twitter and other forms of social media, and this time around, she's outdone herself again. Twitter Recently, over a Tweet, the 'damsel in distress' spoke about the age-old practice of Sati and called Raja Ram Mohan Roy a traitor. And now, she demands a so-called 'Hindu' nation. Twitter is, of course, furious over her lopsided thought process, but we can't help and substantiate a good amount of humour through her thread. Truth Behind Sati Pratha in India https://t.co/x1vn5l6Xcy via @YouTube #Jauhar was an incident related to Padmavati during Mughal Khiljis invasion. Later society with d help of traitors like Raja Ram who Britishers used 2 divide society made Sati into an evil forceful practice PAYAL ROHATGI & Team -BHAKTS of BHAGWAN RAM (@Payal_Rohatgi) 26 May 2019 So, as we all know, Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a social reformer, known for his efforts to abolish the practice of Sati and child marriage. But after Payal tweeted a video on the Sati tradition named 'the truth behind Sati Pratha', she called Ram Mohan Roy a traitor , saying "#Jauhar was an incident related to Padmavati [movie] during Mughal Khiljis invasion. Later society, with the help of traitors like Raja Ram, who Britishers used to divide society, made Sati into an evil forceful practice. (sic)" She also called him a 'chamcha', saying the Britishers used him to 'defame the Sati Tradition' Twitter Her Tweet said: "No he was a chamcha to Britishers who used him to defame the Sati tradition. Sati tradition was not compulsory but was introduced to prevent the prostitution of Hindu wives by the hands of Mughal invaders. It was the woman's choice. #FeministsofIndia Sati was not regressive." No he was a chamcha to Britishers who used him to defame the Sati tradition. Sati tradition was not compulsory but was introduced to prevent the prostitution of Hindu wives by the hands of Mughal invaders. It was the woman's choice. #FeministsofIndia Sati was not regressive https://t.co/sALLK2lALF PAYAL ROHATGI & Team -BHAKTS of BHAGWAN RAM (@Payal_Rohatgi) 25 May 2019 Not only did her Tweets rile her followers and other people, it created havoc on Twitter, because let's face it, extremist views seldom make it out alive, but because we're a democracy, of course, she has the will and freedom to say whatever she wants, honestly. But of course, Twiteratti will not let this one go! Behan, bas kar de yaar. https://t.co/vcqXTRtjrm Abhishek Baxi (@baxiabhishek) 26 May 2019 I think you are mixing jauhar with Sati system. With this, you are sure to get a Rajyasabha nomination! Enjoy! https://t.co/5bUqP107Ef Deepal.Trivedi (@DeepalTrevedie) 26 May 2019 So according to your analogy we should remove chapters of History and culture from schools ? India didn't require lessons on Science. Heard about DRDO, ISRO and their missions ? How India producea cheapest pharmaceuticals? India owns fastest supersonic missile in form of Brahmos. (@ResoluteAction) 26 May 2019 Holy smokes! Where did this one come from? Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the great reformist, is now a chamcha of the British! Wonderful. Here come new India's historians. https://t.co/ToBeE68Hme Pritish Nandy (@PritishNandy) 26 May 2019 The practise was never a norm and was never prevalent ...it was there practised by certain jaati groups(caste is a wrong word) and not by all ...it was already dying the time british entered ...this thing is taught to beat the hindu side rather unfairly Aryaveer (@Aryavee83533418) 26 May 2019 Jauhar and Saka never happened when Rajput fought with any Hindu king as even after defeating the enemy king, women and children were given due respect. Jauhar happened only when Rajputs fought with Mughals or Afghans, as when Mughals defeat them, they treated women like animals. (@ResoluteAction) 26 May 2019 In response to this outpour, India's darling stated that she was not trying to glorify Sati Pratha, while raising the issue of Triple Talaaq. "I am not glorifying it, I am putting across the history of its origin. It was due to Mughal invaders that #Sati started in the 1st place. Understand your history. And yes no one is practising it NOW nor am I asking anyone to practice it. But #TripleTalaq is still ON. (sic)" - Payal Rohatgi on Twitter. Apart from her two cents on the custom of Sati, Payal also went ahead to demand a 'Hindu' nation! #HinduNation #minority as #Hinduism origin So secular #HinduRashtra pic.twitter.com/Rat6OADT7X PAYAL ROHATGI & Team -BHAKTS of BHAGWAN RAM (@Payal_Rohatgi) 26 May 2019 Okay, basically, what she's trying to say is even if India's a secular country, it should predominantly be a Hindu nation (really?) because only Hindus are entitled to a sense of belonging here. While ranting, she also chose to say Muslims aren't a minority anymore and it's unfair to call them that! Indian Muslims minority tag minority Parsis, Buddhists, Christians Muslims are NO more a minority in Secular India #SundayThoughts #PayalRohatgi pic.twitter.com/ohs9p6RWa3 PAYAL ROHATGI & Team -BHAKTS of BHAGWAN RAM (@Payal_Rohatgi) 26 May 2019 Her Tweets only got her a lot of backlash! Behen seriously band kar de. Abhi aur bolna band kar de. Tere behalf pe SAB ko Sharam aane lagi hai Manu (@MusicallyManu) 26 May 2019 She wont .. pagla gayee pallavi ghosh (@_pallavighosh) 26 May 2019 On that note, are Sikh part of this Hindu nation , Are Jains part of this Hindu nation? I guess Mr Amith shah is a Jain. What about the Buddhist? And how would you divide the caste ok Hinduism . Are you only worried about the external terrorism Harry Scousser (@HarryScousser) 27 May 2019 This isn't a Hindu Nation, it's a Nation for one and all. It's called Bharat for a reason. Please educate yourself before embarrassing yourself. Alvin. (@alv_lyner) 26 May 2019 Logics RIP MADAM GO AND DO YOUR MATHS WELL , time to learn the basics for you , kya Faltu agenda lekar phir ti ho , kuch kaam Kar loh life mein aur without preparing apna brain mat puke karna social media mein . DR MRUNALINNI PATIL (@mrunalinni) 26 May 2019 Well, all we can hope and pray for is that people form wider perspectives and keep an open mind, which does not inculcate any amount of hate under the newly-formed government. While secularism is the right way to embrace our nation's ideology, we do have people amidst us who scorn it on a mere whim, failing to understand the concept of a secular democracy. No matter how fancy, lavish or elaborate your lunch plans are, they can never come close to that lucky person who will get a chance to grab a 'billion dollar' lunch with the 'Oracle Of Omaha' aka Warren Buffett. Imagine how surreal that experience will be, where you are sharing a table with none other than Warren Buffett, world's third-richest person whose net worth is $83.2 billion. Reuters Will the wine be more expensive than the one a restaurant served accidentally to a customer, or will the steak be covered with gold leaf sheets? Will they use gold crockery or table mats made from currency notes? I know it sounds bizarre, but I don't know what having lunch with a billionaire feels like. But, you can...only if you participate in the auction and win it. Warren Buffett's annual 'power lunch' event is back (now in its 20th year) and the bidding has reportedly begun for the same. Buffett is auctioning the lunch to raise money for the Glide Foundation, which aims to fight against poverty in San Francisco. Pexels According to reports, the winner (who can invite up to seven friends) will share the meal at New York's Smith & Wollensky steakhouse, which is said to be one of the most expensive places to eat. So far, Buffett has raised close to $30 million for Glide, but it doesn't look like he's going to stop anytime soon. But, it won't be easy to grab lunch with the world's third richest person. In 2012, an anonymous bidder raised close to $3.46 million, so to win your chance, you will have to top that amount. Reuters The bidding started on Sunday at $25,000 (Rs. 17.4 lakh approx.) and will end on Friday, May 31st. While we'll get to know about the lucky winner by Friday, we wonder whether it will be a buffet or a la carte. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 27) The Department of Agriculture and stakeholders of the Philippine hog industry said Monday it will ask the Food and Drug Authority to recall processed pork products, including processed Ma Ling, from countries affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF). We would like to assure our trading partners that this action not to least severing trade relations with them but protecting the local hog industry. As soon as we are able to establish an impenetrable quarantine well then we will be okay, Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol said Monday. The DA said they will talk to FDA on Tuesday for the immediate recall of Ma Ling and all products from 16 ASF-affected countries: Russia Ukraine Czech Republic Moldova South Africa Zambia Hungary Bulgaria Belgium Latvia Poland Romania China (including Hong Kong and Macau) Mongolia Vietnam Cambodia At the same time, hog industry representatives have also written an appeal to President Rodrigo Duterte to impose a two-month suspension of the importation of pork and processed pork products from countries which at high risk of getting the virus. This would just be very temporary, admittedly our defense mechanism in the entry falls. there are channels which can be used for imported products to come in, knowing the disastrous effects of ASF we should really prevent the entry, Dr. Rufina Salas, Secretary General of the Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines said. This is to give the DA, Bureau of Customs and Food and Drug Administration time to address loopholes in quarantine measures and strengthen our borders. The FDA still issues Quarantine Veterinary Clearance or license to transport imported canned goods from ASF-affected countries. This is despite a DA order in August suspending the importation of pork-based products from areas with recorded ASF cases. This is also why some canned goods from China, such as Ma Ling, could still be found in supermarkets. Pinol also appealed to importers to voluntarily suspend the transport of processed pork products from other high-risk countries, in consideration of the thousands of Filipino farmers and families who might be affected once ASF enters the country. Vietnam already killed 1.4 million hogs and China lost 30% of their hog population because of the virus. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 27) Malacanang on Monday once again came to the defense of President Rodrigo Duterte amid criticisms on his punctuality and his seemingly weak and unstable demeanor during the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduation. The commander-in-chief's tardiness delayed the graduation of the Mabalasik Class 2019 on May 26 for two hours. When he was about to board the military jeep called "White Carabao," a seemingly wobbly Duterte had to be assisted by his men who were holding him by his arms. Duterte's spokesperson gave an explanation. "He didn't look weak. He looked very sleepy. He was sleepy because the day before he was working. I think he had only less than two hours of sleep. Every person who is lacking sleep appears to be sleepy as he looked the way he did," presidential spokesperson Sal Panelo told CNN Philippines. He also allayed fears that the 74-year-old president is in poor health, saying Duterte was his "usual alert and assertive" self while he was delivering his less than 10-minute graduation speech. Rumors about his health circulated when he wasn't seen for almost a week after he cast his vote on May 13. Panelo also defended Duterte's tardiness. "He was very sleepy, so he wanted to get back to bed to get some power nap since he lacks sleep... As we all know by now, the President is a night person. He sleeps at 6 a.m. The time of the event was supposed to be part of his sleeping time, but he had to force himself to wake up and dress up and attend the event," he said. Duterte disregarded the PMA tradition of personally distributing the diplomas, a task he has previously taken on. This year, he handed out diplomas to only two of the 261 cadets who were graduating. The rest of the job was relegated to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. Related: Defense chief: Duterte 'too sleepy' to distribute PMA diplomas This is the first time throughout PMAs modern history that the President has delegated this role. Tradition na kasi na Commander-in-Chief ang guest at namimigay ng diplomas sa graduates, a mid-level military officer, who asked not to be named, told CNN Philippines. In the short speech he delivered before the graduating cadets, Duterte was able to crack another rape joke, which the Palace defended again. "He is a mischievous man, he wants to make people laugh. And the fact that people laughed at his jokes, they give a hearty laughter, means that they know that this President is joking," Panelo said. In the middle of pardoning underclassmen of the Philippine Military Academy during their graduation rites Sunday, President Rodrigo Duterte threw in a joke that the cadets were being pardoned for cases such as rape and drug use. Related: Duterte cracks rape jokes in PMA graduation rites Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 27) Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III was brutally honest as he reported to the Senate the huge dent left by the delayed passage of the 2019 budget on government projects. Dominguez faced the Senate Committee on Finance on Monday, mincing no words about how the standoff between senators and members of the House of Representatives ultimately held state projects hostage. Apart from infrastructure projects left hanging, Dominguez said bigger costs were incurred for social services. He reckons that grants for 328,889 students under the senior high school program worth some 7.4 billion had to be pushed back, together with a dental health care program for public schools. "The budget reenactment also derailed poverty reduction efforts, where as many as 420,000 more Filipinos could have been taken out of poverty," Dominguez told the chamber during the inquiry. "This is a clear example of how politicking could harm our people." Lawmakers locked horns over the 3.757-trillion budget proposal due to alleged last-minute insertions made by House members even after the two chambers finalized the bill at the bicameral committee. The spending plan was only signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on April 15, even as he vetoed 95 billion worth of projects as a compromise. Before this, the government worked with its 2018 funding, leaving new programs and projects unfunded. Dominguez said this effectively abandoned the construction of 4,110 new classrooms and repairs for 18,575 existing ones as of March. "Agencies could have utilized the first quarter 2018 budget for 2019. They should not have waited for the April 15 signing of the President because they could have utilized insofar as capital outlay is concerned, because salaries are being paid," said Senator and committee chair Loren Legarda, who is on her last term. However, Acting Budget Secretary Janet Abuel said that new items or projects in the 2019 spending plan cannot be funded by the reenacted budget from last year. She added that agencies can only fit a portion of the entire list of projects up for execution as they are using one-fourth of the 2018 budget from January-March this year. Untouched construction plans also meant that as much as 320,000 jobs were not offered to Filipinos, Dominguez added. READ: Gov't spending still deflated in April due to budget delay In sum, the government underspent by roughly 1 billion per day during the first quarter, deflating economic growth to a four-year low of 5.6 percent. Economic managers previously said that growth could have zoomed to as fast as 7.2 percent if the 3.757-trillion spending plan was passed on time. Dominguez said the Cabinet's Economic Development Cluster has been mapping out strategies to catch up on projects, as they have to disburse 2.996 trillion between April to December to hit their spending targets for the year. UPPER THUMB The summer season is barely underway and rescuers have reportedly been busy handling distressed kayaker calls in the area. According to Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson, rescue personnel were dispatched around 5 p.m. Saturday to east of Sleeper State Park after a caller believed she witnessed three kayakers in trouble. Winds at the time were 20 miles per hour out of the southwest. In two patrol boats, the sheriff's office began searching grid patterns from the Sleeper State Park area to Port Austin, as far out to the north as two miles. The United States Coast Guard also assisted, running grid patterns using a boat and helicopter. Around 9 p.m., Hanson suspended the sheriff's office's portion of the search. The Coast Guard concluded its search shortly after, with the incident remaining unfounded. "I certainly do not want to discourage anyone from reporting something suspicious or concerning, but over the years there have been numerous incidents just like (that) night that turn out unfounded," said Hanson. A separate incident had the Port Austin Fire Department being dispatched to assist with overturned kayaks off of the Lakeside Subdivision northeast of Port Austin. The situation was resolved prior to their arrival, with a private boater coming to the aid of the kayakers. Officials also reported a situation where a small boat was pulling two kayaks near the Port Austin Harbor to safety. "The water was clearly too rough for safe kayaking yesterday (Saturday) in unprotected waters," Hanson said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 27) Senator Antonio Sonny Trillanes IV on Monday took a swipe at Peter Joemel Advincula, alias Bikoy and the man who tagged him as the mastermind behind the controversial Ang Totoong Narco List video series. Regardless, sa kanyang pagbalibaliktad (in his flip-flopping), he has lost all value and credibility as witness, said Trillanes in a privilege speech. Advincula, who made rounds online as the hooded figure and narrator of the viral videos, backtracked on his previous claims that President Rodrigo Duterte and his family members were involved in illegal drug trade. He later pointed to the Liberal Party and Trillanes as the supposed orchestrators of the video series seeking to ouster the chief executive. Trillanes said he was out of the country for several speaking engagements at the same time the video clips went viral. "The Senate records would bear me out na wala ako sa Pilipinas ng mga panahon na yun. Uulitin ko, wala akong kinalaman sa paggawa ng mga videos na 'yun, the embattled senator said. [Translation: The Senate records would bear me out that I wasnt in the Philippines at the time. Ill repeat, I dont have any involvement with the creation of those videos.] Malacanang issued a stern warning against Trillanes on Friday, saying the senator may face jail time over his alleged involvement in the Bikoy series. The Palace earlier labeled the said clips as lies and black propaganda against the current administration. Trillanes and other members of the opposition earlier denied Advinculas claims that they made him lie about the Presidential familys supposed drug links. READ: PNP holding on to Bikoy's promise to return with evidence after leaving Camp Crame 'Bikoy' and priests? Trillanes meanwhile admitted meeting "Bikoy" through priests back in 2018. The senator, in his speech, relayed how the Church officials sought help for Advincula, who then claimed he was being pursued by drug syndicates. Trillanes, however, said Advincula failed the vetting process. "Mr. President, I stand by my track record here in the Senate. Kapag sigurado ako sa isang testigo, ebidensya, o akusasyon, nilalabas ko at tinitindigan ko rito sa Senado The fact na hindi ko siya inilabas dito, ibig sabihin hindi siya nakapasa sa aming vetting process, he said. [Translation: If Im sure about a witness, an evidence, or an accusation, I make sure to let the public know. The fact that I didnt bring him here means he was not able to pass our vetting process.] Trillanes, who has been a staunch critic of the Duterte administration, made headlines when Proclamation No. 572 voided the amnesty given to him in 2011. He is out on bail amid ongoing trial for several cases including the revived rebellion charges and the libel complaints filed against him by presidential son and Davao City Representative-elect Paolo Duterte, and his brother-in-law Mans Carpio. The Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 earlier in the day resumed the hearing on Trillanes rebellion case over his involvement in the 2007 Manila Peninsula Siege. CNN Philippines Alyssa Rola and Eimor Santos contributed to this report. (CNN) A British mountaineer who recently died on Everest warned of overcrowding at the summit in his last post to social media. Robin Haynes Fisher died of what appeared to be altitude sickness at 8,600 meters (28,215 feet), while descending from the summit on Saturday, May 25. "I am hopeful to avoid the crowds on summit day and it seems like a number of teams are pushing to summit on the 21st," he wrote in a captioned Instagram post on May 13. "With a single route to the summit, delays caused by overcrowding could prove fatal so I am hopeful my decision to go for the 25th will mean fewer people. Unless of course everyone else plays the same waiting game." Haynes Fisher is one of nine climbers to have died on Everest in the 2019 climbing season as conditions on the world's highest mountain turned lethal. During the week beginning May 20, crowds of climbers became stuck in a queue to the summit, above the mountain's highest camp at 8,000 meters (26,247 feet). The summit of Mount Everest is 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) high, an elevation at which each breath contains only one-third of the oxygen found at sea level. Most people can only spend a matter of minutes at the summit without extra oxygen supplies, and the area where the climbers were queuing is known as the "death zone." Mountain guide Adrian Ballinger told CNN that difficult weather conditions during this season led to overcrowding as summit attempts were restricted to a small number of days, and problems were exacerbated by a lack of experience among some climbing teams. Ballinger said people officially die from exhaustion, but what that usually means is they run out of oxygen supplies after spending too long at extremely high altitudes. "These deaths were entirely preventable," he said. "And they were due to this lack of judgment on a difficult season with difficult weather." In 2018 high-altitude medical expert Sundeep Dhillon explained to CNN that perhaps the biggest danger is when climbers treat the summit as the journey's end point. According to Dhillon's estimates, "you've probably got a one in 10 chance of dying on the way down." "People are perfectly capable of exerting themselves beyond their capabilities whilst underestimating the demands that those extreme altitudes place on you," he said. "They forget they're in the Death Zone." Nepali climbing guide Dhruba Bista fell ill on the mountain and was transported by helicopter to the base camp, where he died Friday. And Irish climber Kevin Hynes, 56, died Friday morning on the Tibetan side of Everest in his tent at 7,000 meters (22,966 feet). Two died Wednesday after descending from the summit: Indian climber Anjali Kulkarni, 55, and American climber Donald Lynn Cash, 55. Kalpana Das, 49, and Nihal Bagwan, 27, both from India, also died on Everest this week. Both died Thursday on their return from the summit. Ravi, a 28-year-old Indian climber who goes by one name, died the previous week on May 17. Last week, a search for Irish climber Seamus Lawless, 39, was called off, after the Trinity College Dublin professor fell while descending from the peak, according to the Press Assocation. Lawless is missing, presumed dead. The death toll for Everest's 2019 climbing season is not unusual for the mountain. In 2018, five climbers died, while six died in both 2017 and 2016. More than 200 mountaineers have died on the peak since 1922, when the first climbers' deaths on Everest were recorded. The majority of bodies are believed to have remained buried under glaciers or snow. This story was first published on CNN, "Everest mountaineer warned of overcrowding before dying on climb." WASHINGTON When Rep. Jahana Hayes decided to run for Congress last year, she had no political experience and deep worries that she could raise enough money to run a credible campaign. Hayes, a Democrat, began her run for Congress later than other candidates, including her GOP rival Manny Santos, because the former history teacher did not decide to enter the race until former Rep. Elizabeth Esty announced she would not run for re-election. That was just about six months before Novembers election. Hayes neednt have worried. She raised nearly $1.9 million to win the 5th Congressional District seat that stretches across the northwest section of the state thanks in part to the generosity of those who would be her Capitol Hill colleagues. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Democratic members of Congress gave Hayes a total of $187,050 in the last election cycle, more than any others linked to a specific industry, interest group or profession. Lawmakers, including members of the House Democratic leadership like Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., and Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., gave to Hayes from their personal campaign committees and from their leadership political action committees. Her support from members of Congress demonstrated the faith that they had in her ability to hit the ground running on behalf of the people of the Fifth District, said Hayes campaign spokeswoman Barbara Ellis. The donations may have also been spurred by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committees decision to make the race a priority. Other freshmen, including Reps. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., received much less money from Democratic lawmakers. The centers analysis focused on donations in the amount of $50 or more, because federal election law requires the disclosure of the donors workplace and occupation. Other than the money from fellow Democrats, Hayess fundraising was not unremarkable for a member of Congress from Connecticut. The second largest group of donors to Hayess campaign were lawyers and lobbyists, who gave about $130,000. Third on the list were people and PACs tied to the securities and investment industries. Those financial interests gave the Hayes campaign about $112,000, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Individuals and PACs in the educational field were 11th from the top on the list of donors, contributing $37,291 to the campaign of the former history teacher and former National Teacher of the Year. Each member of Connecticuts delegation to the U.S. House raised more than $1 million in political cash in the last campaign cycle. And Rep. Jim Himes, (D-4), raised $2 million, the only member of the House delegation to attract more political money than Hayes. Connecticuts lawmakers raised most of their campaign money in a traditional way, from constituents and people employed by home-state industries, or lobbyists and others representing special interests in Washington, D.C. related to the lawmakers own committee assignments. Thats why the top donors to the campaign of Rep. John Larson, who represents the Hartford area and sits on the House Ways and Means Committee, were individuals and PACs tied to the insurance industry, who gave $260,774. For Rep. Joe Courtney, (D-2), who represents Electric Boat and Naval Submarine Base New London and sits the House Armed Services Committee, the top group of donors were tied to defense. In the last campaign cycle, health professionals accounted for the single largest contribution from a group to the campaign of Rep. Rosa DeLauro, (D-3). She is the chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee with authority over the budget of the Department of Health and Human Services. Himes, who sits on the House Financial Services Committee, raised $274,367 from the securities and investment industry, followed by $174,055 from the insurance industry, $105,375 from the real estate industry and $103,575 from commercial banks. University of Connecticut political science professor Ronald Schurin said the donations from industries with business before the House Financial Services Committee may have made Himes more receptive to their pleas regarding the onerous burden of regulation. But I cannot think of any behavior by any of these representatives that seems to be influenced by their donors, he said. Schurin also pointed out that none of Connecticuts lawmakers had competitive races last year. So the motivation for those who donated was not to win an election, but to maintain a friendship with an incumbent, he said. The Center for Responsive Politics also analyzed contributions to the campaigns of Connecticut senators from 2013 to the end of last year. Sen. Chris Murphy raised more than $15 million in that six-year period, with lawyers and lobbyists topping the lists of donors and contributing about $1.3 million to the senators campaign. Sen. Richard Blumenthal raised more than $9 million, nearly $1.6 million from lawyers and lobbyists. Blumenthal sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Contributed Photo / contributed A Middletown woman was arrested in Vermont Monday morning after police said she was caught driving over 100 mph on a major highway while drunk. Vermont State Police said a trooper arrested Marina J. Fogarty, 24, of Middletown, after his RADAR speed measuring device recorded her speed as 102 on Interstate 91, where the speed limit is 65 mph. This Memorial Day comes just a few weeks after the families of those missing from the Korean War had another setback in their hopes for a resumption of the search for remains. "I have to agree; it's been a roller-coaster ride" over the years of raised and then dashed expectations, said Rick Downes, whose father went missing in Korea in 1952. "We had that 'whee''' of a downhill ride last year when North Korea returned 55 boxes of remains after President Donald Trump met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore, said Downes, executive director of the Coalition of Families of Korean and Cold War POW/MIAs. "And now we're doing one long uphill climb again." In a solemn "Honorable Carry" ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, last August, 55 flag-draped boxes believed to contain the remains of U.S. and possibly other allied troops who fell in the Korean War were removed from military aircraft. Related content: "Today, our boys are coming home," said Vice President Mike Pence, who presided at the ceremony. He expressed hope that the 55 boxes represented the beginning of a process to resume searches in North Korea. "Our work will not be complete until all our fallen heroes unaccounted for are home," he said. More than 7,800 Americans remain unaccounted for from the Korean War; about 5,300 sets of remains are believed to be in North Korea, according to the Pentagon's Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). At a meeting in Washington with families of the missing following the Hawaii ceremony, retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Kelly McKeague, the DPAA director, told an overflow crowd that he was "guardedly optimistic" North Korea would cooperate with more remains recoveries. Chuck Prichard, a DPAA spokesman, said Tuesday that, following the return of the 55 boxes, there had been periodic contact with North Korean officials on allowing U.S. forensic specialists and military teams to renew searches, as has been done in the past when the political climate permitted. "Those communications did not result in any kind of progress," Prichard said, adding that the contacts were broken off after Trump met with Kim again in Hanoi in February. That meeting failed to produce any agreement on North Korean disarmament or the resumption of searches, the White House said at the time. On May 8, the DPAA announced that efforts to resume recoveries were being suspended. "We have reached the point where we can no longer effectively plan, coordinate and conduct field operations in the DPRK during this fiscal year, which ends on September 30, 2019," DPAA said in a statement. "We are assessing possible next steps in resuming communications with the [North Koreans] to plan for potential joint recovery operations to be scheduled during Fiscal Year 2020." Downes, who has long argued that remains returns should be kept separate as a humanitarian issue in talks with the North Koreans, said that Memorial Day ceremonies usually come with pledges from speakers that the missing will never be forgotten. "I'd like to see those words take on meaning to the people who can make a difference," he said. Downes, who was three years old when his father, Lt. Harold Downes, went missing aboard a B-26 Marauder bomber that was hit over the North on Jan. 13, 1952, said, "This doesn't have to go on for another 60 or 70 years." -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. How to Absorb the Marine Corps into the Army and Navy For decades, the U.S. Marine Corps has attempted to tweak its force structure to enhance performance within a constrained... My friend Bernie went missing on a 1970 bombing run in Vietnam. Every Memorial Day since has come as a reminder of the void he left in the lives of those he served with, his family and all who knew him. Marine 1st Lt. Bernard Herbert Plassmeyer, of Freeburg, Missouri, was flying an A-4 Skyhawk on a night mission for Marine Attack Squadron 311 (VMF-311) that took him over the A Shau valley in September 1970. He came from a farm family in Osage County. He was 25 years old and days away from becoming a father. We had trained together as young lieutenants at The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, in 1967. Marine 1st Lt. Bernard Plassmeyer went missing while flying an A-4 Skyhawk on a night mission for Marine Attack Squadron 311 over Vietnam's A Shau valley in September 1970. He was later declared presumed dead and promoted posthumously to captain. Photo courtesy of Norb Plassmeyer The A Shau was the true heart of darkness for those of us who were on the ground. It was the place of no answers, and that was the case with Bernie. His A4 went down that night. There were reports years later that there had been ground fire, but it was unclear. Search teams eventually found the crash site, but there was no trace of him. Norb Plassmeyer, Bernie's older brother, shared a letter Wednesday that had come to him from Sgt. Greg Cain, the one they called "Speed Brakes," who serviced VMF-311's aircraft and suited up Bernie for his last flight. Cain's missive was written in the form of a letter to Bernie, and it accurately described the guy we had known. "This is Speed Brakes [the nickname you and Lt. Sloan hung on me in Da Nang]. Chatting with you one day, I found out your wife was expecting your first child. My wife was also expecting, and this kind of formed a common bond with us," the letter begins. "I was always impressed with your consideration of the enlisted men in the squadron because, every time you came into the flight equipment shop to suit up, you always took a minute to ask me about my wife." Cain said he was with Bernie when he "came in to suit up for the fatal flight." When he learned that his lieutenant was missing, "I dropped to my knees and prayed for you and your wife and unborn child," the letter states. Cain also prayed that Bernie's son would come to read the letter "and hear from one of your men that you were a great man. You spoke to me shortly before your flight and as always asked about my wife and told me your wife was getting very close." Bernie's son was born in late September 1970. He would be named "Bernard." Vigil in a Church Cemetery Norb Plassmeyer, who served a term in the Missouri House of Representatives, said he will go again on Memorial Day to his brother's gravesite in the small cemetery of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Westphalia, Missouri. "There's a little Memorial Day ceremony there. That's how we commemorate this," he said. There's just the headstone for Bernie next to those of their parents, Norb said. "There are no remains. On the basis of the conversations I've had, there is no prospect of recovering remains." When Bernie's plane went down, the family learned of it from the Marine Corps and a telegram, Norb said. There was another older Plassmeyer brother, Martin, a West Point graduate who had served a tour in Vietnam and was then based at the Pentagon. He had access to the casualty center, "but there wasn't a whole lot of information," Norb said. According to a VMF-311 history, Bernie's A-4 and other aircraft had been scrambled on a mission to support units of the Army's 101st Airborne Division. "Two A-4s arrived over the target and commenced their runs. The flight leader finished his pass and watched as Lieutenant Plassmeyer went into his dive. As the lieutenant was passing at approximately 1,500 feet, the leader saw some 'sparks' and then a long trail of flame impact in the target area," the history states. Norb said he later met in Washington, D.C., with Bernie's commander and the flight leader. He said they were convinced, based on the evidence that could be found, that Bernie had not survived the mission. Norb said he has come to accept their conclusions but his mother, who died a few years after the crash, never did. For a long time, neither did Bernie's wife, Carol, he said. She would later remarry and have a career in nursing. Their son, who also goes by "Bernie," has done well in advertising, according to Norb. Is it hard to accept that he's gone? "Well. It was really difficult to accept the prospect of him being held captive," Norb said. There's little alternative but to believe what the commander and the flight leader told him. As for searches, "that's pretty much been done to the point of exhaustion," he said. Marine 1st Lt. Bernard Plassmeyer on a flight line in Vietnam in April 1970. He went missing that September. Photo courtesy of Norb Plassmeyer In 1976, Bernie's status was changed from missing in action to unaccounted for and presumed dead. He was posthumously promoted to captain. Bernie's name is in the current listings of "unaccounted for from the Vietnam War" kept by the Pentagon's Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. It lists the "incident" for him as occurring on Sept. 9, 1970. There's a double "X" under the heading for status. The footnote says that double "X" means "Presumptive finding of death." Bernie's name is also on Panel 7W, Row 57 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall and on a small monument that went up in 2017 for the 50 who never came home from TBS 6/67 -- those who began training at The Basic School in Quantico in June 1967. Norb was at the unveiling. Forty-three from the class were killed in action in Vietnam, and others died in training accidents while preparing to go. Also listed was Col. William R. "Rich" Higgins, a member of TBS 6/67. He was kidnapped and assassinated by gunmen in Lebanon while serving as a United Nations military observer in 1988. In addition to class members who were killed, more than 200 were wounded, a casualty rate of more than 50 percent and the highest of any Marine officer class during Vietnam. I was one of Bernie's 498 classmates in TBS 6/67. I was from Brooklyn, and Bernie was from somewhere in what I then viewed as the Great Beyond that existed on the other side of the Hudson. Once, I asked, "Hey Bernie, where you from?" He said Freeburg, Missouri. "Where's that?" He began to tell me about Freeburg. "Nah," I said. "Where's Missouri?" Bernie got a kick out of that. We all knew we were going to Vietnam. Most of us were slated for the infantry and would arrive in country in late 1967. Bernie and others going to flight or artillery school would arrive later. Those going to flight school thought that the infantry types were nuts. We thought that the "zoomies," as we called them, were nuts. Bernie got a kick out of being called a "zoomie" too. Norb sent us photos of Bernie a while back. One showed him leaning on a jeep as a bunch of curious Vietnamese kids milled about in the foreground. He has the half-smile that we knew so well. It was the one he would have back in Quantico when the rest of us were doing something amazingly stupid. The smile wasn't judgmental. It seemed to say, "Isn't that interesting?" To say we loved him would be the half of it. -- Richard Sisk served with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, in Vietnam in 1967-68. He can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. 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. 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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 More than 1,000 Michigan schools would be required to post public notices about their students vaccination waiver rates under a bill recently introduced in the state House. Michigan requires schoolchildren to be immunized against 14 contagious diseases, but also is one of 19 states that allow children to opt out if their parents have a philosophical opposition to vaccination. House Bill 4610, introduced by state Rep. Brian Elder, D-Bay City, would not impact the option for parents to waive their childs vaccinations, but would compel schools with waiver rates over 5 percent to post signs in at least 24-point font noting more than 5 percent of enrolled pupils havent been immunized or protected against diseases. Qualifying schools would also have to post the information on the homepage of the schools website. The state collects immunization data from about 3,900 schools and 3,700 child-care programs. The most recent state data shows 1,000 K-12 schools and 800 day cares have vaccine waiver rates of more than 5 percent, and almost 400 public and private K-12 schools and 295 day care programs had 10 percent or more of their students submit a vaccine waiver form in lieu of immunization records in 2017. Public health officials say schools should have vaccination rates of 95 percent to protect against measles, the most contagious disease, and that schools with high waiver rates are vulnerable to outbreaks of several contagious diseases. Elder said he was compelled to introduce the legislation in part because of the recent measles outbreak in Southeast Michigan. He noted although the state keeps track of how many vaccine waivers each school has, hes not sure most people are aware of the information. Elder said pregnant people, senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems should be aware when they enter a school building whether they are at higher risk of contagious diseases. Whether or not somebody has the right not to vaccinate their child does not give them the right to harm other people that come into contact with their child, he said. The bill was co-sponsored by 10 other House Democrats and was submitted to the Committee on Health Policy for further consideration. The legislation would need to be approved by the full House, Senate and signed by the Governor to become law. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI A man stopped early Monday in connection with the kidnapping of a child in Illinois is hospitalized after a suicide attempt, police say. At about 1 a.m. on May 27, Sycamore Illinois Police contacted Michigan State Police requesting assistance in locating the man who had committed domestic assault against the mother of a 9-month-old child and kidnapped the child, MSP Lt. Darren Green said. The suspect had taken off from Illinois in the mothers vehicle and was heading to Pontiac, Green said. At about 1:56 a.m., a MSP trooper from Jackson spotted the vehicle going east on I-94 in Jackson County, Green said. With help of the MSP Brighton post, troopers followed the subject into Washtenaw County where they made the traffic stop around 2 a.m., Green said. When the suspect realized he was being stopped, Green said, he made a suicide attempt by taking pills. The suspect was hospitalized and will be charged in Washtenaw County after he is released, Green said. The child was examined by EMS on the scene and appeared to be OK, Green said, but was taken to the hospital to have a further checkup. The child will be turned over to Child Protective Services temporarily until the mother or family from Illinois arrive, Green said. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday that he had won the backing of US President Donald Trump for a proposed meeting with North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un. I feel I have to meet face-to-face with Chairman Kim without attaching any preconditions and exchange frank views with him, Abe said. President Trump said he will give full support needed for that. Abe has said that a face-to-face meeting with Kim is the only way to solve the emotional issue of Japanese people who Tokyo believes were abducted by Pyongyang. Kim has so far shown little interest in a summit, AFP said. Abe has full support from Trump for meeting N. Koreas Kim Abe has full support from Trump for meeting N. Koreas Kim Source : RT - Daily news Afghan politicians are set to attend a two-day meeting with the Taliban in Moscow this week, AFP reported officials as saying on Monday. The meeting is scheduled to run on May 27-28 to mark the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Afghanistan. Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said the insurgents were planning to send a delegation to attend the ceremony, without giving details. A spokesman for Afghanistans high peace council said Karim Khalili, who heads the body, will also be in attendance. The council is charged with helping facilitate peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban. Afghan politicians, Taliban to attend a 2-day meeting in Moscow officials Afghan politicians, Taliban to attend a 2-day meeting in Moscow officials Source : RT - Daily news Nationalist parties sailed to victory in the European Union elections as the bloc increasingly became out-of-touch with ordinary people, analysts and politicians told RT, saying that the EU has now turned into a problem. Exit polls show that right-wing and Euroskeptic parties posted significant gains in the European Parliament elections, which ended on Sunday. In France, the UK and Austria, nationalist parties even surged past their pro-EU rivals. As a result, the pro-European bloc EPP and the Social-Democratic alliance S&D have now lost their combined majority. The defeat of the blocs business-as-usual parties is really not surprising when we look at the bigger picture, Uli Brueckner, a professor of European studies at Stanford University in Berlin, told RT. Also on rt.com EU elections over: Exit polls show surge for right-wing & green parties amid high turnout According to Brueckner, the election results present a serious challenge to Brussels narrative of a united, integrated Europe. In the past, we had one consensus on the general narrative that European integration as such is good, because it brings peace, stability, prosperity, and we only disagree on certain ideological differences about whether its clean enough, is it fair enough, is it pro-business. Euroskeptic parties have shattered this consensus, Brueckner noted, adding that political movements across the continent now see the bloc not as the solution [for Europe], but the problem. The momentum against Europes establishment parties was certainly felt in France, where Marine Le Pens National Rally party narrowly beat President Emmanuel Macrons centrist En Marche. Also on rt.com Le Pen calls on Macron to dissolve National Assembly after EU election results Dennis Franceskin, a National Rally representative based in Washington, said that the success of Euroskeptic parties reveals growing dissatisfaction within the bloc. The structure of the European Union is a failure, Franceskin told RT. Many countries have realized now that the EU is not a solution, its actually a problem. The political rivalry between the growing Euroskeptic movement and the pro-Brussels bloc can be described as common sense versus globalism, Maximilian Krah, a politician who belongs to the Alternative for Germany (AfD), argued. Speaking about the electoral gains made by his own party, Krah accused his countrys political establishment of being impervious to the needs of ordinary Germans. We have our roots in rural areas with ordinary people, and they have mass media and the big corporations, he said. Like this story? Share it with a friend! Huawei founder has said that US President Donald Trump's crackdown on the Chinese telecom giant is due to it being more advanced than its competitors, adding that he would not welcome a tit-for-tat against Apple. Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei, told Bloomberg in an interview on Sunday that he would be strongly opposed to targeting Apple in a retaliation against Washington's onslaught on his own company, despite Apple being Huawei's main competitor in the smartphone market. "Apple is my teacher, it advanced in front of us. As a student, why should I oppose my teacher? I would never do it," Ren said, adding that he doubts that Beijing would drag the US company into the ongoing trade row. Also on rt.com Patriot games: Chinese dump iPhones & switch to domestic Huawei devices amid US crackdown "That will not happen, first of all. And second of all, if that happens, I'll be the first to protest. Apple is the world's leading company. If there wasn't Apple, there would have been no mobile Internet," Ren said. Chinese media have reported that local consumers have been ditching Apple iPhones in favor of domestically-built Huawei devices. Social media campaigns in support of Huawei reportedly cite the ongoing trade dispute while urging locals to stock up on Huawei products at Apple's expense. At the same time, Ren dismissed the notion that Huawei's success is driven by technology theft from the US, arguing that "it's more likely that they steal our technology." Huawei's technological superiority is precisely the reason US President Donald Trump is going to such lengths to bar it from the market, Ren believes. Huawei is the world's largest telecom equipment-maker and is trailing only Samsung in the smartphone market after taking over Apple as the second-biggest supplier last year and its CEO is certain a company this big won't be sunk by American sanctions. "If some companies do not want to work with us, it's like a hole in an airplane. We are working to fix the hole, but the airplane is still able to fly," Ren said, adding that Huawei would use more of its own chips instead of buying from the US. In addition to targeting Huawei at home, the US has led a wide-ranging campaign to pressure its allies in Europe and Asia to ditch the Chinese company's 5G equipment citing allegations of spying. While some have fallen in line, most of Europe has been reluctant to cave in without hard proof. "The US managers its own companies. The US is not the international police. They cannot manage the whole world," Ren said. While China has not attempted to bring Apple into the trade feud with the US, Trump has repeatedly suggested using Huawei as bargaining chip. For his part, Ren said he wants nothing to do with Trump and may even refuse to sell Huawei products to the US if it ever expresses a desire to buy. "The US has never bought any products from us. Even if the US ever wants to buy our products in the future, I may not sell to them. There is no need for negotiation. I will ignore Trump, and, with whom he can negotiate? If he calls me, I may not answer." to RT newsletter to get stories the mainstream media wont tell you. Government of Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has lost a no confidence vote in parliament following corruption allegations involving his now ex-vice chancellor. The motion was brought to Austrias lower house of parliament by Peter Pilz, an environmentalist MP. Austrias ruling coalition between Kurz conservative Peoples Party (OVP) and the right-wing Freedom Party (FPO) was rocked by a scandal on May 17. Back then, German media published a video showing vice chancellor and FPO leader Heinz-Christian Strache allegedly soliciting a bribe from a woman who supposedly was a niece of a Russian tycoon. Also on rt.com 'Reminds of Israeli political strategist Tal Silberstein' - Austrian Chancellor on tape scandal Strache resigned following the scandal in order to not to damage the coalition. He slammed the video as a targeted political assassination, saying the released parts were taken out of context. Kurz swiftly distanced himself from the junior coalition partner and called for snap elections as the only way to restore trust in public institutions. Also on rt.com Austrian video scandal is 'two-pronged attack' on EU conservatives & Russia The 32-year old chancellor also proposed the sacking of the interior minister Herbert Kickl who, as Kurz put it, is unfit to lead a probe into his partys leader. Kickls departure was followed by a walkout of FPO ministers. Five out of 13 ministers in Kurzs government left their positions. If you like this story, share it with a friend! US National Security Advisor John Bolton is a war fanatic and defective human product who works to destroy peace rather than maintain it, North Koreas Foreign Ministry has said. The tough assessment, cited by state news agency KCNA, comes after Donald Trumps adviser lambasted Pyongyang for recently carrying out short-range missile tests. Bolton described the drills as no doubt violating UN resolutions. Hitting back, North Koreas Foreign Ministry argued that scrapping missile tests completely would hamper the countrys national security. Demanding us to ban all launches using ballistic technology regardless of range is like asking to give up our right for self-defense. The ministry official added that even in the US Bolton is well-known as a war fanatic and that such a defective human product should go away as soon as possible. Earlier in May, the North Korean military test-fired a number of rockets and missiles. Washingtons war hawks were quick to cite it as another reason to mount pressure on Pyongyang. Also on rt.com Pyongyang testing small weapons disturbed my people but not me Trump Trump for his part wrote on his favorite social media platform, Twitter, that the tests of small weapons did bother some of his people, but not him. The tests have been viewed as a way to put pressure on Washington to roll back sanctions imposed on North Korea, while Bolton is a staunch opponent of easing the restrictions. Bolton should be called an adviser to the destruction of peace and security rather than a security adviser working to secure safety, Pyongyang said. Bolton has been lambasted before for his warmongering position not only in relation to North Korea, but also for looking for a fight with Iran. Former congressman Ron Paul recently told RT that such a position is very dangerous, lamenting Trump for appointing neocons to his team. Also on rt.com Bolton & Pompeo looking for fight with Iran, Trump trapped in the middle Ron Paul Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice demanded an apology after a BBC pundit suggested on national television that the party gets illicit support from Russia. The exchange unfolded during the BBCs coverage of the European elections, when commentator and former Blair press secretary Alastair Campbell made an off-handed remark about rubles while ostensibly praising the Brexit Party for its win. Youve done a very good campaign, your social medias been brilliant, your events have been good, youve had all the rubles coming in, youve done very, very well hats off, Campbell told the party chairman. After a brief delay Tice took on a look of astonishment, as the pundits continued to squabble about the results of the election. Can I just interrupt? Tice said. Alastair Campbell has just tried to smear us, suggesting that rubles have come in. Not a single ruble has come in. Alastair, I think you should apologize. Be big enough on national TV, he added. Campbell refused, making the comment out as a joke and telling Tice not to lose his sense of humor. Youve slurred our campaign, Tice replied. Also on rt.com Brexit Partys formula for success? Uniting right & left against UK establishment Campbell isnt the first to posit murkey ties between Moscow and the Brexit Party or other right-of-center movements in Europe. The theme has become popular in establishment media in Europe and the United States, portraying any unwanted political development as the result of a Russian plot. Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown raised the specter of Russian money last week, just days before the European elections were set to begin, demanding an investigation of the Brexit Partys finances. When the Electoral Commission announced just hours after Browns speech that it would visit the partys headquarters to conduct a review of the systems it has in place to receive funds, party leader Nigel Farage accused the Commission of coordinating with Brown. The Commission did not appear to find any problems with the partys funding mechanism, and maintains the check-up was unrelated to the former PMs comments. If you like this story, share it with a friend! Donald Trump has praised Kim Jong-uns intelligence while commenting on efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula, adding to his growing list of flattering remarks directed at the North Korean leader. Thanks to his well-endowed mental facilities, Kim understands that he must give up North Koreas nuclear weapons if he hopes to develop his country economically, Trump said on Monday. He knows that with nuclear only bad can happen. He is a very smart man, he gets it well, Trump remarked, stressing that North Korea has tremendous economic potential. The kind comment comes one day after the US president tweeted that he had confidence in Kim. Applauding North Koreas recent jab at Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, Trump joked that perhaps Kim was sending him a signal. He famously once described Biden as a low IQ individual a sentiment that was later echoed by a similar insult lobbed at the Democrat by North Korean state media. Also on rt.com Kim 'sending me a signal'? Trump joins in N. Korea's mocking of 'Swampman Joe Bidan' Despite Trumps warm words, relations between Pyongyang and Washington have cooled after a Trump-Kim summit in Hanoi, Vietnam in February ended in gridlock. North Korean diplomats blamed the summits failure on Washingtons refusal to partially lift sanctions in exchange for additional assurances that Pyongyang would not conduct any more long-range missile tests. Like this story? Share it with a friend! Clickbait news site Buzzfeed has been panned by the American right for reporting that an Indiana man who vandalized a synagogue with swastikas was radicalized by none other than conservative Jew Ben Shapiro. The news outlet that published the unprovable Trump pee tape dossier, and had Special Counsel Robert Mueller step in to correct the record on its false bombshell reporting is at it again. This time, Buzzfeed suggested that a man recently sentenced to three years in prison for vandalizing a synagogue in Carmel, Indiana was radicalized by none other than Ben Shapiro. The man and his wife daubed Nazi symbols on the synagogue last year, targeting the house of worship because it was full of ethnic Jews, according to a Justice Department statement. The pair also attempted to create homemade explosive devices to set the building on fire, but were spooked by CCTV cameras. The Justice Department acknowledged that the man, 21-year-old Nolan Brewer, openly identified with Nazism and white supremacy, but Buzzfeed went a little further. According to the outlet, Brewers teenage wife would share articles from right-wing news site Breitbart and conservative commentator Ben Shapiro with her husband, as well as more hardcore material from Stormfront, a well-known white supremacist forum. The American right were in hysterics. A prolific conservative pundit and debater, Ben Shapiro is an orthodox Jew, and regularly wears a Kippah in speeches and public appearances. Shapiro is an outspoken defender of Israel, and an extremely unlikely suspect for encouraging violence against Jews. Conservative pundit Mark Dice called Buzzfeeds article the dumbest thing youll see on the internet this month, while columnist Art Tavana compared the sites pearl-clutching to the moral panic around heavy metal music in the 1980s. To be fair, there was a kernel of truth in Buzzfeeds reporting. Brewers lawyer did in fact mention that his clients wife read Ben Shapiro articles, as part of a sentencing memo pleading for leniency. However, Brewer did not tell federal agents that he was radicalized by the fast-talking Jewish conservative, as Buzzfeed claimed. Brewer did talk to federal agents about his influences, but never mentioned Shapiro to them. Shapiro himself called Buzzfeeds report garbage. Yes, if there's one thing I'm known for as one of the most prominent Orthodox Jews, targets of the alt-right, and critics of the alt-right in America it's directing Nazis to attack synagogues, he quipped. Buzzfeed later removed the tweet stating Brewer had talked with federal agents about Ben Shapiro. Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! The worlds second largest continent, Africa, is experiencing one of the fastest urbanization rates globally and Huawei wants to be a part of it, according to Adam Lane, senior director of public affairs at Huawei Technologies. He told Xinhua News that Huawei is keen to boost environmental sustainability on the continent. African cities can adopt modern technology in the area of water and energy use, communications, security and safety improvement, explained Lane. Huawei is currently in talks with a number of African cities to promote the concept of smart cities, he said during the Business Leaders Dialogue in Nairobi, Kenya. Also on rt.com China pledges $60bn to Africa, rejects debt trap claims The Chinese company is already deploying smart technology in some cities in Kenya, Nigeria and Botswana, according to Lane. Smart technology can be used to better monitor use of environmental resource which improves the sustainability of cities, he said. The Chinese tech giant has also developed innovations to improve the safety of urban residents in Africa. We have developed advanced communication and coordination centers that improve the response time for police and ambulances during times of emergencies, said Lane. Among the top smart city initiatives on the African continent are Konza Techno City in Kenya which is known as Africas Silicon Savannah, and the new coastal city (Eko Atlantic) on Victoria Island in Nigeria. Ghanas own Silicon Valley, the so-called Hope City in Greater Accra region, is expected to change Africas skyline forever. Rwandas Vision City and South Africas Waterfall City are also among the top five smart cities in Africa. For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section Anti-establishment forces had major gains in the EU elections because voters are tired of parties refusing to challenge Brussels, analysts told RT, saying the results also show that migration is still a top issue. Euroskeptic parties made considerable gains in the European Parliament elections, leaving the blocs establishment parties badly battered and searching for answers. Ultimately, analysts told RT, it illustrates how Europeans have run out of patience for politics as usual. Also on rt.com Anti-establishment parties scored big in EU elections since bloc became problem & not solution In the past, whenever the EU found itself in trouble, Brussels would always remedy the crisis by calling for more European integration, Dr. Werner Patzelt, a political science professor at the Technical University of Dresden, noted. And until now, Brussels always got its way. This time it was different, Patzelt told RT. Across the bloc, many people have a feeling that there is too much integration in Europe, that there is too much government by Brussels. This is an anti-EU feeling "that is so widely spread" which has led to the election of right-wing parties. Migration crisis still haunts EU Before heading into the elections, Brussels and its advocates argued that the migration crisis had been largely settled and that immigration was no longer a key issue for European voters. However, the electoral success of Austrias conservative People's Party, led by now-deposed Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, indicates that Europeans still see mass migration as a pressing problem. The party enjoyed a victory that can be attributed to Kurzs strong policies in immigrtion issue, said Patzelt. Also on rt.com Brexit Partys formula for success? Uniting right & left against UK establishment John Laughland, a British conservative author and historian agreed, observing that Kurzs strong electoral showing suggests that his party was in tune with the prevailing political climate in Austria. Kurz has shown himself to be closer to the public mood on issues like immigration and national identity, he said. Meanwhile, concerns over migration were also behind the right-wing push in Italy, Hungary and Poland. Fed up with fake democracy The election has revealed an uncomfortable truth for Europes traditional political parties: voters are no longer satisfied with the status quo. More radical, pro-active parties are siphoning votes from the mainstream political establishment. In Germany, Social Democrats lost to the [left-wing] Greens, and the Christian Democrats lost to the [right-wing] Alternative for Germany, said Patzelt. Basically, the established parties The Social Democrats and the Christian Democrats simply lost their effectiveness for a significant part of the electorate. Laughland argued that there was widespread disenchantment with establishment parties across Europe who are effectively identical on most issues, including European integration. In most European states, there is a de facto coalition, or at least a strong area of agreement, between the two or three main political parties in each country. People have had enough of this coalition of parties that pretend to be opposed to each other but are in fact in agreement on everything. This pattern exists all over Europe, where parties that claim to be opposed to each other are in fact the same. For Laughland, the message to Brussels could not be more clear: People are fed up with this fake democracy where you seem to have a choice but in fact there isnt a choice. Journalist Luc Rivet echoed the statement: The people dont believe in the present Europe anymore, they dont want the United states of Europe, they want their sovereign states. With the pro-European bloc European Peoples Party (EPP) and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) taking hits across the board, they will no longer have the numbers to maintain their majority in parliament. Rivet suggested that their only hope now is to form an alliance of the losers with the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE). If you like this story, share it with a friend! Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Force Army General Oleg Salyukov and Chief of the Ground Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Lieutenant General Goro Yuasa have discussed military cooperation of the two countries at a meeting in Moscow, TASS reports. The state and prospects of the development of bilateral military cooperation were discussed at the negotiations, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday. The Japanese officers also visited the military scientific center of the Russian Armed Forces Combined Arms Academy, where they studied the training process for commanders of different army units. The members of the Japanese military delegation will also visit the Kantemirovskaya Tank Division, according to the ministry. Ground force commanders from Russia, Japan discuss military cooperation in Moscow Ground force commanders from Russia, Japan discuss military cooperation in Moscow Source : RT - Daily news South Africa held the inauguration of newly elected President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday, but one young pilot stole the headlines and shot to international fame as South Africa's first black female fighter pilot. Major Mandisa Nomcebo Mfeka, 32, was born in Ntuzuma, just outside Durban on South Africas east coast. Mfeka loved aviation from the age of five and realised her dream of taking to the skies in 2008 when she joined the South African Air Force (SAAF), earning her wings just three years later. Mfekas meteoric rise to fame was further cemented during Saturdays ceremony when she led the Hawks display team flyover to mark Ramaphosas inauguration at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. She quickly became an online sensation in South Africa and beyond, with people send her support, hailing "girl power" and saying Mfeka's history-making achievement has made them "proud to be South African." The first time I realized I could join the air force and become a pilot was when I was 16 when I was doing research about careers in maths and science, and I remember coming across an article by the South African Air Force, Mfeka said in an interview. When asked about her role as a combat fighter pilot, she described it as an amazing experience that is so mentally stimulating. Also on rt.com Air Indias youngest Boeing 777 commander inspiring the next generation of female pilots I love it, she concluded. Mfeka wasnt the only woman in charge in the skies on inauguration day, and was accompanied by 33-year-old Major Nandi Zandi, who commanded a Lockheed C-130 Hercules in the formation display. Like this story? Share it with a friend! Israel moved towards a new election after parliament gave preliminary approval on Monday to a dissolution motion as PM Benjamin Netanyahus efforts to form a government remained deadlocked. In order to disperse and set an election date, parliament would still have to hold a final vote. It is unlikely to take place before Wednesday, when a deadline for the prime minister to announce a governing coalition expires, Reuters said. Israel last held an election in April. Netanyahu has struggled to seal an agreement with a clutch of right-wing, far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties that would ensure him a fifth term. Israeli parliament gives preliminary approval to dissolution motion Israeli parliament gives preliminary approval to dissolution motion Source : RT - Daily news Greece's left-wing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, whose Syriza party has suffered a major blow at the European polls, has said he would ask the country's president to call early elections. With a third of the ballots counted, Tsipras' Syriza is trailing some 10 percent behind its main rival, conservative New Democracy Party. According to the preliminary results, Syriza has gained 24 percent of the vote, while the conservatives stand at over 33 percent. In a televised speech, Tsipras said that the outcome of the elections was far from what he had hoped for, but noted that it won't discourage him from political work. "I will not run away or quit the struggle for equality, solidarity, social justice," he said. Also on rt.com Greek MPs back Macedonia name-change deal in narrow vote amid repeated protests New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis has been celebrating the conservatives' strong performance at the polls. In his victory speech, he said that by voting down Syriza, Greeks have "sent a strong message" that they have no more confidence in the socialists' ability to run the country. "The political change demanded by the citizens has already begun," Mitsotakis said. Syriza has not only lost ground in the European vote, but also in the local elections that gave the New Democracy control over most of the country's regions. The conservative candidates emerged as frontrunners in the mayoral races in the capital Athens and in Thessaloniki, where run-offs will be held. Tsipras came to power in Greece in January 2015 on the back of a promise to fight harsh austerity measures imposed on his country by the EU. However, he soon reneged on his initial pledge and struck an agreement with international creditors, arguing it was a life and death decision for the country plagued by a severe economic crisis. Tsipras prevented Greece's exit from the Eurozone, but drew criticism for not standing up to the EU powerhouses. READ MORE: Merkel inspects the desert she made: Varoufakis slams German chancellors visit to Greece Despite the fact that the economy has been gradually rebounding under Tsipras, and is projected to grow by 2.2 percent this year, the recovery was not enough to sway the voters as a third of the county's population still live in poverty or at an imminent risk of falling into it. Tsipras is credited with the settlement of the decades-old name dispute between Greece and North Macedonia, clearing the latter's way to the EU after an agreement between the nations was reached last June. Greece had objected to the Balkan country's EU accession bid for years, rejecting to recognize it under its previous name, "Republic of Macedonia." to RT newsletter to get stories the mainstream media wont tell you. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will come into force on Thursday. It will be the largest free trade agreement by population that the world has seen since the 1995 creation of the World Trade Organization. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said over the weekend that the required 22 ratifications have been received. The latest two ratifications, Sierra Leone and the Sahrawi Republic, were received by the African Union (AU) on April 29. All but three (Benin, Eritrea and Nigeria) of Africas 55 countries have signed up to the deal. The UN said if Nigeria joins the AfCFTA then intra-African trade could grow by more than 50 percent in the next five years. Also on rt.com Chinas new Silk Road to link Africa's huge market to the rest of the world official According to statistics, cited by the ministry, when the agreement enters into force it will affect more than 1.2 billion people, with a total domestic product of about $3.4 trillion. It will cut duties on 90 percent of goods on the continent. The deal could boost intra-African trade by 52.3 percent, the UN said. Rwandan President Paul Kagame hailed it as a new chapter in African unity. The African Unions trade commissioner Albert Muchanga told Fortune: When you look at the African economies right now, their basic problem is fragmentation. Also on rt.com Russia may participate in construction of Trans-African railway Theyre very small economies in relation to the rest of the world. Investors find it very difficult to come up with large-scale investments in those small markets, he said, adding: Were moving away from fragmentation, to attract long-term and large-scale investment. AfCFTA has been a flagship project of the African Unions Agenda 2063 development vision for five years. The AfCFTA proposal was approved in 2012 and the members started working on a draft in 2015. In March 2018, the leaders of 44 African countries endorsed the agreement in Rwanda. AfCFTA participants are reportedly weighing the possibility of using a common currency. For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section If China follows through on its retaliatory threat of raising US liquefied natural gas (LNG) tariffs from 10 to 25 percent, US exports will be hit hard but another country is waiting to gain from it. Australia is poised to fill the gap for China, with its booming LNG sector well positioned. Last year, China imported 23 million tons of LNG from Australia, which made up about 42 percent of Australias exports. That figure could be increasing. US LNG exports to China have plunged 80 percent this financial year, compared to the same time last year. President Trumps threat to add an additional $300 billion in tariffs on China caused China to retaliate last week with the threat of raising tariffs to 25 percent on these imports starting June 1. Also on rt.com China's other nuclear option in trade war with US Rare earth materials LNG producers in the US and other major LNG exporters will be anxiously waiting to see how the tariffs could impact major natural gas production plant developments especially future projects in the works or awaiting approval. China is expected to go from about 53 million tons of LNG imports in 2018 to about 93 million tons in 2025 as it moves steadily to become the worlds largest gas importer. "Overall, this is a positive for the marketing of Australian LNG," said Credit Suisse energy analyst Saul Kavonic about China looking to stabilize its supply. "US LNG is a competitor to Australia, so the tariffs work to take Australia's main competitor out of the market, Kavonic said Kavonic sees the trade war raising the risk of Chinese buyers looking to sign 20-year trade deals on imports. A Wood Mackenzie study forecasts a $200 billion surge in new LNG development projects, with production sites capable of about 90 million tons expected to reach final investment commitments over the next two years. Much of that new LNG development was slated to take place in the US, according to the study. Trump has hoped to fuel Americas role as a leading global LNG exporter. These construction projects were expected to support the countrys shale gas boom. The US is the fastest-growing LNG exporter in the world, and analysts predict the country will rank right behind Qatar and Australia by the end of this year. The US had a 53 percent increase in LNG exports in 2018 over the previous year. The US Energy Information Administration projects continued increases in American LNG export capacity will soon make the country the worlds third-largest LNG exporter. But China is a major LNG customer, now the second biggest LNG importer in the world behind Japan. While the latest threat in tariff increases is serious, the broader trade war is expected to have a larger impact especially on long-term natural gas development projects. Rystad Energy forecasts that US LNG export volumes will nearly quadruple over the next few years, based on currently sanctioned projects. The company expects that some of the more expensive development projects could struggle to offer competitive terms to buyers, and hurt projects aimed at Chinese exports. Also on rt.com Stupid economics: Attack on Huawei tells world to avoid doing business with US - Prof. Wolff Rystad Energy gas analyst Sindre Knuttson cited US-based gas group Cheniere Energy as a likely casualty of the trade war. Cheniere had signed a 20-year deal to annually supply 2 million tons of LNG to Chinese state-owned company Sinopec starting in 2023, but finalizing this deal has been delayed. Nikos Tsafos, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC, also sees a long-term impact on LNG exports that can hurt US exporters. For now, though, Tsafos sees pre-tariff conditions moderating the effects. Some US LNG reached Chinese buyers through portfolio companies with multiple supply sources and customers. On the other side of the issue, Chinas three large national oil companies spurned long-term contracts with US suppliers because they simply did not trust the United States, Tsafos said. But the next wave of US LNG projects already in the works could be hurt by a global perception of the trade war disrupting LNG, undermining confidence in energy security and an open market for LNG and energy overall. Those second-order effects are likely to be far more important than whether US LNG can flow to China, Tsafos said. This article was originally published on Oilprice.com Only lost souls protest the construction of churches, as has happened recently in Yekaterinburg, because the Orthodox faith is the blood of the Russian people and essential for their survival, a high-ranked cleric has said. Almost 100 demonstrators were detained in Yekaterinburg mid-May during a week of heated unsanctioned protests against the reconstruction of the church of St. Catherine. It was demolished in 1930 and replaced by a park, which the protestors now want to keep. Today the [Orthodox] Church is facing a challenge. This challenge came from Yekaterinburg, Metropolitan of Ekaterinburg and Verkhoturye Kirill commented on the tense events in the largest city in Russias Urals. Its just like 100 years ago when the shots were fired and the blood of the Royal martyrs was spilled. The Metropolitan expressed belief that the killing of the last Russian Emperor, Nicholas II, and his family by the Bolsheviks in Yekaterinburg in July 1918 marked the beginning of the genocide of the Russian people. However, he pointed out that those who protest the construction of church and deride the Orthodox values were still our brothers, our children, who got loss due to their lack of faith. God grant that with time by experiencing some personal growth theyll understand that the existence of our Fatherland is impossible without Orthodoxy because it is the very blood of Russian people. Any living creature will die if the blood in its veins gets cold and the same goes for a country left without a source of spiritual power and moral basis, Kirill explained. The construction of the church of St. Catherine in central Yekaterinburg was eventually put on hold, while Vladimir Putin suggested that a poll should be carried out to find out what the population really thinks about the project. Theres a simple solution hold an opinion poll and the minority should follow the majority. Thats how democracy works. Yet, of course, the minority opinion must be noted as well, the president said. Also on rt.com Firecrackers, scuffles & arrests: Church construction protesters face off with riot police (VIDEOS) Yekaterinburg authorities are currently deciding on how to carry out the survey so that it would be the most inclusive and representative. Theyre also accepting ideas for an alternative location where the church could be built and have already received more than 8,000 suggestions. Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! The long-discussed deep water port project near Kaliningrad, Russia has won the support of President Vladimir Putin, Kommersant newspaper reports. The construction of the shipping hub with a 48-million-ton capacity and linked infrastructure including railway and roads, may cost more than US$3.1 billion (200 billion rubles). One quarter of the sum may come from the Russian budget, while the rest is set to be covered by investors. Also on rt.com Russias Arctic shipping route to attract over $11 billion in investments Putin has already greenlighted the project, Kommersant reports, citing a letter from the presidential aide, Andrey Belousov. The adviser to the Russian leader suggested creating a business-plan for the hub to prove its efficiency. The document is reportedly set to be reviewed by the government by September 1. The construction of the port in the region has been under consideration since the 2000s. An additional terminal for passengers and cargo is under construction in the same area, in the coastal town of Pionersky. Also on rt.com Putin vows to connect Russias Northern Sea Route with Chinas Maritime Silk Road The new port could potentially attract a cargo base using the federal government support, Mikhail Burmistrov, CEO of INFOLine-Analitika told Kommersant. The analyst stressed, however, that it may still face some difficulties in finding investors. For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section Qatar says that it has received an invitation from Saudi Arabia to attend emergency regional talks to discuss mounting tensions between Tehran and Washington. Riyadh had called two gatherings one for Arab League members, the other for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regional bloc nations after a spate of attacks. Several tankers in Gulf waters were targeted under mysterious circumstances and a Saudi crude pipeline was hit by drone strikes coordinated by Yemen rebels who Riyadh said were acting on Iranian orders, AFP reported. Qatars emir has received a written message inviting the government to join the crisis talks, the governments information office in Doha said. The invitation was received by Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani during a meeting with the secretary general of the GCC, the statement said. Saudi Arabia invites Qatar to talks over Iran tensions Doha Saudi Arabia invites Qatar to talks over Iran tensions Doha Source : RT - Daily news South Korea's largest energy and chemical company, SK innovation, has boosted oil shipments from Russia and other exporters to offset Iranian condensate supplies it lost after the end of US sanction waivers. The share of Iranian condensate was high, but that has been replaced with crude oil from Russia, Kazakhstan and Qatar and we also have been diversifying our crude sources, the companys chief executive, Choi Nam-kyu, told journalists on Monday, according to Reuters. Also on rt.com Winners & losers from Iranian oil sanctions Seoul had to find new suppliers after the latest round of US sanctions against the Islamic Republic, which hit the Iranian oil sector hard. The restrictions were re-imposed by the Trump administration after Washington unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and several world powers. Since then the US has been threatening to cut Iranian crude exports to zero. Some crude importers, including China and Taiwan, India, Turkey, Greece, Japan, Italy, and South Korea were allowed to continue imports of Iranian oil. However, the US refused to renew the sanction waivers and since May 2 those who continue buying Iranian crude risk facing US sanctions. Also on rt.com Crude mood: Oil prices soar as US set to sanction countries buying Iranian crude South Korea was one of the largest buyers of Iranian condensate, which is an extremely light form of crude. It is mostly used for producing vehicle fuel, such as gasoline, or diluting heavier crude oils. South Korea started bracing for the lack of Iranian supplies last year, and spent around US$9 billion to buy and test some 23 different types of condensate from 15 countries, according to Reuters. For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu struggles to form a coalition government, his friend from across the Atlantic, President Donald Trump, has thrown his support with no scruples about meddling in Israeli politics. Hoping things will work out with Israel's coalition formation and Bibi and I can continue to make the alliance between America and Israel stronger than ever, Trump tweeted on Monday. A lot more to do! Also on rt.com Israels political future in limbo as Netanyahu struggles to form coalition Israel moved towards a new election on Monday, after parliament gave preliminary approval to a dissolution motion. Netanyahus efforts to form a coalition have thus far been hamstrung by divisions between his Likud party and a clutch of right-wing and orthodox Jewish parties who lent him their support in last months elections. Such a motion would likely come after Wednesday, when Netanyahus deadline to announce a governing coalition expires. Some Israeli media and politicians criticized the move as interference in the country's domestic affairs. "Trump's move is unprecedented because it is an intervention in coalition negotiations in a different country in order to help one the political players, and more so because it is done publicly," tweeted Barak Ravid, senior correspondent with Channel 13. Under Trump and Netanyahu, the US and Israel have solidified their already cosy alliance. Trump granted several high-profile wishes of his Israeli counterpart, including moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, withdrawing from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and recognizing Israels sovereignty over the disputed Golan Heights region. Like this story? Share it with a friend! Export of Swiss goods to Russia surged over 10 percent last year, reaching nearly 80 percent of the pre-crisis levels, according to Tobias Privitelli, the deputy head of the Swiss diplomatic mission in Russia. The deputy ambassador added that Switzerland has been exporting vast volumes of pharmaceutical products, equipment and electronics. Mutual trade between the countries had been declining by about 13 percent from 2017 through 2018, according to Privitelli. Also on rt.com Meager US-Russia trade sees 25% surge with diplomatic relations at all time low However, exports from Switzerland to Russia grew by 12 percent, which is highly significant. Thats 80 percent of exports volumes we had in 2013, before the crisis, he said. Swiss pharmaceuticals reportedly accounted for 49 percent of the countrys entire exports to Russia, while equipment and electronics totaled 17 percent. The share of Swiss watch, jewelry and some other luxury items also reached 17 percent. Agricultural products became the third largest export item, accounting for 8.5 percent. Also on rt.com Ukraine admits economy suffers dramatic losses thanks to anti-Russian policy The top diplomat highlighted the growth of Swiss investments in Russia that saw a modest increase of 1.5 percent over the specified period. Zurich-based multinational ABB Group, which specializes in robotics, power, heavy electrical equipment and automation technology sectors, established a new engineering branch in Russias Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea. Switzerland is still one of Russias top ten international investors, Privitelli said. Further investments may reportedly be focused in areas such as culture, technologies and the environment. For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section Washington isnt seeking regime change in Iran, President Donald Trump has said, as the US continues to beef up its military might in the Gulf region amid ongoing tensions with Tehran. Were not looking for regime change, were looking for no nuclear weapons, Trump claimed at a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. DETAILS TO FOLLOW US 'not looking for regime change' in Iran Trump US 'not looking for regime change' in Iran Trump Source : RT - Daily news US sanctions threaten the security of the Middle East, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has warned. Araqchi made his statement while on a diplomatic tour of the Gulf region, following military tension with the US. Speaking in Kuwait on Monday, Araqchi said that Washingtons policy of economic sanctions threatened the security of the entire region, according to a statement on the Foreign Ministrys website. Countries in the region should be vigilant about this threat, he added. Araqchis pronouncement came after several weeks of escalating military tensions in the Persian Gulf. The US deployed an aircraft carrier group and bomber aircraft to the region citing unspecified Iranian threats, and following alleged acts of Iranian sabotage on commercial oil tankers near the Emirati port of Fujairah, earlier this month. Also on rt.com US not looking for regime change in Iran, says Trump, beefing up military in Middle East Both sides have bandied threats at each other, but Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the notion of open conflict two weeks ago, saying We don't seek a war, and they dont either. Nevertheless, US President Donald Trump announced the deployment of 1,500 troops to the Middle East on Saturday, ostensibly for defensive purposes. After waving the stick, Trump then dangled the carrot on Monday. I do believe that Iran would like to talk, he said. And if theyd like to talk, wed like to talk also. No talks Although Araqchi stated on Sunday that there are no direct or indirect talks between Iran and the US, the diplomat embarked on a tour of three Gulf states the same day, to discuss cooperation and development. Araqchi visited Oman on Sunday and Kuwait on Monday, and will wrap up the tour with a visit to Qatar. At the same time, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif visited Pakistan and Iraq over the weekend. Speaking in Baghdad on Sunday, Zarif welcomed dialog with Iraq, which fought a brutal war against Iran under Saddam Hussein in the 1980s. The eight-year conflict claimed more than a million lives and ended in stalemate in 1988. Zarif proposed a non-aggression pact with its neighbors, some of whom are US allies. However, he also cautioned that the Islamic Republic is ready to defend itself against any attack, be it an economic war or a military one. Also on rt.com Iran proposes non-aggression pact to Gulf neighbors as regional tensions soar The Iranian FM also spoke out against US sanctions, enforced since Washington unilaterally pulled out of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, or Iran Deal) last year, saying the US is bullying other countries into compliance with its unilateral measures. to RT newsletter to get stories the mainstream media wont tell you. Outgoing Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has hit out at his political rivals for toppling his government with a no confidence motion, which passed despite his partys runaway success in the European Parliament elections. I can understand the feeling of revenge, the wish to put yourself in a better position for the election, Kurz said in parliament on Monday. But what I truly cant understand is that this vote of no confidence against me is now being extended to the entire government. Kurz Austrian Peoples Party (OVP) lost a no confidence vote in the Austrian parliament earlier on Monday. The vote was brought by the left-wing Social Democrats (SPO), and supported by the OVPs former coalition partners the right-wing Freedom Party (FPO), angry at Kurz for sacking their interior minister after the tapes scandal. Also on rt.com Austrias Chancellor Kurz loses no confidence vote following corruption scandal Kurz may be right about a vote not being in the publics interest. Despite the left and right teaming up to bring down his government, Kurzs OVP delivered a knockout performance in the weekends European Parliament elections, taking 35 percent of the vote to emerge as the countrys top party. The SPO took 23 percent, while the FPO took 17. Im almost speechless, Kurz told supporters in Vienna on Sunday. We achieved the best result of all time, and the biggest distance from second place of all time. It is simply unbelievable. Across Europe, the results were similar. Nationalist and anti-establishment parties like Nigel Farages Brexit Party in the UK and Marine Le Pens National Rally in France recorded record successes, knocking the center-right EPP and center-left S&D blocs from their combined majority in the parliament. Also on rt.com EU election results show people are fed up with fake democracy For Kurz, the results could spell a road to redemption, former Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini told RT. The current parliament voted no, while the voters voted yes to Chancellor Kurz, Frattini said. What will be extremely important for the chancellor is to show a rapid capacity to get out of the crisis and present a fresh program for Austria. Kurz attacked the SPO and FPO in a speech on Monday, saying we have only heard one thing, that Kurz must go, that's the only platform of those two parties and I'm afraid to say I must disappoint them both: I'm still here. Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! Tokyo has agreed to purchase 105 brand-new US-produced F-35 warplanes, US President Donald Trump said on Monday during his state visit to Japan. The announcement comes as Washington locks horns with Turkey over the planes. The arms deal would give Japan the largest F-35 fleet among Washingtons allies, Trump told reporters following talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Also on rt.com Russia ready to replace American F-35s with own Su-57s if Ankaras deal with US fails Sharing some wisdom, the US president also proudly explained that the planes are stealth because the fact is you can't see them. Lavishing more praise on the fifth-generation high-tech weaponry, he noted that Tokyo was among the top buyers of American arms last year. DETAILS TO FOLLOW The Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is likely to present the first full budget for 2019-20 around July 10. No date has been finalized yet. There is still time. It will be decided after the swearing-in ceremony and once a minister takes charge. But it will be around July 10 in all probability," a senior government official who did not wished to be named told Moneycontrol. Usually the budget exercise gets over by July 15 and this year too it's likely to be the same, the official said. "The budget meetings have already begun. So a date will also be finalized soon," the official said. The BJP government had presented its Interim budget in February, before the Lok Sabha elections. The then stand in Finance minister Piyush Goyal had announced a relief package of Rs 75,000 crore under a new scheme PM Kisaan Samman Nidhi for distressed farmers. Related stories Kamalika Ghosh Senior Correspondent|Moneycontrol Farm sector slowdown snowballed into a big political issue ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in April-May. Prices fell sharply in many commodities, pummeled by a production glut, forcing many farmers to dump their produce at extremely low prices that hardly covers for their cost. "The budget will definitely have an agrarian focus, because that was an election issue and now the government has to deliver on it to tackle the slowdown in rural consumption," the official said. The incumbent BJP was fighting for a second term in 2019 and romped home with landslide victory, with the BJP winning 303 seats and decimating the main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, to a 52 seats. Goyal had also proposed an increase in the amount of standard deduction for salaried individuals. In his Budget speech, the interim finance minister proposed to increase the amount of standard deduction by Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 from Rs 40,000 earlier. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) plan to dispose of assessment cases involving companies struck off by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) after demonetisation may not be achieved within the June 30 deadline. CBDT wants to revive these companies so that it can collect outstanding taxes from them. Sources told Moneycontrol that the CBDT and MCA are still discussing if there is a statutory requirement for the companies to be revived so that tax claims can be made on them. This apart, many tax officials being on election duty too has slowed the process. The CBDT had issued a central action plan last month setting a deadline of June 30 to complete filing of references before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in case of struck off companies under 248 (5) of the Companies Act, 2013. However, the MCA feels there is no need to revive struck off companies for collecting the tax outstanding against them. A source in the MCA told Moneycontrol said that section of 248 of the Companies Act allowed for collection of statutory taxes from companies without having to revive them. The CBDT has identified more than 4000 struck off companies for collection of taxes. Another source said that the CBDT did not respond when MCA intimated it before striking off the companies soon after demonetisation. A tax expert who did not want to be identified said raising tax demands on these companies did not make sense. The MCA struck off these companies because they did not have any business worth mentioning, how can they be asked to pay tax, the tax expert said. An income tax official said that the department will also focus on companies, which are going to approach to NCLT under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. The department recently realised that it will have to get itself listed as an operational creditor of a company in order to be eligible to obtain its dues during the debt resolution process at the IBC. So far, for instance, the Income Tax Department Mumbai has filed not a single application seeking to be listed as an operational creditor in IBC. Yes Bank's new CEO Ravneet Gill is a man on a mission. Other than cleaning up the balance-sheet of the beleaguered private sector lender, Gill wants to build his A-team and ensure that the RBI does not find any governance and compliance lapses under his watch. Moneycontrol has learnt exclusively from multiple sources that Gill has decided to rope in banking veteran and IDFC First Bank's General Counsel & Group Head (Legal & Compliance ) Dr Rajeev Uberoi to spearhead the compliance and governance related functions at Yes Bank. "Uberoi may join Yes Bank shortly, post the completion of exit formalities at IDFC First Bank. Compliance and governance assume great significance now for Yes Bank, in the aftermath of RBI's adverse observations on the bank's practices under the previous management," a source said. "Uberoi has retired from IDFC First Bank and was on an extension. He is likely to be headed to Yes Bank and his last working day at IDFC First Bank is May 31, 2019," added another source. Both IDFC First Bank & Yes Bank declined to comment. Uberoi was also not available for an immediate comment. Uberoi joined IDFC as General Counsel and Group Head-Legal and Compliance in 2009 and was instrumental in setting up the governance structure of the firm and worked on the demerger of IDFC Limited & IDFC Bank Limited in 2015. He has worked in the banking & finance space for more than three decades and has worked as an in-house counsel in multi-functional & multi -jurisdictional organisations. Prior to joining IDFC Limited, Uberoi worked with Standard Chartered Bank, where he was Regional Head - Operational Risk & Assurance, South Asia. In his previous stints, he has worked with several domestic and multinational banks such as Union Bank of India, State Bank of India, Reserve Bank of India as Asst. General Manager, Dept. of Banking Supervision and Citibank as Vice President & Regulatory Head; ANZ Grindlays Bank as Head - Risk Management & Compliance - India. RBI had cut short former Yes Bank MD & CEO Rana Kapoor's tenure until 31st January 2019 after reportedly detecting serious corporate governance and compliance issues in the functioning of the private sector lender. The bank had come under the regulator's lens after it reported substantial divergences in classification of NPAs as compared to the assessment by RBI. Gill, previously the CEO of Deutsche Bank's India operations, took over as the MD & CEO of Yes Bank on March 1, 2019. Recently, the RBI had appointed former deputy governor R Gandhi as an additional director on the board of Yes Bank for two years. Talks between Etihad Airways, the Hinduja Group and AdiGro Aviation to revive Jet Airways have entered a crucial phase, with the three sides talking about operational role and representation on the board of the Indian airline. Sources say that the banks, led by State Bank of India, are now "more flexible" while restructuring Jet Airways' debts of over Rs 8,000 crore. This will help bringing in the investors. "The talks should be over by the end of the month, and the binding agreements should be in place by June," said a source close the development. While Etihad Airways, which holds 24 percent stake in Jet Airways, has asked for key operational roles in the Indian carrier, AdiGro Aviation is eyeing the top posts. AdiGroup founder Sanjay Viswanathan confirmed the talks and said the firm is ready to put in Rs 2,500 crore for 24.9 percent stake in Jet Airways. "I have been clear that as the single-largest investor who is also writing the largest cheque in this round, our limited partners want me to be the Chairman and we need at least three non-executive directors on the Board," he told Moneycontrol. "CEO and CFO should be our picks," he added. The Hindujas may not ask for an operational role in Jet Airways, continuing with their tried and tested strategy, where they take strategic stakes in companies, but leave the operations to professionals. Etihad Airways, which was the only shortlisted bidder to put in a proposal, has proposed to put in Rs 1,700 crore in Jet Airways and wants to retain a minority stake in the Indian company. The banks may be open to taking a haircut of up to 85 percent, said sources. If they do, this will help restructure debt and make the investment in Jet Airways a more viable option for the investors. Viswanathan added that "we expect banks to move more swiftly and make things happen," now with the new NDA government set to form the government after the record mandate. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More State-owned power equipment maker Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) reported a 49.3 percent year-on-year growth in March quarter profit due to lower other expenses and tax cost. Profit shot up to Rs 683 crore, against Rs 457.2 crore in same quarter last year. Revenue from operations during the quarter increased 0.8 percent to Rs 10,297 crore compared to year-ago period, BHEL said. The growth was held by power business that fell 2.5 percent to Rs 8,103.4 crore while its industry segment showed a 14 percent YoY growth in revenue at Rs 1,733 crore for the quarter ended March 2019. Company's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 8 percent year-on-year to Rs 1,395.2 crore and margin expanded 90 bps to 13.5 percent compared to same quarter last fiscal. Other expenses during the quarter fell sharply by 43 percent to Rs 1,081 crore and tax cost also declined 12 percent to Rs 603 crore YoY. The stock was quoting at Rs 70.35, up Rs 1.35, or 1.96 percent on the BSE, at the time of publishing this copy. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More InterGlobe Aviation, the operator of low cost carrier IndiGo, reported a whopping 401.2 percent year-on-year growth in March quarter profit at Rs 589.6 crore, but full-year net fell significantly due to higher oil prices. The profit in Q4FY18 at Rs 117.64 crore was low due to inflated fuel prices, the key portion of operating expenses. The suspension of operations by Jet Airways also benefitted the company in Q4FY19. Revenue during the quarter grew by 35.9 percent year-on-year to Rs 7,883.3 crore, the company said in its filing. At operating level, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and rent (EBITDAR) shot up 93.7 percent to Rs 2,192.6 crore and margin jumped 830 bps to 27.8 percent compared to the same period last year. Numbers were ahead of analyst estimates. Profit was expected at Rs 470 crore on revenue of Rs 7,700 crore and EBITDAR was estimated at Rs 2,114 crore with margin at 26.7 percent for the quarter, according to a CNBC-TV18 poll estimates. Yield increased by 12 percent to Rs 3.70 per km in Q4FY19, against Rs 3.31 per km in the corresponding period last fiscal. Total expenses for the quarter jumped 28.9 percent year-on-year to Rs 7,643 crore including fuel cost of Rs 2,781.3 crore which increased by 19 percent YoY. For the financial year 2018-19, profit fell 93 percent to Rs 156.1 crore but revenue increased 23.8 percent to Rs 28,496.8 crore. "Fiscal 2019 was a tough year for the airline industry in India because of high fuel prices, weak rupee and an intense competitive environment. However, it is a tale of two halves for IndiGo, with the first half of the year incurring losses and the second half of the year experiencing a sharp recovery. Looking ahead, it is difficult not to be bullish about the future," Ronojoy Dutta, CEO said. InterGlobe said it has a strong balance sheet with total cash of Rs 15,308.1 crore, including free cash of Rs 6,079.6 crore. The total debt as of March 2019 was Rs 2,429.2 crore and entire debt for IndiGo is aircraft related, it added. The company will pay a dividend of Rs 5 per share. Representative image The commerce ministry is considering a major export promotion scheme to ensure expeditious refund of central and state taxes and levies to boost shipments in the wake of global challenges at trade front, an official said. The proposal is part of a 100-day action plan prepared by the ministry for the new government which will take office on May 30. A new export promotion scheme has become necessary as the existing merchandise exports for India (MEIS) scheme is being opposed by the US in the World Trade Organisation (WTO), stating it is not in compliance with global trade norms, the official said. The new scheme could be named as Central and State Taxes and Levies Scheme. According to the proposal, the new scheme would ensure refund of all un-rebated central and state levies and taxes imposed on inputs that are consumed in exports of all sectors. Major un-rebated levies are - state VAT/ central excise duty on fuel used in transportation, captive power, farm sector; mandi tax; duty of electricity; stamp duty on export documents, purchases from unregistered dealers; embedded CGST and compensation cess coal used in the production of electricity. Initiatives by Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu has helped in taking exports to an all-time high of USD 331 billion in 2018-19. The ministry has also proposed to Introduce a WTO compliant production-based support scheme to increase outbound shipments. The department of commerce is consulting with all the concerned stakeholders to frame this scheme to promote high potential sectors like electronics, telecom, hi-tech engineering, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and technical textiles. "We are consulting the stakeholders to propose production based government assistance. We will finalise the architecture of the scheme very soon," the official said. Any government support which is subject to export performance becomes a prohibited subsidy under WTO norms. The ten-point action plan has also proposed the launch of a new five-year foreign trade policy (2020-25) on September 1 this year and promote shipments of the services sector. The current policy will end in March 2020. The policy provides guidelines for enhancing exports with the overall objective of pushing economic growth and generating employment. "The new policy would include new export schemes while retaining important existing schemes. It will also include modern IT system with end to end IT enablement of all interfaces and processes of DGFT (directorate general of foreign trade) with exporters and other ministries/ agencies," the official said. The other proposals include resolution of WTO issues like on agriculture sector; steps to revive special economic zones (SEZs), implementation of agriculture export policy; disbursal of funds under Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme and promotion of Government e-marketplace (GeM) portal for public procurement. For SEZs, the ministry has proposed measures such as uniformity in administrative and financial matters among all zones; integrated online portal for processing new investment requests, easy operational and exit-related matters, procedural relaxations. Besides, the commerce ministry would consider allowing alternate sectors to invest in sector-specific SEZs, the flexibility of long term lease for developers and tenants, facility of sub-contracting for customers outside these zones and flexibility in usage of non-processing area by developers. "We need bold measures to revive investment, promote manufacturing and exports from SEZs. The new SEZ policy needs to be future ready, investor-friendly and correspond to global market needs," the official added. The ministry has also planned to roll out national logistics policy, multi-modal logistic policy, integrated national logistics action plan, and logistics planning and performance management tool. "Multi-Modal Transportation of Goods bill will be introduced in Parliament. The new bill will replace the existing MMTG Act, 1993. The new Bill introduces new concepts like regulation of self-regulatory agencies etc," the official said. Prabhu has taken a series of steps to cut logistics time and cost to push both domestic and foreign trade. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Indian market witnessed another strong day of gains on May 27 as Sensex rallied over 200 points while the Nifty reclaimed 11,900 on closing basis. Lets look at the final tally the S&P BSE Sensex closed 248 points higher at 39,683 while the Nifty50 added 80 points to end at 11,924. The Nifty Bank rose 435 points or 1.39 percent to close at 31,647. Benchmark indices rallied about 4 percent each last week and a stable day of gains on May 27 suggests continuity of the ongoing rally. In terms of sectors, the S&P BSE Capital Goods index rose 3 percent, followed by the S&P BSE Power index, which was up 2.8 percent and the S&P BSE Metal index that gained 2.2 percent. The broader market outperformed benchmark indices as the S&P BSE Midcap index rose 1.1 percent while the S&P BSE Smallcap index closed 1.77 percent higher. Most experts feel many stocks in broader markets are available at attractive valuations. It is very attractive to invest in mid and smallcaps in spite of runaway in prices during the last few trading sessions. The economy is expected to revamp from the second half of FY20 led by growth agenda, Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services Ltd told Moneycontrol. On average they are available at one year forward P/E of 15x compared to an average of 18x in the last five year with a peak of 25x. The undercurrent is expected to be buoyant with hope over the upcoming final budget, he said. Top Sensex gainers include names like Tata Steel (up 5.7 percent), Yes Bank (3.7 percent) and NTPC (up 3.2 percent). Top gainers include IndusInd Bank (down 2.3 percent), and RIL and Asian Paints that were down 1-2 percent. Stocks in news: Narayana Hrudayalaya shares climbed 13 percent after the company reported healthy earnings growth in Q4. The multi-specialty hospital chain's profit grew a whopping 279 percent YoY to Rs 37.16 crore and revenue increased 18.3 percent to Rs 765.2 crore in the quarter ended March 2019. Ashok Leyland shares fell more than 2 percent as global brokerages maintained neutral to sell rating after company's March quarter performance. The country's second largest commercial vehicle maker's March quarter profit fell 12.1 percent YoY to Rs 653 crore. Global brokerage firms such as Morgan Stanley, Nomura, and Deutsche Bank maintain their buy rating on Indraprastha Gas (IGL) post Q4 results and see the upside of up to 30 percent from May 24 close of Rs 313. The stocks closed with gains of over 5 percent. Manpasand Beverages shares were locked at 20 percent lower circuit at Rs 88 on May 27 after the top management was arrested by the Central Goods and Services Tax (GST) Commissionerate Vadodara-II sleuths for an alleged GST fraud. Global cues: European market is trading higher as investors are focusing on results of the EU parliamentary elections. Germanys DAX was up 0.3 percent, while Frances CAC rose nearly 0.2 percent. UK markets are closed on May 27 due to a public holiday. Asian markets ended mixed on the back of developments from US President state visit to Japan. Shanghai Composite added 1.38 percent at 2,892.38 and Hang Seng shed 0.24 percent at 27,288. Nikkei gained 0.31 percent at 21,182.58 and Kospi ended flat at 2,044.21. The Nifty50 is expected to open flat on Monday following a mixed trend seen in other Asian markets. Gains were capped largely because of persistent concerns that the China-US trade conflict was fast turning into a technology cold, suggest reports. Trends on SGX Nifty indicate a negative opening for the broader index in India, a loss of 38 points or 0.32 percent. Nifty futures were trading around 11,839-level on the Singaporean Exchange. The S&P BSE Sensex rose 623 points to 39,434 while the Nifty50 added 187 points to close at 11,844 on Friday. The Indian rupee May 24 rallied 49 paise to close at 69.53 against the US dollar in line with a massive surge in domestic equities following a decisive mandate for Narendra Modi's BJP in the general elections. Foreign investors have pulled out a net amount of Rs 4,375 crore from the Indian capital markets in May so far, driven by global and domestic factors. Stocks in news: Fortis Healthcare has reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 151.19 crore for the quarter ended March, as against a net loss of Rs 914.32 crore in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal. Infrastructure company PNC Infratech has reported a 25 percent jump in standalone net profit at Rs 139.93 crore for the quarter ended March, helped by higher income. Indraprastha Gas Ltd, which retails CNG to automobiles in the national capital and adjoining cities, Friday reported a 28 percent rise in its March quarter net profit on the back of higher sales. Technical Recommendations: We spoke to Angel Broking and here's what they have to recommend: HSIL: Buy| LTP: Rs. 286.85| Target: Rs 317| Stop Loss: Rs 269.40| Upside 10% Raymond: Buy| LTP: Rs 852.20| Target: Rs 938| Stop Loss: Rs 804| Upside 10% Driven by banking and metals stocks, Nifty closed above 11,900 levels and formed a bullish candle on the daily charts. The index rallied 80.70 points higher to end at record closing high of 11,924.80 and is 116 points away from its life-time high of 12,041 levels. "Nifty50 continued its positive momentum as the index closed at new life time highs before signing off the session with a bullish candle. However, on intraday basis, it remained in a narrow range of around 40 points in last 4 hours of the session between 11,95011,910 which can be a cause for concern in next session," Mazhar Mohammad, Chief Strategist Technical Research & Trading Advisory, Chartviewindia.in, told Moneycontrol. He said on intraday basis if the index trades below 11,900 in next session, for atleast 30 minutes, then it can undergo profit booking with initial targets of 11,812 below which slightly larger correction can kick in. Contrary to this if index manages to sustain above 11,957 levels then it can extend its strength to test election day high of 12,047 levels, he added. He also advised traders to focus on stock specific opportunities. India VIX fell further by 1.70 percent to 16.19 levels. Decline in VIX suggests that short-term stability and formation of higher base is being seen in the market, experts said, adding that option band signifies a trading range between 11,600 to 12,100 zones. On the options front, maximum Put open interest (OI) is at 11,000 followed by 11,700 strike while maximum Call OI is at 12,500 followed by 12,000 strike. Put writing is at 11,800 followed by 11,900 strike while minor Call writing is at 12,300 then 12,100 strike. "Nifty index formed a bullish candle with higher lows on daily scale but traded inside the trading range of election result day. Now it has to continue to hold above 11,850 zone to extend its move towards 12,000 then 12,040 zones while support is seen at 11,761 levels," said Chandan Taparia, Associate Vice President | Analyst-Derivatives at Motilal Oswal Financial Services said. Bank Nifty has been making higher lows from last seven consecutive sessions and managed to close near its life-time high territory of 31,650-31,700 zones. The index closed 435.10 points higher at 31,647.65 and formed a bullish candle on daily scale as sustained buying interest was seen throughout the session. "Now Bank Nifty has to hold above 31,150 zone to extend its move towards new life time high of 32,000 then 32,250 levels while major support exists at 31,000 then 30,500 zones," said Taparia. Financial frauds are closer than you think. All the more reason why you need to be on your guard. According to Experian India Fraud Report 2018 -19, 65 percent Indian consumers surveyed have reported an increase in fraud-related losses over the past 12 months. These include account takeover attacks and fraudulent account openings. Identity theft at 28 percent and market alert frauds at 28 percent were the leading contributors to the overall frauds. In the Asia Pacific, maximum number of frauds were reported from India. Sathya Kalyanasundaram, Country Managing Director of Experian India, weighs in on the fraud trend in India, asking consumers to take care in sharing personal data with lenders, rise in consumer awareness on credit scores, introducing risk-based pricing by lenders and more. Q: According to your Experian India Fraud Report 2018-19, please elaborate on the fraud trends and how they are changing Indias credit system? A: With the constant advancement of technology, we have witnessed a growth in customers applying for financial products across multiple channels - offline and online, especially through smartphones. This has led to an increase in the number of identity thefts, false identities and organised fraud networks. Experians recent report highlights the frauds that have been detected at the application process itself -- preventing the fraud -- and not after credit approval. There are key fraud application trends identified on the basis of our study. Identity theft continues to be one of the major reasons for application frauds in India. However, there has been a 13 percent decrease in identity theft compared to the previous year though it is still significant at 28 percent. As part of application fraud (i.e. fraud at the time of making applications), fraudulent contact information has significantly increased to 25 percent from 10 percent over the last year. The retail loan industry in India has observed the maximum number of individuals dealing in fraudulent contact information during the loan application. Application fraud is the highest in credit cards at 1.4 percent and lowest in two-wheelers at 0.3 percent. On an average, across all products categories, if there are 100 applications received for a loan, one out of those would be rejected for fraudulent intent. Q: In your report, we observe market alert frauds as the top reason for declining loans to consumers. Please explain what is it? A: Hunter is a platform that is used as a fraud repository across a number of Indian banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and insurance firms. When a fraud is reported by one bank / NBFC on the Hunter platform, it is the basis for rejection of an application because the same fraudster has applied again to another bank. Then, such a rejection is tagged as application declined due to Market Alert of Fraud. According to our report, market alert frauds stand at 33 percent in home loans, 32 percent in credit cards, 35 percent in consumer loans, 27 percent in auto loans, 26 percent in two-wheeler loans and 18 in personal loans. Banks will continue to receive applications from repeat fraudsters. However, they can avoid giving credit to such fraudulent customers by using a platform which alerts them proactively. A: Based on the findings of our report, it is imperative for businesses to take a proactive approach when it comes to educating and communicating to consumers about how their data are utilised. However, it is also important for consumers to pay attention to how data are utilised and look out for appropriate information/clauses provided by the businesses. Consumers should ask relevant questions pertaining to the use of their data and be comfortable with the information received prior to sharing their personal data with businesses. Q: We observe fraud rates are highest for credit cards (1.4 percent) followed by personal loans (1.2 percent) in your report. What should the banks (lenders) do to reduce their risks? A: Credit cards and personal loans are largely viewed as unsecured loans. We have witnessed a higher percentage of fraud in this space than the secured lending space. Banks have to tread a thin line between providing credit to the unsecured segment, which seemingly has more frauds as there is no collateral provided and the need to provide instant credit is high based on market demand. There are platforms which have mechanisms that prevent fraudulent intent. This should be taken up by the banks to provide unsecured products at a faster pace and reduce the risk of frauds. A: Risk based pricing in India is still at a nascent stage. For the few financial institutions that are doing risk-based pricing, the spread between rate of interest offered to a high score customer vs low score one is still low. With the strengthening of credit bureau presence, credit score-based underwriting and alternative methods of risk evaluation, we can expect risk-based pricing to pick up over time. Q: Banks and lenders are known to look at alternative data to gauge a customers profile and try and see if the customer would pay her EMIs regularly or not. Do you have evidence that shows lenders are using this more and more? And what does bank / lenders look at typically in alternative data? A: India has a large segment of customers who do not have any past credit history and hence, bureaus are not able to help the lenders in underwriting these customers. Thus, the use of alternative data of customers for lending is increasing, but the pace of growth is low as compared to the market opportunity. This approach is being used by niche players for lower ticket size lending using e-commerce data or wallet transaction data or your phone and profile information. However, the share of alternative data based lending is about 5 percent at the moment. We at Experian realise that there is significant work which needs to be done by the bureaus to ensure quick scale-up of alternative methods of credit assessment. We have been working with lenders to develop proprietary underwriting models based on data obtained through consumer consent. This has seen a significant growth for our lending partners. Experian Digital Insight Score is a step in this direction. Experian has partnered with a payments player to create a predictive lending score and we are seeing encouraging response from lenders to use this score for lending. Q: How is the rise in awareness among consumers to apply for one free credit report in a year from the credit bureau and analyse the credit scores? A: We see a steady rise in consumer awareness regarding their credit scores; this has led to a multi-fold increase in the number of free credit reports accessed by consumers over the years. Bureaus and banks have played a key role in building credit knowledge and awareness among consumers. We have actively tied up with multiple partners to make it easier for consumers to access our free credit reports. Our reports can be accessed on bank and financial aggregator websites. We believe that this has also contributed partly to the increase in consumer awareness. This is the age where most people complete their education and start on their first job. The may get married in their mid or late 20s. Let us analyse the typical insurance needs of such a group of people. The first thing to determine is whether or not anyone is dependent on your income. If there is absolutely no one in your life that you are responsible for, except yourself, then you may skip purchasing any life insurance. However, if you support anyone in either a small or large measure, please take an appropriate amount of term insurance. A term insurance is a simple insurance policy that pays a nominee (your dependent) a lump sum amount of money (called sum assured) on your death. If you are a healthy person, term insurance should not cost you much. It is available online and easy to buy. You may have to undergo medical tests. Smokers will have to disclose their habit and may have to end up paying a higher premium for the term insurance. An adequate amount of insurance is typically 7-10 times your annual salary. Do look up calculators online before deciding. As a responsible adult now, you should not be dependent on anyone to take care of you in case you have to visit the hospital for surgery or treatment. Even a day surgery or one visit to the hospital can set you back by Rs 50,000-100,000 in a private hospital. A health or hospitalisation policy covers you up to a certain amount per annum of hospital bills. Your employer may provide this as a benefit. Please ensure your name is registered under your employers plan. If your employer does not provide this benefit, it is imperative that you buy a health policy for yourself. In my experience I have seen countless examples where young people have to borrow from family and friends if they have to get any major treatment at a clinic or hospital. This event can drive people from being comfortable to being in financial distress. I know a young man that had to take a personal loan from a bank to pay for hospitalisation and he was paying the EMI till the age of 35. He could not save anything till then because of one illness. As the young are job mobile, a personal policy is better, even if the employer provides health insurance benefits. Also, a personal health policy works when they frequently work in small outfits that dont offer health cover. A majority of Indians in their 20s acquire a two-wheeler in this age group (21-29 years). A vehicle gives an immense feeling of freedom and mobility. At the same time, a two-wheeler is extremely prone to accidents on Indian roads. A basic cover to take care of risk of accidental death, disability, dismemberment (ADDD) is a good precaution. This insurance is very cheap and available as a rider to a term life policy.I have met countless number of young workers and professionals who drive a car without proper insurance. The most basic and mandatory requirement is to cover for third-party loss and accidental damage. This covers loss of life or property damage to a third party in case of an accident. This is a must have under The Motor Vehicle Act. Apart from the third-party insurance, one should ideally take a vehicle insurance to pay for repairs and damages if there is an accident. This comprehensive cover will ensure you do not have to shell-out large amounts to the workshop and keeps your car/bike in top shape even after an accident. An accident can range from a small dent to total loss of the vehicle. It makes enormous sense to take comprehensive insurance for your vehicle given the state of roads, traffic and drivers in our cities. There are a select few lucky persons who can afford to buy a small flat in their 20s. A home is a big asset in terms of value, costing several lakhs, if not crores. Therefore, please take an appropriate property cover to provide for reconstruction of the property in the event of a fire, earthquake etc.It is only natural that young workers may avail of loans - home loan, education loan, personal loan, credit card EMIs and auto loan. If you have a reasonably high amount of loan repayment or liability (say over Rs 1 lakh), please consider availing of a credit shield. Credit shield is a simple life insurance that pays the lender bank or finance company the total principle outstanding in case of the insurers death. This is essential in case of long-term loans like home loans (15-20 years) and when one is married. In case of an early death, the liability of the loan should not fall on ones surviving spouse. For short-term loans, a larger pure term life cover may suffice, but for long-term loans like a home loan, it is better to acquire a separate credit shield as the tenure is 15 years or longer. Many home loan providers will also insist on the same. Overall, be sensible. Judge your needs carefully. Do not take too much insurance, thereby paying too much premium. At the same time, ensure that you cover yourself adequately for basic risks. It is always a sound strategy for your mental peace. The key word is adequate protection. Representative Image live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Anil Ambani's Reliance Group will sell its FM radio business by divesting its entire stake in BIG FM Radio to Jagran Prakashan-owned Music Broadcast Ltd (MBL) for an estimated value of Rs 1,200 crore, an official statement Monday said. Reliance Capital and Reliance Land (a part of Reliance Capital Group) will divest their entire equity stake in Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd (RBNL) to Music Broadcast Ltd (MBL). The move would help in reducing the loan burden of the Reliance group firms, it added. "This transaction is part of our overall strategy to reduce exposure in non-core businesses and will reduce our debt by an estimated Rs 1,200 crore," the statement Reliance Capital CFO Amit Bapna said in a statement. RBNL operates under the brand name BIG FM Radio network with 58 stations across the country. MBL will initially acquire a 24 per cent equity stake of RBNL by way of a preferential allotment for Rs 202 crore. Thereafter, subject to the receipt of all regulatory approvals, MBL will acquire all of the remaining equity stake held by Reliance Capital and Reliance Land in RBNL at a total enterprise value of Rs 1,050 crore. In addition, RCap will receive an around Rs 150 crore from the disposal of other assets of RBNL which do not form part of the transaction with MBL, in accordance with the regulations. In a separate release, MBL that operates Radio City said its board Monday approved the acquisition of RBNL. The combined network will have 79 radio stations making it the largest radio network in the country, MBL said in a release adding, "The entire transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of FY21." Last week RCap had said it will exit the mutual fund business by selling its stake in Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management (RNAM) to its joint venture partner Japan's Nippon Life Insurance. "Together with the recently announced stake sale in Reliance Nippon Asset Management for Rs 6,000 crore and other ongoing monetization plans, we expect RCaps debt to reduce by nearly Rs 12,000 crore (close to 70 per cent) in the current financial year," Bapna added. The proposed transaction is subject to regulatory and other approvals. EY India is acting as the exclusive investment banker to the transaction, and Phoenix Legal is acting as legal advisors to Reliance Capital group. The 17th Lok Sabha is all set to assume office in early June, reports suggest. This is after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retained power, winning over 350 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP itself emerged victorious in over 300 seats. Results of the Lok Sabha elections from 542 out of 543 parliamentary constituencies were declared on May 23. Polling was cancelled in Tamil Nadus Vellore after a cash haul. Voters in Vellore will elect a Member of Parliament (MP) at a later date. Heres a look at the composition of the 17th Lok Sabha and members who will sit in the Lower House of Parliament for the next five-year term. 397 MPs from national parties Political parties are categorised national parties, state parties, etc. According to an analysis by PRS Legislative Research, 397 out of the 542 MPs come from national parties. These include 52 from the Congress and 22 from the Trinamool Congress, among others. The remaining MPs are from state parties such as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) from Tamil Nadu and the Yuvajana Sramika Raithu Congress Party (YSRCP) from Andhra Pradesh. First-time MPs A whopping 300 out of the 542 MPs have been elected to the Lower House of the first time. A total of 197 MPs, who were in the 16th Lok Sabha, have been re-elected. In the outgoing Lok Sabha, 314 MPs were first-time members. The average age of the 17th Lok Sabha is 54 years. According to analysis by PRS, about 12 percent of these MPs are below the age of 40 while 6 percent are about the age of 70. The youngest MP to be elected this time is 25-year-old Chandrani Murmu. Murmu, a tribal woman, won the Keonjhar Lok Sabha seat in Odisha. She represents the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). In fact, at the age of 25 years and 11 months, the engineering graduate has become the youngest MP. Age bracket of MPs in the 17th Lok Sabha Educational qualification About 43 percent of the MPs in Lok Sabha are now graduates. Another 25 percent are post-graduates. Only four percent have a doctorate. This means, 349 MPs are at least graduates. Educational qualifications of MPs in the 17th Lok Sabha Women in the Lower House As many as 78 women have been elected to the Lok Sabha. This is the highest representation of women the Lower House has ever seen. The number is up from what was 62 in 2014. However, this 14 percent representation is significantly less than what is seen in other countries such as Bangladesh (21 percent), United States (24 percent) and United Kingdom (32 percent). Women in the 17th Lok Sabha Professional background of MPs Members of the new Lok Sabha come from diverse professional backgrounds. These include artists, medical practitioners, agriculture, business, lawyers and political and social services, among others. Around 39 percent MPs come from a political or social work background. This is followed by people coming from agricultural activities (38 percent). About 23 percent are businessmen. The rich MPs A total of 475 members are 'crorepatis'. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's son Nakul Nath, who won the family bastion Chhindwara, tops the list according to analysis by Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR). ADR analysed affidavits on assets and liabilities of 539 new MPs. The organisation was unable to access affidavits of three new MPs two of the BJP and one of the Congress. The average of assets of winners in the Lok Sabha elections is Rs 20.9 crore. There are 266 MPs whose assets are Rs 5 crore or above. The number of crorepati MPs elected in 2009 and 2014 were 315 (58 percent) and 443 (82 percent), respectively. India will not invite Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to May 30 swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi, who starts his second term as India's prime minister, two sources in the foreign ministry said, suggesting any early warming in ties between the nuclear-armed neighbours is unlikely. Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan have fought three wars since both won independence from Britain in 1947, and came close to a fourth in February after a suicide attack by a Pakistan-based militant group killed at least 40 Indian police in the contested Kashmir region. An Indian government statement on May 27 said the leaders of Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan - all members, with India, of the little-known Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) - have been invited to Modi's swearing-in. "This is in line with Government's focus on its 'Neighbourhood First' policy," a government spokesman said. The leaders of Kyrgyzstan and Mauritius have also been invited, but two sources in Indian's foreign ministry said Pakistan will not be on the list, without providing further information. For the swearing-in ceremony for Modi's first term in 2014, all nations from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), that includes Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Maldives, were invited. In 2014 Pakistan's then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attended the ceremony, to the anger of some of Modi's Hindu-nationalist allies. Modi and Khan both claimed their air forces carried out air strikes in enemy territory in March, to the alarm of world powers. Modi, who was widely believed to have benefited politically from the stand-off, won a second term with an increased majority in a general election whose results were declared last week. Khan called Modi on Sunday to congratulate him on his win. Modi could still meet Khan at a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan next month, that both leaders may attend. A spokesman for Pakistan's embassy in New Delhi was not immediately available for comment. Abhijit Iyer-Mitra Sometime around 546 BC, Croesus, the famously rich king of Lydia, sent an emissary to the Oracle of Delphi. His question was should he or should he not invade the Persian Empire on his eastern border. The notoriously nebulous oracle replied, If you invade you will destroy a great empire. Heartened, Croesus invaded, and destroyed a great empire his own. The Persians under Shahanshah Cyrus made quick work of the Lydians, and as his capital went up in flames, Croesus immolated himself on a pyre. In many ways the Delphi-Croesus story almost exactly describes Balakot and Rahul Gandhi, a delusional leader, egged on by a handpicked group, paying a steep price for his miscalculation. With the benefit of hindsight we can say that Gandhi violated every single dictum of warfare accumulated over 5000 years of written history. The question is what exactly went wrong and why? First Mistake: Gandhi chose the one subject to attack Modi on national security that is traditionally regarded as the forte of the Right, violating one of the cardinal rules of military engagement that you always attack an enemy at their weakest point, never their strongest. This tactical blunder cost Gandhi dearly. When an attack fails the mistakes keep on compounding, and thats exactly what happened. Second Mistake: never reinforce failure. Possibly realising the questioning of Balakot was going nowhere, instead of switching tack to a more fruitful target, Gandhis lieutenants chose to go on persisting in an attack that clearly wasnt going their way, expending resources on a hopeless situation. Third Mistake: fog of war. India had circumstantial evidence to show that the damage inflicted on the ground was significant but no definitive proof was available. In technical jargon this is called the fog of war, a situation where the results of ones actions are unclear and bad assumptions are made, leading to bad decisions. This is exactly what happened as voters who were going to be swayed by national security arguments were any way never going to listen to the Congress. Basically, the Congress was trying to convert the unconvertible and wasted valuable time and effort doing so. Its national security managers gambled on the assumption that the air strikes had gone badly and this would be an opportune moment to attack Modi over it. A bad mistake. Fourth Mistake: ignoring intelligence. There were clear warnings from day one that the Congress assumption was wrong. The issue was that instead of listening to primary source intelligence from the ground that warned them about their folly, they chose to brand dissent as BJP misinformation and propaganda. This was a particularly crucial juncture, because it was the final point where the Congress could have at least hedged, exercised caution, and thought up alternatives. It failed to and the gambit ended up like the charge of the light brigade. Fifth Mistake: Fratricide. one of the most dangerous aspects of the fog of war is fratricide or the killing ones own troops, and this is exactly what the Congress ended up doing, not just restricting its attacks to the Prime Minister but also calling the Air Force a political tool and putting it in the firing line. Its quite one thing attacking a political opponent and quite another attacking ones own troops in this case intentionally, is something that isnt going to go down well in a nationalistic country, fiercely proud of its military. Sixth Mistake: The merge. When two opposing forces get into hand-to-hand combat called the merge, the greatest danger ensues. This is because your own troops become indistinguishable from the enemy and consequently any advantages you have end up being useless. The shrillness with which the Congress decided to attack, was almost verbatim the Pakistani official line coming out of Islamabad. In such circumstances, the Indian voter was basically facing a situation she thought who is the Indian National Congress and who is the Pakistani? In such a situation you take a call if you have to shoot the entire formation losing your own troops, and thats what the Indian voter did. Seventh Mistake: demoralisation. Indians do accept criticism, its just that you dont criticise and demoralise troops when they are about to charge into battle. This is exactly what Gandhi did. Psychology is important here, the whole genre of military music for example something common to all cultures no matter how isolated from the Aztec human bone pipe bands, to European brass bands, to the Turkic Mehter bands, to the Indian Shankh, these are all psychological devices used to boost battle morale. Clearly then Gandhis notes were discordant and produced a negative reaction from the same people he wanted to woo. In short, Rahul Gandhis generals several of them ex-military violated almost every dictum of warfare that their training should have made them pay attention to. To quote 19th century French diplomat Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord, it was worse than a crime it was a blunder and certainly leads to some serious questions about the calibre of advice that Rahul Gandhi receives. Their incompetence meant that whatever Balakot achieved with respect to Pakistan, the Congress paid a far heavier price for it politically than the Jaish-e-Mohammad did physically. Abhijit Iyer-Mitra is a defence economist and senior fellow at Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, New Delhi. He tweets at @iyervval. Views are personal. For more Opinion pieces, click here Viju Cherian The May 23 results showed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), riding high on the unparalleled popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, almost steamrolled the length and breadth of the nation. The BJP juggernaut was stopped in Kerala and Tamil Nadu where it failed to win even a single seat. While in Tamil Nadu the party structure is in a poor state, its poor performance in Kerala came as a surprise to many. The BJP has routed out the Congress across the nation ironically, it is the BJP and its style of campaigning that helped the Congress and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) win 19 of the 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala. Since the results were announced, social media is packed with memes and messages of how both Kerala and Tamil Nadu are different from the rest of the nation. One particular message doing the rounds on WhatsApp attributes the high literacy rates in these two states to denying the BJP a seat. As most things on WhatsApp University this is also false. If this was true, how does one explain the BJP winning all seats in Himachal Pradesh and its near sweep in Maharashtra both states that have a better literacy rate than Tamil Nadu? Electoral outcomes are a combination of various factors, and it is important to recognise them to know why the BJP failed in the two southern states. In Tamil Nadu, the BJP not only took the wrong decisions, but was seen to be on the wrong side. In Tamil Nadu, where regional sentiments run high, the Centre was perceived as favouring Karnataka when it came to the Cauvery water dispute. Chennai protested, tooth and nail, against the Centre-imposed National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical education across India. The 2017 pro-Jallikattu protests, where the Centre was seen as opposing an event what many in Tamil Nadu described as an essential part of their identity, further tipped the scales. Politically, the BJP further reduced its chances when it formed an alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The AIADMK, which runs the state government, has been diminishing as a political force ever since the death of its leader J Jayalalthiaa. In 2014 the AIADMK won 36 of the 39 Lok Sabha seats in the state; this time it managed just one. The BJP could have done without the support of the AIADMK this would have helped test the depth of the partys infrastructure, given a boost to its cadre and helped in the building of the party machinery in the state. In Kerala the BJP was supposed to ride high on the sentiments created by the Sabarimala protests. After the Supreme Court ordered that women (within the age of 10 and 50) could enter the temple, there was widespread protests against the court order. The Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government stepped in to ensure the safety and protection of women who wanted to pray at the temple. The BJP and the Congress opposed this move. BJP leaders spearheaded the protests, some of which turned violent. The BJP in Kerala made the protection of religious rights an important poll promise but misread the tea leaves. The communalisation of the Sabarimala issue did not go down well with the electorate in Kerala. The party saw a nominal increase of two percentage points in its vote share to 12.93 percent in 2019. The Congress, now in opposition in the state assembly, has not really got its act together. The BJPs politicisation of the Sabarimala protests gave the Congress an advantage (because the previous Congress government led by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had moved an affidavit requesting that the interests and sentiments of the believers be protected), and helped it suppress the Left (Congress main opposition in Kerala). If the BJP had ran a non-communal campaign, focusing on the pitfalls of the LDF government at the state and the achievements of the Modi government at the Centre, who knows, the Congress national tally would have come down to below its 2014 figure of 44 seats and the BJP would have won its first ever Lok Sabha seat from Kerala. The adamant nature of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF in overlooking the sentiments of the believers saw the LDF, which had eight seats in 2014, winning just one seat in 2019. Its vote share also dipped significantly. In an interview to this author, BJP MP Rajeev Chandrashekar, who is also part of the BJP think tank for the south, was confident that the party was in strong contention for five seats. The truth is, of the 140 assembly constituencies across Kerala, the BJP gained a majority only in one! The fact is, except in one Lok Sabha constituency, the BJP was third (a distant third in many) in the other 19 seats. All this shows that the BJP is yet to get its equations for the two southern states right. It has ambitions, of course. After the 2014 elections, the BJP focused on the eastern flank of the country and today has made considerable inroads in West Bengal and Odisha. Similarly, during the course of the next five years, expect the party to particularly focus on Tamil Nadu and Kerala. If it goes with its current plan, little gains can be expected but, the BJP has shown that it is quick to learn from its mistakes, and if that is the case, it wont be long before the lotus blooms in Kerala as well. For more Opinion pieces, click here After Congress chief Rahul Gandhi gave Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot a tongue-lashing for putting his son above the party, several Rajasthan ministers and MLAs have demanded that accountability be fixed and action taken for the Lok Sabha poll debacle. According to some of the leaders, who attended Saturday's Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Gandhi did a lot of "plain-speaking" in his surgical analysis of the role of several party leaders while himself offering to quit as the party president. Ticking-off Gehlot for camping in Jodhpur for his son Vaibhav's election, Gandhi said the chief minister spent days campaigning extensively for his son in Jodhpur and neglected the rest of the state. Gehlot had reportedly taken part in over 130 rallies and road shows, 93 of them in Jodhpur alone. His son, however, lost to the BJP, which took 24 of the 25 seats in the state, with one seat going to its ally. After Gandhi's severe criticism, several ministers in the state have come out in the open, demanding fixing of accountability and action over the electoral drubbing just months after the party formed the government in the state. Rajasthan Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said the CWC has given Gandhi full authority to fix the accountability and he will exercise that power. Asked about Gandhi hauling up senior leaders for putting their sons over party, he said: "Rahul Gandhi ji has full right to say what he has to in the CWC. Nobody is above him and he would have said it after giving it full thought. All workers and leaders of the Congress respect his word. I also learnt from the media about it (Rahul's remarks)." "If Rahul Gandhi ji finds fault with senior leaders, it is his right -- to fix accountability and take corrective steps," Khachariyawas said. Echoing Khachariyawas' views, his cabinet colleague, Bhanwarlal Meghwal, also demanded that accountability be immediately fixed for the defeat. "Whatever Rahul Gandhi said is right...Action should be taken against those people who are responsible for this defeat so that a message goes to the workers. The Congress workers are also very angry," he said. Meanwhile, Gehlot is in Delhi and met Congress general secretary in-charge K C Venugopal on Monday. However, what transpired in the meeting was not known. Two state ministers have also come out in the open to demand a detailed assessment by the top leadership. Cooperative Minister Udai Lal Anjana, and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Ramesh Meena have said the party should review the reasons for the defeat so that the party bounces back and performs well in upcoming local body elections in the state. Meanwhile, there were reports that Agriculture Minister Lalchand Kataria has resigned after party's poor showing in the polls. However, there was no conformation. Several MLAs, speaking on condition of anonymity, said priority should be given to fixing accountability. K C Vishnoi, DCC president Hanumagarh, lashed out at Gehlot for the poll debacle. "The organisation worked really hard and brought the party to power. But within three months the people got upset with the government, the chief minister should take responsibility. He should have offered to resign," he said. The rumblings in the party cadres comes after Gandhi, who left the CWC meeting abruptly and was adamant on not continuing as the Congress president, ticked off several senior leaders. Apart from Ghelot, he also criticised former Union minister P Chidambaram and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath for placing their sons before party interests. Rahul also said that Gehlot, Nath and Chidambaram spent days lobbying for a ticket for their sons. Chidambaram's son Karti and Nath's son Nakul managed to win the Lok Sabha elections from their respective seats, but Gehlot's son Vaibhav lost the Jodhpur seat to BJP's Gajendra Singh Shekhawat with a margin of 2,74,440. Even in CM Gehlot's Sardarpura assembly seat -- a part of the Jodhour parliamentary constituency -- the BJP got better of Congress as also in Tonk, a seat that is represented by Deputy CM Sachin Pilot and falls in Tonk-Sawai Madhopur LS segment. In fact, the BJP was ahead in almost all the assembly constituencies of the ministers in the state. The CWC meeting was held in the backdrop of the Congress winning just 52 Lok Sabha seats and drawing a nought in 18 states and Union Territories. Gandhi himself lost from the family bastion of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, though he won from Wayanad in Kerala. The Congress drew a blank in Rajasthan for the second consecutive Lok Sabha polls and the poll debacle came just months after its victory in the assembly polls in the state. CWC sources said that when former Guna MP Jyotiraditya Scindia urged Gandhi to strengthen the state leaderships of the party, the party president quipped looking at Chidambaram, saying that "Mr Chidambaram threatened to resign if a ticket was denied to his son." About Kamal Nath who was absent from the CWC meeting, Gandhi said, "Mr Nath said how could he be CM if his son was not fielded." The emphatic victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the resurgence of the Modi wave was a loud vindication of Amit Shahs immaculate planning and backroom strategizing. The duo form a lethal combination almost invincible. There is no doubt that Modi is Indias most popular leader and national figure. Translating his personal popularity into a political victory... requires planning and execution to the last detail. Shah has done that to near perfection, a BJP official told Reuters. Amit Shah was made president of the BJP in 2014. After the victory of the saffron party, he harvested Modis popularity and translated it into victories in Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Haryana in the same year. In the first year after being appointed as party chief, he revitalized the party, launching campaigns to increase support base. He then resolved to take the party ideology to the booth level. In 2018, he broke into the CPI (M) citadel Tripura and wrested the Left bastion to form the government in the northeastern state. Shah played a key role in delivering 312 of the 403 seats in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections yet another sweeping victory after which, he was adjudged 'Man of the Match' by Modi. This time around, his political mind had calculated that the BJP might not be able to repeat their tallies in the Hindi heartland states, so he decided to offset his losses by making gains in states where the BJP had a weaker hold. BJPs Chanakya and his Arthashastra Amit Shah chose to focus on the 120 seats that the BJP had lost in 2014 despite an omnipresent Modi wave, a report from The Times of India suggested. His strategy was to divide these constituencies into 25 clusters and place them each under a senior party member. The saffron party then focused on 80 of these seats and locked in more than half of them. His resolve and dedication helped the party accomplish Operation Coromandel, which was breaking through regional fortresses in West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana. The party even came close to making gains in Kerala. A diabetic on insulin thrice a day, Amit Shah worked relentlessly. He travelled 150,000 km to address 161 public rallies during the election, of which 84 were only in Bengal. According to a report in The Times of India, 161 call centres were set up across the country to turn the goodwill of beneficiaries of various central schemes into votes. It managed to reach an overwhelming majority of 24.71 crore beneficiaries. He asked party workers to remain unfazed by the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh and focus on politics of 50 percent votes. Then, he did something that the partys arch nemesis failed at miserably stitching alliances patching up with bickering allies and ensuring pragmatic success. The Sangh Factor A wide rift had appeared between the RSS and the BJP during the Vajpayee government, and it deepened when LK Advani (then Home Minister) failed to negotiate terms with National Liberation Front of Tripura, leading to the death of four RSS pracharaks. This was one contributing factor for Vajpayees loss in 2004. When Modi came to power in 2014, Amit Shah ensured that this gap was bridged. He understood that a synergy between the Sangh and BJP was crucial in order to get the support of millions of devoted foot soldiers for Campaign Modi. Shah attended every meeting and brainstorming session of the RSS untiringly and dedicatedly. The result Modi became the tallest symbol of Hindu nationalism. On the policy front, the BJP rolled out many policies that appealed to the Sangh sentiment, such as protection of cows. In return, the party got the loyalty of a vast network of preachers, who wield an enormous clout at the local level. The strategy was to portray the Opposition as weak and indecisive at best and appeasing minorities, particularly Muslims, at worst. His efforts blunted issues such as lack of jobs and farm distress, and the Opposition faced an insulting injury. After presiding over the BJP with an iron fist for five years, Amit Shah might be looking at a top post in the Modi cabinet this time, especially now that he has won the Gandhinagar seat in Gujarat with a whopping margin of over 3 lakh votes. The BJPs sweeping majority at the Centre, as well as in individual states, has underlined an important aspect unconditional support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Many parties had come together, on the basis of the support they enjoy, and formed formidable alliances to oust the BJP. But PM Modis saffron tsunami has not only washed out its adversaries, but also seems to have blurred caste lines, making a monolith of a spectrum of communities, which are now bound by their adulation for Modi. In several states, where caste sentiments are heightened, Opposition parties depended on precise arithmetic to ensure victory. To their surprise, in such states especially, the Opposition parties were decimated and the BJP, in an almost caste-agnostic manner enjoyed mammoth success. Uttar Pradesh In Uttar Pradesh, arch nemeses Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati had come together for the first time in two and a half decades after the infamous Guest House Incident of 1995. In 2018, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujam Samaj Party had come together to attempt a test run during the Gorakhpur and Phulpur bypolls. The two parties had realized their combined vote share is more than the saffron party, and so decided to contest together. After their experiment succeeded, the SP-BSP combine decided to fight the general elections together on the Gorakhpur model, confident that the caste dynamic in the state will add to their combined vote share. While the SP targeted their traditional voter base of Yadavs, the BSP stuck to its support base of Dalits. However, with Yadavs dominating the SP and Jatavs dominating the BSP, the non-Yadav, non-Jatav Dalits were unhappy with the SP-BSP combine. Add to that the upper castes (Brahmin-Bania-Thakurs), and the arithmetic turned favourable for the BJP. Read Also | Writing on the wall for senior Congress leaders in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh? The Gorakhpur model failed to replicate pan-Uttar Pradesh, with BJP winning 62 seats, nine less than their 2014 tally. Not only this, the saffron party improved their vote share from 42.6 percent to 49.6 percent, when the SP-BSP-RLD combine polled around 39 percent votes. With this, the Mandal politics were laid to rest in Uttar Pradesh. Bihar In Bihar, the contest was tight between the BJP-JD(U) combine and the RJD-led gathbandhan. The BJP-JD(U) support base included upper castes, Kurmis (Bihar CM and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar belongs to the Kurmi community), Dalits and Most Backward Classes, which form 51 percent of Bihars population. Meanwhile, the RJD-led gathbandhan, which was a tedious alliance of seven political parties including the Congress, calculated their support base to be Muslim-Yadav combination, Mahadalits, Kushwahas and Mallahs, which forms around 49 percent of the combination. The smaller regional parties that formed the gathbandhan Upendra Kushwahas RLSP, Jitin Ram Manjhis HAM, Mukesh Sahanis VIP, CPIML and Sharad Yadavs LJD proved to be weak links with their inadequate adulation among the masses. The RJD-led gathbandhan nosedived in Bihar, with Lalu Prasads party getting nil votes. The result indicates that in Bihar too, a new consciousness has germinated where people are no longer fooled by promises of social justice. Read Also | What the result means for BJP's allies BJP recorded a similar victory in Jharkhand, with the Opposition parties led by Shibu Sorens JMM getting only two seats. Delhi In Delhi, the BJP has a traditional following among Punjabi Khatris, Sikhs, Brahmins and Jats. The Gujjars, Muslims and Dalits had shifted from the Congress to Arvind Kejriwals AAP during the 2015 Assembly elections. Regardless, all seven seats were won by the BJP, which also improved its vote share from 46.6 percent in 2014 to 56.6 percent in 2019. Karnataka In Karnataka, the BJP won 25 out of 28 parliamentary seats, improving both their vote share and seat tally. The Congress, on the other hand, was reduced to a solo seat from nine in 2014. Not only this, the BJP won from all reserved seats, a traditional stronghold of the Congress. The saffron party even wrested the Old Mysuru belt from the Gowdas, splitting the Vokaligga vote and consolidating the Lingayat vote. Read Also | Amit Shah: The orchestrator of BJPs resounding victory With the BJP embarking on a Presidential style of campaigning for brand Modi, the Opposition most of them suffering from infighting seemed feeble before the tall leader that Modi was being projected as. In his first address after winning the elections on May 23 from the BJP headquarters in Delhi, PM Modi had said, There will be only two castes from now on the first: poor; and the second: those who want to alleviate poverty, an indication of BJP's agenda of rising above identity politics. BJP leader Mukul Roy described Trinamool Congress (TMC) president Mamata Banerjee's offer to quit as the West Bengal chief minister following her party's drubbing in the Lok Sabha polls as nothing but a drama to stay in the news. Banerjee would never step down from the chief minister's post as she was more keen on relishing the powers of the chair, he said. "Mamata Banerjee offering to quit is nothing but a drama. She said all these only to stay in the news headlines. To whom did she submit her resignation? She herself is the party (TMC). Has anybody seen her resignation papers? "I think she submitted the resignation to herself and then rejected it on her own," the BJP leader mocked while speaking to reporters here. "She (Banerjee) is more keen on relishing the powers of chief minister and will never resign unless the people of West Bengal use their democratic rights to throw her out," Roy, who was Banerjee's right-hand man before joining the BJP, said. The TMC supremo had Saturday said she had offered to quit as the West Bengal chief minister at the party's internal meeting in view of its drubbing in the Lok Sabha polls at the hands of the BJP, but her offer was rejected by the party. Reacting to Banerjee's statement that she would continue to attend Iftar parties without caring for the appeasement jibes as she was "ready to be kicked by the cow that gives milk", Roy said the TMC chief should come clean on whether she was calling the Muslim community "cow". "I will also like to request the people of the Muslim community to think on this," he said. On Banerjee's reiteration that she would never allow implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal, the BJP leader claimed that she had no idea about it or the Citizenship Amendment Act. "In the country, first the Citizenship Amendment Act will be implemented and then the NRC will come into place," he said. Keeping up his attack on the TMC, Roy said the party would soon be relegated to "history" as it was born only to oppose the CPI(M) in West Bengal and had no philosophy or idea about the country's economy or industry. "Only history books will mention that there was a party called the TMC. The process of the TMC going into extinction has already started," he said, alleging that the Communist Party of India (Marxist) had helped the party improve its vote share in the Lok Sabha polls. Roy also rubbished reports that BJP activists were forcibly occupying TMC party offices after the poll results and handing those over to the Left parties. Asked to comment on the claims made by several BJP leaders that the Assembly polls in West Bengal would be held in another six months, Roy declined, saying it depended on the will and wisdom of the people. West Bengal witnessed a saffron surge as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 18 of its 42 Lok Sabha seats, up from only two in the 2014 parliamentary polls. The TMC won 22 seats, down from 34 in 2014. Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) president Prem Singh Tamang, popularly known as P S Golay, on Monday took oath as the chief minister of Sikkim. Eleven SKM MLAs were also administered the oath by Governor Ganga Prasad at Paljor Stadium here. Golay, who is not a member of the state assembly at present as he did not contest the polls, was elected as the SKM Legislature Party leader on Saturday. Hundreds of SKM supporters who were at the stadium cheered the 51-year-old party chief when he was taking the oath in Nepali language. Former chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling and senior Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) leaders were conspicuous by their absence at the swearing-in. The SKM, founded in 2013, won a slender majority in the 32-member Sikkim Legislative Assembly by bagging 17 seats against 15 won by the SDF. The Chamling government was ousted by the SKM after over 24 years. The 11 SKM leaders who took the oath as ministers are Kunga Nima Lepcha, Sonam Lama, Bedu Singh Panth, Dr Mani Kumar Sharma, Arun Kumar Upreti, Sandup Lepcha, Lok Nath Sharma, Mingma Norbu Sherpa, Karma Loday Bhutia, Bhim Hang Limboo and Sanjit Kharel. Though a total of three women, including one SKM candidate, won the polls, the Golay ministry has no woman representative. Sikkim can have a maximum of 12 ministers, including the chief minister. File image Chemistry has triumphed over poll arithmetic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday, profusely thanking Varanasi voters for electing him by a huge margin in the Lok Sabha elections. "Political analysts will have to accept that beyond poll arithmetic there is a chemistry," he told party workers on his first visit to his constituency after his resounding victory which was by a higher margin this time. "For the country I am the PM, but for you I am your MP, I am your sevak," he said. "Work and workers create wonders," Modi said, giving full credit for his victory to the workers at the grassroots level for creating awareness about his government's policies and programmes for the people. Uttar Pradesh is showing the way for India, he said. He also spoke of importance of "perfect synergy" between the government and the party. The prime minister said he was also grateful to his opponents who fought against him. At the same time he lamented there was a sense of political untouchability, adding BJP workers were being killed for their ideology in West Bengal, Tripura and Kerala. His remarks assumed signifiance in the light of the murder of a BJP leader in Amethi in the first post-poll violence in Uttar Pradesh. Modi, who also offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple here, visited the temple town four days after steering his party to a huge win. The Modi-led BJP won 303 out of the 542 seats in the Lok Sabha. Representative image Once a Left bastion that turned into a Trinamool fortress, West Bengal, was for long believed that it will be impenetrable by the Bharatiya Janata Party. However, the ruling party's remarkable score in the state this Lok Sabha election grabbed eyeballs on Thursday when the results were announced. Though Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress won more seats than the saffron party -- 22 of the 42 seats in the state it was a cut-throat competition, with BJP winning in 18 seats. Chandan Mitra, a former BJP cadre, who joined TMC last year, admitted that he was taken aback, reported NDTV. This is definitely surprising. They were nowhere until a year ago... but in the last two elections, they (BJP) have grown immensely... I would not be surprised if they turn out to be the government in waiting (in the state), said Chandan Mitra. When the Trinamool Congress was asked to comment on this, they said it was Mitra's personal opinion and not the view of the party. In 2014, the BJP had got just two seats, whereas Trinamool had got 34 seats. This year, for the first time, the Left was completely wiped out from the face of West Bengal. Analysts believe, it is their support base that has shifted to the saffron party instead of the TMC. BJPs Bengal numbers were one of the key contributors to the partys massive victory in the national general elections, where it secured a total higher than the 2014 tally. Political analysts are of the opinion that this will bolster the BJPs ambition to win the state in the 2021 Assembly polls. Sushma Swaraj The Congress party took a swipe at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party for holding foreign minister-level talks with Pakistan soon after the seven-phase voting for the Lok Sabha elections were over. The Opposition party fired the salvo as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke to her Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi during a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet in Kyrgyztan on Wednesday. The two diplomats sat next to each while attending a joint call on Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Hitting out at the saffron party, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted: Electoral politics over, pro-Pakistan policy begins along with a photo of the two leaders sitting beside each other. Election Over, Votes Garnered, Pulwama Martyrs Forgotten! Foreign Minister-level talks with Pakistan begin, business as usual, he added. According to ministry sources, however, Qureshi and Sushma only exchanged pleasantries and there was no actual meeting between them. The picture that was shared by the media was taken during the joint call on Jeenbekov, they confirmed. On Tuesday, Sushma reached Kyrgyz capital Bishkek to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers meet. Both Sushma and Qureshi happened to attend the meet of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of SCO, reported NDTV. The organisation was founded at a 2001 summit held in Shanghai. It saw an attendance of Presidents of Russia, Kyrgyz Republic, China, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. India became a member of the SCO at the same time as Pakistan, in the year 2017. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated in February after Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) carried out a dastardly fidayeen attack which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserved Police Force troopers. Kuldeep Rai Sharma from Indian National Congress won from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands after losing to BJP for two consecutive years. The seat went to elections in the first phase, that is April 11, 2019. Although there were fifteen candidates who were in fray, the main battle was fought between Sharma and his Bharatiya Janata Party rival Vishal Jolly. The other formidable opponent that the INC candidate had to lock horns with while campaigning was Aam Admi Partys Sanjay Meshak. Sharma won with a margin of 1,407 votes, with 93,901 votes being cast in favour of Jolly. Interestingly, Trinamool Congress party, which is one of West Bengals strongest regional party at the moment, had also fielded a candidate Ayan Mandal the grandson of former Andaman MP Manoranjan Bhakta. The other Bengali candidate this time was Minoty Biswas, who contested as an Independent. Notably, Bengali is the most spoken language in the picturesque Union Territory located in the Bay of Bengal. In the previous Lok Sabha elections, Bishnu Pada Ray of the BJP had won this seat by defeating the Congress candidate by a margin of 7,812 votes. In 2014 too, there were a total of 15 contestants. The UT, which was a Congress bastion once, was last won by INCs Manoranjan Bhakta in 2004. He has also been the longest serving MP from Andaman, by winning the mandate eight times. Until 1967, the MP for Andaman & Nicobar seat used to be nominated by the President directly. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. May 27, 2019: The global smart fleet management market size is expected to reach USD 565.1 billion by 2025, according to a study conducted by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is anticipated to register a CAGR of 7.6% from 2017 to 2025. Introduction of vehicular communication technologies has increased the adoption of smart fleet management solutions, which enable vehicle tracking and monitoring, fleet analytics, fuel management, predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics, and driver performance tracking and monitoring, among others. This enables fleet operators of all sizes to incorporate smart technologies to increase their operational efficiency, enhance productivity, and enable varied cost savings. Government agencies are investing in intelligent transport systems and mandating the use of connected technologies for all vehicles to enhance driver and road safety, reduce carbon emissions, and efficiently manage traffic congestions. Download sample Copy of This Report at: https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/smart-fleet-management-market/request-sample For connected technologies to work successfully, it is of utmost importance that there be seamless connectivity. In regions such as North America and Europe, there is ubiquitous presence of strong wireless connectivity infrastructure and this has facilitated widespread investment in telematics solutions among fleet operators. Additionally, presence of prominent industry players such as Cisco Systems, Inc.; IBM Corporation; Continental AG; Sierra Wireless; Zonar Systems, Inc.; and Orbcomm, Inc. is estimated to foster growth prospects for the smart fleet management market. On the down side, advancements in networking technologies enabling a connected environment will pose significant concerns over data privacy and data security. Lack of network infrastructure in developing regions, complexity of deployment, and high initial capital requirements are also expected to hinder the growth of the smart fleet management market. Click For Report Details @ https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/smart-fleet-management-market Further key findings from the study suggest: By transportation, the automotive segment will register the fastest growth during the forecast period, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.2%. Autonomous vehicles, telematics, and vehicular communications will drive this segment In terms of hardware, ADAS systems are expected to dominate the global smart fleet management market owing to increasing government regulations and initiatives to ensure safety Low cost, flexibility, and scalability are expected to drive the cloud connectivity segment. The segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.8% over the forecast period Demand for efficient transportation, rising demand for premium fleets, and implementation of strict government regulations are expected to bolster the growth of the APAC market Cisco Systems, Inc.; Continental AG; IBM Corporation; Siemens AG; Robert Bosch GmbH; Tech Mahindra; Sierra Wireless; and Zonar Systems, Inc. are some of the major players in the market. About Radiant Insights Radiant Insights is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. We assist and facilitate organizations and individuals procure market research reports, helping them in the decision making process. We have a comprehensive collection of reports, covering over 40 key industries and a host of micro markets. In addition to over extensive database of reports, our experienced research coordinators also offer a host of ancillary services such as, research partnerships/ tie-ups and customized research solutions. For More Information, Visit Radiant Insights Contact: Michelle Thoras Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Radiant Insights, Inc Phone: 1-415-349-0054 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: sales@radiantinsights.com Blog URL: http://ictmarketforecasts.wordpress.com Google owner Alphabet Inc said it would invest 600 million euros ($672 million) in a new data centre in Hamina, Finland, it said, according to a report by Finnish STT news agency on Monday. Google already has one data centre in Hamina, Finland and its other European data centres are located in the Netherlands, Ireland and Belgium. US President Donald Trump Democratic leaders in Congress have argued that impeaching President Donald Trump is a political mistake as the 2020 election nears. Most of the candidates running to succeed him seem to agree, for now. Fewer than one-third of the 23 Democrats vying for the nomination are issuing calls to start the impeachment process, citing evidence in special counsel Robert Mueller's report they believe shows Trump obstructed justice. Most others, including leading contenders Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, have found a way to hedge or search for middle ground, supporting investigations that could lead to impeachment or saying Trump's conduct warrants impeachment but stopping short of any call for such a proceeding. The candidates' reluctance, even as more congressional Democrats start pushing their leaders in the direction, underscores the risky politics of investigating the president for "high crimes and misdemeanors." Impeachment matters deeply to the party's base but remains unpopular with most Americans. White House hopefuls may win praise from liberal activists by pressing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., for an impeachment inquiry, but those who fall short of insisting are unlikely to take heat from early-state primary voters more focused on other issues. "People talk about it and people have opinions about it, but health care is much more salient to them," Sue Dvorsky, a former head of the Iowa Democratic Party, said in an interview. "I just don't see Democratic activists here all worked up about impeachment. They trust Pelosi." The 2020 candidates are facing pressure from the left to take a harder line on impeachment as the Trump administration's stiff-arming of subpoenas leaves House Democrats fuming and a growing number of lawmakers urge Pelosi to initiate an inquiry constitutionally required to remove Trump from office. Leah Greenberg, co-founder of the progressive group Indivisible, described the absence of louder calls for impeachment from the candidates as "a real gap in leadership." "What we're seeing is, some Democrats would prefer to keep the topic focused on places where they're most comfortable and some Democrats would prefer to play pundits on this," Greenberg said in an interview. Tom Steyer, a California billionaire, has run television ads and held town halls across the country as part of a campaign calling for Trump's impeachment. He suggested that candidates who haven't yet endorsed impeachment "have a political problem telling the truth about this." Steyer said that if the public saw televised, unfiltered hearings that showed "exactly how bad this president is and exactly who he's surrounded himself with and how corrupt he really is," Democrats and Republicans alike would "reject that kind of behavior." Steyer declined to enter the 2020 presidential race himself. The administration's blockade of congressional investigations and Mueller's report detailing possible obstruction action have yet to push any new Democratic candidates off the fence. Former Vice President Joe Biden, the current front-runner, said last month there is "no alternative" but impeachment if the administration keeps stonewalling congressional investigations. But Biden has notably stopped short of urging Pelosi to move forward. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who's running second in most polls, told CNN this past week "it may be time to at least begin the process" which could result in impeachment. But he warned in the same interview that Trump could try to exact political gains from any impeachment effort. Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, said in an interview Sunday that it makes sense for House Democrats to start taking the first steps toward impeachment but added, "I'm also mindful that people like me don't have a lot of business giving advice to Nancy Pelosi." New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker told The Associated Press on Friday that Trump's refusal to cooperate with Congress amounts to "undermining the Article I branch of the government's ability to conduct its constitutional mandates." But he gave Pelosi wide leeway. He acknowledged that "she's feeling the frustration from Democrats in the House" and said that "should getting cooperation from the administration not work, I know she'll increasingly be considering her options." Even California Sen. Kamala Harris, who said after the release of Mueller's report last month that "Congress should take the steps towards impeachment," is emphasizing her pessimism that Senate Republicans would act on impeachment if the matter came before them. The most vocal pro-impeachment candidates are Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke and former Obama housing chief Julian Castro. Two others, Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton and California Rep. Eric Swalwell, also have supported the start of the impeachment process. Iran will defend itself against any military or economic aggression, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday, calling on European states to do more to preserve a nuclear agreement his country signed. Speaking at a Baghdad news conference with his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed al-Hakim, Zarif said Iran wanted to build balanced relations with its Gulf Arab neighbours and had proposed signing a non-aggression pact with them. "We will defend against any war efforts against Iran, whether it be an economic war or a military one, and we will face these efforts with strength," he said. Strains have increased between Iran and the United States after this month's attack on oil tankers in the Gulf region. Washington, a firm backer of Tehran's regional rival Saudi Arabia, has blamed the attacks on Iran. Tehran has distanced itself from the bombings, but the United States has sent an aircraft carrier and an extra 1,500 troops to the Gulf, sparking concern over the risk of conflict in a volatile region. Iraq stands with Iran and is willing to act as an intermediary between its neighbour and the United States, Hakim said. Baghdad does not believe an "economic blockade" is fruitful, he added in a reference to U.S. sanctions. "We are saying very clearly and honestly that we oppose the unilateral actions taken by the United States. We stand with the Islamic Republic of Iran in its position," Hakim said. The United States and Iran are Iraq's two main allies. Meanwhile, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Oman and discussed "regional developments" with Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, the sultanate's minister responsible for foreign affairs, Oman News Agency reported. "Araqchi stressed the importance of peace and security in the Persian Gulf region and warned against the destructive policies of the United States and some of its regional allies," Iran's Foreign Ministry said on its website. "He rejected any direct or indirect talks with America." Bin Alawi last week said that his country is trying "with other parties" to calm Iran-U.S. tensions. NUCLEAR REFERENDUM? Washington has been seeking to tighten sanctions against Iran as relations worsen under U.S. President Donald Trump, who last year pulled out of a nuclear agreement that predecessor Barack Obama had signed with Iran and other world powers in 2015. In Tehran, President Hassan Rouhani floated the idea of holding a referendum over Iran's nuclear programme, Iranian media reported. A referendum on the programme could give Iran's leaders space to manoeuvre and a chance to resolve the stand-off with the United States. Top Iranian leaders have said they are not seeking war with the United States and officials speaking to Reuters from Tehran last week said that despite the sharpened rhetoric with Washington, authorities are trying to avoid open conflict. "Article 59 of the Constitution (referendum ) is a deadlock breaker ... and could be a problem-solver at any junction," the semi-official news agency ILNA quoted Rouhani as saying late on Saturday. Rouhani said that, when he was a top nuclear negotiator in 2004, he had proposed holding a referendum on the nuclear issue to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has held only three referendums since its 1979 Islamic revolution -- to approve the setting up of an Islamic Republic and then to approve and amend the constitution. Washington says it has built up the U.S. military presence in the region, accusing Tehran of threats to U.S. troops and interests. Tehran has described U.S. moves as psychological warfare and a political game. Separately, a deputy commander of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said the U.S. military presence in the Middle East was at its "weakest in history" despite talk of a build-up. Image: Reuters/Toby Melville The prospect of a "no deal" Brexit was fast becoming the central battle of the race to succeed Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday, as environment minister Michael Gove became the latest candidate to declare. May said on Friday she was quitting over her failure to deliver Brexit, potentially opening the way for a new leader who could seek a more divisive split with the European Union and lead to confrontation with the bloc or a possible parliamentary election. Setting out their pitch to the Conservative Party's largely pro-Brexit membership who will decide the outcome of the contest, four of the leadership hopefuls have said Britain must leave the EU on Oct. 31 even if this means a no-deal Brexit. "I will fight for a fairer deal in Brussels ... if not I will be clear we will leave on WTO terms in October," former Brexit minister Dominic Raab, who bookmakers rank as the second favourite to win, told BBC TV. "If you're not willing to walk away from a negotiation, it doesn't focus the mind of the other side ... I will not ask for an extension." Fellow contenders Esther McVey and Andrea Leadsom both made similar comments on Sunday, while former foreign minister Boris Johnson, the favourite to replace May, said on Friday: "We will leave the EU on October 31, deal or no deal." Gove, a leading campaigner for Brexit during the 2016 referendum campaign and a candidate in the Conservative leadership contest that May ultimately won, told reporters on Sunday that he planned to run again. "I am ready to unite the Conservative and Unionist Party, ready to deliver Brexit and ready to lead this great country," he said, without giving any detail on his plans for Brexit. "A DANGEROUS STRATEGY" The EU has said it will not reopen negotiations on the Withdrawal Agreement, which has been rejected by parliament three times, while British lawmakers have also repeatedly voted against the prospect of a no-deal exit. Highlighting the deep splits within the governing party over the way forward on Brexit, several senior Conservatives, including leadership candidate Rory Stewart, on Sunday warned against pursuing the policy of leaving without a deal. Finance minister Philip Hammond said parliament would be "vehemently opposed" to a no-deal strategy and a prime minister who ignored parliament "cannot expect to survive very long". "I will urge all of my colleagues who are standing in this contest to embrace the concept of compromise ... going to parliament with a hard line absolutist view and daring parliament to accept it is quite a dangerous strategy," he told BBC TV. Hammond said he could not support a no-deal strategy but declined to say what he would do if there was a vote of confidence in a government which adopted that policy. "In 22 years in parliament I have never voted against the Conservatives ... and I don't want to have to start now contemplating such a course of action," he said. The opposition Labour Party said it was seeking to work with other parties to try and block May's successor from taking Britain out of the EU without a deal. "There is real threat now of an extremist Brexiteer becoming the leader of the Conservative Party and taking us over the cliff edge of a no deal," Labour's finance spokesman John McDonnell told Sky News. "We have got to move to block a no deal." The deadlock over Brexit is expected to have hit both main parties when the results of the European Parliament elections are declared from 2100 GMT on Sunday, with Nigel Farage's Brexit Party, which backs a no-deal exit, predicted to come out on top. Representative image. A powerful 8.0-earthquake toppled houses, blocked roads and knocked out power in parts of Peru, killing one person and injuring at least 26 others as the shockwave extended into neighboring Ecuador. The quake hit in a sparsely populated region of Peru's Amazon basin region but was felt over a wide area. In Lima and other cities, frightened residents rushed into the streets. "There are many old houses that have collapsed after this strong earthquake," said Hugo Araujo, the mayor of Yurimaguas, a town near the epicenter. Peru's civil defense coordinator Ricardo Seijas told RPP radio that a man was killed by falling debris in his house in Cajamarca. Danilo Munoz, the 48-year-old victim, was asleep when the quake struck at 2:41 am (0741 GMT). Seijas said 11 people were injured in Peru, and more than 50 houses were left uninhabitable. Reports said 15 people had been hurt in Ecuador. The quake blocked roads, damaged a bridge and knocked down houses, said Peru's President Martin Vizcarra, adding that it was the most powerful quake to hit the country in 12 years. "It is an earthquake affecting the entire Peruvian jungle," he said. "We are working on establishing an air bridge to transport people who have an emergency," he said. The quake struck about 75 kilometers (45 miles) southeast of the town of Lagunas at a depth of at least 110 kilometers. The US Geological Survey and Peruvian geophysicists said the quake registered 8.0 in magnitude. They said it lasted just over two minutes. The mayor of Lagunas, Arri Pezo, said many residents who fled from their homes later stayed in the streets for fear of aftershocks. "You could not walk at the time of the earthquake, things were falling," Pezo told RPP. Power was knocked out, making it difficult to assess the damage, he said. One of the most dramatic moments captured on social media happened in Yurimaguas. Video from the police station shows the police chief shouting at his subordinates to quickly open the jail cells and get inmates outside. "The earthquake is strong!" he is heard yelling. "Open the cells! Help with the detainees, get one each!" The shockwave of Sunday's tremor also extended to neighboring Ecuador, where power cuts were reported in parts of its Amazon basin region. Peruvian media said the tremor was also felt in parts of Colombia and Venezuela. Peru lies on the so-called Ring of Fire -- an arc of fault lines that circles the Pacific Basin and is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The South American country records about 200 earthquakes a year, most of them going unnoticed by the public. In February, a quake measuring 7.5 with its epicenter in Ecuador rattled the coast and Amazon region of northern Peru. It left nine people injured and caused damage in Ecuador, but Peru was unscathed. The origins of this article lie in what this author wrote in the first quarter of 2009. India was awash with reports that China would dry up the Brahmaputra in its quest for water. To understand the situation, one needs to look at the table below. It shows how China, despite its huge landmass, is plagued with paucity of water. India has almost four times more water (if one looks at surface area covered with water) than China. In fact, except for Russia which has almost 13 % of its even more extensive landmass, India has one of the largest reserves of fresh water. It is this shortage of water availability that compelled China to do many things that India did not even bother about. True, it might have looked covetously at the water that was flowing through the Brahmaputra. After all, almost two-thirds of the river flows through China and the remaining one-third through India and Bangladesh. And, yes, the Brahmaputra is one of the largest rivers in Asia. But Chinas interest in the Brahmaputra waned once detailed hydrological studies conducted by the two countries around 2004 showed that the two-thirds of the river (known as Yaarlung in China) produced only 20% of the water. Almost 60% came from Arunachal Pradesh, and the remaining 20% from the rest of India and Bangladesh. That could have been one reason for China insisting that Arunachal Pradesh belonged to it, countered by vociferous denials from India. But that crisis also appears to have eased with China discovering by 2010 that it had managed to bring down the cost of solar panels, and that the cost of batteries too had plummeted. Desalination of water along the eastern coast was a very sensible idea instead of stoking tensions along the India-China border. It would assuage the water needs of the most congested parts of industrialising China, and would slake the thirst of industry and business. Moreover, planners in China had begun to realise that India and China would together account for the worlds biggest markets. Both would need each other. They hence had to work together. Could there be a way beyond waging a war for water? Yet there is no denying that Chinas need for water was growing by the day. As the first part of this series showed, as a country industrialises, it is compelled to give more water to its industry, and must therefore work out ways to ensure that agriculture uses less water yet produces more. China had no option but to look to Russia for water supplies as well, much in the same way as it had built a pipeline from Russia to China for oil and gas supplies. Russia was the worlds largest resource for fresh water (even without including the melting Arctic glaciers). But the idea appeared preposterous to many at that point of time. Finally, in 2015 China formally signed the building of a canal from one of the worlds largest lakes in Russia to middle China. This canal which eventually will span over 2,000 km will be one of the longest water canals in the world. Planners in Lanzhou (central China) drew up proposals to pipe and to canalise water into the chronically dry region of Central China from Siberias Lake Baikal. A video on this subject is fascinating (China Century Project SouthNorth Water Transfer Project HD 2400KM. Since it will provide water to middle China, it will probably irrigate and industrialise even regions of China that were never harnessed for wealth generation. Expect the additional water alone to trigger growth rates in China that many have not considered until now. But during the earlier 20 years, China had already reorganised itself to ensure that it used less water, without losing out on agricultural productivity. This is the second lesson India must learn. It has been blessed with so much water that it has forgotten to teach its farmers how to use water carefully. It has not penalised its administrators for allowing rivers and ponds to get polluted, and it has chosen not to penalise industrialists and businesses that pollute both the rivers and ponds on the one hand, and ground water on the other. Look at the chart alongside. It almost rubbishes Indias constant defence that fragmentation of land is what plagued Indias agriculture. Chinas land-holdings are even more fragmented than those of India. And watch its agricultural productivity -- with considerably less water than India has. In terms of value of farm output, China beats India. Its values are at least six times larger than those for India (1 Yuan is around Rs.10.5). China has managed to do wonders on the agricultural front. One, it has taught its farmers how to grow more using less water. This means putting into place systems to measure the amount of water consumed, and to impose fines and charges for any excessive water drawn. Two, it chose to draw up a list of items that were water guzzlers and then draw up measures to reduce the domestic production of such items (the forthcoming article on water footprint and virtual water will deal with this aspect). Three, it recycled its water and is today one of the most efficient at this job among countries in the world. Four, China created policies that prevented water wars. Indias water-war-fears s with China have thus faded. But its water wars within the country are major flashpoints. Water disputes over Punjabs rivers and the Krishna dispute are well known. More disputes will emerge. India reacts too late. It does not plan for water usage norms that are applicable across the country. Lastly, China penalises industry severely if they pollute water, or even use excessive water. Cities are designed to use only recycled water for flushing and washing. Policies are being crafted to even channelise human and agricultural waste to central pits for harnessing their methane, their water and the residual sludge for manure (more on this later). China does hold out many lessons for India. But the one on water is what India must learn urgently. The looming crisis caused by climate change on the one hand, and depleting groundwater reserves on the other spell big trouble. Indias policy-makers need to sit up and take note. The Special Operations Group of the state police has arrested eleven office-bearers of a cooperative society on charges of duping lakhs of investors of funds worth Rs 8,000 crore, said SOG Director General Bhupendra Singh Yadav on Saturday. The recently arrested accused include Virendra Modi and Kamlesh Chaudhary who are former chairmen of the Adarsh Co-operative Society. The other arrested accused include Ishwar Singh Sinhal, chairman, Priyanka Modi, ex-managing director, Vaibhav Lodha, senior vice-president, Sameer Modi, CFO, Rohit Modi, Assistant Managing Director, Lalita Rajpurohit, Ex-MD; Vivek Purohit, director of six companies of Adarsh Credit Co-operative Bank, Bharat Modi, Aditya Mega Project Company director and Bharat Das Vaishnav from Technical Infrastructure Limited Company. The DG said the SOG Jaipur headquarters in August 2018 had received information about opening of Adarsh Credit Cooperative Society Limited Ahmedabad by one Mukesh Modi. The society opened 806 branches in 26 states and four union territories. A total of 309 branches were opened in Rajasthan and 20 lakh members were formed. These included about 10 lakh investor members. They invested about Rs 8,000 crore which were later invested in their shell company, the DG said. Mukesh Modi and Virendra Modi allegedly gave an ex-gratia payment of Rs 270 crore to their son, daughter and son-in-law in one way or the other. Also Mukesh Modi, without any work done by his wife and son-in-law, designated them as the advisor at Credit Co-Operative Society Ltd. and paid Rs 720 crore to them in the last three years. The DG said the case was registered on December 28, 2018 in the SOG police station, Jaipur and a case under IPC sections dealing with criminal breach of trust, forgery, fraudulent cacellation and criminal conspiracy were registered. According to the DG, it was found in the investigation that the Model Credit Co-Operative Society Ltd., through the Modi family, named friends and family members in the 187 loan accounts, invested 99 per cent of the investment amount received from 20 lakh investors illegally without making any collateral and provided loans to them. The assets acquired by these shell companies from this loan amount were shown many times at a much higher value than their original value in their account books. These assets have not been acquired via pledge/hypothecation/mortgage by the credit-operative society Ltd. On March 31, 2017, an outstanding liability of Rs 1,86,242, 24,42,239 is pending in 187 loan accounts, which shows the misappropriation of funds belonging to the investors, the SOG DG said. Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is working on an electronic spot trading platform for retail customers who need to buy or sell foreign currency like the US dollar. RBI is now open to allow retail customers to exchange any amount on this platform being developed by Clearing Corp of India (CCIL), says a news report. The report from Business Standard , quoting Foreign Exchange Dealers Association of India, says customer registration will start on 1st July and trading will start on 5 August 2019. The RBI and CCIL want to ensure there is enough customer onboarding for effective trading and so, registration will start a month in advance. The amount can be anything the RBI decides. The CCIL can settle transaction of even one rupee, "the report says quoting a source. Currently, the clearing corporation operates an interbank USD/Indian Rupee spot trading platform named FX-CLEAR. The same platform can be modified to allow retail customers of the member banks. This retail market platform will be separate from the one used for interbank market. At present, a retail customer has to pay commission while buying or selling foreign currencies at the bank. For buying, the customer has to pay 2% premium, while for selling the banks charge 2% of the amount as discount. In both cases, the customer has to bear the cost of exchanging foreign currency (forex). In addition, if the customer use credit card for forex exchange, she is charges an additional 3% charge. RBI's new initiative is a fallout of its discussion paper issued in October 2017. In the paper, RBI had proposed a mechanism for improving pricing outcome for retail user. Under this mechanism, client pricing is directly determined in the market by providing customers with access to an inter-bank electronic trading platform where bid and offers from clients and authorised dealer banks can be matched anonymously and automatically. "This is likely to provide transparency while enhancing competition leading to better pricing for all types of customers, without differentiating them on the basis of order size. Direct execution by the customer is likely to bring down the cost of transactions as there is no market risk to the customers bank apart from settling the inter-bank trade through the CCIL settlement system. Banks may charge their customers a fee towards processing expenses. Banks will be required to publicly declare such fees," RBI had said in the discussion paper. The central bank feels that direct execution by the customer would help bringing down the cost of transactions as there is no market risk to the customers bank apart from settling the inter-bank trade through the CCIL settlement system. Banks may charge their customers a fee towards processing expenses, it says adding banks will be required to publicly declare such fees. How will the forex exchange trading platform work? 1. The customer registers for the forex trading platform facility on a specified portal and will share permanent account number and bank account details. The customers bank will set up the limit for forex trading, and share it with CCIL, which in turn will send login details to the customer. 2. The retail customer will access the platform through her authorised dealer bank and place bid (buy)/offer (sell). The system will display interbank rates prevailing at the time. However, since the retail orders would be processed in a lot of $500,000, the interbank rate for the currency may be different from what is displayed while placing the order. 3. Customer can directly execute the trade up to the limit by placing bid/offer quotes. Trades will be executed by anonymous order matching on price-time priority. 4. Buy orders on the retail platform will be matched against sell orders therein and vice versa. The system will have a functionality to aggregate customer orders at the same rate up to the minimum lot size of the interbank market (currently $5,00,000) and match it with the orders in the interbank market. This will ensure that prices in both the markets are in line. 5. Each matched trade of the customer would result in two transactions i.e. one between the customer and its bank and another between the customers bank and the counterparty bank except in cases where the customer orders are executed between the customer and customers bank. The interbank deal (between the customers bank and the counterparty bank) will be settled as per the current CCIL settlement process while the customer deal will be settled bilaterally between the bank and customer. 6. Once the trade is completed, a ticket showing interbank rate, mark-up and the net rate will be generated. The customer can opt for same day delivery (cash), next day deliver or spot delivery (trading+2 days or T2). 7. In case of same day delivery, the customer can visit her bank and take delivery or deposit the foreign currency, she has traded through the platform. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was created to promote, finance and support producer-owned and controlled organisations. It was also expected to strengthen farmer cooperatives through various measures like providing funds and guidance to farmers to enhance their livelihoods. However, it appears that, instead of taking care of farmers through the cooperative movement, NDDB has been busy ensuring the welfare of its retired senior executives. Apparently, NDDB used its subsidiary NDDB Dairy Services (NDS) to finance the employment of several retired senior executives with the same benefits that they were receiving before retiring from the board or its subsidiaries. Insiders, who are disturbed at the misuse of funds tell us that Deepak Tikku, 71, who retired as managing director (MD) of NDDB (Anand), in 2010, was appointed chairman of NDDB Dairy Service immediately after retirement till March 2017. The salary and perks he used to receive as MD of NDDB, continued in this new position as well. After April 2017, Mr Tikku is working as advisor and mentor at NDDB Dairy Services and Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetables Ltd (Mother Dairy). Mr Tikku has been director of Mother Dairy since the company's inception in 2000. However, in 2015, following a notice for his removal by NDDB, he resigned. However, when Dilip Rath became chairman of NDDB, Mr Tikku was re-appointed as director of the company. Mr Tikku continues to hold that position even today. Similarly, Dr Amrita Patel retired as chairman of NDDB in 2014. She was immediately made chairman of the management committee for semen station and breeding at NDDB Dairy Services. In 2010, Dr Patel was also made a permanent invitee to the board of NDDB Dairy Services; this takes care of her post-retirement trips to Delhi and other places which are paid by the company. From August 2016, Mr Rath is the chairman of Mother Dairy. His term as chairman ended on 1 December 2018. On 3rd December, the government issued a notification (S.O. 5949(E)) extending Mr Rath's first term 'until further orders'. Later on 6 March 2019, just before the model code of conduct came into force, the government decided to extend retrospectively Mr Rath's term for two more years. The list of other executives enjoying such largess is in the table attached. Incidentally, NDDB Dairy Services (NDS) was set up as a private limited company in 2009 with NDDB subscribing to only Rs1 crore as share capital. Thereafter, NDDBs nominee members moved a resolution to convert NDDB Dairy Services Pvt Ltd into a not-for-profit company under Section 25 of the Companies Act 1956 (now Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013). NDS was set up to function as the delivery unit of NDDB for field operations relating to promoting producer companies and productivity enhancement services. NDDB Dairy Services was re-incorporated as a not-for-profit company in the very year that it was first incorporated as a private limited and wholly-owned subsidiary of NDDB. Immediately thereafter, the Board transferred Rs199 crore to NDDB Dairy Services, in the form of contribution of capital for purchase of equity of an equal amount. The permission given by the Central government to NDDB was only for forming NDDB Dairy Services as a private limited company and the contribution of Rs1 crore as NDDBs equity in NDDB Dairy Services when it was a private limited company could be considered in line with Section 43(2)(a). The contribution of another Rs199 crore to NDDB Dairy Services as share capital from NDDB needed specific approval from the Central government as per Section 43(2)(b) of the NDDB Act. Section 43(2)(b) of the NDDB Act requires that the Board (of NDDB) may contribute capital, transfer assets or render assistance in such manner and to such extent subject to specific previous approval of the Central government in this regard. While the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has embarked on building an expensive costal road by dipping into the Corporations substantial reserves, the Mumbai Mobility Forum, an activist group, points out the that the traffic growth on the showpiece Bandra-Worli sea-link is only 1%pa (per annum)far too low to justify the ambitious project. The coastal road will connect and expand the sea-link on both ends. It was considered a life-saver for car owners, at a time when the city was struggling to cope with growing automobile sales. In fact, the sea-link provided the first major alternative route on the western corridor in nine years, although bad planning lead to severe congestion at both entry and exit points and growing toll rates are a dampener. The Mumbai Mobility Forum has written to municipal commissioner Praveen Pardeshi asking him to reconsider the basics of the project. The letter has been written in the context of public interest litigations (PILs) filed in the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court against the project. In response to a PIL, the BMC had argued that, it is extremely necessary - notwithstanding any environmental or livelihood issues - that we must provide an alternative for 60,000 cars per day (total for north and south in 2022 in both directions) to manage traffic congestion in Mumbai. The coastal road is expected to provide an eight-lane, 29.2-km long freeway that would run along Mumbai's western coastline connecting Marine Lines in the south to Kandivali in the north and is expected to see a growth of only 2%pa in the next 20 years. Moreover, the project will only cater to the needs of elite car owners who can afford big tolls while leaving the rest of Mumbai to deal with public transport. The Mumbai Mobility Forum points out that the municipal corporation has undertaken this expensive project when more economical alternatives are already being tried out or constructed. The railways are exploring more AC trains while the construction of a massive underground and above-the-ground metro rail project already has the city dug up across its length. By way of comparison, the Forum points out that the coastal road aims at a daily ridership of 60,000 vehicles which translates to roughly about 1,00,000 passengers per day whereas Metro III, colloquially known as the ColabaBandra-SEEPZ line, has forecast a ridership of 1.4 million people for a 22km stretch. In the letter, the Forum says that at least 70%-80% of the users of the coastal road would find the Metro and AC trains a far superior option. Its many metro stations such as Dadar, Mahim, Prabhadevi, Worli, Girgaon, Kalbadevi and Colaba offer far better accessibility to metro stations and they are at a walking distance and, hence, that resolves the worry of having to look for a parking space. The Indian Railways, which has been the main provider of public transport, is also continuing to work at expanding the network, increasing passenger carrying capacity and decongestion of stations. The western railway has a daily ridership of 3.5 million users and a single AC train has achieved a daily ridership of 12,000 in the past 12 months and the number of AC trains are expected to grow to five fully air-conditioned trains or 10 partially air-conditioned trains in the next four years on the Western Railways. This is expected to achieve a daily ridership of 60,000 commuters. Considering these reasons, AC trains would be a far better alternative to driving back and forth on the coastal road which involves a lot of traffic and crowded roads, each a few kms. There is a clear need to have a scientific evaluation of all existing public transport initiatives, in conjunction with the disruption of traffic, likely with the construction of the Sewri-Uran Trans-harbour link, to arrive at a holistic picture of Mumbais future transport needs. This also needs to factor in the water transport facilities that every government (including the present one, under Union minister Nitin Gadkari) have announced from time to time. The Forum argues that even if the BMC insists on constructing the coastal road, despite the high environmental cost, a 2+2 lane configuration like the sea-link would make more sense than the grand 8-lane road that is planned, going by traffic data. The Forum points out that the coastal road will benefit only 1% of Mumbaikars and that too at a great subsidy at the cost of bus networks, footpaths and bicycles. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. May 27, 2019: The global IoT device management market size is anticipated to reach USD 5.1 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., exhibiting a 28.3% CAGR during the forecast period. Growing demand for IoT services, need for digitalization, and increasing penetration of communication and networking technologies are expected to drive the market over the coming years. In the past few years, the industry has witnessed increasing investments in R&D activities for development of technologically advanced IoT systems. This has increased the popularity of IoT devices management products. Major application sectors in the market include device provisioning, monitoring, administration, and diagnostics. Download sample Copy of This Report at: https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/iot-device-management-market/request-sample The security solutions segment is projected to exhibit the highest growth rate over the forecast years. The market is witnessing increasing use of security solutions for connected devices. Advantages bestowed by the technology include higher efficiency in device monitoring, diagnostics, and analytics. Key market participants in the market include IBM Corporation; Aeris Communications, Inc.; Microsoft Corporation; Bosch Software Innovations; Oracle Corporation; PTC; and Advantech Co. Ltd. Vendors in the IoT market are likely to witness robust demand for connected device management over the forecast years, owing to increasing technological advancements. Complete Report Available @ https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/iot-device-management-market Further key findings from the study suggest: Security solutions is expected to be the fastest-growing segment with a CAGR of 29.2% over the forecast period Managed services are predicted to largely contribute to market growth, as they facilitate higher level of performance and efficiencies Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region, owing to high demand for smart city infrastructure and healthcare in emerging economies such as India and China Major players in the IoT device management market include Microsoft Corporation; IBM Corporation; Bosch Software Innovations; Oracle Corporation; PTC; and Advantech Co. Ltd. About Radiant Insights Radiant Insights is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. We assist and facilitate organizations and individuals procure market research reports, helping them in the decision making process. We have a comprehensive collection of reports, covering over 40 key industries and a host of micro markets. In addition to over extensive database of reports, our experienced research coordinators also offer a host of ancillary services such as, research partnerships/ tie-ups and customized research solutions. For More Information, Visit Radiant Insights Contact: Michelle Thoras Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Radiant Insights, Inc Phone: 1-415-349-0054 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: sales@radiantinsights.com Blog URL: http://ictmarketforecasts.wordpress.com At time of writing, the share price of PainChek Ltd [ASX:PCK] is up 14.13%, trading at 10.5 cents. It has been an excellent month for the PainChek share price, and it has recently seen a crossover of its 20- and 50-day moving averages: Source: tradingview.com The latest news out of PainChek is that it has signed an agreement with a UK-based software company for the distribution of its artificial intelligence (AI) enhanced product. In a brand-new report titled: The Most Exciting Stocks on the ASX, youll learn Money Mornings four favourite AI and Automation stocks. PainChek share price reacts to deal The PainChek share price was quick out of the blocks this morning, after the announcement was released prior to the commencement of trading. The deal, a binding distribution agreement with Person Centred Software, will get Paincheks product into the UK Aged Care market. Person Centred Softwares Mobile Care Monitoring (MCM) is used in more than 1,200 care homes in the UK, and will now distribute the PainChek App to their UK clients. PainChek CEO Philip Daffas hailed the agreement, saying: We are delighted to be working with Person Centred Software. Their team and product offering is highly complementary to PainChek and together we can leverage the positive learnings and market acceptance from Australia into an even larger market. The agreement will provide us with rapid access to their large UK client base. PainCheks prospects going forward With CE mark clearance (an EU compliance certification), the expansion into the UK market is welcome news for PainChek investors. It will help the company tap into an addressable market of 7.5 million people living with dementia in the EU, and 850,000 in the UK. For those unfamiliar with PainChek, the product uses the camera in a smartphone or tablet to capture a video of a persons face to detect the presence of micro-expressions that provide clues as to whether or not someone is in pain. The companys AI system then sorts through all this data to develop a pain severity score to aid care providers in the provision of treatment. This is particularly useful for the treatment of people with dementia, as they are not always able to effectively communicate that they are in pain. The company is planning a second application of their product for children that have not yet learned to speak. As per their last half-year report, the company has experienced a 448% growth in revenue, and will be focused on international expansion, particularly into the lucrative US healthcare market. FDA clearance in the US is projected to occur this year or next. AI and automation is a growing field and it appears PainChek is well positioned to capitalise on growing interest in applications of these technologies. If you want to learn more about ASX-listed stocks that use AI and automation, make sure to check out our free report on the sector here. Regards, Lachlann Tierney, For Money Morning May 27, 2019 New York Times Supports False Trump Claims About An "Iranian Nuclear Weapons Program" That Does Not Exist During a press conference in Japan U.S. President Donald Trump today said (video): And Im not looking to hurt Iran at all. Im looking to have Iran say, No nuclear weapons. We have enough problems in this world right now with nuclear weapons. No nuclear weapons for Iran. And I think well make a deal. Iran said: "No nuclear weapons." It said that several times. It continues to say that. Iran does not have the intent to make nuclear weapons. It has no nuclear weapons program. But Trump may be confused because the U.S. 'paper of the record', the New York Times, recently again began to falsely assert that Iran has such a program. A May 4 editorial in the Times claimed that Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps was running such a nuclear weapons program. After a loud public outrage the Times corrected the editorial. Iran's UN office wrote a letter to the Times which was published on May 6: In an early version of Trump Dials Up the Pressure on Iran (editorial, nytimes.com, May 4), now corrected, you referred to a nuclear weapons program in describing the reach of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. ... The editorial is correct in criticizing the punishing aspects of the Trump administration policy toward Iran one that has brought only suffering to the Iranian people and one that will not result in any change in Irans policies. But it was wrong to refer to a weapons program a dangerous assertion that could lead to a great misunderstanding among the public. Unfortunately that did not help. The NYT continues with the "dangerous assertion". On May 13 the NYT reporters Eric Schmitt and Julian E. Barnes wrote in White House Reviews Military Plans Against Iran, in Echoes of Iraq War: At a meeting of President Trumps top national security aides last Thursday, Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan presented an updated military plan that envisions sending as many as 120,000 troops to the Middle East should Iran attack American forces or accelerate work on nuclear weapons, administration officials said. One can not accelerate one's car, if one does not have one. The phrase "accelerate work on nuclear weapons" implies that Iran has a nuclear weapons program. It may that the White House falsely claimed that but the authors use the phrase and never debunk it. A May 14 NYT piece by Helene Cooper and Edward Wong repeats the false claim without pointing out that it is wrong: The Trump administration is looking at plans to send as many as 120,000 troops to the Middle East should Iran attack American forces or accelerate work on nuclear weapons, The New York Times reported. Also on May 14 the NYT's editorial cartoon was published under the caption Will Iran Revive Its Nuclear Program? The caption of the orientalist cartoon falsely asserted that Iran had enriched Uranium to weapons grade. And no, Iran does not have a nuclear weapon or a nuclear weapons program in its freezer. bigger On May 16, after another public outcry, a correction was added to the cartoon: An earlier version of a caption with this cartoon erroneously attributed a distinction to Iran's nuclear program. Iran has not produced highly enriched uranium. After this onslaught of false New York Times claims about Iran NYT critic Belen Fernandez asked: Has the New York Times declared war on Iran? She lists other claims made by the Times about Iran that are far from the truth. Three days later, on May 25, Palko Karasz reported in the New York Times on Iran's reaction to Trump's tiny troop buildup in the Persian Gulf region. Again the obviously false "accelerate" phrase was used: Under White House plans revised after pressure from hard-liners led by John R. Bolton, the presidents national security adviser, if Iran were to accelerate work on nuclear weapons, defense officials envision sending as many as 120,000 troops to the Middle East. Iran does not have a nuclear program. It can not "accelerate" one. The U.S. claims that Iran once had such a program but also says that it was ended in 2003. The standard formulation that Reuters uses in its Iran reporting is thereby appropriate: The United States and the U.N. nuclear watchdog believe Iran had a nuclear weapons program that it abandoned. Tehran denies ever having had one. On July 1 1968 Iran signed and later ratified the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a non-nuclear-weapon party. Article II of the treaty says: Each non-nuclear-weapon State Party to the Treaty undertakes not to receive the transfer from any transfer or whatsoever of nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices or of control over such weapons or explosive devices directly, or indirectly; not to manufacture or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices; and not to seek or receive any assistance in the manufacture of nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices. With that Iran said "No nuclear weapons". Iran also accepted the nuclear safeguards demand in Article III of the treaty in form of routine inspections by the treaty's nuclear watchdog organization IAEA. Article IV of the NPT gives all non-nuclear-weapon state parties like Iran the "inalienable right" to "develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination." After signing the NPT Iran launched several civil nuclear projects. These started under the Shah in 1970s and continued after the 1979 revolution in Iran. bigger Ever since the Iranian revolution the U.S. expressed explicit hostility to the Islamic Republic of Iran. It instigated the President Saddam Hussein of Iraq to launch a war against the Islamic Republic and actively supported him throughout. It attempted and continues to attempt to hobble Iran's development, nuclear and non-nuclear, by all possible means. Under U.S. President George W. Bush the U.S. government claimed that Iran had a nuclear weapons program. The Islamic Republic Iran rejected that claim and in 2004 signed the Additional Protocol to the NPT which allows the IAEA to do more rigorous, short-notice inspections at declared and undeclared nuclear facilities to look for secret nuclear activities. With that the Islamic Republic of Iran said: "No nuclear weapons". In a 2006 New York Times op-ed Javid Zarif, then the Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations, wrote: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, has issued a decree against the development, production, stockpiling and use of nuclear weapons. With that Iran's highest political and religious leader said: "No nuclear weapons". Not only did Iran sign the NPT and its Additional Protocol but its political leadership outright rejects the development and ownership of nuclear weapons. Zarif also pointed out that the IAEA found that Iran had missed to declare some nuclear activities but also confirmed that it never had the nuclear weapons program the Bush administration claimed it had: In November 2003, for example, the agency confirmed that "to date, there is no evidence that the previously undeclared nuclear material and activities were related to a nuclear weapons program." During the "previously undeclared nuclear material and activities" which the IAEA investigated, some Iranian scientists worked on a 'plan for a plan' towards nuclear weapons. They seem to have discussed what steps Iran would have to take, what materials, and what kind of organization it would need to launch a nuclear weapons program. The work was not officially sanctioned and no actual nuclear weapons program was ever launched. It is believed that the Iranian scientists worked on a 'plan for a plan' because they were concerned that Iran's then arch enemy Saddam Hussein, who had bombarded Iranian cities with chemical weapons, was working towards nuclear weapons. In 2003, after the U.S. invaded Iraq, that concern proved to be unfounded and the 'plan for a plan' project was shut down. In December 2007 all 16 U.S. intelligence agencies confirmed the shut down: A new assessment by American intelligence agencies concludes that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 and that the program remains frozen, contradicting judgment two years ago that Tehran was working relentlessly toward building a nuclear bomb. ... [T]he new [National Intelligence Estimate] declares with high confidence that a military-run Iranian program intended to transform that raw material into a nuclear weapon has been shut down since 2003, and also says with high confidence that the halt was directed primarily in response to increasing international scrutiny and pressure. The National Intelligence Estimate ended efforts by the Bush administration to threaten Iran with war. But the U.S. government, under Bush and then under President Obama, continued its effort to deny Iran its "inalienable right" to civil nuclear programs. Obama waged a campaign of ever increasing sanctions on Iran. But the country did not give in. It countered by accelerating its civil nuclear programs. It enriched more Uranium to civil use levels and developed more efficiant enrichment centrifuges. It was the Obama administration that finally gave up on its escalatory course. It conceded that Iran has the "inalienable right" to run its civil nuclear programs including Uranium enrichment. It was this concession, not the sanctions, that brought Iran to the table for talks about its nuclear programs. The result of those talks was the The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) which was endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, adopted on July 20, 2015. The JCPOA gives the IAEA additional tools to inspect facilities in Iran. It restricts Iran's civil nuclear program to certain limits which will terminate in October 2025. The JCPOA also reaffirms that Iran has full rights under the NPT. The IAEA since regularly inspects facilities in Iran and consistently reaffirms in its reports that Iran has no nuclear weapons program. The Trump administrations hostility to Iran has nothing to do with anything nuclear. The U.S. wants hegemony over the Persian Gulf region. Iran rejects such imperial desires. The U.S. wants to control the flow of hydrocarbon resources to its competitors, primarily China. Iran does not allow such controls over its exports. The U.S. wants that all hydrocarbon sales are made in U.S. dollars. Iran demands payments in other currencies. Israel, which has significant influence within the Trump administration, uses claims of a non existing Iranian nuclear weapons program to manipulate the U.S. public and to divert from its racist apartheid policies in Palestine. Trump's talk - "Im looking to have Iran say, No nuclear weapons." - is simply bullshit. Iran said so several times and continues to say so. But Trump obviously believes that he can get away with making such idiotic claims. The New York Times proves him right. It is again slipping into the role that it played during the propaganda run-up to the war on Iraq in 2002/2003. False claims made by members of the Bush administration about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq were reported by the Times as true, even while diligent reporters at other outlets debunked those claims again and again. The Times later apologized and fired Judith Miller, one of its reporters who wrote several of the pieces that supported the false claims. But it was never a problem of one reporter who channeled false claims by anonymous administration officials into her reports. It was the editorial decision by the Times, taken long before the war on Iraq began, to use its power to support such a war. That editorial decision made it possible that those false claims appeared in the paper. This month alone one NYT editorial, one editorial cartoon and at least five reporters in three pieces published in the New York Times made false claims about an Iranian nuclear weapons program that, as all the relevant official institutions confirm, does not exist. This does not happen by chance. It it is now obvious that the Times again decided to support false claims by an administration that is pushing the U.S. towards another war in the Middle East. Posted by b on May 27, 2019 at 19:46 UTC | Permalink Comments next page next page As I was thinking about receiving my first salute as a commissioned officer in just a few short days, this salute is one that will forever be imprinted in my memory as one of the proudest moments in my life. My grandfather was a man that I aspired to be like every day of my life, and getting to serve and carry on his legacy is one of the most rewarding opportunities. I miss him dearly, and when things get hard, his memory is something that constantly makes me want to be better and to serve those around me the way he would have wanted me to. One of the best things he taught was to make sure that youre making those around you better, and always lend a helping hand. If you have the ability to make someones life better, you have an obligation to do so. Never forget where you come from, and love life. John was born in Morganton on April 22, 1924, and enlisted in the Navy during WWII. A lot of people here remember him as Sunny Happoldt, Forney said. That was his nickname. My dad told me that when he (John) joined the Navy, he and another guy were the first two blacks that were recruited as seamen. Forney remembers John discussing the attack on the ship. He was on a wooden crate in the water for a while before he was rescued, Forney said. They thought the boiler room had exploded, but some of the guys said they thought they had seen torpedoes coming. The water at the time was 38 degrees, Puleo reports. The book contains firsthand accounts from survivors, who were rescued by other naval ships and taken to local hospitals to be treated for their injuries. Lawton discovered and poured through U.S. military intelligence reports that were declassified years after the attack to find out the truth, which Puleo details in the book. Lawton made his research, which also included information from military records and personal interviews, public, which led to the sailors finally being honored with Purple Hearts in 2002. Samuel and his daughter Martha Lyster and son-in-law LCDR (Ret.) Norman Lyster , who escorted him on the trip , were able to see, along with other veterans around the country, the World War II Memorial, The Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery. It was inspirational to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the changing of the guard was interesting, Sam said. He had hopes of finding some of his friends who had died in the war in Arlington, but due to the immense amounts of graves , it was a difficult process. These were men just like I was that went through a wartime experience, Sam said. I t i mpacted their lives very strongly. When visiting the memorials, wartime memories from the invasion of Normandy that may have seemed faded to Sam came back. I was remembering what the frontline was like and remembering that fact that a shell came and exploded overhead and a piece of shrapnel went through my leg, he said. The person who came to help me was the only person there a German. Milan Public Library invites all history lovers to the Germanic Immigrants & Migrants in Ohio program with Ohio Universitys Timothy Anderson. This free program will take place from noon to 1 p.m., June 1, in the Milan community room, 19 Church St. It is open to the public. This special presentation is made possible by the Ohio Humanities Speakers Bureau and traces the significant role Germanic immigrants and migrants played throughout the early, formative settlement of the Northwest Territory during the Early National period, according to a news release. Through this painstakingly researched presentation, attendees can learn about the origins and numbers, distinctive settlements, and overall cultural impact of these people who helped shape the state of Ohio, the release stated. After taking a fresh look at the real estate services industry, we have downgraded our economic moat ratings for CBRE Group (CBRE) and Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) to narrow from wide. We still believe these companies have robust competitive advantages because of their reputation-based intangible assets and switching costs, but we are no longer confident that excess returns will persist for 20 years. Both companies operate in a cyclical industry that is rapidly consolidating, raising the prospect that they will compete more directly once consolidation eventually stabilizes. We are also cautious about the potential effect that technology might ultimately have on the broker/client relationship. Nevertheless, we remain confident that CBRE and JLL can maintain their competitive edge for the next 10 years. Both companies boast strong reputations, which is incredibly important in real estate services, where relationships are paramount to the dealmaking process. These reputations also help CBRE and JLL attract large multinational clients in the corporate outsourcing business. We think both companies also benefit from switching costs because of the difficulty involved in switching outsourcing providers. Both are increasingly bundling various services as larger companies seek out a one-stop shop for all their real-estate-related solutions. We think these forces should endure, allowing both companies to deliver excess returns in the foreseeable future. The changes had an immediate psychological impact on the market. Local real estate boards noted a large influx of listings in the following months, as skittish sellers looked to cash in before the market went soft. As a result, a number of housing markets within the province experienced double-digit per-cent price and sales declines, especially among higher-priced single-family home types, the Zoocasa report noted. Newmarket and Aurora were the locales that experienced the greatest proportional price declines during that two-year time frame, at 30%. The average home prices in the areas stood at $725,710 and $888,387, respectively. However, the softening market has pushed a growing number of buyers towards certain markets, especially comparatively affordable secondary markets that are supported by strong employment. The strongest price increases were observed in locales that had average prices at less than $500,000. Windsor-Essex enjoyed 25% price growth in the 24 months ending April 2019, with an average price of $343,956. London came next with its 19% growth, reaching an average price of $429,058. The Ottawa Region, which has enjoyed sustained growth over the past few quarters, saw its home prices grow by 10% over two years, with an average price of $450,295. Ottawas real estate market is considerably benefiting from its local government and economy, according to an Engel & Volkers analysis. In its Canadian 2019 Spring Market Report, the real estate services company attributed Ottawas housing strength to a vibrant economy impelled by 8.8% population growth. This rate is significantly above the overall national rate of 5.9%. With the market absorbing condos at a faster rate, coupled with the markets population growth, there is a high probability of the local government approving more condo projects in the near future, Engel & Volkers stated. Jockeys, Juleps & All That Jazz benefits Communities in Schools Communities in Schools of the Permian Basin presented the seventh annual Jockeys, Juleps & All That Jazz May 3 at the Petroleum Club. The event preceded the Kentucky Derby. Wearing derby hats and ties, guests were greeted with mint juleps, wine and appetizers. Tables were covered with a navy-blue table cloth highlighted by a centerpiece spray of red and pink roses. The meal began with a wedge-salad topped with tomatoes, ranch and vinaigrette dressing, blue cheese crumbles and crispy onion strings. The main course of beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes and asparagus was served as the awards presentation got underway. April Marshall was presented with the Community Leadership Award, while Samuel Gonzalez was honored with the Outstanding Alumni Award. The event included silent and live auctions, a raffle and hat and tie contests. Live auction items included trips to the Kentucky Derby and Costa Rica; a Hill Country buck hunt; an 18K yellow gold cuff bracelet; and a dinner for eight prepared by Chef Michael of Exquisite Catering at the winners home. Raffle items were a Vortex Razor binoculars and a Black Rifle Coffee Co. set; two passes to the Jockey Club at Ruidoso Downs with a stay at the Lodge at Sierra Blanca and a bottle of Woodford Reserve limited edition bourbon; and a Kendra Scott gold necklace and matching earrings and a clutch. Communities in Schools serves more than 1,500 at-risk students at 20 schools in Midland and Odessa through programs such as XY-Zone, Project Athena and Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day. Scarborough-Linebery House hosts Mexican fiesta The Scarborough-Linebery House hosted a Mexican fiesta for the May luncheon. Banners hung across the ceiling, and tables were decorated with a variety of flower-designed table cloths with colorful plates and cups. Centerpieces ranged from sombrero pinatas to brightly colored tissue pom paper flowers. Guests were served chili beans and corn muffins, followed by king ranch casserole, mexi-zucchini, papas con chili, and a tostadas salad. The dessert plate was bite-sized pieces of Mexican confetti cake, lemon bars and chocolate and cream pralines. A deputy with the Bexar County Sheriffs Office was arrested Saturday on public corruption charges related to bribery and smuggling heroin and Suboxone, which is often used to treat opioid addiction, into the Bexar County Jail. Armando Trevino, who has been employed by the Bexar County Sheriffs Office for five years, faces charges of bribery and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, Sheriff Javier Salazar announced at a news conference. At Salazars side Saturday night was Christopher H. Combs, special agent in charge of the FBIs San Antonio office. The agency worked with the sheriffs office on the case. Trevino, 30, is a corporal. He has been smuggling the drugs into the facility for several years and an investigation into his actions has been going on for some time, Salazar said. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonios sheriff delves deeper into dealing with problem employees himself Hes been on our radar, Salazar said. Hes very resourceful. He went to great lengths to conceal his crimes. A deputy with the public integrity unit learned that Trevino was planning to meet with a civilian Saturday to get drugs and officers set up surveillance. They saw Trevino do just that at a gas station near Broadway and Loop 410, Salazar said. Trevino was in uniform at the time and had a weapon. It was pretty clear to everybody that he was on his way to work to smuggle these drugs into the Bexar County Jail, but we placed him under arrest before that could be completed, Salazar said. Authorities also arrested the civilian, Rudy De La Cruz, who is facing the same charges. De La Cruz, 33, is not employed by the Sheriffs Office. Trevino is the latest in a string of deputies arrested this year. A Bexar County jailer turned himself in to authorities Friday afternoon after being indicted this week for allegedly pushing an inmate last year. Detention Deputy Markese Djuan Shands is charged with official oppression, according to the sheriff's office. He turned himself in at 3:30 p.m. on a warrant that was issued for the indictment, officials said. Less than two weeks ago, a Bexar County jailer was arrested and another was fired after an inmate died following a medical incident. Detention Deputy Mishal Mathew was arrested and charged with tampering with a government record. Probationary Deputy Lucio Camacho was terminated but is not facing charges because there is no evidence he falsified records. During Saturdays press conference, Salazar highlighted his efforts to root out bad actors. Its infuriating, Salazar said. Its insulting and its an affront to the other 1,500 deputies I have in this agency that just want to come to work and protect and serve and do a great job and provide for their families. Folks like this are totally disrespecting everybody that wears that badge, he added. madison.iszler@express-news.net U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth spends Memorial Day honoring her friends in the military who have fallen and the heroic soldiers who kept her from numbering among the dead. Memorial Day is a day to honor our heroic dead, said Duckworth, the junior senator from Illinois. People often confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day. Veterans Day is when we thank our veterans for their service and Memorial Day is specifically to honor the fallen. Duckworth retired from military service in 2014 with the rank of lieutenant colonel after serving 23 years. She flew Black Hawk helicopter combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom and was awarded the Purple Heart. Deployed to Iraq in 2004, it was on Nov. 12 of that year when a rocket-propelled grenade took down her helicopter. She lost her legs and has limited use of her right arm. I think every Memorial Day about the guys from the Illinois National Guard that I knew that never made it home from Iraq, Duckworth said. Whether its the CH-47 (Chinook helicopter) crew that was shot down in Iraq from the Peoria unit, or whether it was Sgt. First Class Bill Chaney of my own unit out of Chicago Midway Airport, who was a Vietnam Veteran and deployed to Iraq at the age of 59, who died of natural causes and never made it home. Or whether it was the young men, that as a public official, I went to their deployment ceremony out of Woodstock, Illinois, who were killed coming back. Duckworth said the Chinook CH-47 helicopter shot down was part of the Illinois Army National Guard unit based in Peoria. Sixteen were killed and 20 wounded. Among the dead was Illinois Army National Guard Pilot 1st Lt. Brian D. Slavenas. Friends and family in Genoa described Slavenas to The Associated Press as a gentle giant, a non-violent man who felt a duty to his country. He wasnt one of those gung-ho, want-to-go-to-war-type guys, his brother, Eric Slavenas, told The Associated Press. He was there to do a job. Duckworth said people serve their country in the military for many reasons. She began Army Reserve Officer Training Corps at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., after the fall of the Berlin Wall. I found myself in all of my classes becoming friends with either currently serving guardsmen and reservists or with veterans in my class on the G.I. Bill, Duckworth said. I remember watching the Berlin Wall come down and I remember seeing all of those East Germans and Czechoslovakians fleeing the Soviet Union. People were grabbing whatever possessions they could carry and running into freedom, Duckworth said. And I remember thinking how proud I was to be an American and it was my nation standing with the NATO allies that represented freedom and liberty. I fell in love with the meritocracy of the Army and decided that this was something I wanted to do as part of my life, Duckworth said. I just wanted to do my part for this nation that I love more than my own life. After receiving her Masters of Arts Degree in International Affairs at George Washington University, Duckworth pursued a doctorate in political science from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, where she finished her ROTC training in May 1992 and received her commission as an officer in the Army Reserve. Her first choice was to be a helicopter pilot, because that was one of the few Army combat assignments offered to women at the time. Duckworth grew up in various cities throughout Southeast Asia. Her father, Franklin Duckworth, worked for the United Nations Refugee Program after he retired from the military, where he had served during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Working for the U.N., Franklin Duckworth provided humanitarian aid to the Vietnamese boat people and refugees fleeing Laos and Cambodia, then worked for multinational corporations. Memorial Day was something we always observed at the U.S. Embassy to honor our heroic dead, Duckworth said. My family history on my dads side goes back to the Revolution, and Memorial Day was always significant in my family. Duckworth led a bipartisan congressional delegation to Iraq in April. She returned to Iraq for the first time since her helicopter was shot down in 2004. Memorial Day isnt about me now, Duckworth said. I survived the shoot down. If I was killed, Memorial Day would be about me, but thanks to the heroism of both my crew of my aircraft and the second aircraft in our flight, I made it home. My pilot-in-command received a Distinguished Flying Cross, Duckworth said, referring to Dan Milberg of the Missouri National Guard. And I want to be sure to always honor that. Because they saved me, Memorial Day isnt about me, Duckworth said. And I get to honor them and get to honor our fallen dead and work as hard as I can for our veterans, work as hard as I can for family members of the fallen, and make sure we stand by every one of our military men and women. Wives can sue their spouses for ... President Donald Trump issued a Memorial Day proclamation for all Americans to remember military heroes who lost their lives in the defense of freedom. Trump was Mondays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here is the proclamation: Whether on the battlefields of Bunker Hill, on the beaches of Normandy, in the jungles of Vietnam, or in the mountains and deserts of the Middle East, brave Americans of every generation have given their last full measure of devotion in defense of our country, our liberty, and our founding ideals. On Memorial Day, we humbly honor these incredible patriots and firmly renew our abiding commitment to uphold the principles for which they laid down their lives. As a free people, we have a sacred duty to remember the courageous warriors who have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that our great country would endure. It is our responsibility to strive to ensure that their noble acts of dedication to our country and the cause of freedom were not in vain and to comfort the families they have left behind, who bear the heartbreak of their loss. We must ensure that the light of our Republic, and all for which these most honorable Americans willingly died, continues to shine forth brightly into the world. As President Lincoln said in 1863 during the dedication of the Gettysburg National Military Cemetery: It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. As we approach the 75th anniversary of D-Day, we proudly commemorate those heroic and honorable patriots who gave their all for the cause of freedom during some of historys darkest hours. Thousands of selfless members of our Armed Forces perished on the beaches of Normandy. They bravely gave their lives to pave the way for the Allied liberation of Europe and ultimately victory over the forces of evil. Their historic sacrifices and achievements secured the future of humanity and proved Americas strength in defending freedom and defeating the enemies of civilization. Those who rest in the hallowed grounds of our countrys national cemeteries laid their lives upon the altar of freedom. Today, as we unite in eternal gratitude for the sacrifices of these extraordinary Americans, let us also offer a prayer for lasting peace. Let us renew our steadfast resolve to work toward a peaceful future, in which the horrors of war are a distant memory and our families, our communities, and our Nation need no longer confront the sorrow and pain of losing our beloved sons and daughters. In honor and recognition of all of our fallen heroes, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 11, 1950, as amended (36 U.S.C. 116), has requested the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer. The Congress, by Public Law 106-579, has also designated 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe, in their own way, the National Moment of Remembrance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 27, 2019, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time when people might unite in prayer. I further ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. I also request the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period. The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML. Congressman McClintock answers a question at TuCare Natural Resources Summit View Photos Sonora, CA Mother Lode District 4 Congressman Tom McClintock has introduced legislation to withhold federal grant funding to sanctuary cities. McClintock criticizes cities, like San Francisco, for forbidding local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, even if they wish to do so. He says his Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act will put an end to a practice he claims endangers the public. The act would withhold certain non-law enforcement federal grant funds from those cities. The sanctuary city policies in California and in other states where sanctuary city policies have proliferated have placed the public and law enforcement at great risk, said Rep. McClintock. It is unacceptable for these jurisdictions to refuse to cooperate with, and in some cases outright obstruct, the federal agents tasked with removing illegal aliens who have been arrested for a crime. The legislation also provides protection or safe harbor for illegal immigrants that report crimes. Additionally, it address the issues of lawsuit liability for local police and municipalities declaring that if the Department of Homeland Security commits an error or violates an individuals rights, the federal government would solely be liable. The legislation was introduced with 21 co-authors and companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA). McClintock relays it is supported by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the International Union of Police Associations, the AFL-CIO and National Association of Police Organizations. Sacramento, CA Ordering flags to half-mast until noon, the California governor in his Memorial Day Proclamation invites the public to join in on the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. in honor of those who gave all. The text of Gov. Gavin Newsoms Memorial Day Proclamation follows below On Memorial Day, we pay solemn tribute to the men and women who marched, flew and sailed in defense of our freedoms and way of life, never to see their loved ones again. In enduring respect and gratitude for their sacrifice, communities across the state in the coming days will participate in ceremonies at the states three veterans cemeteries, nine national military cemeteries and at local cemeteries throughout California where the fallen rest. It is a tradition that began as Decoration Day shortly after the Civil War. Family, friends and others placed flowers and other adornments upon the graves of those who died in battle, both Union and Confederate. The observance was broadened following World War I to commemorate all of our fallen service members, and declared a national holiday by Congress in 1971, observed each year on the last Monday in May. In honor of the fallen heroes we hold deeply and dearly in our hearts, I have ordered that flags be flown at half-staff until noon on all state buildings and grounds throughout California. I also invite you to join me in observing the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day, a shared moment of silence to reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our state and nation. Sacramento, CA Friday is the deadline for state lawmakers in both chambers to pass or reject a number of hot topic bills they initiated. Key decisions state senators and assemblymembers face this week include addressing police use of force, rent spikes, and labor laws affecting workers in the gig economy, a labor market characterized by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs. The opposing chamber will subsequently consider the bills that move forward ahead of the September adjournment. AB 392 would empower police to use lethal force only if necessary to prevent death or serious harm to themselves or others. Current law allows officers to use it if they reasonably fear they are in danger. After the proposed bill was recently amended, key law enforcement groups now support it. They are also backing SB230, which requires training every officer in ways to avoid using deadly force. AB1482 would cap the size of rent increases for some tenants, while AB1481 would require landlords to provide a reason for evicting tenants. The Assembly has voted to reduce some of the red tape around building accessory dwelling units, or granny flats and casitas. Despite the states acknowledged housing crisis, the biggest housing bill of the session, which would have overridden local zoning rules in some areas to allow for the construction of more homes, appears to not have support to move forward this year but might turn up again next year. Backed by labor unions, AB5 could expand rights and benefits to workers now labeled independent contractors, such as those working for companies like Uber and Lyft, while upending some other industries. The bill comes in the wake of a state Supreme Court ruling and wave of protests that are pressing policy makers to look at the fine print of workers rights as the nature of work changes. Privacy, Health Care, Status Quo Protections Among other areas of concern and debate are Assembly bills that would create exemptions to the privacy law, such as AB 846 for customer loyalty programs and more broadly for security purposes, such as in AB 1416. As more people use Alexa and Echo devices in their homes, another measure, AB1395, would put limits on how companies can use data collected through smart speakers. Relating to health care, AB1611 seeks to ban hospitals from charging out-of-network prices to people who have health insurance, which the California Hospital Association opposes, arguing hospitals and health insurance companies should have the freedom to negotiate their own rates. AB731 would require regulation of some large-group insurance plans similar to small-group plans, which supporters say would protect more people from exorbitant premium increases. However, insurers groups say the bill would drive up premiums and encourage employers to move to self-insurance that is not state-regulated. Democratic lawmakers are working to keep pre-President Donald Trump federal rules in place in order to preserve health, environmental and workplace safety protections eroding under the Trump Administration. SB1, which awaits a Senate vote, would enforce federal standards in place before Trump took office under state law, even if the federal government changes its policies. Heat, sun, satisfactory river currents. The stars were aligned for an ideal start to tubing season in Central Texas. Tubers headed to New Braunfels Saturday to capture a day of fun in the sun at the Comal and Guadalupe rivers. A family of three was enjoying a log ride at a California amusement park when the coaster jolted forward, accelerating at rapid speed and leaving one of the riders critically injured. The amusement park, Castle Park, is located in Riverside, California. Officials told CBS-LA that the mother, daughter and father were all transported to a nearby hospital. We responded to a call that said an individual was trapped on the log ride underneath one of the cars, said Capt. Brian Guzzetta with the Riverside City Fire Department. Fire officials said the car malfunctioned around 4:30 p.m. and went down the ramp at an incredible rate of speed. We had three patients, two adults and one minor. We were able to treat them and get them to a trauma facility. Guzzetta said, according to CBS-LA. Capt. Guzzetta said an official determination of what caused the malfunction has not been released but that it could possibly be related to a pump failure. CBS-LA spoke with Robert Mahler, who was on the log ride when the incident occurred, who said, Everybody was just screaming and panicking. Mahler said he noticed the familys car on the ride acting oddly. I was watching my kids on the ride, Mahler told CBS-LA, and I just heard this big thud. And this huge wall of water washed over where the ride envelope on to a different ride, which is unusual. And I stood up and looked and all of a sudden I saw the boat careening around the corner and it went way too fast and it tilted, maybe 45, 55 degrees and all I saw was, just essentially, legs falling out of the boat. Cartwheels out of the boat. And down into the water. According to Mahler, it appeared there was a woman covered in blood. There was another little boy sitting in the very front and I mean, as a father, I have a 7 and 4-year-old, said Mahler, according to CBSLA. The kid? I just wanted to grab him because he was so shooken up. He had this big gash on his forehead. Witnesses on the scene confirmed that several park workers jumped over the barricades to help the family not long after the incident occurred. According to CBSLA, park officials said the log ride is inspected regularly and was inspected on Saturday. A half-dozen foreign language teachers at a high school just north of the U.S.-Mexico border are facing criticism for dressing up in sombreros, fake mustaches and ponchos for yearbook photos, costumes that a local college professor says amount to racist mimicry. The photos of the teachers from San Pasqual High in Escondido, California, emerged this week after an angry mother texted them to Marisol Clark-Ibanez, a sociology professor at nearby California State University, San Marcos. Clark-Ibanez posted them to social media and shared them with KFMB-TV, which first reported on the incident Tuesday. None of the teachers immediately responded to requests for comment sent to their work email addresses. The Escondido Union High School District, which is in San Diego County, said the photos were "culturally insensitive and in poor judgment." A school system representative said Friday the teachers' actions are being addressed, but because the matter constitutes a personnel issue, details remain confidential. Principal Martin Casas expressed contrition over the photos. He said that while the teachers who appeared in the pictures had no ill will, "cultural appropriation is offensive, whether it was intentional or not." "We owe an apology to our Latinx and Chicano community, a community that I am part of," said Casas, who was born in Tijuana, Mexico. Casas directed teachers to discuss the episode with students and to ask them how the photos made them feel. Students were also asked what school leaders could do to repair the damage done by the photos. "This is part of a long journey to continue our work to becoming a culturally proficient organization," Casas said. "This will require us to have courageous conversations and to reflect on our biases." This is the latest controversy to erupt around costumes. College students have launched campaigns to discourage classmates from wearing Halloween costumes that evoke racist iconography - including blackface, Native American-inspired garb or geisha costumes. Teachers at an elementary school in Idaho were placed on administrative leave in November after dressing up as Mexicans and the border wall for Halloween. Clark-Ibanez said she was stunned by the photos. San Pasqual High is about a 40-minute drive from the border, and its student body is more than 60 percent Latino. "I was really taken aback, of course, because I've seen these issues in the news. It's usually around Halloween," Clark-Ibanez said. She also was stunned that such a controversy would erupt in Escondido. She said she understands that many people think the costumes are funny. But to her, they evoke a caricature of a Mexican who is drunk, shiftless, lazy and sleepy - an image that has pervaded representations of Latinos in popular media for years. "What's so funny about it, and who is it funny to?" she said. She said the photos should be viewed as more than just an ignorant stunt. They should raise questions about what students are learning about Mexican history and heritage, she said. TOKYO - President Donald Trump on Monday denied that North Korea had fired any ballistic missiles or violated the United Nations Security Council resolutions, taking the word of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over the assessments of his own national security adviser and his Japanese host. He praised the North Korean dictator as a "very smart man." He also again sided with Kim over former Vice President Joe Biden, after his Democratic rival was branded a "fool of low I.Q." by North Korea's state media for calling Kim a dictator and a tyrant. At a joint news conference with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump gave cover to Kim as he directly contradicted his national security adviser, John Bolton, as well as Abe, by arguing that Pyongyang had not launched ballistic missiles this month nor violated U.N. Security Council resolutions. "My people think it could have been a violation," Trump said. "I view it differently." When pressed, the president added he was not "personally" bothered by North Korea's short-range missile tests this month. Trump's comments were reminiscent of his repeated statements that he believed the denials of Russian President Vladimir Putin that his country interfered in the 2016 U.S. election - an assessment in direct conflict with U.S. intelligence conclusions about Russian interference. On Saturday, Bolton, had told reporters there was "no doubt" that North Korea had violated the Security Council resolutions by firing off short-range ballistic missiles. North Korea's Foreign Ministry was quick to round on Bolton Monday, with an unnamed spokesman quoted in state media as calling him a "war maniac" who has a "different mental structure from ordinary people." But Bolton didn't get much support from Trump, who appears keen to think the best of Kim and their personal chemistry amid growing signs that one of his major foreign policy initiatives is failing. "I view it as a man - perhaps he wants to get attention, and perhaps not, who knows," Trump said, referring to Kim and the tests. "It doesn't matter. All I know is that there have been no nuclear tests. There have been no ballistic missiles going out. There have been no long-range missiles going out." The human right's atrocities on Kim's watch are plentiful, including forced labor, deliberate starvation and executions, among others. In 2016, North Korea imprisoned 21-year-old American college student Otto Warmbier and sentenced him to 15 years of hard labor. Warmbier fell into a coma while in North Korean prison and died shortly after his return home in 2017, after Trump negotiated his release. But Trump portrayed the North Korean dictator as a leader who believes, as the president himself said he does, that his country has "tremendous economic potential" but understands he can't develop it while still pursuing his nuclear ambitions. "He knows that with nuclear, that's never going to happen, only bad can happen," Trump said. "He understands, he is a very smart man, he gets it." The president - a former real estate developer - also cast Kim's opportunities through the lens of his previous passion. North Korea, the president said, is "located between Russia and China on one side, and South Korea on the other. It's all waterfront property. It's a great location, as we used to say in the real estate business." In an earlier tweet, Trump also weaponized Kim against Biden - the Democratic candidate for president about whom Trump and his aides currently are most worried. In that missive, Trump wrote that he appreciated a recent comment by North Korea state media criticizing Biden, adding, "Perhaps that's sending me a signal?" American presidents traditionally refrain from criticizing their political rivals or talking partisan politics on foreign soil, but when pressed about seeming to choose a brutal dictator over a fellow American, Trump doubled down on his initial tweet. "Well, Kim Jong Un made a statement that Joe Biden is a low IQ individual," he said. "He probably is, based on his record. I think I agree with him on that." Bolton and the U.S. ambassador to Japan, William Hagerty - both sitting to the side - chuckled slightly at Trump's put-down of the former vice president. Abe has been keen to play down his differences with Trump over North Korea and stressed that the two countries' positions were "the same." He said Trump had "broken the shell of mistrust" with Kim, and shared his vision of a bright future. But Abe did not agree with Trump when it came to the missile launches. "On May 9th, North Korea launched short-range ballistic missiles, and that's a violation of the U.N. Security Council's resolution, so, as I have been saying, this is quite a regrettable act," he said. Earlier Monday, Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako welcomed Trump and his wife, Melania, at the Imperial Palace, making Trump was the first foreign leader to be welcomed there since Naurhito ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne at the beginning of May. Following palace custom, the president walked much of the red carpet alone, greeting an honor guard and schoolchildren waving U.S. and Japanese flags. In the evening, the Trumps were back at the palace for a six-course, black-tie banquet, beginning with "Consomme a la Royale," and including turbot and beef. Trump called himself "profoundly honored" to have been the first state guest of the new imperial era - known as the "Reiwa" era - invoked ancient Japanese texts, and thanked the people of Japan "for their incredible hospitality and warm welcome in this majestic land." So far, Japan's attempt to court and flatter Trump during this four-day state visit appears to be paying off. Talking to the media before his summit discussions with the Japanese leader, Trump described Abe as a "truly amazing prime minister," and Japan as a "really interesting and fabulous place." "We understand each other very well, we're very committed to each other as nations, so we have a situation where we have the best relationship that we've ever had with Japan, and we're going to keep it that way," he said. Crucially for Japan, Trump signaled that a trade deal between the two nations - something he has been impatient to deliver - will be delayed until after July's Upper House elections in Japan. He said the two leaders would "get the balance of trade straightened out rapidly," adding that an announcement would come "probably in August." Trump wants to see Japan cut tariffs for U.S. agricultural products, after the United States' withdrawal from the 11-nation Trans Pacific Partnership left its exporters at a disadvantage. He has also threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on foreign cars, although he declared this month he would delay imposing them for 180 days to allow room for negotiations on restricting import volumes. But Abe's constant reminders to Trump that Japan's car companies have poured money into the United States, including in regions dominated by Republican voters, also appear to be paying off. Trump also boasted that Japan has become one of the world's top purchasers of American defense equipment and would be buying 105 F-35 stealth aircraft, giving it the largest such fleet of any U.S. ally. But Trump said he believed a trade deal could be reached that would "benefit both our economies" and reduce the U.S. deficit. Trump also backed Abe's efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran, with the prime minister reported to be planning a visit there next month. "I do believe Iran would like to talk, and if they'd like to talk, we'd like to talk also," Trump said. "I know for a fact that the prime minister is very close with the leadership of Iran, and we'll see what happens Nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me." Several hours later, during his news conference, Trump said the United States was simply "looking for no nuclear weapons" when it comes to Iran, and offered yet another implicit dig at Bolton, who has pushed for a more hawkish stance toward the country. "We're not looking for regime change," Trump said, as his national security adviser sat mere feet away. "I just want to make that clear." File/Google The U.S. Coast Guard was searching Sunday for a missing 16-year-old swimmer at Matagorda Beach, according to a news release. Coast Guard searchers were notified around 1 p.m. about the missing teen, who did not make it back to shore when swimming with friends. Family and friends of Nichol Olsen, the mother found shot to death with her two daughters at a luxury home near Leon Springs almost five months ago, gathered at a local park today for a balloon release celebrating what would have been her 38th birthday. Several dozen people met at Raymond Russell Park near the Dominion to share memories of Olsen and her daughters and to celebrate Olsen's life. The gathering was organized by Olsen's son, Skylar Nobles, 22, who wanted to pay tribute to his mother. Olsen's friends and relatives released colorful balloons into the sky and watched as they drifted away. They joyously sang "Happy Birthday" to Olsen. READ ALSO: Anaqua Springs luxury home where three died is listed for sale "We're still going to celebrate her," said Olsen's friend, Michele Thomas, after the event. "Even though she's not with us in body, she's here with us in spirit." Olsen's aunt, Peggy Williams of San Antonio, shared several memories of her niece with the small crowd. "Her children were her life," Williams told listeners. "She was feisty ... But she had a heart of gold." Carlos Montez, the father of Olsen's 16-year-old daughter, Alexa Denice Montez, who also died in the shootings, attended the balloon release with his wife. "It's a very hard and emotional thing to have to go through, but something that I think is good for all of us, to come together in remembrance of them," he said. "I already know that we're going to do something for Alexa's birthday as well." Olsen and her two daughters were found shot dead on the morning of Jan. 10 at a residence in the gated Anaqua Springs Ranch subdivision, where they lived with Olsen's boyfriend, 31-year-old Charles Wheeler. The woman and her daughters were discovered collapsed close together in an upstairs hallway. A gun was found near Olsen's body. ON OUR SUBSCRIBER SITE: A single mother, her millionaire boyfriend and how their storybook romance ended in horror The younger daughter was 10-year-old London Sophia Bribiescas. Within days, the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Olsen's death a suicide and her daughters' deaths homicides. The shootings are still under investigation by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office and the FBI. Wheeler told investigators he'd left his house about 10 p.m. the night before the shootings after arguing with Olsen. He said he spent the night at a relative's place before returning home the next morning to find Olsen's and her daughters' bodies. Olsen's family and friends have rejected any possibility that she could have harmed herself or her children. pohare@express-news.net Clear skies are over San Antonio today, but May has a history of torrential and fatal flooding in the area. This Memorial Day marks four years since Central Texas was pummeled by rain, that lead to flooding that claimed the lives of 17 people across the state and Oklahoma. A woman who died after being struck by two different pickup trucks while crossing a West Side street Friday night has been identified. Sylvia Rodriguez, 56, died after she was hit near the intersection of 38th Street and Enrique Barrera Highway, or Old Highway 90, the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office said Sunday. At least three op-eds have appeared recently in the Express-News that say a prudent approach to climate change will work just fine. County Judge Nelson Wolff and CPS Energy President and CEO Paula Gold-Williams praised CPS Energys FlexPath (CPS Energy approaching change prudently, Another View, May 13, and Difficult energy talks will pay off, Another View, April 8). Bernard Weinstein touted clean-burning natural gas (Natural gas making U.S. a green leader, Another View, May 20). In addition, Wolff and Gold-Williams both argued that the citys proposed Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, or CAAP, will cost too much, hurting the citys businesses and poorest residents the most. None of these addressed the real urgency of climate change. Rather, they sounded as if San Antonio and the world had the problem of climate change well in hand. Nothing could be further from the truth. Please, imagine scientists have told us an asteroid will hit the Earth in 2030 that it will wreck our economies, destroy our coastal cities, and ravage humanity with drought, floods and disease. What price would we say is too high to divert or destroy that asteroid? Well, the asteroid of climate change has been identified by scientists, and they now say we have until roughly 2030 to take massive efforts to divert it. Otherwise, its going to hit us hard. The figures in the recent report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change tell us this: We need to cut our CO2 emissions 45 percent by 2030. If youll look at the figures in the draft CAAP, 48 percent of San Antonios emissions come from coal- and gas-fired power plants. Natural gas still emits tons of CO2. Without doing anything else, San Antonio could meet that 45 percent goal. If you throw in electric vehicles and mass transportation (another 38 percent of the citys greenhouse gas emissions come from vehicles), we can mostly likely meet our citys commitment to meet the Paris agreement. Some say quick transition to solar and wind power would cost too much. What is the expense of not transitioning quickly? Our own governments Fourth National Climate Assessment states that U.S. weather disasters in the past four years come at a total cost of nearly $400 billion. In an understatement, the report says, Acting sooner rather than later generally results in lower costs overall for both adaptation and mitigation efforts. California has committed to generating 60 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 and 100 percent by 2045. CPS is committed to the CAAP but still has plans to burn gas and coal beyond 2040, mainly because of cost. Surely in Texas and San Antonio, bastions of free-enterprise and innovation, we can match California in vision and ambition. We need to include in the CAAP a plan to close our coal and gas plants by 2030 and a plan to transition away from gas-powered vehicles soon thereafter. Burning fossil fuels until 2040 is tantamount to doing nothing, and the cost of doing nothing will be astronomical. The asteroid of climate change is approaching fast. How much are we willing to pay to save a habitable Earth? Wendell Fuqua of San Antonio is a member of the local Sierra Club's Executive Committee. San Antonio is a city that has a long-range plan for almost everything. Want to make tourists more impressed with the Alamo? We have a plan for that. We have a long-range plan for public art. A plan that helps abate citywide traffic congestion is under development. Our celebrated SA Tomorrow Plan is frequently cited as we plan for growth. We have a plan for how well manage the way scooters move around our streets and sidewalks. We even have a bold plan for how were going to light public spaces downtown. There is no shortage of good plans. However, we have no solid plan to address domestic violence. I can point to no strategy to prevent and combat increasing rates of LGBTQ intimate partner violence. There is no citywide plan that leverages partnerships with the faith community, schools, employers, nonprofits and law enforcement. Why not? At City Hall, youll frequently hear leaders say they reject business as usual and want to be innovative and bold to find solutions to the problems that face an ever-increasing population. To me, the irony is too big to ignore because business as usual is exactly how weve addressed domestic violence. That is, until now. Recently, at an annual luncheon benefiting the Battered Women and Childrens Shelter, Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales and I announced that the city will finally do what generations before us have failed to do: We will produce an authentic comprehensive domestic violence plan. This plan will set out strategies and goals for public education about domestic violence and LGBTQ intimate partner violence. It will map out our community and stakeholder organizations response to domestic violence. The plan will also focus on prevention. Why? Because business as usual is killing women and children. Did you know that 1 in 3 local women have a domestic violence story to tell? Last year, 28 of those women were murdered by an intimate partner or a member of their household. Did you know that one-third of the people who end up at the Battered Women and Childrens Shelter are children? Did you know there is high likelihood that those little boys or girls will become victims or will abuse future victims? Why us? Councilwoman Gonzales has been an advocate of domestic violence solutions for many years. Recently, she created a Promotoras program promotoras are trained neighborhood opinion leaders with information and resources they can share with domestic violence victims. Ive served at the Battered Women and Childrens Shelter (the authors mother is Marta Pelaez, CEO of Family Violence Prevention Services) for two decades and have fought to increase the investment the city government makes in our domestic violence programs. If not us, then who? Why now? As I write this, my council colleagues and I are engaged in a yearly exercise called a midyear budget adjustment. My colleagues and I are also starting to put together our priorities for the citys 2020 budget. To get this done right, well have to begin a public dialogue with all stakeholders about the resources needed to tackle this enormous initiative. Were doing this now because its never the wrong time to do the right thing. We cant ask the orphaned children of the 28 women murdered last year what they would like for us to do about domestic violence. But I think its safe to assume that if asked, theyd beg us to do something anything. Ive accepted their challenge. I hope you will join Councilwoman Gonzalez and me as we kick off this long overdue conversation with you and your neighbors. Well be asking hard questions and taking a painful look at our vulnerabilities. Its going to require all of us to be uncomfortable and to be courageously truthful about what we havent been doing right. Will you accept the challenge? If so, you can take a first step today. Consider visiting one of these three websites, FVPS, The Hotline or TCFV, and donate a dollar, or $10, or $100. Sign up to volunteer. Share this op-ed with your circle of friends. Ask your pastor to consider a sermon about domestic violence. You could ask your childs teacher to spend five minutes of class time talking about domestic violence. Maybe you could tell your co-workers that the shelters would appreciate donations of diapers, canned food and clothing. At least, tell a loved one that if she ever needs your help, youll be there for her. Just do something. Anything. Please. San Antonio City Councilman Manny Pelaez represents District 8. Re: House OKs cut to abortion providers, Metro, May 19: House Republicans are trying to remove more rights for women in Texas. I am disgusted that Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, would sponsor such a bill limiting a womans right to health care or the right to choose. I think it is safe to say these deplorable actions will cause a giant wave of new women voters come next election. Lloyd R. Mathews, Rockport Vela all negatives Re: DA opts to not talk of ousting constable, Metro, Wednesday: I was relieved to read Constable Michelle Barrientes Velas statement: Im not planning on going nowhere. This clearly means she is going somewhere perhaps back to grammar school. We can only hope it is somewhere far, far away. For $94,000 a year, we can find someone who respects the residents he or she serves, the employees he or she supervises, the law he or she is hired to enforce, and the English language. Gina Garrison In LaPierres defense Re: Boot NRA honchos, by David Saenz, Your Turn, May 21: Recently, Oliver North, as honorary president, attempted to oust the National Rifle Association CEO Wayne LaPierre because North was not given a second term. So, he decided he would spread internal gossip, which he did when his requirements werent met. The NRAs top executives, including LaPierre, make many appearances a year. Their expenses are in the thousands, which include clothing and other allowances, and most of them come from donations exceeding the $35 annual membership most of us give. His desires, Mr. Saenz? LaPierre and the NRA desire to maintain our right to keep and bear arms. And to make sure no one or any organization trashes the Second Amendment. That has been their desire for as long as I can remember. Im sorry you saw fit to resign your NRA membership. Ill continue mine until the NRA changes its course. Joe G. Lopez Enchanted Crystal Subscription Box 2.5 overall rating 4 Ratings | 0 Reviews Enchanted Crystal is a monthly subscription for crystals, hand-picked and uniquely curated to offer a truly enchanted crystal experience. My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.) This is a review for the $16 Crystal of the Month subscription. About Enchanted Crystal The Subscription Box: Enchanted Crystal The Cost: $16 for the Crystal of the Month subscription or $42 per month for the Crystal Variety Box. The Products: The Crystal of the Month subscription includes a crystal or mineral specimen, plus educational information and bonus mini crystals or minerals. The Crystal Variety Box includes 4 8 crystal or mineral specimens, a hand-printed cloth grid, and bonus mini crystals or minerals. Ships to: US for free, $10/month shipping to Canada, $15/month anywhere else in the world. Enchanted Crystal of the Month: Aragonite First, youll see a greeting from Adam of Enchanted Crystal. Our specimen this month is Aragonite. Lets unwrap! Previous Next 1 2 3 4 5 Aragonite Good to know: These crystals are around 1.5 inches long. So I actually went to a local rock show the weekend right before this package arrived. I brought home a big piece of Aragonite because I had never seen one before. Then I open my Enchanted Crystal box a few days later and what greets me? The SAME stone! Nuts! The universe is crazy. I adore the color and shapes of these stones though, so I am happy to have more than a few. Each one has this incredible starburst explosion shape and a delightful mix of clear and rust color. The tips of each burst are flat, and catch the light, making them shine and sparkle. From Morocco, these beauties require no mining and are often produced by living creatures similar to the way pearls are formed. Enchanted Crystal always sends bonus crystals or minerals in a small bag as well. Good to know: These are generally no more than an inch long. Previous Next 1 2 3 Amethyst Shards I feel like I received a few of these before, but they are quite interesting so I dont mind more, especially as a bonus. These are raw and not super shiny, but still beautiful and fascinating. Amethyst is a variety of quartz that is closely tied to spirituality and protection. It is also a stone many people equate with riches and royalty, due to that pretty purple color. Previous Next 1 2 Rose Quartz Also included was a soft pink tumbled piece of rose quartz, a stone known for enhancing healing and nurturing love and affection. Previous Next 1 2 Grey Agate I really like this agate because the grey color is lovely and the banding is prominent. Like the rose quartz, this one is also tumbled smooth. Verdict: Enchanted Crystal somehow read my mind regarding that Aragonite! How crazy is it that I just bought one a few days before?? I think pieces like this are exactly what make this subscription great because they are unusual, beautiful, and come with educational info! I also thought the little bonus crystals this month were lovely and liked the variety. This continues to be one of my favorite subs and is a no-brainer for someone who collects rocks, crystals, or minerals. To Wrap Up: Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, but sign up today to receive the June crystal of the month. Sign up on or before the 5th of the month to get the current months box! All orders processed after the 5th will ship the following month. We ship between the 5th and 8th of each month. Value Breakdown: This box costs $16.00 + free shipping, which means that each of the 4 crystal varieties in the box has an average cost of $4.00. Check out all of our Enchanted Crystal reviews! Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist! Are you also mesmerized by Enchanted Crystals crystal of the month? MDC leader Nelson Chamisa yesterday told his supporters to brace for more sustained pressure on President Emmerson Mnangagwa over the disputed 2018 elections, saying Zimbabwes problems needed an immediate solution. Officially opening the 5th MDC congress at Ascot Stadium in Gweru, Chamisa said his party was demanding an early election to solve the dispute over last years polls. The opposition leader has refused to recognise Mnangagwas election victory despite the Constitutional Court ruling that went against him on the grounds that he did not provide enough evidence to prove that there was rigging. I have already said that 2023 is too far, Chamisa told the congress. We must make sure that we have a democratic election in this country as soon as possible. If they refuse (to hold an early election) we will force them. Some will ask how will this be achieved. Zimbabwe has a dark cloud hanging over it, until and unless the dark cloud is removed, this country is going to slide into further problems because we had a disputed election. Chamisa said Zimbabwe needed the support of its neighbours and the international community to solve its mounting problems. The MDC has threatened to roll out mass protests after its congress to force Mnangagwa into convening talks to end the political impasse. However, the government has repeatedly threatened to use force to quell any protests. Last week five civil society activists were charged with treason after they allegedly attended a workshop organised by an organisation that advocates for non-violent action. The five were accused of plotting to topple Mnangagwas government by engaging in terrorist activities. Chamisa said the world needed to keep a close eye on Zimbabwe. We want the global support and solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe, he said. When we start doing what we want to do I know they will panic and start killing people, but you cant kill all the people, you will die before you kill all the people. In January human rights groups claimed that soldiers killed 17 people after violent protests over a steep fuel price increase. Several women also claimed that they were raped by soldiers. Mnangagwa defended the deployment of the army and has vowed to do it again in the event of violent protests. The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, which called for the January mass stayaway that coincided with the protests, last week threatened to roll out mass action to force the government to address the mounting economic problems facing the country. Chamisa said the aftermath of the congress, which confirmed him as the late Morgan Tsvangirais successor, would see the party stepping up pressure against the government. He added: As we leave congress, we are acting. It will be fire. What will be burning? We will burn poverty, we will burn corruption, we are going to mobilise for change in this country. We are going to come and mobilise for transformation in this country. We are going to come and talk to you to find out whether you agree that once we finish congress we fix our nation. Chamisa said his party would not be deterred by arrests and intimidation. We are ready some of us, you cant arrest me for saying people must be happy, he said. This country does not belong to a person, no party holds tittle deeds to this country. He said Zimbabwes problems were caused by a crisis of leadership. There is no fuel, simple. There is no electricity, simple. There is no cash, no happiness in families, Chamisa added. There is no water and there is no democracy. These are the problems we have, but they all emanate from the political crisis we have and we must be able to resolve the political crisis. The MDC congress, which ends today, is being attended by several pro-democracy activists and leaders of opposition parties from a number of countries in Africa. The include prominent Ugandan activist Bobi Wine, the secretary-general of Kenyas ODM party Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino, a Kenyan MP. Meanwhile, Obey Sithole was on Friday elected the MDCs youth leader after beating former secretary-general Lovemore Chinoputsa. Elections for the womens assembly were done last night, while polls for the main wing will take place today. The Standard Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Police have allegedly closed an investigation into the horror accident that took two lives and left the late MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirais daughter battling for life amid revelations it involved soldiers. Glen View South MP Vimbai Tsvangirai-Java was involved in an accident just outside Kwekwe while travelling to Harare from Bulawayo on May 14. Her campaign manager and organising secretary for her constituency, Paul Rukanda, and Tafadzwa Mundwa, her late mothers cousin, died after they were trapped in the wreckage for over an hour. Philda Muringani, who was driving the car, also survived the accident that involved three other cars. The driver of the other car, a Honda Fit, allegedly fled the scene. Tsvangirai-Javas family was last week told that the investigation had been closed after the driver of the car, which collided with theirs had died. It has since emerged that the two cars were being driven by soldiers. Tsvangirai-Javas husband Batsirai collected the wreckage of her car from the Kwekwe Vehicle Inspection Department, but he was not given any paperwork. Java refused to comment on the latest developments, saying he was preoccupied with raising money to settle his wifes hospital bills, which have soared above US$10 000. She is being treated by six specialists who have so far done four surgeries on her. The amount did not include RTGS dollar charges. I am not in the right frame of mind to talk. I am preoccupied with raising money for my wifes hospital bills, he said. However, a family source said they were told investigations had been halted after Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) officials at Guinea Fowl informed police that the army sergeant who was driving the Mazda vehicle had died last Wednesday. Investigations also revealed that the driver of the Toyota Vitz that caused the accident was also a sergeant at the same base and is facing a court martial. According to the sources, the Mazda vehicle had four people in civilian clothes, including the driver, but military uniforms were discovered at the back of the vehicles during police searches. Three of the passengers were from the military intelligence department as shown by the identity documents, while others did not have IDs. Muringani said she also heard people at the accident scene saying there were soldiers in the other vehicles. The family fears that the move to court martial the surviving driver is an attempt to sweep the case under the carpet. Midlands acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende referred questions to national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi. However, Nyathi said he was not aware that investigations had been closed. I am not sure of the alleged closure. What I can confirm is that the driver of the other vehicle passed on, he said. Nyathi could also not comment on claims that the surviving driver was being court-martialled by the army. I am not aware of processes by sister departments, he said. ZNA spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Alphios Makotore last night confirmed that Staff Sergeant Lunga of army ordinances died after the accident. Meanwhile, an unidentified man was caught trying to sneak into the intensive care unit where Tsvangrai-Java is being treated. The family said the man kept giving different reasons why he wanted to see the MP after first claiming that he was her relative, then party member and a well-wisher who wanted to pray for her. The Standard Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has distanced itself from a statement circulating on social media calling for nationwide protests over the deteriorating economy. The Union called for all workers to report for work as it was currently engaged in negotiations with the government over the economic challenges. Writing on the organisations social media account, the ZCTU said The ZCTU wishes to dispel rumours going around that it has called for a stay away tomorrow, Monday 27 May 2019. The ZCTU has not called for a stay away in its own name or as a coalition with any groupings. While the ZCTU General Council acknowledged that workers are facing serious hardships it decided that: (i)We will first urge the Government to convene an urgent TNF meeting focusing on finding a quick mutual solution to the economic crisis. The GC further decided that : (ii) We immediately start wide consultations aimed at find(ing) out what workers consider as the appropriate nature & timing of a General Strike should the Government refuse or neglects to deal with the crisis collectively with social partners. We, therefore, advise workers to take note of our position and to participate in the consultative meetings ( labour forums) throughout the country. Kindly follow our official communication for when we call for action, it is announced by our office bearers only. https://twitter.com/ZctuZimbabwe/status/1132682357067145223 https://twitter.com/ZctuZimbabwe/status/1132683746531004417 https://twitter.com/ZctuZimbabwe/status/1132684745643573253 4) We therefore advise workers to take note of our position and to participate in the consultative meetings ( labour forums) through out the country. Kindly follow our official communication for when we call for action, it is announced by our office bearers only. ZCTU Zimbabwe (@ZctuZimbabwe) May 26, 2019 Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News One of President Emmerson Mnangagwas top allies has warned that they would respond in kind after a website linked to Zimbabwes Military Intelligence reported that army chiefs were ready to force the Zanu PF leader out of power. The Spotlight Zimbabwe website, which correctly predicted former president Robert Mugabes ouster in a military coup in 2017, reported Friday that combative Vice President Rtd General Constantino Chiwenga, and a hardline military faction backing his political doctrine and ambitions, are reportedly on the verge of booting President Mnangagwa out of office at any moment now, through another subtle military intervention. Mnangagwas ouster would be carried out under a military operation code-named Operation Restore Economy, the website reported, citing Military Intelligence sources and long-time serving former cabinet ministers. Mnangagwa is keen to save face and resign to avoid humiliation, but a Zanu PF faction supporting his presidency is resisting the move, the website reported. Terence Mukupe, who previously served as Zimbabwes deputy Finance Minister and is one of Mnangagwas top political allies, took to Twitter on Friday to warn against the plot. You cant employ the same strategy twice. Good luck to you daydreamers. We will respond in kind, Mukupe tweeted, apparently referring to the 2017 coup which ironically catapulted Mnangagwa into power. https://twitter.com/tmukupe/status/1132001882665308161 Mukupe, in the tweet, attached a short video of Major General Sibusiso Moyo speaking in a Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) broadcast when he announced the armys intervention on November 15, 2017, in which he said: The situation in our country has moved to another level. Moyo, now Foreign Minister, is one of several leaders being considered as Mnangagwas successors, according to Spotlight Zimbabwe. Others include former Reserve Bank governor Gideon Gono, exiled former Local Government Minister Saviour Kasukuwere, former Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi and the current defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri, whose chances are however described as remote. However, the army is believed to prefer an arrangement where Chiwenga takes over the presidency on a transitional basis until 2023, when fresh presidential and parliamentary elections are due, the website reported. The military, it is claimed, would force Mnangagwa out through any one of three ways: The first is a recall by the party (Zanu PF), allowing Chiwenga to replace him in the fashion and manner the ANC dealt with Jacob Zuma in February 2018; an impeachment parliamentary process over the deteriorating economy; or call for his arraignment in the killing of innocent protesters in August 2018 and early this year. Mukupes comments on Twitter betray growing concern within Mnangagwas camp that the plot may actually be much more advanced than previously thought. His choice of the coup video to make his point will also raise fresh questions about the state of Mnangagwas relationship with the military faction within Zanu PF. ZimLive Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News LIBERATION war icon and former Cabinet Minister, Dr Dumiso Dabengwa, who died in Nairobi, Kenya, last Thursday has been declared a national hero. Dr Dabengwa was enroute to Zimbabwe from India where he had gone to seek medical treatment. He was 79. His family led by his widow Zodwa, arrived at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport at mid day yesterday. The body of The Black Russian as Dr Dabengwa was affectionately known is expected to arrive in Bulawayo this morning. After the arrival Dr Dabengwas family held a meeting at the VIP lounge with Vice President Kembo Mohadi who relayed the message on the national hero status. VP Mohadi was accompanied by Zanu-PF national chairperson Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, secretary for administration Dr Obert Mpofu, secretary for finance Cde Patrick Chinamasa and secretary for business liaison Cde Sithembiso Nyoni. Also present were Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube and Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube among other senior party members. Speaking to journalists after the meeting with the Dabengwa family VP Mohadi said the ex-Zipra intelligence supremo would be buried like all other national heroes. The Government and the ruling party Zanu-PF, after they heard about the demise of our Cde Dumiso Dabengwa, we decided, we all agreed unanimously that he be conferred with the national hero status, said VP Mohadi. So I have just come here to convey the message to the relatives. That is what we have done. He is going to be buried in the manner all other national heroes are interred. VP Mohadi said the family had indicated that Dr Dabengwas wish was to be buried in Ntabazinduna, Umguza District in Matabeleland North. They indicated to us that he had said that he wanted to be buried next to his mother and as the Government we are not against that. We have done it before, (National University of Science and Technology founding Vice Chancellor) Professor (Phineas) Makhurane was buried at his homestead and (musician Oliver) Mtukudzi was also buried at his homestead, said VP Mohadi. However, the Government will take over all the expenses and everything that is required towards the burial will be borne by the Government until the day he is interred. Unfortunately the body could not come in this plane, we were told that the holding is very small so the body remained behind. We are making arrangements that his body is flown to Zimbabwe. The VP said Dr Dabengwas contribution to the liberation struggle was unquestionable. When I got to the struggle, he was the director of intelligence and that was the department I was under so he was my commander. Thereafter, he was assigned to be the secretary for the revolutionary council then Ethan Dube took over. After Ethan disappeared, we dont know where he is up to now, he came back again and became my commander, said VP Mohadi. He has been my commander not only in that sense but in the sense as well that he had been in the struggle before I joined the struggle as a Zipra. He belonged to everybody, he was a unifier, everybody loved him. Who didnt love DD? We have got no problems whether he was now in a different party from my party but we were still buddies. The day or two before he left he said wena mfana buya la. I was at State House, so he was calling me mfana up to now, I was mfana. VP Mohadi said the last time he spoke to Dr Dabengwa when he was still in India, the liberation icon sounded frail and told him that kwehlule. He is one of the people that people will never have questions about. He contributed immensely to the liberation of this country and his contribution is not questionable, said VP Mohadi. Chronicle Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News For the Midwest, Epic Flooding Is the Face of Climate Change Wired After Standing Rock, protesting pipelines can get you a decade in prison and $100K in fines Grist Doing Justice by Preet Bharara FT. The deck: An eloquent lesson that the law is only as good as those who lead it. Erm, if men were angels, no government would be necessary. Taking Stock of Venture Capital The American Conservative How IOS Group Supersized the Shell Company Game OCCRP Channeling the Ivy League Helped a Maori Tribe Earn $1.3 Billion Bloomberg. Reparations in New Zealand. Its the Phone, Stupid: Mobiles and Murder NEBR Mike Pence: West Point grads should expect to see combat Military Times Memorial Day Brexit Pro-EU parties hold ground across the continent FT EU election: Surge for Greens and euroskeptics, losses for centrist blocs Deutsche Welle European elections winners and losers Politico India North Korea China? Trump Transition Impeachment What Rod Rosenstein Knew When He Helped Trump Fire Comey Murray Waas, NYRB Our Famously Free Press Imperial Collapse Watch Whats Great Power Competition? No One Really Knows Defense One. Know your enemy and know yourself? Venezuela: Representatives of Maduro and Guaido to meet in Norway Deutsche Welle. Not sure what the solution space could be, here, given that Guaido has already tried one failed coup, Guillotine Watch The Wealth Detective Who Finds the Hidden Money of the Super Rich Bloomberg Measles erases the immune systems memory ScienceNews Class Warfare Elon Musk Says Hyperloop Tunnel Is Now Just a Normal Car Tunnel Because This Is Simple and Just Works Jalopnik and Its A Car In A Tiny Tunnel And It Takes An Elevator To Get There Eschaton. What if just hear me out there were a way to power cars through tunnels, and the cars could carry fifty or maybe even one or two hundred people at the same time? SpaceXs Starlink satellites spark fights between astronomy, spaceflight fans Teslarati (of all places). As more levelheaded spaceflight fans and astronomers thankfully point out, we need to wait weeks if not months or even years to actually understand the potential impact [Low Earth Orbit (LEO)] megaconstellations might have on science and society. Translation: As usual, the crooks in Silicon Valley dump their product in a public space the entire night sky, in this case cash in, and expect others to bear the costs of coping with the externalities (see Uber, AirBnB, and of course the criminal enterprise that is Facebook). The tell here is that that Musk didnt consult with astronomers when developing the business concept or the technology, any more than he consulted with experts on the ground in the Thai cave rescue before publicizing his half-baked mini-submarine concept. Ka-ching. And then of course theres the radio spectrum: And these will be emitting in Ka and Ku band by design frequencies used by radio astronomers like me. There will never be a radio quiet zone for research ever again since these will always be in the Sky day or night. @TheNRAO Chelsea Sharon (@cesharon) May 26, 2019 Antidote du jour (via): Reintroducing the wildcat to England as part of re-wilding. Bonus Antidote: See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Lambert here: Of our various post-AUMF wars, I keep asking Where are the victory parades? Now I have my answer. Happy Memorial Day. By Andrew Bacevich, a TomDispatch regular. His most recent book is Twilight of the American Century. His previous book was Americas War for the Greater Middle East. Originally published at TomDispatch. Earlier this month, I spent a day visiting Marseilles to videotape a documentary about recent American military history, specifically the ongoing wars that most of us prefer not to think about. Lest there be any confusion, let me be more specific. I am not referring to Marseilles (mar-SAY), France, that nations largest port and second largest city with a population approaching 900,000. No, my destination was Marseilles (mar-SAYLZ), Illinois, a small prairie town with a population hovering around 5,000. Our own lesser Marseilles nestles alongside the Illinois River, more or less equidistant between Chicago and Peoria, smack dab in the middle of flyover country. I have some personal familiarity with this part of America. More than half a century ago, the school I attended in nearby Peru used to play the Panthers of Marseilles High. Unfortunately, their school closed three decades ago. Back then, the town had achieved minor distinction for manufacturing corrugated boxes for Nabisco. But that factory was shuttered in 2002 and only the abandoned building remains, its eight-story hulk still looming above Main Street. Today, downtown Marseilles, running a few short blocks toward the river, consists of tired-looking commercial structures dating from early in the previous century. Many of the storefronts are empty. By all appearances, the rest may suffer a similar fate in the not-too-distant future. Although the U.S. economy has bounced back from the Great Recession, recovery bypassed Marseilles. Here, the good times ended long ago and never came back. The feel of the place is weary and forlorn. Hedge-fund managers keen to turn a quick profit should look elsewhere. Perhaps not too surprisingly, this is Trump country. Marseilles is located in LaSalle County, which in 2016 voted for Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton by a hefty 14% margin. Its easy to imagine residents of Marseilles, which is more than 96% white, taking umbrage at Clintons disparaging reference to The Donalds supporters as so many deplorables. They had reason to do so. A Midwestern Memorial to Americas Wars in the Greater Middle East Today, Marseilles retains one modest claim to fame. Its the site of the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial, dedicated in June 2004 and situated on an open plot of ground between the river and the old Nabisco plant. The memorial, created and supported by a conglomeration of civic-minded Illinois bikers, many of them Vietnam veterans, is the only one in the nation that commemorates those who have died during the course of the various campaigns, skirmishes, protracted wars, and nasty mishaps that have involved U.S. forces in various quarters of the Greater Middle East over the past several decades. Think about it: Any American wanting to pay personal tribute to those who fought and died for our country in World War II or Korea or Vietnam knows where to go to the Mall in Washington D.C., that long stretch of lawn and reflecting pools connecting the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Any American wanting to honor the sacrifice of those who fought and died in a series of more recent conflicts that have lasted longer than World War II, Korea, and Vietnam combined must travel to a place where the nearest public transportation is a Greyhound bus station down the road in Ottawa and the top restaurant is Bobaluks Beef and Pizza. Nowhere else in this vast nation of ours has anyone invested the money and the effort to remember more than a generations worth of less-than-triumphant American war making. Marseilles has a lock on the franchise. Critics might quibble with the aesthetics of the memorial, dismissing it as an unpretentious knock-off of the far more famous Vietnam Wall. Yet if the design doesnt qualify as cutting edge, it is palpably honest and heartfelt. It consists chiefly of a series of polished granite panels listing the names of those killed during the various phases of this countrys forever wars going all the way back to the sailors gunned down in the June 1967 Israeli attack on the USS Liberty. Those panels now contain more than 8,000 names. Each June, in conjunction with the annual Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run, which ends at the memorial, more are added. Along with flags and plaques, there is also text affirming that all those commemorated there are heroes who died for freedom and will never be forgotten. On that point, allow me to register my own quibble. Although my sons name is halfway down near the left margin of Panel 5B, I find myself uneasy with any reference to American soldiers having died for freedom in the Greater Middle East. Our pronounced penchant for using that term in connection with virtually any American military action strikes me as a dodge. It serves as an excuse for not thinking too deeply about the commitments, policies, and decisions that led to all those names being etched in stone, with more to come next month and probably for many years thereafter. In Ernest Hemingways famed novel about World War I, A Farewell to Arms, his protagonist is embarrassed by the words sacred, glorious, and sacrifice and the expression in vain. I feel something similar when it comes to the use of freedom in this context. Well, not embarrassed exactly, but deeply uncomfortable. Freedom, used in this fashion, conceals truth behind a veil of patriotic sentiment. Those whose names are engraved on the wall in Marseilles died in service to their country. Of that there is no doubt. Whether they died to advance the cause of freedom or even the wellbeing of the United States is another matter entirely. Terms that might more accurately convey why these wars began and why they have persisted for so long include oil, dominion, hubris, a continuing and stubborn refusal among policymakers to own up to their own stupendous folly, and the collective negligence of citizens who have become oblivious to where American troops happen to be fighting at any given moment and why. Some might add to the above list an inability to distinguish between our own interests and those of putative allies like Saudi Arabia and Israel. Candidates at the Wall During the several hours I spent there, virtually no one else visited the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial. A single elderly couple stopped by briefly and that was that. If this was understandable, it was also telling. After all, Marseilles, Illinois, is an out-of-the-way, isolated little burg. Touristy its not. Theres no buzz and no vibe and its a long way from the places that set the tone in present-day America. To compare Marseilles with New York, Washington, Hollywood, Las Vegas, or Silicon Valley is like comparing a Dollar General with Saks Fifth Avenue. Marseilles has the former. The closest Saks outlet is about a two-hour drive to Chicagos Loop. On the other hand, when you think about it, Marseilles is exactly the right place to situate the nations only existing memorial to its Middle Eastern wars. Where better, after all, to commemorate conflicts that Americans would like to ignore or forget than in a hollowing-out Midwestern town they never knew existed in the first place? So, with the campaign for the 2020 presidential election now heating up, allow me to offer a modest proposal of my own one that might, briefly at least, make Marseilles a destination of sorts. Just as there are all-but-mandatory venues in Iowa and New Hampshire where candidates are expected to appear, why not make Marseilles, Illinois, one as well. Let all of the candidates competing to oust Donald Trump from the White House (their ranks now approaching two dozen) schedule at least one campaign stop at the Middle East Conflicts Wall, press entourage suitably in tow. Let them take a page from presidents John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan at the Berlin Wall and use the site as a backdrop to reflect on the historical significance of this particular place. They should explain in concrete terms what the conflicts memorialized there signify; describe their relationship to the post-Cold War narrative of America as the planets indispensable nation or sole superpower; assess the disastrous costs and consequences of those never-ending wars; fix accountability; lay out to the American people how to avoid repeating the mistakes made by previous administrations, including the present one that seems to be itching for yet another conflict in the Middle East; and help us understand how, under the guise of promoting liberty and democracy, Washington has sown chaos through much of the region. And, just to make it interesting, bonus points for anyone who can get through their remarks without referring to freedom or supreme sacrifice, citing the Gospel of John, chapter 15, verse 13 (Greater love hath no man than this), or offering some fatuous reference to GIs as agents of the Lord called upon to smite evildoers. On the other hand, apt comparisons to Vietnam are not just permitted but encouraged. Im betting that the good bikers of Illinois who long ago served in Vietnam will happily provide a mic and a podium. If they wont, I will. Everyones favourite food secrets are back for a fifth season! Go behind the scenes of the factories churning out delicious sweets, old-time classics and the new generation of artisanal treats. Wednesdays from 9:30pm AEDT. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas at NATO Headquarters on Monday (27 May 2019) to discuss the Alliances continuing adaptation and preparations for the upcoming London Summit in December. The Secretary General commended Estonia for its leadership on defence spending, for contributions to NATO missions and operations, for hosting a multinational NATO battlegroup, and for expertise in cyber defence. Mr. Stoltenberg said: NATO will continue to stay committed to the security of Estonia, with our battlegroups, with our air policing, and with our ironclad commitment to your security. Read the Secretary General's remarks at the press point here North Atlantic Council Meeting with the National Security Advisers and Hybrid Points of Contact at NATO Headquarters Media Advisory 17:15 Press point by NATO Secretary General podium in the Agora Last pool movement from Public Square / ground floor, next to the Press Shop, will be at 17.05. The press point will be web streamed live on the NATO website and will be available via satellite. Still and video images will be available on the NATO website after the event. Follow us on Twitter (@NATO, @NATOPress and @jensstoltenberg) Professional-quality videos and b-roll will be available for download from www.natomultimedia.tv. Please register for access. Contact: content@natomultimedia.tv Accreditation Media permanently accredited at NATO Media representatives in possession of permanent NATO media pass can access the NATO HQ directly by tapping their badge at the turnstiles (NATO HQ Guard House South - GHS, media entrance, NATO Headquarters, Boulevard Leopold III 1110). Ad-hoc accreditation (day-pass) Media representatives not permanently accredited and wishing to attend the event are invited to request ad-hoc accreditation directly at NATO HQ Guard House South (media entrance) on Tuesday 28 May 2019 starting from 13:00 (Brussels time). They will have to present a proof of ID/passport and a valid press card (provided by a recognized national professional body of a NATO country i.e. Government, Professional association, Union of journalists). Media representatives not in possession of a valid press card are invited to send a signed letter from their editor to the NATO Accreditation Office to NatoAccreditations@hq.nato.int no later than Tuesday 28 May at 12:00 noon (Brussels time). Please type NSA in the subject line of the message. Security Procedures A security check will take place and all equipment and personal effects carried onto the site will be examined by security personnel. Media representative are therefore encouraged to arrive with sufficient lead time to allow for security proceedings. Overall Coordination Ms. Alina Coca coca.alina@hq.nato.int Tel: +32 (0)2 707 1465 Accreditation Mr. Angelo Pacifico NatoAccreditations@hq.nato.int Tel: +32 (0)2 707 83 46 TV & Radio arrangements on site and via satellite Mr. Henk Dekens dekens.henk@hq.nato.int Tel: +32 (0)2 707 50 51 Mr. Serge Bosmans bosmans.serge@hq.nato.int Tel: +32 (0)2 707 50 03 Mr. Eric Morel morel.eric@hq.nato.int Tel: +32 (0)2 707 12 87 NATO Video on demand NATOChannel content@natochannel.tv +32 (0)2 707 12 27 +32 (0)2 707 12 27 Follow us on Twitter (@NATOPress, @jensstoltenberg and @NATO) (As delivered) Prime Minister Ratas, Juri, Its great to see you also again at the NATO Headquarters, and to welcome you here is really to welcome a close and very highly valued Ally of NATO. And Estonia is a highly valued Ally, because you contribute to NATO in so many different ways. You contribute to our collective defence, to our shared security, to NATO missions and operations, and we are extremely grateful for that. You host a multinational NATO battlegroup in Tapa, boosting our defence and deterrence. And I remember I visited the battlegroup and it was extremely impressive to see the commitment and the professionalism of all the troops, and the way Estonia is hosting this battlegroup, so we are thankful for that. Your troops are also in Afghanistan, helping train local forces to fight international terrorism. And then of course Estonia leads by example by spending actually more than 2% on defence, 2% of GDP. This is important because you invest in modern capabilities, but its also important because you then lead by example and help me to convince other Allies to follow the example of Estonia. Then Estonian leadership is also important in cyber. You play a key role in contributing to the adaptation, the strengthening of NATOs cyber defences. You have volunteered your national cyber capabilities to NATO missions and operations. And you share best practices through the Cyber Centre of Excellence in Tallinn. And you also host very important, valuable exercises, cyber defence exercises, building our resilience to cyber-attacks. Last month in Tallinn, over 1,000 cyber experts took part in Locked Shields - the worlds largest live-fire cyber exercise. And this month, your cyber experts joined conventional forces in exercise Spring Storm. This brought together over 9,000 troops from 15 Allies and partners. And provided training for one of four NATO battlegroups in the region. Such exercises are part of our strengthened defence and deterrence. So Prime Minister, dear Juri, we have just discussed the upcoming meeting of NATOs leaders, Heads of State and Government, in London in December this year. We will mark, celebrate the 70th anniversary of our Alliance. And it will also be a good opportunity, platform to chart the way forward as we continue to adapt NATO to a more demanding and difficult security environment. But as long as we stand together, as long as we are united, we are safe and we are secure because NATO is the most successful Alliance in history. Because we have been able to stand united and deter any adversary. So once again, thank you so much. Thank you for coming here, thank you for hosting the battlegroup. And NATO will continue to stay committed to the security of Estonia, with our battlegroups, with our air policing, and with our ironclad commitment to your security. So once again, welcome. Estonian Public Broadcasting: One problem in our region is air defence. Did you discuss the topic and what kind of next steps we could take? NATO Secretary General: We discussed the topic and air defence is important. And therefore this will also be an issue that will be addressed at the upcoming Defence Ministerial meeting, of NATO Ministers, in June. First of all, NATO has increased its presence in the Baltic region with air policing, with the battlegroups. And we are also then looking into how we can make sure that we are delivering the necessary capabilities to always have the necessary readiness and strength of these battlegroups. Then we have to remember that NATOs protection, NATOs defence of all Allies, but including the Baltic countries, is not only dependent on the forces we have already deployed there, but is also dependent on our ability to quickly reinforce if we see a need to reinforce. And therefore, we have tripled the size of the NATO Response Force. We are now working on what we call the NATO Readiness Initiative, which will make us even more able to deploy forces and air defence systems to different parts of the Alliance, including to the Baltic States. So air defence is high on the agenda. Air defence is partly about what we can have stationed there, but also how we can quickly deploy additional capabilities if needed. (Natural News) If you ever saw the movie Flatliners you would know almost exactly what this real life story is actually about. Except in the movie, the main characters killed themselves with too much anesthesia on purpose in order to see what the afterlife is like, then purposely had their friends bring them back to life. Well, a French doctor has now been arrested on suspicion accused of purposely orchestrating the killing of more than four dozen patients, after which he would revive them and bring them back to life to appear as hero in front of colleagues. Anesthesiologist Frederic Pechier allegedly played Russian Roulette with lives of 50 patients, resulting in 20 DEATHS The doctor has been taken into custody after working at clinics and hospitals in eastern France, with 7 previous indictments/cases, two of which resulted in deaths just a couple years ago. How are these people allowed to continue practicing medicine? Its like releasing a serial killer because they say sorry, wont happen again, and pay a little fine. Allegedly, Pechier tampered with anesthesia doses that were already measured and being used by colleagues, juicing them up, thus giving innocent patients heart attacks, then swooping in as their HERO in their final seconds, and reviving them. Routine operations turned out to be deaths for 20 people. Others are still gravely injured. The people he saved love him. They revere him, and call him brilliant. He should get the medal of dishonor, along with life in prison, without parole, if he did what is currently alleged he did. Smoking gun? Some of the dead patients had potassium levels in their blood FIVE TIMES the lethal dose More than 50 similar cases have already been identified by authorities, the prosecution has told the French press. Bodies were exhumed. Families are flipping out. The freak doctor reminds us of our own U.S. doctor, working out of Detroit, the infamous Dr. Farid Fata, who gave cancer-free patients lethal doses of chemotherapy. The mass-murdering freak, Dr. Fata, spared a few lives so he could look like a hero. In other words, he saved people from cancer they never had. Amazing, huh? Hes serving 45 years in federal prison, that just began a couple years ago. The scope of the whole investigation keeps widening. Just how many people got put to sleep for good, then revived, or not, on this guys watch? New allegations are popping up like weeds in an overcrowded cemetery. If it all comes true as alleged so far, Frederic Pechier may be the biggest serial killer in the entire history of France. Pechier still claims innocence, saying it was all just his talent and skill but then why are the dead patients overdosed at five times the lethal limit? With possibly the worst alibi ever, Dr. Pechier wants us all to believe it was all just his amazing talent and skill, but then again, the potassium levels are out the roof. Not just a little high, as they might be in dead folks. Its like giving a newborn a vaccine loaded with 1,000 times the mercury that the EPA warns is dangerous in fish and tap water, but in America, we do it all the time. We even immunize (fancy word for sterilize) pregnant women and 6-month-young babies. For now, it looks like Pechier is another Farid Fata. What freak will be next to get busted for practicing dishonest medicine that harms patients could it be blogger freak and oncologist David Orac Gorski (close cohort of Fata) or Dr. Richard Mercury Joker Pan of California? Only time will tell. For now, lots of medical assassinators are slinging meds, surgery, chemo, and yes, anesthesia around like poison candy, and facing no repercussions, because the AMA profits from bad medicine. Psycho Ticking Time Bomb Gorski is known to type psychotic rants on blogs during breaks from surgery on womens breasts from the hospital, without the hospitals permission. Tune in to FakeScience.news for more updates on freakish doctors maiming and killing people with bad science, poor surgery, and chemical-laden drugs. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com RT.com (Natural News) Infertility is a common problem in the world today. While Big Pharma and the mainstream medical community have been quick to cash in on expensive fertility treatments and costly solutions, shockingly few people are asking themselves whats causing infertility in the first place. Recently published research shows that a common contaminant, phthalates, could be whats causing so much infertility. Phthalates are industrial plasticizers that are used in a wide variety of applications. These bad boys can be found in everything from childrens toys to food packaging and cosmetics and they are also known endocrine disruptors. Scientists continue to confirm that phthalates are a threat to human health, yet these toxins remain present in our society. The abundance of phthalates in consumer products is only made worse by their persistence in the environment once these compounds are released into the wild, they take a very long time to break down. This means phthalates are a widespread threat that are hard to get rid of. Phthalates cause infertility A new study from researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign finds that exposing female mice to phthalates can significantly decrease their fertility. The scientists gave female rodents an oral dose of the phthalate DiNP every day for ten days and discovered that the chemical was incredibly damaging. Exposure to DiNP disrupted the females reproductive cycles and inhibited their ability to get pregnant for nine months afterwards. Published in the journal Toxicological Sciences, the findings from the Illinois team underscore a large body of research highlighting the toxic effects phthalates can have on health. The researchers used environmentally relevant doses of phthalates in the mice, giving them anywhere from 20 micrograms to 200 milligrams of the plasticizer chemicals. Study co-author Katie Chiang said that the doses are comparable to the levels of exposure that people may experience during their daily living and work activities. After the ten-day dosing period, the female mice were mated with untreated males on two occasions. Breedings occurred again at 3 and 9 months post-dosing. At three months post-dosing, a third of the females that were treated with the lowest doses of DEHP and DiNP were unable to conceive after mating, while 95 percent of the females in the control group became pregnant, Chiang said. Even in the smallest amounts tested, the negative effects of phthalate exposure remained prominent imagine how devastating the effects of higher dosages must be. The threat of phthalates is real There is no getting around the fact that phthalates are a dangerous toxin. Much of mainstream science hesitates to call out toxic chemicals for what they are, probably out of fear that industry zealots will retaliate ten-fold. Even in the umpteenth study to confirm that phthlates disrupt female reproduction, U of I researchers say that their findings warrant further investigation. How much investigation does there really need to be before we consider banning a chemical entirely? Six types of phthalates have already been banned from childrens toys and childcare products, due to their endocrine disrupting effects. This fact, combined with the overwhelming body of research which shows phthalates are harmful to humans, rodents and other animals, should lead you to wonder why phthalates are still so widely present in our food supply, the cosmetics industry and other applications. If something is so toxic it needs to be banned from childrens toys, its safe to assume that it probably shouldnt be used to store and package food and its probably not something you want to put on your face, either. Phthalates are known to be very harmful to the female reproductive system, but as EWG reports, these chemicals can be just as harmful to males, if not more so. Learn more about phthalates and other hidden dangers at Toxins.news or Microplastics.news. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com EWG.org EWG.org The U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) will return for another deployment to South America, Central America, and the Caribbean mid-June to begin a five-month medical assistance mission as a result of the humanitarian crisis created by the ongoing political and economic instability in Venezuela. The U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) will return for another deployment to South America, Central America, and the Caribbean mid-June to begin a five-month medical assistance mission as a result of the humanitarian crisis created by the ongoing political and economic instability in Venezuela. The hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) anchors off the coast of Colombia on an 11-week medical support mission to Central and South America as part of U.S. Southern Command's Enduring Promise initiative (Picture Source: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Scott Bigley) Comfort medical teams will pull in to Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Panama, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago for working port visits. This deployment responds directly to the man-made crisis Maduros regime has created, said U.S. Navy Adm. Craig Faller, commander of U.S. Southern Command, which will oversee the deployment. Comfort medical teams will be working alongside host nation medical professionals who are absorbing thousands of Venezuelan migrants and refugees. The Venezuelan people are desperately fleeing their homeland for hope of a better way of life. We are committed to finding ways to support the Venezuelan people and our regional partners who share the goal of seeing a legitimate, democratic government reinstated in Venezuela. From October to December 2018, Comfort completed its sixth deployment, an 11-week deployment for medical support to Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Honduras, helping more than 26,700 patients in need, including 599 onboard surgeries. This marks the seventh hospital ship deployment to the region since 2007. The embarked medical teams will provide care on board and at land-based medical sites, helping to relieve pressure on national medical systems strained partly by an increase in cross-border migrants. As with the last deployment, the plan is to embark medical professionals from partner nations to join in the effort to provide medical care to patients. The deployment reflects the United States enduring promise of friendship, partnership and solidarity with the Americas. SAN FRANCISCO -- The fans were booing in the second inning. It was that kind of day -- and series -- for the Giants. After being thoroughly dominated and outscored 28-6 by the Diamondbacks over the previous two games, Sunday's series finale offered more of the same, as the Giants fell 6-2 for their fifth straight loss and sixth in seven games. San Francisco turned to rookie right-hander Shaun Anderson with the hopes of turning things around, but it was all for naught. Anderson gave up a solo shot to the second batter of the game and allowed five runs (three earned) over the first two innings, after which the Giants trailed 5-1. While Anderson wasn't sharp, neither he nor his teammates did him many favors. Aside from his own two wild pitches, Anderson also failed to look a runner back to third on a sacrifice by Diamondbacks starter Luke Weaver, allowing the runner to score. Both Buster Posey and Evan Longoria committed throwing errors in the first two innings, contributing to the early deficit. And, in a sequence that cemented the Bad News Bears nature of Sunday's loss, rookie Mike Yastrzemski notched his first career major league hit -- a bloop to left field in the bottom of the second -- but was thrown out at first after rounding the base too far. The end result? Anderson's still looking for his first major league win, and the Giants are a season-worst 10 games below .500 heading into a nine-game road trip. Bruce Bochy was not in a mood to mince words following the loss. Thats the worst series of the year, Bochy said, opening his post-game press conference in disgust. I cant remember when we had three consecutive games with that kind of baseball we just played. Across the board, he continued, baserunning, defense, pitching this was, no question, the worst series Ive seen in a while, so weve got to huddle up here. The day off will give them a chance to wash this one off, but this road trip, Im hoping, brings them together and we get back to playing the kind of ball we need to play. That explains the boos. The fans, however, did have the occasional reason to cheer. Yastrzemski is no longer looking for his first major league hit. Nor his second. Nor his third. In a game that was most parts depressing for the Giants, the 28-year old rookie outfielder was the lone bright spot. He reached on a single to left in the fifth, then lined a double down the left field line to lead off the bottom of the seventh before coming around to score on Joe Panik's RBI single. All told, it was the first three-hit game by a Giants' left fielder this season. Its May 26th. Any hit you can get, youre going to take, Yastrzemski said of crossing first career major league hit off his bucket list. You never have any bad words to say about it, regardless of what it looks like. The rest of (the hits), they kind of just let you relax and have a better approach at the plate and not have to press or anything like that. Yastrzemski, of course, is the grandson of Hall of Famer and former Red Sox great Carl Yastrzemski, a three-time batting champion. The grandson got his first three-hit game in his second major league game, eight games faster than it took grandpa, and Mike admitted he was thinking of Carl when he was at the dish. We worked for a long time when I was growing up, Mike said of picking up pointers from his grandpa, and I kind of just keep that stuff pretty close to heart when Im at the plate, understanding that he did it for a really long time and hes got some good advice for it. The advice appears to be working. San Francisco has been cycling through outfielders throughout the first two months of the season, looking for someone to stick. Its only been two games, but Yastrzemski gave Bochy plenty of reasons to keep faith in him, whereas most other Giants Sunday did not. After spending seven years in the minors, Yastrzemski finally got his major league shot, and so far, hes taking advantage of it. Thats a long time to build up a major league debut in ones mind. Has it been everything Yastrzemski dreamt it would be? Other than the result of what happened, yeah, its better than what I could expect, Yastrzemski said steps away from his major league locker. Hoping to just put a W on there now. Yastrzemski was far from being the reason the Giants didnt take home the W on Sunday. His three-hit performance offers hope for a team currently lacking any semblance of it. Fiat Chrysler proposed on Monday to merge with France's Renault to create the world's third-biggest automaker, worth $40 billion, and combine forces in the race to make electric and autonomous vehicles. The merged company would reshape the global industry: it would produce some 8.7 million vehicles a year, leapfrogging General Motors and trailing only Volkswagen and Toyota. Shares of both companies jumped on the news of the offer, which would see each side's shareholders split ownership in the new manufacturer. Renault welcomed what it called a "friendly" offer. The company's board met Monday at its headquarters outside Paris and said afterward that Renault will study the proposal "with interest." In a statement, Renault said such a fusion could "improve Renault's industrial footprint and be a generator of additional value for the Alliance" with Japan's Nissan and Mitsubishi. Fiat Chrysler's offer comes at a key moment for Renault. The French manufacturer had wanted to merge fully with Nissan, but those plans were derailed by the arrest of boss Carlos Ghosn on financial misconduct charges in Japan. Now, questions are growing over the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance , which together make more passenger cars than any one company. While Fiat Chrysler says the merger with Renault would accommodate the alliance and lead to savings for them, it is unclear how the Japanese companies might react in the longer term to being tied to a much larger partner. Automakers have collaborated more in recent years as they come under pressure to invest heavily in developing electric cars, self-driving vehicles and in-car connectivity. Regulators, particularly in Europe and China, are pushing automakers to produce electric vehicles and meet tougher climate change regulations, pressure that only grew after scandals over the amount of pollutants emitted by gas and diesel-powered engines. A deal would save 5 billion euros ($5.6 billion) a year for the merged companies by sharing research, purchasing costs and other activities, Fiat Chrysler said. It promised the deal would involve no plant closures, but it didn't address potential job cuts. The companies are largely complementary: Fiat Chrysler is stronger in the U.S. and SUV markets, while Renault is stronger in Europe and in developing electric vehicles. Analysts say both companies are weak in China, which is now the world's largest auto market. Together, they would be worth almost 37 billion euros ($40 billion). Fiat Chrysler, which includes the holding company of the founding Agnelli family with a 29% stake, proposed that its shareholders get a 2.5 billion euro ($2.8 billion) special dividend because of Fiat Chrysler's higher market value. "This operation will bring benefits to both countries," Fiat Chrysler Chairman John Elkann told reporters in Italy, noting that it had been 10 years since Fiat's takeover of bankrupt Chrysler, in exchange for small-car technology and management know-how. The car market has shifted dramatically in the meantime, with Fiat Chrysler abandoning small cars in the United States in favor of SUVs. Analysts at financial firm Jefferies said it was "hard to disagree with the logic" of the deal, as there is a strong fit in the markets each company covers and the brands they offer. "The elephant in the room is who will run the entity," analysts Philippe Houchois and Himanshu Agarwal wrote in a note to investors. Mergers of equals can be difficult to manage over questions of who gets the top leadership positions and which brands are promoted and invested in most. A tie-up between Daimler and Chrysler in the 1990s was billed as a merger of equals, but it eventually collapsed amid cultural differences and recriminations. Investors were nevertheless enthusiastic about Fiat Chrysler's plan, pushing the company's shares up 8% and Renault's 12%. The French government, which owns 15% of Renault, said it is "favorable" to the idea of a merger but wants to study the conditions more carefully, especially in terms of "Renault's industrial development" and employees' working conditions, government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye said. "We need giants to be built in Europe." Ghosn's legal problems in Japan have left Renault vulnerable . Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, head of the CAR automotive research center at the Duisburg-Essen University, said Ghosn's plans to merge Renault with Nissan-Mitsubishi had "little appeal" for the Japanese. He noted that Renault's sales represented just 36 percent of 2018 alliance sales - and the Japanese didn't want to see the French carmaker drive a merger with those numbers. A Renault merger with Fiat Chrysler, however, could strengthen both companies' positions and put pressure on smaller companies like Ford in Europe. The merger idea is the biggest corporate move so far by Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley, who took his position after the unexpected death last year of the charismatic leader Sergio Marchionne. What happens to jobs is likely to be a source of concern. France's influential CGT union warned against cuts and said it wants the French government to retain a blocking stake in any new company. "We know that when there is talk of a merger ... at the end, it's the employees who are paying the high price for it loss of jobs, having to compete with others around," said Fabien Gache of the CGT. Matteo Salvini, the leader of Italy's rightwing populist League party and the deputy premier, said that "if Fiat grows, it is good news for Italy and Italians," though he warned a deal should protect "every single job." In Tokyo, Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa wouldn't comment directly on the merger idea but said, "I am always open to exchanging constructive views on strengthening the alliance." The merger will be complicated because the combined company would involve operations in the U.S. and multiple European countries and Renault's "eroding alliance" with two Japanese carmakers, said Karl Brauer, the executive publisher of Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader. "It's a powerful combination in theory," he said, "but aiming for a single, aligned automotive entity, with everyone rowing in the same direction, might not be realistic." AP Business Writer Yuri Kageyama and Sam Petrequin contributed to this report. A 64-year-old man was found dead inside of his suburban Schaumburg home on Sunday morning, and authorities are investigating the case as a homicide. According to a press release issued by the department, Joseph Mariano was discovered inside of his home in the 200 block of Dublin Lane early Sunday morning when officers arrived at his home to conduct a well-being check. Police responded to a 911 call at approximately 12:13 a.m. to check on Mariano, and when they entered the home they discovered his body, according to authorities. The Memorial Day weekend is already proving to be a violent one, and NBC 5s Trina Orlando has the latest details on the number of shootings so far. An investigation into Marianos death is underway, and authorities are asking anyone with information on the case to call Schaumburg police detectives at 847-882-3534. An 84-year-old woman is dead and 10 Chicago police officers were injured in a multiple-vehicle crash on the city's Northwest Side on Saturday night, according to authorities. According to police, two police vehicles, a marked van and an unmarked SUV, were involved in a crash with several civilian vehicles at the intersection of North Laramie and Division just before 10 p.m. on Saturday night. Authorities say that the officers involved in the crash were responding to an emergency call to assist other officers when the two squad vehicles collided with one another before striking other civilian vehicles. A woman that was in one of those civilian vehicles, identified by family members as Verona Gunn, was transported to Norwegian American Hospital after the crash, and was later pronounced dead, according to an update from Chicago police. In a Facebook post, Pastor Dwight Gunn, Verona's son, said that the family will seek answers from Chicago police about the exact circumstances of the crash. "My family will seek answers for the reckless behavior of the Chicago Police Department as we mourn the loss of our mother," he said. Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said that the department's "thoughts and prayers" are with the Gunn family, and that the Major Accident Investigation Unit is still looking into the crash. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Gunn family over this devastating loss," he said. Another man was also injured in the crash, but his injuries are non-life-threatening, according to authorities. A total of 10 police officers were also taken to area hospitals, and all were being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. An investigation into the crash is ongoing. Connecticuts dairy industry is far from one of the largest agriculture sectors in the country, but it is struggling like many others in the country. The state has more than 100 farms, with an economic output in the tens of millions, but those farms provide a critical role in the delivery of dairy products as an export for the state. Over the years, its become even more difficult to maintain a class family farm, says Ben Freund, the owner of Freunds Farm in East Canaan. When youre that disruptive, youre going to have huge losses, Freund said, referring to the trade war with China, and other trade tensions the United States has with historical economic and trade allies. Freund has about 350 cows at his dairy farm, and they are milked 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He says that milk hasnt been as profitable as the tensions and tariffs have increased. The USDA provided Freunds Farm with $6,000 in subsidies last year to make up for $120,000 in losses. Because of that, and the dairy industry being the midst of a five-year decline, Freund had to dip into his retirement to cover bills on the farm. He said, We have to. We have no other option. President Donald Trump announced a new $16 billion aid package for farmers last week, but Connecticut producers arent optimistic theyre going to see payments much higher than the $6,000 that Freund received last year. A vibrant dairy industry is crucial to the entire agricultural economy, said Bryan Hurlburt, Connecticuts agriculture commissioner. Hurlburt says whats happened to dairy farms in Connecticut has been a troubling trend across the country. Even in a state like Wisconsin, they lost over 600 dairy farms last year, out of 2,000 nationally. So, when Wisconsins hurting, that means the pain felt by our smaller producers here in Connecticut is even more exacerbated. Ben Freund has advice for policymakers in Washington on how to make his farm and others successful. Just get out of our way and let the natural order, economic order proceed, he said. We can compete on a global basis with anybody. We cant outcompete someone when politics are in the way. The weather was perfect Sunday for parades and other patriotic events happening around our state. Many people pausing for a moment to honor those who served our country on the eve of Memorial Day. Lots of families have made the Cheshire parade a tradition. We should never forget the price that was paid for the freedoms that we enjoy. Thats the way I look at it, said Howard Renker of Glastonbury. The parade is personal for him. I lost friends in the Vietnam War, so its my way of honoring them. It makes us thankful that were here because men died for the right to live in a town like Cheshire and enjoy a parade like this in this beautiful weather, said attendee Jonathan Houdini. Im sweating a lot. Just saying that, but its beautiful. This whole week has been beautiful, said Giada Puliseiano of Cheshire. For more than two decades, New Haven has hosted a Memorial Day tribute, a performance with patriotic tunes. We are very happy to see that even the younger generation is starting to embrace Memorial Day and the understanding of Memorial Day, said Frank Alvarado, who is on the New Haven Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee. With more events Monday, grocery stores were grooving Sunday evening. Picking up a few things for our little get together on the patio tomorrow, said Peter Hutu of West Hartford. Lots of folks grabbing last minute grilling grub because who wanted to be indoors during the day? We were enjoying the sunshine we went to East Beach Rhode Island thats why we have some color on your faces, Grace Koral. In New Britain, we found two marine vets were sprucing up the Iwo Jima Memorial Monument for Mondays ceremony. "We love this park because its an honor to them and thats why were here, said Vietnam era veteran Raymond Carrier of Prospect. Serving our country even after their time in the service. Alarmed by increasing violence, a group of Fort Worth ministers drove through high-crime neighborhoods Sunday and blared an anti-crime message -- with hearses following along to make their point. "When are we going to stand up and say, 'Enough is enough?'" preached minister T.J. Ragster into a microphone near Miller Avenue and U.S. Highway 287. "When are we going to say, 'We're tired of seeing our young people die?'" The effort came just hours after a shooting at the Butler Place public housing project killed 16-year-old Robert Boozer and left another young man hospitalized. Police said investigators didn't think the shooting was gang related. But another murder last Tuesday, in the parking lot of a tire shop on Berry Street, was apparently gang related, police said. "It seems as if every day, every other day, we're hearing about somebody getting killed. It's getting ridiculous," Jenkins said. "And to know we haven't reached summertime yet." Former gang leader Felton Jenkins joined the others to urge young people to put down their guns. "No parent wants their child to go before them," he said. "To my young men that's causing all this crime, think about your daughter or your son." The hearses were donated by the Gregory W. Spencer Funeral Directors. Fort Worth police officers helped the ministers by escorting them through neighborhoods and providing an RV when they stopped on Miller Avenue. "We have seen some uptick in gang activity," said assistant police chief Charlie Ramirez. Police said they planned to crack down where they can, but need help, he said. "We can't do this by ourselves," Ramirez said. "It's going to take our community, it's going to take everybody." A Fort Worth minister is offering his church as a neutral meeting ground for warring gangs to declare a truce after a recent uptick in violence. "Absolutely, I'm not afraid of my own babies," said Rev. Kyev Tatum, pastor at New Mount Rose Baptist Church. "We're asking them to stand down. Come in. Let's talk this out. Don't shoot it out." The plea comes two days after two 16-year-old boys were shot at Butler Place public housing complex near downtown. One of them died. The other was critically injured. Just last week, a man was shot to death on the parking lot of a tire shop on East Berry Street. A group of ministers planned an anti-crime rally Monday evening at 6 p.m. on Riverside Avenue just north of Berry Street. "It's scary. You know, you can't go out of your house," said Yarnell Gipson, a resident of Butler Place who is moving out after three years. "You're ducking, it's scary. You don't live like that." Gipson said crime is only getting worse -- with more guns in younger and younger hands. "I watched a 12-year-old walk through here with a gun," she said. "I thought, 'Oh my God, what's he going to do with that?' 12!" At a neighborhood rally Sunday evening, Fort Worth Police Assistant Chief Charlie Ramirez said there has been a recent increase in gang violence and that the department has plans to address it, including stepped-up patrols in neighborhoods popular with gangs. At the Collin County Jail, there is a program dedicated to giving military veterans who got into trouble with the law, a hand up to succeed in civilian life. "My deputies constantly see and law enforcement across the United States encounter veterans who are self-medicating because they found themselves in a situation where they're trying to ease the pain," said Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner, who says P.T.S.D, trauma, and anger issues stemming from military experiences can leave some veterans struggling to cope on their own. "But when we see a group of veterans together we know they do much better together." That's why Sheriff Skinner and Collin County Veterans Court Judge John Roach Jr. started the V.A.L.O.R. (Veterans Accessing Long-term Opportunities for Rehabilitation), a first-of-its-kind program for incarcerated veterans. V.A.L.O.R. puts veterans who are serving jail sentences together in a dedicated pod. The walls are decorated military emblems; reminders of their service. Their days are regimented, like the military, to increase self-accountability. The program includes therapy and reintegration training to help veterans succeed in the civilian world. "Well, we both served," Sheriff Skinner said. "The fact of the matter is as veterans, we both know and we were taught from the very beginning, you don't leave a brother or sister behind." "What we're really trying to capitalize on is that bond that they have, so they can be successful together like they're used to doing in the military," explained Judge Roach. "I want to repay the blank check that they wrote to our country, and I want to do it with some interest." In Judge Roach's Veterans Court, inmates wearing blue and white stripes with V.A.L.O.R. stand out. Not all veterans qualify. They have to be non-violent offenders. "You're the face of V.A.L.O.R.," Roach said to one inmate, explaining that Veteran's Court requires more work and effort than traditional court. "I told you if you wanted to do it the Air Force way, go down the hallway and do it the easy way, didn't I," joked Judge Roach, a former Marine. "But if you wanted to do it the hard way, then you come in this court and do what you're supposed to do." "They regular system has failed these veterans," said Roach. "Don't get me wrong, I'm not excusing what the veterans do to get in the system, but once they're in the system, we owe it to them to get them the resources they need to come out of it." Cities across North Texas are holding various events and ceremonies on Memorial Day to honor U.S. service members who died defending our country. There's something to do just about anytime of day, including a Memorial Day service at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 11 a.m. See our full list of events below. Memorial Day RUCK -- 516 N. Travis Street, Granbury -- 8 a.m. Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Memorial Day Ceremony -- Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Grand Avenue, Fort Worth -- 10 a.m. Memorial Day Celebration -- Veterans Event Center, 925 W. Conover Drive, Grand Prairie -- 10 a.m. Memorial Day Ceremonies -- Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas -- 11 a.m. A Field of Flags, closing ceremony -- 3602 E. U.S. Highway 377, Granbury -- 2 p.m. Sunset at Memorial Park -- Veterans Memorial Park, 2101 Bay Hill Drive, Plano -- 7 p.m. Don't see your event listed? Click here to let us know about it. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. A former business manager of the late comic book legend Stan Lee had his initial court appearance early Sunday in Arizona, where he was arrested after fleeing California charges of fiduciary elder abuse. Keya Morgan appeared in Maricopa County Superior Court on a charge of being a fugitive of justice. Court documents show Los Angeles police alerted authorities in the Phoenix suburb of Scottsdale that Morgan's cellphone was being used in north Scottsdale. Morgan, 43, was found in a house with his mother and arrested without incident Saturday morning, police said. It's unclear when Morgan will be extradited to California, where he's facing felony charges including theft, embezzlement, forgery or fraud against an elder adult, and false imprisonment of an elder adult. A misdemeanor count also alleges elder abuse. Los Angeles County prosecutors say Morgan sought to capitalize on the Marvel Comic mastermind's wealth and exert influence over Lee even though he had no authority to act on his behalf. Lee died last November at age 95. Prosecutors say Morgan pocketed more than $262,000 from autograph-signing sessions Lee did in May 2018. Morgan at one point also took Lee from his Hollywood Hills home to a Beverly Hills condominium "where Morgan had more control over Lee," according to California authorities. Lee's daughter said in a request for a restraining order last year that Morgan was manipulating the mentally declining Lee, preventing him from seeing family and friends, and trying to take control of his money and business affairs. Alex Kessel, an attorney for Morgan, has said his client has never abused or taken advantage of Lee. Walt Disney World is footing the bill for employees who want to attend the University of Central Florida, the company announced Thursday. The offer is part of Disneys Aspire program, which provides free tuition to eligible employees and cast members. UCF, the states largest university, is the latest addition to the initiative, which launched in August 2018. More than 53,000 Florida-based employees are eligible for the UCF offerings, according to a statement from the company. There are 34 undergraduate and masters degree programs for interested employees to choose from. Disney Aspire covers the cost of tuition, application fees and books, according to the official website. Those costs can be applied to a college degree, a high school diploma or a vocational skill. Since its launch, Disney Aspire has enabled thousands of Cast Members to dream bigger and reach higher, George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort and a UCF alumnus, said in a statement. Adding UCF to this prestigious network of schools will provide our Cast Members with even more options to create the futures they imagine. Forty percent of Walt Disney Worlds workforce consisting of 85,000 full-time and part-time hourly employees are currently enrolled in the program. Disney Aspire was born with a $150 million investment to help Disney employees to gain confidence and grow in their careers, the statement said. Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement were an inseparable part of Stewart Kwoh's childhood. As he was growing up, there was one word that kept coming up over and over again: justice. "In my church, I had a white pastor who would go down south and almost get killed in the marches. I had an African American Sunday school teacher," Kwoh, who is the Asian Americans Advancing Justice executive director, said. Kwoh saw the pain African Americans endured in the South, and he also learned about some of the ugly history Asian Americans endured, like the Chinese Exclusion Act of the late 19th century and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. So, when Kwoh became a lawyer, he realized something was missing. "There was no Chinese American or Asian American lawyer who could stand up and say, 'That's wrong,'" Kwoh said. In 1983, Kwoh began doing just that. He started an organization in downtown Los Angeles, one that was dedicated to fighting for civil rights for Asian Americans. Asian Americans Advancing Justice began with one person working in a church. It's grown to more than a 100 people and more than 800 volunteers. Kwoh says he was driven all these years by a mother and a broken heart. The same year Kwoh started, he began working on the case of Vincent Chin, a man killed by two white auto workers in Detroit allegedly angry about job losses to Japan, thinking the Chinese American Chin was Japanese. Kwoh met with Chin's mother. "That night, I said, 'Lily are you OK?' And she said, 'Stewart I'm OK, but there's nothing I can do to bring back Vincent. I don't want any other mother to go through what I went through,'" Kwoh said. It was the first of many cases Kwoh took on, but as his team of lawyers and advocates began to grow, there were many battles to fight. In 1995, the discovery of a sweatshop in El Monte, more than 70 Thai immigrants forced to work behind barbed wire and under armed guard, led to the workers winning a multi-million dollar settlement. Four years later, the murder of Joseph Illeto, a Filipino American postal worker was gunned down by a white supremacist. Kwoh and the Ileto family fought for anti-hate crime laws. "Doesn't really matter how long you've been here, we're still considered foreigners," Kwoh says. Kwoh, however, is no foreigner in Los Angeles, building bridges with organizations like the United Way which just held its annual walk to end homelessness in partnership with the LA Rams. United Way CEO Elise Buik is a longtime friend of Kwoh's. In fact, she says starting the walk in Los Angeles was Kwoh's idea. "Stewart was instrumental in allowing me and encouraging me to have the courage for us to become a more mission based organization to stand up for what's right in this community," Buik says. "Helping in the fight to end homelessness may not have been part of Kwoh's plan at the beginning, but it is now." The staff at Asian Americans Advancing Justice speaks a dozen Asian languages, along with Spanish. It helps not only Asian immigrants but Latino ones too, assisting with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and anyone who needs guidance through the immigration process. "I think Stewart has never really been afraid to do things traditional organizations won't do," Aileen Louie, Asian Americans Advancing Justice co-director of development, said. "He's really unafraid to kind of figure out how we can meet community needs that are not being met." Earlier this month, Kwoh received an award from the California State Legislature for his work in civil rights, but he says civil rights can't just be about Asian Americans; it has to be about justice. And justice, Kwoh learned early on, is for everyone. The search continued Sunday morning for a 5-year-old girl in Utah who was reported missing Saturday, and police have identified her uncle as the "main suspect" in her disappearance, NBC News reports. Family members told police Elizabeth Shelley, of Logan, was last seen at 2 a.m. on Saturday when her mother went to bed. When she woke up at about 9:30 a.m., Elizabeth was gone, as was her uncle, Alex Whipple, 21, who had visited the house Friday night, the Logan Police Department said. Logan is about 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. Whipple, who police have said is the main suspect, was later found walking around the northern Utah city alone and was arrested Saturday. Police said he continued to be uncooperative and was booked into the Cache County Jail on a probation violation. Authorities on Sunday said they could not release more information on Elizabeth's disappearance citing an ongoing investigation. Elizabeth is 3 feet 6 inches with shoulder-length curly brown hair and has choppy bangs and brown eyes. Ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, the U.S. Army's Twitter account asked current and former soldiers how serving in the military has impacted their lives. The tweet was accompanied with a video of Pfc. Nathan Spencer, a scout with the Army's First Infantry Division, who shared how the Army has allowed him to serve something greater than himself, "to give to others, to protect the ones I love and to better myself as a man and warrior." The post attracted thousands of responses, with a number of replies mirroring Spencer's comments on the pride of service. But many more painted a harrowing picture of the toll America's wars have taken on service members and their families. In tweet after tweet, respondents detailed their struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, life-long health issues, difficulties with the Department of Veterans Affairs and suicide. Some of the respondents also appeared to be family members or friends sharing what they witnessed loved ones endure after service. "I am a Navy vet, I was a happy person before I served, now I am broke apart, cant even work a full 30 days due to anxiety and depression, i have Fibromyalgia and nobody understands because I am a guy. I am in constant pain everyday. And I think about killing myself daily," one Twitter user wrote. I am a Navy vet, I was a happy person before I served, now I am broke apart, cant even work a full 30 days due to anxiety and depression, i have Fibromyalgia and nobody understands because I am a guy. I am in constant pain everyday. And I think about killing myself daily........ Jeffrey Scott (@Jscott916) May 25, 2019 Not all the replies were related to the toll of combat. Some used the public platform to talk about sexual assault and the plight of gays in the military. "Sexual harassment every day. Experiencing sexual assault. Protecting others from sexual assault. Sleeping w/ a knife @ night & holding my body against a door as a drunk male banged on our barracks door. A fear that never leaves me. That is how serving has impacted me," wrote Twitter user Hannah Funderburk, who worked at the U.S. Marine Corps, according to her Facebook bio. Sexual harassment every day. Experiencing sexual assault. Protecting others from sexual assault. Sleeping w/ a knife @ night & holding my body against a door as a drunk male banged on our barracks door. A fear that never leaves me. That is how serving has impacted me. Hannah Funderburk (@HannahFunderbu3) May 26, 2019 While NBC could not independently confirm details of the more than 11,000 stories shared, the Twitter thread shed light on the broader issue of the need to care for veterans, better address mental health and the epidemic of veteran suicide. The Army responded to the thread in a series of tweets, thanking people for sharing their personal stories and directing those in need of help to call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or to visit veteranscrisisline.net. "Your stories are real, they matter, and they may help others in similar situations," the Army said in a series of follow-up tweets. "The Army is committed to the health, safety and well-being of our Soldiers. As we honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice this weekend by remembering their service, we are also mindful of the fact that we have to take care of those who came back home with scars we cant see." There are 18.2 million veterans in the United States, according to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs reported that 11% to 20% of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom veterans, 30% of Vietnam veterans and 12% of Gulf War veterans have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. And it's not just from combat. According to the VA, the experience of military sexual assault can also cause PTSD. Among veterans who use VA health care, 23% of women reported being sexually assaulted in the military. A survey released by the Pentagon earlier this month found that the problem is vastly larger and that only a third of those who were sexually assaulted in the military filed a formal report, The Associated Press reported. The Pentagon releases a report every year on the number of sexual assaults reported by troops. But because sexual assault is a highly underreported crime, the department sends out an anonymous survey every two years to get a clearer picture of the problem. Suicide also impacts veterans at disproportionate rates. According to a report by the VA, veterans are 1.5 times more likely than non-veterans to die by suicide. The report found that between 2005 and 2016, more than 6,000 veterans died by a suicide a year. "Suicide remains a top clinical priority," said Peter ORourke, then-acting VA secretary, of the report's findings. "One life lost to suicide is one too many. Suicide is a serious public health concern in the Veteran population and across all communities nationwide. These data offer important insights to help VA to build effective networks of support, communication and care that reach Veterans where they live and thrive." Veterans experiencing a mental health emergency can contact the Veteran Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and select option 1 for a VA staffer. Veterans, troops or their families members can also text 838255 or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net for assistance. Boastful on the occasion of Memorial Day, President Donald Trump and his Veterans Affairs secretary are claiming full credit for health care improvements that were underway before they took office. Trump said he passed a private-sector health care program, Veterans Choice, after failed attempts by past presidents for the last "45 years." That's not true. The Choice program, which allows veterans to see doctors outside the government-run VA system at taxpayer expense, was first passed in 2014 under President Barack Obama. Trump's VA secretary, Robert Wilkie, also is distorting the facts. Faulting previous "bad leadership" at VA, Wilkie suggested it was his own efforts that improved waiting times at VA medical centers and brought new offerings of same-day mental health service. The problem: The study cited by Wilkie on wait times covers the period from 2014 to 2017, before Wilkie took the helm as VA secretary. Same-day mental health services at VA were started during the Obama administration under Wilkie's predecessor, David Shulkin. TRUMP: "We passed VA Choice and VA Accountability to give our veterans the care that they deserve and they have been trying to pass these things for 45 years." Montoursville, Pennsylvania, rally on May 20. THE FACTS: Wrong. Trump is not the first president in 45 years to get Congress to pass Veterans Choice; Obama did it in the wake of a scandal at VA's medical center in Phoenix, where some veterans died while waiting months for appointments. The program currently allows veterans to see doctors outside the VA system if they must wait more than 30 days for an appointment or drive more than 40 miles (65 kilometers) to a VA facility. Trump did expand eligibility for the program. Now, starting June 6, veterans are to have that option for a private doctor if their VA wait is only 20 days (28 for specialty care) or their drive is only 30 minutes. Still, VA's top health official, Dr. Richard Stone, described the new program's start to "almost be a non-event" in testimony to Congress. That's in part because wait times in the private sector are typically longer than at VA. In 2018, 34 percent of all VA appointments were with outside physicians, down from 36 percent in 2017. Also key to the Choice program's success is an overhaul of VA's electronic medical records to allow seamless sharing of them with private physicians, a process expected to take up to 10 years. Wilkie has said full implementation of the expanded Choice program is "years" away. ___ WILKIE: "The first thing I did was change out the leadership at VA. ... (The president) also allowed me to change out leadership in the VA centers. If someone wasn't walking the post, getting to know the people who work for her or him, or getting to know those veterans, they had to leave. And, as a result, the Journal of the American Medical Association this year said that our waiting times are now as good or better than any in the private sector." interview Thursday with Fox News. THE FACTS: It's true that a study by the medical association came out in January that found wait times at VA medical centers on average were better than the private sector. But the improvement wasn't a "result" of anything that Wilkie did: The study involved a period largely covering the Obama administration and before Wilkie became acting VA secretary in late March 2018. In fact, in a VA press release in January announcing the study's results, Wilkie credits the department's "concerted" effort to improve access to care "since 2014." The study covered four specialties, primary care, dermatology, cardiology and orthopedics. It found that in 2014, the average wait time at VA medical centers was 22.5 days, compared with 18.7 days in the private sector, which was not statistically different. By 2017, the wait time at VA improved to 17.7 days, while increasing to 29.8 days for private doctors. Wait times at VA medical centers were shorter in all specialties except orthopedics. According to the study, the number of patients seen yearly in VA increased slightly between 2014 and 2017, to about 5.1 million. VA patient satisfaction also rose, according to patient surveys cited in the study. ___ WILKIE: The VA "had suffered from bad leadership. And that's a bipartisan comment. And the second thing I had to do was make sure that as we approach our veteran population that we make sure that they are at the center, their needs are at the center of what we do ... I think we've had it backwards at VA for many years. ... One of the things that we're doing at VA is that we have same-day mental health service. ... It is huge." interview with Fox News. THE FACTS: Same-day mental health service started at VA before Trump took office in January 2017, let alone Wilkie. VA's effort to provide same-day primary and mental-health care when medically necessary at every VA medical center was publicized in April 2016 under the Obama administration. At the time, Shulkin was helping lead the effort as VA's top health official. By late 2016, the department's blog announced that the goal of same-day mental health services would be achieved by year's end. A Dec. 23, 2016, article in the Harvard Business Review cites new same-day services at all VA hospitals as evidence of notable progress at the department. Shulkin, who was then named by Trump to be his VA secretary, told Congress in late January 2017 the services already were fully in place. Trump selected Wilkie to be his VA secretary after firing Shulkin in March 2018 because of ethics charges and internal rebellion at the department over the role of private care for veterans. Trump's initial replacement choice, White House doctor Ronny Jackson, withdrew after allegations of workplace misconduct surfaced. While Wilkie has been credited by both parties in Congress for bringing stability to the department, the VA improvements he attributes to himself this past week are misplaced. Attorney General William Barr's investigation into the origins of the years-long probe into whether President Donald Trump's campaign conspired with Russia in 2016 took center stage Sunday as White House press secretary Sarah Sanders seemed to suggest there was only one possible outcome from it the one the president seeks, NBC News reports. Speaking with NBC's Chuck Todd on "Meet the Press," Sanders was pressed on whether Trump would accept the results of the investigation if Barr were to exonerate many of the F.B.I. and intelligence officials that have come under Trump's wrath for their role in the Russia probe. We already know that there was an outrageous amount of corruption that took place at the F.B.I. They leaked information. They lied. They were specifically working trying to take down the president, trying to hurt the president," Sanders said. "We'll leave the final call up to the attorney general and he'll get to the bottom of it. But we think Americans deserve the truth. The president's asked for that. And we should expect nothing less." Todd noted that Sanders' answer "sounds like the president has already determined the outcome," adding that it did not sound like the White House wants Barr "to do his job." Late last week, Trump ordered the U.S. intelligence community to "quickly and fully" cooperate with the Justice Department's investigation his highest profile call to investigate those who were involved with the early stages of the Russia probe. The president also gave Barr the authority to unilaterally declassify information related to the investigation. To honor her brother killed in Afghanistan one South Florida woman did her best to walk in his footsteps on Memorial Day weekend. Mary Keel joined families whose loved ones also died during military service in a 60-mile trek to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The event, called the Ruck to Remember, symbolizes the hikes soldiers take with their gear. On Monday was the final push for Keel and others. Keel's brother, Army Capt. Andrew Pedersen-Keel, was born at South Miami Hospital and went on to West Point. On March 11, 2013, he was briefing his troops when a person dressed as an Afghan police officer started shooting. Mary Keel first saw on social media that a special forces captain had been killed, then came word it was her brother. "I remember the day so vividly," she said. "It's difficult. I mean, it's one of those things where until you are in that situation, until you have that experience, you don't know how you are going to handle it." Capt. Pedersen-Keel lives on in his sister's spirit and home. There are reminders everywhere of the elite special forces soldier who was highly decorated for his combat tours. The 60 miles represents the area of Arlington known as Area 60. It's the final resting place for Americans who died during their service in Afghanistan. And the event is a fitting remembrance for Memorial Day. "It's an important day, it's a day that I think we need to remember not just my brother but all those that serve," Keel said. A man was accused of hitting another driver with a baton in a road rage attack on Jones Beach on Sunday morning, state police said. Jason A. Erny, 49, of Massapequa, was charged with assault, criminal possession of a weapon and menacing, New York State Police said. He was driving a Dodge Charger onto Ocean Parkway near the Jones Beach tower in Wantagh shortly after 8 a.m., troopers said. He allegedly drove into the path of a Chevy Malibu, then stopped in traffic, troopers said. Both drivers got out of their cars. Erny was allegedly holding a baton and attacked the other driver, then got back into his car and drove off. The other driver was expected to survive. Erny was arrested at his home, troopers said. It wasn't immediately clear whether he had an attorney. About 187,000 people attended the Bethpage Air Show on Jones Beach on Sunday, organizers said. The total attendance for the practice on Friday and the two-day show was 368,000. Divers off the coast of Florida can now visit an underwater art museum. Divers finished placing a series of artworks on a sunken ship Saturday about seven miles south of Key West in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The project consists of 24 large photo illustrations created by Austrian artist Andreas Franke. They were placed on the Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg, a former U.S. Air Force missile tracking ship that was intentionally sunk 10 years ago to create an artificial reef. Franke calls it the "Plastic Ocean Project" and said he wants it to draw attention to the need to eliminate plastics in the world's oceans. On Monday, divers plan to unfurl a giant American flag on the 523-foot long ship to commemorate Memorial Day and the tenth anniversary of the ship's sinking. The president of the San Francisco Police Officer's Association on Saturday called Chief Bill Scott's apology over the raid of a freelance journalist's home and office a "deceitful and shameful" display of self-preservation, and said it's time for him to go. The leaders of the San Francisco Police Commission meanwhile are standing behind the chief and even commending him for admitting the mistake. Chief Scott admitted Friday that there was a "lack of due diligence" in the police department's attempt to obtain information on a confidential source who leaked a police report on late public defender Jeff Adachi to reporter Bryan Carmody. SFPOA president Tony Montoya claimed in a scathing statement to union members Saturday that the raid was initiated by Scott. "Chief Scott not only followed every twist and turn of the investigation but he knew every element of the investigation, directed the investigation and has clearly either come down with the most debilitating case of amnesia or is flat out not telling the truth about his direct involvement and the horribly flawed direction he gave to find the leak of the police report," Montoya said. In his promise for a thorough investigation into the raid, Scott said he had "serious concerns that we may have violated the shield law," which specifically protects journalists from search warrants. He added, "There were concerns with language in, particularly one of the warrants ... we made some mistakes." In a statement to NBC Bay Area, SFPD's spokesperson David Stevenson said that Scott "made it abundantly clear" that transparency is important and that's why the department is seeking a third-party investigator. Scott on Friday didn't provide details of the investigation other than to say that Carmody was an active participant in acquiring a police record, which the reporter then sold to three television news outlets as part of a news package that included information obtained from interviews and video footage from the scene of Adachi's death. In the letter to SFPOA members, Montoya said that the chief knew of Carmody's press status and did not disclose it to the author of the search warrant. "This investigation was initiated at the top, meaning the chiefs office," he said. "The chief was very well briefed extensively on every step of the investigation, including giving direction to the Sergeants themselves." Montoya also called for an investigation into Chief Scott and said that he should be placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation. "During that time, he should muster up the personal fortitude to do the right thing and resign," Montoya wrote. The Department of Police Accountability will be investigating the execution of the search warrant on Carmodys home as well as continuing their own investigation into the unauthorized release of the police report, according to the police department. SFPD, under the oversight of the Police Commission, will also review it, Scott said. A letter from police commission President Robert Hirsch and Vice President Damali Taylor, says in part: "Chief Scott did what is rare for police chiefs; he apologized to the citizens of San Francisco. He did so completely and unequivocally. That is the mark of a leader." Carmody's attorneys, Ben Berkowitz of Keker Van Nest and Peters LLP, and Tom Burke of Davis Wright & Tremaine LLP, made a statement on Twitter: "There needs to be real reform in the department to ensure that the SFPD respects the First Amendment and the independence of a free press. Scott said Friday that he had completed an in-depth investigation of the circumstances surrounding the raid in the last 48 hours. "SFPDs Statement of Values specifies that 'policing strategies must preserve and advance democratic values.' In this area, we must do a better job. Journalists and everyone in our City deserve a police department that will maintain the constitutional rights of all." Scott said. In response to the union presidents call for Chief Scott to resign over this scandal the chiefs office issued a statement saying everyones role will be examined, including command staff and the chief himself. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Disclaimer: NBC Bay Area has a long-time relationship with Bryan Carmody. We bought video from him that included the police report. Democratic leaders in Congress have argued that impeaching President Donald Trump is a political mistake as the 2020 election nears. Most of the candidates running to succeed him seem to agree, for now. Fewer than one-third of the 23 Democrats vying for the nomination are issuing calls to start the impeachment process, citing evidence in special counsel Robert Mueller's report they believe shows Trump obstructed justice. Most others, including leading contenders Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, have found a way to hedge or search for middle ground, supporting investigations that could lead to impeachment or saying Trump's conduct warrants impeachment but stopping short of any call for such a proceeding. The candidates' reluctance, even as more congressional Democrats start pushing their leaders in the direction, underscores the risky politics of investigating the president for "high crimes and misdemeanors." Impeachment matters deeply to the party's base but remains unpopular with most Americans. White House hopefuls may win praise from liberal activists by pressing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., for an impeachment inquiry, but those who fall short of insisting are unlikely to take heat from early-state primary voters more focused on other issues. "People talk about it and people have opinions about it, but health care is much more salient to them," Sue Dvorsky, a former head of the Iowa Democratic Party, said in an interview. "I just don't see Democratic activists here all worked up about impeachment. They trust Pelosi." The 2020 candidates are facing pressure from the left to take a harder line on impeachment as the Trump administration's stiff-arming of subpoenas leaves House Democrats fuming and a growing number of lawmakers urge Pelosi to initiate an inquiry constitutionally required to remove Trump from office. Leah Greenberg, co-founder of the progressive group Indivisible, described the absence of louder calls for impeachment from the candidates as "a real gap in leadership." "What we're seeing is, some Democrats would prefer to keep the topic focused on places where they're most comfortable and some Democrats would prefer to play pundits on this," Greenberg said in an interview. Tom Steyer, a California billionaire, has run television ads and held town halls across the country as part of a campaign calling for Trump's impeachment. He suggested that candidates who haven't yet endorsed impeachment "have a political problem telling the truth about this." Steyer said that if the public saw televised, unfiltered hearings that showed "exactly how bad this president is and exactly who he's surrounded himself with and how corrupt he really is," Democrats and Republicans alike would "reject that kind of behavior." Steyer declined to enter the 2020 presidential race himself. The administration's blockade of congressional investigations and Mueller's report detailing possible obstruction action have yet to push any new Democratic candidates off the fence. Former Vice President Joe Biden, the current front-runner, said last month there is "no alternative" but impeachment if the administration keeps stonewalling congressional investigations. But Biden has notably stopped short of urging Pelosi to move forward. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who's running second in most polls, told CNN this past week "it may be time to at least begin the process" which could result in impeachment. But he warned in the same interview that Trump could try to exact political gains from any impeachment effort. Pete Buttigieg said last week that Trump "deserves impeachment," but the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, stressed that he would defer to Pelosi on the timing for taking any formal steps. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker told The Associated Press on Friday that Trump's refusal to cooperate with Congress amounts to "undermining the Article I branch of the government's ability to conduct its constitutional mandates." But he gave Pelosi wide leeway. He acknowledged that "she's feeling the frustration from Democrats in the House" and said that "should getting cooperation from the administration not work, I know she'll increasingly be considering her options." Even California Sen. Kamala Harris, who said after the release of Mueller's report last month that "Congress should take the steps towards impeachment," is emphasizing her pessimism that Senate Republicans would act on impeachment if the matter came before them. The most vocal pro-impeachment candidates are Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke and former Obama housing chief Julian Castro. Two others, Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton and California Rep. Eric Swalwell, also have supported the start of the impeachment process. Moulton and Swalwell are among four candidates could vote on impeachment, as current House members. Pelosi and other House leaders have signaled clearly that they want to pursue investigations into Trump, including two lawsuits where they scored victories this past week, rather than start a consuming and politically uncertain impeachment process. If the House did vote to impeach Trump, the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority of the Senate to support conviction in order to remove the president from office. Given the slim likelihood of that, it's no surprise to Democrats outside the nation's capital that impeachment isn't gaining steam among the candidates. "The people I talk seem to be more interested in what the next president is going to do to make their lives better rather than what they think about impeachment," New Hampshire state Rep. David Morrill said in an interview. Associated Press writer Thomas Beaumont contributed. Two famous shipwrecks mark the beginning and end of America's involvement in World War II: The USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and the USS Indianapolis in July 1945 after delivering components of the atom bomb to Tinian. But a third sinking in the middle of the war, worse than the second and nearly as bad as the first, remains largely unknown. This was the loss of the troopship HMT Rohna, a converted British cargo ship sunk in 1943 off the African coast by a German guided missile at a cost of 1,015 U.S. soldiers. Among them were 95 men from Pennsylvania, 77 from New Jersey and three from Delaware. Now a New Jersey filmmaker, in conjunction with a survivors' group, is hoping to raise awareness of this great sea disaster by finding the families of the dead all these years later. Jack Ballo, a documentary producer, and several partners have spent the last year working on "Rohna: Classified." They launched a Kickstarter campaign on Memorial Day weekend to raise money for the film and hope to eventually air it on PBS, Netflix or some other outlet. In the meantime, the film's outreach program is searching for the families here and across the nation, a mission shared by the Rohna Survivors Memorial Association. Ballo is focused on those who died and the association represents the 966 who survived, only a few dozen of whom are still alive, but both want to build a database of information about everyone aboard on Nov. 26, 1943. "A lot of these families don't even know about the Rohna," said Ballo. "Some don't even know they had, say, a great-uncle in World War II. We're getting several generations away now from the men who were on the ship. A lot of these people are great-nieces or great-nephews, or great-great-nephews, and they don't even know anything about their family member who was on the ship." The survivors group holds reunions but each year but the list has dwindled as the World War II generation dies out. Hundreds used to attend. At next month's event in Virginia Beach, one is expected to make the trip. As for the families of those lost, Rohna association secretary Janice Pumelia said it's been difficult to find them. About 35 families nationwide have been located. "When we do reach them, reactions are mixed," said Pumelia, whose father Anthony was among the survivors. Some are interested, some say it's ancient history, and some had no idea they had a loved one on the ship. "We're getting the full range," she said. "My father spoke about this every Thanksgiving. We considered it dad's war story. So it was in the family but we didn't think much of it at the time." Ballo's website lists the hometowns of all the casualties and a next-of-kin form for families to fill out to submit more information. "I think knowing what happened and how their family member had died in the war is important," Ballo said. "That's why I think this documentary will have an impact." His own involvement with the Rohna began last year when he found a box of 1940s letters in his attic from Sgt. Joseph Pisinski to his mother. Sgt. Pisinski was the great-uncle of Ballo's wife. Ballo had married into the family and never knew the history. "I barely heard a word about this great-uncle she had," he said. He did some Googling and discovered that Sgt. Pisinski is mentioned in a book of Rohna survivor interviews written by Michael Walsh, past president of the Rohna association. Walsh had hired a film crew to record some of the interviews and posted them on YouTube. Ballo saw them and then traveled last year to the association reunion in Memphis, where he met Walsh. They decided to team up on the film, joined by veteran producer Bill Jersey. The target for completion is late 2020. The project intrigued them because of the Rohna's relative obscurity. Even among World War II buffs, the story is not widely known. "Everyone says 'Rohna? Huh?'" said Pumelia. While several books and newspaper accounts have appeared over the years and The History Channel did a segment, the Rohna doesn't seem to have registered in the popular consciousness. "It's out there, but it doesn't stick," said Pumelia. The ship left north Africa on Nov. 25 on its way to India with 1,981 U.S. soldiers aboard. The next day a swarm of German bombers descended on the convoy. One of them launched a radio-guided bomb, among Germany's secret weapons. It smashed into the side of the Rohna. Some 300 men died outright. Hundreds of others died trying to escape or succumbed in the water waiting for rescue. The ship didn't carry enough lifeboats and most of the ones aboard were non-functional. Rescue ships saved 966 people. But the incident remained classified because the War Department did not want the Germans to know the extent of damage caused by the world's first smart bomb, Ballo said. The families of those lost were not told what happened at the time beyond telegrams noting only that their loved ones had died and no information was available. The new documentary aims to tell a complete story, not only from the viewpoint of soldiers on the ship but also from the perspective of Herbert Wagner, the scientist who designed the bomb, and the pilot who launched it, Hans Dochtermann. Wagner was later smuggled out of Germany to work on the U.S. rocket program, as did other German scientists. The pilot's son, Ludger, an Alaskan fisherman, made news in 2005 when he attended the 10th reunion of the Rohna survivors group in Seattle and apologized for what his father did. Ballo has been in touch with the families of both. He said his goal is to give the Rohna the recognition it deserves as one of the worst maritime disasters in U.S. history. In terms of wartime losses, it ranks second only to the sinking of the Arizona, which claimed 1,177 lives. That wreck is a famous war memorial. The Indianapolis, while not unknown after the war, entered popular culture 30 years later when actor Robert Shaw delivered a monologue about it in the 1975 movie "Jaws." It gained a new measure of fame two years ago when a team led by Microsoft founder Paul Allen found the wreckage at 18,000 feet in the Philippine Sea. That sinking cost 880 lives. The Rohna was worse yet who knows about it? "People love this story," Ballo said. "People can't get enough of World War II." What to Know Media Borough's annual Memorial Day parade remembers those who sacrificed their lives for the United States. The parade marches down State Street in the Delco borough. A Memorial Day tradition returned to Delaware County Monday. Those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States were remembered at the Media Borough Memorial Day Parade. The parade began at 10 a.m. at Barrall Community Park (State and Edgemont streets) then made its way about a half mile up State Street to Orange Street before turning and ending at the Delaware County Courthouse. The patriotic parade featured color guards, veterans, fire trucks and the Penncrest Marching Band. A wave of state abortion bans has set off speculation: What would happen if Roe v. Wade, the ruling establishing abortion rights nationwide, were overturned? Although far from a certainty, even with increased conservative clout on the Supreme Court, a reversal of Roe would mean abortion policy would revert to the states, and many would be eager to impose bans. What would not happen is a full-fledged turning back of the clock to 1973. Women now have far more methods to avoid unwanted pregnancies, as well as safer, easier options for abortion. Many abortions are induced at home with a two-drug combination, and advocacy groups are spreading the word about home abortions using one of the drugs that can be done without a medical professional's involvement. "I don't think you can put all those different genies back in the bottle," said medical historian Andrea Tone at McGill University in Montreal. "Women are in charge of their procreative destiny. I don't think women will put up with the absence of privacy and discretion that birth control and abortion provide." Here's a look at some of the abortion-related changes that have unfolded since 1973: __ At the time of Roe, abortion was broadly legal in four states, allowed under limited circumstances in 16 others, and outlawed under nearly all circumstances in the rest. A reversal of Roe would produce a patchwork map where perhaps 15 or so states would continue to make abortion easily accessible, a dozen or more would ban virtually all abortions unless the mother's life is at stake, and the rest would thrash out their response in the public arena and the legislatures. In 1974, a year after Roe, there were about 899,000 abortions in the U.S., according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights. The number of abortions rose steadily, peaking at 1.61 million in 1990, before starting a steady decline falling to 926,200 in Guttmacher's latest national survey, covering 2014. Close to 90 percent of the abortions occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The decline is attributed to increased availability of effective contraception and a sharp decrease in unintended pregnancies, notably among teens. In 1974, teens accounted for 32.5% of abortions in the U.S.; in 2014 that dropped to 12%. ___ Technology and science have given women unprecedented options and control over fertility since 1973. Back then, single women had only recently gained nationwide access to birth control, thanks to a 1972 Supreme Court ruling, said Dr. Sarah Prager, who directs the University of Washington School of Medicine's family planning fellowship. "This is recent history," Prager said. "Now we have these incredibly effective contraceptive methods available." A woman can get the morning-after pill without a prescription and keep some in her medicine cabinet for emergencies. Her smartphone sends birth control reminders. Or, if she prefers, a matchstick-size implant gives her no-hassle contraception for years at a time. Surgical abortion has become safer, employing tools that use vacuum pressure rather than scraping. There's increasing use of the medication alternative: Ending a pregnancy with mifepristone and misoprostol now accounts for about 30% of U.S. abortions. "It's safe and comfortable," said Missouri resident Lexi Moore, 30, who ended a pregnancy in September with a prescription from Planned Parenthood. "You get to sit in the comfort of your home instead of doing it in a clinic or in a back alley. ... You will have cramps, like a heavy period. But it's worth it in the end, and you have control over that." Moore had to drive 70 miles to pick up her prescription and, lacking insurance, paid $800 out of pocket. But she welcomed the outcome, and wrote thank-you cards to the clinic. Her experience contrasts with that of Vikki Wachtel, who as an 18-year-old attending school in Connecticut had an abortion in New York City's Bellevue Hospital in October 1970. That was just a few months after New York became a pioneer in broadly legalizing abortion. "The staff made us feel like we were about to commit a crime," Wachtel said, recalling how she and other young women were treated callously. That ordeal was followed by post-abortion complications, yet Wachtel has steadfastly supported abortion rights. "It was MY CHOICE to not have a child in 1970 and it must remain a woman's choice to do so on a national level," she said in an email. "These overreaching and restrictive laws will only make abortions more dangerous, not eliminate them." ___ For women today, there's even abortion by mail. It's still under study, but early results show women can manage their medical abortions safely at home. A doctor first confirms the woman's pregnancy is less than 10 weeks, then mails the pills. About 300 U.S. women have ended pregnancies in the TelAbortion study . "Women are really grateful not to have to travel three or four hours to a clinic," said researcher Dr. Beverly Winikoff of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. "But there are also people within walking distance from a clinic who prefer to do it this way because it's more private." Abortion-rights activists, at rallies supporting Roe v. Wade, often display images of coat hangers that were sometimes used in illegal abortions many decades ago. However, warnings that large numbers of women would die from unsafe abortions if Roe were overturned don't reflect the fact that abortion-related deaths which numbered as high as 2,700 in 1930 fell to under 200 a year by the mid-1960s thanks to the development of antibiotics and other medical advances. To the extent that women can get and use misoprostol to end pregnancies at home, women even in states with bans would have a relatively safe option. It's available only by prescription in the U.S. but is available online from some countries where it is sold over the counter. Among the leading advocates of this do-it-yourself option is attorney Jill E. Adams, executive director of If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice. Amid the wave of abortion bans, she said her group's hotline has received a surge of calls from worried women. "If the recent events have shown us anything, it's that self-managed abortion is vital to current and future reproductive rights in the United States," Adams said. ___ One crucial change since 1973 is the development of ultrasound technology. For many Americans, the first image they now see of a son, daughter or grandchild is often a sound wave scan of the fetus. The images change minds about abortion, said Dr. Donna Harrison, executive director of the American Association of Prolife Obstetricians and Gynecologists. "Ultrasound opens the window on the womb," Harrison said. "That has changed since 1973. We couldn't see who was in there. Now we can." But seeing an ultrasound image doesn't change the biology of fetal development, said Dr. Anne Davis, consulting medical director for Physicians for Reproductive Health. She disputed the idea that the threshold of viability for a fetus, a concept important in Roe v. Wade, is pushing ever closer to the moment of conception. "If someone is six weeks pregnant, that's not a viable pregnancy," Davis said. "And some fetuses will never be viable because they have a lethal abnormality and will die after birth." ___ In the aftermath of Roe, it took years for supporters and opponents of abortion rights to entrench themselves in the polarized camps of today. Anti-abortion violence didn't erupt immediately after the decision, but it has been a constant since the 1990s, when three abortion providers and three clinic employees were killed in attacks. More recently, Dr. George Tiller, an abortion provider in Wichita, Kansas, was shot to death by an anti-abortion activist in 2009, and a gunman killed three people at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado in 2015. There have been major shifts in anti-abortion tactics. Compared with the 1990s, there are fewer mass demonstrations and clinic blockades, and there is far more success passing anti-abortion laws in Republican-controlled state legislatures. In the five years preceding this year's sweeping bans, scores of other laws have been passed to restrict abortion access. Julie Burkhart, a former colleague of Tiller's who now runs an abortion clinic in Wichita, said Kansas like many GOP-controlled states now has an array of restrictions that make obtaining abortions more expensive, time-consuming and stressful. The anti-abortion movement's clout in many state legislatures has now been amplified by Donald Trump's election as president after he promised to support the movement's key goals. "They don't need to go to the streets anymore, because they really do have a lot of power," Burkhart said. Professor Michael New, an abortion opponent who teaches social research at Catholic University of America, said the debate is far more polarized now than in 1973, with fewer Republicans favoring abortion rights and fewer Democrats opposing them. "Pro-lifers are having an easier time enacting pro-life laws in conservative parts of the country, but for the first time in a long time they have to play defense in blue states," said New, citing bills passed in New York and Vermont this year expanding access to abortion. A man was arrested early Monday morning after deputies spotted him wearing a President Donald Trump mask while allegedly vandalizing a parked vehicle in Orange County. Deputies were conducting a patrol check of businesses near Cabot Road and Vista Viejo Road around 4 a.m. They had to do a "double take" when they spotted "a person resembling President Trump slashing tires and breaking the windshield of a parked vehicle." https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx9 The Orange County Sheriff's Department's Mission Viejo station posted photos of the Trump mask, along with other findings including a loaded handgun, body armor, an airsoft gun and a helmet. Authorities identified the alleged vandal as 56-year-old Rory Zimmerman. Photos from the scene also show Zimmerman's vehicle outfitted with "takedown lights" mounted to the front windshield and a fake California license plate. Orange County Sheriff's Department Court records show he got into trouble with the law in March and late last year for not having proper license plates. Zimmerman was arrested and booked for felony vandalism, authorities said. His bail was originally set at $20,000 and later upped to $100,000. A new study showed a specific kind of seaweed could help significantly reduce methane gas emissions in California. The majority of those emissions come from the states 1.8 million dairy cows every time they burp, exhale or otherwise pass gas. Scientists at the University of California, Davis found a type of algae called Asparagopsis taxiformis that could be a solution. Jennifer Smith This particular species produces a whole unique suite of chemicals that when fed to cows in very small quantities prevents the production of methane in the digestive process of cows, said Jennifer Smith, a marine ecologist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Smith joined the project several months ago and has since worked with the UC Davis team to find the most efficient way to cultivate the seaweed. Asparagopsis taxiformis is native to Australia and Hawaii and can also be found growing off the coasts of Baja, Catalina Island and San Diego. Were trying to understand how to grow it the best and the fastest with the least amount of energy input while also maximizing the production of the chemicals that were after, Smith said. California recently passed legislation requiring farmers and other producers to reduce their methane gas emissions 40 percent by the year 2030. Although more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of feeding seaweed to cows, Smith said this project has great potential. If this seaweed thing works out this is going to provide a wonderful opportunity for the farmers in California and beyond a way to reduce their methane emissions, Smith said. The Imperial Beach shoreline was closed to beachgoers on Memorial Day after recent rainfall pushed sewage-contaminated runoff from the Tijuana River into local beaches. The water contact closure, initially issued on Nov. 29, was expanded on Sunday to include the shoreline from the U.S.-Mexico border to the north end of Imperial Beach and 500 feet north of Carnation Avenue, the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) said. The agency warned people should avoid going into the water until testing has deemed it is safe for recreational use. Signs will be posted to notify beachgoers of the closures. Closures of the Imperial Beach shoreline are common after a storm, which can cause the Tijuna River to flow and push runoff from Tijuana into the United States. A diverter, part of an agreement between the U.S. and Mexico, is shut down during heavy rainfall, according to the DEH. Contaminated waters can then flow northwest via the Tijuana River, which crosses the border just west of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, through the Tijuana River Estuary and into the Pacific Ocean south of Imperial Beach. The constant closures and contaminated flow from Tijuana has long sparked contention between the South Bay community and the International Boundary Water Commission (IBWC), the agency that manages issues that affect both the U.S. and Mexico's waters. In September, the San Diego Water Board sued the U.S. section of the IBWC, claiming it is violating the Clean Water Act by not monitoring or stopping untreated waste flowing to the ocean. Several San Diego municipalities have also teamed up to file a federal lawsuit against the agency. The IBWC said they have not violated any environmental laws and have actually "reduced the problem's scale" with the construction of a San Diego treatment plant. On Memorial Day, we remember the sacrifices and courage of our fallen U.S. military service members. In San Diego, with our strong ties to the military community, there are several ways to pay your respects at special ceremonies around town. Memorial Day Ceremony at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery 9 a.m., Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery San Diegos Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on Cabrillo Memorial Drive will host a Memorial Day ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. The cemetery home to more than 100,000 graves is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is a registered California Historical Landmark. Memorial Day Ceremony at Miramar National Cemetery 1 p.m., Miramar National Cemetery San Diegos Miramar National Cemetery on Nobel Drive will host a Memorial Day ceremony to pay tribute to our fallen military service members at 1 p.m. The federal military cemetery located on the northwest corner of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar is home to nearly 7,000 graves and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Mt. Soledad Each year, the tranquil peak of Mt. Soledad, where a towering memorial cross honors veterans from the Revolutionary War to current wars, becomes a gathering place for those wishing to pay their respects to the fallen. At 2 p.m., a special ceremony will be held for those heroes. During the service, a special plaque will be presented to honor Doris "Dorie" Miller, the first African American Navy Cross recipient, awarded for his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor. People visiting the La Jolla memorial can park at Mt. Soledad Presbyterian Church or French American School (6550 and 6551 Soledad Mountain Rd.) and take a shuttle to the mountain peak. Legacy Week at USS Midway: National Moment of Remembrance 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., USS Midway Museum Flight Deck The USS Midway Museum will remember our countrys fallen heroes on Memorial Day by partaking in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. on the flight deck. Following the half-hour ceremony, there will be a live performance of Echo Taps. The museum is currently celebrating Legacy Week and, on Memorial Day, two groups will perform live: instrumentalists with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and the Bonita Vista Music Machine show choir (12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.). General admission tickets to the USS Midway Museum (purchased online ahead of time) costs $22 for adults, $9 for retired military, and $9 for kids ages 6 to 12. Kids age 5 and under get in free. The California Legislature faces key decisions this week, including trying to reign in police use of force, prevent rent spikes, and alter labor laws affecting workers in the gig economy. Friday is the deadline for the Assembly and Senate to pass or reject bills that originated in each chamber. If they survive, they will be considered by the opposing chamber before lawmakers adjourn in September. Some of the measures facing key votes: GIG ECONOMY Companies like Uber and Lyft helped create the so-called gig economy. Legislation pending in the Assembly could set a clearer standard for who, exactly, is an independent contractor with a "gig" and who has the rights of a full-fledged employee. Backed by labor unions, the bill, AB5, could expand rights and benefits to workers now labeled independent contractors, in turn upending some industries. It comes amid a state Supreme Court ruling and a wave of protests that are pressing policy makers to look at the fine print of workers' rights as the nature of work changes. The details, though, are bound to be subject to plenty more political wrangling this session. HOUSING Legislators have said repeatedly the state is in the midst of a housing crisis. But the biggest housing bill of the session, which would have overridden local zoning rules in some areas to allow for the construction of more homes, appears to be dead for the year but could be considered next year. The Assembly has voted to reduce some of the red tape around building accessory dwelling units, or granny flats and casitas. Two other measures are awaiting Assembly votes this week: AB1482 would cap the size of rent increases for some tenants, while AB1481 would require landlords to provide a reason for evicting tenants. SHOOTINGS BY POLICE Police would be empowered to use lethal force only if it's necessary to prevent death or serious harm to themselves or others under a pending Assembly bill. That's a change from the current standard that lets officers kill if they reasonably fear they are in danger. The bill, AB392, once was vehemently opposed by police. But it is now supported by key law enforcement groups after it was amended last week. The organizations are also backing another bill, SB230, which requires that every officer be trained in ways to avoid using deadly force. The police groups say the two bills "will go further than any other state legislation to minimize the use of force in our communities." PRIVACY The state adopted a sweeping privacy bill last year. Now, lawmakers and lobbyists are ironing out the details. The Senate has already stalled a bill that was a priority for privacy advocates, which would have allowed consumers to take companies to court for a range of violations of the state's new law. Several bills are awaiting a vote in the Assembly that would create exemptions to the privacy law, such as AB 846 for customer loyalty programs and more broadly for security purposes, such as in AB 1416. As Alexa and Echo devices pop up in more homes, another measure, AB1395, would put limits on how companies can use data collected through smart speakers. TRUMP REACTION Democratic lawmakers argue President Donald Trump's administration is cutting away at health, environmental and workplace safety protections. Their plan is to keep in place federal rules that pre-date Trump. SB1, which is awaiting a vote in the Senate, says many federal standards in place before Trump took office would still be enforceable under state law even if the federal government changes its policies. SURPRISE MEDICAL BILLINGS What you pay for health care varies by your insurance carrier, giving people incentives to only seek treatment at hospitals that are ``in-network.'' The result can be some surprisingly high bills for people unaware a hospital is outside of their network. AB1611 seeks to change this situation. It would ban hospitals from charging out-of-network prices to people who have health insurance. The California Hospital Association opposes the plan, arguing hospitals and health insurance companies should have the freedom to negotiate their own rates. HEALTH INSURANCE RATES Premiums for small businesses and people who buy health insurance on the individual market are regulated by the state. But premiums for people who get insurance in some larger groups through their employers are not. That could change under AB731. It would require some large-group insurance plans to be regulated similar to small-group plans. Supporters say the bill would protect more people from exorbitant premium increases. America's Health Insurance Plans and the California Association of Health Plans say the bill would drive up premiums and encourage employers to move to self-insurance, which is not regulated by the state. U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter of California acknowledged taking a photo with a dead combatant during his time as a Marine as he defended a Navy SEAL charged with multiple war crimes, including killing a teenage fighter. The Republican congressman, who was re-elected last November as he faces corruption charges, made the comments during a town hall Saturday in his San Diego-area district. Hunter has advocated for a pardon for Edward Gallagher, whos charged with stabbing to death a teenage Islamic State fighter under his care in Iraq in 2017 and then holding his reenlistment ceremony with the body. Prosecutors said the Navy SEAL chief texted a photograph of himself next to the dead fighter and wrote he got him with my hunting knife. Hes also accused of shooting two civilians in Iraq and opening fire on crowds. Hunter said he also posed for a photo next to a dead combatant but said he did not text it or post it to social media. The congressman said a lot of us have done the exact same thing, referring to fellow service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hunter called the military justice system corrupt, saying it is run by lawyers and bureaucrats intent on pursuing war fighters. His offices didnt return calls and emails seeking comment Monday. Gallaghers lawyers have said he did not murder anyone and that disgruntled SEALs made the accusations because they wanted to get rid of a demanding platoon leader. Dozens of Republican congressmen say Gallagher an innocent war hero being unfairly prosecuted. President Donald Trump got him moved from the brig to better confinement in a military hospital with access to his lawyers and family. Trump says he is considering pardons for several American military members accused of war crimes. Gallaghers court-martial is set to begin this week at Naval Base San Diego. Gallagher has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. At the town hall, Hunter declined to comment on his own pending court case. Hunter and his wife, Margaret, were indicted in 2017 on federal charges of illegally converting more than $250,000 in campaign contributions for personal living expenses. Both have pleaded not guilty and have their next court hearing scheduled for July 29. Trial is set for later this year. A Virginia legislator says laws surrounding hemp-derived CBD products need to change to make sure innocent people don't get caught in the criminal justice system. "We want to do the right thing in Virginia," Del. Mark Keam said. "One thing that we never wanted to do was put innocent people in legal jeopardy." Keam, D-Fairfax County, cosponsored legislation that took effect in March, changing the legal definition of marijuana to allow for hemp-derived CBD products containing trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). That's the component of marijuana that can get users high. But a News4 I-Team investigation found Virginia's state forensic labs cannot currently determine the amount of THC in many CBD products to see if they comply with the law. "We will have to do an additional test, which we have never done before," Department of Forensic Science Director Linda Jackson told the I-Team. "The new law has definitely complicated all of this." Before the law changed, the labs only had to determine whether products contained the presence of THC. Now, hemp-derived products, like CBD, are not considered marijuana if they contain "no greater than 0.3 percent" THC, so the labs must be able to determine the exact amount. No one checked to make sure that was possible before state law changed. "Sometimes the law runs ahead of technology," Keam said. Keam said the new law took effect as emergency legislation so agricultural production of industrial hemp could begin immediately. But the criminal justice application of the law has left people like Kyle Traugh in legal limbo. Fredericksburg police arrested the store owner for selling marijuana less than one week after the law took effect. Traugh told the News4 I-Team his products were all CBD. Keam acknowledges it's tough for police and prosecutors to be aware of every new law immediately. Plus, when the state lab initially tested some of Traugh's products, they did contain THC. The lab was unable to test to determine how much. Jackson has now sent a warning letter to police and prosecutors around the state who rely on the state labs for evidence testing, warning of the testing limitations. She said evidence that requires the more advanced testing will now be on hold until those tests are up and running, which will hopefully only take a couple of months. Her letter also warned of an additional testing flaw revealed in the I-Team's reporting: The field tests police commonly use to identify marijuana also come back positive for CBD. The tests, widely used by law enforcement around the country, are only designed to detect cannabinoids, which CBD and marijuana both are. The tests cannot distinguish between the two. At least one popular brand of tests tells users that results "are merely presumptive" and "must be confirmed by an approved analytical laboratory. Virginia law currently allows officers to use field tests as evidence in court. "Until we fix the law itself, the only thing we can do as legislators is to urge our executive branch partners to ensure that this is not a place that they should be prosecuting," Keam said. The new law also makes a distinction between testing of plants and testing of hemp products. However, in Traugh's case, the evidence police seized appears to be plant material packaged as a product. The label says it's CBD Hemp Flower and that it contains under 0.3 percent THC. "That's one of the things that I guess as a laboratory we didn't really consider when we first saw the law," said Jackson, who calls the lab testing an evolving process. The I-Team shared its findings with Keam, asking if he believes legislators will need to revisit the marijuana and CBD-related laws next year. "Oh no doubt. I believe that will happen," Keam said. "And thanks to your work and investigation that your team has done, it's really shed light on those gaps in our laws and the policies that we have in place." In Iowa, one of the whitest states in the nation, more than 100 black Democrats who expect to attend the 2020 caucuses crammed into a tiny community center in the capital city to position themselves as a force in the most wide-open presidential campaign in a generation. "There is hope! There is hope, I tell you, the same hope that Barack Obama brought us," Jamie Woods, former chairwoman of the Iowa Democratic Black Caucus, implored the cheering group last month. In the state where Obama's 2008 candidacy cleared its first important hurdle, black Democrats are energized as seldom seen, in part motivated by overwhelming dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump. That enthusiasm could make a difference in a state that holds a presidential caucus, which, unlike an open primary, attracts only the most motivated voters. That means a candidate who can rally more black voters in the caucuses can gain an outsized advantage, even though African Americans make up only 2% of Iowa's population. Iowa's caucus, coming next February as the first event in the Democratic Party's presidential nominating contest, is an early test of how voters are going to respond to two dozen candidates and could be a harbinger of the primary a few weeks later in South Carolina, where African Americans comprise most of the Democratic primary electorate. "They're realizing that their voice needs to be heard," said Deidre DeJear , the first African American to win a primary for statewide office in Iowa and now state chairwoman for Sen. Kamala Harris' 2020 presidential campaign. "And they are using the platform they have whether they're elected or whether just a regular voter." Stacey Walker, the first black county board chairman in Iowa's second-most-populous metro area, said he hasn't seen this kind of energy among black operatives, activists and officeholders in Iowa in years. "Not since the Obama coalition have we seen so many persons of color actively engaged and inspired by our politics," Walker said. "It hasn't always been this way, and certainly not in Iowa." Giving an early indication of the energy within this small but influential segment of the caucus electorate, more than 200 black Democrats braved a driving ice storm in February to attend the Iowa Democratic Black Caucus winter fundraiser at a north Des Moines union hall. Candidates are looking to harness that energy. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, a 2020 presidential candidate and former mayor of Newark, has convened city leaders, including Quentin Hart, the first black mayor of Iowa's most densely African American city, Waterloo. Booker met Saturday with Shane McCampbell, the first black mayor of Burlington, along the Mississippi River in southeast Iowa. Harris met privately with state Rep. Phyllis Thede, who is African American, before the four-term lawmaker moderated a campaign event for the California Democrat in eastern Iowa earlier this year. In 2008, when Obama became the first African American to win the Iowa caucuses, 4% of caucus participants were black, double the percentage of the state's overall black population. Obama received 76% of the black vote on caucus night. Non-black candidates are working to attract influential black supporters, who can help make the difference in a close race, especially given the crowded field. Amy Klobuchar, for instance, last month hired Woods, the former Iowa Black Democratic Caucus chairwoman, as her caucus campaign's Iowa political director, giving the Minnesota senator a key ally in the competition for black votes. Entrepreneur Andrew Yang hired Al Womble, a black Des Moines-area businessman known for his behind-the-scenes organizing, as his Iowa campaign chairman. Multiple black candidates in the race and the outreach by others in the crowded field create a different scenario than in 2008, when Obama was the only black candidate. What's more, most of the candidates put ending racial disparity in income and criminal justice atop their agendas. "Even though we're talking about racial disparity and white supremacy, and all this is bad, that this isn't who we are. No one single candidate is leading the charge," said Guy Nave, a Democrat from Decorah who is black and plans to attend the caucus. Iowa Democrats are predicting turnout in the 2020 caucuses will beat the record 237,000 set in 2008, as Trump's approval in Iowa has struggled to top 50 percent. Meanwhile, candidates themselves are working to attract first-time caucus participants to eke out any advantage in a field that now numbers 23. That means even a narrow edge of support from African Americans, in combination with a coalition of other voters, could make the difference for the winner in Iowa next February, said former Iowa Democratic Party executive director Norm Sterzenbach. "If you can find a candidate that has a stronghold in a particular demographic and is able to turn them out, that could turn into something extraordinary on caucus night," said Sterzenbach, who is advising former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke's presidential campaign. A 21-year-old motorcyclist suffered traumatic injuries after crashing into a pile of wood on Sunday. According to authorities, the crash occurred on Route 3A near Brewster Road in Cohasset, Massachusetts just before 1:45 p.m. Sunday. The driver veered off of the road and crashed into a large pile of wood in the Monster Tree Service parking lot. The rider was identified as a 21-year-old man from Rockland. He was riding a 2018 Kawasaki, police said. The victim has been transported to South Shore Hospital. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but officials say speed does not appear to be a factor. Police are investigating after receiving a report of an argument and shots fired in Manchester, New Hampshire. According to authorities, they responded to the area of Dutton Street and Concord Street just before 4:30 p.m. Monday. Officers spoke with many people in the area and learned that no one was injured in the incident. No arrest was made on scene. Police had the area closed off for a time Monday afternoon but have since reopened the area around Dutton Street. The investigation is ongoing but officials say there is no danger to the public. Anyone with information leading to the identification of the suspect or suspects is asked to contact police at 603-668-8711 and reference case 19-8406. You can also contact the Manchester Police Crimeline at 624-4040. Rhode Island's attorney general is warning residents about recent scam phone calls that mimic his office's phone number on the caller identification. Attorney General Peter Neronha says the scammers are targeting elderly residents. Neronha's office has issued warnings about the so-called "grandparent scam'' in the past, which involves the caller posing as a grandchild or relative in urgent need of money. Neronha says he was recently notified that many of these calls are using caller ID spoofing to display the phone number of the attorney general's office. The Democrat says no one from his office will call and ask for money. He says anyone who receives a call like this should hang up immediately and not share any personal information with the caller. It was an extra special Memorial Day in Pelham, New Hampshire as families took advantage of the rare opportunity to visit the Moving Wall a half size traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. On Monday, the stories were plentiful and the memories still fresh and painful. When the plane went down, every one of them got killed, said Sgt. Edward Allard who served in Vietnam. Veterans like Allard visited the Moving Wall in Pelham Monday to find the names of their fellow soldiers who never made it home. I got about 90 names that Im trying to look up, Allard said. The Wall arrived in New Hampshire on Thursday and Allard has visited every day since. Ive got one more panel and after that, then we will have them all, he said. The wall has been traveling the country for more than 30 years. It carries with it the names of 58,000 soldiers killed in Vietnam. 227 of them are from New Hampshire, and three are from Pelham. Every one of these names has a story attached to it, said Windham resident Kierin Caldwell. Shes grateful her dad, Sgt. Bob Givens, is spending Memorial Day passing down memories to her son. For my kids to see and hear firsthand from their grandfather is really something touching and special, Caldwell said. For some who may never make it to the monument in DC its a once in a lifetime opportunity to see it in person. Every one of these soldiers gave their lives for us, said a tearful Carol Hyslop of Gilmanton. Its big, it gets me every time. The wall will be disassembled Monday and move on to Pennsylvania. Visitors say it leaves behind a Memorial Day weekend that wont soon be forgotten, just like the names etched in the 144 panels. Its a feeling that, they were remembered, they just werent put aside and thats the end of it, Allard said. They were remembered. Prisoners count. But where? That's a question state lawmakers across the country are grappling with as the 2020 census approaches, NBC News reports. The Census Bureau currently counts prisoners as residents of the locations where they're imprisoned, and states use the census data to draw their legislative maps. While a significant number of correctional facilities are located in comparatively rural areas that are largely Republican and predominantly white, prisoners tend to hail from urban, often Democratic communities and are disproportionately minorities, criminal justice experts told NBC News. Advocates of change, including many Democrats, say it's unfair to count prisoners as residents of communities whose demographic makeup and needs differ from the places the inmates call home. But supporters of the status quo, including many Republicans, say prisoners should be counted where they're incarcerated, both because of longstanding tradition and because communities where prisons are located need to receive adequate funding for the services they provide. The Litchfield County local group of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America will hold a candlelight vigil, remembrance and call to action June 8 at 7:30 p.m. on the New Milford Village Green. The Light the Green Orange vigil will include inspiring messages from survivors, family members of victims, invited local, state and federal representatives, as well as religious leaders from the community. The Washington Democratic Town Committee will sponsor a program, Whats Up with Cuba Now?, June 2 at 2 p.m. at Gunn Memorial Library on Wykeham Road in Washington. Wendy W. Luers, founder and president of The Foundation for a Civil Society, will discuss the current relations between Cuba and the United States. Luers and her husband, Ambassador William Luers, have been involved in cultural exchanges with Cuba since 2015 under the umbrella of her Foundation for a Civil Society. Ambassador Luers negotiated the opening of the U.S. and Cuban Interest Sections in 1977 when he was assistant secretary for Latin America. Although the United States still has diplomatic relations with Cuba, the Trump Administration has activated Title III and IV of the Helms Burton Act and made changes, including prohibitions on commerce with joint ventures with the Cuban military and security services and a ban on individual travel to Cuba. Luers will share information detailing the impact of these changes on the Cuban and Cuban Americans and investment in Cuba. As part of FCS, Luers is the co-founder and was co-chair of the Project on Justice in Times of Transition, an independent conflict resolution project. FCSs main focus today are the New Cuba Arts Connection and the Iran Project after 25 years bringing young Eastern European and Balkan artists to the US under the Young Visual Artists program. Luers was also an international relations consultant for NYC 2012, the New York City bid for the 2012 Summer Games. She has been a journalist with Time, a commentator for KQED-TV and a lecturer. She was a presidential appointee of President Reagan to the National Council of the Arts (1988-1994); founder and President Emerita of the Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies; a member of the Council on Foreign Relations; and served on boards at Stanford University and The Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Southern California as well as American Ditchley, The Annenberg Trust at Sunnylands. She is vice chairman of the Latin American Program at the Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., co-founder and vice chairman of the Vaclav Havel Library Foundation and numerous nonprofit boards. Luers has been decorated by the Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic and the President of Slovakia. A graduate of Stanford, she is married to Ambassador William H. Luers. They have six children and 10 grandchildren and spent time in Washington Depot. Universite de Montreal's Laboratory of Biosensors & Nanomachines, in partnership with Montreal company Nanogenecs Diagnostics, has just been awarded a 700 000$ NSERC 'Idea to Innovation' grant to develop a home blood-testing device for people with chronic illnesses. The lab is run by Alexis Vallee-Belisle, who also holds a Canada Research Chair in Bioengineering and Bio-nanotechnology. His first goal is to get the biosensor to detect three biomarkers urea, potassium and creatinine in a drop of blood. People with kidney disease and heart disease typically need to keep an eye on these markers. Currently, blood testing is a multi-step process that usually requires patients to have blood drawn in a clinic or lab. After blood samples are collected in a hospital or clinic, they get sent to a central analysis lab, which is typically located off-site, then the results are forwarded to the doctor and finally shared with the patient. Our technology aims to change that, so that patients and doctors can get immediate results as part of everyday monitoring. This will allow them to take fast action if something is out of range." Vallee-Belisle Univalor, UdeM's business-development partner, took out a patent last year to protect the technology developed by Vallee-Belisle and his team. "Our prototype can already detect blood urea levels now we're working on electrodes to measure potassium and creatinine," said Vallee-Belisle. "Eventually, the device will enable people with chronic illnesses to monitor their condition daily and send results electronically to their doctors. Healthcare professionals will be able to quickly and efficiently respond to changes in their patients' condition." In addition to the NSERC grant, the project also received $240,000 in funding last year from the Quebec Ministry of the Economy and Innovation. Eliminating travel time to improve patients' lives "We believe that, like diabetics with blood glucose meters, patients with other chronic illnesses would benefit greatly from home blood testing, especially during periods when their condition is unstable," said Vallee-Belisle. "This more preventative and personalized form of care could clearly improve their quality of life." But the technology is still several steps away from being ready to use. Among other things, the biosensor prototype must go through a series of tests to make sure it can accurately detect all three markers. The device's blood urea sensing capabilities are now being tested in a hospital setting under the direction of Dr. Vincent De Guire, a clinical biochemist at Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont. Once this testing is complete, the designers and engineers will work on developing a low-cost, portable device that's easy to use, much like the blood glucose meters used by diabetics. One clear sign this technology has a lot of potential: multinational Roche Diagnostics recently inked a sponsorship agreement with Nanogenecs to guide the strategic direction to commercialize the technology. By the time it's ready for market, Vallee-Belisle hopes that Nanogenecs a company he founded with four partners and that is also backed by investors in Toronto, Boston and Philadelphia will have found investors in Quebec interested in funding the invention's marketing phase. A new large study from University College London researchers has shown that people who use E-cigarettes to aid them in quitting traditional cigarette smoking are 95 percent more likely to succeed when compared to those who are not using any stop-smoking aids. The study supported by the Cancer Research UK was titled, Moderators of realworld effectiveness of smoking cessation aids: a population study, was published in the journal Addiction last week (22nd of May 2019). Electronic cigarette in the back pocket of a blue jean. Image Credit: Cagkan Sayin / Shutterstock The World Health Organization data reveals that smoking tobacco kills over 7 million individuals each year around the world. Poor and middle income countries hold around 80 percent of the 1.1 billion smokers, says the WHO data. The team explains that e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco but have liquids that contain lower levels of nicotine. The user inhales this liquid in the form of vapour. British American Tobacco, Imperial Brands and Japan Tobacco as well as other major tobacco brands sells e-cigarettes as well. The team of researchers compared smoking de-addiction effectiveness of e-cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches and gum and drug Varenicline brand named Champix sold by Pfizer in UK. Other approaches include drug therapy with bupropion, telephone and face-to-face behavioural support, self help materials, self help websites and hypnotherapy. They did not just determine the individual efficacy of these aids but also took into consideration other factors that may affect the rates of quitting smoking such as age of the individual, socioeconomic parameters, level of cigarette addiction, earlier attempts to quit smoking and if the attempts were abrupt of gradual. This study looked at 18929 people living in England who had attempted to quit smoking in the past 12 months. Data was gathered from individuals for a 12 year period between 2006 and 2018. Those who said they were not smoking anymore were deemed to be successful quitters says the study. Results revealed that those prescribed Champix were 82 percent more likely to quit smoking when compared to those who were not using any aids. On the other hand 95 percent success was seen among those using e-cigarettes when compared to those who were using no means to quit smoking. Those using NRT or nicotine replacement gums and patches were only 34 percent more likely to quit smoking, says the study. NRT was more successful among older individuals (more than 45 years) compared to younger. Self help websites showed some success in helping quitters especially those in lower socioeconomic status compared to those at a higher social grade. Other approaches were deemed to be ineffective in helping quitting smoking, write the researchers. Study lead author Sarah Jackson, a professor at University College London explained, Stopping smoking reduces the risk of chronic diseases and increases quality of life and life expectancy. It is therefore important that every quit attempt has the best possible chance of success. Our study adds to growing evidence that use of e-cigarettes can help smokers to quit. She added, It also raises concerns about the apparent lack of effectiveness of NRT bought from a shop. The study showed efficacy of NRT when prescribed rather than when bought over the counter. Dr Jamie Brown, study co-author added, It is important that e-cigarettes appeared to be equally effective for smokers of all ages and social backgrounds. Smoking is one of the biggest contributors to health inequality between rich and poor and the growth in e-cigarette use may ultimately start to reduce this gap. Peter Hajek, director of the tobacco dependence research unit at Britain's Queen Mary University of London, in a statement said, They (e-cigarettes) help smokers quit at least as much as stop-smoking medications, and they are used by many more smokers. This means they generate many more quitters and do this at no cost to the NHS (National Health Service). Dr Debbie Robson, a tobacco addiction researcher at King's College London, in a statement said, They [smokers] may well be better off investing in alternative nicotine replacement such as e-cigarettes. Dr Leonie Brose, senior lecturer at the National Addiction Centre, King's College London, lauded the study saying, This is in line with what has already been found in randomised controlled trials and extends these findings to adult smokers in the real world. While success rates were similar for varenicline and vaping, vaping is much more popular among smokers trying to quit smoking and thus helped more smokers quit. Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation also said, This study highlights how crucial face-to-face support is for helping people to stop smoking. This study also provides further evidence that e-cigarettes are an effective quitting tool. The choice to switch to e-cigarettes must be made easier. She added, Doctors and pharmacists should be very clear there's a range of quitting tools available including e-cigarettes, and smokers can try vaping as a way to quit. The Public Health England (PHE) also recommends prescription of e-cigarettes by the NHS saying that it is 95 per cent less harmful than cigarette smoking and can help people who wish to quit. Martin Dockrell, tobacco control lead at PHE in a statement said, This is yet more evidence, adding to a major recent UK trial, that vaping offers some of the most effective help for smokers to quit smoking, especially when combined with expert support. All we need for an e-cigarette to be available on prescription is for one to be licensed as a medicine. Several experts are however sceptical about promotion of e-cigarettes as an alternative to smoking saying that their long term effects are unknown and the safe tag may mean that more and more young persons may pick up smoking e-cigarettes. Professor Martin McKee, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine voiced his concerns about safety of e-cigarettes last month. He said, The nicotine in e-cigarettes is not a harmless drug and then there are all these other things such as flavourings that are inhaled. We haven't had e-cigarettes for long enough to know the true effects. But when we look at the evidence we do have, there are enough grounds for serious concerns. Given the short-term effects on lung function and cardiovascular effects, there is enough evidence to say we should be very, very careful, he added. Related study This year in February authors Peter Hajek and colleagues from Queen Mary University of London, also published a study in the New England Journal of Medicine titled, A Randomized Trial of E-Cigarettes versus Nicotine-Replacement Therapy. The team assigned 886 adults attending U.K. National Health Service stop-smoking services randomly either e-cigarettes starter packs or NRT. In addition all were provided weekly behavioral support for at least 4 weeks. Results showed that 1 year of abstinence rate was 18 percent among those who used e-cigarettes and 9.9 percent among those who used NRT. At 52 weeks of the trial 80 percent of those on e-cigarettes were still using their prescribed therapy compared to 9 percent in the NRT group. Further cough and phlegm production was lower among e-cigarette users compared to those who used NRT, the researchers wrote. Authors concluded, E-cigarettes were more effective for smoking cessation than nicotine-replacement therapy, when both products were accompanied by behavioral support. The study was funded by the National Institute for Health Research and Cancer Research UK. The original collaboration agreement between the FNR and ANR was signed in 2012, with the first joint Call launched in 2013. Since the first Call, 22 bilateral projects have been selected for funding across six scientific domains at the University of Luxembourg and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). Between 2013 and 2018, around 200 proposals were submitted across annual Calls. Under this agreement, the ANR is the lead agency and in charge of the evaluation process. Marc Schiltz, Secretary General of the FNR, said: France is a valued and important collaboration partner for the FNR and researchers in Luxembourg, the number of proposals submitted also highlights this. We are grateful that the collaboration agreement between the FNR and ANR has been extended, and hope the collaboration opportunities between researchers in the two countries can be even further expanded in the future." The ANR is one of 18 foreign partners with which the FNR has bilateral collaboration agreements. The FNR is also involved in 12 international research networks supporting multilateral research projects. These agreements are concluded in the framework of the FNR's INTER program, which aims to give Luxembourg's public research a higher profile in the international context by providing funding for international collaboration. INTER enables the FNR to initiate bi or multilateral arrangements for project calls in conjunction with other national or international funding bodies. Goethe University and TU Munich have jointly obtained a new Collaborative Research Centre (Sonderforschungsbereich - SFB), which will receive approximately 11 million in funding from the German Research Foundation over the next four years. An additional SFB on RNA research has been extended for the second time. The funding of two powerful research collaborations underlines the excellent work being done in the field of RNA research at Goethe University. The new SFB comprising a consortium of 30 renowned researchers will investigate the influence non-coded RNAs have on the development, regulation and cellular processes of the cardiovascular system. The extended SFB deals with the structure and function of different RNA variants in biology and chemistry. Ribonucleic acids, or RNAs, were long considered merely messenger molecules that coded genetic information for the creation of proteins. Meanwhile, it is known that over 90 percent of the RNA molecules carry out an astonishing variety of other tasks. Many of them regulate processes within the cell (siRNA, miRNA and sRNA) and others create fascinating three-dimensional structures and serve as enzymes of switches for cellular processes. Non-coded RNAs also play a significant role in cardiovascular diseases. The new trans-regional SFB "Non-coding RNA in the cardiovascular system," coordinated by Professor Stefanie Dimmeler from the Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration at Goethe University Frankfurt and Professor Stefan Engelhardt from the Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology at TUM will research how non-coded RNA is created and transported in the cardiovascular system. It will furthermore look into how it influences cellular processes and which role it plays in the occurrence and cure of cardiovascular diseases. Over the long term, the collaborative also hopes to find new therapeutic target molecules. Additional partners are the Ludwig-Maximilian's-Universitat (LMU), the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim, and the Hannover Medical School. SFB begins third funding period The focus of the extended SFB "Molecular Principles of RNA-based regulation", headed by Professor Harald Schwalbe, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, is the function of RNA in chemistry and biology. The researchers from Goethe University and TU Darmstadt are particularly interested in how RNAs regulate gene expression. During the first two funding periods (eight years in total), the researchers established diverse spectroscopic methods to decode the structure of the complex macromolecules. These methods are now to be transferred from in vitro systems (prepared molecules in test tubes) to living systems (in vivo). The researchers expect new insights into the function of different RNA variants in living cells. Stefanie Dimmeler and Harald Schwalbe agree: The continuing funding of RNA research in Frankfurt will help Goethe University bolster its status as pioneer in this field." Source: Goethe University About one in five Canadian adolescents uses cannabis (19% of Canadians aged 15-19), and its recent legalization across the country warrants investigation into the consequence of this use on the developing brain. Adolescence is associated with the maturation of cognitive functions, such as working memory, decision-making, and impulsivity control. This is a highly vulnerable period for the development of the brain as it represents a critical period wherein regulatory connection between higher-order regions of the cortex and emotional processing circuits deeper inside the brain are established. It is a period of strong remodeling, making adolescents highly vulnerable to drug-related developmental disturbances. Research presented by Canadian neuroscientists Patricia Conrod, Steven Laviolette, Iris Balodis and Jibran Khokhar at the 2019 Canadian Neuroscience Meeting in Toronto on May 25 featured recent discoveries on the effects of cannabis on the adolescent brain. Dr. Patricia Conrod, at Universite de Montreal, studied the year-to-year changes in alcohol and cannabis use and cognitive function in a sample of adolescents consisting of 5% of all students entering high school in 2012 and 2013 in the Greater Montreal region (a total of 3,826 7th grade students). Students were assessed annually for 4 years on alcohol and cannabis use, and their cognitive function was evaluated using computerized cognitive tests. The researchers found substance use to be linked to low cognitive functioning, a finding that could be indicative of an underlying common vulnerability. Cannabis use was linked to impairments in working memory and inhibitory control, which is required for self-control. Cannabis use was also linked to deficits in memory recall and perceptual reasoning. Alcohol use was not linked to impairments in these cognitive functions, suggesting cannabis could have more long-term effects than alcohol. More recently Dr. Conrod's team analyzed the sex difference in cannabis response in the same sample of adolescents. Preliminary data indicates that cannabis use had a stronger effect on the memory functions of male students than female students. Both sexes were however, equally affected by cannabis on inhibitory control. These results help identify at-risk youth groups and target them for early intervention and information. Dr. Steven Laviolette presented research on the effect the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, on the adolescent brain, in rodent animal models. His team demonstrated that adolescent exposure to THC induces changes in specific a region of the brain called the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and in a brain circuit, the mesolimbic pathway, that closely resemble the abnormalities observed in schizophrenia. Furthermore, adolescent THC exposure also caused affective and cognitive abnormalities including deficits in social interactions, memory processing and anxiety regulation. Interestingly, Dr. Laviolette's team found that administration of drugs that restore normal PFC function in early adulthood could reverse the effects of adolescent THC exposure. They also demonstrated that co-administering THC with drugs that prevent the THC-induced disruption in brain signaling pathways prevented the development of schizophrenia-like effects. These results offer insights into ways to prevent or reverse THC-induced brain signaling defects in adolescents. Dr. Iris Balodis, from McMaster University, investigates the mechanisms that motivate individuals to act and make decisions that can go against a person's best interest, as seen in people suffering from addiction. To compare decision-making in individuals suffering from cannabis addiction (also called cannabis use disorder) to healthy controls, Dr. Balodis used an effort-based decision-making test, which explores how much effort and individual is willing to make to receive a given reward. Participants are given a choice between an easy task or a hard task in which they can gain varying amounts of money (for example, pressing a lever a number within a certain time limit). During the administration of this test, Dr. Balodis and her team looked at differences in activity in different brain regions by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Initial findings suggest that there are differences in encoding the value of the reward (money received) and of the effort cost (amount of work done) in individuals addicted to cannabis relative to healthy controls. These were revealed by differences in activation of specific brain regions known to be important for motivation. This information could be key to finding cannabis addiction vulnerability factors. Adolescent cannabis use is associated with behavioral changes related to reward and motivation in humans. Paradoxically, this use has both been suggested to increase motivation for other drug use (the gateway hypothesis) and a potential "amotivation syndrome" in which individuals are less willing to expend effort to receive a reward. It is not known whether adolescent cannabis use causes either of these responses, or if cannabis use is rather a symptom of a pre-existing state that results in these behaviors. In order to better understand the long-term effects of adolescent cannabis exposure on the brain, Dr. Jibran Khokhar, from the University of Guelph, studied the effect of THC exposure in adolescent rats on their adult behavior. In this study, adolescent THC exposure differentially impacted instrumental (decreased lever pressing) and Pavlovian learning (increased sign-tracking). These rats also showed differences in other reward-related behaviors. These behavioral changes were accompanied by changes in the connection between different regions of the brain, including those involved in encoding reward and motivation. These results suggest adolescent cannabis exposure in rats can produce long-lasting changes in brain circuitry which might contribute to the behavioral changes observed after cannabis exposure. Taken together, the research results presented in this symposium help decipher the links between cannabis use and long-lasting changes in the brain, which underlie changes in behavior in adolescent humans, and in studies reverse-translating these findings to animal models. Research in humans shows that adolescent cannabis use is widespread, and associated with defects in working memory, self-control and motivation. Similar results were obtained in animal studies, through which researchers were also able to test therapies that can reverse the effects of adolescent cannabis use in adulthood. These findings provide keys to prevent and treat the long term effect of adolescent cannabis use. Source: Canadian Association for Neuroscience Silence descended on Sundays small crowd as members of the 11th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiments Company G carried two flags up the worn stone path of Old City Cemeterys Confederate Section. The one on the right was the U.S. flag, the one on the left, the first national flag of the Confederacy. As the men drew near to the gathering, they were met with salutes from their counterparts in navy blue who stood at attention among those gathered. Around us lie the mortal remain of more than 2,200 American soldiers. Yes, American soldiers, said guest speaker Mark Day, former commander-in-chief of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, during his address. I will not refer to them by the color of their uniform or by the side that they fought for. To do so is irrelevant and does not do justice to the fact that most of these men fought not for causes or issues, but rather as all soldiers do. They fought in the end for the man on their left, and they fought in the end for the man on their right. The precursor to the modern Memorial Day holiday, Decoration Day has been commemorated at Old City Cemetery since 1866 to honor the soldiers who fought in various wars from the American Revolution up to Vietnam. Now jointly hosted by the Kirkwood Otey chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy; the Garland-Rodes chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans; and the Southern Memorial Association, the ceremony puts special emphasis on the 2,200 Confederate soldiers buried on the property. We honor the Confederate soldiers because no one else does, said Sharon Crockett, president of the Kirkwood Otey chapter, which led this years ceremony. We dont want them forgotten. Unlike in previous years, the Confederate battle flag was not saluted or flown during the Decoration Day ceremony, something suggested by the SMA, which manages the cemetery on behalf of the city of Lynchburg. The hope was to keep the focus of Decoration Day on honoring the fallen, said Sandra Weigand, board president of the SMA. Instead, the ceremony incorporated a roll call, during which those in attendance were given the chance to stand and name one of their Confederate ancestors who fought in the war. All the soldiers buried there in Old City Cemetery, their families may not know thats where their solders are because communications were so poor, said Crockett. We want to call attention to members of our family who didnt return and we dont know where they are. As the wreaths were laid at the bottom of the hill where a white marble obelisk called the Monument to the States, Day stood and saluted once more. There is an unwillingness to stop the use of presentism when looking at our history in America today, said Day, a Navy veteran who served in the Gulf War. In my mind, no American soldier should ever be discounted and discarded ... for if we do, we are disavowing the very essence of who we are and where we came from. BEDFORD Jim Hedrick and his fiancee Emma Carroll never take a walking stick when they go for a hike. This is somewhat ironic collectively, they have made hundreds of them. As they admit this, its as if its the first time theyve realized it, and they begin laughing uncontrollably. We just like looking at them, Carroll laughs. Hedrick has been making walking sticks at his home tucked away off U.S. 460 for five years. He has volunteered with the Bedford Area Welcome Center for 18 years, and a few years ago, his sticks caught the attention of someone at the welcome center, who asked to purchase some and sell them to visitors and residents. Making the walking sticks is purely a hobby for Hedrick and he enjoys giving them away to people, but the welcome center insisted on paying for the sticks. They said, We actually want to buy them from you, and I said, Are you kidding me? Hedrick said. I said, No, Ill just give them to you and you sell them. But Hedrick gave in and allows the welcome center to pay him a fee for the walking sticks, which the center in turn sells for about $20 each. Hedrick used to put in 12 to 16 hours a week volunteering at the center. Five years ago, his wife, Cynthia, developed cancer, and he needed to stay home more to take care of her. To fill in time that I couldnt really go anywhere; I developed hobbies around the house, he said. He also turned back to woodworking and his love of walking sticks. Cynthia died two and a half years ago. Hedrick and Carroll met at church, and three months ago, he proposed. As it turns out, both were into woodworking before they ever met. Carroll has been making her own sticks for 20 years. She doesnt sell hers, preferring instead to store them in her home in Hardy. Hedrick calls Carroll his inspiration. He said he takes the wood and enhances its natural beauty, but Carroll carves art into her walking sticks. She said she is trying to convince Hedrick to let her teach him how to carve designs into his sticks, and he said this year he may let her. Shes the artist, Hedrick said. She has really been, to me, my inspiration this last couple of years. The two have figured out a system working together in the shed and share tools and woodworking advice. Its really neat because were both really into nature, Carroll said. When she walked into Hedricks house for the first time, Carroll immediately saw a piece of wood in his living room that had large round knots and a monkey head carved into the top. She told Hedrick she collects that kind of wood and even makes her own and asked where he found it. Hedrick said he got it in Alaska, where his love for walking sticks began. In 1967, Hedrick was drafted into military service and served in Alaskaduring the Vietnam War. He spent a lot of time outside hiking. He would go for walks and cut a limb off a tree to use as a walking stick. He especially enjoyed a special tree found in Alaska called diamond willow, which has diamond shapes in the bark. Sometimes he would toss the sticks at the end of the walk or give them away to people. God makes the wood, he produces that limb on that tree, its his masterpiece, I just enhance it, he said. Its his creation. It wasnt until Cynthia, his wife, fell ill that he took up woodworking again and began to do more with the sticks than just cutting them off the tree. Hedricks inventory is kept in his backyard. All the trees on his three-acre property are used for making the walking sticks. Its as simple as that. Trees outside his house include maple, sugar maple, cedar and alder. As he works in the yard, he can occasionally hear cars zipping by. But in the summer months, the fullness of the trees drowns out the noise, leaving him to work in peace. The singing of birds is the only music he needs as he sits scraping bark off the limbs. A large shed holds a pile of limbs in the process of being dried out, a pile for those ready to be worked on as well as various tools and blocks of wood. Hedrick starts by sealing off the two ends of the branch, which keeps the wood stronger and keeps the sap inside the wood. Then he just lets it sit for a couple of months, depending on the wood. Before ever starting on that piece of wood, he steps on it and bends it to make sure it wont snap. If it breaks, it becomes firewood, he said. I want nothing out there to break. Once the wood dries out, Hedrick decides whether hewants to pull the bark off it or keep the bark on. Then he smoothes down the rough area and puts a sealer on the wood. He uses sandpaper, steel wool or glass to make the wood as smooth as possible. Every piece is different, no piece is alike and thats why I like the challenge of it to see what it will come out looking like, he said. He hangs the finished product in the shed for about a week while it dries and decides if it needs another coat of wax. Michelle Crumpacker, administrative manager at the Bedford Area Welcome Center, said Hedrick has been a wonderful volunteer and is a talented craftsman. We are a popular destination for all outdoor enthusiasts, so adding walking sticks for hikers or just for those who need a little stability for everyday strolls was a good addition to our selection of diverse items that we carry in the gift shop, she said. The sticks are beautiful, giftable, and stylish and no two are the same, she said. I love that these are unique and made right here in Bedford, Virginia, Crumpacker 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. So far, an outbreak of measles in 24 states has not yet hit Virginia. As of May 17, no cases of the highly contagious virus had been reported in the commonwealth to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But theres still reason to be cautious, warn local health officials, who are asking residents to check their records and follow vaccination recommendations. The most important thing to emphasize is that the measles outbreaks we have seen in the U.S. so far this year have primarily affected children, said Marshall Vogt, an epidemiologist for the Virginia Department of Health. The disease was eliminated in the United States in the 1990s. Current outbreaks have been imported by international travelers who have interacted with unvaccinated people while in the U.S. According to the CDC, there are currently 880 people affected across the country, the largest outbreak in a decade. Measles may just be a plane ride away from international airports in Virginia and Washington, D.C., but health officials are hopeful that historically high vaccination rates among Virginians will limit the risk of widespread outbreaks. Virginia requires children to be vaccinated to enroll in most public and private schools and daycare, and allows exemptions only on verified religious grounds. According to Vogt, all children should be vaccinated with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine first when they are about 1 year old and again when they are 4 to 6 years old. According to the annual Virginia Immunization Survey, roughly 80% of kindergarten, Head Start and daycare students received the standard MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, hepatitis B and varicella vaccines during the 2017-18 school year. The recent outbreak has led to lots of questions about a need for another shot for older people, though, said Dr. Costi Sifri, director of hospital epidemiology at the University of Virginia Medical Center. There are certain groups that the CDC recommends should have another MMR vaccine, and those include people going to college, people who work in health care and people who are traveling internationally, because theyre at more risk for exposure, Sifri said. The first MMR vaccine people receive, typically as children, is effective at blocking the disease for about 95% of the population, Sifri said. A second shot boosts effectiveness further. If people dont have access to medical records or did not receive an additional shot, they can discuss options with their doctor, he said. These follow-up shots, sometimes called boosters, are the same vaccine as that given to babies, and remains safe and effective. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective although, because it is a live virus vaccine, it should not be administered to pregnant women, women who are planning to become pregnant, or anyone who has experienced a severe allergy to the vaccine or vaccine components, Vogt said. Health officials are, however, warning of an epidemic that has received much less attention and is much more widespread in the state hepatitis A. Last month, the state Department of Health warned Virginians of an outbreak of hepatitis A in the state. Fifty-nine cases so far this year have led to 34 hospitalizations, according to the department. The highest number of reported cases is in the southwest part of the state and in the Rappahannock region, but the Thomas Jefferson Health District has reported three cases. The rising number isnt due to a change in the virus, according to Vogt, which is typically spread when someone with the virus uses the bathroom and then doesnt properly wash their hands. Then the virus can spread, often through contaminated food or needles or sexual contact. The route of transmission fecal to oral has not changed, but the groups of people spreading it have, Vogt said. In this outbreak, groups of high-risk individuals are transmitting the virus likely because they are in close contact with each other or are in settings where transmission is easy, such as crowded quarters and areas without easy access to running water and toilets. The classic symptom of hepatitis A is jaundice. Symptoms develop 15 to 50 days after exposure to the virus, and people who have symptoms should stay home from work, especially if they work in food service, health care or child care. Unlike measles, a hepatitis A vaccine is not required for school entry, so there is no statewide data about immunization rates. Hep A and measles have made the news recently because of the number of cases we have seen, but we want people to be vaccinated against all vaccine-preventable diseases whenever possible, Vogt said. High rates of vaccination help prevent outbreaks like the ones we have seen recently. Ruth Serven Smith is a reporter for The Daily Progress. Contact her at (434) 978-7254, rserven@dailyprogress.com or @RuthServen on Twitter. (Newser) Authorities say 10 people have been shotone fatallywhen gun violence erupted at a holiday weekend party in Virginia, the AP reports. Chesapeake Police Department spokesman Leo Kosinski said via email that the total number of people shot was 10 and that one of those victims has died. Few other details were released. Police were called to the Chesapeake neighborhood of Holly Cove just before 10pm on Saturday after receiving reports of traffic congestion and people refusing to move vehicles. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is said to be treating eight patients with gunshot wounds, all male. Little else has been released, but CNN reports that the neighborhood has a Memorial Day block party every year. (Read more shooting stories.) (Newser) A 65-year-old man was killed Saturday morning in America's first fatal shark attack of 2019and the first in Hawaii since 2015. Authorities say the visitor from California was attacked around 8:30am while swimming 60 yards off Maui's Kaanapali Beach, CNN reports. Witnesses say the man was unresponsive as rescuers pulled him from the water and performed CPR. "As we got closer, I saw some blood on his stomach and then I got looking a little bit more and his wrist, it looked like the skin on his wrist was just torn off," witness Allison Keller tells Hawaii News Now. "And then I got looking closer and his entire left leg from his knee down was just missing. There was no blood or anything." story continues below The victim was identified as Thomas Smiley, a Sacramento optometrist who was visiting Hawaii with his wife, KCRA reports. "He was a good-hearted man that people who didnt get to know him really missed out," friend Gary Taxera tells the station. Warnings signs have been posted along the beach. Authorities haven't said what kind of shark was involved, though tiger sharks are the usual culprit in fatal attacks in the area, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports. Five other people have been injured in shark attacks in Hawaii so far this year, including a man who was bitten by a requiem shark May 8 in what authorities say was a "provoked incident." (Read more shark attack stories.) (Newser) More than 600 people, including at least 500 children between 2 months and 12 years old, have tested positive for HIV in a rural district in southern Pakistanand authorities suspect a single doctor is to blame for most of the infections. Authorities say most of the infected children in the Larkana region of Sindh province visited the private clinic of pediatrician Muzaffar Ghangar, who is HIV positive, the Hindustani Times reports. The doctor was arrested earlier this month and authorities are trying to determine whether he intentionally infected children with the virus, reports the AP. story continues below Ghangar, who also worked in a local hospital, is believed to have infected at least 50 people by reusing a single contaminated syringe. Sikandar Memon, head of the AIDS Control Program in Sindh province, said earlier this month that more than 500 cases were detected after 13,800 people in Larkana were tested for HIV. "We were in great pain the day we heard about our son testing HIV positive," the mother of 10-year-old patient Ali Raza tells the AP. The World Health Organization is sending a 10-member team of experts to the region, which has requested a rapid response team and 50,000 testing kits. (Read more Pakistan stories.) (Newser) Eleven climbers have died this climbing season on Mount Everest, and if the accounts of those returning from the summit are any guide, that number will likely grow. The most recent death is that of a 62-year-old American named Christopher Kulish, who died Monday while descending from the summit, reports Reuters. Family members say Kulish, an attorney from Colorado, died suddenly after the descent to South Col, where the final camp for climbers before the summit is located. Climbers this year have been complaining about "traffic jams" on the way to and from the summit, resulting in hours-long delays that can often prove fatal. Details and developments: First-hand account: "I was not prepared to see sick climbers being dragged down the mountain by Sherpas or the surreal experience of finding dead bodies," Arizona doctor Ed Dohring, 62, tells the New York Times. Dohring, an experienced mountaineer, had to step around the body of a woman near the summit and saw two more on the way down. "It was scary," he says. "It was like a zoo." "I was not prepared to see sick climbers being dragged down the mountain by Sherpas or the surreal experience of finding dead bodies," Arizona doctor Ed Dohring, 62, tells the New York Times. Dohring, an experienced mountaineer, had to step around the body of a woman near the summit and saw two more on the way down. "It was scary," he says. "It was like a zoo." Another: Canadian climber Elia Saikaly tells the Ottawa Citizen that his ascent this year, his third, will be his last. "Death. Carnage. Chaos is how he described things on Instagram. "People are stepping over a body. You look around and see how people are dealing with that and you realize that people are not dealing with reality because they cant." During his own climb this year, Saikaly was shooting a documentary. story continues below Don't blame us: Nepal issued a record 381 permits to climbers this year, a figure that doesn't include the sherpa guides who accompany them. A tourism official, though, says overcrowding is not the "sole reason" for the deaths, per the BBC. He says climbing Everest is inherently dangerous, making "tragic accidents" unavoidable. Bad weather has led to a short climbing window this season, he adds. Nepal issued a record 381 permits to climbers this year, a figure that doesn't include the sherpa guides who accompany them. A tourism official, though, says overcrowding is not the "sole reason" for the deaths, per the BBC. He says climbing Everest is inherently dangerous, making "tragic accidents" unavoidable. Bad weather has led to a short climbing window this season, he adds. Death zone: Climbers are running into trouble in what's known as the "death zone" in the approach to the summit. The air is dangerously thin, and climbers at this point have shed as much equipment as they can for the home stretch, per the Times. But the long lines means some are running out of oxygen before they can get up and down again. The problem is, when climbers are that close to the top, few want to abandon the quest, despite the risk. Climbers are running into trouble in what's known as the "death zone" in the approach to the summit. The air is dangerously thin, and climbers at this point have shed as much equipment as they can for the home stretch, per the Times. But the long lines means some are running out of oxygen before they can get up and down again. The problem is, when climbers are that close to the top, few want to abandon the quest, despite the risk. His own warning: One of those who died this year, Robin Fisher of Britain, worried online about the crowds before his own final ascent. "With a single route to the summit, delays caused by overcrowding could prove fatal so I am hopeful my decision to go for the 25th will mean fewer people," he wrote, per CNN. "Unless of course everyone else plays the same waiting game." Fisher died of what is believed to be altitude sickness during his descent on the 25th. One of those who died this year, Robin Fisher of Britain, worried online about the crowds before his own final ascent. "With a single route to the summit, delays caused by overcrowding could prove fatal so I am hopeful my decision to go for the 25th will mean fewer people," he wrote, per CNN. "Unless of course everyone else plays the same waiting game." Fisher died of what is believed to be altitude sickness during his descent on the 25th. Anger: Ameesha Chauhan, an Indian woman, is recuperating from frostbite after her Everest climb this year. She, too, experienced delays. "I saw some climbers without basic skills fully relying on their Sherpa guides," she tells AFP, calling for the Nepalese government to tighten the approval process. "Only trained climbers should be granted the permit to climb Everest." (One of those who died was American Don Cash , an experienced climber.) (Newser) Amanda Eller is out of the hospital in Maui after her incredible rescue from a dense forest after 16 days, reports Maui Now. The 35-year-old physical therapist and yoga instructor has recounted how she survived on berries and water and never gave up hope after getting lost, then falling off a cliff. The official government search ended after three days, but volunteers refused to quit. And as the Washington Post reports, it was more than luck that led to the rescue. The tech savvy of John Eller, Amanda's father, played a role, one that might lead to better technology in future rescues. The elder Eller runs a telematics company, and he worked out a way to make the daily searches more efficient through "a search interface that allowed volunteers to log via their smartphones where they already looked," write Breena Kerr and Alex Horton. story continues below When searchers would return to base camp, they would turn in their GPS data, and that information would be used to create the next day's search map. A key step was meshing that information "with a data analysis of where missing persons are often located," per the Post. We found out that more than 80% of people recovered are in drainages or creeksand that's where we found her, says rescuer Chris Berquist. John Eller says he plans to develop software that future rescuers can use. Adds Berquist: "We're going to make sure this is a well-oiled machine and doesnt take 15, 16 plus days to find someone next time." Amanda Eller posted an emotional thank-you to her well-wishers from the hospital here. (The first news of her rescue came in an ecstatic "urgent update.") (Newser) Two veterans who left high school early for the military in wartime joined the Class of 2019 in walking the stage Saturday to receive their diplomas, CNN reports. Joe Perricone, 95, was drafted in 1943 while in high school in Tampa. The Army veteran was honored at Hillsborough High School's graduation by this year's graduates. Bill William Arnold Craddock, 85, a Korean War veteran, left high school in Churchill, Tennessee, at 16 to join the Air Force. He received a GED but didn't ever walk a graduation stage. "It means a lot to me," Craddock said. His advice for Volunteer High School graduates, including those of the Class of 1953: "Study hard, be good, and learn all you can. Get the best education you can get." (Read more military veterans stories.) (Newser) President Trump said Monday that he is not "personally bothered" by recent short-range missile tests that North Korea conducted this month, breaking with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is hosting the president on four-day state visit full of pageantry. Standing beside Trump at a news conference after hours of talks, Abe disagreed with the president, saying the missile tests violated UN Security Council resolutions and were "of great regret," the AP reports. Abe, who has forged a strong friendship with Trump and agrees with him on many issues, is concerned because the short-range missiles pose a threat to Japan's security. Trump was invited to Japan to be the first world leader to meet with its new emperor. The meeting with Naruhito and his wife, Empress Masako, was preceded by a grand outdoor welcome ceremony at Japan's Imperial Palace. story continues below Trump praised Kim, calling him a "smart man" who might have launched the missiles earlier this month to "get attention." "All I know is there have been no nuclear tests, no ballistic missiles going out, no long-range missiles going out and I think that someday we'll have a deal," Trump said, adding that he is in "no rush." Abe reiterated his previous statement that the tests were carried out in defiance of the UN. Earlier Monday, Trump said he backed Abe's interest in leveraging his country's good relations with Iran to help broker a possible dialogue between the US and its nemesis in the Middle East. Abe said he is willing to do whatever he can to help to reduce escalating tensions between the US and Iran. (Trump's visit also included presenting a trophy to a sumo wrestling champion.) (Newser) Your submarine ride-share awaits in Queensland, Australia. Thanks to Uber, what's touted as the world's first submarine ride-share launches Monday, offering users a one-hour submarine tour of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as free pickup and a return helicopter or pontoon trip, per CNN. The "once-in-a-lifetime experience" taken from Heron Island off the coast of Gladstone initially, and from Agincourt Reef off the coast of Cairns after June 9, was "the most desired future travel experience sought by visitors" in a 2018 survey, CEO Leanne Coddington of Tourism and Events Queensland says, per Newsweek. story continues below "ScUber makes this wish a reality and reaffirms Queensland tourism's commitment to providing locals and visitors alike with truly remarkable ways to explore nature's wonderland," says Coddington. The experience, booked through the Uber app until June 18, isn't accessible to all. Not only is space limited, but it costs roughly $2,000 for two riders. For every dollar spent, Uber will donate $1 to Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef for conservation efforts. That said, a contest winner from the US, Canada, UK, France, New Zealand, or Australia will get two tickets to ride for free, in addition to airfare and hotel accommodations. (Read more Uber stories.) (Newser) Fiat Chrysler proposed on Monday to merge with France's Renault to create the world's third-biggest automaker and save billions of dollars needed to invest in the race to make new electric and autonomous vehicles, the AP reports. The merged company would reshape the global industry: It would make some 8.7 million vehicles a year, leapfrogging General Motors and trailing only Volkswagen and Toyota. Shares of both companies jumped over 10% on the news of the offer, which would see each side's shareholders split ownership in the new manufacturer. Renault welcomed the idea. The company's board met Monday at its headquarters in Boulogne-Billancourt outside Paris to discuss the proposal and said afterward that Renault will study it "with interest." story continues below Fiat Chrysler's offer comes at a key moment for Renault. The French manufacturer had reportedly wanted to merge with Nissan, but those plans were derailed by the arrest of boss Carlos Ghosn on financial misconduct charges in Japan. Now, questions are growing over the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, which is the biggest maker of passenger cars in the world. While Fiat Chrysler says the merger with Renault would accommodate the alliance, it is unclear how the Japanese companies might react in the longer term to being tied to a much larger partner. The French government, which owns 15% of Renault, is "favorable" to the idea of a merger with Fiat Chrysler but wants to study its conditions more carefully. (Read more merger stories.) (Newser) The late Sen. John McCain apparently predicted President Trump's cozy relationship with dictators well before the president rubbed elbows with Kim Jong Un and Rodrigo Duterte. At an event in Iowa on Saturday, Democratic presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar recounted that the Arizona senator "kept reciting to me names of dictators" during Trump's January 2017 inauguration speech. "Because he knew more than any of us what we were facing as a nation He knew because he knew this man more than any of us did," said the senator from Minnesota, per CNN. story continues below Klobucharwho was seated next to McCain and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for the address, per the Hilladded, "The arch that we are on, this arch of justice started that day after that dark inauguration." McCain wasn't just muttering his criticism of Trump under his breath; he also used one of his final public statements to rail against the president. "The damage inflicted by President Trump's naivete, egotism, false equivalence, and sympathy for autocrats is difficult to calculate," he said following Trump's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in July 2018, which he described as "one of the most disgraceful performances by an American president in memory." Trump hit back often, including last month. (Read more John McCain stories.) (Newser) President Trump acknowledged he was breaking with advisers Monday when he said he wasn't "personally bothered" by North Korea's recent short-range missile tests. "My people think it could have been a violation" but "I view it differently," the president said from Japan, per Reuters. He was referring to national security advisor John Bolton's Saturday proclamation that the tests "no doubt" violated UN Security Council resolutions banning "the launch of any ballistic missiles," per CNN. That was enough of an invitation for North Korea, whose foreign ministry soon attacked Bolton. More like a "security-destroying adviser," he's "impudently poking his nose into other's internal matters" with a claim "much more than ignorant," said an unnamed spokesman. story continues below "Perverse words always come out from the mouth of a structurally defective guy, and such a human defect deserves an earlier vanishing," the spokesman added, per Reuters and the Hill, referring to Bolton as a "war maniac" who "fabricated various provocative policies such as designation of our country as 'axis of evil,' preemptive strike and regime change." The spokesman went on to say the UN resolutions prohibiting nuclear or missile tests and all ballistic missile activities "are illegal and outrageous" and "completely deny the rights to existence and development of a sovereign state." Though some experts say ballistic missiles were launched in North Korea earlier this month, a South Korean official has said an analysis of the tests, conducted jointly with the US, is still underway. (Read more North Korea stories.) (Newser) A leading political scientist attributed a fake quote to President Trumpapparently in jestand Trump kinda noticed, the Washington Post reports. Ian Bremmer, a think tank leader and cable news pundit, posted the quote on Twitter: "President Trump in Tokyo: 'Kim Jong Un is smarter and would make a better President than Sleepy Joe Biden,'" he wrote in a now-deleted post. The tweet was shared by people including CNN contributor Ana Navarro-Cardenas and Rep. Ted Lieu, per the Washington Examiner, and when confronted, Bremmer initially defended his invention. It was likely a reference to Trump siding with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that Biden is a "low-IQ individual." story continues below "This is objectively a completely ludicrous quote. And yet kinda plausible," Bremmer wrote in another tweet he's since deleted. "Especially on twitter, where people automatically support whatever political position they have. That's the point." It wasn't long before Trump took notice: "People think they can say anything and get away with it," he tweeted. "Really, the libel laws should be changed to hold Fake News Media accountable." (He has called for changes in libel laws before, per Slate.) Bremmer, who is also an editor and columnist for Time, later posted that "I should have been clearer. My apologies." He hasn't deleted that tweet. (Read more President Trump stories.) (Newser) Rep. Duncan Hunter has argued for pardoning Navy SEAL chief Edward Gallagher, who faces charges including murder for a stabbing death in Iraq in 2017. Hunter added a new defense of Gallagher at an event Saturday in California. "Eddie did one bad thing that Im guilty of tootaking a picture of the body and saying something stupid," Hunter said, per the Times of San Diego. Hunter is a Marine veteran who was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. He told the audience that although he didn't text or post the photos anywhere, he took photos "just like that," adding that "a lot of my peers have done the exact same thing." One of the accusations against Gallagher is that he sent a picture of a dead 15-year-old ISIS fighter to another SEAL, texting, "Good story behind this, got him with my hunting knife." story continues below Hunter told the gathering, a forum on border issues, that he wants President Trump to pardon Gallagher. But the California Republican also said that he'd like the court-martial to be held to show Americans "how disgusting the military justice system is when it's run by lawyers and bureaucrats [who] go after the war-fighter." Hunter wrote an oped for USA Today last week saying that Gallagher would not receive a fair trial and that a pardon "is fully warranted." (Read more Duncan Hunter stories.) Sorry! This content is not available in your region Spain to Commit to FSAF at Paris Air Show: Airbus The page you requested is only available to subscribers. 1. If you are a Premium Service subscriber, please log in here to access this story: Log-in : Password : 2. If you are not a subcriber, you can: -- buy access to this page: unlimited access for seven days costs 3.00 EUR + VAT (at 20%) if applicable. Clicking on the "Ok" button below will place the item in your shopping cart and return you to our home page, where you will be able to select additional stories. -- select additional stories and services from our home page and pay for them at the same time. -- see your shopping cart. You can also see the contents of your shopping cart at any time by clicking on the "Order" tab on the navigation bar at the top of any page, or by clicking on the "Your order" light blue link in the top right-hand corner of our home page, immediately under the log-on box. Gangtok: Outgoing Chief Minister and Sikkim Democratic Front president Pawan Kumar Chamling on Sunday said the people of the state have not rejected the SDF altogether in the Assembly elections, but given it a different role to sit in the Opposition. In the recently held Assembly elections, the Sikkim Kratikari Morcha (SKM) won 17 seats in the 32-member Assembly while the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) won 15 seats. "I respect the mandate given by the people of Sikkim to the SKM and to the SDF to sit in the opposition," Chamling told reporters while vacating the official residence of the chief minister at Mintokgang in Gangtok. Chamling was the chief minister of Sikkim since December 1994. He said that the people have not rejected the SDF altogether, but given it a different role that is to sit in the opposition which we will discharge with full commitment. Chamling vacated his official residence and left for his home at Gurpisey, South Sikkim. Hundreds of SDF workers and his supporters took out a motorcade rally and travelled with Chamlings vehicle right up to his Gurpisey residence more than 100 km away. The outgoing chief minister was seen waving to his waiting crowd at the roadside en route to his journey towards Namchi. Earlier, a large number of supporters had gathered at Mintokgang to bid a tearful farewell to the former chief minister. Many women were seen weeping as they trudged out of the Chief Ministers official residence after meeting Chamling. Speaking to the reporters for the last time from the official residence where he lived for 24 and a half years, the 68-year-old SDF leader said that he respects the mandate given by the people of Sikkim to the SKM and to the SDF to sit in the opposition. Chamling was also given a guard of honour by the Sikkim Police at Mintokgang before he left the place for the final time. Beijing: Chinese telecom giant Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei has brushed aside a US ban against his company, saying the Trump administrationwhich is urging European allies to cut their business ties with the tech giantis not powerful enough to make others to follow its orders, as he flaunted his close links with the 10 Downing Street. Escalating the bruising trade war with China, the US Department of Commerce recently blacklisted Huawei over security concerns and barred American companies from installing the telecom equipment. Earlier in the week, US President Donald Trump said there is a possibility of including the Huawei issue in the ongoing trade negotiations with China. In a recent interaction with the Chinese official media, 74-year-old Ren, whose daughter and CFO of Huawei Meng Wanzhou has been arrested in Canada to face prosecution for violations of American sanctions against Iran, said the US ban will not affect the roll-out of its 5G technology. I used to have afternoon tea at 10 Downing Street. They asked me how I learned to accompany the rest of the world, and I said it was afternoon tea. So they greeted me with afternoon tea on Downing Street, he said pointing to his links with the British Prime Ministers Office. We have communicated with leaders from different countries. Each country has its own interests. The US campaign will not be powerful enough to ask everyone to follow them, he said. However, as per UK media reports, Britain is still reviewing its 5G telecom and may allow Huawei to supply non-core 5G components, such as antenna masts. The British government was also under pressure from internal reports highlighting concerns over implications of using Huawei 5G network. As the British government dithered, a top Chinese diplomat in London has warned that there could be substantial repercussions for Chinese investment in the UK, if Huawei were to be banned from Britains 5G network. In an interview to the BBC, Chen Wen, the Chinese charge daffaires in London, said Beijing had already witnessed some conscious moves in that direction. She further said the UK economy would be damaged by the message any ban on Huawei sent out to international and Chinese companies. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A 23-year-old doctor who committed suicide at a state-run hospital in Mumbai on May 22. Payal Salman Tadvi, a resident doctor who was pursuing gynaecology, was found dead in her room at the BYL Nair Hospital. Payels mother has alleged that her seniors used to persistently harass her with casteist remarks. The mother, who is suffering cancer, said they had complained to the management but no action was taken against the accused. Three doctors who Tadvi had accused of harassing her before she killed herself are on the run. The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors has cancelled the memberships of the three accused, who have been identified as Hema Ahuja, Bhakti Mehar and Ankita Khandilwal, news agency ANI reported on Sunday. The three accused doctors have writen to the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors, stating, "We want college to conduct fair investigation. But this isn't the way to do investigation through police force&media pressure without listening to our side..." Senior police officer Deepak Kundal said a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed and the three accused also face a case under a stringent law, which gives no scope for bail, to protect Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes from atrocities. "Whenever she used to speak to me on phone, she would say that these three (senior doctors) people torture her as she belongs to a tribal community, use casteist slurs on her. We want justice for her," Tadvis mother, Abeda, told ANI. BYL Nair Hospitals dean Ramesh Bharmal denied the allegations. Dr Payals mothers claims that she had complained to the hospital about the alleged torture being meted out to her daughter are not true. We have received no complaint till date regarding this issue, said Bharmal. He said the hospital has formed an anti-ragging committee and summoned the three doctors. They are currently not in Mumbai. The committee will file its report as soon as possible, the dean said. The mother also alleged that though the management promised to take action against the accused they refused to give anything in writing. If the management had acted on time, her life could have been saved and the career of the three doctors would not have gone wasted, the colleague told NDTV, asking not to be identified. For all the Latest Crime News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Andhra Pradesh State Council for Higher Education (APSCHE) will be releasing AP EAMCET Result 2019 soon on its official website. Once the results are formally announced, students can check their scores in the official website of APSCHE i.e. apsche.org or sche.ap.gov.in. AP EAMCET Results are expected to be declared after May 27. The dates for the declaration of AP EAMCET 2019 has been postponed sighting that the re-evaluation results of TS BIE will be released only after May 27, 2019. Steps to check AP EAMCET 2019 results through the official website: Step 1: Go to the official website, sche.ap.gov.in Step 2: Click on the link AP EAMCET 2019. Step 3: Thereafter, click on the link AP EAMCET Result 2019. Step 4: Now, students will have to enter their registration number and hall ticket number of EAMCET 2019 in the space provided. Step 5: After entering the correct details, click on the submit button. Step 6: The AP EAMCET 2019 results will be displayed on the screen. Step 7: Download and take the print out of your AP EAMCET Result 2019. The examination was held from April 20 to 23, 2019. Every year, the AP EAMCET is conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Kakinada on behalf of APSCHE for admission into various professional courses offered in university/private colleges in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a computer-based test conducted in two sessions from 10 am to 1 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. New Delhi: The Meghalaya Board of Education (MBOSE) has declared the MBOSE SSLC Result 2019 for class 10 examinations today. Students can visit the official website of the Meghalaya Board i.e. mbose.in to check and download their scores. As per the official timetable, the MBOSE SSLC 2019 exams were held from 5th March to 18th March, 2019. Alternatively, the candidates can also check their results by clicking on the link given below. We here at News Nation are in close contact with our sources and will be updating all the details here. CLICK HERE FOR MBOSE CLASS 10TH RESULTS 2019 For the convenience of the students, we have mentioned all the steps through which the candidates can check their results: Step 1: Visit english.newsnationtv.com/board-results and click on the MBOSE Class 10 result Step 2: Click on the right link Meghalaya Board 10th Result 2019 Step 3: Enter your Roll Number and other details in the space provided Step 4: Submit to View your result The MBOSE 10th Result 2019 comprises details such as candidates name, roll number, subject-wise marks, overall marks obtained and the qualifying status in the examination. Last year, the result was declared on May 25. This year, over 50 thousand students have appeared for Meghalaya SSLC Board Exam or Meghalaya Class 10 Board Exams 2019. Last year, the total pass percentage for MBOSE SSLC examination was 83.89 per cent, while it was 54.10 per cent in 2017. MBOSE has already declared Meghalaya Class 12 Commerce and Science result 2019. About MBOSE Established as per the 1973 MBOSE Act, the Meghalaya Board of School Education has the right to control, regulate and look after the matters associated with school education in Meghalaya. Initially, the education board was functioning in the office of the director of public instruction. On the other hand, the education board also conducts examinations for secondary school leaving certificate for students. The Meghalaya Education Board provides regular as well as distance education to the students from Class 8th to 12th. The distance education is provided with the schools that are affiliated to MBOSE. Potential students will be delighted to know that the board keeps on conducting various activities and school level events to keep up the enthusiasm levels in students. UK-Led Force Begins Milestone Maritime Deployment The page you requested is only available to subscribers. 1. If you are a Premium Service subscriber, please log in here to access this story: Log-in : Password : 2. If you are not a subcriber, you can: -- buy access to this page: unlimited access for seven days costs 3.00 EUR + VAT (at 20%) if applicable. Clicking on the "Ok" button below will place the item in your shopping cart and return you to our home page, where you will be able to select additional stories. -- select additional stories and services from our home page and pay for them at the same time. -- see your shopping cart. You can also see the contents of your shopping cart at any time by clicking on the "Order" tab on the navigation bar at the top of any page, or by clicking on the "Your order" light blue link in the top right-hand corner of our home page, immediately under the log-on box. New Delhi: The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education or WBCHSE has announced the WB Board class 12 results today. The results was announced at 10 am by the board. The scorecards will be available on the official website of the board i.e. wbchse.nic.in soon. Alternatively, the candidates can also check their results by clicking on the link given below. We here at News Nation are in close contact with our sources and will be updating all the latest updates here. Hence, we request the candidates to keep refreshing the page for all the information. CLICK HERE FOR WB BOARD 12TH RESULT 2019 HERE ARE THE LIVE UPDATES: 11.05 am: As per media reports, this year boys have outshined the girls with 87.44% pass percentage with girls at 85.30%. 11.04 am: CLICK HERE FOR WB BOARD 12TH RESULT 2019 10.32 am: The WB HS Result 2019 has been published online for as many as 8 lakh students. 10.18 am: WB 12th Result 2019 has been declared. Shroban Mandal has topped from Science with 498 marks out of 500. Over 197 students have been placed in the Top 10 merit list for WBCHSE 12th Result 2019. 10.13 am: WBCHSE 12th Result 2019 have been announced. Overall pass percentage is 86.72%. 10.10 am: Board President thanks all the examination cooridnators, central superntendents and other stake holders. 10.07 am: WBCHSE 12th Result 2019 Press Conference has begun. Results are being announced. WBCHSE President, Dr. Mahua Das shares the number of instiatives started in various schools in the state. Board has also released Careers after HS book for the students. 10.00 am: WBCHSE 12th Result 2019 Press Conference has begun. Results are being announced. 9.50 am: West Bengal Board had announced the Class 10 results on May 22. 9.50 am: In 2018, the board had declared the results on 8 June. 9.21 am: TIME UPDATE: The West Bengal Board class 12 results will be announced at 11 am. 9.12 am: The West Bengal board conducted the HS exams from 26 February to 13 March this year. More than 8 lakh students had appeared for the Class 12 exams. 9.00 am: One hour from now, the West Bengal Board results will be available on the link mentioned above. 8.34 am: For the convenience of the students, we have mentioned all the steps through which the candidates can check their results: Step 1: Visit english.newsnationtv.com/board-results and click on the West Bengal Board class 12 result article Step 2: Click on the right link WB Board12th Arts Result 2019 Step 3: Enter your Roll Number and other details in the space provided Step 4: Submit to View your result 8.33 am: The WB class 12 result or the WBCHSE HS results will be released by the West Bengal board on its official website wbchse.nic.in and wbresults.nic.in. 8.18 am: Following the tradition of every year, the WB Board will formally convene a press conference for the declaration of WB 12th Result 2019. The Press Meet will be held at the Salt Lake office of the Board. 8.17 am: The declaration of the results will seal the fate of lakhs of students who have appeared for the examination. 07.31 am: WB class 12 results will be announced today at 10 am by the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education. About the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education: The West Bengal Government established the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) in the year 1975. The head office of WBCHSE is located in Vidyasagar Bhavan, Salt Lake, Kolkata and has 4 regional offices across West Bengal. It also has offices at Bidhannagar, Karunamoyee, Kolkata, other than the regional offices. The WBCHSE is the government-recognized autonomous examining authority for Class 12th. New Delhi: A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker was shot dead in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Sunday night. Chandan Shaw, 24, was shot dead by unidentified assailants last night while he was driving a two-wheeler while returning home around 10.30 pm. The incident took place at Kalitala area in ward no 7, under Jagaddal police station limits. According to reports, four miscreants on two bike came and stopped him. One of them fired from close range. Shaw was rushed to Bhatpara state general hospital where he was declared brought dead. Just before the elections, he had switched over to the BJP from the Trinamool Congress. On Sunday, Forest Minister Binay Krishna Burman's convoy was attacked by those allegedly belonging to the BJP following which he was rescued by police who rushed to the place, police said. Violent incidents were also reported from Dinhata in Coochbehar, Paharpur in Jalpaiguri and Gangarampur Dakshin Dinajpur, sources in the state police department said. Security has been deployed in the area and the investigations have begun. The state has seen lot of poll violence. The BJP bagged almost three times the election duty votes that the TMC got in West Bengal, Election Commission data has shown, indicating the state government employees chose the saffron party over the Mamata Banerjee-led outfit, who not long ago compared them to barking dogs. The Bharatiya Janata Party received 73,541 votes through postal ballots as compared to the Trinamool Congress which got only 25,791 votes. The Left Front got around 7,377 votes, the Congress about 5,770 votes and there were 5,143 NOTA votes. The state government employees and security personnel deployed in election duty cast their votes through postal ballots. On Friday, a 23-year-old BJP worker has been shot dead in Nadia district, the had police said. The incident happened at Chakdaha town around 10 pm. Santu Ghosh (23), a resident of Tapaban area in Chakdaha town was shot at from a close range after he went out of his house following a phone call, he said. He was taken to Chakdaha State General Hospital where doctors declared him brought dead, he added. As a result, BJP leaders and workers staged a road blockade on National Highway 34, the police officer said. They blocked railway tracks at various places in Nadia district on Saturday to protest against the killing of their party worker, he said. An investigation has been initiated, the police officer said. New Delhi: Faced with a colossal electoral defeat, Rahul Gandhi is adamant on stepping down from the post of Congress president and has refused to meet the party's newly elected MPs, according to reports. Quoting Congress sources as saying, news agency PTI reported that Rahul Gandhi is insisting on resigning his post and is understood to have conveyed to several leaders that it is time for the grand old party to look for a new chief. The Congress won only 52 out of 542 parliamentary seats in the Lok Sabha elections 2019, just six more than its 2014 tally. The party could not open its account in 18 states and union territories. Taking responsibility for the defeat, Gandhi on Saturday offered to resign as party president at a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party, but it was "unanimously rejected". In the midst of the disquiet, several state Congress chiefs, including Punjab's Sunil Jakhar, Jharkhand's Ajoy Kumar and Assam's Ripun Bora, also offered to resign following the party's drubbing in the elections, party insiders said. As the party grapples with a severe existential crisis, its governments in both Karnataka and Rajasthan face a tough time with reports suggesting the BJP may try to wrest power in both states. It is learnt that Congress legislators Ramesh Jarkiholi and Dr Sudhakar visited BJP leader SM Krishna's residence in Bengaluru on Sunday along with several other BJP leaders and they are understood to have deliberated on dethroning the incumbent dispensation. Sources said a number of Congress legislators in Karnataka are understood to be unhappy over the party's electoral loss. In Rajasthan, there have been reports of internal turmoil with several ministers demanding fixing of accountability and seeking action against those responsible for the poll debacle in the state. The Congress drew a blank in Rajasthan as the NDA won all 25 seats. In Karnataka, where it formed a government with the JD(S) in May last year, the Congress managed to win only one Lok Sabha seat out of 28. The party was crushed in most of the 29 states, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, where it had defeated BJP in the assembly polls in December. NDTV reported that on Monday, Rahul Gandhi told senior Congress leaders Ahmed Patel and KC Venugopal that the party will have to find a new chief as his decision stands. Sources told the news channel that Rahul Gandhi "won't abandon the post" even though he is determined to quit, and will give the party time to choose a new person for the top job. Rahul Gandhi's mother Sonia Gandhi and sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra reportedly agree with his decision, and acknowledge that the Congress "has to come to terms with the fact that there has to be a change of guard" and a total reset, NDTV quoted sources as saying. As crisis beset the opposition party, its chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Monday urged everyone to respect the sanctity of the CWC meeting and asked the media not to fall into the trap of "conjectures, insinuations, gossip and rumour-mongering". Surjewala said it is a democratic forum for exchange of ideas and taking corrective action. It was a "closed-door" meeting and any speculation about it was unwarranted and uncalled for, he added. He was reacting to news reports about happenings at the May 25 meeting, the first of the CWC after the Congress's humiliating defeat in the parliamentary polls. "The Congress party expects everyone, including the media, to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculation, insinuations, assumptions, gossip and rumour-mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted. "The CWC held a collective deliberation on the performance of the party, the challenges before it as also the way ahead, instead of casting aspersions on the role or conduct of any specific individual. The gist of the deliberations was made public in the CWC resolution of May 25, 2019," the Congress leader said in a statement. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Preparations are going on in full swing in Varanasi ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to his parliamentary constituency today after getting a landslide victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Three days before taking oath as the Prime Minister for a second consecutive term, PM Modi will hold a roadshow in Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency, and will address the BJP workers. Here are the LIVE updates: 20:35 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte congratulates Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a telephonic conversation over election results. 16:32 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In BJP leader Kiren Rijiju tweets,"Pema Khandu to be sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh on May 29". 13:28 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Karnataka Minister M B Patil: None of our MLAs will switch to BJP. They (BJP) have tried it (to topple government) in the past, they will also try it in the future but this government will complete its full term. 12:19 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In DC Thammanna, Karnataka Minister when asked 'if he will be dropped from the state cabinet': Let them drop, I don't mind. I'm ready for the party to sack me from my post. If I am capable let them make me continue, otherwise I don't want any post. 11:50 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In The Supreme Court refuses to entertain a plea of West Bengal state BJP treasurer Sawar Dhanania seeking protection from arrest in the cases registered against him ''due to political vendetta''. A Bench headed by CJI grants him seven days protection from arrest to move competent court in West Bengal. 11:49 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Ram's work has to be done and will be done, says RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. 11:49 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee President Dr Ajoy Kumar offers to resign from his post after the party won only one parliamentary seat in the state. 11:28 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant protection from arrest to newly elected BSP MP from Ghosi Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh, Atul Rai, accused of raping a college student from Varanasi. 11:10 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Sources: PM Narendra Modi likely to visit Maldives on 7-8 June. It will be his first bilateral visit after assuming office for the second term. 10:24 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Andhra Pradesh: Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao and his family offered prayers at Lord Balaji temple in Tirumala, today. Andhra Pradesh: Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao and his family offered prayers at Lord Balaji temple in Tirumala, today. pic.twitter.com/dlW1VGIW3k ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2019 07:29 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In West Bengal government reinstates 11 IPS officers transferred by EC Soon after the Election Commission lifted the model code of conduct, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Sunday reinstated 11 IPS officers, including Rajeev Kumar, to their old posts. Kumar, who was removed by the poll body from the post of Additional Director General of West Bengal CID, was reinstated by an order issued by the state home and hill affairs department. 07:27 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Preparations are going on in full swing in Varanasi ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. New Delhi: After a landslide victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, Narendra Modi visited his parliamentary constituency Varanasi on Monday. He paid a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath temple along with BJP chief Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Preparations were on in full swing in Varanasi where Modi will hold a five-kilometre-long roadshow and address BJP workers.A The city has been lined with banners and festoons featuring photographs of Narendra Modi. PM Modi is expected to visit the famous temple at around 10 am. After the adarshana and apujaa at Kashi Vishwanath temple, the Prime Minister is scheduled to address the BJP workers at Deendayal Hastkala Sankul. 12.25 pm:A The supporters in Kashi didn't weigh the elections on the scales of win-loss. They considered this a festival of 'Lok shiksha', 'Lok sampark', 'Lok sangrah', 'Lok samarpan'. 12.50 pm:A I had spoken to workers of Varanasi. All of you had ordered me that I can't set foot in Varanasi for a month. The nation might elected me as the PM but four you, I am a worker. For me, your order was the priority, says PM Modi. 12.45 pm: After the campaign, I used to think of coming here but I used to recall your orders. Maine socha ye nahi to koi aur baba. Rarely is a candidate so relaxed, as I was, during elections & the results. Your hardwork was the reason for it. I was relaxed so I went to Kedarnath. 12.43 pm: I may be PM for country but I am always a worker for my party, says PM Modi. 12.40 pm: PM Modi begins address with "Har Har Mahadev" chant. 12.37 pm:A PM Modi address party workersA at Deendayal Hastkala Sankul. 12.32 pm:A There must rarely be a campaign where candidate didn't come to his constituency after filing nomination until voting, trusting his voters. People saw Varanasi's BJP workers asked him( PM) not to come.Modi ji trusted you, people of Varanasi & that trust was rightly placed, says Amit Shah. 12.30 pm:A There must rarely be a campaign where candidate didn't come to his constituency after filing nomination until voting, trusting his voters. People saw Varanasi's BJP workers asked him(PM)not to come.Modi ji trusted you, people of Varanasi & that trust was rightly placed, says Amit Shah. 12.25 pm: BJP managed to win under Yogi's rule, says BJP chief Amit Shah. 11.05 am: PM Modi offers prayers at the temple. 10.50 am: Narendra Modi and Amit Shah reach Kashi Vishwanath temple. 10.45 am:A Crowd breaks into chants of 'Modi Modi' as the convoy of PM Modi moves through streets of Varanasi to Kashi Vishwanath temple.A 10.35 am:A Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves at people on his way to Kashi Vishwanath temple. #WATCH Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves at people on his way to Kashi Vishwanath temple. pic.twitter.com/BIeoXzlwua a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 27, 2019 9.50 am:A Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Varanasi. 9.15 am:A Artists perform in Varanasi ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit to the city today. #WATCH: Artists perform in Varanasi ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit to the city today. pic.twitter.com/DyBWMudFEi a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 27, 2019 8 am: Preparations underway for PM Modi's visit. A PM Modi defeated his Samajwadi Party (SP) rival Shalini Yadav by a margin of over 4.80 lakh votes in the Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi. The BJP, which had won 282 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, managed to increase its tally and notched up 303 seats in the 2019 elections. Patna: Stunned by the rout of his Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar and Jharkhand in the Lok Sabha election, Lalu Prasad gave up lunch for two days after the declaration of poll results on May 23. Prasad had the meal on Sunday, May 26, after doctors, worried for his health, pleaded him that proper food intake was required for his medication to continue, Dr Umesh Prasad, head of the team looking after him, told PTI on Monday. The RJD president is under treatment for blood pressure, sugar and kidney ailment at the Ranchi-based Rajendra Prasad Institute of Medical Sciences since December 2017 after he was sent to jail by a court, RIMS sources said. The doctor said Prasad's health parameters are normal. The jovial RJD supremo, known for his earthy humours, apparently could not digest that his party drew a blank in its stronghold Bihar and also in the neighbouring Jharkhand. This is the first instance after its inception in 1997, that the RJD could not win a parliamentary seat in Bihar but it's the second time in a row that it failed to open account in Jharkhand. Heading the 'mahagathbandhan' in Bihar, the RJD had fought on 19 seats and shared Arrah constituency with CPI(ML); it got a drubbing at the hands of NDA on all the seats. Prasad's eldest daughter Misa Bharti was defeated for a second time by Union minister Ramkripal Yadav, her father's former close associate, on Pataliputra constituency. On Saran seat, held by the RJD president for several times in the past, Chandrika Rai, father-in-law of his elder son Tej Pratap Yadav, tasted defeat at the hands of BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy. Of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, only Kishanganj was won by Congress, a grand alliance ally. This was the first occasion that RJD went into an election without its popular leader Lalu Prasad. His wife Rabri Devi and son and heir apparent Tejashwi Yadav could do little to perk party's poll performance. Even during the "Modi wave" of 2014, RJD had managed to win four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. Later, in the Bihar election, Prasad's party in alliance with JD(U) and Congress emerged as the single largest party with 80 MLAs. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar left the grand alliance in July 2017 and joined hands with BJP again. RJD spokesman Mritunjay Tiwari told PTI over phone from Patna, that the party would discuss in detail what went wrong for it in the election. But he said Prasad's absence was a big reason for the drubbing. Tiwari said the results have given the party "a lesson" which the leadership would definitely take into account to win back people's support. The RJD, which formed the mahagathbandhan with Congress, JMM and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik), got only Palamau (SC) seat as per the seat-sharing adjustment among them. But it lost the seat. In Koderma, former RJD state unit president Annapurna Devi fought on BJP ticket and defeated JVM president Babulal Marandi. RJD leaders on Monday are meeting for a review of the party's humiliating performance, its leader Kailash Yadav said. New Delhi: Actress Mouni Roy is currently going through a golden phase in her career. Mouni has climbed the ladder of success through sheer hard work. Signing films back-to-back has made the actress very busy and due to which she has been hardly able to focus on her personal life. The beautiful actress, who was earlier reportedly dating a co-star, Mohit Raina, said that she is single. Yes you read it right. In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Mouni clarified about her relationship status. She said, I am completely, absolutely single and the way they say it, in love with my work now. There is no time for anything else. And I am completely enjoying the phase once there is someone in my life, everyone will get to know about it. On being asked about dating her former co-star Mohit Raina, Mouni choose to skip the question. Talking about her upcoming projects, the actress said that apart from Brahmastra, Made in China and Bole Chudiyaan, she has got two more offers. She further added that however they are still at the discussion stage. On being asked about getting an offers from South, Mouni said, Yes, there are, but at the moment I need to finish the work that I have in hand. I might take up films down South later, but now I do not have time to think much about it. It is to be noted that Mohit Raina had also cleared the air in an earlier interview. I said that I hope to get married by the end of this year, I never mentioned Mouni. She is a great co-star and is doing some fabulous work. I wish her all the best. Actually, I was never in a relationship with her. My marriage will happen when Almighty sends a message, he said in an interview with Bombay Times. Meanwhile, on the work front, Mouni Roy has Brahmastra with Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, Made in China with Rajkummar Rao and Bole Chudiyaan in her kitty. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: India will not invite Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to May 30 swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister for the second term, two sources in the foreign ministry told news agency Reuters. The sources also indicated that any early warming in relations between the neighbours countries is unlikely. The Indian government has invited the leaders of the BIMSTEC member states for the swearing-in ceremony, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Monday, adding that this is in line with the government's focus on its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. The BIMSTEC member states include Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan and India. Besides, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, who is the current chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, who was the Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, have also been invited to the ceremony, the MEA added. However, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will miss the event as she will be on a three-nation foreign visit, PTI quoted a government release as saying. This is the second consecutive time that Hasina is set to miss the event. Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq will attend the ceremony as the senior-most Cabinet member of the Bangladesh government. Besides, top stars of Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, have been invited for the swearing-in ceremony, PTI added. While Haasan, whose fledgling political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) had made its electoral debut this Lok Sabha polls, Rajinikanth is yet to formalise his December 2017 announcement on taking the political plunge. Sources close to both actors acknowledged the two being invited to Modi's swearing-in scheduled on Thursday, but did not divulge if the veterans would participate. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The UP Police claimed to have arrested three suspects in connection with the murder case of former village head of Baraulia in Amethi Surendra Singh, a close aide of BJP MP Smriti Irani, and recovered a weapon allegedly used in the incident. OP Singh, UP Director General of Police, said two more suspects are still absconding, but should be arrested soon. On the basis of all evidence, it is very clear that the five murder suspects and the victim had local level political rivalry, he said. Surendra Singh (50) was shot at around 11.30 pm on Saturday. Singh was referred to a Lucknow hospital, but succumbed during treatment, Additional Superintendent of Police Daya Ram said. The police had lodged an FIR against five people and did not rule out the possibility of it being a "political murder". Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Smriti Irani asked party workers to exercise restraint, even as she targeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his "take-care-of-Amethi-with-love" remark, saying she had got the message "loud and clear". "We have come to know about an old enmity. We are also trying to find out if there was any political enmity. The initial investigation has thrown up some vital clues," he told reporters in Lucknow. "UP police teams are conducting a very intensive investigation. We have also got important evidence through electronic surveillance," the DGP said, adding that he was hopeful that the case would be solved "in the next 12 hours". Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had directed the DGP to take effective action and report back to him, a senior official said, adding that the inspector general in Lucknow was sent to monitor the situation. "An FIR has been registered against five persons under sections 302 (punishment for murder) and 120B (punishment of criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on the complaint of Narendra Singh, brother of Surendra Singh," Daya Ram said. In the FIR lodged at the Jamo police station in Amethi, the complainant said, "On the intervening night of May 25-26, my younger brother Surendra Singh was sleeping in the verandah of the house, along with nephews Abhay and Anurag, when we heard the sound of gunshots. "As we woke up, we saw Wasim, his brother Nasim and Golu running away. Across the road, we saw Ramchandra. In this case, there is also a conspiracy of Dharamnath Gupta (related to the panchayat polls). Ramchandra was involved in a scuffle with one of my nephews during the Lok Sabha polls, due to which the incident took place." When contacted, Jamo Station House Officer (SHO) Rajeev Singh said, "Wasim, Nasim Golu and Ramchandra have been booked under section 302, IPC. Dharamnath Gupta has been booked for conspiracy charges. Investigations are going on." Irani, who was in Delhi, flew down to Lucknow en route to Amethi, where she met Singh's family members and consoled them. The BJP leader and state minister Mohsin Raza were present when Singh's last rites were performed. A large number of people was also present on the occasion. Both Irani and Raza were seen carrying Singh's body amidst chanting of slogans by villagers. "My request to all party workers is that we should exercise restraint," Irani told reporters in Lucknow. She said Singh was killed so that Amethi could be "terrorised, disintegrated and bowed down". "On (May) 23, I was given a message that take care of Amethi with love. To the person, who gave me the message, I would like to say that I have received the message loud and clear," she said, referring to Gandhi's remarks made on the counting day. In the just-concluded Lok Sabha polls, Irani defeated the Congress president from Amethi, a Gandhi family bastion. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday issued a notice to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law Robert Vadra on an appeal by Enforcement Directorate (ED) challenging anticipatory bail in money laundering case. The notice has also been issued to his close aide Manoj Arora.A Arora is an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP and a co-accused in the case. ED wants cancellation of his pre-arrest bail by the trial court. The court has sought his reply by July 17 in connection with a black money case.A Delhi High Court issues notice to Robert Vadra and his close aide Manoj Arora on ED's plea challenging trial court order granting them the anticipatory bail. Next date of hearing is 17th July. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/42EnyyQ2xl a ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2019 The agency had sought quashing of the trial court's April 1 order by which Vadra was granted anticipatory bail, saying the special judge had failed to consider the settled position of law that bail should not be "granted in a routine manner". The ED has also claimed that Vadra was non-cooperative and evasive during the probe and may tamper with evidence. In its plea, filed through ED prosecutor D P Singh, the agency had sought cancellation of the anticipatory bail granted to Vadra, saying the protection given to him would be detrimental to its probe on certain crucial aspects, including ascertaining the exact source of the allegedly tainted money and the end use of the funds involved in the case. Vadra is facing allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property, located at 12, Bryanston Square and worth 1.9 million pounds. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Jordan Arming Libyas Haftar with Armored Vehicles, Weapons The page you requested is only available to subscribers. 1. If you are a Premium Service subscriber, please log in here to access this story: Log-in : Password : 2. If you are not a subcriber, you can: -- buy access to this page: unlimited access for seven days costs 3.00 EUR + VAT (at 20%) if applicable. Clicking on the "Ok" button below will place the item in your shopping cart and return you to our home page, where you will be able to select additional stories. -- select additional stories and services from our home page and pay for them at the same time. -- see your shopping cart. You can also see the contents of your shopping cart at any time by clicking on the "Order" tab on the navigation bar at the top of any page, or by clicking on the "Your order" light blue link in the top right-hand corner of our home page, immediately under the log-on box. New Delhi: Former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar, who is under scanner for his alleged role in the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam, skipped a meeting with the CBI officials on Monday despite being summoned by the top investigating agency for questioning, officials said. Instead, Kumar who was asked to be present at CBI's office in Kolkata on Monday - however, sent a letter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), seeking some more time to appear before its officers in connection with the case. The letter was submitted at CBI office in Salt Lake by a CID officer. The letter stated that he is on a three-day off and, therefore, unable to attend the summon. CBI sources said officials were at the Barasat court to prevent Kumar from taking any legal step to stop the agency from interrogating him. Earlier on Sunday, the state government reinstated Kumar as Additional Director General, CID On Saturday, the CBI had also issued a lookout notice against Kumar to prevent him from leaving the country. The agency wants custodial interrogation of Kumar in connection with the chit fund scam as he was heading the police's special investigation team to probe the case before the CBI took over. The ponzi scheme scam was over Rs 2,500 crore by the Saradha group of companies, which had duped lakhs of customers promising higher rates of returns on their investment, the CBI had said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Seoul: Samsung Electronics surged more than four percent on the back of its chief rival Huaweis mounting problems, including a decision by Google to sever ties with the Chinese mobile phone maker. US internet giant Google, whose Android mobile operating system powers most of the worlds smartphones, said this week it is cutting ties with Huawei to comply with an executive order issued by President Donald Trump. The move could have dramatic implications for Huawei smartphone users, as the firm will no longer have access to Googles proprietary serviceswhich include the Gmail and Google Maps apps. Investors bet Huaweis loss could benefit Samsung, the worlds biggest smartphone maker which has been facing increasing competition from its Chinese rival, sending its shares soaring 4.3 percent in afternoon trade in Seoul. Analysts say the US ban will damage Huaweis ability to sell phones outside China, offering Samsung a chance to consolidate its position at the top of the global market. If you are in Europe or China and couldnt use Google map or any Android services with a Huawei smartphone, would you buy one? MS Hwang, an analyst at Samsung Securities, told Bloomberg News, adding: Wouldnt you buy a Samsung smartphone instead? Samsung accounted for 23.1 per cent of global smartphone sales in the first quarter of this year, according to industry tracker International Data Corporation, while Huawei had 19.0 per cent. Last week, Trump declared a national emergency empowering him to blacklist companies seen as an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United Statesa move analysts said was clearly aimed at Huawei. The US Commerce Department announced a ban on American companies selling or transferring US technology to Huawei, with a 90-day reprieve by allowing temporary licences. New Delhi: As many as 14 personnel of Afghan security forces were killed in multiple terror attacks that took place in different parts of Afghanistan. The attacks were claimed by Taliban. According to a provincial councilman Shah Mahmmod Nahimi, 10 soldiers were driving back to base after picking up their salaries in the country's western Farah province. They were travelling in a Humvee when the explosion took place on Sunday afternoon in the Bala Buluk district, he said. "The blast was so intense that no one in the Humvee survived," Shah Mahmmod Nahimi further added. In the meantime, the Taliban targeted several checkpoints in northern Sari Pul province on Sunday night, killing four members of the security forces. In the brazen attack, 22 Afghan soldiers were injured. Notably, the attacks took place on the outskirts of the provincial capital of Sari Pul and triggered gunbattles that lasted for hours. During the intense gunbattle, 15 Taliban terrorists were also killed. On the other hand, a sticky bomb attached to a minibus carrying government workers in Kabul detonated on Monday morning. Around 10 people were injured. However, one of the wounded was in critical condition. In a statment, Arab Haidari, from the religious affairs ministry, said that all the wounded are ministry's employees who were on their way to work when the explosion took place. Importantly, attacks have increased recently as Washington's peace envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, presses ahead with talks with the Taliban, who refuse to negotiate directly with the Kabul government. The talks so far have focused on a timetable for US troop withdrawal as well as Taliban guarantees that they won't harbor terrorist groups or allow Afghanistan to be used as a staging ground for global terror attacks. On May 12, at least eight children were killed and two others sustained injuries in a roadside bomb explosion in the south-eastern Ghazni province of Afghanistan. The horrific incident took place when the children were playing in the area stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The blast occurred at around 8 am in the Muqer district of the province. With inputs from PTI For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Islamabad: Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan, who arrived here on a three-day official visit, met Pakistan President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday and signed several agreements and agreed to speed up the projects under the USD 60 billion CPEC to further cement the bilateral all-weather ties. President Alvi also conferred its highest civilian award Nishan-e-Pakistan on Wang, 70, a member of the ruling Communist Party of Chinas (CPC) powerful Politburo Standing Committee. The senior Chinese leader was received at the airport by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and other top officials. During delegation level-talks between Prime Minister Khan and Vice President Wang, a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for cooperation in different sectors were also signed between the two countries, the government said in a statement. These MoUs include cooperation in economic and technical affairs, Disaster Management and assistance in agriculture sector of Lasbella University, it said. Khan and Wang were present during the signing of the MoUs. The two leaders also launched and unveiled the plaques of four mega development projects in the fields of energy, technology and education under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the statement said. Khan and Wang also inaugurated the Confucius Institute at the University of Punjab. The institute will impart Chinese education, promote cultural exchanges and other activities, it said. The visiting Chinese leader also attended a special seminar about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Wang will visit Lahore tomorrow after completing his meetings in Islamabad, it said. The Chinese Vice Presidents visit underscores the vitality of the time-tested and all-weather relationship between Pakistan and China. His visit will reinforce the strength of bilateral ties and impart further impetus to the growing, multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields, it said. The visit is in continuation of high-level exchanges between the two countries, which have acquired an increased momentum since Prime Minister Khans visit to China in November last year and his participation in the 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing in April this year. Last week, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in Beijing that Vice President Wangs visit to Pakistan will further deepen high-level exchanges, friendship and mutual trust between the two countries. He said the visit will also advance the development of the CPEC besides bilateral cooperation across the board. Lu said China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners and iron friends, and firmly support each other on issues concerning each others foreign interests. He said Pakistan has been a priority on Chinas diplomacy and now both the countries have witnessed a sound momentum in their cooperation and frequent high level exchanges. Lu said both the countries are deepening the mutually beneficial cooperation and conducting close coordination in international and regional affairs. The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Pakistans Balochistan with Chinas Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of the Belt and Roads Initiative (BRI). After visiting Pakistan, the Chinese leader will also visit Germany and Netherlands. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Saudi Arabia yesterday shot down a bomb-laden drone deployed by Iran-aligned Huthis in Yemen to attack an airport in the kingdom, state media reported. The Saudi air force intercepted and destroyed the drone that targeted Jizan airport, close to the southern border with Yemen, the Riyadh-led coalition fighting the rebels was quoted as saying by the official Saudi Press Agency. The rebels Al-Masirah TV said earlier that the drone targeted military hangars at Jizan airport. The airport is used by thousands of civilians every day, but the coalition reported no casualties and warned the rebels of a strong response. Colonel Turki al-Maliki, the coalitions spokesperson, has said that Houthis deliberately target dignitaries, civilians, and civil facilities systematically, warning the Iran-backed militia not to continue targeting, otherwise, there will be a strong response. The strike comes after the Huthis on Thursday similarly targeted Najran airport also near the Yemeni border with an explosives-laden drone. That attack -- the third against Najran airport in 72 hours -- had targeted a Patriot air defense system, Al-Masirah said. Maliki said that the rebels attacked a civilian installation in Najran province bordering Yemen with an explosives-laden drone, but did not report casualties. When Fathima, aka Lily Kumari, reached Bahrain years ago as a domestic worker, it was for her an opportunity for a better life. Not even in her wildest dreams, Fathima imagined that one day she would stand in Bahrain as the helpless wife of a cheating husband, who manages to find a place in jail on kidnapping charges. With no legal documents to prove her marriage, Fathima is also fighting another battle to get her nine-year-old son a nationality. The mother and her stateless son are being assisted by GTU Advisor Thampi Nagarjuna. The problem with many migrants is that they are ignorant of the law. They do not know the steps to get a marriage legalized or apply for a government document, Nagarjuna told Tribune. Besides, she is struggling financially. Legal matters require a lot of money. How a woman with a low paying job like that of hers could afford this? he asked. The womans husband is facing an extended 17-year jail term on kidnapping charges. His initial term was for a few years, but got it extended to 17 years following an escape attempt, Thambi said. Fathima also had nowhere to turn for help, as her family severed their ties with her years ago for converting to Islam. Fathimas real trials and tribulations started with her marriage to the Indian national. He was the first person I have ever loved, so we got married with the blessings of a Sheikh. Thanks to my ignorance, the marriage was not registered but went on smooth. Things went awry, with the birth of our first child, Fathima told Tribune. Trouble started with the husband entering her name as Fathima in the hospital records, instead of her original name as per official records. Matters got worse when the couple also failed to produce their marriage certificate for registering the childs birth. Finally, the child was not recorded as mine, Fathima said. I still dont know what the procedures are and relied on him to fix everything, which he said he will. The worst happened when the husband asked Fathima to return to India to correct her legal status. He told me to go India to sort out the paperwork for marriage and the childs status. Boeing and the American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain (AmCham Bahrain) with the support of the Bahrain International Federation of Business & Professional Women (BPW) hosted an Iftar for Bahrains orphans and elderly community. Around 20 children from Batelco Childrens Care Home and 40 senior citizens from Dar Al Manar in addition to the members of the hosting organizations, participated in a series of fun and engaging activities after breaking fast together at the BPWs center in Al Andalus Park, Qudaibiya. The event was inaugurated by Shaikha Hind Bint Salman Alkhalifa, President of BPW Bahrain and President of the Mother & Child Welfare Society. Bernard Dunn, President of Boeing Middle East, North Africa & Turkey was also in attendance and said: Its been an absolute pleasure hosting this event and watching these kids sharing their excitement, exchanging ideas and learning new skills with individuals seven to eight times their age. Kindness, understanding, and respect are fundamental pillars to the betterment of any community and todays event was a great example of how every member of society has a part to play in the countrys development. Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) is partnering with Airports Council International (ACI) to offer training courses to BAC as part of the Tahleeq Programme, a training and development initiative. The announcement came during the ACI Asia-Pacific / World Annual General Assembly Conference and Exhibition, which took place recently in Hong Kong. In line with the agreement, ACI will provide knowledge and competency-based training to Tahleeq 3 participants through a diverse range of programs which cover all aspects of the airport business, including terminal, landside and airside operations. A team of ACI professionals will arrive in Bahrain this summer to begin the comprehensive two-year training. Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, Chief Executive Officer of BAC said: Working alongside the Airport Modernisation Programme international consultants, Tahleeq participants are developing specialized skills that will support the continued development of the aviation sector. Some soldiers dont come home from the battlefields. It was a notion that several speakers touched upon at the conclusion of Ridgefields annual Memorial Day parade. My brother told my sister, I dont think Ill be coming back, when he left for Italy, said World War II veteran Wally Goodman, the parades grand marshal. He said his brother was a bombardier and at the time there was such a high rate of being killed in action. He went up on his third mission and his plane was never found, Goodman said. ... Ive always thought it was at the bottom of the Adriatic Sea and thats why I wear this gold model plane button on my hat. Theres a lot of pilots and bombers who never made it home. Goodman spoke to a crowd of more than 150 people gathered in Ballard Park on the sunny Monday afternoon, just hours after the annual parade, which thousands attended. He talked about two other pins and buttons that he wears on his Veterans of Foreign Wars hat. This red and gold pin represents the U.S. Navy Amphibious Forces, Goodman said. And this button here represents veterans who fought in the Pacific theater. Goodman, a Navy veteran who enlisted in 1942 and landed in the Pacific theater in June of that year, spoke about the invasions of Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. The last big operation in the Pacific theater was taking Okinawa, he said. It was a big island with a massive airfield. Goodman recalled working on a small patrol boat during Okinawa when he spotted a kamikaze pilot coming down out of the sky. The Japanese had lost the war. They knew it, we knew it, he said. Their pilots had attended their own funerals before they took off ... I saw four airplanes above us and one got lower and lower before it took a nose dive in between our two ships. The reason why I selected to tell this story is because I could see the pilot of that plane his eyes were closed, Goodman said. He knew he was going to hit the water and he didnt want to hit anything else. He knew it was pointless to keep killing us. Goodman said he still thinks about the pilot, and at one point had called the Japanese consulate in New York to see if he could find his name. They didnt want to get involved, Goodman told the crowd. I would love to know where his family is and if they knew what he did. George Besse, commander of the American Legion Post 78 in Ridgefield, asked the crowd to give one more great hand for this great man from the greatest generation once Goodman had concluded his speech to a standing ovation. We want to honor our veterans, Besse added, but its also important to remember that today is about those who lost their lives serving this great country and the sacrifice they made. During his introduction speech, Besse said Memorial Day is a reminder for people to take a moment and reflect on military sacrifice. We must keep them in our hearts and in our prayers today and every day, he said. First Selectman Rudy Marconi, son of a World War II veteran and grandson of a World War I veteran, also addressed the crowd, reading from a speech written by Ridgefield High School intern Nick Clavi. He spoke about the 100 year anniversary of World War I and how America jumped into fight with its allies. We witnessed the horrors of trench warfare, he said. Marconi also talked about the invasion of Normandy in World War II. Once again we were united against two common enemies, and witnessed horrendous casualties, he said. We liberated that beachhead and went on to liberate the rest of France. The first selectmen called on the crowd to remember the service of men who fought in Korea and Vietnam. The question always comes back to, why fight? he asked. Its a sense of duty to a nation that has blessed them with so much. ...These are soldiers who left behind their families with the chance that they would never see them again. ... We must continue on making special tribute to those have given the ultimate sacrifice. On the evening of Wednesday, May 15, The Del Mar Stake, a local chapter of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, hosted the 26th annual Crystal Apple Awards. Each year, the churchs youth of high school and middle school age vote to select the teachers they feel had the greatest impact on them. Fourteen teachers, one from each of the represented middle and high schools of the San Dieguito and Rancho Santa Fe school districts as well as San Marcos High School were honored for their excellence in teaching. Students nominated teachers who had especially touched their lives and impacted their education in a positive way. Community members, civic leaders, school board members, and school leaders came together to see each deserving teacher receive their awards. There was a wonderful program of speakers and music put on by a youth choir. School board members presented the teachers with crystal apple trophies as a token of their service to the local students. Alivia Fellows, a senior at La Costa Canyon High School, spoke in the program. She said, When I moved to San Diego from Las Vegas three years ago, I was scared to go to a new school without knowing anyone and having no friends. So many wonderful teachers and school administrators helped me and my sister to feel wanted and comfortable at our new school. I can tell that you love your students. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for loving us. RSF School District Superintendent Donna Tripi was a presenter and during the program said, I thank you for honoring teachers, and I hope that our teachers feel that they are loved and appreciated every day for the work that they do. Because teaching to them is not a profession, its a calling, and they really should know how much we appreciate what they do. Its the most important job in the world. And this recognition is really a blessing for them to give them another opportunity to be recognized. The following teachers were recognized for their service: Adam Latham - Earl Warren Middle School Jason Dickinson - Carmel Valley Middle School Kellie Lenahan - Pacific Trails Middle School Kristina DeVico - Torrey Pines High School Katie Stapko - La Costa Canyon High School Sasha Voigt - Diegueno Middle School Aaron Kachorek - San Marcos High School Kelly Baggins - San Dieguito Academy Geoff Westermeyer - Oak Crest Middle School Stuart Pollock - Canyon Crest Academy Jackie Mendez - R. Roger Rowe School Hunter Pashkow - Pacific Ridge School Ericka Callihan - SOUL Charter School Kathryn Francois, of La Costa Canyon High School received a special Crystal Apple Award. Well capitalized with a cash and cash equivalents balance of $40.8 million as of March 31, 2019 Working towards first commercial sales in the 2 nd half of 2019 Area under cultivation has grown to ~12 hectares from ~10 hectares at the end of 2018, a 20% increase in area under cultivation Construction of Colombian processing facility progressing toward production in late Q2/early Q3 Currently in active negotiations in multiple markets in South America and the EU All figures are in CDN dollars unless otherwise specified TORONTO and RIONEGRO, Colombia, May 27, 2019 /CNW/ - PharmaCielo Ltd. ("PharmaCielo" or the "Company") (TSXV:PCLO), the Canadian parent of Colombia's premier cultivator and producer of medicinal-grade cannabis oil, PharmaCielo Colombia Holdings S.A.S., today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019. "PharmaCielo has made significant progress over the past six months toward its objective of generating commercial sales during the second half of 2019," said David Attard, Chief Executive Officer, PharmaCielo Ltd. "The team has achieved the milestones it has targeted significantly increasing cultivation, expanding oil production capacity, establishing the national cultivar's largest licensed strain portfolio, growing the distribution network, entering JV's in two markets, bolstering R&D with appointment of a top-tier scientific and medical advisory board and receiving the coveted ISO9001 quality assurance certification." "2019 will continue to be an exciting year for the Company as we focus on completing and producing out of our new oil production facility, generating initial sales and growing sales channels. We are well-capitalized to achieve our objectives and expect to see sales significantly expand into 2020, driven by value-add product development and activation of our international and Colombian sales channels," added Attard. Financial Highlights Q1 2019 Operating Results All comparisons below are to the quarter ended March 31, 2018, unless otherwise noted Total operating expenses of $4.8 million as compared to $9.6 million as compared to Net loss of $7.7 million as compared to $10.0 million Balance Sheet All comparisons below are to December 31, 2018, unless otherwise noted Cash and cash equivalents of $40.8 million as compared to $45.7 million as compared to Total assets of $64.6 million as compared to $66.3 million as compared to Total liabilities of $3.6 million as compared to $3.0 million Discussion of Operations The Company's net loss totaled $7.7 million for the three-months ended March 31, 2019 (compared to $10.0 million for the three-months ended March 31, 2018), with a basic loss per common share of $0.08 for the three-months ended March 31, 2019 versus a basic loss per common share of $0.13 for the three-months ended March 31, 2018. This net loss was primarily due to reverse takeover listing expense of $2.4 million for the three-months ended March 31, 2019 (compared to $Nil in the three-months ended March 31, 2018), common share-based expense of $1.4 million for the three-months ended March 31, 2019 (compared to $7.6 million in the three-months ended March 31, 2018), Salaries and wages $850,403 for the three-months ended March 31, 2019 (compared to $172,063 in the three-months ended March 31, 2018), and Agricultural pre-operational costs of $906,225 for the three-months ended March 31, 2019 (compared to $331,766 in the three-months ended March 31, 2018). Other expenses were principally due to operating expenses to continue the construction of the Research Technology and Processing Centre. About PharmaCielo PharmaCielo Ltd. (TSXV:PCLO) is a global company, headquartered in Canada, with a focus on ethical and sustainable processing and supplying of all natural, medicinal-grade cannabis oil extracts and related products to large channel distributors. PharmaCielo's principal (and wholly owned) subsidiary is PharmaCielo Colombia Holdings S.A.S., headquartered at its nursery and propagation centre located in Rionegro, Colombia. The boards of directors and executive teams of both PharmaCielo and PharmaCielo Colombia Holdings are comprised of a diversely talented group of international business executives and specialists with relevant and varied expertise. PharmaCielo recognized the significant role that Colombia's ideal location will play in building a sustainable business in the medical cannabis industry, and the Company, together with its directors and executives, is executing on a business plan focused on supplying the international marketplace. For further information: www.PharmaCielo.com Forward Looking Statements: Certain statements contained in this news release, such as those relating to anticipated commercial sales in 2019, growing sales channels, expansion of sales in 2020, product development, and the completion of the Colombian processing facility and progressing toward production may contain "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions, including that the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions referred to prove not to be valid or reliable, that occurrences such as those referred to above are realized and result in delays, or cessation in planned work, that the Company's financial condition and development plans change, and delays in regulatory approval, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to cannabis producing companies and to the Company. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. SOURCE PharmaCielo Ltd. For further information: Media Relations: International: Gal Wilder, Cohn & Wolfe, +1.647.259.3261, [email protected]; Colombia: Maria Paula Pena Fdz., SPR GROUP S.A., PBX: 57-1 2877234, [email protected]; Investor Inquiries: [email protected], 416-519-2156 ext. 2230 Related Links http://www.pharmacielo.com The $80 million Special Ops TALOS exoskeleton failed to develop real-life Iron Man exoskeleton armor. The energy systems and other technology are not ready. However, a dozen components will be developed. Special Ops will spend $16 million to develop components like body armor, exoskeleton, internal battery pack, and vital systems monitoring technologies. These will make US special ops commandos into Hyper-Enabled Operators. Jim Smith, USSOCOM Acquisition Executive, highlights TALOS prototype at #SOFIC2019 Focus shift to cognitive issues with Hyper Enabled Operator @ShephardNews pic.twitter.com/NAwICZ0JDK Scott Gourley (@ScottGourley1) May 21, 2019 The biggest success is lighter body armor that will cover 44% of the body instead of 19 percent from current chest and back plates. The more than doubled protection will not weigh more than the chest and back plates. Special forces are already wearing the improved armor in combat situations. Instead of just chest and back protection, lightweight vest armor systems will cover the entire torso and have long sleeves and armor shorts. The Army is developing a better helmet. If successful it will weight 3 pounds instead of the 5 pounds and provide better protection. The best current helmets can provide protection against rifles and not just handguns. * shirts that monitors heart rate and body temperature while also cooling overheated wearers are nearly ready * cloud-based computing will be provided using secure communication links * augmented reality will be projected on a heads-up display in the helmet * small ankle and knee exoskeletons will help commandos to carry heavy loads Nice briefing on USSOCOM Rattler plans during program updates by PEO SOF Warrior at #SOFIC @ShephardNews pic.twitter.com/YTMiZwUDNP Scott Gourley (@ScottGourley1) May 24, 2019 L3 unveils Fused Panoramic NV Goggle at SOFIC. New design provides SOF operators with fused I2, thermal and augmented reality capability in 97 degree FOV #SOFIC @ShephardNews pic.twitter.com/Nfh2ZedWlt Scott Gourley (@ScottGourley1) May 23, 2019 SOURCES- Twitter Scott Gourley, SOFIC 2019, Youtube, Military Times, Breaking Defense Written By Brian Wang, Nextbigfuture.com Japan Data Current Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide is seen as a favorite candidate to succeed Abe Shinzo. He would not be the first person in the position to ultimately win the top job. The Japanese politician most in the public eye, with the exception of the prime minister, is the chief cabinet secretary. At two regularly scheduled daily press conferences, this official lays out fundamental government policies in his role as cabinet spokesman. But this public-oriented role is just one part of the job. The chief cabinet secretary is also responsible for crucial, broad-ranging tasks that include coordinating policy across governmental ministries, negotiating within the cabinet, serving as a conduit between the prime minister and his party, handling crisis management, and dealing with political scandals. The chief cabinet secretary is considered the right-hand man of the prime minister, so the post has been held by many highly competent, problem-solving politicians close to the premier. At times, the chief cabinet secretary is considered the shadow prime minister because of the huge influence wielded, but most who have held the post have remained devoted to performing the role of chief advisor. Indeed, since the start of the Heisei era in 1989, there have only been three chief cabinet secretaries who went on to become prime minister: Obuchi Keizo, Abe Shinzo, and Fukuda Yasuo. Suga Yoshihide has held the position since Prime Minister Abe began his second period of office on December 26, 2012. As of September 1, 2020, he had served 2,807 days in that post, making him the longest-serving chief cabinet secretary ever. The eldest son of a farming family in Akita Prefecture, Suga moved to Tokyo under the collective placement (shudan shushoku) program for young workers at the time. He worked hard to earn money for school tuition and went on to graduate from university. After working in the private sector, he became the secretary of the former Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Okonogi Hikosaburo. After serving two terms on the Yokohama City Council, he was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1996. His generally subdued image got a major boost when he unveiled the name of the current Reiwa era in an announcement watched by millions of Japanese citizens in April 2019. He is now considered the favorite candidate to succeed Prime Minister Abe. Longest-Serving Chief Cabinet Secretaries Chief Cabinet Secretary Cabinet(s) Days Holding the Position Suga Yoshihide Prime Minister Abe Shinzo 2,807 (as of September 1, 2020) Fukuda Yasuo Prime Ministers Mori Yoshiro and Koizumi Junichiro 1,289 Hori Shigeru Prime Ministers Yoshida Shigeru and Sato Eisaku 1,258 Gotoda Masaharu Prime Minister Nakasone Yasuhiro 1,075 Miyazawa Kiichi Prime Minister Suzuki Zenko 864 Fukuda Yasuo served as chief cabinet secretary under two successive administrations. The total for Hori Shigeru includes two nonconsecutive terms as chief cabinet secretary, the first from 1951 to 1952 and the second from 1968 to 1971. Only a single woman has been chief cabinet secretary in the history of Japanese constitutional government: Moriyama Mayumi, who held the post during the first administration of Prime Minister Kaifu Toshiki. Moriyama, who was head of the Environment Agency at the time of her appointment in 1989, was chosen to replace a predecessor who had resigned in the wake of a scandal. The Three Heisei Chief Cabinet Secretaries Who Became Prime Minister Chief Cabinet Secretary Cabinet(s) Period in the Position Obuchi Keizo Prime Minister Takeshita Noboru November 6, 1987June 3, 1989 Fukuda Yasuo Prime Ministers Mori Yoshiro and Koizumi Junichiro October 27, 2000May 7, 2004 Abe Shinzo Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro October 31, 2005September 26, 2006 (Translated from Japanese. Banner photo: The current chief cabinet secretary, Suga Yoshihide. Jiji.) Fans hoping to savor some final morsels of Game of Thrones in the wake of the series finale seized upon Game of Thrones: The Last Watch, a two-hour documentary special that aired on HBO Sunday. Director Jeanie Finlay embedded on the set of the show in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and traveled with the cast and crew to Iceland and Dubrovnik as they prepared for the eighth and final season of the popular series. Whether it was the struggles of building the sets against inclement weather or filming across weeks and weeks of night shoots for the Battle of Winterfell, viewers got a backstage look at the many details and crew members involved in the making of the show, along with the reactions of the cast and extras to the final season. (**You know the drill. Game of Thrones spoilers below**) For example, the documentary gave fans a seat at a cast table read while flashing back to a table read from the very first season. At that time, series actors including Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) and Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) looked (and were) much younger, and characters played by many cast members like Sean Bean (Ned Stark) were still alive. Viewers were particularly touched to see one scene in which Kit Harington, who plays Jon Snow, is visibly disturbed when reacting to news that his character will fatally stab Daenerys Targaryen, his love and queen, for the good of the realm. From across the table, Emilia Clarke, who plays Daenerys, sinks into her chair, her eyebrows upturned in a kind of lighthearted anguish. Some even suggested that the scene in the documentary was more fraught with emotion than the scene in the show that Harington and Clarke were responding to. kits reaction to finding out that jon kills daenerys literally has me in tears stop this immediately #thelastwatch pic.twitter.com/Yk82CNn9eG (@emiliacIarked) May 27, 2019 Not gonna lie this is far more emotional than the actual scene itself. #GameOfThrones #TheLastWatch pic.twitter.com/C6YxgPD3sD MeryHeartSoo (@squishysoo00_) May 27, 2019 Kit Haringtons reaction when he learns that Jon Snow kills Daenerys during the table-read #GameofThrones #TheLastWatch pic.twitter.com/ORY84Zjy22 Malissa Tormey (@MalissaTormey) May 27, 2019 Is it weird that I got more emotional watching Kits reaction to finding out Jon kills Dany than I did seeing Jon actually kill Dany? #thelastwatch #gameofthrones Andrea Its Been A Long, Long Time (@tamatersweet) May 27, 2019 Clarke was similarly beside herself for Ser Jorahs death scene. And it was just a treat to see the cast cheer Arya killing the Night King in the script. Emilia immediately looking at Kit when they mentioned Arya is gonna kill the night king #TheLastWatch pic.twitter.com/pRiHryn3sL N (@Nouffax) May 27, 2019 Im obsessed with Rory McCanns reaction to finding out Arya kills the Night King; what a dude. pic.twitter.com/Ywwtth2j6Q Sandor Clegane Intellectual (@chachch_changes) May 27, 2019 Harington may have played a man loyal to the Starks wolf sigil, but he went on to claim the the lions share of emotional moments in the documentary, like when the actor wraps his last scene as Snow. But Clarke was right there beside him. Then there were little precious slices of life from all that time Harington and Clarke spent together getting their makeup and hair including Daenerys elaborate platinum blond braided wig done for the show. One particular Game of Thrones extra, Irish actor Andrew McClay, who played a soldier loyal to Jon Snow and the Starks, gets a lot of screen time in the documentary. Along with key members of the crew, McClay functions as a recurring character in the special. Why is no one talking about this dude? One of the many unsung heroes of @GameOfThrones #TheLastWatch #GameOfThrones pic.twitter.com/a9KFLbjsJ1 Arya Stark (@Magster1496) May 27, 2019 Thank you this guy who taught me that CLUB sandwich stands for chicken lettuce under bacon. #TheLastWatch pic.twitter.com/YmRq6vgTdm (@pullonyourpout) May 27, 2019 Why is no one talking about Andy McClay? Someone make this dude a star. #Morethenanextra #TheLastWatch pic.twitter.com/yfF9pjNIVL Baylee Ambrose (@bayleebt) May 27, 2019 It was pretty funny to see the Night King, played by stunt performer and supervisor Vladimir Furdik, just hanging out with Isaac Hempstead Wright, who played Bran Stark. Speaking of Furdik, his simple explanation for the Night Kings motivation was pretty stellar. vladimir furdik explaining the night king better than d&d ever did pic.twitter.com/FAvPsPPKMh osha (@oshawildling) May 27, 2019 But check the making of the scene in which Arya surprise-slays the Night King ... on a wire! the making of the Night Kings demise. still pretty amazing. pic.twitter.com/Yzb6JXXjBr Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) May 27, 2019 tfw Maisie Williams practices killing the Night King in the same plastic rain bonnets ur 95 yo grandma used to keep stashed in every coat to protect her weekly perm #TheLastWatch pic.twitter.com/3XyNcYoQw1 Caryn Eliz (@NoThatVeck) May 27, 2019 Director Miguel Sapochnik, who has presided over the series biggest battle episodes, including The Long Night, which gave us the Battle of Winterfell, shared a set picture with Furdik ahead of the documentary. Last waltz with the Night King pic.twitter.com/gnvR6DisGF Miguel Sapochnik (@MigSapochnik) May 26, 2019 Another big hit: the custom Game of Thrones set jackets, which had fans wondering how and where they could get one. Here are some more reactions to Game of Thrones: The Last Watch. Literally the most passionate I've ever seen anyone be about snow. What a legend. #TheLastWatch #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/06Tl4VdA5E Jack Barrett (@jwbarrett22) May 27, 2019 Del is the absolute hero of this documentary. What a really hardworking man he is and he cracks me up every time he's talking about what he has to do #TheLastWatch #GoT #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/6qEvOthtJj Chris Hampton (@WatchWando) May 27, 2019 Mr. Harington went to Sevilla to drink a beer on set to get through the Bran being king mess I HAVE TO SCREAM #TheLastWatch pic.twitter.com/01UScOq1WZ C. | jon and dany deserved better (@carohuntz) May 27, 2019 conleth is an accurate representation of how done we all are with the writing of season 8 #thelastwatch pic.twitter.com/rYXYCFh7e9 (@emiliacIarked) May 27, 2019 David Nutters assistant on that GoT doc has a real Guillermo from What We Do In The Shadows vibe....Like, Yo Dave let your boy be an extra. You can survive one day w/o his pocket almonds. Ainslee K.M. (@ainsleekm) May 27, 2019 this is the only interaction we'll ever have of dany and arya pic.twitter.com/1v3idG1wu1 patricia (@heartfiIiaz) May 27, 2019 Have a tip? Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Protesters took to the streets Sunday night to voice their displeasure surrounding a recent court decision in favor of a Carteret police officer who had been accused of assaulting a teenager during a 2017 arrest. Participants said between 50 and 100 people turned out to march in protest of the not guilty decision in the case against Carteret Police Officer Joseph Reiman, who was acquitted last week of assault and misconduct charges stemming from an altercation with then 16-year-old Monte Stewart during an arrest after a car chase. Reiman is the brother of Carteret Mayor Dan Reiman. The protesters met at Chrome Park, went up to Roosevelt Avenue to the Carteret Police Department, and then back to the park. Video of the march was streamed on Facebook. Fred Gattuso was one of the people participating in the march. The former Carteret mayoral candidate said he hopes the protest sends a message to the mayor. The residents are tired and fed up, Gattuso said. There were a lot more people that werent there from this town that are fed up with whats going on here. ... We need justice for Monte and all of the victims of Joe Reiman, and this needs to be the last. During the trial, Reimans attorney, Charles Sciarra, argued that the officer used the appropriate amount of force against Stewart. We are eternally grateful to this jury who came together and spent the most time of anybody reviewing the facts of this case, he said following the jurys decision. Gattuso added more marches are planned to take place in the borough, including at council meetings. For being put together on a short-term notice like this, it was a good turnout, Gattuso said. There are going to be more marches, and they are going to grow and have bigger turnouts. Reiman was acquitted on aggravated assault, official misconduct, and falsifying police report charges. The jury took seven hours to deliberate. Stewart filed a civil lawsuit filed against Reiman and Carteret. Stewarts lawsuit is one of four against the police officer for alleged excessive use of force. Alex Napoliello contributed to this report. 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. Three members of a New Jersey family driving in upstate New York were killed after an alleged drunk driver collided with the familys SUV over Memorial Day weekend, authorities said Sunday. An SUV with nine members of a New Jersey family, including four adults and five children, was traveling westbound on Route 20A in Sheldon, New York around 6:39 a.m. Sunday, Wyoming County Sheriff Greg Rudolph said. A driver of a pickup truck traveling southbound on Maxon Road went through a stop sign at the intersection and hit the SUV, police said. Two women in the SUV were ejected from the vehicle and were pronounced dead at the scene by the Wyoming County Coroner, authorities said. A four-year-old child who suffered head injuries was taken to the Wyoming County Community Hospital (WCCH) and died an hour later, officials said. Six other people in the SUV were injured, including a 14-year-old, a 10-year old, and two other four-year-old passengers. One adult was treated and released, while five of the injured passengers remain hospitalized. The family was headed to Niagara Falls for a holiday weekend vacation, authorities told the Daily News of Batavia. Officials did not say what part of New Jersey the family was from. The driver of the pickup truck, Richard Sawicki, 20, of Lackawanna, New York, was taken to the hospital, police said. After he was released, he was arrested and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated and reckless driving, authorities said. Sawicki was arraigned and is currently in the Wyoming County Jail after failing to post $100,000 cash bail or $200,000 bond, police said. His drivers license was also suspended, authorities said. The crash is still under investigation. Sawicki is scheduled to appear in court again on June 10. The identities of the victims are being withheld pending family notifications. 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. A 4-year-old girl, her mother and her grandmother were killed when an alleged drunk driver ran a stop sign and collided with their SUV as they headed to Niagara Falls for a family vacation, the girls father told NBC New York. Kiara Hernandez, 4, was the youngest of the three killed, her father Robinson Hernandez told NBC. Ondina Castro De La Cruz, 47, and Mayelin Brito-Castro, 32, both believed to be from Perth Amboy, were also killed, according to a news release from the Wyoming County Sheriffs Department in New York. Authorities were not yet certain of the relationship between the three people killed and have not released the identity of the 4-year-old girl, despite her fathers comments. The father, Robinson Hernandez, was not listed as being in the vehicle that carried nine people, according to authorities. The fatal crash on Sunday morning also left four other children injured, according to authorities, who said there were no child safety seats or booster seats in vehicle. The Wyoming County Sheriffs Office is still determining how all nine family members were positioned in the vehicle, but it is clear not everyone was wearing a seatbelt and no child seats were used, authorities said. Two adults, Reyes Rodriguez, 55, and Maria Brito-Castro, 26, were treated and released. Four children, ages 14, 10 and two 4-year-olds, remained at Oishei Childrens Hospital on Monday afternoon, police said. Their names and conditions were not released. The family was traveling west on Route 20A in Sheldon, New York, around 6:39 a.m. Sunday when the driver of a pickup truck traveling south on Maxon Road went through a stop sign at the intersection and T-boned the SUV, police said. De La Cruz and Brito-Castro were thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The 4-year-old was taken to Wyoming County Community Hospital for head injuries and died about an hour later, officials said. The family was headed to Niagara Falls for a holiday weekend vacation, authorities told the Daily News of Batavia. The driver of the pickup truck was identified as Richard Sawicki, 20, of Lackawanna, New York, police said. He was taken to the hospital and was later arrested by the Wyoming County Sheriffs Office on charges of aggravated vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated and reckless driving, authorities said. Sawicki was arraigned in the Town of Warsaw Court and remanded to the Wyoming County Jail in lieu of $100,000 cash bail or $200,000 bond and had his drivers license suspended, according to the sheriffs office. He is scheduled to return to court at 5 p.m. on June 10. He had not posted bail on Monday afternoon and remained in jail. Police said the crash was still under investigation and that additional charges were expected to be filed. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon 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. There is a flyer circulating among voters in Piscataway that uses the kind of coded anti-Muslim language that makes most of us uneasy. The bigger problem is that the person who funded the flyer powerful state Senator Bob Smith, the Middlesex Democrat doesnt see the necessity to repudiate it or apologize for it. The flyer was targeted to predominantly Indian-American households and translated into Gujarati, a growing diaspora throughout the county that is primarily of Hindu faith. Given the perpetual tensions and violence in India between Hindus and Muslims, the coded language seems suspicious. And given that Islam has become the religion most often targeted for demonization by people who occupy the White House and the global surge in anti-Muslim propaganda, language matters. The flyer is signed by three prominent Indian-American residents none of them Muslim promoting candidates who are running in the primary for County Committee next week under Smiths banner, the Middlesex County Democratic Organization. The language used against their opponents from the Central Jersey Progressive Democrats is unambiguous: Naming an outspoken and admired Muslim school board member, the MCDO called the opposing slate a radical group under the leadership of Atif Nazir that wants to take over our township government. We cannot let that happen. In two other places, Smiths candidates ask the reader to vote for the REAL DEMOCRATS on primary day. Its unclear how this is being received in the targeted homes, but it sounds like dog-whistle stuff. For starters, Nazir isnt running for anything, and it isnt his party. The CJPD was founded by a group led by Staci Berger, a candidate for county committee. Odd how they singled him out. Secondly, associating Islam with any form of radicalization is a tool commonly used by fear-mongering pea-wits. So we cant disagree with Jim Sues, the executive director of the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), who says, Its a shame to see the local Democratic party using the tactics of the far right: exploiting stereotype-based fears to divide and conquer. Theyve decided to exchange a short term political gain for a divided, distrusting community. This is one of the lowest things I have ever seen. Shame on @NJ17Senator Bob Smith. @JoeDanielsen17 are you ok with this? https://t.co/kfIPdx223t Staci Berger (@staciberger) May 20, 2019 Dr. Muhammad Ali Chaudry, the former mayor of Bernards Township and the president of the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge, was more blunt. Disgraceful, he called it. The use of the word radical is absolutely inappropriate. You can oppose their ideas, but to use such a term violates the spirit of the political process, where everyone has a right to present themselves for political office. More infuriating to Dr. Chaudry is that the Hindu-Muslim conflict that has roiled the worlds largest democracy is not really an issue here in New Jersey. If you come to any of the interfaith events we hold, you would know that. Bob Smith should know that. Smith concedes one point: The only thing that could have been (said) better is that Nazir is a member of a radical party, the Senator said. Because they are radical, theyre about 100 degrees to the left of Bernie Sanders. Asked for specific examples of the CJPDs radicalism, he replied, The one I remember, they are 100 percent for Bernie Sanders. Actually, if Smiths own party has learned anything since 2015, its that Sanders positions on income inequality, the corruption of politics by corporate money, student debt, minimum wage, Wall Street regulation, affordable health care, and climate change action once dismissed as idealistic are now mainstream. For some, however, its easier to communicate in political pejoratives, such as slapping the word radical on a household flyer. Its facile, and its beneath him. The Senator should apologize. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. By Joseph Formola For most people, Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, a three-day weekend when we shop for big sales, barbecue in our backyards or parks, and perhaps attend a local Memorial Day parade. We all look forward to these annual traditions, but they also obscure the real meaning of the weekend to honor and remember the brave military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. At a time when it seems our country is so seemingly divided, Memorial Day provides us with an opportunity to lay aside our differences and focus on this weekends real meaning: recognizing the men and women who paid any price to defend our Constitutional freedoms. I am reminded of these heroes not just on Memorial Day, but every single day, in my role as New Jerseys State Chaplain for the New Jersey State Council, Vietnam Veterans of America. I also am privileged to engage with New Jersey veterans and hear their important stories as a regular participant in the Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) of MetroWests Veterans Services discussion groups, which provide a confidential and supportive environment for local veterans to meet and dialogue. In fact, I was raised to believe that every day is a day to remember those who have ensured our freedoms. My father was an Army medic in the European Theater, and all of his brothers served during World War II. One of my uncles, on my mothers side, was lost during WWII. I was always taught that he, and the other members of his squad, were on a truck heading towards the front, but the truck never arrived. It wasnt until after the war that he was officially declared dead. I never knew my Uncle Mike, but my family always talked about him, and how he died fighting for our country. I was very proud that my father served in the Army, but just knowing a family member was being honored so much by the family for his sacrifice made me very proud. On my wifes side of the family, her father served with the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater, and her uncles served in the Army in both theaters. Growing up, it was a foregone conclusion that I would join the military. When I was a senior in high school, I sat down with my father and discussed my options. This was in the early months of 1964 and Viet Nam was just flaring-up in the news. I told my father that I wanted to go into the Navy and be a jet mechanic. I always liked the naval uniform, and I always liked planes, so this looked like the best of both worlds. My dad spoke to my mom about my decision, she wasnt happy, but reluctantly signed the necessary forms for a 17-year-old kid, and I enlisted in the U. S. Navy in April of 1964. Immediately after graduation, I was off to the Navy. Throughout my initial training, the Navy made it very clear that we recruits were standing on the shoulders of giants. From the first shots of the American Revolution to the new war in Viet Nam, we owed so much to the men and women who went before us and died protecting our country. Other than my Uncle Mike, no one really close to me died in any of Americas wars until I learned of the death of a schoolmate, Andrew Kiefhaber, who had been killed by a booby-trap (what is not called an IED) on Feb. 23, 1969. Andy was a year behind me in grammar school, and his family and mine were close friends. Andy was just shy of his 21st birthday when he was killed. We all mourned him deeply. When Andys body was shipped home for burial, his Dad asked if I would be one of the pallbearers. Of course, I said yes, but it wasnt until the actual internment the 21- gun salute, and the presentation of the flag to Andys mother that Andys loss hit me. Tears streamed down my face. As a Vietnam veteran, I joined the Vietnam Veterans of America and in 1995 was appointed as the State Chaplain. I am called on to officiate or participate at veterans viewings, memorial services, and at grave-side ceremonies. Like other veteran organizations, VVA has a ritual book that covers such events. As part of the ceremony, its the Chaplains duty to present our countrys flag to a family member. I cant tell you how many of these ceremonies Ive participated in, but presenting that flag, and reciting the on behalf of a grateful nation I find it very difficult to get through that part of the ceremony. I always choke up and find it difficult to continue. In our nations first century, from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War, we lost some 683,000 Americans, Since then, weve lost more than 651,000 people in battle, and another 1.2 million in service during war time. For me, Memorial Day will always provide a moment to show my gratitude that so many men and women have stepped forward and said that I will pay any price to keep this nation safe from all enemies. I think General George S. Patton said it best: It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived! Joseph Formola is an EMT, state chaplain for the New Jersey State Council, Vietnam Veterans of America and a regular participant with the Jewish Vocational Service of MetroWest (JVS) Veterans Services discussion groups. 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. NEW YORK -- It wasnt how Yankees fans envisioned it in the offseason, but Manny Machados first at-bat at Yankee Stadium since his blockbuster free agency ended was the second-best thing. The Padres shortstop struck out swinging against Yankees starter Chad Green in the first inning of Monday afternoons contest. The fans in attendance at Yankee Stadium cheered loudly following Machados strikeout, just as they booed him mercilessly as he walked to the plate and when his name was announced pregame. As he stood in the batters box for the first pitch of the at-bat, chants of overrated could be heard from the bleachers. Machado signed a 10-year, $300 million contract with the Padres in the offseason after flirting with the Yankees throughout the winter. Machado went to dinner with the teams brass, including club manager Aaron Boone, general manager Brian Cashman, team president Randy Levine and special assistant Carlos Beltran, during his free agency. He ultimately ended up on the opposite end of the country, where hes collected nine home runs and 26 RBIs in 52 appearances for the Padres this season. Hes Manny Machado, so San Diego got a terrific player, Cashman said in February. We stay engaged with whats available and gravitate to what we feel we can secure given the current available dollars in the market from our prospective as well as the mesh with our team mesh meaning the fit. The Yankees host the Padres in a three-game series through Wednesday. Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @briannnnf. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A 7th Ward shooting that left one man dead and a woman wounded late Sunday (May 26) marked New Orleans 12th and 13th victims of gunshots in just two days. The latest shooting was reported near the corner of St. Anthony and North Tonti streets, New Orleans police said. Police said the man was pronounced dead on the scene by EMS, and the woman was transported to a local hospital for treatment, also by EMS. Additional details about the 7th Ward shooting were not immediately available. After report of the 7th Ward shooting, New Orleans police reported a 14th person struck by gunfire for the two day span. Saturdays shootings in New Orleans included: A 50-year-old man fatally wounded in the 2400 block of A.P. Tureaud Avenue early Saturday. The man had been walking up the street when an unknown person shot him multiple times, police 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 And on Sunday, New Orleans shooting victims included: Three people who arrived at a local hospital with gunshot wounds after a shooting in Algiers. In Jefferson Parish, sheriffs deputies found a wounded male at 4520 S. Interstate 10 Service Road, the address of the Pair of Dice lounge early Saturday. He was pronounced dead there, deputies said. A man was also shot in the 400 block of North Laurel Street in Metairie around 11:45 p.m. Saturday, JPSO said. It is unknown if any of the shootings are related. Staff writers Drew Broach, Manuel Torres and Olivia Prentzel contributed to this story. New Orleans police said a man was killed in a shooting late Sunday (May 26) at North Claiborne and Esplanade avenues, marking the fourth deadly shooting in two days and the 15th person struck by gunfire across New Orleans in that time frame. Officers were called to the scene in the 1400 block of North Claiborne, at the edge of the 7th Ward and Treme, about 11:55 p.m., NOPD said in a news release. They found the man who had been shot, and EMS pronounced the man dead at the scene. No other information was immediately available. The Orleans Parish Coroners Office has not yet identified the four people killed in shootings since early Saturday. The North Claiborne and Esplanade fatal shooting happened less than two hours after and about a mile away from Sundays other fatal shooting. In Sundays earlier shooting, one man was killed and a woman was wounded on the other side of the 7th Ward, in the 2200 block of St. Anthony Street. Sample HTML block 1 dead, 1 wounded in 7th Ward late Sunday among 14 shot in New Orleans in 2 days Saturdays shootings in New Orleans included: 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 A 50-year-old man fatally wounded in the 2400 block of A.P. Tureaud Avenue early Saturday in the 7th Ward. The man had been walking up the street when an unknown person shot him multiple times, police said. And on Sunday, New Orleans shooting victims included: Three people who arrived at a local hospital with gunshot wounds after a shooting in Algiers. Columnist Chelsea Brasted contributed to this report. Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported that Sundays fatal shooting at North Claiborne and Esplanade avenues occurred at 11:55 a.m. The shooting occurred at 11:55 p.m. Unless forecasted conditions change, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to open the Morganza Spillway on Sunday (June 2), the agency said on Memorial Day. It would be only the third time the structure west of Baton Rouge has ever been opened. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said at a May 23 press conference that elevated water levels in Assumption, St. Martin and St. Mary parishes had already impacted transportation. A half-mile section of Louisiana 70 in St. Martin Parish was already underwater at the time, he said. The current flood fight is historic and unprecedented, said a corps statement issued Monday. Monday marks the 214th day of the current flood fight and is expected to surpass the 1973 record of 225 days for the longest flood fight. Its also the first time the Bonnet Carre Spillway has opened in back-to-back years and the first time its been opened twice in the same calendar year. The Mississippi River is expected to crest at 62 feet on June 6 at Red River Landing in Pointe Coupee Parish, only a foot and a half below that locations all-time high crest, according to Wednesdays forecast by the Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center, based in Slidell. Red River Landing is only about 16 miles above the Morganza Spillway. In Mondays statement, the corps New Orleans District Commander Michael Clancy said opening the spillway would prevent it from overtopping and minimize stress on levees. More than 5 inches of rain is expected over parts of Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri and Iowa over the next week, according to the National Weather Services Weather Prediction Center. Governor to call for federal emergency declaration ahead of potential opening of Morganza Spillway The Morganza Spillway was previously opened in 1973 and 2011. Though conditions could change, the corps expects opening the spillway to divert about 150,000 cubic feet of water per second into the floodway. Environmental news in your inbox Stay up-to-date on the latest on Louisiana's coast and the environment. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Building on lessons learned during the 2011 historic Mississippi River flood, the corps "will implement a gradual opening of the floodway to minimize impacts to wildlife, particularly the black bear population, and allow Federal and state resource agencies to coordinate and implement rescue efforts for various species, the statement says. The gradual opening allows the corps to limit elevations by adding a foot of water per day for the first three days, according to the agency. Other work included in the corps 24/7 flood flight includes daily levee inspections with local levee districts as well as coordinating with other federal state and local agencies, and first responders to ensure safe passage of this high water event. This years flood fight is historic and unprecedented. Today marks the 214 day of the effort. This years event is expected to surpass the 1973 event (225 days) as the longest flood fight. In addition to a historic back-to-back opening in 2018 and 2019, this is the first time the Bonnet Carre Spillway has operated twice during the same calendar year. As of Monday morning, 168 of the Bonnet Carre Spillways 350 bays were open, diverting about 157,000 cubic feet of water per second, according to corps spokesman Ricky Boyett. The corps said any residents landowners and business who may be impacted by the spillway opening should heed directions from local officials and take all necessary precautions. Gov. Edwards said Thursday that his office would ask for a federal emergency declaration to help with the cost of employing dams along Highway 70 as well as sandbagging and employing pumps in the affected area, which includes up to 25,000 acres of farmland. Edwards encouraged residents to check 511LA.org for updates and real-time information on road closures. NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune reporter Maria Clark contributed to this report. Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly reported the Morganza Spillway would open Saturday, June 2, 2019. June 2 is a Sunday. Editor's Note: This story first ran in print on May 26, 2019, as part of our annual Faces of the Community series, which highlights the unsung heroes of southwest Iowa. Check out the rest of the Faces of Education section by clicking on our e-edition here. Lewis Central High School senior Paige Ruzicka has loved art since she was young and looks forward to continuing her career at Iowa State University. Shes really stood out in some of our art programs with her work in competitions, said Principal Lewis Central High School, Joel Beyenhof. She has been an outstanding artist. Ruzicka has won several awards and had her art showcased in a couple of galleries and several shows. At first, Ruzicka said she used art to grow and find herself throughout high school. Art teacher Kari Lewis suggested Ruzicka enter her works into competitions. (Lewis) asked me to be in a couple of art shows and submitted my work, she said. Some of them were just showing your work, and it was fun to show my art to the public. Ruzicka said seeing how much people enjoyed her work helped motivate her, and since then she has tried to get her art into as many shows as she could. One competition that stood out to Ruzicka was the Buena Vista competition. She had entered work into the competition before, and had gotten two pieces accepted before. This year, she had all three of her entries accepted into the competition, which saw more than 300 students competing. Ruzicka received third place. Paige is a determined and innovative up-and-coming artist, Lewis said. Lewis also described Ruzicka as a kind and pleasant student who is a good role model for younger students. Ruzicka said her parents are extremely supportive of her as an artist. Sometimes when people look at art, they think youre going to be a starving artist, and its nice to have my parents support me the whole way through, Ruzicka said. Its like they know Im going to succeed and are backing my dream the entire time. Her family buys her art supplies and puts her paintings up around the house. Whenever I come home with a piece my mom always hangs them up on the wall, she said. Its kind of cool to come home and see our house covered in my own art and know my family likes it and supports it. Throughout high school, Ruzicka drew and painted. However, this past semester she was accepted into the Joslyns Kent Bellows Mentoring Program through the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha. She said that Joslyns Kent Bellows is a one-on-one mentoring program, and that allowed her to try different art mediums like clay and screen-printing. The professional artists show their work and how they make their art, pushing high school students to get out of their comfort zones with their medium and art style. Ruzicka will continue the program through summer. The cool thing is you get to work with a professional artist, they have mentors there so I get paired up with a professional artist and they show some of their work and share their ideas, she said. By Washington Examiner, May 25, 2019 A federal judge who partially blocked President Trumps plans to build a border wall along the United States-Mexico border previously donated almost $30,000 to former President Obama, other Democrats, and a political action committee. U.S. District Court Judge Haywood Gilliam, an Obama appointee confirmed in 2014, donated $6,900 to Barack Obamas debut campaign for president and $14,500 to his reelection campaign, according to federal election records. The same records also indicate he contributed $4,500 to the Democratic National Committee in 2012 and, between 2012 and 2015, sent $3,100 to the Covington Burling LLP PAC, which supports candidates from both parties. His contributions totaled $29,000. The American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 2 of Council Bluffs collected 305 purses for its Fill the Purse campaign that benefits veterans and shelters. I think everybody loves purses because they always fit and everyone has extras, said Danette Hein-Snider, who brought the project to the Auxiliary. Hein-Snider said a relative in her family has volunteered to serve in every military conflict since the Revolutionary War and that she is part of a Gold Star Family as an immediate member of a fallen service member who died while serving in a time of conflict. Hein-Snider said donating filled purses is a good way for community members to aid veterans. The group collected personal care items, hygiene necessities and monetary donations that will be donated to Micah House, Phoenix House, New Visions Homeless Services (Mohms Place) and Veterans Affairs. Anything I can do for the military, Im going to do it, Hein-Snider said. The project was promoted by word of mouth, the Legions monthly newsletter and food nights that were open the community. There has been a big out pour from the community, said Ann Goldapp, a member of the Auxiliary. This year, the American Legion is celebrating its 100th year in supporting veterans and the community with more community involvement ahead. Some projects include: A partnership with Victory Apartments in Omaha, visiting veterans at the Omaha Veterans Administration Hospital, donations for special projects and scholarships to area high schools. The Auxiliary is always looking for new members, said Maren Palmer, president. In addition to community service projects, the American Legion Family of Rainbow Post No. 2 is celebrating the 100th year of the American Legion on Oct. 12, but the planning is still in progress, said Palmer. Big Oil wants to put a box in your hall closet that works like a human brain, can cut the lights, stop the refrigerator and will know how you move about in the privacy of your home better than you do. Sounds worrying? Its one of the ideas the worlds largest oil companies are experimenting with to survive in a low-carbon world. Companies like Lightsource BP, in which British oil major BP holds a stake, are trialing smart systems in peoples homes that will that will do everything from generating solar power, storing it and managing consumption. Much like Spotify Technology gives users instant access to thousands of cool playlists without having to spend years building up their own collection, Lightsource BP wants to make sophisticated renewable power systems available to average people. They are figuring out how to go big on electricity as demand surges with rising prosperity around the world while investors and activists put them under immense pressure to adopt green policies. However, concerns over climate mean the power industry of the future will be nothing like the past as focus shifts to efficiency and carbon-free electricity. Todd Hill, an electrical engineer from Melbourne, lives in a four-bedroom house in a hilly town south of London with his wife and two daughters, represents what Lightsource BP thinks is possible. After he moved into a new home in 2013, he installed 23 photo-voltaic panels on the roof capable of generating 5.3 kilowatts of power, about enough for his family of four. Lightsource BP added a battery to store the electricity the panels generate, an inverter which can be programmed to dispatch the stored electrons when needed, and a diverter to send surplus power to heat the water in his tank. Hill controls this kit, which he estimates cost about $13,000, with an app that gives real time information. So he could be camel-riding in Mongolia and the technology will still know the best time to generate power in his England home and charge the battery. At night, when the solar panels are effectively useless, the battery can juice-up his electric car. The main aim is to use everything we generate within the home, Hill, wearing a dark green shirt with a windmill on it, said over a cup of tea in his kitchen. So anything that goes from the PV to the grid is a wasted opportunity that we can save money on. For anyone with less interest in tinkering with their day-to-day power use, Lightsource BP is offering to take control. The company specializes in efficiently generating Hills own electricity so he doesnt produce any surplus which can only be sold to the grid at discounted prices. And ensures he doesnt end up buying more expensive fossil fuel-generated power. When the customer moves around the house, the artificial intelligence box learns patterns, like when a person works from home, or is on vacation, with the purpose of closely matching electricity generation with in-house consumption. It can do things like predict the next days weather, detect individual appliances, collect data on how often and at what times they are used, and help produce a greater share of the power at home. Hill is one of 200 people who tested a smart energy-management system for Electricity de France local unit and Lightsource BP, in whose lab he also works. Most utilities potentially have a problem on their hands as more people generate their own electricity. In the U.K. about 27% of power is now produced outside of the big and hulking power stations of the past, according to National Grid data. That could jump to as high as 46% by 2030. A spokesman for EDFs unit EDF Energy said it aims to provide a range of energy services, to customers to keep them on board. Its trial with Lightsource BP ended in 2018 but its running other experiments, such as offering discounted batteries to homeowners with solar panels. Once you get the customer on your side, its like an Apple ecosystem; those companies will make it really hard to switch providers, said Elchin Mammadov, a utilities analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. Its trying to make this offering more sticky and then you can up-sell other services. A profitable business for the companies could be managing the power grid itself. A network of homes and businesses with solar panels and batteries could potentially replace some of the giant power stations in the futures. Companies with access to these homes could help balance supply and demand for a fee. Theres going to be more and more electricity demand, said Kareen Boutonnat, Lightsource BPs chief operating officer. You can manage that by effectively putting in a lot more generation and having generation on reserve and spending billions on having to upgrade the grid, or you can do that by having this type of smart system. More of the biggest oil companies are considering these smart power systems. Royal Dutch Shell, which bought a big U.K. utility in 2017 and wants to be the worlds biggest electricity supplier, will also offer a range of smart home energy devices. It expects its power unit to eventually generate returns of as much as 10%, close to what it gets from producing and selling oil. French major Total has also acquired a large company, Direct Energie, and is examining different business models. They also have tough competition from existing utilities and Silicon Valley tech companies, who are also trying to find the futures winning power formula. Mammadov said these experimental businesses will probably be loss-making for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, at Hills home, they are looking forward to summer. Thats when he generates so much extra power that his family can take hot showers without having to turn the boiler on. Those scary swarms of tornadoes that have swept across the nations midsection over the last 10 days are a manifestation of one of the most discernible changes in tornadic weather in recent decades. Thats according to one of the nations foremost experts on tornadoes, Harold Brooks, a senior research scientist with the National Severe Storms Laboratory, which is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Nearly every day since May 17 when a line of tornadoes touched down in southwest Nebraska some part of the Great Plains and Midwest has been under threat of tornadoes. At least six people have died, one in Iowa, three in Missouri and two in Oklahoma. During that period, 238 tornadoes had been reported to the National Weather Service. (Tornado reports are just that sightings or damage and must be verified to weed out duplicates and false reports. From a starting point of 278 reports between May 17 and Sunday afternoon, the whittled down number stood at 238.) More than three-fourths were concentrated in just five days. Brooks said its likely, once all the numbers have been vetted, that three or four of those days experienced swarms 25 or more tornadoes in an outbreak. Thats as many as typically happens in a year, nowadays. Back in the 1970s, there might be one day a year with 25 or more tornadoes. In recent years, thats jumped to four days in a year, a really large change, Brooks said. In the last 15 years, there havent been fewer than two days a year with tornado swarms, he said. Other changes occurring with tornadoes are a drop in the number of days when they occur, big swings year-to-year in numbers, and a slight eastward shift in occurrence. We have fewer days with tornadoes, but more big days, Brooks said. In the 1970s, there were about 150 days per year in which an EF-1 or stronger tornado occurred. Now thats down to less than 100 days. An EF-1 tornado has wind speeds of 86 mph to 110 mph. At those wind speeds, a tornado can strip off roofs, overturn or significantly damage a mobile home and otherwise damage homes. Another change is large swings, from year-to-year, in numbers of tornadoes. Sometimes there are tornado drought years, and then others see significant numbers. Additionally, theres been a statistically noticeable shift eastward in tornadoes from the traditional tornado alley into the Midwest and deep south. But the shift isnt significant enough to lower the danger to Plains residents, Brooks cautioned. What hasnt changed, though, is the overall number of damaging tornadoes on an annualized basis, he said. Connecting these changes in tornadoes to global warming or finding some other explanation is difficult, Brooks said. And while scientists are unable to draw a direct line between the increased variability in tornadoes and global warming, thats what climate models say will happen in a warming world. While the science on tornadoes remains unsettled, theres a clear trend with severe weather, Brooks said. People can expect more damaging wind storms and probably more hail storms as the planet warms. A crucial factor in tornado formation is something called wind shear, which refers to changes in wind speed and direction, from the ground up into the atmosphere. Researchers believe that changes in wind shear are the driving factor in changes in tornadic weather. Something that has been somewhat unusual this month has been the day-after-day worry about storms and tornadoes. Such a prolonged stretch of storms severe weather lasting a week or two over a broad area typically only occurs about once or twice a decade, Brooks said. The Council Bluffs-Omaha metro area is at risk of severe weather through Tuesday night, and maybe again Wednesday afternoon. But by Thursday, there should be a least a brief break from stormy weather. Redmi has announced that its first notebook, most likely to be a 14-inch thin & light model, will be released tomorrow (May 28, 2019). This event will also see the launch of the K20 series of smartphones. The larger device is thought to offer an IPS FHD display with up to 8GB of RAM. 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 Xiaomi has released numerous laptops in the past; however, its sub-brand Redmi never has. The company has solidified rumors that this is going to change soon. It has announced that we will see its first ever notebook on May 28, 2019. Fans of its phones may also recognize this date as the launch of the new flagship series, the K20s. Therefore, it seems that these phones (which are now thought to be 2 in number, 1 of which will have a Snapdragon 855 SoC) and the notebook will launch together. The PC in question is to be named the RedmiBook 14, which lends itself as a clue as to what its screen length will be. The latest indications around this device include theories that it will come in only one color SKU: silver. Hints from Chinese social media also suggest an Intel Core processor for the RedmiBook 14 - however, nothing else is known about its CPU as yet. However, it is now believed that the notebook could come with between 4 and 8GB of RAM, and have an NVIDIA GeForce MX250 GPU at the highest end. However, we will know all these specs for sure tomorrow. Developers UpperCross Development Group and Beucler Properties are using the federal governments new Opportunity Zone program to invest in reviving a historic 149-year-old building in Michigan City. The developers plan to rehabilitate and repurpose the former brewery bottling building at 113 York St. in the historic Zorn Brew Works complex in the city's first Opportunity Zone project. The 12,000-square-foot facility was built in 1870 in Michigan Citys historic Elston Grove District and has been vacant for many years. With the progress of the South Shore Line double tracking and the National Park designation for the Indiana Dunes, the low cost of living and doing business, its only a matter of time that Michigan City is once again recognized for these outstanding qualities as a very viable choice in which to live, work and play, UpperCross Development Principal Robert Harte said. UpperCross Development Group and Beucler Properties plan to add three residential units on the second floor and commercial space on the first floor after renovating both the interior and exterior. VALPARAISO Police are searching for two men and one woman following an alleged armed robbery at a hotel in Valparaiso Sunday. Police responded about 9 p.m. Sunday to the Super 8 hotel at 3005 John Howell Drive in Valparaiso following reports of an armed robbery. The robbery happened in a rented room in the hotel, police said. According to police, the victims said two men and one woman entered the hotel room after knocking and displayed a handgun. The suspects then allegedly began to collect an estimated $680 worth of property belonging to the victims and the hotel before leaving minutes later. An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Melanie Sheets at 219-462-2135. People can also text TIP411 at 847-411 and should type Valpo in the message field before sending the text message. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 3 Sad 1 Angry 2 CROWN POINT An attorney for a Gary man accused of beating his roommate to death requested a third mental evaluation for him because two previous doctors reached conflicting decisions. Craig Withrow, 29, laughed and smiled as he sat in the courtroom, waiting for his hearing Friday. Withrow was charged with murder in January after his roommate David Carte was beaten to death Jan. 26 inside their apartment at an assisted living facility in the 4900 block of Melton Road in Gary's Miller section. Withrow's attorney, Jamise Perkins, told Lake Criminal Court Judge Diane Boswell during a previous hearing that Withrow has been pursuing mental health treatment since age 18. Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Judith Massa said she did not object to another evaluation. Boswell ordered the third evaluation to be completed before Withrow's next court date July 12. Withrow, who had no shirt on and was covered in blood when police arrived at his apartment building, told a detective he argued with Carte and became angry when Carte called him a profane name, court records say. PORTAGE A local Applebee's Grill + Bar restaurant has sparked controversy by covering a portion of an inside mural that contains the image of former Mayor James Snyder, who is awaiting sentencing following his federal public corruption conviction. An American flag and a POW/MIA flag were moved to cover the image of not just Snyder, but also current Police Chief Troy Williams and current and retired members of the police department. The restaurant posted a printed explanation next to the flags that says in part, "There is a lot of controversy with this mural still being on this wall." The restaurant explains that Snyder is no longer mayor and some customers do not wish to see his picture on the wall. Other customers are angry because images of police officers were covered along with Snyder. "We have not intended to show disrespect to our law enforcement officers," the sign reads. "Until we can remove the mural, we will not promote Mr. Snyder in the mural." A manager at the restaurant late Sunday morning declined comment and referred all questions to the corporate office. The contact person was not immediately available for comment. MERRILLVILLE Ursula Brboric said it was important to her to attend Sunday's Memorial Day program in the veterans section of Calumet Park Cemetery with her three children and mother. The Crown Point resident said her father, Vietnam veteran Joseph Setlak, is buried just a short distance away from the program site. "I just try to remember what my dad went through in the military and Vietnam," she said. But the speeches, music and the 21-gun aerial salute were even more personal for Brboric because she had spent 21 years serving in the Air Force reserve and guard. It was people like Brboric that U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Indiana, had in mind when he told the group Sunday the number of females in the military has jumped from 1.6% in 1973 to 16.3% today. Yet the number of sexual assaults in the military was up 38% from 2016 to 2018, he said. "That is not treating another human being correctly," Visclosky said. Wilschke said the students were able to translate the Thank a Journalist news release in multiple languages to send out to various countries. Nearly 500 people from around the world participated and 606 people Tweeted using the #thankajournalist hashtag and the Tweets reached all 50 states and a few countries outside of the U.S., she said. The hashtag was trending in Indianapolis and notable people also took part in the social media wave, such as Chopped host Ted Allen, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Society of Professional Journalists. "Personally, it was so great to see fellow community members, friends and family members participating in the campaign and then seeing their followers and friends spread the gratitude throughout the nation," Wilschke said. "My fellow group members and I could not believe it took off like it did, especially with just having created the idea ultimately in January." Wilschke, who majored in public relations, graduated in May and is set to begin a job at Salesforce in Indianapolis as a communications analyst. What does holding onto grudges really get us, aside from amusing anecdotes at parties? And what could we gain from giving them up? As it turns out, quite a lot: A 2006 study suggested that skills-based forgiveness training may prove effective in reducing anger as a coping style, reducing perceived stress and physical health symptoms, and thereby may help reduce the stress we put on our immune and cardiovascular systems. So, you know, maybe its worth it. Read more It can be tough to get the whole family together for a meal. Work, school, sports practices and other obligations all seem to get in the way. But studies show that families who dine at home together are happier and healthier. Read more [Like what youre reading? Sign up here for the Smarter Living newsletter to get stories like this (and much more!) delivered straight to your inbox every Monday morning.] Fix your finances This series on personal finance is a great starting place if youve been meaning to get your money life in order. Wherever you fall on the spectrum of financial literacy, we have something for you: Yeah, yeah, youll get to it sometime its the little fib we all tell ourselves to get out of doing the things on our to-do list that are hanging over our heads. But today is a great day just to get it done! Send that email, finish up that task at home, send that holiday thank-you note you still havent gotten around to. Whatever it is, just do it. Youll feel so much better, I promise. Read more Not much more to say here! Give yourself permission to plant in front of the TV today, recharge your batteries and get a good nights sleep. It might even make you more productive at work this week. Read more Britains new populist Brexit Party was on course to win the countrys European Parliament elections, according to early results released on Sunday, further roiling the already turbulent politics of a country polarized over its failed effort to leave the European Union. Led by Nigel Farage, the Brexit Partys strong performance humiliated the governing Conservatives, whose leader, Prime Minister Theresa May, on Friday announced her resignation after almost three troubled years in power. The 28 member countries of the European Union voted from Thursday to Sunday for the European Parliament, the blocs only directly elected institution, which has extensive powers over legislation. The individual country votes often serve as a gauge on important domestic issues. [See the results of the European Union elections.] The results in Britain were a striking success for a party that has existed for only a few weeks, and for Mr. Farage, the campaigner for British withdrawal from the European Union. He is one of the countrys most divisive politicians but also one of its most effective communicators. But Sundays election did not result in a repeat of the near-record 76 percent turnout for the national election on April 28, when concerns about the emergence of Vox also helped mobilize left-wing voters. In fact, far-left incumbent mayors lost tight elections in Spains two largest cities, Madrid and Barcelona. In Madrid, the capital, Manuela Carmena, a 75-year-old former Communist and retired judge, said she would resign after winning the most votes on Sunday, but not enough to prevent a right-leaning coalition from ousting her from city hall. In Barcelona, the regional capital of Catalonia, another far-left mayor, Ada Colau, was narrowly defeated by a separatist politician, Ernest Maragall, representing the Esquerra Republicana party. The election was seen as a bellwether for the Catalan secessionist movement, almost two years after its botched attempt to declare independence. Manuel Valls, a former prime minister of France who was born in Barcelona, came in a distant fourth. The Socialists secured 20 of the 54 seats granted to Spanish lawmakers within the European Parliament, according to preliminary results, up from the 14 seats that the Socialists had previously held. Its tempting to make generalizations about European politics and talk about the rise of the populists and the eurosceptics and how voters use the European elections to punish their governments, said Aleksandra Sojka, a Polish fellow in political sociology at the Carlos III University in Madrid. But there are clearly exceptions and one of them is Spain.. Still, the European Parliament election has also put Spains territorial conflict in Catalonia into the spotlight, and Sundays vote is likely to be followed by a legal dispute over whether indicted Catalan separatists can seek European parliamentary immunity after winning a seat in the European assembly. [What Nigel Farages big win means for Brexit.] A former leader of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, was elected on Sunday to the European Parliament, as was his former deputy in the Catalan government, Oriol Junqueras. Mr. Puigdemont has been living in Brussels to avoid prosecution in Spain, while Mr. Junqueras is among the jailed politicians who are now on trial before the Spanish Supreme Court. Spanish prosecutors want to sentence Mr. Junqueras to 25 years in prison on charges of rebellion and other crimes for helping lead Catalonias failed attempt to secede in 2017 after staging an unconstitutional referendum. Sundays election puts into question the survival of Pablo Iglesias as leader of the far-left Unidas Podemos party. Having transformed Podemos into Spains third-largest party in 2015, Mr. Iglesias has more recently presided over the fracturing of his party as well as election setbacks. The young man, maybe in his early 30s, pretended not to stare at the striking woman who had just stepped into the elevator. She beckoned, teasingly, when he exited Were coming with you making him blush like a schoolboy. Big fan, he managed before darting off, a star-struck grin on his face. At 86, Chita Rivera has yet to endure that career phase Stephen Sondheim identified in Im Still Here as, Sorry, I thought you were whoozis/Whatever happened to her? Heading into an office above the cabaret venue Feinsteins/54 Below, where shell begin a string of performances on Monday, the musical theater veteran walked with a classical dancers line, still suggesting the grace and fire that secured her breakout role as Anita in the original production of West Side Story, one of numerous plum parts she has introduced over more than six decades. The most recent the embittered romantic Claire Zachanassian in The Visit, crafted by her frequent collaborators John Kander, Fred Ebb and Terrence McNally earned Rivera a 10th Tony nomination in 2015. Rivera will nod to this history, as she has done in previous cabaret and concert performances, at Feinsteins. Its not brand-new, because my lifes not brand-new, she said of the show. When youre lucky enough to have been around when the Fred Ebbs and the John Kanders and the Jerome Robbinses and the Leonard Bernsteins and the Jule Stynes were expressing themselves, and you were in their company, in their stories then you have something to say. I dont give myself a lot of credit. Ten days before opening, Rivera was still finalizing the set, weighing whether she should reference, in her typically generous between-song patter, a recent bout with bronchitis. A couple of months ago, I was talking like this, she said, lowering her already dusky sub-alto to a basso rasp. Shes including at least two numbers from The Visit, though that musical based on a play by Friedrich Durrenmatt, about a woman seeking vengeance on a man who betrayed her decades ago didnt enjoy the level of success that greeted her other Kander and Ebb credits, notably Chicago and Kiss of the Spider Woman. You cant miss the peak of Beto ORourkes 2018 Texas Senate campaign in HBOs Running with Beto. Maybe youve already seen it, on your phone or in a Facebook post: Mr. ORourke responding passionately to a question about N.F.L. players taking a knee to protest racism and police brutality. When the former congressman begins his answer, our vantage point is in the room with him. But then the films perspective pulls back to the frame where it mattered most the screens of social media apps, where the video racked up views and praise, visualized here in Likes and adulatory tweets that flutter onto the screen like a hosanna of rose petals, leading in turn to a slew of TV bookings. That election was barely half a year ago, but the elegiac, fly-on-the-wall film, airing Tuesday, already feels like a document of another era. Since his much-covered near miss in November, Mr. ORourke has joined the teeming race for the White House, his story line being rewritten from Great Resistance Hope to vision-questing presidential Pippin, climbing on countertops to search for his corner of the sky. But Running with Beto a special about a social-media-driven campaign, co-produced by the Dem-friendly polititainment empire Crooked Media is also an example of the very of-the-moment challenge of running for office in the Trump era. To pitch yourself as a president, you must first prove yourself as a show. [What you need to know to start the day: Get New York Today in your inbox.] SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. For the legion of rich and famous in New York, the unofficial start of summer means migrating east by luxury vehicle to the Hamptons, that slice of exclusivity at the end of Long Island. But this Memorial Day weekend they were greeted with a jarring new sight along an otherwise piney, bucolic stretch of Sunrise Highway, the main artery leading to the Hamptons: two six-story illuminated billboards being hastily constructed by a local Native American tribe just in time for the high season. Tall enough to rise above much of the tree line of this state roadway, the twin billboards with bright electronic display panels operating around the clock are about as far from the standards of the Hamptons as could be imagined. Ocean Vuong is a young Vietnamese-American writer born in Saigon, he was raised in Hartford, Conn. who made his debut in 2016 with Night Sky With Exit Wounds, a strong and much-praised book of poems. Vuong returns now with his second book and first novel, On Earth Were Briefly Gorgeous. (Its the kind of title about which Dorothy Parker might have commented, Speak for yourself.) Like his first book, this one is semi-autobiographical and speaks solemnly to his experiences as an immigrant and a gay man. The narrator of On Earth Were Briefly Gorgeous is known to nearly everyone as Little Dog. Hes a writer in his late 20s, but this story is told largely in retrospect. We learn about his troubled family and youth, and about some occasional ecstasies, sexual and otherwise. Little Dogs abusive father is absent. His mother works at a nail salon, smokes Marlboro Reds and has PTSD from the napalm and mortars that fell in Vietnam when she was a child. Her English is poor. She hits Little Dog too often, once smiting him with a box of Legos. This novel takes the form of a letter to her. Populists and euroskeptics increased their seats in Parliament to 25 percent, up from 20 percent five years ago, and are likely to press harder on issues like immigration and the European Unions budget. But the populist parties might find it hard to forge alliances. Takeaways: In Italy, Matteo Salvinis anti-immigrant, populist League came in first, with more than 34 percent of the vote. In France, the results suggested a difficult time ahead for President Emmanuel Macron. In Germany, the Social Democratic Party did badly, which may prompt the party to leave the existing coalition. And in Britain, estimates indicated that the Brexit Party, led by Nigel Farage, was on course to take 31 percent of the vote. Here are more takeaways. Meanwhile: Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of Austria and his caretaker government were ousted from power in the wake of a secretly filmed video that showed a party leader promising government contracts to a woman claiming to be a wealthy Russian in exchange for financial support. New elections planned for September may now be moved forward. LONDON For years Dover College, on the southeast coast of England, has attracted a steady flow of summer students from across the channel, with parents willing to pay for their children to learn English in a boarding school environment. Brexit, it seems, has changed that. Enrollment has wilted , and the h eadmaster, Gareth Doodes, has adjusted his future budget in anticipation of a new reality. Ive changed my business model, said Mr. Doodes, whose school has about 300 day school pupils and boarders within its medieval walls. We now have more pupils who come to us from non-E.U. countries than before so I dont find myself in a financial deficit. The unending and inelegant debate on how Britain will leave the European Union may rumble on through October, the latest Brexit deadline . But more than 2,000 private schools in Britain and thousands of overseas campuses are tied up in their own debates about how best to prepare for a changed population. The French government signaled that it would back Fiats plan as long as jobs and industrial sites in France would not be compromised. But the powerful C.G.T. labor union at Renault attacked the proposal on Monday, saying it gave Fiat the power to favor operations in Italy over France, because the French government would no longer have a representative on the new board. At least 22,000 jobs have been shed at Renault in France since 2005, the C.G.T. added. Nothing would prevent the Italian shareholder from favoring its national base, the union said in a statement, noting that it learned about the talks only through the news media. The C.G.T. considers that there is nothing good to expect from a Renault-F.C.A. merger. Matteo Salvini, Italys deputy prime minister and leader of the countrys League party, greeted the merger proposal. Fiat Chrysler expanding is good news for Italy, he said. I count on it being a brilliant operation that preserves every single job while creating a European car industry giant. Fiat Chrysler and Renault each have things to offer to partly address each others weaknesses. Renault and Nissan were among the first car companies to build electric vehicles for mass production, whereas Fiat is seen as a laggard. Together, the companies sold 8.7 million vehicles last year, ahead of G.M., which sold 8.4 million. Fiat Chrysler also offers Renault access to the United States market, where the French have no presence. Their model lineups complement each other fairly well, with Fiat Chrysler strong in sport utility vehicles like the Jeep Cherokee as well as the Ram pickup truck line. Renault has a broader palette of passenger cars like the compact Megane or subcompact Clio. Putting F.C.A. and Renault together could make sense, said Ferdinand Dudenhoffer, a professor at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany who is a prominent commentator on the car industry. But neither company is strong in China, which has become the worlds largest car market. And neither is particularly strong in the high end of the car market, the most profitable segment. Fiats Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands are well regarded but are minor players in a market dominated by Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi. Flying has increasingly become a world of the haves and have-nots, starting with purchasing a ticket and continuing as passengers are sorted by status to board. Once on the plane, passengers can see where they fit in the hierarchy, with the seats getting smaller and thinner and legroom tighter with each passing row. Then, theres the scramble to secure space in the overhead bins. By the time you walk down the jet bridge, you are a bundle of nerves, said Henry Harteveldt, founder of Atmosphere Research Group, a travel analysis firm in San Francisco. Now, some researchers are arguing that the stresses of flying and they say income inequality is among them contribute to an increase in unruly behavior on planes. Now, Juul must answer some tough safety questions to win F.D.A. approval. The company must prove its products are what is called a net public health good that the benefits as an alternative to combustible cigarettes for adult smokers outweigh the risks of nicotine addiction, especially among minors. That requires hard scientific evidence. Juul now has more than a 70 percent share of the e-cigarette market and employs about 2,200 people around the world, according to Ms. Andrews. She says 65 to 70 are researchers, including doctors, and others with Ph.D.s, M.B.A.s and other degrees. The company recently started a science website promoting its new research grants. But so far, Juul has reported funding studies only by the Centre for Substance Use Research, based in Scotland, and collaborating with a few independent laboratories. The Glasgow organization, which has done most of Juuls outside research, is well known to tobacco control advocates, who have long criticized its studies for playing down the danger of youth addiction to e-cigarettes. On its website, the organization notes that for the past three years it has accepted money from Juul, Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco and e-cigarette makers like NJoy. Some critics contend that Juuls funding has contributed to the unusual findings from a study it published in the May 1 issue of the American Journal of Health Behavior. Theyve never found anything that was contrary to the interest of the sponsoring tobacco company, said Dr. Jackler, of Stanford, who studies the tobacco industry. Many of their findings were at variance with a sizable volume of well-done scientific investigations at independent, reputable centers. The Glasgow centers recent behavioral study of youth vaping prevalence and perceptions found that only about 4 percent of youths ages 15 to 17 reported vaping with Juul within the past 30 days; and less than 1 percent of younger children, ages 13 to 14, reported having done so. Only 45 percent of the older teenagers had heard of Juul before the survey. Dumiso Dabengwa, a Moscow-trained intelligence supremo and insurgent leader in Zimbabwes liberation war, whose fortunes tracked Cold War rivalries and the political and ethnic score-settling that followed independence from Britain, died on Thursday in Kenya. He was 79. His family reported his death and said it occurred as he was on his way back to Zimbabwe from India, where he had been treated for an unspecified liver ailment. Such was Mr. Dabengwas feared reputation among the white minority of Zimbabwe, the former Rhodesia, that he earned the sobriquet the Black Russian, because of his close ties to the Soviet Union, where he underwent training by the K.G.B. in the 1960s. Yet, when the seven-year bush war ended shortly before independence in 1980, he played a persuasive role in trying to unite the rival guerrilla armies that had fought white minority rule: his own Zimbabwe Peoples Revolutionary Army, or Zipra, which was loyal to Joshua Nkomo, and the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army, or Zanla, which fought in the name of Robert Mugabe. Mr. Mugabe would go on to rule Zimbabwe, ever more autocratically, for more than three decades, until he was deposed in a military coup in 2017. But some historians and commentators were disdainful. The columnist George Will attacked Dutch as dishonorable, and the historian Alan Brinkley called it bizarre, adding, This is a very particular genre, biography, and it has a long tradition and a very narrow and restricted set of conventions. One of his toughest critics, Michiko Kakutani of The Times, called the book a loony hodgepodge of fact and fiction about a president that mimicked the very blurring of reality and state-managed illusion that that president was often accused of perpetrating. For his part Mr. Morris readily agreed with those who said he did not deserve to be called a historian. In an interview on C-Span several years ago, he said historians were a different breed of cat and that, unlike them, he was not particularly interested in politics and government. Rather, he said, he was interested in character, narrative, the strangeness of reality. His critics complained that Mr. Morris had been given an unparalleled opportunity, having been granted full access to Reagan, and that he had squandered it with a technique that was not just unorthodox but, for a true historian, also unforgivable. Image Mr. Morriss award-winning first book on Theodore Roosevelt caught the attention of the Reagan White House, which sought him out to write Reagans biography, free of any editorial control by the administration. In researching the book Mr. Morris had been allowed to sit in on White House staff meetings, review presidential papers, talk to the presidents wife, Nancy Reagan, and their children. And he had been promised that there would be no attempts at editorial control, even though the book was an authorized biography. The project had its beginnings at a Washington dinner in the early 1980s given by Senator Mark O. Hatfield, Republican of Oregon, in his Georgetown home. The honored guests were President and Nancy Reagan. Others in attendance included Mr. Morris and at least three historians. With Mr. Bernstein as founding chairman, Human Rights Watch and its constituent groups established a global presence, exposing genocide, torture and war crimes in Africa and Central America, and political corruption, criminal justice violations, racial and gender discrimination, and other abuses in many lands. He retired in 1998 after 20 years at the helm. But in a 2009 Op-Ed article in The New York Times, Mr. Bernstein accused Human Rights Watch of anti-Israeli bias, saying it condemned far more human rights abuses in Israel than in other Middle Eastern countries ruled by authoritarian regimes with appalling human rights records. Human Rights Watch rejected the criticisms as inaccurate and said it stood behind its work. The group and Mr. Bernstein ultimately reconciled. Robert Kissane, the co-chairman of the Human Rights Watch board, wrote in an email on Tuesday, We were honored to have Bob at our annual dinner in New York this year, and to pay tribute to his contributions over 40 years to human rights around the world. Robert Louis Bernstein was born in Manhattan on Jan. 5, 1923, one of two children of Alfred and Sylvia (Bloch) Bernstein. His father was in the textile business. The boy attended the Lincoln School, a progressive affiliate of Columbia University, graduating in 1940. At Harvard, he completed work for a degree in history in two and a half years, although he did not receive his degree until 1944. He served in the Army Air Forces from 1943 to 1946. In 1950, he married Helen Walter, and she survives him. In addition to her and his son Peter, he is survived by two other sons, Tom and William; his sister, Barbara Rosenberg; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. After the war, Mr. Bernstein became an office boy with the Simon & Schuster publishing house, and by 1952 he was general sales manager. Four years later he was dismissed in a staff cutback, but Mr. Cerf soon hired him as a sales manager at Random House. Founded in 1927, the storied RH had published works by Eugene ONeill, William Faulkner, Marcel Proust, Sinclair Lewis, Robert Penn Warren and James Joyces Ulysses. In 1960, it acquired the distinguished Alfred A. Knopf, whose imprint went on many celebrated books of the Bernstein era. Mr. Bernstein succeeded Mr. Cerf as president in 1966, became chief executive in 1967 and was named chairman in 1975. With a mandate to expand, he bought other publishers, enlarged fiction and nonfiction lists, published dictionaries and encyclopedias, added new textbooks and introduced books on tape, educational games and audiovisual aids for schools. He also published scores of Nobel- and Pulitzer Prize-winning authors. For most people living in America, transportation is central to daily life. About 83 percent of Americans report that they regularly drive a car multiple times a week. Yet millions of drivers across the country have had their licenses suspended taking away their ability to drive to work, school, the grocery store or the doctor essentially because they are poor. In 2014, Leah Jackson was ticketed for obstructing traffic in Otsego, Minn., after turning left at a red light. That kind of thing happens to many people. But, as Ms. Jackson explained to state lawmakers in 2018 testimony, she had just started a new job and hadnt yet received a paycheck, so she couldnt pay the $135 fine right away. A few months later, she was pulled over, told her drivers license was suspended for an unpaid ticket and cited for driving with a suspended license a new $200 ticket. Her job responsibilities as a retail store manager required her to make bank runs and other deliveries, so she kept driving in order to keep her job. In less than a month, she received two more tickets for driving with a suspended license. After accounting for the additional tickets and the resulting increase in her monthly insurance premiums, her debt from the initial infraction spiraled into more than $13,000 over four and a half years. The criminal justice system too often produces a self-perpetuating cycle, particularly for the poorest people, who cant pay fines or hire lawyers to make charges go away. In 39 states, you can lose your driving privileges if youre unable to pay a court fine or fee, for things as minor as a traffic violation. But a bipartisan effort is growing to end the fundamentally unjust practice of wealth-based suspensions. To the Editor: Investors Pressure Amazon Over Facial Recognition (Business Day, May 21) exposes growing unease among some shareholders about selling face surveillance tech to government. It isnt just investors who should be rattled. The police want this technology to increase investigative efficiency. They say it zeroes in on suspects faster, and can detect if someone looks antisocial. Thats frightening, given that M.I.T. researchers found that the technology reinforces biases and performs poorly on people of color, especially women . The harms arent theoretical: A Brown University student was recently misidentified by face recognition as a bombing suspect in Sri Lanka. After the police put her picture on TV, she was sent death threats by vengeful strangers. Even if this technology gets more accurate, do we really want government having unrestricted power to track anyone, anywhere, anytime? Americans deserve more privacy than that. Its not governments business where we pray, whether we attend A.A. or if we visit an abortion clinic. The women say that their professional experiences have led them to an inescapable conclusion: The motives of gargantuan for-profit health care industries hospitals, pharmaceuticals, insurance are incompatible with those of health care itself. They argue that a single-payer system, run by the federal government and available to all United States residents regardless of income or employment status, is the only way to fully eliminate the obstacles that routinely prevent doctors and nurses from doing their jobs. Several proposals now working their way through Congress would aim to create just such a system. The nurses support for such proposals the union has endorsed a bill put forth by Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington is somewhat surprising, because the zero-sum nature of American health policy tends to place them on the losing end of any major system overhaul. The money it will take to provide many more services to many more patients will have to come from somewhere, the thinking goes. And the paychecks of doctors and nurses are a likely source. That calculus has not deterred the nurses. Perhaps thats because they see so much time and money wasted by the bureaucracy of the current system. By most estimates, the administrative costs of American health care surpass those of any other developed nation. Or maybe its because of the innumerable avoidable medical crises they constantly find themselves confronting. Patients go into heart failure because they cant afford blood pressure medication, or gamble with their diabetes for want of insulin, then turn up in the hospital needing care thats far more expensive than any preventive measure would have been. Or maybe they just know that a steady job with decent health benefits does not exempt anyone from the arbitrary agonies of our current system. Ms. Johnson-Camacho recalls having to discharge a patient without essential chemotherapy not because the patient was uninsured but because his insurer refused to cover the drug that had been prescribed. I had just finished explaining to him how important it was to take this medication faithfully, she says. I told him, Every day you skip it is a day that the cancer has to potentially spread. And then we had to send him home without it. Ms. Johnson-Camacho says another patient a young man with a treatable form of cancer was so overwhelmed by the cost of his care, and so terrified of burdening his family with that cost, that he told her he was planning to kill himself. This sort of thinking affects the way many Americans see racial minorities, the elderly and disabled, prenatal children, immigrants and refugees, enemy combatants and prison inmates. It also influences our perception of animal and plant life the vulnerable, voiceless creatures, pushed to the margins, whose dignity is radically inconvenient for human beings who have power over them, as Mr. Camosy writes. A consistent life ethic would urge pro-lifers to defend the vulnerable and voiceless, regardless of partisanship or ease. Being anti-abortion would mean being pro-earth. It would mean fighting waste, abuse and poverty. And it would convey a holistic care for life, both before and after birth. Pope John Paul II, for his part, argued that the way of death was not limited to abortion and infanticide. He included whatever insults human dignity, such as subhuman living conditions, arbitrary imprisonment, deportation, slavery, prostitution, as well as the actions of those who show no compassion to the poor and do not suffer with the suffering. Pope Francis has also included the stewardship of creation in his condemnations of modern consumption, arguing in the papal encyclical Laudato Si that climate change represents one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day. Widening the anti-abortion lens to encompass other important issues of our time is not about ignoring abortion or stepping away from the movements primary focus. It is about seeking to cultivate greater consistency in our life ethic in the way we vote, in the civility we bring to our political discussions and in the way we act as consumers. Some conservatives might argue that philosophical coherency matters little if it does not result in dependable political action. That is why many pro-lifers continue to vote Republican, despite their qualms with the party. Its why a lot of anti-abortion conservatives and groups have supported politicians like Roy Moore in Alabama, politicians who offer lip service to the pro-life movement but have lived and acted in a way that undermines its integrity. But considering the deep hostility and division in American politics, it is possible that a consistent life ethic might help advance the cause as much as (or even more than) political legislation. Because unless and until abortion opponents pursue greater integrity in our politics, people are likely to misunderstand them. They are likely to see us as hypocrites and wont take seriously the passion at the heart of many conservatives who are fighting for life in the womb. Progressives have convinced many that the anti-abortion cause is fundamentally anti-woman an attempt to legislate womens freedoms and physiology, not a movement with human rights and human dignity at its heart. So abortion opponents must demonstrate a passion for the oppressed and vulnerable surrounding them: for the homeless in their community, the single moms in need of support, the unfairly imprisoned and the foster children without a stable home. Logic would assume that these physicians with a large number of claims over a set period would be those who may need intervention. Certainly, we might expect changes in where and with whom they work. Many of these same researchers went back to the practitioner data bank to see if this was the case, and have recently published their findings. This time, they looked at records from 2003 through 2015. As before, they found that a small number of physicians accounted for most claims. In this analysis, the researchers linked this group of doctors to another database, the Medicare Data on Provider Practice and Specialty, which contains information on practice location and type. This allowed them to look at whether physicians moved or changed jobs after claims. Those who accumulated more claims were more likely to stop practicing medicine. Even though they were more likely to retire, more than 90 percent of doctors who had at least five claims were still in practice. Physicians with more claims were also not any more likely than those with fewer or no complaints to move to another state and continue practicing. This is actually one of the reasons the practitioner data bank was created to prevent doctors from running away from their history by moving between states. In that respect, it appears to be working. But physicians with more claims shifted their type of practice. Those with five or more claims had more than twice the odds of moving into solo practice. This makes sense, in some ways. Doctors with many claims may find it harder to find employment in large groups or in big clinics. Anyone can, however, set up his or her own practice. The general public is much less likely than a potential employer to seek out information about prior lawsuits. WEBBERS FALLS, Okla. Shawn Smith, a volunteer firefighter, risked his life for the people of his flooded town on the Arkansas River in eastern Oklahoma. And not just for the people. Mr. Smith waded into waist-high floodwaters in one evacuated house over the weekend and came out holding Sammich, a scared gray-and-white cat, one of three he helped pull out of the same house. It was part of a different kind of rescue mission, one where swift-water boats made their way through swirling floodwaters to ferry out wet dogs and drenched cats. Rescuers in helmets gathered under a partly submerged tree at one point to retrieve a dog that had climbed into the branches seeking higher ground. NEWTON, Iowa Joseph R. Biden Jr. has built an early lead in the month since he entered the presidential campaign, confidently projecting himself as the Democratic front-runner and the candidate best positioned to defeat President Trump. But beneath the surface of a seemingly placid race is a much more volatile contest, as a series of primaries-within-the-primary unfold along lines that reflect some of the most animating forces in the Trump era: race, gender, age and ideology. With a historically large field of 23 candidates apparently now set, Senators Kamala Harris and Cory Booker, both African-American, are competing with Mr. Biden and other candidates for the support of black voters; Pete Buttigieg and Beto ORourke, who are both under 50, are vying for the mantle of generational change; Senator Elizabeth Warren is encroaching on Senator Bernie Sanderss support from the partys left wing; and six women are making the case that it is long past time for a female president. As the first debates loom next month and candidates begin to test initial attacks on Mr. Biden, and one another, these miniature races will help clarify who might emerge as the most formidable alternative to the former vice president. As Mr. Trump demonstrated in 2016, initial assumptions about who primary voters will and will not support can prove foolhardy. The perpetual move to build large war memorials in a universe of finite space and money raises broader questions about just how many entanglements the nation should commemorate in its most famous public spaces. Nearly a dozen memorials are in the works on or near the National Mall, a reflection of two decades of wars and a surge of civilian support, at least symbolically, to honor veterans, as well as a drive to recognize forgotten soldiers of prior conflicts. [Sign up for the weekly At War newsletter to receive stories about duty, conflict and consequence.] There are memorials planned to honor Native American and black veterans, gulf war veterans, and mothers of the dead. There is a memorial intended for the war against global terrorism, which needed special congressional approval because it is a continuing conflict, and another for emergency medical workers. We have had a significant number of new memorials built over the last quarter of a century while at the same time Congress allocates less and less for their upkeep, said Beth Meyer, a landscape architecture professor at the University of Virginia and member of the federal Commission of Fine Arts, which reviews designs for the major public spaces in Washington. Ms. Meyer has been a critic of the constant expanse of memorials, which she believes reduces the story of the United States to its war history. Every single thing that has been added since the Vietnam memorial is funereal, she said. David Enlow made a similar point. This is a very transparent attempt, he wrote, to move the goal post in the recent Supreme Court case. The regulation allows residents with so-called premises licenses to take their guns to one of seven shooting ranges in the city. But it prohibits them from taking their guns to second homes and shooting ranges outside the city, even when the guns are unloaded and locked in containers separate from ammunition. The citys proposed changes, likely to take effect in a month or so, would remove those restrictions. Whether they would also end the case is another matter. Until the Supreme Court agreed to hear the dispute, the city had defended the regulation vigorously and successfully, winning in two lower courts. In inviting public comments on the proposed changes, the Police Department said it continued to believe the regulation furthers an important public-safety interest. Still, the city seems determined to give the plaintiffs three city residents and the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association everything they had sued for. The plaintiffs, in turn, do not seem to want to take yes for an answer. [music] michael barbaro From The New York Times, Im Michael Barbaro. This is The Daily. Today, from the start, the Trump administration has tried to dismantle regulations aimed at curbing climate change. Now, in its latest attack, the administration is trying to dismantle climate science. Its Wednesday, May 29. Coral, tell me about what happened in November of last year. coral davenport In November of 2018, the federal government put out whats known as the National Climate Assessment. This is a huge, sweeping comprehensive assessment of the impact of climate change on the U.S. Its over 1,000 pages long. Its prepared by 13 federal agencies. It takes about four years to prepare. Its a huge deal every time one of these comes out, because it is absolutely considered the most up to date, comprehensive, authoritative understanding of the impact of climate change on the U.S. And its a big deal when it comes out in the U.S. Its a big deal around the world, because its also considered one of the most authoritative climate science documents in the world. michael barbaro So this is kind of like the Bible of U.S. climate science? coral davenport Yes, exactly. michael barbaro Coral Davenport covers environmental policy for The Times. coral davenport And so what the Trump administration decided to do with this is essentially to bury it. They are mandated by law to put it out. Theres a law that says the agencies have to put it out every four years. But they decided to put it online at about 2:00 or 3:00 PM on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. [music] michael barbaro So at a moment when just about everybody is either literally on vacation or on some vacation of the mind? coral davenport Yes. The people who were not on vacation were climate journalists. archived recording 1 When most Americans are tucking into turkey leftovers and waiting in line for Black Friday sales, the government has released a huge report on the impact of climate change. coral davenport The strategy of trying to bury it didnt work at all. archived recording 2 The report wasnt expected to be made public until next month, leading some to wonder if Fridays release was an attempt to bury the story. coral davenport Mainly because it had such kind of stunning and deeply researched conclusions. archived recording 3 A dire new forecast, more frequent and more devastating weather crises on the horizon. archived recording 4 For the southeast, stronger hurricanes and more frequent flooding. The Midwest, agricultural catastrophe, extreme heat destroying crops. And in the west, increased fire danger. archived recording 5 That predicts hotter temperatures will kill more people. Crop yields will decline dramatically. And ocean acidification will cause millions of dollars in losses to the seafood industry. According to those findings, rising sea levels will threaten public infrastructure and real estate along U.S. coasts. coral davenport And the impacts of that could be devastating specifically to the United States economy. archived recording 6 The report states if greenhouse gases continue to rise, the country will see labor-related losses of $150 billion a year by 2090. Damage to coastal property due to the rise in sea levels and storm surges could reach nearly $120 billion a year. coral davenport And the report actually found that these impacts could knock as much as 10 percent off the U.S. G.D.P. by the end of the century, which is a huge economic hit. And I think that was the kind of thing that really sort of stunned the administration. Essentially, the conclusions of this report totally undermine the policy agenda, the regulatory agenda of this administration. This administrations policy agenda, very specifically, is about, literally, emitting more greenhouse gas emissions. archived recording (donald trump) Were eliminating unnecessary regulations so we can create more jobs and wealth right here in America. Ive ended the Obama administrations war on coal. And were putting our wonderful coal miners back to work, producing beautiful clean coal. coral davenport Under President Trump, we have seen the rollback of a couple of key greenhouse gas emissions regulations that were put in place in the Obama administration. One is a major E.P.A. regulation on greenhouse gas pollution from vehicles. archived recording 1 Regulations put in place by the Obama administration call for new vehicles to get 36 miles per gallon by 2025. The Trump administration says thats too high. coral davenport Theres another major E.P.A. regulation from the Obama administration that would have drastically reduced greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants, leading to shutdown of power plants, freezing construction of future power plants. The Trump administration is rolling that back. archived recording 2 Presidents move ends a moratorium on coal mining on federal land and eases restrictions on coal-fired power plants. coral davenport And the interior department is rolling back protections on public lands and federal waters in order to not just allow but aggressively promote the exploration and extraction of more fossil fuels, more oil, more gas, more coal, with the specific intent of driving the consumption and the burning of more fossil fuels, producing more greenhouse gases. I mean, this is a very explicit policy agenda. And this report says the results of this policy agenda are going to devastate the U.S. economy. I mean, these two sets of facts are in total conflict. michael barbaro So not only does this report make the case that these policies will worsen carbon emissions and therefore be bad for the environment, but this report is suggesting that these policies that are meant to strengthen the U.S. economy will, because of the environmental damage that they will inflict, actually hurt it. coral davenport Precisely. michael barbaro So what happens after this, for the Trump administration, pretty embarrassing report comes out? coral davenport Well, at first, the White House and the president slammed it. archived recording (donald trump) I dont believe it. archived recording 1 You dont believe it? archived recording (donald trump) No, no. I dont believe it. coral davenport And then kind of tried to move on from it. And that was kind of what happened with the public face at the White House. In the background, its important to remember that this is kind of a moment where there was a transition happening among top Trump environmental officials. Previously, we had seen top officials like Scott Pruitt, who was the first head of the E.P.A. under Trump who had spent his tenure pretty much constantly fighting off accusations of scandal and corruption. Or Ryan Zinke, the former Secretary of the Interior, same thing, was forced to resign after multiple allegations of scandal as well. These guys had been these big, high-profile, very politically flashy officials. They had left. And their replacements were these two senior officials who were much less flashy, much less scandal-plagued, much less in the headlines, not public figures, but really, really smart at the inside Washington game. The new head of the E.P.A. is Andrew Wheeler, who is a former coal lobbyist who has also worked as a senior official on the Hill, also worked in the E.P.A. in the George W. Bush administration. David Bernhardt is the new Secretary of the Interior. He used to be an oil lobbyist. Used to work at the Interior Department under the George W. Bush administration. These are guys who arent trying to pursue political careers in a big way. They do know how to pull the levers and get policy done. These guys and some of the other top officials look at this report and say, theres a bigger problem here. This is not just embarrassing. This is not just a couple of bad headlines for us. And this is why. Lawyers looking to fight these Trump regulatory rollbacks can use this document in court, in the Supreme Court, essentially saying, look, if your own administration says adding more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere hurts the U.S. economy, how can you make the legal justification to put more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The law says you cant do these regulatory changes if theyre going to substantially hurt the economy. Theres a very clear legal argument to be made. And so these guys are kind of realizing this is a big problem for us, the fact that this thing is out there and exists, and were trying to do this policy agenda. This is more than just embarrassing. michael barbaro So in other words, theyre seeing this report as a potential legal blueprint for their opponents to challenge their policies in court. coral davenport Opponents of these policies have already said explicitly that once these regulatory rollbacks are done and they go to court, they absolutely intend to use this report to challenge them all the way up to the Supreme Court. michael barbaro Hmm. So they will take this giant climate report, the one that the Trump administration doesnt like but know by law it has to put out. And they will introduce this as evidence that these regulatory rollbacks should be invalidated? coral davenport Exactly. michael barbaro So what do these officials in the Trump administration do once they realize that this legal exposure exists? coral davenport Well, they cant do anything about the current report. Thats out there. Thats done. [music] coral davenport But they start thinking, all right, well, work on the next report, which is coming out in four years, has just started. And they can change the outcome, they think, of the next scientific report. michael barbaro Well, how exactly does that work? Because you cant exactly change climate science. coral davenport Right. And theyre not saying were going to fundamentally change the methods by which we do climate science, because, keep in mind, its not just the National Climate Assessment. Thats the major report thats put out by the federal government. But the federal government does climate science reports across the agencies. So they are having a discussion that asks the question, how much information can we leave out. How much does the public really need to know? michael barbaro Well be right back. So Coral, what does the Trump administration decide to do to limit what makes it into these official government reports on climate science? coral davenport Theres a couple of different ways that this is happening. In one agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, all they do is scientific reports. Theyre inside the Interior Department. There is a new policy in place already happening that all of that climate science and all their reports have to include some element of how climate change impacts public lands and waters and the different things that they do. Theres a new policy that climate projections cant go past the year 2040. michael barbaro Whats significant about that? coral davenport If you look at a climate science model, a projection, whats going to be the impact of the warming planet. If you look at those, the worst impacts, the biggest difference all happen past 2050. After 2050, thats when you start to see the really dramatic bad impacts of a lot more greenhouse gases. So this policy of saying, our climate science is not going to include any projections after 2040 creates, essentially, scientists say, a falsely optimistic, falsely positive idea. It doesnt show you the bad stuff that happens if we keep polluting. michael barbaro So the worst this, the worst impacts of the emissions policies that are currently being pursued by the Trump administration would make themselves apparent in projections after 2040. And what this proposal would do is just keep those projections before 2040 and therefore keep the worst, most dire predictions out of these reports? coral davenport Precisely. And this isnt a proposal. This is already happening at the U.S. Geological Survey, which is a scientific agency inside the Interior Department. michael barbaro O.K., so what else is the administration doing to limit the publics exposure to this information in these reports? coral davenport So theres another major proposal, and this is more of a proposal. This hasnt happened yet. Specifically focused on the National Climate Assessment. In these big climate science reports, theres usually a range of options based on how much greenhouse pollution goes into the atmosphere. Theres a worst case scenario, things get really hot, things get really bad. And then theres a best case scenario, we keep the worst of it under control, we just warm up a little bit, things arent so bad. And then theres usually a couple of middle scenarios. So the proposal is essentially: dont include the worst case scenario. michael barbaro Just lop it off? coral davenport Lop it off. michael barbaro With the goal, once again, of shielding people from the worst case scenarios of what these policies might do? coral davenport Precisely. And whats really remarkable about this proposal is that the scenario that theyre proposing to lop off is the most likely scenario, given that this administration is putting in place policies that will specifically lead to the business as usual, higher greenhouse gas emissions outcome. michael barbaro So the administration is figuring out a way to make the science obscure the long-term realities of climate change? coral davenport Yes. Ive been reporting on climate policy for over 10 years. And a story that weve written a lot is, despite the fact that President Trump has mocked climate science, withdrew from the Paris Accord, wants to roll back these regulations, weve actually written a lot of stories that say, you know what, they havent messed with the science. And we wrote that story when they put out the National Climate Assessment last fall. They tried to bury it. They made fun of it. But they didnt mess with the science. And so this is something really new. And I talked with a scientist who had worked on the National Climate Assessment who said, what is really concerning here is that the numbers put out by the U.S. government should be absolutely reliable, whether theyre about the economy, whether theyre scientific reports. They should be so reliable as to almost be boring. And what this scientists said to me is, in totalitarian regimes, in the Soviet Union, when governments put out reports and numbers, people kind of laugh at them, because they know theyre just sort of cooked up to support a political agenda. And he said, I see the very, very beginnings of that here in a way that we have not seen before. michael barbaro So Coral, how openly is the Trump administration pursuing this strategy? Because trying to hide science doesnt seem like something that any government agency would do very publicly. coral davenport And yet, Michael, surprisingly, theyre pretty open about it. Trump administration officials have publicly criticized these climate models. Theyve called the worst case scenarios highly unreliable and inaccurate. So they are sort of standing up for what theyre doing and saying, no, this will lead to more accurate, more careful, more thoughtful climate science reports, even though these are statements highly at odds with a vast consensus by the actual climate science community. But interestingly, theyre pretty open about it. They dont seem to be running away from it. michael barbaro Coral, what are the implications of the changes that youve just laid out, to shift the way we present science and, I suppose, even collect it? coral davenport So the first is that, if these reports start to come out this way, with big blocks of information that have been cut out, the reports will present a falsely optimistic picture of what the future will look like, despite the increase of planet warming greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Thats the first step. The second step though, is that they will be so at odds with the rest of climate science being produced in academia and around the world that we will start to see U.S. science discredited. michael barbaro But what about the whole reason this strategy exists, which is an attempt by the Trump administration to limit the legal exposure that you describe, to make it harder for people to challenge their policies by putting out less climate science data? coral davenport Michael, that absolutely is the strategy. Im not sure how well it will work. And the reason is if they put out reports that present a picture that is misleading, that is falsely optimistic, and it is totally at odds with the vast majority of other climate science being produced around the country and the world and that is not considered valid, Im not sure how good of a legal weapon these new reports will be. It is very much the thinking that this will be their defense. But I dont know how far you get when youre messing with science. michael barbaro I feel like beyond the legal implications, this presents a number of interesting questions. For example, if the U.S. government stops reporting certain pieces of climate science, does that mean that it stops collecting it? Does that mean that it gets harder and harder to create objective comparisons over time, because what was in the report four years ago isnt in the next one? And does it just create greater skepticism of climate science if the government is no longer considered the great authority on this? coral davenport I think, yes, it will create greater skepticism of climate science. The U.S. government is one of the greatest research bodies in the world. And so if the U.S. government is not doing this research, its not that it wont get done. It will continue to be done by universities. It will be continued to be done by other governments around the world. But this is some of the best and most authoritative research. Reports like the National Climate Assessment are used and evaluated by scientific agencies and governments all around the world. If the U.S. government is not creating these scenarios, is not collecting climate data, then, yes, there will start to be much bigger holes in our understanding. It will just mean we wont have this data. michael barbaro I wonder then, is it possible, Coral, that the point of this is just kind of dead simple, that the Trump administration is trying to make this problem of climate change seem not so bad so that it can push its policy agenda through without much opposition from the public. coral davenport I think thats right, Michael. I mean, yes, the idea is these are big reports that get a lot of attention and heighten this intense sense of urgency. And when the last Climate Assessment report came out last fall, it absolutely fueled climate activism. And I think the thinking is, well, when we put out the next one, lets have it not do that. [music] coral davenport I mean, in some ways, it is very simple. If theres not as much of a problem, then what were doing is fine. michael barbaro Even if it fundamentally changes our ability to understand the actual science of climate change? coral davenport I think that this is not an issue that senior officials in the Trump administration are losing any sleep over. And in fact, thats exactly what the Secretary of the Interior department David Bernhardt said when he was recently asked in congressional testimony about his agencys role in dealing with climate change. He told members of Congress, Im not really losing any sleep over it. archived recording 1 I was reading the newspaper this week. And it hit the headlines two days ago that carbon dioxide levels hit 415 parts per million, which is the highest in human history, the highest in 800,000 years. And that was, of course, when there were no humans, the last time it hit that kind of level. And so my question for you is, on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most concerned, whats your number for how concerned you are about us hitting 415 parts per million of carbon dioxide? archived recording (david bernhardt) I havent lost any sleep over it. michael barbaro Coral, thank you very much. coral davenport Michael, thank you so much. [music] michael barbaro Among the United States closest allies, only Australia has banned Huawei from building its new networks; Japan has effectively done the same. Britain and Germany, two of the most powerful members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, are hedging. Their politicians fear the job losses that would result as well as Chinese retaliation, and they believe there are elements of the network that Huawei could build without endangering national security. Under that plan, Nokia, Ericsson or other Western telecom firms would build the core of the network, the software-heavy switching systems that govern how machines and humans will talk to one another. Huawei would be relegated to the more peripheral parts of the networks, like the cellular tower systems that communicate with phones and other devices. Germany has resisted the Trump administrations entreaties. German officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss their internal debates, say they wonder what would happen if they sided with the United States, which helped rebuild their country after World War II and keeps it under the American nuclear umbrella. Would Beijing threaten the joint ventures that produce roughly a million BMW and Mercedes-Benz automobiles in China? And in Singapore, where American ships pull in for fueling and maintenance on their way to the disputed areas of the South China Sea, officials say privately that there is no way they will ban Huawei. This may explain why Mr. Pompeo, who has led the charge, has sounded more strident in recent days, describing the decisions made by nations that will build their networks over the next 12 to 18 months as a question not only of national security but of ideological struggle. The company is deeply tied not only to China but to the Chinese Communist Party, and that connectivity, the existence of those connections, puts American information that crosses the networks at risk, Mr. Pompeo said last week in an interview with CNBC. We need a single place where information can be exchanged, he told one of the interviewers, but it has to be a system that has Western values embedded in it, with rule of law, property right protections, transparency, openness. It cant be a system that is based on the principles of an authoritarian, Communist regime. At least 30 people died and hundreds were believed missing after a boat sank over the weekend in a lake in the Democratic Republic of Congo, The Associated Press has reported. The boat sank after hitting bad weather on Saturday night in Lake Mai-Ndombe, nearly 300 miles northeast of the capital, Kinshasa, The Associated Press reported. Officials said on Sunday that more than 80 people survived but that 200 others were still missing. Simon Mboo Wemba, the mayor of Inongo, the provincial capital of Mai-Ndombe Province, told The Associated Press on Sunday that many of those aboard were teachers. He said they were traveling to collect their salaries by boat because local roads in that part of the central African country were so poor. Lake Mai-Ndombe is about 100 miles east of Yumbi, a town where violence between the Bununu and Batende ethnic groups flared a few weeks before the countrys presidential election in December, leaving nearly 900 people dead. Officials later discovered 15 mass graves and 43 single graves in the area. HONG KONG An all-white, albino panda has appeared in a natural reserve in China, the first of its kind to be documented, an expert said this week. The panda was photographed in April with an infrared camera at the Wolong National Nature Reserve in the southwestern province of Sichuan, the local authorities said in a statement. Li Sheng, who belongs to the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, said it was the first recorded image of a wild giant panda that is fully white. (There have been sightings of brown-and-white pandas in Qinling, a mountainous region in the northwestern Chinese province of Shaanxi.) The white pandas appearance is caused by albinism, a rare genetically inherited condition that prevents the normal synthesis of melanin, resulting in white hair or pale skin, as well as reddish eyes. Giant pandas are one of eight bear species, and albinism has been recorded in many other species of bears, though rarely. Under the Imperial Household Law, which governs most matters of protocol related to Japans monarchy, Masako was not even permitted to attend the sacred ascension ceremony for her husband this month. Women are not allowed to sit on the throne. The Japanese public is so excited and it seems like they are very much expecting Masako to take advantage of her previous career as a diplomat, said Kumiko Nemoto, a professor of sociology at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. Im sure she understands that there are lots of forces she needs to take account of and not overstep certain boundaries. Because the Imperial Household Agency, which manages the imperial familys every move, is one of the most traditional institutions in Japan and is dominated by mostly older Japanese men, they expect Masako the empress to behave with always a certain smile and a very subservient type of womanhood, Ms. Nemoto said. Mondays banquet was not Masakos first time sitting next to an American president. Just a month after her wedding in 1993, the public swooned when she sat between President Bill Clinton and President Boris N. Yeltsin of Russia at a state dinner in Tokyo and conversed easily with both in their own languages. But before long, the Japanese news media became consumed by one question: when Masako would have a child. Even after her daughter, Princess Aiko, was born in 2001, the Imperial Household Agency prohibited Masako from traveling abroad in case that would interfere with her ability to get pregnant again, prompting her to sink into depression and withdraw from public appearances altogether. ISLAMABAD, Pakistan Rabia Kanwals parents were sure her marriage to a wealthy Chinese Muslim she had just met would give her a comfortable future, far from the hardships of their lives in Pakistan. But she had a premonition. I was not excited, said Ms. Kanwal, 22, who lives in a poor neighborhood in the city of Gujranwala, in the eastern province of Punjab. I felt something bad was going to happen. Arranged marriages are common in Pakistan, but this one was unusual. The groom, who said he was a rich poultry farmer, met Ms. Kanwals family during a monthslong stay on a tourist visa. He had to use a Chinese-Urdu translation app to communicate with them, but over all, he made a favorable impression. Ms. Kanwal went through with the wedding. But upon moving to China with her new husband in February, she said, she was disappointed by what she found: He was a poor farmer, not a wealthy one. Far worse, he was not a Muslim. Within days, with the help of the Pakistani Embassy, she was back home and pursuing a divorce. ROME Matteo Salvini basked in triumph on Monday after a thumping victory for his far-right League Party in this weekends European Parliament elections rendered him the dominant politician in Italy and the strongest claimant to the leadership of Europes populists. But if Europe has been an incubator for resurgent nationalism in recent years, it now also feels like an active battleground. With Europes decades-old project of unity increasingly in the balance, the voting energized both sides on a polarized Continent. It was a contest between angry, disaffected nationalists who want to beat back what they see as a remote and overreaching bureaucracy in Brussels, against the once-sleepy, complacent supporters of Europe looking to defend a unity that can no longer be taken for granted. BUCHAREST, Romania Romanias most powerful politician, Liviu Dragnea, was ordered on Monday to begin serving a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence for abuse of power, upending the political order in the East European country and handing a victory to those who view corruption as the chief threat to the health of the nation. The ruling by the Romanian Supreme Court, which declined to revisit a sentence handed down by a lower court in June 2018, is not subject to appeal. It came one day after Mr. Dragneas party, the Social Democrats, were handed a stunning rebuke in elections for the European Parliament. The Social Democrats received just 23 percent of the vote, down significantly from the 46 percent they received in the last national parliamentary elections, in December 2016. The two main opposition parties combined to secure about 50 percent of the vote. At the same time, in a nonbinding referendum, an overwhelming majority of voters more than 80 percent expressed deep dissatisfaction with attempts by the governing party to change corruption-related laws via emergency decree, and potentially offering amnesty to officials convicted of abusing their power. You need to earn trust, Pamela Rendi-Wagner, the leader of the Socialist Party, told lawmakers before calling for the no-confidence vote. Cooperation and dialogue are the ground basis for trust, and trust is required for a majority in Parliament, she said. Mr. Chancellor, you and your government do not enjoy our trust. Mr. Kurz had defended his recent actions as necessary and said they had been made in consultation with Mr. van der Bellen, who will now be called to name an interim chancellor who will govern until elections can be held. To want to oust the whole government, a few weeks before an election, that is something that I dont think anyone in this country can understand, Mr. Kurz said to resounding applause from lawmakers from his party. Austrian lawmakers often use no-confidence votes as a form of protest, but until Monday, none had succeeded. Since the republic was founded after World War II, 185 previous votes have been brought against chancellors or their ministers; Mr. Strache faced one, and Mr. Kickl six. The vote was a severe blow to Mr. Kurz, a well-dressed, smart, young politician who turned the fortunes of Austrias conservatives by rebranding the party as a movement and swapping out its flagship black color for turquoise. Mr. Kurzs approach, which included a savvy campaign platform that called for cracking down on illegal migration and embracing patriotism, ushered the conservatives into power with more than 31 percent of the vote. Even though he has been ousted as chancellor, political observers believe that Mr. Kurz will remain his partys leading candidate for the upcoming election. That view was supported by voting on Sunday for the European Parliament, in which Mr. Kurzs party won more than 35 percent of the vote, drawing supporters from both the Socialists, the leading opposition party in Parliament, and the Freedom Party. JERUSALEM With just two days left before the deadline for forming a government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel was struggling Monday to sign up coalition partners, thrusting the country into a political crisis and raising the possibility that it could be forced to hold a new election. The drama stemmed from a battle of wills between two political forces that Mr. Netanyahu needs to form a right-wing coalition: the ultra-Orthodox religious parties that won 16 parliamentary seats in the April 9 election, and Avigdor Liebermans ultranationalist Yisrael Beiteinu party, which won five seats and whose constituents are mostly secular, Russian-speaking Israelis. Having long sparred over issues of religion and state, the sides are now wrestling over legislation to replace a military draft law that exempted ultra-Orthodox men. Mr. Lieberman supports a law that sets modest quotas for enlisting them, which the religious parties oppose. A new law must be passed by late July, according to a deadline imposed by Israels Supreme Court. Mr. Netanyahus conservative Likud party, which won 35 seats, needs the ultra-Orthodox parties, Yisrael Beiteinu and two other parties to assemble a 61-seat majority. With his tires failing, Lewis Hamilton managed to fend off Max Verstappen to win the Monaco Grand Prix. Sebastian Vettel placed second, denying the Mercedes team its sixth one-two finish. Heres how the race unfolded: Leclerc hits the barrier while trying to overtake Hulkenberg , shredding one of his tires and damaging his car. Bottas and Verstappen touch in the pit lane. Verstappen is given a 5-second penalty for an unsafe release, and Bottas is forced to pit again on the next lap. The time penalty drops Verstappen to fourth place and off the podium. Note: Displayed speed is averaged over the course of a lap. Verstappen tailed Hamilton closely throughout the race, but was never able to sneak past the Mercedes driver. A five-second penalty for an unsafe release would drop Verstappen into fourth place, just off the podium. It was another disappointing finish for Charles Leclerc, who was starting from 15th on the grid after failing to make it past the first round of qualifying. He then damaged his car trying to overtake Nico Hulkenberg and retired from the race early. Sen. Mike Brauns backwards healthcare reform By Michael R Shannon Two years too late a senator has finally taken a tentative step toward increasing competition in the healthcare market, lowering insurance costs and removing the dead hand of Obamacare from the nations throat. Its partial implementation of a plan Ive advocated, but it repeats my mistake and unfortunately adds a new one. Its unfair to blame Sen. Mike Braun (RIN) for being late since he wasnt in the Senate when Republicans frittered away Obamacare repeal. The problem is his bill attacks cost from the wrong end. Brauns plan is called the True Price Act. As he told Breitbart.com, his plan would require insurers to disclose the negotiated price for each medical service covered by a persons insurance plan and any cost-sharing amounts (co-pays or deductibles)The bill would require the prices to be posted on the insurers website and in paper form. Thats backwards because the insurance companies cant predict what hospitals charge for a procedure because charges vary according to the rapacity of the facility. Braun says he wants to reverse concentration in the health insurance market by by making it transparent and competitive, letting the best providers survive. His bill would only encourage concentration and limit consumer choice because the only way an insurance company can be certain of a procedures cost is if the insurer limits coverage to hospitals it controls or with which it has negotiated an agreement. The Peoples Republic of Maryland proves my point. The Maryland Health Care Commission has a limited program that compares turnkey prices for common procedures affecting patients who are either women, old or both. It found Sinai Hospital charges $32,500 for a knee replacement, while UMD Medical Center at Easton charges over onethird less at $22,700, with fewer readmissions from complications. Braun would accomplish more by requiring hospitals that accept federal money to post turnkey charges and forget the insurance companies. Then Braun repeats my initial mistake and ignores consumer motivation. Most medical shoppers, like whiskey drinkers, tend to associate high cost with high quality, when that isnt the case. For a patient with a $3,000 deductible it makes both economic and status sense to choose the more expensive hospital. Ten percent copay on the costlier procedure wipes out his deductible and the rest of his health care that year is free! A better solution is for the feds to encourage insurance companies to give the patient an incentive to be a comparison shopper by sharing the savings when he chooses a less expensive option. Instead of pocketing the $9,800 saved by paying for the knee replacement at UMD Easton, the insurance company could share by applying ten percent of the savings to the patients deductible for that year. The patient would pay ten percent of the procedure ($2,270) and the insurance company would apply ten percent of the savings ($980) and his deductible for the year would be satisfied. To ensure this wasnt a onetimeonly costconscious decision by the patient, the insurer could continue to apply 10 percent of procedure savings for the rest of the year to the patients deductible in outlying years. This is good for the company because it reduces customer churn by giving the patient a reason not to change policies and the customer saves money on future annual deductibles. Braun is right that cost transparency will encourage competition, but the place to start isnt with the middlemen. Its with the hospitals that generate the cost. Currently the consumer has severely limited options when buying insurance. Its either the price set by the socialized premium mavens at Obamacare. Convert to Christianity and join a costsharing plan. Or join millions of uninsured illegals crowding the emergency room. Sen. Braun would do better to allow insurance companies to offer coverage options and sell across state lines without crony capitalist interference from the various legislatures. Combine that with price transparency for hospitals and incentives for procedure shopping on the part of patients and healthcare prices will finally start to go down. The next step will be selling freedom of choice to the public and talking panicked Republicans off the ledge. But thats another column entirely. Michael R. Shannon is a public relations and advertising consultant with corporate, government and political experience around the globe. He is a dynamic and entertaining keynote speaker. He can be reached at mandate.mmpr (at) gmail.com. He is also the author of Conservative Christian's Guidebook for Living in Secular Times (Now with added humor!). Home Kiwibank has announced the appointment of Hamish Rumbold (pictured) as its new Chief Digital Officer, effective August of this year. Rumbold will be joining from ClearPoint, a New Zealand digital experience and engineering company which works with companies to build and manage digital platforms. He is also a director at insurer Fidelity Life and tech startup Fresho, a cloud-based software for food businesses. Rumbolds previous experience includes running Air New Zealands global digital distribution channels, digital marketing capability and customer facing technology. This included spearheading the development of the airlines website, the Air New Zealand App, in-flight Wi-Fi and connectivity, and Air New Zealands AI chatbot Oscar, among other developments. Bord na Mona has not ruled out growing medicinal cannabis on Offaly bogs after commencing a similar project with other herbs in recent months. A spokesperson for the company, which is winding down peat production with the loss of hundreds of jobs in Offaly, told the Sunday Independent that a medicinal cannabis growing project is being considered. They are weighing up whether or not it fits with their wider diversification plans and believe, if utilised, could contribute more than 800 jobs in the Midlands. Therapeutic herbs, such as yarrow and marshmallow, are already being grown at Mount Lucas Wind Farm. They will then enter the pharma industry market. Medicinal cannabis was not included in this trial due to the lack of a licence. A licence is possible in the future. Offaly TD Barry Cowen reacted to the news by confirming, "They are looking at alternatives to their core business which is, of course, as a result of an acceleration of decarbonisation." He added: "They are looking at medicinal herbs, agriculture and also the zoning of lands for the provision of lands for data centres and so forth but my focus is on the fact that Bord na Mona can no longer meet the remit it was charged with by the Fianna Fail government back in the 1940s." Minister of State for Natural Resources, Community Affairs and Digital Development Sean Canney has said that the possibility of Bord na Mona growing medicinal herbs is being discussed with the company's management, but said it is in the "very, very early stages." The plans would fit with comments made by Health Minister Simon Harris last month that Ireland could own its own medicinal cannabis supply in the future. The offset of jobs and land as a result of Bord na Mona's decarbonisation could be addressed with projects, while the company is also planning further wind farms and renewable energy projects. Pastor Pete delivers another homily By Michael R Shannon The Opposition Media and other leftist cultural arbiters have finally found a Christian presidential candidate with whom they are not embarrassed to be seen in public. This religious token is Pete Buttigieg whose day job is Mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Its not that these leftist stenographers posing as journalists have become more open to the Christian message. Theyre as ignorant of the Bible and elementary Christian beliefs as theyve always been. Reading an OpMedia journos take on basic theology is like listening to Ann Coulter discuss quinceanera preparations with Vicente Fox. That doesnt really matter though, for as the Atlantic says, Democrats who are drawn to him are embracing him not because of his faith but because of his liberalism. Theyre willing to indulge the former so long as it advances the latter. For many Democrats, faith is an instrumentality. In Buttigiegs case the instrumentality is part of his niche marking effort. As CNN described his appearance at its town hall, Pete Buttigieg opened up about his faith Monday night, expressing confidence that he will be able to unite many different groups of people because God does not have a political party. I predict a sweep of Unitarians, dissident Methodists, squishy Presbyterians and his own heretical Episcopalians. And theres Pastor Petes problem. Hes a Burger King Christian who wants to have the Bible his way. Petes another mainline Protestant who failed to realize as his church became more relevant the membership became more absent. Buttigieg wont appeal to any church attendee whos not already voting Democrat. The portions of his bio that are so appealing to the left are what disqualify him with believers. Pastor Pete is an alphabet apostate who is married to a man. The Godless media cant understand what all the fuss is about. Trump is a serial adulterer who refuses to turn the other cheek and has never bought into the theory of a kind word turns away wrath while Pastor Pete is a lowkey Rhodes Scholar who talks about compassion and never talks about cheating on his husband. So, whats not to like? Buttigieg theology for starters. During the town hall, he offered to meet those closeminded bigots who think marriage is onemanonewoman halfway when he opined, I get that one of the things about Scripture is different people see different things in it. I would go so far to say people who are different might try to softpedal or ignore inconvenient Scripture, but thats my limit. The Bible isn't a Magic 8ball providing enigmatic answers when shaken. The centuries old theological basis for sex and marriage is not up for grabs. Pastor Pete doesnt even like to use the C word. On CNN he was a person of faith who told the audience, And part of Gods love is experienced, according to my faith tradition, is in the way that we support one another and, in particular, support the least among us. A "faith tradition" is Baptists refusing to dance or Lutherans strange attachment to hot dish dinners. The clear prohibition against homosexuality and limiting marriage to one man and one woman is a foundational belief, not a tradition. My advice is to keep that bit of selfrighteous boasting about the least in mind when Buttigieg finally releases his tax returns. If hes part of the hypocritical onepercenttocharity club Pastor Pete is going to have to explain why he leaves the collection plate empty. Buttigieg also lines up with the rest of the Democrats on the wrong side of the second great moral issue that has faced this country, abortion. Here hes biblical, but only in the sense hes channeling Pontius Pilate. On Meet the Press Pastor Pete just washed his hands, But in my view, [abortion] is a question that is almost unknowable. This is a moral question thats not going to be settled by science. Buttigieg is just as relentless in harvesting the souls of the unborn as is the governor of Virginia, Ralph Blackface Northam. I would venture that most of his supporters on the left like him in spite of his diluted Christianity. An authentic Christian writer named Rod Dreher has looked at Pastor Pete and devised an excellent question that will really test the depth of Buttigiegs belief in the Christ of the Bible, I hope some journalist asks Buttigieg to talk about an instance in which his faith caused him to break with the progressive consensus in a meaningful way. In the unlikely event it happens, I predict the articulate Pastor Pete will suddenly fall silent. Michael R. Shannon is a public relations and advertising consultant with corporate, government and political experience around the globe. He is a dynamic and entertaining keynote speaker. He can be reached at mandate.mmpr (at) gmail.com. He is also the author of Conservative Christian's Guidebook for Living in Secular Times (Now with added humor!). Home The Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore (MRHT) will again this year participate in the National Patient Experience Survey, a study asking patients for their feedback. The annual survey the largest of its kind in Ireland offers patients the opportunity to share their experiences in hospital and tell management what improvements they believe are necessary. This provides a clear picture of the safety and quality of care in Irish hospitals, as seen through the eyes of patients. An estimated 28,000 patients will be eligible to participate in this years survey 786 inpatients in the Offaly facility. 408 patients from Tullamore Hospital took part in last years survey, a response rate of 53%. Overall, patients ratings of their experiences at Tullamore Hospital were above the national average. 87% of patients at Tullamore Hospital said they had a very good or good experience, compared with 84% nationally. The survey found that patients in Tullamore Hospital felt they were treated with a high level of respect and dignity (93%) and had confidence and trust in the hospital staff caring for them (91%). The areas that patients highlighted as needing improvements included waiting times before admission to hospital, that we need to improve how we communicate when discussing tests and procedures, and that patients need better information before leaving the hospital. According to Noreen Hynes, General Manager, MRHT commented: The Patient Experience Survey is a vital indicator which shows us what we do well, but more importantly, illustrates the areas that we need to improve upon for our patients. Our focus this year has been on our patients experience as they are being admitted to the hospital, through the development of our Acute Medical Assessment Unit, our Transit Lounge, and our Frailty Intervention Team. We hope that the 2019 survey will reflect improvements in this area, and look forward to our patients feedback again this year. These 2018 findings have informed quality improvement initiatives for 2019/2020 at Tullamore Hospital including: The introduction of a Frailty Intervention Team (FIT) allows frail elderly adults attending the Emergency Department to be identified upon presentation, and to provide early interventions to this vulnerable group, thereby improving their hospital experience, overall outcomes and waiting times. The enhanced Discharge Lounge at MRHT which also creates a valuable opportunity to discuss patients concerns and questions before they leave the hospital. A training programme in Customer Care has been rolled out in 2019. This provides staff with enhanced communication skills and highlights the importance of making every communication with patients and their families count. An information leaflet for patients leaving hospital has been developed by a multi-disciplinary group at MRHT. This outlines what patients can expect as they are being discharged. The National Healthcare Communication Programme has been promoted by the management team at MRHT, with several staff members across a range of disciplines enrolled in the programme. Those staff can then train others in the hospital, ensuring that we have the internal expertise to improve our communication skills across the hospital. Tullamore has also enrolled a number of staff members to undertake the new HSE funded education programme for patient advocates. This will allow skilled staff to act as advocates for patients and their families at times when they feel vulnerable or need support. Trevor OCallaghan, Group CEO Dublin Midlands Hospital Group said, The 2018 results of the National Patient Experience Survey reflect the values and principles outlined in our Hospital Group Strategy. I would like to commend all our hospitals on their individual results; they excelled in different areas." "The results provide clear markers for improvement and this is very important and worthwhile work and it will take time for these improvements to be realised. I wish to thank staff for their commitment to improving our patients experience. We would again encourage our patients to participate in this years survey your feedback is very important to us and provides us with important information on how we can continue to improve patient care and build on positive patient experience, he concluded. For further information on the National Patient Experience Survey visit www.patientexperience.ie or follow @NPESurvey @HSELive #patientexperience #listeningrespondingimproving Gregory Smith didnt know the Womacks, but he stopped to help them place flowers at James Womacks grave. Smith said he came to pay tribute to his wife, Diana, who served in the Air Force and died in January from brain cancer. Remembering the fallen was the goal of Cindy Van Bibber, the cemetery director who was one of the organizers of Mondays ceremony, one of many across the region. Were here to remember, honor and respect those who have gone on before us, Van Bibber said. To those who are laid to rest here, we want to honor them as well. Loved ones made their way across the hilltop for Mondays ceremony, which featured speakers including Nebraska Lt. Gov. Mike Foley and U.S. Reps. Don Bacon and Jeff Fortenberry, both Nebraska Republicans. U.S. Navy Lt. Andrew Taylor was keynote speaker. The National Archives record that 318 Nebraskans died during the Korean War, 396 during the Vietnam War and 670 in World War II, Taylor said. Some of those men and women are laid to rest right here in Omaha National Cemetery. Those scary swarms of tornadoes that have swept across the nations midsection over the last 10 days are manifestations of one of the most discernible changes in tornadic weather in recent decades. Thats according to one of the nations foremost experts on tornadoes, Harold Brooks, a senior research scientist with the National Severe Storms Laboratory, which is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Nearly every day since May 17 when a line of tornadoes touched down in southwest Nebraska some part of the Great Plains and Midwest has been under threat of tornadoes. At least six people have died, one in Iowa, three in Missouri and two in Oklahoma. During that period, 248 tornadoes had been reported to the National Weather Service. (Tornado reports are just that sightings or damage and must be verified to weed out duplicates and false reports. From a starting point of 288 reports between May 17 and Sunday evening, the whittled down number stood at 248.) Authorities were called to the lake about 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Sheriff's deputies were told that a person had fallen into the water and a second person went in to help the first person get out. Nicholas Rodriguez of Wayne drowned while trying to help his friend, officials said. Show me then Ill believe By Dr. Robert Owens Im in the process of re-writing my autobiography. I initially wrote it back in the early nineties. Until now it never seemed like the right time to publish it, but now I believe the time has arrived. As I re-read the chapters which chronicle the adventures of a lost young man throwing away everything nature and nurture gave him and self-medicating his way to total despair I cant help but think of all the missed opportunities and self-inflicted pain. Anything that shouldve meant something was discarded in a blind attempt to escape the pain of not understanding the world around me. However, time and maturity have finally taught me that if I hadnt taken every step Ive taken to be here I wouldnt be here. Instead Id be somewhere else. And I know without a shadow of doubt that Im standing exactly where God wants me, which is the only place I ever want to be. At an early age I discovered History and my immature mind told me, If you understand how we got here maybe you could understand here? So I started reading History on a daily basis, a habit Ive never lost. However as I gained a vast knowledge base I didnt seem to gain any wisdom. I knew what happened but the why always seemed to escape me. I just couldnt figure out why bad things happened to good people and good things happened to bad people. A fact the study of History proves over and over. The drugs and alcohol I used to ease the pain of confusion didnt help. I ended up thinking I should do bad things if I wanted good things to happen. As a child Id given up on Christianity the first time I heard about turning the other cheek. My young but already street smart mind told me, If you do that the world is going to slap the taste out of your mouth. I thought ideas such as loving those who hate you, returning good for evil, and sacrificing yourself for the good of others was foolishness. Living like this seemed like walking backwards through a burning building. I just couldnt see the forest for the trees. At least not until Id lived my life into a corner and came to the end of my rope believing there was no afterlife and nothing except what I could touch, see, or feel. I figured if this is all there is why go on, why continue living only to die. My life became a parody of the chorus from the song, Is That All There Is; Is that all there is, is that all there is, if that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing let's break out the booze and have a ball if that's all there is. Luckily for me that isnt all there is. Thats when I ran into Jesus. I gave my burned-out useless life to Him and He gave it back to me all shiny and new. He gave me purpose. He gave me hope. He gave me a loving wife, the love of my life, whos my other half in a one flesh marriage. He gave me the opportunity to know the joys of being a second-chance father and a stand-in grandfather after having all my own children aborted. In my former life I did my best to destroy and throw away everything given to me. But, God works with whats left. He takes the cinders and the ashes and makes them into something beautiful. Tears may come at night but joy comes in the morning. Has everything been as smooth as silk and twice as nice since Ive become a new creation? Not by a long shot. Thereve been trials and tribulations beyond counting and they arent over yet. At first I would pray for God to take this cup from me forgetting the second half of the prayer, but not my will but yours be done. Then Id wonder, Why do I keep going through the same things over and over? Somehow in my continuous reading of Gods Word Id missed this part: Even when were surrounded by troubles we keep right on shouting praises, because we know if we walk through these troubles hand-in-hand with the man who stilled the sea theyll develop perfect patience in us. And if we learn to practice perfect patience this forges the polished steel of virtue. This virtue keeps living in expectancy ever on the lookout for what God will do next. Living in this kind of breathless expectancy, were never left feeling ripped-off or overwhelmed by circumstances. No, its just the opposite. If well walk through our problems like this we cant find enough treasure chests to contain all the blessings God in His mind-blowing generosity pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! Still seeking after wisdom I spend every day pursuing the One who is wisdom, the One who is light and life, the One who is the Savior of my soul, the King of Glory who died and rose again. The ever living Jesus who sits at the right hand of the Father, the One who sent the Holy Spirit to live in me. If life doesnt seem to make any sense, if we find ourselves going through the same things over and over lets step out of the meaningless maze of carnival mirrors and find peace in union with God. Give it all up to get it all back. If we lay down our lives Jesus will show us how to live. Lets stop fighting a war thats already been won. Victory is found in surrender. It isnt a matter of Show me then Ill believe, instead its a matter of Believe and it will be revealed. Dr. Robert Owens teaches History, Political Science, and Religion. He is the Historian of the Future @ http://drrobertowens.com 2019 Contact Dr. Owens drrobertowens@hotmail.com Follow Dr. Robert Owens on Facebook or Twitter @ Drrobertowens or visit Dr. Owens Amazon Page / Edited by Dr. Rosalie Owens Home WASHINGTON -- For sheer hypocrisy, it's hard to match the European nations that are refusing responsibility for dozens of their nationals who became jihadi "foreign fighters" over the past five years and are now warehoused in makeshift prisons in northeast Syria. U.S. officials say that about 2,000 foreign fighters from more than 50 nations are among the roughly 10,000 captured Islamic State fighters held in several dozen ramshackle prisons in Syria. The detention facilities are run by the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Kurdish militia that partnered with a U.S.-led coalition to defeat Islamic State. The other 8,000 captives are Syrian and Iraqi fighters. The Pentagon and State Department have implored European nations to repatriate their nationals for trial and imprisonment, or at least pay the SDF to hold them temporarily. But so far, most European nations have refused. The SDF warns that it can't imprison them indefinitely and doesn't have laws that would allow formal prosecution in the Kurdish-controlled zone. "If these prisoners are not going to be taken, what is the endgame?" complained one frustrated Pentagon official in an interview: "What comes next? People haven't thought about it." Korean War. Army Sgt. John R. Rice, a native of Winnebago, Neb., served with distinction in fighting in South Korea. He was killed in battle on Sept. 6, 1950. His interment in a private Sioux City, Iowa, cemetery was underway when an official there, learning that Rice was Native American, invoked a Caucasians only clause in the cemeterys bylaws. Rices widow, Evelyn, refused to sign a document saying he was white. President Harry Truman intervened and offered a plot at Arlington National Cemetery. Rices burial there followed, and Evelyn Rice was later buried there. In a ceremony in 2005, Sioux City leaders publicly apologized to Rices family and presented them a War Eagle Human Rights Award in honor of Evelyn Rice. Vietnam War. In a 2017 Veterans Day ceremony at Loomis High School in Phelps County, the school awarded a diploma to the late Willmer Matson, who attended the school in the 1960s. He was drafted in 1969 and killed in March 1970. Three years earlier he had gone through graduation ceremonies but was given a certificate of attendance rather than a diploma. Matsons classmates, in planning their 50th high school reunion, asked the local school board to recognize him by awarding him a posthumous diploma. The board approved. So the Trump administration delivered a clear message that America will hold Iran directly responsible for any attacks on Americans, even if they are carried out by surrogates -- and offered a show of force to back those threats -- providing clarity that makes it less likely Iranian leaders will miscalculate. Sanctions are inflicting major pain. But if the goal is to roll back Iran's expansionism, then sanctions alone are not enough. We must also aggressively confront Iran throughout the region, building up our allies inflicting defeats on Iran in critical theaters, just as President Ronald Reagan did to the Soviets. A major drawdown of U.S. forces in Syria is incompatible with a "maximum pressure" approach. Will Iranian leaders come to the table? Far less draconian sanctions brought Iran to the negotiating table under Obama. But Trump has rightly paired tougher sanctions with tougher demands. Pompeo has laid out 12 requirements for a deal with Iran -- including an end to support for Middle East terrorist groups and a complete withdrawal from Syria -- that Iran is unlikely to meet. If they don't come to the table, then what is our strategy? Does Trump really want to bring about the collapse of the Iranian regime? It's not clear. If he does, then, as my American Enterprise Institute colleague Frederick W. Kagan points out, this task may be even harder than it was with the Soviet Union. As North Korea has shown, tyrannical regimes can survive even crippling sanctions. Certainly, the world will be better if Iran is focused on survival rather than expansion and terror. But it will take more than sanctions to leave the Iranian regime on the ash heap of history. That requires a strategy. A Creighton University professor is studying the plight of the honeybee colony collapse disorder (CCD), which is causing large declines in honeybee populations across North America and Europe. Inspired by her youth spent on a honeybee farm, biology professor Carol Fassbinder-Orth, PhD, is spearheading the research. Although the cause for CCD has not been determined, the disorder occurs when the majority of worker bees disappear from a colony. Its sad, said Fassbinder-Orth of CCD. Its hard to watch. In less than a day, you start to see them get really frantic. They know somethings wrong. Theyre trying to leave, theyre bouncing off the walls. Then they start to shake, and then its paralysis. And by then, its spread through the colony. Its rather sad to see the progression and then to see its aftermath in colony collapse disorder. In her lab, Fassbinder-Orth, who received a 2018 Dr. George F. Haddix Presidents Faculty Research Grant to support her project, and her student researchers are observing the dynamics of the hive when a virus that may cause CCD is introduced. The bees are kept close to the hive to see what behaviors they exhibit in the run-up to leaving and dying. TMC delegation to meet Election Commission in Delhi today; To request for early bypolls in Bengal EC declares bypolls to seven Rajya Sabha seats in six states Bypoll: EC notice to Assam minister for 'give and take' remark 11 IPS officers reinstated in West Bengal India oi-Oneindia Staff By Anuj Cariappa Kolkata, May 27: Soon after the Election Commission (EC) lifted the model code of conduct, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday reinstated 11 IPS officers, including Rajeev Kumar, to their old posts. Kumar, who was removed by the poll body from the post of Additional Director General of West Bengal CID, was reinstated by an order issued by the state home and hill affairs department. Kumar was embroiled into a controversy in the Saradha chit fund scam. He was relieved from his duty by the EC following violence in the city during BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow. Mamata Banerjee's offer to quit as Bengal CM nothing but drama: Mukul Roy According to the order issued by the state government, Rajesh Kumar, who was made the Kolkata Police Commissioner by an EC directive, was sent on "waiting for posting order", while his predecessor Anuj Sharma was named in his place. The EC had ordered the transfer of Sharma from the post of Kolkata Police Commissioner to the position of ADGP and IGP (Operations) of the state police. Natarajan Ramesh Babu, who was appointed the Commissioner of Bidhannagar Police by the EC, was transferred from the post and sent on "waiting for posting order". Gyanwant Singh, the earlier Bidhannagar police commissioner, who was transferred by the EC as Director of the Directorate of Economic Offences, was brought back to his old post, the order stated. Devendra Prakash Singh, the DIG Midnapore Range, was named as the new Commissioner of Police of Barrackpore Police in place of Sunil Kumar Choudhary. Choudhary, who was made the CP of Barrackpore Police by the Commission, was send on "waiting for posting order". Shyam Singh was reinstated as the Superintendent of Police of Birbhum in place of Avvaru Ravindranath, who was made the new DC, Zone II (airport division) under the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate. Amit Kumar Singh who was appointed as the Superintendent of Police of Coochbehar district by the EC was transferred by the state government and put on "waiting for posting order". Party rejected my wish to step down as CM, says Mamata Banerjee Abhishek Gupta, the Commanding Officer (CO) of Specialised India Reserve Battalions (SIRB) was appointed the new Superintendent of police of Coochbehar district, the order said. The model code of conduct, which came into force on March 10 when the Lok Sabha election was announced, ceased to be in existence, the Election Commission said on Sunday. In an instruction to the cabinet secretary and chief secretaries of state governments, the commission said the model code has been lifted with immediate effect. 76 of the 147 MLAs in new Odisha assembly are crorepatis India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, May 27: Out of the 146 MLAs analysed in the newly elected Odisha assembly, 67(46 per cent) MLAs have declared criminal cases against themselves. Out of 147 MLAs analysed during Odisha Assembly elections in 2014, 52 (35 per cent) MLAs had declared criminal cases against themselves says a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms. 49(34 per cent) MLAs have declared serious criminal cases including cases related to murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping etc. Out of 147 MLAs analysed during Odisha Assembly elections in 2014, 41 (28 per cent) MLAs had declared serious criminal cases against themselves. An INC Winner, Ramesh Chandra Jena from Sanekhemundi constituency has declared 51 criminal cases against himself, including cases related to murder, attempt to murder, extortion, Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty, criminal intimidation etc. What are the chances of a rich candidate winning elections? 2 MLAs, MLAs have declared cases related to murder (IPC Section 302). 11 MLAs, MLAs have declared cases related to attempt to murder (IPC Section 307). 46(41 per cent) out of 112 MLAs from BJD, 14 (61 per cent) out of 23 MLAs from BJP and 6 (67 per cent) out of 9 MLAs from INC have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits. 33(30 per cent) out of 112 MLAs from BJD, 10 (44 per cent) out of 23 MLAs from BJP and 5 (56 per cent) out of 9 MLAs from INC have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits. Financial background: Out of the 146 newly elected MLAs, 95 (65 per cent) are crorepatis. Out of 147 MLAs analysed during Odisha 2014 assembly elections, 76 (52 per cent) MLAs were crorepatis. 79 (71 per cent)out of 112 MLAs from BJD, 9 (39 per cent) out of 23 MLAs from BJP and 7(78 per cent) out of 9 INC MLAs have declared assets valued more than Rs 1 crore. The average of assets per MLA in the Odisha 2019 assembly elections is Rs. 4.41 crores. In 2014, the average assets of 147 MLAs analyzed was Rs 3.22 crores. The average assets per MLA for 112 BJD MLAs analysed is Rs 5.08 crores and 23 BJP MLAs have average assets of Rs 1.01 crore and 9 INC MLAs have average assets of Rs 5.67 crores. There are 475 crorepatis in the new Lok Sabha Other details: 2 (1 per cent) MLAs have declared their age to be between 25 and 30 years while 13 (9 per cent) MLAs have declared their age to be between 31 and 40 years. There are 123(84 per cent) MLAs who have declared their age to be between 41 and 70 years while 8(5 per cent) MLAs have declared their age to be between 71 and 80. Out of 146 MLAs, 13 (9 per cent) MLAs are women. In 2014, out of 147 MLAs, 11 (7 per cent) MLAs were women. Importance of AMCA program: Why is it key for IAF's future? LCA Tejas: Did it serve the purpose, can it replace ageing MiGs? Akash 1S missile system successfully tested: How will it bolster India's air defence India oi-Vikas SV New Delhi, May 27: The Defense Research and Development Organsation (DRDO) on Monday successfully tested indigenously developed Akash-1S surface to air defence missile system. This is a new version of the missile fitted with an indigenous seeker. This is the second successful test of the Akash-1S missile in last two days. Developed under the integrated guided-missile development programme (IGMDP), which also involved the development of the Nag, Agni and Trishul missiles, as well as the Prithvi ballistic missile, the Akash missile defense system is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) Akash Missile can destroy manoeuvring targets like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), cruise missiles, helicopter-launched missiles, fighter aircraft and can be fired from both tracked and wheeled platforms. [Multi layered air defence: How S-400 fits into India's scheme of things] Akash missiles are designed to be launched from static or mobile platforms such as battle tanks and wheeled trucks, providing flexible deployment. It can handle multiple targets and destroy manoeuvring targets, including unmanned aerial vehicles, fighter aircraft, cruise missiles and missiles launched from helicopters. Deployment of Aakash significantly improves defence capabilities from incoming air attacks. Akash missile system is an indigenously developed supersonic short-range surface-to-air missile system with the capability to engage a wide variety of aerial threats like aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles up to a maximum range of 25-30 km and up to an altitude of 20 km. It is in operational service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. [Next generation Akash-NG to add new diamension to India's air defence capabilities] The Akash missile, which is in service now, is guided by a phased array fire control radar called 'Rajendra' which is termed as Battery Level Radar (BLR) with a tracking range of about 60 km. India is also said to working on a next generation Akash Missile called Akash NG. Akash-NG will feature an AESA Multi-Function Radar(MFR). The Addition of MFR will afford the Akash missile system capabilities it never had before. MFR will combine functions (search, track and fire control) of three different radars in one single unit. This new Akash NG will significantly bolster India's air defence system. [Akash, PAD, AAD and now S-400 triumf air defence missile system] India is currently working on a multi layered air defence system to tackle with the incoming aerial attack. India's purchase of S-400 triumf system from Russia was in line with this ongoing endeavour. India is already working on two-tier Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Program and has Aakash Missiles to take on aerial attacks. The S-400 Triumph missile defense system is a significant strategic upgrade in India's military hardware. "We did not have anything (in terms of air defence) between 400 kms and 25 kms. This is a system which can take on the enemy from 30 kms to 400m kms. Then you are also buying Israeli Barack 8 systems which has a range of 70 kms extendable upto 100 kms. So, you will have a layered air defence to take take on threats from China and Pakistan," Major General PK Sehgal had said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 27, 2019, 20:23 [IST] Wrongly imprisoned former Rep. Steve Stockman files appeal By Rachel Alexander Former Republican Congressman Steve Stockman is fighting back against The Swamp. He was targeted by powerful Democrats and wrongly convicted of misusing nonprofit funds. Corrupt, left-leaning prosecutors in the Department of Justice went after him because he called for the arrest of the IRSs Lois Lerner, was the first to expose Obamas ransom payment for Bowe Bergdahl, and aggressively rooted out corruption under both Bill Clintons and Barack Obamas presidencies. He made the Drudge Report during his most recent term in office more than any other House member. The reality is, Stockman complied with very complex, technical laws but prosecutors chose to interpret those laws differently in order to confuse the jury. Now, Stockman is fighting back from prison, where he is serving a 10 year sentence. His attorneys filed an appeal with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals last week. What happened was Stockman solicited funds for nonprofits with which he was affiliated with in order to set up a conservative youth political training program. One of the nonprofits put out a mailer explaining the differences in positions between himself and his opponent while running for U.S. Senate in Texas. Prosecutors claimed the mailer constituted express advocacy and so violated campaign finance law since it was put out by a nonprofit. But the mailer never said vote for Stockman. It merely laid out, educationally, the differences between the two candidates. The well-known 1976 campaign case Buckley v. Valeo states that express advocacy must contain words like vote for, elect, support, vote against, etc. The mailer contained none of those words. The prosecution cleverly referred to Stockmans nonprofits as sham nonprofits, in order to taint the jury. They didnt bother telling the jury that nonprofits could send out educational mailers. The IRS states about nonprofits, Certain 'voter education' activities conducted in a non-partisan manner may not constitute prohibited political activity under section 501(c)(3) of the Code. The prosecution also said Stockman was guilty of materially misrepresenting what he was soliciting funds for. But they never identified any material misrepresentations. So there was no fraud. The donors knew what their money was going for. Unfortunately for Stockman, one of the two donors in question died before the trial started so he could not be questioned. The prosecution used that to their advantage. Prosecutors also threw in the vague counts of mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. Those are commonly alleged when prosecutors dont have a good case against someone and need to throw in some catchalls. They merely mean that someone used the mail or telephone/internet while they were committing a crime, and money transferred places while a crime was being committed. The problem with those counts is Stockman did not commit any crimes, so those counts are meaningless. Prosecutors confused the jury by giving them incorrect jury instructions. They gave them the impression that any activity that could be considered political in nature was illegal. They also made it appear that any money spent by a nonprofit that benefited an individual was illegal. They tricked the jury. Stockman was also convicted of filing a false tax return. But similar to campaign finance filings, usually there is an opportunity for the filer to amend it; the government doesnt go into full prosecution mode. Stockman failed to report as income money given to his nonprofit for the youth education center. But he wasnt receiving any income. It certainly doesnt fit the definition of income, and he had no reason to think it was required to be included, so his actions werent willful and consequently didnt fit the definition of filing a false tax return. This comes down to the First Amendment. Stockman had a free speech right to raise and spend money for nonprofit organizations and political campaigns. Campaign finance and related laws were distorted and used against him to destroy his career and stop him. If corrupt DOJ prosecutors can get away with taking him down, whos next? There are plenty of conservative activist members of Congress. This can now happen to any of them if its not corrected. Attorney General William Barr and President Donald Trump need to thoroughly clean out the DOJ from top to bottom. Hopefully the appeals court will see through this witch hunt, reverse the conviction and punish the prosecutors. Maybe if some prosecutors go to jail this kind of abuse will finally stop. Rachel Alexander and her brother Andrew are co-Editors of Intellectual Conservative. She has been published in the American Spectator, Townhall.com, Fox News, NewsMax, Accuracy in Media, The Americano, ParcBench, Enter Stage Right and other publications.mericano, ParcBench, Enter Stage Right and other publications. Home As terrorists lose big in Kashmir, Pak looks to push in the old guard Zawahiris message on Kashmir is a desperate attempt to stay relevant after Musas death Zakir Musas successor Lelhari bites the bullet: The terror market in Kashmir is less crowded now Musa gone, Lelhari down: The Indian Security Forces have wiped out Al-Qaedas offshoot All restrictions lifted as normalcy returns to Kashmir India oi-Oneindia Staff By Anuj Cariappa Srinagar, May 27: Life returned to normal in Kashmir on Sunday after two days of restrictions and shutdown in the wake of the killing of Zakir Musa the so-called head of an Al-Qaeda affiliate in the valley in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district, officials said. They said there were no restrictions in place in any part of the valley on Sunday. Normalcy has returned to the valley as there is no strike today and no restrictions have been imposed anywhere, an official said. Killed in the nick of time: How gunning down Zakir Musa, destroyed an Al-Qaeda dream in India Officials said shops, fuel stations and other business establishments re-opened this morning while public transport also operated normally. The weekly flea market on the TRC Chowk-Batamaloo axis through the Lal Chowk city centre was also open, they said. Musa, the so-called head of the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, was killed in an encounter with security forces at Dadsara village of Tral in the south Kashmir's Pulwama district Friday after forces launched a search operation on late Thursday evening following specific information about the presence of militants there. Fearing law and order problems, authorities had imposed curfew in parts of Kashmir Valley as a precautionary measure on Friday. The curfew continued on Saturday in view of a strike called by the hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani against the killing of Musa and a civilian, Zahoor Ahmad, a resident of Naira Pulwama by unidentified gunmen on Thursday. Mobile internet was also suspended on Thursday night across the valley, but the low-speed service was restored in most parts on Saturday evening following improvement in the situation. The high-speed mobile internet service continued to remain barred. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 27, 2019, 8:41 [IST] Register for Parishka Pe Charcha 2022: Here are the steps to apply We don't have even 2 minutes to waste, must strive religiously for self-reliant nation: PM Modi PM Modi likely to address rally in Punjab on January 5, may share stage with Amarinder BIMSTEC leaders invited for Modi's swearing-in India oi-Vikas SV New Delhi, May 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony on Thursday would be attended by leaders from the BIMSTEC member states. Government of India has invited the leaders of the BIMSTEC Member States for the Swearing-in ceremony on May 30, the MEA statement said. MEA said this is in line with Government's focus on its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is an international organisation of seven nations of South Asia and South East Asia. The BIMSTEC member states are: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan and India. The government has invited the leaders of the BIMSTEC member states for the swearing-in ceremony, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in response to questions on the invitations for the swearing-in ceremony. "This is in line with government's focus on its 'Neighbourhood First' policy," the MEA said. Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, who is the current chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, who was the Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, have also been invited, the ministry said. Modi is the first BJP leader who has been elected for a second term after completion of his five-year tenure, a feat so far achieved only by three Congress leaders -- Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh. In 2014, PM Modi had invited all SAARC leaders for his swearing-in ceremony. [Modi Cabinet 2019: Who will make the cut] The President will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Modi will take oath as the Prime Minister on May 30, 2019, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday designated Modi as the next Prime Minister and asked him to form the new government. The NDA has a strength of 353 MPs in the 543-member Lok Sabha out of which the BJP has a majority of 303 MPs. WBJEE 2022 registrations to begin today: Here is how to apply BJP gearing up to win Delhi after 22 years India oi-Hardeep Singh Bedi New Delhi, May 27: After winning all the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Delhi unit is gearing up to form government in the Union Territory after 22 years. The Congress had snatched power from the BJP in 1998. The BJP government's term from December 02, 1993 to December 03, 1998 had seen three chief ministers: Madan Lal Khurana, Sahib Singh Verma and Sushma Swaraj. The 15-year-rule of the Congress had ended in December 2013 when the newly formed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had dethroned Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit's government. After a brief period of President Rule, the AAP returned to power on February 14, 2015, with a mammoth tally of 67 seats out of 70. BJP President Amit Shah has directed Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari, who is also MP from Delhi North- East Lok Sabha seat, and other newly elected MPs to speed up the preparations for the Delhi Assembly elections due early next year, say sources. LS mandate opportunity for country to regain its place in world, says Modi It's notable that the BJP had been preparing for the Assembly elections soon after the drubbing in 2015 elections. On Saturday, Tiwari, Union Minister and Chandni Chowk MP Dr Harsh Vardhan, North West Delhi MP Hans Raj Hans, West Delhi MP Pravesh Verma and East Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir addressed a joint press conference over the party's victory on seven Delhi Lok Sabha seats. Addressing the press conference, Tiwari said, "For the Delhi BJP, the election fervour has not ended. We have started our work from this very moment. We will make Delhi the best. In the Lok Sabha election, we have won 65 Vidhan Sabha seats and after six months we will repeat this gesture by winning the Delhi Assembly polls." On Sunday, he organised a programme at his parliamentary constituency to thank party workers. The Delhi BJP president exhorted party workers to visit every nook and corner of Delhi in the next six months and not only connect the people with the party's policies but also apprise them about the Central government's people-friendly schemes. He said that Congress and Arvind Kejriwal are afraid of the public interest policies of the central government. Tiwari said this is the reason that Kejriwal government has not implemented reservation on economic basis and the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi. According to the party insiders, the main focus of the Delhi BJP unit is on fixing problems of the party-ruled three municipal corporations, which directly serve the people. Just before the announcement of the Lok Sabha results, Tiwari had met BJP councillors to streamline the functioning of the municipal corporations. The BJP is ruling the corporations for last 12 years but the local bodies are often criticised for their shoddy work, especially in sanitation. According to the sources, the BJP would be going into Assembly elections in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is a historic win says L K Advani The party workers have been told to apprise the Delhiites about the benefits of the BJP rule at Centre, Delhi and Delhi Municipal Corporations, says a source. The BJP feels that the current political situation is conducive for it to return back to the power. "The current political situation is different from that of 2015 when the popularity graph of the AAP was at acme. Now, the AAP is a spent force and the Congress is marred with the factionalism. Therefore, the chances of BJP returning back to power are very high," says a BJP insider. Apart from BJP MPs, MLAs, Councillors; BJP Delhi office-bearers, district and mandal presidents, Panna Pramukhs and all the BJP workers have been told to directly connect with the voters. Decoding the BJPs stellar performance with Dr. Sandeep Shastri India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, May 27: The 2019 Lok Sabha elections were clearly about the Central Government. This could be seen in the rout of the Congress in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, where it had recently come to power in the assembly elections. Dr. Sandeep Shastri, one of India's top psephologists says that most of the difference for the BJP was made in the north, west and central barring Punjab. In this interview with OneIndia, Dr. Shastri says that the BJP did exceptionally well, where it was in a direct contest with the Congress. NDA allies look for Cabinet berths in Modi 2.0 govt What explains the BJP's stellar performance, despite parties stitching up alliances? The electoral arithmetic, which was simplistic did not work for several reasons. It was being said that the alliances would pose a major challenge to the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Karnataka. The caste caucus could not undergo a dramatic shift in the case of UP and Karnataka. Secondly much water could have flowed under the bridge resulting in a new set of issues. Lastly the chemistry among workers and party supporters may not always be positive, which resulted on a shaky alliance on the ground. How does one explain the alliance chemistry of the BJP led NDA? This has been one of the major successes for the BJP. In Bihar it agreed to contest a less number of seats than it won in 2014. In Maharashtra, it was still able to form an alliance, despite differences with the Shiv Sena. What about the UPA? The UPA on the other hand in the exception of Tamil Nadu failed to ensure that the anti incumbency vote did not split among different parties. This cost them dearly. They were unclear on whether their primary focus was to defeat the BJP or protect their own political spaces. What kind of impact did Rafale or the Chowkidar Chor hai campaign have? It had a very limited impact. The fact is that a high percentage of people view Modi as honest. One of four of those who felt that there had been wrongdoing on the Rafale deal wanted Modi back as the Prime Minister. How much of a factor did leadership play in the elections? It was a big issue. The BJP candidates canvassed for votes in the name of the Prime Minister. One of every three who voted for the BJP said that they would have voted differently had Modi not been the prime ministerial candidate. BJP to play role of senior partner in alliance with Amarinder, Dhindsa: Report Game on say BJP, Congress after Telangana gains India oi-Oneindia Staff By Anuj Cariappa Hyderabad, May 27: The impressive gains made by the BJP and the Congress in the Lok Sabha polls in Telangana have reinvigorated the parties after their dismal showing in last year's state assembly polls. The ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) party swept the December 2018 assembly polls by winning 88 of 119 seats. Many exit polls had predicted that it would also do well in the Lok Sabha polls and could win 13-16 seats. However, the party led by chief minister Chandrasekhar Rao, which had set a target of winning 16 of the 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state, only managed to bag nine. The BJP won four seats and the Congress bagged three. The BJP, which had managed to bag only one seat in the 2014 general elections in Telangana, now plans to consolidate its position and emerge as a viable alternative to the TRS. "This is the beginning of the BJP era in Telangana. Now, the downfall of the TRS has begun. The BJP alone can take on the TRS, that is the public mandate in Telangana," state BJP president K Laxman told PTI. He said the entire nation's mood is in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Telangana is no exception. BJP president Amit Shah is also focusing on the party's growth in the state, he added. Laxman said Telangana is the gateway to south India after Karnataka and the BJP has got a fertile political space in the state. NDA allies look for Cabinet berths in Modi 2.0 govt Drawing a parallel between the politics in Telangana and West Bengal, the BJP leader alleged that Rao is a "dictator" and his government had also filed cases against cadres of the saffron party. He added that the BJP will grow in Telangana like it did in West Bengal. Laxman also exuded confidence that the BJP will capture power in Telangana in the 2023 Lok Sabha elections with the support of Modi and Shah. The Congress too improved its tally this year. In 2014, it had bagged two Lok Sabha seats in Telangana. Significantly, both state Congress chief N Uttam Kumar Reddy and working president A Revanth Reddy emerged victorious. The Congress had been facing a crisis of sorts in the state after its humiliating defeat in the assembly polls and 11 of its newly elected 19 MLAs pledging their support to the TRS. State Congress working president Ponnam Prabhakar claimed that his could have won a few more seats in the Lok Sabha polls. Speaking about the BJP, he said the party benefited due to the "Modi wave" and certain comments of Rao on Hindus that allegedly hurt them. "The Congress is definitely there. The BJP could not save its deposits in 103 seats in the assembly polls. The BJP won because of the 'Modi wave' and KCR's comments. There is no guarantee that the trend would continue (in 2023)," Prabhakar told PTI. The BJP could not recover its deposits in 103 seats, but won four Lok Sabha seats. So, it would be stupidity to assume Congress will not win elections to be held five years later, he said. TRS MLC Palla Rajeshwar Reddy said the ruling party lost some of the Lok Sabha seats due to "over-confidence" and the voters' preference for Modi. The TRS lost some constituencies by slender margins, he said. He alleged that the BJP and the Congress had an understanding in constituencies like Nizamabad to defeat the TRS. "For example, in Nizamabad, the Congress got only 1,000 votes in Jagtial assembly segment (represented by Congress for long)... Same thing happened in Karimnagar also. The Congress surrendered in areas where they felt that the BJP was strong," Reddy told PTI. The defeat of sitting Nizamabad MP of the TRS and daughter of the chief minister, K Kavitha, came as a shocker to the party. Asked about the BJP's aggressive growth plans in Telangana, Palla said the TRS is "ready". "All political parties have their own plans. We are ready to face whatever it is. We have to fight either the Congress or BJP," he said. Which is the most suitable city to live in during COVID-19 Gurugram: Muslim man thrashed for wearing skull cap, asked to remove, chant Jai Shri Ram India oi-Madhuri Adnal Gurugram, May 27: A Muslim man was assaulted in Sadar Bazar, Gurugram by 5-6 youths for wearing traditional skull cap on May 25 night. The 25-year-old was returning to his shop after offering prayers when the group accosted him, and allegedly asked him to remove his skull cap and chant Bharat Mata ki Jai and Jai Shri Ram. In a police complaint, Mohamad Barker Alam, 25, who hails from Bihar and is a resident of Jakob Pura, alleged that four youth intercepted him at the Sadar Bazar Lane and asked him to remove the traditional skull cap he was wearing. Gurugram: Toll plaza employee assaulted, dragged on car bonnet The Barker said,"One of them threatened me, saying wearing cap was not allowed in the area. I said I am coming back after offering namaz. They removed my cap & slapped me." When I refused, they threatened to feed me pork. He had come to Gurugram earlier this month to learn tailoring. Barker's cousin Murtuja then took him to civil hospital. The hospital authorities made a call to the police. Police say, "accused was reportedly drunk. It was a minor altercation. We've registered an FIR". "We have received a complaint about the incident and subsequently registered an FIR under sections of 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 147 (rioting), 149 (member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC in the city police station concerned. We have also conducted a medical examination of victim," ACP, Gurugram City, Rajiv Kumar, said. "We are scanning CCTV footage of the area to identify the accused. Effort are on to nab them," he added. High alert continues as agencies look for boat carrying ISIS terrorists India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, May 27: The Navy, Coast Guard and Coastal police are maintaining a high level of surveillance off Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts following Intelligence reports that a boat carrying 15 Islamic State Terrorists had set off from Sri Lanka to Lakshadweep islands. "The Navy and Coast Guard are maintaining vigil. Ships and aircraft have been engaged to ensure high level of coastal survillance", Naval sources said, on Sunday. Coastal police are also continuing their vigil. Kerala Police sources, on Saturday, said coastal police stations and coastal district police chiefs have been alerted. Though such alerts are a usual practice, as there is specific information, coastal police stations and police chiefs of coastal districts have been asked to be alert in case suspicious vessels are sighted. Indian Coast Guard on high alert after Sri Lanka blasts that killed 290 The Coastal police department said it was on alert since May 23, the day the alert came from Sri Lanka. After the serial bombings in Sri Lanka, Kerala was on alert, especially after NIA investigations revealed that IS operatives had planned attacks in the State. Intelligence agencies believe that a considerable number of Keralities are still with the ISIS, which was recently wiped out from Iraq and Syria. Sri Lanka witnessed a deadly terror attack on April 21 when eight blasts rocked the island nation, claiming over 250 lives. The Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the incident. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 27, 2019, 5:54 [IST] Agree with Indian govt on need to safeguard citizens' privacy: WhatsApp State vs national issues: Key lessons for the BJP to learn in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Haryana Lok Sabha Election Results 2019: KCR offers prayers to Lord Balaji in Tirumala India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, May 27: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) and several of his family members offered prayers to Lord Balaji at Tirumala early Monday morning.KCR and his family was welcomed here by officials of the Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam (TTD). Special achirvachanams were performed by the priests here. KCR is also scheduled to make a number of other visits to temples. Later on Monday, he is scheduled to visit Vijaywada where he will go the the Temple of Kanakadurga. Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to his mother in Gandhinagar on Sunday and sought her blessings after the BJP's massive victory in the Lok Sabha elections 2019. YSR Congress Party president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister-designate Y S Jaganmohan Reddy met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence here on Sunday. Reddy, whose party stormed to power on Thursday with a landslide victory in assembly polls, discussed the issues of special category status to Andhra Pradesh and the state's financial situation and sought central funds during the meeting with Modi at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence Stay tuned with us as we bring you all the updates LIVE: Find out for some extensive coverage of general elections 2019 here: Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Decoding Congress, BJP manifestos Exit polls 2019: BJP set to return to power Exit polls 2019: How parties are faring across states Why elections 2019 may spring a surprise on May 23 What the 2014 exit polls predicted? A look at their track record How the Spiral of Silence theory has ensured exit polls can go horribly wrong Internal security: The challenge ahead for the next dispensation As result day draws closer, NDA allies drop hints about joining cabinet Betting big on nationalism, did Modi really ignore the job problem? From '96 to '19, will BJP continue its agenda of building Ram Mandir if brought back to power? After I-T raids on SP leaders, petitioner questions Centre for not sending Mulayam & Akhilesh to jail LS elections: Akhilesh holds one-to-one meetings with leaders post poll debacle India pti-PTI Lucknow, May 27: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav is holding one-to-one meetings with leaders and workers to find out the reasons for the party's poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections. The BJP and its ally Apna Dal(S) won 64 of Uttar Pradesh's 80 Lok Sabha seats, while the SP and the BSP, which are in an alliance in the state, got 15 seats between them. The SP president has held several rounds of meetings with party workers, polling agents and candidates, who lost in the election, to find out the reasons for the party's performance in the just-concluded Lok Sabha polls, spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary told reporters. While the SP won five seats, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which drew a blank in 2014, won in 10 constituencies of the politically crucial state. The SP chief has asked party leaders and workers not to be disheartened by the showing in the polls and has told them to concentrate on strengthening the SP at the grassroot, Chaudhary said. [Modi Cabinet 2019: Who will make the cut] "He has asked SP leaders and workers to start preparations for the 2022 assembly polls," Chaudhary said. To a question, the spokesman said there has been no talks between Akhilesh and his father and SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav over the party's defeat in the Lok Sabha polls. Chaudhary also said there has been no discussion over the loss or gain for the party by contesting the Lok Sabha polls. PTI Modi in Varanasi Highlights: Modi thanks Varanasi, offers prayers at Kashi Vishwanath India oi-Oneindia Staff By Anuj Cariappa New Delhi, May 27: Prime Minister elect Narendra Modi visited his parliamentary constituency Varanasi on Monday to thank the people for reposing faith in him. Modi offered prayers at the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple. Narendra Modi also addressed workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This was Modi's first visit to his constituency after he won the Lok Sabha elections by a huge margin of 4.79 lakh votes. On Sunday, Narendra Modi met his mother Heeraben and sought her blessings after leading the BJP to a massive victory in the Lok Sabha polls. Here are the highlights from PM Modi's Varanasi visit: Newest First Oldest First Modi, during his speech earlier today said BJPs vote percentage is increasing, be it Ladakh, Kashmir Valley or Kerala but the political pundits still call us a Hindi heartland party. He said all government institutions , be it a government school or hospital, belong to the citizens, says it is our duty to improve them. PM Modi thanks the workers for their hard work and contribution at the end of his speech, thanks Varanasi voters and the whole of Uttar Pradesh. PM Modi says BJPs vote percentage is increasing, be it Ladakh, Kashmir Valley or Kerala but the political pundits still call us a Hindi heartland party. Says all government institutions , be it a government school or hospital, belong to the citizens, says it is our duty to improve them. PM says he is proud of the countrys ancient heritage. We have tried to move forward, give equal importance to both our great heritage and modern vision. Says, we need to respect our culture and think of the future. We in BJP have faced two challenges, says Modi. Our workers have been killed for their ideology, says Modi, gives examples of Tripura, West Bengal and J-K. Adds, political untouchability is increasing by the day. He said that political detractors created perception about the BJP that it is untouchable. It is shameful and anti-democratic. Says BJP is the only party that follows and cares for democracy. Politics is about perception, says PM Modi .An attempt was made to create false perception. But transparency and hard work trumps those who try to create bad perception and India has proved this. So, there is no alternative to transparency and hard work for us because that is how the nation will move forward.: PM Modi. We have to ensure a spirit of positivity prevails across the society, says Modi. Congratulating party workers for BJP win in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said chemistry managed to defeat math in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. "All of you had ordered me that I can't set foot in Varanasi for a month. The nation might have elected me as the PM but for you, I am a worker. For me, your order was the priority," says Modi to BJP workers. The candidates of various parties and Independents, I want to thank them for their contribution to the election campaign in Varanasi, says Modi. PM also thanks media for the coverage of election campaign in Varanasi. PM Modi begins his address to party workers in Varanasi. Says, as a BJP worker, I try to fulfil the demands made of me. A month ago, when I was here on April 25, Kashis image impressed the whole country. All of you ordered me not to come to Varanasi for a month, and as a BJP worker, for me your order was most important. On May 19, I wanted to come to Kashi but since I had been asked not to come to Kashi, I decided to go to Kedarnath. There would have hardly been any candidate who was so carefree as I was during the polling and results because I trusted you. Amit Shah says, countrys people have blessed the PM. Says, despite the sweltering heat, people of Varanasi welcomed him and turned up fo his road show. Amit Shah talks about the development of Kashi under Narendra Modi as its MP. Says, Modi transformed Kashi in last five years while maintaining its ancient essence. Addressing BJP workers ahead of PM Modi's speech in Varanasi, BJP chief Amit Shah thanks party workers. Amit Shah says Modi had faith in his voters. UP CM Yogi Adityanath welcomes Narendra Modi in Varanasi as BJP workers cheer for the Prime Minister. Adityanath also lauds party workers for ensuring victory in the Lok Sabha elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Pundit Deen Dayal Hastakala Academy where he will address the BJP workers. #WATCH Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves at people on his way to Kashi Vishwanath temple. pic.twitter.com/BIeoXzlwua ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 27, 2019 Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves at people on his way to Kashi Vishwanath temple. #WATCH Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves at people on his way to Kashi Vishwanath temple. pic.twitter.com/BIeoXzlwua ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 27, 2019 Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves at people on his way to Kashi Vishwanath temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Pundit Deen Dayal Hastakala Academy where he will address the BJP workers. UP CM Yogi Adityanath welcomes Narendra Modi in Varanasi as BJP workers cheer for the Prime Minister. Adityanath also lauds party workers for ensuring victory in the Lok Sabha elections. Addressing BJP workers ahead of PM Modi's speech in Varanasi, BJP chief Amit Shah thanks party workers. Amit Shah says Modi had faith in his voters. Amit Shah talks about the development of Kashi under Narendra Modi as its MP. Says, Modi transformed Kashi in last five years while maintaining its ancient essence. Amit Shah says, countrys people have blessed the PM. Says, despite the sweltering heat, people of Varanasi welcomed him and turned up fo his road show. PM Modi begins his address to party workers in Varanasi. Says, as a BJP worker, I try to fulfil the demands made of me. A month ago, when I was here on April 25, Kashis image impressed the whole country. All of you ordered me not to come to Varanasi for a month, and as a BJP worker, for me your order was most important. On May 19, I wanted to come to Kashi but since I had been asked not to come to Kashi, I decided to go to Kedarnath. There would have hardly been any candidate who was so carefree as I was during the polling and results because I trusted you. The candidates of various parties and Independents, I want to thank them for their contribution to the election campaign in Varanasi, says Modi. PM also thanks media for the coverage of election campaign in Varanasi. "All of you had ordered me that I can't set foot in Varanasi for a month. The nation might have elected me as the PM but for you, I am a worker. For me, your order was the priority," says Modi to BJP workers. Congratulating party workers for BJP win in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said chemistry managed to defeat math in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Politics is about perception, says PM Modi .An attempt was made to create false perception. But transparency and hard work trumps those who try to create bad perception and India has proved this. So, there is no alternative to transparency and hard work for us because that is how the nation will move forward.: PM Modi. We have to ensure a spirit of positivity prevails across the society, says Modi. We in BJP have faced two challenges, says Modi. Our workers have been killed for their ideology, says Modi, gives examples of Tripura, West Bengal and J-K. Adds, political untouchability is increasing by the day. He said that political detractors created perception about the BJP that it is untouchable. It is shameful and anti-democratic. Says BJP is the only party that follows and cares for democracy. PM says he is proud of the countrys ancient heritage. We have tried to move forward, give equal importance to both our great heritage and modern vision. Says, we need to respect our culture and think of the future. PM Modi says BJPs vote percentage is increasing, be it Ladakh, Kashmir Valley or Kerala but the political pundits still call us a Hindi heartland party. Says all government institutions , be it a government school or hospital, belong to the citizens, says it is our duty to improve them. PM Modi thanks the workers for their hard work and contribution at the end of his speech, thanks Varanasi voters and the whole of Uttar Pradesh. Modi, during his speech earlier today said BJPs vote percentage is increasing, be it Ladakh, Kashmir Valley or Kerala but the political pundits still call us a Hindi heartland party. He said all government institutions , be it a government school or hospital, belong to the citizens, says it is our duty to improve them. Meanwhile, security has been tightened in Varanasi ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit to his constituency on Monday after his massive victory in the Lok Sabha elections. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday reminded Prime Minister Narendra Modi of Ram Mandir. In his message to Modi, Mohan Bhagwat said, "Ram ka kaam has to be done." Earlier on Saturday, Modi had tweeted, "Will be going to Gujarat tomorrow evening, to seek blessings of my Mother. Day after tomorrow morning, I will be in Kashi to thank the people of this great land for reposing their faith in me." District Magistrate Surendra Singh said heavy security has been put in place for the PM Narendra Modi's visit. Surendra Singh, along with Senior Superintendent of Police Anand Kulkarni, reviewed the security arrangements for Modi's visit. Narendra Modi not only retained Varanasi, but also saw his victory margin increase by nearly 1 lakh votes as compared to the 2014 general elections. In a video message ahead of the May 19 polling, Modi had called himself a "Kashivasi" and termed the city his guiding spirit. Mumbai doctor hangs self after casteist slurs by seniors India oi-Madhuri Adnal Mumbai, May 27: A 26-year-old doctor committed suicide in a government-run hostel of the BYL Nair Hospital in Mumbai central on May 22. She had hung herself after facing harassment at the hands of three senior doctors. The police have booked three female senior docs named Hema Ahuja, Bhakti Mahere and Ankita Khandelwal for the incident. They have been currently suspended. However, none of them were arrested yet. Payal, a second-year Post Graduate student belonged to the Adivasi Tadvi Bhil community, a scheduled tribe. Payal's mother had reportedly lodged a formal complaint with the Nair hospital on May 10, and said no action was taken. JNU student ends life by hanging from fan in hostel room, suicide note sent on mail In a letter going viral on social media, Payal's mother wrote that her three seniors were harassing her, and she was under immense mental stress. Her mother also said that Payal was being harassed for being a tribal. An official of the TNMC said that the head of the department and the unit head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department had been issued showcause notices by the Dean. The family claimed that even after her death, the Dean wouldn't meet the victim's mother, who often visited the hospital for cancer treatment. The FIR reports stated that her seniors often threatened Dr Tadvi, saying she wouldn't be allowed into operation theatres or allowed to perform deliveries. She was also mocked for being a tribal on WhatsApp groups. Payal, the family claimed, had complained to lecturers and her hostel warden but no one paid heed. Taking serious note of the recent suicide of 23-year-old doctor Dr Payal Tadvi, the state government has decided to form a committee at the state level to look into the anti-ragging mechanism in the medical college. The committee will help form fresh anti-ragging guidelines. Amid the growing clamour, the accused have now written to Maha Association of Resident Doctors, stating "We want college to conduct fair investigation. But this isn't the way to do investigation through police force and media pressure without listening to our side..." Man jumps to death from 30th floor of World Trade Centre in Mumbai Payal, who hails from Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, joined the PG course in gynaecology at the Topiwala National Medical College, which is attached to the BYL Nair hospital on May 1, 2018. In December 2018, she informed her family about the harassment by her seniors. Based on the complaint given by the victim's mother, an FIR has been registered at the Agripada police station. "We are investigating the case. We have recovered few documents. We have registered an FIR against three of her seniors, under sections of atrocity Act, IT Act and anti-ragging Act along with IPC 306," said a senior police officer at the Agripada police station. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 27, 2019, 14:46 [IST] NDA allies look for Cabinet berths in Modi 2.0 govt India oi-Oneindia Staff By Anuj Cariappa New Delhi, May 27: BJP allies JD(U) and AIADMK are likely to be part of the new government while it will also reflect the saffron party's inroads into states like West Bengal and Telangana, sources said. A JD(U) leader said the Bihar party expects at least one Cabinet berth in the government which will be sworn in on May 30. The party may also get one more berth in the council of ministers. The BJP put up its best ever show in West Bengal and Telangana in these elections, winning 18 (from two in 2014) and four seats (from one in 2014) respectively in the two states. This may result in the party giving a greater representation to these states in the government. The Rashtrapati Bhavan said on Sunday that Narendra Modi will be sworn in as Prime Minister on May 30 for his second term. Though there has been no official word on likely faces in the new government, many leaders are of the view that most key members of the previous dispensation will be retained. There has been speculation that Arun Jaitley, who held the finance portfolio in the previous government, may opt out due to health reasons but people close to him have insisted that he has been doing well after undergoing treatment. The government on Sunday stepped in to insist that reports regarding his heath condition are false and baseless. BJP gearing up to win Delhi after 22 years "Reports in a section of media regarding Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley's health condition are false and baseless. Media is advised to stay clear of rumour mongering," principal spokesperson Sitanshu Kar tweeted. Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasupta, who is associated with the BJP, said Jaitley is off all medication now and is recovering his strength. He is still meeting officials, Dasgupta said. "Questions about Arun Jaitley health understandable. He is recovering from a bout of heavy medication. But he is still in terrific form and his wit is firmly intact. Needs a little rest to get back his strength. All our good wishes," Dasgupa tweeted. A number of senior faces from the outgoing cabinet including Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Piyush Goyal, Narendra Singh Tomar and Prakash Javadekar are expected to figure in the new Cabinet. Speculation has been rife that BJP president Amit Shah, who won the Lok Sabha election from Gandhinagar with a massive margin, may also join the government. Shah has refrained from commenting on the matter. Another BJP ally LJP president Ram Vilas Paswan, sources said, has pushed for induction of his MP-son Chirag Paswan in the government. His party LJP won six seats in the polls. Ram Vilas Paswan, a veteran parliamentarian, was a Cabinet minister in the last government. Though the AIADMK, which was also not part of the previous government, has won only one seat, it may be given a ministerial berth as it is in power in Tamil Nadu and a key dravidian ally of the BJP. We don't have even 2 minutes to waste, must strive religiously for self-reliant nation: PM Modi PM Modi likely to address rally in Punjab on January 5, may share stage with Amarinder PM's allegations baseless, not a single BJP worker killed in political violence: TMC India oi-Vikas SV Varanasi/Kolkata, May 27: Dismissing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's allegation, a senior TMC leader said that it was his party workers who were being brutally murdered in political violence in the state, said reports. The TMC leader, who did not want to be named, claimed that not a single BJP worker has been killed in Bengal in political violence. "The allegations(by Modi) are baseless. The fact is not a single BJP worker has been killed in Bengal due to political violence. During panchayat polls, more than 30 Trinamool workers were murdered by the BJP. They also killed a Trinamool MLA," the leader said, as per PTI report. Prime Minister Modi today alleged that BJP workers in West Bengal were being killed only for their political ideology, a charge dismissed as baseless by the ruling Trinamool Congress(TMC). The TMC claimed that on the contrary it was their members who were being targeted in political violence in the state. The fresh war of words between Modi and the TMC came a day after a BJP worker Chandan Shaw was shot dead in Bhatpara in North 24 Parganas district that has already triggered a blame game. The BJP alleged a TMC hand behind the killing while the ruling party dismissed the allegation as baseless. [Political rivalry suspected behind Irani aide murder, 3 arrested] A 23-year-old BJP worker was shot dead in Nadia district's Chakdaha town on Friday night, with the saffron party alleging that TMC men were behind the incident. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjeeon Saturday said the killing might have been a result of infighting within the BJP. Addressing a rally during a thanksgiving visit to Varanasi from where he won the Lok Sabha polls for the second time, Modi spoke about the dangers faced by his party in the form of "political untouchability" and political violence in which party workers were being killed in Bengal for their ideology. "Take the cases of Kerala or Kashmir, Bengal or Tripura, it will not come in the media. Some people have selective sensitivity. Hundreds of workers have been killed only for political ideology. In Tripura, workers were hanged. In Bengal, murders are still on. In Kerala too... perhaps, in India only one political party has faced such killings. Violence has been given legitimacy. This is a danger before us," Modi said. Violent incidents were reported from across West Bengal since the Lok Sabha poll results were announced on Thursday. The BJP recorded a stunning performance in West Bengal winning 18 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats at stake as against its tally of just two in 2014. The TMC bagged 22 seats. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 27, 2019, 22:32 [IST] PMO has no records of IT refunds of former prime ministers India oi-PTI New Delhi, May 27: The Prime Minister's Office has no records of income tax refunds of former prime ministers, according to an RTI reply. "Information in respect of former prime ministers is not available on records held by this office," the PMO said in a reply to the RTI application filed by PTI. It was asked to provide details of income tax refunds received by former prime ministers and their council of ministers. To a query seeking details of income tax refunds of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it refused to share the information, saying it was exempted under the Right to Information Act. "The information sought is personal in nature and is exempt from disclosure under Section 8 (1) (j) of the RTI Act," the PMO said. Mystery in IT department as several records go missing The Section bars "information which relates to personal information the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or interest, or which would cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the individual unless the Central Public Information Officer or the State Public Information Officer or the appellate authority, as the case may be, is satisfied that the larger public interest justifies the disclosure of such information". However, the very Section further says "provided that the information which cannot be denied to the Parliament or a State Legislature shall not be denied to any person". Prime Minister Modi has got income tax refunds at least five times in the last 18 years, according to the online 'refund status' service provided by the Tax Information Network of the Income Tax Department, managed by NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited. The refund status since the assessment year 2001-02 can be checked online on this platform with an individual's PAN (Permanent Account Number), which has been sourced from the election affidavits filed by the political leaders for the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls. Besides, the refunds for assessment years 2015-16 and 2012-13 got "adjusted against outstanding demand" in case of Modi. While the portal does not disclose the amount of the refund, it mentions the date of the refund or adjustment, the challan sequence number and the mode of payment (cheque or direct credit), among other details. Govt won't dilute RTI act assures minister As per the 'refund status' records, Modi got his refund for the assessment year 2018-19 through 'direct credit' to his account on September 26, 2018. Modi got the refund for assessment year 2016-17 on August 16, 2016 through direct credit and through 'refund cheque' for 2013-14 on January 7, 2015, for 2010-11 on January 9, 2015 and for 2006-07 on October 11, 2007. Modi has assets worth Rs 2.5 crore including a residential plot in Gujarat's Gandhinagar, fixed deposits of Rs 1.27 crore and Rs 38,750 cash in hand, according to his affidavit filed with the Election Commission. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 27, 2019, 15:58 [IST] Will always be with you to fight injustice: Rahul Gandhi to media Political rivalry suspected behind Irani aide murder, 3 arrested India oi-Vikas SV Lucknow, May 27: Three persons have been arrested in connection with the murder of Surendra Singh, a close aide of Bharatiya Janata Party MP and former Union Minister Smriti Irani. The Uttar Pradesh Police on Monday claimed that local political rivalry was behind the murder of Surendra Singh. Irani, who unseated Gandhi from his bastion when results were announced on May 23, said Singh was killed so that Amethi could be "terrorised, disintegrated and bowed down." "We have arrested three murder suspects. Two suspects are still absconding&we will nab them soon. On the basis of all evidence it is very clear that the 5 murder suspects and the victim had local level political rivalry," said OP Singh, UP DGP, told the media. "As many as seven persons were taken into custody and they were interrogated. Among those, there were three who were linked with the incident," Singh said. "As of now, two accused persons are still absconding and we are tracking them," the DGP said. On Saturday, Smriti Irani's close aide Surendra Singh, a former head of Baraulia village which is around 25 km from the Amethi district headquarters, was shot at by an unidentified man. Surendra Singh was referred to a Lucknow hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment. [Singh was killed so that Amethi could be terrorised: Smriti Irani] Surendra Singh had actively participated in Irani's election campaign and had earned praise from the BJP leader in her speeches at public meetings. Singh's son had reportedly alleged involvement of Congress supporters. Earlier, an FIR was registered against five persons under sections 302 (punishment for murder) and 120B (punishment of criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on the complaint of Narendra Singh, brother of Surendra Singh. Irani had launched a veiled attack at Rahul Gandhi, who had asked her to "take care of Amethi" after conceding defeat. "On May 23, I got a political message publicly-- Amethi ko pyar se sambhalna (please take care of Amethi with love). I want to tell the person who sent this message that I have received the message loud and clear," she said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 27, 2019, 18:45 [IST] SC dismisses Atul Rai's plea seeking protection from arrest in rape case India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, May 27: Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the petition filed by Atul Rai, a winning SP-BSP candidate from Uttar Pradesh's Ghoshi constituency seeking protection from arrest, in connection with many cases, including that of rape and kidnapping. Mentioning before a Vacation Bench of Justices Indira Banerjee and Sanjiv Khanna, Rai, through his counsel, sought protection from arrest. Rai, the accused in the case has reportedly been absconding. Earlier as well, the top court had declined to grant Rai interim protection from arrest. Setback for ex-Kolkata top cop as SC declines protection from arrest In April, a college student in Varanasi had accused Rai of sexually assaulting her. The victim had alleged that she was taken by Rai to his residence on the pretext of meeting his wife. An FIR was lodged against Rai in the matter. On May 8, the Allahabad High Court had turned down Rai's plea seeking anticipatory bail. Since then, he has been absconding. Singh was killed so that Amethi could be terrorised: Smriti Irani India oi-Oneindia Staff By Anuj Cariappa Amethi, May 27: After one of her close aides was killed here, BJP MP Smriti Irani on Sunday asked party workers to exercise restraint, even as she attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his 'take-care-of-Amethi-with-love' remark. Irani, who arrived here following the death of Surendra Singh (50), told reporters, "My request to all party workers is that we should exercise restraint." Irani, who unseated Gandhi from his bastion when results were announced on May 23, said Singh was killed so that Amethi could be "terrorised, disintegrated and bowed down." In the first incident of post-poll violence in Uttar Pradesh, the close aide of Irani was shot dead by two unidentified men, with police not ruling out the possibility of it being a "political murder". BJP leader Smriti Irani's close aide Surendra Singh shot dead in Amethi "On (May) 23, I was given a message that take care of Amethi with love. To the person, who gave me the message, I would like to say that I have received the message loud and clear," she said referring to Gandhi's remarks on the counting day. Gandhi had said, "I would like that Smriti Iraniji takes care of Amethi with love and I hope that she will reward the trust that Amethi's people have reposed in her." Ludhiana blast: Had it gone as per plan, effect would have been devastating Sunil Jakhar's resignation as Punjab Congress chief totally unnecessary': Amarinder Singh India oi-Vikas SV Chandigarh, May 27: Asserting that Congress performance in Punjab was impressive, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has termed Sunil Jakhar's resignation from the post of Punjab Congress chief as totally unnecessary. After losing the Gurdaspur seat to BJP's Sunny Deol, Sunil Jakhar has sent his resignation as Punjab Congress chief to party president Rahul Gandhi. "He sent his resignation to Rahul ji a day after the results were declared," an aide of Jakhar said Monday. In the letter, Jakhar mentioned that despite the support of party's senior leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Amarinder Singh, he could not retain the seat. The ruling Congress in Punjab won eight out of 13 parliamentary seats in the state, bucking the pro-Modi trend. Jakhar had won the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat in the by-polls in October 2017. It had fallen vacant after the death of BJP MP Vinod Khanna. The Congress leader had then defeated BJP's Swaran Salaria by a margin of over 1.93 lakh votes. However, Jakhar lost the seat this time to actor-turned-politician Deol by a margin of 82,459 votes. Five years ago, Jakhar, who was then Punjab Congress Legislature Party leader, had submitted his resignation from the post after losing the Ferozepur Lok Sabha seat. However, his resignation was rejected by then party president Sonia Gandhi. Chief minister Amarinder Singh felt was that Jakhar's resignation was "totally unnecessary". Amarinder Singh said the Punjab Congress chief had had not discussed the issue with him before deciding to quit. [Days after his defeat, Punjab Cong chief Sunil Jakhar resigns] "Had he discussed the matter with me I would have categorically advised him against quitting as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president," said Amarinder Singh, in a statement issued here on Monday. The chief minister said there was absolutely no reason for Jakhar to quit on the ground he did. "Other state Congress presidents had quit taking responsibility for the poor performance of the party in their respective states," he said, contrasting their case with that of Jakhar, under whose leadership the Punjab Congress had defied all electoral trends at the national level and that of the majority of the states. Amarinder Singh hoped the party high command would reject Jakhar's resignation, "which was clearly the result of an emotional reaction". "While Jakhar's spirit in serving his resignation could be respected, putting aside a hardworking and committed leader like him would send the wrong message down the rank and file of the Punjab Congress," he added. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 27, 2019, 21:54 [IST] SAD seeks probe into use of ambulance by Mukthar Ansari SAD to observe Sep 17 as 'black day' to protest against enactment of central farm laws The Rise of Badals and fall of Shiromani Akali Dal India oi-Hardeep Singh Bedi New Delhi, May 26: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) fought Punjab Lok Sabha elections in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The SAD is led by former Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal's son Sukhbir Singh Badal. As per the alliance understanding, the SAD fielded candidates on 10 seats and the BJP on remaining three seats. When the election results were announced on May 23 then SAD could win only two seats out of 10 seats it had contested. The BJP won two seats. Interestingly, two members of the Badal family prevented the party from scoring a zero in the Lok Sabha elections. Sukhbir Singh Badal won the Ferozpur seat and his wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal bagged the Bathinda seat. While Sukhbir won the Ferozpur seat by a margin of 1,98,850 votes, his wife and Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal managed to win Bathinda seat by only 21,772 votes. The fall of the SAD started after the 2015 desecration incidents of Holy Guru Granth Sahib and subsequent death of two Sikh protestors in the police firing. Congress leader Captain Amarinder Singh had demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal and imposition of President's rule in the state. Various SAD politicians resigned from the party. Various members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) also submitted their resignations in protest, accusing the government of failing to protect the holy books. SAD manages just two in Punjab, salvages some pride The golden period of the SAD reached nadir after the 2017 Assembly elections in Punjab wherein the 98-year-old party was reduced to only 15 seats in the house of 117. Captain Amarinder Singh led the Congress to dethrone the SAD from the state. The SAD had almost two years in hands to revive itself for the 2019 Lok Sabha battle, which it couldn't do. Captain Amarinder Singh did wonders for the Congress party by bagging eight seats in just concluded Lok Sabha elections. According to a political analyst, the win isn't of the Congress but of Captain Amarinder Singh, who strategically targeted the Badals. The SAD went into the battle with a weak organisation as many senior leaders had quit the party showing no-confidence in Sukhbir Badal. The analyst says that apart from the 2015 desecration incidents, palpable anger against the Badals across Punjab is also a major factor for the fall of SAD in Punjab. "One of the main reasons for the fall of the SAD in Punjab is that people hold the Badal family responsible for the drug menace in the state, which has destroyed young generation. There is not a single village or city in Punjab that has not been affected by the drug menace. The situation has not been improved either in the Congress government," the analyst tells One India on the condition of anonymity. It's notable that Opposition parties often target Harsimrat's brother Bikram Singh Majithia for his alleged involvement in the drug trade. Even a film Udta Punjab was released in 2016 ahead of the 2017 assembly elections which highlighted the connection between politicians and drug trade. It was also one of the reasons that the SAD lost the assembly elections. Another reason for the fall of the SAD is the exponential financial growth of the Badal clan, a fruit of their politics, says the analyst. Badals have multi-crore stakes in businesses ranging from transport, hospitality to media. The fortunes of the Badal family shot up after their entry into transport business which is like a milking cow for the ruling politicians and influential persons in the state. Some of the companies of Badal family are: Orbit Aviation, Taj Travels Pvt Ltd, Dabwali Transport, Indo-Canadian Transport Company, and Orbit Resorts. Both Sukhbir Singh Badal and Harsimrat Kaur Badal are major stakeholders in these companies. The repercussion of this perception is being felt on the election results. In 2009 Lok Sabha elections, the SAD won four seats: Khadoor Sahib, Faridkot, Ferozpur, and Bathinda. Out of total 117 Assembly segments, the SAD got lead in 41. In 2014, the party won three seats: Khadoor Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, and Bathinda. Its lead in the Assembly segments fell to 29 from 41 in 2009. This time the lead in the Assembly segments has further decreased from 29 in 2014 to 26. The analyst opines that given the perception about the Badals in Punjab it won't be easy for them to bounce back in the state in the near future. To contain population, Ramdev advises 3rd child should be bereft of rights, govt facilities India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, May 27: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Sunday said that third-born children should be bereft of voting rights in order to control the population growth in India. He also said that the population of India should not cross 150 crore in next 50 years. Ramdev stressed that India will not be able to handle a population of more than that. The Yoga guru also advised some ways to contain population and said that the government must come up with a law under which third child should not get the voting rights and he/she must not be allowed to contest elections too. He also said that third child should not be allowed to enjoy facilities provided by the government. "Our population shouldn't cross 150 cr in next 50 yrs. We aren't prepared to have a population more than that. It can be possible only when a law is made that the third child won't have voting rights, right to contest elections and facilities by the government," Ramdev was quoting as saying by ANI. Addressing a press conference, Ramdev remarked that a law in this regard would act as an deterrent and people will not give birth to more than two children. "Then people will not give birth to more children, no matter which religion they belong to," he added. Further, he pressed for a country-wide ban on liquor. Baba Ramdev wants government to resolve Ram Temple issue soon "In Islamic countries, liquor is banned. If in Islamic countries it can be banned then why not in India? This is the land of sages. There should be a complete ban on liquor in India," the Yog guru said. He also called for a ban on cow slaughter, saying that it is the only way to end conflicts between cow smugglers and 'gau rakshaks'. "For those who want to eat meat, there are several other types of meat which they can eat," he said. Written by ACM *Strasbourg/Angelo Maropolo/- As the Pioneer of EU's Borders' Control, embattled Prime Minister of Hungary, Victor Orban, (ChristianDemocrat), has notoriously made of this issue a Core Matter for Europe's survival, (which has also Affected UK's BREXIT, almost at the Same Time, since 2015 : See ...), while it Marks even the Links with his Recent, High-Profile Meetings with Italian Frontrunner Party Leader, and vice-Prime Minister Salvini (Lega), on May 18, as well as with US President Don Trump, on May 13, including the Future of his popular Party "Fidesz" inside the EPP, according to that Big Group's strategic orientation in the foreseable Future, after the May 26, 2019 EU Elections, => it is, Nowadays, High Time in order to Remind some basic Facts, about how, indeed, the Closure of the Western Balkans' Route, that Hungary incited, back on 2015/2016+, Helped Both to potentially Free Europe from a Pressing and UnPrecedented Turkish "Blackmail", (according even to the Expression used by EPP's President, the experienced Long-Time Top MEP, Joseph Daul: See ...), then, (on big Money, millions of Visas, Ankara's controversial and unpopular EU bid, etc), as well as to put a Stop to that sudden, Huge "Tsunami" of more than +1,5 Millions of Mass Asylum Seekers/Irregular Migrants, trespassing inside Europe mainly through Turkish Smugglers, via EU Member Greece's National, and EU's External, UnProtected then, Borders, with some sly Complicities. Both these 2 Important Points have been already examined and highlighted in a landmark, Original Analysis of key Facts, Published by "Eurofora" as early as since May 2016, (on a Politicaly very "Hot" Moment), in a Press Article under the Heading : "After Erdogan NO to Conditions to UnPopular EU-Turkey Deal's VISA-Free for 80 Millions Turks: USELESS", (at: http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/unpopulareuvisafreefor80millionsturksuseless.html). For the 1st Point, concerning mainly the Description of that UnPecedented Turkish "Blackmail" on Europe, (Comp. Supra), it's enough to simply Refer to the relevant, Initial Parts of that Article, (as well as to several Subsequent Developments, in various Other Articles related to that issue). But, on the 2nd Point, concerning mainly the Facts, (particularly UNHCR and/or IMO Official Data), which Prove that such a Controvesial and UnPopular EU - Turkey Deal had become, indeed, "Useless", since that Sudden Huge "Tsunami" of +1,5 Millions Mass Asylum Seekers/Irregular Migrants, trespassing into Europe, through mainly Turkish Smugglers, had Just been Stoped, Thanks to the above-mentioned Closure of Western Balkans' Borders, spearheaded by Hungary, etc, (Comp. Supra), it seems, still Nowadays, still Interesting to Remind and Clarify anew those Historic Concrete Events. => That's why, that precise Part of the above-mentioned Article, is ReProduced herewith, in its full Original Form : ------------------------------------------------- << ... ---------------------------- Useless -------------------------------- (February - April 2016) Official Data, mainly from UNHCR and IMO, clearly reveal that, Contrary to a False Impression diffused by most Establisment's Media, it's Not at all since the Entry into Force of the Controversial EU - Turkey Deal that began a Reduction of the Number of Mass Asylum Seekers/Irregular Immigrants trespassing to EU Member Greece through the Turkish Coasts, after the 20 of March, 2016. In Fact, it's Already long Before that, since 5 or 6 European Transit States, located at the Western Balkans' route, such as Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, Hungary, Serbia and FYROM, even Albania, etc., Started to Implement real Border Controls, particularly after February 18 and mainly March 9, that a Spectacular, Sharp Reduction of Mass Migrants' Inflow appeared and developed astonishingly Fast Results, creating, for the 1st Time, a Strong Downward Trend, (See relevant Numbers cited Infra). ---------------------- Until February 23, about 100.000 Migrants from Turkey had reached Greece during the Year 2016 alone, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), i.a almost 2.000 per Day. But, already on February 18, Police Authorities from European Countries in the Western Balkans reportedly agreed to impose Daily Quota Limits, "acceptable to Austria", preparing Restrictions of the Maximum Number of Borders' Crossings per Day, which started soon to be progressively felt, (particularly on the Greece - FYROM Border), and widely publicized, even at a Global level, (includfing, f.ex., by a critical Statement from UNO's Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, etc). When 2 or 3 key European Countries, (as f.ex. Serbia and FYROM, etc) partly Closed their Borders at least for Afghan Migrants, back since February 21, the Number of Arrivals Started to be somewhat Reduced, and this was certainly reinforced by EU Council President Donald Tusk's Dissuasive Statement, at the Beginning of March 2016, about European Countries Ceasing to serve for "Transit", (3 of March 2016). Thus, on March 4, arrivals are estimated to Fall at about 500. But, Shortly After 5 to 6 European Countries completely Stoped the Mass Migrants' inflow at the Balkans' route Borders, from March 9, (i.e. Weeks Before the controversial EU - Turkey Deal starts to operate), the Number of Mass Asylum Seekers/Irregular Migrants arriving to EU Member Greece via Turkey Droped Down to Only about the Half of what it was before, with just an average of some 1.150 per Day in Mid-March. => Thus, according to UNHCR Data, already, as Early as since February, the Total Number of Arrivals in Greece Falls, from More than 67.400+ on January, Down to about 57.000. (And this is Further Reduced to almost 27.000 on March, when the EU - Turkey controversial Deal didn't have but Only less than 10 Days during which it was Just Beginning Progressively). >>> More Important : UNHCR Official Data reveal that, in Fact, the Biggest Fall in the Numbers or Arrivals occuired BEFORE the Entry into force of that controversial EU - Turkey Deal, (obviously because of the above mentioned Border Controls earlier set up by 5 or 6 European Countries at the Western Balkan Route: Comp. Supra), and NOT AFTERWARDS ! - Indeed, the "Weekly Average" of Mass Asylum Seekers:Irregular Migrants' Arrivals to EU Member Greece through Turkey, Starts to Fall from an almost 3.000 High between 18-24 February, Down to about 2.000 between 25 February and March 3, continuing its Fall Down to about 1.500 between 3 and 9 March, Drasticaly Reduced into Only about 800 during 10 - 16 March, reaching even Lower, with Less than 750 during March 17 - 23, (i.e. when the Controversial EU - Turkey Deal just Starts to Enter into Force). ===> This is tantamount to a Spectacular, sharp Reduction of almsot - 4,5 Times (- 450%) Less Arrivals, just between 18-24 February and 17-23 March, i.e. in Only 1 Month, BEFORE the Entry into force of that EU-Turkey deal, when it was Exclusively the Border Controls set up by 6 European Countries at the Western Balkans' Route, which had entered into play, ( Already as Early as since February 21 and March 9 : Comp. Facts cited Supra). Compared to that Huge Initial Reduction, the Subsequent Reduction which continues, later-on, under the Combined Effects of Both the Border Controls and the EU - Turkey Deal, the Latter appears as a kind of .. Nain, standing side by side with a Giant ! (See relevant Graphics). => In other words, solid and crystal-clear Facts reveal that the alleged, so-called Miraculous Effect of the Controversial EU - Turkey Deal on Mass Asylum Seekers/Irregular Immigrants' Arrivals' Reduction is a Myth, a False Appearance, which Misleads both EU Politicians and EU Citizens... Simply because the 1st and much more Important Reduction of the Number of Arrivals had been already obtained Before the Entry into Force of that EU-Turkey Deal, (and still Continues to operate, until Today), without Wasting 6 Billions , Neither being Obliged to "Accelerate" the UnPopular Turkey's EU bid, Nor even to Give a "Visa-Free" status to 80 Millions of Turks, that the Majority of European People do Not want at all, (Comp. Supra). If this Trend Continued, without any Obstruction, Diversion or Interference, logically, in pure, simple Mathematics, (even WITHOUT that Controversial and UnPopular EU-Turkey Deal) before the End of April, the Average Weekly Inflow would have Fallen Down to Less than 160, and Before the End of May, Down to Less than 35.... But, in fact, Despite the Addition of the Entry into force of EU-Turkey's Deal, (after March 20), nevertheless, the latest Figures from the International Migration Organisation (IMO), reveal, on the Contrary, an recent Opposite Trend towards an Augmentation of Migrants' inflows through Turkey to EU Member Greece, with much Higher than normaly Expected Weekly during April 24 - 30, and May 1 - 8 : Respectively 371 and 537 . Greece being the Only EU Country with an Augmentation of Migrants' inflow (always through Turkey) even Today, while in all other European Countries, from Spain to Italy, Bulgaria, FYROM, Serbia, Croatia, Austria, etc., on the Contrary, their inflow was Droping Down. + In Addition, more than 376 People were Killed while trying to cross from Turkey to EU Member Greece, through the Aegean Sea this Year (2016) until the First Week of May included, while, at the Same Time, f.ex., at the Western EU External Borders between Spain and Morocco only 5 Deaths occured.... -------- => Isn't it Time for real Europeans to Wake Up from a Nightmare which durated Too Long, before it provokes Dangerous Harm ? Many Facts clearly indicate that Simpler Solutions are both Possible, Less Costly, closer to EU Principles, and more Efficient, as some EU Politicians seem to Start realising recently. The main Key being, naturaly, the Protection of EU's External Borders, including by the Creation of a European CoastGuard, which should be decided by EU leaders at the forthcoming, June 2016 EU Brussels' Summit. Meanwhile, EU Parliament's Debates, ....should normally serve much more in order to Open MEPs' eyes to Real Facts, than into a pro-Turkish Lobby Attempts to Extort even more Concessions from an EU which would then Risk to Loose both its "Soul" and its Credibility, as well as its Money, for something which Facts prove to be largely Useless, Contrary to False Appearances, (Comp. UNHCR, IMO and other Data cited Supra)... (../..) -------------------------------- *** ("DraftNews", as already send to "Eurofora"s Subscribers/Donors, earlier. A more accurate, full Final Version might be Published asap). Chhattisgarh's horrific accident: Nobody will be spared, justice will be done: CM Baghel Veer Savarkar proposed two-nation-theory, not Jinnah: Chhattisgarh CM India oi-Vikas SV New Delhi, May 27: In what can spiral out into a major political controversy, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday said that the two-nation theory, which became the basis for India-Pakistan Partition, was first proposed by Hindu Mahasabha leader Vinayak Damodar Savarkar or Veer Savarkar, as many of his ardent followers call him. Baghel claimed that Savarkar had sown the seed of division of the country which was later implemented by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the late founder of Pakistan. According to Wikipedia, The two-nation theory is the basis of the creation of Pakistan. It states that Muslims and Hindus are two separate nations by every definition. The two-nation theory was a founding principle of the Pakistan Movement and the partition of India in 1947. The ideology that religion is the determining factor in defining the nationality of Indian Muslims and Hindus was first propagated by people like sir Syed Ahmed Khan and later adopted by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who termed it as the awakening of Muslims for the creation of Pakistan. Addressing Congress leaders and workers at a function on Nehru's 55th death anniversary organised at the party's state headquarters 'Rajiv Bhawan' in New Delhi, Baghel paid rich tribute to the first prime minister of the country and gave an account of works done by him. "Savarkar, who was a leader of the Hindu Mahasabha, had sown the seed of division of the country which was later implemented by Muhammad Ali Jinnah," he said. Baghel claimed efforts are being made to change Jawaharlal Nehru's idea of India and said the first Prime Minister started nuclear and space programmes and oversaw building of world-class institutions. [What went wrong for Congress in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh?] "Aaj Nehru Ji ke Bharat ko badalne ki koshish ki ja rahi hai. Lagta hai jo neev Nehru Ji ne Bharat nirmaan ke liye dala tha usmein se kuch khisak gaya hai (Today efforts are being made to change Nehru's India. Foundation laid by Nehru is being weakened)," Baghel said. Baghel said, "As soon as Nehru ji got the responsibility (of PM), he started AIIMS, nuclear programme, space programme to build the nation. "Bhilai Steel Plant set up in our state is an example of his farsightedness to eliminate hunger and unemployment." Baghel, who is also state Congress president, said Nehru was a true democrat. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 27, 2019, 23:44 [IST] 'I'm absolutely fine': Wrestler Nisha Dahiya issues video after reports of her being shot dead West Bengal: BJP activist shot dead in North 24 Parganas district India oi-Madhuri Adnal Kolkata, May 27: A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker was shot dead in the Bhatpara area of West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Sunday night, reported ANI. The victim was identified as Chandan Sau, a resident of Choushotti Pally locality, who was shot dead by unidentified assailants last night while he was driving a two-wheeler. The murder has made the area panicked leading to the deployment of security forces in the area. Security forces have been deployed in the area and the police have begun an investigation into the killing, reported ANI. BJP workers blocked a road in Bhatpara and demanded the immediate arrest of the gunmen. Post-poll violence has continued in various parts of West Bengal. Singh was killed so that Amethi could be terrorised: Smriti Irani Sau was murdered a day after post-poll clashes erupted across the state. A man was shot dead in Nadia district during a clash on Saturday while at least 30 people were injured in violence in districts such as Birbhum, Bankura, West Midnapore, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas. Earlier, reports of an attack on a state minister's convoy, beating up of ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and ransacking party offices allegedly by BJP workers came in. Pakistan to allow India to send wheat to Afghanistan through its territory: PM Imran Khan India, Russia, China call for formation of truly inclusive government in Afghanistan India-Central Asia dialogue: Need to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to Afghan, says Jaishankar Afghanistan: 10 injured after IED blast targets bus in Kabul International oi-Madhuri Adnal Kabul, May 27: A magnetic improvised explosive device (IED) blast targeted a bus of the employees of the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs early on Monday morning in Kabul city's PD2 in Afghanistan, news agency ANI reported quoting Afghan media. The blast targeted a bus of the employees of the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs at around at 7:45 a.m. local time on Monday. Security forces have cordoned off the area for precautionary measures. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. J&K: Grenade diffused in outskirts of Srinagar Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs confirmed the incident in which at least 10 people have been wounded. The blast comes just a couple of days after an explosion rocked the Spin Boldak district of Afghanistan on Saturday. At least one civilian was killed while two others were wounded in the blast. "An explosion in Spin Boldak district in southern Kandahar province at around 7 pm (local time) on Saturday evening left one civilian dead and two others wounded," news agency ANI reported quoting TOLOnews. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 27, 2019, 11:40 [IST] At least 15 Killed as Blasts, Gunfire Hit Kabul Military Hospital, Official Says Afghanistan: Gunman kills 7 from 1 family in Kabul International oi-Madhuri Adnal Kabul, May 27: Seven members from a single family were shot down by an unknown gunman in Kart-e-Sakhi area in PD3 district of Kabul, Afghanistan on Sunday night.The incident happened on was reported by the family's relatives and confirmed by the Ministry of Interior (MoI). This is the third attack in Kabul in the span of one week. Earlier in the day, a magnetic improvised explosive device (IED) blast targeted a bus of the employees of the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs early on Monday morning in Kabul city's PD2 in Afghanistan, news agency ANI reported quoting Afghan media. Afghanistan: 10 injured after IED blast targets bus in Kabul The blast targeted a bus of the employees of the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs at around at 7:45 a.m. local time on Monday. Security forces have cordoned off the area for precautionary measures. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Monday, May 27, 2019, 11:46 [IST] Pakistani-origin UK home secretary Sajid Javid joins British PM race International pti-PTI London, May 27: Pakistani-origin UK home secretary Sajid Javid on Monday became the ninth contender for the post of British prime minister as he confirmed his intention to contest the Conservative Party leadership race starting next month. The senior-most minister in the UK Cabinet made the announcement with a video message posted on Twitter, calling for people to join Team Saj. "I'm standing to be the next leader of Conservatives & Prime Minister of our great country," read his statement. "We need to restore trust, bring unity and create new opportunities across the UK. First and foremost, we must deliver Brexit. Join Team Saj to help me do just that," he said. Javid, 49, becomes the latest candidate to throw their hat in the ring to enter Downing Street since Theresa May announced her intention to step down as Conservative leader and therefore as British PM on June 7. [Pakistan-origin Sajid Javid appointed new UK home secretary] A formal Tory party election process will kick off from June 10, with former foreign secretary Boris Johnson seen as a frontrunner for the PM post. Others in the fray include Cabinet ministers Michael Gove, Rory Stewart, Jeremy Hunt and Matt Hancock and former ministers Dominic Raab, Esther McVey and Andrea Leadsom. With the European Parliament election results throwing up a massive bruising for the Conservative Party and major wins for the newly-formed Brexit Party, all the leadership contenders are expected to focus all their attention on the delivery mechanism for Britain's exit from the European Union (EU). [No more landing cards for Indians travelling to UK] "Hugely disappointing results but this is a verdict on our delivery of Brexit. There's a clear lesson: people want us to get on with it. Not another election or referendum asking if changed their mind. We'll need to unite as a party to deliver that. There are no other options," said Javid, who often highlights his humble roots as the son of Pakistani migrants whose father was a bus driver. The investment banker-turned-politician has also found strong backing from within the British-Indian community and most recently called for closer India-UK ties at the annual Conservative Friends of India (CFIN) event. "The new (post-Brexit) immigration system will be a skills-based system, which means it will not be based on nationality. It means that we will be even more open once we have left the EU to welcome even more of India's brightest and best," he said earlier this month. Javid will now go head to head with the other contenders within the party before the list is whittled down by party MPs down to two that will clash in a vote put to the wider Tory membership from across the UK. The winner of the vote is expected to take charge as Tory leader and the new British PM in July. PTI Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia: Marking the fourth consecutive quarter of outflows, $22.1bn left the hedge fund industry in Q1 2019 - and yet, despite this net capital withdrawal, industry assets under management (AuM) grew by 3.3% to reach $3.56tn. According to Preqin, despite only 37% of credit strategies funds recording inflows, the strategy attracted net inflows of $6.6bn in the quarter. Only macro strategies were able to join credit strategies in positive capital flow territory with a modest $0.1bn. Equity strategies suffered a $9.9bn outflow in Q1, the largest recorded by any top-level strategy tracked by Preqin. In spite of these capital flows, equity strategies still managed to return +7.18% for the quarter, with the strategy's AUM rising by 6.5% to reach $908.1bn, said the data provider. Fund managers in Europe and Rest of World recorded positive quarterly inflows of $2.7bn and $8.1bn respectively, helping to increase the latter's regional AUM by 26.4% to $42.3bn. Elsewhere, despite 41% of North America-based funds recording inflows - the largest proportion of any region - $30.8bn in net outflows fated the region to its first quarterly capital withdrawal since Q4 2017 (-$17.5bn). Longer-term performance remains a key indicator of a fund manager's ability to attract new capital. Over a three-year period, 44% of funds with an annualized return of 5.00% or more experienced an inflow, vs. only 17% of those that returned less than -5.00...................... To view our full article Click here Award-winning author warns of economic, privacy risks for artificial intelligence and machine learning negligence Anderson Economic Group East Lansing, Michigan, USA and Evian-les-Bains, FranceMay 24,2019American economist Patrick L. Anderson appears before agroup of international forensic economists this weekend to sound thealarm on damages caused by AI programming errors and omissions.NAFE International meets in Evian-les-Bains, France on the one yearanniversary of GDPR's implementation, May 25.Mr. Anderson will present new findings that demonstrate the potentialfor substantial damages stemming from mismanagement and complicity in the misuse of data in the fast-growing AI and machine learning application sector.The work, which describes four main categories of damages resulting from improper implementation of AI principles, suggests a clear lack of awareness of and preparation for potential harm. These failures in management pose both organizational risks and risks to citizens around the globe."In at least some cases," Anderson explains, "AI is misused, misapplied,conducted without proper supervision, implemented using data for which proper permission was never obtained, presented in a way that conceals its actual performance, or a combination of these."To mitigate these risks, Anderson proposes the development of a methodology to evaluate AI applications and data. His proposal includes steps for conducting "AI audits," with the goal of preventing damages from ignorance and misuse that dwarf those caused by the deliberate distribution of malware.* * * * *About Patrick L. AndersonMr. Anderson founded Anderson EconomicGroup in 1996 and serves as its principal andCEO. In 2012, he also founded SupportedIntelligence, and now serves as SI's executivechairperson. Mr. Anderson has publishedover 100 works, several of which have wonnational awards for outstanding writing ineconomics, including Business strategy andfirm location decisions: testing traditionaland modern methods.About Anderson Economic GroupAnderson Economic Group, LLC, is a U.S.-based research and consulting firm thatspecializes in economics, public policy,commercial damages, market analysis, andtax and regulatory policy.About Supported IntelligenceSupported Intelligence, LLC was formed todevelop and implement the Rapid RecursiveToolbox. This suite of software tools mimicsthe way people naturally approach decisionmakingproblems. It provides revolutionaryanalytical power by leveraging myriad datasources to evaluate multiple scenarios andenhance predictive ability.Anderson Economic GroupPatrick L. Anderson, CEO1555 Watertower Place, #100East Lansing, MI 48823Tele: 517.333.6984email: lwbooth@andersoneconomicgroup.com Gas Treatment Market 2027 Outlook in New Research Report: BASF SE, Berryman Chemical Inc. (BCI), Clariant Ltd., E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Ecolab Inc. Gas Treatment Market http://bit.ly/2X7rbve http://bit.ly/2X7uQJl https://www.theinsightpartners.com/ The "Global Gas Treatment Market Analysis to 2027" is a specialized and in-depth study of the chemicals and materials industry with a special focus on the global market trend analysis. The report aims to provide an overview of gas treatment market with detailed market segmentation by type, application, and geography. The global gas treatment market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the leading gas treatment market players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.The gas treatment is a commonly used unit process in refineries, petrochemical plants, natural gas processing plants, and other industries. Gas treatment can be amine gas treating and non-amine gas treating. Amine gas treatment collectively refers to a group of processes which use aqueous solutions of various amines in order to remove hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide from gases. This process is also known as gas sweetening or amine scrubbing.Get Sample Copy of this Report atThe gas treatment market is anticipated to grow in the forecast period owing to driving factors such as stringent regulations for controlling air pollution coupled with growing demands for natural gas. However, increasing competition from substitutes and high cost of specialized raw material hinder the growth of the gas treatment market. On the other hand, discovery of new gas fields offer significant growth opportunity for the gas treatment market during the forecast period.MARKET PLAYERS: BASF SE, Berryman Chemical Inc. (BCI), Clariant Ltd., E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Ecolab Inc., Eunisell Chemicals, Hexion Inc., Huntsman International LLC, Innospec Inc., Varichem International Inc.The global gas treatment market is segmented on the basis of type and application. Based on type, the market is segmented as amines and non-amines. The amine segment is further classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary amines. On the other hand, the market by non-amine segment is further sub-segmented as triazine, glycols, and others. On the basis of the application, the market is segmented into acid gas removal and dehydration.The report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides an overview and forecast of the global gas treatment market based on various segments. It also provides market size and forecast estimates from the year 2017 to 2027 with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South & Central America. The gas treatment market by each region is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report covers the analysis and forecast of 18 countries globally along with the current trend and opportunities prevailing in the region.The report analyzes factors affecting gas treatment market from both demand and supply side and further evaluates market dynamics affecting the market during the forecast period, i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend. The report also provides exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions namely; North America, Europe, APAC, MEA, and South & Central America after evaluating political, economic, social and technological factors affecting the gas treatment market in these regions.The reports cover key developments in the gas treatment market as organic and inorganic growth strategies. Various companies are focusing on organic growth strategies such as product launches, product approvals and others such as patents and events. Inorganic growth strategies activities witnessed in the market were acquisitions, and partnership & collaborations. These activities have paved the way for the expansion of business and customer base of market players. The market payers from gas treatment market are anticipated to lucrative growth opportunities in the future with the rising demand for gas treatment in the global market. Below mentioned is the list of few companies engaged in the gas treatment market.The report also includes the profiles of key gas treatment companies along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. In addition, the report focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, components and services offered, financial information of the last three years, key developments in the past five years.Also, key Gas Treatment Market players influencing the market are profiled in the study along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. The report also focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, products and services offered, financial information of last 3 years, key development in past five years.Reason to Buy- Save and reduce time carrying out entry-level research by identifying the growth, size, leading players and segments in the global Gas Treatment Market- Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies.- The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in the Gas Treatment Market, thereby allowing players to develop effective long term strategies.- Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging markets.- Scrutinize in-depth global market trends and outlook coupled with the factors driving the market, as well as those hindering it.- Enhance the decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin commercial interest with respect to products, segmentation and industry verticals.Purchase This Report atThe Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Automotive and Defense.Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comWebsite: Smart Packaging Market Growth and Forecast | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company, Amcor Limited, Paksense Incorporates, Bemis Company Inc., and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=2810 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=2810 Global Smart packaging Market: OverviewThe global Smart packaging market is envisaged to be benefited by the growing health awareness amongst common people. People are opting for healthier options for food and beverages and smart packaging. Traditional packaging systems are lately known to be using toxic materials in their packaging that cause adverse health effects. As a result, more and more people are seen preferring smart packaging which comes with the labels of hygienic and safe. These types of packaging facilitate in the extension of the shelf life, reveal information about quality, and monitor freshness. They are mostly used for pharmaceuticals, foods and other products.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Smart packaging Market: Key TrendsThe demand for Smart packaging is anticipated to be propelled by the fact that most of manufacturers are increasingly focusing on extending the shelf life of products as demanded by the consumers. Apart from increased shelf life, the smart packaging is also expected to offer traceability, sustainability, and effective handling of issues like counterfeit products. The market could experience a high positive impact due to the emergence of modified atmosphere packaging and intelligent packaging.Some of the prominent market trends for this market could be the growing demand for cloud computing, sustainable printed electronics technology, and Internet of Things (IoT). Smart packaging comprise a mixture of science, technology, and specialized materials.However, there could be some challenges that stunt the growth of the players operating in the global smart packaging market. Smart packaging comes with high cost, which is anticipated to mar its growth worldwide.Global Smart packaging Market: Market PotentialIn a bid to push for adoption of smart packaging by the mass at large, PragmatIC and Talkin Things have come together and formed a strategic partnership that is mostly centered on integrated circuits. A smart packaging maker, Talkin Things is a key player of the global market for smart packaging. It works with packaging companies and brands and incorporates innovative and advanced technologies that allow them to engage directly with the people via personalized yet original marketing campaigns. They also gauge return on investment (ROI) using a bunch of tools.This new partnership is expected to implant flexible integrated circuit of PragmatIC, known as FelxIC onto the packaging of a product. The cost of the same is claimed to be substantially less than that of the silicon-based packaging options which are comparable in nature. As expected by Talkin Things, such a move is anticipated to make the mass market segment accessible.Request TOC of the Report @Global Smart packaging Market: Regional OutlookAs per the analysis of the report, the international smart packaging market could see a classification into North America (Canada and US), Western Europe (France, Italy, Germany, Nordic countries, Luxembourg, Netherlands, UK, and Spain), Eastern Europe (Russia and Poland), Middle East and Africa (GCC, North Africa and South Africa), and Asia Pacific (ASEAN, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, China and India). According to the experienced researchers, North America could secure a leading position in the market because of the growing prominence of smart packaging in the region owing to increasing health awareness. Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is anticipated to emerge as a rapidly growing market due to the changing government regulations that call for safer packaging and food.Global Smart packaging Market: Competitive LandscapeThe worldwide smart packaging market is expected to witness the presence of leading players such as E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company, Amcor Limited, Paksense Incorporates, Bemis Company Inc., and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co. Market players could take to the adoption of common business strategies, viz. acquisitions, new product launches, and cutting-edge developments, to push up their growth in the market.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Contact:TMR Research,3739 Balboa St # 1097,San Francisco, CA 94121United StatesTel: +1-415-520-1050 Dermatology Diagnostic Devices and Therapeutics Market Industry Outlines, Future Trends, Insight And Quality Analysis And Sustainable Growth Strategy Over 2026 Dermatology Diagnostic Devices and Therapeutics Market https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/933 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-discount/933 Dermatology is the branch of science, which deals with skin and its appendages such as nails, hairs, sweet glands, and among others. Primary skin care and skin hygiene is the major concern of urbanization. Polluted environment leads to number of skin allergies and trigger various chronic diseases such as skin cancer. According to a study by Clinical Dermatology, in 2013, approximately 25% of the population suffers from skin ailments globally, out of which 15% of the population consult general physician with skin problem, wherein 1.2% refer to the dermatologist while rest are left unattended. It has also been stated that skin conditions are the fourth leading cause of nonfatal disease burden. Dermatology diagnostic devices and therapeutics market is the most dynamic and competitive market and is projected to retain same in the near future.Download PDF Brochure Of This Research Report @Rising prevalence of skin ailments and its impact is fueling the market growthDermatology diagnostic devices and therapeutic market is expected to increase, due to high prevalence of skin problem such as fungal infections, scabies, acne, psoriasis, and atopic eczema. According to a study by Global Burden of Disease (GBD), in 2010, fungal skin disease, subcutaneous disease, and acne are ranked among the top ten most prevalent diseases worldwide. The trajectory of the market depends on the rise of pollutants in the environment, drug patent expiry, over use of cosmetics, prevalence of chronic diseases, and increasing pool of children affected with skin ailments. Rising awareness about skin ailments and its treatment is a key factor augmenting the dermatology diagnostic device and therapeutic market growth. New and improved dermatology diagnostics products, for instance, in 2016 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd launched Suncros, a highly efficient product for all skin ailments, contributed largely towards the market growth.Regional Insight of the dermatology diagnostic devices and therapeutics marketGeographically, 33.2 % population of North America have significant skin ailments that deserve medical attention. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, around 50 million people were affected with acne in North America in 2010, out of which 85% aged between 12 and 24, accounting to higher ratio in young population. In 2017, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new product named Dupixent, which is used to treat atopic dermatitis, expected to propel the market growth in this region. According to a report by European Dermato-Epidemiology, in 2014, approximately 19% of the adults and 14% of children have skin diseases that need to be attended in Europe. This is mainly owing to high prevalence and high awareness of skin ailments, well-organized healthcare services, and reimbursement policies.Latest launch and improved products is driving the Dermatology diagnostic devices and therapeutics market growthInnovation of new and improved products in the market is expected to keep the market more competitive to combat with the latest product. For example, new product Dupixent approved by the U.S. FDA in 2017, is an injectable medication for the adult patients with moderate or acute eczema. This is mainly for the patients affected by the disease which cannot be controlled with prescription therapies used on skin (topically). Some of the major players operating in the global dermatology diagnostic devices and therapeutics market include Agfa-Gevaert N.V., Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., Cutera, Inc., Astellas Pharma, Inc., Galderma S.A., Novartis International AG., Dino-Lite Europe/IDCP B.V., Genentech, LEO Pharma A/S, Michelson Diagnostics Ltd, and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.Ask For Discount Before Purchasing This Business Report @About Coherent Market InsightsCoherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact UsMr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave, #3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com The Crosby Group, a Tulsa, OK-based global provider of lifting, rigging, and material handling hardware, acquired Gunnebo Industrier Holding AB, a global leader in innovating, developing, manufacturing and selling products for material handling and other related applications. Segulah, a Nordic private equity firm, was the seller in the transaction. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. Led by Bob Davies, Chief Executive Officer, The Crosby Group is a manufacturer of premium accessories used in lifting, rigging and securement applications. Products include wire rope clips, hooks, shackles, lifting clamps, hoist rings, overhaul balls, snatch blocks, crane blocks and sheaves. The company also provides a training program, focusing on the proper application of Crosby products. Gunnebo Industries is a global leader in innovating, developing, manufacturing and selling products for material handling and other related applications. The company supplies products such as blocks, sheaves, components for chain and wire rope slings, shackles and chain, produced in Sweden, Norway and the USA. Gunnebo has 9 sales offices covering every continent, as well as partners and distributors in an additional 50 countries. FinSMEs 27/05/2019 Human Recombinant Insulin Market Increasing demand with Industry Professionals like Novo Nordisk A/S, Eli Lilly and Company, Sanofi S.A., Julphar Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, Biocon, Bioton Human Recombinant Insulin https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/1797 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/1797 Discovery of insulin is considered to be one of the most important events in the history of the diabetes treatment. Furthermore, major advances in human insulin technology is the synthesis of human insulin analogue by recombinant technology. Currently, human insulin delivery system available for the administration of insulin include insulin syringes, insulin pumps, jet injections, and pens. Key players are focused on developing recombinant human insulin instead of animal-based insulin, owing to increasing demand for human insulin in the treatment of diabetes. Human recombinant insulin has a faster onset of action and lower immunogenicity than pork or beef insulin. Currently human recombinant insulin is gaining significant traction with the development of biosimilar analogue of human insulin.According to the Addressing the Challenge and Constraints of Insulin Sources and Supply (ACCISS): 2016 report, the insulin market including human recombinant insulin largely contributes around 40 local manufacturers, with largely local markets apart from three largest global insulin manufactures: Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi S.A. and Eli Lilly and Company. Furthermore, various manufacturers offer a recombinant analog of human insulin-like growth factor that has been specifically engineered for the research and industrial cell culture market, providing a consistent, compliant, and reliable alternative to recombinant insulin. Such manufacturers include: Merck KGaA, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., among others. These manufacturers offers recombinant human insulin analogue products as a raw material or blended with custom media formulations for small scale process development and commercial biomanufacturing applications. Launch of biosimilar and other insulin products and research for recombinant insulin products is expected to drive growth of the market during the forecast period.Moreover, rising diabetes population, worldwide combined with increasing research and development (R&D) activities by various government and private organizations in human insulin development is expected to boost growth of the human recombinant insulin market in the near future.The global human recombinant insulin market was valued at US$ 27.4 billion in 2018, and is expected to witness a CAGR of 7.2% over the forecast period (2018 2026).Request A Sample Copy:Various government and private research organizations are engaged research and development activities for developing advanced treatment in diabetes care to increase the effectiveness of human insulin, reduce diabetes burden, and minimize the risk of diabetes associated disorders such as diabetes-associated blindness, kidney disease, heart attacks, strokes or limb loss. For instance, American Diabetes Association (ADA) invested US$ 807.4 million in more than 4,700 research projects in diabetes research since 1952 till 2017. According to ADA, 2017 review, ADA invested more than US$ 37.4 million for diabetes research in 2017, and supported 371 diabetes related research projects. The European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD): a division of European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), provides funding initiatives in all areas of diabetes research. EFSD aims to accelerates and support research in the field of diabetes to introduce innovative diabetic management portfolio.In September 2017, Biocon Limited: an India-based biopharmaceutical firm received funding from Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to study oral insulin drug candidate: Tregopil, to evaluate the safety and tolerability in people suffering with type 1 diabetes. The collaboration between Biocon and JDRF is a part of JDRF's Industry Discovery and Development Partnership (IDDP) programme, through which JDRF provides financial support to Biocon to accelerate research in type 1 diabetes management.Increasing Incidence of Diabetes Worldwide is expected to Drive Growth of the Human Recombinant Insulin MarketInsulin plays a vital role in diabetes management by controlling blood sugar level. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes people are benefited by maintaining blood sugar levels. Increasing incidence of diabetes is expected to be major factor driving growth of the market in the near future. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2016, an estimated 422 million adults are suffering from diabetes. The major spike in incidence of type 2 diabetes over the last decade is mainly attributed to increasing prevalence of obesity. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Atlas 2017, global burden of diabetes is affecting more than 425 million people, among which one-third are older than 65 years of age. Moreover, the number of people with diabetes may rise to 629 million in 2045. Furthermore, 352 million with impaired glucose tolerance are at high risk of developing diabetes. Furthermore, continuous increase in incidence rate of diabetes, owing to unhealthy lifestyle, binge eating, obesity, overweight, physical inactivity, and insulin resistivity among global population is expected to further boost growth of the human recombinant insulin market over the forecast period.However, high cost of insulin may restrain growth of the market, as patients from low and middle countries are unable to afford it. According to the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) May 2018 report, prices of insulin have increased over 10-fold since 1985 and prices have exhibited significant rise during the last past 10 years (2008 to 2018). According to PCMA, prices for Humulin/Novolin have increased from around US$ 25 per prescription in 1985 to nearly US$ 300 in 2016. Furthermore, prices for long-acting insulins have increased from around US$ 100 per prescription in 2007 to nearly US$ 400 in 2016.Key players operating in human recombinant insulin market include Novo Nordisk A/S, Eli Lilly and Company, Sanofi S.A., Julphar Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, Biocon Limited, Bioton S.A., Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Zhuhai United Laboratories Co., Ltd., Wanbang Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., and Dongbao Enterprise Group Co., Ltd.Download the PDF brochure: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 Cough Suppressant Drugs Market Growth Analysis, Competitor Landscape with Top Players Pfizer Inc., Aytu BioScience, Inc., Acella Pharmaceuticals, Mayne Pharma, Taro Pharmaceutical Industries, Amneal Pharmaceuticals Cough Suppressant Drugs www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/2427 www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/2427 n March 2018, Perrigo Company plc. received the FDA approval for the brand OTC equivalent of Mucinex DM Maximum Strength (Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Extended-release Tablets, 1200 mg/60 mg). Mucinex DM Maximum Strength is indicated to control coughs and to break up mucus, making coughs more productive. Approval and launch of such new drugs in the market is expected to drive the cough suppressant drugs market growth over the forecast period.High prevalence of cough is also expected to be a major factor for rising demand for cough suppressant drugs, which drives the market growth. For instance, according to the data published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information in 2014, cough is the most common reason for visits to primary care physicians globally, accounting for around 8% of all consultations. According to the same source, the annual prevalence of cough in the general population is reported as approximately 1033% globally.The global cough suppressant drugs market size was valued at US$ 1100.4 Mn in 2017 and is expected to witness a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period (2018 2026).North America is expected to hold dominant position, owing to frequent approvals of new cough suppressant drugs by FDANorth America cough suppressant market is expected to show good growth over the forecast period, owing to frequent approvals to novel drugs by the FDA. For instance, in 2015, Vernalis plc and Tris Pharma Inc. received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the New Drug Application (NDA) for Tuzistra XR (codeine polistirex and chlorpheniramine polistirex) extended-release oral suspension, CIII (DEA Schedule III). Tuzistra XR is a codeine-based extended-release oral suspension for cough-cold treatment.Request A Sample Copy:Key players in the market are involved in strategic mergers and partnerships, in order to develop, manufacture, and sell novel cough suppressant drugs and to gain major market share.For instance, in 2015, Tris Pharma, Inc. entered into a license, supply, and distribution agreement with Pfizer Consumer Healthcare (a part of Pfizer Inc.). According to the agreement, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare will commercialize Tris extended release dextromethorphan cough syrup under the Robitussin Brand. In exchange, Tris will provide the U.S. branded rights to its protected intellectual property for an extended release dextromethorphan formulation to Pfizer Consumer Healthcare and Tris will receive an upfront payment, milestone payments, and sales-based royalties. Various new players are entering lucrative cough suppressant drugs market by partnering with other manufacturers. For instance, in November 2018, Aytu BioScience, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, entered into the cough suppressant drugs market with an exclusive license of FDA-approved Tuzistra XR from Tris Pharma Inc. Along with Tuzistra XR, Aytu BioScience, Inc. also has a licensed complementary antitussive product with pending FDA approval.However, stringent regulations against the use of cough suppressant is expected to affect the global cough suppressant drugs market growth over the forecast period.For instance, in February 2018, the Therapeutic Goods Administration reclassified codeine as prescription only medicine in Australia, which was previously available as over-the-counter medication. This reclassification was made, as regular use of medicines containing codeine may lead to its addiction. In January 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration made safety labeling changes to limit the use of codeine or hydrocodone containing prescription opioid cough and cold medicines in children younger than 18 years old to protect kids from serious risks of opioid ingredients containing cough treatment drugs. After the safety labeling changes, these products will no longer be indicated for treatment of cough in pediatric population and will be labeled for use only in adults aged 18 years and older.Key players operating in the global cough suppressant drugs market include Perrigo Company plc, Vernalis plc, Tris Pharma Inc., Pfizer Inc., Aytu BioScience, Inc., Acella Pharmaceuticals LLC, Mayne Pharma Inc., Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Aurobindo Pharma Ltd, and GlaxoSmithKline plc.Download the PDF brochure: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.comRequest A Sample Copy:Download the PDF brochure: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 Blenders Market Projected to Witness Vigorous Expansion by 2018 to 2026 | Key Players are PHILIPS, Midea, Joyoung, Panasonic, SUPOR, BRAUN, etc. https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=524 https://www.factmr.com/report/524/blenders-market https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=AE&rep_id=524 https://www.factmr.com/ This research report titled Blenders Market Projected to Witness Vigorous Expansion by 2018 to 2026 | Key Players are PHILIPS, Midea, Joyoung, Panasonic, SUPOR, BRAUN, etc. focuses on the blenders market, published to the vast repository managed by FactMR. The analysis focuses on the prime geographical regions based on their market size, revenue and attractiveness factors. Furthermore, the research discusses various segments from the blenders market to examine future lucrativeness and spot growth prospects during 2018-2026. Readers can even access information such as key developments, technologies, innovations, etc., concerned to the blenders market.Request for Sample Report -With the rise in per capita income of consumers, particularly in emerging countries, demand for various domestic food preparation equipment such as blenders has witnessed a surge. The number of female buyers associated with household appliances, with their pressing requirements for ease and convenience, has skyrocketed across the globe. In addition, pervasiveness of demand for technologically advanced electric kitchen appliances is likely to prevail, especially among demographics with higher GHDI.Growing Women Workforce Influencing Adoption of Electric Kitchen Appliances such as BlendersNarrowing gender differences in the field of occupation has meant that more and more women are opting for jobs, in order to become independent as well as provide financial support to their families. Additionally, female workers have surpassed their male counterparts in terms of cultivating productivity potential and defining brighter future for their junior employees. With the proliferation of working women worldwide, requirement for time-saving electric kitchen appliances such as blenders and food processors is on the rise.One of the prominent demand driver for blenders is the rapid boom in ecommerce sector around the world. In developing countries of Asia and Latin America, ecommerce sector has become the key determinant for sales of various consumer electronics and home appliances, which have become the prominently sought-after category of consumer goods. Additionally, Consumer electronic product vendors are increasingly venturing into the blenders market, in order to leverage their already established occupancy across the online retail space.Browse Blenders Market Report with TOC A new research study of FactMR foretells that the global market for blenders will record a value CAGR of 4.9% in the period between 2017 and 2026. Over 100,000,000 units of blenders are estimated to be sold worldwide by 2026-end.Owing to financial difference among the global demographic, size of residential spaces differ accordingly as not everyone can afford living in mansions with size of kitchens equaling small apartments. With robust population expansion, living spaces are undergoing contraction, apartments and houses are reducing in size, and efficiency has become the new normal in the construction industry. Among new trends in the residential construction sector, the most popular one is leveraging minimal space, which in turn affects floor areas of kitchen primarily. Faced with ever-shrinking kitchen sizes, demand for time-saving compact food appliances has surged, which in turn has resulted into the development of all-purpose counter blenders. This product development has enabled elimination of bulk storage issues, lugging machines in the kitchen, and clutter. Improved functionality, power, safety and compact size are key demand drivers of these blenders.Consumer electronic product manufacturers in APEJ are focusing on establishing their presence in online retail sector, which will further influence sales of blenders in the region. APEJ is expected to remain the fast-expanding market for blenders both in terms of value and volume.Competition TrackingCharacterized by the occupancy of well-established and diversified regional and international vendors, the global market for blenders is fragmented in nature. While international players in the market are concentrating on extending their footprint, regional players are facing challenges in competing them based on cost, technology, and product quality. Key players profiled by the report include PHILIPS, Midea, Joyoung, Panasonic, SUPOR, BRAUN, ACA, and Deer.Have Any Question? Ask Our Industry Experts -About FactMRFactMR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFactMR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb: Prophylactic Human Vaccine Market Analysis and In-Depth Research On Industry Dynamics, Trends, Emerging Growth Factors and Forecasts to 2026 Appraised By Global Players GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer Inc. Prophylactic Human Vaccine Market https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/2261 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/talk-to-analyst/2261 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/prophylactic-human-vaccine-market-2261 Prophylactic human vaccines stimulate the immune response and are intended for ameliorating the effects of future infection caused by pathogens in human beings. Novel vaccine development technologies such as viral-like particles are used in developing Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) vaccines, and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccines. For instance, in March 2014, CureVac AG received EUR 2 million Vaccine Prize from European Commission for its novel RNActive vaccine technology. This RNActive vaccine technology enables production of safe, efficacious, and cost-effective vaccines that are protected against elevated temperature as well as inadvertent freezing.Download PDF Brochure Of This Research Report @Global Key Players:The key players operating in prophylactic human vaccine market include, GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Altimmune, Inc., Bharat Biotech International Limited, Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., Sanofi Pasteur SA, Shanghai BravoBio Co., Ltd., SK Chemicals Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, BiondVax Pharmaceuticals Ltd., and SK Chemicals Co., Ltd.Prophylactic Human Vaccine Market TaxonomyBy Vaccine TechnologyLive Attenuated VaccinesInactivated VaccinesToxoid VaccinesPolysaccharide VaccinesConjugate VaccinesRecombinant VaccinesBy RegionNorth AmericaEuropeAsia PacificLatin AmericaMiddle EastAfricaProphylactic Human Vaccine Market DriversIncreasing number of pipeline studies and rising involvement of key players for vaccine development is expected to propel growth of the prophylactic human vaccine market during the forecast period. For instance, in October 2018, CureVac AG, announced to initiate dose escalation phase I clinical trial for CV7202 mRNA-based rabies vaccine. CV7202 is a prophylactic vaccine encoding RABV-G, the rabies virus glycoprotein. This will enable vaccinated individual's own cells to produce RABV-G protein, by which immune response gets triggered. This study is estimated to complete in January 2021.Moreover, in October 2018, Valneva SE announced progress in its Phase 1 program targeting a single-shot vaccine against Chikungunya. It is designed for prophylactic, active, single-dose immunization against Chikungunya in humans. The vaccine aims for long-lasting protection and an anticipated safety profile similar to other approved vaccines for active immunization in adults and children.Inquire Here Before Purchase of Research Report @Prophylactic Human Vaccine Market RestraintSignificant barriers in the vaccine development such as virus diversity and limited number of animal models are estimated to hamper growth of the prophylactic human vaccine market. For instance, according to Gastroenterology, in October 2018, vaccine development requires huge investment from various resources and is very challenging. Designing vaccine trials in human is difficult since following immunization the chances for develop an acute infection is very high. Therefore, anti-viral treatment has to be offered immediately, which makes it a challenging task to manage disease.Prophylactic Human Vaccine Market Regional AnalysisOn the basis of region, the global prophylactic human vaccine market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa.Geographically, North America is probable to lead in the global prophylactic human vaccine market, owing to receiving large number of research grants by government. For instance, in September 2018, GeoVax Labs, Inc., U.S.-based company recieved grant of US$ 2,442,307 by the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity. The grant was awarded as a cooperative agreement for novel Lassa Fever (LF) vaccine (GEO-LM01) development program. GEO-LM01 uses Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) and Virus-Like Particle (VLP) vaccine platform that has been demonstrated to be safe and induce antibody responses in patients. Moreover, MVA-VLP platform has shown effective results in other cases such as GeoVaxs prophylactic HIV vaccine, GeoVaxs Ebola (EBOV) vaccine, and GeoVaxs Zika vaccine in its respective preclinical studies.Europe region is also expected to perceive extensive growth in prophylactic human vaccine market, due to rising initiatives by government for developing efficient and safe vaccines. For instance, in October 2017, the European Commission funded TRANSVAC, a new infrastructure project. This project aims to rapidly develop effective vaccines in order to address European health challenges and in turn increase the sustainability of EC vaccine projects in Europe. TRANSVAC offers high-quality technical services to support development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines for both human and animal use.Browse Research Report At:About Coherent Market InsightsCoherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact UsMr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave, #3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com Waste Management & Remediation Services Market 2019 Analysis Reports Revenue Growth during the Forecast Period | Market players Waste Management, Republic Services, Clean Harbors, Stericycle, Progressive Waste Solutions Qurate Business Intelligence https://www.qurateresearch.com/report/sample/MnE/QBI-BIS-MnE-349551 https://www.qurateresearch.com/report/enquiry/MnE/QBI-BIS-MnE-349551 https://www.qurateresearch.com/report/buy/MnE/QBI-BIS-MnE-349551/ https://www.qurateresearch.com/ With the slowdown in world economic growth, the Waste Management & Remediation Services industry has also suffered a certain impact, but still maintained a relatively optimistic growth, the past four years, Waste Management & Remediation Services market size to maintain the average annual growth rate of 15 from XXX million $ in 2014 to XXX million $ in 2018, our analysts believe that in the next few years, Waste Management & Remediation Services market size will be further expanded, we expect that by 2023, The market size of the Waste Management & Remediation Services will reach XXX million $.Global Waste Management & Remediation Services Market Report covers the manufacturers data, including: shipment, price, revenue, gross profit, interview record, business distribution etc., these data help the consumer know about the competitors better. This report also covers all the regions and countries of the world, which shows a regional development status, including market size, volume and value, as well as price data.Besides, the report also covers segment data, including: type segment, industry segment, channel segment etc. cover different segment market size, both volume and value. Also cover different industries clients information, which is very important for the manufacturers.Get Free Sample Copy of Report @The Waste Management & Remediation Services Industry report is business intelligence assessment envisioned to offer comprehensive understanding of global market scenario. It strives to evaluate the key components of the industry which have superior impact on it. This includes numerous fundamentals of significant nature including market overview, segmental breakdown, competition landscape, value chain analysis, major players review, and more. Also, the report inspects worldwide market on the basis of several analysis techniques including SWOT and Porters Five Forces. Here it aims to deliver critical analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as well. This might assist readers to comprehend current scenario of the market and make predictions about future course of it.Waste Management & Remediation Services Industry report further stocks market intelligence in relevance with few more treasured aspects of the market such as regulation scenario, supply chain analysis, patents and standards, regional market summary and more. While entailing variety of information related to each of the segments, the study attempts examine each segment on various parameters in order to offer incisive business acumen to readers.Market Segmentation:The Waste Management & Remediation Services Industry categorizes whole worldwide market into several segments for better understanding. This has been done based on different kinds of parameters including product type, service type, application, end use, technology, geographical region, etc. This delivers thorough description of each segments which may benefit readers in understanding the market into smaller bits of it. The study offers insights in relevance with various elements of each segment including market share, revenue, past performance, growth drivers, future outlook and more.To book MOST UPDATED VERSION (2019) of the report @Key Players Analysis:Owing to mounting pace of growth, swelling demand, varying regional market scenarios and more factors of such nature, numerous companies have arrived in this industry in recent past. However, very few of it can be recognized as significant players of the industry. To name a few Waste Management, Republic Services, Clean Harbors, Stericycle, Progressive Waste Solutions.The Waste Management & Remediation Services Industry report delivers in-depth analysis of these key players where it tries to evaluate these companies on the basis of different parameters such as company profile, revenue, business overview, historic data figures, product or service portfolio, profits and more. This might provide brief idea about competitive dashboard of the industry.In addition, it also shares remarkable information in relevance with industry dynamics including market growth drivers, challenges faced by major players, opportunities, new entrants tips, trends, and more.Table of Contents:1. Industry Overview2. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats Analysis3. Waste Management & Remediation Services Industry Trends4. Market Segmentation5. Geographical Review6. Waste Management & Remediation Services Industry Competitive Insights7. Key Players Analysis8. Market ForecastPlace Purchase Order for this Report @About Us:Qurate Business Intelligence delivers unique market research solutions to its customers and help them to get equipped with refined information and market insights derived from reports. We are committed to providing best business services and easy processes to get the same. Qurate Business Intelligence considers themselves as strategic partners of their customers and always shows the keen level of interest to deliver quality.Contact Us:Nehal ChinoyRunwal Platinum,Ramnagar Colony, Bavdhan,Pune, Maharashtra, India-411021IN +919881074592info@qurateresearch.com Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Market Top Company, Research Forecast with Top Players Roche, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bio Rad, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Beckmann Coulter, and Abbott Diagnostics therapeutic drug monitoring https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/1241 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/1241 Therapeutic drug monitoring is a multidisciplinary practice of measuring drug amount in bloodstream to maintain its effective concentration. It is used to maximize efficacy of drug, avoid toxicity and adverse drug reactions (ADR), facilitate dose adjustment according patient requirement, and to identify therapeutic failure. It is used especially for drugs characterized by narrow therapeutic window, drugs that are highly protein bound and those in which the metabolite might be toxic. Physicians and hospitals use therapeutic drug monitoring to maximize the clinical benefits of the drug by minimizing the toxic side effects thereby improving the quality of life for the patients.North America dominates the global therapeutic drug monitoring marketNorth America holds the dominant position in therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) market, owing to robust health care infrastructure, high awareness for treatment regime and increasing patient awareness regarding adverse drug reaction (ADR). According to 2013 survey by Medical Expenditure Panel published in Scientific American, 1 in 7 American adult consume Anti-Psychotic drug, a class of drugs which requires TDM. Stringent government regulations regarding safe medication practices especially with drugs having narrow therapeutic range would propel growth therapeutic drug monitoring. Moreover, increasing adoption of instruments such as monitors and analytic equipment, reagents, and diagnostics tools for drug monitoring is driving the growth of therapeutic drug monitoring market.However, difficulty in reimbursement bars the widespread usage of TDM, as often the cost associated with TDM is high. Furthermore, insufficient infrastructure and skilled manpower is restraining the growth of the market in emerging economies.Request A Sample Copy:Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Market TaxonomyOn the basis of product type:EquipmentConsumables (Assay kits)On the basis of technology:Enzyme ImmunoassayHPLCLC/MSGC/MSFluorescence Polarization ImmunoassayMass SpectrometryOn the basis of end user:Hospitals (Clinical Pharmacology departments)Pathological labsResearch and Academic InstitutionsPharmaceutical and Biotech firmsPersonalized medicine and advanced technologies such as assay performance and drug monitoring to fuel the growth of therapeutic drug monitoring marketPersonalized medicine is driving the growth of therapeutic drug monitoring market, owing to increasing demand for better treatment outcome with minimum side effects from the medication. For instance, TDM is majorly used for anti-cancer drugs monitoring for which standard guidelines are recommended by many oncology Journal and associations, one of them being the European Journal of Oncology. Moreover, advanced treatment therapies such pharmacogenomics, gene testing, and proteomics is further expected to boost the growth of market. Increasing antimicrobial resistance is one of the key factor driving the growth of TDM market. According to WHO Factsheet 2017, antimicrobial resistance is one of the leading cause of death. For instance, according to WHO factsheet, around 4,80,000 multi-drug resistance TB cases were reported, which is creating an opportunity for physicians to optimize or monitor the drug therapies through TDM.Organ transplant procedures are also propelling the growth of therapeutic drug monitoring market. Immunosuppressant drugs are basic treatment for organ transplant to avoid rejection of transplanted organ by body, which requires TDM to avoid ADR and side effects. Asia Pacific is a promising region for organ transplant due to increased awareness and infrastructure availability. According to Waters Corporation Blog, China witnessed 35% y-o-y increase in organ transplant in the first 4 months of 2017. There is a growing trend of clinical research organizations being shifted to cost effective Asia Pacific region for bioequivalence study of generic drugs on account of low cost of processes in this region. Moreover, advances in the field of biomedical technology such as nano biosensors and implantable devices are expected to boost the growth of therapeutic drug monitoring market. Advancement in tools for TDM such as assay kits, chromatography columns, spectrometry, and alternative matrices such as interstitial fluid provide continuous real time monitoring of the therapeutic drug through Probe Scientifics new MicroEye Technology.Key players in the global therapeutic drug monitoring market include Roche Diagnostics, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bio Rad Laboratories, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Beckmann Coulter, and Abbott Diagnostics. In 2016, Danaher Corporation, parent company for Beckman Coulter acquired Cepheid at US$ 4 billion to strengthen companys diagnostic portfolio.Download the PDF brochure: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 Global Optical Digital Converter Market 2024 Worldwide Key Information by Top Key Players Atlona, Gefen, LLC, 3M Cabling, Van London - pHoenix Co. Optical Digital Converter https://www.bigmarketresearch.com/request-sample/3078467?utm_source=Aniket&utm_medium=OPPR https://www.bigmarketresearch.com/request-for-discount/3078467?utm_source=Aniket&utm_medium=OPPR https://www.bigmarketresearch.com/global-optical-digital-converter-market-2019-by-manufacturers-regions-type-and-application-forecast-to-2024-market Scope of the Report:The worldwide market for Optical Digital Converter is expected to grow at a CAGR of roughly over the next five years, will reach million US$ in 2024, from million US$ in 2019, according to a new Big Market Research (BMR) study.Request For Sample Copy Of This Report @This report focuses on the Optical Digital Converter in global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversAtlona, Gefen, LLC, 3M Cabling, Van London - pHoenix Co.Global Optical Digital Converter Market stands to gain remarkable proceeds over 2019-2024, as per a recently compiled report Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, covers Type IType IIMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into EnterpriseApplication IApplication IIRequest For Discount Of This report @The content of the study subjects, includes a total of 15 chapters:Chapter 1, to describe Optical Digital Converter product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market driving force and market risks.Chapter 2, to profile the top manufacturers of Optical Digital Converter, with price, sales, revenue and global market share of Optical Digital Converter in 2017 and 2018.Chapter 3, the Optical Digital Converter competitive situation, sales, revenue and global market share of top manufacturers are analyzed emphatically by landscape contrast.Chapter 4, the Optical Digital Converter breakdown data are shown at the regional level, to show the sales, revenue and growth by regions, from 2014 to 2019.Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to break the sales data at the country level, with sales, revenue and market share for key countries in the world, from 2014 to 2019.Chapter 10 and 11, to segment the sales by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2014 to 2019.Chapter 12, Optical Digital Converter market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2019 to 2024.Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Optical Digital Converter sales channel, distributors, customers, research findings and conclusion, appendix and data source.Market Following Details Segment by Table of Contents:1 Market Overview1.1 Optical Digital Converter Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Type I1.2.2 Type II1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Application I1.3.2 Application IIAccess Full Summery @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:Mr. Abhishek Paliwal5933 NE Win Sivers Drive, #205, Portland,OR 97220 United StatesDirect: +1-971-202-1575Toll Free: +1-800-910-6452E-mail help@bigmarketresearch.com Ureteroscopes Market Analysis by Leading Manufacturers Like Stryker Corporation, KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG, Richard Wolf GmbH, PENTAX Medical, Elmed Electronics & Medical Industry Ureteroscopes https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/1603 Ureteroscope is a device, which is used for examining upper urinary tract and the technique is called ureteroscopy. Ureteroscope works similar to a cytoscope, however, it is longer and thinner than cytoscope, and is passed through the urethra to the bladder and then into the ureter (the tubes, which carry urine from kidneys to bladder). Ureteroscope has illuminating light and lens for capturing images of urinary tract organs for presence of tumors and calculi. This device helps to find the position of stone in ureter and is also used for the removal of kidney stone. Ureteroscopy is less harmful and less time consuming procedure to remove kidney stone and shows high accuracy and less complications than conventional methods such as percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).Ureteroscopes Market DriversIncreasing approvals and launches of new ureteroscopes devices is expected to be a major factor for growth of the global ureteroscopes market. For instance, in 2016, Boston Scientific Corporation launched its new LithoVue single-use digital flexible ureteroscope in the U.S. and Europe market. LithoVue is used in minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones and other conditions of the kidney, ureter, and bladder.Furthermore, increasing prevalence of kidney stone is expected to increase demand for ureteroscopes and fuel the market growth. For instance, according to the data published by National Kidney Foundation in 2016, globally, over half a billion people suffer from kidney stone annually. According to data published by National Institute of Health, in 2016, globally, total prevalence of chronic kidney disease is around 14.0% of the general population.Request A Sample Copy:Moreover, prevalence of kidney stones also increases with increasing age. According to the data published in National Center for Biotechnology Information, in 2017, in Mainland China the prevalence of kidney stone was 5.96% in the people aged between 30-39 years, while the prevalence was around 9.68% in people above 60 years of age. Hence, rise in geriatric population is also expected to increase incidence of kidney stone, which in turn is expected to increase demand for ureteroscopes and fuel market growth in the near future. For instance, according to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) 2016, around 547 million people were aged above 60 years in Asia Pacific and the number is projected to reach around 1.3 billion by 2050.Ureteroscopes Market Regional AnalysisNorth America is expected to hold the dominant position in global ureteroscopes market, due to presence of key players in the region and high success rates of ureteroscopy. For instance, according to data published by Department of Urology, New York Medical College, in 2016, after a single procedure, around 37% of patients who had undergone flexible ureteroscopy were stone free as compare to only 21% of the patients who were treated with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). Moreover, Boston Scientific Corporation and Stryker Corporation are the two U.S.-based major players in this market. Furthermore, increasing prevalence of kidney stone in the U.S. is also expected to increase demand for ureteroscopes, which is turn is driving the market growth in North America. For instance, according to data published in National Center for Biotechnology Information, in 2014, according to survey done by National Health and Nutrition Examination in 2012, around 10.6% of men and 7.1% of women in the U.S. are affected from renal stone disease and there is a rapid increase in prevalence of urinary tract stone disease. Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit significant growth in the global ureteroscopes market, owing to increasing incidence of kidney stone disease in population in India and China. For instance, according to data published in National Center for Biotechnology Information in 2017, the prevalence of kidney stone in Mainland China was estimated to be around 10.34% in males and 6.62% in females.Ureteroscopes Market RestraintHigh cost of ureteroscopy procedure is expected to be a major restrain for growth of the global ureteroscopes market. The average cost of ureteroscopy in the U.S. can go up to around US$ 3,000. Such high cost procedures are not easily affordable by everyone and hence it restrain the market growth.Ureteroscopes Market Key PlayersKey players operating in ureteroscopes market include Boston Scientific Corporation, Olympus Corporation, Stryker Corporation, KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG, Richard Wolf GmbH, PENTAX Medical, Elmed Electronics & Medical Industry & Trade Inc., AED.MD, SCHOLLY FIBEROPTIC GMBH, OPCOM Inc., Prosurg, Inc., SOPRO-COMEG GmbH, and others.Download the PDF brochure: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 Narcolepsy Market Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 9.5% Up To 2027 With Bioprojet, Teva Pharmaceutical, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Graymark Healthcare, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Novartis AG, Mylan ,Shionogi Inc. Narcolepsy Market https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00003326/?opsp https://www.theinsightpartners.com/discount/TIPRE00003326/?opsp https://www.theinsightpartners.com/inquiry/TIPRE00003326/?opsp Asia Pacific narcolepsy market is expected to grow at highest rate during the forecast period owing higher number of research & development and increasing investments on sleep related neurological disorders. In addition, emergence of new local players with competitive drug portfolio are expected to fuel the market growth in Asia Pacific region.The global narcolepsy market accounted to US$ 2,026.8 Mn in 2018 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast period 2019 2027, to account to US$ 4,537.9 Mn by 2027.Get Sample Copy Of Report@Various companies are focusing on organic growth strategies such as product launches, product approvals and others such as patents and events. Inorganic growth strategies activities witnessed in the market were acquisitions, and partnership & collaborations. These activities have paved way for expansion of business and customer base of market players. Bioprojet Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Graymark Healthcare, Inc. Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Shire (Acquired by Takeda) Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Novartis AG, Mylan N.V. Shionogi Inc.Strategic acquisition and product launches were observed as the most adopted strategy in global narcolepsy industry. Few of the recent product launch and acquisitions are listed below:2018: Jazz Pharmaceuticals announced FDA approval of Xyrem (sodium oxybate) for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness in pediatric narcolepsy patients2019: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited acquired Shire plc to expand its geographic footprint and leading position in Japan and the U.S.2018: Jazz Pharmaceuticals announced FDA acceptance of supplemental new drug application for Xyrem (sodium oxybate) to treat cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in pediatric narcolepsy patientsGet Instant Discount On This Report@Market InsightsRising prevalence of sleep related neurological disorders is expected to boost the market growth over the years:- The range of sleep disorders that are treated by neurologists is wide and includes conditions such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy. These disorders cause disruptions in the normal sleep-wake mechanisms causing endogenous abnormalities. Neurological sleep related disorders is an emerging problem as the population is ageing at a rapid rate. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), approximately 40 million Americans suffer from neurological diseases in the US, whereas additional 20 million people experience occasional sleeping problems. Over the last decades, much has been learnt about the pathophysiology of narcolepsy. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the prevalence of narcolepsy with cataplexy has been examined in many studies and falls between 25 and 50 per 100,000 people. Moreover, according to the Narcolepsy Network 2017, the condition affects 1 in every 2,000 people in the United States. Thats 200,000 Americans and approximately 3 million worldwide. Moreover, the American Sleep Apnea Association reports that sleep-related problems affect 50 to 70 million Americans of all ages and socioeconomic classes. Sleep disorders are common in both men and women; however, important disparities in prevalence and severity of certain sleep disorders have been identified in minorities and underserved populations. More than 50 million Americans already suffer from over 80 different sleep disorders and another 20 to 30 million suffer intermittent sleep problems each year. The increasing prevalence of neurological sleep disorders and narcolepsy is likely to foster the growth of market in the coming years.Market Segments:By Type Narcolepsy with Cataplexy Narcolepsy without Cataplexy Secondary NarcolepsyBy Product Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulants Sodium Oxybate AntidepressantsBy Distribution Channel Hospital Pharmacies Retail PharmaciesBy Geography North America Europe Asia Pacific (APAC) Middle East & Africa (MEA) South America (SAM)Type Insights:-The narcolepsy market by type is segmented into narcolepsy with cataplexy, narcolepsy without cataplexy, and secondary cataplexy. In 2018, the narcolepsy with cataplexy segment held a largest market share of 65.1% of the narcolepsy market, by type. This segment is also expected to dominate the market in 2027 owing to its significant prevalence among patients suffering with narcolepsy. Episodes of cataplexy are reported to be encountered among 55-60% of patients suffering with narcolepsy. Moreover, the similar segment is anticipated to also witness the fastest growth rate of 9.7% during the forecast period, 2019 to 2027 owing to the increasing demand for drugs to treat the disease.Product Insights:-The global narcolepsy market on the basis of product is segmented into sodium oxybate, central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, and antidepressants. Sodium oxybate segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period. Sodium oxybate is the one of the primary medication recommended by specialists to patients suffering with narcolepsy. The high cost of the branded counterparts, availability of reimbursement with certain regions as well as approval of the drug in majority of the top markets is likely to contribute to the growth and dominance of the segment. Sodium is oxybate is also expected to exhibit highest growth witnessing a robust CAGR over the forecast years.Speak With Industrial Experts@About Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services.We are committed to providing highest quality research and consulting services to our customers. We help our clients understand key market trends, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions by providing market research solutions at an affordable cost.Contact us:The Insight partners,Phone: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.com Breast Implants Market Grow + CAGR of 5.4% Up To 2027 With The Growth Of Allergan, Mentor Worldwide, GC Aesthetics, Sientra, POLYTECH Health & Aesthetics,Ideal Implant Incorporated, Silimed, Breast Implants Market https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPHE100000849/?opsp https://www.theinsightpartners.com/discount/TIPHE100000849/?opsp https://www.theinsightpartners.com/inquiry/TIPHE100000849/?opsp North America was the leading geographic market and it is anticipated to be the highest revenue contributor throughout the forecast period. Rising prevalence of the breast implants surgery is expected to fuel breast implants market in this region.Global breast implants market accounted to US$ 1,475.7 Mn in 2018 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period 2019 2027, to account to US$ 2,338.6 Mn by 2027.Get Sample Copy Of Report@Some Of Major Key Players Operating In Market:-Allergan, Mentor Worldwide, GC Aesthetics, Sientra, POLYTECH Health & Aesthetics,Ideal Implant Incorporated, Silimed, Group Sebbib, Guangzhou Wanhe Plastic Materials, HANSBIOMED, And OthersAcquisition and agreement was observed as the most adopted strategy in global breast implants industry. Few of the recent acquisition and agreement are listed below:2016: Sientra acquired Specialty Surgical Products, Inc. (SSP), with this acquisition the company will enhance it product portfolio of Dermaspan and AlloX2 lines of breast tissue expanders products.2016: Sientra signed service agreement with Vesta, a Lubrizol LifeSciences company. Under this agreement Vesta is inaugurating manufacturing unit for Sientra and serve a long-term supply agreement for its PMA-approved breast implants.2017: Allergan acquired LifeCell Corporation which is a regenerative medicine company. The acquisition will combine regenerative medicines business, LifeCell's novel with the Allergans products such as breast implants and tissue expanders and medical aesthetics.2017: Allergan acquired Keller Medical, Inc. is a medical device company which develops Keller Funnel. The Keller will combine Keller Funnel with Allergans breast implants business.Market Insights:-Increasing Prevalence of Breast Cancer:-Rising prevalence of breast cancer has led to an increase in the demand for breast implants. Breast cancer is prevalent across the globe with increase in number of women being diagnosed with breast cancer. The disease is common in developed as well as developing countries across the globe. As per the Breastcancer.org, in 2018, in the U.S., nearly 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women along with 63,960 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. Deaths rates due to breast cancer among the women in the US are high than other types of cancer. In 2018, nearly 40,920 women in the U.S. are expected to die due to breast cancer. The number of new cases for breast cancer in men are lesser as compared to women. Beastcancer.org stated that in 2018, about 2,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men.Get Instant Discount On This report@New Product Launches & FDA Approvals:-The market for breast implants is also driven by new product launches and FDA approvals. Most of the market players are engaged in the manufacturing various types of breast implants offering maximum advantages and high quality. For instance, in January, 2018, Sientra, Inc. received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the site-change PMA supplement for its contract manufacturer Vesta to manufacture Sientras silicone gel breast implants. Moreover, In January, 2017, Allergan plc received approval from the FDA to market NATRELLE INSPIRA SoftTouch breast implants in the US. Additionally, in October 2017, Mentor Worldwide LLC announced the availability of MemoryGel Xtra breast implants in the US.Product Insights:-The global breast implants market by silicon was led by product segment. The other segment, saline considered in the breast implants market expected to grow at the significant growth in the forecast period.Application Insights:-The global breast implants market by cosmetic surgery was led by application segment. The other, reconstructive surgery segment, considered in the breast implants market expected to grow at the significant growth in the coming years.Surface Type Insights:-The global breast implants market by smooth segment was led by application segment. The other, textured segment, considered in the breast implants market anticipated to grow at the significant growth in the coming years.Global Market Segments:-By Product Silicon SalineBy Application Cosmetic Surgery Reconstructive SurgeryBy Surface Type Smooth TexturedBy Geography North America Europe Asia Pacific (APAC) Middle East & Africa (MEA) South America (SAM)Speak With Industrial Experts@About Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services.We are committed to providing highest quality research and consulting services to our customers. We help our clients understand key market trends, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions by providing market research solutions at an affordable cost.Contact us:The Insight partners,Phone: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.com DoorDash, a San Francisco, CA-based on-demand food delivery company, raised $600m in Series G funding. The round brought the companys valuation to $12.6 billion. Backers included new investors Darsana Capital Partners and Sands Capital and existing investors Coatue Management, Dragoneer, DST Global, Sequoia Capital, Softbank Vision Fund, and Temasek. The company intends to use the funds to continue its geographic expansion DoorDash delivers food from Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian restaurants as well as pizzerias and cafes to nearly one million customers in more than 4,000 cities across the U.S. and Canada. It has more than 340,000 stores on the platform. Building on the growth of DoorDash Drive, its white-label fulfillment platform that powers direct delivery for any business, the company announced last month its integration with Wegmans to power their Meals 2Go app. Drive partners exclusively with restaurants such as Chipotle, Dennys, Portillos and Wingstop to power their web and mobile delivery, and has become Walmarts largest last-mile logistics partner for grocery. DoorDash also launched a national partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to bring local dining favorites to guests on-demand across more than 3,700 hotels. FinSMEs 27/05/2019 What are the Growth Factors of Beer Stabilizers Market? Lehmann&Voss&Co. KG, Ashland, Eaton, AB Vickers Limited, ERBSLOH, SINCHEM, Gusmer Beer, PQ Corporation, W. R. Grace & Co., AEB Beer Stabilizers https://www.gminsights.com/toc/detail/beer-stabilizers-market https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/2950 https://www.gminsights.com http://global4energy.com/ Global Market Insights, Inc. provides a detailed overview of Beer Stabilizers market with respect to the pivotal drivers influencing the revenue graph of this business sphere. The current trends of market in conjunction with the geographical landscape, demand spectrum, remuneration scale, and growth graph of this vertical have also been included in this report.Asia Pacific beer stabilizer market was around USD 14 million in 2017. Highest contribution to global beer production owing to rising count of breweries and growing demand for beer in the region are propelling the beer stabilizers market growth. China, Japan, Vietnam and India are among the major producers in the region. According to Kirin Holdings, China is the leading beer manufacturer contributing around 21% of the global beer production in 2017. Rising demand for beer along with need for quick stabilization & improved economics will drive the product demand in Asia Pacific.Request for a Table Content @Changing trends in drinking preference with respect to improved taste, quality, and light weightiness while drinking will provide lucrative opportunity for beer stabilizers growth. Henceforth, industry producers are focusing on implementing advanced techniques and better ingredients to enhance product quality. Controlling non-biological haze, improving clarity & transparency with respect to appearance are key features offered by beers including stabilizing ingredients.Companies Profiled based on Business Overview, Strategic Outlook & SWOT Analysis:1. BASF2. PQ Corporation3. W. R. Grace & Co.4. AEB5. Lehmann&Voss&Co. KG6. Ashland7. Eaton8. AB Vickers Limited9. QINGDAO MAKALL GROUP10. ERBSLOH11. SINCHEM12. Gusmer BeerOn the grounds of changing lifestyles & the rising young affluent population, beer stabilizers market dynamics has been witnessing quite a profitable growth graph in the recent years. The skyrocketing rate of beer consumption across the globe has in fact elevated the demand for beer stabilizers for extending the shelf life and removing biological & chemical hazel. With proven records of using stabilizers for controlling or adsorbing the non-biological and biological molecules such as yeast and protein, several industry players are increasingly making use of these products in their beer production processes, which in extension is driving the growth prospects of the beer stabilizers market.Penetration of alcohol-free & low-alcohol beer segment is supplementing the beer stabilizers business growth. Expanding demand for gluten -free and flavored beer will enhance the market development. Growing demand for craft beer supported by rising count of craft breweries is positively influencing the beer stabilizer market development. For instance, according to Brewers Association, the number of craft breweries in U.S. grew from 2,898 in 2013 to 6,266 in 2017. Rising count of microbreweries accompanied by necessity for enhancing the beer stability & the overall economics will develop new growth opportunities for beer stabilizer manufacturers.Breweries are witnessing strong demand for these ingredients, especially for the production of premium and super premium crafted beers. Enhanced taste, improved quality, and low calories benefits are among the primary drivers fostering product landscape. In addition, the increasing number of small-scale or local breweries will drive the production from an alternate and inferior quality grain, which in turn augments growth in the beer stabilizers market.Make an inquiry before buying @Latin America is among the fastest growing regions with CAGR at around 5.0% during the forecast period 2018-2024. Brazil is the largest producer in Latin America and the third largest globally. Brazil and Argentina are among the fastest growing countries globally. According to Kirin Holdings, Brazil and Argentinas beer production grew by 5% and 4.8% resp. in 2017 as compared to previous year.Report ContentChapter 1. Methodology & Scope1.1. Methodology1.1.1. Initial data exploration1.1.2. Statistical model and forecast1.1.3. Industry insights and validation1.1.4. Definitions & forecast parameters1.2. Data sources1.2.1. Primary1.2.2. SecondaryChapter 2. Executive Summary2.1. Beer stabilizers industry 3600 synopsis, 2013 - 20242.1.1. Business trends2.1.2. Product trends2.1.3. Regional trendsChapter 3. Beer Stabilizers Industry Insights3.1. Industry segmentation3.2. Industry landscape, 2013 - 20243.3. Industry ecosystem analysis3.3.1. Distribution channel analysis3.3.2. Profit margin trends3.3.3. Vendor matrix3.4. Technology landscape3.5. Raw material trends3.6. Global beer industry overview3.6.1. Consumer trends3.6.2. Global beer production, by country (Kiloliters)3.6.3. Top global beer manufacturers outlook3.6.4. Major beer consuming countries (Liters/capita)3.7. Consumer buying behaviorAbout Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology,Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog: Potty Chairs Market 2019 | Worldwide Forecast 2025 | Major Players - Fisher-Price, Summer Infant, BabyBjorn, The First Years, etc. Potty Chairs Market https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/requested_sample/65871 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/enquiry_before_buying/65871 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/requested_sample/65871 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/request_for_discount/65871 www.upmarketresearch.com As per the latest research study published by Up Market Research, Global Potty Chairs Market is estimated to grow at a healthy CAGR % in the coming years. The research report showcases qualitative and quantitative estimations by the industry analysts. The report documents first-hand data, post verification from the industry experts along with each industry manufacturers by the market valuation.Request Free Sample Copy Of this Report @Potty ChairsMarket report also gives an extensive analysis of market share, latest industry trends and forecast data analysis with respect to sales revenue, market growth, and demand and supply scenario.Furthermore, the report also evaluates the key opportunities available in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the expansion of the industry. Growth of the Global Potty ChairsMarket has been forecasted for the time period 2019-2025, taking into consideration the previous sales patterns, the market growth drivers, current and future trends specific to particular regions and globally.This research study also presents the market competition landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of the major vendor/manufacturers in the market.The key manufacturers covered in this report: Fisher-Price Summer Infant BabyBjorn The First Years Tidy Tots Munchkin Disney Contours KidsKit CTA Digital Primo Thomas & Friends OxGord JoovyThis report provides the details about the global as well as regional volume, market share, size and gross margin of the competitor companies. It also analyzes noteworthy trends, emerging value of CAGR and present as well as future developments in the industry.Potty ChairsMarket report also provides a realistic valuation of the region specific market and offers a place for key contributors to find potential regional growth opportunities.Region wiseanalysesof the top producers and consumers, focus on product capacity, production, value, consumption, market share and growth opportunity in below mentioned key regions; North America - U.S., Canada, Mexico Europe - U.K., France, Italy, Germany, Russia, Spain etc. Asia-Pacific - China, Japan, India,Southeast Asia etc. South America - Brazil, Argentina etc. Middle East & Africa - Saudi Arabia, African countries etc.For More Information On This Report, Please Visit @By product typeSegmentation: data from 2014 to 2019; and forecast to 2025 Stand-alone Potty Seat Reducer OthersBy applicationSegmentation: data from 2014 to 2019; and forecast to 2025 Boys GirlsRequest Free Sample Copy Of this Report @Research objectives and Reason to procure this report: To study and analyze the globalconsumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2014 to 2018, and forecast to 2025. To understand the structure of Potty ChairsMarket by identifying its various subsegments. To better understand theindustry leaders/manufacturers, by outlining and analyzing their sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in the near future. To receive comprehensive information about the key factors influencing the market growth (opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks). To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions, mergers in the market. To strategically outline the key players in the market and extensively analyze their growth strategies.Avail Discount On this Report @All possible factors that can influence the market arealready included in this research study and have been accounted for, evaluated in detail, verified through extensive primary/secondary research, and investigated to get the concluding quantitative and qualitative data. The market size for key players and sub-segments is normalized, and the effect of inflation, economic downturns, along with regulatory & policy changes or other factors are accounted for in the market forecast. This data is collated and added with detailed inputs and analysis from Up Market Research and presented in this exclusive report.About UpMarketResearch:The UpMarketResearch () is a leading distributor of market research report with more than 800+ global clients. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well- defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Contact Info:Name: Alex MathewsEmail: Alex@upmarketresearch.comOrganization: UpMarketResearchAddress: 500 East E Street, Ontario, CA 91764, United States. Beverage Refrigeration Market Outlook, Trends & Forecast during 2019 2024, key manufacturers: General Electrics, Ford, Edgestar, Haier Beverage Refrigeration Market https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/2111 https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/2111 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/beverage-refrigeration-market https://www.gminsights.com/ North America led by the U.S. dominates global beverage refrigeration market and is expected to exceed USD 1.1 billion by 2024. Increasing consumer purchasing power coupled with growing capital investment after economic slowdown in the country has boosted the foodservice and restaurant industry in past years. Technical developments in the product including usage of LED lighting systems, improved sensors and augmented demand of bounded type cooling components, is anticipated to stimulate the product demand.Rising beverage consumption is a major driver for the beverage refrigeration market growth. High availability of nourishment drink varieties along with increasing health consciousness is expected to attract consumers to consume drinks at their home rather than in outer outlets. In additional, consumers are heavily investing on specific appliances including milk coolers to hold the quality and flavor of definite drinks for an extended period.Request for a sample copy of this report @High penetration of hypermarkets and supermarkets globally in consumer goods industry leading to extensive equipment convenience will significantly drive beverage refrigeration market. Global food industry is expected to surpass USD 9.5 trillion by 2024, growing at a rate of 3.4%.Rising consumption of alcoholic products will require specialized cooling systems, thus in turn is anticipated to support the product penetration. In addition, increasing local consumption will significantly support global production. However, high competition from low priced imported goods from China and Mexico will restrain the global beverage refrigeration market over the forecast period.Countertop beverage refrigeration market was valued over USD 1.39 billion in 2016 and is projected to witness growth over 5.1% up to 2024. Superior features including improved space consumption and lesser messy applications propel product demand among professional chefs and home makers. Further, other features including powerful filtered water dispenser and substantial technologies particularly invented by General Electric will enormously boost market.Make an Inquiry for Purchasing this Report @Beverage Refrigeration Market in Asia Pacific held more than 20% of overall industry share in 2016. As per the industry estimates, the region is projected to account over two-third of the global beverages consumption by 2020. The region also accounts for 60% of the world population and increasing consumption will provide profitable opportunities for several manufacturers.Some of the key players in beverage refrigeration market include: General Electrics Ford Edgestar Haier Dover Corporation Daikin Industries Electrolux Whirlpool Corporation Illinois Tool Works United Technologies Corporation Johnson Controls Marvel Kenmore Allavino U-line Avanti Danby Marvel Kegco Liebherr Gamko Danfoss HABCO KingsBottle Koolatron Coca-colaBrowse Report Summery @About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone:1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb: Permanent Magnets Market 2019 | Worldwide Forecast 2025 | Major Players - Molycorp Magnequench, Hangzhou Permanent Magnet Group, Shin-Etsu Chemical, etc. Permanent Magnets Market https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/requested_sample/62352 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/enquiry_before_buying/62352 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/requested_sample/62352 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/request_for_discount/62352 www.upmarketresearch.com Permanent Magnets Market research report delivers a close watch on leading competitors with strategic analysis, micro and macro market trend and scenarios, pricing analysis and a holistic overview of the market situations in the forecast period.Get Exclusive FREE Sample Copy Of this Report @UpMarketResearch offers a latest published report on Global Permanent MagnetsMarket Analysis and Forecast 2019 - 2025 delivering key insights and providing a competitive advantage to clients through a detailed report. The report highly exhibit on current market analysis scenario, upcoming as well as future opportunities, revenue growth, pricing and profitability.It is a professional and a detailed report focusing on primary and secondary drivers, market share, leading segments and geographical analysis. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The report contains basic, secondary and advanced information pertaining to the Permanent MagnetsMarket global status and trend, market size, share, growth, trends analysis, segment and forecasts from 2019 2025.The scope of the report extends from market scenarios to comparative pricing between major players, cost and profit of the specified market regions. The numerical data is backed up by statistical tools such as SWOT analysis, BCG matrix, SCOT analysis, PESTLE analysis and so on. The statistics are represented in graphical format for a clear understanding on facts and figures.For More Information On This Report, Please VisitThe generated report is firmly based on primary research, interviews with top executives, news sources and information insiders. Secondary research techniques are implemented for better understanding and clarity for data analysis.The report for Permanent MagnetsMarket analysis & forecast 2019 - 2025 is segmented into Product Segment, Application Segment & Major players.Region- wise Analysis covers: North America Europe China Japan India Southeast Asia Other regions (Central & South America, Middle East & Africa)The Major players reported in the market include: Molycorp Magnequench Hangzhou Permanent Magnet Group Shin-Etsu Chemical Anhui Earth-Panda Advance Magnetic Material Adams Magnetic Products Hitachi Metals ...Product Segment Analysis: Ferrite NdFeb SmCo AlnicoApplication Segment Analysis: Aerospace & Defense Automotive Consumer Electronics OtherMajor Topics Covered in this Report: Chapter 1 Study Coverage Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Market Size by Manufacturers Chapter 4 Production by Regions Chapter 5 Consumption by Regions Chapter 6 Market Size by Type Chapter 7 Market Size by Application Chapter 8 Manufacturers Profiles Chapter 9 Production Forecasts Chapter 10 Consumption Forecast Chapter 11 Upstream, Industry Chain and Downstream Customers Analysis Chapter 12 Opportunities & Challenges, Threat and Affecting Factors Chapter 13 Key Findings Chapter 14 AppendixGet Exclusive FREE Sample Copy Of this Report @Permanent Magnets Market Analysis and Forecast 2019 - 2025 report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. The report also calls for market- driven results deriving feasibility studies for client needs. UpMarketResearch ensures qualified and verifiable aspects of market data operating in the real- time scenario. The analytical studies are conducted ensuring client needs with a thorough understanding of market capacities in the real- time scenario.GlobalPermanent MagnetsMarket: Key Stakeholders: Manufacturers Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers Subcomponent Manufacturers Industry Association Downstream VendorsIn this study, the years considered to estimate the market size are as follows: History Year: 2013-2018 Base Year: 2018 Estimated Year: 2019 Forecast Year 2019 to 2025Key Reasons to Purchase: To gain insightful analyses of the market and have a comprehensive understanding of the Global Permanent MagnetsMarket Analysis and Forecast 2019 - 2025 and its commercial landscape. Learn about the market strategies that are being adopted by your competitors and leading organizations. 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Get in touch with our sales team, who will guarantee you to get a report that suits your necessities.You can also ask for region wise Permanent MagnetsMarket research report, as below: Global Market Status & Trend Report 2013 - 2025 Top 20 Countries Data North America Market Status and Trend Report 2013 - 2025 South America Market Status and Trend Report 2013 - 2025 Europe Market Status and Trend Report 2013 - 2025 EMEA Market Status and Trend Report 2013 - 2025 Asia Pacific Market Status and Trend Report 2013 - 2025 China Market Status and Trend Report 2013 - 2025 India Market Status and Trend Report 2013 - 2025 United States Market Status and Trend Report 2013 - 2025About UpMarketResearch:The UpMarketResearch () is a leading distributor of market research report with more than 800+ global clients. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well- defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Contact Info:Name: Alex MathewsEmail: Alex@upmarketresearch.comOrganization: UpMarketResearchAddress: 500 East E Street, Ontario, CA 91764, United States. [SARASOTA, FLORIDA, May 23] Easter Seals Southwest Florida will receive a 0.37 acre land donation from neighboring Bayside Pet Resort to expand Easter Seals organic farm. The organizations will celebrate the land exchange with a ground-breaking ceremony on Thursday, May 30. Anyone would be amazed to learn about Easter Seals and all that they provide for deserving families in our community said Angie Pantazis, Director of Operations at Bayside Pet Updated May 28 Washington County authorities are hunting a man who they say jumped into an Amazon delivery drivers idling car in Aloha and zipped off Monday afternoon. The car thief snatched the couriers dark gray Kia Rio as he dropped off a package near Southwest 192nd Avenue and Butternut Street around 3:30 p.m., said Deputy Shannon Wilde, a spokeswoman for the Washington County Sheriffs Office. The Amazon driver reported he had about 40 packages inside the car when it was stolen, Wilde said. Authorities believe the suspect, described only as a man with dreadlocks, might have been involved in a hit-and-run crash near Southwest 185th Avenue and Farmington Road prior to the car theft, the sheriffs office said. A canine officer with the Hillsboro Police Department is now scouring the area, Wilde said. This is a developing news story. Please check back for updates. -- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh; 503-294-7632 Email at skavanaugh@oregonian.com Follow on Twitter @shanedkavanaugh Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox. Gallery: Elmer Taylor, sailor blues, arms crossed; Joe Shelley, black suit and tie; John Parker, whites and white cap; Vincent Ruscilli, black suit, sleeve insignia In late summer 1942, the aircraft carrier USS Wasp zigzagged through Torpedo Junction, the area south of Guadalcanal where Japanese submarines were known to lie in wait. On board, the 2,247 officers and enlisted men were on high alert. During a lull in their duties, they often boxed, wrestled, and played volleyball on deck but, today, all hands were at their battle stations from before dawn until midmorning. Many onboard were new recruits like 17-year-old Seaman Second Class Robert W. Reganold of Vancouver, Washington, whose older brother was also in the Navy. Gregarious William G. Bushek of Portland had been in the Navy for four months and Robert L. Howe from Eugene, who had one brother in the Navy and another fighting in Europe, for seven months. They couldnt know it, but just a few miles away in the Coral Sea, as the wind kicked up whitecaps, a Japanese submarine raised its periscope above the choppy ocean and spotted the Wasp. On the Wasps flight deck, crews worked in crowded, choreographed synchronicity, launching eight fighters and 18 scout planes and dive bombers, and recovering 11 aircraft returning from patrol. It was exacting, dangerous, and physical work that required concentration and coordination from everyone on the deck and in the air. Once their immediate duties were completed, some of the weary crew, all working a grueling schedule around the clock, took a break in the mess hall. Officers gathered to their wardroom lounge to eat, and on-duty pilots met in the ready room to debrief and await their next assignments. Ensign John P. Parker, a 32-year-old from Portland with a wife and three young children waiting for him in San Diego, headed below to his officers stateroom to sleep. Aviation Structural Mechanic Elmer V. Taylor finished his watch servicing aircraft and crawled into his rack in the enlisted men quarters. Nine miles away, Japanese submarine Lieutenant Commander Takaichi Kinashi began a slow and stealthy approach. Above the flight deck in the Wasps radar shack, Radioman Second Class Joe H. Shelley, a lanky 22-year-old from Sandy, was listening to his assigned radio frequency, and transmitting and receiving signals. He enlisted in the Navy a year after graduating from Sandy High School -- eager to see the world and earn a paycheck doing it. Assigned to the Wasp just after the vessel was commissioned in April 1940, Shelley had already been to Scotland, Malta, Canada, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, and Cuba. Others were experienced seamen, too. Boatswain Francis D. Kane of Portland spent five years on the USS Yorktown before being transferred into the Wasp. Ship Fitter First Class Ronald K. Patterson from Klamath Falls, in the Navy for seven years, had also served on the USS Seattle and the USS Tennessee. Twenty-one-year-old Vincent Ruscilli, an Aviation Machinist Mate First Class, was a dedicated and capable grease monkey, known for his quiet confidence and ability to overhaul any type of Navy aircraft engine. That day, he was repairing an engine in the hanger bay. At 2:44 p.m., the Japanese I-19 sub struck. Six oxygen-propelled torpedoes in quick succession were launched at the Wasp from 985 yards away. As one of the Wasps lookouts saw the telltale torpedo wakes heading toward them, he yelled, three torpedoesthree points forward of the starboard beam! Those have got us! replied an ensign from the bridge. The captain, Forrest P. Sherman, ordered the Wasp steered hard to starboard but it was too late. The first of three torpedoes smashed home near the aircraft ammunition and fuel stores, and the huge concussion threw all hands to the deck. The Wasp was traveling in a convoy and torpedoes killed five men on the USS North Carolina and caused extensive damage to the USS OBrien. Ruscilli, who would later retire to Lincoln City, had just regained his feet and started for the Wasps upper deck when the second torpedo exploded. Knocked down again, he scrambled up and just made it to the upper deck when the third torpedo struck, sending flames 60 feet high. Fire broke out almost simultaneously below decks and in the hanger bay, which held engines, fuel tanks and heavy equipment. Spare aircraft hoisted for storage overhead crashed to the floor of the hanger deck in a crush of metal. The water mains in the forward part of the ship were destroyed, and the water pressure in other areas was too low to reach the flight deck. As the gun gallery caught fire, blast concussions killed men at their stations without leaving a mark on them. Elsewhere on board, flying shrapnel cut through the air, bombs detonated, and pieces of wood decking and superheated metal shot in all directions. A vapor explosion blasted one of the elevators into the air, and flying steel plating, expansion joint covers and barriers flew 150 feet. Radioman Joe Shelley lost all communications. The telephone system, electrical announcers, and switchboard were inoperable. All lights in the forward part of the vessel were out and men used hand lanterns. The quarters where John Parker had been sleeping were now an inferno, and the wardroom lounge where officers had been relaxing minutes before was demolished. The smoke was suffocating. As the Wasp listed 10 to 15 degrees to starboard, Ronald Patterson scrambled to see if repairs could keep the vessel afloat. While the captain maneuvered to get the wind on the starboard bow so the smoke and flames would blow clear of the ship, Elmer Taylor, who made it through the smoke from below deck, worked with other men to pull aircraft to the edge of the deck and push them into the sea. Gun crews formed human chains to throw the powder cases overboard. An enlisted man was incinerated when the one he was jettisoning exploded. Shelley was ordered to evacuate a badly wounded gun captain who had been thrown 30 feet into the air and landed unconscious on the bridge. Shelley and another sailor retrieved the crewman and carried him down three decks without a stretcher. Just 36 minutes after the first torpedo struck, the fire was raging out of control and steadily working its way aft. Sherman gave the order to abandon ship. Mattresses, pillows, planks, hoses, and large cans were thrown overboard to serve as flotation devices. The wounded, most severely burned, were bundled into lifejackets, placed on stretchers, and carefully lowered over the side into life rafts and rubber boats. As they prepared to evacuate, the men took off their shoes and placed them carefully on the deck, and holding their helmets, waited to go down the lines into the water. The chaplain made his way from group to group trying to calm them. Some quietly prayed. Ruscilli, helping launch a cumbersome life raft, lost his footing and fell 60 feet into the ocean. Though he wasnt a strong swimmer and didnt have a life jacket, he made it to a raft and hung on to it for four and a half hours in 15-foot swells before being rescued. Elmer Taylor, who eventually retired in Vancouver, dove off the flight deck into the sea and was rescued along with 142 others by the USS Farenholt. As captain, Sherman was the last to leave. At 4 p.m., he climbed down the fantail rope and dropped into the sea wearing only his shorts. As the men floated and swam in the shark infested waters, five destroyers sent out boats to bring them in. Many survivors were so covered with thick, black oil, they had to be roped together on the deck of the rescue ship so they wouldnt slide over the side. Other ships in the convoy dropped depth charges trying to rout out the Japanese submarine. As the blasts thudded and water blew high from the concussions, men waiting for rescue grabbed their bellies and endured the painful compression waves. The Japanese sub was never caught. More explosions rocked the Wasp that day, Sept. 15, 1942, but still she refused to give up. At 9 p.m., the USS Lansdowne was ordered to send her to the bottom. As the Lansdowne fired a volley of five torpedoes into the hull, the Wasp listed deeper to starboard. In a thundering explosion of steam and smoke, the Wasp sank, bow first, beneath the flaming water. The vessel became a war grave to the 194 men killed or missing in action that day. An expedition financed by Paul Allen, who died last year, found the wreck two and a half miles beneath the Coral Sea near the Solomon Islands. The Wasp was part of a convoy providing air cover to six transport vessels carrying Marine reinforcements and supplies to Guadalcanal, where the battle there was raging into its second month 77 years ago. Covered with rusticles and bacterial corrosion, the pilot house door stands eerily ajar. Mens dented metal helmets, shell casings, and pieces of iron railings are scattered in the sweeping field of debris. Aircraft remnants are strewn on the ocean floor, and black propeller tips protrude from the sand, their distinctive red and yellow stripes still visible in the frigid water. On this Memorial Day, the sunken ship lying 14,000 feet deep is the final resting place for those on the Wasp from Oregon and southwest Washington who never made it home: Robert L. Howe, Seaman Second Class, USN; Francis D. Kane, Boatswain, USN; John P. Parker, Chief Warrant Officer, USN; Ronald K. Patterson, Ship Fitter 1, USN; and Robert W. Reganold, Seaman Second Class, USN. # # # Lynne Hasselman is a writer from southern Oregon. Subscribe to get the Morning Briefing newsletter delivered to your email inbox weekdays at 7 a.m. Todays stories PLANNED CLEARCUT: As a "scenic waterway" designation sat on Gov. Kate Brown's desk, state forestry department officials were planning a timber sale that would have resulted in a a 67-acre clearcut along the Nehalem River. Read more. GIGABIT TAX BREAK: Lawmakers passed a tax break to clear the way for super-fast Google Fiber internet. Google bailed on Oregon, but the policy cost taxpayers millions anyway. Read more. THE APPRENTICE: After 32 years on what is now the House transportation and infrastructure committee, Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio finally has the gavel. He said he saw potential for bipartisan progress on infrastructure until an encounter last Wednesday with President Donald Trump. Read more. MAX STABBINGS: A $20 million lawsuit faults TriMet and the Portland Police for failing to prevent two mens deaths in a 2017 attack. Read more. DISCRIMINATION CASE: A Portland company must pay $80,000 to Hillsboro woman after it rescinded job offer after learning she was pregnant. Read more. BUDGET BUSTER: An Oregon state department is asking for $40 million because it spent federal money on staffing and administrative costs money that was supposed to go to the poorest of Oregons poor. Read more. LAST ADVENTURE: As the end approached, Betsy Ames asked that her body be cremated. Her ashes, she hoped, would find their way to places across the world that had meaning to those who loved her. Read more. Snap of the day (Mark Graves/Staff) The Rose Festival started with a bang Friday along Tom McCall Waterfront Park. More news Eugene veterans organizations building vandalized hours before a Memorial Day fundraiser Oregon lawmakers poised to pass paid family, medical leave plan Noose spotted in Natural Grocers employees car in Northeast Portland Oregon International Air Show moving from Hillsboro to McMinnville for 2019 Sisters identified as victims in fatal North Portland crash TV shows canceled in 2019: Sad goodbyes, and good riddance (sorry!) Dear Abby: Theyve been together 2 years and all is good. But he hasnt said I love you Ask Amy: 16-year-old is crushed because she cant marry her cousin-by-marriage Carolyn Hax: Why do people think its OK to openly pity me for not having kids? Find more at oregonlive.com Today's comics Click here to see today's comics Today's obituaries Click here to find area deaths reported recently Today in history AROUND THE WORLD: On May 27, 1941, the British Royal Navy sank the German battleship Bismarck off France with a loss of some 2,000 lives, three days after the Bismarck sank the HMS Hood with the loss of more than 1,400 lives. Amid rising world tensions, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed an unlimited national emergency during a radio address from the White House. Cities and towns across Oregon will celebrate the LGBTQ community at Pride events all summer and even into the fall this year. Here are 10 places you can join the party. Yachats Pride Yachats Pride will feature three days of events including a prom, a drag show and a community potluck. May 31-June 2; Yachats; most events are free; yachatspride.org Hillsboro Pride Party Hillsboros Pride Party will feature music from the Portland Pride Band and Color Guard among others, as well as food, drink and an artisan market. June 1, Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Station, Hillsboro, free; hillsboro-oregon.gov/summerfun Astoria Pride Join the parade, the block party or even a story time during Astoria Pride. June 7-9; Astoria; most events are free Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade Portlands annual Pride celebration will feature the standard parade and festival. But along with those events, theres a whole slate of additional community events, including brunches, readings, parties and even a boat ride. June 15-16; Tom McCall Waterfront Park; $8 donation; pridenw.org The 2017 Portland Pride Parade. (Mark Graves/The Oregonian)LC- Mark Graves Central Oregon Pride Celebrate Pride in Bend, with a free festival that will even have bounce houses. June 22; Drake Park, Bend; free; centraloregonpride.org Beaverton Pride For the first time ever, Beaverton will have its own Pride Parade. June 23; Beaverton; free; pridebeaverton.org Columbia River Gorge Pride The Pride celebrations in Hood River will include a parade, a festival, a brunch and a fun run. June 29-30; Hood River; some events are free The 2017 Portland Pride Parade. (Mark Graves/The Oregonian)LC- Mark Graves Capitol Pride Celebrate Pride in Oregons capitol city in August. Aug. 3; Waterfront Park, Salem; free Eugene Springfield Pride in the Park The Eugene area will celebrate Pride with a festival at Alton Baker Park. Aug. 10; Alton Baker Park, Eugene; suggested donation $5; eugene-pride.org Southern Oregon Pride Southern Oregon Pride is currently scheduled for Oct. 11-12. For more information, check the sopride.org/pages/events.html. Corvallis Pride Corvallis Pride celebration has not yet been scheduled. Check the groups Facebook page for more information. The 2017 Portland Pride Parade. (Mark Graves/The Oregonian)LC- Mark Graves Police have identified Lorenzo C. Gordon, 18, as the victim in a shooting outside a Southeast Portland apartment complex on Saturday. Officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 600 block of Southeast 162nd Avenue around 8 p.m. and found an injured man in the parking lot of the Springtree Apartments. Officers called for medical help, police said, but the man died at the scene. Detectives from the Portland Police Bureaus homicide division were investigating the case. An autopsy conducted Sunday confirmed the case was a homicide, police said. Police asked anyone with information on the case to contact Detective Scott Broughton at (503) 823-3774 or scott.broughton@portlandpolice.gov. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive The Vietnam Conflict changed the lives of thousands of young men. It made them old men before their time. Gary Purcell of Midland was one of those young men. This is the story of his long journey back from panic and fear ruling his life to conquering the demons he brought back from the war. Born in Midland, Gary graduated from Midland Senior High School in 1967 and was drafted in 1968. When he came home on leave, he married his childhood sweetheart, Debbie Sargent, on Dec. 18, 1968. Less than a month after his leave, Gary was on a commercial 727 flying to South Vietnam to join what would be the second longest war ever fought by Americans. The communist countries of Russia and China were supporting the North Vietnamese in their war with South Vietnam. The United States began to support South Vietnam in 1955 with American's involvement ending in April 30, 1975. It was a war that took the lives of 58,318 Americans and wounded 303,644. In an interview three years ago, Gary said, "We were always scared, You didn't know what they were going to do. We went to a field combat unit and that's where I spent the next 10 months. Patrol every day. Ambushes every night." The base camp had a 10-mile perimeter around it and Gary's squad was there to prevent communist guerrillas, the Viet Cong, from overrunning the base camp. Conditions for the men were abysmal. They carried 60- to 80-pound packs on their backs. The terrain determined where they slept and ate. Rice paddies dotted the lowlands of South Vietnam. Dikes surrounded the paddies to keep the water contained where the rice grew. Because the dikes could be booby-trapped, the soldiers walked in the rice paddies. "We were always wet. Never dried out," Gary said. "We had mud up to our shins and water up to our mid-thigh. There was jungle rot, trench foot, ring worm, prickly heat. Hundred degree heat. We got a shower maybe once a month." The men slept wherever they collapsed. Helicopters would fly over to drop food off. There was no way to warm the canned food up, but they ate it anyway. Fruit, jam, peanut butter, a pack of toilet paper, Chiclets, a box of matches, cigarettes. Some guys said the C-rations were leftover from World War II, which ended in 1945. Out of 80 men in the company only five were never wounded. Gary was one of the five. Lying in a Vietnamese rice paddy in June 1969, Gary heard President Nixon announcing that troops would be withdrawn from Vietnam and sent home." One guy had a transistor radio and we were listening to the Army radio station in Vietnam. We couldn't believe it," he said. On Jan. 8, 1970, Gary's tour of duty ended, three days after his birthday. It took 22 hours to fly from Bien Hoa, Vietnam, to San Francisco and then to Chicago. In Chicago, Gary called Debbie asking her to pick him up at the airport in Freeland and he saw his baby daughter Stacey for the first time. In the movies this would be the end of the story. But it wasn't the end for Gary. It was the beginning. The year in Nam left its mark. The heat. The wet. The constant fear of setting off a booby trap or being shot by a sniper. He had no wounds to show, but they were there. Uncontrollable thoughts. Nightmares. Unexplainable actions. Not going to a movie for 15 years because he couldn't have anyone sitting behind him. Always having to sit facing the door so he could see who was coming in. The rattle of a Coke can coming out of a vending machine was enough to set his heart racing, the blood pounding in his ears. And war meant losing good friends. Gary and Gary Plante had been together in high school, in basic training and in Vietnam together. Gary Plante was shot on May 16, 1969, and died in a Japanese hospital. When Gary returned home he went to see the grave of Gary Plante in New Calvary Cemetery on Bombay Road. "I never went back," he said. "I knew something was wrong but there wasn't a name for it," he said. Then a physical illness sent him to the Veterans Administration. He was a diabetic and he was called in for a physical because he had put in a claim to cover medication. The doctors discovered that he had post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. It turned his life around. "Dreams, Drinking. Drugs. Divorce. Holding a job." It all could be traced to PTSD. The VA sent him to the State of Michigan's Peer Support Specialist School in Lansing. Even though it's new, states have seen the potential of peer specialists to improve recovery in those suffering from PTSD. Individuals who have lived through the experience themselves are trained and certified so they can help others in their road to recovery. Gary was one of those certified to offer help and assistance to other vets who were trying to live a normal life again. Gary had all the qualifications -- understanding, empathy, the ability to communicate, to listen. He cared immensely about what returning vets needed to recover. Being a mentor was an amazing job for an amazing man. He could see the pain that someone felt so deeply. Gary related a story of two homeless men he found in the park while walking his dogs. He took coffee and doughnut holes to them for several weeks and then one morning they were gone. A man who took the training with Gary in Lansing still goes into the alleys and under the bridges to find homeless vets and take them to a mission house for food and shelter. Gary Purcell ended up helping a lot of veterans before a lengthy illness overtook him. He died on May 18, 2019, at the age of 70. A memorial service is planned for noon June 9 at VFW Post 3651 in Midland, according to the Cunningham/Taylor Funeral Home in Auburn. Before the parades, cookouts and individual Memorial Day festivities began on Monday, the American Legion Post and Auxiliary 165 and American Legion Berryhill Post 165 began the day paying tribute to the fallen. As the bell tower of Memorial Presbyterian Church chimed the hour, a group of 40 veterans and civilians gathered in Midland Cemetery to honor those who had laid down their lives in service to our country. Post 165 Commander Wayne Butch DeVerney headed the ceremony and talked about how soldiers died defending the freedoms we hold dear. At times all of us, some more than others, take for granted the freedoms that we have, he said. Where else do people have the freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom to live where they want, freedom to own their own property, to work where and when we want and retire at our choice. Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled Veterans of America and AMVETS then placed flowers and wreaths by the grave of a veteran. Were all being represented here. It covers quite a gambit, all the armed forces, DeVerney said. After a 21-gun salute and Taps, the ceremonies progressed down the road to Emerson Park. There, Post 165 conducted a Naval ceremony for deceased Navy personnel. By the footbridge over Stoney Creek, James Cherry, commander of Berryhill Post 165, led a short prayer, followed by another 21-gun salute and a performance of Taps. Another ceremony followed, led by Linda Webster, Post 165 Auxiliary president. Nearly 100 veterans, friends and family members gathered in front of the Midland County Veterans Memorial in downtown Midland. After an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, members representing veteran groups, local organizations, first responders and politicians laid wreaths in front of the memorial. The keynote speaker was Brett Holt, past commander of the American Legion, Department of Michigan. He discussed the immeasurable sacrifices made by soldiers and their families over the years and posed the question of how the living can express their gratitude. Making this country something worth dying for is the ultimate service we can do for them. We each can do this in our own unique way according to our abilities. When we do, it redeems their sacrifices, he answered. U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar spoke next. He brought to mind the events of June 6, 1944 when troops stormed the beaches of France on D-Day. He explained how their actions affected the future of not only American, but other countries as well. Because of the 4,000 men who gave their lives on D-Day, we have a better and brighter world," he said. "Generations of people have grown up in free nations because of those who stormed the beaches that day. State Rep. Annette Glenn also addressed the different kinds of sacrifices made for this country. She referenced the movie Saving Private Ryan where the main character is told to earn the sacrifices of his comrades. May we daily commit to living and serving others with deep gratitude and willing to do other things not because they are easy, but because they are hard," she said. "Let us live daily to earn the sacrifice that was given for us. The ceremonies ended with a chorus of God Bless America, a final salute and a rendition of Taps. Onlookers left with the memories of the fallen on their minds, and ready to celebrate the freedoms that were won for them. MidMichigan Medical Center - Midland is taking steps to keep mothers and babies safe during delivery and improve birth outcomes. The Medical Center's Maternity Center was recently recognized with Bronze Designation by the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health. The honor was announced during the second annual Maternal Infant Health Summit held in Lansing earlier this spring. The Maternity Centers of MidMichigan Health Medical Centers in Alpena and Gratiot also received the Bronze Designation, as well. The MI AIM Designation criteria awarded hospitals for participation in the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health's safety bundle initiative. In Michigan, 62 percent of all birthing hospitals, including MidMichigan, are participating in starting the implementation of the obstetrics hemorrhage and severe hypertension in pregnancy safety bundles. Home to Stay Housing Assistance Center, which celebrated its 50th anniversary. All the student winners of this year's Design an Ad Contest. The second grade students who received a Claire's Award for Reading Excellence from the Rotary Club of Midland-Morning. The elementary school teachers who were honored with the Inspirational Teacher award from the Rotary Club of Midland-Morning. Meridian's Mya Hall, who overcame her fear of being hit by by the ball and has become a star on the school's softball team. Camp Fish Tales, which celebrated its 25th anniversary. Midland Gymnastics Training Center, which marked its 20th anniversary. First Baptist Church of Midland, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this summer. Barbara Ewerth and Mitchell Mounts on their engagement. James and Joyce Hughes, who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Leroy and Betty Laeder, who celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. 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. Algiers, Algeria (PANA) Algeria has strongly condemned the deadly terrorist attack on Saturday which targeted a Nigerian army convoy escorting inhabitants evacuated from a village in Borno State, northeast Nigeria Kinshasa, DR Congo (PANA) - The Directorate General of Migration (DGM) has given a two-month ultimatum to foreign nationals illegally residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to comply with the Congolese State before 17 July 2019, DGM Director General, Roland Kashwantale Chihoza, told the press SHIRLEY A 52-year-old man from Bloomington died Sunday night after being struck by an Amtrak train in the Shirley-Funks Grove area, according to the McLean County coroner. The incident occurred about 8:25 p.m., said Coroner Kathy Yoder. No foul play is suspected. The McLean County sheriff's department is handling the case. Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said the train was en route to St. Louis with 166 customers on board. The train was delayed four hours and 12 minutes, he said. Two other trains also were delayed. Train 307, also headed to St. Louis, was delayed for two hours and 50 minutes and train 306 was delayed three hours and 50 minutes, on its way to Chicago, according to Magliari. Contact Lenore Sobota at (309) 820-3240. Follow her on Twitter: @Pg_Sobota 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. BLOOMINGTON The sacrifices of military members and their families were remembered during a parade and special ceremonies on Memorial Day in Bloomington and elsewhere, but a keynote speaker at one of the memorials said it shouldn't end there. Chief Warrant Officer Herb Stevens of the Illinois Army National Guard told those gathered at Miller Park's bandshell on Monday to get involved beyond the events of today. Get to know a veteran. Noting that a veteran commits suicide every 65 minutes, Stevens said, A friend at a time of need can make a difference. Stevens, a resident of Normal with more than 6,000 hours of flight time, including 1,100 combat hours, said those in the military know their service might end violently on foreign soil. He said they take comfort in knowing people remember their sacrifices on Memorial Day and knowing that the ideals and principles they died for will live on. Stevens said, This is a day to renew our commitment to the ideals and principles for which so many have given their lives. People young and old, many dressed in red, white and blue, lined the parade route from downtown Bloomington to Miller Park. Some wore t-shirts or caps denoting past service. Susan Mathes of Bloomington wore a Navy mom hat and an Army mom shirt while her husband, Bob, worked a Army dad hat and Navy dad shirt. Two of their sons are currently serving, David in the Army and Ben in the Navy. But Bob Mathes said, We're here to support our military, not just them. Susan Mathes said, We support them 100 percent. We're extremely proud of them. Chuck Wilson of Bloomington wore an Air Force veteran cap as he sat in a chair along Lee Street. I love my country. I love the service, said Wilson, who served in the Air Force from 1970 to 1974. We could not be doing this if not for those who served before. He said Memorial Day to him is a reminder of our patriotism and to remember those who sacrificed the utmost. As the parade passed, an Army veteran marching alongside the Rotary group carrying the U.S. flag called out to Wilson and said, Thank you, Air Force, to which Wilson replied, Thank you, Army. Lynn Shindel of rural Bloomington, who did three tours in Vietnam while in the U.S. Navy, spoke during a ceremony at the Korea-Vietnam Memorial at Miller Park. A member of American Legion Post 79 in LeRoy, Shindel called on people to honor the sacrifices of our military and help families who are grieving. Quoting from a speech delivered in 2008 at Arlington National Cemetery, Shindel said, Treat Memorial Day with reverence and respect and others will follow your lead. That reverence and respect was shown at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery where a combined honor guard from American Legion posts 56 and 635 performed a flag folding ceremony. The posts also performed a three-volley rifle salute at the cemetery as well as the Miller Park bandshell and the Korea-Vietnam Memorial in the park. Joining them at all three locations was 15-year-old bagpiper Thomas Asis of Bloomington, who performed Amazing Grace and other selections. Photos: Bloomington Memorial Day Parade remembers its military Contact Lenore Sobota at (309) 820-3240. Follow her on Twitter: @Pg_Sobota 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. Parade lineup will begin at 8 a.m.; participants will need to be in line by 8:30 a.m. A ceremony at the Miller Park bandstand immediately following the parade will feature an address by Chief Warrant Officer Herbert Stevens of the Illinois Army National Guard. A bagpiper will lead a procession from the bandstand to the Korean Vietnam Memorial at Miller Park, where American Legion posts 56 and 635 will conduct a ceremony around 11 a.m. VFW Post 454 also will hold a ceremony at 11:45 a.m. at the grave of John Kraus in the Danvers Cemetery. Kraus was the first McLean County soldier to die in World War I. Elsewhere Other communities are also marking Memorial Day. All services are Monday unless otherwise noted. Chatsworth: 8:30 a.m., Germanville Cemetery; 9 a.m., St. Patrick's Cemetery; 9:45 a.m., Chatsworth/Charlotte Cemetery; in case of rain, 10 a.m. service at American Legion Hall. Eureka: 11 a.m., Olio Cemetery, Eureka; speaker: World War II veteran Mike Sager; parade begins 10:30 a.m. at Eureka High School, ends at cemetery; in case of rain, service at Eureka High School auditorium. Minonk: 10 a.m., Fieldcrest High School gymnasium, Minonk; host: American Legion Post 142. Mount Pulaski: 10 a.m., Mount Pulaski Cemetery; and 11:30 a.m., Veil Chapel, Steenbergen Cemetery, Mount Pulaski; host: American Legion Post 44. Contact Maria Nagle at (309) 820-3244. Follow her on Twitter: @Pg_Nagle Patna: Police in Patna on Saturday arrested six young boys in connection with the gang rape of a 17-year old girl from Muzaffarpur who was repeatedly sexually assaulted at a private lodge in the state capital on May 29. As reported, the Class XII student had come to Patna from Muzaffarpur on May 29 to meet a man named Ritesh Kumar of Lakhisarai after the two developed friendship on the social media. Upon her arrival in Patna, Ritesh met her at Patna Junction from where the two went on sightseeing. Later in the evening, Ritesh asked her to come to a lodge in Sandalpur under Bahadurpur police station where one of his friends was celebrating his birthday. "We booked a room in the lodge where Ritesh raped me in the night. Later, he invited his friends in the room who also went on to sexually assault me throughout the night. Somehow, I managed to escape from the lodge and came back to Muzaffarpur," the girl told the police adding they also made film of her rape on cellphone cameras and threatened to blackmail her if she went to the police. The owner of the lodge, however, became suspicious and called the police. Acting on the information provided by the owner, police contacted a women's help group that got in touch with the girl and persuaded her to lodge an FIR against her rapists," Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manu Maharaj said. Police arrested Ritesh from his home in Lakhisarai and also arrested Manish Kumar, Aman, Saurabh Kumar, Ayush Ranjan, and Priyanshu from their homes in Patna. Qualcomm said that is partnering with Lenovo to create what its calling the first 5G PC, code-named Project Limitless, based on the Snapdragon 8cx processor it announced last December. It also used a pair of unreleased PCMark benchmarks to prove that the Snapdragon 8cx can outperform a Kaby Lake-R Intel Core i5. Though the Project Limitless name implies its nothing more than a research effort, its expected that the Qualcomm partnership with Lenovo will yield a consumer product, which Lenovo will likely ship in early 2020. Both Qualcomm and Lenovo are here at the Computex show in Taiwan, where Qualcomm is seeking partners for what it calls its Always Connected PCs. As we learned in December, the Snapdragon 8cx was designed as a ground-up, optimized design specifically for laptops. Qualcomms goal is to achieve performance comparable to that of an Intel U-series Core i5 chip. At the time, Qualcomm hadnt set the final clock speeds, though the reference laptop the company showed was running at 2.75GHz. Executives said today that the 8cx will run at 2.84GHz. Mark Hachman / IDG A Qualcomm 8cx prototype, manufactured by white box maker Compal. First 8cx performance numbers released As for the Snapdragon 8cx itself, the knock on Qualcomms chips inside of a PC is that they havent been able to supply the horsepower of Intels rival Core processors. (On balance, the Snapdragon 850 inside the Lenovo Yoga C630 is perfectly fast enough to run Netflix and most office tasks just fine, based on my experience with it, using a Qualcomm-supplied machine.) Qualcomm executives previously told PCWorld that the Kryo 495 CPU inside the Snapdragon 8cx was at least 2.5 times as powerful as the version of the Kryo in the Snapdragon 850. On paper, that would put it on roughly on a par with an Intel Core i7-8550U, based on PCWorlds scores for the Snapdragon 850 used in the Galaxy Book 2. As for the Adreno 680 GPU, at the time executives described it as twice as fast as the Snapdragon 850, and three times as fast as the Snapdragon 835. Qualcomm The Kryo CPU, Adreno GPU, and Hexagon 690all have been improved within the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx. Qualcomm also erased part of the mystery surrounding the performance of the 8cx itself. On May 27, PCMark developer UL will debut a pair of new benchmarks: an application benchmark that measures processor performance on Office, and a new battery life benchmark that runs down the battery in three different ways. Qualcomm tested the Snapdragon 8cx against a Core i5-8250U, a member of the 2017 Kaby Lake-R generation. The tests were performed by Qualcomm, though reporters were also offered the opportunity to launch the tests themselves and confirm them. (Qualcomms numbers were based on tests running on battery, however, while the demonstration models were plugged in.) The PCMark application benchmark tested the performance of the laptop across Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and the EdgeHTML version of Microsoft Edge. (According to Jani Joki, the director of engineering at UL, Microsofts upcoming switch to the Chromium version of Edge wont meaningfully affect results, in much the same way driver updates dont change the fundamental nature of its 3DMark benchmark.) In every test except Excel, Qualcomm said that the Snapdragon 8cx met or exceeded the Core i5-8250Us performance. The final score range for the 8cx was 4,039 to 4,139, while the i5-8250U came in at between 3,894 to 3,970. (A live demo run on the 8cx test system yielded a number of 4,356.) Qualcomm In everything but Excel, the Snapdragon 8cx betters the older Intel Core i5. Qualcomm also tested the two platforms using the 3DMark Night Raid bechmark that debuted last fall. UL specifically designed the benchmark to compare ARM and X86-based PCs. Here, too, the 8cx performed very well: the 8cx yielded a a range of between 5,710 and 5,815, while the Core i5-8250U produced scores of between 5,047 and 5,055. Qualcomm The improved Adreno GPU propels the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx above the older Core i5, Qualcomm says. Battery life has traditionally been the strongest point of the Snapdragon architecture, and Miguel Nunes, the director of product management at Qualcomm, said that battery life has only improved as Qualcomm has migrated from one Snapdragon to the next. The results were impressive: between 10 to 12 hours for the Intel Core i5-8250U, and a whopping 17 to almost 20 hours for the Snapdragon 8cx. Qualcomm Once again, the Snapdragon 8cx destroys Intels Core chip in battery life. Remember, though, that there are two major components to the 8cx platform: the processor itself, as well as the connectivity features that Qualcomm has built into them. Though 5G capabilities havent been deployed on much more than on a trial basis, Qualcomm has built in both its X55 5G-capable modem as well as its existing X24 LTE modem, to ease the transition from one connectivity standard to the other. In a private booth, Qualcomm showed the X55 running over sub-6GHz spectrum. Mark Hachman / IDG Though Qualcomm published their own benchmark numbers based upon their tests, they also allowed reporters to generate their own results. Qualcomm hasnt announced more than a single partner for the Snapdragon 8cx platform, and Lenovo hasnt announced a price or availability for Project Endless. Still, Qualcomm continues to raise the bar for the Snapdragon PC platform. Well be eager to get our hands on it when Lenovo ships Project Endless next year. The idea of trumpeting his own success seems like an anathema to William Sanderson. And yet the Harrisburg resident and character actor, known for film and television roles great and small, ranging from American Gods to The X-Files, has published his own autobiography. The book is titled Yes, Im That Guy: The Rough and Tumble Life of a Character Actor, and Sanderson will be appearing in person for a book release event at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore at 7 p.m. on May 28. Living far from the hectic Hollywood lifestyle he was once entrenched in, Sanderson remains a genial and unassuming local celebrity, frequently falling back to self-deprecation and humility. Why, then, has he written a book about himself? Lets just call it digging my own grave, Sanderson said. I think it could be the stupidest thing Ive ever done. Telling on myself. There are more defects than virtues. But I just I dont know. It could be vanity. But Im hoping the defects will be interesting. Call it a character actor apology tour. While Sanderson is quick to list off his own flaws, its hard to say vanity is among them. Maybe [my books title] should have been from one of [William Shakespeares] soliloquies, Sanderson joked, quoting Macbeth: A tale told by an idiot. Speaking to Sanderson gives one the impression that he is a far cry from many of the characters hes played over more than 40 years in the film and television industry. He is famous for playing racists and hicks and lowlifes, as he puts it, and said he is sometimes assumed to be a dumb hillbilly due to his Tennessee drawl. It might come as a surprise, then, when he quotes Rudyard Kipling during conversation, or makes allusions to the work of Nikolai Gogol. So in contrast to many of his roles notably including the often-supernaturally-exasperated sheriff Bud Dearborne in True Blood, oddball Larry in the sitcom Newhart, or the childlike inventor J.F. Sebastian in the sci-fi classic Blade Runner Sanderson is deeply contemplative of a bigger picture, and his place in it. I think I try to do the right thing these years, Sanderson said. But when I was young, Hollywood . it gave me a good life eventually. But part of it is a sewer. You need to avoid the sewer part. And I didnt always do that. Among the dirty linen and guilt that Sanderson said he airs in the book are his past struggles with sobriety, as well as his run-ins with the law, dating back as far as a teenage arrest for delinquency. There were arrests in double figures, he admitted, before lampooning the cliche of the Hollywood rise and fall. Oh no, heres another actor talking about drinking too much. I think Im a lot better than I was when I was younger. There was a lot of temptations in Hollywood and I fell for a lot of them. Sanderson credits his wife, Sharon, for motivating him to clean up his act and for much of his career success including getting the book written. In his words: if you read the book, the pages will show who the hero is. The autobiography was self-published: while he is quick to confess his own flaws, Sanderson said he eschewed publishers demands to delve deeper into celebrity gossip or scandal, gleaned from working with the likes of Ridley Scott, Tommy Lee Jones, Anna Paquin or Bruce Willis. By his own estimate, his colleagues include roughly 30 Academy Award winners. They want more salacious stories, they want more big names, Sanderson said. They want Kardashian numbers. The publishers will take their time. I wanted to get it out before Deadwood. I dont want the publisher to say, put this in and take this out. The upcoming release of the HBO movie revival of Deadwood does seem like good timing for Sanderson. In it, he reprised his role from as the conniving E.B. Farnum from the critically acclaimed series, and it will air on May 31 on HBO, a few days after his book release. The movie, which takes place 10 years after the series ends, revisits the town and characters as the Dakota Territory prepares to be inducted into statehood in 1889. While he was unable to discuss much about the plot, he felt satisfied with his role one that required few early mornings or late nights, and one that he believes may be a last hurrah for his career. Old wounds are re-opened and rivalries are re-ignited, Sanderson said about the plot. Farnham, my character, is still a weasel. But I practice self-deception, and so I think he plays a key part. In this era of prestige TV, streaming services, and near-constant remakes and reboots, pressure is high to deliver a finale that lives up to the Deadwood reputation. Talk about anxiety or self-doubt! Sanderson said. [Revivals] dont always work. I can only say we had so much fun, and the actors were emotional. [Deadwood creator a writer] David Milch came up and gave me a pep talk. Not just I, we all had tears in our eyes. Reflecting on his time in many beloved series and films makes up a large part of his autobiography, Sanderson said. And if Deadwood, is indeed his last hurrah, it seems likely to be a triumphant finale. Very much unlike E.B. Farnum, Sanderson was endlessly gracious as he spoke about the work of the crew and his co-stars. He reflected fondly about how Timothy Olyphant shook his hand at the end of shooting, or how Ian McShane arranged for Sanderson to have a role on the modern fantasy series American Gods, where McShane stars. Sanderson is grateful for the work for returning to Deadwood and the thrill to see all the people and repeat something that was exciting for me, and for American Gods, based on a book he claimed was quite over my head but starring a great cast, with lots of great people involved. But in a business in which youre only as good as your next movie or show, Im slowing down, he said. The road is getting more narrow for me, Sanderson said. Im 75 years old. I have a lot of friends and a lot of people I worked for who are great writers. One of them is David Milch, the creator of Deadwood. What would those people say about my book? They might say its too prosaic. But I also have the faith that this book is worth reading, and I hope that there are as many people that like it as dont like it. Each year on the last Monday of May Americans observe Memorial Day to remember those people who died while in military service. Memorial Day started after the Civil War and became a federal holiday in 1971. It was originally called Decoration Day. Sixty-eight years ago in 1951 - the United States was involved in the Korean War between North Korea and South Korea. The war started in June 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea. In July 1950, the United States entered the war. From history.com, "By July, American troops had entered the war on South Korea's behalf. As far as American officials were concerned, it was a war against the forces of international communism itself. After some early back-and-forth across the 38th parallel, the fighting stalled and casualties mounted with nothing to show for them. Meanwhile, American officials worked anxiously to fashion some sort of armistice with the North Koreans. The alternative, they feared, would be a wider war with Russia and China-or even, as some warned, World War III. Finally, in July 1953, the Korean War came to an end. In all, some 5 million soldiers and civilians lost their lives during the war. The Korean peninsula is still divided today." Almost 34,000 Americans died in the Korean War. The Memorial Day parade on North Second Street in Harrisburg, May 30, 1951. (The Evening News) In Harrisburg, on Memorial Day in 1951, the Korean War was on the minds of residents. This editorial was published in The Evening News on Tuesday, May 29, 1951: While men of our armed forces are being killed and wounded each day in the Korean War, our nation stands in respectful memory of those unnumbered troops who have fought for their country in other wars. Chief among these veterans to be honored in tomorrows observance will be the men who fought that the Union might endure in those troublous times of nearly a century ago. But even though Memorial Day was instituted in order to pay respect to the men who fought to preserve the United States, it has come to be the one day of the year when we bow at the graves of those who have worn the uniform in every major conflict in which the nation has engaged. Few of the Boys of 61 are still alive to hear the brave beat of the drums and the blare of bugles as martial music summons the country to pay its annual tributes. Veterans of the later wars there are in great numbers, of course, and these men will carry the flags, will fire the salutes, will place the wreaths on the graves of the soldier and airmen dead and on the waters in memory of those who sailed the seas. A Memorial Day parade, May 30, 1951. (The Evening News) It is fitting and proper that those of us who cherish the love of freedom in our land take time from the observance of Memorial Day to remember that as we go our carefree ways to enjoy the holiday our men are facing the stooges of a brutish master in Moscow, facing the Chinese Reds that we may continue to enjoy the way of life they themselves were enjoying but a short time ago. Let us not forget, as we start our Memorial Day holiday, that without those men in Korea and elsewhere in a trouble world, our future might well be a fearful thing. Harrisburg hosted a Memorial Day parade on Wednesday, May 31, 1951. Here is part of the story in The Evening News that was published on that day: As bands played their strident airs and soldiers and veterans stepped smartly behind, Harrisburg gave solemn pause today to the heartaches and desolation of past wars and looked fearfully for the same from another new conflict. Memorial Day parade, May 30, 1951. (The Evening News) For the unknowing children, Memorial Day with its colorful parade highlight through Downtown streets this morning was a gala affair, capped by balloons and souvenirs bought from sidewalk hawkers. Their remembering elders, standing hatless on the crowded sidewalks as the colors swept by, took their thoughts back to the sacrifices of fathers, sons and brothers, and friends who died for a cause. As if in memorium, the sun ended days of dreary weather and spotlighted the three divisions of bands, uniformed soldiers and veterans and other organizations as they began their march-by at 9:30 a.m. The weathermans forecast of perfect parade weather fair and warmer brought out one of the heaviest outpourings of throngs in years. Police pocketed their ticket books and permitted unlimited parking on metered streets. The citys business life was at a virtual standstill, with stores and banks closed as well as state and local government offices. Homes and business establishments displayed flags and bunting. Starting at Second and Cumberland streets, the big parade marched to Market Square to Fourth to Walnut, to Fisher Plaza across the crowd-lined Memorial bridge to 13th Street and finally into Harrisburg Cemetery. Memorial Day parade, May 30, 1951. (Source unknown) There Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant III, vice president of George Washington University and grandson of the late Union General and President, keynoted the spirit of the day that a grateful, remembering people will never forget that these men shall not have died in vain. Army units from Indiantown Gap and National Guardsmen of the local 22nd Corps Artillery also participated in the parade. Capt. J.J. Hartman and chief parade marshal, and Robert S. Ogilvie, was chief of staff. John H. Runkle was chairman of the event. The scene was the same in communities throughout the Central Pennsylvania area. Wreaths were placed in the Susquehanna River during the fifth annual Memorial Day services of Patrick William Milano detachment, Marine Corps League, and the Fleet Reserve, held between the Market and Walnut street bridges at 8:15 a.m. To mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, PennLive last year worked to gather as many stories as we could of Pennsylvanians who served their nation in times of war. Through videos, photographs and stories, PennLives 100 Years of Heroes project commemorated all who served, from the Revolutionary War to World War II, through Vietnam and the Gulf War and to the War in Afghanistan and beyond. Many of the people we interviewed for this project saw combat duty, from Normandy and Saigon to the Berlin Wall. Many told of other ways they were part of the fabric of protecting and serving our country. Dick Donald, told of watching the beauty of the U.S. flag being raised over Mount Suribachi: "And it hit me, why we kids were willing to die for that flag," he said. "And over 400,000 of us never came back, for that flag. That's the love we had for that flag." Today, as we observe Memorial Day, we invite you to once again listen to the voices of the veterans who shared their stories of service, and pay tribute to those who fought alongside them but didn't survive to tell their stories. In addition to the videos above, more stories can be found on PennLives 100 Years of Heroes page. Harrisburg Police Officer Chad McGowan will be awarded the Congressional Badge of Bravery for risking his life during a 2017 cross-city shooting spree targeting cops that ended with the death of gunman Ahmed El-Mofty. U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, in conjunction with the Harrisburg Police Department, will host a ceremony Wednesday in Harrisburg to present McGowan with this honor given to law enforcement officers for exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty. On Dec. 22, 2017, El-Mofty, a 51-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen from Egypt, fired several shots at a Capitol Police cruiser near the Capitol, nearly hitting the officer inside the car. A few blocks away, he fired shots at a state trooper, grazing her head with a bullet fragment. The gunman then traveled to 17th and Mulberry and was killed while he was shooting at more officers there. McGowan is credited with confronting and killing El-Mofty, saving other officers from death and serious injury. Following an extensive nomination process, the U.S. Attorney General has cited just 18 recipients for the 2017 Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery. The possibility of thunderstorms, which could be severe, remain in the forecast tonight, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in State College said. The continuation of scattered thunderstorms and showers can be anticipated through Tuesday, said Craig Evanego. Two severe thunderstorm warnings issued Sunday afternoon have expired. Those storms were heading east toward Philadelphia and expected there by 6 p.m., he said. But, behind that system is another one. It doesnt look like its that big of an event, he said. The latest round of severe thunderstorms that brushed central Pennsylvania Sunday created a mess on Route 501 in northern Lancaster County near Brickerville. The roadways were reportedly blocked by trees and live wires," Evanego said. Residents in Eastern Lancaster County submitted reports of half-dollar sized hail," Evanego said. Any damages incurred were due to straight-line winds, he said. Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds 60 mph or greater and large hail exceeding 1 inch in diameter are possible tonight, as well as into Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Heavy rains are also a possibility. Areas anticipated to be affected by storms include Adams, Bedford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill, Somerset, and York counties. Emergencies and downed power lines can be reported to 1-800-342-5775 for PPL customers. You can also report outages by texting OUTAGE to TXTPPL and you can check your status by texting STATUS to TXTPPL. Met-Ed customers can report outages by calling 1-888-544-4877 or texting OUT to 544487. Police are looking for a Pennsylvania woman who went missing while hiking with family members in Berks County. Beth ONeill, 52, of Leesport, was known to have been hiking the Tom Lowe Loop trail, in the area of North Northkill and Forge Dam roads in Upper Bern Township, on Sunday afternoon, according to state police. A Hamburg state police public information trooper said on Twitter that ONeill was last heard from Sunday around 6:15 PM. PSP Hamburg is looking for Beth Ann ONeill. She was hiking the Tom Lowe hiking trail in northern Berks County. She was last heard from last evening around 6:15 PM. pic.twitter.com/NPCp24IEsl Trooper Beohm (@PSPTroopLPIO) May 27, 2019 Police say ONeill had called her family to say she was lost somewhere on the trail. Police said ONeill had her dog, a tan golden doodle, with her when she went missing. She is described as being 57 tall with a thin build and short brown hair. Anyone with information should call the Hamburg station at 610-562-6885. In the spring of 2019, LaGrange College was privileged to host retired General John Jumper, one of Americas top military leaders. From Vietnam to the Persian Gulf War to Kosovo, he was a key player in the resurgence of Americas armed forces. I was fortunate enough to get him for an interview for a very fitting occasion: Memorial Day. On Memorial Day, we hear lectures on what were not supposed to do (just goof off). But what should we do? I believe that Memorial Day is a day all Americans should pause and reflect on our freedom and the price paid to gain it and sustain it, General Jumper began. Consider all who have died, not just Americans, and not just soldiers, but all who have died to stand against those who intended to dominate. The cost of war has been dear. In World War II alone some 65 million people died; 400,000 of those were Americans but more than one half of the 65 Million worldwide were civilians. These numbers are staggering and a cogent reminder of what happens when peaceful people allow evil to go too far. When asked about Americas greatest threats, General Jumper replied, Nuclear weapons in the hands of political leaders who do not have the checks and balances our nation has to employ such weapons are our biggest threat. Nuclear technology is now more than 70 years old and readily available. "The only constraint is the manufacture of nuclear material necessary to make a bomb. Nuclear countries (or potential nuclear countries) like North Korea and Iran are led by powerful dictators who suppress freedom and will do anything to retain power, including extreme risks to the survival of their own population. "In a world where fake news can influence the outcome of elections, its not hard to imagine how unstable leaders, or even third parties, could contrive false threats that would demand immediate reaction. Our vulnerability to misinformation makes the world more dangerous. I asked General Jumper about the recent concerns noted by Undersecretary of Defense Anthony Kurta about recruiting people for the military and Defense Department. He stated, This is a growing problem, and Kurta is right. There are many issues contributing to an eroding sense of service among our younger people, but three stand out in my mind. Inability to identify with those who serve; Fewer qualified to serve (criminal records, obesity, drug use); Publicity around the negative aspects of service. As Americans we are driven further away from our nations history, losing our sense of common cause, an understanding of what was required to found and build our nation and, most importantly, our responsibilities as citizens to sustain our way of life. I tell young audiences that whether we realize it or not, we are all in search of being part of something bigger than ourselves. There is nothing bigger than the nation we should serve and sustain for our children and generations to come. If you want to swear an oath to a gang, join one of the gangs sworn to protect our nation: The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard. I told him about my recent class of students, who were learning about the Vietnam War for the first time, and barely covered World War II. He had some strong notions about history courses today. I think its a national tragedy that current generations have no appreciation of the fortune of their circumstances living in this country. Even worse, the caliber of history that is taught is in many ways a disgrace: Slavery defined as our first experience with imported labor, and our hesitation in addressing what we didnt get right in the formation of our government: Native Americans, slavery vs. racism, early persecution of religious freedoms, etc. The liberal notion that we should be ashamed of the less-than-honorable parts of our history, and either create another narrative or dont teach it at all, is just wrong. We appreciate the service of our military on Memorial Day, and hope all readers will heed his advice, huddle with family, and think of what you can do to keep this special day special. John A. Tures is a professor of political science at LaGrange Collegein LaGrange, Georgia. He can be reached at jtures@lagrange.edu. His Twitter account is JohnTures2. "Thank you for your service." As a U.S. Army Soldier living in Pennsylvania, I Am grateful for these words, which I hear often when wearing my uniform in this community. What many people do not understand is that I am the one who is thankful. I am thankful for the camaraderie, the global understanding, the commitment made to me and my family, and the opportunity to dedicate every day to the people of this country. I am thankful for the education and cost-free healthcare I receive, the worldwide experiences I have had, the technical skills I have learned, and the opportunity to be a leader in the most trusted organization in the nation. I am thankful to be part of history. This week the Army celebrates 244 years of dedicated service. Generations of Soldiers have inspired professionalism, honorable service and a commitment to the common good. For this, I am proud to call myself a soldier. And now, I am part of the team inspiring the next great generation of soldiers to find their place in history. That is no easy task, however, even though the majority of Americans have the highest levels of confidence in the U.S. military. We face many challenges when searching for the right people to fill our ranks. Yes, we need infantrymen and Special Forces Soldiers, like you see in the movies, but we also need logisticians, nurses, engineers, truck drivers, and IT specialists. About 50 percent of todays young people admit they know little to nothing about their nations military - the people who work daily to protect their freedom. They dont understand the depth of the knowledge and technical skills they can learn in 150 different career paths. They dont understand the degrees they can earn or that the benefits and perks often match or surpass those offered by civilian employers. I have had many jobs in the 21 years I have served in the U.S. Army. I have done everything from being commissioned as an Armor officer, to CyberIntelligence to working for the Director of the Army Staff as a Special Assistant . It has been one of the best decisions of my life. I am a better person because of the U.S. Army and the people I have met throughout my career. I see amazing young people in our state desiring to serve their communities, and I believe we are doing them a disservice if we are not encouraging them to explore the military as a potential career path. The Army invests in its people, often to the benefit of outside organizations. Veterans are more likely to vote, volunteer, and be involved. in their communities. They have the maturity and self-discipline private industries are seeking. Only 29 percent of todays young people have the ability to meet our qualifications. We will work to find the right people, and we will compete to retain them for the good of our nation. But we need your help. In honor of the 75th anniversary of D-Day on June 6 and the Armys 244th birthday on June 14, the Army is activating a nationwide Call to Service. I challenge leaders, parents, educators and the PA community as a whole to step forward. Inspire the young people around you to be part of something bigger, to be part of history. Inspire them to answer the call. Lt. Col. Duncan is the commander of the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion- Harrisburg. Were facing a crisis in providing quality care for seniors in Pennsylvania and the problem is only going to get worse if the state doesnt act soon to increase funding for those dependent on Medicaid. Officials with nursing homes and assisted care facilities are sending up flares, warning about impending closures and bed shortages. Hand of woman touching senior man in clinicGetty Images/iStockphoto Homecare agencies are alarmed at what they see as the growing demand for at-home medical and nursing assistance, as they struggle to find workers to meet the need. And everyone is complaining they are not getting enough help from the state to pay for escalating numbers of seniors without adequate income or savings, who must rely on Medicaid to pay their nursing home or homecare bills. Theres a pretty clear consensus among companies providing services for seniors in Pennsylvania: the state must do more to help. They contend the state must immediately increase funding of Medicaid to help pay for care their companies provide to low-income seniors. And they warn of dire consequences if the legislature does not act this year to address the crisis in senior care. Its important to consider the facts: Pennsylvania has the fourth oldest population in the United States. Statistics from the Pennsylvania Homecare Association show 16 percent of Pennsylvania residents are over 60 years old, and 40 percent of them will need help with daily tasks in five years. Pennsylvania's elderly population is the fourth largest in the nation, and it is increasing rapidly. (Ben Allan Smith | MLive.com)Ben Allan Smith | MLive.com Over the next ten years, the demands for elderly care will only become more pressing, and many seniors will not be able to pay for the care they need. The numbers are just not adding up, said Adam Marles, president and CEO of LeadingAge PA, which represents more than 320 not-for-profit companies providing services to seniors. Marles sees rising costs in caring for a growing elderly population, as nursing homes are forced to accept more people without any means to pay their bills. And because people are living longer, even those who come in with the means to pay are outliving their resources, he said. Unless something is done soon to address the financial crisis in elder care, Marles said, seniors and their families soon will feel its direct impact, including fewer options for quality senior care. Marles and Vicki Hoak, Chief Executive Officer with Pennsylvania Homecare Association, say the state is not doing enough to help pay for the care of elderly people who are poor and without savings. Hoak says the 700 homecare providers her organization represents are at their breaking point. Hoaks organization is asking Gov. Tom Wolf and legislators to approve a 10 percent increase for Medicaid homecare rates to help offset the cost of providing care and services to needy seniors in their homes. The increased funding would help homecare companies attract enough workers to meet the growing demand for homecare, she said. Average salaries for homecare assistants are about $11 per hour, which she said is below the going rate at one of their toughest competitors for workers -- Amazons warehouse. Monday, May 6, 2019 - In the lead up to Mothers Day, nursing home workers with 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, demand Assembly action on staffing legislation in an industry where women and mothers comprise the overwhelming majority of patients and caregivers.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Med Nursing homes have the same problem, said Allen J. Geckle, chief executive office of The Campus of the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg. He says they arent able to pay enough to attract people to do the often strenuous, demanding and stressful work of caring for elderly. Why would they come to work for us at $12 an hour, Marles asked, when they can stock shelves at Amazon for $15 an hour? The nursing home industry in Pennsylvania is asking for an increase of 2.8 percent in the 2019-20 budget. That would provide $47 million to help pay for costs of caring for seniors dependent on Medicaid. Nursing homes complain they are losing millions of dollars caring for increasing numbers of elderly and infirm people who depend on Medicaid to pay their expenses, and such losses are unsustainable. Jarred Leo, Senior Vice President for Financial Planning and Operations of Diakon Senior Living, sees a bleak future for families unless the state approves the additional funding. He sees more nursing homes going out of business or being forced to reduce the number of beds available to seniors in need. All of this means there will be fewer quality nursing homes, longer waiting lists and a severe shortage of workers to care for those who want to stay at home. There clearly is a crisis and one the state nor its residents can ignore, It will impact millions of the most vulnerable people in our commonwealth. Legislators should heed the warnings of officials in the senior care industry. They must provide the reasonable increases in Medicaid funding they are requesting to prevent looming tragedies for Pennsylvanias seniors and their families. Spring has sprung, and while it brings joy--from the warm sun to fragrant flowers--it also can bring annoyance, like seasonal allergies and the rebirth of insects and pests. One of those pests is the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), and hundreds of thousands of them have just begun to hatch around southeast Pennsylvania. Native to China, it has made its way to Pennsylvania, where it is significantly impacting our quality of life and causing problems for people and businesses alike. Imagine a farmer watching his entire grape crop being decimated, a truck driver diligently scraping egg masses off his cargo before hitting the road, and the homeowner whose yard is inundated with sooty mold and swarming bugs. This pest doesnt discriminate; it will cause you headaches no matter who you are or what you do for a living. Despite the challenging battle were up against, people and businesses can play a major role in helping us combat SLF. Last May, we rolled out a permit system to keep commerce flowing and educate businesses on ways to safeguard against transporting the insect, as businesses can do a great deal to ensure populations remain contained to the 14 counties affected by the SLF. Obtaining a Spotted Lanternfly permit is easy--a supervisor, manager, or a designated employee can take the exam provided free of charge from Penn State Extension and, upon successful completion, will then train employees on how to identify and dispose of any life stage of SLF. The permit training can be accessed at www.agriculture.pa.gov/spottedlanternfly. When this invasive species was first spotted in the commonwealth, we joined forces with U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Penn State University. It takes a large and talented coalition to conduct research on SLF behavior and biology, develop control strategies, educate the public and growers and local leaders on SLF management, suppress the spread of the SLF, manage treatment of properties, investigate reports of sightings, and provide guidance and resources to other states. Since then, USDA has allocated more than $17 million to help bolster our efforts to contain the Spotted Lanternfly and Governor Tom Wolfs proposed PA Farm Bill will add another $3 million in funding. This year, USDA added more than $7.5 million in new funding to Pennsylvanias efforts, positioning us well to combat this invasive pest. However, we know that we cant solve this problem without your help. All Pennsylvania home and business owners in affected areas should stay vigilant, survey surrounding areas, and any items stored outside that maybe moved. This includes boats, grills, bikes, and most important, vehicles. Human-assisted management of the SLF has been the primary way this pest has spread. You can contact your local Penn State Extension office for information about the latest products available to combat SLF, such as sticky bands, recommended sprays, and other approved control methods. For those who live and work outside of the affected areas, please also watch for signs of the SLF and report any that you see. If we can eliminate them before the populations become entrenched, then we may not need to quarantine that area but it all depends on spotting them quickly. SLF did not become a problem overnight, and it wont be eliminated overnight. This is a challenging and painful struggle that requires everyone to be involved inside and outside the quarantine zone. But by following the guidance outlined and working together, we greatly improve our chances of once again enjoying springtime here in the commonwealth. For more information on Spotted Lanternfly visit: www.agriculture.pa.gov/spottedlanternfly, www.aphis.usda.gov/hungrypests/slf, and https://extension.psu.edu/shopby/spotted-lanternfly. Russell Redding is the Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Michigan's redistricting commission adopts final congressional map The vote Tuesday leaves Michigan with 13 new U.S. House districts for the next decade. 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 FILE- In this Wednesday, June 27, 2012, file photo, Vic Gundotra, Google Senior Vice President of Engineering, talks about Google Plus at the Google I/O conference in San Francisco. Google is phasing out its "iGoogle" service that allows millions of people to personalize its home page with applications such as weather updates and stock quotes. Read more (Bloomberg) Google will pay about 600 million euros ($670 million) to build a data center in Finland amid a push by its parent Alphabet Inc. to invest heavily in servers and feed demand for faster access to files and media. The new construction will add to Googles existing data-center complex in Hamina on the south coast of Finland, taking the companys total investment there to 1.4 billion euros, it said in an emailed statement on Monday. Tech companies are racing to build more such facilities as businesses and individuals increasingly store more data online on so-called cloud platforms. Google offers consumers services including email, maps, search and photos, as well as videos on its YouTube website. The Mountain View, California-based company currently has 58 data centers around the world. In Europe, it has invested more than 4.3 billion euros in five such facilities since 2007 and its accrued capital expenditures for the first quarter came to $4.5 billion, comprising spending on data centers, servers and office facilities. The expansion in Finland comes as Google is pushing into video gaming with its new streaming service Stadia, which will allow players to access the action through the web without expensive consoles or personal computers. Stadia runs through the companys YouTube video-streaming platform and requires the data-center network to function. Googles Hamina complex will be powered by renewable energy acquired from three new wind farms in the Nordic nation, it said last year. To contact the reporters on this story: Leo Laikola in Helsinki at llaikola@bloomberg.net;Natalia Drozdiak in Brussels at ndrozdiak1@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Kati Pohjanpalo at kpohjanpalo@bloomberg.net, ;Giles Turner at gturner35@bloomberg.net, Tasneem Hanfi Brogger 2019 Bloomberg L.P. U.S. President Donald Trump, left, speaks as Shinzo Abe, Japan's prime minister, listens during a news conference at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday, May 27, 2019. Photographer: Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg /// Dear Colleagues, Please find attached photo. Thank you very much for your cooperation. Best regards,.Kiyoshi Ota --.Kiyoshi Ota i.say.hi.to.ko@gmail.com.+81 (0)80-6615-6719. Read more (Bloomberg) The U.S. isnt ready to make a trade deal with China, President Donald Trump said while on a state visit to Japan. I think they probably wish they made the deal that they had on the table before they tried to renegotiate it, Trump said Monday at a joint press conference in Tokyo alongside Japanese leader Shinzo Abe. They would like to make a deal. Were not ready to make a deal. Trump, who is on a state visit to Japan, said American tariffs on Chinese goods could go up very, very substantially, very easily. His comments came after trade talks between the two countries stalled earlier this month. Each side has since blamed the other, and Trump has threatened billions more in tariffs. Trump said businesses were leaving China for countries without tariffs, including the U.S. and Asian neighbors including Japan. Still, he also expressed optimism that the worlds biggest economies would eventually reach an agreement. Read more: Abe to Charm Trump With Sumo, Warships as Trade Spat Looms I think sometime in the future China and the United States will absolutely have a great trade deal, and we look forward to that, Trump said. Because I dont believe that China can continue to pay these, really, hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs. I dont believe they can do that. New Rhetoric China this weekend pushed back at the perception that Trumps tariffs are hurting its economy. Higher tariffs will have a very limited impact, and would hurt the U.S. about as much, according to Guo Shuqing, head of Chinas banking and insurance regulator. Guo is the highest-ranking Chinese financial official to publicly comment on the trade standoff since talks deteriorated. Earlier: China Regulator Downplays Trade War Impact, Warns on FX A commentary published by the official Xinhua News Agency accused the U.S. of scapegoating China for its trade imbalance and even some domestic economic issues, as Chinese state media urges unified resistance to foreign pressure. The United States is attempting to squeeze an unequal trade deal out of China, using measures such as tariff hikes and targeting its tech companies, it said, while praising Beijings utmost sincerity in the negotiations. China has escalated its anti-U.S. discourse since the talks faltered and Trump blacklisted Huawei Technologies Co. and scores of its affiliates earlier this month in a bid to stymie its access to the U.S. market. His administration is considering restrictions on as many as five other Chinese tech companies. (Adds Trump quotes from fifth paragraph.) To contact the reporters on this story: Shannon Pettypiece in Washington at spettypiece@bloomberg.net;Iain Marlow in New Delhi at imarlow1@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Daniel Ten Kate at dtenkate@bloomberg.net, Karen Leigh, Jeffrey Black 2019 Bloomberg L.P. The most common oncology surgery in Pennsylvania is for breast cancer, which often is detected through mammograms. Read more Hospitals that have lots of experience performing cancer surgeries have superior outcomes. Because of that well-documented link between cancer surgery volume and patient results, the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) on Thursday posted updated online data showing hospital surgical volumes for 2018 for 11 types of cancer: bladder, brain, breast, colon, esophagus, liver, lung, pancreas, prostate, rectum, and stomach. PHC4, an independent state-funded organization, launched the tool last year with the initial report. Like last years report, the new one shows that breast cancer prompted the most oncology surgeries statewide, with 11,549 operations at 137 hospitals and outpatient centers. Only 10 of these facilities, or about 7 percent, had low breast surgery volumes, defined as doing just one or two operations in a year. At the other extreme, stomach cancer patients had 319 surgeries at 57 hospitals, and 44 percent of the centers had low volumes a smaller fraction than the previous year. In the five-county Southeastern Pennsylvania region, Fox Chase Cancer Center and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania had high surgical volumes even for less common cancers such as pancreatic, stomach, and esophageal. The online tool does not include cancers such as gynecological and skin because there is insufficient evidence in those cases that surgical volume makes a difference in cures, survival or other outcomes. PHC4s data are compiled from hospital billing records and can be sorted by county, hospital and cancer type. Although no one knows what the lowest acceptable number of procedures is, surgical volume is another tool for cancer patients and their families to use when considering treatment options, said PHC4 executive director Joe Martin. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Center City reopened three years ago and hosts mid-day services while also doing community outreach during the week. Tuesday, May 14, 2019. The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania which has been headquartered in Philadelphia since the 1700s is moving its offices to the suburbs. Read more For years, St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Center City had been inching toward oblivion. The families that sustained it for nearly two centuries were vanishing, until Sunday services became lonesome gatherings of fewer than 10 worshipers. So, in 2016, leaders of the denominations Pennsylvania Diocese decided to close the church at 10th and Ludlow Streets, between Market and Chestnut, even though they would be leaving some longtime parishioners behind buried beneath the floorboards. The nine graves, some dating to the early 1800s, are still in the sanctuary, but invisible no more as part of a resurrected St. Stephens, retooled for a new definition of church. The change agent was Bishop Daniel Gutierrez, who arrived here from the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande. When we abandon one of these places," he said, "we abandon the possibilities of spreading what we believe in so deeply. Gutierrez, 54, ordered the doors of St. Stephens to be reopened in 2017. In the face of trends that have swallowed countless churches from shrinking funds to the steady growth of nones uninterested in any religious affiliation the move amounted to taking a step of faith that something would happen, the bishop said, and it has. The 19th-century American Gothic Revival architecture and Tiffany windows may be the same, but Sunday services are no more. Now closed on the Christian Sabbath, St. Stephens instead serves as a four-day-a-week resource center for the community, offering midweek meditation liturgies, performing arts space, and social service referrals to people who are homeless, some of whom spend hours there playing cards, reading, and even napping. We can serve a multitude of different purposes that are useful to the neighborhood," and they have nothing to do with Sunday, said the Rev. Peter Kountz, the pastor appointed to lead the reimagined church, which will also become a satellite office for the diocese when it moves its headquarters later this year from University City to St. Johns Episcopal Church in Norristown. But for those simply seeking a space for quiet reflection on the nature of life ever after, there are the graves to contemplate, viewable since March through panels of architectural glass set into the church floor. Occupying the most elaborate crypt, in the shape of a cross, is William Cragg, the congregations first sexton. Nearby lie relatives of the Venerable Cornelia Connelly, a Philadelphia wife and mother who became a Catholic nun and, in 1846, founded the Society for the Holy Child Jesus religious community; she is currently the subject of a cause for sainthood. Among their neighbors are the less-than-divine politician, diplomat, and slave owner James Brown, and Hosea Johns Levis, a banker who, embroiled in an elaborate 1839 fraud case, briefly fled to France before returning to testify for the prosecution. Their presence in the newly inaugurated Furness Burial Cloister is a throwback to the glory days of institutional religion in Philadelphia. The sanctuary, consecrated in 1823, was designed by renowned Philadelphia architect William Strickland, with later additions by colleagues Frank Furness and Richard Upjohn. The first families at St. Stephens included businessmen and civic leaders, professors from the then-nearby University of Pennsylvania, and doctors from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, said Suzanne Glover Lindsay, an art historian and St. Stephens archivist and curator. Within a year of the churchs founding, the congregation purchased property next door, a narrow strip on the north side that became its cemetery in 1825. St. Stephens parishioners were buried in vaults with body-length, inscribed stone coverings. But in 1831, the growing congregation needed more space, a precious commodity in the bustling city. So, the decision was made to build on top of the dearly departed. Over the course of 37 years, the sanctuary was expanded and a small chapel and a three-story administration building constructed. They made a choice to live with the dead," Lindsay said, "but to add activities for the living community on top of [them]. Builders structured the administration addition so that some stone vault covers served as the floor on which parishioners and visitors walked. But in the sanctuary, most of the graves were covered with wood flooring and pews. More than a century later in 2017, Lindsay, newly retained as the church historian, came upon a hand-drawn map in the St. Stephens archives. It showed nine vaults beneath the floor of the 1878 Furness-designed expansion of the sanctuary. She also found photos of the vaults that appeared to have been taken in 1989, when the floor had to be repaired and pews were removed and replaced with chairs. Kountz and his staff decided to pull up the wood and expose the vaults. To properly bring St. Stephens ancestors into the light, they called in a cadre of professionals, including archaeologist Doug Mooney, historic preservationist Suzanna Barucco, structural engineer Jonathan Price, and lighting designer James Crowell. Creating the burial cloister was, Kountz said, "a matter of honor and respect. Still, the early generations should not be faulted for building on top of their dead, according to Lindsay. Their choice was to cover the cemetery, leave it intact on sacred ground, and continue with the work of the church, she said. Thats a big deal. A motorist crashed her car into a Rainbow clothing store in South Philadelphia Monday afternoon, injuring herself, a pedestrian on the sidewalk, and three customers inside the shop, according to Philadelphia Police. The 71-year-old driver, whose identity has not been released, was trying to park her red Kia Sportage in front of the store on the 2400 block of South 24th Street shortly after 1:30 p.m. when she hit the accelerator instead of the brake, police said. The vehicle went 25 feet across the sidewalk and into the store, hitting a 16-year-old pedestrian on the sidewalk and dragging him under the car and into the shop, according to authorities. The teen was extricated from underneath the vehicle by civilians and the Philadelphia Fire Department. He was taken to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, where he is listed in critical condition with head and torso injuries, according to police. Two girls, ages 14 and 15, complained of foot and knee pain and were also taken to CHOP for evaluation. A 57-year-old woman in the store who suffered back and neck injuries in the crash was taken to Jefferson University Hospitals Methodist campus, police said. The driver of the vehicle was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center for observation. Thailands King Maha Vajiralongkorn is carried on a palanquin through the streets outside the Grand Palace for the public to pay homage during the second day of his coronation ceremony in Bangkok, Sunday, May 5, 2019. Vajiralongkorn was officially crowned Saturday amid the splendor of the country's Grand Palace, taking the central role in an elaborate centuries-old royal ceremony that was last held almost seven decades ago. (AP Photo/Rapeephat Sitichailapa) Read more Thailand, one of Asia's top pork producers, is intensifying efforts to hold off a lethal pig virus that is causing havoc as it spreads across the region. African swine fever -- a disease that kills nearly all the pigs it infects -- has been spreading through Asia from China and Mongolia to Vietnam and Cambodia. Millions of pigs have been culled, creating a global protein shortage and saddling farmers and food businesses with billions of dollars in costs. "We're on red alert for the pig virus," Anan Suwannarat, the permanent secretary in Thailand's Agriculture Ministry, said in an interview. "We're trying everything to prevent it from spreading to Thailand." Thailand has tightened inspections at airports and border checkpoints, cracked down on illegal slaughterhouses and traders, and imposed stricter requirements for reporting hog deaths. The authorities have detected contaminated pork products at airports and borders, but have not yet found any cases at farms. China, the largest pork producer and consumer, has been trying to contain the outbreak since August. But with no vaccine, the virus keeps spreading. The strain of African swine fever spreading in Asia is undeniably nasty, killing virtually every pig it infects by a hemorrhagic illness reminiscent of Ebola in humans. It's not known to sicken people, however. Vietnam, Southeast Asia's biggest pork producer, discovered its first case in February. Cambodia -- sandwiched between Vietnam and Thailand -- reported its first infection less than two months later. "Preventing the outbreak is our national agenda," said Cheerasak Pipatpongsopon, the deputy director-general at Thailand's Livestock Department. "Even if it gets into the country, we'll be quick in containing the outbreak to minimize the damage to the industry." The Agriculture Ministry has estimated an outbreak may cost the Thai economy more than $1 billion if over 50% of the country's hogs are infected. That could reach nearly $2 billion if 80% are infected. The Thai government last month approved a $4.7 million budget to prepare the nation for a potential outbreak. "No country is safe," said Dirk Pfeiffer, a professor at the Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health at the City University of Hong Kong. "There's a high risk of introduction of the virus for Thailand, as is the case for every country in the region and beyond." Thailand produces over 2 million hogs each year, and exports about 40% to Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. It doesn't import live hogs or pork meat, according to Cheerasak, and now visitors are not permitted to bring processed pork products into the country. It has confiscated pork products at its airports and borders 550 times since August, detecting the virus 43 times, according to the Livestock Department. The Thai Swine Raisers Association said the government is striving to keep the disease out. The group's president, Surachai Sutthitham, said he's "confident Thailand can stay clear of the virus." Porous borders increase the risk of the disease entering the country. The virus can survive in uncooked meat for a long period of time, and hogs can get infected if contaminated food gets into their feed. But swill feeding in Thailand is rare, Cheerasak said. An outbreak in Southeast Asias second-largest economy could pose a risk for major food companies like Betagro and Charoen Pokphand Foods, and threaten 180,000 smallholders. It would also create an immediate challenge for the government due to be formed soon following Marchs general election. The Starbucks at Eighth and Walnut Streets in Philadelphia is closed after a fire Sunday. Read more A fire damaged a Starbucks in Philadelphia on Sunday evening. Firefighters were called to the Starbucks at Eighth and Walnut Streets just after 7:30 p.m. Sunday for a fire behind the counter, a fire department spokeswoman said. The fire was placed under control at 7:48 p.m. No injuries were reported. But residents of the St. James, an adjacent apartment building, said the power went out in their lobby, and only one of four elevators was operating. Fire officials and inspectors from the citys Department of Licenses and Inspections were on scene, looking at equipment with flashlights. The acrid smell still lingered. The cause of the fire is under investigation. This is an undated photo of the H.M.T. Rohna, the ship that was sunk by Germans 16 miles off the coast of Algeria Nov. 26, 1943. Of the 1981 troops aboard only 966 survived. (AP Photo/Julie Hunter) Read more Black-and-white images from a war movie lit up a Montana living room one night a half-century ago. Bombs exploded on the TV screen. Men dived overboard. Ships sank. Fred Panion watched from the couch, his wife beside him. Their five children were all asleep. And he began to cry. Oh, Fred, its just a movie, Darlene said. But Panion couldnt stifle the tears or the memory, and a secret he carried back from the war to the hills of Butte finally burst out. That happened to me, he told her that night. Thats how Darlene Berube learned her husband survived the sinking of the HMT Rohna, the greatest loss of troops at sea by enemy action in U.S. history. The British and U.S. military kept family members of the deceased in the dark for years about exactly what happened that late afternoon in the Mediterranean Sea. Survivors were threatened with court-martial if they spoke about the incident, their letters back home were read and censored, and most, like Panion, kept silent until they couldnt. I still get choked up thinking about it, Berube, 88, said from Butte last week. The bombing of the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in shark-infested waters in 1945 are seared into the public consciousness. One disaster forced the U.S into war, the other revealed how truly terrifying it could get. Lost between them was the Rohna, a cargo ship the British converted to carry troops, that was sunk in the Mediterranean off the Algerian coast by the Germans on Nov. 26, 1943. Nearly 2,000 people were on board that day. Of the 1,138 dead, 1, 015 were Americans, mostly from the Army Air Corps. Others included British troops and Red Cross workers. Of those Americans, 95 were from Pennsylvania and 77 from New Jersey. Six servicemen who died were from Camden, including Sgt. Lewis Riondino, who was 32. A small story in the Camden Courier-Post nearly four months after the disaster merely noted that Sgt. Lewis Riondino was among the war dead. Other news clips from the era said that the men were missing and that the ship was sunk with a torpedo, which wasnt true. My dad went to his grave in 1998 really not knowing what happened to his brother, Louie, other than he died on a ship and hes buried in Tunisia, said nephew Marc Riondino. The Rohna was shrouded in mystery because it was sunk with a radio-guided missile launched by a bomber squadron that attacked around 4:30 p.m. that Friday. The Allies had been searching for a way to thwart this new German technology and would eventually find ways to scramble the signals, but not on this day. The success of the Rohna attack was kept under wraps to prevent morale from plummeting at home, and the incident was classified by both the U.S. and British governments. Author Michael Walsh, whos written two of the four books about the Rohna disaster, said the shroud of secrecy simply carried over after the war, and the story was lost amid all the others. Today, theres a small monument to the Rohna at the Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in Alabama, and many of the dead, if recovered, were interred in the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial in Tunisia. Walsh, who has interviewed many survivors, said news of the Rohna came out too late to become common knowledge. The information was so repressed for so long, and it never gained any traction. Walsh said he blames the British government more than the U.S. Research hes done in the National Archives revealed several memos in which the British were reluctant to allow the information to be released. Walsh also said the Rohna was not in great condition, with many lifeboats inoperable. Many crew members, he added, abandoned ship rather than help the troops get off the boat. Hundreds were rescued by other ships in the vicinity. The USS Pioneer, a minesweeper, picked up approximately 600 men. Lucille Webers late husband, Aaron, survived the Rohna. At the beginning, he wouldnt talk about it, she said. He had some friends he never talked about it to, either. He talked about it much more in later years than the earlier years. Weber, who lives in Plymouth Meeting, said her husband and other survivors began speaking out in the early 1990s, after another survivor, John P. Fievet, published a story in American History magazine titled World War IIs Secret Disaster. The Rohna Survivors Memorial Association was formed in 1999 and since then has held reunions every year all over the country, including Philadelphia; it is open to relatives of both survivors and victims, as well relatives of personnel who helped rescue the men. The group even invited relatives of Hans Dochtermann, the German who piloted the bomber, to attend the reunions. In 2005, his son, Ludger Dochtermann, spoke at the Seattle reunion. I stand here because I want to apologize, Dochtermann said, according to a Seattle Times article. Each year, the number of survivors attending dwindles. Panion died in 2000, but his widow, Berube, is going to Virginia Beach next month, and while Weber is not, her daughter, Ellen, will be there. Aaron Weber attended several reunions before his death in 2016. Weber said her husband, who was in the Army Air Corps, was playing cards on the deck of the Rohna when the missile tore into the hull. Calls were made to jump overboard, and Aaron always recalled removing his shoes before he jumped in. In the water, he was covered in oil. As the hours wore on in the dark, starlit water, Aaron Weber said, many younger men were crying, pleading for rescue. None of the men he was playing cards with survived. There was a boy saying, Momma, Momma, Lucille, 93, recalled her husband saying. Janice Pumelia, secretary of the survivors group, said her father, Anthony Pumelia, felt guilty about making it out alive. He, too, recalled hearing screams through the night, from men with burns and others who slipped away beneath the water. He was also playing cards when the missile struck. He floated for an hour before the Pioneer picked him up, Pumelia said. Filmmaker Jack Ballo, of South River, Middlesex County, traveled to a survivors reunion last year in Memphis with his wife, whose uncle, Joseph Pisinski, died with the Rohna. Once there, Ballo was enthralled by the stories he heard and the interviews Walsh had conducted. Ballo is now producing a documentary, Rohna: Classified, with the hope of getting more relatives of survivors involved in the group. You will find that sometimes these families dont even know or barely know and unfortunately sometimes dont even care because it was so long ago, Ballo said. Its been too many generations. This might be a last chance to reach these next of kin." An Air National Guard veteran, Matt felt his therapy appointments, at a clinic 20 miles from his home, were invaluable. But that 20 miles presented a frustrating challenge, one that could have hindered some of the progress made in his mental health care. What good is a session if you cant get to it, or if youre thrown into turmoil immediately before and afterward? Luckily, Matt was able to participate in online video sessions on his computer right at home. No commute, no stress, and his buddy Oscar, a two-year-old bulldog/beagle mix, could sit in on sessions with him. I felt a lot more at ease, he said. As we approach another Memorial Day weekend where we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our country, we know that our veterans have also made great sacrifices. Many former service members suffer with the invisible wounds of war, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury, which have been deemed the signature wounds of our current conflicts. And, sadly, we know that approximately 20 veterans die by suicide every day. In fact, we have now lost more veterans to suicide than combat in the current conflicts. Fortunately, there are effective, evidence-based treatments that can help veterans, and others, struggling with PTSD and other mental health concerns. That is, if they can consistently get to care. Unfortunately, there can be significant barriers to accessing care. For someone living with PTSD, the financial cost, scheduling, and transportation associated with traditional mental health care can be huge barriers and an additional weight to an already cumbersome load. Yet, just as our servicemen and women tackle the challenges in front of them with clear-eyed problem solving, we must rise to the challenge of caring for them with the same dedication and ingenuity. In behavioral health care, we believe that telemedicine may be an important piece of the solution. The use of these options in behavioral health care, such as digital video session, has been studied throughout two decades with impressive results. Studies consistently find that results are just as strong when care is delivered via telehealth, and that it is easier to access. As digital technology creates additional points of access, mental health care can be delivered more frequently and with fewer barriers to our veterans. At the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Penn Medicine, weve seen the power of telehealth options for our clients. Over the past two years, we have been able to institute remote mental health care sessions with veterans and their families, some more than 100 miles away. These veterans may not have other access to care, especially not in a setting that understands their experiences and needs. Apart from the challenge of distance, veterans and their families have a range of potential barriers to regularly accessing care. Transitioning into civilian life raises a new set of challenges. Work, school, and family priorities can make it difficult for veterans to find the time to take care of their own wellness. Being able to schedule appointments when and where it is convenient opens up a consistent avenue of care that would not have been there if digital options were not available. And we know that consistent engagement leads to be best results as quickly as possible. Our clinic has been expressly designed to break down these types of barriers for veterans and military families, so we are able to offer therapy, including telehealth sessions, to veterans and military families regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Unfortunately, most other mental health care providers in Pennsylvania do not offer telehealth because this service is not required to be reimbursed by insurers in our state at this time. We are hopeful that access to telehealth options will continue to expand to better serve our veterans, military family members, and all those in our great state. When it comes to mental health, the first step, reaching out, is huge. It can also be very difficult, especially for our service members. We want to ensure that everyone who does ask for help can get it, regardless of where they live, and telehealth can make that happen. Leah Blain, PhD, is the Clinic Director at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at the University of Pennsylvania. President Donald Trump during a Make America Great Again rally at Williamsport Regional Airport on May 20. Read more Perhaps youve noted the rash of national political stories suggesting our beloved Keystone State will be the decider of next years presidential contest. The short take? President Donald Trump must win here, as he did in 2016, in order to stay in the White House. And Democrats must retake the state in order to boot Trump out. So, 2020 is one, true battleground, the place to feed for campaign news, is the home of scrapple, pierogies and the Snack Food Capital of the World. For the coming race, Pennsylvania is all that and a bag of chips. Or is it? One can see how the narrative developed. Democratic pack leader Joe Biden is running his national campaign from Pennsylvania, headquartered in Philly. A large part of the argument for his nabbing his partys nomination is that, as a native son with touted connectivity to working-class voters, he can carry the state. Meanwhile, Trumps campaign talks up Pennsylvania, taking credit for its upward-bound economy and its record-low unemployment. Trump adviser David Urban, in a Patriot-News op-ed piece, wrote that Pennsylvania is a major beneficiary of the Trump economy and much better off than in 2016. And when the president held a rally in an airplane hangar near the middle of the state last week, he said, I got to win this state, got to win Pennsylvania. Trump ostensibly was in the state to boost a Republican candidate, Fred Keller, in a special election for the rural, conservative 12th Congressional District, an election in which the president later said Keller had only a 50-50 shot. Keller won by 37 percentage points. I guess one could argue Trumps boost worked. Except the last Republican to win the district, U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, since retired, won by 32 points in 2018. And Trump carried Marinos district in 2016 by 36 points. Point being, Trump wasnt in Pennsylvania for Keller. Trump was in Pennsylvania for Trump. But did he/does he have to be? Pennsylvania is big, diverse, in many ways representative of the nation. Large urban areas at either end. Some good-sized cities spread throughout. Vast rural regions in between. Its got (for now) its prized 20 electoral votes. It voted for the winner in eight of the last 10 presidential elections. Its key in national races. And will be in 2020. In fact, because there is so much predictably red and blue across the Electoral College map, Pennsylvania is one of just a handful of states including, lets say, Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin likely to decide the outcome. So, yeah, its key. Its just not the key. Especially not for Trump. And Im not saying Trump wins the election. Im saying if he wins, he can do it without Pennsylvania. George W. Bush did it twice. In 2000 and in 2004. Pennsylvania went for Al Gore and John Kerry, respectively. And if Biden is the Democratic nominee (and, yes, its early, things can change), hes positioned to carry the state. A Quinnipiac University poll released May 15 shows Pennsylvania backing Biden over Trump 53-42. But remember, it takes 270 electoral votes to win the White House. In 2016, Trump got 306 electoral votes. He didnt need Pennsylvanias 20. He would have won without carrying the state. Theres another element that could reduce Pennsylvanias overall role in 2020. There are 32 Democratic primaries and caucuses before Pennsylvanias primary on April 28. Maybe Biden stays in front for the next 11 months. Maybe he doesnt. Either way, with so many primaries, including big-state primaries (California, Texas, Florida, Illinois) ahead of Pennsylvanias, the race for the Democratic nomination might be over by the time the roadshow arrives here. That presents the possibility Pennsylvania ends up with no say in picking the Democratic nominee. And that could be the first of a double downer regarding the states political impact. In the general election, Democrats could win the state, which seems likely, and not win the White House (as happened three times in the last half-century: Hubert Humphrey, Gore, Kerry). And Republicans could lose the state and keep Trump in office. Which really doesnt seem to make Pennsylvania the decider. But grab some snacks and follow along. The shows just getting started. This has been a tough year. Just when we thought we had almost conquered COVID-19 and were beginning to reopen with enthusiasm, exuberance even, we first discovered the Delta and then the Omicron variant. As we learn the Greek alphabet... Daniel James Wins the 2019 Unibet Open London Main Event (80,200) May 26, 2019 Aaron McBride Daniel James has been crowned the 2019 Unibet Open London 990 Main Event champion at 'The Vic' Poker Room for 80,200. A record-breaking 456 entries created a 410,400 prize pool in London, and when all was said and done it was James who defeated Ben Winsor heads-up to take the title. Day 3 saw 19 players return to action and it took over 11 hours of play before a champion was confirmed. There was an exciting mix of players on the final table and included Damian Bell, who took down the High Roller title earlier on in the week. Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize Prize (USD) 1 Daniel James United Kingdom 80,200 $101,505 2 Ben Winsor United Kingdom 48,600 $61,517 3 Andrew Christoforou United Kingdom 33,950 $42,973 4 Mor Kamber Israel 25,150 $31,834 5 Jon Sataoeen Norway 19,350 $24,656 6 Adrian Haaberg Norway 14,900 $18,986 7 Damian Bell United Kingdom 11,900 $15,163 8 Matas Budginas Lithuania 9,500 $12,104 9 Vamshi Vandanapu United Kingdom 7,600 $9,683 "I ran pure at every point during the tournament. When I got short and needed a hand, it came. " said 29-year-old History student James after his victory. The win for James came in unusual circumstances after he had to return home to North London early from his honeymoon and was reminded of the event by friends. Despite having to cut his holiday short, he has now turned the scenario into a double celebration. Action of the Final Day When play began, there was a super fast start as three players departed in the first 10 minutes. Justin Kyriakides and Lei Wang both hit the rail before Pierrick Chaintreuil, who had secured an early double, then lost a vital flip holding ace-king against pocket tens. Jamie Rutherford departed shortly afterward, running ace-nine into pockets kings, and Ryan Kelly, who had seen his ace-queen survive against ace-king on the money bubble in Day 2, then exited followed by Gordon Plomp, Yiqian Song, Gediminas Paulauskas and Jose Castillo. Sweden's Jakob Linden saw his hopes of a final table berth ended when his three-bet shove with ace-deuce lose out against Kamber's pocket nines. Jakob Linden James and Bell shared the chip lead when the final table got underway, and it was table short stack Vamshi Vandanapu who was first to go. Vandanapu three-bet shoved from the big blind with ace-jack after Ben Winsor opened the action from under the gun with ace-queen, and the latter held to eliminate Vandanapu in ninth place. There was then a long gap of an hour until Matas Budginas hit the rail in eighth place, having lost against ace-king with pocket tens. James then paved the way for his victory after claiming two scalps including UO London High Roller champion Bell, who hit the rail in seventh place and Adrian Haaberg who took sixth. Jon Sataoeen exited in fifth when he ran ace-queen into Winsor's pocket queens before the last lady standing Mor Kamber turned a two big blind stack with 14 players remaining into fourth place for 25,150. Andrew Christoforou, who made a series of big folds to ladder up, finally saw his run come to an end in third place for 33,950 when his king-jack was no match for James' ace-queen. The heads-up battled lasted an hour, and Winsor came from behind to take the chip lead before James reclaimed the advantage. The final hand saw Winsor flop second pair with queen-jack on a king-jack-three flop, as James held ace-king for top pair. After two bricks followed, James' overbet all in for 6 million saw Winsor move into the tank, but the latter opted to call after two minutes and it was all over in London. Next up on the Unibet Open schedule is the return to Malta in September, followed by a brand new event in Paris come December. *Images courtesy of Tambet Kask/Unibet Open. Russia's "D3n1sk4PP" Wins the XL Inferno $500,000 Guaranteed Main Event ($70,252) On the final day of the 888poker XL Inferno Series, there were three tournaments on the schedule to wrap up the 34-event series. Most of the attention went to the $500,000 Main Event, which had a buy-in of $250. This was the highlight on Day 11, but there were big winners in other events too. Let's see who took down the Main Event and the other events on this final day of the series. 888poker XL Inferno #32: $500,000 Main Event Buy-in Date Players Prize pool $250 May 26 2,136 $501,960 After more than 14 hours of play, Russia's "Den1sk4PP" emerged victorious in the XL Inferno Event #32 - $500,000 Main Event for $70,252 after agreeing to a three-way deal at the final table. The $500,000 guarantee was surpassed with the 2,136 entrants (1,634 entries and 502 reentries) generating a $501,960 prize pool. A total of 207 players were paid at least a min-cash of $552 for more than double the $250 tournament buy-in. At least three 888poker Ambassadors entered the tournament. Martin "MJacobson888" Jacobson fired three bullets but fell just shy of the money. Meanwhile, Chris "888Moorman" Moorman fired four bullets and finished in 136th place for $703. Sofia "sofialovgren" Lovgren fared the best out of the trio of 888poker Ambassadors. She only reentered one time into the tournament and ran her second bullet to a 60th place finish for $1,205. 888poker Ambassador Sofia Lovgren finishes in 60th place for $1,205. Final Table Action The final table began about 12 hours after the tournament kicked off and lasted about two hours. Brazil's "LuisRRRRR" held the chip lead and didn't let go of his advantage until heads-up play. Malta's "CraiEvryTime" was the first to go at the final table in ninth place for $5,421. This player got it all-in with ace-king in a three-way pot and couldn't beat the jacks held by Switzerland's "_Lord_Xenu_" when this player flopped a full house. Next to go was "MihasK" from Belarus in eighth place for $9,537 when this player's ace-nine suited couldn't hold against the pocket deuces held by "LuisRRRRR" despite flopping trips. Almost instantly later, Russia's "SEWart777" was ousted in seventh place for $14,306. "DrawHappy" hit the rail in sixth place for $19,074 when his or her ace-seven couldn't get there against the big slick held by Brazil's "lucasfalves9". "_Lord_Xenu_" was low on chips and unsuccessfully jammed queen-eight suited into the aces held by "LuisRRRRR" to go out in fifth place for $23,843. Canada's "forza749" dwindled down to two big blinds during which time this player laddered up. Time ran out for "forza749" as this player was eliminated in fourth place for $33,627. The remaining three players quickly agreed to a deal which split up the money and left $10,000 more for the winner. Very quickly after the deal was made, "lucasfalves9" was eliminated in third place for $55,543 with his or her king-jack not getting there against the ace-queen held by "LuisRRRRR". "LuisRRRRR" entered heads-up play with a 3:2 chip advantage against "D3n1sk4PP". This heads-up battle was one for the ages with the lead shuffling back and forth for a while. After "D3n1sk4PP" gained the chip lead for the fifth time, the damage was done and he or she had a nearly 6:1 chip advantage. "LuisRRRRR" three-bet jammed for about 13 big blinds with king-jack suited and was eliminated in second place for $65,502 after he or she couldn't get there against the queens held by "D3n1sk4PP". 888poker XL Inferno Event #32: $500,000 Main Event Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize 1 Den1sk4PP Russia $70,252* 2 LuisRRRRR Brazil $65,502* 3 lucasfalves9 Brazil $55,543* 4 forza749 Canada $32,627 5 _Lord_Xenu_ Switzerland $23,843 6 DrawHappy Unknown $19,074 7 SEWart777 Russia $14,306 8 MihasK Belarus $9,537 9 CraiEvryTime Malta $5,421 *Reflects three-way deal at the final table. 888poker XL Inferno #33: $50,000 Mini Main Event Buy-in Date Players Prize pool $33 May 26 2,434 $73,020 In the first 220 minutes of play, a total of 1,805 players and 629 rebuys made a total of 2,434 entries. They created a total prize pool of $73,020 with the first prize of $12,334. It took a while to get towards the money, but in the end, it was Switzerland's "Lyle_Demo" who was the last player finishing empty-handed, bubbling the XL Inferno #33 - $50,000 Mini Main. After making the money, it took a long time before the tournament was down to the last nine. For "poepKing." (ninth - $789), "Kaktus26rus" (eighth - $1,387) and "Ilfris" (seventh - $2,081) it wasn't a big success on the final table as they left quite early on. After that, the tournament saw "Charlymogo" leave in sixth place ($2,775), after finishing fifth in the same event last year. For "tema334" the tournament ended in fifth place for $3,468 while "bailando1904" ended in fourth place for $4,746. With three players left, Ukraine's "Blackfile888" was eliminated in third place for $6,718 and had to watch the other two remaining players battle for the first prize and Mini Main Event title. In the end, Brazil's "EduAraujo" won the event for $12,334 and United Kingdom's "Nacenacja" finished in second place for $8,777. After the deal, they both flopped top pair and got all the money in. "pAAdentr0" had the better kicker and saw the hand stay on top. The Maltese player won the tournament for $33,833 while countryman "Openpunks" received $28,384 for finishing in second place. 888poker XL Inferno Event #33: $50,000 Mini Main Event Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize 1 EduAraujo Brazil $12,334 2 Nacenacja United Kingdom $8,777 3 Blackfile888 Ukraine $6,718 4 bailando1904 Brazil $4,746 5 tema334 Russia $3,468 6 Charlymogo Germany $2,775 7 Ilfris $2,081 8 Kaktus26rus Russia $1,387 9 poepKing. $789 888poker XL Inferno #34: $15,000 Micro Main Event Buy-in Date Players Prize pool $5.50 May 26 3,562 $17,810 The smallest of the events to start on the last day of the 888poker XL Inferno Series, had a buy-in of just $5.50. The $15,000 888poker guaranteed was easily surpassed as a massive turnout of 3,562 gathered to create a prize pool of $17,810. The Lithuania player "vascoscruz" took down the event for $2,656 after defeating Norway's "_rakafant_" in the deciding heads-up. The runner-up had to settle for $1,941. 888poker XL Inferno Event #34: $15,000 Micro Main Event Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize 1 vascoscruz Lithuania $2,656 2 _rakafant_ Norway $1,941 3 MonkeyBrainF $1,407 4 MrsHussein United Kingdom $1,051 5 JackieBR7 Brazil $737 6 AMiazhenski Belarus $534 7 play2win19 India $356 8 frost3g Russia $214 9 SMUGGLA74 United Kingdom $160 It was a long and grueling final day to the 2019 partypoker LIVE MILLIONS North America CA$10,300 Main Event but a winner has finally been crowned. It took over 14 hours from start to finish but Francois Billard outlasted a 521-entry field to claim the title and the first-place prize of CA$961,400. After making a three-way deal with Kevin Rabichow and Joni Jouhkimainen, Billard eliminated both of his final opponents for his first major title in his hometown at Playground Poker Club. Billard carried a massive lead into heads-up play but Rabichow hung tough on the short stack and nearly brought it back to even. However, just as Rabichow got a sniff of the lead, Billard was able to close things out. Billard quickly took over a massive chip lead at the beginning of the day and he was clearly the most aggressive player since having the majority of the chips. "Maybe I pushed the action a little too much at times so I don't know if it was the right strategy but it worked out in the end." In the last hand of the night, Billard turned two pair against Rabichow's pair and open-ended straight draw. All of the chips got in the middle on the turn and Rabichow bricked the river. The noise in the room was the loudest all night as the French-Canadian supporters broke out in cheers. "I'm a little bit exhausted but excited as well. All my friends are here so I'm excited to go have a small drink at wherever is open right now." It will be Billard's largest career cash to date as he closes in on the $3 million lifetime mark. When asked if he has any plans with the money, Billard was hoping for a little vacation. "A beach house maybe, I don't know. Where are we going?!" he shouted to his rail. Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize (CAD) Prize(USD) 1st Francois Billard Canada $961,400 $715,414 2nd Kevin Rabichow United States $578,990 $430,848 3rd Joni Jouhkimainen Finland $583,310 $434,063 4th Alexandros Kolonias Greece $370,000 $275,331 5th Paul Fontan Spain $300,000 $223,241 6th Danick Landriault Canada $250,000 $186,035 7th Ben Heath United Kingdom $200,000 $148,828 8th Ruben Perceval Canada $150,000 $111,621 9th Armin Rezaei Austria $100,000 $74,414 Only six players returned to the felt for the final day of competition but with so many blinds in play and 90-minute levels, it was a bound to be a war of nutrition. Danick Landriault began the day as the short stack and he was looking for a spot to quickly double up. Unfortunately for him, he flopped middle pair against Rabichow's top pair and all of the chips got in the middle on the turn. Landriault wasn't able to improve and he exited in sixth place. The final five players battled for over six hours with Billard holding a comfortable chip lead throughout. The other four took turns on the short stack but each managed to find key double ups time and time again. It was a Rabichow double up that left Paul Fontan with just a few big blinds and he eventually bowed out in fifth place. Alexandros Kolonias used his passive play style to ladder up through a couple of eliminations. Eventually, the blinds caught up to him and Kolonias called off a river bet from Rabichow. Kolonias had two pair, tens and nines, but Rabichow rivered queens and tens to bring the final table down to three players. After taking a 40-minute dinner break, the three players returned to discuss a deal. After about 30 minutes of working out the numbers, they finally agreed to ICM chop after leaving CA$212,370 to play for. Billard was the current chipleader and he earned himself CA$749,030. Jouhkimainen locked up CA$583,310 while Rabichow pocketed CA$578,990. Final Three Players While most of the prizepool had already been divided up, three-handed play still continued for over two hours. Billard continued to build up a stack while the Finnish partypoker pro saw his stack dwindle. Jouhkimainen eventually picked up two suited cards he decided to go with from the small blind but Billard woke up with a big ace in the big blind. Despite picking up plenty of outs on the turn, Jouhkimainen bricked off and was forced to settle for third place. That left Billard and Rabichow to play heads-up for over CA$210,000 with Billard holding a healthy chip lead. He was able to wrap things up in about an hour as he hoisted the MILLIONS LIVE trophy high in the air. That wraps up all of the coverage for the 2019 partypoker LIVE MILLIONS North America in Montreal, Canada. The PokerNews live reporting team will now be heading to Las Vegas for the 2019 World Series of Poker and you can follow all of the coverage right here. 464 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard By Maria Caspani NEW YORK (Reuters) Americans have become more supportive of abortion rights over the past year, even as a wave of Republican-controlled state governments have imposed new restrictions, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Sunday. The poll found that 58% of American adults said abortion should be legal in most or all cases, up from 50% who said that in a similar poll that ran in July 2018. While support broke down along partisan lines, passions were higher among registered Democrats, with 81% saying abortion should be legal in most or all cases, while 55% of registered Republicans said it should be illegal in most or all cases. This year, eight Republican-led states have passed new restrictions on abortion, measures that activists said are aimed at provoking the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that established a womans right to terminate her pregnancy. Anti-abortion campaigners are counting on the new 5-4 conservative majority on the court, following two appointments by Republican President Donald Trump, to turn the balance in their favor. A wide majority of Americans disagree with parts of the years most sweeping anti-abortion measure: Alabamas law banning abortion in all cases, including for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest, with only a narrow exception for women whose lives are danger. Eighty percent of respondents told Reuters/Ipsos they support abortion in cases of rape or incest. Other states, including Ohio and Georgia, have banned abortions absent a medical emergency after six weeks of pregnancy or after the fetal heartbeat can be detected, which can occur before a woman realizes she is pregnant. Public opinion is almost evenly split on whether abortion should be legal after a heartbeat is detected, the poll showed. The Reuters/Ipsos poll also found that 85% of Americans are in favor of abortion when the mothers life is in danger and 59% said abortion should be legal when there is evidence that the baby is physically or mentally impaired. Fifty-eight percent of U.S. adults said abortion should not be legal when the fetus is older than 20 weeks, while 30% said it should be allowed. I think abortion is a very difficult, horrible thing, but I dont think the government has any say in whether you should be able to do it thats a very personal thing, said poll respondent Steven Hoelke, 69, a Republican retired aerospace engineer from Claremont, California. Its tough and I dont think it can be dictated from above. 2020 RALLYING CRY? Trumps opposition to abortion has stirred support in his base, especially among many religious voters. The two dozen Democrats vying to challenge him have loudly supported abortion rights. But the poll also found most voters were not looking for candidates whose primary focus is abortion: Just 9% of registered Republicans said they would prefer to vote for a candidate whose main focus is banning abortion, while 11% of registered Democrats preferred one whose primary focus would be protecting abortion rights. U.S. voters usually list healthcare and the economy as the top issues going into an election. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online in English throughout the United States on May 22-23. It gathered responses from 1,008 people and has a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of 6 percentage points. (Reporting by Maria Caspani; editing by Scott Malone and David Gregorio) 7.3k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard By not condemning North Koreas attack on Joe Biden, Trump is welcoming and encouraging their interference in the 2020 election. Trump said when asked if he was worried about being seen as agreeing with Kim Jong-uns attack on Biden, Well, Kim Jong-un made a statement that Joe Biden is a low IQ individual. He probably is based on his record. I think I agree with him on that. Video: Trump Welcomes Election Help From North Korea By agreeing with North Koreas attack on Biden, Trump is encouraging Kim Jong-un to do more. No US president has sided with the worlds oppressive dictators as Donald Trump has. North Korea is trying to interfere in the 2020 election to for the same reason that Saudi Arabia and Russia want to keep Trump in office. Donald Trump is a corrupt, but useful idiot, whose presence in the Oval Office weakens the United States. Trump just brushed off North Korea engaging in more missile testing as no big deal. Any other president would have condemned the North Koreans, but Trump is encouraging them to interfere in the 2020 election because foreign interference might be the only way for him to win. Trump has been inaccurately throwing around the word treason a lot, but it is the president who is working against the United States and the interests of this country every single day all over the world. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook Surprise in European elections : Greens by far strongest power in Bonn Bonn A big surprise in the European elections in Bonn: the Greens are by far the strongest party ahead of the CDU. The SPD had to accept significant losses. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken The Greens in Bonn have made history: the environmental party has taken the lead in the city for the first time with nearly 32 per cent of the vote. With a clear lead of nearly nine per cent, it has relegated the CDU to second place. It received 23 per cent of the votes. The SPD has really suffered a downward slide. It achieved just 15.4 per cent of the votes. In the 2014 European elections, it was still on 28.4 per cent. The results in Bonn remained around the same for the Liberals (7 per cent) and for the AfD (6 per cent). The CDU remains the strongest party in the Rhine-Sieg district. The Greens were the second strongest party in the district; the SPD slid by almost 14 per cent. 6pm sharp and loud cheering comes from the Pauke bistro in the west of the city. The first predictions from the ARD TV studio flicker across the screen. The table shows that more than 22 per cent of Germans have voted for the Greens. The Bonn Green candidate Alexandra Geese therefore knows: she is in. In future, the 50-year-old will no longer travel to the European parliament to translate. Its much more than I hoped for, she says and laughs. Its a landslide. Alexandra Geese, the mother of three daughters, who comes from Bonn and sat her school leaving exams at the Friedrich-Ebert gymnasium, does not suspect in the early evening that support for the Greens has also gone through the roof in Bonn. They get their best result of 42 per cent in their traditional stronghold in the inner Nordstadt election district. In the Baumschul district/Sudstadt, they achieve 41.4 per cent. In Kessenich it is 40.1 per cent. The Green party spokeswomen Andrea Bauer and Katrin Uhlig are speechless. Bauer: My vocabulary is usually larger, but at the moment all I can think of is: it is a stunning result for the Bonn Greens. Subdued mood among CDU The heads of Bonns Christian Democrats and many of their supporters have gathered in Meyers in Poppelsdorf. Unlike in the 2014 election, the CDU Member of the European Parliament Axel Voss does not need to worry about his return to the European Parliament. The native of Hamelin, who has lived in Bonn for more than 30 years, this time already knows after the first projections that he has secured his seat in Brussels with fourth place on the NRW list. Nevertheless, the mood is subdued. Id hoped for a better nationwide result for the CDU, he admits. Looking at the CDUs results in Bonn, district chairman Katzidis is surprised and also contrite. I didnt think wed do so badly. I see this as a task for us, especially given the C in our party: we must no longer leave the issue of climate and environmental protection to the Greens alone. Katzidis is now not only demanding greater discussion of the issue by the CDU at a federal level but he also wants to bring it more into focus in the district. SPD only in front in one election district The Bonn SPD, who had not invited outsiders to an election party but rather followed the outcome of the European election with its leaders in their partys premises on Clemens-August-Platz, experienced a disaster. Only in the local election district of Tannenbusch was it the best of all the parties with 21.4 per cent. We are all fairly deflated, says SPD subdistrict head Gabriel Kunze. Meanwhile, the FDP district chair Franziska Muller-Rech and council faction leader Werner Hummrich gathered in the press centre in the city hall. They were satisfied with the FDP result in Bonn and thanked their EU candidate Elmar Conrads-Hassel for the campaign in Bonn. The Bonn district councillor never had a real chance because of his low position on the list of federal liberals. , Cookies . cookies. Mary Katherine, who also goes by MK, covers health care for The Post and Courier. She is also pursuing a master's degree in data science. She grew up in upstate New York and enjoys playing cards, kayaking and the Blue Ridge Mountains. After a gang-related riot last year left seven inmates dead and drew national attention as the worst prison brawl in a quarter century, South Carolina correctional officials are hoping a reformed felon can transform inmates into leaders. The man tasked with turning things around within the walls of Lee Correctional Institution near Bishopville is well-versed in the experiences of violent offenders behind bars. A tumultuous upbringing led Andre Norman to the Massachusetts prison system, where he said he rose to power as one of the top gang leaders in a maximum-security facility in the 1990s. But an epiphany while in solitary confinement inspired Norman to change his life, and he walked out of prison after 14 years. He found mentors and got an education, emerging as a Harvard fellow and a motivational speaker. He and his team recently launched a year-long program inside Lee, where they're working closely with a small group of gang members and other inmates with influence within the prison. Ten inmates, who volunteered for the program, live together in a housing unit and spend their days in counseling sessions, leadership classes and peer-to-peer training sessions. Over time, officials plan to expand to 80 inmates. Norman said the initiative is the first of its kind in the country. "There are very few programs for violent offenders. The general consensus is we dont know what to do with them," he said. Nena Staley, deputy director of programs, reentry and rehabilitative services for the S.C. Department of Corrections, convinced agency leaders to bring in Norman's team after she saw him speak at a conference last year. She met Norman five months after the bloodshed at Lee as she was seeking a way to "bring peace" to the institution and assure inmates' families that a deadly riot wouldn't occur again. Norman offered hope, she said. "I was convinced that these guys at Lee could really feed off his energy," Staley said. It took persistence to get other officials on board. The prison system in the past had welcomed in former inmates to lead faith-based programs, but the Corrections Department had never before welcomed a reformed felon in this capacity. Staley said Norman is the first to work within an institution and create a program for violent offenders from the ground up. "At first I was a little hesitant," Corrections Director Bryan Stirling said, adding that he realized that Norman can "walk the walk" and engage with inmates in a way that most staff cannot. Norman, who's spoken internationally, including at TEDx, said the connection works because in the men he sees parallels to his own experiences. Trust is a huge barrier. So is communication, he said. He uses the tragedy of the April 2018 riot to try to inspire them. "I talk about the riot in the sense of they owe. These guys owe: owe it to their families. Owe it to their kids," he said. "The world is now watching you. ... You have to show that youre better than this and youre gonna be better." Adam Parker has covered many beats and topics for The Post and Courier, including race and history, religion, and the arts. He is the author of "Outside Agitator: The Civil Rights Struggle of Cleveland Sellers Jr.," published by Hub City Press. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Mostly clear. Low near 60F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low near 60F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. South Carolina social studies teachers are worried about the future of their profession as the Legislature considers eliminating standardized tests in their subject in elementary and middle school. In one of the few provisions likely to take effect next year from a stalled-out education overhaul bill, the state could eliminate the SCPASS Social Studies tests in grades 5 and 7. The state previously tested that subject in grades 3 through 8, but it gradually whittled the tests down to just those two grades, responding to pressure from parents and teachers who say too much time is wasted on testing. But not all teachers are cheering for the end of testing in their subject area. In an era when student test scores lie at the core of accountability programs and "report cards" that label public schools as good or bad, some teachers fear that the move could de-emphasize their classes when it comes to funding, classroom hours and classroom sizes. Even after hashing out a compromise with lawmakers this year, social studies educators feel the need to defend subjects such as history, geography, government and civics that they feel are given short shrift. "Social studies is becoming a 'nice-to-teach,' not a 'need-to-teach,'" said Albert Robertson, coordinator of social studies for Lexington School District 1. Michele Phillips, a social studies teacher at Orange Grove Charter Middle in West Ashley, said she feels supported by her current school, but she knows about the pressure that other teachers feel to improve standardized test scores. She said the pressure to "teach to the test" is particularly high for young teachers at high-poverty schools such as Burns Elementary, where she previously taught. If the state is only testing for English, math and science, then she worries those subjects will be the focus. "I know what it looks like when you're under a microscope," said Phillips, who ran a write-in campaign for state education superintendent last year. "If I were a third-grade teacher at Burns, it would be a different story. Young teachers are trying to earn their certificates, and they're concerned about losing their jobs." Third grade in particular could prove to be a major pressure point for testing. The state holds back students who can't pass the reading portion of the state English test, leading to new emphasis on literacy in the early grades. Social studies, meanwhile, wouldn't be used to assess schools' performance until U.S. History, a high school course. Some teachers said recently they worry social studies could be pushed off into the same ancillary category as art and physical education in public policy debates. The change in testing has not been approved: It's included in a budget proviso that would suspend suspend the social studies tests in fifth and seventh grades, as well as a science test in the eighth grade. 'An unholy alliance' Charles Vaughan was teaching middle school social studies in 1999 when South Carolina adopted the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Tests, measuring students' knowledge in grade three through eight with a heavy emphasis on reading, writing and math skills. Not long after that, Vaughan noticed his school started teaching English and math 90 minutes per day, while social studies and science became shorter classes that only took place every other day. Vaughan's experience was a common one. In a recent survey of 750 social studies teachers statewide conducted by the S.C. Council for the Social Studies, about half of teachers said they had seen a decrease in instructional time for social studies during their careers. About 40 percent said their class sizes were larger than those of their math and English Language Arts colleagues, and 5 percent said they had been told not to teach social studies at all. SC schools keep changing tests, making it tough to track progress SC public schools have required students to take at least 10 different standardized tests since the turn of the century, making it hard for parents and policymakers to tell if schools are improving. The problem is not isolated to South Carolina. National surveys have shown a consistent decline in the number of hours dedicated to teaching social studies since the advent of high-stakes standardized testing and the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act, which emphasized English and math at the expense of the other disciplines. "Since the accountability movement ramped up in the late 1990s, those subjects tended to be held up and valorized on the pedestal. The other subjects, science and social studies, were cast aside," said Paul Fitchett, assistant dean of the college of education at UNC-Charlotte, whose research focuses on social studies education. "Now with the focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), you see social studies is pushed even farther down," he added. Vaughan, a world geography and teacher cadet instructor at A.C. Flora High in Columbia, currently helps lead the S.C. Council for the Social Studies, an advocacy group of teachers and administrators. Like many teachers, he laments the classroom time wasted on standardized tests that do little to assess students' real knowledge and skills. But he found himself in an awkward position this year defending the fifth- and seventh-grade tests, as well as the U.S. History End of Course exam, which a previous legislative draft would have eliminated. He called it an unholy alliance. "For nearly a decade, social studies has been in this uneasy alliance with testing, even though we don't think that's the best way to look at a student," Vaughan said. Vaughan pushed legislators to mandate a certain number of classroom hours be spent on social studies, since those hours have noticeably tapered off at both the state and national level. The idea didn't make it into a revised version of the bill. A compromise Instead, at the prompting of other social studies teachers who testified in Columbia, lawmakers struck a compromise: The SCPASS Social Studies tests would be eliminated, but social studies standards would be embedded in the reading and writing portions of SC READY tests. Robertson, who also serves as president of the S.C. Social Studies Supervisors Association, was one of the educators pushing for that compromise. He is not sure what the new test questions will look like, but he believes social studies could be a good fit within literacy initiatives. "Say you're reading an excerpt from a letter from Abigail Adams. If you dont have background knowledge on who she is as a person, her period in time, why she's writing the way she is, you're not going to be able to effectively answer a question about her," Robertson said. At River Bluff High School in Lexington, U.S. History teacher Anastasia Sease looks at the testing issue from two perspectives. On one hand, Sease is the parent of a sixth-grader who recently had to endure four straight days of standardized tests. She supports the idea of eliminating the testing burden for students and teachers, particularly for young students. On the other hand, Sease has taught high school social studies for 17 years, and she noticed the difference after the state added an end-of-course test for U.S. History in 2003. Suddenly, there was more support, and school leaders took more of an interest in students learning her subject area. So while Sease supports cutting tests overall, she thinks the cuts need to be balanced. "If you cut it all from one discipline and not the others, you will lose the focus in the classroom," Sease said. In this frame grab from from video, people search in the rubble following Saudi-led coalition airstrikes that killed at least six, including children, officials said, in the residential center of the capital, Sanaa, Yemen, Thursday, May 16, 2019. (AP Photo) Several family members were in tears as dozens gathered at the Guam Veterans Cemetery in Piti for this year's Memorial Day commemoration on Monday. Dorothy Lukeala was among the handful of Gold Star family members who attended to honor her son, U.S. Army Sgt. Joshua Akoni Sablan Lukeala. For a Gold Star family, every day is Memorial Day for us," she said. "There is never a day that goes by from the time I wake up to when I go to bed. He's on my mind every day. I just want people to remember my son and all of those who have sacrificed their lives." Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Gold Star families are the relatives of military service members who have died in battle. Lukeala died on June 7, 2010, from wounds he suffered after enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device in Kunar, Afghanistan. He was 23. Flags were flown at half staff during the solemn ceremony, as wreaths were presented for the fallen service members. 'Our fallen heroes' "It's just more heavy on the heart," said Aurora Carbullido, who lost her son, Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Anthony Carbullido on Aug. 8, 2008. The 25-year-old died after his convoy vehicle was hit by an IED in Sangatesh, Afghanistan. "Every day I think of my son, but this day has been set for everybody to remember our fallen heroes," she said. Military and government officials also attended the ceremony. "The pain, the aches and the sadness will never go away," said Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, who urged the community to remember that the freedoms enjoyed by the people of Guam and the nation are available to us because of the sacrifices of so many military service members. "We are here because of them," said Lt. Col. Esther Aguigui, adjutant general of the Guam National Guard. "Please don't forget why we get a holiday ... honoring and remembering the sacrifices of our nation's heroes." A POST-NATIVE PERSPECTIVE Over the first half of my two-week Christmas break, I spent every day in the garden attending to chores that in years past would have been com Read more The Washington Post reports that Europeans [have] dealt a blow to the continents traditional center-left and center-right politicians in elections for the European Parliament. . .depriving them of a majority for the first time. It was a high-turnout election, with the highest participation level in 25 years. The Post says that voters used the elections to take a shot at the parties that have steered Europes consensus-driven policies for decades. I suspect they also took a shot at the policies themselves. Together, the center-right and center-left parties look like controlling about 43 percent of the parliamentary seats. Thats down considerably from their current share of 53 percent. As I argued here, because the European Parliament has been a sign off body one in which the center-right and center-left parties consent to pretty much whatever the EU leaders and their bureaucrats want the big question in this election wasnt how the the center-right and the center-left parties would fare in competition between the two. Rather, the big question was whether the center-right and center-left parties would, together, win enough seats to keep signing off on the EU agenda the Brussels consensus as it is called. They did not. To keep rubber stamping the Brussels consensus, the big center-right and center-left parties will need help. They may be helped by the fact that the nationalist parties did not do as well as they probably hoped to. They did register their best showing ever. However, according to the Washington Post, their gains were only incremental, not game-changing. The Greens and other leftist parties also made gains. These parties support aspects of the Brussels consensus, which is, after all, a leftist project on the whole. However, the price of their support might well be a dose of additional leftism. Depending on how large a dose, the result might be an increase in Euro-skepticism, which is already gaining and has already produced the Brexit. The nation-by-nation results are also rather interesting. Ill discuss briefly the two countries whose politics I know a little about. In France, Marine Le Pens party topped that of President Macron by one percentage point. Le Pens showing about 24 percent wasnt out of the ordinary. Her party can expect at least that much support these days. However, Macrons showing was poor 23 percent for a candidate who overwhelmed all opponents just two years ago when he was elected president. The Greens came in third. This is a party on the rise, and not just in France. In Britain, the party of Brexiteer Nigel Farage topped the polls. The Liberal Democrats, a longtime third party, finished second. The two major parties Conservative and Labour both fared very poorly. The Conservatives paid a big price for failing to effectuate the Brexit. Labours leaders say they will rethink their position on Brexit in light of the disastrous election results. The EUs leaders would do well to rethink the Brussels consensus, but I dont expect they will. On Friday, PJ Media headlined: Report: Declassified Docs Will Show That Samantha Powers 2016 Unmasking Efforts Were Related to Israel. Government documents that will soon be made public will reveal stunning information about former U.N. ambassador Samantha Powers voluminous unmasking efforts in 2016, according to multiple sources. On Thursday, President Trump gave Attorney General William Barr the authority to declassify documents from multiple agencies related to surveillance of the Trump campaign in 2016. *** As PJ Media reported in September of 2017, Power was unmasking people at a freakishly rapid rate. The former U.S. ambassador moved at such a rapid pace that she ended up averaging more than one request for every working day in 2016, multiple sources told Fox News at the time. And she continued to seek identifying information about Americans caught up in incidental surveillance right up to President Trumps inauguration. This is really extraordinary. Power was not an intelligence official, she was the U.N. Ambassador. Why was she unmasking anyone, let alone making hundreds of such requests? And why would she keep up this feverish pace right up to the moment she departed the White House? According to OANNs Jack Posobiec, Power was targeting calls made about Israeli settlements. When she found Gen Flynn making calls she opposed, she passed information to Sally Yates who opened Logan Act investigation, Posobiec reported on Twitter. BREAKING: Samantha Power targeted any call made about Israeli settlements for unmasking. When she found Gen Flynn making calls she opposed, she passed information to Sally Yates who opened Logan Act investigation. DNI Coats has now reviewed all unmaskings @OANN Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec) May 24, 2019 BREAKING: White House plans to declassify documents showing that Samantha Power was on a one-woman crusade for the Palestinians and against Israel in 2016. Repeated unmakings were used to ensure her effort did not fail @OANN Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec) May 24, 2019 The context was U.N. Security Council Resolution 2334, which stated that Israels settlements on the West Bank are a flagrant violation of international law with no legal validity. The incoming Trump administration was urging the Obama administration to veto the resolution. In addition, at appears that members of Trumps team were lobbying allies to defer the vote, or to vote against the resolution. It sounds as though the Obama administration was lobbying allies in the other direction, trying to undermine the policy of the new administration, although this isnt entirely clear. In the event, the resolution passed 14-0 on December 23, 2016, with the U.S. abstaining. The connection between the trap that ensnared General Flynn and the U.N. resolution has been drawn before, as in the Jerusalem Post. In the lead up to the anti-settlement resolution which angered Jerusalem, Trumps team had urged the US to veto the resolution. On December 22nd Trump tweeted the resolution being considered in the UN Security Council regarding Israel should be vetoed. Egypt postponed the vote on December 22nd. However it passed on December 23rd with 14 in favor and the US abstaining. According to an article at Foreign Policy in February 2017 Michael Flynn played a key role attempting to scupper the UN vote. Flynnand other members of the presidents transition team launched a vigorous diplomatic bid to head off a UN Security Council vote condemning Israels settlements. They reached out to the UK, Egypt, Russia, Uruguay and Malaysia according to the report. The Post reports further that when Flynn talked with the Russian ambassador on the telephone, in the conversation that ultimately resulted in his indictment, one of the two subjects discussed, and about which Flynn allegedly lied, was the U. N. resolution. There is much more at the PJ Media link, including this from Foreign Policy in February 2017: Nikki Haley, the presidents pick to serve as U.N. envoy, sought frantically to reach Samantha Power, then still serving as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, calling her office and cell phone number, a U.S. official told Foreign Policy. Powers advisors suspected Haley would try persuade Power to veto the resolution, and she did not take the call. These reports raise several obvious questions. First, why were Obama administration officials so concerned with the U.N. vote as to unmask communications of U.S. citizens on 300 occasions? The Obama administration didnt come out in favor of the resolution, and it abstained when the resolution came up for a vote. So why would it be so concerned about the possibility that incoming Trump officials might convince allies to defer the vote, or block it altogether? I cant think of any reason other than the obsessive hatred of Israel that is so common on the Left. But it is bizarre, in my view, for lame duck Obama minions to carry out a vendetta against Israel, one that apparently was given high priority, through their last days in power. Maybe I am missing something here, but I cant think what it could be. Second, the PJ Media report suggests that Powers unmasking of U.S. citizens involved in conversations about Israel continued until right up to President Trumps inauguration. The inauguration was almost a month after the vote on U.N. Resolution 2334. So if Powers unmasking continued, did it still relate to conversations about Israel and the U.N. resolution, or was something else going on at that point? Third, was the Obama administrations reported frenzy about the U.N.s anti-Israel vote part of the genesis of the FBIs effort to disable the incoming Trump administration? The chief ground of the FBIs effort was the Democratic Party dossier paid for by the Clinton campaign, but the Israel-related surveillance apparently comes into play with regard to General Flynn. And the PJ Media story quotes George Papadopoulos, who was shocked that Bob Mueller told the truth about why I was illicitly targeted and it really had nothing to do with Russia. It had to do with my ties to Israel. I dont begin to understand how these pieces fit together. We can only hope that as Attorney General Barr pursues his investigation, the true story will come out. In his excellent review of Sacred Duty: A Soldiers Tour at Arlington National Cemetery, by Senator Tom Cotton, Scott Johnson criticized himself for not asking Tom about his service in the Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery when the two met in New York City years ago. Scott says he now feels like a fool for not having asked questions that would have elicited some of the information contained in Toms book. Having met with Tom fairly regularly while he was serving in Arlington, I feel doubly foolish. I never inquired more than superficially about Toms service there. I did coax out one or two stories about his service in Iraq (stories about Toms men, not Tom himself), but virtually nothing about his service during the period in which our meetings took place. On Memorial Day, perhaps I can make amends by echoing Scotts praise for Sacred Duty. The book is many things, but above all its the story of how the venerable Old Guard, Americas oldest active duty regiment, pays tribute to Americas fallen warriors by providing them and their loved ones with a perfect military funeral. The meticulousness of the funerals, as described by Tom, is astounding. Tom reflects it with the meticulousness of his account not just of the funerals themselves, but of his description of the training that goes into carrying them out. Tom could easily have written a different book. Im sure it wasnt difficult to resist the usual work of a rising politician, about which a reviewer of Kamala Harris contribution to the genre says: If a great book is a sumptuous meal, the campaign book is a bottle of Soylent. But Tom could have provided a book almost none of the important politicians of our era could honestly have written. He could have written about how he left Washington, and Big Law, to fight for his country. He could have written about his combat duty. Characteristically, though, Tom chose not to write much about himself. He chose to write about his unit, about Americas most sacred shrine, about the duty America owes to its fallen warriors and their loved ones, and about the perfection the Old Guard achieves in fulfilling that duty. A book only about funerals and their back story, even ones as important and unique as those he describes, would be tough sledding. Tom intersperses his book with, among other things, a history of the Old Guard since its formation in the 1780s. The Old Guard featured prominently in most of the nations military campaigns until World War I. We also get a sense of the history of the war on terrorism. The Old Guard jumped into that war on its first day when it deployed to the Pentagon immediately after the attack. Since that dreadful day, the course of this struggle can be tracked through the varying volume of the Old Guards trips to Dover, Delaware, where the war dead arrive in the U.S., and of the funerals conducted by the Old Guard in Arlington. I fully concur with Scott, this is a needed, moving, and powerful book. PR-Inside.com: 2019-05-27 12:51:00 Press Information Published by ACN Newswire +65 6304 8926 e-mail https://www.acnnewswire.com/ # 444 Words ACN Newswire+65 6304 8926 Biei, Japan, May 27, 2019 - (JCN Newswire) - The beautiful area of Biei is under threat from visitors that can't follow the rules. With fields being overrun with tourists not understanding the area is all private property, as well as amateur Japanese photographers trespassing without asking, the farmers of the Biei area are looking to crowdfunding to help with the reeducation of the visitors.Via the crowdfunding site [JAPANKURU FUNDING], the farmers are looking to collect funds from all over the world, using the sites multilingual services, and hoping to help people understand more about the area, that each area is private property, and that its dangerous for people to come into the farm as it could contaminate the crops and cause an area wide infestation.The project, with the name [Protecting the Countryside, Creating Harmony Between Visitors and Farmers! Making Biei the Best Place it can be!] launched on Friday 24th May 27, 2019 looking to raise $9400 or 1,000,000, which it has already reached in 3 days. The projects main aim is to create signage that will help to educate the visitors as well as give tourists a way to help farmers that make the beautiful fields. Aside from this, money will also be used to create 3 special photo spots that will allow for visitors from all over to be able to take scenic photos without trespassing and causing harm to the fields that are the farmers livelihoods. Finally, a portion will be used to create a website that will be able to introduce these farmers.The project has 32 days left and is now looking to raise extra money towards a second goal that is now in the process of being made after an unexpected response from the community.You can find the project at: https://en.japankurufunding.com/projects/bieiprotection/ About the signage that will be madeThe signage will let the tourist know which person the farm belongs to as well as letting them donate directly to the farmer. This will be made possible through QR codes on the signage. By doing so, it is hoped that the visitors to the area are shown that these fields are private property and not places to be trespassed on. In addition to these codes for donation, other information as well as an introduction video message will also be located on the signs. Overall we hope that the visitors can learn a lot about the area through these signs.About JAPANKURU FUNDINGJAPANKURU FUNDING is a Japanese based crowdfunding site, that allows for the project page to be curated in 3 different languages, English, Japanese, and Traditional Chinese. This allows for funding to be collected from all over the world. PR-Inside.com: 2019-05-27 17:46:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 988 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 27, 2019 / DeepRock Minerals Inc. (the "Company"), trading symbol "DEEP" on the CSE, is please to advise that the Company has commissioned Chibougamau Drilling to mobile the necessary equipment and has commenced diamond drilling on the Ralleau VMS/Lode Gold Project in Quebec, Canada.The Ralleau VMS/Lode Gold Project is strategically located in the west-central part of the Province of Quebec, Canada. It is readily accessible via Lebel-sur-Quevillon located approximately 620 km N-NW of Montreal and 160 km NE from the mining center of Val d'Or along the provincial highway system.From the regional centre of Lebel-sur-Quevillon, the Ralleau VMS Project is situated just 67 km ENE along a network of well-kept forestry roads.The Ralleau VMS Project currently consists of 59 key claim cells totalling 3,323.85 Ha (33.24 km2), covering an assemblage of contiguous Quebec mineral claims ideally situated in Ralleau and Wilson townships on the National Topographic Sheets (NTS) 32F01 (Lac de la Ligne).The Ralleau VMS Project is located within the very active Urban-Barry Belt, in the central-east portion of the North Volcanic Zone ("NVZ") of the Archean Abitibi Greenstone Belt ("AAGB"). The highly mineralized Urban-Barry Belt ("UBB") extends over 135 km in length and ranges from 4-20 km across. The UBB is bordered in the north by the Mountain and Father plutons, and in the south by the Wilson and Souart plutons that range from granodioritic to tonalitic in composition. DeepRock's Ralleau VMS Project is located within the Urban Formation ("UF") in the western part of the Urban-Barry Belt.The Urban Formation comprises mafic to intermediate volcanic rocks; and felsic volcanics of dacitic to rhyolitic composition attributed to the noted Novellet Member. These lithological units mainly strike WNW-ESE, changing to E-W in the western portion of the project and to NE-SW in the eastern portion of the project. These changes in orientation may be related to the Urban and Cameron Deformational Zones ("UDZ and CDZ").The Ralleau Syncline is oriented E-W. Geologically, it has been interpreted to coincide with the Urban Deformational Zone forming a two km wide corridor through the central part of the greenstone belt. The area experienced amphibolite-facies metamorphism; however, the central part of the Urban Formation appears to have been exposed to greenschist-facies conditions. The rocks surrounding the synvolcanic felsic intrusives record favourable contact metamorphic to amphibolite-facies conditions.The lithological units range from mafic to felsic compositions, which is consistent with bimodal volcanism. This is a prospective trait of VMS deposits known to exist in this Abitibi Region. They furthermore suggest that the geological setting of the Ralleau property is favorable for Abitibi-style VMS mineralization such as what exists at the operating Langlois VMS Mine.Shear zone-hosted mineralization consists of disseminated (10%) pyrite with trace amount of chalcopyrite. This would be what may host lode gold mineralization to the east, west and north of DeepRock's Ralleau Project.Mineral exploration activity has been carried out sporadically on parts of the current Ralleau VMS Project and its immediate vicinity since the mid-1950s, including geological reconnaissance, mapping, geophysical surveys, and limited diamond drilling. Recent work has been carried out by Megastar, who acquired a 12-claim block north of Lac Wilson in 2005 that evolved into the present Ralleau project of which DeepRock is earning its fifty-percent interest.Since 2005, Megastar has completed a reconnaissance geology survey, a surface geophysical survey, a diamond drilling programme, trenching and sampling, an airborne geophysical survey, a digital database compilation of all earlier work and geological mapping, prospecting and sampling surveys over almost the entire property. DeepRock is confident it is now time to proceed with an extensive and aggressive diamond drill program on the Ralleau VMS Project.The exploration carried out by DeepRock since 2017 has consisted of a prospecting and mapping programme on the eastern part of the Property and a ground geophysical Induced Polarization (IP) survey on the western part of the Property in preparation for diamond drilling. This surveying delineated a number of compelling conductive anomalies which, to date, all remain untested by diamond drilling.Felsic volcanic rocks, displaying characteristic hydrothermal alteration known to be associated with VMSstyle deposits, had been identified from the geological review, historical diamond drilling, and trenching.The Ralleau VMS Project represents a favorable setting for bimodal mafic VMS mineralization similar to the Langlois mine located at some 57 km WNW of the property.In 1996, the Langlois mine owned by Cambior, started the underground mining of a 22 million tonnes zinc and copper deposit at the rate of 2500 tonnes a day for 10 years.Today, the Langlois Mine, operated by Nyrstar is located roughly 50km northeast of the city of Lebel-sur-Quevillon. The Langlois produces zinc concentrate and copper concentrate, as well as silver and gold as by-products. In 2017, Langlois Mine produced 65,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate, 2,100 tonnes of copper concentrate, 1,900 oz of gold in concentrate and 553,000 troy ounces of silver in concentrate.DeepRock's first 2019 diamond drilling program will consist of a set of drill holes testing 600m of depth, averaging approximately 200m each, along the horizon of interest. The first of the set is specifically designed to twin historic hole MAR-06-04 to corroborate the mineralized intervals and provide some idea of special orientation. DeepRock's geoscientific team will target a strong chargeability/metal factor anomaly. The second will test a strong chargeability anomaly and provide important infill information located between historic holes MAR-06-04 and MAR-06-05.DeepRock Minerals looks forward to analyzing the data obtained to further pursue its drilling program on the other IP anomalies delineated on the Ralleau Project.Christian Derosier, P.Geo., D.Sc., is the qualified person (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43-101 and, acting on behalf of DeepRock, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release.On behalf of the Board of Directors,DeepRock Minerals Inc.Mr. Richard Shatto(604) 807-6334richard@ pointnexus.ca Reader AdvisoryThis news release may contain statements which constitute %2 PR-Inside.com: 2019-05-27 22:08:51 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 410 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Thefilm premiered on Sunday, May 26OTTAWA, ON / ACCESSWIRE / May 27, 2019 / Jim McDonald and Christian Deslauriers appeared on CBC Ottawa News on May 21, 2019 to promote their new film "License to Torture." There was a special screening for the film on Sunday, May 26, at Senate Taverne in Ottawa.The film highlights interrogation and torture as a tactic. It is the story of a university professor who travels to Afghanistan to attend a conference and is detained by authorities in Cairo on his way back to North America. The professor is tortured by his captors, who will continue to torment him unless he admits to being an accomplice to terrorism in Egypt and Afghanistan.Jim McDonald, who holds a PhD in International Relations and is the Writer and Director of the film. Christian Deslauriers, a human rights lawyer, is the Executive Producer.McDonald and Deslauriers are both very excited by the films debut.Mr. Deslauriers says he was very excited to get involved in the film to denounce the treatment of people in similar circumstances.Jim McDonald says that they have entered the film into a large number of international film festivals."We are going to push very hard to make this a subject that many people around the world are going to have to confront and look at it to see where it fits into their life," says Jim McDonald.For more information, Please visit: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-licence-to-torture#/ About Jim McDonaldJim McDonald holds a PhD in international relations. He's had an illustrious career in Canadian and international politics. He previously served as the Director of Communications for past Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and worked at Chief of Staff at Justice and Foreign Affairs.About Christian DeslauriersChristian Deslauriers is a criminal law attorney with his partnership firm of Deslauriers and Lemieux. Mr. Deslauriers attended Laval University in Quebec City and earned a Civil Law degree in 2000. He did articling at the International Criminal Tribunal's Office of the Prosecutor for the former Yugoslavia. He also previously worked with the Public Defenders Office in Quebec. He became a Juris Doctor when he received his Common Law degree from Ottawa University. Christian Deslauriers has also worked with the International Tribunal for Rwanda and the Committee Against Torture of the United Nations and the Supreme Court of Canada in the past.For more information, please contact:Christian DeslauriersEMAIL: christiandeslauriers@ hotmail.com PHONE NUMBER: 613-858-3356SOURCE: Christian Deslauriers PR-Inside.com: 2019-05-27 11:11:34 Press Information JessicaRhodes email Published by Victoria Payne 972-885-0399 e-mail # 410 Words Victoria Payne972-885-0399 27 May 2019 - Perfect Watches provides a nice opportunity for those who would want to have a Replica watch of a Swiss brand. If you are not sure about Perfect Watches, then you can discover the large range of advantages of Perfect Watches online.Swiss watches are an absolute sign of quality. Everyone knows that they are the best, and everyone knows that they are the most expensive. Swiss watches are not so much an element of material well-being as a symbol of excellent taste. Their potential is inexhaustible. We can say with confidence that no matter how much time passes, they will still remain the most prestigious and mysterious watches with a great history. Surprisingly, although Switzerland and the watch industry are inextricably linked, the first watches, which were called pocket or wrist, were designed in Italy, France, England and Germany. And only thanks to Catholics who were persecuted, watchmaking reached Switzerland, where it received active development. In the middle of the 16th century, the best watchmakers gathered in the Protestant city of Geneva, where jewelery was very actively developed. Apparently, combining these two crafts, it turned out that it became popular all over the world. But no one could have imagined how it would all end. Today, Swiss watches can be found anywhere in the world.Not all "Swiss" watches are equally Swiss. Cheap models that are saturated with the Eastern European market are most often assembled in China or Taiwan. In fact, they do not have the right to be called Swiss. Only models assembled in Switzerland and where at least 70% of parts are produced in the Swiss Confederation can call themselves that way. The most expensive and prestigious brands are fully created on the territory of this country. The cost of the finished product depends on the classification, which include watches: quartz or mechanical. The use of precious metals and stones, manual assembly and the prestige of the brand multiplies the price almost indefinitely. There is not much to think about the convenience of socks. For example, the most expensive watches from Frank Muller in the world, which only take a year to assemble, are intended more for admiring than for wrist: 50 layers of mechanisms make them too heavy and large.About Perfect Watches:Perfect Watches is a cool company which helps people get Swiss watches Rolex. Fake Rolex for everyone is what you may need.Contact:Company Name: Perfect WatchesWebsite: https://perfectwatches.io PR-Inside.com: 2019-05-27 18:27:40 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 454 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 27, 2019 / Prophecy Development Corp. ("Prophecy" or the "Company") (TSX:PCY, OTCQX:PRPCF, Frankfurt:1P2N) announces that its Annual General Meeting ("AGM") has been scheduled for Thursday, September 12, 2019.Due to some recent changes in the Company's Management, the AGM was delayed from being held within six months of its year end. The Company has requested permission for the TSX to delay its Annual General Meeting ("AGM") to September 12, 2019.About ProphecyProphecy is developing the Gibellini project - the only large-scale, open-pit, heap-leach vanadium project of its kind in North America. Located in Nevada, Gibellini is currently undergoing EPCM and permit development. Further information on Prophecy can be found at www.prophecydev.com PROPHECY DEVELOPMENT CORP.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD"Michael Doolin"Interim Chief Executive OfficerFor more information about Prophecy, please contact Investor Relations:+1.604.569.3661 ext. 101ir@ prophecydev.com Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements contained in this news release, including statements which may contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts, are forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding Prophecy's future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Prophecy's forward-looking statements. Prophecy believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the documents incorporated by reference herein are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In addition, although Prophecy has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Prophecy undertakes no obligation to release publicly any future revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as expressly required by law.SOURCE: Prophecy Development Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2019-05-27 10:02:04 Seoul Semiconductors SunLike Series Natural Spectrum LEDs Shown in a Recent Study to Have Beneficial Effects on Human Health and Well-being Seoul Semiconductor Inc. Jeonghee Kim Tel: +82-70-4391-8311 Email: jeonghee.kim@seoulsemicon.com Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. (KOSDAQ 046890), a leading global innovator of LED products and technology, announced the results of a recent study conducted by Dr. Octavio L. Perez, adjunct researcher in Integrative Lighting at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, NY, USA on the non-visual melanopic stimulus of LED sources. The study showed that the companys SunLike Series natural spectrum LEDs provide up to 21% more melanopic stimulus than conventional LEDs at 4000K, and the same melanopic stimulus as daylight at 6500K (D65). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190527005 Seoul Semiconductor's SunLike Series Natural Spectrum LEDs (Graphic: Business Wire) In addition to the visual effects of light and lighting on people, such as visual acuity and color fidelity, there are also non-visual effects. These non-visual effects can affect human health and well-being in aspects related to sleep, awakeness, alertness, circadian rhythmicity, circadian disruption, performance, and mood. Recent building standards, such as the WELL Building Standard, assess these non-visual effects of lighting in buildings in terms of the melanopic stimulus, not just in terms of conventional photometry and colorimetry. The recent study evaluated the M-EDI (CIE DIS S026/E:2018 Melanopic Equivalent Daylight Illuminance) of different light sources at different correlated color temperatures (CCT in K). M-EDI is the only metric compliant with the International System of Units (IS) to evaluate the non-visual stimulus of light and lighting, based on the CIE (the International Commission on Illumination) D65 standard daylight illuminant. The preliminary results indicate that the SunLike Series natural spectrum LEDs provide more melanopic stimulus, at any given CCT, than any other LED light source at the same photopic illuminance (in lux) up to 21% more M-EDI stimulus compared to a conventional 4000K CRI80 LED (4000K being the prevalent CCT in office and school environments). A typical 4000K CRI80 LED provides 59.30 M-EDI lux for every 100 photopic lux, and a 4000K SunLike LED provides 71.94 M-EDI lux at the same photopic illuminance level. At 6500K, the SunLike LED delivers 99.95% of the M-EDI melanopic stimulus provided by the CIE D65 daylight standard illuminant at the same photopic illuminance. It means that at 6500K, the SunLike Series LEDs provide the same natural melanopic stimulus as daylight (D65). The reason for this is that the SunLike Series natural spectrum LEDs have a continuous spectral power distribution (SPD) emission that mimics sunlight spectrum at different CCT, in the visual region not including UV and IR. Conventional LED light sources have a peak at 450nm, followed by a valley at the peak of the melanopic efficiency curve, around 480nm. This peak at 450nm for conventional LEDs may also produce non-desired effects on eye health. The melanopic stimulus of the 6500K SunLike LEDs match the shape of the melanopic stimulus provided by D65, avoiding potential blue light peak and ethical issues. Human centric lighting solutions go beyond the prevalent visual metrics of photometry colorimetry and conventional lighting design. The SunLike Series natural spectrum LEDs offer better visual appearance and color fidelity (CRI95+), and are specifically designed and engineered to provide more benefits and energy for human health and well-being than any other LED in the marketplace. SunLike Series LEDs are the light source of choice for integrative lighting solutions. Seoul Semiconductors SunLike Series natural spectrum LEDs are the worlds first LEDs to produce light that closely matches the spectrum of natural sunlight. It has also achieved the highest level of eye safety certification from the International Commission on Illumination as an RG-1 level light source with no photo-biological risks. SunLike Series natural spectrum LEDs were co-developed through the combination of Seoul Semiconductors optical semiconductor technology and Toshiba Materials TRI-R technology, which defines its original concept as the light closest to the sun for human well-being. TRI-R technology enables the spectrum of natural sunlight to be reproduced by a white LED light source. TRI-R is a registered trademark of Toshiba Material Co., Ltd. The left figure is how the melanopic stimulus of commercial LEDs increases and the right figure shows the same results by family of LEDs. SunLike LEDs provide more melanopic stimulus than the other LEDs (study under publication). # # # About Dr. Octavio L. Perez Dr. Octavio L. Perez is a passionate professional and scholar who contributes to exploring, developing and bringing to the real world the benefits of light and lighting for human wellbeing and wellness, and ultimately health, integrating in this vision the traditional visual and aesthetical principles of lighting, altogether with energy savings and sustainability values. He works internationally as an independent consultant, focused in human centric lighting (HCL), more precisely affective lighting. He is also an adjunct researcher at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, where he completed his doctoral research with funding from NIH (National Institutes of Health). About Seoul Semiconductor Seoul Semiconductor develops and commercializes LEDs for automotive, general illumination, specialty lighting, and backlighting markets. As the second-largest LED manufacturer globally excluding the captive market, Seoul Semiconductor holds more than 14,000 patents, offers a wide range of technologies, and mass produces innovative LED products such as SunLike delivering the worlds best light quality in a next-generation LED enabling human-centric lighting optimized for circadian rhythms; WICOP a simpler structured package-free LED which provides market leading color uniformity and cost savings at the fixture level, providing high lumen density and design flexibility; NanoDriver Series the worlds smallest 24W DC LED drivers; Acrich, the world's first high-voltage AC-driven LED technology developed in 2005, including all AC LED-related technologies from chip to module and circuit fabrication, and nPola, a new LED product based on GaN-substrate technology that achieves more than ten times the output of conventional LEDs. UCD constitutes a high color gamut display which delivers more than 90% NTSC. For more information, please visit www.seoulsemicon.com/en. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190527005 PR-Inside.com: 2019-05-27 12:20:32 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 419 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Thirlmere Deacon Property Investment Strives to Offer the Best Property Consultancy Services for Investors and Developers in the UKLONDON, ENGLAND / ACCESSWIRE / May 27, 2019 / The founders of Thirlmere Deacon Property Investment, a London property investment company, are pleased to announce the launch of their new and easy-to-navigate website.To check out the new site and learn more about the real estate investment services that Thirlmere Deacon Property Investment offers to clients in the UK, please visit https://tdpropertyinvestment.com/ As a company spokesperson noted, the London team of experts at Thirlmere Deacon Property Investment have one key mission in mind: to offer an unrivalled property investment consultancy service for investors and developers."Our experts specialise across a number of different asset classes and our consultative approach endeavours to explore the best options for you," the spokesperson noted, adding that over 25 years of combined experience and first-hand knowledge of buying, selling and cultivating their own portfolios allows the team at Thirlmere Deacon Property Investments to not only to advise on, but seek out the best possible opportunities at the optimal time.The timing for the launch of the new website could not be better, the spokesperson noted. The UK property market is currently under supplied, with fewer than half of the needed 250,000 new homes being built each year. This has led to an increase in housing prices and rent, as well as a prime opportunity for investors to capitalize on the rising prices as well as the strong UK rental market.In addition to providing information about the services that are available at Thirlmere Deacon Property Investment, the new website also features educational articles about a number of topics related to property investment. For example, the article by Founder and CEO Stuart Williams titled "When Is Buy to Let Property in the UK a Good Investment?" is already creating quite a positive buzz with visitors the site. As the article notes, the answer to this question is "Right now." About Thirlmere Deacon Property Investment:Thirlmere Deacon Property Investment are a London based property investment company specialising in off-plan property investments. With over 20 years experience within the team that has sold over 200 million pounds worth of property assets, clients are getting some of the finest investment advice in the industry. For more information, please visit https://tdpropertyinvestment.com/ Thirlmere Deacon Property InvestmentRegistered Office4th Floor,7/10 Chandos StreetCavendish SquareLondon, EnglandW1G 9DQContact:Alasdair Walkeralasdair@ thirlmeredeacon.com +44 (0) 203 950 8379SOURCE:Thirlmere Deacon Property Investment PR-Inside.com: 2019-05-27 17:36:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 639 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / May 27, 2019 / Tourism is a difference maker for Alberta's economy-standing out as a growth industry, job creator, economic diversifier, and community builder. And it all starts with the businesses and experiences that inspire the world to visit Alberta, and Albertans to explore the adventures and hidden gems at their doorstep.Experiential travel is more than a catchphrase. Today's travellers prioritize authentic experiences. They want to do more than just observe. They want to be actively involved in transformational experiences they can't find anywhere else and connect with locals to learn more about the destinations they are visiting."Alberta is open for business, and that includes tourism. Our government knows that a strong tourism industry creates jobs and economic growth in Alberta. Together with our industry partners, we will develop a 10-year tourism strategy to bring more travellers, jobs and investment back to our province. We want to continue to develop unique Alberta experiences for people from all over the world to discover," said Economic Development, Trade and Tourism Minister Tanya Fir."Alberta's experiences are as much about Albertans as they are about the travellers who enjoy them. Our pride of place shines through-from the tourism operators and hard-working Albertans who deliver a multitude of 'goose bump' moments, to residents and communities that know we have something special going on here," said Travel Alberta CEO, Royce Chwin.Fully 75 per cent of the $8.5 billion generated annually by provincial tourism is thanks to Albertans enjoying 'staycations' in their home province.The ongoing development of new tourism products is critical to the growth of Alberta's visitor economy, making it a key focus for the Government of Alberta.At Travel Alberta, a team of experience development managers works with industry partners around the province to support the enhancement and development of new tourism experiences that can accommodate international demand. The Travel Alberta team also provides innovative tools, educational opportunities, marketing expertise and co-operative funding to help Alberta tourism businesses promote their experience offerings. Some areas of focus include Indigenous, culinary, rural and inclusive tourism. Explorewhat's new in all regions of the province!AboutTourism Week and Alberta's tourism industryTourism Week is a national grassroots initiative that brings attention to the economic opportunities available through travel and tourism.Tourism is one of the key industries in Alberta, with clear economic and social benefits:$8.5 billion to the economy35 million visits19,000 businesses127,000 jobs$9.3 billion to Alberta's GDP$4.1 billion in tax revenue**Sources:2016 Statistics Canada Travel Survey, Travel Survey of Residents of CanadaAlberta Government 2016 (2015 tax information)About TravelAlbertaTravel Alberta is the destination promotion organization of Alberta. We showcase Alberta tourism experiences to potential travellers in Canada and internationally. Travel Alberta provides marketing expertise and support to Alberta-based tourism businesses, marketing the compelling reasons for travellers to explore Alberta.Established as a crown corporation in 2009, Travel Alberta is mandated to promote the province as a top tourism destination and support the Government of Alberta in the development of tourism policy, advocacy, research, visitor services and product development.@TravelAlbertaCoTravel Alberta on LinkedIn-30-Formore information, please contact:Deborah SpenceManager, Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Travel AlbertaE: deborah.spence@travelalberta.com C: 403-616-9752Photo: Travel Alberta/Colin WayVisitors on a medicine walk, learning about plant medicine with an Indigenous guide from Mahikan Trails near Canmore, AlbertaPhoto: Travel Alberta/Colin WayVisitors learning about the small batch distillery process at Krang Spirits in Cochrane, AlbertaPhoto: Travel Alberta/Katie GoldieLearning to fly fish with a guide from Alberta Fly Fishing in Crowsnest Pass, AlbertaPhoto: Travel Alberta/John PrinceStargazing tour with Dark Sky Guides in Waterton National Park, AlbertaPhoto: Travel Alberta/Roth & RambergDigging for fossils with a guide in Dinosaur Provincial Park in the Canadian Badlands, Southern AlbertaSOURCE: Travel Alberta PR-Inside.com: 2019-05-27 03:10:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 759 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 GREAT FALLS, VA / ACCESSWIRE / May 26, 2019 / Rick Rahim says there are many parallels between learning to fly and becoming a successful business executive.Rick has been a helicopter pilot for the past 18 years. He has also held a fixed wing license (airplanes) for the past 15 years. Rahim is the President of BusinessVentures.com Learning to fly was always on Rahim's "bucket list" since the age of 7. But in 2003, Rick fulfilled his lifelong dream to become a pilot.Rick did it a little differently than most pilots. Instead of learning to fly airplanes first, and then moving on to helicopters, Rick opted to go straight to helicopter instruction. "I literally purchased my first helicopter and took an instructor with me to go pick it up," he says.Rahim's first lesson began the day he flew his new helicopter home with a flight instructor by his side. Rahim flew full-time with an instructor for five weeks and obtained his rotary wing license.A few years later, wanting the freedom to go faster and farther than helicopters make practical, Rick repeated the process by purchasing his first airplane in Arizona. "I took a close airline pilot friend with me to pick up the airplane, and he helped my fly it back to Virginia." Rahim quickly added on his fixed wing rating so he could fly airplanes as well.According to Rick, there are many parallels between learning to fly and becoming a successful business executive. For starters, "You have to realize that every decision you make in the air can have life-or-death consequences. You can't hot-dog when your life and the life of your passengers depend on your actions." Rick says business leaders would do well to attach the same level of importance to their business decisions.Rahim says it starts with proper preparation. "Student pilots certainly have book work, and must prove their factual knowledge before being able to obtain a pilot's license. You have to have the knowledge in order to be able to do the job," Rick says. The same could be said for business managementAccording to Rahim, when first learning to fly, a student pilot must let go of his ego and be willing to learn from and listen to his flight instructor. "Great managers also must recognize they do not know everything, and should be willing to listen and learn from those with more experience," he says.Finally, after the student pilot proves he has the required book knowledge, and passes an exam, he is ready for his practical test. (Pilots must pass a FAA Check Ride with an FAA Examiner in order to receive a pilot's license.)The practical test from the FAA Examiner is where he must prove beyond a doubt that he possesses the skills to safely pilot an aircraft. Similarly, the finest college degree often may not fully qualify an inexperienced person to be put in charge of a company without practical experience first."Remember, too, that a pilot must demonstrate his abilities with all sorts of emergency handling procedures. Before obtaining a license, a student pilot must demonstrate he is ready for - and capable ofhandling virtually any type of emergency." Rick says all executives would be well advised to inventory their personal emergency handling skills. "Can you keep your business flying when something goes extremely wrong during flight?" Rick asks.Rahim says "Flying has been a pure joy in my life and a source of extreme satisfaction." Rick says he finds flying very peaceful and relaxing. "While there is a lot of responsibility (and even stress) while flying, I enjoy it thoroughly. Because everything else falls away, and all I do is focus on flying."That's the last lesson," according to Rick Rahim. Every executive needs to find some passion that lets him "turn off" business. "Even if only for a few short hours. You have to find something to take your mind off your work every once in a while." For Rahim, it's the freedom of flying.Rick Rahim with his twin-engine Agusta HelicopterAbout Rick Rahim:Rick Rahim is passionate about helicopter flight and has personally flown over 1,000 children free of charge through his volunteer program at FreeHelicopterRides.com . Rick also went viral on YouTube and Facebook a few years ago when he pulled his son's baby tooth out with his actual helicopter.For further information, contact BusinessVentures.com 703-757-8500SOURCE: BusinessVentures.com The stage is set for the launch of a book of essays in honour of frontline journalist, Dapo Olorunyomi, the Publisher of PREMIUM TIMES. The book is set to be unveiled at the Shehu YarAdua Centre, Abuja today. Already, dignitaries and well wishers are trooping in to the venue ahead of the 10 a.m. kick off time. The book, edited by Chido Onumah and Frederick Adetiba, has over 90 contributions from a spectrum of Mr Olorunyomis teachers, colleagues, associates and mentees. Nigerias Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, a long-time associate of Mr Olorunyomi, is expected at the event. Other special guests are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, a former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu; and veteran journalist and politician, Chris Anyanwu. The Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, will deliver the keynote address while the publisher of Daily Trust, Kabiru Yusuf, will chair the occasion. PREMIUM TIMES is present to provide live updates of the event. Ushers getting set for the book launch Delivering the opening address, Co-author, Chido Onoumah, praised Mr Olorunyomi for his role during the military era and currently with PREMIUM TIMES. 10:56 am Chido Onumah, giving an opening remark. Our aim of coming together today is to celebrate courage, integrity and finest tradition of investigative journalism, co-author, Chido Onoumah. He said the idea of publishing the book was conceived in November 2017 during Mr Olorunyomis 60th birthday. He was aware until some few weeks ago, he added. Guests getting sitted for the commencement of the book of essays in honour of frontline journalist, Dapo Olorunpomi, publisher of Premium Times. The Ekiti state governor, Kayode Fayemi sitted for the event. 10:48 Guests getting acquainted as they await the commencement of the days event inside the Musa Yaradua Centre The event kicked off at 10. 45 am. Among dignitaries present are; Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, Senators Ajayi Borrofice, Barau Jibrin, Sani Abdullahi. Representing the Vice President is Senator Babafemi Ojudu. Also present are; former EFCC chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, Chidi Odinkalu, Prof. Ropo Sekoni among others. The chairman of the occasion, Kabiru Yusuf, Publisher of Daily Trust, is delivering his remarks. He said each of the essays are well written and reveals different shades of his life. I found the most interesting part of the book to be the ones written by younger ones who Dapo has mentored, he said. Kano born publisher of Daily Trust, Kabiru Yusuf, the chairman of the occasion giving an opening address. He traced the times both worked together during the military era. One of the genius of Dapo is his refusal to be held prisoner by the ticking clock. EKiti state governor, Kayode Fayemi exchanging pleasantries with one of the guests. A side elevation of dignitaries at the event. A side elevation of dignitaries at the event. Dignitaries at the book launch Dapo Olorunyomi, Publisher at Premium Times Dapo Olorunyomi, Publisher of Premium Times Newspaper Mr Yusuf of Daily Trust, takes his seat after his address. Dapo Olorunyomi, Publisher at Premium Times Dignitaries at the book launch In his keynote address, Ekiti State government, Kayode Fayemi, described Mr Olorunyomi as both destroyer and builder. A builder of democratic and social change and destroyer of hegemony. He traced the role of Mr Olorunyomi in the establishment in the transport of equipment of Radio Freedom, an opposition radio transmitter, in the mid 90s. Advertisements Dapsy risked not only his freedom but his life to ensure that Nigeria became a democratic state. EKiti state governor, Kayode Fayemi EKiti state governor, Kayode Fayemi EKiti state governor, Kayode Fayemi He praised Mr Olorunyomi for his pivotal role in transforming his role in the military era to present day contemporary media. Mr Fayemi traced the role of the Nigerian media in pre-independence era while noting that the pace waned immediately after self rule. He noted that The Guardian and Newswatch revived the spirit in the second republic. This was fortified with the coming of Mr Olorunyomi and others, he said. One thing that happened in Dapos time is that they threw away the caution and exhibited fearlessness. The media in the 1990s became democratic activists. He said the media provided all the necessary ingredients for the return to civilian rule in 1999. Mr Fayemi questioned why the media is less effective in the current democratic rule compared to its fierce reporting in the military era. He said the media needs to help produce informed citizens. The quality of interviews in the media have sadly declined, he said. He noted that the media has greater role to play in the current era of fake news. The governor bemoaned Nigerias inability to produce a female governor at a time three African countries have female presidents. Few intellectuals can claim to rival Dapo Olorunyomi in intellect and courage, Mr Fayemi 11: 50 a.m. Review of Book of essays Testimony to Courage!!! Chidi Odinkalu, human rights activist and lawyer takes the stage. Mr Odinkalu, a former Chairman of Nigerias National Human Rights Commission is the reviewer of the book edited by Chido Onumah and Frederick Adetiba, and has over 90 contributions from a spectrum of Mr Olorunyomis teachers, colleagues, associates and mentees. The professor and writer start by saying the book in review acknowledged that Mr Olorunyomi is student union activist. He said even though today is Childrens day, the celebrant was born an adult. He singled out the editors and authors of the book for praise. He said with this book, the name Dapsy has now been concreted. He gives a breakdown of how the essays were collected. The book of essays was conceived after Mr. Olorunyomis 60th birthday in November 2017. Contributors to the volume include renowned academics, media executives, journalists, activists and politicians who offered insights into Mr Olorunyomis patriotism, courage, brilliance and acts of generosity through different phases of his life. Among the contributors are Bola Tinubu, Nuhu Ribadu, Rauf Aregbesola, Biodun Jeyifo, Ropo Sekoni, Umaru Pate, Lai Oso, Femi Falana. Chidi Odinkalu reviewing the book Mr Odinkalu said the book has 93 essays and were collected to reflect three different phases of Mr Olorunyomis life. The essays were collected from a journalistic point of view, political foray and also from his mentees. He said contributions came from Nigerian men, women, Northerners and Southerners, Muslims, Christians and traditional worshippers and a few atheists. The professor said the book reflects the true diversity of Nigeria as no part of the country was left behind in the contribution of essays. He said one of the phenomenal aspects of the book is in the design of the theme. Tracing the roots of the celebrant, the human right activist gave a breakdown of the biography of Dapsy. Combining contributions from different authors you can easily see a biographical sketch. He said Mr Olorunyomis name was sent via telegram by his father. He did six primary schools in six years and have lived everywhere in the country. The remarkable thing highlighted by almost all the authors is that they linked Dapsys outstanding humanity. Mr Odinkalu highlights essays from various contributors. He traces the relations between Mr Olorunyomi and Nuhu Ribadu. He advised the audience to read the 405 pages Mr Odiahss essay which he described as apt. He said essays from other colleagues of the celebrant such as Musikulu Mojeed should be included in the next edition of the book of essays. Beyond pouring encomiums on Mr Olorunyomis achievements over the years, Mr Odinkalu described the book as a phenomenal contribution to Nigerias political history and civic activism. He said testimony to courage should motivate Nigerians to celebrate people who have inestimable passion for humanity just as Mr Olorunyomi. He ends his oratory filled review with a thunderous round of applauds. Mr Odinkalu is currently the senior team manager for the Africa Program of Open Society Justice Initiative(OSJI). In her short remark, Senator Chris Anyanwu described the book as so engaging and so rich. She thanked the initiators for their courage in celebrating Mr Olorunyomi while still alive. Chris Anyanwu, a former senator making a remark. She noted that Mr Olorunyomi deserves a national honour. She praised him for his investment in the future generation of investigative journalism. The time for wake up for young journalists is now. Dapo has done his part. Its your turn now, she charged. Olusegun Adekunle, representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha said the book documents the life of a great man. He noted that the principle of generosity, humanity and courage sets Mr Olorunyomi apart. Sunday Dare takes the stage for a remark on behalf of former Lagos Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. What will Dapsys life be without courage which we are here to celebrate? He said he will be making a presentation for Mr Tinubu and for himself because I also benefitted from the illustrious life of Dapsy. Sunday Dare Mr Dare describes Dapsy as his mentee. He said according to Tinubu, Mr Olorunyomi reminds us of our past struggles as he blends nostalgia with the pains and of the struggle for better Nigeria. Through his works, we sent the military packing and entrenched democracy. He went ahead to read out Mr Tinubus essays and contribution in the book. Senator Babafemi Ojudu, representative of the Vice President, Osinbajo currently giving his remark. He described Mr Olorunyomi as a very good friend of Dapo. Dapo will ensure that everyone thats is yet to be spoken to as subject in a story is spoken to before he publish. I didnt even know he would live up to 60, because he lived so dangerously. He rendered memories the times they worked together. Appreciation by Dapo Olorunyomi Dapo Olorunyomi, the celebrant appreciates the organizers and attendees of the event. He, however, described the remarks by various speakers as hyperbolic, saying he could have achieved anything without his friends, families and colleagues. it is a great exaggeration about me all these things said here today. All I have done is really about the team I work with. I only contribute a little to the work. Truly my team are those truly those that deserve to be celebrated. Mr Olorunyomi thanked various contributors to the essay and the attendees. He urged Nigerian parliamentarians to help in building a strong and accountable media. The celebrant ends his remarks with a standing ovation from the crowd. 2:09 a.m Event ends. An Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has discharged and acquitted former President Goodluck Jonathans cousin, Robert Azibaola, of $40 million laundering charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Delivering judgement on Monday, the judge, Nnamdi Dimgba, held that no credible evidence was adduced to establish the offence of money laundering against Mr Azibaola. He added that the prosecutor should have produced former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki as a witness. Mr Dasuki is in the custody of the State Security Service. He noted the following: That the prosecutor failed to provide witness from the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA). That the EFCC and the prosecutor cried more than the bereaved. That the prosecutor has not been able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the 2-count charge against the defendant. The defendant is hereby discharged and acquainted and not guilty, the judge ruled. The EFCC had in 2016 filed a seven-count charge against Mr Azibaola, his wife, Stella, and their company, saying that they received $40 million worth of illicit contract from Mr Dasuki. They were arraigned on June 7, 2016, and were admitted to bail in the sum of N500 million each. They were re-arraigned on April 27, 2017, on a nine-count amended charge. In the cause of the trial, the prosecution called 10 witnesses and tendered 27 documented evidence against the three parties and closed its case. Subsequently, Mr Azibaola and One Plus company were ordered to open their defence on the remaining two counts, as Stellas name was struck off the charge sheet. He denied diverting money to his personal use. On February 6, 2019, his defence team led by Chris Uche, closed its defence after calling two witnesses, including Mr Azibaola, and presenting several documents. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Monday, presented the Certificate of Return to the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mohammed Mattawale, as governor-elect of Zamfara State. A national commissioner at INEC, Amina Zakari, made the presentation at the commissions headquarters in Abuja on Monday. The development came two days after INEC declared Mr Matawalle the governor-elect in line with a judgment of the Supreme Court on Friday. The apex court voided the participation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 elections in the state. According to the apex court, the APC did not conduct valid primaries ahead of the polls. At the formal presentation, the deputy governor-elect, Mahdi Gusau, three senators-elect and six members-elect of the House of Representatives from the state also received their certificates of return. They are all members of the PDP. PDP candidates have also been declared winners of the majority of the seats in the Zamfara assembly elections. The state legislators-elect will, however, get their certificates at the Zamfara INEC office. Mr Matawalle came second in the March 2 governorship election in the state, behind the candidate of the APC. He polled 189,452 to emerge second in the governorship election. He has now been declared the winner based on the Supreme Court ruling which invalidated all APC votes. In his remarks, the Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, urged political parties to adhere strictly to internal democracy, particularly the conduct of party primaries. It is therefore important to continue to emphasise to our political parties their obligation to conduct credible primaries for the nomination of candidates. Mr Yakubu said. He reminded political parties of the coming November 16 governorship election to be held in Bayelsa and Kogi states. Let us make the two elections shining examples of internal democracy by the way the political parties conduct their primary elections. This will no doubt have a positive impact on the conduct of the proper elections, he added. Matawalle Speaks In his remarks, the governor-elect thanked the commission for obeying the court order. He asked the people of Zamfara State to see the verdict as the will of God. He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for not interfering in the judicial process irrespective of the fact that his political party was more or less the loser of this election. Mr Mattawale promised to run an all-inclusive government in the state. He also asked the people for their cooperation in the interest of the state. A man who accused the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, of fraud has been remanded in prison after he said Mr Emefiele should not be given another term. The accuser, George Uboh, who heads the nongovernmental George Uboh Whistleblowers Network, was remanded on May 23 in Suleja prison following a defamation suit filed by Mr Emefiele. Mr Uboh was arrested as he was leaving the court after being granted bail in another matter last week, his lawyer, JohnMary Jideobi, said. Background Mr Uboh was the first to file a suit against Mr Emefiele at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the federal governments plans to extend the appointment of Mr Emiefele. Mr Uboh, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/419/2019, wanted the court to stop the re-appointment. Despite an exparte order, Mr Emiefiele was yet to answer the pending case when the Senate confirmed him for a second term in office. In the suit brought before the Federal High Court, Abuja division, Mr Uboh said the federal government could not ask the Senate to confirm Mr Emiefeles reappointment when a matter challenging his stewardship at the Central Bank before the court had not been decided. According to copies of the suit seen by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Uboh accused the CBN governor of conniving with the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to defraud Nigerians. In an affidavit deposed to by Martin Okoye, a lawyer at the chambers of Mr Jideobi, the applicant said Mr Emefiele connived with the NNPC to divert $24 million from funds which accrued to Nigeria through the sale of petroleum products in the country. In January, 2016, NNPC issued an instruction to the CBN; headed by the Defendant to transfer $162, 064, 237.46 to CBN/JV Cash Call Account 001-1-658-366 with JP Morgan and Debit CBN/NNPC Crude Oil Revenue Domiciliary Account No. 400941775. That a closer scrutiny of Exhibit GUWN 8 and Exhibit GUWN 9 clearly shows that while revenue from gas may have been correctly stated, that of crude oil was understated to the tune of Twenty Four Million United States Dollars [$24, 000, 000.00]. That the instruction of the NNPC directing the CBN to remit $162, 064, 237.46 instead of the $186, 327, 246.02 it generated clearly reveals the collusion of the Defendant with the NNPC to rip the Treasury of the Federal Government and the FAAC of $24, 263, 008.56. Now shown to me and marked as Exhibit SUIT 1. The applicant also said Mr Emiefele diverted over $760 million from foreign exchange earnings. In 2017, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) confirmed to have sold forex to Bureau De Change (BDCs) at four (4) different locations across the Federation, namely Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Awka. The Apex Bank further confirmed that a total sum of Four Billion, One Hundred and Fifty Nine Million, Nine Hundred and Sixteen Thousand United States Dollars [$4, 159, 916, 000.00] were sold to the BSCs in 2017. That despite the Apex Bank selling forex to the BDCs at the rates of N360.00 to N381.00 per Dollar in 2017, it never declared more than N304-N305 per dollar. This occasioned a huge loss of over N232 billion (which is an equivalent of $760 million) to the Federal Governments Treasury from the forex sales of BDCs alone, representing exchange gains which should have been disclosed to the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee [FAAC]. With the pending suit filed against him, which he was yet to respond to, Mr Emefiele ensured Mr Ubohs arrest and prosecution. Mr Uboh was arrested by operatives of the Police Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID). Gunmen on Sunday at Gbarantoru community in Yenagoa, abducted the wife of a lecturer at the Niger Delta University (NDU). Sources in the community told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the incident occurred early on Sunday and that the gunmen fired sporadic shots to announce their arrival. The gunmen reportedly entered the community through River Nun in a speedboat and headed to the residence of the lecturer, identified simply as Dr Charles. A resident, who pleaded not to be named for fear of being targeted, said that the gunmen missed their target, who escaped, prompting them to whisk away his wife, whom they took away in their boat. The resident said that youth of the community mobilised to the scene of crime few minutes after the shooting only to see the lecturer emerging from where he was hiding. The spokesman for the Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, confirmed that the command was aware of the incident and was on the trail of the abductors. Yes, I heard of the incident and the police have commenced investigation with a view to apprehending the perpetrators and rescuing the victim, said Mr Butswat. (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on well-meaning Nigerians to caution the federal government to honour its agreement with the union to forestall further industrial crisis in the nations tertiary education sector. The unions President, Biodun Ogunyemi, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos. Recall that the unions National Executive Committee (NEC) had at the end of its meeting at the Federal University of Technical Akure (FUTA) in Ondo, on November 4, 2018, declared a total, comprehensive and indefinite nationwide strike. The strike was however suspended on February 7, after series of negotiations between the parties and other concerned stakeholders. But Mr Ogunyemi told NAN on Sunday that government has not kept faith with our MOA (memorandum of agreement) signed on February 7. What government ought to have done, they do not want to do any more. They have literally gone to sleep. For instance they had promised before the suspension of the strike, to set up visitation panel to our universities within two weeks and three months after government has not done anything in that regard. At least not to my knowledge that they had put any panel in place nor inaugurate any. By February 28 of this year, government had promised to pay the union, N25 billion part payment of outstanding arrears of the EARN academic allowances. Our renegotiation with Dr Wale Babalakin had promised to put us in a more cordial path with fair guidelines when we cone back to the renegotiation table but now, there seem to be no change of attitude on the side of government. According to him, the union has a timeframe attached to every action, hence the current call for caution on the part of government. He explained that government had told the union that the funds had been approved, but there was a huge difference between approval of such funds and its implementation. He said that three months after the said approval, the funds were yet to get to the union. Our members have begun to express doubts about governments promise to fulfill its pledge faithfully. And when this pressure begins to mount there is nothing the leadership can do because leadership must hearken to the voice of followers. The point is that we are not keen about disrupting the academic calendar. What we are doing is to express our worries and carry the public along. So, Nigerians must come out now and speak to government concerning all these things raised to maintain the current precarious industrial stability on our campuses he said. He said though the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, had assured the union that the payment would soon be done, time was of essence to his members nationwide. (NAN) The National Industrial Court on Monday fixed July 1 to hear a suit filed by a staff of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd. (CCECC), Godspower Ntaka, for N100 million in damages. The payment for damages are for emotional trauma, psychological anxiety, mental stress, arising from his ordeal at the hands of armed robbers during an official duty. Justice Olufunke Anuwe fixed the date after taking the applications of both counsel. The claimants counsel, Reuben Ejeh, informed the court that they had two pending applications and subject to courts convenience were ready to proceed. The applications, which sought to amend Statement of Facts and to file additional Witness Statements on Oath were not opposed to by the defence counsel, Oyegbami Ahmed. Mr Ahmed on his part equally made an oral application for leave of court to deem their amended Statement of Defence filed, as properly filed. Mr Ejeh, in response, did not object to the application of the defence counsel. Justice Olufunke Anuwe, granted the applications of both counsel as prayed. She thereafter adjourned the matter until July 1, for hearing. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the claimant (Nkata), in his statement of facts filed on March 27, stated that he was attacked by armed robbers on August 25, 2012 while on an official errand as a security supervisor. He said he was in company of two other workers, Emeka Amadi, the companys chief security officer, and Bennett Kalu, a driver in the company. He said Mr Kalu was discovered to have been killed by the robbers after he (claimant) and Mr Amadi reported to the police and in company of the police returned to the scene of the robbery. The claimant said thereupon, the police took him and Mr Amadi to the Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) where he was detained from August 29, 2012 until October 11, 2012. He said that it took the services of a private lawyer who filed for the enforcement of his fundamental right at an FCT High Court before he was released from SARS. The claimant said he was then charged to court and was in prison custody from May 2013 until September 2018 when he was discharged and acquitted. He averred that his ordeal was a result of an official errand he was sent to do by the company and that the company abandoned him. The company, he said, stopped his salary while in prison custody and took no steps either to defend him or offer any succour. He said after his discharge and acquittal, the company has not taken any step to rehabilitate him and pay compensation. He therefore seeks the courts declaration that he was still a staff of the company and entitled to all the rights, privileges and benefits due to him by reason of his employment. The claimant is equally seeking for the order of the court to direct the company to pay all his outstanding salaries, benefits and entitlement since 2014. In addition, he is asking for the sum of N100 million as damages for the abandonment emotional trauma and psychological anxiety, discriminatory treatment, loss of opportunity to further his education, inconvenience and hardship among others. (NAN) The trial of Esar Dangabar and six others in the alleged N14 billion police pension scam again was stalled at an FCT High Court, following his ill health. Mr Dangabar is among seven persons standing trial before Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf. Others charged along with him are Ahmed Wada, Atiku Kigo, Veronica Onyegbulam, Sani Zira, Uzoma Attang and Christian Madubuike. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) dragged them to court for their alleged roles in the alleged N14 billion police pension fund. Mr Baba-Yusuf on May 21 adjourned until May 27 (today) after Adegboyega Awomolo, counsel to Mr Dangabar, drew the attention of the court to the fact that his client, who was standing in the dock, was ill. Mr Dangabar, who was represented by Olajide Kumuyi, a counsel from Mr Awomolos Chambers, informed the court that his client was still indisposed and urged the court to grant a further adjournment. Consequently, Justice Baba-Yusuf adjourned until June 20 after other counsel did not oppose. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on May 21, the fourth prosecution witness (PW4), Mustapha Gandaya, had commenced giving evidence when Mr Dangabar showed signs of discomfort. Mr Awomolo then sought the courts permission to allow Mr Dangabar, who is the first defendant in the case, to exit the courtroom for him to lay down, while he (Awomolo) would hold forth for him. Reacting, the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, raised concerns on this, saying that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) does not make provision for such. In view of the situation, Mr Awomolo applied for an adjournment. Mr Awomolo said that but for the fact that there was no provision for such in the ACJA, but which did not prohibit it either, he was praying for an adjournment. The counsel for other defendants did not object to the application for adjournment made by Mr Awomolo. (NAN) The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned a former Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Bature Masari, over alleged N107.7 million money laundering. According to a statement signed by the commissions spokesperson, Tony Orilade, on Monday, Mr Masari was charged before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on an amended 22-count charge. The agency also said the offence is contrary to section 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2012 as amended. Mr Masari was earlier arraigned on April 10, on a 17-count charge before the same judge. He was later granted bail in the sum of N30 million by Mr Abang. According to one of the charges, Mr Masari was accused of committing the crime on November 27, 2014. He was also accused of transferring N9 million to Benjamin Aboho from his Diamond Bank account from the N50 million he received from Hamshakin Ventures LTD as a graft. Court session According to the statement, Mr Masari pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, the counsel for the EFCC, E.E. Iheanacho, asked the court for a trial date in order to enable the prosecution prove its case against the defendant. The defence counsel, Paul Okoye, appealed to the court to allow the defendant continue with the bail earlier granted by the court. Subsequently, the prosecution presented its first witness, Mariam Ahmed, a staffer of Guarantee Trust Bank, Garki, Abuja. While being led in evidence by Iheanacho, Mrs Ahmed, who works as a Relationship Manager, testified how the EFCC requested for some documents from the bank. Mrs Ahmed reportedly said: In June 2018, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission wrote to us asking us for the account statement, as well as a certificate of identification. These documents were sent to the EFCC. We attached the covering letter and certificate of operation. The defence reportedly raised no objections as the prosecution tendered the documents against the defendant. The statement said the witnesses narrated how the defendant withdrew and received money through his account. There was a credit entry of N3 million from KIKE ENGINEERING SERVICES, there was the debit entry of N1 million made in favour of Aboho Benjamin. There was a credit of N10 million from SABITY NIGERIA LTD, Mrs Ahmed explained. The prosecution also asked the witness to tell the court the nature of a transaction on June 6, 2014. Mrs Ahmed said, there were about three transactions on that day: the credit of N500,000 paid to Bature Bashir Tanimu, N2 million was paid in by Rahusa Venture LTD and N500,000 paid in by Bashir Bature Gambo Tanimu. The witness was also cross-examined by the defence counsel. Justice Abang then adjourned the trial to June 7. Two Nigerian teenagers reportedly became pregnant for men whom they had sex with just so they could buy sanitary pad for them. The incident happened in Akwa Ibom, Nigerias South-South, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. And the teenagers are said to be from poor families. A campaigner against teenage pregnancy revealed this at a roundtable on child development hosted by PREMIUM TIMES in Uyo to mark the 2019 Childrens Day. We have two of our teen mothers, between the age of 16 and 19, who got pregnant because they could not afford sanitary pad, so they slept with men who promised to buy them the pad, Sifon Udo, who runs an NGO, Smartsmothers Foundation, said at the roundtable. Ms Udo attributed the girls predicament to poverty. Theres another (teenager) who slept with a man because of sweet and got pregnant! she said. She is getting to 17, she was 15 when she got pregnant. Some brand of sanitary pad could go for as low as N250 in Nigeria. But some girls, especially in the countrys poor rural communities, lack the money to buy them, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. They (the girls) have given birth, Ms Udo said. (But) because they have not been given the right care, even when they give birth they still dont have the right information to pick up their lives and move on, and so they run into multiple pregnancies. We have a case of a 19-year-old who has two children already and she is pregnant with the third one. Ms Udo said teenage pregnancy was on the increase in Akwa Ibom rural communities. The key factor here is poverty, but there are cases of abuses, and parental neglects. We have a case of a teen mother, she was raped by an uncle who stayed close to them. She wanted to tell her parents about it, but they didnt want to listen to her. They chased her out of the house. Another factor is, when these girls see how their friends are living big, they also want to be like them. They go for what they cannot afford and as a result give themselves out freely to men, Ms Udo said. Smartsmothers Foundation, she said, runs a network in Akwa Ibom where they make effort to rehabilitate teenage mothers through reorientation and skill acquisition. Ms Udo said there was not much her organisation could do about the men who get teenage girls pregnant. The challenge we have is that most times before these girls come in, it is already too late. Most of them dont even know how to locate those who got them pregnant, she said. These stories are real. Most of the men who get these girls pregnant are the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who probably leave the area after their service year. Others are just regular men on the streets. In Obio Akpa, a developing community where you have a campus of the Akwa Ibom State University, young girls make it a competition to get pregnant if I am your friend and I get pregnant, you are no more in my clique. I make you feel like you are no more in my class, I now have a kid, so I have many responsibilities. Its like, look I have more money than you. This thing is a cycle, a teen mom will probably have her own female child take after her and also get pregnant the same way, she said. Other participants at the roundtable were Uduak Ekong, the chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Akwa Ibom, and Imaobong Akpan, a blogger. The participants talked on obstacles against child development in Nigeria, such as child labour, lack of education, labelling of children as witches, lack of mentoring, and poor implementation of child rights law. Advertisements People have linked such (witchcraft) accusation to poverty, and it is usually in households where they are going through some tough phases either the father is having hard luck, maybe he just lost a job, the mother is barely struggling to manage the little that is available and suddenly this child that is obviously malnourished becomes the focus of attention. And someone would just give a hint have you looked at this child? And then the next thing, the child is thrown out from the home, as we have heard and read in the past, Mrs Ekong said, in her contribution at the roundtable. I have never come across a story where a son or a daughter of one big politician is labelled a witch, she added. A participant, Ms Akpan, said it could be difficult to bring to justice, pastors who tell parents that their children are witches. Its a very dicey one because the parents or guardians who take these children to the pastors would hardly give information that could incriminate these pastors or prophets. You may not have sufficient evidence, except it was captured in a video. Most deliverance services in these churches are often private sessions between the pastors, parents, and the child involved. If we have some people caught and then punished for it, maybe others would sit up. I think society is defined by the level of exposure of its members. In Akwa Ibom, people watch a lot of Nollywood movies that tend to paint a picture of witches, and those pictures formed our perception generally witches are supposed to look like old women, maybe, with bad teeth, going by pictures from Nollywood. Witches are supposed to look like children who are malnourished. Politicians children are not malnourished, so they dont fit into the picture of a witch. A child in the village without proper nutrition fits perfectly into that picture, she said. PREMIUM TIMES spoke with Charles Udoh, the commissioner for information in Akwa Ibom, on the continuous branding of children as witches in the state, he said he is not aware of such case since Udom Emmanuel became governor about four years ago. To be honest with you, I havent heard of it, I havent encountered it (children being branded as witches and then pushed into the street) since I came here, Mr Udoh said. Mr Udoh, however, admitted seeing street children in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital. He said the state government was planning to rid the streets of Uyo and other cities of destitute. If you look at it, before this administration came into power, there was so much noise about child molestation in Akwa Ibom, but the level of noise has reduced drastically. The government is very passionate about making sure the rights of children in the state is upheld, the commissioner said while responding to a question on how effective the child rights law has been in the state. The government is also sustaining the free education programme and payment of WAEC fees to students in the state, he said. President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met behind closed doors with members of the Northern Governors Forum at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Speaking to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Governor Aminu Masari said that the governors were in the villa to seek presidential intervention in addressing the menace of Boko Haram in the Northeast, banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest and the Northcentral regions. He added that the governors briefed the president on their concerns about intractable security challenges in their respective states. The issue that brought us to the president is about the rising insecurity in the North-west, North-central and North-east. North-east is known for Boko Haram insurgency but of recent what was known to be cattle rustling in Northwest and some parts of Northcentral has turned out to be something different from what we had before. So, this concern made us to come and brief the president so that urgent action would be taken in order to curb this deadly menace of banditry which is gradually graduating into insurgency. You know the North-west with a vast forest area going to North-central and then even going out of Nigeria. So, we need to act quickly and decisively so that it doesnt turn into something else like what we had in the northeast, he said. He said the governors offered suggestions on how to tackle the problems, and that Mr Buhari gave his word and commitment that something will be done by the federal government to assist the states check them. Mr Masari, however, declined to give the specific suggestions the governors offered as well as what the president pledged to do, saying that the details are not for public consumption yet. On the fate of the District head of Daura, Musa Umar, who was abducted 26 days ago, he said: I think the police are working serious and they have made some progress. But for obvious reasons, they cannot disclose all what they have done for security reasons but work is going on. (NAN) A Federal High Court in Minna on Monday ordered the Commissioner of Police in Niger to appear before it and offer explanation over his failure to execute the bench warrant issued for the arrest of former Governor Babangida Aliyu and Umar Nasko. Justice Aminu Aliyu ordered the commissioner of police to appear with the two defendants on June 13, unfailingly. NAN reports that Messrs Aliyu and Nasko were due to appear in court on May 23 for re-arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, over alleged N1.9 billion fraud but failed to show up, prompting Justice Aliyu to issue a bench warrant against them. Ex-Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger state When the matter came up on Monday, Messrs Aliyu and Nasko were once again absent, with only counsel to the former governor, Olajide Ayodele, present in court. Mr Ayodele, however, said he would undertake to ensure his client is informed of the next adjourned date. On his part, the prosecution counsel, Olumuyiwa Akinboro, expressed surprise at the defendants absence without any cogent reason. The case was adjourned until June 13. (NAN) It was a great time to relive old memories on Monday when family, friends, and associates of Dapo Olorunyomi, the publisher of PREMIUM TIMES, gathered in Abuja to honour him. The occasion was the launch of a book of essays titled Testimony to Courage in honour of the journalist and activist. The book, edited by Chido Onumah and Frederick Adetiba, has over 90 contributions from a spectrum of Mr Olorunyomis teachers, colleagues, associates and mentees. Among the contributors were former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu and former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola. Others were four professors, Biodun Jeyifo, Ropo Sekoni, Umaru Pate, Lai Oso, and frontline activist, Femi Falana. A co-author of the book, Chido Onumah, set the ball rolling at the well-attended event. He said the book was conceived in November 2017 during Mr Olorunyomis 60th birthday. He said the subject (Mr Olorunyomi) did not know about it until some few weeks ago. Our aim of coming together today is to celebrate courage, integrity and the finest tradition of investigative journalism, Mr Onumah added. Encomiums In his keynote address, the Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, described Mr Olorunyomi as both a destroyer and a builder- a builder of democratic and social change; and a destroyer of hegemony. He recounted the role Mr Olorunyomi played in the establishment and transportation of equipment of Radio Freedom, an opposition radio station, in the mid-90s during the Sani Abacha military dictatorship. The governor praised Mr Olorunyomi for his pivotal role in the transformation of Nigeria from military dictatorship to representative democracy. Dapsy risked not only his freedom but his life to ensure that Nigeria became a democratic state,Mr Fayemi said. One thing that happened in Dapos time is that they threw away the caution and exhibited fearlessness. Few intellectuals can claim to rival Dapo Olorunyomi in intellect and courage. Reviewing the book, human rights activist, Chidi Odinkalu, said the name Dapsy has now been concreted. He noted that contributors to the volume include renowned academics, media executives, journalists, activists and politicians who offered insights into Mr Olorunyomis patriotism, courage, brilliance and acts of generosity through different phases of his life. The remarkable thing highlighted by almost all the authors is that they like Dapsys outstanding humanity, he added. Shortly before Mr Odinkalus review was the opening remark by the chairman of the occasion, Kabiru Yusuf, publisher of Daily Trust newspapers. He praised Mr Olorunyomi for his dynamism and penchant for mentorship. In her remark, a former senator, Chris Anyanwu, said Mr Olorunyomi deserves a national honour for his role in the entrenchment of democratic government in Africas most populous country. For Olusegun Adekunle, a permanent secretary who represented the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Mr Olorunyomis generosity, humanity and courage set him apart. Osinbajo, Tinubu pays tribute After Mr Adekunle, Sunday Dare took the stage as the representative of former Lagos Governor, Bola Tinubu. He read one of the eulogies Mr Tinubu penned for the PREMIUM TIMES publisher. It said Mr Olorunyomi reminds us of our past struggles as he blends nostalgia with the pains and of the struggle for better Nigeria. Through his works, we sent the military packing and entrenched democracy. Babafemi Ojudu, representative of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described Mr Olorunyomi as a very good friend of the vice president. Advertisements He said the vice president could not make it to the event because of other pressing assignments. Dapo will ensure that every one that is yet to be spoken to as a subject in a story is spoken to before he publishes. I didnt even know he would live up to 60, because he lived so dangerously, he said to the excitement of the audience. Mr Olorunyomis appreciation In his remark, Mr Olorunyomi thanked the essayists, organisers and attendees of the event. He, however, described the remarks by various speakers as hyperbolic, saying he could not have achieved anything without his friends, families and colleagues. It is a great exaggeration about me all these things said here today. All I have done is really about the team I work with. I only contribute a little to the work. Truly my team are those that deserve to be celebrated, he said. He also urged Nigerian parliamentarians to help in building a strong and accountable media. Mr Olorunyomi was a co-founder of The News magazine which carried out guerilla journalism during the Sani Abacha dictatorship. He and his wife, Ladi, were arrested by the dictator and had to flee the country. While on exile, he continued to be involved in media advocacy, working with different organisations. He returned to the country to work as chief of staff to the pioneer chairman of the anti-corruption agency, EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu. Mr Olorunyomi was a founding member of the now rested Next Newspapers where he worked as the head of the investigations team. After Next Newspaper was rested, he co-founded PREMIUM TIMES alongside the newspapers Editor-In-Chief, Musikilu Mojeed. President Muhammadu Buharis wife, Aisha, has fiercely criticised the social investment programmes (SIP) of the administration, saying there was little evidence to show that a good chunk of its budget was judiciously utilised. Ms Buhari said the initiative has failed to reach its intended beneficiaries in at least Adamawa and Kano. Although the programme was designed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who has continued to coordinate its implementation, Mrs Buhari blamed a presidential aide, Maryam Uwais, for its shortcoming. I am sure that my husband decided to put somebody from Kano because of the population and political impact it made, Mrs Buhari was reported as saying during a State House function with women last weekend. She said she learnt from other administration officials that 30,000 women in Adamawa would receive N10,000 each, but only a few people have benefitted despite the programme being in its third year. Mrs Buhari said she had long been uncomfortable with the programmes implementation, but she had been reluctant to speak up about it for fear of being labelled a talkative. But when she made findings, she discovered that key aspects of the programme were not properly implemented in Adamawa and Kano, she said. Recently, I saw a 74-year-old man selling petty things in Kano. I asked him how much is his capital. He told me between N3,000 and N4,000. Do not forget that we have campaigned to give the poorest of the poor N5,000 every month. So I dont know where the social investment..maybe it worked out in some states. In my own state, only a local government benefited out of the 22. I did not ask what happened and I do not want to know but for it to fail woefully in Kano, it is not a good sign and it is not a good thing, Mrs Buhari said. She also criticised governments claim that $16 million and N12 billion had been spent on mosquito nets and trauma equipment, respectively. She asked women in the audience to hold public officials accountable for their handling of developmental funds. Insufficient knowledge The scheme was launched by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in 2016 as a palliative for poverty and unemployment. At least four programmes, N-Power, microcredit, conditional cash transfer and home-grown school feeding, have been launched under the policy. Mrs Uwais was appointed in January 2016 as a special adviser for social protection policy of the government. She has worked closely with Mr Osinbajo for implementation. She pushed back on Mrs Buharis allegation during a Channels TV appearance on Monday morning, saying the presidents wife appeared uninformed about the scheme. I believe that if she were to listen to the information they have there, if she were to check on our data, she would be able to track all the beneficiaries, Mrs Uwais said. Mrs Uwais said at least 12 local government areas in Adamawa have benefitted from at least one part of the scheme, while some had benefitted from all the aspects, contrary to Mrs Buharis allegations. We have at least 290,000 beneficiaries directly that we are paying in Adamawa State, she added. We have over 11,000 graduates recruited and working in her home state. We have non-graduates, 440. We started the school feeding programme in October 2018, we are in 1,054 public primary schools, she said. The presidential aide said Mrs Buharis lack of absolute understanding of the projects could be excused, especially as poor funding had made it difficult for the programme to be implemented. I believe we could do so much more if we have sufficient funding, she said. We have only scratched the surface in the sense that we do not have the sufficient funding to address. The programme has secured N500 billion annually in national budgets over the past three cycles, but releases have consistently fallen well below the allocation, leaving a good chunk of the project unimplemented. As of April 2018, the administration had spent only N175 billion in three years, an amount significantly shy of the N1.5 trillion that was appropriated within the same period. The vice presidents office said the government would continue to budget N500 billion annually for the project. The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has described as injustice, the Supreme Court judgement, which upturned the partys electoral victory in Zamfara State on grounds of technicality. He stated this while speaking with journalists at the partys national Secretariat in Abuja on Monday, in his reaction to the development after the partys National Working Committee (NWC) meeting. The five-member panel of the Supreme Court justices, in a unanimous judgement on May 25, declared that the APC in Zamfara had no candidates in the 2019 general elections. This, it explained was because the party failed to conduct recognised primaries in accordance with party rules. In the lead judgment by Justice Paul Galinji, the apex court held that all votes cast for the APC during the general elections in Zamfara were wasted votes. He declared that all political parties with the second highest votes in the elections and with the required spread, were elected to various elective positions in the state. Mr Oshiomhole stressed that the Supreme Court ruling amounted to imposing total strangers on the people of Zamfara. He added that the right thing the court should have done, is to call for a repeat of the elections if the party fell short of electoral laws. He, however, maintained that since it is impossible to appeal the Supreme Court ruling, the party will take its case the God. On the votes cast for the APC at the elections which the court said were wasted votes, Mr Oshiomhole recalled that at the time the votes were cast, a High Court had ruled that the partys candidates were validly nominated. There is something I learnt from Lord Denning, a famous British Supreme Court Justice that the law has to be interpreted taken into account the intention of the lawmakers, and try to deliver justice in its purest form. So, there is no justice when on grounds of technicalities, you impose on the people of Zamfara, not just a man or a woman, but a whole party candidates from Governor to Senate and others that they didnt elect. If the court thought we were wrong, justice would have demanded that we repeat, but you cannot use technicalities because we are in a democracy. There is nothing democratic when the court imposing strangers to govern a people, but we understand that after the Supreme Court, we can only take our case to the Court of God, to that extent we must obey the Court, he said. He further maintained that what the APC got in Zamfara State was a judgement that didnt translate to justice, considering the way the people of the state voted for the party and its candidates. He, however, declined comments when asked whether the party would sanction its members that took it to Court in Zamfara. (NAN) The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has announced Tuesday as the deadline for public officers, whose tenure ends on May 29, to submit their end-of-tenure asset declaration forms. This was disclosed in a Public Service Announcement, a copy which was made available to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday at the CCB Headquarters in Abuja. The statement said members of the outgoing 8th National Assembly, who were inaugurated on June 9, 2015, would have to declare their assets on or before June 8. It is mandatory for elected and re-elected public Nigerian officials to fill the forms providing details of all asset owned and acquired before and while in office. The CCB, established in 1979, has as its primary responsibility, the checking of corrupt practices in the Nigerian public service. The public officers the statement is apparently targeting include President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governors, President and Deputy President of the Senate; Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; all lawmakers at the state and federal levels and other political appointees whose tenure will soon be ending. Citing sections 52,94, and 185 of the Nigerian constitution, the CCB explained that the provisions compel public officers to declare their assets to the force immediately after taking office and thereafter. The law also says the governor of a state must declare his/her assets before embarking on his/her duties as an executive. Paragraphs 1 to 16 of Part II of the Fifth Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution list the categories of public officers who must periodically declare their assets to the CCB. Every member of Senate, House Representatives and State House of Assembly shall before taking his seat to declare his assets and liabilities as prescribed in the constitution. Likewise, a person elected to the office of the governor of the state shall not begin to perform the functions of that office until he has declared his assets and liabilities as prescribed by the constitution Paragraph 11 of the Part 1 to the Fifth Schedule to the constitution compels public officers to declare their assets to the CCB immediately after taking office and thereafter: (a) at the end of every four years; and (b) at the end of his term of office, submit to the Code of Conduct Bureau a written declaration of all his properties, assets, and liabilities and those of his unmarried children under the age of eighteen years. PREMIUM TIMES reported how President Buhari received a new set of Code of Conduct forms after winning reelection for a second term during the presidential election in February this year. Meanwhile, the spokesperson of Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Sam Onwuemeodo, told PREMIUM TIMES that the governor would declare his assets. Also, the Chief Press Secretary to outgoing Governor Muhammed Abubakar of Bauchi, Abubakar Siddique, said he has no idea if the governor had declared his assets to the CCB. The outgoing governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, has said he is confident the state will move to the next level of speedy development because he is handing over power to one of the most honest persons in the state. Mr Shettima who is leaving office on Wednesday said the governor-elect, Babagana Umars honesty dwarfs those of most of politicians he had come across in the state. He said this while receiving board members of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) led by Paul Tarfa at the weekend. The NEDC board of directors were in Maiduguri to flag off their operation. They paid the governor a courtesy call after taking a tour of their proposed office site and some of the IDP camps in the state capital. The governor assured them of the state governments cooperation, especially with the person of Mr Umar as the next governor of the war-torn state. In Professor Babagana Umar you have a partner that you can work with because no one understands the key development nexus better than him in our system, he said. He has been our gateway to the European Union; just last three weeks he was able to secure 20 million Euros for our schools; he has won the confidence of the World Bank. He was the commissioner for reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement (RRR). He was the one who rebuilt Bama, Gwoza; he was the one responsible for the reconstruction of Chibok, Askira, Kareto, Damasak and so many other communities. Mr Shettima said besides his dedication to duty and capacity to deliver on what he sets out to achieve, Mr Umars incorruptibility also stands him out. But above all, his greatest asset is his integrity. We have pumped in over N20 billion into the ministry of RRR, and it is very un-Nigerian for you to superintend over N20 billion and you do not have a house of your own. And Professor Umar did superintend over such a huge amount of money and yet he left without having a house of his own. So these are some of the attributes that endeared him to me, and to the people of Borno State. The governor-elect is from a very humble background; he is from Mafa, a very wretched community along Dikwa road. Growing up he had to sell firewood in order to finance his education. He sold firewood for 12 years, driving a pickup van to deliver the firewood just to finance his education. He is a man of uncommon dream, passion and ambition. He used to trek from Kofa Biyu area to Ramat Polytechnic (a distance of about 10km) From there he rose to the pinnacle of his career in the university as a professor of irrigation engineering. So I have to celebrate my own. He is the first professor to be a governor in Northern Nigeria. Earlier, Mr Tarfa commended the state government for providing the Commission with the site and property for its head office. He said he was impressed with the achievements of the outgoing governor in the area of reconstruction and building of the peoples resilience. Mr Tarfa said his commission by their visit to Maiduguri, had commenced work in earnest and would soon roll out its intervention programmes even as he solicited for the full cooperation of all state governments under the jurisdiction of the NEDC. The All Progressive Congress governorship candidate in Zamfara, Muktar Shehu, who was sacked as governor-elect by the Supreme Court has reacted to the ruling. Mr Shehu was declared the winner of the March governorship election by the electoral commission, INEC. However, the Supreme Court on Friday invalidated the participation of the APC in the governorship and legislative elections in Zamfara. The court said the ruling party did not hold valid primaries. It ordered that INEC should declare all the first runners-up in the elections initially won by the APC in Zamfara as winners. Based on the Supreme Court ruling, INEC on Saturday declared Bello Mutawalle of the Peoples Democratic Party as the governor-elect of Zamfara State. In his reaction, Mr Shehu, in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday, said, Indeed power and sovereignty belongs to Allah and He alone grants power to whom he wills when he wills. He thanked members of the APC for supporting his ambition. My fellow APC men and women of Zamfara state, I want to take this medium to extend my profound gratitude for your tireless physical and mental support, commitment and love you showed us throughout the electioneering process. Our party won at the polls but lost through system. These are indeed sad times for our party in Zamfara State, but a litmus test to our unity, strength, and togetherness, as Im certain we will overcome this and come out much stronger and better because our trials today are never reasons to give up but rather stepping stones to lead us to our success tomorrow. I pray to Allah give our incoming administration the success to surmount security challenges in the state and I also pray that their success today thrive for greater achievements for us and the next generations to come, Mr Shehu said. Earlier, the outgoing Zamfara governor, Abdulaziz Yari, described the Supreme Court ruling as Gods decision. l thought my successor would come from our party, but the Supreme Court judgment says no. I am now praying that the new leaders will work for the peace, unity and prosperity of our state, Mr Yari said. The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has reserved judgment on an appeal filed by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State against the judgment of a lower court that declared null and void, the crowing and coronation of 21 new obas in Ibadanland. The three-member panel headed by Justice Nonyerem Okoronkwo on Monday reserved judgment on the case after listening to arguments of the parties in the appeal. The panel, which had A. Talba and F. Ojo as members, informed the parties that the judgment date would be communicated to them later. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olajumoke Aiki of the Oyo State High Court had on January 20, 2018, nullified the composition of a committee of inquiry set up by Mr Ajimobi to review the 1957 Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration and its recommendation on the crowning of 21 new Obas in Ibadanland. The recommendation of the committee led to the appointment of 21 new kings comprising eight members of the Olubadan-in-Council elevated from high chiefs to beaded crown-wearing monarchs while the remaining 13 are village heads (baales) promoted to coronet-wearing Obas. NAN reports that Rasidi Ladoja, who is also the Osi Olubadan of Ibadan, is the respondent in the appeal. Earlier, Mr Ajimobis counsel, Yusuf Ali, told the court that the governor had the power to set up the committee, review the chieftaincy law of the state, and ensure crowning and coronation of the 21 new obas in Ibadanland. Mr Ali urged the court to allow the appeal and set aside the judgment of the lower court. However, Mr Ladojas counsel, Sanyaolu Akinyele, urged the appeal court to uphold the judgment of the lower court and dismiss the appeal. (NAN) The Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, on Monday raised fresh concerns over the activities of herdsmen across Nigeria, saying their actions were deliberate and calculated towards achieving an expansionist agenda. The assertions were contained in a communique issued at the close of the groups monthly meeting held at the country home of the leader of the group, Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State. The communique read by Afeniferes National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin, stated that the wanton killings going on across the country are due largely to the activities of Fulani herdsmen. The group reviewed the spate of killings and said the herdsmen were in possession of unlicensed sophisticated weapons in Nigeria today without fear of any consequence as they seem to have official backing, promotion and defence. The killings targeted at non-Fulani groups across the country are willful and deliberate in pursuit of expansionist and conquest agenda, the communique said. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had during the second session of the Synod of the Cathedral Church of St. Pauls Anglican Church, Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, last week, said the issues of Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen in the country, had gone beyond lack of education and employment for youth. It is now West African Fulanisation, African Islamisation and global organised crimes of human trafficking, money laundering, drug trafficking, gun trafficking, illegal mining and regime change, he said. Mr Obasanjo had since received flaks from the federal government over the Fulanisation comments. Afenifere is, however, accusing the federal government of complicity, saying its failure to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the herdsmen involved strengthened the perception. And most, unfortunately, the government in place has betrayed perceived complicity as we are not aware of any member of the group on trial for these monumental crimes even when Miyetti Allah has owned up to some of them, said Afenifere. Instead, the regime has treated them with kid gloves, making excuses for their crimes with our Information Ministry and Presidential media office being made to look like Boko Haram and Miyetti Allah media centre as they issue statements to defend these groups even when they are not defending themselves with the presidency equating Miyetti Allah with Afenifere and Ohanaeze in order to confer legitimacy on them. And of late is the insensitive and impunity -inspired decision of the FG to open a Fulani Radio for the herdsmen in violation of the federal character spirit of our constitution Those who have studied events in Liberia, Somalia, Rwanda and Sudan would not miss the fact that this was how events started until full-scale civil wars broke out. The group noted that the federal government should immediately readdress its priorities regarding the issues and begin the process of running an inclusive country in order to avert impending destructive events. Afenifere urged the federal government to redefine law and order so that no citizen would take the life of another and not fear for consequences. We equally call on the international community not to stand aloof as Nigeria drives to the edge of the precipice, the communique noted. There is a big burden for the global community if things get out of hand in Nigeria. The situation has become much more frightening with the claim by a recently kidnapped don at OAU, Ile-Ife, that he noticed that one of the policemen who stopped him at a checkpoint shortly before he was abducted made a call, the communique further read. He said the policeman is of the same ethnic stock with the Fulani herdsmen who kidnapped him thereafter. We want the police authorities to properly investigate this as it sends a worrying signal. Meeting advised our people to activate their traditional and communal self-defence system in the face of these existential threats. Afenifere also used the medium to commend Mr Obasanjo for his statements on the alleged Fulanisation attempt. We commend his boldness in speaking the truth no matter how inconvenient it may be, which is the hallmark of a statesman, the group said. We also acknowledge the forthrightness of the Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, Gen David Jemibewon, Col David Bamigboye, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Pan Niger Delta Forum(PANDEF), Middle Belt Forum and all other patriots who have backed Obasanjos statement. Advertisements Afenifere states unequivocally that its only those who dont wish Nigeria well and agents of destruction that would dismiss all these patriots as raising a false flag. ATLANTIC CITY A tiny Catholic school has served the residents of Atlantic City and beyond for more than a century. Now, its the last of its kind on Absecon Island and its advocates want to make sure its around for future generations. We have been here for 111 years, and while the building is a solid stone structure, the interior is evolving and continues to evolve to meet the needs of the students before us, said Sister Kathy Nace of Our Lady Star of the Sea. Increasing enrollment has been a priority for Catholic schools here and around the country for many years, especially as they rely on tuition to operate. Our Lady Star of the Sea, operated by St. Monica Parish, is hoping a new campaign that includes word-of-mouth advertising of programming and planned school renovations can do just that. The school held a tour last week for area officials and influencers to showcase its plans to renovate the brown brick school on the half-block-wide campus at California and Atlantic avenues. If you deem what you see and hear today worthwhile, then support us, said alumna Kitty Given, who works for the Parish of St. Monica. And Im not talking about money. EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP A car caught fire Monday afternoon on the northbound Garden State Parkway off ramp at Exit 36. Police and fire were dispatched at 12:42 p.m. to the Fire Road exit ramp. A family of six was headed home to Fairview, Bergen County, from their vacation in Wildwood when the car began smoking and they pulled off the highway. I was driving, the car started making a noise, so I pulled off at the next exit and it just started going up in smoke, the front, said driver Rick Martinez, 40. I got everybody out, we went to the side and then it went up in flames. The flames were contained to the cars motor, said Will Hancock, assistant fire chief for the Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company. As the family stood on the side of the off ramp with their luggage and stuffed boardwalk prizes, Martinez was glad everyone got out safe. All of that I can replace, he said, pointing to the white car with its charred engine and melted front tires. Now we just have to find out how to get home. OCEAN CITY A Pennsylvania man died Monday after getting hit by a car Friday while crossing the street, police said. The identity of the 47-year-old from Lansdale, Pennsylvania, was not released by police. He and a second pedestrian, a 40-year-old woman, were hit 5:33 p.m. Friday at Eighth Street and Bay Avenue by a car driven by a 48-year-old woman from Woodbine who remained at the scene, police said. The female pedestrian, who was not identified, was taken by ambulance to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus, in Atlantic City and was treated and released. Police said the driver of the car, who was also not identified, has not been charged, but the investigation is ongoing by the Police Departments Traffic Safety Unit, the departments Detective Bureau and the Fatal Accident Investigation Unit of the Cape May County Prosecutors Office. Police said the car was going west on Eighth Street and turned left on Bay Avenue when it hit the pedestrians. 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. There seems to be a disconnect between the New Jersey municipalities with the greatest need for a key weapon in fighting opioid overdoses and those with the greatest access to it. A Rutgers study, published in the Journal of Medical Toxicity, found that naloxone wasnt as available in pharmacies in poor, large cities as it was in smaller, wealthier towns. The drug, often sold under the brand name Narcan, can stop and reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Atlantic City is one of those lacking availability, along with Newark and Camden. Only 16 percent of the pharmacies in the resort carry naloxone, compared to 66 percent in the Hunterdon County township of Readington. One reason is that naloxone can be expensive, costing $70 to $300 for those lacking Medicaid or other insurance to cover it. The South Jersey Aids Alliance helps by providing naloxone free to people participating in its syringe access program. Booker gun proposal redundant and unneeded Sen. Cory Booker is another misinformed Democrat with ineffective gun control proposals. First, assault weapons are already banned, and have been, but he knows that already. This presidential candidates home state of New Jersey already requires a background check, mental health check, and a permit to purchase a firearm, some of the strongest gun control measures in the nation. Bookers proposal that all gun owners be licensed by the federal government is redundant and unnecessary; its already being done on a state level. The proposal will not have any impact on the criminal, or the crimes they commit. As a former mayor of Newark, Booker knows first hand that all the strict gun laws already in place in New Jersey have done little to stem the gun violence and crime in the states largest city. Thank God he doesnt have a chance of getting the Democratic nomination for president. Constantine P. Kiamos Jr. Weymouth Township Stand with Democrats against President Trump 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. STOCKHOLM, May 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The online gaming affiliate site Casino.se is the first in the Swedish market to allow players to rate and publish reviews of casinos and betting sites. The initiative is part of an overall campaign to improve transparency in the industry. Regulation in Swedish Gambling The new gambling law that went into effect on 1 January 2019 impacts both gambling operators and protects players, and has implications for affiliate sites. Under the law, to operate in the Swedish market, all gaming providers must have a Swedish license. The law also includes increased protection against gambling addiction and places higher demands on transparency of information. Casino.se was prepared for the law even before it went into effect, removing unlicensed operators and complying with advertising restrictions. The newest feature on the site, the ability for players to rate and review the casinos themselves, helps build trust and provide honest feedback from the player perspective. Player Perspective Casino.se noticed since the new law that the players themselves are placing higher demands on the gaming companies. They want clear and honest information. Therefore, the new user comments functionality meets these player demands. Casino.se saw the need and fulfilled a promise to the players. User Review Functionality The new comment feature on casino.se has two main functions one for players and one for operators. Player feedback - Casino players can now share their opinions and give tips on where to play and which sites to avoid. Through the comments section they can communicate with other players and ask questions. - Casino players can now share their opinions and give tips on where to play and which sites to avoid. Through the comments section they can communicate with other players and ask questions. Operator response Casino.se has given the gaming companies the opportunity to communicate directly with the players who rate and comment. The casinos can directly answer questions and respond to both praise and criticism. The user comment functionality premiered at the beginning of May, and players immediately began rating their experiences. Anyone who visits casino.se can use the feature, which is available on all casino review pages. The information written by players will not be used in any other way. Casino.se, whose slogan is "we know casino", is an online directory for online casinos, providing players information about the latest news, offers, and reviews. Related Links https://www.casino.se/ SOURCE Casino.se "Starting in July 6, we'll draw a new fest every week through our special program, Sneaky Saturdays, performing the dynamic duo Sneaky Sound System. Every Saturday, top numbers of the MTV Awards nominees and winners of the Australian Recording Industry Association Music Awards (ARIA) will be played, including UFO, Pictures and Hip Hip Hooray," said Ratna Dewi, Marketing Manager of Mrs Sippy Bali. Boasting the 800m2 saltwater pool and 5m height of diving platforms, Mrs Sippy Bali will bring visitors to exhilarate the adrenaline-filled experience in a new up and coming pool party best companion. "Bali never fails to fascinate, particularly in this most-awaited season, millions of international travelers agree that today is the perfect time to zen out in this exotic destination," added Ratna. According to Badung Regency Tourism, foreign tourists visiting the Island hit a record of 6.5 million people in 2018, or nearly half of the total international tourists in Indonesia throughout the year. Singaporean visitors alone recorded a 97% increase with the top attractions include wellness and laid-back holidays in day-beds or sipping cocktails while seeing crystal seas lap the golden sands. Those expecting full immersion into the laid-back pool party soiree should drop in to the Bali's most iconic pool club. Located in the Island's most popular sunset beach, Seminyak, Mrs Sippy offers an ideal space for sipping the best-seller Spiced Coco Mojito, with the mash-up of Kraken Black Spiced Rum, Spiced Orange Blossom, Mango, Lime, Mint and Coconut Water to enliven the night. Set to pair a laid-back summer vibe is a plate of Salt & Pepper Calamari, while visitors float in double-size daybeds and cabanas, surrounded by a view of swaying palm trees and the beach club's Mediterranean-style architecture. CLICK HERE for more images from Mrs Sippy Bali. Media Contact: Ratna Dewi Marketing Manager Mrs Sippy Bali +6287782587387 marketing@mrssippybali.com https://www.mrssippybali.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/892907/Diving_platform.jpg Related Links https://www.mrssippybali.com SOURCE Mrs Sippy Bali PERTH, Australia, May 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Alloy Steel International, Inc. (OTC: AYSI) advises that its 2019 Financial year Second Quarter Report for the six months ended March 31, 2019 is now available on www.otcmarkets.com website by searching for AYSI then choosing "Filings and Disclosure." About Alloy Steel Alloy Steel manufactures and distributes Arcoplate, a technically superior and market leading 'alloy overlay' wear plate, servicing the global market place from its modern manufacturing facilities in Perth, Australia. Arcoplate is used throughout the mining and materials processing industries, from opportunistic one-off specialty applications in small companies to large relationship based repeat business applications with leading international companies. Arcoplate provides users with superior wear protection due to its premium alloy mix, its high ratio of carbide rich alloy and its unique manner of manufacture. The product's technical superiority combined with its unbeatable 'whole-of-life' cost has resulted in Arcoplate's wide acceptance in the mining and mineral processing industries to reduce wear in a host of fixed plant and mobile equipment applications. In mining and materials processing industries, where premature equipment wear is the primary cause of downtime, to undertake repairs or refurbishment, Arcoplate can provide users with significant profit improvement. Arcoplate can substantially lower equipment downtime, resulting in higher production, whilst also lowering the overall cost of wear protection. Furthermore, in applications where material 'hang-up' or 'carry-back' are also a significant cause of lost production, such as sticky materials that do not discharge freely from truck trays, buckets and chutes, Arcoplate's unique characteristic of polishing to a very low friction factor has the potential to virtually eliminate these problems, whilst simultaneously providing enhanced equipment wear life. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Thushara Sam Dahanayake Company Secretary +61-8-9248 3188 SOURCE Alloy Steel International, Inc. "Canadians proudly uphold the tradition of remembrance so that we may never forget the sacrifices of our veterans in defending our freedoms and values," said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. "By issuing a circulation coin honouring the 75 th anniversary of D-Day, the Mint is helping all of us remember brave Canadians who risked everything, or made the ultimate sacrifice, so that the Allied landing on the beaches of Normandy in June 1944 could succeed and help end the Second World War." "Ever since our very first Poppy coin in 2004, the Royal Canadian Mint has proudly issued special circulation coins to help Canadians remember the service and sacrifice of Canada's veterans and active military," said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "D-Day lives on as one of Canada's greatest military achievements of the Second World War and our veterans' role in this crucial Allied victory will be remembered for generations through our new $2 circulation coin." "Like all Canadian soldiers landing at Juno Beach on June 6, 1944, the North Shore men fought valiantly and suffered heavy losses in securing their landing objectives at the end of D-Day," said North Shore Regiment Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Renald Dufour. "The D-Day landing was one of the most significant events in Canadian military history and our regiment was at the centre of it, along with three other assaulting units. Honouring and recognizing nationally our soldiers' legacy and their families' sacrifices on the eve of the 75th anniversary with a commemorative circulation coin is a remarkable gesture." Designed by Canadian artist Alan Daniel, the reverse of this coin conveys the anticipation of Canadian soldiers approaching Juno Beach, Normandy on June 6, 1944. A compelling perspective at the core of the coin shows three soldiers peering from their landing craft. On the outer ring, engravings of ships and aircraft illustrate the massive air and naval operation which supported the troops taking part in the largest seaborne invasion in military history. D-DAY/LE JOUR J is engraved above the soldiers' helmets. At the bottom, the words REMEMBER/SOUVENIR appear on either side of the coin's 2019 date. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, designed by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt in 2003. Limited to a mintage of three million coins, of which two million will feature colour, the two-dollar circulation coin commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day is now entering general circulation. The public should see them gradually appear in their change as bank branches and businesses begin replenishing inventories of $2 coins. Over the coming months, the Mint will also hold a number of public coin exchanges at its boutiques in Ottawa and Winnipeg, in addition to other locations around the country. The Mint is adding to the historic commemoration of D-Day by offering several new collector products. The first are special wrap rolls of 25 two-dollar circulation coins featuring the same artwork found on the reverse of the coins. 15,000 rolls of coloured coins and 5,000 rolls of non-coloured coins are being offered. As well, the Mint has issued a oz. fine silver collector coin with a $3 denomination designed by Glen Loates. It features the lone imprint of a soldier's boot on the sands of Juno Beach and is dated 1944-2019. Finally, a six-coin set features the coloured and non-coloured of the D-Day $2 coin, as well as Canada's current 5-cent, 10-cent, 25-cent and $1 circulation coins. The 2019 Commemorative Collector Keepsake has a mintage of 100,000. These collectibles can be ordered as of today by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca/dday. They are also available at the Royal Canadian Mint's boutiques, as well as through the Mint's global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets. About the Royal Canadian Mint The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca. Images of the circulation coin are available at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mz2raww087g6rz3/AADujaJYdQ6TFUUkPIpoSzoAa?dl=0 SOURCE Royal Canadian Mint Related Links https://www.mint.ca/ Integrated and connected user-centric ecosystem to increase growth opportunities for service providers, finds Frost & Sullivan LONDON, May 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent rise of e-scooter start-ups, e-hailing participants launching an initial public offering (IPO) and mobility subscriptions, as well as the popularity of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) are driving the market for shared mobility. Shared mobility business models that focus on integrated and digitally connected ecosystems that offer unified multi-modal mobility services and personalized user experiences will find high adoption all over the world. The ridesharing market in North America is expected to grow by 33% in 2019, while Europe will generate the highest market revenues of more than $4 million. "Globally, companies are planning to commercialize autonomous shuttles between 2020 and 2022, backed by favorable government initiatives in North America, the UK, China, Japan, and Dubai," said Abhishek Iyer, Research Analyst, Mobility. "There will be an increase in the number of partnerships and rollouts of new technologies such as autonomous shuttles, blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), which will enhance user experience and operation." Frost & Sullivan's recent analysis, Global Shared and Autonomous Mobility Industry Outlook, 2019, covers the participants, vehicles, and revenues for different shared mobility services. It analyzes the evolving business models in the shared mobility space, market consolidations and partnerships, and key market trends. It also examines global perspectives for carsharing, P2P carsharing, corporate carsharing, e-hailing, dynamic shuttle, bike sharing, and MaaS business models. For further information on this analysis, please visit: http://frost.ly/3hk "Governments across developed cities are building testing infrastructure and piloting autonomous shuttles to evaluate viability and user experience. Approximately 10 to 15 cities can be expected to conduct autonomous shuttle trials on public roads in 2019," noted Iyer. "Cross-industry collaborations for connected technologies, integrated payment capabilities, shared mobility insurance and financial services will also prove to be critical for future success." For further growth opportunities, industry participants can: Partner with stakeholders from other industries such as banking and financial services ( BFS ) and insurance to lower costs and generate fresh revenue streams. ( ) and insurance to lower costs and generate fresh revenue streams. Create effective roadmaps with government and public transit agencies. Adopt business models like vehicle subscription services , demand responsive transit ( DRT ), ride-hailing and carsharing to create opportunities for data monetization . This will also allow them to leverage their investments and partnerships to develop autonomous and emission-free vehicle technologies. , ( ), ride-hailing and carsharing to create opportunities for . This will also allow them to leverage their investments and partnerships to develop autonomous and emission-free vehicle technologies. Include new services such as financial lending, vehicle leasing, insurance, and wealth management. Global Shared and Autonomous Mobility Industry Outlook, 2019 is part of Frost & Sullivan's global Automotive & Transportation Growth Partnership Service program. About Frost & Sullivan For over five decades, Frost & Sullivan has become world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion. Global Shared and Autonomous Mobility Industry Outlook, 2019 ME59-18 Contact: Kristi Cekani Corporate Communications - Frost & Sullivan, Europe P: +39 (0)2 4851 6133 E: [email protected] http://ww2.frost.com SOURCE Frost & Sullivan Related Links http://ww2.frost.com TORONTO, May 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eloro Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: ELO; FSE: P2Q) (Eloro or the Corporation) is pleased to provide an update on the ongoing process to bring the San Markito Zone into an exploration and discovery focus. On May 19, 2019, a meeting was held with the residents of the community of Pallasca, Pallasca District, Ancash Department, Peru, where the San Markito target is located, at which representatives from Eloro and the Peruvian Ministry of Mines gave presentations about the economic benefits of mineral exploration and mining. The Huandoval mayor also spoke passionately about the positive economic impact in his district during Eloros 2017-18 drilling campaign. Eloros in-country technical team was on hand at the meeting to explain aspects of the program in the context of its water usage and minimal environmental impact. The message was well received by the community members with most opponents from previous meetings now in favour of renting the required community land of the San Markito Zone to the Corporations Peruvian subsidiary in order to enable Eloro to proceed with a drilling campaign. Additionally, it was decided that an environmental monitoring committee and a negotiation committee would be established on June 9, 2019, thereby demonstrating the communitys willingness to work with Eloro. Next Steps Once both parties are satisfied with the land rental contract terms, a general assembly would be called to communicate the contracts details to the community, following which the community members would then vote on the proposal. A simple majority would need to be obtained to rent the required land. As Eloro already holds an approved environmental instrument, an archaeological certificate and a water permit from the relevant authorities, the outstanding approved land rental contract is the last requirement the Corporation needs to obtain the drilling permit. Eloro CEO Mr. Tom Larsen said, We are pleased with the progress we are making with the local community and we are optimistic about being in position to resume exploratory drilling and testing the San Markito target this summer. Qualified Person Jim Steel MBA P.Geo., a Qualified Person in the context of National Instrument 43-101, has read and approved the technical content of this News Release. About Eloro Resources Ltd. Eloro is an exploration and mine development company with a portfolio of gold and base-metal properties in Peru and Quebec. Eloro owns an 82% interest in the La Victoria Gold/Silver Project, located in the North-Central Mineral Belt of Peru some 50 km south of Barrick's Lagunas Norte Gold Mine and Pan American Silvers La Arena Gold Mine. The Property consists of eight mining concessions and eight mining claims encompassing approximately 89 square kilometres. The Property has good infrastructure with access to road, water and electricity and is located at an altitude that ranges from 3,100 m to 4,200 m above sea level. For further information please contact Jorge Estepa, Vice-President of Eloro Resources Ltd. at (416) 868- 9168. Information in this news release may contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information express, as at the date of this news release, the Corporation's plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations, or beliefs as to future events or results and are believed to be reasonable based on information currently available to the Corporation. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Neither the TSXV, nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. MIAMI, May 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Speedcast International Limited (ASX: SDA), the world's most trusted provider of remote communication and IT solutions, today announced it will provide connectivity services for 23 rural courts in Colombia with CenturyLink, a local partner. Speedcast and CenturyLink are providing connectivity services for the Superior Council of the Judiciary (SCJ), an institution within Colombia's judicial branch responsible for administration and other tasks. Speedcast will use integrated VSAT and MPLS technology to provide end-users with a hybrid, multipurpose network for services and solutions such as internet, video conferencing, voice, and IP PBX. Speedcast with CenturyLink will provide the courts with 6/3 Mbps 13:1 contention links. The project with SCJ will provide connectivity for rural courts in Choco, Putumayo, Guainia, Vaupes Meta, Puerto Carreno, Leticia and Vichada. "We worked closely with the SCJ to develop a robust, high-quality service for its rural courts," said Erwan Emilian, EVP Enterprise & Emerging Markets, at Speedcast. "Overcoming the digital divide goes beyond merely making services available to underserved locations for content, education, and commerce. The connectivity services that we provide to CenturyLink also help these remote towns uphold justice and fair governance." "These days, connectivity and speed is expected, even in rural areas," said the IT Director at SCJ. "That's why it's important that our judicial branch uses high-quality, reliable connectivity services. We chose Speedcast for their fast deployment and high level of service." About Speedcast International Limited Speedcast International Ltd (ASX: SDA) is the world's largest remote communications and IT services provider. The company delivers critical communications solutions through its multi-access technology, multi-band and multi-orbit network of 80+ satellites and an interconnecting global terrestrial network, bolstered by extensive local support from 40+ countries. Speedcast is uniquely positioned as a strategic partner, tailoring communications, IT and digital solutions to meet customer needs and enable business transformation. The company provides managed information services with differentiated technology offerings, including cybersecurity, crew welfare, content solutions, data and voice applications, IoT solutions and network systems integration services. With a passionate customer focus and a strong safety culture, Speedcast serves more than 3,200 customers in over 140 countries in sectors such as Maritime, Energy, Mining, Enterprise, Media, Cruise, Humanitarian and Government. Learn more at www.speedcast.com. Speedcast is a trademark and registered trademark of Speedcast International Limited. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective owners. 2019 Speedcast International Limited. All rights reserved. Contact Information: Toni Lee Rudnicki Vice President, Global Marketing Speedcast International Ltd [email protected] +1-832-668-2634 SOURCE Speedcast International Limited Related Links http://speedcast.com SAN FRANCISCO, May 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- World Vaccine Market is estimated to grow at a substantial CAGR in the forecast period as the scope, product types, and its applications are increasing across the globe. A vaccine is a biological product that provides active acquired immunity to a disease. Vaccine manufacturing is a complex process, wherein effect, safety, and consistency are the most important part for the manufacturers. The factors that propel the growth of the Vaccine Market include increasing government and nongovernment funding for vaccine development, increasing occurrence of diseases, and growing investments by businesses. On the other hand, there are factors that may hamper the growth of the market including high cost of vaccine development. Vaccine Market may be explored by technology, type, disease indications, route of administration, end users, applications, and geography. Vaccine Market may be explored by technology as Live Attenuated Vaccines, Recombinant Vaccines, Conjugate Vaccines, Inactivated and Subunit Vaccines, and Toxoid Vaccines. The "Conjugate Vaccines" segment led the Vaccine Market in 2017 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance by 2022 due to rising investments by the government of emerging nations and increasing occurrence of infectious diseases. Vaccine Market could be explored based on disease indications as Hepatitis, Influenza, DTP, Pneumococcal Disease, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), Rotavirus, Meningococcal Disease, Dengue, Varicella, Polio, and Other Disease Indications. The "Pneumococcal Disease" segment led the Vaccine Market in 2017 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance by 2022 owing to growing government funds in pneumococcal vaccination programs and high occurrence of pneumococcal disease. Download PDF to know more details about "Vaccine Market" Report 2022. Vaccine Market could be explored based on type as Multivalent Vaccines, and Monovalent Vaccines. Vaccine Market could be classified on the basis of route of administration as Oral Administration, Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Administration, and Other Routes of Administration. Vaccine Market could be explored based on end users as Adults, and Pediatrics. Vaccine Market is categorized based on geography into North America, Latin America, Japan, Middle East and Africa, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, and Eastern Europe. North America accounted for the major share of the Vaccine Market Size in 2017 and will continue to lead in the forecast period. factors such as development of new vaccines and increasing funds by government administrations. In addition, North America is followed by Europe and expected to hold second major share in the forecast period owing to increasing government support and accessibility of funding and scheme capital funds for the growth of new vaccines. The key players contributing to the robust growth of the Vaccine Market comprise GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Bavarian Nordic, Astellas Pharma, Inc., Serum Institute of India, CSL Limited, Emergent BioSolutions, Inc., Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, Medimmune, Llc (A Subsidiary of AstraZeneca), Johnson & Johnson, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer, Inc., Panacea Biotech, Sanofi Pasteur Sa, and Protein Sciences Corporation. The leading companies are taking up partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and joint ventures in order to boost the inorganic growth of the industry. Access 1027 page research report with TOC on "Global Vaccine Market" available with Radiant Insights, Inc. @: https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/world-vaccine-markets-to-2022 The report package World Vaccine Markets to 2022 offers the most up-to-date industry data on the actual market situation, and future outlook for vaccines in the world. Along with a global vaccines market report, the package includes country reports from the following countries: Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vietnam The research includes historical data from 2011 to 2017 and forecasts until 2022 which makes the reports an invaluable resource for industry executives, marketing, sales and product managers, consultants, analysts, and other people looking for key industry data in readily accessible documents with clearly presented tables and graphs. Market Segmentation: The market data is given for the following product segments: Human vaccines Veterinary vaccines The reports help answer the following questions: What is the size of the vaccine market in the world and in different countries? How is the market split into different types of vaccines? How are the overall market and different product types growing? How is the market predicted to develop in the future? The latest industry data included in the reports: Demand for vaccines, 2011-2022 Vaccine market size by product type, 2011-2022 Growth rates of the overall market and different product segments, 2011-2022 Shares of different product segments of the overall market, 2011, 2017, and 2022 Among the key reasons to purchase include the following: Gain an outlook of the historical development, current market situation, and future outlook of the vaccine market in the world to 2022 Track industry developments and identify market opportunities Plan and develop marketing, market-entry, market expansion, and other business strategies by identifying the key market opportunities and prospects Save time and money with the readily accessible key market data included in the reports. The data is clearly presented and can be easily incorporated into presentations and internal reports. Browse reports of similar category available with Radiant Insights, Inc.: About Radiant Insights, Inc.: At Radiant Insights, we work with the aim to reach the highest levels of customer satisfaction. Our representatives strive to understand diverse client requirements and cater to the same with the most innovative and functional solutions. Contact: Michelle Thoras. Corporate Sales Specialist Radiant Insights, Inc. Phone: 1-415-349-0054 Toll Free: 1-888-928-9744 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.radiantinsights.com SOURCE Radiant Insights, Inc. WASHINGTON, May 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Humane Rescue team, first to serve in saving and sheltering animals for more than 100 years, has deployed with a veterinarian, trained swift and floodwater responders, rescue boats, critical medical and sheltering supplies, and one of its giant 50-foot animal rescue vehicles to save animals caught in the deadly Oklahoma floods. The American Humane Rescue team responded at the official request of Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, and is now engaged in search-and-rescue and flood/slack water operations, assisting both companion animals and farm animals in need. The team spent the day navigating the floodwaters in the Muskogee area yesterday, saving multiple cats and dogs alongside the fire department and Code 3 Associates, Oklahoma Large Animal First Responders, Muskogee Animal Control and Sheltering, and the Humane Emergency Animal Response Team. American Humane, the country's first national humane organization, has a long history of helping animals in Oklahoma. The group deployed following devastating flooding in Tulsa in 1984, a tornado outbreak in 1999, and the devastating 2013 EF-5 tornado in Moore, after which the team spent more than a month rescuing, sheltering, and reuniting hundreds of animals. On the third anniversary of the Moore tornado, American Humane, with funding from the Kirkpatrick Foundation and the Donner Foundation, placed a giant, new 50-foot animal emergency vehicle in Oklahoma City. That vehicle, which carries a contingent of highly trained rescue experts, boats, and lifesaving medical supplies donated by Zoetis Petcare. As emergency responders continue to help people and animals, pet owners need to know that even though the storm has passed, the dangers have not. Here, for all those affected by the flooding, are some important tips from the experts on the American Humane Rescue team: After the storm Make sure the storm has fully passed before going outside and assess damage before allowing children or animals out. Keep dogs on a leash and cats in a carrier, and children close at hand. Displaced objects and fallen trees can disorient pets and sharp debris could harm them. Give pets time to become re-oriented. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and cause a pet to become confused or lost. Keep kids and animals away from hazards such as downed power lines and water that may be contaminated. Uncertainty and change in the environment affect animals, presenting new stresses and dangers. Your pet's behavior may change after a crisis, becoming more aggressive or self-protective. Be sensitive to these changes and keep more room between them, other animals, children or strangers. Animals need comforting, too. Comfort your pet with kind words and lots of pats or hugs. If possible, provide a safe and quiet environment, even if it is not their own home. "Storms like these can be deadly for pets who are separated from their families," said Robin Ganzert, PhD, president and CEO of American Humane. "It is important that every person and pet parent heed these lifesaving tips in the aftermath of this destructive storm. We are working to help all of our friends in Oklahoma to stay safe in this disaster." To support the American Humane Rescue team's lifesaving work, please visit: www.AmericanHumane.org/oklahoma-rescue. About American Humane American Humane is the country's first national humane organization, founded in 1877, and the first to serve animals in disasters and cruelty cases. Visit American Humane at www.americanhumane.org today. About the American Humane Rescue program The American Humane Rescue program was created in 1916 at the request of the U.S. Secretary of War to save war horses wounded on the battlefields of World War I Europe. Since then, Red Star has been rescuing animals of every kind and have been involved in virtually every major disaster relief effort from Pearl Harbor to 9/11, the Joplin, Missouri and Moore, Oklahoma tornadoes, the Japanese and Haitian earthquakes, Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, Maria and Michael, and the California wildfires. The American Humane Rescue team saved, sheltered and fed more than 600,000 animals in the past year alone. SOURCE American Humane Related Links http://www.americanhumane.org AIRPORT CITY, Israel, May 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Shikun & Binui Ltd. (TASE: SKBN.TA) ("the Company"), a global construction and infrastructure company headquartered in Israel, announced on Sunday 26th of May 2019, that the General Meeting of Shikun & Binui officially approved the terms of employment and compensation of Eyal Lapidot as the Group CEO. Lapidot, who until recently served as CEO of the Phoenix Group, is expected to take up the post on June 2, 2019. Tamir Cohen, Chairman of Shikun & Binui: "I am delighted to appoint Eyal as CEO of Shikun & Binui Group. We are confident that Eyal will make a significant contribution to Shikun & Binui and help it realize its tremendous potential." Lapidot, 53, has an 18-year experience as CEO at several leading Israeli companies, with extensive activities in Israel and abroad. In the past decade, Lapidot served as CEO of the Phoenix Group. During these years, Lapidot led a business transformation in which Phoenix became a profitable and the leading insurance group in Israel. Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Tamir Cohen, thanked Moshe Lahmani for his seven years tenure as Chairman and CEO of Shikun & Binui: "Moshe knew how to promote Shikun & Binui to professionalism and to new markets. Moshe advanced the strategy and business development activities of the Group and was a key partner in its growth, success, financial performance and management. In the past year, Moshe has managed to navigate the team with great success in a period of complex and not always trivial changes and transitions. Moshe has left his mark on Shikun & Binui for many years to come." About the Shikun & Binui Group The Shikun & Binui Group is a global construction and infrastructure company that operates in Israel and internationally in seven segments: 1) infrastructure and construction contracting outside of Israel; 2) infrastructure and construction contracting within Israel; 3) real estate development within Israel; 4) real estate development outside of Israel; 5) renewable energy; and 6) concessions. The Group's activities focus on large, highly complex projects carried out for entities in private and public sectors with a focus on sustainability. This summary announcement was prepared solely for the convenience of the reader and does not replace Shikun & Binui Ltd.'s (hereafter "the Company") full report. The information contained in this announcement is, by its nature, incomplete. All of its contents are provided as a supplement to the Company's report, and are subject to the declarations therein stated. This announcement includes forecasts, assessments, estimates and other information relating to the Company or its subsidiaries, or to other parties or to future events and matters, the extent of whose realization is not certain and is not under the sole control of the Company (forward-looking information, as defined in the Securities Law-1968). The key facts and data serving as the basis for this information are facts and data, among others, related to the current status of the Company and its businesses, facts and data relating to the current status of the operating segments in which the Company engages in its areas of operation, and other macroeconomic facts and data known to the Company on the preparation date of this presentation. It is understood that forward-looking information does not constitute a fact and is based solely on subjective assessments. Forward-looking information is uncertain and for the most part, is not under the Company's control. The realization or non-realization of the forward-looking information will be influenced, among others, by the risk factors that characterize the Company's operations, as well as developments in the general environment and external factors that impact the Company's operations. The Company's future results and achievements could differ significantly from those presented in this presentation. The Company is not obligated to update or modify the said forecast or assessment, and is not obligated to update this announcement. This announcement does not constitute an offer to purchase the Company's securities or an invitation to receive such offers. An investment in securities in general, and in the Company in particular, carries risk. One must take into account that past data do not necessarily indicate future performance. IR Contacts: Company Inbal Uliansky +972 (3) 6301058 [email protected] External IR Ehud Helft GK Investor Relations +1-617-418-3096 [email protected] SOURCE Shikun & Binui Ltd. Related Links https://www.shikunbinui.com/en-US By reading the following release, you agree to be bound by the following limitations and qualifications: This press release is for informational purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute an offer or invitation to exchange or sell or solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy, or an invitation to exchange, purchase or subscribe for, any securities, any part of the business or assets described herein, or any other interests or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction in connection with the proposed transaction or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. This press release should not be construed in any manner as a recommendation to any reader of this press release. This press release is not a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other offering document for the purposes of Directive 2003/71/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of November 4th, 2003, as amended, in particular, by Directive 2010/73/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of November 24th, 2010, as amended and as implemented in each member State of the European Economic Area and under French and Dutch law. An offer of securities in the United States pursuant to a business combination transaction will only be made, as may be required, through a prospectus which is part of an effective registration statement filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Shareholders of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. ("FCA") and Renault S.A. ("Renault") who are US persons or are located in the United States are advised to read the registration statement when and if it is declared effective by the US Securities and Exchange Commission because it will contain important information relating to the proposed transaction. You may obtain copies of all documents filed with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction, documents incorporated by reference, and FCA's SEC filings at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, FCA will make the effective registration statement available for free to shareholders in the United States. Combined business to be 50% owned by FCA shareholders and 50% by Groupe Renault shareholders balanced governance structure and majority of Board of Directors being independent Combination would create the 3rd largest global OEM with 8.7m vehicle sales and a strong market presence in key regions and vehicle segments Broad and complementary brand portfolio would provide full market coverage, from luxury to mainstream Combined company would be a world leader in the rapidly changing automotive industry with a strong position in transforming technologies, including electrification and autonomous driving No plant closures as a result of the combination In excess of 5 billion estimated annual run rate synergies incremental to existing Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance (Alliance) synergies Strong combined balance sheet allowing for flexible capital allocation and robust dividend policy Significant benefits to the other Alliance partners including ~1 billion of additional estimated run rate synergies Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. has today delivered a non-binding letter to the Board of Groupe Renault proposing a combination of their respective businesses as a 50/50 merger. The FCA proposal follows initial operational discussions between the two companies to identify products and geographies where they could collaborate, particularly as they develop and commercialize new technologies. These discussions made clear that broader collaboration through a combination would substantially improve capital efficiency and the speed of product development. The case for combination is also strengthened by the need to take bold decisions to capture at scale the opportunities created by the transformation of the auto industry in areas like connectivity, electrification and autonomous driving. The proposed combination would create a global automaker, preeminent in terms of revenue, volumes, profitability and technology, benefitting the companies' respective shareholders and stakeholders. The combined business would sell approximately 8.7 million vehicles annually, would be a world leader in EV technologies, premium brands, SUVs, pickup trucks and light commercial vehicles and would have a broader and more balanced global presence than either company on a standalone basis. The benefits of the proposed transaction are not predicated on plant closures, but would be achieved through more capital efficient investment in common global vehicle platforms, architectures, powertrains and technologies. FCA has a history of successfully combining OEMs with disparate cultures to create strong leadership teams and organizations dedicated to a single purpose. Therefore, FCA's Board strongly believes that this combination, which would have the scale, expertise and resources to navigate the rapidly changing automotive industry, would create new opportunities for employees of both companies and for other key stakeholders. Under the terms of the proposal, shareholders in each company would receive an equivalent equity stake in the combined company. The combination would be carried out as a merger transaction under a Dutch parent company. The Board of the combined entity would initially be composed of 11 members, with the majority being independent and with equal representation of four members each for both FCA and Groupe Renault, as well as one nominee from Nissan. Further, there would be no carryover of existing double voting rights. However, all shareholders would have the opportunity to earn loyalty voting rights from the completion of the transaction under a loyalty voting program. The parent company would be listed on the Borsa Italiana (Milan), Euronext (Paris) and the New York Stock Exchange. The benefits flowing from the combination of the two businesses would be shared, 50% by current FCA shareholders and 50% by current Groupe Renault shareholders. Before the transaction is closed, to mitigate the disparity in equity market values, FCA shareholders would also receive a dividend of 2.5 billion (see Appendix). In addition, prior to closing, there would be a distribution of Comau's shares to FCA's shareholders or an incremental 250 million dividend if the Comau spin-off does not occur. Combining the businesses will bring together complementary strengths. The combination would create a brand portfolio that would provide full market coverage with a presence in all key segments from luxury/premium brands, such as Maserati and Alfa Romeo, to the strong access brands of Dacia and Lada, and would include the well-known Fiat, Renault, Jeep and Ram brands as well as commercial vehicles. Groupe Renault has a strong presence across Europe, Russia, Africa and Middle East, while FCA is uniquely positioned in the high margin segments in North America and is a market leader in Latin America. FCA's evolving capability in autonomous driving, which includes partnerships with Waymo, BMW and Aptiv, is complemented by Groupe Renault's decade of experience in EV technology where it is the highest selling EV OEM in Europe. Groupe Renault also has a well-established and profitable financing business (RCI Banque). The combination would be highly value accretive for both FCA and Groupe Renault shareholders, delivering in excess of 5 billion of estimated annual run rate synergies, incremental to existing Alliance synergies. These synergies would arise principally from the convergence of platforms, the consolidation of powertrain and electrification investment and the benefits of scale. FCA estimates based on its experience, that approximately 90% of synergies would come from purchasing savings (~40%), R&D efficiencies (~30%), and manufacturing and tooling efficiencies (~20%). Included in these estimated savings would be the potential to reduce the combined number of vehicle platforms by approximately 20% and engine families by approximately 30%. The full run rate of estimated synergies is expected to be achieved by the end of year six following closing, with about 80% achieved in year four. Taking into account the impact of the approximately 3-4 billion in cumulative implementation costs, it is estimated that the synergies would be net cash flow neutral in year one and positive from year two onward. Geographically, based on FCA and Groupe Renault's 2018 global sales, the combined company would be #4 in North America, #2 in EMEA and #1 in Latin America and would have the increased resources necessary to grow its footprint in the APAC region. On a simple aggregated basis of 2018 results, the combined company's annual revenues would be nearly 170 billion with operating profit of more than 10 billion and net profit of more than 8 billion. While the proposal focuses on a combination of FCA and Groupe Renault, FCA looks forward as part of a combined enterprise with Groupe Renault to working with Groupe Renault's Alliance partner companies on ways to create additional value for all Alliance members. FCA recognizes the standing and achievements of Groupe Renault's partners and sees significant expected benefits to all parties from the expanded partnership. The FCA and Groupe Renault combination together with its Nissan and Mitsubishi partners would be the largest global OEM alliance, selling more than 15 million vehicles annually. The additional synergies stemming from the merger of FCA and Groupe Renault that are expected to accrue to Nissan and Mitsubishi purely as members of the Alliance are estimated to be worth an incremental 1 billion annually. This proposal offers the opportunity to create the #3 global automotive company with broad, complementary and strong brand and geographic presence and important strengths in transforming technologies. It also confirms and enhances the value of the existing Alliance and its potential to become even stronger in the future. While there is no certainty that this proposal will result in a transaction, the Board of FCA has strongly supported and approved the proposal which will now be reviewed by the Groupe Renault Board of Directors. The definitive agreements for the proposed combination are subject to negotiation and to final review and approval by the FCA and Groupe Renault Boards. Completion of the proposed combination would also be subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by each company's shareholders, as applicable, and the satisfaction of antitrust and other regulatory requirements. Information related to the proposal will be made available from time to time on the FCA website (https://www.fcagroup.com/en-US/Pages/home.aspx). Financial advisers Goldman Sachs International d'Angelin & Co Nomura International Plc Legal advisers Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier Investor enquiries: FCA Joe Veltri Vice President, Investor Relations Tel: +1 248 576 9257 [email protected] Media enquiries: FCA Niel Golightly, [email protected], +1 248 933-6285 Shawn Morgan, [email protected], +1 248 512-2692 Andrea Pallard, andrea.p[email protected], +39 0110030675 Fernao Silveira, [email protected], +55 11 4949-3901 UK Gelso Consulting Richard Holloway + 44 7342 023 763 [email protected] Laura Gilbert + 44 7799 413 351 [email protected] Andrew Garfield +44 7974982337 [email protected] USA Sard Verbinnen & Co Robert Rendine, Kelsey Markovich +1 212 687 8080 [email protected] Italy Community, Strategic Communications Advisers Auro Palomba, Marco Rubino +39 02 89404231 [email protected] France Image 7 Anne-France Malrieu, Simon Zaks +33 1 53 70 74 95 [email protected] Japan Ashton Consulting Dan Underwood, Daniel Fath +81 3 5425-7220 [email protected] APPENDIX ECONOMIC TERMS EXCLUDING VALUE UPSIDE FROM SYNERGIES FCA share price (May 24 2019 Borsa Italiana closing share price) 11.46 Less: 2.5 billion equalizing dividend corresponding to 1.60 dividend per share (1.60) Less: 250 million minimum incremental dividend corresponding to 0.16 dividend per share (if no Comau spin-off or sale with net proceeds being distributed) (0.16) Adjusted FCA reference price 9.70 Exchange ratio to achieve 50/50 ownership X 5.328 Implied value per Groupe Renault share 51.68 PLUS: Groupe Renault proposed ordinary dividend (ex-date Jun 18 2019)* 3.55 Implied total value per Groupe Renault share 55.23 *Subject to approval at Groupe Renault June 12 2019 Shareholders' Annual General Meeting FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the FCA Group's current expectations and projections about future events and, by their nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. They relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur or exist in the future and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on them. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in such statements as a result of a variety of factors, including: volatility and deterioration of capital and financial markets, changes in commodity prices, changes in general economic conditions, economic growth and other changes in business conditions, weather, floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters, changes in government regulation, production difficulties, including capacity and supply constraints, uncertainties as to whether the proposed business combination will be agreed or consummated or as to the timing thereof as well as the realization of the anticipated synergies therefrom, and many other risks and uncertainties, most of which are outside of the FCA Group's control. FCA and its affiliates, directors, advisors, employees and representatives, expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. FCA does not assume any obligation to update any public information or forward-looking statement in this communication to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or for any other reason after the date of this communication, except as may be required by applicable laws, and any opinion expressed in this press release is subject to change without notice. FCA shall not have any obligation to correct any inaccuracies therein or omissions therefrom which may become apparent. This press release includes some information on specific transaction proposals that remain subject to discussions and certain approvals and other conditions. About FCA N.V. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is a global automaker that designs, engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles in a portfolio of exciting brands, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Ram and Maserati. It also sells parts and services under the Mopar name and operates in the components and production systems sectors under the Comau and Teksid brands. FCA employs nearly 200,000 people around the globe. For more information regarding FCA, please visit www.fcagroup.com. SOURCE FCA N.V. Related Links http://www.fcagroup.com CHICAGO, May 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Machine Automation Controller Market by Controller Type (DCS, PLC, Industrial PC), Form Factor (IP65, IP20), Industry (Oil & Gas, Energy & Power, Food & Beverages, Chemicals, Automotive), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2024", published by MarketsandMarkets, the machine automation controller market is estimated to be worth USD 33.7 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 41.5 billion by 2024, at a CAGR of 4.3% during 20192024. The major factors fueling the growth of the machine automation controller market include rising focus on reducing overall operational cost, increasing need to drive productivity in process industry, and growing use of robots in manufacturing sector. Ask for PDF Brochure @ : https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=108072008 "DCS to lead the market by 2019" DCS offers centralized control of plant operation allowing flexible monitoring, control, and reporting of individual components operating on the production floor. Moreover, the unique ability of DCS to manage highly complex processes of automation makes it an ideal solution for companies with large production setup. The installation of DCS in the process industry enables companies to reduce downtime and improve production using optimal resources. The growing demand for products such as foods, beverages, and chemicals is expected to augment the growth of the segment over the forecast period. "IP65 rated controller to hold the largest share of machine automation controller market" Machine automation controllers with IP65 rating are utilized in a more demanding industrial environment where the automated system is in constant contact with dust, liquid, and solid objects. IP65 rated automation controller offers protection against dust and low-pressure jets of liquid from all directions. Automation controllers, such as DCS and industrial PC (IPC), have IP65 rating because a few components, such as flat panel monitors which do not have additional protection. The need to protect these external components has resulted in making IP65 rating a necessity. "APAC to be largest market for machine automation controller during forecast period" APAC is expected to account for the largest share of the machine automation controller market in 2019 and the trend is anticipated to continue till 2024. The huge domestic demand for automated controllers has led to the establishment of manufacturing units of various industries, such as automotive, chemicals, food & beverages, and semiconductor & electronics. However, growing labor costs, rapidly evolving manufacturing processes, and increasing operational costs have resulted in companies operating adopting automation technologies to address the challenges effectively. Browse and in-depth TOC on "Machine Automation Controller Market" 66 - Tables 69 - Figures 171 - Pages Request Sample pages of the Report @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=108072008 Major players involved in the machine automation controller market include ABB (Switzerland), Emerson (US), Siemens (Germany), Schneider Electric (France), Yokogawa (Japan), Advantech (Taiwan), Delta Electronics (Taiwan), Honeywell (US), Mitsubishi Electric (Japan), Omron (Japan), Rockwell Automation (US), Robert Bosch (Germany), Beckhoff Automation (Germany), Kollmorgen (US), and Kontron (Germany). Please explore relevant report Industrial Control and Factory Automation Market by Solution (SCADA, PLC, DCS, MES, PLM, PAM, Functional Safety), Component (Industrial Robots, Industrial 3D Printing, Control Valves, Machine Vision, HMI), Industry and Geography - Global Forecast to 2024 Process Automation & Instrumentation Market by Instrument (Field Instrument, Control Valve, Analyzer), Solution (APC, DCS, HMI, MES, PLC, Safety Automation, SCADA), End-User Industry, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2023 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: [email protected] Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/machine-automation-controller-market.asp Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com SOURCE MarketsandMarkets NANJING, China, May 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Xinjun He, Ph.D., the executive director of Nanjing YiGenCloud Institute, a leading medical big data AI company in China, described the blueprint of their China's precision medicine at the Nature conference: Genome Variation in Precision Medicine 2019 held in Nanjing, China, on Sunday. With the advancement of precision medicine, a lot of genetic variations associated with human diseases/phenotypes have been uncovered through genomic studies, providing important clues for exploring the development of detrimental diseases and human characters. "It's imperative to accelerate new cutting-edge technologies and transformation of research achievements by tapping into genomic studies," Dr. He said at the symposium. The symposium was jointly hosted by Nanjing Medical University, the journal of Nature Genetics and Nature Communications, Nanjing Jiangbei New Area, Anhui Medical University and the Genome Institute of Singapore. With the theme of "Nature conference: Genome Variation in Precision Medicine 2019", participants discussed on international collaborations in relevant fields such as cardiovascular diseases, reproductive medicine, cancer genomics and genomics within precision medicine. As a pioneer in precision medicine, Dr. He was invited by the symposium to share his experience in developing clinicogenomics big data products to push forward precision medicine, enhancing China's technological competitiveness and international influence, with the introduction of their unique development strategies by YiGenCloud. In his opinion, in current era of modern medical development, the precision medicine in a narrow definition, is to precisely obtain examination and testing results and implement targeted treatments by combining clinical data and genomics data for each patient, has become the basis for precision medicine in real world clinical practices; and what is needed in the future is to fulfill a complete "health portrait" for an individual, based on which "preventive treatment of disease" can be achieved. "To meet the goal, we need to collect patients' data both inside and outside hospitals such as environmental data, social economic data and health monitoring data as well," he said. Taking an advantage of various standardized application systems in a hospital, in one hand, YiGenCloud collects and integrates these massive clinical data accumulated over the past decades, in another hand, develops various practical applications based on these data for medical institutions. This not only produces fruitful research results based on real world clinical data and facilitates the construction of various disease models, but also makes the companion diagnosis and treatments assisted by AI possible. YiGenCloud also faces major challenges as its peers: "With the tsunami of genomic data generation, how to standardize massive sequence data and apply it in the current AI assisted diagnosis and treatment hold another key on clinical big data". "This requires a very sophisticated capability of integrating medical big data," Dr. He said, and he also indicated that the integration process "is tough and difficult", which is not only subject to very strict regulations but also requires huge manpower and other inputs. With its experiences in precision medicine and understanding of the industry, YiGenCloud has invested a lot of manpower and resources since 2018 to develop an AI driven healthcare platform, with a team involving experts from multidiscipline such as doctors, medical, bioinformatics and IT, unleash its full potential of medical AI. By doing so, YiGenCloud not only carries out researches on basic algorithms and utilizes data integration platforms to assist standardized clinical business systems of medical institutions, but also normalizes genetic data to provide quality assurance for upper-level data application and improve structuring of disease models, actively pushing forward the understanding of the molecular mechanism of disease and the precision medicine in China. YiGenCloud was also enrolled in the first batch of innovative research institutes for 2019, published by Nanjing Municipal Science and Technology Bureau as a model for "focusing on driving application and transformation of technological achievements". SOURCE Nanjing YiGenCloud Max Sali, Chief Executive Officer stated, "We are very encouraged by the positive results of the recently completed geophysical survey. The results have exceeded our expectations and define multiple high priority resistivity anomalies that warrant immediate drill testing at depth below the South Mine Fault Zone, and along strike towards the Northern Extension Zone". The IP/resistivity survey completed at Bolo comprised 10.2 line-km over 9 lines targeting the "Mine Fault" and other mineralized structures that host the Uncle Sam, South Mine Fault (SMF) and Northern Extension (NEX) mineralized zones. The survey extends 1,100 metres north to south, covering an area of approximately 135 hectares. The anomalous geophysical signatures have provided an essential tool for drill planning and positioning during the fully funded summer drill program. The program will include step-out and infill drilling to extend gold-silver mineralization across the 1.1 kilometre trend. All zones remain open in all directions and require drill testing. Highlights of the IP/resistivity survey reveal the presence of a well-defined linear conductive anomaly coincident with previously RC drilled gold and silver mineralized zones and Mine Fault trend. The conductive anomaly ranges in width from 100-200 metres and extends vertically from between 250 metres and 400 metres depth, the limit of the geophysical inversion. The geophysical survey defines numerous high-priority drill targets at depth below the SMF Zone; over the 600 metre untested strike length between the SMF and Uncle Sam Prospect; and along the largely untested 500 metre strike length area between the SMF and NEX zones. In addition, a number of untested conductive anomalies occur with the prospective west-side footwall of the Mine Fault (Figure 1 Plan). The SMF Zone, which returned RC drill intercepts of 3.24 grams-per-tonne (g/t) gold over 30.5 metres from a downhole depth of 44.2 metres, within a broader zone of mineralization averaging 1.28 g/t gold over 133 metres* from surface (Drill Hole BL-38), is coincident with an approximately 150 metre wide subvertical conductive anomaly that extends to a vertical depth of 250 metres, a distance of 100 metres below the deepest RC drill intercept (Figure 2 Section). Plan Map (Figure 1) The plan map provides anomalous geophysical signatures across multiple gold-silver drill indicated zones and shows areas for extension. The Uncle Sam Prospect, which yielded high-grade silver plus gold channel rock chip samples including 3,146 g/t silver and 1.0 g/t gold over 2.6 metres, and 365 g/t silver and 1.9 g/t gold over 3.6 metres**, is associated with an approximately 100 metre wide conductive zone representing the Mine Fault. Modelled RC drill intercepts at Uncle Sam and South Mine Fault Zone, located 600 metres to the north and 200 metres vertically above, indicate the presence of a distinct silver mineralized zone offset approximately 200 metres to the west within the footwall of the main SMF gold zone. From the SMF footwall conductive anomalies occur on successive lines northward to the NEX beneath massive dolomite cover rocks. Importantly, north of the SMF gold zone the geophysical results indicate previous RC holes often failed to drill across or did not adequately test the Mine Fault conductive anomaly. Section Map (Figure 2) The section map provides anomalous geophysical signatures across the South Mine Fault Zone. * The true width of mineralization is estimated to be approximately 50% of drilled width. ** The true width of mineralization at Uncle Sam is unknown. For full descriptions of the Bolo Property mineralized intercepts see: Technical Report on the Bolo Property, Nye County, Nevada, USA effective date October 5, 2018 available at www.sedar.com About Barrian Mining Corp. Barrian Mining Corp is a new gold exploration company focused on acquiring and advancing precious metal projects in the United States. Barrian's flagship Bolo Project, located 90km northeast of Tonopah Nevada, hosts Carlin type gold mineralization and is fully permitted for upcoming exploration programs including drilling. Notable historical drill results include 1.28 g/t gold over 133 metres from surface. In addition, Barrian has an earn-in option to acquire 100% of the "Sleeper Project" which is located in the historic Mogollon epithermal silver-gold mining district of New Mexico. Barrian is run by a strong management and technical team consisting of capital market and mining professionals with the goal of maximizing value for shareholders through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions. Barrian trades on the TSXV under the ticker symbol "BARI", and on the German (Frankfurt) exchanges using the ticker symbol "BM5". Geophysical Survey Details The 2019 Bolo Gold Property IP/resistivity geophysical survey was completed by Las Vegas, NV based KLM Geoscience LLC, using a pole-dipole array and combination of 50 m and 100 m dipole "a" spacing. Line lengths ranged from 0.9 to 1.5 km line length. Line spacing ranged from 75 m in the SMF area to 300 m elsewhere. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release as it relates to the Bolo Property has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (BC) Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, AB, a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. On behalf of the Board of Directors s/ "Max Sali" Max Sali, Chief Executive Officer Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Forward Looking Information This news release includes certain statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation, the Company's plans and timing for its properties/projects, other statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, and other matters. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved), and variations of such words, and similar expressions are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of metals, anticipated costs and the ability to achieve goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, and that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events, level of activity, performance or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: (i) risks related to gold and other commodity price fluctuations; (ii) risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration results; (iii) risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; (iv) that resource exploration and development is a speculative business; (v) that the Company may lose or abandon its property interests or may fail to receive necessary licences and permits; (vi) that environmental laws and regulations may become more onerous; (vii) that the Company may not be able to raise additional funds when necessary; (viii) the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; (ix) exploration and development risks, including risks related to accidents, equipment breakdowns, labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in exploration and development; * competition; (xi) the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of geologic reports or studies; (xii) the uncertainty of profitability based upon the Company's history of losses; (xiii) risks related to environmental regulation and liability; (xiv) risks associated with failure to maintain community acceptance, agreements and permissions (generally referred to as "social licence"); (xv) risks relating to obtaining and maintaining all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations relating to the continued exploration and development of the Company's projects; (xvi) risks related to the outcome of legal actions; (xvii) political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; (xix) risks related to current global financial conditions; and (xx) other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business strategy. These risks, as well as others, could cause actual results and events to vary significantly. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, the loss of key directors, employees, advisors or consultants, adverse weather conditions, increase in costs, equipment failures, litigation, exchange rate fluctuations, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations and fees charged by service providers. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and 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 expressly required by applicable securities legislation. SOURCE Barrian Mining Corp. Rise in demand for natural cosmetic products and surge in number of millennials are expected to propel the growth of the global tea tree oil market. The cosmetic & toiletries dominated the market in terms of revenue, holding more than three-fourths of the total market. On the other hand, the market across North America accounted for the largest share in 2017. PORTLAND, Oregon, May 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research recently published a report, titled, "Tea Tree Oil Market by Application (Cosmetics & Toiletries Application, Therapeutics Application, and Industrial Application), End User (FMCG Manufacturer, Cosmetics Companies, Pharmaceutical Companies, and Others), and Grade (Pharma/Cosmetic Grade and Therapeutic Grade): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20182025". According to the report, global tea tree oil market accounted for $38.8 million in 2017 and is expected to reach $59.5 million by 2025, registering a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. Rise in demand for natural cosmetic products due to its large-scale application in the production of shampoos, conditioner, skin clearing lotion, and face creams has boosted the growth of the global tea tree oil market. However, low product penetration in Asia-Pacific and LAMEA hampers market growth. On the contrary, rise in number of millennials which are prime customers for natural and clean label products is expected to create lucrative opportunities in the near future. Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/5272 Cosmetic and toiletries application segment to dominate through 2025 The cosmetic and toiletries application segment held the largest share in 2017, contributing more than three-fourths of the total market, owing to rise in awareness regarding various health benefits associated with tea tree oil. Moreover, it can be used to treat wounds and provide soothing relief for aches, pains, and congestion, which has boosted its use in cosmetics and toiletries. However, the industrial application segment is estimated to register the fastest CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period, as it is said to be a natural disinfectant. The report includes analysis of the therapeutic application segment. North America region to garner highest revenue The market across the North America region held the largest share in 2017, contributing around two-fifths of the total market, owing to high consumption rate of natural cosmetic and large group of consumers in the region. However, the market across LAMEA is expected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period, owing to high rate of demand for natural essential oil in both household and commercial sectors. The report also offers an in-depth study of the market across Europe and Asia-Pacific. For Purchase Enquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/5272 Major market players The global tea tree oil market report provides analysis of the major market players such as G.R. Davis, Main Camp, Cassegrain Kalara, Maria River Plantation, Coromandel Mountains, Jenbrook, LvHuan Technology, Oribi Oils, Fuyang Biotechnology, and Integria Healthcare. Access KNOWLEDGE TREE (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/knowledgetree Knowledge tree is a cloud-based intelligence platform that offers more than 2,000 selective, off-the-shelf reports on niche markets to enable our clients gain deep insights on the latest trends, dynamic technologies, and emerging application areas. Similar Reports: Tea Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017-2023 Bubble Tea Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017-2023 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com SOURCE Allied Market Research NEW YORK, May 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asia-Pacific Polyvinyl Chloride Market (PVC) is expected to grow at a moderate rate during the forecast period (2019-2024). The report is segmented by Product Type, Application, Stabilizer Type, End-user Industry and Geography. The growing population, combined with the rising purchasing power of middle-class population in developing economies (such as India, South Korea, and ASEAN Countries), has boosted the demand for infrastructural projects (such as recreational centers, shopping malls, sophisticated health care centers, high-rise buildings (to cater the needs of high population in small areas), housing complexes, etc. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05778174/?utm_source=PRN Soaring Demand from the Construction Industry Asia-Pacific is likely to reinforce its position as the world's largest construction industry over the coming decade. The main areas of expected growth in the construction industry are transport, energy, social infrastructure, schools, hospitals, government accommodation, water resources, and defense infrastructure. In Asia-Pacific, the demand for PVC in the construction industry is expected d to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period. Rising living standards, which is driven by advances in services, industry, and agriculture, along with the need to develop infrastructure, are expected to boost PVC supplies in the construction industry. Building & Construction - The Fastest Growing Segment by Usage The building & construction segment accounts for the highest CAGR of over 5.48%, along with generating the largest revenue. The growth of the Indian PVC market is expected to be led by the rising construction of the much required residential units and the growing demand for PVC pipes and fittings in the agricultural sector, in order to bring in more area under cultivation. The Asia-Pacific construction sector is the largest in the world, and is increasing at a healthy rate. This growth pattern can be attributed to the growing population, rising middle class incomes, and urbanization. Owing to their business potential, countries, such as Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea, have become hosts to numerous national and international events. Therefore, the construction activity has been growing rapidly in Asia-Pacific, which, in turn, is driving the demand for PVC market. India to Lead the Market The growth of the Indian PVC market is expected to be led by the rising construction of residential units and growing demand for PVC pipes and fittings in the agricultural sector. The growing demand for light-weight vehicles, with increased awareness regarding their fuel efficiency and environmental benefits, has affected the growth of the PVC market. Moreover, the 'Make in India' initiative taken by the government is expected to augment the electrical & electronics, automotive, footwear industries in the country, which, in turn, is likely to drive the Indian PVC market over the forecast period. Notable Developments in the Market - February 2018: PolyOne Corporation started thermoplastic elastomer production in India. - December 2017: Formosa Plastics Corporation announced plans to hold seminars in India every year. Major Players: Shin-Etsu Chemical Limited, Formosa Plastics, and Mitsui Chemicals Inc., among others. Reasons to Purchase the Report - The impact of end-user applications on the market - Various perspectives of the market with the help of Porter's five forces analysis - Countries expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period - The latest developments, market shares, and strategies that are employed by the major market players - 3 months analyst support, along with the Market Estimate sheet (in Excel) Customization of the Report The report can be customized to meet your requirements. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05778174/?utm_source=PRN About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com TORONTO, May 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clear Blue Technologies International Inc. (Clear Blue or the Company) (TSXV:CBLU) (FRANKFURT:0YA) announced today that their 2018 and Q1 2019 earnings call will take place on Friday, May 31 at 11 am ET. Clear Blue CEO Miriam Tuerk and CFO Lawrence Tjan will review the results and provide an update on the business. Interested investors can register for the earnings call at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fsvAPiFSSUGxfyCPmEAR7Q . Clear Blue also announced that the Annual General Meeting will take place on Friday, June 28 at 11 am ET at its offices at 30 Lesmill Rd, Unit #7, in Toronto. About Clear Blue Technologies International Clear Blue Technologies International, the Smart Off-Grid company, was founded on a vision of delivering clean, managed, wireless power to meet the global need for reliable, low-cost, solar and hybrid power for lighting, telecom, security, Internet of Things devices, and other mission-critical systems. Today, Clear Blue has thousands of systems under management across 35 countries, including the U.S. and Canada. Clear Blue is publicly traded on the Toronto Venture Exchange under the symbol CBLU. Legal Disclaimer Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NEW YORK, May 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Trends, opportunities and forecast in pharmaceutical label market to 2024 by label (pressure sensitive label, glue applied label, sleeve label, in mold label, and others), material (paper, polymer film, and others), application (instructional and decorative label, functional label, promotional and other label) end use (bottles, parenteral containers, blister packs, pre-fillable syringes, pre-fillable inhalers, pouches, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and ROW) Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05778646/?utm_source=PRN The future of the global pharmaceutical label market looks promising with opportunities in the bottles, blister packs, parenteral containers, pre-fillable syringes, pre-fillable inhalers, and pouches. The global pharmaceutical label market is expected to reach an estimated $6.5 billion by 2024 with a CAGR of 5.7% from 2019 to 2024. The major drivers for this market are growth in the pharmaceutical industry along with growing healthcare expenditures in developing economies. Emerging trends, which have a direct impact on the dynamics of the pharmaceutical label industry, include increasing use of recyclable and biodegradable label products and adoption of expanded content label design. pharmaceutical label market by label pharmaceutical label market pharmaceutical label manufacturers The study includes the pharmaceutical label market size and forecast for the global pharmaceutical label market through 2024, segmented by label type, material, application, end use, and region, as follows: Pharmaceutical Label Market by Label Type [$M shipment analysis for 2013 to 2024]: Pressure-sensitive labels Glue-applied labels Sleeve labels In-mold labels Others Pharmaceutical Label Market by Material [$M shipment analysis for 2013 to 2024]: Paper Polymer film Others Pharmaceutical Label Market by Application [$M shipment analysis for 2013 to 2024]: Instructional and decorative labeling Functional labeling Promotional and other labeling Pharmaceutical Label Market by End Use [$M shipment analysis for 2013 to 2024]: Bottles Blister packs Parenteral containers Pre-fillable syringes Pre-fillable inhalers Pouches Others Pharmaceutical Label Market by Region [$M shipment analysis for 2013 to 2024]: North America Europe APAC ROW Some of the pharmaceutical label companies profiled in this report include CCL Industries, 3M Company, Essentra, Avery Dennison Corporation, MCC Label, SATO Holding Corporation, and Consolidated Label and others. On the basis of comprehensive research, The analyst forecasts that the pressure sensitive labels will remain the largest segment over the forecast period because these labels are versatile, convenient to use, and available in different designs and patterns. The sleeve label segment is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period because this label can be used for 360 degree branding and messaging of the product. Within the global pharmaceutical label market, bottles will remain the largest end use segment over the forecast period because they provide convenience, safety, and security for solid, liquid, and ophthalmic medication. North America is expected to remain the largest region due to recent technological advancements in pharmaceutical labels. APAC is expected to witness the highest growth rate over the forecast period due to its growing pharmaceutical industry and stronger prevention of counterfeit pharmaceutical products. Some of the features of "Pharmaceutical Label Market Report: Trends, Forecast and Competitive Analysis" include: Market size estimates: Global pharmaceutical label market size estimation in terms of value ($M) shipment. Trend and forecast analysis: Market trend (2013-2018) and forecast (2019-2024) by end use and use industry. Segmentation analysis: Global pharmaceutical label market size by label type, end use type, material type, and application in terms of value and volume shipment. Regional analysis: Global pharmaceutical label market breakdown by key regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia & Rest of World. Growth opportunities: Analysis on growth opportunities in different applications and regions in the global pharmaceutical label market. Strategic analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape in the pharmaceutical label market. Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter's Five Forces model. This report addresses the following key questions:Q.1 What are some of the most promising, growth opportunities for the global pharmaceutical label market by label (pressure sensitive label, glue applied label, sleeve label, in mold label, and others), material (paper, polymer film, and others), application (instructional and decorative label, functional label, promotional and other label) end use (bottles, parenteral containers, blister packs, pre-fillable syringes, pre-fillable inhalers, pouches, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)? Q.2 Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why? Q.3 Which region will grow at a faster pace and why? Q.4 What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the drivers and challenges, and business risks in this pharmaceutical label (pharmaceutical label market, pharmaceutical off-label market, pharmaceutical label market report, pharma labeling, pharmaceutical labeling) market? Q.5 What are the business risks and competitive threats in this pharmaceutical label (pharmaceutical label market, pharmaceutical off-label market, pharmaceutical label market report, pharma labeling, pharmaceutical labeling) market? Q.6 What are the emerging trends in this pharmaceutical label (pharmaceutical label market, pharmaceutical off-label market, pharmaceutical label market report, pharma labeling, pharmaceutical labeling) market and the reasons behind them? Q.7 What are some of the changing demands of customers in the pharmaceutical label (pharmaceutical label market, pharmaceutical off-label market, pharmaceutical label market report, pharma labeling, pharmaceutical labeling) market? Q.8 What are the new developments in the pharmaceutical label (pharmaceutical label market, pharmaceutical off-label market, pharmaceutical label market report, pharma labeling, pharmaceutical labeling) market and which companies are leading these developments? Q.9 Who are the major players in this pharmaceutical label (pharmaceutical label market, pharmaceutical off-label market, pharmaceutical label market report, pharma labeling, pharmaceutical labeling) market? What strategic initiatives are being taken by key players for business growth? Q.10 What M & A activity has occurred in the last 5 years in this pharmaceutical label (pharmaceutical label market, pharmaceutical off-label market, pharmaceutical label market report, pharma labeling, pharmaceutical labeling) market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05778646/?utm_source=PRN About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com BRISBANE, Australia, May 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Tokenized Group Pty Ltd has announced the official public release of the Tokenized Protocol Beta. The Tokenized Protocol is a comprehensive, regulation-friendly solution for businesses to create tokens for real world assets on the Bitcoin SV (BSV) blockchain. This is a huge milestone for the Tokenized team, and they are excited to share their work with the world. "We look forward to helping everyone in the ecosystem add support for the open-source Tokenized Protocol in their own projects. We also welcome all users, organizations, developers, governments, and investors to reach out and find out how the Tokenized Protocol can benefit them. The best place to engage with us is in our Telegram group or our community forum," said James Belding, Founder and CEO of Tokenized. "We believe our solution is the best token and smart contract system on the market, by far, and combined with the unrivalled scaling capabilities of the Bitcoin SV (BSV) network, we believe we can systemically improve the way our world engages in voluntary exchange." The beta version represents a major upgrade from the alpha version, and the Tokenized team released a comprehensive set of documentation to allow developers to get a proper sense of what it can do. The documentation has also been created in such a way that less technically inclined people will still be able to understand and get value out of reading through it. The beta version has introduced many important and innovative features that make Tokenized a very compelling value proposition for tokenizing real-world assets on the BSV blockchain. The team focused on building a system that works 'out of the box'. To make sure they achieved this goal, the Tokenized team tailored the protocol to work within the realm of current regulatory frameworks and within the confines of law in common jurisdictions around the world. James adds, "There is still a lot of work to be done in educating regulators, however, we are confident that all of the pieces are now in place to allow the protocol to be adopted globally as a replacement for all of the current financial messaging protocols." Key Features of the Tokenized Protocol Beta: Support for a diverse array of asset types: Common Shares (SHC), Loyalty & Reward Points, Coupons, Currencies, Admission Tickets, and Memberships (with many more assets types to be announced soon) Multi-asset atomic swaps On-chain messaging for orchestrating the signing of multi-signature, threshold signature, and token exchange transactions (and more) Smart contract support for Identity Oracles ensuring issuers can comply with KYC, AML, CTF laws, even in secondary trading, all whilst maintaining user privacy Governance features that allow for an improved UX for organizational governance, all on-chain and completely managed by smart contracts Customizable voting systems that will allow for pseudonymous, secure and corruption-free votes. Votes can be cast from a smart phone or laptop computer. The voting system is technically capable of being used for all types of votes from local all the way up to national elections. (Citizenship tokens coming soon) Enforcement features that allow for legal authorities to issue on-chain and digitally signed court orders which can provide justification for smart contract-controlled freezing, thawing, and confiscation of tokens Capable of allowing banks and governments to tokenize national currencies ushering in a new paradigm of ultra-low-cost transactions, microtransactions and ~2 second clearing and settlement times. The Tokenized Protocol can replace traditional bank-to-bank financial messaging systems as well as payment systems provided by credit card companies Business friendly and sensitive to the real needs of different regulatory environments worldwide. Tokenized is a company on a mission to build tools and solutions to unlock the value in Bitcoin for mainstream business and consumer users. They are firm in their belief that BSV is the only protocol that adheres to Satoshi Nakamoto's original design of Bitcoin, and they believe firmly that it's the only protocol that can work at scale. Tokenized intends to release their 10-year plan publicly in the next 6-18 months. This Beta release represents their first step in the 10-year plan which is to bring practical smart contracts and tokens to Bitcoin SV. In 2018, the Tokenized team was selected as winner of CoinGeek's 5M tokenisation solution contest for Bitcoin. CoinGeek, founded by billionaire technology entrepreneur Calvin Ayre, is one of the key backers of Bitcoin SV (BSV) as the only project following Bitcoin's original design, protocol and massive-scaling vision. Ayre comments: "The original Bitcoin design and protocol created by Craig Wright had everything it ever needed to power a vast array of technical capabilities including creating tokens of real-world assets. Bitcoin is also massively scaling now, only in the form of BSV. Businesses will soon see their token needs won't be satisfied by Ethereum's scaling problems, but will instead be powered on BSV as the only blockchain with the scaling roadmap for enterprise token usage made easily possible by the Tokenized protocol." To learn more about the Tokenized solution, come to the CoinGeek Toronto conference on May 29-30 in Toronto, Canada. Tokenized CEO James Belding will be speaking about the updated Tokenized Protocol. For more information please visit the website: https://tokenized.com/ Technical Enquiries: Tokenized Telegram Channel: https://t.me/joinchat/GTCTKhDcyW4-QepyjqiLdQ Tokenized Community Forum: https://forum.tokenized.com/ Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/803908/Bitcoin_SV_Logo.jpg SOURCE Bitcoin SV (BSV) Related Links https://tokenized.com/ CHICAGO, May 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Report "Underwater Lighting Market by Light Source (LED, Halogen, Metal Halide Lamps), Mounting Type (Flush Mounted and Surface Mounted), Installation Type (New Installations and Retrofit Installations), Application, and Region - Global Forecast to 2024", published by MarketsandMarkets, is projected to grow from USD 279 million in 2019 to USD 348 million by 2024, at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2019 to 2024. Rising underwater activities such as amusement sports, night fishing, excavation of underwater artifacts, and defense search & rescue operations are contributing to the demand for underwater lighting across the globe. Increasing infrastructure spending and rising number of smart city initiatives across the globe are expected to drive the demand for water bodies to boost the aesthetic appeal of structures. This, in turn, is expected to augment the demand for underwater lighting across the globe. Ask for PDF Brochure @: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=110584965 Based on installation type, the new installations segment of the underwater lighting market is projected to grow at a higher CAGR than the retrofit installations segment during the forecast period. New installations refer to the installation of new underwater lighting such as new-generation LED drivers and ballasts, sensors, switches, dimmers, and gateways. Unlike retrofit installations, which refer to the partial replacement of lighting controls and management systems, new installations completely replace traditional lighting systems after fully phasing out lights and their assorted controls and fixtures with new lights and their associated controls and fixtures. Increasing construction of new swimming pools and fountains is expected to contribute to the growth of the new installations segment of the market during the forecast period. Based on application, the swimming pools segment is projected to lead the underwater lighting market from 2019 to 2024. The swimming pools segment is projected to lead the underwater lighting market during the forecast period. Swimming pools are fitted with underwater lights such as LEDs to ensure their safe use during nighttime as well as to enhance their aesthetic appeal. Underwater lighting used in swimming pools is connected to transformers that convert electrical energy to a voltage of 12V. Ongoing urbanization is expected to lead to an improvement in the lifestyle of masses, thereby contributing to an increase in the demand for multiple amenities such as swimming pools within the same infrastructures. This, in turn, is expected to contribute to rise in demand for underwater lighting to be used in swimming pools. The Asia Pacific region is projected to lead the underwater lighting market from 2019 to 2024. An increase in the number of swimming pool construction projects in Asia Pacific due to its flourishing tourism industry and development of luxurious residential complexes equipped with modern amenities is expected to drive the growth of the underwater lighting market in the region. The demand for luxury cruises due to the high disposable income of consumers has resulted in the growing demand for yachts that has also fueled the growth of the underwater lighting market in the region. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, India, Taiwan, Australia, and Singapore are expected to be the major contributors to the development of the Asia Pacific underwater lighting market. Browse and in-depth TOC on "Underwater Lighting Market" 70 - Tables 27 - Figures 119 - Pages Request Sample pages of the Report @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=110584965 Hayward Industries, Inc. (Hayward Industries, US), Acuity Brands, Inc. (Acuity Brands, US), Shadow Caster, Inc. (Shadow Caster, US), Signify Holding (Signify, Netherlands), OceanLED Marine Ltd. (OceanLED, UK), Lumishore (Lumishore, UK), Attwood Corporation (Attwood, US), Aqualuma LED Lighting (Aqualuma, Australia), T-H Marine Supplies, Inc. (T-H Marine, US), and Eaton Corporation plc (Eaton, Ireland) are a few major players operating in the underwater lighting market. Please explore relevant report Smart Lighting Market by Offering (Hardware (Lights & Luminaires, Lighting Controls), Software, and Services), Communication Technology (Wired and Wireless), Installation Type, Application Type, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2023 Ambient Lighting Market by Offering (Hardware, and Software & Services), Type (Surface-Mounted Lights, Strip Lights, Track Lights, Recessed Lights, and Suspended Lights), End User, and Region - Global Forecast to 2023 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 : +1888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/underwater-lighting-market.asp Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com SOURCE MarketsandMarkets Athens, May 27 : Greek main opposition conservative New Democracy (ND) party leads European Parliament elections, garnering 32.7 per cent of the vote against 24 per cent for the ruling Radical Left SYRIZA party, according to estimates based on the first official results announced on national broadcaster ERT. Greeks went to the polls on Sunday to choose their 21 representatives in the next European parliament for the next five years, as well as in regional authorities, municipalities and communities throughout Greece, Xinhua reported on Sunday. With about 10 per cent of the vote counted nationwide, according to the early projections issued by the Interior Ministry, six parties will most probably send representatives to the European parliament, clearing the three percent threshold needed under Greece's electoral law. The centrist Movement for Change (KINAL) wins 7.8 per cent of the vote, the Greek Communist Party (KKE) ranks fourth with 5.6 per cent and the ultra-Right Chryssi Avghi (Golden Dawn) garners 4.8 per cent of the vote. A new right-wing party, the Greek Solution, wins 4.2 per cent of the vote. DIEM25, a party founded by former Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis, wins 2.9 per cent of the vote, according to the projections. Local media commentators noted in first reactions that the outcome may lead to national elections soon, earlier than October this year, when the government's term in office ends. So far Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and ND leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis have not commented on the results. Several ND deputies participating in talks shows in many TV channels on Sunday evening said that Greece is undergoing a major political change and that after the 2014 European elections when SYRIZA had won ND by 26.6-22.7 per cent of the vote, Tsipras had asked for snap polls. A party statement reminded that during this pre-election campaign the Prime Minister had asked for a vote of confidence in his government's policies. On the other hand, many cabinet ministers, including government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos, based on the earlier exit polls, said that it seems that SYRIZA has not suffered a strategic defeat that would justify "political developments". The final official results are expected on Monday. Warsaw, May 27 : Poland ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) won 42.2 per cent votes in the European Parliament elections, main opposition group European Coalition (KE) won 39.1 per cent votes, exit polls showed. 42.2 per cent votes secured PiS of 24 seats, meanwhile KE obtained 22 seats in the European Parliament on Sunday, reported Xinhua. Besides, the newly-formed Spring party (Wiosna) won 6.6 per cent, which means 3 seats, and far-right group Confederation (Konfederacja) won 6.1 per cent, also equals 3 seats. Other parties didn't reach the 5 per cent threshold. According to the Polish National Electoral Commission, 52 members of the European Parliament will be elected, but 51 seats will be filled. The candidate who will receive the 52nd seat will sit in the European Parliament after the UK leaves the EU. Lisbon, May 27 : Portugal's Socialist Party (PS, or Partido Socialista) have won the European elections by garnering 34 per cent of votes, showed the preliminary results after counting of 95 per cent of the votes. The Socialist Party was followed by PSD (Partido Social Democrata) with 23.0 per cent, Left Bloc (BE) with 9.4 per cent, according to the preliminary results, which was released by Europe Elects on its Twitter account on Sunday, Xinhua reported. The vote to elect the new 751-member EU assembly was held in each of the 28 EU member states between May 23 and May 26, with 427 million eligible voters across the continent. New Delhi, May 27 : The worlds largest elections in terms of sheer numbers throw up a lot of macro number trends, including the fact that the largest party -- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) -- has been able to create a new voter base defined by economic class rather than by caste or religion. This Lok Sabha elections, the people of India voted in record numbers with a combined voter turnout of 67.11 per cent, higher than the previous record of 66.4 per cent in 2014. Rising voter participation is always a good sign of the vibrancy of democracy. There are other micro trends which reveal the depth and density of the Modi wave. Expectations and Results Liberal commentators sitting in metros predicted that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government would have a tough battle on its hands. They said it was impossible for NDA/BJP to repeat its stellar performance of 2014, it has to cede ground. Though I had spoken in the first week of April about a new Modi wave arising, not many believed it or accepted it. In what was a historic election, the final results were a sweet vindication for the exit pollsters. It is important to see the rise in vote share for the NDA which has jumped from 38.3 per cent in 2014 to 43.8 per cent in 2019, a rise of 5 per cent. The absolute vote share is the highest in the last three elections for a ruling coalition and the jump of vote share and the huge difference with UPA (vote share of 26.9 per cent) show the depth of the mandate. As a party, the vote share for the BJP shows that it has maintained its geographical footprint, increased its rural vote share and most importantly, added the poor and backward classes in its vote share. These are important demographic changes in the BJP's vote share which were earlier spread across smaller regional parties or went to the Congress/United Progressive Alliance (UPA). While the vote share has not resulted in seat share in every region, the rise of vote share has been there in all regions. Even in the North, South and West, where the NDA has reduced its seat share marginally, its vote share has gone up dramatically in these regions. Which means that people have been influenced and affected by the BJP's election campaign more than by any other party. This has important learnings for all the opposition parties who derided the BJP for the lack of its connect with the common man. If one analyses the geographical share of the vote share across North, South, West, East, Central and North East regions, the change in seat share and the change in aggregate vote share provides a good insight into the party's performance across the country. In the North, the NDA lost only 8 seats as compared to the 2014 tally, losing 9 seats in Uttar Pradesh and 2 in Punjab, while gaining 3 new seats in Haryana. The NDA has been able to increase its base here with its vote share rising to 49 per cent. The rise in seat share and vote share is much more important for Haryana as the state goes to the polls in three month's time. Currently led by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, a non-Jat leader, the state BJP will fight the elections on Modi's name. The caste arithmetic of the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal (SP-BSP-RLD) alliance saw a 7 per cent fall in vote share, indicating the weakness of the coalition, especially in terms of transferability of votes between the two former archrivals. However, they did manage to win 2 additional seats, largely due to the relative success of the BSP compared to the previous elections in Uttar Pradesh. BSP-SP-RLD did not even bother to prepare a manifesto as BSP supremo Mayawati has believed that people vote for her, and not what she promises. The SP too did not have a clear set of things that it was taking to the electorate. The southern states were crucial to the UPA, and Rahul Gandhi won from Wayanad in Kerala. The UPA's tally of 23 seats in 2014 grew to 60. Due to its robust performance in Kerala, the Congress bagged 15 of 20 seats there while M.K. Stalin's DMK won 23 seats in Tamil Nadu. The vote share of UPA also rose from 23.9 per cent to 26.8 per cent. This was the silver lining in an otherwise forgettable election for the UPA. This signals a shift away from a pan-India party to a largely South India's party. The West was dominated once more by the NDA, which for the second time in a row secured all the 26 seats in Gujarat as well as 41 of the 48 seats in Maharashtra. The NDA increased its vote share by about 3 per cent in Gujarat and it remained steady in Maharashta at 51.2 per cent. An Eastward Political Coup NDA increased its vote share in the East by 17 per cent over 2014 -- nearly twice the increase in the Northern region. The UPA saw a fall of 13 per cent of its vote share, which was transferred by voters to the NDA. The NDA's strategy paid off bringing 29 additional seats into its fold, including 8 in Bihar, 7 in Odisha and a massive 16 seats in West Bengal. In Odisha, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has also lost ground with their seat tally falling from 20 in 2014 to just 12 in 2019, and the BJP increasing its tally from 1 to 8, particularly in the West and North of Odisha. The BJP won 7 of their 8 seats in potato growing parliamentary constituencies, the eighth being Bhubaneshwar. Koratput, which was the sole seat the Congress won, interestingly, is also a potato growing belt. The Minority Vote Contrary to popular perception, the BJP-led NDA seems to have swayed the minorities. The NDA received nearly twice the vote share of the Congress in constituencies that had minorities accounting for under 40 per cent of the total population (Muslims+Christians+SC+ST), or low minority seats. The NDA had secured a favorable outcome in 213 or 69 per cent of the seats in 2014, with a vote share of 41.4 per cent. The Congress won a paltry 19 seats, just 4.5 per cent of the constituencies with a vote share of 22.9 per cent. In 234 seats where total minority population is greater than 40 per cent (or high minority seats), the vote share split was more equitable with the NDA securing the highest vote share of 34.3 per cent. The NDA converted a higher portion of seats, winning 123 or 53 per cent of these seats which could also be due to Hindu vote consolidation. In 2014, the UPA won 41 seats but it had the lowest vote share of 25.1 per cent with other parties receiving 30.7 per cent of the total vote. The 3.5 per cent vote share difference between the NDA and the other parties led to a higher seat share of almost 53 seats in 2014. In 2019, the Modi wave shows that the 2014 results were no aberration, and tectonic shift is taking place in Indian politics. Going by the data, the NDA was victorious in 141 of the 234 high minority seats, an increase of 18 such seats. Importantly, the NDA's vote share rose significantly from 34.3 per cent to 41.9 per cent, dwarfing both that of the UPA and the regional parties. In fact, the NDA lost seats in low minority constituencies. In Bihar too, the Janata Dal (United) increased its tally from 2 to 16 seats, with 10 of these seats having Muslim population of 10-20 per cent. The JD(U) also won 4 of 7 seats that have a high minority population, while the BJP won 2, and the Congress won a single seat. Odisha too is a key case in demonstrating that the NDA, and particularly the BJP, has not only engineered an Eastward expansion, but more importantly it is the new party for the minorities. Eleven seats in the state were high minority areas. In 2014, the BJP won only Sundargarh (one of only two semi-urban seats in the state) by a slender 1.8 per cent margin. BJP President Amit Shah decided almost three years back to target Odisha, in which the party secured 6 of these 11 seats. The vote share of the BJD has gone up by 0.2 per cent in these high minority seats. However, this is likely to be highly concentrated, whereas the BJP has increased its vote share by nearly 14 per cent in the region, and the UPA fell nearly 10 per cent to settle at 18.5 per cent. The NDA's performance shows that it is growing its vote share across India and it has moved beyond its traditional vote bank of traders and urban voters. The common voter believes in the delivery given by the BJP government in terms of schemes like Ujjwala and Swachh Bharat, which is more than any other Central government has done in the past. (The writer is a senior journalist) Check out December 29, 2021 horoscope. Could it be your lucky day today? Plan your day better with today's horoscope. Aries Horoscope: Your month will slowly come to a close soon and you are all fretty about the work that has been left incomplete. It is time you set in for a clean time table as to what has to be done when and how. People may approach you with conflicting ideas, but you need to stay focused. A few zumba classes will help lighten down the stress that is invading your personal happiness bubble. Taurus Horoscope: Love, laugh, sulk and the cycle goes on in this manner. You are head over heels with a timeless beauty who looks like a star. You tend to act silly now, and control your partner more than often,. That could nudge their emotional nerve. So relax and give them space so that they dont drift away from you. AA learning upscale will slowly take form, and you need to take advantage of it. Learn something new in your field or hobby. Gemini Horoscope: Mixed emotions are lurking in your head today. You dont seem to identify what is the right or wrong, Do not engage in hasty financial decisions today, as they will put you into a deep ditch. Instead, it is best that you lay back, meditate and understand what your strong points are in life. Cast away your ego and work on improvement of character. Cancer Horoscope: The party mode is on and you are in the mood of having a blast with your friends. Take time to enjoy, socialize, but do not make it an everyday pattern. You have slacked down from your everyday responsibilities, and that has not been taken too well by your family and friends. A huge home project is coming up and your teamwork is needed. So, slip off the lazy mode and get working selflessly. Leo Horoscope: Hustle and bustle has tired you out to the maximum. You seem that you cannot move an inch, but trust us, you can still do wonders. For now, the body needs a break. So, a visit to your family home is on the to do list. Go mingle and laugh over old stories and come back in complete gusto. You may meet a few old classmates in your hometown. They may ask you to help, and do so if you can for they need your services a lot. Virgo Horoscope: The grumpy mood has taken the better half of you out. You seem to raise your voice at every possible discussion. That tongue needs a mentor now, or else you will hurt many more people. You parents may also join the hurt club and you will regret your actions. A few spiritual classes is needed to calm down your emotions and gain more sensibility in your interactions with people. Life is not a one day affair. Learn to forgive anyone who has hurt you and move on in life. Libra Horoscope: Sudden guests will pop up at your place of stay today. You may not like them for a personal judgmental reason, but trust them, as today they have come with a good dollop of news. You so called friends will become your foes with their revelations. Dont not react or fight at them, but let this be an experience. Understand that all sweetness cannot be trusted as goodness always. Scorpio Horoscope: You have been playing the smart ass all this while, and it has helped you. But not now, as you have friends who have a tendency to overpower your tricks. So, stay vigil and master the mind to survive through this competition. It is time you work hard so that no one catches you goof up and lays you out of the group. A change of your friends is a wise idea, as they are your brain spoilers at the moment. Sagittarius Horoscope: You seem to have surrendered to all the blasts that your elders have given in. Depression is catching into your mind. Talk it out to your close one, before you feel totally incapable of yourself. A fresh air of old nostalgic moments, a tea party with your cousins and some good goofing up will get you back to normal. Take such social invitations and enjoy the day. Sleep is something you need to catch upon, and that will help you think better. Capricorn Horoscope: To do the best for your loved ones is always on the top of your mind, but sometimes appears dis satisfactory to them. Remember that you need to only help when they ask for it. Instead of small frequent surprises, just hoard all what you feel is important and wait for their call. Spend more time with people who make you happy. Go indulge in some adventure trips that could bring your creative spark into the lime light. Aquarius Horoscope: You are just enjoying the shine of your hard work and you deserve all the credits that flow in. A slight fashion upscale is needed to suit the attention that you will receive soon. For the social introvert in you, this is a good chance to polish out your communication skills. Register for some classes and get ready to jump out of the comfort zone. You will find i difficult but the flavor of success is not far behind. Pisces Horoscope: Let your inner you dominate your thoughts today. Your colleagues are spying on you and will be out with a nasty game to dig your grave, Be smart and get proactive. Your social presence is not up to the mark, so you might have brush up on that. Talk and you will know what is cooking against you. A recent health check up has set off a small alarm, so it is wise that you pay attention to weight gains. Walks need to be included and junk food needs to stop. Did we pique your curiosity about your future? Read your detailed Horoscope and Rashifal to know more, Chennai, May 27 : The Pattali Munnetra Katchi (PMK) founder S. Ramadoss on Monday urged that the first cabinet meeting of the incoming central government should accord sanction for Godavari-Cauvery river linking project. "With a new central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to be formed, sanction for the linking of Godavari-Cauvery rivers should be obtained," Ramadoss said in a statement issued here. Ramadoss said the project could be implemented with loans from the World Bank or the Asian Development Bank. According to Ramadoss the linking of two rivers was mooted way back in 1970 but no action has been taken on that. He said Godavari is one the perennial rivers of India and about 1,100 tmc -- thousand million cubit feet -- of water goes to the sea. If the two rivers are linked then Tamil Nadu will get 200 tmc water. Dubai, May 27 : A Dubai-based Indian expat has named his newborn son Narendra Damodardas Modi, as an honour to the Indian Prime Minister's resounding victory in the recently concluded general elections, the media reported on Monday. Originally from Uttar Pradesh, Mustaq Ahmed, who works as a maintenance staff in an interior decor company in Hatta, about 130 km from Dubai, decided to name his son after Modi because he was born on May 23, the same day the Prime Minister won the Lok Sabha elections with a thumping majority for a second term. "I wish (Prime Minister) Modi will come down to our village in Uttar Pradesh to see my little Modi and bless him. It will be a great honour for my son and our family," Ahmed told The Khaleej Times on Sunday. "When my wife called me with the good news on May 23, I asked her whether Narendra Modi had won the elections. Then I told her 'Desh mein Modi agaya. Hamare ghar main bhi Modi agaya. (Modi has come in the country. And Modi has arrived in our home too). "We are impressed by what our Prime Minister has done for the country in the last five years. I wish my son will also do good work and earn a solid reputation like our Prime Minister," the 29-year-old expat added. The baby was born in Ahmed's village in Uttar Pradesh and Ahmed is yet to meet him. He said his newborn was already winning hearts as people in the neighborhood were all coming to see him. "I am sure people will keep teasing by calling him 'Modi, Modi'. But when he grows up, no one will dare mess with him because he is Narendra Modi," he added. English Latvian Joint Stock Company Olainfarm (unitary registration No. 40003007246, legal address: Rupnicu street 5, Olaine, LV-2114) Management Board hereby informs, that the following additional item is included in the agenda of Annual General Meeting of shareholders of Joint Stock Company Olainfarm to be held on June 17, 2019: Amendments of Joint Stock Company Olainfarm Statutes. An additional item is included upon request of the Joint Stock Company Olainfarm shareholder limited liability company OLMAFARM, registration No.40003283699, that represents 42,56% of the Joint Stock Company Olainfarm share capital, using the rights provided by par 2 of the article 274 of the Commercial law of the Republic of Latvia. The following draft resolutions are submitted by the shareholder for the proposed agenda item: 1. Supplement the Statutes with clause 6.3. in the following wording: 6.3. Shareholders meeting has the right to make a decision if more than 50% (fifty percent) of the paid and voting able share capital is represented at the meeting. 2. Approve new edition of the Joint Stock Company Olainfarm statutes. In Olaine, on May 27, 2019 Management board of the Joint Stock Company Olainfarm Attachment Thiruvananthapuram, May 27 : Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Monday said that it was Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's style of functioning that routed the Left in the Kerala Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to the media after attending the first Congress-led UDF meeting after its election victory, Chennithala said: "Vijayan gave a new theory that they did all the hard work campaigning against the BJP and its benefit was reaped by the Congress. Not even a single soul here will ever believe this. All of us know that the verdict was against Vijayan's style of functioning. "The Vijayan government has been wiped out but he says that he will continue with his style of functioning. We also wish that he does that so it makes things easy for us (in the next Assembly elections)," he said. Reeling out statistics, he said this was the worst defeat of the Left in terms of vote share. "Generally, the difference between the Left and us is very narrow but this time they got 15 per cent less votes than the UDF (47 per cent). In 2004, when we got just one seat, the difference was seven per cent. "This time, we got more than 24 lakh votes more than the Left and this shows that the Vijayan government has lost the confidence of the people," added Chennithala. Colombo, May 27 : Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, here on Monday, urged foreign envoys to help his government in removing travel restrictions imposed on tourists following the Easter Sunday attacks, which claimed over 250 lives and left hundreds others injured. During a meeting at the President's House, attended by ambassadors of the UK, the US, Canada, Japan, Germany, Australia and the European Union, Sirisena said he could guarantee that the security situation in the island country was "99 per cent ensured", the Daily Mirror reported. The President last week extended the Emergency in Sri Lanka by a month. The Emergency was imposed immediately after the April 21 bombings by Islamist militants at three luxury hotels, three churches and two other locations. The killings were claimed by the Islamic State. In the aftermath of attacks, anti-Muslim violence broke out in the country. Homes and shops of Muslims as well as mosques were targeted in the riots that claimed one life. The police and the military now say a "peaceful situation was now prevailing in the country" after they arrested almost all those involved in the attacks. The troops and police, however, remain on alert across the island. Sirisena told the ambassadors the Emergency was extended due to search operations conducted by the military. As many as 89 suspects had been arrested for their alleged links with the bombings. The President hoped the Emergency would not be required to be extended further. According to the President's Media Division, the ambassadors pledged to take immediate action to remove travel restriction. Mumbai: Activists of Students Federation of India (SFI) and other student organisations stage a demonstration against the recent suicide of a post-graduate woman medical student due to alleged casteist abuse in a Mumbai hospital, demanding stringent Image Source: IANS News Mumbai: Activists of Students Federation of India (SFI) and other student organisations stage a demonstration against the recent suicide of a post-graduate woman medical student due to alleged casteist abuse in a Mumbai hospital, demanding stringent Image Source: IANS News Mumbai: Activists of Students Federation of India (SFI) and other student organisations stage a demonstration against the recent suicide of a post-graduate woman medical student due to alleged casteist abuse in a Mumbai hospital, demanding stringent Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, May 27 : The Students Federation of India (SFI) and other student organisations staged vociferous protests against the recent suicide of a post-graduate woman medical student due to alleged casteist abuse in a Mumbai hospital and demanded stringent action against the culprits here on Monday. This is the first time in Maharashtra that any post-graduate medico has taken the extreme step of ending her life after alleged harassment on grounds of her caste background, Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) General Secretary Dr. Deepak Mundhe told IANS. "Since the past three-four years, we have seen increase in such comments against the students coming from the reserved categories, which is very unfortunate," Mundhe rued. The SFI activists protested in various cities and outside the B. Y. L. Nair Hospital in Mumbai where Dr. Payal Tadvi hanged herself on May 22, said a spokesperson. Based on preliminary investigations, the Agripada Police Station on Sunday registered offences against at least three senior women doctors for abetment to suicide, ragging, IT Act, Atrocities Act, among other charges, said an official. In a fresh twist in the case, the three absconding accused medicos - Dr. Hema Ahuja, Dr. Bhakti Mehere, and Dr. Ankita Khandelwal - have written to MARD demanding a fair investigation and justice to them free of police or media pressure. "Based on the findings of our preliminary enquiry, we have suspended them. Now, they have written to us seeking our help in this case. In view of the seriousness of matter, we shall now sensitise the reservations category students both in the junior and senior levels on such issues," Mundhe said. Hailing from a Muslim tribal family of Jalgaon, Dr. Tadvi, 25, was a second year post-graduate student in obstetrics and gynaecology, and had earlier served in the tribal areas of Gadchiroli. She and her family had in the past complained to the hospital authorities of the alleged ragging, taunting on her tribal status, not permitting her inside the operation theatre, posting derogatory messages on social media, and other forms of harassment by the three senior women doctors. The three medicos were subsequently suspended by the hospital and an enquiry launched to probe whether Dr. Tadvi was a victim of ragging, casteist and professional harassment. The hospital has also issued show-cause notices to the unit head Dr. S. D. Shirodkar and head of department Dr. Yi Ching Ling, in the matter. Her husband, Salman Tadvi, is an assistant medical professor at the R. N. Cooper Hospital and they had married in 2016. A social media campaign called #JusticeForPayal has also gained momentum in which prominent personalities from all over India have demanded justice for the deceased medico. Dr. Tadvi's friends have appealed to the authorities to take stringent administrative and penal action against the accused trio for their acts which drove her to commit suicide and abruptly ended a budding medical career. Seoul, May 27 : North Korea sharply criticized US National Security Advisor John Bolton on Monday, calling him a "war maniac" and a "security destruction advisor" as he accused Pyongyang of violating UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions following the Asian country's tests of short-range missiles. A spokesperson for the North's Foreign Ministry said in a statement: "When it comes to UNSC resolutions, as we have declared repeatedly before, they are an outrageous total denial of our right to survival and development. Never once have we acknowledged them or been confined by them. "Bolton said our regular military drills violated UNSC resolutions, which is beyond stupid." In the statement released by North Korea's official news agency KCNA, the spokesman called Bolton a "defective human product" after the latter told reporters on Saturday that there was "no doubt" that the missile tests carried out on May 4 and 9 were in violation of UNSC resolutions. "It is no coincidence that there are criticisms of Bolton as a war maniac whispering war into the ears of the President although he avoided military service saying he did not want to die in a Southeast Asian rice paddy. "Such a defective human product must go away as soon as possible," the North Korean spokesman was quoted as saying by Yonhap news agency. Until now, both South Korea and the US have downplayed the launches, which were supervised by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Pyongyang has maintained that the launches were part of its regular military exercises and avoided using the term "missiles" for the weapons. Expert analyses, however, point towards the projectiles that were launched being short-range ballistic missiles. "Our military exercises did not aim at anybody, nor did it put anybody in danger, but Bolton surely has a different mindset from ordinary people in insisting that they are a violation of the resolutions," said the spokesman. US President Donald Trump acknowledged in a press conference in Tokyo that members of his team in the White House believed that the ballistic missile tests by Pyongyang "could have been a violation" of UN resolutions, although he disagreed. "Very importantly, there has been no nuclear testing for two years," Trump said. He added that he was in "no rush at all" to reach an agreement with North Korea and that the two sides had achieved much since they initiated bilateral contacts. The talks between Washington and Pyongyang concerning the Korean Peninsula's denuclearization have been stalled since the failed summit between Trump and Kim in Hanoi on February 28. New Delhi, May 27 : The Delhi High Court on Monday asked Reserve Bank of India to file response on a plea challenging PayTM Post Paid wallet operation stating that it is illegal and unauthorized. A Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Rajendra Menon asked RBI and PayTM payment banks to file reply on the plea and listed the matter for September 3 for further hearing. The court was hearing a PIL filed by economist Abhijit Mishra through advocate Payal Bahl. In his plea, Mishra said that PayTM Post Paid Wallet operations is illegal as credit and lending activity by the wallet is not authorized under the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India's Guidelines for Licensing of payments banks. "PayTM Payments Bank Limited has not informed or notified the banking regulator about its operations of the post paid wallet, which is against the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India's operating guidelines for payments bank," the plea said. The PIL also said that PayTM Payments Bank is "deceitfully sharing the personal information of the customers to the third party (Clix Finance India Private Limited) which is a clear violation of privacy of the citizens". The plea sought directions to the RBI to take appropriate punitive action against the PayTM Payments Bank Limited under the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act and to absolve all the customers who are in default of their debt of the credit payments to the PayTM Post Paid wallet. Mumbai, May 27 : The Anil Ambani-led Reliance Capital Ltd and group company Reliance Land have decided to divest their entire stake in Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd (RBNL) operating BIG FM Radio to Music Broadcast Ltd (MBL), Reliance Capital said. In a statement issued here, Reliance Capital said RBNL under BIG FM Radio network operates 58 stations across India. As per the deal, MBL - part of media conglomerate Jagran Prakshan Group - will initially acquire a 24 per cent equity stake of RBNL by way of a preferential allotment for a total consideration of Rs 202 crore. On receipt of all regulatory approvals, MBL will acquire all of the remaining equity stake held by Reliance Capital and Reliance Land in RBNL at a total enterprise value of Rs 1,050 crore. "In addition, Reliance Capital will receive an estimated Rs 150 crore from the disposal of other assets of RBNL which do not form part of the transaction with MBL, in accordance with the regulations," the statement added. In aggregate, the transaction will reduce Reliance Capital's outstanding debt by an estimated Rs 1,200 crore. "We are delighted to announce the asset monetization transaction with Music Broadcast Ltd, a leading FM Radio broadcaster. This transaction is part of our overall strategy to reduce exposure in non-core businesses and will reduce Reliance Capital's debt by an estimated Rs 1,200 crore," Amit Bapna, CFO, Reliance Capital, was quoted as saying in the statement. Jaipur, May 27 : An official meeting of six BSP MLAs, supporting the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in Rajasthan, with Governor Kalyan Singh was postponed, triggering speculation abut their continued support. Official sources said the six BSP MLAs were scheduled to meet the Governor on Monday in the evening. However, by 5 pm, the Governor was informed that the meeting could not proceed due to illness of one of the MLAs, Deepchand. As BSP has extended its support to Congress in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the news of BSP seeking appointment with Governor spread like wild wire fuelling speculation about BSP's support. The "cancelled" meeting followed rout of the Congress in the Lok Sabha polls in the state with BJP making a clean sweep. Meanwhile, BSP MLA Wajib Ali sought to play down the significance of the MLAs' scheduled meeting with the Governor. "It was supposed to be a routine meeting," he said. The speculation over BSP MLAs' came hours after state minister Lal Chand Kataria's resignation letter went viral, which remained unconfirmed by the CMO and Governor's House till evening. Even Kataria was unavailable. Later, another state minister Ramesh Meena also came out counting failures of his government which resulted in Congress failing to get even a single seat in the parliamentary elections. "Bureaucracy dominated the government... the work promised to the people could not be taken up. This upset even our party workers," said Meena. Meanwhile, a review meeting scheduled in Delhi to evaluate reasons for party's severe drubbing in Rajasthan was also postponed in the wake of unavailability of Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Party sources said the meeting would be held on Tuesday at Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi's residence in the presence of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot and Congress party state in-charge Avinash Pandey. A committee formed under the guidance of senior leader A.K. Antony will review the reasons of the stunning defeat, sources added. Rahul Gandhi and senior party leader Ahmed Patel are likely to participate in the meeting, sources said. Tokyo, May 27 : US President Donald Trump on Monday backed a possible face-to-face meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and said he expected "good things" to come from Pyongyang. Abe said Trump pledged "full support" to the proposed meeting, in which he wanted to have "frank" talks about North Korea's nuclear policy and Japanese abductees. Trump, on a four-day visit to Japan, earlier in the day became the first foreign leader to meet newly crowned Emperor Naruhito. At their meeting at the State Guest House Akasaka Palace, Trump and Abe discussed issues ranging from trade to foreign relations. Abe said they were on the same page with ambitions to see North Korea denuclearised, but they appeared to disagree over the short-range missile tests conducted earlier this month. The Japanese leader, who sees the missile tests in nearby North Korea as a threat to Japan's security, described them as being "of great regret", while Trump said he was not "personally bothered", the BBC reported. Trump described Kim as a "very smart guy" and said he expected "a lot of good things" to come out of North Korea. His remarks came after Pyongyang called US National Security Advisor John Bolton a "war maniac". Trump also said he would work with Tokyo to bring home Japanese citizens kidnapped by North Korean agents decades ago. The regime admitted kidnapping 13 Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 80s, and returned five to Japan in 2002. It maintains that the rest are dead -- something Japan does not believe. The Japanese citizens were abducted to train North Korean spies in the Japanese language and customs. Attempts to mend trade disagreements were also discussed between Trump and Abe. The US leader said he needed to correct a "tremendous" trade imbalance with Japan, hinting at a major announcement on the issue in August. "Trade-wise, I think we will be announcing some things probably in August that will be very good for both countries," Kyodo News quoted Trump as saying following his meeting with Abe. Both countries would work to rectify what he saw as a "lack of fairness" in his country's economic relationship with Japan, the US President said. In response, Abe said, "I'd like to have in-depth discussions over global challenges such as North Korea, the US and Japanese economies, and coordinate bilateral efforts toward a successful Group of 20 summit." Talking about Iran, Trump said he was willing to talk to the country to ease the ongoing tensions between them while highlighting the mediation role Japan could play in the process. The US and Japan also pledged to continue and expand cooperation during the state dinner hosted by Emperor Naruhito for the US leader. "I sincerely hope that... the peoples of our two countries will continue to contribute to peace and prosperity in the world to bring about a future filled with hope, all the while further expanding the scope of our cooperation and deepening our unwavering bond," Naruhito said, according to state broadcaster NHK. Trump said he was carrying the American people's expectations for the treasured bilateral alliance. The US President is set to conclude his Japan visit on Tuesday after commemorating American military personnel who died in service at a US military base south of Tokyo and visiting a Japanese helicopter carrier. Actress-turned-politicians Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan arrive at Parliament for the first time after getting elected in the recently concluded elections from the Trinamool Congress; on May 27, 2019. (Photo: Twitter/@mimichakraborty) Image Source: IANS News Actress-turned-politicians Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan arrive at Parliament for the first time after getting elected in the recently concluded elections from the Trinamool Congress; on May 27, 2019. (Photo: Twitter/@mimichakraborty) Image Source: IANS News Actress-turned-politicians Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan arrive at Parliament for the first time after getting elected in the recently concluded elections from the Trinamool Congress; on May 27, 2019. (Photo: Twitter/@mimichakraborty) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, May 27 : Excitement was clearly visible on the faces of actress-turned-politicians Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan on Monday, when they arrived at Parliament for the first time after getting elected in the recently concluded elections from the Trinamool Congress. The two actresses posted their joint photographs displaying the identity cards as MPs on the premises of Parliament. "And its us again. First day at Parliament Nusrat Jahan," Mimi Chkraborty tweeted tagging Jahan. The TMC had fielded 17 women candidates in 42 seats in the state. Chakraborty and Jahan, both are young and well-known women Bengali film and television actresses. Chakraborty contested from Jadavpur while Jahan contested from Basirhat Lok Sabha seat in the state. Jahan won by 3,50,369 votes from Basirhat, while Mimi Chakraborty's margin of victory was 2,95,239 votes. The party had also fielded yesteryear actress Moon Moon Sen from Asansol. She lost to BJP's Babul Supriyo. Naypyitaw, May 27 : Myanmar has granted an early release to seven soldiers, jailed for killing 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys during a 2017 military crackdown. The soldiers were sentenced in 2018 to 10 years in prison for the Inn Din village killings, but they "are no longer detained", prison officials were cited as saying by the BBC. These soldiers were the only people convicted for the 2017 crackdown on Rohingya in Rakhine state. More than 700,000 people fled the country due to the military operation. A spokesperson for the Prison Department told reporters the seven soldiers convicted over the Inn Din executions were "no longer detained in our prisons," without giving further details. On the other hand, the journalists -- Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo -- who exposed the massacre were sentenced to seven years in prison. They were granted a presidential amnesty in May after serving 16 months. Authorities launched a probe into the Inn Din killings after the journalists' investigative work was published. The massacre - and the jailing of journalists investigating it - was seen by observers as indicative of the Army's role in the treatment of Rohingya in Myanmar. Aside from the Inn Din killings, the military exonerated itself of any wrongdoing in Rakhine, despite large amounts of testimony from Rohingya refugees describing atrocities. Dublin, May 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecast (2019 - 2024)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The market for the unmanned ground vehicle is anticipated to register a CAGR of over 8% during the forecast period. There is a growing use of UGVs to carry counter-insurgency and combat operations. This is primarily to reduce human casualties in such situations. Increasing demand for UGVs for ISR missions. Demand for UGVs is also increasing for commercial applications, such as in the oil and gas sector, firefighting, and agriculture. Several countries are significantly spending on the R&D of unmanned ground systems to overcome the challenges that are associated with such systems. Reliability of the systems and the need for improvement in the power supply to UGVs are some of the prominent challenges for the manufacturers of UGVs. Scope of the Report Unmanned ground vehicle is a land-based counterpart to remotely operate underwater vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles. They are used in various missions where it may be inconvenient, dangerous, or impossible to have a human operator present. Key Market Trends Based on Application, the military segment will register the highest growth during the forecast period The development of UGVs started way back in the 1960-70s by research institutions associated with the defense organizations. In recent years, armed forces of several countries have deployed UGVs for various missions. Recently, the Russian military revealed its combat-tested Uran-9 robot tank in Syria. Also, in 2015, Russia's Military Industry Committee announced its objective of deploying 30% of Russia's kinetic weapons on remote-control platforms by 2025. UGVs have been successfully deployed for missions related to clearing mines and IEDs. Also, the role of UGVs are shifting toward addressing chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) threats. For instance, in July 2018, a collaboration agreement was signed between Croatian mine-clearing vehicle manufacturer DOK-ING and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to produce a CBRNE UGV. Advancements in UGV capabilities and miniaturization of these vehicles will support the growth of UGVs in the military segment in the coming years. North America and Europe are expected to generate huge demand for UGVs in the coming years Major investments in the UGV market are expected from North America followed by Europe over the forecast period. Both Russia and the United States have progressed rapidly in the development of advanced unmanned ground systems. The popular UGVs in service with the US Armed Forces are the Foster-Miller TALON remotely operated vehicle series and PackBot military robots. Recently, the US Army awarded a five-year contract to Endeavor Robotics to modernize and maintain the US Army's existing fleet of UGV platforms. The contract is worth USD 32 million. During the Army Warfighting Experiment 2018, the British Troops put four Milrem Robotics' and QinetiQ TITAN unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) through three weeks of rigorous tests. The UGVs were used in a number of different roles with missions conducted in urban, open, and forested terrain. Similar developments are undergoing in Russia, India, Japan, France, and Estonia, among others. Competitive Landscape The market is highly fragmented with several major players. Most of the UGV procurement and development involves local players. However, due to the lack of technological expertise, some smaller local companies enter into a partnership with global players. Some of the prominent players in the market are Qinetiq, Oshkosh Defense, Lockheed Martin Corporation, iRobot Corporation, FLIR, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and BAE Systems, among others. Recently, FLIR completed the acquisition of Endeavor Robotics for USD 385 million. Product innovation will play a vital role for the success of any UGV manufacturer. Key Topics Covered: 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Study Deliverables 1.2 Study Assumptions 1.3 Scope of the Study 2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 MARKET DYNAMICS 4.1 Market Overview 4.2 Market Drivers 4.3 Market Restraints 4.4 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis 4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers 4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry 5 MARKET SEGMENTATION 5.1 Application 5.1.1 Military 5.1.2 Commercial 5.2 Mobility 5.2.1 Wheeled 5.2.2 Tracked 5.2.3 Legged 5.2.4 Hybrid 5.3 Mode of Operation 5.3.1 Tethered 5.3.2 Tele-operated 5.3.3 Autonomous 5.4 Geography 5.4.1 North America 5.4.2 Europe 5.4.3 Asia-Pacific 5.4.4 South America 5.4.5 Middle East & Africa 6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE 6.1 Mergers and Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Collaborations, and Agreements 6.2 Vendor Market Share 6.3 Strategies Adopted by Leading Players 6.4 Company Profiles 6.4.1 Endeavor Robotics (FLIR Systems) 6.4.2 Qinetiq 6.4.3 Oshkosh Defense, LLC 6.4.4 Lockheed Martin Corporation 6.4.5 Northrop Grumman Corporation 6.4.6 Harris Corporation 6.4.7 ASELSAN A.. 6.4.8 Rheinmetall AG 6.4.9 BAE Systems 6.4.10 ICOR Technology 6.4.11 DOK-ING 6.4.12 Roboteam 7 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/tln2q6 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Bhubaneswar, May 27 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of BJD President Naveen Patnaik as the Chief Minister of Odisha, a party leader said on Monday. Patnaik will take oath for a record fifth term as the Chief Minister of Odisha on Wednesday. The BJD bagged 112 seats in the 146-member Assembly. "A formal invitation has been sent to the Prime Minister's Office. Besides, leaders of political parties in the state and all elected MPs and MLAs have been invited to the swearing-in ceremony," said BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb. The industrialists who had participated in the Make in Odisha Conclave have been extended the invitation too, he added. The invitation to the Prime Minister assumes significance against the backdrop of the war of words between Modi and Patnaik while campaigning during the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. New Delhi, May 27 : A Public Interest Litigation was filed in the Delhi High Court on Monday alleging that auctioning of players in the IPL is illegal and should be stopped. A division bench headed by Chief Justice Rajendra Menon said the plea will be heard on July 26. The PIL was filed by a social activist Sudhir Sharma who has alleged that bidding of players in Indian Premier League is violation of constitutional and statutory rights. In his plea, Sharma has sought direction to the government to look into the matter related to "international human auctioning". Sharma said that such practice has promoted corruption and nepotism by selling of players through open bidding. He said the government has remained a silent spectator to the illegal act. He said that the government has failed to regulate, ban, stop and curb the menace of human bidding and selling through auctioning. "The IPL is organising human auctions above law, which is mockery of the legal system and affecting the serious issue of right to equality provided by the constitution of India to the citizens". The plea has also sought order directing inquiry and taking action against the guilty persons. Kolkata, May 27 : The Bengali woman whose video clip lauding the achievements of Narendra Modi government in spite of being a dedicated Left supporter went viral on social media on Monday said if given an opportunity, she would love to meet the Prime Minister someday. Rina Saha, a resident of West Bengal's Raiganj, had said she is overwhelmed by Gujrat's development under the Modi government while giving an interview in Hindi when the Lok sabha polls were going on in Bengal. Saha said she has asked her aides and relatives to vote for BJP in the 2019 polls, but said she herself cannot do the same due to her long-term loyalty towards the Communist Party of India-Marxist. She had also said she was not happy with Mamata Banerjee's rule in Bengal, claiming it would require close to 100 years for the state to become like Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had mentioned Saha's video during his public meeting in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Sunday. "I saw a video of a sister from Bengal in the internet. She hailed me and said Gujarat has become a heaven under BJP's rule," he had said. Incidentally, BJP candidate Debashree Chowdhury has pulled of a stunning victory in the Raiganj Lok Sabha seat, where Saha lives. When asked to react about the Prime Minister's comment, Saha stood by what she had said earlier and mentioned she would love to meet Modi someday. "Of course I want to meet Modi. Certainly I would love to meet him if I get a chance," she said. "When I went to Gujarat in March, I was overwhelmed by the development there. I can have affinity towards a specific political party or ideology, but that does not mean I cannot support the good work done by an honest individual from a different party," she added. New Delhi, May 27 : An accused in the sensational gang war in Dwarka was arrested by Delhi police on Saturday night from Najafgarh-Uttam Nagar road in west Delhi. The accused, identified as Gopal Kishna alias Pali (34), was allegedly told to track the location of the rival gang member and shoot him in case the person assigned to do so failed in the job, the police said. "Golu and Solnaki belonged to two different gangs and had been fighting for a piece of land in Uttam Nagar which became the reason for Golu's murder," said Anto Alphonse, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dwarka district. According to the police, the leader of the Praveen Solanki gang who is lodged in jail had ordered the killing and appointed two of his close aides along with two other members of the gang to kill Praveen Gahlot alias Golu. Pali was arrested after Delhi police received a tip-off that claimed that he had been living in the border areas of Haryana after the shootout and will be visiting Sai Baba Mandir on Najafgarh-Uttam Nagar Road to meet someone. The team reached the spot and Pali was present there as per the information. He was arrested from the spot and the team seized a countrymade pistol along with two live cartridges from him. Pali was heading Solanki's extortion racket and was tasked to track the movement of Golu and provide realtime updates to the shooter team which included Vikas Dalal, another trusted aide of Solanki. "Pali was also told to shoot the target in case the shooters missed their chances. He was following Golu and the team of Vikas Dalal with a fully loaded pistol," Alphonse added. On Saturday, another accused, Ankit (20), who was involved in the shootout, was arrested after a brief shootout in which a policeman was injured while Ankit also received injuries. Bhopal, May 27 : After the crushing defeat of the Congress in the Madhya Pradesh Lok Sabha polls, Chief Minister Kamal Nath has worked out a plan to combat the BJP according to which every state minister will handle complaints and issues of five MLAs each to counter any dissatisfaction among the legislators, party sources said. Nath had called a meeting of all MLAs on Sunday night where he advised them to stay united and told ministers to speedily resolve all issues. The Chief Minister will personally be in touch with all independents and SP and BSP MLAs, sources said. The move is aimed at curbing dissidence and providing an advance warning to the government in case of any political threats. Minister Sukhdev Panse did not confirm the decision, but said the legislators' issues will be resolved speedily. Home Minister Bala Bachchan said each MLA is like a minister or chief minister of his or her area, so development in their areas should take place in a time-bound manner. Sources said Congress legislators put up a show of unity in the meeting in light of the party's recent dismal show in the polls. Nath also admitted the party could not convey its agenda and policies to the people. "We were not able to take our message and agenda to the people whereas the BJP was able to sway the people with emotional issues," he said. Nath denied reports of any danger to his government. Toronto, May 27 : Herbal products can have harmful side effects too, says a study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. It was corroborate by an incident in Canada when a man landed up in a hospital for high-blood pressure emergency after over-consuming homemade tea made from licorice root. "Excessive amounts of some herbal products can have harmful side effects," said Jean-Pierre Falet from McGill University in Canada. And products containing licorice root extract can raise blood pressure leading to headache and chest pain. "Products containing licorice root extract can raise blood pressure, cause water retention and decrease potassium levels if consumed in excess," Falet said. The high blood pressure in the 84-year-old resident of Canada was found to be induced by homemade tea made from licorice root, according to the researchers. His blood pressure was severely elevated, and he was suffering from a headache, light sensitivity, chest pain, fatigue and fluid retention in the calves, said the study. After admission to hospital and treatment, the patient, who had a history of high blood pressure, told physicians he had been daily drinking 1-2 glasses of homemade licorice root extract called "erk sous" for the past two weeks. Licorice tea is popular in the Middle East and parts of Europe, and erk sous is especially popular in Egypt during Ramadan. The findings suggest that physicians should consider screening for licorice root intake in patients with difficult-to-control hypertension. New Delhi, May 27 : Delhi Police have arrested an inter-state gangster who was involved in dozens of cases related to murder, attempt to murder and robbery in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, a police officer said on Monday, adding that the accused also ran his own gang. "A Special Cell team on Friday night got a tip-off about Rizwan (29), the accused, who was hiding in a house in Seelampur in North-east Delhi. Rizwan was arrested following a raid in the building," Deputy Commissioner of Police P.S. Kushwaha said. Rizwan was carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head announced by the Delhi Police while the Uttar Pradesh Police declared a reward of Rs 70,000 for his capture, Kushwaha said. Rizwan was evading arrest by hiding in different states for the past several months, he added. "The accused was involved in over 30 criminal cases in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. He was also involved in an armed robbery at the Anand Vihar police station in 2015. "The accused was planning to commit some heinous crime in the trans-Yamuna area of the capital," the DCP said. New Delhi, May 27 : With Congress President Rahul Gandhi insisting that his offer of resignation be accepted in the wake of partys debacle in Lok Sabha elections, the Congress Working Committee is likely to meet again in the next four days to take stock of the situation and discuss the leadership issue. The Congress has been in a crisis over Rahul Gandhi's offer to step down with the CWC expected to discuss his possible successor if he does not relent from his stance of stepping down. The move to convene the CWC comes in the wake of a string of resignations by Congress state party chiefs who took moral responsibility of the party's performance in the Lok Sabha polls. It is learnt that Rahul Gandhi has conveyed that he has not changed his mind to quit. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi are also learnt to have come to terms with his view that there should be a change of guard though they have been of the view that the blame for defeat cannot be put on one person. Sources said the CWC, the party's top decision-making body, is also likely to look at the structural reforms needed by the party. There is also a view in the Congress that Gandhi is sending a clear message to the old guard by holding out because there should be full freedom in decision-making. Sources said Rahul Gandhi did not give appointment to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in an apparent snub to him. The Congress President was not keen on Gehlot seeking ticket for his son. Gandhi is also learnt to have declined other appointments including of newly-eleced MPs who wanted to see him. Various suggestions are floating about how to get over the present crisis and rejuvenate the party. There was a talk in the party circles about a presidium system, a presidium is a committee or a council that collectively administers alongside an individual president or in place of him and makes important decisions. During the day, Rahul Gandhi met party treasurer Ahmed Patel and general secretary K. C. Venugopal who are learnt too have persuaded him not to press for his exit from the post. However, Patel later said that he had gone to meet Gandhi for routine administrative work. "I had sought time before the CWC to meet the Congress President to discuss routine administrative work. The meeting today was in that context. All other speculation is incorrect and baseless," Patel said in a tweet. Gandhi had offered to resign taking moral responsibility for the party's defeat but the Congress Working Committee at its meeting on Saturday unanimously rejected the offer. Meanwhile, three more state party chiefs have tendered their resignations, taking the total number to six. Congress party chiefs of Jharkhand, Assam and Punjab have also resigned in addition to those from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha. Karanataka Pradesh Campaign Committee chairman H.K. Patil has also resigned. Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jhakar, who was the sitting MP from Gurdaspur, sent his resignation to Congress President Rahul Gandhi taking moral responsibility for losing to actor Sunny Deol from the seat. The Congress has generally done well in Punjab winning eight of 13 seats. Jharkhand Congress chief Ajoy Kumar has also tendered his resignation. The party won only one seat in the state where it had an alliance with the JMM, RJD and other parties. While the party won Singhbhum seat, it lost Khunti by only 1,445 votes and Lohardaga by 10,363 votes. The party's Assam unit chief Ripun Bora also wrote to Gandhi taking moral responsibility for the party not being able to increase its tally from its previous tally of three seats. He has said in his letter that Gandhi may choose to replace him. Maharashtra unit chief Ashok Chavan, Uttar Pradesh unit chief Raj Babbar, and Odisha Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik have already sent their resignations. Yogendra Misra, the district Congress chief in Amethi in Uttar Pradesh has also sent his resignation, owning moral responsibility for Rahul Gandhi's defeat from Amethi. New Delhi, May 28 : Reeling under the impact of poll debacle, the Congress is in deep trouble, with party chief Rahul Gandhi insisting on quitting the post amid a series of resignations, setting the stage for a likely meeting of its highest decision-making body, the Congress Working Committee (CWC), in the next four days. Amid indications that the party was considering a presidium system for taking it forward, the CWC is likely to discuss the leadership issue, sources said on Monday. It is learnt that Rahul Gandhi has conveyed that he has not changed his mind to quit. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi are also learnt to have come to terms with his view that there should be a change of guard, though they have been of the view that the blame for defeat cannot be put on one person. During the day, party treasurer Ahmed Patel and general secretary K. C. Venugopal met Rahul and tried to persuade him not to press for his exit from the post. However, Patel later said that he had gone to meet Rahul for routine administrative work. "I had sought time before the CWC to meet the Congress President to discuss routine administrative work. The meeting today was in that context. All other speculation is incorrect and baseless," Patel ttweeted. Sources said the CWC, the party's top decision-making body, is also likely to look at the structural reforms needed by the party. There is also a view in the Congress that Gandhi is sending a clear message to the old guard by holding out because there should be full freedom in decision-making. Sources said Rahul Gandhi did not give appointment to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in an apparent snub to him. The Congress President was not keen on Gehlot seeking ticket for his son. Gandhi is also learnt to have declined other appointments including of newly-eleced MPs who wanted to see him. The Congress is also believed to be considering a presidium system, as resignations pile up amid a deepening crisis. Gandhi had offered to resign taking moral responsibility for the party's defeat but the Congress Working Committee at its meeting on Saturday unanimously rejected the offer. Meanwhile, three more state party chiefs have tendered their resignations, taking the total number to six. Congress party chiefs of Jharkhand, Assam and Punjab have also resigned in addition to those from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha. Karanataka Pradesh Campaign Committee chairman H. K. Patil has also resigned. Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jhakar, who was the sitting MP from Gurdaspur, sent his resignation to Congress President Rahul Gandhi taking moral responsibility for losing to actor Sunny Deol from the seat. The Congress has generally done well in Punjab winning eight of 13 seats. Jharkhand Congress chief Ajoy Kumar has also tendered his resignation. The party won only one seat in the state where it had an alliance with the JMM, RJD and other parties. While the party won Singhbhum seat, it lost Khunti by only 1,445 votes and Lohardaga by 10,363 votes. The party's Assam unit chief Ripun Bora also wrote to Gandhi taking moral responsibility for the party not being able to increase its tally from its previous tally of three seats. He has said in his letter that Gandhi may choose to replace him. Maharashtra unit chief Ashok Chavan, Uttar Pradesh unit chief Raj Babbar, and Odisha Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik have already sent their resignations. Yogendra Misra, the district Congress chief in Amethi in Uttar Pradesh has also sent his resignation, owning moral responsibility for Rahul Gandhi's defeat from Amethi. Bengaluru, May 28 : The informal meeting of two 'rebel' Karnataka Congress legislators with BJP's senior leader S.M. Krishna here on Sunday sparked speculation over the continuation of the year-old fledgling JD-S-Congress coalition government in the southern state. "Yes, the two Congress legislators - Ramesh Jarkiholi and K. Sudhakar met Krishna at his residence in the city for personal reasons as they both knew him well and the latter was a veteran Congressman till he resigned in early 2018 to join our party," BJP's state unit spokesman G. Madhusudan told IANS here. Jarkiholi, who was dropped from the coalition government on December 24, by the Congress and replaced by his elder brother Satish Jarkiholi, revolted against the party leadership for being ignored and threatened to resign along with a few other rebel legislators with a view to ousting the government. Jarkiholi is a three-time lawmaker from Gokak assembly segment in the state's northwest Belagavi district, about 550 km from here. Sudhakar, a legislator from Chikkaballapura assembly seat near Bengaluru, has been sulking for being denied a cabinet post in the ministry. "As our party has been ridiculed for predicting the imminent fall of the government due to various reasons and inherent contradictions, we will let actions speak louder than words hereafter. Just wait and see," hinted Madhusudhan. Ignoring the party leadership, Jarkiholi also did not campaign for the party's candidates in the recent Lok Sabha elections, in which the Congress retained only one parliamentary constituency (Bangalore Rural) and lost 20 of the 21 seats it contested along with its ally Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S). Defying the party leadership, Jarkiholi also did not attend the Congress legislature party meetings convened by its leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in January and February ahead of the budget session. Jarkiholi has also been trying to get two other rebel party legislators Mahesh Kamtahalli and Bheema Naik to join him in quitting the party for joining the BJP, which is reported to have promised plum cabinet post to them. "As the coalition government is surviving on a slender majority of 116 with 113 as the halfway mark for simple majority, resignation of 5-6 Congress or JD-S legislators will reduce it into a minority and a trial strength in the event of a floor test," added Madhusudhan. In the 225-member House, the BJP has 104, Congress 79 excluding the speaker and JD-S 37, with the remaining 2 Independents and 1 BSP and one nominated. Northern Horizon Capital AS as the management company of Baltic Horizon Fund signed an agreement with Linstow AS to aquire 100% shares of Tampere Invest SIA, which owns Galerija Centrs Shopping Centre in the heart of Riga. The purchase price is EUR 75 million, which corresponds to an estimated entry yield of approximately 6,7%. The transaction is expected to close by the beginning of June 2019. The Galerija Centrs property is located on Audeju Street 16, 1050 in Riga Old Town, next to the National Opera. As a block of Old Town, the 5-floor property complex consists of two buildings connected with a passage of glass roofed arcade. Originally opened as Army Department Store in 1938, the high street retail centre was last refurbished in 2006 with an added extension. The net leasable area of the property is 20,073 m2 . The anchor tenants include H&M, RIMI, Massimo Dutti, Douglas, Lindex, Esprit, Gant, Marc OPolo, Max Mara Weekend and others. The fifth floor houses a healthcare centre, a beauty salon and a fitness club. We are very pleased to add such a stable landmark cash-flow property to our portfolio. After the acquisition, the fund will strategically own a centrally located retail asset in the heart of every Baltic capital: Galerija Centrs in Riga, Postimaja in Tallinn and Europa Shopping Center in Vilnius. With this position, we strive to become a long-term prime landlord partner for top retailers in the Baltic market who look to develop their current and new brand portfolios. With the acquisition, Baltic Horizon Fund will also become the largest diversified commercial real estate investment fund in the Baltics with close to EUR 350 million assets under management, commented fund manager Tarmo Karotam. As part of the transaction, Linstow AS, has agreed to subscribe for Baltic Horizon Fund units for the amount of EUR 4 million. The management company is undertaking to arrange issuance of new fund units, the number of which is equal to the subscription amount divided by the latest net asset value per fund unit preceding to closing by way of private placement. The issuance and listing of new units is expected to take place shortly after closing. For additional information, please contact: Tarmo Karotam Baltic Horizon Fund manager E-mail tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com www.baltichorizon.com Baltic Horizon Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS. This announcement contains information that Northern Horizon Capital AS is obliged to disclose pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. It was submitted for publication, through the agency of the above distributors, at 18:35 EET on 27 May 2019. EXPERT OBSERVER Will the higher taxes announced this week make a tremendous difference on the market? The answer is no. They are dispiriting but not too damaging. There is an old saying to the effect that those who can't vote, pay. Victoria is the number one destination for Chinese buyers in Australia, leading Sydney with a wide margin. The fact that prices and Victoria are lower than in Sydney has helped to drive Chinese purchasing. The foreign buyers' tax that was until now 1 per cent lower than in New South Wales also contributed to support demand. The other big political news lately is the recent national election. The election outcome will have a positive impact on Chinese real estate investment. The research we conducted just before the election found that a significant share of the industry believes the Coalition victory will mean more Chinese investment, while a Labor victory would have meant Chinese investment would fall. Will Chinese buying triple overnight just because Scott Morrison is in The Lodge? No, but there will be a real impact. Our core case for 2019 is for Chinese investment to be flat, after two years of falling far and fast from the peaks we saw at the end of 2016. Chinese buyers are still the most important foreign buyers in the market. They just are not buying with the same hyperactivity as three years ago. A Message of Truth: The History, Science, and Politics of Christianity: an astute spiritual book that presents insight on the genuineness of Gods Word and the Christian religion. A Message of Truth: The History, Science, and Politics of Christianity is the creation of published author, Andrew V. Barber, PhD, a scholar, writer, publisher, educator, counselor, consultant, and clinical mentor. Barber shares, Does God exist? If so, can he be known? Is it possible to have a relationship with Almighty God? Is the Holy Bible accurate? Was it inspired by God? Is Jesus Christ a real person? Did he actually come back from the dead as Christians profess? How is it that Christianity is so widespread? What makes Christianity different from any other religion? And if Christianity is true, why are Christians persecuted? Can these questions be answered with any assurance? Yes, they can. True or false, that is the ultimate question. This book presents the controversy surrounding Christianity and the Holy Bible and examines the evidence. It resolves the misconception that the Bible is in discord with science and history. You can decide which arguments are reliable or problematic, what information is factual or contrived, whether to adopt one worldview over another, and what you will believe. A case is made for the authenticity of the Holy Bible. Its positive influence on humanity has lasted for millennia. It is the most distributed, translated, read, and debated book of all time. It is a guide to life and has shaped morality, politics, and cultures worldwide, especially in the USA. In fact, our founding documents and our nation were founded primarily on the precepts of the Judeo-Christian worldview gleaned from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Even those that deny divine intervention being involved in the creation of the universe and the writing of God's Word will find the Bible to be a great source of history, science, politics, and philosophy. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Andrew V. Barber, PhDs new book imparts a powerful lesson of steadfastness in ones personal faith in the Lord, as well as the significance of understanding his message as told in religion and the actual Bible. View a synopsis of A Message of Truth: The History, Science, and Politics of Christianity on YouTube. Consumers can purchase A Message of Truth: The History, Science, and Politics of Christianity at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about A Message of Truth: The History, Science, and Politics of Christianity, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Brenda Walbey-Ross, a domestic violence survivor, professor, and devoted mother and grandmother, has completed her new book Life After Love: an anecdotal account of the author's life in a domestic violence relationship explaining what she describes as a love story, a scary story, and a cautionary tale. According to Walbey-Ross, "Sometimes your heart needs more time to accept what your mind already knows. These words illuminate what sometimes happens when we are victims of a domestic violence relationship and are blinded by the love and emotional attachment that we feel for our partner. Although red flags are beating us to a bloody pulp, we trudge on, sidestepping the puddles of blood that surround us while we either tell ourselves that if we just hang in there, the situation will miraculously get better, or if we can just be better ourselves and not push our partners buttons, our relationship will calm down, and all will be well. Fact-checkthe problem is not about the victim; it is about the perpetrator of the abuse." Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, Brenda Walbey-Rosss emotional autobiography, lays her life bare to outline her trials and tribulations and how she escaped her roller-coaster existence to reclaim her life. Her hope is that her story will help others to reclaim their life. This book is also spliced with statistics and theories to provide factual evidence of the causes and repercussions of abusive domestic relationships. The most important part of the account is to assure the reader that although it may be difficult to navigate a way out of the abuse and to escape the erratic roller-coaster ride, the heart will eventually accept what the mind already knows and conclude that there is life after love. The author's hope is that those reading her book who find themselves in a relationship mirroring hers will allow her success story to become their success story. Readers who wish to experience this touching work can purchase Life After Love at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708. About Page Publishing: Page Publishing is a traditional New York based full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex and time consuming issues, and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com. God, You, & Deja Vu: an inspiring rediscovery of grace. God, You, & Deja Vu is the creation of published author Cynthia M. Goodwin, a married grandmother and retired school principal and counselor who enjoys traveling. Goodwin writes concerning the word deja vu, It is a French term meaning deja, already + vu, seen or already seen. The dictionary indicates it is the illusion of having already experienced something actually being experienced for the first time. This is not to be confused with the overly utilized colloquial statements used today to explain the monotony of an event that occurs redundantly. Scientists, psychologists, counselors, and the like, have made numerous attempts to explain this phenomenon, though the tendency is to relate the extraordinary with the ordinary to make sense of it based upon empirical data. In the case of deja vu, mankind will never be able to utilize statistical analysis because it defies this kind of scrutiny. God reveals certain things to us in His perfect timing, and this is oftentimes not our timing. God desires to bring us closer to His will for us, not by forcing us into choices, but by allowing free will and providing a second chance to do what is right in His eyes. This book was written as a direct result of God speaking to me in a dream regarding deja vu and provides an in-depth discovery of deja vu experiences as it relates to second chances God offers to us during the course of our lifetime. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Cynthia M. Goodwins new book is a fruitful philosophical trek through history down to the present day, highlighting the astonishing relevance of this peculiar phenomenon in the lives of those who experience it. Goodwin delves into visions, scripture, dreams, as well as the core Christian principles of forgiveness, mercy, and grace, all of which help to explain the deeper meaning behind the sense of having already been there, done that. View a synopsis of God, You, & Deja Vu on YouTube. Consumers can purchase God, You, & Deja Vu at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about God, You, & Deja Vu, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Tim Chey screened his latest film 20 Minutes at Cannes. The director screened the film in front of German, French, Japanese, Chinese distributors in a packed screening. Im very blessed to be able to travel here and show the film, says Chey. I think Im the only one showing a faith-based film here, he adds laughing. 20 Minutes is about an incoming ballistic missile to Hawaii that changes twelve people's lives when they discover they have 20 minutes to live. The characters in the film range from a conservative Republican and a liberal Democrat; atheist and Believer; and a Japanese billionaire and Native Hawaiian all seeking refuge as the missile approaches. The movie ponders the ultimate question, says Chey. What if I had twenty minutes to live? The film was included in the Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Screen International magazines and people from around the world were intrigued by the film. I met a guy onboard a super-sized yacht at Cannes, says Chey. He came to the screening and brought six of his friends. I warned him it was faith-based, but he still came. Theres a real hunger for things about God these days. 20 Minutes comes on the heels of the ballistic missile warning in Hawaii in 2018 that caused many to panic and think of their eternal destiny. The false warning made worldwide news and graced the front pages of the BBC, Yahoo, CNN, Fox News, and 350 major news outlets. I was a former atheist, says Chey, but became a Believer later in life. I know how both sides think and both sides are represented here as they have twenty minutes to live. Its amazing as we approach death to see how insignificant politics and race become, says Chey, who was in Hawaii at the time of the false missile alert that struck 1.5 million cell phones and caused state-wide panic. Timothy Chey also produced Freedom (Cuba Gooding, Jr., William Sadler, Sharon Leal) that was shot on the Amistad and David and Goliath filmed in North Africa and London. He also produced and directed Sony Pictures Slamma Jamma (Michael Irvin, Chris Staples). 20 Minutes In Theaters February 2020 Twitter: https://twitter.com/20Minutes11 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/20MinutesMovie Official Site: http://20MinutesMovie.com Honorees Shafik Rifaat and Shelby Hodge, along with Hotel Granduca owners Giorgio, Cathy and Alex Borlenghi. As part of the American Cancer Societys fundraising efforts, Houstons Corks and Forks is a one-of-a-kind evening featuring a culinary competition between top Houston chefs, along with delicious food and wine tastings, live music, auctions and more. Houstons fourth annual Corks and Forks fundraiser, hosted by the American Cancer Society, started with an elegant evening poolside last Thursday night at the acclaimed Hotel Granduca in Uptown Park. Thanks to the dedication of the American Cancer Society committee and the generosity of Hotel Granduca owners Cathy and Giorgio Borlenghi and their son Alex, the kickoff was a huge success. Corks and Forks is an annual fundraiser that aims to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Through funding research, sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention, the American Cancer Society is on a mission to free the world from cancer. As part of the American Cancer Societys fundraising efforts, Houstons Corks and Forks is a one-of-a-kind evening featuring a culinary competition between top Houston chefs, along with delicious food and wine tastings, live music, auctions and more. The event promises to be a lively eveningand will take place on October 3rd, 2019 at the Ballroom at Bayou Place in Houstons Theater District.This years Corks and Forks will honor both Shelby Hodge and Shafik Rifaatinfluential members of the Houston social community who have been affected by cancer. There will be a Special Recognition Award to VICTORY Houston, a volunteer organization of the American Cancer Society, for their dedicated efforts since 1987 to raise funds to help end cancer. This years kickoff event was a great success, celebrating Corks and Forks sponsors, chairs and honorees, including honorees Shelby Hodge and Shafik Rifaat, Event Chair Mary Grace Gray, American Cancer Societys Distinguished Events Manager Tiziana Triolo, Committee Chairs Tracy Cleckler, Sharon Staley, Gabriela Dror and Sherri Zucker. Sponsors and supporters included Claire Glassell, Elizabeth and Alan Stein, Dr. Fabio Triolo, Cynthia and Bucky Allshouse, Channing Allshouse, Holly Moore, Donna and Tony Vallone,John Daugherty, Cheri Fama, Hector Villarreal, Margaret Alkek Williams, Diane Lokey Farb, Harriet Gertner, Renee and Alan Helfman, Brad and Joanna Marks, Mary Ann and David McKeithan, Susan and Mark Ryan, Leslie Rogers, Karen Peltz, Jennifer Friedmann and Katherine Pulse, Valery and Bill Meek, Jerre Parson Williams and Dennis Williams, Tammie Anne Johnson, Anil Motwani, Hirra Kahn and Daniele Muratori. Additionally, the evening boasted authentic Italian cuisine from Hotel Granducas Ristorante Cavour Executive Chef Maurizio Ferrarese, as it teased the October events impressive list of restaurants. Along with Ristorante Cavour, Amalfi , Toulouse, Steak 48, Uchi, Le Colonial and Bisou are just a few of the many restaurants that will be serving this years distinguished guests. To learn more about this years Houston Corks and Forks Event, or to purchase tickets, visit houstoncorksandforks.org. About Houston Corks and Forks Houston Corks and Forks is a fundraising event hosted by the American Cancer Society. This one-of-a-kind evening to be held on October 3rd, 2019, will feature a culinary competition among some of Houston's top chefs. Guests will enjoy delicious food tastings paired with fine wines as they watch chefs show-off their culinary skills. Throughout the evening, guests will cast votes for their favorite chef and our emcee will announce the winner of the highly sought-after Culinary Crown at the conclusion of the event. Guests will also enjoy live music, spectacular live and silent auctions, and much more. The goal of the evening is to raise critical funds to support the American Cancer Society's continued mission to eliminate cancer as a major health concern. To learn more, visit houstoncorksandforks.org. Dr Christine Demen Meier Understanding diversity, being agile and developing an entrepreneurial mindset will be important characteristics on the job market of the future. The governing board of Les Roches Global Hospitality Education, a top-ranked hospitality management institution with campuses in Switzerland, Spain and China, has appointed Dr Christine Demen Meier as Managing Director. Dr Christine Demen Meier Managing Director, Les Roches Global Hospitality Education Dr Christine Demen Meier brings over 20 years of entrepreneurship experience in hospitality, including the creation, implementation and management of new hotel and restaurant concepts. As Managing Director, Dr Demen Meier will be based in Les Roches Switzerland and oversee the branch campuses in Spain and China. Dr Demen Meier first became involved in hospitality education in 1998, joining Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne (EHL) to conduct research activities and develop the institutions relationships with the hospitality industry. She implemented partnerships with organizations including Danone Professional, Nestle Professional and Unilever Food Solutions, Saviva, Metro, enabling the creation of three Research Chairs. Aside from her academic and entrepreneurial achievements, Dr Demen Meier has extensive consulting experience in hospitality and restaurant management, working with companies in Switzerland, Ivory Coast, Turkey, Madagascar and Ukraine. She holds a PhD in Management Science from Caen Normandy University in France and a MBA in Integrated Management from the University of Applied Sciences Fribourg (HEG-FR), Switzerland. I am excited to join Les Roches and honored to contribute to an institution that is already a global reference in hospitality management, as evidenced by the recent QS ranking. What primarily distinguishes Les Roches is the diversity of its students, its international footprint with three campuses as well as the sense of entrepreneurship and innovation that unites the community. Understanding diversity, being agile and developing an entrepreneurial mindset will be important characteristics on the job market of the future. I am committed to further building this unique DNA, leading student-centric initiatives and academic programs to promote the unique character of Les Roches, Dr Demen Meier commented on her appointment. About Les Roches Global Hospitality Education Founded in 1954, Les Roches Global Hospitality Education is a private institution based on the Swiss model of experiential learning, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fields of hospitality, tourism and event management. Les Roches prepares entrepreneurial and innovative graduates across a global network of campuses in Switzerland, Spain and China. Part of Sommet Education, Les Roches is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Les Roches is ranked number three of the worlds top institutions for hospitality and leisure management and number three worldwide for employer reputation (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019). For more information, visit http://www.lesroches.edu Presented by SAE Innovations in Mobility, Metawave: A New Radar for Automated Driving will be held Tuesday, May 28, from 6:30-9 p.m. at Fords Greenfield Labs, 3251 Hillview Ave., Palo Alto, Calif. SAE International announces a new Meetup that will explore the Metawave radar platform and how it is used in autonomous vehicles. Presented by SAE Innovations in Mobility, M etawave: A New Radar for Automated Driving will be held Tuesday, May 28, from 6:30-9 p.m. at Fords Greenfield Labs, 3251 Hillview Ave., Palo Alto, Calif. The Meetup will feature two featured presentors: Matt Harrison, Head of Artificial Intelligence, METAWAVE Metawave is building a radar platform to identify and classify objects at long-range with a higher resolution than todays radar. With its groundbreaking beam-steering capabilities, Metawaves WARLORD can detect and classify vehicles beyond 300 meters and pedestrians beyond 200 meters. Detection at these distances has proven challenging for other sensors but is essential for safe, high-speed autonomous driving. Metawave's radar can penetrate dense fog and rain while maintaining its high performance. Metawaves AI engine, branded AWARE, is the intelligence behind Metawaves products that enables the radar to distinguish between cyclists, pedestrians and cars. Harrison develops the AI engine architecture that powers Metawaves autonomous driving radar platform. He holds a PhD in Theoretical Physics with extensive experience constructing deep neural networks. Writing code originated out of a necessity to interpret large data sets of nano-scale surface patterns caused by ion bombardment. Harrisons unique background and skill set provide him with an affinity for distilling complex, data-driven systems and tackling challenging quantitative problems that are facing the radar industry. He has led projects implementing deep CNNs, c-GANs, dense neural networks, and clustering algorithms. He received his PhD from Colorado State University and his BA in Pure Physics from the University of Oregon. John Tintinalli, IAMTS Secretariat, IAMTS IAMTS is the result of nearly two years of effort to form a global partnership of stakeholder organizations in mobility testing and standardization. It is growing rapidly with new members entering its ranks on a weekly basis. John will explain the mission, vision and scope of the International Alliance for Mobility Testing and Standardization and why SAE and other organizations are finding it an important vehicle and forum for supporting advanced mobility commercialization. Tintinalli wears two hats: one as SAE Internationals Director of Innovation and another as IAMTS' Secretariat. His role for the prior three years at SAE International was as Global Product Group Director for Ground Vehicles, and of course he hosts this Meetup series that you are attending. Prior to joining SAE, Tintinalli held executive roles with companies in automotive and healthcare. Notable works include developing the worlds' first SaaS logistics management platform (subsequently sold to Landstar and then XPO), and having created the logistics management system used by BMW for its X3 and later U.S. production vehicles. He splits time between his home in Detroit and his horse-barn apartment in the Santa Cruz mountains above Palo Alto. He has a BS from Michigan and an MBA from North Carolina. Food and drinks will be served beginning at 6:30 p.m. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. Q&A will follow. To learn more or to register, visit https://www.meetup.com/SAE-Innovations-in-Mobility/events/261485665. SAE International is a global association committed to advancing mobility knowledge and solutions for the benefit of humanity. By engaging nearly 200,000 engineers, technical experts and volunteers, we connect and educate mobility professionals to enable safe, clean, and accessible mobility solutions. We act on two priorities: encouraging a lifetime of learning for mobility engineering professionals and setting the standards for industry engineering. We strive for a better world through the work of our philanthropic SAE Foundation, including programs like A World in Motion and the Collegiate Design Series. http://www.sae.org Dr. Michael Swann, founder and director of Swann Dermatology & Esthetics introduces a groundbreaking new approach to sculpting the body with BTL Emsculpt & Emsella. EMSCULPT - Emsculpt is the first and only non-invasive body shaping procedure that simultaneously addresses both Muscle and Fat. Bringing an entirely new technology to the category, BTL Emsculpt utilizes HIFEM energy to induce powerful muscle contractions and kill fat cells. FDA-cleared for the improvement of abdominal tone and strengthening of the abdominal muscles, BTL Emsculpt helps patients achieve next-level, contouring results. "We have seen good success in non-invasive body shaping with CoolSculpting which affects circumferential reduction in fat; however, muscle structure and function has not been a target of prior technologies. Emsculpt is a game-changer. I'm proud to bring this new paradigm in body shaping to the midwest," said board-certified and fellowship-trained dermatologist Dr. Michael Swann. "Emsculpt causes supramaximal contractions creating 6-pack abs, natural butt lifts, sculpted arms and legs, so I'm thrilled to now offer this combination to my patients," added Dr. Swann. Muscles represent 35% of the human body, but existing aesthetic treatments only address fat. BTL Emsculpt introduces a first of its kind application of a unique magnetic field. HIFEM technology penetrates through the skin to impact fat, as well as muscle tissues. Once penetrated, the energy induces supramaximal muscle contractions that are accompanied by a rapid metabolic reaction in fat cells to not only strengthen and build muscle, but also breakdown fat. This is the ONLY technology that destroys fat while simultaneously building muscle, all while leaving the surrounding tissues unaffected. Tested in seven clinical studies utilizing MRI, CT and Ultrasound, BTL Emsculpt delivered consistent results with 16% increase in muscle mass, 19% reduction in abdominal fat, average waist reduction of 4.4cm and 91% satisfaction ratings. EMSELLA - Emsella is a breakthrough technology using HIFEM technology similar to Emsculpt in a chair format to target muscles of the pelvic floor. At least 1 in 4 women have urinary leakage with activity, particularly after childbirth. Emsculpt uses deep electromagnetic stimulation while sitting clothed on a chair to contract the pelvic floor musculature. "One treatment offers the muscular activity of 11,200 kegels. When repeated 6 times over 3 weeks, we see lasting changes in the strength of the pelvic floor that can be sustained with periodic retreatment. For men, bladder position improves and men who wake up at night to urinate are sleeping more soundly" says Dr. Swann. "Pelvic floor weakness and instability is very common and prior treatments were invasive and unnatural. This is a game changer for symptoms of incontinence or sexual dyfunction due to pelvic muscular weakness," adds Dr. Swann. Dr. Michael Swann is a board certified dermatologist, fellowship-trained in Procedural Dermatology at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California under Hubert T. Greenway, MD and E. Vic Ross. He lectures nationally to dermatologists about cutting-edge procedures for skin cancer, reconstructive surgery, laser and cosmetic surgery. Swann Dermatology is a specialized dermatology practice focusing on minimally-invasive approaches with cutting-edge technologies including Mohs surgery, electronic brachytherapy, minimal-incision lifts, Coolsculpting, laser resurfacing, injectables, Ultherapy and esthetician services. The Swann Dermatology Beauty Bar offers walk-in customized skin care directed by Dr. Swann. For optimal results, Dr. Swann recommends four 30-minute sessions of Emsculpt in 2 weeks with noticeable results in 2 months and improvements for 4 months. Emsculpt costs $650 per session. Emsella gives best pelvic floor results results in six 30-minute sessions over 3 weeks and results are sustained with 2-3 single per year. Initial six-treatment package costs $2000 and single maintenance sessions cost $400. Media contact: Jasmine Henderson, RN 417-888-0858 jasmine(at)swanndermatology(dot)com http://www.swanndermatology.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- East Africa Metals Inc. (TSX-V: EAM) (East Africa or the Company). In advance of the upcoming Annual General Meeting (to be held at Suite 1100 595 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, on May 31, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time), the Company is pleased to provide the following update to shareholders. Highlights: The Mato Bula and Da Tambuk Mining Licenses formally granted to East Africa; and Negotiations with Tibet Huayu Mining Co. Ltd. (Tibet Huayu) regarding the sale of up to 70% interest on the granting of licenses (see News Release dated May, 21, 2019) and the Tibet Huayu Project Financing (see News Release dated February 11, 2019). Ethiopian Licences Following the announcement of the approval of the Mining Licences (see News Release dated May 21, 2019), Andrew Lee Smith, the Companys CEO, attended a signing ceremony on Thursday, May 23, 2019 in Addis Ababa, at which the licences were formally granted to EAM by the Minister of Mines. The ceremony marks the final step in the process of the licence grants. Andrew Lee Smith, the Companys CEO stated, With the formal approval of the Mato Bula and Da Tambuk mining licenses, East Africas assets now include four, fully permitted gold and base metal mining projects in Africa. Over the past seven years East Africa has been able to advance our projects from discovery through to advanced development phase at a pace that is seldom seen in emerging resource sectors. The performance of the exploration programs designed and implemented by East Africa are notable, not only due to short time-frame it has taken to achieve the milestone of this past week, but also by the extremely low discovery cost of US$11/ounce. This metric speaks not only to the tremendous mineral endowment of Ethiopia, but also to skill and experience East Africas technical staff has applied to the highly prospective geological environment of the Tigray region. As we look back to the achievements of the last seven years in Ethiopia, we are confident of continued success going forward. Tibet Huayu Sale and Project Development Financing Following meetings in Beijing, May 14-16, the Company and Tibet Huayu are now in the process of completing the draft Sale Purchase Agreements and Joint Venture Contracts and finalizing the terms of the proposed transaction described in the binding letter of intent (see News Release dated February 9, 2019). These documents will define the transaction that will see the East Africa transfer to Tibet Huayu Mining, up to 70% of the Companys equity interest in its Ethiopian subsidiary companies; Tigray Resources Inc. (TRI 100% owner of East Africas Adyabo Project) and Tigray Ethiopia Holdings Inc. (TEHI 70% owner of East Africas Harvest Project). The terms proposed in the binding letter of intent include Tibet Huayus obligation to: Provide a cash payment of US$1.7M to East Africa; Finance, develop and operate the Terakimti, Da Tambuk and Mato Bula projects. The transaction also contemplates East Africa will retain the mineral rights, and all exploration obligations for the prospective targets not incorporated in the three mining licenses (EAM Mineral Resources). East Africa shall give Tibet Huayu a right of first refusal of reasonable duration to acquire future EAMs Mineral Resources based on mutually agreeable terms similar to those defined by the current transaction. More information on the Company can be viewed at the Companys website: www.eastafricametals.com . On behalf of the Board of Directors: Andrew Lee Smith, P.Geo., CEO For further information contact: Nick Watters, Business Development Telephone +1 (604) 488-0822 Email investors@eastafricametals.com Website www.eastafricametals.com Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "forecast", "project", "budget", "schedule", "may", "will", "could", "might", "should", indicate, confident or variations of such words or similar words or expressions. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: closing of the Tibet Huayu Transaction; obtaining all required approvals for the Tibet Huayu Transaction; the ability of Tibet Huayu to develop and operate the Ethiopia Projects and Properties within the required laws and agreements; the outcome of the arbitration case with the Developer; if the arbitration case is successful that the Company can occupy the site and advance the Tanzanian projects; if the arbitration is successful the Tanzanian Definitive Agreement payments are not refundable; recoverability of the Ethiopian and Tanzanian VAT receivable; early exploration; the ability of East Africa to identify any other corporate opportunities for the Company; the possibility that the Company may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service its planned operations and may be force to take other options; the risk the Company may not be able to continue as a going concern; the possibility the Company will require additional financing to develop the Ethiopian Projects into a mining operation; the risks associated with obtaining necessary licenses or permits including and not limited to Ethiopian Government approval of EAM Mineral Resources extensions for the Companys Ethiopian Properties and Projects; risks associated with mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of the Companys projections and estimates, including the initial and any updates to the mineral resource for the Adyabo, Harvest and Handeni Projects; realization of mineral resource estimates; interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; foreign taxation risks; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; the speculative nature of strategic metal exploration and development including the risks of contests over title to properties; and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, as well as those risk factors set out in the Companys listing application, East Africas financial statements and managements discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018, and East Africas listing application dated July 8, 2013. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues. The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources as the estimation is uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define any inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading inferred mineral resources to an indicated or measured mineral resource category. The contained gold, copper and silver figures shown are in situ. No assurance can be given that the estimated quantities will be produced. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the price of precious and base metals; the demand for precious and base metals; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner; and the regulatory framework including and not limited to license approvals, social and environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. The Company does not update or revise forward looking information even if new information becomes available unless legislation requires the Company to do so. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Welcome to Railway Gazette. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of these cookies. You can learn more about the cookies we use here. OK Koreas Samsung and LG Electronics brands took first and second place in the brand shipment rankings with Chinese companies third to sixth.Assessing the performance of the former firms Samsung claiming 9.42 million shipments in 1Q, but with quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year declines of 21.2% and 5.8%, respectively; and 22.6% and 7.1% for LGE WitsView noted that the two Korean brands were each hoping to secure a competitive edge and raise profitability with the help of high-end products. Even though it said Samsungs plan was to raise the specifications of its 8K+QLED TVs , while LGE was focusing on expanding its OLED TV markets, WitsView warned that a profit-oriented strategy would likely also impact shipments.For the Chinese brands, WitsView reported that TCL had shopped 5.69 million units in the first quarter of 2019 year, narrowing its distance with LGE to under a million units. The company announced plans to expand its worldwide presence with investments into TV module production in India. China's traditional TV brands, Hisense and Skyworth, reached 3.03 million and 2.35 million in shipments in the quarter standing at fourth and sixth place, respectively. After last year, which saw Hisense open sales of OLED TVs in Australia, Hisense will be moving into China OLED TV territory this year. Skyworth, on the other hand, has been and still is LGD OLED's long-term strategic partner.Looking forward, WitsView predicted that in the second quarter, small-sized TV panel prices would likely struggle to make a comeback in May due to the lack of improvement in end demand, with TV brand inventory strategies predicted to turn conservative in and overall shipments possibly to exhibit a 11.5 % quarter-on-quarter decline. In two exclusive screenings, NHK WORLD-JAPAN will show documentaries focusing on the work and mission of Hayao Miyazaki and Aeham Ahmad.10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki will offer an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at anime film director Hayao Miyazaki. It shadows him at work as he creates characters and plotlines for what would become his 2008 blockbuster Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. This programme is the first in a four-part series.Aeham Ahmad was born and raised in Syria. Even during the civil war, he continued to play the piano and sing, aiming to bring cheer to children surrounded by the conflict. After fleeing to Germany, he continued to rely on his voice and his piano. In April, he held a concert in Hiroshima, Japan, where he came across a piano exposed to radiation when the city was destroyed by an atomic bomb in 1945. The encounter proved to be a turning point for him, and he now teaches music to refugee children from Syria. The Pianist from Syria programme looks at his efforts to use music to help these children at a time when xenophobic sentiment is on the rise in Germany.The two documentaries will also be shown at a special screening at the Japan Cultural Institute in Cologne Japan Foundation) on 3 June.The screenings at Nippon Connection 2019 and at the Japan Cultural Institute in Cologne follow NHK WORLD-JAPAN's recent launch on the cable network of Vodafone Deutschland, making the channel available nationwide throughout Germany The move is part of NHK WORLD-JAPAN's ongoing initiative to expand its presence in Germany, giving German households an inside view into Japanese news, culture and lifestyle. I have loved the sculpture of the ancient Greeks since I first saw it in a book, at the age of 12. Thats when I read the Greek myths and knew I had found my religion. The worship of Man. On Friday, June 30, 2018 with delightful friends in tow, I made a pilgrimage to the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia de Reggio Calabria to see the Riace bronzes. Not Polykleitos Spear-Bearer, not Alexandros of Antiochs Venus de Milo, not the Discobolus of Myronnor Michelangelos Davidnot any of these magnificent depictions of human beauty and greatness convey the same power as the Riaces. Nor can any photos capture their full breathtaking beauty and glory. These are not the gods: these are men as gods. Unlike the later classical period, they are not a severe, generalized ideal, calmly reposed. Even the Discobolus has a quietness in his stance and expression in comparison to these warriors. These are men with an energy radiating from their bodies, an energy and form embodying human excellence. And there is no taint of that humility which touches many of the greatest statues of the Renaissance. These have beautiful, but not simply idealized faces; they are individuals, which I adore because they are the embodiment of individual excellence as an ideal for us all. Ironically, they are known only as Statue A and Statue B. There are many questions surrounding them: these rare bronzes were found off the Calabrian coast of Italy, near Riace. No sunken ship was found near them, and they were in a location that once could have been land, so there is much doubt as to how they arrived in the sea. And what a find! We have almost no bronze statues of the Greeks, but mostly Roman copies in marble, perhaps to insure they, too, wouldnt be melted down for other uses. The bronze shows details of hair, veins, skin, eyes, mouth, lashes and expression which I have not seen before. Phidias, or his student Alcamenes, or Myron, or Polykleitos are the artist-candidates. Statue A was probably created during the early years of classical Greek sculpture, between the years 460 and 450 BC, and Statue B between 430 and 420 BC. I havent been able to discover how the historians figured that out. Statue A: this is a man who doesnt hesitate to assert himself. Who doesnt question whether his achievements might be that of a god. His shield held firmly in his left arm, his shoulders gracefully erect, he is tensed for action. His hands position indicates a javelin was held lightly in the right. His calcite eyes are on his target in the distance, almost fierce, with his mouth open slightly, not in a snarl, but ready for battle. The other, Statue B, is slightly slimmer, more relaxed. He gazes a bit more softly and dreamily. Only one of the original eyes is still intact. His stance is firm, but not as energetic as A. I think A looks in his early 30s, B in his twenties, but experts think their ages are reversed. B is as handsome as A, with high cheek bones, well-set eyes, full mouth and luxurious hair and beard although not quite as full, curly, and long as A. B is equally beautiful in body, but somewhat slimmer, with less callipygian form. I wondered if A were Agamemnon or Odysseus, and B Paris. Wikipedia entries argue they are warriors from the Aeschylus story, Seven Against Thebes. No matter, they are clearly Heroic age and they convey the confidence, the assuredness of Mans rightful place on earth which the Homeric works convey. In Homer and in their legends and plays, the Greeks warned of hubris, they told of misfortune, they dramatized the tragedy of fate, even for the greatest. But their sculpture captured their deepest belief in the power and achievement possible to human beings. Today, men and women, implementing the genius of Greek philosophy and its child, science, have created the most remarkable technological and politico-economic progress ever to reach the stars, the ocean bottom, the tops of mountains; to make the blind see again and the maimed walk; to lift millions out of poverty and enable the most peace and trade humankind has ever seen. The Renaissance that triggered these achievements began with the art and the heroic vision of the ancients. But today, what do we have in art? Stories, not of tragedy, but utter dissoluteness. Not just sculptures of deformed or alienated humans but things called sculpture which are of complete meaninglessness. The place you see heroic figures most frequently today are super hero movies and in video games. No wonder young men love them. How I long for a Renaissance of real heroes, a dramatization of real men and women achieving great feats. Dont the astounding achievements of our high-tech civilization deserve inspiring depictions of what humans have achieved? Wouldnt you like to see movies and sculpture, novels and paintings celebrating that spirit? How magnificent it would be to have such art lining our streets, like our monumental architecture. For a Renaissance of the human spirit, we need more than videogames: we need the unabashed and highest artistic renderings of a grand heroic vision to inspire us and remind us of whats possible in the spirit and the body together. In our day and age, that should be the lionizing of the great scientists, inventors, and producers rather than just the warriors, athletes, and actors. But to get that we need to reject the skepticism, dogmatism, and nihilism which created the current artistic culture. We need a resurgence of individualism and a recognition of the moral greatness in individual freedom, embodied in the capitalism which deserve awe. And to get that, we need a renaissance of heroic philosophy which validates the power of the human mind to comprehend, create, and produce. A philosophy that validates rather than cast aspersions on human reasoning power, human ability and courage, and the great works made possible by these qualities. Lets recover that unabashed assertiveness of our ancient forebears. Not a false arrogance, tainted by unearned doubt, but a clear-minded knowledge that truth and right are hard to achieve, but we can do it and then great feats are possible. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is widening the circles of Uzbekistans engagement with potential trade partners. After recent visits to the United Arab Emirates, India, and Germany, Mirziyoyev has trips planned to Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, Japan, Bulgaria, and Belarus in 2019. The reader will note that these visits take Mirziyoyev well outside Uzbekistans region. Seeking investment from countries without territorial aspirations in Central Asia bolsters both Uzbekistan and Central Asia. It allows Tashkent to pursue foreign direct investment and political support from influential partners who can counter the regions powerful neighbors, Russia and China. Since Mirziyoyevs election in 2016, Tashkent has made a number of smart moves to improve the business climate. It eliminated currency controls; relaxed border controls to encourage petty traders and family reunification; approved more air travel to neighboring countries; simplified the tax code; created special economic zones; strengthened the independence of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan; and started to reform state-owned enterprises. The most eye-catching reform is a moratorium on financial inspections of business -- inspections that had served as opportunities for shakedowns from bureaucrats. In March, President Mirziyoyev signed a law that makes it easier to start a business, eases real estate transactions, and implements a dispute resolution mechanism that avoids a court hearing. Why the push? Fifty-six percent of Uzbeks are aged below 30; more than 600,000 a year are enteringthe jobs market. Uzbekistan witnessed Russias 1998 economic collapse and managed to avoid the worst of the global financial crash in 2008. The countrys leaders now wish to advance at a measured pace. As such, they may not be enthusiastic recipients of Western advice, especially about changing the countrys social organization. Uzbekistan has secured investment agreements with China, the United Arab Emirates, India, South Korea, Germany, and the United States. Taking a cue from Kazakhstans multi-vectored foreign policy, Uzbekistan is casting a wide net that will to allow it to reform at its own speed. When one partner gets too prescriptive, as Germany for instance has done, Tashkent tends to pivot to a business first approach. Campaigners have called on Tashkent to put human-rights reforms at the top of the agenda. Tashkent has a different approach. It believes that by creating a place where contracts are enforceable, courts and regulatory agencies are transparent, and property rights are respected, Uzbekistan will improve human rights, and ensure Uzbeks will make more money. Along with increasing economic freedom, the government can encourage, or at least not frustrate, the desires for personal freedom that are especially prevalent among the nations young. The countrys leaders, who grew up in the Soviet Union, should understand how important this is. The recent unblocking of some websites of news and human-rights organizations does indicate that the government knows its role is not to curate news and information for its citizens. Tashkent knows it sits in a troubled region where investors will be wary of risking their money. But because it doesnt want to be in the grip of Russia and China, it has to demonstrate to investors that extremism wont easily find a home there. Mirziyoyev addressed the threat of extremism in a 2017 address. He recalled that Uzbekistan was an ancient cradle of Islamic culture, and he declared that protection of youth from the influence of various religious extremist groups stands as a major task for all of us. Mirziyoyev is betting that economic opportunity, citizen participation in governance, and proper Islamic education can help delusioned persons avoid extremisms crooked path. But progress here has been slow, with the security services defaulting to punitive measures against those they believe guilty of extremism. Stuck in the middle Beyond sociopolitical challenges, Uzbekistan faces geostrategic constraints that may color the kind of investment it attracts. In 2018 the Caspian Sea states signed an agreement that left many issues unresolved, such as the ownership of energy resources beneath the seabed. Russia could stymie projects such as the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline that threaten to cut into its market share in Europe. That would limit Uzbekistans options to sell its natural gas. Uzbekistan has healthy oil and natural gas reserves, but they were developed with old technology. Mature fields may be revived with new techniques. Most of the outside investment has come from Russia and China, and newcomers may be welcomed as a counterweight and as sources of better technology. Uzbekistans labor costs are low, but the country is landlocked, so its transport costs are high. Air connections are important and the government is streamlining operations by unbundling functions -- airline, airport management, and air traffic control -- and instituting an independent regulator. Transiting bulk commodities across neighboring countries other than Russia will be tough, as much of Irans economy is controlled by the sanctioned Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; Afghanistan and Pakistan suffer from corruption and violence; and Moscow may stall the mooted Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline. One solution to the labor cost-transport conundrum is to climb the value chain and export finished goods. Uzbekistans silk-making tradition is well-known to Western fashion houses, so the country may easily move to exporting textiles and finished garments instead of raw materials. If the promise of pipelines recedes, Uzbekistan can turn natural gas into feedstock for industrial applications. The government recognizes the need for additional investment in the aging petrochemical infrastructure and has so targeted $12 billion for improvements. The countrys substantial natural resources will be a source of inputs for a gas-driven petrochemicals industry. But for Uzbekistans petrochemical plans to work, it will need other energy sources than the natural gas that supplies over 90% of the countrys electricity, so a 2.4 gigawatt Russian nuclear plant project is happening at the right time. The plant will use locally-mined uranium and help Uzbekistan stay ahead of power supply shortages caused by economic growth. The development of the telecommunications infrastructure in Central Asia has been matched by an increase in cybercrime -- the region has one of the worlds highest rates of the latter. Fortunately, Uzbekistan has registered strong gains in ICT access, use, and skills so its organic efforts that include a national ICT roadmap and university training in IT security, and a collaboration with leading Indian IT companies, will help ensure investors data stays put. The state has an outsized role in the economy and crowds out private sector access to land, infrastructure, credit, state support, and contracts. The government says it wants to reduce the state role in the economy, but it will be tested when job losses accompany rationalization. The investors top challenges may be people issues: being blamed for job losses that may accompany the reorganization and modernization of old facilities, and the self-interest of the management of SOEs who may see investors as sources of cash for their operations. Uzbekistans leadership will likely pursue the Singapore model with a strong, non-ideological government focused on economic development. To do so, Uzbekistan must reform the efficiency and integrity of how it delivers services to the citizens. President Mirziyoyevs declaration that government must serve the people was a warning of his expectations. But the important expectations arent just the presidents Uzbekistan in 2019 isnt Singapore in 1965, and the question is whether the government will be able to satisfy the rising expectations of a young population while it rationalizes its economy and pursues greater independence. James Durso (@james_durso) is the Managing Director of Corsair LLC. He was a professional staff member at the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission and the Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Durso served as a U.S. Navy officer for 20 years and specialized in logistics and security assistance. His overseas military postings were in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and he served in Iraq as a civilian. The views expressed are the author's own. 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 CALGARY, Alberta, May 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questor Technology Inc. ("Questor", the "Corporation"), (TSX Venture Exchange: QST), announces that the board of directors of the Corporation has approved the granting of incentive stock options pursuant to the Companys stock option plan and compensation policy, dated September 15, 2016 to certain of its directors and officers to acquire up to an aggregate of 257,500 common shares ("common shares") of the Corporation. All of such options are exercisable for a period of five years at a price of $5.09 per common share and 25% of the options will vest one year after the date of the grant of such options and the remainder will vest 25% per year thereafter. Upon the granting of the options described above, Questor will have 1,171,125 options outstanding, which represents 4.3% of the 27,152,224 common shares currently outstanding. Questor's stock option plan currently limits the issuance of options to no more than 10% of the outstanding common shares. ABOUT QUESTOR TECHNOLOGY INC. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Questor has a trained workforce who provide specialized waste gas incineration products and services that may be required for the exploration, development and production of oil and gas reserves. There are a number of methods for handling waste gases at upstream oil and gas facilities, the most common being combustion. Flaring and incineration are two methods of combustion accepted by the majority of provincial and state regulators. Historically, the most common type of combustion has been flaring. Flaring is the igniting of natural gas at the end of a flare stack, a long metal pipe up which the gas is sent. This causes the characteristic flame associated with flaring. Incineration is the mixing and combusting of waste gas streams, air, and fuel in an enclosed chamber. Air and gas are mixed at a controlled rate and ignited. No flame is visible from an incinerator that is operating properly. Properly designed incinerators can result in higher combustion efficiency than flares. A correctly operated incinerator can yield higher efficiencies through proper mixing, gas composition, retention time, and combustion temperature. Combustion efficiency, generally expressed as a percentage, is essentially the amount of methane converted to CO2, or H2S converted to SO2. The more converted, the better the efficiency. Questor designs, manufactures and services proprietary high efficiency waste gas incineration systems. The Company incineration product line is based on clean combustion technology that was developed by the Company and patented in both Canada and the United States in 1999. Questor has continued to evolve the technology over the years making a number of improvements from the original patent. The Company currently has five new patent filings that are currently pending. The original clean combustions patent expires in November 2019. Questors highly specialized technical team works with the client to understand the waste gas volume and composition. The Companys technical team determines the specific incineration product specification to achieve 99.99 percent combustion efficiency. The incinerators vary in size to accommodate small to large amounts of gas handling, the range is 50 mcf/d to 5,000 mcf/d. The incinerators also range in automation and instrumentation depending on the clients requirements. Questors incinerators are used in multiple segments of the Oil and Gas industry including: drilling, completions, production and downstream. The Company has three primary revenue streams; incinerator sales, incinerator rentals and incinerator services. Incinerator services include incinerator hauling, commissioning, repairs, maintenance and decommissioning. The Company offers incinerator products for purchase or for rent. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued regulations to reduce harmful air pollution arising out of crude oil and natural gas industry activities with a particular focus on the efficient destruction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and have recently introduced methane emission reduction legislation. In conjunction with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, Colorados Regulation 7 mandates the use of enclosed combustion (incinerators) and now targets methane, resulting in a statewide focus on the responsible management of potentially fugitive hydrocarbons. North Dakota also has additional requirements that reflect some of the unique and specific needs that extend beyond the EPAs requirements. The Company announced on November 26, 2018 that it was awarded contracts in the State North Dakota. At March 31, 2019, over 90% of the Companys incinerator rental fleet is located in Colorado and North Dakota where regulation supports demand for its proprietary high efficiency waste gas incineration systems. The Company also provides its solutions to the Texas, New Mexico, Wyoming and Western Canadian markets. Questor expects that demand in these markets will increase as regulation continues to develop. Questor continues to discuss economically advantageous solutions to its considerable client base in Alberta and it appears that a number of companies are taking leadership roles to lower their carbon footprint sooner than rules may require. The Company services its key markets with field offices in Brighton, Colorado; Watford City, North Dakota and Grande Prairie, Alberta. The infrastructure at the field offices consist of field technicians, maintenance technicians and administration. The facilities generally include, office space, maintenance shop and a yard to store incinerators. Questor personnel based out of the Companys head office in Calgary, Alberta include Officers of the Corporation, management, engineering, technical sales, accounting and administration. Questor trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol QST. Audrey Mascarenhas Dan Zivkusic President and Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer Phone: (403) 571-1530 Phone: (403) 539-4371 Facsimile: (403) 571-1539 Facsimile: (403) 571-1539 Email: amascarenhas@questortech.com Email: dzivkusic@questortech.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This document is not intended for dissemination or distribution in the United States. , We're sorry, this article is not currently available Description GIS 27 May 2019: A three day Western Indian Ocean Regional Science to Policy workshop being held from 27 May 2019 to 29 May 2019, was launched today at the Hotel Sofitel Mauritius in Flic en Flac by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Nairobi Convention in collaboration with the Ministry of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping. The Minister, Mr Premdut Koonjoo and other personalities were present on that occasion. In his opening address, Mr Koonjoo highlighted the importance of this regional workshop whose objectives are critical to humanity's sustainable development aspirations adding that Mauritius, as a Small Island Developing State, is at the forefront of the battle to adapt to climate change and adopt a new Blue Economy approach. The Government, the Minister said, is committed to support the Nairobi Convention Secretariat in the implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the protection of the Western Indian Ocean from land-based sources and activities (WIOSAP) and the Strategic Action Programme Policy Harmonisation and Institutional Reforms (SAPPHIRE) projects as vehicles to address various conservation challenges which have been identified and prioritized by governments of the region. He underlined that the Nairobi Convention is a regional Convention that will bridge the gap between science and society and bring understanding to the ongoing and emerging regional environmental problems as well as the strategies needed to address them. Mr Koonjoo lauded the hardwork and commitment of all the parties of the Nairobi Convention and its Secretariat in carrying out many important tasks, including establishing key partnerships with governmental and nongovernmental organisations; keeping coastal and marine environmental issues on the policy agenda; improving the conservation and sustainable management of the coastlines and oceans through the establishment of innovative marine and coastal programmes and projects that demonstrate real potential for sustainable, community-based marine and coastal management. The Minister pointed out that t he WIOSAP project focuses on the identification of key strategies to reverse impact of land-based activities and sources of degradation of the coastal and marine environment adding that Mauritius, as an emerging ocean state, has implemented the project so as to protect its coastal and marine environment which are important resources to develop its ocean economy. Scientific research, he stated, is continuously warning about emerging pollution in key urban areas in the region, as well as the impacts of climate change and is raising awareness of the degrading water and sediment quality resulting in a loss of biological diversity, problems for human health and a reduction in fish stocks, hence, pointing to a need for an integrated approach for the management of the coastal zone, one that will allow to find a sustainable development pathway for the future. Speaking about the initiatives of the Government to protect the Blue Economy, the Minister recalled some measures taken including: fostering development of other emerging sectors of the Ocean Economy, specifically in maritime services, marine commerce, marine biotechnology and marine renewable energy among others. As regards this workshop, Mr Koonjoo appealed to the scientists present to effectively deliver evidence-based environmental and socio-economic information to support policy development and implementation at both the national and regional levels and encouraged efforts to develop various guidelines and toolkits so as to provide much needed technical support in conducting assessments and implementing various interventions to promote the health of coastal and marine resources in the region. The Workshop The overall goal of this three-day workshop is to establish and operationalise the Science to Policy Platform as a core structure within the Nairobi Convention including: discussions on the need for a regional ecosystem/ indicator monitoring framework and road map on its development; discussions on topical emerging scientific findings with potential policy implications in the management of coastal and marine resources in the region; regional stock-taking of oceanographic research and data in the region and; discussion of various regional toolkits and Guidelines supporting implementation of the WIOSAP project. This workshop will also actively deliberate and constitute a regional science to policy platform that will provide the necessary information to support evidence-based decision making for improved ocean governance and review the collection of scientific data and local information available in the national data centres which is a necessary step for long term oceanographic change studies in the Western Indian Ocean region. Porterville, CA (93257) Today Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Low 37F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Low 37F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Are the Asian economies increasing trade between themselves because of trade tensions? I think what's becoming more apparent is that Asian trade is actually freeing up. It's because of some agreements that have been put in place... we look at the dynamism of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) region. The fact is China still drives intra-Asia trade and Asia is a more important market than Europe and North America. Our customers are active and we are active in supporting intra-Asia trade. China continues to buy strongly and consumer consumption is the real driver in Chinese economy. It's not just China exporting to the rest of the world, it's also about imports and consumer confidence going up in Asia. The focus will be on tackling the unfinished agenda requiring immediate attention like tax structure for solar projects, uniform tax rate on state-organised and state-authorised lotteries, taxing non-potable alcohol besides certain changes in the law, extension for NAA and rate rationalisation. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com The next meeting of the GST (goods and services tax) Council could take place as early as next week after approval from the new finance minister. The focus will be on tackling the unfinished agenda requiring immediate attention like tax structure for solar projects, uniform tax rate on state-organised and state-authorised lotteries, taxing non-potable alcohol besides certain changes in the law, extension for the National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) and rate rationalisation. The next meeting is now expected anytime in early June. "Though items that need urgent attention will be taken up first, issues like inclusion of natural gas along with other petroleum products and merging of the 12 per cent and 18 per cent slabs will be discussed in subsequent meetings as they are high up on this governments agenda, said an official. The Delhi high court had last month directed the government to review the tax structure for solar power projects. The government had provided a deemed valuation provision that entailed taxing 70 per cent of contract value as goods, taxable at 5 per cent, and balance 30 per cent as services, taxable at 18 per cent. However, the industry argued that the ad-hoc valuation did not provide a fair estimate of the actual split of goods and services. Typically, the said ratio in the solar sector is 90:10, the industry argues. Besides, the divergent rulings by the Advance Ruling Authorities added to the confusion and a writ was filed by the Solar Power Development Association. We are doing consultations with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the ministry of new and renewable energy, said another government official. The Council may also take up the case for extension of the NAAs tenure, which is coming to an end in November. The NAA chairman B N Sharma has informally asked for an extension due to pending cases. The Council has asked the NAA for data on the number of orders passed and the status of pending cases to come to a decision on extension. There are two views. One is that the NAA should get a finite extension with a fixed timeline to clear cases, as was the objective initially. "The other view is that the NAA may be needed for a longer time as certain items like petroleum and alcohol are yet to be brought under the GST ambit, said a government official. According to the anti-profiteering rules under GST, benefits of input-tax credit should have been passed on to recipients by way of commensurate reduction in prices. The authority is still catering to complaints related to the rate reductions made in July last year on a number of consumer durables and on 178 items in November 2017. With GST shortfall in 2018-19, the Council would also discuss ways to improve revenue by preventing leakages. In April, the collections crossed Rs 1 trillion for the third time in four months. The next GST Council meeting could chart out agenda for the next year or so. "Aspects like e-invoicing and other measures to plug tax leakages, timelines for new compliance mechanism to be implemented, further rate rationalisation, and industry-specific issues such as those pertaining to solar industry may be discussed, along with few legislative changes, said Pratik Jain, partner, PwC India. The Council will also take up the report by the group of ministers led by Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, which has favoured a uniform GST rate of 18 per cent or 28 per cent on state-sponsored and state-authorised lotteries. The SGST rate on state-organised lottery could be retained to either 18 per cent or 28 per cent. While the GST rate on state-authorised lottery would be retained at 28 per cent or brought down to 18 per cent. Kerala is not in favour of reducing rate on sate-authorised lotteries, while Maharashtra, Punjab and Assam are keen, said a government official. Besides, the Council may consider levying GST on extra neutral alcohol (ENA), which is a key ingredient of alcoholic beverages and medicines. The proposal is to levy an 18 per cent GST on ENA as the pharma industry is unable to avail input-tax credit on the same. Alcohol for consumption and potable alcohol is constitutionally out of GST, whereas its input - ENA - had been a grey area. Industrial alcohol is within GST. The Centre has taken a view of additional solicitor general, who has pointed out that ENA is liable to GST as it is not potable alcohol. Abhishek Jain, tax partner, EY, said that the Council is also expected to deliberate and decide on inclusion of excluded sectors like oil & gas, real estate (constructed properties), electricity, etc, and rate rationalisation on cement. In 2018, venture debt providers cumulatively deployed Rs 1,300 crore. This year, the market is expected to absorb venture debt of Rs 1,800 crore to Rs 2,000 crore. So what makes this asset class so attractive? Ranju Sarkar finds out IMAGE: Sachin Bansal, the Flipkart co-founder, is among the new class of investors who prefer venture debt over equity. Photograph: PTI Photo When Sachin Bansal, the co-founder of Flipkart who sold his stake for $1 billion while leaving the company, wrote a Rs 20 crore cheque to Delhi-based start-up Milkbasket recently, it was his fifth debt deal in less than a year. Bansal has also extended $3 million each to scooter sharing start-up Vogo and Bounce. He has also lent Rs 250 crore each to non-banking financial companies Altico Capital and IndoStar Capital. Experts see these investments as traditional high yield debt deals and not as venture debt. Like many HNIs, Bansal has been investing in the equity of start-ups. While equity offers higher returns and is riskier -- typically, only one of 10 investments in a start-up gives bumper returns -- debt offers stable returns. Venture debt firms, which invest in start-ups that have raised Series-A or Series-B capital, offer pre-tax net returns of 17% to 18%. What's more, there's a consistent distribution of income: Investors earn monthly interest on their investments which is distributed quarterly. So, they can see the cash flows. There are other subtle differences that make this asset class attractive, such as: Duration Venture debt funds are of seven years versus venture capital funds or PE funds which have a 10 to 12 year cycle (investment + exits). Returns In AIFs, investors get back-ended returns while venture debt funds can offer returns from the very first quarter. Besides, in venture debt, there's certainty of returns and exits as loans get repaid while equity carries an exit risk. Sure, there could be defaults and NPAs in venture debt but they are less than one per cent and budgeted. Venture debt is a relatively new asset class. Earlier, few banks dabbled into it, including Silicon Valley Bank, a pioneer in this business. Its India business was acquired by Temasek and renamed as Innoven Capital in 2015. It is the market leader and deployed Rs 600 crore in 2018. It is followed by Trifecta Capital, which lent Rs 300 crore last year and plans to deploy Rs 450 crore this year. Trifecta is raising (and investing from) its second fund of Rs 750 crore after having deployed its maiden fund of Rs 500 crore it raised four years back. Other players include Alteria Capital, a spinoff from Innoven, and Blacksoil. Besides Sachin Bansal, there are a couple of other individual/family offices which do a few venture debt deals as part of their asset allocation/treasury management strategy. For instance, Infosys founder Kris Gopalakrishnan has done a few venture debt deals through an entity called Prathithi Investments. In 2018, venture debt providers cumulatively deployed Rs 1,300 crore, estimates Innoven Capital. This year, the market is expected to absorb venture debt of Rs 1,800 crore to Rs 2,000 crore, growing at 40% to 50%. "Key drivers for growth are increasing awareness, more supply, and companies becoming bigger," says Ashish Sharma, CEO, Innoven Capital. Start-ups are using venture debt to achieve better capital structure, says Rahul Khanna, founder, Trifecta Capital. They can use venture debt for working capital, capex and inventory, he adds. Firms like his also bring in relationships, knowledge and discipline to manage costs. But venture debt is available only for start-ups that have raised Series-A or Series-B capital or have achieved certain maturity and scale. An initial reading of the guidelines indicates two factors - potential rise in borrowing cost and lower returns on investment book - could hit the spread of NBFCs. The Reserve Bank of Indias (RBIs) draft guidelines on liquidity risk management for non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), announced on Friday last week, could dilute the latters profitability in the near term, albeit marginally. Though in draft form, the guidelines were anticipated by market/industry experts and are in the right direction because the sector has been reeling from liquidity problems after the IL&FS crisis in September last year. An initial reading of the guidelines indicates two factors - potential rise in borrowing cost and lower returns on investment book - could hit the spread of NBFCs. The spread is a profitability measure of lenders. NBFCs that were chasing profitability by borrowing in the short term where cost is lower to finance longer-tenure assets could see some pressure on margins in the short term. "This practice will go once these guidelines are finalised, said Lalitabh Srivastava, associate vice-president, Sharekhan. According to the draft guidelines, NBFCs have to disclose their asset-liability management (AML) data in more granular ways (weekly, 8-14 days, 15-30 days, etc.) and the cumulative ALM mismatch is allowed up to 10 per cent for weekly and 8-14 days each, and 20 per cent for 15-30 days. An ALM mismatch occurs when cash outflows exceed cash inflows in a particular period. Many large, listed NBFCs have started lowering their exposure to short-term borrowings such as commercial papers and have a satisfactory asset-liability management (ALM) profile. Most liquidity measures announced were practised by well-managed NBFCs. "But there were no regulations to supervise through the ALM committee. "If these guidelines are finalised, it will be strict monitoring of the NBFCs liability side and everyone has to follow proper procedures, said Umesh Revenkar, managing director and chief executive officer, Shriram Transport Finance Company. Every NBFC is carrying additional cash now. So I dont see any impact on profitability and earnings of NBFCs, he added. Further, the adoption of the stock approach through liquidity ratios could mean more cautious use of short-term borrowings, warranting a rise in long-term borrowing cost and the margin pressure. This apart, the regulator has defined high quality liquid assets (HQLA) for calculating the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR). This could dilute the yield earned on investments. According to Anil Gupta, vice-president and head of financial sector ratings at ICRA, most big players do maintain on-book liquidity. However, those who have not been doing so could see a negative impact on spread. Also, going by components of the HQLA, the return on investment could be lower than their borrowing cost. NBFCs could undertake some measures to mitigate the expected impact by increasing fee income or upward price revisions of their products. However, given the competitive pressure, how much of the potential additional borrowing cost the NBFCs can pass on to customers is a question. Gupta said NBFCs ability to meet 100 per cent LCR should be better than that of banks, given the fact that the former largely have liabilities that are not payable on demand. Thus, the five-year time frame given to NBFCs to meet 100 per cent LCR can be shortened. Raman Aggarwal, chairman, Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC), said the RBI was prescribing a liquidity ratio when liquidity was a challenge. It is a kind of situation where the patient is suffering from pain and instead of giving him\her relief from pain you are prescribing the plan for the future. The first task is to make liquidity available and then work on how finance companies manage it and prescribe norms, he said. The FIDC will give a point-by-point assessment and suggestion to the Reserve Bank of India soon. Photograph: Vivek Prakash/Reuters 'Listing Masood Azhar as a 'global terrorist' was done with Islamabad and Imran Khan's concurrence.' 'It was not prompted by the so-called 'Wuhan spirit'.' 'The relationship between the two 'iron brothers' has not been dented,' points out former RA&W officer and China expert Jayadeva Ranade. IMAGE: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, left, and China's Premier Li Keqiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photograph: Jason Lee/Pool/Reuters China-Pakistan military collaboration continues to expand steadily as Beijing tries to integrate the military capabilities of the two countries to extend its operational reach. Recent developments point to China acquiring increased access inside Pakistan. These underscore that Beijing's decision last month to withdraw its 'technical hold' at the UN sanctions committee on listing Masood Azhar as a 'global terrorist' was done with Islamabad and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's concurrence. It was not prompted by the so-called 'Wuhan spirit'. The relationship between the two 'iron brothers' has not been dented. Pertinent in this context was the visit of Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou -- appointed last month as China's ambassador to Japan -- to Islamabad in March at the height of India-Pakistan tensions. Undoubtedly, while Kong advised Pakistan not to escalate the situation beyond a point, he also conveyed assurances of China's continuing support. Later, during the second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on April 26-27, which Imran Khan attended, talks were held at a higher level between Imran Khan and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Chinese President Xi Jinping. China's authoritative official news agency Xinhua publicised that China had reiterated its earlier stated position that India should ease tensions with Pakistan by going halfway and also repeated China's support on the Kashmir issue. Chinese leaders have since April 2015 been insisting that India ease tensions with Pakistan and resolve the Kashmir issue before its relations with China improve. China has also offered Pakistan some palliatives. While probably explaining that China risks being isolated in the international community and seen as supporting terrorism if it continued to maintain its 'technical hold' at the UN sanctions committee on Masood Azhar, especially after the horrendous attacks by Islamist terrorists in Colombo, it would have suggested that this could hamper China's efforts to aid Pakistan in future. China's leadership and Imran Khan additionally concluded agreements on loans and assistance for approximately $20 billion to a cash-strapped Pakistan. Interestingly, this comes in the midst of an ongoing review of 50 percent of the projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor ordered by Imran Khan! There are clear indicators that China will continue with the CPEC and particularly those projects that would augment its military capabilities. When Pakistan raised objections a couple of years ago that all financial assistance for CPEC projects were loans and none as grants, China agreed to designate some projects as grants. Not surprisingly, these were mainly centered on Gwadar port, described by Chinese naval experts writing in Chinese military publications as a 'logistics base' for the Chinese navy. With resentment mounting among the Baluchis against CPEC projects, including Gwadar, in Baluchistan, the Chinese quietly informed the Pakistan authorities that they would be raising a 'private' army to ensure the security of their workers and CPEC projects. This, despite Pakistan having deployed a special division under a major general for this specific task. Towards the end of last year,the official Chinese media disclosed that the China Overseas Security Company had been deployed in Pakistan to protect CPEC projects. China has many private security companies staffed by retired or demobilised members of the People's Liberation Army, People's Armed Police or China's public security apparatus deployed mainly in Africa, but this is the first in South Asia. Most recently on May 9, the Pakistan government announced the allocation of funds for the second phase of the secure fibre optic communications project linking Kashgar, headquarters of the PLA South Xinjiang Military District, with Rawalpindi where the Pakistan army GHQ is located. Contract for implementation of the project has been awarded to the Chinese telecommunications company Huawei. Phase 1 of the cable was activated for commercial use this February. As per official sources, construction of the cross border optical fibre cable system comprising land-based cables connecting China and Pakistan for international connectivity of voice/data traffic has been allocated Pakistani Rs 52.790 million by the government of Pakistan in addition to Pakistani Rs 425 million by way of foreign aid from China's Export Import Bank in the form of a concessionary loan. This underground optical fibre cable, which has clear military implications, now covers the distance between the Khunjerab Pass in China, along the Karakoram range and Rawalpindi in Pakistan's Punjab province, covering 820 kilometers. It is reported to include a 172 km long arial backup link between Karimabad to Khunjerab resulting in cross-border connectivity between China and Pakistan. The fibre optic cable is also being extended to connect with Urumqi in the Xinjiang-Uyghur Autonomous Regionand Rawalpindi with Gwadar. Jayadeva Ranade -- former additional secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India -- is presently President of the Centre for China Analysis and Strategy. Over two dozen Muslims have been elected to the Lok Sabha. This shows that all is not lost for India's Muslims, suggests Mohammad Sajjad. Photograph: Photograph: Mohsin Raza/Reuters Many are surprised that such a massive support for Modi was not visible during the campaign. In my understanding, the simple reason for this is: BJP supporters, otherwise quite vocal, did not have the moral courage to show up this support because they had nothing to show as accomplishments on the fronts of the economy, employment and farm sector. Be that as it may, for me, this huge verdict for the BJP was quite foreseeable. Talking to cross-sections of people and monitoring social media, more particularly, village-based WhatsApp groups, there were unambiguous indications that increasingly larger numbers of Hindus, cutting across caste lines, were inclined to give Modi a second term. On these platforms of social media, even some well-meaning Hindus did not show their disapproval -- what to say of outrage -- of lynchings and other such outrageous issues. Rather, many of them were gaga over 'muscular nationalism'. It not only admires the powerful individual hero who would take care of the enemy neighbour, but will also fix all stumbling blocks in the path of economic development. Many stereotypes against India's Muslims -- the so-called high-breeding community -- are seen as such stumbling blocks. Even during the election campaign, the BJP did not speak about its 'achievements' on the economy, employment, etc. Its overwhelming supporters were also not concerned about such issues. Quite a lot of them were dismissive about the hazards of demonetisation and GST, about the Rafale deal, fleeing businessmen wreaking havoc on public sector financial institutions and banks. They ignored why the BJP dismantled rural employment programmes. True, the Ujjawala scheme and Swachhta Abhiyan are indeed very good pro-poor social welfare schemes of the Modi government. But did it really work on the ground? Could the poor afford to get another cylinder of cooking gas? All these were of no concern. On social media those who raised such issues were declared to be working against Modi who personifies the collectivity of not only the desh (territory) but also the rashtra (people). Jingoism had helped Indira Gandhi as well. On village-based WhatsApp groups, raising any such issue of citizens's concerns encountered disdain. If the critic happened to be a Muslim, then it was even quicker and easier to declare such valid criticism to be unpatriotic, and at times, even a treasonable offence. Mere social media may not have succeeded in misguiding and polluting Indian common sense. The television news channels, most of these are now owned by big corporate houses, have contributed much towards creating such a 'Hindu common sense' and anti-Muslim hatred. They would rather argue that the Modi regime contributed towards enhancing India's stature in the eyes of the world. Little do they realise that the rise of un-reason and anti-Muslim persecution have earned criticism in the international media -- newspapers like The Guardian, The New York Times, Washington Post, and magazines like Time and the New Yorker, etc. All these are attributed to anti-Hindu conspiracy theories. Even a cloud-radar theory of stupidity failed to make the people realise this. A segment of quite well-meaning Hindus, saffonised only recently, try to argue on social media, that the cases of lynchings should be ignored. They don't accept how the spectacularly videographed lynchings are actually backed by the State whereby even ministers go on to garland the accused freed on bail. There are some plausible reasons for such a state of affairs having arrived in India. In the early decades of Independence, the upper castes enjoyed power and privilege through the ruling Congress, with passive, un-demanding voters from the Dalits, minorities and tribes. The Socialists and Communists performed the role of the Opposition. The weak and vague idea of 'Indian Secularism', and rhetoric against anti-Muslim communalism helped the ruling elite provide the minorities with some assurance through such lip-service. Intra-upper caste factionalism within the ruling Congress also, to some extent, was helpful for the elite of the weaker sections including minorities. All these helped checkmae and restrain Hindutva. During this era too, the perpetrators of communal violence and politicians conspiring to engineer such riots remained unpunished. Subsequently, the OBCs rose and they came into their own in the post-Mandal era. These erstwhile Socialists (and Communists) remained regional powers. Barring the Communists, most of these regional forces challenged the upper caste hegemony in the structures and processes of power. In southern India, these regional powers performed on governance and development. In parts of northern India, such forces were reduced to a single dominant OBC caste, and more recently into a particular dynasty of the said caste. They remained under-achievers in terms of governance and development, in education and health, in infrastructure, roads, electricity, and other middle class concerns. Because of which the dislocation of the upper caste elites received a harsher blow. Rather than handle these issues with tact, such newly empowered OBC rulers resorted to anti-upper caste rhetoric and slogans, thereby consolidating the OBCs and Dalits. Since they handled communal violence, the minorities remained their support base. Moreover, the Mandal Commission benefitted large segment of the Muslim communities in education and employment. In this story of the rise of the OBCs and Dalit rulers, in course of time, even the lower OBCs and lower Dalits felt left out of political power. Assured with the Muslim votes, such forces/dynasts (like the SP, BSP, RJD, and now the TMC may also be added) kept ignoring these left out groups, yet retaining power. These left out groups also, in addition to the upper castes, therefore, came to harbour disdain/hatred against the Muslims whose votes kept those (non-performing) forces in power. Moreover, the rising affluence of Muslims (also through Gulf remittances), their rise in education, and their rising representation in rural and urban local bodies, (which makes their political and economic rise much more visible to their Hindu neighbourhood) have added to anti-Muslim hatred and Hindu consolidation. The BJP came to address these neglected social groups. Besides, the BJP regimes in provinces like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan were better performers than the RJD, SP, BSP kind of regimes. Now, the upper castes, in alignment with these social forces (like non-Yadav OBCs and non-Jatav Dalits), constitute the core support of the BJP. In West Bengal, the Bhadralok who seem threatened about their pre-eminence with the rise of Muslims and Namashudras -- something many of them had felt during 1937 and 1947, and had then moved over to the Hindu Mahasabha kind of forces -- constitute the BJP's core support-base. This social engineering of the BJP outnumbers other groups. This partly explains: a. The BJP's electoral success; b. The rise in anti-Muslim hatred; and c. The rage with which the RJD has been defeated with huge margins in Bihar. These phenomena help the BJP consolidate and strengthen itself. It may be relevant to note that this kind of social engineering to widen the social base of saffron politics was envisaged more by then then RSS chief Madhukar Dattatreya ' Balasahab' Deoras. His roles and vision in this regard, at the level of both theory and practice, remain a lesser known fact for many of us. In short, while in the early decades of Independence, the rhetoric of 'Indian secularism' helped Hindu elites to retain power through the Congress, now it is Hindutva, anti-Muslim rhetoric and actions, jingoism, and muscular nationalism which helps these elites get and retain power, through the BJP. What lies ahead for the Muslims? So long as the largely hollow rhetoric of secularism existed, the tiny Muslim elites, religious conservatives and misogynists remained happy and smugly content with the little patronage they secured from the Congress and the erstwhile Socialist groups such as the SP, BSP, RJD, etc. In south India, the scenario was/is little different, hence, in those parts, the Muslims did make some efforts towards capacity-building in education, skill-development and trade. In northern and eastern India, Muslims need to learn this. India's Muslims in general, as a whole, ignored the issues of certain kinds of theological-social reforms, more particularly on gender justice. This was one of the many factors behind the rise of majoritarianism in the 1980s. In the 2019 election, over two dozen Muslims have been elected to the Lok Sabha. This shows that all is not lost for India's Muslims. Some Hindus are still willing to vote for Muslim candidates in certain pockets. But mere quantitative representation will not do. Muslims, as citizens, need to become much more vigilant about the legislative and political roles played by their incumbent and aspiring legislators. Their roles in the legislative arena need to be audited much more meticulously. They must be made much more accountable. They should owe their leadership more to their substantial and meaningful activism on the ground and inside the legislature, rather than to their loyalties to certain party chiefs, who impose any unworthy candidate, bearing a Muslim name, upon the Muslims. Moreover, the Muslim legislators must also reflect the intra-Muslim social heterogeneities in its composition. More and more Muslims, as citizens, rather than as religious groups, need to join the various non-identitarian civil society groups agitating for civic rights, amenities and criminal justice. Taking up this challenge is now a greater necessity of India's Muslim than it has been ever before. Mere breast-beating on the rise to power of a majoritarian force, and sitting idle, waiting for a miraculous messiah, will not do. Let this crisis of increased marginalisation be turned into an opportunity of redefining political priorities and participation of Muslim communities in various struggles to save and strengthen Indian democracy. Well, there are apprehensions that many Indian cities may be turned into Ahmedabad which has been segregated into two parts: State-sponsored ghettoisation of Muslims in Juhapaura within the city and the rest developed as a shining, modern city. Nonetheless, rather than lose hope, moving ahead to find a way out has to be preferred. Many more Hindus are lending their arms asking Muslim communities to join the struggles for citizenship rights and to move towards strengthening progressivism and plurality in India. Professor Mohammad Sajjad teaches history at the Centre of Advanced Study in History, Aligarh Muslim University. 'Seems more than half of the 'desh' remained untouched by his 'samajik ekta ka andolan',' points out Jyoti Punwani.. 'Teerthyatra (pilgrimage).' That's the word Narendra Damodardas Modi used in his address in Parliament on Saturday night, to describe the just concluded election campaign that brought him to the peak of his success. The word was chosen carefully by a man who knows its emotional connotations for Hindus, the constituency he has carefully and consistently cultivated since the Gujarat carnage of 2002. Given that the PM and his party chief contributed substantially to communalising the campaign, this doublespeak was astounding. Amit Anilchandra Shah's use of the names 'Alia, Maliya, Jamaliya' to indicate illegal infiltrators whom he would throw out of the country; his use of the old war cry 'Jai Sri Ram' in Kolkata; Modi's repeated taunts about Rahul Gandhi 'running away and seeking shelter in a constituency where the majority is the minority', as if seeking votes from Muslims and Christians was a crime -- these are just three examples that came to mind listening to Modi speak in Parliament. What were these if not attempts to seek votes by appealing to religious identity, and actually sowing hostility in the minds of Hindus against Muslims and Christians? Both constitute offences under the India Penal Code as well as the Election Code. Given the Election Commission's craven surrender this election, Modi could blithely pretend the campaign had been 'a movement for social unity', which 'joined hearts' and 'broke walls'! Sure, it joined Hindu hearts, while helping strengthen the walls between the majority and minorities that the ruling party has erected over the last five years. The Waynaad jibe marked a new low, but the PM described the campaign as having touched new heights ('nayi unchaai'). The country had set out with him in this campaign, said the PM ('Desh saath chal pada'), when the world and he knew that the country's largest minority (for the most part), as well as a significant section of Dalits and Christians had either stayed aloof from his 'teerthyatra', or actually worked hard to counter it. At any rate, the final results show that 37% of 67% eligible voters set out with him. Seems more than half of the 'desh' remained untouched by this 'samajik ekta ka andolan'. In the same vein, Modi spoke of his five year reign having been untouched by any major storm, even in the media. His government had done nothing wrong except for the reckless utterances of some party members. Obviously, the lynchings of Muslims by goons connected to the ruling party, which made headlines in our English press, and even on worshipful TV channels, disturbed our prime minister less than the embarrassment caused by the venomous utterances of his party colleagues. In the supremely skillful way the PM frames his sentences, Modi made it clear that he had nothing to do with these utterances. ('Aisi aisi cheezein hamaarey khaatey mein jama ho jati hai jinsey hamara koi lena dena nahin.') If that is so, why did he never act against those causing him such embarrassment? For an hour, the prime minister spoke to his MPs as a kind but firm headmaster would to his students. The man whose every public move is geared towards the camera advised his captive audience, some of them politicians more experienced at the national level than him, not to be seduced by the camera. Yet, bhakts are not just joking about what Rahul Gandhi would have said had he won, but even comparing this speech to Nehru's 'Tryst with Destiny'! Just when you were wondering how much longer he would go on, the PM made you sit up. Modi expressed regret, without saying it in so many words, that the minorities had been left behind in this wave that swept him to power. He wished they had developed their own leaders and achieved equal economic status with the rest. There are many reasons for Muslim backwardness, one of them being the frequency of communal riots. You don't need to be an economist or sociologist to know that every major riot sets Muslims back economically and education-wise, and pushes more and more of them out of the mainstream. And not even the most diehard bhakt can deny that the Sangh Parivar, to which Modi belongs, has played a major role in most major Hindu-Muslim riots since Independence, even if they call that role 'defensive'. But, of course, Modi, with the 2002 Gujarat behind him, and about 40 Muslims lynched by his followers in the last four years, attributed this condition of Muslims to those who, because of vote bank politics, had 'cheated' them and surrounded them with an 'imaginary atmosphere of fear' and 'imaginary fears' ('kalpanik vatawaran, kalpanik bhay'). This allegation was uttered just a few minutes after he had spent considerable time referring to the objectionable utterances of his party colleagues! 90% of these utterances have been directed against Muslims. But Modi has already defeated these parties, which wear the 'naqaab' of secularism (the word used by him in his victory speech). What more needs to be done? 'We have said nothing and simply handed them over to these parties,' rued the PM. Let's ignore the contrast between the expansive way Modi spoke about the 'desh', including its 'gareeb janta', and this stark use of 'we' and 'them'. This statement raises one basic question. After the results, many Muslims themselves feel it's about time they freed themselves from the Congress and other such 'naqaabi' parties. But is it even possible for the BJP, a party rooted in the RSS, whose newest MP is facing trial for planning a bomb blast that killed 10 Muslims, to win over the community? President of the Kyrgyz Republic, who is the current Chair of the SCO, and the PM of Mauritius, who was the chief guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, have also been invited, the MEA said. Like leaders South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations in 2014, heads of governments from neighbouring BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries are likely to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his second term on May 30. As of now, there is no indication of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan being invited. Sources said leaders of member states of BIMSTEC will attend the swearing in. Member countries of BIMSTEC include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand besides India. The invitation is in line with the government's focus on the 'Neighbourhood First' policy, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Monday. Kumar added that an invite has also been extended to Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov and to the Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth for the occasion. "Government of India has invited the leaders of the BIMSTEC member states for the swearing-in ceremony. This is in line with the government's focus on its 'Neighbourhood First' policy," Kumar told reporters on Monday. "The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, who is the current Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, who was the Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, have also been invited," he added. In 2014, when Modi won his first term, all the SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attended the swearing-in as part of invitations extended to all the member countries of the South Asian grouping. Compounding the ruling Congress-Janata Dal (Secular)'s woes, Congress leader K N Rajanna on Monday hit out at Karnataka deputy chief minister G Parameshwara and claimed the government will not survive beyond June 10. Lashing out at Parameshwara, Rajanna said,"This government would have collapsed by now... I got to know that since Modi is taking oath (as PM) on May 30, it has been decided in their party (Bharatiya Janata Party) not to do anything. At the most, this government will survive till June 10." Targeting Parameshwara, Rajanna said there was no chance for any defeat for the Congress-JD(S) coalition but 'zero traffic' led it to defeat...there was no chance for any defeat here (in Tumkur). Then what's the reason behind the defeat... if there is any reason... it's 'zero traffic , there is no second thought about it," the former MLA told reporters at Tumkur. JD-S supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda had lost to BJP's G S Basavaraj in Tumkur Lok Sabha constituency. When asked what he meant by zero traffic, Rajanna said everybody knew who 'zero traffic' was. "Within a week, zero traffic will become zero. Don't ask me to spoil my tongue by naming him," Rajanna said in a veiled dig at the Deputy Chief Minister (DCM), apparently referring to traffic being allegedly blocked to enable Parameshwara reach Tumkuru district fast during his visits. Asked if he was referring to the deputy chief minister, Rajanna said, "I never treated him as a DCM. Whats his contribution as DCM? Tell me what else has he contributed for the district other than zero traffic?" His statement comes in the wake of the humiliating defeat of the combine in the Lok Sabha election and discontent within the party, with party MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, who has been allegedly cosying up to BJP, even threatening to resign along with a few MLAs after the LS polls. Adding to the congress' unease was senior party legislator Roshan Baig's outburst against the leadership, holding them responsible for the poor show by the party. The Congress and the JD-S only managed to win one seat each of the 28 in Karnataka, while the BJP won 25 seats. The other seat was bagged by BJP-backed Independent candidate Sumalatha Ambareesh. The Congress has convened a meeting of its legislature party on Wednesday to discuss the current political developments in the state. Meanwhile, former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah asserted that the Karnataka government was a 'strong' one and ridiculed state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa for repeatedly claiming that the coalition will collapse. In a series of tweets, he also said the people's mandate was for continuation of the BJP-led government at the Centre and not for 'toppling' the state government. 'Yeddyurappa has been saying for the past one year the government will fall. He will continue to say the same for the next four years. I am confident the government is strong,' Siddaramaiah said. Referring to Prime Minister Narenda Modi bowing to the Constitution after being elected leader of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance on Saturday, he sought to know which article in the Constitution gave the BJP the right to topple a state government. '@BSYBJP (Yeddyurappa) claims to form the govt in spite of not having the number. This is not a new drama but this is continuously misleading the public. Mr. @narendramodi bowed to the Constitution but in which article has the constitution given the right for @BJP4India to destabilise our govt (sic),' the Congress Legislature Party leader asked. Improved Security Amidst Looting Of Forest In Yei River State I got some documents of seven companies from authorities in Koboko District. The documents record the companies have 67 heavy tracks seeking for clearance to transport their logs from my county..." By Daniel Friday Martin YEI 26/ May/2019) GURTONG Mass logging of natural forest reserves is threatening the wellbeing of Fauna and Flora (Animals and human life) in various villages of Liwolo and Kangapo counties of Yei River. Local officials said. Speaking to Gurtong in an exclusive interview, Kangapo County Commissioner, Wani Jackson Mule, said 7 there registered logging companies, both local and foreign, have been granted permission by SPLA-IO officials to clear off the natural mahogany and other rear tourist attraction forest species that existed in the villages for centuries. It is true that large scale logging is taking place in Liwolo County and for the last three years, there was massive logging of natural trees in Kirwa, Adjio Kala and Pore villages along the common borders of South Sudan and Uganda and this logging is carried out by the SPLA-IO simply because those areas are under the control of the SPLA-IO he said. Wani said when there are 67 trees cut on the ground the logs are transported by heavy tracks from out of Liwo to Uganda for international markets. I got some documents of seven companies from authorities in Koboko District. The documents record the companies have 67 heavy tracks seeking for clearance to transport their logs from my county. You can see with these heavy tracks to load these logs in the area. In a day, over 10 tracks can cross from Uganda to Liwolo county on daily basis to transport logs, meaning the whole forest reserves have been cleared, Wani stressed. Earlier, SPLA-IO military spokesman, Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel, denied any illegal forest logging in the area. He said the logging companies have been allowed to conduct forest logging businesses with agreement and permission from the local community leaders. For us as soldiers, we have nothing to do with forest businesses, the forest logging is being done by the civilian business men with approvals from the community leaders. Our role as soldiers is to ensure protection of the civil population under our control, he protested when asked on the rampant forest logging around areas of greater Kajo-Keji counties. Meanwhile, Yei River State Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, Evans Kijore, confirmed the ongoing rampant forest logging around Kajo-Keji areas. Kijore said his ministry is working day and night to ensure that the county commissioners enforce the directives issued by the Sate Governor, Emmanuel Adil. He said his office lacked forest rangers and officers in the remote villages of greater Kajo-Keji counties to monitor and report on the level of forest logging in the area due to insecurity. We dont have forest officers on the ground to feed us on what is going wrong on the natural forest reserves. We are also finding it difficult to implement orders issued by the ministry or the governor but we are working very hard to inform the SPLA-IO authorities to ensure that our environment and the forest are protected from destruction, Kijore briefly told Gurtong. -Community outcry on the forest logging and looting- Several residents in Kajo-Keji County said despite Gods blessings on the community with natural trees in the area, none of them benefited from the ongoing forest logging. Chaplain Doga, a villager in Kajo-Keji County, said We benefited nothing apart from only watching our big tree species being cut down, we only feel sounds of saw mill machines and seeing tracks coming to load forest logs deep in the villages, he explained. Our youth and elders have been deceived and paid little amount in either dollars or Ugandan shillings, our forest have been looted by our own sons and foreigners from the neighboring counties and we are left without standing trees in the forest anymore, Doga outlined. He said dealers in the forest reserves were mostly men in military uniforms and some individual businessmen. This war has caused a huge loss and destruction on our natural forest plantations; we hoped that we would benefit in form of new constructed community schools, health facilities, bore holes, markets or but not any single structure is seen on the ground, he lamented. Rose Amudo, another community member, blamed lack of strong leaders and advocates to speak against the ongoing looting and logging of the community natural resources. We dont have a voice, we are powerless, here its only people holding guns whose voices are respected. We are so sorry because we are left with empty forest reserves, the few remaining trees are still being cut down without our say so. If the Government or the opposition realy cared about the needs of the community, we would not have been subjected to this suffering where our own forest is being looted by some individuals from Uganda, She said Rose is appealing to the countrys leaders to implement the revitalized peace deal so the remaining trees can be reserved and the going ones grow up in peace to help the next generation. We are already old and we did not enjoy anything from our trees from which our grandfathers used their roots and leaves as medical herbs to treat patients in the villages. We want to see peace so that our displaced children can one day harvest the small growing trees to develop our own villages, She emphasized. There was an order issued by the Governor of Yei River State instructing all the county commissioners in the forest reserve, including greater Kajo-Keji counties, stopping forest harvesting within the state. I can cannot do anything as the commissioner of Kangapo County because Liwolo is divided into two areas, one side is controlled by the Government under my control and the other side under the SPLA-IO controlled by the SPLA-IO. If we crossed over with our forces to control the forest logging, it would result in fighting and this will be violation of the revitalized peace agreement, he said. Wani is appealing to the SPLA-IO administration to ensure protection of the natural resources and ensure that forest logging is brought to an end. The SPLA-IO have a governor, ministers and commissioners and in fact a complete parallel government and my call to them is that destroying our own forest will lead to a negative climate change which will affect all of us, he added. Kajo-Keji county commissioner Amos Longa Modi told Gurtong in another separate interview that although neighboring Liwolo and Kangapo counties are experiencing massive deforestation and looting of forest reserves, he has issued a local order banning illegal and official forest logging in the area. I have instructed the security organs under my control to ensure that no body enters the natural forest fields to cut trees for commercial or local construction on the ground. I am implementing the orders issued by our governor and also as local government, we want to ensure that our environment is not tempered with because we know how important trees are to our health and our environment he remarked. Wani said, with the rampant and rapid deforestation in the area, several villages in Kangapo County are undergoing serious draught affecting the livelihood of the returning internally displaced persons and returnee population in the area. With the huge devastation, the major effect is on the climate change. Right from January this year, there is no single rain drop in Mijale, Keriwa, Sokare, Bori and many others have been affected and we are expecting looming hunger this year because our trees that survived for over 200-500 years have been cut down, he explained. Some two months ago, Authorities in the neighboring counties of Yei River State and Ugandas West Nile Region met and resolved to end deforestation and improve security along its common borders in an effort to fight against the effects of climate change in the area. Authorities from both sides also agreed to conduct regular meetings from either side to evaluate progress and challenges affecting climate changes around its common borders. The commissioners of Kangapo, Kajo-Keji, and Liwolo and Kupera counties of Yei River State confirmed to Gurtong that since the signing of the revitalized peace agreement in September last year, the relationship between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO has significantly improved, evidenced by free movement of civilians, reduced human rights violations and joint security meetings. Our working relationship as a government with our SSPDF and the SPLA-IO forces is good. We have been having joint security meetings, share funerals, community events and conduct joint visits and have open communication together without any challenge, said Kajo-Keji County Commissioner Amos Longa. Kangapo County Commissioner, Henry Kala Sabuni, said illegal forest dealers have changed its smuggling activities transporting forest harvest at night hours without the concern of the local government. Henry said the state and national governments are losing millions of South Sudanese pounds and hard currency to some individual looters and thieves without any benefit to the local community. The stealing and transportation is done at night these days. Foreigners are looting our resources and we are losing millions of cash that does not even come to the hands of the Government. These untapped revenue is going to some individuals and others who claimed to be land lords Henry said. Mr. Kala is appealing to the state and national governments in the area to deploy trained police and military forces to restore rule of law and order at the South Sudan-Uganda border areas. We dont have competent police in the area, I am calling on the state and national government to send police here so that there is rule of law and we also need to see that our revenue sources are properly tapped to help in the renovation and development of health facilities, schools, provision of clean water and improved road infrastructure He concluded. Clara Hayad Oliver, an environmental activist working for the organization for socio-economic transformation (OSET) South Sudan is warning authorities against rampant forest depletion in the areas without setting re-afforestation plans and polices. Clara said as the state is experiencing wide spread lumbering, Yei River State is forest likely to lose its most valuable tree species and exposed to negative climate change in the next few years to come. We are so concerned about the ongoing destruction on our forest plantation. To make matters worse, there are no protective policies such as cut one and plant five put in place, if stake holders are not serious about environmental management plans, lets expect short of rains, prolonged shortage of rain and desertification among communities, Mrs. Clara stressed. Clara said her organization is advocating of adoptive policies to be presented to the council of ministers and the parliament towards environmental protection and the eco-system. Clara further appealed to the senior heads of state authorities either in the government or the SPLA-IO to issue strong orders and laws that prohibits forest exploitation in Yei River State. Chapter four of the revitalized peace agreement stipulated for proper, controlled, transparent and accountable usage of the countrys natural resources including forest for the benefit of the community, the people and the government. A 25-year-old Muslim man was allegedly assaulted in Gurugram by four unidentified youths for wearing a traditional skull cap, a police official said. The victim was identified as Mohamad Barker Alam, a native of Bihar, living in the Jakob Pura area of Gurugram. In a complaint to police on Sunday, Alam alleged that four unidentified youths accosted him in a Sadar Bazar lane and objected to him for wearing a skull cap. "The accused threatened me, saying wearing cap was not allowed in the area. They removed my cap and slapped me, while asking me to chant Bharat Mata ki Jai," he said in the FIR, registered at the city police station. "As I followed their instruction and chanted Bharat Mata ki Jai, they asked me to chant Jai Sri Ram which I refused. At this, the youths picked up a baton from the roadside and began beating me. They hit me on my legs and back," he added. In the FIR, Alam said he was returning home after offering namaz in a mosque at Sadar Bazar when the incident took place. He said after hearing his cries for help, other people from his community rushed to help him, following which the assailants fled from the spot. "We have received a complaint about the incident and registered an FIR under sections 153, 147, 149, 323 and 506 in the city police station. We have also conducted medical examination of the man," Gurgaon City ACP Rajiv Kumar said. While Section 153 of the IPC pertains to causing enmity between people of different religions, Sections 147 and 149 define offences of riots and unlawful assembly, respectively. Sections 323 and 506 deal with offences of causing hurt and criminal intimidation. "We are also scanning the CCTV footage of the area to identify the accused. Efforts are on to nab them," the assistant commissioner of police added. Gambhir terms the incident deplorable, demands action Newly elected East Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir on Monday termed the incident as "deplorable" and asked authorities to take "exemplary" action in the matter. His comments however, did not go down well among a few of his partymen in Delhi who said the words of the cricketer-turned-politician may be used against the Bharatiya Janata Party by the opposition parties. "In Gurugram Muslim man told to remove skullcap, chant Jai Shri Ram. It is deplorable. Exemplary action needed by Gurugram authorities. We are a secular nation where @Javedakhtarjadu writes O palan-hare, nirgun aur nyare, & @RakeyshOmMehra gave us d song Arziyan in Delhi 6," Gambhir tweeted. However, a section of Delhi BJP leaders expressed their reservation over the tweet and said Gambhir's words may be used against the saffron party. "Gambhir is no longer a cricketer and he should realise this that his words and actions will be seen through the prism of politics. "Nobody likes such incidents but what is the use of commenting on an incident in Haryana which may be used against the BJP by other parties," said a senior Delhi BJP leader. However, Gambhir said his secularism emanated from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's philosophy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' and added that any oppression based on caste or religion is deplorable. "My thoughts on secularism emanate from honourable PM Mr Modi's mantra "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas".. I am not limiting myself to Gurugram incident alone, any oppression based on caste/religion is deplorable. Tolerance & inclusive growth is what the idea of India is based on," he said in another tweet. Else, warns rebel party MLA, the RJD will split. IMAGE: Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav, right, with his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav, left. The simmering discontent in the Rashtriya Janata Dal has come to the fore. Following its rout in the Lok Sabha election -- where the party failed to win even a single seat in Bihar -- senior RJD legislator Maheshwar Prasad Yadav on Monday asked Tejashwi Yadav to resign as Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, taking moral responsibility for the drubbing. Alleging that parivarwad (nepotism) has cost the RJD party dear, Maheshwar Prasad Yadav, the RJD MLA from the Gaighat assembly constituency in Muzaffarpur district, claimed the party would break if his demand is not met. 'As a party MLA, I would request Tejaswhi Yadav to resign as LoP taking moral responsibility for the Lok Sabha poll debacle and appoint any other senior party leader hailing from a caste other than Yadav to the post, failing which the party will face a crushing defeat in the 2020 assembly election,' Maheshwar Prasad Yadav told reporters. The RJD is the second member of the five-party mahagathbandhan to face the heat after the resounding defeat in Bihar. Except for Kisanganj, which was won by the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Janata Dal-United and Lok Janshakti Party combine won 39 out of Bihar's 40 Lok Sabha seats. Earlier, another mahagathbandan constituent, the Upendra Kushwaha-led Rashtriya Lok Samata Party's three legislators -- two MLAs and one MLC -- merged with the JD-U on Sunday. 'If my demand (to appoint someone else as LoP) is not fulfilled, then the legislature party will break as several legislators are with me,' Maheshwar Prasad Yadav claimed. Asked whether he has the support of two-third of the RJD legislature party to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law, Maheshwar Prasad Yadav answered in the affirmative, saying that he has the support of large numbers of party MLAs. "No one wants to board the sinking ship...but please, don't ask me the names and numbers at the moment," Maheshwar Prasad Yadav told the media. IMAGE: Rashtriya Janata Dal rebel MLA Maheshwar Prasad Yadav. Asked whether he would attend the two-day RJD meeting on May 28 and 29 to discuss the election debacle, the rebel MLA said he would abstain till his demand is met. Maheshwar Prasad Yadav, who has been seen in Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's company, said Lalu Prasad Yadav's affection for his family has cost the party and the RJD would not have staged a comeback in the 2015 assembly poll if the RJD had not stitched an alliance with Nitish Kumar's JD-U. "It was because of Nitish Kumar that the RJD came to power in 2015," he said, adding that Lalu chose to anoint both his sons as deputy chief minister and minister in the Nitish Kumar-led government ignoring senior RJD leaders. "When Nitish Kumar parted ways, the RJD chief again foisted Tejashwi and wife Rabri Devi as LoP in the assembly ands legislative council respectively," Maheshwar Prasad said. "I had opposed the party chief's move to make Rabri Devi as CM in 1997 and had suggested he appoint any other senior leader as CM, but he ignored my opinion," he added. "The people in the Lok Sabha election have thoroughly rejected the RJD for carrying out parivarwad politics." Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited his parliamentary constituency and offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple on Monday, four days after he steered the Bharatiya Janata Party to power in New Delhi with a resounding victory of 303 seats in the Lok Sabha. He was received at the airport by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Ram Naik. Flanked by BJP president Amit Shah and Adityanath, Modi entered the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and paid obeisance to the deity as priests recited Sanskrit 'shlokas' in the sanctum sanctorum and blew conch shells. The thanksgiving visit to this temple town is his first since he won the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat with a huge margin of 4.79 lakh votes, nearly 1 lakh votes more since 2014. The visit is aimed at thanking people for again reposing their faith in him and offering prayers at the famous temple. After landing at the Lal Bahadur Shastri International airport, he flew by helicopter to the police lines from where he travelled by road to Bansphatak near the temple. WATCH: Modi offers prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple It was a roadshow of sorts as his cavalcade traversed through the bylanes of the city amid high security with crowds lining the roads and people on rooftops hoping to catch a glimpse of the man who will be sworn as prime minister for a second term this week. Many people threw rose petals and flowers at the cavalcade. Adding to the carnival atmosphere were some artists who put up impromptu performances. He is also scheduled to address a gathering of BJP workers in the city, party sources said. On Saturday, Modi tweeted, Will be going to Gujarat tomorrow evening to seek blessings of my mother. Day after tomorrow, I will be in Kashi to thank people of this great land for reposing their faith in me. In a video message ahead of the May 19 polling, Modi called himself a "Kashivasi" and termed the city his guiding spirit. He said it was a matter of great satisfaction for him that he was in service of the city whose presiding deity is Lord Shiva. In the first back-to-back majority for a single party in over three decades, the Modi-led BJP won 303 out of 542 Lok Sabha seats that went to polls, handing out a crushing defeat to the Congress and many other political opponents. Photographs: ANI/Twitter, Nand Kumar/PTI Photo Political leaders including senior Congress leaders on Tuesday paid homage to the country's first prime minister -- Jawaharlal Nehru -- on his 55th death anniversary. Former President Pranab Mukherjee, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, former Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari, United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi paid tributes to Pandit Nehru at his memorial Shanti Van in the nation's capital. Among others who paid their obeisance to the late leader was former Uttar Pradesh Governor Motilal Vora. An all-religion prayer meeting was organised at the memorial premises. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his tributes. "Tributes to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on his death anniversary. We remember his contributions to our nation," he wrote on Twitter. Nehru emerged as an eminent leader of the Indian independence movement under the tutelage of Mahatma Gandhi and served India as prime minister from its establishment as an independent nation in 1947 until his death on May 27, 1964. A staunch advocate of socialism, secularism and democracy Pandit Nehru, he was an eminent leader of India's freedom movement against the British rule. NEW YORK Coast Guard officer helped rescue a 61-year-old woman with chest pains from a cruise ship in New York Harbor Sunday afternoon. According a news release, Watchstanders at Coast Guard New York command center received notification about 4:20 p.m., stating the woman needed medical attention aboard the 965-foot Maltese-flagged cruise ship Celebrity Summit. The Coast Guard command center coordinated with the New York City Fire Department to safely remove the passenger. At approximately 4:40 p.m., the passenger was transferred from the cruise ship and taken to awaiting emergency medical services at Station New York for transfer to Staten Island University Hospital. The individuals current medical condition is unknown. Connecticut schools need more diversity, for representation and for social change. The rate of the recruitment of teachers of color in the state isnt keeping up with the rate of the increase in students of color. In response, Governor Lamont has proposed legislation to correct that, because representation of this kind is a value to students of all races. Youve heard the argument before students of color do measurably better when they have a picture of whats possible for them standing in front of the classroom. From that, weve coded the need for representation to mean black and brown kids see more of themselves everywhere especially in positions of power. But the need for representation needs to extend well past the halls and homerooms of inner-city schools, and into the bubbled suburban districts with meager numbers of teachers and administrators of color. Everyone should consider what we are teaching the minds of tomorrow about who possesses knowledge and power if the only example they have, grade after grade, are teachers who are white. What are we saying about the color of authority if kids in both urban and suburban schools report to a monolithic teaching and administration staff? How can we adequately prepare students for the growing diversity in their futures, if theyre being taught only Eurocentric histories? I think students in New Haven happen to be spoiled with diversity. Its a good thing, but it has not always been that way. Im a product of New Haven Public Schools and I can count on one hand how many black or Latinx teachers I had during my time enrolled here. Over the years, though, various initiatives have increased the number of teachers and administrators of color in the district HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) pipelines and alternative routes to certification helped play a role in that. As a result, New Haven students have the privilege of being led by teachers and administrators from a wide range of backgrounds. What about New Havens neighboring school districts? Hamden Public Schools just announced its plans to roll out an initiative to tackle this issue. To increase their percentage of high-quality teachers of color, theyre creating alternative paths to certification and supporting employed paraprofessionals in continuing their education. They didnt have to make this change. At 11 percent, the districts breakdown of staff color is higher than the states 8 percent average. As such, Hamden is an example of intentional diversification instead of the passive acceptance of low racial representation shown in other districts. The 2017-18 EdSight stats for East Haven show that the district has a well-insulated racial bubble. The teaching population breaks down to 96.4 percent white and less than 2 percent black or Latinx. The student body, however, is 64 percent white, 25 percent Latinx and 4.5 percent black. Were doing our students a complete disservice by insulating them from the diversity just outside of the school doors. Whats more, we may be perpetuating cyclical biases by adopting a we teach our own perspective in historically white communities where the dynamics of power have been skewed in their favor. We naturally fear that which we do not know. When you mix fear and power together, though, the equation may result in viral videos of racist rants in grocery stores at best. Those victims of their own privileged bubbles have no choice but to rely on stereotypes of people theyve never met before in order to navigate through life. Bubbles like that foster an unrealistic picture of our nation and allows people to opt-out of cultural awareness. Diversity, in all forms, is good for everyone. So, while we work on increasing teachers of color in all districts, Im optimistic about the state adopting a bill to also increase curricula that focuses on Black and Latinx history. Were used to an education system that leaves out major chunks of history. Were so used to it we forget history is written from the prospective of the victor. Our curricula relegates everything we teach students about black history to February, and everything we teach about Latinx history to the week of May 5th. You see that? Weve built layers of segregation into the school calendar. Even if its not intentional. Most educators mean well. They spend hours on end working on lesson plans and pouring into their students. But well-meaning sometimes isnt enough. The impact to students is often wrapped up in racial dynamics that well-meaning cant address. To start to chip away at those dynamics, we need to actively internalize a value of diversity in staff and in studies. Lets be clear: Its unrealistic to expect any district to replace its entire white staff with a staff of color, and no ones asking for that (you can release your fears about feeling replaced now). But it may be equally unrealistic and even dysfunctional to not see a problem with a monolithic staff in any organization. Preparing students for tomorrows world requires exposing them to it. The ripples of that kind of cultural exposure, whether in staffing or curricula, will impact the way we think about race. Maybe itll even end racism. Just kidding. It wont do that. But it couldnt hurt. Mercy Quaye is a social change communications consultant and a New Haven native. Her column appears Mondays in Hearst Connecticut Media daily newspapers. Contact her at @Mercy_WriteNow and SubtextWith Mercy@gmail.com. When President Donald Trump goes after other nations with harsh tweets or statements blistering with bravado, there is often a sense that hes just showing off his favorite diplomatic dance moves. Trump lambastes China and its leader, then praises them. He threatens that a deal will never be done and huge tariffs will be imposed, then relents and suggests another meeting. He brandishes a carrot in one hand and a stick in the other, and if it hasnt always worked perfectly, it no longer inspires frantic fear in most Americans. The same is true when Trump hurls bombast at Mexico over immigration and trade, or threatens Canada over timber imports, or belittles NATO allies over defense and trade and environmental issues. The tactics usually arent terrifying, partly because on these issues Trump surrounds himself with cooler heads to smooth the feathers he ruffles. But Iran is different. The most powerful voice counseling Trump, National Security Adviser John Bolton, has recently proclaimed that bombing is the only way to contain Irans desire to accumulate nuclear weapons, which is nothing new. To Bolton, the threat of Iranian nuclear weapons is always imminent, and can only be addressed via war. Whether writing The inconvenient truth is that only military action like Israels 1981 attack on Saddam Husseins Osirak reactor in Iraq or its 2007 destruction of a Syrian reactor, designed and built by North Korea, can accomplish what is required, in The New York Times in 2015, or arguing on Fox News in 2007 that we ought to bomb Iran because it is interfering in Iraq and is posing a direct threat to our troops, Boltons stance has been consistent, and consistently wrong, just as he was wrong about the need to invade Iraq in 2003. Now Bolton is once again claiming that Iran has ratcheted up its threats to American troops and interests, even as well-versed and trusted American and allied leaders say that is not the case. The New York Times has reported the Trump administration is drawing up a battle plan that includes 120,000 troops but the British general who is the deputy commander of the American-led coalition fighting the Islamic State says there has been no increased threat from Iranian-backed forces in Iraq or Syria. Even Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, no stranger to saber-rattling, is speaking less aggressively than Bolton. The waters are further muddied by our two closest allies in the region, Israel and Saudi Arabia, who constantly pressure Trump to hammer Iran to further their own designs. The only voices saying Iran is an imminent threat now are ones, like Bolton and Benjamin Netanyahu and the Saudi royal family, who say that no matter what the circumstances, and no matter how often later events prove them incorrect. Last Sunday, Trump tweeted, If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again! But Iran threatens the United States constantly and the last tweet by its foreign minister was no different. He wrote Goaded by #B-Team as he boasted that Iran defeated Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan. Trump, a master of such bluster, must see Irans puffed-up chest for what it is, and see Boltons unrelenting beating of the drums of war for what it is, too. This editorial is from Newsday. To ensure the best possible security against fraud, financially-sensitive spaces like real estate firms should take care not to place their full trust in any one employee, according to a new industry analysis by MNP LLP. The firm studied hundreds of fraud prosecutions involving at least $5,000 across Canada from 2012 to 2018, and found that fraudsters who were placed in vital positions conned more than double the average taken by those in the rank and file. MNP also found that 16% of accused who were placed in positions of trust already had prior charges filed against them. Organizations that fail to properly screen company leaders could be bilked out of millions of dollars, MNP LLP vice president (valuations, forensics, and litigation support) and former RCMP investigator Greg Draper stated. Many organizations may be operating with a false sense of security, he explained. They may assume that employees in leadership positions or who have been around a long time are safeguarding the interests of the company when, in fact, these individuals are the most capable of committing fraud with the greatest potential loss. Jeff Thomson, Acting Sergeant for the RCMP at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, added that the findings should give companies plenty of reason to be especially cautious about every employee. In a lot of cases the fraud has been committed by someone who is very well-liked and respected within the organization. The crime is not only a financial burden for the organization, but there is a loss of workplace morale as well, Thomson said. In terms of demographics, fraudsters tend to be males over the age of 65 holding positions of power. Twice as many males were convicted compared to their female counterparts, and males stole at least four times more money than females. Hong Kong pan-Democrats challenge executive Carrie Lam to a televised debate on the proposed amendments to the city's Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, which will allow the Hong Kong government to grant extradition requests on a case-by-case basis with no meaningful judicial oversight, May 27, 2019. A number of countries are reviewing their bilateral agreements with Hong Kong amid growing international concern over plans to allow renditions of alleged criminal suspects to mainland China, politicians said following a lunch with diplomats on Monday. Diplomats from several countries expressed fears that their nationals could run afoul of the legal changes, and be transferred to mainland China where there would be scant protection for their human rights, Civic Party lawmaker Dennis Kwok told reporters. Last month, thousands of people took to the streets in protest at the planned amendment to the city's Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, which will allow the Hong Kong government to grant extradition requests on a case-by-case basis with no meaningful judicial oversight, to countries with which it lacks an extradition treaty. The most likely jurisdiction to use the proposed provision is mainland China, which currently has no extradition treaty with Hong Kong. "They are rushing this through in such a hurry, and we don't even know why they are in such a hurry," Kwok said. "A lot of consulates said they are scratching their heads over this." The ruling Chinese Communist Party has publicly called for the changes to be implemented as a matter of urgency, saying those criticizing the plans have "an ulterior motive." Kwok said a number of consulates, mostly from Western countries, are planning to lodge diplomatic protests with the Hong Kong government. "As for the next step, there was talk of announcing the withdrawal of the consulates, or a change in the bilateral relationship with Hong Kong," Kwok said. Lack of protections Pro-Beijing lawmaker Regina Ip said after attending the lunch that many envoys are concerned over a lack of human rights protections. "They're worried that, once the law is amended, that human rights protections will be weak, because the Legislative Council [LegCo] won't be scrutinizing the bill any further," Yip told reporters, in a reference to the recent scrapping of the scrutiny stage of the bill -- a normal part of any bill's passage through LegCo. Yip repeated the government's argument that Hong Kong's courts will still vet extradition requests, and that the decision of the chief executive to extradite could still be challenged using a judicial review application. But rights groups have said that courts won't review evidence as part of the extradition process, and will lack the power to decide whether evidence submitted in support of applications by the mainland Chinese authorities is admissible in Hong Kong. The diplomats' concern comes amid widespread criticism of the amendments both in Hong Kong and overseas, as they would potentially expose anyone in Hong Kong to targeting by officials in China, which lacks human rights protections, legal due process, and judicial independence. According to barrister and Democratic Party founder Martin Lee, alleged criminal suspects of any nationality could be transferred to face trial in mainland China on the basis of untested evidence, for example, a personal affidavit. Democratic Party lawmaker James To said Hong Kong officials have been closing the door on meetings with business groups and diplomats who want to talk about the renditions law. To, who has challengedexecutive Carrie Lam to a televised debate on the proposed amendments, says she should answer up to the people of Hong Kong. "[Carrie Lam] may be getting it right from the point of view of the Chinese government, and she's clearly very familiar with the arguments, so by rights she should be able to express them, and even to win people over," To said. "Persuading people is part of the political process ... things would look much brighter for the people [of Hong Kong] if they were to get the opportunity [to hear her]," he said. Preying on journalists The Paris-based press freedom group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) warned last week that the planned changes, which are highly likely to get through a Legislative Council (LegCo) packed with pro-Beijing lawmakers, would "allow Beijing to legally prey on residents and visitors, including journalists and their sources." A review by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission earlier this month warned that the amended law could increase Hong Kong's political vulnerability and further erode the city's promised autonomy. The report found that the bill would remove independent legislative oversight in the extradition process and undermine strong legal protections guaranteed in Hong Kong, leaving the city and its residents exposed to Beijings "weak legal system and politically motivated charges." It said renditions under the proposed amendments could create "serious risks" to U.S. national security and economic interests. The Hong Kong Bar Association has warned that the law will place all decision-making power over renditions to mainland China into the hands of Hong Kong's chief executive, who is currently elected by a committee hand-picked by Beijing. It said the new law will remove a layer of approval by LegCo, meaning that there is no way to hold the government accountable, and no provision allowing Hong Kong courts to refuse an extradition request on human rights grounds, nor to decide that evidence submitted by the mainland authorities is inadmissible. Rights groups have also called on the Hong Kong government to scrap the legal changes, saying they could place people at risk of torture and unfair trials. Reported by Lau Siu-fung for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Senior Afghan politicians and Taliban peace negotiators are expected to attend a two-day meeting in Moscow this week. The potential May 28-29 meeting comes amid efforts to launch talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban after a planned summit in Qatar was canceled last month. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said in a May 27 statement that a 14-strong Taliban delegation, led by deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, will attend a ceremony on May 28 marking the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Afghanistan. The delegation would also meet Afghan politicians and elders the following day to discuss the future of the country, Mujahid said, without giving details. It was unclear if Afghan government officials would attend the Moscow meeting. The Taliban has said it will not negotiate with the Western-backed Kabul government, which it deems illegitimate. Former President Hamid Karzai is set to attend the meeting, his spokesman has said. Taliban officials met a delegation of powerful Afghan power brokers in Moscow in February, but those talks did not include members of President Ashraf Ghani's government. Those talks marked the most significant contact between senior Afghan political figures and the militant group since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001. The meeting in Moscow comes amid a push by the United States for a peace settlement with the Taliban. Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. envoy seeking a peace deal with the Taliban, has held several rounds of talks with the militants in Qatar in recent months. The sides have made progress but have been unable to finalize a peace agreement. In recent years, Russia has emerged as a power broker in Afghanistan, where the Soviet Union fought a disastrous war from 1979-89. In November, Russia also hosted talks between the Taliban and Afghan political figures. Khalilzad welcomed Russia's efforts in the peace process, although some U.S. officials have claimed that Moscow is promoting itself as a power broker to challenge the U.S.-backed peace process with the Taliban in Qatar. With reporting by Reuters and AFP BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz legislation under which former heads of state can be prosecuted came into force two days after ex-President Almazbek Atambaev stepped down from the leadership of opposition Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK). The law that came into force on May 27 was ratified by President Sooronbai Jeenbekov in mid-May amid calls by some politicians for an investigation into decisions made by Atambaev, his predecessor, when he was in office. The new law preserves immunity from prosecution for former presidents, but also states that prosecution is possible if they lose their formal status as an ex-president. Parliament can strip former presidents of that status if they are suspected of "especially serious crimes" by the Prosecutor-General's Office, according to the text, which was given final approval by lawmakers in April. It is not clear what the law defines as an "especially serious crime." On May 25, Atambaev announced at the SDPK session that he was resigning from the party's leadership, after which his deputy Asel Koduranova was elected the party's new chairwoman. The Social Democrats have been in crisis for a year after party members launched an "SDPK Without Atambaev" campaign in the wake of a rift between Atambaev and Jeenbekov, who was elected in October 2017 as the SDPK candidate. According to law, Jeenbekov suspended his membership in the SDPK after he was sworn in as president. In March, Atambaev issued a public apology for helping to bring Jeenbekov to power, likening his one-time ally to an autocrat. SDPK representative Kunduz Joldubaeva told reporters on May 27 that Atambaev would remain in politics. Limited to a single six-year term by the constitution, Atambaev tapped Jeenbekov, his former prime minister, as his favored successor in the October 2017 presidential election. But the two have had a public falling out and have criticized each other for more than a year. Several associates of Atambaev have been arrested on corruption charges. Elections to the European Parliament reflect an altered political landscape in the European Union, with the main center-right and center-left parties losing their dominance and environmentalists, the far right, and pro-business groups gaining strength. Results coming in on May 27 indicated that the long-established "grand coalition" of the European People's Party (EPP) and the Socialists (S&D) will no longer have a majority. But while far-right forces and nationalists recorded strong gains, powerful showings by Greens and liberals meant that parties committed to strengthening the EU retained about two-thirds of the seats -- 505 out of 751, according to a projection by the European Parliament. With about 100 seats for the liberals and about 70 for the Greens, these groups will have a louder voice and and the traditionally dominant center-right and center-left parties a weaker one. But the results may undermine the hopes of far-right politicians such as France's Marine Le Pen and Italy's Matteo Salvini of disrupting attempts to bring the EU closer together. Green parties secured record gains across Europe's biggest countries -- including 20 percent of the vote in Germany, nearly double the Greens' support there during the last European elections in 2014. 'Green Wave' Early results from across Europe suggested the Greens would secure a total of 69 seats, up from 52 in the 2014 European elections. That puts Green party politicians in a strong position for possible coalition negotiations with the two pro-EU blocs that were unable to win an outright majority -- the center-right European People's Party (EPP) group that was on track to win 179 seats, and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) that was projected to take 152 seats. France's leading Europe Ecology -- The Greens (EELV) candidate, Yannick Jadot, hailed the results as a "green wave in which we are the main players." The leaders of the EPP and the S&D said early on May 27 that they've ruled out working with anti-EU parties. Both appealed for cooperation among pro-European parties. Manfred Weber, leader of the center-right EPP group, said late on May 26 that "from now on, those who want to have a strong European Union have to join forces." Weber says his group will not cooperate "with any party that doesn't believe in the future of the European Union." Frans Timmermans, the Socialist and Democrats leader who is Weber's chief rival for the top job at the EU's executive commission, says he wants to work together with progressive parties "to try and build a program that addresses the aspirations, the dreams, and also sometimes the fears of our fellow Europeans." On a nationwide basis in France, Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party was set to finish in first place, dealing a symbolic setback to pro-EU President Emmanuel Macron after he'd campaigned on behalf of centrist politicians. Exit polls showed Le Pen's party on track to win about 24.0 percent of the vote, with Macron's centrist alliance trailing with about 22.5 percent. Le Pen called for Macron to dissolve the French parliament and call new elections as a result of the European vote, but that proposal was immediately rejected by the French government. Highest Turnout In Years Despite the RN party's triumphant declarations, final results could be a mixed picture for Le Pen. Political analysts said her RN party may end up losing ground since the 2014 European elections when it finished first in France with 24.9 percent. Allies of Macron called the result "respectable," and expressed satisfaction that the margin of defeat for France's centrists appeared to be small. Macron's aides said the apparent victory for Le Pen's party would not have any bearing on Macron's policies. Projections indicated that the party of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and its center-left coalition partner also suffered losses. Turnout across the EU, excluding Britain, was estimated at 51 percent, the highest in 20 years. May 26 was the last of four days of voting for the bloc's next parliament. With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has arrived in Uzbekistan for a three-day visit aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Steinmeier's trip is also seen as part of an effort to reinforce Uzbekistans path to reform after President Shavkat Mirziyoev came to power in 2016 and to end long years of relative isolation for the Central Asian country. Mirziyoev became president after longtime autocratic leader Islam Karimov's death was announced in September 2016. Since then, Mirziyoev has cultivated warmer ties with Uzbekistan's neighbors and countries further afield. Mirziyoev has also sought to bolster Uzbekistan's struggling economy and has taken steps to implement reforms in Uzbekistan, where rights abuses were widespread under Karimov. Ahead of Steinmeier's visit, Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on the German president to stress that the "positive changes" that have taken place in Uzbekistan are "small steps on a long road," citing the "vast" powers that the security services have retained and "persistent reports that arbitrary detention, torture, and other ill-treatment in custody are widespread." During his visit to Berlin in January, Mirziyoev said he wanted to bring relations with Germany to "a tangibly new and higher level," while German Chancellor Angela Merkel said her country wants to be Uzbekistan's "reliable partner." Early on May 28, Steinmeier is scheduled to meet with Mirziyoev in Tashkent. The German president plans in the afternoon of May 28 to meet with representatives of leading Uzbek businesses and banks. Then, on the morning of May 29, Steinmeier is scheduled to "discuss current developments in Uzbekistan with representatives of civil society," according to a statement on his website. The German president, accompanied by his wife, Elke Budenbender, also plans on May 29 to meet students of Urgench State University in western Uzbekistan and visit the historic city of Khiva. In a commentary published on May 23, the Europe and Central Asia director at HRW, Hugh Williamson, and the New York-based watchdog's Central Asia researcher, Steve Swerdlow, said that the Uzbek government was "still highly authoritarian." "The many new laws and decrees enacted and upbeat soundbites for international audiences should translate into real improvements that people experience in their daily lives," Williamson and Swerdlow said. This includes "allowing local and international nongovernmental organizations to register and function, journalists to report freely, religious believers to engage in their peaceful religious practice, judges to make independent decisions in court, and former political prisoners access to justice and redress for past abuses." Williamson and Swerdlow noted that the Uzbek authorities unblocked access to several websites in the country ahead of Steinmeiers visit, including German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle, but others such as RFE/RL's Uzbek Service, known locally as Ozodlik, remained blocked. "The government's efforts to create a positive atmosphere for Steinmeier's visit would be more convincing if it allowed its citizens completely open access to the Internet," they said. Afghan police say gunmen have shot dead seven members of one family in the capital, Kabul. Kabul police spokesman Ferdous Faramurz said the incident occurred in a neighborhood in western Kabul in the early hours of May 27. Faramurz said three women and two children were among the dead, while two family members were wounded in the incident. Faramurz said police believe the killings were related to a land dispute. "Police findings indicate that it was due to family hostilities," he said. "The family had filed a lawsuit." Faramurz said police had not yet made any arrests but had launched an investigation. Land disputes are common in Afghanistan, where 40 years of war has forced millions of people to leave their homes across the country. When they return, they often find their property and land occupied by or sold to other families. Powerful politicians and former warlords have also forcibly seized land. With reporting by dpa A regional boss in eastern Siberia has been suspended by the ruling United Russia party after he body-slammed a journalist from the state Rossia-24 television channel. The journalist was asking Sergei Zaitsev, head of the Shirinsky region of Russia's Republic of Khakasia, about allegedly slipshod housing provided to people left homeless by wildfires in 2015. The press service of United Russia, the Putin-era "party of power" that generally works hand-in-glove with the Kremlin, said on May 27 that Zaitsev had been suspended as secretary of its regional branch and could face removal from his post. Party General Secretary Andrei Turchak was quoted as saying, "If you don't know how to deal with people and answer pointed questions, you have no place in government." On May 22, a Rossia-24 camera crew showed up at Zaitsev's office and began asking questions about the state of the federally funded housing. Three days later, the channel broadcast footage of Zaitsev trying to grab the microphone from journalist Ivan Litoman's hand before rising from his desk and angrily lifting, then slamming Litoman to the floor. The clip did not show what preceded the attack, and it was not immediately clear if Litoman suffered any injuries. The Investigative Committee said on May 27 that a criminal investigation into the incident had been opened on suspicion that Zaitsev obstructed "the lawful professional activities of journalists." If charged and convicted, he could face up to six years in prison. In April 2015, wildfires in Khakasia left 34 people dead and more than 5,000 more homeless. In the village of Shira alone, 500 homes were destroyed. With cameras rolling, President Vladimir Putin subsequently visited the scene and ordered that aid be delivered promptly and that homes be rebuilt. Some 1.5 billion rubles ($23.2 million) was allocated from the federal budget to provide relief. After complaints of shoddy construction and other problems, an audit revealed that much of the money had been stolen. Zaitsev had already been convicted of failing to remove illegal waste dumps near the village that contributed to the 2015 fire and of failing to create an early-warning system to notify locals of the danger. He was sentenced to 4 1/2 years in prison but granted a full amnesty under a general amnesty to mark the 70th anniversary of victory in World War II. His conviction was annulled and he was allowed to remain in his post. Rossia-24 journalist Litoman made headlines in April with a story about Nikita Yegorov-Kirillov, the organizer of a series of gay-friendly parties in Moscow who was attacked by unknown assailants. Many viewers found Litoman's piece, in which he described the parties as "orgies" and social-media posts from witnesses to the attacks were read in a nearly falsetto voice, offensive and homophobic. Robert Coalson contributed to this report A knife-wielding man has attacked staffers of the Russian Communist Party newspaper in the southern city of Stavropol, leaving an editor hospitalized and wounding three others after an article he wrote was rejected, law enforcement authorities and the newspaper say. The attack took place on May 27, Stavropol Governor Vladimir Vladimirov said on Instagram. The suspect, who was not named, has been a frequent visitor to the offices of the Rodina (Motherland) newspaper in Stavropol. According to Viktor Lozovoi, who represents the region in the lower house of the Russian parliament, he is on a national register of people with severe mental illnesses. "The man came to the chief editor and began demanding that his article be published," a Rodina representative said in televised comments. "When the editor said he would not do that, the man drew a knife from a pack of newspapers he had with him and struck the editor with it." Three other people were injured when several employees came to the aid of the editor, the representative said. The Communist Party branch in Stavropol said that the chief editor, Nikolai Bondarenko, was stabbed in the face and remained hospitalized. It said another victim was taken to the hospital but was treated and released quickly. In October 2017, prominent Russian journalist Tatyana Felgengauer was seriously injured when a man with a knife entered a studio at Ekho Moskvy radio in Moscow and stabbed her in the throat. The attacker was later found mentally unfit to stand trial and ordered to undergo psychiatric treatment. With reporting by TASS and Interfax A Moscow court has upheld a decision to extend the pretrial detainment period for the 24 Ukrainian seamen captured by Russia in November 2018, defying a UN maritime-tribunal ruling that the sailors be immediately released. The Moscow City Court on May 27 upheld the Lefortovo district court's ruling in April to keep the seamen in jail until July, pending further investigation and trial. The lawyers of the sailors had filed an appeal against the extension. The decision came two days after the Hamburg-based International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ruled that Russia must "immediately" release 24 Ukrainian sailors and three Ukrainian naval vessels it captured. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on May 27 dismissed the ruling, saying Moscow would continue to "consistently defend its point of view." Peskov claimed that the convention did not apply in the current case. Russia seized the ships in November near the Kerch Strait bridge, which connects the Russian mainland to the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea. Relations between Russia and Ukraine have been tense since Moscow annexed Crimea in March 2014 and began providing military, political, and economic support to separatist formations waging a war against Kyiv in parts of eastern Ukraine. With reporting by AFP Qatars Foreign Ministry says its ruling emir has received an invitation from the king of Saudi Arabia to attend an emergency summit in Mecca later this week. The letter marks the highest-level, publicly known contact between the two nations since Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates began boycotting Qatar in June 2017. Qatar's Foreign Ministry said late on May 26 that the letter from King Salman to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani requested Doha's presence at a summit focusing on the alleged sabotage of ships off the coast of the United Arab Emirates and a drone attack by Yemen's Iranian-backed Huthi rebels on a Saudi oil pipeline. The attacks come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. Qatar's Foreign Ministry did not say whether it would send a delegation to attend the summit. Based on reporting by AP and Reuters BUCHAREST -- The leader of Romania's ruling Social Democrat Party (PSD) has turned himself in to begin a 3 1/2-year prison sentence after the country's top court rejected his appeal against a 2018 conviction on corruption charges. The May 27 ruling by the High Court of Cassation and Justice came a day after the center-left PSD suffered a significant defeat in the elections for the European Parliament at the hands of Romania's center-right pro-EU parties. Liviu Dragnea, who is also speaker of the lower house of parliament, had tried to overturn the conviction he received for using his influence to procure fake public jobs at the child-protection state agency for two women even though they were working for the PSD. Dragnea, 56, had already received a suspended jail sentence in a vote-rigging case dating back to 2012. That sentence had barred him from becoming prime minister after the PSD won parliamentary elections in 2016. Just hours after the ruling, Dragnea, considered the most powerful politician in Romania, was driven to a Bucharest prison to begin his sentence followed by cohorts of journalists and anti-PSD protesters. As the Romanian-made black Duster SUV entered the Rahova prison, booing protesters symbolically threw an unfurled roll of toilet paper at the car. The court ruling comes after the governing coalition consisting of the PSD and ALDE, its junior center-right partner, suffered a serious setback in the May 26 elections for the European Parliament. With almost 100 percent of the ballots counted, the PSD gained under 23 percent of the vote, a sharp drop from the more than 37 percent it won in the 2014 parliamentary elections. The center-right National Liberal Party (PNL) and the centrist USR-PLUS alliance together racked up more than 49 percent of the vote. ALDE did not make the 5 percent threshold and will be absent from the European Parliament. A nonbinding referendum seeking to curb the government's assault on anticorruption reforms was held along with the European elections. The referendum called by President Klaus Iohannis won the overwhelming support of more than 80 percent of voters. The jailing of Dragnea sees the removal from public life of the man who has been a key figure in the PSD's push for controversial judicial measures that critics say has damaged the independence of the courts. The PSD-led move has prompted large protests in Romania over the past two years, culminating in a violently repressed peaceful demonstration in Bucharest in August 2018. The PSD will be led in the interim by Dragnea's protege, Prime Minister Viorica Dancila, who has rejected Iohannis's call to resign. The PSD and ALDE, which retain a fragile majority in parliament, launched a relentless campaign to reverse anticorruption legislation and intimidate the judiciary immediately after they came to power in January 2017. The campaign culminated with the firing of prosecutor Laura Koevesi last year on charges of abuse of office, a move critics said was meant to prevent Romanias anticorruption agency (DNA), which she headed, from targeting more senior members of the governing alliance, including Dragnea. Koevesi is a strong favorite to become the first EU-wide anticorruption prosecutor. Romania currently holds the six-month rotating EU presidency. Dragnea amassed power as a local administration chief in one of Romania's poorest areas, the southern county of Teleorman. As regional development minister, he later established a fund that handed out government money to local authorities for infrastructure projects that has lax or no supervision. Once he became party leader, Dragnea pressed ahead with changes to anticorruption legislation that critics and EU officials in Brussels said were meant to exonerate him and other corrupt party officials. Written by Eugen Tomiuc with reporting by RFE/RL's Romanian Service, AFP, AP, G4media.ro, and Digi24.ro Two protesters have been hospitalized and two others detained during an ongoing rally against the construction of a new landfill near the northwestern city of Arkhangelsk, located some 1,000 kilometers north from Moscow. Activists who have been protesting against the garbage dump in the town of Shiyes near Arkhangelsk said on May 27 that security guards at the construction site used force to prevent protesters from getting closer as work continued apace. One protester was hospitalized with injuries he sustained while in a clash with guards and another suffered a heart attack, the activists said, adding that three protesting women were forced into a ditch filled with water. It was the third time this month that protesters against the dump have allegedly been beaten by security guards or police. Online news agency MBKh Media said that two protesters, Radik Adnobayev and Aleksei Bobretsov, were detained and taken away by police. The construction of the new landfill near Arkhangelsk started in July 2018, and protests against it began in August. Local authorities say that some 10.5 million tons of garbage is to be transferred to the site from Moscow in the next 20 years. Similar rallies have been held in recent months in other Russian cities and towns. Nationwide rallies took place in 30 regions across Russia on February 3. With reporting by MBKh Media Authorities continued their search Sunday for a woman who has not been seen since a man was found dead in her home early Friday in Cumberland County. Virginia State Police identified the homicide victim as Matthew T. Broyles, 29, of Powhatan. He was found dead in the home of Amy Renee Fabian, 43, in the 200 block of Mount Airy Lane in Cumberland. A suspect in the killing, George W. Knisley IV, 41, of Carroll County, Md., was arrested Friday night after a police chase in Raleigh, N.C. He has been charged with first-degree murder and is suspected in Fabians disappearance, the police said. On Sunday, state police released some additional pictures of Fabian in the hope that members of the community might have information to share that could help authorities locate her. The Cumberland County Sheriffs Office found Broyles dead in the home after receiving a 911 call around 3:30 a.m. Friday, but Fabian was not there. Police on Sunday described Fabian and Broyles as neighbors, although they lived in different counties. Skewis is 54, lives in Spotsylvania County and has raised breeds from min pins, or miniature pinschers, to strong-willed Chesapeake Bay retrievers and plenty more in between. Shes also the manager of a Stafford County PetSmart. One look at Jackson a mixture of keeshond, dachshund and pug and Skewis was almost barking with joy. Ive had dogs all my life, and I have never had a dog like this, she said. He is such a gift, and I dont know how much time I have with him, so I want to share him with others as long as I can. It all adds up Skewis and Jackson, whos 8, frequently visit local schools, nursing homes and hospitals. The dog is as comfortable listening to a student with special needs read to him about who put the cookies in the cookie jar as he is performing in a packed gym. Every time he comes, hes very friendly and just a calm dog, said Karla Edwards, youth director of the after-school program at the Massad branch of the Rappahannock YMCA. You can tell that hes not afraid. The kids dont scare him. He just does his thing. After 18 years of continuous war, Americans have become more aware of the significance of Memorial Day. No longer just a way to mark the arrival of summer, Memorial Day has become our annual opportunity to share in a collective sigh of mourning, of pride and of thanks for those who have died in service to the country. Together, we honor the fallen while wondering aloud how many more will be added to their number in our ongoing conflicts. Memorial Day is our annual reminder of the cost of living in a free America and a check on our resolve to continue paying that cost. How do we best honor the fallen? One day of remembrance, frankly, is not enough. One day of speaking their names is not enough. To truly honor those who offered their lives while fighting for our country, we need to learn more about them than their names. We need to know who they were, why they served, and ultimately, why they died. We need to educate ourselves on the history behind the names. This is how we achieve a better understanding a better appreciation for what these men and women have given us. The National Coalition Party received 20.8 per cent of the vote to become the only party to win three seats in the European Parliament for 20192024. The Green League rallied to the best election result in its history, seeing its vote share jump by 6.7 percentage points to 16.4 per cent and winning two seats in the European Parliament. THE ELECTIONS to the European Parliament held on Sunday were a win, although not an emphatic one, for pro-EU parties in Finland. Finlands 13 MEPs in 20192024: Sirpa Pietikainen (NCP) Henna Virkkunen (NCP) Petri Sarvamaa (NCP) Ville Niinisto (Greens) Heidi Hautala (Greens) Eero Heinaluoma (SDP) Miapetra Kumpula-Natri (SDP) Laura Huhtasaari (PS) Teuvo Hakkarainen (PS) Mauri Pekkarinen (Centre) Elsi Katainen (Centre) Silvia Modig (Left Alliance) Nils Torvalds (SFP) The party is also secured the additional seat that will be due to Finland if the United Kingdom leaves the European Union. The Social Democratic Party, in turn, registered a noticeable but given its standing as the countrys largest party probably slightly disappointing up-tick of 2.3 percentage points in support to clinch two seats with a vote share of 14.6 per cent. Although the National Coalition, Green League and Social Democrats are all supporters of a strong European Union, the elections were not an emphatic win for pro-EU parties in Finland. The National Coalition saw its vote share decrease by 1.8 percentage points and the Centre by as much as 6.1 percentage points, winning only 13.5 per cent of the vote and two seats in Brussels. The Left Alliance recorded a 2.4 percentage-point drop in popular support to secure 6.9 per cent of the vote and one seat in Brussels. The Finns Party, the foremost euro-sceptic party in Finland, saw its vote share grow by one percentage point to 13.8 per cent and will have two representatives in the European Parliament in 20192024. The 13th and final seat went to Nils Torvalds of the Swedish Peoples Party. The results are largely in line with those reported in other EU countries, with the traditional big parties suffering losses and green, liberal and nationalist parties contrastively increasing their presence in Brussels. Aleksi Teivainen HT Source: Uusi Suomi Pulaski County plans to move forward with the Access to Community College Education program despite a disagreement between the board of supervisors and the school board on who should be responsible for dispersing the funds. The program is a partnership with New River Community College that gives seniors who qualify the chance to earn an associates degree tuition free. Participating localities include Radford and Floyd, Giles and Montgomery counties. The counties fund a large portion of the associated costs, because they also fund the K-12 school systems as well. Towns within the counties often contribute smaller amounts, and fundraisers and donations help cover costs as well. NRCC matches each localitys contribution. A few weeks ago, the Pulaski County supervisors voted to contribute up to $100,000 of the $200,000 that NRCC estimates the county will need to cover the first batch of students to participate. The town of Pulaski voted to contribute $50,000 last year, but the county opted not join ACCE at the time. Town Manager Shawn Utt said he believes town council will vote to do the same again this year. The remaining $50,000 was offered by the Randolph House Foundation last year as well. Pulaski County Administrator Jonathan Sweet said he has no reason to believe that offer is not still on the table. The disagreement comes from the county wanting to allocate the funds to the school system which would then be responsible for dispersing them to NRCC. However, the school board was advised by its attorney, Stacey Haney, that it does not have the authority to fund grants or gifts which may be awarded by separate, private individuals or organizations, such as the New River Community College Foundation, according to Pulaski County school Superintendent Kevin Siers. Haney found the legal precedent to support the school boards claim in an opinion from 1985 given by Virginias attorney general, Siers said. Sweet did not mince words regarding the school systems decision to reject the funds. My observation was that the board of supervisors was rather surprised to see the school board choose to contact their attorney to find an excuse not to accept the funding the board attempted to appropriate to the school board for this noble cause, instead of just contacting their own foundation that could have facilitated the student ACCE scholarships, Sweet wrote in an email following Mondays supervisors meeting. Sweet is referring to Pulaski County Public Schools Education Foundation, a nonprofit that was used to disperse scholarships to students. But Siers said the group has not been active for four years and no longer handles any scholarships. The resolution made no mention of the funds being made available to the Pulaski County Public Schools Education Foundation to assist with the ACCE program, just to Pulaski County Public Schools. They are two separate entities and if it was truly their intention to use the education foundation, that should have been addressed in the resolution, Siers wrote in an email Thursday afternoon. Nobody from the county administration office has ever contacted us to determine if the foundation is even still in existence. NRCC Educational Foundation Events Coordinator Erika Tolbert works closely with the ACCE program and she said that while school systems often host fundraisers to help fund the program, it is the localities that give the money to the college, not the school systems. Sweet said despite the disagreement with the school system, the program will move forward and is anticipated to be ready for seniors graduating next spring. The good news is the board of supervisors will continue to advance the development of our own ACCE program; the bad news is the school board didnt want to help and quite frankly doesnt want anything to do with it, effectively claiming their duty stops with K-12, he wrote. Siers said he is glad the county has decided to move forward with the program. We are excited that Pulaski County has decided to join the rest of the New River Community College region and provide funding for the ACCE program, he wrote. We certainly encourage and are hopeful that the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors will move forward with allowing the ACCE program to be managed in the same manner as the other localities that participate. The county will need $400,000 in the second year since multiple graduating classes will be in the program after the first year. Qualifying students are required to complete 80 hours of community service annually, according to the community colleges website. In order to qualify, students must have a 2.5 GPA coming out of high school and maintain that GPA while at NRCC. Students must also apply for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and complete those documents before being accepted into the program. 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. BLACKSBURG Bethany Hsiaos attitude toward science and technology was apparent when she learned about a statewide STEM essay contest earlier this year. I decided to give it a shot, Hsiao, a Blacksburg High School senior, said. If I dont try, I cant get it. By late April, Hsiao, 18, learned that she was one of five statewide winners in the Virginia Council on Womens eighth annual STEM essay contest. Leaning on Hsiaos own experience, her essay eloquently tackled the existing gap between the number of men and women working in STEM fields STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. While the job market in the STEM field, especially in computer science, is rapidly expanding, statistics of women in those careers remain dismal, according to an excerpt. The essay cites figures from the National Center for Women & Information Technology, which reports that women hold just 18% of undergraduate degrees in computer and information sciences. In fact, this gender incongruity even pervades into the high school educational system, according to another excerpt. In February 2018, the Atlantic reported that of all students taking the AP computer science exam, only 27% were female. Hsiao further cites the NCWIT, which she wrote posits that our culture leads to lower confidence levels for girls and more informal computing opportunities for boys, which further contributes to this predicament. Hsiao wrote that she unknowingly fell into the trap that experts have referred to in regard to women in STEM. From elementary to high school, I consistently cited math as my favorite and strongest subject. My strength in math and childhood hobby of playing computer games instigated my curiosity in coding, she wrote. However, I did not actively pursue learning computer programming until my teenage years due to my fear of failure. Hsiao, however, decided to take the plunge as she got older. She said her father, a Virginia Tech computer engineering professor, introduced her to coding in the eighth grade. That period involved Hsiao taking three JavaScript courses on Khan Academy, a nonprofit that provides a variety of free online courses to students around the world. With a combination of my personal interest and grit and his [her fathers] support, simple shapes progressed into interactive programs with multiple levels and nonplayer characters, reads another excerpt in Hsiaos essay. Hsiao said one barrier shes seen to women entering STEM fields is the simple perception that men are expected to go into that sector. When they see such a male-dominated field, thats a turnoff, she said. Hsiao was rewarded with a $5,000 scholarship for her essay. She intends to apply that money to her enrollment this fall at the Ivy Leagues University of Pennsylvania. Hsiao plans to study computer science and is considering later pursuing a doctorate. She said shes interested in teaching computer science in college. I think Ive always wanted to do that, she said. But Hsiao said she believes her options are open. In the back of my mind, Ive always considered Wall Street, too, she said. In addition to knowing how to code, Hsiao already has some project experience. Last summer, she took part in a professor-led initiative at Tech during which she used a program to gather and sift data from the 2014 Virginia elections. The data included local news articles and the objective was to see how people used social media to discuss elections. Hsiao described the experience at Tech as an amazing learning opportunity. When it comes to explaining what draws her so much to programming, Hsiao almost compares the activity to a passion for art. She said coding basically involves taking numbers and crunching them together until you finally have this beautiful thing that works. 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. Mark Shaw steps out of the vehicle, and hes wearing a bulletproof vest, a full utility belt and a gun. But in Shaws daily police work, hes less likely to bust you for robbing a store than he is for bagging too many deer. As an officer with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Shaw, 54, roams the forests of Craig County and the New River Valley, looking for scofflaws of wildlife regulations. He spends his weeks checking boaters licenses, monitoring turkey hunters and ensuring that anglers arent fishing fishily. During last falls hunting season September through December Shaw set out 83 times on foot patrols. That dedication is one reason Shaw recently beat out 160 colleagues statewide to be named the 2018 conservation police officer of the year, the law enforcement divisions highest honor. He definitely was the cream that rose to the top, Maj. Scott Naff, chief of operations at DGIF, said. Once he sets his mind on something, he definitely works to see it through. Shaw is humble about both the award and the work it recognizes. Its not mine, he insisted. There was a lot of guys that helped me in this job that were just as much deserving as I am. It was a group effort. It wasnt just for me. But Shaws nomination paperwork contains nuggets from a sterling career: arranging a decoy bear to catch illegal drive-by shooters, helping a hunter injured in a bear attack, saving a choking infant at a church. A former firefighter, Shaw is one of few conservation officers to keep up his EMS training, which, in that last instance, proved life-saving. Then there is the case when Shaw caught a true Craig County wildlife poacher, the report said. Shaws curiosity was piqued when he noticed the suspect and the suspects juvenile son annually tagged out on trophy deer and turkeys. For more than two years, Shaw kept an eye on the pair. He couldnt find any violations. Last summer, Shaw came across areas those hunters frequented that were heavily and illegally baited. On the opening day of bow season, Officer Shaw snuck into the area well before day break, the nomination says. Shaw found the hunters standing over the bait, and the father admitted to the crime. As the report put it, The hunters had been baiting for years and had not been caught until 2018 when they fell under Shaws radar. On a recent Friday, Shaws radar is trained on trout. At the Paint Bank State Fish Hatchery west of New Castle, Shaw meets with manager Brian Beers as the crew prepares to stock Potts Creek with brown and rainbow trout. I like catching big browns, Shaw tells Beers, who regales the officer with his days of fishing in Maine. Shaw has a way of listening to fish talk or anything else hes interested in. He hooks his wrist to the side and cradles his chin and wears a grin that can only be described as mischievous. His blue eyes shine and his fingers flutter about near his mustache. Of all his varied days with DGIF, the ones that stand out to me most, Shaw said, are when kids catch a trout. To see them all excited and full of energy, holding a two- or three-pound fish, he said, is a rewarding part of the job. Its a bright spot of the day. Outside in the spring sun, hatchery workers net the trout and haul them to aerated tanks on the back of a truck. They weigh each net of medium-sized fish, then count the number of larger trout. Shaw oversees the operation like a kid making his first catch. Wow! That ones 12! he says. They load more fish. Theres another one pushing 10! CJ Adkins tosses the last few fish into the tanks, which now contain about 500 pounds of trout. Christmas on a boat, he says. Thatll make somebodys day, Shaw says. Hopefully yours, right? Adkins says. I got to work, Shaw replies. Shaw grew up in Christiansburg and followed his father, and his fathers father, into firefighting. In high school, Shaw struggled with the decision: firefighter or game warden? He settled on the former. He volunteered in Christiansburg for a quarter-century and had a career at the Salem Fire-EMS Department for 16 years. Then he woke up and decided one day I was going to spend the rest of my career in the outdoors. So in 2011 he completed the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Law Enforcement Academy and was assigned to Dinwiddie County, south of Richmond. Five years later, Shaw requested a transfer to be closer to home and he began work in Craig County, where he lives now. I was pretty fortunate I got to do both careers, he said. Shaw gets into his DGIF vehicle and follows the truck of trout to the creek like hes the fishes own security detail. In a few hours, the agency will post online which body of water was stocked that day. Then avid anglers will be out in full force. It wont be long, Shaw says. I saw some people looking at my truck. Theyre probably on the phone. Shaw follows the trout truck to the end of a road along Potts Creek. The stockers gather up nets of trout and run to the banks, tossing the fish in the air. They drive a few meters and repeat the choreography. After a half-dozen stockings, they end back at the campground entrance. A single truck sits at the end of the road. Could it be one of those eager fishers? An angler bent on snapping up the latest trout? Shaw rushes down the trail through the understory, trailed by the stockers who carry the last trout in buckets. A man and his two children stand on the banks, fishing poles in hand. Its Sgt. John Koloda, Shaws boss. Just fishing, nothing to see here. Kolodas 13-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter cast their lines in the breeze. Its sunny, the warm air buzzing with dragonflies and butterflies. No school today? Today is a hooky day, Koloda, in T-shirt and shorts, says, slightly sheepishly. Shaw can thank Koloda for his nomination. Hes one of them that still gets out in the woods and chases people all hours, Koloda says of Shaw. He definitely earned it. Shaw doesnt hear this. Hes too busy, crouched down, talking to Kolodas son. Ill be calling on you later, Shaw tells him as the trout swim past, to see if you caught one of the big ones. 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. Vinton is planning to seek a hazard mitigation grant that would allow it to offer to buy up several properties that sit within the floodway. The grant, if approved, would mark the third time the town has used federal and state aid to relieve flooding by acquiring and demolishing buildings that could be caught in the path of rising creek waters. Earlier projects were done around Walnut Avenue and the Midway area. The current proposal is focused on a handful of properties in the Cleveland neighborhood. The grant opportunity became available after Hurricane Florence and Tropical Storm Michael hit parts of Virginia with flash flooding last year. Participation is voluntary by property owners. Those who do not wish to sell would be removed from the proposal. Offered purchase prices will be based on the appraised value of a property. The project, if all parties agree, wouldnt happen immediately. Final approval of the grant request isnt expected until 2020, according to a timeline shared with the Vinton Town Council. The bulk of the grant money comes through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If approved, Vinton would be expected to put up a 5% local match. Those funds possibly could be pulled from other grant sources, officials said. Vintons preliminary project proposal is focused on six parcels, spread among four owners, near the confluence of Tinker Creek and Glade Creek, according to materials submitted to the town council. The owners were recently notified of the proposal by mail, officials said during a May 21 briefing, but direct talks had not yet begun at that point. If any rental tenants are displaced by the project, officials said, relocation assistance would be offered. Projects such as these are designed to blunt the risk of flood damage by getting properties out of the floodway. There also could be benefits downstream, officials said, by creating more open space around the banks of waterways. Open space can create more room for rising waters to be contained. Outreach and discussions about the Vinton proposal are expected to continue. The town council agreed to allow staffers to move forward with the application work. 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. Mission schools, centers of education founded early in the 20th century to serve the rural population of our region, enlightened generations of young people. The story of those old schools was carried in this space last week. That prompted more detailed recollections of such a school by a reader with a family connection to the topic. A Franklin County mission school was among those listed in this space as belonging to the so-called Harris Mountain network of schools. The information came from a file in the Special Collections unit of Virginia Techs Newman Library. Samuel Guerrant III recognized some familiar names and took to his keyboard to send us a note about a long-closed mission school located 4 miles west of Callaway on Franklin County property once owned by the first Samuel S. Guerrant. My grandfather, knowing the need of education in rural Virginia, established with the Montgomery Presbytery the Algoma Mission School, wrote Guerrant III, who lives in Botetourt County. How the grandfather, born July 12, 1867, came to be founder of a small mission school is an interesting story. It starts with him and his brother, two years older, being orphaned as boys. The first parent to pass away was their father. The two boys stayed with their mother until she died. Then they moved in with aunt Mary Callaway, in Callaway, and thus became members of a larger family. The boys evidently were old and mature enough to be quartered by themselves in a two-room house that was part of the larger family acreage. They ate in the house with everybody else, but these two boys lived by themselves, their grandson said. That was until the boys were old enough to become inherited co-owners of the 5,000-acre farm at the foot of Fivemile Mountain. Sometime prior to that, the grandfather had attended the first of the schools established by Presbyterian preacher J.K. Harris, who for 31 years labored in Floyd County, according to a 1912 edition of the Presbyterian Survey. Guerrant III picked that information up from his father, Samuel Guerrant Jr. Another benevolent uncle in Floyd County underwrote the college educations of the two Guerrant brothers. Samuel Guerrant Jr. matriculated at Washington and Lee. After graduation, he studied medicine at the University of Virginia and Tulane. Both of the brothers became doctors, eventually setting up practices in Roanoke. My grandfathers house was where First Baptist Church is today, meaning the downtown edifice at Third Street and Luck Avenue. Back on the farm they named Algoma, Samuel Guerrant a shrewd businessman with a long view planted apple trees to seed retirement income. But then he found out that it was going to take more time than he realized, and gave up medicine to move back to Franklin County to raise apples. He was evidently a firm believer in the power of education and thus employed a live-in tutor for Guerrant Jr. and his sister. Having the means for private schooling did not cloud the original Samuel Guerrants eyes to the needs of neighboring children who lived in an educational desert. That vision led him to build a school on the farm. He had the school built with living quarters for students and the teacher. Some students lived too far away to go back and forth each day. Ever community-minded and mindful of rough country roads and long distances, Samuel Guerrant resolved to build a church on the upper edge of his property. That became the Pippin Hills Church, a Presbyterian home mission. The guide to Virginia Techs Harris schools collection refers to a Pippen Hill branch of the school network. Guerrant III disputes both the spelling and school. To my knowledge, the only school there would be Sunday school, he said. In any event, multiple generations of Guerrants are buried there. Algoma School was in operation a number of years. Its alumni spread far and wide. Guerrant III was on a business trip to Brunswick County in Southside Virginia when a lady at the bank there recognized his name and asked him if he had a connection to Algoma School. She was a graduate. Each August or September alumni have a reunion at New Life Presbyterian in Salem. Guerrant III has attended this reunion for a number of years now. The Guerrants maintained ownership of Pippin Hills Church for a length of time. We sold it to the congregation, Guerrant III said. If youve been wondering about something, call Whats on Your Mind? at 540-777-6476 or send an email to whatsonyourmind@roanoke.com. Dont forget to provide your full name (and its proper spelling) and hometown. CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, and the Coloured Gemstone Working Group (CGWG) facilitated by the Dragon fly Initiative (TDI) have announced a new collaboration to strengthen and disseminate tools and resources for the responsible sourcing of coloured gemstones, to support a transparent, sustainable and vibrant coloured gemstone industry. Image credit: CIBJO It is intended that the tools and resources being developed will also be applicable, where possible, in other sectors of the wider jewellery industry. The two organizations are planning to make a suite of tools and resources downloadable free of charge from an online platform.The objective is that they will support any company, irrespective of its size, geographic location or financial capacity, in conducting due diligence of their supply chains. The Dragon fly Initiative(TDI) is an advisory firm established to support businesses in precious metals, gemstones and raw materials value chains to work collaboratively, and for mutual benefit, to realise an environmentally, economically and socially responsible system of connected enterprises. The CGWGs goal is to provide the necessary business tools and resources to enable all members of the coloured gemstone industry to embed sustainability into their organisations and in their decisions for the sourcing of gemstones. Alex Shishlo, Editor of the Rough&Polished European Bureau in Brussels The Finns Party Youth has been granted a total of 115,000 euros in state aid for this year by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The first half of the aid was disbursed earlier this year, while the second half is scheduled for disbursement later this year. THE FINNISH Ministry of Education and Culture has concluded that it is possible to suspend and claw back state aid from the Finns Party Youth, the youth wing of the Finns Party. The Ministry of Education and Culture told Uusi Suomi last week it is considering suspending the state aid on grounds of a controversial tweet made by a spokesperson for the Finns Party Youth, urging people to vote for the Finns Party. The youth organisation issued an apology for and deleted the tweet on Thursday. Uusi Suomi has obtained a copy of a letter issued to the Finns Party Youth by the Ministry of Education and Culture on Friday. The urging described above violates the goals and premises laid down in section two of the youth act. The conflict is evident especially in regards to the goals and premises of equality, non-discrimination, cultural diversity and internationalisation, the statement reads. The Finns Party Youth will have the opportunity to respond to the letter by 10 June. Aleksi Teivainen HT Source: Uusi Suomi The May gray is expected to break on Memorial Day, with clearer skies and cool temperatures arriving across the Los Angeles region, according to the National Weather Service. Drizzly weather has marked the earlier part of the weekend, with scattered showers across Southern California. But meteorologists are not expecting the sogginess to continue. Mondays forecast high will be in the mid-60s, with temperatures pushing into the 70s later in the week. Were getting to the end of the precipitation, said Kathy Hoxsie, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. There was a slight chance of thunderstorms in the mountains Sunday night, with a possible dusting of snow at higher elevations. The overnight snow level could move down to 5,000 feet or lower if colder air moves in. Advertisement Last week, heavy rain dumped on the city, closing a long stretch of beaches from Malibu to Dockweiler State Beach near El Segundo. Lightning strikes were reported in Ventura County and San Fernando Valley; hail poured down on Ontario and Yucaipa. That sloshy weather may seem uncharacteristic of Los Angeles, but Hoxsie said that depends on the point of comparison. This isnt rare for Los Angeles, Hoxsie said. It doesnt happen every year, and weve certainly had dry springs as of late. But if you look back more than a couple of years, May has been wet across the whole state. Its just part of spring, she added. The skies will clear in time for Memorial Day commemorations being held throughout Southern California. Here is a sampling of events scheduled for Monday: Canoga Park: The San Fernando Valley community will hold its 29th annual Memorial Day parade, starting at 8 a.m. The route is along Sherman Way, from Topanga Canyon Boulevard east to Mason Avenue. San Pedro: A Memorial Day tribute will be held at the battleship Iowa in San Pedro from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Active, retired and reserve military members receive free general admission to the Battleship Iowa Museum. Yorba Linda: A wreath-laying ceremony followed by a panel discussion with POW wives from the Vietnam War will be held at the Nixon Library. The events run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Long Beach: The Queen Mary will conclude a three-day Salute to Service with reenactments, demonstrations and lectures aboard the historic vessel. The event is from noon to 8 p.m. Admission is free to active and retired military members, veterans and first responders. Inglewood: The city of Inglewood will hold its 71st annual Memorial Day Service, starting at 11 a.m. at City Hall. Lake Forest: Mission Viejo Mayor Greg Raths, a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, will be the featured speaker at a program beginning at 11 a.m. at El Toro Memorial Park. Glendale: A program featuring a wreath laying, patriotic music and a rifle and cannon salute will run from 1 to 3 p.m. at Forest Lawn Glendale. Frances pro- EU president and the leader of Italys euroskeptic, far-right movement jockeyed for the role of chief powerbroker on the continent Monday after elections to the European Parliament hollowed out the traditional political middle. The four days of balloting that drew to a close Sunday across the European Unions 28 countries ended the domination of the main center-right and center-left parties in Parliament and established the anti-EU forces on the right and the environmentalists on the left as forces to be reckoned with. Voters delivered the highest turnout in 20 years, rejecting mainstream politics in France, Germany, Britain and Italy. Advertisement The results could make the business of governing Europe even trickier, leaving the Parliament deadlocked over key issues to come, including immigration, a major trade agreement with the United States, global warming, regulation of the tech industry and, of course, Brexit. The outcome of the election is already setting off a power struggle. In France, President Emmanuel Macrons party narrowly lost to the French far-right, led by Marine Le Pen. Macron, whose party was poised to secure 21 seats to 22 for Le Pens National Rally, spent Monday busily amassing allies ahead of a summit Tuesday in Brussels, hoping to build a durable pro-EU coalition. In Italy, Matteo Salvinis right-wing League party won a third of the countrys vote and is poised to become one of the biggest parties in the European Parliament with 28 seats in the 751-seat legislature. But his ambitions reached higher. By midday, he had already spoken to Le Pen, Hungarys hardline anti-immigrant prime minister, Viktor Orban, and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage and was promising to singlehandedly bring together a contradiction in terms an international group of nationalists. We want to be a group that has at least 100 members and has the ambition to be at least 150, if everyone can overcome jealousies, sympathies, antipathies. To create an alternative, you play. You dont do it by turning up your nose, he said. The center-right European Peoples Party and the center-left Socialists & Democrats have dominated the parliament with a combined majority since direct elections were first held in 1979. With results still coming in , the EPP was on track to secure 180 seats, down from 217 five years ago. The Socialists were slated to win 145, down from 187. Riding what they called Europes green wave, environmentalist parties seeking action on climate change made strong gains, notably in Germany. Another mainstream formation, the free-market ALDE group backed by Macron, saw its stake in the Parliament rise to 109 seats, from 68 in 2014. For the Parliament to choose a European Commission president and ultimately to pass legislation, new and uncomfortable alliances must be forged, and nearly all will require some combination of ALDE and the Greens. Well aware of the far-rights potential to turn against itself, Macron launched a flurry of meetings ahead of the dinner summit Tuesday where the EU countries presidents and prime ministers will take stock of the election results. He started with Spain and was due to hold talks with the leaders of Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. The future majority of the European Parliament goes through us, without question. There isnt one without us, Pascal Canfin, one of the leading candidates from Macrons party, told France Inter radio. In Germany, where Chancellor Angela Merkels center-right movement also lost ground, leaders of the countrys governing parties met to weigh the fallout from their worst post-World War II showing in a nationwide election. We are facing a shrinking center, a subdued EPP candidate Manfred Weber said. From now on, those who want to have a strong European Union have to join forces. Senior figures from the EPP hold the top posts in the EUs three main institutions: Parliament president; head of the EUs powerful executive commission; and European Council president, who chairs summits of European presidents and prime ministers. Just over 50 percent of the EUs more than 400 million voters cast ballots. While real power in Europe remains in the hands of the 28 member states, the Parliaments influence has grown. It has helped improve air flight safety in Europe, cut down on plastics use, end mobile telephone roaming charges inside the bloc, boost data privacy, and cut carbon dioxide emissions from cars. Steve Bannon, who helped propel Donald Trumps populist campaign to the White House, was in Paris on Monday to celebrate the victories of like-minded parties in Europe and gird for the battle ahead. You see the trend, and its definitely nationalist-versus-globalist, he said. He predicted the far-right will prevail by grinding the European Parliament to a halt: Every day will be like Stalingrad. ___ Associated Press writers Lorne Cook and Mike Corder contributed to this story, along with Colleen Barry in Milan, Sylvie Corbet in Paris, Jill Lawless in London, and Geir Moulson in Berlin. ___ For more news from The Associated Press on the European Parliament elections go to https://www.apnews.com/EuropeanParliament Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Romanias most powerful politician was sentenced Monday to 3 years in prison for official misconduct in a graft case. The jail time for Liviu Dragnea, party leader of the ruling Social Democrats, came after a conviction last year for having two party members paid by a public agency for fake jobs. According to prosecutors, Dragnea intervened from 2008 to 2010, when he was a government official, to keep two women employed by his party on the payroll of the family welfare agency. The women admitted working for the party while they received salaries from the public agency. Dragnea, already blocked from being Romanias prime minister because of a 2016 conviction for vote-rigging, was expected to be imprisoned shortly 24 hours. Advertisement Hundreds of Romanians took to the streets of Bucharest, the capital, on Monday to celebrate Dragneas sentence, some of them posing for pictures with cutouts of Dragnea in prison garb. The ruling party has been widely criticized for failing to fight corruption by officials. Prime Minister Viorica Dancila refused to comment on the court decision, but acknowledged its impact. Regardless of what one feels about Dragnea, his conviction is a difficult moment for the Social Democratic Party, Dancila said. Its a drama for him and his family. We stand by him. Victor Ponta, a former prime minister with the Social Democrats and now chairman of Pro Romania Party, was more critical. Im sorry that this man, blinded by pride and viciousness, pulled Romania, the government, parliament, an entire party and the honor of millions of people into a hole with him, Ponta said in a Facebook post Dan Barna, chairman of the opposition Save Romania Union party, welcomed the court ruling, which had been delayed for months after Dragnea appealed the June 2018 conviction. Todays ruling ends the Dragnea era, one of the darkest over the last 30 years, Barna said in a Facebook post. Romania is getting healthier, we are coming back to Europe. Dragneas party suffered huge losses in European Parliament election on Sunday, falling to second place behind the opposition National Liberal Party. Additionally, a non-binding referendum called by President Klaus Iohannis, a government opponent, seeking to pressure the government into stopping efforts to water down anti-corruption measures won support from 80% of voters on Sunday. Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Frances government is sounding a note of caution about a possible alliance between French automaker Renault and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Both companies are in talks about a tie-up, as major carmakers around the world try to share the significant costs of developing autonomous and electric vehicles. Renaults board is meeting Monday morning. The French state owns 15% of Renault, and a French official said Sunday that the state will only agree to a potential alliance with Fiat Chrysler if it makes sense for jobs and Frances national interests. The official told The Associated Press that Japanese authorities have also been informed, and that France would prefer a tie-up within the existing Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. The official wasnt authorized to be named discussing talks that havent been made public. Advertisement Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter of California acknowledged taking a photo with a dead combatant during his time as a Marine as he defended a Navy SEAL charged with multiple war crimes, including killing a teenage fighter. The Republican congressman, who was re-elected last November as he faces corruption charges, made the comments during a town hall Saturday in his San Diego-area district, the Union-Tribune reported. Hunter has advocated for a pardon for Edward Gallagher, whos charged with stabbing to death a teenage Islamic State fighter under his care in Iraq in 2017 and then holding his reenlistment ceremony with the body. Prosecutors said the Navy SEAL chief texted a photograph of himself next to the dead fighter and wrote he got him with my hunting knife. Hes also accused of shooting two civilians in Iraq and opening fire on crowds. Advertisement Hunter said he also posed for a photo next to a dead combatant but said he did not text it or post it to social media. The congressman said a lot of us have done the exact same thing, referring to fellow service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hunter called the military justice system corrupt, saying it is run by lawyers and bureaucrats intent on pursuing war fighters. His offices didnt return calls and emails seeking comment Monday. Gallaghers lawyers have said he did not murder anyone and that disgruntled SEALs made the accusations because they wanted to get rid of a demanding platoon leader. Dozens of Republican congressmen say Gallagher an innocent war hero being unfairly prosecuted. President Donald Trump got him moved from the brig to better confinement in a military hospital with access to his lawyers and family. Trump says he is considering pardons for several American military members accused of war crimes. Gallaghers court-martial is set to begin this week at Naval Base San Diego. Gallagher has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. At the town hall, Hunter declined to comment on his own pending court case. Hunter and his wife, Margaret, were indicted in 2017 on federal charges of illegally converting more than $250,000 in campaign contributions for personal living expenses. Both have pleaded not guilty and have their next court hearing scheduled for July 29. Trial is set for later this year. Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Residents in parts of Arkansas were preparing for what meteorologists on Sunday predicted will be the worst flooding in recorded history along parts of the Arkansas River over the coming week. The National Weather Service said in the statement that levee over topping is likely with significant impacts to life and property across a very large area. The Arkansas River reached 38.2 feet (11.6 meters) on Sunday near Fort Smith, Arkansas, surpassing the historic crest of 38.1 (11.6) feet in April 1945. Spokeswoman Karen Santos said the city of 80,000 residents thats on the border with Oklahoma was in preparedness and warning mode. She said one home was completely submerged and about 500 homes either have water very close or in them. Authorities predict hundreds more homes and businesses will flood by the time the river crests there Tuesday at 42.5 feet (13 meters). Advertisement Across the river from Fort Smith, the tiny town of Moffett, Oklahoma, population about 120, was submerged by Saturday afternoon, Sequoyah County Emergency Management Director Steve Rutherford told the Times Record in Fort Smith. In downtown Van Buren, Arkansas, just northeast of Fort Smith, Rickey Jones, co-owner of BrokenJoes Screen Printing, was among several business owners who put sandbags in front of their entrances. Were going to be stacking things as high as we can in here, taking out electronics and helping out our neighbors, Jones said. On Sunday afternoon, a National Guard helicopter was sent to rescue two Army Corps of Engineers workers who had become trapped in a building as the Arkansas River rose, said Arkansas Department of Emergency Management spokeswoman Melody Daniel. The river had risen and spread to a point where the lock and dam building itself was no longer accessible by boat or road, said Daniel, who took video of the rescue at the Trimble Lock and Dam, located on the county line of Crawford and Sebastian counties. She said there were also several road closures due to high water. The water flowing into the Arkansas River has come from rains in southeast Kansas and northeastern Oklahoma, said National Weather Service meteorologist Willie Gilmore. All that water funneled down into the tributaries that go into the Arkansas River, Gilmore said. In Tulsa, authorities advised residents of some neighborhoods on Sunday to consider leaving for higher ground because the river is stressing the citys old levee system. Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. 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. SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. Four SUNY Empire State College alumni were recognized for their lasting impact on society and the college through their outstanding professional, military, philanthropic or volunteer accomplishments. The awardees include: * Danielle Asher (2018), a North Merrick resident, recipient of the Community Impact Award. * Christopher Feeley (1986), a Connecticut resident, recipient of the Distinguished Leader Award. * Raul Rodriguez (2017), a native of The Bronx, recipient of the inaugural Veteran Service Award. * Pamela Say-Witter (2017), of Glenwood, recipient of the Emerging Leader Award. Honorees are selected annually by the SUNY Empire State College Alumni Student Federation Board of Governors. My congratulations to Danielle, Chris, Raul and Pam for all they have done to earn this prestigious recognition and my thanks to the members of the Alumni Student Federation Board of Governors and the award committee for their good work in identifying our exceptional alumni, said Mitchell S. Nesler, college officer in charge. The Community Impact Award recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated inspirational leadership and exceptional service to his or her community and beyond. Asher is director of curriculum and training for Family Leadership Network, a division of the social justice nonprofit Choice For All. She earned her degree in Public Affairs. A tireless advocate for policies that affect children and families and increased state investment in early childhood and pre-K education, Asher has played a lead role in many statewide advocacy efforts, most notably the 2019 enacted state budget that funds the Long Island Regional Technical Assistance Center through the Long Island pre-K Initiative. She works statewide with community organizations and school districts on parent leadership and family engagement practices to create partnerships that lift up the parent voice in public education. She was featured in the New York School Talk Blog post Family Engagement: The Missing Link to School Reform. Asher serves on numerous local boards that promote community and school educational initiatives and is responsible for spearheading strategic planning efforts for several nonprofits. Nationally, she works with the Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools at New York University and other parent leadership initiatives around the country to raise the profile of authentic family engagement and participatory evaluation in primary education. The Distinguished Leader Award recognizes transformational philanthropy, leadership and service to Empire State College. Feeley completed a bachelor of science degree in Science, Math and Technology. An operating partner and vice president for business development at Psychiatry Networks, a telemedicine firm, Feeley began his philanthropic support for the college more than 20 years ago and has provided substantial amounts of matching funds to support the colleges 24 Hour Challenges. An active member of the Empire State College Foundation Board of Directors since 2009, Feeley currently chairs the foundations development committee and is a member of the foundation boards executive committee and committee on directors. During his tenure as chair of the development committee, annual giving to the college has increased 25 percent on a year-over-year basis. An active participant in the life of the college, Feeley served as a member of the colleges 2019 Presidential Search Committee and as an advisor for the Black Male Initiative and was the alumni speaker for the Purchase commencement ceremony. Along with his service and dedication to SUNY Empire, Feeley and his wife, Diane Feeley, are longstanding supporters of Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, Unbound and Catholic Relief Services. The Veteran Service Award recognizes an alumnus and veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who has made a positive impact on the local, national, international, college and/or veteran communities. Rodriguez, an Air Force and Navy veteran, was selected for this years inaugural award Rodriguez completed a bachelor of Professional Studies in Community and Human Services and was inducted into the colleges chapter of SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society. A retired New York City police officer, Rodriguez actively recruits members of the NYPD to complete a degree with SUNY Empire. While on duty with the NYPD, Rodriguez assisted with the reintegration of veterans returning from active-duty deployments back into the police force. A former post commander of American Legion Post 460, located in New York City, he retired from the Air Force at the rank of master sergeant. A recipient of the U.S Meritorious Service Medal and U.S Air Force Achievement Medal, he served as superintendent of chapel operations of the 514th Air Mobility Wing, located on the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Lakehurst, N.J. Prior to joining the Air Force, Rodriguez served with the Navy, where he established the first Learning Resource Center on the USS Nimitz (CVN-68), a Navy supercarrier and the lead ship of its class. Throughout his military service, he was promoted five times and was awarded the Navys Achievement Medal with Gold Star. The Emerging Leader Award recognizes a graduate who has completed his or her degree within the last five years and, since graduation, has demonstrated significant leadership in his or her profession, community and/or for SUNY Empire. Say-Witter earned a masters in business administration degree from the college with a 3.87 grade point average. Say-Witters final project was a full strategic plan for Trocaire College, a private career-oriented Catholic college located in Buffalo, for which she received a perfect grade. As the vice president for development and community engagement at Trocaire College, she is the youngest executive on the colleges leadership team. She is a national speaker and consultant and current president of the Associate of Fundraising Professionals Western New York Chapter. A published author of three books, she wrote the novel Hope Rising (Tate Publishing and Enterprises, 2013), a story about the difficult relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter. Say-Witter has won numerous awards, including: * The Allegany Pomona Grange Citizen of the Year Award, 2014. * The Leadership Cattaraugus Alumna of the Year Award, 2012. * Buffalo Business First 40 Under Forty, 2011. * The Outstanding Achiever Award, the Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, 2012. All four recipients will be honored at an awards dinner in Saratoga Springs on Thursday, Oct. 17. Scientists from Ireland and France today [Thursday 23rd May] announced a major new finding about how matter behaves in the extreme conditions of the Sun's atmosphere. The scientists used large radio telescopes and ultraviolet cameras on a NASA spacecraft to better understand the exotic but poorly understood "fourth state of matter". Known as plasma, this matter could hold the key to developing safe, clean and efficient nuclear energy generators on Earth. The scientists published their findings in the leading international journal Nature Communications. Most of the matter we encounter in our everyday lives comes in the form of solid, liquid or gas, but the majority of the Universe is composed of plasma - a highly unstable and electrically charged fluid. The Sun is also made up of this plasma. Despite being the most common form of matter in the Universe plasma remains a mystery, mainly due to its scarcity in natural conditions on Earth, which makes it difficult to study. Special laboratories on Earth recreate the extreme conditions of space for this purpose, but the Sun represents an all-natural laboratory to study how plasma behaves in conditions that are often too extreme for the manually constructed Earth-based laboratories. Postdoctoral Researcher at Trinity College Dublin and the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies (DIAS), Dr Eoin Carley, led the international collaboration. He said: "The solar atmosphere is a hotbed of extreme activity, with plasma temperatures in excess of 1 million degrees Celsius and particles that travel close to light-speed. The light-speed particles shine bright at radio wavelengths, so we're able to monitor exactly how plasmas behave with large radio telescopes." "We worked closely with scientists at the Paris Observatory and performed observations of the Sun with a large radio telescope located in Nancay in central France. We combined the radio observations with ultraviolet cameras on NASA's space-based Solar Dynamics Observatory spacecraft to show that plasma on the sun can often emit radio light that pulses like a light-house. We have known about this activity for decades, but our use of space and ground-based equipment allowed us to image the radio pulses for the first time and see exactly how plasmas become unstable in the solar atmosphere." Studying the behaviour of plasmas on the Sun allows for a comparison of how they behave on Earth, where much effort is now under way to build magnetic confinement fusion reactors. These are nuclear energy generators that are much safer, cleaner and more efficient than their fission reactor cousins that we currently use for energy today. Professor at DIAS and collaborator on the project, Peter Gallagher, said: "Nuclear fusion is a different type of nuclear energy generation that fuses plasma atoms together, as opposed to breaking them apart like fission does. Fusion is more stable and safer, and it doesn't require highly radioactive fuel; in fact, much of the waste material from fusion is inert helium." "The only problem is that nuclear fusion plasmas are highly unstable. As soon as the plasma starts generating energy, some natural process switches off the reaction. While this switch-off behaviour is like an inherent safety switch -- fusion reactors cannot form runaway reactions -- it also means the plasma is difficult to maintain in a stable state for energy generation. By studying how plasmas become unstable on the Sun, we can learn about how to control them on Earth." The success of this research was made possible by the close ties between researchers at Trinity, DIAS, and their French collaborators. Dr Nicole Vilmer, lead collaborator on the project in Paris, said: "The Paris Observatory has a long history of making radio observations of the Sun, dating back to the 1950s. By teaming up with other radio astronomy groups around Europe we are able to make groundbreaking discoveries such as this one and continue the success we have in solar radio astronomy in France. It also further strengthens scientific collaboration between France and Ireland, which I hope continues in the future." Dr Carley previously worked at the Paris Observatory, funded by a fellowship awarded by the Irish Research Council and the European Commission. He continues to work closely with his French colleagues today, and hopes to soon study the same phenomena using both French instruments and newly built, state-of-the-art equipment in Ireland. Dr Carley added: "The collaboration with French scientists is ongoing and we're already making progress with newly built radio telescopes in Ireland, such as the Irish Low Frequency Array (I-LOFAR). I-LOFAR can be used to uncover new plasma physics on the Sun in far greater detail than before, teaching us about how matter behaves in both plasmas on the Sun, here on Earth and throughout the Universe in general." They pulled up in a black Toyota pickup, hazard lights flashing in the balmy night. Three men emerged with tampers and bags of EZ Street asphalt slung over their shoulders. Clad in button-down shirts and work boots, they crouched over the road on Perkins Street, a rutted artery that twists through Oaklands Adams Point neighborhood. The men worked quickly, pouring black ooze into a gash in the pavement, patting it down and driving over it twice. One down, 11 to go. It was another busy night for the Pothole Vigilantes. Its easy, said Eric, co-founder of the outfit thats captivated residents while drawing criticism from City Hall. Both Eric and his partner, Brian, asked that The Chronicle not publish their last names, fearing that their enterprise may be illegal. Oakland officials have responded coolly but displayed little inclination to crack down on the group. We cant condone, and do not recommend, that residents do this work themselves, not least because it raises safety issues while people are working in the streets, city transportation chief Ryan Russo said. But the rogue street crew shows no sign of slowing down. In a city where potholes are a raw topic and a symbol of the governments inability to deliver services, Brian and Eric became overnight celebrities. Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle Of course Oakland has pothole vigilantes were a DIY town, Mayor Libby Schaaf tweeted earlier this month. She noted, however, that Oakland doesnt need the help. Its Department of Transportation just put together a $100 million three-year paving plan, funded by an infrastructure bond that voters overwhelmingly approved in 2016. The city also began a pothole blitz this month, in which crews work 12-hour days to fix crumbling roads. Schaaf will promote the effort at a news conference in East Oakland on Tuesday. Thanks, PVs, the mayor tweeted. This job will be for in-house union pros. Since forming last month, the Vigilantes have filled more than 50 potholes. Recruits who attended a meet-up in West Oakland have filled an additional 20. Eric and Brian learned their trade by watching instructional videos on YouTube, and theyve boiled it down to basics: Find a pothole, pour the asphalt, tamp it down, pour in more asphalt, drive over it. Theyve taken an each one teach one approach to street repair, drawing followers on social media and raking in $7,000 donations through a Venmo account and GoFundMe page. After patching five potholes on Perkins Street on Wednesday night, they drove to the Oakland hills to fix pavement for a donor whod chipped in $500. We want the community to take on a vigilante identity, Eric said. Initially, he noted, the pair aspired to be an Uber of potholes they wanted to create a smartphone app and on-demand service. But their work quickly took on a larger meaning: part do-gooder crusade, part flashy stunt, part civil disobedience. Bad street conditions affect just about everyone in a starkly divided city rich and poor residents all cope with tattered roads that wind up the hills and down through the flatlands as Oakland grapples with a $500 million maintenance backlog and more than 7,000 requests to patch pothole. So it didnt take long for the Pothole Vigilantes to go viral. Its obvious the city has a problem, Brian said. Hopefully this will light a fire under their asses to figure it out. Many people applaud the Vigilantes. Cars, cyclists and electric scooters orbited the block while they worked on Perkins Street, and several motorists honked approvingly, or rolled down their windows to yell thanks. Yet others are wary, saying the group is only deepening cynicism and mistrust in city government. Some fear they pair arent using proper equipment or techniques to fill potholes and could ultimately be held liable if their work damages someones car or causes a cyclist to get injured. I understand the desire and the emotional impetus to do something, said City Councilman Dan Kalb, who nonetheless cautioned that these guys are not experts. A shoddy pothole job by an unlicensed amateur will get washed out in the next rainstorm, Kalb and others said. Taking it into your own hands, thats taking a lot of responsibility, said Ginger Jui, executive director of the advocacy group Bike East Bay. If someone gets hurt on the repair you made, youre opening yourself to liability. Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle Kenya Wheeler, who heads the citys Bicyclist and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, was pleasantly surprised when the Vigilantes filled a giant road crater in the Glen Echo area, where he lives. They came during the night, he said, and left flyers on car windshields to promote their cause. Yet the notion of private entrepreneurs taking over a government service makes Wheeler uneasy. For one thing, theyre under no obligation to spread the resources evenly, let alone prioritize streets that are most in need. He pointed to the $500 donor who got a special patch job in the hills Wednesday. Thats like paying your way to be a VIP, Wheeler said. 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. By contrast, Oaklands Department of Transportation developed a social equity strategy for its paving plan, shifting a larger portion of the bond money to low-income neighborhoods that have long felt ignored by City Hall. Its enraged affluent residents in Montclair, Upper Rockridge and other hills districts, who say theyre being shoved to the back of the line. Hey, I applaud these vigilantes, said Carolyn Burgess, chair of public safety for the North Hills Community Association. Right now, people arent seeing the results of the taxes they pay. With frustrations mounting over the glacial pace of street paving, people across the city embrace the Pothole Vigilantes go-it-alone spirit. A couple dozen followers showed up to a recent meet-up at Lowell Park in West Oakland, where Eric and Brian handed out supplies from the back of a U-Haul truck: two pallets with 50-pound bags of asphalt and tampers to flatten it down. As twilight fell, participants began lugging the tools back to their cars. This isnt the first time Ive applied asphalt to a street, Colin Mariott-Sanders said. He learned the art of paving from his grandfather, who built makeshift speed bumps on a road in Riverside. Mariott-Sanders and his wife, Tatiana, said theyve watched cyclists wipe out on potholes that dimple the streets outside their home in West Oakland. Casey Cannon, who lives nearby in the Longfellow area, said shes memorized the location of every nick and dent in the pavement. I have to ride my bike on the opposite side of the street, into oncoming traffic, said Cannon, who found out about the Vigilantes from a Nextdoor post. She bristled at Schaafs tweet that described citizen-potholing as part of Oaklands counterculture. Were not HGTV people, Cannon said. Were desperate. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan In a candlelit classroom at the back corner of Edna Brewer Middle Schools gymnasium, Ta-Biti Gibson settled his sixth-grade class and picked up a talking piece: a clear, plastic cylinder with a turquoise star at one end. Gibson has been building a community of student leaders in Oakland to create spaces that help classmates hash out conflicts in a healthy, respectful way, and the talking piece an object whose holder is allowed to speak, while everyone else listens is just one of many tools. Across classrooms in Oakland, such restorative justice circles are helping students learn to build relationships through conversations about values, self-awareness and accountability. In the past seven years, the program has been praised by teachers and administrators for helping to reduce suspension rates across the district by replacing discipline that removes students from classrooms with an approach that emphasizes responsibility and emotional well-being. But that progress is at risk due to looming budget cuts in the district, which faced a $30 million shortfall this coming school year and could face a $60 million shortfall in the fall of 2020. This month, 15 of 31 employees on the restorative justice staff were laid off, reassigned or had their hours reduced. In the fall of 2012, when Oakland Unified rolled out the technique, 3,702 students had been suspended the previous school year or 7.6%, according to the California Department of Education. Of those suspended, 40% were forced out of school more than once. By 2017-18, the rate dropped to 4.4%, or 2,323 students. Oaklands City Council cited the programs success when it recently passed a resolution to commit $690,000 to restorative justice as part of a $1.2 million grant to the school district. The funds will also go toward school libraries and case managers for foster youth. But until the districts cuts are finalized in early June, its anyones guess how the program will look next fall. Its not that they think restorative justice is not working, because its one of the things that actually is working, said David Yusem, the districts coordinator for the program. The city grant, he said, wont fully compensate for what the district is cutting, but it will definitely help. The school board voted in March to slash $21.75 million from its budget, including $3.75 million in services to school sites, which funded restorative justice facilitators at 26 schools and four program managers. In the most robust way possible, we want to have it in our schools, said John Sasaki, an Oakland Unified spokesman. In the end, our staff recommended these cuts because we had to find the money somewhere. Paul Kuroda / Special to The Chronicle City Council President Rebecca Kaplan said she wrote the resolution that secured city funding for one year in order to keep the program going while officials work to find long-term solutions, such as state funding. People sometimes say, Why should the City Council care? This is a school district problem, not a City Council problem, Kaplan said. If theres more violence, unemployment, side effects of when disputes are resolved in unhealthy ways, those problems will end up being all of our problems. Although restorative justice has succeeded in helping to reduce overall suspensions, there is much work to do. Stark racial disparities persist. During the 2017-18 school year, 1,226 black pupils were suspended, making up 53% of the students suspended in a district where black children are 25% of the population. A similar disparity prompted the U.S. Department of Justices Office of Civil Rights to investigate the district in 2012. That year, black students made up 32% of students in Oakland but represented 58% of the students suspended. Black students were removed from school six times more frequently than white students in the district. Research has shown that students who are suspended or expelled, or investigated by police for behavior at school, are more likely to end up in the criminal justice system over the long term, a path referred to as the school-to-prison pipeline, according to a report from the American Bar Association. District officials agreed in 2012 to implement a restorative justice program to reduce these disparities and move away from zero-tolerance policies. The idea was to help teachers and school staff analyze students behavior holistically, instead of responding to a single offense. Students face conflicts and responsibilities outside school that can impact their behavior on campus in ways that zero-tolerance policies dont account for, Yusem said. Oftentimes, we discipline for behavior and were not thinking about whats at the root of that behavior, he said. Discipline should be a learning process. It should not be a way to isolate somebody. At Edna Brewer, a school of about 800 students in Oaklands Glenview neighborhood, Gibson trains dozens of students each year in restorative justice practices. The students then lead harm-reduction circles when offenses happen outside his classroom. In the 2011-12 school year, Edna Brewers suspension rate was 16.3% more than double the districts overall rate. Six years since the restorative justice program went into effect, the suspension rate fell to 3.7%. 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. When students get suspended, Gibson said, they return after three or five days but nothing has really changed. And thats what we had been doing for so many years. Instead, at a school that practices the restorative philosophy, students form a circle that can include teachers, staff or parents and allows everyone to reflect on what happened. The process allows both the offender and the people who were harmed to come to an agreement on a solution designed to allow healing, Yusem said. Paul Kuroda / Special to The Chronicle In the 2018-19 school year, Gibson taught 67 peer leaders up from 30 last year. Ive heard more than a few students tell me theyve picked up a talking piece at home when their family was fighting over something, Yusem said. While the money promised by the city of Oakland wont cover the districts shortfall for restorative justice, it could bring back some of the employees who were laid off, Yusem said. The goal is to find full, ongoing funding for the program. We just may have to contract a little bit before we expand again, but we will, Yusem said. Im confident that were going to survive this. In an exercise this spring, Gibson had to explain to a group of disappointed sixth graders that the budget meant they wouldnt be attending a restorative justice conference. It didnt take long for the students to turn that disappointment into an opportunity to discuss solutions. We could protest, one said, or make a picket line. Another added, We can make a circle with whoever made the decision. Ashley McBride is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ashley.mcbride@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Ashleynmcb Chemicals used to add flavor to liquid nicotine in e-cigarettes may damage cardiovascular cells and lead to greater risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study led by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine. The findings, published Monday in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, are the latest in a growing body of studies that suggest, but have yet to definitively conclude, that e-cigarettes may do some damage to human health. The study did not examine products from Juul, the San Francisco company that is the largest maker of nicotine vaping products. The takeaway is we found the flavorings can cause vascular dysfunction and we think chronic use may contribute to increase cardiovascular risk in the future, said Dr. Joseph Wu, the studys senior author and director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute. Both adult patients and kids should be aware of this. Researchers analyzed the effect that six e-liquids of varying nicotine concentrations from three different brands Freedom Smoke USA, Johnson Creek and E Liquid Market had on cells from the blood and serum of healthy nonsmokers, cigarette smokers and people who use both e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes. The subjects did not have any major cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers found that exposure to the nicotine, flavorings and solvents in e-cigarettes exacerbated oxidative stress, cell death and inflammation, damaging the cells lining the arteries a risk factor in developing cardiovascular diseases. The extent of the effects on the cells varied depending on the flavor of the e-liquid. Cinnamon-flavored e-liquid was the most toxic, but researchers arent sure why. The brands that were tested had nicotine concentrations of zero, 6 and 18 milligrams per milliliter of liquid lower than that of many other e-liquid products. The e-liquid pods sold by Juul in the United States, for instance, have nicotine concentrations of 35 or 59 milligrams per milliliter. Most of the flavoring chemicals used in e-cigarettes meet safety standards for ingesting as food additives but have not been tested as inhalants. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes There are limitations to the study: Of the roughly 450 e-cigarette products with 8,000 flavors, the study looked at only six flavors. Researchers collected samples from just 14 people. We would recommend kids dont smoke e-cigarettes, Wu said. For adults, we recommend if they want to quit smoking (cigarettes), they could switch to e-cigarettes but itd be nice after theyre on that for a while to completely quit rather than just rely on e-cigarettes because the flavorings also have issues. Catherine Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Cat_Ho This is a towering archive find to mark 82 years since Golden Gate Bridges opening. Every year in May, I flip through The Chronicles vast collection of photo negatives looking for undiscovered images of Greatest Bridge Ever Built, hoping to find something special to mark the anniversary. This year, I found treasures of the ceremonies both opening days including what may be our earliest Golden Gate Bridge in the fog photo. Several of the negatives were somewhat damaged, but by scanning them into our digital archive, weve saved them for posterity. At the time of its construction, the Golden Gate Bridge was the largest single span bridge ever constructed 80,000 miles of steel cable on the bridge and the two bridge towers rising 746 feet. These towers are the highest structures in America outside of Manhattan island, the May 27, 1937, Chronicle noted when the bridge opened. Dig deep into Chronicle Vault Like what you're reading? Subscribe to the Chronicle Vault newsletter, and get classic archive stories in your in-box twice a week. Read hundreds of historical stories, see thousands of archive photos and sort through 154 years of classic Chronicle front pages at SFChronicle.com/vault. See More Collapse Excitement was so high for the bridge that the Golden Gate Fiesta included nine days of celebrations, and not one opening day but two. The first opening day, May 27, 1937, was limited to pedestrians. The organizing committee estimated that 100,000 people would take advantage of the opportunity to stroll across the bridge without interference from cars, but they seriously underestimated the appeal. From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. that day, more than 200,000 flocked to the bridge for a chance to say they walked across. The first person to officially cross the bridge was Donald Bryant, a San Francisco Junior College track team member, who said he finished first by 100 yards. Unfortunately, the Chronicle ran someone elses photo next to details of Bryants accomplishment. The paper made it up to him. During 20th anniversary coverage in 1957, The Chronicle ran a letter from Bryant, offered an apology, and published the correct photo. The next day cars were allowed on the bridge. Precisely at 11 a.m. May 28, dozens of U.S. Navy planes would fly over the Golden Gate Bridge, followed by Navy ships of all sizes three aircraft carriers, 13 heavy cruisers, six light cruisers and six destroyers passing underneath the bridge. On the Marin side of the bridge, a 36-inch tree trunk the same diameter as the bridge cables had been laid across the road at the Marin side. Three log-buckers competed using large saws to cut through the barrier the fastest. The winner cut through the tree in less than three minutes. San Francisco Mayor Angelo Rossi used an acetyline torch to cut the silver chain holding back northbound traffic. And then at noon, with a symbolic button pressing from President Franklin Roosevelt in Washington, D.C., and cannon booms across San Francisco, traffic began to flow from both sides. Every foghorn let loose, every liner in dock and stream bore down on its whistle rope, and every horn on the thousands of automobiles lined at the bridge approaches gave throat at once, The Chronicle reported. By midnight, 25,000 cars had crossed the bridge and two days later, the Golden Gate bridge had its first traffic jam. The weather was warm and clear, and thousands jumped into their cars to check out the never-before-seen views on the new bridge. Traffic to enter the San Francisco side was lined up all the way back to Van Ness Avenue. Bridge officials estimated that more than 75,000 cars had gone through the toll gates that Sunday. The Chronicle 1937 More from Chronicle Vault Another Bay Bridge? Seventy years of absurd, crazy and downright dumb span plans. More from the Archive The Vault Home of the San Francisco Chronicle's archive and more than 150 years of journalism covering the Bay Area and beyond. Big bridge, big stage: Golden Gate Bridge stunts that have shocked the city over the years. Not Your Century: 1987 the GMO Food War Begins. Chronicle Covers: If theres a more San Francisco headline, wed like to see it. The bridge that couldnt be built: Chronicle archive photos of the Golden Gate Bridge under construction. From the Archive is a weekly column by Bill Van Niekerken, the library director of The Chronicle, exploring the depths of the newspapers archive. Its part of Chronicle Vault, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting more than 150 years of San Francisco stories. It is edited by Taylor Kate Brown, The Chronicles newsletter editor. Sign up for the newsletter here, and follow Chronicle Vault on Instagram. Contact Bill at bvanniekerken@sfchronicle.com, and Taylor at taylor.brown@sfchronicle.com. A man was shot in the stomach around 5 p.m. Sunday in San Franciscos Dolores Park, officials said. Several people were detained, said Officer Robert Rueca, a spokesman for the Police Department, but he couldnt confirm any arrests were made. Edmund Morris, who wrote an acclaimed biography of Theodore Roosevelt but is best known for his life of Ronald Reagan, in which the author inserted himself as a fictional narrator, a device that baffled and angered some historians, died Friday in Danbury, Conn. He was 78. His death, at a hospital, was confirmed Monday by his wife, author Sylvia Jukes Morris. He lived in Kent, Conn. Morris The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt won a Pulitzer Prize and a National Book Award in 1980. He followed that with two other well-received books on the 26th president, Theodore Rex (2001) and Colonel Roosevelt (2010). But Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan is the work for which he is best known. Published in 1999 to much anticipation (he had been working on it for 14 years), it was told from the viewpoint of a fictional Edmund Morris, who accompanies the future president from his Illinois boyhood, through his Eureka College days in Illinois, and finally to the White House and beyond. I quite understand that readers will have to adjust, at first, to what amounts to a new biographical style, Morris wrote on the website of Random House, his publisher. But the revelations of this style, which derive directly from Ronald Reagans own way of looking at his life, are I think rewarding enough to convince them that one of the most interesting characters in recent American history looms here like a colossus. Some critics found Morris approach fitting for a president and former actor who occasionally confused reality with cinema. In at least two instances, for example, Reagan cited words evoking American military heroism as if the words had come from the Pentagon when, in fact, they were snippets from Hollywood movies made decades before. Christopher Lehmann-Haupt, writing in the New York Times, praised Dutch as highly readable, with passages that were exciting and at times, even inspiring. Couldnt all this have been accomplished without Morris narrative abracadabra? Lehmann-Haupt asked. Perhaps, but I can think of few conventional political biographies that bring their subjects pasts so richly alive. But some historians and commentators were disdainful. Columnist George Will attacked Dutch as dishonorable, and writer Joan Didion accused Morris of resorting to the fictional device to conceal his own inadequacies as a fact-gatherer. One of his toughest critics, Michiko Kakutani of the Times, called the book a loony hodgepodge of fact and fiction about a president that mimicked the very blurring of reality and state-managed illusion that that president was often accused of perpetrating. For his part Morris readily agreed with those who said he did not deserve to be called a historian. In an interview on C-SPAN several years ago, he said historians were a different breed of cat and that, unlike them, he was not particularly interested in politics and government. Rather, he said, he was interested in character, narrative, the strangeness of reality. His critics complained that Morris had been given an unparalleled opportunity, having been granted full access to Reagan, and that he had squandered it with a technique that was not just unorthodox but, for a true historian, also unforgivable. In researching the book Morris had been allowed to sit in on White House staff meetings, review presidential papers, and talk to first lady Nancy Reagan and their children. And he had been promised that there would be no attempts at editorial control, even though the book was an authorized biography. The prestige that Morris acquired from the Roosevelt biography, plus the promised access to Reagan, were enough to land Morris a $3 million advance from Random House for a Reagan biography (the equivalent of about $4.7 million today). The editors at Random House had to wait as Morris, writing in long hand on yellow-lined paper with green-ink fountain pens, toiled year after year. Writers always think theyre going to be finished before they are, he said as the book was finally nearing completion. The furor over Dutch may have hurt the books sales, which fell off after an initial spurt. Later, in addition to the second and third books on Roosevelt, he wrote biographies of Beethoven (2005) and Thomas Edison (to be published in October). Morris trained as a concert pianist in his younger years, an ambition he later abandoned. But he remained a skilled pianist. Writer Gay Talese, his friend, recalled in an interview Monday that Morris once punctuated a book-reading for his Beethoven biography at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan by playing snatches of the composers music. Arthur Edmund Morris was born in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 27, 1940, to Eric and May Morris, who were South Africans. His father was an airline pilot. Edmund Morris studied literature, art and music at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa. He left college in 1961 to work in the advertising department of a mens clothing store in Durban, South Africa, composing brochures and ads. He said the work had influenced his literary style. He moved to Britain in 1964 and worked there as a copywriter in an American advertising agency. He married Sylvia Jukes, an English teacher at the time, in 1966. They moved to the United States in 1968. Morris said it was their writing a series of travelogue cassettes for airline TWA that kindled their interest in history. Jukes Morris has written a two-part biography of Clare Boothe Luce, the American writer-journalist, politician and diplomat, and a biography of Eleanor Roosevelt. In addition to her, Morris is survived by a brother, Eric, and a sister, Judy Davidowitz. David Stout is a New York Times writer. Daniel E. Slotnik contributed reporting. Regarding An insult to war heroes (Editorial, May 24): Why should any sane and ethical American be surprised that President Trump is weighing pardons for military service members and contractors charged with war crimes? Trump never served in the military or observed the horrors of war firsthand, and has also praised ruthless dictators whose regimes regularly engage in harsh civil rights violations and heinous war crimes. In the annals of history, this 45th president will surely be scorned as a wayward leader without a moral compass. Josephine DiCostanzo, Burlingame Largest threat to America Today we celebrate Memorial Day, a day dedicated to those who gave their lives to preserve and protect the freedoms and democracy that we currently enjoy. Meanwhile, the president, his criminal Cabinet and Russian oligarch business partners are doing everything in their power to destroy these American values. It is ironic that the largest threat to America is one we voted for. Bob Flasher, Berkeley Dont lift ban on hunting According to Elephant hunting (News of the Day, May 24), the African nation of Botswana is lifting its ban on elephant hunting. This should come as welcome news to Donald Trump Jr., the presidents oldest son, shown in a 2011 photo holding a knife and the severed tail of an elephant he killed in Zimbabwe. As for those of us who believe in the sanctity of these animals lives and oppose the poaching of elephant tusks for the ivory trade, this news is horrific. Jenny Wong, Daly City High price for admission Its nice to learn in S.F. museums waiving fees for many (Datebook, May 24) that San Francisco residents who receive public benefits will be given free admission to more than 15 city museums and cultural institutions. However, those of us who struggle to pay high monthly rents and other expenses and who dont receive public benefits might disagree with Mayor London Breeds statement that All San Franciscans, regardless of their income, should have access to the art and culture institutions that San Francisco has to offer, since (as an example) it costs two adults $50 for regular admission to SFMOMA and $70 for admission plus the ability to see the current Andy Warhol exhibit. Those prices arent accessible to average middle-class people living in a city well known for its art institutions. Elliot Branca, San Francisco From the U.S. Capitols corridors of legislative power you can walk down the length of the National Mall to the Lincoln Memorial, passing on your way the impatient horses of the Grant Memorial; the worlds and Americas cultural and industrial history curated away as so many artifacts in the Smithsonian museums to your left and right; by Washingtons obelisk encircled by the nations flag; and by the dramatic memorials of Americas later 20th century wars. But from the Lincoln Memorial, the terminus of the capital plans axis has been Arlington National Cemetery. For many visitors, their terminus within Arlington Cemetery is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where they watch duty on display as sentinels of the Old Guard stand vigilant, in honor of the dead. But behind the Memorial Amphitheater, past the Spanish War Memorial and against a background of evergreens, is the Nurses Memorial and Section 21. Here is the final resting place of Army, Navy and Air Force nurses. Jane Delano, whose father died in the Civil War, is buried here. She served in the Army Nurse Corps, and in 1912 almost single-handedly created the American Red Cross Nursing Service, which became the recognized nursing reserve for the Army, Navy and Public Health Service. Even today the Red Cross Nurse remains a powerful symbol of care and service in our national iconography. The rows upon rows of uniform white markers, each bearing a persons name, which make up the quiet architecture of Section 21, Arlington Cemetery, and all American national cemeteries, make up individual answers to the perpetual question of how to measure the cost of war. Between the American Revolution in 1775 and the Gulf War in 1991, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that there have been approximately 651,031 battle deaths alone. Of U.S. military men and women killed in action since October 2001, there have been 5,429, according to the Department of Defense. There are thousands upon thousands more who have died as a result of battlefield injuries, or have died as captured POWS, or have gone missing. But there are also thousands whove survived their severe wounds. Since the initiation of the national cemetery system in response to the Civil War, more and more soldiers are surviving the battlefield, thanks to innovations in combat medicine aided by advances in transportation and technology. Its not often that we pause to think, on Memorial Day or any other day, of the lives saved by war. Not the lives of whole populations saved from genocide by some war to topple a tyrant, (though that is a weighty consideration too), but the lives of future soldiers, and the lives of present civilians, who are saved by the discoveries of medics and military doctors in wartime. He who wishes to be a surgeon should go to war, is a saying ascribed to Hippocrates, the ancient Greek Father of Western Medicine. Lessons learned in Korea and Vietnam sparked the development of civilian paramedics, modern trauma centers, civilian air ambulance services and Medevac. Over the last 18 years of continuous military operations, the U.S. military has completely transformed trauma care. Whereas in the civilian world it takes an average of 17 years for a new discovery to change medical practice, the U.S. military developed and fielded more than 27 major innovations over the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. These innovations decreased by half the death rate from battlefield wounds, to the lowest level in the history of war. And two of these the Combat Application Tourniquet, and field bandages with hemostatic agents, are now available commercially and used by increasing numbers of civilian first responders. Not only are they saving military lives, they are saving thousands more, especially lives endangered by vehicle accidents and shootings. Since the practice of observing Memorial Day first began in the aftermath of the Civil War, the American people have asked themselves two questions on this day: How to remember and honor the sacrifice of its military dead, and how to understand the relationship between the dead, the nation for which they died, and the living. And Lincolns words at Gettysburg Cemetery have ever nourished the most profound response that the deads commission to the living is to dedicate themselves to the great task of self-government. Within that task, however, there remains space to think on how many of the living will have owed their lives to war. Rebecca Burgess is Foreign and Defense Research Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. She wrote this for InsideSources.com. A few weeks ago, I asked for reader questions. Heres one from Rossi A. Thanksand keep them coming! You have one day visiting a new city you've never been to before. How do you find out about all of the best places to eat, and how do you narrow it down to three meals? Do you go street food? Fine dining? Old-time classic? Hot new restaurant? Shortly before I started at The Chronicle, I went on a two-week trip to Japan, with one whole week in Tokyo. Id never been before, but I asked friends who had visited and lived there for recommendations. Those were really great for the underground stuff, which Tokyo has tons of. I searched crowd-sourced online databases like Instagram and Yelp for specific dishes that I really wanted to have. (Grasshopper rice? Yes please!) And yes, I consulted the Michelin Guide for pointers as well, so I had a good mixture of restaurants, cafes and bars to check out that were representative of a lot of different ways to experience the city. When traveling, I always want food that I cant get anywhere else; something that we have at home, but interpreted through a local lens; and an experience that is so singularly weird that Ill remember it forever. Soleil Ho For example, if I had to make a one-day Tokyo itinerary that checks those boxes, it would include Fuunji, which serves what some say is the best tsukemen in the country; Taimeikan, one of the citys oldest Western-style restaurants; and Cafe Lion, a coffee shop where you must sit silently and listen to giant speakers blasting classical music. But to be honest, if I had one day, I probably wouldnt stick to just three meals. Id go hobbit-style for sure, with breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and supper. And then I would, of course, buy snacks for the plane ride. Best Song I Heard in a Restaurant I have to hand out props to the crew at Benu for going totally analog for their music selection when I dined at the restaurant this week. Vinyl records were played in their entirety one that stuck out was a selection of songs performed by Billie Holiday. The snaps and pops (and at one point, an old-style record scratch) were an intriguing contrast to the tightly buttoned presentation of courses on the tasting menu. As someone who wishes she still had a record player, it made me really happy. Photo of the week Celebrate life; celebrate Keanu! Heres me, back in New Orleans during my line cook days, when Keanu Reeves came in to Bayona for dinner. (Its very likely that he had our famous Caesar salad.) What Im reading Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. This weekends Food section is special: We collaborated with La Cocina on stories all about the importance of recipes in our lives (and other peoples). Here are my favorites: It was one fat bird... The lede on Savanna Fergusons story on the lessons the dodo (RIP) can impart on us is amazing and I love it. The dodo didnt taste very good, but sailors hunted it into extinction anyway. Folks from the Mississippi Delta already know this, but hot tamales are some of the greatest snack foods of all time. Chanee Franklin Minor tells the origin story of hot tamales, the product of socializing between black American and Mexican refugees and sharecroppers in the South. Did you know that the first avocado toast recipe The Chronicle ever published was in 1927? And that its basically the same as what you probably made for breakfast this morning in 2019? Peter Hartlaub digs that one out of our archives, along with some other gems. Bite Curious is a weekly newsletter from The Chronicles restaurant critic, Soleil Ho, delivered to inboxes on Monday mornings. Follow along on Twitter: @Hooleil An investigation into the Bay Conservation and Development Commission found mismanagement and disorganization so rampant that the once-celebrated watchdog agency allegedly neglected its primary responsibility to protect San Francisco Bay. A state audit of the regulatory agency known as the BCDC describes slow and inefficient enforcement, a huge backlog of cases and an inability to perform key duties. It blames those problems on leadership failures, staffing shortages and inadequate funding. The commission has neglected its responsibility to protect the San Francisco Bay, the 94-page audit states. This audit is a major wake-up call, said Assemblyman Kevin Mullin, D-San Mateo, who with several other legislators requested the audit last year. The findings are serious in nature and ought to be taken seriously by the commissioners and the senior staff. But the message from the investigation depends on ones point of view. Waterfront businesses say it is confirmation the organization has targeted them unfairly with wallet-busting fines, while conservationists see it as a call for stricter enforcement of environmental and other rules. The state auditor paints a troubling picture of the 27-member commission, which was established in 1965 by the McAteer-Petris Act to regulate development, prevent the filling of wetlands, fight pollution and ensure public access to San Francisco Bay. The audit outlines a pattern of foot-dragging, including a backlog of 230 enforcement cases. The commissioners opened an average of 14 more cases than they closed every year from 2012 to 2017, according to the audit. Seven cases reviewed by auditors remained open an average of 7 years, the report said. All the while, problems in the bay festered, the auditors said. Jessica Christian / The Chronicle There are, for example, 200 boats anchored illegally off Sausalito, many of them dilapidated, sinking or beached and spewing pollutants into ecologically sensitive Richardson Bay. The boats, some occupied by scofflaws known as anchor-outs, remain even though the BCDC has been the lead agency in a cleanup campaign for about two decades. The auditors also criticized commission staff for closing a case involving a decaying tugboat that has been sitting illegally for years in the mud off Rodeo and for failing since 1987 to protect Suisun Marsh, a migratory bird habitat south of Fairfield. They said the commission failed to properly oversee local marsh restoration plans and never conducted five-year program reviews required by the Suisun Marsh Preservation Act. Commission officials agreed only that they need more money to do a better job. In a lengthy response to the audit, BCDC officials denied most of the allegations, particularly the claim that its 48 employees neglected their responsibilities. BCDC plans to use this report to advocate for more resources to allow us to make critical improvements and do more enforcement better, wrote Lawrence Goldzband, the executive director, who acknowledged only that his organization could do a better job protecting the bay if it had more money and personnel. The nations first coastal zone protection agency has an annual budget of $10.4 million that comes from state funds, grants, environmental cleanup allocations, permit fees and fines. The audit, however, said administrators failed to provide commissioners with adequate guidance, paid staff with money that was meant for restoration work and displayed inconsistencies in how much violators had to pay in fines. Mullin joined state Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, and his Assembly colleagues Marc Berman, D-Palo Alto, and Marie Waldron, R-Escondido (San Diego County), in calling for the audit. Their interest was piqued in December 2017 when a judge overturned a $3.6 million fine imposed on an East Bay man who had been accused of violating the Suisun Marsh Preservation Act. John Sweeney, the owner of Point Buckler, a 39-acre island in the Suisun Marsh, racked up $2 million in legal fees after the BCDC and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board tried to stop him from establishing a duck hunting club and kite-surfing center on his property. Solano County Superior Court Judge Harry Kinnicutt found that the two state agencies had acted with an appearance of vindictiveness and that the penalties were retribution for a related lawsuit that Sweeney filed. Mullin said the regulatory attack against Sweeney was disturbingly similar to the case against Mark Sanders, the founder and president of Westpoint Harbor marina in Redwood City, whom the BCDC socked with $500,000 in fines for 37 violations, which Sanders said had nothing to do with the bay environment. Now Playing: The president of Westpoint Harbor criticizes BCDC charges and huge fines before he was cleared in a Video: San Francisco Chronicle Sanders also spent $2 million over seven years fighting what he called a shakedown of petty allegations that he locked bathrooms without permission, didnt have adequate signs directing people to public parking, planted trees without permits and blocked public access. The charges were eventually dropped as part of a settlement that required Sanders to make $75,000 donations each to the California Coastal Conservancy and the Marine Science Institute. 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. I really am an environmentalist, and one of the things we get accolades for is our environmental work as a marina, said Sanders, whose business was named by the Marine Science Institute as North Americas Large Marina of the Year for 2018. It kills me that here is this agency with this wonderful mission that has gone so far off the rails. More than 5,000 people signed a petition started by a group called Friends of Westpoint Harbor asking state legislators to order the audit. Although the criticism has been widespread, not everybody believes the problem with the BCDC is that it is too tough on shoreline businesses. Sejal Choksi-Chugh, executive director of San Francisco Baykeeper, said her organization alerted the commission to many polluters, only to learn the violators received token punishment. But, she said, the commission has recently gotten tougher on violators, resulting in backlash. I think that the violators were lulled into a false sense of complacency, and they started whining and complaining when the rules got enforced, said Choksi-Chugh. Honestly, the state Legislature needs to step up and identify that BCDC needs more funding to do their job. Mullin and other lawmakers plan to meet in the next few months with the auditor, BCDC representatives and other stakeholders to discuss possible legislation and, it is hoped, speed the enforcement process. Collectively, we need to have this commission on a strong footing because the challenges we face are immense, Mullin said. This is about protecting the greatest natural resource we have, the San Francisco Bay. Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @pfimrite Touring disaster In the wake of Californias deadliest wildfire, a wave of visitors has descended on Paradise. But theres no playbook for dealing with tourists in a community still racked by trauma. Touring disaster In the wake of Californias deadliest wildfire, a wave of visitors has descended on Paradise. But theres no playbook for dealing with tourists in a community still racked by trauma. PARADISE, Butte County During a weekend trip to visit friends in Oroville in early April, Mihai Suciu and his girlfriend took a side trip a half hour north to Paradise, the Butte County forest town that was all but leveled when wildfires swept through the western slopes of the Sierra in November. Having watched news reports showing the scorched remains of entire neighborhoods and rows of melted automobiles, Suciu, an amateur photographer from Huntington Beach, was curious to see the damage. The couple parked on a residential street off Skyway Road and wandered among the heaps of twisted metal and extant brick chimneys where homes once stood. Suciu snapped photos charred trinkets, the fire-blasted shell of a pickup truck, a freestanding concrete staircase leading nowhere that he would later share on Instagram. I just wanted to witness it and see the scale of it, Suciu says weeks later. Over a couple of hours, he took dozens of photos. I didnt even feel good doing it. But at the same time, I felt its important to document just to show it that this is not nice, this is not pretty, but its real. The mix of morbid curiosity and compassion that drove Suciu to visit Paradise has inspired a wave of similar visitors disaster tourists, theyre called to make pilgrimages to the site of the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in Californias history. Alongside them have come other outsiders: Academics, government officials, news media, documentary filmmakers and truckloads of construction workers have arrived in droves, casting the quiet community in an uncomfortable spotlight. Locals often spot them wandering the wreckage, taking photos, sometimes even sifting through the scorched belongings of residents who have either been displaced or died in the fire. To a town still in the throes of grief, a place many came to for refuge, the sight of strangers treading through the burn scar can feel viscerally like stepping on an open wound. It feels very invasive, says Heidi Madery, who lives in Magalia, a hamlet up the road from Paradise that was spared the worst of the Camp Fire. While I understand it, and I dont want you to forget about us, it feels invasive. Tourists streaming to areas beset by tragedy isnt new. Hordes of visitors descended on New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and more have toured sites destroyed by tornadoes in Joplin, Mo. Today, a daily guided Hurricane Katrina tour, dubbed Americas Greatest Disaster, runs $55 per adult. In California, cities recently damaged or decimated in the states increasingly brutal wildfires have played host to similar visitors. Encounters like the ones in Paradise have been reported at the Coffey Park neighborhood in Santa Rosa as well as Malibu. Just six months removed from the Camp Fire, visitors have already flocked to Paradise, and theyve expressed their interest in a wide variety of ways. After learning about the devastation, Los Angeles street artist Shane Grammer, originally from Chico, was moved to drive up and spray-paint hauntingly serene portraits across ruined structures around town. Having gained permission from property owners, he went about putting up a series of 17 murals, one of which depicted a resident who died in the fire. Grammer says the pieces are meant to evoke the shadows of atomic bomb victims seared into the ruins of Hiroshima. They have garnered a warm reception from locals and outsiders alike. The Chico Enterprise-Record newspaper published a guide-style map of the murals. Other behavior, however, has touched a nerve. Three cleanup workers were fired by their construction company after posting insensitive images of the devastation on social media. During an annual bike ride fundraiser through the region in April that drew 3,500 cyclists, riders new to the area pulled off the road to snap selfies by a burned-out gas station and other charred remains conduct some locals found distasteful. Most Paradise residents chose to settle there because it is quiet and out of the way. But locals have found themselves on display to all types of unfamiliar faces. Academic researchers are streaming in from universities around the world to pull soil samples, measure moisture content or conduct interviews for forthcoming white papers about the effects of trauma on a communitywide scale. Insurance appraisers, construction workers and cleanup crews are combing through the rubble. It can be difficult for locals to comprehend whats happening to their town, even while they watch. How do you distinguish the dark tourists from the people who need to be here? What makes them different? says Paradise Town Council member Melissa Schuster, who lost her home in the Camp Fire. Its been a challenge since day one. Several documentary filmmakers have descended on the Ridge as well, including a crew commissioned by National Geographic and helmed by Hollywood director Ron Howard. Camera crews roam freely and shoot liberally. Its not horrible, but it is tedious, Madery says. Butte County officials and academics now face a management problem: how to prevent outsiders from inadvertently reopening wounds the community is trying to heal. On a sunny weekend in May, the main arteries through Paradise were filled almost exclusively by dump trucks hauling loads of rubble. Cleanup crews in bright plastic suits removed debris and raked the dirt in plots. Neighborhoods decimated by the Camp Fire were bright with golden poppies and green ground cover as a historically wet winter gave way to spring and summer, when tourism hits its peak and the threat of wildfire looms large. Community leaders held meetings to chart a path forward. In a place where the barriers separating private and public space have disintegrated, they are grappling with complex questions: Is it OK for outsiders to ask survivors about their experience? How does a town strike a balance between encouraging tourism and dissuading gawkers? Is there a right way to visit? Similar questions emerged last winter, after wildfire and ensuing mudslides ravaged the area around Montecito, and Santa Barbara and Ventura paused tourism promotions. Theres no playbook for this, Schuster says. Chico State researchers and local tourism bureaus are crafting materials to prepare visitors for their experience and instruct them on proper etiquette. Explore Butte County is drawing up a sheet of Camp Fire FAQs it plans to distribute to local hotels and disseminate to visitors as a way of answering sensitive questions before theyre asked. People want to see the devastation, says Carolyn Denero, executive director of Explore Butte County. The list is a way of saying, Heres a better way to visit. We know you want to support us, but please dont get out of your car and take a selfie in front of someones house. After fielding inquiries from 45 universities keen to study the fires effects on Paradise, Chico State educators drafted a list of guiding principles for incoming researchers and recovery workers. It emphasizes gaining informed consent from study subjects as well as the need to reduce the burden on residents of answering painful questions. Were not putting up barriers, were creating a path or a trail for them to get done what they need to get done, says Megan Kurtz, a lecturer in Chico States Department of Recreation, Hospitality and Parks Management who helped write the guidelines. Theres talk of establishing a permanent exhibit to educate visitors about the fire and its long-term effects. Kurtz has in mind a resiliency center that would incorporate information and images from the Camp Fire, research conducted in the region in the aftermath of the fire, and elements promoting personal healing through forest therapy. This would be a place where people can come and learn about why this happened and how it happened, Kurtz says. We dont want residents to be scared of where they live. Kurtz imagines the center at some point exporting its knowledge to other fire-prone and fire-affected areas of California. I want people to experience this and learn something from it and be able to see the humanitarian side of it that these were peoples lives, Kurtz says. This is not an attraction at Universal Studios for you to see what a town thats been burned down looks like. On a recent Saturday morning, Grammer stepped back from a clean white wall on the side of an administration building at Paradise High School, rattling a spray can in his hand. After photos of his murals went viral online, Comcast commissioned him to create a permanent mural at the school during a cleanup event the cable company was financing. This would be his 18th mural in the area. At this point, Im burned out, emotionally, he says. He recounted what initially drew him to want to visit Paradise after the Camp Fire. Areas besieged by disasters have always had a strange appeal, he says. When I hear a devastating story or learn about something thats been destroyed, I see an image in my head and feel like I have to paint that, Grammer says. As soon as I saw the chimney (of a destroyed home in Paradise) on Facebook, I had to go paint it. Seated at a picnic table watching Grammer paint, Madery remembered trying to reintegrate into her normal routine after the fire swept through. Early on, we couldnt make it through town, she says. Weve done a lot of driving around town trying to desensitize ourselves. Its always a welcome sight to see the murals. Grammer glanced at an image on his phone showing a young woman clutching her shoulder and surrounded by bright blooming flowers the image he was transcribing onto the wall at the high school. This one is special because its gonna last, he says. Hopefully its going to bring inspiration to students hopefully just giving them hope that there is a future here, that theres beauty in Paradise. BRUSSELS The European Unions traditional center splintered in the hardest-fought European Parliament elections in decades, with the far right and pro-environment Greens gaining ground on Sunday after four days of a polarized vote. Turnout was at a two-decade high over the balloting across the 28 European Union countries. The elections were seen as a test of the influence of the nationalist, populist and hard-right movements that have swept the continent in recent years and impelled Britain to quit the EU altogether. Both supporters of closer European unity and those who consider the EU a meddlesome and bureaucratic presence portrayed the vote as crucial for the future of the bloc. In Britain , voters went for the extremes, with the strongest showing for Nigel Farages newly formed Brexit party and a surge for the staunchly pro-European Liberal Democrats, versus a near wipeout for Conservatives. In France, an electorate that voted Emmanuel Macron into presidential office in 2017 did an about-face and the party of his defeated opponent, Marine Le Pen, drew into first place. In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkels ruling coalition saw a drastic loss in support to the Greens and, to a lesser extent, the far right. Italys League party, led by Matteo Salvini, claimed 32% of the vote in early projections, compared with around 6% five years ago. Not only is the League the first party in Italy, but Marine Le Pen is first in France, Nigel Farage is first in Great Britain. Therefore, Italy, France and England: the sign of a Europe that is changing, that is fed up, Salvini said. Despite gains, the vote was hardly the watershed anticipated by Europes far-right populists, who have vowed to dilute the European Union from within in favor of national sovereignty. Pro-EU parties still were expected to win about two-thirds of the 751-seat legislature that sits in Brussels and Strasbourg, according to the projections released by the parliament. The continent-wide voting had major implications not just for the functioning of the bloc but also for the internal politics in many countries. Le Pen exulted that the result confirms the new nationalist-globalist division in France and beyond; Greeces governing party called for snap elections after its loss; and Salvini was expected to capitalize on the outcome to boost his power at home. The monopoly of power is broken, said Margrethe Vestager, of the pro-EU ALDE grouping that includes Macrons party. Vestager declared herself a candidate to lead the European commission for ALDE, which gained seats in large part because Macrons party is itself a newcomer. Le Pens far-right, anti-immigrant National Rally party came out on top in France with 24% in an astonishing rebuke of Macron, who has made EU integration the heart of his presidency. His party drew just over 21%, according to government results. Exit polls in Germany, the EUs biggest country, likewise indicated Merkels party and its center-left coalition partner also suffered losses, while the Greens were set for big gains and the far right was expected to pick up slightly more support. Turnout across the bloc was put at 50.5%, a 20-year high. An estimated 426 million people were eligible to vote. The results will likely leave Parliaments two main parties, the European Peoples Party and the Socialists & Democrats, without a majority for the first time since 1979, opening the way for complicated talks to form a working coalition. The Greens and the ALDE free-market liberals were jockeying to become decisive in the body. 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. A subdued Esther de Lange, vice chair of the European Peoples Party, conceded that the results indicate fragmentation and a shrinking center. The Greens did well not just in Germany but in France and Ireland. The Green wave has really spread all over Europe, and for us that is a fantastic result, said Ska Keller, the groups co-leader in the Parliament. Germanys Manfred Weber, the candidate of the EPP, the biggest party in Parliament, said that now it is most necessary for the forces that believe in this Europe, that want to lead this Europe to a good future, that have ambitions for this Europe to work together. Europe has been roiled in the past few years by immigration from the Mideast and Africa and deadly attacks by Islamic extremists. Lori Hinnant, Raf Casert and Lorne Cook are Associated Press writers. BERLIN Green parties in Germany, France, Britain and elsewhere celebrated big gains in elections for the 751-seat European Parliament amid growing voter concerns over climate change, expressed in large-scale student protests over recent months. Provisional results Monday showed the left-leaning Greens bloc coming fourth in the election with 69 seats, an increase of 17 compared with 2014. If confirmed, the results could put the Greens in a position to tip the scales when it comes to choosing the next head of the European Commission. The rise of the Greens, with their distinctly pro-European Union stance, marks a counterpoint to that of the far-right, anti-immigrant parties that have been growing in popularity across Europe in recent years. Whoever wants legitimacy from us and the legitimacy of the many who went onto the streets will need to deliver now, said Sven Giegold, a leading candidate for the German Green party that scooped up more than 20% of the vote nationwide, an increase of almost 10% compared with 2014. The drift from the traditional heavyweight parties to the Greens in Germany was particularly pronounced in large cities such as Berlin, Munich and Hamburg, and among young voters, where the party beat its bigger rivals among all voters under 60, according to the Infratest dimap research institute. In neighboring France, 25% of voters aged 18-25 voted for the Greens, compared with 15% for the far-right National Rally and 12% for President Emmanuel Macrons Republic on the Move, according to the Ifop polling organization. Overall, the French green party EELV received almost 13.5% of the vote, coming third. Yannick Jadot, lead candidate of EELV, welcomed the great green wave in Europe. The French sent us a very clear message: they want environment to be at the heart of our lives, at the heart of the political game and that message has been spread across Europe, he said. The very good score of the greens in Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium and France sends a signal that the center of gravity of the European politics is shifting, that in addition to the populists and the pro-business (parties), there are the Greens, Jadot said. 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. Green parties also polled strongly in Austria, Sweden, Ireland, Denmark and the Netherlands. In Britain, the Greens a largely insignificant force nationally took 11 seats in the European Parliament vote. Alexander Gauland, the co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, declared the Greens our main enemy on Monday. The Greens will destroy this country and our job must and will be to fight the Greens, said Gauland, whose party has claimed climate change isnt a man-made phenomenon. The Greens want every law passed at the EU-level to undergo a climate check. The party has strongly backed scientists calls for the bloc to end all greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century. Frank Jordans is an Associated Press writer. Teachers in Hayward and Union City met administrators at the bargaining table on Memorial Day, hoping to reach an agreement to end a weeklong strike over higher wages, the New Haven Teachers Association said Monday. Were having a two-sided conversation now, which is awesome, said Kim DeBono, a union representative, speaking at a briefing outside the Alameda County Office of Education, where the talks were held. Teachers said they were hopeful the camps would settle the dispute Monday, with talks likely to extend late into the night. If an agreement were reached, teachers could return to the classrooms Tuesday or take the day off to review the tentative deal. The union put a revised proposal in front of the district late Monday, asking for a cost-of-living adjustment of 3.7% for the current school year and a 3.26% raise for the 2019-20 school year. The district also made a new offer, which the union said it did not accept. There has been no agreement reached yet, but we remain hopeful, Paul Stickland, another union representative, told a crowd in Hayward. Teachers in the New Haven Unified School District, which serves about 11,300 students across the two East Bay cities, cant afford to live in the area, the teachers union said. They argue that their wages do not stretch far enough to cover the rising cost of living in the region. Their teachers make an average salary of $96,554 for the school year, which the district said is the highest rate in Alameda County. It spends an additional $1,581 per teacher annually to offset the costs of health care, though employees pay their premiums out of pocket. On the countys low end, Oakland teachers earn about $63,000 for the school year. The groups president, Joe Kue Angeles, faulted the district in a statement for overpaying administrators and hiring more managers over the past six years, citing the districts financials. Parents come to Union City, to our New Haven schools because of great teachers, he said, not because of overpaid-managers. At the start of negotiations on Monday, the school district was offering a one-time 3% bonus for the current school year and a 1% ongoing raise beginning July 1. The teachers union wanted a 10% raise over two years. Management would like nothing more than to bring this strike to an end, said a May 21 statement on the New Haven Unified School Districts website. Administrators did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. More for you New Haven school district teachers to strike Monday over salaries The districts 12 schools stayed open during last weeks strike. Union members include 585 teachers, school counselors, psychologists, nurses and speech therapists. A GoFundMe campaign, created by members of the New Haven Teachers Association to assist members who are facing financial hardship by losing their wages to strike, raised $6,200 as of Monday afternoon. Michael Gardner, union treasurer, said the group has earmarked a similar amount from the general fund to support teachers in need. Teachers deserve to earn a living wage, donor Karen Rosa wrote on the GoFundMe page. As a teacher in the East Bay, I appreciate your standing up and accepting nothing less (than) a fair contract, Jim Vaughan wrote. Melia Russell is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: melia.russell@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meliarobin On a recent afternoon at the Lao Thai Kitchen restaurant in Albany, the telephone rang and the caller ID read Google Assistant. Jimmy Tran, a waiter, answered the phone. The caller was a man with an Irish accent hoping to book a dinner reservation for two on the weekend. This was no ordinary booking. It came through Google Duplex, a free service that uses artificial intelligence to call restaurants and mimicking a human voice speak on our behalf to book a table. The feature, which had a limited release about a year ago, recently became available to a larger number of Android devices and iPhones. The voice of the Irish man sounded eerily human. When asked whether he was a robot, the caller immediately replied, No, Im not a robot, and laughed. It sounded very real, Tran said in an interview after hanging up the call with Google. It was perfectly human. Google later confirmed, to our disappointment, that the caller had been telling the truth: He was a person working in a call center. The company said that about 25% of calls placed through Duplex started with a human and that about 15% of those that began with an automated system had a human intervene at some point. We tested Duplex for several days, calling more than a dozen restaurants, and our tests showed a heavy reliance on humans. Among our four successful bookings with Duplex, three were done by people. But when calls were actually placed by Googles artificially intelligent assistant, the bot sounded very much like a real person and was even able to respond to nuanced questions. In other words, Duplex, which Google first showed off last year as a technological marvel using AI, is still largely operated by humans. While AI services like Googles are meant to help us, their part-machine, part-human approach could contribute to a mounting problem: the struggle to decipher the real from the fake, from bogus reviews and online disinformation to bots posing as people. Here are the results of our experiment. Googles AI is eerily human, when it works: To test Google Duplex, we used a pair of Googles Pixel smartphones, which include the companys virtual assistant by default. (Apple iPhone users can try Duplex by downloading the free Google Assistant app.) At the bottom of the screen, we pressed a button to summon the Google assistant and then said, Book me a dinner reservation. Googles assistant then loaded a list of nearby restaurants. For the restaurants that took reservations only over the phone, Google offered to step in and place the call with Duplex. We tried using Duplex more than a dozen times. Several restaurants, like Henrys Hunan in San Francisco and China Village in Albany, rejected our requests for a table of two to four people because they took reservations only for tables of 10 people or more. Eventually, we secured four reservations in Albany: two separate reservations at Nomad Tibetan restaurant, one booking at Lao Thai Kitchen and one reservation at Bowld Korean Rice Bar. We witnessed or reviewed each of the phone calls, and the restaurants were made aware that we were testing Duplex before they picked up the phone. Only the reservation at Bowld, which we witnessed at the restaurant, was made entirely with Googles AI service. The bot introduced itself as Googles automated booking service, followed by a request to book a table for Tuesday. The call demonstrated the ability of Googles AI operator to insert pauses and ums to mimic a human in effect making the interaction feel more lifelike and less scripted. At several moments during the call, the restaurants manager, Jin Park, acted confused and asked the caller to state the party size and reservation date. The bot patiently answered the questions again and again. Then, Park threw a curveball: Are there any kids? The Google bot was quick to improvise: Im actually booking on behalf of a client, so Im not too sure, he said. Everything was perfect, Park said in an interview after conversing with the Google bot. Its like a real person talking. Park added that he was especially impressed with how the bot handled his question about whether there were children in the party. But our experience with the other bookings was less impressive, because they were all handled by humans. Google said that Duplex sometimes relies on people in part because it is taking a conservative approach to be respectful toward businesses. Google will have a human involved in the call in a number of situations, like when the company is unsure whether the business takes reservations, or if the user of the assistant might be a spammer. Valerie Nygaard, a product manager working on Duplex, said that for our reservation at the Tibetan restaurant, the company might have had a person place the call because it lacked signals indicating the restaurant took reservations. The next day, however, we tested Duplex at the same Tibetan restaurant, and it again used a human caller despite our earlier, successful booking. So Duplex doesnt appear to learn quickly. Duplex needs lots of data to improve: In recent years, the development of AI has accelerated thanks to what are called neural networks, complex mathematical systems that can learn tasks by analyzing vast amounts of data. By analyzing thousands of dog photos, for instance, a neural network can learn to recognize a dog. This technology has significantly improved a machines ability to recognize spoken words, understand how these words are used and even generate speech on its own. With Duplex, Google is combining these various tasks into a single system. It works because Google has focused on a small domain: restaurant reservations. Building this kind of system requires large amounts of data, and Google may be using human callers to generate data that can help train future versions of the system. Nick Fox, the Google executive overseeing its assistant, said the company was not aggressively trying to eliminate human involvement from Duplex because that could make the experience for business owners worse. Instead, he said, Google was trying to improve the automated system over time and slowly decrease the need for humans to intervene. Not so smart after all: In an era of tech companies trumpeting the arrival of AI, todays technology is not quite as intelligent as it might seem. Mark Zuckerberg promises that AI can identify and remove toxic content from Facebook, but his company still employs thousands of humans to do the job. When Amazon boasts of all the robots in its distribution centers, blue-collar workers are sorting through all the stuff moving through those giant warehouses. Duplex is proficient at making a restaurant reservation over the phone, but much like Facebook, Google still leans on human intelligence. At any given moment, it is lifelike. But it struggles to deal with the unexpected. There are three things that are important when it comes to AIs interactions with humans: context, context and context, said Jerry Kaplan, author of Humans Need Not Apply: A Guide to Wealth and Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and a Stanford University lecturer on artificial intelligence. Machines are very good with detail but terrible at context, he said. The general public doesnt always see that bigger picture, partly because of the way companies market their technology. When Google first unveiled Duplex last year, it demonstrated making phone calls to a hair salon and a restaurant handled with AI, without a mention of human intervention. The message was all about the power of the technology. This is like the footnotes in the TV ad, Kaplan said. The footnotes contradict the marketing message. At the same time, the technologies that underpin services like Google Duplex are improving at a remarkable rate. In time, it will become harder and harder to understand what is automated and what is human. But we need to think long and hard about how this technology should be used and how it shouldnt. Sorting through all the questions is difficult enough. It gets even harder if we dont have a clear understanding of what the technology can do. Brian X. Chen and Cade Metz are New York Times writers. DES MOINES, Iowa In Iowa, one of the whitest states in the nation, more than 100 black Democrats who expect to attend the 2020 caucuses crammed into a tiny community center in the capital city to position themselves as a force in the most wide-open presidential campaign in a generation. There is hope! There is hope, I tell you, the same hope that Barack Obama brought us, Jamie Woods, former chairwoman of the Iowa Democratic Black Caucus, told the cheering group last month. In the state where Obamas 2008 candidacy cleared its first important hurdle, black Democrats are energized, in part motivated by overwhelming dissatisfaction with President Trump. That enthusiasm could make a difference in a state that holds a presidential caucus, which, unlike an open primary, attracts only the most motivated voters. A candidate who can rally more black voters in the caucuses can gain an outsize advantage, even though African Americans make up only 2% of Iowas population. Iowas caucus, coming in February as the first event in the Democratic Partys presidential nominating contest, is an early test of how voters are going to respond to two dozen candidates and could be a harbinger of the primary a few weeks later in South Carolina, where African Americans comprise most of the Democratic primary electorate. Theyre realizing that their voice needs to be heard, said Deidre DeJear, the first African American to win a primary for statewide office in Iowa and now state chairwoman for California Sen. Kamala Harris 2020 presidential campaign. And they are using the platform they have whether theyre elected or whether just a regular voter. Candidates are looking to harness that energy. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, a 2020 presidential candidate and former mayor of Newark, N.J., has convened city leaders, including Quentin Hart, the first black mayor of Iowas most densely African American city, Waterloo. Booker met Saturday with Shane McCampbell, the first black mayor of Burlington, along the Mississippi River in southeast Iowa. In 2008, when Obama became the first African American to win the Iowa caucuses, 4% of caucus participants were black, double the percentage of the states overall black population. Obama received 76% of the black vote on caucus night. Nonblack candidates are working to attract influential black supporters, who can help make the difference in a close race, especially given the crowded field. Amy Klobuchar, for instance, hired Woods as her caucus campaigns Iowa political director last month, giving the Minnesota senator a key ally in the competition for black votes. Thomas Beaumont is an Associated Press writer. Did the people who brought you baby powder and baby shampoo also bring you the opioid crisis? That will be the question before an Oklahoma judge starting Tuesday, as the first civil trial takes off on the long, nationwide runway of trials against prescription opioid manufacturers, distributors and sellers. Oklahoma is squaring off against Johnson & Johnson, which produces a fentanyl patch. On Sunday, another defendant in the case, Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd., settled with Oklahoma for $85 million. In a statement, the company said, The settlement does not establish any wrongdoing on the part of the company; Teva has not contributed to the abuse of opioids in Oklahoma in any way. There is great interest in the case, which originally included Purdue Pharma, and not only from lawyers in nearly 1,900 federal and state lawsuits who want to see how the evidence and legal strategies resonate. So much of the litigation has remained under seal or redacted that this will be the publics first glimpse into Pandoras box, said Elizabeth Burch, a law professor at the University of Georgia who writes about mass torts. While the state has not said how much it is seeking, Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter has said that companies have caused opioid-related damages worth billions of dollars. But Purdue Pharma already settled with the state in March for $270 million. With the company that has become embedded in the publics mind as an archvillain gone from the proceedings and Teva also out of the case, the question is whether Hunter be able to stick Johnson & Johnson with the rest of the bill. Oklahoma, a largely rural state whose medical, social welfare and criminal justice systems have been ravaged by opioid addictions and deaths, has home court advantage, Burch said. But the case is hardly a slam-dunk. The challenge in all opioid cases is how to closely tie each defendant to the carnage. In its attempt to frame that narrative, Oklahoma is relying on a legal theory that itself has an uneven record. The theory that J&J violated public nuisance law, creating a substantial health harm., creating a substantial health harm is also being raised in the first federal cases to go to trial in Cleveland currently set for Oct. 21. All eyes will look to the Oklahoma trial as a rehearsal. If J&J prevails in Oklahoma, they may feel they are gaining leverage in the federal negotiations, said Alexandra Lahav, a professor at the University of Connecticut School of Law. Johnson & Johnson says the company manufactured drugs that played only a minor role in the market, even as it was conducting business that was heavily regulated and approved by government agencies. If Oklahoma is not ground zero for the emergency, its certainly close, Hunter said recently during a panel on opioids at the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington. From 2015 to 2018, he said, 18 million opioid prescriptions were written in a state with a population of 3.9 million. In a 15-year period, overdose deaths increased 91%. Jan Hoffman is a New York Times writer. BILLINGS, Mont. Grizzly bears are expanding their range in the northern Rockies, spreading from remote wilderness into farmland amid a legal fight over proposed hunting. New government data from grizzly population monitoring show bruins in the Yellowstone region of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho expanded their range by about 1,500 square miles over the past two years. They now occupy almost 27,000 square miles, a range that has grown 34 percent in the past decade. That means more bears on private lands where they can encounter humans and attack livestock, said Frank van Manen with the U.S. Geological Survey. Run-ins with bears are happening in agricultural areas where the fearsome animals hadnt been seen for decades, raising tensions in communities over the grizzlys status as a federally protected species in the U.S. outside Alaska Not all grizzly bears are livestock killers, but of course it only takes a few to do potentially quite a bit of killing, van Manen said. Wyoming and Idaho officials proposed grizzly hunts last year, but they were blocked by a judges ruling. Government attorneys asked an appeals court last week to overturn part of that ruling. An estimated 700 bears live in the Yellowstone area. Biologists say thats a conservative figure and doesnt include grizzlies that are outside a designated monitoring area thats centered on Yellowstone National Park. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contends the animals no longer need federal protection. State officials say hunting would allow them to better manage their numbers, but that it would be limited to sustainable levels. In his ruling that blocked hunting, U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen said in part that officials had not given enough consideration to how lifting protections for Yellowstone bears would affect other grizzly populations in the Rockies. Environmentalists argue its too soon to lift protections. Matthew Brown is an Associated Press writer. FORT SMITH, Ark. Residents in parts of Arkansas are preparing for what meteorologists predict will be the worst flooding in recorded history along parts of the Arkansas River over the coming week. Soaked areas of Oklahoma and Arkansas are forecast to receive more rain this week, increasing flooding concerns along the already swollen river. Tulsa County officials say some residents west of Tulsa already have evacuated their homes because of flooding. Downstream in Fort Smith, Ark., officials say flooding has closed roads and flooded buildings. The National Weather Service says floodwaters are projected to crest at more than 23 feet in Tulsa, near the record 25 feet set in 1984. At Fort Smith, the river on Sunday reached 38.2 feet and surpassed the historic crest of 38.1 in April 1945. The National Weather Service says a storm system will move into the central Plains on Tuesday, bringing showers and thunderstorms across Oklahoma and Arkansas. The weather agency warned in a statement that water surging over levees is likely with significant impacts to life and property across a very large area. Fort Smith spokeswoman Karen Santos said the city of 80,000 residents thats on the border with Oklahoma is in preparedness and warning mode. She said one home was completely submerged and about 500 others are threatened. Authorities predict hundreds more homes and businesses will flood by the time the river crests there Tuesday at 42.5 feet. Across the river from Fort Smith, the tiny town of Moffett, Okla., population about 120, was submerged by Saturday, Sequoyah County Emergency Management Director Steve Rutherford told the Times Record in Fort Smith. In downtown Van Buren, Ark., just northeast of Fort Smith, Rickey Jones, co-owner of BrokenJoes Screen Printing, was among several business owners who put sandbags in front of their entrances. Were going to be stacking things as high as we can in here, taking out electronics and helping out our neighbors, Jones said. A National Guard helicopter was sent to rescue two Army Corps of Engineers workers Sunday who had become trapped in a building as the Arkansas River rose, said state Department of Emergency Management spokeswoman Melody Daniel. The river had risen and spread to a point where the lock and dam building itself was no longer accessible by boat or road, Daniel said. In Tulsa, authorities advised residents of some neighborhoods Sunday to consider leaving for higher ground because the river is stressing the citys old levee system. SANTA FE, N.M. Murray Gell-Mann, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist who brought order to the universe by helping discover and classify subatomic particles, has died at the age of 89. Gell-Mann died Friday at his home in Santa Fe, N.M. His death was confirmed by the Santa Fe Institute, where he held the title of distinguished fellow, and the California Institute of Technology, where he taught for decades. The cause was not disclosed. Gell-Mann transformed physics by devising a method for sorting subatomic particles into simple groups of eight based on electric charge, spin and other characteristics. He called his method the eightfold way after the Buddhist Eightfold Path to enlightenment. Later Gell-Mann developed the theory that identified quarks, indivisible components of Earths matter that make up protons, neutrons and other particles. Experiments confirmed the existence of quarks, and these objects now form the basis for our physical understanding of the universe, Caltech said in a statement. It would be hard to overestimate the degree to which Murray dominated theoretical particle physics during his heyday in the 1950s and 1960s. He contributed so many deep ideas that drove the field forward, many of which are just as relevant today, said John Preskill, the Richard P. Feynman Professor of Theoretical Physics at Caltech. In 1969, Gell-Mann was honored with the Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions and discoveries concerning the classification of elementary particles and their interactions. Born and raised in New York City, Gell-Mann received his bachelors degree in physics from Yale University in 1948 and his doctorate from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1951. In later years, Gell-Mann became interested in the issues of complexity at the heart of biology, ecology, sociology and computer science. He co-founded the Santa Fe Institute to study complex systems and authored the 1994 book The Quark and the Jaguar to present his ideas to a general audience. He is survived by his children, Nicholas Gell-Mann and Elizabeth Gell-Mann, and stepson, Nicholas Southwick Levis, according to the Caltech statement. St. Agnes Academy Names New Principal DALTON, Mass. St. Agnes Academy has announced the appointment of Fadia Rostom Makdisi of Pittsfield as principal, replacing long-time educator James Stankiewicz, effective July 1. The Rev. Christopher Malatesta, pastor of St. Agnes Church, made the appointment while also reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the academy. He also announced the formation of an Executive Leadership Council, a group of experienced educators charged with the goal of growing the academy while maintaining high academic expectations and Catholic values and traditions. A search committee selected Makdisi from a field of highly competitive candidates in a regional search. "We are confident we have the perfect candidate in Fadia, who will bring a high level of energy and commitment to our church and academy and work well with our teachers, Executive Leadership Council, parents, and students," Malatesta said. "Under Fadias leadership, we will continue to seek new and creative ways to boost enrollment, secure a strong financial base, and grow in the years to come." Makdisi will have oversight for school culture and the Catholic School mission and will run the development efforts of the Academy. She will be responsible for budget planning, communications and discipline and will represent the academy on a Diocesan level, working with the superintendent of Schools to grow the academy. Other key duties include scheduling, hiring, compliance, and community outreach. She will collaborate with the Executive Leadership Council to meet and exceed the expectations of parents in regards to academics. "I am thrilled to be joining St. Agnes Academy and working with such an experienced group of educators, whose energy and commitment to faith, life learning, and academic excellence is boundless," Makdisi said. "I look forward to building on the strong foundation left by Jim Stankiewicz and exploring new ways to expand the St. Agnes mission." Frazer Harrison/Getty Images(PHOENIX) -- A former business partner of the late comic book legend Stan Lee was arrested on Saturday in Arizona on an outstanding arrest warrant for alleged elder abuse. Keya Morgan was arrested by Phoenix and Scottsdale police and will eventually be extradited back to Los Angeles, where he was charged earlier this month with false imprisonment, grand theft from an elder and elder abuse. Lee, the editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics and creator of superheroes including Spider-Man, Iron Man and Thor, died at the age of 95 in November 2018. He passed away of pre-existing health conditions, according to a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department. The charges stem from an elder abuse estate investigation that began in March 2018, according to the statement, which said that "it became clear that no one had clear legal authority to act on Mr. Lees behalf; yet, Morgan exerted his control and influence over Lee." That investigation led police to discover that Morgan had allegedly stolen over $262,000 earned from business transactions including autograph signing sessions, the statement said. Additionally, Morgan had allegedly deceived Lee in June 2018, making Lee believe he was in danger and removing Lee from his Hollywood Hills home to move him into a condominium in Beverly Hills, police said. Shortly after that move, Lee was removed from Morgans control when Morgan was arrested for "generating false 911 calls" in May 2018 as part of an alleged effort to further Lees belief that he was in danger. Morgans bail was set for $300,000. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. The Mount Greylock band marched and performed the National Anthem and Taps. Lanesborough Honors Memorial Day With Parade, Ceremony Andrew Gibson was the keynote speaker. More photos can be found here. LANESBOROUGH, Mass. In World War 2, Lt. John Fox was directing the fire as the Americans were under attack from the Germans. He kept changing the directions as to where to fire until he called for heavy firing directly on his location. "When told this, Fox simple confirmed that he knew what he was doing by saying fire it. Those salvos stopped the Germans in their tracks, gave the Americans a chance to counter-attack and retake the town," said Andrew Gibson, a history teacher at Mount Greylock Regional High School. Fox's body was found alongside hundreds of German soldiers and weapons, Gibson said. During the Civil War Thomas Plunkett was the color bearer, directing his unit into battle. The bearer led the way and soldier would follow their flag. "A cannon blast took away both of Plunkett's arms and wounded him in the chest but he didn't stop. He pressed that flag tight against his chest and his heart with what remained of his arms to keep the line moving forward with him in the lead until he fainted from loss of blood," Gibson said. Those two stories are just two examples of thousands of similar tales throughout history, Gibson said as he provided the keynote address at the annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony. The holiday recognizes those who died while serving in the armed forces. Gibson said their sacrifices are protect freedom and the land of opportunity. "Our freedom to live our lives as we conceive them with minimal interference, this is precious because it is so rare," he said. Selectman Robert Ericson reflected on the number of soldiers who perished. He reflected on being a parent, raising a child, and then eventually the child growing up and moving on. For some, though, they join the military and never return. Ericson said life moves on without them but he said the community must always remember their sacrifices. "Today we honor all of these loses and sacrifice of our loved ones," he said. The parade started at the Old Forge at 2 p.m. and traveled down Main Street to the cemetery. The parade features the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Lanesborough American Legion, Lanesborough, and Hancock Fire Departments, Lanesborough Police, the Shriners, youth spot teams, the Mount Greylock Regional High School band, the Sheriff's Office, Council on Aging, and the Agricultural Council. Donald "Digger" Clairmont was the grand marshall. The 90-year-old Clairmont had been the highway superintendent for 37 years before retiring. He also served as the assistant fire chief and then worked part-time with the Police Department. The ceremony included speeches, the laying of a wreath by Liam Seddon, prayer led by Rev. Noreen Suriner, Taps and the National Anthem played by the Mount Greylock Regional High School band, and rifle salute by the Dalton Rifle Team. The ceremony was emceed by Robert Reilly. It was meant to be part of a social media tribute on Memorial Day weekend. On Saturday afternoon, the Army posted a video on Twitter featuring a scout in fatigues who said his service gave him the opportunity to fight for something greater than himself, making him a better man. In its next tweet, the Army opened the floor and asked: How has serving impacted you? The post was shared widely and received thousands of responses. But many were probably not what the Army was looking for. Instead, the call-out provided what some felt was a rare platform to spotlight the darker consequences of military service for soldiers and their families, as tweet after tweet described lifelong health complications, grief over loved ones lost, sexual assaults gone unpunished and struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. The public just doesnt hear about it, said Brandon Neely, 38, a former Army specialist who posted about his PTSD. They dont hear about the guys, these veterans, that dont sleep, have night sweats, are irritated. Some guys get really bad anxiety, depression. Neely added, A lot those people who have bared their soul on that thread have probably never said anything publicly before. In one tweet replying to the Army, a man who said he was a Navy veteran described how he had suicidal thoughts everyday. Another read: I was assaulted by one of my superiors. When I reported him, with witnesses to corroborate my story, nothing happened to him. Nothing. A year later, he stole a laptop and was then demoted. Im worth less than a laptop. The Army said in a statement that it appreciated people sharing their personal stories. Your stories are real, they matter, and they may help others in similar situations, the Army said in a series of follow-up tweets. The Army is committed to the health, safety and well-being of our Soldiers. As we honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice this weekend by remembering their service, we are also mindful of the fact that we have to take care of those who came back home with scars we cant see. Briley Kazy, 19, who replied to the Armys tweet, was disheartened by the response. They were like, this is very important to us, made it seem like they are doing as much as they can, she said. But theyre not. Like many, Kazy posted not about her experience, but about someone close to her: a co-worker and friend who has PTSD after serving in the Army in Iraq. She declined to identify her friend. She said he was working a 12-hour shift at a Tex-Mex restaurant in Cleveland, Tennessee, where the two were cooks, on July 4, 2015. The daytime was mostly fine, she said. Then came fireworks from a nearby mall at night. He was trying his hardest, Kazy said. He would have to leave and sit in the cooler for a while and have a panic attack. To Neely, these types of stories are commonly shared among former service members. He said he served five years in the Army, joining in August 2000, seeking to break out of an irresponsible and party-minded lifestyle. He said he served in the military police and was deployed to Egypt in 2001, to Guantanamo Bay in 2002 and Iraq in 2003. He said he was discharged in 2005 with the rank of specialist. He has been a vocal critic of military operations at Guantanamo Bay. He said he has worked in law enforcement in Houston since he returned, but his life is far from settled. I dont like to go out to places, Neely said. I dont like to be around a lot of people. When my kids have stuff at school, Im usually sitting in the back. I dont want people behind me. He said the federal government does not do enough to take care of soldiers who return from their service. I know more people that have committed suicide in my unit than have been killed when we were deployed, he said. The Army is a good place, the military is a great place. The training, it gets you ready for war, but they dont get you ready for coming home. He said he hopes the attention to the responses to the Armys tweet prompts reform. Hopefully, these politicians can do something to fix the system thats broken, he said. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. HONG KONG An all-white, albino panda has appeared in a natural reserve in China, the first of its kind to be documented, an expert said this week. The panda was photographed in April with an infrared camera at the Wolong National Nature Reserve in the southwestern province of Sichuan, local authorities said in a statement. Li Sheng, who belongs to the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, said it was the first recorded image of a wild giant panda that is fully white. (There have been sightings of brown-and-white pandas in Qinling, a mountainous region in the northwestern Chinese province of Shaanxi.) The white pandas appearance is caused by albinism, a rare genetically inherited condition that prevents the normal synthesis of melanin, resulting in white hair or pale skin, as well as reddish eyes. Giant pandas are one of eight bear species, and albinism has been recorded in many other species of bears, though rarely. I personally think its quite random for it to be discovered, since albinism manifests itself so infrequently, Li said in a telephone interview. This was recorded just in time. Aside from sensitivity to sunlight, albinism does not usually have a negative effect on the anatomy or life functions of animals, but their unusual appearance can make them easier to detect in the wild. Based on the photo, albinism has not affected the life of the white panda much, said Li, who is also a researcher at Peking University. It looks quite well, quite strong. Duan Zhaogang, the Communist Party secretary of the Wolong district, said in the statement that the reserve would increase its use of infrared cameras to track the growth and movements of the panda, which is estimated to be 1 or 2 years old, and its potential offspring. (The mutation, which comes from a recessive gene, can be passed down.) Wild pandas can be difficult to study because they mostly live alone, often in remote areas. To facilitate research, a Chinese conservation center has developed a facial recognition app that can distinguish one panda from another, the state news media said this month. Nearly 10,000 images of pandas from a database have been analyzed since 2017. There are about 1,900 giant pandas living in the wild, according to a 2016 report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Citing an increase in the panda population that was credited to the Chinese government, the group changed the pandas conservation status at that time from endangered to vulnerable. But Chinese officials opposed the move, arguing that pandas still struggle to reproduce in fragmented patches of wilderness. Also this month, a rare Asiatic black bear was caught on camera in the Demilitarized Zone that separates North and South Korea. Flora and fauna thrive in the region, also known as the DMZ, because it is rarely disturbed by humans. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. The president and vice president of the San Francisco Police Commission praised police Chief William Scott Sunday, saying his apology for the May 10 police raid of a freelance journalist's home and office was the "mark of a leader." Police Commission president Robert Hirsch and vice president Damali Taylor issued the joint statement, speaking for themselves and not the entire commission, weighing in on how Scott has handled the aftermath of the raid of freelance journalist Bryan Carmody's home and office. The raid was part of an investigation into a leaked police report that contained details of the Feb. 22 death of San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi. Police want to know how Carmody received the report, which he then sold to three local television stations. Among other things, that report said Adachi died in the company of a woman who wasn't his wife. In Sunday's joint statement, Hirsch and Taylor said Scott's apology Friday for the May 10 raid -- which Scott had initially defended -- was a rare step for any police chief, and that he took that step "completely and unequivocally." "That is the mark of a leader," the statement said. While Hirsch and Taylor would not comment on the Adachi investigation itself, their statement Sunday offered praise for Scott, whom they described as a "person of high integrity" under whose leadership police use of force has gone down and who has started meaningful reforms. Sunday's police commission statement comes after the San Francisco Police Officers' Association on Saturday called for Scott to resign, calling Scott's apology a "pathetic, deceitful and shameful display of self-preservation." New Haven Unified School district teachers and administrators left a 10-hour bargaining session Sunday night with no settlement agreement in sight, according to both camps. This would suggest that the teachers' strike that began May 20 appears headed to continue. Classes are scheduled to resume Tuesday, after the Memorial Day holiday. "We're probably going to be back on strike next week, but that's not what we want to do," said New Haven Teachers Association president Joe Ku'e Angeles said in a video posted Sunday night on the union's Facebook page. The district administration's news release Sunday night made no mention as to when negotiations might pick up again. A district spokesman could not be reached immediately Sunday night for further comment. In the teachers association video, Ku'e Angeles said board members - before they "walked out abruptly" Sunday night - said they would be back at the bargaining table at 9 a.m. Monday. Ku'e Angeles said he wasn't so sure the talks will resume so soon. "The conversation has not moved" over the weekend, he said. The school district's "last, best, and final offer" is for a 1 percent raise for 2019-2020, as part of the teachers' salary schedule, and a one-time 3 percent payment. A new amendment to that added a 0.5 percent on-the-schedule pay raise for teachers for every additional $1 million in state funding for 2019/20, up to an additional 1 percent raise applied to the salary schedule. A man was shot and injured Sunday afternoon at Mission Dolores Park in San Francisco, and police were still searching for a suspect Sunday night, officers said. Officers near the park, off Dolores Street, heard gunshots at about 5 p.m. Sunday. A man with gunshot wounds was soon found, Officer Robert Rueca said, and was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Police had no suspect description late Sunday night. The park was crowded Sunday, with the Carnaval San Francisco celebration and parade having taken place in the neighborhood earlier in the day. A man was killed late Saturday night in a solo-vehicle accident in which San Jose police believe speed was a major factor. The accident occurred about 10 p.m. Saturday at Hellyer Avenue and Embedded Way in South San Jose, said police Officer Gina Tepoorten. The driver's 2005 Honda Accord was headed north on Hellyer at "a high rate of speed" when the driver apparently lost control, crossed the median strip and crashed into a light pole. The driver, the only person in the car, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver's identity was not being released by the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner's Office Sunday night, a spokeswoman there said. This was San Jose's 17th fatal traffic collision of 2019, Tepoorten said. The driver in an early Sunday morning collision that caused another vehicle to catch fire and injured three of its occupants was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, Menlo Park police said. The collision, reported about 12:30 a.m. Sunday at the intersection of southbound El Camino Real and Oak Grove Avenue, set one vehicle on fire, with the four people inside escaping with non-life threatening injuries. Three of the four were taken to the hospital. The driver of the other vehicle, Menlo Park resident Luke Quinton, 25, was taken to the hospital with major injuries. Quinton was arrested for DUI causing bodily injury based on "evidence at the scene, statements by involved parties, and observations of Menlo Park police officers investigating the collision," police said. A man suffered serious injuries early Sunday morning when he was hit by a car near the intersection of state Highway 4 and Bixler Road on the south edge of Discovery Bay in unincorporated far eastern Contra Costa County, the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District reported. The accident was reported about 2:22 a.m. Sunday, and medics found the victim lying in the roadway. The man was moved a short distance to a spot behind the nearby Safeway store, where he was loaded onto helicopter for the flight to a trauma center for treatment of major injuries. No one in the car that hit the man was hurt, firefighters said, and no other vehicles were involved. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. No further information was available Sunday night about the accident or the victim's condition. Monday will be mostly cloudy. Highs will be in the mid 50s to the lower 60s. West winds will be 10 to 20 mph. Monday night will be mostly cloudy. Lows will be in the lower 50s. West winds will be 10 to 20 mph. Tuesday will be cloudy in the morning before becoming partly cloudy. Highs will be in the 50s to the upper 60s. West winds will be 15 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. ***RESENDING TO ESTABLISH STORY NUMBER, PARAGRAPH INDENTS**** SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) The president and vice president of the San Francisco Police Commission praised police Chief William Scott Sunday, saying his apology for the May 10 police raid of a freelance journalist's home and office was the "mark of a leader." Police Commission president Robert Hirsch and vice president Damali Taylor issued the joint statement, speaking for themselves and not the entire commission, weighing in on how Scott has handled the aftermath of the raid of freelance journalist Bryan Carmody's home and office. The raid was part of an investigation into a leaked police report that contained details of the Feb. 22 death of San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi. Police want to know how Carmody received the report, which he then sold to three local television stations. Among other things, that report said Adachi died in the company of a woman who wasn't his wife. In Sunday's joint statement, Hirsch and Taylor said Scott's apology Friday for the May 10 raid -- which Scott had initially defended -- was a rare step for any police chief, and that he took that step "completely and unequivocally." "That is the mark of a leader," the statement said. While Hirsch and Taylor would not comment on the Adachi investigation itself, their statement Sunday offered praise for Scott, whom they described as a "person of high integrity" under whose leadership police use of force has gone down and who has started meaningful reforms. Sunday's police commission statement comes after the San Francisco Police Officers' Association on Saturday called for Scott to resign, calling Scott's apology a "pathetic, deceitful and shameful display of self-preservation." Tony Montoya, head of the police officers' association, said Scott "defended the search warrant in a trial balloon press release just days ago and when that balloon exploded he flip-flopped to being opposed to the search warrant." On May 15, Scott said he was confident that a search warrant obtained to search Carmody's home and office was legal and in compliance with the Shield Law, which prohibits law enforcement from forcing journalists to reveal their sources. Later Saturday, a SFPD spokesman defended Scott's actions, and said a second investigation of how police handled the raid has been requested."Chief Scott has made it abundantly clear that transparency and accountability are paramount in this criminal investigation," SFPD Officer Robert Rueca said in a statement Saturday. Scott had said on Friday that an outside agency will take over the police department's criminal investigation into the case. 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 man was shot and injured Sunday afternoon at Mission Dolores Park in San Francisco, and police are searching for a suspect, officers said. Officers near the park, off Dolores Street, heard gunshots at about 5 p.m. Sunday. A man with gunshot wounds was soon found, Officer Robert Rueca said, and was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Officers as of 6:30 p.m. were investigating the shooting. Rueca said it wasn't clear whether a suspect had been taken into custody. The park was crowded Sunday, with the Carnaval San Francisco celebration and parade having taken place in the neighborhood earlier in the day. Pathankot, May 27 (IBNS): Amid intelligence inputs that there might be threats of explosions triggered by Pakistan's spy agency ISI, two Punjab train stations have been put on high alert, media reports said. The Railways issued an alert for the Pathankot Cantonment station and Pathankot Junction station on Saturday, reported NDTV. According to the report published by the news channel, the advisory asks staff at the stations to conduct thorough checks in parking areas and at points where people have gathered. Employees were also told not to park their vehicles in the parking area or on railway station platforms where bicycles often parked. Railways employees were also directed by authorities to check unattended items lying in and around the two stations. An Indian Air Force base in Pathankot was attacked by terrorists on Jan 2, 2016 which left at least seven Indian military personnel dead. India has alleged that the January 2, 2016 terror attack on the Pathankot air base was orchestrated by Jaish. The terrorists had reportedly crossed over to India from Pakistan. Image Credit: UNI New Delhi, May 27 (IBNS): The Indian government has invited leaders of the BIMSTEC member states for the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India in his second term. BIMSTEC stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. Its member states are: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan and India. "Government of India has invited the leaders of the BIMSTEC member states for the swearing-in ceremony. This is in line with the government's focus on its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, who is the current chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, who was the chief guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, have also been invited," a government spokesperson said. The swearing in ceremony will take place at 7pm on May 30. Modi had invited all SAARC leaders for his swearing-in ceremony in 2014. The NDA this time has a strength of 353 MPs in the 543-member Lok Sabha. The BJP alone has 303 MPs. Image Credit: UNI Trump Claims US Not Seeking 'Regime Change' in Iran Donald Trump is currently visiting Japan, whose prime minister is said to be considering serving as a mediator in possible peace talks between Iran and the United States. By Sputnik News May 27, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - The United States is not looking to overthrow Iran's government, President Donald Trump said on Monday, as tensions between the two countries flared with Washington deploying troops to the region. "I know so many people from Iran, these are great people. It [Iran] has a chance to be a great country, with the same leadership. We are not looking for regime change, I just wanna make that clear," Trump said at a press conference in Tokyo, adding that he thinks "we'll make a deal" with Tehran. The POTUS is in Japan on a four-day visit; the country's prime minister, Shinzo Abe, who is seen as Trump's closest ally in Asia, was reported by local media to be considering a visit to Iran in June in a bid to repair the damaged relations between Washington and Tehran. Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported on Monday, citing government sources, that Abe made Trump aware of his intention in a private conversation, and that the US president backed the idea. Meanwhile, a top Iranian diplomat said on Sunday that Tehran was ready to hold talks with all Persian Gulf states but ruled out any direct or indirect talks with the US. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter After a period of rapprochement under Barack Obama, US-Iran relations have been progressively worsening since Donald Trump took office. Tensions began to escalate last year after he withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal, citing its inability to prevent Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons development. Washington went on to re-instate crippling economic sanctions against the oil-rich country, targeting its crucial oil exports as well as banking and shipping sectors. Iran and the remaining signatories of the deal (Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany) have repeatedly critiqued the sanctions and their rationale. On 8 May, Tehran annoucned it was scrapping parts of the nuclear deal and gave the EU a 60-day ultimatum to provide effective means to help it circumvent US sanctions, threatening to step up uranium enrichment. Recently, the Pentagon began building up its military presence in the vicinity of Iran, under the pretext of countering an unspecified military threat. Apart from deploying an air carrier and a fleet of bombers to the Middle East, the US has reportedly sent a convoy of military vehicles and troops from Jordan to Iraq and is about to dispatch an additional 1,500 more troops. This article was originally published by "Sputnik" - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== Iran Proposes Non-aggression Pact to Gulf Neighbors : Iranian Foreign Minister confirmed Tehran's request made several months ago and in several international forums, but none of the countries have responded. Guess who doesn't want war with Iran? Trump supporters Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy Some of you will join the fight on the Korean Peninsula ... where North Korea continues to threaten the peace, the vice president said. By Mary Papenfuss May 27, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - Vice President Mike Pence warned West Point graduates on Saturday to expect combat at some point during their service in a dangerous world. In a commencement speech, he said grads might have to fight against forces aligned with North Korea or China, or in Afghanistan or Iraq, as well as possibly face an unidentified foe in this hemisphere. It is a virtual certainty that you will fight on a battlefield for America at some point in your life. You will lead soldiers in combat. It will happen, Pence said. Mike Pence Tells West Point Graduates They Will Be In Combat: It Will Happen Some of you will join the fight against radical Islamic terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq. Some of you will join the fight on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific where North Korea continues to threaten the peace, and an increasingly militarized China challenges our presence in the region. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter He warned: Some of you may even be called upon to serve in this hemisphere ... When that day comes, I know you will move to the sound of the guns. The U.S. military remains in Afghanistan in the longest war in U.S. history, and 4,400 troops are now stationed at the border with Mexico. Trump has tried to broker a nuclear disarmament deal with North Korea bending over backward to praise that nations brutal dictator, Kim Jing Un but so far the president has little to show for his efforts. Pence in his speech touted increases in defense spending under Trump and aid the U.S. is once again embracing our role as the leader of the free world. He also called Trump the best friend the men and women of our armed forces will ever have. That praise came as the president has been slammed in recent days by former top military leaders for reportedly planning to pardon several service members accused of war crimes. The 980 cadets who became second lieutenants upon their graduation included 223 women, of whom 34 are black both all-time highs for the once all-male academy. The number of black men and women in the class totaled 110 double the number from as recently as 2013 , according to The Guardian. Pence like Trump did not serve in the military. But in his speech the vice president paid tribute to his father, Edward J. Pence, who served in the Korean War. This article was originally published by "HP" - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== Guess who doesn't want war with Iran? Trump supporters War is War on Mother Earth: There is the close relationship between war and climate change that can be seen in a cycle of feedback loops creating the interlocking crisis. Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy It's a tale as old as 2019. On a Friday night, your friends invite you to the trendy new bar in your neighborhood. It has high, exposed ceilings, mid-century modern furniture, potted snake plants, and minimalist wooden surfaces. Oh, and cocktails are $15. You were looking forward to a night of catching up with your pals, but you can't hear a single word they say in the packed bar. You shout over the cacophony until a throbbing ache emerges in the space between your ears, then order too many craft cocktails to dull the pain. "The growing trend in bars and restaurants just being really loud is something a lot of people can relate to," said Daniel Gahr. Gahr and Shirin Raza, who are married, own Bar Shiru, a hi-fi vinyl listening bar in Uptown Oakland. "If you look at the aesthetics of where we are currently in architecture and interior design, it's a lot of hard surfaces, glass and materials that don't necessarily make for the best acoustic environments," Gahr continued. The couple opened Bar Shiru in February this year as an antidote to the bad acoustics in restaurants that are rampant in coastal cities nowadays. On a trip to Tokyo in 2015, they were enthralled by the city's popular jazz listening bars. Gahr and Raza were inspired to bring the concept back home but as more of a loose interpretation, rather than a faithful recreation. "We didn't want to bring that exact thing here because the U.S. audience and American bar culture is quite different from what it is in Japan," explained Gahr. "We were really intent on building something that was to our vision and for the Oakland community." In Tokyo, hi-fi vinyl bar owners are known to be strict at times, even shushing customers for chatting. Bar Shiru, conversely, encourages a social atmosphere while still offering a fully analog, high-quality sound system. It even still looks like your quintessential trendy bar of the moment: high ceilings, concrete, Eames-style chairs, wooden tables, and a lot more square footage than you would typically find in a Japanese listening bar. To keep it from getting too loud, Gahr and Raza discourage large groups and maintain a strict capacity. When I stopped by on a busy Friday night, walk-ins were designated to an open seating area at the front of the bar, while those with reservations were seated at small wooden tables in front of a floor-to-ceiling collection of vinyl and huge speakers. "We wanted this to be a place that balances intentional listening and the ability to hear the music really well, but also at a volume that allows for conversation as opposed to yelling," said Gahr. In the clamor of a busy weekend evening, some of the bar's music focus was lost. As one might expect, people get chatty and loud when packed together in a bar setting, no matter the original intent of the space. The volume never got overpowering, though it was just a little hard to make out what record was playing over the hubbub. However, on a second visit on a quiet Sunday evening, the Bar Shiru the owners had envisioned came into clearer view. Old friends caught up over beers, occasionally bobbing their heads to the Pat Martino record playing. When the bartender changed records, everyone had to sit with the staticky silence for a moment a refreshing moment of mindfulness in the often overstimulating bar environment. Bar Shiru isn't the only bar in the Bay Area to start paying more attention to its acoustics. North Light, a cafe, bar, bookstore, and record shop all in one, opened in Oakland's Temescal district earlier this year. "If we're on a commute or at home, we really care about what we're hearing," said Dan Stone, who co-owns the North Oakland spot with concert promoter Lee Smith. "We care about it then, so why wouldn't we want that with the places we patronize and spend our time?" North Light plays tunes via turntable, paying careful attention to which records are being played at which times of day. "We play music without English language lyrics during the day, such as mariachi, flamenco, and jazz. "Then it converts to a bar vibe around 5," explained Stone. This allows artists, writers, and musicians to use the cafe as a peaceful home office during the day before the energy picks up at night no headphones to drown out distracting top 40 radio required. Copper Spoon, another North Oakland bar and restaurant, also brings a few music-oriented touches to its space. For example, each booth has its very own switch to control the volume of the speaker above it. "We got the idea from old diners, which would have a jukebox in each booth," said Vita Simone, Copper Spoon co-owner. "It's definitely a nice feature. You get the older people turning it down and younger people turning it up." The trendy design of mid-century modern restaurants that causes awful acoustics doesn't seem to be dying off anytime soon in a recent review of Verjus, a new San Francisco wine bar, San Francisco Chronicle food writer Soleil Ho laments having to shout to be heard over other customers as "the red lacquered ceiling, while beautiful and shiny, seemed to amplify the reverb of the crowd's voices." It's a difficult trend to quash, as louder restaurants are more profitable noise encourages increased alcohol consumption and produces faster diner turnover. But it comes at a cost: sustained loudness, especially for a restaurant's employees working for hours at a time, are linked to health problems including heart disease and high blood pressure. However, the direction these listening-experience-forward bars in Oakland are taking offers a glimmer of hope that things are starting to change. "Just like fresh-squeezed juice for cocktails, this is another sign that people are taking more care in the full experience of what it is to go to a bar," said Stone. By Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz May 27, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - Judith Miller and Michael Gordon published their now infamous New York Times article on September 8, 2002, falsely claiming on the basis of unnamed American officials that Iraq had acquired aluminum tubes with the aim of producing an atomic bomb. Disgraced by her regurgitation of bogus claims, Miller left the Times in 2005, but her spirit is alive and well at the paper of record. Nicholas Casey follows faithfully in Millers footsteps, authoring dubious, anonymously sourced stories that coincidentally happen to further US regime-change objectives. In a recent piece headlined Secret Venezuela Files Warn About Maduro Confidant (5/2/19), the Times Andes bureau chief claimed, on the basis of a leaked Venezuelan intelligence dossier that only his paper has seen, that Venezuelas Industry minister and former Vice President Tareck El Aissami has active links to Hezbollah and drug trafficking. Casey wrote: The dossier, provided to the New York Times by a former top Venezuelan intelligence official and confirmed independently by a second one, recounts testimony from informants accusing Mr. El Aissami and his father of recruiting Hezbollah members to help expand spying and drug trafficking networks in the region. Unsurprisingly, the article has been endorsed by Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, widely considered the point man for Trumps Latin America policy, and whose zeal for regime change in Caracas appears unperturbed by elementary facts or international law. In a May 16 tweet, Rubio openly celebrated the fact that Venezuelan President Maduro cant access funds to rebuild electric grid, thereby dispensing with any pretence that US sanctions are not directly aimed at the Venezuelan population. The claims of an alleged relationship between Caracas and Hezbollah are, however, entirely unoriginal, having been repeated by corporate journalists and national security pundits without evidence for years. Hezbollah has a long and sordid history in Venezuela, wrote Foreign Policy (2/2/19) earlier this year. Newsweek claimed in a 2017 article (12/8/17) that the Lebanese political party was involved in cocaine shipments from Latin America to West Africa, as well as through Venezuela and Mexico to the United States, while The Hill (1/13/17) labeled El Aissami a fan of Iran and Hezbollah, rehashing US allegations going back to 2008. Likewise, corporate media claims about Hezbollah presence in Latin America have not been exclusive to Venezuela, with similar baseless rumors circulating about the Lebanese political party operating in the so-called Tri-Border Area of Paraguay (Extra!, 910/07). Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Such stories just happen to buttress similar unsupported claims by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that Hezbollah has active cells in Venezuela. Pompeo and other senior administration officials have repeatedly warned that a military option to remove the Maduro government is on the table, while self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido has requested cooperation from the Pentagons US Southern Command. Casey himself has a long-established track record in dodgy Venezuela reporting, ranging from ludicrous stories about Cuban doctors (FAIR.org, 3/26/19) to false claims that private media like Globovision and El Universal toe a government line. (See FAIR.org, 5/20/19.) Suspect sources According to Caseys dossier, Tareck El Aissami conspired with his father, Carlos Zaidan El Aissami, in a plan to train Hezbollah members in Venezuela, with the aim of expanding intelligence networks throughout Latin America and at the same time working in drug trafficking. We should begin by recognizing that Casey provides no proof of the authenticity of the alleged documents, and there is no reason why readers should take the assurances of unnamed former top Venezuelan intelligence official[s] at face value, especially those currently outside Venezuela collaborating with Washington. Similar sources were used to craft the fraudulent case for war in Iraq. For instance, former Venezuelan intelligence czar Hugo El Pollo Carvajal, who broke with the Maduro government in 2017, is facing extradition to the US from Spain on cocaine-smuggling charges. In February, the ex-general gave an interview to Casey and the Times (2/21/19) in which he accused El Aissami of similar drug trafficking and Hezbollah links. Nowhere in the article did Casey think it relevant to mention that Carvajal plans to cooperate with US authorities, and thus has reasonable motive to fabricate information that improves the conditions of his plea bargain. Taking refuge in anonymity, which the Times own handbook describes as a last resort, Casey leaves open the question of whether his source is Carvajal or another ex-official collaborating with the US who authored the dossier after leaving Venezuela, since no date is provided. From Curveball to North Korean defectors, corporate media have been consistently guilty of not examining sources motives so long as their information bolsters US foreign policy interests, even at the cost of tens or hundreds of thousands of lives. Urea-gate? Beyond the issue of sourcing, the alleged dossier has a troubling number of logical and factual inconsistencies. A case in point is the alleged testimony from an unnamed National Guard officer about a 2004 raid near the border with Brazil, which reportedly found more than 150 tons of urea in a warehouse. Casey disingenuously refers to urea as a precursor substance used to make cocaine, when in fact over 90 percent of industrially produced urea is used for fertilizer. Casey does concede later on that urea has non-cocaine purposes, but cannot conceive of the possibility of the substance being stored in a given location only to be used elsewhere. The narrative function of the urea bust, which for some reason was not reported until a mysterious dossier was handed to the New York Times 15 years later, is to provide a link to Walid Makled, allegedly the owner of the urea warehouses, and a drug trafficking kingpin of sorts. Even assuming that the urea was meant for cocaine production, and not for more mundane agricultural purposes, a key fact is that Makled is currently serving a jail sentence in Venezuela for drug trafficking. This inconvenient reality, noted but not explained by the Times, on its face seriously undermines the idea that the current Industry minister, supposedly a close associate of Makled, is a powerful figure running a drug ring at the heart of the Venezuelan state. That aside, its worth reviewing the links that Casey presents between Makled and El Aissami: According to the dossier, El Aissamis brother, Feraz, went into business with Makled. The government gave contracts to a company tied to Mr. Makled. (Casey doesnt think it relevant to explain the nature of these ties or contracts) The US government offered a similarly vague level detail regarding El Aissamis alleged ties to drug-running when it sanctioned the then-vice president in 2017, and even Casey admits that Washington never revealed the evidence. Two people familiar with [El Aissamis] family identified Haisam Alaisami as being El Aissamis cousin, with Alaisami supposedly telling prosecutors he was a legal representative of Makleds company. Beyond the anonymous genealogy, no concrete evidence is presented linking El Aissami to Alaisami, and hence to drugs. In the absence of any externally verifiable evidence, what Casey presents as bombshell revelations of solid links to drug trafficking come out looking like 15-year-old gossip from unnamed sources. Hezbollah hysteria While Caseys story provides very questionable allegations on links to drug trafficking and to Hezbollah, the connection between both is even more dubious. The dossier concludes with informant testimony on the familys ties to Hezbollah. One of the sources of the information was the drug lord, Mr. Makled, who described Mr. El Aissamis involvement in the scheme, according to the intelligence memo. After establishing highly questionable ties between Tareck El Aissami and Walid Makled, largely based on their shared Syrian ancestry, Caseys dossier then claims it is none other than Makled who reveals El Aissamis supposed Hezbollah plot. According to the alleged documents, El Aissami and his father were involved in a plan to train Hezbollah members in Venezuela, with the aim of expanding intelligence networks throughout Latin America and at the same time working in drug trafficking. The unspoken assumption is that Hezbollah, which is a resistance movement and political party that forms part of the the elected Lebanese government, would be interested in conducting such illicit activities halfway around the world. Here Casey displays a geopolitical illiteracy on par with top Trump administration officials since, according to Middle East expert Asad AbuKhalil, there is no agenda or reason for Hezbollah to have an international presence. For what purpose? Doesnt the party have enough on its plate in Lebanon itself? he asked, while acknowledging that the party does have sympathizers and supporters worldwide. On the assertion that Hezbollah is engaged in drug trafficking, the University of California at Stanislaus professor is equally skeptical. There has been no credible story in Arabic or in Western languages about Hezbollahs involvement in drugs, he stressed: Hezbollah publicly and organizationally took a stance against drugs and issues fatwas against drugs not only among members but even in Shiite areas of Lebanon. Hezbollah has even allowed Lebanese government agencies to penetrate deep into its strongholds [this year] to search for drug traffickers. Casey and his editors cleverly shield themselves from any reputational damage over the ludicrous nature of these allegations with a rather significant proviso buried in the 14th paragraph of the article: Whether Hezbollah ever set up its intelligence network or drug routes in Venezuela is not addressed in the dossier. But it does assert that Hezbollah militants established themselves in the country with Mr. El Aissamis help. In other words, what was originally presented as anonymously sourced claims about Hezbollah spying and drug trafficking in Venezuela turn out to be little more than speculation about intent to carry out such activities. In giving credence to these allegations, the Times repeats the propaganda of top Trump administration officials and the Israeli government about the global terrorist ambitions of Iran/Hezbollah, which is in league with Venezuelas socialist narco-dictatorship. Having played a key propaganda role in recent US regime change operations in Iraq, Syria, Libya and elsewhere, corporate media outlets like the New York Times are all too eager to beat the drums of war once again. With Washington actively threatening military force in both Iran and Venezuela, Nicholas Casey lends a hand in manufacturing public consent for not one but two illegal wars. This article was originally published by "FAIR" - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of Austria and his caretaker government were ousted from power Monday with a no-confidence vote in Parliament as the ramifications of a secretly filmed video added to the political disarray in a European country normally known for stability. A majority of lawmakers stood up in a demonstration of their withdrawal of trust from Kurz, 32, making him the first Austrian leader in more than seven decades to be removed from power by his peers in Parliament. JERUSALEM Israels parliament on Monday passed a preliminary motion to dissolve itself. The move further pushed the country toward an unprecedented political impasse, less than two months after elections seemed to promise Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a new mandate. If the bill receives final passage in a vote scheduled Wednesday, Israel would be forced to hold new elections sending the political system into disarray. Netanyahu appeared to have a clear path to victory, and a fourth consecutive term, after the April 9 elections. His Likud party emerged tied as the largest party in the 120-seat parliament, and with his traditional allies, he appeared to control a solid 65-55 majority. But he has struggled to form a government ahead of Wednesdays looming deadline to do so. His prospective coalition has been thrown into crisis in recent days by former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, an ally and sometimes rival of Netanyahus. Lieberman has insisted on passing a new law mandating that young ultra-Orthodox men be drafted into the military, like most other Jewish males. Netanyahus ultra-Orthodox allies demand that the draft exemptions remain in place. Without the five seats of Liebermans Yisrael Beiteinu party, Netanyahu cannot muster a majority. The draft law has become a symbol and we will not capitulate on our symbols, Lieberman defiantly said, vowing to press for new elections if his demands are not met. Netanyahu and Lieberman met Monday evening in a last-ditch effort to find a compromise. Israeli media said the meeting ended without any progress, and quoted Likud officials as saying Netanyahu would soon order new elections. Netanyahus ruling Likud has traditionally had an alliance with ultra-Orthodox and nationalist parties. But Lieberman, a former top Netanyahu aide, is a wild card. Though stanchly nationalist, he also champions a secular agenda aimed toward his political base of immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Likud insists Lieberman is motivated by his personal spite for Netanyahu and has launched a vicious campaign against him in recent days. But Lieberman says he is driven by ideology and will not be a hand to religious coercion. Ultra-Orthodox parties consider conscription a taboo, fearing that military service will lead to immersion in secularism. But years of exemptions have generated widespread resentment among the rest of Jewish Israelis. A stalemate on the issue was one of the factors that shortened the term of the previous coalition government, which Lieberman resigned from months before elections were called because he disagreed with its policy toward the Gaza Strip. If Wednesdays final vote passes, it would mark the first time the scenario had played out in Israel and set the stage for an unprecedented second election in the same calendar year. Aron Heller is an Associated Press writer. BRUSSELS The European Unions traditional center splintered in the hardest-fought European Parliament elections in decades, with the far right and pro-environment Greens gaining ground on Sunday after four days of a polarized vote. Turnout was at a two-decade high over the balloting across the 28 European Union countries. The elections were seen as a test of the influence of the nationalist, populist and hard-right movements that have swept the continent in recent years and impelled Britain to quit the EU altogether. Both supporters of closer European unity and those who consider the EU a meddlesome and bureaucratic presence portrayed the vote as crucial for the future of the bloc. In Britain , voters went for the extremes, with the strongest showing for Nigel Farages newly formed Brexit party and a surge for the staunchly pro-European Liberal Democrats, versus a near wipeout for Conservatives. In France, an electorate that voted Emmanuel Macron into presidential office in 2017 did an about-face and the party of his defeated opponent, Marine Le Pen, drew into first place. In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkels ruling coalition saw a drastic loss in support to the Greens and, to a lesser extent, the far right. Italys League party, led by Matteo Salvini, claimed 32% of the vote in early projections, compared with around 6% five years ago. Not only is the League the first party in Italy, but Marine Le Pen is first in France, Nigel Farage is first in Great Britain. Therefore, Italy, France and England: the sign of a Europe that is changing, that is fed up, Salvini said. Despite gains, the vote was hardly the watershed anticipated by Europes far-right populists, who have vowed to dilute the European Union from within in favor of national sovereignty. Pro-EU parties still were expected to win about two-thirds of the 751-seat legislature that sits in Brussels and Strasbourg, according to the projections released by the parliament. The continent-wide voting had major implications not just for the functioning of the bloc but also for the internal politics in many countries. Le Pen exulted that the result confirms the new nationalist-globalist division in France and beyond; Greeces governing party called for snap elections after its loss; and Salvini was expected to capitalize on the outcome to boost his power at home. The monopoly of power is broken, said Margrethe Vestager, of the pro-EU ALDE grouping that includes Macrons party. Vestager declared herself a candidate to lead the European commission for ALDE, which gained seats in large part because Macrons party is itself a newcomer. Le Pens far-right, anti-immigrant National Rally party came out on top in France with 24% in an astonishing rebuke of Macron, who has made EU integration the heart of his presidency. His party drew just over 21%, according to government results. Exit polls in Germany, the EUs biggest country, likewise indicated Merkels party and its center-left coalition partner also suffered losses, while the Greens were set for big gains and the far right was expected to pick up slightly more support. Turnout across the bloc was put at 50.5%, a 20-year high. An estimated 426 million people were eligible to vote. The results will likely leave Parliaments two main parties, the European Peoples Party and the Socialists & Democrats, without a majority for the first time since 1979, opening the way for complicated talks to form a working coalition. The Greens and the ALDE free-market liberals were jockeying to become decisive in the body. A subdued Esther de Lange, vice chair of the European Peoples Party, conceded that the results indicate fragmentation and a shrinking center. The Greens did well not just in Germany but in France and Ireland. The Green wave has really spread all over Europe, and for us that is a fantastic result, said Ska Keller, the groups co-leader in the Parliament. Germanys Manfred Weber, the candidate of the EPP, the biggest party in Parliament, said that now it is most necessary for the forces that believe in this Europe, that want to lead this Europe to a good future, that have ambitions for this Europe to work together. Europe has been roiled in the past few years by immigration from the Mideast and Africa and deadly attacks by Islamic extremists. Lori Hinnant, Raf Casert and Lorne Cook are Associated Press writers. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This includes cookies from third party social media websites and ad networks. Such third party cookies may track your use on Sharedots sites for better rendering. Our partners use cookies to ensure we show you advertising that is relevant to you. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on Sharedots website. However, you can change your cookie settings at any time. Learn more Page Content After monthsmaybe even yearsof protracted litigation, you've reached a resolution with a former employee who sued for sexual harassment. To ink the deal, you use the same settlement agreement that you've used to settle workplace disputes in the past, and you feel confident that you're doing everything correctly. Right? Not so fast. A new law, effective Jan. 1 of this year, has changed the way businesses must handle settlements, so employers will need to review their policies and procedures to ensure they meet the new requirements. Specifically, California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1001 prohibits public and private employers of any size from settling lawsuits and administrative claims using agreements that prevent the disclosure of factual information regarding: Sexual assault. Sexual harassment. Workplace harassment or discrimination based on sex. The failure to prevent acts of workplace harassment or sex discrimination. Retaliation against workers who report sexual harassment or sex discrimination. Any settlement agreement that provides otherwise is void on grounds of public policy. This means that settlement agreements for lawsuits or administrative claims alleging sexual harassment, assault, or discrimination or retaliation based on sex cannot be confidential. The new law serves as yet another reminder for human resources professionals to stay informed of legislative updates in California and regularly review their employment documents for compliance. No More Secret Settlements Section 1001 was enacted to eliminate secret settlements that historically silenced survivors of harassment and assault and kept them from revealing the details of sexual-harassment cases. Proponents of the law cited Harvey Weinstein's alleged predatory behavior, which was kept secret and ostensibly continued in part because of the confidential settlement agreements that prevented victims from coming forward with their stories. [SHRM members-only toolkit: Complying with California Sexual-Harassment Training Requirements] However, opponents of the law were concerned that a blanket prohibition on confidential settlement agreements in harassment cases could chill settlements altogether. Companies might be less willing to enter into mutually beneficial pacts with current and former employees if the law was enacted in such a broad manner. Companies often settle cases based on the cost of defense as compared with the cost of settlement. Further, by their nature, settlements are negotiated based on the risk that either party could lose at trialnot just the employer. Opponents of the law also argued that making details of sexual-harassment settlements public would make the employer look guilty, even if it settled for business reasons. Sometimes companies settle cases to save on the cost of defense or mitigate reputational risk. Accordingly, the final version of the statute provides that some nondisclosure provisions are still allowed. For instance, the amount a company pays to resolve a claim can still be confidential. Additionally, the parties can agree to keep the claimant's identity confidential at the claimant's request if no public officials or government agencies are parties to the settlement agreement. Parties can also keep confidential all facts that could lead to the discovery of the claimant's identity. Employer Considerations Employers should note that Section 1001 applies only to claims raised in a lawsuit or administrative charge, so a severance agreement or settlement agreement based on a demand letter from an employee's attorney wouldn't be covered by the new law. But the new law may impact whether employers decide to settle or fight a sexual-harassment lawsuit. As opponents of Section 1001 pointed out, businesses don't always settle employment lawsuits based on merit. So settlement agreements may be less valuable to employers if they don't include a confidentiality clause. California employers should review their settlement agreements to ensure they don't contain impermissible confidentiality provisions. Inadvertently including such a clause in an agreement covering claims of harassment or assault can void the entire agreement. Annie Lau and Bailey Bifoss are attorneys with Fisher Phillips in San Francisco. [Visit SHRM's resource page on workplace harassment.] STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A man caught taking photos of a 5-year-old girl at Jones Beach was arrested on child pornography charges, according to the New York Post. John Meehan, 21, of North Babylon, L.I., was spotted snapping photos of the girl by her mother Saturday, the state Parks Department told the Post. She told park officers, who said Meehan also was in possession of child porn when they intervened, according to the report. He was charged with possessing a sexual performance by a child and second-degree unlawful surveillance, the report said. Update: The power outage has been restored. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A power outage in Eltingville is leaving hundreds of homes without power Sunday night. The outage is affecting 735 customers as of 6:15 p.m., according to a Con Edison spokesman, and crews have been dispatched in order to assess the cause of the outage and to make repairs. This is the third power outage in Eltingville this month. On Saturday, more than 300 Eltingville residents were left without power after a downed cable was reported, and on May 19, more than 2,000 homes were without power during a major blackout that was also caused by a downed power cable. The Con Edison spokesman said that the cause of the outage is downed wires, likely caused by tree limbs affected by the weather. The outage comes amid a strong thunderstorm that is carrying 40 to 50 mph winds and pea sized hail, according to the National Weather Service. Cira Frasier, a resident of Wiman Avenue, said she heard a boom outside of her home as she was working on the computer Sunday evening. Everything went off," she said, and when the Eltingville resident looked outside, she saw sparks coming from severed power lines across the street from her home. Frasier noted that her home has been affected by recent outages in the area. I wish theyd figure it out, Frasier said. Con Edison crews were seen in the vicinity of Wiman Avenue repairing what appeared to be severed power lines. The outage is currently affecting homes within the boundaries of Wiman Avenue, Preston Avenue, King Street and Mosley Avenue, the Con Edison spokesman said. The original estimated time of power restoration was 8 p.m., according to the Con Edison outage map, but that estimation has since been pushed back, and the new restoration time is expected to be 9:30 p.m. The outage is leaving over 700 customers without power Sunday evening. (Con Edison outage map) This is a breaking news story. More information will be posted as it becomes available. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Were you at the Jersey Shore over the weekend? If you happened to be on the beach in Avalon, N.J., on Sunday, you might have had the chance to see a fire rainbow." Packy McCormick captured the rare occurrence and posted it on Twitter. Ive never seen a rainbow like this. What is it? pic.twitter.com/ND3jxhFnGs Packy McCormick (@packyM) May 26, 2019 A fire rainbow, also known as a circumhorizontal arc, occurs when the sunlight hits ice crystals in high clouds. While they appear mostly during the summer, the conditions to required to create a fire rainbow need to be very precise. The sun has to be at an elevation of 58 degrees or greater, there must be high altitude cirrus clouds with plate-shaped ice crystals, and sunlight has to enter the ice crystals at a specific angle, according to ABC 6 Philadelphia meteorologist Adam Joseph. 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! May 27, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - While the Donald Trump administration is threatening two new wars on Iran and Venezuela, a substantial majority of the US Congress is clamoring for more immediate action. Nearly 400 Congress members from both chambers roughly 75 percent of all federal US lawmakers have signed an open letter calling on President Trump to escalate the war in Syria, in the name of countering Iran, Russia, and Lebanese Hezbollah. Top Democratic Party leaders have joined hawkish Republicans in a bipartisan demand that the far-right president address threats in Syria and demonstrate American leadership in resolving the prolonged conflict. They hope to do this through more US intervention, implementing a three-pronged Syria strategy: one, augment our support for Israel and maintain its qualitative military edge; two, increase pressure on Iran and Russia; and, three, increase pressure on Hezbollah. While the letter stops short of openly requesting more American troops inside Syria, it clearly states that the US should take more aggressive actions. It also expressly calls on the Trump White House to punish Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah with crippling sanctions. Among the signatories are 2020 Democratic presidential candidates Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Cory Booker. (The full list is here (PDF file).) The letter was notably not signed by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Tulsi Gabbard, both 2020 Democratic presidential candidates who are running left-wing, anti-war campaigns. The Congressional call does not even feign concern for the humanitarian situation of Syrians, or make any pretense of supporting the Syrian people. Rather, it is entirely framed within a chauvinistic perspective of expanding American power, protecting Israel, and weakening US adversaries. The letter fearmongers about the presence of Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah in Syria, all of which are fighting in alliance with Syrias internationally recognized government, which sits at the United Nations, and which has requested their support. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The bipartisan document claims that the region has also been destabilized by Iranian regimes threatening behavior, adding that Russias destabilizing role only complements that of Iran, and that Hezbollah now poses a more potent threat to Israel as well. The Democratic chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Eliot Engel, and the Republican chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, James Risch, helped to lead the letter campaign. It was also signed by Democratic Party leaders Chuck Schumer and Dianne Feinstein and Hillary Clinton loyalists such as Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and Tim Kaine. Russiagate figurehead Adam Schiff lent his name, along with neoconservative Republicans like Marco Rubio, Tom Cotton, and Ted Cruz. Republican white nationalist Rep. Steve Kings name also appeared on the letter. Even some Democrats who have been outspoken opponents of the US-Saudi war on Yemen like Senator Chris Murphy and Representative Ted Lieu were signatories. The letter goes on to express deep concern about pockets of ungoverned space [that] have allowed terrorist groups, such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and their affiliates, to keep parts of Syria in their stranglehold. Left unacknowledged in the congressional letter is the way that US intervention in Syria in fact fueled the spread of these extremist groups. The multi-billion-dollar arm-and-equip program the largest since the CIAs covert war in Afghanistan in the 1980s funneled weapons to ISIS and Syrias al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra, the biggest affiliate of the Salafi-jihadist group since 9/11. Former Barack Obama administration officials even admitted that their proxy war and intervention by US allies Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey greatly strengthened these radical Islamist groups. The letter reflects the national security states perpetual feedback loop, where US military intervention fuels extremist groups, and then the strength and persistence of these extremist groups is in turn used to justify further US military intervention to fight them. The Trump White Houses growing threats against Iran The US Congress is often a site of bipartisan belligerence. In 2018, not a single member of the legislature opposed the Trump administrations imposition of sanctions on Nicaraguas leftist government. The latest missive reflects a yearning for more war from the leadership of both major political parties, at a moment when the Trump administration is ratcheting up US aggression against numerous countries. US sanctions on Venezuela led to the preventable deaths of some 40,000 Venezuelans in 2017 and 2018, and the Trump administration is hardly concealing its ambition to starve the Venezuelan population as a whole by threatening sanctions on the governments CLAP food program. The Trump administration is also increasingly threatening Iran. On May 24, Trump announced that he will be sending 1,500 troops and a dozen fighter jets to the Middle East, in a significant escalation of US aggression against Tehran. At the same time, the Trump administration declared an emergency to bypass Congressional oversight and expedite the sale of billions of dollars of weapons to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Representative Tulsi Gabbard, an outsider in the 2020 presidential race, has helped lead the campaign against a potential US war on Iran. In one of many anti-war tweets, Gabbard wrote: Cost of Iran war? A region engulfed in bloodletting, countless lives, many trillions $, our ntnl security undermined, ISIS/AQ strengthened, massive immigration crisis, likely confrontation btwn US & nuclear Russia or China. War without end because victory will remain undefined. Senator Bernie Sanders has also joined the movement against a war on Iran. He published a video on May 24 affirming, I was right about Vietnam. I was right about Iraq. I will do everything in my power to prevent a war with Iran. I apologize to no one. Ben Norton is a journalist and writer. He is a reporter for The Grayzone, and the producer of the Moderate Rebels podcast, which he co-hosts with Max Blumenthal. His website is BenNorton.com , and he tweets at @ BenjaminNorton This article was originally published by "Gray Zone" - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy Having halved the approval time for some mortgages, National Australia Bank's digital offshoot UBank is eyeing a future where loan forms are filled out through a conversation with a digital assistant. Chief executive of UBank, Lee Hatton also said the federal election result should lift confidence in the property market, and she believed the lender could continue expanding its mortgage book eight times faster than the industry average. UBank chief executive Lee Hatton,said the federal election result would lift confidence in the property market. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer UBank, a digital-only bank, has been offering home loans for less than four years, and it is targeting refinancing customers with loan-to-valuation ratios of 80 per cent or less. NAB's latest results show its mortgage portfolio grew at eight times the industry average in the first half, though this was off a low base (it does not disclose the size of its loan book). While regulators contemplate whether Boeing Co.'s 737 Max can safely return to the skies, workers in a California airplane-storage yard keep a careful vigil against earthier concerns. Despite being grounded worldwide, Boeing is still manufacturing 737 Max planes, and bills are skyrocketing. Credit:Bloomberg Crews have sealed 34 Southwest Airlines jets against the Mojave Desert's sun, wind and sand, as well as insects and birds that can creep into wheel wells and engine air inlets. Southwest declined to discuss the expense, but one industry veteran said such sojourns run about $US2,000 ($2,888) a month for each plane - a small but critical cost amid Boeing's many looming financial penalties. The attention lavished now on the planes will help determine how fast the Max get back in the air once a worldwide grounding is lifted. Designed to ferry throngs of travellers, the young jets' only daily visitors these days are technicians who draw fuel samples to scout for bacterial contamination. Once a week, Southwest mechanics spool up the big turbofans, boot up flight computers, and extend and retract flight-control surfaces such as wing flaps. "Planes are meant to be flying and being used,'' said Tim Zemanovic, who used to own an Arizona storage park and estimated monthly storage costs, which include labor and materials. "You've got to keep them that way even when they're in storage.'' The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, in opposing the proposed merger of Vodafone and TPG Telecom, has focused on the implications for competition if TPG doesnt build the fourth mobile network. Perhaps it should have paid more attention on the implications for Vodafone if it did. As it happens, TPG, after the federal government banned the use of Huaweis equipment in 5G networks, ditched its plans and wrote off $228 million it had already invested. Vodafone's Federal Court filing raises questions about its viability if the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's opposition to its merger with TPG is upheld. It has essentially said that, without access to the cheapest technology for its original small-cell based 4G network and an upgrade path to 5G that only Huawei could have provided, there is no credible business case for it to realise its initial ambition. The ACCC, however, opposed the merger on the basis that, if it blocked it, TPG might change its mind and reactivate the plan. Cautious relief rather than excitement probably best describes the reaction from the Vocus board to takeover interest from European private equity player EQT. So its not surprising the board has welcomed its suitor into the financial tent to have a closer look at the telcos accounts. Vocus CEO Kevin Russell. Credit:Steven Siewert By any measure the indicative offer price is pretty generous at $5.25 a share, well above the $3.89 pre-offer price. And it values Vocus at $3.3 billion. It has been a difficult few years for Vocus. It was once a sharemarket darling with its stock trading at $9 only three years ago, but it has since been through the meat grinder. By Trevor Aaronson May 27, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - John Walker Lindh was the first big catch of the so-called U.S. war on terror. A Californian who had converted to Islam, Lindh was captured in Afghanistan in November 2001. He was 20 years old. Dubbed the American Taliban, Lindh was freed from prison Thursday on supervised release, his 20-year sentence reduced slightly for good behavior. His exit from prison has caused some handwringing among the chattering and political classes. The American Taliban will be free after 17 years. Is the U.S. ready to welcome him back? the Washington Post asked. Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama claimed President Donald Trump opposes Lindhs early release. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described Lindhs return to freedom on Fox & Friends as unexplainable and unconscionable. In response to Lindhs newfound freedom, Shelby joined with two Republican colleagues, Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Representative Bradley Byrne of Alabama, to introduce a bill, the No Leniency for Terrorists Act, which would make convicted terrorists ineligible for early release. But those who believe Lindhs release should raise fresh fears for our collective safety simply havent been paying attention. Lindh is unique as a cultural figure his capture in Afghanistan made him a modern-day Benedict Arnold but he is just one of more than 400 convicted terrorists who have been released from U.S. prisons since 9/11. In fact, Lindh isnt even the only convicted terrorist being released over the course of a week in late May. Charlton Edward La Chase, who wanted to be in his words the first deaf person to create American casualties in the name of ISIS, was freed on May 24. Michael Todd Wolfe, who planned to head to Syria to join ISIS, will be released May 30. Indeed, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons has over the past few years released dozens of name-brand terrorists. U.S. officials have no special program to monitor these people or help reintegrate them into a society that may continue to see them as the enemy. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter After The Intercepts Trial and Terror series and data project in 2017, which revealed for the first time that more than half of all convicted terrorists since 9/11 had been released, U.S. government officials began to use a new term: terrorist recidivism. In congressional testimony in November 2017, Elaine Duke, then the acting secretary for Homeland Security, told a House committee: A number of inmates with terrorism affiliations are scheduled for release from U.S. prisons in the next few years. We need to work with the Department of Justice and its Bureau of Prisons, and other interagency partners, to make sure they do not return to violence once released. So far, none of the convicted Islamist terrorists released from federal prison have been charged with new terrorism-related offenses or have been alleged to be part of a terrorist plot in the United States. Take the so-called Liberty City Seven: a group, former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said in a national press conference, that wanted to wage a full ground war against the United States. Its alleged members have all been freed; their purported leader, Narseal Batiste, is now a painter in Houston. Bryant Neal Vinas, who was captured in Pakistan and admitted to firing rockets on U.S. military bases in September 2008, is living in New York, having received a lenient sentence after working with the government as a cooperating witness. Even Najibullah Zazi, once described by former Attorney General Eric Holder as one of the most serious terrorist threats to our nation since 9/11, should be released soon. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison which hes already served after also having worked with the government as an informant. None of this is to say that the prospect of terrorist recidivism isnt real; its just debatable how serious the concern should be about released convicts like Lindh. The U.S. military helped create a lasting narrative that Lindh was a dangerous terrorist ready to strike at any moment. One of the first photographs the government released showed him naked and blindfolded, tied to a stretcher, his hands bound twice, once with straps and again with plastic restraints. He accepted a plea deal in 2002, admitting in federal court that he had been a soldier for the Taliban and had trained with Al Qaeda. For much of the past two decades, Lindh has been imprisoned in a Communications Management Unit that restricts access to the outside world. Hell now begin a three-year term of supervised release. As with other federal inmates on supervised release, Lindh will be required to check in regularly with probation officers who will monitor his activity. U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III, who recently presided over the trial and sentencing of former Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort, also ordered that Lindh not use the internet unsupervised, not read or possess extremist material, and not leave the United States without court approval. But while Lindhs communications and movements over the next three years will be constrained, the prospect that he and other released militants may take up arms again, or otherwise reoffend, has become a topic du jour among Americas self-styled terrorism experts. Last week, both Voice of America and The Atlantic quoted Jesse Morton, an extremist-turned-expert in the pseudoscience of deradicalization, on the potential dangers of Lindhs release. I dont think we have to be worried about him returning to commit an act of violence, Morton told Voice of America before launching into a conspiracy theory about left-wing American Muslims. There are other things we need to worry about. For example, his stated intention that he wants to return to preaching, and a growing sort of far leftist, revolutionary, anti-American sentiment inside of a small segment of the American Muslim community that might allow him to have a platform. That would be dangerous. Morton, who founded the website RevolutionMuslim.com, was captured in Morocco while trying to make his way to join al-Shabab in Somalia. He later disavowed his jihadi ways, became a government informant, and received leniency in his sentencing. In 2017, he started a supposed nonprofit with Mitch Silber, the former director of intelligence analysis for the New York Police Department. The group aims to monetize the study and rehabilitation of released terrorists, but its success beyond media attention is questionable. The company is registered in Virginia to an Alexandria apartment complex, and IRS records available for public review do not show that Parallel Networks has been granted nonprofit status. Mortons claims about released terrorism convicts returning to extremism and violence are based primarily on assumptions. And hes not alone. In a 2017 document, the National Counterterrorism Center, or NCTC, speculated that released terrorism convicts will probably reengage in terrorist activity without providing any evidence for the claim. Instead, the NCTC pointed to overall rates of recidivism: We have seen high rates of recidivism among those who were incarcerated for non-terrorism related criminal activity, suggesting the likelihood of violent extremist recidivism is also high. In point of fact, little data exists about terrorist recidivism. Most convicted terrorists in the United States and Europe with links to Islamist groups have only been released in the last decade, making for a small sample. A 2012 report by the U.S. director of National Intelligence found that recidivism among Guantanamo detainees has trended sharply downward over time. Morton himself represents a lonely data point on the terrorist recidivism chart. In December 2016, while on early release from prison for his terrorism conviction, Morton was arrested on drug and prostitution charges. That hasnt stopped his career reboot as a terrorism expert. Besides, once Lindh finishes supervised release, questions about his possible recidivism could be another nations concern. Lindh, who acquired Irish citizenship while in prison, hopes to move to the Emerald Isle. This article was originally published by " The Intercept " - The WA Premier will head to the nation's biggest oil and gas conference this week with the intent of luring big companies west to take advantage of the state's cheap gas prices. In an address at the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association conference in Brisbane speech Mr McGowan will call for investment in WA, highlighting the state's domestic gas reservation policy introduced in 2006. Premier Mark McGowan. is heading east to lure companies west. Credit:Hamish Hastie The policy reserves up to 15 per cent of LNG production from each WA LNG export project and has resulted in an abundant gas supply to the state and cheaper wholesale prices. The Australian Energy Market Operator's gas statement of opportunities report in March found the east coast gas supply-demand balance remained tight due to continued decline in gas production in south-eastern Australia and pipeline limitations from Queensland. Damaging winds that caused gusts of up to 90km/h in Sydney's CBD and up to 125km/h in the regions on Monday are likely to return on Tuesday in association with a new cold front, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned, after Sydney's seemingly endless summer came to an abrupt end. In Sydney, winds whipping through the CBD and dubbed a "polar jet" by Weatherzone forecaster Andrew Miskelly, sent debris flying, causing problems for traffic and pedestrians alike while other areas of the state received a dusting of snow. A poster is blown off a traffic light pole and pedestrians shield their faces as strong winds hit Sydney. Credit:Ben Grubb A man was killed at Silverdale in Sydney's west when a flying branch hit a truck about 1.50pm, causing it to lose control before hitting a tree. The driver of the truck was flown to Nepean Hospital in a stable condition, but his passenger died at the scene. A lane also had to be closed on the Sydney Harbour Bridge due to a loose sign, while fallen wires closed Seven Hills Road in Seven Hills. The trumpeter resembled a young Brad Pitt, the banjo player had the soft beard of a hip 20-something and along with the standing double-bass player the trio projected the air of conservatorium graduates who were passionate about their music and expert on their instruments. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and member for Flynn Ken ODowd. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer. The tunes were jazz standards and 20th-century Americana Basin Street Blues and a raggy and ironical take on If I Only Had a Brain from The Wizard of Oz. The stage was a field along one of Melbourne's urban creeklands, a city farm with a weekend market, $4 coffees, artisan pastries, organic fruit and veg and, in the background, people weed dating among the rows of swiss chard and silverbeet. There were young families with free-range kids and older couples and way too much polar fleece and flannel; if they'd set up a booth here at the federal election the Greens would have streeted it on the primaries. So long is the wait until Arthur Sinodinos boards the flight to Washington DC that the plane in which he will travel probably hasnt been built yet. But this small detail has not prevented Liberal hopefuls from beginning the push to replace the long-time party operator when he departs the Senate later this year. Arthur Sinodinos will head to Washington DC later this year. Credit:Janie Barrett Jim Molan, who missed out on a return to the Senate after the Coalition placed him fourth on the Coalition ticket, is the first name mentioned by insiders. It is usually followed by the phrase over my dead body. Two young women walk out of the Worlds End pub and disappear into the cold Edinburgh night. The next time anyone sees them, they are dead. Christine Eadies body will be found first, dumped on the sand dunes of Gosford Bay, just outside the Scottish capital. Helen Scotts body is found later, a few kilometres away, dumped in a just-harvested cornfield. Lothian and Borders Police file handout photos of Christine Eadie (left) and Helen Scott, who were murdered by serial killer and rapist Angus Sinclair in 1977. Credit:Lothian and Borders Police/PA Wire It would take 37 years, one failed trial and an Australian mathematician to finally put one of Scotlands most notorious serial killers behind bars. The 1977 Worlds End murders quickly gained international attention. But despite a huge manhunt by local police it took 30 years for a man to be charged. A member of the Comancheros and four other men have been arrested in connection with the death of a man who was shot multiple times outside a home in Sydney's west. Emergency services were called to Meridian Place at Doonside about 7.30pm on Monday after reports of a shooting. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated Craig Anderson, 51, who had suffered several gunshot wounds, but he died at the scene. Investigators say that Mr Anderson, who was known to police, had been in a dispute with one of the men over something trivial. The integration of a $7.3 billion new metro line into Sydney's broader rail network passed its first test on Monday despite a greater number of commuters than expected riding on the driverless trains. A day after about 140,000 people hopped on board for the first time, attention turned to how the system would handle high commuter volumes during the morning peak, especially at pinch points such as Chatswood and Epping stations. A crowded platform for metro services at Epping station at about 8am on Monday. Credit:Peter Rae About 21,000 people travelled on the Metro Northwest line between 4.45am and 10am on Monday, which was higher than government expectations of up to 17,000 passengers. Half of the commuters using the 36-kilometre line from Rouse Hill to Chatswood on Monday morning travelled to destinations along the north-west corridor, instead of switching to other services to get into central Sydney. A Brisbane court was played audio from a police body-worn camera recorded while a group of five people allegedly attacked three police officers in the city's north on Saturday. A female senior constable was allegedly choked to the point of almost losing consciousness and also bitten on the hand by one of the accused. One of the accused was evicted from the Brook Hotel in Mitchelton and staff later called police to a disturbance. Credit:Facebook Hylton Miharo King, 23, Andre Unamaki Paniani, 29, Andre Tobias Edwards, 29, Ariana Thirteen King, 29, and Cori Reremoana King, 31, were all charged with two counts of serious assault of police. Police said just before midnight, one of the five accused was evicted from The Brook Hotel on Osbourne Road in Mitchelton and hotel staff called triple zero reporting a disturbance soon after. Lawyers for a Queensland woman want to appeal her 18-month sentence for failing to supply the necessities of life to her baby boy who died, arguing it is too long given her circumstances. Megan Jean Freeman, 26, admitted the crime and was jailed earlier this year, some six years after her 11-week-old boy was taken to a Brisbane hospital with significant injuries. He died eight days later. Her lawyer Andrew Hall sought to appeal the length of her sentence in the Brisbane Court of Appeal on Monday. Mr Hall told the court Freeman's sentence was too long given her vulnerability and circumstances and she should be released immediately. A group of traditional owners opposed to Adani's Queensland coal mine will again try to convince a court their Indigenous land-use agreement with the mining giant is invalid. The Federal Court in Brisbane last year rejected the Wangan and Jagalingou people's objections over the agreement, with Justice John Reeves ruling they had "no merit". Wangan and Jagalingou traditional owners and their supporters protesting outside Parliament House in Brisbane in March last year. Credit:AAP The objections largely centred on whether details about the extinguishment of native title were specific enough, and whether the land-use agreement was approved at a proper meeting. They will appeal against that decision before the full Federal Court on Monday, just days after Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk set a mid-June deadline for the completion of two outstanding state approvals for the controversial mine in the Galilee Basin. By Finian Cunningham May 27, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - The Trump administration has shot itself so many times in the foot, its a wonder it is still able to stand. Time and again, whether to do with Venezuela, Russia, China, Europe, Iran or the rest of the world, Washington keeps blowing holes in its own credibility and ultimately longevity as a global power. Is the Trump administration sadomasochist or just plain stupid? Take this report from Bloomberg that US imports of crude oil from Russia are set to triple this year compared with last year. If we use 2017 as a base figure, then US imports of Russian oil are in line for a ten-fold increase. Why? Because the Trump administration has slapped sanctions on its erstwhile chief supplier, Venezuela, supposedly in a smart strategy to force regime change against President Nicolas Maduro by making the South American country cry Uncle. Right, so then to make up for the resulting shortfall to US oil refineries keeping the US economy running, Washington is having to call up alternative sources like Russia. But hold on a minute. Russia is supposed to be a bad guy. The US has imposed sanctions on Moscow for allegedly destabilizing Ukraine, annexing Crimea and meddling in American elections. Some of these US sanctions have even targeted Russian oil companies presumably to teach Moscow a lesson. Yet, heres Washington buying up Russian oil like theres no tomorrow. A likely ten-fold increase over a two-year period, all because Trump has a fixation about forcing illegal regime change in Venezuela, an ally of Russia. And remember this is the same US which is threatening to impose sanctions on Europe over the Nord Stream II project with Russia amid Washingtons accusations that the Europeans will be dependent on Russia for energy. Say what? Then theres China. Heres another case of aiming the gun at the barn door and blasting yourself in the foot. Trumps genius trade war with Americas biggest source of exports is, at it turns out, hitting US consumers and producers hardest. Tariffs imposed on Chinese goods to force Beijing to submit to Washingtons demands for fairness are rebounding with higher consumer prices in US retail stores like Walmart. American farmers are finding that their orders for soybean and other products to China are being slashed by Beijing in retaliation for Trumps tariffs. Low-income Americans and farmers are supposed to be Trumps voter base for his reelection bid in 2020. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Nike, the iconic American sportswear brand, is crying Uncle over Trumps trade war with China. The firm is reportedly among 170 shoemakers whose production lines based in China are being clobbered by Trumps tariffs on Chinese exports. Nike is pleading for Trump to exempt it and other US suppliers from his smart tariffs. The Trump administration is banning Chinese telecoms giant Huawei over national security concerns, which is just a cover for strong-arming out of the marketplace because supposedly free market America cant compete on market principles. Trump is having to reverse the ban after finding that a lot of US consumers actually use Huawei and are pissed off. Also, quite a few American technology producers are suppliers to Huawei for its phone products. Trumps gung-ho policy against the Chinese firm is backfiring on American consumers and producers alike. In a globally integrated world of supply chains and consumer markets, it is nonsensical and self-defeating for the Trump administration to think that it can simply shut China out from US trade. With an annual trade deficit with China of $350 billion, the US economy depends on Chinese exports for its existence. Cutting off China as Trump is doing is tantamount to cutting your nose off to spite your face. Lets look at Europe. The Trump administration is bullying the Europeans over a number of issues. Continually griping that they are not spending enough on the NATO military alliance, Trump has ended up forcing the Europeans to consider setting up their own European Army. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron are among those leaders who are pushing the rest of Europe to take care of its own defenses independent from the US. If NATO becomes shelved then thats a crucial pillar gone for American influence over European geopolitics. Trumps insufferable browbeating over NATO is only one issue among many. Like China, he wants to slap tariffs on European exports because the Europeans are also accused of being not fair to benign ever-so righteous America. Eh? Bravo Prime Minister Scott Morrison! How many of those very few who predicted his re-election also foresaw that he would announce shortly after that he is committed to constitutional recognition? Good. None of you. And yet for the Prime Minister it is brilliant politics. As he is all but solely being credited with the election victory, how impressive if he can use his unchallenged authority to wrong-foot his critics and steer a bipartisan push that would help heal the national divide towards something important that is so long overdue? Yes, an actual legacy! Would the hard right of media and politics bitterly criticise the Prime Minister, if he pushed it hard? Perhaps, a very little. But he would get support, and respect, from broad swathes of those to the left of him who could never have imagined him being so wise. For at issue are some deep truths in our national story. The central point of the First Peoples is that they never ceded sovereignty in the first place, and that the Australian Constitution is therefore built on a false premise is simply irrefutable. The aspect that particularly interests me as one now finishing the final draft of a book on Captain Cook is the first claim of British sovereignty on these lands. Given the importance of the current debate for both recognition and the coming Australian republic, I have gone deeply into what happened. A key ruling on defamation damages in Rebel Wilson's case against Woman's Day magazine was "plainly wrong" and following it in the Geoffrey Rush case led the Federal Court to award him excessive damages, The Daily Telegraph said as it launched an appeal against the actor's historic court win. Mr Rush, 67, set a new record on Thursday when he was awarded $2.9 million in damages for two defamatory articles published in the Telegraph in late 2017, which accused him of "inappropriate behaviour" towards an unnamed co-star in the Sydney Theatre Company's 2015-16 production of King Lear. Rebel Wilson outside the Victorian Court of Appeal last year. Credit:AAP It is the largest defamation payout ever awarded to a single plaintiff in Australia, and includes $1.98 million for past and future economic loss and $850,000 in non-economic damages for personal distress and hurt, plus $42,302 in interest on the smaller sum. But the battle is far from over and Nationwide News, the publisher of the Telegraph, has launched an appeal against Federal Court Justice Michael Wigney's decision rejecting its truth defence and delivering a resounding win to Mr Rush. In the Armaguard van were the driver, the team leader seated next to him and a third officer, known as the "escort", who sat next to $2.32 million in the back. They had left the Reserve Bank in Collins Street and driven through central Melbourne, past the MCG, onto Punt Road and were in Richmond, about to turn onto what was then the South Eastern Arterial but is now the Monash Freeway. But in Harcourt Parade, the driver slowed when he saw witches hats and road workers ahead, including a man in overalls, a hard hat and googles who spun a sign around to say 'stop'. What appeared a normal road scene on the morning of June 22, 1994 quickly became anything but, the County Court heard on Monday, as the road workers were actually robbers and their target was the money inside the van. The roof of the austere concrete government office 1 Treasury Place will be transformed into a lush landscape to demonstrate how existing buildings can be retrofitted with green roofs to help Melbourne adapt to climate change. As part of the project, research will also be conducted into why Australian cities are lagging behind those in Europe and North America when it comes to installing green roofs, despite the environmental and social benefits. Green roofs and walls reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide cooling and reduce stormwater runoff which decreases flash flooding. Artist's impression of the green roof at 1 Treasury Place The $2.7 million demonstration roof, a joint initiative between the state government and Melbourne City Council, is expected to be completed by June 2020. The Perth father convicted of murdering his wife and burying her in the backyard as their children slept has been sentenced to life imprisonment, to serve a minimum of 23 years behind bars. Ahmed Seedat, 36, wept as he was jailed on Monday after confessing to killing Fahima Yusuf, 32, in August 2018, in a misguided attempt to be with her sister. Ahmed Seedat and wife Fahima Yusuf. Credit:Facebook Four days prior to murdering Ms Yusuf, Seedat hired a landscaper to dig her grave down the side of their family home, claiming the hole was for a swimming pool. The Carlisle man, who shared two young children with Ms Yusuf had, according to the prosecution, been clumsily plotting his wifes death for weeks, in order to be with her sister who was unaware of his romantic feelings towards her. Planning systems have been criticised, fought over and lobbied against ever since large populated urban centres governed by a system of laws appeared around 4500-3100BC. Which is not to suggest that WAtodays four-part series examining planning decision-making in Perth is a case of the more things change, the more they stay the same. Mr Williams said the planners mentioned in WAtoday's stories adhered to a code of conduct. Credit:Stephen Kiprillis The public trusts (and expects) governments to manage population growth effectively, to limit environmentally damaging urban sprawl, to regenerate suburbs, to improve housing supply and diversity and make the necessary planning decisions to enable all these things to occur. So, when that trust is eroded by what WAtoday says is a lack of transparency in decision-making, all of Perths citizens should be worried. Even perceptions of a lack of probity is cause for concern. Anthony Albanese has offered to work with the Coalition government on the constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians and a bipartisan approach to climate change in his first major outing as incoming federal Labor leader. The offer came as Mr Albanese's incoming deputy, Richard Marles, made a mea culpa over his role in tarnishing Labor's brand in coal-rich Queensland through "tone deaf" remarks welcoming the demise of the coal industry. Anthony Albanese flagged bipartisanship on some issues while vowing to take the fight to Scott Morrison. Credit:Cole Bennetts Mr Albanese vowed to hold the re-elected Coalition government to account "strongly [and] forcefully". But he also declared he was "not Tony Abbott" - who as Liberal opposition leader took an aggressively negative approach to the role - and said voters had "conflict fatigue", wanting "solutions, not arguments". He identified climate change and the Uluru Statement from the Heart - a national Indigenous consensus position on constitutional recognition - as two areas where he was willing to work with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in the interests of cementing change. Two members of Malcolm Turnbull's extended family are being named as potential contenders in a race for a NSW seat in the Senate, while Victorian Liberal Sarah Henderson is the favourite for a similar contest in Victoria. Mr Turnbull's son-in-law, James Brown, was named by several Liberals on Monday as an option for the key position in the upper house, to be made vacant later this year following the appointment of Arthur Sinodinos as Australia's next ambassador in Washington. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull with his grandson Jack, wife Lucy, daughter Daisy and son-in-law James Brown. Credit:Andrew Meares But Mr Turnbull's brother-in-law, Michael Hughes, is also being put forward by Liberals as a possible choice because of his long years of service to the party, including as treasurer of its NSW division. Other contenders for the NSW seat include Dallas McInerney, the chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW, Warren Mundine, who ran for the marginal seat of Gilmore on the state's south coast at the May 18 election, and Richard Shields, one of the candidates who came close to gaining the pre-selection for Mr Turnbull's former seat of Wentworth in Sydney's eastern suburbs last year. Labor went to the election with a policy to revive the guarantee and use a market mechanism to cut emissions, a stance backed by some industry executives who were uneasy at Mr Taylor's insistence on using the existing Emissions Reduction Fund to reduce carbon. Mr Taylor insists the public funding in the Emissions Reduction Fund will help meet the government target to reduce carbon output by 26 per cent by 2030. Asked if the government would consider using the NEG to reduce emissions, he said: "We don't need to." He said another feature of the guarantee, a reliability obligation on electricity generators, would come into force as planned on July 1. "Now is the opportunity for Labor to accept the policy we took to the election and create a bipartisan approach to these issues," Mr Taylor said. While industry executives had speculated that Prime Minister Scott Morrison might appoint a new energy minister, he instead confirmed Mr Taylor in the position in the cabinet reshuffle on Sunday. Loading Mr Taylor's priorities include signing contracts with 12 projects shortlisted to gain government support to add new generation to the electricity grid, as well as legislating price benchmarks to start on July 1 to act on recommendations from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. "We've been clear that we'll bring as much supply and competition into the market that we need to get back to a reasonable wholesale price," he said. "If these shortlisted projects provide us with enough, so be it. If we need more, we'll look for more." On calls from the Nationals to support a new coal-fired power station in Queensland to provide baseload power, he said the government would take a "balanced" approach. "Coal has a role to play in our energy mix. Renewables are playing an increasing role, so whichever way you look at it there will be balance," Mr Taylor said. "Picking fuels is much less important than focusing on outcomes, so we'll focus on the emissions and price and reliability outcomes we want." Ms Bishop, speaking on a television panel on election night, questioned the Coalition's decision to dump the NEG. Incoming Labor leader Anthony Albanese said on Monday that "the science is in" on climate change and that action was needed, but he left scope to change Labor policy on the mechanism to be used to do so. "I am neither a climate sceptic nor am I a market sceptic when it comes to action on climate change, because I have listened to business and sat down with them," he said. "But the time for the ongoing conflict over these issues surely is over." Anthony Albanese says "the science is in" on climate change and action is needed, but he left scope to change Labor policy on the mechanism to be used to do so. Credit:Cole Bennetts Labor has been stung by its defeat in Queensland electorates, where voters did not back the party's equivocal position on the Adani coal mine and greater ambition to cut emissions by 45 per cent by 2030. Mr Marles accepted on Monday that the party suffered for his remarks in February that the collapse of the market for thermal coal was good "at one level" despite fears over job losses. "The comments I made earlier this year were tone deaf and I regret them and I was apologising for them within a couple of days of making them," he told radio station 3AW. Asked where he stood on Adani, Mr Marles said the party valued working people. "Coal clearly is going to play a significant part of the future energy mix in Australia and it's clearly going to be a significant part of our economy," he said. "And it's really important that we acknowledge that people who work in the coal industry need to be valued by us and that we thank and celebrate their work. That's important." Woodside chief executive Peter Coleman will call on Tuesday for more agreement in Parliament on climate change and energy, an area where gas exporters face significant costs if a future government seeks to impose a market mechanism to reduce emissions. By Caitlin Johnstone May 27, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - After the Mueller report was released, our president called Vladimir Putin, spent an hour on the phone with him, Democratic presidential candidate Beto ORourke said on CBSs Face The Nation yesterday. Described the report as a hoax, giving Putin a green light to further interfere in our democracy. Russia interfered in the 2016 election, tweeted presidential candidate Kamala Harris the other day. If we dont do anything to upgrade our election infrastructure, we will leave our nation vulnerable to future attacks. Weve been seeing many such hysterical warnings about Russian interference in the upcoming 2020 elections, and as the election gets nearer we are 100 percent guaranteed to see a lot more. Lawmakers worry that elections will be held on woefully outdated voting machines and that any tampering by adversaries could lead to disputed results https://t.co/dVW2bqxndr Roll Call (@rollcall) May 22, 2019 Another concern people have been voicing, which has far more legitimacy, is the fear of election tampering from domestic actors. An article published the other day by Roll Call reports that experts are warning Americas 2020 elections will be held on voting machines that are woefully outdated and that any tampering by adversaries could lead to disputed results. An article published last month by the Guardian warns that new voting machines arent necessarily an improvement. The purchases replace machines from the turn of the century that raise serious security concerns, the Guardian reports. But the same companies that made and sold those machines are behind the new generation of technology, and a history of distrust between election security advocates and voting machine vendors has led to a bitter debate over the viability of the new voting equipment leaving some campaigners wondering if Americas election system in 2020 might still be just as vulnerable to attack. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Initiatives are sprouting up to bring more election security and reliability to the United States, which is currently ranked dead last in election integrity among all western democracies. Support for paper ballots is picking up steam with support from Senate Democrats and multiple presidential candidates, and rightly so; hand-counted paper ballots is considered the gold standard for election integrity, and every nation should want that for their voting systems. But neither foreign interference nor domestic vote tampering will be the most egregious form of election meddling that we will see in Americas 2020 presidential elections. Reminder: In 2016, Washington Post ran 16 negative stories about @SenSanders in 16 hours. Has to be a record of its kind. https://t.co/0RH9pQfRvi@adamjohnsonNYC for @FAIRmediawatch#BernieSanders2020 #BernieSanders Raza Ahmad Rumi (@Razarumi) March 4, 2019 In 2016, at the single hottest and most contested moment of the Democratic presidential primaries, the Washington Post published no less than sixteen smear pieces against Bernie Sanders in the span of sixteen hours. This campaign by a newspaper which is solely owned by the richest man in the world (who also happens to be a CIA contractor and Pentagon advisory board member) was plainly geared at manipulating the 2016 presidential primary results. And, along with similar campaigns by the rest of the plutocrat-owned media which ranged from blacking out coverage on Sanders to deliberately manipulating narratives about him to circulating outright lies, it succeeded. We are already seeing this same pattern repeated today, arguably in an even more egregious way. A recent article by Matt Taibbi for Rolling Stone titled Weve Hit a New Low in Campaign Hit Pieces documents some jaw-droppingly obnoxious smears leveled against the two Democratic candidates who are taking the most flack from the mass media, Sanders and Tulsi Gabbard. The Daily Beast added to the growing mountain of MSM Gabbard smears with an article titled Tulsi Gabbards Campaign Is Being Boosted by Putin Apologists, claiming on essentially zero evidence that the Hawaii congresswoman has a suspicious amount of support from Kremlin loyalists, a smear which was elevated into mainstream consciousness by ABC and CNN. Sanders was smeared by the New York Times for his previous opposition to US interventionism in Nicaragua. Were not even halfway through 2019 and there are already far too many of such mass media hit pieces for me to list in this article. These plutocrat-owned outlets are doing everything they can to make sure that Trump will be running against a more polite version of himself come November 2020. Hell, Fortune Magazine just published an article titled Why Joe Biden Is the Only True Progressive Candidate, which attempts to argue exactly what the headline promises. Once the primaries are over, this manipulation will shift toward whoevers the oligarchic favorite for the general election. Why Joe Biden is the only true progressive candidate https://t.co/9jyEBgmFGf FORTUNE (@FortuneMagazine) May 24, 2019 As soon as you see someone become extremely wealthy, you immediately see them start buying up public narrative control. They buy and invest in media outlets, they pour money into influential think tanks, they send lobbyists into government offices to persuade politicians to think a certain way about a given subject. Ordinary people cant afford to do these things, so they have relatively little control over the dominant narratives about whats going on in our society and our world. It is therefore an indisputable fact that the very wealthy therefore have an immensely disproportionate influence over the way that people think and vote, which means the plutocratic class has the fully legal ability to practice election interference. Both the plutocratic media and the US government have already tacitly admitted that this is true in the frantic, hysterical way theyve been talking about Russian Facebook memes as election interference, despite the fact that those social media posts are a microscopic drop in the barrel of the billions and billions of dollars that goes into mass media election coverage. If the Internet Research Agency of St Petersburg was election meddling, then the plutocratic class which consistently manipulates public narratives to its favor certainly is as well, to an extent that is greater by orders of magnitude. Of course its good that people are pushing for paper ballots, and its not a bad idea to take precautions against foreign interference as well, but we must become aware that the greatest share of election interference happens before anyone sets foot in a polling booth. The way the American psyche is pummeled with mass media narratives designed to manufacture consent for war, economic injustice, ecocide, Orwellian government intrusiveness, and the politicians who promote these things will influence far more votes in 2020 than any other election tampering, foreign or domestic. Mass media propaganda is the single most overlooked and under-appreciated aspect of our society. The ability of an elite class to control the way a supermajority of the population thinks, acts and votes has shaped our entire world in the favor of a few sociopaths driven by an insatiable lust for money and power who got to where they are because they were willing to do anything to get ahead. If we cant find a way to get a handle on that, then it wont matter how pristine your elections are, how ethical the DNC primary process becomes, or what the Russians are up to this year. Do you want to live in a world which is built around the selfish desires of powerful, amoral manipulators and hoarders? No? Then youre going to have to start doing what you can to oppose such a system, and to convince as many of your brothers and sisters as possible to join you. Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy London: This was one of the highest-turnout European Parliament elections in years, with around half the EU feeling the urge to vote: a level not seen for decades, driven both by nationalist passions and a liberal, pro-Europe response to them. This is important, at least to Brussels which had mounted an unusual get-out-the-vote campaign. Instead of dry where is my polling station instructions, they asked an award-winning French film director to make a three-minute video designed to tug fiercely at the heartstrings. European citizens celebrate with illuminated letters on the steps of the European Parliaments as election results come in. Credit:AP Titled Choose Your Future, it told the story of heavily pregnant women across the continent, who gave birth to helpless infants that demanded a vote to determine their future. Choose the Europe you want me to grow up in, the young narrators voice urged. The challenges we face are global reduce climate change, make the borders safe, fight terrorism. Amman: Four French members of Islamic State have been sentenced to death by a Baghdad court. The four were among 13 French citizens handed over to Iraq in January by the Syrian Democratic Forces, the mainly Kurdish US-ally that led the battle to oust IS from Syria. The sentences on Sunday and Monday shed some light on the pressing question of what may happen when Western countries, including ones like France which oppose capital punishment, do not repatriate their foreign fighter nationals. In this 2018 file photo, suspected Islamic State militants wait their turn for sentencing at the counterterrorism court in Baghdad, Iraq. Credit:AP Hundreds of foreign IS members survived the devastating battle to destroy the terror group. Damascus: Syria said an Israeli attack against a military post in the country's south on Monday killed a soldier and injured another. Israel, in a rare statement acknowledging firing into Syria, said it was responding to an anti-aircraft fire from Syria against one of its combat planes. Fighting continues in Syria: smoke rises after Syrian government forces targeted the town of al-Habeet, in Idlib province, Syria. Credit:AP The back-to-back statements come amid heightened regional tension over Iran's role in Syria and other parts of the Middle East. They also follow a number of reported Israeli strikes on Syria in the past ten days, according to state run media. Israel does not usually comment on reports concerning its strikes in neighbouring Syria, though it has recently acknowledged striking Iranian targets there. Syrian state TV al-Ikhbariya quoted a military official saying that the Israeli attack came shortly after 2100 local time and targeted a military outpost east of Khan Arnabeh, a town in Quneitra on the edge of the Israeli- occupied Golan Heights. Australia would be "brave to predict" the future of its offshore processing deal with Papua New Guinea after the country's Prime Minister announced his resignation, according to foreign minister Marise Payne. PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said on Sunday he would resign after seven years at the helm as it became clear the Opposition had enough numbers to topple him in parliament this week. Resigned: Papua New Guinea PM Peter O'Neill. Credit:AP It is unclear who will replace Mr O'Neill, though he wants to hand over his job to former two-time PNG prime minister Sir Julius Chan, 79. Mr O'Neill was Australia's key partner when it came to negotiating and then maintaining arrangements to keep 550 refugees and asylum seekers on Manus Island even after the country's High Court found the detention centre was unconstitutional. Lima: The Presidents of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia have rejected a decision by the organisation that manages internet protocol to grant global retailer Amazon Inc the rights to the .amazon domain. Amazon Inc has been seeking the exclusive rights to the .amazon domain name since 2012. But Amazon basin countries - including Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia - have argued it refers to their geographic region and should not be the monopoly of one company. The Nanay River, a tributary of the Amazon River, bends in the Peruvian jungle. Credit:Alamy The four leaders - Peru's Martin Vizcarra, Colombia's Ivan Duque, Ecuador's Lenin Moreno and Bolivia's Evo Morales - vowed to join forces to protect their countries from what they described as inadequate governance of the internet. Last week, the global Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which oversees internet addresses, said it decided to proceed with the designation requested by Amazon Inc pending a 30-day period of public comment. Dear Editor, The National Spanish Exam from the Expertisecentrum voor Toetsen & Examens (ETE) which was scheduled to take place on May 22nd, 2019 at all secondary schools on the Dutch side of the island and the Netherlands has been compromised. This is due to the fact that the exam was administered at St. Maarten Academy P.S.V.E. the day before on May 21st, 2019. The implication of this is that the Spanish exams would have to be annulled for all other schools that took the exam on May 22nd, 2019 except for the St. Maarten Academy P.S.V.E. Unfortunately, all other schools would have to re-do this Spanish exam during the re-sit period in June-July. This ultimately means that there will not be a final result for those schools because of this situation in time for graduation. The major setback is for the student because those who may have done well on the first exam, may not get the same results during the final exam. This is not fair to the students who prepared for the exam for that day. It is unfortunate that there is no announcement from the minister of education neither from the division of exams regarding this situation. It is with complete amazement to know that a blunder like this can be made in this day and age with so many checks and balances. I am pleading with the Honorable Minister Wycliffe Smith to look into this matter. The question this remains, why would the principal of St.Maarten Academy P.S.V.E administer the National Spanish exam the day before it is scheduled? Finally, I am writing this as a parent of a student at MPC who knew the exam schedule and was informed by my son that his friends at St.Maarten Academy P.S.V.E did the Spanish exam the day before. Obviously, the exam was discussed. Mrs. A Lopez. PHILIPSBURG:--- On May 13th, during the general meeting, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset presented Inga Hendrickson-Brown, Event Coordinator at the Dance and Arts Dimension Academy (DADA) with a check for their annual Life Teachers Award and Recognition Ceremony. Dance and Arts Dimensions Academy Foundation (DADA) is hosting its 6th Annual Life Teachers Award & Recognition Ceremony. The event, which will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2019, will honor and celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of over 550 educators on the island. This initiative is a part of the Dance and Arts Dimension Academys community outreach and is a labor of love from their school and sponsors to let educators know that their efforts are not in vain. After the devastation of Hurricane Irma, many educators were forced to leave the island as a result of the severe destruction on our island. Despite their personal circumstances, many educators still managed to join the cleanup and restoration efforts and were able to resume normal classes in record time. As one of Rotarys key areas of focus, supporting education, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset saw it befitting to sponsor funds towards the ceremony. It is commendable what the Dance and Arts Dimensions Academy Foundation is doing our community and we are grateful to be able to provide our support towards this initiative. Teachers play an integral role in the development of future business professionals and community leaders, thus it is important that they are appreciated for their role in shaping the lives of our future leaders, President Nisbett added. The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset would like to commend and congratulate the Dance and Arts Dimension Academy on their efforts to recognize our educators on St. Martin. The club appreciates the efforts and are elated to be part of the celebrations by way of this contribution. PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in an Urgent Continuation Plenary Public session on Monday, May 27, 2019. The public meeting which was adjourned on March May 20, 2019, will be reconvened on Monday, at 1011.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport will be present. The agenda point to be discussed is: The effects of the lumpsum subsidy on the FAVE and SVOBE schools, whereby school boards have clearly expressed that lower student numbers resulting in lower subsidies threatens their financial position and negatively affects quality education in their schools (IS/1001/2018-2019 dated May 16, 2019) (This meeting was requested by MP MP E.J. Doran, MP S.E. Jacobs and MP C.T. Emmanuel) Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 115, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and Parliaments Facebook page: Parliament of Sint Maarten PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, May 24th, 4 Colombian men were arrested by Detectives for stealing a considerable amount of cash from Jade Dollar Store located on Bush road in Cul-de-Sac. One of the suspects in question found his way unnoticed into the main office of the establishment and stole a bag containing the large sum of cash. After committing this act the four men left the scene in a small rental car. After management realized what had taken place they immediately informed the Police department. A description of the suspects and was also given to the Police Department. A search to locate the vehicle and the suspects immediately started. Later during the day the vehicle and the suspects in question were stopped by the investigating officers in the area of the Princess Juliana International Airport. During a search of the vehicle, the bag containing the stolen cash was located. All the money that was stolen was accounted for. All four suspects were arrested on the spot and taken to the Philipsburg Police Head Quarters for questioning and further investigation. KPSM Press Release. PHILIPSBURG:--- Detectives are presently investigating a shooting incident involving two or more Venezuelan men and a scooter rider. This incident took place on Sunday, May 26th on Sint Peters road. According to reports these men and the scooter rider may have been involved in an altercation a short time back. Today when they saw the scooter rider they started throwing empty bottles at him. The scooter rider ran into a yard while being chased by these men. At one point according to witnesses, they heard at least two shots fired causing persons in the area to take cover and the Venezuelans to flee the area. The police patrols arriving on the scene immediately cordoned off the area for the Forensic Department to collect evidence. It is still unclear what the cause of the incident is but detectives continue to investigate what exactly took place and why. KPSM Press Release. By Jonathan Cook May 27, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - It is astonishing how often one still hears well-informed, otherwise reasonable people say about Julian Assange: But he ran away from Swedish rape charges by hiding in Ecuadors embassy in London. That short sentence includes at least three factual errors. In fact, to repeat it, as so many people do, you would need to have been hiding under a rock for the past decade or, amounting to much the same thing, been relying on the corporate media for your information about Assange, including from supposedly liberal outlets such as the Guardian and the BBC. At the weekend, a Guardian editorial the papers official voice and probably the segment most scrutinised by senior staff made just such a false claim: Then there is the rape charge that Mr Assange faced in Sweden and which led him to seek refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in the first place. The fact that the Guardian, supposedly the British medias chief defender of liberal values, can make this error-strewn statement after nearly a decade of Assange-related coverage is simply astounding. And that it can make such a statement days after the US finally admitted that it wants to lock up Assange for 175 years on bogus espionage charges a hand anyone who wasnt being wilfully blind already knew the US was preparing to play is still more shocking. Assange faces no charges in Sweden yet, let alone rape charges. As former UK ambassador Craig Murray recently explained, the Guardian has been misleading readers by falsely claiming that an attempt by a Swedish prosecutor to extradite Assange even though the move has not received the Swedish judiciarys approval is the same as his arrest on rape charges. It isnt. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Also, Assange did not seek sanctuary in the embassay to evade the Swedish investigation. No state in the world gives a non-citizen political asylum to avoid a rape trial. The asylum was granted on political grounds. Ecuador rightly accepted Assanges concerns that the US would seek his extradition and lock him out of sight for the rest of his life. Assange, of course, has been proven yet again decisively right by recent developemnts. Trapped in herd-think The fact that so many ordinary people keep making these basic errors has a very obvious explanation. It is because the corporate media keep making these errors. These are is not the kind of mistakes that can be explained away as an example of what one journalist has termed the problem of churnalism: the fact that journalists, chasing breaking news in offices depleted of staff by budget cuts, are too overworked to cover stories properly. British journalists have had many years to get the facts straight. In an era of social media, journalists at the Guardian and the BBC have been bombarded by readers and activists with messages telling them how they are getting basic facts wrong in the Assange case. But the journalists keep doing it anyway. They are trapped in a herd-think entirely divorced from reality. Rather than listen to experts, or common sense, these journalists keep regurgitating the talking points of the British security state, which are as good as identical to the talking points of the US security state. What is so striking in the Assange coverage is the sheer number of legal anomalies in his case and these have been accumulating relentlessly from the very start. Almost nothing in his case has gone according to the normal rules of legal procedure. And yet that very revealing fact is never noticed or commented on by the corporate media. You need to have a blind spot the size of Langley, Virginia, not to notice it. If Assange wasnt the head of Wikileaks, if he hadnt embarrassed the most important western states and their leaders by divulging their secrets and crimes, if he hadnt created a platform that allows whistleblowers to reveal the outrages committed by the western power establishment, if he hadnt undermined that establishments control over information dissemination, none of the last 10 years would have followed the course it did. If Assange had not provided us with an information revolution that undermines the narrative matrix created to serve the US security state, two Swedish women unhappy with Assanges sexual etiquette would have gotten exactly what they said in their witness statements they wanted: pressure from the Swedish authorites to make him take an HIV test to give them peace of mind. He would have been allowed back to the UK (as he in fact was allowed to do by the Swedish prosecutor) and would have gotten back to developing and refining the Wikileaks project. That would have helped all of us to become more critically aware of how we are being manipulated not only by our security services but also by the corporate media that so often act as their mouthpiece. Which is precisely why that did not happen and why Assange has been under some form of detention since 2010. Since then, his ability to perform his role as exposer of serial high-level state crimes has been ever more impeded to the point now that he may never be able to oversee and direct Wikileaks ever again. His current situation locked up in Belmarsh high-security prison, in solitary confinement and deprived of access to a computer and all meaningful contact with the outside world is so far based solely on the fact that he committed a minor infraction, breaching his police bail. Such a violation, committed by anyone else, almost never incurs prosecution, let alone a lengthy jail sentence. So here is a far from complete list aided by the research of John Pilger, Craig Murray and Caitlin Johnstone of some of the most glaring anomalies in Assanges legal troubles. There are 17 of them below. Each might conceivably have been possible in isolation. But taken together they are overwhelming evidence that this was never about enforcing the law. From the start, Assange faced political persecution. No judicial authority * In late summer 2010, neither of the two Swedish women alleged Assange had raped them when they made police statements. They went together to the police station after finding out that Assange had slept with them both only a matter of days apart and wanted him to be forced to take an HIV test. One of the women, SW, refused to sign the police statement when she understood the police were seeking an indictment for rape. The investigation relating to the second woman, AA, was for a sexual assault specific to Sweden. A condom produced by AA that she says Assange tore during sex was found to have neither her nor Assanges DNA on it, undermining her credibility. * Swedens strict laws protecting suspects during preliminary investigations were violated by the Swedish media to smear Assange as a rapist. In response, the Stockholm chief prosecutor, Eva Finne, took charge and quickly cancelled the investigation: I dont believe there is any reason to suspect that he has committed rape. She later concluded: There is no suspicion of any crime whatsoever. * The case was revived by another prosecutor, Marianne Ny, during which time Assange was questioned and spent more than a month in Sweden waiting for developments in the case. He was then told by prosecutors that he was free to leave for the UK, suggesting that any offence they believed he had committed was not considered serious enough to detain him in Sweden. Nonetheless, shortly afterwards, Interpol issued a Red Notice for Assange, usually reserved for terrorists and dangerous criminals. * The UK supreme court approved an extradition to Sweden based on a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) in 2010, despite the fact that it was not signed by a judicial authority, only by the Swedish prosecutor. The terms of the EAW agreement were amended by the UK government shortly after the Assange ruling to make sure such an abuse of legal procedure never occurred again. * The UK supreme court also approved Assanges extradition even though Swedish authorities refused to offer an assurance that he would not be extradited onwards to the US, where a grand jury was already formulating draconian charges in secret against him under the Espionage Act. The US similarly refused to give an assurance they would not seek his extradition. * In these circumstances, Assange fled to Ecuadors embassy in London in summer 2012, seeking political asylum. That was after the Swedish prosecutor, Marianne Ny, blocked Assanges chance to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. * Australia not only refused Assange, a citizen, any help during his long ordeal, but prime minister Julia Gillard even threatened to strip Assange of his citizenship, until it was pointed out that it would be illegal for Australia to do so. * Britain, meanwhile, not only surrounded the embassy with a large police force at great public expense, but William Hague, the foreign secretary, threatened to tear up the Vienna Convention, violating Ecuadors diplomatic territory by sending UK police into the embassy to arrest Assange. Six years of heel-dragging * Although Assange was still formally under investigation, Ny refused to come to London to interview him, despite similar interviews having been conducted by Swedish prosecutors 44 times in the UK in the period Assange was denied that right. * In 2016, international legal experts in the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which adjudicates on whether governments have complied with human rights obligations, ruled that Assange was being detained unlawfully by Britain and Sweden. Although both countries participated in the UN investigation, and had given the tribunal vocal support when other countries were found guilty of human rights violations, they steadfastly ignored its ruling in favour of Assange. UK Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond, flat-out lied in claiming the UN panel was made up of lay people and not lawyers. The tribunal comprises leading experts in international law, as is clear from their CVs. Nonetheless, the lie became Britains official response to the UN ruling. The British media performed no better. A Guardian editorial dismissed the verdict as nothing more than a publicity stunt. * Ny finally relented on interviewing Assange in November 2016, coming to London after six years of heel-dragging. However, she barred Assanges lawyer from being present. That was a gross irregularity that Ny was due to be questioned about in May 2017 by a Stockholm judge. Apparently rather than face those questions, Ny decided to close the investigation against Assange the very same day. * In fact, correspondence that was later revealed under a Freedom of Information request shows that the British prosecution service, the CPS, pressured the Swedish prosecutor not to come to the London to interview Assange through 2010 and 2011, thereby creating the embassy standoff. * Also, the CPS destroyed most of the incriminating correspondence to circumvent the FoI requests. The emails that surfaced did so only because some copies were accidentally overlooked in the destruction spree. Those emails were bad enough. They show that in 2013 Sweden had wanted to drop the case against Assange but had come under strong British pressure to continue the pretence of seeking his extradition. There are emails from the CPS stating, Dont you dare drop the case, and most revealing of all: Please do not think this case is being dealt with as just another extradition. * It also emerged that Marianne Ny had deleted an email she received from the FBI. * Despite his interview with Ny taking place in late 2016, Assange was not subseqently charged in absentia an option Sweden could have pursued if it had thought the evidence was strong enough. * After Sweden dropped the investigation against Assange, his lawyers sought last year to get the British arrest warrant for his bail breach dropped. They had good grounds, both because the allegations over which hed been bailed had been dropped by Sweden and because he had justifiable cause to seek asylum given the apparent US interest in extraditing him and locking him up for life for political crimes. His lawyers could also argue convincingly that the time he had spent in confinement, first under house arrest and then in the embassy, was more than equivalent to time, if any, that needed to be served for the bail infringement. However, the judge, Emma Arbuthnot, rejected the Assange teams strong legal arguments. She was hardly a dispassionate observer. In fact, in a properly ordered world she should have recused herself, given that she is the wife of a government whip, who was also a business partner of a former head of MI6, Britains version of the CIA. * Assanges legal rights were again flagrantly violated last week, with the collusion of Ecuador and the UK, when US prosecutors were allowed to seize Assanges personal items from the embassy while his lawyers and UN officials were denied the right to be present. Information dark ages Even now, as the US prepares its case to lock Assange away for the rest of his life, most are still refusing to join the dots. Chelsea Manning has been repeatedly jailed, and is now facing ruinous fines for every day she refuses to testify against Assange as the US desperately seeks to prop up its bogus espionage claims. In Medieval times, the authorities were more honest: they simply put people on the rack. Back in 2017, when the rest of the media were still pretending this was all about Assange fleeing Swedish justice, John Pilger noted: In 2008, a secret Pentagon document prepared by the Cyber Counterintelligence Assessments Branch foretold a detailed plan to discredit WikiLeaks and smear Assange personally. The mission was to destroy the trust that was WikiLeaks centre of gravity. This would be achieved with threats of exposure [and] criminal prosecution. Silencing and criminalising such an unpredictable source of truth-telling was the aim. According to Australian diplomatic cables, Washingtons bid to get Assange is unprecedented in scale and nature. The US Justice Department has contrived charges of espionage, conspiracy to commit espionage, conversion (theft of government property), computer fraud and abuse (computer hacking) and general conspiracy. The favoured Espionage Act, which was meant to deter pacifists and conscientious objectors during World War One, has provisions for life imprisonment and the death penalty. In 2015, a federal court in Washington blocked the release of all information about the national security investigation against WikiLeaks, because it was active and ongoing and would harm the pending prosecution of Assange. The judge, Barbara J. Rothstein, said it was necessary to show appropriate deference to the executive in matters of national security. This is a kangaroo court. All of this information was available to any journalist or newspaper that cared to search it out and wished to publicise it. And yet not one corporate media outlet has done so over the past nine years. Instead they have shored up a series of preposterous US and UK state narratives designed to keep Assange behind bars and propel the rest of us back into the information dark ages. Jonathan Cook is a Nazareth- based journalist and winner of the Martha Gellhorn Special Prize for Journalism. No one pays him to write these blog posts. If you appreciated it, please consider visiting his website and make a donation to support his work. https://www.jonathan-cook.net/supporting-jonathan/ - Click here to suport Jonathan's work. PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday the 24th of May 2019, approximately at 12:00 hours two Albanian nationals were arrested by the Alpha Team for using false Greek passports. Their valid Albanian passports were later discovered in their luggage. They were identified as P.O. (39) and B.E. ( 36) The two Albanian arrived on the island on the French side and attempted to leave Sint Maarten through the Dutch side. At departure, during passport control, the immigration officers identified the false passports and alerted the Alpha Team who then made the arrests. KPSM Press Release. 2021s most popular expert panel roundtable discussions Topics that dominated our websites Expert Panel Roundtable articles in 2021 included the effects of COVID-19, the benefits of mobile access, the upcoming potential of deep learning, and the future of access control cards. Our websites Expert Panel Roundtable discussions in 2021 reflected some of the most timely and important topics in the industry. The very most clicked-on Expert Panel Roundtable discussion in 2021 considered the positive and negative effects of COVID-19. The second most popular was trends in perimeter security technology. Smart video solutions Here is a roundup of the Top 10 Expert Panel Roundtable discussions posted in 2021, along with a sound bite from each discussion and links back to the full articles. Thanks to everyone who contributed to Expert Panel Roundtable in 2021 (including the quotable panelists named and linked below). The pandemic has impacted security in many ways, some we are just now realising" What are the positive and negative effects of COVID-19 to security? The pandemic has impacted security in many ways, some we are just now realising. On the negative side, integrators were limited in their ability to access customer locations, posing significant challenges to supporting customers. Innovation was also halted in many sectors such as AI and edge computing in healthcare. However, the pandemic increased awareness regarding the need for smart solutions that can aid in these types of crises. Smart video solutions have been identified repeatedly in the media as a potential pathway to better customer experience and increased safety. Alexander Harlass. Reducing false alarms What are the latest trends in perimeter security technology? Whats really important in perimeter security is the minimisation of false alarms, not simply the potential detection of what might be an unauthorised person or object. In light of that, many systems now include alarm validation that can confirm an alarm event using a camera. The utilisation of AI-based technologies can further validate the accuracy of the alarm, making it as accurate and precise as possible. I anticipate seeing more cross-technological integrations to reduce false alarms, so that personnel in an alarm center spend as little time as possible in validating an alarm. Leo Levit. What will be the biggest security trends in 2021? 2021 will see artificial intelligence (AI) become more mainstream. There will be increased deployment in edge devices, including cameras, thermographic cameras, radar and LIDAR sensors, entry point readers, etc. Additional algorithms will be developed, greatly expanding the use and function as video surveillance transitions from a forensic tool to real-time analytics. This increases the value of these systems and helps create ROI cases for their deployment. Tim Brooks. Access control solutions Investments in tools and platforms to drive digital interactions have accelerated" What will be the security industrys biggest challenge in 2021? The security industry is traditional in the sense that it relies heavily on face-to-face interaction to do business with customers and partners alike. COVID-19 has put a hold on in-person meetings, trade shows, etc., and this trend is likely to extend throughout 2021. Virtually recreating these personal touchpoints, while cultivating and strengthening internal and external relationships, will continue to be both a challenge and opportunity for the security industry. Investments in tools and platforms to drive digital interactions have accelerated. Robert Moore. What are the challenges and benefits of mobile access control? Mobile access control solutions are an exciting innovation in a market where the day-to-day user experience hasnt changed much in the last 20 years. One area that has clear benefits and challenges is in improving the user experience. On one hand, physical credentials are expensive and a hassle to administer; however, they work reliably, quickly, and predictably. Mobile credentials are convenient in that everyone already has a smartphone, and you dont have to admin or carry cards; however, when youre actually standing at the door they need to work as well or better than physical credentials, or the benefits are lost. Brian Lohse. Attacking critical infrastructure What are the security challenges of protecting critical infrastructure? It seems so often we hear about a new threat or cyber-attack in the news. Because of the rapid growth in technology over the last few years, cybercriminals are getting bolder and discovering new ways to attack critical infrastructure. One of the biggest challenges boils down to the capabilities of the operating security system and whether the organisation is aware of the current risks they face. Because there are so many points of entry for cybercriminals to target within critical infrastructure, it is vital that the security solution be prepared for attacks at every level. Charles (Chuck) OLeary. They are more aware when they make physical contact with doors and interfaces" Which security technologies will be useful in a post-pandemic world? People have become more sensitised to crowds and personal space. They are more aware when they make physical contact with doors and interfaces. As the pandemic subsides, these habits will likely remain for a majority of people." "Utilising AI-based cameras to accurately monitor the number of people in a room or in a queue will enable staff to take action to improve the customer experience. For example, AI-based analytics can quickly notify security or operations when people are waiting at a door and initiate 2-way audio for touchless access. Aaron Saks. Central monitoring station What is the potential of deep learning in physical security and surveillance? Deep learning, a subset of artificial intelligence, enables networks to train themselves to perform speech, voice, and image recognition tasks." In video surveillance, these networks learn to make predictions through highly repetitive exposure" "In video surveillance, these networks learn to make predictions through highly repetitive exposure to images of humans and vehicles from a camera feed. That ability is ideal for use with drones patrolling perimeters seeking anomalies or in software that significantly reduces the number of false alarms reported to central monitoring station operators. Through use, the software continues improving its accuracy. Brian Baker. Valuable audit trail How soon will access control cards become extinct and why? Access control cards will go the way of the dinosaur, but they still have some life left in them. For the short term, they have plenty of utility in minimum security use cases and leave a valuable audit trail. But for companies that are more technology-centric, particularly those with high value assets, were seeing demand for next-generation access control, which includes increased integration with video surveillance systems and professional monitoring services. Sean Foley. Which security markets are embracing touchless and contactless systems? Touchless technology is not a new trend, but contactless systems and transactions have surged since the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after the pandemic is over, it is likely public perception of what is hygienic and acceptable in public spaces will have changed. [We are] seeing an uptick in touchless access control systems in the education and flexible office space markets. Brooke Grigsby. As we enter into 2022, there is still a level of uncertainty in place. Its unclear what the future holds, as companies around the world still contend with the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote working has been encouraged by most organisations and the move to a hybrid working system has become business as usual, for the majority of businesses. Some have reduced their office space or done away with their locations altogether. Following best security practices With all this change in place, there are problems to deal with. According to research, 32.7% of IT admins say they are concerned about employees using unsecured networks to carry out that work. Alongside this, 74% of IT admins thought that remote work makes it harder for employees to follow best security practices. This need to manage security around remote work is no longer temporary. Instead, companies have to build permanent strategies around remote work and security. The coming year will also create a different landscape for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Here are some key predictions for next year and what to start preparing for in 2022: The reality of SMB spending around security will hit home SMBs had to undertake significant investments to adapt to remote working SMBs had to undertake significant investments to adapt to remote working, especially in comparison to their size. They had to undertake significant digital transformation projects that made it possible to deliver services remotely, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Weve seen a shift in mindset for these companies, which are now more tech-focused in their approach to problem solving. According to our research, 45% of SMBs plan to increase their spending towards IT services in 2022. Around half of all organisations think their IT budgets are adequate for their needs, while 14.5% of those surveyed believe they will need more, to cover all that needs to be done. Identity management spending to support remote work For others, the COVID-19 pandemic led to over-spending, just to get ahead of things and they will spend in 2022, looking at what they should keep and what they can reduce their spending on. Areas like identity management will stay in place, as companies struggle to support remote work and security, without this in place. However, on-premise IT spending will be reduced or cut, as those solutions are not relevant for the new work model. Services that rely on on-premise IT will be cut or replaced. The device will lead the way for security We rely on our phones to work and to communicate. In 2022, they will become central to how we manage access, to all our assets and locations, IT and physical. When employees can use company devices and their own phones for work, security is more difficult. IT teams have to ensure that theyre prepared for this, by making sure that these devices can be trusted. Wide use of digital certificates and strong MFA factors Rather than requiring a separate smart card or fingerprint reader, devices can be used for access using push authentication There are multiple ways that companies can achieve this, for example - By using digital certificates to identify company devices as trusted, an agent, or strong MFA factors, like a FIDO security key or mobile push authentication. Whichever approach you choose, this can prevent unauthorised access to IT assets and applications, and these same devices can be used for authentication into physical locations too. Rather than requiring a separate smart card or fingerprint reader, devices can be used for access using push authentication. Understanding human behaviour Alongside this, it is important to understand human behaviour. Anything that introduces an extra step for authentication can lead to employees taking workarounds. To stop this, it is important to put an employee education process in place, in order to emphasize on the importance of security. The next step is to think about adopting passwordless security, to further reduce friction and increase adoption. Lastly, as devices become the starting point for security and trust, remote device management will be needed too. More companies will need to manage devices remotely, from wiping an asset remotely if it gets lost or stolen, through to de-provisioning users easily and removing their access rights, when they leave the company. Identity will be a layer cake Zero Trust approaches to security Identity management relies on being able to trust that someone is who they say they are. Zero Trust approaches to security can support this effectively, particularly when aligned with least privilege access models. In order to turn theory into practical easy-to-deploy steps, companies need to use contextual access, as part of their identity management strategy. This involves looking at the context that employees will work in and putting together the right management approach for those circumstances. For typical employee behaviour, using two factor authentication might be enough to help them work, without security getting in the way. How enterprises manage, access and store identity data There will also be a shift in how enterprises manage, access, and store that identity data over time For areas where security is more important, additional security policies can be put over the top, to ensure that only the right people have access. A step-up in authentication can be added, based on the sensitivity of resources or risk-based adaptive authentication policies might be needed. There will also be a shift in how enterprises manage, access, and store that identity data over time, so that it aligns more closely with those use cases. Identity management critical to secure assets in 2022 There are bigger conversations taking place around digital identity for citizenship, as more services move online as well. Any moves that take place in this arena will affect how businesses think about their identity management processes too, encouraging them to look at their requirements in more detail. Overall, 2022 will be the year when identity will be critical to how companies keep their assets secure and their employees productive. With employees working remotely and businesses becoming decentralised, identity strategies will have to take the same approach. This will put the emphasis on strong identity management as the starting point for all security planning. It's all work and no play for American astronauts in space this Memorial Day. As Americans around the world gear up for ceremonies and cookouts to celebrate Memorial Day today (May 26), astronauts in space are hard at work. But they still took time to honor the men and women of the U.S. military this holiday. "...and some gave all. For them, and for their families who continue to give every day, we remember," NASA astronaut Anne McClain , a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, wrote on Twitter to mark the holiday from the International Space Station. The station's six-person Expedition 59 crew , which includes McClain and two other Americans, doesn't actually get a day off for the holiday, but they may get some free time later to make up for it, Space.com has learned. Related: In Photos: American Flags in Space! ...and some gave all. For them, and for their families who continue to give every day, we remember. pic.twitter.com/rKty3R8P18May 27, 2019 See more "They have a full work day on Memorial Day but that means they'll get a day off somewhere down the road to compensate," NASA spokesperson Dan Huot at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston said in an email. That also means there are flight control teams in mission control centers around the world watching over the crew, just like they've done every day since the first crew took up residence on the station in 2000. Huot said the station's current Expedition 59 crew has been hard at work conducting scientific research since the arrival of a SpaceX Dragon cargo ship earlier this month, and occasionally crews can miss holidays due to workload demands. But that doesn't mean astronauts are out of touch. The space station crew has regular access to an internet protocol phone to call of video conference with friends and family during free time. Memorial Day is traditionally a time for Americans to honor the service and sacrifice of its military service members, and there are two U.S. military officers on the space station right now. McClain has been living on the station since December. This is her first space mission since joining NASA's astronaut corps in 2013. Astronaut Nick Hague , meanwhile, is a colonel in the U.S. Air Force and is on his first spaceflight like McClain. Hague also joined NASA in 2013 and was originally scheduled to fly to the station last October, but the Russian Soyuz rocket he launched on experienced an emergency abort after an anomaly. He ultimately launched to the station in March 2019. Engineer-astronaut Christina Koch rounds out the U.S. crew on the International Space Station and launched to the station in March with Hague. Koch's mission will be longer than that of her fellow American colleagues, as she now plans to spend about a year in space to help scientists better understand long-duration spaceflight. Two Russian cosmonauts and one Canadian astronaut make up the rest of the station's Expedition 59 crew. They are: Canadian spaceflyer David Saint-Jacques and cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Oleg Kononenko. Kononenko commands the station crew. Optimization Are you frustrated with a slow pc or a hard disk not performing as it should? Try SLOW-PCfighter to speed up boot time on a slow PC, or try a free scan of FULL-DISKfighter to recover space on a full disk. The latest offering is DRIVERfighter to update your driver updater. Get complete PC optimization and extend the life of your PC with these must-have software tools. By Moon Of Alabama May 27, 2019 " Information Clearing House " - During a press conference in Japan U.S. President Donald Trump today said (video): And Im not looking to hurt Iran at all. Im looking to have Iran say, No nuclear weapons. We have enough problems in this world right now with nuclear weapons. No nuclear weapons for Iran. And I think well make a deal. Iran said: "No nuclear weapons." It said that several times. It continues to say that. Iran does not have the intent to make nuclear weapons. It has no nuclear weapons program. But Trump may be confused because the U.S. 'paper of the record', the New York Times, recently again began to falsely assert that Iran has such a program. A May 4 editorial in the Times claimed that Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps was running such a nuclear weapons program. After a loud public outrage the Times corrected the editorial. Iran's UN office wrote a letter to the Times which was published on May 6: In an early version of Trump Dials Up the Pressure on Iran (editorial, nytimes.com, May 4), now corrected, you referred to a nuclear weapons program in describing the reach of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. ... The editorial is correct in criticizing the punishing aspects of the Trump administration policy toward Iran one that has brought only suffering to the Iranian people and one that will not result in any change in Irans policies. But it was wrong to refer to a weapons program a dangerous assertion that could lead to a great misunderstanding among the public. Unfortunately that did not help. The NYT continues with the "dangerous assertion". On May 13 the NYT reporters Eric Schmitt and Julian E. Barnes wrote in White House Reviews Military Plans Against Iran, in Echoes of Iraq War: At a meeting of President Trumps top national security aides last Thursday, Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan presented an updated military plan that envisions sending as many as 120,000 troops to the Middle East should Iran attack American forces or accelerate work on nuclear weapons, administration officials said. One can not accelerate one's car, if one does not have one. The phrase "accelerate work on nuclear weapons" implies that Iran has a nuclear weapons program. It may that the White House falsely claimed that but the authors use the phrase and never debunk it. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter A May 14 NYT piece by Helene Cooper and Edward Wong repeats the false claim without pointing out that it is wrong: The Trump administration is looking at plans to send as many as 120,000 troops to the Middle East should Iran attack American forces or accelerate work on nuclear weapons, The New York Times reported. Also on May 14 the NYT's editorial cartoon was published under the caption Will Iran Revive Its Nuclear Program? The caption of the orientalist cartoon falsely asserted that Iran had enriched Uranium to weapons grade. And no, Iran does not have a nuclear weapon or a nuclear weapons program in its freezer. On May 16, after another public outcry, a correction was added to the cartoon: An earlier version of a caption with this cartoon erroneously attributed a distinction to Iran's nuclear program. Iran has not produced highly enriched uranium. After this onslaught of false New York Times claims about Iran NYT critic Belen Fernandez asked: Has the New York Times declared war on Iran? She lists other claims made by the Times about Iran that are far from the truth. Three days later, on May 25, Palko Karasz reported in the New York Times on Iran's reaction to Trump's tiny troop buildup in the Persian Gulf region. Again the obviously false "accelerate" phrase was used: Under White House plans revised after pressure from hard-liners led by John R. Bolton, the presidents national security adviser, if Iran were to accelerate work on nuclear weapons, defense officials envision sending as many as 120,000 troops to the Middle East. Iran does not have a nuclear program. It can not "accelerate" one. The U.S. claims that Iran once had such a program but also says that it was ended in 2003. The standard formulation that Reuters uses in its Iran reporting is thereby appropriate: The United States and the U.N. nuclear watchdog believe Iran had a nuclear weapons program that it abandoned. Tehran denies ever having had one. On July 1 1968 Iran signed and later ratified the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a non-nuclear-weapon party. Article II of the treaty says: Each non-nuclear-weapon State Party to the Treaty undertakes not to receive the transfer from any transfer or whatsoever of nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices or of control over such weapons or explosive devices directly, or indirectly; not to manufacture or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices; and not to seek or receive any assistance in the manufacture of nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices. With that Iran said "No nuclear weapons". Iran also accepted the nuclear safeguards demand in Article III of the treaty in form of routine inspections by the treaty's nuclear watchdog organization IAEA. Article IV of the NPT gives all non-nuclear-weapon state parties like Iran the "inalienable right" to "develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination." After signing the NPT Iran launched several civil nuclear projects. These started under the Shah in 1970s and continued after the 1979 revolution in Iran. Ever since the Iranian revolution the U.S. expressed explicit hostility to the Islamic Republic of Iran. It instigated the President Saddam Hussein of Iraq to launch a war against the Islamic Republic and actively supported him throughout. It attempted and continues to attempt to hobble Iran's development, nuclear and non-nuclear, by all possible means. Under U.S. President George W. Bush the U.S. government claimed that Iran had a nuclear weapons program. The Islamic Republic Iran rejected that claim and in 2004 signed the Additional Protocol to the NPT which allows the IAEA to do more rigorous, short-notice inspections at declared and undeclared nuclear facilities to look for secret nuclear activities. With that the Islamic Republic of Iran said: "No nuclear weapons". In a 2006 New York Times op-ed Javid Zarif, then the Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations, wrote: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, has issued a decree against the development, production, stockpiling and use of nuclear weapons. With that Iran's highest political and religious leader said: "No nuclear weapons". Not only did Iran sign the NPT and its Additional Protocol but its political leadership outright rejects the development and ownership of nuclear weapons. Zarif also pointed out that the IAEA found that Iran had missed to declare some nuclear activities but also confirmed that it never had the nuclear weapons program the Bush administration claimed it had: In November 2003, for example, the agency confirmed that "to date, there is no evidence that the previously undeclared nuclear material and activities were related to a nuclear weapons program." During the "previously undeclared nuclear material and activities" which the IAEA investigated, some Iranian scientists worked on a 'plan for a plan' towards nuclear weapons. They seem to have discussed what steps Iran would have to take, what materials, and what kind of organization it would need to launch a nuclear weapons program. The work was not officially sanctioned and no actual nuclear weapons program was ever launched. It is believed that the Iranian scientists worked on a 'plan for a plan' because they were concerned that Iran's then arch enemy Saddam Hussein, who had bombarded Iranian cities with chemical weapons, was working towards nuclear weapons. In 2003, after the U.S. invaded Iraq, that concern proved to be unfounded and the 'plan for a plan' project was shut down. In December 2007 all 16 U.S. intelligence agencies confirmed the shut down: A new assessment by American intelligence agencies concludes that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 and that the program remains frozen, contradicting judgment two years ago that Tehran was working relentlessly toward building a nuclear bomb. ... [T]he new [National Intelligence Estimate] declares with high confidence that a military-run Iranian program intended to transform that raw material into a nuclear weapon has been shut down since 2003, and also says with high confidence that the halt was directed primarily in response to increasing international scrutiny and pressure. The National Intelligence Estimate ended efforts by the Bush administration to threaten Iran with war. But the U.S. government, under Bush and then under President Obama, continued its effort to deny Iran its "inalienable right" to civil nuclear programs. Obama waged a campaign of ever increasing sanctions on Iran. But the country did not give in. It countered by accelerating its civil nuclear programs. It enriched more Uranium to civil use levels and developed more efficiant enrichment centrifuges. It was the Obama administration that finally gave up on its escalatory course. It conceded that Iran has the "inalienable right" to run its civil nuclear programs including Uranium enrichment. It was this concession, not the sanctions, that brought Iran to the table for talks about its nuclear programs. The result of those talks was the The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) which was endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, adopted on July 20, 2015. The JCPOA gives the IAEA additional tools to inspect facilities in Iran. It restricts Iran's civil nuclear program to certain limits which will terminate in October 2025. The JCPOA also reaffirms that Iran has full rights under the NPT. The IAEA since regularly inspects facilities in Iran and consistently reaffirms in its reports that Iran has no nuclear weapons program. The Trump administrations hostility to Iran has nothing to do with anything nuclear. The U.S. wants hegemony over the Persian Gulf region. Iran rejects such imperial desires. The U.S. wants to control the flow of hydrocarbon resources to its competitors, primarily China. Iran does not allow such controls over its exports. The U.S. wants that all hydrocarbon sales are made in U.S. dollars. Iran demands payments in other currencies. Israel, which has significant influence within the Trump administration, uses claims of a non existing Iranian nuclear weapons program to manipulate the U.S. public and to divert from its racist apartheid policies in Palestine. Trump's talk - "Im looking to have Iran say, No nuclear weapons." - is simply bullshit. Iran said so several times and continues to say so. But Trump obviously believes that he can get away with making such idiotic claims. The New York Times proves him right. It is again slipping into the role that it played during the propaganda run-up to the war on Iraq in 2002/2003. False claims made by members of the Bush administration about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq were reported by the Times as true, even while diligent reporters at other outlets debunked those claims again and again. The Times later apologized and fired Judith Miller, one of its reporters who wrote several of the pieces that supported the false claims. But it was never a problem of one reporter who channeled false claims by anonymous administration officials into her reports. It was the editorial decision by the Times, taken long before the war on Iraq began, to use its power to support such a war. That editorial decision made it possible that those false claims appeared in the paper. This month alone one NYT editorial, one editorial cartoon and at least five reporters in three pieces published in the New York Times made false claims about an Iranian nuclear weapons program that, as all the relevant official institutions confirm, does not exist. This does not happen by chance. It it is now obvious that the Times again decided to support false claims by an administration that is pushing the U.S. towards another war in the Middle East. - Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here ==See Also== Note To ICH Community We ask that you assist us in dissemination of the article published by ICH to your social media accounts and post links to the article from other websites. Thank you for your support. Peace and joy Climate Change The Church of England's Mission to Change Investment Investment professionals are increasing the pressure on big corporations to do more to combat climate change. A small, but influential investor, the Church of England has become a leader in the mission to save the environment through finance. Chapter Ninety was written by Chantelle M Wells and was directed once again by Gina Rodriguez (Jane)! As usual, Rodriguez does a terrific job. The episode really emphasizes the importance of family and features the real wedding of Alba (Ivonne Coll) and Jorge (Alfonso DiLuca). The episode also featured the cool gimmick of a little cartoon so that we didnt have to watch the #Jorgasm!The flashback to begin the episode emphasizes again that Jane grew up without her father it was lovely seeing the flashbacks to their relationship throughout the series. We find out that when she was 11, Jane (Cali DiCapo) entered and won! and essay contest, hoping to get her picture in the paper so that her father would see her. She didnt care about the contest at all.In the present day, Jane and Rogelio (Jaime Camil) pitch This is Mars to the studio execs. The pitch itself is hilarious I loved Rogelio insisting they wear space helmets! When they get home, the come in like theyve failed and then do a special victory dance also hilarious! for Xo (Andrea Navedo), Alba, and Jorge who have been waiting for news.Jorge takes the opportunity to propose to Alba in front of the whole family and this time she accepts! Xo then takes over the wedding planning details and throws herself into them completely. She gets the first wedding mass she can three months away. This turns out to be too long. She also arranges for a special Venezuelan orchid for the bridal bouquet, so that Alba will have something from home to walk down the aisle with her.Meanwhile, Luisa (Yara Martinez) is trying to expand her own family and reconnect with Rafael (Justin Baldoni). I loved her smudging his apartment and using crystals so Luisa! He thanks her for helping him through the bad time hes been having since losing Jane, and finally agrees to ask Petra (Yael Grobglas) and Jane if Luisa can meet the kids.Petra is also trying to blend/expand her family and the girls seem to be finally warming up to JR (Rosario Dawson). They decide that its time for JR to try some time alone with the twins and Petra suggests ice cream. JR also learns from her mentor that shes not getting her license back to practice law. The ice cream date goes equally badly when the twins act like complete brats and JR ends up yelling at them.Jane and Rogelio still have to get River (Brooke Shields) on board with the new concept. She love it, but doesnt want Jane to write it! She is sure that its just nepotism on Rogelios part and that Jane cant do a professional job. Interestingly, Jane doesnt take offence and is ok handing the job over to someone else because shes a novelist not a television writer. Rogelio insists, however, and gives Jane a bunch of old Pilot scripts to help her.Jorge and Alba have an engagement party at the Mirabella, and Rafael congratulates them. He also takes the opportunity to ask Jane for a favor. Her heart glows the entire time hes talking to her until he asks if Luisa can meet Mateo (Elias Janssen). Rafael tells Jane that shes his only family and its really important to him. She asks for 24 hours to think about it and we see her heart glow and then crackJane talks to Xo and Alba about it. Shes not sure that Luisa has really changed and is reluctant to let Mateo meet her, but shes also feeling like she wants to say yes just because Rafael will be so grateful that he might fall back in love with her. Xo and Alba both tell her to put Mateo first. In the end, she agrees because family is important.Jane learns two things from the pilot scripts that Rogelio gives her. The first is one of the shows traditionally great gimmicks a list! She learns the five key elements of a telenovela which are then applied to this episode.1. Drive2. Obstacle3. Complication4. Resolution5. CliffhangerLoved it! But Jane also finds her publishers number on the back of one of the scripts.Rogelio has lots of notes for Jane on the script but of course, they are all about how hes described! I loved that he had no issue about having a tail and that he should be just as handsome with it. Its all about getting more close ups! Hes totally fine with the plot. Rogelio dodges the question of the phone number, saying he just wanted to send flowers after the book signing.When she calls Jeremy (Even Todd), he wont tell her why Rogelio had his number. Jane fakes out Rogelio to learn that Rogelio agreed to buy any of the 10,000 copies of Janes novel that didnt sell! Jane is devastated and this causes a rift between her and Rogelio.Janes fake out is a nice parallel to how Petra finds out about JR blowing up at the twins by accident by starting a conversation with Why didnt you tell me? Petras talking about JR spilling wine on her jacket, but JR thinks that Jane who saw the blow up told on her. She didnt. And more surprisingly, neither did the twins! Petra and JR fight over JRs right/place to discipline the twins.Petra is furious with Jane for not telling her about JR and the twins. Jane tells her that she didnt think it was her place to tell. Its hilarious that the one time Jane doesnt meddle, Petra still gets mad at her! Jane gives her good advice though in telling her to talk to JR about her role in disciplining the twins.Jorge and Albas public displays of affection end up making Xo and Jane super uncomfortable- which is also hilarious. I loved the throwback to the very first episode when Jane presents Alba with the framed flower and tells her to think about it when she has urges! Its even funnier when Jorge and Alba are making out, and Alba stops it when she sees a petal fall from the flower! It turns out that the problem with 3 months is that its too long to wait to have sex!River ends up loving the script and apologizes to Jane. Shes happy for her to write for the show. But Jane sees a way to get back at Rogelio. She tells River that she thinks that Brenda is underserved and shes giving her more monologues and another lover because Steve will be horribly disfigured and lose his genitals!!!Jane and Rogelio are both downcast when they return from the meeting, and Xo and Alba think they are faking again. Jane tells them that River loved the script and then what Rogelio did. Neither of them knew and are mad on Janes behalf. More devastating, however, is what this news does to Janes entire concept of self. Shes gotten through all the hard times with the accomplishment of being a published author and now thats a lie. It affects her so badly that it creates writers block!Theres a terrific scene between Coll and Rodriguez, when Alba goes to check on Jane who cant write and she breaks down crying. Alba encourages her to keep writing and not throw away a great opportunity just because shes mad at Rogelio.Petra goes to JR and the two discuss how to move ahead. Both have different views on discipline based on their own childhoods. JR thinks they are too entitles shes not wrong! And Petra explains that they are spoiled because of her own childhood having nothing. The two agree to try to come up with a way they are both comfortable with.Meanwhile, Alba announces that she and Jorge are getting married right away that afternoon! Xo and Jane are surprised but immediately say that they are on board if that is what Alba wants. Alba says that all that they want is a quick nice family dinner afterwards with just the immediate family. She tells Jane that she doesnt have to invite Rafael its quite a sweet moment between the two. When Rafael drops Mateo off right then, however, Jane invites him anyway. Alba asks why, and Jane explains that its about family, not about her.This theme of family is taken up when Xo breaks down when she cant get the special flowers for Alba. She tells Alba that she wanted to do one big special thing to really thank Alba for all shes done all her life, but especially helping her through the last year. Alba tells her that you never stop wanting to do whatever you can for your child and its at that moment that Rogelio sticks his head in Jorges getting nervous that Alba will change her mind again!Camil does the beaten dog look so well! He immediately leaves when Jane gives him the stink eye but Albas words resonate with her and Alba and Xo remind her of them Jane goes after Rogelio and forgives him. The two make up and Rogelio tells her that River signed on proving what Rogelio already knew that Jane is a wonderful writer.Jorge and Alba are married. And in another terrific throwback this time the choir tells Alba to go and have sex. Rogelio, Rafael, Jane, and Xo join in and its hysterical. Do we have time to have a musical episode???? If any show should do it these actors can all sing and dance for Heavens sake!Xo gets some great photos of the wedding on her phone and decides to put together a wedding album for Alba something shes never had. Jane admits that it was ok to have Rafael there. It helps that no matter what, they are still family.We get to the Resolution part of the episode. Rogelio shows Jane that shes famous she has her picture in the paper again but this time its WITH her father. We also get or almost the consummation of Alba and Jorges marriage but tastefully and hysterically cut to a cartoon! I actually like that we get almost as much of a sex scene with the older cast as with the younger. Jane is also inspired to write but now its the story of her and Rogelio.Two resolutions end in the final element of cliffhanger. JR and Petra are clearly doing better working as a team with the twins. JR gets them to put on their basic shoes by threatening to take away the iPad Petras favorite ploy. Then JR gets another call from her mentor. Theres a job offer in the legal field, though not practicing but the complication is that its in Houston!Luisa finally meets Mateo. She wants to go to the beach with him. Rafael had planned for them to stay in, but agrees to go to the beach instead. Meanwhile, Dennis (Christopher Allen) calls to say that he thinks Luisa is still working with Rose (Bridget Reagan) because of a financial connection they found. At the same time, Bobby (Tommy Dorfman) texts Luisa to see how its going. She tells him perfect and we see him breaking into Rafaels apartment! Has Bobby simply convinced Luisa to take Mateo to the beach or is she really in on it? I suspect that Luisa is as much in the dark as everyone else what do you think?This was a satisfying episode. We start to see some of our character storylines wrap up as we move into the final push toward the finale. Will danger to Mateo once again unite Jane and Rafael? What is Rose really up to? Will Jane find success as a novelist or is she destined to be a famous telenovela writer? What did you think of the episode? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! *NOTE This review may contain spoilers. Also, let me take this moment to say thank you to Cecile L. for filling in for me last week. Life has a funny way of throwing us curve balls when we least expect it and I do appreciate her stepping in at the last moment. Two psychopaths sit next to each other on couch. Sounds like the start of a bad joke but putting together the two psychopaths that Killing Eve did last week in Wide Awake (2x07) was anything but funny. While this episode proceeded at a decidedly slower pace than others this season, it was twice as intense, deeply introspective and equally surprising. Many of the characters came face to face with some hard truths about themselves. One could even surmise, that based on the definition MI6 psychologist Martin (Adeel Akhtar) uses to define the term, any number of the major characters this season could be a psychopath Villanelle (Jodie Comer), Eve (Sandra Oh), Carolyn (Fiona Shaw) or Aaron (Henry Lloyd-Hughes) all fit the description.While other shows race to their season finales, often at breakneck speeds, with this off-paced episode, Killing Eve again rewrites the standard for suspenseful, thriller television. Much like Aaron Peel, the prey that has forced the odd Villanelle/MI6 partnership, the show is being very precise and methodical in laying out its compelling story. Where it leads in tonight's finale is anyone's guess, I do believe that anything my very vivid writer's imagination may come up with will pale in comparison to the brilliant twists and turns brought by the show's writers this season.The goal this episode is to get Aaron to invite the undercover Villanelle aka Billie to accompany him to Rome as he meets buyers for the mysterious weapon he has put on the market. Carolyn insists to Eve that Villanelle can't kill Aaron, or anyone for that matter, because the information they need in Rome is crucial. They need to know who the buyers are in competition for Peel's weapon. In initial preparation with Villanelle, Eve and her new partner are faced with some interesting revelations; one- the assassin doesn't know if she's ever telling the truth or not, and two; she admits that she never feels anything except when she's around Eve. Eve makes her feel things.At an odd lunch date with Aaron, Villanelle secures the invitation, but viewers are given a further glimpse of the eccentric personality of Peel. Kudos to Lloyd-Hughes, who is successfully creating a character that is equal parts charming and creepily disturbing. This scene is just the first of a series of battle of wills between Villanelle and Aaron. Of note too, this scene is one that star Jodie Comer relates she almost choked on the pasta Villanelle shoves into her mouth. The actors were both so into character that at first, her co-star didn't realize she was really choking.Eve is at a final briefing with Carolyn and learning her back-up team would be Hugo (Edward Bluemel) and not Kenny (Sean Delaney). The briefing ends with an awkward exchange between Eve and Kenny where the young IT agent tries to warn Eve to back away from the assignment but is interrupted by his mother. It's a telling scene that there's more going on than the standard mission and just another indication perhaps that Eve is being manipulated this season by Carolyn and MI6. Or is it by Carolyn and the 12? Eve then visits the Martin on the pretense of making sure that Villanelle can handle Peel. Then Martin smoothly maneuvers the meeting into a mini-therapy session for Eve. Telling her he initially recommended she be removed from the operation because she was too involved with Villanelle, he probes a little deeper, getting Eve to admit some truths out loud for the first time. She thinks about Villanelle all the time, she is behaving differently and most importantly that Villanelle makes her feel wide awake, alive. Sandra Oh is superb watching Eve transition through these truths, her body language changes, becoming edgier, more alert. Tears gather in her eyes as she makes these confessions as those the character has come alive more than any other time in the series.While Eve is meeting with Martin, Villanelle has some last-minute business she needs to see about. With so much else going on in this episode this almost throw-away moment where Villanelle confronts Niko (Owen McDonnell) and Gemma (Emma Pierson) is a standout. It's equal parts terror and comedic at the same time. Jodie Comer does Villanelle doing what Villanelle does best terrorize without emotion. She threatens and intimidates by asking the simplest questions even asking for Niko's Shepherd's Pie recipe in a nice toss back to the bizarre dinner she and Eve shared last season. She continues terrorizing the couple for what seems an interminably long time. During such, Pierson's squeaks of "Niko" were at first understandable but then became humorous in tone and as grating as the character was intended to be. Then Villanelle asks one final question does Niko love his wife? You know this will not end well when Niko says yes to both Villanelle's and Gemma's disappoint. And she was so close to letting them both go. Nice work from all. One note to make about this scene, dressed as she is in slacks and a button-down plaid shirt, and employing a slouched, masculine stance with her hands shoved in her pockets Villanelle acted more masculine than Niko did. During that last interrogation she sits in a traditionally masculine way too, hunched over with her legs planted apart and the way she jabs the knife around to punctuate her sentences, while Niko and Gemma are basically identical in those scenes, both demure and timid.Once in Rome, the depth of Aaron's controlling personality and menacing demeanor are on full display. He has Villanelle's luggage taken, which contained the microphone she was to use to communicate with Eve and Hugo. He's provided her with an entire glamourous wardrobe, which on closer inspection looks more like a wardrobe for Villanelle than it does her alter ego Billie. Comer's wide-eyed reaction to the wardrobe is the only visible clue as to how rattled or off-kilter she is feeling. And Peel becomes progressively controlling by telling her what to wear, where to sit, when to speak, when to move, what to eat which does rattle Villanelle, he's even watching her every move on a hidden camera like a stalker. He does admit that she intrigues him because when he looks her up on the internet, she's a shadow, she's the only person in the world he knows nothing about. Then it's learned just how dangerous he is with his weapon when he embarrasses his Russian buyer with the most revealing details of his life that Peel claims to have obtained through his weapon. It's intriguing to watch Villanelle's reaction to Peel, Comer plays her with just enough curiosity and ambiguity that we can't be sure if he is enthralling her or not.Villanelle does calm down somewhat when Eve manages to slip another microphone to her. Somehow it makes the assassin feel better knowing that Eve is close by, watching over her and listening. She even manages to turn that into an almost erotic love scene as Villanelle talks to the microphone, telling Eve to let herself go and that she could help her do that. It again reinforces how connected these two women are that though they are not in the same room together the audience feels as though their intruding on an intimate moment between two lovers. Villanelle's words get to Eve and set her off so that she climbs into bed with Hugo and sleeps with him. The next morning Hugo wakes up to a rough morning after and snidely thanks Eve for the three-some as she coldly rebuffs him. But at least he's having a better morning than Niko who awakens locked in the storage unit next to Gemma's dead body sitting on a sofa in the unit with a plastic bag wrapped around her head and face.With just one episode left of Killing Eve this season, many surprises certainly await. Is Eve being manipulated by Carolyn and Konstantin? Is Villanelle in danger? What happens next? Share your thoughts on Wide Awake and the finale in the comments below. The article was written by Donna Cromeans, Ellys Cartin, Sam Benjamin, and Marko Pekic. Article edited by Donna Cromeans (@DJRiter). Article prepared for publication by Aimee Hicks. Since the debut of, viewers have been mesmerized by the enigmatic assassin Villanelle portrayed by relatively unknown actress Jodie Comer. But since then everyone knows who she is and wants to know more about the complex character she plays. Comer has been on fire during the second season of the BBC thriller and it's a testament to her skill that she's making viewers worldwide fall in love with a killer. Her performance in(2x4) is the kind that wins awards, where she peels back more layers of this complex character and at times does it with just a head movement or expression. In this episode, Villanelle has embarked on her first job as a free-lance assassin with Konstantin (Kim Bodnia) and underneath it, all still seeks the attention of MI6 Agent, Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh). She does so this time by committing her most bizarre assassination to date yet shows an unusual vulnerable side when her actions do not garner the desired results. It's a tour-de-force performance of the many faces of Villanelle and has deservedly earned Comer the title of SpoilerTV Staff Choice Performer of the Month for April.With the threat of death by infection or fixer no longer hanging over her head, Villanelle languishes in the throes of ennui. This new attitude presents Comer with the challenge of toning down her character's usual maniacal charisma while retaining Villanelle's spontaneous mischievousness. Her first scenes of the episode begin with a glimpse of her leaning against a bridge, her hands folded on top of the railing, looking contemplatively off into the water. Comer shifts her legs and hips very slightly to indicate that Villanelle's chosen position is uncomfortable and that her water-gazing is simply intended to fill time. When her handler/almost friend Konstantin, Villanelle inquires disinterestedly as to what information he brings, although her eyes are already wandering away before she even finishes asking her one-syllable question. He tells her there is a job for that night. She slowly drops her head down and lifts her body up, tugging the railing with a distinctly pouty face before pushing off to reposition herself. Though Konstantin tells her to be grateful, Villanelle blurts out that it is boring, and Comer puffs her cheeks to accentuate the juvenile complaint. He tells her to make it interesting, a creative challenge that barely gets her attention. She lets her head loll to the right, while her eyes and mouth narrow into a faint smile. Konstantin tells her to come with him. She follows, and Comer sticks with that childish demeanor by having Villanelle take a bit of a long-legged hop to follow him, with a coat flourish for good measure. Villanelle teases him about his unfashionable shirt as they walk away, indicating that she's making something of an effort to play along.Konstantin senses that Villanelle is suffering from writer's block for artistic killers, so he takes her to an art museum. Comer runs through every known response in reaction to the art that surrounded her. First, a tolerant smile glued to her face, Villanelle walks up to a painting of several nude men fighting. The smile vanishes, and a faux snoring sound emits from her mouth instead. She tosses her head back, groaning her complaint quietly before sharply transitioning into a full shout that it is boring. As they go to other exhibits, Konstantin admonishes her for not recognizing the great art. Delightfully, Comer looks at her shoes then skips into a short skid across the floor. She is the living manifestation of disinterest. Something does catch Villanelle's eye though, and she is overcome with reverence at a painting depicting a gruesome execution. She even pushes her hands into her pockets, her elbows bent attentively at her sides, as she studies it. Comer lets a sort of quiet wonder surface on Villanelle's face and couples that expression with a full body shiver. Villanelle's goosebumps are your goosebumps in this scene. Her eyebrows are almost imperceptibly raised. She looks at the picture and announces that the dead subjects look like bacon. Her eyebrows drop back into place, and she walks briskly away. Konstantin breaks into a smile. With the most nuanced adjustments to her posture and expression, Comer shows you that Villanelle has broken her writer's block.From head to toe, Comer`s Villanelle looked spectacular as she was sitting on the bridge alone reminiscing about her feelings. The Instagram girl interrupting her just brought out the flawless unapologetic badass we love. Villanelle is filterless, not worried about hurting someone`s feelings and Comer just makes it all so believable. She melded so well with the character, that the way she handled that girl doesn`t seem rude or out of character, you wouldn`t expect her to behave any other way. As the girl got lost, we see Villanelle watching a happy couple as she was finishing the post-card for her flame, Eve. Villanelle`s infatuation with Eve is particularly intriguing as it broadens the character giving it more layers and strength in her motives. And while she would never admit it Konstantin is right, Eve is making her a bit weak. Villanelle isn`t the one to take criticism from anyone, especially if it is justified. So she diverts with an unspeakable mean move with Jodie`s exceptional momentum and sarcastic flare cover up Villanelle`s flaws.For the kill of the week, Comer gives a performance within a performance, as Villanelle dons a gloriously garish costume with an outlandish pig mask and lures herself an audience. Though Comer's face is hidden for this scene, her storytelling cues are as sharp as ever through the other performance choices she makes. She enters the scene walking quickly across a street. Her whole body is going one way, but her head is turned to the right to face her target. In one smooth, brisk motion, her head turns to face front, but the rest of her body never changes direction. She glides off the screen as she sets the bait for her target. This motion is repeated a couple more times as Villanelle power walks down a different street and into a building, with her arms hanging harmlessly at her sides. Or they would be harmlessly hanging if it weren't for the barely noticeable fact Comer isn't swinging her arms like someone normally does when walking fast. Her arms hang neatly and vertically, with a tension that undercuts the casual attitude Villanelle is projecting elsewhere with her character.As Villanelle rounds the corner to enter the room, she tips her chin up with just a little arrogance. The target enters the room after her, and she nods her head ever so demurely. She reaches out to shut the door, extending her arm and neck almost unnaturally, which colors the moment with extra horror vibes. The scene, despite where it's going, is extremely funny, and the comedy is driven by the little things that Comer does like playing with her pom poms before reaching for handcuffs. There's also how she nods and tips her head in agreement at least two times more than is necessary, creating a bobblehead effect. She also leans back on her heels when the target gives out an oink-oink as if Villanelle can't believe her craft is being used on this man. There's nothing demure about how quickly and precisely she tightens the straps around his ankles though. Also, her steps were soundless before, but they are distinct and heavy when she walks over to open the curtain. Comer also presses the button to raise the target with more force than necessary. She then reaches into her pocket and pulls out a knife, which she examines with curiosity for the new audience outside the window's sake. She tilts her head and twists her wrist and looks at the knife from all angles as if her own eyes are as wide and naive as those on her pig mask. She holds the knife for the window audience to see, covering the mouth of her mask with her fingers as if holding in a giggle at discovering some delightful surprise. Villanelle also lightly tugs on her stomach to pantomime a belly laugh. She crouches down next to the target, mocking him with a sympathetic listening gesture before pointing out his wife watching passively in the crowd outside the window. When the deed is done and the museum photo is recreated, Villanelle places herself in the center of the window, before stepping to the left for a curtsey and then to the right for the same. As she turns to leave, she clasps her hands in one last pandering gesture of appreciation, before casually walking out the door. Comer showed in this scene that there's not a muscle or a nerve in her body that she doesn't masterfully wield in her own killer performances.Following her flamboyant, inventive and public assassination in Amsterdam's red-light district to draw Eve's attention the next day, Villanelle sets up shop across the street from the scene of the crime to wait for the arrival of her MI6 obsession, Eve to show up to investigate. However, when MI6 arrives it's not Eve that's been sent. At first, Villanelle sits there eating snacks anxious with anticipation. When the car pulls up, she becomes alert letting almost a giddy excitement play all over her face that quickly turns to shock when the agent that emerges isn't Eve Polastri. Finally, shock gives way to despair and then anger when she realizes that Eve isn't coming. Comer gives a master class in acting in this scene without saying a word, letting her oh so expressive face do the talking as this myriad of emotions subtly play and showing an unusual glimpse of the vulnerable side of Villanelle.This is perhaps one of the first times Villanelle has truly felt open, sad and alone in the world. She is the type of character that is always in control of every situation and knows how to bluff her way out of trouble, but with Eve's rejection getting under her skin, for the first time she lets herself go. She walks through the Amsterdam streets aimlessly. She has no idea where she's going or what exactly her plan is but still manages to maintain an air of superiority, looking down on the drug dealer who dares to speak to her with disdain. In a blink of an eye though, Villanelle has second thoughts and decides to take him up on his offer. Playing out such a scene with a character going through such a variant of mixed, conflicting emotions is no easy feat for any actor to pull off, and Comer has shown time and time again she is no ordinary actor. Villanelle is a character that has seemingly shown that ice water runs through her veins from the word go, and with everything that the show throws her way, Comer always rises to the challenge. Villanelle still has no real interest in the drugs or the drug dealer, she just wants a release, any type of release that she can possibly get to numb down her feelings and keep away the explosion for as long as possible.She is almost alien-like as she walks into the Club, a blank vacant expression on her face. As the effects of the drugs start to kick in, she is slowly losing herself to the music and the mood, until she spots a woman inside the Club who reminds her of Eve. A weak, devilish smile lights up her face until the woman turns away from her and Villanelle is once again soaked in the sadness and devastation of her feelings. It's not something that she copes with well, and Comer is again excellent as she perfectly portrays the sense of a lost animal, loose in the world without a cause, desperate for its owner to come back to them and give them a sign of attention. She once again reaches for the drugs to try and block out those feelings, increasingly becoming agitated as she struggles to open the drug wrapper, and immediately feels a sense of relief as the drug rests on her tongue.However, while she was before able to drown out her sadness and anger, this time the drug doesn't work quite as intended and Villanelle is left feeling uneasy and irritable. Trying to capture Eve's attention with a bloody murder seemingly hasn't worked, and with Konstantin benching her, Villanelle has no new mark to take her anger out on either, so instead she's left simmering, boiling, just waiting for that one thing to happen and let the world feel her wrath. That arrives as Villanelle is waiting in line at the bathroom, and a woman dares to cut in line. At first, she attempts to politely reason with the girl by berating her lack of manners, but when the girl dares to give her the finger, Villanelle snaps and jumps at the chance to work through her anger by beating her up. When normally dealing with a mark, Villanelle feels a sense of pleasure at the professionalism of her work, making sure to commit as bloody or decorative a murder as possible. This thought isn't a normal Villanelle. It's a beaten, furious with the world Villanelle, angered that Eve has seemingly moved on to a new fancy toy and left Villanelle behind. Her eyes are no longer filled with delight as her victim tries to fight against her grip, but instead sadness for the hurt and sorrow that she feels in her heart which Comer plays superbly. With the first season, it was extremely rare to see such moments of vulnerability from Villanelle, and while she remains a strangely loveable psychopath, there is newfound humanity to her stride, cracks in her armor that are being exposed and it is all because of Eve.Konstantin arrives in the nick of time, forcing Villanelle off her victim before she can finish the job and dragging her kicking and screaming out of the bathroom. Ever since their first scene together Bodnia and Comer have shared a natural chemistry that is less a psychopath and her master, and more father and daughter. Villanelle and Konstantin push each other to the limit, but when things get tough, he is always there to edge her away from the cliff, no matter how much she might hate him for it in the process. The next morning, never has anyone looked that good while waking up with a hangover in her own vomit. Villanelle looks in the mirror and doesn`t really recognize the person she is seeing. Eve changed Villanelle`s whole being and all the emotion that convoluted in her was let out in just this moment as the person in the mirror was just the shell of the cold heartless killer she once knew. The transitions between Villanelle`s broken self and Eve prepping to investigate the Ghost just amplified all the emotions Comer transferred to the screen. The empty look in her eyes, the painful whimpers coming from her were just the cherry on top in a marvelous performance from Comer. Just as was the moment she found some solace and comfort from her pain upon finding Konstantin asleep on the floor by her bedside, as though watching over her as any good father would.Jodie Comer continues to impress viewers and critics alike with her stunning work asraces toward its second season finale. We've just scratched the surface with a look at her brilliant performance, in, as she continues to slowly peel back the many layers of this complex character to reveal the many faces of Villanelle. She continues to confound the norm making Villanelle a character that people truly care about. In giving this tour-de-force performance in this episode there is little doubt as to why she was Spoiler TV's Staff Choice for Performer of the Month for April.What is written here is just a small example of how this young actress is taking this role and turning Villanelle into an iconic television character. What did you think Jodie Comer's performance of? What is it about Villanelle that intrigues you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Oviedo (Asturias), May 21, 2019, (SPS) - In the framework of the activities organized by the University of Oviedo, Asturias, the Aula Magna of the historic building hosted the round table: "Western Sahara: Current situation and perspectives" . The Vice Chancellor of University Extension and International Projection, Francisco Jose Borge Lopez, presented the ceremony welcoming the Saharawi delegation, headed by the Minister of Education, Bucharaya Bayun, and renewing the full commitment of the University of Oviedo to the fight for self-determination of the Saharawi people. The Saharawi representative in the province of Asturias, Yahia Edjil, took advantage of his intervention to remember the commemoration of the 46th anniversary of the founding of the Frente POLISARIO and began the fight against colonialism and foreign occupation. Javier Gonzalez Vega, Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oviedo, highlighted the achievements of the Frente POLISARIO and the consolidation of the Saharawi resistance. For Gonzalo Vega, the European Union is currently showing serious contradictions and becoming involved in clear violations of international law. Finally, the Minister of Education and member of the National Secretariat of the Frente POLISARIO, Bucharaya Bayun, explained the current situation and the lines of work being carried out by the Frente POLISARIO to arrive at a final and just solution. For Bayun, the Sahrawis will never understand the lack of involvement of Spain and the repeated obstacles of France to the peace process. "The bad decolonization makes Spain continue to be responsible for the suffering of the Saharawi people," said the Saharawi official. The day is part of the activities carried out by the Saharawi delegation in Asturias, the Asturian Association of Friends of the Saharawi People and the Asturian Agency of Cooperation to raise awareness among civil society about one of the oldest conflicts in Africa. SPS 125/090/TRA Oviedo (Asturias), May 21, 2019 (SPS) - The University of Tifariti and the University of Oviedo have signed an important cooperation agreement that will allow Saharawi students to access scholarships for higher education at the Asturian academic institution, as well as the organization of joint activities for awareness and information on the struggle and history of the Saharawi people. The agreement was signed by the rector of the University of Oviedo, Santiago Garcia Granda, the rector of the University of Tifariti, Jatari Anda-La Ahmed Salem, and Yahya Edjil, Saharawi delegate for Asturia. the ceremony were attended by the Saharawi Minister of Education, Bucharaya Bayun, the Vice Chancellor Vice-Rector for University Extension and International Projection, Francisco Jose Borge Lopez and the President of the Asturian Association of Support for the Saharawi People, Albert Suarez. For the signatory parties, the project implies a clear commitment of the two academic institutions to continue building bridges and strengthening the ties between the Saharawi people and the Spanish people. Santiago Garcia Granda points out that this agreement responds to the need to assume a historical responsibility with Western Sahara and that the Asturian university will do everything possible to contribute to the training of Saharawi youth. "Hopefully it contributes to the formation of the Saharawi people and to a solution to a problem that has been going on for so many years," the university's rectorate emphasized.SPS 125/090/TRA Varied styles and points of view are the basis of Wilton Librarys art exhibition Connecticut Styles & Perspectives: SCAN Artists, opening Friday, June 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The eight artists featured in the show are from the Society of Creative Arts of Newtown (SCAN). The artists are Harry Burman, Brewster, N.Y.; Barbara Courtian, New York, N.Y. and Danbury; Pamela Danneman, Newtown; Bambi Engelman, Southbury; Sandra Karakoosh, Cheshire; Ruth Newquist, Newtown; Roberta Shea, Newtown; and Lisa Willvonseder-Greto, Newtown. The reception is free and open to the public. The exhibition runs through Friday, June 28. Most of the close to 50 paintings will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Wilton Library. Artists from this group have exhibited here before and they were very well received, so we decided to feature more artists from the same collective to see their depth and breadth, Art chairman Ed MacEwen said about the exhibition in a news release. Sign up to get events, interviews with artists and more delivered to your inbox for free. Each artist comes to their passion from different routes: Burman earned his BFA from Herbert Lehman College and was a scholarship student at the Art Students League in New York. He studied drawing with the great draftsman and illustrator Gustav Rehberger. After illustrating for more than 20 years, he was able to pursue his love of painting portraits. He became a member of the National Society of Painters in Casein and Acrylic, nabbing the Robert Sanstrom Prize, the societys top award. He also is a member of the Portrait Society of America, the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists and the aforementioned SCAN. His works have garnered numerous awards. Courtian graduated from Ohio State University with a BFA degree, and continued her studies in New York at The Art Students League and Hunter College. She worked as an Art Director until she turned to painting full time. Her paintings have been in many shows in New York and Connecticut where she received awards for best Watercolor in Show numerous times. Her works are in many private collections. Danneman trained in art at Miami University (Ohio) before switching to science and a career in health care research and development with Procter & Gamble and Richardson-Vicks. Once retired, she returned to art, studying watercolor with Ruth Newquist, Frank Federico, and Laura Wilk. More recently, she has painted in oils, studying with Rick Daskam and Harry Burman. Both Newquist and Burman also are SCAN artists featured in this show. Creating paintings continues to be both an emotional and intellectual passion for Danneman, a fulfilling second life for a trained scientist. Engelman has always loved art and enjoys her weekly art class as a way to relax from 33 years of teaching. Upon retiring, she decided to take lessons in any area that interested her. Most of the time her classes have been in watercolor but she also has enjoyed oil, pastel, alcohol inks, drawing, and botanicals. Karakoosh works in oils, pastels, acrylics and collage. Beginning with a concentration on realistic, representational subjects, such as birds and landscapes, her colorful oils and pastels render their subjects with an energetic interpretation. Her never-ending quest for tantalizing subjects ignited her interest in abstraction and collage. She works in different medium and has been recognized with Best in Show and First Place awards in many Connecticut art league exhibitions. Newquist is known for her oils and watercolors of New York cityscapes as well as New England landscapes. Ruth exhibits her paintings throughout New England and New York. She has won numerous awards from prestigious organizations including the Salmagundi Club, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club and North East Watercolor Society. She was featured on the Watercolor pages of American Artist Magazine June 1999. She also is represented in Best of Watercolor III, a hard cover book published by Rockport Publishers in 1999 and Splash 9, a hardcover book published in 2006. Shea has been immersed in the arts all her life. She received her B.S. in Art Education from Southern Connecticut State University and has taken graduate printmaking courses with Anna Audette, attended the Yale University Printmaking Workshop and has participated in other art studies. She was an art teacher at Masuk High School in her early career, and for the past twelve years, has been the docent at New Britain Museum of American Art giving Masterpiece tours for students and adults from the museums American collection of Colonial, Hudson River School, Impressionism, Post-Modern, and Contemporary Galleries. Through the years she has participated in various art exhibitions and won numerous awards including the second place prize in painting at the 2018 Ridgefield Guild of Artists Juried Member Show. Lisa Willvonseder-Greto was attending Syracuse University as an art history major when she was given the opportunity to take studio art classes and her focus was forever changed. She graduated magna cum laude with a BFA from S.U.N.Y Purchase. She works in several mediums but is best known for her oils. She is an award-winning artist who has shown her work in New York and Connecticut. She has served on the Board of the Society of Creative Arts of Newtown since 2004. Lisa also teaches drawing and painting techniques to artists of all levels both privately and through SCAN. SCAN is a nonprofit founded in 1971 by Larry Newquist and seven others to fulfill a cultural need in Newtown and surrounding communities. SCAN has met continuously since then and now has members from all over Western Connecticut and the Hudson Valley of New York. The Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road. Mondays-Thursdays 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fridays 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays through June 16, 1-5 p.m. 203-762-6334. Photo by Brian McCarthy / GROTON Three Stonington High School students left prom night in an ambulance after an irritant was sprayed on the dance floor, according to reports. An airborne substance similar to pepper spray was released around 9:45 p.m. Saturday at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa ballroom, Groton Town Police Sgt. David Miner told The Day. How come nobody ever says, Thank you for your service to a teacher? Its become the thing you have to say to a soldier, a veteran and in some cases cops, firefighters, EMTs or other first responders. In fact, through the efforts of misty-eyed advertising campaigns, mid-game in-stadium recognition ceremonies and uncountable politicians looking to build their bona fides by draping an arm around a guy or gal in uniform, thank you for your service has become less of a genuine thank you and more of a subliminal code for showing off your patriotism. But still, why do we do it for soldiers and not for teachers? I know, I hear you muttering, What a stupid question. Our troops we are told, put their lives on the line for our freedom every day. And thats true, many do. And whether or not you really believe in the purity of the missions our soldiers undertake is irrelevant. Our armed forces are voluntary so everyone in it has made a choice to serve, and each man or woman in uniform has their own reason for doing so. Its fair to assume though that theyre not doing it for the discount coupons or the attaboys they get from the folks on the homefront. The reality is, study after study has shown that the bulk of all soldiers join up either because its a job, because they crave the camaraderie, or because they get to go play with very dangerous toys. President Donald Trump again called for libel laws to be changed after a prominent political scientist and think tank leader made up a quote and attributed it to Trump. Ian Bremmer, the president of the Eurasia Group and a professor at NYU's Stern School of Business, tweeted a quote he attributed to Trump Sunday afternoon. "President Trump in Tokyo: 'Kim Jong Un is smarter and would make a better President than Sleepy Joe Biden,' " Bremmer tweeted. The tweet, styled as a direct quote, was shared by some people who did not check if the quote was verified. Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., and CNN contributor Ana Navarro-Cardenas both shared it, according to the Washington Examiner. "People think they can say anything and get away with it," Trump tweeted Monday morning. "Really, the libel laws should be changed to hold Fake News Media accountable!" Trump made waves at a news conference in Tokyo after he sided with North Korea in a war of words with Democratic presidential contender and former Vice President Joe Biden. "Well, (North Korean dictator) Kim Jong Un made a statement that Joe Biden is a low IQ individual," Trump told reporters. "I think I agree with him on that." Bremmer initially defended the tweet, writing that he believed it was both obviously ludicrous "and yet kinda plausible." "Especially on twitter, where people automatically support whatever political position they have. That's the point," he wrote. But he apologized Monday as media coverage grew, saying he had made the quote in jest. "My tweet yesterday about Trump preferring Kim Jong Un to Biden as President was meant in jest," he wrote. "I should have been clearer. My apologies." The ease with which misinformation spreads on social media remains a pressing problem as the 2020 presidential race gears up. Last week, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media companies allowed a video that was doctored to make House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., appear drunk to be uploaded to the sites, where it was viewed millions of times. A spokeswoman for Eurasia Group, of which Bremmer is president, said that Bremmer had no further comments beyond his apology on Twitter. Trump, who has made more than 10,000 false or misleading claims while in office according to The Washington Post's Fact Checker, has long said that he would like to change the United States' libel laws, which shield defendants from guilt unless they are proved to have made false and defamatory statements against public officials with malicious intent. That standard dates to a Supreme Court decision from 1964. The following editorial appeared in Monday's Japan News-Yomiuri: - - - What kind of merits would the Osaka metropolis plan, if realized, bring to the residents? How should various challenges be overcome? It is important to present concrete answers through careful discussion. With regard to the metropolis plan, which had been deadlocked, the regional party Osaka Ishin no Kai and Komeito's Osaka prefectural headquarters have agreed to implement a local referendum as early as in autumn next year. Komeito has changed its policy of opposing the metropolis plan and will take part in the relevant discussions from the position of approving of the plan. Both parties combined have a majority in both the Osaka prefectural and Osaka city assemblies, so this is a heavy decision made in pushing the metropolis scheme forward. As Osaka Ishin, advocating the metropolis plan, won the double elections of the Osaka gubernatorial and Osaka city mayoral races in April, Komeito may have concluded that the popular will has been manifested to some extent. Also seemingly at work was an intention of Komeito to avoid such a situation in which Osaka Ishin fields rival candidates in the next lower house elections in single-seat constituencies where incumbent Komeito members hold seats. The head of the Liberal Democratic Party's federation of branches in Osaka Prefecture has also indicated his intention of approving of the local referendum. In 2015, when Toru Hashimoto was Osaka Mayor, the metropolis scheme was rejected in a local referendum. As long as Osaka Ishin will seek to gain the confidence of local residents again, it is vital for the party to closely examine the content of the scheme and think it over. Osaka Ishin envisages having a concrete design of the system drawn up over one year at a legal council, which is slated to resume shortly, having the proposed scheme be resolved at both the prefectural and city assemblies, then carrying out a local referendum. By forming an adversarial force and thus attracting public attention, Osaka Ishin attempts to break through battle lines. It is undeniable that such theatrical tactics of Osaka Ishin have invited a backlash from other parties, which has made the realization of the metropolis scheme rather harder. By making good use of its having secured four-year terms in both offices through the double elections, Osaka Ishin must stick to a stance of aiming to form a consensus carefully, while also listening to the opinions of those who oppose the scheme. The present plan compiled by Osaka Ishin and others calls for abolishing the ordinance-designated city of Osaka and reorganizing it into four special wards. It is a scheme under which the prefectural government will assume wide-area administrative tasks, such as promoting growth strategy, attracting more tourists to the prefecture and operating local and public high schools and universities. Meanwhile, the governments of the special wards will take on administrative services closely related to local residents. It is aimed at avoiding administrative overlap, thus enhancing efficiency. With Osaka Ishin having assumed the top posts at both the Osaka prefectural and city governments since 2011, waste that would have developed through administrative overlap has, without doubt, been eliminated more than ever before. Yet it is also estimated that the establishment of special wards will require several tens of billions of yen for such expenses as improving government buildings and renovating relevant systems. The scheme should be given a review as to whether it can be expected to bring about effects befitting the costs. Osaka Ishin has suggested an idea of acceding to modifications regarding the boundaries between special wards and the allocated number of seats for special wards. The design of the system will also become subject to discussion. Among residents, there are not a few of those who are concerned about a possible decline in administrative services with the abolition of the Osaka city government. Osaka Ishin has to deal with such skepticism squarely and respond to it sincerely. Saudi women's rights activist Malak al-Shehri fled to the United States a year ago amid a wave of arrests of other women who had advocated the right to drive. After the killing and dismemberment of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October, it emerged that some of those women had been held in secret prisons and brutally tortured. In the wave of international outrage that followed, a big question in Washington was whether Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who likely ordered both operations, would respond to Western entreaties to rein in his thugs. The past month has brought a decisive answer: no way. On April 4, Shehri's husband, Ayman al-Drees, was arrested on the couple's farm in Saudi Arabia, among at least 14 other people with ties to one of the imprisoned activists. The new detainees have been held without charge and have been allowed only one phone call to their families. Their condition is unknown. That's not the only message MBS, as the crown prince is known, has sent to his domestic and foreign critics. On April 25, Norway's security service notified Iyad el-Baghdadi, a close collaborator of Khashoggi who lives in Oslo, that he was the target of a threat from the Saudi government. And on May 16, Saudi planes once again bombed civilian targets in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, killing seven people, including at least four children. That attack came weeks after Congress passed - and President Donald Trump vetoed - legislation that would have ended all U.S. support for Saudi forces in Yemen. Shehri was arrested in 2016 for posting a picture of herself without a head covering on social media. She was released after outsiders protested. But times, she says, have changed. Then, the Saudi leadership was sensitive to Western public opinion. Now, she says, "I don't think they care anymore, because they think Trump is supporting them." Shehri and several other exiled Saudi activists were in Washington last week, attempting to change MBS' calculus. Like Iraq's Saddam Hussein before him, the Saudi ruler is betting that he faces no serious risk of U.S. punishment for perpetuating his brutality, whether it is the torture of peaceful feminist activists or the bombing of schoolchildren in Yemen. And why not? Trump doubled down on his support for the regime after the killing of Khashoggi. And Congress, despite expressions of outrage, has failed to coalesce around meaningful sanctions that could evade a Trump veto. Envoys from Congress have been telling MBS for months that he must release political prisoners and settle the war in Yemen, or face another push for U.S. legislation. The only visible result has been the provisional release of eight of the female activists arrested last year. It's a highly conditional gesture: The women remain on trial in a Riyadh court and are constrained from speaking publicly. And several of the best-known activists, including Samar Badawi and Loujain al-Hathloul, remain imprisoned. It's not hard to guess why Hathloul is still behind bars. Her family, including brother Walid and sister Lina, have been outspoken on her behalf, including about the torture she says she endured: waterboarding, beatings, electric shocks and sexual harassment. "They are saying, 'Because you guys are speaking out, Loujain is not going to be released,' " says Walid al-Hathloul. It's a way of ensuring that other families remain silent about arrests and mistreatment of activists. Thanks to such tactics, Saudi activists and human rights groups have been unable to determine how many political detentions have occurred since MBS came to power. Including religious opponents of the regime and members of the royal family, the total could number in the thousands, says Safa al-Ahmad, a filmmaker who has documented Saudi repression. "Many families keep quiet" about arrests, she said. "The fear is palpable. We are afraid to directly contact people on the ground, because talking to us is a crime." She is not exaggerating: Among the charges faced by Loujain al-Hathloul is communicating with foreign journalists and Human Rights Watch. The relative good news is that many in Congress remain fixed on the problem of MBS, who they understand is capable of single-handedly destroying the 75-year-old U.S.-Saudi alliance. The Saudi activists were widely received on Capitol Hill, including by senior Republicans. Legislation is still possible: Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, has been working on a bill that could subject the Saudi elite to visa restrictions until political prisoners are released. The bad news is that the crown prince is evidently not taking the threat of congressional action seriously. Which means that unless he is proved wrong, Saudis advocating for women's rights and other liberal reforms are likely to remain at risk both at home and abroad. A man is fighting for his life after he was attacked by a group of youths who were reportedly trying to steal his moped. The 46-year-old was rushed to hospital with a critical head injury on Saturday afternoon. Police believe shortly before he was attacked the victim was approached a group of young males who were trying to steal his moped from a car park in south-west London. The group rushed off before police arrived at the scene in Charlotte Despard Avenue, off Battersea Park Road, shortly after 4.30pm. The moped was not stolen. A 16-year-old boy was arrested near to the scene on suspicion of GBH and later bailed. The attack happened on the same road where, Ian Tomlin, 46, was beaten to death in October last year. Ian Tomlin, 46, was beaten to death outside his home last year / PA/Met Police The senior investigating officer at Scotland Yard, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, said: We know there were a group of young males, some on pedal cycles, who were hanging around the area prior to the incident. I want to hear from anyone who saw this group or who may know their identity. There is a busy Tesco store and other shops nearby in Battersea Park Road, and people will have seen these males in the area before, during and after the attempted theft of the moped and their subsequent cowardly attack. I want to reassure the community that there is an urgent and extremely thorough police investigation underway, and I am determined to find those responsible. I am certain that several people - probably local to the area - will know what happened and who was responsible for this attack on the victim and on their own community. I need them to come forward and share information with me. A 16-year-old boy was arrested near to the scene on suspicion of GBH shortly after the attack. He was taken to a west London police station and has been bailed until early June. Police wish to hear from anyone who may have dashcam footage of the incident or of the group of males, and from anyone who has CCTV in the area. Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4054. A man is fighting for his life in hospital after being attacked by a group of men armed with a bat in Tower Hamlets. Police were called at around 5.10pm on Monday to reports of a man assaulted in Globe Road, Bethnal Green. The man was rushed to an east London hospital. He remains in critical condition, a police spokesman said. He added: "At this early stage it appears he was assaulted by a group of men armed with a bat." A man is fighting for his life after being attacked in east London / @999London A crime scene remains in place in Globe Road while police investigate. There have been no arrests. W ould-be Conservative leader Boris Johnson has warned his party it must deliver Brexit or face a 'permanent haemorrhage' of voters after a disastrous night of European election results. The Tories finished fifth with just nine per cent of the vote in England and Wales and seem on course for their worst election performance since 1832 after losing 15 seats. Nigel Farage's fledgling Brexit Party was the overwhelming winner of the night and Mr Johnson, who is vying to succeed Theresa May as Conservative leader, said the Government had to react to a "crushing rebuke". Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Mr Johnson said the message from the results was clear over Brexit. He said: "The voters are delivering a crushing rebuke to the Government in fact, to both major parties. "They gave us one chief task: to deliver Brexit.... We have missed deadline after deadline, broken promise after broken promise; and today our employers the people have figuratively summoned us to the Human Resources department for a final warning about our performance." Mr Johnson agreed, adding: "If we fail yet again to discharge that mandate, then I fear we will see a permanent haemorrhage of Conservative support, and loyal voters who have left us to join the Brexit Party (and others) may simply never come back." The Conservatives won 19 MEP seats in 2014 this morning their tally stood at just three. The Brexit Party took 28 seats, while a resurgent Liberal Democrat party had gone from a single MEP to 14. Labour lost seats but still held 11, while the Greens with seven MEPs pushed the Tories into fifth place. Loading.... To compound its rejection at the polls, it emerged that the party did not finish top in any local authority area in England or Wales, and even finished third in outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May's backyard of Windsor and Maidenhead. Loading.... Mr Johnson said he would set out next week what he believed would be a winning agenda for the Conservatives and the country. "We can and must deliver," he said. "No one sensible would aim exclusively for a no-deal outcome. "No one responsible would take no-deal off the table. S hadow chancellor John McDonnell has backed a second Brexit referendum after a disastrous night for the Labour Party in the European elections. Mr McDonnell said the party could not hide from the hit it took after suffering a mauling from voters which saw it lose half its MEPs and take just 15 per cent of the vote. It has led to bitter recriminations within the shadow cabinet over the party's lack of a clear message. Faced with the prospect of a "Brexiteer extremist" taking over from Theresa May, a public vote would "unite our party and country", he said on Twitter. John McDonnell said he backed a second Brexit referendum after the Labour Party suffered a disastrous European election / REUTERS Mr McDonnell wrote: "Can't hide from hit we took last night. Bringing people together when there's such a divide was never going to be easy. Now we face prospect of Brexiteer extremist as Tory leader & threat of no deal, we must unite our party & country by taking issue back to people in a public vote." He said in a further tweet: "So people are absolutely clear what I am saying. Of course I want a general election. But I realise how difficult this is to secure. I will do anything I can to block no deal Brexit. So yes if, as likely GE not possible, then I support going back to the people in another referendum." Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer, shadow Brexit secretary, said a second referendum was the "only way" to break the Brexit impasse. Also writing on Twitter, Sir Keir said: "It's no use trying to hide from these very disappointing results. We need to reflect hard and listen to our members, supporters and voters. "The only way to break the Brexit impasse is to go back to the public with a choice between a credible leave option and remain." It comes after shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry and deputy Labour leader Tom Watson both called for a more strident position from the party on the issue of a second referendum. European elections 2019 1 /16 European elections 2019 Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage as the results came in last night REUTERS Brexit Party candidate Anne Widdecombe rejoices as her party secures seats in the South West region PA 'Now the general election':Brexit Party Nigel Farage is pictured after gains in the Euro vote REUTERS Mr Farage said his party had surged 'like a jack-in-the-box' REUTERS Farage reacts as the European Parliament election results for the UK South East Region are announced at the Civic Centre Southampton AFP/Getty Images Brexit Party's Jonathan Bullock, Annunziata Rees-Mogg and Matthew Patten celebrate after being elected PA The Brexit Party's three winning candidates in the West Midlands region - Rupert Lowe, Martin Daubney and Andrew Kerr PA Brexit Party's Tracy Knowles, Anna Bailey, Jonathan Bullock, Annunziata Rees-Mogg and Matthew Patten celebrate PA Leader of Spanish People's Party (PP), conservative Pablo Casado (C), celebrates the election results AFP/Getty Images Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen and his wife Sulrun attend during the European Parliament elections 2019 election party AP Swedish Green Party (Miljoepartiet) candidate Alice Bah Kuhnke (C) and Per Bolund (R), Minister for Financial Markets and Housing, applaud at the party's election night REUTERS Italian Deputy Prime Minister and leader of far-right League party Matteo Salvini kisses a crucifix as he speaks during his European Parliament election night REUTERS Despite growing pressure from his own shadow cabinet, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told the BBC on Monday that his priority had not changed. He said: "The priority at the moment, I think, is for this government to call for a general election and actually have a general election so we can decide the future. "There's no majority in Parliament, there's no legislative programme and Parliament has basically been given nothing to do by the Government. "I think that is a demand that should be made and made as strongly as possible." Loading.... Mr Corbyn did not rule out another referendum, saying any Brexit deal should be put back to the people and that the UK should not be allowed to "crash out" with no deal. He said: "John (McDonnell) has also pointed out, and I support this, that any final deal has to be put to a public vote. "What this party does is supports an agreement with the EU to prevent crashing out, supports putting that proposal when agreed to a public vote." A newly-re-elected Labour MEP of British-Asian Sikh heritage was heckled by people telling her to "go home" during her acceptance speech in the West Midlands. West Midlands Labour posted a video to Twitter showing angry people said to be supporters of the Brexit Party, yelling towards the stage at the Birmingham count where Neena Gill was making her speech. Labour called the incident "an ugly truth". The Labour party candidate was re-elected on Sunday as the first British- Asian Sikh woman MEP, after winning 35% of the vote - 25,000 more than the Brexit Party candidate. Ms Gill reportedly accused the Brexit Party of being far-right and fascist in her speech on Monday. In 50 seconds of footage, audience members can be heard saying how dare you and go home in response to the MEP's statement. Many are seen wearing blue Brexit Party rosettes and carrying placards in support of Nigel Farages party. They can be seen shaking their heads as they watch the stage. One Brexit party supporter reportedly shouted f*** off multiple times during her speech. Others can be heard in the video saying Off, Off, Off, as she struggled to carry her speech above the noise of the protesters. One angry crowd member shouted: Thats the rhetoric that brought us here" and others yelled: "You're allowed to call us a fascist?" and Half a million people are nasty and fascist. The video was watched more than 10,000 times in just two hours. West Midlands Labour posted the clip with the caption: Angry Brexit Party supporters at Birmingham count telling first British-Asian Sikh woman MEP @NeenaGmep to go home exposes an ugly truth. Matt Western, MP for Warwick and Leamington also posted about the incident saying: This should disturb any decent, tolerant person in our community and our country. @NeenaGmep has been, and will continue to be an excellent representative for the W. Midlands. T he Green Party has more than doubled its tally of MEPs and pushed the Tories into fifth place in the UK's European election race. Caroline Lucas, the party's only MP, hailed the "tremendous" result as part of a "Green wave sweeping across the EU", as seven Green MEPs were elected. The party's share of the vote increased by 4.6 per cent to 12.47 per cent, putting the party in fourth place, comfortably ahead of the Tories on 8.81 per cent. It trailed behind the first-place Brexit Party, second-place Liberal Democrats and Labour, which came fourth. Loading.... Ms Berry, co-leader of the Green Party, said: "Our message of 'yes to Europe, no to climate change' clearly resonated strongly with voters, many of whom will have been casting their vote for our party for the first time. "We topped the poll in Bristol, Norwich and Brighton and Hove, and scored brilliant seconds in Sheffield, Cambridge and Oxford. " She added: "There is clear evidence from this of strong support for the UK remaining in the European Union, but also for tackling the causes of Brexit - the massive damage done to so many communities by austerity, tax-dodging and diminution of workers' rights." Results map shows Brexit Party success across UK in EU election Green parties also fared well in other parts of the EU, including in Germany, where they were on course to take second place, and in Ireland, where the party's candidate Ciaran Cuffe topped the poll in the Dublin constituency. Co-leader of the party Sian Berry said the success of the Greens was thanks to its message of "yes to Europe, no to climate change" resonating with voters. The party won its first seats the Eastern, North West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber regions as well as holding onto seats in London, the South East and the South West. Ms Lucas, the party's former leader, said the surge in votes for the Greens and the Lib Dems showed that the voice of Remainers must be heard. "The clear indication is those parties that made it their business to say our future is better off in the EU did better than the hard Brexiteers. T he future of the Conservative Party could be in doubt unless it manages to deliver Brexit, leadership hopeful Jeremy Hunt has warned. The Foreign Secretary acknowledged the very existence of the party he hopes to lead could be threatened by the Brexit backlash after the Tories secured just nine per cent of the vote in England and Wales. Mr Hunt, who hopes to replace Theresa May in Number 10, said it was a "painful result". Meanwhile, Daniel Hannan, who was elected as one of just three Tory MEPs in England and Wales, said the European elections had been "without question our worst result as a party ever". In a sign of how low the Conservatives have sunk: The party won just three seats in England and Wales, down from 18 in 2014 Its share of the vote is on track to be its worst electorial result since 1832 The Tories trailed in fifth place, behind the Brexit Party, Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Greens in terms of both vote share and seats won It didn't come top of the polls in any local authority area across either country Syed Kamall, leader of the Europe-wide European Conservatives and Reformists, lost his seat in London Ashley Fox, leader of the Tories in Brussels, lost his seat in the South West Mrs May, whose failure to take the UK out of the EU on March 29 as promised was blamed for the disastrous election results, will quit as Conservative leader on June 7. Mr Hunt, the most senior Cabinet minister to declare his intention to seek the leadership, said there was an "existential risk to our party unless we now come together and get Brexit done". Loading.... Prominent Brexiteer and MEP Mr Hannan, who retained his South East seat, said the delay to Brexit had blighted the Tory campaign. "People voted to leave three years ago and we haven't left, it's as simple as that," he told the Press Association. "I think I'm back as one of, I think it looks like being three Conservatives nationally. "So without question our worst result as a party ever." But he suggested the party's fortunes could be turned around and the threat from Nigel Farage's Brexit Party neutralised if the UK did leave the EU. Loading.... "The appeal of a party called the Brexit Party will dry up very quickly once Brexit has happened," he said. "We need to leave in a way that carries as many people with us as possible and we need to be conciliatory and we need to have a Brexit that is cordial and orderly and that people in the 48% and the 52% can live with, but it's got to happen speedily. "I was not expecting to go back to the European Parliament and I really don't want to stay there any longer than is necessary." Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said the result, which saw no Tories elected in the North West, was "beyond dire", adding: "Wake up Conservatives and deliver Brexit." Loading.... In a slight consolation, the Tories appear on course to retain their single MEP in Scotland when results are officially declared. Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson said "all indications" pointed to Baroness Mobarik retaining her seat on a "tough night" for the party across the UK. P olitical leaders have reacted to the European election results after it emerged the Brexit Party and the Liberal Democrats were the biggest winners in the UK, punishing the Tories and Labour. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage used his speech to warn the government that the huge swing away from the main parties should deliver a "huge message". Jeremy Corbyn hinted Labour could move towards supporting a second referendum as it emerged his party took a beating in the European polls. The Tories are without a leader, but hopeful replacement Jeremy Hunt acknowledged the "painful result", saying: "we knew it was coming". Here's what the party leaders said: Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage Storming to victory: Nigel Farage and his Brexit Party / PA "Never before in British politics has a new party launched just six weeks ago topped the polls in a national election. "The reason of course is very obvious: we voted to leave in a referendum, we were supposed to do so on March 29 and we haven't. "There's a huge message here, massive message here - the Labour and Conservative parties could learn a big lesson from tonight - though I don't suppose that they actually will." Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn "With the Conservatives disintegrating and unable to govern, and parliament deadlocked, this issue will have to go back to the people, whether through a general election or a public vote. "Over the coming days we will have conversations across our party and movement, and reflect on these results on both sides of the Brexit divide. "We will not let the continuing chaos in the Conservative Party push our country into a No Deal exit from the EU." Liberal Democrats leader Sir Vince Cable Sir Vince Cable: Lib Dems are the biggest, strongest voice of Remain / Getty Images "A brilliant set of EU results so far for the @LibDems. Making gains around the country with some really impressive swings in many seats. "Proof that the Lib Dems are the biggest, strongest voice of Remain." Foreign Secretary and Tory leadership hopeful Jeremy Hunt Hunt: We knew it was coming / AP "Yes, we knew it was coming but still a painful result. Existential risk to our party unless we now come together and get Brexit done." Change UK leader Heidi Allen Heidi Allen: It's MPs who hold the responsibility / AFP/Getty Images "The Brexit Party may well do well in this election tonight but they don't have any MPs in the House of Commons. "It is MPs who hold the decision-making responsibility on what happens (on Brexit). "Twice already we have categorically voted down no-deal. There's no way on earth no-deal will pass the House of Commons. Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon Sturgeon: Emphatically clear that Scotland doesn't want Brexit / PA "Outstanding results so far tonight for @theSNP - on course for our best ever Euro election result. Polling way ahead of any other party. C hange UK MPs could be questioning the directions of their careers today, an expert warned after the group failed to make a mark in the European elections. Thats the view of leading politics professor Tim Bale, after Change UK formed earlier this year by disgruntled Labour and Conservative MPs suffered at the polls after failing to garner enough support. With 371 of 373 counts complete this morning, Change UK had no MEPs, with a vote share of 3.4 per cent and 571,716 votes, second last in the running order ahead of UKIP. Prof Bale, who works at Queen Mary, University of London, said the party is now facing a grim future just three months after forming: They would be lucky to be picked up by the Lib Dems [in a coalition]. Change UK MPs pictured after defecting in February. The bloc was initially named the Independent Group / AFP/Getty Images The party suffered a number of gaffes during the campaign, including its lead Scottish candidate quitting and urging voters to back the Lib Dems instead and Joan Ryans look at your hands speech being compared to The Office character David Brent. Change UK tries some audience participation - with cringeworthy results Meanwhile, two of its initial candidates resigned over offensive social media posts and the party was roundly mocked over its tour bus design, which was compared to a Microsoft Word document. But Prof Bale told the Standard there were numerous other deep-lying factors behind Change UKs struggles. 'Branding mistakes' "They made a series of mistakes with branding. And everything Change UK got wrong with branding, the Brexit Party got right: a very clear message and a good logo. Change UK MP Chuka Umunna stands in front of the party's much-maligned logo at a rally in Manchester last week / Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images And Change UK doesnt have anyone as charismatic or publicity grabbing as Nigel Farage to lead it. 'Not a natural home' The Brexit Party has benefited from Theresa May making such a Horlicks of Brexit, and not being seen to be delivering a hard Brexit. Nigel Farage, pictured after casting his vote at a polling station in Biggin Hill, has benefited from Theresa May's handling of Brexit in a way Change UK hasn't / Dan Kitwood/Getty Images "That means Brexiteers looking for a vote to send a message to the Conservative Party, and the Brexit Party fills that space. 'Tory and Labour struggles' Coverage of the two main parties has drowned them out. You might have expected the two main parties being in such trouble would help, but its taken away a lot of the attention from Change UK. Theresa May's never-ending struggles, which ultimately led to her resignation on Friday, was one of the factors which took the attention away from Change UK (Toby Melville/Reuters) / Reuters 'Lib Dem resurgence' The fact the Lib Dems are being forgiven for the coalition government seems quite important. Lib Dem leader Vince Cable arrives at a polling station in his Twickenham constituency on Thursday / Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Where Change UK might have envisaged being a senior partner in a merger, that now looks ridiculously ambitious. They would be lucky to be picked up by the Lib Dems. 'Too much, too young' Its also the case that this [European elections] came too early for them. I wonder whether they [the Labour and Tory defectors] were planning to join as soon as they did, and to be thrown straight into an election before they were really ready. Labour Party split: Seven MPs quit 1 /12 Labour Party split: Seven MPs quit Labour MPs (left to right) Ann Coffey, Angela Smith, Chris Leslie, Mike Gapes, Luciana Berger, Gavin Shuker and Chuka Umunna after they announced their resignations during a press conference at County Hall in Westminster, to create a new Independent Group in the House of Commons. Matt Writtle Labour MP Luciana Berger Matt Writtle Labour MP Chris Leslie Stefan Rousseau/PA Labour Party MP Chuka Umunna Simon Dawson/Reuters Labour MP Angela Smith Stefan Rousseau/PA Labour Party MP Gavin Shuker Simon Dawson/Reuters Labour MP Ann Coffey Stefan Rousseau/PA Labour MP Mike Gape Stefan Rousseau/PA The website of The Independent Group, which has been formed by seven MPs who have all announced their resignation from the Labour party. PA The other problem is that its very hard as a new party to respond to allegations that you dont have any clear policies. 'Tom Watson effect' I think Tom Watson taking such a stand on Brexit and anti-Semitism [the two key issues for the eight Labour MPs defecting] has meant quite a lot of Labour MPs have chosen to stay put. EU Elections final result: Brexit Party win 29 seats in record haul 'So, what does the future hold?' I dont think its necessarily the death knell. But if Change UK only gets one or two per cent of the vote, and doesnt get any MEPs, you would have to say its a failure to launch, not even leaving the runway. Some of them will be wondering whether to call it a day and realising they made a terrible mistake. Its difficult to see it as anything other than a career ending decision. The Lib Dems have taken on momentum which will be very difficult for Change UK to grab back. P opulist, environmentalist and far-right parties edged out traditional centre-right and centre-left parties across the continent in the European Parliament elections. Whilst Nigel Farages Brexit Party won 28 seats with 32 per cent of the vote in the UK, other nationalist parties led by Frances Marine Le Pen and Italys Matteo Salvini also gained precedence on Sunday. Green parties and liberal parties had a strong election night across the whole of Europe, seeing a further shift away from traditional centrist parties. In Italy, Mr Salvini's League, an anti-immigrant party, claimed nearly 34% of the vote in early projections - a jump from around 6% five years ago. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini / AFP/Getty Images Mr Salvini said: "Not only is the League the first party in Italy, but Marine Le Pen is first in France, Nigel Farage is first in Great Britain. European elections 2019 1 /16 European elections 2019 Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage as the results came in last night REUTERS Brexit Party candidate Anne Widdecombe rejoices as her party secures seats in the South West region PA 'Now the general election':Brexit Party Nigel Farage is pictured after gains in the Euro vote REUTERS Mr Farage said his party had surged 'like a jack-in-the-box' REUTERS Farage reacts as the European Parliament election results for the UK South East Region are announced at the Civic Centre Southampton AFP/Getty Images Brexit Party's Jonathan Bullock, Annunziata Rees-Mogg and Matthew Patten celebrate after being elected PA The Brexit Party's three winning candidates in the West Midlands region - Rupert Lowe, Martin Daubney and Andrew Kerr PA Brexit Party's Tracy Knowles, Anna Bailey, Jonathan Bullock, Annunziata Rees-Mogg and Matthew Patten celebrate PA Leader of Spanish People's Party (PP), conservative Pablo Casado (C), celebrates the election results AFP/Getty Images Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen and his wife Sulrun attend during the European Parliament elections 2019 election party AP Swedish Green Party (Miljoepartiet) candidate Alice Bah Kuhnke (C) and Per Bolund (R), Minister for Financial Markets and Housing, applaud at the party's election night REUTERS Italian Deputy Prime Minister and leader of far-right League party Matteo Salvini kisses a crucifix as he speaks during his European Parliament election night REUTERS "Therefore, Italy, France and England: the sign of a Europe that is changing, that is fed up." Disgraced former premier Silvio Berlusconi made a political comeback to become an MEP at 82, after leaving office years ago following a tax fraud conviction and his bunga bunga scandal. Nigel Farage's Brexit party surged in the European elections / REUTERS Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz was also ousted by parliament on Monday after the far-right Freedom Party backed a no-confidence vote, despite the success of his People's Party in the European elections. In France, Ms Le Pens anti-immigration party came out top with 24%, whilst President Emmanuel Macrons party drew just over 21%, after make EU integration the heart of his presidency. Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras called a snap national election following his party's loss. Speaking from the Syriza party offices, Mr Tsipras said that "the results does not rise to our expectations... I will not ignore it or quit". In Germany, which elects the largest number of MEPs, Chancellor Angela Merkels ruling coalition saw a drastic loss in support to the Green party. Germanys Green party came in second with over 20% of the vote share, whilst Merkels party won just 28% - their worst ever performance in the European elections. Provisional results on Monday showed Green parties in Germany, France, the UK and elsewhere come fourth in the elections. These pro-environment green parties won a total of 70 seats, an increase of 18 since 2014s election, propelled by recent climate change demonstrations. Around half of the 400 million people were eligible to vote in the elections cast their ballot, a bloc-wide estimate showed on Sunday. The turnout was the highest in two decades across all 28 European Union countries. The voting has affected internal politics in many countries after Pro-EU parties were expected to win around two-thirds of the 751-seats, according to projections released by the European parliament. Current MEPs' terms end on 1 July, with the new parliament being seated the next day. N igel Farage has warned that the Brexit Party's success in the European elections will send a "massive" message to the government over the UK's status in the EU. The former Ukip leader's new party has only been in existence for six weeks but stormed to victory with 33 per cent of the vote and 28 seats. The Tories dropped to just 9 per cent of the vote in England and Wales and appeared on course for their worst ever national election share before the full picture from Scotland became clear. Labour also suffered a terrible night as voters split between the clear alternatives offered by Mr Farage and the pro-EU Liberal Democrats. Storming to victory: Nigel Farage and his Brexit Party / AFP/Getty Images On a terrible night for the Conservatives and Labour, the pro-EU Liberal Democrats emerged as the other big winners - underlining the continuing deep divisions over Brexit in British politics. They were reduced to just a single MEP in 2014, but had received 15 by the early hours of Monday. Results map shows Brexit Party success across UK in EU election Mr Farage warned that the the European election result would also be reflected in a General Election if the UK failed to leave the EU in October. He warned the Tories and Labour - who have taken a beating in the European poll so far - that his success would be repeated if the UK does not leave on October 31. Delivering a powerful message to the main parties as he won the first South East seat, Mr Farage said: "Never before in British politics has a new party launched just six weeks ago topped the polls in a national election. "The reason of course is very obvious: we voted to leave in a referendum, we were supposed to do so on March 29 and we haven't. "There's a huge message here, massive message here - the Labour and Conservative parties could learn a big lesson from tonight - though I don't suppose that they actually will." Loading.... He added that his party wanted to be part of the negotiations before the new Brexit date of October 31. "If we don't leave on October 31 then the scores you have seen for the Brexit Party today will be repeated in a general election, and we are getting ready for it." Nigel Farage's Brexit Party were the clear winners on the night / PA In the South East, the Brexit Party topped the vote in Windsor and Maidenhead, which voted Remain in the 2016 Euro referendum and where Conservatives were top at the 2014 Euro election. The scale of the Tory disaster was underlined by its single-digit vote share - in fifth place behind the Brexit Party, Lib Dems on 21 per cent, Labour on 15 per cent and the Greens on 12 per cent after all results were in from England and Wales. Just three Conservatives were elected in England and Wales, while the Brexit Party had 28 seats, overhauling the 24 MEPs that Mr Farage's former party Ukip sent to the European Parliament in 2014. The Lib Dems, who were reduced to just a single MEP in 2014, were on 15 after their best ever European results. Fox: This is a terrible night for the Conservative Party Labour had 10, halved from 20, the Greens - who also enjoyed a boost from pro-EU voters - were on seven, up from three in 2014. The result in Scotland will not be formally declared until later on Monday but First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said her SNP had won "emphatically" and would take three of the six available seats. Liberal Democrats leader Sir Vince Cable tweeted: "A brilliant set of EU results so far for the @LibDems. Making gains around the country with some really impressive swings in many seats. "Proof that the Lib Dems are the biggest, strongest voice of Remain." Loading.... The Lib Dems topped the poll in Bath and North East Somerset, which the party won control of in the local elections earlier this month. They also saw a surge in London as they topped the poll in the capital. The Tories lost both of their MEPs in the capital and Ukip leader Gerard Batten also lost his race to be re-elected in the city. A jubilant group of Lib Dem supporters dressed in yellow cheered and hugged shortly before the result was officially announced at London's City Hall. One of the Lib Dem victories was in Jeremy Corbyn's borough Islington, where the party beat Labour into second place. Ann Widdecombe: Nation has sent clear Brexit message to Westminster A London Labour Party spokesman said: "These elections were always going to be tough for Labour in London, set in a polarised environment for both sides of the Brexit debate. "We're ecstatic that both Claude Moraes and Seb Dance have been elected as MEPs for London. "Our MEPs will go to Brussels championing workers rights, fighting climate change and the other issues important to our party." Brexit Party: A force to be reckoned with Nigel Farage has warned his party's success in the European elections will be mirrored in a General Election if the UK fails to break away from the EU in October. The former Ukip leader's Brexit Party stormed to victory - as was expected - paving way for the Tory party's wipeout of MEPs and a humiliating night for Labour. While the Remain-backing Lib Dems gained ground and claimed second place, Mr Farage and his Brexit Party's margin of victory was large: 28 seats to the Lib Dems' 15. Set up only six weeks ago, the party is gaining momentum fast and it is clear they hope to take Parliament by storm as well. Mr Farage issued a stark warning to the government: "If we don't leave on October 31 then the scores you have seen for the Brexit Party today will be repeated in a general election, and we are getting ready for it." Nigel Farage reacts to a strong night for the Brexit Party in EU elections Tories: Worst defeat since 1832 The Conservatives suffered heavy losses amounting to the party's worst performance since 1832. Theresa May, who will quit as the party's leader on June 7, was blamed for the disastrous result. Leadership hopeful Jeremy Hunt acknowledged the very existence of the party could be threatened by the Brexit backlash after the Tories secured just 9 per cent of the vote in England and Wales. The Tories trailed in fifth place, behind the Brexit Party, Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Greens in terms of both vote share and seats won. They dropped from 19 MEPs to just three. Loading.... Liberal Democrats: lead voice for Remain The Lib Dems have enjoyed a resurgence, finishing in second place and securing themselves as the dominant voice for Remain. With the results for Wales and the nine regions of England declared, the Lib Dems gained 15 MEPs - up from just one at the last European Parliament election in 2014. Party leader Sir Vince Cable said: "Our clear, honest, unambiguous message has won us our best ever European election result, and pushed Corbyn's Labour into third place. "We have shown ourselves to be the strongest Remain force in British politics. "We will always stand up for the people who have put their faith in us, taking this mandate forward to campaign harder than ever to stop Brexit." Labour: Shift to supporting second referendum? A miserable result for the Labour Party could mean that its leader Jeremy Corbyn will need to change its Brexit stance if it is to gain support. Mr Corbyn branded the poll as a "proxy second referendum" and his statement on the result has been interpreted as a hint the party could move to support a fresh vote. He said: "With the Conservatives disintegrating and unable to govern, and Parliament deadlocked, this issue will have to go back to the people, whether through a general election or a public vote. "Labour will bring our divided country together so we can end austerity and tackle inequality. "Over the coming days, we will have conversations across our party and movement, and reflect on these results on both sides of the Brexit divide. "We will not let the continuing chaos in the Conservative Party push our country into a No Deal exit from the EU. Parliament can and will prevent such a damaging outcome for jobs and industry in the UK." Ukip: Completely wiped out Ukip has lost all of its MEPs in the European Parliament, despite topping the voting figures in 2014. The pro-Leave party's support collapsed after the insurgent Brexit Party came top of the polls in England and Wales, picking up 28 MEPs. In the 2014 EU elections, Ukip stormed into pole position with 28 MEPs, up 11 from 2009. M ichael Gove will offer free British citizenship to three million eligible EU nationals if he becomes Prime Minister. The environment secretary, who launched his Tory leadership bid over the weekend, will waive the 1,330 fee to EU nationals living in the UK at the time of the 2016 referendum, Sky News reports. The Home Offices settled status scheme, which says EU citizens must prove they have lived in the UK for five years to be eligible for British nationality, would also be changed to a registration scheme. It is believed there are around three million people who this would apply to once they have been a British resident for five years. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Michael Gove / Getty Images Sky News quotes a source close to Mr Gove as saying the Tory leadership hopeful is ready to unite the country, adding that the proposals are simply the right thing to do. Michael Gove is ready to unite the country, the source said. Guaranteeing the rights of EU nationals here and in the UK through a declaratory scheme and making a generous offer of citizenship to those lawfully here at the time of the referendum is a first step in that direction. "This is simply the right thing to do - honouring the promise of Vote Leave that EU nationals studying, working and living in the UK were welcome to stay. Michael Gove led that campaign and now he's ready to deliver Brexit." The proposals, which will be officially unveiled next week, are a victory for MP Alberto Costa, who has been campaigning for the post-Brexit rights of EU citizens for months. Writing on Twitter on Monday night, the Tory MP wrote: Spoken to Michael Gove and am delighted he will guarantee EU nationals rights with a declaratory scheme and offer them fee-free British citizenship. This is the morally right thing to do and will help heal our nation. He has my full support to be our next Prime Minister. Mr Goves policy pitch comes after he insisted on Saturday that he has evolved as a politician since saying he was incapable of being Prime Minister. He said he is now ready for the top job and claimed he had gained more experience since remarking he was incapable of being Tory leader. He told BBC Radio 4 podcast, Political Thinking with Nick Robinson: "I've changed my mind. In those three years I have been through a variety of experiences. "I led, some people may lament this, but I led the campaign to leave the European Union and that involved going up head to head with David Cameron and others in the debate formats that we had. "And being tested during that campaign, having had time to reflect when I was on the backbenches and then coming back into government. "I think that I've evolved as a politician, but, obviously, we'll see in the course of the next few days and weeks who people think has what it takes." Meanwhile, other Tory leadership contenders scrambled to make Brexit pledges after the Conservatives suffered a humiliating night in the European elections. The Tories secured just four seats and 9.1% of the vote - their worst ever national election share while the Brexit Party and Liberal Democrats triumphed. Loading.... After the party was dealt a hammer blow, Home Secretary Sajid Javid officially launched his bid to be next Tory leader on Monday by pledging to deliver Brexit as a priority. In a video, he said: My message is simple: its time to rebuild trust, to find unity and to create new opportunities for our country. As last nights results made all too clear we must get on and deliver Brexit to ensure theres renewed trust in our democracy. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the Conservatives were facing existential risk unless they break the impasse. Former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab said voters had delivered a message that unless we get on and actually leave the EU they will rightly kick us out at the next election. T heresa May has spoken out about her party's humiliating night in the European elections, saying she "sincerely hopes these results focus minds in Parliament". The Prime Minister, who announced she was resigning as Tory leader on Friday, described the result as "very disappointing". The Conservatives have won just four MEPs, securing just 9.1 per cent of the of the vote - their worst ever national election share. Mrs May tweeted: "Some excellent MEPs have lost their seats, some excellent candidates missed out. But Labour have also suffered big losses. "It shows the importance of finding a Brexit deal, and I sincerely hope these results focus minds in Parliament." It comes as Nigel Farage said he wanted to "change the shape of British politics" by taking his Brexit Party to a general election after storming to victory on Sunday night. His party won 29 seats, overtaking the 24 MEPs that Mr Farage's former party Ukip sent to the European Parliament in 2014. Loading.... Mr Farage said this morning: 'If we dont leave in October the Brexit party will go on to a general election. 'We are happy to help any leader who is genuine about us leaving the EU. "We would like to be part of the negotiating team, use us and give us some responsibility, but they need to be prepared to leave with a clean break Brexit. Boris Johnson, Dominic Raab, Michael Gove - all of them voted for Mrs Mays European treaty. Nigel Farage says Brexit Party could stun everybody in general election "Its all about establishing trust if the next leader says the same thing then no one is going to trust them. "This is just the beginning of a new political movement." "Never before in British politics has a new political party appeared rather like a jack-in-a-box and won a national election," he added. European elections 2019 1 /16 European elections 2019 Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage as the results came in last night REUTERS Brexit Party candidate Anne Widdecombe rejoices as her party secures seats in the South West region PA 'Now the general election':Brexit Party Nigel Farage is pictured after gains in the Euro vote REUTERS Mr Farage said his party had surged 'like a jack-in-the-box' REUTERS Farage reacts as the European Parliament election results for the UK South East Region are announced at the Civic Centre Southampton AFP/Getty Images Brexit Party's Jonathan Bullock, Annunziata Rees-Mogg and Matthew Patten celebrate after being elected PA The Brexit Party's three winning candidates in the West Midlands region - Rupert Lowe, Martin Daubney and Andrew Kerr PA Brexit Party's Tracy Knowles, Anna Bailey, Jonathan Bullock, Annunziata Rees-Mogg and Matthew Patten celebrate PA Leader of Spanish People's Party (PP), conservative Pablo Casado (C), celebrates the election results AFP/Getty Images Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen and his wife Sulrun attend during the European Parliament elections 2019 election party AP Swedish Green Party (Miljoepartiet) candidate Alice Bah Kuhnke (C) and Per Bolund (R), Minister for Financial Markets and Housing, applaud at the party's election night REUTERS Italian Deputy Prime Minister and leader of far-right League party Matteo Salvini kisses a crucifix as he speaks during his European Parliament election night REUTERS The Lib Dems, reduced to just a single MEP in 2014, were on 16 after their best ever European results. Labour had 10, halved from 20, and the Greens - who also enjoyed a boost from pro-EU voters - were on seven, up from three in 2014. Divisions in Labour were laid bare following the results, with key MPs John McDonnell, Sir Keir Starmer, Emily Thornberry and Tom Watson calling for the party to rethink its position - but Jeremy Corbyn said a general election remained his priority. "The priority at the moment, I think, is for this Government to call for a general election and actually have a general election so we can decide the future," Mr Corbyn told reporters. Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir said the "only way to break the Brexit impasse" was to "go back to the public with a choice between a credible leave option and remain". Home Secretary Sajid Javid, a potential Tory leadership contender, said the "hugely disappointing" results for the Conservative Party were a "clear lesson" that the public wants the Government to get on with delivering Brexit. Prominent Brexiteer and MEP Daniel Hannan, who managed to cling on to his seat in the South East, said it was "without question our worst result as a party ever". Loading.... First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the result for the SNP, who won three seats, was "historic", adding: "Scotland has spoken - we are not for Brexit." T he Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has accused the government for treating Scotland with "utter contempt" over Brexit. Ms Sturgeon launched a scathing attack, saying people are waking up to the fact that Ireland is receiving more support from the EU than Scotland is from Westminster, as Labour slumped to fifth in the country in the European elections. The SNP meanwhile won three of six Scottish MEP seats. "We voted over 60 per cent to remain, we have tried very hard in the wake of the UK-wide Brexit vote to find compromises and protect our interests, and we have worked hard across party lines to try and prevent the worst impact of Brexit, and we have been ignored," she said during an event in Dublin. "Votes in the Scottish Parliament have been cast aside, they have even in the process of the Brexit fiasco taken powers away from the Scottish Parliament in order to centralise how they deal with all of this. Results map shows Brexit Party success across UK in EU election The countrys first minister added that Westminster is treating Scotland with contempt whilst people are noticing how Ireland has been show real solidarity and support from the European Union. "Suddenly this idea of being a small independent country in the European Union, we only have to look at Ireland to see the benefits of that and many people are having their eyes opened." It came as the final results for Scotland were confirmed after the votes from the Western Isles - the final council area to declare - were revealed. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the Royal Irish Academy as part of her visit to Dublin. / PA The SNP won three of the six Scottish MEP seats - as Scottish Labour lost both of its representatives in the European Parliament. The Brexit Party, the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives are each sending one MEP to Brussels. Ms Sturgeon was speaking in a public conversation with Dearbhail McDonald at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin during a visit to Ireland on Monday. She said she expects Scotland will vote for independence the next time a referendum is held, adding that the relationship between her nation and Ireland will grow even stronger then. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on her trip to Dublin. / PA "There will be another Scottish independence referendum and I will make a prediction today that Scotland will vote for independence and we will become an independent country just like Ireland, and the strong relationship between our two countries now will become even stronger soon," she said. "I want to see Scotland having the choice of independence within this term of the Scottish Parliament which ends in May 2021, so towards the latter half of next year would be when I think is the right time for that choice." Ms Sturgeon also said the SNP has examined Ireland's path to independence in their own planning. "The proposition that my party is putting forward now is that we should follow the same path that Ireland followed when it became independent, we use the pound which is our currency until such times as the economic conditions are right to move to an independent Scottish currency, it's a perfectly well-trodden path," she said. Ms Sturgeon will meet Irish business leaders, school children and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during her visit to Dublin. A refugee travelling from Morocco was found cramped into a car glove box attempting to travel to Europe. Shocking pictures emerged showing a man in his twenties hiding behind the car's dashboard at the border in Beni-Enzar, Morocco. The car was stopped by border police whilst trying to enter Spains North African enclave of Melilla. Spanish Guard officers said three vehicles carrying stowaways were stopped in the space of three hours and found a total of four Moroccan migrants hidden in four vehicles. Spanish authorities found a total of four Moroccan migrants hidden in four vehicles. / EPA Pictures showed another refugee hidden in an engine compartment, while police also said they found another illegal migrant behind a cars rear seats. A fourth was found in a dumper truck in a dangerous position where they were likely to be crushed. A migrant was found hidden in the engine compartment in the Spanish enclave in northern Morocco. / EPA The migrants, including a 15-year-old girl, were rescued from their cramped surroundings. Two of the men, aged 20 and 21 had to receive medical treatment after showing signs of suffocation, disorientation and pain in the joints. Three Moroccan males, aged 19, 30 and 31 were arrested on suspicion of people smuggling, each driving Moroccan registered cars of different brands. Spanish Civil guard found a man in his 20s hidden in a glove box. / EPA It follows other attempts to cross into Melilla. Two men were found sewn into mattresses in January, while a 12-year-old boy was discovered behind a dashboard in 2017. Morocco is the main departure point for undocumented migrants going to Spain and the enclave of Melilla has become a regular flashpoint for African migrants in recent years. Security and privacy have always been the core of what Apple does. Whatever product or service Apple launches, it has always put user privacy and security first. The companys Secure Enclave chip is a crucial component in that aspect. It first debuted with the iPhone 5s where it was meant to store the data captured by the Touch ID sensor. The Secure Enclave chip ensured that the highly sensitive fingerprint data could not be stolen by other apps or its integrity compromised in any way whatsoever. Over the years, the role of the Secure Enclave chip has only grown, and it now stores a number of critical data for iPhone and iPad users. The Independent got a good look at the facility where Apple tests its Secure Enclave chip. Apple puts the chips through a series of harsh environments to ensure they survive the test. Thats important because in extreme situations, these chips can be put under extreme stress to try and recover data from them. In a huge room somewhere near Apples glistening new campus, highly advanced machines are heating, cooling, pushing, shocking and otherwise abusing chips. Those chips the silicon that will power the iPhones and other Apple products of the future are being put through the most gruelling and intense work of their young and secretive lives. Throughout the room are hundreds of circuit boards, into which those chips are wired those hundreds of boards are placed in hundreds of boxes, where these trying processes take place. Those chips are here to see whether they can withstand whatever assault anyone might try on them when they make their way out into the world. If they succeed here, then they should succeed anywhere; thats important, because if they fail out in the world then so would Apple. These chips are the great line of defence in a battle that Apple never stops fighting as it tries to keep users data private. More importantly, the report has quotes from Apples SVP Craig Federighi who addresses the jibe by Googles CEO Sundar Pichai about how the company sells privacy as a luxury good and other privacy-related concerns around Apple products. He says that for Apple, privacy considerations are at the beginning of whatever it does, not at the end. While Federighi was surprised by the jibe from Pichai, he says that it is gratifying to see companies take privacy seriously. I dont buy into the luxury good dig, says Federighi, giving the impression he was genuinely surprised by the public attack. On the one hand gratifying that other companies in space over the last few months, seemed to be making a lot of positive noises about caring about privacy. I think its a deeper issue than then, what a couple of months and a couple of press releases would make. I think youve got to look fundamentally at company cultures and values and business model. And those dont change overnight. Apple has come under criticism for storing Chinese user data in servers located in China. The company was forced to make this move to meet local regulatory norms from the Chinese government. Federighi makes a great point about how since the data is encrypted, it does not matter where it is stored. Federighi says that the location data is stored in matters less when the amount of information collected is minimised, and any that is is stored in ways that stop people from prying into it. Step one, of course, is the extent that all of our data minimisation techniques, and our keeping data on device and protecting devices from external access all of these things mean that that data isnt in any cloud in the first place to be accessed by anyone, he says. By not collecting data, there is no data for officials in China or anywhere else to read or abuse, Apple claims. Whats more, Federighi argues that because the data is encrypted, even if it was intercepted even if someone was actually holding the disk drives that store the data itself it couldnt be read. Only the two users sending and receiving iMessages can read them, for example, so the fact they are sent over a Chinese server should be irrelevant if the security works. All they should be able to see is a garbled message that needs a special key to be unlocked. The whole article is definitely worth a read especially if you value privacy. [Via The Independent T housands of tourists were left disappointed today as workers at the Louvre in Paris suddenly walked out. The museum tweeted this morning that the "exceptional closure" was expected to last for the rest of the day. In a statement the Sud Culture Solidaires union said: "The Louvre is suffocating", adding that staff members have noticed a "deterioration in conditions for visitors and workers". The Louvre said on Twitter: "Due to a recent increase in visitor numbers, members of the Musee du Louvres Reception and Security staff are exercising their right to strike. "The museum will therefore remain closed all day today." "We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding." the museum added. A number of customers posted images of huge queues outside the museum on Monday morning as they were forced to wait before being suddenly turned away. A nother blow has been delivered to the Chinese tech giant Huawei as US officials urge the UK government not to use the company's tech in its 5G network. Last year, President Trump's administration accused Huawei of stealing trade secrets, fraud and violating US sanctions against Iran. The US banned the company's equipment from US networks in a bid to protect national security over fears Huawei would be ordered to put in backdoors that would allow the Chinese government to spy on the US. This week, the US has handed over a dossier of information raising concerns over Huawei in an attempt to persuade the UK not to use its equipment off the back of the security risks. The Guardian reported officials from the US stating that involvement from Huawei in the UK's burgeoning 5G network would be "nothing short of madness". Here's everything that's happened so far with the Huawei US trade ban and what it means for Huawei smartphone owners in the UK. What is the Google Huawei ban about? In the past, the Chinese tech giant has been accused by President Trumps administration of stealing trade secrets, fraud and violating US sanctions against Iran, claims which have led the US president to ban Huaweis equipment from US networks in an effort to protect national security. As a result, Google was forced to pull Huawei's Android license back in May 2019. This is the operating system that powers the majority of the world's phones, aside from the Apple iPhone. Other companies are affected by the executive order, including the SD card trade association and chip designer Qualcomm. In July, Qualcomm said its sales fell in the previous quarter partly as a result of not being allowed to sell to the Chinese firm. What about Huawei in the UK? There were concerns about whether or not Huawei's 5G technology would be allowed to build the country's new 5G infrastructure. The tech firm is already involved in building 5G networks in six of the seven cities in the UK where Vodafone has gone live. It is also assisting in developing 5G sites for EE and Three. In July, the UKs Science and Technology Committee said there were no technical grounds to exclude Huawei from the UKs 5G, but did suggest that the government needs to consider the impact of using Huaweis tech on its relationship with major allies, such as the US. Norman Lamb, Chair of the Parliamentary Science and Technology Committee, said: We have found no evidence from our work to suggest that the complete exclusion of Huawei from the UKs telecommunications networks, would, from a technical point of view, constitute a proportionate response to the potential threat posed by foreign suppliers. He added: The conclusion is restricted to technical considerations. There may well be geopolitical or ethical grounds for the Government to decide to enact a ban on Huaweis equipment. The Huawei Mate 20 X 5G has a 7.2-inch screen and four camera lenses across the device / Huawei In response to the report, Victor Zhang, President of Global Affairs at Huawei, said: We note the key conclusion from the Science and Technology committee letter, which states There are no technical grounds for excluding Huawei entirely from the UKs 5G or other telecommunication networks.' And it also says we have found no evidence from our work to suggest that the complete exclusion of Huawei from the UKs telecommunications networks would, from a technical point of view, constitute a proportionate response.' We are assured that the UK, unlike others, is taking an evidence-based approach to network security. Huawei complies with the laws and regulations in all the markets where we operate. However, the recent reports of meetings between US and UK officials has seen the US government try to change this. Mr Johnson's spokesman, speaking ahead of the meeting, said: "The security and resilience of the UK's telecoms network is of paramount importance. "We have strict controls for how Huawei equipment is currently deployed in the UK. "The government is undertaking a comprehensive review to ensure the security and resilience of 5G and fibre in the UK." What does the Google Huawei ban mean for Huawei phone users? Huawei devices could no longer receive updates or be able to access software from Google / Getty The ban hasn't affected current Huawei smartphones and devices. Google has said the Google Play Store, the Android app store through which Android device owners get their links to the outside world, and the security features which come with Android, will continue to be available on existing Huawei devices. That means anything from the Huawei P30 range release, the Huawei Mate 20 X 5G, and previous devices are all fine. Following news of the block, Huawei said many of its devices would be able to access Android 10 the next version of Googles phone software due to launch later this year and would continue to receive other updates without interruption. It reiterated this position at its recent Developer Conference in China. Unfortunately, the Mate 30 Pro smartphone was not so lucky. Announced in September, this is Huawei's most powerful phone yet, featuring the company's Kirin 990 chipset, four lenses on the back of the phone and a beautiful curved screen. However, as the device doesn't feature Android, it's unlikely the phone will get a UK or Europe release date. The upcoming P40 range is probably not going to come to Europe either. Huawei phones not affected by the Google ban Huawei P30: P30 Pro, P30, P30 Lite Huawei P Smart Huawei Mate 20: Mate 20 Pro, Mate 20, Mate 20 Lite, Mate 20 X Huawei P20: P20 Pro, P20, P20 Lite Huawei Mate 10: Mate 10 Pro, Mate 10, Mate 10 Lite Huawei P10: P10 Plus, P10, P10 Lite The company is getting creative with ways around this. For instance, at this year's IFA in Berlin, Huawei announced an updated P30 Pro smartphone which will ship with Android 10, the latest Android software, because that device was already licensed to use Android. Why is Huawei suing the US government? President Trump has said he does not want to do business with Huawei / AFP/Getty Images Huawei has always said that the security concerns are unfounded and that its equipment has never been used for spying. In November, the Federal Communications Commission banned Huawei from a federal subsidies programme which will make its equipment more expensive for US telecoms carriers. As a result, Huawei fired back with a lawsuit, calling the order was unlawful. Glen Nager, a US lawyer who represents the company, said the order was based on "unsound, reliable and inadmissible accusations and innuendo, not evidence. The designation is simply shameful prejudgment of the worst kind," said Nager. This is the second lawsuit Huawei has launched against the US. It is also currently challenging the constitutionality of the federal law that bans US agencies from buying its equipment. It looks like this fight is going to go on for a long time. US trade ban took its toll on Huawei When news of a ban was first announced, it began to have serious effects on Huaweis sales in the UK. According to data by Kantar, Huawei's smartphone sales fell by two per cent between the first quarter and second quarter of 2019. By comparison, the company had a market share of 9.8 per cent in the second quarter of 2018, growing to 15.7 per cent in early 2019, so whilst the new figures are still higher than last year, it demonstrates that the Huawei surge is slowing down. In addition, Huawei's sub-brand Honor appears to be falling too, from 3.9 per cent market share of sales in the second quarter of last year down to 2.3 per cent now. Huawei's head of consumer Richard Yu with the latest Huawei P30 Pro phones / ERIC PIERMONT / Contributor When Huaweis 5G device, the Mate 20 X 5G launched in the UK last July, network operators initially pulled the smartphone from their lineups. One of the first 5G devices to be announced, the Mate 20 X 5G was removed from the 5G offerings from the likes of EE following the trade ban. However, the Huawei 5G phone was restored following leniency in the trade ban, and is available to buy from Three, Sky Mobile and the Carphone Warehouse. How could another Android ban affect the future of smartphones? Huawei is championed as one of the most innovative smartphone brands, often showcasing its design and technical prowess at various keynote events around the world. This is how the company has managed to go from a largely obscure Chinese brand to one of the biggest phone makers in the world, selling 59.1 million phones in the first quarter of 2019. With the development of its own OS, its likely that regardless of whether Huawei is banned from doing business with the US, the company will strike out on its own. Nonetheless, a potential ban could have implications for the future of things like smartphone design. Take, for instance, the Huawei Mate X, the companys folding phone. Google worked with both Huawei and Samsung to create the next version of Android that works well on folding phones. Future versions of Huawei's folding phone may not be able to support Android / EPA By ending this close relationship, future smartphone design will certainly be affected. However, Huawei is doing what it can to temper any future issues that may arise. At the companys annual developer conference in China recently, Huawei officially unveiled its Android alternative: HarmonyOS.The operating system has been in the works for a few years but Huawei reportedly stepped up development in order to replace its reliance on the Google-owned Android. Indonesias presidential election result announcement on May 21, 2019 marks the end of a relatively peaceful campaign season but the beginning of a post-election period with the risk of unrest. In a rematch of the 2014 presidential election, incumbent president Joko Widodo and former general Prabowo Subianto again competed against each other. In a significant change from 2014 that introduces a greater likelihood of post-election instability, simultaneous elections were held for seats in the two houses of the Peoples Consultative Assembly (Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat, MPR), the more powerful Peoples Representative Council (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat, DPR) and the upper house Regional Representative Council (Dewan Perwakilan Daerah, DPD), along with elections for local legislative bodies. Investors appear to favor a Jokowi second-term and will be happy with the result. However, corporate executives considering travel to Indonesia in the near term should consider the post-election security risks that arise from what some observers referred to as the worlds biggest single-day polls. The recent arrest of dozens of terror suspects is a reminder of these ongoing risks. Jokowi was backed by a majority of political parties in the DPR, including parties associated with the business and military establishments such as Jokowis Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and former ruling party in the Suharto era, Golkar, along with Islamist parties United Development Party (PPP) and National Awakening Party (PKB). Prabowos coalition included his own party, Gerindra, along with past president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyonos Democratic Party and two Islamist parties, the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) and National Mandate Party (PAN). With Indonesias economic growth exceeding expectations recently, it is no surprise that the election result is consistent with campaign season polls that indicated Jokowi would win a second term. Notwithstanding the international stamp of approval for Indonesias electoral processes, the previous presidential election result announced two weeks after polling day gave Prabowo and his supporters sufficient time to organize their opposition to the result, with Prabowo preemptively announcing his withdrawal from the election shortly before the winner was announced. This was followed by an unsuccessful court challenge. Perhaps in anticipation of losing a second time, prior to the election Prabowo warned of unrest and threatened not to accept an election that is stolen. In recent weeks Prabowo has questioned to both local and foreign media the legitimacy of the election, though the election authorities have rejected initial complaints filed by the Prabowo campaign. Adding to the risk of violence is the use by both candidates of paramilitary style groups accused of intimidating the opposing candidates supporters. One such group that supports Jokowi is accused of a history of violence that dates to the purge of communists in 1965, in which tens of thousands died. Once his training was completed, Johnson was sent to a staging area in New York. As their ship passed the Statue of Liberty, everyone figured they were headed for the European theater. That assumption changed once the ship turned south, heading toward the Panama Canal. And 27 days later, they docked at Brisbane, Australia. Johnson joined the 81st Air Depot Squadron, which he said had a foundry and were equipped to do about anything, including installing 20mm cannons on the B-25 bombers that saw a lot of action during the war. Our assignment was to transport P-38 and P-47 fighter planes from the aircraft carriers and liberty ships to the air base for preparation to go into combat, Johnson said. I was the crew chief and inspector and was responsible for getting the wings back on the planes. I also tested all the engine instruments to make sure they were working. If our test pilots had a problem with the plane, we were responsible for fixing it. In order to conserve fuel flying planes from the base into combat, 81st Air Depot Squadron operations were moved to Finch Haven, New Guinea, about a year later. So the question for impeachophiles is how many of those voters can be moved? The die-hard Trump supporters probably cant be, but the other groups are potentially at least persuadable. That brings us to the question of how to persuade them. And to Justin Amash, the Michigan representative who just broke ranks with his party by calling for Trumps impeachment. A sophisticated theory of how the Democrats might succeed in impeaching Trump goes something like this: Aggressively investigate the president, keeping news of his Russian perfidy in the headlines day after day. As his support erodes, welcome Republican defectors who start to signal that, yes, its OK for a party loyalist to support impeachment. Recruit more and more Republican mavericks to Team Impeachment until the Republicans who never liked Trump much in the first place decide that hes destined to lose in 2020 and tarnishing the party in the meantime. When you have a critical mass of defectors in the House, pull the trigger and impeach, trusting the Republican senators to go along out of concern for their partys reputation and for their own electoral prospects. Championing the desires of community residents amid a shifting healthcare environment, Rush upheld Iredell Memorial Hospital as a community-owned nonprofit hospital, the only one in Iredell County and now one of the few remaining in North Carolina. Rush inspired a shift from a traditional mindset of a healthcare institution simply being available to people as their needs arise to an altruistic approach of expanding healthcare to community members. His compassionate and tireless leadership efforts have led to a strong community-driven and supported healthcare system which encourages and enables the population to achieve greater health status, said David Cash, MD, a family practice physician in Statesville. Cash was a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2016 and had the honor of presenting Rush with the award. Rush expressed his gratitude for being awarded such a prestigious honor. More than 800 American flags have been placed on the Lowes YMCA front field in honor of public service officials. Around 100 volunteers started placing the flags at 10:30 a.m. Friday. The event kicked off with a dedication for fallen Officer Jordan Sheldon, who received a special blue flag in his honor. K9 Officer Dan Walther placed Sheldons flag on the field. Many of Sheldons colleagues were in attendance as well. We had a lot of Mooresville Police out here when we put the flag in, said Ryan Pegarsch, club president of the Mooresville-Lake Norman Exchange Club and chairman of the Field of Flags committee. Chief (Damon) Williams and Deputy Chief (Gerald) Childress were present. The Mooresville-Lake Norman Exchange Club is sponsoring the Field of Flags event. The event will conclude with a ceremony starting at 10 a.m. today. All of the names who the flags are representing will be read aloud, and guest speakers will be present. The Exchange Club supports Americanism, said Juli Simmons, co-chair for the Field of Flags event. We started doing this event to honor our veterans, and the event has grown each year. Last year we had 500 flags, and this year we have 800 flags. Stricken by the tragedy that occurred in her own town, Mooresville musician Kayla Vega wanted to honor fallen Mooresville Police Department Officer Jordan Sheldon. Taking to pen and paper, she did so through her talent thats regularly shared with the community she honored the officer through music. Vegas recently released Home recognizes the town that surrounds the artist as well as the sites and people she frequently encounters. My heart belongs in Mooresville. Its a place that I call home, no matter where life takes me or where my mind might roam, read the songs first lines. A Mooresville resident since 2016, the 24-year-old said Sheldons death on May 4 during a traffic stop simply hit too close to her new Southern home. For once, its my town. Its our town, said Vega. I didnt expect for [violence] to come this close. Its a place that we pass daily. Its something that affects someone we know personally. She added, I wrote the song the day after Officer Sheldon passed. It took me a while to figure out how I wanted to honor him. If the only time you walk into a community is to enforce a law, and you never go in to check on the community and you dont have a vested interest there, then you come in as the enemy and youre perceived as the enemy, he remarked. But the perception of police isnt the only thing hes concerned with. With the recent loss of Mooresville K-9 Officer Jordan Sheldon, theres some soul -searching at SPD. Addison commented the traffic stop and the domestic violence call are two of the most dangerous things an officer can respond to, no matter their level of training. The unfortunate loss of the Mooresville officer has definitely left thoughts in peoples minds, he said. Theyre questioning whether they should do this or not, and I understand and I respect those decisions when theyre made, but I also know that we have to serve this community and we need people that are willing to serve. He also insisted one thing SPD prides itself on is making the safety of its officers a top priority. And in this time of healing for some police, Addison recognizes he is leading a fresh take not only for how the SPD operates, but how it interacts. I want to the relationship with the community to be a nice symbiotic relationship where when they need us were there, but even we they dont need us we can come over and sit down on the front porch and have a conversation, he said. And, Tucker feels her and her peers should be no different from this man and take on challenges in their future. I dare you to never stop learning, Tucker said. I dare you to change and shape someones life for the better. Tucker continued her list of dares by challenging her peers to continue to live their lives through Gods word and to continue to challenge others. Most of all lead by example and above all, pay it forward, I dare you, Tucker closed. The Southview Christian School Choir then performed a rendition of Behold Our God and Because He Lives (Amen) which embodied the voices of Southviews soon to be alumni and one day prospective graduates as they brought some listeners to tears. Shannon Gardner soon took the stage for her valedictorian speech after an introduction that described her as having a positive attitude which shone through in her speech. Oh my lanta, we made it yall, Gardner started her speech, leaving the audience laughing. 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"The Alliance will have common candidates for all electoral cycles: both the presidential, local, and national ones. We will decide in the next few years how we will approach each of these stages," Barna told a press conference. Asked about the presidential candidate, Barna said: "All options are open. We do not have a predefined scenario, we are analyzing 4 to 5 scenarios that can become reality." He also informed that USR will have a Congress on July 13, in which the party's statute will change. In autumn, the USR Congress will convene to elect the party's leader. "We will have a Congress on July 13, we will have one in the autumn to elect the National Bureau, we will be making statute changes on July 13. On July 13, I will propose that they change the statute in the sense that all members get to elect the USR Chairperson, not delegates in the Congress. In autumn we will also have the electronic election of the USR leader, on the platform, as we chose the candidates for the European Parliament," added Barna. AGERPRES Foreign Affairs Minister Teodor Melescanu apologizes to the Romanians in the Diaspora who could not cast their vote on Sunday or stood in line to vote, adding he ordered an inquiry in the countries where such problems occurred. "I wish to express my regret and apologize to all the Romanians in the Diaspora who could not cast their vote or had to stand in line for hours to vote. Despite the measures taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) regarding the increase of the number of the polling stations abroad, which have reached 441, the voting process in several countries, in Europe in particular, did not unfold in good or satisfactory conditions. As a consequence, I have ordered an inquiry in the countries where regrettable situations were signaled, to find out the causes and the necessary measures to avoid the repetition of such events," the minister says in a message in the context of the organisation of the European election and the referendum abroad, according to the MAE release.Moreover, Melescanu adds that he demanded the urgent drafting of an analysis at the MAE level to identify concrete solutions and proposals of legislative amendments that would contribute to the development of a voting system tailored to the Diaspora's needs Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu said on Sunday evening that he is not to be blamed for the long lines of Romanian voters at the polling stations aboard on Sunday, saying that political consensus is needed to change election legislation. "The very large participation contradicted virtually all the assessments we had. (...) Mostly, at least at one third - two-thirds of the polling stations abroad there were voters waiting in long lines for two hours and even longer. The same was true in Bucharest, I saw that. (...) It was a very powerful activity to get them out to vote, which happened. As far as I am concerned, I believe we reached the limits of what we can provide in terms of voting abroad," Melescanu told Antena 3 private broadcaster. According to Melescanu, Romania needs a new legislation on voting abroad, whether it is about switching to an electronic voting system or about postal voting. "We do not have the material or human resources to cover the areas where there is a large majority of Romanians. (...) I agree with the idea of securing the widest consensus in Parliament to find an acceptable voting system to allow us to get out of this mess," Melescanu added. Asked about the possibility of resignation as a result of the situation at the polling stations abroad, Melescanu replied that he has nothing to reproach himself. "I personally have nothing to blame myself for, but I see the need to find a solution so that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the foreign minister will no longer be blamed for these things, because it is totally unjust and unfair," said Melescanu. AGERPRES A staff team of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) led by IMF Head of Mission Jaewoo Lee will be in Bucharest May 27 - June 7. On Monday, an IMF staff team led by Jaewoo Lee began a two-week visit to Bucharest to conduct an annual review of the Romanian economy, known as Article IV consultations. The team will discuss economic developments and policies with Romanian officials. Meetings will be held with officials from the Ministry of Public Finance (MFP), the National Bank of Romania (BNR) and other government agencies as well as representatives of the private sector and non-governmental organisations, according to IMF Resident Representative in Romania and Bulgaria Alejandro Hajdenberg. The mission will release a statement at the end of the visit and will hold a press conference at the end of the visit on June 7, according to a press statement released by IMF on Monday. There is no ongoing financial agreement between Romania and IMF, but IMF assesses annually the development in the Romanian economy, under Article IV consultations. During an Article IV consultation, an IMF team of economists visits a country to assess economic and financial developments and discuss the country's economic and financial policies with government and central bank officials. AGERPRES Minister for Business Environment, Trade and Entrepreneurship Stefan-Radu Oprea on Monday, May 27 2019, will preside in Brussels the official meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), in his capacity as president of this working format during the Romanian presidency of the Council of the European Union (PRES RO 2019). Trade ministers from the EU Member States will approach topical issues in common trade policy. These include the reform and negotiations within the World Trade Organisation (WTO), including negotiations on e-commerce, trade relations between the EU and the USA, and the preparations for the signing of the Free Trade Agreement and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement, a priority of the Romanian presidency of the Council of EU. Moreover, at their working breakfast, the trade ministers will discuss the recommendations of the European Spring Council in trade, including the current stage of negotiations in the trade field between the European Union and third states. The Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) is the highest decision-making forum at the Council of the European Union level on such topics related to the implementation and shaping of the common trade policy. The Member States are being represented by ministers in charge with the international trade field, with the meeting being usually held twice a year or any time when needed. AGERPRES President Klaus Iohannis on Monday stated that more than 6 million Romanians said "Yes" in the referendum, and that "European, democratic Romania wins, while thieves and criminals stay in jail, not in the government." "More than 6 million Romanians said "Yes" in the referendum that I called for the future of Romania and gave thus a tough lesson to populism, demagogy and the anti-European and anti-justice discourse promoted by the PSD [Social Democratic Party], during the campaign and not just during the campaign. Yesterday, European, democratic Romania, where justice can and must remain independent, won, Romania where thieves and criminals stay in jail, and not in the government," said the head of the state, at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace. He appreciated the mobilization of the Romanians at the referendum, which was "impressive." "Today's vote shows us that the democracy matured, that the citizens understand now what a strong weapon their vote is, today's result, yesterday's vote, May 26," said Iohannis. He criticized the manner in which the vote in the Diaspora was organised and asked the authorities to take immediate measures so that Romanians abroad be able to vote under normal conditions. "The manner in which the authorities mocked Romanians in the Diaspora is outrageous. Romanians were humiliated again by the irresponsible government members, unable to understand that their role is to serve the citizen and not to work against the citizens. I ask the authorities responsible for this, after the already very serious incidents in 2014, which were repeated against yesterday, to take immediate measures so that Romanians be able to vote under normal conditions, without waiting in endless lines, just to exercise their constitutional right - their right to vote," Iohannis said. AGERPRES The High Court of Cassation and Justice (ICCJ) sentenced Liviu Dragnea to three years and 6 months in prison for instigating to abuse of office in the case of the fictitious hiring at the Teleorman Social Assistance and Child Protection Directorate General (DGASPC). The Supreme Court maintained in the case of PSD (Social Democratic Party, main ruling, ed. n.) leader Liviu Dragnea the sentence enforced by the court of first instance. The conviction decision was made by four of the five members of the panel, one of the judges having a separate opinion, in the sense of referring the case to the first instance court for retrial, on the grounds that that panel from the first instance should have been specialized in corruption offenses. Floarea Alesu, former general manager of DGASPC Teleorman, also remained with the conviction from the court of first instance, namely 3 years, 7 months and 20 days of imprisonment with execution. On the other hand, the Supreme Court has accepted the appeals of some of the defendants, reducing the sentences applied to them. Thus, the sentences granted now are: Adriana Botorogeanu - a suspended sentence of 2 years, 4-year trial period; Rodica Milos, former Deputy Executive Director of DGASPC Teleorman - a suspended sentence of 3 years, with a 5-year trial period; Ionel Marineci, former head of Service for Child and Family Services - a suspended sentence of 3 years, with a 5-year trial period; Constantin Claudiu Balaban, head of Child and Family Services Complex in Alexandria Municipality - acquitted for abuse of office, suspended one year for intellectual fraud, 3-year trial period; Nicusor Gheorghe, at the date of the deeds chief of the Administrative, Heritage, Technical, Procurement Service - acquitted for abuse of office, a suspended sentence of 3 months for intellectual fraud, 2-year trial period. Were also acquitted Valentina Mirela Marica, at the time of the deeds head of the Recovery Complex and coordinator of the Child and Family Services Complex and Bombonica Prodana, the former wife of Liviu Dragnea and former coordinator of the Child and Family Service. Chairman of Social Democratic Party (PSD, major at rule, ed.n.) Liviu Dragnea arrived at the Rahova Penitentiary in Bucharest, where he will be imprisoned after being sentenced by the Supreme Court to 3 years and 6 months in prison for instigation to abuse of office in the fictitious hiring case file from DGASPC (Social Assistance and Child Protection Directorate General) Teleorman . He will be in quarantine for 21 days, a period of medical examination, a psychological evaluation, and the activities he will engage in during his detention.The High Court of Cassation and Justice (ICCJ, the Supreme Court, ed. n.) sentenced PSD leader Liviu Dragnea to 3 years and 6 months imprisonment for instigation to abuse of office in the fictitious hiring case file from DGASPC Teleorman. The High Court of Cassation and Justice (ICCJ) on Monday sentenced Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) Liviu Dragnea to 3 years and 6 months in prison for instigation to abuse of office in the case of the fictitious hiring at the Teleorman Social Assistance and Child Protection Directorate General (DGASPC). AGERPRES 'Bold decisions' A deal could help both companies address some of the shortcomings that have led their market valuations to lag major rivals, as well as the challenges of switching to electric and self-driving technologies and tougher emissions regulations. FCA has a highly profitable businesses in North America with its RAM trucks and Jeep brand, but lost money last quarter in Europe, where most of its plants are running below 50% capacity and it faces a struggle with new emissions curbs. Renault, by contrast, was an early mover in electric cars, has relatively fuel-efficient engine technologies and a strong presence in emerging markets, but no U.S. business. A deal would do little, however, to address both firms' limited presence in China, the world's biggest auto market. FCA said the case for a merger was "strengthened by the need to take bold decisions to capture at scale the opportunities created by the transformation of the auto industry." A pair of gems by Salamone Rossi (1570-1630), two lovely Italian madrigals, came next, Dirmi che piu non ardo and O come gran martire, the second slightly marred by one rather reedy soprano voice. The first half concluded with the world premiere of the new Chamber Chorus commission Hope. With music by the SLCCs Swedish composer-in-residence, Marten Jansson, and words by poet Charles Anthony Silvestri, both of whom were present, its a beautiful piece, in terms of both composition and text, that offers complexity and intricacy while being accessible and engaging. The second half began with Benjamin Brittens Five Flower Songs, a well-sung mixture of lyricism, some prickliness and fun. That was followed by Richard Rodney Bennetts Madrigal, a light, enjoyable piece. Three more climbers have died on Mount Everest, bringing the toll of those dead or presumed dead to nine across the 2019 climbing season, CNN reports. Two people died on the Nepali side of Everest earlier this week, Meera Acharya, director of Nepal's department of tourism, confirmed to CNN. Nepali climbing guide Dhruba Bista fell ill on the mountain and was transported by helicopter to the base camp, where he died Friday. The following day, British climber Robin Haynes Fisher died of what appeared to be altitude sickness at 28,215 feet, while descending from the summit. "I am hopeful to avoid the crowds on summit day and it seems like a number of teams are pushing to summit on the 21st," he wrote in a captioned Instagram post on May 13. "With a single route to the summit, delays caused by overcrowding could prove fatal so I am hopeful my decision to go for the 25th will mean fewer people. Unless of course everyone else plays the same waiting game." During the week beginning May 20, crowds of climbers became stuck in a queue to the summit, above the mountain's highest camp at 26,247 feet. President Donald Trump, while in Japan on a state visit, slammed actor Jussie Smollett for not apologizing to his supporters after his alleged staged attack, CNN reports. The gay black actor said in January that he'd been the victim of a hate-fueled attack in Chicago, but police announced weeks later that he had staged the attack. At the time, the "Empire" actor told detectives the two men who attacked him spouted racial slurs and shouted, "This is MAGA country," a reference to Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan. In a tweet early Sunday, Trump described Smollett's actions as a "hate crime." "In addition to great incompetence and corruption, The Smollett case in Chicago is also about a Hate Crime. Remember, 'MAGA COUNTRY DID IT!'" he tweeted. "That turned out to be a total lie, had nothing to do with 'MAGA COUNTRY.' Serious stuff, and not even an apology to millions of people!" In March, prosecutors suddenly dropped the charges against the actor. Smollett had been accused of disorderly conduct and filing a false police report about his alleged attack. John McLaughlin was arrested and charged after the discovery. As gruesome as the crime scene was, one challenge facing prosecutors now is that investigators have been unable to determine a cause of death, partly because of decomposition. McLaughlins defense lawyers, during a May 3 evidence hearing, fought to exclude the GPS and cellphone evidence from this weeks trial, arguing that police improperly seized the evidence. They said McLaughlin revoked consent to search his property several hours into a voluntary interview with detectives when he said, I dont want to do any of this, and asked for a lawyer. If convicted, McLaughlin faces a life prison term. Circuit Judge Nancy Watkins McLaughlin, who is not related to the family, is presiding over the trial. McLaughlins lawyer, Scott Rosenblum, has said the case is very defensible. Linda McLaughlin had filed for divorce in December 2014 after 35 years of marriage. The couple had been scheduled to appear in court in the divorce case three days after she disappeared. She was asking for their house and $2,000 a month to cover living expenses; her husband had moved out of the home. A likely tornado killed at least two people as it destroyed a motel, roared through a nearby mobile home park and caused significant damage in the Oklahoma City area, officials said Sunday. El Reno Mayor Matt White said during a news conference that "there have been two fatalities at this point in time," adding that officials are currently working to notify relatives. Saturday night's storm in El Reno comes after a week of tornados, severe rain and flooding in the Southern Plains and Midwest, including a tornado that hit Jefferson City, Mo. The region's most recent spate of bad weather and flooding has been blamed for at least nine deaths. White said search and rescue efforts are continuing in the Oklahoma town. As communities across the country and in our home state of Missouri are seeing the reappearance of diseases, like measles, that were once believed to be eradicated, a little-known subcommittee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering a decision to change the vaccination recommendation aimed at preventing the spread for pneumococcal disease among senior citizens. Its a bad idea. At the moment, there are two vaccinations recommended to protect adults ages 65 and older from pneumonia that can be deadly in the elderly. The sub-committee, also known as the Advisory Council on Immunization Practices, could make a decision as soon as next month to maintain or drop the current recommendation for one of the vaccines that protects against specific strains of the disease. The health of our senior citizens is at risk if the advisory council overturns the recommendation. It is not secret that as we age, our bodies are more susceptible to injury and illness. It is critical to provide aging adults with all the tools they need to protect their health. A cough or runny nose can be fatal for an aging adult when it goes from a simple common cold to full-fledged pneumonia. The EU (European Union) is leading an effort to slow or halt the planned reduction of the UN peacekeeping force in Somalia. The cost of maintaining the peacekeeping force does not attract enough donors, nor do calls for any Somali aid. The problem is the endemic and seemingly incurable corruption. Donors send their money to where they think it will do the most good and Somalia is at the bottom of that list. The largely African peacekeepers and the AU (African Union) are essential because efforts to create an effective Somali army have been crippled by clan politics and corruption. Most Somalis do not trust any armed organization that does not have clear clan ties. The Somali army has to avoid that if it is to be a national force. Therein lies the core problem with Somalia; clan loyalty is seen by most Somalis, as more important than any other government or religious allegiance. That is why al Shabaab is not as religious as Islamic terrorists in other parts of the world. Somalis organize profit-making enterprises, usually under the patronage of a clan or a powerful warlord who knows how to respect and exploit clan allegiance. Al Shabaab is more warlord than religious fanatic. The national army is neither and is seen as a magnet for foreign aid that can be stolen. There are over a hundred clan militias and these survive by being clan-based and able to use clan loyalty to recruit and motivate members. While there is a region known as Somalia and people known as Somalis there is no Somali nationalism to unite the nation of Somalia. Clan loyalty is supreme. Another recent example of this can be seen in the far north where an unexpected failure of the annual monsoon rains has caused severe drought, major crop failures and many people facing famine and starvation. Aid for this is difficult to obtain because of the chronic corruption that often cripples such aid efforts and enriches a few local officials and gangsters. These droughts and famines have always been present in this region but emergency foreign food aid is a late 20th century development that has saved a lot of lives and made a lot of local leaders and gangsters rich. Much of the food never gets to those who need it most (the ones who cannot afford to even buy food) but enough of the food does reach famine victims to make it worthwhile to keep trying. The Culture Trap Part of the foreign aid problem is the nature of Somali culture. It is very competitive, entrepreneurial, violent and resourceful. For most Somalis, al Shabaab is not so much a religious movement as it is an opportunity to make some money. Al Shabaab is very much a criminal organization whose main goal is to make more money so it can recruit more members, arm them and use violence, bribes and extortion to obtain still more power and wealth. This Somali outlook put al Shabaab at odds with al Qaeda and other international Islamic terror groups. In the end, the Somalis won that argument in Somalia. The resourcefulness can be seen in how al Shabaab has overcome the problems with widespread cell phone use. Initially, this made it more difficult for al Shabaab to operate because people who opposed them could alert the security forces, or local militia when al Shabaab activity was spotted. Shutting down the cell phone systems was a common approach with Islamic terrorists but al Shabaab saw different opportunities. Cell towers and other cell phone assets were only attacked if the cell phone companies would not pay a tax to operate in an area where al Shabaab was active (and able to make good on threats). That done, al Shabaab was able to communicate, especially with their informants. Al Shabaab paid for useful information and becoming an al Shabaab informant was a good way to make some extra cash, as well as stay off their hit list. Al Shabaab isnt the only group in Somalia that uses cell phones like this. Powerful clans maintain armed militias and an informant network among clan members. This is why the media regularly report the government or peacekeepers consulting clan elders to negotiate with al Shabaab (or another clan). Often al Shabaab will have to deal with the clan elders because al Shabaab has found that making an enemy of a powerful clan is bad for business. A current example of this is occurring in the south, on the Kenyan border, where al Shabaab has found its operations disrupted because of disputes with the powerful Marehan clan. Most situations where al Shabaab is having problems doing business its because they have run afoul of a powerful (and usually heavily armed) clan. Al Shabaab tries to intimidate clans into cooperating but failing that al Shabaab must either fight, make a deal or move somewhere else. Somalia is a patchwork of areas where al Shabaab tries to avoid because of the powerful clan organizations. These clans are usually the ones with clan elders who can negotiate with al Shabaab. An example of that is also down on the Kenyan border where clan elders are trying to persuade a local al Shabaab group to release two Cuban doctors they recently kidnapped in northern Kenya. In short, al Shabaab is powerful but not omnipotent. They can be hurt by things you rarely hear about, like feuds with powerful clans. More visible things that hurt al Shabaab are American UAV missile strikes and the American intelligence gathering effort that provides the location of targets for the missile strikes. These missile attacks concentrate on doing major damage to al Shabaab leadership or operations. The peacekeeper force is another problem. The government security forces (army and police) are easier to deal with (via intimidation or bribes). Another al Shabaab asset is corruption in the Somali government, which means many officials are for sale or rent. This is one reason the Americans keep their local intelligence network separate from anything the Somali government is doing in that area. The Americans share some intel with the Somali government or the peacekeeper force. Some of this intel gets back to al Shabaab and the usual result is al Shabaab itself is impressed and intimidated at how much the Americans know. Most of the American intel comes from UAV video and electronic (of communications) surveillance. May 24, 2019: In the south (Gedo), al Shabaab has run into problems on both sides of the Kenyan border with members of the Marehan clan, one of the more powerful down there and long allied with al Shabaab. But that alliance often comes apart because of disputes over taxes and other matters. The Mareham are not only powerful but aggressive with other clans, any government (Somali or Kenyan) or freelance groups like al Shabaab. The Marehan are Somalis who live on both sides of the border and control (or try to) several valuable smuggling routes. Al Shabaab frequently tries to use these routes without paying or asking permission. Al Shabaab activity along these routes often attracts the attention of soldiers on both sides of the border and that is bad for business if you are a smugger or a clan elder (who tries to keep armed strangers out). Al Shabaab has had problems with the Mareham before and these disputes will probably never end, although they are often settled for a while. Al Shabaab is often willing to settle because many of the local al Shabaab members, including some leaders, are Marehan and if forced to choose will usually side with their clan. May 22, 2019: In the south (Baled Amin), an American UAV missile attack killed two al Shabaab men. This is the 33rd such attack this year. In the north (Somaliland), an attack against ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant)killed two of them. The increased American UAV activity this year has also resulted in more attacks on the ISIL group in the far north (Puntland and Somaliland). In mid-April, this resulted in American UAV missiles killing Abdulhakim Dhuqub, the ISIL second-in-command for Somalia. Dhuqub was in charge of planning attacks and general day-to-day operations. There are still some ISIL in Somalia but the few that remain are maintaining a low profile, especially in the Puntland highlands where most of them are. There ISIL is getting by as bandits, too busy with that to pose much of an international Islamic terrorist threat. Then there is the local politics angle. The ISIL operations in Puntland are run by a local fellow with ties to the powerful local Ali Salebaan clan. In return for clan patronage (protection), the local ISIL faction played by clan rules. Banditry is permitted but large scale attacks are not. Since 2015 ISIL has been trying to take advantage of local (Puntland and Galmudug) clan feuds to establish a presence in Puntland. This began in October 2015 when an al Shabaab faction declared that it was now the local branch of ISIL. The ISIL members up there were largely former al Shabaab men who wanted more violence or whatever. ISIL was more daring and dangerous than mainstream Islamic terror groups like al Qaeda (which al Shabaab associates with as well as seeks to destroy) but is also self-destructive as ISIL considers any other Islamic terror group a potential enemy (if the other group does not recognize ISIL as the leader). Between local militias, the UAV attacks and internal disputes ISIL has moved to the bottom of the threat list for Somalia. May 21, 2019: In northeast Kenya (Mandera), the government has ruled out the payment of ransom for two Cuban doctors kidnapped a month ago by al Shabaab and held for a $1.5 million ransom. While the Cuban economy is a wreck the country does provide free medical school for nearly all Cubans who are capable of handling the demanding courses. While Cuba has lots of doctors it has little money for medications or medical equipment in general. Cuba does demonstrate that good primary care has a very positive overall impact. Cuba eventually had more doctors than they could use and found that renting out its doctors for foreign countries, especially in South American and Africa, could be lucrative. That business now brings in over $10 billion a year. The Cuban doctors involved are paid more than they receive back in Cuba and have opportunities to defect, which a growing number do. The Cuban government holds the kin of doctors hostage but that, and fact that kin will no longer receive part of the doctors foreign pay, is often not sufficient to prevent defection. The Cuban doctors are appreciated in foreign countries, where the local medical facilities are generally better than back in Cuba and the patients grateful for the specialist care and surgical skills the Cuban doctors often provide to people who would otherwise not receive much medical care at all. The kidnapping in northern Kenya had an immediate impact. Local tribal elders and others with contact or clout with al Shabaab began negotiations to get the doctors released. After all the doctors also treated Kenyan Somalis and refugees from Somalia. Clan elders report the two doctors are across the border in Somalia and safe. In fact, the two doctors are treating patients there. Meanwhile, other Cuban doctors working near the Somali border withdrew to safer areas until their colleagues were released and Kenya increased security for those Cubans working in areas where al Shabaab is known to operate. May 20, 2019: In Mogadishu, an al Shabaab bomb set off near the presidential compound left nine dead and 13 wounded. In the north (Puntland), al Shabaab was believed responsible for the murder of the port manager of a UAE financed operation in Bossasso. Al Shabaab was trying to extort regular payments from the port management company to prevent al Shabaab violence. In this case, the killer was shot dead before he could escape. May 14, 2019: In Mogadishu, hundreds of high school students protested because the results of their recent exams had been declared invalid when it was discovered that the test answers were being sold. Such mass cheating is common in many countries and it had been made easier with the availability of cell phones and the Internet, as this allows the test information to be quickly distributed to students about to take the test. May 13, 2019: The Yemeni government is again accusing the UAE (United Arab Emirates) of supporting southern separatists in Yemen and continuing to expand its military presence and influence in the Yemeni Socotra Islands. The main island is in the Gulf of Aden, 380 kilometers south of Yemen and 240 kilometers from the northeast tip of Somalia. The population is 60,000 and the island (and a few much smaller ones) lies within busy shipping lanes from the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea. The UAE sees these islands as worth investing in. The UAE is doing the same thing in Somalia and Djibouti. Yemen accuses the UAE of seeking to support Socotra separatists (which are currently few in number) to demand more economic links with and investment from the UAE. Saudi Arabia sides with Yemen on this issue. Exactly a year ago the UAE began withdrawing its troops from Socotra. The UAE forces had been there for two weeks, which angered many of its Yemeni allies who felt the UAE was trying to annex Socotra. Saudi Arabia stepped in and agreed to take over the economic development program for Socotra which the Yemeni government saw the UAE turning into an effort to make Socotra economically and politically dependent on the UAE. The UAE has always been more aggressive in this regard while the Saudis have not. May 12, 2019: In Mogadishu, a bomb planted in the car of a Turkish engineer went off and killed the Turk. Al Shabaab was believed responsible and this was probably another extortion effort that was being resisted. May 8, 2019: In the north (Somaliland), two American UAV attacks against ISIL bases in the Golis Mountains left 17 Islamic terrorists dead. May 2, 2019: In the south (Lower Shabelle region), peacekeepers and soldiers spend two days chasing al Shabaab out of an area 63 kilometers west of Mogadishu that included key roads and prosperous towns and farmland that al Shabaab had extorted cash from. Al Shabaab will try to regain control of this are but until they do they will be at a disadvantage have lost bases and sources of income. May 1, 2019: In Sudan, the AU agreed that the military control had to go and changed their demand for the military to give up power within three months to two months. In April leaders and representatives from Egypt, Ethiopia, Chad, Djibouti, Somalia, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, South Sudan and Uganda urged the AU to make the appeal to Sudans military leaders who had recently helped remove a dictator who had been in power for decades. Egypt and Ethiopia are Sudans most powerful neighbors and they are concerned about Sudans long term stability. The two year transition Sudans military has proposed has failed to satisfy Sudanese pro-democracy groups and opposition political parties. Sudan has long been a sanctuary for Islamic terrorists and was once close to al Qaeda then Iran. The recently deposed Sudan dictator, after suffering pressure from the U.S., Egypt and Israel, backed away from its Islamic terrorism support. Israel encouraged this with some long-range airstrikes against smugglers transporting Iranian weapons to Gaza via Sudan and Egypt. The Sudan government still supports a lot of clandestine nastiness and the military is involved with a lot of that. TICKERS: ABN; ABNAF Source: Rick Mills for Streetwise Reports (5/27/19) This explorer in the Yukon and British Columbia's Golden Triangle is ready to make news in upcoming drill season, says Rick Mills of Ahead of the Herd. May is the month when junior resource companies either spring out of hibernation from a winter spent poring over last year's results, secure in the knowledge their treasury is in good shape, or return from cash-raising junkets, hopefully with pockets jingling, to prepare for summer drill programs. In the case of Aben Resources Ltd. (ABN:TSX.V; ABNAF:OTCQB), it's the former. The Vancouver-based company is dedicating $1 million toward an exploration program at its Justin project in the Yukon, which butts onto Golden Predator Mining Corp.'s (GPY:TSX.V) 3 Aces property. There will also be a renewed focus this summer on Forrest Kerr, located in British Columbia's Golden Triangle between the past-producing Snip and Eskay Creek mines, where Aben is planning an initial 5,000 meters (5,000m) of drilling to follow up on last year's expansion of the North Boundary Zone. The company has the opportunity to execute on a number of targets thanks to the authorization of 55 new drill pad locations versus just nine in 2018, which limited the amount, and angle, of drilling. Justin Aben Resources is planning on getting an extra month of drilling in at Justin by starting in early June. The 2,000m drill program will involve 1,350m of diamond drilling and 600m of rotary air blast drilling. The 7,411-hectare land package is contiguous to Golden Predator's 3 Aces project, which includes six mineralized areas that extend over a 35-kilometer gold trend. According to Aben, Justin has the potential for both high-grade and bulk tonnage mineralizationepithermal, skarn and sediment-hostedthroughout a 3.5-kilometer by half-a-kilometer trend encompassing the Confluence, Main, Kangas and POW zones. The latter was drilled in 201112. "It's a classic intrusion-related gold system. You've got this younger intrusion coming up into the area, and it's a massive area. Generally, you would get bulk tonnage from those," CEO Jim Pettit said in a 2018 AOTH interview, comparing it to Kinross Gold Corp.'s (K:TSX; KGC:NYSE) 4.3 million-ounce Fort Knox operation in Alaska, Golden Predator's Brewery Creek mine, and the Coffee gold deposit in the Yukon. The latter, owned by Kaminak Gold, was acquired by Goldcorp Inc. in 2016 for CA$520 million. In 2017 ABN discovered the Lost Ace Zone, which is just west of the POW Zone. The gold-bearing vein system occurs in a geological setting that is very similar to mineralization present on Golden Predator's 3 Aces project, located immediately northwest of the Justin claim group. A 3.8-kilogram bulk soil sample collected for gold grain count analysis and classification from a location 115 meters upslope from Lost Ace returned 1,135 visible gold grains. Of the 1,135 gold grains recovered, 1,049 were classified as pristinemeaning the gold mineralization was likely carried to surface by the magma intrusion. As seen from the image below, the gold grains are jagged and flat versus smooth and round, indicating the gold has remained in place and not moved anywhere. Last summer Aben completed a trenching program at Lost Ace whose results were posted in January 2019. The series of 250m-wide trenches delivered samples of mineralization that are remarkably similar to 3 Aces. Highlights included 88.2 g/t gold over a meter, within 20.8 g/t over 4.4m. "It is begging for drilling," says Pettit. According to the Aben news release: "The new discovery at Lost Ace highlights the existence of a multi-phase hydrothermal system with the potential for overprinting mineralizing systems." Overprinting occurs when rock of different ages is jumbled together, meaning younger rock can end up on top of older rock. That would explain the two distinctly different types of mineralization found at Lost Ace. Pettit explains: "I think these two systems could be associated, where what we're seeing at surface is more like an orogenic high-grade vein system, brought up possibly from the uplifting of the older quartz veins by the younger magma intrusion. It could be some sort of an enriching event." To test that theory, Aben will bring in a rotary air blast (RAB) drill, a small, mobile unit that can explore the 250m arealikely punching in about 20 holes, 50m deep. A diamond drill will follow up on the property's best targets. Up to 10 holes (1,350m) of drilling is planned for the POW Zone, to further test the intrusion-related gold system discovered in 2010. Exploration work at Justin is expected to take three to four weeks. After that, Aben will pivot west, to British Columbia's highly-prospective Golden Triangle. Forrest Kerr Two years ago, continuous mineralization at Aben's Forrest Kerr project was identified in the first three holes of the then-new North Boundary Zone. Highlights included 21.5 g/t gold, 28.5 g/t silver and 3.1% copper over 6m; 2.91 g/t gold, 5.2 g/t silver and 0.6% copper over 14m. Fast forward to last summer, when Aben hit a discovery hole early in the drilling season, by positioning the drill 35m northwest of the three 2017 holes (the North Boundary Zone) to investigate the possibility of mineralization at depth. There was, and not just mineralization, but jewelry-box-style mineralization. Featuring four high-grade zones all within 190 meters downhole, the highest-grade zone assayed at an impressive 331 g/t over 1.0m, within a broader zone of 38.7 g/t over 10m. Other results from the discovery hole included 22.0 g/t gold and 22.4 g/t silver over 4.0m, 4.0 g/t silver over 13.0m, and 8.2 g/t gold with 1.4 g/t silver over 6.0m. Guided by chief geologist Cornell McDowell, Aben decided to test new ground 1.5 kilometers south of the North Boundary Zone, going by soil geochemical anomalies and "elevated gold in rock and soil values that are coincident with an historic electromagnetic (EM) conductive geophysical anomaly," the company stated in a news release. Watch an interview with Aben's VP Exploration Cornell McDowell. Moving down the drainage, the drill crew tapped into mineralization that appeared similar to the three holes that defined the North Boundary Zone, i.e., containing ample chalcopyritethe copper mineraland gold pathfinder minerals. The three collared holes (i.e., drilled from the same pad in different directions) hit quartz-sulfide veins at various depths, with enough gold, silver and copper values to coin the new South Boundary Zone. This year, Aben has three objectives for the 23,000-hectare Forrest Kerr property running along the Kerr fault, which acts as a major geological "engine" for the whole region, giving Aben tremendous discovery upside due to the amount of geological activity in the area. Heavy dotted line is the Kerr Fault The first goal is to see whether the North Boundary Zone can be extended in a northerly direction. Aben's news release details the work plan: "Drill activities will begin at the Boundary Zone in late June, where over 12,000 meters of drilling were completed in 2017 & 2018. North Boundary has previously returned high-grade results such as 38.7 grams/tonne (g/t) (1.12 oz/t) gold over 10.0 m (from 114.0-124.0 m) including 331.0 g/t (9.65 oz/t) gold over 1.0 m in hole FK18-10. Drilling to date has shown that mineralization extends several meters outboard of the high-grade area within subordinate shear structures and vein arrays. Due to the availability of new pad locations specific areas of interest will be revisited. Initially drill testing will focus on the potential for a northward extension of the high-grade mineralized core at North Boundary originally defined by holes FK17-4, 5 and 6 and confirmed with holes FK18-10 & 11." Next, drill crews will follow up a high-grade hole 200m south of the North Boundary Zone. Encountered by Noranda way back in 1991, the highlight was an eye-popping 326.0 g/t gold. Aben also wants to know more about the newly discovered South Boundary Zone, where broad intercepts of gold-copper-silver-zinc mineralization were found in quartz veins last summer. This is the third objective. An airborne magnetic survey will be run across the entire Boundary Zone prior to drilling. The survey is aimed at gleaning more information about Forrest Kerr's large, complicated structures. Finally, the company plans to drill-test a previously identified target in the Forrest Zone, located 13 kilometers south of Boundary. According to Aben, "The area of interest at Forrest is defined by highly anomalous gold-in-soil and gold-in-rock values coincident with a strong geophysical conductive anomaly originally reported in 2013." For an overview of Aben's exploration program this summer, view an AOTH video featuring Aben's President and CEO, Jim Pettit. Conclusion In early 2018 my readers were given an opportunity to get into ABN at a very good price ($0.15/share). They had ample opportunity to ride the stock into the high $0.40s, to reap their rewards along the way up, and on the way down as the top was recognized. When Aben fell back to $0.115 in January of this year I said I liked it again. On Friday the stock closed at $0.20. Now that we have a detailed plan for this summer's exploration activities, I remain a strong ABN fan. But before I recap let me add a little context here. Raising money for exploration in the junior resource market right now is difficult, to put it mildly. According to Oreinc, a Vancouver-based research and advisory firm, Canadian-listed mining companies are raising less money and inking fewer deals. As reported by the Financial Post, Oreinc tracked around 1,400 Canadian mining companies between $100 million and $1.5 billion valuations. It found that in 2018, cannabis companies raised $4 billion versus $217 million by mining companies. The situation is completely reversed comparing the top 10 Toronto Venture-listed companies in 2016 versus 2019. In 2016 there were nine mining companies and one pot company on the list; this year there are nine marijuana companies and one mining company. What does this mean for gold exploration? Well, as financings dry up, so does the exploration pipeline. Companies that would normally be out there kicking rocks, sampling, drilling and drumming up shareholders are in a holding pattern, waiting for the market to come back. One company that is not waiting for the tide to change is Aben Resources. Consider this: Aben has two excellent properties in areas that have seen a lot of historic exploration. Justin is a sleeper play that holds great potential, in our view. Will the drills confirm the existence of an intrusion-related gold system yielding high grades and tonnage? It certainly seems likely, if the results from the bulk soil sample and trenching are a guide. At Forrest Kerr the mineralogy is complicated, but Aben is gradually filling in the blanks. How big is the North Boundary Zone? Is it connected to South Boundary? These are puzzles that Aben hopes to solve. The answers are sure to provide plenty of news flow for Aben investors to realize some nice share price gains. Aben is one of the few junior companies that is already fully cashed up (+CA$4 million in the treasury) and ready to commence two major exploration programs. The company will be on its Yukon project, Justin, in very early June, possibly just a week away. And from there, roughly the start of July, will be drilling on its Golden Triangle project Forrest Kerr. I expect total meters drilled between the two projects will exceed 10,000m, likely much closer to 15,000m than 10,000m. Both programs are capable of delivering high-grade to jewelry-box-grade gold assays. Being cashed up and ready to get to drilling means first out of the gate advantage in the race for investors dollars. And because of a sector-wide cash crunch not many juniors are going to be able to deliver as much news as Aben, that makes Aben a top pick AOTH pick in the gold sector. Aben Resources Ltd.: TSX-V:ABN; CA$0.20 (May 23) Shares Outstanding: 111.6M Market cap: CA$22.3M Aben website. Richard (Rick) Mills, AheadoftheHerd.com, lives on a 160-acre farm in northern British Columbia. Richard's articles have been published on over 400 websites, including: Wall Street Journal, USA Today, National Post, Lewrockwell, Montreal Gazette, Vancouver Sun, CBSnews, Huffington Post, Beforeitsnews, Londonthenews, Wealthwire, Calgary Herald, Forbes, Dallas News, SGT report, Vantagewire, India Times, Ninemsn, Ib times, Businessweek, Hong Kong Herald, Moneytalks, SeekingAlpha, BusinessInsider, Investing.com, MSN.com and the Association of Mining Analysts. [NLINSERT] Disclosures: 1) Rick Mills: I, or members of my immediate household or family, own shares of the following companies mentioned in this article: Aben Resources. I personally am, or members of my immediate household or family are, paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None. My company currently has a financial relationship with the following companies mentioned in this article: Aben Resources is an advertiser on Ahead of the Herd. I determined which companies would be included in this article based on my research and understanding of the sector. Additional disclosures/disclaimer below. 2) The following companies mentioned in this article are sponsors of Streetwise Reports: Aben Resources. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. As of the date of this article, an affiliate of Streetwise Reports has a consulting relationship with Aben Resources. Please click here for more information. 3) Comments and opinions expressed are those of the specific experts and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Streetwise Reports for this article. Streetwise Reports was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this article. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Streetwise Reports relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Streetwise Reports has no means of verifying its accuracy. 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 interview, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Aben Resources, a company mentioned in this article. Ahead of the Herd Legal Notice / Disclaimer This document is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for any investment. Richard Mills has based this document on information obtained from sources he believes to be reliable but which has not been independently verified. Richard Mills makes no guarantee, representation or warranty and accepts no responsibility or liability as to its accuracy or completeness. Expressions of opinion are those of Richard Mills only and are subject to change without notice. Richard Mills assumes no warranty, liability or guarantee for the current relevance, correctness or completeness of any information provided within this Report and will not be held liable for the consequence of reliance upon any opinion or statement contained herein or any omission. Furthermore, I, Richard Mills, assume no liability for any direct or indirect loss or damage or, in particular, for lost profit, which you may incur as a result of the use and existence of the information provided within this Report. Aben Resources (TSX.V:ABN) is an advertiser on Richard's site aheadoftheherd.com. Richard owns shares of ABN. TICKERS: FCC; FTSSF Source: Streetwise Reports (5/27/19) The terms and implications of the arrangement are reviewed in a Canaccord Genuity report. In a May 21 research note, Canaccord Genuity analyst Eric Zaunscherb reported that First Cobalt Corp. (FCC:TSX.V; FTSSF:OTCQX; FCC:ASX) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Glencore to process, at First Cobalt's refinery in Ontario, feedstock supplied by Glencore. "We see this MOU as a positive step for the company," Zaunscherb added. The refinery, the only permitted primary cobalt refinery in North America, is not currently operating, and First Cobalt has not made a final decision yet to restart it. However, Glencore, per the MOU, will consider making a loan to fund the capital requirements to recommission the refinery and enter into a tolling agreement with First Cobalt. The two companies will collaborate on the final flowsheet design, and the refinery could be back in operation in 1824 months. Glencore's contributed feedstock would generate about 2,0002,500 tons per annum of cobalt sulfate from the refinery. First Cobalt is working with the provincial government as well to possibly streamline and accelerate the permit amendment process. The energy firm views the refinery opportunity as a way to generate cash flow in the near term as it continues advancing its Iron Creek project in Idaho and its project in Cobalt, Ontario. Potential catalysts for First Cobalt are further clarity around derisking of the refinery and additional exploration results from Iron Creek. Canaccord Genuity has a Speculative Buy rating and a CA$0.70 per share price target on First Cobalt; the stock is currently trading at around CA$0.16 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. Disclosures from Canaccord Genuity, First Cobalt, Flash Update, May 21, 2019 Analyst Certification: Each authoring analyst of Canaccord Genuity whose name appears on the front page of this research hereby certifies that (i) the recommendations and opinions expressed in this research accurately reflect the authoring analysts personal, independent and objective views about any and all of the designated investments or relevant issuers discussed herein that are within such authoring analyst's coverage universe and (ii) no part of the authoring analysts compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendations or views expressed by the authoring analyst in the research. Analysts employed outside the US are not registered as research analysts with FINRA. These analysts may not be associated persons of Canaccord Genuity Inc. and therefore may not be subject to the FINRA Rule 2241 and NYSE Rule 472 restrictions on communications with a subject company, public appearances and trading securities held by a research analyst account. The authoring analysts who are responsible for the preparation of this research have received (or will receive) compensation based upon (among other factors) the Investment Banking revenues and general profits of Canaccord Genuity. However, such authoring analysts have not received, and will not receive, compensation that is directly based upon or linked to one or more specific Investment Banking activities, or to recommendations contained in the research. Canaccord Genuity or one or more of its affiliated companies intend to seek or expect to receive compensation for Investment Banking services from First Cobalt Corp. in the next three months. The primary analyst, a member of primary analyst's household, or any individual directly involved in the preparation of this research, has a long position in the shares or derivatives, or has any other financial interest in First Cobalt Corp., the value of which increases as the value of the underlying equity increases. An analyst has visited the material operations of First Cobalt Corp. Partial payment was received for the related travel costs. Disclosures are available here. TICKERS: POR; PFFOF Source: Peter Epstein for Streetwise Reports (5/27/19) Peter Epstein of Epstein Research discusses just announced sampling results for one of this company's lithium projects. On May 27th, Portofino Resources Inc. (POR:TSX.V; POT:FSE) announced initial sampling results at its Yergo lithium brine project that covers the entire Aparejos Salar in the Province of Catamarca, Argentina. Yergo is within 15 km of Neo Lithium's high-grade, PFS-stage 3Q project. Before getting to this important company news, a quick recap of Portofino. Brief Overview of Portofino Resources The company controls three projects in Catamarca, covering >8,600 hectares, via low-cost, four-year options. Through the end of 2020, total cash outlays are <$65K for all three projects. There are no work commitments or royalties. Portofino's most advanced (initial drilling this summer) asset is the 100%-controlled, 1,804-hectare Hombre Muerto West project. Close neighbors in the Hombre del Muerto Salar include Livent Corp. (formerly FMC), POSCO and Australian-listed Galaxy Resources. POSCO paid ~$375 million to Galaxy for 17,500 hectares in Catamarca province, that's ~$21,400/ha. If POSCO, Galaxy, Livent Corp., Lithium Americas, Albemarle, SQM, Ganfeng, Orocobre Ltd. or smaller players like Neo Lithium, Millennial Lithium, Argosy Minerals, Advantage Lithium and Galan Lithium were to pay half of what POSCO paid (per hectare) for 1/3 of Portofino's 1,804 hectares in Hombre Muerto, that would equate to 6x the company's current market cap of C$1 million. As a reminder, of 18 surface samples taken at the Hombre Muerto West project last year, two were >1,000 mg/L Li, averaging 1,026 mg/L Li, four were >800 mg/L Li, averaging 935 mg/L Li and six were >700 mg/L Li, averaging 871 mg/L. A Second Project, Named Project II, Looks Promising as Well . Portofino can acquire 85% of Project II, which is 3,950 hectares in size and located 10 km from the Chile border (see map above) and 65 km northeast of Neo Lithium's 3Q project. Historical exploration work included near-surface brine samples that averaged 274 mg/L Li, with several in excess of 300 mg/L Li. Project II captures the whole salar, has relatively easy access, and has returned consistent surface / near-surface sampling results over a wide area. The Maricunga project (BFS completed) is located just across the Chile border. Maricunga is billed as the highest-grade undeveloped brine project in the Americas. Last, but not Least, Yergo, Subject of the May 27th News Portofino has the right to acquire a 100% interest in the 2,932 hectare Yergo lithium brine project. The property covers the entire Aparejos salar {see map above}. Earlier this year, surface and near-surface brine sampling and geological mapping were done. Twenty-two locations were sampled, returning values up to 373 mg/L Li and up to 8,001 mg/L Potassium ("K"). The sample sites averaged 224 mg/L Li, 4,878 mg/L K and 184 mg/L Magnesium ("Mg"). The average Mg:Li ratio of the 22 samples is a very low 0.8:1. Due to unusually high levels of water in the salar, 16 of the 22 samples were taken from the southeast portion of the salar. Those 16 samples averaged 278 mg/L Li, 6,091 mg/L K and 86 mg/L Mg. The average Mg:Li ratio of the 16 samples is extremely low at 0.4:1. Most projects in Argentina have Mg:Li ratios of 3.0 to 3.5 to 1. According to the press release, one sample taken from the northwestern portion of the salar returned a value of 351 mg/L Li, indicating a potential area of elevated near-surface Li brines up to 3 km in length by 1-2 km in width. Additional sampling will be required to better test the central portions of the area. Management intends to complete additional sampling once surface waters have evaporated to allow for less-diluted brine samples. Due to the close proximity of the salars comprising Neo Lithium's 3Q Project and Portofino's Yergo project, geologists studying Yergo believe it's likely that they have similar geological histories and are similarly enriched in lithium and potassium. David Tafel, Portofino's CEO stated: "We are encouraged with these very good, initial lithium and potassium sample results combined with extremely low magnesium/lithium ratios. As soon as weather permits, our geological team will continue their exploration work to follow up on the potential surface extent of the mineralization." Conclusion Although the main event is drilling in June/July at Hombre Muerto West, these surface sample results from the Yergo project are certainly promising. Portofino is slowly but surely, without burning too much cash, advancing multiple projects. In a better battery metals market or a better lithium juniors market, I believe that the optionality embedded in Portofino's three projects would be valued higher. Perhaps a lot higher. A C$1 million market cap is a cheap entry point to see a few drill holes in one of the best lithium enriched salars on the planet. A proven salar with long-term existing production and advanced-staged development projects underway. The following chart is another look at relative valuation. I calculated each company's Enterprise Value per hectare. Portofino is the second cheapest by this measure. To be fair, this is not the best metric, because not all hectares are of equal quality, or equally far advanced. For instance, some of the companies below have Preliminary Economic Assessments ("PEAs") on select projects. However, I believe that Portofino's three projects have the potential to be company-makers (it's easy to be a company-maker when your market cap is C$1 million). By contrast, some of the companies below have projects and greenfield properties in provinces or salars that have shown poor or mediocre drill results. Mediocre doesn't make the grade in this market! To be clear, Portofino Resources (TSX-V: POR) is a very high risk investment opportunity; it has not drilled a single hole yet. But several of the companies listed above have properties in less attractive salars, have experienced drilling problems, reported unimpressive grades, narrow brine intervals or announced small resources. One company reported a resource of just 66,000 tonnes of Indicated & Inferred lithium carbonate! Portofino could end up with mediocre drill results, or run into problems, but with a market cap of just C$1 million, it might be worth taking drilling risk for the possibility of good, or very good, drill results, and perhaps a better lithium junior market later this year. Peter Epstein is the founder of Epstein Research. His background is in company and financial analysis. He holds an MBA degree in financial analysis from New York University's Stern School of Business. [NLINSERT] Disclosures: The content of this article is for information only. Readers fully understand and agree that nothing contained herein, written by Peter Epstein of Epstein Research [ER], (together, [ER]) about Portofino Resources, including but not limited to, commentary, opinions, views, assumptions, reported facts, calculations, etc. is not to be considered implicit or explicit investment advice. Nothing contained herein is a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any security. [ER] is not responsible under any circumstances for investment actions taken by the reader. [ER] has never been, and is not currently, a registered or licensed financial advisor or broker/dealer, investment advisor, stockbroker, trader, money manager, compliance or legal officer, and does not perform market making activities. [ER] is not directly employed by any company, group, organization, party or person. The shares of Portofino Resources are highly speculative, not suitable for all investors. Readers understand and agree that investments in small cap stocks can result in a 100% loss of invested funds. It is assumed and agreed upon by readers that they will consult with their own licensed or registered financial advisors before making any investment decisions. At the time this article was posted, Peter Epstein owned shares of Portofino Resources and Portofino was an advertiser on [ER]. Readers understand and agree that they must conduct their own due diligence above and beyond reading this article. While the author believes he's diligent in screening out companies that, for any reasons whatsoever, are unattractive investment opportunities, he cannot guarantee that his efforts will (or have been) successful. [ER] is not responsible for any perceived, or actual, errors including, but not limited to, commentary, opinions, views, assumptions, reported facts & financial calculations, or for the completeness of this article or future content. [ER] is not expected or required to subsequently follow or cover events & news, or write about any particular company or topic. [ER] is not an expert in any company, industry sector or investment topic. Streetwise Reports Disclosure: 1) Peter Epstein's disclosures are listed above. 2) The following companies mentioned in the article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: None. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. 3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Streetwise Reports for this article. Streetwise Reports was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this article. Streetwise Reports requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Streetwise Reports relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Streetwise Reports has no means of verifying its accuracy. 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. Graphics provided by author. TICKERS: MRO; MLRKF Source: Maurice Jackson for Streetwise Reports (5/27/19) Maurice Jackson of Proven and Probable interviews the CEO and senior project geologist working on expanding the prospects in this well-known mining district between Fairbanks and the Canadian Yukon. Maurice Jackson: Joining us for a conversation is Gregory Beischer, the president, director and CEO of Millrock Resources Inc. (MRO:TSX.V; MLRKF:OTCQX), along with Senior Project Geologist Chris Van Treek. Gentlemen, welcome. We have some exciting news to discuss. Mr. Beischer, before we begin, please introduce us to Millrock Resources and share the investment opportunity that you present to the market. Gregory B.: Millrock is a project generator company. We stick rigorously to this model whereby we acquire mineral rights over favorable ground using our own information to develop mineral prospects, and we move those forward to a drill-ready stage. But very typically, before we're ready to drill and hopefully make that big discovery, we bring in partner companies. That way we're a much more sustainable, longer-lasting company that has, in the end, a better chance of success, because we're drilling or exploring on three, or four, or five properties at one time. So, we've really stuck with this model and that's part of the reason we're still here today 13 years later after starting the company, and I think on the verge of making one of those big discoveries. Maurice Jackson: Gentlemen, in our last interview, we focused our attention on the Goodpastor District in Alaska. Chris, you're the senior project geologist there. Where is the Goodpastor District and why is Millrock Resources focusing its efforts there? Chris Van Treek: The Goodpastor District is located in eastern Interior Alaska in the Yukon-Tanana Highlands, in a section of the crust that's been dubbed the Tintina gold province because of the prolific amount of gold deposits within it, between Alaska and Yukon. The Goodpastor is located about 40 to 50 kilometers from the town of Delta Junction along the Richardson and Alaska Highways. So, it's well positioned, it's got good infrastructure, and very nearby to Fairbanks, which has daily jet surface from the Lower 48 and the rest of the world. Some of the other deposits in the area include the Fort Knox gold deposit, at 13 million ounces, near Fairbanks, and the White Gold and Coffee districts in Yukon, and then, of course, Pogo, located in the Goodpastor District, at eight million ounces now, four million produced and four million in reserve and resource. Maurice Jackson: Mr. Beischer, before we delve into today's interview, management has been working hard behind the scenes to procure capital. Millrock was able to secure financing through EMX Royalty. Please provide us with the details of this transaction. Gregory B.: We were happy to do this transaction. EMX is a great group of geologists and business people. They have invested CA$1 million in our company by buying shares at a substantial premium to our market trading price at the time, paying almost 100% premium on our shares. In turn, we agreed to use at least half the funds to acquire this great land package, which we've done in the Goodpastor District near Pogo Mine. On top of that, we use the additional funds to put into the ground and to use for general or corporate purposes. In return, for paying this premium, we are granting EMX some royalties on the claims that we've staked. They're not a big royalty, so it's not something that's really going to encumber the property. But that was EMX's goal, to create a new royalty for themselves. So, it's been a win-win transaction for us both. Maurice Jackson: Gregory, what does that tell the market when prudent capital like EMX Royalty is willing to pay a significant premium to participate in the Goodpastor District with Millrock Resources? Gregory B.: EMX Royalty is well known in the mineral exploration community. By them investing in Millrock, it was a great endorsement of the project that we've been able to put forward. They recognize the mineral potential and recognize that we may very well discover gold deposits here in the Goodpastor. So, we're pleased that they were willing to invest in our company. But not just invest, but invest at a premium, paying extra for every share. Maurice Jackson: Take us to the Goodpastor District, where Millrock has just announced claim staking. Where are you staking and why? Chris Van Treek: The crown jewel of the Goodpastor District would be the Pogo Gold Mine. It's been operating for 12 years and produced four million ounces. There's only been one big push of exploration in the district following up on the discovery of Pogo, which took place in the late '90s and early 2000s. Millrock purchased a large database from past explorers in the area, and leveraging that, we identified quite a few highly perspective areas surrounding the Pogo Mine, as well as in another mineral belt along the Shaw Creek fault. These newly staked areas really pull together portions of the exploration model being applied at Pogo, and we feel they're highly perspective to bring in multiple partners to really explore this district systematically over a number of years, and discover multiple possible new mines along the Pogo Trend. It's got great infrastructure. The Pogo Mine road runs right through a lot of our claims and it's got a lot of open land to further expand on our exploration efforts. Maurice Jackson: Chris, how much of a land position does Millrock Resources now have in the Goodpastor District? Chris Van Treek: The total land position now is up to 66,000 hectors of Alaska state claims, 1,176 claims in three blocks. The majority of the claims are surrounding the Pogo Mine and along on the Shaw Creek Trend. But we also have two ancillary claim blocks that are subject to the most recent press release, the North Pogo and divide claim blocks. Maurice Jackson: Gregory, Chris referenced the North Pogo claim block. Why did Millrock Resources stake this area? Gregory B.: Well, it's interesting, Maurice. Let me explain. First, [in the image] you can see our claim blocks, outlined in blue, bright yellow, and red colors, [which show] sample sites where we know there's gold at surface. You can see there's some real bright spots. The Goodpastor batholith represented here in the light pink shade is an intrusive magmatic rock that is thought to have brought gold into the surrounding rocks and caused the gold mineralization at the Pogo Mine and a series of other deposits along the southern margin of that granitic magmatic intrusion. It seems like no one thought, "Well, let's look on the other side of the batholith, on the north side, where the same host rocks exist, the same flat-lying structures exist. The ground looks to be well prepared to receive gold mineralizing fluids there." But, that's Alaska, and that's what I love so much about this state. There [was] such a low degree of prior exploration [that] a very simplistic idea like this might result in the discovery of a whole new deposit or a gold mine. So, we were happy to pick up this block of claims that Chris identified as being perspective, and we look forward to getting out on that land for the first-pass geochemical work. Maurice Jackson: Now gentlemen, I also notice in the press release there was discussion about Divide Claims. What can you share with us? Gregory B.: Those are the ones in the very eastern most part of our area, the Goodpastor District. You'll see some bright orange and red spots on our block of blue claims there. We had known about these spots from the database of information that we'd purchased about five years ago. We see competition heating up in this district. Our neighbors here are Tectonic Metals. This is a new company, a Vancouver-based private company that's announced they're about to go public. The executive team is the same team that formally ran the company called Kaminak, which made great gold discoveries just across the border in the Yukon Territory, recently bought out by Goldcorp Inc. This team has recognized that the Goodpastor, and eastern Alaska generally, is a great place to explore. There's super mineral potential and there's a lot less competition. But they're here, and we're glad to see them there. But that's why we staked up these claims. We knew about these good surface indications of gold immediately adjacent to their property. So, we thought, "Well, we better cover that," and that's why we staked that divide block. We also note that a company called Northway, also a good Yukon explorer group, has moved into this district too. So, the competition's heating up in Eastern Alaska generally, and the Goodpastor in particular. But, we've established an dominant land position here in the Goodpastor, and the land is positioned on some really great geologic targets. Maurice Jackson: What are the next steps that shareholders should be looking forward to? Gregory B.: Well, the next step for this particular project accessing more capital. We're willing to put some of our existing funds into the ground to advance the project. But what we envision here is a sustained exploration effort across the entire district over a number of years, moving developing prospects forward until they're ready to drill test, and then doing a good drilling program on each one. That's how you find ore bodies. To do that kind of work, we're going to need some pretty serious capital, multiple millions of dollars over the course of several years. So, we're looking for the mid-tier or a major mining company, or a private equity group, that share the vision with us [and want] to do serious systematic exploration over time to maximize the chances of making discoveries. Maurice Jackson: Mr. Beischer, my favorite question and your favorite question: What did I forget to ask? Gregory B.: Well, you always catch me off guard with this one, Maurice. But I think the answer is we always forget about the price of gold. The price of gold drives investment and mineral exploration companies. There's other avenues for speculators to invest now and make fast money. Cannabis, and Bitcoin, and cryptocurrencies, and the like, and the general stock markets still are quite buoyant. So, there's not a lot of capital available for explorers. But, all it takes is an increase in the price of gold, and suddenly the money comes flooding back in. I'm anxious for that day to happen. It'll make life easier and we'll be able to do a lot more great exploration work so that we can make these discoveries. Maurice Jackson: Now gentlemen, I know we focused today's efforts on the Goodpastor District, but are there is other activity going on with the Millrock project portfolio? Gregory B.: Indeed. We're working on all our Alaska projects, and you can watch for news coming out of our Mexico project soon. Maurice Jackson: Mr. Beischer, before we leave, for someone [who] wants to get more information on Millrock Resources, please share the contact details. Gregory B.: Sure. You can find our website at millrockresources.com, and on that website you can find the phone numbers and e-mail addresses of anyone you may wish to talk to at our company. Maurice Jackson: As a reminder, Millrock Resources trades on the TSXV symbol MRO, and on the OTCQX symbol MLRKF. Millrock Resources is a sponsor of Proven and Probable, and we are proud shareholders for the virtues conveyed in today's message. Finally, we invite you to visit provenandprobable.com. We deliver mining insights and bullion sales. Mr. Beischer, Mr. Van Treek, thank you for joining us today on Proven and Probable. Maurice Jackson is the founder of Proven and Probable, a site that aims to enrich its subscribers through education in precious metals and junior mining companies that will enrich the world. [NLINSERT] Disclosure: 1) Maurice Jackson: I, or members of my immediate household or family, own shares of the following companies mentioned in this article: Millrock Resources. I personally am, or members of my immediate household or family are, paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None. My company has a financial relationship with the following companies mentioned in this article: Millrock Resources. Proven and Probable disclosures are listed below. 2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: None. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. 3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Streetwise Reports for this article. Streetwise Reports was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this article. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Streetwise Reports relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Streetwise Reports has no means of verifying its accuracy. 4) This 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. 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You understand that you are using any and all Information available on or through this forum at your own risk. Images provided by the author. Reports are coming in of a crash in Mount Maunganui this morning. A caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline says a concrete truck has his a power pole near Valley Road. "The lines have come down and are over the truck. "Firefighters are at the scene." SunLive is working on getting more information and will update this story as soon as we have something more. At the scene? Call 0800 SUNLIVE or email photos to newsroom@thesun.co.nz UPDATE 10.22AM: A car has rolled and then caught fire at the State Highway 29A and Oropi roundabout. A police spokesperson says they were called to the scene at around 9.55am. It sounds like they may have moderate to serious injuries. There are no blockages, traffic can still get through the roundabout. A SunLive reporter at the scene says there is debris everywhere. The NZTA are advising motorists to expect delays in the area. Due to a crash at the intersection with Oropi Road, expect delays and pass the scene with care. EARLIER: A car is on its side and is smoking following a crash State Highway 29, near Oropi roundabout. A caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline says his wife went past the crash and told him that a vehicle is on its side. A reader messaged us on Facebook to says a "car crashed and burst into flames". "Traffic building. Expect delays. Emergency services have been contacted and are on the way." SunLive has contacted police and will update this story as soon as we have something more. This is the third accident to happen in and around Tauranga this morning. Two trucks have crash on State Highway 29, near Valley View Road and a concrete truck hit a power pole in Mount Maunganui. Smoke and flames were seen coming from the under carriage of the vehicle. Photo: Tomoko Philson. Heavy and thundery showers are being forecast for Tauranga today. The MetService has issued a severe weather watch for the Bay of Plenty for heavy rain. Heavy rain is forecast for the west and north of the South Island and the Bay of Plenty. A period of strong winds is also expected for parts of the lower North Island. From Monday to early Friday, moist northwesterlies with a number of embedded fronts are forecast to affect the South Island, bringing periods of heavy rain to northern and western areas of the Island, says the weather organisation. A trough embedded in the northwest flow is expected to cross the North Island during Tuesday, bringing a period of heavy rain to the Bay of Plenty and strong or gale north to northwest wind to Taranaki, Wellington and Wairarapa. HEAVY RAIN WATCH Area: Bay of Plenty east of Rotorua Valid: 12 hours from 9am to 9pm Tuesday Forecast: A period of heavy rain is expected during Tuesday. Accumulations may approach warning criteria. Area: Ranges of Westland north of Otira, Buller and Nelson Valid: 16 hours from 9am Tuesday to 1am Wednesday Forecast: A period of heavy rain is expected during Tuesday and into the early hours of Wednesday. Accumulations may approach warning criteria. STRONG WIND WATCH Area: Taranaki Valid: 33 hours from 12pm Tuesday to 9pm Wednesday Forecast: A period of strong or gale northerly winds is expected during Tuesday and may approach severe gale in exposed places. Area: Wairarapa Valid: 9 hours from 6pm Tuesday to 3am Wednesday Forecast: A period of strong or gale northerly winds is expected during Tuesday and early Wednesday and may approach severe gale for a time in exposed places. Area: Wellington Valid: 12 hours from 3pm Tuesday to 3am Wednesday Forecast: A period of strong or gale northerly winds is expected during Tuesday and early Wednesday and may approach severe gale for a time in exposed places. A group of wahine Maori from Matapihi will be having a mammogram this month as part of a novel Pink Ribbon Breakfast event. Pink Ribbon Breakfast is Breast Cancer Foundation NZs biggest fundraising campaign, held in May each year. Waipu Hauora has been holding a Pink Ribbon Breakfast at Hungahungatoroa Marae in Matapihi for the past six years and this year will be donating its proceeds to the Breast Cancer Support Service Tauranga Trust. With the support of the Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisations Support to Screening team, some of the women attending the breakfast will be having a mammogram the day before, earning themselves a free ticket to the breakfast and a special pamper pack. Waipu Hauora Whanau Ora coordinator Riria Gibbons says even if just a small group of women sign up for a mammogram, thats a good outcome. Its great to support the cause but even better to get the mahi (work) done. We will also have the PHO here on the day to sign women up to the national breast screening programme so they will be notified when the time comes. Women aged between 45 and 69 years can get a free mammogram every two years. As well as enjoying a breakfast, women attending the event will learn about breast awareness and screening and the biopsy process. Its about creating a safe space to ask questions. And by asking those questions those women will be helping others who want to know the same thing, says Riria. Breast cancer survivors will also speak, as well as representatives from the Breast Cancer Support Service Tauranga Trust. It will be a lot of fun, with everyone dressing up in pink to support their sisters across the motu (peninsula), says Riria. The Western Bay of Plenty PHO is close to reaching its Ministry of Health breast screening target of 70 per cent of wahine Maori in the region, but not all wahine Maori are enrolled with BreastScreen Midland. PHO services leader Philippa Jones urges all wahine Maori aged 45-69 to enrol. Enrolment is free and easy to do and may save your life. Your GP or the PHOs Health and Wellness Services will be happy to support you to enrol. Screening coordinator Joanne Tuhakaraina says while breast screening rates are up, there is also a need to get cervical screening rates up. We have to target our Pacific Island and Asian women who also have low screening rates, and all those women out there who have never screened or are under-screened. They are a priority as well. The PHOs Support to Screening team is often invited to speak to other health professionals about how they encourage women to screen, which includes promotion at events such as the Pink Ribbon Breakfast. Last year the team promoted breast and cervical screening at the Tauranga Moana Tangata Tauranga Festival. More than 50 women underwent screening leading up to the Labour Weekend festival to earn points for their marae towards the events supreme title. If you would like to talk to someone about having a mammogram freephone BreastScreen Midland on 0800 270200. The Waipu Hauora Pink Ribbon Breakfast is on Friday, May 31 from 8-10.30am. To purchase a ticket email Riria Gibbons at: riria@waipuhauora.org.nz To see whats involved in getting a mammogram watch this video about Maori broadcaster Stacey Morrisons experience: https://www.youtube.com/embed/0qJGZxmhnhQ?autoplay=1&rel=0&showinfo=0 A new series of road safety advertisements launched this month is urging speeding drivers to examine their behaviour through the eyes of their nervous passengers. Part of the NZ Transport Agency/NZ Police road safety advertising and enforcement campaign, the ads aim to get drivers who live by the rule that the driver decides the speed, to recognise the vulnerability that speed creates for their passengers. The campaign is encouraging speeding drivers to see that what feels comfortable for them, if often not comfortable for their passengers, and no ones right to feel safe should be threatened by someones desire to drive fast. Every week, an average of 12 people are seriously injured or killed in a speed-related crash on New Zealand roads, says a statement issued by the NZTA. However, a substantial portion of our society does not see the connection between unsafe speeds and those injuries. Their perception is that the consequences of speeding are trivial. The reality is that if people continue to drive at unsafe speeds above the limits, or faster than is sensible for the conditions, people will continue to be hurt or killed as a result. Many people still habitually speed on the open roads and around urban streets, i.e. driving faster than the traffic around them, frequent overtaking, tailgating, curve-cutting and high speeds. Yet driving fast increases both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of the outcome of any crash. The mistakes that we can all make in our driving have far more serious consequences at speed. Too many drivers still refuse to make the connection between their speed and potential harm, even if they accept that speed and injuries are related. This campaign aims to change that by using passengers to help influence the speeding driver, opening the drivers eyes to the way their passengers experience their speed, and asking them to recognise the vulnerability that speed can create for others in the vehicle. We are midway through our search for the best restaurant desserts in Central New York, based on nominations from syracuse.com readers. Our first stop was Wednesday, when we visited The Cider Mill in Taunton. On Friday, we hit A Mano Kitchen & Bar on South Warren Street in downtown Syracuse. As the restaurants name says, everything is a mano, by hand. And they use local ingredients. We ordered five desserts: their peanut butter chocolate lava cake, the cannoli, panna cotta, pasticciotto and the pistachio cake with rhubarb mousse. They were so good we ended up buying two of each. We will publish our review and a video from our visit after weve visited all four finalists. Were visiting Lemon Grass in Armory Square on Tuesday and finishing with Francescas Cucina in Syracuse on Wednesday. The reviews will start Monday, June 3. The judging panel includes syracuse.com journalist Charlie Miller, Life & Culture reporter Sunny Hernandez and Chef Debbie Schneider, a culinary instructor at Onondaga Community College who recently was awarded 2019 Chef of the Year by the Syracuse chapter of the American Culinary Foundation. You have until June 6 to vote for your favorite in our poll. The winner gets the Best of CNY readers choice award. If you cant see the poll below, click here. SENECA FALLS, N.Y. -- Four people were injured in a two-vehicle crash Sunday morning after an 88-year-old woman ran a red light and crashed into a truck in Seneca Falls, police said. Frances C. Riccione, 88, of Seneca Falls, was driving west on Balsley Road, which becomes North Road at the intersection of state Route 414, when police say she failed to stop at a steady red signal. Ricciones vehicle collided with a truck traveling south on state Route 414 at 10:29 a.m. The driver of that truck, 57-year-old Kevin J. Peck, of Seneca Falls, and his passenger, as well as Riccione and her passenger were injured in the crash. Riccione appeared to have suffered internal injuries, police said. A LifeNet medical helicopter flew her to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. North Seneca and Finger Lakes ambulances took Ricciones passenger, Peck and his passenger to Geneva General Hospital with minor injuries. The Seneca Falls Fire Department also assisted at the scene. Everyone involved in the crash is expected to survive, Seneca Falls police said. Both vehicles had heavy front-end damage and were towed from the scene. College Education Department Jobs 2019 in Karachi Latest College Education Department Posts Karachi 2021 Government of Sindh College Education Department requires the services of qualified and experienced personnel for the positions of Junior Clerk, Lab Assistant, Driver, Plumber, Lab Attendant, Daftari, Chowkidar, Naib Qasid, Mali, Water Man, Aya, Security Guard, Cleaner, Helper, Cook, Assistant Cook, Compounder, Dispenser, Sanitary Worker, Sweeper in Karachi. How to Apply on College Education Department 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. Syracuse, NY -- John F.X. Mannion, an insurance executive who dived headlong into Central New York politics and philanthropy, later becoming known as former Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miners husband, has died. Mannion, 86, of Syracuse, died unexpectedly Saturday. (Obituary) The Bronx native of Irish immigrants cut his teeth in the insurance business early on, going door-to-door before moving into the corporate world. After rising in the ranks of a successful insurance company in New York City, he moved to Syracuse to take over a nearly bankrupt local firm. Mannion, who friends knew as Jack, resurrected Unity Mutual Life Insurance Company into a major local employer, increasing his power and influence along the way. Mannion soon became a Democratic heavyweight, befriending mayors, governors and senators, including former Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Gov. Mario Cuomo. One of Mannions children from his first marriage, Patrick Mannion, took over after his fathers retirement from Unity Mutual in 1998. After dating Stephanie Miner for about seven years, the couple wed in a private ceremony in 2006. Miner was elected mayor in 2010 and served two terms. For his part, Mannion stayed out of the spotlight during his wifes mayoral years. But he remained a formidable force behind the scenes. Former Mayor Tom Young once described Mannion as one of a rare breed of high-powered community-activist corporate executives. He headed up the United Way campaign and served as chairman of the board of trustees at SUNYs College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He was involved in numerous not-for-profit groups, from the Central New York Community Foundation to the Syracuse Symphony and the Metropolitan Development Association. In 1996, he was grand marshal of Syracuses St. Patricks Day Parade. I didnt choose to sit home on my couch watching television when opportunity abounded all around me, Mannion said in a speech at his 1998 retirement dinner. Mannions Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, May 31 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, in downtown Syracuse. Burial will follow in St. Marys Cemetery in DeWitt. Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, May 30 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the cathedral, 259 East Onondaga St. The Redhouse Arts Center will be closing out their 2018-2019 season with a production of All Night Strut." All Night Strut! is a musical review of the American songbook as it takes audiences through the depression, World War II, and the post-war boom. Audiences will hear classics from the 1930s and 40s from greats like Duke Ellington, Frank Loesser, the Gershwins, and more. Making his Redhouse directorial debut for the production is Central New Yorks local theater icon, Bob Brown. While this is his first time working with the Redhouse, Brown is no stranger to the stage as both an actor and director. CNY theater audiences may know him from playing the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar, a part he played from 1978-2010. I started directing almost 40 years ago, during that time I directed Jesus Christ Superstar for close to 30 years. I started a company called Opening Night Productions and directed works for them and about 20 years ago I went to Florida and directed at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre, Brown said. Brown said one of the challenges with a show like this is that a traditional park and bark is not very interesting for audiences. He enlisted the help of choreographer Stephan deGhelder whom Brown met during his time in Florida. Our mutual feeling on this was to tell stories through song and to make sure that it doesnt get repetitive. Every song will have a different look and a different story, Brown said. Before Redhouses Executive Director Samara Hannah reached out to Brown about directing All Night Strut, she also reached out to director of CNY Jazz, Larry Luttinger. Weve got a great jazz resource in our community and we really wanted to leverage that, Hannah said. As Luttinger and Hannah talked more about it, a partnership formed and the band and music direction will be handled with CNY Jazz. The sextet performing on stage with the cast is chosen from the CNY Jazz Orchestra. Were excited at the prospect of being on stage with such a strong cast, in whats going to be a celebration of jazz, Americas inclusive art form, Luttinger said. This music is in our DNA, its what we live and breathe, and what we grew up hearing and playing." While he finds himself singing along with almost the entire show, some of Browns favorite numbers include A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, Ill Be Seeing You, As Time Goes By, and In The Mood. Its hard to pick just one favorite. There is a lot of great music, Brown said. To older audiences it will be kind of a sentimental journey. Hannah said the show appeals to all audiences, both young and old. Put on your best jitterbug outfit and enjoy a toe tapping, high energy night of music and dance on the Redhouse stage, Hannah said. Want to dance in your seat to All Night Strut? Here are the details: Where: Redhouse Arts Center, 400 S Salina St, Syracuse, N.Y. 13202 When: May 30-June 2, June 6-9, Thursday performances at 7:30 p.m., Sunday performances at 2 p.m., all other shows at 8 p.m. How much: $32, available on Redhouses website The dedication of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Clinton Square on June 21, 1910 created one of the largest patriotic displays in Syracuse history. An estimated crowd of 110,000 people jammed downtown for the unveiling of the monument honoring the 12,000 soldiers from Onondaga County who fought for the Union during the Civil War. It was a Tuesday and, all over the city, business was suspended for the purpose of dedicating the imperishable and beautiful memorial to the heroic sons of Onondaga who fought on land and sea for the preservation of the Union. A great crowd had centered toward the monument, the Post-Standard reported the next day. There were thousands in Clinton Square and in every street leading to it, north, south, east and west. Hundreds perched on roofs. The windows of office and other buildings were filled by spectators. The entire day, the paper said, was a brilliant spectacle. The dedication of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Clinton Square, on June 21, 1910, was witnessed by an estimated 110,000 people.SYR The day may have set a record for most people visiting the city from other locations via train or trolley. The New York Central reported 20,000 travelers, the Beebe Lines, 10,000, Rapid Transit and Lackawanna each reported 5,000 each. Reporters said the number may have only been matched by only the busiest of State Fair days. And while the monument itself, made of Hurricane Island granite and featuring two bronze sculptures cast in Paris, was the advertised attraction, for many who packed the citys streets, it was the chance to see, perhaps for the final time, the veterans of the Civil War march in public, some dressed in their old uniforms. A reporter wrote that for many of the old veterans, this would be their last great march in this state. That feeling gave the day a melancholy feel. In one sad scene during a parade, in which both the old soldiers of the 1860s marched with the younger soldiers of 1910, an Upstate Grand Army of the Republic post had been reduced to just its drummer boy and fifer. There never was a more dramatic incident in Syracuses history than when the men of the Grand Army of the Republic marched through the opened and glittering lines of United States troops, bluejackets and guardsmen, who stood with presented arms through South Salina Street to Clinton Square and on to the monument. A page from the 1910 dedication program for the Soldiers and Sailors Monument with an ad showing the monument under construction. The program is in the collection of Civil War reenactor Steve Houde from East Syracuse. The veterans were serenaded with patriotic songs and the Pledge of Allegiance by 1,000 local school children, dressed in white. Many of the Boys in Blue had tears in their eyes while the children sang, others, a Syracuse Herald reporter noted, seemed to get younger. The graying veterans, so old and infirm, that they could hardly march, straightened their shoulders and grew young at the sight of the little ones. After Vice President James S. Sherman, of Utica, gave his speech, and the days ceremonies were over, the main division of the parade were reviewed by the dignitaries on a grandstand. The regular soldiers of the 24th Infantry broke into the double quick as they approached the stand. Member when we used to run like that? one Civil War veteran said, nudging another. THE SOLDIERS FRIEND The day of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument dedication ceremonies was said to perfect. Nothing marred the ceremonies of unveiling, the Syracuse Herald wrote. But if there was one thing that threatened to upset the day it was the weather. June 21, 1910 was oppressively hot and in the numerous newspaper stories about the dedication, the heat was usually mentioned. The high temperatures nearly bogged down the parade, with many young soldiers, in khaki uniforms, slowing down because of the heat. But thanks to a Syracuse girl and her quick thinking and generous nature everything continued as planned. This charming story was reported in the Syracuse Herald on June 22, 1910: At the corner of Townsend street and Union avenue yesterday when the parade was passing several of the boys in khaki were so nearly overcome with the heat that the officer in command of one particular company judged it wise to call a few moments halt, thus holding up all behind. A pretty High School girl in a blue gown, with a tiny flag pinned on her breast, who had been watching the parade from the lawn, ran into the house and quickly reappeared with an immense tin pail of cold water and, advancing to the sidewalk, handed it to one of the soldiers. Entering the house again she speedily came out with another bucket, and then with still another, and for fully ten minutes the filled and refilled pails were passed down the line to the thirsty soldiers. When the word was given to move on, one of the men in the ranks cried out: Three cheers for the girl in blue the soldiers friend! and they were given with a will, echoing and re-echoing down the long line of soldiery, while the little good Samaritan, overcome with confusion, ran inside her home to hide her confusion. Renewing rural generations, jobs and farms - RURALIZATION H2020 Representatives from the project partners and from the Stakeholders Advisory Board convened to Barcelona last week for the kick-off meeting on 15th and 16th May to discuss project plans further, project activities and distribute responsibilities. The economic, social and territorial cohesion of the EU is threatened by the unequal development of urban and rural areas. Population is expected to grow by 12% in urban areas between 2014 and 2020 while a decline of 7% is expected in rural regions. The economic, social and territorial cohesion of the EU is threatened by the unequal development of urban and rural areas. Population is expected to grow by 12% in urban areas between 2014 and 2020 while a decline of 7% is expected in rural regions. Significant differences are also registered in per capita GDP. All in all, rural areas are faced with specific constraints related with depopulation, less development opportunities and the transition from primary sector focused areas. The RURALIZATION project, funded by the European Commission under H2020 programme, aims to develop knowledge and support policy making in answering some of the challenges referred to above and more specifically to facilitate rural newcomers and new entrants to farming. In particular the project will improve understanding of rural regeneration, including the issue of access to land, define innovative instruments and strategies to facilitate generational renewal in agriculture and rural development and support policy making to make rural dreams for new rural generations true. The project consists of participants from 12 European countries represented by 18 organizations, including universities, research institutes, SMEs and other practitioners. This multi-disciplinary consortium will put in place research and innovation activities ensuring the involvement of farmers, young people and rural entrepreneurs, following a multi-actor approach. Anne Kinsella is the Teagasc Principal investigator participating in this project. One of her many tasks is leading Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) analysis. Commenting on the project Anne Kinsella said: RURALIZATION aims to contribute to the development of rural areas that provide exciting opportunities to new rural generations. It is about realising the potential of rural areas. One of project objectives is to better understand the issues of rural regeneration and to define specific circumstances and drivers that make some rural areas perform better than other rural areas, in matters of rural regeneration, attracting rural newcomers, new entrants into farming and access to land. RURALIZATION will last for 48 months starting from May 1st this year. Representatives from the project partners and from the Stakeholders Advisory Board convened to Barcelona last week for the kick-off meeting on 15th and 16th May to discuss project plans further, project activities and distribute responsibilities. The kick-off meeting was enriched by the participation of the European Commission services (DG AGRI) and the Research Executive Agency, as well as from the contribution of some of the members of the Advisory Board. OK, so last week Qualcomm lost its seemingly no-lose case against the FTC, largely because it looks like the judge was only physically in the room during the trial. The ruling makes it look like she and I observed very different trials. In addition, the U.S. apparently declared war against Huawei, which actually could benefit Huawei. The result of both efforts effectively could be to give the 5G market to China. Its kind of like watching everyone decide to run naked with some really big scissors, and as you try to get that image out of your heads, Ill walk you through what happened. Ill close with my product of the week: an update to a product that has made my summer sleep far more comfortable over the years. Its a water-cooled sleep enhancement system like what high-performance race drivers and astronauts use to keep cool during work. The Huawei Story Ive been following powerful companies for most of my career, and the efforts to regulate them not only have had mixed results but often have had massive unintended consequences. The closest comparison I can make to what is going on between Huawei and the U.S. is what happened between Microsoft and the world in the 1990s and early 2000s. In a series of cases starting largely with the U.S. DoJ, Microsoft incurred massive sanctions for uncompetitive behavior. The sanctions threw the company into crisis, and to pull out of that crisis, executive management massively changed the companys business model. Microsoft moved from a policy of locking in customers to one of interoperation and open source. With Azure, it shifted its focus from on premises hardware, both servers and PCs, to the cloud. Microsoft repaired its internal siloes and a host of inefficiencies that had plagued the company for decades. The result was a very different but arguably invulnerable company, perhaps second only to Amazon in the cloud and seeming to have more long-term upside. The firm is so dissimilar to what it was that it is almost unrecognizable. While the competitors that brought the action against Microsoft thought it would cripple the company, it actually made it stronger, and Microsoft outlived Netscape and Sun Microsystems, which were the most aggressive architects of Microsofts problems. Huawei is more of a hardware/networking company than a software firm like Microsoft, but the U.S. has been putting it under even greater pressure. Huawei also is much more deeply connected to the Chinese government than any U.S. company is connected to the U.S. government. Right now, Huawei largely is dependent on three U.S. companies: Google for Android, Microsoft for Windows, and Qualcomm for smartphone technology. It also is dependent on one Asian company, Softbank (ARM). All of those firms have indicated they will comply with the U.S. order to stop doing business with Huawei, which would be catastrophic for the firm. A D V E R T I S E M E N T This means the second largest smartphone vendor in the world, with Chinese government backing, will be forced to pivot away from U.S. and European technology and become even more proprietary than Apple. China is unlikely to let Huawei fail, so the result very well could be a Chinese government-backed Apple clone with massive Chinese incentives to favor its products in country. Given that China is both the largest and potentially fastest-growing world market for smartphones, the result would an inability for U.S. tech vendors to compete in the Chinese market. Due to the scale, it would be an emerging global vendor that thanks to government resources could underprice every other vendor in the segment with equal or better hardware. Granted, it still would have to capture developers, but it could end run that problem by doing what Amazon did, and start with the open source version of Android to get an initial baseline product. We arent even yet talking about the likely Chinese response against U.S. smartphone vendors (and really Apple is the only one at scale and the most likely target). So, the likely result of this attack on Huawei is a lockout of U.S. tech vendors in China, a focus by the Chinese government on Apple as a problem to be solved, and a Huawei that will be far more powerful, as well as understandably pissed at the U.S. This also could and likely will result in locking in Huawei as the lead, if not only, vendor at scale for the 5G rollout in China and other countries not closely aligned with the U.S. (That aligned list seems to be shrinking a lot at the moment, thanks to the president.) I think this is incredibly wrongheaded. I also think it is a bad precedent to attack individual companies as part of a trade war strategy, largely because China is far better at protecting Chinese firms than the U.S. is at protecting U.S. firms. This is a long way of saying that payback really could be a bitch. Qualcomms Story I attended the end of the FTC trial in California, and even before it was disclosed in another case that the evidence Apple had fed the FTC was false, I didnt think it had a case. My assessment largely was due to two things. The architect of the theory that founded the FTC case, from an economist who appeared to live in an alternative universe, effectively had been discredited. There no harm presented in evidence, and even the possibility of future harm was disproved. The experts primary defense I kid you not appeared to revolve around him being a legend in his own mind who was surrounded by other economists, all of whom were mentally challenged idiots. The arrogance that rolled off the guy particularly given that his theory effectively got thrown out was amazing. Still, in her decision, Judge Koh seemed to take the theory as settled law, even though she wisely never mentioned Shapero. The other thing was that the rest of the FTCs argument seemed to revolve around internal memos in which people discussed, but didnt actually do, things that would have been problematic for Qualcomm if they had done them. It isnt at all uncommon for executives to consider actions that have questionable legal foundation before the firms legal department comes in and sits on them, or more prudent executives take control. It isnt illegal to consider illegal things, particularly if you dont know they are illegal. For instance, I could plan a bank heist, but unless I do it Im pretty much OK. Now, I wouldnt recommend doing that, but right now, considering making a bad choice isnt in and of itself illegal. However, given the outcome of this trial, Id certainly suggest those discussions not be documented in the future and that executives regularly get compliance training so they can avoid such discussions in the future. Before the Apple disclosure, we had no actual evidence of wrongdoing (just some unfortunate discussions), no harm, and the chance of future harm had been discredited. There effectively was no FTC case. Then, subsequent to that trial, we found that the evidence Apple had presented to the FTC to start the case against Qualcomm had been manufactured. That means the foundation for the case was false. There was no evidence supporting the FTC position, and the contention that the consumer (whom the FTC is missioned to help) was or would be harmed. Even the DoJ was concerned that the judge was going to rule badly, and one of its reasons was Qualcomms position as the leading vendor ensuring the U.S. 5G leadership. So, coupled with the U.S. action against Huawei, this FTC ruling, because it could cripple Qualcomms revenue stream, could ensure that 5G leadership ends up with China. Further, this wouldnt be the first time. The government sat on Standard Oil, and we lost control of the oil market. It sat on RCA, and consumer electronics ended up in Asia. It sat on the car companies, and rather than Ford and GM dominance, we have Toyota and VW. If that happens, the new nickname for the U.S. president easily could become Trump the Chump. (Im kind of surprised that hasnt happened already.) Wrapping Up All this showcases two problems. First, the U.S. government continues to think tactically, while China is thinking strategically. The trade war in and of itself is unwinnable because it looks like the president lacks the backing of his own government as he systematically commits job suicide. Targeting a firm that is a National Treasure, like Huawei, is in and of itself problematic, because of the likely actions in retaliation against Apple and other U.S. tech vendors. Chinas indication that it is moving to a war footing is massively problematic for sales to that country. The second problem is that judges just dont appear to be able to do the job anymore, and this is across a number of areas. I recently visited a judge review site, and the average score out of 10, with 10 being best, was a little over 1. Apparently, the judicial system is chasing the U.S. Congress for which can have the lowest satisfaction score. If a critical mass of folks conclude that you cant trust the judicial system, much like we seem to have a critical mass of folks who dont trust law enforcement, I dont see that ending well for us individually or for the country. Folks taking the law into their own hands at scale are called revolutionaries. Ironically, I think both problems could be fixed with deep learning artificial intelligence systems and computer simulations. One could model out the likely outcomes of moves like the one against Huawei, and the other could help judges focus on the evidence and relevant precedents, identify and use accurate testimony, and make interpretations consistent with the law. If used properly, AIs could help fix both problems, but I have my doubts whether they will be applied at all, let alone properly. Like a lot of men, I like it cool when I sleep at night, and my wife typically likes to be warmer. While there are solutions like heating pads and electric blankets for heat, solutions for being cool typically revolve around your air conditioning system. This results in thermostat fights that I could win only by making the thermostat so complicated my wife wouldnt want to mess with it. Therefore, when I became aware of the ChiliPAD years ago, I bought it and Ive been using it for years. The ChiliPAD uses recirculating water, like what is used in race cars to cool drivers and in space suits to cool astronauts. It both heats and cools, and it removes the electrical fields from close to the body. These fields have long been thought to have adverse health impacts, particularly for expecting mothers. Well the ChiliPAD folks sent me their latest offering, the Ooler. It has a far more powerful heater/cooler, it works with a smartphone app (still in beta, though), and it will do scheduling so your bed is right when you get into it, and you can use warm awake to get your butt out of bed silently in the morning, without waking your spouse. Ooler Sleep System Now you do have to put it in a well-ventilated area, because it throws out a lot of heat when it is cooling your bed. It comes in any color as long as that color is white (Id personally prefer black), but you can put it in a cabinet as long as you power vent it (which is what I did). Oh, one other thing I learned the hard way: If you want this to last a long time, use distilled water. The mineral build up with tap water eventually will cause you problems. It isnt a cheap date, starting at US$699 for a single (The ChiliPAD is $499) up to $1,499 for a Cal King (which is what I have). I dont function well if I dont sleep well, and because the Ooler helps me sleep well much like the older ChiliPAD did but better it is my product of the week. Seriously, sleeping has a massive impact on my quality of life, so this thing is likely to make it through to my product of the year. Well see The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ECT News Network. The first stop on AMD's busy summer, CEO Dr. Lisa Su is set to take the stage for a pre-show Computex 2019 keynote where we hope to hear new details (or full blown announcements) about Ryzen 3000, the new X570 platform, chipset and accompanying motherboards, Epyc Rome server processors and possibly next-gen Radeon "Navi" GPUs. Update: AMD's Computex keynote will be livestreamed (embed above) starting at 7 PM Pacific, 10 PM Eastern, 3 AM in the UK and 10 AM local Taipei time. Beginning this Tuesday, May 28 and running through June 1, Computex is home to all sorts of computer hardware, in addition to trends including AI, 5G, Blockchain, and IoT devices. The standard affair of gaming and virtual reality booths will also be present as usual. AMD's CEO presentation is one of the pre-innaugural keynotes reserved for the higher profile companies, showing how AMD has been making real waves as of late. In Dr. Su's presentation, she will be joined by other high profile guests to discuss a "high-performance computing ecosystem," which presumably means server hardware will be a primary focus. Consumer grade hardware and particularly GPUs may take a backseat on this one (but we hope not) as AMD will also give presentations at E3 2019 next month and at Hot Chips this August. In context: In todays tech age, most people think of Jeff Bezos online shopping giant when they hear the word "Amazon," rather than the 4,000-mile long river in South America. Its partly why the presidents of four Latin American countries have spoken out against the company being granted the rights to the .amazon domain. For the last seven years, Amazon has been locked in a battle against Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuelawho work together as the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO)over the retailers quest to grab the .amazon domain name. In 2012, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the body that oversees internet addresses, expanded its list of generic top-level domains (gTLD), thereby allowing companies to apply for new extensions. Amazon, not too surprisingly, wanted the .amazon domain, but the eight countries believe this exclusivity could impact on matters of their sovereignty. The issue heated up in 2018 when ICANN removed the Will Not Proceed status from Amazons application. Last week, the organization said it would grant Amazons request for the name following a 30-day period of public comment. That decision has led to Perus Martin Vizcarra, Colombias Ivan Duque, Ecuadors Lenin Moreno and Bolivias Evo Morales promising to work together to protect their countries from inadequate governance of the internet, reports Reuters. In a joint statement, the four presidents said the decision sets a grave precedent by prioritizing private commercial interests above the considerations of state public policies, the rights on indigenous people and the preservation of the Amazon. ICANN last week said it "remained hopeful that additional time could lead to a mutually acceptable solution regarding those applications. However, ACTO and the Amazon corporation were unable to come to a mutually acceptable solution or agree on an extension of time for continued discussions." People will soon be able to monitor their health using a simple home-test capable of measuring stress hormones in their blood, saliva, sweat, or urine. High stress levels have long been associated with increased risk for serious health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. However, no reliable tests have been developed yet that could properly tell just how stressed out a person may be. This is what scientists from the University of Cincinnati sought out to create a device that patients could use to diagnose their stress levels even at home. Home-Testing Kit For Stress In a study featured in the journal American Chemical Society Sensors, Andrew Steckl, a professor of electrical engineering at Cincinnati, led a team in developing a new diagnostic specifically designed to measure stress. "I wanted something that's simple and easy to interpret," Steckl said. "This may not give you all the information, but it tells you whether you need a professional who can take over." The home-testing kit makes use of ultraviolet light to detect the amount of stress hormones found even in a single drop of blood, saliva, sweat, or urine. The researchers believe these biomarkers are present in all four bodily fluids, only in different amounts. Steckl explained that their device can measure multiple biomarkers all at once. What is unique about their new technology is that can even detect biomarkers found in other fluids in the body as well. The Cincinnati professor has been researching about biosensors for the past few years in Nanoelectronics Laboratory. The home-testing kit that they developed is part of a series of scientific studies he and his team have produced regarding such technologies. One of the papers they have written discussed ways to create point-of-care diagnostics that can monitor biomarkers related to stress levels. The study carries a personal significance to Steckl, whose father has been dealing with a health crisis of his own. Their struggles have helped shape the professor's research and opinion for a simple testing kit for various health concerns that people can easily do at home. Steckl said he usually had to take his father to the doctor for some tests to adjust his medication. This inspired him to develop a diagnostic that his father can do even on his own. While the new home-testing kit does not replace diagnostics done in laboratories, Steckl pointed out that it could help patients at least have an idea on the status of their health. Uses Of The New Stress Diagnostic The U.S. Air Force Research Lab and the National Science Foundation helped fund Cincinnati's research on stress monitoring. Steckl said the military is interested in understanding how acute stress can affect pilots and others who depend on peak human performance. He noted how air force pilots are often placed under immense stress on flights. It is important for ground controllers to know when pilots reach the end of their ability to control their aircraft so that they could have them called back before they suffer mishaps during missions. Steckl and his colleagues see the potential of their stress testing kit even in commercial use. Prajokta Ray, a graduate from Cincinnati and one of the authors of the study, expressed her excitement in helping develop a possible solution for diagnosing stress levels. "Stress harms us in so many ways. And it sneaks up on you. You don't know how devastating a short or long duration of stress can be," she said. "So many physical ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure and neurological or psychological disorders are attributed to stress the patient has gone through. That's what interested me." The University of Cincinnati is one of the leaders in the country regarding biosensor studies. The school's laboratories have been researching point-of-care tests capable of diagnosing medical conditions ranging from traumatic brain injuries to lead poisoning. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Pak Army Central Aviation Spares Depot CASD EME Job 2019 Latest Pakistan Army Security Posts Rawalpindi 2021 Pakistan Army Central Aviation Spares Depot CASD EME Dhamial Camp Rawalpindi requires the services of experienced, strong and energetic person for the position of Chowkidar BPS-1. 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. To prevent the further spread of measles, public health officials have threatened to place certain individuals on an air-travel ban. Eight People Prevented From Flying Eight people believed to be infected with measles and have plans to travel have been warned by state and local health officials that a federal regulation could prevent them from boarding planes. Martin Cetron, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, said that the agency runs a Do Not Board List, which prevents a sick person from flying. They have been contacted by health officials in New York, California, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Washington about the potentially contagious individuals. The Washington Post reported that all eight have agreed to cancel their flights. Fly Ban For People Infected With Measles The Do Not Board List has been in place since 2007. According to CNN, it was previously used to prevent patients with tuberculosis from boarding a plane. Twice, it was used for measles. The measure is usually a last-ditch effort to prevent sick and infectious passengers from traveling on a plane. To put a person's name on the list, the state or local health official must contact CDC. The agency will then verify if enough efforts have been made to dissuade the patient from traveling. The CDC will contact the Department of Homeland Security to add the person on the Do Not Board List. Airlines will then refuse to issue a boarding pass. Cetron said that the Do Not Board List is an effective deterrent. "Ninety-something percent of the time, when we inform people we want them to change their mind and we can tell the airline not to issue a boarding pass, they change their mind," he stated. The New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene has confirmed to CNN that they have communicated with two individuals who are not immune to measles about not flying for 21 days after they were exposed to the virus. Both have been cooperative so far. The department clarified that no one has been placed in the Do Not Board List. New York has one of the worst outbreak of measles in the United States. According to the recent data from the CDC, since Jan. 1, 880 individual cases of measles have been confirmed in 24 states, of which more than 630 are from New York. The authorities reiterated that vaccination is the most effective way to protect one's self from measles. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Tiny yet toxic jellyfish have flocked to Jersey Shore with researchers discovering nearly 300 clinging jellyfish in Barnegat Bay in past few weeks. While the spider-like clinging jellyfish are as small as a coin, they are incredibly toxic with a powerful sting that can leave its victims writhing in excruciation. Their larger-than-usual presence in the Jersey Shore waters could mean more stings for swimmers in the area in the upcoming summer months. Toxic Jellies At Jersey Shore Paul Bologna of the Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences Program at Montclair State University explained to Asbury Park Press that the latest jellyfish count from the Metedeconk River and northern Barnegat Bay showed higher populations of the species than in previous years. Experts believe it's likely that there are much more lurking beneath the surface. "When we're finding hundreds, or 500 of these, it really means that there are thousands and tens of thousands of polyps (or baby jellyfish) ... out in the local waterways," Bologna said. Clinging jellyfish typically come out at night in shallow, low-velocity waters, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. During the day, these marine stingers cling to vegetation and shells. While their tentacles are not long like other jellies, they have plenty 60 to 90 that stretch up to 3 inches long. These tentacles are the source of the clinging jellyfish's agonizing sting. While the pain of other jellyfish species stings wears off with time, the pain from a clinging jellyfish sting can get even worse over time. Bologna explained that the species is armed with two sets of venom, with the first one meant for paralysis and the second a neurotoxin. Mary Carman, a marine ecologist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, described the pain as similar to "being injected by five hypodermic needles simultaneously." A Rising Population Carman and her colleagues have been observing and tracking clinging jellyfish for the past few years, according to a WHOI report. In a study published in the journal Marine Biodiversity Records, they revealed that the species is becoming increasingly abundant in the Northwest Atlantic and even in more locations globally. The study authors suggested that the clinging jellyfish have been hanging on to boats to invade new locations, since clusters have been found in a cove with a public boat ramp. Since the species are tiny and are known for "clinging" capabilities, WHOI biologist Annette Govindarajan said that they could easily hitchhike on boats without being spotted. Additionally, clinging jellyfish are believed to be capable of cloning at some stages of asexual reproduction, which could make it easier for the species to spread. "As we analyzed the sex ratio of our samples, we discovered that all of the jellies collected at Edgartown Great Pond were male," Govindarajan continued. "This is consistent with the possibility that this particular population is clonal, and that asexual reproduction is contributing to their spread." 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Samsung has partnered up with Disney to roll out free Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10E wallpapers themed after Disney and Pixar characters, among others. These aren't just ordinary, run-of-the-mill background images, though. They're specially designed to obfuscate the Infinity-O Display's hole-punch cutout for its front-facing camera in a creative way. Disney, Pixar Wallpapers For The Galaxy S10 In a press release, Samsung announced the launch of the wallpapers and its collaboration with Disney. "Harnessing the creativity this display characteristic unlocks, Samsung Electronics and Disney recently launched a new range of background wallpaper options," the company said. The selection includes fan-favorite characters: Olaf from Frozen, Jack-Jack and Violet from The Incredibles, Mickey Mouse, and Flash Slothmore from Zootopia (as pictured above). A variety of other wallpapers are also in the mix, including the phases of a solar eclipse, cartoon animals, and Mazinger Z. The majority of the official themes of Samsung aren't free of charge. They're typically on a free trial basis, allowing users to have a go at testing them out for 14 days. As a special case, though, these wallpapers made with Disney are free for Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10E users, but from the look of things, they're not available for the Galaxy S10 Plus, which has a pill-shaped cutout for its front camera. This isn't the first time Samsung and Disney worked together to deliver content to Galaxy smartphone owners. For instance, they brought AR Emojis that feature the likes of Donald Duck and characters from The Incredibles. Best Galaxy S10 Wallpapers Many users have been coming up with clever ways to camouflage the Galaxy S10's hole-punch cutout with creative wallpapers ever since the phone was released. This even led to a whole community dedicated to the concept over at Reddit. At that, some notable works include Bender from Futurama, the Death Star from Star Wars, and the iconic donut from The Simpsons, to name a few. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. More than two weeks after getting lost in the Hawaiian wilderness, Amanda Eller has finally been found on Friday, May 24. Last seen on her way out of the Haiku Post Office on Wednesday, May 8, she was believed to have gone on a run or hike in the forest after her car was spotted at the Makawao Forest Reserve with her cellphone and wallet inside later on the same day. Eller later revealed that she went on a 3-mile run and then found herself disoriented and lost in the forest. For 17 days, she lived off what she could find and tried to find a way out of the wilderness. "It came down to life and death and I had to choose. I chose life," Eller told KHON2. "I wasn't going to take the easy way out. Even though that meant more suffering in me for myself." Against all odds, rescuers found her in relatively good shape, and she is now currently recovering in a hospital in Maui. How Did She Survive? A physical therapist and yoga instructor, Eller had to rely on her resourcefulness to survive her 17-day ordeal, and there were moments when she didn't think she would withstand the tough elements. Eller ate wild raspberries, strawberry guavas, and even a number of moths to sustain herself, according to Maui News. At one point, she even attempted to catch crawfish but was unable to do so. The Haiku resident also made sure to stay near a water source. Her friend Sarah Haynes told Maui News that Eller's family and friends never lost hope that she would be found. Eller's father, in particular, was confident that the missing hiker would find a way to survive for weeks. "'My daughter's been preparing her whole life for this moment. And she's going to make it. She's going to live four weeks without food,'" Haynes recalled John Eller saying. Throughout her 17 days in the forest, Eller recalled hearing about 20 helicopters flying over her. Finally, on a fateful Friday afternoon, one of the rescue team helicopters spotted her. The Rescue Eller's parents said up to 150 volunteers a day helped look for their daughter, but it wasn't until 17 days in that the lost hiker was finally found. When the rescue team found her, she was in a deep ravine between two waterfalls miles away from the Makawao Forest Reserve area that has already been scoured by searchers in previous attempts. Lead rescuers Troy Helmer, Javier Cantellops, and Chris Berquist only had 15 minutes of fuel left in the tank of their helicopter, and they had to choose between two different directions before packing up that afternoon. Fortunately, they chose the right one and found Eller 3 miles south of what's known as the Bamboo Forest. "She was foraging for food, and she was just about to jump down a 70-foot waterfall and if she would have she would've jumped into a box canyon, and she wasn't going to come out," Helmer recalled to KHON2. At that point, Eller was barefoot, her shoes getting carried away downstream as she was drying them out overnight. While Eller had a leg fracture, abrasions, and severe sunburn, she's in relatively good condition and currently on the path to recovery. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. He knew what was coming, but he braved the climb anyway. British mountain climber Robin Haynes Fisher was well-aware of the dangers of overcrowding in the Mount Everest before hiking to the summit a week ago. In an Instagram post, the mountaineer said he had hoped to avoid the crowds of people that climb the mountain on summit day because delays caused by overcrowding could prove fatal. After reaching the summit at 28,215 feet (8,600 meters), Haynes Fisher died of altitude sickness while descending from Mount Everest on May 25. Summit Overcrowding In Mount Everest Is A Growing Problem The 44-year-old British mountaineer is one of the nine climbers to have died on Mount Everest in the 2019 climbing season as conditions on the mountain have turned deadly. Some climbers have also been reported as missing. On an Instagram post prior to his death, Haynes Fisher said an Indian man and Irish climber both died when they went above 8,000 meters in the death zone. Haynes Fisher said his plan was to return up the mountain to the basecamp on May 21 and then arrive on the summit on May 25. His cough had already begun to return at such high altitude, and sickness had prevented him from going to the camp 3 rotation. On the third week of May, crowds of mountain climbers lined up on a queue to the summit of Mount Everest, just above the highest camp at 26,247 feet (8,000 meters). At the Mount Everest summit, which is at 29,029 feet high (8,848 meters), each breath only contains one-third of the oxygen found at sea-level. Without additional oxygen supplies, most people could only spend a matter of minutes on the summit. A local tour organizer said an Indian climber named Nihal Ashpak Bhagwan died of exhaustion after being stuck in the long queue at the summit. Nepal's Tourism Authorities Deny Overcrowding Dangers Despite the rising toll of deaths in the highest mountain in the world, tourism officials in Nepal have denied that these deaths are solely due to overcrowding. Dandu Raj Ghimire, the director general of Nepal's tourism department, offered his condolences to the families of the climbers who died and to climbers who were still missing. He said that approximately 381 people climbed the Everest in spring, and periods of fine weather has been relatively shorter. The number of people on the single route to Everest has been higher than expected, he said. "Mountaineering in the Himalayas is in itself an adventurous, complex and sensitive issue requiring full awareness yet tragic accidents are unavoidable," said Ghimire. Adrian Ballinger, a mountain guide, said difficult weather conditions during this season often led to overcrowding because attempts to reach the summit are restricted to a small number of days. Such issues are exacerbated by lack of experience from some climbing teams, he said. Ballinger explained that climbers often died from exhaustion, but what it means is that they run out of oxygen supplies as the time they spend at extreme altitudes is extended. "These deaths were entirely preventable," added Ballinger. Photo: Alejandro Pinto | Flickr 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Ask The Advocate: What's being done about those coyotes and a derelict building on Florida Street? Among those at the recent Ascension GOP Roundtable are, from left, Joyce LaCour, Elizabeth Harris, Geri Teasley, James Lee, Linda Rispone, Pam Alonso, Maria Fernandez and Joy Bodin. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission After three years of trying, the effort to expand Uber and Lyft statewide in Louisiana may hinge on one seemingly arcane point: Which state agency should regulate the ride-hailing services? Backers of the services favor the state Department of Transportation and Development, and even say they would rather see the bill die than yield on that point. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson said he is fine with assuming the oversight. "I don't have a problem with it coming to us," Wilson said. Critics insist Uber and Lyft should be under the Louisiana Public Service Commission, which already regulates some taxicabs in the state. "It ought to be under the Public Service Commission," said Foster Campbell, a member of the PSC. "We are in the regulation business," Campbell said. "DOTD doesn't regulate anyone." The measure, House Bill 575, cleared the House 92-0 on April 29 and, for the first time, has won approval in the Senate Judiciary A Committee, where it was killed in 2017 and 2018. Uber, Lyft bill approved in Senate committee; it would set up uniform rules, expand accessibility A Louisiana House-passed bill aimed at expanding Uber and Lyft ride-sharing services statewide won approval Tuesday in a key Senate committee It even died last year when the measure was sponsored by House Speaker Taylor Barras, R-New Iberia. The chief advocate for putting Uber and Lyft under the PSC state Sen. Danny Martiny, R-Metairie played a key role in killing the expansion bill in the past two years. Exactly how many residents have easy access to the rides is unclear. But backers say Louisiana is one of four or five states that lack uniform rules for ride-booking services, which they say cripples access to the services in much of the state. Plan to expand Uber, Lyft again sidelined in Senate committee after heavy opposition Amid committee opposition, House Speaker Taylor Barras shelved his own bill that would set up statewide rules to govern Lyft and Uber and wide That means Uber and Lyft are available in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and other major cities, with some complications, and much less so in rural areas. State Rep. Tanner Magee, R-Houma, the House sponsor of HB575, said he recently had a visitor who arrived at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and assumed she could use Uber to get to Houma. "She got there and realized an Uber would not bring her to Houma," he said. "She couldn't rent a car because she didn't have a driver's license." Having uniform state rules, he said, would prevent such episodes. Even in Baton Rouge and elsewhere, backers of the bill say, there are problems crossing parish lines for what they say should be routine trips that instead become one-way or nothing. Magee said that, if Uber and other ride-hailing services are placed under the PSC, the state may wind up with another version of patchwork rules. The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up He said there is "at least an ambiguity" on whether the PSC can set rules for the services without running afoul of local authorities one of the chief complaints about the varying regulations in place today. "The goal here is to have a network that is statewide, that is seamless," Magee said. "The PSC may be limited in its jurisdiction." Effort to resurrect expansion of Uber, Lyft killed again in Senate A bid on the final day of the session to expand access to ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft was killed Friday by Senate President John Alario. Nick Juliano, public affairs manager for Uber, made the same point. "The PSC has unique, constitutional restraints on its jurisdiction," he said. He said that, as recently as 2017, Uber officials met with the staff of the PSC and were told the five-member panel "was not able to regulate as envisioned under the bill." But Brandon Frey, executive secretary of the PSC, said those concerns surfaced at a time when municipalities and others were resisting the legislation because they said it would upset local ordinances. Under this year's bill, those local rules would be allowed to remain intact, he added. Frey said that, of 17 other states with uniform rules where a PSC-like panel includes a transportation component, 15 oversee ride-booking services. "What they are asking to do is out of the norm," Frey said of efforts by backers to put the rules under the DOTD. In a statement, PSC Commissioner Eric Skrmetta said the PSC "would be the ideal regulatory agency" to oversee ride-sharing services and that doing so would be in line with national trends. Supporters of the legislation noted that the PSC regulates some but not all taxicab services 10 carriers statewide. DOTD Secretary Wilson said putting the industry under his agency makes sense with how transportation is evolving, and that doing so could provide DOTD with valuable data on traffic movement. The bill cleared the Senate Judiciary A Committee last week on a 2-1 vote. Martiny tried to change the legislation to put the services under the PSC. "From a public safety standpoint, what is wrong with the Public Service Commission?" Martiny asked. But the amendment failed on a 2-2 vote. On Thursday the bill cleared the Senate Finance Committee, which reviewed it because 1 percent of the fees would be returned to the state. That means that, as a fee-raising measure, the bill could require a two-thirds majority in the Senate: 26 votes in the 39-member chamber. Another possible complication is anger among some New Orleans taxicab drivers and their allies, who say Uber and Lyft would face less stringent oversight than they do. Magee said part of the controversy stems from a mindset that equates Uber and Lyft with taxicabs. "Uber and Lyft are not traditional taxicabs," Magee said. "They really connect people to people; people who want to drive with people who want a ride. It is a completely different model." Photo provided by Leau Est La Vie Camp -- A protester was arrested Wednesday, April 18, for blocking construction of the Bayou Bridge Pipeline in Vermilion Parish. Now that her children have grown up and moved out of her house, doctor-turned-artist Ruth Owens has been feeling reflective. A young man dating her daughter said she had a good family, an intended compliment that Owens found ironic since she grew up in what would not have been considered a traditional family in many communities. Her white German mother and African-American father met when his army unit was stationed in post-war Germany, and cultural disparities seemed greater when they were in American states where mixed-race marriages had been illegal in the 1960s. Owens became a doctor and married a doctor. Their children look like all-American kids, hence the irony of looking back on the contrasts. Many of her works in this show at The Front focus on where it all began: her Creole-German childhood in Augsburg and Heidelberg, Germany. Her large painting, Good Family (pictured), of her and her mom, father and younger brother, says it all. Her mom watches over the kids and the group conveys a universal humanity that knows no boundaries. Swingtime portrays a little girl lost in the swirling world seen from a swing, and Owens David and Sweet Ann, view of her brother and a childhood friend fleshes out a worldview that is normal yet filled with contrasts as we also see in a film Owens crafted from her parents' early home movies. 'You are Here' photo expo at NOMA explores how place mediates experiences of world, people In his novel The Moviegoer, Walker Percy wrote that if a person sees a movie which shows his very neighborhood, it becomes possible for him Her dreamlike scenes of Creole and white kids at parties celebrating events like Fasching, the German Mardi Gras, explore the contrasts between typical childhood joys and fraught cultural norms. An adjacent gallery space features some quietly provocative, deceptively innocent-looking new works by Katrina Andry that are unlike the large, precise and socially incendiary woodcut prints for which she is known. Nearby, a fascinating yet difficult to describe video collage by Porscha Danielle rounds out an expo that skillfully weaves empathy and challenge into an unexpected visual tapestry that transcends many traditional and perceptual boundaries. Through June 2. The Front, 4100 St. Claude Ave., (504) 301-8654. The Birdfoot Festival features performances of new and classic chamber music, and fans are invited behind the scenes to watch rehearsals and explore the themes of select pieces. Franz Schuberts String Quartet No. 14 in D Minor is considered a landmark composition for string quartets, and it is known as Death and the Maiden, because the young composers health was failing when he wrote it he died at 31 years old. Birdfoots schedule includes an interactive session with musicians working on the piece at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 30 at the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC), as well as a full performance of it at the festival finale Saturday, June 1, at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center. Birdfoot was founded by violinist Jenna Sherry, who serves as its artistic director and performs at the festival. The event brings artists to New Orleans for brief residencies and open rehearsals at the CAC. Patrick Castillo, director of the Hotel Elefant ensemble, is the composer-in-residence. Some of his work will be included in the Death and the Maiden concert. His Dreamers Often Lie composition for violin is featured at a free show at 10 p.m. Thursday, May 30, at Three Keys at the Ace Hotel. Let There Be Night is a program with a theme about spiritual inspiration and mystery featuring works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Carlo Gesualdo and contemporary composer Georg Friedrich Haas. The second half of the concert will be performed in the dark. Castillo introduces the program at 7 p.m. Friday, May 31, at the CAC. Visiting musicians include violinist Karen Kim, who won a 2011 Grammy Award for chamber music performance, countertenor Reginald Mobley and members of Bostons chamber group A Far Cry. Members of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra also perform. Theres a free panel discussion titled Talk: The Art of Noticing, which takes its name from local author Rob Walkers new book about sparking creativity and thinking clearly. Walker presents exercises from the book and Birdfoot artists talk about listening and creativity. The session is at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, May 30, at CAC. Other Birdfoot events include a free lunchtime concert at 12:15 p.m. Friday in the lobby of the Pan American Life Center (601 Poydras St.) and a gala dinner with musicians at Brennans restaurant. Visit www.birdfootfestival.org for tickets and information. A violent Memorial Day weekend in the New Orleans area included at least five homicides, seven other shooting incidents in which 13 people were wounded, two armed robberies, two armed carjackings and a pair of suicides, all involving guns, from Friday night through early evening Sunday, authorities reported. The first homicide occurred just after midnight Saturday morning in the 2400 block of A.P. Tureaud Avenue, in the 7th Ward, where a 50-year-old man was shot to death while walking. The second killing in Orleans Parish was reported about 1:25 p.m. Saturday in the 2200 block of North Galvez Street, in St. Roch. Police found the 27-year-old victim dead on the sidewalk from gunshot sounds. They later issued an arrest warrant for James Earl Webster, 31. Meanwhile, a man was killed about 4 a.m. Saturday at a bar in the 4500 block of the South I-10 Service Road in Metairie, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office. Deputies found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound. He died at the scene. A man died at the intersection of North Tonti and Saint Anthony streets around 10 p.m., New Orleans police said. A woman was also injured during that shooting. She was hospitalized. And about two hours later, New Orleans police reported a man was found shot dead in the 1400 block of North Claiborne Avenue. Three nonfatal shootings were reported within two hours Saturday night in New Orleans. The first occurred about 10 p.m. in the 2300 block of A.P. Tureaud Avenue, a block from the scene of the homicide early that morning. Two men said they were sitting on a porch when a man began firing shots at them, hitting each man once. Both victims, one of them 51 years old, went to a hospital in a private vehicle. About 10:45 p.m., a 21-year-old man and two teenagers were shot in the 5000 block of Lakeshore Drive. Police said one of the victims was taken to the hospital by EMS, while the other two were taken there by private vehicle. 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 An hour later, an 18-year-old man was shot in his vehicle at Cambronne and Cohn streets, in the Leonidas neighborhood Uptown. Police said the victim drove himself to a hospital. Also Saturday night, a man was shot in the 400 block of North Laurel Street in Metairie, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. His wounds were not life-threatening. After most of Sunday passed seemingly quietly, police reported about 7:30 p.m. that three people had been shot in the 3100 block of Rue Parc Fontaine, in Algiers. All arrived at a West Bank hospital with apparent gunshot wounds. Then, just before midnight, one person was shot in the 10000 block of Castlewood Drive in New Orleans East. The two armed robberies, meanwhile, took place about 4 p.m. Saturday in the 2000 block of Selma Street, in Gentilly, and about four hours later at Bourbon and St. Louis streets, in the French Quarter. In the earlier incident, a 39-year-old woman and a 37-year-old woman had been out drinking when they went to a Selma Street residence, police said. There, the younger woman pulled out a revolver, pointed it at the other woman and demanded money. In the French Quarter robbery, a 30-year-old man was approached by another man who pointed a gun at him and demanded his property. The robber fled with the victims wallet and phone. The two armed carjackings occurred about 9:30 p.m. Friday in the 5100 block of Bundy Road, in New Orleans East, and about 1 a.m. Saturday in the 2500 block of Andry Street, in the Lower 9th Ward. In both cases, the carjackers brandished guns. Suncorp's next leader will face calls to reconsider whether it should stay in banking, after chief executive Michael Cameron stepped down following a period in which the financial services conglomerate has not lived up to investors' hopes. Mr Cameron on Monday resigned after nearly four years as CEO, as the board declared now was the "right time for change," and that new leadership would give the group an opportunity to lift its performance. Suncorp CEO Michael Cameron. Credit:Louie Douvis Chairman Christine McLoughlin credited Mr Cameron with overseeing major changes to the banking and insurance company's technology systems, an increased focus on customers, and she said he had led the business during a period of major regulatory change. Analysts said Suncorp's financial performance in recent years had been passable, but there was a sense of unfulfilled potential. Several called for a tighter focus on its core insurance business. Paris: Fiat Chrysler proposed on Monday to merge with France's Renault to create the world's third-biggest automaker and combine forces in the race to make new electric and autonomous vehicles. A mechanic works on a Fiat 500 at a dealership in Tokyo, Japan. Credit:Bloomberg The merged company would reshape the global industry: it would produce some 8.7 million vehicles a year, leapfrogging General Motors and trailing only Volkswagen and Toyota. Shares of both companies jumped on the news of the offer, which would see each side's shareholders split ownership in the new manufacturer. Renault welcomed what it called a "friendly" offer. The company's board met on Monday at its headquarters outside Paris and said afterward that Renault would study the proposal. "If China shut down all the Apple plants, the US would get very upset. This is a similar kind of move." Ren says Donald Trump's bluster is "laughable." Credit:Bloomberg Ren has had much to deal with of late. His company finds itself increasingly under fire, besieged by a US effort to get key allies to ban its equipment. The US assault helped crystallise fears about Huawei's growing clout in areas from wireless infrastructure and semiconductors to consumer gadgets. Then came the blacklist. Huawei appears to have anticipated this possibility since at least mid-2018, when similar sanctions threatened to sink rival ZTE. Huawei's said to have stockpiled enough chips and other vital components to keep its business running at least three months. "We have made some really good chips," said Ren, a legendary figure in his home country thanks to the way he built Huawei from scratch into a global powerhouse. "Being able to grow in the toughest battle environment, that just reflects how great we are." Last week, Trump said Huawei could become part of a US-Chinese trade deal, stirring speculation it was a bargaining chip in sensitive negotiations. But Ren said he wasn't a politician. "It's a big joke," he scoffed. "How are we related to China-US trade?" Even if the US wants to buy our products in the future, I may not sell to them. There's no need for a negotiation. Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei If Trump calls, "I will ignore him, then to whom can he negotiate with? If he calls me, I may not answer. But he doesn't have my number." In fact, Ren pulled no punches in going after a man he labelled "a great president" just months prior. "I see his tweets and think it's laughable because they're self-contradictory," he quipped. "How did he become a master of the art of the deal?" Beijing itself isn't without options. Some speculate China might retaliate against the ban of Huawei which may widen to include some of its most promising AI firms by in turn barring America's largest corporations from its own markets. Apple could relinquish nearly a third of its profit if China banned its products, Goldman Sachs analysts estimate. Ren said he would not support any retaliation by China against US giant Apple. Credit:Bloomberg Ren said he would object to any such move against his American rival. "That will not happen, first of all. And second of all, if that happens, I'll be the first to protest," Ren said in the interview. "Apple is my teacher, it's in the lead. As a student, why go against my teacher? Never." At the heart of Trump's campaign is suspicion that Huawei aids Beijing in espionage while spearheading China's ambitions to become a technology superpower. It's been accused for years of stealing intellectual property in lawsuits filed by American companies from Cisco and Motorola to T-Mobile. Critics say such theft helped Huawei vault into the upper echelons of technology but Ren laughed off that premise. Loading "I stole the American technologies from tomorrow. The US doesn't even have those technologies," he said. "We are ahead of the US If we were behind, there would be no need for Trump to strenuously attack us." Ren's easy demeanour belies the way he's consistently shunned attention. The army engineer-turned-entrepreneur has this year turned in a command performance in the public spotlight, particularly for someone who's rarely spoken to foreign media since he created Huawei. The re-emergence of the reclusive CEO who before January last spoke with foreign media in 2015 underscores the depth of the attacks on Huawei, the largest symbol of China's growing technological might. Ren again waved off speculation his company is in any way beholden to the Communist Party, though he's declared his loyalty ultimately lies with the country's stocksruling body. US lawmakers aren't convinced. That's why the US Commerce Department cut off the flow of American technology from chips to software and everything in-between. An iconic figure in Chinese business circles, the billionaire remains a uniquely placed voice in a conflict that will help define the global landscape. Ren, who says he survived the chaos of the Cultural Revolution thanks in part to his much sought-after expertise in high-precision tools, remains a big believer that Huawei's technology will win the day. Industry groups have applauded the move to give federal energy minister Angus Taylor responsibility for emissions reduction policy as well as energy, saying the issues are tightly connected and the tie-up is sensible. In Prime Minister Scott Morrison's cabinet reshuffle, announced on Sunday, Mr Taylor's reappointment as energy minister was one of a modest number of key positions left unchanged. Industry groups welcomed the continuity delivered by keeping Mr Taylor in the portfolio. Federal energy minister Angus Taylor. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer "I think it's an excellent appointment," said Tania Constable, chief executive of the Minerals Council of Australia. "He's got a background in energy, he understands the importance of a least-cost energy approach and emissions reduction, the two go hand-in-hand. It makes sense to put the portfolio together. Straight from the heart: Clare Bowditch at the Corner on Saturday night. Credit:Darren Middleton In a black and white dress and surrounded by her five-piece band, she bounded onto the stage with enthusiasm and dance moves she said she'd been practising. About two decades and three children later, and a successful career spanning radio and acting gigs, she was back to launch new single Woman, an empowering anthem for ladies of all ages. The last time Clare Bowditch stepped on stage at the Corner Hotel, she was 23 years old. Bowditch powered through old favourites under the orange and red lights, including You Look so Good, Divorcee at 23 and The Tea and the Toast, which she dedicated to her husband and drummer, Martin Brown. A Bowditch gig is very much like being taken into the arms of a close friend. A Bowditch gig is very much like being taken into the arms of a close friend. "If you don't have your family, we will be your family," she said, inviting cousin Joel Bowditch on stage to sing One Little River. Bowditch has been busy writing a memoir, and her performance was peppered with stories of her development as an artist and a woman. She dispensed sage advice and childhood stories with self-deprecating humour and an evidently deep respect for her family and fans. "I do believe our lives are the stories we tell ourselves," she said. The line between bar and restaurant has become so blurred it's sometimes difficult to define where one ends and the other begins. Take Baia Di Vino, a new wine bar sitting across the road from the beach in Sandringham, for example. For starters, the name means "bay of wine", immediately promising thirsty wine drinkers safe harbour. Then there's the casual look of the place: Melbourne bayside by way of the kind of terrazzo-floored Italian bar you'd imagine yourself stumbling across on the Amalfi coast, all naked tables, sea views and marble-topped central bar. Baia Di Vino is the sort of casual bar you imagine stumbling upon on the Amalfi coast. Credit:JAKE RODEN Baia Di Vino adds to its bar credentials with a generous number of wines by the glass, a cocktail list and drink-ready salty snacks such as fried olives stuffed with veal mince or butterflied sardines that are crumbed, pan-fried to a glistening golden brown and served with a feisty eggplant caponata. Look a little further down the menu, though, and you'll find more committed dining options: pork belly, roasted in the wood-fired oven, prawn-stuffed ravioli, a steak, a whole fish. It's at this point that it's best to abandon labels, embrace fluidity and make your own adventure, be it glass of wine or full feast. Baia Di Vino's up to the challenge. Taylor danced some of the most demanding roles in the classical repertoire at Rambert, including Albrecht in Giselle and the Gypsy King in Don Quixote. Christopher Bruce, Rambert's artistic director from 1994-2002, remembers being Taylor's understudy and in awe of his technique. Bruce and Taylor were among the dancers who helped transform Rambert into a contemporary company from the mid-1960s. They worked with innovative choreographers Glen Tetley, Anna Sokolow and Norman Morrice as well as creating their own works. Taylor's first dance piece, Diversities, in 1965 was followed by 'Tis Goodly Sport in 1970 and the comedic Listen to the Music in 1972. Ballet Rambert's contemporary repertoire was physically punishing. Taylor recalled roles that left him vomiting in exhaustion and, in one horrific on-stage moment, unable to get up. He often referred to his "Glen Tetley back" later in life. The company toured 20 weeks of the year across England with as little as 24 hours at home between tours. While he cherished them no less, Ariette raised their three children largely alone in that period: Ingmar (1965), Juliet (1966) and Rebe (1971). Taylor began his freelance choreographic career in 1973 to great success, choreographing the hit musical The Good Companions starring Judi Dench and John Mills. He gained commissions from BBC television and Nederlands Dans Theatre, but it was working for Ballet Victoria that led to the next transformation in Taylor's career. His 1975 work Star's End caught the attention of a burgeoning Australian arts community and Taylor was asked to re-establish the Australian Dance Theatre based in Adelaide, later co-funded by the state of Victoria where it also toured. Migrating to Adelaide in 1976 had a profound effect on Taylor's family and on dance in Australia. With Joe Scoglio and Julia Blaikie, principal dancers at Ballet Rambert, who he had insisted also be employed, Taylor created a world-class repertory company with a productivity unequalled by any Australian contemporary dance company since. In 1980 alone, the ADT gave 200 performances, made an ABC/BBC film and took a six-week overseas tour that included opening the Edinburgh Festival to great acclaim. The success was followed by an invitation to London's Sadler's Wells in 1982. These were, as Taylor put it, his "halcyon days". Taylor choreographed 16 works for the ADT, several of them of them full-length: among them the whimsical and much-loved Flibbertigibbet; the neo-classical masterpiece Transfigured Night; and the pulsating commercial successes High Flyers and Wildstars. Taylor's dancers loved the challenges he set mostly. Quicksilver, created in honour of Dame Marie Rambert, gave the ADT women the spectacular jumps they complained were usually reserved for men. Their opening-night card to Taylor read: "A great work don't do it again." Taylor's love for his new country was explored in the sophisticated Incident at Bull Creek, while his international connections meant that new works by Morrice, Bruce and Tetley were included in the ADT's repertoire. He also strongly encouraged new Australian choreographers, including several ADT dancers. Taylor's ADT was evidently prolific and innovative. It was a shock when the company's board sacked him in 1985. There was no misconduct or lack of performance; Taylor was an able and affable artistic director who had achieved great success. They cited a desire for a new creative direction, more homegrown and commercially viable. Considering Taylor's record this was ironic. Taylor was committed to the ADT and to Adelaide, where his children had grown up. To leave was heartbreaking and disruptive. After a several years of uncertainty and travel, Taylor was pleased to resettle in Melbourne in 1988 when he succeeded Anne Woolliams as dean of dance at the Victorian College of the Arts. Taylor relished and excelled in the world of education. His experience as a practising artist gave him the knowledge to turn young students into internationally competitive professional dancers. He continued to choreograph, including Hamlet for the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and he was honoured when his professional contribution was recognised by his academic peers. The boy who left school the day he turned 15 earnt the title of associate professor. But the title came with challenges. Its conferral was possible due to an amalgamation with the University of Melbourne created under the Dawkins-era reforms. Taylor found himself justifying the unique needs of dance students and their high contact hours to academics as he struggled to maintain the essential rigour of their training. Last year, at the 40th celebration of the VCA, Taylor spoke his mind: the introduction of the Melbourne Model in 2006 meant that such rigour was no longer possible. Taylor never really retired. He assisted Ariette's drama productions and directed the RMIT fashion graduation events. Most rewarding was teaching and choreographing at the VCA Secondary School where he created some fine new works for students such as Steele and Opus 47. Taylor was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2017, although he'd been unwell for some years. The disease causes slow and irreparable reduction in lung capacity. The cause was never known, although one specialist speculated that its genesis may have been toxins inhaled as a child in industrial Manchester. Even unwell, Taylor continued to work. His last creative piece was a beautiful solo commissioned by the Cecchetti Society for Coco Wood. Taylor also taught his grandson, hoping to pass on his craft; he cried when Hugo was accepted into VCASS. Taylor was still teaching at the school weeks before he died. "To see young people become fine dancers," he reflected. "That was the best." Even as he found it so hard to walk, talk and breathe, Taylor gave what energy he had to dance. As he reflected to dance journalist, Michelle Potter, last year "I've never done anything else but dance." Dance was Taylor's life. What a life that was. A senior trainee neurosurgeon who was accused of verbally abusing patients, nurses and colleagues at a Sydney hospital has been cleared of bullying and harassment by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). Following a two-year investigation, the college found earlier this month that the allegations against James Lee could not be substantiated by the evidence, clearing the path for him to be recognised as a specialist surgeon. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons found there was insufficient evidence to support allegations of bullying. Credit:NICOLAS WALKER Dr Lee, who now operates at Townsville Hospital, was accused by the Sydney Local Health District of engaging in eight instances of bullying behaviour during his employment at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in 2017. The health district asserted that he shouted at a confused patient who moved during an angiogram, "What is your game? What are you playing at?"; and was verbally abusive to another patient for not moving her leg and then inflicted pain when he moved it for her; and confronted an intensive care registrar in front of patients, medical and nursing staff about a patient's treatment in a manner that was "aggressive" and "abusive". A mother and her four children are dead after a head-on crash with a truck near Kingaroy, north-west of Brisbane. Police said a southbound Nissan station wagon smashed into a northbound truck on the Bunya Highway near Kumbia, 220 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, about 7.20pm on Monday. The station wagon pulled out to overtake a truck and hit an oncoming truck and both vehicles "went up in flames" upon impact, according to police. One of the children, a young girl, was rushed to Kingaroy Hospital in a critical condition and later flown to the Queensland Childrens Hospital, but she died during the flight. Its only been six months since Tiffany Wan escaped a murder conviction over the death of her mother, who was brutally bashed with a blunt object and her lifeless body stuffed into a suitcase and thrown into the Swan River. But in a couple of months Tiffany Wan, who was sentenced to four years and 10 months behind bars for being an accessory to the killing, could get access to a multi-million dollar trust left behind by her mother Annabelle Chen. Tiffany Wan on the left with her father Ah Ping Ban, who was found guilty of Annabelle Chen's murder. An investigation by WAtoday has found Ms Chen did not have a will when she died in 2016. But she did have a trust fund which held real estate and land believed to be worth several millions of dollars. Seoul: North Korea on Monday called US National Security Adviser John Bolton a "war monger" and "defective human product" after he called the North's recent tests of short-range missiles a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. The statement by a North Korean foreign ministry spokesman came as President Donald Trump continued his visit to Japan for meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in which the nuclear stand-off with North Korea was expected to be high on the agenda. John Bolton Credit:AP Bolton told reporters in Tokyo on Saturday that there was "no doubt" that North Korea's recent launches violated UN resolutions, and that sanctions against the North must be kept in place. Trump later downplayed the missile tests, tweeting, "North Korea fired off some small weapons, which disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me." Damascus: Syrian government forces regained control of a north-western village on Sunday, just days after losing it to militants, state media and an opposition war monitoring group said. State TV said troops captured Kfar Nabudah, in Idlib province, from militants including members of al-Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group. The opposition's Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that militants lost control of the village. Smoke rising after Syrian government forces targeted the town of al-Habeet, in Idlib province, last week. Credit:White Helmets/AP The latest round of violence erupted late last month, wrecking a ceasefire brokered for the area by Russia and Turkey and raising fears of a wider government offensive. Some 180,000 people have already been displaced inside the rebel-held area that straddles most of north-western Idlib province and parts of neighbouring Hama. The UN, the US and others have called for an end to the violence. President Trump: Memorial Day, 2019 Proclamation on Prayer for Peace, Washington DC May 26, 2019; Whether on the battlefields of Bunker Hill, on the beaches of Normandy, in the jungles of Vietnam, or in the mountains and deserts of the Middle East, brave Americans of every generation have given their last full measure of devotion in defense of our country, our liberty, and our founding ideals. On Memorial Day, we humbly honor these incredible patriots and firmly renew our abiding commitment to uphold the principles for which they laid down their lives. As a free people, we have a sacred duty to remember the courageous warriors who have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that our great country would endure. It is our responsibility to strive to ensure that their noble acts of dedication to our country and the cause of freedom were not in vain and to comfort the families they have left behind, who bear the heartbreak of their loss. We must ensure that the light of our Republic, and all for which these most honorable Americans willingly died, continues to shine forth brightly into the world. As President Lincoln said in 1863 during the dedication of the Gettysburg National Military Cemetery: It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. As we approach the 75th anniversary of D-Day, we proudly commemorate those heroic and honorable patriots who gave their all for the cause of freedom during some of historys darkest hours. Thousands of selfless members of our Armed Forces perished on the beaches of Normandy. They bravely gave their lives to pave the way for the Allied liberation of Europe and ultimately victory over the forces of evil. Their historic sacrifices and achievements secured the future of humanity and proved Americas strength in defending freedom and defeating the enemies of civilization. Those who rest in the hallowed grounds of our countrys national cemeteries laid their lives upon the altar of freedom. Today, as we unite in eternal gratitude for the sacrifices of these extraordinary Americans, let us also offer a prayer for lasting peace. Let us renew our steadfast resolve to work toward a peaceful future, in which the horrors of war are a distant memory and our families, our communities, and our Nation need no longer confront the sorrow and pain of losing our beloved sons and daughters. In honor and recognition of all of our fallen heroes, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 11, 1950, as amended (36 U.S.C. 116), has requested the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer. The Congress, by Public Law 106-579, has also designated 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe, in their own way, the National Moment of Remembrance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 27, 2019, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time when people might unite in prayer. I further ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. I also request the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth 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 The #MeToo movement is knocking at the door of the church, and the organizer of a conference in Winnipeg next weekend wants church leaders to be equipped to answer. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The #MeToo movement is knocking at the door of the church, and the organizer of a conference in Winnipeg next weekend wants church leaders to be equipped to answer. Mennonite Church Manitoba, Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba, and Mennonite Central Committee are partnering to present the #ChurchToo conference on May 31 and June 1 at Canadian Mennonite University. Rick Neufeld, Mennonite Church Manitobas director of leadership ministry, said the conference is geared toward pastors, but open to anyone who wants to learn how to respond appropriately when sexual misconduct surfaces in a church. "I think its very important to for us to have this conference right now. We know that the church isnt immune from sexual abuse and misconduct, though often we try to avoid it," Neufeld said. "We simply cant neglect or deny the reality thats taken place." The conferences title references #MeToo, an international social movement calling attention to the pervasiveness of sexual misconduct and harassment. Neufeld said conference organizers wanted to signal their awareness of the problem of sexual abuse in churches, and their commitment to ending it. He acknowledged a church conference on the issue would have been avoided 10 or 20 years ago. "I dont think we wouldve touched it." But Neufeld said strides are being made. Mennonite Church Manitoba pastors must now take a mandatory seminar on healthy boundaries. Such training is crucial for leaders in a position of authority and trust, he said. Stay informed The latest updates on the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 delivered to your inbox every weeknight. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Clergy can also feel under-equipped when abuse is disclosed, Neufeld said. "Part of the training we want to offer our pastors is ways in which we acknowledge the pain, and when we hear stories of abuse within the church, what do we do with those stories?" Three keynote speakers will address theological, practical, and personal aspects of the topic. David Martin, executive director of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, will discuss how to confront ministerial misconduct. Ontario theologian Carol Penner will discuss accountability and forgiveness in the wake of abuse, while Winnipeg therapist Carolyn Klassen will draw on her experience counselling individuals and couples. Workshops and a panel discussion are also planned. Tickets are $75 for adults or $50 for post-secondary students. To register, visit mennochurch.mb.ca. Lauren Brewster was a fourth-grade student of Isles in 2000 at Snook Elementary. Brewster says that Isles was patient with her through good times and bad, even continuing to helping her through her middle school years. Its really cool. It means I have been teaching for a really long time to be working on my second generation. Its good because I have that relationship with [Brewster]. She trusts me and I trust her and that makes it easier to work together, Isles said. Henderson Elementary Principal Danielle Legg said Isles is a talented teacher. I dont know how she does it, its just a gift that she has, but I do consider her a child whisperer, Legg said. She can take students who have lots of difficulties and challenges and work with them and the parents. They are working together as a team, side by side to help children so I think they feel like they are her partner in their childrens success. David said he liked reading books, problem solving and even taking tests in Isles class. David especially enjoyed learning cursive and said he asked for additional cursive practice sheets to take home for the summer. 3 Members of New Jersey Family Killed in Alleged Drunk Driver Crash in New York, Say Police Three members of a New Jersey family driving through upstate New York during Memorial Day weekend were killed in an accident after their SUV was hit by an allegedly drunk driver, said officials. The SUV was carrying nine people before a car slammed into it in an intersection in Sheldon, New York, reported NJ.com on May 27. Wyoming County Sheriff Greg Rudolph said that the driver of a pickup truck traveling south on Maxon Road blew through a stop sign at around 6:30 a.m., hitting the familys SUV, the report said. Two women in the vehicle were ejected. They were pronounced dead at the scene by the Wyoming County Coroner, said officials. Three people are dead, including one 4-year-old, after a crash on 20A in the town of Sheldon. Richard Sawicki, 20, of Lackawanna is charged with vehicular homicide and DWI. Crashed happened at the corner of Moxon around 6:30 this morning. @WKBW pic.twitter.com/zIROfbdGZq Jeff Rusack (@JeffRusack) May 26, 2019 A 4-year-old child suffered head injuries in the crash and died about an hour later, authorities said. Anytime a child is involvedand in this case, we had fiveit pulls at you, NBC New York quoted Rudolph as saying. Its a tragedy. Six others involved in the crash were hurt, including a 14-year-old, a 10-year-old, and two other 4-year-old passengers, NJ.com reported. 3 members of NJ family headed to Niagara Falls killed by suspected drunk driver, report sayshttps://t.co/FWpjRpiIXI Joe (@joepalojoe) May 27, 2019 The family was going to Niagara Falls, located on the New York-Canada border, for the Memorial Day holiday. Richard Sawicki, 20, of Lackawanna, was identified as the driver of the truck, and he was taken to the hospital, said police. After he was discharged, he was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving, officials said. He is currently in the Wyoming County Jail on $200,000 bond, officials told NJ.com. His license was also suspended. Three members of a New Jersey family killed in drunk driving crash If its found he was drunk he s/b charged with #murder he had an absolute disregard for human life 2 drive while drunk thats the only thing 2 this its not #manslaughter its #murder https://t.co/EYfSsieMKz MsL (@shapatdada) May 27, 2019 The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Sawicki is slated to make a court appearance on June 10, NBC reported. Its not clear if he has retained a lawyer. Authorities have not identified the crash victims. Crash Deaths in the United States Tens of thousands of people are killed and millions injured each year from motor vehicle crashes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC says these deaths cost more than $380 million in direct medical costs. The major risk factors for crash deaths in the US are: not using seat belts, car seats, and booster seats (factors in over 9,500 crash deaths); drunk driving (a factor in more than 10,000 crash deaths); and speeding (contributing to more than 9,500 crash deaths). According to 2017 data from the CDC, the 10 leading causes of death in the United States were: heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, Alzheimer disease, diabetes, influenza and pneumonia, kidney disease, and suicide. These further break down as follows: the most common are unintentional poisoning deaths (58,335), followed by motor vehicle traffic deaths (40,327), and unintentional fall deaths in third place (34,673). The total number of emergency department visits for unintentional injuries in the United States in 2017 was 30.8 million, according to the CDC. The 10 leading causes accounted for 74 percent of all deaths in the United States in 2017. Tom Ozimek contributed to this report. A staff member counts money at a branch of the Bank of China on August 10, 2011 in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province of China. (VCG/VCG via Getty Images) As Trade Tensions Simmer, Chinese Regime Warns Citizens Against Excessive Capital Outflows Chinas wealthy elite are devising new ways to shift their assets abroad, according to a recent announcement by Chinas foreign exchange regulatory agency. As U.S. trade negotiations ended earlier this month with no reached agreement, the yuans value dropped to a four-month low against the U.S. dollar. When the yuan depreciates, the rich see their coffers losing value. Previously, wealthy Chinese individuals attempts to move their money overseas en masse were stymied by the Chinese regimes restrictions. This is because massive capital outflows can have damaging effects on the economy: drying up liquidity, weakening currencies, depleting reserves, and increasing the costs of borrowing. With the recent escalation in trade tensions and no compromise in sight, the Chinese regime may have anticipated that the wealthy are nervous about their earnings getting depreciated and thus, try to move money out. On May 19, Chinas State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) publicized 17 cases of foreign exchange violations, detailing how banks, corporations, and individuals were punished for transferring assets overseas beyond the authorities allowed limits. Punishment Under Chinese regulations, each Chinese citizen is only allowed to send $50,000 worth of money overseas every year. Many would skirt around this monetary limit by asking friends or relatives to send money on their behalf. But in January 2017, as the yuan kept depreciating, Chinese authorities outlawed this practice, making it illegal for anyone who exchanges or sends foreign currency on anothers behalf. In addition, authorities forbade purchases of foreign exchanges for buying real estate or making investments in securities overseas. According to Chinas State Administration of Foreign Exchange, the total fines for the latest batch of violators added up to 84.44 million yuan ($12.23 million). For the corporate violators, their illegal fund transfers were conducted between 2016 and 2018, while the individuals violations mostly occurred between 2014 and 2018. Among them, a multi-millionaire in Zhejiang Province surnamed Hong transferred 312 million yuan ($45.18 million) through an underground bank, then exchanged yuan into a foreign currency to purchase real estate overseas. This amount was the highest among all individual violators on the list. He was fined 24.97 million yuan ($3.62 million), the heaviest penalty for individual violators. A millionaire in Chongqing City who transferred 13.84 million yuan ($2 million) in 16 batches through an underground bank was fined 968,500 yuan ($140,236). A millionaire in Hubei Province who transferred 8.99 million yuan ($1.30 million) in 34 batches through an underground bank was fined 719,500 yuan ($104,182). Among the six corporate violation cases, five corporations transferred funds overseas under the guise of fake trade transactions, while a sixth corporation violated a regulation that guarantors for offshore loans must be registered within mainland China. For instance, Guangzhou Yangfan Trading Co. presented a fake invoice to a Chinese bank, claiming to have made a purchase when it was actually a way to transfer $92.86 million offshore. The company was fined 37.34 million yuan ($5.41 million), the biggest fine on the list. Capital Outflow Shadow banking is a major problem for China as it seeks to curb capital outflow. Most of these underground banks operate by matching people who wish to bring money into China with those who want to get it out. In each transfer, the two clients who have been identified as a match would deposit money into each others accountsone inside China, the other in Hong Kong. The underground bank, acting as a middleman, makes a profit by charging a high service fee for enabling the transaction. Although funds dont actually cross the border, the two clients essentially moved money from one jurisdiction to the other, while evading the $50,000 limit. This method of fund transfer is very difficult for regulators to track. Despite the Chinese authorities strict measures, Chinese citizens have come up with many creative ways to transfer money offshoreespecially as currency devaluation and the looming economic crisis in China threaten their assets. Many have purchased real estate overseas as a safe haven to park their money. According to data from the U.S. National Realtors Association, Chinese nationals have been the top foreign buyers of residential housing in the country for six consecutive years from 2013 to 2018. A Labrador retriever at the American Kennel Club's Nation's Most Popular Breeds Of 2015 competition at AKC Headquarters in New York, on Feb. 22, 2016. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images) British Man Sentenced to Jail for Beating Puppy to Death A British man will spend nearly six months behind bars after being found guilty on May 24 of beating a puppy dog to death. Oxford Magistrates Court sentenced 27-year-old scaffolder Callum Gerken from Wood Farm in Oxfordshire to 23 weeks in prison for the suffering he caused a 17-week-old Labrador called Shadow. A MAN accused of beating a puppy to death before assaulting a woman in Oxford has been given a date for trial. Callum Gerken, of Wood Farm, #Oxford, was charged last Friday with one count of causing https://t.co/YJtcEsfWyz Police Alerts UK (@PoliceAlertsUk) April 12, 2019 Gerken confessed to repeatedly smacking Shadow with a slipper on April 3 and failing to take the pet, which was struggling to breathe, to a veterinary practice for treatment, causing the puppy to die. He also admitted to sending threatening voice messages to Shadows owner via WhatsApp. Gerken became upset after the puppy left feces everywhere in his home and he hit Shadow in a fit of rage. I have just beat it from one side of the room to the other, he said in a message obtained by the Daily Mail. Callum Gerken, aged 27, of Woodfarm, Oxford, has been jailed for 23 weeks and banned from keeping a dog for ten years after he was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal after the death of a labrador puppy. More here https://t.co/xAF0UsUpst pic.twitter.com/PafVGUxTJa TVP Oxford (@TVP_Oxford) May 24, 2019 He beat the animal so hard it could not walk. I dont give a [expletive.] That is how it will be with me, he said in another message. She aint gonna do that again because she cannot [expletive] walk, Gerken said, before sending a series of messages that there was something wrong with the puppy because it was struggling to breathe. Labrador puppy beaten to death with slipper for defecating inside house. https://t.co/uWDaf4HYIu pic.twitter.com/BxzJM1pNvj UK Breaking News (@breakma_uk) May 25, 2019 The attacker had previously denied causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and sending malicious messages but changed his plea to guilty at the last minute. Magistrates blamed Gerken for Shadows death. You were determined to cause harm and you made threats that you would cause further harm to the dog, they said, according to the Daily Mail. You were in a position of responsibility. You used a slipper as a weapon. You did not call or take the dog to the vet or seek advice even though you were aware she was unwell. The dogs owner, who initially entrusted Gerken with caring for the animal, was shocked to learn the attackers sentence was shorter than expected. I couldnt believe he only got 23 weeks, Shadows owner and breeder, who asked not to be identified, told the Oxford Mail. Two years would have been more appropriate. Nowhere near enough: Puppys breeder reacts to dog killers sentence https://t.co/B7198Tz09Q Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) May 25, 2019 A post-mortem examination revealed Shadow had died from multiple fractures to the ribs and jaw. The puppys liver was also ruptured. The owner said her family was devastated by the loss, especially since the puppy was intended to replace a previous family pet that had died. We couldnt tell the kids how she died as they would be too heartbroken, she said. They had only had her five weeks and they all absolutely adored her and he comes along and beats her to death. She didnt know anything else but love, she said. I was there when she was born and I watched her grow up and learn to walk and run. Gerken has been ordered to pay 250 ($318) in compensation, 1,000 ($1,274) in court expenses, and has been banned from keeping dogs for 10 years. However, the owner said, We dont feel justice has been done at all. Research suggests that our paths to finding purpose can be shaped by early childhood experiences According to a new Gallup survey of over 2,000 college graduates, 80 percent believe its very or extremely important to have a sense of purpose in their work. Yet fewer than half of them actually succeed in having this experience. Its not surprising that young people are seeking purposeadolescents with greater purpose experience greater well-being and hope. Purpose is an abiding aim that directs your behavior, provides a sense of meaning in life, and (under some researchers definitions) matters to the world beyond the self. Generally, we think of purpose as something young adults discover in life by exploring their own interests, values, and the different ways they can contribute to the world. But research suggests that some of the foundations of purpose may be built in early childhood. The positive or negative experiences children have may play an important role in whether they grow up to have a sense of purpose at all. Adversity Some research suggests that negative experiences early in life can hinder our development of purpose, even decades later. Psychologist Patrick Hill and his colleagues studied over 3,800 primarily white adults ages 20 to 75. They reported on any early childhood adversity they had experiencedincluding emotional abuse, physical abuse, poverty, divorced or deceased parents, and poor early physical or emotional healthas well as their sense of purpose as adults. Hill and his colleagues found that people who recalled greater adversity in childhoodin particular, greater health issueshad a decreased sense of purpose. Individuals who experience early adversity are not doomed to a lower sense of purpose later in life, the researchers write. Instead, early adversity may be better viewed as a potential risk factor. For some people, though, hard times in childhood end up inspiring them to pursue a particular calling, like caring for kids or eliminating poverty. Some individuals may gain greater clarity on their life direction upon reflection on these adverse events, Hill and his colleagues explain. Conflict Even conflict in relationships between parents and children could affect their sense of purpose as they grow older. Another recent study by Hill and his colleagues involved over 1,000 children between the ages of 6 and 13, and their mothers and fathers. The researchers followed the families until the children reached their twenties. They were primarily white, working-class families who lived in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. When they were in elementary school, the childrenas well as their mothers and fatherscompleted questionnaires about how much conflict, anger, and fun they had in their parent-child relationship. As early adults, the children also completed questionnaires to measure their purpose, life satisfaction, and stress. The results? Children who had more early conflict with their mothersbased on their own opinions, not their parentshad a decreased sense of purpose in early adulthood regardless of how stressed and satisfied with life they were. Frequent conflict saps the childs energy and enthusiasm, explain Hill and his colleagues. The result is a lower likelihood those children will live the kind of active, engaged lifestyle that can help them discover what makes their lives purposeful. Attachment and Separation-Individuation An earlier study by Hill and his colleagues explored how a different aspect of the parent-child relationship could be important to purpose. They measured two qualities: parental attachment and separation-individuation. Parental attachment refers to the bond between a child and their primary caregivers that depends on their warmth and responsiveness, and it was measured with statements like I usually discuss my problems and concerns with [my mother or father]. Separation-individuation is an identity development process in which an independent, mature sense of self emerges during adolescence and young adulthood. Problems with the separation-individuation process were measured with statements like I need other people around me to not feel empty. Over 500 primarily white undergraduate students at a Canadian university, ages 17-30, filled out online surveys about their relationship with their parents, as well as their sense of purpose. Overall, the study found that students who had a higher sense of purpose tended to have more secure attachments to their parents and fewer problems with the separation-individuation process. In turn, they also had a greater sense of mastery and controlthey thought they were the authors of their own future. These findings are consistent with another study, where more purposeful men tended to remember living in more positive childhood environmentsones that included caring relationships and helped them develop trust, autonomy, and initiative. According to Hill and his colleagues, Having a sense of purpose could assist emerging adults with the process of defining themselves while maintaining adaptive relationships with their parental figures. Nature Other positive experiences in childhood may set up children for purpose later in lifeincluding early memories of natures beauty. Researchers Riichiro Ishida and Masahiko Okada recruited nearly 70 college students in Japan who were between 18 and 35 years old. Participants completed questionnaires about their purpose and their early life and youth experiences, including nature-related questions like Do you remember having feelings that were associated with the beauty of nature? The researchers found that more purposeful students tended to have stronger memories of the beauty of nature during early childhood and early adolescence. Research is still needed to further explain this relationship. Because purpose goes hand in hand with humility, which we may feel when in nature, it may be that this diminished sense of self makes room for children to engage with some aspect of the world beyond the selfa foundational part of purpose. Exposure to Diverse Activities Finally, not only do early childhood experiences seem to affect whether children develop purpose at all as they get older, but those experiences may also influence what kind of purpose they gravitate toward. Nine 12 to 23-year-olds who had an exceptional sense of purpose participated in a study by Kendall Cotton Bronk. Her team interviewed them for three hours on three occasions over five years. According to the exemplars, they would not have discovered noble purposes in the areas they did had they not been involved in those areas early on, often as children, explained Bronk. As parents, teachers, and other adults interested in fostering noble purpose among youth, then, it is important to expose young people to a wide variety of activities. For example, one 18-year-old in the study shared that she first became interested in cancer research at the age of five after an experience with the American Cancer Society, when she volunteered for a fundraising event selling daffodils at the mall. Another 18-year-old in the study whose purpose was related to a commitment to create and promote jazz music shared, I got into music when I was nine because my next-door neighbor . . . had a piano and he taught me how to play Pink Panther and Greensleeves and stuff like that. These results complement another study by Ishida and Okada that found that adults with stronger memories of succeeding and receiving praise from parents, teachers, friends, and neighbors during early childhood tend to have a stronger sense of purpose. Young children may not immediately recognize that a certain activity is very important to them. Instead, their commitment may grow gradually over the course of participating in the activity, as they discover their strengths and the ways they can contribute to the world. Taken together, all these findings suggest that there are a multitude of early childhood experiences that may shape how adolescents and adults develop a sense of purpose. Early personal resources like good health, strong social connections, and positive engagement in activities and the natural world tend to support children to develop meaningful life goals. Parents can help their children start exploring pathways to purpose early on to help avoid the post-college void of purpose that many young people are experiencing today. Maryam Abdullah, Ph.D., is the Parenting Program Director of the Greater Good Science Center. She is a developmental psychologist with expertise in parent-child relationships and childrens development of prosocial behaviors. This article was first published on Greater Good Magazine. A man taking pictures of internet security data displayed on a screen at the Qihoo booth during the 4th World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province, China. (AFP/Getty Images) Chinese Military Will Replace Windows Operating System The Chinese regime is getting ready to replace the Windows operating system in its military. The new operating system is independently developed by China, and it would prevent the United States from hacking into Chinas military network. An Internet Security Information Leadership Group was established to perform the task of replacing the Windows operating system, according to a report published on May 11 by Canada-based military magazine Kanwa Asian Defence. The group does not trust the UNIX multi-user, multi-stroke operating system either, which is used in some of the servers within the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), Kanwa reported. Therefore, Chinese authorities ordered to develop an operating system dedicated to the Chinese military. The group also believes that the German-developed programmable logic controller (PLC), used in 70 percent of Chinas industrial control system today, poses huge risks to Chinas national security. In its opinion, China is not a network superpower, but merely a network giant, Kanwa reported. Therefore, Chinese authorities have laid out plans to upgrade Chinas networkto become more advanced in cyber technology. The Kanwa report quoted Washington-based experts on Chinese military research as saying that the newly formed PLAs internet information leadership group has higher authority than the network departments in various military units, and it is directly under the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The United States separated the network security division from the U.S. National Security to become the United States Cyber Command in April 2018. China is probably following suit in the establishment of this leadership group. Chris Pratt Honors Memorial Day by Teaching His Adorable Son the Pledge of Allegiance The content is not available due to expiration. Documentary Explores the Ideological War Against the West With the 2020 elections coming up and campaigns underway, the idea of democratic socialists and socialism has become a major topic of conversation. The Hill states, A majority of Americans say socialism is incompatible with American values, and only 10 percent of voters in a new poll have a positive view of socialism. Nonetheless, ideologies with their roots in socialism have increasingly spread in the United States over the years, which brings up the question of how this has happened and what kinds of ideologies these are. Gloria Greenfield, a documentary producer, director, and writer, produced the recent documentary film titled The Fight of Our Lives: Defeating the Ideological War Against the West. The film explores anti-Western ideas, ideologies and movements, along with their subsequent penetration into Western academia, politics, and society, according to the film website. Looks interesting! We need to maintain moral confidence. The Fight of Our Lives Defeating the Ideological War Against the West, is a hard-hitting new documentary film by https://t.co/QGgdeusnhy Julia Charnley (@JuliaCharnley) August 22, 2018 The film warns about the high risk of collapse of any great empire or civilization, and how the rise of critical theory studies, political correctness, attacks against free speech, and other ideologies threaten the value systems of western civilization. Greenfield told The Epoch Times that she first developed the inspiration to create this documentary when she was working on an earlier documentary that explored hatred against Jewish people. Through creating that piece, Greenfield realized that to understand contemporary Jew hatred, one really had to understand the broader context, she said. This inspired her to create a documentary that explores the ideologies that have been changing and shaping our society over many decades. When asked how she found and gathered all the commentators for the documentary, Greenfield said she conducted extensive research on the topic and sought out scholars and experts for interviews. I usually interview about 45 or 50 experts and scholars, and in this film, I used 31 of them. But all of the interviews, all of the experts and scholars I interviewed really bring value to the film, either by making me aware of other aspects or helping me clarify what the issues [explored in a film] are, said Greenfield. Looking forward to New York premiere on May 1 of Gloria Greenfields important new film The Fight of Our Lives: Defeating the Ideological War against the West. Features Niall Ferguson, Bruce Thornton, Allen West and others. Post-screening remarks by me and Emanuele Ottolenghi. pic.twitter.com/m2pqFLn4hp Melanie Phillips (@MelanieLatest) April 10, 2018 The Fight of Our Lives includes Melanie Phillips, a British journalist and author. Greenfield said, Shes written some very important books related to the issue of external forces against the West. Melanie Phillips happens to be a very principled and articulate journalist and author. Another scholar who contributed to the film commentary was Bruce Thornton, an American classicist at California State University Fresno and research fellow at Stanford Universitys Hoover Institution. [Thorntons] understanding of what he refers to in the film as the therapeutic age, where feelings are the most important and theres been a rejection of taking any responsibility for their actionsI thought that was a very important notion that needed to be addressed in the film, said Greenfield. The movie has garnered a variety of reviews and has been generally well received and enjoyed by viewers. Soon after the film came out, I received an email from a professor in Paris, who was so grateful for the film and told me that he was using it in his classrooms, said Greenfield. The film is also being shown in various film festivals around the world. Brand new Subaru cars sit in a lot at Auto Warehousing Company near the Port of Richmond in Richmond, Calif., on May 17, 2019. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) EU Chilled by US-China Trade War as Auto Tariffs Remain a Threat While threat of US tariffs on auto imports faded slightly after Trump delayed decision, the risk lingers WASHINGTONThe ongoing trade war between the worlds two largest economies has started to affect Europe. And if escalating tensions should lead to the United States imposing auto tariffs, the effects on European countriesparticularly Germany and Italywill worsen, according to Goldman Sachs. The White House announced a six-month delay on May 17 to the decision on whether to impose tariffs on autos and auto parts, bringing a temporary sigh of relief to the euro area. However, the increasingly bitter trade dispute between the United States and China has already affected business sentiment in Europe. Euro area financial conditions have tightened notably in response to adverse trade news, according to a May 21 Goldman Sachs report. European financial indicators are sensitive to trade uncertainty, with manufacturing gauges among the worst affected, the report stated. Although the threat of U.S. tariffs on auto imports faded slightly after President Donald Trump delayed his decision, the risk still remains. Goldman Sachs predicts the United States and the EU will ultimately reach a deal to avoid car tariffs, but we see a 20 percent risk of U.S. auto tariffs with subsequent EU retaliation. On May 17, Trump said he directed U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to negotiate agreements to address the national security threat arising from auto imports. According to the White House, if agreements are not reached within 180 days, the President will determine whether and what further action needs to be taken. Worse Than China Trump repeatedly accused the EU of taking advantage of the United States on trade. The EU treats us, I would say, worse than China, Trump said at the National Association of Realtors event on May 17. They dont want our cars, he said. They send Mercedes-Benzes in here like theyre cookies. They send BMWs here. European tariffs on U.S. vehicles entering the European market are 10 percent, while the U.S. tariff on imported vehicles is only 2.5 percent. More than 54 percent of automotive sales in the United States are international nameplate vehicles, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association. Forty-four percent of these foreign cars are assembled in the country. The direct trade impact of auto tariffs is large for Germany and Italy in line with their share of auto exports to the United States. All European nations, however, will suffer from the effects of adverse sentiment if the Trump administration decides to slap on auto tariffs, according to Goldman Sachs. Our simulations suggest that the GDP impact of the tariffs implemented to date remains small at about 0.1 percent for the Euro area, the Goldman Sachs report stated. But we estimate that the cost would rise to 0.3 percent of Euro area GDP, if the trade war were to escalate to include auto tariffs. In addition, spillovers from the auto industry into other sectors could amplify the losses to production. Hence, the indirect effects on other sectors nearly double the effects in Europe, according to the report. Odds of US-China Trade Deal Tensions escalated between the United States and China early in May after Beijing backtracked on delivering key structural reforms, and Trump raised tariffs on Chinese goods. The U.S. trade delegation spent the past six months negotiating a detailed agreement with China, said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin at the House Financial Services Committee hearing on May 22. I thought we were close to an agreement, he said. China has taken a big step backwards now. The recent tension led to an 11 percent drop in Chinese equities from their year-to-date peaks in April. Goldman Sachs economists predict that a deal will likely be reached by the end of June or early July after Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping convene at the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, in late June. However, they assign a 30 percent probability for a no-deal scenario and implementation of across-the-board tariffs. I remain hopeful that at some point, well probably get together with China, Trump said May 23 during his meeting with farmers and ranchers at the White House. If it happens, great. If it doesnt happen, thats fine. Thats absolutely fine. Liviu Dragnea, the leader of The Social Democratic Party, in Bucharest, Romania, on Sept. 21, 2018. (Florin Chirila/The Epoch Times) EU Elections Deliver Double Blow to Romanias Ruling Party Following a massive no-confidence vote on May 26 for the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD), the Supreme Court of Romania sentenced its leader Liviu Dragnea to 3 1/2 years in prison for abuse of power. Dragnea, who is also speaker of the lower house of Parliament, appealed the initial verdict in 2018. He had a previous conviction in a vote-rigging case. PSD faced sharp criticism from the European Union and the United States because of concerns related to interference with judicial independence and changes to anti-graft legislation. On May 13, the European Commission announced that it would take legal action against Romaniawhich currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Unionunless it reversed measures that undermine the independence of its courts and the fight against corruption. The executive commission has repeatedly said that laws introduced by the ruling PSD have reversed decades of reforms. Over the past two years, Romania has been rocked by protests against the politicians attempts to decriminalize some corruption offenses and weaken the legislative system, triggering the biggest protests in decades in the country. To give Romanians an opportunity to express their opinion about the left-wing governments controversial justice reforms, President Klaus Iohannis had called a consultative referendum, to take place on the same day as Romanians voted in the European Parliament elections. Because of bureaucracy and staffing problems, tens of thousands of Romanians working abroad were unable to vote on May 26, after waiting in line for hours outside polling stations. The Romanians voted overwhelmingly in support of the independence of the justice system. After the vote, Iohannis thanked Romanians and issued a warning to the politicians: The referendum succeeded with flying colors. Thank you, Romanians. This is a clear vote for correct politics, for true justice. No politician can ignore your clear vote for an independent judiciary. Political analysts saw the results as a major setback for the ruling PSD and its leader and drew a parallel between the PSD and the former communist party. A polling station official gives a ballot to a man during the European Parliamentary election at a polling station in Milan, Italy, on May 26, 2019. (Emanuele Cremaschi/Getty Images) EU Elections: Surge in Support for Nationalist Parties, Greens at Expense of Historically Dominant Parties The European Unions 28-country elections saw significant gains for nationalist parties and the Greens, and diminishing support for the historically dominant parties. While the center-left and center-right parties still had the highest votes in the four-day election that ended on May 26, for the first time in the blocs history, they lost their majority in the European Parliament. Right-wing nationalist parties dominated the results in Italy, Poland, and Hungary. In France, where Emmanuel Macron won a decisive victory in 2017, his nationalist rival Marine Le Pens party was the victor this time, although by a narrow margin. The rules are changing in Europe, said Matteo Salvini, leader of Italys right-wing League party, which is part of the governing coalition in the country. His partys win of 34 percent of Italian votes, compared to the coalition partner 5-Star Movements 17 percent is expected to give him more leverage in the government. Disenchantment with the European project, which has struggled through economic and migration crises in recent years, has made the bloc seem distant to many voters. Former White House strategist Steve Bannon, who has been rallying for a greater presence of nationalist groups in Europe, said the election results show that European integration is dead in its tracks. People are taking their countries back its just the beginning. Its going to get more and more powerful over time, he said. In a previous interview with The Globe and Mail, Bannon said the leaders of the nationalist parties dont want to leave the EU, but want to reform it. They all want a massive reform of the EUits Macrons vision versus [Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor] Orbans and Salvinis. In the United Kingdom, Nigel Farages new Brexit Party and pro-EU voters carved up the countrys votes at the expense of the governing Conservative Party. The UK took part in the election since its still part of the EU, but the lawmakers elected to the European Parliament will only remain until the country leaves, currently scheduled for Oct. 31. The election also saw a surge in support for Greens, especially in Germany, where the party came in second after Chancellor Angela Merkels center-right Union bloc. Gains for the Greens as well as liberals in the bloc could mean talk of tougher regulation on pollution and climate-change policies for the new EU executives. In Spain, the left-wing Socialist Party won with 33 percent of the vote, making gains from the conservative Peoples Party. However, the right-wing Vox, which has been gaining popularity, secured three seats in the European Parliament for the first time. With the loss of votes to the nationalists, Greens, and liberals, the Parliaments two main parties, the European Peoples Party and the Socialists & Democrats, will likely now have to hold complicated talks to form a majority coalition with other parties. Turnout was at a two-decade high in the EU elections, with close to 51 percent of eligible voters in the bloc participating, compared to 43 percent in 2014. It also marked the first reverse of falling participation since the initial direct EU vote in 1979. Big Losses The poll results caused Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to call for an early in-country election, after his partys poor showing in the European Parliament elections. The result does not rise to our expectations I will not ignore it or quit, said Tsipras, whose Syriza party won 23 percent of the votes, compared to New Democracys 33 percent. Tsipras said he will ask the Greek president for early dissolution of Parliament. The soonest a new election can be held is June 30. In Romania, the ruling Social Democratic Party also was dealt a setback by voters. On May 27, Liviu Dragnea, head of the party and the countrys most powerful politician, was sentenced to prison for official misconduct in a graft case. Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Fatal Maui Shark Attack Victim Identified as Dr. Thomas Smiley: Reports A 65-year-old retired optometrist was identified as the victim of a fatal shark attack while he was swimming in Maui, Hawaii, on May 25. Dr. Thomas Smiley, of Granite Bay, California, was attacked by a shark about 180 feet from the shore of the Kaanapali Shores Resort, reported Hawaii News Now. First responders pulled him from the water, but they couldnt resuscitate him. Granite Bays Dr. Thomas Smiley killed in Maui shark attack. He leaves behind a wife, 3 children, and 6 grandchildren. pic.twitter.com/ln9D052EvW stevelarge (@largesteven) May 27, 2019 A witness said that when they pulled him and began CPR, they saw that he was missing part of his leg, KTLA reported. He was pronounced dead at the scene. As we got closer, I saw some blood on his stomach and then I got looking a little bit more, and his wrist it looked like the skin on his wrist was just torn off, witness Allison Keller said. And then I got looking closer, and his entire left leg from his knee down was just missing. VIDEO: 65-year-old California man has died after he was attacked by a shark while swimming in Maui https://t.co/kLIzv5zIyU pic.twitter.com/B8WOxLYDbN Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) May 26, 2019 Smiley leaves behind his wife, three children, and grandchildren. Longtime friend Gary Taxera told the news outlet: He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time doing something in a place he loved. California man, 65, dies after a shark ripped off his left leg below the knee while he was swimming near a resort in Maui https://t.co/yEgjtofi8j Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) May 26, 2019 He was a good-hearted man, and people who didnt get to know him, really missed out, Taxera said. He was on vacation with his wife and recently retired in 2019, CBS Sacramento reported. Tourist who died in gruesome shark attack was recently retired https://t.co/hjFX7xVvZN pic.twitter.com/MEUtnMqKAu New York Post (@nypost) May 27, 2019 Its not clear what kind of shark attacked Smiley. Many fatal attacks in Hawaii have been blamed on tiger sharks. The last fatal shark attack in Hawaii occurred in 2015 when a snorkeler was killed off Maui. Last year, a 26-year-old Massachusetts man was attacked and killed by a shark near Newcomb Hollow Beach on Cape Cod. Arthur Medici, 26, was reportedly attacked by a great white shark. Smileys death is the sixth shark attack in Hawaii in 2019, according to the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources, reported the Daily Mail. In May, a woman was bitten by a shark in Oahu, suffering arm injuries, the report said. A FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) logo is displayed during a press day ahead of the Geneva International Motor Show in Geneva, on March 6, 2019. (Harold Cunningham/ AFP/Getty Images) Fiat Chrysler in Tie-Up Talks With Renault: Sources MILAN/PARISFiat Chrysler and Renault are in talks on a comprehensive global tie-up that could address some of the main weaknesses of both carmakers, two sources with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters on Saturday. The talks are at an advanced stage, the sources said. The Financial Times earlier reported that FCA and Renault were discussing a deal to forge extensive ties to tackle structural challenges facing the global auto industry. A spokesman for FCA declined to comment on the report. Renault spokesman Frederic Texier said the French carmaker had no comment. Pressure for consolidation among carmakers has grown with the challenges posed by electrification, tightening emissions regulations and investment-thirsty technologies for connected and autonomous vehicles. FCA and Renault have a combined market capitalization approaching 33 billion euros ($37 billion) and total global sales of 8.7 million vehicles. Besides bringing greater scale, a tie-up could help patch flaws on both sides. FCA has a highly profitable North American RAM trucks business and Jeep brand but has been losing money in Europe, where it may also struggle to keep pace with looming carbon dioxide emissions curbs. Renault, by contrast, is an electric-car pioneer with relatively fuel-efficient engine technologies and a strong presence in emerging markets, but no U.S. business. Any tie-up would likely face political and workforce hurdles, particularly in Italy. Most of FCAs European plants are running below 50 percent capacity. It was unclear whether the FCA-Renault deal talks would conclude successfully, the sources said. The plan under consideration could involve some transfer of equity, one source said. This isnt just another partnership its more than that. Both carmakers have also been exploring tie-ups with other partners. While FCA has recently revived discussions with PSA Group, a France-based transnational automobile manufacturer, Renault is seeking a merger with Nissan, its partner in a troubled 20-year-old alliance. A tie-up between FCA and Renault would not preclude a consolidation of the alliance with Nissan, one of the sources said. The Renault-Nissan partnership, underpinned by crossed shareholdings, has been strained by the scandal surrounding former chairman Carlos Ghosn, who was ousted in the wake of a Nissan internal investigation. Renault chairman Jean-Dominique Senard (L) and Nissan Motors president and CEO Hiroto Saikawa (R) chat during a press conference at the Nissan headquarters in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture on March 12, 2019. (Behrouz Mehri/AFP/Getty Images) A tie-up that included Nissan would vault the ensemble to the rank of global No.1 carmaker with 13.8 million annual sales. It would also maintain a foothold in China, where both FCA and Renault are marginal players. The discussions follow weakening U.S. auto demand that has prompted cutbacks at several carmakers. FCA reported a 29 percent decline in first-quarter operating profit as sales and margins weakened in its North American profit center. Sales dropped 5 percent to 24.48 billion euros ($27.43 billion). By Giulio Piovaccari and Laurence Frost A Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) sign is seen at the U.S. headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., on May 25, 2018. (Rebecca Cook/Reuters) Fiat Chrysler Seeks Renault Merger to Meet Auto Challenges MILAN/PARISFiat Chrysler pitched a finely balanced merger of equals to Renault on Monday in a move to cope with the costs of far-reaching technological and regulatory changes by creating the worlds third-biggest carmaker. If successful, the $35 billion-plus tie-up would alter the competitive landscape for rivals including General Motors and Peugeot maker PSA Group, which recently held inconclusive talks with Fiat Chrysler (FCA). The Italian-American groups plan, which was finalized in overnight talks with Renault, will be discussed at a meeting of the French companys board on Monday. Investors welcomed the blueprint for an automaker producing more than 8.7 million vehicles a year and aiming for 5 billion euros ($5.6 billion) in annual savings, with shares in both companies rising sharply. It would rank third in the global auto industry behind Japans Toyota and Germanys Volkswagen. But analysts also warned of big complications, including Renaults existing alliance with Nissan, the French states role as Renaults largest shareholder and potential opposition from politicians and workers to any cutbacks. The market will be careful with these synergy numbers as much has been promised before and there isnt a single merger of equals that has ever succeeded in autos, Evercore ISI analyst Arndt Ellinghorst said. With these sensitivities in mind, FCA proposed an all-share merger of equals under a listed Dutch holding company. After a 2.5 billion euro dividend paid to existing FCA shareholders, investors in each company would receive half of the new entity. This would be chaired by John Elkann, head of the Agnelli family that controls 29 percent of FCA, sources familiar with the talks told Reuters, while Renault chairman Jean-Dominique Senard would likely become CEO. Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said the proposed merger could be good news for Italy if it helped Fiat to grow, but it was crucial to preserve jobs. He did not comment on the French governments 15% stake in Renault, but an influential lawmaker from the ruling League party said Rome may seek a stake in the combined group to balance Frances holding. In a letter to employees seen by Reuters, FCA chief executive Mike Manley also cautioned a merger could take more than a year to finalize. Bold Decisions A deal could help both companies address shortcomings, as well as the challenges of switching to electric and self-driving technologies and tougher emissions regulations. FCA has a highly profitable business in North America with its RAM trucks and Jeep brand, but lost money last quarter in Europe, where most of its plants are running below 50% capacity and it may struggle with new emissions curbs. Renault, by contrast, was an early mover in electric cars, with relatively fuel-efficient engine technologies and a strong presence in emerging markets, but no U.S. business. Both are marginal players in China. The case for combination is also strengthened by the need to take bold decisions to capture at scale the opportunities created by the transformation of the auto industry, FCA said. It could also have profound repercussions for Renaults 20-year-old alliance with Nissan, already weakened by the crisis surrounding the arrest and ouster of former chairman Carlos Ghosn late last year. Milan-listed FCA shares jumped as much as 19% in early trade, while Renault stock leapt 17%. PSA shares fell 2.5%. FCA fits as well with Renault as it does with PSA, Jefferies analyst Philippe Houchois said in a note. FCA-Renault, like almost every possible automotive pairing, had been studied intermittently for years by dealmakers. But the fractious relations between Ghosn and FCAs late CEO Sergio Marchionne made constructive merger talks impossible until after Marchionnes sudden death last July, banking sources said. Prior to his November arrest in Japan, Ghosn had revived discussions about a deal to bring FCA into a reinforced Renault-Nissan alliance, sources have told Reuters. Paris And Rome The French government, Renaults biggest shareholder, supports a merger with FCA in principle but will need to see more details, its main spokeswoman said on Monday. France will be particularly vigilant regarding employment and industrial footprint, another Paris official said adding that any deal must safeguard Renaults alliance with Nissan, which had recently rebuffed a merger proposal from the French carmaker. Seeking to soothe concerns, FCA stressed new opportunities for employees of both companies. The benefits of the proposed transaction are not predicated on plant closures, but would be achieved through more capital-efficient investment in common global vehicle platforms, architectures, powertrains and technologies, it said. Nissan, which is 43.4%-owned by Renault, would be invited to nominate a director to the 11-member board of the new company. As alliance partners, Nissan and its affiliate Mitsubishi would benefit from an estimated 1 billion euros in annual savings from the merger, FCA added. By Giulio Piovaccari and Laurence Frost President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Shinzo Abe, Japan's prime minister, not pictured, at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, Japan, on May 27, 2019. (Kiyoshi Ota - Pool/Getty Images) Former CNN Contributors Allege Network Has Become Anti-Trump Platform A number of conservative commentators who were formerly CNN contributors have come out to say the network has become a hate-fueled platform against President Donald Trump, with one stating that it openly despises conservatives who support the president. CNN has struggled to keep pro-Trump contributors over the past years, according to a report from Mediaite. The most recent example occurred on May 21 when the network said former contributor Ken Cuccinelli was no longer with them after reports emerged that the president was considering him to fill a top Homeland Security position. Cuccinells departure further culled the already endangered intellectual diversity at CNN. In 2017, the network unveiled a new slogan with the company vowing to put facts first and reaffirmed that they would not be affected by emotion or bias. But several former contributors for the network disputed their ex-employer following through on that promise. Most of us got squeezed out involuntarily, former Georgia Congressman Jack Kingston told Mediaite. Kingstons CNN relationship was left to expire earlier this year. He continued: I was there for 2 years and was certainly willing to continue. It was clear to me in the end that the Republicans they prefer are anti-Trump Republicans. Economic analyst Stephen Moore, also a former CNN contributor, was fired earlier this year after Trump nominated him to serve on the board of the Federal Reserve. Moore later withdrew from consideration after other media, including his former employer, dug into his personal history, unsealing his divorce records and unearthing humor columns he wrote nearly two decades ago. Who are the Republicans? Moore told Mediate in reference to the those still remaining on CNN. John Kasich? He hates Trump! Moore told The Epoch Times previously that he was astonished by the opposition he triggered from the Democrats and establishment media. I was surprised that the left was so stirred up by this. It actually is a little bit flattering, really, Moore said. One former contributor, Bryan Lanza, who left the network in 2018 and who had been a deputy communications director for Trumps presidential campaign, said that CNNs only identity is being anti-Trump; not conservative vs. liberal. If you hate Trump, you tune to CNN to validate your hatred, Lanza told Mediate. Not sure its a winning formula and Im validated by their last place performance against other outlets. Buck Sexton, a conservative talk radio host and former contributor at CNN, said that during his time at the company, he had tried to include more conservative viewpoints into panel discussions. He felt the debates were often one-sided. People ask me how could you ever have worked at CNN? and I tell them, honestly, that CNN has always been Left of center, but it used to have on real conservatives and, while not friendly to them, was at least interested in a serious exchange of ideas, Sexton wrote on Twitter in March. But Trump broke CNN, he added. People ask me how could you ever have worked at CNN? and I tell them, honestly, that CNN has always been Left of center, but it used to have on real conservatives and, while not friendly to them, was at least interested in a serious exchange of ideas But Trump broke CNN. Buck Sexton (@BuckSexton) March 3, 2019 Trump, a frequent critic of the networks coverage of his presidency, pointed out the low ratings of CNN in a May Twitter post. Wow! CNN Ratings are WAY DOWN, record lows. People are getting tired of so many Fake Stories and Anti-Trump lies, he wrote, in part. Wow! CNN Ratings are WAY DOWN, record lows. People are getting tired of so many Fake Stories and Anti-Trump lies. Chris Cuomo was rewarded for lowest morning ratings with a prime time spot which is failing badly and not helping the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 24, 2019 Fox Business host Trish Regan will debate Chinese state media host Liu Xin on May 29, 2019. (Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Jefferson Awards Foundation) Fox Anchor to Take on Chinese State Media Host in Live Debate About Trade War Anchors from U.S. cable channel Fox Business Network and a Chinese state-run broadcaster will go head-to-head in a live televised debate about the ongoing U.S.China trade dispute on May 29. The decision to debate came after the Chinese host criticized her American counterpart for remarks about Chinas unfair trade practices. Trish Regan, a host on Fox Business Network, said on her show Trish Regan Primetime on May 14 that the United States was left with no choice but to wage a trade war with China because of the regimes trade abuses including theft of U.S. intellectual property (IP). In support of her argument, Regan said Chinese IP theft costs the United States $600 billion annually. Hey #China State TV lets have an HONEST debate on #trade. You accuse me of being emotional and not knowing my facts wrong! You name the time and place, and Ill be there! #TrishRegan pic.twitter.com/D0QMp0cIz4 Trish Regan (@trish_regan) May 24, 2019 According to a 2017 report by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Chinese IP theft costs between $225 billion and $600 billion a year. These figures are in line with a 2017 report from the Commission on the Theft of American IP. Liu Xin, a host on China Global Television Network, the overseas arm of Chinas state-run broadcaster CCTV, responded on her own primetime opinion show on May 22, saying that Regan was so sure of U.S. victimhood, so indignant, that her eyes practically spit fire. Yet, in carefully analyzing her words, its all emotion and accusation supported with little substance, Liu said. The Chinese state-media host also questioned the $600 billion figure raised by Regan, suggesting that the Fox hosts definition of theft was misguided. Liu then suggested that Regan needed a better research team. Regan, in her program on May 23, countered Lius criticism by pointing to two recent prosecutions of Chinese IP theft. In 2018, Chinese wind turbine maker Sinovel Wind Group Co. was convicted on U.S. charges that it stole trade secrets from AMSC, an American energy technologies company, that resulted in losses of over $800 million. Also last year, the U.S. Justice Department indicted two Chinese nationals who, acting on behalf of the Chinese regimes main intelligence agency, allegedly carried out an extensive hacking campaign to steal hundreds of gigabytes of data from military service members, government agencies, and private companies in the United States and at least a dozen other countries. On her program, the Fox host then invited Liu to a live debate about the trade war. So Ill tell you what, Liu Xin, you seem like a nice woman. Andeven if you are just reading state propaganda written for you off the teleprompter by a member of the Communist PartyI would like to invite you to have an honest, live debate with me, a real discussion, she said. Regan reiterated the invitation in a tweet on May 24. Lets have an HONEST debate on trade, she wrote. You accuse me of being emotional and not knowing my facts wrong! You name the time and place, and Ill be there! Liu responded on Twitter, which is banned in China, accepting Regans invitationas long as there was no mud throwing, she wrote. Regan then replied in a tweet, Dont worryI dont sling mud, I sling FACTS. This is a meaningful debate to have, Regan added. Dont worryI dont sling mud, I sling FACTS. So, lets find a date. This is a meaningful debate to have. #TrishRegan #ChinaTrade https://t.co/zTrMuQHHEr Trish Regan (@trish_regan) May 24, 2019 The debate has been set for May 29 at 8 p.m., New York time, to be aired on Fox Business. The fiery exchange between the two anchors comes as U.S.China trade talks broke down earlier this month. The United States accused the Chinese regime of backtracking on key commitments negotiated over months of discussions. In response, the U.S. administration raised tariffs to 25 percent, from 10 percent, on $200 billion of Chinese goods, and have started the process of raising tariffs to 25 percent on the remaining $300 billion of Chinese imports. While news of the planned debate has been covered in Chinese state media outlets, including the Global Times, Peoples Daily, and CCTV, its unclear if the debate will be broadcast live in China, given the regimes tight censorship of news and current events. Since the recent deterioration of trade talks, Chinese state media has ramped up its anti-U.S. propaganda, depicting the United States as a bully and blaming it for the lack of progress in trade discussions. CCTV also recently aired three anti-American movies for three days in a row. The films, made in the 1950s and 60s, were originally produced as anti-U.S. propaganda, in reaction to the Korean War. A policeman looks on near the site of a suspected bomb attack in central Lyon, France, on May 24, 2019. (Emmanuel Foudrot/Reuters) French Police Arrest Three Over Lyon Bomb Blast PARISFrench police have arrested three people, including a 24-year-old computer science student of Algerian nationality, in connection with last weeks bomb blast in Lyon that injured 13 people, authorities said. The case is being handled as a terrorism investigation given the circumstances of the attack, committed in broad daylight, and the use of an explosive device capable of hitting a large number of people with screws and metal balls packed into a bag. A police source said the three arrested were the student, who does not have a police record, a minor who studies at a high school in Lyon and is also of Algerian nationality, and a woman. The Paris prosecutors office said that minor was a member of the main suspects family circle. No information was provided about the woman. French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner also announced the arrest of the man on Twitter, but did not provide further details on the suspect or where he was arrested. Colis piege a #Lyon : un suspect vient detre interpelle. Je salue la mobilisation de la SDAT, de la police judiciaire de Lyon et de la DGSI, co-saisies par la section antiterroriste du parquet de Paris. Leur action conjointe est determinante. Christophe Castaner (@CCastaner) May 27, 2019 Security camera footage of the incident shows a partially masked suspect wheeling a bicycle to the scene, before leaving a bag outside a branch of a popular bakery chain. DNA traces were found on the remains of the parcel, according to a source close to investigation. Another source said the judicial police arrested the man on the street after having tailed him. They decided not to arrest him at his apartment, the source said, for fear that there could still be some triacetone triperoxide or TATP, the powerful but unstable homemade explosive that was used in the attack. President Emmanuel Macron characterized the incident as an attack when the news broke during a live YouTube interview ahead of Sundays European elections. My thoughts are with the injured, he said. Police forces across France have been instructed to increase security in public places and event venues, Castaner said. By Emmanuel Jarry and Bate Felix The underpass on north Grand is closed due to high water in Enid, Okla., on May 20, 2019. (Billy Hefton/The Enid News & Eagle via AP) Historic Flooding Expected as 3.6 Million Under Flash Flood Watch The threat of record flooding has areas of the central United States on alert after more than a week of extreme weather that has brought with it tornadoes, fierce winds and heavy rains. Spring storms have resulted in five deaths in Missouri, one in Iowa and six in Oklahoma. In Indiana, a 4-year-old boy is missing after strong currents from heavy rains swept him away. CNN Meteorologist Robert Shackelford said 3.6 million people were under a flash flood watch, and 1.3 million under a severe thunderstorm watch overnight Sunday, with nearly 50 million at risk of severe weather impacts on Monday. Severe thunderstorms are continuing along the central High Plains, bringing damaging winds and the possibility for a few tornadoes, but these systems will weaken throughout the night, he said. Shackelford said the Arkansas River is experiencing record flooding, with one site at Van Buren already over 38 feetthe record set in 1945and an expected crest at 42.5 feet late Tuesday into early Wednesday. Tulsa Levees Under Strain, Record Flooding Expected Oklahoma and other parts of the Midwest are still reeling from a deadly spring storm system that has resulted in more than 170 reported tornadoes plus strong winds, flash flooding and hail. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Army Corps of Engineers said it was increasing the release of water at Keystone Dam to 265,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) Sunday evening and to 275,000 CFS Monday morning with the expectation to leave it at this level through Thursday. Due to the additional release at Keystone Dam, flood water is expected to rise and residents and businesses along the Arkansas River must remain vigilant and take precautions based on the new data available, the city said in a release. On Twitter, it said that emergency services had responded to reports of a man in the river Sunday evening. We are hopeful he somehow made his way safely to the bank. Its extremely important to avoid the river to ensure your safety, it said. @TulsaFire , OKTF1 and the Army National Guard responded to reports of a man in the river early this evening. We are hopeful he somehow made his way safely to the bank. Its extremely important to avoid the river to ensure your safety. #PublicSafety pic.twitter.com/SkfjnhG8It City of Tulsa (@cityoftulsagov) May 27, 2019 Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said the Oklahoma Guard was patrolling the citys levee system 24 hours a day. We continue to urge residents along the river to plan for the flood of record (the worst flood in Tulsa history), which was equivalent to 305,000 CFS, the mayor said on Facebook. The levees continue to operate as designed, but this will place an even greater load on them, he said, urging residents living behind Levees A and B to relocate. Evacuations Underway in Arkansas Arkansas fully activated its State Emergency Operations Center on Sunday morning in response to rising water levels and anticipated continued flooding along the Arkansas River. Were back to work at Level I (Full Activation) in response to rising water levels & anticipated continued flooding along the Arkansas River. Follow us here as well as your local, trusted media source for up-to-date & accurate forecasts! #BePrepared #SafetyFirst #ArFlood19 pic.twitter.com/dIreoV5uSc ADEM (@AR_Emergencies) May 26, 2019 Governor Asa Hutchinson on Friday declared a state of emergency in relation to the storms and flooding that began May 21, saying that severe flooding of historic proportion will likely result. After a briefing on flooding along the Arkansas River Sunday morning, Hutchinson approved $100,000 in emergency funding to support sandbagging work. I appreciate all the neighbors and volunteers filling sandbags and assisting with evacuations. The state team is continuing to respond to assistance requests, and more funds will be allocated as the situation demands, the governor said in a statement. Ten Arkansas counties had verbally declared Sunday morningmeaning they can request disaster resources. Another two had submitted written declarations, the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management said in a statement. As of 6 p.m. local time Sunday, areas of Crawford, Franklin, Jefferson and Perry counties had already been evacuated and officials were encouraging some residents of low lying areas to evacuate in Conway, Faulkner and Logan counties. Visitors to RV parks in low lying areas of Pope County were also being encouraged to leave, the department said. Deadly Tornado Hits Oklahoma A state of emergency has also been in place across all 77 counties of Oklahoma since Friday due to the severe weather. Six people have died in the state after flooding, severe storms and tornadoes. Two people were killed when a powerful EF-3 tornado touched down in El Reno, about 29 miles west of Oklahoma City, late Saturday. A mobile home park was devastated after the twister made landfall, Mayor Matt White said. El Reno has a population of about 19,000. Its a lot of devastation here, its leveled, its just devastated, White said in a phone interview with CNN. Its tore all to pieces, it was terrible. @4sightAerial view of tornado damage in El Reno trailer park behind the American Budget Value Inn @kfor Appears to be at least an EF2 according to our storm tracker @F5Video pic.twitter.com/nKxCxZMrmT TARA (@TCBLUME) May 26, 2019 Two people were killed earlier in Mayes County, according to a tally Sunday from the state medical examiners office. A 53-year-old woman also died in Payne County and a 58-year-old man died in Stephens County, according to officials. Area hospitals reported 92 injuries, the state health department said. A Huawei logo is displayed at a retail store in Beijing on May 20, 2019. (Fred Dufour/AFP/Getty Images) Huawei Removed From Standards-Setting Bodies in Another Setback After US Ban Huawei has been removed from three key standards-setting organizations, in the latest blow to the company flowing from the U.S. export ban. The SD Association, the trade group that sets standards for SD and micro SD cards, removed Huawei from its member list. According to technology news website Android Authority, this means that worlds second-largest smartphone maker will not be able to use SD or microSD cards slots in its future designs. Meanwhile, the JEDEC Solid State Technology Association, a body which sets standards for semiconductors, told Asian Nikkei Review that Huawei voluntarily withdrew its membership. Wi-Fi Alliance, the organization that sets standards for wireless technology, also told Nikkei it temporarily restricted Huaweis participation. Following the U.S. ban, which effectively barred Huawei from doing business with U.S. suppliers, several American companies, including Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, and Intel, suspended their business with the company. Foreign companies have followed suit, including UK-based chip designer ARM, German chipmaker Infineon Technologies, Japanese parts supplier Toshiba. SD Association SD Association, in a statement to Android Authority on May 24, confirmed that it removed Huawei from its member list in compliance with the U.S. ban. Going forward, the company will be barred from using the storage solution in any of its devices. Most Huawei phones use microSD cards, but the recent high-end P30 and Mate20 series use its own proprietary Nano Memory (NM) cards, which cost four times the price of microSD cards. An analysis by Chinese media cnBeta on May 24 said Huaweis NM cards are unlikely to become the main storage solution in the market due to its high price-tag and limited track-record. Other cell phone makers are also unlikely to use this technology, the outlet said. JEDEC JEDEC is a semiconductor standards group that counts chipmakers Qualcomm, Cisco, HP, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), Samsung Semiconductor, and Toshiba Memory among its members. Being a JEDEC member grants the company a right to participate in the standards-setting processing, and thus influence standards in favor of its business. Taiwanese media Technews first reported on May 22 that Huawei and its chipmaker subsidiary HiSilicon were suspended from JEDEC as a result of the restrictions imposed by the U.S. government. This information was confirmed by a JEDEC spokesman on May 24 who said Huawei had voluntarily quit the organization, the Nikkei reported. While standards published by JEDEC are open to the whole industry, Huaweis exclusion from the standards-setting process means it is now relegated to simply following such standards if it wants to compete in the overseas market. Wi-Fi Alliance Wi-Fi Alliance is the worldwide network of companies that supplies the service of wireless internet connection. It also owns the Wi-Fi trademark. The body defines standards for Wi-Fi technologies and programs, and certifies whether products meet such standards. The alliance includes companies such as Apple, Cisco, Intel, Qualcomm, Microsoft, Dell, Nokia, Samsung, Sony, LG, Broadcom, Comcast, and Texas instruments. As of May 24, Huawei was temporarily restricted from the organization, according to Nikkei, due to the U.S. ban. An unnamed senior chip industry executive told Nikki that: Those alliances and consortiums are mostly for big deep-pocketed western companies to show their muscles and to make contributions when the new standards are formulated. The executive added that [Huawei] could always develop their own standards within China but if you are going overseas and link to other peoples network you need to accept the standards. Carlos Jacinto Cobo-Perez, who police say is in the U.S. illegally, has been arrested after allegedly impregnating an 11-year-old girl. He faces charges of sexual conduct with a minor. (Maricopa County Jail) Illegal Immigrant Accused of Impregnating 11-Year-Old Asked Judge to Deport Him A 20-year-old illegal immigrant accused of impregnating an 11-year-old girl had asked a judge to deport him, according to reports. Carlos Jacinto Cobo-Perez had admitted to having sexual intercourse with the young girl in a car near her elementary school in Arizona, according to investigators, reported CBS 5. A hospital confirmed the girls pregnancy on the same day Cobo-Perez was taken into custody, reported ABC 15. Undocumented immigrant, 20, who got an 11-year-old pregnant, asks a judge to deport him so he doesnt have to deal with the situation https://t.co/VLmcPuuGxs Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) May 27, 2019 The 20-year-old is currently being held in custody on a $150,000 bond for charges of aggravated assault and sexual conduct with a minor. During his first court appearance last week in Phoenix, Cobo-Perez asked the judge through a translator whether he could sign off on his voluntary exit from the United States, presumably so he would not have to deal with the situation. If I want to sign my order of deportation, am I allowed to or not? said Coco-Perez, reported Fox 10. The news outlet reported that the 20-year-old is an illegal alien, citing police. The judge replied, Thats not something that this court does. The childs mother told the station that she hopes he is not released and instead faces punishment. He needs to pay for what he did, the woman told ABC15 Arizona. If they let him out and send him back, hell be able to come back pretty easily. CBS5 reported that a letter written by Cobo-Perez had been found, in which the suspect said he understood he could go the jail for having a relationship with the girl, and that he does not care if he goes to jail. Cobo-Perezs relationship with the minor came to light when the girls mother became suspicious in November of last year after she saw a hickey on her daughters neck. The 11-year-old subsequently confessed to her mother that she and Cobo-Perez were in a relationship, CBS5 reported. Cobo-Perez was then warned to stay away from the girl. She was infatuated, the victims mother told ABC15 Arizona. She didnt understand, shes a kid, and any person thats older than her can wrap her around their finger. During a police interview six months ago, Cobo-Perez told investigators he was aware their relationship was wrong and promised to break it off, reported CBS5. But then girls mother told ABC15 she overheard Cobo-Perez saying that he had been with my daughter and that he was scared she might be pregnant. A friend of Cobo-Perez and the young girl, who did not want to be identified, told Fox 10 that Cobo-Perez appeared distressed after finding out the 11-year-old was pregnant. He called me last Friday crying, telling me he got his girlfriend pregnant and I didnt believe it, the girl told the news station. Cobo-Perezs next court date is on May 28. Tom Ozimek contributed to this report. A group of illegal aliens is apprehended by Border Patrol after crossing from Mexico into Yuma, Ariz., on April 12, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Judge Blocks Border Wall Funding A San Francisco judge who has given heavily to Democrats issued an order on May 24 that temporarily prevents President Donald Trump from using military funds to pay for construction of a wall on the nations porous border with Mexico. The injunction, nationwide in effect, is part of a growing trend that Attorney General William Barr calls dangerous because it allows a single judge to veto presidential actions. According to the Justice Department, an average of 1.5 such national or universal injunctions were issued each year against the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. Under President Barack Obama, the average rose to 2.5. But 37 injunctions have been issued against the Trump administration since the president was inaugurated, Barr said. The case, along with other legal challenges to the presidents efforts to secure the border, is likely to end up in the Supreme Court eventually. U.S. District Judge Haywood S. Gilliam Jr., appointed by then-President Barack Obama in December 2014, blocked the Trump administration from taking any action to construct a border barrier with reallocated U.S. Department of Defense monies in parts of Arizona and Texas known as Yuma Sector Project 1 and El Paso Sector Project 1. Gilliam wrote in his 56-page preliminary injunction that irreparable harm would ensue if the administration moved forward while the lawsuit brought by the Sierra Club awaited a full hearing on the merits. Because the Court has found that Plaintiffs are likely to show that Defendants actions exceeded their statutory authority, and that irreparable harm will result from those actions, a preliminary injunction must issue pending a resolution of the merits of the case, he wrote. Gilliam also made a claim that legal experts say is highly questionable, falsely accusing Trump of violating the separation of powers doctrine and infringing on Congresss power of the purse. The position that when Congress declines the Executives request to appropriate funds, the Executive nonetheless may simply find a way to spend those funds without Congress does not square with fundamental separation of powers principles dating back to the earliest days of our Republic, he wrote. Its true that Congress refused to give the president all the funding he requested to construct a border barrier. As Congress denied those appropriations, on Feb. 15, Trump invoked his congressionally approved powers under the National Emergencies Act of 1976, a statute that gave presidents the power to declare emergencies within limited parameters. Writing in The Hill newspaper a few months ago about Trumps use of the law, left-leaning constitutional law professor Jonathan Turley stated, Congress expressly gave presidents the authority to declare such emergencies and act unilaterally. The law had been used repeatedly by every president since Gerald Ford with little or no controversy until the current president invoked it. Lawmakers have tried and failed to overturn Trumps use of the law to secure border wall construction funding. Trump called upon the statute in mid-February as Congress gave final approval to a $333 billion omnibus spending bill. The legislation provides $1.375 billion for 55 miles of border barriers in Texas, well below the $5.7 billion Trump sought for a border wall and the $25 billion he originally said was needed. The emergency declaration moved around $6.7 billion in funding that was previously appropriated for other projects, largely for military construction. In his fiscal 2020 budgetary blueprint submitted on March 11 to Congress, the president sought an additional $8.6 billion to build the border wall. Raising doubts about his impartiality, before Gilliam became a judge, he made large donations to Democrats from 2007 to late 2014, as The Epoch Times has reported. According to federal campaign finance records, Gilliam gave $6,900 to the presidential campaign of the man who appointed him, broken down into $4,600 to Obama for America and $2,300 to the Obama Victory Fund. The Northern California judge also gave a separate $13,500 to Obama for America and Obama Victory Fund 2012, as well as $4,500 to the Democratic National Committee. During his confirmation hearings, Gilliam said judges should be impartial. I believe that the most important attribute of a judge is the commitment to faithfully and impartially apply the law in every case, without regard to the type of matter or the identity of the parties. Sierra Club attorney Gloria Smith rejoiced after winning in court. Walls divide neighborhoods, worsen dangerous flooding, destroy lands and wildlife, and waste resources that should instead be used on the infrastructure these communities truly need, she said. The Sierra Club and our members are thrilled the courts put a rightful check on Trumps abuse of emergency powers. Then-Attorney General nominee Loretta Lynch during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington on Jan. 28, 2015. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images Just How Many Other Trump Campaign Members Were Targets of FISA Court Investigations? Commentary The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and the court created to oversee its implementation are going to be in the news quite a bit in the upcoming weeks. This is because the FISA court plays a central role in the ongoing Spygate scandal, which is only the biggest political scandal in the history of the United States, dwarfing even the Nixon Watergate scandal. New evidence has surfaced that it wasnt only former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page who was the subject of FISA court hearings during the 2016 presidential campaign. At least three other persons in the Trump campaign were targets of FISA court hearings, according to a member of Congress who sits on the House Judiciary Committee. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) helpfully revealed that during her questioning of former Attorney General Loretta Lynch in a closed-door hearing of the House Judiciary Committee on Dec. 19, 2018. While questioning Lynch, Jackson Lee made the following assertion: I want to talk about the spring, summer, and autumn of 2016. Carter Page, at the time, was suspected of being a Russian asset; George Papadopoulos had told the Australian ambassador that Russians had Hillary [Clinton] emails; Paul Manafort had been named Trump campaign manager; Michael Flynn was Trumps chief national security adviser and foreign policy adviser and, just yesterday, had a continuance in his sentencing. One thing that all of these persons had in common was that each was the subject of a FISA court investigation, which we now know, and all were directly connected to Trump. As attorney general, you had the authority to oversee the FISA application process. Is that correct? Lynch replied, Yes. Department of Justice (DOJ) lawyer Bradley Weinsheimer then objected to Jackson Lees question, saying it potentially gets into possibly classified information, and also equities in an ongoing investigation. The fact that the DOJ lawyer there to observe Lynchs testimony at this closed-door hearing instantly jumped in to try to end that line of questioning by Jackson Lee is revealing. While there were never any charges filed against Page, and it appears there are no ongoing investigations of himand that Manafort and Papadopoulos are likewise not involved in any ongoing mattersits become clear in recent weeks that Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn is still cooperating in at least two ongoing cases at the DOJ, both of which clearly involve illegal foreign lobbying and lying to government investigators. Daily Caller reporter Chuck Ross wondered on Twitter whose identity it could possibly be thats still redacted in a recent Flynn case filing. Ross wrote, Wondering whose name is behind the black box in the less-redacted Michael Flynn court filing. The section of the new filing that Ross screenshot for his tweet states: The defendant [Flynn] has provided substantial assistance in a criminal investigation of Bijan Rafiekian, Ekim Alptekin [name redacted] being conducted by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) and the DOJ National Security Division (NSD) for violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), acting as agents of a foreign government without notifying the Attorney General (18 U.S.C. Section 951) and making materially false statements to the federal government (18 U.S.C. Section 1001). Wondering whose name is behind the black box in the less-redacted Michael Flynn court filing. pic.twitter.com/02jc5IN0LQ Chuck Ross (@ChuckRossDC) May 17, 2019 One of the reasons Weinsheimer was so quick to try to end that line of questioning was to protect ongoing cases still being investigated that involve Flynn. There is another reason, however, that Weinsheimer wanted to get Jackson Lee off this subject as quickly as possible: Since the news about the FISA warrant on Page broke in April 2017, there has been furious speculation about whether there were other FISA warrants issued by the court on any other persons associated with the 2016 Trump campaign. For almost two years, theres been no official acknowledgment that there were any other FISA warrants issued targeting Trump campaign personnel. All of the real reporters and researchers digging into Spygate have seen some evidence that there was a whole lot more than just one single FISA warrant on Page, but much of that evidence was indirect and circumstantial. No DOJ or FBI or intelligence official would publicly state anything that would verify the existence of any such warrants. Papadopoulos has been claiming for months that he was the subject of a FISA warrant, both on his personal Twitter account and in numerous media interviews. As with Page, Papadopoulos would have no direct knowledge of this, as the government doesnt inform people it is spying on that they are, you know, spying on them. But the former Trump campaign adviser says he has seen plenty of evidence that he was put under U.S. intelligence agency surveillance during the election campaign. While news of the Page FISA warrant became public in April 2017, and was renewed for the last time by then-Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein two months later in June, any public admission of there being FISA warrants for other Trump campaign-related persons has been never been made by any law enforcement or intelligence official. Ever. Then, this transcript was released on May 20, and it includes Jackson Lee stating as a fact that she knows four people in the Trump campaign were subjects of FISA court investigations: Carter Page Paul Manafort George Papadopoulos Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn This admission coupled with the fact that President Donald Trump just gave Attorney General William Barr the authority to declassify FISA-related documents as a part of his investigation into surveillance of the 2016 Trump presidential campaign, I believe any existing FISA court warrants besides the Page warrant that the Spygate plotters have managed to keep submerged from public view are going to soon be exposed. During his testimony to Congress on April 9, Barr stated that DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitzs long-anticipated report on his investigation into the FISA court activities involving the Trump campaign should be ready for public release in May or June. Its now nearing the end of May, which means the release of Horowitzs report is closer than ever. The only question is, which comes first: the declassification by Barr of the first batch of FISA surveillance documents, or the Horowitz report? Brian Cates is a writer based in South Texas and author of Nobody Asked For My Opinion But Here It Is Anyway! He can be reached on Twitter at @drawandstrike. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Lindsey Graham: Obama Officials Worried That Declassification Would Expose Potential Misbehavior Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said in a recent interview that he believes officials from the Obama administration are opposing the declassification of documents relating to the origin of the Russia probe because they are afraid of being exposed for taking the law in their own hands. During an appearance on Fox News Sunday with host Chris Wallace on May 26, Graham expressed his support for President Donald Trumps decision to declassify the documents that related to the conduct of intelligence agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI in 2016. Im insisting that we get to the bottom of this. I want all the documents around the FISA warrant application released. I want to find out exactly how the counterintelligence operation began. I think transparency is good for the American people, Graham, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told Wallace. He added that he doesnt think any Democrats care about whether the FBI and DOJ had misled the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) court when obtaining warrants to surveil Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. I wish some Democrat would come forward to find out if the FISA court was defrauded by the FBI and the Department of Justice, Graham said. Trumps announced that he authorized Attorney General William Barr to declassify information or intelligence related to surveillance activities surrounding the campaigns in the 2016 Presidential election on May 23. He also called for the heads of several agencies including the FBI, CIA, and State Department to fully cooperate with Barr in his probe into the origins of the Russia investigation. This action has attracted opposition from former CIA director John Brennan and other members of the intelligence community. In an interview with MSNBC, Brennan criticized Trumps decision, claiming that this would expose sources and methods of the intelligence community in the United States, as well as partners abroad. The concern is that very, very precious source and methods of the United States intelligence community as well as our partners and allies abroadthose who share this sensitive information with us, Brennan said. Graham, without identifying names, said that the people are opposing because they are worried about being exposed for taking the law in their own hands. It doesnt surprise me that the people we are looking at, they dont want transparency, the senator said. Were not compromising national security here. Were trying to create a system to make sure this never happens again by shedding light on what happened with the FISA warrant process, the counterintelligence investigation. Did they have a lawful reason to surveil President Trumps campaign? Did they lie to the FISA court? Every American should want to find that out, Graham added. Also in the interview, Wallace asks Graham two questions that Brennan raised as concerns in his remarks during the MSNBC interview. Here are the two questions that [critics] raised: one, can Barr be trusted with these secrets? And two, can he be trusted not to cherry-pick the information to make a case for the president? Wallace asked. Well, I think he can be trusted. Im going to look at this. You know, nobody doubted my trust or my ability to be fair when I supported Mueller, Graham responded. Barr is currently looking at the origins of the Russia investigation and surveillance activities against the Trump campaign and associates during the 2016 presidential election. Trump said his decision to declassify the information to help ensure that all Americans learn the truth about the events that occurred, and the actions that were taken, during the last Presidential election and will restore confidence in our public institutions. Graham has been a vocal supporter for an investigation into the origins of the Russia probe. In another interview with Fox, he said through an investigation, youre gonna find out the mentality of the people investigating the president. Youre gonna find out exactly what they did, youre gonna find out [George] Papadopoulos was not working with the Russians. They knew early on he had no contacts with the Russians. Michael Joice, 30, died on the SH-99 Grand Parkway in the Houston neighborhood of Richmond on May 25, 2019. (Google Maps Street View/Screenshot) Man Runs Out of Gas on Texas Parkway and Dies Moments Later Family and friends are mourning the tragic loss of a young Texan man who died shortly after running out of fuel on May 25. Harris County Sheriffs Office (HCSO) confirmed that a Ford F-150 pickup truck ran over the victim about 3 a.m. local time at the SH-99 Grand Parkway and Telge Road in the Houston neighborhood of Richmond. Tragic situation, may he rest in peace, HCSO Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said on Twitter. The deceased male has been identified as Michael Joice, 30-year-old white male. Update to Fatal Crash at 15900 SH 99 (Grand Parkway): the deceased male has been identified as Michael Joice, 30-year-old white male. Tragic situation, may he Rest In Peace. #HouNews Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) May 25, 2019 The victim had been trying to ask the other driver to stop and help because the vehicle that both he and his wife was traveling in had just run out of gas. [The] husband and wife ran out of gas. [The] husband attempted to flag down a car for help, at which time he was struck by a truck, Gonzalez said on Facebook. The male was confirmed deceased at the scene. The victims wife was not injured. The F-150 driver was transported to hospital with just minor injuries. The sheriff revealed at least one more vehicle struck Joice before deputies arrived at the scene. The male was also struck by a secondary vehicle. The driver of the initial striking pickup remained at scene, second driver did not, Gonzalez said. Joice does not appear to have consumed alcohol before the accident happened. At this point, alcohol does not appear to be a factor regarding the driver of first striking pickup, the sheriff said. Fatal crash: deputies responded to 15899 SH 99 @ Telge. Initial info: husband & wife ran out of gas. Husband attempted to flag down a car for help, at which time he was struck by a truck. The male was confirmed deceased at the scene. The victims wife was not injured. #HouNews pic.twitter.com/5kNCwugvTS Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) May 25, 2019 The eastbound lanes were closed throughout the crash investigation. Deputies investigating the incident told ABC13 Eyewitness News the location was poorly lit and agree that alcohol was unlikely to be a factor in the tragedy. A HCSO deputy has previously helped stranded motorists who were in similar predicaments. One of our Harris County Sheriffs Office deputies assisted a stranded motorist in need, Gonzalez said on Facebook. Hats off to him for going above and beyond in his duties. Thank you your commitment is appreciated. A citizen shared this photo with me. One of our @HCSOTexas deputies assisted a stranded motorist in need. Hats off to him for going above and beyond in his duties.Thank youyour commitment is appreciated. #SaturdayMotivation #lesm pic.twitter.com/Obo2HSnXvb Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) May 25, 2019 The honor guard presents Don McHenry, Pvt. William A. Boegli's eldest nephew, with a folded flag at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bozeman, Mont., on May 25, 2019. (Rachel Leathe/Bozeman Daily Chronicle via AP) Memorial Service, Burial in Bozeman for World War II Soldier BOZEMAN, Mont.A World War II soldier from Montana who died on an island in the Pacific Ocean 75 years ago has been buried in his home state after his remains were identified last year. A memorial and funeral with full military honors were held on May 25 in Bozeman for Army Pvt. William A. Boegli, who was raised in Sedan, Montana. Boegli, a member of the 81st Infantry Division, was killed while leading a group of litter bearers to evacuate wounded soldiers during the invasion of Angaur Island in 1944, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. He was 25 when he died. The Bozeman Chronicle reports Boegli was initially buried without identification on the island, and later moved to a cemetery at Fort McKinley in the Philippines. His remains were sent to Hawaii last year and identified using DNA comparisons with relatives. Boeglis name has been permanently inscribed on the Walls of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery in Taguig, Philippines. During Saturdays funeral, Boegli was awarded medals including a Purple Heart, Silver Star, and WWII Victory Medal. Pvt. William A. Boeglis oldest nephew, Don McHenry, pays his respects to Boegli during a funeral service at Dokken-Nelson Funeral in Bozeman, Mont., on May 25, 2019. (Rachel Leathe/Bozeman Daily Chronicle via AP) Boeglis nephew, Don McHenry, was one of the relatives to take a DNA test and said the results were emotional and surprising. To find somebody that you didnt know anything about for 70 years, it was really interesting to find, he said. A veteran pays his respects to Army Pvt. William A. Boegli during a funeral service in Bozeman, Mont., on May 25, 2019. (Rachel Leathe/Bozeman Daily Chronicle via AP) Chaplain Daniel Thompson closed the funeral by acknowledging Boeglis sacrifice. Thank God for those that are willing, when needed, to make the sacrifice, he said. William was part of a long line of servicemen to put on the uniform and give up his life. Flags of the European Union fly outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on May 11, 2016. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) Nationalists Surge in EU Parliament, but Pro-EU Parties Remain BRUSSELSEurosceptic and nationalist parties have won control of a quarter of the seats in European elections for the first time on May 27. Nationalists in Italy, Britain, France, and Poland came out on top in their national votes on Sunday, shaking up politics at home. However, the wins may not dramatically alter the balance of pro-European power in the EU assembly, with liberal and green parties also experiencing a surge of support. Facing a more hostile Russia and Chinas growing economic might, many Europeans appeared to heed a message that the EU needed to stick together to protect workers rights, free speech, and democracy. We are going to build a social Europe, a Europe that protects, Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, whose revival among Spanish voters offset a fall in center-left support in Germany, told a news conference late on Sunday night. However, the drop in support for the main center-right and center-left blocs could complicate policymaking and require broader cross-party agreements and discipline, market analysts said. Provisional results published on Monday showed the Greens, liberals, Socialists, and conservatives with 507 of the 751 seats in the EU Parliament, which helps pass laws for more than 500 million Europeans. The search for a majority, as well as securing the top EU jobs, will now dominate as pro-EU groups seek to shield the EU from anti-establishment forces, who want to break up the worlds largest trading bloc but who are split over its future. Support for the Greens surged, giving four groups the pro-EU middle ground and holding on to two-thirds of seats. Brexit Protest A stronger voice for the liberals and Greens could see the next EU executive seek a tougher line on regulating polluting industries, taxing multinational companies, or demanding trading partners help limit pollution. They could also press EU member states, notably in the east, not to damage civil rights. Cries of Europe is back among voters waving blue and gold EU flags outside European Parliament in Brussels on Sunday night also showed the ebullient mood among Europeans delighted with a sharply higher turnout across the bloc. Turnout in the worlds second-biggest election rose to 51 percent from 43 percent in 2014, its highest in 20 years and the first reverse of falling participation since the first direct EU vote in 1979. Disenchantment with the European project, which has struggled through economic and migration crises over the past five years, has made the bloc seem distant to voters and anger with the traditional parties was palpable across the bloc. Riding a wave of anger at the British governments failure to take the United Kingdom out of the European Union, Nigel Farages Brexit Party won a resounding victory. The result showed Britain even more polarized over its Brexit divorce, nearly three years since a 2016 referendum in which it voted 52 percent to 48 percent to leave. While Britains departure from the bloc will require its EU lawmakers to give up their seats, Farages party and its allies won 29 seats, the same number as Chancellor Angela Merkels center-right European Peoples Party in Germany. In Italy, the right-wing League became Italys largest party, giving greater authority to its leader Matteo Salvini who is pushing for swinging tax cuts in defiance of EU budget rules. Polands eurosceptic ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) also came out ahead. In France, Marine Le Pens anti-immigration, anti-Brussels National Rally edged Macrons pro-European centrist movement. Right-wing separatists also saw support surge in Belgium. Fight For EU Posts Provisional results for the EU Parliament put the EPP on 182 seats, ahead of the S&D on 147, with the liberals on 109, up 41 seats, and Greens on 69, up 17. On the right, two groups in the parliament had well over 100 seats, a 40 percent jump from 2014. Three existing eurosceptic groups, including those of Le Pen and Salvinis League, will make up about 25 percent of the chamber, up from around 20 percent in the current parliament. With four, rather than two, centrist alliances in the assembly, it is less clear who will be the next head of the Commission, Guntram Wolff, the director of think-tank Bruegel, told Reuters. First the parliament needs a coalition agreement on substance and personalities, he said. Leaders for the four pro-EU center parties were set to hold their first talks on Monday and there will be weeks and possibly months of hard bargaining over who will run EU institutions. Parliament says one of its members should succeed Jean-Claude Juncker as president of the executive European Commission but many national leaders, who will meet for dinner in Brussels on Tuesday, have said they will not be bound by that demand. By Robin Emmott and Gabriela Baczynska Vice President Mike Pence, from left, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael Howard and Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in observance of Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2019. (Patrick Semansky/AP Photo) Pence Honors Fallen Service Members at Arlington Cemetery ARLINGTON, Va.Vice President Mike Pence paid tribute to fallen members of the U.S. armed forces on May 27, thanking their loved ones in a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and acknowledging that for them every day is Memorial Day. Pence placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to remember dead service members whose remains havent been identified and observed a moment of silence. He told Gold Star families he was honored by their presence. Dignitaries attending Mondays ceremony included Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. and acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan. President and First Lady Visit Arlington Cemetery President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited the Arlington, Virginia, cemetery last week and placed flags at several gravesites, a decades-old tradition known as flags in. Trump, in Japan, was expected to address troops aboard a battleship before returning to the United States. The president and first lady made an unannounced visit to Arlington Cemetery on Thursday, May 23 to pay their respects to fallen soldiers. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are greeted by Karen Durham-Aguilera (right center), executive Dikirim oleh Arlington National Cemetery pada Kamis, 23 Mei 2019 Donald Trump wished to visit the soldiers graves ahead of his trip to Japan, where he will attend an event to meet U.S. troops at Yokosuka Naval Base to mark Memorial Day, which is observed on Monday, May 27, according to The Hill. The presidential motorcade arrived outside Arlington Cemetery at 2:20 p.m. During their 20-minute visit to the cemetery, the first couple laid flags in section 34, where the headstone of Fred Buckles, the last living veteran of World War I, is located, according to the White House press pool. Honored to be at @ArlingtonNatl today & take part in #FlagsIn to remember our fallen heroes, The first lady wrote on Twitter. God Bless our military, their families & God Bless our great Nation! @USArmyOldGuard. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump speak with U.S. Army Col. James Tuite IV, commander, 3d U.S. Dikirim oleh Arlington National Cemetery pada Kamis, 23 Mei 2019 On Memorial Day each year, a flag is placed by every tombstone in memory of the more than 400,000 men and women who fought for freedom for America. In 2018 on Memorial Day, Trump spoke of the fallen soldiers love for their country as being more deep and more pure than most will ever know. They marched into hell so that America could know the blessings of peace. They died so that freedom could live, he said. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump place flags at headstones with U.S. Army Col. James Tuite IV, Dikirim oleh Arlington National Cemetery pada Kamis, 23 Mei 2019 On April 11, Trump hosted four World War II veterans at the White House. He said the veterans were great heroes, great warriors, highly respected, from a time when we knew how to win wars. In June 2018, the president had made a promise to 95-year-old Allen Jones. Im going to be 95 years of age on April 11 of next year, retired sergeant Jones told the president while appearing with him at a Kansas City VFW event. Hopefully, you will allow me to bring my family into the Oval Office to meet you, to which the president replied with an enthusiastic Yes! Jones celebrated his 95th birthday at the White House, where he was there with three other World War II veterans, including centenarians Floyd Wigfield, Sidney Walton, and Paul Kriner at the Oval Office. Beautiful afternoon in the Oval Office today with a few great American HEROES! Trump tweeted on April 12. During his 2019 State of the Union address, Trump honored three veterans who fought for their country in World War II. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, 15,000 young American men jumped from the sky, and 60,000 more stormed in from the sea, to save our civilization from tyranny, said Trump Here with us tonight are three of those heroes: Private First Class Joseph Reilly, Staff Sergeant Irving Locker, and Sergeant Herman Zeitchik. Gentlemen, we salute you, said the president. Sergeant Herman Zeitchik, World War II and D-Day veteran. pic.twitter.com/ReInfoqY8S The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 6, 2019 Trump also spoke of the soldiers who took part in D-Day: They did not know if they would survive the hour. They did not know if they would grow old. But they knew that America had to prevail. Their cause was this nation, and generations yet unborn. Why did they do it? They did it for Americathey did it for us, Trump added. Everything that has come sinceour triumph over communism, our giant leaps of science and discovery, our unrivaled progress toward equality and justiceall of it is possible thanks to the blood and tears and courage and vision of the Americans who came before. Memorial Day is traditionally observed on the last Monday of May and commemorates all those who died while serving in the United States armed forces. Honored to be at @ArlingtonNatl today & take part in #FlagsIn to remember our fallen heroes. God Bless our military, their families & God Bless our great Nation! @USArmyOldGuard pic.twitter.com/lJ3lu2KfJG Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) May 23, 2019 Epoch Times reporter Chris Ford contributed to this report Watch the video: Government officials and media tour an area affected by a quake in Puerto Santa Gema, on the outskirts of Yurimaguas, in the Amazon region, Peru, on May 26, 2019. (Guadalupe Pardo/Reuters) Peru Earthquake Leaves One Dead and Several Injured LIMAPeruvian authorities were scrambling to assess the damage after an earthquake with a magnitude as high as 8.0 rocked the Peruvian Amazon region in the early hours of Sunday morning, leaving at least one person dead. Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra left Lima early this morning to survey the damage following the strong quake that struck the Loreto region of northern Peru. An 8.0 Earthquake in Peru Early This Morning, Collapsing Buildings & Knocking Out Power to Most Areas & Reports of Injuries. No Tsunami Threat.#Peru#Earthquake#RingofFire pic.twitter.com/METFysbuz5 ~Marietta (@MariettaDaviz) May 26, 2019 This is a quake of great magnitude, the biggest in 12 years, since 2007, Vizcarra told reporters, Its a quake that was felt throughout the Peruvian jungle. At least one person in the Cajamarca region was killed after a boulder struck his home, emergency officials said. Perus National Emergency Center (COEN) said there were at least 11 people injured and more than 50 homes destroyed. Several schools, churches, hospitals and clinics also reported damages. The quake, rated as one of intermediate depth at around 70 miles according to U.S. Geological Survey, was felt around the country, and as far off as Colombia and Ecuador. Earthquakes that are close to the surface generally cause more destruction. Intermediate depth quakes typically cause less surface damage than shallower tremors. Peru sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire where the majority of the worlds seismic activity occurs. On August 15, 2007, a similarly sized quake struck near Lima, killing more than 500 people. The earthquake was around 45 miles SSE of Lagunas and 111 km east of the town of Moyobamba, the USGS said. Ricardo Seijas, chief of the National Emergency Operations Center, said one person died when a rock fell on a house in the Huarango district. There were local reports of electric power cuts in the cities of Iquitos and Tarapoto, Amazonian towns in the Loreto region of the country. Pictures and videos online also showed some cracked and damaged walls, homes shaking and a collapsed bridge. BREAKING NEWS- DAMAGE REPORTS COMING IN SAYING THERE ARE COLLAPSED BUILDINGS ACROSS PERU. INJURIES ARE BEING REPORTED ALONG WITH 1 CONFIRMED DEATH. THE VIDEO BELOW SHOWING THE DESTRUCTION TO ONE BUILDING. #PERU #EARTHQUAKE pic.twitter.com/WuX1fR4OtY Disclosure Tv (@DisclosureTv_) May 26, 2019 In neighboring Ecuador, the quake was strongest near Yantzaza, in that countrys remote and sparsely populated Amazon region, causing momentary power outages. Ecuadorian officials reported at least seven people injured, as well as mudslides and minor damage to homes. The countrys oil and mining infrastructure was operating normally, Ecuadorian Vice President Otto Sonnenholzner said on Twitter. By Marco Aquino, Adam Jourdan, and Dave Sherwood. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Jennifer Michelle Lorber, 30, has been missing since May 23, 2019, after arriving in Los Angeles from Colorado. (Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department) Police Looking for 30-Year-Old Woman Who Went Missing in Los Angeles Police are looking for a 30-year-old woman who went missing after arriving in California from Colorado, according to a statement. Jennifer Michelle Lorber was last contacted at 11 p.m. on May 23. She had flown from Colorado to Los Angeles and was staying at a motel on the 22000 block of Pacific Coast Highway in the City of Malibu, the statement says. Authorities said she was driving a rental vehicle, a 2018 White Toyota Rav4, which was found near the highway around 1 a.m., reported ABC News. Authorities are searching for a missing Colorado woman who vanished during a visit to California. https://t.co/Qi90fp2q57 ABC News (@ABC) May 27, 2019 According to the news outlet, witnesses had seen her at the motel near where the rental car was found. Police say her family is concerned for her wellbeing and that she suffered from depression. She has been described as a white female who is 5 feet, 1 inch tall, about 100 pounds, and with long brown hair and brown eyes. Missing Person Reports Drop to Lowest in Decades According to FBI data, reports of missing persons, especially missing children reports, have decreased in 2018the lowest shown in available records going as far back as 1990, as previously reported by The Epoch Times. Nearly 613,000 Americans were reported missing in 2018, more than 424,000 of them were under the age of 18, an almost 6 and 9 percent fall respectively from 2017. The data also shows an obvious steep fall between 1997 to 2013, where more than 980,000 missing reports in 1997 fell to less than 628,000 in 2013, before picking up again and once again falling in 2018. There has not been a clear explanation for the latest fall in reports. The reports of #Missing persons, and #MissingKids in particular, decreased in 2018a drop of almost 6% and 9% respectivelyreaching levels unseen since as far back as the available @FBI data goes. Its not clear what exactly is behind the latest decrease. https://t.co/dIVHqzuTPT The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) May 23, 2019 Robert Lowery, vice president for the missing children division at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, surmised that the downward trend may have to do with technology. Most of the missing children are runaways between 13 and 17, Lowery told The Epoch Times in a previous interview. A lot of these children now have, frankly, cellphones or smartphones. Theyre also using social media. The point being that parents are able to find their children themselves much quicker than they had been, before they have to engage law enforcement, Lowery said. He added that the improvement of law enforcement investigative techniques to locate missing children could have contributed to the drop. But that doesnt quite explain the sudden drop in 2018. Smartphones and social media have been popular among youth for more than a decade and there seems to be no indication that law enforcement techniques made a sudden advance in 2018. It may have been an anomaly, Lowery said. Were going to continue to watch the trend. Anyone with information about Jennifer Michelle Lorber is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Departments Missing Persons Unit, Sergeant Mike Rodriguez, Detective Abraham or Detective Pereida at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call Crime Stoppers by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the P3 Tips Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org Petr Svab contributed to this report. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen waves while registering as the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) 2020 presidential candidate at the party's headquarter in Taipei on March 21, 2019. (Sam Yeh/AFP/Getty Images) Taiwan Strengthens US Ties With De Facto Embassys Name Change TAIPEI, TaiwanRelations between Washington and Taipei have elevated to a level not seen in decades, reflected in a name change of the Taiwan governments de facto organization for handling Taiwan-U.S. relations. Taiwans Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the name change on its official Twitter account on May 25, saying that the embassy will now be called the Taiwan Council for US Affairs (TCUSA); it had been known as the Coordination Council for North American Affairs (CCNAA). This marks the first time the terms Taiwan and the United States appear in equal footing on the name of an organization together, Taiwans president Tsai Ing-wen said in an announcement. This manifests the close relationship enjoyed by the U.S. and Taiwan and the level of trust between the two. The United States currently has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan; Washington changed its diplomatic recognition in favor of Beijing in January 1979. China considers itself the only legitimate republic, claiming Taiwan as a renegade province, despite the latter being a de facto independent country with democratically elected officials and a separate constitution, military, and currency. Because Beijing has never renounced its desire to take over Taiwan, including through the use of military force, the Pentagon has continually sold arms to the island for self-defense. The Pentagon announced earlier this year that it has sold Taiwan more than $15 billion in weaponry since 2010. Since then, the United States has maintained a non-diplomatic relationship with Taipei based on the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), which was signed into law by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in April 1979. New Name The building that was the U.S. embassy in Taiwan was abandoned following the U.S.s switch in diplomatic recognition to Beijing. Then, under the TRA, Washington established the American Institute of Taiwan (AIT), responsible for implementing U.S. policy toward Taiwan. Meanwhile, Taiwan established the CCNAA as AITs counterpart in March 1979. CCNAA is located in Taipei City, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its main U.S. office is located in Washington, with 12 satellite offices located throughout the United States and its territories, including New York, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Hawaii, and Guam. Taiwan President Tsai confirmed the name change in a post on her official Facebook page, several hours after the foreign affairs ministrys Twitter announcement. In her post, Tsai explained that Taiwan had previously used the term North America instead of U.S. in naming AITs counterpart, due to the difficult diplomatic circumstances at the timehinting at pressure from Beijing regarding Taiwans relationship with the United States. She explained that the name change was the result of a great deal of discussion and effort by Taiwan and the United States, with the final announcement coinciding with the 40th anniversary of TRA. By agreeing to the name change, the current U.S. administration wants to further improve ties with Taiwan, Chen Chien-jen, Taiwans former foreign affairs minister, said in an interview with Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily. That also signals that Tsai wants to see better bilateral ties with Washington. Chen added that the name change is politically significant, given that the Taiwan-U.S. relationship has never been just about the two sidesit also involves Beijing. The name change is part of a series of measures by Washington in response to a rising China, Chen said, in addition to the ongoing Sino-U.S. trade war and the maritime dispute over the South China Sea. Warming Ties On the same day that the name change was announced, Taiwans Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said that its national security chief, David Lee, met with White House national security adviser John Bolton, during Lees recent trip to the United States from May 13 to 21. According to Taiwans media Central News Agency (CNA), the meeting was the first of its kind since 1979. During the trip, Lee reiterated Taiwans support and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Taiwans strategic location is key to the U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific. From a military standpoint, for example, Taiwans navy and air force act as a counterbalance to the Chinese militarys ambitious goals in the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. government under President Donald Trump has recently bolstered ties with Taiwan, including with the passage of the Taiwan Travel Act, which encourages high-level official exchanges between Taipei and Washington. Lee also met with unidentified scholars who specialize in Asia-related topics from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Brookings Institution, and Georgetown University, all of which are based in Washington, according to CNA. Accompanied by U.S. officials, Lee also met with unidentified officials from countries that are Taiwans diplomatic allies. Though the foreign affairs ministry didnt name these allies, CNA said that it was likely that they were from Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, given that officials from those countries were visiting the United States at that time. On May 15, the Wall Street Journal reported that the presidents of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, would meet with Trump at the White House on May 21. The White House released a joint statement with the three nations presidents on May 21, where they reaffirmed their joint interests in a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Wang Ting-yu, a legislator of Taiwans Democratic Progressive Party, said in a Facebook post on May 25 that he applauded the Tsai administration for the major diplomatic breakthroughs: the CCNAA name change, Lees meeting with Bolton, and the meeting with diplomatic allies accompanied by U.S. officialsall are firsts of their kind since 1979. 10 Deaths on Everest This Season Raise Safety Concerns KATHMANDU, NepalAs hundreds of climbers traversed up and down the icy slopes near the summit of Everest in late May, eight mountaineers lost their lives. With two climbers losing their lives in mid-May, the death toll reached 10, marking this years season one of the deadliest in the history of expedition on the worlds highest peak. One British, one American, one Austrian, two Irish, and four Indian climbers, as well as one Nepalese guide, were among the dead in this years spring climbing season on Everest. Ten others died on five 8,000-meter peaks in Nepal this season. In 2018, five people died on Mount Everest. Nepal has issued a record number of permits381to foreign climbers this year. An equal number of mountain guides help climbers reach the top of the 8,848-meter peak. While a longer weather window spread over two weeks would have allowed mountaineers to plan their summit bids to avoid congestion at the so-called death zone above 8000 meters, poor weather conditions this season forced everyone to try their luck during one week, officials said. As a result, long lines of climbers formed at dangerous levels, where oxygen levels are only about 30 percent of what they are at sea level. Mountaineering experts said some of the deaths may have been due to the number of mountaineers trying to climb Mount Everest. This [the deaths] was very unfortunate. There are a number of reasons for that, said Temba Tsheri Sherpa, a former Everest climber who now runs a small expedition company in Kathmandu. Theres a cutthroat competition among local [expedition] companies. They offer half the price when compared with foreign companies. This has resulted in a big number of inexperienced climbers and guides on the mountain, he said. Each foreign climber pays $11,000 for a permit to climb Everest, which is an important source of revenue for the impoverished country. Due to the difficult weather conditions, climbers attempt to scale the peak in the last two weeks of May, when weather windows occur two to three times. Sherpa said Chinese and Indian climbers with little or no experience on mountaineering had flocked to Everest. They rely on inexperienced Sherpa [climbing] guides because they cannot afford a Sherpa with three to four Everest summits under his belt, he told The Epoch Times. But Murari Sharma, managing director of Everest Pariwar Trek, a company that supports expeditions of British company Summit Climb whose client died on Everest on May 25, downplayed the safety concerns associated with overcrowding. Everest expedition depends on weather. This year, there was only a brief weather window, he said. A photograph taken on May 22 of a long line of climbers above 8,800 meters went viral online, highlighting the human traffic jam near the mountaintop. On May 26, Nepals Department of Tourism issued a press statement in response to the widespread criticism over the incident. Mountaineering is an adventurous, complex, and sensitive job. So, a few unfortunate accidents happen during the expedition, the statement read. Alan Arnette, a respected mountaineering blogger and climber, said a huge crowd near the top caused delay, which slowed the climbers pace, made them exhausted, and forced them to use more of their precious bottled oxygen. Its clearly true that crowds slow the pace of a climber and thus increase fatigue and the use of oxygen. Some of these climbers who died spent 10 or 12 hours to get to the summit and 4 to 6 hours to get back down near the South Col [at 7,906 meters], he wrote on his blog on May 26. Sherpa said the government should introduce a rule limiting the number of climbers on Everest. It must determine the number for every season, based on weather conditions and applications. If the same number of climbers is allowed on Everest again, fatalities will surely increase next year, he said. The Chinese Regime Stands No Chance in US Trade War News Analysis The real trade war between the United States and the Chinese regime is just starting. Right now, the playing field is merely being laid out in a way that allows companies to compete on fairer grounds, with honest businesses able to win through rule of law. The United States has begun to fight back against the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) decades-old trade war of currency manipulation, intellectual property theft, and policies that made it nearly impossible for foreign companies to compete with Chinese companies. In 2018, the U.S. trade deficit with China was $419 billion, and until recently, it didnt appear this would change. For the Chinese regime, trade policy is war. Trade has been regarded even publicly as a method to occupy and overtake the United States through nonmilitary means. According to the CCPs Unrestricted Warfare doctrine, which uses financial warfare, trade warfare, and other nonmilitary systems to achieve dominance, There is now no domain which warfare cannot use, and there is almost no domain which does not have warfares offensive pattern. Previously, U.S. companies were frequently under attack from Chinese military hackers, who stole U.S. intellectual property for the benefit of Chinese companies. The CCP used tools such as currency manipulation to make more profits from trade, at the expense of foreign countries. State subsidies made it impossible for foreign companies to compete with Chinese companies on pricing, since the Chinese companies could bid below cost. Various other unfair systems also were at play. The CCP was allowed to continue all of these practices, relatively uninhibited, by previous U.S. administrations and by governments around the world. But all of this is now changing under President Donald Trump, who has called out the CCPs use of unfair trade practices and now has engaged the CCP in a trade war meant to even the playing field. After the current stage wraps up, the trade war will become an industrial warand without foul play, its a battle the CCP cant win. The reality is that the CCP doesnt have many options for lasting sanctions against U.S. goods. The foreign big businesses still allowed in China are mainly the ones the CCP still needs, as the CCP otherwise is quick to penalize or kick them out once a domestic company is able to meet or exceed their foreign competitors production. The regime then moves the competition into the international field, where it uses state subsidies and other unfair practices to allow the Chinese companies to undercut competition. Were now seeing this with the CCPs state-owned rail company CRRC. When CRRC was bidding for a recent rail contract in Boston, the lowest bid from a normal competitor was from Bombardier, at close to $1 billion. CRRC was able to bid at $569 millioncutting the next lowest bid by about half. It was able to do this because it is financed by the CCP and thus can bid at a loss. We witnessed the trajectory of deals like this in Australia, where CRRC now controls the market after it put the next two competitors out of business and acquired the third. This highlights another important point: The CCP has long been engaged in a trade war against not just the United States, but most of the world. In this global trade war, it has exploited every gap, violated every agreement possible, and capitalized on large-scale forms of state-run theft. Now that all of these practices are being targeted, the CCP has little room to maneuver. Since it was already exploiting every option, it has no more options to exploit and is set to lose on every front. The United States, on the other hand, which was losing on every front by allowing the CCP to act with nearly no consequences for decades, is set only to gain. Authorities respond after a deadly storm moved though the area in El Reno, Okla., on May 26, 2019. (Tim Talley/AP Photo) Tornadoes Rake 2 Oklahoma Cities, Killing 2 and Injuring 29 EL RENO, Okla.A tornado leveled a motel and tore through a mobile home park near Oklahoma City overnight, killing two people and injuring at least 29 others before a second twister raked a suburb of Tulsa more than 100 miles away, authorities said Sunday. The first tornado touched down in El Reno, about 25 miles west of Oklahoma City, late Saturday night. It crossed an interstate and walloped the American Budget Value Inn before ripping through the Skyview Estates trailer park, flipping and leveling homes, Mayor Matt White said at a news conference. Its a tragic scene out there, White said, adding later that, People have absolutely lost everything. He said the city established a GoFundMe site, the City of El Reno Tornado Relief Fund, for affected families. Several other businesses were also damaged, though not to the same extent as the motel. The two people who were killed were in the mobile home park, White said. He did not provide additional details about them. The 29 people who were injured were taken to hospitals, where some were undergoing surgery. Some of the injuries were deemed critical, he said. The National Weather Service gave the tornado an EF3 rating, meaning it had wind speeds of 136-165 mph. Personnel who investigated the damage said the tornado began around 10:28 p.m. Saturday and lasted for four minutes. The tornado was about 75 yards wide at its widest point and was on the ground for 2.2 miles. The tornado was spawned by a powerful storm system that rolled through the statethe latest in a week of violent storms to hit the flood-weary Plains and Midwest that have been blamed for at least 11 deaths, including the two killed in El Reno. Early Sunday, another tornado destroyed several buildings and downed trees and power lines in the Tulsa suburb of Sapulpa, which is 110 miles northeast of El Reno. Pete Snyder, a hydrometeorological technician with the weather service in Tulsa, said crews were assessing damage to determine the tornados rating. The area also experienced damage from strong straight-line winds, he said. The Sapulpa Police Department said on its Facebook page that it hadnt heard of any deaths and that only a few minor injuries had been reported. Residents wandered around after sunrise to survey the damage, carefully avoiding fallen utility poles that blocked some streets. Among the buildings that were destroyed was a historic railroad building built in the early 1900s that the Farmers Feed Store had been using for storage. A furniture stores warehouse was also destroyed. In El Reno, emergency crews sifted through the rubble at the trailer park and motel, where the second story collapsed into a pile of debris strewn about the first floor and parking lot. Tweety Garrison, 63, told The Associated Press that she was in her mobile home with her husband, two young grandchildren, and a family friend when she heard the storm coming and immediately hit the ground. Moments later, she heard her neighbors mobile home slam into hers before it flipped over and landed on her roof. Garrison said the incident lasted five to 10 minutes and that she received a tornado warning on her phone but the sirens didnt go off until after the twister hit. Her 32-year-old son, Elton Garrison, said he heard the wailing tornado sirens and had just laid down at home about a half-mile away when his phone rang. He recognized his mothers number, but there was no voice on the other end when he answered. I thought, Thats weird, he said. Then his mother called back, and delivered a chilling message: Were trapped. He said when he arrived at his parents home, he found it blocked by debris and sitting with another trailer on top of it. He began clearing a path to the home so that he could eventually lift a portion of an outside wall just enough so that all five occupants could slip beneath it and escape. My parents were in there and two of my kids, one 9 and the other 12. My main emotion was fear, said Elton Garrison, who has lived in El Reno for about 26 years. I couldnt get them out of there quick enough. He said he wasnt alarmed by the warning sirens when he first heard them at home. We hear them all the time here, so it didnt seem like a big deal. I heard a lot of rain with the wind. But when it kind of got calm all of a sudden, thats when it didnt feel right. He said his parents had only recently recovered after losing their previous home to a fire a few years ago. Now this, he said, before expressing gratitude that everyone inside his parents home had emerged without serious injury. In the next breath, he added: Items can be replaced. Lives cant. The storm is the latest to hit the flood-weary central U.S. and dumped yet more rain in the regions already bloated waterways. In Tulsa, authorities advised residents of some neighborhoods on Sunday to consider leaving for the higher ground because the Arkansas River is stressing the citys old levee system. Downriver and about 100 miles southeast of Tulsa in Arkansas second-largest city, Fort Smith, residents were preparing for what meteorologists are predicting will be the worst flooding in recorded history. By Tim Talley And Sue Ogrocki President Donald Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un walk from their lunch at the Capella resort on Sentosa Island in Singapore on June 12, 2018. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo) Trump Calls for Changes to Libel Laws After Columnist Attributes Fake Quote to President President Donald Trump called for changes to libel laws after a Time magazine editor admitted to making up a quote and attributing it to the president. [Ian Bremmer] now admits that he MADE UP a completely ludicrous quote, attributing it to me. This is whats going on in the age of Fake News. People think they can say anything and get away with it, Trump wrote on Twitter. Really, the libel laws should be changed to hold Fake News Media accountable! Ian Bremmer, an editor-at-large for Time, published a message on Twitter purporting to quote Trump during his visit to Tokyo. Kim Jong Un is smarter and would make a better president than Sleepy Joe Biden, the fake quote stated. Congressmen and journalists shared the quote as though it was real, before Bremmer admitted hours later that it was fake. Instead of apologizing for inventing the quote, Bremmer commented that it was objectively a completely ludicrous quote and argued that he wrote it to make a point that people on Twitter automatically support whatever political position they have. Libel laws in the United States apply differently to public figures as opposed to private citizens. For a public figure to win a defamation claim, it isnt enough to prove that a statement is false. The public figure also has to prove that the party that made the false claim has malicious intent, a tough legal standard to substantiate in court. Prior to running for president, Trump was involved in a number of defamation lawsuits but never won a case in a public court, according to the Media Law Research Center. Trumps lone victory in a defamation suit took place in an arbitration case outside the court system. Trump filed his first defamation lawsuit in 1984 against an architecture critic who lambasted Trumps plan to build the worlds tallest building in New York City. A judge dismissed the case because both the critic and the newspaper, the Chicago Tribune, were exercising protected rights to an opinion. Two decades later, Trump sued a book author who claimed that Trump was a millionaire rather than a billionaire. An appellate court judge ruled that Trumps attorneys failed to prove that the author was aware his claims were false or that the author published the book with malign intent. In 2003, Trump withdrew a lawsuit against television host Bill Maher. The lawsuit sought $5 million that Maher said he would give to charity if Trump could prove he was not the son of an orangutan. Trumps lawyers sent Maher a birth certificate, but the comedian never followed through on the promise to donate money to a charity. The fake quote by Bremmer touched on Trumps approval, in a Twitter message, of Kim Jong Un referring to former Vice President Joe Biden as a low IQ person. I have confidence that Chairman Kim will keep his promise to me, & also smiled when he called Swampman Joe Biden a low IQ individual, & worse. Perhaps thats sending me a signal? Trump wrote on Twitter. Biden leads a crowded field in the race for the 2020 Democratic nomination for president. Bremmer eventually deleted his tweet and issue an apology, writing that it was meant in jest. I should have been clearer, Bremmer wrote. Reuters contributed to this report. Trump Brings Changes to California-Based 9th US Circuit Court In the month of May, two of President Donald Trumps nominees to the famously liberal 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals have been approved by the Senate, sharply along party lines. Kenneth K. Lee, who was nominated to replace the late Stephen Reinhardt, was confirmed by the Senate in a 5245 vote on May 15. Daniel P. Collins, replacing the late Harry Pregerson, was confirmed by a 53-46 vote on May 21. Both Reinhardt and Pregerson were regarded as two of the most liberal judges in the federal judiciary, while their replacements have faced backlash from Democrats for their conservative-leaning jurisprudence. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, headquartered in San Francisco, CA, is the largest Appeals Court in the US and appellate jurisdiction over nine states and two territories. In recent decades, it has come to be known for its more liberal-leaning jurisprudence and high rate of overturned decisions by the Supreme Court. As most federal cases do not reach the Supreme Court, the circuit courts are often where federal cases are decided. The ninth circuit, as the largest federal appeals court with 29 judges, plays a major role in the American legal system. This makes the presidential appointment process vital in shaping the federal judiciary. After President Trump became president, the Ninth Circuit actively opposed many of his administrations federal decisions, stalling a number of executive orders, most notably Executive Order 13780, better known as the travel ban. The ban was later upheld by the Supreme Court. When Trump assumed the presidency, there were eight vacancies on the Ninth Circuit, due to deaths and retirements. Former President Barack Obama did not manage to fill those vacancies on the court due to a Republican-controlled Senate. Since taking office, President Trump has managed to successfully appoint six judges to the Ninth Circuit. Two vacancies remain with one nominee, Daniel Aaron Bress, who had his first hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, May 22. President Trump has yet to announce a potential replacement for Judge Diarmuid OScannlain, who assumed senior status in 2017, since the nomination of Oregon federal prosecutor Ryan BoundsTrumps initial pick to fill the vacancywas withdrawn last July. Currently the court is comprised of 16 judges appointed by Democratic presidents and 11 judges appointed by Republican presidents. If Trump successfully fills the two vacant seats, it would place the court at 16 Democratic appointed judges and 13 Republican appointed judges. This would be unprecedented for the California-based circuit court, which has included judges such as the late Stephen Reinhardt, often called the liberal lion of the Ninth Circuit. Pertaining to this shift on the court, retired US District Judge Shira Scheindlin, a Bill Clinton appointee, noted in an op-ed the rapid rate that President Trump was nominating judges to the federal courts. Scheindlin noted that as of the publication of the April 3rd article, Trump successfully appointed 92 federal judges. This includes two for the Supreme Court, 37 for the Circuit courts of appeal, and 53 for the District courts. In addition to this, 41 nominations have cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee and 23 of these judges were voted out of committee on a party-line vote, including Ninth Circuit judges Ryan D. Nelson, Eric D. Miller, Daniel P. Collins and Kenneth K. Lee. Typically, appointees to the Ninth Circuit are given what is called the blue slip of approval from Californias two senators. In the past, a nominee who did not receive what is known as a blue slip from their home state senators, was not given a hearing or a Senate vote and the nomination was eventually withdrawn, Scheindlin wrote. Both California Senators Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein expressed sharp criticism of Lee and Collins. President Trumps two other appointees to the court, Michael J. Bennett and Bridget Shelton Bade, met bipartisan approval. Scheindlin stressed, These appointments are well on their way to reshaping the federal judiciary. Because so few cases are heard by the supreme courtbetween 80 and 90 per yearthe circuit courts are often the final word on issues raised in federal court. Scheindlin claimed that Kenneth K. Lee has denigrated the struggle for racial justice while nominee Collins has fought to weaken womens rights, and has opposed criminal justice reform. However, Adam Feldman, a legal scholar for Empirical SCOTUS, said in an interview with Fox News, As the 9th Circuit shifts to become more conservative and better parallels the Supreme Courts ideological baseline, I could only imagine fewer liberal 9th Circuit decisions and fewer overturned 9th Circuit decisions generally. Feldman further predicted that with the death of the influential Judge Reinhardt last year, the Ninth Circuit would begin to shift its ideological baseline. As a general statement, with the death of [9th Circuit Judge Stephen] Reinhardt and Trumps push for conservative judges to fill the circuit, I suspect that there will be a noticeable shift in a portion of ideological case outcomes. After the two remaining vacancies are filled, Democratic-appointed judges will still hold a three-seat majority for the foreseeable future, but the quick pace that President Trump and Senate Republicans have been able to affect the courts has surprised many. Given the president has over a year and a half left in his current term and his potential re-election, there is a possibility of more vacancies on the court, thus increasing the possibility of the court shifting to a majority of Republican-appointed judges. President Donald Trump, left, speaks as Shinzo Abe, Japan's prime minister, listens during a news conference at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo on May 27, 2019. (Kiyoshi Ota - Pool/Getty Images) Trump Says North Korea Wants Attention Over Missile Tests President Donald Trump, while in Japan on May 27, made reference to comments from one of his aides regarding North Koreas recent missile tests, saying he had a different point of view. National security adviser John Bolton said on May 24 that North Koreas recent tests no doubt violated U.N. Security Council resolutions. Speaking to reporters at a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump said he believes the missiles tests were beside the point. My people think it could have been a violation, as you know, Trump said. I view it differently perhaps [Kim Jong Un] wants to get attention. Perhaps not. Who knows? It doesnt matter. Trump was referring to that there have been no nuclear tests, or ballistic and long-range missile launches from North Korea over the past two years. He told reporters that he still hopes that someday, well have a deal. North Koreas foreign ministry, meanwhile, responded to Boltons comments in a statement on May 27. The spokesman said that his remarks were much more than ignorant. Our military drill neither targeted anyone nor endangered the surrounding countries, but Bolton makes dogged claims that it constitutes a violation of the resolutions, impudently poking his nose into others internal matters, the statement said. In 2018, Kim said he would no longer test nuclear weapons or long-range ballistic missiles. Over the past year, he has met with Trump twice in a bid to end the stalemate over the Norths nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. Trump said Kim understands he cant do any more nuclear tests and reiterated the fact that North Korea has tremendous economic potential. He knows that, with nuclear, thats never going to happen. Only bad can happen. He understands that. He is a very smart man, Trump said, referring to Kim. He gets it well. The president also said that he was in no rush at all, noting that sanctions against North Korea still remain. He said the United States is continuing to get the remains of U.S. troops repatriated. When asked by reporters if he was bothered at all by the short-range missiles, Trump said that he was personally not concerned about it and said he was happy with the way its going. Earlier in May, North Korean military forces test-fired several rockets and missiles, including several guided missiles. The missiles flew on a flattened, lower-altitude trajectory, leading some officials in South Korea to question whether the weapons should be categorized as ballistic missiles and therefore a likely violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions against North Korea. The North Korean spokesman said in the KCNA statement that whatever is launched is bound to fly drawing a ballistic trajectory. Trump said they were short-range and therefore not a breach of trust by Kim. An official at South Koreas presidential Blue House told reporters on May 27 that a joint analysis with the United States was still underway to assess the recent missile tests. Reuters contributed to this report. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Shinzo Abe, Japan's prime minister, not pictured, at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo on May 27, 2019. (Kiyoshi Ota - Pool/Getty Images) Trump Says US Not Ready to Make Trade Deal With China President Donald Trump said the United States isnt ready to make a trade deal with China, in remarks he made while on a state visit to Japan. I think they probably wish they made the deal that they had on the table before they tried to renegotiate it, Trump said during a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on May 27. They would like to make a deal. Were not ready to make a deal. Trump added that the administration was receiving tens of billions of dollars in tariffs on Chinese goods, which he threatened could go up very, very substantially, very easily. Earlier in May, Trump increased tariffs to 25 percent from 10 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports, after accusing the Chinese regime of reneging on key commitments negotiated over months of trade talks. Meanwhile, the U.S. Trade Representatives office has begun the process for enacting 25 percent on another $300 billion of Chinese imports. The Chinese regime reportedly backtracked on a pledge to change its laws to address core U.S. concerns including theft of U.S. intellectual property, forced technology transfer, 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 in March 2018, has been a sticking point during trade negotiations. While in Japan, the U.S. president also said that as a result of U.S. tariffs, businesses are leaving China and moving to countries that dont have tariffs, including parts of Asia and the United States. However, he was also optimistic that the two sides could eventually reach an agreement. I think sometime in the future, China and the United States will absolutely have a great trade deal, Trump said. On May 22, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also expressed hope about reaching a trade deal with Beijing. Appearing before a congressional hearing by the U.S. House Financial Services Committee, Mnuchin said that China had taken a big step backwards. Sometimes, youve got to go backwards before you go forward. So Im still hopeful we can get back to the table. Since the recent deterioration of trade talks, the U.S. administration also blacklisted Chinese telecom giant Huawei on national security grounds, effectively banning it from doing business with U.S. companies. For years, experts, U.S. officials, and lawmakers have been sounding the alarm that Huawei equipment could be used as a conduit for spying by Beijing, due to the companys close ties to the Chinese military. A raft of U.S. firms have since suspended business with the company, including Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, and Intel. Foreign companies have also followed suit, including UK-based chip designer ARM, German chipmaker Infineon Technologies, and Japanese parts supplier Toshiba. The administration reportedly is also considering restrictions on as many as five other Chinese technology companies, on national security grounds. Trump is set to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to discuss trade at the G-20 summit in Japan in June. Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) hold an event at the University of Arizona in Phoenix, Ariz., on April 19, 2019. (Lucy Fan/The Epoch Times) University of Arizona Hosts Panel on Chinas Forced Organ Harvesting The organization Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) and the University of Arizona College of Medicine collaborated to host a panel of experts on April 19 to discuss the crime of forced organ harvesting happening in China and its effects on the United States. The event was held at the Virginia G. Piper Auditorium in Phoenix, Arizona. David Beyda, MD, chair of the colleges Department of Bioethics and Medical Humanism, moderated the discussion with doctors from DAFOH, a nonprofit organization that promotes ethics in medicine. Beyda said the goal of the event was to raise awareness of the atrocities occurring in China regarding organ transplantation. He also hopes it will raise awareness of the risks involved in traveling to China for an organ transplant and will help people be mindful of what happens to those who the organs are taken from. Weldon Gilcrease, MD, deputy director of DAFOH and a director and assistant professor of oncology at the University of Utah School of Medicine, said: Prior to 1999, [the] number of liver transplantations taking place in China was about 15 to 20 per year as an entire country, because there is a culture code within China that you take your body into [the] next life, so your organs must stay intact. Therefore, the donation rate is extremely low. However, after 1999, there was an explosion in the number of organ transplants in China, Gilcrease said. In 2011, the Beijing Red Cross reported that there were only 37 voluntary donors over the last 20 years in China. David Matas, an international human rights lawyer, and David Kilgour, Canadas former Secretary of State (Asia Pacific), have conducted exhaustive independent investigations into the organ harvesting atrocities in China. The evidence has led them to the conclusion that an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 organ transplants occurred per year beginning in 2000, and the majority of the organs were harvested from prisoners of conscience, most of whom were practitioners of the spiritual discipline Falun Gong. The Chinese Communist Party has violently persecuted Falun Gong practitioners since 1999. Evidence from the investigations suggests that the organ procurement is on demand; that is, whenever someone needs an organ transplant in China, a matching donor is killed. A documentary titled Human Harvest, released in 2014, is based on investigative work by Matas and Kilgour. DAFOHs website states: With a small number of freely donated organs and a constant number of executions per year, the unexplained gap between supply and demand raises the question: Where do all the organs come from? Torsten Trey, MD, PhD, the executive director of DAFOH, stated that 70 million to 100 million Chinese people were practicing Falun Gong by the time the persecution started, according to data from the Chinese Communist Party. Gilcrease mentioned that Falun Gong is an ancient Chinese spiritual discipline based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. It was introduced to the public in China in 1992. The Party began to illegally persecute the group in 1999 because its spiritual values contradicted the atheist agenda of the Party. The Party launched a nationwide campaign of harassment, imprisonment, and torture against Falun Gong practitioners, and ordered that if any practitioner died from torture, it could be officially counted as a suicide. DAFOH has appealed to the United Nations and the U.S. Congress to condemn the practice of forced organ harvesting. The U.S. Congress passed House Resolution 343 in June 2016 to call for an end to forced organ harvesting in China. The resolution expressed concern about persistent and credible reports of systematic, state-sanctioned organ harvesting from non-consenting prisoners of conscience in the Peoples Republic of China, including from large numbers of Falun Gong practitioners and members of other religious and ethnic minority groups. According to Trey, the Korean media TV Chosun used a hidden camera to capture systematic transplant tourism activities in the Tianjin Hospital in China. The filmmakers pretended that they wanted to purchase a kidney for a relative. The nurse from Tianjin Hospital said, It just takes two hours to bring fresh organs. On December 12, 2009, the World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong (WOIPFG) released part of the testimony provided by an armed guard in Jinzhou City in Chinas Liaoning Province, who had witnessed an organ extraction operation conducted on a live Falun Gong practitioner. Gilcrease said the practice of forced organ harvesting is systematic and is carried out at the government level. He also added that American physicians and members of the public are at risk of complicity. Chinese surgeons in transplant medicine are trained by American medical institutions and then return to China to participate in unethical organ procurement and transplant practices. U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad and his wife Christine pose for a group photo with schoolchildren as he visits an elementary school in Lhasa, Tibet on May 22, 2019. (U.S. Mission to China via AP) US Ambassador Raises Concerns During Rare Tibet Visit BEIJINGThe U.S. ambassador to China urged Beijing to engage in substantive dialogue with exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader the Dalai Lama during a visit to the Himalayan region over the past week, the U.S. Embassy said on May 25. Terry Branstad also expressed concerns regarding the Chinese governments interference in Tibetan Buddhists freedom to organize and practice their religion, an embassy statement said. He encouraged the Chinese government to engage in substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without preconditions, to seek a settlement that resolves differences, it said. Branstad also raised long-standing concerns about the lack of consistent access to the region. The rare visit to Tibet and neighboring Qinghai Province ran from Sunday through Saturday. Hosted by the Tibetan authorities, Branstad was given access to important religious and cultural sites, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka, and Sera Monastery in the Tibetan capital, Lhasa. He also met with senior Tibetan religious and cultural leaders, the embassy said. China tightly restricts access to Tibet by foreigners, especially journalists and diplomats. In response to those restrictions, the U.S. Congress last year passed an act that would deny entry to the United States for those involved in formulating or enforcing such policies. China says Tibet has been part of its territory for centuries, but many Tibetans say they were effectively an independent nation for most of that time. Beijings control was most recently asserted when the Communist Partys military wing, the Peoples Liberation Army, invaded the region in 1950. The Dalai Lama fled to India amid an abortive uprising against Chinese rule in 1959 and calls for genuine autonomy for Tibet under Chinese rule. Beijing labels the 83-year-old cleric a dangerous separatist, has refused contacts with his representatives for more than a decade and objects strongly to any meetings between him and foreign politicians. In recent years there has been a significant tightening of control over Tibetan Buddhism, use of the Tibetan language and traditional cultural expression. Following anti-government protests in 2008, Beijing imposed a policy of grid policing that substantially reduces travel and social life for Tibetans, even while China ramps up domestic tourism in the region. Those methods have been subsequently imposed in the neighboring region of Xinjiang, where an estimated 1 million members of its native Muslim ethnic groups have been confined to detention centers. By Christopher Bodeen New border wall being constructed by We Build the Wall in the El Paso, Texas, metropolitan area on May 24, 2019. (Courtesy of We Build the Wall, Inc.) Veterans Private Border Wall Project Builds First Section Near El Paso After Raising $22 Million An Air Force veteran who lost three limbs in the Iraq War has built a wall on a short section of the U.S.-Mexico border, delivering on a promise to hundreds of thousands of donors. Brian Kolfage raised more than $22 million and plans to build the wall mile-by-mile in strategic locations, getting permits from local private landowners. Construction work started May 17 in the El Paso, Texas, metropolitan area, where an influx of illegal immigrants has drastically escalated in recent monthsmore than 600 percent in the Border Patrols El Paso sector in the first seven months of fiscal 2019, compared with the same period the year before. The wall has a similar design to that used by the Trump administration, made of steel bollards buried several feet deep in the ground and standing 20 to 25 feet above ground. The first section is about a half-mile long and cost less than $10 million. That appears to be comparable to what the government has generally been paying for its wall construction. Kolfage said, however, that the price spiked due to difficult terrain and ended up less than what the government would have paid. He expects that on flat terrain his nonprofit could build for under $4 million a mile, well below the governments average cost of about $20 million a mile. We cant release full costs yet because of ongoing contracts we are in bid process with, his press team said, via a text message. The wall includes all the perks of the one built by the government, such as lighting, sensors, and access roads for the Border Patrol, the team said. Today is the big day! Kolfage said in a May 26 tweet. Today is the day the haters, the liberal media, and every doubter, chokes on their words. Check back later. Today is the big day! Today is the day the haters, the liberal media, and every doubter, chokes on their words. Check back later. Brian Kolfage (@BrianKolfage) May 26, 2019 The next day, he posted a promotional video showing heavy machinery installing sections of the wall. This is like our Superbowl. This is our time to shine. To show the donors, first and foremost, that we can be trusted, that we can get the job done, he told The Epoch Times in a phone call. He said about three more miles of the wall are slated for construction and should be paid for from the existing funding. His plan is to sell the wall to the government for $1, which would make the government responsible for its maintenance. The technology, such as surveillance cameras and seismic sensors (to detect tunneling under the wall), are compatible with and ready to be hooked into the Border Patrol systems, he said. Hes also trying to negotiate with the government access to the Roosevelt Reservation (pdf), a 60-foot strip of land along the border in New Mexico, Arizona, and California under federal control. That could give the nonprofit hundreds of more miles to build on, if private funding allows, since large stretches of that border are now only covered by the anti-vehicle fencing, which is only about 5 feet tall and easy to climb over for pedestrians. Overcoming Skepticism Since he started his GoFundMe campaign, some media put Kolfages project, and even his integrity, in doubt. Rumors spread online about his misusing the donated funds, which have reached $22 million, although theres no evidence he has. A rumor that Kolfage may have bought a yacht with the donated money was spread by Grant Stern, a writer for Occupy Democrats, a left-wing progressive group, based on a single anonymous source. Kolfage said he bought the yacht months before the fundraiser started with money from selling his older boat. Kolfage initially launched the GoFundMe campaign with a goal of crowdfunding $1 billion and donating it to the federal government for wall construction, saying hed refund the donations if the goal wasnt reached or almost reached. After raising some $20 million in 20 days, he indeed started to refund donations, but gave the donors an option to tell GoFundMe not to refund, in which case he would repurpose the donations for a wall built privately. About $6 million was refunded, but a single $6 million donation made up the difference, Snopes reported. Setting up a nonprofit, We Build the Wall, the project established a website to solicit further donations. The project has overcome some delays and has held back on some information, such as where it intends to build. We cant go public with the information exactly because there are groupsdifferent liberal groupsthat do want to attack it and want to do everything to stop it, Kolfage said at one of the projects town halls. Since the news broke that the nonprofit is following through on its promise, thousands of donations have streamed in, the GoFundMe page indicates. Kolfage Story Kolfage was severely injured in combat on Sept. 11, 2004, losing both legs and his right arm when an enemy rocket hit the Balad Air Base north of Baghdad. After retiring from the military, Kolfage founded a coffee company, called Military Grade Coffee. In 2018, he took over from conservative columnist and author John Hawkins the management of the Right Wing News (RWN) Facebook page, which was followed by more than 3 million people. Kolfage set up the RWNOfficial.com conservative political news and commentary website, and used the RWN and other Facebook pages to promote content from the site. A cursory review of the site showed headlines in sensational tone and articles written as a mix of news and commentary. On Oct. 11, 2018, all three Kolfages pages were shut down, including the one for his coffee business, with its more than 200,000 fans. Facebook said the sites were purged for breaking rules against spam and coordinated inauthentic behavior. Kolfage said that nothing of this applied to his business. He believed he was targeted for political reasons. Kolfage acknowledged to NBC News that he was handling administration and finances for the now-defunct FreedomDaily website, which was known for inaccurate, sensational reporting. FreedomDailys former employees said Kolfage used online petitions to collect email addresses, which were then used to distribute FreedomDaily content. Update: The article has been updated with further information from Brian Kolfage, his press team, and his We The People Will Build the Wall GoFundMe page. Information has also been added about the U.S.-Mexico border and the barriers along it. Woman Loses Four Limbs After Giving Birth to Son, Refuses to Give Up A 35-year-old woman who had all her limbs amputated after she contracted a flesh-eating bacteria during childbirth in a Canadian hospital has spoken out about the experience two years later. Lindsey Hubley, 35, from Nova Scotia, gave birth to her son, Myles, in March 2017 when she contracted flesh-eating necrotizing fasciitis. She was first discharged from the hospital after the delivery, but she was soon rushed to the hospital again after she experienced abdominal pain and skin discoloration. In an interview with Topic Magazine, she discussed her experience of being a quadruple amputee and a mother. Hubley said that it was worth it to give birth to her son, saying, I would do this all over again to have him. Days after her life-changing operation, the mother said its been a struggle and process to bond with her young son since she left the hospital, according to the magazine. She spent about 420 days in the Izaak Walton Killam Health Center in Nova Scotia while she recovered. Theres no book for this, she told the magazine. Myles, she said, bonded with her husband and other adults in her life when she was in the hospital. Now, she does all the motherly tasks, including putting the boy to bed, feeding him, and reading stories to him. Myles and I make our way into the hospital pretty much every day to see mama, husband Mike Sampson told CTV News in 2017. Our lives have been turned upside down. Mother, 35, had all four limbs amputated after contracting a flesh-eating bacteria but does not look back in regret https://t.co/A3ckNtOvqI Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) May 27, 2019 She also described the flesh-eating bacterial infection, saying that her hands turned black in spring 2017 and produced a bad smell. For a long time I was terrified of my fingers falling off, the magazine quoted Hubley as saying. After three months, she said, her hands and wrists were amputated due to the bacteria. A month later, her left leg was amputated below the knee and her right leg was also amputated to the kneecap. Doctors also had to remove other vital reproductive organs due to the infection. She noted that she had 32 surgeries in all, and when she returned, Hubley had to learn how to walk and use the bathroom again on her own, according to the publication. This story read it https://t.co/2TpjKptiMw Taffy Brodesser-Akner (@taffyakner) May 22, 2019 Hubley also got a prosthetic arm last week, although Topic estimated that prosthetic hands cost about $148,000 and have to be approved by an insurance company. In 2017, she also filed a lawsuit against Izaak Walton Killam Health Center and five of its doctors, accusing them of negligence. What Lindsey and her family have gone through over these past seven months is incomprehensible, her attorney, Raymond Wagner, said in a press release at the time. She is truly a survivor, and remarkably has maintained a positive and determined attitude along her long road to recovery, all while juggling the struggles, and joys, of a newborn. In the lawsuit, it was alleged that doctors did not perform an examination on Hubley when she returned to the hospital complaining about cramps on March 5, the day after being discharged after giving birth. They instead diagnosed her with constipation and sent her home at the time. Topic magazine noted that she felt lethargy and uncontrollable shaking in the emergency room, and it reiterated her claim that doctors told her that she was constipated when she complained about cramps. After 24 hours, she was placed in a medically induced coma. Symptoms The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that one needs to act quickly to deal with necrotizing fasciitis because it spreads quickly in the body and can cause death. Accurate diagnosis, rapid antibiotic treatment, and prompt surgery are important to stopping this infection. See a doctor right away if you have a fever, dizziness, or nausea soon after an injury or surgery, the agency warns on its website. The bacteria tends to enter the body via a break in the skin, including cuts, scrapes, burns, bites, puncture wounds such as from needles, and surgical wounds. Symptoms include a red or swollen area of skin that spreads quickly, fever, and severe pain in the area of the swollen area. More advanced symptoms, says the CDC, include blisters, black spots on the skin, ulcers, skin discoloration, pus from the skin, nausea or diarrhea, fatigue, and dizziness. It says that anyone can contract the bacteria, noting that it is rare. Most cases of necrotizing fasciitis occur randomly. It is very rare for someone with necrotizing fasciitis to spread the infection to other people. For this reason, doctors usually do not give preventive antibiotics to close contacts of someone with necrotizing fasciitis, the agency says. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Mostly clear early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low around 15F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low around 15F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. NORWALK For those who want to go out to dinner with their families and eat healthy, thats about to become a lot, thanks to a new partnership between the Norwalk and Fairfield Health Departments and local restaurants. Eat Well helps restaurants highlight healthy options on their menus, Theresa Argondezzi, a health educator with the Norwalk Health Department said. So far, 17 restaurants with 23 locations between the two areas are participating in the Healthy for Life Project - Eat Well Healthy Restaurant Initiative, Carly Smolick, the Eat Well Program Coordinator for the department, said. They include: Archie Moores in Fairfield, B. GOOD in Fairfield, bartaco in Westport, Freshii in Westport, Panera Bread, Pasquales Osteria in Norwalk, Piazza Pizza and Pasta in Norwalk, Roly Poly in Westport, Sedona Taphouse in Norwalk, ShopRite, Spic and Span Market in Southport, Stop & Shop, Subway, Sushi-Do and Wendys. Smolick said that she usually sits down with the owners of restaurants and they go over their menus to see what qualifies, because items have to meet certain nutritional standards. Some of the items include salads, a grilled meat with vegetables, sandwiches with whole grain bread, protein and vegetables and variations of healthy tacos. We are trying to make it easy how could I make it a little healthier, Argondezzi said. Smolick said its especially important to include fast food restaurants in this where they can because often lower-income people run there for dinner with their families and dont know that there are healthy options available she said. Were trying to zone in on those locations too, she said. We are focusing on those fast food restaurants. The program itself is grant-funded Argondezzi said, after the 2012 Community Health Assessment identified obesity as an issue in the area. Smolick said theyre looking to add restaurants to the program but sometimes owners can be a bit hesitant thinking its too much work for them. We try to make it work, Smolick said. Mostly its been very positive. Argondezzi said it also benefits the local restaurants who receive publicity from the health department as well as signs, stickers and/or menu inserts letting customers know the restaurants are participating in the program. Smolick said with the cultures recent emphasis on healthy eating, this program could really benefit restaurants looking to attract different customers. kelly.kultys@hearstmediact.com When we think of a business, we think of it long-term and slowly develop it, Pedro said. Sometimes the hardest part is the first step, but the next step is easier. Before owning his repair shop, Pedro worked as a mechanic at other locations. Meanwhile, Hilda worked as a cook for 18 years at Sanchez Plaza before opening Menas Kitchen. Pedro and Hilda said that they came to the United States with the idea of working and making a living. Pedro said the biggest challenge with being a business owner has been the language barrier and having to rely on his sons to translate for him from Spanish to English. However, before his sons were old enough to translate for him, Pedro said he would try his best to communicate in English using signs. I have learned English words and phrases that have to do with my job task, said Pedro. You learn anything that you want to learn. HASTINGS Investigators with the Nebraska State Fire Marshals Office have determined the cause of a fire at Cooperative Producers Inc. (CPI) Dry Fertilizer Facility to be natural in origin as a result of a lightning strike. At approximately 11:30 p.m. Thursday, the Hastings Rural Fire Department was dispatched to 2275 East South Street in rural Hastings for a report of a structure fire. Hastings Rural fire crews arrived on scene a short time later and encountered the dry fertilizer facility involved in a fire. The Hastings Rural Fire Department requested the assistance of Hastings Fire Department, Trumbull Fire Department, Glenvil Fire Department, Juniata Fire Department, Adams County Emergency Management, the American Red Cross, and the Nebraska State Fire Marshals Office to conduct an origin and cause investigation. Preliminary damage estimates for the building is at $14 million and products content damage is at $5 million. The facility, owned by CPI, was being used as a bulk dry fertilizer plant. Two injuries were reported as a result of the fire, both injured parties were treated and released at a local hospital within hours of the fire. The injured parties were semi drivers on site at the time of the fire. The onsite investigation into the fire is completed. No further information is anticipated to be released. This Memorial Day is a time for reflection and remembrance, as it is every year. A look back at previous Independent editorials written for Memorial Day gives a poignant look at our countrys debt to those who have served in the military and made the ultimate sacrifice. Just looking at the headlines brings home the importance of this holiday to Nebraska and our nation: Memorial Day is a time for reflection ... A day to remember our fallen heroes ... Sacrifice hits close to home ... Remembering those who gave their lives for their country ... Remembering the sacrifices of many ... We owe our way of life to those we memorialize On May 31, 2010, we recognized that Nebraskans were fighting and giving their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan: Recent passage of Nebraska Legislative Bill 155 provides landowners opposed to the R-Project a new means of challenging the power line in court. The inclusion of the term rebuttable presumption gives an opportunity to challenge in court whether the use of eminent domain to provide access to private property for construction of a power line for a privately developed wind turbine project is a public use. Since this law has been enacted and the Nebraska Public Power District has not received any approval for R-Project construction, the project can be challenged in court. One of the recognized purposes of the R-Project is to provide a means for power generated at private wind energy facilities to be added to an interstate power grid. There have already been plans indicated for construction of a large wind turbine facility the so-called Cascade Project in southern Cherry County north of Thedford. It would likely interconnect to the R-Project at Thedford. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Imron Cotan (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 27, 2019 The General Elections Commission (KPU) has announced that Joko Jokowi Widodo and his running mate, Maruf Amin, won the presidential race against rival candidate pair Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno. Regardless of the latters efforts to challenge the election result, either politically or legally, Jokowi and Maruf look certain to lead the country for the next five years. Regrettably, following the KPU announcement riots erupted, notably in Jakarta, during which ardent supporters of Prabowo and Sandiaga vented their frustration, rampaging the capital city. They said the presidential election was systematically and massively rigged and consequently demanded the KPU to declare the result null and void. The presidential election result is actually an anomaly, given the worrisome global political trend in which voters strongly tend to entrust far-right leaning candidates for their nationalistic, primordial and antiforeign political platforms. According to Kristof Szombati in The Far Right in Government ( 2018 ), these are cases in point: Donald Trump in the United States, Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, Matteo Salvini in Italy, Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines, Narendra Modi in India, Jaroslaw Kaczynski in Poland, Victor Orban in Hungary, Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey and Benyamin Netanyahu in Israel. If the vox populi, vox dei dictum bears any truth, Indonesia should actually cherish the fact that it managed to avoid the entrapment of this far-right global trend, as the winning pair is known to embrace and pursue moderate and all-inclusive policies. In spite of this encouraging phenomenon, it is worth noting that the KPU works are far from perfect, marred, among others, by inaccurate vote tallying, sloppy distribution of ballot boxes and papers, and, more distressingly, the death of more than 500 poll workers across the country. Their deaths are not only tragic, but also unacceptable, as they put their family interests behind the state duties. In order to safeguard Indonesias path to a matured democracy initially attempted in 1998 it is incumbent upon the nation to review urgently the organization of the simultaneous presidential and legislative elections. This should include but not be limited to the possibility of amending General Elections Law No. 7/2017, in order to redress the loopholes. Arguably, this is the easiest part for the government to carry out, working in tandem with the House of Representatives. The most enduring and painstaking endeavors will be how to reunite the nation, as the losing pair and its ardent supporters have refused to accept the fact that Jokowi-Maruf have won the race. The Prabowo-Sandiaga camp persistently tried to delegitimize the KPU prior to and immediately after its presidential election ruling. Worse still, its supporters started organizing a social disobedience movement, including violent protests, especially in Jakarta. World leaders and those concerned about Indonesia are now keenly observing the developments unfolding in the country, wanting to know where Indonesia will lead to. If social unrest continues and widens nationwide, Indonesian attempts to become a matured democracy will be severely compromised. No one will be able to predict where and when it will end. It is therefore high time for leaders of the nation to put aside their differences and summon all of their wisdom to immediately impose self-restraint and create a favorable environment to enable them to discuss and find a dignified solution to the current political impasse. The door is still ajar to find a dignified solution, acceptable to both sides. And, if national unity is of utmost importance, both opposing camps should be able to explore all avenues, including the possibility of forming a cohabitation government as opposed to confrontation. Indonesia is not a liberal democracy, a system that operates on the basis of the winner takes all principle. This is not compatible with the state ideology, Pancasila, cognizant of the fact that its fourth principle denotes common endeavors, while Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution also carries values of similar nature. The concept of cohabitation government is not alien in the political domain and has been practiced across the globe, among others in Sri Lanka, Lebanon, France, Georgia, Poland, Finland, Russia and Ukraine, with all its strengths and flaws. In order to maintain national unity and political stability, cohabitation government may offer the best way forward for Indonesia, as the two powerhouses are solidly supported by 85,607,362 (55.5 percent) and 68,650,239 (44.5 percent) of voters respectively. In the context of Indonesias contemporary politics, it is rather inconceivable not to take these vital statistics, hence political reality, into consideration in the formation of a new government. Failing to do so may compromise the national unity and political stability for, at least, five years to come. The ability of Indonesian elites to harmonize these two confronting sides will definitely form a solid basis for Indonesia to develop further its economy in the midst of a lingering global economic crisis compounded further recently by protectionism, unilateralism and trade wars. Confrontation is what Indonesia needs the least now in facing those formidable challenges. Cohabitation may instead offer Indonesia a palatable exit strategy to free itself from the current political gridlock. *** The writer served as Indonesian ambassador to Australia (2003-2005) and China (2010-2013). 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 Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Retno LP Marsudi (The Jakarta Post) New York Mon, May 27, 2019 11:41 946 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873a12b61 3 Opinion Indonesian-foreign-policy,Palestine,Palestine-Israel-talks,Two-State-Solution,Israel,United-Nations,Security-Council Free The early May circle of violence in Gaza was a stark reminder to the world that delivering lasting peace in Palestine is still an enormous task for the global community of nations. Last January, in the Chamber of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), I reminded everyone that the Palestinian question defined the credibility of the council. For more than five decades, this issue of Palestine has been on the councils radar. It is, in fact, the longest item on the Security Councils agenda. Unfortunately, nothing has improved since then. In fact, it has even deteriorated. Early this month, we have seen yet another wave of violence in Gaza, resulting in at least 29 casualties from both sides. While the role of the UN Secretariat and Egypt to deescalate the situation is commendable, it requires much more from the council and beyond. The illegal settlements on Palestinian lands are at the heart of the problem. The construction of illegal settlements in the West Bank continues to persist. Presiding over the Security Councils briefing on the situation in the Middle East, on May 22, I did not stutter when I called this spade a spade: It has become a de facto annexation. This is why, two weeks ago, Indonesia, together with Kuwait and South Africa, organized an Arria Formula meeting in the UNSC on the issue of the construction of illegal settlements in the West Bank. Recently, we have also witnessed the closure of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron as well as the increasingly limited resources and capacity for humanitarian assistance. Those have only exacerbated the humanitarian situation, subjecting the Palestinians to even more suffering. Talks, meetings, statements and resolutions produced by the council are evidence that the world does not only care about the issue at hand, but also wants a lasting and peaceful solution. However, resolutions cannot produce results on the ground. But political will and commitment can. Thus, there is an urgent need to revive the political will of all parties to work toward a credible peace plan and improve the humanitarian conditions on the ground. To that end, there are a number of points the international community should seriously consider. First, on the protection of Palestinian civilians. For far too long, the Palestinian people have suffered grave violations of human rights. Earlier this year, the Independent Commission of Inquiry validated this outrage by detailing widespread use of extreme violence against the civilian population, including against Palestinian journalists, medical personnel and the differently abled. As we lack a viable alternative, we have no option but to provide international protection for Palestinian civilians. The international community, especially the UN, must provide oversight and protection to ensure the protection of human rights in Palestine. My second point is on the need to address the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Palestine. Access to basic services in Palestine has reached new levels of difficulty, exacerbated by the recent spike of hostilities. Currently, over 29 percent of Palestinian families live below the poverty line, including over 50 percent in Gaza. Barriers imposed by the occupying power have further limited the movement of goods and services, increasing the burden of humanitarian actors to provide effective relief for the Palestinian people. The United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is again confronted with another year of crisis. The spike in the number of Palestinian refugees continues to outpace the UNRWAs financial capacity to deliver essential services. In March of this year, Indonesia announced its increase in contributions for Palestinian refugees, and has consistently encouraged other states to do the same. Lastly, I believe that the peace process must resume by any means. The cycle of violence must end. For this to happen, all sides must be willing to show maximum restraint in exercising violence and engage in a meaningful dialogue. There is an urgent need for a credible peace process that allows all relevant parties to work on equal footing toward an acceptable peace plan. A fresh perspective should not mean abandoning internationally agreed parameters on this issue. For Indonesia and the majority of countries in the world, there is no alternative to the two-state solution. Any peace plan must fulfill the criteria of inclusivity (involving all parties of the conflict); comprehensiveness (offer not only an economic deal) and align with internationally agreed parameters. We have witnessed enough evidence of how protracted conflicts in the Middle East impact peace and stability in many other parts of the world. Difficult as it may be, as a member of the UNSC, Indonesia remains committed to investing in peace, to supporting the Palestinian struggle for independence and, most importantly, to upholding the mandate of its Constitution. *** The writer is Indonesian foreign minister. The article was transcribed from her speech at the Security Council Briefing on the Middle East on May 22. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Josa Lukman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 27, 2019 18:37 946 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873a21d43 1 Entertainment #entertainment,#film,#films,#FilmFestival,#Indonesia,#Italy,#Rome,#GarinNugroho Free Italian cinephiles received a taste of Indonesian filmmaking through 11 movies screened at the first Indonesian-only film festival held in Rome. The four-day festival, titled Indonesian Cinema Days, was held at Cinema Farnese in Romes Campo de Fiori district from Thursday to Monday. The 11 films screened at the festival were curated by artistic director Italo Spinelli, a noted film director familiar with Indonesian cinema. The chosen films are A Copy of My Mind, Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku (Memories of My Body), Dawah, Mata Tertutup (The Blindfold), Athirah, Banda the Dark Forgotten Trail, Istirahatlah Kata-kata (Solo, Solitude), Sekala Niskala (The Seen and Unseen), Marlina Si Pembunuh dalam Empat Babak (Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts), Nyai A Woman from Java, and Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? 2 (Whats Up With Cinta? 2). The festival was attended by actress Ayu Laksmi representing Sekala Niskala, actor Christoffer Nelwan representing Athirah and producer Anastasia Rina Damayanti representing director Garin Nugrohos films. Christoffer said Athirah, which was screened on Friday, had received an enthusiastic response from the local crowd, noting that many of them uttered the words magnifico and bravo as they exited the cinema. As an Indonesian, Im very proud to see the warm appreciation from local cinemagoers. With this event, I hope Indonesian film will also be appreciated more by Indonesians, Christoffer told The Jakarta Post in a phone chat on Monday. Film talk: Actress Ayu Laksmi, actor Christoffer Nelwan and producer Anastasia Rina Damayanti join a discussion held as part of the film festival. (Courtesy of Indonesian Embassy in Italy/-) Christoffer also served as a panelist during a talk show on the film industry, speaking with the perspective of someone from the younger generation on issues like the increasing digitalization and improving technology for young filmmakers. Rina was also happy about the enthusiasm expressed at the festival and to see The Blindfold make it to the list of curated movies. With this festival, many of the movies also focused on Garin Nugroho and his diverse styles of storytelling, from the simple and realistic approach in The Blindfold to the experimental 90-minute one-take in Nyai, A Woman from Java, as well as his most recent Memories of My Body, which was embroiled in controversy regarding LGBT issues, she told the Post. This has been an incredible appreciation that also shows the world-class quality of Indonesian art films. Along with the screenings, the festival also held a discussion on recent political, economic and cultural developments in Indonesia by professors Romeo Orlandi of Bologna University, Antonia Soriente of Napoli LOrientale University and journalist Emanuele Giordana. The festival is part of the celebrations surrounding 70 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Italy. It was organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Rome and the Ministry of Education and Cultures Center for Film Development along with the Joint Cultural Initiative. Indonesian Ambassador to Italy Esti Andayani said in her opening remarks that she was elated to see the first Indonesian-only film festival held in Rome. I hope that, through the screenings, Italians can learn more about Indonesia, which will enable future cooperation across all departments, Esti said. Giada, a festival attendee, expressed her amazement at the movies she watched. The films are really interesting and have a special message for the viewers. I asked my Italian friends to come and watch the movies. (ste) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Semarang, Central Java Mon, May 27, 2019 15:21 946 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873a1b0f7 1 Art & Culture Girls-Out-Loud,Valeriana-Grajales,exhibition,feminism Free Valeriana Grajales, a Colombian artist and feminist activist, has expressed her criticism of violence against women in an exhibition titled "Girls Out Loud". Taking place at Grobak Art Kos at Hysteria art space in Semarang, Central Java, the exhibition will be held until May 31. I believe if we fight for womens rights, well fight for the rights of the whole of humanity, Grajales told The Jakarta Post on Saturday, May 18. Valeriana Grajales, an artist and feminist activist from Colombia, discusses her artworks at the 'Girls Out Loud' exhibition at Grobak Art Kos at Hysteria art space in Semarang, Central Java, on Saturday, May 18. (JP/Bambang Muryanto) Grajales is currently participating in the Indonesian governments Darmasiswa scholarship program and has stayed in Semarang for eight months to learn about Indonesian culture, including batik. She is displaying her batik works, drawings and images printed on fabric at the exhibition. Aside from feminism, Grajales' artworks also explore Indonesias tropical climate, which is similar to Colombias. Visitors can watch a video of Grajales as she paints murals in public spaces, including one in Nongkosawit district in Semarang. Rohmad, a resident of Nongkosawit district who came to the exhibition, said the locals were fond of her works there. Her presence can encourage those of us that are conservative to discover new insights, Rohmad said. Read also: My body is not mine: Indonesia Without Feminists group starts online campaign One of Grajales artworks, I protect you, You protect me, is a drawing of a woman nestled inside a red circle that was digitally printed onto sublimated silk fabric. Through the artwork, she said she hoped people would be encouraged to protect women because women would protect them in return. Her feminist perspective started to develop after witnessing the challenges women face in her country. Grajales also saw inequality between women and men during her travels. There are many problems related to women, but I think violence against women is the most serious [issue], she said. Visitors look at artworks by Valeriana Grajales. The artist focuses on feminist perspectives in her exhibition. (JP/Bambang Muryanto) Meanwhile, the curator of the exhibition, Purna Cipta Nugraha, expressed hope the showcase could help develop the art scene, inspire other young female artists in Semarang and foster a discussion about Grajales feminist perspectives. As far as I know, artists in Semarang barely discuss feminism, perhaps theyre afraid it will go against the norm, Purna said. Girls Out Loud is being held at Hysteria art space, one of the few art spaces in Semarang. It is hoped the space will boost the enthusiasm of local artists and help develop the community. (wir/mut) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Claire Lee (Agence France-Presse) Seoul Mon, May 27, 2019 17:08 946 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873a20315 2 Art & Culture North-Korea,South-Korea,filmmaker Free As the Korean War raged eight of Pyongyang's young heroes -- all members of the North's new elite, destined for a life of privilege and power -- left for Moscow to study at a prestigious film school. They never returned. Scattered to the corners of the Soviet Union after they chose asylum and exile to denounce the personality cult around the North's founder Kim Il Sung, they lived as authors and filmmakers, forever separated from friends and family. "We call the places we are born our homes," wrote one, Han Tae Yong, in a short story. "There should be a separate word for the places we die, a word that sounds as fond as the word 'home' does." Now their lives have been made the subject of a documentary by South Korean scholar and filmmaker Kim So-young, "Goodbye My Love North Korea". In a peninsula defined by the split between North and South, it highlights the Korean diaspora and the impact of separation from a unique perspective. Known as the "Moscow 8", the group were chosen by Pyongyang to study at the Moscow Film School, now known as the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography and the world's oldest institution of its kind, in 1952, as Kim Il Sung's forces -- backed by Moscow and Beijing -- fought against the US-led United Nations coalition. At the time only the North's brightest minds, regardless of academic background, were allowed to study cinema, filmmaker Kim said. Film was considered crucial in developing the loyalty of the masses. "The North was obviously heavily influenced by Lenin, who said cinema is the greatest art form that exists," she told AFP. "Among the eight exiles, one studied nuclear physics before being selected to study cinema in Moscow -- he didn't even know what a movie was until then," she added. Living in exile Kim Il Sung's son and successor Kim Jong Il -- father of the current leader Kim Jong Un -- was an avid film fan who ordered the kidnapping of a South Korean film director and an actress in 1978 to help develop the North's cinema industry. Even now the impoverished country pours significant resources into movies, although many of its productions are propaganda works extolling its Juche ideology and the ruling Kim family, with titles such as "Under the Guidance of the Great Brilliant Commander" and "We Will Follow You to the End of the Earth". In what is known as the August Faction Incident in 1956, Kim Il Sung purged party officials who had plotted against him, executing hundreds according to historians, months after Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev had denounced Stalin's abuses of power in his "secret speech". The following year one of the eight, Ho Ung Pae, publicly condemned Kim Il Sung and announced he was seeking political asylum. He was later captured by North Korean diplomats and taken to the embassy, but escaped via a bathroom window. Read also: Visiting North Korea? French publisher offers guidebook The other seven filed for asylum themselves in 1958, giving up the prospect of privileges awaiting them back in Pyongyang. The Soviet Union granted their request, but on condition they lived apart from each other, to avoid any risk of them mounting a conspiracy themselves and angering the North, still an ally. They were sent to cities as far apart as Irkutsk and Stalingrad -- now Volgograd -- while Kim Chong Hun, the last survivor of the eight, went to Murmansk near the Arctic Circle, where he recalls eating deer meat for all his meals and seeing the sun for only six months of the year. 'The biggest heartache' Later he and three others settled in Almaty, the biggest city in Kazakhstan, where many of the 172,000 ethnic Koreans Stalin deported from the Russian Far East in 1937 had been taken. "I was ecstatic to see so many ethnic Koreans in Almaty, and to see them selling kimchi, tofu and Korean fermented soybean paste," Kim says in the film. The documentary is now showing in cinemas in the South, at a time when Pyongyang's nuclear talks with the US are deadlocked, leaving inter-Korean relations in limbo. "This movie shows the lives of North Koreans who formed multiple identities -- as political exiles, ethnic Koreans and residents in the Soviet Union and Kazakhstan," said film critic Lee Seung-min, adding it "discovers what had been undiscovered in Korean cinema history". Among the group in Almaty was author Han, who led a renowned Korean-language theatre and wrote plays critiquing both North and South. As well as Kim Il Sung's personality cult, his subjects included the South's participation in the Vietnam War, and its 1980 Gwangju Uprising against military rule a legacy that saw South Korean president and former human rights activist Moon Jae-in visit the theatre on a Central Asia trip last month. Han's father was also a writer and a close ally of Kim Il Sung, and his family kept sending letters asking him to return, but he remained in exile and died in Kazakhstan in 1993. "Han was very much torn between his family and his political beliefs," Kim says in the movie. "He had the biggest heartache among us." Kim himself was "considered the best kind of Communist back in the North", he added. "I would've been able to work in Pyongyang until now if I went back home at the time. But I just could not betray and abandon my friends." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) - Mon, May 27, 2019 15:52 946 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873a1caf9 1 People Chris-Hemsworth,Liam-Hemsworth,Tom-Holland,Avengers,Avengers-Endgame,Marvel-Cinematic-Universe,Men-in-Black-International,Spider-Man-Far-from-Home,actor,bali Free Actors Tom Holland and the Hemsworth brothers, Chris and Liam, have been spotted in Bali, kompas.com reported. Prior to arriving in Bali, Tom, the actor who plays Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, posted a short video on his Twitter on Saturday, informing his fans that he was heading to the Island of the Gods. Last chance to enter! Thank you to everyone who entered. Cant wait to find out whos won. pic.twitter.com/VmpGanK2iT Tom Holland (@TomHolland1996) May 25, 2019 So were officially on our way to Bali [...], he said in the video. Meanwhile, the Hemsworth brothers were seen in several social media posts. @liamhemsnewss posted photos on Twitter, showing the brothers arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. Read also: Get up close and personal with 'Avengers: Endgame' cast Chris, who portrayed the hammer-wielding god Thor, was seen wearing a blue t-shirt and a cap. The same Twitter account also posted photos on Monday, showing Liam, the actor who played Gale Hawthorne in The Hunger Games, having breakfast with his family and friends at the five-star hotel The Ritz-Carlton, Bali. At the time of writing, there was no official statement regarding the actors purpose for the visit. Some reports said that Tom would be attending Sony Pictures film screenings and workshops on May 27 and 28 to promote his upcoming film Spider-Man: Far From Home, which is slated to be released in July. Meanwhile, Chris reportedly will attend similar events to promote his upcoming movie Men in Black: International. (jes/mut) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 27, 2019 10:26 947 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873a11626 1 Business Batik-Air,soekarno-hatta-airport,Luwuk,South-Sulawesi,direct-flight Free Batik Air, a member of Lion Air Group, has opened a route from the Soekarnoa-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, just outside Jakarta, to Syukuran Aminuddin Amir Airport in Luwuk, an emerging tourist destination in South Sulawesi. Batik Air is the first airline to operate a direct flight from Jakarta to Luwuk, with an estimated travel time of three hours. Several airlines offer flights to the small town with transits at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport in the provincial capital of Makassar. According to the companys press statement, the Airbus 320-200CEO takes off at 2:02 a.m. from the Soekarno-Hatta Airport and lands at 06:05 local time in Luwuk. Meanwhile, from Luwuk, the plane takes off at 5 p.m. and lands at the Soekarno-Hatta Airport at 7 p.m. The maiden flight ceremony was held at Terminal 2E of Soekarno-Hatta Airport, attended by, among others, South Sulawesi Governor H. Longki Djanggola, Banggai Regent Herwin Yatim, Bati Air CEO Capt. Achmad Luthfie and head of Banggai Tourism Board (BTB) Dino Gobel. Batik Air is proud to introduce the new domestic route. [...] It is the first airline to serve direct flights from Soekarno-Hatta Airport to Luwuk, said Achmad Luthfie in the press statement received on Monday. At the same occasion, the airline also introduced its Luwuk-Makassar route, using the same plane. On this route, the plane takes off from Luwuk airport at 6.45 a.m. local time and arrives in Makassar at 8 a.m., while from Makassar airport, the plane takes off at 3 p.m. and arrives in Luwuk at 4:15 local time. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 27, 2019 11:37 946 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873a1238f 1 Business Kadin,Aprindo,post-election-riot,Constitutional-Court,solution Free Businesspeople have expressed their concerns over post-election uncertainty, following losing presidential candidate Prabowo Subiantos rejection of incumbent Joko Jokowi Widodos victory as announced by the General Elections Commission (KPU). Prabowos camp has filed its appeal at the Constitutional Court (MK), but political analysts believe this would not be the end of the political dispute. Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) deputy chairman Raden Pardede emphasized the business communitys hope that the matter could be resolved through the Constitutional Court. He also called for an end of street demonstrations and actions that could trigger further concerns among businesspeople. [] Let the Constitutional Court do its job. Dont let investors to be worried by the situation, he said as quoted by kontan.co.id. He warned that extending uncertainty would have a negative impact on the countrys economy, adding that violent protests which killed eight people could discourage investors from coming to Indonesia. Indonesian Truck Operators Association (Aptrindo) deputy chief Kyatmaja Lookman welcomed the Prabowo camps decision to take the dispute to the Constitutional Court with the hope that it would bring a peaceful end to the presidential election. He reiterated that violent protest would only alarm the business community. We hope that election protests wont trigger riots; it will badly affect business, like what occurred on May 21 and 22, he said, adding that riots had prompted the closure of Tanah Abang Market and causing financial losses. A similar comment came from Indonesian Retail Business Association (Aprindo) deputy chairman Tutum Ruhanta, who called on all parties to respect the process in the Constitutional Court. All parties have to respect the law, and please dont disrupt [business] activities, he added. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 27, 2019 The Depok administration in West Java plans to repropose to the City Council a draft bylaw that would officially declare it a religious city. Though the City Council had rejected an initial draft of the religious city (PKR) bylaw, Depok Mayor Mohammad Idris Abdul Somad said it was urgent for Depok to be given the designation. The term religious does not necessarily mean sharia. [Its part of] the Depok municipalitys vision: superior, comfortable, religious. All religions recognize the concept of being religious, theres nothing wrong with it, he said as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com. 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 A. Muh. Ibnu Aqil (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 27, 2019 The Jakarta administration's plan to cover the medical costs of the victims of postelection unrest in Central Jakarta and West Jakarta has not only received warm appreciation from the public but also criticism. According to Governor Anies Baswedan, at least 737 people were injured and some were being treated in hospital. Eight people were reported dead in the incident after the outcome of last months election, which handed President Joko Jokowi Widodo a second term. On Wednesday, the governor promised that the city administration would cover all healthcare costs, including for police and Indonesian Army (TNI) personnel. 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 Mon, May 27, 2019 Pet owners looking to go on vacation often find themselves in a bind when it comes to deciding what to do with their furry companions. In Jakarta, however, this is becoming less of a problem, with the city seeing a rise in services from pet hotels to pet transportation agencies. Pet hotels are popular as they give owners the option to leave their pets behind without constantly worrying about their safety and comfort. A cat owner in Bintaro, South Tangerang, Banten, Andena Rafli, said she would hand her cat off to a pet hotel during the Idul Fitri exodus because she trusted it would treat her pet well. 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 Mon, May 27, 2019 12:53 946 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873a13ed4 1 City accident,jakarta,fallen,police Free A man identified as Teguh Padang, 29, died on Sunday after falling from the sixth floor of ITC Cempaka Mas shopping mall in Central Jakarta. He reportedly died from severe head injuries. Before the incident, Teguh was reportedly visiting the mall to purchase a laptop. A witness, Abdul Aziz, said he saw Teguh when he was already lying dead on the ground floor of the mall. "The incident occurred at around 2 p.m. Suddenly people were screaming and shouting that someone had fallen. I think he died immediately as people covered the body with a piece of cardboard right away," he said as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com. Separately, Kemayoran Police crime unit chief Adj. Comr. Bambang said that Teguh came to the mall with his elder and younger siblings to buy a laptop. Not long after they reached the sixth floor where the laptop store was located, Teguh's siblings suddenly heard that someone had fallen. "The victim and the witnesses came to ITC Cempaka Mas in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, to buy a laptop on the sixth floor. Teguhs siblings were notified that their brother had fallen to the ground floor, in front of Transmart Carrefour," Bambang explained. Shortly after the incident, the mall's security officers safeguarded the area until the police's identification team arrived. The victim broke both his legs and sustained severe head injuries in the fall. The police have yet to reveal the cause of the incident, as they are still questioning witnesses, including the two family members. "We are not sure whether it was suicide or an accident," he added. The body was taken to Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Central Jakarta to undergo further examination. (vla) Topics : accident jakarta fallen police Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Aimee Dawis (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 27 2019 Favorite: The memoir has sold more than 2 million copies in all formats in North America during its first 15 days on the market. (Courtesy of amazon.com) I laughed. I cried. I was inspired. With crisp and powerful prose, Michelle Obamas Becoming is a must-read memoir that is packed with hard truths and moving real-life examples. Michelle Obama begins her story at the end of her husbands second term, when she had settled back into their real home. It was the first time she could open the windows to let the fresh spring air into her house. The White House, she observed, had beautiful windows that could never be opened for safety reasons. 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 Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 27, 2019 Six people have been named suspects for alleged illegal arms possession related to a murder plot against four state officials and the head of a polling agency during the May 22 riots. The five people were the targets of the killing, allegedly planned to take place amid the recent postelection protests that turned into full-fledged riots in the capital, the National Police said on Monday. National Police spokesperson Insp. Gen. M. Iqbal described that the six people were arrested at different times and places around Greater Jakarta. In the operations, the police also seized at least four firearms, including long and short rifles, and boxes of ammunition. 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 By Lee Kyung-min Opinions are divided over whether the recent win of Hana Financial Group against Lone Star Funds bodes well for the ongoing, higher-stakes dispute suit involving the Korean government and the U.S.-based private equity fund. The government maintains the suit may help or at least not hurt the case, but industry watchers and lawyers caution against any rash conclusions given little information is available of the highly secretive proceedings. On May 15, Hana Financial Group said it won an international arbitration case against the U.S. buyout fund over its purchase of the Korea Exchange Bank (KEB), later acquired by the group to become KEB Hana Bank. The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) found in favor of Hana Financial, dismissing Lone Star's claim of "fraud, duress and mistakes." The ruling came nearly three years after Lone Star filed the suit seeking over $1.4 billion (1.6 trillion won) against the financial group saying the latter cut the buyout price of KEB, citing government pressure. John Grayken, Lone Star Funds chairman / Korea Times file Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 27, 2019 15:08 946 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873a1abdb 1 Politics Prabowo-presidential-bid-2019,Prabowo-Sandiaga,Prabowo-Subianto,ITE-Law,Criminal-Code,hate-speech,misinformation,presidential-bid,presidential-candidate,2019-presidential-election Free Mustofa Nahrawardaya, the IT division head for losing presidential pair Prabowo Subianto and Sandiaga Uno, has been arrested for falsely claiming that the police had beaten a 15-year-old boy to death, his lawyer confirmed on Monday. Earlier this morning, at around 2:30 a.m., Mustofa was detained by the National Polices Cyber Crime division, Mustofas lawyer, Djudju Purwantoro, said as quoted by kompas.com. He was charged for allegedly violating Article 28(2) of the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law on hate speech and Article 14(2) of Law No. 1/1946 of the Criminal Code on misinformation. Mustofa was arrested after tweeting about a viral video that shows Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officers beating up an unidentified man in front of the Al Huda Mosque in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, shortly after rioting occurred nearby. In his tweet, Mustofa claimed that the victim was a 15-year-old boy named Harun who later died from his injuries. While police have admitted that the events in the video had taken place, they claim the man depicted was, in fact, an adult named Andri Bibir, who is still alive. Andri appeared in a press conference at the National Police headquarters on Saturday and admitted that he was the man in the video. Meanwhile, The Jakarta Post confirmed that a 15-year-old named Muhammad Harun Rasyid was among the people killed during the riots, though his cause of death remains unknown. Mustofa is listed as an executive on Islamic mass organization Muhammadiyahs library and information council (MPI), but Muhammadiyah leadership said he was not actively involved in the organization. As the general secretary said, [Mustofa] is no longer a de facto executive, Muhmmadiyah MPI deputy chairman Ahmad Najib Burhani tweeted on Monday. (kmt) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 27, 2019 08:23 947 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873a064f5 4 Business DarminNasution,technology,Japan,palm-oil,waste,management Free Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution has welcomed the adoption of Japanese technology that can convert liquid palm oil waste, known as palm oil mill effluent (POME), into valuable products such docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, and animal feed. The Novel Algae-DHA Technology was developed by Japans Mobiol Corporation and Tsukuba University. Darmin said the adoption of the technology was important for Indonesia, as the worlds largest palm oil producer, because it could attract investment, boost exports, address environmental issues and improve economic activity. [...] The Novel Algae Technology can boost financial returns and address environmental issues, so it is better than the current technology used to manage palm oil, Darmin said at a seminar over the weekend as quoted by kontan.co.id. In Indonesia, there are currently 875 firms that produce palm oil products, which produce some 156 million tons of POME per day. Mobiol Corporation Group CEO Toshihide Nakajima explained that the global demand for DHA was around 250,000 metric tons (MT) annually, while the demand for aquatic and animal feed was estimated at 4 million MT and 1 million MT per year respectively. Mobiol Corporation projects that sales of DHA could be four times higher than the revenue from the currently produced palm oil products, while sales from aquatic and animal feed could be two times higher. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 27, 2019 14:17 946 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873a1882b 1 City post-election-riot,Jakarta-police,traffic,road-closure,jakarta Free The Jakarta Traffic Police will continue rerouting traffic in several areas around key election-related offices in the capital in anticipation of further postelection protests in the capital. We will maintain some road closures. We will notify the public when we consider that the situation has returned to normal," Jakarta Police traffic law enforcement unit head Comr. Muhammad Nasir said as quoted by kompas.com on Monday. Among the affected areas in Central Jakarta are Jl. Imam Bonjol where the General Elections Commission (KPU) office is situated, Jl. MH Thamrin and Jl. Majapahit next to the Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) office and Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat where the Constitutional Court is located. The Traffic Police will also reroute traffic around the House of Representatives complex. At least eight people were reportedly killed in the two days of postelection riots last week, while some 700 protesters have received medical treatment at several hospitals. (das/dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 27 2019 Plenty of space: The playroom for cats at the Hoema pet hotel in Bintaro. Inside the pet hotel are 75 spacious multistory rooms.(JP/Delima Meylynda) Pet owners looking to go on vacation often find themselves in a bind when it comes to deciding what to do with their furry companions. In Jakarta, however, this is becoming less of a problem, with the city seeing a rise in services from pet hotels to pet transportation agencies. Pet hotels are popular as they give owners the option to leave their pets behind without constantly worrying about their safety and comfort. 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 Mon, May 27, 2019 15:08 946 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873a1a000 4 Business toll-road,project,stopping,exodus,Idul-Fitri-2019 Free State-owned toll road operator PT Jasa Marga has said it had stopped all projects that could hamper traffic during the annual Idul Fitri exodus, when millions of people will head to their hometowns to celebrate the holiday. Jasa Marga operational director Subakti Syukur said the decision would have a positive impact on traffic during, before and after the Idul Fitri, which is estimated to start on June 5. For example, the company has halted work on the Jakarta-Cikampek elevated toll road project in the eastern part of Jakarta and removed all road barriers. Construction on the elevated toll road has been blamed for acute traffic in the area. The removal of barriers from [the lanes of] will expand the roads that could be used during the exodus. It will surely help smooth traffic, Subakti said as quoted by kompas.com. He said he had visited the Jakarta-Cikampek elevated toll road project along with National Police Traffic Corps chief. Gen. Refdi Andri. Refdi expressed his support of the decision to temporarily stop the project, saying that it would help the work of police officers manage traffic flow. Subakti said Jasa Marga has also prepared cranes at several locations along toll roads to help relocate vehicles broke down. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Badung, Bali Mon, May 27, 2019 Two Thai nationals have been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs into Bali. The suspects -- Prakob Seetang, 29, and Adison Phonlamat, 20 -- tried to smuggle the drugs by swallowing almost 1 kg of sabu (methamphetamine). They were arrested upon arrival at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Bali International Airport on Air Asia flight FD 398 from Bangkok in the early morning of May 13. Airport custom officers were suspicious of the two persons based on the custom's profiling system. However, custom officers did not find any suspicious items when they passed the X-Ray machine. They conducted a body search and found nothing suspicious either. 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 Tue, May 28 2019 The life insurance industry greatly welcomes the peaceful and successful completion of the presidential and legislative elections as further evidence that Indonesia is a vibrant and strong democracy with a free press, Jonathan Hekster, the chief executive officer of PT Manulife Indonesia, noted here on Monday. While income increase is the main driver for insurance growth, political stability and robust legal growth are critical conditions for success because life insurance is a long-term promise to customers and is fundamentally a business with a long-time perspective, Jonathan told The Jakarta Post. Jonathan said Manulife Indonesia, a subsidiary of Canadian Manulife Financial service group, had been operating in the country for almost 34 years and had seen many elections but, we have been growing stronger as we focus our business to help fulfill the needs of Indonesian families. 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 (Reuters) Hanoi Mon, May 27, 2019 13:19 946 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873a14638 2 SE Asia Vietnam,health,swine-flu,pig,fever,outbreak Free Vietnam culled a further 500,000 pigs over the past two weeks to tackle an oubreak of African swine fever, taking the total killed so far to 1.7 million, or 5% of the country's herd, the agriculture ministry said on Monday. Pork accounts for three-quarters of total meat consumption in Vietnam, a country of 95 million people where most of its 30 million farm-raised pigs are consumed domestically. The virus, first detected in the Southeast Asian country in February, has spread to 42 of the country's 63 provinces, the agriculture ministry's Livestock Production Department said in a statement on its website. "The African swine fever outbreak is the most dangerous and costly of its kind in the husbandry industry of Vietnam," agriculture minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong said in the statement. "Though the virus first appeared nearly 100 years ago, there has been no vaccine and no medicine for treating the disease". China, the world's largest pork producer, which has also been hit by the virus, said on Friday it will start work on clinical trials of a vaccine for African swine fever, which is fatal to animals but not harmful to humans. Cuong said it is difficult to contain the outbreak given that the virus remains dormant in the environment for a long time and can spread through complex and varied means. Earlier this month, Vietnam said it will mobilise its military and police forces to help combat the outbreak. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in March advised Vietnam to declare the swine fever outbreak as a national emergency. ( Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Mon, May 27, 2019 09:01 947 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873a08328 4 News deep-extreme-indonesia,hikers,mountaineering,blood-test,health,#health,travel,hiking,Basarnas Free Hiking is a popular tourist activity in Indonesia among adventure seekers and nature lovers, however it is also prone to accidents, especially from lack of preparation and poor physical fitness. According to National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) data, hiking accidents have increased over the past four years. Deputy head of the Indonesia Mountaineering Federation (FMI), Iqbal El Mubarok, said mountaineers often neglected many procedures, which led to accidents. One of the most important is getting a blood test. For hikers, [a blood test] might be too much hassle, however, if you want zero incidents, that's what you need to do, he said at the extreme sport exhibition Deep and Extreme Indonesia at the Jakarta Convention Center in Senayan, South Jakarta, recently as quoted by kompas.com. Iqbal said blood tests were important so that hikers really understood their physical condition and could prepare the right equipment. Read also: Hiking sandals not for hiking We can see [the condition] of our hemoglobin, red blood cells and white blood cells. If for example, among five hikers, one suddenly experiences a peak in their white blood cell level, it means they are suffering from an infection, he said. Physically, you won't see it. However if [the test shows] that his white blood cell count is high, there is a possibility the person could catch a fever the next day, which will affect their movement during the trip, he said. Iqbal said aforementioned preparation measures could be used to plan a hiking strategy for a hiking group. A person with a high levels of hemoglobin, for instance, should always be in the middle of the group, he said. If someone in the group has high levels of hemoglobin, they are at high risk of becoming dizzy during the hike, hence the other group members should keep an eye on them, he said. Iqbal said blood test only cost Rp 100,000 (US$7.05) to Rp 150,000, a small amount compared to the risks hikers faced if not well prepared. Additionally, he said hikers should consider getting an electrocardiogram (EKG) for signs of heart disease. (gis/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Chantal Valery (Agence France-Presse) Greece Tue, May 28, 2019 01:09 946 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873a287d7 2 News greece,travel,tourism,Lesbos Free In the summer of 2015, thousands of tourists were lounging on beaches on the island of Lesbos, one of Greece's top alternative travel destinations. The home of archaic poetess Sappho, Lesbos used to draw holidaymakers for its stunning blue waters, picture postcard villages, sun-baked olive groves, mediaeval fortress and world-famous petrified forest. But that all changed when inflatable boats began to arrive in droves, carrying thousands of traumatized refugees fleeing civil war in Syria. Lesbos became the main point of entry to Europe for the terrified, shivering migrants who had risked their lives trying to cross the Aegean Sea and find safety. It was also where many of the bodies washed up of those who had tragically drowned in the attempt. "2015 was a very good year for tourism and then, suddenly they started to arrive," said Maria Dimitriou, a shop owner in the mediaeval village of Molyvos in the island's north, where many of the refugees' boats landed. The refugees began arriving in mid-July, when the hotels were full of tourists, Dimitriou told AFP. "There were refugees everywhere, lying down with all their trash. And after this, tourism stopped." In 2015, alone, more than 500,000 refugees, mostly Syrians, arrived in Lesbos. Smaller numbers -- but enough to overwhelm local authorities there as well -- landed on the islands of Chios, Kos, Samos and Leros. Almost overnight, Lesbos became a byword for Europe's migration crisis. And that notoriety persists even today -- much to the consternation of locals. Vangelis Mirsinias, head of the Lesbos chamber of commerce, said inhabitants now wanted to rebuild the island's reputation and woo back the tourists. "We want to remind people of how beautiful this island is," Mirsinias said. Lesbos is also home to Plomari, one of the most popular ouzo brands in Greece. Read also: Modern sculpture meets ancient Greece in unique island exhibition There are still over 6,000 refugees and migrants on the island, and the main camp of Moria is still overcrowded, despite the authorities' efforts to transfer refugees to the mainland. Tourist numbers have dropped dramatically -- from 75,000 in 2015 to 32,000 in 2016, according to chamber of commerce data. The number seems to be on the rise again, reaching 63,000 last year and charter flights are returning. But cruise ships are not, local operators complain. Only eight are expected this year, compared to 94 in 2011 and just a single one in 2018. Paris Laoumis, who owns a tavern on the beach of Skala Sykamias, said some of his Dutch customers had stopped coming after 2015. "They told us they did not feel like seeing all this misery," he said. At the height of the crisis, his tavern acted as makeshift headquarters to an army of foreign media and rescuers. And the owner himself lent a hand in pulling half-drowned refugees out of the water. 'Swimming where others drowned' "People don't want to swim where (others) drowned," said Vato, a local mother and volunteer. "And around the camp of Moria, there is always a lot of concern about prostitution, drug trafficking and theft," she said. The island's beaches have been cleaned up for the coming season. But further inland, in the middle of green hills, a mountain of discarded life jackets bears witness to the scope of the migrant crisis. Michalis Michilakellis, a local souvenir seller, said he has lost a third of his business. He blames all the negative media attention. The locals were "fed up", said volunteer Vato. "People are angry towards the government and towards Europe: they told us not to worry, the camps won't last. But it's still there." Chamber of commerce chief Mirsinias suggested the European Union should provide funding to help repair the island's image. "The economy is still paying the impact of the crisis, and the smugglers keep sending people," he said. "It will need time and money to change this image," estimating that around half a million euros were needed. Topics : greece travel tourism Lesbos An employee attends to foreign customers at Shinhan Bank's branch in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, in this file photo. / Courtesy of Shinhan Bank By Kim Bo-eun Local banks are ramping up efforts to better meet the needs of existing foreign customers and attract new ones, as the number of foreign residents here grows. Data show the number of foreign customers of the five major banks here _ Shinhan, KB Kookmin, Woori, KEB Hana and Nonghyup _ surpassed 5 million at the end of 2018. The banks are paying attention to remittance services, as this is one of the main services foreign customers seek. They transferred a total of 2.98 trillion won overseas last year. The banks are especially focusing on addressing the needs of migrant workers here, for whom it is difficult to visit banks on weekdays. They are designating branches in regions with large migrant worker populations such as in Gyeonggi Province, to open on Sundays. In April, Shinhan designated a branch in the city of Gimhae in South Gyeongsang Province as a branch operating on Sundays. Customers can send funds overseas, exchange currency and open accounts there. This is the fourth branch Shinhan has opened for migrant workers. Woori Bank is operating 11 branches for foreign customers that open on Sundays. KEB Hana Bank runs 19 branches that open on Sundays, with the one in Gwangju opening most recently last week. Hana has the largest market share among foreign customers at 50 to 60 percent. Based on this, the bank is taking further steps to tailor to their needs. It opened a branch in Cheonan, May 20, which offers Korean language classes and various community programs. It also has a cooking zone and library that foreigners can use for events. In addition, the branch offers free dental and medical services in partnership with clinics in the vicinity. The branch in Cheonan is the fifth of a series of special banks Hana opened, and the first to open outside of Seoul. "Around 27,000 foreigners reside in the city of Cheonan, so we joined hands with the local government to offer a space catering to their needs," a KEB Hana official said. "Because the number of foreign customers is growing, we are offering various programs including online banking services, so that customers can opt for whatever suits them," he said. Hana plans to launch additional customized financial services for the 40,000 foreigners residing in Cheonan and neighboring city of Asan. At the same time, the banks are also improving mobile services so that customers also have the option of transferring funds more conveniently. Earlier this month, Woori launched a mobile remittance service for foreign customers, which enable them to transfer money simply by entering the bank and account number, without having to input a bank code or address. The service is available through Woori Bank's application for foreign customers, in eight languages including English and Vietnamese. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (China Daily/Asia News Network) Mon, May 27, 2019 22:03 946 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873a26914 2 News Xinjiang,travel,destination,tourism,trains Free As tours to Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region have become increasingly popular among tourists from home and abroad, local authorities have announced a plan recently to launch as many as 100 special trains for tourists from May to October. The local railway authorities will step up cooperation with other parts of the country to boost Xinjiangs tourism development, according to Huang Tingfen, deputy general manager of Xinjiang Railway Tourism Development Group. The trains will provide easier access to both the southern and northern parts of Xinjiang, said Huang. It will also be more convenient for Xinjiang residents to travel to other parts of the country. Read also: Winter tourism boosts homestays in Xinjiang Special trains connecting Xinjiang with major tourist areas such as the cities of Beijing, Dalian and Qingdao will be launched during the coming summer vacation, which usually spans June to August. In the second half of the year, more trains for tourists will go into operation, linking the region to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Guiyang city in Guizhou province, and Guilin city in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. Huang said more services will be provided on a regular basis on the trains, including karaoke, dining, bathing and internet. Topics : Xinjiang travel destination tourism trains Topics : This article appeared on the China Daily newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post Novelist Han Kang / Yonhap Prize-winning South Korean novelist Han Kang has handed over a novel to the Norwegian public arts project "Future Library," with her writing to remain unpublished and unread for nearly a century. The 2016 winner of the Man Booker International prize for her novel "The Vegetarian" has been chosen as the fifth writer for the Norwegian project along with 99 renowned authors including English writer David Mitchell. Their works will be kept in secret and published a century later on paper made from the trees of a special forest cultivated for the project. At the ceremony held at a forest on the outskirts of Oslo, Norway, on Saturday (local time), the writer handed over a manuscript covered with a white cloth to Scottish artist Katie Paterson, who initiated the "Future Library" project in 2014. Some 200 people including officials from the Oslo municipal government and media attended the event. The novel, titled "Dear Son, My Beloved," will be held in the Deichman Library in Oslo until its scheduled publication in 2114. "It's like my script marrying the forest, or like a funeral where this script longs for a rebirth, or like a lullaby for a century-long sleep," said Han, explaining what the white cloth refers to. She added that a piece of white fabric is used for side snap shirts for infants, mourning clothes and bedding in South Korea. "This is time to say goodbye," the 48-year old novelist said, closing her speech. She also read a message that she wrote about the project last month. "So finally in the moment I write the first sentence, I have to believe in the world one hundred years from now, the unlikely possibility that there would still be people who will read what I write ... as well as the thinly founded hope that this globe will have not yet become a massive ruin," she said. "If we can call the moment when we have to take one step toward the light despite all the uncertainties a prayer, this project would probably be something close to a one-hundred-year-long prayer." She said she used the term "one-hundred-year-long prayer" to represent the efforts by people to get out of uncertainly over the course of a century. "If we say a prayer is a struggle in the midst of uncertainty, this project is a prayer and something that many people born and dying keep doing over 100 years," she noted. Han is one of the most globally acclaimed South Korean novelists and the first Korean author invited to the Norwegian art project. Han's novel "The Vegetarian," translated by Deborah Smith, won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016, and another of her works, "The White Book," made it as far as the shortlist for the same award in 2018. (Yonhap) In the week that the country appeared to be more interested in debating whether milkshake was a threat to democracy than who would represent them in their soon-to-be-liquidised membership of the European Union, the Venga Boys enjoyed a resurgence across the continent. Image credit: Badgirl$ by Jimmy RIP A video allegedly taken on the party island showed members of Sebastian Kurzs coalition partners, the far-right FPO, discussing the guarantee of public contracts to the niece of a Russian oligarch in return for a large share purchase in an Austrian tabloid. Since then the German satirist Jan Bohmermann, who is said to have known of the footage before it went to the press, used the song Going to Ibiza by the Dutch group for his segment on the scandal, causing it to shoot to number one in the charts. Although theres probably nothing to top that party anthem colossus, we do have a selection of the very best new releases to steer you clear of votes of no confidence this week. Badgirl$ - Click Badgirl$ is a leftfield rap trio from Manchester. Their new single Click features lethargic, languorous vocals and a lo-fi instrumental that leaves each distinct voice eerily exposed. With plenty of disorienting effects, the group creates a mellow yet tense track that drives forward despite its downtrodden vibe. Awash with autotune, the song is a minimalist reworking of contemporary pop balladry with a sinister undertone. Girl Friday Decoration/Currency Girl Fridays Decoration/Currency carries an endearing rough-and-ready surf rock vibe with tragic lyrics about dreams of the urban high life being torn apart. The LA quartet considers themselves non-didactic feminists and the song depicts the brutality of male entitlement a man who views his name as currency and love as decoration. Hayden Thorpe Earthly Needs Hayden Thorpe is for fans of Perfume Genius. Sawtooth pulses endow this track with stately urgency as Thorpe applies a bold vibrato to his breathy, tenor voice. Its also full of lyrical gems such as Until the abyss/blows me a kiss. Singing of regret and hopeless thrall to desire, Thorpe protests, I cannot unlove you. Horse Jumper of Love - Airport Horse Jumper of Love is a three-piece from Boston due to release their second album. So Divine, on 28 June. Airport is a track almost five years in the making and years of dissatisfaction has led to a fantastic end product in which you can hear the volatility of the recording distinctly from the live feedback to the squeaking of acoustic guitar strings. This song will appeal to Pile fans and is complete with a Nirvana-esque anti-solo and celestially crunchy tones. Jade Imagine Big Old House Big Old House is a krautrock-inspired jam from Melbourne four-piece, Jade Imagine. The band are Milk! Records label-mates with Courtney Barnett, and possess a similarly understated lyrical wit. At a little over four minutes with a largely unchanging bassline, it becomes almost trance-inducing. Jade Imagine are due to release a debut album later this year and have toured with Angel Olsen and The Pretenders, amongst others. Just Mustard October Just Mustard is a band from Dundalk, continuing an Irish tradition My Bloody Valentine laid the foundations for on Loveless. October opens with a gong-like sound and bells, creating an ominous and regal atmosphere. The track has elements that wouldnt feel out of place on a track by The xx, but many of the elements such as the dry, clanging drums and the extreme guitar distortion and manipulations are all Just Mustards own. Sweet, lamenting female vocals are juxtaposed with atonal screeching and a brazen lack of melody. Listen to this rocking back and forth in a darkened room. Kyle Craft Broken Mirror Pose Kyle Craft explores a fractured sense of self on this shimmering track with lavish classic rock instrumentation. In powerful harmonised vocals reminiscent lately of Band of Skulls he sings of posing in a broken mirror/ Trying not to feel so much but concludes in the last refrain over saxophone drones that no one feels enough. Mannequin Pussy Who You Are Mannequin Pussy is based in Philadelphia and has a massive rock sound thats unapologetically full-bodied. The latest single, Who You Are, is also thematically about embracing individuality with the lyrics, You dont have to change/ You can stay the same. Composed in a linear fashion, the track speeds up to a blistering pace halfway through as it transitions from self-loathing to self-affirmation. Oso Oso dig (II) Jade Lilitris New York-based emo-influenced punk project has released the first material since last years reissue of the debut Bandcamp yunahon mixtape, which came out originally in 2017. dig (II) demonstrates the groups knack for melody once again that echoes Weezers classic era or early Biffy Clyro. Its a pensive brand of pop-punk that rewards repeated listens. Velvet Negroni CONFETTI Velvet Negroni is based in Minneapolis and has worked with previous collaborators of Young Thug, The Weeknd and Solange. CONFETTI is a jazzy, cerebral work with panning saxophone and a meditative atmosphere. Thematically it recalls experiences with substances (ice cold cocaine) as Negroni levitates over a lush instrumental bed of vibraphone and percussive crashing waves. A boy plays a video game with his mobile phone. gettyimagesbank South Korea plans to set up a body to address the World Health Organization's decision to classify excessive gaming as an illness, while balancing the interests of the country's high-profile gaming sector and growing concerns over gaming addiction, the government said Monday. The WHO last week defined problems caused by excessive gaming as a disorder in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Gaming disorder is defined by the WHO as "a pattern of gaming behavior ('digital-gaming' or 'video-gaming') characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences." "The consultative body will be made up of experts from the medical sector and all interested parties so as to discuss the matter," the Ministry of Health and Welfare said. The WHO outlined a grace period extending up to Jan. 1, 2022. In case of South Korea, due to regulatory processes, the classification may come into force around 2026, according to the ministry. Parents of children, educators and some civic groups have urged local authorities to designate gaming disorder as a disease, but such a designation is strongly opposed by the gaming industry, as well as the culture ministry. The gaming industry has created its own committee to review related concerns, stressing the matter needs to be examined in more detail. "The WHO's ICD-11 conflicts with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child that emphasizes kids can participate fully in cultural and artistic activities," the committee said. It pointed out that even the American Psychiatric Association warned against making hasty decisions without carrying out sufficient research and examining relevant data. The gaming industry has also balked at the WHO's move, saying classifying excessive game playing as a disease only serves as an extreme restriction on the industry and "can't be a fundamental solution" to addiction. The country's culture ministry also said it cannot accept the WHO's decision, strongly opposing codifying gaming addiction as a disease, citing other factors that may influence such behavior. The culture ministry argued that young people engage in compulsive gaming activities not simply because of games themselves but because of psychosocial factors, such as stress at school, lack of social support from teachers and peers and parental behavior. From a clinical perspective, the ministry also claimed gaming doesn't directly cause changes in the brain, and pre-existing conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, can result in compulsive gaming. According to industry data, the gaming sector would suffer sales losses at home totaling 1.08 trillion won (US$912 million) in 2023, 2.13 trillion won in 2024 and 3.14 trillion won in 2025. In overseas markets, an estimated 1.9 trillion won in losses is expected in 2025, the data showed. (Yonhap) Phuket marks third-highest hand, foot and mouth disease infection rate in the country PHUKET: The Ministry of Public Health is calling on parents and schools to be on the lookout for hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) a mild, contagious viral infection common in young children with Phuket as of Friday (May 24) having the third-highest infection rate in the country. health By Waranya Prompinpiras Monday 27 May 2019, 12:21PM The Ministry of Public Healths Department of Disease Control has gone on the offensive to prevent any further infections of hand, foot and mouth disease among young children. Image: DDC / MoPH The Ministry of Public Healths Department of Disease Control has gone on the offensive to prevent any further infections of hand, foot and mouth disease among young children. Image: DDC / MoPH The Ministry of Public Healths Department of Disease Control has gone on the offensive to prevent any further infections of hand, foot and mouth disease among young children. Image: DDC / MoPH Sores and lesions are among are the key signs of hand, foot and mouth disease. Photo: NNT The news comes hot on the heels of students returning in the opening weeks of returning to school after long holidays. HFMD is a mild, contagious viral infection common in young children, characterised by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. HFMD is most commonly caused by a coxsackievirus There is currently no specific treatment for HFMD. The best parents and doctors can do is keep an infected child separated from other children and provide treatment to alleviate signs of infection. Phuket has the third highest infection rate of hand, foot and mouth disease in Thailand, Dr Thanit Sermkaew, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Health Office (PPHO), told The Phuket News today (May 27). Phuket has the third highest a morbidity rate (infection rate) of hand, foot and mouth disease in Thailand, but I think there is no reason to worry about the situation as the number of people infected is not high and it is quite normal for children to contract HFMD after they return to school and the rainy season returns, he said. Dr Thanit explained that from January 1 through May 24, the PPHO had recorded 143 patients with HFMD, giving and infection (morbidity) rate of 35.50 per 100,000 (based on the registered population of 402,707 people). There have been no deaths, Dr Thanit confirmed, noting that HFMD is usually a mild disease, and nearly all patients recover fully in seven to 10 days without medical treatment. The age group affected the most was 0-4 years old, with a total 130 infants/young children infected, and 5-9 years old, with 11 children infected, he said. Mueang District, comprising Phuket Town and the southern end of the island, recorded 58 cases, Kathu District recorded 17 cases and Thalang District recorded 68 cases, Dr Thanit added. To prevent any further spread of the disease, where an individual child is found to have HFMD, we have that child not go to school for w week until the child recovers. Where two children in the same class are found to have HFMD, we have all the students in the same class stay at home for about one week to make sure the disease does not spread to other children, and we have the classroom cleaned thoroughly he explained. However, so far this year we have not had to suspend any classes, he added. Dr Thanit urged parents to check their children for signs of infection, which include low fever, weakness, mouth sores and a rash on the hands and feet. He also urged parents not to panic. Of course take your child to a doctor to be sure, but nearly all children recover with simple rest, good food and keeping them warm to fight the infection, he said. But it is important to keep them away from other children so they dont become infected too, he added. Dr Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai, Director-General of the Ministry of Public Healths Department of Disease Control, in a statement issued on Friday noted, Now Thailand is entering the rainy season. The cold and humid air is conducive to the growth of various pathogens. At the same time, students are returning to school. Therefore, one disease that requires special attention is hand, foot and mouth disease, which is more common among children under 5 years old. This disease can be contracted directly by receiving the virus through the mouth. The virus may also be passed by hands or toys that are contaminated with snot, saliva, water from wound and stool or contact from coughing and sneezing, he added. Dr Suwanchai pointed out that from Jan 1 to May 21, the MoPH had recorded 11,107 people throughout the country as having contracted HFMD. The most affected age group is 1 year old, followed by 2 years old and 3 years old, he said. The province with the highest a morbidity rate in Thailand is Surat Thani, followed by Chiang Mai, Phuket, Chumphon and Prachuap Khiri Khan, Dr Suwanchai noted. Volunteer divers collect 230kg of trash off Phuket PHUKET: A team of volunteer divers assisted the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) in collecting 230kg of trash from the sea at Koh Mai Thon and Koh Hae in Phuket over the past weekend. environmentmarinepollutionnatural-resources By Waranya Prompinpiras Monday 27 May 2019, 06:21PM A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of track off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of track off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of track off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of track off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of track off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of track off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of track off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of track off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of track off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of track off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of track off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of track off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of track off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of track off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of track off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of track off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of track off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE A team of 50 volunteer divers, Thais and expats, collected 230kg of trash off Phuket on Saturday (May 25) and Sunday (May 26). Photo: MNRE The team of 50 divers first collected trash from the sea around Koh Mai Thon in Rawai on Saturday (May 25) from 8am until 4pm. The following day, the team worked around Koh Hae, also in Rawai, from 8am until 3pm. Nathawan Jamlongkard, Director of MNRE Phuket office, told The Phuket News today, The clean-up was carried out under a project named Protect Andaman which covers the six coastal provinces of the Andaman Sea Phuket, Phang Nga, Ranong, Krabi, Satun and Trang. This year we received a budget for collecting trash from the sea in two areas: Koh Mai Thon and Koh Hae. The reason that we chose Koh Mai Thon and Koh Hae is because there is a lot of fishing in those areas and as a result, a lot of debris is found there, Mr Nathawan said. At the same time, divers require the water to be clear to be able to find trash, and these islands provide good visibility. Last year, we received a budget for collecting trash from the sea in four areas: Koh Mai Thon, Koh Racha, Patong Beach and Karon Beach. We do not have an exact schedule to carry out the work as we are relying on several factors. We have to receive the funds from the budget and we also have to rent boats, which are difficult to get hold of in the high season. Every diver that helps us does so without receiving anything in return. Many volunteers helped us last year and came again to help this year. Before we organise the activities, we send invitations to a group of diving volunteers which we have worked with in the past. We have a quota to support only 50 volunteers, so we do not advertise publicly as we dont want to deny people who want to help, Mr Nathawan explained. At Koh Mai Thon, we collected a total of 94kg of trash. The 50 divers who helped us were from the Phuket Diver Volunteer Network, Diving Association of Thailand, Buffalo group which is a team of foreign divers and Marine Police. The vast majority of the trash found was rope and pieces of fishing net. At Koh Hae, we collected a total of 136kg with the same divers that helped at Koh Mai Thon. We also found 16 kg of diving equipment at Koh Hae such as goggles, diving masks and snorkels. In addition, we also various other bits of trash at both Koh Mai Thon and Koh Hae such as plastic bags, plastic bottles, glass bottles, glass fragments, rope, scrap metal, cans, PVC pipes, other fishing debris and rubber buoys, Mr Nathawan said. Class-action lawsuit filed against South Dakota state mental hospital Those needing mental health services are instead sitting in jail months at a time, the lawsuit says. National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang was set to embark on a 10-day trip to Russia and the Baltic nations in an effort to promote parliamentary diplomacy over peace on the Korean Peninsula. Moon will depart on a three-day trip to Russia that will be followed by visits to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, according to his office. He plans to appeal for Russia to play a constructive role in maintaining the momentum for dialogue between North Korea and the United States amid stalled denuclearization talks. Moon will meet with Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of Russia's lower house State Duma, and Valentina Matviyenko, leader of the Council of the Federation, to discuss ways to promote parliamentary cooperation between the two nations. He will also deliver a speech about South Korea and Russia's cooperation in promoting peace on the peninsula, and their ties, at a plenary meeting of Russia's senate on Wednesday. On Thursday, Moon will travel to Estonia on a trip to the Baltic states that includes stops in Latvia and Lithuania. His trip is the first travel in eight years to the Baltic nations by a sitting Korean parliamentary speaker. He is scheduled to hold talks with key leaders of the Baltic states, including Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid, Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis and President Dalia Grybauskaite of Lithuania, his office said. Moon will return home on June 5. (Yonhap) Elton John's ex-fiancee who is believed to be the muse for the classic song, 'Someone Saved My Life Tonight' has publicly expressed her disappointment in the new biopic. Linda Hannon (then called Woodrow) was engaged to John after a two-year-long relationship. However, it ended abruptly in 1970 when he told her it was over, after a late night out. Fast forward to a couple of months later, John nailed his first hit song with 'Your Song'. The song, 'Someone Saved My Life Tonight' was recorded five years later. In a recent interview with 'Good Morning Britain', Hannon says that she's happy for John. "I never actually believed he would become such a superstar as he is. ... I would like to [hear from him] I don't know what I would say to him but I'd like to see him. ... There's no resentment and there's certainly no bitterness. It would be a joyous meeting if we did meet, I'm sure." Huawei Technologies Co. founder Ren Zhengfei struck a defiant tone in the face of U.S. sanctions that threaten his companys very survival. In an interview with Bloomberg Television, the billionaire founder of Chinas largest technology company conceded that Trump administration export curbs will cut into a two-year lead Huawei had painstakingly built over rivals like Ericsson AB and Nokia Oyj. But the company will either ramp up its own chip supply or find alternatives to keep its edge in smartphones and 5G. The U.S. on May 17 blacklisted Huawei which it accuses of aiding Beijing in espionage and cut it off from the U.S. software and components it needs to make its products. The ban hamstrings the worlds largest provider of networking gear and No. 2 smartphone vendor, just as it was preparing to vault to the forefront of global technology. Its rocking chip makers from America to Europe as the global supply chain comes under threat. The ban could also disrupt the rollout of 5G wireless globally, undermining a standard thats touted as the foundation of everything from autonomous cars to robot surgery. Ren maintained Huawei had the capability to devise its own solutions given time. Its been designing its own chips for years, which it now uses in many of its own smartphones. Its even developing its own operating software to run phones and servers. The CEO however deflected questions about how quickly Huawei can ramp up those internal replacement endeavours. Failure could dent the fast-growing consumer business and even kill emergent efforts such as cloud servers. That depends on how fast our repairmen are able to fix the plane, said Ren, who appeared at ease in a white jacket over a pink shirt, making light of questions about his companys plight. No matter what materials they use, be it metal, cloth or paper, the aim is to keep the plane in the sky. Ren has gone from recluse to media maven in the span of months as he fights to save the $100 billion company he founded. The 74-year-old billionaire emerged from virtual seclusion after the arrest of eldest daughter and Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou as part of a broader probe of Huawei. Hes since become a central figure in a U.S.-Chinese conflict thats potentially the most important episode to shape world affairs since the collapse of the Soviet Union. As Ren said in January, when the worlds biggest economies battle for dominion, nothing in their way will survive. His company is a sesame seed between twin great powers, he said. This may bring one of Chinas national champions to its knees, said Chris Lane, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. If China shut down all the Apple plants, the U.S. would get very upset. This is a similar kind of move. Ren has had much to deal with of late. His company finds itself increasingly under fire, besieged by a U.S. effort to get key allies to ban its equipment. The U.S. assault helped crystallize fears about Huaweis growing clout in areas from wireless infrastructure and semiconductors to consumer gadgets. Then came the blacklist. Huawei appears to have anticipated this possibility since at least mid-2018, when similar sanctions threatened to sink rival ZTE Corp. Huaweis said to have stockpiled enough chips and other vital components to keep its business running at least three months. We have made some really good chips, said Ren, a legendary figure in his home country thanks to the way he built Huawei from scratch into a global powerhouse. Being able to grow in the toughest battle environment, that just reflects how great we are. Last week, Trump said Huawei could become part of a U.S-Chinese trade deal, stirring speculation it was a bargaining chip in sensitive negotiations. But Ren said he wasnt a politician. Its a big joke, he scoffed. How are we related to China-U.S. trade? If Trump calls, I will ignore him, then to whom can he negotiate with? If he calls me, I may not answer. But he doesnt have my number. In fact, Ren pulled no punches in going after a man he labelled a great president just months prior. I see his tweets and think its laughable because theyre self-contradictory, he quipped. How did he become a master of the art of the deal? Beijing itself isnt without options. Some speculate China might retaliate against the ban of Huawei which may widen to include some of its most promising AI firms by in turn barring Americas largest corporations from its own markets. Apple Inc. could relinquish nearly a third of its profit if China banned its products, Goldman Sachs analysts estimate. Ren said he would object to any such move against his American rival. That will not happen, first of all. And second of all, if that happens, Ill be the first to protest, Ren said in the interview. Apple is my teacher, its in the lead. As a student, why go against my teacher? Never. At the heart of Trumps campaign is suspicion that Huawei aids Beijing in espionage while spearheading Chinas ambitions to become a technology superpower. Its been accused for years of stealing intellectual property in lawsuits filed by American companies from Cisco Systems Inc. and Motorola Inc. to T-Mobile US Inc. Critics say such theft helped Huawei vault into the upper echelons of technology but Ren laughed off that premise. I stole the American technologies from tomorrow. The U.S. doesnt even have those technologies, he said. We are ahead of the U.S. If we were behind, there would be no need for Trump to strenuously attack us. Rens easy demeanour belies the way hes consistently shunned attention. The army engineer-turned-entrepreneur has this year turned in a command performance in the public spotlight, particularly for someone whos rarely spoken to foreign media since he created Huawei. The re-emergence of the reclusive CEO who before January last spoke with foreign media in 2015 underscores the depth of the attacks on Huawei, the largest symbol of Chinas growing technological might. Ren again waved off speculation his company is in any way beholden to the Communist Party, though hes declared his loyalty ultimately lies with the countrys ruling body. U.S. lawmakers arent convinced. Thats why the U.S. Commerce Department cut off the flow of American technology from chips to software and everything in-between. An iconic figure in Chinese business circles, the billionaire remains a uniquely placed voice in a conflict that will help define the global landscape. Ren, who says he survived the chaos of the Cultural Revolution thanks in part to his much sought-after expertise in high-precision tools, remains a big believer that Huaweis technology will win the day. His company today generates more sales than internet giants Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd. combined. In 2018, Huawei overtook Apple in smartphone sales, a triumph that burnished his tech credentials. His quotes adorn the walls of the food court at Huaweis sprawling campus on the outskirts of the southern metropolis of Shenzhen, and employees still speak of him in reverent tones. The companys 2018 report shows he has a 1.14% stake, giving him a net worth of $2 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Ren, who survived Mao Zedongs great famine to found Huawei in 1987 with 21,000 yuan, said Huawei will do whatever it takes to survive. It will ignore the noise while doing its business the best it can. Meanwhile, the pressure is bound to take a toll. At one point during the interview, Rens unflappable demeanour cracked if only for a minute. The U.S. has never bought products from us, he said, bristling. Even if the U.S. wants to buy our products in the future, I may not sell to them. Theres no need for a negotiation. This is not a difficult time to be a chief executive. The solid economy has bolstered companies sales, and President Donald Trumps corporate tax cuts have juiced profits. A huge increase in stock buybacks has lifted share prices. Despite all the structural forces aiding companies bottom lines and stock prices, boards continue to act as if CEOs have unique powers to deliver better returns and have gone to great lengths to compensate them. The most prominent example: Tesla approved a pay package to Elon Musk valued at as much as $2.3 billion (U.S.). Its not just the highest sum for last year; its the biggest ever, according to compensation experts. (More on Musk below.) Something about this feels inevitable. Every year, Equilar, an executive compensation consulting firm, conducts a survey for The New York Times of the 200 highest-paid chief executives in America. And nearly every year, CEOs already earning huge sums get even bigger payouts. In 2018, our analysis shows, they did particularly well: The median boss received compensation of $18.6 million a raise of $1.1 million, or 6.3 per cent, from the year prior. CEO pay increased at almost twice the rate of ordinary wages. In 2018 a pretty good year for the labour market the average American private-sector worker got a 3.2 per cent raise, or an extra 84 cents per hour. These gains at the top are despite recent efforts to restrain CEO pay. Earlier this decade, Congress required that companies disclose the ratio of their chief executives pay to that of their median employee. Lawmakers also gave shareholders a special but nonbinding vote on the matter. Another trend theoretically contributing to accountability is that company boards, under pressure from some shareholders and advisory firms, have tied a lot more of a chief executives pay to a companys performance. And yet the compensation machine still spits out bigger and bigger rewards. Musk topped Equilars list by more than $2 billion. In second place was David M. Zaslav, the chief executive of Discovery, an entertainment company, at $129.5 million. Palo Alto Networks, which provides cybersecurity services, gave its incoming chief, Nikesh Arora, a package that it said was worth $125 million. Oracle awarded each of its two co-chief executives payouts of $108 million and gave its chairman, Larry Ellison, slightly more. One of the co-CEOs, Safra A. Catz, was 2018s highest-paid woman, one of only eight on the Equilar list. Ubers chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi, who got a $45.3 million award, would have been 10th on Equilars list. But since the company was not public last year, it was not included in the rankings. Also missing: the CEOs of private equity firms and hedge funds, whose compensation can run into the hundreds of millions. Five take-aways from the 2018 report: CEOs get paid regardless of logic When Tesla announced its multibillion-dollar award for Musk in January 2018, it was hailed as a bold experiment, fitting of a visionary entrepreneur. Sure, the multibillion headline number was big enough to appease the gods, but the award was structured in such a way that Tesla would have to reach highly ambitious milestones for Musk to receive any of it. Teslas market capitalization is now $35 billion. To gain all the options in the award, its market value would have to increase 18 times over, to $650 billion. Elons entire compensation is directly tied to the long-term success of Tesla and its shareholders, and none of the equity from his 2018 performance package has vested, said Kamran Mumtaz, a spokesman for Tesla. The awards structure was driven by concern that Musks attention could wander to his other ventures, like SpaceX, or that he could leave Tesla altogether. In describing the compensation package, the board said it wanted to motivate Mr. Musk to continue to not only lead Tesla over the long term, but particularly in light of his other business interests, to devote his time and energy in doing so. In the months after Musks focus was supposedly fortified, however, both he and the company faltered. The company struggled to produce and deliver its electric cars, senior executives departed and financial concerns returned. Musk posted messages on Twitter about a deal to take Tesla private that the Securities and Exchange Commission later described as false and misleading. (Both Musk and Tesla settled with the agency.) Why grant Musk the award at all? Analysts for Institutional Shareholder Services said at the time that because Musk already owned roughly a fifth of Tesla, his financial interests were already strongly aligned with the company. If its value hits $650 billion, his stake could be worth more than $100 billion, so its unclear what extra incentive a $2.3-billion carrot provides. Jeff Bezos, Amazons chief executive, did not require huge additional equity grants to inspire him to build his company. CEOs get paid extra to do the basics Two chief executives who ended high up on Equilars list, Robert A. Iger of Disney and John J. Legere of T-Mobile, are getting awards for leading their companies through large mergers. But carrying out mergers could be considered a core part of a CEOs job description, and not deserving of extra pay. CVS, for instance, gave a few senior executives a special award for overseeing its big merger with Aetna, but its chief executive, Larry J. Merlo, did not get one. Iger of Disney is getting extra shares that Equilar values at nearly $74 million, an award that was dependent on the completion of Disneys acquisition of 21st Century Fox and is subject to performance goals. Adding that sum to the $65.6 million that Iger was awarded last year would give him a combined haul of nearly $140 million. Abigail Disney, a granddaughter of Roy O. Disney, who founded Disney in 1923 with his brother, Walt Disney, recently tore into the companys pay practices. He deserves a lot of money; Ive never quibbled with that, she said, referring to Igers compensation. But the question is how far were going to go. David J. Jefferson, a spokesman for Disney, said the boards of both Disney and 21st Century Fox had requested that Iger extend his employment agreement to oversee the merger. He added that the stock award for completing the deal will only reach target value if Disney delivers strong performance through 2021. Legere, whose company is combining with Sprint, stands to get a special merger award that T-Mobile valued at $37 million. Hell get it even if the deal does not close. In its proxy, T-Mobile said the stock grant was designed to push recipients to maximize returns for T-Mobile shareholders even if the company did not merge with Sprint. CEOs get paid regardless of scandal Timothy J. Sloan stepped down from Wells Fargo in March, after struggling to convince Congress and regulators that the bank was fixing its problems after several scandals. Sloans stock grants, worth around $24 million, according to Equilar, will vest over the next three years, Wells Fargo said. Facebook had a horrible 2018. The Cambridge Analytica scandal revealed the companys poor controls on user data, and the activity of Russia-linked actors on Facebook around the time of the 2016 election was one of the biggest outrages to ever hit a large technology company. The company is now spending billions trying to make its network secure, and it faces regulatory scrutiny that could affect it for years. But executive compensation barely took a hit. Facebooks board gave an $18.4 million stock award to both Sheryl K. Sandberg, the chief operating officer, and Mike Schroepfer, the chief technology officer. (Mark Zuckerberg, Facebooks chief executive, is not paid like the other senior executives; effectively all his compensation is made up of payments to cover the costs of travel and personal security.) CEOs often get paid more than companies say Equilar does its analysis based on headline compensation numbers from proxy statements. But those are estimates, often based on companies complex calculations of what stock and options grants will be worth in the future. Some shareholder advisory analysts do their own math and conclude that the awards are likely to pay out far more than companies claim. Institutional Shareholder Services, for instance, estimated that the 2018 compensation granted to each of Oracles co-CEOs had a value of $207 million, compared with the $108 million in the proxy. ISSs calculations sometimes differ because they make different assumptions about whether executives will achieve performance targets. (Oracle declined to comment.) Of course, executives may end up earning a lot more than the headline number because their firms performed exceptionally well. Jamie Dimon, the chief executive of JPMorgan Chase, came 22nd in Equilars 2018 ranking. He got an award in 2016 that, at the time, was valued at $20.5 million. At the end of the payouts performance period in January, in part because Dimon hit his higher performance goals, the grant was actually worth $56 million, according to Equilars calculations. Failure is possible, though. Just as executives can earn far more than originally estimated, an award can end up being worth zero. For example, a performance-based award Iger received in 2014 was valued at $60 million, but because Disneys operating income fell short of a target, he did not collect. Zaslav also failed to get all of a 2014 package originally valued at $145 million; the award actually paid out $65 million. Zaslav can perhaps afford to shed some pay given the starting size of his awards; the last three had a combined value of nearly $209 million. CEOs get paid to invest in their companies Upon joining Palo Alto Networks last year, Arora took $20 million of his own money and purchased company stock. When chief executives invest a portion of their fortunes, it can strengthen the alignment between the top executive and shareholders. (Famously, before he joined Bank One in 2000, Dimon spent roughly $57 million buying shares in the bank, which later merged with JPMorgan Chase.) But this incentive may not be as strong in Aroras case. The $20 million is a relatively small proportion of his total 2018 compensation, valued at $125 million. Whats more, Palo Alto matched his cash investment with an award of restricted stock. (Mr. Aroras performance-based equity award provides value to Mr. Arora only if our stockholders realize significant value, said Ben Malloy, a company spokesman.) Read more about: Canadian automobile manufacturing will be a small contributor to the reshaping of the global industry stemming from a merger proposed Monday by Fiat Chrysler with Frances Renault to create the worlds third-biggest automaker. The merged company, which would combine forces in the race to make new electric and autonomous vehicles, would produce some 8.7 million vehicles a year, leapfrogging General Motors and trailing only Volkswagen and Toyota. Roughly half a million of those vehicles are produced in Canada at Fiat Chryslers Windsor and Brampton plants, which employ about 9,700 people, while Canadian sales amounted to 225,000 vehicles or about 11.3 per cent of the domestic market last year. Renault doesnt have a manufacturing presence in the country. Shares of both companies jumped on the news of the offer, which would see each sides shareholders split ownership in the new manufacturer. Renault welcomed what it called a friendly offer. The companys board met Monday at its headquarters outside Paris and said afterward that Renault will study the proposal with interest. In a statement, Renault said such a fusion could improve Renaults industrial footprint and be a generator of additional value for the Alliance with Japans Nissan and Mitsubishi. Fiat Chryslers offer comes at a key moment for Renault. The French manufacturer had wanted to merge fully with Nissan, but those plans were derailed by the arrest of boss Carlos Ghosn on financial misconduct charges in Japan. Now, questions are growing over the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, which together make more passenger cars than any one company. While Fiat Chrysler says the merger with Renault would accommodate the alliance and lead to savings for them, it is unclear how the Japanese companies might react in the longer term to being tied to a much larger partner. A deal would save 5 billion euros (C$7.5 billion) for the merged companies each year by sharing research, purchasing costs and manufacturing and tooling efficiencies, Fiat Chrysler said. It promised the deal would involve no plant closures, but didnt address potential job cuts. Fiat Chrysler employs about 180 people at its research and development centre at the University of Windsor, along with 300 people at a casting plant in Etobicoke, Ont., and controls three facilities in Ontario under the CpK Interior Products banner. The company, which produces the Dodge Grand Caravan, Challenger and Charger and the Chrysler Pacifica and 300 in Canada, said in March that it would cut a shift at its Windsor minivan plant at a loss of about 1,500 jobs. Overall, Fiat Chrysler is stronger in the U.S. and SUV markets, while Renault is stronger in Europe and in developing electric vehicles. Together, they would be worth almost 37 billion euros (C$55.7 billion). This operation will bring benefits to both countries, Fiat Chrysler Chairman John Elkann told reporters in Italy, noting that it had been 10 years since Fiats takeover of bankrupt Chrysler, in exchange for small-car technology and management know-how. The car market has shifted dramatically in the meantime, with Fiat Chrysler abandoning small cars in the United States in favour of SUVs. Analysts at financial firm Jefferies said it was hard to disagree with the logic of the deal, as there is a strong fit in the markets each company covers and the brands they offer. The elephant in the room is who will run the entity, analysts Philippe Houchois and Himanshu Agarwal wrote in a note to investors. Mergers of equals can be difficult to manage over questions of who gets the top leadership positions and which brands are promoted and invested in most. A tie-up between Daimler and Chrysler in the 1990s was billed as a merger of equals, but it eventually collapsed amid cultural differences and recriminations. Investors were nevertheless enthusiastic about Fiat Chryslers plan, pushing the companys shares up almost 10 per cent and Renaults 13 per cent in European afternoon trading. The French government, which owns 15 per cent of Renault, said it is favourable to the idea of a merger but wants to study the conditions more carefully, especially in terms of Renaults industrial development and employees working conditions, government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye said. We need giants to be built in Europe. Collaboration among automakers has taken on greater importance in recent years as they seek to build their technological capabilities in pursuit of electrical vehicles, net connectivity and artificial intelligence for vehicles. Automakers are also under pressure from regulators, particularly in Europe and China, to come up with electric vehicles so they can meet tougher climate change regulations and after scandals over the amount of pollutants engines truly emit. The merger idea is the biggest corporate move so far by Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley, who took his position after the unexpected death last year of the charismatic leader Sergio Marchionne. What happens to jobs is likely to be a source of concern. Frances influential CGT union warned against cuts should a deal go through, and said it wants the French government to retain a blocking stake in any new company. ___ With files from the Associated Press. As the Bank of Canada meets this week amid trade-war chaos, a big unanswered question will loom over the gathering: Whos right about the nations economic prospects, gloomy traders or optimistic policy makers? Markets are worried that Canada is deeply exposed to the U.S.-China trade spat. The Canadian yield curve is inverted, with three-month government debt yielding more than 10-year notes, suggesting fear the dispute will weigh on global growth. The rates market is pricing in 17 basis points of central bank easing through the next 12 months, according to trading of forward contracts. But the Bank of Canada has been resolute. Governor Stephen Poloz said May 17 that theres much evidence the economy is strong, calling signs to the contrary just a detour and saying interest rates will rise once the headwinds dissipate. The central bank will reveal its latest policy decision Wednesday morning. The pesky trade dispute seems to be the wild card here. And its little wonder why: The U.S. and China are Canadas biggest trading partners. The BoC is caught between big global uncertainties that are negative and recent data surprises erring on the positive side, said Alan Ruskin, strategist at Deutsche Bank AG. Theres a tendency in the U.S. and Canada for the market to take a more dovish view of expected policy than policy makers. The curve will be another element encouraging caution. Around the world, traders have pushed bond yields lower, as appetite for risk assets wanes and central banks around the globe cut forecasts for growth. The trade war has taken a toll on sentiment, weighing on global stocks and sapping demand for most commodities. The foreign-exchange market isnt pricing in a dovish central-bank policy stance in Canada just yet. As of Friday, the loonie was still the best performer among currencies from Group-of-10 nations in 2019, supported by crude oil, which had gained 30 per cent this year despite recent losses. The loonie was up 1.5 per cent this year versus the U.S. dollar. Still, the outlook is cloudy. For Canada, 17 per cent of its economic growth is exposed to the fight between the U.S. and China, according to a May 24 report from Bloomberg Intelligence economists. That means the Canadian dollar is 10 per cent overvalued, they argued. Recent economic data indicating strong Canadian employment and retail sales strengthen Polozs optimistic position even after the central bank last month abandoned its bias toward rate hikes and dropped a reference to future increases. Citigroup Inc.s Canada economic surprise index, which measures data surprises relative to market expectations, is at the highest level since April 2017. That outperformance alone tilts the balance of risks towards a constructive assessment of prospects in the next BoC policy statement, Shaun Osborne, strategist at Scotiabank, wrote in a May 24 note to clients. It provides the basis for a mildly hawkish hold decision from the policy makers. He sees the Canadian dollar strengthening to end the year at $1.28 against the greenback. It finished Friday at $1.34. Others arent so bullish. The loonie will weaken toward $1.352 after Wednesdays decision, strategists Andrew Kelvin and Mark McCormick at TD Securities wrote in a note May 24. They expect the yield differences between 5-year and 10-year as well as 10-year and 30-year Canadian government debt to narrow. The balance of risk around the BoC also supports continued flattening, they said. The narrative remains biased towards lackluster performance in the currency as better Canadian data reflects very weak expectations rather than strength in the economy. Read more about: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government gave lawmakers formal notice it intends to bring forward legislation to ratify the new North American free trade agreement. Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland introduced a ways and means motion in the House of Commons on Monday for the legislation, which is the first step in the process for parliamentary approval. The procedure comes ahead of a visit to Ottawa by U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, who is scheduled to meet with Trudeau on Thursday to discuss advancing the agreement. A decision by U.S. President Donald Trumps administration last week to lift tariffs on steel and aluminum helped clear major hurdles for lawmakers in all three countries to approve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. There is an element of urgency for Trudeau, who last week said he was eager for Canada to ratify the deal. Parliament is scheduled to break for summer recess in four weeks giving lawmakers in two legislative chambers little time to study and vote on the pact. Canada has finally made its case that the top of the world flies the Maple Leaf. After years of delay and political debate, Canada has submitted its scientific argument for control of a vast portion of the Arctic seabed, including the North Pole, to the UN body that will evaluate it. Denmark and Russia have already released their own evidence that the Pole and good bits of the sea floor around it including any resources they hold should belong to them. All of the countries involved recognize that there will have to be boundary negotiations at some future point, said Michael Byers, professor of international law at the University of British Columbia. Last Thursday, Canada submitted 1,200 pages of scientific evidence to prove that the continental shelf from the High Arctic islands extends past 200 nautical miles from shore. It includes a contested section of sea floor that stretches from the top of Ellesmere Island along an undersea ridge to the Pole and more than 200 kilometres past it. Russia says that same undersea ridge originates from its continental shelf. Consequently, it argues all of the sea floor alongside the ridge from Russias coast to just past the Pole belongs to it. The Danes say the ridge is associated with Greenland, so it is theirs right up to Russian territorial waters. Continental shelf overlaps are a normal part of the process, Stefano Maron of Global Affairs Canada wrote in an email. All five Arctic Ocean coastal states have been working collaboratively through the Arctic Ocean continental shelf workshop for the past 10 years. Canada was expected to file a submission five years ago that would have stopped just shy of the Pole. That submission, the result of years of research costing more than $100 million, was pulled at the last minute. Reports suggested that was due to a direct order from then-prime minister Stephen Harper, who felt the submission should be for a much larger area. Documents obtained by the Canadian Press suggest the move surprised both bureaucrats working on the file and Canadas Arctic neighbours. Additional research expeditions were mounted every summer from 2014 to 2016, say government officials. No cost figure was provided. Thursdays submission shows there is evidence to back Harpers decision, said Rob Huebert, an Arctic expert from the University of Calgary. It totally validates it. If you actually have a look at what has been submitted, it is a substantial chunk. Byers and Huebert said the negotiations to come will be based more on the principle of equidistance than undersea geography. That principle holds that a maritime boundary is drawn along a line equidistant from the shores of neighbouring nations. Its still worth having done the research, said Huebert, if only to prove theres a need to negotiate. You had to determine you had a continental shelf. That was the first and necessary step. If wed only gone up to the North Pole, to a very large degree we would be ceding everything the Russians and Danes were putting within their claim. It doesnt mean youre going to get everything you want, but now it becomes much more possible. Byers has his doubts. He points out that the equidistance principle will probably give the Pole to the Danes. Canadas submission tacitly acknowledges that, he said, because it stops partway along the ridge. Why bother spending hundreds of millions of dollars mapping the seabed in an area you know will fall to the other country at the conclusion of negotiations? Byers asked. Our scientific claim might be valid. The North Pole is on the Danish side of an equidistance line. The people who actually live in the Arctic welcome the federal submission. Im pleased Canada has done this work, said Monica Ell-Kanayuk of the Inuit Circumpolar Council. She noted the submission was made in consultation with Inuit. The UN Commission on Limits of the Continental Shelf will review the validity of the science done by all three countries. Its expected to be years before negotiations begin. Read more about: Ministry pledges no leniency on leakage By Lee Min-hyung A ranking diplomat from the Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C. is being questioned by prosecutors for leaking information from a telephone conversation between President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump to a lawmaker. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs vowed "zero tolerance" towards the diplomat's wrongdoing, Monday, in response to the ministry's continuous involvements in a string of scandals surrounding officials' ethical lapses. The ministry said an internal investigation team is looking into the details of the incident. The case has also been referred to the prosecution. The official returned home Sunday afternoon amid a widening controversy. "We are responsible for notifying the public of the results and details behind the incident as soon as possible," the ministry's new First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Sei-young told reporters Monday. Cho will head the internal disciplinary committee to determine the penalty for the diplomat. The focus of the investigation will be why the official shared information from the telephone conversation between the presidents with his high school senior Rep. Khang Hyo-shang, a lawmaker from the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP). The diplomat shared the information with Khang, May 8, a day after the presidents had their talk. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha also ordered Cho to conduct a rapid and thorough investigation into the official and hand down strict punishment. "Kang urged us not to sympathize with the diplomat and take fair and swift action," Cho said, citing the minister's remarks during a series of meetings with ranking officials from the ministry Sunday and Monday. Partisan feud deepens Even if the ministry takes tough disciplinary measures against the diplomat, the controversy is showing no signs of abating. The LKP is stepping up criticism of the ministry for seeking to evade responsibility for the incident. The opposition bloc also took issue with the lax management of the security inside the embassy. Citing the leaked telephone dialogue, Khang claimed that Moon asked for Trump to visit Seoul after ending his schedule in Japan between May 25 and 28. The LKP has since denounced Cheong Wa Dae for "begging for Trump's visit." On Monday, LKP Chairman Hwang Kyo-ahn denounced the presidential house for "being inconsistent" in handling the aftermath of the incident. At first, Cheong Wa Dae argued Khang's claim regarding the leaked conversation was far from truth, but has now changed its position by insisting that the incident was a leak of confidential information, Hwang said in a press conference. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), however, denounced Khang for "infringing on the national interest" by leaking confidential information. "The LKP should stop protecting Khang and take action to expel him from the party for breaching state diplomatic secrecy," DPK spokesman Rep. Park Chan-dae said. But the LKP is countering the DPK argument by saying that Khang took the action to express concerns over a possible rift in the alliance between Seoul and Washington. MONTREALThe family of a Quebec man imprisoned in Oman is asking the Canadian government to help repatriate him before he is extradited to the United Arab Emirates on fraud charges. According to his son, Andre Gauthier was imprisoned in Dubai between 2015 and 2017, and has been jailed in Oman since March, when authorities stopped him from returning to Canada during an appeal of an eight-year sentence. The 65-year-old's son and lawyers describe him as a whistleblower who alerted authorities to irregular dealings in a gold-trading company he was involved with. They say he was blamed for the $30-million fraud after the real perpetrators left the country. They want the Canadian government to step in to stop Gauthier from being returned to Dubai, where they say he faces potential human rights violations and has little chance of a fair trial. Global Affairs Canada says consular officials are aware of the case and members of the government have met with Omani officials to discuss it. But Gauthier's son, Alexis Gauthier, is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to get personally involved in pressuring authorities to bring his father home. Read more about: OTTAWAThe federal government has moved forward in Parliament with the ratification of the new North American free-trade agreement as the legislative clock ticks towards a summer adjournment and fall election. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland tabled a Ways and Means motion in the House of Commons this afternoon to lay the groundwork for ratifying the new pact. Freeland says the full lifting of the U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs on Canadian imports has paved the way for formal approval of the new deal. She says Canada will move forward in tandem with the U.S. in ratifying the deal, as much as that is possible. Freeland says she will meet soon with her cabinet colleagues to update them on plans to table the necessary legislation to ratify the updated continental trade pact that Canada, the U.S. and Mexico signed last November. On Thursday, U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence will be in Ottawa, where he is expected to exchange views with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Freeland on the legislative way forward in their two countries. MONTREALPrivileged Quebec politicians shouldnt accept generous cheques from taxpayers when they quit politics or lose elections, says a recently departed member of the legislature. Amir Khadir announced over the weekend he would donate the $90,000 payment he received after leaving office in 2018 as a member of the Quebec solidaire party. He said all the cash will go to community groups in his former Montreal riding. Quebec politicians are entitled to up to a years salary when they leave office. They can only collect the money if they served a full mandate, lost an election or retired due to a serious family or health-related matter. The so-called transition allowance is supposed to help pay the bills while they find new work after having sacrificed their time serving the public. Khadir a physician says he doesnt need the money and wants to send a message to all the other privileged politicians in the province. If people like me quit and immediately return to their work as lawyers, engineers or doctors, and they have a source of revenue, I dont see why they should collect that money, he said in an interview with The Canadian Press Sunday. He says hes still bothered by the decision of former education minister Yves Bolduc, who quit politics in 2015 in the middle of the Liberals mandate and went back to work as a doctor after pocketing a $150,000 transition allowance. That episode embarrassed the Liberals and helped push them to change the law. In late 2015, the legislature unanimously adopted a bill removing the automatic right to a cash payment for retiring politicians. The new rules stipulate departing members can only collect transition allowances if they complete their term in office, with strict exceptions. But Khadir says the 2015 law isnt strict enough. We need to plant the idea in the heads of our colleagues that the money should be seen as a transition allowance, he said, and not as a bonus that we have a right to, and that we can pocket no matter the circumstance. Ewan Sauves, spokesman for Premier Francois Legault, said Monday that the Coalition Avenir Quebec government has no intention of modifying the law. He said in an email that Khadirs decision belongs to him and declined further comment. Renaud Brossard, Quebec director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, an advocacy group that lobbies for lower taxes and less government spending, said politicians shouldnt receive any money for leaving office. He said a number of other provinces offer similar allowances, but Alberta scrapped its program in 2012. Yes, politics is a hard job, but its also a privilege, he said in an interview Monday. This privilege shouldnt be a reason for politicians to enrich themselves. Elected members of the Quebec legislature receive a base salary of $95,704, which increases for cabinet members and other parliamentary office holders. The salaries of politicians are already high compared with the average Quebecer, Brossard said. Why should the taxpayer finance a transition for people who are among the richest in society? Read more about: OTTAWAThe remains of a Canadian soldier who was only 18 when he was killed in the First World War have been identified in France, more than 100 years after his death. The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces say the remains were discovered in July 2017 near the village of Vendin-le-Vieil and were identified earlier this year as those of Pte. George Alfred Newburn. He enlisted in Esquimalt at the age of 16 and died barely two years later on Aug. 15, 1917, during the first day of the Battle of Hill 70, a diversionary offensive aimed at distracting German reinforcements away from the Passchendaele battlefield. In a statement, National Defence says Newburn was born in England but moved with his family to B.C. He was assigned to the 7th Canadian Infantry Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force just three days before the battle. The department says members of Newburns family have been notified and he will be will be buried June 12 in France by his regiment, which is now known as the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaughts Own), based in Vancouver. The ceremony will take place at the Loos British Cemetery outside Loos-en-Gohelle. More than 9,000 Canadian soldiers died in the Battle of Hill 70. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan says honouring the service of fallen members is a dearly held value of the Canadian Armed Forces. In June, well pay tribute to Pte. George Alfred Newburn as we will lay him to rest in the place he helped to liberate. Let us never forget the courage of our Canadian battalions during the Battle of Hill 70, and forever honour their service, Sajan says in the statement. Read more about: SURREY, B.C.A third member of the same family has now been charged following the death of a 19-year-old British Columbia woman nearly two years ago. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team says Inderdeep Deo, who is 23, was arrested last Friday and charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder. Deo is expected to appear in a Surrey courtroom on May 27. Cpl. Frank Jang says Deo is the sister of Harjot Singh Deo, the 21-year-old man charged earlier this month with second-degree murder in the death of Kiran Dhesi. The post-secondary student was found in the remains of a charred vehicle in Surrey on Aug. 1, 2017, and police have said Dhesi and Harjot Deo were in a romantic relationship. The 53-year-old mother of both Harjot and Inderdeep Deo, Manjit Kaur Deo, was charged May 17 with being an accessory to murder, and Jang says investigators believe others still have information about the slaying. Harjot Deo was due to appear in provincial court in Surrey on Monday, while Manjit Kaur Deo returns to court early next month. Police have described Dhesis death as likely targeted but not gang related. Read more about: Mayor John Tory is welcoming Torontos fresh start for relations with the Doug Ford provincial government, adding he had expected the bruising war for public opinion to continue. Im happy were going to have a fresh start and sit down together and find better ways we can do things together. Thats the beginning of a process thats a big improvement, over Fords previous retroactive imposition of $177.65 million in cuts now off the table, Tory said in an interview. Tory said he got a call from Premier Fords office Sunday afternoon, one day after knocking on doors in Progressive Conservative MPP Robin Martins midtown riding urging residents to oppose the cuts, asking for a conference call between provincial and city officials. The result was Ford agreeing to scrap all the 2019 cuts to municipal funding except the clawback of an increase in municipalities share of gas-tax revenues, with the province sitting down with local governments to look at ways to find savings in 2020 that will help Queens Park reduce its deficit. The about-face followed a pressure campaign by Tory and other Ontario mayors on PC MPPs. I was optimistic that if we kept at it and quite frankly I thought wed have to be at it for longer than we did the government would get that feedback from the MPPs themselves, and reverse course, the mayor said. Tory, who spoke with Ford by phone Monday morning, said he didnt want to start future talks, possibly with the help of a provincially funded auditor, with a list of demands. But he added that, the Ford government wants to cut core services important to Torontonians, hell have no choice but to restart the pressure campaign. If our interests are adversely affected going forward, well do whatever we have to do whether its going back out on the streets or other things. Cam Guthrie, the mayor of Guelph and head of the Large Urban Mayors Caucus of Ontario, said Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Clark got the message loud and clear during a meeting in Guelph on Friday. We were incredibly united he heard from big, small and other municipalities about what these cuts represented and how difficult they were mid-year with budgets already set, Guthrie said. The municipalities are still concerned about any impacts on core services, however at least now we have the runway between now and our 2020 budgets to sit with the provincial government. At Toronto City Hall Councillor Joe Cressy, chair of the public health board, called Fords reversal of deep cuts a tremendous victory, for the people of Toronto and Ontario and to the tens of thousands of individuals who signed petitions, made phone calls, knocked on doors, to mayors from across this province, to chairs of boards of health ... I think this has demonstrated that when this government makes the wrong decision, the people of this province have a role to play in making them reverse course. The city estimated that the proposed provincial funding reductions to public health would have meant a $1 billion reduction in spending over 10 years, at a time when Torontos population is increasing and aging and the country is in the midst of an opioid crisis. Instead, the province has agreed to work together with municipal officials to find efficiencies in public health programs. Both Dr. Eileen de Villa, Torontos medical officer of health, and Cressy welcomed discussions with the province. That is a conversation were prepared to have, that is what weve called for since the beginning, said Cressy. The retroactive cuts that were announced and the arbitrary cost-share reduction was foolish from the beginning. Were looking forward to now being able to reset and start from scratch. Not everyone was celebrating, however. Shelagh Pizey-Allen, executive director of the advocacy group TTCriders, said the province should also reverse its gas-tax funding clawback. The funding boost was granted by Kathleen Wynnes Liberal government. Fords campaign pledged during the 2018 provincial election that the extra funding would survive, but his government reneged once in power. That cutback will cost the city about $1.1 billion over a decade in funding to fix and maintain TTC equipment, making less frequent the breakdowns and closures that aggravate riders. It shows that public pressure is working, but they need to be listening to transit riders as well, said Pizey-Allen. People want to get to where they are going on time, they want more affordable transit and this gas tax cut needs to be reversed to get us there. David Rider is the Star's City Hall bureau chief and a reporter covering Toronto politics. Follow him on Twitter: @dmrider Read more about: After 24 years, Raptors fans were ready to party. The roar of thousands could be heard across the city as fans poured on to the streets after Torontos historic win over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference final. Traffic around Scotiabank Arena came to a grinding halt late Saturday night as drivers stopped to cheer and people scattered onto the roads, high-fiving and hugging strangers at random to celebrate the Raptors earning their first trip to the NBA Finals in franchise history. Crowds flocked down Yonge St. by the hundreds, filling the width of the road and clogging Yonge and Dundas Square. In front of Union Station, fans danced on top of a TTC bus to Drakes Gods Plan. Hundreds of feet into the air, condo-dwellers shouted to each other from their balconies and let signs hang out their windows. Im so pumped. Im so happy, but so tired from cheering, said 22-year-old Jesse Fairbloom outside the arena. Getting home is going to be nuts. Read more: Opinion | Rosie DiManno: Toronto Raptors fans over the moon as franchise makes history This is our moment. Jubilation in Jurassic Park as Raptors head to NBA finals Represented by Raptors: How one team connects the most diverse city in the world Even in the Danforth area, well outside the downtown, people could be heard singing and chanting and soaking in the moment. Uptown at Yonge and Eglinton, drivers were honking and fans were milling about outside long after the end of the game. On Sunday, police spokeswoman Katrina Arrogante confirmed that not a single arrest was made. Its impressive. It certainly is, said Arrogante. Were amazed police were there to keep the peace and thats exactly what happened. Arrogante said officers were called to various spots around the city to assist with crowd control and directing traffic, but no one was arrested. She said she saw videos of fans dancing on streetcars but said there were no reported injuries, and in terms of arrests: nothing came out of that, she said. It turned out better than it could have, said Arrogante. Approximately 1,200 fans crammed themselves into Jurassic Park for the game, the concrete void once envisioned to be part of the usual mix of condos and office towers, with thousands more spilling down Bremner Blvd., past York St. and Lower Simcoe St. Many waited hours to get a spot near the front. Some arrived as early as 11 a.m. The game was nothing if not turbulent, and fans in the Park reacted accordingly to the highs and lows. They cheered when Fred VanVleet scored and booed when Giannis Antetokounmpo hit a free throw. But as the clock wound down and Drake waved a goodbye to the Bucks bench, a feeling of jubilation washed over the crowd. We did it, said Suzy Perch. This is our moment. And the party continued. Ana Jankovic, 23, who watched the game in Jurassic Park along with her dad, said as they headed to Union Station after the win she saw fans climbing on cars, traffic lights, police cars and even buses. Ive never seen Toronto so happy. Not even on New Years, Jankovic said. When fans flooded through the Simcoe St. Tunnel between Front St. and Bremner Blvd., a TTC bus was around the corner. Jankovic said when fans saw the bus, they began chanting TTC and then a fan climbed to the top garnering cheers. Within minutes, dozens more had piled on top. TTC spokesperson Jennifer Kosmack, said while they support the good spirit of the celebrations, the behaviour was very dangerous and placed themselves, the operator and others at risk. We ask fans to continue to cheer on their Raptors with pride and enthusiasm, but please take their safety and the safety of others into account, she said. It all starts up again on Thursday with the Raptors playing host to Game 1 against the reigning champions, the Golden State Warriors. Jankovic, for one, is a mix of nerves and hope. This means so much to Toronto and Canada. Just being able to reach the finals. Police have charged a 25-year-old man Toronto man for allegedly luring, threatening and extorting a 15-year-old child through a social media app. The man was arrested after police on Friday executed a search warrant in the Bathurst St. and Wilson Ave. area concerning a child exploitation investigation, Toronto police said in a Monday news release. Police allege the man also distributed, possessed and accessed child sexual abuse material. Sergio Bahamonde, 25, of Toronto, is facing two counts of possession of child pornography and one count each of accessing child pornography; distributing child pornography; extortion; threatening bodily harm; threatening death; luring a child through telecommunication, and attempting to make child pornography. Police said used different identities online, including jd_psinoiz and Zionis Roman. Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 416-808-8500, through Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or online through Canadas national tipline at cybertip.ca. Bahamonde was scheduled to appear in court Monday. Maria Swain said she involuntarily shakes and feels numbness in her face. The 58-year-old suspects the mercury that has poisoned her community for decades is to blame. She believes mercury also contributed to her granddaughter Robyn Fiddlers suicide two years ago. The girl, only 11 years old when she died, was born with an underdeveloped brain and later developed seizures, Swain said. The majority of my whole family was hunters, fishers, trappers because that was our way of life. When the mercury came in, people were told to quit all fishing activities and more or less our people were forced out of the river system. And I dont think weve even grieved that loss yet. Swain told her story to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on toxics, Baskut Tuncak. He visited Grassy Narrows First Nation on Saturday to hear from the people who live downstream from where, decades ago, a paper mill in Dryden, Ont., dumped 10 tonnes of the neurotoxin into the river. The mercury contaminated the walleye downstream and poisoned the people who ate the fish. They developed tremors, slurred speech, impaired hearing and tunnel vision and lost muscle co-ordination. The robust fishing tourism industry, especially at famous Ball Lake Lodge, was decimated. Read more: Opinion | Liberals must keep promise to Grassy Narrows, now! Children of Grassy Narrows have higher reported rates of health problems, learning disabilities We are more than mercury: Grassy Narrows youth are sending a message The old mercury, which was used in a process to bleach paper, is still in the ground, river and fish. Tuncak stopped in Grassy Narrows as part of an eight-stop tour of Canada to assess the countrys record on hazardous substances that impact vulnerable communities. He is also visiting Sarnia, Fort McMurray, Montreal, Vancouver and other major cities with a focus on the mining, chemical and oil and gas industries, as well as auto emissions. I am keen to examine Canadas progress and current challenges to the protection of the human rights to life, to health, and bodily integrity, particularly with regard to children, Indigenous peoples, workers, low-income communities and migrants, in relation to toxic exposures, said Tuncak in a press release before his trip to the community northwest of Dryden. On the reserve, in a community centre called Minnowsaywin, six members of Grassy Narrows First Nation, including Swain, talked about the impact of mercury on their families. Bill Fobister, a former chief of Grassy Narrows and one of those who spoke Saturday, said he welcomed Tuncaks visit. That is because 50 years after Reed Paper dumped the mercury, the pollution is ongoing and still needs attention. Our moose and deer are disappearing, said Fobister who was a camp boy and hunting and fishing guide, taking tourists on daytrips to catch walleye, before he was chief in the 1990s. Now we have to fall back to the grocery store, which is not quite our diet. Fobisters sense of taste has diminished and the tunnel vision he has suffered from for years is worsening. A partial numbness has spread from his lips to his cheeks. He gets a monthly payment from the Mercury Disability Board. Craig Benjamin of Amnesty International said officials in Canada should take note of the special rapporteurs visit. You certainly dont need to be an international human rights expert to recognize the profound injustice facing the people of Grassy Narrows, said Benjamin, who is Amnestys campaigner for Indigenous rights and was in Grassy Narrows Saturday. However, the fact that such an expert has taken an interest in the mercury crisis and has gone out of his way to visit the community in person, does send an important message to Ottawa and the province. The provincial government has committed $85 million to help clean up the river. The federal government has pledged to help build a mercury care home that will help some of the sickest residents. To date, the province has put the money in a dedicated trust and through it has funded pre-remediation studies of the river. The care home is estimated to cost $17 million to build and $70 million to operate for 30 years, according to a community source. Ottawa has so far spent $170,000 on a feasibility study that was completed last fall. Community leaders are getting restless, concerned the promised facility will not be built. Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Indigenous services minister Seamus ORegan is expected to visit this week. While the governments are paying more attention, community members are still sick and feel they are not getting the support they need. Children whose mothers ate fish at least once a week while pregnant are four times more likely to have a learning disability or nervous system disorder that is slowing their efforts in school, says recent research led by a leading mercury expert. Those kids were compared to Grassy Narrows children whose mothers hardly ever ate fish. That research is part of an ongoing, comprehensive study that has also revealed the adults of Grassy Narrows report higher rates of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts compared to other First Nations adults. Another long-standing problem in the community has been the Mercury Disability Board, set up in the mid 1980s to compensate those who can demonstrate symptoms consistent with mercury poisoning. The board has long been criticized as being inadequate. The criteria for payments are too restrictive and the amounts too low, they have said. Swain said she applied for benefits and the board denied her claim due to a lack of medical evidence. The provincial government recently participated in a sweeping review of the board and then retroactively indexed payments to inflation. Over the past two-and-a-half years, the Star and scientists have revealed that fish near Grassy Narrows remain the most contaminated in the province, that there is mercury-contaminated soil and river sediment at or near the site of the old mill, and the provincial government knew in the 1990s that mercury was visible in soil under that site and never told anyone in Grassy Narrows or nearby Wabaseemoong (Whitedog) Independent Nations. Special rapporteurs such as Tuncak form a large group of independent experts who investigate and monitor situations specific to a country and issues affecting human rights in all parts of the world and then report back to the United Nations. They are not UN staff. Tuncak, a human rights expert, will hold a June 6 press conference to share his observations and he will submit a full report to the United Nations Human Rights Council in September. Read more about: BLANTYRE, Malawi - Malawis President Peter Mutharika has narrowly won re-election with 38% of the votes in last weeks polls, the electoral commission declared Monday. Mutharikas victory was announced in Blantyre, Malawis largest city, immediately after the High Court in Lilongwe, the capital, threw out an injunction preventing the electoral commission from announcing the winner. The ban was obtained on Saturday by opposition candidate Lazarus Chakwera, who came in a close second with 35% of the votes. Former Vice-President Saulos Chilima came in third with 20% of the ballots. The other four presidential candidates collectively got nearly 6% of the vote. In the parliamentary elections, Mutharikas Democratic Progressive Party won 63 seats in the legislative body, while Chakweras Malawi Congress Party got 55 seats and 52 independent candidates were elected. According to the official results, 5.1 million Malawians voted in the May 21 election, representing 74% of the registered voters, said electoral commission chairwoman Jane Ansah. Chakwera had called for a recount in 10 of Malawis 28 districts but the commission declined, saying that the results had been checked at several stages. In ruling that the results should be announced, the judge said the electoral commission is mandated by law to finalize the electoral process in a timely manner. He also said there could be a judicial review of the result that the opposition leader had sought in his application. Azerbaijani Ambassador to Korea Ramzi Teymurov, front row fourth from left, and Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs Yun Kang-hyeon of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, front row third from left, pose with other ambassadors during a centenary reception for Azerbaijan's diplomatic service at Grand Hyatt Seoul, May 22. / Korea Times photo by Yi Whan-woo By Yi Whan-woo The number 100 means a lot when it comes to anniversaries. For nations that were invaded by neighboring powers, the number suggests the hardships and endeavors they endured. In this regard, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Korea's reception on May 22 was noteworthy as it celebrated the centenary of the country's Secretariat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It came a year after the country celebrated the centenary of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), lasting from May 1918 to April 1920 before the invasion of the Red Army. Azerbaijan regained its independence in 1991. The centenary celebration last week coincided with the 100th anniversary of Korea's March 1 Independence Movement, which provided a catalyst for Korean resistance during the 1910-45 Japanese occupation. "Azerbaijan managed to get out of that difficult situation and embark on a path of sustainable development," Azerbaijani Ambassador to Korea Ramzi Teymurov said during a reception at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. "Today Azerbaijan is gradually reaching economic diversification and modernization by increasing its tourism, agriculture, transport and logistics potential to ensure the country's sustainable development." He also listed out international events that took place or will take place in Azerbaijan this year, including the 18th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, Formula 1 Grand Prix and UEFA Europa League final. He attributed such progress to the leadership of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, saying the country "made dramatic socio-economic achievements in all fields." The Caucasus country and Korea have expanded their relations after establishing a diplomatic treaty in 1992. On the political front, they exchanged state visits in 2006 and 2007 with late President Roh Moo-hyun and Aliyev. With less dependence on oil and gas and reforms to diversify the economy, over 40 Korean companies are operating in Azerbaijan. The latest cooperation includes the completion for the SOCAR Carbamide Plant in Azerbaijan by Samsung Engineering and Korean-language classes offered at Baku State University and other Azerbaijani universities. Ambassador Teymurov referred to the SOCAR Carbamide Plant as "one of our biggest cooperative projects in the non-oil sector," saying it "showed how Korea can contribute to the diversification of Azerbaijan's economic structure." He added, "It also demonstrated the potential of mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries." Taking such history of cooperation into account, Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs Yun Kang-hyeon of the foreign ministry said this year is meaningful for both countries. Yun was among the dignitaries, including foreign envoys, who were invited to the reception. "As you all may know, this year is also meaningful for Korea as it marks the 100th anniversary of Korea's Declaration of Independence on March 1 and the establishment of the Korean Provisional Government in 1919," Yun said. "Korea and Azerbaijan share a similar history of overcoming hardships, maintaining national and cultural identity, and achieving successful national development, making this year ever so meaningful for both our countries." The deputy minister said he expresses "profound respect to the people of Azerbaijan" for overcoming hardships and ordeals arising from the competition between the surrounding major powers. He said Azerbaijan and Korea were able deepen cooperation based on their similarities. For instance, their languages both belong to the Altaic language family and both countries honor elders and emphasize family bonds, according to him. "The Korean government will keep making the utmost efforts for the continued development of our friendship and cooperative relations with Azerbaijan," Yun said. Despite its short existence from 1918 to 1920, the ADR implemented political and economic reforms and established democratic institutions, a national currency, anthem and flag, banks, army and other state apparatuses. Thanks to its foreign ministry, the ADR was also internationally recognized as an independent and sovereign state during the Paris Peace Conference and the Treaty of Versailles in January 1920. Meanwhile, Ambassador Teymurov commented on the ongoing territorial conflict with Armenia, which he said occupies 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory. MEXICO CITY - Mexican prosecutors say a Japanese man who died aboard an airliner shortly after takeoff from Mexico City had ingested 246 packets of cocaine and went into cardiac arrest from a drug overdose. Sundays statement was issued by the attorney generals office for the northern state of Sonora, where an autopsy was performed following an emergency stop by the Aeromexico flight in Hermosillo. The prosecutors office says other passengers reported seeing the man convulsing in the early hours of Friday as the jetliner headed for Narita, Japan. Authorities identified the man only as Udo N and said he had travelled to Mexicos capital from Bogota, Colombia. LA PAZ, Bolivia - On stage, amid the hubbub of a Bolivian street market, women recount their stories of abuse at the hands of men. But the violence depicted in the play isnt just make-believe for the 22 indigenous actresses: Its based on their own real-life experiences. Kusisita, a work that seeks to raise awareness about violence against women and mobilize people to fight it, has been drawing large audiences in Bolivia, which has one of South Americas highest rates of femicides. In the theatre, Maria Luque portrays a woman who asks her drunken husband to stop abusing her. In her own history, she said, she was so brutally beaten by the father of her four children that she was left partly paralyzed. Even after more than a decade, she still has trouble moving some of the muscles in her face. Ive suffered discrimination since birth, she told The Associated Press. My mom was very poor and she escaped violence. For some, (violence) might be normal, but we want to show that it shouldnt be that way. Kusisita is one of two plays offered by the Kory Warmis Women of Gold in the Aymara language troupe, and both focus on the problems of gender violence and convincing women to reject it. I was quiet, submissive, but I left that behind on stage. Theater is now my life, said Luque, 56, who immigrated to the city of El Alto from a rural community in search of work opportunities. The plays, presented in Aymara, are also aimed at indigenous communities where nearly half of all reports of gender-based violence takes place, according to 2017 figures from the National Statistics Institute. Those communities make up roughly a fifth of Bolivias population. About 40% of the countrys police cases involve family violence and alcohol is involved in 90% of cases, according to a government report last year on gender-based violence. Its a very high and alarming rate, said government minister Carlos Romero, who helped write the report. Actress Gumercinda Mamani, an artisan and shepherd , recalled how the body of a friend was found on the outskirts of La Paz with marks from a rope that her partner had used to choke her. Its hard to understand how the man that you give your life to is the one who takes it away, said Mamani, a former representative for female farmers. Im fighting against this. Carmen Aranibar, another actress, joined the group in the hopes that her story would encourage other women to leave abusive relationships. We cant wait until they kill us or we want to take our own lives out of the desperation caused by violence, said Aranibar, a mother of two boys who sells diapers for a living. She said she endured beatings by her partner for more than 10 years before finding out that he was cheating on her with a younger woman. I nearly killed myself, she said. I put up with everything he did because I was afraid that hed leave me. But then I realized that it wasnt worth it and I left him. Im happy here and thats what I tell in the play. The theatre group, which was founded in 2014, finds itself gaining an audience as waves of women mobilize to fight gender violence across the world. In neighbouring Argentina, a grassroots movement known as Ni Una Menos, or Not One Less, emerged in 2015 and drew thousands to hold massive demonstrations in support of womens rights. But while movements in Bolivia have lacked the impact of Ni Una Menos or the #MeToo movement in the United States, some say the plays have had impact. Its a success, 100% per cent, said Paola Ricalde of the La Paz mayorships directorate for equality policies. Theater group director Erika Andia said its challenging to oversee a group of women who have been forced to be silent and submissive. But she said that their strength of will helped them achieve their goal of discovering what theyre capable of, helping them loosen up and boost their confidence. We never thought wed reach so far, Andia said. There are no limits to what we do. Every year we continue to grow and theres happiness after all the pain that our actresses have suffered. Mexico Citys youth department has apologized for tweeting out a miniature history lesson on Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels that carried the hashtag #happysunday. The citys Youth Institute has removed the post on the father of propaganda and apologized. It says that its committed to tolerance and that its periodic history capsules try to generate historical memory without exalting any ideology. The Mexico Jewish communitys central committee published a letter Monday condemning the infographic. Compounding the embarrassment is the fact that the face shown in the graphic was that of writer H.P Lovecraft, not Goebbels. A few days earlier, the institute published an explanatory graphic on which countries made up the Axis powers during World War II. This year is the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings. TOKYO - The Latest on President Donald Trumps visit to Japan (all times local): 11 p.m. President Donald Trump appears to have offered little to reassure Japanese leaders on some of their key worries as he wraps up a four-day state visit. Trump is concluding his Japanese trip with rifts still evident between the two countries on trade and North Korea. Japan had rolled out the red carpet for Trump, including a showy visit with Japans new emperor. But the visit has also seen Trump play down the significance of North Korean missile tests that have rattled Japan, and renew his threats of tariffs on Japanese auto imports. The president and Melania Trump are due to take part in a Memorial Day ceremony aboard a U.S. battleship before leaving the region. ___ 7:30 p.m. President Donald Trump is enjoying a six-course state banquet dinner at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo featuring consomme, cote de boeuf and fruit. The White House says Mondays menu includes Consomme a la Royale, Turbot a la Meuniere Sauce Tomate, Cote de Boeuf Rotie, Salade de Saison, Glace Mont Fuji and a dessert of melon and grapes. Music is being performed by the Imperial Household Orchestra. Trump is spending his last night in Tokyo at the banquet hosted by the countrys new emperor and empress. Also in attendance are a slew of top-ranking Japanese and U.S. officials, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (shin-zoh AH-bay) and his wife. ___ 8:10 p.m. President Donald Trump has invoked the name of the era under Japans new emperor in his toast at an imperial banquet in his honour. Emperor Naruhitos ascension to the throne on May 1 ushered in the era of Reiwa (RAY-wah), which means beautiful harmony. In the toast at Mondays banquet in Tokyo, Trump asked that the cherished bond between the U.S. and Japan be preserved for the children in the spirit of beautiful harmony. Trump quoted ancient Japanese poetry and said he and first lady Melania Trump will never forget the gracious invitation they received to meet Naruhito. Naruhito in his toast described his familys ties with previous U.S. presidents and said he sincerely welcomed Trumps second visit to Japan. ___ 7:10 p.m. President Donald Trump has arrived at Tokyos Imperial Palace for a banquet in his honour. The president and first lady Melania Trump are being hosted by the new Emperor Naruhito and his wife, Empress Masako. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife also are expected to attend the black-tie dinner with scores of other guests. The meal caps a busy Monday that made Trump the first word leader to meet with Naruhito since his May 1 ascension to the throne. Trump then spent hours meeting with Abe to discuss issues including North Korea and trade. ___ 4:40 p.m. President Donald Trump sided with North Koreas Kim Jong Un and continued to criticize former Vice-President and 2020 Democratic hopeful Joe Biden this time on the world stage. Trump said in response to a question at a joint press conference with the prime minister of Japan that Kim made a statement that Joe Biden is a low IQ individual. Trump said the assessment probably is based on his record. I think I agree with him on that. Trump had been asked why he had appeared to side with a brutal autocrat instead of a former vice-president. There had long been a tradition of American leaders and candidates avoiding partisan talk on foreign soil. ___ 4:15 p.m. President Donald Trump says the U.S. isnt ready to make a trade deal with China, but hes leaving open the possibility that the two nations could strike an agreement someday. Speaking in Tokyo Monday, Trump said of China, they would like to make a deal. Were not ready to make a deal. He added, Were taking in tens of millions of dollars of tariffs and that number could go up very, very substantially, very easily. Still, Trump predicted a very good deal with China sometime into the future because I dont believe that China can continue to pay these really hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs. The worlds two largest economies are in a tense standoff over trade. Trump has said he expected to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, next month at a G-20 meeting in Japan. ___ 4:10 p.m. President Donald Trump says he knows that his advisers think that North Korea violated U.N. Security Council resolutions when it fired off short-range missiles earlier this month. But Trump says he sees it differently and that it doesnt matter anyway. Trump said perhaps North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was trying to get attention with the tests. Trump spoke Monday in Tokyo alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who also believes North Koreas recent tests violated U.N. resolutions. Trumps national security adviser John Bolton agrees, saying sanctions on Pyongyang should remain in place. North Korea on Monday responded by calling Bolton a war monger. ___ 4:05 p.m. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe thanked U.S. President Donald Trumps support in Japans effort resolve its decades-old dispute over abduction of Japanese nationals, renewing his willingness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un without preconditions. Abe told a joint news conference with Trump after Mondays summit that the two leaders were on the same page over their policy to denuclearizing North Korea and that Trump has expressed full support for Abes priority in resolving the abduction issue. North Korea has admitted to abducting about a dozen Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 1980s, and allowed five to return home but says others had died. Trump has mentioned the abduction issue to Kim in his past two summits. Abe says there is no specific prospect for a summit with Kim. ___ 3:45 p.m. President Donald Trump says hell work with congressional Democrats on a new North America trade deal and he expects House Speaker Nancy Pelosi would back it. Speaking Monday at a news conference in Tokyo, Trump said we will work with them, on what the administration calls the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA. He added, I would think Nancy Pelosi would approve that. Democrats want the deal to include stronger enforcement provisions, among other possible changes. Trump headed for Japan after an explosive, multi-day exchange with Pelosi that torpedoed talks about improving the nations roads and bridges. Trump vowed to do no more work with Democrats until they stop investigating him on questions of obstruction. ___ 3:40 p.m. President Donald Trump says he thinks North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is looking to create a nation that has great economic strength. Trump says Kim is a smart man who knows that will not happen if he continues to develop nuclear weapons. Trump said hes very happy with the way that his negotiations with North Korea. The talks have stalled since Kim and Trumps second summit in February in Hanoi. Speaking Monday in Tokyo, Trump also said hes not bothered by short-range missile tests North Korea conducted earlier this month. Trumps national security adviser John Bolton said the tests violated U.N. Security Council resolutions. Bolton said sanctions on Pyongyang should remain in place. North Korea on Monday responded by calling Bolton a war monger and a defective human product. ___ 3:35 p.m. President Donald Trump says he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have agreed to co-operate on space exploration. Speaking at a joint press conference in Tokyo, Trump said, the nations will be going to the moon and Mars very soon. He added that from a military standpoint, there is nothing more important right now than space. The leaders did not provide details. Abe spoke of walking hand in hand with the United States on some issues. Abe said Japan would be making new investments in key U.S. states. The prime minister said that in part due to Trumps visit to Japan, the bond between the countries has become rock solid. ___ 11:55 a.m. The Trumps and Japans new emperor and empress have exchanged photos and other gifts. Emperor Naruhito presented President Donald Trump with a traditional Japanese pottery and porcelain bowl. Trump gave the emperor with an American-made viola in a custom case handmade in Charleston, West Virginia, and a photo of U.S. composer Aaron Copland. Mrs. Trump presented Empress Masako with a White House desk set featuring a fountain pen made from a red oak tree that stands on the grounds of Harvard University. The empress studied economics at Harvard. The empress presented the first lady an ornamental box with a traditional Japanese design. The foursome also exchanged photos. The Imperial Palace has a long-standing custom of the emperor and empress exchanging signed, framed photographs with their guests during state visits. ___ 11:20 a.m. President Donald Trump says he and Japanese Prime Minister have talked about Iran amid rising tension between Tehran and Washington. With Abe at his side, Trump told reporters at Akasaka Palace on Monday that nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me. The U.S. president also said that I do believe Iran would like to talk and if theyd like to talk, well talk also, adding that Abe has a very good relationship with Iran. Japanese media has reported that Abe is considering a visit to Iran next month. The Kyodo News agency, citing unidentified government sources, said on Friday that Abes visit would be likely in mid-June. Earlier this month, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visited Tokyo. ___ 11:10 a.m. President Donald Trump says he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe understand each other very well as the leaders opened bilateral talks at Akasaka Palace. Abe opened the event by telling Trump, It was a tremendous honour for us to welcome you. With that and other flattery, Abe said the leaders would leaders would begin a summit to discuss North Korea and other challenges of the international community. Among other topics theyll discuss the upcoming G20 summit next month. Trump said We are working on the imbalance of trade. He added that the Japanese are incredible people with a truly amazing prime minister whos my friend. ___ 10:20 a.m. After his visit with Japans new emperor, President Donald Trump is at Tokyos official state guest house meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Trump, Abe and their respective teams will be meeting Monday and having lunch together. Trump and Abe will also be participating in a joint press conference at Akasaka Palace. Its the second lengthy day of meetings for the pair, who spent Sunday playing golf together, taking in a sumo match and having a couples dinner with their wives. Trump will be attending a state banquet in his honour Monday evening, and participating in a Memorial Day event Tuesday before heading home. ___ 9:40 a.m. President Donald Trump and Japans Emperor Naruhito walked along a red carpet in the courtyard of the Imperial Palace after meeting on Monday. Trump is the first world leader to meet Naruhito since he ascended to the throne on May 1. The president, who is on a state visit to Japan, is being treated to a welcome ceremony full of pomp and pageantry. Trump stood at attention alone atop a platform before he walked along a red-carpeted route to review troops. He also passed in front of a group of schoolchildren feverishly waving U.S. and Japanese flags. Trump wore a red tie that matched the colour of the carpet. He was accompanied by first lady Melania Trump. ___ 9:25 a.m. President Donald Trump is at Japans Imperial Palace meeting the new emperor. The president and his wife, first lady Melania Trump, are kicking off Mondays formal visit with handshakes and greetings with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. Trump is the first world leader to be meet Naruhito, who ascended to the throne on May 1, opening what is called the era of Reiwa, or beautiful harmony. Trump will go later to the Japanese state guest house for meetings, a working lunch and joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The president will also be the guest of honour at an imperial banquet at the palace hosted by the emperor. Trump opened a four-day state visit to Japan on Saturday. TOKYOU.S. President Donald Trump on Monday denied that North Korea had fired any ballistic missiles or violated the United Nations Security Council resolutions, taking the word of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over the assessments of his own national security adviser and his Japanese host. He praised the North Korean dictator as a very smart man. He also again sided with Kim over former vice-president Joe Biden, after his Democratic rival was branded a fool of low I.Q. by North Koreas state media for calling Kim a dictator and a tyrant. At a joint news conference with Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump gave cover to Kim as he directly contradicted his national security adviser, John Bolton, as well as Abe, by arguing that Pyongyang had not launched ballistic missiles this month nor violated UN Security Council resolutions. My people think it could have been a violation, Trump said. I view it differently. When pressed, the president added he was not personally bothered by North Koreas short-range missile tests this month. Trumps comments were reminiscent of his repeated statements that he believed the denials of Russian President Vladimir Putin that his country interfered in the 2016 U.S. election an assessment in direct conflict with U.S. intelligence conclusions about Russian interference. On Saturday, Bolton, had told reporters there was no doubt that North Korea had violated the Security Council resolutions by firing off short-range ballistic missiles. North Koreas Foreign Ministry was quick to round on Bolton Monday, with an unnamed spokesman quoted in state media as calling him a war maniac who has a different mental structure from ordinary people. But Bolton didnt get much support from Trump, who appears keen to think the best of Kim and their personal chemistry amid growing signs that one of his major foreign policy initiatives is failing. I view it as a man perhaps he wants to get attention, and perhaps not, who knows, Trump said, referring to Kim and the tests. It doesnt matter. All I know is that there have been no nuclear tests. There have been no ballistic missiles going out. There have been no long-range missiles going out. The human rights atrocities on Kims watch are plentiful, including forced labour, deliberate starvation and executions, among others. In 2016, North Korea imprisoned 21-year-old American college student Otto Warmbier and sentenced him to 15 years of hard labour. Warmbier fell into a coma while in North Korean prison and died shortly after his return home in 2017, after Trump negotiated his release. But Trump portrayed the North Korean dictator as a leader who believes, as the president himself said he does, that his country has tremendous economic potential but understands he cant develop it while still pursuing his nuclear ambitions. He knows that with nuclear, thats never going to happen, only bad can happen, Trump said. He understands, he is a very smart man, he gets it. The president a former real estate developer also cast Kims opportunities through the lens of his previous passion. North Korea, the president said, is located between Russia and China on one side, and South Korea on the other. Its all waterfront property. Its a great location, as we used to say in the real estate business. In an earlier tweet, Trump also weaponized Kim against Biden the Democratic candidate for president about whom Trump and his aides currently are most worried. In that missive, Trump wrote that he appreciated a recent comment by North Korea state media criticizing Biden, adding, Perhaps thats sending me a signal? American presidents traditionally refrain from criticizing their political rivals or talking partisan politics on foreign soil, but when pressed about seeming to choose a brutal dictator over a fellow American, Trump doubled down on his initial tweet. Well, Kim Jong Un made a statement that Joe Biden is a low IQ individual, he said. He probably is, based on his record. I think I agree with him on that. Bolton and the U.S. ambassador to Japan, William Hagerty both sitting to the side chuckled slightly at Trumps put-down of the former vice-president. Abe has been keen to play down his differences with Trump over North Korea and stressed that the two countries positions were the same. He said Trump had broken the shell of mistrust with Kim, and shared his vision of a bright future. But Abe did not agree with Trump when it came to the missile launches. On May 9th, North Korea launched short-range ballistic missiles, and thats a violation of the U.N. Security Councils resolution, so, as I have been saying, this is quite a regrettable act, he said. Earlier Monday, Japans Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako welcomed Trump and his wife, Melania, at the Imperial Palace, making Trump was the first foreign leader to be welcomed there since Naurhito ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne at the beginning of May. Following palace custom, the president walked much of the red carpet alone, greeting an honour guard and schoolchildren waving U.S. and Japanese flags. In the evening, the Trumps were back at the palace for a six-course, black-tie banquet, beginning with Consomme a la Royale, and including turbot and beef. Trump called himself profoundly honoured to have been the first state guest of the new imperial era known as the Reiwa era invoked ancient Japanese texts, and thanked the people of Japan for their incredible hospitality and warm welcome in this majestic land. So far, Japans attempt to court and flatter Trump during this four-day state visit appears to be paying off. Talking to the media before his summit discussions with the Japanese leader, Trump described Abe as a truly amazing prime minister, and Japan as a really interesting and fabulous place. We understand each other very well, were very committed to each other as nations, so we have a situation where we have the best relationship that weve ever had with Japan, and were going to keep it that way, he said. Crucially for Japan, Trump signalled that a trade deal between the two nations something he has been impatient to deliver will be delayed until after Julys Upper House elections in Japan. He said the two leaders would get the balance of trade straightened out rapidly, adding that an announcement would come probably in August. Trump wants to see Japan cut tariffs for U.S. agricultural products, after the United States withdrawal from the 11-nation Trans Pacific Partnership left its exporters at a disadvantage. He has also threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on foreign cars, although he declared this month he would delay imposing them for 180 days to allow room for negotiations on restricting import volumes. But Abes constant reminders to Trump that Japans car companies have poured money into the United States, including in regions dominated by Republican voters, also appear to be paying off. Trump also boasted that Japan has become one of the worlds top purchasers of American defense equipment and would be buying 105 F-35 stealth aircraft, giving it the largest such fleet of any U.S. ally. But Trump said he believed a trade deal could be reached that would benefit both our economies and reduce the U.S. deficit. Trump also backed Abes efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran, with the prime minister reported to be planning a visit there next month. I do believe Iran would like to talk, and if theyd like to talk, wed like to talk also, Trump said. I know for a fact that the prime minister is very close with the leadership of Iran, and well see what happens Nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me. Several hours later, during his news conference, Trump said the United States was simply looking for no nuclear weapons when it comes to Iran, and offered yet another implicit dig at Bolton, who has pushed for a more hawkish stance toward the country. Were not looking for regime change, Trump said, as his national security adviser sat mere feet away. I just want to make that clear. Read more about: SYDNEY, Australia - Disgraced Australian Catholic cardinal George Pell will not fight for a reduced jail sentence if he fails in his appeal of his conviction for molesting two choirboys in the 1990s, a court spokesman said Monday. The 77-year-old Pell the most senior Catholic convicted of sex abuse was sentenced in a Melbourne court in March to six years in prison. He must serve at least three years and eight months of the term. Pell will appeal his conviction next month. His lawyers have filed an application arguing it should be overturned on three grounds. But the application does not include an appeal of the length of the sentence, Andre Awadalla, a spokesman for the Court of Appeal in Victoria state, told the Associated Press. The only appeal application filed on the matter is an appeal against conviction, Awadalla said. His lawyers havent filed an appeal in relation to sentence. In sentencing Pell in March, Victorian County Court Chief Judge Peter Kidd acknowledged that there was a real chance that Pope Francis former finance minister could die in jail. Pell was convicted by a unanimous jury verdict in December on one charge of sexual penetration of a child and four charges of committing an indecent act with or in the presence of a child. He was found guilty of raping a 13-year-old choirboy and sexually molesting his 13-year-old friend in the sacristy of St. Patricks Cathedral in Melbourne in 1996, months after he became archbishop of the city. He molested the first boy again about a month later. One of his victims later died of a heroin overdose at the age of 31. Pells appeal application is set down for hearing on June 5 and 6, with three judges to first decide whether he should be granted leave to appeal. His legal team will first argue that the verdicts were unreasonable since the jury could not have been satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Pell was guilty based on the word of the surviving victim against unchallenged exculpatory evidence of more than 20 prosecution witnesses. Pells lawyers are also expected to argue that Judge Kidd erred in not allowing them to use a video graphic in their closing arguments, which they said would demonstrate the offending that was alleged would have been impossible. The third ground details an alleged fundamental irregularity in the trial in that Pell was not arraigned asked if he pleaded guilty or not guilty in front of the chosen jury. If the judges accept the first ground, Pells conviction will be overturned and he will be released. A new trial could be ordered if they accept the second or third grounds. While Pell remains Australias highest-ranking Catholic, the Vatican has launched its own investigation into his convictions. BERLIN - A German court has found seven men who formed a self-styled Sharia police guilty of violating rules on wearing uniforms. German news agency dpa reported that a court on Monday fined the men, aged between 27 and 37, to penalties ranging from 300 euros ($335) to 1,800 euros ($2,015). The group took to the streets of the western city of Wuppertal in 2014, dressed in orange vests bearing the words Sharia police and handing out leaflets declaring the area a Sharia-controlled zone where alcohol, music and pornography were banned under Islams Sharia law. The court said the group and their helpers were aware of the militant effect they were trying to achieve. They were acquitted in 2016 when judges found that the vests couldnt be classified as a uniform and werent intimidating. A federal court ordered a retrial. VIENNA - Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz was ousted by parliament in a no-confidence vote Monday, paving the way for a new election. The young leader, riding high in popular support, defiantly vowed that he and his centre-right Peoples Party would return to power with increased strength. The vote capped a week of turmoil at the top in Austria that started when Kurz pulled the plug on his coalition with the far-right Freedom Party after a video emerged showing that partys leader appearing to be offering lucrative government contracts to a purported Russian investor. A new election is already planned for September and President Alexander Van der Bellen needs to appoint a caretaker government to serve until then. Less than three hours after losing his job, Kurz appeared before a cheering crowd outside party offices in Vienna, pledging that the changes that we began two years ago will not end today. He said he looked forward to helping the interim government ensure stability in the coming months, and would fight to win back his position. In the end, the people will decide in September, and Im happy about that, he said to chants from the crowd of Chancellor Kurz! He lashed out at the Freedom Party as well as the opposition Social Democrats, who brought the no-confidence vote, saying from them we have only heard one thing, that Kurz must go. Thats the only platform of those two parties and Im afraid to say I must disappoint them both: Im still here. No-confidence votes are common in Austrian politics, but this is the first one to have succeeded in its modern history. The result makes Kurz the shortest-serving chancellor since 1945 with 525 days in office, according to the Austria Press Agency. Kurz now loses the advantage of campaigning as an incumbent chancellor but remains popular and his centre-right party finished first Sunday in Austria in the European Parliament election with 34.9% support, a gain of almost 8 percentage points over 2014. The 32-year-old, who became Europes youngest leader when he was sworn in just before Christmas 2017, remained composed earlier in the day amid withering criticism from opponents in parliament before the no-confidence vote. He told the body that he was proud and satisfied with the work we have done as a government in the past year and a half and pledged to work constructively with the caretaker government. We will certainly not put any stones on the path of the next government, he said. We will support them as much as possible. Van der Bellen told reporters later that Kurzs government would be officially dismissed on Tuesday but ministers would be left in their positions until a new government can be appointed, hopefully by Friday. He said he needed to find an interim chancellor who would be accepted by all parties and was holding talks with all involved. Finance Minister Hartwig Loeger will take over the duties of chancellor in the meantime, he said. In parliament, Kurz suggested he had no choice but to end his partnership with the Freedom Party after the video emerged of Heinz-Christian Strache, who has since resigned as party leader. It was clear for me that it meant the end of the coalition, Kurz said. Herbert Kickl, a top Freedom Party lawmaker, accused Kurz of using the Strache video as a chance to consolidate his power. He made the entire Freedom Party responsible for the wrong actions of two people, Kickl told parliament. Social Democrat leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner issued the same charge. This is a shameless, unrestrained and irresponsible power grab, she said. Smart, charismatic and articulate, Kurz caught the eye of Peoples Party leaders about a decade ago when he was elected the chairman of his partys youth branch while in law school. In Austrias previous government, Kurz became foreign minister and helped reinvent his partys image. With the upcoming fall election, his opponents face an uphill battle. In the European election on Sunday, the Social Democrats won 23.6% and the Freedom Party took 17.2%, a sharp drop from the Freedom Partys previous results in Austrias 2017 national election, according to provisional results. ___ David Rising reported from Berlin. BAGHDAD - The French former members of the Islamic State group were brought into the courtroom in Baghdad one after the other on Monday and made to sit inside a wooden cage in the middle. As they spoke in French, a government official typed up the translation into Arabic, which immediately appeared on a large screen behind the judge that the court could read. Mustafa Mohammed Ibrahim became the fourth French citizen to be sentenced to death by a Baghdad court for joining the Islamic State group that once controlled large parts of Syria and Iraq before its defeat. His trial comes as questions swirl about the legal treatment of thousands of foreign nationals formerly with the extremist group. Wearing a yellow uniform and plastic flip flops, Ibrahim, 37, told the judge, I dont understand the charges. Judge Ahmad Mohammed responded: Your charge is a terrorist crime. The man who came from France to Syria to join the group in 2015, said he was the victim of its propaganda. The self-proclaimed caliphate had promised him a good life including money, work and a house. Jobless back in Europe, Ibrahim came to Syria via Turkey where he took religious lessons and weapons training. He then married a Moroccan widow with four children who later gave birth to his child. When the judge asked Ibrahim if he was guilty, his response was: I am not guilty of carrying out any crimes. I am guilty because they brainwashed me. I am the victim of the Islamic State. I am not guilty. I am ready to help France in the fight against terrorism, Ibrahim added. France said the Iraqi court has jurisdiction to rule in the cases, though a spokeswoman reiterated the French governments opposition to the death penalty. The five Frenchmen on trial Monday two were kept outside the courtroom were among the 12 French IS fighters whom the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces handed over to Iraq in January. The Kurdish-led group spearheaded the fight against IS in Syria and has handed over to Iraq hundreds of suspected IS members in recent months. IS terrorists must answer for their crimes in court, said Frances foreign ministry spokeswoman, Agnes von der Muhll. As Mondays proceedings opened, the first to appear was Ibrahim, who is from the Mediterranean city of Nice and of Tunisian origin. I ask for forgiveness from the people of Iraq and Syria and the victims, Ibrahim said before the judge who ordered him to remove his top in order to see if there were any signs of torture on his body. None were visible. No matter what the sentence will be against me I want to go back to my country, said Ibrahim. He added that he used to work as a driver back in France before joining IS. The judge sentenced Ibrahim to death. Asked by The Associated Press later why the sentencing happened so quickly, Mohammed said the case was complete and ready for a verdict. He added that regarding executions, Iraqi law sentences any member of the group to death whether the person participates in fighting or not. The second man brought into the courtroom was identified as Fadil Hamad Abdallah, 33, of Moroccan origin. Abdallah said he was subjected to torture while in detention. The judge referred him to a medical committee for investigation and postponed his next session until Sunday. The judge postponed the sentencing of the three other Frenchmen until next Monday. Three French IS fighters had already been sentenced to death on Sunday. Those convicted can appeal their sentences within a month. Human rights groups have criticized Iraqs handling of IS trials, accusing authorities of relying on circumstantial evidence and often extracting confessions under torture. Nadim Houry, the Human Rights Watchs director of its terrorism and counterterrorism program, said: There are few rights for the defence and grave due-process issues thats deeply worrying, especially when combined with the death penalty. In-depth investigations are not being carried out. Houry added that no one should be transferred to a country where there is a risk of torture. We have visited Iraqi prisons and weve seen rampant torture, usually to extract confessions, he said. Iraqi prosecutors say the 12 French nationals were parties or accomplices to IS crimes, and threatened the national security of Iraq. Simply belonging to the extremist group is punishable by life in prison or execution under Iraqs counter-terrorism laws. In Paris, von der Muhll said Frances position is that adults detained in Iraq must be tried by the Iraqi justice system, as soon as it declares itself competent. France respects the sovereignty of Iraqi authorities she added, though she expressed her countrys opposition to the death penalty, in principle, at all times and in all places. ___ Associated Press writers Sam Petrequin and Thomas Adamson in Paris contributed to this report. MADRID - Three jailed or fugitive Catalan politicians hope to use their freshly won seats in the European Parliament as loudspeakers for their separatist cause in northeastern Spain although actually being sworn in as lawmakers will be the first obstacle they have to overcome. The European careers of Catalonias former regional President Carles Puigdemont, his former No. 2 Oriol Junqueras and ex-Cabinet member Toni Comin depend on a slew of electoral rules and judicial decisions. Ironically, those give more chances to the jailed Junqueras than to his two colleagues, who fled to Belgium following an unprecedented push for Catalan independence in 2017. Puigdemonts and Comins attempts to continue internationalizing their cause from the European Parliament could be thwarted unless they expose themselves to arrest by travelling to Madrid to pick up their lawmaker credentials and taking an oath before Spains Central Electoral Board, says an internal regional chamber report that The Associated Press has had access to. Asked during a press briefing how he plans to claim his seat, Puigdemont said on Monday that he believes the Spanish government wants to win in (legal) chambers what they have lost in the ballots. We are ready for that battle, he said, addressing journalists in Barcelona by video link. Junqueras took a different strategy when he was indicted following the staging of a banned referendum and a short-lived independence declaration at the end of October 2017. He stayed put in Catalonia, showed up in court in Madrid when his summons arrived and has been in preventive custody on preliminary rebellion charges for most of the past two years. The 50-year-old has also turned an ongoing televised Supreme Court trial against separatists into a campaign platform, widening support for his left-wing republican party in regional, national and the recent European elections. The conundrum now is whether he will be allowed to take his seat and, if denied as happened last week after he obtained a seat in the Spanish Congress of Deputies who will take on the politically sensitive task of removing an elected politician, further enraging his base of supporters. The European Parliament says that its up to Spains electoral board to decide whether Junqueras is on the final list of elected lawmakers that Spanish authorities need to submit to Strasbourg. That leaves the decision in the hands of Supreme Court judges, who need to grant Junqueras temporary permission to leave jail and obtain his lawmaker credentials.The same panel of judges did allow him to be sworn in as a national lawmaker last week, although he was immediately suspended by the parliament, citing a Spanish criminal law article that bans those in jail due to a rebellion indictment from holding public office. Its unclear if the same article would apply to the European plans of Junqueras, who calls himself a political prisoner, or if he will manage to be sworn in at least as a symbolic voice in the heart of Europe, assuming that he wont be able to vote from jail. All votes in the European Parliament need to be cast from the plenary chamber. One way or another, Junqueras told the AP last week in an interview via videoconference from jail, he plans to defend his rights in all levels and before all possible judicial institutions. __ Joseph Wilson in Barcelona contributed to this report. Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Hakim (R) and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Jawad Zarif attend a joint press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, May 26, 2019. Iraq said on Sunday that it opposes sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran and proposed to mediate if asked. "We stand with our neighbor Iran and we affirm that the economic blockade is useless and causes great suffering to the Iranian people. Therefore, we stand against this blockade," said Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Hakim at a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Jawad Zarif who is on an official visit to Iraq. (Xinhua/Khalili Dawood) BAGHDAD, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Iraq said on Sunday that it opposes sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran and proposed to mediate if asked. "We stand with our neighbor Iran and we affirm that the economic blockade is useless and causes great suffering to the Iranian people. Therefore, we stand against this blockade," said Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed al-Hakim at a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Jawad Zarif who is on an official visit to Iraq. "We are always against the unilateral measures by the United States. We stand with our neighbor Iran, and will be an appropriate mediator for the two sides if asked to do so," al-Hakim told reporters. For his part, Zarif said Iran "has strong desire to establish relations with all countries of the Gulf." Iran has "presented proposals for cooperation with regional countries, including signing a non-aggression pact with Gulf countries," he added. A statement by the media office of the Iraqi Speaker of Parliament Mohammed al-Halbousi said al-Halbousi held a meeting with Zarif, in which he confirmed Iraq's intention to "play a pivotal role in reducing the escalation between Tehran and Washington to avoid the risk of escalation in the region." According to the statement, Zarif said Iran "has no desire in any military escalation, and it is ready to accept any initiative that could help reduce the escalation." On Saturday afternoon, Zarif arrived in Iraq's capital Baghdad and met with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi and President Barham Salih, discussing bilateral ties and regional situation. Zarif's visit came amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, which came after U.S. President Donald Trump decided not to re-issue the sanctions waivers for major importers to continue buying Iran's oil when they expired in early May. On May 15, the U.S. State Department ordered the non-emergency U.S. employees working in both the embassy in Baghdad and the consulate in Erbil to leave Iraq, a U.S. embassy statement said. On May 21, Mahdi said Iraq will send delegations to the United States and Iran to ease the tension in the Middle East. The United States has also increased its military buildup in the region recently by deploying an aircraft carrier, bombers and anti-missile systems, citing a threat of Iranian attack. 2 1 [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] Paraguayan Ambassador to Korea Raul Silvero, front row sixth from left, joins a cake-cutting ceremony during a recent reception in Seoul to mark the 208th anniversary of Paraguay's Independence Day. / Embassy of Paraguay By Yi Whan-woo Paraguay is stepping up efforts to expand its presence in Asia and cooperation with Korea is "an important source of support," Paraguayan Ambassador to Korea Raul Silvero said. He said he wants to see the bilateral relationship go deeper in investment, trade, education, green growth and culture. "Our country is strengthening its presence in Asian countries," he said during a May 17 reception in Seoul to l to mark the 208th Independence Day. He added such effort is in line with the government's policy to diversify international relations since last year to overcome challenges as a land-locked country. The two countries signed a diplomatic treaty in 1962. Ambassador Silvero noted that along with around 7,000 Korean immigrants, the relations between the two countries "have not only been strengthened over the past five decades, but have reached a point of maturity in its various manifestations." He added, "I must mention that Korean cooperation represents an important source of support for Paraguay, to advance in the path of progress and well-being." He underlined strategic areas for cooperation in 2020 range from health to water to rural development. The relevant projects are being carried out by Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), which spearheads assistance for developing countries under the wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To bolster Paraguay-Korea ties, Ambassador Silvero said his government has been inviting Korean businesspeople to see Paraguay's potential for economic development, including labor and natural resources. He noted his government has been offering non-tariffs. "Up to the present, numerous companies and entrepreneurs of the Republic of Korea have installed and are in the process of installing their factories, companies and ventures in various economic sectors of Paraguay, taking advantage of the multiple advantages and guarantees offered," he said. He said Paraguay's membership with Mercosur, an economic and political bloc including Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Venezuela will give more business opportunities for Korean enterprises. Talks are underway for Korea to sign a free trade agreement with Mercosur. "The commercial pillar is an important part of our relationship, from which Korean and Paraguayan businessmen increasingly benefit," the envoy said, adding Korean consumers will be able to enjoy key Paraguayan exports, such natural sweetener, yerba mate, chia, sesame, meat, charcoal, soy and leather. Paraguay has been committed to training and educating its citizens, including civil servants, as part of efforts to transform into a "knowledge economy," according to Ambassador Silvero. He acknowledged his appreciation for Korea's support for providing scholarships to undergraduates and upper-level students. He especially thanked the North Chungcheong provincial government, underlining its support to train over 200 teachers from Paraguay and donate teaching equipment. Regarding cooperation on environment, the envoy noted Paraguay is a member of the board of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) for the 2019-2020 period. Headquartered in Korea, the GGGI is an international organization aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth worldwide. Ambassador Silvero referred to culture as "fundamental for the understanding of different nations," saying "That is why we find ourselves, together with the Korean institutions, working in various projects that will allow us to further strengthen the friendship between our people." He added, "I would like to extend a fraternal greeting to the dear compatriots, residents in Korea and in the concurrent countries, who contribute to the development of these nations and enrich them with the Guarani culture." BUCHAREST, Romania - Romanias most powerful politician was sentenced Monday to 3 1/2 years in prison for official misconduct in a graft case. The jail time for Liviu Dragnea, party leader of the ruling Social Democrats, came after a conviction last year for having two party members paid by a public agency for fake jobs. According to prosecutors, Dragnea intervened from 2008 to 2010, when he was a government official, to keep two women employed by his party on the payroll of the family welfare agency. The women admitted working for the party while they received salaries from the public agency. Dragnea, already blocked from being Romanias prime minister because of a 2016 conviction for vote-rigging, was expected to be imprisoned shortly 24 hours. Hundreds of Romanians took to the streets of Bucharest, the capital, on Monday to celebrate Dragneas sentence, some of them posing for pictures with cutouts of Dragnea in prison garb. The ruling party has been widely criticized for failing to fight corruption by officials. Prime Minister Viorica Dancila refused to comment on the court decision, but acknowledged its impact. Regardless of what one feels about Dragnea, his conviction is a difficult moment for the Social Democratic Party, Dancila said. Its a drama for him and his family. We stand by him. Victor Ponta, a former prime minister with the Social Democrats and now chairman of Pro Romania Party, was more critical. Im sorry that this man, blinded by pride and viciousness, pulled Romania, the government, parliament, an entire party and the honour of millions of people into a hole with him, Ponta said in a Facebook post Dan Barna, chairman of the opposition Save Romania Union party, welcomed the court ruling, which had been delayed for months after Dragnea appealed the June 2018 conviction. Todays ruling ends the Dragnea era, one of the darkest over the last 30 years, Barna said in a Facebook post. Romania is getting healthier, we are coming back to Europe. Dragneas party suffered huge losses in European Parliament election on Sunday, falling to second place behind the opposition National Liberal Party. Additionally, a non-binding referendum called by President Klaus Iohannis, a government opponent, seeking to pressure the government into stopping efforts to water down anti-corruption measures won support from 80% of voters on Sunday. BELGRADE, Serbia - Serbia put its troops on full alert Tuesday after heavily armed Kosovo police entered Serb-dominated northern Kosovo, firing tear gas and arresting about two dozen people in what they called an anti-organized crime operation. It was the latest flare-up in long-simmering tensions between Serbia and its former province, which declared independence from Belgrade in 2008 after a bloody 1998-99 war that ended only with NATO intervention. Serbs make up 90% of the population in northern Kosovo and they want to remain part of Serbia, not an independent Kosovo. Action by Kosovo special police there is rare and always triggers Serb anger. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Kosovo police arrested 23 people, including Serbs, Bosnians and a Russian, after bursting into several northern villages and the town of Mitrovica with armoured vehicles. Vucic said he had seen video of the police firing live ammunition over the heads of unarmed Serbs, and said the operation was designed to intimidate minority Serbs in Kosovo, whose population is mostly ethnic Albanians. Vucic said he has ordered soldiers near the border to be on combat alert to protect Serbs if tensions escalate. Serbia will try to preserve peace and stability, but will be fully ready to protect our people at the shortest notice, Vucic told parliament. He later said that the Kosovo policemen withdrew from northern Kosovo. But in a sign of lingering tensions, Serb troops and armoured vehicles were seen leaving their barracks in central Serbia and headed toward the Kosovo border. An air force MiG-29 fighter jet made a low pass near the border with Kosovo, according to the state Tanjug news agency. Any Serbian armed incursion into Kosovo would mean a direct clash with NATO-led peacekeepers there. Lately, Serbia has been making frequent military threats against Kosovo as its political and military alliance with Russia grows stronger despite a proclaimed European Union membership goal. Kosovo police said five police officers and six civilians were injured during an operation against organized crime and corruption, and 19 police officers and a number of other people were arrested. The U.N. mission in Kosovo said those detained included two of its staff, one of them Russian. It said both employees were hospitalized for injuries, and it called for all parties to help restore calm and security. Later, the mission said the Russian citizen was released and Tanjug reported he was taken to a Serb hospital in northern Mitrovica with injuries to the head and face. Russia called Kosovos actions a provocation and demanded the immediate release of the Russian U.N. employee. Kosovo President Hashim Thaci said earlier that the Russian was camouflaged under a diplomatic veil to hamper the police operation. Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj urged the ethnic Serb minority to remain calm and support the police. Those involved in illegal activities will go behind bars, he wrote on his Facebook page, insisting that the police operation was not targeting people from specific ethnicities. Kosovos foreign minister said his countrys authorities are set to carry out more police actions like Tuesdays operation that sent tensions with Serbia soaring. I believe its not the last operation in Kosovo. ... Maybe today, maybe tomorrow or in next days. We are fighting organized crime, said the minister, Behgjet Pacolli. The spokesman for the NATO peacekeeping mission, Col. Vincenzo Grasso, said the force is monitoring the situation and co-ordinating with authorities. Because of the political sensitivity of the moment, Commander KFOR invites all the parties to deal with the disputes peacefully and responsibly, without any use of force or violence. People should stay calm, they have nothing to fear, the mission said in a statement. Serbia and allies Russia and China do not recognize Kosovos 2008 declaration of independence, while the U.S. and more than 100 other countries do. The lingering dispute has stalled both countries efforts to become EU members. The two sides had been taking part in an EU-facilitated dialogue, but Serbia walked away in November after Kosovo slapped a 100% tax on Bosnian and Serbian imports, saying it will be lifted only when the two countries recognize Kosovos sovereignty. ___ Associated Press writers Jovana Gec in Belgrade and Llazar Semini in Tirana, Albania, contributed. MADRID - Spains former monarch, Juan Carlos I, says he wants to completely retire from public life on June 2, five years after abdicating the throne. The king emeritus said in a letter published Monday on the Spanish royals website and addressed to his son, King Felipe VI, that I think the moment has arrived to turn a page over in my life and complete my retirement from public life. Juan Carlos added that he began thinking about fully retiring when he turned 80 last year and was honoured in the Spanish parliament. That event coincided with the anniversary of the countrys 1978 constitution, which marked Spains transition from dictatorship to democratic rule. Despite health problems, Juan Carlos had maintained a busy public agenda since stepping down. CAIRO - Heavy clashes have been slowly nearing the centre of Libyas capital, Tripoli, as forces loyal to the military commander Khalifa Hifter battle to seize power, an official and residents said Monday. Hifter opened a military offensive on the Libyan capital of Tripoli in early April despite commitments to move toward elections in the North African country. Libya is divided between Hifter, whose self-styled Libyan National Army controls the east and much of the south, and Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj, who runs the U.N.-supported but weak government in Tripoli. In recent weeks, the clashes had receded with the start of the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk. But in the past couple of days, the capitals siege has intensified. Hifters forces have pushed ahead in Tripolis eastern and southern suburbs. The LNAs media office said they have taken control of areas near the Tripoli International Airport, which was largely destroyed in the civil war following the overthrow of longtime dictator Muammar al-Qaddafi in 2011. Saraj al-Majbri, an aid to the LNAs chief of staff, said its forces have also made gains in the area of Salah al-Deen, a few kilometres from the city centre. He claimed the forces march toward the city centre had been slowed in the past weeks because they did not want to use heavy artillery in populated areas. Two residents said heavy fighting was taking place along a strategic road linking the capital with the airport, which the LNA already controls. They spoke on condition of anonymity for their safety. Hifter has said he wont stop his offensive as long as the militias remained in control of Tripoli and, he claimed, the militias remain in control of Prime Minister Fayez Sarrajs U.N.-supported government. Six rounds of talks with the government had failed to strike a political deal, he said. In the last round of negotiations I realized that its not him who decides, Hifter said. Of course a political solution remains the objective, but to get back to politics we have to finish with the militias. Hifters comments came in an interview last week with Frances Journal du Dimanche during his visit to Paris , where President Emmanuel Macron urged the Libyan leader to work toward a cease-fire and a return to the political process. Hifter and the Tripoli government had agreed to hold nationwide elections in the divided country after a Paris meeting in May 2018. But in the interview, Hifter lashed out at the U.N. special envoy, saying that Ghassan Salame was no longer impartial. He has now taken sides, he said, before adding: Partition of Libya is maybe what our adversaries want. This is maybe what Ghassan Salame also wants. Forces loyal to the U.N.-supported government said they have hindered LNA advances and cut off supply roads to Hifters forces in the southern areas of the capital. The Tripoli-based government said earlier this week that an airstrike by the LNA targeted a civilian facility located in a high populated area, where lawmakers in Tripoli used to meet. The U.N. mission in Libya condemned the airstrike along with a reported kidnapping of a member of a government advisory body. The advisory body said Mohammed Abu Ghamga was kidnapped last week from his home town of Qasr Ben Ghashir, some 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) south of the capital, after it was seized by Hifters forces. It accused the LNA of kidnapping Abu Ghamga, a charge denied by its media office. The fighting has killed at least 562 people, including 40 civilians, a U.N. agency said Monday. It added that among the killed, were two health workers, when shelling hit their ambulance cars south of Tripoli on Thursday. BEIRUT - Syrian government air raids killed at least nine people on Monday, after hitting a crowded residential area in the last rebel stronghold in the northwest province of Idlib, rescuers and activists said. The first responders known as White Helmets said 11 people were killed, including six children and four women. Rescue workers were still searching for survivors under the rubble after the airstrikes hit in the town of Ariha. One rescuer said after two hours of searching two children were pulled out alive. Videos from the scene by the White Helmets showed a narrow alley blocked by the debris from a pulverized building. Survivors covered in white dust were among those who lifted a wounded man on a gurney and a young girl into the ambulance. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported 17 were killed on Monday, including nine in Ariha and six others in another village, Hazareen. The scene in Ariha was reminiscent of the violence that has hit many rebel-held areas as the government pursued similar military tactics to regain control of territory it had lost to armed opposition. In the last three years, Syrian troops, with support from Russia and Iran, have regained control of most of the country, displacing hundreds of thousands, mostly to Hama and Idlib, where rebels are making their last stand. But this rebel stronghold is home to nearly 3 million people, who have nowhere to run to escape the government offensive. Ghayath, a resident of Ariha, said the bombs fell on two buildings only meters away from a main market which was packed with shoppers at the time of the strike. He had passed through the narrow street on his way home minutes before the strike. He returned more than half an hour later to inspect what happened as rescuers looked for survivors. It was too painful to watch, so he left, he said. We can hear the bomb as it heads toward the ground, and it is terrifying, Ghayath said. He spoke on condition only his first name is used, fearing he would be traced by government forces and his house targeted. A cease-fire in place since September in the province of Idlib, negotiated by Russia and Turkey, has all but collapsed. U.N. agencies say more than 200,000 are displaced within the stronghold, moving from the southern tip up north and crowding already packed camps and towns. Most of those displaced are living outside of camps, the U.N said, while some have sought safety near the Turkish border where they hope no airstrikes would pursue them there. Some 20 health facilities, three displaced peoples camp and one refugee camp were hit in the violence, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported on Friday. Since the violence picked up on April 30, the Observatory said at least 215 civilians, including 47 children were killed in the rebel stronghold. In adjacent government areas, 21 civilians were killed by rebel fire, according to the Observatory which monitors the war. On Monday alone, the Observatory said there were more than 100 air raids and as many as 93 barrel bombs dropped on the southern section of the rebel stronghold. Russia and the government announced last week the opening of two corridors for civilians to exit the rebel-held enclave another familiar tactic followed to empty opposition areas amid a military operation. The U.N. said it was not party to discussions for such a corridor and said movement of civilians must be a choice, not forced by violence. The majority of the civilians living in the last rebel stronghold have either been evacuated from other opposition-held areas that were reclaimed by the Syrian military or are hard-core anti-government critics who refused to return to government control. Most of the enclave is administered by the al-Qaida-linked group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which has collaborated with other armed opposition groups to fight government advances. Turkey says Syrian government forces are aiming to expand their control in the area despite the cease-fire deal. Damascus says Turkey has failed to reign in the militants in control of Idlib and allow for it to access two major highways that run through the enclave, according to the deal. DAMASCUS, Syria - Syria said an Israeli attack against a military post in the countrys south on Monday killed a soldier and injured another. Israel, in a rare statement acknowledging firing into Syria, said it was responding to an anti-aircraft fire from Syria against one of its combat planes. The back-to-back statements come amid heightened regional tension over Irans role in Syria and other parts of the Middle East. They also follow a number of reported Israeli strikes on Syria in the past ten days, according to state run media. Israel does not usually comment on reports concerning its strikes in neighbouring Syria, though it has recently acknowledged striking Iranian targets there. Syrian state TV al-Ikhbariya quoted a military official saying that the Israeli attack came shortly after 2100 local time (1800GMT) and targeted a military outpost east of Khan Arnabeh, a town in Quneitra on the edge of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. An earlier statement on state media said one military vehicle was also damaged when a rocket landed in Tal al-Shaar in Quneitra. Israel said it was responding after an anti-aircraft fire from Syria targeted one of its combat planes in Israeli airspace. A statement from the Israeli army said that earlier Monday a Syrian anti-aircraft system fired at one of its aircraft as it was carrying out a routine flight in Israel. The projectile landed in Syrian territory. In response, we targeted the Syrian launcher that was responsible for firing it. The Israeli military sees any threat against its aircraft with great severity and takes measures to defend them. Israels prime minister said in statement shortly afterward that the Syrian army tried to harm an Israeli plane, it didnt succeed. Our policy is clear we are not prepared to tolerate any aggression against us, we will retaliate against it forcefully and decisively, the statement said. Syrian media had reported earlier this month two incidents in which Israeli strikes hit inside southern Syria. JACKSBORO, Tenn. - Tennessee authorities say three ATV riders from North Carolina were killed when their vehicle fell down an embankment through thick brush. Media outlets report a fourth person was found injured by emergency responders. The Campbell County Sheriffs office said Monday the injured minor was airlifted to a Knoxville hospital. His condition was not immediately known. The crash occurred Sunday in the area of a privately owned, off-road adventure park that offers riding trails. Authorities have identified the dead as 47-year-old Ronnie Akins, 19-year-old Dillon Akins and 19-year-old Jonathan Laws, all of Weaverville, North Carolina. The sheriffs office says the ATV left a trail and fell more than 100 feet (30 metres). Rescuers had to cut through thick brush and trees to reach the crash site. DES MOINES, Iowa - In Iowa, one of the whitest states in the nation, more than 100 black Democrats who expect to attend the 2020 caucuses crammed into a tiny community centre in the capital city to position themselves as a force in the most wide-open presidential campaign in a generation. There is hope! There is hope, I tell you, the same hope that Barack Obama brought us, Jamie Woods, former chairwoman of the Iowa Democratic Black Caucus, implored the cheering group last month. In the state where Obamas 2008 candidacy cleared its first important hurdle, black Democrats are energized as seldom seen, in part motivated by overwhelming dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump. That enthusiasm could make a difference in a state that holds a presidential caucus, which, unlike an open primary, attracts only the most motivated voters. That means a candidate who can rally more black voters in the caucuses can gain an outsized advantage, even though African Americans make up only 2% of Iowas population. Iowas caucus, coming next February as the first event in the Democratic Partys presidential nominating contest, is an early test of how voters are going to respond to two dozen candidates and could be a harbinger of the primary a few weeks later in South Carolina, where African Americans comprise most of the Democratic primary electorate. Theyre realizing that their voice needs to be heard, said Deidre DeJear , the first African American to win a primary for statewide office in Iowa and now state chairwoman for Sen. Kamala Harris 2020 presidential campaign. And they are using the platform they have whether theyre elected or whether just a regular voter. Stacey Walker, the first black county board chairman in Iowas second-most-populous metro area, said he hasnt seen this kind of energy among black operatives, activists and officeholders in Iowa in years. Not since the Obama coalition have we seen so many persons of colour actively engaged and inspired by our politics, Walker said. It hasnt always been this way, and certainly not in Iowa. Giving an early indication of the energy within this small but influential segment of the caucus electorate, more than 200 black Democrats braved a driving ice storm in February to attend the Iowa Democratic Black Caucus winter fundraiser at a north Des Moines union hall. Candidates are looking to harness that energy. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, a 2020 presidential candidate and former mayor of Newark, has convened city leaders, including Quentin Hart, the first black mayor of Iowas most densely African American city, Waterloo. Booker met Saturday with Shane McCampbell, the first black mayor of Burlington, along the Mississippi River in southeast Iowa. Harris met privately with state Rep. Phyllis Thede, who is African American, before the four-term lawmaker moderated a campaign event for the California Democrat in eastern Iowa earlier this year. In 2008, when Obama became the first African American to win the Iowa caucuses, 4% of caucus participants were black, double the percentage of the states overall black population. Obama received 76% of the black vote on caucus night. Non-black candidates are working to attract influential black supporters, who can help make the difference in a close race, especially given the crowded field. Amy Klobuchar, for instance, last month hired Woods, the former Iowa Black Democratic Caucus chairwoman, as her caucus campaigns Iowa political director, giving the Minnesota senator a key ally in the competition for black votes. Entrepreneur Andrew Yang hired Al Womble, a black Des Moines-area businessman known for his behind-the-scenes organizing, as his Iowa campaign chairman. Multiple black candidates in the race and the outreach by others in the crowded field create a different scenario than in 2008, when Obama was the only black candidate. Whats more, most of the candidates put ending racial disparity in income and criminal justice atop their agendas. Even though were talking about racial disparity and white supremacy, and all this is bad, that this isnt who we are. No one single candidate is leading the charge, said Guy Nave, a Democrat from Decorah who is black and plans to attend the caucus. Iowa Democrats are predicting turnout in the 2020 caucuses will beat the record 237,000 set in 2008, as Trumps approval in Iowa has struggled to top 50 per cent. Meanwhile, candidates themselves are working to attract first-time caucus participants to eke out any advantage in a field that now numbers 23. That means even a narrow edge of support from African Americans, in combination with a coalition of other voters, could make the difference for the winner in Iowa next February, said former Iowa Democratic Party executive director Norm Sterzenbach. If you can find a candidate that has a stronghold in a particular demographic and is able to turn them out, that could turn into something extraordinary on caucus night, said Sterzenbach, who is advising former Texas Rep. Beto ORourkes presidential campaign. FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - A 150-year-old document that allowed Navajos to return to their homeland in the Four Corners region where Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado meet is destined for a permanent home at the tribes museum. Navajos had been imprisoned at a desolate tract of land in eastern New Mexico before signing a treaty with the federal government in 1868. The United States signed hundreds of treaties with Native American tribes as acts of peace and friendship or to end wars, but the Navajos were unique in securing a return to their homeland bounded by four mountains they consider sacred. A Navajo legislative committee is expected to vote Tuesday to accept an original copy of the treaty that was believed to have been lost and is one of only three original copies. It had moved among cardboard boxes, chests and filing cabinets in the Manchester, Massachusetts, home of Indian Peace Commissioner Samuel F. Tappan, who helped negotiate the treaty. His great-grandniece, Clare Kitty Weaver, said she had seen it among Tappans papers but only recently learned of its importance. Another copy of the treaty is in the National Archives, and last one was given to Barboncito, the last Navajo chief to surrender to military forces in 1866, but its whereabouts are unknown. Barboncito and thousands of Navajos had been forcibly marched to the Bosque Redondo reservation in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, after the military destroyed their crops and livestock. Tribal officials asked Weaver last year during a gathering for the 150th anniversary of the signing of the treaty if she would donate the Tappan copy to the Navajo Nation. There were two things I had to deal with: my head and my heart, said Weaver, who is writing a biography on Tappan. And my heart knew right away that it should go to the Navajos. And my head took a little more time because I wanted to be sure that the protocols were in place for housing the treaty. Under an agreement signed this month, the treaty must be kept in a climate-controlled environment under lock and alarm or live security. An archivist will check on it periodically, and it wont be displayed for more than six months total over a 10-year period. It also must be shared with a memorial site at Bosque Redondo and cannot be sold. Tribal law says the Navajo president cannot accept gifts or donations worth more than $1,000 without the legislative committees approval. The Tappan treaty written on 17 pages of ledger paper, measuring 8 inches by 12 inches and tied with a faded red ribbon is valued at $10,000. Suzan Shown Harjo, guest curator of an exhibit on treaties at the National Museum of the American Indian, said treaties have taken different forms, from being recorded on parchment or ledger paper to being depicted on beaded belts. Seeing original treaties connects people with their ancestors, whose DNA is on the historical records, she said. Theres just sort of a wave of recognition that these are the people who signed this treaty for me, and these are the people who went through what they went through for me, said Harjo, who is Cheyenne and Hodulgee Muscogee. They did it for my grandchildren, they did it for all the coming generations, whether it was a terrific treaty or a half-good treaty or some treaty, they did the best they could. Tappan and Gen. William T. Sherman negotiated a treaty with the Navajos as part of the Indian Peace Commission. Neither of them signed the copy being donated. Only one Navajo leader could sign his own name. The treaty marked the end of years of Navajo imprisonment. Those who couldnt keep up with the journey to Bosque Redondo known as the Long Walk were killed. Disease, the harsh winters and unfamiliarity with how to prepare foods also led to deaths. Navajos call the land Hweeldi, meaning a place of suffering and fear. Sherman and Tappan planned to move the Navajos to land in present-day Kansas and Oklahoma, but those at Bosque Redondo were intent on going home. The bringing of us here has caused a great decrease in our numbers, Barboncito said at the time, according to historical documents. Many of us have died, also a great number of our animals. Our grandfathers had no idea of living in any other country except our own, and I do not think it is right for us to do so. The Navajo reservation now spans 27,000 square miles (69,930 square kilometres) in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, and is the largest in the United States. Navajo President Jonathan Nez said having the Tappan treaty in the tribes museum will magnify the resilience of our Navajo people. We were never ready to be taken off this planet, he said. Our people stayed strong. The museum will display the treaty for a week starting June 1, then it will travel for pop-up exhibits in Navajo schools and communities, museum director Manuelito Wheeler said. Its an honour to care for something as important as this, he said. CARY, N.C. - Kasey Turcol has just 75 minutes to explain to her high school students the importance of D-Day and if this wasnt the 75th anniversary of the turning point in World War II, she wouldnt devote that much time to it. D-Day is not part of the required curriculum in North Carolina or in many other states. Turcol reminds her students at Crossroads FLEX High School in Cary, North Carolina, that D-Day was an Allied victory that saved Europe from Nazi tyranny and that the young men who fought and died were barely older than they are. She sprinkles her lesson with details about the number of men, ships, and planes involved in the landing at Normandy while adding a few lesser-known facts about a Spanish spy and a deadly military practice conducted six months earlier in England. In the U.S. and other countries impacted by the events on June 6, 1944, historians and educators worry that the World War II milestone is losing its resonance with todays students. In France, which was liberated from German occupation, D-Day isnt a stand-alone topic in schools. German schools concentrate on the Holocaust and the Nazi dictatorship. And despite having been part of the Allied Powers, in Russia, the schools avoid D-Day because they believe it was the victories on the Eastern Front that won the war. History has taken a back seat in the U.S. because of the focus on science and math classes, says Cathy Gorn, executive director of National History Day in College Park, Maryland. In the U.S., teaching about World War II varies from state to state. Its often up to the teachers to decide how much time they want to give to individual battles like D-Day. Californias History-Social Science Framework , adopted in 2016, includes for sophomores an expansive unit on World War II that includes how the conflict was a total war, the goals of the Allied and Axis Powers and how the fighting was fought on different fronts. The unit also includes a section on the Holocaust. In New York, school officials are using the D-Day anniversary to review the curriculum and make recommendations on how the current average time of 90 minutes of World War II study in a school year can be strengthened, expanded and mandated. There are special programs available to immerse select students in the history of D-Day. For eight years, National History Day sent 15 pairs of students and teachers to Normandy to immerse them in the history of D-Day. The high school sophomores and juniors would research an individual soldier close to them a family member or someone from their hometown who died. On the last day, the group visited a cemetery where each student read a eulogy for their individual soldier. Teachers also have outside resources. The National World War II Museum offers an electronic field trip through D-Day and provides suggested lessons plans. In North Carolina, history is taught through conceptual design with connections to themes such as geography, economics and politics, said Meghan Grant, co-ordinating teacher for secondary social studies in Wake County schools. The lessons are based on a method of teaching social studies that was developed in 2013 and used by about half the states, said Larry Paska, executive director of the National Council for the Social Studies . Paska said it may focus on asking students a question like What makes an event a turning point in the war? Students then would use difference sources of evidence to back up their answer. As part of her D-Day lesson, Turcol tells her class of juniors and seniors that the Germans thought an attack from the Allied forces wouldnt be possible. Its too stormy. Its too risky, she says. And what do we do? Yeah, we find a glimmer of hope. On June 5th, the skies kind of clear. The moon kind of shines. And were like, this is the moment. This is what is happening. She tells students that Gen. Dwight Eisenhower kept D-Day plans on the down low. Turcol plays a few minutes of a documentary about D-Day to show you the true humanity of the war, she says. You saw the German praying ... asking for his mother, father, asking for this to be over. Not everybody is on the same message in Germany, she says. Everybody here is a father, a mother, a brother, a cousin, a friend. So every life matters. Students in Europe also receive dramatically different lessons on D-Day depending on where they live. Because of Germanys history, any hint of militarism remains a taboo. While battles like D-Day, Stalingrad and the Operation Barbarossa invasion of Russia might be mentioned briefly in schools, they tend to be lumped together in broad overviews of the war. Individual teachers do have leeway, however, to pursue topics that capture the attention of students. The curriculum is similar from state to state. In Berlin high schools, for example, curriculum guidelines include the history of the war under the overall focus on the collapse of the first German democracy; Nazi tyranny, which includes classes on Nazi ideology, resistance movements, the Holocaust and World War II. Similarly, Bavarias ninth grade curriculum focuses primarily on explaining how the Nazis came to power and their anti-Semitic ideology and genocidal policies, with the war taught briefly as part of their expansion and conquest policies. In the 11th grade, the focus is even more directly on the Holocaust, and the curriculum guidelines note specific dates to be learned, including the anti-Jewish Kristallnacht pogrom in 1938. The Russian narrative on D-Day has remained almost unchanged since the days of the Soviet Union. Historians and schoolbooks describe the invasion as a long-awaited move as happening after the course of WWII had already been shaped by Soviet victories in the battles of Stalingrad and Kursk and other battles on the Eastern Front. Even in the country where D-Day occurred, the assault doesnt have a central, dominant place in the teaching of World War II. The history of 20th century conflict is taught in France as a theme and no longer as a chronological list of major battles. We no longer teach as we did before, what we called the history of battles, says Christine Guimonnet, who teaches history at a high school west of Paris and is secretary general of the APHG, a French association of history and geography teachers. Everyone will, of course, speak about June 6 because it was a major moment in the war, but were not going to spend a whole week on it. Thats not possible. As long as they are still teaching the broader themes, French teachers may home in on specific events, like D-Day, to organize study projects and, if they have the budget, trips to Normandy beaches, museums or screenings of The Longest Day, a 1962 film about the events of D-Day. As cultural director at Normandys Caen Memorial , Isabelle Bournier deals daily with school groups that tour the museum. French children often arent familiar with the details of D-Day, partially because fewer families have relatives who lived through the war and can pass on their stories, she said. Students from Normandy are different from the broader French student population, she said. All families are more or less impregnated by this history. It is part of us, Bournier said. ____ Associated Press reporters John Leicester in Paris, David Rising in Berlin and Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this story. ____ Follow Martha Waggoner on Twitter at http://twitter.com/mjwaggonernc . Sailors carry the portrait and coffin of the late Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Choe Jong-keun at a funeral ceremony at the Marine Medical Center in Jinhae, South Gyeongsang Province, Monday. Choe, 22, died in an accident on the Navy's destroyer Choi Young last Friday, when a mooring rope connecting the 4,400-ton ship to the dock in a Navy base in the southern port of Jinhae snapped, killing him and injuring four others. The accident happened during a welcoming ceremony for the destroyer returning home from its 193-day overseas deployment off the Somalia coast. Courtesy of Republic of Korea Navy By Jung Da-min A funeral ceremony for the late Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Choe Jong-keun, 22, who died in an accident on the Navy's destroyer Choi Young last Friday, was held at the Marine Medical Center in Jinhae, South Gyeongsang Province, Monday. The accident happened when a mooring rope connecting the 4,400-ton ship to the dock in a Navy base in the southern port of Jinhae snapped, killing Choe and injuring four others. About 300 people including the bereaved family members, Navy officers, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Sim Seung-seob and Choe's fellow crewmates from the destroyer participated in the ceremony. Choe was buried at the Daejeon National Cemetery, Monday afternoon. The cause of the accident is being analyzed, a Navy official said during a press briefing at the Ministry of National Defense, also on Monday. The official said Choe and other four officials injured from the accident were manning the mooring rope as the destroyer docked at the port; however, none of them were wearing a safety helmet or a kapok life jacket as they were in full-dress uniform for a welcoming ceremony for the ship that was returning home from its 193-day overseas deployment off the Somalia coast. Choe, who has been posthumously promoted by one rank to the Petty Officer 1st Class, was a member of the 28th deployment involving the destroyer Choi Young for the Republic of Korea Navy's anti-piracy Cheonghae unit, whose mission started in March 2009. He was on the Navy mission as a 2nd class petty officer and was set to be released from his mandatory military service as an able-bodied South Korean man about one month later. The Navy official told the press briefing that such an accident involving a mooring rope was rare, and the Navy was conducting a thorough investigation including checking the durability of the rope, to prevent any similar incidents. TULSA, Okla. - Soaked areas of Oklahoma and Arkansas are forecast to receive more rain, increasing flooding concerns along the already swollen Arkansas River. Tulsa County officials say some residents west of Tulsa have already evacuated their homes due to flooding. Downstream in Fort Smith, Arkansas, officials say flooding has closed roads and flooded buildings. The National Weather Service says floodwaters are projected to crest Monday at more than 23 feet (7 metres) in Tulsa, near the record 25 feet (7.6 feet) set in 1984. At Fort Smith, the river on Sunday reached 38.2 feet (11.6 metres) and surpassed the historic crest of 38.1 (11.6 metres) in April 1945. The National Weather Service says a storm system will move into the central Plains Tuesday, bringing showers and thunderstorms across Oklahoma and Arkansas. ARLINGTON, Va. - Vice-President Mike Pence paid tribute to fallen members of the U.S. armed forces Monday, thanking their loved ones in a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and acknowledging that for them every day is Memorial Day. Pence placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to remember dead service members whose remains havent been identified and observed a moment of silence. He told Gold Star families he was honoured by their presence. Dignitaries attending Mondays ceremony included Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. and acting Secretary of Defence Patrick Shanahan. President Donald Trump and Melania Trump visited the Arlington, Virginia, cemetery last week and placed flags at several gravesites, a decades-old tradition known as flags in. Trump, in Japan, was expected to address troops aboard a battleship before returning to the U.S. BOSTON - Massachusetts authorities say a group of Jewish teens played a key role in saving the life of a drowning man with a tattoo of a swastika. NBC Boston reports it happened Thursday night as the four youths all students at an Orthodox Jewish high school in suburban Brookline spotted the body of a man partially submerged in Chestnut Hill Reservoir. Boston College police officer Carl Mascioli says two of the teens ran to his patrol car to alert him. Mascioli says he rushed down the embankment, pulled the man from the water and noticed the Nazi symbol tattooed on his hand. He says the unidentified students told him they dont regret helping the man despite his anti-Semitic tattoo. Officials say the man is expected to make a full recovery. WAILUKU, Hawaii - Three volunteer rescuers who found a hiker more than two weeks after she disappeared in a Hawaii forest described their elation and relief after spotting her near a waterfall in deep vegetation. Javier Cantellops, Chris Berquist and Troy Helmers said Monday that they saw Amanda Eller from a helicopter Friday, 17 days after the 35-year-old physical therapist and yoga instructor went for hike on a Maui trail. When they saw her, Helmers says he was in disbelief anybody would be hiking in the area. Berquist told CBS that they were crying and screaming and laughing when they reached her. Cantellops told the Today show that wrapping my arms around her was the greatest moment I can say about my life. Eller broke her leg and got a skin infection and severe sunburn but says in a Facebook video from her hospital bed that she chose life. OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma is poised to become the first state to go to trial in a lawsuit against the makers of pharmaceuticals blamed for contributing to the nations opioid crisis. Several states have reached settlements with drugmakers. But the trial set to begin Tuesday in Norman against consumer products giant Johnson & Johnson and several of its subsidiaries could bring to light documents and testimony that show what the companies knew, when they knew it and how they responded. The outcome could also shape negotiations on how to resolve the roughly 1,500 opioid lawsuits filed by state, local and tribal governments. Those have been consolidated before a federal judge in Ohio. Oklahoma alleges the defendants helped create a public health crisis in the state by extensively marketing highly addictive opioids in a way that overstated their effectiveness and misrepresented addition risk. The drugmakers deny those claims. Everyone is familiar with the tired joke about Canadians: that if you bump into us, we apologize. Last month Facebook bumped into Canada in a big way but rather than say sorry, we responded by issuing a subpoena. Our parliamentary Ethics and Privacy Committee issued a formal summons to Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg to appear before a special session at the end of this month. On Monday, an extraordinary international gathering of legislators will come together in Ottawa to conduct hearings into the impact of the platform data-opolies, such as Facebook and Google, on the privacy and democratic rights of their citizens. This hearing will include legislators from 14 countries, including France, the U.K., Germany, Ireland, Argentina, and Chile. This will be the International Grand Committees second gathering, after convening last year in London, where key witness Zuckerberg was a notorious no-show. Zuckerberg has recently expressed a desire to work with politicians on finding a compromise on regulations for the digital realm. The subpoena to appear in Ottawa is his chance. In addition to Zuckerberg, key representatives from Google, Amazon and Twitter will testify, along with a number of international experts on the platforms, including early Facebook investor Roger McNamee, and author and Harvard Business School professor Shoshana Zuboff. The international grand committee is a virtually unprecedented venue for legislators to come together to get answers for their citizens directly. It is a unique solution to a unique challenge we are dealing with the unprecedented power of a few data giants, who seem to think that national laws are outmoded relics that dont apply to them. The wake-up call for Canada was the Cambridge Analytica scandal. The possibility of seeing elections upended by the clever manipulation of these platforms by political data mercenaries exploiting fundamental weaknesses in their business models presents a serious challenge to democracies worldwide. This brings me back to the subpoena for Zuckerberg and Sandberg. Facebook was recently deemed by a Canadian regulator to have failed to protect the privacy rights of 622,000 Canadians whose data was swallowed up in the Cambridge Analytica breach. Facebook has responded to the ruling by saying it does not believe Canada has the jurisdiction to protect the privacy rights of its own citizens and that compliance would be too expensive anyway. Those arguments are worth pausing to think about. After a year of overwhelmingly negative international press coverage, Facebooks response to Canadian legislators is that it does not recognize our jurisdiction over our citizens. Thats not an acceptable answer in 2019. Weve come a long way from the friendly, cool tech platforms of yesteryear. When I was first elected as an MP in 2004, I bought the Silicon Valley talking points. The open internet would connect everyone, fix democracys ills, and turbocharge the economy. We are now in a completely different world. Weve gone from a digital commons to a series of gated communities ringed with security cameras watching us at all times. As we move into the Internet of Things and the rise of AI, the unfettered power of the data-opolies is positively chilling. Legislators must grapple with the need restore the rights of citizens and protect the integrity of democracies. On the economic front, we need a hard look and decisive action on protecting competitive markets and long-term growth, as these data giants have created a kill zone for investment, quashing potential competition and innovative alternatives. The grand committee hearing in Ottawa will be a tremendous opportunity to refocus on the rights of citizens to use the internet free of corporate surveillance. If Mr. Zuckerberg decides to blow the hearings off, he will be sending a powerful message to legislators who are becoming much less amused by the antics of the golden boy of Silicon Valley. Charlie Angus is NDP Member of Parliament for Timmins James Bay. Read more about: For the first time, Toronto welcomed 25,000 people last week to Collision, North Americas largest tech conference, a sign that the innovation ecosystem in the GTA is generating international interest. However, recent cuts to innovation funding by the Ontario government send mixed messages about the importance of innovation to the provinces economy. In 2018, researchers at Ryerson University, in partnership with Toronto-based Connectiv Innovation, conducted two primary research studies that aim to better understand innovation by speaking to practitioners in the field. The research includes qualitative interviews with federal, provincial, and municipal government officials, not-for-profit organizations as well as, interview and survey data gathered from entrepreneurs leading startups and scale-ups in Ontario. Among many findings from the research, lacking resources for ventures to scale up is ranked as one of the big challenges faced by entrepreneurs to grow their venture, which is important for sustainable innovation and positive economic impact. The research further reveals a number of systemic factors that need to be addressed to make sure that Canadas innovation systems function in ways that do not require governments to pick winners but rather create the conditions for the best ventures to thrive. In Canada, the absence of a national innovation strategy means that it is very difficult for entrepreneurs to get clear signals about government priorities and the opportunities that flow from them. The lack of formal coordination between federal, provincial, and municipal governments is a lost opportunity to amplify the strengths of each level of government and limit duplication of programs. Better coordination between levels of government could also help entrepreneurs whether the storm in the event of funding cuts or programmatic changes. Formal structures that have dominated intergovernmental relations in Canada for generations are not nimble enough to handle the demands of an innovation based economy. It is time to start exploring new processes for intergovernmental collaboration that widen the scope for dialogue, recognizing that seamless integration of information and services, an idea that has been popular for generations, is now technologically possible and entirely intuitive for the iPhone generation. Only after we accomplish these innovation fundamentals will we be ready to compete on the world stage. Dr. Andrea Rowe is a Mitacs post-doctoral research fellow, Dr. Linying Dong is an associate professor at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University and Jonathan Landon is CEO of Connectiv Innovation and Emily Rezkalla is a research analyst at Connectiv Innovation. Read more about: Through the long winter, into a damp and dispiriting spring, with summer now in the offing, the scandal for all seasons thats dogged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered its last weak and unsurprising episode Monday. His former cabinet ministers Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott who resigned from cabinet, then were bounced from the Liberal caucus over the SNC-Lavalin affair announced they will run as independents in the federal election this fall. With that, the often over-blown controversy nears a merciful end. While its unclear how the two rebels will fare as independents Philpott herself said that one thing shes learned in politics is its very hard to predict the future its a relatively safe bet that Trudeaus Liberals can write off the seats the women hold in Vancouver-Granville and Markham-Stouffville. The great Canadian psycho-drama began in January when it was reported that Wilson-Raybould, as justice minister, felt improperly pressured by the Prime Ministers Office and clerk of the Privy Council to intervene in criminal charges against SNC-Lavalin. She said she was urged to over-rule federal prosecutors and allow for an out-of-court settlement that would spare the company the possibility of a conviction that would preclude it bidding on future federal contracts. Trudeau argued that he was merely urging that the possible loss of thousands of jobs should be considered. The controversy, by Wilson-Rayboulds own admission, involved nothing criminal. But for Trudeau, it cost his best friend and most senior adviser Gerald Butts, two prized cabinet ministers and Privy Council clerk Michael Wernick. It also did huge damage in three signature areas on which he had campaigned the place of women in cabinet, Indigenous reconciliation, and transparency in government. And for Wilson-Raybould and Philpott, their ongoing criticism of the prime minister and his senior staff, and the damage they were doing to the re-election prospects of former colleagues, inevitably meant they had to turfed from caucus. Wilson-Raybould, Canadas first Indigenous justice minister, acknowledged it will not be easy to run a campaign as an independent. Theories abound that the choice to run as independents might provide an honourable exit strategy from politics, or a place in the wings from which to launch future ambitions. Im not sure exactly where I belong, Philpott said. Come October, voters will give her an answer. Read more about: Dialysis patients decry OHIP changes, May 17 Premier Doug Ford has inadvertently drawn attention to the fact that only P.E.I. and the three territories are complying with the Canada Health Act for hospital coverage outside of Canada. With high administrative costs for the program, a nearly $12 billion provincial deficit and a debt of more than $345 billion, such action was well-intentioned and seemed logical. For emergency care outside the country, most provinces pay up to the rate that their own physicians would have received. P.E.I. follows the requirement of the Canada Health Act and pays $1,169 for a standard room and $2,712 per day in the ICU the interprovincial rate. Northwest Territories pays $2,837 for a standard room, and $9,410 for the ICU. Yukon pays up to $2,010 and Nunavut $2,730 daily for all inpatient care. Ontario and eight other provinces pay much less. For example, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec and New Brunswick pay $100 per day and B.C. only $75. All provinces urge travellers to obtain private insurance. However, some people cant qualify for or afford it. They may have severe pre-existing illnesses or have changed the dose of medications within three to six months of travelling. I agree with Ford that if you cannot qualify for private travel insurance, you should have the financial resources to cover unexpected illnesses and not expect taxpayers to cover those expenses when you are in the U.S. or Europe. However, many Canadians come from China or developing countries. They may travel outside Canada simply to visit relatives and friends in these countries, where daily hospital charges are surprisingly low. An increase in out-of-country payments would permit many to travel with government coverage not dependent on previous good health. Their physicians could then fine tune their medications shortly before they leave Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau must soon indicate whether he will enforce the entire CHA, ignore violations or pledge to amend it. To date, he has enforced only parts of the act on certain provinces. If all provinces are finally required to obey the CHA and pay interprovincial rates for out-of-country care, they will likely demand increased federal funding. This should be discussed when the premiers meet in Saskatoon in early July. Dr. Charles S. Shaver, Ottawa Read more about: The acquittal of a Newfoundland man on a child pornography charge after he bought a sex doll from Japan reveals yet another judge befuddled by male sexual peculiarity and intent. When is a sex doll not childish? Will it ultimately harm living children, as police working on sex crimes believe? The doll was indeed pornographic, the judge said, but ruled there was reasonable doubt that the unfortunate Kenneth Harrisson, 54, had actually ordered a child-sized one (sold with names like Lola and Lolita). I am reminded of the Ontario judge who ruled in 2015 that a teacher who secretly photographed the breasts of 27 fully clothed teen girls might not have had a sexual purpose. What sweet-natured souls these judges be. (The Supreme Court of Canada disagreed.) In this case, Harumi Designs shipped a four-foot-tall foam-in-latex sex doll in a long cardboard box, the kind you use to store an artificial Christmas tree. Ah, inflatable dolls of yore. Harrisson, a skinny balding man with fly-away hair, testified that in 2013 he had googled sex doll and for $1,000 ordered the one with the most malelike face, if an adult male doll was named Carol, with makeup and styled pubic hair. The naming seems odd. Heroin has names (Hellraiser). So does cannabis (Blueberry Kush). But Carol? Lets call her Latexia, a replica, what Rilke would have called a confidant, an accomplice, like a dog, but not as receptive. Harrisson said he wanted a companion to replace his infant son who had died in 1986. Divorced, he has lived with his mother for 30 years. But neither the doll that was ordered nor the one that arrived resembled a baby or even the son who would have been 25 had he lived. There was no explanation of why he hadnt simply gone to a local toy store. Any suggestion that he wanted an adult male doll as a sort of Netflix companion is either tragic, or incredible, as the judge said, or both. The doll that arrived came dressed in a school uniform. She had a vaginal opening, lubricant and panties. Maybe this was a standard customer service dispute. A buyer wanted an adult sex doll and the warehouse shipped a girl. I think of the other customer who got the adult Carol, sorely disappointed but reluctant to ship her back to Japan for refund or exchange. He and Carol have grown used to each other. Or perhaps she was replaced after her apertures wore out. As is standard, the defence questioned whether using a fake child as a masturbatory tool would harm the living. Hypothetically speaking, isnt keeping a doll better than finding a child who is alive, though possibly not for long? I say no, not if the doll inevitably leads to worse, as is the human pattern. Given that a new doll brothel nearly opened in Toronto recently, this case is turning into a latex version of the traditional male demand for access to prostitutes. I question whether men should always get what they want. Child porn online uses real children, who scream as they are sexually tortured, sometimes in a livestream while a customer gives orders. Its a crime to download because it sustains a monstrous global market. But child sex dolls are arguably a step further. A customer can do anything to a doll, from vaginal slicing to decapitation. Wouldnt it be nicer if she screamed? He feels unsatiated. Thats the thing about pleasure, whether its delicious food, euphoria-inducing drugs or a sexual practice taken too far and then further. We dont stop. Animals dont eat themselves to death or auto-asphyxiate. Humans do that. Eventually that doll will bore. Carol is out of date. The new sex robots are here, so lifelike they need babysitters. They will scream. You know, the way a real girl would. CORRECTION: Speaking of names, I referred in a May 17 column to a dozen Conservative MPs who attended a public anti-abortion rally: 10 men (Harold, Ted, David, Glen, Dane, Phil, Kevin, Brad, Arnold and Dave) and two women (Rachel and Bev). In fact, Bev is male. And Alexandria Octavio-Cortez is in fact Ocasio-Cortez. Happily corrected. Read more about: By Lee Gyu-lee A man has been booked for assaulting a police officer to avoid a sobriety test in the western part of Gwangju, according to police, Monday. According to Gwangju Seobu Police, the man, surnamed Park, 38, got out of his car and at a police checkpoint at around 10:40 p.m., Friday. He allegedly bit an officer's finger and ran about 200 meters from before being caught. Park's blood alcohol level was 0.060 percent, according to police high enough for his license to be suspended. Police said he told them he was worried about his job if his employer found out about his drunk driving. The man works as temporary worker at a district office. OTTAWA Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott were courted by the New Democrats and the Green Party about joining forces, with Green Leader Elizabeth May even offering to step aside if either of the fallen Liberal MPs wanted her job. But in the end, it was clear the Wilson-Raybould and Philpott acts are one-woman shows. The two former Liberal cabinet ministers announced Monday that each would seek re-election as an Independent this fall. But for months before Mondays announcements, May said, shed held secret talks with the MPs she called allies, friends, colleagues. I said to Jody in our first conversation, Are you interested in being leader of the Green Party? I think thatd be a great idea. And she said no. In a three-way telephone call on Friday, Wilson-Raybould and Philpott told May they would not run as Greens. May said she was baffled by their decisions to reject a political party that she said offers all the independence an MP could want with no strings attached. She ascribed their reticence to deep unhappiness at their involvement with the Liberal party, and their unwillingness to jump so soon to another. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh acknowledged he too tried to lure the two former Liberal stars to join his party, which will see a quarter of its caucus incumbents leave politics in the coming election. He revealed nothing of their private talks. Now the Greens and the NDP will run candidates against Wilson-Raybould in Vancouver-Granville and against Philpott in Markham-Stouffville, raising the prospect of a progressive vote split in their ridings. Francois-Philippe Champagne, a Liberal MP who sat in cabinet with Wilson-Raybould and Philpott, said that means voters will have a clear choice between candidates who like his partys platform and those who can implement it. Clearly when youre sitting as an Independent, youre not in a position to put the platform into effect, so thats the choice people will have to make, Champagne said. Philpott said she is willing to work with everyone to get big things done. I will work with Liberals, absolutely. I feel like they are family. But I will work with others as well, Philpott told a crowd of some 200 supporters at a rural farm market, where she laid out plans to champion independence in Ottawa on behalf of an electorate she said is tired of hyper-partisan politics. Wilson-Raybould pledged to listen first to voters in her riding, but didnt rule out working with Conservatives either. Each said it wont be easy to run a campaign as an Independent but, Wilson-Raybould said, its the best way to transform the political culture. They face an uphill climb. Independents rarely get elected, and the handful of MPs who find themselves sitting outside their caucuses usually for bad behaviour have access to far fewer resources and campaign funds. Wilson-Raybould was shuffled to the portfolio of veterans affairs in January and later revealed she thought the decision to move her out of the justice role was motivated by her refusal to bow to sustained inappropriate political pressure last fall by Trudeau and his officials to coax her to intervene in the criminal prosecution of Quebec engineering giant SNC-Lavalin. We sometimes hear that politics is a team sport, that politics is also a blood sport. Well I do believe in the importance of a strong team, but Im not sure there has to be any blood involved, Wilson-Raybould said. Philpott, who had followed Wilson-Raybould in resigning from cabinet on principle, said, Party politics is a big part of the disconnect and the dysfunction in Ottawa. She told supporters she found the experience of sitting Independent liberating. I didnt lose my voice, I found my voice, she said, and the only people who are the boss of me right now is you. Political insiders had spent the weekend wondering about the implications of a tandem shift to the Greens and the lift such a move would lend to Mays party. But Philpott supporters in conservative-leaning Markham-Stouffville said such a move would have been a heavy lift even for the well-respected former cabinet minister.. For the 200 or so supporters who turned out Monday at Reesors Farm Market to hear Philpotts announcement firsthand including several former Liberal riding association officials there was unanimity on the question of their MPs character. Regardless of what she was about to declare, they were signing up to be part of it. Large numbers in Markham-Stouffville will vote for her regardless of the party or no party beside her name simply because they trust and like her, said longtime supporter Arnold Neufeldt-Fast. Im not anti-Liberal Im pro-Jane, added Stuart Young, a former chair of the Liberal riding association. She is the real deal. I met her before she put herself up for nomination and she got into politics for the same reason she became a doctor to make a positive difference in peoples lives. Read more: SNC-Lavalin affair: We answer your most pressing questions The political casualties of the SNC-Lavalin affair With files from Melanie Green and Mitch Potter Read more about: OTTAWAThe Liberal government has no immediate plans to introduce new rules for social media and internet giants operating in Canada, Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Goulds office confirmed Monday. Instead, the government has received partial buy-in for another set of voluntary standards Ottawa expects those companies to follow. Facebook, Microsoft and Google signed on to a declaration on electoral integrity, announced by Gould Monday afternoon. Among other things, the declaration commits the social media platform and internet companies to intensify efforts to fight disinformation and junk news, as well as cracking down on fake accounts. Gould told reporters in April that the voluntary self-regulation of social media platforms like Facebook and internet giants like Google had failed. But on Monday she said the government is relying on public pressure to keep the companies in line at least in the short term. I think that the very interest from the Canadian public and from Canadian media and from political parties and candidates will be able to hold these platforms to account in the short term, Gould told reporters outside the House of Commons. Then of course following the election well assess how it went and if more stringent mechanisms are required thats what we will look at. Well do that based on how they act in the coming months and during the election. Goulds comments come on the first day of hearings of the international grand committee on data, privacy and democracy in Ottawa. The nine-country committee was created in the wake of Facebooks Cambridge Analytica scandal last year, and has been conducting a wide-ranging investigation into the increasingly central role tech and social media giants play in modern life. The committee has invited Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Sharyl Sandberg, the companys chief operating officer, as well as top executives from Amazon, Google and Microsoft to testify. It was unclear Monday night who will be representing the tech giants at the committees Tuesday meeting. Read more about: Caving in to pressure from Toronto Mayor John Tory and local leaders across the province, Premier Doug Ford has cancelled retroactive budget cuts hitting public health, child care and land ambulance services. As first reported by the Star, Ford announced Monday he is rethinking the changes that the city of Toronto warned would cost it $177 million this year and put services for citizens in jeopardy. Were a government that listens, the premier told reporters at a hastily called news conference outside his Queens Park office with Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Clark. Critics scoffed at that explanation, with NDP Leader Andrea Horwath saying Fords my way or the highway approach over the unilateral cuts for this year has clearly backfired. I hope the premier begins treating other levels of government as partners, not punching bags, said Green Leader Mike Schreiner. In a letter to cities and towns outraged by the cuts, the premier said he understands as a former Toronto city councillor that municipal budgets were set for the year by the time the provincial cuts were announced in his April budget but that the need for local governments to find efficiencies remains paramount. Were going to give them more time. This is going to be a win for the taxpayers at the end of the day, Ford said. We have to send a clear message. We just cant continue on the status quo. He bristled at the suggestion Tory had outflanked him politically by leading a public campaign against the reductions. Its not about one person wins or we win, Ford said, noting the world hasnt come to an end with his interventions at city hall, such as slashing the size of city council in the middle of the last civic election. The turnabout comes as Fords popularity has plunged in five recent public-opinion polls, which Progressive Conservative sources privately say has alarmed a government that was elected a year ago next week. Publicly, however, Ford was bullish. The only poll thats going to count is in (three) years and the questions going to be is this province better off than it was four years prior. Ford ducked repeated questions on the tally for his U-turn, and the impact on a deficit that was forecast to be $10.3 billion this year. Tory thanked the government for heeding a growing chorus of concerns, which included 10 former provincial health ministers worried about the impact on public health programs. In speaking with Premier Ford this morning, I reiterated Torontos willingness to work with them on what for us has been a continuous search for efficiencies each and every year, with our focus continuing to be on ways we can achieve them without jeopardizing core services our residents expect, the mayor said in a statement. I am hopeful this process will be truly collaborative, and that we will have the time to identify a reasonable number of efficiencies that can be achieved, without having to make cuts to important services. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario, representing most of the 444 local governments in the province, credited Ford with taking an important and difficult step that will allow more time to find savings. We know it isnt business as usual, said AMO President Jamie McGarvey, mayor of Parry Sound. Mondays capitulation came after Tory spent Saturday canvassing the riding of Conservative MPP Robin Martin (Eglinton-Lawrence) and a weekend flurry of discussions between city hall officials and Ford advisers. Read more: Tory goes door to door in campaign against Ford governments city budget cuts Councillor Stephen Holyday blasts Ford for half-truths on city audit process Fords Toronto riding among those facing deepest child care cuts, city says Even so, Queens Park is leaving one major cut in place: a clawback of an increase in municipalities share of the provincial gas tax that will eventually cost Toronto $100 million per year that was earmarked for TTC repairs and maintenance. Speaking on background, city officials said that cut could be accommodated because it affects Torontos capital budget, which allows for long-term borrowing. The other retroactive cuts that hit Torontos operating budget which must by law be balanced every year with no deficits was the nightmare scenario that had to be scrapped, they said. Another point of uncertainty is whether Ford will try for deep cuts again in 2020. Toronto Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 10, Spadina-Fort York), who chairs the citys board of health and campaigned against the cuts said Ford has done the right thing by cancelling them but warned we must ensure that future cuts do not proceed. With files from David Rider and Francine Kopun Robert Benzie is the Stars Queens Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie Read more about: Drones have become major hazard to airport operations. Yonhap By Kim Hyun-bin Airports worldwide are on high alert as drones have become a major hazard to aviation safety in recent years. Korea is no exception as there has been an increase in the number of drones intruding on local airports airspace despite bans on them being flown in their vicinity. There have been several drone appearances this month at Jeongseok Airport, Korean Air's pilot practice airfield, forcing planes to be grounded over safety concerns. On May 9, three drones simultaneously appeared and roamed freely in the airspace controlled by the airport. According to pilot testimony, the drones were flown at an altitude of about 300 meters. This created a serious hazard if a drone had collided with an aircraft or had been sucked into an engine, it could have damaged the aircraft or even caused a deadly accident. Six planes that were flying at similar altitudes were forced to land, and the airport suspended all practice flights for over two hours until the drones were gone. Just six days later, another drone appeared in the area and police were dispatched to the scene, but failed to apprehend the drone operator. The drones were being flown there although there is a no-fly zone within a 9.3-kilometer radius of the airport. Violators are subject to a maximum 2 million won ($1,675) fine under the Aviation Safety Law. Not only the private airport but also Jeju International Airport has seen drones encroaching on its airspace, with 13 people being fined for flying drones illegally within the airport's area from 2015 to 2018; while there have already been six cases this year alone. The growing numbers are raising concerns over flight safety at the major gateway to Jeju Island, and airports in other parts of the country such as Incheon International. Drones have impacted airport operations worldwide. On Dec. 19, a drone flew over Gatwick International Airport and halted all flights for 36 hours, resulting in 1,000 flights being delayed or canceled and leaving 14,000 passengers stranded. Drones have also made illegal appearances at other international airports this year including Heathrow International, Newark Liberty International, Dubai International and Malpensa International, disrupting scheduled air traffic. Airport authorities are trying to come up with countermeasures. "The transport ministry, the Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC) and the Korea Airports Corp. (KAC) have been working on anti-drone measures. Lately, we have been discussing ways to seize the drones using a laser frequency that does not interfere with planes' radar systems," a KAC official said. However, experts point out that drones if tweaked will not be affected by the laser and could fly anywhere unaffected. The IIAC is working on establishing an anti-drone system this year at a cost of 2.2 billion won, while the KAC has invested 350 million won to create a drone terrorism prevention platform. Currently, Jeju International Airport has neither the anti-drone system nor the anti-drone terrorism platform in place. Korean Air says it is strengthening anti-drone countermeasures near the practice airfield. "We have requested nearby residents to report any drone activity in the area to airport officials and the police. We also plan to install no-fly zone signboards around the area," a Korean Air official said. Liberty Korea Party Chairman Hwang Kyo-ahn speaks during a press conference at the party's headquarters in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap By Park Ji-won Liberty Korea Party (LKP) Chairman Hwang Kyo-ahn blasted the Moon Jae-in government's economic policy Monday, pledging to launch the party's own economic committee to come up with proposals by the end of May. He also asked Moon for a one-on-one meeting with him to discuss the economy. "The LKP will launch an economic committee to carry out its Economy Transformation Project for 2020 by the end of May in order to stop the country's economy and people's livelihoods from becoming unrecoverable," Hwang said during a press conference. The committee will be composed of economic experts, women and young people as well as LKP members, Hwang said. Claiming the current economic troubles were attributable to the Moon Jae-in administration's adherence to failed policies, he said, "Moon should change his economic policy and discuss this in a one-on-one meeting with me." The remarks came after he ended a three-week long nationwide speech tour during which he criticized the administration's economic and security policies. The LKP has also been criticizing the government's anti-nuclear and "pro-North Korea" policies, claiming that this was how "leftists" conducted a "dictatorship." He has declined an invitation from Cheong Wa Dae to meet Moon with the leaders of other parties to discuss the normalization of National Assembly sessions, which have not been held for months due to LKP protests. He said the major opposition party would only return to the National Assembly if the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) apologized for fast-tracking bills and also withdrew them. He claimed it was the DPK's fault that the Assembly was not holding interpellation sessions. Hwang said the LKP will come up with measures to tackle the shortened working week and the system for determining the minimum wage. It will also seek to resume construction of the Shin Hanul 3 and 4 nuclear reactors, hold joint projects with China to deal with fine dust pollution, and challenge the government's plan to remove some weirs from the country's four major rivers. Regarding LKP Rep. Khang Hyo-shang disclosing classified information of a telephone conversation between President Moon and U.S. President Donald Trump, Hwang defended him, claiming the leak was a legitimate act to criticize the government's diplomacy and secure the people's right to know. Some critics said he hinted at the LKP's possible return to the Assembly as his plans need parliamentary legislation. "The economic plan he suggested cannot be made outside the Assembly, meaning he will have to resume political activities there," Kim Hyung-jun, a politics professor at Myongji University said during an interview with YTN. Nestled in between Croatia, Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Albania, Montenegro is a small Balkan gem with plenty to explore. With medieval towns, lakes, mountains and canyons, youll want to check it out on foot, so dont forget to pack your walking shoes. Now thanks to budget flights from London to Tivat, the Bay of Kotor in the southwest of Montenegro is waiting to be explored. Here is our guide to the top things to do when you get there. Kotor Old Town Just half an hour from Tivat airport is the UNESCO Heritage town of Kotor, a labyrinth of winding streets and old stone stairways leading to churches, prisons and palaces. You can spend hours here just sauntering, drinking in the atmosphere and absorbing sights such as the cathedral of St Tryphon with its silver altar and mysterious frescoes. One of the alleys radiating off the main piazza takes you to the start of the ascent to the 9th century St Johns Fort. Climb 1,350 steps to the fortress which looks out over Kotor and the Bay of Kotor, dominated by cliffs. Afterwards grab a local Niksicko beer at one of the many cafes and bars that are dotted around the old town. Dont be surprised if you are joined by a cat or two Kotor is home to thousands of the creatures. Perast and Mamula Take a boat ride around the bay stopping at islands en route and some of the pretty towns that dot the Adriatic coast. You can pick up the boat trips from Kotor city park, a short walk from the old town. Also known as Boka Bay, it looks like a fjord and is full of surprises. Perast, although small, has 16 churches and a distinct Mediterranean atmosphere. The medieval town also has nine defensive towers built by the Venetians in the 15h and 16th centuries and and 17 formerly grand palazzi. A few minutes away is the man-made island of Our Lady of The Rocks. Fishermen created the island from rocks to house an icon of The Madonna and Child which was washed up here and which they believed was a good luck charm There is a little blue domed chapel on the island decorated inside with icons and tapestries. Next door is the island of Saint George. You may also stop at Mamula Island, a former Austro Hungarian prison island, Montenegros answer to Alcatraz. Blue Caves The Blue Grotto is one of many attractive caves in the Bay and most boat tours make a stop here so that travellers can take a dip in the azure waters. There are also a number of submarine pens to be seen here caves used to hide submarines from the enemy during WWII. The entrances to them are camouflaged with foliage and boats glide through beneath dripping stalagmites. It is a huge relief to see the sunshine at the end of the tunnel. Porto Montenegro By contrast to the simple dwellings and small buildings that dot the coast, Porto Montenegro is a leading superyacht marina and comes with all the associated glitz and glamour. It is worth a visit just to gawp at the mega yachts here, owned by the likes of the late Austrian Formula One driver Niki Lauda and several Russian oligarchs. There are some chic cafes and restaurants here, ideal for people watching. What else does Montenegro offer? Although Kotor is a good base for a long weekend or short break, those with more time can head out to explore some of Montenegros other attractions. Budva, Once a small and quiet coastal town, today, Budva is a metropolis of Montenegrin tourism and one of the loudest and most packed towns at the Montenegrin coast during the summer. Durmitor National Park is not only the largest national park in Montenegro, but also one of the most famous around the world. With a large number of natural attractions, Durmitor attracts many tourists each year. The peaks of the great mountains (Durmitor massif), unique canyons, clear rivers, glacial lakes, beautiful dense forest On Durmitor, you cant help but enjoy your surroundings. There are various species of flora and fauna and some of them are endemic (1325 species of plants 122 endemic, over 150 herbs, 40 edible mushrooms, 130 bird species, etc).National Park Fact File PACKAGE: unforgettablecroatia.co.uk offers a four day luxury stay in Kotor Bay with bed and breakfast at the Forza Mare Hotel & Resort from 749 per person departing in September including all flights and transfers. FLY: EasyJet flies from London Gatwick to Tivat. The capital, Podgorica (formerly known as Titograd, renamed in 1992) has direct flights from Gatwick. DRIVE: Another way to travel is to fly to Dubrovnik, Croatia and enter Montenegro by car. STAY: The 10-room Farzo Mare hotel offers luxury and a great base. CURRENCY: Since 2006, Montenegro is an independent country and although not part of the EU has the Euro as its currency LANGUAGE: Montenegrin and Serbian. English widely spoken TIME ZONE: GMT +2 BEST TIME TO VISIT: Summers are hot and winters can be cold, so autumn is a good time to go. Job Title: Graduate Trainee Programme (Media Lab) 2019 Organisation: Nation Media Group (NMG) Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda About US: The Nation Media Group is the largest independent media house in East and Central Africa with operations in print, broadcast and digital media, which attract and serve unparalleled audiences in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. As a brand, we are committed to generating and creating content that will inform, educate and entertain our consumers across the different platforms, keeping in mind the changing needs and trends in the industry. Job Summary: We are looking for graduates to join the Nation Media Group Journalism Graduate Trainee Programme (Media Lab). The successful graduates will be taken through in-depth and practical training in print, broadcast and digital Journalism. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: Degree in journalism, or any other related field; The ideal candidate for the Graduate Trainee Program must hold aDegree in journalism, or any other related field; Keen attention to detail; Excellent writing and analytical skills; Thorough knowledge of current affairs; deadlines; Self-driven, ability to work with minimal supervision and meet tightdeadlines; Good command of English and Kiswahili. How to Apply: All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their applications, detailed CVs and academic documents with daytime telephone number(s) addressed to: The Head of Human Resource, Nation Media Group Uganda E-mail to: resourcing@ug.nationmedia.com Deadline: 31st May 2019 For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Job Title: Security Officer (Several Job Placements) Organisation: Uganda Airlines Duty Station: Entebbe International Airport, Uganda About US: Uganda Airlines is the National Carrier of the Republic of Uganda based at Entebbe International Airport. It is headquartered in Entebbe, Wakiso District, Uganda, and operates from its hub in Entebbe International Airport. Job Summary: The Security Officer will support aviation management in AVSEC-related matters including the planning of security audits and surveys, operational risk management and measures for effective implementation Uganda National Airlines security programme and National Civil Aviation Security requirements to prevent and deter acts of unlawful interference. He/she will work closely with both Airline staff and out stations security teams. As such, the job holder is expected to have solid knowledge and experience in security investigations to investigate all security incidents and breaches brought to his/her attention. Key Duties and Responsibilities: inspections, to ensure the performance of contracted security service provider are in compliance with established security standards and maintain an internal quality control system and ensure that all relevant records are retained as required. Assess Airline AVSEC processes, including evaluations, audits andinspections, to ensure the performance of contracted security serviceprovider are in compliance with established security standards andmaintain an internal quality control system and ensure that all relevantrecords are retained as required. post investigation tasks of security incidents and breaches affecting the Airline operations and provide guidance on the management Prepares complete and concise investigation reports and conductspost investigation tasks of security incidents and breaches affecting theAirline operations and provide guidance on the management National Airlines staff by developing and conducting AVSEC quality control in house training. Contribute to building and strengthening the capacity of UgandaNational Airlines staff by developing and conducting AVSEC quality controlin house training. on AVSEC occurrences, hazards and other related matters. Collate, develop, analyze and disseminate information/intelligenceon AVSEC occurrences, hazards and other related matters. e.g. AVSEC risk assessment/incident reports that enable informed decision making and consistency of information which is presented to the Manager Security. Oversee and prepare accurate and timely reporting on AVSEC matters e.g. AVSEC risk assessment/incident reports that enable informed decisionmaking and consistency of information which is presented to the ManagerSecurity. status for use in the Uganda National Airlines operations. Provide support on new/current security equipment and technologiesstatus for use in the Uganda National Airlines operations. procedures which encompasses global aviation policies and tools; thus, ensuring that Uganda National Airline objectives are accomplished in compliance with National Aviation Security Programme and ICAOs Standards and Recommended Practices (ICAO/SARPS). Monitor the implementation of Airline standard AVSEC operatingprocedures which encompasses global aviation policies and tools; thus,ensuring that Uganda National Airline objectives are accomplished incompliance with National Aviation Security Programme and ICAOs Standardsand Recommended Practices (ICAO/SARPS). area such as airport government Agencies, Airline service providers, security agencies and Airport Authority, to facilitate coordinated, suitable and sustainable AVSEC measures for Uganda National Airlines operations. Establish and sustain AVSEC partnerships with key entities in thearea such as airport government Agencies, Airline service providers,security agencies and Airport Authority, to facilitate coordinated,suitable and sustainable AVSEC measures for Uganda National Airlinesoperations. Perform any other duties as required from time to time. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: placement must hold a first University degree in Security Management, International Relations or in law, international law, police studies, or a related field, or additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses. or relevant diploma in Aviation Security from a recognized institution with security risk management or security training may be accepted in lieu of the First University degree. The ideal candidate for the Uganda Airlines Security Officer jobplacement must hold a first University degree in Security Management,International Relations or in law, international law, police studies, or arelated field, or additional years of related work experience and/ortraining/courses. or relevant diploma in Aviation Security from arecognized institution with security risk management or security trainingmay be accepted in lieu of the First University degree. advantage. An ICAO /Airline AVSEC Supervisors Certification is addedadvantage. investigatory work is required. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience ininvestigatory work is required. Operations or AVSEC related quality assurance programs. Experience supporting or leading one or more aspects of AVSECOperations or AVSEC related quality assurance programs. AVSEC specialist providing advice on AVSEC issues, conducting or performing audits, inspections, certification, incident investigations, crisis planning emergency and risk management in regulatory framework. Experience in a regulatory Civil Aviation Authority or body as anAVSEC specialist providing advice on AVSEC issues, conducting orperforming audits, inspections, certification, incident investigations,crisis planning emergency and risk management in regulatory framework. risk identification and analysis to contingency planning. Managed the AVSEC related risk preparedness process from aviationrisk identification and analysis to contingency planning. operations context. Experience in design and delivery of AVSEC training in airlineoperations context. is desirable. Experience in conflict and post conflict regional countries airportsis desirable. and principals relating to Airline operations Broad knowledge of diverse international Aviation security practicesand principals relating to Airline operations Knowledge in forensic and investigative skills reports as required Good Ability to prepare regular regional/station airline AVSEC activityreports as required Good influential messages from complex data. Excellent communication skills with the ability to create clear,influential messages from complex data. knowledge of written and spoken French is desirable. Fluency in written and spoken English language. Intermediateknowledge of written and spoken French is desirable. Customer focused and hospitable. Integrity. Team player. Proactive/results orientated. Warm, friendly, pleasant & presentable. Good communication and intrapersonal skills. Resilient. Self-motivated. How to Apply: Application letters, complete with Curriculum Vitae giving two (2) referees, and copies of academic and professional certificates with one passport size photograph (one full size photograph for Cabin Crew applicants) should be submitted online, Click Here or by post quoting the Job Reference number accordingly. Applications should be addressed to: The Manager Human Resources. Uganda National Airlines Company Ltd. P.O. Box 431, Entebbe, Uganda. Deadline: 8th June 2019 For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Job Title: Executive Assistant Organization: United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda Reports to: Head of Office Grade: G5 About US: The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) is mandated by the UN general assembly to advocate for the protection of childrens rights, to help meet their basic needs and expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. Job Summary: The Executive Assistant is accountable for procedural communications, operations and administrative support services, as well as specialized administrative functions, to enhance the smooth running of the supervisors day-to day activities, as well as his/her section. Executive Assistant also represent the supervisor in initiating, following up on and resolving issues pertaining to administrative requests. Key Duties and Responsibilities: correspondence (Incoming and outgoing) in the Representatives Office, through collection and analysis of data/documents, and accurate reporting; maintains a constant and fluid communication flow on the events, agendas, follow-up and action points, with Regional Office, SNT, Chiefs of sections; decide on most appropriate systems to ensure the easy and prompt retrieval and accessibility of Representatives Office key documentation and its dissemination as required. Ensure effective management and processing of information andcorrespondence (Incoming and outgoing) in the Representatives Office,through collection and analysis of data/documents, and accurate reporting;maintains a constant and fluid communication flow on the events, agendas,follow-up and action points, with Regional Office, SNT, Chiefs ofsections; decide on most appropriate systems to ensure the easy and promptretrieval and accessibility of Representatives Office key documentationand its dissemination as required. administrative, logistical, protocol and support functions of the Office of the Representative, establishing, monitoring and evaluating work-processes, identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement, recommending solutions and changes required for long-term improvements. Supervise the effective and efficient management of theadministrative, logistical, protocol and support functions of the Officeof the Representative, establishing, monitoring and evaluatingwork-processes, identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement,recommending solutions and changes required for long-term improvements. programme and management meetings and of other key events, coordinating and monitoring follow-up on agenda and objectives, as well as follow-up on agreed action points. Support the preparation of UCO representational, inter-agency, internalprogramme and management meetings and of other key events, coordinatingand monitoring follow-up on agenda and objectives, as well as follow-up onagreed action points. presentations for the Representatives Office for internal and external meetings and missions, the requests from the Regional Director as and when required and based on inputs from various sections; analyze monthly programme and management reports and identify areas of concern for the attention of the Representative. Prepare status reports and consolidates key briefing materials andpresentations for the Representatives Office for internal and externalmeetings and missions, the requests from the Regional Director as and whenrequired and based on inputs from various sections; analyze monthlyprogramme and management reports and identify areas of concern for theattention of the Representative. high-level meetings, ensuring quality technical and logistical preparation and execution of these meetings. Provide secretariat support to CMT meetings, and other key meetings convened by the Representative, as part of the core coordination team preparing these meetings Contribute to the organization of CMT meetings and of the otherhigh-level meetings, ensuring quality technical and logistical preparationand execution of these meetings. Provide secretariat support to CMTmeetings, and other key meetings convened by the Representative, as partof the core coordination team preparing these meetings Qualifications, Skills and Experience: Assistant job opportunity should have completed secondary education, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the field of work. The ideal candidate for the United Nations UNICEF ExecutiveAssistant job opportunity should have completed secondary education,preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to thefield of work. experience is required. At least five years of relevant administrative or clerical workexperience is required. language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset. Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UNlanguage (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local languageis an asset. UNICEF software such as SharePoint; knowledge of integrated management information systems required. Training and experience using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and otherUNICEF software such as SharePoint; knowledge of integrated managementinformation systems required. administrative policies and procedures. Thorough knowledge of UNICEFs organizational structure,administrative policies and procedures. Organizational, planning and prioritizing skills and abilities. Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with visitors. High sense of confidentiality, initiative and good judgment. cultural background. Ability to work effectively with people of different national andcultural background. provide guidance to more junior support staff. Ability to work in a team environment to achieve common goals and toprovide guidance to more junior support staff. UNICEFs Core Values Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. : Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies inCommunication, Working with People and Drive for Results. Competencies: Learning and Researching, Planning and organizing, Following Instructions and Procedures. Analyzing,Learning and Researching, Planning and organizing, Following Instructionsand Procedures. NB: The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (Application, interview meeting, processing, or training). The United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicants bank accounts. How to Apply: All suitably qualified and interested candidates desiring to serve the United Nations in the aforementioned capacity should express their interest by visiting the UN recruitment website and clicking Apply Now. Click Here Deadline: 12th June 2019 For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Westerly, RI (02891) Today Rain and snow this evening will become intermittent overnight. Low 34F. Winds light and variable. Chance of precip 90%.. Tonight Rain and snow this evening will become intermittent overnight. Low 34F. Winds light and variable. Chance of precip 90%. Fears are mounting that Ukrainian oligarchs are plotting a takeover by stealth at London-listed JKX Oil & Gas. Igor Kolomoisky and Gennadiy Bogolyubov, through their Eclairs vehicle, and Vitaliy Khomutynnik, a wealthy Ukrainian MP, voted JKX's chairman and the senior independent director off the board at Thursday's annual meeting in London. This prompted two other directors to quit. The move shocked JKX's British investors because of the company's strong performance, which helped the share price to multiply by five times in 18 months. The two groups now control nearly 50 per cent of the company, which has gas assets in Ukraine and Russia and is worth around 100million on the London Stock Exchange. Michael Bakunenko is chairman of Ukrnaftoburinnya, a Ukraine gas firm in which JKX has a 10 per cent stake. Kolomoisky and Khomutynnik are major shareholders in Ukrnaftoburinnya. One top investor predicts the Ukrainians will try to merge JKX with Ukrnaftoburinnya, so the firm may get delisted from London. Keep an eye on this. Bleak picture for property price growth The big builders will be in the spotlight next week as house price data is set to give markets a fresh insight. Nationwide's house price index is likely to paint a fairly bleak picture, with monthly growth in prices at or close to zero. Economists expect the annual growth rate to reach 1.2 per cent for May, up from just 0.9 per cent in April. Most of the drag is still coming from London and the South East - more of a problem for the likes of London-focused Foxtons and Berkeley Group. If the data comes in worse than expected, investors should put their tin hats on. Barrick makes 620m bid for full ownership of Acacia Barrick Gold last week launched a full takeover of FTSE 250 rival Acacia Mining that upset small shareholders. Barrick, which recently merged with the Footsie's Randgold, already owns 64 per cent of Acacia, but its offer values the Africa-focused miner at 620million, which is less than the current market value. Barrick has been in talks with the Tanzanian government about a dispute over unpaid taxes and now claims it is close to resolution, stirring a row between the two firms. With investors awaiting the next move, Tim Huff, an analyst at Peel Hunt, thinks Barrick will return with an improved offer. Behind the scenes of failed NEX deal Intriguing details have reached me about the failed takeover of the NEX Exchange. Oliver Hemsley, founder of stockbroker Numis, had hoped to take control of the challenger stock exchange, which is now owned by US giant CME Group, and turn it into a credible rival to AIM. He had investors ready to put up 10.5million for a 55 per cent stake, but failed to get regulatory approval for the deal. I am told fund manager Neil Woodford was one of those backing the bid but neither side will comment. Perhaps the under-fire Woodford hoped his shares might have more luck on a different exchange. Nestled six thousand miles away in China's Pearl River Delta region is a bizarre sight. Buildings inspired by European cities sprawl across 300 acres of grassland and waterways, with red trams (imported from Switzerland) zipping between zones named after Paris, Verona, Bruges, Granada and Lake Windermere. But this is not a theme park. Underneath the whimsical exterior lies the research powerhouse of Chinese telecoms giant Huawei, dreamt up by billionaire founder Ren Zhengfei. Underneath a whimsical exterior lies the research HQ of Chinese telecoms giant Huawei in Dongguan. The campus was dreamt up by billionaire founder Ren Zhengfei. Above, buildings inspired by Venice, Italy The former Red Army engineer, 74, is a fan of European architecture and the site in Dongguan, near Shenzhen, is designed to give a flavour of the Continent to inspire his staff. Inside the buildings are swish offices and laboratories, soon to be home to 25,000 employees, and vast restaurants to keep them happy and fed. The 1.2 billion site is an extravagant answer to the plush complexes favoured by America's Silicon Valley titans. And this contrast a serene exterior masking a very different world within is an almost perfect metaphor for the troubles facing Huawei back in the real Europe. Huawei has been thrust into controversy by claims that it is an arm of the Chinese state, with US President Donald Trump's administration saying its equipment poses a spying risk. The row has divided the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing nations the US, UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand and even claimed the career of a British cabinet minister. Imitation Game: A copy of Germany's Heidelberg Castle at Huawei's campus in China Huawei claims the allegations against it are politically-motivated and meant to hurt China in the trade war with the US. But the row has threatened its bid to supply equipment for new 5G networks in Europe. Telecoms firms say 5G will transform the way we live. Lightning-fast download speeds will let driverless cars link up with super-smart traffic systems in cities, co-ordinate emergency services, and allow doctors to conduct surgery on patients thousands of miles away, using robots. Huawei is seen as a leader in 5G and has a reputation for offering lower prices than rivals, but some fear the technology could be weaponised and are uneasy about links to the Chinese state. Critics say data passing through Huawei's kit could be demanded by the country's security services and that it could not resist. The ownership structure, with 98 per cent owned by trade union committees, also means it is 'subject to influence' by the communist government, says a Henry Jackson Society think-tank report. Huawei is seen as a leader in 5G and is known for offering lower prices than rivals, but some fear the technology could be weaponised and are uneasy about links to the Chinese state A transit system at the Huawei site based on Swiss trams In it, former MI6 head Sir Richard Dearlove says: 'The greater part of my career was defined by meeting the threat to the UK's national security from communist states. The fact the British government appears to have decided to place the development of some of its most sensitive critical infrastructure in the hands of a company from the People's Republic of China is deeply worrying.' Huawei insists it is privately owned by its 190,000 employees. It was founded by Ren in 1987, a few years after he had stopped working for the army. The father-of-three, estimated to be worth 1.3 billion, has claimed to admire Western companies such as Apple and even brought in consultants from IBM to help Americanise Huawei's management. Huawei says this spirit of collaboration inspired the eclectic architectural style of its new campus. The company has invited journalists to visit its operations in China to dispel 'untruths'. Catherine Chen, a Huawei vice-president, said: 'We can only depend on our own efforts to talk to customers and governments and show them the real Huawei.' But US officials have blacklisted Huawei, effectively banning firms from working with it, and it has been blocked from supplying 5G kit to countries such as Australia. Britain has yet to decide what it will do. When news leaked that Theresa May might include it in our systems, an ensuing inquiry led to the sacking of defence secretary Gavin Williamson. For now, telecoms firms are using Huawei's kit, even though a ban could mean they have to spend billions of pounds ripping it out later. BT-owned EE will be the first to launch its 5G network, on Thursday. Whatever the UK and its allies do will be controversial. But the irony is there for all to see. Huawei loves Europe enough to re-create its landmarks in China. Now it could be shut out of the Continent altogether. U.S. President Donald Trump listens to Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a joint press conference at the Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, May 27. AFP-Yonhap NK blames Bolton as 'war monger and defective human product' By Kim Yoo-chul The United States is looking at pursuing a "simultaneous and in parallel" approach to thew denuclearization of North Korea, a possible move toward the step-by-step approach Pyongyang has long advocated, Cheong Wa Dae sources said Monday. "To break the impasse in denuclearization talks, Washington is apparently putting more effort into pursuing a simultaneous and in parallel approach to the North Korea nuclear issue. Reaching an agreement between the leaders of the Koreas and the United States on how to define the end state of the denuclearization roadmap is worth exploring. Then, an incremental approach may follow," one source said on condition of anonymity. Before the second U.S.-North Korea summit in February this year, U.S. officials had hinted at their openness to a phased approach, whereby North Korea dismantles its nuclear weapons program in stages as Washington provides reciprocal, "measured" incentives. The Hanoi summit, however, failed to produce results. The summit had been widely viewed as a "good opportunity" to uncover each side's preferred conditions and prerequisites to advance the process. 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 The following companies are subsidiares of Boston Scientific: 34 Biomedical Merger Corp., 9357-1867 Quebec Inc., Acurate Industria e Comercio Ltda., Advanced Bionics, Advanced Stent Technologies, American Medical Systems, American Medical Systems Europe B.V., Apama Medical, Apama Medical Inc., Asthmatx, Atritech, Augmenix, Augmenix Inc., Augmenix K.K., BSC International Medical Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., BSC Medical Device Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., BTG, BTG Australasia Pty Ltd, BTG Europe B.V., BTG IM Holdings Ltd., BTG International (Holdings) Limited, BTG International Asia Limited, BTG International Canada Inc., BTG International Germany GmbH, BTG International Healthcare Inc., BTG International Healthcare LLC, BTG International Healthcare Limited, BTG International Inc., BTG International Limited, BTG Limited, BTG Management Services Limited, BTG Medikal Limited Sirketi, Bard Electrophysiology, Barosense, Biocompatibles Inc., Biocompatibles International Limited, Biocompatibles UK Limited, Boston Scientific (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Boston Scientific (South Africa) Proprietary Limited, Boston Scientific (Thailand) Ltd., Boston Scientific (UK) Limited, Boston Scientific AG, Boston Scientific Argentina S.A., Boston Scientific Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Boston Scientific Benelux NV, Boston Scientific Canada Limited, Boston Scientific Ceska republika s.r.o., Boston Scientific Chile SpA, Boston Scientific Colombia Limitada, Boston Scientific Comercial de Costa Rica BSCR S.R.L., Boston Scientific Far East B.V., Boston Scientific Gesellschaft m.b.H., Boston Scientific Group plc, Boston Scientific Hellas S.A., Boston Scientific Hong Kong Limited, Boston Scientific Iberica S.A., Boston Scientific India Private Limited, Boston Scientific International B.V., Boston Scientific International Finance Limited, Boston Scientific International S.A., Boston Scientific Israel Ltd., Boston Scientific Japan K.K., Boston Scientific Korea Co. 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Smith M.D. Inc., Roxwood Medical Inc., SNS Merger Corp, Sadra Medical, Sadra Medical Inc., Securus Medical Group, Securus Medical Group Inc., Special K Merger Corp., StarMedTec, Stream Enterprises LLC, Symetis, Symetis SA, Target Therapeutics, Target Therapeutics Inc., The LumenR Tissue Retractor System, Veniti, Veniti Inc., VertiFlex, Vertiflex Inc., Vessix Vascular, Xlumena, Zuma Investment Pty Ltd, iogyn, nVision Medical, and nVision Medical Corporation. iShares MSCI France ETF's stock was trading at $25.23 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EWQ shares have increased by 53.9% and is now trading at $38.84. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA provides dialysis care and related dialysis care services in Germany, North America, and internationally. It offers dialysis treatment and related laboratory and diagnostic services through a network of outpatient dialysis clinics; materials, training, and patient support services comprising clinical monitoring, follow-up assistance, and arranging for delivery of the supplies to the patient's residence; and dialysis services under contract to hospitals in the United States for the hospitalized end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and for patients suffering from acute kidney failure. The company also develops, manufactures, and distributes dialysis products, including polysulfone dialyzers, hemodialysis machines, peritoneal dialysis cyclers, peritoneal dialysis solutions, hemodialysis concentrates, solutions and granulates, bloodlines, renal pharmaceuticals, and systems for water treatment; and non-dialysis products, such as acute cardiopulmonary and apheresis products. In addition, it develops, acquires, and in-licenses renal pharmaceuticals; offers renal medications and supplies to patients at homes or to dialysis clinics; and provides vascular, cardiovascular, endovascular specialty, vascular care ambulatory surgery center, and physician nephrology and cardiology services. The company sells its products to dialysis clinics, hospitals, and specialized treatment clinics directly, as well as through local sales forces, independent distributors, dealers, and sales agents. As of December 31, 2020, it operated 4,092 outpatient dialysis clinics in approximately 150 countries. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Bad Homburg, Germany. Read More By Park Ji-won National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang embarked on a 10-day trip to Russia and three Baltic nations, Monday, to meet his foreign counterparts and promote parliamentary cooperation to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula, his office said. Following previous visits to the U.S. and China, Moon will visit Russia between Monday and Wednesday, to meet with Russia's lower house Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Viktorovich Volodin and upper house Federation Council Speaker Valentina Ivanovna Matviyenko on Tuesday. He will also deliver a speech on Wednesday during a general meeting of upper house. The speech will cover peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and cooperation between South Korea and Russia. He will also participate in the first high-level meeting with Russian parliamentary members where they will discuss key international and local issues, as well as bilateral and inter-parliamentary cooperation in such fields as culture, education, tourism and human resources. Moon will also visit the three Baltic nations Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania from Thursday. He is scheduled to hold meetings with key leaders of the Baltic countries, including Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid, Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis and Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite. SCHENECTADY- Thearse McCalmon isn't exactly sure how the city defines blight but she contends that too many properties with "strong bones" that can be saved are needlessly being torn down. McCalmon, a maverick Democrat, challenging two-term incumbent Mayor Gary McCarthy, in next month's primary elections, said that's wasted money. "You could take that property that hasn't suffered serious structural damage and offer it to long term renters in the neighborhood or homeowners who are looking to become investment property owners," she said, adding that it generally cost between $50,000 and $60,000 to raze a property. "What we're doing right now is building luxury apartments and buildings that are not affordable for the people who live here." She said that rehab work would come with incentives for anyone who acquires the property while also providing work for city residents, instilling civic pride, and possibly leading to a careers for some in construction. McCarthy, 62, counters that the city has programs in place, notably the HOMES (Home Ownership Made Easy) initiative that offers affordable housing, which are drawing more homeowners to the city. He mentioned the 400 plus employees who work at Rivers Casino & Resort and live in Schenectady as proof that city residents have benefited from some of the major multi-million building projects over the past few years. The mayor scoffed at the notion that his administration has focused too much on development downtown while mostly neglecting distressed neighborhoods. "There's more activity in the neighborhoods than there's ever been," McCarthy said. "It's a systematic approach to solving the problem. We're doing demolition. We're doing the HOMES program to encourage home ownership and you're seeing investment that's really unparalleled in the history of the city." He accused McCalmon of talking in broad terms when she mentions negotiating to get a commitment from a developer to include a project that would benefit those in the community who are needy, which is often referred to as a community benefits package. "You can't talk in generalities, you have to talk in specifics, so if some building is going up, what would she put on the table to facilitate the deal and what are these community benefits supposed to be" McCarthy asked. "A lot of it is just rhetoric." Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Not so, says McCalmon, 41, noting that Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren has done what she's proposing and it's a "common sense" thing to do for your constituents. The married mother of four who lives on the North Side also took McCarthy to task for wanting to hire a "neighborhood stabilization coordinator," for pay of $60,000 a year, to deal with vacant and blighted properties. McCalmon said those duties should come under the umbrella of the development office and that money would be better spent hiring more employees to keep the city clean. McCarthy denied that McCalmon's camp has reached out to his campaign to ask for a debate. "There are things that exist in her mind that are just not true," he said. "I got a record in place, I'm proud of it, and I'm going to continue in that direction." Paris Fiat Chrysler proposed on Monday to merge with France's Renault to create the world's third-biggest automaker, worth $40 billion, and combine forces in the race to make electric and autonomous vehicles. The merged company would reshape the global industry: it would produce some 8.7 million vehicles a year, leapfrogging General Motors and trailing only Volkswagen and Toyota. Shares of both companies jumped on the news of the offer, which would see each side's shareholders split ownership in the new manufacturer. Renault welcomed what it called a "friendly" offer. The company's board met Monday at its headquarters outside Paris and said afterward that Renault will study the proposal "with interest." In a statement, Renault said such a fusion could "improve Renault's industrial footprint and be a generator of additional value for the Alliance" with Japan's Nissan and Mitsubishi. Fiat Chrysler's offer comes at a key moment for Renault. The French manufacturer had wanted to merge fully with Nissan, but those plans were derailed by the arrest of boss Carlos Ghosn on financial misconduct charges in Japan. Now, questions are growing over the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, which together make more passenger cars than any one company. While Fiat Chrysler says the merger with Renault would accommodate the alliance and lead to savings for them, it is unclear how the Japanese companies might react in the longer term to being tied to a much larger partner. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Automakers have collaborated more in recent years to build their technological capabilities in developing electric cars, self-driving vehicles and in-car connectivity. Regulators, particularly in Europe and China, are pushing automakers to produce electric vehicles and meet tougher climate change regulations, pressure that only grew after scandals over the amount of pollutants emitted by gas and diesel-powered engines. A deal would save $5.6 billion a year for the merged companies by sharing research, purchasing costs and other activities, Fiat Chrysler said. It promised the deal would involve no plant closures, but it didn't address potential job cuts. The companies are largely complementary: Fiat Chrysler is stronger in the U.S. and SUV markets, while Renault is stronger in Europe and in developing electric vehicles. Analysts say both companies are weak in China, which is now the world's largest auto market. El Reno, Okla. A tornado leveled a motel and tore through a mobile home park near Oklahoma City overnight, killing two people and injuring at least 29 others before a second twister raked a suburb of Tulsa more than 100 miles away, authorities said Sunday. The first tornado touched down in El Reno, about 25 miles west of Oklahoma City, late Saturday night. It crossed an interstate and walloped the American Budget Value Inn before ripping through the Skyview Estates trailer park, flipping and leveling homes, Mayor Matt White said at a news conference. "It's a tragic scene out there," White said, adding later: "People have absolutely lost everything." He said the city established a GoFundMe site, the City of El Reno Tornado Relief Fund, for affected families. Several other businesses were also damaged, though not to the same extent as the motel. The two people who were killed were in the mobile home park, White said. He did not provide additional details about them. The 29 people who were injured were taken to hospitals, where some were undergoing surgery. Some of the injuries were deemed critical, he said. The National Weather Service gave the tornado an EF3 rating, meaning it had wind speeds of 136-165 mph. Personnel who investigated the damage said the tornado began around 10:28 p.m. Saturday and lasted for four minutes. The tornado was about 75 yards wide at its widest point and was on the ground for 2.2 miles. The tornado was spawned by a powerful storm system that rolled through the state the latest in a week of violent storms to hit the flood-weary Plains and Midwest that have been blamed for at least 11 deaths, including the two killed in El Reno. Tweety Garrison, 63, told The Associated Press that she was in her El Reno mobile home with her husband, two young grandchildren and a family friend when she heard the storm coming and immediately hit the ground. Moments later, she heard her neighbor's mobile home slam into hers before it flipped over and landed on her roof. She called her son and delivered a chilling message: "We're trapped." Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Early Sunday, another tornado destroyed several buildings and downed trees and power lines in the Tulsa suburb of Sapulpa, which is 110 miles northeast of El Reno. Pete Snyder, a hydrometeorological technician with the weather service in Tulsa, said crews were assessing damage to determine the tornado's rating. The area also experienced damage from strong straight-line winds, he said. The Sapulpa Police Department said on its Facebook page that it hadn't heard of any deaths and that only a few minor injuries had been reported. Residents wandered around after sunrise to survey the damage, carefully avoiding fallen utility poles that blocked some streets. Among the buildings that were destroyed was a historic railroad building built in the early 1900s, which the Farmers Feed Store had been using for storage. A furniture store's warehouse was also destroyed. In Tulsa, authorities advised residents of some neighborhoods on Sunday to consider leaving for higher ground because the Arkansas River is stressing the city's old levee system. People cross the street at Yeouido, central Seoul, amid the first heat wave of the year, Friday. Temperatures hovered around 32 degrees Celsius on this day. / Korea Times photo by Bae Woo-han ALBANY - Just before evening prayers inside a storefront mosque on Central Avenue Sunday, Abuhamza Hossain was scribbling checks for $1,000 to families who lost their homes in fires a week ago. Masjid As-Salam mosque invited fire victims, firefighters and city officials to iftar, the traditional dinner to break the daily fast from sunrise to sundown during the annual month of Ramadan, which ends next week and is observed by Muslims all over the world. On May 19, two blazes leaped through the connected attics of Albany row houses, leaving homeless around 15 people who lived on Third Avenue and as many as 60 who lived in row houses on Bradford Street. The day after the fire, the mosque started an online fundraiser and gave the seven families they knew who attended the mosque $1,000 from its own funds, said Masjid As-Salam President Shamshad Ahmad. Within a week, the online fundraiser brought in nearly $50,000. While many of the donations were just a few dollars, one donor gave $1,000 to buy furniture for a family of four and another gave $5,000 for continuous support. The displaced included refugees from Afghanistan, Burma and Iraq, immigrants from Bangladesh and Nepal, and U.S-born residents. "Within the first 24 hours, the support was overwhelming. People all over the world came together to join this effort," said Abuhamza Hossain, 25, a member of the mosque who helped organize the fundraiser. "I still have hope in humanity despite every challenge that we face. Humanity came together in this time." Before the prayer time and meal, Imam Abdulkadir Elmi welcomed the guests with a blessing: "May God change your situation to be much better than it was before." Fire chief Joseph Gregory, who said as many as 60 firefighters did their best to contain the blazes, thanked the community for recognizing the fire department's efforts and promised to continue to help victims. Albany city treasurer Darius Shainfar praised the mosque for its support. "Albany is about community," he said. "This is one community that is really setting an example of how we should treat each other and help each other." In the next room where women and children were gathered, Abuhamza Hossain's sister Kahlida was sitting on the floor taking down names and contact information for each homeless family. "We need a new rug," said a 13-year-old who lost her Bradford Street home with her parents and three younger brothers. The family from Afghanistan arrived in 2017 on a special visa for Afghans who helped the U.S. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. "She needs cough medicine," she added as her mother beside her coughed into her headscarf. "We could make that work," said Hossain, who promised she would do what she could. Afterwards, the 13-year-old said that even though she felt really bad about losing her home, getting help made her feel like she has a really good community. Her neighbor shared how she could only grab a purse and electronic tablet when she lost her home on Bradford Street last Sunday. The family got $850 from the Red Cross but opted to rent a one-bedroom apartment temporarily from friends instead of staying in a hotel to save money. But the apartment is old and dirty, she said, with stairs falling in and bugs everywhere. The family used money only for food and milk for her two sons and are saving the rest, worried about rent once they find a permanent home. The mosque said the check Sunday was just the first round from donations and that they would keep giving the families money as it comes in. "Their life is devastated but at least it's consolation," Ahmad said. CLIFTON PARK A Cohoes man has been charged with vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated in a Saturday afternoon crash on Route 9 in Clifton Park that killed two people from New York City, State Police said. State Police charged Dickie R. Winn, 58, in connection with the crash that killed John A. Heneghan, 33, and Caitlyn J. Holtzman, 32, both residents of New York City. A commenter on Facebook said that the five occupants of the car were on their way to a wedding locally when Winn allegedly slammed into their vehicle. Heneghan's Facebook page says he is originally from Mayo, Ireland. The Irish Times reported Heneghan and Holtzman were married. "A close relative of Caitlyn shared a picture of John and Caitlyn's wedding day in 2017," the Times reported. She said: "It all doesn't feel real ... It feels like a dream." Winn has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, two counts of vehicular manslaughter, and driving while intoxicated. Police said around 3 p.m. Saturday, Winn's car veered out of his lane while traveling south on Route 9, striking another car that was pointed east on Ushers Road and stopped for a traffic light at that intersection. The three other people in the car sustained serious injuries: Julia Staples, 24, Luke O'Doherty, 25, and Enda Crowley, 25. They were taken to Albany Medical Center Hospital for treatment. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. The Times reported O'Doherty and Crowley are from Ireland and Staples is American. A LinkedIn search appears to show that Heneghan, O'Doherty and Crowley worked for the same construction company. The Times Union could not reach family members or friends of the accident victims Sunday. Winn was arraigned in Clifton Park Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Jail without bail. He is scheduled for another court appearance at 4 p.m. Wednesday. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident, or has any information, is asked to contact State Police in Clifton Park at 518-583-7000. Staff writer Steve Hughes contributed to this report Albany Wreckage on the ocean floor near a Japanese island must be from a fighter-bomber that crashed in 1945 with an American pilot who is still listed as missing in action, according to a World War II researcher who recently visited the crash site. The aircraft, lying on coral reef about 70 feet down, is the same type of F4U-4 Corsair that 2nd Lt. John McGrath of Troy was flying when he crashed off Iriomote Jima in July 1945, researcher Justin Taylan said last week. "This is the only American aircraft lost at that precise spot," said Taylan, the founder of Pacific Wrecks, an organization that researches and catalogues WWII crashes. McGrath is still officially listed by the U.S. military as one of nearly 73,000 American MIAs from WWII. He was 20 when his aircraft disappeared. Taylan explored the wreckage during a scuba dive in March, along with a Japanese man who discovered the wreck in 1987. Both wings, the engine and other parts lie approximately 300 yards from shore, a location where American pilots said they saw the plane go down. Although no identifying markings are visible after 74 years in sea water, the coral-encrusted wreckage clearly is from the newer version of the Corsair that McGrath's Marine Corps aviation unit was flying at the end of the war, Taylan said. Taylan, a former Pentagon contractor hired to research and find WWII crash sites in Papua New Guinea, became interested in McGrath's story in 2017, when he was contacted by the son of one of the missing pilot's old high school classmates. After researching U.S. military records, Taylan enlisted the help of Kuentai, a Japanese group that searches WWII battlefields in the Pacific for the remains of Japanese and American servicemen. In March, Taylan traveled to Iriomote Jima, 275 miles southwest of Okinawa. With Kuentai's help, he met island residents who witnessed McGrath's plane crash into the sea on July 21, 1945, during a bombing raid on Japanese defenses in the village of Sonai. Japanese newspapers reported in 1988 that local officials and the U.S. consul general to Okinawa attended a memorial honoring remains pulled from the crash site. At the time, it was not known whose remains they were. Press coverage included a photo of the consul general standing over an American flag-draped box said to contain the remains. Emails and phone messages requesting comment were left Thursday and Friday with officials from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, the Pentagon office tasked with recovering the nation's missing war dead. Officials said they couldn't immediately provide information on McGrath's case and whether his remains were recovered. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. As many families of missing veterans have, McGrath's has provided DNA samples to the agency in the hopes of finding a match, according to one of McGrath's nephews, Jack Law, a 74-year-old Vietnam War combat veteran and retired New York Army National Guard colonel. "We're aggressively bringing closure on this one way or another," said Law. "We're not done, but we're close." While home on military leave in 1943, McGrath was photographed for the Catholic Central High School yearbook along with three other classmates who also happened to be on leave. The image shows the four uniformed men descending a staircase: Coast Guardsman Jack Marcil, Marine pilot McGrath, Navy sailor Howard McAlonie and Army soldier Alfred Mahoney. Mahoney died in 2005. McAlonie passed away in 2014. His son Michael, who accompanied Taylan on the trip to the crash site, said his father spent his final years often thinking about his classmate lost in the Pacific. "I think it stayed with him his whole life," the younger McAlonie said. Of the four servicemen in the yearbook photo, only Marcil is alive. "Last man standing," Marcil, now 95, said from his home outside Albany. [May 27, 2019] Canada Invests in Clean Innovation in the Forest Sector THUNDER BAY, ON, May 27, 2019 /CNW/ -When we invest in Canadian ideas, our economy grows and our communities flourish. That's why the Government of Canada is investing in the development of innovative new products from Canada's forest sector. Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder BayRainy River, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today announced $2 million for FPInnovations at the official opening of its world-class, thermomechanical-pulp biorefinery (TMP-Bio) plant in Thunder Bay. This investment builds on the $5.8 million previously provided by Canada for the pilot facility to accelerate the development, production and commercialization of green biochemicals derived from sustainably sourced Canadian wood. The additional funding, provided through Natural Resources Canada's Clean Growth Program, will support the development of the process by which FPInnovations converts wood sugars to biomaterials, which will help create a viable wood-to-chemicals industry that can help diversify the forest-based economy in rural communities. The global shift toward a cleaner, greener economy is the opportunity of a lifetime. From May 27 to 29, 2019, Canada will welcome over 25 countries to this year's Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation Ministerial to discuss a future that is cleaner, brighter and more prosperous for generations to come. Canada will showcase its leadership in cleantech innovtion, champion the issue of gender equality, youth and Indigenous peoples in clean energy and promote Canada as an investment destination. Learn more at: http://cem-mi-vancouver2019.ca/. Quick Facts FPInnovations is a not-for-profit organization, funded by the Government of Canada , provinces and the private sector, which specializes in research and innovation in support of the Canadian forest sector's competitiveness. , provinces and the private sector, which specializes in research and innovation in support of the Canadian forest sector's competitiveness. The Clean Growth Program is a $155-million investment fund that helps advance emerging clean technologies toward commercial readiness so that natural resource operations can further reduce their impacts on air, land and water while enhancing competitiveness and creating jobs. Quotes "Our government supports Canada's forest sector in its efforts to innovate and grow while helping diversify markets and create jobs in rural communities. FPInnovations continues to transform the industry by demonstrating results through the development of bio-products that are helping us achieve a clean energy future." Don Rusnak Member of Parliament for Thunder BayRainy River "FPInnovations welcomes Natural Resources Canada's support toward clean innovation in the Canadian forest sector. This investment demonstrates the enormous potential of our forest sector and paves the way for a stronger bio-economy. In collaboration with our partners, we will demonstrate the strength of our industry in finding environmental solutions that will benefit future generations." Stephane Renou President and CEO of FPInnovations Associated Links: Clean Growth Program Project FPInnovations Forest Innovation Program FPInnovations Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan) SOURCE Natural Resources Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 27, 2019] CEMEX Strengthens Its Commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. ("CEMEX") (NYSE: CX) announced today that it is strengthening its commitment to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by prioritizing five goals that are directly connected with the company's business and represent a better opportunity to contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda. These five goals are focused on the promotion of decent employment and economic growth (SDG 8); innovation and infrastructure development (SDG 9); climate change mitigation (SDG 13); environmental and ecosystem conservation (SDG 15); and the advancement of sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). The five priority SDGs represent the greatest opportunities to contribute further and to identify new business opportunities connected with CEMEX's business strategy, such as innovation, research and development, employability, climate change, diversity, and education, among others. In 2018, 26% of the company's cement operations' power supply came from renewable energy, contributing directly to four out of five of the priority SDGs. In 2019, CEMEX expects to continue embedding the UN SDGs into the business processes to create systemic change, increase engagement, promote a sense of purpose, and raise awareness among its stakeholders. "Consistent with our commitment to the UN SDGs, we continue to contribute to these global goals and develop business opportunities for our company by creating shared value for society," said Fernando A. Gonzalez, CEO of CEMEX. "We invite the private sector to join this commitment and generate inclusive prosperity and sustainable development." CEMEX's commitment to the UN SDGs is also highlighted by the signing of the collaboration agreement between the federal government of Mexico, the private sector, represented by the Business Coordinating Council (CCE), and the local Global Compact Network in Mexico. The agreement, whih was signed this Monday, May 27, 2019, aims to ensure that every company, including small and medium-sized enterprises, form a part of this joint effort to use the UN SDGs to align our resources, transform who we are and how we do business, and positively impact people and the planet. "For 15 years, Global Compact Network Mexico has inspired Mexican companies to embed the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact into their core business strategies," said Lise Kingo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. "By laying out a clear framework for collaboration, the new agreement between Mexican businesses, government, and civil society represents a hugely important step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals." Those present at the signing ceremony for the collaboration agreement, held in Mexico City, included Lise Kingo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact as a witness of honor; Alfonso Romo, Chief of Staff of the President of Mexico; Antonio del Valle, President of the Mexican Business Council and the representative of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE); Graciela Marquez, Secretary of Economy for Mexico; Antonio Molpeceres, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System; and Martha Herrera, President Global Compact Mexico and Corporate Social Responsibility Director at CEMEX. CEMEX is a global building materials company that provides high-quality products and reliable services. CEMEX has a rich history of improving the well-being of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and efforts to promote a sustainable future. For more information, please visit: www.cemex.com Follow us on: facebook.com/cemex, twitter.com/cemex, instagram.com/cemex/, youtube.com/cemex CEMEX assumes no obligation to update or correct the information contained in this press release. CEMEX is not responsible for the content of any third-party website or webpage referenced to or accessible through this press release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190527005276/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 26, 2019] Big Data Expo shows Guizhou's big ambition as China's Big Data Valley GUIZHOU, China, May 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Organizing Committee of the 2019 Big Data Expo -- Located in the southwestern part of China, Guizhou has long been considered a less-developed area due to its remoteness and isolation. Guizhou has been on a fast lane to build itself into China's big data valley since it hosted the first China International Big Data Industry Expo in 2015. Within the past four years, the Expo had become an annual big data event with a focus on industry frontiers and win-win cooperation. The 2019 China International Big Data Industry Expo ( Big Data Expo) kicks off on May 26. Focusing on "innovative development and digital future", the expo will will include activities such as high-end dialogues, forums, contests, exhibitions and other colorful events, which will spotlight the latest technical innovations and provide an international platform for presentation of hi-tech companies. "I have been famiiar with Guizhou for quite a while. The development of big data as an industry here is now part and parcel of the province's makeup," said by Prof. Reiner Dudziak at the Bochum University of Applied Sciences in Germany, a judge at the German division of the 2019 China International Big Data Fusion Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Global Competition in an interview with Huanqiu.com as an official media partner of the Big Data Expo. The 2019 Big Data Expo is expected to witness two breakthroughs, that is, the introduction of guest country of honor mechanism and the Shubo( Big Data Expo) Corridor. The guest country of honor will hold thematic activities to showcase its achievements in big data development and promote cooperation in big data industry. In addition, Shubo Corridor , running through the Yunyan District, the Guanshanhu District and the Baiyun District of Guiyang City, covers a total area of 74.56 square kilometers. The corridor will be equipped with a digital water curtain and screens and inductive floor tiles to showcase famous people and companies in the big data industry. Up to now, 156 overseas companies from 25 countries including Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Singapore, Israel, and Canada have confirmed their attendance at the upcoming big data expo 2019. A host of well-known foreign enterprises, such as Google, Dell and Pivotal have confirmed that they will set up booths at the expo. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/big-data-expo-shows-guizhous-big-ambition-as-chinas-big-data-valley-300856915.html SOURCE The Organizing Committee of the 2019 Big Data Expo [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 27, 2019] Crafted for Creators: Razer Blade Studio Edition Laptops (COMPUTEX 2019) - Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the Razer Blade Studio Edition laptops for creators and prosumers. The line will feature upgraded models of the award-winning Razer Blade 15 and Razer Blade Pro 17, equipped with the latest NVIDIA (News - Alert) Quadro RTX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics processors. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190527005060/en/ The new Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition (Left) and Razer Blade Pro 17 Studio Edition (Right) (Photo: Business Wire) The Razer Blade Studio Edition laptops are anodized with a striking Mercury White finish, equipped with 4K displays, upgraded to 32GB of RAM (News - Alert) and 1TB of NVMe storage, and loaded with NVIDIA's Studio Drivers optimized for performance with creative applications. Brad Wildes, Senior Vice President of Razer's Systems business unit, said, "Razer Blades have become the laptop of choice for users desiring uncompromising performance in a premium design. Now, with the power of NVIDIA Quadro GPUs, the Razer Blade Studio Edition will exceed the demands of professional content creators." The Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition will be available with a gorgeous 4K OLED touch display, an Intel (News - Alert) Core i7-9750H processor, and an NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 mobile GPU. The superior processing power of NVIDIA Quadro and vivid colors of the OLED display make the Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition perfect for creators who are always on the go. will be available with a gorgeous 4K OLED touch display, an Intel (News - Alert) Core i7-9750H processor, and an NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 mobile GPU. The superior processing power of NVIDIA Quadro and vivid colors of the OLED display make the Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition perfect for creators who are always on the go. The Razer Blade Pro 17 Studio Edition will feature a series of firsts, including a new 4K 120Hz display panel, an Intel Core i9-9880H processor, and the NVIDIAQuadro RTX 5000 mobile GPU. These major upgrades to the Razer Blade Pro 17 Studio Edition allow it to rival even the most powerful of desktop workstations. #MadeWithBlade Razer has a history of supporting the creative community, launching Razer Music in 2016 which provided artists with a powerful but portable solution for music production. In 2018, Razer launched the #MadeWithBlade campaign to expand their support of artists beyond music and into game development, visual effects, and more. "The combination of NVIDIA Quadro and GeForce RTX GPUs with Razer's sleek design and up to 4K display make for an excellent laptop for content creation," said Jason Paul, general manager of GeForce software and technology at NVIDIA. "The ray tracing, AI, and 6K+ video prowess of the Razer Blade RTX Studio laptops will free artists from their desks and allow them to create amazing art from anywhere." #MadeWithBlade continues to grow and currently features artists such as Murda Beatz, Sonny Digital, and the ODESZA Live Visual team, with many more to come. More information on #MadeWithBlade can be found here. AVAILABILITY Studio Edition Blades will be made available later this year. Official pricing and availability to be announced at a later date. For more information head to razer.com/studio. PRODUCT ASSETS Download product images here ABOUT RAZER Razer is the world's leading lifestyle brand for gamers. The triple-headed snake trademark of Razer is one of the most recognized logos in the global gaming and esports communities. With a fan base that spans every continent, the company has designed and built the world's largest gamer-focused ecosystem of hardware, software, and services. Razer's award-winning hardware includes high-performance gaming peripherals, Blade gaming laptops, and the acclaimed Razer Phone (News - Alert). Razer's software platform, with over 60 million users, includes Razer Synapse (an Internet of Things platform), Razer Chroma (a proprietary RGB lighting technology system), and Razer Cortex (a game optimizer and launcher). In services, Razer Gold is one of the world's largest virtual credit services for gamers, and Razer Pay is the e-wallet designed for youth and millennials. Founded in 2005 and dual-headquartered in San Francisco and Singapore, Razer has 18 offices worldwide and is recognized as the leading brand for gamers in the USA, Europe, and China. Razer is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 1337). Razer - For Gamers. By Gamers. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190527005060/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 27, 2019] F24 AG Extends Pan-European Market Leadership by Joining Forces With One Voice AS MUNICH and TRONDHEIM, Germany, May 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- F24 acquires 100% shares of One Voice AS, the leading provider of incident and crisis management solutions in the Nordic countries F24 increases its existing customer base to 2,500 Customers benefit from a feature complete full product suite for emergency notification and crisis management One Voice AS is F24's third acquisition within the last six month and successfully accelerates F24's growth plan as part of the 1st phase of their buy-and-build-strategy F24 AG further strengthens its leading Pan-European market position in the field of emergency notification, crisis management and critical communications with the acquisition of the Norwegian company One Voice AS, the leading provider of incident and crisis management solutions in the Nordic countries. As a result, F24 increases its existing customer base to 2,500 by adding over 700 customers from One Voice in the Nordic countries and the United Kingdom. Joining forces further strengthens F24's position in the United Kingdom as a leading provider in the market. Within the last six month it is F24's third acquisition. Besides organic growth, collaborating with One Voice successfully accelerates F24's growth plan as part of the 1st phase of their buy-and-build-strategy. Raymond James acted as exclusive M&A adviso to F24 and the management shareholders, Nordhaven Corporate Finance supported One Voice AS in the process. Dr. Jorg Rahmer, spokesperson of the F24 executive board and responsible for strategy, product and operations, states: "We are delighted to welcome One Voice AS to the F24 family. One Voice's main product CIM not only extends our product portfolio but is also a next and significant step on our journey of establishing the leading pan-European crisis management and emergency notification platform." The One Voice AS founders Frode Lien Otnes and Kjetil Mollan will fully continue their work and play an important role in shaping the common future. They also re-invest a significant part of their proceeds into F24. "As a new member of the F24 family, we are delighted to actively shape the future together and to further develop solutions that fully meet the growing requirements of all our customers." Frode Lien Otnes, One Voice Founder and CEO says. Kjetil Mollan, Founder and international business director of One Voice adds: "What unites us is, amongst others, our approach to work very closely with our customers. Our aim is and always will be to offer our customers highest quality services together with the F24 Group we will not only continue but expand it even further." With 12 locations across Europe, the Middle East, and South America F24 is now supporting more than 2,500 companies and organisations in more than 100 countries. Christian Gotz, founder and Executive Board member at F24 AG and responsible for Sales, Marketing & PR, HR and Customer Service, states: We are pleased to welcome 700 more customers to F24 Group. Providing our customers with excellent service is our highest aspiration and unites us with One Voice. Together we can achieve even more for our customers joining forces is crucial in today's globalized world." Further information: https://www.f24.com/en/media/ Press contact: F24 AG Dr. Stefanie Hauer Corporate Communications +49 8923236380 [email protected] www.f24.com One Voice AS Yngve Resell Mo Chief Commercial Officer +47 47646548 [email protected] www.onevoice.co.uk [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] By Arthur I. Cyr Terry Gou, founder and long-time chief executive of electronics giant Hon Hai Precision Industry Company, well known by the trade name Foxconn Technology Group, has dramatically declared himself a candidate for the presidency of Taiwan. His blunt, argumentative style is already prominent in political and other public events. Gou started the company in 1974 as a small manufacturer of plastic control dials for television sets. Foxconn has steadily expanded relentlessly over the last four-and-a-half decades to become a global giant. The company has achieved great success in electronic gaming, computers, smartphones and other tech sectors. Competition is ruthless in these markets. A massive new investment in Southeast Wisconsin by Foxconn is both an economic opportunity and source of ongoing political controversy. Currently there is indication the company may cut back the projected investment. The Wisconsin government underwriting of the investment of approximately three billion dollars along with the disruptions accompanying Foxconn construction has fueled the controversy. Elsewhere in the world, Foxconn has run into trouble regarding working conditions. In mainland China, there have been incidents of some workers committing suicide. Gou is seeking the nomination of the conservative Kuomintang (KMT) Party. His father was a provincial police officer who fought for the Nationalist army of General Chiang Kai-shek in China's long civil war with the Communists. Gou's business success from poor beginnings is striking. Exactly three years ago, Tsai Ing-wen was inaugurated as president of Taiwan. She is the first woman to hold this top government position, a historic milestone of tremendous importance. Her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is formally committed to independence from China. So far, both sides have peacefully managed this explosive matter. The current assertiveness of China in maritime and military terms adds teeth to rhetoric. Beijing responded to Tsai's election by reducing but not terminating trade and tourism. So far, both sides have avoided serious armed conflict. An earlier DPP government from 2000 to 2008 was able to finesse the continuing serious tensions with Beijing. Today, economic concerns remain more important than ideological ones for the Communist great power. The two sides share a bitter legacy of battle and blood. In 1949, the defeated Nationalist military forces evacuated to Taiwan. Mao Zedong's armies controlled the mainland of China. Except for the island territory, the Communist revolution was complete. The Korean War of 1950-1953 made the Cold War global, with China and the United States direct combatants. The U.S. commitment to Taiwan security became explicit. Yet foundations of cooperation have steadily strengthened over time. Pragmatism characterizes Taiwan's approach to mainland China. Following formal U.S. diplomatic recognition of Beijing in 1978, a consequence of President Richard Nixon's historic 1972 visit, Taipei immediately launched a comprehensive essentially non-confrontational strategic response. In November 2008, an agreement was reached on far-reaching trade accords, including direct shipping, expansion of weekly passenger flights from 36 to 108, and the introduction of up to 60 cargo flights per month. In 2010, the bilateral Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) was concluded. This was a major triumph for previous President Ma Ying-jeou. His election as chief executive in 2008 and 2012 greatly furthered rapprochement with Beijing. Taiwan is heavily invested in the enormous commercial and industrial revolution on the mainland. The ECFA framework is now so extensive that a return to earlier hostility across the Taiwan Strait is unlikely. Ironically, the conservative, pragmatic KMT has been more comfortable in cooperating with Beijing. Gou could further that trend if successful. Arthur I. Cyr (acyr@carthage.edu) is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College and author of "After the Cold War." [May 27, 2019] Maple Leaf Angels Teams Up With Aird & Berlis Once Again TORONTO, May 27, 2019 /CNW/ - Maple Leaf Angels (MLA) is pleased to announce a renewed partnership with Aird & Berlis LLP. The Aird & Berlis Startups Group, led by Graham Topa and Tony Sabeta, is dedicated to enabling early-stage and emerging growth companies to navigate the commercial, regulatory and competitive challenges related to bringing new innovations to market. "We are absolutely delighted to renew our relationship with Aird & Berlis!," says Prathna Ramesh, Managing Director of Maple Leaf Angels. "They are leaders in providing legal services to the startup community, and the relationships they have fostered will be of high value to MLA members and the entrepreneurs we work with. We look forward to furthering our work in the Canadian innovation ecosystem through this partnership." Under the terms of the partnership, Aird & Berlis will provide their stratgic legal expertise on key aspects of startup growth, including corporate structure, M&A, governance, financing, IP strategy and licensing, privacy and other considerations. "Aird & Berlis is excited to once again partner with Maple Leaf Angels," said Randy Williamson, Partner at Aird & Berlis and an MLA member. "Through our partnership, we hope to advance entrepreneur innovation in the growing Canadian technology market." ABOUT AIRD & BERLIS LLP Aird & Berlis LLP is a leading Canadian law firm based in Toronto, serving clients across Canada and globally. The firm's practice encompasses all principal areas of business law, including corporate/commercial, capital markets, banking, insolvency and restructuring, energy, environmental, infrastructure/P3, technology, intellectual property, litigation, labour and employment, municipal and land use planning, real estate and tax. The firm's diverse client base ranges from entrepreneurs to multinational corporations. ABOUT MLA Maple Leaf Angels enable high potential companies to grow, realize their potential, and offer excellent returns by bringing together investment, experience, and a network of partners. To date, our members have invested over $30 million in 55 companies across Canada. Our members have seen 14 collective exits within the MLA portfolio. We offer Curbside Mentoring events and weekly complimentary Office Hours to connect the brightest, most passionate entrepreneurs with our accredited investors in a streamlined process. SOURCE Maple Leaf Angels Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 27, 2019] GiveIndia and TikTok Come Together for the People of Odisha BHUBANESWAR, India, May 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- To aid in the rebuilding efforts of Odisha in the aftermath of Cyclone Fani, GiveIndia, the country's most trusted online donations platform, has partnered with TikTok, the world's leading short video platform, to help raise funds to donate to the victims of the calamity. Three TikTok creators, namely Ummey Khansa, Irfan Sayed and Adil Khanvisited, along with GiveIndia representatives, volunteered across five villages. Together with the NGO, the creators helped incommunity kitchens, distributing food and non-food relief material and shooting videos to drive awareness around Odisha's plight as well as fund-raising efforts. Apart from GiveIndia and TikTok teaming up to aid Odisha, GiveIndia's partner NGOs such as Goonj, Vikash and HelpAge India have also been working tirelessly to help the residents of Odisha access basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing. Goonj has been helping with food and non-food relief such as providing ration kits and solar lamp installations, while Vikash on the other hand is taking care of environmental aspects. Thousands of trees have fallen during the cyclone and Vikash ensures that these trees are disposed of properly to mitigate environment pollution. Meanwhile, HelpAge India has set up community kitchens that provide food and shelter for the people of the community. Cyclone Fani hit Odisha on May 3 and it has been the deadliest one that the coastal state has faced since the super cyclone of 1999. Overnight, people have been rendered homeless, they have lost livelihoods and are now fighting to get back to normalcy. GiveIndia ensures that every rupee given by the donors makes a difference to the lives of the people of Odisha. GiveIndia is working together with TikTok to serve as a great catalyst for this cause. If you are interested to know more about how you can help the people of Odisha, visit www.giveindia.org . Video - https://cdn4.prnasia.com/002071/mnr/201905/giveindia/20190527.mp4 Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190527/2478351-1 Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190527/2478351-1-a Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190527/2478351-1-c SOURCE Give Foundation - India [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 27, 2019] Global Generative Design Market 2019-2023 | Increasing Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Generative Design to Boost Growth | Technavio The global generative design market is expected to post a CAGR of over 16% during the period 2019-2023, according to the latest market research report by Technavio. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190527005092/en/ Technavio has published a new market research report on the global generative design market from 2019-2023. (Graphic: Business Wire) A key factor driving the growth of the market is the acceleration of project speed. Inability to complete the projects on time and within the budget are significant problems faced by enterprises. However, generative design can generate a large number of designs, which can be optimized very quickly according to the predefined conditions and restraints. Also, the design created by the generative design solution will also consider the forces of nature, such as air resistance or gravity. Moreover, the generative design solution is also capable of rapidly changing the designs according to customer requirements. Thus, enterprises do not have to wait for long to get designs due to a change in customer requirements. Hence, it will expedite project implementation speed. Thus, the acceleration of project speed will lead to an increase in the demand for generative design during the forecast period. As per Technavio, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) with a generative design will have a positive impact on the market and contribute to its growth significantly over the forecast period. This global generative design market 2019-2023 research report also analyzes other signifcant trends and market drivers that will affect market growth over 2019-2023. Global generative design market: Use of artificial intelligence (AI) with generative design Currently, many industries are opting for real-time solutions such as Al. Al has enabled generative design solution with algorithms that help them to produce a wide range of design alternatives. Al with generative design solutions is increasingly being adopted by participants in various industries such as construction and automotive. The engineers can define their design problem by defining basic parameters such as the weight of the product it should support, height, strength, and material options. Al provides a centralized view of all business activities and associated information. It also helps in increasing the capabilities of designers and engineers to test new designs and incorporate them into the products. These features will lead to an increase in demand for Al with generative design during the forecast period. "Apart from the use of AI, the integration of 3D printing with the generative design is one other major factor that is expected to boost the market growth. Generative design solutions enable enterprises to conceptualize parts with organic and complex shapes. On the other hand, 3D printing helps in constructing these shapes using a 3D printer. A 3D printer can enable enterprises to cost-effectively create the complex geometries designed through the generative design solution. This is encouraging the vendors in the market to offer a generative design solution that can be integrated with 3D printers," says a senior analyst at Technavio. Global generative design market: Segmentation analysis This market research report segments the global generative design market by component (software and service) and geographical regions (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA). The North American region led the market in 2018, followed by Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA respectively. However, during the forecast period, the APAC region is expected to register the highest incremental growth due to the increase in the automotive industry. The automotive industry is one of the important end-users of generative designs. Looking for more information on this market? Request a free sample report Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Some of the key topics covered in the report include: Market Landscape Market ecosystem Market characteristics Market segmentation analysis Market Sizing Market definition Market size and forecast Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation Geographical Segmentation Regional comparison Key leading countries Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors Competitive scenario About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190527005092/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 27, 2019] HECLA MINING SHAREHOLDER ALERT by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Reminds Investors with Losses in Excess Of $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Hecla Mining Company - HL Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until July 23, 2019 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Hecla Mining Company (NYSE: HL), if they purchased the Company's shares between March 19, 2018 and May 8, 2019, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. What You May Do If you purchased shares of Hecla Mining and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-hl/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by July 23, 2019. About the Lawsuit Hecla Mining and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On May 9, 2019, the Company disclosed that it was undertaking a "comprehensive review" of its Nevada operations that were cash flow negative, including the possibility of taking an impairment charge. On this news, the price of Hecla Mining's shares plummeted by 23.5% over two trading days, from a closing price of $2.04 per share on May 8, 2019, to close at $1.56 per share on May 10, 2019. The case is Batter v. Hecla Mining Company et al, 19cv4883. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include 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/20190527005268/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 27, 2019] The largest Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) player in South East Asia (SEA), Eu Yan Sang, joins BookDoc as a new Activ Reward Partner SINGAPORE, May 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Eu Yan Sang, the largest Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) player in South East Asia (SEA) has joined BookDoc as a new Activ Reward Partner. This partnership promises more benefits for users in Singapore and 4 other countries which BookDoc operates in. Users can now enjoy discounts and redeem freebies when they purchase from Eu Yan Sang Singapore. "We are operationally present with healthcare players in 5 countries and with our reward partners in 12 countries. BookDoc motivates users to start living a healthier lifestyle while being rewarded." said BookDoc's founder and CEO Dato' Chevy Beh. BookDoc's Activ feature rewards its users according to their average daily steps, which are tiered at bronze, silver, gold and platinum. BookDoc continues to provide a seamless experience by being able to sync other health applications such as Apple Health, Samsung Health, Google Fit, Fitbit and Garmin, which enable users to efficiently keep track of their daily exercise and get rewarded for it. By maintaining a high level of activity, users would get discounts or freebies from major retailers and service providers, may it be at their home country or cross-country redemption on a monthly basis (Redeemable in over 1,600 offline locations and online location in over 12 countries). "BookDoc Activ does so through positive reinforcement, and with a low cost of entry. We hope to begin a social fitness movement, bringing in more partners and users, and expand and innovate to encourage even more types of healthy behaviour." said Beh. Eu Yan Sang has always promoted healthy lifestyle through organic traditional Chinese medicine. They have 140 years of experience and have been awarded many health & wellness awards throughout the years from reputable magazines. By providing Eastern medicine, this partnership with Eu Yan Sang Singapore give users more options besides just being limited to traditional Western medicine. "Eu Yan Sang Singapore is privileged to collaborate with BookDoc Activ to encourage healthy lifestyles via our wide range of quality health products developed with deep TCM wisdom. We believe in empowering our consumers to achieve their best quality of life through accessible, natural healthcare solutions" said Ms Serene Seow, Managing Director, Eu Yan Sang Singapore. Exercising keeps the body healthy which is crucial in preventing short-term and non-communicable diseases. Through health activities, users can reduce healthcare cost while saving money. "When the application first started, we helped users arrange their medical appointments, but I believe prevention is better than cure, so that is why BookDoc Activ was launched." Added Beh. In January 2019, BookDoc partnered with the Special Olympics to monitor their athletes in Asia Pacific and continues to offer this healthcare platform to other organizations both locally and internationally. "We are honoured to tie up with the largest Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) group in South East Asia (SEA) to reward our users in staying active." said Beh. BookDoc is available for free on Apple's App Store and Google Play Store. BookDoc continues to expand its partnership with major retailers and service provides every month for the benefit of its users. About BookDoc BookDoc, with presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Thailand, is an online platform that operates across the healthcare continuum connecting patients to healthcare professionals anytime and anywhere, while incentivising all to stay active. BookDoc has established an integrated online ecosystem for local and overseas health travellers. The ecosystem allows users to search and book healthcare professionals anytime and anywhere, and integrates seamlessly with navigation (Google Map, Waze), transport (Grab, Uber, AirAsia), accommodation (Agoda, Airbnb) and recommended restaurants & attractions (TripAdvisor) for a hassle-free and enjoyable experience to healthcare appointments. In addition, through BookDoc Activ, users can earn rewards and discounts from our major retail partners and service providers for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. The company is backed by a diverse group of investors from entrepreneurs to seasoned healthcare and insurance professionals, banker, regulators as well as ICT professionals. It has made records in achieving the highest pre-seed and seed valuation in Asia Technology Start-up history. It is available online at www.bookdoc.com, App Store and Google Play Store. About Eu Yan Sang Singapore A heritage brand since 1879, Eu Yan Sang has been empowering people to live the best quality of life through accessible healthcare, based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) wisdom. Today, Eu Yan Sang has become a trusted name for generations of customers, recognised for its high quality and standards. As a leading TCM health and wellness company in Asia, Eu Yan Sang delivers healthcare innovations that marry the science of medicine with the art of TCM, guided by its mission of "caring for mankind". In Singapore, Eu Yan Sang maintains a high level of safety & product quality standards in compliance to the authorities' stringent requirements, adhering its promise to discerning consumers. Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190527/2478389-1 SOURCE BookDoc [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Long before the Marvel Cinematic Universe thrust superheroes into the mainstream, Fox's X-Men film franchise delivered some of the first decent adaptations of one of Marvel's most iconic supergroups. The X-Men films have certainly had their highs and lows, ranging from genre-defining classics like X2: X-Men United, Logan and Deadpool to possibly the worst superhero film of all-time in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. (Image credit: Fox/Getty) The franchise's next (and possibly final) installment is Dark Phoenix (out June 7), which will see Fox try once more not to botch one of the most iconic X-Men stories of all time as Sophie Turner's Jean Grey struggles with her immense power. To celebrate this messy but nonetheless lovable franchise before Marvel's mutants end up in the MCU, here's every X-Men film ranked worst to best. X-Men Origins: Wolverine When we polled the Tom's Guide staff for this story, there was complete unanimity on only one title: X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Every single staffer ranked this movie last, and it's not hard to see why. This prequel tells a complete origin story for James Howlett, aka Logan, aka Wolverine even though X2 did a perfectly good job explaining his origin story, and did it in much less time, to boot. The fast-healing, slowly aging Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) joins a team of supersoldiers under the command of the corrupt William Stryker (Danny Huston), but is forced to turn on them and hunt them down for a litany of convoluted, boring reasons. The story is paper-thin, the villains are boring and the special effects look terrible. Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Liev Schreiber as Sabretooth are almost worth the price of admission, but it's a shockingly dumb and sloppy solo outing for a favorite X-Man. Marshall Honorof X-Men: The Last Stand Director Brett Ratner, by most accounts, is a nasty, thoughtless guy, so in a way, it's fitting that he made a nasty, thoughtless X-Men film. X-Men: The Last Stand puts Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) front and center, as she miraculously returns from the dead following her sacrifice in X2. But she came back as the malevolent Dark Phoenix, who's more interested in joining forces with Magneto (Ian McKellen) than reuniting with her fellow X-Men. But wait there's also a subplot that's all about a "cure" for the mutant condition, and there's another one about how Storm (Halle Berry) has to take control of the team and another one about Rogue (Anna Paquin) wanting to leave the team, and so on. Mostly, The Last Stand feels overstuffed, and very few of its myriad story arcs come to satisfying conclusions. The movie is also downright cavalier about killing beloved characters, often with very little fanfare. It's a messy, mean-spirited film with a decent premise and a lousy execution. Marshall Honorof (Image credit: Fox) X-Men: Apocalypse Most of our staffers ranked X-Men: Apocalypse quite low on their lists, although what's interesting is that they did so for different reasons. Some people hated the film outright, citing its bloated runtime, its underuse of fan-favorite characters and its incredibly forgettable take on a terrifying X-Men villain. Others felt the movie had its moments, but fell far short of other, better films in the series. Briefly: Ancient Egyptian mutant En Sabah Nur, aka Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac), reawakens in the 1980s and wants to add professor Xavier's (James McAvoy) psychic powers to his own arsenal. To its credit, X-Men: Apocalypse has a fantastic cast, including Alexandra Shipp as Storm, Kodi Smit-McPhee as Nightcrawler and Lana Condor as Jubilee. But the story meanders all over the place for a lot of pointless cameos before arriving at a disappointing cop-out of a climax. If you can tolerate a messy structure and some unsatisfying character arcs, this film isn't all bad but it's not that good, either. Marshall Honorof X-Men While the original X-Men didn't wind up very high on our list, I'd like to think that's simply because some of the later movies were even better. Remember: This is the film that arguably kick-started the modern superhero blockbuster, and it still holds up pretty well. Magneto devises a plan to mutate the entire world's population, thereby ending the prejudice against homo superior once and for all. Professor X (Patrick Stewart) dispatches the X-Men to deal with the threat: Cyclops (James Marsden), Jean Grey, Storm and Wolverine. The story is fine, although a little rote by superhero standards. What was impressive about X-Men was that it introduced audiences to a big, colorful, complex cast of characters, each of whom had his or her own backstory and goals. One shortcoming in the film is that some secondary villains Sabretooth (Tyler Mane) and Mystique (Rebecca Romijn) had to wait until later films for full character arcs. Marshall Honorof The Wolverine After the disastrous X-Men Origins: Wolverine, all a sequel had to do was be marginally better, and fans would have breathed a sigh of relief. But The Wolverine went above and beyond, delivering a rock-solid action movie with some legitimately interesting character development and world building. Following the events of The Last Stand, Wolverine is consumed with grief and wants nothing to do with the world of mutants anymore. That all changes when he's summoned to Japan to take care of some unfinished business from World War II. One of the coolest things about The Wolverine is that it shows us a side of Wolverine's story we never really expected to see outside of the comics, where the X-Men are almost nonexistent, and characters like Mariko Yashida (Tao Okamoto), Yukio (Rila Fukushima) and the Silver Samurai (Hal Yamanouchi) take center stage. Part crime drama, part action flick and part superhero film, The Wolverine is enjoyable, if disposable, fun. Marshall Honorof Deadpool 2 Deadpool 2 is essentially more of the same filthy Ryan Reynolds humor and over-the-top action that made the original a hit, but I'd argue that it's an even better movie. We get a surprisingly emotional intro that sets some high stakes, an excellent cast that includes Zazie Beetz' show-stealing Domino and Josh Brolin's steely Cable, and a hilarious script that breaks the fourth wall even harder than the first Deadpool movie. While it lacks the sharp focus of its predecessor, it plays out like a genuine X-Men ensemble piece filled with fun comic book easter eggs, and its ending will have you eagerly awaiting the eventual X-Force film. Mike Andronico (Image credit: Fox) Deadpool X-Men Origins: Wolverine delivered the worst possible interpretation of snarky mercenary Wade Wilson, but that didn't stop Reynolds from hanging on to the character and eventually making things right. Directed by Tim Miller, Deadpool is an instant action-comedy classic, one that faithfully adpts the Merc with a Mouth's penchant for potty humor and fourth-wall breaking while serving up some slick action choreography filled with slicing and shooting. Reynolds' love for his character oozes out of every gut-busting scene he's in, and despite its forgettable villain, the film's self-aware laughs and fun combat scenes instantly elevate it to the upper half of the X-Men series. Disney please let this character into the MCU. Mike Andronico X-Men: First Class Part prequel, part reboot, X-Men: First Class was the shot in the arm that the franchise needed after the all-time low of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. This 1960s-based adventure puts a fresh spin on the formation of the X-Men, focusing on a young Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto (Michael Fassbender) as they clash over how to best push mutantkind forward. The chemistry between McAvoy and Fassbender who had big shoes to fill after Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen is the absolute highlight of the movie, but there's also some killer action to be enjoyed as the proto X-Men go up against the Hellfire Club. With strong performances from Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique) and Nicholas Hoult (Beast) and plenty of deep-cut comic references, First Class got back to the core of what made the early X-Men films great while setting the franchise on an exciting new course. Mike Andronico X2: X-Men United Widely regarded as one of the best X-Men movies for a reason, X2: X-Men United moves at a brisk pace and gives us everything we love about our favorite mutants. Now that the characters have been established in the first X-Men film, we spend more time with Wolverine, who's clawing his way into his past, thanks to revelations from the film's big bad: Col. William Stryker (Brian Cox). Further, X-2 forces the X-Men to work with Magneto, giving audiences a peek at the franchise's not-so-secret truth: The helmeted villain isn't always in the wrong. Even visually, this film thrives more than most comic book movies, as shown in a pair of visually thrilling scenes: Nightcrawler's attempt to assassinate the American president and Wolverine's defense of professor Xavier's school. Henry T. Casey X-Men: Days of Future Past X-Men: Days of Future Past performed two incredibly difficult feats: It faithfully adapted one of the most beloved X-Men comic book arcs of all time and simultaneously brought together both generations of the X-Men film franchise. Faced with the extinction of mutantkind in a dystopian future, the classic trilogy X-Men send Wolverine back to the 1970s to prevent the asssassination of Bolivar Trask, an event that puts tensions between humans and mutants at an all-time high. This leads to a spectacular clash of the X-Men's past and present, as Hugh Jackman's Wolverine meets young Xavier, Magneto and Mystique, while the classic-era X-Men make a desperate last stand in the future. The movie is dripping with 70s flair, we finally get to see the X-Men battle some honest-to-goodness Sentinels, and there's also that Quicksilver scene. By the time it all wraps up, Days of Future satisfies as both a worthy sequel to First Class and a touching tribute to the movie X-Men many fans grew up watching in the 2000s. Mike Andronico (Image credit: Fox) Logan Our favorite X-movie is ironically the least traditional comic book movie of the bunch. Audiences have loved Hugh Jackman's portrayal of Wolverine for years, but the character has never felt more real than when stripped of most of his mutant brethren and set on his own in a dystopian future. As a broken man whose body is falling into disrepair, taking care of an even more feeble Charles Xavier, we see the iconic clawed character at the height of his frustration. A cross between Cormac McCarthy's The Road and a modern action movie, Logan is saved from being too bleak and unwatchable thanks to a group of young mutants who our anti-hero strives to protect. Henry T. Casey (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) UPDATE: We've published our full analysis of the Third Gen Ryzen processors here, and our analysis of the Navi announcement here. We're here at the International Press Conference CEO keynote to cover AMD CEO Lisa Su's first Computex Keynote. We're hoping to hear plenty of updates on AMD's portfolio of upcoming 7nm products, including third-gen Ryzen chips, the Navi graphics cards, and perhaps even an update on the EPYC Rome data center processors. All of these products are due in Q3 of this year, making it likely that we will hear updates. The new 7nm process hands AMD the process lead over Intel for the first time in its history, and also gives it the node advantage over Nvidia's graphics cards. A smaller manufacturing process doesn't mean guarantee success though, so AMD has its new Zen 2 microarchitecture in the works to boost performance for the Ryzen and EPYC processors, and the Navi architecture to beef up its arsenal of graphics cards. If the past is any indication, we can expect some performance demos during the keynote, too. The keynote has begun. Stand by for updates. Walter M. S. Yeh, the President of the International Press Conference, came on stage to introduce AMD CEO Lisa Su for her first Computex keynote, which comes during AMD's 50th Anniversary. AMD President and CEO Dr. Lisa Su took the stage and thanked the Computex committees for inviting the company to its first keynote at the show. Su outlined the history of AMD over the last 50 years as it has introduced new technologies, touting accomplishments like the first 1GHz CPU and GPU, the first 32-core high end desktop processor, and the first 7nm GPU. AMD isn't resting on its laurels, though, as it strives to help process the crushing load of data from new types of workloads. AMD's one goal is to lead the industry, which has led it to push the envelope of high-performance computing. Su says that requires making big bets around high performance leadership through a series of decisions made three to five years ago to move forward on process technology with TSMC, saying "We are extremely proud to partner with TSMC because they really do have the best technology in the industry. AMD also made big bets in high-performance cores and the company's chiplet architecture. Su said the company will cover its EPYC Rome processors, Navi graphics cards, and Ryzen processors here at the keynote, beginning with the data center products. AMD introduced EPYC processors two years ago, and now there are 60 EPYC-based platforms and 50 cloud-based deployments with some of the leaders of the industry. Su also touted the company's recent announcement that it's next-gen EPYC and Radeon Instinct were chosen to power Frontier, the world's fastest supercomputer at 1.5 exaflops of compute power. AMDS announced that Microsoft's Azure cloud had chosen to adopt its CPUs, with clusters up to 10,000 EPYC CPUs in a cluster. One customer reported a 7,500x performance improvement using the new cluster. AMD's EPYC Rome offers 2X the performance per socket over the previous-gen EPYC models, and 4X the performance in floating point workloads. AMD demoed two AMD EPYC Rome processors in a dual-socket server that outperformed Intel's flagship Cascade Lake Xeon 8280's by a factor of two during a protein folding application. The EPYC Rome processors will launch next quarter. Su said AMD loves gamers and switched gears to gaming products. Su recounted the launch of the Radeon VII, the industry's first 7nm GPU. Su says the face of gaming is changing as it becomes a more socially interactive pursuit, with control and performance, among other aspects, playing an important role. AMD built Navi to "power the future of gaming." Sony's next-gen Playstation will be powered by a custom Zen 2 processor and Navi GPU. Navi comes with an all new 7nm RDNA architecture, which is different from the GCN (Graphics Core Next) architecture. Navi comes with faster clock speeds, lower power, and the world's first PCIe 4.0 GPU. AMD's move to the Navi architecture doesn't mean it is entirely abandoning the GCN architecture for good. The company will continue to use the older architecture, but the new RDNA architecture is a clean-sheet design to power "the next decade" of gaming. RDNA includes a new compute unit (CU) design optimized for efficiency and instruction per clock throughput, an all new cache hierarchy to provide higher bandwidth and lower power, along with a streamlined graphics pipeline to optimize for performance-per-clock and high clock speeds. RDNA delivers a 1.25X performance per clock advantage over the previous generation. That, combined with the new processor and other advancements, RDNA gains 1.5X performance per watt. Su introduced the Radeon RX5000 family, with the "50" signifying the 50th anniversary of AMD. Su held up the first Navi GPU for the crowd. AMD showed a real time demo of an Nvidia RTX 2070 going head-to-head with the Radeon RX 5000 series GPU in Strange Brigade, with the RX5000 offering 10% more performance. Navi will launch with global availability in July. AMD will introduce price points, models, and other details about the Navi graphics card on June 10, 2019 3pm PT during an E3 livestream broadcast. Su moved on to the desktop PC, which AMD sees as powered by three types of users: consumers, enthusiasts, and creators, with each needing tailored solutions for their uses. Addressing those needs requires strong partners, like AMD's partnership with Microsoft. Su welcomed Roanne Sones, the CVP of OS platforms at Microsoft, to the stage. Roanne says that Ryzen is being adopted by many of the leaders in the industry, like Acer, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, and was one of the first partners to deliver drivers for Windows 10. Roanne said that Ryzen will be in 50% of modern devices this year, which is an incredibly bullish outlook from Microsoft. AMD introduced a few of the designs that include second-gen Ryzen Mobile processors, with many of those designs being on display here at Computex. Su invited Joe Hsieh, the COO of ASUS, to talk about some of the ROG laptops, motherboards, and gaming desktops powered by Ryzen. Hsieh introduced a new ROG Strix GL10DH desktop PC that will come with the third-gen Ryzen processors under the hood. ASUS also announced its lineup of X570 motherboards, with 30 new designs coming to market. Su invited Jerry Kao, the Co-CEO of Acer to stage. Kao said AMD stands for Astonishing Miracle Delivery, and the company's new Predator Helios 500 is one of Su's astonishing deliveries. This new laptop delivered a peak Geekbench score of 23200. Jerry Kao of Acer came on stage. He introduced the company's Predator Nitro family of laptops and Casual Nitro desktops. Acer also offers laptops and Chromebooks with AMD's Ryzen processors. The Predator and Nitro will come with the third-gen Ryzen processors and Navi graphics cards. Su played a video teasing the new third-gen Ryzen processors. AMD's official branding appears to come as either third-gen or 3rd Gen Ryzen. Su recapped what we already know - that the new chips come with 7nm Zen 2 cores that are the third incarnation of the Zen architecture. The chips drop into the AM4 socket and bring the first PCIe 4.0 connectivity to the desktop PC. Third-gen Ryzen doubles the floating point performance and comes with twice the cache size. AMD said that it has boosted the instructions per cycle (IPC) throughput by 15% in desktop PC workloads. The improved IPC will improve performance in all types of workloads, from gaming to threaded applications. Su introduced the Ryzen 7 3700X. This 8C/16T CPU comes with a 4.4 GHz boost and 3.6 GHz base frequency, 36MB of total cache, and a 65W TDP. AMD conducted a demo of the new Cinebench R20 benchmark with the Ryzen 3700X vs. the Core i7-9700K, with the 3700X winning by 30%. Against the 9700K, the 3700X is 1% ahead in single-threaded performance, 28% ahead in multi-threaded performance, and at a 35W lower TDP. AMD introduced the Ryzen 7 3800X, an 105W 8C/16T processor with a 3.9 GHz base and 4.5 GHz boost. AMD provided gaming benchmarks conducted at 1920x1080 that show a huge jump that ranges from 14% to 34% over the previous-gen Ryzen 7 2700X. AMD demoed the world's first PCIe Gen 4.0 system running a PCMark benchmark that measures PCIe performance, delivering a 69% performance improvement over PCIe Gen 3. Su presented benchmarks showing the 3700X and 3800X slightly exceeding the Intel competition in single-threaded applications, delivering big speedups in multi-threaded applications, and doing it all with lower power consumption. AMD has 56 X570 launch motherboards, and over 100 previous-gen motherboards already in the ecosystem. Su has one more thing for us: the new Ryzen 9 family that comes with more than eight cores on the mainstream desktop. This chip houses a second core chiplet, which enables AMD to bring Ryzen 9 to the market. The Ryzen 9 3900X comes with 12 cores 24 threads, a 4.6 GHz boost, 3.8 Ghz base, 70MB of cache, and a 105W TDP. AMD put the Core i9-9920X, a $1,200 12C/12T processor, against the Ryzen 9 3900X, with AMD winning by 18%. AMD's processor pulled this feat off at 105W compared to Intel's 165W. Su revealed that the Ryzen 7 3700X for $329, the Ryzen 7 3800X for $399, and Ryzen 9 3900X for $49, which is half the price of Intel's competing processor, but AMD says it offers the same performance. Su recapped the improvement over the last two years: up 32% in single threaded, doubled performance in multi-threaded workloads, and an increase from 8 cores to 12 cores on the mainstream desktop. The full third-gen Ryzen lineup comes to market on 7/7/2019. Breaking news....more coming. Deets About Today Get it straight: The difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day (CNN) -- We are here to make sure you don't embarrass yourself. Inevitably, someone says something demonstrating confusion over the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Allow us to explain it to you. Naming The Local Dead Man killed in officer-involved shooting identified Family of Terrance Bridges SOURCE: Family of Terrance Bridges The Jackson County Prosecutor's office is investigating after a man was shot and killed in an officer-involved shooting early Sunday morning.The man who was shot by an officer has been identified as 30-year-old Terrance Bridges. Downtowner Agenda This Week KC PrideFest, Stonehenge take center stage this week in Downtown A celebration of KC Pride; the North American premiere of a remarkable exhibition on Stonehenge; and the opening of a mind-blowing retrospective of the artwork of Ralph Steadman will set the stage for a breath-taking week ahead in Downtown KC. Reason For Royals FAIL Why the Royals' defense is not converting as many outs as you might think. Living outside of the Kansas City area, my Royals fandom is a bit of a novelty to my friends and coworkers. I proudly sport a KC hat around town and bring a Royals coffee mug to every morning meeting at the office. REAL Support For The Troops US attorneys general ask federal government to forgive disabled veterans' student loan debt asiseeit / Getty Images SOURCE: asiseeit / Getty Images Attorneys general from 51 states and U.S. Next War Coming Soon Mike Pence tells US military graduates: you should expect to see combat Vice-president says 'Some of you will join the fight against radical Islamic terrorists' and hints at possible military intervention in Venezuela Kansas City Tribute Today "We care now" Young people pay tribute to Heartland Honor Flight Veterans From DC to KC, young people let our Veterans know their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Quick peek at the news scene on the Memorial Day 2019:is the song of the day and this is thefor right now . . . Tourexpi, turizm haberleri, Reiseburos, tourism news, noticias de turismo, Tourismus Nachrichten, , travel tourism news, international tourism news, Urlaub, urlaub in der turkei, , holidays in Turkey, , global tourism news, dunya turizm, dunya turizm haberleri, Seyahat Acentas, This site is best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0+, at a minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768. When President Donald Trump goes after other nations with harsh tweets or statements blistering with bravado, there is often a sense that he's just showing off his favorite diplomatic dance moves. Trump lambastes China and its leader, then praises them. He threatens that a deal will never be done and huge tariffs will be imposed, then relents and suggests another meeting. He brandishes a carrot in one hand and a stick in the other, and if it hasn't always worked perfectly, it no longer inspires frantic fear in most Americans. The same is true when Trump hurls bombast at Mexico over immigration and trade, or threatens Canada over timber imports, or belittles NATO allies over defense and trade and environmental issues. The tactics usually aren't terrifying, partly because on these issues Trump surrounds himself with cooler heads to smooth the feathers he ruffles. But Iran is different. The most powerful voice counseling Trump, National Security Adviser John Bolton, has recently proclaimed that bombing is the only way to contain Iran's desire to accumulate nuclear weapons, which is nothing new. To Bolton, the threat of Iranian nuclear weapons is always imminent, and can only be addressed via war. Whether writing "The inconvenient truth is that only military action like Israel's 1981 attack on Saddam Hussein's Osirak reactor in Iraq or its 2007 destruction of a Syrian reactor, designed and built by North Korea, can accomplish what is required," in the New York Times in 2015, or arguing on Fox News in 2007 that we ought to bomb Iran because it "is interfering in Iraq and is posing a direct threat to our troops," Bolton's stance has been consistent, and consistently wrong, just as he was wrong about the need to invade Iraq in 2003. Now Bolton is once again claiming that Iran has ratcheted up its threats to American troops and interests, even as well-versed and trusted American and allied leaders say that is not the case. The New York Times has reported the Trump administration is drawing up a battle plan that includes 120,000 troops but the British general who is the deputy commander of the American-led coalition fighting the Islamic State says "there has been no increased threat from Iranian-backed forces in Iraq or Syria." Even Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, no stranger to saber-rattling, is speaking less aggressively than Bolton. The waters are further muddied by our two closest allies in the region, Israel and Saudi Arabia, who constantly pressure Trump to hammer Iran to further their own designs. The only voices saying Iran is an imminent threat now are ones, like Bolton and Benjamin Netanyahu and the Saudi royal family, who say that no matter what the circumstances, and no matter how often later events prove them incorrect. Sunday, Trump tweeted, "If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again!" But Iran threatens the United States constantly and the last tweet by its foreign minister was no different. He wrote "Goaded by #B Team" as he boasted that Iran defeated Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan. Trump, a master of such bluster, must see Iran's puffed-up chest for what it is, and see Bolton's unrelenting beating of the drums of war for what it is, too. The above editorial appeared in Newsday. It was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Dramatic desert scenery and eminent red rock cliffs are icons of America's Wild West, however several the wildest times are often had on the region's waterways and its waters are therefore varied that rather than mistreatment the standard white-water classifications of I to VI, it's its own system starting from one to ten gentle to wild. Rafting the Colorado watercourse through this classic yank landscape takes you into Marble ravine, past vivacious rock cliffs, petroglyphs, Native yank ruins, and fairylike grottoes; these waterways go across gorges quite a mile high, wherever the water has lapidarian a path through a rainbow of ancient rock. Hikes into facet canyons are often accessed from the Colorado River; this can be your sole method in, therefore you'll be enjoying the views while not the crowds. on the method, you're doubtless to catch glimpses of Ovis canadensis, deer, ringtail cats, coyote, and varied raptors. The mighty Colorado watercourse is simply as dramatic in neighbor Beehive State, wherever it carves its method through the gorge and Canyonlands parkland. The waters run between multi-million-year-old red rock formations, as well as Dead Horse purpose, immortalized within the film, Thelma & Louise. Rafting in than hiking from the watercourse provides you another probability to look at the beautiful scenery from a singular angle: during this case, vibrant arenaceous rock mesa spires within the Needles District of Canyonlands. There's loads of history on this watercourse, from ancient pictographs to an attenuation 1893 inscription from a steamer that circled at Spanish Bottom, unwilling to require on the rapids below. Yellowstone parkland in Wyoming is legendary for its geothermic waters-hi, recent Faithful! however, there are loads additional within the method of rivers and lakes to explore here and in abutting mountain peak parkland. Kayaking and canoeing are in style at Yellowstone Lake also as at Jackson, Jenny and actress Lakes, lovely clear waters in mountainous settings, with picturesque campsites on their banks. speeding creeks and waterfalls dot the region, providing wonderful fishing opportunities. beginning within the wilds of Yosemite parkland, California's Tuolumne watercourse offers an opportunity to require a true geographic region trip. There are some ill-famed white-knuckle-thrill rapids for the venturesome, however, its facet streams reveal swimming holes, cascading waterfalls, natural water slides, and quiet fishing spots. The river's a high viewpoint for loving the sweetness of the Sierra Silver State mountain chain. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Treehugger and our third-party partners use cookies and process personal data like unique identifiers based on your consent to store and/or access information on a device, display personalized ads and for content measurement, audience insight, and product development. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Treehugger.com, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, click below. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. List of Partners (vendors) Delegates attend a panel discussion entitled "E-Commerce and Cross-Border Trade" at the Fifth China-U.S. Governors Forum in Lexington, Kentucky, the United States, on May 24, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Rui) by Xinhua Writers Xiong Maoling, Xu Xingtang and Xu Jing LEXINGTON, United States, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and U.S. governors have voiced their willingness to enhance cooperation at the sub-national level, and called for more efforts to boost exchanges in various fields, striking a more optimistic and practical tone than that at the national level. At the just-concluded Fifth China-U.S. Governors Forum, Chinese and U.S. governors gathered here, despite the ongoing bilateral dispute, to promote trade and investment, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges. SUB-NATIONAL ENTHUSIASM "We want to have a strong partnership with the people of China," Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin said when addressing the opening ceremony at the Lexington Convention Center. "We have 9,000 people in Kentucky working for Chinese-owned companies and hundreds have been added just in recent months ... I want thousands more," said Bevin, whose state hosted the three-day event. Cyrus Habib, lieutenant governor of the U.S. state of Washington, told Xinhua that Washington is the largest exporter to China among all 50 states, and China is Washington's number one export country. "Our relationship with China is absolutely key ... to the success that we have had," Habib said. Liu Guozhong, governor of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, said "the best way to benefit our people is to increase cooperation" not only in economy and trade, but also in environmental protection, culture and tourism, as well as scientific and technological innovation. The National Governors Association (NGA), one of the forum's organizers, said in a statement that about 400 people from both countries attended the event. "This shows strong interest in forging and maintaining strong relationships at the sub-national level for the mutual benefit of the United States and China," it said. The forum, co-hosted by the NGA, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China General Chamber of Commerce-USA (CGCC), features dialogues on business, culture, education and others. Chinese and U.S. companies signed three cooperation agreements at the forum on Thursday. Meanwhile, China's southeastern province of Jiangxi and the U.S. state of Kentucky signed a memorandum of understanding. Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said local-level cooperation between the two countries is a "bright spot" in bilateral relations and will become a new driver for bilateral cooperation. Cui added that he hopes "positive factors at local levels will triumph over the negatives in certain areas." BILATERAL TIES BELONG TO PEOPLE When Bill Lee, governor of the U.S. state of Tennessee, found he was sitting next to Tang Liangzhi, mayor of China's Chongqing Municipality, at the opening ceremony, he immediately texted his surprise to his son, who once lived in Chongqing while attending university. Lee said that exchanges on multiple levels "will enhance the opportunity for us to work together on things that are mutually beneficial." Tang, in his remarks, cited a famous Chinese proverb that "friends and neighbors become closer when they visit each other more often," and invited American friends to visit Chongqing. Former Missouri Governor Bob Holden, who has traveled to China many times, told Xinhua what struck him most is the "wonderful" people he met in China who want their children to have a better opportunity than they have, "which is the very same value system that we have in ... the heartland of the United States." "It's important that we continue to ... connect our educational system, our students with the students from China so that they can, at a young age, get to understand both cultures," he said. Wu Fulin, executive vice president of Bank of China, told Xinhua that local governments and businesses of both countries have shown a strong wish for cooperation at the forum, and there are broad areas for cooperation for both sides. "Efforts should be made to bring multi-level and diversified dialogue and exchange channels into full play," he said. "We have been more convinced than ever before that the China-U.S. relationship belongs to our people and its future should be defined by the people," Ambassador Cui said. The ambassador's view was echoed by Bevin, who, in his closing remarks, said that suspicion and misunderstanding go away "when people talk, when people trade, when people cross cultures by going to schools in one place or the other." UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL Officials and businessmen at the forum believed that the current disruption in bilateral trade is a temporary setback, and expressed their hope that the United States and China could soon reach a win-win trade deal. "There's no governor in America ... that does not want these agreements to be done and done soon," said Bevin, adding that the trade dispute is hurting companies because of the uncertainty. The Kentucky governor said he believes that the trade dispute will be resolved, and a quick settlement to the trade dispute will be better for both countries. Habib stressed that mutual respect is needed "at the heart of any negotiation." A trade deal, the lieutenant governor of Washington said, should help both sides have a good long-term understanding about trade dynamics, renew and refresh the rules of engagement, and make sure that "to the best of our abilities, we facilitate imports and exports." Bevin said that the two governments need to make sure that the trade agreement is "proper" and "solid," and that both sides "get something and give something," adding that it should be able to last for years to come. The state motto of Kentucky is "united we stand, divided we fall." Bevin used it in reference to China-U.S. relations: "when one side wins, the other side wins. When China is strong, it is good for America. When America is strong, it is good for China." (Xinhua reporters in Washington Liu Yang, Li Rui and Miao Zhuang also contributed to the report.) (Video reporter: Miao Zhuang; video eidtor: Lin Lin) 2 1 [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] By Tom Plate Blessed are the peacemakers, as the Bible says. Trust takes a long time to build. Worse, in clumsy hands, it can vanish before you know it. Notice how the goodwill between Beijing and Washington seems to be bottoming out almost faster than you can say "the spirit of Mar-a-Lago and the Diaoyutai State Guest House." Yet, at this same dolorous moment in our fraught contemporary history, Beijing and the Vatican are mending their heretofore wary and volatile relationship by working out a "provisional" agreement on the appointment of Catholic bishops. The deal looks to have been simply a matter, one might say, of reworking Matthew 22:21: Caesar (Beijing) is to be rendered what is due to the state, without cutting out what is due to God, or in this case, the Vatican. What's more, in this process, the representatives of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church, appear to have brewed a cup or two of utilitarian trust for one another. This was evident in an interview with Rome's lead negotiator by the Italian sinologist Francesco Sisci. The signing of the provisional agreement "constitutes the point of arrival of a long journey, but it is above all a starting point," said Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. He added that "there are elements which demonstrate an increased trust between the two sides" and that "we have to journey together, because only in this way will we be able to heal the wounds and misunderstandings of the past in order to show the world that even starting from positions that are far apart, we can reach fruitful agreements." In diplomacy, the playing field must be drained of opposing dogma: moral bifurcation only serves to keep both sides' feet planted on the ground they started with, vacating the possibility of movement and nullifying the modification of differences. Cardinal Parolin elaborated: "In dialogue, neither of the two sides gives up its own identity or what is essential for carrying out its own task. China and the Holy See are not discussing theories about their respective systems nor do they want to reopen questions which by now belong to history. Instead we are looking for practical solutions which concern the lives of real people who desire to practice their faith peacefully and offer a positive contribution to their own country." Getting beyond dogmatic deadlocks of good versus evil requires a measure of mutual respect. The good Communist Party member doesn't have to believe in God to know that others do. China's 12 million Catholics, to the cynical heart of the materialistic Marxist, may be fooling themselves, but it is not wrong to let them believe, and quite a blunder to push them so far underground that you lose sight of what's going on. Catholicism preaches that grace is always attainable; in effect, it practices a secular politics of forgiveness. Not China's Communist Party, which, it seems, can be coldly unforgiving, especially with its mainland capitalists and perceived political enemies. There's corruption in every society even in sacrosanct Sweden, not to mention the U.S. Harsh Communist Party secular religiosity risks losing current believers via inflexibility. Perhaps the Xi administration can take one harmless homily from Pope Francis' chief diplomat without seeming to abandon the gospel of Marx and converting to Matthew's. Parolin says the Catholic Church consciously chose not to negotiate from a standpoint of moral superiority. That sort of street-smart Catholic secularism reflects the view that it is never a sin to negotiate, as long as you proceed from quiet self-confidence. In its soul, the church may well view the Communist Party as rather removed from godliness, but at the negotiating table, even when you believe God is on your side, it hardly helps the trust-building process to crow about having a superior presence or ideology on your team, especially one the other side cannot see. China deserves respect. Parolin says Pope Francis "sees China not only as a great country but also as a great culture, rich in history and wisdom. Today China has come to arouse great attention and interest everywhere, especially among young people. The Holy See hopes that China will not be afraid to enter into dialogue with the wider world and that the world's nations will give credit to the profound aspirations of the Chinese people." For that to happen, the Communist Party and Chinese government must tone down the nostalgia politics. With all that the Chinese civilization has been through, pining for a "Chinese dream" that is rooted in dogmatic delusion about a phantom past is utterly batty. Surely, if the church can manage to partly secularize the selection of new bishops, Xi's team can manage to avoid backtracking on its hard-won economic modernizations, thoughtlessly backing up state-owned enterprises, strengthening the Communist Party's control over private businesses, and cowering think tanks and globally respected university faculties into dreary doctrinal orthodoxy. The dank and cheerless practice of neo-medievalism, whether of the Catholic sort or the Chinese, will lead to no good end. If, today, the Vatican and Beijing do share a common approach, though not remotely common religious beliefs, it is the redemptive qualities of continuing internal reform: making their respective institutions better, not only for themselves but for their people. Once started, stopping makes no sense. Silly me, but if only God would make two more Parolins one for each superpower we might quickly see a diplomatic miracle or two in transpacific relations. Author and professor Tom Plate is the distinguished scholar of Asian and Pacific studies at Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles, a historically Jesuit university. editorial@tribune.com Sandeep Rana Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 26 With city BJP president Sanjay Tandon staying at the helm of the party for over nine long years and the Lok Sabha elections over now, appointment of new chief here is on the cards. Tandon, who has completed three terms as the party president, which is rare in the BJP, is likely to be assigned responsibility in the national BJP team or his name may be sent for the Rajya Sabha seat from Haryana. He was one of the contenders for the ticket for the Lok Sabha elections from the city in 2014 and 2019. The party, however, decided to field Kirron Kher on both occasions. This is to be decided by our national party president, may be after the oath-taking ceremony, Dinesh Kumar, BJPs Sangathan Mantri, told Chandigarh Tribune. With Tandon moving forward soon, there are a number of contenders for the presidents post in the party. Senior leaders are going to propose their loyalists name for the post. It is being said MP Kirron Kher camp will root for former councillor Satinder Singh. Councillor Anil Dubey and ex-councillor Saurabh Joshi are also said to be the contenders. The Tandon group may press for councillors Vinod Agarwal, Ravi Kant Sharma or Shakti Devshali. The incumbent chiefs camp may also favour vice-president Ramvir Bhatti for the elevation. Former Mayor and councillor Arun Sood is also one of the main contenders. Former MP Satya Pal Jain is proposing the name of former Mayor and councillor Davesh Moudgil, who is his closet aide. Names of five councillors, who voted against Rajesh Kalia during the mayoral polls, are with the Central leadership. They know who they are. So, such people should not have aspirations, said a source in the BJP. The party is looking for a young leader, who could be less than 50-55 years. The president can be changed in two months. If not then, it will be done after the Haryana Assembly polls in October, said a senior leader. During Tandons tenure, his supporters say, the party has won two Lok Sabha polls other than the elections for the Municipal Corporation, Market Committee, Panchayat Samitis as well as Zila Parishad. However, his detractors blame him for growing infighting within the party when he was at the helm. Party celebrates win in Lok Sabha polls Chandigarh: The city BJP organised an event to celebrate the victory in the Lok Sabha elections. The programme was organised by Hukam Chand, president of District No. 5, where city party president Sanjay Tandon congratulated and thanked the party workers of the district for success in the elections. Tandon said: These victories have strengthened the confidence of all party activists and more and more people have joined the BJP to make it a formidable party in the region. Party activists are the people who make this all possible. They are the backbone of the organisation. This time also, everyone worked hard to make sure that Kirron Kher wins the elections. editorial@tribune.com Ramkrishan Upadhyay Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 26 In an unprecedented move, the Chandigarh Administration has rejected the budget proposal approved by the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation for 2019-2020, terming it unrealistic. It has directed the civic body to reconsider it at its next House meeting. Sources said this was the first time that the Administration had returned the budget proposal to the MC. Now, the MC has decided to place a letter received from the Administration at a House meeting to be held on May 30. At a meeting held in February, the MC had approved a budget of around Rs 1,260 crore. Of the total budget, the civic body had demanded Rs 1,026 crore as grant-in-aid from the Chandigarh Administration based on the recommendations of the 4th Finance Commission. The MC had kept the target for income generation through own resources at Rs 276 crore. While the MC passed a Rs 1,260-crore budget, the Chandigarh Administration had approved only Rs 375 crore as grant-in-aid for the current financial year. The Administration has questioned the MCs move saying that the recommendations of the 4th Finance Commission are yet to approved by the Centre. In such a situation, the budget could not be approved. Vappala Balachandran Vappala Balachandran Ex-special secretary, cabinet secretariat It is regrettable that we do not know much about our seven North-East states, barring perhaps Assam, and the problems they are facing even after 72 years of Independence. Traditionally, that region has received indifferent attention from politicians and bureaucrats due to its remoteness and also because Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura have only two members each in the Lok Sabha. In the late 1990s, IAS and IPS officers posted to North-East cadres were called suitcase bureaucrats who lived only out of their suitcases and who had no interest in that region except as visitors. One Home Secretary admitted at a high-level conference that North-East affairs were always listed on the last day even in National Development Council (NDC) meetings attended by CMs. That is why local politicians complain that no Central government has given as much attention to their security as to that of frontline states like Punjab or Jammu & Kashmir. The killing of Arunachal Pradesh MLA and National Peoples Party leader Tirong Aboh along with his son and nine others in Tirap district on May 21 is a glaring example of the deadly cocktail of insurgency and drug trafficking in that region. At first, the killing was suspected to be the work of the NSCN (IM) [National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah], which had signed a ceasefire pact with the Government of India in July 1997. Initial reports suggested that they were unhappy with Aboh for having contested the elections against their wishes. The NSCN (IM) has now denied its involvement and blamed other fringe groups or Indian agencies who wanted to wreck the peace talks. One report also suggested that the killing had an opium connection. A study by the SATP (South Asia Terrorism Portal), Indias dependable compendium on terrorism, reveals the amazing fact that these seven states have 60 active insurgent groups and 67 inactive formations, many in common for all states. Many are nothing but criminal gangs with political facades to gain acceptability and as a short cut to gain power, hoping that one day the authorities would engage them in talks. They use the resources they earn through illegal cross-border trade in illicit arms and drugs. In 2005, Myanmar was the worlds second largest producer of illicit opium (380 metric tonnes). Myanmarese insurgent groups like the United Wa State Army or the Shans are deeply involved in this trade. In the same year, United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) listed India as both a destination and a transit route since it was wedged between the worlds two largest illicit opium production areas of Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan) and Golden Triangle (border of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar) dominated by the Wa State Army. The UNODCs 2019 report said that the production in 2018 dropped to 520 from 550 metric tons in 2017. Clashes between rebel groups were reported. A major clash took place on June 9, 2007, near the Moreh check point (Manipur) between the Kuki National Army (KNA) and the Manipuri UNLF in which at least 11 persons were killed. The UNODC also said that Tatmadaw (Myanmarese army) has been motivated to enforce the UN plan on drugs since Southeast Asia had seen a strong shift toward synthetic drugs. However, the NSCN (IM), with which our government had signed the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015, has been publicly exhibiting its cross-border interests, thus interfering in our own security relationship with Myanmar. Would we have allowed this in regard to Kashmiri separatists? This is despite our interlocutor for Naga talks assuring the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs that the government signed the agreement after the NSCN (IM) agreed on a settlement within the Indian federation with a special status, which was a departure from their earlier position of with India, not within India. The committee was also informed that the boundaries would not be touched. On May 19, 2019, the Nagalim Voice, the official website of the NSCN (IM), issued a statement on behalf of the Government of the Peoples Republic of Nagalim (GPRN, their parallel government) protesting against a raid on Nagas in Myanmar in the guise of flushing out the Meitei armed groups UNLF, PLA and ULFA from Assam is a naked and deliberate violation of human rights. The GPRN added: Placed under such situation, we Nagas cannot stay aloof from what our fellow Nagas in the east under Myanmar occupation are going through at the hands of the Tatmadaw. We are one Naga family and we express profound solidarity with them at this critical stage of their suffering. It was left to an Indian national daily to publish the correct version on May 20 that the Myanmar army had launched an operation on May 17 to drive away Indian insurgents taking shelter in Naga villages in their territory and forests. Nearly 200 members of the ULFA, Bodos, and Manipuri rebels were found staying in the official camp of the NSCN-Khaplang (Burmese Nagas) group at Taga. The Khaplang group, which had signed a ceasefire agreement with the Myanmarese army, was instructed to not give shelter to insurgents. The NSCN-IM has been found taking liberties with the rules framed by the Ceasefire Monitoring Group finalised in October 2002, specifying its official camps. Recently, it created a tense situation by occupying a location at Siaha village in Ukrul district without authorisation that was noticed by the authorities only on April 25 during an aerial reconnaissance. It took a lot of effort by the local Tangkhul Naga leadership to persuade it to vacate the illegal occupation by early May. The results of its predatory actions and cross-border connections are suffered by the innocent civilians in North-East states. (The writer had organised the secret talks between NSCN-IM and PM Narasimha Rao on June 12, 1995, which paved the way for the ceasefire in 1997) editorial@tribune.com Everesters mortal remains consigned to flames Sonepat, May 26 The body of Ravi Thakur, a BTech IT engineer and resident of the local Tara Nagar colony who died while descending from the peak of Mount Everest, was consigned to flames here on Saturday. His family members alleged there was a delay on part of the authorities in Nepal and India to start search operation after he went missing from the fourth base camp. On the demand of the Nepalese Government, the Haryana Government had given its consent to bear the expenses of Rs 30.80 lakh for conducting search operation to trace him. His body was recovered by the search team on Thursday and it was brought here late last evening by the family members of his family from the Delhi airport. OC editorial@tribune.com Bhanu P Lohumi Tribune News Service Shimla, May 26 After hectic campaigning in the long-drawn elections, massive victory and the celebrations, all eyes are now on the representation to the state in the Union ministry and byelections to two Assembly constituencies which fell vacant due to election of sitting MLAs, Suresh Kashyap and Krishan Kapoor to the Lok Sabha. There is nothing to discuss and suddenly a vacuum has been created. The only thing left is to speculate on who would be inducted into the Modi Cabinet from Himachal, said a senior leader. Senior BJP leader Jagat Prakash Nadda is already a Cabinet minister and the possibility of inducting any new minister into the Union ministry would arise only if he is given some other responsibility. As his name is doing rounds for the post of party chief in case Amit Shah joins the Cabinet, there are chances that either four-time MP from Hamirpur Anurag Thakur or Kishan Kapoor, Cabinet minister in the present Jai Ram Thakur government, could be accommodated in the Union ministry. The byelections to Pachhad and Dharamsala Assembly constituencies are fresh challenges for the BJP as there are not many established leaders in these constituencies and maintaining the lead that the party candidates got in Lok Sabha elections in these segments would be a herculean task. We cant afford to be complacent as byelections are crucial after massive mandate given to the BJP by the people in the Lok Sabha elections. Our cadres would have no break and continue to work ensuring huge win in the byelections, said state party chief Satpal Singh Satti. Our booth management in the elections was excellent and it yielded dividends. We are hopeful of setting up new records in the by-elections which would be fought on local issues, he added. The BJP is in power in the state and party cadres are enthused with huge win in Lok Sabha elections while the opposition Congress is demoralized after humiliating defeat. This will be a major factor in the byelections, he asserted. Meanwhile, lobbying is on for two posts of minister that fell vacant due to the resignation of Anil Sharma and election of Krishan Kapoor to the Lok Sabha but it is not yet certain whether Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur will fill the posts after the byelections likely to be held along with the Haryana Assembly elections in September/October or take up this ticklish exercise immediately as there are several contenders for two vacancies. Probable scenario Senior leader JP Nadda is already a Cabinet minister and the possibility of inducting any new minister into the Union ministry would arise only if he is given some other responsibility. As his name is doing rounds for the post of party chief if Amit Shah joins the Cabinet, there are chances that either four-time MP from Hamirpur Anurag Thakur or Kishan Kapoor, Cabinet minister in the present Jai Ram Thakur government, could be accommodated in the Union ministry. Pachhad, Dharamsala Assembly bypoll The byelections to Pachhad and Dharamsala Assembly constituencies are fresh challenges for the BJP as there are not many established leaders in these constituencies and maintaining the lead that the party candidates got in Lok Sabha elections in these segments would be a herculean task. vinaymishra188@gmail.com Vikram Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu, May 26 Article 370 is a wall of hatred and 35A historical blunder, which the saffron party wishes should go away from the state of Jammu and Kashmir, said Bharatiya Janata Party state president Ravinder Raina on Sunday. Raina said since Article 370 is temporary and transitional provision and has to go with the passage of time, Article 35A was neither part of original Constitution framed by the Constituent Assembly, nor did it come as a Constitutional Amendment and is a historical blunder committed, which came as a presidential notification and is a covert insertion in the Constitution. The state president spoke on historical perspectives of both issues, but did not clear the saffron partys stand for taking any concrete step to abrogate both, as is the aspiration of the people of the Jammu region. Article 370 is a wall of hatred and 35A historical blunder. We wish both provisions should go, which have brought only harm to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We reiterate our position, since the time of the Jan Sangh, to abrogate Article 370, said Raina, adding that the BJP in its election manifesto Sankalp Patr had proposed to eliminate Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution. Raina, who also wished for early state Assembly elections in state, said a whopping majority received by the party in the LS poll is an indicator of BJPs majority government coming in J&K, which will have a CM from the saffron party only. He also blamed erstwhile National Conference and Congress party for having introduced M-Form system for displaced Kashmiri pundit votes, which he termed as a great impediment to BJPs success. We will request the Election Commission to take cognizance of the tedious M-Form system, which deprives the total rights of Kashmiri pundits in voting in J&K. We are capable of getting 50 Assembly constituencies once this provision is removed, said Raina. When reminded about the recent claim of the party to secure the rights of the PoJK refugees, he refrained from giving any concrete answer. By Jason Lim Admitting that parents' wealth, education levels, home locations, etc. are better indicators of SAT scores, the College Board has announced the implementation of an "adversity score." It's an index score based on several metrics which purports to represent the amount of adversity a student would have faced. Colleges have the option of taking this score into consideration when selecting applicants for acceptance. The score would give colleges more context to gauge an individual student's test performance in light of their background. According to TIME, "The adversity score which will be shared with colleges and universities along with a student's SAT performance is based on 31 data points that, according to research, are correlated with academic achievement. They include factors associated with an applicant's neighborhood (such as the percentage of adults with less than a high school diploma) and those tied to a student's high school (such as the number of Advanced Placement courses offered)." Let's be honest. This is basically reverseaffirmative action targeting Asian Americans. Faced with growing criticism and litigation over artificially limiting the percentage of qualified Asian American students, colleges have basically outsourced their implicit quota to the College Board under the guise of the adversity score. The problem that top colleges face with the academic success of Asian American students is a difficult one. If the acceptance criteria are not at least partially based on race, then an overwhelming percentage of the incoming student body will be Asian. In California where race cannot be considered a factor in college acceptance, Berkeley's Fall 2018 matriculation demographics has Asians at about 40 percent and Caucasians at 25 percent. Contrast this with Hispanics at 15 percent and blacks at 3 percent. Then, how do you adjust the acceptance formula to make this demographic more representative of the at-large population? An additional constraint is the legacy students. At Harvard, legacy students make up around 14 percent of the incoming student body. Needless to say, legacy students tend to be from wealthy white families who give more to the school's endowment. So, there is a business incentive to ensure that legacy students, with everything else being the same, enjoy an edge when it comes to acceptance. This leaves Asian Americans as a natural and easy target for redressing the racial imbalance at the nation's top colleges. Ultimately, this is about competing fairness. Giving preference to historically discriminated (and still suffering systemic bias) populations such as Hispanic and black Americans is addressing the fairness issue by giving them academic opportunities that lead to socioeconomic success. On the other side, however, it's unfair to penalize Asian American students who have worked hard and sacrificed in order to academically excel and perform well on standardized tests. They haven't been given anything. They earned their achievements. Penalizing them based on race is textbook racist. But schools are trying to come up with ways to do exactly that. At Harvard, it was the personality scores; according to The Atlantic, "One of the most striking revelations pertains to Harvard's consideration of applicants' soft skills things like likability, helpfulness, integrity, and courage in determining their acceptance. Despite boasting higher test scores, better grades, and stronger extracurricular resumes than applicants of any other racial group, Asian American applicants consistently received lower rankings on those personality traits, according to a statistical analysis conducted on behalf of Students for Fair Admissions (who is suing Harvard over its purported discriminatory admissions policies) of more than 160,000 student records. This emphasis on personality, the analysis concludes, significantly undermined otherwise-qualified Asian Americans' chances of getting in." The problem I have with the adversity score is that it assumes that people are static recipients of social engineering schemes. Does the College Board not think that "tiger parents" won't get divorced, move to bad neighborhoods, put their children into poor schools, take a lower-paying job, and do everything necessary to game the score? If you incentivize certain criteria for acceptance, people will naturally adjust to optimize their chances. Marriage status and zip codes are just additional levers that parents will pull to give their children the best chances at going to the best schools. This is not an ethical issue. It's a priority issue. The College Board is correct in linking SAT scores to students' family background. Well, family background is more than wealth and school districts. It's the willingness of parents to do what it takes to ensure their children's success. It won't be easy, but it will be perceived as something parents owe to their children. After all, the first-generation Asian American immigrants twisted their backs in delis and slaved over hot steam in drycleaners to get their kids to become for a vast majority the first college graduates in their families. This sense of self-sacrifice is the real key to Asian American's academic success. And an enduring inheritance that won't be easy to engineer out of the college acceptance formula. Jason Lim (jasonlim@msn.com) is a Washington, D.C.-based expert on innovation, leadership and organizational culture. vinaymishra188@gmail.com Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, May 26 The bickering in the Congress has intensified after the declaration of the Lok Sabha election results as some party leaders have stepped up attack on Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir for, what they alleged, propagating the secessionist agenda in the party. Enraged over the partys debacle in the Hindu majority areas of the Jammu province, a group of leaders have written to the party high command. The Congress had contested five of the six Lok Sabha elections but failed to open its account. In the two parliamentary constituencies of the Jammu province, the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had supported the Congress candidates to avoid the division of secular votes. It is all due to the pro-secessionist approach of the top state leadership that the partys base in Hindu-dominated areas got eroded in the parliamentary elections as people are equating the Congress with the NC and the PDP, a top party leader told The Tribune on the condition of anonymity. The leader regretted that instead of pursuing a secular agenda, the party leadership had brazenly adopted a pro-separatist approach just to win a seat in Kashmir. Although the Congress had failed to open its account in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the party candidates had secured a good number of votes from the Hindu-dominated Assembly segments in the plains of the Jammu region. Sources said a group of Congress leaders convened a meeting on Sunday and passed a resolution against the JKPCC chief for failing to carry forward the secular agenda in the state. A copy of the resolution was forwarded to Congress president Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders, a source said, adding, In the next week, Jammu-based party leaders will convene another meeting by involving all potential candidates who are thinking of contesting the Assembly elections in the state. The sources said the second-line leadership, especially some Youth Congress leaders, had taken serious note of the pro-secessionist agenda being adopted by the state unit to keep the separatists and other groups in good humour. We have just started our political career but the communal and secessionist agenda being pursued by the party leadership will prove disastrous for the young leaders of the Jammu province, a Youth Congress leader said. vinaymishra188@gmail.com Tribune News Service Srinagar, May 26 Life returned to normal in most parts of the Kashmir valley on Sunday. The authorities had to, however, impose restrictions again in the Nowhatta area of old city on Sunday after fresh protests erupted in the area over the killing of militant commander Zakir Rashid Bhat, alias Zakir Musa, recently. Shops and other business establishments in most parts of the Valley reopened on Sunday and public transport operated normally. An official said the normal life also resumed in all north and central Kashmir districts. The shutdown, however, continued in south Kashmir districts for the third consecutive day, but there was no report of violence from any area on Sunday. The low-speed Internet service was also restored in many parts in Kashmir. The normal life was hit in Kashmir for two consecutive days due to curfew, restrictions and shutdowns following the killing of militant commander Zakir Musa in a gunfight in south Kashmirs Tral sub-district on Thursday. The killing of Musa, the chief of the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an affiliate of the Al-Qaeda, triggered instant protests. To maintain peace, the authorities imposed curfew and restrictions on Friday and Saturday. Business as usual vinaymishra188@gmail.com Arun Joshi Scepticism is second to our nature in Jammu and Kashmir. The first reaction to anything positive is weighed against the heavy dose of negatives that the optimism struggles to find space in the states curriculum. After the successful parliamentary elections across the state, the natural question is what next. The answer to this came from Governor Satya Pal Malik who declared on unambiguous terms that he was keen to see the end of the Presidents rule at the earliest. This is a reassuring message in terms of the democratic renaissance that many in Kashmir believe would help in rejuvenating the spirit of larger participation in the polls. The biggest challenge knocking the doors of the administration is to hold the Assembly elections after the successful conduct of the parliamentary polls that were preceded by elections to municipalities and panchayats. What should give renewed confidence to the administration is that all polls defied the doomsayers and were held peacefully, throwing to the wind the scepticism with which the whole process was sought to be obscured. Of course, it is for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to decide on the schedule of the polls for it would look beyond the administrations preparedness and keenness to hold the elections to bring curtains on the Presidents rule. Jammu and Kashmir had come under the Presidents rule on December 19 last year and that was approved by Parliament on January 3 this year, meaning thereby that the current spell of six months of the Presidents rule will end on July 3 six months are counted from the day Parliament stamps its approval of the Presidents rule. And, unless the polls are held before that, the Government will have to move Parliament again. On real-time basis, it is almost impossible to hold elections to the Assembly from now to the first deadline of the expiry of the Presidents rule given the constraints of the situation and the logistical needs. The J&K Assembly, the most powerful legislature in the country empowered by the states own constitution to frame laws, needs extraordinary preparations. The political mood that was against the holding of any kind of polls, including the municipal and panchayat, unless the Centre decided on the acceptability of Article 370 and Article 35A that grant and strengthen the states special status vis-a-vis rights and privileges, has been reversed. The parties, National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party, boycotted the elections on the issue. Now these parties are taking pride in having the municipal councillors in their groups. It is realpolitik. The circumstances through which Jammu and Kashmir has passed since the imposition of the Governors rule in June last year and subsequent Presidents rule this state comes under the Governors rule for the first six months when there is no political government during which Governor has all executive and legislative powers before the Presidents rule replaces it, have shown that things are really difficult and extraordinary. These difficulties can be characterised by the Pulwama attack that shook the whole nation and changed the whole narrative of looking at the things in the Valley as also the relations with Pakistan. Now that is behind. New path to the Assembly polls has been paved. Now, it is for the ECI to take a call on timing. vinaymishra188@gmail.com Azhar Qadri Tribune News Service Srinagar, May 26 The pro-Pakistan politicians, who peddled conspiracies against Zakir Musa for several years and also accused him of being an Indian agent, paid extensive tributes to the slain militant commander in the past three days. The tributes were offered by separatist politicians Syed Ali Geelani, Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai and also by the Hizbul Mujahideen all of whom had conspired against Musa in the past. Musa, the chief of the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, was killed at the dawn on Friday in a gunfight in south Kashmirs Tral sub-district. He was a rare militant in the region who had threatened to wage a war against India and also warned Pakistan against exploiting Kashmirs militant movement, drawing the ire of pro-Pakistan groups, which had launched a smear campaign against him. Sehrai, who replaced Geelani as the head of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat in 2017, paid tributes to Musa after his killing and said Musas sacrifice infused a high spirit in the ongoing movement. In 2017, Sehrai had accused Musa of doing India a favour. Geelani, who is the chairman of the hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference, also paid tributes to Musa and called for a shutdown on the second day of Musas killing. The separatist leader, however, was part of the combined statement on July 29, 2017, which had weaved an elaborate conspiracy around Musa and said his organisation was part of a deceitful game and a sinister design of Indian intelligence agencies. The Hizbul Mujahideen of which Musa was a part before he quit it in May 2017 following an ideological debate over the aim of the militant movement also paid him a tribute. The militant outfit, however, was the first to malign Musa and doubt his credibility by linking him with an imaginary Indian plan to defame the separatist struggle. Riyaz Naikoo, the commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen in the Kashmir valley, had openly called Musa an enemy for speaking against Pakistan. Naikoo, who appeared at a funeral of a fellow militant on July 30, 2017, turned the event into an anti-Musa rally. Smear campaign Zakir Musa was a rare militant in the region. He had threatened to wage a war against India and also warned Pakistan against exploiting Kashmirs militant movement, drawing the ire of pro-Pakistan groups, which had launched a smear campaign against him pardeepdhull@gmail.com New York, May 27 Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor has urged the government to focus on employment, education and health provisions for citizens. Rishi, who is currently undergoing medical treatment in New York, reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers Smriti Irani and Arun Jaitley, in a series of tweets to share his concerns after their party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a victory in the Lok Sabha elections. My sincerest wish, desire and request to the re-elected BJP, Arun Jaitley, Smriti Irani and the honourable PM Narendra Modiji... Please work upon getting India free education, medical, pension... Its difficult but if you start working on today, we will achieve it one day, Rishi wrote. After seeing the graduations happening here and hearing about specialised treatments in hospitals, why can only the few avail/afford these. After all, most doctors and teachers here in the US are Indians, he added. The 66-year-old actor said focus on these aspects could give us the India we Indians want to see. Literacy will give the educated youth decent jobs and the sick a full life. A true Democracya chance, he said, adding: Please excuse me if I have over stepped but being a citizen I feel my duty to voice it.IANS editorial@tribune.com Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 26 Special Task Force of Ludhiana today claimed to have nabbed a gurdwara pathi (priest) and his accomplice with 3.5 kg of heroin worth several crores. The contraband was recovered from the border fence at Gatti Hyatt BSF post in Ferozepur. Balkar Singh Sidhu, STF IG, Bathinda Zone, conducted a press conference on the matter. Sidhu said STF Ludhiana in-charge Harbans Singh had received secret information that Butta Singh (41) and Harchand Singh, alias Baba, of Dholan village, Tarn Taran, both notorious smugglers, had concealed a huge quantity of heroin near the border fencing which was sent to them by the Pakistan-based smugglers. Butta had earlier been caught with 49 kg of heroin on several occasions. The STF team laid a trap and nabbed the smuggler duo, and recovered 1 kg of heroin from their possession. Their interrogation led to the recovery of 2.5-kg heroin on the border fencing. Butta said he was lodged in the Amritsar jail in a drug-recovery case about two months ago. He came out of the jail on bail. He is already facing 10 cases of drug smuggling and one case of RDX recovery. Harbans said Butta had been into the notorious trade for the past 15 years. Harchand Singh admitted that he was a gurdwara priest at Dholan village and he was not facing any case of drug smuggling. Butta a hardcore smuggler The STF chief said Butta had been into the notorious trade for a long time. Earlier, the police had arrested him with 49 kg of heroin. In 2007, 6 kg of heroin was recovered from him by the Sidhwan Bet police and 10 kg by the Tarn Taran police. In 2009, 4 kg of heroin was recovered from him by the Amritsar police. In 2014, Butta was nabbed by the Tarn Taran police with 16 kg of heroin and the same year, the Tarn Taran police nabbed him with 13 kg of heroin. In 2017, he was nabbed by the Tarn Taran police with 50 gram of heroin. In 2018, he was nabbed with 275 gram of heroin by the Valtoha police in Tarn Taran. He was also arrested with RDX by the Roopnagar police in 2007. Whatsapp connection with Lahore smuggler The STF in-charge, Harbans Singh, said smugglers were in touch with a Lahore-based smuggler, Mirza, who had thrown the heroin into the Indian side on Ferozepur border. He informed the smugglers on the Indian side through Whatsapp about the contraband. The smuggler has installed Whatsapp on some foreign-based number through some software. Our further probe may bust the entire drug supply network operating from Pakistan, said Harbans. gspannu7@gmail.com Lucknow, May 27 Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of a close aide of newly-elected Amethi MP Smriti Irani, police said on Monday. We have arrested three suspects in the Amethi murder case, while two suspects are still absconding, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) OP Singh told reporters here. As many as seven persons were taken into custody and they were interrogated. Among those, there were three who were linked with the incident, Singh said. As of now, two accused persons are still absconding and we are tracking them, the DGP said. Surendra Singh, 50), a former head of Baraulia village, around 25 km from the Amethi district headquarters, was shot at around 11.30 pm on Saturday. Singh was referred to a Lucknow hospital, but succumbed during treatment. PTI ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM New Delhi, May 26 Nearly half of the newly-elected Lok Sabha members have criminal charges against them, a 26% increase as compared to 2014, according to the Association of Democratic Reforms. Of the 539 winning candidates analysed by the ADR, as many as 233 MPs or 43% have criminal charges. The BJP has 116 MPs or 39% of its winning candidates with criminal cases, followed by 29 MPs (57%) from the Congress, 13 (81%) from the JDU, 10 (43%) from the DMK and nine (41%) from the TMC, the ADR said. In 2014, 185 Lok Sabha members (34 per cent) had criminal charges and 112 MPs had serious criminal cases against them. In 2009, 162 (nearly 30 per cent) out of the 543 Lok Sabha MPs had criminal charges and 14 per cent had serious criminal charges, it said. In the new Lok Sabha, nearly 29 per cent of the cases are related to rape, murder, attempt to murder or crime against women, the non-governmental organisation said. There is an increase of 109 per cent (in 2019) in the number of MPs with declared serious criminal cases since 2009, it said. Eleven winners five from the BJP, two from the BSP, one each from the Congress, NCP and the YSR Congress Party, and an Independent have murder charges against them, the ADR said. Pragya Singh Thakur, the newly-elected BJP MP from Bhopal, faces terror charges in connection with the 2008 Malegaon blasts. The BJP has faced a lot of criticism for fielding her. Moreover, 29 winners have declared cases related to hate speech, it said. Dean Kuriakose from the Congress, who won from the Idukki constituency in Kerala, has 204 criminal cases against him, including culpable homicide, house trespass, robbery and criminal intimidation, it added. PTI FIGURE IT OUT monicakchauhan@gmail.com Ahmedabad, May 27 After leading the BJP to a massive victory in the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his nonagenarian mother Heeraben on Sunday and sought her blessings. She lives with the PM's younger brother Pankaj in 'Vrindavan Bungalows' in Raysan village near Gandhinagar. Ahead of his swearing-in on May 30 as prime minister for his second term, Modi arrived here and attended a felicitation event at the JP Chowk in the Khanpur area in the evening. Modi spent about 20 minutes with his mother, touching her feet and seeking blessings. He is scheduled to stay at the Raj Bhavan for the night. He will leave for his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on Monday morning. PTI uttara@tribuneindia.com New Delhi, May 27 Tribune News Service New Delhi, May 27 Leaders from at least seven countries are among foreign dignitaries who will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his second term. Leaders of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Scientific Cooperation (BIMSTEC) will attend the ceremony, as well the heads of government of Kyrgyzstan and Mauritius. Making the announcement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it would announce any additions to the list later. BIMSTEC has Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand besides India. Modi had invited leaders of all SAARC countries for his first swearing-in ceremony as prime minister. The souring of ties with Pakistan has led the government to avoid the SAARC umbrella in order to ensure Islamabad is excluded. Afghanistan has suffered collateral damage from this strategy though the MEA has said the invitee list is still open. Earlier, it was being speculated that either leaders from West Asia or the five permanent (P-5) members of the UN Security Council (the US, the UK, France, Russia and China) could attend the swearing-in ceremony. The increase of tensions between the Sunni Arab countries and Iran has precluded the possibility of them attending the ceremony. Among the P-5 countries, the UK has no PM, US President Donald Trump is in Japan and the Presidents of Russia and China may meet PM Modi at the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan to be held after a fortnight. Kyrgyzstan has been invited as current chair of SCO which also includes Russia and China. The other non-BIMSTEC invitee Mauritius is a key link in the plan to set up a chain of military installations in the Indian Ocean. It already has a US base in Diego Garcia which may be extended to the Maldives, reported to be the destination for Prime Minister Modis first overseas visit after taking oath for the second time on May 30. A Huawei smartphone is seen in a Huawei store in Shanghai on May 22. AFP The U.S.'s decision to ban Huawei Technologies and pressure its allies to follow suit is sending a ripple effect through the South Korean tech industry that has contracts and connections with the Chinese telecom equipment and smartphone maker, analysts said Monday. President Donald Trump's administration last week placed Huawei on an export blacklist amid flaring trade tension between the world's two largest economies, leaving South Korean tech companies tiptoeing around businesses with the Chinese tech giant. It is unclear how the ban will affect the deeply intricate technology supply chain in the long term, with LG Uplus Corp.'s push to expand its 5G network with Huawei's equipment being probably the first target of the move. The nation's No. 3 carrier has faced growing pressure to stop using Huawei's equipment over security concerns because it has been using the equipment to build its 5G network after using it to build its 4G infrastructure. Washington has repeatedly made implicit calls for its allies to stop using Huawei supplies, warning it won't be able to partner with the countries should they use its products. Seoul's foreign ministry recently said the U.S. has stressed to it the importance of security for 5G networks, apparently targeting Huawei. Market watchers say the blacklisting of Huawei will have a limited impact on LG Uplus' 5G push in the short term, but expects a prolonged dispute would force the company to shift its strategy. LG Uplus has signed contracts with multiple vendors, with Huawei being by far its biggest supplier of its 5G network, mainly in the Seoul metropolitan area. The firm plans to establish 80,000 5G base stations by the end of this year, with a goal of completing a nationwide network by 2022. "LG Uplus is expected to increase the use of 5G equipment by Samsung, Nokia and Ericsson starting in the third quarter," Kim Hong-sik, an analyst at Hana Financial Investment, said. "If LG Uplus uses equipment by other companies, which are more expensive than Huawei's, it would increase capital expenditures and cut its profitability." Reflecting investors' concerns, shares of LG Uplus dipped 8.4 percent to 14,100 won (US$11.90) last week, marking this year's lowest. monicakchauhan@gmail.com Kolkata, May 27 A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker was shot dead in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district and two individuals have been detained, police said on Monday. Chandan Shaw, 30, a resident of Kakinara, was shot dead on Sunday night. "Two individuals have been held for inquiry and the case is at a very early stage," a senior officer of Barrackpore Police Commissionerate said. He said Shaw was a BJP member but preliminary investigation revealed no political or communal connection in the murder. According to informed sources, bike-borne miscreants opened fire and hurled bombs targeting Shaw and he died on the spot. "Primary investigation suggests that he was attacked due to some personal reason," the officer said. Kankinara has been witnessing election-related violence for long. Train services were disrupted, houses and shops set ablaze as workers of the BJP and Trinamool Congress clashed with each other. IANS ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM KV Prasad Tribune News Service New Delhi, May 26 Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui is set to return home tomorrow, after playing a significant role in negotiations during the critical phase of relations between the two neighbours over the past three years. Even as he returns home as the Vice Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Luos engagement with India would continue as he would be incharge of Asia. Ambassador Luo was among the key interlocutors during the Doklam standoff and among those who consistently maintained that China would take an appropriate view on Masood Azhar issue. The informal Wuhan Summit last year between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi is seen by Beijing as yet another milestone in Sino-Indian relations reset by the historic 1988 visit of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to China and his meeting with President Deng Xiaoping. The Gandhi-Deng meeting in China paved the way for both countries to separate the boundary issue and move forward on trade and economic engagement that has acquired a momentum of its own, although the balance of trade remains heavily in favour of Beijing. Three decades later, the Wuhan Summit allowed both leaders to articulate their vision for improved relations and expand areas of cooperation. Since then, India and China held a high-level meeting to promote people-to-people exchanges between two countries. The challenge, according to the Ambassador, remains to translate the vision of the leaders into action that percolates to the grassroots. Ambassador Luos return to Beijing is well in time as preparations for the second informal summit between the two leaders is underway. India is scheduled to host it sometime during autumn this year amid two outstanding issues on either side Indias entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and Beijings concern over New Delhi staying away from the second Belt and Road Forum, a signature initiative of President Xi. Next year, we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. The development of bilateral relationship will face rare historical opportunities. We need to transmit the consensus of the two leaders achieved during the Wuhan Summit to the grassroots level and translate it into action. We need to transcend crisis-management diplomacy, pro-actively shape relations and break the cycle of ups and downs in bilateral relations. We need to explore free-trade agreements, initiate consultations on early harvests of the boundary issue, and achieve synergy on BRI, Ambassador Luo said recently in the Embassy periodical. Played key role during Doklam ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM By Satya Prakash At the end of a vicious and divisive election campaign spread over several months, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance has emerged victorious by winning 353 of the 542 Lok Sabha seats for which polls were held. Some political observers are worried over the brute majority with which the Narendra Modi government has returned to power while others have dismissed the apprehensions as completely baseless and unfounded. But more than anything else, the 2019 poll has established the inviolability of the Constitution as the basic norm of Indian polity. Peaceful transfer of power after 17 consecutive General Elections since 1952 makes India a truly democratic nation that stands out as the worlds largest democracy where the roots of democracy are deepening with the conclusion of each election. The powerful image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi bowing before the Constitution during the NDA parliamentary party meeting on Saturday evening only strengthens the peoples faith in the sacred document drafted by our founding fathers almost seven decades ago to guide a newly independent nation. His statement that Those voting against us are also part of us underlines the fact that he was speaking like the Prime Minister of India and not like a BJP leader during poll campaign. The humility with which Congress president Rahul Gandhi accepted his partys defeat and congratulated Modi sends out an equally strong positive message about unquestionable acceptance of democratic traditions that go much beyond political rivalry displayed during campaigning. Most of the other political leaders also accepted the outcome of the electoral exercise a sign of their innate faith in the political process and respect for the peoples mandate. When India became independent in 1947 and chose the path of a constitutional democracy, many western scholars were sceptical about the success of democracy in a nation as diverse as India. Giving universal franchise to a largely illiterate population was a huge decision as many of the western countries, including Switzerland and Portugal, conferred right to vote on women only in the 1970s. As many newly independent countries of Asia and Africa witnessed military coups and dictatorships, they kept speculating about the survival of democracy in India. When Emergency was imposed in India by the Indira Gandhi government for 18 months between June 1975 and March 1977, many thought the sceptics were right, particularly after the Supreme Courts verdict in the ADM Jabalpur case that said citizens fundamental rights, including right to life and right against self-incrimination, can be suspended during Emergency. But in the last four decades, Indian institutions be it the Supreme Court, the Election Commission, the Comptroller and Auditor General or the Fourth Estate have come of age by complementing each other in moments of crises. This is not to suggest that there is no scope for improvement in their functioning. But its largely because of their constant vigil and diligent discharge of duties that India stands out in complete contrast to the countries in its neighbourhood where democracy remains a far cry. Democracy functions through institutions which keep checks on each other and, in the process, achieve the balance required to keep the system running and maintain peoples faith in it. For example, the Supreme Courts intervention was enough to activate an inert Election Commission to deal with instances of violation of Model Code of Conduct during the recently concluded polls. Similarly, when the political class failed to effect the changes needed in the electoral process to purge it of criminal elements, the top court introduced a series of electoral reforms, including immediate disqualification of lawmakers on conviction and NOTA, to enhance the credibility of the electoral system. The Election Commission too has started invoking its extraordinary powers under Article 324 of the Constitution wherever the Representation of People Act fails to support its action needed to deal with a situation. Conducting free and fair elections in a country with 90 crore voters and 10 lakh polling booths is not a joke. The task becomes all the more difficult when hundreds of complaints of poll code violations keep pouring in on a daily basis. The poll panel has performed the task with utmost accuracy. Even the apprehensions about EVMs proved to be completely wrong as EVM results perfectly matched with VVPAT slips in 100 per cent cases. The electoral process is also about mainstreaming of political parties and leaders as they keep reposing their faith in the Constitution to gain acceptance among voters who have become much more mature over the decades. With just 45.7 per cent voter turnout in 1952 to 67.4 per cent this year, the Indian electorate has come a long way in terms of their participation in the dance of democracy by proving pollsters wrong on many occasions. In the ultimate analysis, its about the triumph of democracy in India. INDIA AHEAD OF WEST Giving universal franchise to a largely illiterate population was a huge decision as many western countries, including Switzerland and Portugal, conferred right to vote on women only in the 1970s. . vermaajay1968@gmail.com Tribune News Service Solan, May 26 The district administrations move to close the Parwanoo-Dharampur stretch of National Highway-5 without any prior information inconvenienced commuters through the day today. The move to suspend traffic had become imminent as boulders sitting precariously along the hill slope posed a serious threat to commuters. The administration, however, should have publicised about the exercise at least two days in advance, sources said. The suspension of traffic was announced from 9 pm to 4 am, but the work stretched on till 10 am today. This led to a huge traffic influx on all alternative roads, including the Bhojnagar-Chakki-ka-Mor and Parwanoo-Jangeshu-Garkhal stretches. With scant police staff posted to regulate the vehicular movement on these narrow roads, traffic moved at a snails pace. Rakesh Kumar, travelling from Chandigarh to Shimla, said the very charm of going to a hill station had been defeated due to the traffic jam that lasted for hours. The excavation work was overseen by the ADM and the SDM till 4 am. The traffic movement turned chaotic after 9 am. Though efforts were made by officials to disseminate information about the highway closure through social media last evening, the message could not reach far and wide. It being a weekend, commuters continued to face traffic snarls throughout the day. ADM Vivek Chandel, however, maintained that adequate policemen were deputed to regulate traffic. Despite all efforts, the traffic management turned chaotic after 9 am, he said. With the new railway overbridge opened for traffic and the excavation work over, the situation was sure to improve, he said. Meanwhile, several aspirants of HPAS examination travelling to Solan had a harrowing time. gspannu7@gmail.com Vijay Mohan Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 27 The Indian Air Force on Monday flew a Mi-17 medium lift helicopter with an all-woman aircrew for the first time, making another milestone in the journey of women personnel in the armed forces. Flight Lieutenant Parul Bhardwaj was the helicopters captain while Flying Officer Aman Nidhi was the co-pilot and Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal was the flight engineer. They have become the countrys first all-woman crew to fly a medium lift helicopter. They flew a Mi-17 V5 helicopter for a battle inoculation training mission, taking off and landing from restricted areas at a forward air base under the operational jurisdiction of the IAFs South Western Air Command. Flt Lt Parul Bhardwaj hails from Mukerian in Punjab and is incidentally also the first woman pilot to fly the Mi-17 V5. Fg Offr Aman Nidhi hails from Ranchi and is also the first woman IAF pilot from Jharkhand. Flt Lt Hina Jaiswal hails from Chandigarh and is the first woman flight engineer of the Indian Air Force. The Russian-origin Mi-17 is a utility helicopter that can ferry up to 24 troops or 4,000 kg load. It can also be armed with rockets and machines guns for providing close air support to ground troops. This helicopter was also used to strafe enemy positions at high-altitude during the 1999 Kargil conflict. The IAF has several Mi-17 units located across the country, making up the backbone of the vertical lift component. The pilots had undergone their basic flying training at the Helicopter Training School at Air Force Station, Hakimpet, followed by advanced training at Air Force Station Yelahanka. The helicopter was certified as airworthy by Squadron Leader Richa Adhikari, the unit engineering officer. While women pilots in the IAF have been flying light aircraft like the Cheetah and Chetak for the past many years, women pilots on the larger Mi-17 is a relatively new development. ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Thiruvananthapuram, May 26 The Navy, Coast Guard and Coastal Police are maintaining a high level of surveillance off Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts following intelligence reports that a boat carrying 15 Islamic State terrorists had set off from Sri Lanka for the Lakshadweep islands. The Navy and Coast Guard are maintaining vigil. Ships and aircraft have been engaged to ensure high level of coastal surveillance, Naval sources said on Sunday. The Coastal Police are also continuing their vigil. Kerala Police sources had on Saturday said coastal police stations and coastal district police chiefs have been alerted. Though such alerts are a usual practice, coastal police stations and police chiefs of coastal districts as there is specific information have been asked to be alert in case suspicious vessels are sighted. The Coastal Police Department said it has been on alert since May 23, the day the alert came from Sri Lanka. After the serial bombings in Sri Lanka, Kerala has been on alert, especially after NIA investigations revealed that IS operatives had planned attacks in the state. Intelligence agencies believe that a considerable number of Keralities are still with the ISIS, which was recently wiped out from Iraq and Syria. Sri Lanka witnessed a deadly terror attack on April 21 when eight blasts rocked the island nation, claiming over 250 lives. PTI Lanka vessels on watch vermaajay1968@gmail.com Tribune News Service Lucknow, May 26 In the first incident of post-poll violence in Uttar Pradesh, Amethi MP-elect Smriti Iranis confidant Surendra Singh, 50, a former head of Baraulia village, was shot dead by unidentified persons late Saturday night. Irani, who rushed to Amethi this morning, was one of the pall-bearers at the cremation. She had publicly praised Surendra Singh on several occasions during campaigning for his support. OP Singh, the state DGP, said seven persons had been detained. Our teams are investigating all angles, including personal enmity and political rivalry. I am confident we will crack the case within 12 hours, he said. A former village pradhan, Surendra Singh had campaigned extensively for Irani and organised Vijay Yatra (victory procession) after her historic win against Congress chief Rahul Gandhi with a margin of 55,120 votes. He was attacked while at home. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the DGP to take quick action. Lucknow IG Praveen Kumar has been sent to Amethi to monitor the investigation. Abhay Singh, the son of the deceased, said: I think some pro-Congress anti-social elements did not like us celebrating BJPs win. Baraulia was in the news after Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused Irani of distributing shoes to residents to insult Rahul Gandhi. pardeepdhull@gmail.com Shiv Kumar Tribune News Service Mumbai, May 27 With Maharashtra facing its worst ever drought in more than 40 years, the state government is looking at various conservation methods, including installation of floating solar panels on reservoirs which help reduce evaporation. It has been proved that installation of floating solar panels help reduce evaporation of water, even as the lower temperature helps improve power generation, an official from the Maharashtra State Electricity Development Corporation Ltd (MSEDCL) said. Floating solar panels have been installed in Kerala, while fixed panels have come up above the canals carrying the waters from the Narmada in Gujarat. In Maharashtra itself, a 1000 MW floating solar power plant is in the process of being constructed on the Ujani dam in Solapur. Proposals to install floating solar panels on other water bodies like the Irai dam were shelved due to the high cost involved, according to officials. Among other things, the floats carrying the solar panels need to be imported which inflates the cost of the project. However, with parts of Maharashtra facing drought, officials are focusing on the conservation benefits of the floating solar panels as well, according to sources. Floating solar power plants, officials say, would have helped reduce evaporation in the 749 minor irrigation projects in Maharashtras drought-prone Marathwada district. This year more than 350 of the reservoirs have gone completely dry, says an official from the state irrigation department. Estimates prepared by the Maharashtra government indicate that as much 46 TMC or 17 per cent of the live storage capacity in Marathwadas dams are lost to evaporation every year. Evaporation can be reduced by as much as 70 per cent by installation of solar power plants, says an official. Maharashtras power ministry estmates that the potential for solar power in the state was around 7,200 MW. However, the state government first considered opting for floating solar plants due to the hassles involved in acquiring land for big projects. uttara@tribuneindia.com Begusarai (Bihar), May 27 In a suspected case of hate crime, an inebriated man here asked a street vendor his name and then shot him in the back on learning that he is a Muslim, police said on Monday. The suspect, Rajiv Yadav, also asked the man, Mohammed Qasim, to go to Pakistan, they said. On the compliant of Qasim, a case has been registered against Yadav, who is absconding, Station House Officer Neeraj Kumar Singh said. "The incident took place at Kumbhi village in Cheria Bariyarpur police station area of the district on Sunday. An FIR has been registered and search is on for Rajiv Yadav. We are making efforts to bring the accused to book at the earliest," he said. A video of Qasim, who sells detergents to make a living, expressing his ordeal while undergoing treatment at a hospital, has gone viral on social media. The clip shows Qasim alleging that the man fired at him in an inebriated state after asking him his name. "I was on my daily round when the attacker stopped me and asked me my name. When I replied, he exclaimed - you are a Muslim. What are you doing here? You should go to Pakistan. "He, thereafter, whipped out a pistol and opened fire. The bullet hit me in my back. His firearm had just one bullet. As he proceeded to load more ammunition, I shoved him away and ran for my life," Qasim, who is in his 30s, alleged, adding that bystanders did not come to his rescue. CPI leader Kanhaiya Kumar, who had contested from Begusarai in the Lok Sabha elections but lost by a huge margin to BJP's Giriraj Singh, said leaders who spread hate for political gains were to be blamed for the incident. "For such incidents, leaders and their cronies who spread hate for their political gains are responsible. We will not rest until the guilty are punished," he tweeted. PTI monicakchauhan@gmail.com Varanasi, May 27 Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited his parliamentary constituency and offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple on Monday, four days after he steered the BJP to power in New Delhi with a resounding victory of 303 seats in the Lok Sabha. He was received at the airport by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Ram Naik. Flanked by BJP president Amit Shah and Adityanath, Modi entered the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and paid obeisance to the deity as priests recited Sanskrit shlokas in the sanctum sanctorum and blew conch shells. The thanksgiving visit to this temple town is his first since he won the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat with a huge margin of 4.79 lakh votes, nearly 1 lakh votes more since 2014. The visit is aimed at thanking people for again reposing their faith in him and offering prayers at the famous temple. After landing at the Lal Bahadur Shastri International airport, he flew by helicopter to the police lines from where he travelled by road to Bansphatak near the temple. It was a roadshow of sorts as his cavalcade traversed through the bylanes of the city amid high security with crowds lining the roads and people on rooftops hoping to catch a glimpse of the man who will be sworn as Prime Minister for a second term this week. Many people threw rose petals and flowers at the cavalcade. Adding to the carnival atmosphere were some artists who put up impromptu performances. He is also scheduled to address a gathering of BJP workers in the city, party sources said. On Saturday, Modi tweeted, Will be going to Gujarat tomorrow evening to seek blessings of my mother. Day after tomorrow, I will be in Kashi to thank people of this great land for reposing their faith in me. In a video message ahead of the May 19 polling, Modi called himself a Kashivasi and termed the city his guiding spirit. He said it was a matter of great satisfaction for him that he was in service of the city whose presiding deity is Lord Shiva. In the first back-to-back majority for a single party in over three decades, the Modi-led BJP won 303 out of 542 Lok Sabha seats that went to polls, handing out a crushing defeat to the Congress and many other political opponents. PTI Samsung Singapore is carrying out a trade-in program, putting an additional value of 200 Singapore dollars on Huawei smartphones swapped for its Galaxy S10s. / Captured from Samsung Singapore website By Jun Ji-hye Samsung Electronics is moving to take smartphone users away from Huawei as the Chinese tech giant struggles amid U.S. restrictions aimed at it. Samsung Singapore has been hosting a special event this month, offering potentially massive discounts of up to 755 Singapore dollars ($550) to customers who trade in their Huawei smartphones for Galaxy S10s. In its program, Samsung offers an additional trade-in value of 200 Singapore dollars on Huawei smartphones. The firm's program covers the Huawei P20 Pro, Mate 20 Pro and Nova 3i models. Intentional or not, the special offer coincides with President Donald Trump's administration implementing sanctions on Huawei amid the escalating U.S.-China trade war, which has raised uncertainty among Huawei users. gspannu7@gmail.com Chennai, May 27 The top stars of Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, have been invited for the May 30 swearing-in of Narendra Modi as prime minister for a second term, sources close to the stars said. While Haasan, whose fledgling political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) had made its electoral debut this Lok Sabha polls, Rajinikanth is yet to formalise his December 2017 announcement on taking the political plunge. Sources close to both actors acknowledged the two being invited to Modis swearing-in scheduled on Thursday, but did not divulge if the veterans would participate. Incidentally, Haasan has been opposed to the BJP, even expressing joy that the saffron party, which swept the Lok Sabha seats in rest of the country, did not win a single seat in Tamil Nadu, saying the state did not toe the national line. His remarks that free Indias first extremist was a Hindu, referring to Nathuram Godse who had gunned down Mahatma Gandhi, had drawn a strong reaction from the state BJP, which even moved the Election Commission, seeking action against him. Rajinikanth, whom Modi had met in the past during his visit to the city, had in December 2017 announced that he will indeed take the political plunge, by floating a party that would contest from all the 234 assembly seats in the state in the next assembly elections. The next assembly polls are due in 2021. Incidentally, commenting on the opposition uniting against Modi last year, the superstar had said the prime minister was stronger than 10 persons aligning against him. When 10 persons go against one person, who is stronger? Those 10, or the persons they are aligning against. If 10 persons declare a war against one man, who is stronger, he had said then on the possibility of a mega opposition alliance against Modi. However, the veteran star had earlier questioned the flawed implementation of the Modi governments demonetisation exercise in November 2016. Modi will be administered oath of office for his second term along with his new council of ministers on May 30 by President Ram Nath Kovind. He is the first BJP leader who has been elected for the second time after completion of his five-year tenure, a feat so far achieved only by two Congress leadersJawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. PTI pardeepdhull@gmail.com Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service New Delhi, May 27 Amid unease among top Congress leaders about Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi taking on the leaders for not doing enough during the Lok Sabha poll campaign and for furthering family interests over partys, the Congress on Monday issued a statement urging the media to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting and wait for the corrective future course of action. The Congress Working Committee is the highest decision-making body of the Indian National Congress. It is a democratic forum to exchange ideas, formulate policies and take corrective action. In this realm and context, members of the CWC expressed their views in the meeting dated May 25, 2019, Congress media Chief Randeep Surjewala said. He said the CWC looked at the reverses in the Lok Sabha elections as an opportunity for radical changes and a complete organisational overhaul, for which it authorised Congress president Rahul Gandhi. The Congress Party expects everyone, including the media, to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculations, insinuations, assumptions, gossip and rumour mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted, Surjewala noted not denying any news in particular. He said the CWC held a collective deliberation on the performance of the party, the challenges before it, as also the way ahead, instead of casting aspersions on the role or conduct of any specific individual. The gist of the deliberations was made public in the CWC resolution of May 25, 2019. We would request everyone, including the media, to not fall into the trap of conjectures or speculations and await the calibrated efforts by the Congress party towards future course of action, Surjewala said, after reports that Rahul Gandhi named veterans Ashok Gehlot, Kamal Nath and P Chidambaram for putting sons before the party and Priyanka Vadra also giving a piece of her mind to seniors accusing them of not standing by her brother during the canvassing. Rahul is said to have taunted Chidambaram and Nath who allegedly threatened to leave the party should their sons not get tickets. Gandhi took swipes at Gehlot for spending a week on his sons campaign neglecting the rest of the state. Veterans are learnt to have been hurt by these outrpourings which even became public. Its hurtful. After all Ashok Gehlot and Kamal Nath just led two states to victory. Lets see, said a party veteran. Randeep Surjewalas statement today is seen as an attempt to douse some fires within the Congress over the Gandhi siblings losing their cool. Meanwhile, there was no discussion at the CWC on Amethi which Rahul lost or on the many seats where Priyanka campaigned but party drew a blank. Kamal Naths son Nakul was the only Congress MP who won in Madhya Pradesh, while Chidambarams son Karti won Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu. rchopra@tribunemail.com New Delhi, May 27 The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant protection from arrest to newly elected BSP MP from Ghosi Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh, Atul Rai, accused of raping a college student from Varanasi. A vacation bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Aniruddha Bose said it was not inclined to entertain a petition to grant relief from arrest to Rai. An FIR was registered against him on May 1 on a complaint by a college student, alleging that he took her to his home on the pretext of introducing her to his wife but sexually assaulted her. Rais lawyer has said there was no provision for anticipatory bail in Uttar Pradesh, and since the high court on May 8 had dismissed Rais petition seeking protection, he feared his client could be arrested in the case. PTI vermaajay1968@gmail.com New Delhi/Islamabad, May 26 In their first telephonic conversation after the Balakot airstrikes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan on Sunday that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism was essential for fostering peace and prosperity in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was Imran Khan who called up Modi to congratulate him on his re-election. The Prime Minister thanked the Prime Minister of Pakistan for his telephone call and greetings, it said. Recalling his initiatives in line with his governments neighbourhood first policy, Modi referred to his earlier suggestion to Khan to fight poverty jointly, the MEA said. The telephonic conversation came amid strained bilateral ties for nearly three months following the Pulwama terror attack and Indias subsequent aerial strikes on a terror training camp in Pakistans Balakot. Khan had also congratulated Modi on Twitter last week after the BJPs massive victory in the Lok Sabha election. Reiterating his vision for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia, Khan said he looked forward to working with Modi to advance these objectives, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said on Twitter. Modi and Khan are scheduled to meet at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan next month. Meanwhile, as the flurry of congratulatory messages from foreign dignitaries subsided, the neighbourhood found salience, with the Maldives media reporting that Male could be Modis first overseas visit while Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has announced he would be present at Modis swearing-in. Till a while back, both Maldives and Lanka were deemed to have slipped into the Chinese zone of influence till elections brought back governments that have stressed the renewal of ties with India. Traditionally, a new Indian PM always selects a neighbouring country as his first overseas destination. TNS/PTI Modi, ministers to be sworn in at 7 pm on May 30 New Delhi: After a historic victory, Narendra Modi will be sworn in as countrys Prime Minister for the second term on May 30. President Ram Nath Kovind will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the PM and other members of Union Council of Ministers at 7 pm on Thursday at Rashtrapati Bhavan. For his first tenure, Modi had taken the oath on May 26, 2014, at an impressive, well-attended ceremony on the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. TNS ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Tribune News Service New Delhi, May 26 There is unease in top Congress circles after some hard talk by Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister and party general gecretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Saturday which was called to introspect the partys poor performance in the elections. CWC sources said the Gandhi siblings were upset with the larger leadership, with Priyanka saying her brother was a lone ranger during the campaign and no one quite stood by him. She asked those pledging support to Rahul and asking him to continue leading the party, where were you when he was campaigning alone. Advised by former MP Jyotiraditya Scindia to empower state leaders to revive the party, Rahul is learnt to have done some plain speaking. Here are our state leaders and what did they do? Mr P Chidambaram threatened to resign, should his son not be given the ticket; Mr Kamal Nath said how could he be CM if his son did not get the ticket; Mr Ashok Gehlot spent a week campaigning for his son, who did not win. Nor did the party win a single seat in Rajasthan, he is quoted to have said. One CWC source said Rahul rued being blackmailed within the party. It was in this backdrop that he proposed stepping aside, adding no one should suggest his sisters name as replacement. Why should a non-Gandhi not be party president, he asked. Rahul and Priyanka both appeared convinced that lack of collective focus on the Rafale campaign and Chowkidar chor hai slogan helped the BJP win. Priyanka is reported to have observed: Those responsible for the Congress defeat are present in this room. But many party leaders feel the Chowkidar chor hai campaign pulled Congress down. The sources said Priyanka wore a glum look and did not greet anyone, losing her cool at times. Former minister AK Antony at one time reportedly appealed to the gathering to ensure nothing got leaked outside. Young members Gaurav Gogoi and Deepender Hooda are learnt to have stood near Rahul, saying they would not let him quit. Some leaders in private wondered how most of Rahul and Priyanka staff members were allowed at the meeting. ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Rae Bareli (UP), May 26 UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi has said she is ready to sacrifice everything to safeguard basic values of the country. She said this while thanking the people of Rae Bareli for re-electing her. In a letter addressed to the people of Rae Bareli, the Congress leader also thanked the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, which did not field any candidate against her. I promise you that to safeguard the basic values of the country and to uphold the tradition of the ancestors of the Congress, I will not step back from sacrificing whatever I have got, she said. I know that the coming days are going to be very tough, but I am fully confident that with the power of your support and trust, the Congress will meet every challenge, she said. Referring to the people of her constituency, the UPA leader said she had always tried to look after this extended family. Like every Lok Sabha election, this time also you have reposed your faith in me. I am thankful to each and every Congress worker, and friends from the SP, BSP, Swabhiman Dal for the hardwork put in for my win, she said. My life is an open book in front of you all. You are my family. I derive strength from you and this is my real asset, she added. Gandhi won the Rae Bareli seat by defeating the BJP Dinesh Pratap Singh by over 1.67 lakh votes, according to the Election Commission website. PTI editorial@tribune.com Parvesh Sharma Tribune News Service Sangrur, May 26 A four-year-old was allegedly raped at a local private school in Dhuri town of the district on Saturday evening. A helper, Kamal Kumar, in the school has been arrested. After the news of the incident spread in the area, protests erupted in the town and the situation remained tense throughout the day on Sunday. The residents protested in front of the Dhuri city police station, seeking the accuseds custody to teach him a lesson and action against the school management. The incident took place on Saturday, when the victim along with her mother went to the school to attend a parent-teacher meeting. The victim started playing in the park of the school following which the accused took her to a nearby room and allegedly raped her and abandoned her. In the evening, when the girl complained of stomach ache, her parents took her to a hospital, where she was given some medicine and sent back. However, the victim again complained of pain in her stomach on Sunday morning after which the parents got suspicious and asked her some questions. The victim then narrated them the whole incident. The parents then took the girl to the Dhuri Civil Hospital and started a protest in front of the police station. After getting the information, Dhuri DSP Mohit Aggarwal along with other senior officers reached the police station and launched raids and arrested the accused within one and half hours. The protest, however, continued till evening and more police force had to be deputed the city from the surrounding police stations to prevent any untoward incident. Strict action must be taken against the accused and the school management. The state government must cancel the affiliation of the school and shut it down permanently, said Harpal Singh Cheema, Leader of Opposition, who along with other AAP leaders reached Dhuri and assured support to the parents of the victim. Meanwhile, Sangrur SSP Sandeep Garg said the police had registered a case against the accused under Section 376 AB of the IPC and started further investigation. We arrested the accused within one and half hours, but the locals kept demanding his custody. During the preliminary probe, it was found that the CCTVs in the school were not working. Our team will conduct a thorough probe about the role of the school management and those found guilty wont be spared, the SSP added. The protest outside the police station was on at the time of the filing of report. No law and order Chandigarh: SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Sunday alleged that the law and order was in a shambles in the state. Expressing shock over the alleged rape of a four-year-old girl, Sukhbir said this was not a one-off incident. There have been shocking incidents of rape and murder throughout the state and there is no security of life and property here, he said. tns rchopra@tribunemail.com Ravi Dhaliwal Tribune News Service Dera Baba Nanak (Gurdaspur), May 27 The 4th Technical Committee meeting on the Kartarpur corridor held between senior Indian and Pakistani officials at zero line on Monday has hit the bridge-causeway roadblock. While India suggested that an 800-metre bridge should be built on the Ravi, the Pakistani delegation, fearing flooding during the monsoon season which could erode the bridge, suggested the need to construct a causeway. During the last round of talks, the bridge-causeway dispute had surfaced and no breakthrough could be achieved. Even in todays confabulations, talks had to be suspended as both sides struck to their respective stands. A causeway refers to a roadway supported mostly by earth or stone while a bridge supports a roadway between piers. The Ravi flows between the two borders. The Indian government is responsible for constructing 300 metre of the structure falling within its jurisdiction while Pakistan will be building the remaining 500 metres. The Indian side comprised officials drawn from the Ministry of Home Affairs, National Highway Authority of India, Land Ports Authority of India, BSF and drainage department of the Punjab government. From the Pakistan side, officials of the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) were present. FWO is a military engineering organisation and is considered to be one of the major technological institutions of the Pakistan army. It is credited with construction of bridges, roads, tunnels, airfields and dams in Pakistan. The road and other infrastructure being built by Pakistan on its side of the border are being supervised by the FWO. The confabulations, which took place for nearly two hours, were held amid a tight security cover provided by BSF and Pakistani Rangers. Sources say the Pakistani side was apprehensive that excess water during the monsoons could endanger the proposed bridge and instead they wanted a causeway. Highly-placed sources claimed that if no headway is made then diplomats from both sides will step in to break the ice. Sources say the controversial issues pertaining to passport and visa requirements and the composition of the 10-member committee set up by the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to screen visitors were not discussed as they did not fall under the preview of the Technical Committee. Punjab Cabinet Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who supervised the land acquisition process for the corridor and the Integrated Check Post (ICP), today expressed optimism that the corridor would be completed by November when the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev commence. The joint meetings are acting as a catalyst in getting the project completed on time. I hope the bridge-causeway dispute will be solved soon, he maintained. monicakchauhan@gmail.com Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service New Delhi, May 27 Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar has sent his resignation from the post to party chief Rahul Gandhi taking moral responsibility for losing his own Lok Sabha seat of Gurdaspur and for the partys not so encouraging performance in Punjab. Jakhar told The Tribune, How can I continue as state chief when I failed to retain my own seat? Jakhars letter to Gandhi says he was unable to retain his segment despite the best support Congress president, AICC general secretary Priyanka Vadra and state Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. Everyone supported me fully and put in their best for me but I was unable to defend my seat. In such a scenario I cannot continue as state chief. I felt a moral responsibility to quit and sent my resignation to Rahul Gandhi, said Jakhar who is in Delhi on Monday. Asked if he had been asked for a report on Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, Jakhar said, As I said I have myself put in my papers. It remains unclear how things will pan out from here for Sidhu who has been at the receiving end of Punjab CM and other ministers for making anti party remarks in Bathinda which state leaders feel cost them across the state including in Bathinda. Jakhars resignation is part of a spate of resignations by state Congress chiefs including Jharkhand, Odisha and UP earlier. It remains to be seen how the party leadership responds to these resignations. editorial@tribune.com Ravi Dhaliwal Tribune News Service Gurdaspur, May 26 BJPs Sunny Deol swept past all four Hindu-dominated Assembly seats with ease, while rammed into a wall in the segments held by the Akali Dal, a development that has put the relationship between the two alliance partners under strain. In the seat-sharing agreement, BJP holds four seats, while five have been allocated to the SAD. Bhoa, Sujanpur, Pathankot and Dinanagar all Hindu-dominated seats are with the BJP. The SAD seats, where Jat Sikh voters hold sway, are Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur, Fatehgarh Churian, Batala and Qadian. The BJP took leads of nearly 30,000 votes each from Bhoa, Sujanpur and Pathankot, while it led by 21,000 votes from Dinanagar. Among the SAD segments, Deol lost Fatehgarh Churian by 20,800 votes and Dera Baba Nanak by 18,700. In Batala, Qadian and Gurdaspur, he managed to take slender leads of 956, 1,183 and 1,149 votes, respectively, which is a far cry from the victory margins registered by him in the areas under the control of his party. This, in effect, means that the Akalis failed to come all out in support of the actor. A top BJP functionary said they had sent this particular information to the party headquarters in New Delhi after studying the voting pattern. The alliance is definitely under strain. We depended on the Akalis to get us through in their seats but we have been ditched by them. I shudder to think what could have happened to Deol had he failed to take substantial leads in the BJP strongholds. Sunil Jakhar could have easily turned the tables on us, averred a senior BJP leader actively involved in the campaign. The BJP says that Deol rode on the Modi wave, which is an erroneous belief. Had there been a wave, the BJP would have made a clean sweep of the SAD seats too. The voters have actually given a thumbs-up to Capt Amarinder Singhs policies in these segments, said Raman Bahl, PPCC general secretary and Chairman of the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board. BJP leaders claim that it is high time for the party to reconsider the alliance. We could have done better without the help of the SAD. At least in two seats Fatehgarh Churian and Dera Baba Nanak we could have reduced Deols margin of defeat going all alone. We are taking up the alliance issue at the highest levels, said a senior BJP leader. By Baek Byung-yeul Samsung SDS is expanding its business in Southeast Asia with the firm agreeing to purchase a 25 percent stake in CMC Corporation, a leading IT service firm in Vietnam, the system integration arm of Samsung Group said Monday. Combining the Samsung affiliate's state-of-the-art technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analysis and internet of things (IoT) with the Vietnamese firm's local business network and brand awareness, the two firms will seek business opportunities in smart factories, cloud computing and cybersecurity in Vietnam. With about 3,000 employees, the Hanoi-based firm has been active in system integration, software development, cloud computing and IT infrastructure management there. "CMC Corporation is Vietnam's second largest IT firm, posting sales of around 260 billion won ($219 million) in 2018," a Samsung SDS spokesman said, adding that the firm cannot disclose the purchase price of the stake in the Vietnamese firm. Samsung SDS has been strengthening its partnership with the Vietnamese firm as the two agreed to co-develop services for smart factories and cybersecurity in June 2018. CMC Corporation said the investment would help the firm fulfill its annual sales goal of $1 billion by 2023. "CMC has agreed to forge a partnership with Samsung SDS, following AT&T, Oracle, SAP and Microsoft. I am sure that the two firms' strategic partnership will contribute a lot to advancing the digital economy globally," said Nguyen Trung Chinh, chairman and CEO of CMC Corporation. Samsung SDS CEO Hong Won-pyo said the two firms will work together in helping their customer companies digitize. "With this investment, we could secure a strategic partner who can do businesses together in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. By cooperating closely with executives of CMC Corporation, we will actively support our customer companies' digitization efforts," Hong said. amansharma@tribunemail.com Dubai, May 27 A gurdwara in Dubai has opened its doors to Muslims during Islam's fasting month of Ramadan, offering them room to pray and a free meal to break their daily fast. The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara is building on Sikhism's core principles of giving and eating together, which sees gurdwaras all over the world cook langar, for whoever wants them every day of the year. This is the best way to show to the world that we are all one. Whether you are Hindu, Muslim or Christian it doesn't matter, you are first a human being, said Bubbles Kandhari, vice chairperson of the gurdwara. In previous years the gurdwara had offered the Muslim iftar meal on just one day during Ramadan, but as 2019 has been designated the Year of Tolerance by the United Arab Emirates government, the temple is offering the meal for Muslims breaking their fast every evening. Muslim cousins Shuaib and Akil, both Indian nationals living in the UAE, brought their families to the gurdwara for iftar after seeing a video on social media. "Normally we go to our mosque every day, but it is only for our community," said Akil. "I was very interested to see where all the people come together and to show my kids." While Sikhs and other attendees ate langar on the floor on one side of the room after a worship session, Muslims broke their fast at tables on the other side after their own prayer session inside the gurdwara. Reuters rchopra@tribunemail.com Lahore, May 27 A centuries-old Guru Nanak palace was partially demolished by a group of vandals who sold its precious windows and doors in Pakistans Punjab province, a media report said on Monday. The walls of the four-storey building had pictures of Guru Nanak as well as of various Hindu rulers and princes, Dawn news reported. The Palace of Guru Nanak, said to have been built over four centuries ago, was frequented by a number of Sikhs from across the world, including India, the report said. The structure at a village in Narowal city--about 100 km from the provincial capital Lahore--had 16 rooms with each of them having at least three delicate doors and at least four ventilators, it said. The group of locals not only partially demolished the structure allegedly with the connivance of auqaf department officials but also sold its precious windows, doors and ventilators, the report said. Its construction comprised old bricks, sand, clay and limestone. The rooms were constructed with large broad walls with cupboards in them that had wooden doors with flowers carved on them. All the rooms were airy and their walls had small lamp enclosures in them. Expensive diyar wood beams of various sizes were used in the roofs, it said. Authorities are clueless about its owner. Local resident Muhammad Aslam said: This old building is called the Palace of Guru Nanak and we have named it Mahalan. A number of Sikhs from across the world, including India, used to visit this building. Once a six-member delegation, including a woman carrying a book with information about the historical building, had come from Canada. The delegation was elated upon visiting the site as if they had found a treasure, he said. The auqaf department was informed about the demolition of the building by some influential persons, but no officer or official took any action or even reached here. Three storeys of the building have already been demolished and new houses constructed. The influentials have demolished the building with the connivance of the auqaf department and sold its costly windows, doors, ventilators and wood, another local Muhammad Ashraf said. In a bid to determine its legal status, locate its owners or find out which government agency maintained its record, Dawn news reached out to various authorities from the deputy commissioner, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) to the family that lived in the building but to no avail. Narowal Deputy Commissioner Waheed Asghar, in charge of the record of all properties in the region, said: There is no mention of this building in the revenue record. As it seemed to be historical, we are checking the municipal committees record. ETPB Sialkot zone Rent Collector Rana Waheed said: Our team is investigating the Guru Nanak Mahal Bathanwala. If this palace was the property of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, legal action would be taken against those responsible. Locals requested Prime Minister Imran Khan to take action against those responsible. PTI amansharma@tribunemail.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 27 After a brief hiatus into which he was forced by the Election Commission order shifting him out, IG Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh is back to take forward the SIT probe into the sacrilege cases and unprovoked incidents of police firing that had rocked Punjab under the SAD-BJP regime. Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, who also heads the Home Department, had, during his election campaign, categorically announced that IG Kunwar Pratap would be back to complete and take the SIT investigations to their logical conclusion the day after the election code of conduct is lifted. It may be noted that the code of conduct formally ended on Sunday evening. In the orders issued today on behalf of the Governor of Punjab, Home Secretary NS Kalsi said Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh is transferred and posted as IGP, OCCU (Organised Crime Control Unit), with Additional Charge of IGP, Counter Intelligence, Amritsar. The IG had been posted to Counter Intelligence after he was shifted out of OCCU on EC orders for alleged violation of the model of code conduct, a charge which even the Chief Minister had stated as incorrect. He was also the victim of abusive threats from SAD leader Bikram Majithia during the course of election campaigning, resulting in a case of intimidation and defamation being filed by the Punjab government. Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh was an active part of the SIT investigations into the Bargari and other sacrilege incidents, and the subsequent Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura firing, when he was shunted out by EC orders. Capt Amarinder had alleged the orders were issued at the behest of the ruling BJP an ally of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), whose top leaders, including the Badals, have figured in the investigations so far. The Ranjit Singh Commission, set up by the Capt Amarinder government to probe the cases, had suggested further investigation into the role of the Badals, which the SIT was further probing. Capt Amarinder has repeatedly maintained that the firing on peaceful protestErs could not have been possible without the knowledge of then chief minister Prakash Singh Badal and then Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal, who also held the Home portfolio. The Chief Minister has promised stringent action, as per the law, against those found culpable by the SIT. editorial@tribune.com Balwant Garg Tribune News Service Faridkot, May 26 The Board of Governors in supersession of the Medical Council of India (MCI) has denied permission to Chintpurni Medical College (CMC), Pathankot, to conduct admissions on 150 MBBS seats for the academic year 2019-20. On March 31, 2017, the Ministry of Health had debarred the college from conducting admissions for 2017-18 and 2018-19 and asked the MCI to encash the bank guarantee of Rs 9.5 crore furnished by the college. The college is owned by a senior BJP leader. In its order dated May 20, 2019, the Board of Governors has conveyed to the director of the college that there was a complete failure on the colleges part in creating proper infrastructure in accordance with MCI regulations. It will cause great prejudice to any student who is permitted to be admitted in the college which is completely defunct and without students, teachers and other facilities, reads the letter to the director of the college. The director had approached the Board of Governors on April 13 to permit them to conduct for admissions from the current academic year. In June, 2011, the Central government had granted permission to the college to conduct admissions on 150 MBBS seats for the first time. However, the permission for academic years 2012-13 and 2013-14 was withheld as an inspection of the college by the MCI had found gross deficiency of teaching faculty, clinical material and other facilities.On September 26, 2016, a Supreme Court-appointed oversight committee granted conditional recognition to the college. Another assessment of infrastructure was made on March 7, 2017, and gross deficiencies were found. On the recommendation of the MCI, on March 31, 2017, the Ministry of Health debarred the college from holding admissions for 2017-18 and 2018-19. After this, the 2011-12 batch of students of and 2014-15 batch of students were shifted to other medical colleges in the state on the directions of the Supreme Court. editorial@tribune.com Amritsar, May 26 Outgoing Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who failed to win the Lok Sabha battle from Amritsar, termed it a privilege to forge ties with the people of the holy city with which he has a family connect. I once again felt the surge of the kind of electricity that mass contact with people and the rough and tumble of ground level electioneering brings. But the permanent connect that I have been able to make with people of the holy city has been worth every moment of the 21 days I got to campaign in the city and its nine rural and urban halqas, the diplomat-turned-politician wrote on Facebook on Sunday. Tracing his roots, Puri, who lost to sitting Congress MP Gurjit Singh Aujla by 99,626 votes, said the election had only reiterated the connect that he had with the city. A connect established by my grandfather Sardar Sujan Singh, who was wounded in the Jallianwala Bagh carnage in 1919, and later by my father who sought refuge in Guru ki Nagri after he took the last Frontier Mail from Lahore to escape the ravages of partition, he added. Remembering his experience as a first-time politician, Puri said: The welcoming smiles, the warm hospitality, the brotherly embraces,the enthusiastic handshakes, youngsters touching my feet...and selfies clearly communicated that the people (not politicians) of Amritsar never looked at me as an outsider. IANS harinder@tribunemail.com HYDERABAD, May 26 (UNI)After an interval of three weeks, the separate Telangana agitation was resumed today with the offering of satyagraha of various places in the region, including the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The resumed agitation, described as the second phase by the new President of the Praja Samithi and former Union Minister Dr. M. Chenna Reddy, will continue till their demand for a separate Telangana State is conceded by the Centre. Satyagraha was offered in the twin cities at different places, including the Government Secretariat and busy market centre Abids Circle. Mrs. T.N. Sadalakshmi, a former Minister, led the first batch of satyagrahis in Abids Circle along with about 30 others. They were all taken into custody by the police for defying the ban on demonstrations and meetings. pardeepdhull@gmail.com Lima, May 27 A powerful 8.0-earthquake toppled houses, blocked roads and knocked out power in parts of Peru on Sunday, killing one person and injuring at least 26 others as the shockwave extended into neighboring Ecuador. The quake hit in a sparsely populated region of Perus Amazon basin region but was felt over a wide area. In Lima and other cities, frightened residents rushed into the streets. There are many old houses that have collapsed after this strong earthquake, said Hugo Araujo, the mayor of Yurimaguas, a town near the epicenter. Perus civil defense coordinator Ricardo Seijas told RPP radio that a man was killed by falling debris in his house in Cajamarca. Danilo Munoz, the 48-year-old victim, was asleep when the quake struck at 2:41 am (0741 GMT). Seijas said 11 people were injured in Peru, and more than 50 houses were left uninhabitable. Reports said 15 people had been hurt in Ecuador. The quake blocked roads, damaged a bridge and knocked down houses, said Perus President Martin Vizcarra, adding that it was the most powerful quake to hit the country in 12 years. It is an earthquake affecting the entire Peruvian jungle, he said. We are working on establishing an air bridge to transport people who have an emergency, he said. The quake struck about 75 kilometers (45 miles) southeast of the town of Lagunas at a depth of at least 110 kilometers. The US Geological Survey and Peruvian geophysicists said the quake registered 8.0 in magnitude. They said it lasted just over two minutes. The mayor of Lagunas, Arri Pezo, said many residents who fled from their homes later stayed in the streets for fear of aftershocks. You could not walk at the time of the earthquake, things were falling, Pezo told RPP. Power was knocked out, making it difficult to assess the damage, he said. One of the most dramatic moments captured on social media happened in Yurimaguas. Video from the police station shows the police chief shouting at his subordinates to quickly open the jail cells and get inmates outside. The earthquake is strong! he is heard yelling. Open the cells! Help with the detainees, get one each! The shockwave of Sundays tremor also extended to neighboring Ecuador, where power cuts were reported in parts of its Amazon basin region. Peruvian media said the tremor was also felt in parts of Colombia and Venezuela. Peru lies on the so-called Ring of Firean arc of fault lines that circles the Pacific Basin and is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The South American country records about 200 earthquakes a year, most of them going unnoticed by the public. In February, a quake measuring 7.5 with its epicenter in Ecuador rattled the coast and Amazon region of northern Peru. It left nine people injured and caused damage in Ecuador, but Peru was unscathed. AFP sanjiv@tribunemail.com London, May 26 At least eight candidates, including hard Brexiteer Boris Johnson, have joined the fray to battle it out to take over the reins from British Prime Minister Theresa May as the UKs ruling Conservative Party leadership contest gets underway. While Johnson, the former foreign secretary, is seen as the frontrunner to succeed May, the contest still remains wide open to at least seven other contenders. May had announced her resignation earlier this week and is set to formally step down as Tory leader and PM on June 7, after a three-day state visit to the UK by US President Donald Trump. The formal segment of the party leadership contest will then kick off on June 10, but prospective candidates have already begun laying out their bids for the top job. UK environment secretary Michael Gove became the latest Tory MP to announce his intention to challenge Johnson on Sunday. Goves decision is reminiscent of the 2016 leadership race, when he was accused of betraying Johnson by withdrawing his support for him and choosing to contest himself. It led to Johnson withdrawing his bid and Gove went on to lose out in the party ballot, resulting in May being chosen for the post. Among some of the other contenders eyeing Downing Street include the former Brexit secretary, Dominic Raab, and former Commons leader Andrea Leadsom - both of whom confirmed their leadership bids in different Sunday newspapers. They joined UK foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, international development secretary Rory Stewart, health secretary Matt Hancock, and former work and pensions secretary Esther McVey, in the battle for the leadership. PTI sanjiv@tribunemail.com Islamabad, May 26 Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan arrived here on Sunday on an official visit during which he will hold talks with Pakistan President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan and sign several agreements under the $60 billion CPEC to further cement the bilateral all-weather ties. Wang, 70, is a member of the ruling Communist Party of Chinas (CPC) powerful Politburo Standing Committee. He is also a member of Chinas Parliament, National Peoples Congress and the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, a key foreign affairs body of the CPC. He was received at the airport by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and other high officials. During the three-day visit, Vice President Wang will call on President Alvi and have a separate meeting with Prime Minister Khan. Pakistan and China will sign five MoUs and agreements and inaugurate projects to enhance bilateral cooperation in a broad range of areas, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday. PTI sanjiv@tribunemail.com Brussels, May 26 Tens of millions of Europeans voted on Sunday as 21 countries choose their representatives in a battle between the nationalist right and pro-EU forces to chart a course for the bloc. Greece, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Lithuania and Cyprus were the first to open their polling stations. Seven EU member states have already voted, and provisional results will be released late on Sunday once the rest of the union has taken part in the European parliamentary election. Eurosceptic parties opposed to the project of ever closer union hope to capture as many as a third of the seats in the 751-member Strasbourg assembly, disrupting the pro-integration consensus. The far-right parties of Italian deputy PM Matteo Salvini and Frances Marine Le Pen will lead this charge, and anti-EU ranks will be swelled by the Brexit Party of British populist Nigel Farage. Frances President Emmanuel Macron has taken it upon himself to act as figurehead for the centrist and liberal parties hoping to shut the nationalists out of key EU jobs and decision-making. Meanwhile, the mainstream parties are vying between themselves for influence over the choice of a new generation of top European officials. And Brussels insiders are closely following the turnout figures, fearing that another drop in participation will undermine the credibility of the EU parliament as it seeks to establish its authority. Britain and the Netherlands were first to vote, on Thursday, followed by Ireland and the Czech Republic on Friday and Slovakia, Malta and Latvia on Saturday, leaving the bulk of the 400 million eligible voters to join in on Sunday. At the last EU election in 2014, Slovakia had the lowest turnout of any country, at less than 14 per cent, and centrist president Andrej Kiska is worried that the far-right is poised to profit. We see that extremists are mobilising, we see a lot their billboards and activities all over Slovakia. We cant let someone steal Europe from us. Its our Europe, Kiska told reporters. But the right and the far-right have not had everything their own way so far. In the Netherlands, the centre-left party of EU vice president Frans Timmermans won the most votes and added two seats to the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) bloc in parliament, according to exit polls. A day later, the S&Ds centre-right rival the European Peoples Party (EPP) was buoyed by exit polls suggesting that PM Leo Varadkars pro-EU Fine Gael party was in the lead in Ireland. If Britain leaves the European Union on October 31, the latest deadline for Brexit, then its MEPs will not sit for long in the EU parliament but could still play a role in the scramble to hand out top jobs. Thursdays votes from Britain wont be counted until after polls close in Italy, but Farages Brexit Party appears on course to send a large delegation to a parliament its wants to abolish. Macron is pinning his hopes on his Renaissance movement joining with the liberal ALDE voting bloc and other centrist groups to give impetus to his plans for deeper EU integration. But much will depend on who gets the top jobs: the presidencies of the Council and the Commission, the Speaker of parliament, the high representative for foreign policy and director of the European Central Bank. AFP sanjiv@tribunemail.com El Reno (US), May 26 An apparent tornado killed at least two persons as it destroyed a motel, roared through a nearby mobile home park and caused other significant damage in the Oklahoma City area, officials said on Sunday. El Reno Mayor Matt White said during a news conference that officials were working to notify relatives of the two persons who were killed. He didnt say how or where they died and he said search and rescue efforts were ongoing. The suspected twister hit El Reno, which is just west of Oklahoma City, on Saturday night as a powerful storm system rolled through the state, Rick Smith, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Norman, told The Associated Press. The American Budget Value Inn was levelled. Images from the scene showed emergency crews sifting through rubble after part of the motels second story collapsed into a pile of debris strewn about the first floor and parking lot. Elsewhere, overturned cars and twisted metal could be seen briefly as intermittent lightning flashed across the sky and the wailing sirens of approaching emergency vehicles were heard in the distance. Trailers at the Skyview Estates mobile home park adjacent to the motel also were damaged, as was part of a nearby car dealership. We have absolutely experienced a traumatic event, White said during an earlier news conference Sunday. White said several people were transported to hospitals in Oklahoma City, but did not give an exact number. Were doing a search and rescue right now ... we have all hands on deck, White said. Saturday nights storm in El Reno comes after a week of tornados, severe rain and flooding in the Southern Plains and Midwest, including a tornado that hit Jefferson City, Missouri. The recent spate of bad weather and flooding in the region has been blamed for at least nine deaths. Tweety Garrison, 63, told the AP that she was in her mobile home with her husband, two young grandchildren and a family friend when the storm hit. AP pardeepdhull@gmail.com Tokyo, May 27 US President Donald Trump pressed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday to even out a trade imbalance with the United States and said he was happy with how things were going with North Korea but was in no rush to reach a peace deal. Trump said at a news conference with Abe after their summit that his goal was to remove trade barriers to put US exports on a fair footing in Japan. He said he hoped to have more to announce on trade very soon and said he and Abe had agreed to expand cooperation in human space exploration. We have an unbelievably large imbalance, as you know, trade imbalance with Japan for many, many years, Japan having the big advantage, Trump said. They are brilliant business people, brilliant negotiators, and put us in a very tough spot. But I think we will have a deal with Japan, he added. Abe, for his part, said the two leaders had agreed to speed up two-way trade talks, but dodged a question about timing. Trump, who is on a four-day state visit to Japan meant to showcase the alliance between the allies, said on Twitter on Sunday that he expected big moves on trade would wait until after Japans upper house election in July. Trade-wise, I think well be announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries, Trump said on Monday at the start of the talks. Well get the balance of trade, I think, straightened out rapidly. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters there was no agreement to reach a trade deal by August. Abe, who has developed a warm relationship with Trump since the US leader came to office, stressed the closeness of ties. This visit of President Trump and Madame Trump is a golden opportunity to clearly show the unshakable bond to the whole world and inside Japan as well, Abe told the news conference. Earlier, Trump was greeted by Emperor Naruhito and his Harvard-educated wife at the imperial palace in Tokyo in a formal welcome ceremony broadcast live on national television. Trump is the first foreign dignitary to be received by the monarch since the latter inherited the throne after his father, Akihito, stepped down on April 30 in the first abdication by a Japanese emperor in two centuries. Trump has made clear he was pleased to have the honour of the first reception with the emperor, who is hosting a state dinner for the US leader and his wife on Monday. On Sunday, Trump spent what he said was an incredible evening watching the Japanese national sport of sumo - where nearly naked wrestlers grapple on a raised sand ring - after he and Abe had bonded over hamburgers and golf. Friendship and friction Abe and Trump have put on a show of friendship but have policy disagreements over trade and North Korea. Trump has threatened to target Japanese automakers with high tariffs. He has also spearheaded an expensive trade dispute with China. That trade war between the worlds two largest economies has hurt markets worldwide and confounded US allies, including Japan and the European Union, although those allies share US concerns about Chinese practices. Trump told the news conference that Washington was not ready to make a deal with Beijing but he expected on in the future. I believe that we will have a very good deal with China sometime in the future. Because I dont believe that China can continue to pay these really hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs, he said. You know businesses are leaving China, by the hundreds, by the thousands, and going into areas that are not tariffed. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters in Beijing that Chinas stance was consistent: all disputes should be resolved through negotiations and China-US consultations must be based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. Trump also expressed optimism over prospects that North Korea would give up its nuclear programme, and repeated that he was not bothered by its recent missile tests. My people think it could have been a violation, as you know. I view it differently I view it as a man, perhaps he wants to get attention. Perhaps not. Who knows? It doesnt matter. All I know is that there have been no nuclear tests, no ballistic missiles going out, no long-range missiles going out. And I think that someday well have a deal, Trump said. Im not in a rush, he added. Trump also said he agreed with Kim that former US Vice President Joe Biden, who has been critical of North Korea and is now campaigning to become the Democratic Party candidate for the 2020 US presidential election, was a low IQ individual. Abe said he supported Trumps approach to Kim, but repeated Japans stance that recent short-range missile tests violated U.N. Security Council resolutions. The two leaders also discussed Iran. Japanese media have said Abe was considering a trip there next month, to try to soothe rising tension between Iran and the United States. Also on Monday, Trump met families of Japanese citizens kidnapped by North Korea and told the relatives that he would work with Abe to bring the abductees home. In 2002, North Korea admitted its agents had kidnapped 13 Japanese decades ago. Japan says 17 of its citizens were abducted, five of whom were repatriated. North Korea has said eight are dead and that another four never entered the country. Abe has vowed not to rest until all the abductees come home. Reuters THE sister of a Santa Cruz man who was reported missing to police received news on Monday that he died of the Covid-19 virus several weeks ago. Maria Virgil, 62, was informed by hospital authorities that her brother, Sonny Fitzgerald Virgil, 78, of La Canoa, died at the Arima Hospital on December 1. So what if the AG says okay well take it off the table now, but were leaving ourselves open to put it back, at the end of the discussions. We are told there was a policy paper, which was in formulation, and being readied for wider discussion. Where it is, and what in it has led the Government to its current position, it seems fair to say lets see it. Yaqoob Yusuf Ahmed, a millionaire from Bahrain has pledged to help build a house for a young boy who used to do his assignments under a street light. Victor Martin Angulo captured netizens' attention after deciding to work on his assignment at the corner of a street owing to lack of electricity in his house. READ ALSO: Eric Omondi's ex-lover quietly celebrates birthday in Italy days after viral break-up with comedian Yaqoob Yusuf Ahmed, a millionaire from Bahrain has pledged to help build a house for a young boy who used to do his assignments under a street light. Photo: NewsBeezer Source: UGC READ ALSO: Aliyekuwa mpenzi wa mcheshi Eric Omondi asherehekea kimya kimya siku yake kuzaliwa According to Tubarco, the boy who lives in Peru will now live in a two storey house and school in a well equipped learning facility. Yaqoob, the philanthropist, promised to fund the refurbishment of the pupil's home and repair the school he learns in. READ ALSO: Young Nollywood actress Regina Daniels gets married to 59-year-old hubby in traditional wedding The tycoon who said he also had a rough childhood has already restored electricity to the 12-year-old boy's house. Completely overwhelmed, the young boy thanked the kind millionaire for giving him a chance to learn in a proper school. "Thank you for the help you are offering, thank you very much because you are helping us to build our school," Victor said. The boy's mother was also grateful to the tycoon for traveling all the way to Peru just to visit them and help repair their family home. "I thank the people who want to do this for me. I thank them very much for their kindness and taking time to come to my humble home, because not just anyone does that," she said. Do you have an inspirational story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. The Unwanted Children of Kasarani. Source: TUKO.co.ke EL RENO Already turned in for the night at about 10:30 Saturday, Sidonna Jeans said her bed started to bounce as a tornado dropped down on her El Reno mobile home. My window is right in front of me, and I watched my friends trailer turn over like it was nothing, said Jeans, 60, who lives at the Skyview Estates mobile home park near the intersection of U.S. 81 and Oklahoma 66. Jeans said her trailer was left leaning on its side, forcing her to spend the night at a local Veterans of Foreign Wars post that became a shelter for about 25 people left homeless from Saturdays storm. A night of severe weather throughout Oklahoma left parts of El Reno in shambles following a tornado the National Weather Service gave an EF-3 rating, which indicates wind speeds up to 145 mph. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Voluntary Evacuations Voluntary evacuations for Wagoner County residents living along the Arkansas River were issued as early as Wednesday, May 22. On Friday, it was reiterated once again for those living along the Arkansas River, and areas surrounding the Verdigris River were added as well. Jonathan O'Dell with the Oklahoma State Health Department said the Verdigris came up two feet overnight Saturday. It is expecting to hit 46 feet before cresting. At 1 p.m. Sunday, it was 44.98 feet. The Arkansas River remains at 23.27 feet. Emergency services sent out Emergency Alert System messages to notify residents. Underwood said while some residents are taking the voluntary evacuations seriously, others are not. "A lot of people are sheltering in place," he noted. "In a Saturday night case, there were several sheltered in place and a tornado went right over them. Their outdoor shelter was under water." While no tornado touched down in Wagoner County, one did lower, taking tree tops out with it. Underwood said the tornado lifted around 61st and County Line, then traveled to 21st St. and 305th E. Ave. The Coweta Animal Shelter is taking dogs and cats for families who have been displaced by flood waters and are relocating to the American Red Cross shelter at Coweta Intermediate High School. "If you report to the shelter to stay, we will come there, pick your pet up and secure it for you at the shelter, waiving all fees at this time," Bell said. "If you have a carrier, please allow us to take that as well. That will allow us to store more pets out there." Bailey Winkle of Coweta is one of three northeast Oklahoma students to receive a 2019 Bright Futures Scholarship from Kimberly-Clark. Winkle, daughter of Jeremy and Edi Winkle, graduated from Coweta High School on May 19 and plans to attend the University of Oklahoma. Other recipients include Trent Famuliner of Jenks and Charlie Hatfield of Tulsa Union. Each scholarship is worth up to $20,000, with $5,000 awarded per year for up to four years. Winkle was selected for the honor based on her academic achievement, leadership, work experience and involvement in extracurricular activities. One of her parents is a Kimberly-Clark employee. We are proud to acknowledge the accomplishments of these outstanding students, said Jenks Mill Manager Kirk Linna. We are pleased to award them Bright Futures scholarships and wish them well as they pursue their dreams in higher education. 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. Tulsa firefighters are searching for a person believed to be in the flooded Arkansas River, a department spokesman said Sunday evening. Tulsa Fire Department spokesman Andy Little confirmed there was a search underway Sunday evening. Witnesses told the Fire Department that they saw a man in the river about 100 yards from shore near 21st Street and Riverside Drive yelling for help. Firefighters, the Army National Guard and other rescuers looked for the man downstream but did not find anyone. The search was ended about 7 p.m., Little said. This is a breaking news story. Check back with tulsaworld.com for updates. Stetson Payne 918-732-8135 stetson.payne@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @stetson__payne The brothers attended the Free Will Baptist Sunday school prior to their enlistment in the Army. They were good moral boys, well known and loved by all who knew them. We trust that our loss is heavens gain. No two boys were more devoted to each other, nor to their family than were these two boys and we believe God knew they wanted to be together here and forever more. It was around that time, Salyer said, that his recall kicks in. A joint memorial service was held for his brothers, he said, but first we put the coffins in our house. Thats how they did it back then. We had them there, unopened, and set out photos of Braton and Buford. Friends and neighbors came by. I think they call it a wake now. The emotional toll on his mother, he said, was hard to watch. We about lost her, he said. I thought she was going to have a heart attack from the crying spells. She just went to pieces. A few years later, when Salyer and a buddy decided to enlist in the Air Force, the loss of his brothers was on his mothers mind. She tried to talk him out of it. I told Mom the boys gave their life at least I can serve some way, he said. I am very clear on one thing right from the time I was child: No one can compel anyone to sing anything which he/she does not want to sing. There is not even an iota of doubt in my mind that no law and no court can compel anyone to sing anything against his/her wishes. Our Constitution guarantees not just the right to freedom of speech and expression as envisaged in Article 19 but also guarantees to remain silent to what one does not wish to sing. Having said this, let me refer here now to the judgment by the Madras High Court which had culminated from a goof-up by the Government of Tamil Nadu. A government job applicant - K Veeramani had in his entrance exam for the post of BT Assistant written to a question that Vande Mataram was written in Bengali. The examiner said that it was Sanskrit. The applicant challenged it as he missed by just one mark. The applicant contended that in all the books he had read, Bengali was mentioned as the language in which Vande Mataram was originally written. Following this, the Judge had directed the Advocate General of Madras High Court - R Muthukumaraswamy to apprise the court of the correct answer in order to settle the dispute over the linguistic origin of the song. When the case up on July 13, the Advocate General informed the court that Vande Mataram was of Sanskrit origin but had originally been penned in Bengali by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The Judge directed the Teachers Recruitment Board to award the mark to the petitioner. Needless to say, the Hon'ble Madras High Court should have focused only on this. Instead what we saw is that it stipulated that the national song Vande Mataram should be compulsorily sung and played in all schools and educational establishments across the State at least once a week. Justice MV Muralidharan also ordered that Vande Mataram should be played in all Government offices and institutions, private companies, factories and industries at least once a month. Certainly I must say here that patriotism cannot be thrust upon anyone. Singing of national song or anything else must be purely voluntary. Be it noted, Justice Muralidharan also made it clear that nobody should be forced to sing the national song provided there were valid reasons. This itself proves that it is just not correct to force anyone to sing Vande Mataram or anything else which he/she does not want to sing. Singing or not singing anything cannot be made a crime by any law. But the moot question that arises here is: Who will determine these valid reasons and what standards will be applied haven't been specified? All this will only serve to provide more leeway to authorities and moral brigade to harass a common person who is just concerned about how to earn his/her bread and butter! Moreover, every citizen have been guaranteed the fundamental choice by the founding fathers of our Constitution to sing what they want or not to sing at all! No law and no court can force any citizen to sing any song whether it is national song or anything else! Patriotism cannot be forced at gun point or lawpoint or any other point! This latest order of Madras High Court is reminiscent of the Supreme Court direction in November 2016 on the compulsory singing of the national anthem in cinema houses. We all know how some fringe elements exploit such orders to further their own narrow vested political interests by forcing people from a particular religion or group to sing something which they feel their religion does not permit them to sing! This is why I very strongly feel that no one should be forced anyhow to sing anything against his/her wishes because this is no way to usher in nationalism. Truth be told, there are many who don't like to sing any song but they love our nation as much as we do. Why should they be made to sing any song against their wishes? Why should goons be given a pretext to attack those who refuse to sing song? How can this be legally justified? Don't we know that there were incidents of physical assaults on those who did not stand up when the national anthem was played in theatres and in some cases even the physically disabled people or those who can't hear properly or see properly were beaten up! What sort of nationalism is this? Such sort of forced nationalism cannot be justified under any circumstances! All courts right from bottom to top must guard against giving such judgments which can be misconstrued by goons to further their own vested interests or the vested interests of their political masters! Nationalism cannot be forcibly spoon-feeded. What is the guarantee that those who sing Vande Mataram or any other song would be good citizens or would not indulge in anti-national acts or corruption? Who invited Pakistani invader Gen Pervez Musharraf who masterminded Kargil war in which we lost more than 500 brave soldiers as per official figures? Who gave Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan unilaterally for more than 20 years which is even now continuing? Those politicians who love singing Vande Mataram and other songs! Everyday our brave soldiers are dying because of the proxy war being waged by our rogue neighbour - Pakistan and yet our politicians who keep chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai, Vande Mataram etc etc are not ready to declare Pakistan as a 'rogue and terror nation just like Kuwait did recently and severe all ties with Pakistan! No national party is willing to support the likes of independent MP Rajeev Chandrashekhar who has tried several times to bring in a private member Bill to declare Pakistan a terror state! Most shameful! Even former Rajya Sabha MP Maulana Mehmood Madani who is also leader of Jamiat-e-Ulema had demanded sometime back that Pakistan be named 'Aatankistaan and India should severe all ties with Pakistan but our mainstream parties who enjoy singing national songs are just not prepared for it and feel very strongly that no matter how many soldiers are killed but relations with Pakistan must remain intact! Corruption is silently killing so many people more than that of terror killings and there are so many corrupt politicians who never tire of singing national songs yet shamelessly and wantonly indulge in corruption by nexus with corrupt contractors, engineers etc in making weak roads, weak bridges and weak buildings etc thus directly ensuring that many innocent people are killed in the most brazen manner! Thus there can be no two opinions about the irrefutable truth that moral character is the biggest asset and this should always be stressed upon right from childhood but nowadays it seems that more focus is attached on national songs etc which alone is just not enough! It is most unfortunate that sparks flew in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on July 28 as the ruling BJP MLAs slammed Samajwadi Party's Abu Asim Azmi who opposed a demand for making the singing of the song mandatory in the schools and colleges of the State. What is most disconcerting to note is that Maharashtra Public Works Minister and BJP leader Chandrakant Patil even went to the extent of saying that those who want to live in the country must say Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai! This is just not done! India is a very liberal and democratic country where everyone is free even to worship any God of his/her choice or not worship any God and remain an atheist! How can anyone be forced to worship a particular God or Goddess? I myself consider Bharat as father and not as Mata so will those who disagree with me beat me up? Same is the case with singing of national song or anthem. If some person does not like singing anything, that does not imply that he/she is an anti-national or does not love his/her country! I am reminded of 1994 when my faith in Lord Shiva was completely shattered and my best friend Sageer Khan took a vow from me that I would worship Lord Shiva till my last breath just like he himself worshipped Allah. He rightly said to me to always remember that anything can be changed but parents, religion which includes God whom we worship right from our childhood days and nationality can never be shunned or changed! I had to agree not at gunpoint but because of friendpoint which he pointed towards me and while visiting temple alone I used to utter 'Matha to tekna hain tekna hain tekna hain Shraddha nahin hain bhakti nahin hain paar matha to tekna hain tekna hain tekna hain, naak to ragaadni hain Sageer Khan ne kahan hain Sageer Khan ne kahan hain. An old priest used to observe me daily and one day he said to me that, 'You are doing a crime by worshipping Lord Shiva against your wishes and Lord Shiva will be more angry with you. I said that I don't care but I have to fulfill the vow which I gave to my best friend Sageer. He said that Lord Shiva will be most angry with your best friend Sageer Khan because no God wants that anyone should worship him/her against his/her own wishes and your best friend Sageer Khan has committed the biggest sin by forcing you to worship Lord Shiva whom you don't want to even see! From then on I decided to always go to temple only with true dedication and not because of gunpoint or friendpoint - Sageer Khan! Also, Sageer himself never wanted that I should worship Lord Shiva in a disinterested manner or in a forcible manner. Same is the case with singing of songs. No song whether it is national song or national anthem can be forced on anyone whether it is Waris Pathan or Abu Asim Azmi or anyone else! Singing of song or anthem has to be purely voluntary! There should be no coercion at all under any circumstances. Just because a person does not sing a song or anthem does not make him/her an anti-national and just because a person sings a song or anthem does not make him/her a true patriot! This is what we all especially those who are educated must understand and stop quarreling over such trivial issues like illiterate people! Also, Supreme Court itself had on a writ petition on this specific issue of singing of national song clearly stated that there is no mention in the Constitution of the national song that Vande Mataram is meant to be. Let me now conclude by quoting what the former Cabinet Secretary TSR Subramanian known for his impeccable credentials and genius whom all Central Governments keep consulting from time to time and even has headed many important Committees like the one on National Education Policy had to say in this regard: 'I believe that most people in India are patriotic, while they may not be overly demonstrative about it all the time. Love for one's country is something that comes naturally and can't be forced. Nothing can be ensured by using force. The national anthem and Vande Mataram deserve to be respected but binding people by rules can't ensure patriotism. In my view, it is not to be brought to the bazaar by saying that every shop and every courtroom will sing it every morning. While I respect the spirit of the Madras High Court ruling. I am critical of its application. By asking to play Vande Mataram in every classroom and every office, the court is certainly overdoing it. We should accept and accommodate different views. I think that a debate on patriotism or Vande Mataram, per se, is not required. There are insufficient debates on what's affecting the country like poverty, preventive medication and education. Our government, Parliament, media and judiciary are not paying attention to these vital subjects. Very rightly said! What more should I say on this? What the former Cabinet Secretary TSR Subramanian has said must be adhered to by all of us! Join LAWyersClubIndia's network for daily News Updates, Judgment Summaries, Articles, Forum Threads, Online Law Courses, and MUCH MORE!!" Join our Telegram group Join our Whatsapp group "Loved reading this piece by Sanjeev Sirohi Join LAWyersClubIndia's network for daily News Updates, Judgment Summaries, Articles, Forum Threads, Online Law Courses, and MUCH MORE!!" Tags : Others It was 1968 when Betsy Horowitz heard about plans to build a highway through the historic Maple Ridge neighborhood where she lived. But the plan itself dated back to the mid-1950s, to the very start of design work on the Inner Dispersal Loop around downtown Tulsa. The Riverside Expressway was supposed to run parallel to the Arkansas River from south Tulsa before using an abandoned railroad right of way to cut through north Maple Ridge and connect to U.S. 75 and the Broken Arrow Expressway. A Tulsa Metropolitan Planning Commission map, dated June 1957 and preserved in the basement archives at the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture, shows exactly how disruptive the highway would have been. Crossing 21st Street just west of what was then called Lee Elementary, the expressway would have come so close to the school that Horowitz joked at the time that if your child forgot his lunch, you could drive by, put the lunch box on a stick and hold it out the window. Trees in River Parks have also started to fall due to erosion of the soil under them. It is not a safe place for people to be during this event, Bynum noted. He also urged concerned residents to evacuate, saying they should be prepared for the flood of record but hope for the best. The amount of time water has been on the levees and the potential for higher water levels are concerns for Todd Kilpatrick, Levee District 12 commissioner for Tulsa County. We are holding at the status quo, and with help from the National Guard, weve got more monitoring and its running as smooth as we can expect, he said Sunday. Were just hoping we dont see an increase in the volume of water in the river. ... The longer the duration of the water on the levees, the more your failure rate goes up, as well, so that can get you as well as the higher water can. Flooding is even more severe at Muskogee, where the Verdigris and Grand rivers flow into the Arkansas. The river is forecast now to crest at 46.5 feet, just 1.7 feet shy of the 48.2-foot record. Unregulated runoff entering the lake from local tributaries and the Cimarron River pushed up the need for a release, Williams said. Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith has arranged for the National Guard to patrol the Town and Country addition west of Sand Springs. Keith on Monday said she made the request to prevent looting and "just to give the neighborhood some sense of security." The troops are expected to arrive Monday. In Tulsa, Deputy Chief Jonathan Brooks said there have been no specific looting problems in the city. Brooks said Tulsa police are focused on that issue and have dedicated personnel to cover "high-risk" areas. "There are officers assigned and on patrol in both marked and unmarked capacities," Brooks said. "There are many workers in the neighborhoods, so if someone is concerned they can call it in and we will handle it." In a Friday night tweet, the Tulsa Police Department noted that one person with warrants was arrested while allegedly casing a self-evacuated neighborhood. Corey Jones 918-581-8359 corey.jones@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @JonesingToWrite 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. She said her family, including an adult daughter who lives up the road and has seen even worse flooding, returns to the Riverside Park every couple of hours. Its miserable to look at, but thats everything we own, she said. Because they have nowhere else to go, John Tanner volunteers at the Helping Hands center, just doing what we can to help, Jennifer Tanner said. The family floats in and out as he works in the warehouse. We just feel like we should be doing something, John Tanner said. According to organizer Nicole Neal, the Helping Hands center is a collaboration with the United Cajun Navy, a traveling disaster-relief group from Louisiana, and The Barracks, a nonprofit veterans organization in Muskogee. The building housing the operation was donated by The Barracks, Neal said. The group put out a social media request for volunteers and got an influx of people just before lunchtime Monday, as the center was preparing for truckloads of donations. We have people who are displaced, whove lost everything. And they dont know what to do, so they want to help, and this is a great place to do it, Neal said. Earlier this month, Robert D. Maxwell a heros hero died in Bend, Oregon. He was 98. In 1944, when he was a technician 5th grade in the U.S. Army, Maxwell hurled himself on top of a live enemy grenade, absorbing the full force of its explosion. He was permanently maimed but saved his battalion. For his valor, Maxwell received the nations highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor. He was one of 464 Medal of Honor winners from World War II, 266 of whom were honored posthumously. With Maxwells death, only three Medal of Honor winners from World War II remain alive: Charles H. Coolidge, 97; Frances S. Currey, 93, and Hershel W. Williams, 95. Every Medal of Honor winners story is an inspiring tale of valor, determination and selfless sacrifice. In 1944, Coolidge, a technical sergeant in the U.S. Army, led a group of machine gunners and riflemen who held off numerically superior enemy forces for four days on a French battlefield. At one point, Coolidge secured all the hand grenades he could carry and crawled forward to take on advancing tanks. Are you ? Some have tears welling in their eyes; some stand with stoic poise; others are in dumbstruck shock; but when they reply Yes, the next words deliver the crushing news: We regret to inform you that . . . They hear the name and the word killed, but everything else comes as a blur. Thousands of miles away, others prepare the homecoming. Packed in ice in an airtight aluminum casket, with an American flag draped and secured on top, the blue star field at the head, the fallen warrior is carried onto an awaiting plane. Others stand at attention, saluting when their brother or sister in arms passes them a final time. When the plane arrives at a U.S. Air Force base, the awaiting family is given some moments alone with their loved one before the journey to a final resting place begins. For some, that place is a small plot in their home town. Others go to one of the national cemeteries. The most famous is Arlington, across the river from our nations capital, where thousands of our nations heroes are buried. They lie under symmetrically sculpted headstones, simply engraved and aligned with those of the others resting there, who were buried after a somber and precise ceremony. Sapulpa junior high teacher Darius Todd is hopeful about the future. His focus on the future is about the careers that will be available to Oklahoma youth in coming years. As a science teacher, Todd encourages students to pursue studies in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). STEM is about problem solving, and theyll need those skills, he says. It puts them in an accelerated position to make discoveries and advance industries like oil and gas. According to the Education Commission of the States, STEM jobs are projected to grow 13% between 2017 and 2027. Todd sees future opportunity for his students right here in their home state, specifically with the oil and natural gas industry. Its expanding and a great career path, so why wouldnt I teach about it? he says. At the end of the day, I want them to become life learners, good citizens and able to provide for their family. In talking about the energy sector, Todd notes how understanding the availability, cost, cleanliness and renewability of all sources should be taken into consideration. The solution for any state or country is not going to be one source. Its going to be a combination, he says. It takes a sophisticated understanding of the costs and benefits to know which mix is good for which region. Todd talks about initially having previously conceived notions about the oil and natural gas industry. I guess I thought of it as the rich people. But its not about the power brokers, its about common Oklahomans, Todd continues, Its about the guy in the field in production, or the geologist that studies maps and figures out where the oil is. Its about the everyday man and woman whos able to feed their family because of oil and gas. Hes quick to point out the need to equip todays youth with the ability to balance viewpoints. He notes the abundance of information at their fingertips and the need to weigh sources against one another in order to arrive at productive conclusions. Its an essential skill. Weve got to do a better job of teaching it. Talking with Todd about the most rewarding aspect of being an educator, he lights up with his response. The ah-ha moments are the best. Where a student tells me he used a concept at home and it worked. Or when one says, You know, Mr. Todd, I thought I hated science, but I like it now. When they realize theyre learning and building self-confidence, thats what its all about for me. The Acting Top Cop says he is confident there will not be chaos and fallout in the police se Organizations & Institutions National Memorial Day Parade live stream from Washington DC Memorial Day DC 27.05.2019 16:57:22 - Watch the National Memorial Parade 2019 live streaming from Constitution Avenue, DC. Live stream and TV coverage. (live-PR.com) - The National Memorial Day parade returns to Washington DC on Monday 27th May, starting from 2pm along the famous Constitution Avenue. To watch the live stream of the full parade: www.myworldevents.com/parade/dc-memorial-day.html Memorial Day history The day marks the memories of all combatants lost in US involvement in wars around the world throughout their history. The parade is the highlight of the memorials but is - The National Memorial Day parade returns to Washington DC on Monday 27th May, starting from 2pm along the famous Constitution Avenue.To watch the live stream of the full parade:Memorial Day historyThe day marks the memories of all combatants lost in US involvement in wars around the world throughout their history. The parade is the highlight of the memorials but is also preceded by the Memorial Day concert the previous evening and the Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally on the Sunday afternoon. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering and honoring people who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday is observed on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day was observed on May 30 from 1868 to 1971. Memorial Day is considered the unofficial start of the summer vacation season in the United States, while Labor Day marks its end on the first Monday of September. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day, particularly to honor those who died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries. Two other days celebrate those who serve or have served in the U.S. military: Veterans Day, which celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans; and Armed Forces Day, a minor U.S. remembrance celebrated earlier in May, specifically honoring those currently serving in the U.S. military. The history of Memorial Day in the United States is so controversial that it constitutes an area of research. At Columbus [Georgia] State University there is a Center for Memorial Day Research. It, together with the University of Mississippi's Center for Civil War Research are excellent starting points for investigating the topic. The practice of decorating soldiers' graves with flowers is an ancient custom. Soldiers' graves were decorated in the U.S. before[8] and during the American Civil War. Some believe that an annual cemetery decoration practice began before the American Civil War and thus may reflect the real origin of the "memorial day" idea.[9] Annual Decoration Days for particular cemeteries are still held on a Sunday in late spring or early summer in some rural areas of the American South, notably in the mountain areas. In cases involving a family graveyard where remote ancestors, as well as those who died more recently, are buried, this may take on the character of an extended family reunion to which some people travel hundreds of miles. People gather, put flowers on graves, and renew contacts with relatives and others. There often is a religious service and a picnic-like "dinner on the grounds", the traditional term for a potluck meal at a church. On June 3, 1861, Warrenton, Virginia, was the location of the first Civil War soldier's grave ever to be decorated, according to a Richmond Times-Dispatch newspaper article in 1906. In 1862, women in Savannah, Georgia decorated Confederate soldiers' graves according to the Savannah Republican. The 1863 cemetery dedication at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was a ceremony of commemoration at the graves of dead soldiers. Some have therefore claimed that Lincoln was the founder of Memorial Day. On July 4, 1864, ladies decorated soldiers' graves according to local historians in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania. By the 20th century, various Union memorial traditions, celebrated on different days, merged, and Memorial Day eventually extended to honor all Americans who died while in the U.S. military service. On May 26, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson designated an "official" birthplace of the holiday by signing the presidential proclamation naming Waterloo, New York, as the holder of the title. This action followed House Concurrent Resolution 587, in which the 89th Congress had officially recognized that the patriotic tradition of observing Memorial Day had begun one hundred years prior in Waterloo, New York. The village credits druggist Henry C. Welles and county clerk John B. Murray as the founders of the holiday. Scholars have determined that the Waterloo account is a myth. Snopes and Live Science also discredit the Waterloo account. also preceded by the Memorial Day concert the previous evening and the Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally on the Sunday afternoon.Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering and honoring people who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday is observed on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day was observed on May 30 from 1868 to 1971.Memorial Day is considered the unofficial start of the summer vacation season in the United States, while Labor Day marks its end on the first Monday of September.Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day, particularly to honor those who died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.Two other days celebrate those who serve or have served in the U.S. military: Veterans Day, which celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans; and Armed Forces Day, a minor U.S. remembrance celebrated earlier in May, specifically honoring those currently serving in the U.S. military.The history of Memorial Day in the United States is so controversial that it constitutes an area of research. At Columbus [Georgia] State University there is a Center for Memorial Day Research. It, together with the University of Mississippi's Center for Civil War Research are excellent starting points for investigating the topic.The practice of decorating soldiers' graves with flowers is an ancient custom. Soldiers' graves were decorated in the U.S. before[8] and during the American Civil War.Some believe that an annual cemetery decoration practice began before the American Civil War and thus may reflect the real origin of the "memorial day" idea.[9] Annual Decoration Days for particular cemeteries are still held on a Sunday in late spring or early summer in some rural areas of the American South, notably in the mountain areas. In cases involving a family graveyard where remote ancestors, as well as those who died more recently, are buried, this may take on the character of an extended family reunion to which some people travel hundreds of miles. People gather, put flowers on graves, and renew contacts with relatives and others. There often is a religious service and a picnic-like "dinner on the grounds", the traditional term for a potluck meal at a church.On June 3, 1861, Warrenton, Virginia, was the location of the first Civil War soldier's grave ever to be decorated, according to a Richmond Times-Dispatch newspaper article in 1906. In 1862, women in Savannah, Georgia decorated Confederate soldiers' graves according to the Savannah Republican. The 1863 cemetery dedication at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was a ceremony of commemoration at the graves of dead soldiers. Some have therefore claimed that Lincoln was the founder of Memorial Day. On July 4, 1864, ladies decorated soldiers' graves according to local historians in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania.By the 20th century, various Union memorial traditions, celebrated on different days, merged, and Memorial Day eventually extended to honor all Americans who died while in the U.S. military service. On May 26, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson designated an "official" birthplace of the holiday by signing the presidential proclamation naming Waterloo, New York, as the holder of the title. This action followed House Concurrent Resolution 587, in which the 89th Congress had officially recognized that the patriotic tradition of observing Memorial Day had begun one hundred years prior in Waterloo, New York. The village credits druggist Henry C. Welles and county clerk John B. Murray as the founders of the holiday. Scholars have determined that the Waterloo account is a myth. Snopes and Live Science also discredit the Waterloo account. Author: Martin Kerrigan e-mail Web: http://www.myworldevents.com Phone: 0035799813173 27.05.2019 16:57:22 - Disclaimer: If you have any questions regarding information in this article please contact the author. Please do not contact Live-PR.com. We are not able to assist you. Live-PR.com disclaims content contained in this article. Live-PR.com is not authorized to give any information about content and not responsible for content posted by third party. A statement by businessman Ihor Kolomoisky regarding the need for Ukraine to follow the example of Greece with respect to IMF loans poses a threat to the national economy. Chairwoman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Affairs Hanna Hopko wrote this on her Facebook page. "I believe that the statement made in the interview raises a catastrophic threat to our economy and even, as a consequence, [poses] the risk of a loss of statehood," she said. Hopko noted that the current state of affairs and relations with the IMF and other external lenders cannot fully suit Ukraine and needs a large-scale review. "A warring country, which has a deep internal economic crisis, the absence of significant domestic and foreign investment, high levels of other risks, cannot exist in the standby mode for a year or one-and-a-half years waiting for 1.5-2 billion dollars, which come not to the economy but to national reserves and for the purpose of covering the budget deficit and repaying old debts," she said. Kolomoisky said in an interview with the Financial Times that Ukraine should declare a default, believing that in this matter it is necessary to follow the example of Greece. op U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker welcomes the order delivered by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and notes that it is past time for Russia to release Ukrainian sailors and vessels. Its past time for Russia to release the Ukrainian crewmen and vessels it illegally seized, he wrote on Twitter. As Ukrinform reported, on May 25, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ordered Russia to immediately release Ukrainian military ships and return them to the custody of Ukraine and to immediately release 24 captured sailors. On November 25, 2018, Russian border guards fired on and seized three Ukrainian Navy ships, the Berdyansk, the Nikopol, and the Yani Kapu, heading from Odesa to Mariupol, near the Kerch Strait. In addition, their crewmembers, 24 Ukrainian sailors, were captured. Three of them were wounded. A Russian-controlled court in the occupied Crimea arrested all the detained Ukrainian sailors on charges of alleged illegal border crossing. They are held in a remand prison in Moscow now. On January 24, 2019, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution officially requiring Russia to treat captured Ukrainian sailors in accordance with the Geneva Convention provisions on prisoners of war. Ukraine appealed to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea requiring the Russian Federation to release the captured naval vessels and return them to the custody of Ukraine, to suspend criminal proceedings against 24 detained sailors, to release them and allow them to return to Ukraine. ish Adviser to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, former finance minister of Ukraine Oleksandr Danyliuk has said that the Minsk format of negotiations on the peaceful settlement of the situation in eastern Ukraine should be kept. "As to the decrees of the president of the Russian Federation, the so-called passportization, the position of Volodymyr [Zelensky] was quite clearly formulated. We consider this as another attempt to disrupt the Minsk agreements and undermine the Minsk process. Of course, we cannot let this happen, because this process is important as a tool, perhaps not the most effective, but the only one that exists now. Many other processes are being formed around it, including sanctions," Danyliuk said in an interview with Obozrevatel. As Ukrinform reported, on May 16, First Vice Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine Iryna Gerashchenko said that "there are debates on resetting Minsk groups." On the same day, she reported that she had filed a letter of resignation from the posts of presidential commissioner on the peaceful settlement in Donbas and Ukraine's representative in the humanitarian group. On May 19, Ukraines representative in the Trilateral Contact Group on the peaceful settlement of the situation in Donbas Yevhen Marchuk announced that he had ceased participation in the Minsk talks. iy The Ukrainian World Congress echos the UNs call for Russia to immediately free detained Ukraine ships and sailors. Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) welcomes and echos the decision on May 25, 2019 of the UN maritime tribunal that Russia must release three Ukrainian naval vessels captured by Russia in November 2018 and release 24 detained sailors, reads the statement published on the website of the UWC. The UWC calls upon the international community to increase sanctions against Russia in response to its continued and escalating violations of international law. Russian vessels should be barred entry into all ports worldwide until Russia complies with this order. This is yet one more example of Russias continuing violation of international law and human rights violations, stated UWC President Paul Grod. As reported, on May 26, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ordered Russia to immediately release three Ukrainian naval vessels and 24 captured sailors. Both sides are to submit a report on enforcement of the order to the Tribunal within up to June 25, 2019. On November 25, 2018, Russian border guards fired on and seized three Ukrainian Navy ships, the Berdyansk, the Nikopol, and the Yani Kapu, heading from Odesa to Mariupol, near the Kerch Strait. In addition, their crewmembers, 24 Ukrainian sailors, were captured. Three of them were wounded. A Russian-controlled court in the occupied Crimea arrested all the detained Ukrainian sailors on charges of alleged illegal border crossing. They are held in a remand prison in Moscow now. On January 24, 2019, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution officially requiring Russia to treat captured Ukrainian sailors in accordance with the Geneva Conventions provisions on prisoners of war. Ukraine appealed to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea requiring the Russian Federation to release the captured naval vessels and return them to the custody of Ukraine, to suspend criminal proceedings against 24 detained sailors, to release them and allow them to return to Ukraine. ol Ukrainians living in the Kingdom of Norway have created the Coordination Council of Ukrainian Communities of Norway. The Ukrainian Cultural and Education Center in Oslo wrote this on Facebook. A significant event has taken place. For the first time in the history of the Ukrainian diaspora in Norway, the heads of public organizations gathered together and established the Coordination Council of Ukrainian Communities of Norway - to coordinate joint activities and exchange experiences," reads the report. The Ukrainian Embassy in Norway has already promised its support for this public project, according to the report. iy I am delighted to be with you to address the 2019 Istanbul Development Dialogues. I would like to in particular thank the Government of Turkey for their support as host country. We enjoy excellent cooperation with Turkey as a development partner and we greatly appreciate their role as one of UNDPs important donors. It is a pleasure to share the stage with the other keynote speaker Mr. Naci Agbal Chief, Strategy and Budget, Presidency of the Republic of Turkey. I would also like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey for their support in making this Conference possible. I would like to thank the team at UNDPs Istanbul Regional Hub for their organization of this event. It is also great to be here at the home of UNDPs Istanbul International Centre for Private Sector in Development. The centre aims at making a significant contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by mobilizing and supporting potential partners worldwide for implementing the global development agenda. What I wish to address today is the topic of financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, I would like to outline UNDPs unique offer to mobilize and direct public and private sector finance towards a sustainable future and to achieve the SDGs. That offer involves concrete, straightforward assistance that we currently give to governments helping you to finance the SDGs. When it comes to financing the SDGs it is crucial to think about mobilizing both private and public sector finance. It also is essential to look at domestic resources. The positives and negatives of the current Global Financial System Firstly, it is important to consider the overall context in which we must work. The current global financial system has been both a key driver of; and a major constraint upon progress towards sustainable development. It is also progressing in a somewhat unplanned manner. On the plus side: The global value chains that have helped to lift billions out of poverty would not have been possible without corresponding global financial flows. For instance, and partly due to such flows, 271 million people escaped multidimensional poverty in India in a period of just ten years. It is a positive reminder that eliminating poverty in all its forms is in fact possible; Thanks to financial globalization, remittances from labour migrants that were formerly smuggled across borders are now sent home via bank transfers; Millions of small businesses now acquire finance and real-time market information at their fingertips via smartphones. However, there is much variety in the proliferation of such technology - from highs of 60% in South Africa and Brazil to a low of 24% in India so there is much room for growth; Finance for green bonds, impact investments and social entrepreneurship is growing at a rapid pace according to one forecast, green bonds will comprise a massive 15% of total global bond holdings by 2020 indeed green bond holdings grew from practically zero in 2010 to US $200 billion in 2018; Global investors are increasingly looking for alignment with environmental, social and governance concerns, and ESG standards are being set by exchange operators; Climate risk is increasingly influencing asset prices and investment decisions. However, on the other hand: The global financial crisis of 2008 to 2009 is still having a ripple effect and it is setting back development progress across the world; and it is setting back development progress across the world; The global financial system continues to be plagued by illicit financial flows and external imbalances amongst leading economies some of which have experienced damaging currency and financial instability. Indeed, one estimate concluded that net US $50 billion leaks out of the continent of Africa every year; To protect themselves against this instability, developing countries are unfortunately hoarding billions of dollars in foreign exchange reserves these are resources that could otherwise be financing sustainable development; Corporate reporting continues to focus overwhelmingly on finance. Unfortunately, monitoring the environmental and social consequences of commercial activities too often remains an afterthought. SDGs as a guiding roadmap Given the somewhat haphazard nature of the evolution of the financial system we have to do our best to drive it into the positive direction. We are fortunate that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development actually is guiding us, giving us much-needed direction. The 2030 Agenda is about achieving economic growth and poverty reduction that does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability such as catastrophic climate change or drastic social and income inequalities. The SDGs themselves provide us with the necessary global framework to capture the benefits and trade-offs of sustainable development. Indeed, a study from JP Morgan from last year has described the SDGs as: the most comprehensive set of targets available for tracking progress in sustainable development Achieving the SDGs will create a world that is more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous. Many countries are already starting to integrate SDGs into their future development plans. New technologies too are enabling systemic changes - bitcoin and blockchain technology, for example, can contribute to systemic transformation through changes in global payment systems, supply chain management, digital identities and access to finance. There is potential to build from these initiatives and advocate and support systemic reforms that enable financing for an integrated approach to social, environmental and economic goals as envisaged in the UN Secretary-Generals Strategy for Financing the 2030 Agenda. However, these initiatives are not yet impacting on finance at scale. Take for example, data shows that even since the Paris Agreement, almost US $2 trillion has been invested by global banks in fossil fuels. The International Monetary Fund said in their recent working paper that the fossil fuel industry received US $5.2 trillion in subsidies in 2017. Indeed, according to ExxonMobil, global oil and gas demand will actually rise by 13% by 2030. Nonetheless the private sector is beginning to recognize the economic opportunities within the 2030 Agenda. The renowned, serial investor Warren Buffett, who is known to be cautious with investments, is staking US $30 billon on clean energy. By 2018, some US $30 trillion of assets were managed under some form of sustainable investment strategy. This is a massive 34% increase in just two years. A broad range of stakeholders including banks, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, pension and mutual funds, and individual savers increasingly believe that a focus on social and environmental impact can be transformational if growth and sustainability are pursued in tandem. Look at the fact that there are now more than 2,100 signatories to the UNs Principles for Responsible Investing which commits asset owners and investment managers to more responsible investment practices. This represents a massive US $81 trillion of assets. As a new report from the UNs Inter-Agency Task Force on Financing for Development shows that 84 per cent of asset owners say they are pursuing or actively considering pursuing sustainable investments. Interest is growing, but the transition is not happening fast enough. There are also a range of problems. For instance, there is no widely agreed upon global definition or standards for what qualifies as SDG-enabling investments. There is likewise no commonly accepted way to verify that investors and businesses take a holistic approach to manage positive and negative impacts on the SDGs. The UNDP Offer UNDP wants to bring tangible solutions to the table. So, what in concrete terms is UN and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UNs development arm, doing What is the UNDPs offer and how do we finance the SDGs? Recognizing the fact that UNDP has long-standing experience in this area and to advance our work, we created a new Finance Sector Hub, as an agile platform that will identify existing work across UNDP and support teams across the organization in scaling up their work on financing the SDGs. We are utilizing our long-standing expertise in various critical areas. For instance, UNDP is engaging in varied work on the environment and climate change. With the largest climate action portfolio in the United Nations System, UNDP supports over 140 countries with a climate action portfolio of over US $3 billion. We can leverage such long-standing expertise and translate this knowledge into SDG financing. In particular, UNDP will deliver on its ambition of putting SDGs at the heart of financial systems by providing services across seven strategic areas of engagement and taking an approach to strengthening effective governance across our engagements. That is, we have put a menu in place and UNDP can help you to finance the SDGs: Countries will be able to access this menu on an a la carte basis. UNDP is supporting governments to develop and implement integrated national financing frameworks (INFFs) and strategies, to finance their SDG-aligned National Development Plans. Countries face a number of structural challenges to financing the 2030 Agenda within increasingly complex financing landscapes. Key challenges include the misalignment of financing policies and development priorities, the lack of evidence on the contributions of public and private resources to SDG impact and lack of consensus among public and private actors about reform priorities. To address this shortcoming, and building upon existing planning and financing processes, UNDP is supporting governments to develop and implement integrated national financing frameworks (INFFs) which will bring together public and private finance policy and institutions such as Ministries of Finance and Planning, among others, at either the level of the 2030 Agenda as a whole and national plans, or at the level of specific development priorities at the thematic or sector level. Toward this end, UNDP experts working in the Asia-Pacific Development Effectiveness Facility, together with national staff, have conducted development finance assessments in some 30 low- and middle-income countries, including an initial assessment in Tajikistan. Discussions on conducting similar assessments are on-going in a number of other countries in Europe and Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Integrating SDGs into domestic public finance through budget reform Government budgets are one of the primary tools for advancing progress toward the 2030 Agenda at the national level and implementing the INFFs. Yet there is often a disconnect between the aspirations of the 2030 Agenda, typically expressed through national plans, and budget processes at national, let alone the sub-national, levels. In response to these challenges, UNDP will support countries to strengthen SDG budgeting. The services offered will support stronger accountability and scrutiny over the budget, working with actors such as parliaments and through mechanisms such as citizens SDG budgets as well as Supreme Audit Institutions in SDG performance auditing for example. In these ways, UNDP will offer tailored support to governments and other national stakeholders to enhance the impact of public spending through stronger, SDG-aligned budgeting, while also providing governments with capacity-building. UNDP and its partners will bring its relationships with key government institutions to promote SDG-aligned fiscal instruments Fiscal instruments are a key part of the SDG financing imperative. They are the means by which governments mobilize resources for budgets, provide the finance to deliver services and make investments that will drive forward progress into the future. They are an important means for advancing the SDGs and aligning incentives and finance within the private sector and society writ large with social, environmental and economic objectives. UNDP and its partners will bring its relationships with key government institutions to join the dots between fiscal policy and the SDGs, through supporting tax reforms; as well as facilitating the restructuring of debt. UNDP is also working closely with ministries of finance to align public expenditures with SDGs. In respect to taxation, UNDP will build capacities to address tax avoidance and evasion, and tax expenditures through analytics, awareness raising, building institutions and strengthening governance systems for more effective enforcement. On tax evasion already, UNDP is engaging in other vital support programmes to the public sector. For instance, we are seeing concrete results from UNDP-OECD Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) programme which inter alia helps reduce illicit financial flows and supports domestic resource mobilization in developing countries. Increased tax revenues directly attributable to TIWB programmes come to hundreds of millions of dollars which can then be used to finance sustainable development. TIWB returns a massive US $100 of revenue to developing nations for every US $1 of investment from donor countries In relation to debt instruments, UNDP will support governments and corporations to develop SDG related frameworks for the issuance of innovative and thematic bonds as well as supporting monitoring and reporting. UNDP will work with countries and its international finance partners to enhance the role of international public finance in meeting the challenges of financing the SDGs. International public finance has an important role to play supporting reforms and catalysing wider resources to advance the 2030 Agenda. A growing number of emerging economies are becoming more active and are offering new sources of finance. International Finance Institutions, Regional Development Banks, Vertical Funds, South-South Cooperation and OECD development cooperation agencies all work to channel public finance often quite separately. UNDP will work with countries and its international finance partners to enhance the role of international public finance in meeting the challenges of financing the SDGs. This support will focus on increasing country access to international public finance, particularly in ways that not only fill fiscal gaps but also leverage other sources of public and private finance through blended finance modalities and impacts on broader governance arrangements for financing the SDGs. We are helping to unlocking private finance for the SDGs These challenges in private sector misalignment with the 2030 Agenda are rooted in policy and regulatory frameworks for instance in relationships with government and limited participation in policy development. There is also a lack of awareness among investors about the opportunities that SDG-aligned markets and investors present. In addition, private investors perceive significant risks to investing in contexts of poverty or geographies prone to disaster and conflict. In 2017, a tiny 2% of global Foreign Direct Investment flows or around US $26 billion - went to the worlds 47 Least Developed Countries. Even where they are willing there is a lack of a SDG oriented pipeline for investors to align behind or a lack of understanding of what SDG investments entail. UNDP will support reforms that can unlock and transform the alignment of private investment with the 2030 Agenda. UNDP will provide a brokering service that actively connects national actors, their projects and initiatives, with finance and investment at all levels. UNDP will also support strengthened policies, regulation and institutional capacities to align and enable the flow of private capital to the SDGs. It will engage asset owners to mobilize and invest capital in a ready pipeline of SDG oriented investments and support the development of instruments that lower risks for SDG aligned investments. UNDP will take a holistic view of private finance for the SDGs, looking also at Islamic finance, remittances and sources of philanthropy for examples. In this area, UNDP has supported the Government of Indonesias issuance of Green Sukuk (bonds) by supporting the development of an impact measurement framework. The five-year issuance raised US $1.25 billion and was oversubscribed. It signals the growing market demand for sustainable and responsible investments. We will harness innovation and the potential of digital financing to unlock new markets and boost alignment to the 2030 Agenda. Look at the new UNDP initiative, SDG Impact which will advance a unified, global effort to authenticate SDG-enabling investment. It aims to leverage significant volumes of private sector financing for achievement of the SDGs in developing countries. The initiative works in three inter-related areas: Strengthening impact management practices to ensure that investments contribute to the SDGs. The main focus here is on the development of globally accepted standards for how investors and enterprises manage their SDG impacts in a holistic way. These standards will then be the basis for a third-party certification system for SDG-enabling investments; Preparing intelligence and data in the form of SDG Investor Maps that help developing countries attract SDG enabling private sector investments. These maps will translate country-level SDG priorities into investment opportunities and provide data that help highlight the business case and the development impact of such investments; Based on the SDG Investor Maps, UNDP Country Offices and their partners will then convene SDG investor forums. These forums will enable matchmaking between investors and enterprises working to achieve SDGs and to discuss policy measures to scale-up sustainable investments. We at UNDP believe that SDG Impact is the initiative that private sector companies should rally behind. We are aiming to align business strategies and operations for the SDGs Private sector growth has been a key driver of economic development and job creation in many contexts, yet this growth has in many instances been associated with rising inequality, environmental degradation, discrimination against women, use of forced labour, corruption and other issues. There is a need to realign business models, so all outputs of a business, promote the SDGs and with them human rights, good governance, integrity, gender equality and inclusion and environmental sustainability, to enhance the impact of private sector growth on all dimensions of the 2030 Agenda. One main force driving this transformation is the growing proof that integrating environmental, social and governance issues and addressing material sustainability impacts translate into financial returns. Businesses that use resources more efficiently energy, water, materials will see large efficiency gains as well as cost savings. Companies that ensure diversity, equality and labour rights protection in their workforce enhance productivity, improve their reputation and become more competitive and resilient. Look for instance at a McKinsey estimate that advancing gender equality could add US $12 trillion to global growth. So, to not integrate economic, social and governance issues and to not take action on the SDGs is a major missed business opportunity that increases financial risks. UNDP will work with both governments and businesses to strengthen the environment and business practices for greater alignment with all dimensions of the 2030 Agenda. UNDP will include an emphasis on strengthening policy, regulatory frameworks including appropriate tax incentives for SDG oriented business practice. Impact measurement and reporting for financing the SDGs Many governments and private sector lack the systems and capacity for effective outcome monitoring results and its alignment to the 2030 Agenda. Systems for collecting and compiling timely data may be weak and many governments lack systems that track spending or outcomes in cross-cutting aspects of the 2030 Agenda such as gender equality or climate change. This limits the ability of governments to understand where they are being most effective. UNDP will work with governments, businesses and other actors including Multilateral and National Development Banks to strengthen systems and establish norms for monitoring and managing SDG impact. As it can be ascertained from this overview, UNDP approach to SDG financing is methodical and multi-pronged. UNDP Country Offices will be able to tailor the menu of services into an appropriate package for their context. Deepening public-private collaboration will be central to the ambition of everything UNDP does to channel finance for the SDGs. The ultimate goal is to provide more durable, resilient and sustainable financial outcomes. In an overall sense, it is fantastic to see increasing recognition that sustainable investment is good for business from a government side. There are also lots of reasons to be optimistic about how the future deepening of public-private collaboration as well as the international communitys efforts to put money to work for sustainable societies. I believe that this years edition of the Istanbul Development Dialogues can play a vital role in pushing forward this conversation at the global level and it can serve as the springboard to translate words into concrete results. UNHCR in collaboration with World University Service of Canada (WUSC) held an interactive event, supported by the Humanitarian Education Accelerator (HEA), in Nairobi on 14 May 2019. The forum brought together Government of Kenya Ministry of Education officials, refugees, teachers and education partners to celebrate innovation in education in camp-settings promoting inclusive and equitable education for refugees and host community children. This comes on the heels of the pioneering efforts of the Ministry of Education to ensure the inclusion of refugee learners into national level policy and planning. We need to fast track partnership to ensure the inclusion of refugees learners in the national system Speaking at the forum, the acting Director of Policy and Partnerships in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Silvester Mulambe said, We recognize the benefits of hosting refugees. We need to fast track partnership to ensure the inclusion of refugees learners in the national system. Maryan Mohamed, a form one student at Waberi Secondary school in Dadaab camp, was among the top two percent of Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) candidates nationally. She spoke at the event highlighting how the support from Kenya Equity in Education Project (KEEP) helped her achieve her goals: KEEP has helped girls like me to improve in languages, retention and performance in schools. I am grateful for the program. KEEP is a specific intervention aimed at increasing the participation and completion rates of girls in school. The project, a recipient of HEA funding, and an initiative of WUSC, has assisted many girls to improve their grades in primary education, and transition to secondary school and university. WUSC East African Director, Danny Cutherell said, KEEP seeks to empower more girls to access tertiary education and achieve gender parity among refugee learners. Danny urged for education stakeholders to build capacities of women and girls and in the process create employment opportunities for youth. Sub-County Director of Education for Dadaab, Garissa County Mr. Idriss Shurie UNHCR/Caroline Opile Sub-County Director of Education for Fafi, Garissa County, Luley Abdullahi UNHCR/Caroline Opile UNHCR Representative, Regional Service Centre, Bonwell Kantande following proceedings at the session UNHCR/Caroline Opile Among the participants was Sub-County Director of Education, Mr. Idriss Shurie. He noted that refugee and host community learners, and especially girls, face comparable challenges in accessing and completing education. He urged the Ministry of Education to work closely with development partners to ensure the right of education for all children in Kenya is achieved. Refugees are my friends, and the host community children have fully embraced them in school as our friends from the camp An articulate Moses Nyongesa, the Senior Teacher at Kakuma Arid Zone Primary School, was also in full support of inclusion of refugees in the national systems. He noted that, Education is a basic human right. By supporting refugees to learn, one day they will return home and rebuild their countries. Nyongesa also emphasized that the enrolment of refugee learners has been a positive experience for the school: Refugees are my friends, and the host community children have fully embraced them in school as our friends from the camp. Both Nyongesa and Shurie urged the Ministry of Education and development partners to ensure that refugees are able to access the opportunities that they have worked so hard for. Shurie said, Give refugees the opportunity to access national schools when they have exceptional performance, and help them realize the right to education. Ernestine Bahati, a Bachelor of Nursing student at Moi University originally from Rwanda UNHCR/Caroline Opile Maryan Mohamed, a form one student at Waberi Secondary school in Dadaab camp UNHCR/Caroline Opile Gatluak Mut, a refugee from South Sudan, described his experience studying in a public primary school in Kakuma town UNHCR/Caroline Opile Ernestine Bahati, a Bachelor of Nursing student at Moi University originally from Rwanda, was one of the participants at the event. that was held at Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). Dressed in a blue jumpsuit and matching shoes, 25 year old Bahati was a voice for the 83% of refugees that do not have access for tertiary education. While making her contribution at the panel discussion, Bahati said, Refugees are global citizens. If we are to achieve inclusion in education, they should not be lost in the paperwork, procedures and bureaucracies that make refugees miss opportunities for education. Finally, Gatluak Mut, a refugee from South Sudan, described his experience studying in a public primary school in Kakuma town. He explained that Kenyan learners encouraged him not to give up on education and has with time assimilated well to the education system. Aged 20 and the current Head Boy, Gatluak hopes to complete primary school next year at Kakuma Arid Zone. With a chuckle, Gatluak says, Fellow learners and teachers in the school have motivated me to learn Swahili, I hope to become a Swahili teacher when I go back to South Sudan. Government of Kenya Ministry of Education officials, refugees, teachers and education partners to celebrate innovation in education in camp-settings promoting inclusive and equitable education for refugees and host community children UNHCR/Caroline Opile WUSC East African Director, Danny Cutherell " education stakeholders to build capacities of women and girls and in the process create employment opportunities for youth." UNHCR/Caroline Opile Dr. Darius Ogutu, Director of University Education and Research at the Ministry of Education, congratulated Kenya for the great progress towards the inclusion of refugees UNHCR/Caroline Opile Group photo of the participants UNHCR/Caroline Opile Dr. Darius Ogutu, Director of University Education and Research at the Ministry of Education, congratulated Kenya for the great progress towards the inclusion of refugees Kenya is a trailblazer globally. But he also urged UNHCR and other education stakeholders to remain engaged to ensure the achievement of equity in education. UNHCR Representative, Regional Service Centre, Bonwell Kantande, affirmed, We are committed in supporting the Government of Kenya to achieve inclusion of refuge children in the national education system. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter When the war in Syria forced sweet maker Abdullah Bashir to flee in 2012, he and his family made their way to Egypt. There he set up a shop similar to the one he had left behind, stocking the shelves with pastries filled with dates or pistachios and semolina cakes soaked in syrup. For anyone with a sweet tooth, Damascus loss was Egypts gain. Egypt hosts 132,281 registered Syrian refugees, and Bashirs story shows how they can overcome the odds to find success in their new country using professional skills they learned back home. Bashir comes from a family of sweet makers, and since the 1980s his fathers shop in Damascus had been among the top 20 dessert shops in Syria, he says. "After a while it was clear that we had to work." When they first arrived in Cairo, the Bashirs believed the situation back home would stabilize in a matter of weeks or months. When we left Syria we did not plan to open a shop here, but after a while it was clear that we had to work, he says. It was hard to rebuild the business from scratch. The family lacked capital and had to learn how to adapt what they made to Egyptian tastes. We had to develop our work, buy Egyptian equipment and consult with Egyptian chefs, Bashir says. The result was Sweets of Damascus, which opened in October 2013 in the city of Giza, which is close to the capital Cairo. At first, they only produced one type of sweet, kunafa nabulseya, filling shredded fillo dough with sweet cheese, drizzling it with honey and then baking it. But the family now owns two small shops where Bashir and his brother Mohammad stack trays of crispy gullash, basbousa, maamoul and other desserts. "Seeking asylum was not a choice for us." Although the asylum environment in Egypt is generally conducive, refugees' ability to access the formal job market is limited, sending many to navigate the challenges of establishing their own start-ups. In order to help them overcome some of these obstacles, UNHCR provides eligible refugees and asylum-seekers with training, job placement and micro-grants for start-ups. In the first half of 2018, nearly 228 persons of concern benefitted from livelihood support. In order to help them overcome some of these obstacles, UNHCR provides eligible refugees and asylum-seekers with training, job placement and micro-grants for start-ups. In the first half of 2018, nearly 228 persons of concern benefitted from livelihood support. A selection of sweet pastries on display outside the family's shop in Giza, Egypt. UNHCR/Bregt Jansegers The shop's employees display their finished products. UNHCR/Bregt Jansegers Abdullah Bashir is from a family of renowned pastry chefs in Damascus. UNHCR/Bregt Jansegers Since the conflict erupted in Syria eight years ago, more than 5 million people have fled to other countries in the region, including Egypt, where Syrians now account for more than half of the registered refugees and asylum seekers. Although Bashir has tasted success in his adopted country, he still longs to go home. Seeking asylum was not a choice for us, he said. No matter how much we work here, we have a country to return to. The moment the war ends, we will return. Stock Market News BAY Share Price - Quang Ninhs Van Don airport welcomes first international flight 27-05-2019 04:11 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Zelensky's adviser: Ukraine to ask IMF for new program after parliamentary elections 13:53, 27.05.19 1788 Danyliuk believes the Ukrainian government should continue to fulfill the conditions of the current IMF program, not hiding behind political reasons. The president urged not to spoil the bills with "corruption antics." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has addressed the lawmakers and called to vote for reform bills, as well as not to use the rostrum as a platform for personal PR campaign. Read alsoUkraine's CEC opens account for parliamentary candidates, names amount of cash deposit "Despite the fact that your activity almost completely destroyed the legitimacy of the Verkhovna Rada, you have a chance to restore at least some public confidence in representative democracy. To do this, you just need to start voting for the reform bills, which were developed by Ukrainian and Western experts. They remain without consideration for years, although the citizens and the country are waiting for them," he wrote on Facebook on May 27. In addition, the president urged not to spoil these bills with "corruption antics." "At the same time, I am confident the Central Election Commission will fulfill its functional responsibilities for the organization of the electoral process," Zelensky said. As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine's new President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 21 signed a decree disbanding the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament. On May 23, the decree on the early termination of the powers of the Verkhovna Rada and the appointment of early elections on July 21, 2019 was published in the government's official newspaper Uriadovy Kurier. Kremlin says the position cannot change. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said the Kremlin's position on the possibility of the release of 24 Ukrainian sailors will not change and they will remain in custody, despite the decision of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). "The position cannot change. The investigation should be completed in connection with the 'violation of the law on the border' and a trial should be held," he said, according to the Russian newspaper Vedomosti. Read alsoRussia says it won't abide by ITLOS decision to free Ukrainian sailors UNIAN memo. On the morning of November 25, 2018, Russia blocked the passage to the Kerch Strait for the Ukrainian tugboat "Yany Kapu" and two armored naval boats "Berdyansk" and "Nikopol," which were on a scheduled re-deployment from the Black Sea port of Odesa to the Azov Sea port of Mariupol. The Ukraine Navy Command noted that the Russian side had been informed of the plans to re-deploy the vessels in advance in accordance with international standards to ensure the safety of navigation. The Russian coast guard ship "Don" rammed the Ukrainian tugboat, damaging the Ukrainian vessel. As the Ukrainian boats were heading back in the Odesa direction after being rejected passage via the Kerch Strait, Russian coast guards opened aimed fire on them. All 24 crew members on board were captured and later remanded in custody for two months, being charged with "illegal border crossing" (the sailors are facing up to six years in prison). Three crewmen were wounded in the attack. Russian-controlled "courts" in occupied Crimea ruled that all 24 detainees should be remanded in custody, after which they were transferred to the Moscow-based Lefortovo and Matrosskaya Tishina detention centers. Moscow's Lefortovo district court in the middle of January 2019 decided to keep the Ukrainian sailors in remand until the end of April 2019. In April, their detention was extended until the end of August 2019. On May 25, ITLOS obliged Russia to immediately release 24 Ukrainian sailors and three Ukrainian vessels captured near the Kerch Strait in November 2018. The speaker believes this will be one of the "key issues" of the plenary week. Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, Andriy Parubiy has said the issue of the resignation of the Cabinet of Ministers, Ukraine's government, will be considered on Thursday, May 30. Read alsoPM Groysman's resignation letter registered in Ukraine's parliament "According to the law, we must consider the issue of the resignation of the Cabinet of Ministers within 10 days, and we meet the deadline in this plenary week," he said at a meeting of the Conciliatory Council of faction leaders and chairmen of parliamentary committees, an UNIAN correspondent reports. Parubiy instructed the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Legal Policy and Justice to consider this issue at a meeting on Wednesday so that "on Thursday we could consider this issue the resignation of the Cabinet of Ministers and the prime minister of Ukraine." The speaker believes this will be one of the "key issues" of the plenary week. According to Parubiy, a block of issues of social policy, as well as on local government is planned to be considered on Tuesday. He says it is necessary to consider in the first reading a bill on the unification of military ranks in Ukraine. In addition, a block of issues of agrarian policy will be considered on Thursday. The deadline for reporting by the Russian authorities to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea on the implementation of its decision on the release of the sailors expires on June 25. A Moscow court has extended the term of detention of 24 captive Ukrainian sailors until the end of July. "Moscow City Court has considered appeals from lawyers of the fifth and sixth groups of four Ukrainian prisoners of war today," coordinator of a group of lawyers for the sailors Nikolay Polozov wrote on Facebook on May 27. Lefortovsky District Court rulings extending the terms of the sailors' detention until the end of July were left unchanged, the defense's claims were not satisfied. "Thus, as of now, Moscow City Court has dismissed appeals regarding all the 24 captive Ukrainian sailors," Polozov wrote. Read alsoITLOS obliges Russia to release 24 Ukrainian sailors He also noted that the deadline for reporting by the Russian authorities to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea on the implementation of its decision on the release of the sailors expires on June 25. As was reported, Moscow City Court on May 20 and May 22 ruled that the extension of the detention of 16 Ukrainian sailors (the first four groups of four) was legitimate. As UNIAN reported, three Ukrainian vessels were captured on November 25, 2018, by Russian forces at sea near the Kerch Strait, which is the only outlet to the Sea of Azov and controls access to two major Ukrainian ports. Two Ukrainian artillery boats and a tugboat were heading from Odesa on the Black Sea to Mariupol on the Sea of Azov. Twenty-four sailors were detained. The sailors say they were treated worse than prisoners. Five Ukrainian crewmembers of a Panama-registered oil tanker, Sea Shark, detained in Egypt in December 2018 for the violation of Egypt's borders, have finally returned home. Read alsoEgypt detains Panama-registered oil tanker with 17 Ukrainian crewmembers In the morning of May 27, four of 17 Ukrainian sailors arrived at Odesa Airport, while another one arrived in the city of Kherson. Another four Ukrainians should be back on Tuesday, May 28, as reported by the Ukrainian TSN news service. The captain of the vessel, Vitaliy Nesterenko, and another eight sailors are now at a military base in Egypt's Ein El Sokhna Port near Cairo. The date of their release is unknown. The captain said by the phone the vessel had gone adrift and accidentally entered into the territorial waters of Egypt. The Egyptian side fined the shipowner company over the said offense and the crew's passports were seized. The sailors who finally returned home say they were treated worse than prisoners. "The hardest period took place when the crew was broken into groups and locked in premises. They [the Egyptian side] banned free movement along the vessel and already began to use force," second in command officer Hennadiy Navoienko said. Earlier it was reported the rest of the crew, along with the Ukrainian captain, had been released and sent to a hotel, where they were waiting for the issuance of documents and return home. However, the Assol Seamen Relief Fund later reported it had lost touch with the captain. Nobody was killed but four guards were treated for injuries. Four prison guards have been injured in what Ukrainian law enforcement authorities said was a riot by inmates at a penitentiary in Odesa region. Regional police said that prisoners at Correctional Colony No. 51 in the southern region started the riot early on May 27, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty said. They said a vehicle on prison grounds was set on fire. Inmates were apparently protesting over a series of searches by guards, Ukraine's human rights ombudswoman, Liudmyla Denisova, wrote on Facebook. Read alsoZelensky on protesters demanding his impeachment: No measures needed if law obeyed "The rioters took three medical personnel and three guards hostage" but they were released and "at this point the situation is under control," Denisova wrote. Media reports said the prison was cordoned off by riot police and traffic was restricted in the area. Nobody was killed but four guards were treated for injuries, police said. The inmates accused of instigating the riot have been isolated from the other prisoners and an investigation on suspicion of "activities destabilizing the operations of a penitentiary facility" has been opened, they said. Ukraine Army reported no casualties over the period under review. Russia's hybrid military forces on May 26 mounted three attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas. Read alsoRussia-led forces mount six attacks on Ukrainian positions on May 25 "Ukraine Army reported no casualties over the past day. Each enemy attack had an adequate response. According to intelligence reports, one invader was wounded," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in an update on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on May 27, 2019. During the period under review, Russian occupation forces opened fire from grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms to attack the Ukrainian positions near the town of Krasnohorivka, and the villages of Hnutove and Chermalyk. "From midnight on Monday, Russia-led forces attacked Ukrainian positions once near the village of Zaitseve, using 82mm mortars, tripod-mounted man-portable antitank guns and heavy machine guns. There were no casualties among the Ukrainian military [on Monday]," the report said. Reports that Surkov wrote a letter of resignation were spread on Telegram channels on May 24. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has not confirmed the rumors that Russian President Vladimir Putin's aide, supervisor of the so-called "Luhansk and Donetsk People's Republics" Vladislav Surkov resigned. Read also"DPR" leader urgently summoned to Moscow media "You know that we traditionally do not comment on any personnel rumors," Peskov told journalists, answering a question about Surkov's resignation, according to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti. To the journalists' clarifying question whether these words mean there was no decree on resignation, Peskov said: "So far, we have not issued any decrees." Reports that Surkov wrote a letter of resignation were spread on Telegram channels on May 24. Newly appointed Chief of the General Staff and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Lieutenant-General Ruslan Khomchak was also present. New Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has paid his first working visit to Donbas, eastern Ukraine, during which he inspected Ukrainian army positions in the village of Stanytsia Luhanska and the town of Schastia, both in Luhansk region. The president met with members of Ukraine's Joint Forces, asked them about living conditions, the quality of food, equipment, social package, staffing, the official presidential website said. "In Stanytsia Luhanska, the president visited the front line positions, in particular an observation post and dugouts. The enemy's nearest position is 400 meters away," it said. The president stressed the need to ensure better conditions for the army. "The conditions for the military who defend Ukraine should be normal," he said while inspecting the living conditions of Ukrainian soldiers. In addition, the president heard an update by Commander of the Joint Forces, Lieutenant-General Oleksandr Syrsky on the situation in the Joint Forces Operation zone. Newly appointed Chief of the General Staff and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Lieutenant-General Ruslan Khomchak was also present. LONDON, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The United States is getting nervous about China's development and has deeper motives for targeting Chinese imports and high-tech firms, a Cambridge University expert has said. "I am opposed to the American position 100 percent," Professor Alan Barrell told Xinhua in a recent interview, when commenting on the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions initiated by Washington last year with slapping additional tariffs on Chinese goods. "I don't agree with trade wars, and I know they are never won," he said. "I have strong feelings about this." Meanwhile, he said he does not believe the current tensions between the United States and China are about trade. "The issues and the problem are bigger -- it is all about geopolitics," he added. In a similar fashion, what prompted the U.S. sanctions against world-leading telecom giant Huawei and other Chinese high-tech companies went beyond the alledged espionage concerns, according to the Cambridge professor. "In telecommunications, the real argument is not about whether Huawei technology will employ 'bugs' dangerous to Western interests, but about the Shenzhen company's superiority in 5G and other technologies, and the fear that the U.S. has now become No. 2 or even 3 in this key area of technology development," said Barrell. "Issues of cybersecurity extend far beyond simple issues of who makes and supplies the hardware," he added. The scholar noted that as China emerges in trade, technology and economy, U.S. President Donald Trump stresses "America First" and encourages his country to look inward. "The growth of China makes America very nervous. And Trump and America try to turn the rest of the West against China," he said. Emphasizing that the world should have "so much opportunity for us all to work together for the good of all people," Barrell said he is distressed by what the United States has done on China and Huawei. "It is a difficult time in world history," with some politicians having "de-camped into 'silos'" determined by what they believe in, said the professor. "Citizens of the world in both East and West are essentially now held to ransom," said Barrell. "The real issue is geopolitics and the progress of China as a future science, technology and economic leader." Citing the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative as yet another example, he added, "Why is ... such a courageous initiative so cynically regarded in the West? Fear and concern about loss of control and profitable exploitation might have a lot to do with such attitudes." As regards China, Barrell praised the Asian country's efforts in boosting global collaboration. "China, in many public pronouncements of its leaders and in actions, appears to be sincere in leading processes of internationalization and global collaboration," he said. In particular, the scholar said Cambridge welcomes the great investments and contributions from Huawei. "They have European headquarters for R&D in Cambridge, Europe's R&D capital," he noted. "And they just announced they bought a site ... to build a new factory here." "Cambridge is delighted! Open Innovation and collaboration are watchwords here," added the professor. Noting that "others in the global power domain take differing views" on China's development, Barrell urged people around the world to make a choice. "We can be sure that the balance of power in the world between East and West will not be returning to historical positioning," he said. "Can we become 'One World,' or be adversely divided? Citizens of the world must decide." [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] The official results of Sunday's voting were expected to be announced in the coming days. The leader of Poland's ruling conservatives on Sunday claimed victory in the country's European Parliament elections, but warned the real test for his party would come in a ballot to choose MPs later this year. The governing Law and Justice (PiS) party garnered 42.4 percent of Sunday's vote, while the European Coalition alliance of opposition parties scored 39.1 percent, according to an exit poll, Radio Poland reported. Read alsoGreek PM calls snap vote after drubbing for ruling Syriza media State broadcaster TVP reported that such a result would give PiS 24 seats in the European Parliament, up from 19 at present. Other groupings finished a long way behind in the ballot, a key test ahead of Poland's parliamentary elections scheduled for the autumn. Law and Justice leader Jarosaw Kaczynski, whose party came to power in a landslide victory in late 2015, told cheering supporters on Sunday: "We've won, but we've won in a manner that must incline us to do some very hard work before the parliamentary elections." He added: "The decisive battle for the future of our homeland will take place in the autumn, and we have to be victorious, even more victorious than now. That's an enormous challenge." Grzegorz Schetyna, head of the Civic Platform, (PO), the biggest party in the opposition European Coalition, said the results were the start of a road to triumph in national parliamentary elections. "We've built a coalition. We're very close. We're within reach of a win in the autumn," Schetyna said. The official results of Sunday's voting were expected to be announced in the coming days. Bitcoin Price Stalls Near $8100 After an incredible 7+week rally in Bitcoin, from $3700 to above $8000, the current price action is setting up for what may become an extended Pennant/Flag formation with quite a bit of sideways trading ahead. Our researchers believe the past 7+ weeks rally in Bitcoin was prompted by a shift away from risk in Asia/China and into more suitable protection assets. Cryptos appear to be the easy choice for many as this rally coincided with the April 3rd through 6th US/China trade talks in Washington, DC (https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3004961/us-says-theres-still-significant-work-be-done-trade-talks). It appears that many investors were preparing for a difficult deadline after the March 1st deadline for a deal was pushed back. These early April trade talks may have been interpreted as a do or die effort from both sides. Again, shortly after the May 1st US/China trade talks in Beijing, Bitcoin began another rally from the $5200 level all the way up to the $8000 level. Our contacts, although we admit they are fairly limited in total quantity, have stated the sentiment from locals in China are very pessimistic on the US and President Trump. A few of our contacts have recently stated they have been laid off or terminated from their jobs and, as we understand, locals have already started to react in a protectionist mode. This happens when economies contract quickly. Consumers attempt to protect their wealth and assets by moving any capital they have into something more efficient than their local markets thus Cryptos. This Weekly Bitcoin chart highlights areas that we believe our current support and resistance levels. The $8000~8100 level goes all the way back to the February 2018 low. This is a critical level for trading as it became a massive price support level back in 2018 and eventually became critical resistance in July 2018. Additional resistance is found near $9900. This Daily Bitcoin chart highlights what we believe are the current Key Highs and Key Lows that will tell us if the next phase will be a continued rally or a breakdown in price. The Key Low near $7480 must hold for any further upside price advance. If $7480 is broken, we would expect the next Key Low price to be targeted (near $6200). Otherwise, if another rally breaks out and price rallies above the Key High, then we could see an upside target range between $9200 to $9700 very quickly. You can see from our BLUE CHANNEL levels on the lower indicator that we believe a Pennant/Flag formation may be setting up in Bitcoin right now. This type of price rotation is not uncommon after a big move like weve seen already and it could be a fairly wide price rotation as this sideways Pennant/Flag pattern continues. The current range between Key Highs and Key Lows is about $2000 lots of room for trading/traders. The key to understanding this move is the protectionist thinking of the people of China. They are very likely attempting to move their capital into something that is not Chinese Yuan based and away from traditional holdings (Gold, Real Estate, Jewelry or other assets). Eventually, we will likely see Gold/Silver follow the rally in Cryptos if fear continues to hit the markets. Cryptos, although, appear to have executed the first leg of the fear trade originating from the breakdown in the US/China trade negotiations. An additional word of warning should be that any resolution to the US/China trade talks over the next 60+ days could remove any long term support for this upside move in Cryptos. Pay attention to the news cycles and what is happening in China, the EU and the rest of the world. As fast as it went up, it could easily break down as news hits. Lots of great price action unfold to take advantage of. Subscribers just closed out a 24% winner and another 3.46% as the markets prepare for a new move. If you want my trade signals and alerts be sure to check out my Wealth Trading Newsletter. 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. X Interstate cooperation in gas sphere and supported the coordination of joint plans for future, has accomplished its work on May 22, 2019, in Avaza National tourist zone Ashgabat (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th May, 2019) X Interstate cooperation in gas sphere and supported the coordination of joint plans for future, has accomplished its work on May 22, 2019, in Avaza National tourist zone. Atmosphere and course of discussions at the Congress was provided by the fact that the role of natural gas as the most ecologically acceptable and economically beneficial energy resource, which supports stable development of the countries, is growing rapidly in the world energy industry. Therefore, the intent of leading companies of the planet to establish close cooperation with our country, which has rich reserves of gas in the world, is quite legitimate. Demand on energy is the key indicator for any energy forecast. In this case, the opinion of experts is clear Asia will be in the focus in international gas trade for next three decades, which will lead to the necessity of formation of gas transport and gas processing infrastructure. Thus, geographic factor strengthens the positions of Turkmenistan in the world energy markets. Special interest raised by the presentation of the projects of industrial development of largest Galkynysh Field and construction of transnational gas pipeline Turkmenistan Afghanistan Pakistan India among the participants of the Congress became another evidence to this. At the same time, opportunities of supply of Turkmen gas to Europe and Russian, plans for increment of throughput capacity of Central Asia China gas line have been actively discussed at the sessions and fields of the Forum. Diversification of oil and gas industry and enhancement of its innovative component are important aspects of energy strategy steadily implemented by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Rating of the companies successfully working in this direction are headed now by representatives of business circles of the Republic of Korean and Japan, together with which number of big projects of deep processing of natural gas has been implemented. Perspective directions of cooperation in oil and gas industry of Turkmenistan were discussed on the second day of the Congress. Reports of top managers and specialists of structural divisions of Turkmen fuel and energy complex Turkmenbashy Refinery Complex and the State Concern Turkmengaz, hve been listened with keen interest. In particular, it is planned to build new technological lines, which will refine the oil up to 90 percent, at Turkmenbashy Refinery Complex. It includes the complex of units for hydro treatment of diesel fractions and gasolines, catalyst cracking of heavy residuals of oil refining as well as the installations for production of high quality base technical oils. Representatives of PETRONAS (Malaysia) and Chinese National Petroleum Corporation presented the review of their activity in Turkmenistan. International petroleum company PETRONAS works for more than 20 years in Turkmenistan on the base of the Production Sharing Agreement on Block 1 in Caspian Sea. For this period, PETRONAS has invested more than 10.7 billion US Dollars to the exploration and development of contractual territory, which is located 80 km to the southwest from Turkmenbashy. At present time, Amudarya Regional Gas Company, which is the part of CNPC, continues work on improvement of material base of Turkmenistan China pipeline. The first phase of the project of development of the field, which located in eastern part of Bagtiyarlyk contractual territory, has been successfully implemented. It is planned to start industrial production of gas in the eastern part of B Block in the end of 2019. It is expected that completion of the first phase of the project will provide the production of 1.7 billion cubic meters of gas per year. Total volume of product supplied to Turkmenistan China pipeline from the fields of Bagtiyarlyk contractual territory is more than 82 billion cubic meters today. Direction of International Oil and Gas University spoke in details about training of personnel for oil and gas industry of our country and international cooperation in this field. Numerous business meetings between foreign businessmen and heads of oil and gas departments and concerns of Turkmenistan, during which specific proposals for establishment of beneficial partnership in different spheres of national gas industry, have been held under X International Gas Congress. The president of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado, has said that a military intervention is an unacceptable option to resolve the Venezuelan crisis MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd May, 2019) The president of Costa Rica , Carlos Alvarado, has said that a military intervention is an unacceptable option to resolve the Venezuelan crisis. Earlier in May, the Venezuelan opposition leader, Juan Guaido, formally asked the US military for help in overthrowing the incumbent government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. "Costa-Rica is not among the states which believe that all routes can be taken [to resolve the crisis in Venezuela]. We do not think that the military route is possible in the 21st century. Dialogue and democracy must prevail," Alvaro told the Spanish EFE news outlet on Thursday. The crisis in Venezuela started in January, after Guaido proclaimed himself interim president and launched political protests. Costa Rica is among the Lima Group countries that have endorsed him as Venezuela's leader and urged Maduro to step down. Maduro, in turn, has accused the United States of attempting to orchestrate a coup and gain access to the country's oil reserves via bringing a puppet politician to power. Patent Attorney Joins UW to Lead Technology Transfer Efforts Henry Nowak Experienced patent attorney Henry Nowak has joined the University of Wyoming as director of technology transfer and business resources. He has a depth and range of experience that will serve UW and Wyoming well as the university works with the state and ENDOW (Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming) to stimulate entrepreneurial activities and the shepherding of ideas with market potential into the business world, says UW Vice President for Research and Economic Development Ed Synakowski. At a time when many universities are cutting back on programs and services, UWs strong commitment to entrepreneurship and business development drew Nowaks interest. Its really nice to be in an environment thats enthusiastic and encouraging, he says. Nowak most recently served as technology manager of Technology Transfer and Business Resources at North Dakota State University, where he was responsible for a portfolio of technologies resulting from research activities at that campus, including intellectual property evaluation, marketing, negotiating and drafting agreements, and monitoring their performance. Previously, he was the assistant director for life sciences in the Office of Technology Development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he managed a portfolio for patenting, licensing and startups from the Schools of Pharmacy, Medicine, Public Health, Dentistry and the Departments of Chemistry, Biology and Computer Science. He also oversaw the internship program under which students from business, law and science developed utilization plans for university technologies. Nowak also served as director of the Center for Entrepreneurship in the College of Business at Colorado State University. Before that, he was the director of the Technology Commercialization Office at Utah State University, handling a portfolio of life science technologies and, pursuant to a Department of Defense security clearance, the portfolio of the Space Dynamics Laboratory. Nowak also has worked in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and agricultural biotechnology industry for more than 15 years. He holds a law degree, a Master of Business Administration degree and a masters degree in biochemistry. Hes a registered patent attorney. At UW, Nowak will serve as director of the Wyoming Technology Transfer and Research Products Center. Well be a resource for the state and the university, he says. In his new role at UW, Nowak will lead the effort to provide faculty, staff, students and Wyoming entrepreneurs with guidance and resources to identify, promote and protect intellectual property with market potential, Synakowski says. He and his office will play a key role within UWs new Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE). In addition to vetting ideas that can be licensed to industry, his office will provide a gateway to the services of the IIE that will be aimed at drawing upon the resources of the campus to develop robust, vetted business models that can attract investment. He also will assist me in shaping the relationships between the Wyoming Business Council-supported Business Resource Network units and the IIE. With a land-grant universitys three-fold mission of education, research and outreach, Nowak plans to address all three. He wants to involve students in the offices efforts and eventually to teach a class in the College of Business to expose business students to technology. While universities are strong in research, they are often lacking in the development part of R&D. When you have technologies, you have to get them to their full utilization, Nowak says. For UW researchers, that may mean licensing the technology to an established company or helping the technology move closer to commercialization within the university or through a university startup. As for outreach, the centers mission includes assisting Wyoming entrepreneurs and inventors in the protection, marketing and technology transfer of their intellectual property. War and Young Americans So were going to do this all over again? Well, not if I can help it. Not that I have much hope that I can, mind you. As the bastions of war chime on, my voice, like so many others, will be drowned out. The military industrial complex knows how to do propaganda, better than anyone. But Ill try. Vietnam gave the US its biggest ever defeat, both militarily and morally, and yet mere years after its deeply humiliating withdrawal was put into action, the country was back at sending its promising young boys and girls not to its school systems, but to far away battle fields to be crippled, traumatized and slaughtered. I know, I know, the UK and France do that too, but few other places do. Russia today uses its troops to defend its territory, China has yet to reveal its intentions. But the intentions of the US have been known ever since WWII ended. In 1956, president Eisenhower, himself a longtime military man, warned the country upon taking leave of office, of the military-industrial complex that was threatening to take over its government. Less than 10 years later, thats exactly what the complex did, and its never looked back. And Im thinking: you never learned anything at all? Not from Ike, not from Vietnam, not from the non-existent Iraqi WMD, and not from Libya or Syria? How is that even possible? Oh wait, I know, because the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN et al is where you get your so-called news. Thats why. Gotcha. Today, May 26 2019, and Im deeply ashamed to say it, I have two stories, one concerning a speech by VP Mike Pence at West Point, the other from Caitlin Johnstone about a Twitter thread initiated by the US military itself. Pences speech is heart breaking in its ignorance of US history, Caitlins is heart wrenching in its acknowledgment of that same history, and what it does to young Americans. Now, I think this is not about Trump, as many will undoubtedly claim, its about Trump and Pelosi and Pence and McCain and Bolton and Hillary and Pompeo and Obama and all of the people hanging around both administrations. Lets see what YOU think. Pence To West Point Grads: You Will Fight On a Battlefield for America at Some Point in Your Life Vice President Mike Pence told the graduating class of the West Point Military Academy on Saturday that the world is a dangerous place and they should expect to see combat. Men and women of West Point, no matter where youre deployed, you will be the vanguard of freedom, and you know that the soldier does not bear the sword in vain. The work you do has never been more important. America will always seek peace, but peace comes through strength. And you are now that strength. It is a virtual certainty that you will fight on a battlefield for America at some point in your life. You will lead soldiers in combat. It will happen. Some of you will join the fight against radical Islamic terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq. Some of you will join the fight on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific, where North Korea continues to threaten the peace, and an increasingly militarized China challenges our presence in the region. Some of you will join the fight in Europe, where an aggressive Russia seeks to redraw international boundaries by force. And some of you may even be called upon to serve in this hemisphere. And when that day comes, I know you will move to the sound of the guns and do your duty, and you will fight, and you will win. The American people expect nothing less. Mike Pence is a very dangerous person. Hes planning to send American children into endless wars once again, 45-odd years after Vietnam and 20-odd years after Iraq. And theres no-one left to stop him, other than Trump, Not exactly a solid guarantee. The Democrats will cheer this on, and their media will too. They always have. Now, Im not old enough to remember the whole story of the US involvement in Vietnam, but I do recall this 1985 video from Paul Hardcastle, which stated that the average age of the US soldier in Vietnam -towards the end- was 19. I have also seen Coppolas movie Apocalypse Now, and many others, and yes, Im wondering where todays versions of these movies are. Because, you know, when I read the Twitter thread picked up by Caitlin Johnstone listing what was supposed to be a promo thing from the army, my heart sinks and hurts and in the end is downright defeated. Its like reading the accounts from Vietnam, and nothing has changed in 50+ years. How can that be? Says innocent me. But religious nut Mike Pence has the guts to present this as some sort of heroic thing. For young Americans to go die in a desert for nothing at all other than Exxons access to oil and the profits of Boeing and Raytheon. And of course theyve been setting this up for decades, that young kids -certainly blacks- who have no shot at a proper education, can get one only if they agree to become cannon fodder. Thats Nam, guys, thats the 1960s, history. And just look at how terribly that failed. Well, Mike Pence would like to repeat that failure. The US Army Asked Twitter How Service Has Impacted People. The Answers Were Gut-Wrenching. After posting a video of a young recruit talking to the camera about how service allows him to better himself as a man and a warrior, the US Army tweeted, How has serving impacted you? As of this writing, the post has over 5,300 responses. Most of them are heartbreaking. My daughter was raped while in the army, said one responder. They took her to the hospital where an all male staff tried to convince her to give the guy a break because it would ruin his life. She persisted. Wouldnt back down. Did a tour in Iraq. Now suffers from PTSD. Ive had the same nightmare almost every night for the past 15 years, said another. Tweet after tweet after tweet, people used the opportunity that the Army had inadvertently given them to describe how they or their loved one had been chewed up and spit out by a war machine that never cared about them. This article exists solely to document a few of the things that have been posted in that space, partly to help spread public awareness and partly in case the thread gets deleted in the interests of national security. my grandpa served in vietnam from when he was 1825. hes 70 now and every night he still has nightmares where he stands up tugging at the curtains or banging on the walls screaming at the top of his lungs for someone to help him. he refuses to talk about his time and when you mention anything about the war to him his face goes white and he has a panic attack. he cries almost every day and night and had to spend 10 years in a psychiatric facility for suicidal ideations from what he saw there. My best friend joined the Army straight out of high school because his family was poor & he wanted a college education. He served his time & then some. Just as he was ready to retire he was sent to Iraq. You guys sent him back in a box. It destroyed his children. My best friend from high school was denied his mental health treatment and forced to return to a third tour in Iraq, despite having such deep trauma that he could barely function. He took a handful of sleeping pills and shot himself in the head two weeks before deploying. If you got the stomach for it, guys, do read it. But I got to tell you, I find it hard. The US killed millions of people and maimed ten times that in Vietnam, and that very much includes its own young and promising American citizens, and they did it again in Iraq. Mike Pence wants to repeat that in Iran and other theaters. Supported by Pelosi, Pompeo, Schumer, Bolton etc. Shame for them John McCain passed. Theres only one US presidential candidate whos explicitly spoken out against this mad repeat of Vietnam, and thats Tulsi Gabbard, who actually served in Iraq. So she will be pushed aside by the DNC. Who are funded by the military industrial complex, dont you know. Must serve the machine. We have a long way to go. I always thought that Springsteen talking about Vietnam from Born In The USA is sort of like a haiku, encompassing the essence in just a few words, even if he doesnt catch all the misery and bloodshed and mental anguish and broken lives and all of it (but how could you?): I had a brother at Khe San; Fighting off the Viet Cong Theyre still there, hes all gone He had a woman he loved in Saigon I got a picture of him in her arms now I know people older than me have many more examples of this and from the time when the war was actually ongoing. Eve of Destruction? Creedence? Please send suggestions. But also, please recognize the similarities in the madness then and now. And lets try and make it stop. Lets try and stop history from even rhyming, let alone repeating. Nassim Taleb likes to point out that in olden days those who declared wars would also be first in line to fight them. By design. The fair thing to do. Lets send Mike Pence and Nancy Pelosi and Donald Trump and Chuck Schumer and Mike Pompeo and John Bolton and all of their families into Iran first. And then we can talk. By Raul Ilargi Meijer Website: http://theautomaticearth.com (provides unique analysis of economics, finance, politics and social dynamics in the context of Complexity Theory) 2019 Copyright Raul I Meijer - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. Raul Ilargi Meijer Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. The Vietnam government recently issued a new decree to ensure greater rights for female employees. The regulatory change under Decree No 85 came into effect on November 15, 2015. Under the new regulations, female employees will get better health benefits, greater representation in unions and rights of unilateral termination of labour contracts. Meanwhile, the decree also elucidates several benefits to employers who adopt the new labour regulations. The details of the decree issued by the Vietnams Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, on October 1, 2015 are discussed in the section below. Rights of female employees Healthcare During health examinations, female employees have the right to undergo obstetric (maternity-related) examinations. Female employees are also entitled to receive menstrual leave, which will be 30 minutes per day and for a minimum of three days each month. The specific details of the time can be decided according to real working conditions and after negotiations between the employer and the female employee. In addition, female employees, who are raising infants under 1-year old should be granted an hour-long break each day during working hours to breastfeed children, collect and store milk or take rest. The decree states that female employees should be fully paid as per their contract regardless of the new stipulations for time off mentioned above. Right of unilateral terminations and temporary suspension of labor contracts If an authorized health facility states that the continued work could lead to a negative impact on the unborn child, a female employee may terminate the labour contract unilaterally or suspend the contract. However, the female worker needs to give notice in line with the recommendation of the health facility. The notice needs to be submitted along with the health report, stating that the continued work would affect the unborn child. The duration of the temporary suspension should be the same as the period stipulated by the health facility. Employer Benefits The decree clarifies the tax rebate that employers seek to gain on hiring several women workers. The decree formulates three bands for such employers and tax rebates will be calculated according to the band that employers fall under: Hiring 10-100 females, accounting for greater than 50 percent of the total employees. Hiring 100-1,000 females, accounting for greater than 30 percent of the total employees. Hiring more than 1,000 females. Employer Obligations An employer should undertake the formation of a base union as representatives of female employees, in case a labour union has already been established. In case no union exists, employers must establish a union if requested by a female employee. If there is no such request, the employer ought to take a vote from all female employees. The vote will pass if more than 50 percent of the female employees at the corporation vote for a specific outcome. The employer must also help and support in the cost of childcare. Employers are permitted to undertake several activities to support childcare. Employers may create kindergartens and nurseries for children or bear the cost of external kindergartens and nurseries through fee waivers and subsidies. The decree also mandates employers to have improved working conditions for women. Employers ought to ensure that there are sufficient bathrooms and restrooms for women. In addition, working hours should be flexible for female employees. Looking forward The new policy is a significant development in the business environment in Vietnam. This decree makes Vietnam one of the most conducive business environments for female employees. The provisions of the latest law ensure that female employees feel empowered at the workplace. In addition, the number of additional benefits provided to women will boost labour productivity for female employees. An independent study noted that employees look at employers more favourably, when the latter extend support to the former for activities not related to work. The decree ensures that it plays on such employee psyche to ensure a greater sense of participation in the workforce. In addition, the incentives create a greater chance of employee retention, which often translates into larger profit margins. The law will also aid the perception that expatriate female workers have about Vietnams labor laws. Vietnam is often tainted with the same brush as other Asian nations such as China, Thailand and India, which often have labor laws that are unfavorable to female workers. Therefore, the new labor laws will make Vietnam an attractive destination for the female expatriate population. What should companies do? Companies must ensure that they educate themselves on the latest decree. The complete details of the decree are on Vietnams Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs website. All employers that act on the recommendations of the decree and change their HR policy to ensure compliance stand to insulate themselves from the risks that possible labour disputes entail. Employers, which seek to effectively manage their compliance requirements, might need tailored consultancy services. One of Hollywoods great beauties of her day, Gene Tierney remains best remembered for her performance in the title role of the 1944 mystery classic Laura and her Academy Award-nominated performance for Best Actress in(1945). For her contribution to the motion picture industry, Tierney has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6125 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.She was born on November 20, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Howard Sherwood Tierney and Belle Lavina Taylor. Her father was a prosperous insurance broker of Irish descent, her mother a former gym teacher.Tierney was educated in Connecticut and Switzerland; she traveled in social circles, and at a party met Anatole Litvak, who was so stunned by her beauty that he requested she screen test at Warner Bros. The studio offered a contract, but the salary was so low that her parents dissuaded her from signing; instead, Tierney pursued a stage career, making her Broadway debut in 1938s. A six-month contract was then offered by Columbia, which she accepted. However, after the studio failed to find her a project, she returned to New York to star on-stage in. The lead in MGMswas offered her, but when the project was delayed Tierney signed with Fox, where in 1940 she made her film debut opposite Henry Fonda in the Fritz Lang WesternA small role infollowed before Tierney essayed her first major role in John Fords 1940 drama. She then starred as the titular Belle Starr. Fox remained impressed with her skills, but critics consistently savaged her work. Inexplicably and wholly inappropriately, she was cast as a native girl in three consecutive features:, and. Closer to home was 1942s, in which Tierney starred as a socialite; however, she was just as quickly returned to more exotic fare later that same year for. A supporting turn in Ernst Lubitschs classic 1943 comedysignaled an upward turn in Tierneys career, however, and the following year she starred as the enigmaticin Otto Premingers masterful mystery. After 1945s, she next appeared as a femme fatale in the melodrama, a performance which won her a Best Actress Academy Award nomination her most successful film to date.Tierney continued working at a steady pace, and in 1946 co-starred with Tyrone Power in an adaptation of the W. Somerset Maugham novel -. The 1947was her last major starring role; from 1948sonward, she appeared primarily in smaller supporting performances in projects including the 1949 thrillerand Jules Dassins classic 1950 noirAfter 1952s, Tierneys Fox contract expired, and at MGM she starred with Spencer Tracy in, followed by the Clark Gable vehicle. The latter was filmed in Britain, and she remained there to shoot. While in Europe, Tierney also began a romance with Aly Khan, but their marriage plans were met by fierce opposition from the Aga Khan; dejectedly she returned to the U.S., where she appeared in 1954sAfter 1955s, Tierneys long string of personal troubles finally took their toll, and she left Hollywood and relocated to the Midwest, accepting a job in a small department store; there she was rediscovered in 1959, and Fox offered her a lead role in the film. However, the stress of performing proved too great, and days into production Tierney quit to return to the clinic.Finally, Tierney returned to screens in 1962s, followed a year later by. After 1964s, she again retired, but in 1969 starred in the TV movieRemaining out of the public eye for the next decade, in 1979 Tierney published an autobiography,, and in 1980 appeared in the miniseries; the performance was her last. She died in Houston on November 6, 1991. The press conference announcing the CSI 2019 This is the fourth consecutive year that the VCCIs Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD) holds this programme. Over the past three years, the coverage of sustainable development stories has grown, a trend welcomed by the business community. On the day of the launch, all the participants applauded that the prime minister had just signed Directive No.13/CT-TTg dated May 20, 2019 on sustainable development. The directive noted that the VCCI and VBCSD should collaborate with the National Council on Sustainable Development and Competitiveness Enhancement, as well as ministries, agencies, and localities to promote sustainable development activities. They should also provide general advice the government to overcome challenges of the public-private partnership (PPP) model in order to create a favourable investment climate, and encourage the participation of the business community in implementing sustainable development goals of Vietnam. Over the last three years, the CSI has brought about breakthroughs to improve knowledge on sustainable development, as well as encourage Vietnamese businesses to implement the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, honouring hundreds of enterprises at each term. At CSI 2018, VCCI chairman Vu Tien Loc said, Businesses should put CSI in their heart. This way, they will develop well, improve their competitiveness, and become a motivation for Vietnams economy. This message touched the heart of every enterprise. The programme of the VBCSD is gathering great interest among businesses. Of particular note, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are paying increasing attention to the CSI. Nguyen Quang Vinh, general secretary of VCCI cum vice chairman of the VBCSD, said that CSI 2019 has been optimised and simplified a great deal since past years. The number of indexes has been reduced from 131 to 98, with 90 per cent related to legal compliance. These indexes are available for viewing at the website www.vbcsd.vn, where businesses could submit online declarations. We believe that the new version of CSI 2019 will be very useful for enterprises to make decisions towards more responsible business and sustainable prosperity, confirmed Vinh. US Memorial Day Weekend Market Analysis The US Memorial Day weekend is set up to become a very interesting time for investors. The EU voting is complete and the change in EU leadership may move the markets a bit. China appears to be playing a waiting game attempting to hold the US/Trump at bay until after the 2020 US elections. This week is certain to be very interesting for traders/investors. The European stocks moved higher in trading on Monday as the relief from the EU election event and support for auto shares pushed the markets higher. The transition in the EU over the next few months will solidify into a political and social agenda. The EU leadership must acknowledge these future objectives of all parties in order to maintain some level of calm. It is evident that many EU nations are relatively satisfied with the current leadership while others are transitioning into more centrist leadership. The next 4+ years will be full of further transition in the EU. China is another global issue that is relatively unsettled. Weve been doing some research with regards to China and the potential future political and economic pathways that may become evident in the near-term future. Our biggest concern is that China has been inflating their economic levels for decades and the true scope of the Chinese economy may be much weaker than everyone expects. If our suspicions are correct and China has been inflating economic levels for many years, then the transition to a consumer/services-driven economy may be dramatically over-inflated and the US/China trade issues could be biting much harder than the Chinese want to admit. The Sell in May and go away market saying may become absolute truth in 2019. Our expectations are still suggesting that an attempt at new market highs may take place before August 2019, but the current market rotation (lower) is setting up a very strong potential for further downside price action at the moment. Our proprietary Fibonacci price modeling system is suggesting the $7294 level in the NQ is key support. Below this level, the NQ could break much lower and potentially target $6850 or lower. The YM is setting up a similar price pattern with resistance near 25,840. We believe this resistance will push prices lower as we move further into early June. The potential for some type of surprise economic data or Fed/Global market move after this weekend is somewhat higher than expected. There is a lot of shifting taking place throughout the globe and we believe this turbulence will reflect in the US market soon enough. As of right now, our expectations are that a brief upside price rally will take place over the next 4~7+ days before a continued downside price trend may become evident. Pay attention to the news cycles for key elements that could drive the US stock market lower. We will continue to update you with regards to our proprietary research and expectations. The next 7+ days will likely be nothing but sideways price rotation within a Pennant/Flag formation. Read our research to understand how this setup coincides with the GOLD price setup and why it is important to understand why July 2019 is so important. Please take a minute to review these recent research posts that focus more on the US Dollar and Gold, and also the July turning point for US Stocks. 4 DAYS LEFT TO GET YOUR FREE SILVER ROUNDS WITH SUBSCRIPTION! We continue to see money flow into the safe-haven assets like the Utility sector, bonds, and most importantly precious metals. I anticipated this and our XLU utilities ETF taken with members for 4.4% already, and our VIX ETF trade we closed for a 25% last week. For May I am going to give away and ship out silver rounds to anyone who buys a 1-year, or 2-year subscription to my Wealth Trading Newsletter. You can upgrade to this longer-term subscription or if you are new, join one of these two plans listed below, and you will receive: SUBSCRIBE TO MY TRADE ALERTS AND GET YOUR FREE SILVER ROUNDS! 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. Djokovic is looking for a second French Open title. (File photo: AFP/CHRISTOPHE SIMON) Here, AFP Sport looked at three matches to watch on the second day of the French Open: NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SRB x1) v HUBERT HURKACZ (POL) First meeting World number one Djokovic can become only the second man in history to hold all four Grand Slams simultaneously twice if he triumphs in Paris. The 32-year-old has completely turned his fortunes around since dropping out of the world's top 20 last year following a shock quarter-final loss to Marco Cecchinato. Victory at Wimbledon was his first at a major since 2016, and he has since added two more to move to 15 in total -- behind only Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on the all-time list. But Djokovic may not have things all his own way against the 22-year-old Hurkacz on Court Philippe Chatrier. The Pole has had an excellent 2019 so far, rising to 43rd in the rankings after runs to the last 16 in Madrid and the Indian Wells quarter-finals. SERENA WILLIAMS (USA x10) v VITALIA DIATCHENKO (RUS) Williams leads head-to-head 1-0 Williams withdrew from last year's French Open before her fourth-round match against Sharapova. (File photo: AFP/Thomas SAMSON) Williams arrives in Paris still looking for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title having failed to lift a major title since returning last year after giving birth to her daughter. But the American has only played four matches since losing to Karolina Pliskova at the Australian Open, struggling for form and fitness. All eyes will be on her as she returns to Roland Garros on Monday, having withdrawn from the tournament 12 months ago ahead of a scheduled last-16 clash against old rival Maria Sharapova. Russian Diatchenko is ranked a lowly 82nd in the world, and retired from her only previous match against Williams at the 2015 US Open while trailing 6-0, 2-0. RAFAEL NADAL (ESP x2) v YANNICK HANFMANN (GER) First meeting Nadal lifted a record-extending 11th French Open title last year Nadal lifted a record-extending 11th French Open title last year. (File photo: AFP/Christophe ARCHAMBAULT) Nadal starts his tilt at a record-extending 12th Roland Garros title against German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in the second match on Chatrier. The 17-time Grand Slam champion comes into the tournament as the second seed, and having beaten old foe Djokovic in the Italian Open final. Nadal holds an incredible 86-2 win-loss record in the French Open, having only lost to Robin Soderling and Djokovic since making his tournament debut in 2005. World number 184 Hanfmann has come through three rounds of qualifying to set up the once-in-a-lifetime clash in Paris, but thinks being partially deaf could be a slight advantage. "A centre court full of spectators doesn't affect me," he told German daily Bild in an interview. The family of former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn has asked the UN to intervene against what they termed his "judicial persecution" in Japan. (AFP/Behrouz MEHRI) Jessica Finelle said the family had approached the working group on arbitrary detention at the Office of the UN Commissioner for Human Rights to see if they could provide some redress. In the request, the lawyers say bail conditions imposed on Ghosn amounted to "house arrest" and were intended to weaken him psychologically ahead of his trial. Ghosn was dramatically arrested in November as he stepped off his private jet in Tokyo. He was held for 108 days as prosecutors investigated financial misconduct allegations and charged him with three counts. He finally won bail in March, agreeing to conditions including living in a court-appointed residence monitored by cameras. But prosecutors then levelled a fresh allegation against him in April and he was rearrested, spending another 21 days in detention before winning bail a second time. The former Nissan chief is now preparing for trial on four charges of financial misconduct ranging from concealing part of his salary, to using Nissan funds for personal expenses. Lawyers for the family said in the latest request to the UN's working committee on arbitrary detention that the number and scale of the conditions imposed on Ghosn amounted "in effect to house arrest, meaning that his provisional detention continues and he is still deprived of his liberty". The restrictions, "especially the prohibition of any direct contact with his wife, appear to be abuse aimed at tiring him out psychologically and to put him in a position of weakness... in violation of the right to a fair trial". "This really amounts to a form of judicial persecution of Carlo Ghosn who is prohibited from meeting his wife, even for an hour in the presence of lawyers," they say, according to the documents seen by AFP. Describing Ghosn as being held "hostage", the lawyers go on to demand that the UN working group declare the Japanese measures to be "arbitrary" and to urge Japan to "release (him) without delay". Lawyer Finelle told AFP that even if the UN working group has no power to compel Japan to act differently, "it is still a matter of image for the Japanese". She said she hoped for a decision before Ghosn's court case begins, which might not be until next year. US President Donald Trump's bilateral talks with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe are expected to focus on trade, North Korea, military issues and other diplomatic crises AFP/Eugene Hoshiko TOKYO: There is "great respect" between the United States and North Korea, President Donald Trump said Monday (May 27), predicting "lots of good things" despite recent missile launches by Pyongyang. "I personally think that lots of good things will come with North Korea, I feel that. I may be right, I may be wrong, but I feel that," Trump said at the start of bilateral talks with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. "We've come a long way," the US leader added. "There's a good respect built, maybe a great respect built between certainly the United States and North Korea." The comments come despite short-range missile launches by Pyongyang in May that Trump's own National Security Advisor John Bolton said over the weekend were in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Trump appeared to dispute Bolton's assessment in a tweet on Sunday, in which he called the missiles "small weapons" that "disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me". The US president is in Tokyo for a state visit that included a meeting with the newly enthroned Emperor Naruhito on Monday morning, the first time the monarch has met a foreign leader since taking the throne. Trump's bilateral talks with Abe are expected to focus on trade, North Korea and military issues, as well as other diplomatic crises, including the tensions between Washington and Tehran. Abe has reportedly proposed serving as a mediator and is said to be weighing a state visit to Iran, and Trump said he remained open to talks. "I do believe that Iran would like to talk, and if they'd like to talk, we'd like to talk also," he said. "Nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me," he added. Trump said US-Japan relations have "never been better," but the allies are locked in negotiations over trade, with the US leader repeating Monday that America suffers a "tremendous imbalance" with Japan on trade. "We're working on that, and I'm sure that will work out over a period of time," Trump added, saying he expected the allies to be "announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries". "We'll get the balance of trade straightened out rapidly." Hello World #4 features the family of Oc Thanh Van and Tri Rua, and their three children Coca, Cola, and Kakao May is the best time to pay a visit to Korea with your family. What could be better than the whole family taking a stroll around the bustling and modern capital or setting foot in Jeju which is dubbed The island of love to get away from it all and immerse yourself in Gyeonggido or stop in Incheon a modern yet dreamy city. Follow famous celebrity families Oc Thanh Van-Tri Rua who are parents to Coca, Cola, and Kakao, and Trang Lou-Tung Son with baby Xoai to the Land of Kimchi on this exciting Hello World #4 journey on May 20-25. The trip to the most famous spots like Seoul, Jeju, Gyeonggido, and Incheon promises greatest experiences. Travel lovers will have the chance to connect with Hello World #4 via Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the most lively and truthful experiences and feelings when travelling to Korea. Trang Lou, Tung Son, and baby Xoai will also join Hello World #4 on this trip to Korea Launched by English-Vietnamese bilingual travel magazine Wanderlust Tips, Hello World #4 is co-organised by the Korea Tourism Organisation and the Jeju Tourism Organisation. Indochina Capital COO Michael Piro is happy with the awards The firm was a winner in the Property Consultancy category, reaffirming its position as one of the best real estate consultants in Vietnam, and was also named in the Best Property Consultancy Marketing category, recognising the firms marketing and brand-building efforts over the past year. This is the second straight year the firm has appeared in the Property Consultancy category that is regularly dominated by household names such as Savills, CBRE, and JLL. The Asia-Pacific Property Awards, part of the International Property Awards, celebrates the highest levels of achievement of companies operating in all sectors of the real estate industry. It is the regions most prestigious and widely-recognised programme. The awards are judged by an independent panel of 80 industry experts based on criteria that encompasses design, quality, service, innovation, originality, and commitment to sustainability. Competing against the best real estate professionals in Vietnam, Indochina Capital was honoured for its excellence in property consultancy and significant contributions to the fast-paced development of the Vietnamese real estate industry. Competing against the best real estate professionals in Vietnam, Indochina Capital was honoured for their excellence in property consultancy and significant contributions to the fast-paced development of the Vietnamese real estate industry. Indochina Strategic was created four years ago to leverage the firms stellar development track record and experience to help clients establish themselves as a household name in the Vietnamese real estate industry and maximise financial returns from their investments. This is a mark of excellence for our advisory team, who are always committed to delivering market leading services and creating value for our clients. This is a great result and a good way to celebrate our 20-year anniversary in Vietnam, said Peter Ryder, CEO of Indochina Capital. We have been able to help many new players and local developers who want to elevate their developments to the next level. I am extremely proud of the work of Indochina Strategic over the past year as the division has become an important pillar of the Indochina Capital family, he added. COO of Indochina Capital Michael Piro said, It has been a pleasure seeing Indochina Strategic grow to what it is today. Our marketing efforts have been essential to gaining new clients and achieving the brand recognition the division has. It also speaks to the collaboration between our marketing and advisory teams, teamwork that has enabled Indochina Capitals success to date. Indochina Capital was also recently named the Best Real Estate Consultant and Developer at the Golden Dragon Awards programme hosted by Vietnam Economic Times that recognises the outstanding business achievements and contributions by foreign-owned entities in Vietnam. NSN has inaugurated TTC Ham Phu 2 solar power plant Economic and population growth are accelerating while natural energy sources are gradually exhausted, making the problem of environmental pollution and energy security more urgent than ever. Moreover, Vietnam has an average solar irradiation of 5kWh per sq.m a day and daylight hours of up to 1,700 -2,500 hours a year. With the governments policy encouraging investment, NSN Construction & Engineering Joint Stock Company has quickly developed a strategic plan in the solar power sector, mainly focusing on mega solar factories and solar rooftop systems. With 16 years of experience in construction, EPC general contracting, and M&E contracting for industrial and civil projects, transmission lines, design, and construction capabilities for high-tech projects such as clean rooms and medical equipment factories, NSN has entered into a co-operation with SHARP Japan to build the first solar power plant in Vietnam TTC Phong Dien Solar Power Plant. The factory was built on an area of 45hectare in Thua Thien-Hue province and was completed 20 days ahead of schedule, successfully began to generate power on September 25, 2018, with a capacity of 35MWac (approximately 48MWp) and estimated power output of 61,570MWh per year. NSN continued to successfully build and operate TTC Ham Phu 2 Solar Power Plant, which was inaugurated on May 23. The 54.2ha factory is located in Binh Thuan province and was successfully connected to the national grid on April 24, 2019, with a power generation output of more than 70 million KW per year. With its long-term vision in the renewable energy sector, and building on its advantages and significant experience in project deployment, NSN directors have decided to establish the energy division, where experienced, enthusiastic, and pioneering engineers and managers constantly work towards meeting the most difficult requirements of customers. Besides high-capacity solar power plants, NSN is also the EPC general contractor for solar rooftop projects. This is a preeminent solution to help investors such as condominiums, hotels, resorts, factories, and offices to take initiative to reduce electricity costs from the national grid, reduce rooftop temperature, take advantage of vacant areas to save costs, and generate revenue by selling the surplus electricity to EVN. NSN provides a complete design and implementation consulting package for rooftop solar power systems, including site survey, proposal design plans, effective capital recovery calculation model, construction implementation, as well as operation and maintenance. NSN has always been driving by the business principle, "Creating sustainable values", and its greatest priority is the solution of environmental and social issues. Therefore, the development strategy of NSN in the renewable energy field is not only a means of doing business but also a means to build a green and sustainable country, contributing to emissions reduction, protecting the natural environment, and combating climate change. The Ao Sao urban area of Lung Lo 5 Investment and Development JSC in Hoang Mai district, Hanoi is one of the biggest projects owing land rental fees According to the announcement, 96 companies were informed of having tax arrears for the first time with a total of nearly VND100 billion ($4.35 million). Lung Lo 5 Investment and Development JSC (LIC5) and its debt of VND4.5 billion ($195,650) as of the end of March 2019 was at the top of the list, followed by KIMECO VINA Co., Ltd. with VND3 billion ($130,435) and Tayho Technology Development JSC with VND1.8 billion ($78,260). They are followed by four companies owing VND31.5 billion ($1.37 million) in land rent, including Sy Ngan JSC with VND15 billion ($652,174), Dai Duong Construction and Development JSC with VND8.5 billion ($369,565), Khu Bac Construction JSC with VND6.5 billion ($282,600), and Dong Son Construction and Trading JSC with VND1.5 billion ($65,220). Additionally, Quang Trung Mechanical Engineering Co., Ltd. held the largest arrears in land use fees as of April 30, 2019 with nearly VND47 billion ($2 million). In addition to the list declared for the first time, the Hanoi Department of Taxation once again published the list of 106 companies which had yet to pay a total of VND1.026 trillion ($44.6 million) tax arrears and land-related fees despite being on the list for years. Accordingly, 94 companies owed VND588.2 billion ($25.57 million). Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (SBIC) ranks first with the debt of VND168.4 billion ($7.3 million), followed by Constrexim-Meco JSC, SIC JSC, and Vinadecor E&C JSC in the range of VND24-26 billion ($1.04-1.13 million). Among the five companies owing VND13 billion ($565,200) in land rent, Thang Long 12 Construction JSC has the largest debt, exceeding VND8 billion ($347,820), followed by Thang Long 8 Construction Company with VND2.736 billion ($119 million) and Minh Nguyet Co., Ltd. with VND1.416 billion ($64.56 million). Among the seven companies owing VND424.8 billion ($18.5 million) of land use fees on the re-announced list, Hoang Ha Construction Co., Ltd. ranks first with the debt of VND164.3 billion ($7.14 million), Lilama JSC, World Gems Co., Ltd. with VND69.36 billion ($3 million) each, Kim Anh Co., Ltd. with VND42.4 billion ($1.84 million), 379 Construction and Trading JSC with VND37.6 billion ($1.63 million), Transport Trading and Construction JSC (TRACO) with VND29.8 billion ($1.3 million), and Phu My Thanh JSC with VND11.97 billion ($0.5 million). According to the Hanoi Department of Taxation, between last January and April, the authority informed 258 companies of their debts in tax, fees, and land-related sums with a total of VND1.099 trillion ($47.8 million), as well as re-announced 115 companies owing VND2.568 trillion ($111.65 million). As a result, a total of 373 companies owe VND3.667 trillion ($159.4 million), and 104 of them have paid VND36 billion ($1.56 million) so far. Mai Van Trung, business development director of SolarBK Solar rooftop projects are on the rise in Vietnam, attracting both domestic and foreign companies in order to participate in the value chain. What are the main criteria that investors, especially small- and medium-sized ones, use to select engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) or installation partners? Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) is the most critical part enabling the successful deployment of solar rooftop systems. The contractor typically provides from site survey to operation and maintenance (O&M) service during the lifespan of the project supposed to be 25 years. Solar rooftop investment is considered significant capital expenditure so the finance option supported by banks involved with EPC contractor will be a plus. Such proposal is called EPC plus financing. The engaged banks accept the solar rooftop system as collateral for the loan instead. The technical feasibility study submitted should have a 3D solar panel layout with spaces for air circulation, installation as well as O&M, and PVSyst simulation (a PC software package used generally for the study, sizing, simulation, and data analysis of complete PV systems) to estimate the yearly energy generation, shading impact assessment of the existing surroundings, loading evaluation based on the rooftop type and framing structure due to tonnes of solar panels distributed. Economically, the total cost of ownership of the solar rooftop should include O&M cost, inverters replacement in 15th year and system removal and recycle. Many investors are misled by the low capex might pay higher opex expenses due to the underperformed system particularly the shading imposed on the solar panels and damages from tycoons. Many inexperienced players join in the solar market competing by low quality products with unknown origins might bring about many consequences for the market in long term perspective. It is expected to have IEC/UL certifications for solar panel and inverter brands along with known certification of origin. Also, the solar panels should have third-party guarantee such as MunichRE, SwissRE or PowerGuard because the solar module manufacturers can be unpredictably out of the market. The guarantee prevents the EPC contractors from mixing Grade B solar modules. The AC and DC surge protectors, which are a cost-effective solution protecting equipment from harmful surges, must be inclusive since the lightening strokes can totally destroy the rooftop solar systems. The investor should carefully inspect the similar projects, key persons and safety method submitted by the EPC contractor. The expertise and credibility of the contractors might be referenced from Electricity of Vietnam the only power distributor in Vietnam because it have been experiencing many local EPC contractors through its rooftop solar covering the groups facilities. Rooftop solar systems are electrical which are degrading over the time. Furthermore, the degradation will accelerate without proper preventive maintenance and frequent solar panel cleaning. Last but not least, the managed services provide by the contractor should be a factor to include in the evaluation report. The network of branches, representative offices and authorised distributors of the EPC contractors can play as a proof for their fast responses. Those overall costs form the total cost of ownership of the rooftop solar system not the quotation at a glance. SolarBK provides globally competitive rooftop solar systems What services does the company offer? What happens if the system does not produce as much electricity as promised or if there is a critical breakdown? We integrate operations vertically, from producing solar panels to remote monitoring software, and are always proactive to react to market changes and customers specific requirements. About the service: we apply international standards from survey and design to operation and maintenance standards that we learn from foreign experts at the 110 kWp project on the roof of the UNDP building in Hanoi since 2013. In addition, we also provide insurance for the output of the system from a third-party insurer. This insurance package ensures customers receive the committed annual power output in any situation. What are SolarBKs ambitions for the next five years? Does the company consider shaking hands with foreign partners to develop together in Vietnam or expand regionally? SolarBK expects to install a million solar rooftop systems in the next five years in Vietnam as well as overseas markets, and we strongly believe that we can achieve this number. In order to do this, there is no doubt that the state's support for policies as well as foreign partners need to be supported by management experience and capital flows. There are a lot of foreign investors looking for an opportunity to invest in SolarBK, we are considering and evaluating several potential partners but with or without foreign investors, we will be consistent in the way we bring solar energy to every corner of the country at competitive prices through vertical integration and research and development. SolarBK and its members have been active participants at many international events and exhibitions. How effective are these international events in approaching your goals? Most recently IREX Energy JSC, a member of SolarBK, participated at the Intersolar Solar International Exhibition in Germany. This is also the fifth time enterprises have participated in this event. Following up the goal of reaching out to the global market and globalise the domestic, IREX plans to attend many solar power exhibitions in major markets. Besides Intersolar 2019, SolarBK also attends annual events such as the SNEC PV Power International Exhibition in Shanghai, China (June), Renewable Energy International Exhibition in India (September), SPI International Exhibition (September) in South America, and most recently, Solar Show Vietnam (April 2019). The participations not only foster the export activities but also affirms our significant place in the global solar map. Up to now, it can be said that by exporting solar panels, SolarBK has participated in the global supply chain. Our sales team of solar panels in Nanjing, China constantly closes high-value export orders. SolarBK's attendance at big events not only affirms the Vietnamese brand's value in the worldwide market, but also strengthens customers' trust in Made in Vietnam renewable energy solutions. VinID has acquired the MonPay e-wallet VinID 80 per cent owned by Vingroup completed procedures for the purchase of MonPay from People Care JSC, according to newswire Vnexpress. Previously, three members of VinID were appointed to replace three members on the board of directors of People Care. VinID was established in July 2018 with the charter capital of VND3 trillion ($130.4 million). E-payment is quite a promising sector, but it seems to burn a great deal of money to lure in new clients and launch promotion campaigns to keep up with competition. Besides Vingroup, VinID has two founding shareholders namely ViCare JSC, holding 19 per cent of the shares, and Nguyen Minh Hong, holding 1 per cent. ViCare is a startup in the field of health information inquiries invested by CyberAgent Fund. VinID is the name of Vingroup's loyalty programme and issues VinID cards. At the annual general meeting of shareholders in 2018, Vingroup chairman Pham Nhat Vuong said 4 million members had VinID cards. In early 2018, four months after receiving the operation license, People Care launched the MonPay e-wallet platform, officially marking its foray into Vietnams burgeoning e-payment market. Vingroups acquisition of MonPay comes at a time when e-payment applications are popping up like mushrooms after the rain in the country. According to statistics from the State Bank of Vietnam, as of November 2018, 26 non-bank institutions had been licensed to provide intermediary payment services, 20 of which offered e-wallets, including well-known names like MoMo, Bankplus, Vi Viet, VTC Pay, WePay, Vimo, Ngan Luong, and Payoo. Home to more than 96 million people, Vietnam is on the cusp of a mobile payment revolution, fuelled by an amalgam of factors, including a high smartphone penetration rate and the governments vision of a cashless society. The countrys population is young 70 per cent are under the age of 35 and tech-savvy, excited about a digital society. In first-tier cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, consumers are increasingly becoming receptive to the idea of a digital society and lifestyle, thanks to the growth of e-commerce and mobile payment services. E-payment is quite a promising sector, but it seems to burn a great deal of money to lure in new clients and launch promotion campaigns to keep up with the competition. San Francisco, California recently became the first U.S. city to ban police and other city agencies from using facial recognition technology. The city is not alone. More people are growing wary of the powerful tech, at the same time that others are embracing it. Deana Mitchell reports. The Austrian parliament ousted Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in a no-confidence vote Monday, pushing him out of office in the aftermath of a corruption scandal that had ended his coalition government. The ouster of Kurz, at 32 the world's youngest head of government, and his Austrian People's Party was led by the opposition Social Democrats, but backed by the far-right Freedom Party, Kurz's one-time coalition partner. Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen will now pick a chancellor to head a caretaker government ahead of elections expected in September. Kurz and his party had a strong showing in Sunday's European Union elections, but it was not enough to save him from becoming the first Austrian chancellor in post-World War II history to lose a confidence vote. On Facebook, he accused his opponents of a "game of revenge." But he added, "At the end of the day the people will decide, namely in September." Kurz's coalition came apart after the emergence of a video damaging to Freedom Party leader and former vice-chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache. In the video, Strache appears to be offering the purported niece of a Russian oligarch public contracts if she would buy a large stake in the Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung and make it support the Freedom Party. The ensuing scandal has been dubbed Ibiza-gate after the Spanish island where the video was recorded in 2017, weeks before the election that brought Kurz and his Freedom Party partners to power. It remains unclear who made the video or why it took so long to emerge. Strache is heard on the video saying he wanted to "build a media landscape like [Viktor] Orban," referring to Hungary's nationalist, anti-immigration leader. Strache stepped down as vice-chancellor within hours after the video emerged. Van der Bellen, at Kurz's request, then fired Freedom Party Interior Minister Herbert Kickl, a move that prompted other Freedom Party ministers to resign in solidarity. Ahead of the no-confidence vote, Kurz told parliament, "I am very proud and satisfied with the work we have done as a government in the past year and a half." On Sunday, Kurz's center-right Austrian People's Party finished first in Austria in the European Parliament elections with 34.9%. The Social Democrats won 23.6% and the Freedom Party took 18.1%. The French former members of the Islamic State group were brought into the courtroom in Baghdad one after the other on Monday and made to sit inside a wooden cage in the middle. As they spoke in French, a government official typed up the translation into Arabic, which immediately appeared on a large screen behind the judge that the court could read. Mustafa Mohammed Ibrahim became the fourth French citizen to be sentenced to death by a Baghdad court for joining the Islamic State group that once controlled large parts of Syria and Iraq before its defeat. His trial comes as questions swirl about the legal treatment of thousands of foreign nationals formerly with the extremist group. Wearing a yellow uniform and plastic flip flops, Ibrahim, 37, told the judge, "I don't understand the charges." Judge Ahmad Mohammed responded: "Your charge is a terrorist crime." The man who came from France to Syria to join the group in 2015, said he was the victim of its propaganda. The self-proclaimed caliphate had promised him a good life including money, work and a house. Jobless back in Europe, Ibrahim came to Syria via Turkey where he took religious lessons and weapons training. He then married a Moroccan widow with four children who later gave birth to his child. When the judge asked Ibrahim if he was guilty, his response was: "I am not guilty of carrying out any crimes. I am guilty because they brainwashed me. I am the victim of the Islamic State. I am not guilty." "I am ready to help France in the fight against terrorism," Ibrahim added. France said the Iraqi court has jurisdiction to rule in the cases, though a spokeswoman reiterated the French government's opposition to the death penalty. The five Frenchmen on trial Monday two were kept outside the courtroom were among the 12 French IS fighters whom the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces handed over to Iraq in January. The Kurdish-led group spearheaded the fight against IS in Syria and has handed over to Iraq hundreds of suspected IS members in recent months. IS "terrorists must answer for their crimes in court," said France's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Agnes von der Muhll. As Monday's proceedings opened, the first to appear was Ibrahim, who is from the Mediterranean city of Nice and of Tunisian origin. "I ask for forgiveness from the people of Iraq and Syria and the victims," Ibrahim said before the judge who ordered him to remove his top in order to see if there were any signs of torture on his body. None were visible. "No matter what the sentence will be against me I want to go back to my country," said Ibrahim. He added that he used to work as a driver back in France before joining IS. The judge sentenced Ibrahim to death. Asked by The Associated Press later why the sentencing happened so quickly, Mohammed said the "case was complete and ready for a verdict." He added that regarding executions, Iraqi law sentences any member of the group to death whether the person "participates in fighting or not." The second man brought into the courtroom was identified as Fadil Hamad Abdallah, 33, of Moroccan origin. Abdallah said he was subjected to torture while in detention. The judge referred him to a medical committee for investigation and postponed his next session until Sunday. The judge postponed the sentencing of the three other Frenchmen until next Monday. Three French IS fighters had already been sentenced to death on Sunday. Those convicted can appeal their sentences within a month. Human rights groups have criticized Iraq's handling of IS trials, accusing authorities of relying on circumstantial evidence and often extracting confessions under torture. Nadim Houry, the Human Rights Watch's director of its terrorism and counterterrorism program, said: "There are few rights for the defense and grave due-process issues that's deeply worrying, especially when combined with the death penalty. In-depth investigations are not being carried out." Houry added that no one should be transferred to a country where there is a risk of torture. "We have visited Iraqi prisons and we've seen rampant torture, usually to extract confessions," he said. Iraqi prosecutors say the 12 French nationals were parties or accomplices to IS crimes, and threatened the national security of Iraq. Simply belonging to the extremist group is punishable by life in prison or execution under Iraq's counter-terrorism laws. In Paris, von der Muhll said France's position is that adults detained in Iraq must be tried by the Iraqi justice system, as soon as it declares itself competent. "France respects the sovereignty of Iraqi authorities," she added, though she expressed her country's opposition to the death penalty, "in principle, at all times and in all places." As students in Cameroon began their annual exams Monday, hundreds of their teachers in English-speaking regions were on the streets protesting. The teachers are demanding better security after three teachers and a student were abducted, adding to scores captured, killed, or whose property was torched during a two-year separatist conflict. Teachers dressed in dark clothes and holding signs demanding better security walk down a street in Bamenda, the capital of Cameroons northwest region. While their students take end of year exams, the teachers are underscoring that the regions schools are under attack. A wave of school abductions and killings in the regions separatist conflict has shaken the teachers, who have been protesting daily since Friday. "We are tired. Lord, help the teachers of Cameroon, help the teachers of northwest. We do not know what to do, we do not know where to go," says a teacher. Thirty-one-year old teacher Wontai Vondou Olivier was beheaded here last week, and his head dumped on the street. A video allegedly filmed by Wontais murderers has been making rounds on social media. In the video, Wontai begs for his life while his captors say they have caught a spy and will cut off his head. In another post, suspected separatist fighters say Cameroon troops killed the teacher to frame the rebels. General Robbinson Agha denies the military could be responsible and points at the rebels. "They behead. They cut off the heads of the soldiers here and then send on social media. Not only do they do that, they attack the houses of the soldiers and then destroy their properties," he said. "Despite all of that, the soldiers and the forces of law and order stay disciplined. The moral psychological and physical torture is not easy." Rights groups say both sides the military and separatists are guilty of atrocities in the conflict. Schools, seen by rebels as organs of Francophone dominance, are among the worst hit in the uprising by English-speaking separatists. Hundreds of teachers have been killed, wounded, abducted for ransom, or had their houses torched. "We need a minimum of security to be able to exercise our profession," said Semma Valentine, who is with Cameroon Teachers Trade Union (CATTU). "Teachers are at the risk of their personal integrity. Why are we being victimized? Why are we unable to exercise the profession for which we were trained? Roland Ngwang, the highest secondary education official in the northwest region, says, despite the security risk, teachers should continue working. "The situation is sufficiently painful and very serious, but my appeal has been that let us be calm. Lets be calm," he said. And as the teachers protested Monday, hundreds of students at Government Bilingual High School Bamenda began taking their exams, under close watch by heavily armed troops. Kasey Turcol has just 75 minutes to explain to her high school students the importance of D-Day and if this wasn't the 75th anniversary of the turning point in World War II, she wouldn't devote that much time to it. D-Day is not part of the required curriculum in North Carolina or in many other states. Turcol reminds her students at Crossroads FLEX High School in Cary that D-Day was an Allied victory that saved Europe from Nazi tyranny and that the young men who fought and died were barely older than they are. She sprinkles her lesson with details about the number of men, ships and planes involved in the landing at Normandy while adding a few lesser-known facts about a Spanish spy and a deadly military practice conducted six months earlier in England. Losing resonance In the U.S. and other countries affected by the events on June 6, 1944, historians and educators worry that the World War II milestone is losing its resonance with today's students. In France, which was liberated from German occupation, D-Day isn't a stand-alone topic in schools. German schools concentrate on the Holocaust and the Nazi dictatorship. And despite having been part of the Allied powers, in Russia, the schools avoid D-Day because they believe it was the victories on the Eastern Front that won the war. "History has taken a back seat" in the U.S. because of the focus on science and math classes, said Cathy Gorn, executive director of National History Day in College Park, Md. In the U.S., teaching about World War II varies from state to state. It's often up to the teachers to decide how much time they want to give to individual battles like D-Day. California framework California's History-Social Science Framework, adopted in 2016, includes for sophomores an expansive unit on World War II that covers how the conflict was "a total war," the goals of the Allied and Axis powers and how the fighting was fought on different fronts. The unit also includes a section on the Holocaust. In New York, school officials are using the D-Day anniversary to review the curriculum and "make recommendations on how the current average time of 90 minutes of World War II study in a school year can be strengthened, expanded and mandated." There are special programs available to immerse select students in the history of D-Day. For eight years, National History Day sent 15 pairs of students and teachers to Normandy to immerse them in the history of D-Day. The high school sophomores and juniors would research individual soldiers close to them relatives or people from their hometowns who died. On the last day, the group visited a cemetery where each student read a eulogy for his or her individual soldier. Teachers also have outside resources. The National World War II Museum offers an electronic field trip through D-Day and provides suggested lessons plans. In North Carolina, history is taught through "conceptual design" with connections to themes such as geography, economics and politics, said Meghan Grant, coordinating teacher for secondary social studies in Wake County schools. The lessons are based on a method of teaching social studies that was developed in 2013 and used by about half the states, said Larry Paska, executive director of the National Council for the Social Studies. Paska said it may focus on asking students a question like, "What makes an event a turning point in the war?" Students then will use difference sources of evidence to back up their answers. 'This is the moment' As part of her D-Day lesson, Turcol tells her class of juniors and seniors that the Germans thought an attack from the Allied forces wouldn't be possible. "It's too stormy. It's too risky," she said. "And what do we do? Yeah, we find a glimmer of hope. On June 5th, the skies kind of clear. The moon kind of shines. And we're like, 'This is the moment. This is what is happening.' " She tells students that Gen. Dwight Eisenhower kept D-Day plans on the "down low." Turcol plays a few minutes of a documentary about D-Day to "show you the true humanity of the war," she says. "You saw the German praying ... asking for his mother, father, asking for this to be over. Not everybody is on the same message in Germany," she says. "Everybody here is a father, a mother, a brother, a cousin, a friend. So every life matters." Students in Europe also receive dramatically different lessons on D-Day depending on where they live. Because of Germany's history, any hint of militarism remains a taboo. While battles like D-Day, Stalingrad and the Operation Barbarossa invasion of Russia might be mentioned briefly in schools, they tend to be lumped together in broad overviews of the war. Individual teachers do have leeway, however, to pursue topics that capture the attention of students. The curriculum is similar from state to state. In Berlin high schools, for example, curriculum guidelines include the history of the war under the overall focus on "the collapse of the first German democracy; Nazi tyranny," which includes classes on Nazi ideology, resistance movements, the Holocaust and World War II. Similarly, Bavaria's ninth-grade curriculum focuses primarily on explaining how the Nazis came to power and their anti-Semitic ideology and genocidal policies, with the war taught briefly as part of their "expansion and conquest policies." In the 11th grade, the focus is even more directly on the Holocaust, and the curriculum guidelines note specific dates to be learned, including the anti-Jewish "Kristallnacht" pogrom in 1938. The Russian narrative on D-Day has remained almost unchanged since the days of the Soviet Union. Historians and schoolbooks describe the invasion as a long-awaited move, happening after the course of WWII had already been shaped by Soviet victories in the battles of Stalingrad and Kursk and other battles on the Eastern Front. Even in the country where D-Day occurred, the assault doesn't have a central place in the teaching of World War II. The history of 20th century conflict is taught in France as a theme and no longer as a chronological list of major battles. A week of lessons 'not possible' "We no longer teach as we did before, what we called 'the history of battles,' " says Christine Guimonnet, who teaches history at a high school west of Paris and is secretary-general of the APHG, a French association of history and geography teachers. "Everyone will, of course, speak about June 6 because it was a major moment in the war, but we're not going to spend a whole week on it. That's not possible." As long as they are still teaching the broader themes, French teachers may home in on specific events, like D-Day, to organize study projects and, if they have the budget, trips to Normandy beaches, museums or screenings of The Longest Day, a 1962 film about the events of D-Day. As cultural director at Normandy's Caen Memorial, Isabelle Bournier deals daily with school groups that tour the museum. French children often aren't familiar with the details of D-Day, partially because fewer families have relatives who lived through the war and can pass on their stories, she said. Students from Normandy are different from the broader French student population, she said. "All families are more or less impregnated by this history. It is part of us," Bournier said. It was Indias Grand Old Party. The Congress Party ruled the country for 55 out of 71 years since independence. But following the partys crushing electoral debacle for a second time, there are questions about its future as the Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty at its helm is unable to counter the most powerful leader India has produced in decades: Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Contrary to expectations, Indias mammoth general election turned out to be virtually a no-contest between Modi and Congress Party president Rahul Gandhi as it became a presidential-style battle. It is not what went wrong with the Congress, it is more of a story of what went right for Prime Minister Modi. He stood as a tall leader, as an achiever, as somebody who understood peoples aspirations, says political commentator Rasheed Kidwai, who has authored a biography of Rahul Gandhis mother, Sonia Gandhi. On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi is temperamentally not a power wielder. He is a trustee of power. The sixth member of the Nehru Gandhi family to lead the party, Rahul is often seen as a reluctant politician, despite his spirited campaign to revive the party and challenge Modi after its rout in 2014. Gandhis rallies drew crowds, but his efforts to project Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party as a threat to Indias secular traditions or to highlight issues of economic distress failed to resonate. His attempts to nail him for corruption in a deal to buy Rafale French fighter jets fell flat. His promise of a minimum wage for Indias poorest families was met with skepticism, even among the poor. On the other hand, Modi, successfully wooed voters with his message of strident nationalism and subtle appeal to the majority Hindu community. Along with it, there was another theme: he projected himself as the humble son of a tea seller, a self made man who fought all odds to reach the top post in contrast to what he called the entitled Gandhi who had inherited the mantle of leadership of the Congress Party. It drew cheers from the countrys emerging middle and lower-middle classes, exhausted with dynastic politics. The Congress Partys tally of 52 seats in parliament was only a notch higher than the 44 seats it won in 2014 in the 545-member parliament. The partys candidates returned empty-handed in half the Indian states and in several others the party only mustered a single digit tally.Modi's BJP won 303 seats. The scale of its losses not just crushed hopes the Congress Party would either lead a credible challenge to Modi or return as invigorated opposition - it once again raised questions over the leadership of the Gandhi family. Rahul Gandhi has offered to resign, but expectedly the party that has no second rung of leadership has turned it down. The party will fulfill its role as a strong opposition. We need Rahul Gandhi to lead us in these challenging times, Congress Party spokesman Randeep Surjewala said after a meeting of the partys senior leaders on the weekend. Rahul Gandhi also lost the Amethi constituency the party had held for 50 years in Uttar Pradesh state. In another humiliating blow for the Gandhi family, his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was appointed in a senior post to revive the party, failed to make an impact. Rahul's mother, Sonia Gandhi, won her party's only seat in the state. Rahul Gandhis victory in another constituency in South India means he will continue to be a lawmaker. Dynastic politics is not limited to the Congress Party: lawmakers from political families are a routine feature of Indian politics. But political commentators say in an era showing a preference for strong, populist leaders, Modi was the clear victor. There is a new sense of nationalism sweeping across many conventional democracies. There is a yearning for a strong leader that captures the public imagination, according to political analyst Ajoy Bose. I dont really see the conventional Congress Party or the conventional leadership mounting a challenge to Modi. He has completely taken the country by storm. Gandhi tried to give a positive message after the partys rout. We have a different vision of India [from Modi], said the head of the party that has long projected itself as a defender of Indias minorities, such as Muslims who worry about religious polarization and a rise in hate crimes since Modi came to power. "There is no need to be afraid. We will continue to work hard and we will eventually win." But it may be difficult to reinvent what analysts call a fading party. They say Modis BJP now occupies the dominant political space that the Congress party did for decades. Congress is going to get reduced to, you know, like the Liberals did in Britain, says Rasheed Kidwai. Smaller European parties saw a surge of support in continent-wide elections for the European Parliament in what politicians and analysts agree will likely be seen as the most consequential since 1979, when European Union voters first began casting ballots for the blocs legislature. Early results Sunday suggested the 751-seat parliament will be more fragmented than ever before. Smaller parties, both euroskeptic and pro-EU ones, fared well at the expense of their more established and bigger center-right and center-left rivals. WATCH: EU vote Pro-EU Liberals and Greens will hold the balance of power in the new parliament, which will sit for five years. Philippe Lamberts, leader of the Greens group, said: To make a stable majority in this parliament, the Greens are now indispensable. The rise of new parties appears to have smashed the duopoly of control of the parliament traditionally enjoyed by the center-right European Peoples Party (EPP) and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D). National populist parties As the results came in, nationalist populists were on course to win just under a quarter of the seats in the parliament, but they had set their sights on snatching a third of them. In France, President Emmanuel Macrons La Republique En Marche was defeated, coming in second to Marine Le Pens far-right National Rally. Le Pen welcomed the win, saying it had delivered a serious blow to the authority of the French president. In Italy, too, nationalist populists led by Matteo Salvini, the deputy prime minister, made important gains. And eurosceptic hard-right parties topped the polls in Britain, Poland and Hungary. But the bigger takeaway from the election was how well pro-EU Greens and Liberals did. In several countries Green parties saw their support jump from five years ago. In Germany, the Greens made major gains at the expense of countrys left-wing Social Democrats, making a historic breakthrough by securing more than 20% of the vote. Carsten Schneider, a German Social Democrats lawmaker, acknowledged it was a bitter result, a defeat for us. I think the main issue was climate change and we didn't succeed in putting that front and center, alongside the big social issues, he added. In Ireland, too, Greens were celebrating, clinching three of Irelands 13 seats. The sudden crest in support for the Greens comes amid rising anxiety across Europe over the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss. Irish Prime Minister Leo Eric Varadkar tweeted: I want to congratulate the Greens on a very good election. Its a very clear message from the public that they want us to do more on climate action -- and weve got that message. Voters in 21 countries went to the polls Sunday. In seven other nations, including Britain, voters cast their ballots last week with the results being held back until all countries had completed the balloting. Bloc gaining power The European Parliament has become more powerful in recent years for much of its existence it was just a debating society without clout. Now it helps pick the president of the European Commission and contributes to the shaping of trade and digital regulations. Seats are allocated under a form of proportional representation. For years, the center-right EPP and the center-left S&D, both pro-EU parties, have together commanded an absolute majority in the parliament and its leaders have more often than not been able to settle disagreements in behind-the-scenes meetings. In Britain, in an election that wasnt meant to have been the country was due to have left the EU by now the newly formed Brexit Party of Nigel Farage trounced both of Britains two main established parties, the Conservatives and Labour, signaling it will likely be a threat to the pair in a general election, which many observers think will have to be called this year. Both the Conservatives and Labour had been braced for a backlash from voters over Brexit, with the Brexit Party and pro-EU Liberal Democrats expected to do well. The predictions turned out to be right, with the ruling Conservatives recording their worst election performance in their history. The turnout in Britain was higher than previous European polls as it was across all of the bloc where it averaged 50%, the highest rate since 1994. British Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan blamed British Prime Minister Theresa Mays reluctance to resign from office for the defeat. On Twitter, he said: Had the PM announced her resignation even 24 hours earlier, something might have been salvaged. Still a strong pro-EU majority The reduction in the power of establishment parties could potentially make it more difficult for the bloc to agree on collective action when it comes to economic, trade and foreign policies, but EU officials were breathing a sigh of relief Sunday night when it became clear there would still be a strong pro-EU majority in the parliament. The center-right EPP will likely hold on to 173 seats in the EU parliament, down from 221 in 2014, while the Socialist group will fall from 191 to 147 seats. The Liberals were expected to rise from 67 seats to more than 100; the Greens increased from 50 to 71. Socialists looked set to top the poll in Spain. And traditional left parties fared better than had been predicted in Italy and the Netherlands. Euroskeptic parties topped the polls Sunday in the European Parliament elections in Britain, France and Italy. Across the 28 member European Union, they enjoyed their best ever results in the five-yearly elections, boosting their share of seats in the 751-strong parliament from 155 to 169. Italys Matteo Salvini, whose Lega Party scored a resounding win and was on course to win around 30 percent of the votes cast in his country, boosting his ambitions for a leading role on the European stage, was exultant, arguing voters had given him a historic mission to change the EU. He congratulated Marine Le Pen for her victory over President Emmanuel Macrons En Marche party and Nigel Farage for the success of his newly-formed Brexit Party in Britain. I am counting on having allies everywhere to save the EU ... to change its rules, he said. We finally have to change after decades of bureaucrats and bankers' rules. But behind all the populist celebrations Sunday night there was also quiet satisfaction in Brussels among EU officials, who had feared euroskeptics would run away with the election and do even better. Some officials suggested that this years parliamentary elections may mark a high-water mark for nationalist populists, noting the surprise resurgence in the fortunes of smaller strongly pro-EU parties. In Britain, pro-Remain parties together attracted more votes than the Brexit Party. More a ripple then for the populists and not a flood, said a senior adviser to outgoing European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker. For many the bigger story of the night was the strong performance of the Greens and Liberals in Britain the Liberal Democrats stormed to big victories in London, a traditional Labour Party stronghold, and came second behind the Brexit Party across the country. In Germany, the Greens made major gains at the expense of countrys left wing Social Democrats, making a historic breakthrough with more than 20 per cent of the vote. Despite the big populist wins in Britain, France and Italy, the results did not match the expectations of the continents nationalist insurgents. They had talked about grabbing a third of the seats in the parliament, but appear to have won just under a quarter. In Poland and Hungary they also had success, but elsewhere their performance was underwhelming especially in Germany and Austria and in the end the populist finish overall was not that much better than in 2014. Le Pens party came in slightly down on its 2014 result. The Danish Peoples Party won only one seat, compared to four five years ago. In the Netherlands the anti-Islam Freedom party lost all four of its seats, including that of its leader, Geert Wilders. Thierry Baudet, the new Dutch populist leader, saw his party win three seats, fewer than had been forecast. The populists fell short of their hopes mainly thanks to a surge in support across the continent for the Greens and smaller pro-EU liberal parties. And in parts of southern Europe there was a surprising revival of traditional socialist and social democratic parties. While the Democratic Party (PD) in Italy lost almost half the number of votes it won in the last European elections, it staged a recovery from the 18 percent it secured in last year's national election. Nicola Zingaretti, PDs new leader, said he was very satisfied with the partys performance. And in Spain, where the far right Vox party won three seats, the ruling Socialists of Pedro Sanchez built on their April national election victory to top the poll, closing with a 33% share of the vote and winning 20 seats, six more than in the 2014 European election. Despite the less than impressive performances of their own national parties, the strategic gamble by Germanys Angela Merkel and Frances Macron paid off. They focused their campaigning on representing the populists as an existential threat to the EU, atavistic throwbacks determined to fracture Europe into competing nation states. The higher turnout than in the previous four European parliamentary elections is being credited by pollsters to their warnings as euroskeptic parties tend to do better with low turnouts. But for all the sighs of relief in Brussels, governing the bloc is likely to become more complicated thanks to a much more fragmented parliament. The centrist establishment parties recorded loses and the the duopoly of control of the parliament traditionally enjoyed by the center-right European Peoples Party, EPP, and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, S&D, has now been overturned. There will have to be even more horse-trading and the establishment parties will not have such a cozy time. For the first time since 1979, EPP & S&D no longer have a majority together, tweeted Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, ALDE. No solid majority is possible without our new group, he added, hailing the night as a historic one. This evening is a historical moment because there will be a new balance of power in the European Parliament, he said, as the election results came in. Verhofstadt said he hoped to form a new group within the Parliament by allying his ALDE group with French President Macron's La Republique En Marche party, along with other reform-driven parties. With a more fragmented parliament and more haggling to be done, the populists may find that cohesion is beyond them. Already split into three alliances in the parliament itself, horse-trading is likely to bring out the differences in their agendas as much as their similarities, say analysts. French authorities say four suspects have been arrested in connection with a bombing that injured 13 people last week in the city of Lyon. Investigators say the suspects include a 24-year-old Algerian computer science student. French news agency Agence France-Presse reports the man's parents were also arrested and taken into custody for questioning, along with another Algerian student who is a relative. The student had been the target of an extensive police manhunt since Friday night when a homemade explosive device filled with screws and ball bearings was left outside the store of a popular bakery chain in the historic center of Lyon. Security camera footage showed a partially masked suspect wheeling a bicycle to the scene, before leaving the bag in front of the store. Police circulated photos of the footage on Twitter, leading to "several dozen" leads. Eight women, four men and a 10-year-old girl, were wounded in the blast, but their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, according to French authorities. Only the chirping of birds and insects break the silence at a gold mining site in the Eastern Region of Ghana, right at the foot of the Atewa forest reserve. Caterpillar excavators stand still, as the two Ghanaian companies operating them wait for a new mining permit a process that has been in the works for months. But a fresh pile of sludge spilt over a patch of vegetation suggests the mine is being operated illegally. Felix Addo-Okyreh, who works for Ghana's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), says the sludge referred to as slime' in mining jargon is dirty waste water created when gold is separated from sediment, sometimes with the help mercury. It is stored in dams on the site. "It rained heavily last week. The embankment of the dam was weak. It got broken, and this is the result," he says. The toxic slime landed a few meters away from a stream that flows into the Birim, a river supplying water to millions of people in the capital Accra. Ghana cracked down on illegal small-scale gold mining in 2017, after the national water company warned that the chemicals discharged by what is locally known as galamsey could force the country to import all its drinking water within the next two decades. That year the government set up a military task force to dismantle illegal mining sites and imposed a 20-month ban on all small-scale mining to give nature a breather. Satellite imagery and digital technologies are being used to better monitor mining activity. Yet Global Forest Watch data released last month shows the rate of deforestation in Ghana increased by 60 percent in 2018, faster than in any other part of the world. The country lost 1.13 percent its primary forest last year, in part due to gold mined illegally and often siphoned away by Chinese buyers. Daniel Kwamena Ewur, an officer for conservation group A Rocha, said the ban pushed more small-scale miners to work within the protected Atewa forest, operating at night when security officials are off duty. Local authorities and NGOs have started training illegal miners to learn alternative livelihood skills such as soup-making and farming bees. But critics doubt these activities are economically viable. "It's kind of scratching the surface of the core issues of livelihood driving people," said Nafi Chinery, Ghana country manager for the New York-based Natural Resource Governance Institute. Chinery believes the anti-galamsey campaign has been more about politics than impact. "We don't have enough data about who is actually involved in galamsey," she added. Around 1.1 million Ghanaians were estimated to work in small-scale mining before the ban, which was lifted in December, accounting for around 30 percent of the country's annual mineral production. EPA's head of mining Michael Ali says the government is now going to great lengths to "sanitize" the gold industry by formalizing galamsey sites, being stricter with paperwork and cracking down on the use of mercury. "The mission is to reduce it to the barest minimum," said Ali. "We cannot eliminate it completely, unless the citizens themselves police it." The EPA has reclaimed ten acres of illegally mined land around the Atewa forest, near the southeastern town of Kyebi. Trees were planted to encourage residents to take initiative and help meet an ambitious reclamation target of more than 7,000 square kilometers of land by 2022. In the nearby town of Sagymase, 65-year old cocoa farmer Janet Achampong does not know what to do about the gaping pit left on land she leased to illegal miners five years ago. She cannot afford to fill the hole herself and reconvert it to farmland. The government has acknowledged money is short and says it is seeking support from the international community. In Sagymase, Norwegian donors are funding the reclamation of six acres of galamsey land over the next four years. A Rocha's Ewur is facilitating the project, but is wary of planting trees and food crops in soil that has been mixed with chemicals. "There is some quantity of mercury in the belly of this land," said Ewur. "I would not eat the mangoes that grow here." Real estate mogul Franklin Haney contributed $1 million to President Donald Trump's inaugural committee and all he's got to show for the money is the glare of a federal investigation. The contribution from Haney, a prolific political donor, came as he was seeking regulatory approval and financial support from the government for his long-shot bid to acquire the mothballed Bellefonte Nuclear Power Plant in northeastern Alabama. More than two years later, he still hasn't closed the deal. His tale is a familiar one in Washington, where lobbyists and wealthy donors use their checkbooks to try to sway politicians. It's a world Haney is accustomed to operating in and one that Trump came into office pledging to upend. Yet Trump has left in place many of the familiar ways to wield influence. Haney's hefty donation to Trump's inaugural committee is being scrutinized by federal prosecutors in New York who are investigating the committee's finances. Their probe is focused in part on whether donors received benefits after making contributions. Trump's former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, has given prosecutors information regarding Haney, his son and business associate, Frank Haney Jr., and the nuclear plant project, according to a person familiar with what Cohen told the authorities. The person was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity. Haney had briefly hired Cohen to help obtain money for the Bellefonte project from potential investors, including the Middle Eastern country of Qatar. Cohen is now serving a three-year prison sentence for tax evasion, lying to Congress and campaign finance violations. Haney and his attorney did not respond to interview requests. Prosecutors also are examining whether foreigners unlawfully contributed to the committee. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan issued a subpoena last year seeking a wide range of financial records from the committee, including any "communications regarding or relating to the possibility of donations by foreign nationals." The inaugural committee has denied wrongdoing and said its funds were fully accounted for. Haney, 79, has previously faced accusations that his political gift giving is aimed at cultivating influence. An investigation by House Republicans in the late 1990s alleged that Haney's money and his political pull with senior Clinton administration officials helped him to get the Federal Communications Commission to move into an office building that he had a major stake in. Haney denied any wrongdoing and the Justice Department declined to pursue the matter. But he was charged in 1999 with funneling about $100,000 in illegal contributions to President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore and other politicians, then acquitted. A federal prosecutor described Haney as a sophisticated fundraiser who hoped to impress potential business clients with his access to elected officials, like Clinton and Gore. Haney's family-owned real estate business donated thousands of dollars in 2013 and 2015 to political action committees that supported Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, who later recommended that the nuclear plant Haney wanted to buy be put up for sale. Haney also contributed to a nonprofit created to promote Bentley's agenda. The Republican governor resigned in 2017 as he faced impeachment proceedings after an alleged affair with an aide. In addition to the investigation into Haney's contribution to the Trump inaugural committee, Haney is in an unrelated legal battle with the nuclear plant's owner, the Tennessee Valley Authority. Another Haney company, Nuclear Development LLC, has filed a lawsuit in federal court accusing the TVA, the nation's largest public utility, of illegally blocking the plant's sale to him at the last minute. The utility has argued it couldn't complete the transaction because Haney failed to get the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's approval for transfer of the construction permits. A tentative Bellefonte sale in November 2016 involved two partially constructed nuclear reactors and the supporting cooling towers, several other buildings and more than 1,000 acres of land on the Tennessee River. Haney put down $22 million and had until November 2018 to complete the $111-million sale. On Nov. 29, the day before the sale was to be closed, the TVA scrapped the deal, declaring that Haney's company had not yet secured regulatory approval as required by the Atomic Energy Act. Haney filed a breach of contract lawsuit. In early April, about five months after Nuclear Development submitted its application for transfer of the construction permits, the regulatory commission's staff told the company it needed to submit more technical details before it could proceed. Edwin Lyman, a nuclear power expert at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said the response reflected skepticism about whether Haney's company "is serious about or capable of actually undertaking this project or just wants to put the license in its pocket for purposes unknown." But Lyman added the five-member nuclear regulatory board is dominated by Trump appointees and may not want to be seen by Congress and the Trump administration as throwing up roadblocks to a nuclear power expansion. Haney's Nuclear Development company also has applied to the U.S. Energy Department for financing assistance on the project. The department said it considers the loan application process to be "business sensitive" and declined to comment. Stephen Smith, executive director of the nonprofit Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, said Haney faces too many technical and financial hurdles to overcome. For example, Bellefonte's never-completed nuclear reactors are decades old and are of a unique design that has never received an operating license in the U.S. before. He compared Bellefonte to a Ford Pinto, a 1970s-era vehicle with serious engineering flaws. Smith said it's "extraordinarily unlikely" Bellefonte will be allowed to operate. The big winner in Italys vote in the European elections was Matteo Salvini's anti-migrant League party, which took one-third of the Italian vote, strengthening his grip on government. His coalition partner, the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, was the big loser. After just one year in government, the result turned around the balance of power between the two ruling parties, but Salvini immediately pledged not to dissolve the ruling coalition. Salvini was quick to thank Italians after the results of Sundays vote in the European elections showed him ahead by far. His victory came as no surprise as his party quickly emerged as the undisputable winner and first party in Italy, garnering more than 34% of the vote. His coalition partner, the 5-Star Movement, took half that number. It was a sensational result for a regional party that garnered just 6% of the vote in the last EU election five years ago. The party managed to extend its reach all over the country. Salvinis strong anti-immigration stance and rhetoric on the need to stem the tide of desperate people who will only end up involved in crime convinced many Italians he is what Italy needs today. For many years, hundreds of thousands of migrants had been arriving on Italian shores until last year, when Salvini adopted his Italian ports are closed policy. The League did particularly well in Italian centers known as migrant hot spots. In Lampedusa, the tiny island known for being one of the first ports of call for migrants, the League party garnered 45% of the vote. Pope Francis Monday warned against the rise of intolerance and racism in his message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. The pope spoke of the fear that exists in many societies against migrants. Salvini, even after the vote, made it clear he would not change the existing coalition government. He pledged to get back down to work immediately and not dissolve the ruling coalition or reshuffle the government. Luigi di Maio, leader of the 5-Star Movement, issued a brief statement blaming his partys poor showing on low voter turnout, adding now heads down and lets work. But voter turnout in Italy was only slightly down from the last EU elections. Speaking at League headquarters in Milan during the night, Salvini said, A new Europe is born. He said, Not only is the League the first party in Italy, but Marine Le Pen is the first party in France, Nigel Farage is the first party in Britain. So Italy, France, Britain: its a sign of a Europe that is changing." Salvini said he was proud that in his words The League is taking part in this new European Renaissance. With the League possibly obtaining the largest number of seats by a single party in the new European parliament, Salvini said his party would be pushing for an economic portfolio agriculture, competition or energy for the next EU commissioner. But the Italian leader's exultation is tempered by results elsewhere in Europe, where populists made only modest gains. They won just under a quarter of seats in the European parliament far lower than the one-third that nationalists on the continent had hoped to get. U.S. President Donald Trump says he is not personally bothered by North Koreas recent short-range ballistic missile tests, suggesting it doesn't matter whether those launches violated United Nations Security Council resolutions. Trump made the comments in Tokyo alongside Japans prime minister, who has a different take on the launches, as VOAs Bill Gallo reports. Israel says it's willing to engage in U.S.-mediated talks with Lebanon to resolve a border dispute over a sliver of the Mediterranean Sea seen as rich with energy resources. Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said he met Monday with U.S. envoy David Satterfield, who has shuttled between the countries with the aim of demarcating their maritime boundary over past weeks. Steinitz expressed Israel's openness' to negotiations for the benefit of both countries' interests in developing natural gas reserves and oil. Israel and Lebanon, technically still at war, each claim some 860 square kilometers (330 square miles) of sea as within their own exclusive economic zones. Earlier this month, Lebanese President Michel Aoun said he presented Satterfied with Lebanon's united stance and encouraged U.S. diplomatic involvement. Satterfied returns to Beirut on Tuesday. Some 3,000 delegates, including four presidents, cabinet ministers, urban planners and population experts are attending the United Nations Habitat Assembly meeting this week in Nairobi. They are seeking better urban and sustainable planning to deal with rising populations as well the effects of climate change. At the inaugural U.N Habitat Assembly, delegates will put their heads together hoping to find solutions to make big cities more habitable. For Africa, urgent solutions are needed as the United Nations estimates nearly half of the continents populations live in slums. The theme of the summit is Innovation for a better quality of life in cities and communities." U.N. Habitat Director for Africa Naison Mutizwa-Mangaza says innovation will be key in transforming the continents urban areas. We hope there will be a lot of ideas shared on innovations on how to plan our cities, how to manage them, how to do transport in a more imaginative way and so on. For me it would be how to grow African economies using urbanization as a tool, Mutizwa-Mangaza said. The assembly is to be held every four years and comes as more people are living in urban areas than rural areas, posing a challenge for urban planners, according to Kenyas President Uhuru Kenyatta. "Inadequate shelter and unsustainable human settlement remain a key challenge. I urge partners to exchange ideas and best practices for improving our cities. And I therefore continue to urge member countries and partners to seize this opportunities during this United Nations Habitat Assembly to exchange ideas and best practices with a view of identifying practical solutions to improving our cities and human settlements, Kenyatta said. At the end of the five day summit, delegates plan to come up with a ministerial declaration with proposals on how to make cities more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable by 2030. Maimouna Sharrif, director of U.N. Habitat, says coordinated action is needed. It means that we collectively need to get our urban growth process right to sort, and our urban growth process and our cities right to solve or mitigate these problems. This is important as some of these problems do not recognize regional or national boundaries, Sharrif said. The U.N. Habitat Assembly, will draw from the New Urban Agenda, a road map on urban development adopted by global leaders in 2016. At least three people were killed and several dozen wounded Sunday morning when Pakistans security forces and protesters skirmished at a security checkpoint in North Waziristan. The military blamed the incident in North Waziristan, close to Afghanistans border, on leaders of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), a local rights movement. The countrys sitting government supported the militarys version of events, while several of the largest opposition parties seemed to be supporting PTM after the incident. PTM leaders Ali Wazir and Mohsin Dawar, who represent the region in Pakistan's national assembly, were involved in the protest. After the incident, Wazir and several other PTM members were arrested, while Dawar went into hiding. Dawar told VOA's Deewa Service security personnel were trying to block them from going to demonstrate against alleged abuses by the military during a search operation in the region a day earlier. They beat up a woman and picked up some other people yesterday (Saturday). We were going to protest that incident when they opened fire on us. At first, it was aerial firing, then they fired on us directly, he said. A message from ISPR, Pakistan militarys public relations wing, said the search operation and subsequent arrests were carried out in response to an attack on its local forces in that area on Friday. A separate official statement suggested the PTM protest was meant to exert pressure for release of suspected terrorists facilitators arrested in the search operation. The statement also said troops fired on protesters in response to an attack on soldiers. Troops at the check post exercised maximum restraint in the face of provocation and direct firing on the check post, said a statement by ISPR. It said five soldiers were also wounded in the incident Sunday morning. However, PTM leaders denied the accusations, saying soldiers fired on people who had been protesting peacefully. PTM activist Rahim Dawar of North Waziristan said he saw dozens of people who had been wounded in the firing. I saw at least two dozen people that were hurt. For an hour, no one helped us. We were trying to pick up the injured when three army vehicles came and took the wounded away, Rahim Dawar told VOA's Deewa Service. A cellphone video shared in various WhatsApp groups shows Mohsin Dawar and other protesters angrily yelling at security personnel, demanding to be let through. Neither Wazir nor any of the people around him seem to be wielding weapons. VOA was not able to independently verify the video. Updates from the area are difficult to gather, however, due to a curfew in the area and a complete suspension of internet and telephone services. I started receiving calls within half an hour of the incident, but within the hour everything was blocked, VOA Deewa Service reporter Adnan Bitani said. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the young leader of Pakistan's People Party (PPP) and son of slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, said he could not believe the violence was perpetrated by PTM leaders. Im sorry, what? How can Mohsin Dawar attack a check post. ... I dont think that an elected member of parliament can carry out an attack like this, he said when questioned about the incident during a press conference. Acknowledging that he was unaware of facts in this case, he added that the country nonetheless needed to engage with the young political activists and address their grievances. If we call out own citizens, our own politicians traitors every time they demand their rights, demand democracy, demand rule of law, then it will lead to something dangerous, Bhutto Zardari said. The military has often alleged that PTM receives funding from hostile intelligence agencies and works on an anti-state agenda, a claim PTM denies. Have we not paid a heavy price for trying to crush protests and silence dissent, tweeted Maryam Nawaz Sharif, vice president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the daughter and heir-apparent of ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Both Bhutto Zardari and Sharif seemed to be alluding to Pakistans history, when part of the country, called East Pakistan, separated to make Bangladesh after its population felt oppressed and sidelined by the ruling elite in West Pakistan. PTM has so far been a peaceful movement focused on the rights of Pashtuns, particularly those living in the areas bordering Afghanistan who bear the brunt of Taliban violence as well as the military operations against the militants. The party's main demands have been to end extrajudicial killings, present victims of enforced disappearance into a court, clear landmines, and reduce checkpoints in the tribal areas, which, the party claims, are not just a hindrance for the local population, but a source of humiliation at the hands of those guarding the posts. Pakistan's Army said one of its soldiers was killed Monday in a clash with militants at Makki Garh checkpost in North Waziristan. It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the attack. The Associated Press reports five soldiers were wounded in the incident. In another development, authorities said five bullet-riddled bodies were found about 1.5 kilometers away from the Kharqamar checkpost, where Pakistan's Dawn newspaper said three people were killed Sunday in a skirmish and 15 people, including five soldiers, were wounded. The death toll from the powerful earthquake that hit a remote part of the Amazon jungle in Peru and Ecuador has risen to two. More than 30 people have also been injured in Sunday's magnitude-8.0 earthquake that was centered about 92 kilometers from the town of Yurimaguas, in northern Peru. Peruvian Civil Defense Coordinator Ricardo Seijas told Channel N television, one of the victims was "a 15-year-old who was hit on the head" by falling rubble at his home. The other was a 48-year-old man killed by falling debris while he slept at his house in Cajamarca in northern Peru. The quake struck at 0741 UTC. The quake was the most powerful to hit the earthquake-prone country in 12 years. Media reports said 15 people had been hurt in Ecuador, where power-cuts were reported in parts of its Amazon basin region. The tremor was also felt in parts of Colombia and Venezuela. Earthquakes are frequent in Peru, which is part of the Pacific Ocean's "Ring of Fire," the world's most active area of seismic activity. A fluffy pink fungus that decorates itself with gold nanoparticles has been found in Western Australia. Researchers believe the fungus is an indicator of gold deposits and hope the discovery will help miners narrow down where to dig. Scientists in Australia have found a fungus that can bond with gold particles. It releases a chemical called superoxide that can dissolve gold in the soil. It is then able to mix this dissolved metal with another chemical to turn it back into solid gold, in the form of tiny nanoparticles. So why does this gold-loving fungus have an attraction to this precious metal? The research team believes by interacting with gold in this way it can grow faster and bigger relative to other fungi that do not. The research has been carried out by Australias national science agency. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, the CSIRO, believes the discovery could be a new way to mine gold. The fungi could be markers that indicate the presence of gold, and narrow down the area where exploratory drilling would be most beneficial. The studys author is Dr. Tsing Bohu, a CSIRO geo-microbiologist. I think this is probably very novel because gold is very inert generally speaking but we found actually this fungus can interact with gold by dissolving gold. So I think it is very novel and it is also very important for mining and other industrial [processes] like leaching, so [it] has some potential applications, he said. The fungus was found in soil at Boddington, 130 kilometers south-east of Perth in Western Australia. The research has been published in the journal Nature Communications. Australia is the worlds second-largest producer of gold, but its output is expected to fall unless more deposits are discovered. In recent weeks, two Australians have stumbled upon large gold nuggets worth tens of thousands of dollars in Western Australia and the state of Victoria. Edward Yeranian contributed to this report from Cairo. An Israeli airstrike on a Syrian anti-aircraft position near the Golan Heights Monday killed one soldier and wounded three, Syria said. Israel called the rocket strike on Tal al-Shaar retaliation for a Syrian missile fired at an Israeli military jet it said was a routine flight. Israel only acknowledged firing at the Syrian position, but gave no other details. Israel has fired hundreds of missiles into Syrian territory at what it said were Iranian and Hezbollah military targets that threaten Israeli territory. Meanwhile, Syrian military strikes on Idlib province have killed at least 17, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports. At least five children are among the victims. Idlib is the last major section of northwestern Syria still in rebel hands. Video shot by Syrian White Helmet first responders show buildings reduced to dust, victims being loaded into ambulances and dazed survivors covered with white dust. The observatory said an airstrike on Idlib Sunday killed 12. Idlib has become home to hundreds of thousands of surrendering rebels and their families who fled from other areas to avoid attacks from Russian-backed Syrian forces. An agreement that was supposed to spare Idlib from Syrian attacks has all but fallen apart after the military increased its bombing campaign in April, killing more than 200. The Syrians want to take control of areas along a strategic highway in Idlib. U.N. officials have warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in Idlib if Syria and Russia launch an all-out attack on the province. Also Monday, Arabic-language media are reporting that Syrian government forces are engaged in a bloody battle with opposition fighters over control of Kafr Nabouda, a strategic town near Hama in western Syria. Government forces recaptured the town from rebel groups Sunday and are trying to fend off a new rebel onslaught to retake it. Dozens of fighters on both sides have reportedly been killed. Amateur video broadcast on Arab news channels showed bitter fighting between rebel militiamen and Syrian government forces on the outskirts of Kafr Nabouda. Despite the lingering shadow of North Korea over their talks, U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also turned their attention to trade and other diplomatic issues Monday in Tokyo. Trump even suggested Japan could mediate between the United States and another intransigent foe, as VOA's Richard Green reports. U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed differing views Monday on whether recent North Korean missile tests violated a U.N. Security Council resolution, but remained united on the ultimate goal of achieving a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. Speaking during a joint news conference after talks in Tokyo, Trump said he viewed the tests as a bid for attention by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and that he was not personally bothered by them. WATCH: William Gallo's video report Abe said the tests did violate the Security Council resolution. He also repeatedly stressed that in negotiations with North Korea his government is most interested in resolving the issue of North Korean abductions of Japanese citizens. Trump's comments focused largely on economic issues, expressing his expectations of reaching trade deals with Japan and China that would reduce U.S. trade deficits, and highlighting what he sees as the "tremendous economic potential" that awaits North Korea if it makes an agreement that includes giving up its nuclear weapons. Abe welcomed what he called the steady progress of trade talks with the United States, particularly regarding energy, digital and infrastructure sectors. He said he looks forward to further cooperation and celebrated Trump's visit as an exhibit to the world of the "unshakeable bond" the two countries possess. No quick breakthrough on trade was expected although both leaders have expressed a desire for a bilateral trade pact after Trump pulled the United States out of the comprehensive 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, which Tokyo had spearheaded with Washington under Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama. At the start of their talks Monday, Trump said he would be fine with Abe serving as a mediator between the United States and Iran. "The prime minister has already spoken to me about that," Trump said in response to a question from VOA. "And I do believe that Iran would like to talk and if they'd like to talk we'd like to talk also. We'll see what happens. But I know for a fact that the prime minister is very close with the leadership of Iran." Trump later at the news conference beside Abe said, "I think we'll make a deal." "It has a chance to be a great country, with the same leadership. We're not looking for regime change. I just want to make that clear. We're looking for no nuclear weapons," Trump added. U.S. - Iran tensions escalated in recent weeks as Trump ended waivers that had allowed some of Iran's biggest oil buyers to continue making purchases despite new U.S. sanctions, and as he increased the U.S. military presence in the Gulf in response to what he said were Iranian threats. WATCH: Richard Green's video report Earlier Monday, Trump became the first foreign leader to meet with Emperor Naruhito, who ascended to the throne May 1. Trump and first lady Melania Trump took part in an elaborate welcoming ceremony at the Imperial Palace. The U.S. delegation was greeted at the palace by several dozen elementary schoolchildren waving Japanese and American flags. A military band played the U.S. "Star Spangled Banner" and Japan's "Kimigayo" anthems. The emperor is hosting an imperial banquet at the palace Monday night. Our alliance is a rich inheritance we must pass on to our children, Trump said in remarks he read at the start of the formal dinner in the palaces largest banquet hall, known as the Houmei-den, which was attended by 180 guests. Before Trump departs Japan on Tuesday, he is to visit the naval base at Yokosuka to tour a Japanese helicopter carrier and address American service personnel in conjunction with the U.S. Memorial Day holiday (observed on Monday). U.S. President Donald Trump says he would be fine with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe serving as a mediator between the United States and Iran. "The prime minister has already spoken to me about that," Trump said in response to a question from VOA."And I do believe that Iran would like to talk and if they'd like to talk we'd like to talk also. We'll see what happens. But I know for a fact that the prime minister is very close with the leadership of Iran." WATCH: Richard Green's video report Trump spoke as he and Abe opened a meeting Monday at the Japanese state guest house. U.S. - Iran tensions escalated in recent weeks as Trump ended waivers that had allowed some of Iran's biggest oil buyers to continue making purchases despite new U.S. sanctions, and as he increased the U.S. military presence in the Gulf in response to what he said were Iranian threats. Trump and Abe are scheduled to hold a news conference Monday afternoon after their talks that were to include military and trade matters. No quick breakthrough on trade is expected although both leaders have expressed a desire for a bilateral trade pact after Trump pulled the United States out of the comprehensive 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, which Tokyo had spearheaded with Washington under Trumps predecessor, Barack Obama. Trump said there would be an announcement on trade coming probably in August "that will be very good for both countries," and reiterated his desire to see a better trade balance between them. Earlier Monday, Trump became the first foreign leader to meet with Emperor Naruhito, who ascended to the throne May 1. Trump and first lady Melania Trump took part in an elaborate welcoming ceremony at the Imperial Palace. The U.S. delegation was greeted at the palace by several dozen elementary schoolchildren waving Japanese and American flags. A military band played the U.S. "Star Spangled Banner" and Kimigayo anthems. The emperor is hosting an imperial banquet at the palace Monday night. On Sunday, Trump and National Security Advisor John Bolton were publicly at odds about the seriousness of the threat currently posed by North Korea. In a Sunday morning tweet from Tokyo, Trump issued a retort to Bolton who the previous day here had told reporters that there was no doubt North Koreas recent test firing of short-range ballistic missiles violated a United Nations resolution. Boltons remark was the first by a U.S. official describing the North Korean launches as a violation of U.N. resolutions. North Korea fired off some small weapons which disturbed some of my people and others, but not me, said Trump in his tweet. Trumps tweet on North Korea caused confusion and consternation, not only within the administration but also among Americas allies in the region, acknowledged senior White House officials traveling with the president Some analysts say the missile launches are indeed a concern. Its pretty clear the missile launch was a violation of U.N. sanctions, whatever the range. The reality is that U.S. forces and civilians in South Korea and Japan are already in range of North Koreans missiles, so accepting shorter or mid-range missiles puts the United States at risk, not to mention our allies Japan and the Republic of Korea, Kevin Maher, a Washington security consultant and a former head of the State Departments Office of Japan Affairs, tells VOA. These realities are inconvenient if the objective is to show a personal relationship with the dictator Kim Jung UN will stop North Koreas continuing nuclear and missile programs. The U.S. president also expressed confidence the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, will keep his promise to me in moving towards denuclearization. Trump said Monday there is "good respect" between the United States and North Korea, and he thinks "lots of good things will come." Trump and Kim have held two summits in Singapore and Hanoi. Neither has led to any significant breakthroughs although the meetings were seen as reducing tensions between the two countries which have no diplomatic relations and their leaders had never met before. The United States and North Korea were belligerents in a three-year war in the early 1950's which devastated the Korean peninsula. It ended with an armistice, but no peace treaty has ever been signed. Bolton, who 13 months ago replaced retired Army General H.R. McMaster as the president's national security adviser, is known as a hardliner who distrusts Pyongyang's intentions. North Korea has a long track record of violating international agreements and has repeatedly defied U.N. sanctions against its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. Before Trump departs Japan on Tuesday, he is to visit the naval base at Yokosuka to tour a Japanese helicopter carrier and address American service personnel in conjunction with the U.S. Memorial Day holiday (observed on Monday). Donning a bulletproof helmet and vest over business attire, Volodymyr Zelenskiy made his first visit Monday as president and commander-in-chief to the front line of the war in eastern Ukraine with Russia-backed separatists. During the visit, which was not announced ahead of time, Zelenskiy met with Ukrainian troops in the war-torn towns of Stanytsia Luhanska and Shchastya in the Luhansk region, according to the presidential press service. The press service said Zelenskiy, who elected in April, made the trip to get acquainted with Ukrainian military positions. Zelenskiy also spoke with soldiers about living conditions, food quality, equipment, housing, social benefits and staffing of units, the press service added. "The conditions for the military that defends Ukraine must be good," Zelenskiy was quoted as saying. Official photographs showed Zelenskiy looking over a military map with soldiers, treading through a field with them, and peering through a lookout toward enemy positions from inside a bunker. His predecessor, Petro Poroshenko, preferred to wear military camouflage fatigues on his frequent visits to the front line. Zelenskiy, who was inaugurated May 20 after a landslide victory over Poroshenko, has said that bringing the war to an end is among his top priorities and that he is prepared to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in order to do so. But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said that Putin, who did not congratulate Zelenskiy on his election victory, will do so after the Ukrainian leader resolves "the internal conflict in southeastern Ukraine" and realizes his "first successes in normalizing Russian-Ukrainian relations." The Kremlin has repeatedly denied fueling the war, which entered its sixth year last month, despite overwhelming evidence showing that it has covertly supported separatist forces in eastern Ukraine with funds, military equipment and fighters. The conflict has killed 13,000 people and shows no sign of ending. In Iowa, one of the whitest states in the nation, more than 100 black Democrats who expect to attend the 2020 caucuses crammed into a tiny community center in the capital city to position themselves as a force in the most wide-open presidential campaign in a generation. "There is hope! There is hope, I tell you, the same hope that Barack Obama brought us,'' Jamie Woods, former chairwoman of the Iowa Democratic Black Caucus, implored the cheering group last month. In the state where Obama's 2008 candidacy cleared its first important hurdle, black Democrats are energized as seldom seen, in part motivated by overwhelming dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump. That enthusiasm could make a difference in a state that holds a presidential caucus, which, unlike an open primary, attracts only the most motivated voters. That means a candidate who can rally more black voters in the caucuses can gain an outsized advantage, even though African Americans make up only 2% of Iowa's population. Iowa's caucus, coming next February as the first event in the Democratic Party's presidential nominating contest, is an early test of how voters are going to respond to nearly two dozen candidates and could be a harbinger of the primary a few weeks later in South Carolina, where African Americans comprise most of the Democratic primary electorate. "They're realizing that their voice needs to be heard,'' said Deidre DeJear, the first African American to win a primary for statewide office in Iowa and now state chairwoman for Sen. Kamala Harris' 2020 presidential campaign. "And they are using the platform they have whether they're elected or whether just a regular voter.'' Stacey Walker, the first black county board chairman in Iowa's second-most-populous metro area, said she hasn't seen this kind of energy among black operatives, activists and officeholders in Iowa in years. "Not since the Obama coalition have we seen so many persons of color actively engaged and inspired by our politics,'' Walker said. "It hasn't always been this way, and certainly not in Iowa.'' Giving an early indication of the energy within this small but influential segment of the caucus electorate, more than 200 black Democrats braved a driving ice storm in February to attend the Iowa Democratic Black Caucus winter fundraiser at a north Des Moines union hall. Candidates are looking to harness that energy. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, a 2020 presidential candidate and former mayor of Newark, has convened city leaders, including Quentin Hart, the first black mayor of Iowa's most densely African American city, Waterloo. Booker met Saturday with Shane McCampbell, the first black mayor of Burlington, along the Mississippi River in southeast Iowa. Harris met privately with state Rep. Phyllis Thede, who is African American, before the four-term lawmaker moderated a campaign event for the California Democrat in eastern Iowa earlier this year. In 2008, when Obama became the first African American to win the Iowa caucuses, 4% of caucus participants were black, double the percentage of the state's overall black population. Obama received 76% of the black vote on caucus night. Non-black candidates are working to attract influential black supporters, who can help make the difference in a close race, especially given the crowded field. Amy Klobuchar, for instance, last month hired Woods, the former Iowa Black Democratic Caucus chairwoman, as her caucus campaign's Iowa political director, giving the Minnesota senator a key ally in the competition for black votes. Entrepreneur Andrew Yang hired Al Womble, a black Des Moines-area businessman known for his behind-the-scenes organizing, as his Iowa campaign chairman. Multiple black candidates in the race and the outreach by others in the crowded field create a different scenario than in 2008, when Obama was the only black candidate. What's more, most of the candidates put ending racial disparity in income and criminal justice atop their agendas. "Even though we're talking about racial disparity and white supremacy, and all this is bad, that this isn't who we are. No one single candidate is leading the charge,'' said Guy Nave, a Democrat from Decorah who is black and plans to attend the caucus. Iowa Democrats are predicting turnout in the 2020 caucuses will beat the record 237,000 set in 2008, as Trump's approval in Iowa has struggled to top 50 percent. Meanwhile, candidates themselves are working to attract first-time caucus participants to eke out any advantage in a field that now numbers 23. That means even a narrow edge of support from African Americans, in combination with a coalition of other voters, could make the difference for the winner in Iowa next February, said former Iowa Democratic Party executive director Norm Sterzenbach. "If you can find a candidate that has a stronghold in a particular demographic and is able to turn them out, that could turn into something extraordinary on caucus night,'' said Sterzenbach, who is advising former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke's presidential campaign. The United States paused Monday to honor its war dead on the annual Memorial Day. With U.S. President Donald Trump in Japan on a state visit, Vice President Mike Pence laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Arlington National Cemetery just outside Washington. Trump, before returning home, is marking the holiday with an address Tuesday to American troops at the Yokosuka U.S. Naval Base near Tokyo about the "global nature of the partnership between Japan and the U.S." At the cemetery, Pence told hundreds of military dignitaries and relatives of the fallen that the U.S. "can never fully repay" its debt to those who gave their lives for the country. "We will never forget," he said, "and we will never forget to honor them. Their duty was to serve, our duty is to honor them. Parades and somber remembrances are planned in U.S. cities large and small on Monday to recall the ultimate sacrifice that hundreds of thousands of Americans have borne for their country's freedom through its 243-year existence. It is estimated that 1.1 million Americans have died in conflict, but the largest single death toll nearly a half million came in the 19th century U.S. Civil War fought between northern and southern states over slavery, a practice ended after Union states in the northern U.S. prevailed. In the deadliest overseas conflict, more than 400,000 Americans were killed in World War II. Various places across the U.S. have been cited in connection with the origin of Memorial Day, with perhaps the first commemoration of war dead in 1868, three years after the Civil War ended. In early rural America, families often marked the day in late summer. For years, the memorial was known as Decoration Day and the fallen from all U.S. wars were remembered and their service honored. Memorial Day for years was set on May 30, but it became a national U.S. holiday in 1971 and now is celebrated on the last Monday in May. For some, a national moment of remembrance is set at 3 p.m. local time on the holiday. Families of the fallen often visit the grave sites of their loved ones or watch parades with bands and flag-waving marchers. But for other Americans, the day is unofficially the beginning of summer and part of a three-day weekend when families head to parks and the beach or enjoy picnics with friends and relatives. In Washington on Sunday, thousands of motorcycles roared through the streets for what organizers say will be the last Rolling Thunder celebration in the nation's capital. The annual Memorial Day tradition is meant to draw attention to more than 83,000 U.S. military personnel still listed as Missing in Action from World War I through the recent fighting in Iraq. The list also includes 126 people believed missing from operations related to the Cold War. The first Rolling Thunder was held in 1988. The cyclists usually meet up in a Pentagon parking lot and ride into downtown Washington across the various bridges spanning the Potomac River. But Rolling Thunder Executive Director Artie Muller said this is the last year he will hold the ride in Washington. Muller said he has grown frustrated with the Pentagon bureaucracy in coordinating the event. Mueller said sponsors, vendors and others have not been given access to parking lots even though Rolling Thunder said it paid "exorbitant permit fees." For many people, the group's decades-long presence with the loud roar of their motorcycle engines has become synonymous with Memorial Day activities in Washington. Trump says Rolling Thunder is always welcome in the city. "The Great Patriots of Rolling Thunder will be coming back to Washington, D.C. next year, and hopefully for many years to come. It is where they want to be and where they should be," Trump tweeted as he thanked the "great men & women of the Pentagon for working it out." In an interview with VOA, Muller said Rolling Thunder is "willing to talk" with the president. But despite the president's postings on Twitter, Muller said, "I think we really want to go nationwide" with local chapters holding their own observations on Memorial Day. Muller said the annual trek to the nation's capital is becoming too much for some Rolling Thunder members. "We're all getting old and can't ride that far," he said. For members who come from the West Coast, Muller said, "It a haul. You're talking 2 to 3,000 miles... That takes a lot out of you." Pentagon figures show 83,000 American military personnel remain unaccounted for. Most of them about 73,000 are from World War II. Upwards of 7,700 are from the Korean War, and more than 1,600 are from the Vietnam War. Trump, before he left for Tokyo to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, said he is considering pardons for several military servicemen accused or convicted of war crimes, an action that critics say would be an abuse of his pardon powers. "We're looking at a lot of different pardons for a lot of different people," Trump said at the White House. "Some of these soldiers are people that have fought hard, long, you know. We teach them how to be great fighters and when they fight sometimes they get really treated very unfairly. So we're going to take a look at it," Trump said. He acknowledged that two or three cases were "a little bit controversial." But as Memorial Day dawned across the U.S., Trump had yet to announce any pardons. In 2017, long after the Vietnam War, U.S. President Donald Trump finally made his debut in Vietnam, not in the capital city of Hanoi in the north, nor in the business hub of Ho Chi Minh City in the south, but at about the midway point, in Da Nang. The central Vietnamese city was hosting dozens of global leaders at the time, from New Zealands Jacinda Ardern to South Korea's Moon Jae-in to Trump, at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Pulling off one of the worlds biggest conferences without a hitch gave Da Nang something to brag about. But it also was a sign of something bigger: locals and foreigners are now looking beyond Vietnams biggest cities and finding potential in second-tier locales. Da Nang is seen as a clean, well-managed city. The northern port of Hai Phong is luring trade from China. The province of Binh Duong, next to Ho Chi Minh City, is a prime spot for industrial production. The trend suggests that as Vietnam develops, it has a chance to spread out economic gains across the country. While many countries concentrate growth in coastal urban areas, Vietnam could see a more even distribution that reduces inequality and enables sustainable growth. Da Nang is currently one of the emerging hotspots for foreign direct investment inflow from Singapore and Europe, recruitment agency Navigos Group said in a news release, noting that Binh Duong had even higher demand for employees and a bigger labor pool. The company opened a branch in Da Nang earlier this year, following a string of other businesses, from a German information technology outsourcing firm to the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam. The rapid increase in recruitment demand brings many challenges, said Gaku Echizenya, the CEO of Navigos Group. We decided to inaugurate a representative office in Da Nang to help businesses and candidates easily connect with each other. In the past Da Nang was known for its beaches and for seeing the first U.S. troops to deploy in the Vietnam War, in 1965. But more recently its municipal government has made it a place to do business. Its relatively clean streets and low crime rate make it attractive for Vietnamese seeking a less polluted place to escape the big cities. Da Nang ranked No. 5 in the latest Provincial Competitiveness Index, which scores cities and provinces based on business indicators like corruption and land access. Receiving even more foreign investment than Da Nang in 2018 was Hai Phong. The citys airport links international travelers to the UNESCO World Heritage site at Ha Long Bay. But beyond that it has been a key shipping hub, even more so as investors move out of China and seek alternative trading partners like Vietnam. Hai Phong has all the necessary ingredients to develop into a true global port city, along the lines of Amsterdam and London, said Stephen Wyatt, country head of the real estate firm JLL Vietnam. He suggested the city focus on improving areas that could increase logistics efficiency, from traffic management, to customs procedures, to use of new technology. Other locations are getting more attention, too. Another domestic carrier, Bamboo Airlines, launched in January, and promises to bring more people and business to Quy Nhon, where the company is based. The town also operates a large container port and is becoming a more popular tourist destination. Elsewhere, Vietnam seems full of factory-filled zones where investor demand is taking up most of the supply of real estate, from Dong Nai and Long An in the south to Bac Ninh and Hai Duong in the north. It has not all been smooth sailing. Da Nangs fast rise has come with criticism that its late technocratic leader Nguyen Ba Thanh ruled with an iron fist. And despite its generally well regulated reputation the city is now stuck in a business-government corruption scandal. But for better or worse, this and other of Vietnams second-tier cities are getting more of the spotlight than ever. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Monday Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons, which its supreme leader had banned in an edict, adding on Twitter that U.S. policies were hurting the Iranian people and causing regional tensions. "Ayatollah (Ali) @khamenei_ir long ago said we're not seeking nuclear weapons" by issuing a fatwa (edict) banning them," Zarif said in a tweet." (U.S.) Economic Terrorism is hurting the Iranian people and causing tension in the region." The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Motorcyclists participate in the 32nd Rolling Thunder rally in Washington, Sunday, May 26. The event is to honor American prisoners of war and service members missing in action, and to call attention to veterans' issues. The United States paused Monday to honor its war dead on the annual Memorial Day. With U.S. President Donald Trump in Japan on a state visit, Vice President Mike Pence laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Arlington National Cemetery just outside Washington. Trump, before returning home, is marking the holiday with an address Tuesday to American troops at the Yokosuka U.S. Naval Base in Tokyo about the "global nature of the partnership between Japan and the U.S." At the cemetery, Pence told hundreds of military dignitaries and relatives of the fallen that the U.S. "can never fully repay" its debt to those who gave their lives for the country. "We will never forget," he said, "and we will never forget to honor them. Their duty was to serve, our duty is to honor them. Parades and somber remembrances are planned in U.S. cities large and small on Monday to recall the ultimate sacrifice that hundreds of thousands of Americans have borne for their country's freedom through its 243-year existence. It is estimated that 1.1 million Americans have died in conflict, but the largest single death toll nearly a half million came in the 19th century U.S. Civil War fought between northern and southern states over slavery, a practice ended after Union states in the northern U.S. prevailed. In the deadliest overseas conflict, more than 400,000 Americans were killed in World War II. Various places across the U.S. have been cited in connection with the origin of Memorial Day, with perhaps the first commemoration of war dead in 1868, three years after the Civil War ended. In early rural America, families often marked the day in late summer. For years, the memorial was known as Decoration Day and the fallen from all U.S. wars were remembered and their service honored. Memorial Day for years was set on May 30, but it became a national U.S. holiday in 1971 and now is celebrated on the last Monday in May. For some, a national moment of remembrance is set at 3 p.m. local time on the holiday. Families of the fallen often visit the grave sites of their loved ones or watch parades with bands and flag-waving marchers. But for other Americans, the day is unofficially the beginning of summer and part of a three-day weekend when families head to parks and the beach or enjoy picnics with friends and relatives. In Washington on Sunday, thousands of motorcycles roared through the streets for what organizers say will be the last Rolling Thunder celebration in the nation's capital. The annual Memorial Day tradition is meant to draw attention to more than 83,000 U.S. military personnel still listed as Missing in Action from World War I through the recent fighting in Iraq. The list also includes 126 people believed missing from operations related to the Cold War. The first Rolling Thunder was held in 1988. The cyclists usually meet up in a Pentagon parking lot and ride into downtown Washington across the various bridges spanning the Potomac River. But Rolling Thunder Executive Director Artie Muller said this is the last year he will hold the ride in Washington. Muller said he has grown frustrated with the Pentagon bureaucracy in coordinating the event. Mueller said sponsors, vendors and others have not been given access to parking lots even though Rolling Thunder said it paid "exorbitant permit fees." For many people, the group's decades-long presence with the loud roar of their motorcycle engines has become synonymous with Memorial Day activities in Washington. Trump says Rolling Thunder is always welcome in the city. "The Great Patriots of Rolling Thunder will be coming back to Washington, D.C. next year, and hopefully for many years to come. It is where they want to be and where they should be," Trump tweeted as he thanked the "great men & women of the Pentagon for working it out." In an interview with VOA, Muller said Rolling Thunder is "willing to talk" with the president. But despite the president's postings on Twitter, Muller said, "I think we really want to go nationwide" with local chapters holding their own observations on Memorial Day. Muller said the annual trek to the nation's capital is becoming too much for some Rolling Thunder members. "We're all getting old and can't ride that far," he said. For members who come from the West Coast, Muller said, "It a haul. You're talking 2 to 3,000 miles... That takes a lot out of you." Pentagon figures show 83,000 American military personnel remain unaccounted for. Most of them about 73,000 are from World War II. Upwards of 7,700 are from the Korean War, and more than 1,600 are from the Vietnam War. Trump, before he left for Tokyo to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, said he is considering pardons for several military servicemen accused or convicted of war crimes, an action that critics say would be an abuse of his pardon powers. "We're looking at a lot of different pardons for a lot of different people," Trump said at the White House. "Some of these soldiers are people that have fought hard, long, you know. We teach them how to be great fighters and when they fight sometimes they get really treated very unfairly. So we're going to take a look at it," Trump said. He acknowledged that two or three cases were "a little bit controversial." But as Memorial Day dawned across the U.S., Trump had yet to announce any pardons. While scores of high school seniors are preparing for graduation and moving on to the next phase in their lives, Waco High School junior Restylyn Atalisay celebrated a milestone of her own earlier this month. She became a U.S. citizen. Part of coming to America is becoming an American citizen, so that was the American dream, Atalisay said. The 17-year-old was born in the city of Concepcion in the Philippines, and her family moved to the United State in 2007 and became permanent residents, with permission to stay indefinitely but without the privileges that go with citizenship, including voting. Moving from a tropical country as a child, she was excited to experience snow until she realized snow is infrequent in Central Texas, Atalisay said. One of the main things I thought about America was there would be snow, she said. I was quite disappointed when I flew into Dallas-Fort Worth and it was bright and warm. Her family settled in Waco, where Atalisay, her older brother and her younger brother grew up. About two weeks ago, her mother became a naturalized citizen after fulfilling the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It is a yearslong and expensive process, and Atalisay decided to start it herself. One of the things that I would bring to the council is a judicial temperament and experience in the judiciary, which is greatly needed. We had people who got egos involved, he said. When you get to calling names, you just jump down into the juvenile mindset, and I dont deal with people like that. I ignore them or get away from them. Im not going to exchange pleasantries with people who are acting like idiots. If elected, Field wants to monitor the citys finances and ensure they remain in good shape, with little debt. He also understands the Open Meetings Act, having conducted hundreds of open meetings during his years of public service, but he would defer to the city manager for any problems that arise in city departments. I strongly believe in chain of command, Field said. The only person who reports to the city council is the city manager. We need to be talking to him if we have concerns. If theres a problem, we let him fix it. Additionally, Field would like to revamp the city charter, adopted in 1982. He said Hewitt has nearly outgrown itself, and it is time to redraw the lines for council wards according to population. LIMA, May 26 (Xinhua) -- A strong 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Peru on Sunday morning, the Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP) said. No casualties or material damages have so far been reported. The IGP first reported the quake measured 7.2 magnitude. It was recorded at 02:41 a.m. local time (0741 GMT) in the province of Alto Amazonas in northern area of the Loreto region. Hernando Tavera, head of the IGP, told local media: "The quake has been perceived with a fairly large radius, including Lima, Junin, Pasco and Iquitos, where there has been a power cut." The strong earthquake was also felt in parts of Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil and Bolivia, it is reported. City of Rome lecture series continues at British School at Rome. 28 May. The British School at Rome presents Roman identity in the city of Rome, a lecture by Olivia Elder (University of Cambridge) on Tuesday 28 May from 18.00-19.30. The lecture asks what it meant to be or become Roman in ancient Rome, pursuing two different ways to answer this question. Elder says: "I first take a wider view, considering the diverse groups that moved to and made up the ancient city, the impact they had on the cityscape, and the consequences of this for the nature of Romanness there. I then narrow my focus to evaluate the semantic category Roman in ancient literature and inscriptions, asking how, and how far, ancient definitions of Roman map onto modern categories of Romanness and Roman identity. This analysis reveals competing definitions of Roman ethnic, cultural, legal, geographical. These complex ancient debates about the meaning of the category Roman make us rethink the place of different groups and of different attributes (language, citizenship, origin) in modes of Romanness within the ancient city." For details see BSR website. Virginia state conservators work Tuesday on a time capsule found in the base of the Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee monument in Richmond. (Video: Reuters: photo: AP) The capsule opened Tuesday appears to be the official artifact buried in 1887, containing Confederate memorabilia. Although the gels are designed so you can squeeze them into cracks, you can also use them in a way that keeps the material off floors and other surfaces. Set out short pieces of masking tape, sticky side down, and put a pea-size dab of pesticide on top. Do this where youve seen the ants feeding and by any ant trails you can find. Ants tend to follow edges, so look alongside baseboards, countertops, shelf boards and similar surfaces. To figure out which ant trails are headed back to a nest, put a dab of honey or jam on a piece of stiff paper next to where the ants congregate. Once they dine, they will head back to the nest. Decades later, he came across an article about a project started by Robert Hall and Derrill de Heer, both Australian veterans of the Vietnam War, now at the University of New South Walesin Canberra. In 2012, as a gesture of appreciation to Vietnam for helping return the remains of six Australians who had been missing in action, Hall and de Heer put out a call to veterans groups and local media for items taken by Australians from the battlefields in Vietnam. They felt the objects, whatever and wherever they were, belonged to the relatives of those who had died fighting for their country. The items might also contain information revealing where the soldiers had died; Vietnam still has an estimated 300,000 missing in action from the war. Police found the victim and at least one other person in a car parked in the 3300 block of Chauncy Place about 5:15 a.m., police spokeswoman Kyndle Johnson said. The vehicle had been involved in a shooting about a mile away at 16th Avenue and Chillum Road. For Mr. Morris, biography was a great journey into the unknown, or something comparable to a colonoscopy. Interviewing friends and relatives of the late president to nail down the sound of Roosevelts laugh, poring over Reagans diary in search of insights into his character, the author collected details on a vast supply of 5-by-8-inch cards, then slowly shaped his material into a manuscript. Fixated by the mechanics of his sentences, he said he wrote no more than 300 words a day in longhand with a green fountain pen. The bread maker apportions and weighs balls of dough, then rolls them out one at a time, scores them so they dont balloon in the oven, stretches them to fit over a large white cushion and then using that cushion as a kind of puffy potholder slaps them against the sides of the oven, she wrote in 1994. In a few minutes, when the flat breads are browned and blistered, he removes them and hangs them up to cool. The process is hypnotic, and the resulting bread has a fragrant wheatiness. Police said it was unclear whether Reid was trying to cross the road or walking parallel to it. He was in the left lane on the northbound side when he was hit, they said. They found the victim and at least one other person in the car, which had been involved in a shooting about a mile away at 16th Avenue and Chillum Road, also in Mount Rainier. Police announced a $25,000 reward for anyone with information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. Anyone with information can call police at 202-727-9099 or text the departments tip line at 50411. In surveillance video footage of the parking lot, captured by Abrahas security system and viewed by The Washington Post, a young man can be seen sprinting to the entrance and placing his hand on the door handle. He then falls to the ground, glass exploding and showering around him. She said the gun was not loaded. According to Farbstein, he told TSA officials that he was carrying the bag that he usually takes to a firing range and did not know he had it with him. The November lawsuit accuses Dartmouth of failing to take action to address years of sexual harassment, assault and other misconduct suffered by students at the hands of three Department of Psychological and Brain Science professors. It was initially filed by seven women, one of them anonymously. Two more joined anonymously this month. Dartmouth challenged the use of Jane Doe pseudonyms for three of the nine plaintiffs, saying the anonymity would prejudice Dartmouths ability to defend itself. Man dies after shark attack: A California man who died after being attacked by a shark while swimming in Hawaii was pulled ashore missing a leg, according to a witness. Shark warning signs were posted Sunday in the Ka'anapali Beach Park area on Maui where the man died a day earlier. Allison Keller told Hawaii News Now that the man appeared unconscious as rescuers pulled him from the water and performed CPR on Saturday. "As we got closer, I saw some blood on his stomach, and then I got looking a little bit more, and his wrist, it looked like the skin on his wrist was just torn off," Keller said. "And then I got looking closer, and his entire left leg from his knee down was just missing." The victim was a 65-year-old resident of California, according to Hawaii's Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement. Officials did not immediately release his name. Gunmen kill 4 in church in Burkina Faso: Gunmen burst into a church in northern Burkina Faso on Sunday and shot dead four people, a security source said at least the fourth attack on Christians in the past month. Other worshipers were wounded in the assault on the morning service at the church near the town of Titao, the person added. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks which threaten to upend traditionally peaceful relations between the Muslim majority and Christians who make up a quarter of Burkinabes. The government has blamed unnamed terrorist groups operating in the country and Africa's surrounding Sahel region. Islamist militants based in Mali have regrouped after a French intervention in 2013 and now use the country's north and center as launchpads for attacks on neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is searching for a middle ground on climate change, eh? It seems to me that Mr. Biden is always seeking the middle ground. In fact, this inclination to seek compromises with Republicans, as the article put it, has been the bane of the Democratic Party since Bill Clinton was president. Mr. Clinton came into office with his Third Way routine and reached across the aisle to seek compromise and what did it get him? The Republicans responded with obstruction and a constant stream of invective, culminating in impeachment. In 2008, then-Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama trumpeted his eagerness to compromise. What was the result? More obstruction, and even more vicious invectives, accusations of criminality and an announcement after the 2010 midterms by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) that the Republicans top priority would be to deny President Obama a second term. It is revealing for who is being kept on the money not only the proud owner of slaves, but also the political author of a vicious white mans populism. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump called the proposed replacement of Jackson pure political correctness. Actually, the switch would be an example of sound moral judgment. Jacksons defining cause was the ethnic cleansing of Native American lands to make way for more slavery-based agriculture. In pursuit of his pale-faced vision of democracy, Jackson was imperious, violent and indifferent to constitutional norms. Late at night, if Trump speaks to the portrait of Jackson he has hung on the wall of the Oval Office, I suspect the two men would find much in common. I have not made up my mind what my own course will be nor can I until the United States again has the opportunity to voice its priorities and chart its future. As long as I am here, I pledge to promote American values. But at 68, I feel the need to live where I am at peace with the government and the people. I will vote at the ballot box, and then I may vote with my feet. Is such refusal to act in the face of danger an isolated event? Not at all. Take, for example, the BOB stroller. Britax has marketed it as a stroller for parents who want to run while pushing their child inside. One recent report in The Post paints a different picture one of a Cleveland mother jogging with her infant in 2016 when suddenly the front wheel fell off. The mother managed to keep the stroller from toppling over, but others werent so lucky. CPSC collected at least 200 other incident reports regarding the stroller between 2012 and 2018. That debacle led, with congressional authorization, to the sensible plan of transferring clearance investigations to the Defense Department. But now officials are using the change as a pretext for OPMs complete demolition. Incredibly, they argue that the revenue they will lose from ceasing background checks will make it impossible to fund other operations all without evidence the administration explored the possibility of securing those funds elsewhere or pursued a data-driven analysis of the benefits and costs, both financial and otherwise, that would come from the change. The politics of charter schools have always been fraught for Democrats because of the influence of teachers unions which oppose charters for reasons having nothing to do with the welfare of children. We hope candidates keep in mind the polls that consistently show support for charters among black and Hispanic voters. Its easy to oppose charters if you are well-off and live in a suburb with good schools. We hope we will also hear from candidates who know about the value of charters from their experiences including as a mayor who used them to begin to turn around a failing district, as a partner in an administration that promoted charters, as a schools superintendent who made a place for charters. While this was done in full view of the local villagers and townspeople, many of whom were requisitioned to assist in the gruesome process, the genocide was hidden from the outside world. It remained hidden even after World War II had ended, when it was obscured by clouds of Soviet secrecy and anti-Semitism, in the words of Paul A. Shapiro, the director of the Mandel Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The wall of silence in the Soviet Union was the reason Yevgeny Yevtushenko in 1961 wrote his famous poem Babi Yar, protesting the Soviet regimes refusal to identify the ravine by that name in the suburbs of Kiev as the site where nearly 34,000 Jews were murdered on Sept. 29-30, 1941. I view it as a man perhaps he wants to get attention, and perhaps not, who knows, Trump said, referring to Kim and the tests. It doesnt matter. All I know is that there have been no nuclear tests. There have been no ballistic missiles going out. There have been no long-range missiles going out. Over the past six months, the campaign has focused on members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. It has been so vigorous involving a corps of Chinese diplomats, economic inducements as well as threats that some of the 57 member states regarded Chinas entreaties as a national security matter, according to people familiar with Beijings lobbying effort. Kurz was the first Austrian leader to be ousted via a no-confidence vote in the countrys postwar history. But the conservatives exile from the nations most powerful office may be temporary; he already had announced elections slated for September, and polls show that his party holds a commanding lead. If Farages triumph in these elections pushes the Conservative Party onto his turf, it wouldnt be the first time. A surge in support for the right-wing, anti-Europe UKIP then led by Farage is thought to be one of the reasons Prime Minister David Cameron called for the referendum that sent Britain down the whole rocky road of Brexit to begin with. In some countries, including in Germany, Greens have served in government. But they had never achieved such widespread gains until Sundays elections. To some, the result felt like a Green ticket into the European establishment. The party gained 2 percentage points, winning 9 percent of the 751-seat legislature. Although the overall gain was modest and in Europes south and east, they made little progress they outperformed in several of Europes biggest and most influential countries. The opposition Umma Party said Sunday it opposes the preparations and timing of the strike. However, it said authorities do not have the right to fire those who take part in the planned strike. Karim Sadjadpour, a senior fellow at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said via email Monday: What Trump articulated in Japan was another reminder that his main problem with the Iran nuclear deal was that it was signed by Obama. Given Trumps eagerness for a public summit and deal with Tehran, its conceivable Irans leaders could sign a more favorable deal with Trump than they did with Obama. But the pride and mistrust of Irans supreme leader makes him more inclined to subject his population to another year of sanctions and economic malaise rather than do a deal with Trump. Francis has not spoken directly about Salvini, and he has, as a rule, refrained from intervening in Italian politics. But he has opposed nationalism and many of Salvinis ideas in general terms. Salvini has risen to prominence on a platform of closing Italian ports and strictly limiting migration. Francis, meanwhile, has spent much of his papacy arguing for the Catholic duty to welcome migrants and earlier this month said he was concerned about the reemergence, somewhat throughout the world, of aggressive tendencies toward foreigners, types of migrants, as well as that growing nationalism that disregards the common good. Violence, a serious problem, starts being treated not rationally, but as a spectacle, he said. There develops this search for easy solutions, like giving people guns. There is this sense that there is no public security, and so, security must be placed in the hands of the people. Perth's community media landscape continues its wild ride with Monday's announcement that Seven West Media would acquire the remaining 50.1 per cent of shares in its Community News joint venture with Rupert Murdoch's News Corp for an undisclosed sum. Community News staff were told at lunch time on Monday that Seven West Media (ASX: SWM) would take control of the company and operations would move from its current Stirling Street, Northbridge headquarters to Seven West headquarters in Osborne Park by July 1. The Seven West Media/News Corp joint venture Community News will be acquired fully by Seven West, Credit:Louie Douvis Community News publishes 12 newspaper titles covering the Perth metro and outer suburban areas such as the Stirling Times, Canning Times and Mandurah Coastal Times. It also has 17 digital mastheads. WAtoday understands the group's Mandurah office would remain open. Loyal staff are being offered an extra five days of paid annual leave to stay put, while others are given the option of taking the school holidays with their children. As the Reserve Bank of Australia grapples with stubbornly slow wage growth and a rise in unemployment, some companies are offering alternatives to a pay rise to keep valued staff happy. Nicole and Fergus Stuart are expecting their third child and will both get 20 weeks of paid parental leave. Credit:James Alcock ANZ has introduced what it calls "loyalty leave" in the form of an extra five days of paid holidays to employees with more than three years of consecutive service. This extends paid annual leave from four weeks to five. ANZ executive Kathryn van der Merwe said the initiative is designed to attract and retain talent and improve staff wellbeing and engagement. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Elizabeth Gilbert's partner died in 2018 at the dawn of the new year. Fifteen months later she still loves to talk about her, invoking the name of her beloved at every opportunity. It's what grief compels us to do to rehearse the disaster over and over, to tell stories, to keep the flame burning. A friend I hadn't seen for 20 years once tracked me down and spent an hour on the phone giving a detailed account of her husband's illness and eventual death. I guessed she had run out of sympathetic listeners closer to home. Gilbert has no such difficulty. Since the publication of her bestselling, post-divorce memoir Eat, Pray, Love and subsequent books a treatise on marriage, a self help manual, a novel about a 19th century female plant hunter - she has had millions of fans and followers hanging on her every word. "Dear Ones," she addresses her Facebook friends, "May your heart have mercy today on your poor, tired mind. Offer yourself some grace." On Twitter and Instagram, in Ted talks and the Moth hour, she memorialises her "epic, magnificent, rebellious" friend and lover Rayya Elias ex-addict, ex-con, punk artist, hairdresser, who got clean for 20 years then died of pancreatic cancer, nursed by Gilbert. I imagined her dying without knowing how much I loved her. Elizabeth Gilbert on Rayya Elias "I honour Rayya by telling stories about her," says Gilbert when we meet. She is just off a flight from New York, looking pale and nursing a chest cold with ginger and honey. How has she reconciled herself to the loss? "What got me through the grief, and continues to do so, is a tremendous pride in knowing what I did, what I sacrificed, what I gave up." When Elias's cancer was diagnosed, Gilbert left her husband of nine years, Jose Nunes, whom she met during the writing of Eat, Pray, Love, to be with her. "I saw a vision of her in the last moments of life," she tells me, "I imagined her dying without knowing how much I loved her. My soul was appalled by that vision. I couldn't let it happen so everything, the whole life I had created, had to change accordingly." Advertisement The two women had known each other for 17 years, since Gilbert was recommended to Elias for a hair makeover. Was Nunes included in the friendship? "Yes," says Gilbert hesitatingly and then, in a rare moment of discretion, adds, "but I don't want to talk about that too much out of loyalty to my ex-husband." Elias lived for 18 more months, defeating expectation: "She was the comeback kid," says Gilbert, "in her previous life as a heroin addict she'd died any number of times." The couple moved to Detroit to be near Elias's family and, towards the end, Elias's exwife and a former lover came to help: "Rayya took us on the wildest ride," says Gilbert, her eyes shining, "she was such a tornado, it took three of us to care for her." She pauses, a look almost of rapture on her face: "In all the sorrow and loss there is a sense of great achievement. She died knowing she was loved." Gilbert returned to New York, to an apartment she had bought for herself in anticipation of being alone, and threw herself into writing again. "It was a novel I had promised my publishers a fun, sexy story. I'd dropped it for the 18 months I was with Rayya, now I needed a restoration project and it brought me back to my vitality. I don't know how I would have survived without work." The result is City of Girls, a light, witty romp of a book, the first half set in a down-at-heel theatre in a poor area of New York during the 1940s. Vivienne, a Vassar drop out from a small-town conservative family, arrives with a suitcase and is given a job sewing costumes. She pals up with showgirl Celia and the two of them cut a swathe through the city's nightclubs, inhaling serial cocktails, loftily rejecting advances from men, having dodgy sex with others and weaving home at dawn, high heels in hand. Gilbert's last book was The signature of all things, a weighty tome exploring the intersection of science and faith in the early part of the 19th century, admired by high-minded critics. It featured Alma Whittaker, a self made botanist and plant hunter with a disappointing sex life. So after that was Gilbert ready for a bit of frivolity? Advertisement "I was ready for sensuality," she nods, "So much of the last book was about a woman's frustrated desire; I wanted to strip the corsets off, to make an addition to the Western literary canon by creating 'bad' girls who are not destroyed by enjoying sex and having a lot of it. The wages of desire need not be death, ruination and shame." Soon after Vivienne's arrival at the theatre, Celia and her fellow showgirls discover she is a virgin and insist on arranging for her deflowering at the hands of an obliging doctor they all know. The curious episode, narrated by Vivienne from her prone position on the doctor's marital bed, is exquisitely funny. "I thought how do I write about a woman losing her virginity which is neither romantic nor traumatic," says Gilbert, "it's usually one of the two. So what about comically, clinically ridiculous?" It takes a long time for a woman to figure out how to create her own pleasure. Vivienne is now ready to hit the town, but though she loves dressing up, and the novelty of discovering her sexual power, it is clear that the end game fumbling and sometimes threatening encounters in alleyways and strange hotel rooms is not always enjoyable. "It takes a long time for a woman to figure out how to create her own pleasure," says Gilbert, "and yet Vivienne got pleasure out of the chase, the idea that she was doing something deviant. By the time she's in her 50s, she's got this down." At this stage Vivienne is single, wised up, running her own successful business a wedding gown atelier and sleeping with a lot of men. A friend asks if this makes her happy. "It makes me satisfied," she says, "I have a certain darkness within me and being with all those men it satisfies that darkness." Without it, she adds, she would become unhappy. Gilbert once identified herself as a seduction addict: "Seduction was never a casual sport for me," she wrote, "it was more like a heist, adrenalising and urgent. I would plan the heist for months, scouting out the target, looking for unguarded entries. Then I would break into his deepest vault, steal all his emotional currency and spend it on myself." Advertisement She addressed this monkey on her back through therapy and tells me now: "Like most women I know I've had a rich, complicated sex life wonderful encounters and regretful ones. But even the worst mistakes we all got through it. That's what this new book is about." Since the global success of Eat, Pray, Love and her non-fiction book, Big Magic, exhorting readers to release their creative mojo, Gilbert has become something of a guru. She long ago stopped replying to fan mail, explaining at the time: "They want to know what they should do about their drug addictions and tragic marriages and bladder infections and which city to visit in Italy, and I was becoming everything from travel agent to psychiatrist and, with respect, I am not capable of being all that." These days she gives talks and lectures and runs workshops on creativity. Elizabeth Gilbert's new novel is a witty romp. Credit:John Davis "I've come to love it," she admits, "I have two vocations, writing and speaking." She is a polished performer, in turns confiding, shocking and amusing, with a fine sense of timing. "I'm comfortable on stage," she says, "though it's a high-wire act and it's never not scary." Her chief demographic is middle aged women but she is on the corporate speaker circuit too. "The first few times I went to talk to Silicon Valley types I thought, what can I tell them? But they are all humans, struggling to understand relationships, addictions, worries about kids, health issues. Once I stopped thinking about them as business people I just talked to them the same way I talk to 45-year-old divorced ladies." Initially giddy with the wealth attendant on success, she gave money away and set friends up in properties. It didn't always work out. "Mother Theresa said give till it hurts, but the guru I studied with in India told me: if you give people more than they are capable of receiving, they will hate you for it. I didn't understand it then, but I do now. The answer is not to stop giving, but I am not as reckless a giver as I was." Advertisement A favoured recipient of her largesse is Row New York, a youth programme for girls based at a boathouse in the Bronx. "They take these 13-year-old girls from the tenements and projects and put them in boats on the river," she explains, "They work out all day, then volunteers come in to help with their homework. They get into private colleges, usually on a sporting scholarship, and the volunteers support them through the four years so they don't drop out." I learned humanity from her: mercy and clear boundaries. Elizabeth Gilbert on Raqqa Elias Gilbert encourages other donors by offering match funding up to $25,000 a pop and does fundraising gigs. "I go out and give a speech to some Fortune 500 company, they write a huge cheque and I give it to Row NY." Like Robin Hood? She smiles. "It's about creating opportunities for these girls." She is guided by Elias, she says. "I talk to her, write to her, receive answers from her, I still rely on her. She had been a derelict for so long, she understood that sometimes people are trapped in dreadful behaviour. I learned humanity from her: mercy and clear boundaries." Last year she and fellow authors raised US$1.4m ($2 million) in 24 hours to support migrant children detained under President Trump's family separation policy. "This presidency is a catastrophe," she says, "I'm shattered that 54 per cent of women voted for Trump; I can't bear it but I'm hopeful that this appalling business of separating children has awakened even those women to his inhumanity." Trump has to go, she says: "but an impeachment would mean a Mike Pence presidency, which would take us out of the frying pan into the fire." Advertisement On election night I was swapping messages with a good friend, a passionate, smart, generous advocate for Indigenous people who was now despondent. She said she feared for the future of the First Peoples under three more years of a conservative government that had already said no to the hopes and aspirations in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. It isnt a view I share. The Australian people had rejected Bill Shorten, a leader they had never warmed to and did not trust; they rejected Labors ambitious agenda for change; they rejected more taxes and class warfare; in parts of the country they rejected a climate change policy they thought threatened their jobs. But they did not reject the Uluru Statement. Indigenous leaders will have to reframe their arguments for a Prime Minister more interested in fairness not difference. Credit:AAP Whenever Australians have been asked, they have overwhelmingly supported the idea of Indigenous constitutional recognition. Polling numbers consistently show more than 80 per cent in favour. Many of those people would have voted for the Coalition. There is a challenge for Indigenous leadership, to work with the Morrison government and reframe the argument for recognition, rights, justice. This is not government interested in symbolism, it is going to prioritise real outcomes: jobs, education, health. It is a government thats going to be big on personal responsibility. Forget about changing the date of Australia Day or treaties; this governments mantra will be fairness not difference. Aptly named, Beauty Point is one of the loveliest spots in Mosman. But in one classroom at a local school, something ugly may have been unfolding. Year 1 teacher at Beauty Point Public School Lisa Curvey is accused of repeatedly shoving her young students, pulling chairs out from beneath children and pulling and pushing students to get them in line, at times allegedly tapping them on the head to gain their attention. A Year 1 teacher at Beauty Point Public School (pictured) is accused of mistreating students. Credit:Edwina Pickles Parents of the students are now awaiting the findings of a Department of Education investigation into the allegations. Mrs Curvey is also accused of pulling one child by his arm with enough force to lift him into the air in March last year, and, in April, pulling one little girl's shoe from her foot then throwing it across the room. Ms Herron has a sister and brother and was "a part of a beautiful caring Greek-Aussie family". She was raised in the northern suburbs. Ms Norris said she and Ms Herron were "good friends" when she was with her brother. "She often babysat my older kids and even house sat for me once." Courtney Herron was only 25 when she was killed in Royal Park. Credit:Facebook Ms Herron had worked for a government department ''a number of years ago", Ms Norris said. "So to end up homeless and on the street is truly shocking for people to grasp." A friend of Ms Herron's, who asked not to be named, visited the site where her body was found on Sunday afternoon. She left flowers before weeping on the shoulder of another friend. "She was kind and she was lovely and she was a great friend," she said. Flowers at the crime scene in Parkville. Credit:Luis Ascui A high school friend said Ms Herron was one of the most kind-hearted people he had ever met. "[She was] always smiling and joking, trying to make herself and others happy. That's how I'll remember her," he said. "She should be remembered by her smile because you would see it every day without fail." Others have taken to social media to pay tribute to their friend. RIP beautiful, forever in our hearts. You didnt ever deserve this, another friend posted on Facebook. You lit up a room with your smile and happy, bubbly personality. Why did this happen ... you were an amazing person who will never be forgotten ... Memories will last a lifetime but wont be the same. Never will you be forgotten." Tributes to Ms Herron at the scene where her body was found. Credit:Luis Ascui Jadee Craggles posted on Facebook about her anger at Ms Herron's life being taken so young. "Breaks my heart that we live in such a f---ed up world, nobody deserves this," she said. "It was a pleasure knowing you; even not seeing you in years." Ms Craggles told The Age that she hadn't seen Courtney since high school, and was shocked to hear that she had been struggling. "She was a beautiful, normal young girl, breaks my heart to hear she was doing it so tough now," she said. She said Ms Herron was an incredibly "uplifting and kind" person. "She was a good friend with a beautiful character who had her life ahead of her," she said. She was kind-hearted, friendly and funny, always up for a good time and always there for her friends... and most of all a good friend to everyone. Homicide squad Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said Ms Herron had lived a difficult life, struggling with drugs and mental health issues. He said the scene was "horrendous" and vowed police would not stop until they found who was responsible. Detective Inspector Stamper described her as a "vulnerable" member of the community who society had failed to protect. "This was a young woman who had significant challenges in life. We as a community should be protecting these people and we didn't. We failed on this occasion," he said. Detective Inspector Stamper said Ms Herron's family had been notified and were "heartbroken". "Courtney had had sporadic contact with her family, which is very much part of the challenges that happen when there is a child that suffers drug use and mental health issues ... family relationships can be fragmented," he said. "But I stress, that doesn't mean that families out there don't love their children and their heart breaks for them. We're dealing with a heartbroken family." Police say Courtney Herron was homeless at the time of her death. The last confirmed sighting of Ms Herron was on May 14 in St Albans when she spoke with police about a minor matter relating to her mental health and drug use. Police said that towards the end of her life she was transient and interacted with a lot of people. They are hoping some of these individuals may help them map out her movements in the last weeks of her life. Flowers have begun to pile up on the logs behind which Ms Herron's body was found. Ned Thompson was one of those who left a tribute. I felt like I have to do something," he said. "I feel like whoever she was, she deserves more than that and deserved more respect than that. And even if its a little symbolic gesture like [leaving flowers], I feel like its important to do something, he said. Another man who came to the scene did not wish to be named, but said he was mortified that another woman had lost her life on the streets of Melbourne. Never in a thousand years would you get used to it ... [leaving flowers] just seemed like the right thing to do, he said. A card left in tribute at the site lamented a life tragically lost. Australia has made great strides in recognising its disadvantaged and its minorities, but it cannot be a complete commonwealth until it recognises the most disadvantaged and overlooked of all. Our first peoples are humanity's longest continuing civilisation and confer a unique status on our country, and also a unique responsibility. Loading Yet they are excluded from Australia's success. They live in a parallel land of Third World conditions, when they could be included as the completing third part of our unique nation. The three parts as Noel Pearson of Cape York brilliantly explains them: "There is our ancient heritage, written on the continent and the original culture painted on its land and seascapes. It says everything about Scott Morrison and his reborn government that the big theme of his new ministry is deliberately humdrum. While Labor promised vast reform at the federal election, the Coalition offered more of the same with a pledge to keep improving. And it won. Scott Morrison's new ministry is deliberately humdrum. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The result is a new ministry that is all about management rather than bold new agendas, about keeping existing programs under control before embarking on any new ones. Expectations are high for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the delivery has already been marked by anger and disappointment when people miss out on the services they need. Stuart Robert has a significant challenge in fixing this. Vienna: Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of Austria and his caretaker government were ousted from power on Monday with a no-confidence vote in Parliament, as the ramifications of a secretly filmed video added to the political disarray in a European country normally known for stability. Kurz launched his re-election campaign just hours later. Ousted: Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. Credit:AP After about three hours of debate, a simple majority of lawmakers stood up in a demonstration of their withdrawal of trust from Kurz, 32, making him the first Austrian leader in more than seven decades to be removed from power by his peers in Parliament. The removal of Kurz, just 17 months after he became chancellor, came despite a gain of 8 percentage points for his conservative People's Party in the European Parliament elections. London: The prospect of a 'no-deal' Brexit was fast becoming the central battle of the race to succeed British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday, as Environment Minister Michael Gove became the eighth candidate to declare. May said on Friday she was quitting over her failure to deliver Brexit, potentially opening the way for a new leader who could seek a more divisive split with the European Union and lead to confrontation with the bloc or a possible parliamentary election. Bookies say Dominic Raab is the second favourite behind Boris Johnson. Credit:Bloomberg Setting out their pitch to the Conservative Party's largely pro-Brexit membership who will decide the outcome of the contest, four of the leadership hopefuls have said Britain must leave the EU on October 31 even if this means a no-deal Brexit. "I will fight for a fairer deal in Brussels ... if not I will be clear we will leave on WTO terms in October," former Brexit minister Dominic Raab, who bookmakers rank as the second favourite to win, told BBC TV. Natia Turnava takes part in DCFTA informal ministerial meeting By Natalia Kochiashvili Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Natia Turvanava, participated in the plenary session of the second informal Ministerial regarding the trade of EU and DCFTA (Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area Agreement) Partners. The ministerial delegations of Ukraine and Moldova also participated in the meeting held in Kiev, Ukraine.The abovementioned format was initiated by Cecilia Malmstrom, a member of the European Trade Commission. The parties had an opportunity to discuss how the DCFTA agreements are carried out in all three countries.The representatives of Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova highlighted the progress and challenges of implementing DCFTA.They mentioned that the trade between DCFTA countries and the EU has been constantly growing in the past four years. Discussions also referred to customs regulations, sanitary measures and the public procurement - areas that were covered during the previous meeting. Each DCFTA country also works to ensure the protection of intellectual property rights and the elimination of trade barriers.In the plenary session, it was noted that the EU will continue to support the implementation of DCFTA in all three countries with various meaningful reforms. Parties also underlined the importance of development of governance and the rule of law, which, in turn, will stimulate investment and trade growth.Aside from discussing the details of the implementation of DCFTA, the attendees discussed success stories of Georgian, Ukrainian and Moldovan companies that operate with EU. During a round table with businessmen, these companies presented their stories and discussed possibilities and challenges within the agreement.The number of exporters to EU countries has increased significantly for all DCFTA countries since 2015. In Georgia, the raise was 35%, in Moldova - 40% and in Ukraine - 26%. It was noted that the growth of export-oriented companies are a proof that deepening trade ties between the Eastern Partnership region, as well as within the region and the EU, are the prerequisites for economic growth and creation of new workplaces. For this purpose, the ministers underlined the importance of implementing the reforms and obligations assumed under the Agreement.The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Natia Turvanava, and the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Economic Development and Trade Minister, Stepan Kubiv, signed the Protocol that will enable the Parties to implement "Regulations on the origin of the Regional Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention".According to Turnava, the document which was signed, will allow the country to simplify export to the EU. The new priorities on the agenda led us to the scheme that entered into force today, which will enable us to process products together. Products, the processing of which will begin in Ukraine and end in Georgia, will be more easily delivered to the European markets, and vice versa, products, the processing of which will start in Georgia and end in Ukraine, will be better represented in the European Union said the Economy Minister.At the same time, Ukraine and Moldova and Georgia and Moldova once again reiterated their willingness to continue cooperation regarding the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Regulations.During the visit, Turnava met with the Minister of Economy and Infrastructure of the Republic of Moldova, Kirill Gaburich, and discussed bilateral trade-economic relations with the EU and the DCFTA countries. Another issue that ministers talked about was cooperation in tourism sector.The sides agreed that the 3rd informal ministerial will be held in Tbilisi in 2020. Turnava invited the participants to the 1st Eastern Partnership Investment Forum that is to be held on July 11 in Batumi, Georgia. International conference Georgias European Way will be taking place in parallel with the forum.Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) is included in the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, which entered into force in July 2016 and strives for political association and economic integration. GUIYANG, May 26 (Xinhua) -- An international expo on big data opened Sunday in southwest China's Guizhou Province, focusing on the latest innovation of the technology and its applications. The four-day China International Big Data Industry Expo 2019 in the provincial capital of Guiyang is being attended by 448 enterprises from 59 countries and regions, according to the organizing committee. Among them are more than 150 foreign companies, including 39 Fortune 500 firms. The expo features nine high-level dialogues, including one on big data and global efforts on poverty alleviation, as well as more than 50 forums. It will also include a global competition on artificial intelligence and autonomous driving. Wang Chen, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, made a speech at the opening ceremony. Noting the importance of the digital economy, Wang said China will speed up efforts to build its strength in data, which will be harnessed to improve governance, alleviate poverty, benefit society and people, and advance the development of global digital economy. Wang stressed China's willingness to work with other countries to share development opportunities and jointly boost the big data sector in the face of rising unilateralism, nationalism and trade protectionism in the world. "Today, the Internet, big data and artificial intelligence have integrated deeply with the real economy, while the digital economy has enjoyed rapid growth," said Miao Wei, China's minister of industry and information technology. "Such integration has become the key driving force for high-quality development of the economy." By the end of 2018, the scale of China's digital economy reached 31 trillion yuan (about 4.5 trillion U.S. dollars), accounting for about one-third of the national GDP, Miao said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has sent a message for the big data expo, expressing his best wishes for a fruitful event. "From medicine to transportation to farming, big data presents the world with a remarkable tool to advance global progress," Guterres said. He also encouraged participants of the big data industry to reflect on the analysis provided by the High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation launched by the UN, so that "we can create a digital world that we are proud to pass on to our children and grandchildren." Since 2015, the big data industry expo, the first of its kind in China, has been held four times in Guiyang. Last year, the expo attracted over 40,000 participants from nearly 30 countries. As China's first big data pilot zone, the mountainous province of Guizhou has attracted heavyweight players, including Apple, Qualcomm, Huawei, Tencent, Alibaba and Foxconn, to establish cloud computing and big data centers as well as regional headquarters. With the ribbon cutting at the "new" main post office it seems like a visit to the Nassau Institute archives is appropriate. How relative is the following post from 2004? The Bahamas Post Office by Rick Lowe During the recent Budget Debate in Parliament the Minister of Transport & Aviation, Mrs. Hanna-Martin, lamented the post offices decline in revenue. Neither the decline in revenue, nor the expenditures were detailed or they were not reported. However, The Nassau Institute was provided with the following numbers from the governments 2004/2005 Budget in an attempt to understand what might be going on with taxpayer dollars: Budget Years Expenses Income Profit/(Loss) 2001/2002 $ 6,355,734 $ 3,849,735 ($2,505,999) 2002/2003 $ 6,790,288 $ 8,115,931 $1,325,643 2003/2004 $ 7,487,798 $ 6,329,700 ($1,158,098) 2004/2005 $ 7,834,230 $ 6,324,755 ($1,509,475) Totals $28,468,050 $24,620,121 ($3,847,929) Obviously the country cannot afford to pay deficits like those above year after year. The simple answer to this dilemma is privatisation. The revelation that a post office is losing money is not a new phenomenon and neither is the move toward privatisation. Scott Esposito an economics and political science major at the University of California at Berkeley and a Public Affairs Intern at The Independent Institute, a non-profit, non-politicized public policy research and educational organization based in Oakland, California, wrote back in February 2002 that Internationally, privatization of the postal service is hardly a new idea. New Zealand, the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden have had quasi-privatized post offices for years, and the European Union has set January 1, 2003 as the deadline for all its member states to have privatized post offices. The United States Postal Service (USPS) The US has reportedly wasted billions of their taxpayer dollars on the USPS. Although the USPS is a legal monopoly, hope for privatisation is not lost. James L. Gattuso Research Fellow in Regulatory Policy, Roe Institute for Economic Policy Studies, The Heritage Foundation wrote in August 2003, that a presidential commission reported, among other things that the USPS: Provide more postal services at non-post office locations, such as banks and grocery stores. Reform procurement rules to reflect commercial best practices. Bring bloated workforce levels down through attrition. Restructure management to eliminate redundant positions and clarify job functions. Create a Postal Regulatory Board with broad powers over USPS activities. Ideas The Bahamas Can Use Of course these are valuable ideas that the Minister of Transport & Aviation might consider but the country has come to expect the typical government responses like: They will not force Bahamian postal workers to the unemployment line, because they care about Bahamians. (Despite the opportunities that will be created for these same workers with privatisation this excuse is still provided.) It might not work, so why lose political capital by trying it. (Why not be proactive?) They will set up a corporation to manage the post office. (How many of these corporations actually fulfil their mandate?) Other ideas include: Selling the post office to private investors. Sell shares in the post office to the general public. This will help make the management more accountable to the taxpayers. End all deficit spending at the post office. Offer door to door courier services like private suppliers. Provide Internet services. Of course, the fact that the government might consider the concepts outlined is an important step toward improving the services provided and reducing the cost of the Post Office to Bahamians. It is self evident that the monopoly on the mail is not providing the service that is required. Like monopolies in the private sector are not in the best interest of the consumer they are no different if they are government owned. The Nassau Institute understands the political ramifications that could accrue in the near term, however, if Parliamentarians were genuinely concerned about Bahamians they would free the country from the weight of one more government money pit and privatise the Post Office. Reference Material: (i) The Privatization Revolution, Lawrence W. Reed, President, Mackinac Center for Public Policy. (www.privatization.org) (ii) Privatize the US Postal Service, James L. Gattuso. (www.capmag.com) (iii) US Postal Service: A Government Protected Monopoly, Edwin Feulner. (www.capmag.com) (iv) Time for the Mail Monopoly to Go, Scott Esposito. (www.fee.org) By By: Dr. Francis R. Souder, 85, formerly of Telford, died Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007 in the skilled nursing unit of Peter Becker Community, Franconia Township. He and his wife Marion R. (Parker) Souder celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in July. Born in Souderton, he was a son of the late Elvin B. and Mary (Rittenhouse) Souder. A 1938 graduate of Souderton High School, he received his undergraduate degree in 1941 from the University of Pennsylvania where he was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa. Dr. Souder went on to receive his medical degree from Hahnemann Medical College in 1944 and completed his internship at Hahnemann Hospital from Oct. 1944 July, 1945. He served with the U.S. Navy Medical Corps for 30 months in San Diego and Long Beach, Calif. during WW II and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant prior to his discharge. He entered his second tour of duty during the Korean War where he served in Panama City, Fla. as the medical officer for the Panama City Naval Air Station and the Tyndal Air Force Base. Dr. Souder owned and operated his family practice on Main Street in Telford from 1947-1989. He served on the staff of Grand View Hospital, and as its president, and taught at the Grand View Hospital Nursing School. He was a member of the Pa. Medical Society, the Bucks County Medical Society, Diplomat American Academy of Family Practices, and served on the board of trustees at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville. He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Telford, where he sang in the church choir. He was also a member of the MacCalla Lodge #596 in Souderton, the Raja Shrine, and Lehigh Consistory. In addition to his widow, he is survived by a son, Dr. Ronald L. Souder, and his wife Susan L. of Green Lane; a daughter, Susan J. Souder, and her husband Stephan Russo of New York, N.Y.; five grandchildren: Jennifer A. Souder of Philadelphia; Emily E. Souder of Philadelphia; Kathryn A. Souder of Washington, D.C.; Noah Russo of New York, N.Y., and Rebekah Russo of New York, N.Y., and two brothers: Attorney Elvin B. Souder of Souderton and Dr. Lawrence Souder of Souderton. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 12 p.m. in Trinity United Church of Christ, 101 S. Main St., Telford, with calling hours following the service. Interment will be private in Trinity UCC Cemetery Telford. Memorial contributions may be made to Grand View Hospital, 700 Lawn Ave., Sellersville, Pa. 18960. Arrangements are by Sadler-Suess Funeral Home, Telford. PARIS - Fiat Chrysler proposed on Monday to merge with France's Renault to create the world's third-biggest automaker, worth $40 billion, and combine forces in the race to make electric and autonomous vehicles. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 26/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. FILE - In this Feb. 14, 2019, file photo, this is the Fiat logo is mounted on a 2019 500 L on display at the 2019 Pittsburgh International Auto Show in Pittsburgh. Fiat Chrysler is proposing a merger with French carmaker Renault aimed at saving billions of dollars for both companies. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) PARIS - Fiat Chrysler proposed on Monday to merge with France's Renault to create the world's third-biggest automaker, worth $40 billion, and combine forces in the race to make electric and autonomous vehicles. The merged company would reshape the global industry: it would produce some 8.7 million vehicles a year, leapfrogging General Motors and trailing only Volkswagen and Toyota. Shares of both companies jumped on the news of the offer, which would see each side's shareholders split ownership in the new manufacturer. Renault welcomed what it called a "friendly" offer. The company's board met Monday at its headquarters outside Paris and said afterward that Renault will study the proposal "with interest." In a statement, Renault said such a fusion could "improve Renault's industrial footprint and be a generator of additional value for the Alliance" with Japan's Nissan and Mitsubishi. Fiat Chrysler's offer comes at a key moment for Renault. The French manufacturer had wanted to merge fully with Nissan, but those plans were derailed by the arrest of boss Carlos Ghosn on financial misconduct charges in Japan. Now, questions are growing over the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance , which together make more passenger cars than any one company. While Fiat Chrysler says the merger with Renault would accommodate the alliance and lead to savings for them, it is unclear how the Japanese companies might react in the longer term to being tied to a much larger partner. FILE - This Thursday Feb. 12, 2015 file picture shows the logo of French car maker Renault seen in a press conference held in Paris. Fiat Chrysler on Monday May 27, 2019 proposed a merger with French carmaker Renault aimed at saving billions of dollars for both companies as the industry pivots to electric and autonomous vehicles. (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon, File) Automakers have collaborated more in recent years as they come under pressure to invest heavily in developing electric cars, self-driving vehicles and in-car connectivity. Regulators, particularly in Europe and China, are pushing automakers to produce electric vehicles and meet tougher climate change regulations, pressure that only grew after scandals over the amount of pollutants emitted by gas and diesel-powered engines. A deal would save 5 billion euros ($5.6 billion) a year for the merged companies by sharing research, purchasing costs and other activities, Fiat Chrysler said. It promised the deal would involve no plant closures, but it didn't address potential job cuts. The companies are largely complementary: Fiat Chrysler is stronger in the U.S. and SUV markets, while Renault is stronger in Europe and in developing electric vehicles. Analysts say both companies are weak in China, which is now the world's largest auto market. Together, they would be worth almost 37 billion euros ($40 billion). Fiat Chrysler, which includes the holding company of the founding Agnelli family with a 29% stake, proposed that its shareholders get a 2.5 billion euro ($2.8 billion) special dividend because of Fiat Chrysler's higher market value. "This operation will bring benefits to both countries," Fiat Chrysler Chairman John Elkann told reporters in Italy, noting that it had been 10 years since Fiat's takeover of bankrupt Chrysler, in exchange for small-car technology and management know-how. The car market has shifted dramatically in the meantime, with Fiat Chrysler abandoning small cars in the United States in favour of SUVs. Analysts at financial firm Jefferies said it was "hard to disagree with the logic" of the deal, as there is a strong fit in the markets each company covers and the brands they offer. FCA Chairman John Elkann arrives for a meeting at the Bocconi University in Milan, Italy, Monday, May 27, 2019. Fiat Chrysler is proposing a merger with French carmaker Renault aimed at saving billions of dollars for both companies. Shares of both companies jumped on the possibility. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) "The elephant in the room is who will run the entity," analysts Philippe Houchois and Himanshu Agarwal wrote in a note to investors. Mergers of equals can be difficult to manage over questions of who gets the top leadership positions and which brands are promoted and invested in most. A tie-up between Daimler and Chrysler in the 1990s was billed as a merger of equals, but it eventually collapsed amid cultural differences and recriminations. Investors were nevertheless enthusiastic about Fiat Chrysler's plan, pushing the company's shares up 8% and Renault's 12%. The French government, which owns 15% of Renault, said it is "favourable" to the idea of a merger but wants to study the conditions more carefully, especially in terms of "Renault's industrial development" and employees' working conditions, government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye said. "We need giants to be built in Europe." Ghosn's legal problems in Japan have left Renault vulnerable . Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, head of the CAR automotive research centre at the Duisburg-Essen University, said Ghosn's plans to merge Renault with Nissan-Mitsubishi had "little appeal" for the Japanese. He noted that Renault's sales represented just 36 per cent of 2018 alliance sales - and the Japanese didn't want to see the French carmaker drive a merger with those numbers. A Renault merger with Fiat Chrysler, however, could strengthen both companies' positions and put pressure on smaller companies like Ford in Europe. The merger idea is the biggest corporate move so far by Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley, who took his position after the unexpected death last year of the charismatic leader Sergio Marchionne. What happens to jobs is likely to be a source of concern. France's influential CGT union warned against cuts and said it wants the French government to retain a blocking stake in any new company. "We know that when there is talk of a merger ... at the end, it's the employees who are paying the high price for it loss of jobs, having to compete with others around," said Fabien Gache of the CGT. 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. Matteo Salvini, the leader of Italy's rightwing populist League party and the deputy premier, said that "if Fiat grows, it is good news for Italy and Italians," though he warned a deal should protect "every single job." In Tokyo, Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa wouldn't comment directly on the merger idea but said, "I am always open to exchanging constructive views on strengthening the alliance." The merger will be complicated because the combined company would involve operations in the U.S. and multiple European countries and Renault's "eroding alliance" with two Japanese carmakers, said Karl Brauer, the executive publisher of Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader. "It's a powerful combination in theory," he said, "but aiming for a single, aligned automotive entity, with everyone rowing in the same direction, might not be realistic." ___ Barry reported from Milan. AP Business Writer Yuri Kageyama in Tokyo, Sam Petrequin in Paris and David Koenig in Dallas contributed to this report. BERLIN - Green parties' surprisingly strong showing in elections for the 751-seat European Parliament raised hopes particularly among young voters that global warming and other environmental issues will get more serious consideration on the continent. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Swedish Green Party (Miljoepartiet) candidate Alice Bah Kuhnke, center, and Per Bolund, right, Minister for Financial Markets and Housing, applaud at the party's election night watch party as first preliminary results in the European Parliament elections are presented, at Clarion Hotell in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, May 26, 2019. (Janerik Henriksson/TT News Agency via AP) BERLIN - Green parties' surprisingly strong showing in elections for the 751-seat European Parliament raised hopes particularly among young voters that global warming and other environmental issues will get more serious consideration on the continent. Provisional results Monday showed the left-leaning Greens coming in fourth in the balloting with 69 seats, an increase of 17 from the last election, five years ago. Perhaps more significantly, the results showed how environmental concerns can transcend the political issues that dominate most European Union elections. "The European election was a climate election," declared Anna Kretzschmar, a German in her 20s who was out in a Berlin park with her young child. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg speaks prior to the People's Climate March, in front of Christiansborg Palace, in Copenhagen, Saturday, May 25, 2019. (Claus Bech/ Scanpix 2019 via AP) Kretzschmar welcomed the lift the Greens received in Sunday's vote, saying it would give them a stronger voice to raise the alarm about global warming. "I think we are more affected by climate change than we realize," she added. Among other things, the Green movement has strongly backed scientists' calls for the 28-nation bloc to end all greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century, a goal that would require an epic shift in Europe's economy away from fossil fuels. In Germany, the Greens did particularly well in large cities and among young voters, according to the Infratest dimap research institute. The gains followed months of street protests from students demanding action to stop global warming. Students hold posters as they attend a protest rally of the 'Friday For Future' movement in Berlin, Germany, Friday, May 24, 2019. The German language poster reads: 'The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now'. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) The German Greens' gains came at the expense of all other mainstream parties, including the centre-left Social Democrats, who slumped to third place behind the Greens, and Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-right Christian Democrats. Armin Laschet, the governor of North Rhine-Westphalia state and a member of Merkel's party, called the outcome "a wake-up call for politics." In France, the environmental EELV party received almost 13.5% of the vote, coming in third. Green parties also polled strongly in Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Denmark and the Netherlands. In Britain, the Greens a largely insignificant force nationally took 7 seats in the European Parliament vote. "The centre of gravity of European politics is shifting," said Yannick Jadot, the EELV's lead candidate. A young boy with a balloon sits by a sign erected by climate activists outside the European Parliament in Brussels, Sunday, May 26, 2019. From Germany and France to Cyprus and Estonia, voters from 21 nations went to the polls Sunday in the final day of a crucial European Parliament election that could see major gains by the far-right, nationalist and populist movements that are on the rise across much of the continent. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) Manuel Rivera, a Green party member in the German capital, said the European Parliament is the right place to tackle climate change: "I think people realize that there are issues you can't solve at the national level." The suggestion that countries should set aside domestic interests in favour of European co-operation angered some nationalist parties on the continent. Alexander Gauland, co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, declared the Greens "our main enemy." "The Greens will destroy this country, and our job must and will be to fight the Greens," said Gauland, whose party has claimed that climate change isn't a man-made phenomenon and that efforts to tackle it will harm Germany's economy. In addition to pushing for action on climate change, the Greens have generally positioned themselves as a counterweight to anti-immigration parties such as Alternative for Germany, which have decried the influx of migrants from the Middle East. The Green bloc in the European Parliament could now be in a position to play a key role in choosing the next head of the EU's executive Commission. Sven Giegold, a leading candidate for the German Green party, which roughly doubled its share of the vote to 20% compared with 2014, wouldn't rule out backing one of the mainstream candidates provided environmental issues are reflected in his or her program. 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. Giegold's party has proposed diverting some of the bloc's huge agricultural subsidies toward eco-friendly farming and checking the climate impact of every law passed at the EU level. "Whoever wants legitimacy from us and the legitimacy of the many who went onto the streets will need to deliver now," he said. ___ Associated Press writers Sylvie Corbet in Paris and Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin contributed to this report. ___ For more news from The Associated Press on the European Parliament elections go to https://www.apnews.com/EuropeanParliament LONDON - British euroskeptic Nigel Farage said Monday that his new Brexit Party's victory in the European election should spur Britain to leave the European Union even without a divorce deal a call echoed by many senior Conservatives, stung by their party's humiliating defeat. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage is interviewed after the results were announced at the counting center for the European Elections for the South East England region, in Southampton, England, early Monday, May 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) LONDON - British euroskeptic Nigel Farage said Monday that his new Brexit Party's victory in the European election should spur Britain to leave the European Union even without a divorce deal a call echoed by many senior Conservatives, stung by their party's humiliating defeat. Farage's single-issue party and pro-EU forces combined to trounce Britain's two dominant political parties in the European Parliament election, as angry voters blamed the ruling Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party for the country's Brexit impasse. With complete results announced Monday, the Brexit Party had won 29 of the 73 British EU seats up for grabs and almost a third of the votes. On the pro-EU side, the Liberal Democrats took 20% of the vote and 16 seats a dramatic increase from the single seat in won in the last EU election in 2014. The opposition Labour Party came third with 14.1%, followed by the pro-European environmentalist Greens , who captured nearly 12.1%. The Conservatives apparently blamed by voters for failing to deliver Brexit in March as planned were in fifth with under 10% of the vote. The election leaves Britain's EU exit more uncertain than ever, with both Brexiteers and pro-EU "remainers" able to claim strong support. The result raises the likelihood of a chaotic "no deal" exit from the EU but also the possibility of a new Brexit referendum that could reverse the decision to leave. From left, Mother Hildegarde, Mother Xavier and Mother Macrina from the Tyburn Convent leave after casting their votes at St John Parish Church in Hyde Park, London, Thursday, May 23, 2019. Dutch and British voters were the first to have their say Thursday in elections for the European Parliament, starting four days of voting across the 28-nation bloc that pits supporters of deeper integration against populist euroskeptics who want more power for their national governments. (Kirsty O'Connor/PA via AP) A triumphant Farage said he doubted the Conservatives, who are seeking a new leader, would be able to take Britain out of the 28-nation bloc on the currently scheduled date of Oct. 31. "The Conservative Party are bitterly divided and I consider it to be extremely unlikely that they will pick a leader who is able to take us out on the 31st October," Farage said. He said his party which currently has no members and no policies apart from leaving the EU would "stun everybody" in the next British general election if the country didn't leave the EU on time. FILE - In this Friday, May 24, 2019 file photo, British Prime Minister Theresa May walks away after announcing her resignation, outside 10 Downing Street in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced she will step down as leader of the Conservative Party on June 7, starting a process that will lead to a Conservative Party leadership contest and a new British prime minister who will lead the government during the Brexit process. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, file) British Prime Minister Theresa May, who is stepping down as Conservative leader next month after failing to deliver Brexit, said the "disappointing" result of the European vote "shows the importance of finding a Brexit deal, and I sincerely hope these results focus minds in Parliament." But the election instead is likely to harden the uncompromising stance of the candidates vying to succeed her. On Monday, Home Secretary Sajid Javid became the ninth Conservative lawmaker to enter the race for the top job. "First and foremost, we must deliver Brexit," he said. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage arrives at the party's HQ, prior to an event to mark the gains his party made in the European Elections, in London, Monday, May 27, 2019. In results announced Monday for all regions of the U.K. except Northern Ireland, the Brexit Party had won 29 of the 73 British EU seats up for grabs and almost a third of the votes. (AP Photo/Vudi Xhymshiti) Boris Johnson, the current favourite to replace May, tweeted: "The message from last night's results is clear. It is time for us to deliver Brexit." Most businesses and economists think leaving the EU with no agreement on departure terms and future relations would cause economic turmoil and plunge Britain into a recession. But many Conservatives think embracing a no-deal Brexit may be the only way to win back voters from Farage's party. Labour paid for a fence-sitting Brexit policy in which it dithered over whether to support a new referendum that could halt Brexit. Some senior Labour figures said after the party's weak performance that it must now firmly back a new referendum on Britain's departure from the bloc. 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. Liberal Democrats leader Sir Vince Cable, center, talks to activists as they celebrate the best ever European Election result in the party's history in central London, Monday, May 27, 2019. With results announced Monday for all regions in the U.K. except Northern Ireland, the Brexit Party had won 29 of the 73 British EU seats up for grabs and almost a third of the votes. On the pro-EU side, the Liberal Democrats took 20% of the vote and 16 seats _ a dramatic increase from the single seat in won in the last EU election in 2014. (Kirsty O'Connor/PA via AP) Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has long resisted a new referendum, but Labour economy spokesman John McDonnell suggested that might change. He said the best way of stopping a damaging no-deal Brexit was "going back to the people in a referendum, and that's what I think our members want." ___ For more news from The Associated Press on the European Parliament elections go to https://www.apnews.com/EuropeanParliament ___ Follow AP's full coverage of Brexit at: https://www.apnews.com/Brexit HIGH LEVEL, Alta. - Warmer temperatures, gusty winds and no rain continued to cause unpredictable conditions for firefighters in northern Alberta on Monday, but officials said measures to keep flames away from threatened communities were working. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A firefighter battles a northwest Alberta wildfire as it burns near the town of High Level on Friday, May 24, 2019. About 5,000 people in High Level and surrounding communities have been out of their homes since the long weekend, as the Chuckegg Creek fire rages three kilometres outside the town. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Government of Alberta-Chris Schwarz *MANDATORY CREDIT* HIGH LEVEL, Alta. - Warmer temperatures, gusty winds and no rain continued to cause unpredictable conditions for firefighters in northern Alberta on Monday, but officials said measures to keep flames away from threatened communities were working. The largest blaze in northern Alberta remained about three kilometres southwest of High Level, where crews have been bulldozing, back-burning and water bombing to ensure flames don't creep closer to the town. "We did good in the priority area," Scott Elliott, incident commander for the fire, said Monday in High Level. "As we had forecast, the extreme fire conditions were present and we did see that on big chunks of the fire away from the community." Officials said the Chuckegg Creek fire covered about 1,270 square kilometres up from just over 1,000 square kilometres on the weekend. Elliott said the weather hasn't co-operated at all. "We're still experiencing hot, dry, windy conditions," he said. "The threat of extreme fire behaviour has not been alleviated. "Having said that, the work we've completed around the community has been holding, and we are continuing to extinguish any hot spots that remain to ensure that it is safe when people do return into town." There were 194 firefighters working to protect homes and other properties in High Level, while 400 firefighters aided by 28 helicopters were fighting the fire itself. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said the firefighters in and around High Level have done brilliant work. "We've now gone through about 28 hours of the winds blowing toward the town of High Level and it appears all of the defences constructed by the structural firefighters have been successful," he said during a news conference. "There is growing confidence the town will be safe so we'll continue to work with local officials on that." Farther south, an emergency alert was issued for Trout Lake because of a three-square-kilometre blaze about 14 kilometres southeast of the tiny community. Residents of Trout Lake, which is about 500 kilometres north of Edmonton, were told they might need to leave on short notice. About 5,000 people were ordered to leave High Level and surrounding communities a week ago. 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. Those evacuees started to receive provincial emergency funds for gas, food and other expenses on Monday. They also heard they should not expect to return home before the weekend. "This is still a dangerous fire," said High Level Mayor Crystal McAteer. "The fire currently is not threatening our community and we want to keep it that way. "We are looking at re-entry plans." McAteer said good air quality needs to be ensured and businesses, as well as the hospital, need to be operating before residents return. "Everything is uncertain here. It's dry. It's so dry," she said. "The winds are uncertain, the rains are uncertain. "We live in the middle of the boreal forest. We have to be vigilant." The City of Winnipeg has launched a road construction working group, tasked with finding ways to do more with less. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The City of Winnipeg has launched a road construction working group, tasked with finding ways to do more with less. Mayor Brian Bowman made the announcement Monday, tapping Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface) who chairs the citys infrastructure renewal and public works committee to lead it. Two issues the working group will investigate are: the possibility of increasing the use of 24-7 construction, and how it can better communicate with residents and businesses affected by roads projects all in the shadow of a funding dispute with the province that left the city with a reported $40-million shortfall for its 2019 roads budget. "Part of the reason why public engagement is important is because there could be circumstances where utilization of 24-7 (construction), based on what street is being repaired, absolutely may make sense and the cost may be worth it based on disruptions to traffic flow and to businesses," Bowman said. "Lets just be open to exploring that with the industry, as well as the public service." The citys investment in regional and local road renewals this year is set at $86.4 million, which represents the lowest regional and local roads budget since 2014. For comparison, the city set the largest such budget in its history last year, coming in at $116 million. Bowman once again pointed to the provincial government as being responsible for the decreased 2019 budget, but said the city is still committed to finding ways to build roads better and smarter. The working group will also look at how to improve the procurement, design and road construction process, as well as extend the early tendering process for regional roads to include local ones. In addition to Allard, the group will have representation from stakeholders: the Winnipeg Construction Association, Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, Association of Consulting and Engineering Companies Manitoba, and Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Felicia Wiltshire, the citys director of customer service and communications, and Jim Berezowsky, director of public works, will also sit on the working group. 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. "We really just want to have a more fulsome conversation with stakeholders on how we can do construction in a quicker time period and a cost-effective way... We need to have that discussion so we can be in a better position to make that cost-benefit analysis," Bowman said. The citys construction season opened May 8. In total, the roads renewal budget has funding for 104 protects, totalling 139 lane kilometres. The largest project slated for this summer is a $17.4-million investment on Fermor Avenue. The working group is expected to table a report within 60 days of its inaugural meeting, scheduled for this week. Bowman said it remains up in the air how quickly any of its recommendations could be implemented. "The sooner we act upon any positive recommendations, the better. It depends on what comes forward. If we have good, smart ideas that come forward that can be implemented before next construction season, absolutely well look to see what we can do to support their implementation," the mayor said. ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @rk_thorpe As the first openly ordained transgender deacon in the Anglican Diocese of Ruperts Land, Theo Robinson feels called by God to help heal the rift between LGBTTQ*people and the church. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. As the first openly ordained transgender deacon in the Anglican Diocese of Ruperts Land, Theo Robinson feels called by God to help heal the rift between LGBTTQ*people and the church. "I want to show people who are afraid to go to church (because of their sexuality) they are welcome," said Robinson, 40. "I want to help heal the wounds of those who have been rejected." Robinson, who works in spiritual care at Misericordia Place, was ordained May 1 to serve as a transitional deacon someone on the path to priesthood. Robinson, who grew up Roman Catholic in Winnipeg, was taken to church by his parents as a child. Like many others, in his early teens he decided not to attend anymore. Although not churchgoing, "I still believed and felt God was real," he said. At the age of 19, he then she came out as a lesbian. "I knew it my whole life," he said. "I didnt like dresses. I was a tomboy." Married in 2008, Robinson and his then-wife decided they wanted children. "Miraculously, I got pregnant on the first try," he said of their experience with a fertility clinic. "We began to buy clothes and furniture and we made a list of possible names for our little baby." But after 10 weeks, he miscarried. Filled with grief, the first thing he wanted to do was go to church. At a Baptist church near his home, he found the service "uplifting and comforting, allowing me space to mourn... I cried through the entire service. It was a moment that turned me back towards God and the church." A year later, a daughter was born. Robinson wanted her to be baptized and raised in a church, but he wasnt sure where to go. Then he met Helen Kennedy, an Anglican priest who invited him to her church, St. Georges Anglican Parish. "I hadnt been going to church regularly for a long time," he said of the experience. "It felt so good to be back again." At first, Robinson was worried about being rejected because of his sexuality. "But everyone was so accepting," he said. "I reconnected with God and my beliefs." Over time, he became more involved in reading scripture and leading prayers. When he saw friends become deacons, "I realized I, too, was being called to be ordained." With encouragement from Kennedy, he decided to seek ordination as a deacon with an eye to becoming a priest. While working full time in accounting for a seed company, he began studies at the University of Winnipegs United Centre for Theological Studies. He will graduate in June with his bachelor of theology a member of the centres last graduating class. During that process, he also realized he was male. In 2016 he changed his name from Theresa Jennifer to TJ and started exploring the idea of living more gender-neutral. In spring 2017, he began the process of transitioning and came out publicly. Once again, there were worries about being accepted. But St. Georges was supportive, he said, and so was former Diocese of Ruperts Land bishop Donald Phillips. "With the support of my partner and two wonderful children, and support from the church, I was absolutely certain that I had found my proper path in life," he said. Current Ruperts Land Bishop Geoff Woodcroft said Robinsons ordination was special for two reasons. First, because Robinson was the first person he ordained as bishop. Second, because of his "giftedness, compassion, and desire to serve God. Theo is not special just because he is transgender, but because of the gifts he brings." By ordaining him, Woodcroft said the Diocese is "sending a clear and important signal we are welcoming and open to the wider Anglican church in Canada and around the world." Woodcroft notes while Robinson is the first openly transgender person to be ordained as a deacon, there may be others who never made it public people the Diocese doesnt know about. Yet, he heard no objections, he said, which isnt surprising since almost 90 per cent of clergy and lay people in the Diocese are in favour of same-sex blessings. "We are just living into that reality," he stated. As Robinsons friend and priest at St. Georges, Kennedy said, "its been lovely to watch him learn and grow, to see him come into his own." 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. He will be a "wounded healer," she said, someone who "understands the pain of marginalized people and who can reach out to them. His story will resonate with many others." As for Robinson, the whole process has been "a wild ride of introspection, reflection and self-discovery." His goal is to be "someone who bridges the gap between the church and those rejected by the church, especially in the LGBTTQ* community." Robinsons only regret is he wont be able to march in this years Pride parade, on June 2, as an ordained deacon; hell be in Toronto at a spiritual care conference. But even if he cant be seen that day on the streets of downtown Winnipeg, he wants his life to be "a public light, a beacon of hope for others that things are changing. I want to show the church can be accepting and welcoming, welcoming the whole person, every piece of their being." faith@freepress.mb.ca Health Canada supplements its in-house expertise on prescription drug therapy and policy through the use of scientific advisory committees and panels. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Health Canada supplements its in-house expertise on prescription drug therapy and policy through the use of scientific advisory committees and panels. These committees and panels provide Health Canada with recommendations such as adding a statement about disabling and potentially irreversible adverse reactions to information about fluoroquinolones (a widely used class of antibiotics). Another example would be putting a warning sticker on prescriptions for opioids to highlight the risk of physical dependence, addiction and overdose. Typically, people who sit on these committees and panels are experts in their field, although there are also representatives from drug companies and consumers. Those who are interested fill out an online application form listing their qualifications and expertise, and Health Canada chooses members from this list. Potential members then need to complete a second form disclosing any direct and indirect financial interests. A direct financial interest includes current employment, investments in companies, partnerships, equity, royalties and a variety of other monetary relationships with a drug company. Indirect interests are things like consulting for a company, receiving personal educational grants, gifts or research funding. I have just published a study in CMAJ Open in which I look at the extent of these financial interests in the 81 different individuals who sit on the 11 active committees and panels. Only a small minority have a direct financial interest, but 56 have an indirect interest and those with indirect interests were present on all 11 committees and panels. In fact, six of the 11 committees had a majority of members with a direct or indirect financial interest. One chair had a direct financial interest and eight others had an indirect financial interest. Troubling lack of information The key question is whether those financial interests bias the advice that the committees and panels offer to Health Canada. Unfortunately, my research cannot answer that question because Health Canada doesnt release enough information. We dont know the names of the companies that committee and panel members have a relationship with, how much money they receive from the companies or when they received it. Crucially, we dont know how individuals voted on matters they were asked to consider. This lack of information is troubling. Even the receipt of small amounts of money or the equivalent can affect behaviour. Meals valued at less than US$20 are associated with higher prescribing rates for drugs made by the companies providing the meals. Research on voting patterns of people serving on U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory committees shows that members who have financial ties solely to the firm sponsoring a drug are more likely to vote in ways favourable to the sponsor. Similarly, the research shows that those who serve on advisory boards for sponsoring firms show "particularly strong prosponsor bias." Importantly, conflict-of-interest declarations and waivers are publicly available on the FDA website. Financial conflict of interest is reported in dollar ranges (for example, $0-5,000, $5001-$10,000) and the way that individuals vote is recorded and made public. Canadians need unbiased advice Conflicts of interest among people who produce guidelines for doctors are considered such a serious problem that the U.S. Institute of Medicine recommends that the chair of any panel should be free of all conflicts, as should the majority of members on the panel. 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. Neither of these conditions are met by Health Canadas current policies. Health Canada should follow the Institute of Medicine recommendations when constituting its committees and panels. It should also publicly release all of the information about direct and indirect financial interests that it collects. Finally, Health Canada should record the votes of individual committee and panel members and provide a transcript of meetings so that everyone can see whether voting patterns are linked to different types of financial interests with particular companies. The advice that these committees and panels gives to Health Canada can be key to ensuring that Canadians get the best possible value out of prescription drugs. It not only needs to be unbiased, it needs to be seen to be unbiased. Joel Lexchin is professor emeritus of health policy and management at York University, an emergency physician at University Health Network, and an associate professor of family and community medicine at the University of Toronto. This article was first published at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca. And, just like that, shes gone. Theresa May, the least successful British prime minister in living memory, has resigned. So much agonizing, so much plotting, so many secret plans to get rid of her over so many months have failed. But following a European parliamentary election that saw her Conservative Party crash to historic lows, she has finally thrown in the towel. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion And, just like that, shes gone. Theresa May, the least successful British prime minister in living memory, has resigned. So much agonizing, so much plotting, so many secret plans to get rid of her over so many months have failed. But following a European parliamentary election that saw her Conservative Party crash to historic lows, she has finally thrown in the towel. Bizarrely, she wants to hang around so that she can host U.S. President Donald Trump in early June her reasoning here, as in so many other areas, is unfathomable and then she will go. The race to replace her is already on. Boris Johnsons leadership campaign has been hiring staff for many weeks. Dominic Raab, another candidate there are at least a dozen has had himself photographed, with his wife, in his lovely pastel kitchen. Several of Mays cabinet ministers have already started to hit the television studios. Its an odd campaign, though: the only people who get to vote in this election are the paid-up members of the Tory party, some 124,000 people. According to the rules, they will choose between two people nominated by Conservative members of Parliament. This tiny group of people will decide who runs the nation. Will it be a so-called hard Brexiteer who will break all of the United Kingdoms trade relationships overnight, or perhaps a "Remainer" who will seek a way back into the European Union? Or perhaps a compromise between the two? But although that seems like a big choice to give to a small number of people, the reality is rather more banal. In truth, whoever replaces May will face exactly the same choices and exactly the same dilemmas she did. A British prime minister who decides to crash out of the EU with no treaty arrangements on a Monday will wake up on Tuesday to discover that his immediate priority is... to write a new treaty with the EU. 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. A British prime minister who wants to forge a reasonable compromise will discover that there is no majority for any compromise, reasonable or unreasonable, in the current House of Commons. A British prime minister who wants to remain in the EU will immediately face a wave of outrage from the one-third of Britons who have just voted for the brand-new Brexit Party. All of the constraints remain. All of the conundrums are unresolved. It is still the case that the U.K. cannot both exit the all-European customs union and keep open the border between Northern Ireland and the Irish republic. It is still the case that there is no Brexit "deal" that makes the U.K. richer, and certainly not 350 million pounds a week richer, as the Brexit referendum slogan in 2016 claimed. Its not a coincidence that none of the Tory leadership contenders can present a concrete plan, because there cant be one. The only conceivable game-changers are another referendum which "Remain" might win, thus alienating a part of the Conservative Party forever or another general election, one that the Conservative Party, on current performance, will lose. Theres not much point in wishing good luck to Mays successor, in other words, because its unlikely to help. Anne Applebaum is a Washington Post columnist, covering national politics and foreign policy, with a special focus on Europe and Russia. She is also a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and a professor of practice at the London School of Economics. She is a former member of the Washington Posts editorial board. Washington Post After a long debate, the highest levels of the military could not forecast a way in which things would end favourably for the United States, said Richard Clarke, counter-terrorism adviser in the White House under three administrations. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion "After a long debate, the highest levels of the military could not forecast a way in which things would end favourably for the United States," said Richard Clarke, counter-terrorism adviser in the White House under three administrations. That was back in 2007, and he was talking about the Pentagons attempts to come up with a winning strategy for a U.S. war with Iran. No matter how they gamed it, the U.S. lost. Two years later, in 2009, U.S. marine Gen. Tony Zinni warned that any attack on Iran would lead inevitably to "boots on the ground." "If you liked Iraq and Afghanistan," he added dryly, "youll love Iran." And in 2011 Meir Dagan, former head of Mossad, Israels national intelligence agency, said that an attack on Iran was "the stupidest idea" he had ever heard. This was all back in the days when various people in the West were talking far too loosely about war with Iran, because the Iranian president at the time was a loud-mouthed extremist named Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Then he lost the 2013 election and was replaced by a moderate reformer, Hassan Rouhani. Rouhani stopped all the aggressive talk, and in 2015 he cut a deal with most of the worlds major powers to put Irans nuclear weapons ambitions, if any, on ice for at least 15 years. Everything then went quiet until another loud-mouthed extremist, Donald Trump, tore up the 2015 agreement and began talking about war with Iran again. He doesnt necessarily mean it. What Trump says on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays he often recants on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. (To make matters even more inscrutable, his threat to bring about "the end of Iran" was made last Sunday, and there are no rules for Sundays.) But he is surrounded by people who sound like they really are looking for a fight with Iran. To be fair, U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are probably telling themselves that plausibly terrifying U.S. threats will suffice to make Iran crumble. Only U.S. national security adviser John Bolton understands the threats will cause Iranian reactions that can then be used as an excuse for an actual attack (and hes just fine with that). So, is the scenario of a U.S. attack on Iran, with or without Saudi Arabian and Israeli help, still as hopeless a project as it was 10 years ago? Its not hopeless at all if you just drop nuclear weapons on the 20 biggest Iranian cities. Thats not enough to cause a nuclear winter, but quite enough to kill between a quarter and half of Irans 80 million people. If you do that (and either the United States or Israel could do it single-handedly), the Iranians will never come back for a rematch. But neither the United States nor Israel is going to do that. It would make them literally the enemies of all mankind. And short of doing that, there are no good options for winning a war against Iran, because (as in all "asymmetric" conflicts) the Iranians dont need a winning strategy. All they have to do is not lose. 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. The United States could certainly bomb all of Irans military and industrial facilities to rubble. But this would not force the Iranians to surrender, nor would it prevent Irans sea-skimming missiles, fired from mobile launchers anywhere along 3,000 kilometre of coastline, from stopping all the tankers going into and out of the Persian Gulf. (They carry about 20 per cent of the worlds oil.) So, in the end it would have to be "boots on the ground," just as Zinni said but the ground war is unwinnable, too. Irans army is about the same size as that of the United States, but it could quickly expand to 10 times that size with volunteers, just as it did during the U.S.-backed Iraqi invasion of Iran in 1980-88. The Iranian volunteers would be poorly armed and they would die in droves, but if only one American soldier died for every 10 Iranians, the U.S. public would quickly reach its maximum tolerance level for American casualties. It would be a high-speed replay of the Vietnam War, and the U.S. would lose again. Last Tuesday, they wheeled out acting U.S. Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan to say its OK. Dont panic. The grown-ups are still in charge. Our timely threats have deterred the Iranians from doing the evil things they were planning to do (or rather, that we said they were planning to do), and so theres no danger of a war. Id really like to believe him. But actually, nobodys in charge. Gwynne Dyers latest book is Growing Pains: The Future of Democracy (and Work). SEOUL, Korea, Republic Of - North Korea on Monday called U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton a "war monger" and "human defect" after he described its recent tests of short-range missiles as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 27/5/2019 (946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. FILE - In this Friday, May 24, 2019, file photo, U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton is surrounded by reporters at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Japan. North Korea on Monday, May 27, 2019, has called U.S. National Security Adviser Bolton a "war monger" and "defective human product" after he called the North's recent tests of short-range missile a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. (Yohei Kanasashi/Kyodo News via AP, File) SEOUL, Korea, Republic Of - North Korea on Monday called U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton a "war monger" and "human defect" after he described its recent tests of short-range missiles as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The statement by an unidentified North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson came as President Donald Trump visited Japan for meetings with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at which the nuclear standoff with North Korea was expected to be high on the agenda. Bolton told reporters in Tokyo on Saturday that there was "no doubt" that North Korea's recent missile launches violated U.N. resolutions, and that sanctions against the North must be kept in place. Trump later downplayed the missile tests, tweeting, "North Korea fired off some small weapons, which disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me." North Korea tested short-range ballistic missiles on May 4 and 9, ending a pause in launches that began in late 2017. The tests were seen as a way for North Korea to pressure Washington to soften its stance on easing sanctions against it without actually causing negotiations to collapse. In the statement carried by the North's Korean Central News Agency, the North Korean spokesperson said the North was exercising its right of self-defence with the launches. North Korea has never recognized the U.N. Security Council resolutions, which it views as denying its "rights to existence and development of a sovereign state," the statement said. "If any object is launched, it is bound to fly in trajectory," the statement said. It said a demand that North Korea ban all launches that use ballistic technology regardless of the range is the same as asking it to relinquish its right to self-defence. The spokesperson said Bolton was an "ignorant" hard-liner who throughout different U.S. administrations pushed provocative policies against North Korea including endorsements of pre-emptive strikes and regime change. The spokesperson also said that Bolton's "hammer act" was responsible for the collapse of a major nuclear deal between the countries reached in 1994, when North Korea agreed to halt its nuclear program in exchange for U.S. fuel aid. The deal broke down in 2002 after U.S. intelligence agencies said North Korea was continuing its pursuit of bombs with a secret uranium enrichment program. "It will be fit to call Bolton not a security adviser striving for security but a security-destroying adviser who is wrecking peace and security," the spokesperson said. "It is not at all strange that perverse words always come out from the mouth of a structurally defective guy, and such a human defect deserves an earlier vanishing." Experts say the weapons North Korea tested this month are new solid-fuel missiles that are potentially nuclear capable and would strengthen the North's ability to strike targets throughout South Korea. 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. South Korea has expressed concern that the launches may run against the spirit of an inter-Korean military agreement reached last year to reduce tensions, but has been eager to downplay the significance of the tests as it tries to keep a positive atmosphere for dialogue alive. South Korea's presidential office and military have refused to call the launches outright provocations, and have yet to confirm that the missiles were ballistic weapons, although most experts say they clearly were. "There's no way for us to know why National Security Adviser Bolton made such comments," said a South Korean presidential official, who asked not to be named during a background briefing of reporters on Monday. "There's no change in our official stance that the South Korean and U.S. militaries under co-ordination are continuing to analyze the missiles." Negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea have been at a standstill since February, when a summit between Trump and leader Kim Jong Un broke down over what the United States described as excessive North Korean demands for sanctions relief in exchange for only a partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities. Kim since then has said the United States has until the end of the year to come up with mutually acceptable terms for a deal to salvage the negotiations. Bolton acknowledged that the United States has not been "hearing much from North Korea" since the summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. The U.S. special envoy to North Korea, Stephen Biegun, "can't wait to talk to his North Korean counterpart, but they haven't responded," Bolton said, adding that Biegun was "ready at any point to get on a plane and go anywhere." The North Korean comments on Bolton came as South Korea began annual summertime defence drills involving thousands of civilians and troops. Although the drills have been modified to exclude large-scale military exercises with the United States that were suspended to create space for diplomacy with the North, KCNA described them as "provocative" in a separate statement Monday. The four-day Ulchi Taeguk exercises will include massive civilian evacuation drills and a South Korea-only military drill aimed at preparing for war situations and disasters. What do you love about living in La Crescent? Share your answers and you could help the city position itself to grow in the future. The city of La Crescent is launching a rebranding effort that will include a new logo, tag line, and marketing materials. The effort is aimed at positioning La Crescent for community economic growth and improvement as well as increased tourism. The city will be kicking off the effort with a public community input session from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 30 at the newly opened La Crescent Area Event Center. You can come or leave as you please. Attendees will be asked to discuss why they love to live in La Crescent and what they love the most about the city. They are encouraged to share their feelings about being the Apple Capital of Minnesota. You can participate in surveys and/or interactive discussions, all while exploring the new La Crescent Area Events Center. Light refreshments will be provided. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 A 24-year-old Sun Prairie man died Sunday night following a head-on collision with a vehicle driving the wrong way on Highway 151 in the town of Trenton. Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt said the Sheriffs Office received a report about the crash on 151 just north of Redwood Road at 10 p.m. There had been several reports about a vehicle traveling in the wrong lane. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The sheriff's investigation shows a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of 151 and struck a southbound 2016 Nissan Altima head on. The 24-year-old Sun Prairie man, who was driving the Altima, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Dodge County Medical Examiner's Office. The driver of the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan, a 39-year-old Beaver Dam man, was flown from the scene by Flight for Life to Aurora Hospital in Summit with life-threatening injuries. Alcohol use is believed to be contributing factors in the crash, Schmidt said. The accident remains under investigation. Other agencies assisting at the scene include the Beaver Dam Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Flight for Life, Beaver Dam Fire and EMS, the Dodge County Medical Examiners Office and the Dodge County Emergency Response Team. Follow Terri Pederson on Twitter @tlp53916 or contact her at 920-356-6760. The farmstead is out of place and, a year after being purchased by the city, out of luck. The city (has) no interest in this historic property, Joe Chase, Sun Prairies mayor from 2005 to 2011, said as he surveyed the farmstead last week. You used to have business people on the (City) Council that have been with the community for many generations. Now youve got people that are coming to town and have very short terms living here and theyre making the decisions for the future. Is that really taking into consideration the community and how it was built and how it will move forward? To no avail Chase, a charter member of the Sun Prairie Historical Museum, founded in 1969, and the sixth person in his family to be either village president or mayor of Sun Prairie, has for the last year been lobbying the City Council and trying to convince others to preserve the home. He has suggested leaving the house in its place and incorporating it into a park or even into a retail development. But efforts by the city to give away the home for free, on the premise that it be moved to another property, failed to garner any offers. Wisconsin artist Steven Kozar will provide a painting demonstration at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 1 at Portage Center for the Arts Zona Gale Theatre, 301 E. Cook St., as an extension of the Wisconsin Regional Art Program exhibit in the Drury Gallery during May. Kozar has been painting as a full-time professional artist since 1986, specializing in hyper-realism. He primarily paints using watercolor. There are no tricks to his paintings they are all painted using a paintbrush. His paintings are based on actual places that he has visited and photographed, he then uses these photographs as a reference back in his studio. He will demonstrate his unusual techniques to create hyper-realist watercolor paintings, as well as provide constructive criticism to anyone who wishes to share their work and receive input. The mission of the WRAP program is to encourage the creative growth of non-professional artists in rural areas of Wisconsin. 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! 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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. The following companies are subsidiares of American International Group: AGC Life Insurance Company, AIG APAC HOLDINGS PTE. LTD., AIG Advisors S.r.l., AIG Aerospace Insurance Services Inc., AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd., AIG Asset Management (Europe) Limited, AIG Asset Management (U.S.) LLC, AIG Assurance Company, AIG Australia Limited, AIG Brazil Holding I LLC, AIG CIS Investments LLC, AIG Canada Holdings Inc., AIG Capital Corporation, AIG Capital Services Inc., AIG Claims Inc., AIG Egypt Insurance Company S.A.E., AIG Employee Services Inc., AIG Europe (Services) Limited, AIG Europe Holdings S.a.rl., AIG Europe S.A., AIG Federal Savings Bank, AIG Financial Products Corp., AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd., AIG Global Asset Management Holdings Corp., AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp., AIG Global Reinsurance Operations, AIG Holdings Europe Limited, AIG Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, AIG Insurance Company China Limited, AIG Insurance Company JSC, AIG Insurance Company of Canada, AIG Insurance Company-Puerto Rico, AIG Insurance Hong Kong Limited, AIG Insurance Limited, AIG Insurance Management Services Inc., AIG Insurance New Zealand Limited, AIG International Holdings GmbH, AIG Investments UK Limited, AIG Israel Insurance Company Ltd, AIG Japan Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha, AIG Kenya Insurance Company Limited, AIG Korea Inc., AIG Latin America I.I., AIG Latin America Investments S.L., AIG Lebanon SAL, AIG Life Holdings Inc., AIG Life Insurance Company (Switzerland) Ltd, AIG Life Limited, AIG Life South Africa Limited, AIG Life of Bermuda Ltd., AIG MEA Holdings Limited, AIG MEA Limited, AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad, AIG Markets Inc., AIG Matched Funding Corp., AIG PC Global Services Inc., AIG Philippines Insurance Inc., AIG Property Casualty Company, AIG Property Casualty Inc., AIG Property Casualty International LLC, AIG Property Casualty U.S. Inc., AIG Re-Takaful (L) Berhad, AIG Resseguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., AIG Shared Services Corporation, AIG South Africa Limited, AIG Specialty Insurance Company, AIG Technologies Inc., AIG Travel Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., AIG Travel Assist Inc., AIG Travel Assist Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., AIG Travel EMEA Limited, AIG Travel Inc., AIG Uganda Limited, AIG Vietnam Insurance Company Limited, AIG WarrantyGuard Inc., AIG-FP Pinestead Holdings Corp., AIG-Metropolitana Cia. de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A., AIGGRE EOLA LLC, AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund I GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I LP, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund II GP LLC, AIU Insurance Company, AM Holdings LLC, Ageas Protect, AlphaCat Managers Ltd., American General Corporation, American General Life Insurance Company, American Home Assurance Co. Ltd., American Home Assurance Company, American Home Assurance Company Escritorio de Representacao no Brasil Ltda., American International Group Inc., American International Group UK Limited, American International Overseas Association, American International Overseas Limited, American International Realty Corp., American International Reinsurance Company Ltd., American International Underwriters del Ecuador-Holding S.A., American Security Life Insurance Company Limited, Arthur J. Glatfelter Agency Inc., Avondhu Limited, Blackboard Customer Care Insurance Services LLC, Blackboard Insurance Company, Blackboard Services LLC, Blackboard Specialty Insurance Company, Blackboard U.S. Holdings Inc., Chartis Takaful Enaya B.S.C. (c), Commerce and Industry Insurance Company, Crop Risk Services Inc., Eaglestone Reinsurance Company, Ellipse, Fortitude Group Holdings LLC, Fortitude Life & Annuity Solutions Inc., Fortitude Reinsurance Company Ltd., Franklin Life Insurance Company, Fuji Fire and Marine, Glatfelter Insurance Group, Globe and Rutgers Insurance Group, Grand Isle SAC Limited, Granite State Insurance Company, Group Risk Services Limited, Group Risk Technologies Limited, Illinois National Insurance Co., Jefferson Eola Venture LLC, Johannesburg Insurance Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, Laya Healthcare Limited, Lexington Insurance Company, MG Reinsurance Limited, Mt. Mansfield Company Inc., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh Pa., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Vermont, New Hampshire Insurance Company, PT AIG Insurance Indonesia, Pine Street Real Estate Holdings Corp., Private Joint-Stock Company AIG Ukraine Insurance Company, Risk Specialists Companies Insurance Agency Inc., SA Affordable Housing LLC, SAFG Retirement Services Inc., Service Net Warranty LLC, Stratford Insurance Company, SunAmerica Affordable Housing Partners Inc., SunAmerica Asset Management LLC, Talbot Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Ltd., Thai CIT Holding Company Limited, The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York, The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company, Travel Guard, Travel Guard Group Canada Inc./Groupe Garde Voyage du Canada Inc., Travel Guard Group Inc., Tudor Insurance Company, VALIC Financial Advisors Inc., Valic Retirement Services Company, Validus Holdings, Validus Holdings (UK) Ltd., Validus Holdings Ltd., Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland) Ltd, Validus Reinsurance Ltd., Validus Ventures Ltd., Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services Inc., Western World Insurance Company, and Western World Insurance Group Inc.. The following companies are subsidiares of AON: 6824625 Canada Ltd., 7193599 Canada Inc., A.B. Insurances Limited, ADIS A/S, AIB Services Limited, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency Inc., AIS Insurance Agency Inc., AMXH LLC, ARM International Corp., ARM International Insurance Agency Corp., ARMRISK CORP., AS Holdings Inc., ASPN Insurance Agency LLC, Access Plans USA Inc., Acumen Credit Insurance Brokers Limited, Adm Administradora de Beneficios Ltda., Administradora Aon C.A., Admiseg SA, Admix, Admix - Administracao Consultoria Participacoes e Corretora de Seguros de Vida Ltda., Aeropeople Limited, Affinity Group Insurance Services Limited, Affinity Insurance Services Inc., Affinity Risk Partners (Brokers) Pty Ltd, Agenion N.V./SA, Agility Credit Insurance Brokers Limited, Alexander & Alexander Holding B.V., Alexander Clay, Alexander Insurance Managers (Netherlands Antilles) N.V., Alexander Reinsurance Intermediaries Inc., Allen Insurance Associates Inc., Alliance HealthCard Inc., Alliance HealthCard of Florida Inc., American Insurance Services Corp., American Special Risk Insurance Company, Aon (Bermuda) Ltd., Aon (CR) Insurance Agencies Company Limited, Aon (DIFC) Gulf Limited, Aon (Fiji) Ltd., Aon (Isle of Man) Limited, Aon (Thailand) Limited, Aon 180412 Limited (in liquidation), Aon ANZ Holdings Limited, Aon APAC Holdings B.V., Aon Acore Sarl, Aon Adjudication Services Limited, Aon Affinity Administradora de Beneficios Ltda., Aon Affinity Argentina S.A., Aon Affinity Chile Ltda., Aon Affinity Colombia Ltda. Agencia de Seguros, Aon Affinity Mexico Agente de Seguros y de Fianzas S.A. de C.V., Aon Affinity Mexico S.A. de C.V., Aon Affinity Servicos e Participacoes Ltda., Aon Affinity do Brasil Servicos e Corretora de Seguros Ltda., Aon Agencies Hong Kong Limited, Aon Americas Holdings BV, Aon Angola Corretores de Seguros Limitada, Aon Antillen N.V., Aon Aruba N.V., Aon Assurance Agencies Hong Kong Limited, Aon Australia Group Pty Ltd, Aon Australian Holdco 1 Pty Ltd, Aon Australian Holdco 2 Pty Ltd, Aon Australian Holdco 3 Pty Ltd, Aon Austria GmbH, Aon Bahrain W.L.L., Aon Belgium B.V.B.A., Aon Benefit Solutions Inc., Aon Benfield (Chile) Corredores de Reaseguros Ltda., Aon Benfield Argentina S.A., Aon Benfield Australia Limited, Aon Benfield Brasil Corretora de Resseguros Ltda., Aon Benfield Canada ULC, Aon Benfield China Limited, Aon Benfield Colombia Limitada Corredores de Reaseguros, Aon Benfield Fac Inc., Aon Benfield Global Inc., Aon Benfield Group Limited, Aon Benfield Inc., Aon Benfield Israel Limited, Aon Benfield Italia S.p.A., Aon Benfield Japan Ltd, Aon Benfield Latin America SA, Aon Benfield Limited, Aon Benfield Malaysia Limited, Aon Benfield Mexico Intermediario de Reaseguro SA de CV, Aon Benfield Middle East Limited, Aon Benfield New Zealand Limited, Aon Benfield Panama S.A., Aon Benfield Peru Corredores de Reaseguros SA, Aon Benfield Puerto Rico Inc., Aon Bermuda Holding Company Limited, Aon Bermuda QI Holdings Ltd., Aon Beteiligungsmanagement Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Aon Bolivia S.A. Corredores de Seguros, Aon Botswana (Pty) Ltd., Aon Brazil Holdings LLC, Aon Broking Services SA, Aon Broking Technology Limited, Aon CANZ Holdings B.V., Aon CANZ Holdings N.S. ULC, Aon Canada Holdings N.S. ULC, Aon Canada Inc., Aon Canada Intermediaries GP, Aon Captive Services Antilles N.V., Aon Captive Services Aruba N.V., Aon Cash Management B.V., Aon Central and Eastern Europe a.s., Aon Centre for Innovation and Analytics Ltd, Aon Charitable Foundation Pty Ltd, Aon Chile Holdings LLC, Aon Commercial Insurance Agencies Hong Kong Limited, Aon Commercial Services Ireland Limited, Aon Commercial Services and Operations Ireland Limited, Aon Consolidation Group Pty Ltd, Aon Consulting & Insurance Services, Aon Consulting (Chile) Limitada, Aon Consulting (Thailand) Limited, Aon Consulting Bolivia S.R.L., Aon Consulting Ecuador S.A., Aon Consulting Financial Services Limited, Aon Consulting Inc., Aon Consulting Kazakhstan LLP, Aon Consulting Limited, Aon Consulting Private Limited, Aon Consulting Romania SRL, Aon Corporate Services (Isle of Man) Limited, Aon Corporate Services Limited, Aon Corporation, Aon Corporation Australia Limited, Aon Corporation EMEA B.V., Aon Credit International Insurance Broker GmbH, Aon Cyprus Insurance Broker Company Limited, Aon DC Trustee Limited, Aon Danismanlik Hizmetleri AS, Aon Delta Bermuda Ltd., Aon Delta UK Limited, Aon Denmark A/S, Aon Deutschland Beteiligungs GmbH, Aon Direct Group Inc., Aon Edge Insurance Agency Inc., Aon Energy Caribbean Limited, Aon Enterprise Insurance Agencies Hong Kong Limited, Aon Finance Bermuda 1 Ltd., Aon Finance Bermuda 2 Ltd., Aon Finance Canada 1 Corp., Aon Finance Canada 2 Corp., Aon Finance International N.S. ULC, Aon Finance Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Aon Finance N.S. 1 ULC, Aon Finance N.S. 5 ULC, Aon Finance N.S. 8 ULC, Aon Finance US 1 LLC, Aon Finance US 2 LLC, Aon Financial & Insurance Solutions Inc., Aon Finland Oy, Aon France, Aon Global Holdings 1 Limited, Aon Global Holdings 2 Limited, Aon Global Holdings 3 Limited [In strike-off], Aon Global Holdings Limited, Aon Global Operations plc, Aon Global Risk Consulting B.V., Aon Global Risk Consulting Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Aon Global Risk Research Limited, Aon Grana Peru Corredores de Seguros SA, Aon Greece S.A., Aon Groep Nederland B.V., Aon Group (Bermuda) Ltd., Aon Group (Thailand) Limited, Aon Group Holdings International 1 B.V., Aon Group Holdings International 2 B.V., Aon Group Inc., Aon Group International N.V., Aon Group Pty Ltd, Aon Group Venezuela Corretaje de Reaseguros C.A., Aon Hewitt (Bermuda) Ltd., Aon Hewitt (Ireland) Limited, Aon Hewitt (PNG) Ltd., Aon Hewitt (Thailand) Ltd., Aon Hewitt Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Aon Hewitt Consulting Korea Inc., Aon Hewitt Financial Advice Limited, Aon Hewitt GmbH, Aon Hewitt Health Market Insurance Solutions Inc., Aon Hewitt Hong Kong Limited, Aon Hewitt Inc., Aon Hewitt Investment Consulting Inc., Aon Hewitt Investment Management Inc., Aon Hewitt Japan Ltd., Aon Hewitt Limited, Aon Hewitt Ltd., Aon Hewitt Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Aon Hewitt Management Company Limited, Aon Hewitt Middle East Limited, Aon Hewitt Risk & Consulting S.r.l., Aon Hewitt Risk & Financial Management B.V., Aon Hewitt Trust Solutions GmbH, Aon Hewitt US Holdings Limited, Aon Holding Deutschland GmbH, Aon Holdings (Isle of Man) Limited, Aon Holdings Antillen N.V., Aon Holdings Australia Pty Limited, Aon Holdings Austria GmbH, Aon Holdings B.V., Aon Holdings Botswana (Pty) Ltd, Aon Holdings Corretores de Seguros Ltda., Aon Holdings France SNC, Aon Holdings Hong Kong Limited, Aon Holdings International B.V., Aon Holdings Israel Ltd., Aon Holdings Japan Ltd, Aon Holdings Limited, Aon Holdings Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Aon Holdings Mid Europe B.V., Aon Holdings New Zealand, Aon Hong Kong Limited, Aon Hungary Insurance Brokers Risk and Human Consulting LLC, Aon Insurance Agencies (HK) Limited, Aon Insurance Agencies (Macau) Limited, Aon Insurance Brokers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Aon Insurance Brokers (Pvt) Ltd., Aon Insurance Management Agencies (HK) Limited, Aon Insurance Managers (Antilles) N.V., Aon Insurance Managers (Barbados) Ltd., Aon Insurance Managers (Bermuda) Ltd, Aon Insurance Managers (Cayman) Ltd., Aon Insurance Managers (Dublin) Ltd., Aon Insurance Managers (Guernsey) Ltd., Aon Insurance Managers (Holdings) Ltd., Aon Insurance Managers (Isle of Man) Ltd., Aon Insurance Managers (Liechtenstein) AG, Aon Insurance Managers (Luxembourg) S.A., Aon Insurance Managers (Malta) PCC Limited, Aon Insurance Managers (Puerto Rico) Inc., Aon Insurance Managers (Shannon) Limited, Aon Insurance Managers (USA) Inc., Aon Insurance Managers (USVI) Inc., Aon Insurance Managers Gibraltar Ltd., Aon Insurance Micronesia (Guam) Inc, Aon Insurance Underwriting Agencies Hong Kong Limited, Aon Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Philippines Inc., Aon International Cooperatief U.A., Aon International Energy Inc., Aon International Holdings Inc., Aon Investment Holdings Ireland Limited, Aon Israel Insurance Brokerage Ltd., Aon Italia S.r.l., Aon Japan Ltd, Aon Jauch & Hubener Gesellschaft m.b.H., Aon Korea Inc., Aon Latam Holdings N.V., Aon Lead QI B.V., Aon Life Agency of Texas Inc., Aon Life Agente de Seguros S.A. de C.V., Aon Life Insurance Company, Aon MacDonagh Boland Group Ltd, Aon Majan LLC, Aon Management Consulting Taiwan Ltd., Aon Mauritius Holdings, Aon Meeus Assurantien B.V., Aon Mexico Business Support SA de CV, Aon Mexico Holdings LLC, Aon Mexico Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V., Aon Middle East Co LLC, Aon Nederland C.V., Aon Netherlands Operations B.V., Aon Neudorf Finance S.a.r.l., Aon New Zealand, Aon New Zealand Group ULC, Aon Norway AS, Aon Overseas Holdings Limited, Aon PHI Acquisition Corporation of California, Aon PMI International Limited, Aon Parizeau Inc., Aon Pension Trustees Limited, Aon Pensions Insurance Brokers GmbH, Aon Polska Services Sp. z o.o., Aon Polska Sp. z o.o., Aon Portugal - Consultores Unipessoal Lda., Aon Portugal - Corretores de Seguros S.A., Aon Premium Finance LLC, Aon Private Risk Management Insurance Agency Inc., Aon Private Risk Management of California Insurance Agency Inc., Aon Product Design & Development Australia Pty Limited, Aon Product Design and Development New Zealand Limited, Aon Product Risk Services Hong Kong Limited, Aon Property Risk Consulting Inc., Aon Qatar LLC, Aon Re (Thailand) Limited, Aon Re Bertoldi - Corretagem de Resseguros S.A., Aon Re Bolivia S.A. Corredores de Reaseguros, Aon Re Canada Holdings SARL, Aon Real Estate B.V., Aon Realty Services Inc., Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc., Aon Retirement Plan Advisors LLC, Aon Retirement Solutions Limited, Aon Risiko & Unternehmensberatungs GmbH, Aon Risk & Asset Management Pty Ltd, Aon Risk Consultants Inc., Aon Risk Insurance Services West Inc., Aon Risk Management (Pty) Ltd, Aon Risk Services (Chile) Corredores de Seguros Limitada, Aon Risk Services (Holdings) of Latin America Inc., Aon Risk Services (Holdings) of the Americas Inc., Aon Risk Services (NI) Limited, Aon Risk Services (PNG) Ltd., Aon Risk Services (Thailand) Limited, Aon Risk Services Argentina S.A., Aon Risk Services Australia Limited, Aon Risk Services Canada Inc., Aon Risk Services Central Inc., Aon Risk Services Colombia SA Corredores de Seguros, Aon Risk Services Companies Inc., Aon Risk Services EMEA B.V., Aon Risk Services Ecuador S.A. Agencia Asesora Productora de Seguros, Aon Risk Services Holdings (Chile ) Ltda., Aon Risk Services Inc. of Florida, Aon Risk Services Inc. of Hawaii, Aon Risk Services Inc. of Maryland, Aon Risk Services Inc. of Washington D.C., Aon Risk Services Northeast Inc., Aon Risk Services South Inc., Aon Risk Services Southwest Inc., Aon Risk Services Venezuela Corretaje de Seguros C.A., Aon Risk Solutions (Cayman) Ltd., Aon Risk Solutions Agente de Seguros y de Fianzas SA de CV, Aon Risk Solutions of Puerto Rico Inc., Aon Riskminder A/S, Aon Romania Broker de Asigurare - Reasigurare SRL, Aon Rus Insurance Brokers LLC, Aon Rus LLC, Aon S.p.A. Insurance & Reinsurance Brokers, Aon Saver Limited, Aon Securities (Hong Kong) Limited, Aon Securities Investment Management Inc., Aon Securities LLC, Aon Securities Limited, Aon Service Corporation, Aon Services (Guernsey) Ltd, Aon Services (Malta) Ltd, Aon Services Group Inc., Aon Services Hong Kong Limited, Aon Services Pty Ltd., Aon Sigorta ve Reasurans Brokerligi ve A.S., Aon Soluciones S.A., Aon Soluciones S.A.C., Aon Southern Europe UK Limited, Aon Sp. z o.o., Aon Special Risk Resources Inc., Aon Superannuation (PNG) Limited, Aon Superannuation Pty Limited, Aon TC Holdings Inc., Aon Taiwan Ltd., Aon Treasury Ireland Limited, Aon Trust Company LLC, Aon Trust Corporation Limited, Aon Trust Services B.V., Aon UK Group Limited, Aon UK Holdings Intermediaries Limited, Aon UK Limited, Aon UK Trustees Limited, Aon US & International Holdings Limited, Aon US Holdings 2 Inc., Aon US Holdings Inc., Aon Ukraine LLC, Aon Underwriting Agencies (HK) Limited, Aon Underwriting Managers (Bermuda) Ltd., Aon Underwriting Managers Inc., Aon Versicherungsberatungs GmbH, Aon Versicherungsmakler Deutschland GmbH, Aon Vietnam Limited, Aon Ward Financial Corporation, Aon-COFCO Insurance Brokers Co. Ltd., Aon/Albert G. Ruben Insurance Services Inc., Asevasa Argentina S.A., Asevasa Caricam S.A., Asevasa Chile Peritaciones e Ingenieria de Riesgos S.A., Asevasa Mexico S.A. de C.V., Asevasa Panama S.A., Asian Reinsurance Underwriters Limited, Asscom Insurance Brokers S.r.l., Association of Rural and Small Town Americans, Associacao Instituto Aon, Assurance Licensing Services Inc., B E P International Corp., B.V. Assurantiekantoor Langeveldt-Schroder, BMS Insurance Agency L.L.C., Bacon & Woodrow Partnerships (Ireland) Limited, Bacon & Woodrow Partnerships Limited, Bain Hogg Group Limited (in liquidation), Baltolink UADBB, Bankassure Insurance Services Limited, Bayfair Insurance Centre Limited, Beaubien Finance Ireland Limited, Beaubien Finance Limited, Beaubien UK Finance Limited, Becketts (Trustees) Limited, Becketts Limited, Beech Hill Pension Trustees Ltd, Bekouw Mendes C.V., Benefit Marketing Solutions L.L.C., Benfield Advisory Inc., Benfield Corredores de Reaseguro Ltda., Benfield Finance (London) LLC, Benfield Group, Benfield Investment Holdings Limited, Benfield Juniperus Holdings Limited, Benfield do Brasil Participacoes Ltda. (dormant), Benton Finance Ireland Limited, Benton Finance Limited, Blanch Americas Inc., Bowes & Company Inc. of New York, CEREP III Secondary Manager LLC, CFSSG Real Estate Partners I LLC, CFSSG Real Estate Partners II LLC, CIF-H GP LLC, Cammack Health LLC, Cananwill Corporation, Cananwill Inc., Cardea Health Solutions Limited, Casablanca Intermediation Company Sarl, Celinvest Amsterdam B.V., Chapka Assurances SAS, Citadel Insurance Managers Inc., CoCubes, CoSec 2000 Limited, Coalition for Benefits Equality and Choice, Cocubes Technologies Private Limited, Coles Hewitt Partnership, Contingency Insurance Brokers Limited, Contractsure Limited, CoverWallet, Coverall S.r.l. Insurance and Reinsurance Underwriting Agency, Credit Insurance Brokers (Reynolds) Limited, Crion N.V., Custom Benefit Programs Inc., Cut-e, Cut-e (UK) Limited, Cut-e Assessment (Hong Kong) Limited, Cut-e Assessment Solutions Europe Limited, Cut-e Australia Pty Limited, Cut-e Consult DMCC, Cut-e Danmark A/S, Cut-e Finland Oy, Cut-e GmbH, Cut-e Ireland Limited, Cut-e Nordic AS, Cut-e Norge AS, Cytelligence, Delany Bacon & Woodrow Partnership, Dempsey Partners, Denney O'Hara (Life & Pensions) Limited, Doveland Services Limited, E. W. Blanch Holdings Limited, E. W. Blanch Investments Limited, E.W. Blanch Capital Risk Solutions Inc., E.W. Blanch International Inc., EW Blanch Limited, Elysium Digital IP Products LLC, Elysium Digital L.L.C., Ennis Knupp Secondary Market Services LLC, Essar Insurance Services Limited, Exploitatiemaatschappij Beukenlaan 68-72 B.V., Farmaseg - Solucoes Assistencia e Servicos Empresariais Ltda., Farmsure Limited [In strike-off], Finaccord Limited, Financial & Professional Risk Solutions Inc., Futurity Group Inc., GTCR/AAM Blocker Corp., Ge.f.it. S.r.l., Gefass S.r.l., Glenrand M I B (Mocambique) Corretores de Seguros Limitada, Global Safe Insurance Brokers S.r.l., Globe Events Management, Gotham Digital Science LLC, Gotham Digital Science Ltd., Grant Liddell Financial Advisor Services Pty Ltd, Grant Park Capital LLC, Groupe-Conseil Aon Inc., Grupo Innovac Sociedad de Correduria de Seguros SA, HIA Insurance Services Pty Ltd., Hall Rhodes Holdings Limited, Hall Rhodes Limited, Hamburger Gesellschaft zur Forderung des Versicherungswesens mbH, Harbourview West Lake Co-Invest (GP) LP, Health Index Advisors LLC, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, Henderson Corporate Insurance Brokers Limited, Henderson Insurance Brokers Limited, Henderson Insurance Partnership Limited [In strike-off], Henderson Risk Management Limited, Hewitt Amalco 3 ULC, Hewitt Amalco 4 ULC, Hewitt Amalco 5 ULC, Hewitt Associates (a partnership), Hewitt Associates Administradora e Corretora de Seguros Ltda., Hewitt Associates Corp., Hewitt Associates Outsourcing Limited, Hewitt Associates Pty Ltd, Hewitt Associates S.C., Hewitt Associates SAS, Hewitt Associates Servicos de Recursos Humanos Ltda., Hewitt Beneficios Agente de Seguros y de Fianzas S.A. de C.V., Hewitt Holdings Canada Company, Hewitt Insurance Brokerage LLC, Hewitt Insurance Inc., Hewitt International Holdings LLC, Hewitt Management Ltd., Hewitt Risk Management Services Limited, Hewitt Western Management Amalco Inc., Hogg Group Limited, Hogg Robinson North America Inc., Huntington T. Block Insurance Agency Inc., I. Beck Insurance Agency (1994) Ltd., IAO Actuarial Consulting Services Canada Inc., INPOINT INC., IRM/GRC Holding Inc., Impact Forecasting L.L.C., Inspiring Benefits, Inspiring Benefits Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Insuractive Limited [In strike-off], Insurance Broker Aon Kazakhstan LLP, International Risk Management (Americas) Inc., International Risk Management Group Ltd, International Space Brokers Europe Limited, International Space Brokers France, International Space Brokers Inc., International Space Brokers Limited, Inversiones Benfield Chile Ltda., J H Minet Puerto Rico Inc., J. Allan Brown Consultants Inc., JDPT Manager LLC, Jenner Fenton Slade Limited, John Reynolds & Company (Credit Insurance) Limited, John Reynolds & Company (Insurances) Limited, John Reynolds & Company (Life & Pensions) Limited, Johnson Rooney Welch Inc., K & K Insurance Brokers Inc. Canada, K & K Insurance Group Inc., K & K Insurance Group of Florida Inc., K2 Technologies Inc., KVT GP LLC, Kloud S.a.r.l., Krumlin Hall Limited, Lake Erie Real Estate General Partner Limited, Lake Tahoe GP LLC, Lake Tahoe II GP LLC, Lake Tahoe III GP LLC, Lake Tahoe IV GP LLC, Lenzi Paolo Broker di Assicurazioni S.r.l., Lincolnshire Insurance Company PCC Limited, Linx Underwriting Solutions Inc., Lombard Trustee Company Limited, M.A. Shakeel Management Ltd. Amalco, MacDonagh Boland Crotty MacRedmond Ltd, Marinaro Dundas S.A., Marinaro Dundas SA, Mark Kelly Insurance and Financial Services PTY LTD, McLagan (Aon) Limited, McLagan Partners Asia Inc., McLagan Partners Inc., Membership Leasing Trust, Minet Consultancy Services Ltd, Minet Group, Minet Holdings Inc., Minet Inc., Minet Re North America Inc., Modern Survey Inc., Muirfield Underwriters Ltd., NBS Nominees Limited, National Insurance Office Ltd., Nauman Insurance Brokers Limited, Nexus Insurance Brokers Limited, One Underwriting Agency GmbH, One Underwriting B.V., One Underwriting Health B.V., One Underwriting Pty Ltd, Optica Agency A/S, Optimum Risk Solutions Limited, Ovatio Courtage SAS, P.G. Bradley & Co Limited, PGOF Manager 1 LLC, PRORUCK Ruckversicherungs Aktiengesellschaft, PT Aon Benfield Indonesia, PT Aon Hewitt Indonesia, PT Aon Indonesia, PWZ AG, Paragon Strategic Solutions Inc., PathWise Solutions LLC, Penn Square Manager 1 LLC, Penn Square Manager II LLC, Portus Consulting, Portus Consulting (Leamington) Limited, Portus Consulting Limited, Portus Online LLP, Praesidium S.p.A. - Soluzioni Assicurative per il Management, Premier Auto Finance Inc., Private Client Trustees Ltd., Private Equity Partnership Structures I LLC, Probabilitas N.V./SA, Protective Marketing Enterprises Inc., Randolph Finance Unlimited Company, Rasini Vigano Limited, Redwoods Dental Underwriters Inc., Richard Kiddle (Insurance Brokers) Limited, Risk Laboratories LLC, Riskikonsultatsioonide OU, Ronnie Elementary Insurance Agency Ltd, SA Special Situations General Partner LLC, SG IFFOXX Assekuranzmaklergesellschaft mbH, SLE Worldwide Limited, SN Re S.A., Salud Riesgos y Recursos Humanos Consultores Ltda. (former Aon Corporte Advisors Ltda.), SchneiderGolling IFFOXX Assekuranzmakler AG, SchneiderGolling Industrie Assekuranzmaklergesellschaft mbH, Scritch Inc., Shanghai Kayi Information Technology Co. Ltd, Sheppard Netherlands B.V., Specialty Benefits Inc., Sports Insure Limited [In strike-off], Strategic Manager-III LLC, Stroz Friedberg (Asia) Limited, Stroz Friedberg Inc., Stroz Friedberg LLC, Stroz Friedberg Limited, Stroz Friedberg Risk Management Limited, Superannuation Management Nominees Limited, Suresport Limited [In strike-off], Swire Blanch MSTC II SA, Swire Blanch MSTC SA, TTG BRPTP GP LLC, TTG Cayuga Bavaria Intermediate 2 S.a.r.l, TTG Core Plus Investments LLC, TTG German Investments I LLC, TTG Investments II LLC, TTG Irish Investments I LLC, TTG Manager LLC, Tecsefin S.A. en liquidacion, The Aon Ireland Mastertrustee Limited, The Aon MasterTrustee Limited, The John Reynolds Company Limited, The Key West Saxon Group LLC, The Townsend Group Inc, The Townsend Group LLC, Townsend Alpha Manager I LLC, Townsend Alpha Manager II LLC, Townsend Alpha Manager III LLC, Townsend Group Asia Limited, Townsend Group Europe Ltd., Townsend HWL GP Ltd., Townsend Holdings LLC, Townsend Lake Constance GP Limited, Townsend REF GP LLC, Townsend Re Global GP Limited, Townsend SO Manager I LLC, UAB One Underwriting, UADBB Aon Baltic, UK Credit Insurance Specialists Limited, UNIT Versicherungsmakler GmbH, US Underwriting Solutions S.r.l., USLP Underwriting Solutions LP, Underwriters Marine Services Inc., Unidelta AG, Unirobe Meeus Groep, UnitedPensions Deutschland AG, Univers Workplace Solutions, VERO Management AG, Ventiv Technology, WT Government Services LLC, WT Technologies LLC, Wannet Speciale Verzekeringen B.V., Wannet Sports Insurance GmbH, Ward Financial Group Inc., West Lake General Partner LLC, West Lake II GP LLC, Wexford Underwriting Managers Inc., White Rock Insurance (Americas) Ltd., White Rock Insurance (Europe) PCC Limited, White Rock Insurance (Gibraltar) PCC Ltd., White Rock Insurance (Guernsey) ICC Limited, White Rock Insurance (Netherlands) PCC Limited, White Rock Insurance (SAC) Ltd., White Rock Insurance Company PCC Ltd., White Rock Insurance PCC (Isle of Man) Limited, White Rock Services (Bermuda) Ltd., White Rock USA Ltd., Willis Towers Watson, Worldwide Integrated Services Company, Wrapid Specialty Inc., Zalba-Caldu Correduria de Seguros SA, and cut-e USA Inc.. Fielmann Aktiengesellschaft engages in the investment in and operation of optical and hearing aid businesses. The company manufactures and sells visual aids and other optical products, including glasses, frames, lenses, sunglasses, contact lenses and accessories, and various merchandise, as well as hearing aids and accessories. As of December 31, 2020, it operated 870 stores, including 605 in Germany, 43 in Switzerland, 38 Austria, 3 in Luxembourg, 33 in Italy, 25 in Poland, 80 in Spain, 28 in Slovenia, and 15 in the rest of Europe. The company also 79 smaller locations in Eastern Europe. Fielmann Aktiengesellschaft also offers its products through online stores. The company was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. Fielmann Aktiengesellschaft is a subsidiary of Korva SE. Read More iShares S&P 500 ETF's stock was trading at $275.41 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, IVV stock has increased by 73.9% and is now trading at $479.03. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Invesco Senior Loan ETF's stock was trading at $20.75 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, BKLN shares have increased by 6.3% and is now trading at $22.05. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. The following companies are subsidiares of Becton, Dickinson and: (Bard Istanbul Healthcare Limited Company), Accuri Cytometers, Accuri Cytometers Inc., Adaptec Manufacturing Singapore, Alverix, Alverix Inc., Atto Bioscience, BD Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., BD Infection Prevention BV, BD Kiestra BV, BD Kiestra Total Lab Automation, BD Rapid Diagnostic (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., BD San Luis Potosi S.A. de C.V., BD Switzerland Sarl, BD Ventures LLC, BD West Africa Limited, BDX INO LLC, Bard (Thailand) Limited, Bard ASDI Inc., Bard Access Systems Inc., Bard Acquisition Sub Inc., Bard Australia Pty. Limited, Bard Benelux N.V., Bard Brachytherapy Inc., Bard Brasil Industria e Comercio de Produtos Para a Saude Ltda., Bard Canada Inc., Bard Chile S.p.A., Bard Czech Republic s.r.o., Bard Devices Inc., Bard Dublin ITC Limited, Bard EMEA Finance Center Sp.z o.o., Bard European Distribution Center N.V., Bard Finance B.V. & Co. KG., Bard Financial Services Ltd., Bard Finland OY, Bard France S.A.S., Bard Global Holdings I LLC, Bard Global Holdings II LLC, Bard Global Holdings III LLC, Bard Healthcare Inc., Bard Healthcare Science (Shanghai) Limited, Bard Hellas S.A., Bard Holding SAS, Bard Holdings Limited, Bard Holdings Netherlands B.V., Bard Hong Kong Limited, Bard IP Holdings Inc., Bard India Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Bard International Holdings B.V., Bard International Inc., Bard Korea Ltd., Bard Limited, Bard MRL Acquisition Corp., Bard Malaysia Healthcare Sdn. Bhd., Bard Medica SA, Bard Medical Devices (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Bard Medical R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Bard Medical SA (Proprietary) Limited, Bard Mexico Realty S. de R.L. de C.V., Bard Norden AB, Bard Norway AS, Bard Pacific Health Care Company Ltd., Bard Peripheral Vascular Inc., Bard Poland Sp. z.o.o., Bard Productos Plasticos e Medicos Ltda., Bard Reynosa S.A. de C.V., Bard S.r.l., Bard Sdn. Bhd., Bard Shannon Limited, Bard Singapore Private Limited, Bard Sourcing Office Singapore Pte. Ltd., Bard Sweden AB, Bard UK Newco Limited, Bard de Espana S.A., Becton Dickinson (Gibraltar) Holdings Ltd., Becton Dickinson (Gibraltar) Limited, Becton Dickinson (Gibraltar) Management Limited, Becton Dickinson (Mauritius) Limited, Becton Dickinson (Pty) Ltd., Becton Dickinson (Thailand) Limited, Becton Dickinson A.G., Becton Dickinson A/S, Becton Dickinson Argentina S.R.L., Becton Dickinson Asia Holdings Ltd., Becton Dickinson Asia Limited, Becton Dickinson Austria GmbH, Becton Dickinson Austria Holdings GmbH, Becton Dickinson B.V., Becton Dickinson B.V. Saudi Limited Company, Becton Dickinson Benelux N.V., Becton Dickinson Biosciences Systems and Reagents Inc., Becton Dickinson Canada Inc., Becton Dickinson Caribe Ltd., Becton Dickinson Croatia d.o.o., Becton Dickinson Czechia s.r.o., Becton Dickinson Dispensing Belgium BVBA, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Denmark A/S, Becton Dickinson Dispensing France SAS, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Ireland Limited, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Norway, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Spain S.L.U., Becton Dickinson Dispensing UK Ltd., Becton Dickinson Distribution Center N.V., Becton Dickinson East Africa Ltd., Becton Dickinson Euro Finance Sarl, Becton Dickinson Europe Holdings S.A.S., Becton Dickinson France S.A.S., Becton Dickinson GSA Beteilgungs GmbH, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings I Inc., Becton Dickinson Global Holdings II LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings IV LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings V LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings VII LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings VIII LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Services Centre Sdn. Bhd, Becton Dickinson GmbH, Becton Dickinson Guatemala S.A., Becton Dickinson Hellas S.A., Becton Dickinson Holdings Limited, Becton Dickinson Holdings Ltd., Becton Dickinson Holdings Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson Hungary Kft., Becton Dickinson India Private Limited, Becton Dickinson Industrias Cirurgicas Ltda., Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy AB, Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy Holdings UK Limited, Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy Systems Inc., Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy Systems Inc. S.A. de C.V., Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy UK, Becton Dickinson Insulin Syringe Ltd., Becton Dickinson International Holdings II Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson International Holdings III Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson International Holdings Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson Israel Ltd., Becton Dickinson Italia S.p.A., Becton Dickinson Ithalat Ihracat Limited Sirketi, Becton Dickinson Korea Holding Inc., Becton Dickinson Korea Ltd., Becton Dickinson Ltd., Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Finance S.a.r.L., Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Global Holdings Sarl, Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Holdings II S.a.r.L, Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Holdings III S.a.r.L, Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Holdings V S.a.r.L., Becton Dickinson Malaysia Inc., Becton Dickinson Management GmbH & Co. KG, Becton Dickinson Matrex Holdings Inc., Becton Dickinson Medical (S) Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Devices (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Devices (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Products Pte. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Technology (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Netherlands Global Holdings II C.V., Becton Dickinson Netherlands Holdings B.V., Becton Dickinson Netherlands Holdings II B.V., Becton Dickinson Norway AS, Becton Dickinson O.Y., Becton Dickinson Overseas Services Ltd., Becton Dickinson Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd., Becton Dickinson Penel Limited, Becton Dickinson Philippines Inc., Becton Dickinson Polska Sp.z.o.o., Becton Dickinson Portugal Unipessoal Lda., Becton Dickinson Pty. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Research Centre Ireland Limited, Becton Dickinson Rowa Germany GmbH, Becton Dickinson Rowa Italy Srl, Becton Dickinson S.A., Becton Dickinson Sample Collection GmbH, Becton Dickinson Scot Financing L.L.P., Becton Dickinson Scot Financing L.P., Becton Dickinson Sdn. Bhd., Becton Dickinson Slovakia s.r.o., Becton Dickinson Sweden AB, Becton Dickinson Sweden Holdings AB, Becton Dickinson Switzerland Global Holdings SarL, Becton Dickinson Technology Campus India, Becton Dickinson U.K. Limited, Becton Dickinson UK Financing I Limited, Becton Dickinson UK Financing II Limited, Becton Dickinson Venezuela C.A., Becton Dickinson Venture LLC, Becton Dickinson Verwaltungs GmbH, Becton Dickinson Vostok LLC, Becton Dickinson Worldwide Investments Sa.r.L., Becton Dickinson Zambia Limited, Becton Dickinson and Company Ltd., Becton Dickinson de Colombia Ltda., Becton Dickinson de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Becton Dickinson del Uruguay S.A., Benex Ltd., Biometric Imaging, Bridger Biomed Inc., C. R. Bard, C. R. Bard (Portugal) - Produtos e Artigos Medicos e Farmaceuticos, C. R. Bard Do Brasil Productos Medicos Ltda., C. R. Bard GmbH, C. R. Bard Inc., C. R. Bard Netherlands Sales B.V., CME America LLC, CME Ltd., CME Medical (UK) Limited, CME UK (Holdings) Limited, CRISI Medical Systems, CRISI Medical Systems Inc., Caesarea Medical Electronics, Cardal II LLC, Care Fusion Development Private Limited, CareFusion, CareFusion (Barbados) SrL, CareFusion (Shanghai) Commercial and Trading Co. Limited, CareFusion 213 LLC, CareFusion 2200 Inc., CareFusion 2201 Inc., CareFusion 302 LLC, CareFusion 303 Inc., CareFusion Asia (HK) Limited, CareFusion BH 335 d.o.o. Cazin, CareFusion Corporation, CareFusion D.R. 203 Ltd., CareFusion France 309 S.A.S., CareFusion Israel 330 Ltd., CareFusion Italy 312 S.p.A., CareFusion Manufacturing LLC, CareFusion Mexico 215 S.A. de C.V., CareFusion Netherlands 328 B.V., CareFusion Netherlands 503 B.V., CareFusion Netherlands 504 B.V., CareFusion Netherlands Financing 283 C.V., CareFusion Resources LLC, CareFusion S.A. 319 (Proprietary) Limited, CareFusion Solutions LLC, CareFusion U.K. 244 Limited, CareFusion U.K. 305 Limited, CareFusion U.K. 306 Limited, Carmel Pharma AB, Carmel Pharma Inc, Cato Software Solutions, Cell Analysis Systems Inc, Cellular Research, Cellular Research Inc., Clearstream Technologies Group Limited, Clearstream Technologies Limited, Clontech Laboratories Inc, Corporativo BD de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Cubex, Cytopeia, DLD (Bermuda) Ltd., DVL Acquisition Sub Inc., Davol Inc., Davol International Limited, Davol Surgical Innovations S.A. de C.V., Difco Laboratories Incorporated, Distribuidora BD Mexico S.A. de C.V., Dutch American Manufacturers (D.A.M.) B.V., Dymax Corporation, Embo Medical Limited, Enturia de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Enturican Inc., FJ International Inc., FlowCardia Inc., FlowCardia LLC, FlowJo LLC, Franklin Lakes Enterprises L.L.C., GSL Solutions, Gamer Lasertechnik GmbH, GenCell Biosystems, GenCell Biosystems Ltd., GeneOhm Sciences, GeneOhm Sciences Canada ULC, Gentest Corporation, Gesco International Inc., Gesco International LLC, HandyLab Inc, HandyLab Inc., IBD Holdings LLC, Iontophoretics Corporation, JoHome LLC, Kabushiki Kaisha Medicon (Medicon Inc.), Liberator Health and Education Services Inc., Liberator Health and Wellness Inc., Liberator Medical Holdings Inc., Liberator Medical Supply Inc., LifeBond, Limited Liability Company Bard Rus, Loma Vista Medical Inc., Loma Vista Medical LLC, Lutonix Inc., Med-Design Corporation, Med-Design Investment Holdings Inc., Med-Safe Systems Inc., MedChem Products Inc., Medafor Inc., Medegen LLC, Medinservice.com Inc., Medivance Inc., NAT Diagnostics, NAT Diagnostics Inc., NOW Medical Distribution Inc., NOW Medical Distribution LLC, Navarre Biomedical LLC, Navarre Biomedical Ltd., Neomend Inc., Nippon Becton Dickinson Company Ltd., Omega Biosystems Incorporated, P.R.C. (Isialys) Societe a responsabilitie limitee (Societe a associe unique), PT Becton Dickinson Indonesia, PharMingen, PreAnalytiX GmbH, Pristine Access Technologies Inc., ProSeed Inc., Procesos para Esterilizacion S.A. de C.V., Productos Bard de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Productos Para el Cuidado de la Salud S.A. de C.V., Puls Medical Devices AS LC, PureWick Corporation, Roberts Laboratories Inc., Rochester Medical Corporation, Rochester Medical Ltd., Saf-T-Med, Safety Syringes, Safety Syringes Inc., Sendal S.L.U., SenoRx Inc., SenoRx LLC, Shield Healthcare Centers Inc., Sirigen, Sirigen II Limited, Sirigen Inc., Sistemas Medicos ALARIS S.A. de C.V., Specialized Cooperative Corporation, Specialized Health Products Inc., Specialized Health Products International Inc., Specialized Health Products International LLC, Staged Diabetes Management LLC, Straub Medical, Straub Medical AG, Surgical Site Solutions Inc., TVA Medical, TVA Medical Inc., Tepha, Tepha Inc., Tri-County Medical & Ostomy Supplies Inc., TriPath Imaging, TriPath Imaging Inc., Vas-Cath Incorporated, Vascular Pathways Inc., Velano Vascular, Velano Vascular Inc., Venetec International Inc., Venetec International LLC, Y-Med Inc., Y-Med LLC, and ZebraSci Inc.. There is not enough analysis data for Net Medical Xpress Solutions. 4.5 Community Rank Outperform Votes Net Medical Xpress Solutions has received 61 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Net Medical Xpress Solutions has received 28 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Net Medical Xpress Solutions has received 68.54% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Net Medical Xpress Solutions and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe NMXS will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe NMXS will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next Fraport AG operates airports in Germany, rest of Europe, Asia, and the United States. The company primarily focuses on the operation of Frankfurt Main airport. It operates through four segments: Aviation, Retail & Real Estate, Ground Handling, and International Activities & Services. The Aviation segment operates landside and airside infrastructure, which covers the area of airport charges. The Retail & Real Estate segment engages in retail activities, including marketing of real estate properties and land. This segment also manages buildings and facilities, and parking and retail areas; and rents advertising space. The Ground Handling segment provides loading, baggage, and passenger services through airmail and luggage transport to freight handling. The International Activities & Services segment acquires, operates, maintains, develops, and expands airports and infrastructure facilities. This segment also offers integrated facility and corporate infrastructure management, airport expansion south, and information and telecommunication services. Fraport AG was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Read More iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF's stock was trading at $52.50 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus (COVID-19) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, IEFA stock has increased by 42.8% and is now trading at $74.96. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Lloyds Banking Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of banking and financial services in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates through three segments: Retail; Commercial Banking; and Insurance and Wealth. The Retail segment offers a range of financial service products, including current accounts, savings accounts, mortgages, motor finance, unsecured loans, leasing solutions, credit cards, and other financial services to personal and small business customers. The Commercial Banking segment provides lending, transactional banking, working capital management, risk management, and debt capital market services to small and medium-sized entities, corporates, and financial institutions. The Insurance and Wealth segment offers life, home, and car insurance products; and pension, investment, and wealth management products and services. It also provides digital and mobile banking, and telephone services, as well as advisory services for savings, investments, and planning for retirement. The company offers its products and services under the Lloyds Bank, Halifax, Bank of Scotland, Scottish Widows, MBNA, Schroders Personal Wealth, Black Horse, Lex Autolease, Birmingham Midshires, LDC, IWeb, and Agricultural Mortgage Corporation brands. Lloyds Banking Group plc was founded in 1695 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF's stock was trading at $35.66 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EWL shares have increased by 48.6% and is now trading at $52.99. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Police are searching for a 5-year-old Utah girl who went missing from her family's home Saturday morning. Elizabeth Shelley was last seen with her uncle, 21-year-old Alex Whipple, who police arrested Saturday afternoon on unrelated probation violation charges. Police say he is the main suspect in the case, which will "not end well," but they have not explained why. "We know there are many who want to help and there are some who think they are helping by posting their concern about the perceived lack of details of this investigation," Logan City Police said in a Facebook post. "They do not have all the information because we cannot release everything pertinent to this investigation." So here's what we know and don't know so far. When Elizabeth was last seen Elizabeth was last seen at home in Logan City -- about 80 miles north of Salt Lake City -- by her mother on Saturday at 2 a.m., according to Logan City Police Capt. Tyson Budge. Eight hours later, police were alerted that the girl was missing. We don't know when she left her home or with whom she left. What Elizabeth looks like According to the police missing poster, Elizabeth is three feet six inches tall, weighs 40 pounds and has a slim build. She has brown eyes and brown hair, which she wears just past the shoulders. She is white and of fair complexion and is believed to have been wearing a red tank top and blue jeans. Her uncle's movements Whipple had come to the family's home for a visit on Friday night and was last seen around the same time as his niece, police say. CNN affiliate KSTU said police had confirmed Whipple had been seen on surveillance video at the Hyrum Shortstop gas station Saturday afternoon. It quoted a staff member as saying that Whipple had come into the store alone about 1:30 p.m. Saturday looking "disheveled, like he had been on a binge of some kind." Whipple bought cigarettes and beer, the employee said, according to KSTU. But we don't know Whipple's movements between Elizabeth's house and Hyrum and police are asking for any sightings of him Friday evening onward. Where police are searching The search spans a 20-mile range at south end of Cache County -- from Elizabeth's residence to where they found the suspect, KSTU reports. Police have asked residents in the Logan, Nibley, Hyrum and Mount Sterling areas to watch for any suspicious items on their property. They have also asked businesses or residences with outdoor camera systems or doorbell cameras to review the footage for suspicious activity CNN affiliate KUTV reported that police visited residents in the area where the little girl lived two or three times. CNN affiliate KSL reported that searchers had drained a canal near Elizabeth's home. We don't know what specific items they are seeking. What evidence police have recovered "We were able to obtain some new information this morning, some evidentiary items that we've located, so we believe that we'll locate her," KSL quoted Budge as saying. "There are several locations where we believe we've found evidentiary items that'll help link Mr. Whipple to this case." But we don't know what the items are. Which agencies are conducting the search Police said Sunday that additional search and rescue support had been called in from several other counties. The search has been expanded to the Hyrum area and we continue to work leads that have come forward. We now have over 200 individuals assisting in the search effort," the police department said on Facebook Sunday evening. KSL said Logan City Police, the Cache County Sheriff's Office, Cache County Search and Rescue, the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force and the Utah Department of Public Safety were involved in the search. But we don't know why they have concerns about the outcome of the search. Budge, the police captain, told CNN the case is "not going to end well." Where Whipple is being held Whipple was located Saturday and arrested on a warrant for a probation violation, police said. He was booked into Cache County jail and was being held Sunday on $25,000 bond. Elizabeth was not with him when he was found, police said. KSTU says Whipple also faces unrelated drug and gun-related charges. But we don't know why police have made Whipple the main suspect "All I can say at this time, is we have evidence to believe that he is the reason that she is missing," KSTU quoted Budge as saying. DELPHI, Ind. (WLFI) - Indiana Conservation Officers are continuing to search Deer Creek by boat for missing 4-year-old Owen Jones. They said water conditions deteriorated because of heavy rains Saturday night. As News 18 previously reported, Jones was last seen being swept down the creek on Thursday. Investigators said areas around Delphi received approximately one inch of rain over the span of 12 hours, with heavier amounts of rain falling throughout the watershed areas of the creek. They said water conditions, which improved slightly on after Friday and Saturday, are now again very hazardous. Aside from the strong current, they described the water as very muddy. Investigators said this makes it impossible for rescuers to see anything below the surface. With these factors in mind, they said it is very important to understand how very dangerous it is for members of the community to be near, or enter into, the water with any intentions of helping with search efforts. They said everyone involved with this tragedy wants to find Owen Jones. However, anyone searching the water without the proper training or equipment, in Sunday's conditions, will likely become a victim themselves. Photos courtesy of Indiana DNR . WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) -- Hundreds of retired servicemen and women gathered with their families to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by their fallen comrades. Indiana Veterans Home resident, Leon Mays, was able to say the Pledge of Allegiance to kick the ceremony off. He got emotional while speaking about how proud he was to say the Pledge and how he felt a similar pride to what he felt when he enlisted. I always feel honored to say the Pledge of Allegiance for my country, said Mays. When I enlisted, I felt the same way, but more honored over the years I've served and witnessed so much. The American Legion Post 492 posted the colors for the service, gave a 21-Gun salute, and closed with the playing of Taps. WHITE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) A fun fishing trip on the water has turned into an extensive search for a body in Monticello. White County dispatchers responded to a call Monday morning of a kayaker being sucked into the Norway Dam. Lieutenant Dan Dulin with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has spent the day with six other agencies searching for a body in the Norway Dam. The White County communications center received a 911 call from individuals that stated their friend had capsized in a kayak, said Dulin. This incident has lead divers on an extensive search to recover the victims body. The first step of the search was shutting off the flowing water from the dam, which is run by NIPSCO. Lt. Dulin said it's not as easy as just pressing a button. They're regulated by different federal regulations so they were able to get approval to adjust the flow coming out of the dam. It's made the search efforts a little easier, said Dulin. The teams are working with difficult water conditions since the recent rainfall. There are some pretty deep areas along the channel and there's a lot of rocks that we're contending with as well, said Dulin. With more rain showers expected to come through, Lt. Dulin is asking the community to take caution. The conditions in moving water are always changing and if they get to a location where they're familiar fishing and it doesn't look the same as it did, err on the side of caution and choose a different activity this weekend," said Dulin. Lt. Dulin has also been helping lead the Deer Creek water search in Delphi for 4-year-old Owen Jones. But thats not it. During the Norway Dam search this afternoon, rescue teams were called to Bluewater Beach in Monticello. Two people's boats overturned but they were able to escape. We'll have continuing coverage of the Norway Dam kayaker search on Channel 18 as well as on the website. BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Traditional medicine originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been incorporated into the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), marking a major step for TCM's internationalization. The revision was approved Saturday at the 72 World Health Assembly being held in Geneva, Switzerland, according to China's National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. "The release of ICD-11 can help China establish a disease statistics network with the country's TCM health service information according to international standards," said Zhang Boli, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. It can also promote international exchange and cooperation of TCM and the integrated development of TCM with medical and health care systems of other countries, said Zhang, also president of the Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. China has signed specialized TCM cooperation agreements with over 40 countries, regions and organizations, built a group of TCM centers in countries and regions along routes of the Belt and Road, and opened hundreds of TCM institutes in more than 30 countries and regions. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Sergipe is a Brazilian state located in the countrys northeast region. With an area of 21,910.4 km2 and an estimated population of 2,228,489, Sergipe is Brazil's least extensive state and the 22nd most populous. In addition to the coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, inland parts of the state are covered by savanna or caatinga vegetation. Coastline habitats include sandy beaches, mangroves, and swamps. A small strip of tropical rainforest also exists along the coast of Sergipe. Aracaju is the state capital of Sergipe and encompasses an area of 181.857 km2. Located approximately 350 km north of Salvador, which is the capital of the Brazilian state of Bahia, the city has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and has an average elevation of 4 m above sea level. Aracaju experiences a hot and humid tropical monsoon climate. Demographics of Aracaju According to the 2016 census, Aracaju has an estimated population of 641,523, which represents 33% of the total state population. Additionally, the city has a population density of 3,500 people per square kilometer. History of Aracaju Tracing its history to early Portuguese colonization, Sao Cristovao is one of the oldest settlements in Brazil and served as the first state capital of Sergipe. However, the possibility of an armed revolt by the citizens of Sao Cristovao caused the state to relocate its capital to Aracaju in 1855. The presence of a deep harbor in the new capital also facilitated overseas trade, especially the export of sugar to Europe. However, soon after Aracaju became state capital, a severe epidemic ravaged the city and claimed the lives of nearly half its population. Nevertheless, Aracaju received a makeover in the early 1900s, which included new infrastructure such as a streetcar system. Economy of Aracaju The economy of Aracaju is primarily based on service and industrial sectors rather than agriculture. In recent years, the city has attracted significant foreign investment, especially from China and countries in Eastern Europe. Aracaju is also becoming a popular tourist destination, particularly for travelers in search of low-cost tourist options in Brazil. The city offers the advantage of being one of the safest cities on Brazils northeast coast and is relatively cheaper than many other cities in the region. Additionally, investments in public transit and accommodations, especially hostels, have been made to help encourage tourism. During the 2016 Summer Paralympics Games, teams from seven countries were housed in Aracaju. Haiti is a country on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea. It is the second most populated country in the Caribbean with around 10 million people. In 2010, the countrys GDP (PPP) dropped by 8% to stand at $11.18 billion from $12.15 billion. GDP per capita on purchasing power parity in the country remained consistent at $1,200. Although Haiti has a huge potential for tourism, the country is among the poorest nations in the Americas, facing new challenges such as high incidence of poverty, high levels of corruption, poor dilapidated infrastructure, lack of education, and limited health facilities. In 2010, the country experienced the worst earthquake in its history, which was subsequently followed by an outbreak of cholera and severely affected the trade in the country. According to the UN, Haiti ranks 145 out of 189 countries as per the Human Development Index. Agriculture For several years, agriculture has played a significant role in the economy of Haiti. In 1987, it employed about 66% of the countries workforce, contributed about 35% of the GDP, and accounted for about 24% of the country's total exports. The drop was a significant fall compared to 1950s when agriculture employed more than 80% of the country's workforce and contributed more than 50% of the GDP while accounting for about 90% of the country's total export. Over the subsequent years, the role of agriculture as a contributor to the economy has declined significantly because of factors such as increasing fragmentation of land ownership, poor and outdated agricultural practices, rural-urban migration, inadequate infrastructure, plant diseases, increasing population of livestock, high taxes on commodities, lack of capital investment, and insecure land tenure systems. For several years, the rural part of the country did not receive an investment either from the private sector or the government, and in 1989 only 5% of the country's budget was allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture. During the 1990s, the country was facing serious ecological challenges which significantly affected agriculture, and these were soil erosion, deforestation, natural disasters such as flooding, droughts, and others.yeah Coffee has been the leading additional cash crop in Haiti, and for a long time, it was the leading agricultural export, particularly in the 1980s. Coffee production in Haiti has been declining since the country gained independence. The reason for the decline is believed to be excessive taxation and low prices of the raw coffee beans. Sugarcane is another important cash crop in Haiti. Tourism Tourism in Haiti is one of the most important industries in the country, and in 2012 there were just under 1 million tourists to the country. The industry is one of the major sources of the country's revenue, and Haiti has one of the longest coastlines in the Caribbean as well as one of the best climates. Other tourist attractions in the country include caves, waterfalls, unique cultural history, and colonial structures. However, one of the shortcomings is the unstable political system in the country which has also affected the economic development of the country for the most part of the 20th century. The tourism industry generated about $200 million in 2012 primarily from cruise ships. Mining Mining in Haiti plays a significant role in the overall economy, and in 2013, the industry generated $13 million. Some of the leading minerals in the country include copper, bauxite, gold calcium carbonate, and marble. Gold mining in the country has a long history, and it was widely mined by the Spanish during the colonial period. Manufacturing Some of the leading manufacturing industries in Haiti include cement, detergent manufacturing, butter, edible oils, textiles, soap making, sugar processing, and flour milling. The growth in manufacturing in Haiti has been slow because of the lack of capital investment. The country has been a beneficiary of grants from the US targeting the industry, but there has been a minimal success. The only subsector that has shown some prospects of growth has been the private construction and home building. In 2004, the manufacturing industry contributed about 20% of the country's GDP and employed slightly less than 10% of the country's labor force. The European Union, popularly known as the EU, is an economic and political organization comprising 27 European countries. Originally made up of western European countries, the EU expanded into eastern and central Europe in the 21st century. The United Kingdom, one of the founding members, exited the organization in 2020. The EU as it exists today was established in 1993 through the Maastricht Treaty in order to enhance the regions economic and political integration through unified security and foreign policies, a single currency, and common European citizenship. The organizations policy allows for free movement of people, capital, services, and goods within the Schengen Area. Currently, 19 EU member states use a common currency popularly known as Euro. Contents: Member States Map of the EU member countries The European Union expanded from the initial six founding states to 28 member states (in 2020) and the current 27 members after the UK withdrew its membership to the Union in 2020. The six founding members were Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, West Germany, and Italy. These six states founded the European Economic Community in 1957 which evolved into the EU in 1993. The rest of the countries joined the organization in subsequent enlargements. Besides the six countries, other EU member states are Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden. All the member states are party to the Treaties of the European Union that form the Unions constitutional basis. As such, all the states share the memberships obligations and privileges. Besides the member states, up to sixteen overseas territories are also legally part of the Union, nine of which are French territories. The member territories include Aruba, Azores, Canary Islands, Curacao, Guadeloupe, Mayotte, French Polynesia, and Madeira. The Copenhagen criteria stipulate that any European country that respects human rights and the rule of law and has a stable democracy can join the EU. Further, the country intending to join the Union must be willing and ready to share the obligations and privileges, including the existing laws. Currently, six countries have submitted their request to join the EU and are awaiting evaluation and approval for membership by the European Council. These countries are Turkey, Albania, Serbia, Iceland, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. The EU is also co-operating with other microstates like Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, and Vatican City. Origin Of The EU Flag of the European Coal and Steel Commission (ECSC), a precursor to the current EU. After World War II, several European leaders, including Winston Churchill, began calls for an integrated Europe. The idea of having a united Europe was both political and economic. The integration aimed to avert any possible future war by promoting security, lasting peace between Germany and France, economic growth, and reinforcing democracy in the region. To this end, six countries, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, West Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, signed the Treaty of Paris in 1951 and founded the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). The ECSC established free-trade areas for resources, such as coal, steel, coke, iron ore, and scraps. It also lifted restrictions placed on West Germanys industrial production. The organization also created several institutions, including the Common Assembly (modern-day European Parliament), Council of Ministers (now the Council of the EU), and High Authority (renamed European Commission). The Court of Justice interpreted the treaties and provided solutions to disputes that arose from them. The EU flag currently in use. In 1957, the Treaty of Rome was signed, creating two additional organizations, European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) and the European Economic Community. The EEC was responsible for developing custom unions while Euratoms work was to integrate the nuclear energy sector. The three communities shared the Common Assembly and the courts. In 1965, the member states agreed to merge the three communities into one institution, leading to the signing of the Merger Treaty in Brussels. The treaty took effect on July 1, 1967, establishing the European Community. The UK, Ireland, and Denmark joined the EC on January 1, 1973, marking the beginning of the Unions enlargement. With several enlargements in the 1980s and the pending admissions, the Maastricht Treaty, also known as the Treaty of the European Union, was signed on February 7, 1992. Although the treaty faced resistance in some countries like Denmark, France, and the UK, the amended version took effect the following year (November 1, 1993), creating the EU. The treaty had three pillars: common security and foreign policy, European Communities, and home and foreign affairs. How The EU Is Governed Plenary room of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Image credit: Drop of Light/Shutterstock The EU operates within the founding treaties and the EU laws passed and implemented in various forms. The Union has seven decision-making institutions or organs, namely the European Council, the Council of European Union, European Parliament, European Commission, European Court of Auditors, European Central Bank, and Court of Justice of the European Union. The European Council is the topmost political authority, comprising the Councils president, European Commissions president, and representatives from all the 27 member states (mostly heads of states or governments). The EC provides political direction, settles disputes among member states, and negotiates treaties. The European Commission is an executive arm responsible for the daily running of the Unions activities. It also proposes new legislation. The Commission comprises 27 members, with one of the commissioners serving as the president. The Council of the European Union is one of the three EU legislative institutions, comprising a government minister from all the 27 member states. The European Parliament works with the Council of the EU to read, amend, and approve laws proposed by the Commission. It consists of 705 members elected directly by the EU citizens. Demographics Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel is the head of state of most populous EU country. The EU member countries cover about 4.2 million km2, about 41% of Europes total land area. Its combined population is approximately 447 million inhabitants, nearly 60% of Europes total population, with a population density of 106 people per km2. France is the largest EU country by size, at 640,801 km2, but the second-most populous country after Germany, with 67 million people. Germany has a population of about 83 million people. Germany is represented at the European Parliament by 96 members, while France has 79 members. The population of the EU is about 5.8% of the world's population. The vast majority of the population of the EU is Christian, totaling 71%. Its list of official languages comprises 24 languages, and all important documents like legislation are made available in all official languages. Economy Euro currency. The EU has the worlds second-largest net wealth after the United States, equaling about 20% of the global wealth. The Euro is also the worlds second-largest reserve currency after US dollars. The EU has a single market that involves free movement of people, capital, goods, and services within the member countries. A common external tariff is also applied on all external goods entering the EU market. The European Central Bank regulates Euro and all monetary policies within the EU. Although the EU and Eurozone are often used interchangeably, the two terms are different in application and use. While the EU is a political and economic organization comprising 27 member states, the Eurozone is the territory of the world countries using the Euro currency. Although all the EU members pledged to use Euro, only 19 of the 27 member states use the currency. The member countries that do not use the currency are Denmark, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Poland, Sweden, Croatia, and Bulgaria. Table Of Member States The Julian Alps are a mountain range located at the eastern age of the Alpine Mountains between the Canale and Sava Valleys in Italy and Slovenia. The highest peak of the Julian Alps is Mount Triglav in Slovenia at 9,395.2 ft while the second highest is Jof di Montasio at 9,029 ft. The Julian Alps are named after Julius Caesar who established the municipality of Cividale del Friuli at the base of the Alps. The mountains extend over 1,700 square miles, of which 596 square miles are in Italy. The Highest Peaks in the Julian Alps Triglav Triglav is the highest of the Julian Alps with at an elevation of 9,395 feet. It is also the highest in Slovenia. Triglav was also the highest peak in the former Yugoslavia. The mountain is a symbol of the Slovene nation and the major attraction at the Triglav National Park; the country's only park. The glacier just below the summit on the northeastern section of the mountain has shrunk from over 40 hectares in the 19th century to just 3 hectares due to global warming. The peak's distinctive shape features in the country's coat of arm and flag. Jof di Montasio Jof di Montasio is the highest peak with an elevation of 9,029 feet. It is located in Udine Province, northeastern Italy. The mountain is popular among adventure seekers especially bikers and hikers. Since the ancient times, the rocks of the mountains formed a natural boundary between the Venetian Domini di Terraferma and the Imperial Duchy of Carinthia. During the Second World War, the mountains prevented a frontal attack of Italy by the Austro-Hungarian Army. Skrlatica Skrlatica peak rises to about 8,990 ft making it the third highest in the Julian Alps and the second highest in Slovenia. The mountain's name was derived from the feminine form of Slovene word "skrlat" referring to the reddish purple appearance of the northwestern face of the mountain during sunset. In August 1880, Julius Kugy became the first recorded person to ascend the peak. Mangart Mangart Mountain rises to an elevation of 8,789 feet. It is located on the border between Slovenia and Italy. The mountain shares the name with a smaller mountain range located within the Mangart and Koritnica Valleys. The Alps The Julian Alps are the western arm of the Alpine mountain range. The Alps is the highest mountain range in Europe as well as the most extensive stretching across eight countries from France to Slovenia. The Julian Alps are divided into the Western Alps in Italy and the Eastern Alps in Slovenia. Manitoba is one of the three prairie provinces of Canada, the other two being Saskatchewan and Alberta. It is located at Canadas longitudinal center and stretches from the northern oceanic coastline at Hudson Bay to the southern border with the United States. Manitoba has a total surface area of approximately 250,900 square miles, making it the 8th largest sub-division in Canada and accounts for 6.5% of the countrys total area. With a population of approximately 1.3 million people, this province is the 5th most populous. Its capital and largest city is Winnipeg which is also the 8th largest metropolitan area in Canada. Manitoba is bordered by both Canadian provinces and territories and the US states. It is bordered by the provinces of Ontario and Saskatchewan to the east and west it respectively, to the northwest by Northwest Territories, to the north by Nunavut, and to the south by the US states of Minnesota and North Dakota. Overview of the Boundaries of Manitoba The southwestern corner is the most easily accessible corner of Manitoba. From this corner, one can is able to easily access Saskatchewan in the west and North Dakota in the south. On the contrary, the northern corner is located very far for average tourists to access. Manitoba was admitted to the Canadian Confederation on July 15, 1870, as the fifth province. Its addition to the Confederation resulted from negotiations between the Government of Canada and Louis Riel of the Red River Metis when the Red River Resistance ended. In 1870, the Manitoba Act was passed and the new province of Manitoba was admitted into the confederation. At the time of admission, the province was only one-eighteenth the size it is today. Manitoba was often called the postage stamp because it had a square shape. In the following years, several settlers migrated to the province and past it into Northwest Territories. The borders of Manitoba were enlarged in 1881 to control and accommodate the incoming settlement. The province was increased to the north and west, increasing the size almost five times. The boundaries of Manitoba as they are today were set in 1912. Settling the Manitoba-Ontario Border Dispute Ontario is one of the two provinces that share borders with Manitoba, with the two provinces sharing a border to the east of Manitoba. Ontario was the first province to be added to the Confederacy along with Nova Scotia, Quebec, and New Brunswick. When the decision to enlarge Manitoba was made, the neighboring provinces and territories were set to be affected since its boundaries were to be moved in all direction except to the south. However, no one was quite certain how far the eastern boundary would be moved. It would take 74 years from 1881 to finally settle the Manitoba-Ontario border dispute. One of the sources of dispute between the two provinces was the location of Rat Portage (Kenora). Both provinces proclaimed laws in force of the district and each also built their jail and courthouses. Prisoners jailed by the one province were released by the other and constables who made arrest were in turn arrested by constables from the other province. Rat Portage became one of the worst places to live in. However, in 1884, the Canadian Government gave the district to Ontario. In 1912, the Canadian legislators extended Manitobas eastern boundary to the northeast to the Hudson Bay where the 89th meridian intersects the southern shore. In 1955, the governments of the two provinces received and accepted the survey report as the final word, finally settling the Manitoba-Ontario border dispute. Manitoba-Saskatchewan Boundary Saskatchewan is the only prairie province bordering Manitoba and is the only province in Canada without a natural border. Thus, the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border, also known as Manitobas western border, is strictly defined by a near-perfect imaginary boundary line. Saskatchewan joined the confederation simultaneously with Alberta in 1905 as the 8th and 9th provinces in no particular order. Although the boundary line separating the two provinces appear as a straight line, it actually contains a series of small jogs that resulted from the land survey grid for Western Canada. As settlements were being established in the west, the Dominion government undertook to projects to ensure that these settlements were orderly. To achieve this, the government turned to the Dominion Land Survey in which the basic mapping unit is a square tract of land known as a township. On the DSL grid, both latitude and longitude lines are used and since the Earth is a globe, the vertical lines get closer until they converge at the North Pole. Thus if the lines are not corrected, they would give inaccurate and undefined boundary line. Correcting the lines cause a series of jogs which increase in size as they progress westwards. The jog on the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border is about 1.25 miles. Manitoba-Nunavut Border Manitoba shares its northern boundary with the territory of Nunavut. The northern boundary runs along the 60th parallel while the northeastern part of the province was enlarged to border Hudson Bay. Nunavut is the largest territory in Canada, covering about one-fifth of the country and was officially separated from Northwest Territories in 1999. However, its boundaries were drawn in 1993. At the time of creating the territory, Manitobas northern boundary had been surveyed and defined. Nunavut and Manitoba share more than a border. The two have established a close trading, transportation, and cultural relationship in the past 26 years. For instance, in April 2002, the two signed a Memorandum of Intent on Northern Energy Strategy with the purpose of improving energy supply for both regions. Northwest Territories and Manitoba at Four Corners There is no boundary line defining the border between Northwest Territories and Manitoba. However, the two, alongside Nunavut and Saskatchewan meet at a point known as the Four Corners. At this point, the northwestern corner of Manitoba meets the southeastern corner of Northwest Territories. This corner is situated between Hasbala Lake and Kasba Lake to the south and north respectively and is hundreds of miles away from any railway or road. Last Thursday, the US Army asked its followers in a tweet, How has serving impacted you? It was meant to be a routine Twitter post ahead of Memorial Day to draw responses which would glorify the United States Army and veterans who served as cannon fodder for the military. It did not go as planned and backfired spectacularly. More than 10,000 people replied in response with an outpouring of antiwar sentiments detailing the horrors, crimes and ravages of war. Many of the comments are harrowing stories of lives completely undone, a portrait of an entire population scarred and destroyed by US militarism at home and abroad. Your impact is that youre a death cult, San declared bluntly on the US war machine in a typical response. Suicides, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nightmares, depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety, alcoholism, drug addictions, eruptions of violence, sexual assault, marital breakdown, health issues from exposure to chemical weapons like Agent Orange, failures of the Veterans Administration, families and friends wrecked over multiple generations, and worse are some of the thousands of devastating stories detailed in these replies. Many of us are a shell of who we were before, said one military veteran. Shane spoke of veteran suicides and unending military deployments. My best friend from high school, he said, was denied his mental health treatment and forced to return to a third tour in Iraq, despite having such deep trauma that he could barely function. He took a handful of sleeping pills and shot himself in the head two weeks before deploying. I didnt serve but my brother did, Penny noted, recounting the tragedy that befell her family as a result. He never went to war but still shot himself in the head. He was the sweetest most tender person Ill ever know and the US Army ruined him. Veterans continue to kill themselves at alarming levels in the United States. More than 52 percent of military suicides occur among US Army veterans. A Veterans Administration study from 2016 showed that approximately 20 veterans die every day, or one every hour or so. According to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), more than 5,500 veterans killed themselves in 2018. Alice spoke of the generational traumas felt by the scars of past wars going back to World War II. My grandfather fought in Burma with the U.S. Army in WWII, Alice wrote. He lived a long life and had 7 children. But as he got older the nightmares came. It broke my heart to hear him tell me with tears in his eyes that he was dreaming every night of all he had seen. Chanda spoke of similar traumas affecting whole families. My uncle was US Airforce, she said, and he came home with PTSD that went untreated for almost 50 years and had an impact on his ability to be the family man he needed to be. Now, hes suffering serious physical side effects from agent orange exposure. Its affected my whole family. The real take away, Brett remarked on the Armys tweet, for the social media/marketing folks whose brilliant idea this was should be to stop selling and glorifying military service to underprivileged 18-year-olds while covering up the consequences and side effects. Another commentator declared, Soldiers are not your money-bought pawns. They are not random collateral. They are family. They are friends. Our mothers and fathers. Our sisters and brothers. Our aunts, uncles, and cousins. They are more than a serial number. Even if they dont lose their lives, they lose themselves. The US Army takes advantage of those stuck in unfortunate circumstances, said another, while the elite continue to profit off their service and reap their benefits. My heart breaks for every veteran in this thread brave enough to speak their painful truths of this dystopian cult. The pervasiveness of antiwar sentiment is detailed in comments like the following as well: My grandfather was drafted from Puerto Rico against his will and taken to Korea to fight a war for the USA and when he didnt want to kill people that didnt do anything to him he was thrown in jail. A person in Sacramento, California spoke of the crimes of US imperialism in Vietnam and that wars continuing impact: My grandparents were used as pawns serving the US army in aiding them on the Ho Chi Minh trail. They served in The Secret War, and when the US lost the Vietnam war the Hmong were left to die in genocide. To this day Hmong veterans are not recognized by the US army. More than half of my people were wiped out through genocide. Only about a third of what once was the Hmong population are scattered in diaspora around the world. Many in the US who deal with PTSD through alcoholism, abuse, and addiction to opium. And the children are left to pick up the pieces and navigate a delicate past, present, and future for the years to come while inheriting intergenerational trauma. My dad was in the marines in the 2000s, another person explained. He served in Iraq and then got honorably discharged. He talked a lot about how proud he was for that, but Ive spent a lot of my time the past couple months crying. How does pride come into play when hes gone? Hed been struggling with PTSD for so long. Hed been struggling with addiction and alcoholism, but he wanted help so badly. He spent the entirety of 2018 wanting to get better. He went to rehab and took all the medication he was told to, but there was so much medication. He slipped. He made the mistake of fueling his addiction. Once. But with all the medication prescribed to him his body couldnt handle that. So he was on a ventilator and then they disconnected him a week later after giving him 72 hours. Take better care of our veterans. He was only 37. My mom used to do everything with him and now she looks so lonely. The calendar that he hung is still there, in our kitchen. It still says December 2018. No one has touched it. Nathan spoke of the wars coming home with devastating violence, You all make the world a scary place playing war games killing people overseas then the poor guys come home, get police jobs and end up shooting people in our communities. More than one thousand Americans are killed by police every year, a reflection of the brutalization and militarization of all forms of social life. Karen spoke of the falsehoods and imperialist deceits used to prosecute these illegal wars. My uncle is still MIA in Laos, she said. He was involved in a secret war, and the military lied to my family about his location. He was 20 years old, too young to vote at that time. The US has learned nothing, Karen added, and continues to manufacture war under false pretenses. This outpouring of rage on Twitter highlights the latent but deep going antiwar sentiment in the American population that finds no expression in the current political system or the corporate media. A quarter century of endless wars of aggression waged to offset the decline of US capitalism on the world stage has taken a heavy human toll at home as well as abroad. A continuous string of administrations from both parties of big business, from George H.W. Bush, to Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump, are the chief architects of a maelstrom of bloody imperialist violence unleashed around the world since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. While George H.W. Bush went to his grave praised by the political establishment, thousands of veterans and millions of civilians have been scarred by the first Gulf War which he oversaw. Following Clintons crimes in Iraq and Yugoslavia, George W. Bushs administration began the unending War on Terror that killed and maimed millions in Iraq and Afghanistan and destroyed and destabilized an entire civilization and region. Nearly two decades later the US military continues to occupy both countries. Millions hoped that Obama would end the wars of the previous Bush administration, but he extended the theater of war to more than seven countries, including Libya and Syria, and carried out deadly drone strikes in multiple countries that killed innumerable innocent civilians. Trump has continued Obamas wars, maintaining an illegal occupation of northeastern Syria and deploying 1,500 additional soldiers to the Middle East to threaten Iran. The endless sociocide waged by American imperialism has unleashed the largest refugee crisis globally since World War II and threatens the world with the outbreak of a third world war with nuclear armed powers, Russia and China. War criminals like George W. Bush, Clinton, Obama and Trump have yet to be held to account for their crimes; instead, they walk free and have made enormous fortunes since leaving office. Unlike the Nazi trials of Nuremberg following World War II, there has been no reckoning with the crimes of American imperialism. For its part, the US media, including the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, Fox News and the rest of the mainstream media have served as open propaganda instruments for the US ruling elite, justifying the lies and false pretexts manufactured to prosecute criminal wars of aggression and to suffocate mass antiwar sentiment in the population. These are the crimes that Julian Assange, WikiLeaks and whistleblower Chelsea Manning courageously revealed and risked their lives. For revealing the truths about the wars of American imperialism, a responsibility the media have completely abdicated, both Manning and Assange have been thrown into prison. They are victims of a massive political frame-up by the US ruling class, which now seeks to criminalize the freedom of the press with the use of the Espionage Act. As the comments in response to the US Army Twitter post reveal, there is a powerful revulsion to war and mass antiwar sentiment in the United States. The crimes of American imperialism are above all the product of the failure of the global capitalist system, the growth of social inequality and the continued division of the world into competing nation states. The intolerable conditions millions confront in their daily lives are driving them into opposition to capitalism and war. This opposition, however, can only be mobilized in progressive direction through the building of a mass antiwar, anti-capitalist and socialist movement of the international working class to once and for all end the scourges and horrors of war and capitalism. Young people, students, and workers took part in protests in Melbourne and Sydney last Friday to oppose the refusal of successive governments to take any significant action aimed at stemming climate change. These rallies coincided with a global strike by high school and university students against environmental destruction. Around 1,000 protesters gathered in Melbourne, and around 700 in Sydney. Part of the Melbourne rally The demonstrations events were called under the banner of Extinction Rebellion. In Britain, the movement has been based upon middle-class denunciations of consumerism as being responsible for environmental destruction, and futile protest stunts, including disrupting traffic. The Australian protests were held in the wake of the federal election, which resulted in a devastating defeat for the Labor Party and the return to office of the right-wing Liberal-National government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison. None of the speakers was able to provide any explanation for the election outcome, which was a damning refutation of the positions advanced by all of the environmental groups. Organisations such as the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC), and the pseudo-left Solidarity party insisted that it was necessary to elect a Greens-backed Labor government. Despite Labors pro-business program, and the failure of any previous Labor government to take any action on climate change, they claimed that this would help to resolve the environmental crisis. As the election revealed however, the promotion of the widely discredited Labor Party only served to provide the Liberal-Nationals, and various right-wing populists, with an opportunity to exploit social anger and discontent. Along with channelling protests behind Labor, the AYCC and other groups have sought to demobilise the emerging student strike movement. On the eve of the election, they divided students up, holding a series of small protests outside the offices of federal parliamentarians. At Fridays rallies, speakers from Solidarity and other groups made no reference to their own record. They continued to peddle the bankrupt claim that demonstrations would pressure the capitalist parties to adopt environmentally friendly policies. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) insisted on the need for students to break with the entire political establishment and turn to the working class. They explained that climate change is a product of the capitalist system and its division of the world into antagonistic nation-states, and can only be resolved through the reorganisation of global society along socialist lines, to meet social need, not private profit. In Melbourne, Asha, a high school student, said: Im seriously concerned for our future. Not enough is being done. Its up to us really, because theres no-one else. Its sad to think that my generation might not even want to bring children into this world because they might not have a liveable future. Marian told IYSSE campaigners: Obviously the climate crisis has got to run deeper than parliament. Were not going to achieve anything through the political process. Even if the Liberals had lost and Labor had come in, they would not have done enough. The election had made me realise that I cant sit in my lounge room and feel sad. Ive got to get out there and do something. I think Im coming to the conclusion that capitalism is dying. I think it is on its last legs. It is becoming more and more obvious that its more of a burden than a constructive force. Nora and Eliza Nora and Eliza, who are studying journalism at Monash University attended the rally for a university assignment. Eliza said that after speaking with IYSSE members, her eyes were opened. She added that she feels alienated from politics. When we were voting, I saw each party with their various claims that they only use to try and get into power. I dont know who to vote for because all the parties make all sorts of promises, but everyone knows that theyre just saying these things so that they can get voted in. There is no difference between the big political parties in Australia. All the media presence by major political parties, on the radio, on TV, are just negative attacks on the other parties. I dont understand who they all are, or what makes them different. Thats why I dont feel compelled to vote. Nora supported the IYSSEs call for an international political program to counter climate change. She told IYSSE campaigners that, in her home country of Germany, the government made a pledge to stop using nuclear power, and said that theyll go green, and try to stop using coal. But then what they did was just go and buy energy from France, which is still using nuclear and coal. Countries use energy as a commodity, and then it becomes about money, not climate change. Theres not a solution in one country. The whole world has to make a move for climate change. One country, or just a few countries, alone cant make an impact on the climate on their own. In Sydney, high school students Zian, Isaiah and Willall fourteen years-oldspoke to IYSSE members about climate change, social inequality, and the threat of war. Isaiah, Zian and Will Zian said: Were here because we want a good future to live in. We dont want a world where there are floods and droughts and other environmental disasters. We need to help the common people, everyday people who are the ones that need the help. Not big business and the banks. Will added: People in parliament just want to make money, and be able to retire wealthy. They dont care what we have to deal with overall. Its not going to affect them. I dont think theres much difference between Labor and Liberal. Australia shouldnt be using fossil fuels. After discussing the social crisis in the US and around the world, Isaiah said: America always says that another country is a threat, especially in the lead-up to an election. Its about distracting the people from whats going on at home. What they did in Iraq was invade for resources and oil. It isnt right, those resources belonged to the people of that country, and they were just stolen. Estella (right), with friends Estella told IYSSE campaigners: Scott Morrison has to do something to fix climate change. But it has to be international. If money wasnt involved, we wouldnt have these problems, like climate change. The Liberal Party here is only concerned about profit, but we need to put people above profit. Its hard, because theres not much difference between Labor and Liberal. She added Im very concerned about war. Trump is constantly threatening North Korea and other countries. It feels like the world is dying. Year 10 students Johnny, Holden and Jude [photo] attended the Sydney rally together. Jude, Johnny and Holden Johnny said that politicians dont really care what the Earth is going to be like once theyre dead. They make so much money from exporting coal and just dont want to buy all the renewables. I think its wrong that the government is not doing much about it and I just want to take a stand, added Holden. I think the community needs to stop them and all these rallies are helping with that. All the strikes are helping, but they need the working class people to be there. He agreed that an international, anti-capitalist party is a good idea. SEP campaigner in discussion on the Bristol team Socialist Equality Party members and supporters in a number of UK cities won a strong response in recent days in demanding the freedom of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who is being held at Londons notorious Belmarsh maximum security prison, and courageous whistleblower Chelsea Manning. The teams raised the importance of workers and youth supporting the May 30 protest outside Westminster Magistrates Court (see below) against the threat to extradite Assange to the US. They publicised and sold tickets for the upcoming SEP public meetings being held in Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds in defence of Assange and Manning. London On Saturday, a team of Socialist Equality Party members and supporters campaigned at the Highbury and Islington underground station. They met a warm response as they handed out hundreds of leaflets in defence of Assange and Manning. Nine local residents signed up to join the international campaign aimed at winning their freedom and asked for more information as to how they could assist. Adam A number of residents raised their concerns that local MP and Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn had not spoken out to demand Assanges release. Although Corbyn said Assange should not be extradited to the United States, he supports his extradition to Sweden on bogus accusations of sexual assault. A majority of people who spoke to the campaign team said they understood that the Swedish allegations were just another means by the ruling elite to ensure Assanges eventual extradition to the United States. A young man, Adam, said, Julian Assange has been arrested illegally. If they come for him, they will definitely be coming for any of us one day. I think its an important issue to fight for this man to be free. Its a political imprisonment and completely unjust, so please support, donate and spread the message. Adam said he would attend the May 30 protest. Andrew Andrew, a student based in London, also supported the protest and hoped to attend at Westminster Magistrates Court. He said, Julian Assange has provided very important information. Its important that we stand up for his freedom of speech, a right that comes from the Enlightenment. Its very important that is preserved as one of the high points of humanity. Sheffield The team in Sheffield on Saturday sold five tickets campaigning in the city centre for the public meeting Free Julian Assange! Free Chelsea Manning!, to be held on June 11. Zina is originally from Bulgaria and works in the food sector. She said, I dont think Assange would get a fair hearing in any court in the West. I agree that he should be given safe passage to his home country of Australia. They [the authorities] are not human in how they are treating him. My country, Bulgaria, is run by the United States. The social systems in Eastern Europe which existed before have been destroyed to make these countries easier to control and rule over. This is all because of imperialism. School children in Bulgaria had been ranked around tenth in the world for education in the past. Now it ranks alongside countries like the Congo. I would not have left my country if it wasnt for all of this. Rather than address the problems that Assange and WikiLeaks have brought to light, the powers that be treat him as the problem. They have decided to take him out. I first became aware of Wikileaks back in 2010/11 with the [2010 Collateral Murder] video which showed the US forces gunning down civilians and journalists in Iraq. That is when they really started to try and discredit him with the accusations of sexual assault. People have to get more engaged and educated. Rob Rob, a retired auto delivery driver, said, I think its a travesty of justice. I also feel that hes done nothing wrong. Hes exposed governments corruption and mayhem. He shouldnt be in prison; he should be having an award given to him for true journalism. Its no different to what Woodward and Bernstein did in the 1970s, exposing the Republicans and Nixon, etc., in the White House and the Watergate scandal. Its no different to that. Hes exposed corruption. This applies to Chelsea Manning as well. They should be commended rather than be in prison. Thats what she [Manning] believes in. I think America is one of the most corrupt countries in the world and you can see that by Donald Trump in the White House. Hes nothing but a slime ball. Hes not a very nice man. The ones who are in power who have the most money, theyll not help the people down below. I agree with your perspective, we should have socialism. Neil (right) Neil, a member of the Fire Brigades Union, was petitioning with a colleague against cuts to the South Yorkshire Fire Service. He opposed Assanges treatment, saying, First of all, the way Assange is being treated poses a threat to democracy. The wheels are fully in motion to smear a journalist who has made a valuable contribution to make the truth publicly known. The state is powerful. We know from experience how it can be used against workers. You only have to look at the example of the Shrewsbury Two and Des Warren. This was a reference to the 19th century conspiracy laws which were brought against the building workers strike in 1972the first time they had been used in the case of an industrial dispute and led to Warren and another strike leader being handed down three and two years prison sentences respectively. Bristol Socialist Equality Party members campaigned at Bristol University last Thursday and found a lot of support for Assange and Manning. Dozens of leaflets were distributed among university students and people passing by. Many stopped to discuss the fate of Assange and Manning, with eight people, including university students, signing up to support the campaign and receive the weekly SEP newsletter. Kenny Kenny, a law student at Bristol University, said, I think the imprisonment of Julian Assange is a double standard. The government should be held accountable for what they do, especially for their wars. Assange essentially exposed war crimes in illegal wars. Now this poor man has suffered for it and spent six years having to hide. Shame on the US government and shame on the UK government for allowing it to happen. They should take responsibility. Adam Adam, also at Bristol University, said, It is a disgrace that Assange is in prison. He has exposed the things we should know about, what our governments are doing. These things are normally hidden. This is especially the case about the US in the 2016 election. I think it is illegal to drag Assange out of the Ecuadorian embassy. He was having asylum there. UK police had no right to be there at all. It is awful that his possessions have been sent to the US. It is a disgrace that he is not allowed to see his family. When I was walking in the Ecuadorian Embassy street, I was thinking that secret police were watching him. They were always on him. I totally agree that this part of a wider attack on democratic rights and the freedom of speech. Manchester SEP members campaigned outside the entrance to the Envirolution festival being held in the citys Platt Fields park on Saturday. People stopped to look at the stall and discussed with the team, with one man saying, Julian Assange was innocent. This is all a setup. He added that WikiLeaks had exposed war crimes, and thats why they wanted to shut him up. Another attending the festival said, Getting him to Sweden will be the first step in getting him to the US, hes innocent. Another, pointing to the sign on the campaign stall, commented, Im 100 percent behind him and Chelsea Manning, they have done nothing wrong but told the truth. The SEP calls on supporters to attend the protest on Thursday May 30 outside Westminster Magistrates Court to oppose the attempt to extradite Assange to the United States. The protest, called by the Julian Assange Defence Committee, is supported by the Socialist Equality Party and World Socialist Web Site. Free Julian Assange! No US Extradition! Westminster Magistrates Court Thursday May 30, 9 a.m. 181 Marylebone Road London, NW1 5BR (nearest tube stations: Marylebone Station, Edgware Road) Tens of thousands of young people once again took to the streets across Germany on Friday to protest against climate change. Demonstrations took place in a total of 200 cities, including Hamburg, Freiburg, Leipzig, Munich and Cologne. In Berlin alone, more than 10,000 students and pupils demonstrated their opposition to the government and capitalism. The organisers of the protests sought to limit the protests to climate change, but it quickly became clear that many young people were also motivated to participate by a number of other reasons. Members of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) distributed a statement that linked the issue of environmental decay to the threat of war and stated that only the overthrow of capitalism could prevent a catastrophe. The leaflet also called for a vote for the Socialist Equality Party on Sunday in the European elections. The statement met with a very positive response. In front of Berlins Brandenburg Gate IYSSE members spoke with striking students about a socialist perspective against climate change, war and capitalism. Veronika, a student in Berlin, told us why she joined the school strike: Im on strike because I want to live in a world that provides opportunities. Why should I go to school or college when we adolescents have no future anyway, if things do not change? Simone also studies in Berlin and participated in the Fridays For Future demonstrations. She explained: Especially in the context of the European elections, it is important to set an example for climate protection. People fleeing war and climate change should not be allowed to drown at sea. They have to be taken in and a solution found that benefits all. She continued: Of course I am for world peace. We have to fight for a globally united society and overcome the nation-state system. But in war, its all about money in the final analysis. Taking care of the environment is also simply unattractive from the standpoint of this economic system! As for the future, I am confident. We are facing big challenges, thats right, but much can change for the better in the next period. Movements and demonstrations like these give me hope and courage: pupils, students, older peopleeverybody coming together for a better society. Ole, who has a job at a university, regarded the struggle by youth against climate change as part of a broader political picture: I believe that the capitalist system is incapable of protecting the climate. If things continue as they are, then instead of thousands of war and climate change casualties dying in the Mediterranean, we may have 10,000 deaths per month. Johannes, bearing his own self-made poster, is studying energy and process engineering at the Technical University in Berlin. He forcefully denounced the current situation: I am here today because I regard the whole ruling policy to be completely wrong. The government seems unwilling to even reach the ridiculous climate targets it set for itself in Paris. He continued, I am a technician, not an economist. But I think the system has been complete mismanaged. The necessary technology to solve the environmental crisis has long existed but it is not used because the government does not represent the interests of the majority of the population. He then reported: Some time ago, I saw a documentary film showing that Exxons own climate scientists were aware of the consequences of expected climate change back in the 1980s, but the management just said: Well, after all, profits for the next 30 years are secured. The result of such decisions is that we now face a global catastrophe and possibly a new ice age. It is really menacing. Big business policies are made at the expense of humanity as a whole. Meanwhile, of course, it is always said there is no money for the climatebut apparently enough for the military. When asked about the US war threats against Iran and Venezuela, Johannes said, The drive towards war is terrifying. A war against Iran must not happen! Its all about the exploitation of the countrys resources anyway. Wikileaks and Julian Assange uncovered such things. The fact that they want to hand him over to the US now is criminal. They have nothing on him, of course not. Johannes expressed considerable interest in the international socialist perspective of the IYSSE: I understand very well why you say capitalism must be overthrown. I recently saw your Assange posters in Berlin. The US Federal Bureau of Prisons has announced that Thomas Silverstein, an inmate at a maximum-security prison in Florence, Colorado, died on May 11. Silverstein served the longest term in solitary confinement of any prisoner at the federal super-maximum security prison in Colorado. His wife, Renee Silverstein, said he died as result of complications during heart surgery. He was 67 years old. Silverstein was sent to prison in Kansas in 1977 after a robbery conviction. While at the facility, he was accused of killing an inmate and moved to a maximum-security prison in Marion, Illinois. He was convicted of four separate murders while incarcerated, one of which was overturned. He was placed in solitary confinement in 1983 after he fatally stabbed a guard. After prison authorities deemed him to be a hazard, he was transferred to federal prison in Atlanta, where he was confined in a 6-by-7-foot cell, subjected to bright lights that were never turned off and continuous monitoring by surveillance cameras. According to his former attorney Daniel Manville, Silverstein was rumored to be part of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang and was targeted by other inmates. Silverstein maintained that the dehumanizing conditions inside the prison system contributed to the three murders he committed. Silverstein spent some time at Leavenworth in Kansas before moving to the ADX (Administrative Maximum) federal penitentiary in Florence, Colorado, a Supermax facility. He was held in a specially designed cell in what is called Range 13 at the ADX, where there is virtually no contact with any other human being, then finally to the facilitys D-Unit, where he could hear the cries and shouts of other prisoners living in neighboring cells, though still never seeing them. He wrote in a letter to a friend in 2007: Its almost more humane to kill someone immediately than it is to intentionally bury a man alive. According to reports, he spent his time watching television, writing letters, drawing, crocheting and practicing yoga and meditation. His official websitehas published many of his drawings, which are both haunting and insightful. Silversteins death has found some coverage in the media due to the longevity of his solitary confinement term. What goes unmentioned, however, are the tens of thousands of men, women and children who are in solitary confinement in prisons across the country. Although there is no federal tracking system for prisoners held in isolation, according to a decade-old estimate from the Bureau of Judicial Statistics there are 80,000 such prisoners. This figure does not include people in jail or juvenile prisoners subjected to segregation. Nor does it include people placed in solitary confinement in immigration detention centers, which are undoubtedly stepping up the practice as immigrants crossing the southern border are being held in horrific conditions in detention centers, under tents and behind barbed wire fences. Solitary: The SHU, the hole, administrative segregation Solitary confinement goes by a number of namesisolation, SHU (special housing units), administrative segregation, supermax prisons, the hole, MCU (management control units), CMU (communications management units), STGMU (security threat group management units), voluntary or involuntary protective custody, special needs units, or permanent lockdown. No matter the name or acronym, prisoners caught up in this barbaric practice are living a hell on earth. There is no one definition of solitary confinement, varying from state to state and among correctional facilities, but the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) says the practices systematic policies and conditions include: Confinement behind a solid steel door for 22 to 24 hours a day Severely limited contact with other human beings Infrequent phone calls and rare non-contact family visits Extremely limited access to rehabilitative or educational programming Grossly inadequate medical and mental health treatment Restricted reading material and personal property Physical torture such as hog-tying, restraint chairs, forced cell extraction No-touch torture, such as sensory deprivation, permanent bright lighting, extreme temperatures, and forced insomnia Chemical torture, such as stun grenades and stun guns Sexual intimidation and other forms of brutality and humiliation Prison wardens assume virtually unquestioned authority over who will be thrown in the SHU. There are no federal agencies presiding over these decisions and no open access to the public and the media of the conditions of prisoners. The different mechanisms for placing individuals in solitary confinement are explained in the introduction to Hell Is a Very Small Place: Voices from Solitary Confinement (Jean Casella, James Ridgeway, Sarah Shourd, eds.). Many inmates are sent down due to gang-related issues, or for throwing urine or feces at guards. Some, like Silverstein, have harmed or killed guards or other prisoners. Prisoners can also be sent to the SHU for such arbitrary reasons as refusing to speak English when asked, watching Spanish-language television, or playing cards instead of attending church services. Under disciplinary segregation or punitive segregation, prisoners are placed in solitary confinement for violating prison rules, for periods lasting from several weeks to several years. Administrative segregation, relying on a system of classification, often constitutes a permanent placement extending from years to decades. Involuntary protective custody is utilized to supposedly provide protection for juveniles in adult prisons, LGBTQ individuals, and others deemed at risk of victimization. The physical and psychological effects of solitary confinement The physical and psychological effects of being placed in solitary confinement are devastating and most likely permanent. In an August 2001 report, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment of Punishment, Juan E. Mendez, produced a comprehensive report on solitary confinement that defined prolonged solitary as lasting beyond 15 days. Long-term solitary confinement can produce debilitating psychological effects, including hallucinations, hypersensitivity to noise and touch, insomnia, paranoia, feelings of rage and fear, distorted perceptions of time, increased risk of suicide, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD). For juveniles whose brains are still developing, these effects are magnified, as well as for people with mental health issues, who are estimated to make up one-third of all prisoners in isolation. Prisoners have been known to attempt suicide by throwing themselves off a bed or banging their heads on the wall, to gouge their eyes out or inflict other bodily self-injury. Inmates will scream day-in and day-out or assume the fetal position for prolonged periods. Even if a prisoner is eventually releasedinto the general prison population or into societythe mental anguish persists. Born in the USA As noted in Hell Is a Very Small Place: Accounts of people confined alone in dungeons or towers abound in stories dating back to ancient times. But solitary confinement as a self-conscious, organized, and widespread prison practice originated in the United States, and was born soon after the nation itself. In 1790, Philadelphias Walnut Street Jail was expanded to include the addition of a new kind of cellblock to hold 16 prisoners in single cells, constructed so that they could not communicate with one another. When removed from their cells for any reason, prisoners were forced to wear hoods so no other prisoner could see them. The concept had a clearly religious basis. Prisoners were meant to contemplate their crimes and become penitent within the new block, called Penitentiary House. The Philadelphia Society for Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons believed that as all human beings were capable of redemption, this new form of imprisonment was a more civilized alternative to flogging, the pillory, and overcrowded, violent jails. In their 1833 treatise on US penitentiaries, French prison reformer Gustave de Beaumont and writer Alexis de Tocqueville wrote after visiting US prisons where inmates were held in solitary confinement: In order to reform them, [the prisoners] had been submitted to complete isolation; but this absolute solitude, if nothing interrupts it, is beyond the strength of man; it destroys the criminal without intermission and without pity; it does not reform, it kills. The unfortunates on whom this experiment was made fell into a state of depression so manifest that their keepers were struck with it; their lives seemed in danger if they remained longer in this situation; five of them had already succumbed during a single year; their moral state was not less alarming Despite such criticisms, the Pennsylvania System, as it became known, served as a model for many US prison facilities. The Pennsylvania System gradually gave way to the Auburn System of communal hard labor in the second half of the 19th century. While prisons maintained some version of the hole, it was mostly for short-term use. Solitary confinement was largely abandoned in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the Progressive movement sought reform of the prison system to one of rehabilitation, not retribution, especially for juveniles. Birth of the maximum-security prison Prisons began to reintroduce more widespread solitary confinement in the 1970s and 1980s for a number of reasons. A significant factor was the deinstitutionalization of people with mental illness, with many of these individuals ending up on the streets or in the prison system. Another crucial factor was the tough on crime crusade of the ruling elite and three strikes laws, which led to lengthening of sentences and the elimination or reduction of parole for many. Mass incarceration called for an uptick in the use of solitary confinement and the expansion of maximum-security prisons. The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, originally written by then-senator and now-Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden, was passed by Congress and signed into law by Bill Clinton. It provided $9.7 billion in funding to build new prisons. By 1999, the United States operated at least 57 maximum-security facilities, spread across dozens of states. Nearly 2.2 million adults were held in US prisons and jails at the end of 2016, the highest incarceration rate in the world, according to a 2018 report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Dickens on solitary confinement Charles Dickens visited the Eastern State prison in Philadelphia in 1842 as part of his tour of America and described several of the men he met in solitary confinement as buried alive. He wrote in American Notes for General Circulation: I believe that very few men are capable of estimating the immense amount of torture and agony which this dreadful punishment, prolonged for years, inflicts upon the sufferers; and in guessing at it myself, and in reasoning from what I have seen written upon their faces, and what to my certain knowledge they feel within, I am only the more convinced that there is a depth of terrible endurance which none but the sufferers themselves can fathom, and which no man has a right to inflict upon his fellow creature. I hold this slow and daily tampering with the mysteries of the brain to be immeasurably worse than any torture of the body; and because its ghastly signs and tokens are not so palpable to the eye and sense of touch as scars upon the flesh; because its wounds are not upon the surface, and it extorts few cries that human ears can hear; therefore the more I denounce it, as a secret punishment which slumbering humanity is not roused up to stay. The already dehumanizing conditions at Eastern State described by Dickens 175 years ago have been replaced in 21st century America with its modern version, in the form of the maximum-security and Supermax prison. These are slicker, higher-tech versions of a barbarous practice, which inflicts punishment on its victims through isolation and sensory deprivation. Solitary confinement is being used today for political retribution, both in the US and internationally. Chelsea Manning, the former US soldier and whistleblower, spent seven years in prison, one of those in solitary confinement, for the crime of revealing the war crimes of US imperialism in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is now back in prison for the second time for refusing on principle to testify to a secret grand jury convened to bring trumped-up criminal charges against Julian Assange and WikiLeaks. Assange is currently being held in Britains notorious Belmarsh prison in conditions of virtual isolation in the maximum-security prison after being convicted of trumped-up bail charges shortly after his April 11 arrest. He is allowed only two visitors a month, must compete with other prisoners to make phone calls in a 30-minute daily window, and can receive no incoming calls. His incarceration follows his confinement for nearly seven years in prison-like conditions in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he was granted political asylum against US extradition threats for espionage. There he was denied medical care, access to sunlight and cut off from the internet and contact with his defense consul. In a powerful statement released to journalist Gordon Dimmack last week, Assange wrote from Belmarsh, I am defenceless and am counting on you and others of good character to save my life. He added, The days when I could read and speak and organise to defend myself, my ideals and my people are over until I am free. Everyone else must take my place. Assanges life and freedom, and the freedom of Manning, depend on the intervention of the working class. The struggle for their freedom must be linked to a fight in defense of democratic rights, as the political persecution by the state of these courageous individuals is ultimately aimed at the working class as a whole. Last week, parent company Ascena Retail Group, which also owns Ann Taylor, Loft and Lane Bryant stores, announced the closure of all 650 of its Dressbarn retail stores. Ascena also recently sold its Maurices clothing chain for a sale price of $200 million cash to the UK-based private equity firm OpCapita, portending further closures. In a statement last Monday, Steven Taylor, the chief financial officer of Dressbarn, said that the chain had not been operating at an acceptable level of profitability in todays retail environment, alluding to the increasing dominance of online marketing and retail. Although a final date how not been set for the store closures, Taylor said that the company will finish operations within the next 6 to 12 months. Competition from online giants like Amazon has fed into mass store closures, putting pressure on major retailers to shift from already low paying jobs to more labor-intensive and exploitative distribution center jobs. Approximately 6,800 workers will be thrown out of work by the liquidation of Dressbarn, all of whom the company insists will be offered timely information about their store closings and options for financial support. However, the reality for the vast majority of these workers is that the store closures mean that they will be either unemployed or forced to take even lower paying work to meet their basic needs as clothing retailers like Ascena Retail Group look for ways to compete with major corporations like Amazon and Walmart. Retail workers are already among the lowest paid workers in the United States. According to reports by employees to indeed.com, associates at Dressbarn earn as little as $8.95 an hour to $12 an hour for an assistant store manager. Meanwhile Ascena CEO Gary Mutos total compensation was nearly $6 million in 2018, including a base pay of more than $1 million. The recent wave of retail closures, dubbed the retail apocalypse, has intensified this year with the number of closings exceeding 7000 before Dressbarns announcement, surpassing the number of closures in all of 2018. According to Coresight Research, there were 5864 retail closures in 2018, which included all of the remaining Toys R Us stores, along with other major retail stores like Sears and Kmart. The record for number store closures announced in a single year was 2017 with 8,139. These closures have hit areas in the Midwest and Northeast US particularly hard. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retail employment in these areas has fallen by more than ten percent between January 2007 and February 2019. Along with Dressbarn, other major retail chains that have announced large closures across the United States in 2019 include: * Payless ShoeSource announced that it will close all 2589 of its stores after a second bankruptcy filing, including 248 stores in Canada. * Gymboree Group, which owns both Gymboree and Crazy 8 stores, announced in January that it would close all 800 of its stores and shut down its website. * Foot Locker, despite reporting a record earnings report, announced that it will close 165 stores. * Gap announced that it will close 200 stores this year to focus more on its online store, which now accounts for 40 percent of its revenue. * Charlotte Russe has announced that it will close all 500 of its stores after it announced the closure of 94 of its stores and could not find a buyer for those that remained open. * Dollar Tree which, owns the Family Dollar chain, announced that it will shut down about 390 Family Dollar stores. * Sears announced in February that it would downsize its stores by 1275, keeping 425 stores in operation after filing for bankruptcy. At the rate retail store closures have been announced, this year will soon surpass the record set in 2017. Since the 2008 financial crisis, major retail companies have been subject to buyouts, acquisitions and mergers as retailers have been forced into bankruptcy by Wall Street. According to the real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield, more than 9,000 stores are predicted to close in 2019 and 12,000 will follow in 2020. The European elections ended yesterday, after every state in the 28-member European Union (EU) elected its representatives to the European parliament on one day between Thursday and Sunday. The result was a dramatic defeat for the conservative and social democratic parties that governed Western Europe for decades and built the EU with the Maastricht Treaty adopted in 1992, after the Stalinist restoration of capitalism in Eastern Europe. In Germany, France, Britain and other countries across Europe, these parties that once formed a duopoly dominating the parliament failed to win 50 percent of the vote combined. Most voters voted for other parties. Voters also punished, in addition to the conservatives and social democrats, petty-bourgeois populist parties tied to the trade unions, who have opposed growing social protest against the EU. These parties are hemorrhaging support, as a wave of strikes and protests oppose policies of austerity, militarism and police repression that millions of workers identify with the EU. Mass strikes against EU-dictated wage freezes have gone forward in Berlin and other regions of Germany, Portugal and Belgium, amid yellow vest protests against French President Emmanuel Macron. At the same time, protests are mounting across Eastern Europe, with the Polish national teachers strike and protests against Hungarys slave law mandating unpaid overtime. Mounting opposition in the working class can find no expression within the political establishment, however. Some Green parties, who are closely linked to the social democrats, won increased support in elections that unfolded immediately after mass youth protests against climate change. Across much of Europe, however, the prime beneficiaries of the discrediting of the EU and the traditional ruling parties were far right parties. In Germany, the EUs economic powerhouse and largest country by population, the conservative Christian Democratic Union-Christian Social Union (CDU-CSU) won 28 percent of the vote and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) 15.5 percentdown 7 and 11.8 percent, respectively. The national CDU-CSU-SPD Grand Coalition government now has only 43.8 percent of the vote. The Left Party fell 2 percent to 5.4 percent, while the Greens and the neo-fascist Alternative for Germany both rose to 22 percent and 10.5 percent, respectively. German youth massively turned against the ruling parties: among under-30s, 13 percent voted for the CDU-CSU and 10 percent voted for the SPD, while 33 percent voted for the Greens. Marine Le Pens neo-fascist National Rally (RN) again won the European elections after its 2014 victory at 23.3 percent, narrowly beating Macrons Republic on the March (LRM) at 22.1 percent. The Greens took third with 13.1 percent. The Gaullist The Republicans (LR) and the Socialist Party (PS), Frances traditional parties of rule since the May 1968 general strike, fell to a humiliating 8.4 percent and 6.6 percent, respectively, and Jean-Luc Melenchons Unsubmissive France (LFI), which won 20 percent of the 2017 presidential vote, took only 6.6 percent. While LFI was hammered for not supporting the yellow vest protests against the bitterly unpopular Macron, and by the defection to the RN of LFI member Andrea Kotarac, the RN tried to claim the mantle of best opponent of Macron. RN election list leader Jordan Bardella called for dramatically reorienting economic policy and new attacks on immigrants. Both Bardella and Le Pen called for new French legislative elections. With almost all results counted in the UK, Nigel Farages far-right Brexit Party emerged victorious at 31.6 percent, with the Liberal Democrats (20.3 percent) beating the traditional ruling parties, Labour and Conservatives, into third and fifth place with 14.1 and 9.1 percent, respectively. The Green Party beat the Tories on 12.1 percent of the vote. The Brexit Party carried large swathes of the Tory rural vote, resulting in the worst vote in the partys 185 year-history, but also made headway in cities in pro-Brexit northern England and in Cardiff. Farage took almost all the vote of his former UK Independence Party, which won the last EU elections. Labour lost pro-Remain votes to the Liberal Democrats, who even took Labour leader Jeremy Corbyns Islington district of London. Labour also lost votes to the pro-Remain Greens. In London as a whole, the Brexit Party was beaten into third place by the Lib-Dems and Labour. In Scotland, Labour was wiped out by a sweeping victory for the Scottish National Party. In Belgium, a collapse of the New Flemish Alliance (NVA) and a surge of the fascistic Flemish Interest (VB) put the two parties in the lead, at 13.5 and 11.5 percent respectively, ahead of the Francophone Socialist Party (PS, 10.5 percent). The French and Flemish wings of the Green party combined won 15 percent. With general elections unfolding in parallel with the European elections, it appears that the so-called sanitary cordon agreement between the other bourgeois parties not to include the VB in a Belgian national government may collapse. In some countriesincluding Austria, Spain and the Netherlandsone or the other traditional ruling party eked out an electoral victory. In Austria, where the far-right Austrian Freedom Party (FPO) faced a scandal as a video exposed its leader and Austrian Vice Chancellor Heinz Christian Strache seeking corrupt deals with individuals he believed to represent a Russian oligarch, Chancellor Sebastian Kurzs Austrian Peoples Party (OVP) won 35 percent of the vote. The social democrats (SPO) won 24 percent and the FPO fell around 7 percent to 17.5 percent. In the Netherlands, after bitter debates between Prime Minister Mark Ruttes Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD, 15 percent) and Thierry Baudets far right Forum for Democracy (11 percent), the Labor Party (PvdA) won a surprise first place finish, though with only 18 percent of the vote. In Spain, the European election results largely mirrored the recent general elections, which saw a substantial turn-out of voters for the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) to block the rise of the fascistic Vox party. The PSOE took 30 percent, the right wing Popular Party (PP) and Citizens 19.5 percent and 14 percent, and the Podemos-led alliance 11 percent. Vox received six percent of the vote. This represented a significant fall for the alliance led by Podemos, the Spanish ally of the German Left Party and LFI, whose component parts had won 18 percent in the last EU elections. In Greece, the right-wing New Democracy took 34 percent of the vote, beating the pro-austerity Syriza (Coalition of the Radical Left) government of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras into second place with 27 percent of the vote. Across much of Europe, however, far-right parties solidified their hold over bourgeois politics. The far right Lega party of Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini led with 30 percent of the vote. The Democratic Party (PD) with 22 percent narrowly edged out the Five Star Movement (M5S, 21 percent), while Silvio Berlusconis Forza Italia (FI) fell to only 10 percent. There was speculation that Salvini could push for new elections in order to throw the M5S out of government and install a one-party Lega government in Italy. Far right parties advanced in several Eastern European countries. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans Fidesz party winning a 56 percent majority, relegating the social democrats to 10 percent and the fascistic Jobbik party to 9 percent. In Poland, the ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS) won 43 percent of the vote, beating the European Coalition at 38.4 percent. The EU elections are further confirmation that while working people across Europe are increasingly entering into struggledriven by anger at social inequality, militarism and attacks on democratic rightsthe ruling elite is relentlessly shifting to the right. For now, a mass-fascist movement like those of the 20th century has not developed. But facing growing social anger, the ruling class is pouring hundreds of billions of euros into the armed forces, carrying out violent crackdowns like Macrons attack on the yellow vests and building a vast network of prison camps for immigrants. The differences between the traditional pro-EU parties and the far right parties on these issues are almost entirely tactical matters of foreign policy, over whether the EU could be an effective vehicle for building a common European armed forces to threaten America, Russia and China. This found consummate expression in French Defense Minister Florence Parlys call for an EU army and a vote for Macrons party if you dont want a defenseless Europe. Predictably, the turn far to the right by the entire ruling class has again allowed the far right to pose as populist opponents of the EU. It cannot be fought by a turn to pro-EU parties like the Greens, a coalition of pro-capitalist parties across Europe who are the undeserving beneficiaries of mass social anger against the reactionary policies pursued over decades by the conservatives and social democrats. Their pro-imperialist politics are epitomized by the record of the German Greens, the largest Green party in the continent. Having shed their pacifist pretensions and backed NATOs Balkan wars in the 1990s, they entered into coalition with the SPD in the 2000s to ram through the hated Hartz IV austerity laws. They are just as distant from and hostile to growing workers struggles as the scoundrels such as the German Left Party, LFI, Corbyn, Podemos or Syriza, which have done everything in their power to disorient or suppress growing working class struggles. The decisive question now facing workers and youth across Europe, faced with the imperviousness of the financial aristocracy to all social protest, and its ruthless policy of police-state repression, is a turn to revolutionary struggle. The turn now is to the struggles of the working class and the fight to unify them across Europe and internationally on a common socialist revolutionary perspective and leadership. It was for this purpose that the International Committee of the Fourth Internationals European sections intervened in the election campaign, including running candidates of the German Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, to launch the struggle to build the ICFI in countries across Europe. 404 This page could not be found . The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in Sri Lanka held a successful meeting in Colombo last week to discuss the critical political situation in the aftermath of terrorist bombings on April 21. The horrific attack resulted in the death of over 250 innocent people and injuries to another 500. Prior to the meeting SEP and IYSSE members campaigned at the railway quarters in Ratmalana, among Colombo harbour workers, in front of the busy Colombo railway station and among university students. About 150 party members, supporters, youth and housewives attended. The meeting entitled Defeat the governments police-military dictatorial plans was chaired by SEP assistant national secretary Deepal Jayasekera. He explained that while political leaders were blaming each other for the bombings, all were united in imposing repressive emergency laws and deploying the military throughout the country. No-one within the ruling elite, the media or pseudo-left groups even ask the one important question, let alone answer it: Why was this attack allowed to take place even though the defence establishment had the advance warning that it was to take place? Deepal Jayasekera The SEP is the only party that provides an answer. The ruling elites are exploiting the disaster to justify repressive measures aimed at suppressing the emerging workers struggles, he said. We alone fight to mobilise workers and the poor against these measures. By attending the All Party Conference called by President Sirisena on April 25, Jayasekera explained, all the establishment parties lent their full support to the repressive laws. Despite their tactical differences, all of them are united in fearing the growing class struggles and are determined to suppress them. IYSSE leader Pradeep Ramanayake said that youth and students have become a target of police-state measures. After a long period of closure, the universities have been now re-opened after military searches. At the Sri Jayawardenapura University, a student was arrested because of a Facebook post. The president and secretary of the Jaffna university arts faculty student union were also taken into custody after the military found a picture of the slain leader of Liberation of Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), V. Prabhakaran, in the union office. Pradeep Ramanayake In the recent period, students have protested against privatisation and the lack of facilities. The aim of military and police operations in universities is to intimidate students as part of the crackdown on the working class. Official student leadership run by the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) has appealed to the government to assure security at the universities. Now the IUSF is campaigning against so-called Islamic extremism. That is how they support the governments repressive actions, Ramanayake said. SEP Political Committee member Pani Wijesiriwardena delivered the main speech. He said that the political situation in Sri Lanka had reached a critical stage. To understand why the Sri Lankan ruling elites are turning towards a dictatorship we must place the development here in the world situation, Wijesiriwardena explained. In the United States, strikes by teachers have erupted in many states. Teachers struggles have also taken place in Poland and in Tamil Nadu in India. In France, the yellow vest movements struggle has continued for months now. The Indian governments nervousness about the emerging struggles was shown by the jailing of 13 Maruti Suzuki workers for life in the Haryana industrial belt. Wijesiriwardena explained that the response of ruling classes in every country to these developing class struggles was a turn to the right. They are seeking to establish dictatorial forms of rule and encouraging fascist movements. The US imperialism is at an advanced state in its war preparations. While attempting to encircle China militarily and confronting it economically, the US now threatens Iran and to escalate war in Syria. In Sri Lanka, President Sirisena used the April 21 terrorist attack to impose far reaching repressive measuresa state of emergency and the deployment of troops throughout the country on a scale not seen since the end of the bloody civil war against the LTTE. Why? he asked. It is because the government and every faction of the ruling class is nervous about the struggles erupting here and internationally. He cited the nine-day strike by plantation workers in December and the one-day strike by 200,000 teachers in March. In relation to the terrorist attacks on April 21, neither the government nor the military has explained why prior warnings by a foreign intelligence agency were ignored. Everything indicates that the government turned a blind eye so as to exploit the situation to impose far-reaching, anti-democratic measures to suppress the class struggle, the speaker said. Pani Wijesiriwardena Wijesiriwardena explained that enormous powers have been granted to the military. So pleased was Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake that he declared: We demanded a bicycle. But we have received a car. On the 10th anniversary of the LTTEs defeat, President Sirisena said that the terrorism was an international issue and Sri Lanka should also join with the world to end terrorism. In other words, Sri Lanka should line up with the major powers, particularly the US. When the ISIS declared responsibility for the attacks on April 21, it claimed to have aimed at the alliance headed by the US, the speaker said. It is a significant fact that when the attack took place the US military was engaged in an extensive exercise with the Sri Lankan navy that began on April 19 in Hambantota. He said the government was expanding relations with the US. Foreign minister Tilak Marapana visited the US recently and held extensive discussions with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Advisor John Bolton and Undersecretary of State David Hale. Marapana and Hale issued a joint statement calling for stronger military ties between Sri Lanka and the US. The speaker warned against the anti-Muslim campaign being whipped up by the political establishment. He said that the Sri Lankan ruling class has always promoted communalist reaction to divide the working class in the midst of rising class struggles. Workers need to oppose communal provocations and steps towards police state rule, and rally the peasantry and other oppressed layers to fight for a workers and peasants government to implement socialist policies. Workers, oppressed layers and youth are invited to read the WSWS and join and build the SEP as the necessary leadership to fight for this program, Wijesiriwardena concluded. WSWS reporters spoke to several meeting attendees. Sisira, a university student, said: I condemn the anti-Muslim campaign by government, opposition parties and media saying that Muslim people are responsible for April 21 attacks. I also condemn the JVPs propaganda that extremism is generated within Muslim society. The Frontline Socialist Party and IUSF covers up the fact that roots of extremism lie within capitalism. The IUSF directly supports deployment of security forces within universities. Kavishwara, a young worker from Gampaha, said: It is vital that the working class understands these developments and unites under an international socialist program to fight the war plans of American imperialism. This is the first time I have attended an SEP meeting. I want to study the SEP program and read the WSWS deeply. Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) and French automaker Renault are in advanced talks to establish a corporate alliance, the financial press reported over the weekend. An announcement of the deal could come as soon as today. The talks have reportedly developed very rapidly in recent days, and it is unclear as of this writing what form the deal will ultimately take. Reports have ranged from an alliance involving a share swap to a full merger. Bloomberg News reports that the deal is an operational tie-up that could lead to a full merger. At a minimum, according to the New York Times, the two sides have agreed to share technology, intellectual property, supply chains and plants to develop and manufacture vehicles, these people said. Whatever ultimately emerges from the discussions, if a deal is made there can be no doubt that the net impact for the workers at both companies will be massive layoffs and plant closures, as such a move would be aimed at eliminating redundancies and excess capacity across both companies in order to boost profits at each. Automotive News speculated that the deal could help FCA consolidate its less profitable European operations, which accounts for one-third of its workforce even though almost all of the firms profits are made in North America. Renault, which is 15 percent owned by the French government, counts on Europe for almost half its sales, the industry website said. Meanwhile, the deal would give Renault greater access to the lucrative North American market. The deal is part of a global restructuring of the auto industry amid growing signs a world-wide recession. The auto industry in particular is facing declining demand for new vehicles and rising capital costs associated with emerging technologies such as electric vehicles and self-driving cars. Analysts have pointed out that one of the advantages of the deal for FCA would be access to Renaults research in electric vehicles, which FCA has been slow to adopt. Wall Street and other financial institutions are demanding consolidation of the giant automakers and a further massacre of jobs. In January, VW and Ford announced a global alliance to jointly build pickup trucks and commercial vehicles, and last month Bloomberg News posted an article, titled The Auto Industry Is Overdue a Bout of Mega-Mergers. US auto assembly and parts producers are now cutting jobs at the highest rate since the 2009 financial crisis, when both Chrysler and GM filed for bankruptcy, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The auto industry in the US announced nearly 20,000 layoffs through April, more than three times the figure at the same point last year. This figure does not include Fords 7,000 salaried job cuts announced earlier in May. FCA carried out thousands of layoffs at its North American facilities over the last three months, with many more rumored to be on the way. In March, the company announced the elimination of an entire shift of 1,500 workers at its Windsor Assembly plant in Canada and laid off 1,400 workers on the third shift at its Belvidere plant in northwestern Illinois via a robocall. It is currently unknown how the rumored deal with Fiat-Chrysler will impact the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. This strategic partnership, taken as a single entity, would be the largest automaker in the world, although the three companies are considered distinct entities which own stock in each other. Insiders have suggested that FCA may eventually join the alliance, but the fact that Renault has apparently been negotiating with Fiat-Chrysler without the involvement of its alliance partners points to a serious deterioration in the relationship between the constituent companies within the Alliance. The Alliance was founded in 1999 by Renault and Nissan, at a time when the Japanese automaker was on the verge of bankruptcy, with Mitsubishi joining in 2016. Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn, who later was installed as Nissan CEO in 2001, returned Nissan to profitability after laying off 21,000 workers and closing five factories, for which he was named Businessman of the Year by Forbes in 2002. Although Nissan is by far the largest company in the Alliance by sales volume, Renault effectively wields control by virtue of its ownership of a 43 percent voting stake in Nissan, while Nissan holds only a 15 percent non-voting stake in Renault. This unequal relationship has been a source of friction for years. The arrest of Ghosn last November in Japan on financial misconduct charges has placed the future of the Alliance in question, as well as contributing to a plunge in Nissans profits by 45 percent. The charges, while credible, arose out of deep factional divisions among top Alliance executives, especially between Nissan and Renault. At issue is Renaults push for greater consolidation of the Alliance, including a proposed scheme which would have effectively given Ghosn personal control, including giving himself the ability to set his own compensation without board oversight. The revival of this proposal last spring, after being rebuffed in 2017, coincided with the beginning of a secret investigation by Nissan executives into potential misconduct by Ghosn. Ghosn had also been pushing for a full merger between Renault and Nissan, which was bitterly resisted by Nissan executives. While merger talks are currently on hold, the proposed deal with Fiat-Chrysler could be a way of putting pressure on Nissans board of directors, some analysts speculate. The announcement of the impending deal between FCA and Renault, as well as the massive job-cutting by the other US automakers, occurs in the run up to the mid-September expiration of the four-year labor agreements with the United Auto Workers union, which cover 155,000 GM, Ford and FCA workers in the US. Corporate management is confident that the UAW, which accepted millions in bribes to force through concessions in previous contracts, will continue its role as the bought agents of the bosses. However, the auto companies and the UAW face an increasingly rebellious mood among autoworkers, who are determined to win back everything that has been taken from them over the past four decades. By carrying through plant closures, layoffs, mergers and other measures directed at increasing the exploitation of its workforce in advance of the contract negotiations, the automakers are attempting to present the workers with a fait accompli, shifting the narrative away from pay and hiring increases towards determining what will be cut and when. However, the conditions exist for a powerful counter-offensive by the autoworkers. Autoworkers must take the conduct of the struggle into their own hands by forming rank-and-file factories committees, independent the unions. The fact that the assault on jobs and living standards is taking place internationally underscores the need for US workers to unite with workers in Europe, Asia, Latin America and throughout the world to fight the global corporations. Tens of thousands took part in yellow vest protests across France on Saturday, the 28th successive week of demonstrations against the government of President Emmanuel Macron, its policies of austerity, and the growth of poverty, unemployment and social inequality. The Yellow Number Facebook page, which provides a more accurate count of the number of demonstrators than the government and includes small protests, reported that approximately 40,000 people demonstrated, including in every major city, and approximately the same number as the previous week. The interior ministry reported a vastly underestimated figure of just over 12,000. Several thousand demonstrated in Toulouse, Amiens and Paris and were once again met with violent police repression. In Toulouse, police utilized water cannon and teargas to disperse peaceful protests that had taken place for the entire afternoon. In Paris alone, the police prefect reported 64 arrests and more than 5,000 stops and searches. A highly significant political event took place in Paris, where around 1,000 people gathered in the morning outside the Pere Lachaise Cemetery and marched through the cemetery to the Communards Wall. The site honors the massacre of tens of thousands of workers and their families in the bloody suppression of the Paris Commune 148 years ago, in 1871. On May 28, 147 federes were lined up against the wall, shot and thrown into a mass grave at the foot of the wall. Yellow Vest protesters march through the Pere Lachaise Cemetery toward the Communards' Wall Over 100 people sang the Internationale, the song of international workers solidarity, at the wall. It is the same demands as those of the Commune, Martine, a social worker, told reporters for the World Socialist Web Site. A revolution, thats the situation were being pushed into. In the end we are not being listened to and as soon as we say that things are not okay, they gas us and they kettle us. At the Commune, they shot them, and we have not yet arrived at that point. But the rubber bullets are still arms being used against us. So they are pushing us to a revolution. From the outset of the yellow vest protests, they have been slandered as right-wing and even fascistic by trade union executives like the CGTs Phillippe Martinez, whose own collaboration with the employers and suppression of working-class resistance for decades has facilitated the transfer of wealth to the rich and immiseration of broad sections of the population. Yet this event underscores the basic fact that the yellow vest protests are animated by left-wing opposition to social inequality and points to the deeply embedded traditions of socialism in the working class. Memorial at the Communards Wall Marie, a social worker from Nanterre in the northern suburbs of Paris, told WSWS reporters that she started attending the yellow vest protests because it is years now that we cannot make it on our salaries. Thats why I came, to try to change things. The handicapped, the elderly, are not respected either. So I am here for them because they cannot protest. They have no dignity. I always see today elderly people eating from the bin. I see people who have worked their entire lives and who now cannot make it in retirement. It is completely perverse. Nothing changes, no matter who is in government, who is the president. When the president retires and the other officials, they will have payments and their salary for the rest of their lives. That is money that could be used for social services. Thats why I became a Yellow Vest. Marie Marie has worked for 20 years as a carer, and over this time there has been always a reduction in the amount of time we can spend with patients, more and more people to see. Today there are 13 patients in a room with three of us, and if someone is sick they are not replaced. She earns 1,300 per month and noted that in Paris, that is difficult, and is nothing when you are working until 10 p.m. and on the weekends. We have the usual unions, she said, including both the General Confederation of Labor and the Workers Force, but I dont believe in them. They are not necessarily for us. Theyre not representative and dont fight for us. The response of the Macron government to the protests showed that already today we are in a dictatorship. There has not been a protest movement that has been so brutally suppressed as has the yellow vests. Teargas, rubber bullets, flash bang grenades, water cannon. It disturbs the government that we are here, that we are expressing a completely legitimate social discontent in a peaceful way. We are the ones who make the workplaces work, she said, and that is what Marx said. Antoine Antoine, a young worker from Mayenne, told our reporters that the issues the yellow vests were fighting were problems that affect Europe and even the entire world. Its poverty everywhere and it is the fruit of capitalism. As long as it exists, there will be people who will be declassed. We are fighting for everyone. Antoine knew of the persecution of WikiLeaks journalist Julian Assange and said he thought he was a hero. For me, that is a big word. But he is a hero, because he revealed all the atrocities committed in Iraq by the American government. And what has happened to him? He has been imprisoned. And it is seven years that he has been locked up in a room of the embassy. He has not even been granted asylum. He should have been given asylum in another country. He does not deserve prison. He has done his duty as a citizen. The wars that Assange helped to expose were not for nothing, Antoine said. I think that behind them there were interests in oil. They dont care that there will be wars, famines and everything. They only think of their interests. Whats more, they dont tell us everything. For example, there was the sale of arms to Saudi Arabia by France that was proven by journalists. And now what is done? They are threatened with being put in prison and fined because they revealed what is happening. President Trumps announcement that he may pardon several US soldiers charged or convicted of war crimes is an appeal to the military and a signal that any restraints will be removed as American imperialism prepares more wars. On Friday, Trump confirmed an earlier New York Times report that the administration has made expedited requests for pardon papers. Some of these soldiers are people that have fought hard and long, Trump said. We teach them how to be great fighters, and then when they fight sometimes they get really treated very unfairly. So were going to take a look at it. Trump was referring to soldiers whose actions epitomize the depraved and criminal character of the US war on terror. They include: Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher, who from 2017 to 2018 shot a young girl and an elderly man from the safety of his snipers perch in Iraq and murdered a young prisoner of war by stabbing him repeatedly with a hunting knife before posing with the victims body. Nicholas Slatten, a former Blackwater mercenary who was recently convicted of murder for his involvement in the 2007 Nisour Square massacre, during which Blackwater thugs killed dozens of Iraqi civilians. Mathew Golsteyn, who currently faces trial for murder after admitting live on Fox News that he executed an unarmed alleged Taliban member after the latter was released from detention by Afghan authorities. On March 30, Trump tweeted that Golsteyn is a US military hero. Clint Lorance, a soldier who is presently serving a 19-year sentence for killing three Afghan men at long distance in 2012. Earlier in May, Trump pardoned Michael Behenna, an Army officer who was convicted and jailed for murdering an Iraqi prisoner who had been ordered released from detention, by placing a grenade under his head. Pardoning war criminals itself constitutes a war crime under the Nuremberg principles. In 1969, then-President Richard Nixon and his henchmen covered up details of the massacre of 504 civilians committed by US troops in the South Vietnamese village of My Lai in 1968. The day after Lt. William Calley was sentenced to life for perpetrating the massacre, Nixon had him transferred to house arrest. By 1974, Calley was out on bail. But Trump has taken this record to new depths as the US prepares for more wars. Trumps remarks regarding potential pardons came as the government announced the deployment of an additional 1,500 soldiers to confront Iran in the Middle East. Within hours of Trumps statement, Vice President Michael Pence told West Point graduates Saturday that it is a virtual certainty that you will fight on a battlefield for America at some point in your life. By signaling his willingness to pardon war criminals, Trump is establishing the authoritarian power of the executive to create a state of exception that shrouds the entire military apparatus in legal immunity. In March, 40 Republican members of Congress signed a letter to the Secretary of the Navy calling for Gallaghers release. It reads, To confine any service member for that duration of time, regardless the authority to do so, sends a chilling message to those who fight for our freedoms. The letter calls for a less severe form of restraint and demands the detained war criminal be given a fair trial. The campaign to defend and lionize those who murder civilians in defense of US imperialism exposes the class character of the bipartisan campaign against Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning. Behind all the baseless lies about sexual assault or collaborating with Trump or Russia, Assange is the enemy of American imperialism because he exposed the criminality of its wars to the people of the world. Assange and Manning exposed not only the war criminals on the ground, but also the war criminals in Washington and their media propagandists who launched the wars and are responsible for the deaths of millions of civilians and thousands of US and allied soldiers. None of these individuals have been held accountable. The Trump administration has now announced 17 charges against Assange under the Espionage Act of 1917, threatening him with 170 years in prison. The indictment, developed from the precedents set by the Obama administration during its eight Espionage Act prosecutions, paves the way for criminalizing opposition to war. Growing numbers of people are outraged at the treatment of Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning. Assanges supporters are not to be found in the editorial rooms of newspapers like the New York Times or Washington Post, who wish the government would lock up Assange on a pretense that does not threaten their own right to publish. Nor are Assanges defenders to be found in publications like Jacobin magazine or in the Democratic Socialists of America, whose leaders and political figureheads have remained mute about the persecution of Assange. The objective source of support for Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning is the international working class. It is this social force that is the primary target of American imperialist intervention all over the world. It is their homes and schools that are destroyed by American bombs. It is their children who drown in the Mediterranean escaping war-torn disaster zones. In the US itself, it is the working class that has paid for the wars in treasure and blood. The ruling class has directed trillions of dollars away from social programs, healthcare and education to pay for death and destruction abroad. Thousands of working-class youth, escaping unemployment and lack of opportunity, have died in imperialist wars. Tens of thousands more are wounded, physically and mentally, and millions more are personally impacted by soldier suicide, depression or substance abuse. The Socialist Equality Party calls for the broadest possible campaign among the working class to demand Assange and Mannings liberation. Defend the class war prisoners, Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning! What is at stake is not only the freedom of two courageous individuals but also the fight to stop imperialist war and transform society on an egalitarian, socialist basis. Under conditions of mounting working class opposition to Indias Hindu supremacist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led government and to the ruinous outcome of three decades of pro-market reform, Indias principal Stalinist partiesthe Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM and the smaller, older Communist Party of India (CPI)have suffered an unprecedented electoral debacle. Together, the CPM and CPI will have just five of the 545 seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower and more powerful house of Indias bicameral parliament3 for the CPM and 2 for the CPI. Their partners in the CPM-led Left Front electoral alliance will have none. This is far and away the smallest ever Left presence in the Lok Sabha and places in jeopardy the CPM and CPIs official status as national parties. In Indias first post-independence election, the CPI won 16 seats, making it the Lok Sabhas second largest party, after the Jawaharlal Nehru-led Congress Party with 364. As recently as the 14th Lok Sabha (2004-9), the CPM had 43 MPs and the Left Front with some sixty members was the third largest bloc in the Lok Sabha. Since then, the Stalinists base of support in the working class and among the rural poor has hemorrhaged. In each subsequent national election the Stalinists Lok Sabha delegation has been effectively halved. The CPMs share of the national vote has plummeted from 7.7 percent in 2004, when it polled more than 30 million votes, to 5.3 percent in 2009, 3.25 percent in 2014, and less than 2 percent (final figures have yet to be released) in 2019. The CPM and CPI have reaped the consequences of their role in politically smothering the working class and enforcing the ruling classs post-1991 drive to transform India into a cheap-labour haven for global capital. This has included propping up a series of right-wing Indian governments, most of them Congress-led, that have implemented pro-market reform and pursued ever closer relations with US imperialism. Moreover, in the states where they have formed the government, the Stalinists have themselves implemented pro-investor policies, while dismissing socialism as a far off cry, to use the infamous words of the late West Bengal Chief Minister and CPM Politburo member Jyoti Basu. Whereas decades ago the Stalinists justified their shackling of the working class to various capitalist parties in the name of supporting the progressive faction of the national bourgeoisie against the feudal, pro-imperialist wing, for the past three decades they have argued that Indias workers and toilers should support the Congressuntil recently the Indian elites preferred party of governmentand a host of regional chauvinist and caste-ist parties as the only way to block the Hindu supremacist BJP from power. With the working class prevented by the CPM, CPI and their affiliated union apparatuses from advancing its own socialist solution to the mounting social crisis, the Hindu right has been able to exploit popular frustration and anxiety over chronic poverty, economic insecurity and rampant social inequality. Indeed, after three decades in which the Stalinists suppressed the class struggle, claiming that workers must defend democracy through parliamentary combinations and electoral alliances with the parties of their bourgeois class enemy, the BJP and Hindu right are stronger than ever. In the just completed election, the Stalinists once again sought to drum up support for the Congress, its United Progressive Alliance, and a host of other right wing, popularly discredited bourgeois parties in the name of bringing to power a democratic, secular alternativei.e., a right-wing, big business government. All of these parties make their own reactionary communalist and caste-iest appeals and all of themand this goes for the Stalinists as wellhailed Modis provocative and reckless February 26 air strikes on Pakistan, which nearly resulted in all-out war. And all are as committed as the BJP to India serving as a cheap-labour hub for global capital and a junior partner of US imperialism in an anti-China Indo-US global strategic partnership. After decades in which they have functioned as a part of the bourgeois establishment and have been complicit in the assault on the working class and oppressed toilers, the CPMs and CPIs claims to represent a pro-people alternative, let alone socialism, cut no water with working people. In the three states traditionally considered as the Stalinists electoral bastions and where they have repeatedly formed the state governmentWest Bengal, Tripura and Keralathe CPM and CPI won just one seat. Their four other Lok Sabha victories came from the southern state of Tamil Nadu, where they entered into a right-wing electoral alliance led by the right-wing Tamil regionalist DMK and supported by Rahul Gandhi and his Congress Party. In West Bengal, where the CPM-led Left Front formed the state government for 34 consecutive years ending in 2011, the Stalinists suffered a complete rout. Not only did they lose their two remaining seats, but in 41of the 42 constituencies their candidate lost their deposit. The CPMs vote share shrank from 22.7 percent in the last Lok Sabha elections in 2014 to just 6.3 percent, and that of the Left Front as a whole from 29.9 percent to just 7.5 percent. At the end of the last decade, the right-wing demagogue Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress (TMC) were able to exploit mounting opposition to the Left Front governments ruthless imposition of pro-investor policies. This was exemplified by the lethal police and goon violence the Left Front government unleashed in 2007 against small farmers in Nandigram protesting the expropriation of their land for a big business Special Economic Zone, and its outlawing of strikes in IT and IT-enabled sectors. A decade after the TMCs rise, the BJP has been able to make an electoral breakthrough in West Bengal, where it traditionally has been a minor player, tapping into growing resentment at the TMCs rule, while totally eclipsing the Stalinists. In the 2019 elections, the BJP won 40 percent of the popular vote in West Bengal, up from just under 17 percent in 2014, and captured 18 seats, while the TMC won 22 seats and 43 percent of the vote. The CPM-Left Front electoral collapse in West Bengal was preceded by and bound up with major defections from its party apparatus. Initially this took the form of defections to the TMC, but more recently it saw both local party leaders and grassroots workers go over to the BJP, with the claim that this is the only viable means of withstanding a campaign of TMC violence that has resulted in dozens of deaths. These developments expose the CPMs massive West Bengal apparatus to have been a corrupt and politically putrefied patronage network, dependent on access to government resources and government-police protection. Epitomizing the defection of a section of the West Bengal CPM to the far-right and what has long been the CPMs avowed principal enemy, two former CPM state assembly legislators stood as BJP candidates in the election. One of them, Murmu Khagen, will sit in the new Lok Sabha as a BJP MP. In Tripura, Indias other majority Bengali-speaking state, the CPM fared no better than in West Bengal. It held both of the states two seats in the last Lok Sabha. But both fell to the BJP this election, and in neither did the sitting CPM MP even finish second. After 15 years in office, Tripuras CPM-led Left Front government was ousted by a BJP-led electoral alliance last year. In Kerala, the one state where the Stalinists still lead the government, the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) has been reduced to just one seat from eight. The LDFs vote share declined 8 percentage points from 40 to 32 percent, its worst ever result. All the states other 19 seats were captured by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), which increased its vote share to 47 percent. The LDF government is currently mounting a full-court press to drum up foreign investment. On May 17, as part of a foreign tour aimed at courting European capital, Kerala Chief Minister and Politburo members Pinaryi Vijayan rang the bell to open the trading session at the London Stock Exchange. Vijayan responded to the first of Modis two much vaunted surgical strikes on Pakistan by getting the Kerala state assembly to unanimously adopt a resolution in Oct. 2016 hailing the cross-border attack. The CPM Politburo responded to the partys election debacle with a terse statement that conceded that the party has suffered a severe setback and promised to introspect. Underscoring that the Stalinists will move even further right, intensifying their efforts to shackle the working class to the India bourgeoisie, its parties, and state, West Bengal CPM Politburo member Mohammed Salim lamented the CPMs failed attempt to forge an election alliance with the Congress in the state: The result, he asserted, would have been entirely different if the alliance had worked. The author also recommends: Indian big business propels Modi and his Hindu supremacist BJP to a second term [24 May 2019] Indian Elections: Stalinist CPM faces debacle in its West Bengal bastion [22 May 2019] As class struggle sharpens, Indian Stalinists stump for right-wing bourgeois government [1 May 2019] US President Trumps former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, has provided a revealing indication of the ferocity of the anti-China drive in sections of the administration, issuing a call for the Chinese telecom firm, Huawei, to be driven out of the US and Europe and for Chinese firms to be shut out of US capital markets. The call came in an interview with the South China Morning Post in the wake of Trumps executive order against Huawei preventing sales in the US, and the decision by the Commerce Department to place it on a blacklist, cutting off supplies from the US of vital components. Bannon, who is an advocate of an economic war against China, said Huawei constituted a massive security issue to the West. The executive order is ten times more important than walking away from the trade deal. It [Huawei] is a major national security threat, not just to the US but to the rest of the world. We are going to shut it down. Underscoring his attack on Huawei, Bannon referred to the decision by Trump last year to lift similar sanctions on ZTE, another Chinese telecommunications manufacturer. During the trade talks early stage, he [Trump] gave a waiver for ZTE, which I think was a mistake, Bannon said. Bannon, who was a close adviser to Trump during his election campaign, before a falling out with the president in August 2017, said he still talks to senior officials in the White House every day about China. Those senior officials most likely include Peter Navarro, director of trade and manufacturing policy in the White House, who has denounced Beijings Made in China 2025 plan to enhance its industrial and technological development as a label for a Chinese strategy to achieve dominance in the industries of the future. In his interview Bannon did not confine his broadside against China to Huawei. He called for Chinese companies to be excluded from American capital markets. The next move we make is to cut off all the IPOs [Initial Public Offerings], unwind all the pension funds and insurance companies in the US that provide capital to the Chinese Communist Party, he said. Invoking the populist rhetoric, characteristic of fascist figures in the past, Bannon railed against Wall Street corporatists who had been working with Chinas ruling elites to preserve an unfair system that hurt the interests of American workers. Bannon is a founding member of the newly-reconstituted Committee on the Present Danger, comprising former White House advisors and government officials, a group first set up in the Cold War directed against the Soviet Union and revived on March 25 to target China. Announcing its reformation, the committee said: As with the Soviet Union in the past, communist China represents an existential and ideological threat to the United States and to the idea of freedom one that requires a new American consensus regarding the policies and priorities required to defeat this threat. Developing on these themes in his South China Morning Post interview, Bannon said the US relationship with China would be a central issue in the 2020 US presidential election. The person whos going to be elected in 2020 is going to be Donald Trump, but if its not, the person who wins the election, be it a Democrat or not, will be as big or a bigger hawk than Donald Trump. Trump is the US president exactly for the reason of China. He won the presidency on one thing the focus on the rust belt. In the 2020 campaign, the central issue will be Americas economic relationship with China. The Democrats are just as hard on this as the Republicans. While he is no longer in the Trump entourage, Bannons views on China are only an extreme version of the common position of both key sections of the Republican and Democratic parties, as well as the military and intelligence apparatuses that have labelled China a strategic competitor. The prevailing view in these circles is that the economic and technological development of China constitutes an existential threat both to the economic and military dominance of the US, and must be prevented by all means necessary. And this position has now become dominant as the history of the trade talks over the past year makes clear. Immediately following the issuing of a series of demands against China last May, talks were held in Washington at which it was agreed that China would undertake a commitment to increase its imports from the US, with further negotiations to be held to work out the details. The leading role on the US side was played by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. But there was opposition to the focus on increased US exports from key sections of the administration. As US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer commented at the time, while the issue of increased US exports was important, the far more important issues were technology transfers and the protection of our innovation, and that real structural change in the Chinese economy was necessary. The Lighthizer position prevailed, and within days the initial deal was overturned by Trump. The focus was shifted from the trade imbalance, on which the Chinese side had agreed to take action, to the question of structural change, that is, the suppression of Chinas economic and technological development. After countless hours of negotiations and the submission back and forth of draft texts between Washington and Beijing, the trade negotiations were essentially overturned by the US. It insisted the changes it demanded had to be written into Chinese law and it would not remove tariffs on the signing of a deal. They would only be progressively lifted as it deemed China was acting in compliance with the agreement as part of an enforcement mechanism. Opposition from China to US demands that it essentially assume a completely subservient position and agree to a new version of the unequal treaties imposed on it in the 19th century and early part of the 20th, led to Trumps decision on May 5 to impose tariff hikes on goods already subject to levies and that new tariffs on remaining Chinse goods would be imposed. This has now been followed up with the executive order against Huawei and its backlisting by the Commerce Department. While the future course of events may not follow exactly the scenario laid out by Bannon, his remarks in the South China Morning Post interview indicate the increasingly bellicose form the policy of the Trump administration is set to assume. 25 years ago: Democratic Representative Dan Rostenkowski indicted Rostenkowski On May 31, 1994, powerful Democratic Party Congressman Dan Rostenkowski of Chicago was indicted on 17 felony counts in a massive abuse of office to plunder over $600,000 from the public treasury. The case was one of a series of corruption charges that were instrumental in allowing the Republican Party to win control of the House of Representatives in the 1994 elections for the first time in 40 years. In 1981, after 22 years in Congress, Rostenkowski became chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over all tax legislation. He played a key role in enacting the Reagan tax cuts of 1981 and 1986 and other right-wing policies that favored the rich and big business. These services to the ruling class did not save him in 1994 when there was a systematic effort by the corporate elite to engineer a drastic shift to the right by installing a Republican majority in the House. Rostenkowski, one of the two or three most powerful Democrats in the House, was charged in a relatively minor corruption scandal, not for the billions he helped funnel into the pockets of the super-rich. According to the indictment, brought by then US Attorney Eric Holder, Rostenkowski pocketed $50,000 in cash from the House Post Office by disguising money transactions as stamp purchases. He was also accused of taking kickbacks from workers and padding his congressional payroll with employees willing to perform personal services for him. Rostenkowski initially denied any wrongdoing, and he won the Democratic primary while indicted. However, in November he was defeated by a Republican candidate, Michael Patrick Flanagan, who served only a single term before losing to an even more corrupt Democrat, Rod Blagoevich. Eventually, in 1996, Rostenkowski pleaded guilty to reduced charges of mail fraud. He was pardoned in December 2000 by President Clinton, in one of his final acts in office. Rostenkowskis illegal activity was widely acknowledged as common practice, with even Republican Congressmen Bill Frenzel admitting that he took a hit for the whole House. Former President Gerald Ford sent his only letter requesting a pardon on behalf of Rostenkowski. Ford told a biographer, Dannys problem was he played under the rules of the city of Chicago. Now, those arent the same rules that any other place in the country lives by, but in Chicago they were totally legal, and Danny got a screwing. The indictment was part of a process in which big business used well-known corruption of leading Democratic officials to shift control of the House to the Republicans, in order to be able to carry out further attacks against the working class. The 1994 election had the immediate impact of blocking the Clinton administrations health care legislation, drafted initially for the purpose of cutting medical care costs for large corporate employers, but touted as a nominal reform. 50 years ago: General strike begins in Cordoba, Argentina Workers march in Cordoba On May 29, 1969, workers and students in the industrial city of Cordoba, Argentina began a general strike that would become known as El Cordobazo. The immediate response from the military dictatorship led by Juan Carlos Ongania was violent suppression. In addition to the suppression of democratic rights and political parties by Ongania since he took power by coup earlier in the year, the month of May in particular had seen a series of events that caused outrage with the working class and youth. Multiple strikes had broken out in Cordoba including at a sugar mill, auto plants, and in universities. During one university protest, a student was killed by the police. Later, on May 17 and May 21, two more students would be killed during protests. One of the slain youths, Luis Blanco, was just 15 years old. The deaths of the students, combined with deteriorating conditions and wage cuts in the factories which had been imposed in order to market cheap labor to foreign companies, drove workers and youth to the breaking point. Through a united effort between the unions and left-wing student organizations the general strike was organized. The strike was immediately welcomed by the local population who had prepared for a confrontation with police. Fernando Solis, a worker at the IKA-Renault forge plant, recalled, the peoples reaction was incredible, they came out into the street to hand us things, women, old ladies, gave us matches, and bottles or brooms to protect ourselves with. Everyone was in the street, old men, kids ... there was a certain feel to the moment, joyous I would say, until then the worst hadnt happened. The workers encountered the police, who opened fire on the crowd killing one worker. Fighting broke out between the two groups until the workers were able to force the police out of the city center. The strike turned into a massive demonstration against the military regime with entire sections of the city being filled with protesters. Workers burnt down some selectively targeted building like the offices of foreign companies and the junior officers club. However, there was no looting or ransacking. Rather workers attacked the areas seen as the centers of imperialism and state repression. On the outskirts of the city the military began preparations to enforce a curfew and retake control during the night. Initially they were held back by small groups of armed militants who fired from rooftops while workers entered the citys power plant and cut off power, creating a blackout, so the military could not easily navigate. Protests would continue on the day after the general strike, but with the police and military in much closer proximity. During the next few days the heads of all the leading unions along with hundreds of other workers would be arrested. Eventually the uprising ended, but it was clear that the Ongania regime was on its last leg. Ongania would be forced to resign by the military junta a year later and replaced by Marcelo Levingston. 75 years ago: Allied forces approach Rome as Hitler calls for retreat British troops during the breakout from Anzio On June 2, 1944, Allied forces, led by British and US troops, succeeded in breaching the Caesar C line, the last defensive German positions leading to Nazi-occupied Rome. Adolf Hitler, the fascist dictator of the Third Reich, responded by immediately instructing Field Marshal Albert Kesselring to abandon the Italian capital. The capture of Rome was the outcome of the Battle of Anzio, which began in January 1944, with a massive Allied amphibious landing, known as Operation Shingle. On January 22, a flotilla of allied ships had landed near Anzio, carrying around 36,000 soldiers and 3,200 vehicles. The Germans, taken by surprise, put up little resistance, with only a handful of deaths resulting from limited skirmishes. US Army Major General John P. Lucas, who was commanding Allied forces, focused on establishing a bridgehead and defensive positions. The failure to take immediate offensive action angered the British military, with Winston Churchill declaring I had hoped we were hurling a wildcat into the shore, but all we got was a stranded whale. Lucas was replaced in February, as the Allied operation became bogged down in a series of attacks and counter-attacks with the German Tenth Army. In a bid to break the stalemate, on May 23, Allied forces launched a new offensive, with an artillery bombardment of 1,500 pieces against heavily fortified defensive German positions. The US Third Infantry Division lost some 955 soldiers on the first day of fighting, the highest losses of any US division on a single day during the war. Amid ongoing casualties, Allied command shifted the main line of attack to the left. On May 29, Allied forces reached the Caesar C line defending Rome, which collapsed within several days. On June 2, German troops began a fighting retreat. Hitler ordered that the capital not be defended, for fear of an encirclement leading to a catastrophic defeat similar to the Battle of Stalingrad in the Soviet Union. 100 years ago: American aircraft makes first transatlantic flight The Navy-Curtis 4 plane that was the first to cross the Atlantic On May 27, 1919, the military plane dubbed Navy-Curtis 4, which had set off with two other American military planes, Navy-Curtis 1 and 3, from Long Island in New York on May 8, landed in Lisbon, Portugal. The Navy-Curtis flying boats, nicknamed Nancies, held a crew of three in a watertight hull and could land on the water. They were large biplanes with a wingspan of 127 feet, were 29 feet long and weighed 24,000 pounds when fueled and with a full component of equipment and crew. They were powered by three engines. All the parts of a Nancy were manufactured in the Unites States in cities such as Albany, Boston, Newark, and New York. The engines were manufactured by the Packard Motor Company in Detroit. The three aircraft made the journey with six stops. Beginning in Rockaway Naval Air Station, they flew 540 nautical miles to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and from Halifax 460 miles to Tepassey Bay, near St. Johns, Newfoundland. From there the planes would fly the longest leg of the journey, 1,200 miles, to Horta in the Azores, the Portuguese island chain in the Atlantic. The three aircraft were then to fly 150 miles to Ponta Delgada, also in the Azores, 800 miles to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal on the mainland, and finally 755 miles to Plymouth in the United Kingdom. The group was commanded by Commander John H. Towers, but Towers plane, the NC-3, as well as the NC-1, were forced down by bad weather near the Azores and unable to resume flight. While the first transatlantic flight was soon overshadowed by other flights, including a non-stop flight from the US to the UK in June 1919, the crossing led by Towers was a major endeavor of the US military, although the US Navy worked closely with British pilots and mechanics in the design of the sea planes. Over 22 US Navy ships were involved in the flight and stationed at various points in the Atlantic to provide support. The crossing not only demonstrated the role that air flight could play in linking together whole continents more closely than ever before, but also the arrival of the logistical, technological and industrial prowess of American imperialism in the post-World War I period. By IANS NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Monday asked Reserve Bank of India to file response on a plea challenging PayTM Post Paid wallet operation stating that it is illegal and unauthorized. A Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Rajendra Menon asked RBI and PayTM payment banks to file reply on the plea and listed the matter for September 3 for further hearing. The court was hearing a PIL filed by economist Abhijit Mishra through advocate Payal Bahl. In his plea, Mishra said that PayTM Post Paid Wallet operations are illegal as credit and lending activity by the wallet is not authorized under the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India's Guidelines for Licensing of payments banks. "PayTM Payments Bank Limited has not informed or notified the banking regulator about its operations of the postpaid wallet, which is against the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India's operating guidelines for payments bank," the plea said. The PIL also said that PayTM Payments Bank is "deceitfully sharing the personal information of the customers to the third party (Clix Finance India Private Limited) which is a clear violation of the privacy of the citizens". The plea sought directions to the RBI to take appropriate punitive action against the PayTM Payments Bank Limited under the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act and to absolve all the customers who are in default of their debt of the credit payments to the PayTM Post Paid wallet. By Express News Service CHENNAI: Over 150 new leprosy cases were detected in Chennai during the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign by the State Health department, under a Union Health Ministrys programme, recently for early detection of the disease. The department conducted the campaign in two phases in 15 zones in Chennai. In the first phase, 72 new leprosy cases and in the second phase, 82 cases were detected, V Dharmalingam, Deputy Director of Health Services (Leprosy), Chennai district, told Express. We conducted the camp in two phases, from September-October first phase and February- March second phase. We detected a total 154 cases. There are two classifications of leprosy. Paucibacillary (PB) and Multibacillary (MB). Up to five white patches in the skin is classified as PB and over five patches as MB for treatment purposes, he said. Although predominantly it affects people of low socio-economic status and those living in overcrowded places and also with low immunity, in Chennai, the cases were scattered, and there were no significant cases from a particular area, he said. However, these cases are still not alarming and we have already achieved elimination stage, the official said. The prevalence rate for elimination of leprosy is less than one case among 10,000 population. Last year, we detected around 400 cases in Chennai and the districts population is around 78 lakhs, in that rate, our prevalence rate is 0.4 only, he said. He said voluntary reporting is less due to lack of symptoms at the early stage. The health department is conducting camps to create awareness.Due to various awareness programmes and early detection, the deformity rate also has come down. Leprosy is caused by mycobacterium leprae bacteria and in early stage it affects the skin and in severe form it affects the nerves, leading to deformity, the official said. Meanwhile, the National Leprosy Eradication Programme data shows that from 2017 to 2018, 4,277 new cases were reported in Tamil Nadu. Every year, January 30 (Last Sunday of the month) is observed as Anti-Leprosy Day. With temperatures rising and sunshine becoming an everyday experience again, spring is coming back to the Hungarian capital. Check out these local tips to help you to enjoy more of this season in Budapest. Treat yourself at local cafes Budapest is famous for it's cafes and confectioneries, and besides the classics like Gerbeaud, Ruszwurm, Auguszt or New York Cafe, there is a growing number of new ones open their doors every year. Budapest locals enjoy sitting in the sunshine in open-air places and sipping their coffee in the fresh air. Although cafes are not taking sit-in customers just yet, many have an option for takeaway coffee and treats. With your coffee in your hand enjoy the Budapest panorama and the sunny weather. Take a stroll in a park City Park of Budapest was named as one of the most beautiful urban parks of Europe. It is no wonder, as besides the wonderful old trees and the City Park Lake, you can find the replica of a Transylvanian Castle (Vajdahunyad Castle), Szechenyi Baths, Gundel Restaurant and the Budapest Zoo here - the latter also offering a pleasant open-air program, both with cute animals and great architecture. There are many other wonderful green areas, however, like Margaret Island with it's spectacular water tower, lake with goldfish and the Music Fountain. Not far away from the island is Szent Istvan Park, surrounded with wonderful Bauhaus houses and lovely cafes and small shops of Pozsonyi Street. Take a pleasant walk on green Gellert Hill, up to the Citadella, and enjoy the gorgeous panorama of the Hungarian capital. Or, if you are ready for a nice excursion to the Buda Hills, visit Normafa ('Norma Tree') on Svabhegy, taking lovely red coloured cog-wheel railway (Fogaskereku) or the really unique Children's Railway (Gyermekvasut), on which (except the train driver) all other person operating the line are children between 10-14 (of course they work under the supervision of adults.) Wander around downtown Budapest's downtown has many iconic spots within walking distance. From the Castle Hill you can get within a relative short time to Vorosmarty Square and Vaci Street, crossing the Danube on the beautiful Chain Bridge. It's worth walking along Andrassy Boulevard (Andrassy ut) from Erzsebet Square to Heroes' Square (Hosok tere) and the City Park, or walk along the Danube banks both the Buda and Pest side is flanked by nice cafes and many other places to see. Or just stroll in the reviving 7th District, or between historic palaces and refurbished squares of Palotanegyed of 8th District, exploring the small cafes and designer shops. Explore the market halls Although the Great Market Hall is the most renowned, Budapest has more traditional markets even in downtown: Klauzal Market in 7th district, Belvarosi Piac in 5th district and Hunyadi Square market in 6th district offer a great possibility to buy and get acquainted with fresh fruit, vegetables and other farm products of Hungary, having a great selection of them at springtime. One-day excursions: Visegrad, Vac, Szentendre Budapest is sorrunded with lovely small towns, easily reachable both by car and public transport. Szentendre, the Town of Painters is about an hour's distance from Budapest. The small houses, the narrow streets and cobble paved small piazzas have a unique mediterranean atmosphere. The town is also famous for it's open-air village museum, the 'Skanzen'. The Danube Bend, North from Budapest offers wonderful natural landscape, with the castle of Visegrad on top of the hills. Vac, a baroque treasure box and Esztergom, seat of the Roman Catholic Primate of Hungary with the Basilica of Esztergom, the largest church in the country are also great choices for one-day trips. The towns of the Danube Bend can also be reached by ship cruises. Short excursions by ship Having the Danube as it's main river, Budapest is worth exploring from this unique perspective. Take a boat trip with one of the boat lines these are also part of public transport, or you can select one offered specificially for tourists. You can also reach towns of Szentendre and the Danube Bend by ship. Source: gotohungary.com Sziget Festival organisers have just announced that 2000 more tickets will be on sale from 30 May for the Ed Sheeran concert on the 'Island of Freedom'. Sziget Festival CEO: There was huge interest in the Ed Sheeran concert for the opening day of the festival, so it was no wonder that the day tickets were gone in no time. Finally, we decided to increase the viewing space with minimal alteration of the area around the Main Stage, so its possible for another 2,000 people to enjoy the concert in comfort. Attended by over 565,000 people last year, Europes answer to Glastonbury welcomes the biggest male pop star on the planet as its first headliner. Sziget is Europes most diverse festival and the fifth biggest in the world. So what better platform for the biggest selling artist on the planet to take the stage for a headlining performance than Budapest's legendary Island of Freedom? Ed Sheeran's infectious sing-along tunes and stories of love, loss and youth have earned him countless awards and the title of current king of pop, and are set to be the perfect soundtrack to Sziget's Love Revolution in August 2019. Ed Sheeran began his career busking on the streets of London and living on mates' sofas. Fast forward ten years and Sheeran is selling out stadium tours, playing to hundreds of thousands of people with nothing but a guitar and loop pedal to protect him. With three UK No. 1 albums and five UK No. 1 singles, he'll be bringing his tongue-in-cheek blend of pop, folk and hip-hop to the Sziget Main Stage. Sziget turned 26 in August this year. The seven-day festival saw headline performances from the worlds biggest acts including Kendrick Lamar, Gorillaz, Lana Del Rey, Mumford & Sons, Dua Lipa, Kygo and Arctic Monkeys. Over 1000 artists and performers from the world over took to Obuda Island including Stormzy, Shame, Shawn Mendes, Goo Goo Dolls, Slaves and many more. More than just its headliners, Sziget brought together a programme of world music, theatre, cabaret, installations, performances and art, with Szitizens flocking from over 100 nations to experience the Island of Freedom. With preparations well underway for 2019, Sziget is preparing for its biggest and best year to date. Sziget dates in 2019 are 7-13 August, for more details head to szigetfestival.com Hungarys ruling Fidesz alliance with the Christian Democrats won Sundays European Parliament election with 52%, handing it 13 seats in the 751-seat EP. Prime Minister Viktor Orban hailed his Fidesz-Christian Democrat alliances win in Sundays European Parliament election as an epochal victory. For us, Hungary comes first in Brussels, Orban told crowds gathered on the banks of the Danube. Weve achieved a record victory amid a record turnout, he said. We all know that the migration wave launched the beginning of a new era in European politics, so we can safely say that weve achieved an epochal victory. Orban thanked voters whose support conveyed that Hungary should remain a Hungarian country and Europe should belong to the Europeans. He said Hungarians had entrusted the ruling alliance with three objectives: to stop immigration across Europe, to protect a Europe of nations and to protect Christian culture in Europe. Orban said that it was now clear that Hungarians think that change is needed in Brussels. Leaders who represent the interests of European people and who respect Europes nations are needed, he said. Also leaders who are proud of our two-thousand-year-old Christian culture are in demand, he said. MTI Photo: Koszticsak Szilard A 13-year-old girl disappeared and then died under mysterious circumstances shortly after being dumped at a Massachusetts hospital last week and now a 47-year-old man is in police custody in connection with her death. Carlos Rivera, 47, of Lawrence, was arrested on Saturday and charged with two counts of distribution of drugs to a minor, two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years old and one count of indecent assault and battery on a child over 14, according to a statement from the Essex District Attorney. The teen has been identified by her family as Chloe Ricard of Amesbury, multiple outlets including the Boston Globe, ABC News, and NBC News report. An autopsy has been performed but authorities are waiting for the medical examiner to rule on the cause of her death, ABC News reports. On May 20 at about 4:47 p.m., Rivera, who was also with another teen at the time, allegedly dropped Chloe off at the emergency room at Lawrence General Hospital. Chloe and the other teen had been at Riveras apartment on the night of May 19 and most of May 20, the statement says. The deceased girls stepfather, Brian Dolan, said doctors told him she was dead when she was brought into the ER, the Globe reports. I want justice, Dolan, told the Globe. Whoever hurt my stepdaughter is going to pay . . . the kid was only 13 years old. Who can do that? Ricards mom, Deborah Goldsmith-Dolan, asked during an interview with ABC Boston affiliate WCVB last week. Who can take and just dump her? The youngest of three siblings, Chloes biological father died 5 years ago, the Globe reports. When the family moved to Amesbury, her mother said Chloe started to hang out with the wrong crowd, the Globe reports. I mean, she did have her problems, of course, Goldsmith-Dolan said. The last time Goldsmith-Dolan saw her daughter was on Sunday, May 19, at 4 p.m., when she said she dropped Chloe off at a friends house in Amesbury. Story continues Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. Worried when she hadnt heard from Chloe the following morning, she texted her daughters friends, who told her Chloe was fine and with a friend in Haverhill, the Globe reports. But Chloes DCF caseworker told her mother something more serious was going on, according to the Globe. Citing red flags, the caseworker told Goldsmith-Dolan that her daughter may have been planning to move to Virginia, the Globe reports. Goldsmith-Dolan was filing a missing persons report for her daughter shortly before she learned from a friend of Chloes that the teen had been taken to the hospital, the Globe reports. Goldsmith-Dolan said she was told that whoever brought Chloe to the hospital took off afterward and even heard that she may have been pushed out of the car, the Globe reports. Adding to the mystery, shortly before Chloe was brought to the hospital, she posted a disturbing message on Instagram. I dont wanna live long at all, her post says. Yall dumb tryna clown me and bring me down for being what I am. I live my life everyday like its the last and thats me. Ill never change and one day i will not wake up and thats my goal. Stop worrying about my health. As Chloes family grieves, authorities are continuing to investigate. We will continue our diligent pursuit of justice for this victim, District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett says in the statement. Rivera has not yet entered a plea. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday. It is unclear if he has hired an attorney who can speak on his behalf. By Express News Service CHENNAI: The youth in the country should come forward and spread the word of Swami Vivekananda, said Shrimat Swami Vimurtanand, manager of Ramakrishna Mutt. He was speaking at a civic reception conducted by Akhil Bharathiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) to welcome delegates from across the country to its national executive council meeting on Sunday. The meeting is taking place in Tamil Nadu after 35 years. Swami Vimurtanand was the chief guest at the reception. Speaking at the event, national general secretary of ABVP Ashish Chauhan said, With their roots firmly connected to the culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu, the youth in the State have made immense contribution to the cause of nation. Further, he said he felt the pride of India when he visited the Chola temples in Thanjavur. On the political scenario, he said the concept of NOTA should be removed and people who spread the word about it should be discouraged strongly. People should not vote for NOTA, they should vote for development and positivity instead. They should vote for nationalism, he said. GV Selvam, chairman of the reception committee, said India will soon expand its boundaries to include Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and other Asian countries and ultimately become an Akhand Bharat. He encouraged students to work hard to preserve our culture and avoid westernisation in order to make India a super power. He insisted that those who go abroad to study should come back and work in India. The release said ABVPs focus is to shake away the shackles and oppression of Mogul and British invaders, the adverse influences they brought upon young minds that purported to dilute the depth of intent and purpose Indias ancient systems instilled in people. When Sally Burky started planning her wedding, she knew she wanted to include something a little different in the ceremony. Like many brides-to-be, Burky went to Pinterest for some inspiration. I was searching different options other than bouquets and puppies popped up on Pinterest. I thought how neat it would be to not only have puppies, but adolescent, and senior dogs as well! Burky told PEOPLE. The idea was a perfect fit for the Ozark, Missouri dental assistant and her husband. Ive always had a soft spot for animals, but it was after I rescued a pit bull puppy, that we [Sally and her now-husband] started dating. He treated him so well, and thats when I knew, he was the one, she said. Now Tank, (the pit puppy) lives with us on our family farm as a happy 9-year-old. Since weve been together we have always fostered, taken in rescues, and spread the word of adoption. RELATED: Couple Ditches Wedding Flowers for Bouquets of Adoptable Puppies Instead of puppies or bouquets, Burky opted to have her bridesmaids carry older shelter dogs down the aisle. All of the dogs came from Haven of the Ozarks, an animal rescue that Burky often donates to and visits. Jennifer Silverberg I have been donating to Haven for the last 8 years, and try to drive down to Cassville 3-4 times a year but will attend their local adoption events near our home if I dont have the time to make the trip, the 29-year-old bride said, adding that she first heard of Haven of the Ozarks when the rescue helped her find homes for two neglected dogs. Seeing their sanctuary and how each one of their volunteers treats the animals made me feel so confident that this was the rescue I was going to support. On the big day, seeing the shelter dogs come down the aisle had a touching emotional effect on Burky and her guests. It was incredible. I was already emotional from having our first look with my now husband, and then seeing the dogs being unloaded I just couldnt hold back the tears, Burky said. They were tears of happiness that they were here to be a part of my day, and, in some way, I was a part of their day too. I wanted to show what sweet and well behaved animals the Haven has to offer as companions for individuals and families. Story continues Jennifer Silverberg Burkys unique choice was a success, many of the dogs who participated in her wedding dogs who were having trouble finding homes have now been adopted out to loving forever families. The bride and groom also collected donations for the rural rescue on their wedding day. RELATED: Couple Has a Kitten Hour Instead of a Cocktail Hour at Their Wedding and Its Purrfect! Its great news for the canines, Haven of the Ozarks and Burky, who wanted her guests to leave her wedding understanding the magic of rescue pets and how easy it can be to help these animals. Animals dont have a voice, but we do. By having them in our wedding I wanted to share my compassion and show how important it is for us to be their voice. They count on us. I thought, maybe, by having them in our wedding just one might get adopted. With that adoption that is one more opening for another rescue, Burky said. Its a never-ending cycle, but Im hoping I can make a small impact. There are so many assistance programs out there to help with the cost of spay and neuter surgeries, I wish they were advertised more. Its so important to have your companions fixed so maybe one day our local shelters and rescues wont constantly be overwhelmed with residents. Haven of the Ozarks is touched by Burkys gesture to raise awareness about all the amazing shelter animals out there looking for homes, and loved taking part in the brides big moment. Its a lot of fun for the dogs we brought and I think the guests really enjoyed it too, Jennifer Silverberg of Haven of the Ozarks told PEOPLE. We plan to use the donations they give us to go towards the fund for a new mobile adoption van. Ours is on its last leg and it is vital for getting our dogs and cats out to larger cities for mobile adoption events every weekend to give them a better chance at finding homes! To learn more about Haven of the Ozarks and their work, visit the no-kill rescues website. Two young Florida brothers were found dead after drowning in a North Lauderdale apartment complexs pool, Broward Sheriffs Office confirmed in a news release. JaKye Joseph, 6, and Branario Minto, 5, were found face down by neighbors at around 9:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, and they rushed to pull the boys out of the water. I ran over there and saw two children laying on the side of the pool, the kids were on the floor and they were giving them CPR, a neighbor told CBS4. Broward Sheriffs Office Fire Rescue paramedics attempted to revive the brothers, who were non-responsive. The boys were pronounced dead after being taken to Northwest Medical Center, according to police. RELATED Video: Toddler Twins Drown in Backyard Pool at Daycare with History of Complaints Their mother, Wildine Joseph, said she was asleep when the drowning occurred. Im so sorry. If I was there I could have saved them on time, she said, according to Local 10 News. Joseph added, I will always miss my babies. Im sorry, JaKye. Im sorry, Branario. Theyre only 5, and theyre only 6. The boys reportedly were unable to swim, and their mother speculated that they snuck out and jumped a fence to get into the pool area. RELATED: Mom Bravely Shares Video of Her Daughters Final Moments Before 1-Year-Old Donates Her Organs A neighbor told Local 10 News that the apartment complex pool is a popular spot for children, and there are often more kids than adults. Police are still investigating the incident, and are asking anyone that may have seen the boys near the pool to provide information. Additionally, Child Protective Investigations Section removed a 4-month-old child and 1-year-old child from the home as part of their investigation, according to the sheriffs release. Benoit Forgeards dorky All About Yves, bizarrely chosen as the closing film of 2019s Directors Fortnight selection in Cannes, is literally about an intelligent refrigerator that ascends to Eurovision fame as a rapper. Imagine Spike Jonzes Her played for the cheapest of laughs, shorn of atmosphere, and absent all melancholic insight into our relationship with new tech, but with the addition of a freezer compartment, and youre halfway to understanding how little there is here. Its all pretty harmless, and it does have a very winning central performance from the non-domestic-appliance lead, William Lebghil. So perhaps, far from the raised art-house expectations of the Croisette, it might find an undemanding niche in which its farcical Francophone shenanigans will fly. Still, smart fridge; dumb movie. Lebghil plays Jerem, an aspiring rapper who lays down tough beats about having no fucks to give while living in his dead grandmothers small, chintzy suburban house. Hes been selected, through some unseen and apparently none too trustworthy process, as a guinea pig for Digital Cool, a new company who have developed a fridge so smart that, as explained by comely sales rep and researcher So (Doria Tiller), theyre convinced it can change your life. Related stories Latido Films Announces 'Hotel Coppelia,' and a Swathe of Cannes Sales (EXCLUSIVE) Cinefondation-Prized Valentina Maurel Prepares Feature Debut, 'Garden on Fire' Firstly, it does so though the nannyish monitoring of Jerems nutritive needs, but pretty soon Yves (voiced by Antoine Gouy), a huge white monolith with a touchscreen that displays a HAL 9000-style dot to indicate awareness, takes on a greater role in his emotional development. Yves and Jerem become friends, with the advanced AI helping him win Sos affections and inevitably intervening in Jerems stalled musical career, before eclipsing him entirely. Story continues Its a premise that could have some offbeat merit, in the hands of a director such as Jonze or Quentin Dupieux (also in Directors Fortnight this year with Deerskin). One can only longingly imagine what subversive kitsch John Waters would have found in it, or how Roger Corman could have made a fun, culty B-movie horror out of its thin, Twilight Zone logline. But Forgeards script is far too timid to provoke anything but the mildest of titters, and the film unfolds instead in a breezy sitcom style, settling for tired visual gags (a fridge taking a parachute jump! a fridge springing a leak to indicate pants-wetting fear!) delivered in DP Thomas Favels cheerful, plasticky imagery. There is some amusement to be gleaned from the raps (credited to musician MiM, lyricist Tortoz, and Rap Advisor Florent Sauze), and especially from subtitler Sionnan ONeills neatly rhyming English translations. But really, to think about Yves at all is to overthink it, and it seems precision engineered to discourage any such activity. Much of the plotting is unmistakably lazy, and the characterizations even more so especially of So, the woman in the unenviable position of being romantically pursued by both man and icebox. As to the wider world which Yves (and his apparently less evolved smart-fridge brethren) is designed to revolutionize, its sometimes portrayed as a place where people can totally accept a fridge as a brainy pop celebrity, and sometimes as one where the small-minded taboo against human-appliance relationships still stands all depending on where the easiest, most available laughs lie. As Jerem realizes he might prefer a pliant appliance and Yves decides that he too fancies So, the film really becomes a formulaic love-triangle comedy, except that one of the participants boasts a built-in crisper drawer. As a design challenge, too, it doesnt help that the expressive potential of a large white icebox is necessarily limited, not to mention the fact that this galaxy-brained machine understands that it will soon so vastly outstrip its human owners in intelligence that forming relationships is futile, yet it still needs to be hoiked around on a box cart and is presumably stymied by a flight of stairs. But perhaps most discouraging about this whole soggy enterprise is the hoary familiarity of its simplistic moral about the dangers of technology and the lure of the easy but dishonest path to success. In his third feature, Forgeard takes the slender, not terribly original observation that our smart-appliance-assisted lifestyles may have gone too far and makes a Miele out of it, up to and including a man-woman-fridge three-way sex scene complete with ice-cube ejaculation, about which all one can really say is that at least thats now been done so we dont have to do it again. To be strictly fair, it doesnt try for anything more than high-concept silliness, and so on the very limited, low-ambition terms it sets for itself, the film passes the time amiably enough, especially thanks to Lebghils engagingly hangdog turn. Its just a shame that despite presumably a wide range of chilling options and temperature controls, All About Yves should feel so uncool. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. President Trump Is First Foreign Leader to Meet Japan's New Emperor, Naruhito, During State Visit President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on Monday met with Japans Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, becoming the first foreign leaders to visit Naruhito since he ascended to the throne earlier this month. The Trumps were first greeted by the imperial couple outside their palace in Tokyo on Monday morning. Inside, they reportedly met for about 15 minutes and then exchanged gifts. To Naruhito, 59, the president presented a 1938 viola, handmade in West Virginia, along with a signed photo of American composer Aaron Copland and a signed photo of himself (as is customary when state guests visit the emperor and empress). The emperor is a viola player, according to the Japan Times. To Masako, 55, the first lady presented a custom-made White House desk set including a pen made from a live red oak at Harvard University, where the empress was once an economics student. In return, the emperor and empress presented the president, 72, and first lady, 49, with a traditional pottery and porcelain bowl and an ornamental lacquer box, respectively, as well as signed photos of themselves. On Monday night the imperial couple hosted the Trumps for a black-tie, six-course banquet also attended by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other dignitaries, including the American ambassador. Some 200 people were in attendance. Reading from prepared remarks, the president gave a brief toast at the dinner. He said he and Mrs. Trump were profoundly honored to return to Japan as your nations first state guests following the enthronement of his majesty the emperor. We thank the people of Japan for their incredible hospitality and warm welcome in this majestic land, Trump said, quoting from Japanese poetry as he celebrated the treasured alliance between Japan and America. The meeting with the Trumps also put a new spotlight on Empress Masako, as noted by the New York Times: Social media users lauded her multilingual fluency and newly international prominence after years of suffocating scrutiny about her ability to have children. (She and the emperor have a teenage daughter, Princess Aiko.) Story continues On May 1, Naruhito ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne following his fathers abdication. In Japanese culture, his reign marks the start of a new historical period, the Reiwa (or beautiful harmony) era. Thank you and our very best wishes to you, the imperial family and all of Japan for a peaceful and prosperous Reiwa era, Trump said in his toast at Mondays banquet. He and the first lady have been in Japan for a four-day state visit, leaving Tuesday. President Donald Trump (left) with Emperor Naruhito in Tokyo on Monday | Evan Vucci/AP/REX/Shutterstock From left: President Donald Trump meets with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Monday. | KAZUHIRO NOGI/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock RELATED VIDEO: Japans Princess Mako Giving Up Her Royal Status to Marry Commoner She Met at School Despite the pomp and ceremony that accompanies such a trip, it has not been without controversy given the presidents penchant for off-the-cuff and divisive remarks. At a joint news conference on Monday with Prime Minister Abe, Trump praised North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un as a smart man and said he agreed with Kim that former Vice President Joe Biden had a low I.Q. Republican lawmaker Adam Kinzinger, of Illinois, on Sunday criticized Trumps pro-Kim, anti-Biden position. He tweeted: Its Memorial Day Weekend and youre taking a shot at Biden while praising a dictator. This is just plain wrong. According to the Japan Times, Trump told Abe during an earlier trip to America that he wasnt sure he would be able to accommodate a return trip to Japan to meet the new emperor. However, Trump said he had asked Abe how big the imperial succession would be for the Japanese people compared with the Super Bowl and Abe replied, Its about 100 times bigger, leading him to immediately agree to the visit, the Japan Times reported. Following his state visit, the president returns to a host of political obstacles in Washington, D.C., including ongoing talk of impeachment proceedings by Congressional Democrats who say he obstructed the Russia investigation. Robert Mueller, the special counsel leading the probe, declined to make a judgement on Trumps behavior either way. Speaking with reporters on Monday during his state visit to Japan, President Donald Trump had several nice things to say about North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un but no kind words for former Vice President Joe Biden, whom Trump has repeatedly disparaged ahead of a possible showdown in next years election. In a historically unusual move reflecting how completely President Trump has shrugged off longstanding norms about polite political behavior, he even agreed with Kim, a brutal authoritarian, that Biden was not very intelligent. Kim Jong Un made a statement that Joe Biden is a low-I.Q. individual. He probably is, based on his record. I think I agree with him on that, Trump told reporters during a joint news conference with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, according to a transcript provided by the White House. Asked about criticism that youre sort of supporting a dictator instead of an American vice president, Trump pointed to former President Barack Obama and Bidens policies toward Iran, which he has moved to counter since taking office, believing they were too generous. I dont take sides as to who Im in favor or who Im not, but I can tell you that Joe Biden was a disaster, Trump argued. His administration, with President Obama, they were basically a disaster when it came to so many things. North Koreas state-controlled media originally attacked Biden as a fool of low I.Q. after the former vice president called Kim a dictator and a tyrant, according to the Washington Post. Trumps team views Biden, who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination in the 2020 election, as a significant threat to re-election, the New York Times reported this month. The president has attacked him repeatedly and on Saturday tweeted that he was pleased to hear North Korea had also weighed in on Biden. Republican lawmaker Adam Kinzinger, of Illinois, on Sunday criticized Trumps pro-Kim, anti-Biden position. Story continues He tweeted: Its Memorial Day Weekend and youre taking a shot at Biden while praising a dictator. This is just plain wrong. Trump, like his Democratic and Republican predecessors, has said his priority is for North Korea to completely denuclearize but hes sought this goal in unorthodox fashion. He met with Kim last year and again in February, in a first for America and North Korea. Previous policy toward the country was based on sanctions and international alienation. President Trump speaks at a news conference on Monday during a state visit to Japan | KIYOSHI OTA/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock President Trump (left) speaks at a news conference on Monday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe | KIYOSHI OTA/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock Still, Trumps efforts to curb North Koreas missile program and nuclear capabilities have stalled and the last summit collapsed without a resolution. Earlier this month, North Korea fired two short-range missiles off its eastern coast, according to the Times. John Bolton, Trumps national security adviser, described the launches as in clear violation of the United Nations Security Council, of which America is a key member. Not so, Trump told reporters on Monday. My people think it could have been a violation, as you know. I view it differently, he said. I view it as a man perhaps he wants to get attention, and perhaps not. Who knows? It doesnt matter. There have been no ballistic missiles going out, he argued, contradicting Boltons earlier statements on the matter. There have been no long-range missiles going out. Speaking next to Trump, however, Japans prime minister said the short-range ballistic missile launch was in violation of the U.N. Abe called it quite a regrettable act, according to the Post, but spoke positively of Trumps ongoing efforts at dialogue with North Korea. The president has a history of flattering autocratic leaders whom he sees as embodying unilateral strength including Kim and, most notoriously, Russias Vladimir Putin. Trump continued to defend Kim on Monday. Kim is looking to create a nation that has great strength economically. He knows that, with nuclear, thats never going to happen. Only bad can happen. He understands that. He is a very smart man. He gets it well, Trump said. He insisted that there had been no further nuclear testing by North Korea and noted sanctions are still in place. I am very happy with the way its going, Trump said. And intelligent people agree with me. The Hot Zone creators on what it's like to be a gay/straight writing team in TV 'The Hot Zone' creators on what it's like to be a gay/straight writing team in TV Ahead of Pride month and our annual LBGTQ issue, EW asked writers Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson (Smallville, Under the Dome, and Salem) to write about what its like to work as a gay man/straight woman team in television. Their latest project, The Hot Zone, debuts tonight on NatGeo. Shes not likable. Shes too hard. Whats the reason this character needs to be gay? We never get these kinds of notes questioning our straight male characters. Theyre likable just because theyre on a mission. And they certainly dont need a reason to be straight. When we sat down to put our thoughts together about what its like to be a gay man/straight woman/writer/producer/showrunning team in Hollywood, we realized this column is filled with landmines. At first, the idea of putting pen to paper about our experiences seemed like an easy assignment. But as any writer knows, thinking about writing and actually writing are two very different things. This topic accompanies many bottomless mimosa brunches across L.A. If were being honest, our diversity quotient most likely opened doors for us in the first half of our career. We werent seen as threats. And we were fortunate to have had many great mentors who saw us as true assets. But as we climbed the ranks in the second half of our career things got to be a little more of a sticky wicket. Sure we can talk about the highly accomplished female EP we know who discovered she was being paid less than the men three levels below her. And who doesnt love a fun tale of the agent with the sage advice that a drama pilot with a gay male lead will never sell? The list of inequities is extensive. But when we really started retracing our experiences, we realized the two most marginalizing comments we ever heard were both from women. And in our opinion, some of the most positive LGBT characters are written by straight guys whereas some stereotypically drawn representations have been written by members of the LGBT community. Simple truth, there are uncomfortable realities for anyone in the industry, no matter what demo you land in, and we (along with many others) are trying to help nudge along a course correction. Story continues In talking about it, when we removed the gay/female qualifier, we had a chance to look at the bones of a long-time partnership what has made it work? After all, it is a marriage of a certain kind. When you eat more meals with one another than your respective families and friends, and your financial future is riding in part on another person, its a lot of pressure. We still remember our first year on staff, when we became so furious with each other that we had to leave the writers room. One of us was annoyed at the other for not piping up enough and the other was livid because the first person was talking too much. We were both terrified we were going to get fired and it would be the other persons fault. So, we took a tense walk down the hall, endured a silent elevator ride to the lobby and marched down the block to a park. There, out of earshot of any interns who might be grabbing lattes in the area, we purged our mutual fury at full volume. We went at it, toe-to-toe, for an hour, neither relenting or yielding. We even found ourselves on the couch of a marriage counselor for exactly one session before we realized communicating was never going to be an issue. In fact, weve always been brutally upfront with each other. The truth we learned after the $200 an hour fee is that the real issue was trust. Now, the great thing about a writer/producer team is that you have a built-in editor. The worst thing is that you have a built-in editor. A writers tendency is to believe he or she is right. So in a partnership of two writers well, you have to somehow learn to trust that the other person is as right as you are. Always. But then, how do you break a deadlock? Weve adopted a policy that if neither of us can convince the other person about a creative decision, we have to agree theres a third option out there thats better than either one weve come up with so far. And inevitably we find it. So basically, the secret to our 20-year partnership, it seems, is being stubborn. And as it turns out, that may have everything to do with our qualifiers that one of us has the determined spirit of a gay boy growing up in a religious home in Montana and the other has the relentless fight of the daughter of a woman who was rejected from art school simply because she was a wife and mother. But like any writer out there, the greatest part of our job is getting to put ourselves in other peoples shoes and imagine their world. We get to be a superhero, a killer trapped under a dome, a witch, Einstein and with The Hot Zone, we finally were able to write that real-life female lead who isnt hard shes just confident. As for that leading gay guy on a network drama soon. For Summer TV scoop, pick up the new issue of Entertainment Weekly on stands now, or buy your choice of two different Game of Thrones covers Daenerys or the Starks now. Dont forget to subscribe for more exclusive interviews and photos, only in EW. Related content: The jokes started before the screenings even began hell, they practically wrote themselves: The Dead Dont Die wouldnt just be the opening night selection of the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, it could also be its tagline. Har har. If Cannes has managed to remain synonymous with the cinema itself, thats partially because people talk about them both like theyre hospice patients. Every year, thousands of journalists from all corners of the globe come to the French Riviera dressed for a party, but prepared for a funeral. And while that attitude has become a bit pro forma (and performative) in the digital era, its hard to deny that the 72-year-old festival has aged into an elegant anachronism. Related stories The Best Movies of the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, According to 50 Critics Secret Cannes Meeting For New Polanski Film to Find U.S. Buyer Took Place -- So Far, No Takers Its a take as old as time: Cannes is a 20th century institution that defiantly leans into the headwinds of a 21st century world its the most holy event of its kind, and also the most resistant to change. While the rest of the film industry marches forward, Cannes is happy to hold its ground; while other festivals embrace the future, this one is determined to honor the past. Sometimes that might be for the better (e.g. a refusal to unconditionally surrender in the streaming wars), and sometimes its definitely for the worse (e.g. a retrograde disinterest in female directors). Whichever way you slice it, the fact remains that Cannes sees itself as a proud beacon of tradition in a time of unchecked progress, while critics are more inclined to think of it as a zombie in a tuxedo, muttering cin-e-ma from its cold blue lips as it lumbers down the red carpet outside the Grand Theatre Lumiere. In that light, kicking off the 2019 program with a meta riff on George Romero almost seemed like a calculated act of self-parody; like Cannes was insisting that it would sooner rot than join the revolution. Story continues But if Jim Jarmuschs meta riff on George Romero turned out to be a lifeless piece of work, the decision to screen it as the opening night selection accumulated an unexpectedly poetic resonance as the fortnight unfolded. What at first seemed like a trollish move from a festival that was sick of the discourse around it started to feel like something very different once The Dead Dont Die was followed by several other, better films about zombies. Films about ghosts. Films about jinn, mythological creatures, and the monsters of memory. Jarmuschs misfire set the stage for the most genre-heavy Cannes in recent history; a Cannes which celebrated its supposed demise in order to illuminate a medium thats found a new life beyond the grave. If Cannes is a festival out of time, this years edition achieved relevance and rare urgency by insisting that the past is always present, and that any future value of film might depend on the cinemas unique capacity to remember that for us. Going to Cannes is always like taking a drive in a Delorean to a magical place where auteurs are gods and Netflix is a dirty word: but the festivals 72nd edition felt like a full-on temporal collapse. The first hint of strange happenings came just a few minutes into The Dead Dont Die, when a small-town cop played by Adam Driver notices that his watch has stopped working. Not only does that malfunction serve as a harbinger of imminent doom, it also locates Jarmuschs film which broadly subverts a Mayberry-like place with MAGA hats and Xanax-craving zombies in an unstable pocket of time between then and now. More accurately, The Dead Dont Die occupies both then and now, in a way that films (or at least the experience of watching them) always do, and nothing else ever can. But what most sets this movie apart from the rest of its genre is that its zombies are defined by the myopia of their drives. In death, as in life, theyve been reduced to their most basic desires; brains are old-fashioned, so now they shuffle forward with cravings for coffee, chardonnay, and the other immediate pleasures that once distracted them from populism, polar fracking, and the various other horrors being visited upon our world. Its an idea too clear and obvious to sustain 100 minutes of movie: What the zombies want has blinded them to what they need, and their collective lack of cultural memory spells the potential end of all humanity. Kleber Mendonca Filhos dementedly furious Bacurau offered another, more complicated (and even more literal) allegory about the value of cultural memory and the dangers of forgetting. Filhos psychedelic neo-Western is named after a remote Brazilian village thats deleted from the maps as soon as its matriarch dies, and then attacked by a homicidal group of American tourists on some kind of human safari. Set in the near future, but explicitly drawing from a wide variety of classic texts (Seven Samurai and El Topo are but two of many), this Jury Prize-winning whatchamacallit is more than an angry rebuke to a government thats trying to suffocate the arts, its also an urgent fable about how vulnerable people become when theyre severed from the past, and how easy it is for people to be severed from the past when theyre deprived of a place to preserve it. The film may never be read this way again, but in the context of Cannes it was tempting to see the village of Bacurau as a stand-in for the theatrical experience for the idea of cinema as a holy place. When the violence starts, its no surprise that the Bacurau museum becomes the locals greatest resource in their fight against the future. The films of Bertrand Bonello see time as less of a straight line than an uneasy churn; from House of Pleasures to Nocturama, his work obfuscates clearly delineated temporalities in order to suggest that history is always here with us. As its title suggests, Zombi Child finds the French director taking that idea to its logical and most literal conclusion. Its baked into the time-hopping structure of his horror curio, which complicates the true-ish story of Clairvius Narcisse a Haitian man who was said to have been turned into the walking dead with a parallel narrative that follows Narcisses (fictional) granddaughter as she attends an elite boarding school in present-day Paris. Cutting between his two plot threads until they knot together in a freaky third act, Bonello sees Vodou as a communion between spirits, but also as a communion between generations. The syncretic religion (or some bastardized Hollywood version of it) has been the subject of any number of movies, but Zombi Child keys in on its supernatural undercurrents as a response to the cultural severance of slavery and colonialism. From the eerie day-for-night scenes of an undead Narcisse wandering the fields in search of his family, to a climactic freak-out that evokes Hereditary scares in every sense of the word, Bonellos film creates an inviolable bridge between identity and memory; the living and the dead. The past isnt even past, and anyone who insists otherwise does so at their own peril. Terrence Malicks piercing and surprisingly holistic A Hidden Life offered a very different take on the dangers of only looking forward, and the power of religion to help keep things in perspective. While moored in the metaphysical realm of faith and divinity, Malicks harrowingly topical anti-Nazi treatise was one of the few Cannes stand-outs not to flirt with genre. Mati Diops Atlantics, on the other hand, dipped a too-hesitant toe into the waters of the supernatural in order to tell a vengeful ghost story about the costs of modernization. Less focused but more striking than many of the other films in Competition, Diops debut feature finds its strength as a warning shot to a Senegal thats willing to bury its poor beneath the future theyre building for the rich. Like Bong Joon-hos Palme dOr-winning Parasite, and Celine Sciammas Palme dOr-deserving Portrait of a Lady on Fire (both ghost stories in their own ways), Atlantics paints a world in which old and new past and present are living on top of each other; a world in which uniquely cinematic expressions of memory become the heroes best hope against being forgotten. Its not spoiling what happens in the movie to say that Diop looks to the dead for direction. Given Diops steely insistence that the future ought to fear the present, theres something a little ironic about the fact that Atlantics was ultimately acquired by Netflix. On the other hand, her film the first by a black woman to ever screen in Competition at Cannes offered a perfect example of how film culture can refocus its fundamental power by expanding and growing more inclusive; by illustrating how cinemas greatest role in the 21st century will be as a source of cultural memory. This years Cannes didnt argue in favor of the good old days, or insist upon taking us back to a time when the Croisette was just a place to deify male art and dehumanize their beautiful stars. On the contrary, the festival made a compelling argument for its own future by showing that true progress isnt possible without maintaining a link to the past; that we cant define where were going without keeping an eye on where we came from. Cannes still has a long way to go to make this years success feel like more a mission than a fluke, but it bodes well that even this editions biggest, Cannes-iest film directly confronted the accusations of obsolescence that are constantly being leveled at both the festival and cinema as a whole. More than just a way for Quentin Tarantino to put his stamp on the period of movie history that made him the man he is today, the brilliant and maddening Once Upon a Time in Hollywood dipped back to the sunset of the movies golden age in order to tell a timeless story about growing up, getting old, and staring at the face of a future that may not have a role for you to play in it. Rick Fucking Dalton isnt just a stand-in for his middle-aged director, hes also a drunken symbol of a dying industry that has a short memory and a long fuse a dying industry that now finds itself at its greatest inflection point since 1969, yet still hasnt croaked. Sometimes, Daltons inebriated fairy tale suggests, the past is all thats protecting us from the future. Sometimes, death is only the beginning. Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A terrifying spin on Shirley Jacksons classic horror novel of the same name, The Haunting of Hill House was a production designers dream, a series in which the central location was the stara living, breathing, decomposing and perturbing character unto itself. Joining Mike Flanagan on the first season of his Netflix horror anthology, production designer Patricio M. Farrell embraced the challenge of creating the space, which was elegant and overpowering, with surprises lurking around every corner. Alternating between three timelines, Hill House centers on the Crains, a family that moves into a New England mansion in the summer of 1992, only to encounter paranormal experiences that haunt them for the rest of their lives. Shooting The Haunting in Atlanta, Farrell scouted the surrounding area for a mansion that felt like Hill House, and could serve as his exterior. Simultaneously, he was hard at work putting together the interiors, constructing a two-story house within a soundstage, which drew its inspiration from the sprawling estates of late 19th century robber barons. Related stories Title of 'The Haunting' 2nd Installment Revealed; Anthology Heads To Bly Manor For Farrell, building an entire house on stage was an usual approach to interior set design, which came at a cost, with its own logistical challenges. At the same time, doing so offered the show immense visual depth, upon which the production designer could then further build. Xanadu was the quintessential comparison, the production designer says. But we were not going to build Xanadu. After pushing for all the scale that his budget would allow, Farrell then had to change tack, finding crafty ways to trick the eye, to make Hill House seem even more imposing than it really was. How did you initially come to work with Mike Flanagan? How do his sensibilities as an artist align with your own? The first time I got a call for one of his productions was for Somnia; now, its called Before I Wake. I was finishing a project in Mexico, so it wasnt easy for me to read the script and put something together to send back. But finally, they gave me a little bit of extra time, and that script got under your skin so much. It was so effective that it really moved me, but at the same time, Im not a big fan of scary movies. [Laughs] I believe in ghosts; I believe in everything. But in this case, my conversations with him were about trying to make the most beautiful sets possible, and he agreed with that conceptthat the scary parts have to come from the action, from the story. Story continues I really dont like the idea of something that becomes a circus. I like to make beautiful setsthats what I aim to do in my lifeand I think its even more scary when we can make these stories happen in environments that are not [scary themselves]. When you go into some very trippy place, thats already scary. But at the same time, its like, Why are you going there? But in the case of Somnia, when youre in this beautiful and normal, suburban-type house, and then all these [supernatural] things are starting to happen, its creepier. Because its like you could be there; thats your house. At the end of our conversation with Mike and [producer] Trevor Macy, they asked me if I had any questions for them, and the only thing I asked was if Mike had kids. Because I felt that if he didnt have kids, it was too much. I said, If you have kids and you are able to do this, Im on board. But if not, if youre exploiting those feelings that, as a father, get so deep under my skin, I dont know if I want to [get] involved. He said that he had a kidhe had a boy that was maybe four or five at that time, the same age as my boyand I said, All right, lets do it. What kinds of conversations did you have with Flanagan as you set out to make The Haunting of Hill House? For this show, I first had to put together research. From that, you start putting together some type of mood board, and some of the ideas and concepts. Where he was coming from was on the outlinemore about this kind of schizophrenic nature of Hill House. Then, I came up with all the different kinds of styles that I was going to try to fit within this mansion, and the sense of scale was the main challenge that I foresaw. I think thats where our initial conversations wenthow I was going to be able to put together all the styles. This was basically one of those old robber baron mansions of the late 19th century, where these people with immense fortunes were trying to bring in the Old World, and mix all types of styles. So, that was kind of the conversation, getting immersed in that world, and then going through the different styles that we were going to be able to use for thisthe Gothic and Baroque, Victorian and Moorishand seeing what we could take out to use in our design. You used Bisham Manor in LaGrange, Georgia as your Hill House exterior. How did you land on a real-world location that could play such a vital role? The exterior of the house was a long evolution, really. At the very beginning, the idea was to build the exterior on location, and the interior on stage. But quite soon after finding a couple of fields where we could build that, I started steering the conversation into looking for an actual location, because I just felt that cost-wise, it was not going to be feasible for me to deliver what was expected. So, we started looking, and found some good places that, for one reason or another, didnt work. Then, we fell in love with this house that was for sale, but that ended up not working out. At this point, we already had to be building the interior, so we started designing and putting walls up before we had an exterior. So, that was pretty crazy. Finally, our location manager, Carlos Rey del Castillo, came up with one that looked fantastic, and when we went, they made it work, in terms of making a deal. Reportedly, you couldnt make substantial changes to the exterior. How, then, did you achieve visual continuity between the exterior of Bishom Manor and the interior sets you were building? We did a blend of both. I redesigned some of the [interior] windows to match that exterior. But also, the main entrance to the actual house, I didnt like it. I thought it was too small for our story, and I liked the one we had designed better. So, then we had to do our main door, bring it over to the outside, and we converted a small driveway into basically the steps. So, it was a compromise between the two. We changed some of the designs for the interior, and some of the exterior, too. Obviously, a lot less; we couldnt go and take a wall down in a house like that. But the door that you see on the house, in the exteriorwhich, of course, matches our interiorthats ours. Then, by persevering with a lot of diplomacy, we got the owner to allow us to cut [down certain trees]. There were a few trees right against the front wall, in front of the house, and they were the wrong trees for the type of house, the year, and where its supposed to be in New England. These were crape myrtle trees, which are very typical of the South. The other thing is that you couldnt really see the house that well, so after a while, the owner authorized us to remove those trees and do a couple other things. It was, like always, a give and take, and I think the house was an extraordinary findamazing to come upon in the middle of Atlanta. Hill House features some extraordinarily long and complex tracking shots. Was the mansions two-story interior built as one cohesive set, to allow for this kind of movement? Yes. This was one of those wonderful accidentsresults that come out of not having everything you wish for, in a way. The way we usually approach [the process], if we can build the first floor all together, then in some other area of the stage, or another stage, well do the second floor. This way allows for lighting, and moving walls is much easier, [minimizing] costs related to engineering and stuff like that. But in this case, [with] the lack of stage space, I was just trying to keep on creating this puzzle. Because as enormous as this house had to be, it was not the only set we built. The funeral home was another very large set, just to mention one. There were all kinds of other sets that needed to be built. So basically at some point, realizing that I was not going to get another stage, I came up with this solution, which was building the two-story house as a two-story house. This would bring some extra costs, but at the same time, I was also putting out there that it would bring this great way of shooting, [where] you could do all these continuous shots. I thought creatively, it would be a big advantage, and Mike immediately fell in love with that, so we moved on. The house was a big, 15,000 square-foot mansion where you could enter and walk around, and go up the grand stairs, and go visit all the rooms, and go through, and that also helped with that sense of scale that I was referring to at the beginningto be able to have this depth, and go through all these hallways and passageways, and these arches, and then look from above. Could you break down a few of the visual components that defined the mansions interiors, and the inspiration behind those choices? I think the key words you mentioned are components and break down. Thats really how I work, because if not, you can get dizzy. It gets like, where do you start? Its really important that as we get the script, we get the needs of the environment that we need to create for the story to happen within. Its a matter of starting to choose and curate each of these components, because ultimately, this combination of components and how they perform creates this environment. I knew that in these stories, theres always running, so I wanted to create a space where Mike could have the characters run around. But it was important to me that they could be turning a corner, and feel that they are in a completely different environment, a completely different place. Thats why you go from this very Gothic hallway into this other one that looks like a monastery, or the other one that was more modern. I think visually, its a lot more interesting and exciting, and at the same time, it gives this sense that you could be anywhere, and that this place is so big. What other choices did you make to support a sense of depth within Hill House? We basically had these two hallways, with downstairs and upstairs. They run for approximately 120 feet, so starting with that, its then [about] the process of accommodating all the other rooms. It took a lot of work to align these rooms in a way that you could stand in many different spots, and always see through many different layers of rooms. As you go through one threshold onto the next, youre seeing these different color palettes and textures, and light sources, and it basically creates all these shadows. So, thats in the long view. Then, as you get closer to the walls, I was trying to use depth on the molding, and the wallpaper, and all these different types of elements that we put in there. That kind of makes the moldings, and railings and [everything] a little bit oversized, so they would also create their own shadows, and you had these different layers on different levels. Certain sequences juxtapose the pristine interiors of Hill House with a creepier and much more broken-down version of the same space. What was your approach to those moments? This was definitely another source of sleepless nights, how to get to that, and there were different production approaches that of course I had to adapt to. One of them was going to be to basically age everything, and then have a hiatus for the company, where the art department would be going back and taking it to its original pristine [look]. What we ended up doing, in this case, was to finish shooting all of the scenes that were in the decrepit stage of the house at the very end, so we only had to do that once. We used the interior stage sets and just took them to that level of abandonment and neglect, so that took a lot of work. What it took away from us was [the ability] to have more time on our own to do it. But on the other hand, we were able to be a little bit more wild in our approach, knowing that we were not going to have to bring it back. Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Christina Anstead performs renovations on television for a living, but over the past year, the pregnant Flip or Flop star took on a more personal project: designing a family home with her husband Ant. The home in Newport Beach, Calif.which Christina, 35, describes as a bohemian modern farmhouseserved as the venue for the couples surprise wedding in December of last year. Now, its a space where they love to spend time with their newly blended family (Christina shares daughter Taylor, 8, and son Brayden, 3, with her ex-husband Tarek El Moussa, 37, while Ant, 40, is father to daughter Amelie, 15, and son Archie, 12, with his ex-wife Louise.) I love when were all here together with our noise, our mess, our family, Ant tells PEOPLE of the five-bedroom, five-bathroom abode. Justin Coit Their spacious kitchen features a massive, eat-in center island, and flows seamlessly into the dining space, which boasts a long, family-style table and a glass-encased wine rack. Courtesy Christina Anstead RELATED: Christina Anstead Says Shes Authentic and Unfiltered on Her New Solo Home Reno Series The sprawling living area is decorated with an L-shaped couch thats accented with black and white throw pillows. Alongside the more modern elements, the couple added personal touches, like a quote from their wedding song (Elvis Presleys Cant Help Falling in Love) plastered on the wall in their bedroom. Courtesy Christina Anstead Christina has also been teasing a backyard renovation on Instagram for a few months, sharing renderings of the space that display a pool, spa, cabanas and a small waterslide for the kids. This marks the fourth home Christina and Ant have lived in during a whirlwind year, but its the place where theyre planning to settle down to raise their baby boy, who is due in November. Story continues In the last 12 months weve lived in four houses, got divorced, got married and now were having a baby, says Ant. When you think about how everything unfolded for us, its incredible. This is our act two. RELATED: Christina Anstead on Her New Home, New Show and New Baby on the Way: Its a Dream Come True Its so amazing that we get to raise a child together, Christina adds. All of the kids are so excited. I love all the fun chaos and a full house. I always thought I would only have two, and now Ill have five! By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Due to the ongoing summers and scarcity of water, as a result the demand for water tankers in the twin cities has reached a record high. As of now, nearly 17,000 to 18,000 bookings for payment tankers are pending at various divisions of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB). In several parts of the city, residents are being forced to wait for at least four to five days to get their water tankers delivered. The delay in tanker delivery is due to disturbance in the supply system. If the system is left undisturbed, the demand will not be as uncontrolled, said officials of the HMWSSB, while speaking to Express. In areas like SR Nagar, Borabanda, Erragadda, Moosapet and Asifnagar, where water scarcity is a major issue, residents are reeling under water crisis owing to the delay in water tankers delivery. Officials claim that there are several reasons for the delay; they, however, also assured that the situation would improve after June 5. READ HERE | With just 47 tap connections, Neknampur turns to private tankers In the wake of heavy demand for water tankers, the HMWSSB said that the consumers, who have booked a water tanker on a particular day would not be allowed to book another tanker for the next three days the move has increased panic among the residents. Cap on tankers supplied to housing colonies Only one payment tanker would be delivered per day to housing colonies with less than five blocks, as against the earlier limit of six tankers per day. For colonies with more than five blocks, an additional tanker would be provided. The water board runs 800 tankers on hire. By Dan Williams JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The Israeli broadcaster of the Eurovision Song Contest said on Sunday that an unauthorized display of Palestinian flags by Iceland's band could draw "punishment" from the event's organizers. During the point-tally of Saturday's final, members of the eclectic punk ensemble Hatari held up scarf-sized Palestinian flags. A vocalist, Klemens Nikulasson Hannigan, flashed a V-for-victory sign. Many in the Tel Aviv audience responded with boos. In earlier remarks to Eurovision fan site wiwibloggs, Hannigan had criticized Israel's settlements and what he described as its "apartheid" in occupied Palestinian territory. The flag display, briefly caught on the live TV relay of the 41-country contest, marked the only disruption of a show that had been a focus of anti-Israel boycott calls, and drew a swift rebuke from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). "The Icelanders will apparently be punished by the European Broadcasting Union, which is really not tolerant of those who violate its rules," Eldad Koblenz, CEO of the EBU's Israeli counterpart Kan, told Ynet TV. An EBU spokesman declined direct comment, saying the matter was under discussion. EBU rules allow for disqualifying contestants who do not abide by requirements for a "non-political event". Asked what other penalties might be available, the spokesman said: "In the past there have been financial sanctions for rule breaches." He did not elaborate on these cases or sums. Hatari's song "Hate Will Prevail", during which the leather- and latex-clad performers thrashed around a grenade-shaped globe as flames shot from the stage, came 10th of the 26 finalists. Their flag display did not impress the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel, which had urged countries to shun the Tel Aviv Eurovision. None did. "Palestinian civil society overwhelmingly rejects fig-leaf gestures of solidarity from international artists crossing our peaceful picket line #Hatari," the campaigners said on Twitter. Koblenz was more upbeat about a political display by Madonna, whose much-anticipated, two-song guest performance in the final featured two back-up dancers, with Israeli and Palestinian flags on their backs, walking in an embrace. "We are very happy that she came, certainly in a reality where very few artists are prepared to come to Israel," he said, while allowing that "perhaps she's had more successful shows". Madonna, who has previously performed in Israel and is a devotee of Jewish mysticism, said on Twitter on Sunday that she was grateful "for the opportunity to spread the message of peace and unity with the world". Kan had no advance notice of Hatari's or Madonna's flag displays, Koblenz said: "That's the price of a live broadcast." (Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Alison Williams) Netflix is moving into Egyptian drama with an adaptation of Ahmed Khaled Tawfiks Paranormal. The SVOD service has ordered the Middle Eastern series, which will be produced by Mohamed Hefzy and Amr Salama with the latter directing and showrunning. Related stories 'Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj': Jim Margolis Departs As Showrunner Of Netflix Series; Steve Bodow To Replace Him The series is set in the 1960s, the series, packed with mystery and suspense, depicts the adventures of Dr. Refaat Ismail, a single hematologist who finds himself faced with a series of supernatural events. Khaled Tawfik, who died in 2018, was a prolific author who wrote more than 200 books and was the first contemporary writer or horror, science fiction and medical thrillers in the Arab world. The show is expected to be filmed in Egypt and is the companys third Middle Eastern original following Jinn and Al Rawabi School for Girls. We are so excited to be investing in more Middle Eastern productions by adapting the highly acclaimed Paranormal series of novels into an exciting show. Were also pleased to collaborate with prominent producer Mohamed Hefzy and director Amr Salama whose creative vision we look forward to bringing to our international audience, said Kelly Luegenbiehl, VP of International Originals at Netflix. Hefzy (right) said, Im proud to be working with Netflix on bringing to life the Paranormal series, which I hold dear to my heart. Im also excited to be cooperating again with long-time collaborator and friend, director Amr Salama. Together with Netflix, we aim to present a show of international quality and that lives up to the promises and ambitions of Egyptian and Arabic drama. Im very excited about this project, It was my dream to adapt Paranormal of the late author Ahmed Khaled Tawfik and turn it into a drama since I ever wanted to be a filmmaker. Im proud to present the books in a new light while still keeping the essence of Paranormal. I cant wait to introduce these exciting stories to the Netflix public in 190 countries around the world, added Salama. Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Olympic swimmer Nathan Adrian has been a professional athlete for nearly 10 years. He studied public health at the University of California Berkeley (where he won five national titles) and grew up in a family of medical professionals all of which helped him develop a heightened sense of body awareness. So when the eight-time Olympic medalist, 30, felt some pain in his genital area earlier this year, he started monitoring it closely. Over the next few weeks, his symptoms didnt let up. So Adrian wasted no time making a doctors appointment. He was hit with the devastating news of a testicular cancer diagnosis. Fortunately, he caught the disease at an early stage. Had he waited a couple more months or even weeks to see a physician, Adrian tells PEOPLE, that couldve been disastrous for me. According to the Mayo Clinic, testicular cancer is a rare but highly treatable condition that usually affects American males between the ages of 15 and 35 but can occur at any time. He announced the diagnosis on Instagram and Twitter on January 24 in a post that started with the perfect swimming analogy: Life, like swimming the 100 free, can come at you hard and fast as you cant always see who, or what, may be chasing you down. AP/REX/Shutterstock Over the course of the next few months, Adrian documented everything on social media, including multiple surgeries and health updates, his fitness journey, and most recently, his much-anticipated return to the pool at the Tyr Pro Swim Series in Bloomington, Indiana, earlier this month. Ahead of his Make a Splash promotional tour (a USA Swimming Foundation initiative to encourage water safety for children), Adrian tells PEOPLE about why he chose to share his personal health with the world. He says he wants to help break the stigma surrounding mens health issues, which became very apparent after his diagnosis. I called up a lot of urologist and almost every single one of them had tons of stories about people just waiting (to see a doctor) because its not something thats necessarily painful, he tells PEOPLE. Story continues RELATED: Erich Bergen Reveals Testicular Cancer Battle: Men Are Dying Because They Dont Want Someone Looking at Their Junk Adrian says that, if sharing his story encourages just one person to get checked a little bit earlier or prevents one person from having to endure chemotherapy, then my shame means nothing. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images After he announced his diagnosis, Adrian says a friend shared an eye-opening article with him that shed light on why men often wait to seek treatment until its too late. One of the reasons is that they connect masculinity with properly functioning genitals, Adrian tells PEOPLE. I was like, Oh my God, thats totally true. Today, Adrian is in the post-cancer phase. He has no evidence of ongoing disease, and his training schedule is slowly but surely getting back to normal. Still, he says scan-xiety is a real thing. We have to be on this close surveillance protocol because it could come back, Adrian says. My journey with this is not over. Its finally nice to hear good things from the doctors because thats always a scary call to answer. I know when a random 401 number calls me, I pick it up right away. Im still very much in it. Aside from having tremendous support from friends and family especially his wife of two years, Hallie Ivester, and the entire USA Swimming Foundation community finding other passions aside from training and competing was an essential part of his recovery. For Adrian, Make a Splash was the perfect outlet to keep him feeling as normal as possible amid the diagnosis, something he says is important for any cancer patient to find. Adrian gives swim lessons in partnership with Make a Splash According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 people drown every day in the United States. Formal swim lessons reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by a staggering 88 percent, according to Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. While managing his health and getting back into a training schedule, Adrian is determined to spread awareness about drowning and make children safer in and around water through Make a Splash. By Sarah White and Johnny Cotton CANNES, France (Reuters) - "Parasite", a wickedly humourous suspense movie about class struggles directed by South Korea's Bong Joon-Ho, won the top Palme d'Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday, on a big night for newcomer filmmakers too. Bong, who made his mark at Cannes in 2017 with Netflix-produced "Okja", is the first South Korean to nab the award at the world's biggest cinema showcase. The festival also shone a light on a debut feature-length movie by Franco-Senegalese director Mati Diop, whose haunting migrant tale "Atlantics" clinched the runner-up Grand Prix award. The unanimous decision to crown "Parasite" partly came down to its unexpected mash-up of genres, this year's jury president, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, the Mexican maker of "Birdman", told reporters. It was up against films by a whole cast of industry heavyweights, including Quentin Tarantino's latest opus, "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood." Set in modern South Korea, "Parasite" follows a down-on-its-luck family of four who worm their way into jobs in a wealthy household. The darkly comic tale doubles up as a thriller, with flashes of violence. Bong told Reuters that his film - which pokes fun at the affluent mother gushing about her art genius son, or at a family in a cramped flat trying to capture the Wi-Fi signal off their neighbours - reflected "the reality of the times." "I really respect films that deal with heavy political issues very seriously but I much prefer to mix that with humour," Bong said. "While they're laughing I want them to be hit like a hidden blade behind their pocket when they're not expecting it." The award adds to a successful run at the French cinema showcase for Asian films after Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda got the prestigious gong last year. WOMEN RECOGNISED Story continues With four female directors in contention for the Palme d'Or this year out of 21 entries - at a time when filmmakers are pushing for more gender equality in the industry - it was Diop who made a splash in the end. "Atlantics" is a ghost story that turns the spotlight on the women who are left behind as their partners and loved ones set off from Dakar on a perilous sea crossing. Diop, the first black woman ever to vie for the top Cannes award, said it was not foremost in her mind after her win but added that the recognition was symbolically important. "It doesn't really belong to me but I'm OK to be that person, to be that woman," Diop said. French director Celine Sciamma won a prize for best screenplay for her lesbian love story "Portrait Of A Lady On Fire." Spain's Antonio Banderas won the male acting prize for his role as a tortured filmmaker in Pedro Almodovar's loosely biographical "Pain And Glory". He dedicated his award to Almodovar, who was hotly tipped for recognition but still has never won the Palme D'Or. "It is a shared prize. Not only just because I've been directed by him, because it's the eighth movie we've done together... but because I play him," Banderas told Reuters, adding that "99.9 percent" of his character was based on the filmmaker. Britain's Emily Beecham won best actress after starring in Jessica Hausner's "Little Joe" as a botanist who starts having doubts about her latest genetically modified creation. MACRON TO SEE MOVIE French director Ladj Ly's first film, "Les Miserables", a timely tale of police violence, got the Jury Prize - effectively the bronze medal - alongside "Bacurau", a Brazilian movie by co-directors Kleber Mendonca Filho and Juliano Dornelles. Ly had called on French President Emmanuel Macron to watch his film after it screened at the festival, saying his thriller about a chaotic police patrol could provide an insight into a wave of demonstrations in France over the past six months. He told reporters on Saturday that Macron had responded and that the film crew was going to organise a screening at the Elysee Palace. The prize for "Bacurau" caps a successful Cannes for Brazilian films after another entry from the country won the second-tier "Un Certain Regard" competition on Friday. Filmmakers there have warned about tough times ahead for the Brazilian movie industry, after far-right President Jair Bolsonaro said he would battle "cultural Marxism" and reduced the remit of Brazil's culture ministry. "Over the last 15 years there was a very slow build-up of interesting ideas and funding to support Brazilian film production. Now we don't really know what's going to happen," Mendonca said. "The fact that these films are doing well in Cannes is important." Among other prizes, Belgian filmmaking duo Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne jointly won the best director prize for their movie about a radicalised teen, "Young Ahmed". (Additional reporting by Hanna Rantala and Reuters TV, Editing by Inti Landauro and Dan Grebler) Good Morning America The omicron variant has now been detected in all 50 states. While more will be known about omicron in the near future, the toll the new variant is taking on an already taxed health care system is of concern now. Take a look back at what the delta surge did to the health care workforce (defined by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as paid or unpaid workers who are exposed to patients or infectious materials) many of them suffered burnout, had grueling workloads due to staffing shortages and non-COVID care was impacted. Photo credit: Raymond Hall - Getty Images From Delish Its the big five-year anniversary for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. The couple celebrated their wedding-a lavish, multi-day affair in Italy-with a relatively low-key dinner in Los Angeles on Thursday night. Kardashian wore a simple black dress and heels while West wore black pants, a white shirt, and a tan Carhartt jacket. They were tucked away in the corner and ate by candlelight," a source told E! News. They were mostly talking to one another quietly and smiling across the table. They were low-key and mellow. They showed each other pictures on their phones and shared stories. They did receive some slightly special treatment by the staff of the restaurant (Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica), who congratulated them and sent over some special dishes for them to try. While their celebratory dinner was on the more casual side for the high-profile couple, Kardashian had big plans for their anniversary for her beauty brand, KKW Beauty. On Friday, their actual anniversary, Kardashian launched a special collection of makeup to honor the special day. The Mrs. West collection was inspired by her own beauty look, done by her longtime makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, on her wedding day. Everything about this collection is so special to me; the packaging, the beautiful versatile shades and the name, of course, she said in a statement. Not only can you create the most beautiful glam looks with these products, but I love the idea that the memories from the happiest day of my life are celebrated in this collection. Im so excited that all of you will now have a little piece of this special day. ('You Might Also Like',) Yahoo Life Videos We hope your holiday was merry and bright, but dont settle in for a long winters sleep just yet. Right now is the best time to scoop up just about anything you need, at incredible discounts. By Jeff Mason and Linda Sieg TOKYO (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump pressed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday to even out a trade imbalance with the United States and said he was happy with how things were going with North Korea despite its recent missile and rocket launches. Trump told a news conference with Abe after their summit that he wanted U.S. exports to be put on a fair footing in Japan through the removal of trade barriers. He said he hoped to have more to announce on trade very soon and said he and Abe had agreed to expand cooperation in human space exploration. "We have an unbelievably large imbalance, as you know, trade imbalance with Japan for many, many years, Japan having the big advantage," Trump said. "They are brilliant business people, brilliant negotiators, and put us in a very tough spot. But I think we will have a deal with Japan," he added. Abe, for his part, said the two leaders had agreed to accelerate trade talks but dodged a question about timing. Trump, who is on a four-day state visit to Japan meant to showcase the Japan-U.S. alliance, said on Twitter on Sunday that he expected big moves on trade would wait until after Japan's upper house election in July. "Trade-wise, I think we'll be announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries," Trump said on Monday at the start of the talks. "We'll get the balance of trade, I think, straightened out rapidly." Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters there was no agreement to reach a trade deal by August. Abe, who has developed a warm relationship with Trump since the U.S. leader came to office, stressed the closeness of ties. "This visit of President Trump and Madame Trump is a golden opportunity to clearly show the unshakable bond to the whole world and inside Japan as well," Abe told the news conference. Earlier, Trump was greeted by Emperor Naruhito and his Harvard-educated wife at the imperial palace in a formal welcome ceremony. Trump is the first foreign dignitary to be received by the monarch since Naruhito inherited the throne after his father, Akihito, stepped down on April 30, the first abdication by a Japanese emperor in two centuries. BOND OF FRIENDSHIP Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako hosted a six-course state dinner later on Monday for Trump and his wife, Melania, and dozens of guests, many of whom were dressed in tuxedos or colorful kimonos. In his toast, Naruhito highlighted how Japan forged a treaty with the United States when it emerged in 1854 from more than 200 years of self-imposed isolation. "Since then, our two nations and peoples have overcome various hardships to cultivate mutual understanding and trust to become extremely close Pacific neighbors bound by a strong friendship," he said. On Sunday, Trump spent what he said was "an incredible evening" watching the Japanese national sport of sumo - where nearly naked wrestlers grapple on a raised sand ring - after he and Abe had bonded over hamburgers and golf. While Abe and Trump have put their friendship on show, Trump has threatened to target Japanese automakers with high tariffs. He has also spearheaded an expensive trade dispute with China. The trade war between the world's two largest economies has hurt markets worldwide. Trump told the news conference that Washington was not ready to make a deal with Beijing but he expected one in the future. "I believe that we will have a very good deal with China sometime in the future. Because I don't believe that China can continue to pay these really hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs," he said. "You know businesses are leaving China, by the hundreds, by the thousands, and going into areas that are not tariffed." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters in Beijing that China's stance was consistent: Disputes should be resolved through negotiations and China-U.S. consultations "must be based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit". NORTH KOREA Trump and Abe also have disagreements over North Korea. Trump expressed optimism over prospects that North Korea would give up its nuclear program, and repeated that he was not bothered by recent missile tests, which he indicated he did not believe flouted United Nations Security Council resolutions. "My people think it could have been a violation, as you know. I view it differently I view it as a man, perhaps he wants to get attention. Perhaps not. Who knows? It doesn't matter. All I know is that there have been no nuclear tests, no ballistic missiles going out, no long-range missiles going out. And I think that someday we'll have a deal," Trump said. "I'm not in a rush," he added. Trump also said he agreed with Kim that former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, who has been critical of North Korea and is now campaigning to become the Democratic Party candidate for the 2020 U.S. presidential election, was a "low IQ individual". Abe said he supported Trump's approach to Kim, but repeated Japan's stance that the recent short-range missile tests violated U.N. resolutions. The two leaders also discussed Iran. Japanese media has said Abe was considering a trip there next month, to try to soothe rising tension between Iran and the United States. Trump said he thought a deal with Iran on its nuclear program was possible and said he was not seeking regime change there. Also on Monday, Trump met families of Japanese citizens kidnapped by North Korea and told the relatives that he would work with Abe to bring the abductees home. In 2002, North Korea admitted its agents had kidnapped 13 Japanese decades ago. Japan says 17 of its citizens were abducted, five of whom were repatriated. (Additional reporting by Malcolm Foster, Elaine Lies, Tim Kelly and Kiyoshi Takenaka in Tokyo and Ben Blanchard in Beijing; Writing by Jeff Mason and Linda Sieg; Editing by Paul Tait, Robert Birsel and Peter Graff) President Donald Trump arrives to speak at the National Association of REALTORS Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo, Friday, May 17, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump distanced himself from Alabama's restrictive new abortion law by laying out differing personal views even as he urged anti-abortion activists to stay united heading into the 2020 election. In a series of tweets about abortion, Trump did not state whether he was for or against the Alabama law, which forbids the procedure in almost all circumstances, including cases of rape and incest. But a senior administration official said Sunday that the president is troubled by new state laws that seek to imprison doctors who perform abortions. The official said Trump wanted to make clear that one can oppose abortion, as he does, but still agree to allow it when rape or incest is involved, or when the pregnant woman's life is at risk. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss Trump's reasoning. Trump tweeted late Saturday that gains by anti-abortion activists will "rapidly disappear" if, as he put it, "we are foolish and do not stay UNITED as one." As he heads into re-election season, the president is trying to walk a fine line between a conservative base that favors criminalizing access to abortion and potentially angering women who already are skeptical of him. Disagreement among Republicans is becoming apparent over Alabama's law, and Trump sees Democrats taking advantage of that. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California, the top Republican in the Democratic-controlled chamber, opposed the law, saying he supports exceptions for rape and incest and serious risk to the woman's life. Evangelist Pat Robertson, meanwhile, said the law is too "extreme" and not the best vehicle to attempt to force the Supreme Court to revisit and possibly overturn Roe v. Wade, the high court's 1973 ruling that established a woman's constitutional right to an abortion. Several of the Democrats who are competing for the right to challenge Trump in 2020 have come out against Alabama's law and other state moves to impose new abortion restrictions, vowing to protect abortion rights through national legislation or, if elected, their Supreme Court nominees. Story continues Other state laws ban abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which experts say typically happens around the sixth week of pregnancy, but is often before most women realize or confirm they are expecting a baby. Trump tweeted that "We have come very far" on the anti-abortion front in the two-plus years since he took office, noting the addition of more than 100 conservative federal judges and two Supreme Court justices "and a whole new & positive attitude about the Right to Life." His selections of Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court tilted the political makeup of the nation's high court to the right, and emboldened conservatives who believe the time is ripe for a court case to challenge Roe v. Wade. Trump also claimed that "The Radical Left" is "imploding on this issue" and urged Republican unity on abortion to keep Democrats from winning. Trump claims Democrats support abortion on demand, including ending pregnancies late in the term. "We must stick together and Win for Life in 2020," he tweeted. Trump noted in the tweets that he holds the same anti-abortion position as Republican President Ronald Reagan, but that stance was not a lifelong one for the current Oval Office occupant. Hailing from liberal New York City and decades before aligning with the GOP as he neared a serious run for president, Trump favored abortion rights. He also supported Planned Parenthood, a provider of women's health care services, including abortion. Trump includes regular references in his speeches to what he says are the Democrats' extreme positions on abortion, including in formal settings like the State of the Union address and in the more free-wheeling atmosphere of his campaign rallies. Republicans believe the politics of abortion have shifted somewhat in their favor in recent years. But the near-absolutist nature of the most recent state-level bills has sparked concerns inside Trump's team that the issue could energize his critics and female voters, with whom the president has long struggled. Polling suggests the abortion issue has the potential to stoke political engagement among both parties. The General Social Survey released last year found 64% of Democrats, but just 35% of Republicans, saying a woman should be able to have an abortion for any reason. Vice President Mike Pence, a conservative Christian and abortion opponent, avoided taking sides when he was asked about the Alabama law during an appearance in Wisconsin last week. Pence replied that he is proud to be part of a "pro-life administration," adding that he and Trump "have worked to stand for the sanctity of life since the outset of this administration. And I know many states around the country are embracing life." Pence's spokeswoman, Alyssa Farah, on Sunday declined further comment. ___ Associated Press writer Calvin Woodward contributed to this report. ___ Follow Darlene Superville on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap By Express News Service KOCHI: The citys drug mafia has been extending its network across the country to ensure a steady flow of drugs to meet the rising demand for ganja, charas, hashish and brown sugar. The dark underbelly of the drug mafias inter-state operations reaching up to rural areas in Uttar Pradesh was exposed when an excise team, probing the seizure of 6.5 kg of charas worth Rs 10 crore in Kochi, found the links of certain accused with drug operatives in UP. During the probe, the team got clues on the rackets in UP helping the carriers of Kerala-based narcotics rackets to smuggle in the contraband without falling under the prying eyes of the enforcement agencies. It was with the support of the UP rackets and taking advantage of the poor security on the Indo-Nepal border that the main accused in the case, identified as Varghese Judson of Puthuvype, brought the drugs to Kochi. We have received evidence regarding the persons supplying the drug to the accused. We are in the process of recording the statement of the accused. A detailed interrogation is on. A team will soon leave for UP for further investigation, said an officer. The Excise Department said the accused has been committing the crime with the support of a well-oiled pan-India network. Officers said Judson procured charas at a rate of Rs 20,000 per kg from the Nepal border and used to sell it in retail at a rate of Rs 10 to Rs 15 lakh per kg in Kerala. He used to go to Nepal via road on his SUV. After procuring the contraband from Kushinagar on the Indo-Nepal border, where there is no security check, he returns via UP, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka to Kochi by enabling the GPRS facility of the vehicle. He also started a rent-a-car business as a cover to smuggle the contraband to various locations in Kerala, the officer said, According to Excise Assistant Commissioner Ashok Kumar, the investigation team will file an application before the court seeking the custody of Judson on Monday. We will soon trace the persons who are part of the smuggling network, he said. Photo credit: Dave J Hogan - Getty Images From ELLE The highly-anticipated Spice Girls reunion tour is off to a bumpy start . The British girl group (sans Victoria Beckham) kicked off their world tour in Dublin, Ireland, but the concert left many disappointed due to sound issues. Fans explained the issues over social media, with many complaining of feedback, delays, and being unable to hear the women at all. Some were so upset over the show that they walked out of the stadium. Mel B was the only member of the group to address the situation in an Instagram story later that night. Hey guys, thank you for attending our show tonight in Dublin, she said. We will see you in Cardiff and hopefully the vocals and the sound will be much, much better. Despite the sound problems, the set list had all the spicy hits, including Spice Up Your Life and Wannabe. The costumes were also a key part to the show with the women wearing looks reminiscent of their iconic 90s fashion (leopard print and Union Jacks included, naturally). Geri Halliwell shared a close up photo of one of her looks to Instagram, showing an embroidered corset with the words Girl Power written across the back in gold. The Union Jack dress belongs to us all. A family of houses, unified. An evolution of girl power, she captioned the photo . The Dublin show marks the Spice Girls first performance since they played the 2012 Olympics closing ceremony. The group is scheduled to perform 12 more shows throughout the U.K. Heres hoping it goes off without a hitch! ('You Might Also Like',) KABUL (Reuters) - A Taliban delegation led by the movement's chief negotiator will visit Moscow this week to attend a ceremony expected to be followed by informal talks with senior Afghan politicians on the peace process, officials said on Monday. The potential meeting comes during increased diplomatic efforts to revive stalled talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government, following the failure of a planned get-together in the Qatari capital Doha last month. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said the 14-strong delegation, led by Mullah Baradar Akhund, will attend a ceremony on Tuesday marking the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Afghanistan. The delegation would also meet Afghan politicians and elders on the following day to discuss the future of the country, he said, without giving details. It was unclear what Afghan officials will be present but former president Hamid Karzai is traveling to Moscow along with officials from his office, a spokesman said. A spokesman for the Afghan foreign ministry said the Afghan ambassador in Moscow would attend the ceremony but it was unclear whether he would meet the Taliban delegation. The Taliban have been talking with U.S. diplomats for several months and have reached broad agreement on the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan. But they have so far refused to talk to the Western-backed government in Kabul which they consider a foreign imposed "puppet" regime. To prepare the way for possible future peace negotiations, other countries have been trying to facilitate informal talks between the Taliban and representatives of civil society and state institutions. (Reporting by Abdul Qadir Sediqi, Jibran Ahmad in PESHAWAR; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) Brussels (AFP) - Belgium on Monday launched the daunting process of forging a new coalition government after elections deepened the split between the Dutch speakers in the north and French speakers in the south. King Philippe of Belgium consulted various party leaders about prospects for a new coalition and asked outgoing Prime Minister Charles Michel to manage affairs for the time being. The ruling coalition collapsed five months ago and left Michel, the French-speaking liberal in charge of a caretaker administration. Northern Flanders has tilted even further right with the secessionist Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) party making strong gains while the socialists in southern Wallonia have retained top position. Michel had kept Vlaams Belang out of his own coalition. Economically booming Flanders votes traditionally to the right, while the socialists are the major political force in Brussels and post-industrial Wallonia, where unemployment is high. "It's a historical fact," Belgian political scientist Vincent Laborderie told AFP when asked about a north that traditionally leans right and a south that leans left. But until now parties at opposite ends of the spectrum have never done so well, with the far-right Vlaams Belang taking 18 seats in the 150-seat parliament and the far-left PTB 12. Other groups like the VB and the PTB Workers Party of Belgium -- to say nothing of the environmentalist Ecolo-Groen that increased its share from 12 to 21 seats -- gained ground at the expense of the traditional parties. The socialists, Christian Democrats and liberals all emerged weaker from the elections to the federal parliament, the regional assemblies and the European Parliament. In theory, a moderate axis involving the socialists (29 deputies), liberals (26) and ecologists (21) could form a majority of 76 members. Such a rainbow coalition has existed in the past, but there may be a problem of balance beyond potentially difficult compromises on tax policy. Story continues A rainbow coalition would depend on minority Dutch-speaking parties and would sweep aside a pledge by the Flemish nationalist N-VA to retain a central national role. The N-VA remained Sunday the leading political force in Flanders, with 25 seats in the assembly. - 'Treating us like semi-Nazis' - N-VA President Bart De Wever, one of the party leaders who met Monday with the king, has ruled any government that will not rest on a majority of Flemish voters. But it is not clear whether the French-speaking left and the Flemish right can find a way to work together. "How am I supposed to work with people who wear us out by treating us like semi Nazis?" De Wever said, referring to accusations of xenophobia. Belgium took a record 541 days to form a government in 2010 and 2011 amid deep divisions between the Dutch speakers in Flanders and francophones in Wallonia and Brussels. A number of political scientists like Marc Uyttendaele told AFP, however, they do not expect the deadlock to last as long this time. It is up to King Philippe, they said, to ease the north-south divide by mediating the negotiations between the party leaders. Some commentators accused several N-VA leaders of having played into Vlaams Belang's right-wing agenda by hardening the rhetoric during Europe's migration crisis in 2015. "People prefer the original to the copy," a former Socialist minister said. Brussels (AFP) - The far-right Flemish nationalist Vlaams Belang made strong gains Sunday in national, regional and European elections, partial results showed. Voting in the triple election was also marked by a protest outside Brussels Gare du Nord station at which police said 200 "yellow vest" anti-establishment protesters were arrested. The vote will set the stage for negotiations to form a government, five month after the ruling coalition collapsed and left Prime Minister Charles Michel in charge of caretaker administration with no majority. But, with 15 percent of the votes counted in all three elections in the Dutch-speaking Flanders region, the Vlaams Belang was on course for 18 percent, around three times their score in the last elections in 2014. The Vlaams Belang's advance came partly at the expense of the conservative nationalist N-VA, but Flanders will remain led by the right while French-speaking socialists have the lead in Brussels and Wallonia. This will complicate any effort to agree a coalition in the 150-member federal all Belgium parliament that represents parties from both communities, underlining the rift in Belgium politics. With 11 million people, Belgium is one of the EU's most divided member states. Dutch and French speakers choose separate candidates and parties. There is also a small German-speaking constituency. This makes coalition building extremely complicated. Belgium took a record 541 days to form a government in 2010 and 2011 amid deep divisions between the Dutch speakers in Flanders and francophones in Wallonia and Brussels. Making matters worse, economically booming Flanders votes traditionally to the right, while the socialists are the major political force in Brussels and post-industrial Wallonia, where unemployment runs high. The N-VA broke party tradition in 2014 and joined the coalition government with Michel, a French-speaking liberal, as prime minister. The coalition collapsed in late 2018 when the N-VA jumped ship in opposition to Belgium's ratification of a United Nations migration pact. If the N-VA, which is headed by powerful Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever, fails to win a commanding score, analysts predict a long wait to find a stable ruling coalition. Further results are expected later Sunday. Belo Horizonte (Brazil) (AFP) - Thousands of Brazilians braced Monday for the possible collapse of another tailings dam owned by mining giant Vale that threatens to spew millions of tons of toxic sludge over towns, rivers and forest. The latest emergency comes four months after 242 people were killed when a dam burst at another Vale-owned mine. Vale and emergency services have warned that a section of the defunct Gongo Soco mine in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais is at risk of disintegrating, which could rupture the Sul Superior dam 1.5 kilometers (nearly one mile) away. More than 400 people living around the dam, which holds nearly seven million cubic meters (247 million cubic feet) of mining waste, were evacuated in early February after monitoring systems detected abnormal movement in the northern slope of the mine, which was closed in 2016. The slope usually shifts about 10 centimeters (four inches) a year, but that has accelerated in recent months. In the past few days it has topped 20cm a day, local media reported Monday. Around 6,000 inhabitants in Barao de Cocais municipality who are living in the so-called secondary safety zone have been on high alert, performing evacuation drills in preparation for the potential disaster. They will have less than an hour and a half to reach safety. Vale has "teams in a state of permanent readiness" but it said there was "no technical data that can confirm whether the eventual slippage will trigger a breach of the dam," according to its latest update on Friday. "All preventive measures" have been taken, it added. Apart from monitoring the dam 24-hours a day, Vale has been building a containment wall six kilometers downstream and installing barriers to slow a potential flood in the hope of containing displaced material. Another upstream tailings dam owned by Vale collapsed January 25, killing 242 people in one of Brazil's worst industrial disasters. Story continues Emergency workers are still searching for 28 people listed as missing but almost certainly dead, according to the latest figures released Saturday. That dam collapse was the second such disaster involving Vale in three years and forced the company to suspend operations at several mines. Brazil has since banned the construction of new upstream dams, which are cheaper but less stable than other types of tailings dams, and ordered the decommissioning of existing ones. Paris (AFP) - A trial got under way in Paris Monday of a British man accused of murdering the wife of a celebrated French film producer in Ireland over two decades ago but, as expected, the suspect failed to show up in court. Ian Bailey, a 62-year-old former freelance journalist, denies killing Sophie Toscan du Plantier on December 23, 1996, and would not be present, or represented in court, his lawyer Dominique Tricaud told reporters, calling the trial a "parody". Judge Frederique Aline, presiding over the court, confirmed both the absence of the accused as well as his lawyers. The Irish government has refused to extradite Bailey, whose case will now be decided by three judges rather than a jury. A verdict is expected on Friday. The parents, son and other people close to Sophie Toscan du Plantier, were however present for the trial. She was the 39-year-old wife of film producer Daniel Toscan du Plantier and was found beaten to death at her holiday home in County Cork in southwest Ireland. Injuries to her hands showed that she had struggled to defend herself. Near her body was found a large rock and a bloodstained concrete block. - 'Justice will be done' - French authorities automatically open an investigation when a French citizen is killed abroad and the decision to prosecute Bailey was taken following a complaint by the family of the victim in 1997. Bailey has long lived in Ireland near the home where Sophie Toscan du Plantier was staying. He was twice arrested for questioning by Irish police but never charged. "This case, even in the absence of the accused, will take place and the work of justice will be done," said Marie Dose, a lawyer for the family. The victim's husband, former director-general of the Gaumont Film Company, died in 2003. Despite the lack of Bailey's DNA at the scene of the crime, the British man soon became the main suspect, partly due to scratches on his arms and forehead which he attributed to dealing with a Christmas tree and cutting up a turkey for dinner. Story continues The court heard testimony from two French police officers who picked up the case in 2008. One of the officers said the suspect was "a man who drank, more than reasonably, who has 'blackouts,' who is violent towards his wife... a man who constantly changes his version" of events. "He was drunk, he went there (to her home), he liked her. I think things went badly wrong because she was a woman who would not let herself be taken advantage of," the officer said. French authorities issued warrants for Bailey's arrest in 2010 and 2016, but Dublin refused both requests, citing the lack of a reciprocal extradition deal between the two countries. If found guilty Bailey could face a 30-year jail sentence and France could again seek his extradition which would then be "difficult to refuse", said Dose. On the basis that Irish justice has found no case against Bailey, who these days sells pizzas in the Irish village of Schull where the murder occurred, his lawyers spoke of "a judicial error" in France, adding that their client had "already been condemned" there. For the family's lawyer Dose, Bailey is staying away from the French court "because he is afraid of being sentenced and with good reason". On May 27, 1935, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down an important part of President Franklin Roosevelts NIRA plan, when the Court invalidated poultry industry regulations. The Courts decision in Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States invalidated a key part of the National Industrial Recovery Act, or NIRA, one of the projects passed during FDRs 100-day program in 1933. The NIRA had two key components: an industrial recovery program that included a wave of regulations seeking to foster fair competition, and a huge public works program. The National Recovery Agency, or NRA, was created to implement the NIRA, and it established a series of codes and rules for businesses as part of the fair competition experiment. The administration asked businesses to display the blue eagle logo, an emblem signifying NRA participation, as an act of patriotism. But to many people, the program was more like an albatross. The NIRA and NRA werent expected to be renewed by Congress, which received many complaints about the excessively detailed program. One problem was that the NIRA didnt have widespread support in the Senate, even though it passed the NIRA as part of a recovery effort during the Great Depression. (Among the acts critics in the Senate was Hugo Black, who Roosevelt would nominate to the Supreme Court two years later.) The overly ambitious NIRA had something to anger most business and societal interests. It allowed for the suspension of antitrust laws and forced certain industries to align. Its fair-competition codes allowed for price and wage fixing. The NIRA also called for industries to regulate themselves even as it required those industries to agree to follow many codes which were to be vetted at public hearings. And even though the NIRA encouraged the unionization of workers to seek better conditions, the efforts to form unions became disorganized. The NRA as an agency had the power to push for voluntary agreements about work conditions and fixed prices, drawing up more than 500 fair practice codes for industries. Story continues In 1934, one of these codes established competitive rules for the live poultry industry in New York City. The Schechter brothers faced 60 charges of violating the Live Poultry Code, including offering unfit chickens for sale and not offering a minimum wage to workers. The brothers were found guilty on 20 counts in what became known as the Sick Chicken case. The brothers lost their first appeal but pursued the case to the Supreme Court, where the Justices ruled in favor of the Schechters and invalidated the part of the NIRA that allowed the executive branch to establish codes to regulate industries. Writing for a unanimous court in Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States, Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes invalidated the poultry industry regulations as an unconstitutional use of Congresss Commerce Clause powers, because the chickens at issue were only being sold to intra-state buyers. The Court also struck down the NIRA as an unconstitutional delegation of Congresss powers to the executive branch, under what is known as the non-delegation doctrine. The Court said the NIRA gave the Roosevelt administration too much power to control the economy through the use of the fair practice codes. Within a week, President Roosevelt criticized the justices at a press conference, starting a very public feud with the Court that lasted for several years. You see the implications of the decision. That is why I say it is one of the most important decisions ever rendered in this country, Roosevelt told reporters on May 31, 1935. We have been relegated to the horse-and-buggy definition of interstate commerce. After the fights between Roosevelt and the Court simmered down, key labor protections that came out of the NIRA survived as laws passed later in the decade, including the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Rome (AFP) - The triumph of Matteo Salvini and his anti-migrant League party at the European elections raised questions in Italy Monday over the populist government's future. The League won over 34 percent, compared to just six percent in the 2014 EU elections and 17 percent in the Italian general election last year. The results confirm the reversal of fortunes of the League and its coalition partner, the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S), which pocketed 32.5 percent at the general election but took home just 17 percent on Sunday. "We can expect a week of frenetic negotiations to see how everyone will reposition themselves," said Giovanni Orsina, politics professor at Rome's LUISS University. The League victory and M5S collapse in popularity "is explosive in terms of the consequences for government stability," political analyst Stefano Folli wrote in the Repubblica daily. "We're not talking tomorrow, or the day after, but the fuse which will lead to the government's collapse has been lit," he said. The League snapped up votes from both the M5S and the opposition thanks to a hardline stance on migration and a savvy multimedia team bombarding Italians with selfies of Salvini. The party did particularly well in centres seen as migrants "hot spots", including a town held up as a model of integration. - 'Too silent' - Salvini -- who celebrated by tweeting a photo of himself grinning and holding a sign saying "top party in Italy" -- is now likely to try to force the M5S's hand on every plan it has contested since the coalition formed in June 2018. "I ask for an acceleration on the government programme," the 46-year-old said, brandishing Roman Catholic rosary beads. The main questions at stake are a high-speed rail line between the cities of Turin and Lyon in France, and a flat tax proposal. M5S head Luigi Di Maio suggested the League had got one over on it because of political attacks which initially went unchallenged. Story continues "Perhaps we were too silent, too pure at the beginning, and if that was our mistake I take responsibility," he said Monday. The results place Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in an increasingly difficult position. The leader agreed upon by Salvini and Di Maio is purportedly independent but was a M5S pick. - 'Miracle' - Analysts say Salvini may be tempted to break up the coalition and join forces with others on the right. "I'd say the possibility of autumn elections is over 50 percent, unless there's a very strong alignment of the M5S with the Salvinian leadership, which would create enormous tensions within the Movement," Orsina said. Italy's small far-right Brothers of Italy (FdI) party took home 6.4 percent of the vote, while billionaire Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right Forza Italia party, a historic ally of the League, pocketed 8.8 percent. "Salvini may pull the plug if he feels confident enough in getting an outright majority by siding with Brothers of Italy and part of Forza Italia (without Berlusconi)," said Lorenzo Codogno, former chief economist at the Italian Treasury Department. The centre-left Democratic Party (PD), which won just 18 percent at the general election, took home 22.7 percent of the vote, clawing back some votes from M5S. The Green party, which recorded significant gains in many other European countries, took just 2.29 percent. Salvini's victory had been widely expected, despite the M5S taking advantage of embarrassing corruption scandals involving the far-right party. The interior minister sparked an outcry at a rally in the run-up to the vote by holding aloft a rosary seen by many as a gratuitous prop, and calling for the Virgin Mary to carry him to victory. "Salvini was convinced he could do it. The (corruption) investigations made the League lose five to six points, but then he pulled out his rosary. And perhaps he really did get a miracle," Marco Valbruzzi from the Istituto Cattaneo research institute said. Google Street View(NORFOLK, Virginia) -- A Wawa employee died after being shot while in her car, police in Virginia report. The woman has not been publicly identified and the Norfolk Police Department are calling for the public to share tips. The employee was shot in her car in the parking lot near the Wawa on East Little Creek Road in Norfolk on Sunday evening. Police confirmed to ABC News that they responded to a call at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday for a gunshot disturbance and found the woman in her car when first responders arrived. The woman was transported to a local hospital, where she later died, the police department reported in a tweet. A spokesperson for Wawa said that they are "deeply saddened by the tragic incident" but would referred any questions to the police as the investigation is ongoing. "We remain focused on providing law enforcement with any assistance they need and on supporting our associates in any way we can," Wawa public relations manager Lori Bruce told ABC News. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. China's significant progress in economy and other areas has had a positive impact on the Asia-Pacific region and the world as China and many other countries in the region are parts of the global value chains, said a UN official. One of China's major achievements is its significant reduction of the poverty rate, having helped hundreds of millions of people escape poverty, Armida Alisjahbana, executive secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), said in an interview with the Xinhua News Agency in Bangkok, Thailand As China puts emphasis on sustainable economic development, Chinese development could be even more beneficial to the regional countries. The latest fruits of China's development such as bike-sharing, e-payment and renewable energy can also benefit other countries through cooperation, she added. In April, Alisjahbana attended the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in Beijing, during which she and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between China's Foreign Ministry and ESCAP. The MOU deepened the cooperation formed since the two sides signed a letter of intent to boost the Belt and Road construction in 2016, which is the first cooperation document on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) signed by the Chinese side and an international organization, she said. The executive secretary added that she was impressed by Chinese President Xi Jinping's keynote speech at the forum last month, in which "sustainable development" came up several times. She said she believes the BRI projects would be "sustainable" and contribute to the realization of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The UN official, appointed to the position last year after working in the Indonesian government, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank, also expressed concern about the US-China trade tensions. "Many countries have trade relationships with China as well as with the US. If because of the trade tensions, trade activities (and) trade volumes among countries decrease, then it will impact negatively," said Alisjahbana. In the name of protecting domestic industries, the US has placed steep tariffs on billions of US dollars' worth of products from its major partners, including Canada, China, Japan and the European Union, raising trade tensions around the world and shaking the foundation of the global trading system. In the latest flare-up with China, Washington increased additional tariffs on $200 billion's of Chinese imports from 10 percent to 25 percent earlier this month, and has threatened to raise tariffs on more Chinese imports. In response, China has announced that it will raise additional tariffs on a range of US imports from June 1, and "will fight to the end." Beijing has also repeatedly called on the US, which started the row, to get back on the right track as soon as possible and meet China halfway to achieve a mutually beneficial and win-win agreement on the basis of mutual respect. Alisjahbana said she hopes the world's largest two economies will end their trade disputes with a win-win solution soon. "I hope this trade (tension) can be resolved, will be resolved soon in a mutually beneficial manner, because directly and indirectly, this trade tension will have impact on the rest of the world and certainly the region," she said. By Express News Service KOCHI: A major fire, which broke out in Kochis busy Broadway on Monday, was brought under control after nearly two hours. The fire completely gutted three shops, including one textile shop. However, no casualties have been reported in the blaze. Shop keepers and shoppers have been evacuated from the area, preventing even minor injuries, said, officers. The cause of the fire is not known yet but onlookers said electrical short-circuit may have sparked the fire. "Three shops have been completely destroyed in the fire while another four have been partially affected. We will initiate an investigation into the cause of the fire," said Ernakulam District Collector K Mohammed Y Safirulla, "The fire and rescue department reached the spot first. The fire tenders from Kochi Refineries-BPCL, Indian Navy also helped in dousing the fire, before it spread to nearby shops," said S Surendran, Ernakulam district police chief. He said the public and the labourers too joined hands to bring things under control fast. "Most of the shops are 100-year-old ones. The fire broke out at a textile shop and spread to a sewing machine selling shop. The oil stored in that shop reignited the fire. A special team will investigate into the mishap," Surendran said. This is the second major fire in Kochi in recent times. In February, a massive fire broke out at the warehouse of footwear brand Paragon, which was situated on the fourth storey of a six-storey building in Kalathiparambil Road, Ernakulam. By Giulio Piovaccari and Laurence Frost MILAN/PARIS (Reuters) - Fiat Chrysler pitched a finely balanced merger of equals to Renault on Monday to tackle the costs of far-reaching technological and regulatory changes by creating the world's third-biggest automaker. If it goes ahead, the $35 billion-plus tie-up would alter the landscape for rivals including General Motors and Peugeot maker PSA Group, which recently held inconclusive talks with Fiat Chrysler (FCA), and could spur more deals. Renault said it was studying the proposal from Italian-American FCA with interest, and considered it friendly. Shares in both companies jumped more than 10 percent as investors welcomed the prospect of an enlarged business capable of producing more than 8.7 million vehicles a year and aiming for 5 billion euros ($5.6 billion) in annual savings. It would rank third in the global auto industry behind Japan's Toyota and Germany's Volkswagen. But analysts also warned of big complications, including Renault's existing alliance with Nissan, the French state's role as Renault's largest shareholder and potential opposition from politicians and workers to any cutbacks. "The market will be careful with these synergy numbers as much has been promised before and there isnt a single merger of equals that has ever succeeded in autos," Evercore ISI analyst Arndt Ellinghorst said. With these sensitivities in mind, FCA proposed an all-share merger under a listed Dutch holding company. After a 2.5 billion euro dividend for existing FCA shareholders - giving a big upfront boost to the Agnelli family that controls 29% of FCA - investors in each firm would hold half of the new entity. The merged group would be chaired by Agnelli family scion John Elkann, sources familiar with the talks told Reuters, while Renault chairman Jean-Dominique Senard would likely become CEO. Renault's board will hold informal work sessions within days and likely decide next week whether to enter an agreement with FCA to proceed with merger talks, two sources said. Story continues Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini welcomed the merger proposal but said Rome may need to acquire a stake, balancing France's 15% Renault holding - which is set to be diluted to 7.5% of the combined group. A deal could also have profound repercussions for Renault's 20-year-old alliance with Nissan, already weakened by the crisis surrounding the arrest and ouster of former chairman Carlos Ghosn late last year. The Japanese carmaker has yet to comment on FCA's proposal. In a letter to employees seen by Reuters, FCA chief executive Mike Manley cautioned a merger with Renault could take more than a year to finalize. 'BOLD DECISIONS' A deal could help both companies address some of the shortcomings that have led their market valuations to lag major rivals, as well as the shift to electric and self-driving technologies amid tightening emissions regulations. FCA has a highly profitable businesses in North America with its RAM trucks and Jeep brand, but lost money last quarter in Europe, where most of its plants are running below 50% capacity and it faces a struggle with new emissions curbs. Renault, by contrast, was an early mover in electric cars, has relatively fuel-efficient engine technologies and a strong presence in emerging markets, but no U.S. business. A deal would do little, however, to address both firms' limited presence in China, the world's biggest auto market. It would also create the challenge of managing a large number of brands, from high-end Maseratis to budget Dacias. The huge cost of countering disruptive new entrants such as Tesla's electric cars or future autonomous vehicles from Uber and Google has pushed other automakers to collaborate, including Volkswagen and Ford. FCA-Renault, like almost every possible automotive pairing, has been studied intermittently for years by dealmakers. But the fractious relations between Ghosn and FCA's long-standing boss Sergio Marchionne made constructive talks impossible before Marchionne's sudden death last July, banking sources said. Renault shares were up 15% to 57.46 euros at 1320 GMT, while FCA's Milan-listed stock was up 11.3% at 12.75 euros. PSA, widely seen as an industry consolidator, was off 3%. PARIS AND ROME The French government, Renault's biggest shareholder, supports a merger with FCA in principle but will need to see more details, its main spokeswoman said. France will be "particularly vigilant regarding employment and industrial footprint," another Paris official said, adding any deal must safeguard Renault's alliance with Nissan, which recently rebuffed a merger proposal from its partner. Seeking to soothe concerns, FCA said the deal plans "are not predicated on plant closures, but would be achieved through more capital-efficient investment". The carmakers have given commitments to maintain industrial jobs and sites, one source said - leaving room for white-collar and engineering layoffs as well as some plant downsizing. Early areas for potential convergence include Renault's next electric car platform being launched at its Douai site in France, the source said, adding all of Renault's board members backed the decision to study FCA's proposal with the exception of the leftist CGT union, which abstained. In a sign of potential future tensions, the CGT demanded the French state retained a blocking stake in any merged group. Appealing to Nissan, which is 43.4%-owned by Renault, FCA said the Japanese carmaker would nominate a director to the 11-member board of the new company. Nissan and affiliate Mitsubishi would also benefit from 1 billion euros in cost and investment savings, it added. Decision-making by such a board is unlikely to be straightforward, some analysts warned. "We now have the French, the Italians, the Japanese and the Americans needing to find consensus on the board of a Dutch company, where the French state stands to lose its special status," Ellinghorst said. "This requires quite a bit of creativity." ($1 = 0.8922 euros) (Additional reporting by Pamela Barbaglia, Gilles Guillaume, Sudip Kar-Gupta, Edward Taylor and Norihiko Shirouzu; Editing by Georgina Prodhan/Mark Potter/Alexander Smith/Jane Merriman) PARIS/BAGHDAD (Reuters) - France opposes the death penalty in principle but accepts Iraqi sovereignty, its foreign ministry said on Monday, as a fourth French citizen was sentenced to death in Iraq for being part of the Islamic State militant group. Iraqi court officials said the man had been sentenced on Monday to death by hanging, a day after three other Frenchmen were given death sentences for Islamic State membership. They can appeal against their convictions. The French foreign ministry said in a statement that it respected the sovereignty of the Iraqi authorities and that Islamic State members "had to answer for their crimes" but stated France's opposition to the death penalty. "The French embassy in Iraq, in its role as provider of consular protection, is taking the necessary steps to convey its position to the Iraq authorities," the statement added. The four convicted men were handed to Iraqi authorities in February by the U.S-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), part of a group of 280 Iraqi and foreign detainees that military sources said at the time included 14 French citizens. Five more Frenchmen are expected to go on trial in early June to face charges of being members of Islamic State, two court officials said. Iraq is conducting trials of thousands of suspected Islamic State fighters, including hundreds of foreigners, with many arrested as the group's strongholds crumbled throughout Iraq. In 2014 the group declared an ultra-radical Sunni Islamist "caliphate" spanning parts of Iraq and Syria and established a rule known for mass killings, sexual enslavement and punishments like crucifixion. The French government has so far categorically refused to take back Islamic State fighters and their wives, although a handful of children have been repatriated. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has referred to them as "enemies" of the nation, saying they should face justice either in Syria or Iraq. Human rights groups have accused Iraqi authorities of inconsistencies in the judicial process and flawed trials, leading to unfair convictions. (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta in Paris and Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad; Editing by Luke Baker and Catherine Evans) Berlin (AFP) - Germany's far-right AfD on Monday named the Greens its main rival after the environmentalist party's strong showing at European elections, as it insisted that data showed "no consensus" that climate change is man-made. "They are our main competitors. We're taking them very seriously," said Joerg Meuthen, who headed the AfD's European elections list. The Greens stole a march on the AfD in Sunday's vote, doubling their share from the last European elections to just over 20 percent and coming in second after Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-right alliance. In comparison, the AfD, which had styled itself as the champion of diesel car owners and coal mines, obtained only 11 percent -- underperforming its 2017 national elections showing. On Monday, Meuthen derided the Greens as "rabbits that will make smaller and smaller hops because at some point, a test will come and it will be devastating." "They are not conservationists, what they do with their wind technology and such is an obvious destruction of nature," he charged. The AfD leader also hit out against those who call his party climate change deniers, as he claimed that "it is not about denying man-made climate change, but about data that is not certain." "I'm saying we have doubts and I would like the so-called climate policies to allow for doubts, allowing for a greater margin of error." Under the 2015 Paris deal to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the 28-nation EU has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 percent by 2030, compared with 1990. But many scientists and climate activists warn that unless major economies sharply raise their ambition, the Earth is on course for catastrophic warming. The UN Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change warned in October that warming is currently on track towards a disastrous 3C or 4C rise. By Michele Kambas ATHENS (Reuters) - Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was struggling for his political survival on Monday after his Syriza party, hurt by austerity and a bitter rift over an accord with North Macedonia, got hammered in European Parliament elections. His leftist Syriza, which stormed the Greek political stage in 2015 on the back of a popular backlash against painful economic reforms, suffered its first major defeat in years to the opposition conservative New Democracy party. Smarting from the fallout, Tsipras has called snap elections, speculated to take place by June 30 at the earliest. The full term of his administration ends in October. In his first appearance after calling the snap poll, a sombre-looking Tsipras told Syriza party faithful on Monday evening: "The crucial thing in life is not if you will fall, but if you will get up." "I want to ask you all, today, to get up, and regroup, and fight. We very well know we can do it. Because our main strength is that we are defending what is just: our values, the values of the democratic faction and of the left." Tsipras is the longest-serving Greek prime minister since the country lurched from crisis to crisis from the onset of financial turmoil in 2010. Political analyst Theodore Couloumbis said that while Tsipras may be hurt, he is not a spent force. "(Syriza) will still remain at the forefront as the second-largest party," he said. Another analyst, pollster Costas Panagopoulos from ALCO Research, said political parties that do well in European Parliament elections would do better in the national vote, meaning a projection of victory for New Democracy. Once a leftist firebrand, Tsipras, 44, built his career as the crowd-pleaser who stood up to creditors and their austerity demands. But he was forced into a painful new bailout in 2015 months after sweeping to power, when Greece was confronted with a choice of that or being turfed out of the euro zone. U-TURN His U-turn went down badly with many voters. A subsequent, deeply unpopular agreement that resolved a long-running country name dispute with North Macedonia also upset many Greek voters. Tsipras signed the so-called Prespes accord last year agreeing to a name change for its Balkan neighbor, resolving a decades-old wrangle which kept Macedonia out of the European Union and NATO. But for many Greeks, it was an unacceptable national defeat and an appropriation of Greek national heritage. A former associate said the Prespes accord was Tsipras' nemesis. "It was probably one of the most important factors (in the European election outcome)," the former associate said on condition of anonymity. "The bailout period was also compressed, packed in to four and a half years which was like a decade (for voters). People had a lot of pent-up frustration which they didn't have an opportunity to vent at the ballot box before." Greece emerged from close economic supervision by creditors in August 2018, and Tsipras's administration has since unwound some austerity with steps such offering pensioners additional bonuses and cutting sales tax. But it was not enough, Couloumbis said. "People are tired of this government, and its last-minute move to buy the votes of people who have really suffered from this (crisis)." Syriza's loss to New Democracy in the European elections sent Greek government bond yields to record lows on Monday with the yield on bench mark 10 year government paper falling below 3.0 percent. (Additional reporting by Renee Maltezou, George Georgiopoulos and Lefteris Papadimas; Writing by Michele Kambas; Editing by Mark Heinrich) Jake Patterson, who pleaded guilty to abducting 13-year-old Jayme Closs and murdering her parents, received a pair of life sentences for the slayings of James and Denise Closs as well as 40 years in prison for the 88-day kidnapping of Jayme. Jayme Closs did not attend the sentencing, but a family member read a statement from the teenager in court that asked the judge to deliver life sentences against Patterson, CNN reports. Related stories Man Accused of Abducting 13-Year-Old Jayme Closs Pleads Guilty Chilling New Details Emerge About Alleged Jayme Closs Kidnapper I have to have an alarm in the house just so I can sleep. I used to love to go out with my friends. I loved to go to school. I loved to do dance. He took all of those things away from me too, Closs statement read. Its too hard for me to go out in public. I get scared and I get anxious. These are just ordinary things that anyone like me should be about to do, but I cant because he took them away from me. However, Closs noted, Patterson could not take away her courage, her spirit and now her freedom. Jake Patterson will never have any power over me. I feel like I have some power over him, because I get to tell the judge what I think should happen to him. He stole my parents from me. He stole almost everything I love from me. For 88 days he tried to steal me, and he didnt care who he hurt or who he killed to do that, the statement concluded. He should stay locked up forever. Patterson pleaded guilty to two counts of homicide and one count of abducting a minor in March. Prior to sentencing Friday, Patterson told the court, I would do, like, absolutely anything to take back what I did, you know. I would die. I would do absolutely anything to bring them back. His attorneys asked the judge for a sentence that factored in leniency for pleading guilty as well as a means to work on his issues and providing the services that he needs. Story continues Barron County Circuit Court Judge James C. Babler disagreed. There is no doubt in my mind that you are one of the most dangerous men to ever walk on this planet, Babler told Patterson upon sentencing. The overriding factor in this sentencing is the protection of the public. The rest of the public deserves liberty and justice. Wisconsin does not have the death penalty. On October 15th, 2018, Patterson who became obsessed with Jayme Closs after spotting her as she boarded a school bus fatally shot James Closs, while Jayme and her mother Denise hid in the bathtub; he then killed Denise and abducted Jayme, dragging her to the trunk of his car before driving to his cabin 65 miles north of the Closs Wisconsin home. Patterson kept Jayme at his home for 88 days, leaving her under the bed for hours without food or water so she could avoid detection. He weighed down the bedposts to prevent her from escaping. On January 10th, Patterson left the house for a few hours, giving Jayme who watched his routine, she said in her statement the opportunity to escape. A social worker recognized her from the media coverage of her disappearance and took her to the police station. Patterson was later arrested and confessed to his crimes, telling authorities, I did it. Sign up for Rolling Stones Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. BRUSSELS (AP) The latest on European elections (all times local): 8:10 p.m. German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she'd like to see a quick agreement on who should run the European Union's executive branch, a matter on which her own governing coalition so far is divided. In her first comments on the outcome of the European Parliament election, Merkel said both her center-right bloc and her center-left coalition partners back the idea that the head of the EU's executive Commission should be a politician who ran for that job. Merkel said "we want to find a solution as quickly as possible, because the European Parliament will meet at the beginning of July and it would of course be desirable if there were already a proposal at that point" from heads of state and government. Merkel's Union bloc backs German conservative Manfred Weber while the center-left Social Democrats support the Netherlands' Frans Timmermans. Merkel said "the quicker we make the decision, the better that is for the future." ___ 4:45 p.m. The leader of Italy's governing 5-Star Movement is blaming abstentions among his voting base for the party's bad showing in the European parliamentary election. Luigi Di Maio acknowledged Monday that "for us, the European elections went badly." The 5-Stars finished third in Italy after being the top vote-getter in a national election just a year ago. Di Maio said the abstentions mean "there is a lot to do. There are responses to give to these people who are awaiting answers." The SWG polling agency said voters who backed the 5-Star Movement last year either were disappointment and stayed home, or voted for Matteo Salvini's hard-line League party. A full 38% of those who voted 5-Star last year abstained, while another 14% voted for the League. The 5-Stars took just 17% of the vote, compared with nearly 33% last year. Salvini's party captured 34% of Sunday's European vote and the opposition Democratic Party made a surprise comeback to finish second with 22.7%. Story continues ___ 4:15 p.m. A senior German official is criticizing the leader of the Brexit Party that trounced traditional political forces in Britain's vote for the European Parliament. Michael Roth, Germany's deputy foreign minister, said Monday that Nigel Farage's past terms as a lawmaker in the EU parliament hadn't been marked by work "but rather by demagoguery and laziness." Roth told reporters in Berlin this was his personal view of Farage, who was first elected to the assembly in 1999. But he said it also applied to nationalists and populists in general, who he accused of trying to "divide the country and Europe with lies and hate." Roth, a member of Germany's center-left Social Democratic Party, said the Brexit Party's rise was the result of a failure to complete Britain's departure from the European Union in recent months. ___ 3:20 p.m. A day after the European Parliament elections, Pope Francis issued his annual message on migrants and said the attitude that they are the source of all of society's ills "is an alarm bell warning of the moral decline" the world faces. Francis said the presence of migrants in wealthy countries is instead an invitation "to recover some of those essential dimensions of our Christian existence and our humanity." Officials stressed that Francis' message was not political but pastoral and the Vatican did not comment on the European Parliament vote. But some church leaders weighed in. At a press conference launching the migrant message Monday, the head of the European conference of Catholic bishops, Luxembourg Archbishop Jean-Claude Hollerich, said the results of the European Parliament vote "would have been worse" if Francis and the Catholic Church hadn't consistently stood up for migrants. The leader of Italy's right-wing populist League party, Matteo Salvini, is firmly anti-migrant and his party came in first in Italy's EU vote. ___ 2:55 p.m. Spain's caretaker prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, has been reaching out to other European leaders to seek support for his plans to increase Spain's influence in European institutions. In addition to having dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Sanchez has another one-on-one meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday afternoon, his office says. The meetings come after Spain's Socialists came first in Sunday's EU election in their country, winning 20 seats in the 751-seat European Parliament, more than any other Social Democrats in the 28-nation bloc. Sanchez will also have preliminary discussions with other European socialist heads of government before joining the rest of the EU's leaders in Brussels for a Tuesday night dinner. Spain is vying for one of the top jobs in the EU, seeking to promote caretaker Foreign Minister Josep Borrell a former European Parliament president as a possible replacement for Federica Mogherini as Europe's top diplomat. ___ 1:05 p.m. British Prime Minister Theresa May says her Conservative Party's drubbing in EU elections shows the need for Parliament to pass a Brexit deal and take the U.K. out of the European Union. May's Conservatives came a humiliating fifth with less than 10% of the vote. The Brexit Party, which backs leaving the EU without a deal, came first. May who is stepping down as Conservative leader in June said it had been a "very disappointing night" for the party. She said the result "shows the importance of finding a Brexit deal, and I sincerely hope these results focus minds in Parliament." The result bolsters those who want Britain to leave the EU with no agreement on departure terms and future relations. Most economists say that would cause economic turmoil and plunge Britain into recession. ___ 12:45 p.m. The Scottish National Party has won three of the six Scottish seats in the European Parliament while the Labour Party came up empty, losing the two seats it had held. The results announced Monday gave one seat each to the newly formed Brexit Party, the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives. The SNP, which favors another independence referendum for Scotland, won just over 37% of the votes cast. SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon tweeted that her party won the election "emphatically" in a rejection of Britain's plan to leave the European Union. Nonetheless, the Brexit Party that wants an immediate break with Europe came second. The count was slowed by the wait for results from the remote western isles of Scotland. ___ 12:30 p.m. Former White House strategist Steve Bannon says European integration is "dead in its tracks" after European election wins by nationalist and populist parties in Italy, France and Britain. Bannon told The Associated Press that the results show Europe's center is imploding and that traditional right-left politics are being replaced by a battle between "nationalist versus globalist" forces. He said "people are taking their countries back ... it's just the beginning. It's going to get more and more powerful over time." It's unclear whether the diverse nationalist, populist and far-right parties across Europe will be able to form a united bloc in the European Parliament. And even if they do, they will be far short of a majority. Still, Bannon predicted a "supergroup" of euroskeptic parties would block any attempts to deepen integration among EU member states. He said "every day will be like Stalingrad," a reference to one of the fiercest battles during World War II. ___ 12:30 p.m. The leader of Italy's right-wing populist League, Matteo Salvini, says he is counting on like-minded parties in other parliamentary groups to join his hard-line euroskeptic movement, with the goal of creating a 150-strong bloc. Salvini told reporters in Milan that he is counting on Britain's new Brexit Party led by Nigel Farage and Hungarian leader Viktor Orban's Fidesz to leave their current groups and join the Europe of Nations and Freedom group that includes far-right parties in France and Germany, among others. Salvini said he also hopes to expand the group to at least 100 members, with an ambition to make it as many as 150, by also bringing in parties from the Czech Republic, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Spain, "if everyone can overcome jealousies, sympathies and antipathies." He said the goal is to create 'an alternative, and to do so, "you play. You don't do it by turning up your noses." ___ 12:25 p.m. Romania's election office says the Social Democrat Party, or PSD, the main party in the governing coalition, has been defeated in the European Parliament election. The Central Electoral Bureau said Monday that the PSD got 23.7% of the votes, while the opposition National Liberal Party, or PNL, got 26.2%. President Klaus Iohannis, a former PNL leader, said the PSD-led coalition had been punished "for the disastrous way they have governed the country." The junior member of the coalition, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats, gathered just 4.2% of the votes, below the 5% threshold needed in Romania to gain a seat in the European Parliament. Despite the coalition's poor showing, Prime Minister Viorica Dancila declared already late Sunday, when exit polls were showing a dead heat between the PSD and the PNL, that she wouldn't step down. ___ 12:15 p.m. Updated provisional results from the European Parliament elections confirm that mainstream political parties will retain power in the assembly, despite losing significant seats to the far-right and to the Greens. Fresh results Monday show the center-right European People's Party would remain the biggest group, with 182 seats, down from 217 in the last polls in 2014. The center-left Socialists and Democrats would secure 147 seats, a drop of 40 seats from five years ago. The environmentalist Greens are likely to make significant gains, with 69 seats, up from 52, as will the pro-business ALDE group with 109 seats, compared with 68 last time. The Europe of Nations and Freedom group, uniting the French far-right and Italian populists, looks set to secure 58 seats, up from 37 in 2014. Turnout was 50.8%, the best in 20 years. ___ 12:05 p.m. A senior member of the anti-immigration and euroskeptic Danish People's Party has expressed dissatisfaction with the party's poor showing in the European Parliament election. Kenneth Kristensen Berth says that "this was not what we expected" after the party's support fell to 10.7% compared to 27% in 2014. Berth, whose party is Denmark's second largest in the national parliament, said Monday issues of the climate and the environment were "a bit hysterical" and that his party "is not a climate-denial party" but "we need to keep our heads cool." Green parties made big gains in Europe's 751-seat parliament amid growing concerns over climate change. The party, founded in 1995, got two seats, down from the four they got in five years ago. Pundits say scandals involving the party's misuse of European Parliament funds contributed to the loss. ___ 11:35 a.m. France's far-right leader pulled off a narrow victory over President Emmanuel Macron and is now seeking big concessions from the government. Far-right party leader Marine Le Pen said after Sunday night's voting that "at a minimum" Macron must dissolve the French parliament and put in place a voting system more favorable to her party at home. Le Pen's National Rally defeated Macron's centrists by a nearly one-point margin and both won 23 seats in the European Parliament. Macron "put his weight into this battle," she said, noting his unusual campaigning for his party. Le Pen swore she wasn't seeking revenge for her loss to Macron in the 2017 presidential race. ___ 11:20 a.m. The nationalist and populist Sweden Democrats party has made the largest gains in the European Parliament elections by grabbing 15.4% percent of the votes in the Scandinavian country. The 5.7% gain over the last election to the parliament of the 28-member European Union translated, in 2014, gives three seats to Sweden's third largest party. The ruling Social Democrats remain Sweden's largest party in the European assembly, winning 23.6 % of the votes to get five seats. They are followed by the country's second-largest party, the Moderates, which got four seats. The Sweden Democrats had earlier pushed for a referendum on leaving the EU, which Sweden joined in 1995. However, the party now says it wants to work with like-minded parties from across the EU to change "the supranational union." ___ 10:25 a.m. The leaders of Germany's governing parties are discussing possible consequences from their worst post-World War II showing in a nationwide election amid discontent with their stuttering performance over the past year. Both German Chancellor Angela Merkel's center-right Union bloc and her junior partner, the Social Democrats, met for internal talks Monday morning and were set to meet together later in the afternoon at the chancellery. Merkel, who stepped aside as head of the Christian Democrats earlier this year, has so far not publicly commented on Sunday's results. Her party won 28.9% of the vote and the Social Democrats got 15.8%. Five years ago, Germany's traditionally biggest parties took 35.4% and 27.3%, respectively. Germany's Greens surged to second place Sunday amid increasing concern about climate change. ___ 10:15 a.m. The chastened Labour Party's economic spokesman, John McDonnell, says Britain's main opposition party should now consider taking the Brexit issue "back to the people." John McDonnell tweeted Monday that the party "can't hide from hit we took last night" after Labour's poor performance in European elections. He warns that the country now faces the prospect of a "Brexiteer extremist" succeeding Prime Minister Theresa May, with the threat of a "no deal" Brexit looming large. He says Labour's response must be to unite the party and the country "by taking issue back to people in a public vote." Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has been criticized for not taking a clear position on whether he favors a second referendum on whether Britain should leave the European Union. ___ 10:05 a.m. While populists have made gains across much of Europe, the trend has not extended to Denmark, where the anti-immigration Danish People's Party has seen its number of seats in the European Parliament halved and support dropping from nearly 27% in 2014 to 10.7% this time. The euroskeptic party, founded in 1995, only got two seats. Pundits say scandals involving the misuse of European Parliament funds are a main reason for the loss. Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen's pro-EU and pro-business Liberals became the largest Danish party in the 751-seat transnational parliament where Denmark has 13 seats. It grabbed 23.5% of the votes and doubled its number of seats to four. The People's Movement Against the European Union, a faction created in 1972 as a cross-party campaign platform for a 'no' vote in Denmark's referendum on joining the bloc then known as the EEC, lost its single seat. In the 1970s and 1980s, the group had four seats. ___ 10 a.m. A triumphant Nigel Farage says his newly founded Brexit Party plans to "change the shape of British politics" after its victory in the European elections. Farage said Monday the new party will "stun everybody" in the next British general election if the country still hasn't left the European Union. The party Farage started after Britain failed to leave the EU on its planned exit date in March has won 28 of the 73 British EU seats up for grabs and almost a third of the votes in results announced early Monday. More results are expected later in the day. "We're not just here to leave the European Union but to try and fundamentally change the shape of British politics, bring it into the 21st century and get a Parliament that better reflects the country," Farage said. The Brexit Party's strength and strong performances by the Liberal Democrats and Greens doomed the mainstream Conservative and Labour parties to dreadfully poor results. ___ 9:45 a.m. Poland's electoral authorities say the ruling Law and Justice party has won more than 45% of the votes in the European elections, a very strong showing after an aggressive campaign against a united opposition that mobilized the divided nation. The preliminary results announced Monday by the State Electoral Commission suggest that the right-wing ruling party has a good chance of winning crucial elections to the national parliament in the fall and continuing its policy of social conservatism and euroskepticism. The EU has put Poland under scrutiny for its attack on rule of law. Analysts said the intensive campaign with the participation of party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski and quick containment of crises contributed to its good showing. Poland has 52 seats in the 751-seat European Parliament, of which Law and Justice will take at least 24. The turnout figure was an unusually high 45%. ___ 9:35 a.m. Green parties in Germany, France, Britain and elsewhere in the European Union are celebrating big gains in elections for the bloc's 751-seat parliament amid growing voter concerns over climate change. Provisional results early Monday showed the Greens' bloc coming fourth in the election with 70 seats, an increase of 18 compared with 2014. If confirmed, the results could put the Greens in a position to tip the scales when it comes to choosing the next head of the EU's executive Commission. In Germany, the Greens came second with over 20%, gaining more than a million votes from each of the two governing centrist parties. Armin Laschet, the governor of North Rhine-Westphalia state and a member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's center-right Union bloc, called the results "a wake-up call for politics." ___ 9:05 a.m. The office of the caretaker Spanish prime minister says that Pedro Sanchez is traveling to Paris on Monday to analyze the results of the European Parliamentary election with French President Emmanuel Macron over a working dinner. The meeting at the Elysee Palace signals the first talks for possible alliances as European politicians vie for control of the bloc's chamber and top EU jobs. Sanchez's Socialists won 20 of Spain's 54 seats, making them the strongest national group among the European social democrats, who are second only to the conservatives. Meanwhile, with 23 seats expected the same as Marine Le Pen's National Rally Macron's Republic on the Move party is a defining voice in the pro-business liberals. Both leaders were already set to meet Tuesday during a dinner of all European leaders in Brussels but have scheduled an earlier private meeting that will allow Sanchez and Macron to discuss the renewal of top jobs in European institutions as well as the EU's strategic agenda for the new five year term, says a statement from Spain's Moncloa Palace. Sanchez won a national election late last month but his Socialists need support from other parties to keep him in power. ___ 9 a.m. French government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye says president Emmanuel Macron won't dissolve the lower house of the French parliament after the far-right National Rally won the most of votes at the European Parliament elections. Official results in France showed Marine Le Pen's party had 5.3 million votes overall, compared with 5.1 million for Macron's movement. Speaking on French channel BFM TV on Monday, Ndiaye said the results did not trigger "a political crisis," adding that Prime Minister Edouard Philippe "has all the confidence of the president." Le Pen said the result "confirms the new nationalist-globalist division" in France, adding that Macron "has no other choice but, at the very least, to dissolve the National Assembly." ___ 8:10 a.m. The League party of Italy's hard-line interior minister, Matteo Salvini, was one of the biggest winners in the European elections, with soaring support that bolsters his role as the flagbearer of the nationalist and far-right forces in Europe and could also shake up politics at home. With one-third of the Italian vote, the League is poised to become one of the biggest parties in the European Parliament with 28 seats, according to provisional results. Meanwhile, Salvini's coalition partner in Italy, the populist 5-Star Movement, got only 17 percent, shifting the balance of power from last year's Italian election. Salvini said before the European vote that a strong result for his party wouldn't change the coalition agreement, but it strengthens his hand in tense negotiations over government policies. ___ 7:25 a.m. The parties of France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen and centrist President Emmanuel Macron will have the same number of seats in the European Parliament for now. Official overall results Monday from France's European voting show the parties were so close that they will both have 23 seats in the European Union legislature. However Le Pen's nationalist, anti-immigration National Rally party is set to gain one seat when Britain leaves the EU and the Parliament reapportions its seats. Macron's pro-EU Republic on the Move party would stay at 23 seats. Le Pen's party had 5.3 million votes overall, compared to 5.1 million for Macron's party, according to results from the Interior Ministry. France's Greens party will have 13 seats after placing a surprisingly strong third, followed by eight seats for the conservative Republicans and six seats each for the far-left Defiant France and the Socialist group. ___ 6 a.m. The traditional centrist leaders of Europe have been assailed from the nationalist, anti-immigration far-right and the environmental activist left in polarized, continentwide elections that will force pro-European moderates into forging new alliances. The main issue uniting those occupying Europe's center ground is their refusal to work with far-right groups whose ranks are made up of nationalist parties led by the likes of Matteo Salvini in Italy and Marine Le Pen in France, whose parties celebrated landmark triumphs from four days of voting for the 751-seat European Parliament. Manfred Weber is leader of the center-right EPP, which lost 36 seats but remains the largest group in the legislature. He says that "from now on those who want to have a strong European Union have to join forces." Kuala Lumpur (AFP) - Malaysia's last surviving male Sumatran rhino died Monday, wildlife officials said, leaving behind only one female in the country and pushing the critically-endangered species closer to extinction. Once found as far away as eastern India and throughout Malaysia, the Sumatran rhino has been almost wiped out, with fewer than 80 left, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Only a handful of the creatures remain in the wilds of Indonesia. Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga said the Malaysian male, Tam, had lived in a nature reserve on Borneo island. The cause of the animal's death was not immediately clear, but previous media reports have suggested it was suffering from kidney and liver problems. Tam's death puts pressure on an ongoing effort for conservationists hoping to use in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) techniques to create offspring from Malaysia's last female Sumatran rhino, Iman, and an Indonesian male. Tuuga said there were problems with Iman's uterus and that she was incapable of becoming pregnant, but was still able to produce eggs. "We just have to look after the last remaining rhino. That's all we can do, and try if possible to work with Indonesia," he said. Berlin (AFP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel's party admitted Monday it had an image problem especially with young voters, as the veteran leader held crisis talks with her embattled coalition partners over a debacle at European polls. Voters on Sunday handed her CDU party and its centre-left coalition partner the Social Democratic Party (SPD) their worst score in European election history, while doubling support for the Greens amid rising fears over global warming. The Greens snatched the second spot from the SPD, coming in just behind Merkel's centre-right alliance of Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union. Crucially, the environmental party took more than a million votes -- including many from young people -- from both the SPD and the CDU, according to a poll commissioned by public broadcaster ARD. CDU party chief Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is poised to take over from Merkel when she steps down in 2021, conceded that the party had "lost massively among the younger voters" because it failed to proactively engage on issues like climate change that the generation cares about. The party had also created a wrong "image that it was shifting to the right" in its bid to fight the challenge from the far-right anti-immigrant AfD party, she noted. - Blindsided - While focusing its energies on fending off the AfD, which in 2017 became Germany's biggest opposition party, Merkel's CDU instead found itself blindsided this time by youth-led anger centred on global warming. The momentum for the green surge has been building up over months as the school strikes started last November by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, 16, caught the imagination of youth across the world. The Greens were given a further boost in Germany by a prominent YouTuber called Rezo, whose online assault against Merkel's coalition accusing it of failing to act to halt global warming went viral in the final days of the election campaign. Story continues The CDU struggled for days to put out the fire, while Rezo upped the ante and released a joint call with 70 influential YouTubers telling their millions of followers to shun parties in Merkel's coalition and the far-right AfD at the polls. On Sunday, one in three under-30s picked the Greens, while only 13 percent of them voted for the CDU. Among first-time voters, the Greens attracted 36 percent and the CDU 11 percent. But if the CDU is in turmoil, its coalition partner SPD is finding itself in an even deeper crisis. In a humiliating result for the SPD, it only attracted 7 percent of first time voters -- lagging behind even the satirical party Die Partei. News weekly Der Spiegel judged that the coalition is "in danger" after Sunday's drubbing. "This instability can lead to a break-up at any time," it said. "The CDU and SPD are deeply insecure parties. If, for example, SPD leader (Andrea) Nahles were to fall, the question of the continued existence of the coalition would immediately arise." - 'Existential question' - Merkel's coalition has been fragile from the start. The SPD, which was stung by a beating in 2017, at the time initially sought to go into opposition. But it was reluctantly coaxed into renewing a partnership with Merkel, even as many within the party remain wary of continuing to govern in her shadow. With the SPD also losing the top spot Sunday in a long-time stronghold, the city-state of Bremen, rumblings of discontent against the party leadership could well grow louder. Already ahead of the vote, Bild am Sonntag newspaper had quoted unnamed sources as saying that veteran politician Martin Schulz was ready to stand against Nahles when the parliamentary chief post comes up for renewal in September. Slapping down the speculation, the SPD's Finance Minister Olaf Scholz warned that "calling for personal consequences would not help". Nahles herself has ruled out stepping down, saying that she will "fulfill the responsibility" that she has. However, with three key state elections looming in the autumn in Germany's ex-communist east -- where the far-right is projected to make further gains -- time is running out for the SPD to halt the voter haemorrhage. "The debate about (staying in) the grand coalition is likely to pick up again in the SPD. It's no longer about renewal but about the existence" of the party, said the Sueddeutsche Zeitung. Washington (AFP) - Rescuers in the US state of Oklahoma were searching Sunday for survivors in the tangled remains of mobile homes and other structures demolished overnight by a powerful tornado that killed at least two people. "Right now (we are) doing a search effort to assess everything," El Reno Mayor Matt White told reporters in a televised news conference. "We can confirm there have been two fatalities at this time." "It is very traumatic." The city of about 17,000, 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of state capital Oklahoma City, was just recovering from serious flooding when the storm hit late Saturday with little warning. At least 29 people were hospitalized, with injuries ranging from minor to critical. A mobile home park was nearly flattened, and White said residents had been moved to temporary shelters. "We do need some help," he said. "We have moved all the people out of the trailer park." Photos showed widespread devastation, with many mobile homes mangled beyond recognition. In addition, White said, most of the second story of a local motel, the American Budget Value Inn, was lost. "Pray for the families," he told reporters. "People have absolutely lost everything. You're not going to believe the devastation." The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Norman, Oklahoma tweeted that Saturday's tornado was an EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, meaning it packed winds of 136 to 165 miles per hour, making it capable of inflicting severe damage. The NWS said the storm was on the ground for 2.2 miles. El Reno and Oklahoma City are in what is often referred to as Tornado Alley, a region frequently hammered by storms of rare intensity, particularly in spring and early summer. A tornado on May 3, 1999 that struck parts of the capital city reached estimated wind speeds of more than 300 miles per hour (480 kilometers per hour), among the highest speeds -- and with the most violent force -- ever recorded anywhere. Thirty-six people died. CAIRO (Reuters) - Qatar has been invited by Saudi Arabia to attend two emergency Arab summits being convened in the Saudi city of Mecca on May 30, Qatar's foreign ministry said on Sunday, after previously saying it had not been. Last week Qatar said it had not been invited to the two summits Saudi is planning in Islam's holiest site to discuss the implications of drone strikes on oil installations in the kingdom and attacks on four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, off the UAE coast earlier this month. Saudi, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt have imposed an economic and diplomatic boycott on Qatar since June 2017 over allegations that Doha supports terrorism and is cosying up to regional foe Iran. Qatar denies the charges. Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received an invitation from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to attend the summit of Gulf Arab rulers and a wider meeting of Arab leaders, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The invitation and a letter was passed to Qatar by the head of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the statement said, without saying whether Qatar would accept it. Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of ordering the drone strikes, for which Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis claimed responsibility. The kingdom said that while it did not want war in the region, it was ready to respond strongly. The UAE has not blamed anyone for the sabotage of the tankers pending an investigation, and said it was committed to de-escalation. Iran has denied it carried out either attack. The UAE has said that the current "critical circumstances" in the region required a "unified Arab and Gulf stance". (Reporting by Nayera Abdallah in Cairo; Writing by Lisa Barrington in Dubai; Editing by Phil Berlowitz and Daniel Wallis) By Express News Service KOCHI: A 48-year-old man murdered his wife allegedly following a family feud on Saturday night, before surrendering to the Panangad police. According to the police officers, Vini, 42, of Ramachamkuzhiyil, Nettur, was beaten to death by her husband, Antony, a carpenter by profession. Following a verbal duel, Antony struck her on the head first with a mallet and then with a wooden window frame kept at the house. The deep injuries inflicted on Vini led to the death. Though the police reached the house soon after Antony surrendered, she was found dead, said a police officer. The couple was staying along with their two children and Antonys mother. Vinis children and mother-in-law had gone to the house of Antonys sister. The incident happened around 11 pm. After committing the murder, Antony went to the Panangad police station and surrendered before the officers. As there was heavy rain the neighbours did not hear any screams or noise from the house. It was when the police reached the spot the local residents came to know about the incident, said the police officer. Antony used to quarrel with his wife alleging she was a mental patient. He accused her of not taking the drugs for her condition regularly. Besides, he used to threaten his father-in-law saying he would kill Vini. On Saturday night also he had threatened his father-in-law, K V John, a retired Cochin Port employee, over the phone. As he used to do this frequently, they ignored it, said Ernakulam South CI B Jayan. According to the officers, Antony was not an alcoholic, but he used to assault the woman alleging she was a mental patient. She was working in a private firm at Kaloor for the past several years. Though the relatives of Antony also reiterated the allegation, they could not produce any documents proving that she was taking any kind of medicines for mental illness, said the CI.The arrest of Antony was recorded on Sunday and he will be produced before the court on Monday. A team of forensic experts visited the spot and conducted an examination. The body of Vini was handed over to relatives after conducting an autopsy. PARIS (Reuters) - Car makers Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi may discuss a merger later in the future, Jean-Dominique Senard, the CEO of the French car manufacturer said on Saturday. "These discussions over a capitalistic merger have been carried out for a while and they were brought out in a dramatic way recently," Senard said in an interview with France Inter radio station. "I think that later on, as events unfold, Renault, Nissan and Mistubishi will think about that with serenity." For now, the companies are working on ways to optimise their alliance, said Senard, who heads of it. Talks about a possible merger over the past days "have scared out everybody", Senard said. The removal of Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn, credited with rescuing Nissan from near-bankruptcy in 1999, from the head of the alliance has raised a cloud of uncertainty about its future. As Nissan ponders its future without Ghosn, who is charged with financial misconduct, French partner Renault has been quietly manoeuvring for merger talks, sources at both automakers have recently told Reuters. Ghosn has denied all charges against him. (Reporting by Inti Landauro and Caroline Paillez) Bucharest (AFP) - Romania's ruling party strongman Liviu Dragnea began a three-and-a-half-year jail sentence on Monday for corruption as his party grappled with a crushing defeat in the European elections. A court earlier Monday upheld Dragnea's original sentence, a verdict that will almost certainly remove from public life a man who was widely seen as the puppet master behind the Social Democrats (PSD) and the government they lead. He was convicted last year of using his influence to procure fake public jobs for two women who were actually working for the PSD at the time. Dragnea, 56, was also a key figure in his party's push for controversial judicial reforms which have led to clashes with Brussels and have overshadowed Romania's first-ever EU presidency. Despite the PSD's election victory in 2016, Dragnea's deep-seated ambition to become prime minister was thwarted because of a previous suspended jail sentence for electoral fraud. - 'Difficult moment' - Still the moustachioed leader wielded considerable influence behind the scenes and toppled two prime ministers in just seven months before nominating Viorica Dancila to the post in January 2018. Dancila admitted that Monday's verdict against Dragnea was "a difficult moment" for the party. She said that PSD leaders would meet on Tuesday to decide the timetable for electing Dragnea's successor, with Dancila herself taking over the post in the meantime. She ruled out resigning after the PSD's disastrous showing in Sunday's European Parliament elections, where it slumped 12 points from its score in 2014 to 25.8 percent. Centre-right and liberal opponents racked up almost 50 percent of the EU vote between them. Young people and city-dwellers turned out in force to express their frustration with the government, with turnout nudging 50 percent. "Never has Romania seen so many big events in such a short time, between the humiliation at the ballot box of the ruling party and the incarceration of the one considered the country's strongman," wrote the Romanian investigative website HotNews.ro. Story continues On the eve of Monday's court appearance, Dragnea was his normal defiant self, alluding to conspiracies against him and "unimaginable pressure" being exerted on judges to find him guilty. Florentin Negrutiu, editorial writer for the Digi24 site, said of the court verdict: "This is a victory for the judicial system after two-and-a-half years in which Dragnea has tried to employ all means to stop it working." Over the past three years, Dragnea and the PSD -- the successor party to the communists -- have courted voters in poorer and more rural areas of the country with generous promises. But analysts say his focus on curtailing the activities of the country's anti-corruption agency has lost the PSD many voters. His argument was that he wanted to put an end to abuses of power by prosecutors "suffered by millions of Romanians". Dragnea had begun to mimic attacks on the EU of the kind made by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, accusing Brussels of "interfering" in Romania's affairs and its sovereignty. A second headache for the PSD is likely to come in the results from a referendum also held on Sunday on the government's controversial judicial reforms. Turnout for the vote, called by President Klaus Iohannis, was well in excess of the 30 percent threshold needed to make the referendum valid and analysts expect voters to have rejected the PSD's plans as the votes continue to be counted. Romania, which holds the EU's rotating presidency until July, is deeply split between its left-wing government critical of European governance and the pro-EU Iohannis, who will seek re-election at the end of the year. The European Commission on Monday called on the government to listen to the "clear message" from voters and ensure "an independent judicial system which offers no impunity for criminals and no tolerance for corruption". The Commission has warned sanctions may follow if the government does not change course. The president's announcement followed a public dressing down by Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, pictured in posters, over his handling of the nuclear deal - REX Irans president Hassan Rouhani has suggested that the Islamic Republic could hold a public referendum on its nuclear programme, in the wake of rising tensions in the Persian Gulf. "Article 59 of the Constitution (referendum) is a deadlock breaker ... and could be a problem-solver at any junction," the semi-official news agency ILNA quoted Rouhani as saying late on Saturday. The statement followed Mr Rouhanis public dressing-down by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for his handling of the countrys fast-unravelling nuclear deal. In recent weeks, Mr Rouhani responded to a new round of crippling US economic sanctions against Tehran by threatening to walk away from terms of the 2015 agreement, which the US withdrew from last year. This approach appears to have pushed the country uncomfortably close to military confrontation with the US. Since US President Donald Trump withdrew, his government has dialled up pressure on Iran by blocking global oil exports and stoking long-simmering tensions in the region. Citing an unnamed threat against American troops in the Middle East, the US sent warships and B-52 bombers to the Persian Gulf earlier this month, further escalating the potential for conflict. Tehran has described the US buildup of troops and material as psychological warfare and a political game. While many in Irans leadership have insisted they do not want a war with the US, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis public chastising of the Islamic Republics president reflects his more hawkish position. Ayatollah Khamenei has long maintained the view that Iranian negotiators surrendered too much in the deal. Last summer, he said they had trespassed the red lines that had been set and that the country owed the little it had thanks to his advice to Mr Rouhani. Without this guidance, the ayatollah said, we would have given up more. Mr Rouhanis move to put a referendum on the table could help him settle this internal dispute without losing face and provide political cover for whichever path voters backed. Story continues The Iranian public has been broadly supportive of the nuclear deal and its attendant possibilities for economic growth. The countrys middle classes in particular have been exhausted by years of sanctions and currency depreciation. But there is also an alternate view that sees a referendum as a device to offer Iranian leadership a pathway back to enrichment. Iran has held three referendums since its 1979 Islamic revolution, the first to approve the set-up of an Islamic Republic and the second to approve and amend the constitution. Mr Rouhani said he proposed a third, on the nuclear issue, to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei back in 2004 while negotiating the nuclear deal. FRANKFURT, May 25 (Reuters) - Moscow must release 24 sailors who were aboard three Ukrainian vessels it intercepted in November as they crossed a strait between Russian-annexed Crimea and southern Russia, an international maritime tribunal said on Saturday. The Russian navy had captured the Ukrainian sailors and their vessels in the Kerch Strait, which links the Black and Azov seas, on Nov. 25, 2018 after opening fire on them. The Hamburg-based International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) said Russia had to release the sailors and vessels immediately and both nations should refrain from taking any action which might aggravate the dispute. "The Tribunal notes that any action affecting the immunity of warships is capable of causing serious harm to the dignity and sovereignty of a state and has the potential to undermine its national security," ITLOS President Jin-Hyun Paik said. Ukraine has already demanded the sailors' release and the return of the impounded vessels, yet Moscow has not heeded the request or similar calls by the EU. Russia's foreign ministry said on Saturday it had not participated in the hearings, adding it intends to defend its point of view that the arbitration lacked the jurisdiction to consider the Kerch incident. The ITLOS was established to settle maritime disputes by the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, of which both Ukraine and Russia are signatories. But it has no means of enforcing its decisions. A bilateral treaty gives both Russia and Ukraine the right to use the Sea of Azov, which lies between them and is linked by the narrow Kerch Strait to the Black Sea. Yet tension has risen since Russia annexed Crimea, with both countries complaining about shipping delays and harassment. Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014 and built a road bridge linking it to southern Russia straddling the Kerch Strait, has vowed never to give Crimea back to Ukraine. It accuses Kiev of staging a provocation in the Kerch Strait and its sailors of crossing illegally into Russian waters. Story continues Russia's FSB security service said it had been forced to act in November because the ships - two small Ukrainian armoured artillery vessels and a tug boat - had illegally entered its territorial waters. "The Tribunal's order is a clear signal to Russia that it cannot violate international law with impunity," Ukraine Deputy Foreign Minister Olena Zerkal said on Facebook, adding she expected Russia to comply with the order quickly. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said if Russia releases the Ukrainian sailors and ships it could be the first signal from the Russian leadership of its readiness to end the conflict with Ukraine. (Reporting by Christoph Steitz in Frankfurt Additional reporting by Natalia Zinets in Kiev and Polina Devitt in Moscow Editing by David Holmes) MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met on Monday in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the results of the European parliamentary elections, Sanchez's office said. During a dinner in the Elysee Palace, the two leaders discussed the allocation of top jobs in parliament and their rejection of the far-right, it added. "They also analysed the institutional renewal and they agree that new posts need to reflect the new majority in the European Parliament," a statement of the Spanish PM office said. Sanchez's Socialist party (PSOE) finished first in Spain in the European election. Marine Le Pen's far-right Rassemblement National won most votes in France but the margin of victory over Macron's liberal party was narrow. After Sunday's election, a coalition of the conservative European People's Party and the Socialists no longer has a majority in the European Parliament, meaning that they may have to rely on the liberals. (Reporting by Belen Carreno; Writing by Paul Day and Joan Faus; editing by John Stonestreet and Sonya Hepinstall) Former prime minister and close advisor to Thailand's revered royals Prem Tinsulanonda died early Sunday aged 98, a senior parliamentarian said, ending a decades-long career of unrivalled influence over Thai politics. Hailed as a stabilising force by allies but loathed by critics as a conservative underminer of democracy in the kingdom, Prem was a top aide to the late beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej and helped cement the unshakeable bond between the monarchy and the military. Prem "passed away this morning around 9 o'clock", interim house speaker Chai Chidchob told MPs on the third day of Thailand's new parliament. "I would like to ask everyone to stand for a moment in memorial." The cause of death was heart failure, the royal household bureau said in a statement. As Privy Council president, Prem's influence endured through a tense succession period after Bhumibol died in 2016, and he was briefly appointed regent before Bhumibol's son Maha Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne. Prem presided over the king's surprise wedding to Queen Suthida days before his coronation earlier this month. With assistants helping him stand, he also took part in a key sacred water ritual on coronation day alongside 2014 coup leader and junta chief Prayut-Chan-O. Late Sunday the newly crowned Vajiralongkorn expressed "sorrow" at Prem's death, adding he had "worked with loyalty" in his many positions over the years, the royal household bureau said. The participation highlighted his legacy of cementing the army's self-designated role as protector of the royals. The general helped establish the all-powerful "monarchised military" seen in Thailand today, according to Paul Chambers, lecturer at Naresuan University in Thailand. "Prem proved time and again that his savvy acumen could prevent or facilitate army coups that helped the palace," Chambers told AFP. Born in southern Songkhla province in 1920, 12 years before Thailand's absolute monarchy was abolished, Prem experienced most of modern Thai history. Story continues He graduated from the country's top military academy in 1941, showcasing his talent on the frontline by fighting the French in Cambodia and later the British in Burma. He was a key figure in the kingdom's battle against communists in its northern provinces and was rewarded with the top job of army chief in 1978. But the ambitious commander only held the position for two years before seizing power in what was widely viewed as a silent coup. His 1980-1988 rule as premier brought a rare period of political and economic stability to Thailand thanks to his patronage of military officers but most importantly through the trust he forged with Bhumibol. The bachelor general cultivated loyalty in the military despite two counter-coup attempts. He helped instigate three coups including the one in 2014, according to Chambers, while indirectly assisting in the ouster of four other governments. Prem was credited by some for opening up some space for democratic politics when he eventually stepped down for an elected premier to take office. But when he was soon after appointed member and later president of the super-elite Privy Council, an inner circle of advisers to the king, Prem became a figure of revulsion in Thailand's pro-democracy camp. Anger over his influence boiled over after the 2006 coup that ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra when his supporters accused Prem of masterminding the putsch. In a symbolic meeting several months after the May 2014 coup, Thailand's junta chief Prayut visited Prem at his home in a widely photographed trip. Prem leaves Thailand amid ongoing political tensions as a junta-backed party fronted by Prayut closes in on the premiership after March elections widely seen as tilted in military's favour. HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AP) A squadron of F-35A jet fighters from Hill Air Force Base in Utah has deployed to Aviano Air Base in Italy. A statement released by Hill officials said the squadron arrived Friday and will participate in exercises and conduct training with other Europe-based aircraft during a deployment expected to last several weeks. The statement said the deployment is part of a "theater security package" in which U.S. forces rotate to Europe to deter adversaries and assure allies of the U.S. commitment to regional security. The statement says the deployment is the second to Europe by a Hill-based F-35A squadron and that the first took place in 2017 when a squadron deployed to a British base in England. Dileep V Kumar By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At the global level, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) has emerged as a ticking time-bomb. However, due to the lackadaisical attitude of authorities in the state, a first-of-its-kind study to identify the presence of antimicrobial residues in water bodies has found to be left in limbo. Last November, a study regarding the same was jointly pitched by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and Department of Environmental Sciences of the University of Kerala. On a pilot basis, the study was proposed to be conducted in the water bodies in Thiruvananthapuram. "The idea of conducting a study on the presence of antimicrobial residues in water bodies came up during a workshop organised by the Centre for Science and Environment's Food Safety and Toxins Programme last September. But ever since no progress has been made," said an official with the Health Department. According to the officer, a coordinated effort is needed to find the rate of antimicrobial residues in water bodies, marine resources, meat products, dairy products and others as its presence in the body will result in the ineffectiveness of standard treatments on the infected person. AMR is the ability of a microorganism (bacteria, viruses, and some parasites) to stop an antimicrobial such as antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials from working against it, said a faculty member of the Department of Environmental Sciences, "The study is yet to begin. The water bodies selected for the study include Karamana River, Killi River, Parvathi Putthanar and Vamanapuram River. Both Peppara and Aruvikkara dams were installed in the Karamana River. These dams meet the drinking water needs of the district. The Vamanapuram River is the main source for drinking water for people from the northern side of the district. Understanding its antimicrobial residue content is crucial," the faculty added. The member further pointed out as per the decision then, samples from these water bodies were to be collected and tested or AMR bacteria and their AMR genes. The results will then be handed over to the Health Department for taking adequate measures under the Kerala AMR Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP). At the same time, KSPCB authorities said that though much headway has not been made, it had submitted a proposal before the government to sanction adequate funds for setting up facilities including a lab.Following the emergence of AMR as a global public health concern, the Health Department with the help of various other departments launched the KARSAP in October. As per a study report of the World Health Organization (WHO), human excreta and untreated wastewater were found to be the major sources for the presence of antimicrobial agents in water bodies. In addition, places which lack facilities to treat municipal, community and household wastes are also vulnerable to AMR. According to a German Intelligence official, the Israeli Intelligence service Mossad was behind the leak of a damning video, which led to the resignation of Austria's far right Freedom Party chief Heinz-Christian Strache. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The video, prompting the resignation and the subsequent dissolvement of Austria's coalition government, allegedly shows Strache offering a Russian woman government contracts in exchange for financial benefit for his party. A scene from the recording of Strach and the "Russian" Rudolf Adam, former diplomat and dep. director of Germany's secret service, published an article in the German monthly Cicero claiming: "Israel has an interest in promoting policies friendly to it and the growth of a radically right party poses a threat to European Jewish communities," he said. "It is unlikely that a European country is behind this campaign," Rudolf wrote. "American intelligence agencies are occupied with Korea, Iran and China. The policies of President Donald Trump actually, support the right-wing stance of the former Austrian vice chancellor. The Russians had a good relationship with Strache. Regarding China and the Arab states, they have no reason to get involved in Austrian politics." Strache with Austrian PM Kurz After eliminating all other options, Rudolf concludes that only "one country has the manpower and technological capability to carry out such a campaign, as well as a clear motive Israel. "European Jewish communities fear the rise in anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial. Israel has an interest in promoting friendly policies toward it and toward Jewish communities in Europe and if radical right-wing movements continue to grow, the EU policies may become more extreme and harmful to Jewish communities," Rudolf continued. The Conference of European Rabbis (CER) made up of 700 rabbis of Jewish communities, view these claims with concern. President of CER, Moscow chief rabbi, Pinchas Goldschmidt, said the attempt to blame Israel for the political downfall of a right-wing politician is reminiscent of classic anti-Semitism, and cannot be ignored. Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt The embarrassing photographs were published in two major German newspapers and show Mr. Strache conversing with a woman who introduced herself as the niece of a Russian oligarch, and allegedly discussed a corrupt deal. It is unclear who initiated the meeting and who covertly filmed it. According to the reports, the meeting was held in a private villa in Ibiza. The two sat side by side on a couch smoking and drinking. On the tape the woman was heard offering to purchase 50% of the Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung and tilt its coverage in favor of Strache's Freedom Party. In exchange, Strache would send government contracts the woman's way. He noted he wanted the kind of coverage Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is enjoying. He also named some journalists he would like to see pushed out of the paper and five others he said "are new employees who we will promote". Strache explained that all funds for the party will have to be funneled through a foundation to keep the flow of money secret. In a press conference given upon his resignation, Strache said he fell victim to an illegal political assassination but conceded his conduct in the recorded meeting was stupid and wrong. Europeans woke Monday to a new political reality after European Parliament elections ended the domination of the EU's main center-right and center-left parties and revealed a changed political landscape where the far-right, pro-business groups and environmentalists will be forces to be reckoned with. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Turning out in numbers not seen for 20 years, voters took their concerns about immigration and security to the ballot box, making parties led by the likes of Italy's populist Matteo Salvini and France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen among the biggest in the 28-nation bloc's assembly. Matteo Salvini (Photo: AP) "The rules are changing in Europe," Salvini, Italy's hard-line interior minister, said at his League party headquarters in Milan early Monday. "A new Europe is born." Voter projections showed the League won 33% of the vote, up from just 6% at the last European vote in 2014. The lion's share of Britain's seats went to Nigel Farage's Brexit Party, as citizens punished the governing conservatives and opposition Labour party for their embarrassing failure to manage the divided country's delayed departure from the EU. Nigel Farage (Photo: AFP) Riding what they called Europe's "green wave" backed by Europe-wide rallies urging climate action, environmentalist parties made strong gains, notably in Germany, one of the continent's main forces for EU integration. The free-market liberals saw their stake in the 751-seat parliament rise to 107 seats, from 68 in 2014. The picture of a fractured assembly for the next five years was complete as many citizens turned their backs on the center-right European People's Party -- one of its key figures, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, saw her party lose ground -- and the center-left Socialists. "We are facing a shrinking center of the European Union parliament," a subdued EPP lead candidate Manfred Weber said, after just over 50 percent of the EU's more than 400 million voters had turned out over four days in the world's biggest transnational elections. "From now on, those who want to have a strong European Union have to join forces." Marine Le Pen The Socialist lead candidate, Frans Timmermans, essentially conceded defeat, even though the two groups remain the assembly's biggest by some margin. "If you lose an election, if you lose seats, you have to be modest," the former Dutch foreign minister said. "We have lost seats and this means that we have to be humble." Spanish caretaker Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was a notable exception, as his victorious Socialists looked set to win 20 of the country's 54 seats in the European Parliament. Although still trickling in, results show that the EPP is set to secure 179 seats, down from 217 five years ago. The Socialists are slated to win 150, down from 187. The two parties have dominated the parliament with a combined majority since elections were first held in 1979. Senior figures from the EPP hold the top posts in the EU's three main institutions: parliament president, head of the EU's powerful executive commission and European Council president, who chairs summits of European presidents and prime ministers. Monks from the Saint Sixtus Trappist Abbey in Belgium cast their votes in the European Parliament elections (Photo: AP) While real power in Europe remains in the hands of the 28 member states, the assembly's influence has grown. It's helped improve air flight safety in Europe, cut down on plastics use, end mobile telephone roaming charges inside the bloc, boost data privacy, and cut carbon dioxide emissions from cars. The parliament also has an important say in international treaties ranging from trade talks to Brexit. But now new, uncomfortable alliances must be forged. The pro-business liberals, or ALDE, backed by French President Emmanuel Macron -- whose Republic on the Move party is set to win 23 seats, the same number as Le Pen's National Rally -- insist that Europe's traditional political certainties are a thing of the past. "The monopoly of power has been broken," said ALDE lead candidate Margrethe Vestager, currently the EU's competition commissioner, describing Sunday's polls as "a signal for change." Party group leaders begin their horse-trading Monday to see what kind of stable alliance can be established and who might secure the EU's top jobs. Their decisions will set the stage for EU leaders, who meet over dinner Tuesday to see where the political pieces lie and discuss potential candidates. An Israeli-Arab politician who was convicted for smuggling cell phones to a security prisoner two years ago, was released from jail Monday morning. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Former MK Basel Ghattas (Joint Arab List) was arrested back in 2016 after being smuggling communication devices to a convicted terrorist Walid Daka in Ktzi'ot Prison. Ghattas at home following his release Ghattas subsequently confessed to breach of trust, providing means to carry out acts of terrorism, smuggling electronic devices into prisons and transferring encrypted messages between security prisoners. He was officially convicted in March 2017. The former MK received a two year sentence by the Be'er Sheva Magistrate's Court in April 2017 following the approval of a plea bargain in which he showed no remorse for his actions, instead justifying them on humanitarian grounds. In addition, he was fined NIS 120,000 and given a probationary period of 18 months once he is released from prison. Basel Ghattas arriving in court (Photo: Yehuda Perez) Ghattas began his sentence on July 2, 2017 when he entered the Gilboa Prison amid a media frenzy. I am entering prison with my head held high, he said - in both in Arabic and Hebrew - to a crowd of journalists before entering the prison. I will leave prison in two years upright I will continue to protect the rights of prisoners and bring their cases to the public agenda." The 63-year-old then moved around between several prisons before eventually settling in Megiddo Prison, from where he was released. In November 2018, Ghattas submitted a request for early release. The parole board denied his request, claiming the former politicians offences were extremely serious and intended to harm the security of Israel and its citizens. The board also claimed Ghattas was not involved in a rehabilitation process while in prison, and did not express any verbal remorse over his actions. Hezbollah is facing its worst economic crisis yet, after U.S. sanctions on Iran imposed last year resulted in funding cut to Tehran's Lebanese proxy organization. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The latest round of American sanctions targeted Iran's oil revenue, with the aim of cutting them down to zero. Hezbollah's concern is that its annual income from Iran, totaling $700 million, which comes mostly from Iranian oil revenue will stop. Monthly air shipments of cash from Tehran have already been cut in half. Iranian plane lands at Beirut airport Hezbollah's troubles stem not only from Iran's economic woes. The organization itself is now sanctioned by the U.S., their financial transactions are under strict scrutiny with all bank accounts and fundraising being monitored. The group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, last month appealed for donations - for the first time ever - in a public address to members and supporters. A foundation named "Support for the Resistance" was set up in Lebanon to raise badly needed capital. Hassan Nasrallah Hezbollah leader (Photo: AFP) Now, for the first time since its inception 36 years ago, Hezbollah is cutting salaries to its fighters. Some have been receiving just two-thirds of their usual pay for the past three months, and half of all reserve fighters have been let go. Hezbollah fighters in Syria (: AFP) According to reports, Hezbollah is also selling off property. Apartments have been sold in its southern Beirut stronghold of Dahia and in the Beqaa Valley city of Baalbek. Some services provided to fighters and their families have also been stopped. The organization's propaganda wing is under economic pressure as well. Al Manar, Hezbollah's cable television network and A Nur, its radio station, have both had to lay staff off and cut pay to others. But not only sanctions are to blame for Hezbollah's economic troubles. Years of fighting in Syria to prop up the regime of Bashar Assad, another Iranian ally, cost the organization dearly both in money and in lives. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javed Zarif in Beirut (Photo: Reuters) Families of the estimated 2,000 fighters killed in Syria have been given financial aid by Hezbollah, as have the families of those killed in confrontations with Israeli forces. Now that aid has been reduced too. Another factor contributing to Hezbollah's troubles is the position taken by the oil-rich Gulf states - Iran's foes in the region - with Saudi Arabia leading Sunni countries in an economic siege of the organization. Hezbollah flag on the Israel-Lebanon border The American financial offensive, meanwhile, is against the axis of Iran, Syria and Hezbollah. Assad's regime has been under sanctions since 2011. Considering him a war criminal, the European Union joined in with their own sanctions. Syrian business leaders close to the regime have been black-listed and are unable to raise cash. The Syrian crisis is dire: The country is suffering oil shortages and runaway prices while the country's main benefactor, Russia has not been able to provide the funds needed to rebuild after years of relentless civil war. Gas shortages in Syria (Photo: AFP) The American administration speaks the language of money. They are promoting the "deal of the century" and their offensive is financial. The noose around Hezbollah's neck is tightening. The "Deal of the Century" itself may not enjoy as much regional support as efforts to break Hezbollah. So for now at least, any Hezbollah offensive against Israel on the Golan Heights will likely be put on hold. They simply cannot afford it. Steena Das By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With schools reopening the next week, Thiruvananthapuram Express takes a look at the preparations carried out in the district by the authorities concerned, namely the Education, Motor Vehicles and Police departments. Praveshanolsavam The District Education Department is set to welcome the new academic year in schools. This year's 'Praveshanolsavam' will be held in Varkala sub-district. District Education officer Vijayakumari K said, "We will ensure quality education in all schools in the district." The distribution of uniforms and books in the district is expected to be completed by Thursday. "Around 90 per cent work in hi-tech classrooms are over. The cleaning drive and training courses for teachers have been completed," said C Manojkumar, deputy director of education. Inspection of Vehicles Ahead of the reopening, about 50 per cent of school buses and vans have been inspected. "The rest will be inspected before Wednesday," said Thiruvananthapuram RTO B Muralikrishnan. Apart from the inspection, enforcement will be carried out in the district on a regular basis. "With the increased tampering on vehicles, we have planned to carry regular inspections," said motor vehicle inspector, Brinda Sanil. According to her, drivers tend to change the new tyres with old ones right after the vehicle inspection. "Regular inspections will help us find fraud activities comprising the illegal changing of tyres, and overloading children in the vehicles," she added. As many as 322 vehicles were subjected for inspection and 77 of them were found unfit. "We have asked the school authorities to follow the Motor Vehicle Department norms for school buses. Strict action will be taken against the schools failing to adhere to the rules," said Brinda. "Children should not be cramped in the bus. Only one child is permitted to sit in one passenger seat. Two children can be accommodated in a passenger seat provided the children are below the age of 12. The list of children travelling on the bus must be maintained and a helper must be available on the bus," she said. As a note to the school authorities, Brinda said, "The school authorities must ensure the drivers obey rules. The safety guidelines in the school bus regarding first aid kits, good tyres, wipers and braking system must be followed." Awareness Classes The District Police in association with the Motor Vehicle Department and the Education Department arranged awareness classes for drivers to avoid accidents. "More police personnel will be deployed on the reopening day and a few more days to avoid accidents and traffic congestion," said Aadhitya R, deputy commissioner of Police, Law and Order, Traffic. The Palestinian leadership has lashed out at members of the international community who have agreed to attend the U.S.-led economic conference set for Bahrain in late June, which the Palestinian Authority is boycotting. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Saeb Erekat, executive secretary of the Palestine Liberation Organization, told a number of Arab news outlets he expected the summit to fail. In an interview with Almayadeen, a Lebanese news channel, he said: If Im not going, do you know whats best for me better than I do? He called on all Arab and non-Arab countries that intend to participate to reconsider their decision. Saeb Erekat, executive secretary of the Palestine Liberation Organization (Photo: AFP) The Palestinians officially announced last week they will not attend the June 25-26 conference, meant to serve as the first part of President Donald Trump's long-delayed Middle East peace plan, dubbed the deal of the century. Political analyst Ziad Abu Zayyad said the PA is on its own, adding: These countries have their own interests to worry about with the United States, and they revolve in the U.S. orbit, so it doesnt come as a surprise that these countries have agreed to attend and host the conference. Abu Zayyad said that other geopolitical issues in the region played a major role in how Arab governments, particularly the Gulf states, viewed the Palestinian cause these days. America and Israel succeeded in convincing these countries that the danger to them is coming from Iran, and because of that they will do anything they are asked by the U.S. and Israel, he said. The Palestinian Authority did not have the means to pressure the Arab states, he added. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have publicly declared that they will attend, along with the Bahraini hosts. The U.S. has also sent invitations to finance ministers from other Arab and non-Arab countries. The so-called workshop is scheduled to be held in the city of Manama. Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, said the Americans had a number of goals they wanted to achieve at the conference. Jared Kushner and Mahmoud Abbas (Photo: Getty Images) First, they want to create a set of inducements that will force Palestinians to take the political component of the plan seriously. Thats not going to work, but that was their theory, Ibish said. Second, he added, they want to appeal directly to the Palestinian business community, over the heads of the national political leaders. This is part of a broader effort to speak to the (Palestinian) public directly, thereby going around the politicians. Finally, they want to bring Israel and the Gulf Arab countries closer together. But many prominent Palestinian businesspeople have publicly rejected the U.S. invitation to attend. Ibish said the Trump Mideast peace team, headed by his son-in-law Jared Kushner and chief Middle East adviser Jason Greenblatt, was trying to create an alternative leadership with which they can do business. He countered that the leaders of the American team dont seem to understand Palestinian social and political realities. Ibish went on to say that despite the White Houses efforts, this conference would only highlight how complex the conflict was, something that makes it impossible to achieve anything without the participation of the Palestinians. Middle East adviser Jason Greenblatt (Photo: EPA) In the end, I dont think it will change much either way on Israeli-Gulf Arab relations. Its not going to help much, but it certainly wont hurt. But it may show how difficult it is for Gulf Arabs to get closer to Israel without seriously dealing with the Palestinian issue, and there is no possible way of doing that under the current circumstances, Ibish said. For the wealthy Gulf states, attending the talks was a win-win proposition, he stated. I think its an easy way to curry favor with Washington and explore whats possible with Israel under the guise of trying to help Palestinians. But its very important that they are sure that this isnt going to work, so that whatever they pledge financially will be all in theory. I understand why theyre doing this. Its pretty much cost free, politically and financially, because its obvious that there is no possibility that the political components for implementing any of these initiatives will be created, Ibish insisted. So you can go to such a meeting and pledge billions of dollars, say youre trying to help the Palestinians which might be true and yet be sure that you will never be called on to pay for those things, because they are not going to happen, because the whole agenda is completely rejected by the Palestinian leadership and therefore will not ever be implemented, he said. Many believe the economic workshop is the first phase in Washingtons grand plan of achieving the deal of the century, that is, peace between Israel and the Palestinians. President Donald Trump (Photo: AP) Ghassan Khatib, professor of political science at Birzeit University in Ramallah, believes the terms of this deal of the century have already been communicated to the relevant parties, and that the U.S. and Israel are in the process of implementing some of its elements. The American recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and moving its embassy to it thats an implementation of that aspect of the plan. Coming up with a new definition of who is a refugee. And cutting U.S. aid to UNRWA. And the change to the American understanding of the legal status of the occupied territories, no longer considering them occupied, thats an implementation, Khatib said. The professor went on to say that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict had reached a critical stage, and Palestinians should be concerned. The real fear among the Palestinians is that the Americans and the Israelis are implementing the plan rather than simply announcing it, he said. Last week, the Palestinian Authoritys social development minister, Ahmed Majdalani, said in an interview with The Media Line: There will be no Palestinian participation in the Manama workshop. He added: Any Palestinian who would take part would be nothing but a collaborator for the Americans and Israel. Ziad Abu Zayyad said: I do believe that any plan, deal or conference that doesnt have the backing and participation of the Palestinians will not succeed. Unfortunately, the U.S. administration, since the beginning, took steps and decisions that sent messages to the Palestinian leadership and the Palestinian people that the U.S. is biased in favor of Israel, that America doesnt want a balanced solution, and that America is not pursuing a just peace. The Palestinians have boycotted U.S. officials since late 2017, following President Donald Trumps recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, saying the U.S. is no longer acceptable as a mediator between them and Israel. Article written by Mohammad Al-Kassim Reprinted with permission from The Media Line There is no economic match for Israel's high-tech, the engine behind the country's export market. The prosperity of the high-tech sector altered the face of Israel, and contributes greatly both to the gross domestic product and tax revenues. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter High-tech success also changed Israel's self-esteem and image, and created a spirit of entrepreneurship in society not to mention the growing desire of Israeli parents to see their sons and daughters make a million selling their idea to Facebook or Google. It's hard to quantify how great an impact this industry has made on Israeli and Israelis. The Gav-Yam High-tech park in Be'er Sheva (Photo: Haim Horenstein) Israeli politicians love to flaunt the country's high-tech, despite their miniscule contribution to this success. Official Israel spends huge sums on branding the country as a start-up nation, like a catchy headline of an American bestseller. There are moral fissures in this industry, to put it lightly. International companies and their local representatives do whatever they can to avoid paying taxes here, much more than the same companies do in other countries. There are also disturbing marginal phenomena like gambling on shares and Forex. But hi, who cares, as long as we have a high-tech position. Now, there's a disturbing silence. In the U.S., Google and Facebook by no means the epitome of morality came out against Trump's anti-immigration laws. They had their reasons, both practical and moral. In pracitcal terms, these multi-national companies employ workers around the world, who make them the efficient machines they are, and morally speaking, these West Coast companies lean on a politically liberal crowd. Nevertheless, after the 2016 elections in the U.S., it was revealed that Facebook shared information with Cambridge Analytics, which in turn cooperated with the Trump campaign. Trump, for all his faults, cannot and does not try to meddle with the American constitution or its legislative institutions. Israel, however, is only a step away from becoming a country that is no longer defined as a full democracy. If the Knesset legislates the bill that gives it the power to override the Supreme Court, it would be the formal ending of the rule of law in Israel, and a signal for every clerk in every ministry to break the law sans interference from the judiciary. Gil Shwed, founder and CEO of Israeli tech company Check Point (Photo: Yoav Davidkovich) Even if the Knesset legislates a thinned-down version of the bill, the fact that it was on the agenda at all is to solely to get Netanyahu off the hook with his corruption cases is in itself a crack in the democratic rule of law. Israeli high-tech is an industry deeply connected to the globalized economy. In neat conference halls in tall buildings, huge funds are invested in preserving the achievements of these corporations. But it appears some of them have forgotten that prosperity is almost always the result of democracy. There is no example to be found of a democratic country that turned authoritarian and maintained its financial growth. Without strong institutions, a liberal protection on the right of ownership and a constitution anchored in liberty itself, Israel's prosperity would be hard to sustain. Moreover, what would Israeli entrepreneurs tell their colleagues around the world? Where will they say they were, when Israeli democracy withstood its toughest challenge? And what will they tell their children when they ask? Israeli high-tech guru Yossi Vardi (Photo: Sharon Tsur) Granted, we've had the odd petition and outraged interview or two, but Israel's most important industry can - and must - do far better, for the rule of law and the successes of the entrepreneurial sector are tightly entwined. The downfall of Israeli democracy has greater significance than it even appears at first glance. It means the destruction of the prosperity that Israel as a high-tech, start-up nation enjoys. Now is not the time to go with the flow, now is the time for high-tech giants to take a stand. Four thousand invited guests at an Independence Day celebration last month in Miami, co-hosted by the Israeli consulate there, were surprised to see that alongside video greetings from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and two of his cabinet ministers, was a message on behalf of the State of Israel from Netanyahu's eldest son, Yair Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The 27-year-old is not an elected official, nor does he hold any position in the government, but this is not the first time he has weighed in on questions of foreign policy. So often has it happened, in fact, that some in the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem wonder if he is eyeing a job in the diplomatic corps. Yair Netanyahu (Photo: Moti Kimchi) On Monday, the young Netanyahu managed to upset Spain's leadership when he tweeted that Muslims should expel Spain from its North African outposts of Melilla and Ceuta. Earlier this month, he directed a tweet at German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who released a statement congratulating Israel on the 70th anniversary of its induction into the United Nations. Yair tweeted in response: "It will be nice if you stop interfering in our internal business and stop funding hundreds of radical left-wing NGOs in Israel that seek its destruction." The Netanyahu scion also dabbled in the recent European parliamentary elections, sending messages of support to almost every far-right European leader, including Hungary's Victor Orban, Nigel Farage in the UK, Matteo Salvini in Italy and Geert Wilders in the Netherlands. He also engaged in a Twitter spat with Tommy Corbyn, the son of British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, an outspoken critic of Israel. Finally, Yair enraged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan when he referred to Istanbul by its former name of Constantinople, prompting the Turkish leader to suggest the prime minister discipline his unruly son. Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman is causing the most serious and dramatic political drama we've had here in years. There is no historical precedence for the scenario we're witnessing: the man who won the elections is unable to sign a single coalition agreement, just two days before the final deadline granted by the president. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter On Sunday, Israel's political system started acknowledging the severe crisis, and realized it is out of control. This is no spin, no false threat. No one wants yet more elections, but the country is definitely on this track. Avigdor Liberman (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg) What is Liberman thinking? Is he fighting a battle for the draft law, which defines quotas for ultra-Orthodox draftees in the IDF? Or is he fighting a battle to overthrow Benjamin Netanyahu, as the prime minister and the ultra-Orthodox parties claim? Liberman knows Netanyahu better than any other politician. They've been side by side through many a Knesset, and have a complex relationship. The Yisrael Beytenu head recommended Netanyahu to President Reuven Rivlin as the most suitable candidate to form the new government, but never saw the prime minister as much of an ideologist. He sees him as a leader who was able to win the votes of the right with fervent words and brilliantly polished performances, but without much content. The campaign for the April 9 elections was the breaking point in the relationship between the two. Liberman openly accused Netanyahu for trying to hurt Yisrael Beytenu, undermine him personally and appeal to the Russian sector. Liberman said that Israel Hayom, the pro-Netanyahu newspaper owned by American Jewish magnate Sheldon Adelson, deliberately left Yisrael Beytenu out of its polls in the final few days before the vote, and blamed Netanyahu for launching a campaign titled "don't throw away your vote, Liberman won't pass the threshold." Liberman and Netanyahu in the Knesset (Photo: EPA) The prime minister indeed utilized the services of polling companies to understand the Israeli Russian sector, in an attempt to win over Liberman's voter base. Now, Liberman is convinced that Netanyahu is considering calling new elections to finally destroy him and his political career. Liberman has been putting the draft law first from day one of coalition talks. But Netanyahu didn't bite and instead was busy with the Immunity Law. And as Liberman said over the weekend: "Right wing does not mean personality cult." But winds of change could blow for Liberman if the public ends up blaming him for yet another round of elections and he very well might pay the political and electoral price for his agenda. Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman said Monday that his party plans to keep insisting on the draft law for the ultra-Orthodox public, regardless of the impasse it has caused in coalition talks ahead of the Wednesday deadline for the establishment of a new government. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter "I won't to be party to a Halachic government," Liberman said, referring to religious Jewish law. Avigdor Liberman speaking at a Yisrael Beytenu faction meeting (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky) "We've been making our position about the draft law clear since February 2018. It's obvious to everybody that this is a principle, and that's what the Likud Party is most afraid of," said Liberman. "They (the Likud) have to understand that this is a principle, it's not personal. It's not revenge," the Yisrael Beytenu head said. Liberman also said that he has stood by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since the April 9 elections, recommended him for the prime ministry, supported Netanyahu's bill to enlarge the number of ministers in his cabinet, thereby facilitating coalition agreements, and supported his nominee for state comptroller. Earlier Monday, MK Evgeny Sova of Yisrael Beytenu told Ynet that "the ball is in the prime minister's court," and that if Netanyahu persuades the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party against making changes to the draft law that would weaken it, Yisrael Beytenu would happily join the government. Sova further said that the party would vote for hold yet another round of elections, "if that's what the Likud Party desires." Benjamin Netanyahu heads to the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on Sunday (Photo: Emil Salman) Netanyahu has pushed for a bill to dismantle the government, proposed by known Netanyahu ally and Likud MK Miki Zohar, after he was unable to assemble a coalition government. The bill is aimed at preventing President Reuven Rivlin from giving another lawmaker either from Likud or elsewhere, the chance to form a colaition instead. Netanyahu has until Wednesday to strike his deal. The prime minister needs the vote of 61 MKs to approve the dissolution of the Knesset. If the bill was indeed brought to the Knesset on Monday, all coalition parties were expected to support it, except for the Union of Right-Wing Parties, who were yet to announce their decision. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation Monday evening and called on Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman to join his coalition government before the Wednesday night deadline. "I call on Avigdor Liberman to reconsider. We still have 48 hours, its possible to do many things in 48 hours," he said. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The prime minister said that in April, the nation went to the polls and expressed its will that a right-wing government be formed with him at its helm. "In recent days, I have made tremendous efforts to fulfill the will of the people There is no reason to paralyze the nation for another year and a half and waste billions," Netanyahu said. PM Netanyahu Earlier Monday, the Knesset held a preliminary vote to disperse the legislative assembly and head toward elections, less than a month after the 21st Knesset was sworn in. The vote passed 63 to 43. All parties that supported Netanyahu to lead the nation supported the motion, while the Blue and White Party led the opposition to the vote. The vote must still pass three more readings. The prime minister and Liberman met today in order to try to find a solution to the deadlock over the IDF draft bill for Yeshiva students, an issue Liberman expressed little willingness to compromise on; the meeting however, was not very productive. Avigdor Liberman (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky) Netanyahu has until Wednesday to get his coalition agreements signed; if he fails to do so, President Reuven Rivlin can then task another lawmaker to try to put together his or her own coalition. This lawmaker does not have to be a party leader, or even a Knesset member from Likud. The bill to dissolve the new Knesset was proposed by Likud MK Miki Zohar, a Netanyahu ally who has also pushed for a law amendment granting the prime minister immunity from prosecution despite looming charges in three corruption investigations. Although Netanyahu nominally has the backing of 65 MKs, a row over the so-called Haredi draft bill has left him trying to find common ground with both the ultra-Orthodox parties that oppose the law and the vehemently secular Yisrael Beytenu, which is insisting that religious Jews who devote their lives to Torah study in yeshivas also carry out some form of national service. Litzman, Netanyahu, Liberman Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman said earlier Monday that he would not yield over keeping the legislation about the Haredi draft in its current form, and not bow to the religious parties' efforts to soften it. The party said it was willing to back another round of elections should the prime minister so choose. Without Liberman's five Knesset seats he cannot form a majority government and would be forced to opt for a fragile coalition of just 60 lawmakers. "I won't to be party to a Halachic government," Liberman said, referring to religious Jewish law. Benjamin Netanyau heads to the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on Sunday (Photo: Emil Salman) "We've been making our position about the draft law clear since February 2018. It's obvious to everybody that this is a principle, and that's what the Likud Party is most afraid of." He added: "They (the Likud) have to understand that this is a principle, it's not personal. It's not revenge." According to Knesset rules, a bill can be debated within the 45-day waiting period once it has been submitted, if the Knesset House Committee is convinced that the draft legislation has importance or urgency. The Blue and White party, which won 35 seats in the April 9 elections, putting on level pegging with Netanyahu's Likud, said it would not vote in favor of dissolving parliament, and called on Rivlin to invite its leader Benny Gantz to try to put together a coalition. L-R: Moshe Ya'alon, Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz at a Blue and White factionm meeting Monday (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky) Gantz accused Likud lawmakers of being too scared to oppose Netanyahu's poltiical machinations. "The silence of the Likud lambs is embarrassing, and their fear paralyzing," he said Monday. "We are witnessing dark days for the Likud Movement. They also bear responsibility for this current situation. It's worth tasking the Blue and White party under my leadership with forming a government." Gantz's Blue and White co-chair, MK Yair Lapid added: "Let us form a government. The public wants a unity government. If Likud was led by someone other than Netanyahu, this would be possible." North Korea on Monday called U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton a "war monger" and "human defect" after he described its recent tests of short-range missiles as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The statement by an unidentified North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson came as President Donald Trump visited Japan for meetings with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at which the nuclear standoff with North Korea was expected to be high on the agenda. Minister of Energy Dr Yuval Steinitz met with Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Satterfield to discuss the latest developments regarding the dispute with Lebanon over maritime territorial boundaries. Steinitz expressed willingness to have talks with Lebanon brokered by the United States in order to reach an agreement regarding an internationally agreed upon border at sea, as both countries have an interest in extracting natural gas from gas fields beyond the coastline. LYON - French police have arrested a 24-year-old Algerian computer student suspected of planting a bomb in Lyon last week that wounded 13 people, authorities said on Monday. Three other people were also arrested in connection with the case, which is being treated as a terrorism investigation. A man was spotted by security cameras leaving the explosive device, with screws and metal balls packed into a paper bag, in a pedestrian shopping street in the central French city on Friday a minute before it exploded. Some 15 Lebanese gathered near the Israeli border fence in the area of Metula Monday, two of whom attempted to scale the fence and damage it. The IDF responded with non-lethal means and the crowd dispersed without injuries. Sajin Shrijith By Express News Service Following Lonappante Mamodeesa, Jayaram will be seen in a comical entertainer titled My Great Grandfather, which will have the actor playing a man in his 40s looking to marry a woman many years younger than him. The film, directed by Aneesh Anwar and produced by Haseeb Haneef, is expected to arrive in theatres this Eid. The trailer was released a few days ago. Shani Kader has scripted the film. Speaking on the subject, Aneesh says its a comedy of errors which has multiple characters running into each other. Jayarams character is about to marry a much younger girl and thats when another young girl shows up one day. The second girl could be his daughter or not. Its this question that the rest of the film tries to find an answer to. The female leads are played by Divya Pillai and Surabhi Santosh. The rest of the cast includes Baburaj, Salim Kumar, Baiju, Johny Antony, Ramesh Pisharody and Vijayaraghavan. Aneesh tells us the team has approached the subject in a way that will be digestible for Malayali audiences. Its a story that takes place in Kerala, as such situations can happen here too. Its also a tale of friendships and the adorable bond between Jayarams character and a little boy. My Great Grandfather is Aneeshs follow-up to Basheerinte Premalekanam starring Farhaan Faasil. This is the first time that the Thalassery-born director is dabbling in a full-fledged comedy. Its a genre I explored a little bit in Basheerinte Premalekanam and Zakariyayude Garbinikal but this is the first one where I went a little further, says Aneesh, who made his directorial debut with Mullamottum Munthiricharum and has since then tried his hand at various genres, including a thriller called Kumbasaram starring Jayasurya. Aneesh hopes to experiment with more genres in the future but acknowledges the challenges faced by a Malayali filmmaker when dealing with unconventional subjects. I dont want to be pigeonholed. Its all a matter of finding the right production house, like-minded actors, the right audience, and the necessary amount of screens, he says. DUBAI - Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Monday Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons, which its supreme leader had banned in an edict, adding on Twitter that U.S. policies were hurting the Iranian people and causing regional tensions. "Ayatollah (Ali) @khamenei_ir long ago said we're not seeking nuclear weapons by issuing a fatwa (edict) banning them," Zarif said in a tweet. "(U.S.) Economic Terrorism is hurting the Iranian people and causing tension in the region." RAHAT, Israel -- SodaStream is hosting nearly 3,000 Israelis and Palestinians for a Ramadan fast-ending meal at its factory in the southern Israel town of Rahat. Bedouins and Jewish Israelis and some Palestinians attended the feast on Monday along with U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman. Friedman writes on Twitter that he had "the pure joy" to attend, and touts SodaStream as a paragon of peace: "Muslims, Druze, Christians and Jews working together, each making the other better, happier and more prosperous." SodaStream, manufacturer of fizzy drink-machines and other bubbly products, shut its West Bank factory in 2015 amid boycott calls and opened a new facility in the predominantly Bedouin town of Rahat. PepsiCo bought SodaStream last year for $3.2 billion. The IDF attacked a missile launcher on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights Monday, after a round was fired at an Israeli fighter jet flying a routine mission over northern Israel, said an IDF Spokesman. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter "The IDF views with gravity any threat against its planes and takes active measures to defend them," the message said. The missile landed in Syrian territory and did not harm the aircraft. An April strike by IAF in Syria Syrian state media reported that an Israeli rocket attack struck the country's south, killing one soldier and injuring another. The Monday report was carried on the Syrian state TV al-Ikhbariya and said one military vehicle was also damaged. It said the rocket landed in Tal al-Shaar in Quneitra on the edge of the Golan Heights. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the incident saying: "Our policy is clear: We will not tolerate any aggression toward us and we will respond forcefully." PM Netanyahu: "A short while ago the Syrian army attempted to hit an Israeli plane; it did not succeed. In response the air force destroyed the launcher that fired on the plane. Our policy is clear we will not tolerate any aggression against us, and we will respond forcefully." pic.twitter.com/obexqYhj3W PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 27, 2019 The struck launcher was parked near Quneitra, a city that remained under the control of the Syrian government throughout the country's devastating civil war. Syria recently stationed two military brigades in the area and Israel fears that Hezbollah may also try to maintain a presence there. Syrian media had reported earlier this month two incidents in which Israeli strikes hit inside southern Syria. Israel does not usually comment on reports concerning its strikes in neighboring Syria, though it has recently acknowledged striking Iranian targets there. Pro-Hezbollah Al-Mayadeen Network reports that an IDF Drone destroyed a surveillance device in Southern Lebanon. According to the same network, Lebanese security officials are looking for another surveillance device in the region. TOKYO - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday a deal with Iran on its nuclear programme was possible, crediting economic sanctions for curbing activities Washington has said are behind a spate of attacks in the Middle East. "I really believe that Iran would like to make a deal, and I think that's very smart of them, and I think that's a possibility to happen," Trump said during a news conference with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. "It has a chance to be a great country with the same leadership," Trump said. "We aren't looking for regime change - I just want to make that clear. We are looking for no nuclear weapons." News Washington, DC - The Department of Justice Wednesday honored 10 Texas-based law enforcement officers who rescued two sisters abducted from their home in Round Rock, Texas. Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Ed OCallaghan, Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt Dummermuth, and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Administrator Caren Harp presented the officers with the 2019 Missing Childrens Law Enforcement Award during the Justice Departments National Missing Childrens Day ceremony. This award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of law enforcement officers who have made a significant investigative or program contribution to the safety of children. On New Years Eve 2017, officers responded to a homicide scene in Round Rock, Texas. A woman had been murdered, and her 7- and 14-year-old daughters were missing. After an AMBER Alert was issued, credible sightings of the girls were also reported in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, which led officials to issue alerts in all three states. Through a combination of digital evidence, forensic processing, cell phone analysis, interviews, surveillance images and tips from the public, investigators discovered the suspects location. On Jan. 3, 2018, the sisters were found unharmed when the suspect was apprehended during a traffic stop near La Veta, Colorado700 miles away from their home. The suspect had a long criminal history, including charges of attempted murder, rape, and child pornography. He was arrested and extradited to Texas, where he was subsequently convicted on two federal counts of kidnapping, one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. He was sentenced May 21, in Austin, Texas, to life in federal prison. Award recipients include officers from Round Rock, Austin, and Laredo, Texas. Officers from the Round Rock Police Department: Sergeant Darin Bayles Detective Bernardo Villegas Lieutenant Robert Drawbaugh Crime Scene Specialist Kerie McKown Detective Robert Watts (Retired) Detective Kevin Bender Officers from the FBI San Antonio Field Office, Austin Resident Agency: Special Agent Sean M. Mullen Special Agent Jacob E. Baillie Officer from the FBI San Antonio Field Office, Laredo Resident Agency (now with the FBIs Honolulu Field Office): Special Agent Andrew Masters Officer from the Texas Ranger Division, Texas Department of Public Safety, Austin: Ranger Gary Phillips This collaborative team of law enforcement officers from multiple cities and states worked around the clock during this four-day manhunt, said Administrator Caren Harp. The Department of Justice praises their swift efforts in rescuing these children and bringing this individual to justice. The Department also recognized seven other law enforcement officers for their investigations of child sexual predators who sexually assaulted children, or created or viewed child pornography, as well as two firefighters who found a lost six-year-old boy. Harp also recognized Madison Dozier, a fifth grader at Reiley Elementary School in Alexandria, Kentucky, as the 20th winner of the National Missing Childrens Day poster contest. Additional information about National Missing Childrens Day is available online. Arizona News Phoenix, Arizona - Youth from the Valley of the Sun, including students from BASIS Phoenix, Tempe Preparatory Academy, Veritas Preparatory Academy, Paradise Valley High School, and other high schools in the Phoenix area plan to gather at Margaret T Hance Park in downtown Phoenix on June 3rd from 5-7 to demand that legislators take action to mitigate climate change. For many of the students, the United Nations 2018 climate report was a turning point in their understanding of climate change. As a result, they formed the Phoenix chapter of the national organization Zero Hour and became passionate about the importance of halting the creation of fossil fuels, the reliance on science to direct our environmental policies, and the equitable transition to renewable energy. Though their hopes are ambitious, Zero Hour Phoenix believes they are feasible and hopes to educate Arizonans through this rally. Solving an issue starts with education. We believe that the first step to solving the issue of climate change is to educate and that our event can help to spread crucial information stated Aditi Narayanan, Zero Hours Co-President. Speakers at the rally and press conference plan to educate attendees about the various impact of climate change, including on low-income community members, indigenous peoples, the Latinx community, and wildlife. They also plan to share the personal effects of climate change on their own neighborhoods and lives and to release a bold proposal with specific methods (similar to the Green New Deal) to reduce Arizonas carbon footprints. They hope for local lawmakers to endorse this legislation as well in the next legislative session. Elected officials have seen environmental legislation as disposable for far too long, adds Brian Mecinas, the teams lobbying director. On June 3rd, were letting them know that our lives and futures arent disposable and will never be. Other members, Simona Hausleitner, Akhila Bandlora, Sonia Fernandez, Claire Nelson, Nikita Bharati, Anna Melis, and Amritha Karthikeyan have been working on logistical efforts to make the rally happen. Young people are on the forefront of climate justice because we are affected by climate change the most-- we refuse to accept a desolate future. She then adds And we are going to make change. Arizona News Tucson, Arizona - Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced a Pima County Grand Jury indicted Tyler Jeffrey Buntrock, a former account services manager for the Pima County Joint Technical Education District (JTED), for allegedly embezzling public monies. Buntrock is facing six felony counts of Violation of Duties of a Custodian of Public Monies. As a Pima JTED employee, Buntrock is accused of receiving money collected from JTED students and parents, recording the money in the accounting system, and depositing the money at the bank. The indictment alleges that between March and August 2016, Buntrock took for himself over $12,000 from the cash that he received, rather than deposit the money into the JTEDs bank account. This case was investigated by the Arizona Auditor Generals Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Jared Kreamer-Hope. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Gopinath Rajendran By Express News Service After turning actor, music director GV Prakash Kumar has had his hands full with back-to-back releases. The actor, who has already had three releases this year Sarvam Thaala Mayam, Kuppathu Raja and Watchman says that save for time, no other factors stopped him from composing for other actors. I never decided Id concentrate on acting alone. Time has been the deciding factor. If a director can afford to wait a bit, I would be glad to compose for them. For example, if I am brought on board about four months before the film goes on floors, I will be able to deliver, says GV Prakash who pinpoints his 50th film, Theri, as an example of a project that he worked on despite being busy as an actor. GV Prakashs next two releases as a composer are Vetri Maaran-Dhanushs Asuran and Sudha Kongara-Suriyas Soorarai Pottru. Speaking about the Dhanush starrer, the composer says, From the musical perspective, Asuran is an interesting film. It will have a mix of folk songs and world music. I have finished four tunes for the film. Asuran marks his third collaboration with actor and director duo Dhanush and Vetri Maaran after Polladhavan and Aadukalam. Both albums being chartbusters does not add any pressure, he says. I have done 72 films now and I have been here for 13 years. The concept and how we are going to treat the subject musically is what matters. Music for the previous Vetri Maaran films were a product of my love and passion for my work. Despite a career spanning more than a decade, GV Prakash has never scored music for a Suriya starrer, or a biopic. I dont know why this collaboration didnt happen before. I am glad it has now happened with this film. Sudha has been a close friend of mine since her first film. I know her from her assistant director days. Just like Asuran, Soorarai Pottru has an intriguing story and the music for it will be equally interesting. As it is a biopic, the way I have treated this project musically is different. Work on the entire album is over. On the acting front, GV Prakashs next release is Sivappu Manjal Pachai, co-starring Siddharth. This project also marks the Tamil debut of Malayalam actor Lijomol Jose. It is a film with equal scope for all three of us. It will be an emotional ride and is a special film for all of us, especially for director Sasi sir, who took two years after Pichaikkaran to write this film. He has a bunch of other forthcoming releases, including Jail by Vasantha Balan, Ayngaran, and 100% Kadhal. Ask him about the delay in the releases of some of his projects and the actor adds, Athuku namma onnum seiyave mudiyathu. We cannot pinpoint the reason too. Meanwhile, the composer is planning to spread awareness about the unsung heroes of the state. We are working on a YouTube show named Magathana Manidhargal in which I will interview social service workers who the world needs to know more about. My team and I will go to their place, and give coverage to the change they are trying to bring about. The aim is to make people socially conscious, says GV Prakash who has already completed the first episode. We have interviewed a teacher of a corporation school in Javadu hills. Mahalakshmi teacher was instrumental in bringing education to about 500 children. We also spent time with the students, and learned about their struggles and what could be done to make things easier for them. We are planning to do these interviews as a monthly exercise. He is keen that the programme not be commercialised. That is why it is not going to be telecast in a TV channel. There might also be restrictions on the content if it is for a channel. Moreover, on social media, it is going to be there forever, says GV Prakash. The second episode will apparently focus on the story of the team that is trying to revive the Thaen river in Karaikudi. We have no commercial motive for doing this. It is just for social awareness, he signs off. Arizona News Phoenix, Arizona - Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced a State Grand Jury indicted six Arizona men on charges relating to Luring of a Minor for Sexual Exploitation, Aggravated Luring of a Minor for Sexual Exploitation, and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor. These indictments are in addition to the 14 others previously indicted since March of 2019, bringing the total number of indictments to 20. The indictments arise out of an online undercover investigation conducted by Mesa Police Department, Tempe Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations, in cooperation with the Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Arizona Attorney Generals Office. The undercover operation was conducted from January 2019 through February 2019, and targeted individuals interested in engaging in sex acts with children or who used the internet to lure children for sexual exploitation. The names of the individuals indicted and the charges against each of them are listed below: Michael Andrew Walker, charged with Aggravated Luring of a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor. Copy of indictment. Horacio Mendoza, charged with Aggravated Luring of a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor. Copy of indictment. Stuart Ziegler, charged with Luring of a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor. Copy of indictment. Christopher Ryan Nuttall, charged with Luring of a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor. Copy of indictment. Raymond Richard Hammers, charged with Luring of a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor. Copy of indictment. Michael Richards, charged with Aggravated Luring of a Minor for Sexual Exploitation and Attempted Sexual Conduct with a Minor. Copy of indictment. Assistant Attorney General Blaine Gadow and Assistant Attorney General Maura Quigley are prosecuting the cases. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If you have information concerning these matters or these individuals, please contact law enforcement or Sergeant Lien with Mesa Police Department at (480) 644-5984 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Latest News Houston, Texas - A federal court entered a consent decree of permanent injunction against defendants Pharm D Solutions LLC (Pharm D); Luis R. De Leon, co-owner and Pharmacist-in-Charge; and Juan C. De Leon, co-owner and pharmacist, the Department of Justice announced Wednesday. The injunction permanently enjoins the defendants from distributing adulterated, misbranded, and unapproved new drugs in violation of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). The Department filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas on May 20, 2019, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), alleging, among other things, that the defendants failed adequately to address insanitary conditions at their drug-compounding facility. As part of the ordered permanent injunction, defendants cannot resume manufacturing, processing, or distributing sterile drugs until FDA determines that they have complied with specific remedial measures. Those measures seek to ensure that defendants manufacture and distribute drugs in conformity with applicable manufacturing standards. Compounding pharmacies must produce drugs that are reliably safe and sterile, said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justices Civil Division. The Department of Justice will continue to work closely with FDA to enforce the provisions of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act is designed to protect the public health, said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick for the Southern District of Texas. Our district is a committed partner in enforcing the provisions of the Act in the interest of public safety. We understand that compounded drugs can be important for patients whose medical needs cannot be met by FDA-approved drug products, and were continuing efforts to advance policies to help further improve the quality of compounded products, said Acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless, M.D. These drugs are not approved by the FDA and have not been evaluated for safety or efficacy, so when theyre not appropriately compounded, they have the potential to cause patients harm. Well continue taking enforcement actions, like the one were taking today, to ensure that these companies and products do not put patient health at risk. According to the complaint, defendants drugs were adulterated because they were prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have been contaminated or may have been rendered injurious to health. For example, the complaint alleges that during a 2018 FDA Inspection, defendants employees failed to demonstrate proper aseptic technique by, among other things, leaning into sterile areas with exposed skin and failing to maintain clean air supply when handling products intended to be sterile. The complaint further alleges that defendants failed to appropriately investigate instances of microbial contamination, mold, and yeast recovered from sterile processing areas. Pharm D initiated a voluntary recall of all compounded drug products intended to be sterile after the September 2018 FDA Inspection raised concerns about practices at the pharmacy. Pharm D also temporarily ceased sterile production at that time. The government is represented by Trial Attorney Raquel Toledo of the Civil Divisions Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Green of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Texas, with the assistance of Associate Chief Counsel, Enforcement, Samantha Hong of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of General Counsel. 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. Mumbai: "Bala", which will have actor Ayushmann Khurrana playing the role of a prematurely balding man, was slated to be released on November 22, its makers announced on Monday. Producer Dinesh Vijan's film also stars Bhumi Pednekar and Yami Gautam. While Bhumi plays a dusky small town girl, Yami will be seen as a supermodel from Lucknow in the quirky comedy. Yami believes her part in this year's hit film "Uri - The Surgical Strike" helped her bag the role in "Bala". "I think we actors keep shifting our moulds with each film. Every film we do is a projection of who we are and what we are capable of. I have had the fortune of working on some amazing projects and some very challenging roles," Yami had said in a statement. "But I do feel that after 'Uri...', people have seen me in a whole new light and that is true for all actors. We are perceived as slightly different after each film. And that's the wonderful part of our job," she said. She played an intelligence officer in "Uri...". A BJP activist was shot dead at Bhatpara of North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Sunday night. The 36-year-old BJP activists named Chandan Sau was shot dead by unidentified miscreants when he was returning home at around 10.30 pm. The incident took place at Kalitala area in ward no 7 under Jagaddal police station limits. Chandan, a resident of Choushotti Pally, was shot dead near Itbhata-Kalitala. Sources said that four people came on bike and stopped Sau from going towards his home. One of the miscreants then opened fire at him. Sau was rushed to Bhatpara state general hospital where he was declared brought dead. The incident happened hours after a BJP activist was shot dead in Amethi. Former Baraulia village chief Surendra Singh, a close aide of newly-elected BJP MP Smriti Irani, was shot dead in the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. Unidentified assailants opened fire at Singh at his residence in Baraulia village under Jamo police station jurisdiction. He was rushed to the trauma centre but died on the way. Smriti Irani arrived in Amethi on Sunday afternoon to meet the bereaved members of Surendra Singh's family and she also lent a shoulder to the mortal remains of her close aide. Meanwhile, Surendra Singh's son Abhay alleged that Congress workers were involved in the murder of his father. "We could not see the perpetrators but it is clear that Congress workers are behind this. My father was actively campaigning for Smriti Irani and the BJP," Singh told reporters. Surendra's brother Rajendra also termed it a political killing. He said that his brother wielded considerable influence in his village as well as in adjoining villages and this led to his murder. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the DGP to ensure the arrest of the killers at the earliest. New Delhi: Delhi High Court on Monday issued a notice to Robert Vadra and his close aide Manoj Arora after the Enforcement Directorate had filed a plea challenging anticipatory bail granted to them. Delhi HC has asked for a reply from Vadra and Arora - facing money-laundering charges - while scheduling the next date of hearing for July 17. ED had filed a petition challenging anticipatory bail given to Vadra and Arora by a trial court. The ED is looking at getting custodial interrogation rights and had said in its petition that the anticipatory bail interferes with the investigation. The anticipatory bail had been granted to Vadra and Arora on a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh each and on the condition that they will not leave the country without permission. They had also been told to join the investigations whenever summoned. NEW DELHI: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday successfully test-fired the Akash-1S surface to air defence missile system. According to news agency ANI, this is the second successful test of the missile in the last two days. DRDO today successfully test fired the Akash-1S surface to air defence missile system. This is the second successful test of the missile in last two days. This is a new version of the missile fitted with an indigenous seeker. pic.twitter.com/KK6Ig8XoK7 ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2019 Live TV This is a new version of the missile fitted with an indigenous seeker. Developed by the DRDO, the Akash missile system has the capability to neutralise aerial targets such as fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles as well as ballistic missiles. The Akash-1S is capable of striking down enemy fighter jets and drones very effectively and accurately. The Akash surface-to-air missile was designed to intercept enemy aircraft and missiles from a distance of 18 to 30 km. Akash missile system has already been deployed by IAF at its bases in Gwalior, Hashimara, Tejpur, Jorhat and Pune since 2013. Its advanced ECCM (Electronic Counter Counter Measures) features provide secure communication links with other Air Defence Command and Control networks to handle the counter electronic warfare scenario Earlier on Friday, DRDO successfully test-fired an indigenously-developed 500 kg class guided bomb from a Sukhoi combat jet at Pokhran in Rajasthan. New Delhi: Narcotics Contol Bureau (NCB) on Sunday seized drugs worth at least 30 crores and arrested three foreign nationals here. NCB conducted a raid and recovered five kilos of heroin and another 2.6 kilos of cocaine from the possession of the three foreigners. It is suspected that they had brought the drugs to Delhi from Mumbai and had travelled in Rajdhani to avoid security checks at airports. It is estimated that the cumulative worth of the drugs in the international market is at least Rs 30 crore. Two Nigerian men and a woman from Uganda have been arrested in connection with the raid. NCB is the apex coordinating agency in the fight against the menace of narcotics. It acts as an enforcement agency and has its main zones in 13 cities, apart from numerous sub-zones. (Reporting by Pramod Sharma/Zee Media Bureau) Chandigarh: Officials from Pakistan and India on Monday held a meeting to discuss the modalities for a corridor linking Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur district to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur across the border. The meeting lasted for about two hours and a host of issues pertaining to the building of the corridor were discussed, an official said. The meeting took place at the Kartarpur Zero Point. The group from the Indian side had officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Land Ports Authority of India, National Highways Authority of India, among others, the official said. Earlier in April, technical experts and foreign office officials from both the sides had participated in the talks held at the same venue. In a major initiative last November, both India and Pakistan agreed to set up the Kartarpur corridor to link the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib -- the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev -- to Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur. Kartarpur Sahib is located in Pakistan's Narowal district across the Ravi river, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine. India and Pakistan had on March 19 held a meeting of technical experts on the Kartarpur corridor during which its alignment, coordinates and other engineering aspects of the proposed crossing points were discussed. Live TV The technical meeting at the level of experts, including engineers and surveyors, was held at "proposed zero points" in the follow-up to the decision reached on the March 14 meeting. During the previous meeting, both the sides jointly surveyed the coordinates of the Zero Point and discussed the technical details, including finished road level, high flood level, etc. Pakistan will build the corridor from the Indian border to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, while the other part from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur up to the border will be constructed by India. The corridor will be opened in November in connection with the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism's founder Guru Nanak Dev. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: The Congress will not nominate former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the Rajya Sabha from Assam. His current term and also that of another Assam Congress MP Santius Kujur will end on June 14 next. The Congress will not nominate anyone this time around. This is because we dont have the numbers (in Assembly), senior Assam Congress spokesman Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya told Express. There is a possibility that Congress will nominate Singh from another state where it has the numbers. In the 126-member Assam House, Congress has 25 MLAs compared to the combined 87 MLAs of ruling alliance which is made up of BJP (61), Asom Gana Parishad (14) and Bodoland Peoples Front (12). The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has 12 MLAs while there is an independent MLA who is lending his support to the ruling alliance. So, even if Congress and AIUDF come together with a consensus candidate, they cannot ensure his victory. Speculations are rife that the ruling alliance will nominate former MPs Birendra Prasad Baishya of AGP and Kamakhya Prasad Tassa of BJP in the two seats. Singh has been representing Assam in the Upper House since 1991. The last time he got elected was on May 30, 2013 when the Congress was in power in the state and it had a large number of legislators. Singh was first offered a Rajya Sabha seat in 1991 by the then Assam Chief Minister Hiteswar Saikia and following his election, he was appointed as Union Finance Minister. As there was then a law that said a person getting elected to Parliament from a state has to be its ordinary resident, Saikia had made Singh a tenant in his house which is located at Sarumotoria locality of Guwahati. Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur are voters in the Dispur Legislative Assembly constituency in the city. They had come to Guwahati recently to exercise their franchise in Lok Sabha elections. They had also visited their rented accommodation. Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) legislator Maheshwar Yadav on Monday demanded party leader Tejashwi Yadav's resignation on moral grounds in the wake of RJD's dismal performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. "Tejashwi Yadav should take moral responsibility and resign as the leader of opposition", Maheshwar said. Maheshwar, a legislator from the Gaighat assembly seat in Muzaffarpur, has targeted the RJD leader just a day ahead of party's proposed meeting to discuss the election performance. This is the first time that the RJD failed to win a single seat in Lok Sabha election in Bihar. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) swept 39 of the 40 seats in the state, decimating the grand alliance parties. The Congress won only one seat. Live TV Maheshwar also said that when RJD made peace with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the party did not say anything. "I want RJD to come to the right track and hence, I will not leave the party. However, if it doesn't happen like that, RJD will break," he added. Maheshwar also targeted jailed RJD chief Lalu Prasad for turning the party into his own private fiefdom. He is the first RJD leader to have publicly targeted the former chief minister and his younger son Tejashwi Yadav. Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Monday hailed voters of Varanasi and thanked party workers here for their unflinching support. Highlighting how the love and trust for Narendra Modi was amply evident when the Prime Minister had held a roadshow here earlier this month, Shah said that the electoral success belongs to each and every worker and supporter of the party. PM Modi had registered yet another emphatic win from the Varanasi parliamentary constituency in Lok Sabha election 2019. He had won from here in the 2014 edition of Lok Sabha election as well. Underlining the significance that PM Modi attaches to Varanasi, Shah said that the support is a result of his special connection with the holy city. "Open your eyes and see the Kashi of 2014 and the Kashi of today. You can see and feel the differences that this holy city has seen in the last five years. Despite his hectic schedule as PM of the country, Modi ji strived for the development of Kashi and the welfare of its people," he said. "Several projects and detailed planning was undertaken to ensure the progress of Kashi." Shah also said that the works of development have resulted in even more love and support for PM Modi. "The love that people here have for Modi ji was amply clear from the roadshow during election. Not just people here but people in Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere in the country have shown that they trust in Modi ji's vision." Yogi Adityanath, the UP CM, also got a vote of confidence from Shah. "In two years, the pace of development in UP has quickened. The UP that saw elections being fought on caste lines now has become a state which has elections on the basis of development. Under Yogi ji, UP has seen rapid progress and I am confident that the work will only move forward in a similar manner.S" NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affair (MEA) on Monday informed that top leaders from the BIMSTEC member states have been invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers on May 30. The oath ceremony is scheduled to be held around 7 PM at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 30 during which President Ram Nath Kovind will administer the oath of office and secrecy to PM Modi and his ministers. Replying to a question on the invitation extended by the Government of India to foreign leaders for the PM Modi's swearing-in-ceremony, the MEA spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar said that ''leaders of the BIMSTEC Member States have been invited for the event.'' "The Government of India has invited the leaders of the BIMSTEC Member States for the Swearing-in ceremony. This is in line with the Government's focus on its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, who is the current Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, who was the Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, have also been invited,'' the MEA official spokesperson said. ''We will keep the media abreast of further details in due course," he added. Invitation for Swearing-in Ceremony of PM @narendramodi extended to leaders of #BIMSTEC Member States, President of Kyrgyz Republic, as current Chair of #SCO & Prime Minister of #Mauritius, who was Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas. https://t.co/NZieoT5NjX pic.twitter.com/2lYtXz8U2d Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) May 27, 2019 Live TV Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan are among the BIMSTEC member states. The President's Office had on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be administered the oath of office for his second term along with his new Council of Ministers on May 30. President Ram Nath Kovind will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the PM and other members of the Union Council of Ministers at a ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday at 7 PM, an official communique said. PM Modi is the first BJP leader who has been elected for the second time after completion of his five-year tenure, a feat so far achieved only by two Congress leaders Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. From BJP, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was also elected as the prime minister for two consecutive terms, but his first stint had lasted only for one year and seven months. Names of the ministers who would join PM Modi in his second innings is yet to be disclosed, though there has been speculation about some new members expected to join the council, including from states like West Bengal that played a key role in the BJP's massive victory in the just-held Lok Sabha elections. PM Modi had stunned everyone during 2014 swearing-in when he had called SAARC leaders, including the then Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif. The 2014 swearing-in was held at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan with around 2,000 people including foreign dignitaries invited for Modi's oath ceremony, which was administered by the then President Pranab Mukherjee. Several global leaders, including Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have congratulated Modi on his resounding victory. Varanasi: Gone are the days when the support base of the Bharatiya Janata Party was restricted to the Hindi heartland of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday highlighted the massive strides his party has taken in recent years to win the trust of people across the nation. Addressing party workers in Varanasi, PM Modi thanked them for BJP's rousing success in Lok Sabha election 2019. He said that despite facing challenges in sevral states like West Bengal and Kerala, the BJP worker has shown steely resolve and determination. "Your hard work has helped BJP reach the far corners of the country. Some political pundits still say BJP is a Hindi heartland paty. (But) We have the most number of (parliamentary) seats in Karnataka. We are running the government in Goa, Assam, Ladakh for years. We are winning or governing everywhere. Are we still only in the Hindi heartland?" he boomed and received rapturous applause for it. Highlighting how BJP has repeatedly proven political analysts wrong in their predictions, PM Modi said that his party stands for inclusiveness and for development and welfare. " It is chemistry and not plain arithmetic that helped us win the recent election. We believe in spreading the message of peace and harmony. Other political parties can have their doubts and may cast aspersions but I would like to take everyone together for India's progress," he said. Scheduled to take oath on Thursday for his second term, PM Modi said that he remains committed to the grassroots and that the intersts of the common man remains his priority. "I may be the PM but for you, I am still a party worker," he told the BJP cadre. "Work and workers create wonders. Karya and karta create karishma." Earlier in the day, PM Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and UP CM Yogi Adityanath offered prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Temple. KOLKATA: Even as the discontent against Trinamool Congress, erosion of left votes and consolidation of Hindu voters are being seen by many as major reasons behind BJP`s unprecedented rise in Bengal, political analysts say it was the benefits of various central schemes reaching a large section of the rural population that made the saffron outfit more popular in the state`s backward districts. According to political analyst Maidul Islam, the NDA government`s schemes like Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for providing LPG connections to women below poverty line, Jan Dhan Yojana offering affordable financial services and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for affordable housing helped improve the lives of many in rural Bengal. "It cannot be denied that there has been a macro level effect. Even if not everybody in Bengal got the benefits of central schemes, people have at least felt that the government in Delhi is with them and thinking about them. "The numerous rallies by Modi and (BJP chief Amit) Shah before the 2019 polls where they repeatedly gave a detailed account of Centre`s work, also made this rhetoric loud and clear," Islam told IANS. "Though communal polarisation and consolidation of Hindu votes towards BJP is being talked about, we must remember that out of the 18 Lok Sabha seats BJP won in Bengal, there are at least seven to eight seats -- Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Darjeeling and Alipurduar in north Bengal and Purulia, Jhargram and Bankura in Junglemahal region -- that do not have sizable minority population. So communal polarisation was not a factor in those places," he noted. Islam said it was people`s discontent against the Bengal`s ruling party and state government for not getting the chance to vote in the rural body elections last year, as well as benefits of these central schemes, that propelled them to choose the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections. He also highlighted the Modi government`s `Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi` that announced to provide 120 million small and marginal farmers with less than two hectares of land, Rs 6,000 per year as minimum income support also created a positive impact among the Bengal farmers. Besides, north Bengal and Jangalmahal, the Bharatiya Janata Party also won some seats in the Gangetic West Bengal like Hoogly. However, it failed to penetrate in any of the four urban seats in Kolkata and Howrah. According to data received till May 15 this year, 2.36 crore rural and semi urban people and 1.06 crore urban people in Bengal have been benefitted by NDA government`s Jan Dhan Yojana, that aims to provide universal access to banking facilities with at least one basic banking account for every household. Total number of beneficiaries under the scheme is more than 3.42 crore in Bengal. The range of benefit under the Ujjwala Yojana is also high in Bengal. A total of 78.47 lakh poor families have received free LPG connections under the scheme in this state which is second highest after Uttar Pradesh. In 2018, 55 per cent of West Bengal`s rural households used Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) as the primary cooking fuel, up from 15 per cent in 2015, according to the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). Under the Modi government`s scheme to provide affordable housing, 45,671 houses have been completed till 2016-17 while 1.6 lakh projects have been approved under the scheme in FY 2017-18. Echoing Islam, another political analyst Udayan Bandyopadhyay said many people in Bengal derived the benefits from central schemes like Swaach Bharat Mission to build toilets in every household, before the Mamata Banerjee government blocked some of them. "BJP`s stunning result is not just because of the consolidation of Hindu votes. It might be one of the factors. In fact it was many of the central schemes which played a major role in swinging the rural votes towards them. In the tribal areas of Bengal houses and toilets have been built in large numbers," he told IANS. Banerjee`s government pulled out of Ayushman Bharat scheme, accusing the Narendra Modi government of taking undue credit for a project, 40 per cent of which, she said her government was funding. Bandyopadhyay said the Bengal government`s stand on the central healthcare scheme, gave the BJP ammunition to formulate anti-campaigns against it which impacted a section of voters here. Many local BJP leaders accused the Bengal government of impeding Centre`s schemes and renaming them as state government initiatives and said such "malpractices" by Banerjee and her party leaders back-fired in the 2019 polls. Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his visit to Kashi on Monday took a dig at the performance of SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh in the 2019 Lok Sabha election and said that this time chemistry has defeated arithmetic. This was PM Modi's first visit to Kashi, his parliamentary constituency, after the thumping victory in election. After landing here, he first offered prayers the Kashi Vishwanath temple and then addressed BJP workers at a thanksgiving function, where he said, "Elections are all about arithmetic but there is chemistry that goes beyond arithmetic. This time chemistry has defeated arithmetic." Live TV "We believe in spreading the message of peace and harmony. Other political parties can have their doubts and may cast aspersions but I would like to take everyone together for India's progress," he added. In the 80 seats of Uttar Pradesh, the BJP swept 62 seats while its ally Apna Dal won 2. The SP-BSP-RLD alliance, despite its high expectations, put up a dismal show. Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party won five, Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party won 10. "Uttar Pradesh has elected us in 2014, 2017 and in 2019 and deserves to be lauded for this hat trick which is not a small feat," PM Modi said in Kashi while thanking BJP president Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their contribution in ensuring the BJP's success in elections. "Some people say that politics is all about perception but we do not create perceptions. For us, transparency and hard work scores above everything else," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister also thanked local officials, media persons and even his electoral rivals. "I thank the workers for not making the election a war and the rival candidates for maintaining the dignity of Kashi. Elections were a festival of democracy that was celebrated by all," he said. New Delhi: The Congress has been in the eye of a massive storm after its shambolic showing in Lok Sabha election 2019. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) met behind closed doors on Saturday and there were reports that Rahul Gandhi offered to resign as president. The party, on Monday, however issued a statement and said that no speculations must be made regarding the meeting. The statement appeared to defend Rahul against reports that he offered to resign but that party leaders attempted to convince him to reconsider his decision. The statement also said that challenges facing Congress were discussed. "CWC held a collective deliberation on the performance of the party, the challenges before it as also the way ahead, instead of casting aspersions on the role or conduct of any specific individual," it read. "Congress party expects everyone including media to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculations, insinuations, assumptions, gossip and rumour mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted." The statement from the Congress comes at a time when the party appears in free-fall, having won just 52 seats in Lok Sabha election 2019. The party faced outright rejection in almost every state. This has led to several state unit chiefs sending their resignations to Rahul. Rahul himself is learnt to have offered to resign as party president although this has not been confirmed by any of the Congress leaders present at the CWC. It was also reported that Rahul took a grim view of several top Congress leaders putting the interest of their respective sons over the interest of the party. Congress has often been referred to as a party of dynasts by the Bharatiya Janata Party with PM Narendra Modi referring to Rahul as 'naamdar' and 'shehzada'. KOLKATA: The West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sent four senior IPS officers, who were posted by the Election Commission during the 2019 Lok Sabha election to ensure free and fair polling, on ''compulsory waiting'' on Monday. The four senior IPS officers who have been posted as Officer on Compulsory Waiting are - Dr Rajesh Kumar, Natarajan Ramesh Babu, Sunil Kumar Choudhary and Amit Kumar Singh. According to reports, several IAS and IPS officers have also been transferred by the state government. The Mamata government on Monday appointed Alapan Bandyopadhyay as the new Home Secretary. Bandyopadhyay replaces Atri Bhattacharya. Bhattacharya was transferred by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and chief secretary Moloy De was looking after the Home department. This is being seen as one of the biggest reshuffling of the IAS and IPS officers by the Bengal government after the conclusion of the 2019 elections. Live TV The Mamata government had on Sunday reinstated 11 IPS officers, including former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar, to their old posts. This was done on Sunday the day when the Model Code of Conduct ceased to be in operation after the declaration of Lok Sabha election results. Rajeen Kumar was among those senior officers who were removed by the poll body from the post of Additional Director General of West Bengal CID. He was reinstated by an order issued by the state government on Sunday. Kumar was embroiled into a controversy in the Saradha chit fund scam. He was relieved from his duty by the EC following violence in the city during BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow. According to the order issued by the state government, Rajesh Kumar, who was made the Kolkata Police Commissioner by an EC directive, was sent on "waiting for posting order", while his predecessor Anuj Sharma was named in his place. The EC had ordered the transfer of Sharma from the post of Kolkata Police Commissioner to the position of ADGP and IGP (Operations) of the state police. Natarajan Ramesh Babu, who was appointed the Commissioner of Bidhannagar Police by the EC, was transferred from the post and sent on "waiting for posting order". Gyanwant Singh, the earlier Bidhannagar police commissioner, who was transferred by the EC and appointed as the Director of the Directorate of Economic Offences, was brought back to his old post. Singh has now been appointed as ADG Law & Order. IPS Nishat Pervez has been Commissioner, Bidhannagar Police in the rank of DIG. Shiddh Nath Gupta has been appointed as ADG Establishment, he is presently posted as ADG & IGP Law & Order. Devendra Prakash Singh, the DIG Midnapore Range, was named as the new Commissioner of Police of Barrackpore Police in place of Sunil Kumar Choudhary. Choudhary, who was made the CP of Barrackpore Police by the Commission, was send on "waiting for posting order". Shyam Singh was reinstated as the Superintendent of Police of Birbhum in place of Avvaru Ravindranath, who was made the new DC, Zone II (airport division) under the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate. Amit Kumar Singh who was appointed as the Superintendent of Police of Coochbehar district by the EC was transferred by the state government and put on "waiting for posting order". Abhishek Gupta, the Commanding Officer (CO) of Specialised India Reserve Battalions (SIRB) was appointed the new Superintendent of police of Coochbehar district. The Model Code of Conduct came into force on March 10 when the 2019 Lok Sabha election was announced by the Election Commission. The poll panel had on Sunday informed the Cabinet Secretary and Chief Secretaries of state governments that the model code has been lifted with immediate effect. (With Agency inputs) New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the contribution of party workers as he addressed BJP cadre in Varanasi and thanked them for the massive mandate in Lok Sabha election 2019. Highlighting the contribution of BJP workers in ensuring the party's rousing success in the election, PM Modi told them that he remains one of them. "I may have become the PM of the country once again but I will always be a party worker like all of you. Your wishes are always a priority for me," he said. "The reason I was absolutely relaxed after the election was not because of confidence in myself but because of the confidence in the hard work all of you put in." PM Modi especially thanked party workers in Varanasi from where he won with a massive mandate once again. "I received unprecedented support from the people of Kashi. Party cadre here also supported in a big way. Every street in Kashi saw Modi contesting the election. This election was not fought on the fulcrum of win and defeat but was seen as a festival of democracy." PM Modi then opted to take jabs at Congress without actually naming the political party. "There is a political party that has repeatedly tried to create perceptions against us. It is they who divided Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and there is still unrest there. Under us, Jharkhand was created from Bihar, Chhattisgarh was created out of Madhya Pradesh and look at how orderly things were and are. BJP stands for peace and order and yet some parties try to portray us in a different light. Our workers have been repeatedly targeted, from Bengal to Kerala. But our workers have come out stronger despite massive challenges," he said. Earlier in the day, PM Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah and UP CM Yogi Adityanath offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The oath-ceremony will be held in New Delhi on Thursday as PM Modi gets set for his second term in office. By PTI AHMEDABAD: Former Congressman and Gujarat OBC leader Alpesh Thakor Monday met Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, triggering speculation that he may join the ruling BJP. Thakor, the MLA from Radhanpur in Patan district, had quit the Congress before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Thakor met Patel at his Gandhinagar office for about half an hour, BJP sources said. The OBC leader's associate and Congress MLA from Bayad Dhavalsinh Zala was also present at the meeting, they said. However, what transpired in the meeting was not known as both Thakor and Zala could not be contacted despite repeated attempts. The BJP appeared reluctant to provide details and speculate on the OBC leader's future course of action. "There is no such development with regards to Alpesh Thakor (on joining the BJP) The meeting might be for some other reason as he is an MLA," state BJP spokesperson Bharat Pandya said. However, speculation is rife among sections in both the Congress and the BJP here that he may be headed towards the saffron camp. Thakor had resigned from the Congress in April, apparently after being unhappy with the local party leadership for not considering him for ticket from the Patan Lok Sabha seat. The Congress chose former MP Jagdish Thakor over him from Patan. The Congress had also ignored Thakor's demand for ticket to a member of his outfit, the Thakor Sena, from the Banaskantha Lok Sabha seat. After emerging as a prominent OBC leader in Gujarat, he had joined the opposition party before the 2017 state polls and won from the Radhanpur Assembly seat. Before quitting the Congress, he had met party president Rahul Gandhi and conveyed his displeasure against the functioning of the state leadership. The OBC leader, who continues to be MLA, had claimed his community and supporters were feeling "cheated" and "ignored" by the Congress. The BJP won all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat in the just concluded general elections. Ranchi: Jharkhand state Congress Committee president Ajoy Kumar on Monday resigned from his post following the party's debacle in the recently-concluded Lok Sabha election 2019. Kumar took full responsibility for the party's dismal performance in the state. However, his resignation has not yet been accepted by the party yet. In Jharkhand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) Party alliance swept the polls, winning 12 of the 14 Lok Sabha seats while the Congress and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) bagged one each. Live TV In the wake of Congress' debacle in election, where the party won only 52 seats out of 542, Rahul Gandhi also offered to resign from the party president post. Sources said that he made the offer during a meeting of party's highest decision-making body the Congress Working Committee (CWC) in Delhi on Saturday. The CWC, however, rejected Rahul's offer to resign but it is learnt that he is adamant on resigning and is unwilling to withdraw his offer. Meanwhile, on Sunday, Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan also resigned from his position. He said that Rahul would take a call on the reshuffle and changes he wants to make in the party to rebuild it. He added that the party leaders are fully with Rahul in his endeavours to make the party stronger in future. Bengaluru: The Bengaluru police have filed an FIR against Vishweshwar Bhat, editor of Kannada daily Vishwavani, for allegedly publishing derogatory remarks against K Nikhil, son of Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy in an article. According to the complaint filed by JD-S state secretary S P Pradeep Kumar, the newspaper, 'Vishwavani', had published a "false report" on Saturday, which created an impression that there was commotion and confusion among Gowda's grandchildren. The complaint mentioned about the publication carrying a 'false report' on an alleged heated conversation between Nikhil Kumaraswamy, who recently lost from Mandya Lok Sabha constituency, and his grandfather and JD(S) party supremo HD Deve Gowda, was meant to tarnish the political career of Nikhil and to extract money. Pradeep Kumar further said the report stated that Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's son, Nikhil reportedly shouted at his grandfather, Deve Gowda, holding him responsible for his defeat at the hands of a woman in Mandya. The complainant alleged that no such incident as reported ever took place, and the whole news item was a figment of imagination. Live TV The FIR was filed on Sunday (May 26, 2019) against the editor of Vishweshwar Bhat, and the editorial staff under Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating) and 499 (defamation) of the Indian Penal Code, police said Monday. Nikhil had lost to actor Sumalatha Ambareesh, an Independent candidate backed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by over one lakh votes. Reacting to the FIR, Vishweshwar Bhat told PTI the report was a source-based story and if anybody had any objection, they could have issued a clarification, which, he said, the paper would have carried diligently as it had done in the past. (With PTI inputs) LUCKNOW: The UP Police investigating the murder of BJP supporter Surendra Singh in Amethi has said that his killing is the result of a 'local political vendetta.' Sharing more information, OP Singh, UP DGP, said, ''We have arrested three murder suspects. Two suspects are still absconding and we will nab them soon. On the basis of all evidence, it is very clear that the five murder suspects and the victim had a local level political rivalry and some personal enmity.'' OP Singh, UP DGP on ex-village head of Amethi who was shot dead: We have arrested three murder suspects. Two suspects are still absconding&we will nab them soon. On the basis of all evidence it is very clear that the 5 murder suspects&the victim had local level political rivalry. pic.twitter.com/ieq7vqyCPP ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 27, 2019 Three people - Ramchandra, Dharmnath Gupta and Naseem - have been arrested in connection with the murder while the Crime Branch is looking out for two shooters. Ramchandra had also contested for the Gram Panchayat election. Live TV Singh, a former village head in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi, had worked closely with BJP leader Smriti Irani during her 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign. Singh was shot dead outside his home on Saturday night at Baraulia village around 3 AM. He was rushed to a hospital in Lucknow for treatment but he died of his injuries. Smriti Irani, who defeated Congress chief Rahul Gandhi by over 50,000 votes in the Amethi Lok Sabha seat, had lent a shoulder to Singh's mortal remains ahead of his cremation on Sunday. Irani also spent some time with his aggrieved family members and said that she will "move the Supreme Court, if needed, to seek death sentence" for Singh's killers. "I have taken a vow before Surendra Singh ji's family. The one who fired at him and the one who ordered it.... even if I have to go to Supreme Court to seek death sentence for them, I will knock the doors of the court," Irani said. Irani had visited Amethi several times ahead of the 2019 elections and managed to build a great rapport with the electorate here. The deceased BJP worker had actively participated in her election campaign and was appreciated by the BJP leader in her speeches at public meetings. Singh's murder was the first incident of post-poll violence in Uttar Pradesh. KOLKATA: The West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday constituted a five-member committee to look into the recent vandalism of iconic Bengali writer and reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's statue in Kolkata on Tuesday. According to reports, the five-member committee has been formed under the state's Home Secretary, Alapan Bandyopadhyay. While Bandyopadhyay will head the committee, Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma, IPS Javed Shamim, IPS Kousik Das and Principal of Vidyasagar College will be the other members of the committee. The order issued by the Chief Minister's office said that ''new Home Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay-led five-member committee will probe into the incident of vandalism of 200-year-old Vidyasagar statue.'' West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: New Home Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay & five member Committee will probe into the incident of vandalism of 200-year-old Vidyasagar statue. pic.twitter.com/TAO43NB5Dr ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2019 Live TV The TMC government had earlier appointed a Special Investigation Team to investigate the incident. Vidyasagar's statue was damaged during a roadshow of Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah in Kolkata. West Bengal's ruling party and the Bharatiya Janata Party had accused each other of vandalising the iconic reformer's statue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a rally in Martharpur town in West Bengal, had said that the bust of Vidyasagar was kept in a locked room, and only Trinamool Congress workers had the keys. During the last phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the apex poll panel also took note of the incident and condemned the desecration of the statue. Attacking the Mamata government, PM Modi had offered to rebuild the statue. Rejecting the offer, Mamata Banerjee said the state has enough resources for the reconstruction of the statue. Thiruvananthapuram: Congress president Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit Wayanad in the first week of June to thank the electorate for his record breaking victory from this Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala in the 2019 polls. This was disclosed by Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala after the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) met for the first time after registering a resounding victory in the Lok Sabha polls, winning all but one of the 20 seats in the state. A source close to the Congress party said that Rahul Gandhi`s visit could be either on Saturday or Monday. Live TV The Gandhi scion had won with the highest ever margin of victory in any Lok Sabha election with 431,770 votes. He defeated his nearest rival PP Suneer of the Communist Party of India who secured 274,597 votes while Gandhi received 706,367 votes. "This huge victory has placed more responsibility on us and we assure the people that this victory will not get into their heads. They will always work for the people of the state," Chennithala said. Rahul's scheduled Kerala visit comes at a time when there are speculations that he is not too keen to continue as Congress president in the backdrop of his party's defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Though the Congress party on Monday issued a statement urging everyone to respect the sanctity of its working committee meeting. The party also asked the media not to fall into the trap of "conjectures, insinuations, gossip and rumour-mongering". Referring to the May 25 meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party, Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said it was a democratic forum for exchange of ideas and taking corrective action, adding that it was a "closed-door" meet and any speculation about it was unwarranted and uncalled for. He added that the CWC was a forum for formulating policies and taking corrective action and in this context, the members had expressed their views at the meeting. Surjewala said the CWC saw the reverses in the Lok Sabha polls as an opportunity for radical changes and a complete organisational overhaul and authorised Congress president Rahul Gandhi for the necessary measures. "The Congress party expects everyone, including the media, to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC. Various conjectures, speculation, insinuations, assumptions, gossip and rumour-mongering in a section of the media is uncalled for and unwarranted.'' "The CWC held a collective deliberation on the performance of the party, the challenges before it as also the way ahead, instead of casting aspersions on the role or conduct of any specific individual. The gist of the deliberations was made public in the CWC resolution of May 25, 2019," the Congress leader said in a statement. "We would request everyone, including the media, to not fall into the trap of conjectures or speculation and await the calibrated efforts by the Congress party towards the future course of action," he added. Surjewala was reacting to news reports about the happenings at the May 25 meeting, the first of the CWC after the Congress's humiliating defeat in the parliamentary polls, where Rahul Gandhi offered to resign as the party chief. (With Agency inputs) Amethi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Smriti Irani on Sunday targeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi after the death of her close aide Surendra Singh and said that his 'take care of Amethi with love' message was 'loud and clear' to her. Singh, also an ex-village head of Barauli in Amethi, was shot dead by unidentified miscreants on Saturday night at his residence. Soon after the news broke, Irani rushed to Amethi to visit Singh's family and also took part in the funeral procession. "My request to all party workers is that we should exercise restraint," Irani told while interacting with the press in Amethi. "On May 23, I was given a message that take care of Amethi with love. To the person, who gave me the message, I would like to say that I have received the message loud and clear," she said, referring to Rahul's remarks without naming him. Live TV In the recently-concluded Lok Sabha election 2019, Irani defeated Rahul in Amethi, the bastion of the Gandhi family. After the election results were declared, Rahul in a press conference had said he would like Irani to 'take care of Amethi with love.' "I would like that Smriti Iraniji takes care of Amethi with love and I hope that she will reward the trust that Amethi's people have reposed in her," he had said. Paying tributes to the slain ex-pradhan, Irani said, "The bereaved family of the BJP bows its head before the departed soul of Surendra Singh, and the family of 11 crore BJP workers is standing with his family." "The aim of the Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath governments is that justice is done... BJP workers and residents of Amethi are assured that even if the killers are hiding beneath the ground, they will be caught and brought to justice," she added. Irani said, if need be, she would move the Supreme Court to ensure that Singh's killers are given capital punishment. "Today I have pledged before the family of Surendra Singh that police will take action against the person who fired the bullet and the person who gave orders for firing the bullet," she said. "And if I need to approach the Supreme Court to ensure that the killers get capital punishment, then all the workers will knock the doors of the SC's doors with me and ensure that Surendra Singh's family gets justice," she said. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Bollywood hunk Arjun Rampal is on his way to becoming a dad for the third time. The actor took to social media to announce that he is expecting his first baby with girlfriend Gabriella Demetriades. The actor recent hosted a baby shower at his Mumbai residence where he shifted with Gabriella after separating from Mehr Jesia. In a recent interview with a daily, Arjun talked about his daughters Mahika and Myra's equation with Gabriella, his new life with Gabriella and losing his mother Gwen Rampal to cancer. Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, Arjun said that it is important for his daughters to accept Gabriella. He also revealed in the same interview that he has been living in 'sheer hell' for the past five years. Its been sheer hell for the last five years but what doesnt kill you makes you stronger, doesnt it? Arjun revealed that he met his Gabriella through a common friend and dated just for a year. Its only been a year since we started dating and here we are. For keeps. And I must add that it was of prime importance that my daughters should accept her as a part of the family. Im blessed that they have, no questions asked, " He said. Arjun, who lost his mother Gwen to cancer last year, revealed that he did everything to save her.During her last days, she could converse only by raising her hand. She went away without saying a word. But she returns in my dreams and I hear her saying, Dont worry about a thing, never worry. Look after yourself. On the work front, Arjun was last seen in a web series titled 'The Final Call', which streamed on Zee5. Apart from this, he was also seen in a military drama Paltan helmed by JP Dutta. Actors Venkatesh Daggubati, and his nephew Naga Chaitanya are busy working on their upcoming film Venky Mama which is currently being shot at a brisk mode. For their upcoming schedule, the team flew to Kashmir and are chilling in the weather there. Venkatesh took his official Instagram handle to share the update and he posted a picture from the beautiful and snowy hills of Kashmir. The team is going to shoot there for a 25-day long schedule. The team also comprises actresses Raashi Khanna and Payal Rajput. As per the latest updates, sources from the direction team have revealed that Venky Mama makers have roped in former Mr India World Prateek Jain for a crucial role in the film. Although there has been no official announcement, its being speculated that Prateek will be essaying a negative role in Venky Mama. Prateek was crowned with the Mr India World title in 2014. He hails from Bengaluru, where he is a prominent name in the modelling scene. Prateek is also a mixed martial arts fighter. Directed by Bobby, Venky Mama is produced by Suresh Babu under Suresh Productions. If we arent wrong, the film might release either during Diwali or Sankranti. Venkatesh bagged a hit this year during Sankranti with F2. Let us see what he has for next year. As of now, this is the only film actor Venkatesh has in his kitty, Chaitanya Akkineni, who bagged a blockbuster hit with Majili in the last month has a project with Sashi, a debutante director and this film will be bankrolled by Dil Raju. Tokyo: US President Donald Trump pressed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday to even out a trade imbalance with the United States and expressed confidence, despite Japanese wariness, that "good things" would come from North Korea. Trump is on a four-day state visit to Japan meant to showcase the alliance between the two nations, but which has also been shadowed by trade tensions. Trump explicitly linked trade and security, a connection that disturbs Tokyo, whose alliance with Washington stands at the core of its defence policies. "Its all a balance sheet thing," he said. "When I talk about a security threat, I talk about a balance sheet. "In order to have $716 billion dollars a year in military expenditures, you have to have a lot of money coming in," he said, adding that Japan had bought "tremendous amounts" of US military gear. On Sunday, Trump tweeted that he expected big moves on trade would wait until after Japan`s upper house election in July. "Trade-wise, I think well be announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries," Trump said on Monday. "We`ll get the balance of trade, I think, straightened out rapidly." Abe, who has developed close personal ties with Trump since the US leader came to office, stressed the closeness of ties. "I am determined to demonstrate at home and abroad the very strong bond" he said of the alliance in Japan`s new Reiwa era, which began on May 1 when Emperor Naruhito inherited the throne. Earlier, Trump was greeted by Naruhito and his Harvard-educated wife at the imperial palace in Tokyo in a formal welcome ceremony broadcast live on national television. He became the first foreign dignitary to be received by the monarch since the latter inherited the throne after his father, Akihito, stepped down in the first abdication by a Japanese emperor in two centuries. Trump gave a slight bow and he and First Lady Melania Trump shook hands with the imperial pair before entering the palace, to be met by Abe and his wife, Akie, among others. The president and emperor and their wives returned outside to walk a red carpet and stand under a hot sun while a military band played the national anthems of both countries. RED CARPET, POLICY DIFFERENCES Trump then walked the red carpet again, waving at assembled school children and inspecting Japanese troops before a military band played a formal salute as he stood solemnly on a raised platform. Trump has made clear he was pleased to have the honour of the first reception with the emperor, who is hosting a lavish state dinner for the US leader and his wife on Monday. The two leaders have put on a show of friendship but have policy disagreements over trade and North Korea. Trump has threatened to target Japanese automakers with high tariffs in his effort to cut the US trade surplus and get a two-way trade pact with Tokyo. Trump has also spearheaded an expensive trade dispute with China. That trade war between the world`s two largest economies has hurt markets worldwide and confounded US allies, including Japan and the European Union. Such allies share US concerns about Chinese practices but object to Trump`s hardball tactics. Abe and Trump are also set to discuss North Korea and Iran. "I personally think that lots of good things will come with North Korea. I feel that. I may be right, I may be wrong, but I feel that," Trump said on Monday. On Sunday, Trump had said he was not worried about a recent missile launch by North Korea. That put him at odds with his own national security adviser, John Bolton, who said on Saturday Pyongyang`s recent short-range missile tests violated United Nations Security Council resolutions. Japan shares Bolton`s view. Abe is considering a trip to Iran next month, domestic media said, to try to soothe rising tension between Tehran and Washington. Trump said Abe had spoken to him on the subject. "Well see what happens," Trump said. "But I know for a fact that the prime minister is very close with the leadership of Iran, and well see what happens." Also on Monday, Trump will meet families of Japanese citizens abducted by Pyongyang decades ago. NAROWAL: Guru Nanak Palace, a building of great historical significance for Sikhs located in Pakistan's Punjab province, had been partially demolished by some locals, the Pakistani media reported on Monday. According to Pakistan's leading daily Dawn.com, the four-storey building was partially damaged by some influential locals allegedly in connivance of the Auqaf department officials. Those who were allegedly involved in its partial destruction even sold its precious windows, doors and ventilators. The historic building was constructed over four centuries ago in Bathanwala village on the New Lahore Road. The centuries-old building is called the ''Palace of Baba Guru Nanak'' and a number of Sikhs from across the world, including India, used to visit this building. Live TV The building is made up of old bricks, sand, clay and limestone. There are 16 large rooms in the building, all of which had at least three beautiful doors and at least four ventilators. The rooms were constructed with large broad walls that had cupboards with wooden doors and flowers carved into them. All the rooms were airy and their walls had small lamp enclosures in them. Diyar wood beams of various sizes were used in the roofs; the wood costs thousands of rupees per foot. The three-foot-wide and sturdy walls surrounding the building were made of small old bricks in beautiful designs and intricately painted with pictures of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism; as well as of various Hindu rulers and princes. There were stairs on three of the four sides of the building going up to the roof. Muhammad Ashraf, a local resident of Narowal, claimed that the Auqaf department was informed about the demolition of the building allegedly by some influential persons, but it did nothing. By Online Desk National leaders of the seven Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), countries are invited for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 30 as per sources. A statement issued on Sunday had said that the President will administer the oath of the office and secrecy to the Prime Minister and other members of the Union Council of Ministers at 7 pm on May 30, 2019, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. However, for a second time, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will miss Modi's swearing-in as she will be on a three-nation foreign visit, officials in Dhaka said Monday. Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq will attend the ceremony as the senior-most Cabinet member of the Bangladesh government. Hasina will be on a tri-nation visit to Japan, Saudi Arabia and Finland beginning Tuesday. She could not attend the previous swearing-in ceremony of Modi in 2014 as she was abroad then too. Last time, Parliament Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony held on May 26. The Bangladesh PM was one of the first foreign leaders to congratulate Modi following his thumping Lok Sabha election victory, reflecting the "extraordinarily close and cordial ties" between India and Bangladesh, and the excellent rapport that the two leaders enjoy. She also spoke to Modi on Thursday and said this "emphatic verdict is a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed on you by the people of the world's largest democracy. The BIMSTEC consists of countries that are dependent on Bay of Bengal, namely Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan. It was formed in June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration. Its purpose is to serve as a bridge between South and South East Asia. Along with BIMSTEC nation heads, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, who is the current Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, who was the Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, have also been invited. In 2014 when Modi won his first term, all the SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attended the swearing-in as part of invitations extended to all the member countries of the South Asian grouping. But relations with Pakistan soured mid-term and hit its nadir after the Pulwama attack in February which was followed by India's aerial strikes on terror camps in Balakot in Pakistan. (With inputs from ANI and PTI) Jerusalem: Israel moved closer towards a new election on Monday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu`s efforts to form a government after last month`s national ballot remained deadlocked. In a preliminary vote, parliament decided to dissolve itself. In order to disperse and set an election date, legislators would still have to hold a final vote, likely to take place on Wednesday. Netanyahu, who heads the right-wing Likud party, has until 2100 GMT on Wednesday to put a government together, after being delegated the task by President Reuven Rivlin following the April 9 poll. In a televised address following the initial vote in parliament, Netanyahu pledged to continue pursuing coalition talks and said a new vote would be unnecessary and costly. "A lot can be done in 48 hours," he said. "The voters` wishes can be respected, a strong right-wing government can be formed." In power for the past decade and facing potential corruption indictments, Netanyahu has struggled to seal an agreement with a clutch of right-wing, far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties that would ensure him a fifth term. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing and is due to argue against the attorney general's intention to indict him on fraud and bribery charges at a pre-trial hearing in October. U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on Netanyahu`s political woes in the face of political brinkmanship by the Israeli leader`s erstwhile ally, former defence minister Avigdor Lieberman. "Hoping things will work out with Israel`s coalition formation and Bibi and I can continue to make the alliance between America and Israel stronger than ever," Trump tweeted, using Netanyahu`s nickname. "A lot more to do!" Although a second national election in the same year - unprecedented for Israel - would pose new political risks for Netanyahu, it would pre-empt Rivlin from assigning coalition-building to another legislator once Wednesday`s deadline expires. CONSCRIPTION STALEMATE Divisions between Lieberman`s ultra-nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party and United Torah Judaism over a military conscription bill governing exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students have plunged the coalition talks into a stalemate. The five parliamentary seats that Yisrael Beitenu won in the April ballot are crucial to Netanyahu gaining a parliamentary majority. Likud took 35 of the legislature`s 120 seats, the same number as its main rival, the centrist Blue and White party, but had the pledged support of a bigger right-wing bloc. In a standoff with United Torah Judaism, Lieberman has demanded ultra-Orthodox must share other Israeli Jews` burden of mandatory service. Live TV Ultra-Orthodox parties say seminary students should be largely exempt from conscription as they have been since Israel was founded in 1948. But some commentators and members of Likud have suggested Lieberman`s real motive is to ultimately succeed Netanyahu and lead Israel`s right-wing, using the conscription bill and coalition stalemate to weaken him politically. "Avigdor Lieberman`s only interest is to seize control of the national camp by toppling Netanyahu," deputy foreign minister and Likud member Tzipi Hotovely told Army Radio. Lieberman, who resigned his defence post in Netanyahu`s outgoing cabinet last November over policy towards the Palestinian enclave of Gaza, said he was acting only out of principle. In his speech, Netanyahu welcomed the supportive remarks of Trump, with whom he has been in lock-step over policies towards the Palestinians and Israel`s Iranian foe. "He (Trump) is right," he said. "We have an infinite number of things to do, security challenges ... economic challenges." But Netanyahu said he had failed "so far, including tonight" to persuade Lieberman "to avoid an election". A team of Pakistan's top anti-graft body will quiz deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Kot Lakhpat Jail here on Monday over the illegal purchase and use of more than 30 bulletproof government vehicles from Germany. The four-member National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team has arrived at the Kot Lakhpat Jail (Lahore Central Prison) where the 69-year-old Sharif is serving a seven-year sentence awarded to him in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case. The team will record the three-time prime minister's statement in the case of an alleged import of 34 bulletproof vehicles from Germany without payment of customs duty on any of them. The anti-graft body said the cars were purchased without duty for guests of the 19th SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summit in 2016, Geo News reported. According to NAB, Sharif added 20 of those 34 cars to his own motorcade, and he and his daughter Maryam Nawaz also used the vehicles for their personal use. Former Prime Minister and a member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's statement has already been recorded, it said. The anti-graft body also said that officers associated with the foreign ministry misused their authority by allocating the bulletproof cars for the Sharif's family. Sharif was imprisoned in Adiyala Jail and shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail on request. He has been serving a seven-year prison term at the jail since December 24, 2018, when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in Panama Papers case. Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them were politically motivated. BRUSSELS: Pro-European parties retained a firm grip on the EU parliament, provisional results from the bloc`s elections showed on Monday, though eurosceptic opponents saw strong gains. The far-right and nationalists in Italy, Britain, France and Poland came out on top in their national votes on Sunday, shaking up politics at home but failing to dramatically alter the balance of pro-European power in EU assembly. At the EU level, provisional results published at 00:00 GMT on Monday showed the Socialists, Greens, liberals and conservatives with 506 of the 751 seats in the parliament that helps pass laws for more than 500 million Europeans. While policy-making is likely to be difficult given the breakdown of a "grand coalition" of the centre right and centre left, the result shields the EU from anti-establishment forces seeking to break up the world`s largest trading bloc. Spanish and Portuguese bond yields hovered around record lows as the retention of a strong majority in the EU Parliament by pro-EU parties bolstered investor sentiment. "We are going to build a social Europe, a Europe that protects," Spain`s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, whose revival among Spanish voters offset a fall in centre-left support in Germany, told a news conference late on Sunday night. President Emmanuel Macron`s Renaissance platform, built on the ruins of French centre-left and centre-right parties, added to gains for liberals at the EU level while support for the Greens surged, giving four groups the pro-EU middle ground and holding on to two-thirds of seats. BREXIT SURGE Cries of "Europe is back" among voters waving blue and gold EU flags outside European Parliament in Brussels on Sunday night also showed the ebullient mood among Europeans delighted with a sharply higher turnout across the bloc. Turnout in the world`s second-biggest election rose to 51% from 43% in 2014, its highest in 20 years. It was the first reverse in a trend of falling participation since the first direct EU vote in 1979 and may muffle talk of a "democratic deficit" undermining EU legitimacy. A stronger voice for the liberals and Greens could see the next EU executive seek a tougher line on regulating polluting industries, taxing multinational companies or demanding trading partners help contain climate change -- as well as press its own members, notably in the east, not to damage civil rights. But disenchantment with the European project, which has struggled through economic and migration crises over the past five years, was palpable across the bloc. Riding a wave of anger at the British government`s failure to take the United Kingdom out of the European Union, Nigel Farage`s Brexit Party won a resounding victory. The result showed Britain even more polarised over its Brexit divorce, nearly three years since a 2016 referendum in which it voted 52% to 48% to leave. In Italy, the far-right League became Italy`s largest party, giving greater authority to its leader Matteo Salvini who is pushing for swingeing tax cuts in defiance of EU budget rules. Poland`s eurosceptic ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) also came out ahead. In France, Marine Le Pen`s anti-immigration, anti-Brussels National Rally edged Macron`s pro-European centrist movement. FIGHT FOR EU POSTS In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel`s conservatives lost votes from five years ago as the far-right Alternative for Germany gained. But the Greens grabbed the headlines, nearly doubling their vote to finish second, ahead of the governing Social Democrats. Provisional results for the EU Parliament put the EPP on 179 seats, ahead of the S&D on 150, with the liberals on 107, up 39 seats, and Greens on 70, up 18. On the far-right, two groups in the parliament had well over a 100 seats, a 40% jump from 2014. The European Parliament election will usher in weeks and possibly months of hard bargaining over who will run EU institutions. Officials for the four pro-EU centre parties were quick to talk of plans for a broad coalition. "We are facing a shrinking centre," said Manfred Weber, the German lead candidate of the EPP. "So what I would ask us to do to is to join our forces to work together from now." Parliament has insisted that one of its own winning members should succeed Jean-Claude Juncker as president of the executive European Commission. But many national leaders, who will meet over dinner in Brussels on Tuesday, have said they will not be bound by that demand. Weber in particular faces resistance, having never held government office - although he insists his long experience in the European Parliament makes him the democratic choice. Frans Timmermans, Juncker`s Dutch deputy who led the Socialists` campaign, cautioned against putting the "Game of Thrones" over top jobs ahead of efforts to forge a common programme among parties that will push for a stronger Union. Lahore: A team of Pakistan's top anti-graft body on Monday quizzed deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Kot Lakhpat Jail for over two hours over the illegal purchase and use of more than 30 bulletproof government vehicles from Germany. A four-member National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team arrived at the Kot Lakhpat Jail (Lahore Central Prison) where the 69-year-old Sharif is serving a seven-year sentence awarded to him in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and Nawaz's daughter, confirmed the investigation by the NAB team in jail where the former prime minister is being held since December 2018 after his conviction. In a message on her Twitter account on Monday, Maryam rubbished the investigation, point fingers at "fake Prime Minister" Imran Khan who used the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's helicopter for personal use was above the law. Earlier reports said the NAB team will record the three-time prime minister's statement in the case of an alleged import of 34 bulletproof vehicles from Germany without payment of customs duty on any of them. The anti-graft body said the cars were purchased without duty for guests of the 19th SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summit in 2016, Geo News reported. The SAARC Summit, however, did not take place as India boycotted the meeting after the Uri terror attack. Later, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives also pulled out of the summit, culminating in an indefinite postponement of the summit. According to the NAB, Sharif added 20 of those 34 cars to his own motorcade, and he and his daughter Maryam Nawaz also used the bulletproof vehicles for their personal use. Live TV Former Prime Minister and a member of the PML-N Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's statement has already been recorded, it said. The anti-graft body also said that officers associated with the foreign ministry misused their authority by allocating the bulletproof cars for the Sharif's family. Sharif has been serving a seven-year prison term at the jail since December 24, 2018 when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in Panama Papers case. Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them were politically motivated. El Reno, Oklahoma: Rescue workers on Sunday searched for survivors in the rubble left by a tornado that devastated parts of a small community near Oklahoma City, leaving two dead, more than two dozen injured and hundreds homeless, officials said. It was the latest in a barrage of violent weather that is expected to continue after pounding the Central Plains states last week with deadly tornadoes, high winds, drenching thunderstorms and widespread flooding. In addition to killing two people, the tornado that cut a 10-mile (16-km) swath through El Reno, Oklahoma, on Saturday night left 29 others with minor to critical injuries and displaced hundreds more, the city`s mayor said. "It`s a very trying time for us but we`re going to get through it," a sometimes emotional Mayor Matt White told reporters on Sunday. "There are several hundred people affected by this," he said. "People have absolutely lost everything." Rescue workers combed through the debris field that had been a mobile home park and an Americas Best Value Inn motor lodge where the tornado did its worst damage in the community about 25 miles (40 km) west of Oklahoma City. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Norman, Oklahoma, preliminarily classified the tornado as an EF2, meaning its rotating winds ranged from 111 to 135 miles per hour (179 to 217 km per hour). El Reno was among several areas in Oklahoma and Missouri to be hit with heavy rains and river flooding last week, with local media reporting that first responders had made some two dozen boat rescues. "We`ve gone through situation after situation after situation, and they`ve gone nonstop," said White. Forecasters expect a moderate risk of more tornadoes and flooding in the central states on Sunday. "The ground is pretty saturated so it doesn`t take a whole lot of rain to get some additional flooding," NWS meteorologist Mark Chenard at the Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland, said. The weather pattern that has spawned violent storms and flooding from the Texas Panhandle north to Iowa will remain in place for at least the next three or four days, he said. "There could be a brief break, but the pattern still looks like it remains favorable for some type of thunderstorm activity across the central part of the country pretty much through the week," said Chenard. At least seven people were killed by storms last week. By PTI JAIPUR: Former Rajasthan education minister Vasudev Devnani Monday flayed the state Congress government for affixing "son of Portugal" to RSS ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's description in class 10 social science textbooks. Recently, the Congress government constituted a textbook revision committee in the school education department. Based on the committee's findings, the department revised a short biography of RSS ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar introduced by the previous BJP government. Now, in the textbooks, it is mentioned Savarkar had described himself as "son of Portugal" when seeking clemency from the British government in 1910-11. In a series of tweets on Monday, Devnani said the state government should take inspiration from former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who had described Savarkar as the "byword for daring and patriotism." The former prime minister Indira Gandhi had called Savarkar "a classical revolutionary and countless people drew inspiration from him", Devnani said. "Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi recognised and hailed the legacy of great freedom fighter Veer Savarkar. The then government had issued a commemorative stamp on Veer Savarkar in 1970. "Indira Gandhi had donated a sum of Rs 11,000 from her personal account to Savarkar Trust and ordered the Films Division to produce a documentary on his life," Devnani tweeted. The former state minister said calling the freedom fighter "son of Portugal" is an insult. He alleged the Congress government had the single-point agenda of insulting heroic characters and eulogising only one family. In response, Rajasthan Education Minister Govind Singh Dotasara said the changes were made by the experts committee. "What can I say? A committee of experts have written it based on authenticity and their recommendations. I can only say that whatever has been written in the textbooks have been written based on the recommendations of educationists," Dotasara told PTI. In other changes, the committee removed the prefix 'Veer' from Savakar's name in the textbooks and it now refers to him as Vinayak Damodar Savarkar who "plotted assassination" of Mahatma Gandhi, who was killed by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948, less than a year after India gained independence from Britain. The revision of textbooks not only drew flak from the Opposition but also from a couple of leaders in the ruling Congress. The panel had recommended the removal of a picture suggesting self-immolation under Sati or Jauhar from a Class 8 English textbook. It was replaced with that of a hill fort. "We need to understand the practice of Jauhar. Without understanding the sensitive issue, any leader, be it from the Congress or the BJP, should refrain from making a statement," said state Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas. Chinese experts on Sunday hailed the World Health Organization's (WHO) formal approval of the inclusion of a chapter on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the latest version of its influential global compendium. "This is significant for the internationalization of TCM industry as it will help China establish a TCM disease statistics network linked to international standards," Liu Baoyan, president of the China Association of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, told the Global Times. It would also promote the integration of TCM with the medical and health systems of countries around the world, Liu noted. TCM is used in 183 countries and regions, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Beijing has signed TCM cooperation agreements with more than 40 foreign governments, regions and organizations including the US, Russia, the UK, Germany, France, Canada and Italy. Besides, a number of TCM centers have been established in countries and regions along the routes of China-proposed Belt and RoadInitiative. Countries such as Singapore and Thailand have partly or wholly legalized some TCM practices, Chinese media reports noted. Students from India are the largest group studying at China Medical University, Diao Yefang, head of the teaching affairs office at the university's international education school, previously told the Global Times. China has established intergovernmental mechanisms with South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia. The industry reaped more than 860 billion yuan ($130 billion) in 2016, and was growing at 20 percent annually, Xinhua reported, citing the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China. Meanwhile, the WHO's decision was not universally welcomed. Some foreign scientists questioned the safety of Chinese herbal medicines and the absence of double-blind evidence-based reports on its efficacy. Animal rights advocates also warned that the decision would endanger animals such as tiger, pangolin, bear and rhino, whose organs were used in some TCM cures. Even within China, critics worry that TCM can cause adverse drug reactions, of which the best-known issue was Houttuynia injections that killed at least 44 people. On June 1, 2006, China's State Food and Drug Administration temporarily suspended the use and approval of seven TCM injections including Houttuynia injections. "Problems do exist in development of the TCM industry," Zhou Lihua, an expert with the AIDS research center at the Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, told the Global Times on Sunday. "However, TCM is based on more than 2,500 years of Chinese medical practice and has proven to be effective," Zhou said. By PTI VARANASI: Chemistry has triumphed over poll arithmetic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday, profusely thanking Varanasi voters for electing him by a huge margin in the Lok Sabha elections. "Political analysts will have to accept that beyond poll arithmetic there is a chemistry," he told party workers on his first visit to his constituency after his resounding victory which was by a higher margin this time. "For the country I am the PM, but for you I am your MP, I am your sevak," he said. "Work and workers create wonders," Modi said, giving full credit for his victory to the workers at the grassroots level for creating awareness about his government's policies and programmes for the people. Uttar Pradesh is showing the way for India, he said. He also spoke of importance of "perfect synergy" between the government and the party. ALSO READ | Narendra Modi's win is a populist warning to the world The prime minister said he was also grateful to his opponents who fought against him. At the same time he lamented there was a sense of political untouchability, adding BJP workers were being killed for their ideology in West Bengal, Tripura and Kerala. His remarks assumed significance in the light of the murder of a BJP leader in Amethi in the first post-poll violence in Uttar Pradesh. ALSO READ | Varanasi visit: Everyone became Modi and led BJP campaign, says PM Modi, who also offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple here, visited the temple town four days after steering his party to a huge win. The Modi-led BJP won 303 out of the 542 seats in the Lok Sabha. By Express News Service KOLKATA: Trinamool has secured leads in 93 out of 125 minority-dominated Assembly segments suggesting voting largely along religious lines. EC data reveals that the BJP is ahead in 23 constituencies dominated by minorities. An Assembly seat gets the minority tag if Muslim voters are more than 20%. Political analysts suggest BJPs lead in 23 Assembly segments where Hindus seemed to have voted almost en mass for the BJP. The state witnessed communal disharmony that triggered clashes. Such incidents divided electors on religion lines. The BJP gained grounds in the areas like Uluberia, Chandernagore, Naihati and Asansol where trouble broke out. The BJP got overwhelming majority due to consolidation of Hindu votes, said Biswanath Chakrabarty, a political science professor. Harpreet Bajwa By Express News Service CHANDIGARH: The Congress, Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and Aam Adami Party (AAP) could not have defeated the BJP in Haryana even if they had formed an alliance as the saffron outfit received 58.02 per cent of the votes cast in the state in the Lok Sabha elections. The BJP won all 10 parliamentary seats in the state for the first time, leaving the three rival parties far behind with a combined vote share of just 33.76 per cent. The saffron party attained victory in 79 of the states 90 Assembly segments. In the Assembly polls in October 2014, it had won 47 seats. The party increased its vote share by 23.32 per cent, which has boosted its morale ahead of the Assembly polls to be held in October this year. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP had got 34.7 per cent of the votes and won seven of the eight seats it contested. Its vote share was just 17.21 per cent in 2009 when it won no seat. Before the 2019 elections, AAP tried to forge an alliance with the Congress and JJP. It could only have an alliance with JJP. The Congress too increased its vote share in these elections to 28.42 per cent, up from 22.9 per cent in 2014. It stood second on all seats except Hisar, where Dushyant Chautala of JJP came second with 24 per cent votes. In 2009, the Congress vote share was 41.77 per cent. The biggest loser in the polls was Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), which had a vote share of 1.89 per cent. In the 2014 polls it had a vote share of 24.4 per cent and won two seats, while in 2009 it had vote share of 15.78 per cent and lost all five seats it contested. The party lost votes this time mostly to the BJP and a little to the Congress. The AAP too saw its vote share drop from 4.32 per cent in 2014 to 0.36 per cent this time. Its alliance partner JJP got approximately 4.98 per cent votes. Thus the alliance got approximately 5.34 per cent votes. The other alliance, of BSP and LSP, got about 4.1 per cent votes3.64 per cent for BSP and 0.45 per cent for LSP. In 2014, BSP had a vote share of 4.6 per cent, down from 4.98 per cent in 2009. Thus BSP and JJP individually performed better than AAP and INLD. The highest vote share in the state was of Sanjay Bhatia of BJP, who won from Karnal with 70.8 per cent votes. In Faridabad, Union minister Krishan Pal Gujjar got 68.8 per cent votes, in Bhiwani-Mahendargarh, sitting BJP MP Dharambir got 63.45 per cent votes. By IANS CHANDIGARH: In yet another achievement by women officers, an all-woman crew on Monday flew a medium-lift helicopter for the first time in India, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said. The crew, comprising Flight Lieutenant Parul Bhardwaj (Captain), Flying Officer Aman Nidhi (co-pilot) and Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal (flight engineer), flew a Mi-17 V5 helicopter for a Battle Inoculation Training Mission, taking off and landing from restricted areas at a forward air base in the South Western Air Command. Flight Lieutenant Bhardwaj hails from Mukerian in Punjab and is incidentally also the first woman pilot to fly the Mi-17 V5. #Congratulations #Milestone : IAF Hails #WomanPower - F/L Parul Bhardwaj, F/O Aman Nidhi, F/L Hina Jaiswal became the first 'all woman' crew to fly a medium-lift IAF helicopter. S/L Richa Adhikari gave the pre-flight certification to the helicopter. https://t.co/C1EOrGCV7j pic.twitter.com/yG2SUCqMPf Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 27, 2019 Flying Officer Nidhi hails from Ranchi and is also the first woman IAF pilot from Jharkhand while Flying Officer Jaiswal hails from Chandigarh and is the first woman Flight Engineer of the IAF. The pilots had undergone basic flight training at the Helicopter Training School at Air Force Station, Hakimpet followed by advanced training at Air Force Station, Yelahanka. The helicopter was certified airworthy by Squadron Leader Richa Adhikari, the unit engineering officer. By PTI HARIDWAR: Describing May 23, when the BJP rode back to power with a massive mandate, as a "historic" day, Yoga guru Ramdev Monday said it should be celebrated either as "Modi Diwas or public welfare day". The BJP won 303 of the 542 Lok Sabha seats that went to polls this time while the opposition was left way behind with the Congress winning only 52 seats. The results for the seven-phase general elections were announced on May 23. "May 23 is a historic day. It should be celebrated either as Modi Diwas or Jan Kalyan Diwas (public welfare day)," Ramdev told reporters here on the sidelines of a programme to launch milk and dairy products of Patanjali. Narendra Modi is the third prime minister of the country who has been able to retain power for a second term with full majority in Lok Sabha after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. READ| Third child should be devoid of rights, blanket ban on cow slaughter, liquor: Baba Ramdev Speaking about Patanjali Ayurved Limited's latest line of products, the Yoga guru, who is the co-founder of the company, said Patanjali's toned milk, butter, paneer, lassi and chach were made from pure cow milk without any chemicals. "These are cheaper and better than those of Mother Dairy and Amul," Ramdev said, without elaborating how Patanjali's products were better than those of its rivals. He claimed other companies used a "chemical colour" in its butter which was injurious to health. The dairy and milk products of Patanjali are being supplied to Delhi-NCR, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Mumbai and Pune in the first phase and plans are underway to supply these soon to other states, Ramdev said. On Sunday, Ramdev addressing a press conference had opined that India is not ready to deal with its population explosion and suggested some measures like denying voting rights and other government services to the third children onwards. By Express News Service KOLKATA: History repeats itself in West Bengal with BJP supporters taking over more than 200 Trinamool Congress party offices in West Bengal. After defeating the Left in 2011 in the historic Assembly election, CPM cadres had to hand over keys to more than 150 party offices to the Trinamool. Expressing concern at her Kalighat residence, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said around 200 TMC party offices were taken over by the BJP and all will be returned to their rightful owners within Monday. ALSO READ | In post-poll muscle-flexing, CPM cadres 'reclaim' over 150 party offices in Bengal The reality, however, is that in most cases the ruling partys foot soldiers handed over keys to local BJP leaders. BJP leader Mukul Roy on Sunday denied that any Trinamool office was taken over forcibly. BJP does not believe in it. People are joining BJP spontaneously, he said. A section of BJP leaders found it as a re-run of 2011. Trinamool workers are shifting their political loyalty after the Lok Sabha results were declared. They have not only handed over the keys but also helped us paint the offices saffron, said a BJP leader in Cooch Behar in north Bengal. Roys son Subhrangshu, the Trinamool MLA who was suspended for six years for issuing anti-party statements, said no TMC party office will exist in his Bijpur Assembly segment as the party already lost its acceptability among the public. Most of the Trinamool offices were taken over in north Bengal from where the BJP secured victory in seven constituencies. In Barrackpore and West Midnapore, party offices were returned to the CPM, said a BJP leader in West Midnapore district. A senior BJP leader, however, found the decision to return party offices to the CPM a well calculated political move. Giving the Left a political space will affect Mamata Banerjees minority vote bank, he said. Anahita Mukherji By In the heart of Silicon Valley, a teenagers life hangs by a thread. Thirteen-year-old Dhriti Narayan is in coma, with a bleeding, swelling brain; the left side of her skull was removed to relieve pressure. She was recently mowed down by an Iraq war veteran who drove into a crowd of pedestrians because he thought they were Muslim. Her father Rajesh and brother Prakhar were also among those injured. The street they were crossing was in Sunnyvale, a city with such a large Indian population that its often referred to, jokingly, by its Hindi moniker, Suraj Nagari. Sunnyvale is a city full of chaat shops, South Indian restaurants, Indian grocery stores selling Parachute coconut oil, saree shops and beauty salons where you can get your eye-brows threaded under posters of Bollywood celebrities. Desis drive 40 miles down south from San Francisco to shop at Indian stores in Sunnyvale. This borough full of Indians is the very last place youd expect an Indian-American family to be the target of a hate crime. Add to this the inescapable irony of a Hindu family attacked for being Muslim, a throwback to the post 9/11 era when Sikhs in America were mistaken for Muslim and attacked. (Unprovoked attacks on Sikhs continue to this day). Silicon Valley academic Rohit Chopra, who teaches global media and culture at Santa Clara University, believes the NRI Hindu community at large needs to realise that it shares vulnerabilities with Muslims, Sikhs and other minorities. Indians in America have often dismissed the rise in hate crimes during the Trump regime, secure in their belief that these crimes are not targeted at them. The horrific attack on Dhriti and her family shows that an Islamophobe cannot differentiate between a brown Hindu and a brown Muslim. While much has been written about racism and the rise of white supremacy in America, Isaiah Peoples, the Iraq war veteran who drove his car into pedestrians in Sunnyvale, was black, and not white. An attack in which a black man ran his car into brown people because he thought they were Muslim, calls for a nuanced understanding of race and religion. It is also a reminder of how an environment of hate and intolerance can be all pervasive; no race is immune to it, not even one that has been marginalised. A local newspaper report on a multi-faith vigil at the site of the Sunnyvale crash, spoke to Muslim groups as well as an Armenian American from Jerusalem. Indian voices were conspicuous by their absence in the paper. While this may have been an oversight by the press, Indians in Silicon Valley are routinely quoted by American publications on issues that concern them, such as the crackdown on H-1B visas, the rate at which these visas are being rejected by immigration authorities, and Trumps threats to revoke work permits for spouses of H-1B visa holders, a threat that would largely target Indian women and render them jobless. These are valid concerns, and Indians in America are more than justified in taking them up. However, its time the Indian community saw itself as part of the larger fabric of American society, and was more outspoken about an environment of rising violence, intolerance and hate, even if they dont believe theyre the intended targets. Indians in the US need to make it to the press for speaking out against the Muslim ban, the Mexico wall and the diatribe against a caravan of poor immigrants moving northwards from Latin America. Its time NRIs in Silicon Valley associate with civil society groups, campaign against hate, and walk the streets preaching the gospel of peace and tolerance. While Silicon Valley engineers may not have been the most politically active group of Indian-Americans in the US, its never too late for the community to show its support for political candidates who work towards drawing American society together and not ripping it apart. The first year of Trumps presidency saw a 17 per cent increase in hate crimes in the US. The year 2017 saw 7,175 hate crimes, when compared with 6,121 in 2016. California saw 1,095 hate crimes that year. When the data was released, San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon openly blamed President Trumps actions and words for the spike in hate crimes. Civil rights advocacy group Southern Poverty Law Center documented the surge of racial slurs and symbols, harassment and bigotry targeted at minority children in American schools during and after Trumps presidency, a phenomenon they called The Trump Effect because it appeared that children were emulating the racist, xenophobic and coarse language Donald Trump was using on the campaign trail. According to a recent report by the organisation, called Hate at School, over two-thirds of 2,776 educators surveyed talked of having witnessed incidents of hate and bias in school during the fall of 2018; only five percent of incidents witnesses were reported to the press. Children are calling African-American classmates monkeys, threatening to kill their Muslim classmates, calling them terrorists, and drawing swastikas on their hands. The hate inside the classroom is mirrored by the hate outside; the mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, a bullet in a Muslim home in Ohio during Ramzan, and the San Diego synagogue shootout. Dhriti Narayan, comatose and battling for life, is a reminder that Silicon Valleys cosy Indian neighbourhoods are not hate-proof. (The author is an independent journalist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She tweets @newspaperwalli) Indraneel Das By The view of beautiful lush green mountains with the occasional peak smeared with snow is always enchanting. The crisp, cool air sneaking in through the rolled-down windows of the car is invigorating. Multi-coloured Buddhist flags fluttering in the breeze welcome you to each cluster of villages, small and big. Scores of Army and paramilitary camps are sprinkled in between. These sights kept me company as I meandered into the heights of Arunachal Pradeshs West Kameng district towards Sela Top, the pass that leads to Tawang. But one sight that struck me as unusual was of BJP flags in front of business complexes and private houses. There were Buddhist flags with the BJPs next to themsomething thats sprung up in recent times. Perplexing sight, but for a state that was formed as late as 1987, this perhaps is a new-found belief. It is true in other states as well, especially in the Northeast and east. From the cold mountains to the beautiful warm beaches of Tamil Nadu, the contrast couldnt be starkermore so politically. Theres no sign of BJP flags fluttering. The saffron is just a speck in the political spectrum. In a state that takes pride in its Dravidian legacy, there was a split verdicta landslide for the DMK-led alliance in the Lok Sabha elections and enough for the AIADMK in the Assembly bypolls to stay in power. The simmering anti-BJP sentiment might have gone against the AIADMK, with which it had a pre-poll pact, in the Lok Sabha elections. It also shows that issues like NEET and hydrocarbon exploration in the Cauvery Delta did have their effect. On the flip side, even the Kongu belt, considered the AIADMKs fort, couldnt stop the DMK juggernaut. Heavyweights like Lok Sabha deputy speaker Thambi Durai had to concede defeat. Losing the Salem LS seat must have been embarrassing. DMK chief M K Stalin, facing his first big test after the demise of his father M Karunanidhi, passed the litmus test. Yet, his MPs might just be numbers in Lok Sabha as the opposition in the Centre is weak. The election also showed that, despite political realignment, parties other than the AIADMK and the DMK were non-influential. TTVs AMMK was a flop. While Kamal Haasans MNM did have traction in the urban pockets, in the rural areas it turned out to be a dud. Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami survived again. Time and again, he has shown his political acumen. Perhaps he read the conditions well and concentrated where he had toon the Assembly bypolls. He knew that without these numbers, his partys existence would be under threat. With the riddle of TTV Dhinakarans AMMK around his neck, survival was his primary motive. With this win, he has also ensured that he is the sole leader of the party. By managing to push TTV, who ended up with a meagre 5%-odd vote share, to the fringes, he has thwarted his Enemy Number 1 and started wooing back those who left the party. His proximity to the BJP leadership should come in handy now. The DMK, with 110 seats, might be tempted to make efforts to topple the government but it will not be easy. With the BJP in the Centre, EPS must feel secure. He has over two years to consolidate. In political parlance, that is a long, long time and who knows by then which way the votes will swing. The recent statement by Nitin Gadkari on prioritising the linking of the Krishna-Godavari-Cauvery rivers shows where Tamil Nadu stands in the BJPs pecking order. For a state that reels under drought year after year, this will be seen as a relief. In the next five years, the BJP will definitely try to make inroads in this Dravidian bastion. All eyes will be on AIADMKs lone representative in the Lok Sabha, Deputy CM O Pannerselvams son O P Ravindranath. A ministerial berth is what the AIADMK expects and it may get it too. As the hype of the 2019 elections settles down, the real picture will emerge. It needs to be seen where TN figures in the Centres scheme of things. (The author is Resident Editor Tamil Nadu. He can be reached at indraneel.das@newindianexpress.com) By Express News Service Giant killer Tippala Nagireddy, who defeated actor-turned-politician and Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyan in Gajuwaka Assembly segment in recently-concluded elections, began his career as Village Revenue Officer of Peda Gantyada before venturing into politics. Always considered a rebel for not compromising with issues, Nagireddy made his political debut as an independent corporator in Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation in 2007. He later contested as an independent candidate from Gajuwaka Assembly seat in 2009 but lost to erstwhile Praja Rajyam Party candidate. He again contested from the seat as YSRC candidate in 2014 but lost to TDPs Palla Simhachalam. However, he did not let two consecutive defeats dampen his spirit and finally emerged victorious by defeating formidable opponent Pawan Kalyan. In an interview with G Janardhana Rao, a jubilant Nagireddy attributes his victory to the Jagan wave across the State but says he is a pucca local who is well versed in the issues being faced by the people of Gajuwaka. He promises to work for the development of the constituency under the leadership of Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. Excerpts from the interview: Were you initially ready to contest against Pawan Kalyan? I was more than willing to take on the Jana Sena supremo. When Jagan asked me whether I was ready to contest against Pawan, I told him that I am ready irrespective of my opponent and promised him victory if given the ticket from Gajuwaka. What was main reason behind your confidence? Even before the election, I was confident of victory. This is because I have been closely associated with the people of the constituency. I am a pucca local to whom people reach out with their problems every day. I try to solve them and if I cant, I dont hesitate to reach out to leaders in the rival camp to get them solved. This is the reason, people have confidence on me and believe that I will never turn them down. Their confidence on me is my strength. Do you think sympathy factor worked in your favour? Though people were sympathetic as I had lost two previous elections in the constituency, Jagans personal charisma and partys wave that hit the State helped me win the election. I give 90 per cent of the credit to Jagan tsunami and the remaining 10 per cent to the sympathy factor. Do you believe cinematic glamour will fetch votes? No. Cinematic glamour can at most help draw crowds but not influence voters. People have to be convinced that the contestant can address their problems and work for the development of the region. Pawan is hardly aware of the topography and issues of Gajuwaka. Did members of your family support your decision to contest for the third time? I had considered this election as my last-ditch battle in my long and chequered political career. I had to prove myself in this election and all members of my family, except my nephew T Gurumurthy Reddy and his brother who are in the rival political camp extended their full support to me. What are the issues that you highlighted during campaigning? I had not touched upon national issues and limited myself to local problems such as traffic management, underground drainage, upgradation of high schools, setting up of junior colleges and betterment of medical services. Besides, Gajuwaka is a cosmopolitan industrial hub where labourers are generally opposed to the TDP due to its anti-labour policies. I observed during the campaigning that people wanted to give Jagan a chance and rectify their mistake of electing the TDP in 2014. Do you think Nagi Reddy magic helped YSRC Lok Sabha candidate in Vizag? No it was not my magic, instead it was Jagan wave that helped MVV Satyanarayana win Vizag. Nevertheless, securing majority of the votes from Gajuwaka segment helped him steer through to victory. Are you in the race for a cabinet berth? It is up to the Chief Minister to choose cabinet ministers. I am not lobbying for any cabinet berth but if Jagan chooses me, I will readily accept it. Are you happy with the election results? I feel my dream has come true. I was elated when Jagan called me local hero when I met him after the YSRC victory. Delegates attend a panel discussion entitled "E-Commerce and Cross-Border Trade" at the Fifth China-U.S. Governors Forum in Lexington, Kentucky, the United States, on May 24, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Rui) LEXINGTON, United States, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and U.S. governors have voiced their willingness to enhance cooperation at the sub-national level, and called for more efforts to boost exchanges in various fields, striking a more optimistic and practical tone than that at the national level. At the just-concluded Fifth China-U.S. Governors Forum, Chinese and U.S. governors gathered here, despite the ongoing bilateral dispute, to promote trade and investment, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges. SUB-NATIONAL ENTHUSIASM "We want to have a strong partnership with the people of China," Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin said when addressing the opening ceremony at the Lexington Convention Center. "We have 9,000 people in Kentucky working for Chinese-owned companies and hundreds have been added just in recent months ... I want thousands more," said Bevin, whose state hosted the three-day event. Cyrus Habib, lieutenant governor of the U.S. state of Washington, told Xinhua that Washington is the largest exporter to China among all 50 states, and China is Washington's number one export country. "Our relationship with China is absolutely key ... to the success that we have had," Habib said. Liu Guozhong, governor of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, said "the best way to benefit our people is to increase cooperation" not only in economy and trade, but also in environmental protection, culture and tourism, as well as scientific and technological innovation. The National Governors Association (NGA), one of the forum's organizers, said in a statement that about 400 people from both countries attended the event. "This shows strong interest in forging and maintaining strong relationships at the sub-national level for the mutual benefit of the United States and China," it said. The forum, co-hosted by the NGA, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China General Chamber of Commerce-USA (CGCC), features dialogues on business, culture, education and others. Chinese and U.S. companies signed three cooperation agreements at the forum on Thursday. Meanwhile, China's southeastern province of Jiangxi and the U.S. state of Kentucky signed a memorandum of understanding. Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said local-level cooperation between the two countries is a "bright spot" in bilateral relations and will become a new driver for bilateral cooperation. Cui added that he hopes "positive factors at local levels will triumph over the negatives in certain areas." BILATERAL TIES BELONG TO PEOPLE When Bill Lee, governor of the U.S. state of Tennessee, found he was sitting next to Tang Liangzhi, mayor of China's Chongqing Municipality, at the opening ceremony, he immediately texted his surprise to his son, who once lived in Chongqing while attending university. Lee said that exchanges on multiple levels "will enhance the opportunity for us to work together on things that are mutually beneficial." Tang, in his remarks, cited a famous Chinese proverb that "friends and neighbors become closer when they visit each other more often," and invited American friends to visit Chongqing. Former Missouri Governor Bob Holden, who has traveled to China many times, told Xinhua what struck him most is the "wonderful" people he met in China who want their children to have a better opportunity than they have, "which is the very same value system that we have in ... the heartland of the United States." "It's important that we continue to ... connect our educational system, our students with the students from China so that they can, at a young age, get to understand both cultures," he said. Wu Fulin, executive vice president of Bank of China, told Xinhua that local governments and businesses of both countries have shown a strong wish for cooperation at the forum, and there are broad areas for cooperation for both sides. "Efforts should be made to bring multi-level and diversified dialogue and exchange channels into full play," he said. "We have been more convinced than ever before that the China-U.S. relationship belongs to our people and its future should be defined by the people," Ambassador Cui said. The ambassador's view was echoed by Bevin, who, in his closing remarks, said that suspicion and misunderstanding go away "when people talk, when people trade, when people cross cultures by going to schools in one place or the other." UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL Officials and businessmen at the forum believed that the current disruption in bilateral trade is a temporary setback, and expressed their hope that the United States and China could soon reach a win-win trade deal. "There's no governor in America ... that does not want these agreements to be done and done soon," said Bevin, adding that the trade dispute is hurting companies because of the uncertainty. The Kentucky governor said he believes that the trade dispute will be resolved, and a quick settlement to the trade dispute will be better for both countries. Habib stressed that mutual respect is needed "at the heart of any negotiation." A trade deal, the lieutenant governor of Washington said, should help both sides have a good long-term understanding about trade dynamics, renew and refresh the rules of engagement, and make sure that "to the best of our abilities, we facilitate imports and exports." Bevin said that the two governments need to make sure that the trade agreement is "proper" and "solid," and that both sides "get something and give something," adding that it should be able to last for years to come. The state motto of Kentucky is "united we stand, divided we fall." Bevin used it in reference to China-U.S. relations: "when one side wins, the other side wins. When China is strong, it is good for America. When America is strong, it is good for China." By Express News Service VISAKHAPATNAM: The YSRCP government will order thorough inquiry into Vizag land scam along with alleged irregularities in Amaravati land acquisition, newly-elected Anakapalle MLA Gudivada Amarnath has said. Speaking at a news conference here on Sunday, Amarnath said the report submitted by SIT which probed the land scam was not yet made public. He ridiculed the then Collectors statement that land records were lost during Hudhud Cyclone. He said action would be taken against those who are involved in the land scam. Stating that the people had given a massive mandate to YSRCP, he said Jagan Mohan Reddy will assume office on May 30. He said people had voted for Jagan and not for a particular MLA or leader and this has resulted in the party getting 151 seats. Amarnath said Jagan, while addressing the YSR Congress Party meeting on Saturday, had asked the newly-elected MLAs to strive to meet the aspirations of people. By Express News Service BENGALURU: The humiliating defeat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections seems to have perturbed the JDS so much that it no longer wants to interact with the media. In its legislative party meet on Friday, the party decided to gag all its spokespersons, asking them not to appear on television debates or give interviews or quotes to the media. During the legislative party meeting, the national president and the state president of the JDS have decided that no spokesperson of the party shall participate in television debates or give quotes or statements to the media henceforth, a letter signed by JDS secretary M S Narayana to members of the party said JDS spokesperson Tanveer Ahmed said, We believe that some media houses got sops from the BJP to peddle news affecting the overall campaign of the Lok Sabha elections. We think that some media is biased against the JDS and have been bought by the BJP. The move, however, has not gone down well with JDS leaders who insist that it is nothing more than a displacement of agitation. When you lose something in such a humiliating way, you want someone else to take the blame. This is just a process of blaming the media for our own shortcomings, a party leader, who did not wish to be named, said. The letter comes after Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has time and again accused the media of showing him, his coalition government and his son Nikhil Kumar in poor light. By ANI BENGALURU: In view of the tumultuous political developments in Karnataka, Congress party's state unit has called for a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting on May 29 in Bengaluru. Along with senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President Dinesh Gundu Rao, will also be present at the meeting. Congress has 79 MLAs while Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) has 37 MLAs in the coalition government holding power in the state. ALSO READ | Two rebel Karnataka Congress MLAs meeting BJP leader SM Krishna raises eyebrows The JDS-Congress coalition which is in power in the state went through a rough patch during the campaigning of the recently held elections with leaders of both the parties accusing each other. The tensions between the two parties benefitted the BJP which won 25 of the 28 MP seats in Karnataka while both JDS and Congress had to content itself with just one seat each. However, the Karnataka Congress unit had said that there was no threat to the coalition in the state. The CLP meeting is reportedly being held to mitigate the differences between the two coalition partners and to assess whether its flock is intact amid speculation of defections. By Express News Service BENGALURU: Even as Congress and JDS leaders are busy fire-fighting to keep the coalition government afloat after the drubbing in the Lok Sabha polls, a meeting of disgruntled Congress legislators Ramesh Jarkiholi and Dr Sudhakar with BJP leaders at veteran S M Krishnas residence on Sunday has sparked off much speculation. Both sides termed it coincidence. But what is interesting is that Sudhakar and Ramesh, who have earlier minced no words in expressing their displeasure with the coalition government, chose the same time that senior BJP leaders, including state president B S Yeddyurappa, were scheduled to arrive at Krishnas residence. I haven't spoken to them (Congress MLAs). Yeddyurappa and I came to visit S M Krishna. I stayed back since I had to discuss party matters with the senior leader. Congress legislators admire Krishna and had paid a courtesy call on him. This is Krishnas house, not a political place. It is just a coincidence, claimed BJP MLA R Ashok. Miffed over being dropped from the coalition cabinet, Ramesh Jarkiholi has been in the forefront of cobbling up a team of disgruntled Congress MLAs. Sudhakar, who was denied chairmanship of the pollution control board after initially being appointed, has dropped hints of considering quitting the Congress time and again. I came to meet S M Krishna because he is our leader. I am alone, Ramesh Jarkiholi said when asked if the meeting had anything to do with his dissent against the Congress. Krishna is my political guru, well-wisher and a father-figure. My visit was personal. I meet him now and then. This was only a courtesy call, said Chikkaballapur MLA Dr Sudhakar. The meeting came on the day Mandya MP-elect Sumalatha Ambareesh and BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa too visited the senior Vokkaliga leader. There is neither work nor conspiracy. They admire S M Krishna and visited him as a matter of courtesy. Them being present at the same time I visited is mere coincidence. There is no need to add any meaning to it, said Yeddyurappa, denying any conspiracy to topple the coalition government or fanning dissent in Congress. Sources in the BJP as well as Congress suggest that close to nine legislators of the coalition, JDS included, are likely to jump ship and support the BJP. Jarkiholi meeting BJP leaders on the pretext of visiting SM Krishna could have been a deliberate attempt at letting the Congress leadership know their intentions, the sources suggested. There are opportunists in every party. After the results were announced, there seems to be more willingness on the part of some of our legislators to cross over, said a JDS source. The Congress-JDS coalition is placed precariously after BJP won the Chincholi assembly seat in the recent bypoll, taking its tally to 105. Another wave of rebellion or dissent is expected to cause much damage to the coalition. Shan A S By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For years, talents have been leaving Kerala in search of greener pastures, fetching name and money. But not this unique talent drain, which has only brought the state into disrepute. Several men from Idukki, who have experience in ganja cultivation, had left for Andhra Pradesh and Odisha after the anti-drug agencies tightened screws on them. And 50 of them have landed in jails in those states for cultivating and smuggling ganja and its extract hashish oil. The hilly district was once a hub of ganja cultivation and the produce from there was known as Idukki Gold among users. However, the good spell did not last long as the police and Excise officers, through their persistent efforts, removed the plant notable for its psychotropic effect from the hills. Highly-placed sources in the Excise Department said some of the men from Idukki have managed to buy land in the hinterlands of Andhra and Odisha and start their own ganja plantations. They also clandestinely brought together people who had been into ganja cultivation in the past and secretly recruited them as farm hands to look after ganja plantations. Excise sources said Idukki men are rated high by the ganja growers owing to their experience in the field. The recruitment of farm hands is done at a personal level. Those who have prior knowledge in growing ganja are offered good money to move to other south Indian states where the organised ganja planters strongly resist their respective governments anti-drug operations, a source said. The workers are kept inside the plantations and allowed to return after harvest. Its during raids that are few and far between that the Keralites were nabbed by the anti-narcotic agencies of those states. Some of them were also arrested while trying to smuggle ganja during their return journey to make extra cash, the source added. Of late, the ganja smugglers from the state are trying to bring in hashish oil, which can give them good return if it is safely taken to the destination. Excise Circle Inspector T Anikumar said the men from Rajahhadm Adimali, Nedunkandom and Kattappana were mostly recruited as farm hands. He has been having a busy season so far as in the last 12 months as he seized 55 kg of hashish oil from carriers. When the agencies here clamped down on ganja cultivation in Idukki, a section of those who were into the business migrated to other states. The Idukki men are there as planters, farm hands and carriers. Of the 24 men we arrested last year, more than half were from the district, he said. On Friday, a team led by Anikumar intercepted a vehicle at Venpalavattom near here and recovered 11.5 kg hashish oil and 2.5 kg ganja hidden in secret chambers. Three Ernakulam natives travelling in the car were also nabbed. During the probe, as the sleuths expected, the trio spilled beans on two Idukki men, who have been growing ganja in Darakonda in Vizag district. Bijay Chaki By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: As the process for formation of new ministry gathers momentum and hectic lobbying starts, the Biju Janata Dal leadership - despite having secured another stupendous victory defying all trends - appears to be in no mood to mollycoddle poor performers. In fact, it might just send across a stern message to those who put their individual interests above that of the party. The starting point, sources said, would be the loss of the prestigious Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat by BJD and the partys not so impressive performance in Chief Minister Naveen Patnaiks home district Ganjam. Informed sources in the regional outfit maintained that both these factors will have a great bearing on the district wise representation in the new Cabinet. The fact that BJD won six out the seven Assembly segments in Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency but partys nominee Arup Patnaik was defeated by a margin of 23,839 votes to BJPs Aparajita Sarangi is being viewed seriously by the supremo. What rankles the BJD leadership is that in all the three city Assembly segments - Ekamra, Central and North - candidates of the regional outfit won with comfortable margins, but the Lok Sabha candidate polled less votes giving the BJP rival a lead. READ HERE | BJP scripts history in Odisha with capital gain Of the three Assembly segments, performance of the Lok Sabha candidate in two key constituencies, Ekamra and Central, have started a churning in the regional outfit. Sources maintained that Arup Patnaik has lodged a complaint with party supremo with evidence that there was sabotage in these two segments leading to his defeat. If statistics from the two segments are considered, in Ekamra segment BJD candidate and former Minister Ashok Panda polled 75,020 votes compared to 56,747 by the Lok Sabha candidate. The loss of 19,000 votes hurt the former Mumbai Police Commissioner. Similarly, in the central segment, BJD nominee Ananta Narayan Jena polled 54,022 votes compared to 43,225 by the Lok Sabha candidate. The BJP Lok Sabha candidate was able take a lead of over 30,000 votes from both these segments alone. Sources maintained that Khurda district may not get any representation in the new ministry because of this reason alone. A formal inquiry by the party leadership is likely to be conducted after the swearing-in ceremony to fix responsibility for the regional outfits debacle in the Capital Lok Sabha seat. Similarly, the performance of BJD in the home district of Ganjam has worried the party supremo. Particularly, performance of the party in three constituencies including Gopalpur has come under scanner. READ HERE | How BJP's Aparajita Sarangi stabbed right in BJD's heart Former minister Pradip Panigrahi, who was appointed as the president of BJDs Ganjam unit and observer for Gajapati, won with a slender margin of 2,673 votes. In Parlakhemundi, the BJD candidate was relegated to the third position while in Sanakhemundi, Ramesh Jena of Congress won by a margin of 23,727 votes against Nandini Devi of BJD. BJD candidates won both Berhampur and Aska Lok Sabha seats. However, the margin of victory of both the BJD Lok Sabha candidates has come down substantially. The BJP, which had practically no presence in Berhampur and Aska parliamentary constituencies, has now a vote share of 35.26 per cent and 34.33 per cent respectively. Since the party leadership banked on its observers while handing out tickets before the elections, sources said, their performances elsewhere in the State are also being reviewed. FOLLOW OUR FULL ELECTION COVERAGE HERE u mahesh By Express News Service HYDERABAD: The enrolment of students at government schools seems likely to decline in the coming academic year. Teachers, who were on election duty since September last, are in no mood to start the annual Badi Bata enrolment drive as they even missed their summer vacation. They say parents now prefer sending their children to government residential schools. These residential schools have been spruced up over the last two years. New ones are being opened across Telangana, and the existing ones have been given a facelift. The facilities at these institutions match those at private schools, teachers say, adding that parents dont opt for Zilla Parishad High Schools (ZPHS) in villages as they lack even basic infrastructure. Government school teachers are stressed out due to their election duties, which went on for over nine months, a teacher told Express. In 2018-19, as many as 21,50,626 students were enrolled in 26,040 Zilla Parishad High Schools (ZPHS) in Telangana. The teacher, who did not wish to be named, said officials from government schools would conduct the Badi Bata programme after private schools finish door-to-door canvassing to enrol students in their schools, and hence, government school teachers feel their programme would be a failure this year. How is it possible to strengthen government schools in such a scenario? the teacher asked. Former president of the Progressive Recognised Teachers Union (PRTU) for Telangana State P Sarotham Reddy said that though the new academic year is to start next month, schools still dont even have basic infrastructure, and so, parents are keen on sending their wards to the nearest residential schools. Funds to be released soon The director of the School Education Department said instructions would be passed on to all district education officers (DEOs) in a couple of days to seek a report on infrastructural requirements, including toilets, compound walls, and repairs of buildings and benches, among other things. Based on the reports, we will release funds to the DEOs, aiming to finish all the work before schools reopen, said S Pradeep Kumar, deputy executive engineer, Directorate of School Education, who is the officer concerned with regard to school infrastructure. By AFP BERLIN: German daily Bild published a cut-out-and-use kippa on Monday in a bid to fight rising anti-Semitism, after Jews were warned about the potential dangers of wearing the traditional skullcap in Germany. Over the weekend, Felix Klein, the German government's commissioner on anti-Semitism, said he "cannot advise Jews to wear the kippa everywhere all the time in Germany", in an interview given to the Funke regional press group. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin voiced shock at Klein's warning and said it was a "capitulation to anti-Semitism" and evidence that Jews are unsafe in Germany. Bild, Germany's top-selling daily newspaper, waded into the debate, calling on readers to "stand in solidarity with (their) Jewish neighbours" by making "their own kippa", bearing the star of David, to "raise the flag against anti-Semitism". Rejecting the warning to leave off the kippa "seven decades after the Holocaust", Bild's chief editor Julian Reichelt wrote: "There is only one answer to that: No, it cannot be the case! "If that is so, then we have failed in the face of our history," he said. Urging readers to cut out the skullcap and wear it, Reichelt stressed that "the kippa belongs to Germany." Germany, like other western countries, has watched with alarm as anti-Semitic and other racist hate speech and violence have increased in recent years while the political climate has coarsened and grown more polarised. Anti-Semitic crimes rose by 20 percent in Germany last year, according to interior ministry data which blamed nine out of 10 cases on the extreme right. The arrival in parliament of the far-right AfD, whose leaders openly question Germany's culture of atonement for World War II atrocities, has also contributed to the change in atmosphere. Chancellor Angela Merkel has also deplored "another form of anti-Semitism" stemming from a major asylum-seeker influx, with many coming from Muslim countries like Syria, Afghanistan or Iraq. "That the number of anti-Semitic crimes is increasing should be a cause of great concern for all of us in Germany," Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Monday. "It is the task of the state to ensure that everyone can move freely with a kippa anywhere in our country and we stand by that responsibility." The Central Council of Jews in Germany has already issued several warnings about wearing the kippa in public. In one prominent case last year, a 19-year-old Syrian man was convicted for assault after lashing out with his belt at an Israeli man wearing a Jewish kippa skullcap while shouting "yahudi", Jew in Arabic. By PTI ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan Army soldier was killed when some militants attacked a security outpost in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal region on Monday. An exchange of fire broke out between the security forces and the terrorists when they raided the Makki Garh post in Shawal Valley of North Waziristan, the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. Troops effectively repulsed the attempt by the militants and in the exchange of fire, a soldier was killed, it said. The army retrieved five unidentified bodies during patrolling in Boya area where an army post was attacked on Sunday by a group. The bodies with bullet wounds were found from a dry stream nearly 1.5 kms away from the Khar Kamar post which was attacked by the group. Once a hotbed of militants, North Waziristan was cleared after an operation in 2014. However, lately it has witnessed sporadic incidents of violence by militants entering from Afghanistan, according to the security forces. By PTI LAHORE: Three terrorists belonging to the Islamic State (IS) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) militant groups have been arrested by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) officials in Pakistan's Punjab province. According to the CTD of Punjab police, separate teams raided whereabouts of the suspected terrorists in D G Khan and Sialkot districts and arrested the three terrorists on Sunday. In the first raid, the CTD said it arrested an active member of ISIS, Mohammad Sadaqat, in D G Khan, some 400-km from Lahore and recovered hand grenades and weapons. It said Sadaqat along with his accomplices wanted to target officials of law enforcement agencies. It said the suspect is being interrogated and his other accomplices in the area will also be arrested. ALSO READ | Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh planning to set up permanent bases in eastern India: Home Ministry In the raid in Sialkot, some 130-km from Lahore, two terrorists who were involved in sectarian killings were arrested on Sunday. The CTD said both suspects are members of LeJ and they were involved in the killing of some people of Shia sect. Weapons have been recovered from them. They have been shifted to an undisclosed location for investigation. The CTD last week arrested six members of the banned Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) and (LeJ) from different parts of Punjab province for collecting funds for "financing terrorism". "The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab government in a massive crackdown has arrested six activists of the proscribed organisations from various parts of the province for collecting funds for financing terrorism," the CTD said. It said Muhammad Zahid and Irfan Ahmad of JeM were arrested from Gujranwala, and Zafar Iqbal of JeM from Rawalpindi. Similarly, Muhammad Hanzala and Hamza of LeJ were arrested from Lahore while Ijaz Ahmad of the same banned organisation from Multan. The CTD said those arrested were collecting funds for terror financing for their proscribed organisations JeM and LeJ. "No member of any proscribed organisation will be allowed to collect funds for financing terrorism and extremism under the law of land," the CTD said. The Pakistan government had arrested over 100 members of banned outfits including JeM chief Masood Azhar's son and brother and taken control of JeM, JuD and FIF properties including seminaries and mosques across the country following immense international pressure built up after the Pulwama attack in February. The government termed the action in accordance with the National Action Plan and meeting the obligations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). If a cause is beneficial to society, it should be granted free development and broad competition, and the freer and broader the competition is, the more beneficial the cause would be to society. What Adam Smith says in the Wealth of Nations is still applicable to todays world where economic globalization is going through in-depth development. However, it is shocking that some US politicians, worshiping technological hegemonism, are going against the trend of time, trying to narrow the space for international cooperation by refusing competitions. Their practices infringed upon the legitimate right of other countries to develop. Recently, the US government abused national power and frequently turned its gun toward Chinese high-tech enterprises that have climbed to the top of the world through hard work including Huawei. It banned Huawei from participating in the US construction of telecommunication equipment, especially 5G equipment with fabricated reasons such as the so-called theft of secrets and national security. The US administration later placed Huawei on the Entity List, forcing many American companies to cut supplies for the Chinese tech firm. Through the presumption of denial, it exerted extreme pressure on Huawei by national power, and even requested relevant enterprises to contain the latter. Such practice is totally unreasonable and overbearing. As a major technological and economic power in the world, the US should have understood the law of technological development and the benefit of market competition. However, the US politicians, ignoring such common sense on purpose, have made frequent attempts to interfere with technological cooperation and market competition. They resort to national security because they couldnt find better excuses, which indicated the fragility of the largest tech power whose national security is opposed to threats so easily. Its obvious that what the US really intends to do under the banner of the national security is to contain the development of Chinas technology, so as to win more space and time for its own companies to gain monopoly in the global competition of 5G technology and the international division of labor. Such plot exactly exposed the hegemonic philosophy of the Uncle Sam that only allows itself to develop and refuses to accept the progress of the others. The practice indicated the supremacy that the US has always enjoyed as the only dominator of the world. Theres an old saying in China that strong men can conquer themselves. The best way to face competition is never containing the rivals, but improving self-capabilities. To maintain the leading position in technology, the US should make efforts to upgrade domestic enterprises and enhance their competitiveness. However, some Americans, represented by former White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, talked nonsense that China presents the greatest existential danger ever to the US and When China wants to supplant US dominance in an emerging industry, it acts rapaciously it steals. There is also voice in the US that The race for 5G is on, and America must win. As a matter of fact, by containing its rivals and cutting win-win cooperation with such mean approaches, the US will not see any progress made in its information technology, but only its enterprises being forced to use outdated and expensive substitutes, as well as slower steps in 5G construction. These unconventional methods can serve as a temporary protecting umbrella, but will never bring tangible development. A Scottish philosopher once compared noble emulation to the source of every excellence. The fundamental feature of market economy is emulation. A fair environment for competition can constantly stimulate the energy of market entities, facilitate the orderly flow of production factors, effective allocation of resources, and in-depth integration of markets, as well as promote the high-quality development of economy. It was through healthy competition that US carmakers Ford and General Motors both rose to fame and made remarkable achievements for the US auto industry at the beginning of the last century. The US, boasting its free competition and market economy, is taking competition so irrationally and ignoring international trade rules. How can it keep its credibility in the international society as it upholds trade protectionism and contains tech companies of other countries? The US refusal to competition impedes progress. Containing rivals wont help itself maintain dominance, and it would not stay at an invincible position by adopting unconventional approaches either. The hegemonic US politicians should try to figure out why the US firms in the Silicon Valley are still sparing no efforts to make shipments to China before the Huawei ban takes effect despite the US attempts to stop Chinese companies from participating in global competition. They should also try to understand why global countries are still choosing to cooperate with Huawei despite the US-fabricated stories tarnishing the company. The reason, which is quite simple, is that cooperation leads to win-win situation that can enlarge the cake of interests for each party involved, and refusal to competition would only impact the global supply chain and create unnecessary risks for world economy. Decades ago, China broke the western blockade and made its own nuclear bombs, intercontinental ballistic missile, and artificial satellite. Today, the countrys steps of technological innovation still wont be stopped by the disturbance from US politicians. The attempts to stop the strong impetus of Chinas progress by hegemony or infringe upon the legitimate right of the countrys development by blockade are destined to fail. The trend of history is irreversible, and the mean approaches of the US will not help it maintain the leading position. (Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by Peoples Daily to express its views on foreign policy) Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Submit ZIMBABWE has a role to define its own destiny regarding promotion of rule of law and access to justice, with development partners only expected to render financial or technical support to implement the already crafted strategies, Chief Justice Luke Malaba has said. He commended the cordial relations that exist between the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the European Union (EU), saying it was an ideal partnership based on mutual respect and recognition that Zimbabweans are capable of doing their own things. EU, through the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), has been assisting the countrys justice sector since 2011 with at least US$7 million having been injected to fund projects aimed at promoting rule of law and access to justice. Chief Justice Malaba was speaking to EU and ICJ representatives who visited him at his offices at Mashonganyika Building in Harare last Friday. He said the burden to decide on projects to be undertaken lay with the people of Zimbabwe and development partners cannot dictate strategies on Zimbabwes Judiciary. I think that is where our relationship with EU and ICJ has always been perfect. At no time did the EU and the ICJ dictate to JSC on what programmes to pursue and on what things to be done. They have always told us that we have the right to determine our own destiny. They only chip in where we share the same principles and same vision, he said. Said the Chief Justice: We have set up these programmes ourselves. Each of our officers in JSC understand them and they are able to explain to anybody anywhere. right time and is of good partnership, where we are regarded as people capable of doing their own things. We want to ensure that the assistance is of high quality, it comes at theright time and is of good partnership, where we are regarded as people capable of doing their own things. If we are not able to get the assistance, we may not move at the rate we want but we will move. Let me assure you that my determination is that we must move. It is not like we are saying that we will stop because we are not being assisted. He said rule of law can only be fully enforced through implementing strategies capacitating the judiciary. Chief Justice Malaba said development partners were important in funding the projects to ensure the rule of law objective was fully achieved. We are very clear about rule of law obligation. We are clear about the role of the Judiciary in Government. We are also clear on the role of the court in enforcing the rule of law. The courts are the essence of the rule of law. We can only give effect to that by training our magistrates, judges and other staff to ensure that our officers understand their role. That is when we need the help, thus the coming in of our development partners to ensure we achieve our objectives, he said. The Chief Justice said JSC fully understood its role in the partnerships. Most importantly, we as JSC, have understood the role we play in this relationship. We are the ground runners. We are the people who must ensure that we are very clear about what we want. Those who support us can only support us because we have clearly defined our policies. We have clearly defined our objectives as an organisation. We have clearly ensured that we maintain the values and that we measure ourselves against values, the best practice in the world. When you come as organisations, we need to ensure that we meet each other at that level, the level of the best, he said. EU Head of cooperation Ms Irene Giribaldi said her organisation was committed to funding projects aimed at promoting rule of law and access to justice for all. A HARARE man, who was shot several times on both legs by the police in a case of mistaken identity during an investigation into the theft of a motor vehicle in 2010, has finally been paid ZWL$21 000 in compensation by the police, thanks to the efforts of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Non-Governmental Organisation Forum. Trevor Simbanegavi (31), said the money was deposited into his account early May this year after a long and tedious process during which the police had frantically tried to frustrate his efforts to get compensation. Initially, people used to discourage me, saying the police cannot be sued and it was difficult to win such cases. I went to the Legal Aid Department and was also told the same statement before I was later referred to the NGO Forum, he said. He said he received support from the Human Rights NGO Forum and managed, after almost two years of frustration, to get a court order in 2012 for the court to pay him a total of US $21 000 in compensation. However, Simbanegavi said although the granting of compensation was a positive sign for victims of State torture, the amount was too little for him to live a comfortable life adding the money was most likely to be exhausted on medical expenses. The compensation just considered receipted costs which I incurred, but did not measure the degree of injury, whether I was able to walk again. I will possibly seek a review because the money has come after a long time and is not in United States dollars, he said. Simbanegavi, who was in the company of his young brother and a friend, was shot by a police officer in Avondale on December 8, 2010 after being mistaken for a gang that had stolen a car in Norton. The then university student suffered a 63% disability, with an above knee amputation on his left leg and metal plates on the right leg after going for two weeks without treatment following the shooting. His friend later succumbed to the injuries while his young brother escaped unscathed. He now walks on a prosthesis and clutch. We were parked at Number 35 Avonlea Drive when three armed police officers just came screeching their BMW vehicles. One of the armed officers, who I later identified as Alexander Jachi from Vehicle Theft Squad, came to me and ordered me to lie down, accusing me of stealing a car. As soon as I did, he started shooting at me before handcuffing me and bundling me, together with my friend who had been shot in the abdomen into their car, Simbanegavi said. He said they were driven around for more than four hours as they bled profusely before they were taken to Harare Hospital where he was kept under heavy police guard for two weeks. The police guard then just disappeared and we never heard anything from the police, he said. Human Rights NGO Forum executive director, Blessing Gorejena said payment of compensation by the government was a welcome gesture. We particularly welcome this development as it confirms the fact that there is a problem of torture and police brutality in the country. This affirms the calls by the forum to the government to ratify and domesticate the UN Convention against torture as well as criminalise torture, Gorejena said. She said Simbanegavi was among many victims of police brutality that the forum had been assisting over the past 20 years. Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco) dismissed over 100 bus conductors, with several being prosecuted in the courts, in the first four months of this year in a ticket scam that was bleeding the transport utility. The Herald understands that the conductors would issue the same tickets to different passengers, enabling them to pocket large sums of money. The pilferage resulted in the firm strengthening its inspectorate teams and planting informers. Recently, Zupco introduced the tap-and-go electronic payment system that will be mounted on its fleet, which will run to 3 000 at peak as the country introduces a mass public transportation system. Investigations by The Herald established that in some cases, a conductor would pocket fares for the whole 75-seater bus after issuing out old tickets. Some people blamed Zupco for recruiting degreed staff, some with masters degrees as conductors, who were advanced in terms of fraud. Among those arrested and taken to the Harare Magistrates Court was a law student, who had deferred studies to raise college fees. An impeccable source said most cases involved re-issuance of old tickets to passengers. Since the tickets had serial numbers, some conductors would start issuing out tickets bearing the last serial numbers, according to the ticket book sequence. The same tickets are collected when the passengers disembark. They are reissued to other passengers later in the day to hoodwink inspectors who usually make spot checks after lunch, said the source. Another source said in some cases, conductors would just collect the money without issuing tickets. Passengers are at times not issued with tickets on evening trips, creating an opportunity for conductors to pocket the money, the source said. Cases of theft were rampant op routes like Chitungwiza, Norton and Glen View. Zupco had to deploy informers on the routes, who would board buses just like any other passenger, to monitor the scam. The informers were part of the Zupco hit squad which falls under the inspectorate. Most conductors were arrested following tip-offs by whistleblowers. Zupco chief executive Mr Evaristo Madangwa confirmed the dismissal of over 100 employees over the tickets scandal, but did not disclose the amount lost. He, however, said pilferage prompted Zupco to introduce the new cashless system where payments are done electronically. I can confirm that indeed we have fired a number of conductors since the beginning of the year. They were involved in a scandal whereby tickets were issued twice or thrice to passengers for the purposes of defrauding the company. Our alert inspectorate managed to unearth the scam, resulting in the dismissal of at least 100 employees. We had employed them on fixed contracts, hence it was just a matter of terminating their contracts. A good number were arrested and taken to court, he said. Mr Madangwa said the new ticketing system dubbed tap and go would go a long way in reducing pilferage. Our new cashless system will reduce cases of theft. If the system is fully implemented, no conductor will touch any cent. All the payments will be done straight into the companys bank and EcoCash accounts, he said. President Mnangagwa recently commissioned 39 of the first 300 buses which the Government has secured as part of measures to ease the plight of commuters who are being ripped off by private operators. The electronic ticketing system introduced by Zupco seeks to increase revenue collection and efficiency. It will also plug cash leakages. Herald WASHINGTON, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Scientists proposed a new theory about the origin of oceans on Earth. They suggested that comets played a key role in delivering the life-enabling water to our planet billions of years ago. The study published in the latest journal Astronomy and Astrophysics Letters showed that water in many comets may share a common origin with Earth's oceans. The world's largest airborne observatory SOFIA operated by the U.S. space agency NASA found that Comet Wirtanen, as it made its closest approach to Earth in December of 2018, contains "ocean-like" water. SOFIA, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, is a Boeing 747 jetliner modified to carry a 2.7-meter diameter telescope, according to NASA. Observing at high altitudes above much of the Earth's atmospheric water allowed the telescope to accurately measure the ratio of regular to heavy water in Comet Wirtanen. The regular water is H2O, while the heavy water is called HDO, which has an extra neutrally-charged particle called a neutron inside one of the hydrogen atoms. The data showed that Comet Wirtanen's water ratio is the same as the Earth's oceans, according to the study. Comparing the new data with previous studies of comets, the scientists found the ratio of regular to heavy water was not linked to the origin of the comets, for example, whether they were from the Kuiper Belt or the outer fringe of the solar system. Instead, the ratio was related to how much water was released from ice grains in the comet's coma compared to directly from the snowy surface, implying that all comets could have a heavy-to-regular water ratio similar to Earth's oceans. If comets have the same ratio of these water types as Earth's oceans, it indicates that the water in both may share a common origin, according to the researchers. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 18F. ESE winds shifting to WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 100%. Snow accumulating 5 to 8 inches.. Tonight Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 18F. ESE winds shifting to WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 100%. Snow accumulating 5 to 8 inches. On the evening of 22 May in the city of Itami, Hyogo Prefecture, a 28-year-old electrician was arrested for drunk driving. Just before midnight the station wagon he was driving collided with a traffic light and after officers arrived on the scene, they determined he was intoxicated. However, at the same time the suspect told police, "I have a rare condition, and when I get nervous my body produces alcohol. My doctor told me before." Police didn't seem to buy it though, and proceeded with the arrest. The suspect is currently denying the charges. It's an interesting almost-superpower that this man claims to have. It's kind of like The Hulk, only when this guy says "You wouldn't like me when I'm angry," he doesn't mean because he'll turn into an unstoppable monster. He means he'll complain about foreigners or sing "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons both very loudly and very poorly. Needless to say, many eyes were rolled online on this day. Many of these naysayers might be surprised to find that the suspect's highly suspect condition actually exists, and is often called "auto brewery syndrome" but more accurately known as "auto fermentation syndrome" or "endogenous ethanol fermentation" if you want to sound like a real smarty-pants. Those with this rare condition have an abnormal level of certain types of yeast in their stomachs that aid in converting sugars and other carbs into alcohol. For example, if a person with auto brewery syndrome eats a grape, it literally becomes wine inside their gut. And if done in large enough quantities, then enough wine would be produced to give that person a buzz without ever drinking a drop of alcohol. - soranews24.com Increasing numbers of the nationally protected species are being affected by plastic bag consumption. One of the highlights of a visit to Nara is the chance to walk amongst the city's free-roaming deer. And with more than two million foreign visitors last year alone, some of the deer in the area have been so well-fed by day trippers that they find it hard to stand on their feet during holiday periods. However, it appears that some tourists have been feeding these nationally protected animals something other than the deer-friendly senbei crackers sold by vendors in the area. According to a recent report from the Nara Deer Welfare Association, the animals have been eating plastic, which has led to the deaths of a number of deer in recent months. A veterinarian from the association said a sickly looking deer was found near Todaiji temple in Nara Park on 23 March, and although they attempted to feed it, it refused to eat. The severely weak 17-year-old female deerawhich weighed 30 kilograms (66 pounds), 10 kilograms below the healthy weight rangeadied the next day. An autopsy revealed that the stomach of the animal was almost entirely filled with hardened material that looked like a clump of polyethylene bags. The mass weighed 3.2 kilograms (7 pounds). Like cows and sheep, deer chew their cud as part of a process called rumination in order to digest nutrients in plant-based foods. The food first enters the rumen, one of their four-chambered stomachs, where it's broken down by bacteria before being regurgitated for the animal to chew in order to be fully digested. However, the accumulation of so many bags inside the deer's stomach made it unable to regurgitate, digest, and ingest new food, resulting in its death. - soranews24.com U.S. President Donald Trump met Monday with the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korean agents in the 1970s and 1980s, vowing to cooperate with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to secure their return. "We will be working together to bring your relatives, your daughters, your sons, your mothers home," Trump said in the meeting in Tokyo, which took place after an audience with new Emperor Naruhito and a summit with Abe. The abduction issue remains one of Japan's biggest grievances against North Korea and a major hurdle to establishing diplomatic ties between the two countries. Among the attendees of the meeting were Sakie Yokota, whose 13-year-old daughter Megumi was abducted on her way home from school in 1977, and Shigeo Iizuka, brother of Yaeko Taguchi who went missing the following year at the age of 22. Japan officially lists 17 people as confirmed victims, five of whom were repatriated in 2002, and suspects the North's involvement in many more disappearances. Trump also met with the families of the abductees during his previous trip to Tokyo in November 2017. He has raised the matter at his two summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. But the issue has largely taken a back seat to denuclearization talks between Washington and Pyongyang, prompting Abe earlier this month to ease his previous stance that a guarantee of progress on the abduction issue would be a prerequisite to meeting with Kim. - Japan Today Nigerias quest to stop the enforcement of a monumental $9 billion arbitration award will now be heard by the English Commercial Court... Nigerias quest to stop the enforcement of a monumental $9 billion arbitration award will now be heard by the English Commercial Court on June 14. The case could not be heard on May 20 as previously scheduled because of an administrative hitch. The court is likely to make a pronouncement on the merit of Nigerias defence at the next sitting. Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID), a British engineering and project management company, had dragged Nigeria to arbitration in London in August 2012 alleging breach of contract by the federal government. In July 2015, the dispute was resolved in favour of P&ID but Nigeria later unsuccessfully asked the English Commercial Court to set aside the award completely. In January 2017, the tribunal ordered Nigeria to pay P&ID $6.6 billion in damages and $2.3 billion in interest. Along with accrued interest, the fine has risen to about $9 billion. Nigeria had sought an extension to defend its case to stop the enforcement of the award, which will put the nations foreign assets including external reserves at risk. After failing to file its defence, Nigeria was fined by the court which ordered the federal government to start paying part of P&IDs legal costs. TheCable understands that even after the court had granted a second extension, Nigeria almost missed the deadline only filing its defence one working day to the May 20 hearing date. Officials of the ministry of justice arrived London ahead of the hearing to discover that it would not hold as scheduled. What is at issue? P&ID, founded by Irishmen Michael Quinn and Brendan Cahill with over 30 years of experience in engineering projects in Nigeria had entered into a 20-year gas and supply processing agreement (GSPA) with the federal government in 2010 to build a state-of-the-art gas processing facility. The plant, in which Nigeria was to have a 10 percent stake, was to refine associated natural gas into non-associated natural gas to power the national electric grid as conceived in 2006 when President Olusegun Obasanjo was in power. The agreement stipulated Nigeria would receive 85% of the non-associated gas at no cost for electrical generation and industrialisation. P&ID would receive the remaining 15% of byproduct methane, propane, butane to sell on the commercial markets, of which Nigeria would receive proceeds from their 10 percent stake in the companys ownership. Based on the agreement, government was to supply 150 million standard cubic feet (scf) of the gas per day to P&ID rising to 400 million scf in the life of the project. The gas was otherwise being flared by the oil-producing companies. The GSPA also required the government to build a gas supply pipeline to the P&ID facility. What went wrong? P&ID said after spending several years preparing for the project, the project collapsed because the Nigerian government did not build a pipeline or secure a supply of gas as stipulated in the agreement. With the ensuing crisis unresolved even after proposing an amendment to the agreement, P&ID commenced arbitration against Nigeria in August 2012 in London, UK. In May 2015, while the arbitration was still ongoing, P&ID agreed to settle the dispute upon payment of $850 million by the government, according to documents seen . However, President Goodluck Jonathan, who was about to leave office having been defeated in the presidential election, provoked by P&IDs offer, countered, but indicated they would hand over the negotiations to the incoming administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. The arbitration award was made two months after Buhari assumed office in 2015. Adewura Bello, a lady who was declared missing on May 15, has been found dead in a canal in Lagos. Adewura, the 26-year-old accounting... Thank you all for the search. Adewura is Dead. Her Body found in a canal. The heaven has gained an angel. We depart to meet again till we Meet again Adewura Forever in our Heart God I am in pains but who am I the question you. Rip pic.twitter.com/cH6Sbd8VNh May 26, 2019 Adewura Bello, a lady who was declared missing on May 15, has been found dead in a canal in Lagos.Adewura, the 26-year-old accounting graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), was said to have gone missing on Wednesday after she boarded a bus from Ikeja to Egbeda, where she lives.According to Fadesola, Adewuras sister, the last time she heard from the deceased was when she told her she was on her way home.I spoke with her around 7pm on Wednesday. She works at Ikeja and she told me she was on her way home. Then, when it was raining around 7:55pm, I called again. This time it rang but she did not pick. So, I assumed it was the rain, Fadesola said.But we did not see her after the rain and the next time I tried her number, it said it was unavailable and later said switched off.On Sunday, Benjamin, a cousin to the deceased, tweeted that Adewuras body has been found in a canal.Thank you all for the search. Adewura is Dead. Her Body found in a canal. Heaven has gained an angel. We depart to meet again till we Meet again Adewura. Forever in our Heart. God, I am in pains but who am I the question you. Rip, he tweeted. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says Aisha Buhari, wife of the president, has vindicated its position that the current administrati... The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says Aisha Buhari, wife of the president, has vindicated its position that the current administration is a citadel of corruption. Reacting to Buharis wife criticism of the N500 billion social investment programmes (SIP) of the federal government, the opposition party asked anti-graft agencies to swing into action. The presidents wife had said the SIP failed in the north, accusing Maryam Uwais, special adviser to the president on social investment, of incompetence. I was expecting that N500 billion to be utilised in different methods in the north for the aim to be achieved. I dont know the method they used but most of the northern states did not get it, she had said. Maybe it worked in some states. In my own state, only a local government benefited out of the 22 LGAs. I didnt ask what happened and I dont want to know but I can say it failed woefully in Kano. In a statement, Kola Ologbondiyan, national publicity secretary of the PDP, asked President Muhammadu Buhari to speak on the allegation and take needed action. More disheartening is the fact that the said funds were meant for the welfare of the poor, whom Mr President had always claimed to represent in government. he said. Unfortunately, these poor Nigerians have been waiting endlessly for the failed social investments promised by President Buhari only to have their hopes dashed as revelations by Mrs Buhari had shown that the money provided for the programme had been stolen. The PDP holds that now that the truth has been revealed by no lesser Nigerian than Mr Presidents wife, the National Assembly and all anti-corruption agencies should immediately commence forensic investigation how into these funds were dispensed and utilized. Ologbondiyan accused Buhari of poor Nigerians to fritter away billions of naira. He added that the presidents wife has shown that the PDP has not been crying wolf by insisting that Buhari must account for the trillions of naira stolen under his watch in the last four years. Nigerians can now see how the same administration presided over by Mr. Integrity has been using the names of innocent poor Nigerians to loot our national treasury and fritter away billions of Naira to finance their wasteful lifestyle while Nigerians wallow in abject poverty, he said. It is indeed appalling that the Buhari administration would be sitting on such colossal corruption and continues to thrive in evil concealment while diverting public attention from their rot by hounding innocent opposition figures on trump-up corruption charges. The PDP had always maintained that no matter how much deceit and falsehood appears to thrive, the truth must prevail at the end of the day. Our party therefore charges President Buhari to speak out on the matter and immediately commence the process of recovering the money and channelling it for the benefit of the poor Nigerians. The China International Big Data Industry Expo 2019 in Guiyang, Southwest China's Guizhou Province gets underway on Sunday morning Photo: Huang Ge/GT The digital economy has grown into a powerful engine driving China's high-quality economic and social development, and Chinese tech firms have the confidence and ability to withstand uncertainties and pressure in the global market amid ongoing China-US trade tensions, officials and corporate representatives said Sunday. "The new generation of information technology, represented by the internet, big data and artificial intelligence, is booming at present and has significant and profound impacts on the economic development, social progress and people's lives of all countries," Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a congratulatory letter to the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2019. The expo opened in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou Province on Sunday. It is the fifth year for Guiyang to host such an expo. China attaches great importance to the development of the big data industry, and is willing to share opportunities of the digital economy's development with other countries and jointly explore new growth drivers and development paths by exploring new technologies, new business forms and new models, Xi said in the letter. Xi also sent a congratulatory letter to the expo last year, showing his emphasis on advancing the big data industry and the recognition of the development of the sector, Sun Pishu, CEO of Inspur Group, told the Global Times on the sidelines of the expo. The digital economy has fostered and strengthened the country's new drivers of development and data is the core for the development of the digital economy, Sun said, noting that more effort is needed to connect the production, circulation and application of data to help traditional industries realize digital transformation in the country. China's digital economy was valued at 31.3 trillion yuan ($4.6 trillion) in 2018, accounting for 34.8 percent of the country's total GDP, said a report released by the Cyberspace Administration of China on May 8. Compared to India in terms of digital economy, China is more advanced and has a more comprehensive eco system, Rahul Kanuganti, co-founder and CEO of India-based Flytta, told the Global Times on the sidelines of the expo. The expo brings perspectives from different parts of the world to help create uniformity in policymaking systems in the world's big data industry and further facilitate global cooperation, Kanuganti said. China's digital economy has great growth potential in the global context. The country's digital economy ranked second in the world in terms of competitive competence in 2018, followed by South Korea, Singapore and Japan, according to a report jointly released by the Tencent Research Institute and Renmin University of China on May 13. The US ranked first, the report said. The Chinese tech sector has been under pressure as the US continues to escalate the trade war with China and has made the technology sector a battleground by blacklisting Chinese telecom company Huawei. US officials are also reportedly considering blacklisting as many as five Chinese video surveillance companies. Tech firm representatives told the Global Times on the sidelines of the expo that they were able to withstand the external pressure. "We have confidence in our ability for research, development and innovation as well as the progress China has made in such sectors like AI and 5G," Liao Wang, CEO of Atoshi, a Beijing-based firm focusing on blockchain technology, told the Global Times on Sunday. No country can exclude others to pursue technology growth, Liao noted. Visitors walk past the logo for big data in front of the exhibition hall where the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2019 is taking place in Guanshanhu district of Guiyang, Southwest China's Guizhou Province, on Sunday. Photo: Huang Ge/GT Growth impetus "The big data industry has been a great impetus to Guiyang's growth during recent years. When I first came here 10 years ago, poor transportation and narrow streets impressed me most," Liao said. "But now modern buildings have kept springing up in the city, and a global event in the high-tech sector is held each year that has attracted worldwide attention, which offers a window for the world to see the latest outcome of China's digital economic development," Liao noted. Although Guizhou has been a less-developed region due to its geographic location, its remoteness and isolation also created advantages for the growth of the big data industry - located away from earthquake zones, the province boasts a cool climate and ample sources for power generation. The application of big data has also contributed to targeted poverty alleviation in Guizhou, and the technology has helped accelerate the process and improve the quality of poverty alleviation work, said Shen Yiqin, governor of Guizhou. The number of people living in poverty declined by 7.68 million between 2013 and 2018 in Guizhou, Shen told the expo on Sunday. Scientific and technological progress accounted for 61.4 percent of Guiyang's economic growth in 2018, compared with 61.5 percent reported by Shenzhen, China's innovation and tech hub, Xu Hao, vice mayor of Guiyang, told the Global Times in an earlier interview. Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation, has reacted to claim by President Muhammadu Buharis Special Adviser on Media and Publi... Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation, has reacted to claim by President Muhammadu Buharis Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina on those supporting former President Olusegun Obasanjo against the president. Adesina had claimed that Christian leaders, who support Obasanjo and oppose Buhari are witches, false prophets and marabouts. In his latest article entitle, Aint no stopping us now, Adesina had said: The sluice gates of free funds had been slammed shut, and they were unhappy. As dolorous as King Lear at his worst. The letter writer mobilized the international community, feeding them with misinformation and disinformation. Fulanization. Islamization, and other creepy concoctions. He was already addressing the PDP candidate as my incoming President. Oh, how so very easy to build castles in the air! Marabouts, witches, wizards, and false prophets masquerading as pastors, bishops, and archbishops also joined the fray. They began to spew falsehood, which they attributed to God. He that sits in Heaven just laughed at them, and held them in utter derision. However, the former Aviation Minister said the reverse should be the case. In a tweet, Fani-Kayode said those who support Buhari were rather pagans and sorcerers. Femi Adesina says Christian leaders that support OBJ and oppose Buhari are false prophets, witches, wizards and marabouts. This is false. President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met behind closed doors with the South-South Monarchs Forum. The meeting started at 11.37am... President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met behind closed doors with the South-South Monarchs Forum. The meeting started at 11.37am at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. It was still in progress at the time of filing this report. Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has revealed that he had told President Muhammadu B... Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has revealed that he had told President Muhammadu Buhari that he would not want to return as a Minister in his cabinet. Lokpibiri said he had informed the President that he would contest the Bayelsa State governorship race instead. Lokpobiri said this in an interview on Channels TV, yesterday, adding that he has learnt a lot under President Buhari and was eager to become Bayelsa governor to replicate all he had learnt. He said, I met the president a few days ago and I told him that I want to run for governorship in Bayelsa having thanked him for appointing me as a minister. I have learnt so much under him in the four years than what I learnt as a parliamentarian for 12 years. I want to take that experience back home and see how we can build a Bayelsa beyond oil. Sylva is not my godfather. When I was speaker in 1999 he (Sylva) was special assistant to Alamieyeseigha. When I came to the Senate, he became governor. Yes, I must concede he came into APC and might have facilitated my appointment as minister but that does not make him my godfather. In 2007, when he got elected as governor, I got elected as Senator. In 2007, I was with Timi Alaibe and that was how I got the ticket. In 2011, we worked together even when former president Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Seriake Dickson were fighting him. I worked for him and not Dickson. Outgoing Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha on Monday disclosed he has kept N42.5 billion in the coffers of the state for his successor... Outgoing Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha on Monday disclosed he has kept N42.5 billion in the coffers of the state for his successor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha. Okorocha stated he decided to keep such amount for the in-coming governor so that there wont be excuses in carrying out activities of government. The governor, who made the disclosure while swearing-in eleven Permanent Secretaries as well as the new Accountant-Genera, Deacon Donald Igbo and the new Head of Service Mrs. Ngozi Ama Eluma explained that N8.1billion of the money was meant for the payment of salaries and capital Projects while N5.2billion was for Pension Arrears. He also stated N7.6billion was meant for the renovation of schools, while N21.6billion was mapped out for rural roads, totaling N42.5billion. The governor noted further that following petitions from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftains, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, (EFCC), blocked the money for the payment of arrears of Pension and others at the point of starting the payments. Addressing the new Permanent Secretaries, the governor advised them to do their best to reposition the Civil Service system, protect the integrity of the State and shun corruption, adding that workers in the State Civil Service should put in their best in the service of their fatherland. According to him: Remember God in discharging your duties. Discharge your duties without fear or favour and also defend your State when the need arises. I gave this state my best. I will do all I can to support the incoming government. Imo State Government has kept aside a total of N4.5b for the in-coming government, and for that reason, I will set up a sub-committee to make sure that the projects they are attached to, come to fruition even when I am out of office or when I will not be available because government is a continuum. Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has reacted to the declaration by the Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas O... Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has reacted to the declaration by the Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, that he will become the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The embattled outgoing Imo Governor made the vow on Sunday during his valedictory thanksgiving service held at the Government House Chapel in Owerri. According to Governor Okorocha, the political travails he faced now, particularly the seizure of his Certificate of Return as the Imo West senator-elect, were only his stepping stone to the presidential seat. Okorocha berated his political adversaries who, according to him, wanted him to end up in prison. He said he is the most criticised politician in the country, adding that all the ploy to stop him from going to the Senate will fail. I tell you, I am the most criticised person in Nigeria today. I dont know why the entire elite hate me with cruelty. My Senate ambition is still a battle. More than 30 people have joined the suit to fight me. All these, I will overcome. They are only preparing me for the glory ahead. Mark it, I will be president of Nigeria. I said this on this altar so that the kingdom of God will rise against those fighting to stop me. Also, those who think they will put me in prison will go to prison before me, Okorocha said. But reacting, Omokri, in a tweet on Monday, mocked Okorocha by saying that the Governor will become President of Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers. He wrote: Rochas is NOT lying when he said Mark my words, I will be president of Nigeria. Visitors take a photo to make their own "front page" at the People's Daily booth. (People's Daily Online/Luo Jia) A host of global achievements in frontier technologies, including cute interactive robots, artificial intelligence (AI)-based Chinese shadow puppetry, a driverless car, a virtual studio, an augmented reality (AR)-driven museum, and smart vending machines wowed visitors at the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2019 which kicked off on May 26 in Guiyang, capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province. The Big Data Expo 2019, the fifth of its kind, is comprised of 162 events in total, including high-level dialogues, forums, exhibitions, contexts, and release of achievements in the big data industry. Attracting nearly 25,000 visitors from 55 countries and regions around the world and 156 foreign exhibitors from 25 countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, Israel and India, this year's Big Data Expo gathers together the latest scientific and technological achievements and will witness the release of 49 cutting-edge technologies and products. Workers assemble electric wires at Zhongyuan Creative in Foshan, South China's Guangdong Province on Friday. The firm's chairman told the Global Times that the tariff spat with the US reminded the company that "it's time to reform and change" in order to become more competitive. Photo: Zhang Hongpei/GT The current trade war with the US cannot destroy China's advantages in the supply chain and will in fact help the country's manufacturing base to climb faster and higher up the value chain, Chinese industry insiders noted. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said, during a visit to a private company in Weifang, East China's Shandong Province from Friday to Saturday, that Chinese enterprises will ultimately win consumers and markets based on technological innovation, their own efforts and developing broad cooperation. Chinese officials have repeatedly stressed that although the trade war has had some impacts on Chinese exporters mainly clustered in the Pearl River and Yangtze River deltas, China's two manufacturing hubs oriented toward foreign trade, the impacts are controllable and China has the confidence to pull through. Wang Zhijun, vice minister of industry and information technology, said the US tariff hike will cause domestic enterprises to face higher operational costs, lower competition and fewer orders, but the impacts were overall controllable, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Sunday. When asked to comment on the US raising tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods earlier this month, Wang said the amount accounted for 41.8 percent of all Chinese exports to the US in 2018, but took up only 8 percent of all Chinese foreign exports. Workers assemble electric wires at Zhongyuan Creative in Foshan, South China's Guangdong Province on Friday. The firm's chairman told the Global Times that the tariff spat with the US reminded the company that "it's time to reform and change" in order to become more competitive. Photo: Zhang Hongpei/GT Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturers are actively seeking ways out amid the ongoing trade war by either diversifying to other overseas markets or diverting their attention toward the huge domestic market. Korra Bath Ware Co, a sanitary products producer focused on foreign exports and based in Foshan, South China's Guangdong Province, has been exploring overseas markets in countries and regions along the routes of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). "Different from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) mode applied in the US or European markets, we have our own branded shower rooms and bathtubs sold to the Southeast Asian and African countries," Liu Xiangying, vice general manager of Korra, told the Global Times. About 60 percent of Korra's business came from the US market and its cooperation with US customers has been affected to some degree by the China-US trade dispute. "We want to make it through together and our US customers will not leave China in the short run as it takes time for the supply chain to regroup and reach a balanced state," said Liu. Korra is exploring transit trade via Southeast Asian countries, but not planning to establish a factory there. Zhongyuan Creative's automatic production machine works on a circuit board on Friday. Photo: Zhang Hongpei/GT Move or leave? China has forged, over the past four decades, definite advantages not only in manufacturing highly cost-effective goods for the world, but also in a complete, mature supply chain, experts and entrepreneurs noted. It was undeniable that more Chinese manufactures have transferred their processing trade or low-end industry to newly emerging Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, but that process started prior to the trade war with rising labor costs, said Lin Jiang, an economics professor at Lingnan College, Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province. "The trade war only accelerates that process," Lin told the Global Times on Sunday. Due to the trade war, transnational companies, which have long enjoyed the benefits of China's supply chain and output advantages, might have felt the pinch transferring the production line out of China. Poor roads, sparse rail lines and congested ports in Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia and other potential manufacturing destinations in Southeast Asia have stretched out delivery schedules and raised shipping costs, Wall Street Journal reported Thursday, citing manufacturing and transportation company executives. "Sometimes even for a screw, you need to purchase from Guangdong for a factory in Southeast Asian countries," said Chen Liang, head of Dongguan Magnetic Materials Industry Association. According to Lin, enterprises used to focus on human costs or land costs in the supply chain, but competition is moving toward intelligent logistics based on big data and fifth-generation (5G) networks - China leads the world in these areas. "It's important for China to grasp opportunities in the next supply chain wave," he said. A new start Zhang Weiqiang, chairman of Zhongyuan Creative, a company based in Foshan, Guangdong, told the Global Times on Friday that his company has been ready to transform toward an innovation center since last year. "It's a good new start," Zhang said. Engaged in electric wire manufacturing for four decades, Zhongyuan witnessed its orders placed by US customers, which take up 60 percent of its overseas sales, decline by over 60 percent since US tariffs on $34 billion of Chinese goods took effect in August, Zhang said. "The recently announced tariff hike to 25 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods further aggravated the order decline," he noted. "It's a good thing, however, because it has reminded me that we have to change now." The company has adopted a cooperation model with its US partners: Zhongyuan is responsible for original design manufacturing while the US side runs market research and sales, which means that Zhongyuan has little say in business relations. "Since last year, we have invested in two automatic production lines, aiming to produce what we want by embracing the intelligent manufacturing trend in the country as well as opportunities emerging from the guidelines of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area," Zhang said. He was confident that by ramping up efforts in self-reliant technological innovation and enhancing the influence of their own brand, the company was bound to survive and thrive even during a trade war. "We want to realize a situation where even with tariff hikes, US customers still prefer to choose our products," he said. China's Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) is widely supported and welcomed by the Arab League. In the 8th Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) held in Beijing last July, China and Arab countries signed three important outcome documents including the Beijing Declaration, the Action Plan for 2018-2020 and the Declaration of Action on China-Arab States Belt and Road Cooperation. Earlier, China signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative with 9 Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Egypt and Morocco. At the same time, cooperation documents on energy with 5 Arab countries including the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Egypt were signed as well. Further, seven Arab countries including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Egypt have become the founding members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The Arab countries and Arab League actively participated in the first Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing in May 2017. Through the continuous efforts, both sides have made significant progress in cooperation under the background of BRI. Take the progress of key infrastructure projects as an example, China and Arab Countries actively participated in many construction cooperative projects, for example Algeria central port, Egypt's "10th of Ramadan" suburban railway, the Egyptian main power grid transmission line, the Egyptian glass fiber production line and the Egyptian small satellite assembly test center. Besides, China and Arab Countries have made other achievements in areas such as the Abu Dhabi ports in United Arab Emirates, the extension of friendship port in Mauritania, the "Mohamed VI bridge" and the Morocco and China Reinforce Energy Cooperation in Morocco, the Road stadium in Qatar, the oil shale power station in Jordan, the independence power station project in Oman and the upper Atbara water conservancy project in Sudan. Financially, China has set up 15 billion US dollars of special loans (loans for special purpose) to support industrialization in the Middle East and 10 billion US dollars in concessional loans (loans on favorable terms). Meanwhile, China has set up RMB clearing centers in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and has set up a joint investment fund totaling 20 billion US dollars with the two countries as well. With the efforts from both China and Arab Countries, the cooperation between them has made remarkable progress, for instance the Sino-Egyptian Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, the Sino-Arab Industrial Park in Oman, Saudi Arabia Industrial Agglomeration Zone, and the United Arab Emirates Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Park in China have been continuously promoted. On the other hand, China and Arab countries also focus on strengthening dialogue and consultation to exchange their bilateral development strategies and policies, and to push forward the BRI in line with the development strategies and policies of these countries based on their own situations. Countries have expectations for mutual benefits and win-win results from BRI. For instance, China and Arab countries highly benefited from each other in economic and trade exchanges. Specifically, in recent years, the business environment of Arab countries has been improved, and the governments have made great efforts to attract Chinese investors. Under this background, both China and Arab countries try to sign more BRI cooperation documents, such as the BRI and the "2030 vision" docking plan. Both China and Kuwait are working out a plan for bilateral cooperation. At the same time, the BRI projects have linked with other strategies like the Qatar's 2030 National Vision, Bahrain's Vision of 2030 Economic Development", Egypt's Vision of 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy, Morocco's Economic Takeoff Plan and the Development Strategy of the Industrial Revitalization Plan 2014-2020. With the further development of BRI, it will also help the enterprises to actively express their expectations and demands as well as to participate in international economic governance. In terms of economic cooperation, China should actively promote a road towards peace and friendship by enhancing mutual understanding and trust as well as strengthening all-round exchanges. As China is committed to peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and benefit, it promotes cooperation in all fields, and works to build a community of shared interests, destiny and responsibility featuring mutual political trust, economic integration and cultural inclusiveness. To keep the promise, China put forward proposals of policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to people bond. Thus, BRI between China and Arab States is a road of building peace, prosperity, opening up, innovation and civilization between China and Arabia world, which helps expand the cooperation and serves the common interests of both sides. On the other hand, Arabian countries are supportive to the rules of the multilateral trading under the framework of WTO to achieve the goal of improving the sustainable development of all nations in the world. However, there are still some problems in China-Arab economic and trade cooperation such as the unstable political situation in different countries, chaos, economic policy, and government efficiency as well as the strict legal and compliance rules in the Middle East, which reduces the confidence of Chinese investors. Also, the prominent financial risks make financing difficult. All these instabilities hinder the progress and development of Chinese-funded enterprises in Arab countries. In this circumstance, the Chinese business community should strengthen its cooperation with the Arab commercial sector to standardize and give guidance to business activities under the framework of BRI. Namely, Chinese investors are to promote the dialogues with Arab countries on the basis of the existing industrial and commercial cooperation mechanism, with a focus on the safety, taxation, social security and employment restrictions for Chinese companies. Chinese companies should strengthen the investigation and analysis of the market environment, political, legal, cultural and religious situation of Arab countries to improve the risk evaluation and risk control. On the other hand, investors should build a good connection with legal agencies and committees to ensure the legitimate rights such as the intellectual property rights (IPR) of Chinese enterprises and prevent overseas legal disputes. To sum up, China and Arab countries should put forward the BRI on the basis of their own situations and characteristics. And all sides must adhere to an inclusive approach towards cooperation, and promote openness to achieve mutual benefits. The author, Prof. Luo Lin is the Director of International and Regional Studies Institute, Dean of Middle East Studies School, Director of Arab Studies Center, Beijing Language and Culture University. HANOI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's capital Hanoi plans to increase the number of bus routes connected with China-constructed Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban railway from 43 to 50, with 65 bus stops along the route, local media reported on Monday. The bus system which connects with Cat Linh-Ha Dong railway route, built by the China Railway Sixth Group, will be able to serve 313,000-344,000 passengers a day, daily newspaper Vietnam News quoted the Hanoi Transport Department as saying. If the urban railway begins operation, 15-20 percent of drivers in Hanoi will switch to using the train, according to the department. Once the line opens, the number of taxis operating along its route is expected to decrease due to people taking buses to use the railway, reducing traffic congestion. There will be 13 trains, including 12 in operation and one in standby, running through 12 stations in a total distance of 13 kilometers in three districts, Sun Dezhi, deputy general manager of the overseas branch of the China Railway Sixth Group, told Xinhua recently. Each train, which has four carriages with a total length of 79 meters, can carry up to 1,000 passengers. It will take passengers around 30 minutes to complete the whole journey. The Cat Linh-Ha Dong elevated railway project officially started construction in October 2011. The trial run of the railway officially began in September 2018. ABC News(TOKYO) -- President Donald Trump said hes not concerned by North Koreas recent missile tests and endorsed brutal dictator Kim Jong Un's attack on fellow American and former Vice President Joe Biden in a press conference in Tokyo Monday. "Kim Jong-Un made a statement that Joe Biden is a low IQ individual. He probably is based on his record. I think I agree with him on that," Trump said. Trump was asked if he is siding with a dictator over a fellow citizen and former U.S. vice president. Trump responded that he doesnt take sides and, on foreign soil, went on to call the Obama administration a "disaster." I can tell you that Joe Biden was a disaster, his administration with President Obama, they were basically a disaster when it came to so many things," the president said. "Whether it was economy, whether it was military, defense, no matter what it was. They had a lot of problems. So I'm not a fan." Despite Trump and Abe saying that they are on the same page when it comes to North Korea, Trump has downplayed the North's recent missile tests -- drawing a sharp contrast to the assessment of his own national security advisor and his Japanese host. My people think it could have been a violation, as you know," the president said. "I view it differently. I view it as a man, perhaps he wants to get attention, and perhaps not. Who knows? It doesn't matter. All I know is that there have been no nuclear tests. There have been no ballistic missiles going out. There have been no long-range missiles going out. And I think that someday we'll have a deal." Yet the presidents national security adviser John Bolton said that the recent missile tests are no doubt violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Trump said he is in no rush for North Korea to denuclearize. I am very happy with the way it's going. And intelligent people agree, he added, praising Kim as a smart man. The president will be back in Japan at the end of next month for the G-20 summit as a trade war with China looms. Though Trump said in the press conference today that the U.S. is not ready to make a trade deal with China, the presidents economic advisor said earlier this month that there is a strong possibility of a meeting between Trump and Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, at the meeting. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. With the approach of full commercial use of 5G, local governments in China have intensively introduced their plans on 5G development recently, as regions like the Pearl River Delta region, Yangtze River Delta region and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region are gearing up to cultivate industrial clusters valued at trillions of yuan, according to a report by Economic Information Daily. At present, more than 20 provincial-level regions have completed 5G call tests and more than 500,000 commercial 5G base stations are expected to be built in South China's Guangdong, North China's Hebei, East China's Zhejiang and Jiangxi, and Central China's Hubei provinces and the cities of Shanghai, Harbin, Tianjin, Chongqing and Wuhan in the future, the report said. "With technologies and products related to the 5G network maturing, the main parts of the 5G industrial chain, including systems, chips and terminals, are ready for commercial use," Wen Ku, a spokesman for the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said on Tuesday. The report said the ministry, having made a general plan for 5G application, is estimated to formally issue 5G licenses at some point this year. As one of China's first batch of 5G pilot cities, Guangzhou will build 10,000 5G base stations by the end of year, aiming to take a lead to achieve the commercial use of 5G this year. Shanghai plans to build 10,000 and 30,000 5G base stations by this year and by 2021 respectively, to realize deep coverage of 5G networks in the whole city and build itself into a leading pilot area of 5G network construction. According to a 5G development plan released by Guangdong province on May 15, the Pearl River Delta region will be built into a 5G broadband city cluster that has world-level 5G industrial agglomeration area and 5G fusion application area. In addition, the province proposed a 5G industrial agglomeration area valued at trillions of yuan that will be developed in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Earlier, Jiangsu province also released a notice, proposing the three provinces and one city in the Yangtze River Delta region, which referred to Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces and Shanghai, should jointly promote the region to become a national 5G construction and application demonstration area. As early as 2016, authorities in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province signed a cooperation agreement on the coordinated development of informatization, mapping out plans on 5G network construction. The coordinated layout of 5G development of major regions can benefit the construction of a connected regional network infrastructure, which will help them explore the services and derivative values of 5G application in a larger scope and to a greater extent, play leading roles for other regions in the country, Feng Xiaohui, a consultant at Chinese research firm CCID Consulting Co, said. Telecom operators also are intensively issuing 5G deployment plans to accelerate 5G test and network construction. The report said China Mobile has carried out 5G scale tests and application demonstrations in 17 cities, China Unicom is achieving consistent coverage of a 5G trial network in seven cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanjing and Hangzhou, as well as Xiongan. It plans to achieve 5G network coverage in 33 cities' selected areas, and China Telecom plans to accelerate 5G network deployment in some key cities, and build 20,000 base stations in 2019. More than 2 million 5G base stations are expected to be invested and built nationwide by 2022, Zhang Yingqiang, a researcher with the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said, according to the report. In addition, the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology predicted the total investment on 5G networks will reach 90 billion yuan to 1.5 trillion yuan between 2020 and 2025, with telecom enterprises' operation revenue related to 5G reaching 1.9 trillion yuan, the report said. However, Feng warned that as 5G technologies and standards are not yet fully mature at present, for local governments, how to avoid excessive risks in choosing a roadmap and making early investment while promoting 5G development has become a focus issue. There may be as many doors into Alcoholics Anonymous in the 21st century as there are people who walk through themfrom every world religion to no religion. The international mutual-aid fellowship has had a significant and long-term effect on the culture of the United States, writes Worcester State University professor of psychology Charles Fox at Aeon. Indeed, its influence is global. From its inception in 1935, A.A. has represented an enormously popular therapy, and a testament to the interdisciplinary nature of health and wellness. A.A. has also represented, at least culturally, a remarkable synthesis of behavioral science and spirituality that translates into scores of different languages, beliefs, and practices. Or at least thats the way it can appear from browsing the scores of books on A.A.s 12-Steps and Buddhism, Yoga, Catholicism, Judaism, Indigenous faith traditions, shamanist practices, Stoicism, secular humanism, and, of course, psychology. Historically, and often in practice, however, the (non)organization of worldwide fellowships has represented a much narrower tradition, inherited from the evangelical (small e) Christian Oxford Group, or as A.A. founder Bill Wilson called them, the O.G. Wilson credits the Oxford Group for the methodology of A.A.: their large emphasis upon the principles of self-survey, confession, restitution, and the giving of oneself in service to others. The Oxford Groups theology, though qualified and tempered, also made its way into many of A.A.s basic principles. But for the recovery groups genesis, Wilson cites a more secular authority, Carl Jung. The famous Swiss psychiatrist took a keen interest in alcoholism in the 1920s. Wilson wrote to Jung in 1961 to express his great appreciation for his efforts. A certain conversation you once had with one of your patients, a Mr. Rowland H. back in the early 1930s, Wilson explains, did play a critical role in the founding of our Fellowship. Jung may not have known his influence on the recovery movement, Wilson says, although alcoholics had accounted for about 13 percent of all admissions in his practice, notes Fox. One of his patients, Rowland H.or Rowland Hazard, investment banker and former state senator from Rhode Islandcame to Jung in desperation, saw him daily for a period of several months, stopped drinking, then relapsed. Brought back to Jung by his cousin, Hazard was told that his case was hopeless short of a religious conversion. As Wilson puts it in his letter: [Y]ou frankly told him of his hopelessness, so far as any further medical or psychiatric treatment might be concerned. This candid and humble statement of yours was beyond doubt the first foundation stone upon which our Society has since been built. Jung also told Hazard that conversion experiences were incredibly rare and recommended that he place himself in a religious atmosphere and hope for the best, as Wilson remembers. But he did not specify any particular religion. Hazard discovered the Oxford Group. He might, as far as Jung was concerned, have met God as he understood it anywhere. His craving for alcohol was the equivalent, wrote the psychiatrist in a reply to Wilson, on a low level, of the spiritual thirst of our being for wholeness, expressed in medieval language: the union with God. In his reply letter to Wilson, Jung uses religious language allegorically. AA took the idea of conversion more literally. Though it wrestled with the plight of the agnostic, the Big Book concluded that such people must eventually see the light. Jung, on the other hand, seems very careful to avoid a strictly religious interpretation of his advice to Hazard, who started the first small group that would convert Wilson to sobriety and to Oxford Group methods. How could one formulate such an insight that is not misunderstood in our days? Jung asks. The only right and legitimate way to such an experience is that it happens to you in reality and it can only happen to you when you walk on a path which leads you to a higher understanding. Sobriety could be achieved through a higher education of the mind beyond the confines of mere rationalismthrough an enlightenment or conversion experience, that is. It might also occur through an act of grace or through a personal and honest contact with friends. Though most founding members of AA fought for the stricter interpretation of Jungs prescription, Wilson always entertained the idea that multiple paths might bring alcoholics to the same goal, even including modern medicine. He drew on the medical opinions of Dr. William D. Silkworth, who theorized that alcoholism was in part a physical disease, a sort of metabolism difficulty which he then called an allergy. Even after his own conversion experience, which Silkworth, like Jung, recommended he pursue, Wilson experimented with vitamin therapies, through the influence of Aldous Huxley. His search to understand his mystical white light moment in a New York detox room also led Wilson to William James Varieties of Religious Experience. The book gave me the realization, he wrote to Jung, that most conversion experiences, whatever their variety, do have a common denominator of ego collapse at depth. He even thought that LSD could act as such a temporary ego-reducer after he took the drug under supervision of British psychiatrist Humphrey Osmond. (Jung likely would have opposed what he called short cuts like psychedelic drugs.) In the letters between Wilson and Jung, as Ian McCabe argues in Carl Jung and Alcoholics Anonymous, we see mutual admiration between the two, as well as mutual influence. Bill Wilson, writes McCabes publisher, was encouraged by Jungs writings to promote the spiritual aspect of recovery, an aspect that took on a particularly religious character in Alcoholics Anonymous. For his part, Jung, influenced by A.A.s success gave complete and detailed instructions on how the A.A. group format could be developed further and used by general neurotics. And so it has, though more on the Oxford Group model than the more mystical Jungian. It might well have been otherwise. Read more about Jungs influence on AA over at Aeon. Related Content: Zen Master Alan Watts Explains What Made Carl Jung Such an Influential Thinker How James Joyces Daughter, Lucia, Was Treated for Schizophrenia by Carl Jung Carl Jung: Tarot Cards Provide Doorways to the Unconscious, and Maybe a Way to Predict the Future Josh Jones is a writer and musician based in Durham, NC. Follow him at @jdmagness The force of Artaud, you couldnt kill him! Patti Smith Found sound enthusiasts Soundwalk Collective join forces with the Godmother of Punk Patti Smith for Ivry, the musical tribute to poet and theatermaker Antonin Artaud, above. The track, featuring Smiths hypnotic improvised narration, alternately spoken and sung over Tarahumara guitars, Chapareke snare drums, and Chihuahua bells from Mexicos Sierra Tarahumara, the region that provided the setting for Artauds autobiographical The Peyote Dance, has the soothing quality of lullabies from such popular childrens music Folk Revivalists as Elizabeth Mitchell and Dan Zanes. Wed refrain from showing the kiddies this video, though, especially at bedtime. It begins innocently enough with mirror images of the beautiful Artaudas the Dean of Rouen in 1928s silent classic The Passion of Joan of Arc, and later in the private psychiatric clinic in Ivry-sur-Seine where he ended his days. Things get much rougher in the final moments, as befits the founder of the Theater of Cruelty, an avant-garde performance movement that employed scenes of horrifying violence to shock the audience out of their presumed complacency. Nothing quite so hairy as Artauds virtually unproduceable short play, Jet of Bloodor, for that matter, Game of Thronesbut we all remember what happened to Joan of Arc, right? (Not to mention the grisly fate of the many peasants whose names history fails to note) In-between is footage of indigenous Raramuri (or Tarahumara) tribespeople enacting traditional ritualsthe mirrors on their headdresses and the filmmakers use of reflective symmetry honoring their belief that the afterlife mirrors the mortal world. Ivry is the penultimate track on a brand new Artaud-themed album, also titled The Peyote Dance, which delves into the impulse toward expanded vision that propelled the artist to Mexico in the 1930s. Prior to bringing Smith into the studio, members of Soundwalk Collective revisited Artauds journey through that country (including a cave in which he once lived), amassing stones, sand, leaves, and handmade Raramuri instruments to awaken the landscapes sleeping memories and uncover the spaces sonic grammar. This mission is definitely in keeping with Smiths practice of making pilgrimages and collecting relics. The Peyote Dance is the first entry in a triptych titled The Perfect Vision. Tune in later this year to travel to Ethiopias Abyssinian valley in consideration of another Smith favorite, poet Arthur Rimbaud, and the Indian Himalayas, in honor of spiritual Surrealist Rene Daumal, whose allegorical novel Mount Analogue: A Novel of Symbolically Authentic Non-Euclidean Adventures in Mountain Climbing ended in mid-sentence, when he died at 36 from the effects of tuberculosis (and, quite possibly, youthful experiments with such psychoactive chemicals as carbon tetrachloride.) You can order Soundwalk Collectives album, The Peyote Dance, which also features the work of actor Gael Garcia Bernal, here. via BoingBoing Related Content: Hear Antonin Artauds Censored, Never-Aired Radio Play: To Have Done With The Judgment of God (1947) Iggy Pop Reads Walt Whitman in Collaborations With Electronic Artists Alva Noto and Tarwater Patti Smiths 40 Favorite Books Ayun Halliday is an author, illustrator, theater maker and Chief Primatologist of the East Village Inky zine. Join her in New York City this June for the next installment of her book-based variety show, Necromancers of the Public Domain. Follow her @AyunHalliday. Journalists gather around at the media center of Beijing Expo 2019, where a live video call is projected on a large-screen television via 5G, April 27, 2019. (Photo: Pan Zhiwang/Beijing Daily) The 5G industrial chain is expected to expand in China as a result of the comprehensive implementation of a new round of 5G plans. Thanks to the countrys increasingly mature 5G technology and products, all links along the 5G industrial chain from systems and chips to terminals have reached a level of commercialization, said Wen Ku, director of the telecom department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology at a recent press briefing. The ministry will continue to improve the policy environment and support related companies to build networks to create a favorable environment for the application and development of 5G, Wen added. To embrace the commercialization of 5G, local governments in China have issued relevant plans. On May 15, south Chinas Guangdong Province initiated an action plan to accelerate the development of the 5G industry between 2019 and 2022. According to the plan, the province will build a 5G broadband city cluster in the Pearl River Delta region to form a world-class 5G industrial cluster by the end of 2022. Major telecom carriers have published their 5G plans as well as conducted related experiments. China Mobile has launched large-scale 5G trials and application demonstrations in 17 cities. China Unicom plans to ensure uninterrupted 5G network coverage in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Hangzhou and Xiongan New Area, and make 5G hotspot coverage available in 33 cities. China Telecom also plans to accelerate the deployment of 5G networks in major cities, and build 20,000 5G base stations in 2019. Large-scale construction of 5G base stations will also begin. Guangzhou will build 10,000 5G base stations in 2019, striving to take the lead in trial commercialization of 5G. Shanghai will create over 10,000 5G base stations this year and 30,000 5G base stations by 2021. China is forecast to spend 900 billion yuan to 1.5 trillion yuan on the construction of 5G networks from 2020 to 2025, and the countrys telecom carriers are expected to generate 1.9 trillion yuan in total revenue from 5G-related business during the same period, according to the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT). The economic output directly driven by 5G commercial deployment is estimated to reach 10.6 trillion yuan, which will directly add as much as 3.3 trillion yuan from 2020 to 2025, according to a report issued by the CAICT. SANCTIONS: Iran Medical Professionals Report Shortage, High Prices Of Imported Equipment 05/27/19 Source: Radio Farda Medical professionals in Iran say prices of imported medical equipment have risen 4 to 5 times in the last few months, Mehr news agency reported on Monday May 27. Vahid Karimi, the secretary of Iranian Radiology Association told Mehr that the price of laboratory equipment have risen up to five fold. The Iranian currency has depreciated more than fourfold in the last 18 months against major currencies, mainly due to U.S. sanctions. A nurse attending a patient in an Iranian hospital (file photo by Islamic Republic News Agency) Meanwhile, Mohammad Ali Boroumand, the secretary of Iranian Pathology Association told the agency that although the government allocated subsidized, cheaper foreign currency for importing materials used at laboratories, "the equipment and parts for laboratories are not included in the low exchange rate purchases and this has caused a rise in the price of parts, so that a part which was available at 90 million rials (roughly $800 on average) last year, has reached 360 million rials ($3300)." Part of the rise in the price of medical equipment like other goods is that those who got low-rate dollars at 42,000 rials per U.S. dollar from the government for importing the equipment sell their imports at the market rate which currently is more than three times the government rate, pocketing the difference. Meanwhile, Mehr reported a shortage of batteries for pace-makers, as well as laboratory diagnostic test kits in Iran, adding that the shortage has caused concern on the part of lab technicians and patients. Some laboratories use smuggled kits that may be sub-standard. The Police Chief in Sistan and Baluchistan Province told Mehr news agency that his officers have seized 1.575 billion rials ($13,000) worth of smuggled medical equipment in the province. This includes 4,500 sheets of radiology film, he said. Meanwhile, a Food and Medicine Organization official, told Mehr that the shortage and high prices of medical equipment is partly caused by the fact that officials use the budget allocated for the purchase of medical equipment to acquire other things. The official did not elaborate who exactly diverts funds and for what purposes. Doors of ancient underground "city" in Hamedan, Iran opened to archaeologists 05/27/19 Report by Tehran Times; photos by Pourya Pakizeh, ISNA A team of archaeologists has commenced an extensive research on a centuries-old underground "city", which is located in Salehabad district of Hamedan province, west-central Iran, ISNA reported on Friday. The site, estimated to date 800 years, was found some three years ago but the story wasn't publicized in order to prevent any possible looting from the underground city before the appropriation of credits for the beginning of studies, a provincial tourism official Ahmad Torabi said. The official said that initial works found at the site are pieces of pottery, which are related to the Islamic and earlier eras, emphasizing "We need more time to do further research and exploration so that we can fully investigate this area." "At the time when Russian soldiers crossed the area [during the World War II], the men of the region concealed their families in the underground city so that no one noticed their presence," Torabi added. It is the third underground city being discovered in Hamedan province after Samen and Arzan-Fud, which some archaeologists attribute the two to the times of Medes (678 - 549 BC) so that Hamedan may be named as a pioneering region of troglodyte architecture in the country, he explained. Last October, Hamedan hosted the 3rd International Troglodytic Architecture Conference in which tens of experts, researches and academia discussed troglodyte-associated architecture, culture and technology. Modern Hamedan largely lies on ancient Ecbatana, which was the capital of Media and subsequently a summer residence of the Achaemenian kings who ruled Persia from 553 to 330 BC. Three Persian leopards, one cheetah spotted in Semnan, Iran 05/27/19 Source: Mehr News Agency SEMNAN (Mehr News Agency) - Three Persian leopards and an Asiatic cheetah have been spotted in Khar Turan National Park of Shahroud, Semnan province, a senior official at the Department of Environment (DOE) said. Three Persian leopards spotted in Semnan Amir Abdoos, director of Semnan's DOE office, said the three mature leopards were spotted by the trap cameras while approaching the protected zones in search of water. The official noted that park rangers have spotted several Persian leopards in the region during the past couple of months, raising hopes that the number of rare species may be increasing in the region. One Asiatic cheetah was also observed in the no-hunting mountainous areas of the national reservoir, he added. Asiatic cheetah spotted in Semnan Persian leopards and Asiatic cheetahs are among the most endangered species in the world. Big cats have been listed as "endangered" in the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Iran is one of their main habitats. Reduced prey population and shrinkage of their natural habitat are threatening the big cats. Bamou National Park in the southern Fars province is one of the main habitats of the Persian leopard. Covering an area of 1.4 million hectares, the national park has the largest population of Persian leopards, Cheetahs, Persian onager, goitered and Indian gazelle, wild sheep and goats. Trump: U.S. Wants Iran Without Nuclear Weapons, Not Seeking Regime Change 05/27/19 Source: RFE/RL U.S. President Donald Trump, who is on a state visit to Japan, has said that the United States is not seeking regime change in Iran, amid heightened tensions between the two countries. "We're not looking for regime change, we're looking for no nuclear weapons," Trump said after talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo, adding that he thinks "we'll make a deal" with Tehran. Source: Iranian daily Sazandegi (Trump artwork by Robbie Conal) Relations between Tehran and Washington have plummeted since the United States a year ago pulled out of a 2015 nuclear accord between world powers and Iran that curbed the country's nuclear program in exchange for relief from crippling economic sanctions. Since then, Washington has reimposed sanctions, stepped up its rhetoric, and beefed up its military presence in the Middle East, prompting growing concerns of a possible military conflict with Iran. Before his talks with Abe, Trump said: "Nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me." "I do believe that Iran would like to talk and if they'd like to talk, we'd like to talk also," the U.S. president told reporters. Trump also noted that Abe has a "very good relationship with Iran," amid Japanese media reports saying that the Japanese leader is considering a visit to the Middle Eastern country next month. Donald Trump welcomes Japan's offer of mediation with Iran https://t.co/PRPBjJFiLA The Guardian (@guardian) May 27, 2019 In announcing the U.S. pullout from the nuclear deal in May 2018, Trump said the terms were not tough enough to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and did not address Iran's missile program or Tehran's support for militants in the region. Iran has denied it supports insurgent activity and said its nuclear program was strictly for civilian energy purposes. Iranian leaders also reject any talks with the United States, which they accuse of pushing for regime change in the country. Apart from Iran, Trump and Abe also discussed trade and Japan's concerns over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. Trump said that he was not "personally bothered" by recent short-range missile tests, which Pyongyang conducted this month. Abe disagreed, saying that the missile tests violated UN Security Council resolutions and were "of great regret." A February summit in Hanoi between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un broke down without producing results on the process of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. "Lots of good things will come with North Korea," Trump told Abe at the start of their talks. "We've come a long way. There's a good respect built, maybe a great respect, built between certainly the United States and North Korea." As Trump was meeting with Abe, North Korea's Foreign Ministry called White House national-security adviser John Bolton a "war monger" and "defective human product" in response to his description of a recent North Korean short-range missile test as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Earlier on May 27, Trump became the first foreign leader to meet with Japan's new emperor who ascended to the throne on May 1. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako greeted the U.S. president and his wife, first lady Melania Trump, at the Tokyo Imperial Palace. With reporting by AP, Reuters, AFP, and Kyodo News Agency Ghanas public debt has ballooned to GH198 billion or US$38.9 billion as at the end of March 2019 representing 57.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product, (GDP), from GH147 billion which was 49.5 percent of GDP for the same period in 2018, according to figures released by the Bank of Ghana, (BoG). The external component of the debt increased to US$20.7 billion or GH105.2 billion representing 30.5 percent of GDP from US$17.3 billion or GH76.1 billion which was 25.35 percent of GDP for the same period last year. The domestic debt also increased to GH9238 billion which was 24 percent of GDP during the same period in 2018. The 2019 debt Strategy envisages the issuance of medium-term domestic instruments to help address cost associated with the financial sector clean-up. With zero central bank financing of the budget still in force, the strategy further envisages a cash buffer beyond the net domestic financing to cater for liquidity and liability management. According to the government, to ensure an effective implementation of this strategy, an annual borrowing and recover plan will be published for 2019 in line with Section 60 (5) of the PFM Law. Government intends to further develop the primary and secondary markets by reforming the primary dealership framework and facilitates securities trading on the domestic market through the GFIM. Last week, the government issued its debt calendar of the second quarter of 2019 with plans to raise GH12.1 billion, from the money market through the issuance of Treasury Bills, Notes and bonds for the second quarter of 2019. Of the amount, GH11.5 billion would be used to rollover maturities debts and the remaining GH566 million would be used for governments financing requirements. For the second quarter, the Bank of Ghana would issue a 91 Treasury worth GH4.3 billion, 182-day bill worth GH2.9 billion, 364-day bill worth GH750 million, a 2-year bond worth GH600 million, a 3-year bond worth GH800 million, a 5-year bond worth GH1 billion, a 6-year bond worth GH500 million, a 10-year bond worth GH800 million and a 15-year bond worthGH450 million. The Calendar was developed based on the 2019 Net Domestic Financing (NDF) as stipulated in the 2019 Budget and Economic Policy of Government, domestic debt maturities and the MTDS for 2019-2022. The calendar shows the securities that are intended to be issued for the period April to June, 2019. The Calendar also takes into consideration Governments liability management programme, market developments (both domestic and international) and the Debt Management objective of lengthening the maturity profile of the public debt. Source: Economy Times 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 President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, has described Ghana as the most important destination in Africa currently for Austria and Austrian businesses. According to President Alexander Van der Bellen, the management of the Ghanaian economy, especially over the last two years, for which Ghana is projected to be the fastest growing economy in the world in 2019, has made the country very attractive for investors from Austria. The Austrian President made this known on Monday, 27th May, 2019, when he held closed door bilateral discussions with the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Welcoming the increasing participation of Austria businesses in Ghanas economy, President Akufo-Addo, who is also in Austria to participate in the R20 Austrian World Summit on Climate Change, urged Austrian firms invest in clean energy initiatives in Ghana. On the fight against terrorism, and the increasing activities of terrorists in the Sahel, the President called for more support in aid of efforts by the African Union and the G5 du Sahel in combating the menace. He stressed that the co-ordination of activities between the armies and the intelligence agencies of our countries is absolutely essential to a successful battle against terrorism. Already, the Austrian Federal Army is involved in training co-operation with the Ghana Armed Forces on Combat Dog Training. As part of this co-operation agreement, the Austrian Army supports dog handlers from the Ghana Armed Forces, and will set up a regional training centre in Ghana. Touching on the purpose for his presence at the R20 Summit, President Akufo-Addo assured his Austrian counterpart of Ghanas preparedness to tackle the climate change phenomenon. Climate change, the President stressed, is the biggest threat to the realisation of the SDGs, and has become an issue of grave concern to most leaders across the world, as it has considerable impact on the fundamentals required for the survival of the human race on earth, i.e. rise in sea levels, severe and extreme weather conditions, such as droughts, floods and erratic rainfall patterns, and growing desertification. It is in own interest to act to salvage the economic fortunes of the continent, and, more so, step up our collective efforts to fight decisively climate change, he added. R20 Summit The President is in Austria to attend the R20 Austrian World Summit an initiative which is helping regions, countries and cities to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to meet the global climate protection targets outlined in the Paris Agreement. He is attending the Summit in his capacity as co-Chair of the UN Secretary Generals Group of Eminent Advocates on the 2030 SDGs, and will, on Tuesday, 28th May, participate in the high-level panel discussion on the need for leadership to take responsibility in the global process on sustainable development and international co-operation. Whilst in Austria, the President will also hold bilateral talks with the Austrian Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz; with the President of Hungary, Janos Ader; and with the CEO of the World Bank, Kristalina Georgieva. He is also expected to meet members of the Ghanaian community resident in Austria. 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 Guo Jing (not her real name), a sophomore at a university law school in north China's Tianjin city, said using cellphones in class decreases her ability to pay attention, but she just can't help using her mobile phone. (Photo/Chinanews.com) Should universities ban cellphones in class? According to a poll launched by a Chinese media outlet, 50 percent of surveyed university students said yes, and the remaining 50 percent said no. "I think perhaps rather than just prohibiting us from using cellphones in class, the teachers should also improve their teaching methods," said Guo, explaining that some of her teachers still use the same methods as high school teachers. University teacher Wang Li (not her real name), admitted that she sometimes wondered if she could make some improvements to her teaching content and methods so that her students would focus more on the class, instead of on their cellphones. However, she also noted that banning cellphones in classrooms may not be the most effective way to make students focus, because those who want to learn will always focus in class and those who don't will find a way to distract themselves. Some university students noted that it's impossible to ban the use of cellphones in class once and for all. For younger students, however, it is imperative to ban cellphones, for possible adverse effects such as eyesight damage. A report on parent-child relationships in the internet era released in 2018 indicated that about 70 percent of primary and middle school students own their own cellphones. Cellphones bring convenience for students, such as staying in contact with their parents and searching for study materials. On the other hand, the screens on these devices can cause eyesight problems. Last year, the Ministry of Education, the National Health Commission and six other government departments launched a multilayered action plan to help battle nearsightedness in children. Besides forbidding students from bringing cellphones and tablets to class, the action plan asks teachers not to rely on electronic devices when teaching and giving assignments, asking them to assign only written homework. The education department of Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou province recently released a notice saying that smartphones and tablets would be banned at all primary and middle schools from June 1, 2019. Tragedies related to the usage of cellphones have shocked the nation in recent years. In 2017, a high school girl in Jiangxi killed herself jumping out from her dorm window after her phone was taken away by her parents because she was caught using her cellphone in class. The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has kept the Monetary Policy rate unchanged at 16 percent. Governor of the BoG, Dr. Ernest Addison, announced this to journalists on Monday, May 27, 2019 in Accra. He said the decision was taken at the 88th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Ghana. The policy rate represents the rate at which the BoG lends to commercial banks. In April the Bank also maintained the 16 percent rate. That was the first time the BoG maintained the rate for 2019 after it was reduced in January of the same year by 100 basis point to 16 percent. Giving reasons for maintaining the rate, the Governor explained that during the meeting, the Committee observed strong external sector developments in the first quarter, emanating from a strong trade surplus outturn and improved inflows into the capital and financial account. In the outlook, he said, the trade balance was expected to record surpluses, bolstered by the oil sector and a pickup in private transfers to support an improving current account balance. He added that the Committee observed that global growth has moderated with downward revisions for both advanced and emerging market economies. The Governor indicated that the slower pace of growth was expected to continue over the first half of 2019 underpinned by escalating trade and geo-political tensions. On the domestic front, according to Dr. Addison, economic growth remained steady and was projected to gain some additional momentum over the horizon, supported by crude oil production. He noted that early indications already show that economic activity in the first quarter is picking up pace ad evidenced by the Banks CIEA. Other factors such as improving business sentiments and credit growth are supportive of growth in the outlook. On fiscal developments, Dr. Addison said the Committee noted that implementation of the budget in the year 2019 showed continued challenges with revenue mobilization alongside increased pace of spending which poses some risks to the fiscal outlook. According to him, expenditure pressures have been exacerbated by payments associated with the energy sector. According to the Governor, the Committee will continue to closely monitor both global and domestic developments and stands ready to take appropriate measures if necessary to maintain price stability. 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 BANK of Ghana (BoG) has disclosed that Non-Performing Loans (NPL) of commercial banks in the country remains despite the clean up carried out in the sector. Governor of the BoG, Dr. Ernest Addison, made this to journalists on Monday, May 27, 2019 in Accra, he presented highlights from the 88th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank. The Governor lamented that although the Non-performing Loans (NPL) ratio has declined from 23.5 percent in April 2018 to 18.9 percent in April 2019, it remains high and points to the industrys exposure to credit risk. According to him, to help reduce the NPL ratio further, banks were working to strengthen their credit risk management practices and loan recovery efforts. Sector Outlook Giving an outlook of the banking sector following the massive cleanup exercise between 2017 and 2018 which led to the collapse of some seven indigenous banks, the Governor observed that over the first four months of 2019, banks total assets amounted to Gh 109.9 billion. That, he said, represented an annual growth of 12.4 percent, adding that the growth in total assets was funded mainly from deposits which grew by 19.6 percent year-on-year to Gh 73.1 billion. According to him, the industrys financial soundness indicators have improved, with the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) at 21.4 percent in April 2019, significantly higher than the prudential requirement of 10.0 percent. Under the new BoG Capital Requirement Directive (CRD), the CAR was 17.4 percent compared with the 13.0 percent prudential requirement. Concerns However, the Governor bemoaned that asset quality remained a key challenge and a major constraint to credit expansion in the banking sector. 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 Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited, CIMG Bank of the Year, has reiterated its strong commitment to partnering with the Asantehene and key institutions towards developing Ghana. As headline sponsors invited to chair the World-Meets-in-Ghana Investors Forum, to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II, the bank has positioned itself as passionately supporting national development and the Asantehenes initiatives towards that goal through targeted community dialogue and engagement. Addressing participants at the forum, Chairman of Fidelity Bank Group, Edward Effah, said We are delighted that we are a partner in the organization of this landmark Investor Forum, promoting investments in Ghana in general and Asanteman in particular. This Investor Forum is part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the reign of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Our partnership with His Majesty and the people of the Ashanti Kingdom will further deepen our relationship through community engagement and significant investment in socially impactful projects. Our united efforts will aim to change the lives of the vulnerable in our society and help Ghana to develop beyond aid. The Group chairman, Mr Edward Effah said We are delighted that we are a partner in the organisation of this landmark Investor Forum, promoting investments in Ghana in general and Asanteman in particular. This Investor Forum is part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the reign of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Our partnership with His Majesty and the people of the Ashanti Kingdom will further deepen our relationship through community engagement and significant investment in socially impactful projects. Our united efforts will aim to change the lives of the vulnerable in our society and help Ghana to develop beyond aid.On Ghana beyond Aid, the Asantehene continued to encourage investors by saying, It is not a vision for the faint-hearted. It is bold. It is brave. But it is a vision that deserves support, not only from Ghanaians but from all her friends across the world. Over the years, Fidelity Bank has facilitated numerous developmental projects in different sectors of the economy including the energy, housing and health sectors and is once again highlighting its commitment to the local and national development of Ghana. 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 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. Dr. AKwasi Amakye-Boateng, a Senior Lecturer at the Political Science Department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, says the governments free senior high school policy is the most ambitious strategy to improve the countrys human resource base. He said although its implementation came with a huge financial outlay from the national purse, it was the boldest decision ever made by any government to help advance the skills and knowledge of teenagers to tap their potential as future nation builders. Addressing a career fair for final year students of the Juaben Senior High School over week-end, Dr. Amakye-Boateng, stressed the need for the beneficiaries of the free secondary education to learn hard and climb higher on the academic ladder to justify the huge investment. The fair, held on the theme Life after SHS and the road to the Top, was organized by the 2001 Year Group of the Juaben Old Students Association. The aim was to whip up the enthusiasm of the new school leavers to be able to aspire for higher heights in their academic pursuits, in spite of the challenges that may impede their struggle to the top. Dr. Amakye-Boakye, stressed the need for concerted efforts to address some of the challenges brought on by the implementation of the policy to ensure its sustainability. He advised the students to manage well their resources, such as time, values, energies and others whiles also maintaining discipline, which would enable them achieve their set goals. You should also plan well and commit yourselves to hard work, moral uprightness and humility in the face of the challenges, in order to remain relevant to society and country, he added. Mr. Kennedy Kwaku Antwi, the Organizer of the 2001 Year Group of Alumni Association, said the event, apart from exposing the students to the realities of life after SHS, was also meant to sensitize them on the options that existed in the academic, entrepreneurial and other sectors of the economy. This would help you make informed decisions on their future progress in life, he stated. Mr. Antwi, who is a Financial Advisor and Manager at the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, urged the students to develop the attitude of savings, especially, during their working life, to help reduce the stress that came with financial difficulties. Mr. Dansaba Jamal Omar, an Entrepreneur and chairman of the year group, also urged the students not to consider themselves as failures if they could not advance their education to the tertiary level after SHS as they could learn other technical, vocational and entrepreneurial skills to make them self- employed and own businesses. Mrs. Josephine Mensah Opuni-Boachie, the Headmistress of the school commended the Old Students for enlightening the students. She called for support from all stakeholders in the school to address some of the challenges such as inadequate staff bungalows, assembly hall and other facilities, to improve teaching and learning. Some teachers and students were rewarded for their hard work and outstanding academic performance. 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 It's already used as a topping on breakfast. But scientists say honey may also be able to fight cold sores. Notoriously difficult get rid of, cold sores are normally treated with anti-viral creams bought over the counter. But honey derived from a tree in New Zealand has been found to be just as effective at healing the blistering sore in a trial. Participants in a trial used either cream or honey, both of which cleared the pain and wound within nine days. The substance, produced by bumble bees, has a long history of therapeutic use with some studies showing it has antibacterial properties. The trial of 952 participants was led by researchers at the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ). They compared treating cold sores with honey to anti-viral aciclovir cream, branded as Zovirax in the UK and Viraban in the US. The honey was derived from the native kanuka tree in New Zealand, before being sterilised and boosted with extra antimicrobial ingredients. All of the patients were asked if they wanted to participate when they went to one of 76 community pharmacies in the first 72 hours of their cold sore episode. They were then randomly assigned either five percent aciclovir cream or the honey cream Honevo, which was mixed with ten percent glycerin. While applying their treatment five times daily, they were asked to self-record data for pain and cold sore progression. Their entries were monitored for 14 days or until the cold sore fully healed. The researchers found that those using the acyclovir experienced symptoms for an average of eight to nine days with an open blister for around two days. Honey proved to be just as effective without any changes in healing time, the findings in BMJ Open showed. The authors wrote: 'Both treatments had similar efficacy across all outcome variables including time to healing, pain resolution and proportion of aborted episodes between treatment groups. Both treatments were considered highly acceptable by participants.' Leading the research, Dr Alex Semprini said the results prove patients can choose an alternative option that is evidence-based. He said: 'This means that patients with a preference for natural and alternative medicines, as well as pharmacists who sell these treatments, can have confidence in the effectiveness of this kanuka honey formulation as a further treatment option for cold sores.' The study had a few caveats, one being that the healing time for a cold sore was not compared with no treatment at all. It was also funded by a New Zealand company called HoneyLab, whose product was tested. Herpes viruses cause cold sores. Around seven in 10 people in the UK are infected with the viruses, according to estimates. Around 30 percent of people suffer recurrent attacks of cold sores, usually caused by the type one virus. Cold sores on the lips most commonly get passed on by being kissed by someone with an active cold sore. They begin as a small red patch that blisters before bursting, leaving a raw area that scabs. Source: Dailymail.co.uk 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 ruling New Patriotic Party [NPP] Chairman of the newly created Bono Region, Kwame Baffoe aka Abronye DC has called on the Special Prosecutor, Mr Martin Amidu to with immediate effect investigates one Mohammed Seidu A.K.A "Maha" for stealing. In a petition issued on 23rd May, 2019, Abronye DC accused Mr. Mohammed Seidu for scheming with some directors at the Brong Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council to sneak out some KOMATSU WA 470 bulldozer and miller kipper man diesel trucks which belonged to the Ministry for their personal gains during former President John Dramani Mahamas tenure. During the tenure of Prez John Mahama, the Ministry of Local Government secured certain vehicles which were to be used by the coordinating councils to enhance their activities. These cars where however subsequently distributed across all the 10 region of the Republic." Portion of the petition read Abronye is however calling on the Special Prosecutor to invite Mr. Mohammed Seidu for interrogation and if found guilty should face the wrath of the law. Read Full Petition Below PETITION TO ARREST, INTERROGATE AND PROSECUTE MR. MOHAMMED SEIDU "A.K.A" MAHA 1. I Kwame Baffoe Abronye a citizen of Ghana who seeks to protect the interest of Ghanaians at all times is herein writing this petition for your outfit to investigate one Mohammed Seidu A. K. A "Maha" 2. Mohammed Seidu A. K.A Mahma is the current Bono Regional Organizer of the NDC. He was also the regional organiser of the NDC prior to the creation of the New regions. In other words, he was the ( NDC Brong Ahafo Regional Organizer ) as he then was. 3. This petition also suggest that, your outfit which is mandated by law to investigate all substantial allegations on corruption and prosecute offenders should also arrest, investigate and prosecute Mohammed Seidu for Stealing which is contrary to section 124 of the Criminal Act Of Ghana 1960 ( Act 29). 4. He should also be investigated for forgery of documents which is also contrary to section 159 and 160 of the Criminal Act 1960 (Act 29) 5. Additionally, he should be investigated on the grounds of fraudulent breach of trust which is also contrary to section 129 of the Criminal Act of Ghana 1960 (Act 29). BASES OF PETITION 6. During the tenure of Prez John Mahama, the Ministry of Local Government secured certain vehicles which were to be used by the coordinating councils to enhance their activities. 7. These cars where however subsequently distributed across all the 10 region of the Republic. 8. When that of the Brong Ahafo region arrived Mohammed Seidu who was the then regional organiser of the ruling party because of his immense influence in the party and indirectly in the government at the regional level, successful connived with some other directors at the Brong Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council to sneak out some KOMATSU WA 470 Bulldozer and MILLER KIPPER MAN DIESEL Trucks which belonged to the Ministry for their personal gains such as hiring and renting them to road/ building contractors in the Brong Ahafo Region without rendering any account or whatsoever to the State. 9. This means that, Mohammed Seidu was illegally trading and doing business with state machines and properties which he and his other allies were supposed to hold in trust for the benefit of the entire Brong Ahafo Region. 10. Mohammed Seidu AKA 'Maha' during his illegal operations forged fake receipts in the name of the Regional Coordinating Council so as to cover and hide his illegal operations. These fake receipts had the signatures of the then Regional Cordinating Director. 11. Upon approaching the Hon. Chahaa who was the then Regional Coordinating Director, he said he was not aware of the said vehicles in the region and that is the reason why he did not add anything concerning those vehicles in his transitional handing over notes. He added that, he did not know how come vehicles which belonged to his outfit found their way under the auspices of Mohammed Seidu 12. Upon intelligence gathered, I noted that even though the Regional Cordinating director was aware certain trucks which have been brought to his outfit were missing, and allegedly in the custody of Maha, he did not have enough efficacy to demand for the whereabouts of those vehicles because, Mohammed Seidu was a very influential figure in the his party (NDC) because of the position he held during their reign in government. 13. I suggest that, the actions, operations and activities of Mohammed Seidu based on paragraph 11 and 12 of this petition amounts to Stealing and misappropriation of a property which did not belong to him and thereby a breach of section 125 of the Criminal Act of Ghana, 1960 ( Act 29) 14. To add to that, the Director of BNI in Brong Ahafo and I were able to retrieve some of the cars belonging to the state from this Mohammed Seidu during the infant state of this government. Also, the then regional Police Crime Officer of the Brong Ahafo Region Mr. Nana Boadi also confirmed on a sunyani Based radio Moonlight FM that, Mohammed Seidu had engaged in all the activities stated above. The regional police command subsequently established a docket which was supposed to be sent to court but because of certain mischievous reasons, the then regional police command could not pursue the matter. 15. I therefore request your outfit to investigate Mr. Mohammed Seidu and his companions because some of the cars are still in their possession. 16. To add to that, upon retrieval of the vehicles from Mohammed Seidu, we realized that, these vehicles were still in the name of name of the ministry of local government which has been rented out to several contractors who upon confronted provided fake receipts that, they had rented it from the Regional Cordinating council. 17. I urge you to invite Mohammed Seidu and all other persons who may be found culpable for questioning. 18. Also, Mohamed Seidu should be compelled to render accounts of the vehicles under reference to the state with immediate effect. And also pay all proceeds which were obtained as a result of illegally commercializing state vehicles. 19. Upon the request of any evidence, I shall be willing to adduce same. However, below are the list of vehicles which have been successfully retrieved so far by myself and the then Brong Ahafo BNI Director with their registration numbers for your perusal. i. GP 3256 15 KOMATSU WA 470 ii. GP 3284 15 KOMATSU WA 470 iii. GE 3252 15 KOMATSU WA 470 iv. GE 3279 15 KOMATSU WA 470 v. GE 3232 15 KOMATSU WA 470 vi. GE 369 15 MEILLER KIPPER TRUCK vii. GE 380 15 MEILLER KIPPER TRUCK viii. GE 378 15 MEILLER KIPPER TRUCK ix. GE 368 15 MEILLER KIPPER TRUCK x. GP 3282 15 BULLDOZER 20. Kindly revert to me via my email address provided above in case you need any information. Counting on your usual corporation. Thank you. Yours Faithfully, Kwame Baffoe Abronye Cc The Director General The Criminal Investigative Department Ghana Police Service Cantoments - Accra Ghana Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/Peacefmonline/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, left Ghana on Sunday, 26th May 2019, to attend the R20 Austrian World Summit an initiative which is helping regions, countries and cities to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to meet the global climate protection targets outlined in the Paris Agreement. President Akufo-Addo, who is attending the Summit in his capacity as co-Chair of the UN Secretary Generals Group of Eminent Advocates on the 2030 SDGs, will participate in the high-level panel discussion on the need for leadership to take responsibility in the global process on sustainable development and international co-operation. Whilst in Austria, the President will hold bilateral talks with the President of Austria, His Excellency Alexander Van der Bellen, and the Austrian Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz; the President of Hungary, His Excellency Janos Ader; and with the CEO of the World Bank, Kristalina Georgieva. He is also expected to meet members of the Ghanaian community resident in Austria. President Akufo-Addo was accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, MP; the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng; and officials from the Presidency and Foreign Ministry. The President will return to Ghana on Tuesday, 28th May, 2019, and in his absence the Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, shall, in accordance with Article 60(8) of the Constitution, act in his stead. 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 The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government attempt to block leakage in the mobilization and collection of revenues in terms of taxes following the introduction of technology in the revenue sector, particularly, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is allegedly being thwarted by some personnel at the GRA offices, especially at Osu RE in the Greater Accra Region, New Crusading Guide can report. Consequently, Kofi Nti, the GRA Commissioner General, this paper is reliably informed, would soon commence investigations into alleged fraudulent acts being perpetuated by some officers, especially those at the Osu branch of the state revenue collections agency. Our checks at the office of the Commissioner General also confirmed that the Authority in recent times had received several reports on some officers who allegedly were involved in one fraudulent deal and the other. For instance, one of the cases ready for probe would be the circumstances under which a senior auditor at the Osu branch of GRA, (name withheld) allegedly often gave tax waivers to companies without approval from his superiors. He allegedly gave tax waiver to a certain private security company, which company he later allegedly destroyed its tax history file just in escape being caught. Worst is that the senior auditor was recently also alleged to have aided an automobile company to evade tax due to the State in a tune of Four Million Ghana Cedis (GH4,000,000.00). Although our sources at GRA office at Spintex road where the company is located said the senior auditor did not work on the tax file of the company, he was allegedly able to influence the officer at the Spintex office who worked on file. However, responding to the tax evasion allegation, General Manager of the automobile company in an interview with investigators on the case via telephone denied that his outfit had not evaded tax. According to him, his company was in good standing as far as their taxes were concerned, and therefore was not afraid of anything. We are in good standing, he said. When the GRA official was contacted, he rubbished the allegation, saying it is impossible for him to do that since the automobile company was not under Osu GRA. According to him, if a company is not under your jurisdiction you cannot get up and go and audit them. It is only the Commissioner General who can assign and external officer to do that, and until that is done, no one has the authority to do that on his or her own. He also denied knowing the company but when he was probed further, he said, the only person he knows is one Prince who he said, is the companys account. I know my detractors are at it again, but my hands are clean, and therefore they will not succeed, he said. He, however, did not understand why some people wanted to disgrace him when, Im faithfully serving my country. It would be recalled that at the recent economic forum organized by the Danquah Institute in Accra, Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta revealed that some lawyers and big business owners in Ghana had refuse to pay taxes but were the ones who shout the loudest on social media about the governments failure to render certain public services well According to him, Such people have abundant resources to contribute to nation-building yet have refused to do so by not paying their taxes. There are lawyers, big business owners in the country, yet they refuse to declare their income. They have the resources and knowledge to make their fair contribution but simply refuse to pay their taxes. And yet, will shout the loudest on social media and any given forum about how government is failing in delivering public services. Such men and women are all around us. Unfortunately, they sit on the front pews of the churches, the minister said. Stay tuned Source: The New Crusading Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Comptroller General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi, has directed regional and sector commanders of the service to intensify patrols especially along unapproved routes in a bid to contain potential terrorism and other security threats. He said the increasing threats of terrorism, drug trafficking, human smuggling and trafficking, cyber crime and money laundering, among others, in the sub region and even globally demanded the tightening of the countrys borders. Records indicate that Ghana has 42 approved borders, comprising 36 minor borders, two seaports and four major borders, including one airport. But there are also a number of illegal routes along Ghanas borders supposedly patronised mainly by smugglers and other criminals. Speaking at a GIS regional commanders meeting in Accra on Strategising to combat emerging national and sub regional security threats, Mr Asuah Takyi said it was important for the GIS to expand its operations to boarder communities as part of efforts to combat terrorism. Immigration controls are primarily security operations aimed at regulating the movements of people in and out of the country. Presently, the objective is to secure the country against threats in whatever forms, whether physical, health, environmental, social or economic, he said. To achieve that, he said, it would be important to screen travelers thoroughly to identify and assess the personality, the purpose of travel, and possible criminal records, among others. Terrorism attacks The Minister for the Interior, Mr Ambrose Dery, also reiterated the need for the regional commanders of the GIS to be extra vigilant and to step up their operational protocols to identify and counter terrorism threats. He said the effort to counter terrorism had assumed a top security concern as terrorism had become the greatest threat within the West African sub-region currently. He said the recent terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso and other parts of the sub region must be a wake-up call. We cannot pretend that all is well and take the peace of our country for granted, he said. Indeed, in the past three years, the likes of Burkina Faso, Cote DIvoire, Niger and Nigeria have been among the worst hit by terrorism in the sub region that had claimed lives of both civilians and military personnel. The time to call for close collaboration among security services and civil society organisations and the adoption of coordinated approaches in preventing and countering terrorism in Ghana is here and now, he said. Terrorism, Mr Dery said, transcended national borders, and called for regional action, saying we should, therefore, nurture a strategy to work with our neighbours, especially the border agencies, to share information on travelers and suspects. He said government was committed to provide the needed support to ensure that the GIS worked more effectively and efficiently to prevent terrorism. Source: Daily Graphic 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 boom in artificial intelligence (AI) brings prospects to Chinas household electrics and appliances, according to Ge Fengliang, deputy director of China Household Electric Appliances Research Institute. There was explosive development in the concept of the "smart home" after Google acquired the home automation startup Nest for $3.2 billion in 2014. In the years since, Chinas household appliance companies such as Media, Haier, and Changhong, have played an important role in promoting the introduction of AI into the household appliance industry, as well as within Chinas telecommunications and Internet enterprises. Its become a trend to include information technologies, such as AI, the Internet of Things, and big data, to household appliances, said Tan Mingzhou from Beijing Yuanwang Thinktank Technology Consulting Co., Ltd. Tan told Science and Technology Daily that every household would use smart home appliances in the future. Ping An Securities predicted in a recent research report that smart household appliances will enter into a golden era, with a large number of major companies paying closer attention to smart technologies and more young people in the core consumer groups. Chinese household appliance companies launched joint research and development on the integration of intelligent devices with technology companies. For example, Chinese internet giant Tencent and TV producer Changhong started strategic cooperation in 2018, aiming to apply Tencent Dingdang, an intelligent speech platform, to the latest smart television. Smartphone producer Xiaomi is delving into smart home development with joint efforts of Chinese property developers, including China Resources Land Ltd. Chinas smart household appliances market reached 121 billion yuan ($19 billion) in 2018, and is estimated to hit 180 billion yuan by 2020, according to national market research released in 2018. The global market for smart household appliances is expected to reach $277 billion by 2020, quoting International Data Corporation (IDC). Ghanas Ministry of Food and Agriculture has placed an indefinite ban on the export of Capsicum, Solanum, luffa and all leafy vegetables to the international market from 1 June 2019. The press Secretary to the Agric Minister, Issah Alhasan has explained the reason behind the ban in an interview with NEAT FMs morning show Ghana Montie. The Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, announced the suspension, citing a number of reasons. In a statement signed by its Director, Dr. Felicia Ansah-Amprofi, the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate indicated that the suspension has become necessary due to the high level of local interceptions at the exit points; the alarming rate of external notifications, and the new EU directives to all countries to re-provide dossiers to the EU on the management of harmful organisms on some of the above vegetables. Ghana recently came out of a ban and as such we are still on the red list and being monitored closely, the statement noted. It added that we are only five months into the second year, the number of notifications is increasing, and if we are not careful the European Union will ban Ghana. It noted that last year internal interceptions by our officers amounted to 162 while external notifications were 53 due to harmful organisms. According to the statement, from the beginning of this year 2019 to date (23/05/2019), internal interceptions by our officers has risen to 120 and 20 for external notifications. Listen to the interview below Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Ambrose_wash Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Dunkwa-on-Offin, a town located in the Upper Denkyra has been earmarked for a major railway destination in the Central Region. The Dunkwa railway hub will host a number of railway facilities like maintenance and repair centers, training centers, locomotive depots, freight operation areas among other modern ancillaries. Mr. Joe Ghartey made these revelations when he led an international team of railway experts to the Dunkwa Traditional Council and the Dunkwa Omanhene to discuss the implementation of President Nana Addos vision of building a modern railway network across the country on Wednesday 22nd May 2019. The reason for settling on Dunkwa as a major railway centre according to the Minister is that it is a major junction on the Western Line. Joe Gharteys was accompanied by the MPs for Upper Denkyira East and West, Hon. Nana Amoakoh and Hon. Samuel Nsowah-Djan, Team Engineering, designers of the Western Railway line, China Wuju, the contractors of the Western Line and officials of the Ministry of Railways Development. The sector minister however disclosed that President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has allocated $1billion for the Sector and $500m has been committed into the construction of the Western Line. Over 3,000 Jobs to be created The project when completed will directly employ over 3,000 men and women in the area, an assurance that was warmly embraced by the traditional elders of the land. 60 acres of land needed To this end, Joe Ghartey appealed to the traditional authorities for a 60 acre land for China Wuju, Contractors of the project to pitch their camp for the project to start as soon as possible. The acting president of the Traditional Council, Nana Daasebre Oduro Akenteng applauded the president for setting up the Ministry of Railways Development, - according to him, the move gave him a great sense of hope that a major economic wave of transformation was about to hit the country. The Omanhene of the Dunkwa Traditional Area, Nana Okoforobuo Obeng Nuako III remained highly grateful to the president for such a mighty vision to transform the country, saying the Traditional Authorities are ever ready to lend their support for the project and that they would immediately prepare the 60 acre space and hand it over for the project. The Acting President of the Traditional Council made a passionate appeal to President Nana Addo to maintain Mr Joe Ghartey as his minister for Railways Development he explained that, Joe Ghartey as the man was neck deep in making the Railway sector an attractive industry that would employ an overwhelming section of the populace. Mr Ghartey however suggested a steering committee made up of the Traditional Authorities, Ministry, agencies and the contractors be formed to see to the smooth implementation of the project. 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 Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah has asked the Power Distribution Services Ghana Limited [PDS] to find new ways of modernizing our electricity system. According to him they wouldnt have had the opportunity to take over from the Electricity Company of Ghana [ECG] if their services were on point. PDS must by now know the reason why they have come to replace ECG and must act as such; we wouldnt have brought them on board if we were satisfied with ECGs method of services, he cited. He insisted that They [PDS] must find new measures and skills in solving the challenges already in our electricity system caused by ECG. Speaking on UTVs Adekye Nsroma political panel segment, the NPP communicator called on the Yilo and Manya Krobo youth not to put the laws of Ghana into their hands no matter the situation, when they have capable leaders who can resolve such problems amicably without any riot. The Member of Parliament (MP) for Tema West constituency discussing recent clashes that erupted in the Lower Manya Krobo area due to the extremely outrageous electricity bills distributed to residents after not paying any electricity bills for the past one and half years, advised that politicians should not politicize the issue that has taken the life of a vibrant youth in the area but address the issue as it is. Background The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) led by the Eastern Regional Minister, Eric Kwakye Darfuor and the Eastern Regional Police Commander, COP Alphonse Adu Amankwah have stormed the troubled Lower Manya Krobo Municipality following spontaneous deadly riots in the area triggered by disconnection exercise by Power Distribution Services (PDS). About 35 suspects were arrested in Wednesdays bloody riot. The youth organized a spontaneous protest to petition the Municipal Chief Executive for the Area, Kwaku Simon Tetteh, on their concerns on over billing by PDS and its ongoing mass disconnection exercise. The youth had earlier on Wednesday morning mounted road blocks and pelted the PDS Staff with stones and sticks at Yohe, a community near Odumase Krobo when PDS staff went to the community to discontinue its mass disconnection exercise. The irate youth smashed a PDS Nissan Pick Up with Registration Number GV 2318-1. It took the intervention of armed Police personnel to rescue the PDS staff. The PDS staff decided to switch off the transformer cutting off power supply to the entire area. Shortly after the attack, the angry youth mobilized to embark on a protest to petition the MCE but the armed Police rushed to protect the Municipal Assembly Office by preventing the youth from entering the premises. This has led to clashes between the youth and the Police. Many warnings shots have been fired to disperse the youth who are also attacking the Police with stones and other implements. Three people were injured after a similar chaos Monday at Manya Kpongunor over mass disconnection exercise by Power Distribution Services (PDS). Reports indicated that the Police reinforcement team fired tear gas after they were attacked by the youth. PDS is embarking on a mass disconnection exercise with armed Police personnel in Somanya, Odumase Krobo and its environs. The exercise dubbed Revenue Mobilization according to Somanya District Manager of PDS Ing. Edward Ochire, has become necessary due to the failure by many residents to pay their electricity bills since 2017. A situation he said has led to revenue shortfalls of the company. Hundreds of houses have been disconnected in the ongoing exercise which started May 13, 2019 from Kpong and Nuaso communities. One person was put behind bars for attempting to resist disconnection of his house. Since the exercise began, many of the affected residents have been trooping to the offices of PDS to pay their accumulated bills ranging between Ghc3, 000 and Ghc 20,000 There has been long standing feud between residents and workers of ECG now PDS .In 2017, angry residents in Somanya attacked PDS office for over billing. Police vehicles were torched and properties destroyed in the violent attacks. Many residents have since refused to pay electricity bills and have threatened to attack PDS staff who attempt disconnecting their homes. Source: Elizabeth Semiheva Bedi/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 The Paramount Chief of Tema, Nii Adjei Kraku II has pledged his unflinching support for railways development in the country. The Chief gave his assurance when the Minister for Railways Development, Hon. Joe Ghartey paid a courtesy call on him in his Palace at Tema in the Greater Accra Region to seek his blessings. He said successive governments have done their bits but this Government is practically determined to revamp the sector in a manner that will transform the countrys economy through jobs and industry. Addressing the Paramount Chief, Hon, Joe Ghartey noted that Tema remains key to railway development given that it play host to a number of railway facilities, therefore, in the wake of revamping the sector, it is only prudent to call and seek the blessing of the Paramount Chief not only for the smooth implementation of the H.E. the Presidents vision but also to provide jobs for the youths. Enhanced Monitoring Prgramme The Hon. Minister continued to visit the Ghana Railway Company Limited Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) Workshop in Tema as part of the Ministrys new monitoring strategy, the Enhanced Monitoring Programme. The fortnight program allows the Minister to lead a Team of officials to inspect railway projects to assess critical risk issues for quick resolution. Hon. Joe Ghartey was accompanied by his Deputy, Hon. Andy Appiah-Kubi, the Deputy Minister for the Greeater Accra Region, Hon. Elizabeth Sackey, the Chief Executive of the Tema Municipal Assembly, Mr Felix Mensah Nii Anang-La, CEO of the Ghana Railway Development Authority and the Managing Director of the Ghana Railway Company Ltd. 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 The leadership and members of the Maritime and Dock Workers Union (MDU) have commended President Akufo-Addo for granting them the opportunity to discuss issues related to the concession agreement on Terminal 3 of Meridian Ports Services (MPS) at the Tema Port. A letter signed by the General Secretary of the union Daniel Owusu-Koranteng stated that the leadership of MDU and the executives of the Local Unions of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) wish to express our gratitude to you for creating a conducive atmosphere for open and frank discussions on the MPS issue. We felt encouraged to express our fears, anxiety, comments and suggestions on the matter. We thank you for giving us hope in your commitment to resolve the problem at its roots. We were satisfied by your assurance that you would work within a tripartite framework on the matter, which in our view, would involve the MDU and the Trades Union Congress (Ghana) in addressing the challenges posed by the MPS Concession agreement for the new container terminal, the statement added. They urged the President to urgently take steps to renegotiate the agreement on MPS Container Terminal at the Tema Port. We state so believing that the renegotiation of the MPS agreement would be in the interest of our country and the protection of jobs for thousands of Ghanaians, whose lives and survival are linked to the blue economy. We further commend you for having the foresight in setting up the Ministerial Committee to review the main concession agreement of 2004 and its Deed of Amendment of 2015. We humbly request you to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the Ministerial Committee in the interest of our dear nation and maritime employees, it added. 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 President Akufo-Addo has given assurance that his administration will compensate the chiefs and people of Osu for lands that have been taken from them for the Marine Drive Project. The $1.2 billion Marine Drive Project would see the development of the coastal line into a tourism and investment hub. Its expected to employ not less than 150,000 people. The 10-year development project is a public-private partnership situated on 248 acres of land. Even though the project is yet to commence, the chiefs of Osu have called on government to expedite action on the payment of the compensation. The chiefs raised the concern when they paid a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House on Friday. The Osu Mant, Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI, who made the request, claimed he and his elders had been accused of receiving the compensation clandestinely. In his response, President Akufo-Addo indicated that the issue of compensation was a matter of law and should not lead to the splitting of heads since it was their right. He, therefore, directed the Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture, Kofi Dzamesi to liase with the Ministers of Tourism and Finance to expedite action on the payment. The President welcomed the resolve of the chiefs to ensure that this years Homowo festival celebration would be incident-free and pledged governments backing in that regard. He also lauded a suggestion by Nii Dowuona, who is also President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, for traditional councils to be allowed to have oversight over chieftaincy and traditional events. He asked the Chieftaincy Minister to discuss the issue for legislation, if need be. Once traditional councils have been created for these paramountcies, issues pertaining to traditional issues, chieftaincy and everything, permissions or letters should be routed through the traditional councils. By so doing, we believe that it will minimize lots of chieftaincy issues, Nii Kinka Dowuona VI added. 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 Nestle kicked off a Research and Development (R&D) innovation challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa as part of the companys efforts to contribute to the local innovation ecosystem. The challenge will help boost local entrepreneurship, as well as provide a platform for start-ups and universities to contribute to local sustainable growth by bringing breakthrough ideas to the market. The R&D innovation challenge which kicked off today in Ghana, will also take place in Cote d'Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa. The goal is to work collaboratively with start-ups and universities to identify sustainable and scalable science and technology solutions that help to accelerate the innovation of products that meet local consumer needs. The R&D innovation challenge calls for novel solutions across four areas: environmentally friendly packaging solutions, sustainable cocoa plantlets, affordable nutrition and new routes to market. Stefan Palzer, Nestle Chief Technology Officer said, There is a growing number of Africa-based entrepreneurs and local researchers with creative ideas to address issues facing their communities. This R&D innovation challenge presents for our company an exceptional opportunity to leverage the outstanding creativity, while helping to turn the most promising ideas into reality. To engage with local start-ups, Nestle partnered with Kinaya Ventures as part of the Spring Fellowship Program, which is designed to accelerate corporate start-up partnerships and catalyze digital entrepreneurship. The challenge also calls upon universities in Central and West African countries to submit solutions. In a press conference in Accra to kick start the multi country roadshow, Philomena Tan, Managing Director of Nestle Ghana said, with multi-stakeholder collaborations through innovation, scientific research and development backed by the right resources and the needed engagement, local consumer needs including affordable nutrition, sustainable agricultural produce and environmental friendly packaging are attainable she encouraged start-up businesses and students of universities to participate in the innovation challenge. The selected teams will enter an accelerator program to help advance and potentially commercialize their ideas. During the accelerator, the start-up and university teams will have access to Nestles R&D expertise and infrastructure at the R&D Centre in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire, including shared labs, kitchens and pilot-testing equipment. At the end of the accelerator, teams will have the opportunity to pitch their proof of concept to Nestle management. The Innovation & Renovation Champion and the Business Executive Officer, Culinary of Nestle Central and West Africa, Dominique Allier, emphasized the importance of the innovation challenge, he said, we launched the Research & Development innovation challenge, which will span the six 6 countries to further accelerate innovation which is core to bring to live Nestles purpose of enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future. The R&D innovation challenge is part of Nestles Global Youth Initiative which has an ambition to help 10 million young people around the world have access to economic opportunities by 2030. This supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all. In 2018, Nestle also partnered with Ashoka and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation to create the Social Investment Accelerator, which accelerates social entrepreneurship and boosts economic development of Africa. 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 Ethiopia's foreign ministry has apologised after a map of Africa on its website incorporated neighbouring Somalia within its own borders. "We sincerely regret any confusion and misunderstanding this incident might have caused," the statement said. Somalia had been completely erased from the map, but the self-declared territory of Somaliland - which is not internationally recognised - was shown. The neighbours have long been rivals, fighting borders wars in the past. But relations between the two countries have improved since Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power last year as he has sought to defuse tensions in the region. The map has caused an uproar on social media, with Somalis saying it reveals a wider plan by Ethiopia to annex their country. Others hit back, with their own version of a map of Africa, incorporating Ethiopia into Somalia. Some have noticed other problems with the map published on the Ethiopian website, for example, it showed that the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo had become one country and it did not show South Sudan, which split from Sudan in 2011. There has been no official comment from the Somali government. Former Foreign Minister Yusuf Garaad welcomed the removal of the map, but queried how and why it was drawn in the first place. The Ethiopian foreign ministry's statement said it was unsure how the "unacceptable" map had "crept in on the website", which is currently offline, but said its technical team was working to ensure its security. Source: BBC 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 At least 45 people have died after a boat sank on Lake Mai-Ndombe in western Democratic Republic of Congo. The provincial governor, Antoine Masamba, said the vessel was carrying more than 400 people, with reports that about 200 passengers are still missing. The majority of those on board were teachers going to collect their salaries, a local mayor told the BBC. He said 11 children were among those who died when the old and overcrowded boat went down in strong waves. The vessel, bound for Boliangwa, sank on Saturday evening almost 30km (18 miles) from the town of Inongo, its point of departure and capital of Mai-Ndombe Province. The mayor of Inongo, Simon Mboo Wemba, said police had arrested the captain of the boat and the investigation was ongoing. Officials warn the search and recovery operations on the lake could take between two and three weeks. The BBC's Gaius Kowene in the capital, Kinshasa, says boat accidents are frequent in DR Congo because of overloading and poor maintenance DR Congo, which is about the size of mainland western Europe, has a poor road network and many areas are inaccessible unless by air or boat - and the country's only super-highway is the Congo River. Last month, at least 167 people died in two boat accidents on Lake Kivu. This prompted Felix Tshisekedi, who became president in January, to make it mandatory for passengers to wear life jackets. But it is not clear if those on the boat that sank on Saturday were wearing any. Source: BBC 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 Archbishop of Accra, Most Reverend John Bonaventure Kwofie, has advocated the ban on the use of hand bags in church as a measure to check the current attack of churches. He also called for the effective training of church ushers to help monitor the movement of people in and out of churches. Most Rev. Kwofie made the call during a high mass to climax the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Our Lady Star of the Sea Auxiliary No 330 of the Knights of St John International in Takoradi. It was on the theme: "The Role of a Christian Woman in Today's World". He explained that the ban on the use of handbags in the Church would help prevent attacks since it was not possible to determine what people carried in their bags to church. The Archbishop regretted that of late churches were being bombed across the world and asked all to be vigilant, especially the ushers, to be up to their tasks. The Archbishop tasked the Knights and Ladies of St John International and Knights and Ladies of Marshal who are the 'military' of the Church to rise up and protect it in this era of attacks. He asked Christians to be the light in society and endeavour to shine wherever they found themselves. He called on the faithful to have trust and faith in God, who is capable of meeting all their needs. Archbishop Kwofie, who is also the Apostolic Administrator of the Sekondi Takoradi Catholic Diocese, urged Catholics to be focused on the Churchs doctrines and desist from roaming from church to church for earthly things. He commended the Knights and Ladies for the immense contributions they continued to make towards the growth and development of the Catholic Church, especially in the Sekondi Takoradi Diocese. The service was preceded by a colourful parade by the Ladies Auxiliary, who also donated a cheque for 11,000 cedis towards the building of a church at Nuzulezu. They also donated 5,000 cedis towards an ICT Centre for the Bishop Essuah School as well as a new Notice to Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Cathedral in Takoradi. 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 A study tour, a trip, a visit The charming landscape and lovely people of China have brought many unforgettable memories to those who visit. China has changed enormously since its reform and opening-up, and more foreigners now choose to live and travel in China. After a short stopover in Kunming, Amy arrives in Xishuangbanna, a city located in the very south of Yunnan province, China. Visiting the local markets, trying Dai food and tropical fruits, walking along the Mekong river - Amy was taken away by the tropical ambiance of this place. Pastor Eric Appiah Marfo of the Resurrection Power and Living Bread Ministries International, Cape Coast branch, on Sunday, urged Ghanaians to let integrity permeate every aspect of their lives. He said integrity meant doing the right things, at all times, even when no one was watching or supervising. Preaching on the theme: Elements of Strong Work Ethics, Pastor Marfo quoted from the scriptures saying: It is required of stewards that they are found faithful concerning what they have been entrusted with. He said integrity should permeate every aspect of ones life including his or her job from how we dealt with clients, to how we treated our co-workers and superiors. The greatest impact of integrity is seen in your relationships with people around you, specifically on how you handle these relationships and help in the achievement of goals, whether shared or individual. This is why integrity is one of the most important ingredients of trust. Integrity, in this context, also means behaving in a consistent manner. For example, if you are part of a team, your behavior should be in tune with everyone, in accordance with a clear set of guidelines in working together towards a clear purpose, he said. Pastor Marfo mentioned other elements of strong work ethics, which include quality of work, discipline and professionalism, and a sense of responsibility. He said those who shone and stood out at work were those who laid emphasis on quality of work and showed commitment towards producing such results. In Daniel 5:12-31, Daniel was described as having an excellent spirit and this was because he added a touch of perfection to every service he rendered. Due to this trait, Daniel served under four different Kings and held topmost positions throughout the reign of any of these kings. There are too many people doing shallow work, leaving very few who actually lay emphasis on quality work. The latter do more, perform better, and definitely go the extra mile to come up with results that surpass expectations. Clearly, these rare types of employees are those who belong to the group with a solid work ethic. While some employees do only the barest minimum, or what is expected of them, yearn to be part of those who go beyond that, he said. Pastor Marfo, expounding discipline and professionalism, said discipline was one of the key elements employers expected from an employee and that if an employee was instructed to do something, it was the trait of discipline in that individual that would let him respond to the instructions. However, if he does not have enough discipline to adhere to rules and follow through with the expected performance, there is no way he can become the productive employee the company desires. Discipline involves focus, dedication and determination on your part to do what you should, he said. Pastor Marfo said the word Professionalism was broad in scope and covered everything from one's appearance to how one conducted himself in the presence of other people. He said a sense of responsibility meant an employee would be concerned with ensuring he fulfilled his duties and responsibilities. And you will also feel inclined to do your best if you want to get the best results. 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 Head Pastor of the Methodist Church at Kukuom, capital of the Asunafo South District of the Ahafo region, has called on Ghanaians to embrace persons of different faiths in order to accelerate the development of the nation. According to Most Rev John Peprah, who is also Chairman of the Association of Churches in Kukuom, differences in faith should rather serve to unite the nation in an atmosphere of brotherly love and care, not as a source of conflict. Most Rev Peprah made the call when he and other members of the Association of Churches joined the Vice President of the Republic, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia at the Kukuom Central Mosque on Sunday, 26th May 2019. Vice President Bawumia is in the Ahafo region as part of his nationwide Ramadan tour, which has already taken him to the Oti, Volta, Eastern, Central, Western, Western North, Ashanti and Upper East Regions. Using himself as an example, Most Rev Peprah indicated that although he has many Muslim friends, he has never entered a mosque before, and commended Vice President Bawumia for embarking on a tour to promote religious acceptance, which has allowed him to enter a mosque. Today is the first time Im entering a mosque, and Im glad that it is because of the presence of H.E. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who has brought about this historic development. Every nation is developed by unity, commonness of purpose and brotherly love. What we are all praying for is that the peace, unity and brotherliness we are currently enjoying as a nation should continue forever. Our religious differences should not divide us. We all have our different beliefs. These differences should rather bring us together to develop and advance the nation. For us as leaders of the church, our prayer is that God, who chose to make you the leaders of this nation at this time, will help you to deliver on the assignment he has given you for this nation. Rev Peprah asked for Gods guidance and help for the Vice President as he continues the Ramadan tour, saying May God be with you and protect you in everything you do and everywhere you go. May your activities bring greater glory to Him. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Police in Osenase, a community near Akwatia in the Eastern region have arrested a 32-year-old seamstress known as Humu Iddrisu for allegedly conspiring with a Pastor in a failed ritual murder of a 31-year-old woman identified as Esther Dzakah. They allegedly lured her by pretending to offer her spiritual assistance for her husband to be more responsible. The victim who suffered deep cuts on her left cheek and mouth with her right forefinger cut off is currently on admission at St Dominic Hospital in Akwatia. Information gathered indicates the suspect, Humu Iddrisu, who is a friend to the victim recommended the suspected Pastor who is on the run to help her fix her marital predicament by making her husband who has shirked responsibility in taking care of their children to be more responsible. On the fateful day, the suspect lured the victim to take Gh13,000 belonging to her husband to see the Pastor for the spiritual help. They lodged at Seth Mensah Guest House around 3pm but around 7:00pm the suspects took the victim to an uncompleted building 500 meters away from the Guest House where the Pastor forcibly gave the victim a concoction as part of the rituals. The victim suddenly became weak after taking the concoction. The suspects swiftly hit her head with cement block and bolted. The victim told Police that, she regained consciousness after few minutes though the suspects thought she was dead. She said while lying motionless she heard the Pastor telling his accomplice that he was going to bring something from the nearby bush. According to the victim, she quickly gathered strength and struggled with her friend, suspect Humu Iddrisu biting her severely on her cheeks before she managed to escape to the guest house and screamed for help. Workers at the Guest House quickly called the Police around 10:45pm upon which the Police Patrol Team at Awaham junction responded swiftly, rushed the victim who was bleeding profusely to the St.Dominic Hospital where she is currently on admission. Police investigations led to the arrest of the Humu Iddrisu, but the Pastor is at large. Police also retrieved the Gh13,000 which was in possession of the victim from the crime scene. It is highly suspected that the suspects attempted to rather use the victim for sacrifice. The Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Regional Police Command, DSP Ebenezer Tetteh told Starr News that the suspect will be put before Court on May 27, 2019 while efforts are underway to arrest the Pastor. Source: starr fm 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 Seven suspected illegal miners were on Thursday arrested by Operation Vanguard personnel in the Ashanti Region. The suspects, two Chinese and five locals, were apprehended in two separate patrols conducted on Thursday within Atwima Mponua and Amansie Central Districts respectively. A statement made available to the Ghana News Agency on Friday by Captain Andy Sowatey, Public Relations Officer of Operation Vanguard said, the two Chinese nationals, Li Chengchan, 34 and Liang Yao Ying, 47, were arrested within the general area of Akonfrim and Afipaye have been handed over to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining for further action. "A pump action rifle, which was in their possession, had been processed into evidence at the Forward Operating Base in the Ashanti Region. "The other arrest of the five locals was made within the general area of Aketekyieso. "The suspects are currently in the custody of the Obuasi Central Police waiting to be processed", the statement said. 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 Dr Clement Apaak, the Member of Parliament for Builsa South Constituency in the Upper East Region has advocated collective efforts to tackle the menace of drug abuse to save the youth. The MP observed that the abuse of drugs, particularly, tramadol, was on the rise among the youth and added that, when pragmatic measures are not taken to deal with the canker, it could have serious consequences on the health and future of the youth. Dr Apaak made the observation at the Builsa South District General Assembly Meeting held at Fumbisi to review the performance of the Assembly last year. The meeting brought together Mr Daniel Kwame Gariba, the District Chief Executive, Assembly Members of the various electoral areas and heads of departments. The MP said the phenomenon was taking a national trend and was destroying the youth, adding that, the high indiscipline among the youth, poor academic performance and high teenage pregnancies among others, being recorded in recent times, was due to the constant abuse of drugs by the youth. The Former Chief of Staff said increased and sustained education and implementation of stringent measures were key to tackling the problem and called on all stakeholders to play active roles to address the menace. He also called on stakeholders in the Builsa South District to contribute significantly to address the challenges facing the educational sector in the district and increase pupils and students performance, especially at the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) level. He identified inadequate furniture and lack of computers as major a hindrance to effective teaching and learning in the various schools, especially at the basic schools. Whilst promising to channel the annual MP social intervention Fund and solicit external assistance to address some of the challenges, the MP appealed to other stakeholders to support to improve education in the area. Mr Gariba, who briefed the Assembly Members on government policies being undertaken in the district, explained that, the performance of the pupils at the BECE was not the best, indicating that, the district recorded 61.1 percent and 80.5 percent failure in 2017 and 2018 respectively. He said as part of measures to tackle the problem, the Assembly had constructed a three unit classroom block each at Nyambisa, Chansa-Pendem, Batuisa and a Girls' Model School at Fumbisi, as well as the rehabilitated Fumbisi Preparatory School at Fumbisi. He said the Assembly has further developed an incentive package to award best performing teachers and pupils in a bid to motivate the teachers to increase their output while encouraging the pupils to take their studies seriously. Let me urge the District Education Directorate, parents and chiefs to play effective collaborative roles by monitoring the work of teachers and wards at the schools, he added. 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 United Nations has appointed Mrs. Charlotte Osei as an International Elections Commissioner to Afghanistan, as the South Asian country prepares to hold crucial presidential polls in September 2019. Mrs. Oseis appointment was confirmed by a presidential decree issued by the President of Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani. Mrs. Osei is expected to join a team of other UN-appointed election experts from around the world to provide much needed technical support, capacity building and electoral best practice advice to the Election Complaints Commission and the Independent Electoral Commission charged with delivering a peaceful democratic process and credible elections. Mrs. Osei has extensive legal credentials and electoral management experience, making her well-placed to take on this challenging role, which is critical to successful, free and fair democratic elections in Afghanistan. She is a lawyer by profession with 25 years experience. She also holds a Masters in Law (1996) and a Masters in Business Leadership (2008). Her public sector professional activities have been focused largely on election administration and reforms, civic and voter education, gender and human rights advocacy. In the private sector, she managed a business law firm for several years. She has held several public sector positions over the course of her career, including Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Vice Chair of the Executive Board for the African Capacity Building Foundation, President of the Association of African Electoral Authorities and Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education of Ghana. Mrs Oseis appointment stands as a testament to her reputation and dedication to the delivery of free and fair elections in developing nations, as well as international confidence in Ghanas democratic processes. It follows her recent appointment as a member of the ECOWAS Elections Observer team that monitored the 2019 Nigerian Presidential Elections. As Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Mrs Osei managed the operations and provided strategic oversight of the Electoral Commission for three years, including four parliamentary by-elections, two national elections, local government elections (2015) and presidential and parliamentary elections (2016). Mrs Osei led a branch and root reform of the Commission resulting in the launch and partial implementation of a five-year strategic plan for the Electoral Commission. Additionally, she successfully implemented major electoral reforms. Ghanas presidential and parliamentary elections of 2016 were internationally acclaimed as being free and fair, and Mrs Oseis personal contribution resulted in several international awards and recognitions including Woman of Courage Award (2017) by the US government, Glitz Africa Woman of the Year Award 2018 (Governance) and the Chatham House Prize 2017 finalist. The Commonwealth Observer Group led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki noted that: The 7 December elections in Ghana were norm-setting for Africa, the Commonwealth and beyond. The Electoral Commission, the people of Ghana and the political parties and their leaders all contributed to this further deepening of democratic process in Ghana by delivering elections that for many in the group are among the best they have observed. Mrs Osei joins Presidential and UN appointees Ahmed Issack Hassan former Chair of the Kenya Electoral Commission, and Ivilina Aleksieva-Robinson of Bulgaria, appointed to the IEC, and Neel Uptrety of Nepal to the ECC. Mrs Oseis appointment to this high-profile position in Afghanistan raises Ghana to the world stage and highlights the nations successful journey towards a stable, secure and peaceful democracy. Free, fair and peaceful elections are the cornerstone of any democracy, and partnership and collaboration with international experts such as Mrs. Osei will prove invaluable as Afghanistans democracy grows and strengthens. 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 Members of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Loyal Ladies, Accra Chapter on Saturday 25th May 2019, undertook a massive clean-up exercise at the Tema General Hospital. The group cleared weeds, and de-silted choked gutters among others. They later visited the Neonatal and Paediatric Wards of the Hospital where they interacted with staff and new mothers to seek some of their challenges and how they can be assisted. Supported by the Office of The First Lady and the Rebecca Foundation, NPP-USA members in Ghana and Tema constituency executives and MPs, the NPP Loyal Ladies presented several items, including toiletries, detergents, disposable maternity wraps as well as biscuits and drinks to the hospital. Principal Nursing Officer at the Tema General Hospital Kokui Klutse, said her team was elated at the surprise visit and kind gesture shown by the NPP Loyal Ladies , promising that the donated items will be used for the comfort of patients. On their part, the NPP Loyal Ladies Greater Accra Chapter expressed their willingness and determination to touch the hearts of mothers, children and the vulnerable in society by seeking the necessary support to address their pressing needs and also used the opportunity to inaugurate the Tema Loyal Ladies group. Nana Kwaku Agyei Yeboah former Chairman of NPP USA who lead the NPP USA team praised the commitment and loyalty of the NPP Loyal Ladies and assured the bigger NPP fraternity that the NPP USA members currently in Ghana will work even harder than they did in the 2016 elections for the New Patriotic Party to retain power. The group was joined in the exercise by the Deputy National Youth Organizer of the NPP Perpetual Lomokie Akwada, NPP-USA members in Ghana , some constituency youth organizers of the Party and representatives from the Rebecca Foundation 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 The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will restore the commemoration of AU Day as a statutory holiday when it comes to power. Parliament recently passed the bill which was seeking to scrap AU and Republic Days as public holidays and introduce January 7 as Constitution Day. Mr. Ablakwa believes the move forms part of President Nana Akufo- Addos plans to diminish Ghanas first President Kwame Nkrumah. Under the direction of President Akufo-Addo, today the 25th of May which marks Africa Union Day or Africa Liberation Day as was reintroduced by President John Agyekum Kufuor as a public holiday in 2002 has now been degraded and therefore no longer a public holiday. How embarrassing that seven years down the lane, in his home country, Ghana President Akufo-Addo continues to pursue an agenda of diminishing Africas man of the millennium. Mr. Ablakwa was, however, quick to add that Mr. Akufo-Addos agenda for scrapping the holiday will fail, given that the NDC intends restoring the holiday when it comes to power. President Akufo-Addo should know by now that his agenda has already failed and just as President John Agyekum Kufuor restored full commemoration of AU Day, so shall a future NDC Government restore Ghana to its pride of place; considering that we have already served notice in Parliament. AU Day or Africa Day is the annual commemoration across the continent of the day the Organisation of African Unity, now the AU was founded. Below is the statement from Mr. Ablakwa Under the direction of President Akufo-Addo, today the 25th of May which marks Africa Union Day or Africa Liberation Day as was reintroduced by President John Agyekum Kufuor as a public holiday in 2002 has now been degraded and therefore no longer a public holiday. Its a real shame that Ghana, the country considered to be mother of the Africa Union due to the vision and sacrifices of our founding President, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah who first convened the All African Peoples Conference of 1958 here in Accra to lay the foundations of continental unity five years before the OAU was born in 1963 will now be set on a path by President Akufo-Addo where our Pan-African leadership and the inspiration we offer black people all over the world now stands undermined. Kwame Nkrumahs imposing bronze statue stands tall at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa to remind all Africans and people of the world about Nkrumahs pioneering role. I recall with great pride how in January 2012, Osagyefos statue was unveiled in Ethiopia by a powerful Ghanaian delegation led by Prof. John Evans Atta Mills and which comprised former President Jerry John Rawlings, Hon. Allan Kyerematen and Madam Mary Chinery-Hesse representing President John Kufuor and then the designer and sculptor Dr. Don Arthur. Of course, Prof. Francis Nkrumah and Samia Nkrumah represented Nkrumahs immediate family at that quintessentially proud Ghanaian moment of history. How embarrassing that seven years down the lane, in his home country, Ghana President Akufo-Addo continues to pursue an agenda of diminishing Africas man of the millennium. President Akufo-Addo should know by now that his agenda has already failed and just as President John Agyekum Kufuor restored full commemoration of AU Day, so shall a future NDC Government restore Ghana to its pride of place; considering that we have already served notice in Parliament. On this day, I invite us all to ponder over what W.E.B. Du Bois told the assemblage of the All African Peoples Conference convened by Nkrumah in December 1958: If Africa unites, it will be because each part, each nation, each tribe gives up a part of the heritage for the good of the whole. That is what union means, that is what Pan-African means. It is my prayer that President Akufo-Addo will listen to Du Bois and give up a part of his family heritage for the sake of meaningful African Unity. And shall we all learn to give up what has been holding back the full glory of this great continent all these decades. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP, North Tongu Ranking Member, Parliaments Committee on Foreign Affairs. Source: Daily Graphic 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 A Senior Lecturer of the University for Development Studies, Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw has chastised Ms Jean Mensa and Dr Bossman Asare, Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission of Ghana for compromising their office as referees in Ghana's electoral system. He made these known through a statement released on Saturday 25th May, 2019. He indicated, that even though the Chairpersons of the commission were "appointed under strange circumstances", they are expected to prove their critics wrong by providing a transparent system that gives a level playing field for all stakeholders in our political system. This he observed, is not being achieved since the public utterances and posture of the Commissioners of the EC has not been impressive. Late Invitation of NDC to IPAC Meeting Dr Godfred Jasaw described as unfortunate, shameful and regrettable, the decision to invite the biggest opposition party in the country, only few minutes to the start of an IPAC meeting. He explained, that even though Ms Jean Mensa rendered an apology to the NDC on this matter, recent developments at the commission suggests that the Commissioners drew no lessons from the unfortunate incident. NDC as a threat to Ghana's Democracy The Senior Lecturer, further described as disastrous, comments from Dr Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral commission, suggesting that the NDC "is gradually becoming a cause to worry for the peace and stability in the country". He advised Dr Bossman Asare to purge himself off such controversies. "If he continue to act as though his core mandate is to put smiles on the faces of elements in government, he will not only lose any integrity he has but also plunge the country into chaos." Limited Registration Exercise Dr Godfred Jasaw kicked against the decision of the EC to move the limited registration exercise from the electoral areas to the district offices of the commission and described that decision as unwise. He noted, that such a move will disenfranchise over 1 million eligible voters. He therefore quizzed whether the Commissioners understand their core mandate and further stated, that the "EC has no excuse not to undertake this exercise at the electoral areas, giving the fact that parliament had approved its budget for the exercise". Dr Jasaw also advised the Commissioners of the EC to stop taking entrenched position on this important issue, as it has the tendency of ruining the peace and stability the country enjoys. He ended by calling on the various Civil society organizations, the clergy, chiefs and all other stakeholders to speak out against the actions of Ms Jean Mensa and Dr Bossman Asare, to provide a level playing field for all parties in the country so that the country will not be plunged into a state of anarchy and despair because of the "irresponsible/political" actions of some individuals. Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw Writes; Considering the strange circumstances under which the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission and her deputies were appointed, many of us expected them to live above the occasion and prove their critics wrong by providing fair grounds for all stakeholders in our electoral system. Unfortunately, their public utterances, posture and work so far have not been impressive. The unfortunate decision to deliberately or otherwise, invite the biggest opposition party in the country, only few minutes to the start of an IPAC meeting was very shameful and regrettable. Recent developments at the EC has proven, that the apology rendered to the NDC after that unfortunate incident, was not one that the Chairperson and her deputies drew any lessons from. I was outraged, when I heard the Deputy Chairperson for the Commission describe the NDC as a threat to the country's democracy. In fact, he indicated that "The actions of the NDC are gradually becoming a cause to worry for the peace and stability in the country". Such disastrous comments from someone who is supposed to be a Referee, remains distasteful and I think Dr Bossman Asare must purge himself off such controversies, considering the bizarre circumstances under which he and his colleagues were appointed. If he continue to act as though his core mandate is to put smiles on the faces of elements in government, he will not only lose any integrity he has but also plunge the country into chaos. I agree with all those who are strongly against EC's decision to move the limited registration exercise from the electoral areas to the district offices. I do not know how such an unwise decision will even help the ruling party. A decision to disenfranchise over 1 million eligible voters? Does the commissioners of the EC, led by Ms Jean Mensa understand their core mandate? The EC has no excuse not to undertake this exercise at the electoral areas, giving the fact parliament has approved its budget for the execerice. It will not be in the interest of the country, for the Commissioners to take an entrenched position on this matter, as it has the tendency to ruin the peace we enjoy as a country. This is the point where we expect the various civil society organizations, the clergy, chiefs and all other relevant stakeholders to speak out. We must speak against these ills before the irresponsible/political actions of some individuals, plunge this nation into a state of anarchy and despair. Source: Richmond Eduku 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 Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammi Awuku and Youth Organizer Henry Nana Boakye, aka Nana B, have reiterated their resolve to help the ruling party to retain political power in 2020. As part of efforts to help the current Akufo-Addo administration to win next years election, the two and other organizers travelled to France to carry out some key assignments that would help the NPP in the 2020 general elections. During the maiden meeting with the NPP organizers in the Diaspora, Mr Awuku educated the NPP members in the Diaspora on modern campaign strategies. Other members of the delegation include Lawyer Justin Kodua Frimpong, CEO of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), CEO of State Housing Company, Nana Appiah Mensah and CEO of National Food Buffer Stock Company, Hanan Abdul-Wahab. Also present were Director of the Free Zones Company, Habib Iddrisu and NPPs Director of International Affairs, Emmanuel Attafuah-Danso and other party leaders in Europe and Canada. Mr. Awuku and his team on the first day of the programme met the NPP leadership in France to obtain first-hand information about their challenges in that country. The NPP National Organizer, after carefully listening to his hosts, admonished the NPP leadership in France to work together in order to help the NPP retain power in 2020. On the second day, he shared his vast experience in political organization and planning with the about 22 NPP organizers from different countries and urged them to work hard. Mr. Awuku explained how to effectively mobilize Ghanaians abroad since the Electoral Commission (EC) has given indications about the implementation of ROPAA during the 2020 polls. According to him, the NPP would not take anything for granted, stressing the need for the NPP organizers to always unite and strategize to increase the partys membership and votes during polls. Ghanaian Community Sammi Awuku and the others also took turns to update the Ghanaian community in France about the governments programmes in Ghana. The NPP National Organizer stated emphatically that the Akufo-Addo government has performed better than the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in just two-and-half-years. Our worst in two years would be the NDCs best in 30 years, he said. Mr. Awuku appealed passionately to the electorate to renew the mandate of the NPP government in 2020 since the NPP has answers to Ghanas problems. Nana B, for his part, gave assurance that they would campaign vigorously to ensure that the NPP is retained in 2020. All the CEOs also told Ghanaians what they were doing to make Ghana a better place for all. 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 What has brought engraved cases back into fashion? Its impossible to say. Fashions come and go, seemingly without rhyme or reason. Engraving as a style of decoration for watches whether of the wrist or pocket variety has never been particularly popular. In fact, its far more common on table clocks. But as an aesthetic, it has never completely died out. Today, it seems to be making a return to favour. Why? An unsung master Its all about people, and brands. In the former category, we have one very unassuming engraver: Bram Ramon. Many years ago, he was spotted by Yvan Arpa, the man behind ArtyA. Since then, the brand has produced a number of extremely limited editions and one-of-a-kind pieces that have become highly sought-after collectors pieces. ArtyA has concentrated largely on engraving titanium dials, which is a particularly demanding exercise. Recently, they also released a platinum minute repeater with a fully engraved case. Minute Repeater Platinum ArtyA From Minerva to Patek Philippe Decorative motifs have been a consistent presence throughout watch history, but they remain relatively rare. The latest and probably the most prestigious reference in this mode is the Grandmaster Chime (Ref. 5175) by Patek Philippe, a Grand Complication whose case opulently engraved with floral motifs made quite an impression on its release. Its extravagant design breaks with the tradition of more subtle decoration such as we see on this Minerva (carved gold case, date unknown). Grandmaster Chime Patek Philippe These wheat-ear or barleycorn motifs flourished in the early twentieth century, when similar decorations were also omnipresent on the more upmarket furniture. The design can be traced back to the Consulat and Empire periods, which is when this piece in ebony with copper marquetry (Napoleon III) was made. Its floral border certainly bears more than a passing resemblance to an engraved watch bezel. Piece in ebony with copper marquetry (Napoleon III) Solar Editions The Longines story When watchmaking entered its more minimalist Art Deco phase, several watchmakers continued to produce engraved cases. One such was Longines, which created a number of exquisite womens timepieces featuring engraving and gem-setting. The companys fascinating archives in Saint-Imier contain original drawings of the Les Elegantes collection, which was updated and reissued in 2002. It is a testament to the importance of case decoration (mainly on ladies watches) for the watchmaker that, in the early 20th century, the majority of Longines watch engravings were executed internally, in the companys own decoration workshops. Les Elegantes Longines Engraved and signed Closer to the present day, the Ateliers Louis Moinet have made engraved cases a pillar of their brand aesthetic. First, there are the fully engraved highly limited series such as the remarkable Memoris Red Eclipse (now no longer available). And second, the original signature of Louis Moinet (1768-1853) is systematically engraved on the casebands of all new releases. Memoris Red Eclipse Louis Moinet We should also mention perhaps the most obvious if atypical example: the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. Its protective swivel back, designed to protect the watch crystal from damage while its wearer is playing polo, has for many years been a canvas for personal expression highly prized by collectors, which have included figures as illustrious as Edward VIII, the Duke of Windsor (1894-1972). Reverso Edouard VIII Jaeger-LeCoultre The unsellable Ronnie Peterson Ronnie Peterson and Jack Heuer TAG Heuer And then theres the case of Ronnie Petersons Heuer Carrera. Jack Heuer had a habit of giving watches to racing drivers. He presented the Swedish driver Ronnie Peterson (1944-1978) with a magnificent Carrera chronograph with a solid gold case and bracelet. He had it specially engraved: Success Ronnie Peterson from Jack W. Heuer. This made the watch completely unique and thus impossible to sell. Given the strong temptation in those days to sell timepieces for the scrap value of the gold, Jack Heuer used the engraving to forestall any possibility of his Carrera being sold. In 2016 Heuer, now TAG Heuer, bought the watch from Sothebys for CHF 225,000. Nana Dokua Asiamah-Adjei, a Deputy Minister of Information, has said the decentralisation of the national policy summit on regional basis demonstrated governments commitment to deepening democracy. She noted that the summit, like other flagship programmes, formed an integral part of the Ministry's strategic objective of ensuring responsive governance and citizen participation in the development dialogue. It is also to improve participation of civil society including the media, traditional authorities, religious bodies in national development. The Deputy Minister, made the remarks at the sixth National Policy Summit, which started on Sunday in Cape Coast with focus on fisheries and sanitation sectors. The two-day event, held quarterly provides a platform to explain government policies, plans and activities to the citizenry as well as collect feedback for policy formulation and implementation. It is being organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Information on the theme: "Meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SGGs): Emphasis on Fisheries and Sanitation. Nana Asiamah-Adjei said summit among others seeks to ensure that good governance, accountability and transparency, which were the fulcrum of democracy became entrenched, deepened and remained unparalleled to enable all and sundry to contribute effectively and meaningfully to the processes of nation building. Government will not rest but re-double its series of public engagements with the citizenry in the Regions as part of the core vision to bring governance and development to the door-steps of the ordinary person. She reassured that government would continue to adopt pragmatic programmes and well thought out policies that cut across political and ethnic persuasions to ensure that all resources were pulled together to ensure accelerated national development. Nana Asiamah-Adjei called on stakeholders in the democratic dispensation to work closely with Government to attain democratic credentials that will be exemplary to nations. Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Omanhene of the Essikado Traditional Area, stressed the urgent need for government to provide sanitation tools, equipment and logistics to tackle the menace. He also called for harmonisation of administrative structures and advocated for strong collaboration with research and implementation of research findings. 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 An activist of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dela Coffie has commended the leadership of the National Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammy Awuku for laying down good strategies to tackle party organization ahead of election 2020. In a Facebook Post, he said "it is a shame that when the NDC had the opportunity in government its party structures and officers were rather weakened while entertainers like Akua Donkor and some so-called celebrities got empowered through dozens of foreign trips". The guy simply knows his stuff and the political turf so much that his strategies are beginning to make the NPP very attractive to the Ghanaian youth. Read Full Facebook Post of Dela Coffie: I greatly admire the strategy Sammi Awuku is deploying to tackle party organization ahead of election 2020. He seems to be doing something right with his local and international empowerment/capacity building workshops for his regional organizers and party executives. The guy simply knows his stuff and the political turf so much that his strategies are beginning to make the NPP very attractive to the Ghanaian youth. It is such a shame that when the NDC had the opportunity in government, its party structures and officers were rather weakened while entertainers like #AkuaDonkor and some so-called celebrities got empowered through dozens of foreign trips and whatnot. People, election 2020 will be won by the party with the best strategies. Let's take a step back, examine real facts, not rhetoric that is preached daily and pay attention to basic details. So much for throwing mud while shooting blanks.... Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/Peacefmonline/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The New Patriotic Party (NPP) branch in Canada will celebrate its 25th anniversary in September, this year amid pomp and pageantry. As part of activities marking the 25th anniversary, there would be a grand durbar in Toronto on September 1, this year. NPP officials in Canada are hoping that either President Nana Akufo-Addo or his vice Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia would grace the occasion. Samuel Asirifi, the Organizer of the NPP branch in Canada, made the disclosure in an interview with DAILY GUIDE in France over the weekend. The NPP will celebrate the 25th anniversary in a grand style. Mr. Asirifi said the NPP external branch members across the world have all been invited to make the occasion memorable. He said NPPs national and regional executives in Ghana, as well as other high-profile party officials, have also been invited to the major event. He added that there would be a Town Hall meeting, which would be attended by the Ghanaian community in Canada on August 31. He disclosed that President Nana Akufo-Addos laudable achievements and programmes would be thoroughly explained to the gathering during the meeting. The branch organizer also announced that there would be fun games to help entertain and promote unity among the party members. He added that the partys members would use the event to make plans for the 2020 general elections. 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 Nsawam-Adoagyiri Constituency, Eastern Region, Frank Annor Dompreh has urged the National Identification Authority (NIA) to ensure that the aim of the Ghana Card registration exercise is achieved. According to him, the money given to the authority can be used for another project in the Akufo-Addo administration; hence they should be vigilant in ensuring that the exercise is successful. "There should be a conscious education programme . . . they should step up . . . the amount of money invested in this exercise can be used for another project; so, they need to be up and doing. This is one important exercise that when we get it wrong it wont be good," he indicated on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', Monday. He made these remarks on the back of numerous complains that have come up following the registration exercise in the Greater Accra Region. Watch his submission below Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video National Organizer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammy Awuku has hit back at critics accusing him of sponsoring Regional Organizers of the party to France with state cash. Speaking on Anopa Kasapa on Kasapa 102.5 FM, Mr Awuku denied claims that hes blowing the nations resources and taxpayers money on extravagant trips with his NPP boys abroad. According to him, not a dime was solicited from the party to airlift the various National Organizers to France in a meeting with the 22 branches abroad. You know the NPP has 22 branches abroad, outside Ghana and you may be aware that the Electoral Commission also recently gave the indication that based on the court ruling on ROPAA theyre preparing to roll out the exercise. Per the mandate of the constitution of the NPP, Im in-charge of the partys branches both home and abroad. Im also clothed with the mandate to undertake the feasibility studies for the opening of branches abroad where necessary. And when I came into office, I have also not had the opportunity to meet the Organizers in the 22 branches abroad, and if you look at the NPP constitution, Im required to report to the General Secretary the status of the party and how well its doing so he can also relay same to the National Executive Committee(NEC) and the Steering Committee...So it became necessary to convene a meeting with these 22 branches abroad in France, to strategize ahead of ROPAA... to be honest, I didnt even pay for a dime in the organization of the meeting. They[members abroad] wholly mobilized resources on their own to fund the ongoing meeting in France. However, it was also in the larger interest of our party that such meeting will include our local organizers too so they can fraternize and share experience with their colleagues abroad on grassroot mobilization. Nobody went to the party for a penny,a farthing,a pesewa,; It was fully borne by these guys in the 22 branches abroad. He also says that those who seek to criticize him do so out of ignorance because he has a legacy of occasionally mobilizing his Youth Organizers for similar training programmes abroad even while in opposition. When I was the National Youth Organizer in opposition, If you ask ten of my regional youth organizers at that time, they will tell you Sammy Awuku traveled with almost all of them for training programmes. I believe so much in training programmes, and with my role as National organizer, Im in-charge of training in the party. So if as Youth Organizer of our party then, I was able to facilitate my regional youth organizers for trips to US, UK, Germany and the likes for training programes how much more operating from government. Well if the NDC thinks theyve had enough training and feels they are comfortable in opposition, Im thirsty and hungry for more success. Ill go every length to ensure my Organizers get that exposure, training to work hard for 2020 general elections. Source: kasapafmonline 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 guest post (Photo : guest post) backlink (Photo : backlink) service (Photo : service) We all want to increase the rankings of our websites in search engine. The only problem? We don't know the exact formula to rank a website higher. What we know is that search engines mostly rely on backlinks to rank a website. The better backlinks it creates the higher the rankings of the website are going to be. Advertisement But getting backlinks from other blogs is not an easy task, especially when people don't trust guest authors. The point is that these guest posts have become a business. People are charging from $50 to $500 just to get a backlink on another website. In fact, Google has also said that backlinks don't matter anymore. It also recommends users not to create guest posts just for backlinks because that can decrease the rankings of your website in search engines. Instead, the guest posts written should be engaging and attractive. They need to be shared organically without the owner of the website sharing the posts themselves. We decided to create a list of the best guest posting services that can help you get enticing and attractive posts that can be published anywhere on the web. Whether you are aiming for technical articles, how-to's, or simply product services, these guest posting services can do the job. 1. iGuest Blog First in our list is a website guest posting blogging website. This is a digital marketing agency and offers some of the best guest posts for business and technology. The only problem with iGuest blog is that their prices are off the chart. For a regular guest post on a DA10+ website, they are charging $100. Other websites are doing that for $50 to $80. Also, unlike other guest posting services that provide discount, the iGuest Blog doesn't have any similar option available. However, it promises results and that's all that matters. 2. Globex Outreach Next, in our list is our very own Globex Outreach. One of the finest guest posting and viral outreach services, Globex came to the limelight when affiliate bloggers started acquiring its services to increase their rankings. The service has successfully posted backlinks on some of the most high DA websites including Forbes, Entrepreneur, Social Media Today, and many more. Whether you are looking for a country level TLD, or a global TLD, Globex is the guest posting outreach service you should use. You can also use Globex outreach to get premium links from high DA websites as well. If you already have a guest post written, simply ask Globex to post the article on a relevant high DA website and they will do it for you. 3. Fiverr Fiverr isn't a guest posting service but you can still find some really good guest posting gigs here. The 'gigs' is what Fiverr calls a job. So, search for guest posting gigs on Fiverr and then find one that has higher ratings and gets the job done. Your guest post will be ready in under three days. But the story doesn't just ends here. You will have to now hire a guest post publishing service to get that guest post published. Here are a few examples of guest posting publishing services that you can use to get the job done. Remember that most of these are highly priced, so make sure to negotiate a decent offer. 4. Matt Diggity Guest Posts (Authority Builders) Next in our list is the PBN king, Matt Diggity. Matt is known for launching numerous business and then scaling them from zero to $100,000 per year in revenue. He is a little expensive but he gets the job done in the best way possible. Matt has numerous high DA PBNs available. For those who have no idea about what PBNs are, they are a way to rank your website higher in search engines just like guest posts do. But they are all linked to a single network. Now, if you are not familiar with Google crackdown on PBNs, you should at least know that Google doesn't really like PBNs just as it doesn't like guest posting services. Now, your question will be, why use PBNs from Matt Diggity if they aren't worth it? Answer: Matt Diggity PBNs are mostly high DA websites and Google does accept links from them because they are all quality websites and not simply spamming the internet with more irrelevant backlinks. 5. Stellar SEO Stellar SEO is a blogging outreach company that is known for helping digital startups get more prominence on the web with simple techniques. The company has been in business from last 8 years and voted one of the best blogging outreach companies online. You can purchase a link for $167 for a domain with DA 20+. If you want to go even higher, the charges will double. Nonetheless, Stellar SEO is known for high profile backlinks that can shoot your business in the sky. Next Step Now that you know about the best guest blogging outreach services, it is time to try one of these to get backlinks for your website. 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 Egypt condemned on Sunday evening the terrorist attack west of Iraq's city of Mosul where a bomb-laden car killed and wounded several people earlier in the day, the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday evening. The foreign ministry's statement expressed Egypt's condolences to the victims' families and wished the speedy recovery to the injured. The statement also expressed Egypt's total solidarity as a government and people with Iraq's people and government. The statement renewed "Egypt's firm stance on the need to confront all forms of terrorism, violence and extremism; to drain sources of finance and support for terrorism; as well as preventing the provision of safe havens to terrorists." Search Keywords: Short link: Bankruptcy procedure against Vneshprombank ex-presidents husband extended keytown.me 10:53 27/05/2019 MOSCOW, May 27 (RAPSI) The Moscow Commercial Court has extended bankruptcy proceedings against Lazar Markus, the husband of convicted ex-president of Vneshprombank Larisa Markus, for six months, according to court records. According to administrative receiver Alexander Krylov, the applicant, whose motion the court granted, the extension of procedure was needed to complete all measures stipulated by the bankruptcy law. In March, the court set temporary restriction on departure of Lazar Markus abroad. The limit has been imposed until the court completes or terminates bankruptcy proceedings against the debtor. On May 23, 2018, the court ordered asset disposition in relation to Markus. A bankruptcy claim has been earlier lodged against him VTB24 over his debt worth over 319 million rubles to the bank. On March 20, Moscows Tverskoy District Court extended detention of his wife, convicted ex-president of Vneshprombank Larisa Markus, as part of a new criminal case launched against her. The woman will stay jailed until June 24. Markus, sentenced to 8.5 years in prison for stealing 113.5 billion rubles ($1.7 billion), has been recently charged with large-scale embezzlement. In May 2017, Markus was sentenced to 9 years in prison for embezzling 113.5 billion rubles and later was declared bankrupt on the request of VTB24 bank. In August, her sentence was reduced by 6 months. Investigators and court found that Markus along with her brother Georgy Bedzhamov, who once co-owned Vneshprombank, created an organized crime group to siphon money from the bank. The group including former vice-president of the bank Yekaterina Glushakova allegedly granted loans to sub-companies and did not refund money to Vneshprombank. From May 2009 to December 2015, conspirators managed to embezzle about 114 billion rubles. Glushakova has been sentenced to 4 years in prison. Bedzhamov has been put on the international wanted list. An arrest warrant has been issued for him in absentia. Russian police officers to stand trial on torture allegations RIA Novosti, Vitaly Ankov 13:26 27/05/2019 MOSCOW, May 27 (RAPSI) A court in Russias Kaliningrad Region will hear a criminal case against police mayor Vadim Baltrushaitis and his former colleague, mayor Mikhail Samoylov, who are accused of torturing arrested persons, lawyer Natalya Lyutaya has told RAPSI. According to case papers, Samoylov beat suspects with his hands, leather portfolio and rubber truncheons; Baltrushaitis used handcuffs to immobilize people, electric shockers and a ruler and also attempted to garrotte one of the victims. The defendants allegedly demanded confession in a theft from two arrested persons using force in 2015. They are charged with abuse of power with the use of violence. Samoylov is additionally charged with illegal keeping of explosives. Baltrushaitis and Samoylov plead not guilty. The United Nations in Egypt welcomed and applauded on Monday the positive and encouraging steps taken by the Egyptian government to end Female Genital Mutilation "FGM". The statement of the UN in Egypt stated that on 20 May 2019 , the National council for Women and the National council for Childhood and Motherhood held their first meeting of the National taskforce for ending FGM in Egypt. The National Taskforce is made of all concerned ministries in addition to civil society and development partners and it aims to concrete all the efforts to end the practice that violates the rights of women and girls. The statement added that the taskforce is in line with the National strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian women 2030 , specifically the protection pillar concerned with protection of women and girls from all forms of violence including FGM. "It also contributes to Egypt's national efforts towards the achievement of UN sustainable development goal 5 to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls." The statement added. According to the Egyptian health ministry in 2018 , the rate of the female genital mutilation (FGM) among teenage girls from 15 to 17 years old fell from 74 percent in 2008 to 61 percent in 2014 in Egypt. The Egyptian government criminalised FGM in 2008. In 2016, the House of Representatives passed amendments in the law criminalising FGM, designating the practice a felony and mandating stricter punishments for those convicted of performing the procedure The first FGM conviction was in January 2015, seven years after the practice was criminalised, when a father and a doctor were convicted of the death of a 13-year-old girl who died during an FGM operation. Others were prosecuted in similar cases later. Search Keywords: Short link: Russian Constitutional Court to deliver ruling in deer stalking quota case RAPSI, Mikhail Telekhov 17:51 27/05/2019 ST. PETERSBURG, May 27 (RAPSI, Mikhail Telekhov) - The Constitutional Court of Russia will hand down its ruling in a case over deer stalking quotas for indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North on May 28, RAPSI has learnt from the courts press service. Applicant, ethnic dolgan Gennady Shchukin, has challenged ban on the quotas transfer by disabled representatives of indigenous minorities of the North to their relatives. In his complaint, he has asked the Constitutional Court to check certain provisions of the federal law on hunting and preservation of hunting resources. Shchukin is a clan chairman and president of the local Public association of indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North in the Krasnoyarsk Krais Taymyr Dolgano-Nenets district. In September 2014, he offered clan chairs to shoot wild reindeers entrusting huntsmen with deerhunting in the amount meant for all members of the community taking into consideration that the quota is 8 deers per person. According to case papers, hunters killed 217 species, and devolution of the hunting common limits stirred up law enforcement discontent. The applicant and other shooting participants were found guilty of illegal hunting committed by an organized group in conspiracy and were fined. Shchukin received a 120,000-ruble fine (about $2,000). However, all of them were released from punishment due to an amnesty. Shchukin turned to the Constitutional Court. He claims that current legislation strips those dolgans, who do not have a hunting permit or ability to hunt by themselves for health reasons, as well as children and elderly persons of the right to deer stalking quotas. The dolgans are Turkic people mostly inhabiting Russias Krasnoyarsk Krai. The Guardian, May 11, 2019 By Emma Graham-Harrison Afghan journalist, Mena Mangal was shot dead in Kabul. Afghan journalist, Mena Mangal was shot dead in Kabul. A prominent Afghan journalist and political adviser has been gunned down in Kabul, just days after she warned on social media that she feared for her life. Mena Mangal was shot dead on Saturday morning in south-east Kabul. The attack, in broad daylight in a public place, prompted an outpouring of grief and anger from womens rights activists, directed at authorities who had left her unprotected in the face of threats. This woman had already shared that her life was in danger; why did nothing happen? We need answers, said Wazhma Frogh, an Afghan human rights lawyer and womens rights campaigner. Why is it so easy in this society [for men] to keep killing women they disagree with? Mangal had shared her fears in a defiant post on Facebook on 3 May. She said she was being sent threatening messages but declared that a strong woman wasnt afraid of death, and that she loved her country. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said unknown attackers had shot Mangal, and a special police unit was now investigating. In a tearful video posted to Twitter, Mangals mother named a group of men as suspected killers, claiming they had previously kidnapped her daughter. The group were arrested for that abduction, she said, but later bribed their way out of detention. Mangal made her name as a presenter on the Pashto-language channel Tolo TV, the countrys largest private broadcaster, and later worked for one of its key competitors, Shamshad TV. Off-screen she was a passionate advocate of womens rights to education and work, and had recently become a cultural adviser to the lower chamber of Afghanistans national parliament. Cant stop my tears at the loss of this beautiful soul. She had a loud voice, and actively raised [that] voice for her people, Frogh said. Such a public killing was an absolute dishonour on the police, intelligence services and national security council, said the political analyst Mariam Wardak. Over the past two decades of war in Afghanistan there have been many attacks on and assassinations of women in public positions, including policewomen and politicians, educators, students and journalists. Some have been targeted by insurgents who object to women having a role in public life, while others have been attacked by conservative relatives or members of their own community. But there is a sense that the latest murder comes at a time when women are particularly vulnerable. Afghan womens rights activists have warned that they have been almost entirely excluded from a US drive to broker peace with the Taliban, putting hard-won freedoms in jeopardy. When the Taliban ruled Afghanistan, before the US-led campaign to topple them in 2001, they barred women from education and most work, forcing them to wear the burqa. The fight for womens rights was often presented as a major driver of western military intervention, but appears to have been largely sidelined as the US tries to wrap up its longest ever war. Although the Taliban has paid lip service to womens rights at international meetings, in the parts of the country it controls there are harsh restrictions including a de-facto ban on secondary education for girls. And just days before Mangals murder, the Taliban attacked the headquarters of an international aid group in Kabul, citing its work on womens rights as one reason it was targeted. The Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Counterpart International had carried out harmful western activities in Afghanistan, and was promoting open inter-mixing between men and women. Renowned Egyptian investigative journalist Maggie Michael, Egyptian photojournalist Nariman El-Mofty, and Yemeni video journalist Maad Al-Zikry were awarded Atlantic Media's 16th annual Michael Kelly Award for their reporting on Yemen for The Associated Press, nearly a month after they won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting. The on-the-ground complexities of the ongoing civil war in Yemen, supported and exacerbated by outside powers, are nearly impossible for outsiders to follow. Confronting continual threats from all sides, these journalists filed stories for The Associated Press that consistently broke new ground, brought the nature of the conflict vividly alive, and exposed the ruthless cynicism of those perpetuating the conflict, the judges said. Last April, Michael, El-Mofty, and Al-Zikry won a Pulitzer in international reporting for their coverage of abuses in Yemens civil war. According to AP, the trio spent a year uncovering atrocities and suffering in Yemen, shining a light on a conflict largely ignored by the American public. The series of reports including documented civilian casualties of a US drone campaign drew attention to the presence of child soldiers on the front lines and showed evidence of torture by both Houthi rebels and US-backed forces. Michael, who is based in Cairo, joined the AP in 2002. She covered political and religious conflict in the Middle East and, as part of AP's investigations team, has written about civilian casualties in Iraq and Yemen. El-Mofty is a Canadian-Egyptian photographer. She worked first as a photo editor, then since 2016 as a photographer covering Egypt, Yemen and other parts of the Middle East. Al-Zikry is a video journalist who has spent years chronicling the war and its horrors. His photograph of an emaciated infant dying at a hospital in 2016 helped bring world attention to starvation in Yemen. Michael and El-Mofty are the first Egyptians to win the prize. Search Keywords: Short link: Buda Mendes/Getty Images(RIO DE JANEIRO) -- After five tumultuous months with Jair Bolsonaro at the helm of the biggest democracy in Latin America, thousands attended demonstrations across Brazil's major cities on Sunday to show their support for the so-called "Trump of the Tropics. "We are here to support our president," Marlene Camargo, a 48-year-old housewife at the demonstration in Rio de Janeiro, told ABC News. "The media is trying to destroy him. We love him and we have faith in him." Though Bolsonaro did not directly call for protesters to hit the streets on Sunday, the president did not hesitate, upon exiting an Evangelical church in Rio de Janeiro, to tweet out videos of the demonstrators. The number of people who turned out, however, was nowhere near what president's supporters had hoped it would be. Brazil has recently seen major protests against Bolsonaro and his administration's policies. Last week, tens of thousands across the country protested against cuts to education. There were also protests after Bolsonaro called for celebrating the anniversary of a military coup that ushered in years of a dictatorship for Brazil. A recent poll from the Institute for Social, Political and Economic Research (IPESPE) revealed that that 36% of Brazilians consider his government "bad or terrible," with only 34% of respondents saying it's "good or great." "Today Bolsonaro is not as strong as he was during the campaign. He cannot make Congress cooperate in passing his agenda and so people keep protesting," said Mauricio Santoro, a political scientist and professor at the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). Conservative leaders in Brazil were divided over Sunday's pro-Bolsonaro demonstrations. Kim Kataguiri, leader of the conservative Free Brazil Movement (Movimento Brasil Livre) said his party will not assist in the closure of the Parliament or the Supreme Court, two things that the president said in the past that he would like to do. Kataguiri added that the Free Brazil Movement rejects the demonization of Congress. Although Bolsonaro, a former congressmen, was elected with much fanfare and won over 55% of the vote in October 2018, Brazilians are now questioning if he will be able to stay in power with allegations of corruption against his family members. Bolsonaro ran a campaign pledging to end the economic recession, zero tolerance on crime, and the eradication corruption. However, his eldest son, Flavio Bolsonaro, has been accused of possible involvement in an irregular payments scheme between 2016 and 2017 when he served as a state legislator, in which the wages of "no show" employees were allegedly pocketed by their employers. These transactions also allegedly involved the future first lady, Michelle Bolsonaro. "One of the mistakes of Bolsanoro is that he never understood electors voted for him not because they agree with him on everything. Brazilians were eager to have a clean president," Santoro told ABC News. The protests around Brazil over the first months of Bolsinaro's presidency are reminiscent of protests against U.S. president Donald Trump, also considered by some to be a "populist" figure, during the first few months of his administration. While chanting Bolsonaro's name at Copacabana beach on Sunday, 62-year-old Antonio Vargas, a medical doctor, told ABC News that the president has difficulties governing because Brazils governing institutions are dead. "Jair Bolsonaro should not hesitate. He should close the Congress and start governing in his own way. We are wasting time" he said. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. The head of Sudans Transitional Military Council (TMC) met Abu Dhabis crown prince on Sunday, who expressed the United Arab Emirates support for Sudan as it navigates a transition after the ouster of Omar al-Bashir, Emirates news agency (WAM) reported. Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhans visit to the UAE came on the heels of a trip to Egypt and a visit by his deputy, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, to Saudi Arabia. During Burhans visit, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan expressed the UAEs backing for Sudan and stressed the importance of dialogue between the Sudanese people in this sensitive phase, according to WAM. Sudans main protest group, the Sudanese Professionals Association, said on Sunday it had held its first meeting with the Saudi ambassador in Khartoum, calling on him to support a transition to civilian rule. Official talks between the TMC that Burhan leads and an alliance of protest and opposition groups have stalled over whether the military or civilians will have ultimate control over transitional bodies. The UAE and Saudi Arabia between them pledged $3 billion in financial and material support to Sudan in late April. *This story was edited by Ahram Online. Search Keywords: Short link: Colonialism in Yemen: Ottomans, British [27/May/2019] SANAA, May 27 (Saba) -The Ottoman Empire occupied Yemen for many years, starting in the sixteenth century in 1538 when Hadim Suleiman Pasha (the Ottoman governor of Egypt at the time) was commanded to send a fleet of 90 ships to capture Yemen. The Ottomans occupied Yemen to safeguard the cities of Mecca and Medina and to establish a trade route to India. In 1634 after many rebellions, battles with the Zaydis, and a lot of territory loss, the Ottomans were finally driven out of Yemen. Then, the Zaydis ruled Yemen for a long time, building up Yemen's economy because Yemen was the only coffee producer in the world. In the early half of the 1700s, European countries began smuggling coffee trees out of Yemen, putting an end to this monopoly. Greater turmoil continued into the nineteenth century. The British took over south Yemen (Aden) in 1839 after Zaydi rule became unstable. In mid- century, the Ottomans returned to Yemen after two centuries of being driven out by the Zaydis. The interest of the Ottomans and the British were intensified after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, which would allow them to have control of the passage between Europe and Asia. The British route to India became around 5000 miles shorter via the Suez Canal, and they saw Yemen as a very useful place to refuel their ships on the way there. The Ottoman empire (which was Turkish) saw Yemen as useful to their empire for the same reason. As time went on, the Ottomans established their rule inland towards Sanaa and Ta'izz while the British expanded north and east from Aden. The British and the Ottomans were having many disputes over the borders of their territories, so in 1904 they signed a treaty: North Yemen would be Ottoman (Vilayet- i Yemen) and South Yemen (the Aden Protectorate) would be British. This split Yemen into two separate parts. North Yemen became independent after the Ottoman empire collapsed in 1918. A dynasty of imams called Zaydis (a sect of Shia Islam unique to Yemen) from the northern highlands took over the newly independent territory. Imam Yahya Mahmud al-Mutawwakil, who had already been the imam of the Zaydis since 1904, became the king of north Yemen after his long opposition to the Ottoman empire. Yahya sought to reunite the Zaydi "historic Yemen" (which included British territories like Aden) and did not recognize the Ottoman- British border agreement between north and south Yemen. He started providing weapons and goods to tribes within the British area who supported him. Yahya proved to be extremely controlling and increasingly unpopular over the course of his three decade long reign until he was assassinated in 1948. His son, Ahmad, took over after his death. Ahmad was ruthless like his father, but while his father was at least fair, Ahmad was crazier and more unpredictable. He kept north Yemen closed off from all outside influence. Everyone hated him and he had many failed attempts on his life, but died of natural causes in 1962. His son tried to take power, but the monarchy was soon to end after a civil war of the supporters of the monarchy vs the people who were against it. The British, on the other hand, considered their territory in south Yemen to be important economically and strategically to their empire, and were not ready to give it up to the imam. The British empire considered the territory of Aden a Province of British India and it remained so until it became a Crown Colony in 1937. The rebellion against British rule had become a full on revolution by the time the monarchy in north Yemen had ended- the people of south Yemen wanted independence like their northern counterparts. This movement was called the National Liberation Front (NLF) and received assistance from places like Sanaa and Egypt. The British brushed them off as tribal, primitive forces, ignoring the fact that many of them had trained like soldiers by Egyptian professionals until it was far too late. Aden had erupted in a full- on Yemeni vs. British war by 1964 (though Britain refuses to call it a war, it was war). The NLF was falling into Marxist influence. The British left Yemen in 1967, and the Marxist People's Republic of South Yemen was declared on the 30th of November with Qahtan Muhammad al- Shaabi as the first president. That was the end of imperial rule and colonialism in Yemen. Written by Mona Zaid br>Saba President meets telecommunication minister [28/May/2019] p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:left;direction:ltr;unicode-bidi:embed">SANAA, May 27 (Saba) President Mahdi al-Mashat on Monday met with Minister of Telecommunication and Information Technology Masfer al-Nimeer. In the meeting, the president was briefed about on the challenges and difficulties facing the ministry due to the ongoing Saudi-led aggression's war on Yemen. The officials also reviewed the ministry's efforts to overcome the current difficulties for improving telecommunications and Internet services across the country. Ali Ahsan saba Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the next five years would be crucial for India to regain its global position. He equated his first tenure as the Prime Minister (2014-2019), with the five years from 1942 to 1947 leading to Independence, which were key to laying the foundation for a strong India. Making his first public address in Gujarat after his landslide victory, Modi said: "If we look at the five years leading to Independence from 1942 to 1947, they were very important to revive the idea of India and galvanise the people to fight the external forces." "This is a similar opportunity to awaken the public consciousness and work hard to scale new heights for the country. We must work as one society with one purpose and in one direction to achieve this goal," he said in his speech outside the old BJP headquarters at JP Chowk, where he took his first steps in politics in the 1980s. Addressing thousands of people, Modi said wherever he went for campaign during the 2014 and 2019 elections, the stories of Gujarat's development had already reached there. Giving an example, he said: "I watched a social media interview of an elderly woman in Bengal where she kept on repeating Modi-Modi. But when asked who she will vote for, she said she will vote for the Communists. "When she was asked why, since she wanted Gujarat like development, she said this is Bengal, we can't say all this publicly, you never know what happens to you." Modi, along with BJP President Amit Shah, arrived here on a two-day thanksgiving visit to Gujarat, which gave the party all the 26 Lok Sabha once again. Modi later took his nonagenarian mother Hiraba's blessings at Raisin near state capital Gandhinagar. He would spend the night at the Raj Bhawan before returning to Delhi on Monday. Indicating that Bharatiya Janata Party is eyeing to conquer West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the people in the eastern state are wishing for Gujarat-like development. Modi recalled that ever since the 2014 elections, the story of Gujarat's development initiatives had reached all corners of the country even before he reached various places for campaigning. "I watched a social media interview of an elderly woman in West Bengal where she kept on repeating Modi-Modi. But when asked who she will vote for, she said she will vote for the communists. "When she was asked why, since she wanted Gujarat like development, she said this is Bengal, we can't say all this publicly, you never know what happens to you," Modi said during his first speech in Gujarat after the 2019 landslide victory in the Lok Sabha battle. The BJP, dramatically, improved its Lok Sabha tally in the state from two seats in the 2014 elections to 18 seats this time from the total 42 seats. Modi, who arrived here along with BJP President Amit Shah, was speaking at a thanks-giving public function near the old BJP headquarters in Ahmedabad's Khanpur area. While concluding his speech, he asked the people to raise the slogan "Bharat mata ki jai" and asked them to be louder, saying, "I and Amitbhai have to work there, our voice has to reach Bengal." Similarly, the party chief Amit Shah also asked people to raise the slogan. "Arey bhai, you sound too low after such a huge victory! Raise the slogans loud enough so that it echoes in West Bengal." The Assembly elections in West Bengal are scheduled in 2021. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has written a letter to the voters of Rae Bareli thanking them for their support to her in the Lok Sabha elections. Gandhi, in her letter written on May 24 and released here on Sunday, said that her life is like an open book. "You are my family. The hope and courage that I have been getting from you is my real possession. I have also tried to take care of my extended family in every way. I have fulfilled my public responsibilities while discharging personal responsibilities. It will be my effort not to let any shortcoming come in this," she said. In an apparent reference to the electoral verdict, Gandhi said she knows that the coming days are full of difficulties. She vowed never to shy away from making any sacrifice for protecting basic values of the country and upholding the traditions set by the party's former leaders. "But I have full faith that with your support and trust, Congress will meet every challenge. However big the battle, I pledge my devotion to protect the basic values of the country and preserve the traditions of former Congress leaders," she said. Gandhi thanked the workers of Congress as well as Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajwadi Party (SP) and Swambhiman Dal for their support during the elections. Days after suffering a whitewash in the Lok Sabha polls in the national capital where it drew a blank, Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party on Sunday launched its new slogan - 'Kejriwal in Delhi' - to gear up for the upcoming Assembly polls in the city. The slogan on banners 'Delhi mein toh Kejriwal...' ('Kejriwal in Delhi') were seen all over as AAP national convenor and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met Delhi state unit volunteers. On Sunday, Kejriwal had called a meeting of Delhi state unit volunteers at the Punjabi Bagh Club here. The meeting was called to interact and discuss the future course of action of the party with volunteers. Delhi will have Assembly polls later this year or in early 2020. The AAP, which contested the Lok Sabha polls in the national capital, came third with only 18 per cent votes across Delhi. Three of its candidates also lost their deposits as the BJP won all seven seats. Kejriwal in his address congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for winning and hoped the central government would work in good faith with the state government for the betterment of Delhi. Asking the party volunteers not to feel disheartened because of the adverse poll results, Kejriwal said the party put up the best candidates and gave a good fight. "Our volunteers should hold their heads high for having done their job so well. The results were not as per our expectations. There was no negativity about AAP in Delhi. People of the city love and respect us," Kejriwal said addressing party volunteers. He said the party failed to make the people understand why they should vote for the AAP in this election. "People gave votes based on the PM face thinking it was a national election. But now it is time to tell them that state elections are coming and we must vote not on a name but on the basis of work done." He also said that every AAP volunteer should be proud that over four years into governance and six years post formation of the party, "we remain dedicated to the same founding principles of honest politics and ending corruption." Kejriwal said the Central Bureau of Investigation, Income Tax department and the Enforcement Directorate had raided him and his ministers but "not even corruption of a single paisa could be proved." He also said that all AAP leaders, office bearers and volunteers are just as honest as they were on November 26, 2012 - when the party was formed. He also said that based on the work done by AAP in four years, he believed the 54 per cent vote share of AAP in the last Assembly election would be surpassed in 2020. Echoing the sentiment, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh in his address said: "In 2015, we won on the basis of work done in 49 days. Now AAP will win on the strength of work done in five years. In Delhi, it's only Kejriwal." Singh said that while the Lok Sabha election may have been fought on one name, the state election will be fought on local issues of education, health care and infrastructure where AAP's work has been recognised globally. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia thanked the crowds of several thousand volunteers gathered there despite a long and tiring campaign. He appreciated their efforts over the past year and the spirit of AAP volunteers. Thousands of volunteers were present along with losing party candidates Raghav Chadha, Dilip Pandey, Atishi, Delhi minister Imran Hussain and all MLAs and office bearers. A former village head known to be close to newly-elected BJP MP Smriti Irani was shot dead here early on Sunday, leading to the arrest of seven suspects even as the MP pledged to find out the killer "even if he is hiding in hell". An anguished Irani told the media after the cremation of Surendra Singh, the victim, that she will also knock on the Supreme Court's door to ensure that the culprits got death sentence. Irani rushed to Amethi from New Delhi and took part in the funeral of Surendra Singh, a former head of Barauliya village who was shot by bike-borne assailants outside his house, along with Uttar Pradesh Minister Mohsin Raza and scores of party supporters. Both Raza and Irani helped carry the body of the deceased on their shoulders. Singh was taken to the district hospital in Amethi after the attack and then referred to Lucknow. He succumbed to his injuries while on his way. The post-mortem of the deceased was carried out in Lucknow after which the body was brought to Amethi for cremation. Director General of Police O.P. Singh said that seven suspects had been detained in connection with the murder who were being interrogated. He said the police had got crucial leads. Three companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) had been deployed in Barauliya village where the murder took place. BJP sources said that Singh had actively worked for Irani during the general elections. Police teams conducted raids in adjoining villages to trace the accused. Surendra Singh's son Abhay told reporters: "We could not see the perpetrators but it is clear that Congress workers are behind this. My father was actively campaigning for Smriti Irani and the BJP." The brother of the deceased, Rajendra Singh, also termed it a political killing. He said his brother wielded considerable influence in his village as well as in the adjoining villages and this led to his murder. Minister Raza, who is in-charge of Amethi, said the killers would be arrested within 24 hours. Raza added that the government will ensure such stringent punishment for the assailants that no one will dare to target BJP workers in future. "No one will dare to harass and target our workers. We will ensure strict punishment for the killers. At the moment we are all with the family of the deceased," he told reporters. Senior police officers from Lucknow reached Amethi to supervise the investigation. Barauliya, the village to which Surendra Singh belonged, is said to be a BJP stronghold and sources say the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) got votes from here even when Congress President Rajiv Gandhi held the Amethi seat. Surendra Singh, interestingly, had joined the Samajwadi Party on the eve of the 2017 Assembly elections but returned to the BJP soon after. The deceased was preparing to contest the panchayat elections scheduled to be held later this year and this could have been a motive behind the murder, some said in Amethi. On May 24, a Samajwadi Party member of the zila panchayat, Vijay Yadav, was shot dead in Ghazipur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi told his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan on Sunday that creating trust and an environment free of terrorism were a must to foster peace and prosperity in the region. Modi made the remarks in a telephonic conversation after Khan telephoned him to congratulate the Indian leader on his victory in the parliamentary elections. Thanking Khan for his greetings, Modi recalled his initiatives in line with his government's "neighbourhood first policy" and referred to his earlier suggestion to Khan to battle poverty jointly, an External Affairs Ministry statement said. "He stressed that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism were essential to foster cooperation for peace, progress and prosperity in the region," said the statement. Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Faisal also tweeted that Khan spoke to Modi and conveyed that he looked forward to working with him for the betterment of the people of the two countries. "PM spoke to PM Modi and congratulated him on his party's electoral victory in Lok Sabha elections. PM expressed his desire for both countries to work together for betterment of their peoples. "Reiterating his vision for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia, the Prime Minister said he looked forward to working with Prime Minister Modi to advance these objectives." Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pulwama terror attack in February in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the attack. India then bombed a terror camp in Pakistan which was followed by aerial engagement between fighters of the two countries. Khan had earlier tweeted to congratulate Modi on the electoral victory of the BJP and its allies. Responding, Modi had written that he had always given primacy to peace and development in the region. Khan had said in an interview in April that he believes there may be a better chance of peace talks with India and some settlement could be reached on the Kashmir issue if the BJP returned to power in the general elections. Before Yu Songsong started to learn yoga, he knew little about India where it originated. Having spent the last six years learning yoga disciplines, he is enamored by the yoga culture and eager to travel to India, reports Xinhua news agency. In 2013, Yu, from a rural area in Guizhou, fell ill ahead of an examination to enter university. He ended up studying marketing at a local college of finance not far from his home. "I don't like marketing at all and I was suffering from an emotional disorder, almost depression. I received medical treatment but did not get my mind and body right," said the 25-year-old who is pursuing a master's degree in the China-India yoga college in Yunnan Minzu University in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan province. "It was yoga that turned me around. I was no longer lost. I've found a direction for my life," Yu said. He started to practice yoga when he was a freshman and became a vegetarian. "The physical and mental practices relieved me of psychological distress." Yu participated in a national fitness yoga competition and studied hard for an admission test to enter the master's programme in the yoga college. Through yoga, Yu is deepening a comparative study in the philosophies of China and India, two great civilizations in Asia. "In the class, we discuss and compare the traditional Chinese theory that 'man is an integral part of nature' and the Indian idea that 'the Buddhist and I are one.' Through this, we explore the similarities that underly the culture and civilizations of the two countries," he said. Yu is learning from his Indian teacher Yatendra Dutt Amoli, who is studying taiji from Chinese masters and students. "I'm trying to teach them Indian culture from the Chinese way of looking at nature and values," Amoli said. "Both Chinese and Indian civilizations were born by nature, and we always try to find ways to connect human beings with mountains, rivers, forests and lakes in the class," Amoli said. For example, taiji and yoga stress the elemental nature of the being and their performances reflect the balance between the elements of human being with nature, he said. In Amoli's opinion, though the ways to practice taiji and yoga may differ, the fundamentals are similar. As an ancient Chinese martial art, taiji can establish a good base for yoga meditation and enhance one's awareness level, which will be helpful for yoga, Amoli said. At the beginning of 2018, two sub-centres of the China-India Taiji college of Yunnan Minzu University were established in India and have trained about 1,000 Indians. "Taiji and yoga provide two different platforms to pursue spiritual sublimation and a sound body and mind," said Yu Xinli, director of the international cooperation and exchange office of Yunnan Minzu University. "But many Chinese and Indian youths still know little about each other," he said. "They consider yoga and taiji merely as two physical exercises rather than two cultures, so we need to do more to deepen mutual learning and friendship," he said. Iran 'has a chance to be a great country with the same leadership, Trump said; 'We arent looking for regime change I just want to make that clear. We are looking for no nuclear weapons,' he added during Japan visit U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday a deal with Iran on its nuclear program was possible, crediting economic sanctions for curbing activities Washington has said are behind a spate of attacks in the Middle East. I really believe that Iran would like to make a deal, and I think thats very smart of them, and I think thats a possibility to happen, Trump said during a news conference with Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. It has a chance to be a great country with the same leadership, Trump said. We arent looking for regime change I just want to make that clear. We are looking for no nuclear weapons. Tensions have risen between Iran and the United States after this months attack on oil tankers in the Gulf region. Washington has blamed the attacks on Iran, which denies the accusations. The United States has deployed a carrier strike group and bombers to the Mideast region and an extra 1,500 troops to the Gulf, prompting fears of a conflict. Trumps comments came after his national security adviser John Bolton said on Saturday that the United States had deep and serious intelligence on threats posed by Iran, without providing details. Trump, on a four-day visit to Japan, welcomed Abes help in dealing with Iran after broadcaster NHK said Japans leader is considering a trip to Tehran as early as mid-June. Iran said a visit was unlikely in the near future. I know for a fact that the prime minister is very close with the leadership of Iran, and well see what happens, Trump said. During his joint news conference with Trump, Abe said Japan would do what it can on the Iran issue. Peace and stability of the Middle East is very important for Japan and the United States and the international community as a whole, Abe said. Trump last year withdrew the United States from a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran, and is ratcheting up sanctions in an effort to end Irans international sales of crude oil and strangle its economy. Japan was a major buyer of Iranian oil for decades before the U.S. sanctions which Trump said were taking effect. They were fighting in many locations, he said of Iran. Now they are pulling back because they have serious economic problems. Bolton, who has spearheaded an increasingly hawkish U.S. policy on Iran, described recent bomb attacks on tankers off the United Arab Emirates and a pipeline pumping station in Saudi Arabia, as well as a rocket attack in Baghdads Green Zone as manifestations of concern about Iran. Iran has distanced itself from the bombings and on Sunday, its foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said his country will defend itself against any military or economic aggression. *This story was edited by Ahram Online Search Keywords: Short link: Guangdong,China -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/26/2019 -- This recently published report examines the global Garage Drains market for the projected period of 7-years, i.e. between 2018 and 2025. The report highlights the accomplishments and opportunities lies in the market throughout the forecasted period. 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If there is a specific type of container that a business requires and Anjer Inc. does not currently have that model in stock, their team of expert storage professionals will try hard to source the exact model or the closest match available. Many of the storage containers available to buy or rent have been fully renovated and repaired by the Anjer Inc. team. Before purchasing or renting a storage container, customers are urged to note what direction the rear doors will be required to open before delivery. Once Anjer Inc. fully understands the layout of a commercial property, they can aid in the decision-making process, helping to provide the best storage solutions for the needs of any individual business. The company also offers a wide range of customizations on all their storage container options. This includes overhead doors, shelving units, office conversions, partitions, and insulation. 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The trade body will be presenting ideas in various areas related to the automotive industry across MEA and is aimed at augmenting the progress of the regional automotive domain. With Saudi's decision to allow women behind the wheel, a considerable upsurge in automobile demand is anticipated a factor that may augment MEA polyurethane market for automotive industry. Estimates predict that the automotive industry, especially the commercial vehicles market will register positive growth in Saudi Arabia. Favorable government initiatives, stabilization of crude oil process, and the expanding infrastructural development are expected to drive the sale of trucks, vans and buses in the Kingdom. The Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority (SAGIA) is also planning to accommodate a heavy volume of vehicles with the expansion of the country's road infrastructure. 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Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/2522 As the usage of PU to reduce production cost and make vehicles more reliable surges in the ensuing years, Automotive Polyurethane Market in MEAis expected to depict a massive rise in sales and volume. With the Iran automotive industry recovering from sanctions crisis, Turkey beginning to gain foreign investments, and Saudi Arabia is taking ambitious strides in upgrading the country's social, economical and infrastructural spheres, it is rather overt that the MEA automotive polyurethane market will traverse alongside a highly profitable graph over 2018-2024. An Iraqi court on Monday condemned a fourth French citizen to death for joining the Islamic State group, a day after handing capital punishments to three other Frenchmen. Mustapha Merzoughi, 37, was sentenced to death by hanging, according to an AFP journalist at the court. "The evidence and the confession show that you joined the Islamic State group, that you worked in its military branch," the judge told Merzoughi before handing down his sentence. In recent months Iraq has taken custody of thousands of jihadists including foreigners captured in neighbouring Syria by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) during the battle to destroy the IS "caliphate". The Iraqi judiciary said earlier in May that it had tried and sentenced more than 500 suspected foreign members of IS since the start of 2018. "I'm not guilty of crimes and killings. I'm guilty of going (to Syria)," Merzoughi, wearing a yellow prison uniform, told the judge. "I ask for forgiveness from the people of Iraq, Syria, France and the families of the victims." Merzoughi told investigators he had served in the French army from 2000 to 2010, including a tour in Afghanistan in 2009. In France, he lived in the southwestern city of Toulouse. French jihadist Fodhil Tahar Aouidate also appeared before the court on Monday, but his trial was postponed until June 2 to allow for a medical examination after he alleged he had been beaten in custody. Aouidate, 32, made a first trip to Syria in 2013 and returned in 2014 to join IS, according to the French judiciary. After 130 people were killed in IS's 2015 Paris attacks, Aouidate appeared in a video saying it was his "great pleasure and joy to see these unbelievers suffer as we suffer here." Their trial came a day after an Iraqi court sentenced three French citizens to death for joining IS, making them the first French jihadists to be handed capital punishment. Captured in Syria by the SDF, Kevin Gonot, Leonard Lopez and Salim Machou were transferred to Iraq for trial. They have 30 days to appeal. *This story was edited by Ahram Online Search Keywords: Short link: Syria said Israel carried out a missile attack that caused casualties on Monday, in what Israel's army said was a retaliatory strike. "An Israeli missile targeted Tel al-Shaar in Quneitra," the Syrian news agency said, adding a "military vehicle was targeted and there are wounded". The Israeli military confirmed it carried out an air strike in Syria in retaliation for what it said was anti-aircraft fire targeting one of its fighter jets. The Syrian province of Quneitra includes the Golan Heights, most of which is occupied and annexed by Israel. "Earlier today, Syrian anti-aircraft systems fired at an IDF fighter jet during a routine flight in northern Israel," the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement. It said the projectile missed and the plane completed its journey before "the IDF targeted the launcher that had fired" at the jet. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said the Israeli missile was "reportedly fired from the occupied part of the Golan". Its director, Rami Abdel Rahman, told AFP that three Syrian soldiers were wounded. Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria, most of them against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets. Search Keywords: Short link: The sacred site is where many Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. The three churches in charge of Jerusalems holiest Christian site say they have reached an agreement to begin a multi-million dollar renovation of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Leaders of the Greek Orthodox, Catholic and Armenian churches issued a statement announcing the project to restore the foundations and flooring of the church, where many Christians believe Jesus was crucified, entombed and resurrected. A Greek team headed the 2016 restoration project to preserve the aedicule, a large structure inside the church housing the tomb. The upcoming second rehabilitation project will involve two Italian institutions. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is shared by multiple Christian sects under a status quo management agreement. *This story was edited by Ahram Online Search Keywords: Short link: Gunmen burst into a church in northern Burkina Faso on Sunday and shot dead four people, a security source said - at least the fourth attack on Christians in the past month. Other worshippers were wounded in the assault on the morning service at the church near the town of Titao, the source added. No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks which threaten to upend traditionally peaceful relations between the Muslim majority and Christians who make up a quarter of Burkinabes. The government has blamed unnamed terrorist groups operating in the country and Africas surrounding Sahel region. Islamist militants based in Mali have regrouped after a French intervention in 2013 and now use the countrys north and centre as launchpads for attacks on neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. Gunmen killed a Protestant pastor and five congregants in another church in northern Burkina in late April. A Catholic priest and five parishioners were killed in an attack in the central town of Dablo on May 12 and another four Catholics died in an attack two days later in the northern town of Ouahigouya. Search Keywords: Short link: A Taliban delegation led by the movement's chief negotiator will visit Moscow this week to attend a ceremony expected to be followed by informal talks with senior Afghan politicians on the peace process, officials said on Monday. The potential meeting comes during increased diplomatic efforts to revive stalled talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government, following the failure of a planned get-together in the Qatari capital Doha last month. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said the 14-strong delegation, led by Mullah Baradar Akhund, will attend a ceremony on Tuesday marking the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Afghanistan. The delegation would also meet Afghan politicians and elders on the following day to discuss the future of the country, he said, without giving details. It was unclear what Afghan officials will be present but former president Hamid Karzai is travelling to Moscow along with officials from his office, a spokesman said. A spokesman for the Afghan foreign ministry said the Afghan ambassador in Moscow would attend the ceremony but it was unclear whether he would meet the Taliban delegation. The Taliban have been talking with US diplomats for several months and have reached broad agreement on the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan. But they have so far refused to talk to the Western-backed government in Kabul which they consider a foreign imposed "puppet" regime. To prepare the way for possible future peace negotiations, other countries have been trying to facilitate informal talks between the Taliban and representatives of civil society and state institutions Search Keywords: Short link: The KMTC Hong Kong was alongside at terminal A2 in Thung Sukhla on Saturday morning, Laem Chabang port when a fire erupted at around 6-45am. The blaze burned on the vessel until Saturday evening when Thai authorities were able to successfully extinguish the fire. More than 130 people were taken to hospital, some complaining of irritation in the eyes and throat, others of a burning sensation on the skin, although no serious injuries were reported. Nearby communities were also evacuated as ash rained down from the blast. Originally the fire was not believed to have been caused by dangerous cargoes, however, inspection of the 35 containers at the centre of the blaze showed more than half contained chemical cargoes, and it is believed these were the cause of the fire and explosions on the KMTC Hong Kong. Port Authority of Thailand director Kamolsak Phromprayoon revealed 18 of the boxes contained chemical cargoes local media reported. Investigators found that 13 containers had cargoes of calcium hypochlorite in 13 cargos and five had cargoes of chlorinated paraffin. The shippers had not declared the dangerous cargoes and on Saturday it was believed the cargoes were dolls. Generally, every shipment of toxic chemicals, including transferring of shipment, has to be declared before they enter our ports. But as the ships company had not declared these toxic chemicals, it would be the duty of the shipping company to claim the damage from the shipments owners, Kamolsak was quoted as saying by The Nation. Read more: Tackling misdeclared cargoes and containership fires The mis-declaration of dangerous cargoes, in particular calcium hypochlorite, have been in the spotlight given the number of container cargo fires in recent years that have led to major casualties, including the fatal Maersk Honam blaze last year and the Yantian Express this year. Some container lines have taken to simply banning the carriage of such dangerous cargoes, however, this does not necessarily solve the problem with shippers simply continuing to mis-declare the dangerous cargoes. Read more: Banning dangerous cargoes not the solution to stamping out container fires Air New Zealand is planning what amounts to a fourth choice of seat on its long haul flights, which will fit between the traditional economy seat and its Premium Economy product. While it doesn't yet have a name - Economy-Comfort and Economy-Plus are in the mix according to chief revenue officer Cam Wallace - the new class of economy seat will be at the front of the economy cabin, have slightly more legroom, offer more Airpoints, have a seat that differs from a normal economy seat and will, presumably, cost a bit more than an economy seat and a bit less than Premium Economy. Wallace also told analysts at an investor day presentation that the airline is investing heavily in machine-learning software not only to make better forecasts about future demand, but also to support 'hyper-personalised' marketing to the airline's customers, with a view to individuals getting fare offers based on the data the airline holds about them. This new system would be subject to trial for two city-pairs later this year, said Wallace, who also told the investment community that Air NZ captures "slightly more than 100 percent" of the profitabilty available from the New Zealand domestic aviation market, effectively suggesting that its main competitor, Jetstar, makes no money on its New Zealand operation alone. However, Nick Judd, head of strategy network and alliances, said there was no sign that Jetstar was likely to drop its New Zealand operations because of their importance to the airline's wider Australian and Asian network. "They have a different metric as to what success might look like," said Judd. Since ending its joint venture with Virgin Australia and teaming up with Qantas instead, Air NZ had seen an increase in its share of trans-Tasman flights. The comments from the airline's senior executives were against a backdrop of lower anticipated earnings caused by a global slowdown in the amount of air travel occurring, partly because of high aviation fuel prices. New Zealand inbound tourism arrivals have been sliding this year and this was the impetus behind Air NZ shaving back seat capacity on its New Zealand domestic routes this year. Chief executive Christopher Luxon said these were key factors in Air NZ reducing its guidance for pre-tax earnings in the current financial year to exceed $340 million, the bottom end of the $340 million to $400 million range given less than two months ago. The airline expects to see 5 percent growth this year, but only anticipates 3 percent growth over the following two years and is embarking on a plan to cut a further $60 million a year from its annual operating expenses over the next two years, on top of $50 million of savings that it routinely targets each year. However, Luxon stressed there was no need for a wholesale restructuring and that investment in new routes, aircraft, and customer experience would continue - a commitment exemplified by the announcement this morning that it is ordering eight new Boeing Dreamliner 787-10 aeroplanes for delivery between 2022 and 2027, with flexibility over both the order size and the model of aircraft. Air NZ already operates 787-9 series aircraft, but the slightly larger 10 series would be "perfect" for fleet flexibility, especially when serving airports with constraints on how many landing slots it can offer. Among the airline's ambitions is to fly Auckland-New York, a route the airline could fly now if it had enough high-paying business and premium class customers to justify the service. "Unearthing wealthy, high value customers" was the key to making such a route work. Figures in the presentation showed a general shift towards business and premium economy seat purchases, with economy seats making up 50 percent of those booked in 2018, compared with 55 percent in 2013. With the new Chicago and Taipei routes performing well, Air NZ is preparing to launch direct services to Seoul later this year, which is likely to pull some passengers off its direct services between Auckland and Japan, where rejigged lead-in fares and fewer sales was showing improvements in yield and in the number of New Zealanders booking flights to Japan, which has struggled to attract a profitable outbound market from New Zealand. Wallace gave a sense of Air NZ's grip on the domestic market, where he said the airline was determined that no carrier should steal a march on its domination. Of the $1.5 billion annual domestic aviation market, some 50 percent is business travel, with Air NZ having an 87 percent share of travel by small and medium enterprise employees, while 97 percent of all government flying occurs through 52 percent government-owned Air NZ. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 24th December 2021 Morning Report Goodman Property Trust (NZX: GMT) GMT to develop North Shore facility for NZ Post 23rd December 2021 Morning Report SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited (NZX: SKC) EXPANDS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH GIG Spark New Zealand Limited (NZX: SPK) Spark to take full ownership of Connect 8 22nd December 2021 Morning Report Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited (NZX: PCT) Wynyard Quarter Stage 3 Commenced AMP Limited (NZX: AMP) Announces Delisting from the NZX Main Board 21st December 2021 Morning Report Greenfern Industries Limited (NZX: GFI) Updates on NTA Todd Corporation is to acquire a 75 percent stake in solar provider Sunergise New Zealand as part of a strategy to expand the range of its Nova Energy business. The Todd Group has extensive natural gas interests, including stakes in the offshore Maui and Pohokura fields, and outright ownership of the onshore Kapuni and Mangahewa fields. Its Nova retail arm offers power, gas and broadband and is the countrys sixth-largest power retailer by accounts. Its gas business is the fifth largest by accounts but is the biggest supplier to the industrial and commercial segments and the biggest gas retailer by volume overall. Babu Bahirathan, Todds vice-president for downstream energy, said New Zealands energy landscape is changing and all companies are looking for ways to reduce their carbon emissions. As an energy supplier, adding commercial-scale solar is an obvious way for us to begin the transition from gas to renewables and help NZs leading companies meet their climate change commitments, he said in an emailed statement. The partnership will also bring very real economic benefits to our Nova customers. The scale of the investment, through Todd Generation, wasn't disclosed. It will fund the expansion of the New Zealand business. Todds move into solar is not the first by a major energy company. Mercury New Zealand acquired What Power Crisis in 2016 and Auckland-based distributor Vector bought Powersmart Solar the following year. Energy retailers Pulse and Ecotricity are listed as partners by SolarCity. New Zealand has about 95 MW of solar, with homes and businesses adding about 20 MW in the past year. But only about 17 MW of the total to date is at commercial or industrial sites, according to Electricity Authority data Sunergise is owned by Sunergise International, an Auckland-based business part-owned by the World Banks International Finance Corp. Its website says the group has installed more than 13 MW of capacity in New Zealand and the Pacific, delivering more than 20 gigawatt-hours of electricity to date. It lists a portfolio of commercial and government solar projects in Niue, Nauru, New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. Many of the Pacific projects have been funded as development projects by aid donors. Sunergise says it will work in partnership with Nova to offer solar to that firms business customers and to the wider business community. It believes there is a lot of scope for commercial uptake of solar here, with the ideal customer having a usage profile that matches the sun's generation profile. Sunergise chief executive Paul Makumbe said his firm helped pioneer a power purchase agreement model that lets commercial clients go solar without committing their own capital to the installation. We are currently providing solar for corporates as well as building utility-scale solar farms across the Pacific in partnership" with New Zealands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the International Finance Corp and Governments of Fiji and Tonga, he said. The time and economics are now right to bring the full-scale model to New Zealand. The Todd partnership and the synergies with Nova will give us the ability to more rapidly supply the New Zealand market with cost-effective renewable energy. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 24th December 2021 Morning Report Goodman Property Trust (NZX: GMT) GMT to develop North Shore facility for NZ Post 23rd December 2021 Morning Report SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited (NZX: SKC) EXPANDS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH GIG Spark New Zealand Limited (NZX: SPK) Spark to take full ownership of Connect 8 22nd December 2021 Morning Report Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited (NZX: PCT) Wynyard Quarter Stage 3 Commenced AMP Limited (NZX: AMP) Announces Delisting from the NZX Main Board 21st December 2021 Morning Report Greenfern Industries Limited (NZX: GFI) Updates on NTA The head of Egypt's Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) Abdel-Moneim El-Terras met with a delegation from Russian automaker GAZ group on Sunday to discuss cooperation in the automotive industry, and how to transfer state-of-the-art Russian technology to Egypt. El-Terras stressed the importance of cooperation with Russia in the light of the strong relations between President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and President Vladimir Putin, and the importance of the return of Russian companies to Egypt for industrial cooperation between the two sides. The meeting included Russian trade representative in Cairo Nikolai Aslanov. El-Terras praised the efficiency and quality of the Russian industry especially in the fields of microbuses, water desalination, railways, electronics, tractors and heavy equipment. For his part, Aslanov said Russian companies are enthusiastic about investing in industry and technology in Egypt, praising President El-Sisi's efforts to achieve development. Search Keywords: Short link: Its no secret the construction industry is troubled, despite the ongoing boom. Building owners, often the government in one shape or form, have shifted more risk onto construction companies, turning already razor-thin profit margins into losses. The list of construction companies that have failed is lengthening: Arrow International went into receivership in late February following the collapses last year of Ebert and Orange-H, the part of the Hawkins business Australian purchaser Downer didn't want. The largest home-grown high-rise construction business, the Building + Interiors unit of Fletcher Building, managed to lose nearly $1 billion over 18 months, and quite a number of smaller companies have also gone out of business. That helps explain why Christchurch-based construction company Southbase decided to make public the fact that its shareholders have tipped in further capital. Since Southbase is a privately-owned company, it didnt have to reveal that its shareholders had contributed a further $3.6 million of capital in the form of mandatory convertible notes at the end of October last year. Companies Office records show the pre-existing capital was 2.48 million shares but provides no information as to their value. A month later, Southbase won the Deloitte Fast 50 Master of Growth award, having grown revenue 745 percent from $5 million in its first year. In accepting the award, chief financial officer Leon Brazier attributed his companys success to a little bit of being in the right place at the right time and to the companys extremely experienced team, as well as an outstanding delivery record for our clients, based on innovation and knowledge. Incidentally, Brazier has resigned, for personal reasons, he says. Chief executive Quin Henderson, who founded the company in 2013, had previously worked for Hawkins for nine years Hawkins was sold to Downer in 2017. Southbase was backed by two prominent Christchurch businessmen, Philip Carter and Benjamin Gough. Both men stepped down from the board last year, but Carters daughter Nicki Carter replaced him as a director. Henderson says the new capital was needed to cover retentions and to back building bonds provided by Southbases banker, Bank of New Zealand. While clients typically hold back money in retentions until a project is complete, a lead contractor, as Southbase often is, also has to put money aside to cover payments owed to sub-contractors. In addition to that, you need equity to back your bonding. It means theres quite a bit of cash you have to maintain in your business, Henderson says. Typically that could be $25-30 million for a company the size of Southbase, The returns that we get on that arent necessarily as good a return as you could get on anything else, he says, adding that 5 percent margins are typical. Southbase gained first-hand experience of the pressures on smaller construction companies last August when Maven Interiors, often known as M-Int, went into liquidation while its staff were working on Southbase's joint campus project for Christchurch's Avonside Girls' and Shirley Boys' high schools. Henderson says his company dealt with that problem by hiring M-Int's staff directly. He says his company is profitable. Ive just done my final accounts for the year and they look good. I made some money. It could always be better but... When Southbase pulled out of the Lincoln/AgResearch contract to build a new joint research centre in June last year, rumour had it that Southbase hadnt been able to come up with an $11 million insurance bond. Henderson says it wasnt that at all; it was the contract for the $200 million-plus centre that was quite onerous and Southbase hadnt been able to make the budgeted numbers stack up with what the clients wanted. It appears no other construction company could make those numbers stack up either; Education Minister Chris Hipkins scrapped the proposal altogether in February after having rejected a third funding proposal in December. It appeared Lincoln was unable to meet Treasury guidelines for the projects cost. In any case, since CBLs collapse, insurance bonds arent available anymore and Southbase has switched to bank bonds, Henderson says. With bonding capacity of about $35 million, thats more than adequate for us. Southbase had decided instead to focus on competing for the contract to construct the $300 million MetroSport centre, but it missed out on that contract, which was awarded to Australia-based CPB, part of the CIMIC group, which also owns Leighton Contractors and Thiess. Southbase and CPB may have been rivals then but they were 40/60 joint venture partners on the recently finished five-school $150 million Education Ministry contract to design and build schools, including the Christchurch schools project. Henderson denies theres any bad blood between the companies. They decided to do MetroSport on their own and we thought we could do it on our own, he says. In the infrastructure world, teams often do jobs together and then they do jobs competitively. He doubts there will be many new public/private partnerships for a while: This government doesnt appear to support them. About 90 percent of Southbases work has been government contracts and about 30 percent Ministry of Education buildings. Building schools has been a key part of Southbases growth, giving it inroads to communities outside of its Christchurch home base, Henderson says. He is enthusiastic about the Construction Sector Accord launched by the government last month to tackle systemic industry issues. The accord is chaired by the Fletcher construction chief executive Peter Reidy, who took over the reins of that troubled division in November last year. I think he will represent us well. I believe theyre now setting the parameters of where they want to go. The industry has very little regulation and the practice in recent years of putting clauses in contracts that are significantly more onerous than what is fair and reasonable have come close to destroying the domestic industry, he says. The government is unlikely to want the industry to end up being dominated by foreign-owned firms. Australia's CIMIC group, for example, had $14 billion turnover last year. How do I compete with that? Henderson says. He classes Southbase as ranking in the second tier of construction companies, along with firms like Naylor Love, Leighs Construction and Dominion Constructors. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 24th December 2021 Morning Report Goodman Property Trust (NZX: GMT) GMT to develop North Shore facility for NZ Post 23rd December 2021 Morning Report SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited (NZX: SKC) EXPANDS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH GIG Spark New Zealand Limited (NZX: SPK) Spark to take full ownership of Connect 8 22nd December 2021 Morning Report Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited (NZX: PCT) Wynyard Quarter Stage 3 Commenced AMP Limited (NZX: AMP) Announces Delisting from the NZX Main Board 21st December 2021 Morning Report Greenfern Industries Limited (NZX: GFI) Updates on NTA Cooperative Bank posted an 8.7 percent decline in annual profit as the minnow lender cut $5 million in fees charged to its owner-customers. Net profit fell to $9.6 million in the 12 months ended March 31, from $10.5 million a year earlier. That's its smallest profit since 2015. However, the bank still paid an unchanged annual rebate of $2.1 million to its customer-owners. The lender added 14,700 customers in the year and now has 160,000. Of that, it has 81,000 active digital customers. "While lowering our fees was an important thing to do as a bank that exists for the benefit of its customers, it has resulted in a lack of earnings growth and return on assets continues to be lower than is desirable," chair Brendan O'Donovan and chief executive David Cunningham said in the annual report. "Greater earnings will generate the capital necessary for the bank to continue to grow, will give us the financial means to provide even greater benefit to our customers and will provide increased resilience for periods where economic conditions turn against us." The bank lifted its total capital ratio to 17.1 percent from 16.8 percent a year earlier, well above the minimum 8 percent ratio required by the Reserve Bank. Including its retained earnings for the March year, Cooperative Bank's common equity tier 1 capital ratio was 14.6 percent, up from 14.1 percent and more than three times the 4.5 percent minimum. The Reserve Bank wants to impose a 15 percent ratio for common equity tier 1 capital on the smaller banks, something they say will threaten their future growth, especially if they can't access quasi-equity in meeting that threshold. O'Donovan and Cunningham said irrespective of where the debate settles, the most important aspect of the capital rules is that they provide a level playing field for all banks. The current rules give the large Australian-owned banks a substantial advantage. "The RBNZ's current proposals move closer to a level playing field and in that sense are a positive step," they said. Cooperative Bank's gross loans grew 7.3 percent to $2.47 billion in the March year, outpacing the 6 percent pace across the banking sector. Net interest income rose 12 percent to $63 million. Provisioning for impairments increased to $6.2 million from $4.8 million a year earlier. The lender's loan book largely consists of residential mortgages, with gross mortgage loans of $2.28 billion and $185.6 million of non-mortgage loans. Gross impaired assets totaled $2.7 million, or 0.11 percent of gross loans, compared to $1.9 million, or 0.09 percent, a year earlier. The former PSIS refreshed its strategy in the March 2018 financial year, embracing new technology as the majority of its customers interact with the bank through digital channels. O'Donovan and Cunningham today said the bank is still investing in digital channels, which are the main way customers interact with the bank. The bank invested $3.1 million in new computer software, down from $3.5 million in the 2018 year. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 24th December 2021 Morning Report Goodman Property Trust (NZX: GMT) GMT to develop North Shore facility for NZ Post 23rd December 2021 Morning Report SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited (NZX: SKC) EXPANDS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH GIG Spark New Zealand Limited (NZX: SPK) Spark to take full ownership of Connect 8 22nd December 2021 Morning Report Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited (NZX: PCT) Wynyard Quarter Stage 3 Commenced AMP Limited (NZX: AMP) Announces Delisting from the NZX Main Board 21st December 2021 Morning Report Greenfern Industries Limited (NZX: GFI) Updates on NTA Eroad is playing down a claim that it's infringed someone's patent, saying it's so confident of its position that is hasn't made any provisions for the claim. The logistics and fleet management technology firm said it might incur legal fees, and has warned the other party that it will pursue costs if it goes to court. It noted the claim as a contingent liability in its 2019 annual report, which showed strong earnings and revenue growth. Eroad said it was accused of infringing patents by a third party during the March year. Based on an internal review, it said it believes there are grounds for why it doesn't infringe the other party's patents and that there are strong grounds that those patents would be declared invalid if Eroad was to challenge them. "The group strongly asserts that we do not infringe the patents and have informed the other party that we would seek our attorney fees from them in the event we succeeded in any potential litigation," it said. Eroad valued its patents at $12.3 million as at March 31. The company reported a loss of $4.9 million in the 12 months ended March 31 from a loss of $3.5 million a year earlier, largely reflecting R&D costs, but is now strongly cash-flow positive. Revenue climbed 40 percent to $61.4 million, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation rose 49 percent to $15.6 million. Eroad boosted its R&D spend in the year, as it seeks to broaden its product offering, support a re-launch in the Australian market, and enhance its suite in North America. Expensed R&D costs rose to $5.1 million from $4.5 million, and capitalised R&D costs were up at $8.3 million from $6.8 million. The company adopted new IFRS accounting standards that change the way it recognises revenue and costs associated with customers. It restated its year-earlier accounts to adopt the new rules, which lowered March 2018 reported revenue by $7.7 million, and ebitda by $4.5 million. "Most significantly, since the half-year results, the company no longer recognises upfront revenues for outright sales, installation services, sale of accessories or finance leases," the company said. "Eroad now recognises these revenue streams evenly over the contract term, typically over three years." Despite the accounting noise, Eroad's cash flow improved, with a net operating inflow of $14.3 million, up from $5.2 million a year earlier. Spending on investment rose to $27.3 million from $23.8 million, and its banking facility provided a net financing inflow of $7.2 million. Eroad held cash and equivalents of $16.1 million as at March 31, down $21.9 million a year earlier. "Our growth continues through regulatory disruption, because fuel taxation revenues are under pressure and safety on our roads needs to get better," executive director Steve Newman said in the annual report. "Eroad has significant gravitas in this field, having pioneered the worlds first nationwide electronic road user charging system (NZ), the first electronic weight mile tax service (USA) and the first independently verified electronic logging device (USA) to manage driver fatigue." Total contracted units sales in Australia/New Zealand rose 19 percent to 71,446, and in North America, sales jumped 40 percent to 24,944. Eroad said it expects steady growth in New Zealand and the US to continue in the 2020 financial year, however, it anticipates spending in Australia will run ahead of revenue in the near-to-medium-term. The company said it's still open to mergers and acquisitions to drive growth and has an active interest in opportunities that offer customers complementary technology or better distribution. It investigated a significant opportunity in the March year and incurred some costs, but didn't proceed with a deal. The shares last traded at $3.09, and have gained 23 percent so far this year. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. 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Related News: 24th December 2021 Morning Report Goodman Property Trust (NZX: GMT) GMT to develop North Shore facility for NZ Post 23rd December 2021 Morning Report SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited (NZX: SKC) EXPANDS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH GIG Spark New Zealand Limited (NZX: SPK) Spark to take full ownership of Connect 8 22nd December 2021 Morning Report Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited (NZX: PCT) Wynyard Quarter Stage 3 Commenced AMP Limited (NZX: AMP) Announces Delisting from the NZX Main Board 21st December 2021 Morning Report Greenfern Industries Limited (NZX: GFI) Updates on NTA 27/05/19 10:08 Liebherr and Mac Port celebrate ten years of partnership Mac Port offers an extensive range of port machinery for quay, offshore and earthmoving activities. Liebherr and Mac Port consider leadership in quality and innovation as their major goals. Liebherr is very honored to have such a professional partner as Mac Port at its side and hopes for many more years of cooperation. British Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox arrived in Egypt for his first official visit to the country to unveil new agreements in transportation, healthcare and financial services. In an official press release on Monday, the UK embassy in Cairo said that Fox will meet with Egypts Minister of Trade and Industry Amr Nassar and Minister of Investment and International Cooperation Sahar Nasr to discuss new investments in Egypt. This is Secretary of State Foxs first visit to Egypt since his appointment in 2016. The visit forms part of his tour to North Africa as the UK continues to take forward steps towards achieving its commitment to be the number one G7 investor in Africa by 2022, according to the embassy. The UK is committed to becoming the largest G7 investor in Africa by 2022 with a particular interest in strategic, job-creating sectors that will see our mutual economies grow. I look forward to establishing new partnerships during my visit to enhance the trade ties between Egypt, North Africa and the UK, Fox said ahead of his visit. British Ambassador to Egypt Sir Geoffrey Adams said that the UK is proud to be a leading investor in Egypt, and I am delighted we can demonstrate our support for the Egyptian governments plans to continue to grow the economy for the benefit of all Egyptians. Search Keywords: Short link: Following several dance sessions at their cultural clubs, the Armenian community in Egypt took part in an event on 25 May titled Ari Bari Kochari, where 65 dancers participated in a flash mob at the Armenian embassy in Cairos Zamalek district. I am very happy that the community in Egypt responded to the embassys invitation to take part in such an initiative, Anna Haji-Hagopian, the wife of the newly-appointed ambassador of Armenia to Egypt, told Ahram Online. Haji-Hagopian expressed her appreciation that not only did different dance troupes from the community, namely Zankezour and Sardarabad, take part in the event, but also that people of different ages, representing several generations, showed interest. It is important for the young generation to realise that our nation is a strong one, united, educated and tolerant, despite the pain we suffered in the past, Haji-Hagopian said. Ambassador Karen Levoni Grigorian and his wife Anna joined the dancers. Kochari, which translates to knee-come in Armenian, is a traditional Armenian folk dance, perhaps the countrys oldest and most popular, which has several versions. Each region in Armenia has its unique music and choreography of Kochari. In 2017, the dance was placed on UNESCOs Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, joining the Armenian musical woodwind instrument duduk, the art of cross-stones, the epic poem Daredevils of Sassoun, and Lavash bread. Initially, Kochari was a war/military dance. This spiritual and masculine dance simulates a battle, emphasising the strength and power of the dancers. Today, after introducing some modern steps into the dance, elders, children and youngsters can all do the dance hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder in a circle or a semi-circle. Dancing shoulder-to-shoulder conveys the idea of cultural cohesion and mutual respect. It means to live and to create, to fight a war to come out victorious or to lose, doesnt matter, we simply have to enjoy life to be able to survive, Haji-Hagopian told Ahram Online, adding that any pan-Armenian initiative unites the nation in many ways. The Lets dance Kochari initiative commemorated the 150th birth anniversaries of two Armenian legends; founder of the Armenian national school of music, ethnomusicologist, priest Komitas and poet, writer and public activist Hovhanness Tumanian. Haji-Hagopian wishes for every Egyptian to get acquainted with the Armenian culture, adding that such events raise awareness about our art and heritage. This flash mob is a minor occasion to raise Egyptians interest to learn more about our culture. This was the first Armenian flash mob of its kind in Egypt. The international initiative was first organised last year. Twenty-six countries, 80 cities and 112 folk dance troupes took part in this years flash mob. Uploading all dance videos in the diaspora was meant to take place on one day, mentioning the hashtags especially created for the initiative. The first flash mobs were created in Manhattan, New York in 2003. It is said that the first attempt was not successful as the targeted department store knew about the plan. The successful one came during the same year at Macys stores rugs department. Search Keywords: Short link: